Traders are looking for Bank of America to rally by the end of this month.



optionMONSTER's monitoring program shows that 12,000 Weekly 16 calls expiring on Oct. 28 were purchased for $0.37 and $0.38 yesterday morning. This represents fresh buying, as volume surpassed the strike's open interest of 3,813 contracts.



Long calls lock in the price where investors can buy stock, allowing them to profit from a rally with limited capital at risk. Their cheap cost can also generate significant leverage on a percentage basis if shares move in the right direction. (See our Education section)



BAC rose 1.09 percent to $15.80 yesterday and is up 23 percent in the last three months. The financial giant is scheduled to report eranings before the marke opens on Oct. 17.



Overall option volume in the name was twice its daily average yesterday. Calls outnumbered puts by a bullish 4-to-1 ratio.





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The Obama administration is delaying deportation proceedings for recent immigrants in cities across the United States, allowing more than 56,000 of those who fled Central America since 2014 to remain in the country legally for several more years.

The shift, described in interviews with immigration lawyers, federal officials, and current and former judges, has been occurring without public attention for months. It amounts to an unannounced departure from the administrations widely publicized pronouncements that cases tied to the so-called surge of 2014 would be rushed through the immigration courts in an effort to deter more Central Americans from entering the United States illegally.

The delayed cases are those of nearly half of the Central Americans who entered the United States as families since 2014, and close to a quarter of the total number of Central Americans who entered during that period, according to figures from the Justice Department.

The delays are being made as a cost-saving measure, federal officials said, because of a lapse in enforcement that allowed immigrants who were supposed to be enrolled in an electronic monitoring program to go free.
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.  When you are born in Miami, your hurricane experiences tend to start early. Mine began in utero  my mother was pregnant with me when Hurricane Cleo touched down in Miami. Two weeks before my arrival, Hurricane Isbell set its sight on the Everglades. And just as I neared my first birthday, she hurriedly pushed my baby carriage down the street with my brother and sister to seek shelter at my godfathers house. Hurricane Betsy, a doozy, was headed to Miami (It landed in Key Largo).

Now, Im waiting for Hurricane Matthew at a Homewood Suites hotel here about 100 miles north of Miami. Im not one to be overly cavalier about powerful hurricanes. They can be wildly underestimated, although in todays 24-hour news cycle of breathless reports, that seems impossible. Most people I have talked with here are already shuttered away in their homes, surrounded by ice, food, generators, flashlights, radios, fuel and water.

This is a new experience for many Floridians, given the uncharacteristic paucity of major storms over the last decade and the never-ending influx of newcomers to the state. But they should all know that in a really bad storm, preparation goes only so far. That became all too clear when I rode out Hurricane Andrew on Aug. 24, 1992, inside a Comfort Inn in Florida City, about 28 miles south of Miami, ground zero for the monumental Category 5 storm. The hurricane destroyed the southernmost parts of Dade County. It also demolished the Comfort Inn.
More than twice as many Asian-Americans now identify as Democrats than as Republicans, and they hold strongly unfavorable views of Donald J. Trump, a new national survey found, emphasizing the Republican Partys continued struggle to appeal to minority groups.

The figures, published on Wednesday by the nonpartisan National Asian-American Survey, suggested that the political allegiances of Asians might be hardening in a way that could harm Republicans with the fastest-growing minority group well beyond 2016.

Over the past 20 years, the report said, Asian-American support for Democratic presidential candidates has increased more dramatically than among any other racial group.

Fifty-seven percent of Asians identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party today, compared with 24 percent who do for the Republican Party, the survey said.
Four years ago, Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential nominee, won the first fall debate with a smoothly delivered promise of cooperation. While President Obama had rebuffed Republicans, Mr. Romney would work on a collaborative basis with Democrats.

That upbeat message, fanciful then, has now lost any veneer of plausibility. As Donald J. Trump approaches his second debate with Hillary Clinton, Republicans are struggling more than ever to work with each other, much less the other side.

Instead of negotiation, the partys story in the Obama era has been one of gathering anger within a conservative base increasingly dominated by working-class whites.

That anger won Republicans control of Congress, but also led to the ouster of a House speaker, set the rank-and-file against other party leaders and was crucial to the nomination of a presidential candidate who burdens the rest of the ticket.
Four taps of the microphone were all Michelle Obama needed to take down Donald J. Trump.

Hillary Clinton is tough, Mrs. Obama, the first lady, told a crowd of several thousand in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday. See, she continued, Ive watched her when she gets knocked down  she doesnt complain. She doesnt cry foul.

Tap, tap, tap, tap.

It took a second for the audience to catch on: Mrs. Obama was mocking Mr. Trumps complaint that a faulty microphone had hindered his performance in his first presidential debate with Mrs. Clinton. But as Mrs. Obama continued  No, she gets right back up, comes back stronger  the mostly young and heavily African-American crowd let out a deafening howl.

They called her the closer during Barack Obamas 2008 campaign, like a go-to relief pitcher used sparingly but with devastating effect. Mrs. Obama preferred spending time with her daughters over attending political rallies. But when she was unleashed before a pivotal caucus or primary, her story of growing up on the South Side of Chicago and falling in love with a young community organizer had an unmatched, almost magical power to turn out voters, campaign officials discovered.

Eight years later, Mrs. Obama is playing a similar role for the woman whom she helped her husband defeat in that race.
Mr. Trump recently softened his position on immigration, forgoing his calls for mass deportation in favor of a focus on criminal aliens. Mr. Pence was also one of the first members of the campaign to publicly acknowledge that President Obama was born in the United States, paving the way for Mr. Trump to finally end his false conspiracy theory about Mr. Obamas birthplace last month.

During the vice-presidential debate this week, Mr. Pence brushed off many of Mr. Trumps startling comments from the campaign, disregarding some as reflecting a lack of political polish and denying that others were ever said.

But critics of Mr. Trump are not letting his campaign off the hook for the Muslim ban so easily.

Governor Pences flagrant attempts to mislead voters on his running mates positions arent fooling anyone, said Zara Rahim, a spokeswoman for the Clinton campaign. Not only has Trump proposed an unconstitutional immigration ban on an entire religion, but hes suggested creating a database that tracks Muslims in this country.

She added, Pence has not disavowed anything, hes just lied to the American people once again.

Nihad Awad, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said that Mr. Trump could not simply turn the page on the Muslim ban.

Whatever the Trump campaign claims is the current version of its Muslim ban, the original absolutist language of a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States  along with other bigoted statements  reflect a systematic and toxic use of Islamophobia that has had a tremendously harmful impact on the lives of ordinary American Muslims and on the unity of our nation, Mr. Awad said.

Despite efforts to quietly backtrack on the proposal, the Trump campaign has continued to face questions about the ban because the news release from last December announcing the proposal has not been removed from Mr. Trumps website.
We as an organization are worried about losing those champions in the Senate, said Dan Caldwell, the vice president for policy at the veterans group, about why it is taking the extraordinary step of advocating expressly on behalf of Mr. Toomey and Mr. Rubio.

The shift to grass-roots appeals by Koch-aligned organizations in hard-fought Senate races comes as the groups on Wednesday ended a monthslong, multistate television advertising campaign, which along with other initiatives cost an estimated $42 million.

The influx of support from outside groups that do not have to disclose the identity of their donors helps explain why Republicans, who have been on defense this election cycle, still have a good chance of retaining control of the Senate.

The new attempt to make direct personal appeals to voters is far less visible than the ads saturating the airwaves in battleground states but potentially more effective at this stage. Officials from the Koch groups see it as the best way to leverage the volunteer networks and advocacy infrastructure the organizations have been creating in three dozen states over the past decade.

This has been a long-term effort in building up this grass-roots force, and this is where we believe we can have the most impact, said Mr. Caldwell, who estimated that the new grass-roots program will cost in the high six figures.
PHILADELPHIA  Tim Kaine forcefully criticized Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Partys presidential nominee, on Thursday after Mr. Johnson equated the targeting of noncombatants by the Syrian government with the accidental bombing of civilians by United States-backed forces.

Mr. Kaine, who has a 26-year-old son in the Marines, said Mr. Johnsons view was incredibly disrespectful to the troops.

As the father of somebody in the military, I just cant fathom a comment like that, Mr. Kaine, a senator from Virginia and the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, told reporters during a campaign stop at an elementary school here.

He went on to lump Mr. Johnson in with Donald J. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, whom Mr. Kaine and Hillary Clinton, his running mate, have repeatedly declared to be unfit to be commander in chief.
Four years after Hurricane Sandy, my condominium development at the Jersey Shore is finally fully back. Many of the residents around us in Ortley Beach  a Toms River beach town that was described as New Jerseys ground zero in the hurricane  are still struggling through recovery, and some have abandoned their efforts and property.

No one who was affected by that storm  or Hurricanes Katrina or Andrew or any other big natural disaster  will look at an approaching storm without deep trepidation. Here are some tips, learned through experience.

 If they tell you to get out  get out. You put emergency crews in danger if you refuse to leave, and once the storm hits, your window of opportunity to leave is minuscule.

 If you insist on staying, have a logical, achievable escape plan, and set a threshold for activating it. If you wait until the last minute, it will be too late, as an acquaintance of mine learned: He and his son had to jump out of an upper-floor window, into the rising sea, and swim for their lives to a condominium development farther inland, where they kicked in a door and rode out the storm on the third floor.
The Security Council on Thursday formally recommended Antonio Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal, to be the next Secretary General of the United Nations.

The envoys representing the 15 members of the Council, including the five veto-wielding permanent members, decided by acclamation in a closed-door session to send Mr. Guterress name to the General Assembly for final approval.
About two-thirds of the medical staff members at the hospital in Kunduz have fled the city, Dr. Yaftali said. Only about two dozen doctors and nurses continue to work, and there has been little break for them. They have treated about 250 people since the beginning of the fighting and are running short on medicine, she said. Food is short, and they are down to rice and onions to feed the remaining staff members and patients.

While much of the staff had stayed at work through the first two days of fighting, the mortar shells that struck the hospital on Wednesday were the last straw for many. Taliban and Afghan forces have also clashed at the entrance of the hospital.

Since 10 a.m. this morning, the hospital can only provide emergency services, Dr. Yaftali said in a phone interview on Thursday. We had insisted that the doctors stay at the hospital, but after the firing on the hospital yesterday, we regretted insisting.

Sayed Delawar Khan, a 42-year-old nurse who left work on Thursday afternoon to move his family out of the city, described the stark choice they faced.

I have six children; the oldest one is 11 years old, said Mr. Khan, who said he had worked at the hospital for 20 years. Taliban have threatened residents of the area where my house is located to leave their homes, so I left the hospital to take my family to Shahrak.

With his family out of Kunduz and in another province, Mr. Khan said he would go back to the hospital: I have a commitment there.
MANDALAY, Myanmar  A Dutch tourist who unplugged an amplifier that was broadcasting Buddhist chants, which he said disrupted his sleep, was sentenced to three months of hard labor in prison by a court here on Thursday.

The tourist, Klaas Haijtema, 30, was found guilty of causing a disturbance to an assembly engaged in religious worship. He had been staying at a hostel in Mandalay on Sept. 23 when a nearby Buddhist center began broadcasting the recitations of religious devotees.

I was really tired that night and woke up to the noise, Mr. Haijtema told the court during a hearing last week. I was very angry and assumed that children were playing music. I told them to lower the volume of the loudspeakers before I unplugged the amplifier, and they didnt understand me. Thats why I unplugged it.

Mr. Haijtema wept after the prison sentence was announced. He was also fined the equivalent of $80 for violating the terms of his entry visa, which require visitors to obey Myanmars laws and customs. Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist country, and Mandalay is a relatively conservative city.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  The Pakistani Parliament on Thursday passed laws to increase sentences for rapists and those who commit so-called honor killings of women, and closed a loophole that allowed many of the killers to go free, after hours of heated opposition from Islamist lawmakers.

Each year, hundreds of Pakistani women are killed by relatives angered by behavior they believe has impugned the familys reputation, according to human rights activists, who have campaigned against the practice and called for tougher laws for years.

Most of those killings have gone without punishment because of a tenet of Islamic law that allows killers to go free if they are forgiven by the womans family  something that usually happens because the killers are usually family members.

Under the new law, relatives of the victim would only be able to pardon the killer if he is sentenced to capital punishment, Zahid Hamid, the law minister, said on the floor of the National Assembly. However, the culprit would still face a mandatory life sentence.
On Thursday, the men  one of whom, Jack Walker, is an aide to a senior Australian cabinet minister  each pleaded guilty to creating a public nuisance and apologized, said one of their lawyers, Wan Aizuddin. A judge then dismissed the charges and released them with a warning.

We had no idea that our conduct would be deemed to be inappropriate, crass or even downright offensive to the citizens of this country, the defendants said in a statement read outside the courtroom by another defense lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, after the hearing.

A Malaysian police official had said earlier that the men would be investigated on suspicion of intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of two years. The public nuisance charge to which the men pleaded guilty is punishable by a fine of $96, but no jail time, Mr. Aizuddin said.

They all have good jobs in Australia and come from good families, Mr. Aizuddin said by telephone after the hearing. These were mitigating factors. They are young fellows. They never meant to cause offense.
ANKARA, Turkey  A motorcycle bomb exploded near a police station in Istanbul on Thursday, wounding at least 10 people, Turkish officials said.

The attack occurred in the Yenibosna district, close to Istanbuls main international airport, the governor of the city, Vasip Sahin, said in televised remarks. He said none of the wounded were in critical condition.

Images broadcast on Turkish television showed wrecked cars and shattered glass from building and car windows in the street outside the police station, which local media reports said was the most likely target of the attack.
WARSAW  After growing protests from Polish women and an embarrassing debate in the European Parliament, Polands governing party retreated Thursday from a proposed law that would have made virtually all abortions illegal.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, leader of the party, the right-wing Law and Justice Party, said that while the government agreed with the intent of such a law, it opposed the version proposed by an anti-abortion group.

Observing the social developments, we have come to a conclusion that this legislation will have an opposite effect to the one that was intended, he said. This is not the right way to proceed.

The year-old Polish government has clashed often with European Union officials, particularly over moves that effectively hobbled the countrys constitutional tribunal, the main check on the governing party. So the clash over abortion, a delicate social issue, was scrutinized throughout Europe for signs of how far Law and Justice could go in enacting its conservative agenda at a time of rising nationalism across the Continent.
ROME  A statue of a human-headed winged bull from the Northwest Palace in Nimrud, Iraq, that was bulldozed by the Islamic State last year to great outcry has been faithfully recreated using modern technology and put on exhibit at the Colosseum in Rome to spur discussion of the possible reconstruction of war-torn archaeological sites.

Full-scale reconstructions were also made of two damaged Syrian sites: the archive room of Ebla and a portion of a ceiling from the Temple of Bel in Palmyra, as examples of how conflict can devastate a nations fragile heritage.

Nimrud was the first place to be destroyed, said Frances Pinnock, the co-director of the Ebla expedition, the most important Italian archaeological expedition to Syria. It was a palace known as the Versailles of the ancient Near East, and so it was chosen because it was symbolic.

We included Ebla because it represents abandonment, what happens to a site when a mission is no longer present to protect it, said Ms. Pinnock, who is a member of the scientific committee for the exhibit.
We dont do it for the truffles. You might have only two trees in a hectare where they grow, Mr. Marenda said. If these abandoned trees get sick, its easy for the parasite to travel to the nearby organic wine production. The whole area is in danger.

They started working with some wine producers who said they understood the importance of protecting the uncultivated forests around their vineyards and tending to them.

Last month, Save the Truffle inspired a wider crowdfunding campaign, Breathe the Truffle, started by the Alba Truffle Show, an 86-year-old truffle fair in the autumn that allows hunters to sell their mushrooms directly.

It hopes to fund the cleanup of four once truffle-yielding woods in southern Piedmont, and is the first tangible sign of the communitys rising awareness of the need for greater harmony in the environment.

Truffle hunters were complaining more and more, Mr. Bonelli explained. Vineyards and wine sales were doing well, and they had time to focus on something that has a long-term large fallout: environmental preservation.

Especially in the past decade, the woods in and around Barolo have increasingly been neglected. As wine production has become more profitable, an estimated 30 percent more land has been converted to vineyards in the past 10 years, at the expense of surrounding areas.

And the problem is not just that woods are under pressure. Farmers have also stopped collecting forest wood for heating, reducing their incentive to clear the forest floor.
LONDON  Britains populist, right-wing United Kingdom Independence Party might have thought its week could get no worse after its leader, Diane James, quit on Tuesday just 18 days after her election.

But on Thursday, her possible successor, Steven Woolfe, 49, found himself hospitalized after an altercation with a colleague.

After the dispute at the European Parliament building in Strasbourg, France, Mr. Woolfe had at first seemed unhurt, but was later shown on television sprawled on the floor outside the debating chamber. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was initially said to be in serious condition.

From his hospital bed, Mr. Woolfe issued a statement saying that a scan had shown no blood clot on the brain, and that he was feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever.
GENEVA  The top United Nations diplomat for the Syria conflict proposed a new truce on Thursday, in hopes of averting what he called the destruction of rebel-held eastern Aleppo by Russian and Syrian forces. He offered to personally escort the jihadist fighters in the area to safety if the bombing is halted.

The proposal by the diplomat, Staffan de Mistura, reflected his despair over the relentless bombardment by the Syrian military and its Russian allies in the past few weeks, following the collapse of a cease-fire negotiated by Russia and the United States.

But Mr. de Misturas proposal also was seen as part of a possible new diplomatic effort to press the Russians over their role in the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Aleppo, the divided Syrian city that was once the countrys commercial capital and is now a sprawling urban kill zone.

Roughly 275,000 people in the rebel-held eastern half of Aleppo have been subjected to indiscriminate aerial bombing that has killed hundreds, including many children. Outside access to that part of the city has been cut off.
Yisrael Kristal, like many a bar mitzvah boy before him, celebrated the event last weekend, reading the Torah and enjoying the company of his family, who danced, sang and threw candies.

But Mr. Kristal was surrounded at the ceremony in southern Israel by his two surviving children, nine grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He is 113, and he had to wait a century to mark the occasion.

My father is a religious man, and it was his dream his whole life to have a bar mitzvah, his daughter Shulamith Kristal Kuperstoch said by telephone from her home in Haifa, Israel. It was a miracle after everything that he has been through in his life. What else can you call it?

When Allied troops liberated Auschwitz in 1945, she said, Mr. Kristal weighed 82 pounds. He was the only member of his family to survive the Holocaust.
I am married and have three children with my husband. For the most part, our lives are happy. My husband and I have a good relationship and are active in our childrens lives. However, I am utterly unsatisfied sexually. I need a bit more than occasional vanilla sex to feel content in that area (nothing too crazy, mind you). When my husband and I first started dating some years ago, I gently brought this matter up to him a handful of times during the course of regular conversation. His answers to me seemed to imply that he was the type who took some time to warm up to new ideas. With this in mind, I moved forward with him, believing that eventually our sex life would become more adventurous. It hasnt. It has been seven years since we became a committed couple, and if anything, our sex has become more boring and certainly less frequent.

On top of this, although we are happily married as a general rule  we enjoy each others company, have similar senses of humor and many common interests  he has the occasional outburst. Its never over anything serious, and Im never quite sure why it is triggered. But when this happens, he goes from being a calm, caring person to being enraged and verbally abusive in a matter of seconds (thankfully it has not been in front of our children). He has said some truly terrible things to me when this happens, things that he is always apologetic for later but that I have a difficult time getting over. Because of this, I have largely lost confidence in his having my best interests at heart. I dont trust him to care about my psychological or emotional well-being. Because of this lack of trust, I am no longer in a place emotionally where I feel I can even bring up my lack of sexual satisfaction. I am at the point that when I think of attaining sexual satisfaction, the thought of attempting it with him is unpleasant to me.

Before my relationship with my husband, I had a very successful friends-with-benefits relationship with another man, which ended because I moved out of his area. We were exceptionally sexually compatible, enjoyed each others company and had a very clear understanding of our relationship boundaries. We have kept in touch just a little, and never in a sexual context since I began dating my husband.

I am no longer content to simply accept being less than satisfied in any area of my life, including sexually, and I know that this other man is able and willing to provide that for me. He and my husband do not know each other; he lives very far away from us, and I am in his area only once or twice a year. My husband appears to be both unwilling and unable to provide what I need sexually. However, our family functions well as a unit, and he is a good, involved father, and a generally decent husband, so the thought of breaking up our family is heartbreaking to me and seems very selfish. In addition, extramarital affairs are something I have never believed to be ethically sound decisions. As I see it, these are the options available to me:

I could leave my marriage, break up my family and pursue my own satisfaction, which feels like a blatant betrayal of my children and what I have previously thought to be my moral standards.
Viewed in the least charitable terms, academia is a small fraternity of ambitious backbiters engaged in the production of work so dense that only other members of the order can hope to understand it. But some scholars arrive on the scene bearing such a combination of intellect, urgency and charisma that their achievements resonate long after the Festschrift is printed and the memorial lecture empties out.

One of these was Marshall Hodgson, a great American scholar of Islam who died in 1968 while jogging on the University of Chicago campus. He was 46, and he left behind a manuscript that would become a magisterial three-volume book, The Venture of Islam, published posthumously through the efforts of his widow and colleagues. Before The Venture, there was no English-language textbook, no unified history, about the many linked empires that emerged out of the revelation received by the Prophet Muhammad in 610 A.D.

Before 1957, when Hodgson founded his yearlong course on Islamic civilizations at Chicago, there was no course like it. Islamic studies in America was an outgrowth of European Orientalist thought, which focused on Arabic language and literature and the core Arab lands of Islam. Persianate and Turkic dynasties were considered backwaters: Persians were important for their pre-Islamic achievements, Ottomans for their role in European diplomatic history. Sufism  the vast mystical current of Islam  was a blip in European and American historiography. A roughly 500-year period was glossed as a time of Oriental decline, wherein Muslim empires were said to languish under ineffectual despots.
(Reuters) - Semiconductor equipment maker Lam Research Corp (LRCX.O) on Wednesday terminated its $10.6 billion deal to buy rival KLA-Tencor Corp after the U.S. Department of Justice told the companies it had serious concerns that the deal would harm competition.

Shares of KLA-Tencor were down about 4 percent at $68.60 in extended trading, while Lam Research's shares fell 1.2 percent to $95.00.

Lam Research agreed to buy KLA-Tencor for $67.02 per share last year, amid a wave of consolidation in the chip industry.

Together, the companies would have commanded a 42 percent share of the wafer fabrication equipment market.

U.S. government agencies have been wary that a further reduction in the number of suppliers in the semiconductor industry would drive up prices and perhaps curb innovation.

Last year, U.S.-based Applied Materials Inc was forced to scrap its $10 billion takeover of Japanese chip-making gear rival Tokyo Electron Ltd after the deal fell foul of U.S. antitrust regulators. (http://reut.rs/2dfWVHy)

The latest deal "presented concerns about the ability of the merged firm to foreclose competitors' development of leading edge fabrication tools and process technology on a timely basis," said Renata Hesse, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department's antitrust division. (http://bit.ly/2dfV3hQ)

Lam Research and KLA-Tencor had cautioned in August that a regulatory clearance for the deal may not be obtained.

The companies said on Wednesday they now plan to explore collaboration opportunities around programs that would be beneficial to their customers.

Both Lam Research and KLA-Tencor count Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) as major customers.

KLA-Tencor also raised its quarterly dividend by 2 cents to 54 cents per share.

Up to Wednesday's close, Lam Research's stock had risen 21.1 percent this year, while KLA-Tencor's had increased about 3 percent.

(Reporting by Narottam Medhora and Ankit Ajmera in Bengaluru; Editing by Don Sebastian and Bill Rigby)
One of every 40 American adults cannot vote in Novembers election because of state laws that bar people with past felony convictions from casting ballots. Experts say racial disparities in sentencing have had a disproportionate effect on the voting rights of blacks and Hispanics.

1% 2 4 7 9 Wash. 0.9 Percentage of people who cannot vote because of felony convictions Me. 0 Mont. 0.5 N.D. 0.4 Vt. 0 Ore. 0.5 Minn. 1.5 N.H. 0.3 Mass. 0.2 Idaho 1.9 N.Y. 0.6 Wis. 1.5 S.D. 1.6 Mich. 0.6 Wyo. 5.3 Conn. 0.6 R.I. 0.4 Pa. 0.5 Iowa 2.2 N.J. 1.4 Neb. 1.2 Nev. 4.0 Ohio 0.6 Md. 0.5 Ind. 0.6 Utah 0.4 Ill. 0.5 Del. 2.1 Colo. 0.7 W.Va. 1.0 Calif. 0.7 Va. 7.8 Mo. 1.9 Kan. 0.8 Ky. 9.1 N.C. 1.2 Tenn. 8.3 Ariz. 4.2 Okla. 2.0 Ark. 2.9 N.M. 1.5 S.C. 1.2 Ga. 3.2 Ala. 7.6 Miss. 9.6 Tex. 2.4 La. 3.0 Alaska 2.6 Fla. 10.4 Hawaii 0.6 1% 2 4 7 9 Percentage of people who cannot vote because of felony convictions Wash. 0.9 Me. 0 Mont. 0.5 N.D. 0.4 Vt. 0 Mass. 0.2 Ore. 0.5 Minn. 1.5 N.H. 0.3 Idaho 1.9 N.Y. 0.6 Wis. 1.5 S.D. 1.6 Mich. 0.6 Wyo. 5.3 Conn. 0.6 Pa. 0.5 R.I. 0.4 Iowa 2.2 N.J. 1.4 Neb. 1.2 Nev. 4.0 Ohio 0.6 Md. 0.5 Del. 2.1 Ind. 0.6 Utah 0.4 Ill. 0.5 Colo. 0.7 W.Va. 1.0 Calif. 0.7 Va. 7.8 Mo. 1.9 Kan. 0.8 Ky. 9.1 N.C. 1.2 Tenn. 8.3 Ariz. 4.2 Okla. 2.0 Ark. 2.9 N.M. 1.5 S.C. 1.2 Ga. 3.2 Ala. 7.6 Miss. 9.6 Tex. 2.4 La. 3.0 Alaska 2.6 Fla. 10.4 Hawaii 0.6 1% 2 4 7 9 Percentage of people who cannot vote because of felony convictions N.H. 0.3 Wash. 0.9 Me. 0 Vt. 0 Mont. 0.5 N.D. 0.4 Mass. 0.2 Ore. 0.5 Minn. 1.5 Idaho 1.9 N.Y. 0.6 Wis. 1.5 S.D. 1.6 Mich. 0.6 Wyo. 5.3 Conn. 0.6 Pa. 0.5 Iowa 2.2 R.I. 0.4 Neb. 1.2 N.J. 1.4 Nev. 4.0 Ohio 0.6 Md. 0.5 Ind. 0.6 Utah 0.4 Ill. 0.5 Colo. 0.7 W.Va. 1.0 Calif. 0.7 Va. 7.8 Mo. 1.9 Kan. 0.8 Del. 2.1 Ky. 9.1 N.C. 1.2 Tenn. 8.3 Ariz. 4.2 Okla. 2.0 Ark. 2.9 N.M. 1.5 S.C. 1.2 Ga. 3.2 Ala. 7.6 Miss. 9.6 Tex. 2.4 La. 3.0 Alaska 2.6 Fla. 10.4 Hawaii 0.6 1% 2 9 7 4 Percentage of people who cannot vote because of felony convictions Wyo. 5.3 Nev. 4.0 Va. 7.8 Ky. 9.1 Tenn. 8.3 Ariz. 4.2 Ga. 3.2 Fla. 10.4 Miss. 9.6 Ala. 7.6

A report by the Sentencing Project, a nonprofit organization focused on criminal justice reform, estimates that 6.1 million Americans will not be allowed to vote next month because of these laws.

State laws that bar voting vary widely. Three swing states  Florida, Iowa and Virginia  have some of the harshest laws; they impose a lifetime voting ban on felons, although their voting rights can be restored on a case-by-case basis by a governor or a court. On the other end of the spectrum, Maine and Vermont place no restrictions on people with felony convictions, allowing them to vote while incarcerated.

The message that comes across to them is: Yes, you have all the responsibilities of a citizen now, but youre basically still a second-class citizen because we are not permitting you to be engaged in the political process," said Christopher Uggen, lead author of the report and a professor at the University of Minnesota.

Felon disenfranchisement laws have a long history and are based on the idea that those who violate society's rules should not be allowed to help set them.

Rick Scott, the governor of Florida, explained why his administration made it more difficult for felons to apply to restore their right to vote. These are felonies, and we want to make sure people have turned their life around, he said.

The laws disproportionately affect blacks.

2% 4 10 16 26 Wash. 3.7 Percentage of blacks who cannot vote because of felony convictions Me. 0 Mont. 4.8 N.D. 2.1 Ore. 2.6 Vt. 0 Minn. 7.3 N.H. 1.6 Mass. 0.8 Idaho 7.0 N.Y. 2.0 Wis. 8.7 S.D. 3.9 Conn. 2.7 Mich. 2.2 Wyo. 17.2 R.I. 2.0 Pa. 2.5 Iowa 9.8 N.J. 5.3 Neb. 5.6 Nev. 11.8 Ohio 2.3 Md. 1.1 Ind. 2.3 Ill. 2.0 Del. 5.4 Utah 3.2 Colo. 3.4 W.Va. 3.5 Va. 21.9 Calif. 3.4 Kan. 4.3 Mo. 5.8 Ky. 26.2 N.C. 2.6 Tenn. 21.3 Ariz. 11.9 Okla. 6.8 S.C. 3.8 N.M. 4.7 Ark. 7.8 Ga. 6.3 Ala. 15.1 Miss. 15.9 La. 6.3 Tex. 6.2 Alaska 6.8 Fla. 21.3 Hawaii 1.1 2% 4 10 16 26 Percentage of blacks who cannot vote because of felony convictions Wash. 3.7 Me. 0 Mont. 4.8 N.D. 2.1 Ore. 2.6 Mass. 0.8 Vt. 0 Minn. 7.3 N.H. 1.6 Idaho 7.0 N.Y. 2.0 Wis. 8.7 S.D. 3.9 Conn. 2.7 Mich. 2.2 Wyo. 17.2 R.I. 2.0 Pa. 2.5 Iowa 9.8 N.J. 5.3 Neb. 5.6 Nev. 11.8 Ohio 2.3 Md. 1.1 Ind. 2.3 Ill. 2.0 Del. 5.4 Utah 3.2 Colo. 3.4 W.Va. 3.5 Va. 21.9 Calif. 3.4 Kan. 4.3 Mo. 5.8 Ky. 26.2 N.C. 2.6 Tenn. 21.3 Ariz. 11.9 Okla. 6.8 S.C. 3.8 N.M. 4.7 Ark. 7.8 Ga. 6.3 Ala. 15.1 Miss. 15.9 La. 6.3 Tex. 6.2 Alaska 6.8 Fla. 21.3 Hawaii 1.1 2% 4 10 16 26 Percentage of blacks who cannot vote because of felony convictions N.H. 1.6 Wash. 3.7 Me. 0 Mont. 4.8 Vt. 0 N.D. 2.1 Mass. 0.8 Ore. 2.6 Minn. 7.3 Idaho 7.0 N.Y. 2.0 Wis. 8.7 S.D. 3.9 Conn. 2.7 Mich. 2.2 Wyo. 17.2 R.I. 2.0 Pa. 2.5 Iowa 9.8 N.J. 5.3 Neb. 5.6 Ohio 2.3 Nev. 11.8 Md. 1.1 Ind. 2.3 Ill. 2.0 Utah 3.2 Colo. 3.4 W.Va. 3.5 Va. 21.9 Calif. 3.4 Del. 5.4 Kan. 4.3 Ky. 26.2 Mo. 5.8 N.C. 2.6 Tenn. 21.3 Ariz. 11.9 Okla. 6.8 S.C. 3.8 N.M. 4.7 Ark. 7.8 Ga. 6.3 Ala. 15.1 Miss. 15.9 La. 6.3 Tex. 6.2 Alaska 6.8 Fla. 21.3 Hawaii 1.1 2% 4 10 16 26 Percentage of blacks who cannot vote because of felony convictions Wyo. 17.2 Nev. 11.8 Va. 21.9 Ky. 26.2 Ariz. 11.9 Tenn. 21.3 Ga. 6.3 Fla. 21.3 Miss. 15.9 Ala. 15.1

Across the nation, one in 13 African-American adults cannot vote because of a felony conviction. In Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, more than one in five African-Americans cannot vote.

Experts cite disparities in sentencing as the underlying cause: A black person is more likely to be convicted of a felony than a white person who committed the same crime. The incarcerated population tends to include disproportionately higher numbers of low-income people and minorities.

Folks whove been left out of the political conversation, or invisible in many ways, point to this disenfranchising practice, Mr. Uggen said.

Most of the ineligible voters are not in prison.

0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 million Post-sentence Prison Felony Probation Parole Jail 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 million Post-sentence Prison Felony Probation Parole Jail

About a quarter of this disenfranchised population is currently incarcerated. The rest are on parole or probation, or have completed full sentences and are out of prison.

We only think of people coming out of prison, said Desmond Meade, the president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, a group working to restore civil rights for felons in the state. But the majority of people whose rights are not restored are people living in our communities as we speak.

Fourteen states automatically restore voting rights when a person who has been convicted of a felony is released.

Roger Clegg, the president of the Center for Equal Opportunity, a conservative group based in Virginia that opposes affirmative action, disagrees with that approach. If youre not willing to follow the law, he said, you cant claim the right to make the law for everyone else.

Mr. Clegg favors a system that includes a waiting period after a sentence is completed and an application process, given the high rate of recidivism.

People with past felony convictions are disproportionately young and less educated, factors that are predictors for lower voter turnout. But even a small turnout among this group could turn a close election.

The margin of victory in Florida in the 2000 presidential election between Al Gore and George W. Bush, for example, was 537 votes. An estimated 600,000 people in the state had completed their prison sentences but were not allowed to vote.
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2006: The recipients of the award in this year were guided by a straightforward principle: Small things can make a big difference. __________ founded the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, and he and the lender were honored for pioneering the concept of microcredits: tiny loans, often as little as $20 and usually given to women, for business ventures that might include buying a cow (to sell milk) or a sewing machine (to make clothes).
John McNair (Mac) Hammond January 21, 1949 - October 2, 2016 John McNair (Mac) Hammond, 67, of Auburn passed away at UAB Hospital on October 2, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be Thursday, October 6, 2016, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 7, at 2:00 p.m. in the Founders' Chapel at Auburn United Methodist Church, Auburn, Alabama. Dr. Corey Smith is officiating. Mac was born in Dothan, Alabama, on January 21, 1949, to John Paul and Annette Stephenson Hammond, both Dothan natives. He graduated from Dothan High School in 1967, and completed his Bachelor's degree (Zoology/Entomology) and his Master's degree (Agriculture) at Auburn University. At Auburn, Mac was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and served in leadership roles. Throughout his career, he was involved in all aspects of agriculture and wildlife including field research, farming, horticulture, and wildlife/timber management. Mac was an avid outdoorsman and nature was his sanctuary. He loved hunting in the Rockies and other places closer to home. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to take the hunting trip of a lifetime to Africa. More recently his passion and primary focus was fly fishing for tarpon in his beloved Carrabelle, Florida. He also loved fishing for red fish in the marshes of Louisiana, and fished for bonefish in the Keys, Turks and Caicos, and Hawaii. He and his wife, Lynne Barrett Hammond of Dothan, enjoyed a special trip to Guatemala with friends to fish for sailfish recently. Whether hunting, fishing, or working in the fields, Mac was passionate in his pursuit of excellence and was often a sought-after resource for his knowledge. Mac and Lynne were married for 47 years and have two children, Audra Lynne Hammond True and John Barrett Hammond, both of Auburn. He adored his family including three grandchildren, Elby McNair True, Elijah Cade True, and Barrett Leigh Hammond, who spent many fun times with their beloved "Mac Mac". Mac also leaves behind a brother, Ross Hammond (Mary) of Pensacola, Florida; a sister, Carolyn Ann Cooper of Knoxville, Tennessee; sisters-in-law, Kay Barrett and Pam Barrett (fianc Ralph Sheppard) of Birmingham, and Cindy Whiddon (Bob) of Dothan; two nieces, Brooke Whiddon Preston (Andrew) and Callie Cooper Fold (Eric), and a very special nephew, Tommy Cooper. Mac will also be missed greatly by his large extended family and many friends, including his fishing buddies. The family wishes to thank Dr. Harry M. (Mac) Barnes and the wonderful staff at Montgomery Cancer Center for their unwavering care and support during Mac's battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to any of the following: American Cancer Society, Alabama Wildlife Federation, or Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory is directing. www.jeffcoattrant.com
Earlier this week, Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski mocked activists for planning demonstrations in the capital of Warsaw to protest a proposal that would implement a blanket ban on abortion access in the Eastern European country.

Let them have their fun, he said, adding that it was a mockery to be dressing up (and) screaming silly slogans and vulgarities.

On Wednesday, the protesters came out en masse anyway  some 30,000 of them dressed in black, chanting that doctors should not act as missionaries, as they surrounded Warsaws Castle Square.

And their huge gathering may just have been what it took for lawmakers to drop their push for a full abortion ban, which would criminalize it to an extent that it would prevent women from turning to abortion even in cases of rape or if their own life is in danger. Women who chose an illegal abortion could then face prison time for doing so.

On Wednesday, Stanislaw Karczewski, speaker of the Polish Senate upper house, said that lawmakers in favor of the full abortion ban were set to drop their draft legislation from consideration. And Jarosaw Gowin, a science minister in Prime Minister Beata Szydlos cabinet, said the protests had caused us to think and taught us humility.

A total ban certainly wont get through, he said. Abortion will certainly not be banned when the woman is the victim of rape or if her life or her health is in danger. Poland already bans abortion for anyone who isnt a victim of rape or incest, or whose life isnt threatened by the fetus. The new proposal could send women who choose to abort  and the doctors who perform the abortions  to prison for up to five years.

The move comes after senior officials began distancing themselves from the proposal, which gained country-wide support after anti-abortion NGOs and the Catholic Church lobbied for support. Although the ruling Law and Justice party did not introduce the bill, the partys leaders, including Szydlo, had indicated that she supported the initiative.

On Wednesday she insisted that is no longer the case.

I want to say it very loudly and clearly. The government of PiS (Law and Justice) is not working on any law that would change the currently binding regulations, she said.
A government watchdog has determined the Obama administration is violating its own health care law by illegally diverting up to $5 billion to private insurance companies participating in Obamacare.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office is the nonpartisan federal watchdog that determines whether federal officials are spending taxpayer dollars in accordance with the law. In a legal opinion issued last week, the GAO accused the Obama administration of illegally diverting billions of taxpayer dollars to private insurance companies.

The opinion concerned the administrations implementation of Obamacares reinsurance program, one of several insurer bailouts designed to prop up Obamacares rickety finances.

Generally speaking, the reinsurance program taxes consumers in non-Obamacare plans to subsidize insurers who sell Obamacare plans. The program collects $25 billion from consumers, with $20 billion going to Obamacare-participating insurers and $5 billion to the federal treasury. The law is specific: the amount that each health insurance issuer pays toward the $5 billion designated for the U.S. Treasury may not be used for the [reinsurance] program.

But once insurance companies participating in Obamacares Exchanges started suffering huge losses and heading for the exits, the administration began funneling them the money that was supposed to go to the Treasury. The administration has so far diverted $3 billion  and counting.

The Obama administration claims it is complying with the law, but the GAO disagreed in the strongest terms, pointing out that the administrations actions are inconsistent with the plain language of the statute.

The administrations interpretation is internally inconsistent, the GAO found, and focuses on words and phrases in the statute in isolation rather than in their appropriate context  which, ironically, is what the administration falsely accused its critics of doing in King v. Burwell.

The GAO went so far as to say the administration invented nonsense legal arguments because Obamacare isnt working the way it had hoped. HHSs [legal] position, the watchdog wrote, appears to be driven solely by the factual circumstances present here, namely, lower than expected collections.

The GAOs ruling should end the matter. Generally, the Associated Press reports, lawmakers of both parties respect GAOs rulings on federal budget issues. Yet, this is Obamacare we are talking about.

The administration is making so many unauthorized payments to private insurance companies participating in Obamacare that its hard to keep them straight. Both the administration and the Supreme Court acknowledge that the operative text of the Affordable Care Act forbids certain payments to insurers participating in federally-run exchanges. The administration is paying tens of billions of dollars to such insurers because it was able to convince the court to bless those payments anyway. It is making payments to insurers on behalf of exchange enrollees who are categorically ineligible for subsidies because they have incomes below the poverty line. It is paying insurers tens of billions of dollars in illegal cost-sharing payments that a federal judge ruled violate the Constitution. It is attempting to skirt a congressional ban on $2.5 billion in risk corridor payments to insurers that President Obama himself signed into law. It is even making illegal payments to insurance companies on behalf of members of Congress and thier staffs  giving Congress its own special exemption from Obamacare.

Consistent with past practice, the Obama administration is thumbing its nose at the nonpartisan GAO by announcing it will continue to divert these taxpayer funds to insurance companies.

If the rule of law means anything, it is that the government is as bound by law as are the people. If the people come to believe that the government is not, they will rightly conclude neither are they.

If President Obama, or his successor, wants more money for Obamacare, the only lawful course is to ask Congress for it. For now, for the sake of the American people, the Obama administration needs to stop making illegal payments to insurance companies.

Michael F. Cannon (@mfcannon) is director of health policy studies at the libertarian Cato Institute, and the intellectual father of King v. Burwell.
Bruce Willey/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Bruce Willey/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

As the presidential campaign heads into the final stretch, the rhetoric swirls and pie-in-the-sky economic promises fly. Though the candidates provide few specifics when it comes to the issue of credit cards, the Democratic and Republican platforms  and history  hint at what to expect.

Historically, Democrats have taken a tougher regulatory line on credit card companies than Republicans, who have traditionally been more willing to trust the market, says Robert Litan, adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations at the Brookings Institution. But this year, he says, all bets are off.

Given the unconventional candidacy of Donald Trump, however, there is no reliable way to project whether he would follow traditional Republican thinking. It is a much safer bet to predict that a Clinton administration would continue Obamas policies of insisting on fuller and simpler disclosures by credit card issuers, says Litan.

The battle for Dodd-Frank

A major battleground between the parties is the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The act, which President Obama signed into law in July 2010, was drafted in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, and placed restrictions on the banking industry designed to lower the risk of another crash. Trump has said he wants to roll back or even do away with the law, while Hillary Clinton and the Democrats favor strengthening Dodd-Frank's regulations on big banks.

During the first presidential debate on Sept. 26, both candidates reaffirmed their general stance on regulation, without mentioning banking and consumer financial protection in particular. Trump reiterated his pledge to cut regulations, without going into specifics. Clinton, discussing the Great Recession, said "the last thing we need is to go back to the policies that failed us in the first place."

Republicans believe Dodd-Frank puts an undue burden on the financial industry. As the 2016 Republican platform states, From startups foregone to home loans not made, Dodd-Franks excessive regulation and burdensome requirements have helped contribute to the slow economy we all endure today under President Obama and the Democrats. This results in less choice and higher prices for consumers, the thinking goes.

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Democrats, however, pledge to strengthen Dodd-Frank, believing that consumers need protection from predatory financial practices. We will vigorously implement, enforce, and build on President Obamas landmark Dodd-Frank financial reform law, and we will stop dead in its tracks every Republican effort to weaken it, affirms the 2016 Democratic Party platform.

The Dodd-Frank law also created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency charged with writing and enforcing pro-consumer rules for banking, credit cards and other financial activities. The CFPB also serves as a clearinghouse where consumers can file complaints and educates consumers about sound financial practices. Under the broad powers given to it by Dodd-Frank, the CFPB can fine financial companies including card issuers, for practices that it deems unfair, deceptive or abusive.

Doing away with Dodd-Frank would mean that the CFPB would cease to exist. Given the broad protections it provides to consumers, if the CFPB is shut down, some financial experts believe that the stage would be set for a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis.

Without the protection of the CFPB, were only positioning people to spin out of control with excessive debt again, says Neale Godfrey, chairman and president at Childrens Financial Network, and a former bank president and CEO. This isnt just bad for consumers, its bad for the country since wed all be picking up the bill.

If the agency is not shut down, the GOP platform calls for subjecting the CFPB to the congressional appropriations process, which is considered a more realistic goal. In fact, a Republican bill before Congress, House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling's Financial CHOICE Act, seeks to implement this idea. The CFPB is currently funded through the Federal Reserve, to insulate it from political pressures.

Putting its funding under congressional control will undercut the agency's ability to act contrary to powerful banking and business lobbies in Washington, consumer advocates say. The CFPB is developing consumer protection rules regarding debt collection, prepaid cards, payday loans, and pre-dispute arbitration clauses. These rules could be blocked or watered down if lobbyists exert enough political pressure, opponents of the bill say.

"Financial regulators have been independently funded since they were created, in some cases as far back as the Civil War," Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) said in response to the funding proposal in June. "Congressman Hensarling wants to get rid of that protection so the bank regulatory process will be subject to more political meddling."

Reinstituting Glass-Steagall Act

Another battleground in the parties' war of ideas is the Glass-Steagall Act. Partially repealed in 1999, the law blocked deposit-taking commercial banks from engaging in the riskier activities of investment banks. Investment banks can trade in stocks and bonds, and are more exposed to the ups and downs of financial markets.

With that partial repeal, commercial banks were allowed to act like an investment bank  and take more risks with depositors money  which bank industry critics say contributed to the financial crash of 2008.

Trump and the GOP support reinstating Glass-Steagall's separation of commercial and investment banking, which would mean breaking up the biggest U.S. banks. Clinton would rather rein in Wall Street by beefing up Dodd-Frank and the CFPB. To protect taxpayers from a bailout of too-big-to-fail banks, Dodd-Frank requires big banks to submit resolution plans, so called "living wills," that insulate the financial system from shock in case they fail.

Youre not going to see [Clinton propose reinstating] Glass-Steagall, said economist Alan Blinder, an adviser to the campaign on economic policy, in an interview with Reuters. Indeed, in a Democratic primary debate last fall, she said that her plan for overhauling the financial industry goes beyond what Glass-Steagall would accomplish.

The big banks are not the only thing we have to worry about, Clinton said in an interview with CNN. I have what I consider to be a more comprehensive approach to what we need to do to rein in these institutions, including the big banks.

Political considerations have helped shape the two parties' positions on financial industry reform, according to Brian Gardner, managing director at Keefe Bruyette & Woods, an investment bank specializing in the financial services sector. The Warren-Sanders wing of the Democratic Party has wanted to break up banks for a long time," he said, referring to Sen. Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Clinton's opponent in the Democratic primaries.

"The Trump camp wants to peel off disgruntled Sanders voters who run to Clintons left on this part of economic policy.

Bringing back Glass-Steagall would break up the biggest banks in the U.S., including the four largest  Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Citigroup, which collectively claim about 90 percent of bank deposits held by Americans. That could affect both credit card users and the banks that issue them.

Breaking up the banks would be disruptive to the financial sector in the short term, and there may be a negative impact on credit availability, says Gardner. However, he added, this could encourage smaller players to expand their offerings. As big banks downsize, some small banks will step into the breach.

In any case, some experts believe that breaking up these too-big-to-fail banks is necessary. Having monstrously big, essentially unmanageable and reckless institutions that are effectively above the laws is bad for society, says Anat Admati, professor of finance and economics at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Reading the tea leaves

In this wholly unpredictable election season, its difficult to say what will happen once the dust settles and a new president is inaugurated, not to mention the outcomes of Senate and House races that could tip the balance in Congress. Gardner suggests that people take a deep breath. You start by recognizing that whatever the candidates propose has to go through Congress, so I dont think either will get close to what they want, he says.

Theres a big difference between whats proposed and whats possible.

And if new regulations pass or old ones are reinstated, Godfrey believes that both consumers and credit card companies will benefit. The banking industry needs to have more oversight and transparency," she says, "but consumers also need to take more personal responsibility, and thats good for everyone.

Hopefully, whoever moves into the Oval Office next January will agree.

Contributing: CreditCards.com senior reporter Fred O. Williams

See related: CFPB proposes new limits on debt collectors, In Trump vs. Rubio debt squabble, score is Pot 1, Kettle 0
KABUL, Afghanistan  Afghanistan and the European Union announced a deal Wednesday to send home tens of thousands of Afghan refugees whose asylum applications were rejected in Europe.

The move came as the Talibans siege on parts of Kunduz continued for a third day.

The deal was made public before a gathering in Brussels of dozens of world leaders whose governments were expected to pledge more than $3 billion in annual development aid to Afghanistan over the next four years.

The EU and the government of Afghanistan intend to cooperate closely in order to organize the dignified, safe and orderly return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan who do not fulfill the conditions to stay in the EU, the 28-country bloc said in an announcement.

Afghanistans commitment to accept tens of thousands of rejected asylum seekers back into the country was seen as a condition for the aid, according to some news reports.

Nearly 200,000 Afghans applied for asylum in Europe in 2015, the second-largest group, after Syrians. The number of Afghan applicants increased more than 350 percent from 2014, according to European Union figures.

Federica Mogherini, the EUs foreign policy chief, rejected reports of aid conditionality and said the agreement had been signed days earlier as part of a separate process.

There is never, never a link between our development aid and whatever we do on migration, Mogherini said.

The signed agreement, which will serve as a framework for cooperation for two years but can be extended, did not provide information on the number of Afghans who would be returned to their home country, but it suggests preparations for a major undertaking.

Both sides will explore the possibility to build a dedicated terminal for return in Kabul airport and express their willingness to carry out nonscheduled flights at the best convenient time, the announcement said.

In Kunduz, fighting continued Wednesday, despite Afghan officials saying their forces were making progress in clearing Taliban fighters who took over parts of the city Monday.

As much of the city remained under lockdown, Taliban fighters fired on the provincial governors compound and the police headquarters from the roofs of homes.
LOS ANGELES  A young Marine gunned down while on a home visit to Los Angeles last month was mourned Wednesday by hundreds who attended his funeral Mass at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Lance Cpl. Carlos Alfonso Segovia Lopez, 19, was on leave from Camp Pendleton when he was shot in the head while driving through South Los Angeles on Sept. 16. He died after a few days on life support.

His mother, Sandra Lopez, said in a eulogy that as her son was about to graduate from high school she told him he needed to begin building his future and she believed he would be successful in the military.

A few days later, he told her he was going to join the Marine Corps but she had to accompany him when he went to sign up because he was still 17.

I said, Carlos I will sign if you ask me to, and he said, Yes, maam, she recounted to the audience of fellow Marines, his commander and Mayor Eric Garcetti, who wiped away tears as she spoke.

When he graduated from boot camp I saw him leading a group and  he made me the proudest mom, she said.

Lopez said she tells her community that when members of the military come to visit they need to be taken care of.

We cant lose another one. We need to take care of them. If you see one of them in danger call the police right away, she said.

Segovia, a U.S. citizen, was a native of El Salvador who joined the Marine Corps after high school, where volunteered with a Los Angeles group that helps homeless people and their animals.

I will carry Carlos with me to serve this city, Garcetti said.

Segovia was also eulogized by Lt. Col. Cory Quinn, commander of Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry (West), at Camp Pendleton.

I ask myself this, why do you join? Our nations been at war for 15 years. This Friday is the 15th anniversary of the first bomb that fell on Afghanistan. Almost his whole life the countrys at war, and yet he joined the military, Quinn said. To join the Marines at a time of war, to join as an infantryman, is an extraordinary emotional and intellectual decision.

Los Angeles has offered a $50,000 reward to find the killer.
A man suspected of robbing a Brea bank Wednesday afternoon had his getaway foiled when his truck hit a wall during a police chase, authorities said.

A bank robbery was reported at a Bank of America branch at 290 S. State College Blvd. just before 2:30 p.m., said Brea police Lt. Darrin Devereux.

The suspect passed a note to a bank teller; obtained some money and then witnesses saw him leave in a blue pickup truck, Devereux said. A motorcycle officer saw the truck going northbound on State College Boulevard near Birch Street, prompting the suspect to begin driving faster and on the wrong side of the road, he added.

The officer kept following the truck until it crashed into a wall at North Brea Boulevard and Canyondale Drive, which leads into a residential neighborhood. The suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Matthew Jay McKellar of Brea, ran from the crash but was tackled by the officer about one block away on Evening Canyon Road, Devereux said.

The suspect was treated at the scene for minor injuries he received in the crash and was taken into custody.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7865 or afausto@scng.com
This year has seen the opening of a variety of new, fun eateries along Kauais southern shore, from Roy Yamaguchis newest hot spot to a seasonal, organic shave ice stand with a mustache theme (yes, really). Heres the scoop on three new places to try.

Eating House 1849

Celebrity chef Yamaguchis newest restaurant celebrates Hawaiis culinary past. Even the name is a nod to one of the islands first restaurants, Peter Fernandezs Eating House, which opened in the mid-19th century. The stylish new restaurant, tucked into Koloas swanky Shops at Kukuiula center, is a high-ceilinged, rustic-chic affair with wood floors, clean lines and a menu that celebrates local ingredients. The offerings range from pupus  Rainbow Poke ($18) with Hawaiian ahi, kampachi and salmon, for example, and spicy pork and shrimp potstickers ($15) with a Korean chili vinaigrette  to a spicy ramen bowl with roast pork and shrimp dumplings ($21 and delicious, but anyone with sodium issues should steer clear), a tasty Plantation Paella ($31), local seafood and more. There is a second Eating House 1849 in Waikiki and another scheduled to open in Kapolei on Oahu.

Details: Reservations recommended. Open for dinner daily at 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Road, Koloa; eatinghouse1849.com

The Fresh Shave

Were certainly fans of traditional Hawaiian shave ice, but even we find some of those violently neon-hued syrups a bit worrisome. Now Daniel and Priscilla Soule have opened the Fresh Shave, a vintage trailer and food truck that dispenses seasonal, locavore shave ice ($6), all in colors that can be found in nature. Fresh pineapple and shredded coconut top the Handle Bar ($6) while pureed strawberries and chunks of apple bananas grace the Fu Manchu. And the cold brew coffee, mixed with cream and sugar, of course, atop the Dirt Squirrel hails from Lihues Ha Coffee Bar. We especially liked the Caterpillar, an orange creamsicle blend of fresh oranges and sweet cream. Even the straws have mustaches.

Details: Schedule and location vary, but usually open Tuesdays-Saturdays at 3540 Koloa Road, Lawai, with pop-ups at the Sheraton Kauai in Poipu and other locations. Check facebook.com /thefreshshave for details.

Street Burger

There are few things more satisfying than a really great burger. Aaron and Kristin Leikams Street Burger serves up spectacular versions in a year-old rustic-meets-industrial spot in Kapaa, 6 miles from the Lihue airport. Were thinking it should be a must-stop when you land and when you depart and, perhaps, a few times in between.

The decor is all distressed wood and Edison lights, and the menu includes salads, burgers and other items, accompanied by 23 craft beers and ciders on tap. Youll be hard-pressed to choose among the 17 riffs on the burger theme, made from Makaweli Meat Co.s grass-fed beef, Niihau lamb or housemade veggie patties. We suggest the Bacon & BBQ burger ($15). Its every bit as good as it sounds, with bacon, cheddar, fizzled onions and bourbon barbecue sauce, served with hand-cut fries. Aaron, formerly a chef at Hukilau Lanai and 22 North, even makes his own ketchup.

Details: Open Tuesdays-Saturdays at 4-369 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa; streetburgerkauai.com.

Contact the writer: Jackie Burrell is an editor for the Bay Area News Group. She can be reached at jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com
State Attorney General Kamala Harris has added the endorsements of Californias two U.S. senators to her list of high-level Democratic backers in her race against Orange County Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez to replace retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer.

Sens. Boxer and Dianne Feinstein had remained neutral in the race until offering their endorsements Wednesday shortly before the only debate between the two Democratic candidates. The campaign embargoed the news until Thursday morning.

I said that if differences developed that indicate that one candidate emerges as the progressive choice that I would endorse that individual, Boxer said in a prepared statement. That day has come.

Boxer and Feinstein join President Barack Obama, New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the designated Senate Democratic leader beginning next year; Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and the California Democratic Party in supporting Harris.

In her prepared statement, Feinstein said, In this U.S. Senate campaign, Kamala has been a consistent voice of unity and optimism at a time when too many political leaders have tried to divide our communities along racial and religious lines.

Feinstein did not mention Sanchez, although the congresswoman has been criticized for several statements some have called divisive. Among them was a comment on Spanish language TV following Obamas endorsement of Harris.

I think they have, what he said they have, is a relationship of many years, she said. She is African American, as is he.

Sanchez later said she didnt mean that the endorsement was race based.

Sanchezs campaign minimized the endorsements.

Rep. Sanchez has a long-standing relationship with the two senators based on two decades of working on issues important to the people of California including the economy, environment, national security and womens reproductive rights, said Luis Vizcaino, senior advisor to the campaign.

Loretta Sanchez will continue to campaign across the state as the candidate with the experience that matters and as senator she will be a voice for the people of California, not the political establishment.

Sanchez has the endorsements of 20 members of Congress, 19 of them Democrats. Her endorsements also include Republican former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan and the conservative National Review.
When a major overhaul of the Whole Foods Market in Tustin is complete, it will be home to the organic grocery chains first Mendocino Farms. A new craft beer bar is also in the works, officials confirm.

The 60,000-square-foot store, which is four times larger than an average Trader Joes, has been under construction for a few weeks. The dessert section is being converted to a Mendocino Farms, a gourmet sandwich shop with several locations throughout the greater Los Angeles area and Orange County.

Last year, Whole Foods became a minority investor in the Los Angeles-based sandwich chain founded by husband-and-wife Mario del Pero and Ellen Chen-del Pero. When announcing the partnership, del Pero said a few Mendocino Farms would eventually open inside some Whole Foods markets.

Founded in Los Angeles in 2005, Mendocino Farms embraces the slow food movement, where sandwiches and salads are made from premium ingredients supplied by local food artisans and eco-conscious growers. Sauces and dressings are made from scratch.

The sandwiches are playful riffs on classic regional dishes. One of its most popular sandwiches is a Kurobuta pork belly banh mi sandwich, a gourmet take on the humble Vietnamese sandwich.

In the same area as Mendocino Farms, Whole Foods is building Hangar Bar. The restaurant will feature 36 craft beer taps, wine and a seasonal menu with expanded vegan options and a kids menu. The venue will serve daily specials such as oysters, tacos, fresh fish and burgers.

The makeover marks the most significant overhaul of the grocery store since it opened in 2007. Some offerings have changed over the years, including a juice bar that replaced a tea bar at the front entrance. A raw food bar also was scrapped four years ago.

In recent weeks, the changes have been visible to shoppers, including the relocation of the communal dining area. All seats are now located in front of the checkout lanes. The seating previously was spread out across the front of the store near the bathrooms. Larger, redesigned bathrooms are part of the revamp.

Last fall, Whole Foods expanded the craft beer area to include an 80-foot long aisle of refrigerated beer. It is the largest selection of beer in any Whole Foods Market store in Southern California.

Mendocino Farms is expected to open next month. The Hangar Bar and other renovations to the prepared foods area should be complete by the end of the year.

Stay tuned.

Contact the writer: nluna@ocregister.com
Jaguar Land Rover North America in Irvine will hold an open house Monday for veterans seeking work.

The company wants to hire 180 veterans in the U.S. by the end of the year.

Attendees will speak with local retailers, tour the training center and watch technical demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

at the Jaguar Land Rover Academy, 9292 Jeronimo Road.

Jaguar is among several companies looking to hire in Orange County.

 JCPenney will hire 800 seasonal associates ahead of the holiday shopping rush.

 Toys R Us is hiring 3,000 seasonal workers in the region. The chain will hire 5,500 employees in California. More information can be found at Toysrusinc.com/holidayjobs.

 OptumRx is looking to hire 120 pharmacy customer service representatives in Costa Mesa. OptumRx is UnitedHealth Groups free-standing pharmacy care services business.

Contact the writer: hmadans@ocregister.com or Twitter: @HannahMadans
The Koa Kea Hotel & Resort sits on Kauais sunny southern shore, quietly collecting accolades and awards. Last year, Conde Nast Traveler named it Hawaiis top resort  a nod normally reserved for much larger properties. But the Koa Kea  the Meritage Collections first hotel outside California  is a boutique spread, with rolling lawns that lead to a lava rock-fringed beach, and the soft sand of Poipu Beach just a short stroll away.

The three-story hotel, which replaced the hurricane-ravaged Poipu Beach Hotel, forms a U-shape around the resorts central court, with its saltwater swimming pool, spa, cabana bar and lawn. Theres plenty to tempt you outside and the concierge is happy to make arrangements for more, but with views this lovely, many guests greet the sunset from their private lanais with wine glass in hand.

Zzzzs: The hotels 121 guest rooms and suites are decorated in sleek, modern lines with sheer curtains, crisp white linens and artwork that evokes the hotels namesake coral and other sea creatures. As for the beds, between the feather bed-topped mattresses and fluffy down duvets, its like sleeping on a cloud.

Splashes: A huge marble shower with two shower heads is sheer decadence.

Extras: Seafood is the forte at the hotels spendy Red Salt restaurant, where the ahi and ono poke ($18) look like jewels, the caramelized ono ($37) is served in a lemongrass and coconut broth, and the Red Salt Burger ($50) includes wagyu beef, lobster and foie gras. In the morning, the restaurant offers a breakfast buffet ($26) as well as entrees such as lobster Benedict ($24) and, personal fave, avocado toast ($11).

Details: Rooms start at $389, plus a $26 daily resort fee that includes valet parking, fitness center access and Wi-Fi. 2251 Poipu Road, Koloa, Kauai. Info: meritagecollection.com/koakea.

Contact the writer: Jackie Burrell is an editor for the Bay Area News Group. She can be reached at jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  Hurricane Matthews howling wind and driving rain pummeled Florida early Friday, starting whats expected to be a ruinous, dayslong battering of the Southeast coast. The strongest winds were just offshore, but Matthews wrath still menaced more than 500 miles of coastline.

Matthew weakened slightly Friday morning to a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds near 120 mph. But the U.S. National Hurricane Center says its expected to remain a powerful hurricane as it moves closer to Floridas coast.

Two million people were warned to flee inland as the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade charged toward Florida. Matthew left more than 280 dead in its wake across the Caribbean.

This storms a monster, Gov. Rick Scott warned as it started lashing the state with periodic heavy rains and squalls around nightfall. He added: Im going to pray for everybodys safety.

As it moved north in the evening, Matthew stayed about 100 miles or more off South Florida, sparing the 4.4 million people in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas from its most punishing effects.

By Thursday night, more than 60,000 homes and businesses were without power. Streets in Vero Beach were partially covered with water, and hotel guests in Orlando were told to stay inside, though a few sneaked out to smoke or watch the rain.

The lobby of the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort was crowded with people and pets, including dogs occasionally snapping at each other. Some meals were served buffet-style while other people waited more than two hours for a pizza delivery.

The hurricane was expected to blow ashore  or come dangerously close to doing so  early Friday north of Palm Beach County, which has about 1.4 million people, and then slowly push north for the next 12 hours along the Interstate 95 corridor, through Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Forecasters said it would then probably hug the coast of Georgia and South Carolina over the weekend before veering out to sea  perhaps even looping back toward Florida in the middle of next week as a tropical storm.

Millions of people in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina were told to evacuate their homes, and interstate highways were turned into one-way routes to speed the exodus. Florida alone accounted for about 1.5 million of those told to clear out.

The storm has already killed people. We should expect the same impact in Florida, the governor warned.

Many boarded up their homes and businesses and left them to the mercy of the storm.

Were not going to take any chances on this one, said Daniel Myras, who struggled to find enough plywood to protect his restaurant, the Cruisin Cafe, two blocks from the Daytona Beach boardwalk.

He added: A lot of people here, they laugh, and say theyve been through storms before and theyre not worried. But I think this is the one thats going to give us a wake-up call.

Forecasters said the hurricane could dump up to 15 inches of rain in some spots and cause a storm surge of 9 feet or more.

They said the major threat to the Southeast would not be the winds  which newer buildings can withstand  but the massive surge of seawater that could wash over coastal communities along a 500-mile stretch from South Florida to the Charleston, S.C., area.

President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency for Florida and South Carolina, freeing up federal money and personnel to protect lives and property.

The Fort Lauderdale airport shut down, and the Orlando airport planned to do so as well. The Palm Beach International Airport reported a wind gust of 50 mph with the center of the storm 70 miles offshore, the National Hurricane Center said. Airlines canceled more than 3,000 flights Thursday and Friday, many of them in or out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Amtrak suspended train service between Miami and New York, and cruise lines rerouted ships.

Orlandos world-famous theme parks  Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld  all closed.

Patients were transferred from two Florida waterfront hospitals and a nursing home near Daytona Beach to safer locations.

Thousands of people hunkered down in schools converted to shelters, and inland hotels in places such as Charlotte, N.C., reported brisk business.

At the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, NASA no longer has to worry about rolling space shuttles back from the launch pad to the hangar because of hurricanes, since the shuttle fleet is now retired. But the spaceflight company SpaceX was concerned about the storms effect on its leased seaside pad.

As evening fell, the winds picked up along Vero Beach, midway between West Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral, stripping away palm fronds, ripping awnings and blowing sand. Waves crashed on the beach, and rain came in short bursts. About 30,000 homes and businesses were in the dark.

The last Category 3 storm or higher to hit the U.S. was Wilma in October 2005. It sliced across Florida with 120 mph winds, killing five people and causing an estimated $21 billion in damage.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal ordered an evacuation of the Georgia coast, covering more than a half-million people. It was the first hurricane evacuation along the coast since 1999, when the state escaped Floyd.
Ben Cort clinches a lectern at the Anaheim Convention Center as if hes clinging to a life preserver, and theres reason for that.

An addiction expert from Colorado, where marijuana is legal, Cort is drowning in a sea of concern over Proposition 64, Californias ballot initiative that would allow recreational weed.

Once an addict himself, Cort cant believe the Golden State appears on the verge of legalizing something that terrifies him. Though hes no fan of pot, its not so much the plant that scares Cort. What worries him is that science allows THC  the active ingredient in marijuana that gets you high  to become nuclear-charged.

A little THC wax or oil, he cautions, can go a very long way, especially when its ingested.

Were the canary in the coal mine, says Cort, a manager with the University of Colorado Hospitals rehab program. Were treating more addicts for cannabis than we are for opiates.

Cort says hes seen THC levels in so-called gummy bears 20 times higher than levels that are legal in Oregon, another state where recreational marijuana is law but where THC percentages are controlled.

Prop. 64, Cort says, will legalize dangerously high THC. Thats not Snoop Dogg cool. Thats emergency room serious.

The federal National Institute on Drug Abuse reports, These extracts can deliver extremely large amounts of THC to users, and their use has sent some people to the emergency room.

Such high THC levels, institute officials warn, also can turn what many consider a relatively benign drug into something addictive.

UNICORN PROMISES

While writing about marijuana, Ive interviewed doctors, lawyers, pot growers, medical marijuana dispensary owners, officials with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and patients in pain.

Until I attended a two-hour informational panel discussion Tuesday sponsored by the Anaheim Police Department, I figured I knew all about pot. Speakers included Cort; Police Chief John Jackson of the Greenwood Village, Colo., Police Department; Chief Justin Nordhorn of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board; Attorney Robert Bovett of Oregon Counties Legal Counsel; Lauren Michaels, legislative affairs manager for the California Police Chiefs Association; and Nate Bradley, executive director of the California Cannabis Industry Association.

When a speaker asked who had read Prop. 64, only one hand went up and it wasnt mine. So to prepare for this column I also read  OK, I skimmed some chunks  all 62 pages.

A lot of Prop. 64 is wonky and details who can do what and where. But some reads more like dreams of fairies and unicorns than reality.

Incapacitate the black market, the proposal promises and move marijuana purchases into a legal structure with strict safeguards against children accessing it.

Untrue, said Jackson, who stressed that illegal sales continue in Colorado.

Revenues will, Prop. 64 predicts, provide funds to invest in public health programs that educate youth to prevent and treat serious substance abuse.

Wrong, Jackson said. More teens in Colorado are being sent to emergency rooms because of THC-laced edibles.

Revenues will pay to train local law enforcement to enforce the new law with a focus on DUI enforcement.

Incorrect again. Jackson said his department is busier than ever dealing with more drivers high on weed and handling more THC-related traffic fatalities.

Other parts of Prop. 64 are just dumb and dumberer.

Like allowing radio and television advertising.

Make no mistake, Jackson said of Prop. 64. This whole thing is about money.

A drug dealer in a suit is still a drug dealer.

NECESSARY REFORM

Once marijuana became legal in Washington in 2012, Nordhorn said, children and teens considered it less harmful, and that had ripple effects.

With the advent of vaping, for example, young people inhale THC without anyone knowing if they are taking in an innocent type of e-juice or marijuana.

Legal marijuana, Nordhorn said, is not a silver bullet to get rid of marijuana problems.

Bovett echoed other panelists, saying that Oregon also has seen an increase in impaired driving, although he added that has been going up since the state approved medical marijuana.

The Oregon Poison Center also reports increases in marijuana-related calls.

Even Bradley, the lone pro-Prop. 64 voice on the panel, admitted hes concerned about edibles.

Instead of THC levels, Bradley focused on dollars. He said the initiative will take $100 million out of the hands of criminals and the measure will generate $300 million for law enforcement to focus on such things as protecting children.

Bradley has plenty of backers. Among the most visible are Gavin Newsom, lieutenant governor, and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Costa Mesa. Our local representative has said, Current marijuana laws have undermined many of the things conservatives hold dear  individual freedom, limited government and the right to privacy.

Rohrabacher went on to say, This measure is a necessary reform which will end the failed system of marijuana prohibition in our state, provide California law enforcement the resources it needs to redouble its focus on serious crimes while providing a policy blueprint for other states to follow.

SEED TO SALE

The most sobering speaker was Michaels of the chiefs association. She simply defended Californias newly revamped medical marijuana policies.

Called seed to sale, three new laws inked last year shoot down the need for Prop. 64, Michaels said. She stated California now has an enhanced working system to distribute medicinal marijuana legally.

California, Michaels said, already allows local control, protects current producers and includes checkpoints at distribution.

In contrast, she said, Prop. 64 is vertically integrated, favors big business and independent distribution, appoints the state as sole actor for operating licenses and ensures regulatory confusion.

Research, learn, vote.

Contact the writer: dwhiting@scng.com
Mandatory minimum sentences for crimes have proven to be a terrible idea, so it is unfortunate that Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday signed into law a bill that creates new mandatory minimum sentences. In theory, mandatory minimum sentences are a way of ensuring that everyone who commits a particular crime will have to serve at least the specified amount of time in prison. From that perspective, Assembly Bill 2888 is laudable in that it ensures that all who engage in sex with an unconscious individual will serve prison time and not be eligible for probation as a sentence. But the problem is that it doesnt actually work that way.

The effect of mandatory minimum sentences is to transfer discretion from judges to prosecutors. Without a mandated minimum punishment, the judge has discretion to impose a sentence within a range specified by law. This is what occurred in the case of Brock Turner, a student at Stanford University, who was convicted in March of sexual assault on an unconscious woman. California law gave the judge discretion as to the sentence, up to a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison for Turners crimes. The prosecutor requested a six-year sentence, while the probation department recommended a sentence of six months to one year in jail. Judge Aaron Persky imposed a sentence of six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of probation.

Outrage over this led to AB2888, which prohibits probation and requires a prison sentence for sexual contact with an unconscious person. To be clear, this behavior should be severely punished, but AB2888 does not ensure that. There is nothing to stop a district attorney from negotiating a plea deal with a defendant that lets the defendant plead guilty to a much lesser crime, like assault, where there is no mandatory minimum sentence and the punishment can be probation rather than prison.

In reality, this is exactly what will happen. Faced with a possible mandatory minimum prison sentence, prosecutors now have a powerful tool to induce defendants to plead guilty to lesser offenses where the punishment will be less. The laudable goal of the Legislature of severely punishing sex offenders often never will be achieved. Even worse, the determination of the punishment is left to the deputy district attorney, and is effectively arrived at in closed-door negotiations. By contrast, a judges sentencing is in open court for all to see. A prosecutors plea deal is essentially unreviewable, while there is at least the possibility of appellate review of a judges sentence.

Moreover, transferring this discretion to prosecutors inevitably exacerbates inequities in our criminal justice system. Also, every study of discretion in the criminal justice system has demonstrated that, inevitably, it is exercised to the disadvantage of minority defendants. I have no doubt that when the effect of AB2888 is studied years from now, the mandatory minimum sentence will be disproportionately imposed on defendants of color. White and more affluent defendants will be much more likely to plead guilty to a lesser crime and be given probation or lesser prison sentences.

This prediction is based on the actual experience with mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. Study after study has demonstrated that they have been applied in a terribly discriminatory fashion. White criminal defendants have been far more likely to plead guilty to lesser crimes and avoid the mandatory minimum, while African American and Latino defendants have borne the brunt of the harsh sentences.

Also, punishment always should fit the crime. The appropriate punishment depends on the facts and circumstances. A mandatory minimum sentence is meant to eliminate that, though in reality it leaves it all up to the prosecutor.

I am always skeptical when a law is adopted in response to a single, highly publicized instance. There is no evidence that there was a problem in California of judges imposing inadequate sentences for sexual assault on an unconscious person. From all indications, the Brock Turner case is an aberration. Yet, I also understand why no legislator wanted to vote against AB2888 and be seen as soft on crime or condoning sexual violence.

Ultimately, the question raised by mandatory minimum sentencing laws is whether to put more trust in judges or more trust in prosecutors. Should the discretion in sentencing be vested in judges, who are carefully chosen and ultimately electorally accountable, or in deputy district attorneys? Mandatory minimum sentencing laws choose the latter, which is why Gov. Brown made a mistake in signing AB2888.

Erwin Chemerinsky is dean of the UC Irvine School of Law.
More than a year after closing Pinot Provence in Costa Mesa, Los Angeles-based Patina Restaurant Group has been hit with another blow in Orange County.

Ross Pangilinan, executive chef of Leatherbys Cafe Rouge, has left the popular theater district venue after seven years.

Pangilinan, who has worked for Patina for 10 years, is opening his own restaurant  Mix Mix Kitchen Bar in downtown Santa Ana. Hes taking with him Donald Harris. The incoming chef de cuisine at Mix Mix worked with Pangilinan at Leatherbys before becoming executive chef last year at Patinas Tangata at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana.

Mix Mix, set to open before the holidays, is taking over the space once occupied by Black Box DTSA, the burger concept that replaced Little Sparrow this year. Owner Bruce Marsh, who failed to sell the restaurant as Little Sparrow last year, could not be reached for comment.

Mix Mixs anything-goes eclectic menu has not been finalized, Pangilinan said. But small plates of global cuisine will be the main focus.

Were going to use flavors from everywhere; get inspiration from everywhere Ive traveled, Pangilinan said. We dont want to limit ourselves.

When asked about the challenge of opening at the Third and Main location, Pangilinan was not concerned. (A sandwich shop next door to Sparrow also didnt make it.) Pangilinan said hopefully Mix Mix will serve food that garners good reviews and foot traffic.

The name Mix Mix is inspired by the chefs children and Filipino culture.

Halo-halo is an icy Filipino dessert mixed with many ingredients. The two Ms are a nod to his children  Madeleine and Maddex.

Mix Mix is slated to open after minor cosmetic changes to the restaurant have been finished. Pangilinan said he has not decided if Mix Mix will be open for lunch.

Pangilinan spent the bulk of his early career working for various brands at Patina, co-founded by celebrated chef Joachim Splichal. Early on, he trained under Florent Marneau at Pinot Provence. Marneau went on to open Marche Moderne at South Coast Plaza, considered one of the best French restaurants in Southern California. Another career highlight for Pangilinan: he spent a year at Patina in Los Angeles in 2007; it earned a Michelin star in 2008. Pangilinan has also worked at Michelin star restaurants in France.

A representative for Patina said Greg Stillman has been named executive chef at Leatherbys. Stillman previously worked at Patinas Catal Restaurant, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, Napolini and Uva Bar, all located at Downtown Disney in Anaheim. Brian Black, formerly of Stonehill Tavern, Studio and Loft, is the new executive chef at Tangata.

Hopper & Burr, the pop-up coffee bar that has been operating inside Marshs space for more than a year, is staying put for the next few weeks. The craft coffee bar is relocating to a permanent location at 202 W. Fourth St. within the next month, owner Truman Severson said.

Contact the writer: nluna@scng.com
Its not just the endless, sun-drenched days that make Honolulu hot. In the past several years, a new generation of young chefs has fired a blistering reinvigoration of the food scene. Honolulu is ripe with new eateries, fresh takes on food and the best type of tropical atmosphere, one thats touristy, beachy and neighborhoody all at once. Here are six new hot spots to put on your dining-out radar:

Stripsteak Waikiki

If youre looking for the steady hand of a celebrity chef in tropical paradise, Michael Minas newly opened Stripsteak in Waikikis International Market Place provides the best of both worlds. The kitschy trinket shacks of the old marketplace have been revamped into a 75-store, upscale mall in the heart of Oahus tourist zone. Stripsteak offers an open-air dining room perched on the top floor of the four-story shopping extravaganza. The kitchen serves fine cuts of steak, such as wagyu, and local sashimi. Open for lunch and dinner daily at 2330 Kalakaua Ave., No. 330; michaelmina.net/restaurants/hawaii/

BLT Market

It was seven years ago that BLT Steak opened its doors in Waikikis Trump Tower; now its restaurant group, ESquared Hospitality, has debuted a second Honolulu spot inside the just-opened Ritz-Carlton Residences. The quiet, open-air dining room offers panoramic ocean views and cool Hawaiian trade winds. The menu offers thoughtfully prepared dishes that focus on local ingredients, such as fresh local oysters, Maui venison and roasted Hamakua mushrooms, and the bar staff pours elegant but unfussy cocktails that go down almost too easily. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily on the eighth floor, 383 Kalaimoku St., bltmarket.com

Mud Hen Water

While the mainland is in the midst of a Hawaiian food craze, back in Honolulu, celebrity chef and restaurateur Ed Kenney is serving up some of the most authentic examples of modern Hawaiian cuisine at Mud Hen Water, which opened last year. In the up-and-coming neighborhood of Kaimuki, Mud Hen Water combines the low-key atmosphere of a modern dining room and the outdoor pleasures of an open lanai for breezy al fresco dining. The menu includes new takes on traditional Hawaiian food, such as paiai (taro paste) and grilled hee (octopus) served with taro leaves, along with contemporary local favorites such as a pig face and kimchee omelet and pigs feet noodle soup. Open for dinner Mondays-Saturdays and lunch Saturdays at 3452 Waialae Ave.; mudhenwater.com

Mahina and Suns

Kenneys newest bistro is tucked inside the newly renovated Surfjack Hotel. With its white hues and wood-accented minimalist tones, the Surfjack gives the Hawaiian setting a modern aesthetic, as if a Los Angeles poolside had just landed in Honolulu. Mahina and Suns adds to that vibe with an open-air dining room, poolside seating and cheeky, surfer-style decor. The restaurant serves elevated pool fare with local flair and dishes such as local grilled fish, local salads, burgers and avocado tacos. If you come with a hungry group, you can indulge in Mahinas Family Feast, an opulent spread of seven dishes plus a whole deep-fried fish ($35 per guest plus the fish market price). Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily at 412 Lewers St.; surfjack.com/eat-shop

SKY Waikiki

Just opened last year, this rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the Pacific and iconic Diamond Head. In the evening, it becomes a nightclub with a dress code, but in the afternoon and early evening, its a prime lounging spot, with outside sofas, firepits and tasty bites to eat  and a requested dress code of resort wear, not beach togs. Mixology director Jen Ackrill, from San Franciscos Rye cocktail bar, has created a fun, easy-drinking menu inspired by Hawaiis beloved surf spots. The vodka and rum-based Makapuu Blue, in particular, will satisfy your craving for at least one blue-hued, coconut-spiked drink in Hawaii, sans the sugar-ache. Open evenings on the 19th floor at 2270 Kalakaua Ave.; skywaikiki.com

Shirokiya Japan Village Walk

Japanese department store Shirokiya has moved its super popular food court to an even bigger space in the basement of the humongous Ala Moana Shopping Center. Modeled after traditional villages in ancient Kyoto, the glowing food court sprawls with aisles and aisles of stalls and four dozen vendors. Its crowded, but theres ample seating, and the selection of Japanese food is as vast as it is awe-inspiring. You can find multiple styles of ramen, spam musubi, sushi, soba, okonomiyaki (a Japanese omelet), katsu (breaded, deep fried meats), cold pints of dry Japanese beer and more. Open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily at 1450 Ala Moana Blvd.; japanvillagewalk.com
SANTA ANA  Police have apprehended a man suspected of leading officers on a chase through Orange County in a stolen car last month and committing as many as 40 commercial burglaries in Southern California.

Maurice Alexander Topps, 42, of Laguna Woods was arrested Monday while officers investigated a computer theft he is believed to be responsible for at Santa Ana College, said Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

He was booked into the Orange County Jail on suspicion of grand theft auto and felony evading and other offenses.

On Sept. 15, an officer noticed a Toyota SUV driving erratically on the 55 freeway and MacArthur Boulevard, Bertagna said.

The officer ran the license plate and found that the SUV had been stolen following a burglary from St. Josephs Hospital in Orange on Aug. 31.

Topps is suspected of stealing the vehicle keys from a womans purse and then driving away in her vehicle, Bertagna said.

During the pursuit, Topps is accused of driving through multiple cities before ditching the car in a parking structure at Saddleback Memorial Hospital Hospital. Authorities were unable to locate him near the hospital.

Topps has been identified in at least seven commercial burglaries in Santa Ana, Orange and Anaheim, and he could be involved in as many as 40 in the area, Bertagna said.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7767 sschwebke@scng.com Twitter @thechalkoutline
Debbie Simons saw the massive stand-up paddle board heading straight toward her.

The surfer was out in the water last Thursday, enjoying her regular spot, Doheny, where the line-up was unusually crowded with stand-up paddlers practicing for the big Pacific Paddle Games.

One of those stand-up paddlers lost his board. And it was pushed by a wave toward shore  straight for Simons head.

This guy fell. OK, he has a leash. He doesnt have a leash. Its going to hit my head, she recalled thinking to herself. I was trying to figure out what way it was going to go. It was aiming right to me and it was coming fast. I tried to push it away. My right hand index finger did a head-on collision with it. I went into shock, my finger was the shape of a Z.

The three-day event drew more than 400 competitors to the Dana Point stretch of beach.

The incident illustrates frustrations in the water between an increasing number of stand-up paddlers and surfers  feuds between two groups that have the same goal: to enjoy the surf.

Stand-up paddleboards are often larger and can get into waves earlier, and surfers get irked. At the same time, paddlers argue that they too are surfers and have a right to ride waves.

Simons is angered not only that the stand-up paddlers in town for the event were encroaching past their designated area  rules say they are supposed to stay south of the regular surf zone on non-event days  but shes also upset that lifeguards, she said, were nowhere to be found to enforce the rules.

No one had eyes on the water, she said.

State Parks Superintendent Rich Haydon noted there were six to seven seasonal lifeguards on duty that day.

All were either in towers or vehicle patrol, he replied via e-mail.

He had no record of Simons medical aide, and Haydon said there were no complaints filed about the event.

After her injury, fellow surfers pushed her toward shore. When lifeguards arrived, they asked if she wanted an ambulance and she declined, she said. Then, she noticed her finger was bleeding and saw a bone sticking out from her skin.

When she got to the hospital, she learned she had a compound dislocated fracture.

Its like you smash a can with your shoe on the floor. Thats kind of what my finger looked like, Simons said. It could have been my head. It could have been a child. I cant live knowing something else could happen to someone if I dont make a stink out of it.

Simons, who is a delivery driver for FedX, will be out of work for about eight weeks, and cant get in the water for her favorite pastime. She had to have five stitches, has her finger in a splint and has to do physical therapy. Shes contemplating filing a complaint against California State Parks.

My point is, does someone have to die? she said. (Lifeguards) werent patrolling the water, they were too focused on the event. If they were patrolling properly, this would have never happened.

Sections of the beach were shut down to traditional surfers during the stand-up paddling event, but Simons said her injury occurred prior to the event, when the paddlers should have been following the regular rules.

Haydon said lifeguards made several PA announcements throughout the day directing stand-up paddlers south of Thors Hammer, the name of the jetty area that shows the boundaries of where the SUPs can surf.

Simons said she heard lifeguards call out to the paddlers once during her session, and the surfers in the water broke out in applause.

But she said its not just during the event that lifeguards are relaxed with the SUP rules.

Its all the time, Im sick of it. I want to make some noise and I want to make some changes, she said.

Since the sport of stand-up paddling has boomed in popularity the past decade, stretches of beach have different rules and regulations for the boards.

In some areas, they are considered vessels and require users to wear floatation devices. In other areas, such as Doheny or San Onofre, there are specific zones where stand-up paddlers are allowed to surf. Other stretches of beach have no rules specifically for stand-up paddlers.

Next year, Simons said, she hopes state officials will set out buoys so out-of-towners visiting for the competition know where they are allowed.

They need to do something, she said. All I know, it was mayhem.

Contact the writer: lconnelly@scng.com
MISSION VIEJO  The home of the attorney who represents two marijuana shops subjected to widely publicized and criticized police raids in Santa Ana and Costa Mesa was raided this week by Orange County sheriffs deputies.

Matthew Pappas, who works with Sky High Collective in Santa Ana and Costa Mesa Collective, said deputies took recording devices from his home that captured police in embarrassing and possibly illegal situations during their raids on his clients businesses. The devices were not listed among the items taken during the execution of the search warrant.

A sheriffs spokesman denied those allegations, saying deputies didnt take any recording devices and that the raid of Pappas home Tuesday night was part of a drug investigation involving the lawyers 23-year-old daughter.

Lt. Mark Stichter said deputies confiscated an unspecified amount of methamphetamine and heroin, a syringe and a digital scale, among other items.

It was a narcotics investigation, Stichter said. Thats what it was. There was no need to take anything outside of the (parameters) of the search warrant.

No one was arrested, and the investigation is ongoing, Stichter added.

Pappas believes the raid was payback because of his of work with the pot shops.

In May 2015, Pappas distributed surveillance video on the internet that depicted Santa Ana police executing a search warrant at the business of his client, Sky High Collective. In the video, some officers were heard making threatening and disparaging remarks about a handicapped woman who worked at the dispensary, and shown eating snacks sold by the store.

Three former officers who no longer work for the department have been charged with petty theft and are due back in court next month. Santa Ana police have not said why the officers left the force.

In January, another video surfaced on the internet showing Costa Mesa police raiding Costa Mesa Collective. Pappas has filed a lawsuit against the department saying officers exceeded their authority in that incident because they didnt have search warrants.

In both videos, police are shown removing what they mistakenly believed to be all of the recording equipment in the stores.

It is clear they were acting in a retaliatory manner, Pappas said Wednesday of the raid at his home.

Pappas said deputies broke down a bedroom door, forced him to open a safe and rifled through confidential papers  none of which, he added, were part of the narcotics investigation involving his daughter.

The raid at Pappas home began about 8:20 p.m. Tuesday, when the only people in the house were Bailey Pappas, the attorneys 16-year-old daughter, and her boyfriend.

They broke in the front door and had guns drawn, Bailey Pappas said. They started putting handcuffs on me, and I was crying and freaking out.

They thought I was dangerous even though I weigh only 87 pounds.

Bailey Pappas was handcuffed because she was uncooperative, Stichter said.

Matthew Pappas believes the deputies used excessive force.

Im sure she posed a danger to them, especially when they had multiple guns drawn and pointed right at her, he said.
When the sour beer craze kicked in a few years back, breweries were faced with a dilemma: how to keep a safe distance between those volatile beers, which are infected with Saccharomyces, Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus or other micro-organisms to give them that puckery taste, and the nonsours, which can be easily infected by such critters (they can travel through air) and turn sour accidentally.

Firestone Walker went to the extreme length of locating its sour beer facility, including a tasting room, in a different town from its home base of Paso Robles. Its in Buellton, a good long drive south down the 101 from Paso.

The Bruery wasnt that paranoid. It built a new facility for its sours at 1174 N. Grove St. in Anaheim, only 3 miles from its home base in Placentia. The Bruery Terreux Tasting Room provides a window into our dedicated space for fermentation, oak-aging and packaging of our sour and wild beer, the website says. It opened its doors and taps to the public in July.

The new facility is open noon-10 p.m. daily, and there are 24 taps in regular rotation.

Bruery Terreux, French for earthy brewery, was the brainchild of The Bruerys Patrick Rue, who had long dreamed of a separate facility to experiment with wild beers. Some sours and wild beers had been made at The Bruery since its founding in 2008, but we should see a sharp uptick in production now that the cross-contamination danger has been eliminated. Younger drinkers especially just cant seem to get enough of wild and sour beers.

For more information, visit brueryterreaux.com

Suds and songs

The Orange County Beer and Music Festival is mashing a whole lot of beer, live music and food into just three hours: 7-10 p.m. Saturday. The event is a collaborative effort between #Rockstarbeer Productions and many local breweries to raise money for the Coastal Conservation Association.

Lit and the Ataris will provide music during the walk-around event, which takes place at the City National Grove of Anaheim.

A regular ticket ($35) gets you admission and unlimited samples of more than 100 craft beers. A VIP ticket ($50) gets you in earlier and includes samples of limited-release beers and cocktails 6-7 p.m.

For more information visit orangecounty-beerfestival .com

Pop-up Paso passes through

Today, the Wine Lab in Costa Mesa is hosting Pop-up Paso, a wine and food pairing event that features the bounty of Paso Robles, one of Californias most rapidly growing wine regions.

Savory and sweet bites made with fresh Paso Robles produce will be accompanied by wines from Seven Oxen Estate, a new maker of organic reds. The food will be prepared by Paso Robles-area purveyors such as The Groves on 41, The Chocolate Stache, Stepladder Creamery, Templeton Hills Beef and Windrose Farm.

The Pop-up Paso marketplace also offers products for purchase. 6-7:30 p.m. Admission is $55 ($45 for Wine Lab club members). 2937 Bristol St., Suite A101B, Costa Mesa; 714-850-1780, winelabcamp.com

Contact the writer: 714-796-7979 or phodgins@scng.com
BRUSSELS  A knife-wielding man stabbed two police officers in Brussels on Wednesday in an attack that may be terror-related, Belgian prosecutors said.

It was the latest attack on law enforcement officials in a nation that has been on high alert since 32 people were killed March 22 in suicide bombing attacks on the Brussels airport and subway.

Two police officers in the Schaerbeek neighborhood of Brussels were attacked at noon on the street by a man with a knife, the Federal Prosecutors Office said in a statement.

Another police patrol overpowered the man, who was shot in the leg before he was arrested. During that operation, a third police officer was slightly injured, it said.

State-run broadcaster RTBF said the assailant stabbed one officer in the neck, the other in the abdomen and broke the nose of a third officer who shot him.

The suspect arrested was identified by prosecutors as Hicham D., a 43-year-old Belgian national.

We have reason to believe that it is terror-related, prosecutors office spokesman Eric Van Der Sypt told The Associated Press, but declined to explain why.

The suspects home in the neighborhood was searched but prosecutors said no weapons or explosives were found.

The daily newspaper Le Soir, quoting sources in the prosecutors office, said the suspect was a former member of the Belgian army discharged in 2009, and was already known to law enforcement for having had contacts with people who left to fight with Islamic extremist groups in Syria.

At the stabbing scene, a dark green multi-implement eating utensil, similar to those used by soldiers, was marked as evidence on the ground. It was not immediately clear if that was the attack weapon.

An investigating judge specializing in terrorism cases will decide whether Hicham D. should remain in custody, prosecutors said. They said the wounds received by police and the suspect were not life-threatening.

In August, a machete-wielding man shouting Allahu akbar!  Arabic for God is great  attacked and seriously wounded two policewomen in the southern Belgian city of Mons. The assailant was shot dead. The attack was later claimed by the Islamic State extremist group, which also claimed the Brussels suicide bombings.

On Sept. 7, a man carrying a knife attacked two police officers in the Molenbeek area of Brussels, but the officers were wearing bulletproof vests and suffered only bruises. The assailant gave no indication of his motives.
Even among the complex maze of 17 statewide ballot initiatives and the 224-page voter guide this year, Proposition 56 stands out. Prop. 56 would increase tobacco taxes by $2 per pack, which is expected to be a $1.4 billion annual tax increase on cigarettes and other tobacco products (and a new tax on e-cigarettes).

But as the battle lines are drawn, theres an interesting dynamic that could pit those calling for more education spending against those calling for higher tobacco taxes.In 1988, voters amended the California Constitution to prioritize K-14 education funding through Proposition 98, dedicating 43 percent of state revenue to education. Importantly, Prop. 98 requires future tax revenue brought in through new sources to also send 43 percent of the new tax money to education.

But Prop. 56 is worded to exempt itself from the Prop. 98 provisions, which would allow them to avoid sending approximately $600 million per year of tax revenue to California schools. Prop. 56 asks California voters to contradict themselves and does an end run around Prop. 98s constitutional funding requirements to direct billions to the health care bureaucracy.

Prop. 56 is being sold as a way to fund health care for low-income residents. Doctors often say they cant take Medi-Cal patients because the payments they receive for providing care dont cover their costs. But Prop. 56 wouldnt fix this problem and fails to provide accountability.

The initiative lacks controls to ensure that the tax windfall would actually be dedicated to expanding or improving health coverage for those on Medi-Cal. Prop. 56 would send as much as $1 billion annually to insurance companies and big hospitals that serve the Medi-Cal system, with no requirement that they actually provide coverage for even one more low-income patient. And it includes few, if any, safeguards for taxpayers to ensure that hospitals and health care companies make proper use of the funds. Prop. 56 is mostly a blank check to health care providers, with zero accountability to taxpayers.

Additionally, and crucially for the states long-term fiscal picture, Prop. 56 cant be viewed as a reliable revenue stream for health care costs. The state is actively working to reduce smoking. As smoking rates decline, Prop. 56s revenue would also decrease. Thus, the state would be looking for new funding sources to make up for decreasing tobacco taxes. History tells us that it is a good bet that the same groups advocating for Prop. 56 will continue to push for new ways to extract more money from taxpayers.

Californias smoking rates have been cut in half since 1988 and are already the second-lowest in the nation, behind only Utah. Prop 56 isnt about reducing smoking. Its not about protecting kids. Its a giveaway to health care providers.

Health care special-interest groups have been pushing the California Legislature and the governor for a pay raise  via an increase in Medi-Cal reimbursement rates  for years. Time after time, Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders have refused to go along. Thats why those same groups are instead going straight to the ballot.

Californias ballot initiative process has created a series of increasingly complex budget mandates and taxes pushed by special interests. Creating constitutional workarounds and targeting smokers with tax increases isnt a sustainable way to try to provide health care to the poor or to run a states finances.

Brian Fojtik is a senior fellow at Reason Foundation.
Huntington Beach is the latest city  and first reported in Orange County  visited by creepy clowns who have been spotted in several parts of the country.

Two sightings were reported to Huntington Beach police Tuesday night.

Jennifer Marlatt, spokeswoman for the department, said people have reported seeing clowns in various areas, but no officers have seen them.

About 7:30 p.m., someone reported seeing one of creepy characters near a park by the Edison Community Center at 21377 Magnolia St. Less than an hour later, at 8:20 p.m., someone reported seeing two clowns near a small shopping center at 16907 Algonquin St.

Marlatt said when officers arrived, they didnt find them.

They were reported to be near the mall and looked to be about 14 years old, Marlatt said.

REAL OR FAKE?

A woman in a Huntington Beach community page on Facebook posted a photograph of a clown that she says was near Marine View Middle School. Marlatt said the woman did not call the department as she claims on the post and questions the sightings authenticity.

Who knows if it was real or staged or what it was, she said.

Marlatt says she understands that sightings have been common in other areas of the country but says in Huntington Beach they are not linked to any crimes.

Its a little bit of an epidemic right now, Marlatt said of the clown frenzy.

If people call and report that they saw a clown walking around, then well respond when we can, but if someone is doing something violent then they should call 911.

A social media account announcing the arrival of creepy clowns in various Southern California cities has spurned a number of calls to local police departments.

COMING TO IRVINE?

Early Wednesday, a Twitter page called Irvine Clowns was created similar to other social media accounts with menacing clown images and possible threatening messages.

Beckman High School, are you ready? a featured Tweet reads on the page. Another reads Expected the unexpected. Several other middle and high schools in the Irvine and Tustin are listed on the page with small icon images of balloons and knives telling them to get ready.

Irvine police Lt. Tom Allan said the department is aware of the page and has been monitoring it but no sightings have been reported in the city.

Well be vigilant as we always are, Allan said. We have officers at the schools and were monitoring social media.

Allan said there havent been any other threats. Some parents were made aware of the threat through school messages.

Law enforcement have deemed that these posts are NOT credible at this time, read a message from the Tustin Unified School District. Please reassure your children that they will be safe at school.

ELSEWHERE IN SOCAL

The Instagram account, WeAreComingToCali, popped up Tuesday with the ominous warning We are coming to LA tomorrow! We will be invading Los Angeles, Carson, Culver City, Torrance, Crenshaw, Inglewood, Pasadena, Compton, Lakewood, Palmdale etc. !! and old pictures of clowns in various Southern California locations.

Despite not being on the list of cities on the page, Fontana Police said they have received calls and social media inquiries claiming subjects dressed as clowns are making threats toward citizens, according to a police statement. The Fontana Police Department is aware and monitoring the situation. Officials say they are working with the Fontana Unified School Police to assure students safety.

There have been several reports across the country of people dressed as scary clown standing around solitary locations, usually at night.

Montebello police said Thursday extra patrols have been ordered near schools in the wake of reports of pranks involving people dressed as clowns.

The announcement came a day after authorities in Lancaster warned people to be aware of three recent incidents in which a group of males wearing clown masks and possibly carrying kitchen knives approached pedestrians in the area.

At this time, our station is aware of three individual incidents throughout the city, said a statement issued by the sheriffs Lancaster Station.

In all three incidents, there was nothing taken from the victims and it appears that the group of suspects is only trying to scare the victims, the statement said.

There have also been a few sightings elsewhere in California, including in Modesto.

Anyone who sees anything suspicious should call their local police department.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7865 or afausto@scng.com
* Death toll rises to at least 140

* Mass evacuations in four U.S. states

* Storm strengthens, carrying 140 mph winds - hurricane center

* Storm could hit Florida directly or brush coast (Adds Obama speaking to governors, NHC official's storm surge warning, detail on location)

By Scott Malone and Gabriel Stargardter

ORLANDO/MIAMI, Fla., Oct 6 (Reuters) - Matthew, the first major hurricane threatening a direct hit on the United States in more than 10 years, blasted the Bahamas on Thursday as it headed for Florida after killing at least 140 people in the Caribbean, mostly in Haiti.

Matthew, carrying winds of 140 mph (220 kph), pounded the northwestern part of the island chain en route to Florida's Atlantic coast, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

The storm was likely to remain a Category 4 on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane intensity as it approached the United States, where it could either take direct aim at Florida or tear along the state's coast through Friday night, the center said, warning of "potentially disastrous impacts."

Hurricane conditions were expected in parts of Florida later on Thursday and a dangerous storm surge is expected to reach up to 11 feet (3.35 meters) along the Florida coast, Ed Rappaport, deputy director of the Miami-based NHC, said on CNN.

"What we know is that most of the lives lost in hurricanes is due to storm surge," he said.

Some 136 people were killed in Haiti, local officials said, and thousands were displaced after the storm flattened homes, uprooted trees and inundated neighborhoods earlier in the week. Four people were killed in the Dominican Republic, which neighbors Haiti.

As the storm passed near the Bahamas capital of Nassau, howling gusts of wind brought down palms and other trees and ripped shingles off the rooftops of many houses. The eye of the hurricane was later poised to move over or near Freeport in the Bahamas.

It was too soon to predict where Matthew might do the most of its damage in the United States, but the NHC's hurricane warning extended up the Atlantic coast from southern Florida through Georgia and into South Carolina. More than 12 million people in the United States were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel.

Story continues

The last major hurricane, classified as a storm bearing sustained winds of more than 110 mph (177 kph), to make landfall on U.S. shores was Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

Jeff Masters, a veteran hurricane expert, said on his Weather Underground website (www.wunderground.com) that Matthew's wind threat was especially serious at Cape Canaveral, which juts into the Atlantic off central Florida.

"If Matthew does make landfall along the Florida coast, this would be the most likely spot for it. Billions of dollars of facilities and equipment are at risk at Kennedy Space Center and nearby bases, which have never before experienced a major hurricane," Masters wrote.

NASA and the U.S. Air Force, which operate the nation's primary space launch site at Cape Canaveral, have already taken steps to safeguard personnel and equipment.

A team of 116 employees were bunkered down inside Kennedy Space Center's Launch Control Center to ride out the hurricane.

"We've had some close calls, but as far as I know it's the first time we've had the threat of a direct hit," NASA spokesman George Diller said by email from the hurricane bunker.

ROADS FILLED WITH EVACUEES

Roads in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed, and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as the storm approached.

Florida Governor Rick Scott warned there could be "catastrophic" damage if Matthew slammed directly into the state and urged some 1.5 million people there to evacuate.

"If you're reluctant to evacuate, just think about all the people... already killed," Scott said at a news conference. "Time is running out. This is clearly either going to have a direct hit or come right along the coast."

Scott, who activated several thousand National Guard troops to help deal with the storm, warned that millions of people were likely to be left without power.

Florida, Georgia and South Carolina opened shelters for evacuees. As of Thursday morning, more than 3,000 people were being housed in 60 shelters in Florida, Scott said.

Those three states as well as North Carolina declared states of emergency, empowering their governors to mobilize the National Guard.

President Barack Obama called the governors of the four states on Thursday to discuss preparations for the storm. He declared a state of emergency in Florida and South Carolina, a move that authorized federal agencies to coordinate disaster relief efforts.

A White House statement said he was "committed to providing necessary federal resources to help the states respond."

Hundreds of passenger flights were canceled in south Florida, and cancellations were expected to spread north in coming days along the storm's path, airlines including American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines said.

At about 5 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT), Matthew was about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Florida's West Palm Beach, the hurricane center said. It was heading northwest at about 13 mph (20 kph) and was expected to continue on this track through Thursday.

On Tuesday and Wednesday Matthew, the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck Central America in 2007, whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mph (225 kph) winds and torrential rain, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes.

In Florida, fuel stations on Thursday posted "out of gas" signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up. At a Subco gas station in Orlando, the pumps ran dry on Wednesday afternoon.

The shop was a stopping point for coastal residents seeking shelter inland. Among them was Jonas Sylvan, 44, of Melbourne, Florida, who planned to hole up in a hotel with his wife, two daughters and dog. "We're just trying to get away from the coast," he said. "It's safer here."

Bumper-to-bumper traffic extended for more than 10 miles (16 km) on the main highway leading west to Orlando from the coast.

In the central Florida coastal city of Jupiter, people scrambled to make preparations.

"Our house is wood construction, so who knows what will happen," said Libby Valentine, 75, of Jupiter. "The whole idea is to stay safe and hope you have the grace to deal with the aftermath because you might not have a house."

(Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee, Neil Hartnell in Nassau, Rich McKay in Atlanta, Nick Carey in Chicago, Harriet McLeod in Charleston, S.C., Doina Chiacu in Washington, Joseph Guyler Delva in Haiti, Irene Klotz and Laila Kearney; Writing by Frances Kerry and Tom Brown; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
LOS ANGELES  In their only one-on-one debate before California elects a new U.S. senator, U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez and state Attorney General Kamala Harris attacked and counterattacked repeatedly Wednesday night on issues of terrorism, criminal justice reform, gun control and for-profit colleges.

But the central issue they returned to in the hour-long event at Cal State Los Angeles was who had the proven track record to most effectively replace retiring U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer.

Sanchez touted her 20 years in Congress, her senior posts on the Armed Services and Homeland Security committees, and her votes against the Iraq war, the Wall Street bailout and the Patriot Act.

I believe that I have the experience to go in on day one and do the job, Sanchez said, later jabbing Harris for the states increase in violent crime over the past year.

Harris, who outpaced Sanchez in the primary 40 percent to 19 percent, touted her success in setting up a rehabilitation program for low-level offenders in San Francisco, and for investigations of banks and for-profit colleges. And she dismissed Sanchezs stint in Congress.

My opponent has passed one bill in her 20 years in Congress and that was to name a post office, Harris said. She also noted that Sanchez had missed more House votes in the past year than all but two other members.

Sanchez countered that she had a 95 percent attendance her first 18 years in Congress. She noted that when Boxer was a House member running for Senate 24 years ago, she voted on 54 percent of the bills in the House while Sanchez was there for 68 percent.

She also said that while she hasnt had the lead on many bills, shes been successful in the important task of getting various provisions and amendments inserted.

It is clear that my opponent doesnt understand how Congress works, Sanchez said.

There was a considerable difference in the debate styles of the two, with Sanchez spontaneous and impassioned while Harris was measured and precise  a precision reflected in her attacks.

Harris went after Sanchez for a December statement that 5 percent to 20 percent of Muslims supported an Islamic caliphate and want to institute that in any way possible. Harris said such statements only fuel the efforts of Islamic terrorists.

That is playing into the hands of ISIS and all they are doing to recruit, Harris said.

Sanchez has stood by the statement, citing sources for the estimate and saying its important to acknowledge the problem. At the debate, she emphasized the importance of gaining the trust of the Muslim community in order to battle terrorism and said Harris was twisting her words.

The two also squabbled over for-profit colleges, with Harris defending her offices investigations into those colleges and pointing to the $1.1 billion settlement it won from the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges. She noted that Sanchez has received contributions from for-profit colleges and opposed an Obama administration proposal to tighten regulations on such schools.

Sanchez countered that Harris, who received $6,000 in campaign contributions from GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, failed to protect Californians from the now-defunct Trump Universitys allegedly predatory practices. Several of the schools students filed still-pending civil suits six years ago, while Harris received Trump contributions in 2011 and 2013. Harris has investigated the school but not filed charges.

After Trump made derogatory comments about Mexicans last year, she donated the money to charity.

Sanchezs campaign is focusing much of its efforts on winning over the roughly one third of voters who are undecided or have said they dont intend to vote in the race, mostly Republicans and independents. Orange Countys Sanchez, known for upsetting GOP incumbent Bob Dornan in 1996, has gained a reputation as a moderate willing to work across the aisle.

Her endorsements include Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, Republican former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan and the conservative National Review, along 19 Democratic House members.

Harris, meanwhile, has secured endorsements from President Barack Obama, New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the designated Senate Democratic leader next year; Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and the California Democratic Party. As of the most recent filing period, Harris had raised $12 million to Sanchezs $4 million.

At the debate, Sanchez reiterated her opposition to Proposition 57, a measure backed by Gov. Jerry Brown that would allow more felons to become eligible for early parole  and criticized Harris for writing the title and summary that appear in official voter information guides. But Harris is responsible for the title and summary of all measures, and does not take positions on those measures.

Each has painted the other as weak on gun control previously. Sanchez has pointed to an audit that found that the state Justice Department failed to fully implement recommendations for a gun-collection program. A 2014 study found that 17,500 Californians were banned from having guns because they were felons or had other disqualifying records, but still owned 35,000 licensed firearms. In the first year of the collection program, Harris department gathered just 11,500 of the weapons.

Harris has countered by pointing to a Sanchez vote in 2005 to protect gun manufacturers from lawsuits if their weapons were misused, an issue former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has also been criticized for supporting. Both candidates support universal background checks for gun purchases and a ban on high-capacity magazines.

The debate was hosted by ABC7 anchor Marc Brown. Panelists asking questions were Raphael Sonenshein, director of CSU LAs Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs, ABC7 news reporter Adrienne Alpert and League of Women Voters of California former president Janis Hirohama.

Contact the writer: mwisckol@ocregister.com
EL CAJON  A man convicted of setting several brushfires in rural San Diego County has been sentenced to nine years and four months in prison.

Jonathan Cohen of Poway was convicted in August of setting fires in 2014 and 2015 in Valley Center and Lakeside. Prosecutors argued that he started fires after unsuccessful gambling trips to two casinos in those communities.

A jail informant testified that Cohen told him he hated the casinos and wanted to burn them down.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Wednesday that the 45-year-old showed no emotion when he was sentenced last week.

All the fires were doused without serious damage.

Deputy District Attorney Andrew Aguilar said Cohen showed no emotion when sentenced by El Cajon Superior Court Judge Evan Kirvin on Friday.
For GOP nominee Donald Trump, everything was moving along swimmingly after his post-convention tailspin  until the first presidential debate at Hofstra University  when everything went to hell. Thats when Trump started feuding with a beauty queen, tweeting at 3 a.m. and launching social media attacks against my other employer, CNN.

As a result, his narrow lead in several swing states quickly turned into deficits, his positive news cycles turned into a gauntlet of abuse and his supporters started hitting the panic button, along with the liquor cabinet.

Since then, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence turned in a crackerjack performance at the vice presidential debate and has given Trump the opportunity to launch a comeback at the second presidential debate this weekend.

But if things are going to go better for Trump in round two, hell need to make serious changes to his plan of attack.

I asked a trio of erstwhile Trump supporters what advice they would give him ahead of Sunday nights debate, and their words of wisdom were both blunt and sage.

Barbara Stone, a retired political science professor at Cal State Fullerton, thinks that Trump, the nonpolitician, would serve himself well by picking up a few tricks of the political trade.

Stone suggests, He needs to be the Trump of the first 20-30 minutes of the first debate. Focusing. Even being correct when the moderator fact-checked him! Going after Hillary and her problems, not being sucked into lengthy discourses defending himself. Talking about things that might actually matter to voters.

Stone also believes that Trump might actually learn something from Hillary Clinton. When you are hit, have a concise, direct answer and leave it at that. A political version of thats my answer and Im sticking to it, she said.

Andre Bauer, the former lieutenant governor of South Carolina and an early Trump backer, says Trump should look like he belongs at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Bauers advice: Look presidential. Talk presidential. Lead presidential. Be presidential. The American people right now are tired of the rancor on both sides and they just want someone who can come in from the outside and shake up the very broken political machine in D.C.

Sure, you needed the bombast in the primary to make your point to Republicans and yes, we know that the frank language in the boardroom isnt always the best or most eloquent, but now the eyes of the nation on all sides of the political spectrum are on you, he said. Stay in control  cool off the bombast and be presidential  and youll be surprised what might happen in a few weeks.

And, finally, CNN political contributor and Trump confidant Scottie Nell Hughes thinks we need to hear from Trump the everyman.

A town hall style has always been where Mr. Trump thrives because it allows him to interact with those he admires the most: the people, she suggested.

Hughes believes Trump has tapped into something special that the American people are yearning for. Mr Trump has already been able to connect with billionaires from Alabama as well as blue-collar workers from Pennsylvania. Mr. Trump just needs to make sure that he connects with the town hall audience in the same way. The audience needs to feel that he is genuine and sincerely wants to help the American people protect and provide for their families. Most importantly, in this anti-establishment-themed election, unlike his opponent, Mr. Trump needs to show he is not a career politician just pandering for their vote, she advises.

Trump needs to score serious points in the second debate if he wants to win the election. He has the ability and the opportunity to make it happen. The only question that remains is: Will he?

John Phillips is a CNN political commentator and can be heard weekdays at 3 p.m. on The Drive Home with Jillian Barberie and John Phillips on KABC/AM 790.
Today

Pop-up Paso comes to Orange County  food & wine pairing event: Bites made from fresh Paso Robles groceries are paired with Seven Oxen Estate wines. 6 p.m. at the Wine Lab, 2937 Bristol St., Suite A101B, Costa Mesa. $55. winelabcamp.com

Friday-Sunday

Festa dellAutunno: You can visit Italy by way of Newport Beach at the sixth annual harvest season celebration that brings the sights, sounds, tastes and traditions of the Old World to Pelican Hill. Experience art created before your eyes, regional Italian fare and performances by musicians, dancers and flag bearers. You can make reservations for Michelin-starred guest chef dinners at Andrea Ristorante, the Italian Street Festa, an Under the California Sun jazz brunch and a childrens Carnevale dei Bambini. The Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Beach. Info: pelicanhill.com /festa or 855-55-FESTA.

Wednesday

Hello Kitty wines: To launch the line of sparkling brut, sparkling rose, limited edition Pink Sweet (another sparkling rose) and a chardonnay, Antonello is serving a four-course dinner with many of the food items taking the form of Hello Kitty at 6 p.m. at 3800 South Plaza Drive, Santa Ana. 714-751-7153 & antonello.com

Oct. 19

Autumn tasting & wine event: Featuring Tre Bicchieri award-winning wines from Tuscany and central, southern and island regions of Italy. 7 p.m. at Onotria Wine Country Cuisine, 2831 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. $75, prepaid: 714-641-5952 & onotria.com

 Compiled by

MAURICE ALCALA,

staff writer

Contact the writer:
A 12-year-old boy from Spain who dreamed of becoming a popular YouTube entertainer and making lots of money online, signed up for Googles Adwords promotion program instead of its Adsense revenue program and racked up 100,000 in debt.

Jose Javier, from the town of Torrevieja, in Spains Alicante province, dreamed of becoming rich and famous, like his favorite youtubers, so in August, he decided to set up his own YouTube account and register for Googles lucrative revenue generation program. Only it appears he didnt know anything about this digital tool, or even its exact name, because instead of opening an account with Adsense, he registered for Adwords, which instead of paying users ad revenue generated by traffic on their webpage or YouTube channel, charges them for promoting products or webpages on the internet. So instead of making money, he was spending it, and fast.

In order to register for Adwords, the wannabe youtuber used a bank account that his parents had set up for him to encourage him to save money. Because of the way that the advertising campaigns were set up in Adwords, advertising fees started piling up very fast, and the 2,000 originally available in the bank account evaporated in a matter of days. When the balance started showing up in the red, bank employees called Javiers parents and told them that Google was attempting to charge the account for tens of thousands of dollars. The boys mother, Inma Quesada, told bank employees to block the transactions, but because Javiers Adwords account was still active, his debt kept rising.

I had no idea what my son had gotten himself into, Quesada recently told Spanish newspaper El Pais. He though he was making money, not spending it. He wanted to use the earnings to buy instruments for his band, and even told his friend that if they became rich, they would have a mansion.

As the bills from Google reached 100,000, Quesada couldnt wrap her head around how her son could have spent all that money, considering he had been banned from using the computer after the bank called her to say his account was 22,000 in the red. Now Google was trying to charge him for an extra 78,000. It was then that a computer expert accessed Javiers computer and found that he had been using Adwords instead of Adsense.

In light of this revelation, the boys parents have contacted a lawyer to challenge Google in court. They are claiming that in spite of its stated age restrictions, Adwords only requested a bank account and his name in order to grant him access to an account.

My son did not know what he was doing, Quesada told El Pais. Now he has become the most famous kid in school and his mother is on national television. I ask him if he understands the possible consequences of his actions, but he doesnt appear to comprehend the situation, he thinks nothing is going to happen. We are more realistic.

Luckily for Jose Javier and his family, it would appear that they will not be needing a lawyer to deal with Google. Yesterday morning, the company released this statement regarding the case: We have analyzed this case and we havent received payment from this particular user. We will proceed to cancel the users pending AdWords balance. Many online services, including Google AdWords, have age restrictions policies in place. We know how important it is to keep the family environment safe on the Internet. Thats why parents have our Safety Center available.
Donald Trump conjures more negative associations in peoples minds than Hillary Clinton, a factor that could ultimately determine which candidate undecided voters pick at the polls in November.

The findings come from a projective research study conducted by Westchester County, NY-based marketing consultancy Center for Emotional Marketing, which analyzed the emotional perception of undecided voters. CEM has roots in neuroscience and psychology and specializes in gauging the positive and negative principles that brands imprint in consumers minds. As it turns out, those same kinds of associative cues also translate to how voters feel about another type of brand: presidential candidates.

CEM conducted projective research on undecided voters in Tampa, FL and Columbus, OH in the week following the September 26 Clinton/Trump debate at Hofstra University, and discovered that while self-described undecided voters claim to remain conflicted regarding whom they'll vote for, their subconscious thoughts still exert an influence  often times a dominating one  on their choices. In other words, what we say were going to do and the decisions we actually make can be quite different.

The 2016 election presents a perplexing dilemma, given the country is preparing to elect one of two candidates who, according to virtually every poll available on the subject, are both viewed as widely flawed and distrusted by large swaths of the electorate. However, CEMs projective research showed that Trumps litany of negative associations far outweigh Clintons, and the quality and types of negative associations conjured by Trump seem to portend far direr consequences in voters minds, leading people toward favoring Clinton, if only by default.

People lean toward the brand that has more positive associations than negative associations, and Trumps is the brand that consistently has the worst associations, Leslie Zane, Center for Emotional Marketing founder and president, told ODwyers. When you look at these two brands in the minds of voters, both candidates have an abundance of negative associations, but given the dominance of negative associations that Trump has, it looks like theyre leaning toward Clinton, even though theyre not yet aware of it.

When it comes to negative character traits, Clinton scored big on a lack of trustworthiness, and Trump led in terms of volatility and unpredictability. Trumps sheer number of negative associations, however, ultimately alienates undecided voters and makes them feel less safe, which is somewhat ironic, considering defense and national security have been key focuses of Trumps campaign platform. As a result, because Trumps volatility and the potential impact it could have on national security outweigh a perceived lack of trustworthiness, the undecided voter edges toward Clinton as the candidate who will keep them safer, even if theyd vote for her only reluctantly.

A short video detailing the symbolic representation of brand associations for Clinton and Trump that exist among undecided voters can be found here

It turns out that the wall, which was all about national security, sort of backfired, because it became this negative symbol in peoples minds, Zane said. They associate the wall with childishness. They associate it with divisiveness and racism. The intended use of that symbol is different from how our minds are actually taking it, and Clinton is inheriting this mantle of national security by default.

Perhaps most telling, Zane said the study reveals that character and values are the most important drivers of voters' connection to a presidential candidate  far more important than accomplishment or achievement. Voters in the study couldn't remember or even think of one accomplishment of Clintons, Zane said.

Character and values are most important to people, and they want to make sure the character and values of the candidates they choose are inline with their own. That way, in the future, voters can feel confident that who they vote for is someone who thinks and makes decisions the same way they would.
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ILoveMakonnen x Steve Aoki Get Belgium Going Up Okayplayer



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If I said the word Belgium and the first image that flashed in your minds eye was a ruddy, middle-aged European bureaucrat discussing Renaissance art and tipping back a Chimayyou might still be living in YesterLand. Welcome to Tomorrowland. Tomorrowland, which takes place in Belgium every summer, is in fact one of the largest electronic music festivals in the worldhell, one of the largest music festivals in the world of any type. But even that doesnt quite do justice to this epic bacchanal. In addition to 180,000 people raving out to the knob-tweakingest DJs in the entire world, Tomorrowland boasts a fantastic landscape of sets and stages that look like the Olympics opening ceremony impregnated a world class amusement park in the mud puddle at Woodstock.

Now that weve set the scene, imagine taking a certain lackadaisical Atlanta-based rapper whose flow is so insanely catchy that he can get any club on any side road anywhere in America going up on a Tuesday, and thrusting him intoall that. Thats essentially what happened when superstar DJ Steve Aoki brought ILoveMakonnen out for a surprise cameo performance of their collabo How Else during his Tomorrowland set. Makonnen fansnot to mention Aoki fansare legion, but you really dont have to even know who either star is to catch goosebumps off the crowd response once Makonennens whipping arm gets working and Aoki turns the trap snares on the track from triple time up to blast beat. Luckily if you didnt make it out to Belgium, the camera crew of Bud Light Music Series was there to document the moment in full techno-color. In fact, personality Rachel Finley AKA Steak even got to get up with Aoki and Makonnen as they dip their toes in the pool backstage. We get some insight into their creative chemistry, on stage and in the studio, as well as Makonnens fresh-off-the-set reaction to what may be his first arena moment. Typically low-key, Makonenn

summed the moment up as holylook at all these people. I wish I had more time up there. Us too, Makonnen. Us too.
Pork tenderloin sandwiches have a legendary quality.

Theyre huge. Theyre fried. Theyre an unapologetic product of the Midwest.

Theyre perfect Food Prowl fodder.

I knew long before we visited 14 spots around Omaha and western Iowa that I wanted to reunite the team of seasoned tasters familiar with what makes good fried food. Lucky for me, The World-Heralds Mikel Severe, host of The Bottom Line radio show, and Ron Samuelson, owner of the SamFam Restaurant Group and co-owner of the late Ms Pub, happily agreed. Last year we found the citys best onion rings, so wed given things like batter, seasoning and the nuance of frying a lot of thought.

We were off, our quest being simple but, as always, a bit more complex than it seems on the surface. What makes a good  the best  pork tenderloin sandwich?

The size is the pork tenderloins calling card, Ron said. Thats part of its mystique. Thats what makes it a legend.

Indeed. And true to form, about half of the tenderloins we encountered had widths that far exceeded that of the petite (well, normal-size) buns that hugged their weighty girth. Our winner  a tenderloin in the most unlikely of spots, a restaurant that none of the panel had ever heard of, let alone visited  fits that bill. But were getting ahead of ourselves.

I wanted to venture into Iowa for this prowl, because its known for great tenderloin sandwiches. To make sure we kept the focus on the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area, we decided to visit only spots within a 30-minute drive. We hit four in Iowa, two in Council Bluffs, one in Crescent and one in Mineola, all suggested by World-Herald readers.

LPLs Restaurant, in Council Bluffs, came highly recommended for one specific reason: The restaurant custom-bakes its buns in partnership with Hy-Vee so theyre the same size as the giant pork patties. LPLs was also one of just a few stops where we had the choice of a nonbreaded or breaded patty. Obviously we got both.

The team agreed: The fried version was one of the crispiest tenderloin patties wed tried. And the signature large bun, which arrived buttered and toasted, meant we got a bit of bread with every bite  something we didnt see anywhere else, in Omaha or Iowa.

The bun is hysterical, Ron said. Someone here is thinking.

Wed recommend it on that thoughtful touch alone. Their fried version was the best we found a half-hours drive into Iowa.

In Omaha, we found something entirely different and unexpected: chefs taking creative liberty with pork tenderloins. Pork purists might consider some of the additions blasphemy, but its hard to argue with the kind of updates that bring a ton of flavor to an otherwise pretty straightforward sandwich.

We found one version at midtowns Benson Brewery that topped an uber-crispy Truebridge Farms pork patty with melted havarti cheese, sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, sweet pickles and a spicy harissa aioli, all on a brioche bun.

Its not real traditional, Ron said, but I could get used to it.

We could all likely get used to the version at north Omahas Mouth of the South, a recent addition to the Southern restaurants menu that our waitress told us proved so popular as a special that they made it permanent.

Their fried patty comes topped with smoky tasso ham, Gouda cheese, a traditional remoulade and mixed greens tossed with spicy orange habanero sauce.

Its pretty simple: This sandwich is an explosion of flavor. The fried pork, juicy and flavorful, is the star of the show. Even under the heavy load of toppings, it never disappeared.

Is it a pork tenderloin in the traditional way? No, Ron said. But does it have a ton of spice and flavor? Yeah. Its a hidden gem.

We found a finely crafted tenderloin sandwich at another north Omaha spot: Finicky Franks, where the sandwich has traditional flavors combined with high-end execution.

Finicky Franks might serve the juiciest tenderloin we encountered, with the heft and thickness of a pork chop, crusted in a flavorful and crisp seasoned breading. It came with simple fixings: a steamed-warm bun, pickles, onions, stone-ground mustard and mayo. But each of those elements had flavor and quality on its side. Franks also has the option of an unbreaded tenderloin; we again preferred the classic.

That was good, Mikel said. That was really good.

For our winner, we wanted to find the classic best of the best, a tenderloin with the perfect seasoned breading and lots of crunch encasing tender, juicy pork. We wanted it to be extra large and topped with the simplest toppings: classic yellow mustard and crinkled dill pickles. We wanted a soft, warm bun.

We found that sandwich at Catfish Lake, a bar and grill tucked on the outskirts of Olde Towne Bellevue, a deliciously random location filled with oodles of television sets and tons of taxidermy. Oh, and one heck of a tenderloin.

The batter is almost fluffy, Ron said. Its the perfect color. Super crunchy.

Mikel concurred: The breading is light and airy, but you also really get the flavor of the pork and its texture.

After a few bites, we all looked at each other with the same question: What is in this breading?

Kitchen manager Thomas Godwin came out and answered our query: The breading is made with panko breadcrumbs. The kitchen hand-pounds its own meat, seasons it with Zatarains flour  thats what lends the hearty seasoning  and then breads it with the panko right before each order.

This is the best of the old-school, big-as-your-face sandwiches, Ron said. Its head and shoulders above the rest.

In the end, we gave the people what we were sure they wanted: an elephant ear of fried pork done right. But it doesnt come without caveats.

After you try Catfish Lake, get yourself to Mouth of the South. Grab a beer and a tenderloin at the Benson Brewery. Go on an adventure that ends at Finicky Franks.

Sometimes kitchens take a chance and it goes off a cliff and never comes back, Ron said. But other times, it turns out to be really cool.

And thats the case here. Classic pork tenderloin sandwiches are legendary for a reason. But Omaha chefs creative, fresh versions of that classic might be worth seeking out for a different reason: tasting something new.

*****

Food Prowl contenders

The World-Herald received many suggestions of places to try pork tenderloin sandwiches, including from across western Iowa. To help pare the list, we visited only locations within a 30-minute drive. The 14 visited:

 Barretts Barleycorn Pub & Grill, 4322 Leavenworth St., 402-554-5805

 Benson Brewery, 6059 Maple St., 402-934-8668

 Broncos, 4540 Leavenworth St., 402-551-7477

 Catfish Lake Restaurant & Lounge, 1006 Cunningham Road, Bellevue, 402-292-9963

 Dairy Twist, 2211 Lincoln Road, Bellevue, 402-292-1303

 Farmhouse Cafe, 3461 S. 84th St., 402-393-0640

 Finicky Franks, 9520 Calhoun Road, 402-451-5555

 Henrys Diner, 836 Old Lincoln Highway, Crescent, 712-545-3600

 La Vista Keno/Jimbos Diner, 7101 S. 84th St., 402-339-1606

 Louie Ms Burger Lust Cafe, 1718 Vinton St., 402-449-9112

 LPLs Restaurant & Pub, 1707 Harry Langdon Blvd., Council Bluffs, 712-325-9617

 Mouth of the South, 8505 N. 30th St., 402-453-4099

 Sugars Diner, 2725 E. Kanesville Blvd., Council Bluffs, 712-322-3600

 Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House, 408 Main St., Mineola, 712-526-2078

*****

Food Prowl tasters

Ron Samuelson: owner, SamFam Restaurant Group, and co-owner of the former Ms Pub

Mikel Severe: host of the Omaha World-Heralds The Bottom Line
Final_Submission 160506_RadicalInnovation_HOK Updated5

When you travel, you usually don't want to spend a lot of time in your hotel room  you want to explore.

But a new futuristic hotel concept called Driftscape might make you want to stay indoors. The idea, which comes from Canada-based design firm HOK, is that each room would be a flying glass pod.

The concept won this year's Radical Innovation Award, a contest that searches for imaginative hotel designs. In June, a jury of seven hotel investors, developers, and architects selected Driftscape as the one of two finalists, out of nearly 50 submissions from 28 countries. About 200 hospitality industry professionals voted to name Driftscape the winner on October 5.

Driftscape's room pods would be connected to a main stationary hub, but could detach to allow guests to fly around a given location. The HOK team calls it a "drone hotel," senior project designer Ian Rolston told Business Insider in June, when the jury picked the finalists.

The design would take exploration to another level  travelers could get an aerial view of the fjords in Norway, the glaciers in Argentina, or the Great Wall of China.

According to the award's founder, John Hardy, who sits on the jury, the imaginative concept won because of how different it is from any other existing hotel.

"Driftscape meets growing market demand for authentic, immersive experiences with a concept that is entirely new and original," Hardy wrote in a statement. "The audience was won over not only by the romance of the idea, but the amount of research supporting its feasibility."

Final Submission 160506_RadicalInnovation_HOK Updated6

The hotel would hold 10 to 15 flying pods, called "Driftcrafts," attached to a central hub that houses the main lobby, bar, lounge, and restaurant.

Powered by the same technology as drones, each 200-square-foot pod could fit two adults, with space for a queen bed, a bathroom (encased in non-transparent walls), and a desk. To accommodate larger groups, the pods could be attached to one another.

Story continues

Final Submission 160506_RadicalInnovation_HOK Updated7

To fly a pod, guests would work with the hotel staff to design an individual flight plan. The pod would then be detached from the main part of the hotel, and an artificially intelligent system would follow the flight plan automatically, sending guests their separate ways. The passengers would just sit back and enjoy the scenery. At the end, the pods would automatically fly back to the hub and reconnect.

Each pod would also contain a dashboard with a camera, so that guests could snap photos while they zoom around.

Screen Shot 2016 06 20 at 9.04.02 AM

There are no concrete plans to build the first Driftscape, since the drone technology it would require isn't advanced enough yet. To fly guests around safely, the pods would need a much more powerful motor than any drone currently has, especially considering the design doesn't include wings.

The goal of the Radical Innovation Award is simply to imagine what could be possible in a few decades, Hardy told Business Insider in June.

Final Submission 160506_RadicalInnovation_HOK Updated3

But while the design seems like sci-fi, the technology to power the hotel could become commercially available in a few decades. The aircraft manufacturer Terrafugia has developed a prototype of a flying car, called TF-X  the Federal Aviation Administration approved flight tests for it in December 2015. Tesla, Google, and Uber have also already developed their own self-driving vehicle technology.

If the Driftscape ever becomes commercially viable, Rolston estimates that a night there would likely cost about the same price as renting a luxury car.

But unlike a car, the hotel would let you see the landscape from extraordinary new angles.

NOW WATCH: Tour this over-the-top first-class plane cabin with a king-size bed and a 42-inch TV





More From Business Insider


The Make/Happen conference offers participants inspiration and tools to set and meet their goals, said Alissa Nehe, spokeswoman for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber will hold the conference 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St.

The speakers are Tiffany Shlain, Emmy-nominated filmmaker and Webby Awards founder; Erik Wahl, artist and entrepreneur; and Nick Tasler, best-selling author.

The conference brings together business and community leaders who want to reach beyond the status quo and create real plans of action for the betterment of themselves, their business and the community, Nehe said.

Sessions include Innovation & Creativity, and Creating Your Ideal Company Culture.

To register, go to make-happen.com.
LINCOLN  Gage County officials say they will have to file for bankruptcy unless a federal judge agrees to delay payment of $28 million in damages awarded to six people convicted of a homicide they did not commit.

The county indicated in court documents Wednesday that it plans to appeal the July 6 jury verdict in favor of the six, who collectively served more than 70 years in prison for the 1985 rape and slaying of 68-year-old Helen Wilson of Beatrice. The Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has ruled against the county previously, would hear the latest appeal.

The countys lawyers also filed a motion asking Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf to stay payment of the monetary judgment pending appeal. They said it appears that Gage County does not have sufficient assets for collateral to obtain a bond to insure payment while the case works its way through the courts.

If the plaintiffs were allowed to execute on the judgment pending appeal, Gage County would be forced to file for Chapter 9 bankruptcy so that the county government can continue to operate, they wrote in a brief. It would place the creditors of Gage County in a precarious position if Gage County had to declare bankruptcy.

The brief lays out several options the county is now confronted with because of a reckless investigation by the sheriffs office in 1989. The damages, which are close to $30 million including attorney fees and costs, far exceed the $18.4 million the county spent on governmental operations in the most recent fiscal year.

The county lacks insurance to cover the losses. Lawyers have asked two insurance providers the county employed during the years of the case to reconsider coverage denials, but even if they succeed, coverage would be capped at $5 million by one of the providers and $2 million by the other.

Raising property taxes also would have limited effect. A one-cent increase in the countys tax levy would raise about $323,000 annually. In addition, state law caps how much counties can raise their budgets to 3 percent annually.

Lawyers for the six have not yet responded in court to the countys latest motion.

In 2008, court-ordered DNA testing of blood and semen preserved from the crime scene matched none of the six and proved that the crime could not have occurred as prosecutors and investigators had alleged.

A task force that reopened the case then matched the DNA with Bruce Allen Smith, a former Beatrice resident who died in Oklahoma in 1992.

Joseph E. White, Kathy Gonzalez, Thomas Winslow, Ada JoAnn Taylor, James Dean and Debra Shelden sued Gage County for a reckless investigation and fabrication of evidence. White died in a workplace accident in his home state of Alabama before the lawsuit went to trial.
COUNCIL BLUFFS  Not even rural southwest Iowa can escape the clutches of an ongoing social media trend of scary clowns.

A Harlan woman was arrested Wednesday morning in Avoca after she called 911, telling authorities she had seen a post on Facebook showing clowns at the AHST High School.

Pottawattamie County Sheriff Jeff Danker admitted being incredulous when his deputies told him about investigating the area.

I thought You got to be kidding me,  he said.

At 4 a.m., deputies did not find any trace of clowns. However, they did trace back the call to a woman who was working the night shift at a hotel in Avoca.

The woman told investigators she had seen a post on Facebook claiming clowns were in the area, and she called the police  who arrested her for calling 911 for a non-emergency.

The caller had no firsthand knowledge that clowns actually were afoot, Danker said. She was bailed out of the Pottawattamie County Jail later that morning.

Danker thought it was no laughing matter.

Theres a lot of publicity right now, Danker said. We dont want to show up to false calls, because people might think its funny. We dont want our deputies tied up with frivolous things.

Creepy clowns also have been reported in Omaha, where police were investigating rumors of threats spread through social media.
A 49-year-old man wanted on suspicion of fleeing police was arrested Wednesday after ramming a vehicle to evade deputies and then leading them on a high-speed chase through Sarpy County, the Sheriffs Office said.

Deputies tried to take Richard Wirth Jr. into custody on outstanding warrants at a motel near Highway 50 and Interstate 80 around 1:35 p.m. Deputies blocked Wirths vehicle, but he rammed the blocking vehicle several times and was able to escape from the parking lot, the Sheriffs Office said.

Wirth led officers on a chase that reached speeds of 100 mph and ended near 72nd Street and Schram Road when he tried to turn into an apartment complex and blew a tire on his car, the Sheriffs Office said. He was arrested there.

Wirth was being sought on two misdemeanor traffic warrants out of Sarpy County and Omaha, and two felony warrants out of Omaha that accuse him of fleeing from police in July and August.

After Wednesdays chase, Wirth was arrested and booked into the Sarpy County Jail on suspicion of felony flight to avoid arrest, criminal mischief $1,500 to $5,000, obstructing a peace officer, two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance, unlawful acts, possession of drug paraphernalia and other driving offenses.

The Nebraska State Patrol, Omaha Police Department and Bellevue Police Department were also involved in Wirths arrest.
Convicted murderer Nikko Jenkins returns to Douglas County District Court on Friday to ask that his plea of no contest be withdrawn.

The motion was filed by Douglas County Public Defender Tom Riley. It will be heard by Judge Peter Bataillon, who declared Jenkins competent to face a death-penalty hearing in the August 2013 murders of Juan Uribe-Pena, Jorge Cajiga-Ruiz, Curtis Bradford and Andrea Kruger.

Jenkins was allowed to represent himself at his murder trial, with Riley serving in an advisory capacity. On April 16, 2014, Bataillon found Jenkins guilty of all four murders.

Bataillon set Jenkins death-penalty hearing for Nov. 14. The judge purposely scheduled the hearing for that date so it would occur after the Nov. 8 election, when voters will decide whether Nebraska should keep the death penalty.

This motion has been in the works, Riley said. Once the judge decided (Jenkins) was competent, we determined to file this motion.

Veteran court observers say judges essentially ask defendants several variations of: Are you sure you want to enter this plea? In turn, judges rarely allow defendants to withdraw their pleas when the defendants have a change of heart.
LINCOLN  Former Gov. Dave Heineman joined a coalition of farm and business groups who called Thursday for the defeat of a $369 million bond issue for Southeast Community College that will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The college, which serves 15 counties in southeast Nebraska, says it needs the funds to renovate and replace aging classrooms at its campuses in east Lincoln, Beatrice and Milford, and to establish a new college campus near downtown Lincoln.

But a new coalition called Vote No 369 rallied at the State Capitol to urge voters to reject the multi-year bond issue, which would raise property taxes for the owner of a $100,000 home by $39 a year.

Heineman, in a statement, said that property taxes are already too high in Nebraska for homeowners, farmers and businesses to bear another increase.

The economy is sluggish. Commodity prices and cattle prices are down, the former governor said. Southeast Community College is a good school, but now is not the time for a $369 million increase in property taxes.

Paul Illich, president of the college, said he appreciates that Heineman and others acknowledge the good work of the school, but the reality is that most of Southeasts structures consist of borrowed buildings that were often not designed as classrooms.

Southeast, Illich said, has the lowest property tax levy among the community colleges in the state but needs new classroom space to address the lack of qualified technical workers in Nebraska and the need for affordable education.

Also, there are waiting lists for some nursing and welding programs that would be addressed by the bond issue, he said.

There is a group supporting the bond issue, the Friends of Southeast Community College.

Members of the Vote No 369 group include State Sens. Laura Ebke of Crete, Jerry Johnson of Wahoo and Dan Watermeier of Syracuse. Organizations opposing the bond issue include the Lincoln Independent Business Association, the Nebraska Farm Bureau, the Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Soybean Association.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha formally dedicated its Pacific Street campus Wednesday to Walter Scott Jr.

Scott, 85, didnt attend the ceremony. His son, David, said his father was ill, and he spoke for him. Those are pretty big shoes, David Scott said of standing in for his father. NU regents, NU and UNO administrators, deans and others attended the approximately 20-minute gathering.

UNO unveiled a large sign at 67th and Pacific Streets that reads: Scott Campus Honoring Walter Scott Jr. Walter Scott is chairman emeritus of Peter Kiewit Sons Inc., a construction company.

UNO said in a press release that Scott has provided UNO more than $220 million since 1990, either directly or through the NU Foundation. Scotts support has helped build the Peter Kiewit Institute and four residence halls at UNO and funded scholarships for 130-150 students a year.

David Scott read from Walter Scott Jr.s 2010 giving pledge, in which Scott said he wanted his foundations money to go to causes that serve the young and improve the community. I have nothing against old people. I am one! Scott wrote. But society benefits most from investments that produce educated and productive citizens, he wrote.

In the last 17 years, UNO has expanded south of Pacific Street considerably, beginning with construction of the Peter Kiewit Institute.

UNO Student Regent Patrick Davlin said one needs only to drive south from Pacific on 67th Street.

Youll see Scott Hall, Scott Conference Center, Scott Court, Scott Village, the Scott Technology Center, and down the street, Scott Crossing is being built to house more students, he told the audience.

Two engineers who were Scott Scholars (a scholarship program) and who lived in Scott Hall when it opened in 2000 spoke at the celebration. Stephanie and Bryan Guy are now married with four daughters.

Bryan Guy told the audience its been remarkable to see the maturation of what is now the Scott Campus.

Were here today in no small part due to Walter Scott, Bryan Guy said. Thank you for investing in us. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be successful.
NORTH PLATTE, Neb.  A childhood home and the adventures had there can bring to mind many wonderful memories. They can even inspire a book or two.

Author Miriam Jones Bradley grew up in North Platte, Nebraska, and returned this month to speak about her newest book, The Double Cousins and the Mystery of the Russian Jewels. The fifth book in the Double Cousins childrens mystery series takes place in North Platte and features places and events from Bradleys own childhood.

I just added a mystery, she said.

Bradley remembers her grandfather writing many of his own stories when she was young. After he passed away, she felt it was important to honor him by sharing these stories. She wanted to turn them into picture books.

But the more I studied writing, Bradley said, I learned that you write what you know. And picture books are the hardest.

The first book in the Double Cousins series takes place on her grandparents ranch, with a few of the names changed, of course.

Bradley spent Tuesday afternoon speaking with second-graders at Washington Elementary. She shared passages from her new book and taught them a bit about the writing process. She emphasized things like plot and setting for building a good story.

I really try to reinforce what theyre learning in school, she said.

Besides visiting schools, Bradley also speaks to groups. She said these lessons feature common-sense wisdom, and she encourages the formation of intergenerational relationships.

For example, it was a sense of leaving a legacy that inspired her to tell her grandpas stories. One of her non-fiction books for adults, All I Have Needed  A Legacy of Life, is a collection of stories celebrating the legacy left to her as a child by the adults in her life.

While in Nebraska, Bradley will host several such events. This trip also serves as a launch event for her new book.

I tried launch parties before, she said, But Ive gotten such an incredible response from the businesses and schools [in North Platte], its been much more effective.

She hopes her writing sessions with the students inspire them to read more, explore their history and build those intergenerational bonds.
When Roma Jansen turned 100 years old a few weeks ago, she joined an exclusive but growing group at SilverRidge Assisted Living Facility in Gretna.

Jansen is one of three centenarians now residing at the center. She joins Gertrude Billy Lechtenberger and Ruby Bornholdt to form the trio of long-lived women.

Thats great. It is something, isnt it? Bornholdt said as she sat with the others recently.

For Bornholdt, the secret to living to 100 is simple.

I think its family, Bornholdt said.

Lechtenberger was less sure.

I dont know. I havent gotten there yet, Lechtenberger said. Im just an old lady. Ive been around a long time.

All three agreed that their upbringing on Nebraska farms most likely has a lot to do with their longevity.

They remember the fresh food and the work that was involved in their daily lives.

It was all homegrown then, and homemade, said Lechtenberger, who grew up on a farm near North Bend that her brother still works.

She remembers attending country school with her three brothers and three sisters, traveling to church in Webster and working on the farm.

We all had to work, Lechtenberger said.

She also remembers meeting her husband, Henry, in her brothers grocery store in Geneva. The two were married in 1936 and raised four children, two sons and two daughters.

Thats been the hardest thing, Lechtenberger said. I lost my oldest and my youngest last year.

Bornholdt also remembers attending country school and growing up with her brother on their familys Skyler farm. In fact, she met her husband, Frederick, at school. The two married when she was 21 and raised two children, a son and a daughter.

She also remembers the novelty of getting their first television.

Our first TV was round. It was not very big, maybe 14 or 15 inches, Bornholdt said.

But she thinks the biggest change through the years has been the roads and highways. Before then, she said her family didnt travel too far or too often.

Once the highway came through, then you could just go anyplace. Before that it was mud, mud, mud everywhere, Bornholdt said.

Besides life on the farm, Jansen remembers attending many dances, a popular pastime during her younger years. All three women remember the dances, from waltzes to polkas  and even some square dancing.

These days the three content themselves with enjoying the little things in life. Jansen, who until recently regularly rode an exercise bike, enjoys playing bunco at the facility. And while Bornholdts eyesight is poor, she enjoys walking as much as she can as well as sitting and visiting with others. For Lechtenberger, sharing stories with others is something she enjoys.

I like to go visiting people, she said.
TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - October 06, 2016) - Nearly 80 per cent of all increases in public school spending in Canada over the past decade went to salaries, pensions and benefits, finds a new study by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank.

"Contrary to misperceptions, public education spending has increased dramatically across the country, and it's important for parents and taxpayers to know that the bulk of that money has gone to teachers and other staff," said Deani Van Pelt, director of the Barbara Mitchell Centre for Improvement in Education at the Fraser Institute and co-author of Understanding the Increases in Education Spending in Public Schools in Canada, 2016 Edition.

The study finds that between 2004/2005 and 2013/2014, staff compensation costs rose from $32 billion to $46.4 billion -- an increase of more than $14 billion.

That represents slightly more than three-quarters (78.2 per cent) of the overall $18.2 billion increase in education spending during the same 10-year period.

More specifically, spending on salaries and wages increased by $10.4 billion between 2004/2005 and 2013/2014, the most recent year of available Statistics Canada data.

And pension costs almost doubled during the same period, rising 91.5 per cent from $2.3 billion to $4.3 billion. Increases in employer contributions to teachers' pensions were highest in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario with increases in all three provinces exceeding 100 per cent.

Capital spending (new schools, renovations, etc.) also increased from $3 billion in 2004/2005 to $4.9 billion in 2013/2014.

Quebec accounted for nearly half of the capital spending increases in Canada with an increase of $872 million. British Columbia and Ontario also saw significant capital spending increases of $237 million and $408 million respectively.

"A clear understanding of public school spending, particularly in light of chronic complaints from some quarters about a lack of resources, is vital for anyone concerned about improving our children's education," Van Pelt said.

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The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institute's independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org
LINCOLN  Nebraskas auditor is investigating the states unsuccessful attempt to obtain $54,400 in death penalty drugs last year from a broker in India.

State Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha, an opponent of the death penalty, sent a letter Thursday asking the auditor to find out what is being done about the two drugs the state tried to purchase from Chris Harris, a broker based in Kolkata, India. The state received neither the drugs nor a refund.

Why is Nebraska not suing Harris for breach of contract to obtain the return of taxpayers hard-earned money, Harr asked in his letter to the auditor.

In a written response, Nebraska Auditor Charlie Janssen said his office is already in the process of reviewing the failed transaction between the Department of Correctional Services and the broker. Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha requested the audit several months ago.

State law prohibits the auditor from publicly discussing details of an audit while it is underway, said Russ Karpisek, the auditors spokesman.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said Thursday that his administration has taken no further steps to obtain death penalty drugs since he announced nearly a year ago he was suspending the quest. The governors decision to stop the pursuit of lethal substances came the same day U.S. Attorney Deb Gilg told The World-Herald it would be illegal for the state to import one of the drugs.

Ricketts said he wanted to await the outcome of the Nov. 8 referendum vote that will decide the fate of capital punishment in Nebraska. Death penalty supporters forced the referendum in response to the Legislatures 2015 repeal of capital punishment.

The vote will give clarity as to how to proceed with drug acquisition, refunds or protocol changes, the governor said in a letter to Harr.

Harr said he still questions what the Ricketts administration knew about the states chances of successfully importing the drugs. A federal court ruling in 2012 raised red flags about importation of one of the drugs Nebraska requires for a lethal injection, the senator said.

And Harr also questioned why the state didnt use a contract requiring the broker to refund the purchase price if the drugs couldnt be imported.

As lawmakers were debating the repeal bill in 2015, Ricketts announced that the state had purchased sodium thiopental and pancuronium bromide, two of three drugs needed for a lethal injection. The state had an unexpired supply of the third drug, potassium chloride.

But the Indian supplier was unable to deliver the drugs largely because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said sodium thiopental could not be imported.

The anesthetic is no longer manufactured or licensed in the United States.

Ricketts said the Corrections Department had requested a refund early this year for the $26,700 spent on sodium thiopental. The broker refused to refund the money, saying it wasnt his fault Nebraska couldnt import the drug.

No FDA ban, however, applies to the pancuronium bromide, the governor said. The state spent $27,700 for the drug, but has not sought a refund.

The shipment of this drug has been placed on hold out of respect for the voters, pending the outcome of the vote, Ricketts said in his own written response to the senator.

In the meantime, Nebraska officials have not initiated legal action against the broker, said Dawn-Renee Smith, spokeswoman for the Corrections Department.

The governor also has said that his administration and Attorney General Doug Peterson would explore potential changes to the states death penalty protocol.

Backers of the anti-death penalty group Retain a Just Nebraska predicted Thursday that even if voters restore capital punishment, it will be difficult, costly and perhaps impossible to carry out another execution in Nebraska.

Major pharmaceutical companies dont want their medicines used in death chambers, and legal challenges could handcuff the state if it tries to obtain the drugs from independent compounding pharmacies, said Eric Berger, a professor at the University of Nebraska College of Law who has written extensively on lethal injection.

Even in the unlikely event Nebraska can get the drugs, thats just a one-time fix, Berger said. Theyll need to solve it again and again and again.

Sen. Colby Coash of Lincoln said the state should use what it spends on death penalty drugs on improving safety for the men and women who work in Nebraskas prisons. He pointed to a recent string of serious assaults on corrections officers, including one that was announced Thursday.

Corrections officers deserve our attention on their safety, he said. The 10 guys on death row are not a threat to their safety.

Supporters of capital punishment have argued that several of the 30 death penalty states have continued to find ways to carry out lethal injections. Just this week, Ohio officials announced they would resume executions at the start of next year.

Bob Evnen with Nebraskans for the Death Penalty said if Nebraska cant obtain a supply of sodium thiopental, it could still develop a protocol that would pass legal muster.

It is a shame that death penalty opponents are trying to politicize this issue and confuse Nebraskans at a time when ballots have been mailed to early voters, he said.
Two Omaha battalion chiefs and two fire officials from other cities are on the list of finalists for the open spot of Omahas next fire chief.

Not on the list is interim Chief Dan Olsen, who also applied. But Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said its possible she will reject one or more of the other candidates and consider Olsen.

The Mayors Office released the list of finalists Wednesday:

Retired Colorado Springs Fire Chief Christopher Riley; Spokane, Washington, Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer; Omaha Battalion Chief Robert Gottsch and Omaha Battalion Chief Dan Stolinski.

The city said Wednesday that 10 people applied for the position, which came open after former Chief Bernie Kanger retired from the job in May.

Two outside candidates dropped out partway through the testing, said Human Resources Director Mikki Frost.

That left four external candidates and four internal candidates, she said.

The process for hiring an Omaha fire or police chief is that a contractor, IO Solutions, conducts testing of all candidates. Based on predetermined factors including test score ranking and background, each candidate is ranked.

The top four scorers are forwarded to the mayor, and she can choose from those finalists. The mayor can also reject any finalist if there is a job-related reason to do so. In that case, the human resources director provides the next name on the list as a finalist.

Frost declined to say where Olsen ranked on the list.

Stothert noted that all eight candidates scores were close. She said unlike Olsen, the four finalists have masters degrees and three have military service. Both those things bring more points to the candidates.

Stothert said Olsen has done a great job as interim chief.

Stothert said she expects to make a decision by the end of the year, and Olsen will remain interim chief until a selection is made.

She said shes looking for someone with good operational skills, leadership, budget management and management ability.

She also said she plans to ask for a five-year commitment from the next fire chief. She said she obtained a similar commitment from Kanger, who served about two years. Reached by phone, Kanger declined to comment.

The next fire chief will oversee a department with a more than $100 million budget and a full sworn strength of about 650 firefighters.

Kangers base pay in 2016 was $160,000. In May the board that oversees Omahas police and fire pension fund approved an annual pension for Kanger of $123,760.

According to the candidates resumes:

Riley retired as fire chief in Colorado Springs in March and previously served as fire chief in Pueblo, Colorado. He has a masters degree in emergency services administration.

In Colorado Springs, Riley oversaw a $65 million budget for the fire department, which served about 450,000 people.

Schaeffer, the current assistant fire chief in Spokane, has also worked in Yakima, Washington, and Kansas City. He has a masters degree in public administration and is working on his doctorate at Creighton University.

His resume says he worked on several large-scale incidents in 2015 and that he serves on several boards and commissions, including as the western region director for the International Society of Fire Service Instructors.

Schaeffer and Riley did not return phone messages Wednesday afternoon.

Gottsch has been with the Omaha Fire Department since 1993. A Navy veteran, he has a masters degree in public administration. He also lectures at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Metropolitan Community College.

Gottsch said as chief he would try to find ways to make the department more efficient.

Its always about improving what we do, and the term progressive is something we need to always be looking at, he said.

Stolinski started at the Millard Fire Department in 1997 and became an Omaha firefighter in 1998. He has a masters degree in security management.

He became an assistant chief in 2010. But in 2013  as Stothert and then-Chief Mike McDonnell publicly battled over the fire budget  Stolinski said he became concerned about the possibility of layoffs. He said he requested a demotion to battalion chief, and Kanger granted it.

Stolinski said as chief he would want to find innovative ways to increase the departments quality of service without increasing the budget.

I felt that I have the leadership skills and ability to lead this department into the next decade, Stolinski said.

Both Stolinski and Gottsch are members of the fire union.
One of Omahas four finalists for its open fire chief position has dropped out.

Mayor Jean Stothert announced the four finalists Wednesday. Later in the day, Spokane, Washington, Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer told the City of Omaha he wasnt interested, a spokeswoman for the mayor said.

The remaining finalists are retired Colorado Springs, Colorado, Fire Chief Christopher Riley; Omaha Battalion Chief Robert Gottsch and Omaha Battalion Chief Dan Stolinski.

Assistant Chief Shane Hunter will be added to the list of finalists because he was the next-highest scorer of the eight candidates.

Hunter, who has been an assistant chief since 2012, was also a finalist in 2014, the last time the chief job was open.

Hunter, an Air Force veteran, was hired to the department in 1997. He has a bachelors degree in leadership from Bellevue University.

Schaeffer told The Spokane Spokesman-Review that he applied for the position early this year while Spokane was immersed in turmoil over the firing of its former police chief.

It was much different times, he said. I honestly totally forgot about it.

Omaha officials called Schaeffer twice and emailed him before announcing the finalists but did not hear back from him until after the announcement.

The city confirmed his decision Thursday.

Stothert said Wednesday that she also wanted to consider interim chief Dan Olsen because she believes he has done a good job.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP)  Hurricane Matthew spun dangerously close to Florida's Atlantic coast Friday, scraping the shore with howling wind and heavy rain and that left more than 400,000 without power.

Matthew was downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane overnight with the strongest winds of 120 mph just offshore as the storm pushed north around dawn, threatening more than 500 miles of coastline in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. A 107 mph gust was recorded in Cape Canaveral.

Two million people were warned to flee inland to escape a potentially catastrophic blow from a storm that left more than 280 dead in its wake across the Caribbean, but many hunkered down and hoped for the best despite dire warnings.

People who refused to evacuate from central Florida's Atlantic coast found themselves cut off and were calling for help as Matthew's western eyewall brushed past Cape Canaveral, officials said.

Brevard County Emergency Operations spokesman David Waters said he talked to families who said things like, "We're scared. We wish we hadn't stayed." One family called in that the roof "just flew off their home on Merritt Island," Waters said.

Robert Tyler had feared a storm surge flooding his street, which is only two blocks from the Cape Canaveral beach. But he and his wife, Georgette, felt fortunate Friday morning when they looked out the front door of their one-story cinder block apartment and there wasn't much water.

"Overnight, it was scary as heck. That description of a freight train is pretty accurate," he said.

In Cape Canaveral, John Long rode out the storm in his 32-foot camper in a park about half a mile from the beach.

He lost power shortly before dawn but quickly fired up his generator. Small tree branches battered the vehicle but the large ones on the park's giant oak trees didn't fall.

"It was kind of loud and kind of shaky but nothing that caused too much concern," he said.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott called it a "blessing" Friday morning that so far Florida was avoiding a direct hit as the storm sliced northward.

Still Scott stressed during a television appearance on "CBS This Morning" and NBC's "Today" show that there was still time for people living in the Jacksonville area to evacuate. The storm was expected to bring a large volume of water onshore and Scott noted there are a lot of low-lying areas in northeast Florida.

"There's no reason to be taking a risk," he said.

More than 1.5 million people in Florida were asked to evacuate ahead of Matthew, the first major hurricane storm to hit the state in 11 years.

The number of homes and businesses without power jumped by the hour as the storm edged closer to the coast. More than 420,000 were in the dark by Friday morning.

As of 7 a.m. EDT Friday, the hurricane was brushing Cape Canaveral, according to the National Hurricane Center. Matthew was centered about 35 miles east of Cape Canaveral and moving north-northwest around 14 mph.

After Florida, forecasters said Matthew would probably hug the coast of Georgia and South Carolina over the weekend before veering out to sea perhaps even looping back toward Florida in the middle of next week as a tropical storm.

The hurricane had been a potentially catastrophic Category 4 storm, but weakened slightly early Friday to a Category 3. Forecasters said it could dump up to 15 inches of rain in some spots and cause a storm surge of 9 feet or more.

They said the major threat to the Southeast would not be the winds which newer buildings can withstand but the massive surge of seawater that could wash over coastal communities along a 500-mile stretch from South Florida to the Charleston, South Carolina, area.

President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency for Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, freeing up federal money and personnel to protect lives and property.

The Fort Lauderdale and Orlando airports shut down. Airlines canceled more than 3,000 flights Thursday and Friday, many of them in or out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Amtrak suspended train service between Miami and New York, and cruise lines rerouted ships to avoid the storm, which in some cases will mean more days at sea.

Orlando's world-famous theme parks Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld all closed.

"I never get time off. I'm a little sad," tourist Amber Klinkel, 25, of Battle Creek, Michigan, lamented at Universal.

Patients were transferred from two Florida waterfront hospitals and a nursing home near Daytona Beach to safer locations.

Thousands of people hunkered down in schools converted to shelters, and inland hotels in places such as Charlotte, North Carolina, reported brisk business.

At the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, NASA no longer has to worry about rolling space shuttles back from the launch pad to the hangar because of hurricanes, since the shuttle fleet is now retired. But the spaceflight company SpaceX was concerned about the storm's effect on its leased seaside pad.

The last Category 3 storm or higher to hit the U.S. was Wilma in October 2005. It sliced across Florida with 120 mph winds, killing five people and causing an estimated $21 billion in damage.

With hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 60 miles, Matthew could wreak havoc along the U.S. coast even if its center stayed offshore.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal ordered an evacuation of the entire Georgia coast, covering more than a half-million people. It was the first hurricane evacuation along the Georgia coast since 1999, when the state narrowly escaped Floyd.

"We have a house that sits right here on the water and we kind of said goodbye to it thinking that, you know, the house ... might not be here when we get back," said Jennifer Banker, a resident of Georgia's dangerously exposed St. Simons Island. "You know, we pray a lot and trust God to provide."

Copyright 2016, the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
LINCOLN  The sale of Rocky Ford, an iconic spot on the scenic Niobrara River, was finalized Wednesday.

Now, the Niobrara Council, a panel of local landowners and officials, is considering whether to acquire the popular take-out point for canoe and float trips to ensure public access to the property.

Mike Tuerk, the chairman of the 16-member council, said a subcommittee of that group will meet soon to hammer out a concept of how the 25-acre Rocky Ford site might be managed and how to raise the estimated $2.5 million needed to acquire it.

That concept, Tuerk said, would then be presented to the full council to see if members approve.

Ownership by the Niobrara Council, he said, would be much more palatable in the local ranching area of north-central Nebraska than ownership by the federal government. A plan to have the National Park Service purchase the property was scuttled by the council and members of Nebraskas congressional delegation in May.

Brad Arrowsmith, a Bassett, Nebraska, rancher and a member of the Niobrara Council, said he purchased Rocky Ford not to make money, but to provide an opportunity for the council to buy the land and ensure local control over its future management.

I see this as an opportunity that I couldnt let slip away from the Niobrara Council and its partners, Arrowsmith said in a statement Wednesday.

The exact purchase price of the property, which includes a lodge, concession store, campground and four cabins, was not disclosed.

Rocky Ford was owned by Kerry and Lisa Krueger, who will continue to operate their canoe/inner tube outfitter business on the site, pending any action by the council.

There were fears that the Kruegers might sell the spot to a private party, who could decide to close it off to canoers and float trips.

Rocky Ford, one of the few spots with Class III rapids in Nebraska, is where most canoe and float trips end on the Niobrara, which was federally designated as a scenic river in 1991. Because of the roaring rapids, its also a popular spot for camping and picnics.

More than 30,000 people a year paddle or float the Niobrara River, but the relationship between local landowners and canoe outfitters and the National Park Service has been rocky. The Park Service is responsible for overseeing the scenic river. The Niobrara Council was created in 1997 as a way to guarantee local input on management decisions.

Tuerk, a member of the Keya Paha County Board, said he personally supports a purchase of Rocky Ford by the council because it would further the organizations purpose of preserving and promoting use of the scenic river.

He said he envisions the council finding another entity to take on the day-to-day management of the property. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, which operates Smith Falls State Park on leased land upriver, has been mentioned as a possible candidate.

But Tuerk emphasized that it would be up to the entire council to decide whether to move forward on such a project.

A game plan has to be put into action, he said.
Advancing technology and Omahas growing public safety needs are putting a strain on two frontline Douglas County institutions that serve Omaha residents and city police and fire departments.

The radio equipment that the Douglas County 911 center uses to receive and send out emergency dispatches and calls will be obsolete in less than two years. The 911 center itself barely has enough space to function, and officials say it has no room to accommodate expected additional dispatchers and equipment.

At the same time, record-high numbers of inmates are forcing Douglas County Corrections to house inmates in the oldest parts of the county jail. Those units lack features  such as fire sprinklers, automatic sliding doors and cell windows that officers can clearly see through  that officials say are crucial to employee and inmate safety.

The 911 center and jail problems are driving a $45 million bond issue that Douglas County voters will decide on Nov. 8.

Of that, the county would spend about $15 million to buy new emergency communications equipment. An additional $20 million would pay to renovate space at the former Thomas Fitzgerald Veterans Home for a new, larger 911 call center, plus other county offices. And the county would spend $10 million on the jail.

County officials say they must buy most of the emergency communications equipment with or without the bond issue. They note that while 911 is a county function, the vast majority of the calls and dispatches involve City of Omaha residents and Omaha police and fire departments.

Without the upgrade, law enforcement and fire will lose the capability for real-time emergency communication, interim 911 director Mark Conrey said.

The county must replace radios and radio infrastructure for which the manufacturer, Motorola, will no longer provide support after 2018.

That includes almost $2.8 million for mobile and handheld radios for the Douglas County Sheriffs Office, Douglas County Corrections Department, rural law enforcement agencies and hospital emergency rooms.

It also includes $8.5 million for new base stations for the 911 call center and the seven emergency communications towers spread around the county, plus $2 million for a new fire station alerting system and radio consoles for dispatchers and operators.

THE FITZGERALD HOME

The 911 center currently is in a building that also houses the Douglas County Sheriffs Office headquarters, at 156th Street and West Maple Road.

Operators in small cubicles  three rows of three  take calls and route them to the appropriate dispatchers.

Dispatchers work at desks in large pods. The areas are open so the dispatchers can talk to one another, but the desks have to be far enough away from each other to prevent radio feedback. Each dispatcher works at an array of five computer screens.

Ideally, a supervisor would be in each area. Theres not enough room for that now, if the center is fully staffed with dispatchers. Nor is there space for additional dispatchers and operators, although more will be needed, Conrey said. Currently, there are six law enforcement dispatchers on each shift. Four  one for each police precinct  handle Omaha police dispatches. Two dispatch county calls for service.

Three others handle fire dispatches.

If Omaha adds a fifth (police) precinct, we wont be able to accommodate that, Conrey said.

Theres also discussion that the Omaha Fire Department will require separate dispatchers for fires and medical calls. That would add another worker for whom there is no room at the 911 center, Conrey said.

Next-generation 911, which would allow the center to receive text messages, video and other input, will require more equipment in the center.

The current center lacks storage space as well. Radio and computer components are stacked in hallways, offices, the heating and cooling room and even an unused Sheriffs Office jail cell.

Break-room space is inadequate for the workers high-stress job. Bathroom space also is limited  theres only one toilet in the womens restroom.

The proposed 911 center would have twice as much space  about 12,000 square feet.

To do that, the county would renovate portions of the former Fitzgerald Home building.

Douglas County already owns the building. The county renovated a wing of it in 2011 for the Douglas County crime lab.

Now, the county proposes to renovate pretty much the rest of the old Fitzgerald Home.

The 2-story brick building is solid, said Jerry Leahy, the countys public properties manager. But its interior is shabby, and its electrical, plumbing, mechanical and heating and cooling systems are worn out.

The renovation would replace those systems, including installing energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling.

Last week, Leahy stood in the middle of what was a kitchen and dining area, which would be part of the new 911 center. Sheriffs deputies and other officers now use the space, as well as hallways and resident rooms, for tactical training.

Leahy stepped over the spent casings of practice bullets and motioned toward stainless steel appliance framework, hole-pocked walls and electrical outlets dangling from the ceiling. This all will be blown out, he said.

The project would remove a red tile roof, put a new sub-roof beneath it, then re-install the tiles. New, more energy-efficient windows would replace the old ones. Fire sprinklers would be installed.

Drop ceilings, asbestos floor tile and some walls, such as those between former resident rooms, would be demolished. Locker and break rooms would be added. So would a small quiet room where operators and dispatchers could emotionally decompress during tough shifts.

The bond issue money also would pay to renovate space in the Fitzgerald Home building for a Douglas County Treasurers and Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles branch office, plus headquarters for two other county departments: Environmental Services and Emergency Management.

The treasurers branch would replace one in a rented building at 108th and Maple Streets. Environmental Services is housed in a building that Douglas County owns at 3015 Menke Circle. The county would sell that building and give up its lease on the current treasurers branch.

The county also would do basic renovations on about 13,000 square feet of Fitzgerald Home space so it could be remodeled for future use.

We own the building and land, Leahy said. We have utilities. We have fiber for the 911 already in the campus. To consolidate those other offices in here at the same time as we move 911 makes it a good master plan.

County officials are calling the building Douglas County Offices: West Campus.

THE JAIL

Downtown, the bond issue would pay to renovate portions of the original county jail, built in 1976, with an annex added in 1988. That would include plumbing and heating and cooling replacement.

Those things are needed, Douglas County Corrections Director Mark Foxall said while walking through the oldest part of the jail last week.

But he is most concerned about what he considers critical to the safety of officers and inmates and the security of the facility.

The oldest part of the jail does not have fire sprinklers. They werent required when it was built.

The cell doors in the area lock individually. Corrections officers cant lock groups of doors. So in the case of a fire, they couldnt let everyone out at once. Or in the case of a disturbance, they couldnt lock everyone in at once.

The bond issue would pay for 40 new sliding doors that could be controlled in groups from a corrections officer station.

Also, many Plexiglas windows have become so scratched and scuffed with graffiti and cleaning efforts that its hard to see through them.

Foxall stopped in a hallway outside a group of cells. The hall window was scratched. The cell windows were also scuffed up, making it difficult to see more than blurs of inmates orange clothing inside.

That can be dangerous to officers, Foxall said. They need to be able to see into housing areas to make sure officers are all right, and into cells to see if inmates are in distress or waiting to ambush an officer.

I want unobstructed, clear lines of sight, he said.

The bond issue also would pay for new LED lighting, which Foxall said also would make it easier for officers to see.

Showers would be replaced, to address leaks and plumbing back-ups.

The older sections of the jail are being used a lot more now because Omaha police and Douglas County courts are sending so many people to the jail.

The average daily population and length of stay are both up over last year in a trend that has lasted for several months and that Foxall expects to continue. In July, the jail hit an all-time high of 1,360 inmates.

The population was 1,325 when Foxall took The World-Herald for a walk through the jail Sept. 29. The jails capacity is 1,450.

The jail also is seeing record numbers of women inmates, plus high numbers of people with mental illnesses that make it difficult for them to be housed in cells with other inmates.

Those factors combine to make it necessary to use the entire facility, and the renovations are needed to do so safely, Foxall said.
Pete Ricketts campaign to elect more conservative senators to the Nebraska Legislature stretches to Bellevue, where the Republican governor has backed a retired Air Force colonel from the GOP looking to unseat incumbent State Sen. Sue Crawford, a Democrat.

Crawfords defense against the conservative push by Michael Cook: She says she has a record of getting things done in the Legislature.

The political dynamic in the District 45 race can be seen through the issue of the gas tax increase that the Legislature approved in 2015.

Crawford, who was elected in 2012, voted for the 6-cent-per-gallon increase, and after Ricketts vetoed the measure, she supported the override that passed the increase into law.

Ricketts, along with the Nebraska Republican Party, has since targeted a series of senators for defeat over the gas tax increase and other votes. At the state GOP convention this year, Ricketts called on members to elect platform Republicans who will stick by their conservative principles.

Like Ricketts, Cook opposes the higher gas tax. Cook said the increase was an idea to produce more revenue, but should have come with an accompanying cut in taxes elsewhere.

Cook said hes concerned about the impact on taxpayers.

Sometimes legislators dont look at it that way, he said. The money has to come from somewhere.

Yet the gas tax increase will produce a direct benefit for Bellevue.

When Ricketts announced a $300 million plan last month to complete Nebraskas unfinished expressway system, he included a key link for Bellevue. The new plan would add a 3-mile northbound lane on the Kennedy Freeway, starting in north Bellevue at Chandler Road (in Crawfords district) and running into South Omaha.

The expressway plan is funded in part through the gas tax increase. And the $10 million Kennedy Freeway project will be appealing for both commuters and commerce.

Crawford said the gas tax issue is an example of the common sense changes she has helped enact.

Were growing quickly and we need ... to make sure we can have the roads and bridges we need to continue to grow, she said.

Crawford, who has served as chairwoman of the Legislatures Urban Affairs Committee, said she has developed a reputation of being an effective senator and being effective working across party lines. She said that perspective is important in the nonpartisan, unicameral Legislature.

I think thats important for us to protect and defend, she said.

Cook is appealing to the Republican vote in a district where GOP-registered voters are the largest share of the electorate at 43 percent. After discussing and cussing politics with friends, Cook said he decided to run because he thought the district needed a conservative senator.

Cook had good things to say about Crawford but said, I would have probably done things differently.

In the two-candidate May primary, Cook polled ahead of Crawford by 21 votes, although Democratic turnout might have been affected by the partys earlier presidential caucus. As of the most recent campaign finance reports in June, Crawford held a distinct incumbent advantage, with $40,765 cash on hand compared to $1,737 for Cook.

Crawford had donations from a number of business and union political action committees. Crawford also faced $8,793 in spending by the Nebraska Republican Party in opposition to her.

Cook took in a $2,500 donation from Ricketts, the largest outside donation that the candidate received.

On taxes in general, Cook favors reducing taxes on working families and businesses. Crawford said she supported 20 bills that passed into law to cut taxes.

Cook, a former chief of staff for Offutts 55th Wing who now works as an RC-135 simulator instructor pilot for Riverside Research, says he supports legislation that would help keep the 55th Wing and assure the viability of Offutt Air Force Base. Crawford said she has supported numerous issues that will help Offutt and military families, including funding for levy improvements around the base that helped secure a critical runway repair from the Air Force.

Crawford voted to pass a repeal in Nebraskas death penalty. Cook supports the death penalty and said the Legislature should have originally put the issue of a repeal before voters.

Cook said he supports a comprehensive examination of Nebraskas state government operations to look for potential cuts.

That money turned over as revenue to the state is yours and my money, he said. That is still my money that I expect someone to manage properly and efficiently.

Crawford said she is pleased with helping pass the repeal of the Learning Communitys common levy  a tax structure that was a sore point with Sarpy County school districts.

It was important to get beyond the talking points and really ask what works, she said.

Crawford said the Nebraska Legislature has avoided tying itself up in the party debates affecting Washington, D.C., and other states. But she said there is growing pressure from the Republican Party to strengthen party discipline in the Legislature.

Crawford said the key question for voters in District 45: Do you want a conservative ideology or do you want common sense solutions?

*****

Sue Crawford

Age: 49

Party: Democratic

Home: Bellevue

Occupation: political science professor at Creighton University; faculty member, Creighton Center for Health Services Research and Patient Safety

Public office held: state senator, elected 2012

Education: bachelors degree, Northeast Missouri State (now Truman State); doctorate, Indiana University

Family: married; two children

Faith: Baptist

Michael J. Cook

Age: 69

Party: Republican

Home: Bellevue

Occupation: RC-135 simulator instructor pilot

Public offices held: none

Education: bachelors degree, U.S. Air Force Academy; masters degree, nuclear engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology

Family: married; two children

Faith: Catholic
Una flogging: Gujarat govt opposes CBI probe

Ahmedabad

oi-PTI

Ahmedabad, Oct 6: Gujarat government on Wednesday opposed the demand for a CBI probe into the Una Dalit atrocity incident before the Gujarat High Court, saying that the investigation done by the CID was "immaculate".

In an affidavit filed before the division bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice VM Pancholi, the government also said that Thangadh Dalit killing incident of 2012 had "a completely different set of facts that cannot be equated with the facts of the present (Una) case".

The government's reply came in response to a public interest litigation seeking a CBI probe in the Una case where some Dalit men were flogged in public on the suspicion of having killed a cow.

The petition said the probe by state CID may remain inconclusive, as in the case of death of three Dalit youths in police firing at Thangadh in Surendranagar in 2012.

The government's affidavit said that while in the Thangadh case CID filed a closure summary report (saying there was no evidence), in the Una incident CID had filed a charge sheet against all the accused, including four policemen.

"The (Thangadh) incident has a completely different set of facts....In so far as the present case is concerned, immaculate investigation has been carried out by the team (of CID)," it said.

Witnesses' statements and reports of the Forensic Science Laboratory and material evidence had made the prosecution's case strong, the government said.

"The chargesheet has been filed in less than two months against 34 accused and other charge sheets for other accused will be filed in due course," it said.

Advocate Ratna Vora, the lawyer for petitioner Kantibhai Chavda, today argued that he suspected there was a "larger conspiracy", which CID had not probed.

The High Court asked the petitioner to file a reply by October 18.

PTI

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Story first published: Thursday, October 6, 2016, 11:03 [IST]
Cauvery row: Will return every penny Karnataka has paid me, Nariman told minister

Bengaluru

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, Oct 6: Karnataka had plenty to cheer about after the Supreme Court set a lower quantum of Cauvery water to be released to Tamil Nadu. The team led by senior counsel Fali S Nariman had sucessfully managed to convince the Supreme Court that releasing more water was not possible.

Those who have watched Nariman argue for long say that they had never seen him so agitated as he was in the court on the last date of hearing. He told the court that mathematics alone was not sufficient to fix the quantum of water to be released.

Go by the ground realities, an agitated Nariman had told the court.

However, prior to the arguments in the Supreme Court, Karnataka had a tough job convincing Nariman to even argue for the case. He was extremely upset about being blamed by several Karnataka politicians for the orders passed by the Supreme Court.

Cauvery row: When Nariman told Supreme Court, "Do not embarrass me"

The state of Karnataka had even approached another senior advocate in case Nariman refused to argue the case. Last week, when members of Karnataka's legal team met Nariman, he said, "I am very hurt and I decline to appear for the state of Karnataka. I am upset with the critical statements made on the floor of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Tell them not to enter my gate," Nariman told the members of the legal team.

The task to convince Nariman then fell upon the Water Resources Minister of Karnataka, MB Patil. He rushed to Delhi and met a very agitated Nariman.

Patil was told, "My doors are shut for you. You can come over for a cup of tea, but you cannot ask me to continue. Find a better lawyer, Nariman also said.

"I charge you one third of the fees that I usually charge. I will pay back all that you have paid in the past 32 years. My dignity is far more important," Nariman also told the minister. Patil immediately apologised and said that we will remove any lawyer but not Nariman.

We cannot do without you, Patil said following which Nariman relented.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, October 6, 2016, 13:16 [IST]
Kerala, ISIS and the Gulf: The connection is back again

Bengaluru

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, Oct 6: For several years the Intelligence Bureau has been saying that the radicalisation of some Muslims in Kerala is directly connected to the Gulf. This fact has resurfaced yet again following the arrest of six people suspected to be part of an ISIS module in Kerala.

Investigators have stumbled upon a blog called Muhajirun which puts up pro-ISIS content. The blog is regularly updated and while following the author's trail, the same led up to Gulf. Investigators say that there are a group of boys in the Middle East who are regularly updating the blog.

Investigators suspect that this blog has been instrumental in the radicalisation of several youth in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. On this blog, there are articles praising the ISIS and its agenda. Further articles such as True Jihad and Growing atrocities on Muslims can also be found on this blog.

Hunt for missing youth

After the Gulf connection resurfaced, the police in Kerala are now drawing up a fresh list. The list would include those people who have gone missing from Kerala and are suspected to be holed up in the Gulf. Once such a list is prepared the police are likely to seek their deportation.

Also read: The ISIS promise: Sex slaves on earth, virgins in heaven

Only recently the Kerala police had reported that nearly 23 people had gone missing from Kerala. These people who left Kerala in batches are suspected to have joined an ISIS module in Afghanistan. The case has, however, hit a road block as no fresh leads have emerged.

The police also say that the bigger worry that has cropped up now is that it is the educated youth who are drawn towards the ideology of the ISIS. There is a heavy Wahhabi ideology influx into Kerala and this has become a major concern.

Money from the Gulf is being pumped into the state to spread this dreaded ideology, the police also say.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, October 6, 2016, 10:32 [IST]
Surgical strike meant to send message to Pak, not to satisfy Kejriwal

Bengaluru

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, Oct 6: Releasing footage of surgical strikes would only benefit the adversary. It would compromise several details and the tactics used by the armed forces, who carried out a very successful surgical strike across the Line of Control. A senior officer in the army tells OneIndia that releasing such sensitive footage would only be a setback for the armed forces.

The officer also says that some in the opposition do not realise that making such footage public will only compromise the security of the armed forces. This was a surgical strike conducted.

The operation was a successful one and the intention was to send a strong message to Pakistan that terrorism from their end will not be tolerated.

The officer further adds that the operation was meant to send a message to Pakistan and not satisfy a few in the opposition. Following the strike, the Director General of Military Operations, Lt. General Ranbir Singh made the announcement.

Also read: PM Modi to ministers on post-surgical strike care: Don't thump chests, don't speak out of turn

He had also said that the DGMO of Pakistan too had been informed. He further announced that significant damage had been inflicted during the operation. What more needs to be said after this, the officer also asks.

Several other officers that OneIndia contacted also said that they welcomed the Prime Minister's directive to his own party men on not to indulge in chest thumping. Many leaders had indulged in chest thumping after the surgical strike. It is provocative in nature and does not augur well, officers also noted.

At the high level security meet, the Prime Minister told his party leaders that they should not indulge in chest thumping. He also said that on such issues that are so sensitive in nature, none should also speak out of turn.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, October 6, 2016, 11:16 [IST]
In a first, two inmates of Institute of Mental Health tie the knot

Jayalalithaa's health: Madras HC rejects plea, terms it publicity petition

Chennai

oi-Vicky

Chennai, Oct 6: The Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a petition which sought details on the the health of Tamil Nadu chief minister, J Jayalalithaa. The court termed the petition as a publicity stunt while rejecting the same. The petition was heard by a division Bench comprising Chief Justice S K Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan.

The Bench also warned the petitioner not to use the judiciary as a forum for political purposes. On Tuesday, the petitioner had made a mention before a Division Bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and R Mahadevan.

The Bench headed by the Chief Justice which hears public interest litigations was seated at the Madurai Bench.

When the petition was taken up on Tuesday, the Bench headed by Justice Sundresh directed the Advocate General to get instructions and make an oral statement on the health of the CM.

However, on Thursday when the matter came up it was posted before the regular Bench headed by the Chief Justice.

Also read: Medical team from AIIMS to examine Jayalalithaa

In the petition which was filed by social activist, Traffic Ramaswamy he sought to declare the real status of the Chief Minister with material proof.

He said that although the Governor and union minister of state, Pon Radhakrishnan had visited the hospital, they had not provided the exact details regarding the Chief Minister.

There have been repeated requests made by the opposition to release her photograph and give clarity on the situation, the petitioner also stated.

He also claimed that he was filing this petition only because there were many people who are anxious. Many have approached me to do something on the issue and hence I decided to approach the court, the petitioner also contended.

Responding to the petitioner, the Advocate General of Tamil Nadu, Manishankar said that the hospitals were releasing medical bulletins periodically on the health of the Chief Minister.

OneIndia News
In a first, two inmates of Institute of Mental Health tie the knot

Tamil Nadu based ISIS operative arrested

Chennai

oi-Vicky

Chennai, Oct 6: The National Investigating Agency (NIA) has arrested a Tamil Nadu based man for his alleged links with the ISIS. The person arrested has been identified as 31-year-old Subhani Haji Moideen alias Abu Meer.

Hailing from Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, he is said to have resided in Syria for nearly 5 months. He has also claimed that he fought alongside the ISIS in Syria and even met with the top leadership. Investigators say that he had returned to Tamil Nadu a few months back.

His activities were being watched closely by the agencies. He was in constant touch with the members of the Kerala-Tamil Nadu module which was busted recently with the arrest of 6 people.

Also read: Kerala, ISIS and the Gulf: The connection is back again

NIA, that is investigating that case, said that these members had planned on killing several people whom they considered to be liberals.

The NIA is currently questioning Meer for his alleged links with the ISIS. It has been learnt that he. like the Maharashtra based Areeb Majeed. had fought alongside the ISIS in Syria. Further, the NIA is also trying to ascertain details on his local links both in TN and Kerala.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, October 6, 2016, 13:01 [IST]
(In pics) Hurricane Matthew wreaks havoc

Feature

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Hurricane Matthew is predicted to affect parts of eastern Florida and other parts of the Southeast coast starting Thursday, The devastation is said to continue till the weekend.

As illustrated by the National Hurricane Center's (NHC) projected path map, and also explained below, the severity of any direct impacts will depend on how close the center of Matthew moves near the coast.

A worried premier Washington : With a video of Hurricane Matthew in the background, President Barack Obama speaks during a briefing to update him on the hurricane during a visit to FEMA headquarters in Washington. PTI The devastation Baracoa : A woman cries amid the rubble of her home, destroyed by Hurricane Matthew, in Baracoa, Cuba, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. The hurricane rolled across the sparsely populated tip of Cuba overnight, destroying dozens of homes in Cuba's easternmost city, Baracoa, leaving hundreds of others damaged. PTI Mathhew's wind Baracoa : The high winds of Hurricane Matthew roar over Baracoa, Cuba, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. The dangerous Category 4 storm blew ashore around dawn in Haiti. It unloaded heavy rain as it swirled on toward a lightly populated part of Cuba and the Bahamas. PTI Neck deep Port-au-Prince : A "tap-tap" truck carrying commuters drives through a street flooded by rain brought by Hurricane Matthew in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday Oct. 4, 2016. Hurricane Matthew roared into the southwestern coast of Haiti on Tuesday, threatening a largely rural corner of the impoverished country with devastating storm conditions as it headed north toward Cuba and the eastern coast of Florida. PTI

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, October 6, 2016, 15:01 [IST]
You don't talk to me: Sonia Gandhi told Smriti Irani in Parliament over 'rashtrapatni' row

Fake degree case: Court asks EC to authenticate certificates of Smriti Irani

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, Oct 6: Patiala House Court on Thursday asked Election Commission to authenticate certificates of Union Minister Smriti Irani in fake degree case. The Court was hearing a complaint filed against Irani for allegedly giving false information regarding her academic qualifications in affidavits to the Election Commission. Court later adjourned matter till 15 October.

All you need to know about the Fake degree issue.

Background of the case

The complainant , Ahmer Khan, a freelance writer had alleged that Irani had deliberately given discrepant information about her educational qualifications in affidavits filed before the poll panel in 2004, 2011 and 2014 and not given any clarification despite concerns being raised on the issue.

Khan had alleged that Irani had knowingly furnished misleading information about her qualifications in affidavits filed before EC and that a candidate, deliberately giving incorrect details, could be punished under provisions of the IPC and under section 125A of the Representation of the People Act (RPA).

Section 125A of RPA deals with penalty for filing false affidavit and entails a jail term of up to six months or fine or both.

What happened in last hearing?

Earlier on October 1, the court had reserved its order after hearing arguments advanced by complainant, and going through the reports submitted by the Election Commission and Delhi University regarding Irani's educational degrees.

The court was earlier told by an official appearing for the poll panel that the documents filed by Irani regarding her educational qualification while filing nominations were not traceable. However, the information on this was available on its website, it had said.

DU submitted documents of Irani's BA course

In pursuance to the court's earlier direction, DU had also submitted that the documents pertaining to Irani's BA course in 1996, as purportedly mentioned by her in an affidavit filed during 2004 Lok Sabha elections, were yet to be found.

The court had on November 20 last year allowed the complainant's plea seeking direction to the officials of EC and DU to bring the records of Irani's qualifications after he said he was unable to place them before the court.

Smirti Irani-A Model-turned TV actress turned politician

Smriti Irani was born in a Delhi-based Punjabi middle class family and her father used to run a small courier company. Smriti's mother is a Bengali and she is the eldest among three sisters.

She gone through a lot of trials and tribulations before attaining her stardom. Irani herself accepted that before starting career in modeling, she worked as waitress at popular food joint McDonald.

In 1990s, she came to Mumbai to earn a big name for herself. In 1998, Femina Miss India beauty pageant, she was among the top finalists.

In 2000, she got breakthrough in TV serials. She worked in many serials including popular Kyun ki Saas bhi kabhi bahu thi. This daily soap which ran for about 8 years and ended in 2008, made her household name.

Her political career-A brief timeline

2003: Cashing on the huge popularity of her role in TV serial Kyun ki Saas bhi kabhi bahu thi, Irani joined BJP at the age of 38. She had played role of Tulsi Virani, the "ideal bahu" in the serial.

2004: She was appointed as the vice president of BJP's Maharashtra youth wing.

This year, Irani also contested Lok sabha election against Kapil Sibal from Delhi's Chandni Chowk constituency. Though Irani lost election, she was applauded for challenging Sibal, a Congress veteran.

2010: She was appointed National Secretary of BJP as well as All India President of the BJP Mahila Morcha.

2011: Irani was sworn in as the Member of Parliament (MP) from Gujarat to the Rajya Sabha.

2014: Because of her dedication for party's work and capablity as a leader, she was given ticket to fight Lok Sabha polls against Rahul Gandhi from Congress' home turf Amethi. Though she lost poll, still Irani became blue eyed girl of Modi for giving tough fight to Congress scion in his fiefddom.

Appointed as HRD minister

Irani was made HRD minister, despite losing Lok Sabha election. Party workers even questioned the decision, saying that how can a 12th pass lady can handle such an important portfolio. It is being said that she was personally chosen by Modi despite the move getting red flagged by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

'Controversy queen'

Irani's stint as HRD minister was marred by major controversies over protests in the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus in Delhi and also the students' protest over the death of scholar Rohith Vemula in Hyderabad.

Angry protests and campus violence were reported from various other universities too under her regime.

She also faced flak on appointment of IIT directors and Delhi University's four-year university programme (FYUP). Apart from abover, Irani was severly criticised for her decision to replace German with Sanskrit as the third language in Kendriya Vidyalayas.

Shifted to Textile Minister

In July, 2016 reshuffle, Irani was removed as HRD minister and was given charge of Textile minister. The move was seen as demotion of Irani as she couldn't stand up on the expectations of Narendra Modi. Critics said that she was removed for creating unnecessary controversies and not justifying her role as HRD minister.

OneIndia News
India's steel industry now 2nd biggest, target is to double crude steel output in 10 years: PM Modi

Fact Check: Rishi Sunak never said India needs a PM like Manmohan Singh

From being a victim of terrorism to exploring global solutions: India praised at UN's Counter Terrorism meet

India, Sri Lanka share concerns about cross-border terrorism

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, Oct 6 India and Sri Lanka have shared concerns over cross-border terrorism in a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe.

"Prime Ministers Modi and Wickremesinghe shared concerns at the spread of cross-border terrorism in the region and reaffirmed that they were of one mind on the need to counter this menace, which was affecting progress in entire South Asia," sources here on Wednesday said following the meeting.

India last month pulled out of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Summit that was scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November citing Pakistan's sponsorship of terrorism in the region.

New Delhi's move came after the September 18 cross-border terror attack on an army base at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers.

Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan followed suit citing the same reason, virtually isolating Pakistan in the region.

Sri Lanka expressed the view that the Saarc Summit would not be possible in the absence of India.

According to the sources, Modi and Wickremesinghe reviewed progress in bilateral efforts to forge closer cooperation in economic, defence and security matters.

Both leaders agreed on more active participation by Indian industry in developmental priorities in Sri Lanka

During the course of the day, Wickremesinghe also held meetings with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari and Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan.

"In the ministerial meetings the Sri Lankan Prime Minister discussed ways to build security and defence collaboration between the countries, Indian collaboration in the further development of road and port infrastructure, and development of the power and oil and gas infrastructure in Sri Lanka," the sources said.

In the evening, Wickremesinghe called on President Pranab Mukherjee and both sides reiterated the urgency to counter cross border terrorism through united action, including at the UN through early adoption of the India-initiated Comprehensive Convention on Counter Terrorism and strengthening internal security systems.

Wickremesinghe also shared his vision for the economic and political transformation under way in Sri Lanka and the opportunities for Indian industry in partnering various development projects in the country.

IANS
Dalali barb: Rahul's comments most shameful, hits new low: BJP

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Oct 6: Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi over his "dalali" barb at Narendra Modi, BJP today called his remarks "a new low in Indian politics" and said he was speaking in "frustration" as the Prime Minister was drawing "praise" after he gave nod to the army to carry out the surgical strikes.

"It is most shameful. Such remarks reflect his mental bankruptcy. The army and the Prime Minister are getting praise from everywhere for the surgical strikes.

Modi is being praised for his decision and he is unable to digest it. Rahul Gandhi is in frustration," BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said. Another party National Secretary Sidharth Nath Singh said, "His statement is a new low in Indian politics.

It is not only condemnable but highly irresponsible coming from the vice president of Congress party which fought for independence... Surgical strikes happened across the LoC but Rahul Gandhi has done surgical strike on his party."

Taking a jibe at Gandhi, Sharma said "dalali" is in his and Congress' nature as he referred to a number of alleged scams, like 2G, CWG, coal, involving the UPA government, which, he added, ran into 12 lakh crore. Gandhi too is on bail in the National Herald scam of Rs 5000 crore, he alleged.

Referring to controversial comments of some Congress leaders including Sanjay Nirupam, Sharma said the Opposition party is confused as they had been attacking Modi after Pathankot and Uri terror attacks and do not know how to react after he ordered the surgical strikes.

Surgical strikes: Rahul attacks PM Modi, accuses him of doing politics on sacrifices of soldiers

Congress and other political parties may be nervous because of courage and will power shown by Modi government in backing armed forces decision to go for surgical strike across LOC.

The aim of a responsible govt is to back armed forces which defend the nation and not use them for political gains, Singh said. Terming Gandhi's 'Kisan Yatra' in Uttar Pradesh as a "flop drama", Sharma said the governments run by Gandhi family members did nothing for either farmers or youths and have the "blot" of suicides committed by lakhs of farmers.

Modi is solving the problems inherited from Congress governments and has come out with schemes like crop insurance and soil health card to help farmers.

"The Modi government has offered salve to the wounds inflicted by Congress governments," he said. Addressing a public meeting, Gandhi had earlier said "jinhone Hindustan ke liye surgical strike kiye hain, unke khoon ke peeche aap chhupe hain.

Unki aap dalali kar rahe ho. {You (Modi) are hiding behind the blood of soldiers who carried out the surgical strikes for India. You are exploiting their sacrifices.}

PTI
RJD MLA Awadh Bihari Chaudhary likely to be new speaker of Bihar Assembly

Will not step down unless CM asks me to do so: Bihar Agriculture Min

Bihar's Gopalganj by-poll to see a tough fight between BJP and RJD

Suspended RJD MLA meets Lalu Yadav

India

oi-PTI

Patna, Oct 6: With the Supreme Court scheduled to hear tomorrow the Bihar government's appeal for cancellation of his bail in rape case of a minor, suspended RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav today met party chief Lalu Prasad and said he has no grudge against the state government.

Emerging from the meeting at 10 Circular Road residence of former Chief Minister Rabri Devi where he met RJD president Lalu Prasad, Raj Ballabh Yadav told reporters it was a courtesy visit to extend greetings of Durga Puja.

There was no word from Lalu Prasad on the meeting. The office at Rabri Devi's house also maintained it was a usual courtesy visit.

Raj Ballabh Yadav, MLA from Nawada, said he has no complaint against the state government for going against his bail in the apex court.

"Government works according to a system. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has not gone into appeal ... I do not have any grievance against the state government. Why you (mediapersons) are raising question about the system," he said.

Replying to questions, Yadav said, "There is no serious charge against me. There is no FIR or statement of the victim under 164 CRPC against me."

The third term RJD MLA was suspended from the party in the wake of the rape allegation against him. The girl, a resident of Rahui in Nalanda, was raped allegedly at the MLA's house under Mufassil police station on February 6.

He was arrested in the case but got bail from the Patna High Court on Friday last.

Bihar government has moved the Supreme Court challenging the bail granted to Raj Ballabh Yadav.

The court has listed the matter for hearing tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Prasad Yadav told reporters that the government was doing its duty and it is up to the court to see if the accused MLA is guilty.

"Let us leave the matter to the court to decide," Tejaswi Yadav, who is also leader of RJD Legislature party in the state Assembly, said.

PTI

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Story first published: Thursday, October 6, 2016, 15:12 [IST]
The joy of our lives: Sushma Swaraj's husband warm birthday wishes for late leader

Remembering Sushma Swaraj on her death anniversary: Facts about Iron Lady of India

Swaraj meets families of Indians abducted in Iraq

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Oct 6: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met the families of 39 Indians taken hostage by ISIS in June 2014 from Mosul in Iraq.

"Conveying Government's continuous efforts, EAM @SushmaSwaraj meets families of Indian nationals captive in Iraq," MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

This the tenth meeting between Swaraj and the families since the abduction of the Indians from the war-torn country in June 2014.

Government has been maintaining that according to information available with it the Indians were not killed and it was making all efforts to secure their release.

Delhi: EAM Sushma Swaraj meets families of Indian nationals captive in Iraq pic.twitter.com/1Na2Rkk5eo  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

Have info of them(Indian nationals captive in Iraq) being alive,however we don't have any proof. Maare jaane ki na khabar hai na saboot: EAM pic.twitter.com/PnVhggmsT5  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

We are continuously making efforts, PM raises it wherever possible, I also raise it...our ministers too raise it. Keep patience: EAM Swaraj pic.twitter.com/oUA1sspp7O  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

PTI
This ISIS recruit chickened out, returned to India and again joined the outfit

India

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Oct 6: This ISIS recruit too chickened out and unable to bear the misery in Mosul, Iraq he returned to India. Earlier the National Investigation Agency had arrested one Subahani Mohammad, aged 31 who is a resident of Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu.

The allegation against him was that he had joined the ISIS and was supporting its activities. He is originally a resident of Kerala.

Here are the details of his interrogation verbatim:

-I was recruited and radicalized by the ISIS over an online social media platform."

-I had gone to Iraq on April 8 2014 to join the ISIS and fight for them."

-I left home telling my wife and parents that I was going to perform Umrah."

-I left for Istanbul from Chennai on a visit visa.

-After reaching Istanbul, I crossed over into Iraq with others from Pakistan.

-I underwent a detailed course in Sharia at Mosul followed by combat training

-I was sent for war duty which I performed for two weeks.

-I was paid 100 US dollars a month along with accomodation free of cost.

-I could not withstand the violence and misery in Mosul.

-I decided to leave the organisation after two friends were burnt alive in an attack.

-The ISIS imprisoned me when they found out and subject me to torture.

-I was sent to a jail in Syria.

-One day they allowed me to leave after which I approached the Indian consulate.

-I went back to Istanbul and contacted my family who sent money for airfare.

-Upon my return, I took up a job as a salesman.

-I got in touch with ISIS handlers over the internet after few months.

OneIndia News
Tamil Nadu under NIA radar after arrest of suspected ISIS operative

India

oi-PTI

Chennai, Oct 6: After the arrest of a Tamil Nadu resident for his alleged links with terror group ISIS, the National Investigating Agency's sleuths are questioning suspects in the state.

NIA today said it has arrested Subahani Haja Moideen, a resident of Kadayanallur in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, for allegedly "joining and supporting the activities of the ISIS," a terror outfit banned in the country.

He was picked up by NIA on October 3 from his residence and after questioning he was arrested yesterday, the NIA said. NIA's action also follows the arrest of six men in Kerala on October 2, including 29-year-old man Abu Basheer alias Rashid alias Buccha - from Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore District.

Abu Basheer was among six persons held for being part of an ISIS inspired module who allegedly conspired to carry out terrorist acts. Also, 26-year-old Swalih Mohammed T alias Yousuf alias Abu Hasna, a resident of Chennai and native of Kerala, was also among the six men and he was working for a corporate firm here that runs a chain of resorts.

Against this background, NIA is continuing what officials called its "follow up work and questioning."

Tamil Nadu based ISIS operative arrested

"NIA officials are holding inquiries based on their inputs. Suspects are being questioned in districts including Coimbatore and Tirunelveli," a senior police official told PTI. To a question, he said though "inquiries" were made today too "with some men here" by NIA sleuths, it does not appear to be "the probe connected to the ISIS inspired module".

"Searches were made and some questioned in respect of Swalih Mohammed who was residing in Chennai," he said.

To another question, the official said, "Nothing can be said as of now on questioning of suspects and others who may be in a position to aid probe as these are all part of routine investigation." He said Tamil Nadu Police was "just supporting NIA" in its probe and will not be able to comment more on the matter.

PTI
Are you awake?: EAM Jaishankar recalls when he got a call from PM Modi at midnight

Donors pledge USD 15 billion for Afghanistan at Brussels talks

International

oi-PTI

Brussels, Oct 5 International donors pledged USD 15.2 billion today to get Afghanistan through the next four years and urged the Taliban to make peace after years of war.

As fresh fighting raged in the strategic northern city of Kunduz, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was at a conference in Brussels seeking aid from officials from 75 countries and more than 20 global organisations.

Despite donor fatigue due to the Syria war, the amount pledged is only slightly less than the four billion dollars a year that the international community promised at the last Afghanistan conference in Tokyo in 2012.

"I want you to know that you do not make this journey alone," EU International Development Commissioner Neven Mimica said to applause as he closed the conference.

"Now is not the time to reduce our ambition or our investment in the people of Afghanistan. I am therefore delighted to announce that we have pledged together a remarkable, an impressive amount of 15.2 billion US dollars." In return for the international money, Afghanistan will make reform pledges on corruption and human rights, and also agree to take back migrants from Europe more quickly.

Afghanistan remains dependent on foreign aid and support from a limited NATO military presence, despite having improved key life indicators including maternal mortality and lifespan.

Ghani told the conference that Afghanistan was making progress on the economy, corruption and human rights but needed constructive international support to see the changes through.

"Afghans can make peace, we will make peace, we are committed to constructive politics, not destructive politics," he said.

Fifteen years almost to the day since the start of the US-led operation to topple the Taliban after 9/11, US Secretary of State John Kerry urged the militant group to make an "honourable" peace with Kabul. He said they should follow the example of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the notorious Afghan warlord and US-designated "global terrorist", who signed a peace deal with the Afghan government in September.

"This is a model for what might be possible," Kerry added. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said a dinner of regional players including China, India and Pakistan on Tuesday had "found common ground" for the Afghan peace process, and that the EU "will try to facilitate this as much as possible in the coming months".

She announced that the 28-nation bloc will pledge 1.2 billion euros ($1.5 billion) a year, adding: "There will not be any donor fatigue on Afghanistan."

AFP
- By David Goodloe





The Hennessy Japan Fund (Trades, Portfolio)'s activity in the quarter ended July 31 focused exclusively on trimming holdings in its portfolio. All 14 of its transactions in the quarter were reductions to existing stakes.





The most noteworthy was the sale of 4,000 shares of Ryohin Keikaku Co. Ltd. (TSE:7453), a Tokyo-based retailer of consumer and household goods, for an average price of 24,472.6 yen ($237.37) per share. The deal had a -0.78% impact on the fund's portfolio.

Matthews Japan Fund (Trades, Portfolio) is the company's largest shareholder among the gurus with 328,700 shares in its portfolio.

Ryohin Keikaku has a price-earnings (P/E) ratio of 24.74, a price-book (P/B) ratio of 4.02 and a price-sales (P/S) ratio of 1.81. GuruFocus gives Ryohin Keikaku a Financial Strength rating of 8/10 and a Profitability and Growth rating of 7/10 with return on equity (ROE) of 17.01% that is higher than 75% of the companies in the Global Department Stores industry and return on assets (ROA) of 11.81% that is higher than 88% of the companies in that industry.

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Ryohin Keikaku sold for 21,220 yen per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives Ryohin Keikaku a fair value of 12,269.48 yen.

The fund sold 22,700 shares of Terumo Corp. (TSE:4543), a medical equipment company based in Tokyo, for an average price of 4,467.38 yen per share. The transaction had a -0.76% impact on the portfolio.

Terumo has a P/E of 33.05, a P/B of 2.94 and a P/S of 2.75. GuruFocus gives Terumo a Financial Strength rating of 7/10 and a Profitability and Growth rating of 7/10 with ROE of 8.44% that is higher than 63% of the companies in the Global Medical Instruments & Supplies industry and ROA of 4.92% that is higher than 64% of the companies in that industry.

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Terumo sold for 3,950 yen per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives Terumo a fair value of 1,246.95 yen.

Story continues

The fund sold 16,200 shares of FUJI Seal International Inc. (TSE:7864), a Japanese holding company that is mostly involved in the packaging business, for an average price of 3,901.23 yen per share. The deal had a -0.48% impact on the portfolio.

FUJI has a P/E of 16.53, a P/B of 1.49 and a P/S of 0.83. GuruFocus gives FUJI a Financial Strength rating of 7/10 and a Profitability and Growth rating of 7/10 with ROE of 9.10% that is higher than 57% of the companies in the Global Packaging & Containers industry and ROA of 5.12% that is higher than 60% of the companies in that industry.

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FUJI sold for 4,160 yen per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives FUJI a fair value of 2,666.85 yen.

The fund trimmed its position in Keyence Corp. (TSE:6861), a Japanese electronics company, selling 900 shares for an average price of 69,053.7 yen per share. The transaction had a -0.47% impact on the portfolio.

Matthews Japan Fund (Trades, Portfolio) is Keyence's leading shareholder among the gurus with 117,400 shares in its portfolio. The holding is 0.19% of Keyence's outstanding shares and 2.51% of the fund's total assets.

Keyence has a P/E of 33.20, a P/B of 4.30 and a P/S of 11.83. GuruFocus gives Keyence a Financial Strength rating of 10/10 with no debt and a Profitability and Growth rating of 4/10 with ROE of 22.59% that is higher than 93% of the companies in the Global Scientific & Technical Instruments industry and ROA of 21.42% that is higher than 98% of the companies in that industry.

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Keyence sold for 76,290 yen per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives Keyence a fair value of 24,375.75 yen.

The fund sold 41,900 shares of Isuzu Motors Ltd. (TSE:7202), a Tokyo-based vehicle and engine manufacturing company, for an average price of 1,260.37 yen per share. The deal had a -0.39% impact on the portfolio.

T. Rowe Price Japan Fund (Trades, Portfolio) is Isuzu's leading shareholder among the gurus with 634,300 shares in its portfolio. The holding is 0.08% of Isuzu's outstanding shares and 2.11% of the guru's total assets.

Isuzu has a P/E of 9.47, a P/B of 1.29 and a P/S of 0.52. GuruFocus gives Isuzu a Financial Strength rating of 6/10 and a Profitability and Growth rating of 6/10 with ROE of 13.50% that is higher than 68% of the companies in the Global Auto Manufacturers industry and ROA of 5.75% that is higher than 64% of the companies in that industry.

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Isuzu sold for 1,229 yen per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives Isuzu a fair value of 1,344.55 with a 9% margin of safety.

The fund reduced its position in MISUMI Group Inc. (TSE:9962), a Japanese manufacturing company, by 31,100 shares. The fund sold the shares for an average price of 1,704.48 yen per share. The transaction had a 0.38% impact on the portfolio.

Matthews Japan Fund (Trades, Portfolio) is MISUMI's largest shareholder among the gurus with a stake of 4,725,000 shares. The stake is 1.72% of MISUMI's outstanding shares and 2.67% of the fund's total assets.

MISUMI has a P/E of 31.91, a P/B of 3.81 and a P/S of 2.16. GuruFocus gives MISUMI a Financial Strength rating of 8/10 and a Profitability and Growth rating of 8/10 with ROE of 13.23% that is higher than 76% of the companies in the Global Tools & Accessories industry and ROA of 9.77% that is higher than 87% of the companies in that industry.

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MISUMI sold for 1,925 yen per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives MISUMI a fair value of 643.81 yen.

The fund sold 79,800 shares of Daikin Industries Ltd. (TSE:6367), a Japanese air conditioner manufacturer, for an average price of 8,851.66 yen per share. The deal had a -0.38% impact on the portfolio.

Matthews Japan Fund (Trades, Portfolio) is Daikin's leading shareholder among the gurus with 504,500 shares in its portfolio. The holding is 0.17% of Daikin's outstanding shares and 1.33% of the fund's total assets.

Daikin has a P/E of 18.80, a forward P/E of 24.94, a P/B of 3.00 and a P/S of 1.36. GuruFocus gives Daikin a Financial Strength rating of 6/10 and a Profitability and Growth rating of 8/10 with ROE of 14.54% that is higher than 74% of the companies in the Global Building Materials industry and ROA of 6.56% that is higher than 70% of the companies in that industry.

Daikin sold for 9,613 yen per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives Daikin a fair value of 8,183.18 yen.

The fund trimmed its position in Kubota Corp. (TSE:6326), a Japanese machinery company, selling 325,000 shares for an average price of 1,507.32 yen per share. The transaction had a -0.37% impact on the portfolio.

T. Rowe Price Japan Fund (Trades, Portfolio) is Kubota's leading shareholder among the gurus with 506,900 shares in the portfolio. The holding is 0.04% of Kubota's outstanding shares and 1.84% of the fund's total assets.

Kubota has a P/E of 13.89, a P/B of 1.73 and a P/S of 1.14. GuruFocus gives Kubota a Financial Strength rating of 6/10 and a Profitability and Growth rating of 7/10 with ROE of 14.98% that is higher than 87% of the companies in the Global Farm & Construction equipment industry and ROA of 6.82% that is higher than 84% of the companies in that industry.

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Kubota sold for 1,562.5 yen per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives Kubota a fair value of 1,479.6 yen.

The fund sold 17,900 shares of Toyota Motor Corp. (TSE:7203), a Japanese automotive company, for an average price of 5,516.31 yen per share. The deal had a -0.29% impact on the portfolio.

David Herro (Trades, Portfolio) is Toyota's leading shareholder among the gurus with a stake of 12,398,000 shares. The stake is 0.37% of Toyota's outstanding shares and 2.75% of the guru's total assets.

Toyota has a P/E of 8.27, a forward P/E of 11.17, a P/B of 1.10 and a P/S of 0.65. GuruFocus gives Toyota a Financial Strength rating of 5/10 and a Profitability and Growth rating of 8/10 with ROE of 13.11% that is higher than 67% of the companies in the Global Auto Manufacturers industry and ROA of 4.66% that is higher than 57% of the companies in that industry.

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Toyota sold for 6,032 yen per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives Toyota a fair value of 7,589.92 yen with a 21% margin of safety.

The fund slashed its holding in Shimano Inc. (TSE:7309), a Japanese leisure products company, selling 2,300 shares for an average price of 15,816.8 yen per share. The transaction had a -0.29% impact on the portfolio.

Shimano has a P/E of 22.76, a P/B of 4.02 and a P/S of 4.09. GuruFocus gives Shimano a Financial Strength rating of 8/10 and a Profitability and Growth rating of 8/10 with ROE of 17.35% that is higher than 83% of the companies in the Global Leisure industry and ROA of 14.94% that is higher than 93% of the companies in that industry.

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Shimano sold for 16,310 yen per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives Shimano a fair value of 15,248.06 yen.

The fund sold 12,600 shares of Pigeon Corp. (TSE:7956), a manufacturer of maternity, baby and child care products, for an average price of 2,950.68 yen. The deal had a -0.29% impact on the portfolio.

Matthews Japan Fund (Trades, Portfolio) is Pigeon's leading shareholder among the gurus with a stake of 2,724,700 shares. The stake is 2.28% of Pigeon's outstanding shares and 2.55% of the fund's total assets.

Pigeon has a P/E of 35.03, a P/B of 7.67 and a P/S of 3.98. GuruFocus gives Pigeon a Financial Strength rating of 8/10 and a Profitability and Growth rating of 8/10 with ROE of 21.52% that is higher than 85% of the companies in the Global Household & Personal Products industry and ROA of 14.19% that is higher than 91% of the companies in that industry.

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Pigeon sold for 3,020 yen per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives Pigeon a fair value of 2,486.42 yen.

The fund sold 31,500 shares of Sumitomo Corp. (TSE:8053), a Japanese diversified corporation, for an average price of 1,073.46 yen per share. The deal had a -0.29% impact on the portfolio.

T. Rowe Price Japan Fund (Trades, Portfolio) is Sumitomo's leading shareholder among the gurus with 549,800 shares in its portfolio. The holding is 0.04% of Sumitomo's outstanding shares and 1.49% of the fund's total assets.

Sumitomo has a P/E of 92.49, a P/B of 0.67 and a P/S of 0.35. GuruFocus gives Sumitomo a Financial Strength rating of 4/10 and a Profitability and Growth rating of 6/10 with ROE of 0.64% that is lower than 52% of the companies in the Global Conglomerates industry and ROA of 0.18% that is higher than 57% of the companies in that industry.

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Sumitomo sold for 1,160.5 yen per share Thursday. The DCF Calculator gives Sumitomo a fair value of 129.81 yen.

The fund also sold portions of its holdings in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. (TSE:8316) and Mizuho Financial Group Inc. (TSE:8411) during the quarter.

Disclosure: I do not own any stocks mentioned in this article.

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This article first appeared on GuruFocus.






Hurricane Matthew devastates historic Cuban town

International

oi-PTI

Guantanamo, Oct 5 Hurricane Matthew devastated the historic colonial town of Baracoa in eastern Cuba and hurled large rocks onto the roads, cutting off a total of four towns, authorities and residents said today.

Cuban authorities said no victims had been reported from the storm -- the Caribbean's fiercest hurricane in nearly a decade -- which swept the province of Guantanamo with winds of up to 220 kilometers (135 miles) per hour Tuesday.

But residents said it left a trail of destruction in Baracoa, the first Spanish settlement in Cuba. "There's nothing left of Baracoa. Just debris and remains. The big colonial houses in the city center, which were so pretty, are destroyed," said resident Quirenia Perez, 35, speaking to AFP by cell phone after losing her roof, electricity and land line in the storm. "About 70 percent of the city's roofs flew off. There are a lot of trees, electric polls and telephone lines down," said Joel Gomez of humanitarian organization Oxfam in the nearby city of Guantanamo, relaying reports from the Red Cross.

He said the hurricane sent flood waters surging into Baracoa, partially or completely destroying many homes in the town of 82,000 people. Baracoa and the towns of Imias, Maisi and San Antonio del Sur, all near the island's eastern tip, have been cut off from the rest of the country by rocks picked up in the storm and scattered across the roads, said Deputy Defense Minister Ramon Espinosa Matin.

"There was a lot of destruction in Baracoa. We don't have any reports of lives lost, but the material losses are substantial," he told journalists. He said the situation was also "extremely complicated" in the other three towns, where the authorities are still trying to assess the extent of the damage.

The four towns have a total population of around 158,000 people. The region was already hit hard in 2012 by Hurricane Sandy, which killed 11 people here. Matthew, which has killed a total of at least nine people so far, pummeled Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba on Tuesday.

The storm, which made landfall as a Category Four hurricane, has been downgraded to three on a scale of five. But it was still causing alarm Wednesday as it barreled toward the Bahamas and the US East Coast, prompting President Barack Obama to warn residents to "prepare for the worst."

AFP
I don't love or hate Putin: Trump

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Oct 6: US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has shrugged off allegations that he would be too close to Vladimir Putin if elected, saying he was unsure of his relationship with the Russian President.

"I don't love. I don't hate. We'll see how it works," 70-year-old Trump said at an election rally in Reno, Nevada, a day after Senator Tim Kaine, Democratic vice presidential candidate slammed him for praising Putin.

"We'll see. Maybe we'll have a good relationship. Maybe we'll have a horrible relationship. Maybe we'll have a relationship right in the middle. I can say this. If we got along with Russia and Russia went out with us and knocked the hell out of ISIS, that's OK with me, folks. That's OK with me," Trump, who had described Putin as a better leader than US President Barack Obama, said.

Trump alleged that the allies of the US are not paying their fair share. "Foreign countries like Russia and China do not respect us. Do you ever see Hillary Clinton when she wants to talk tough about Putin? They say, Donald Trump loves Putin," he said, adding that he has no strong feeling about the Russian leader.

The Republican nominee alleged that countries like China, Japan are printing huge sums of money.

"The devaluation of currencies is staggering as to what it represents to our country, our businesses, our citizens, and our jobs," he said.

"Every time we start making progress, China devalues its currency and we go right back to the drawing board. Because you can't compete against that. It's cheating," he alleged.

"We are not going to level playing field and our politicians do not understand what is going on. They really do not get it. And the ones that do get it are taken care of with political contributions so they close their eyes," he said.

PTI
India asks Pakistan to 'abandon futile quest' of Kashmir

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

United Nations, Oct 6 India on Wednesday hit out at Pakistan - a country that has "established itself as a global epicentre of terrorism", and asked it to abandon its "futile quest" of Kashmir.

India's Permanent Representative in the UN, Syed Akbaruddin, in his statement on the Work of the Organization, also called for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations' governance architecture.

Roundly attacking Pakistan, he said some countries use terrorists as proxies in their territorial quests. "Just less than 10 days ago the GA Debate witnessed a singular lack of support for Pakistan's baseless claims. Need one say more. Our response to Pakistan is consistent. Abandon your futile quest. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so. No amount of misuse of international fora by Pakistan will change that reality. The sell by date of Pakistan's anachronistic approach is over."

He said the UN has become unresponsive to the needs of our time and ineffective to the meeting the challenges it is confronted with.

"It is a body that ponders for 6 months on whether to sanction leaders of organizations it has itself designated as terrorist entities. At best, it is now a body that can be described as an interesting and random mix of Ad-hocism, scrambling and political paralysis. The Global governance architecture now calls for comprehensive reform."

On the issue of terrorism, he said the UN is yet to come up with a coherent policy let alone take the lead on one of the biggest threats to global peace and security. "It is near impossible to argue the case of relevance of the UN on the issue of terrorism where even adoption of an international norm to "prosecute or extradite" terrorists evades us despite 20 years of talk," according to a statement.

IANS
Blacklisting Mahmood blocked by China: The man who raised funds under garb of religion in India

India welcomes Antonio Guterres as next UN Secretary-General

International

oi-PTI

United Nations, Oct 6: India has welcomed the selection of Portugal's former premier Antonio Guterres as the next UN Secretary General to replace Ban Ki-moon at the beginning of next year.

"Congratulations & Best wishes. India welcomes Antonio Manuel de Olivera Guterres as next Secretary General of @UN," India's Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.

Akbaruddin's tweet was accompanied with a picture of Guterres shaking hands with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Guterres had met Swaraj during his visit to New Delhi in July this year.

Guterres, the 67-year-old former head of UN's refugee organisation for 10 years, emerged as a leading candidate in all of the Security Council's straw polls. The 15-nation Council conducted a sixth straw poll yesterday in which Guterres received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes.

None of the five veto-wielding permanent members voted against him, clearing the way for Guterres to become the 9th Secretary General of the UN. "Today after our sixth straw poll we have a clear favourite and his name is Antonio Guterres," Russia's envoy to the UN and President of the Council for October Vitaly Churkin told reporters after the straw poll. Flanked by the Permanent Representatives of the 14 Council members, Churkin said the Council will meet again to take a formal vote, which is expected to pass by acclamation.

That decision would then be formally submitted to the General Assembly for its consideration.

"We wish Guterres well in discharging his duties as the Secretary General of the UN for the next five years," Churkin said. Churkin also informed President of the UN General Assembly Peter Thomson that Guterres had emerged as the unanimous choice after the sixth informal and first colour-coded straw poll for the position of Secretary-General.

"The President thanked him for the information and said he was ready to further progress the process of appointing the next Secretary-General in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations," Thomson's office said.

Ban's Deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters at the daily press briefing that the Secretary-General, who is currently in Rome, is aware of the latest developments and will await the official action by the General Assembly on his successor's formal selection.

Guterres was Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and then served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015. After the UNSC formal vote, Guterres's name will be forwarded to the 193-Member General Assembly for final confirmation.

Ban is the 8th Secretary-General in the organisation's 70-year history. He took office in January 2007 and will be ending his 10-year tenure on December 31, 2016. Guterres's selection for the post of the world's top diplomat slashed hopes for a woman to succeed Ban Ki-moon.

PTI
From being a victim of terrorism to exploring global solutions: India praised at UN's Counter Terrorism meet

Indian channel 'forged' interview of Pakistani official: Pak

International

oi-PTI

Islamabad, Oct 6: Pakistan today claimed that a leading Indian channel aired a "forged" interview of a Pakistani official in which he allegedly confirmed India's surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the border.

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleged that CNN News18 has aired a "forged" interview of police officer of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Ghulam Akbar, in which he has allegedly confirmed India's surgical strikes.

"The reporter impersonated himself as Inspector General Police Punjab," the Ministry said in a statement. "Akbar has categorically denied having spoken over phone and that it is not even his voice on the recording run by the said Indian TV channel," the Ministry said.

Pakistan strongly denounces Indian media's "despicable" act of fraud of airing of a fake programme aimed at twisting and "fabricating stories for domestic political consumption", the Ministry said.

"This is a clear indication that certain quarters in India are desperate to prove Indian false claim of surgical strike by 'hook or by crook', it said.

"We hope that CNN would take up the matter very seriously with the affiliate Indian TV channel and initiate action against the channel, as not doing so will be regarded as directly owning to this unethical and manipulative act.

We reserve the right to take necessary legal action against the said TV channel," the statement said. The news report of CNN News18 said that Akbar has admitted that surgical strikes did happen. Pakistan had rejected as "false" and "concocted" the Indian claim of surgical strikes within Pakistani territory following the Uri terror attack that killed 19 Indian soldiers last month.

PTI
'Pakistan not isolated, national consensus on rooting out terror'

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Oct 7: Challenging increasing gaining perception that Pakistan is "facing diplomatic isolation", Pakistan Prime Minister's envoys claimed today that Islamabad is committed to rooting out terrorism in all forms and shapes.

"Campaign against terrorism has to be comprehensive, clear and has to be all out," Mushahid Hussain, one of the two Special Kashmir Envoy of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told a Washington audience at an interaction organised by the Stimson's Center, a US think-tank.

"Pakistan has waged one of the most difficult and successful against inland terrorists inside the country," he said and acknowledged that "there are remnants" of terrorists inside the country and they would soon be taken care of.

"There is no two view about that. We are going against the largest war against terrorism inside the country. There is a certain consensus inside the country. We are against terrorism. We would go against remnants," he said in response to a question.

"We consider terrorism and extremism as the number one security threat in Pakistan. There is a consensus on this," Hussain said. However, he appeared to be in denial mode that Pakistan is increasingly facing international isolation as mentioned by moderator Michael Krepon from the Stimson Center.

"Right now, Pakistan is not isolated," he said asserting that countries like China, Russia, Iran, Turkey are with Pakistan, so does the Organisation of Islamic Countries and Human Rights Council. While Russia is holding its first ever joint military exercise with Pakistan, even NATO he said has supported the Pakistani stand.

Fearing isolation, Pakistan govt tells military to act against terrorists

Iranian Navy is anchored in the Karachi port, he noted. However, Shazra Mansab, another Special Envoy on Kashmir said that people of Pakistan are against militancy, against terrorism.

"We have this feeling that the huge sacrifices that Pakistan has not been recognised by the US and other countries. No other country in the world has taken so much step as we have done," she said.

"We are against militancy. But we do not fear isolation," Mansab said. The Pakistani leader suggested three issues for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the India-Pak issues.

"First, resume the back channel. Second have confidence building measures (CBMs) in Kashmir and finally give nod to Sharif for the SAARC summit in Pakistan. Let 2017 be the year of decision and year of peace," he said.

PTI
'Pak would move towards China,Russia as US is declining power'

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Oct 6: America is "no longer a world power" and Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's envoys have said here.

"(The) US is no longer a world power. It is a declining power. Forget about it," Special Kashmir Envoy of Sharif, Mushahid Hussain Syed was heard as saying yesterday after the conclusion of an interaction at the Atlantic Council, one of the top American think-tanks.

Syed and Shazra Mansab, another Kashmir Envoy, are in the US as part of the Pakistani effort to apprise the global community of the current situation in Kashmir and allegations of human rights violations in the Valley.

Syed has gone to the extent to warn US that Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered. He was apparently responding to a question from a member in the audience after the conclusion of the 90-minute interaction during which he expressed his frustration over the lack of response to his point of view on Kashmir and India.

The remarks of Syed were not recorded on camera, but was heard prominently by those inside the room. Thereafter, he was quick to point out China and newly perceived relationship with Russia, which he had mentioned during his interaction at the Atlantic Council. Syed submitted a dossier of alleged human rights violation in Kashmir to Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Olson.

With no takers for Pakistan's Kashmir policy, Syed said China are now an important factor in South Asia and described Beijing as part of what he termed as Greater South Asia.

"There has been slow and steady building of relationship between Moscow and Islamabad," he said, referring to the joint military exercise between Pakistan and Russia.

Syed said the Putin government has for the first time agreed to sell arms to Pakistan and the US should take note of this changing regional alignment.

"Unfortunately under the Obama administration, there was a drift in American foreign policy towards our region, towards Afghanistan. There was confusion and there was a lot of flip-flops.

I think, the Obama administration could not figure out this region Afghanistan and Pakistan and as a consequence this region suffered.

"With policies one step back and one step (forward), announcing surge, announcing a cut off time for exit. Asking sometime Pakistan that please we want to talk to the Taliban and then saying that we want to take on the Taliban and finally they said there would be no American troops and then they end up having 8,500 troops stationed in Afghanistan. It leaves this to the next administration," he said.

PTI
At UNSC, US calls on world to tell Russia to stop its nuclear threats

US military sends help to hurricane-battered Haiti

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Oct 5: The US military said it is sending helicopters, an aircraft carrier, troops and other equipment to Haiti to provide humanitarian assistance after the impoverished Caribbean nation was lashed by Hurricane Matthew.

Nine Army and Marine Corps choppers were expected to arrive in Haiti today, and will conduct surveys to figure out which areas are hardest hit before delivering aid, the military's head of its Southern Command, Admiral Kurt Tidd, told reporters.

"We have reports indicating that roads and communications infrastructure along the southern coastline are impassable," Kurt said yesterday. Between 150-200 US troops will be on the ground in Haiti, and operations in the country will be directed from a center at Port-au-Prince airport.

Additionally, the USS George Washington aircraft carrier, the USS Comfort hospital ship and the USS Mesa Verde amphibious transport ship were all en route to the seas around Haiti.

A Navy official said the ships were yet to receive formal requests for help from Haiti.

"They are underway, heading south, to be prepared to provide disaster response. They haven't yet received any orders," the official said.

Hurricane Matthew -- the Caribbean's worst storm in nearly a decade -- pounded Haiti this week, and aid organizations are bracing for "catastrophic damage" in the impoverished nation's hardest hit regions.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is coordinating the US response and has dispatched an elite team to the poorest nation in the Americas.

Separately, the US Air Force said it was evacuating dozens of warplanes from bases in Virginia, North Carolina and Florida as Matthew headed toward the southern United States.

AFP
Trump is convinced Russia didnt interfere in 2016 polls; blames US for sour ties with Moscow

US midterm polls: American media houses remember 2016, to go slow this time

Hillary Clinton writes to 8-yr-old girl who lost to a boy in class president election

US Presidential Election: 'Nonpartisan' The Atlantic endorses Clinton, Trump gets hammered

International

oi-Maitreyee

As the race to replace President Barack Obama in the White House reaches into its last month, the American society is clearly a divided house. Nobody is allowed to have a neutral position. Either you are part of the Donald Trump camp or the Hillary Clinton camp.

The Atlantic breaks its tradition for Hillary Clinton

The Washington-based monthly magazine, The Atlantic, made news on Wednesday by departing from 159 years of hallowed practice and a fierce institutional pride in never aligning itself with any party or candidate, by openly endorsing Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton.

According to The Daily Beast, the editors of the well-known "nonpartisan" magazine were disgusted at Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's candidacy to back Clinton for the President.

Bernie Sanders, Michelle Obama hammer Trump

The critics of Trump are in no mood to give him any breathing space. From Democratic leader Bernie Sanders to US First Lady Michelle Obama, Trump is having a difficult time answering questions raised by his adversaries.

Lady Obama has said that America needs a President who "plays by the rules" and "pay taxes" as she made a strong pitch for Democratic presidential nominee Clinton.

According to Associated Press, Sanders urged party unity, while also delivering a sharp rebuke of Trump.

Meanwhile Clinton, Trump talk on Twitter...

New Virginia poll- thank you! We are going to show the whole world that America is back  BIGGER, and BETTER, and STRONGER than ever before! pic.twitter.com/r7prlnHZhP  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 6, 2016

In Mike Pence's defense, we wouldn't want to defend Donald Trump, either. #VPDebate pic.twitter.com/Z2jV6FNzFl  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 5, 2016

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, October 6, 2016, 13:07 [IST]
US spy agency contractor arrested in data theft probe

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Oct 5 The FBI has arrested a man who worked as a contractor for the National Security Agency in a probe into the possible theft of top-secret codes, US authorities said today.

The Department of Justice released a criminal complaint against Harold Thomas Martin III, 51, of Maryland, charging him with theft of government property and unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials. He was arrested August 27 following a search of his home.

Martin, who has now been fired, worked for Booz Allen Hamilton -- the same firm that hired notorious leaker Edward Snowden.

Booz Allen helps build and operate many of the NSA's most sensitive cyber operations, the New York Times reported.

The criminal complaint states that investigators found hard copies and digital files of top secret documents in Martin's home and car.

Six of the documents "were produced through sensitive government sources, methods and capabilities, which are critical to a wide variety of national security issues," the complaint states.

In a statement, Booz Allen said it had reached out to offer full cooperation with authorities as soon as it learned of the arrest.

"And we fired the employee," the statement read. "Booz Allen is a 102-year-old company, and the alleged conduct does not reflect our core values."

The NSA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Investigators wrote that Martin initially denied charges, but when confronted with the documents, he admitted taking the files and stated that "he knew what he had done was wrong."

Martin's lawyers said in a statement to US media: "We have not seen any evidence. But what we know is that Hal Martin loves his family and his country. There is no evidence that he intended to betray his country."

The arrest came after investigators began looking into the theft of source code used by the NSA to hack adversaries' computer systems -- such as those of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. Such access would enable the NSA to plant malware in rivals' systems and monitor -- or even attack -- their networks.

The Times said investigators are still puzzling over a motive for the alleged crimes, and that it did not look like an espionage case.

Unclear too is whether Martin is thought to be behind the leak of classified NSA code that was attributed to a group calling itself the "Shadow Brokers."

Former NSA contractor Snowden has been living in Russia since shortly after leaking documents revealing the scope of the agency's monitoring of private data.

AFP
By Makini Brice and Sarah Marsh LES CAYES, Haiti/GUANTANAMO, Cuba (Reuters) - Hurricane Matthew twisted toward the Bahamas and Florida's east coast on Wednesday after killing at least 26 people and damaging a majority of homes in Haiti's south, prompting the hard-hit country to postpone a long-awaited presidential election. The powerful Category 3 hurricane, the fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mile-per-hour (230-kph) winds and torrential rains on Tuesday, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes. In the United States, millions of people were urged to evacuate the southeastern coast and Florida Governor Rick Scott warned residents to prepare for a possible direct hit that could be catastrophic. Hundreds of thousands of people had been evacuated from the path of Matthew, which caused severe flooding and killed four people in the Dominican Republic as well as at least 22 in Haiti. The two countries share the island of Hispaniola. The storm carved a path of devastation through southwestern Haiti, dumping boats and debris on coastal roads hit by surging seas and heavily flooding residential areas. Some 80 percent of homes were damaged in Haiti's Sud Department, which has a population of more than 700,000, a government official said in a meeting with U.N. officials. Some 11,000 people were in shelters in the province. In the town of Jeremie, people were cooking and sleeping outside because most houses were either knocked down or severely damaged, and similar scenes were reported across the coastal towns of the south. Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, had been set to hold a repeatedly postponed presidential election on Sunday, but the country's electoral council delayed it again in the aftermath of Matthew. No new date has yet been set. STORM COULD STRENGTHEN Matthew was downgraded early on Wednesday from a Category 4 storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of intensity, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. The storm had sustained winds of about 120 mph (195 kph) on Wednesday afternoon, but the NHC said it could strengthen over warm waters as it approaches Florida. The eye of the storm was about 205 miles (325 km) south-southeast of Nassau in the Bahamas at 5 p.m. EST (2100 GMT) and was expected to be very near the east coast of Florida by Thursday evening, the NHC said. "Everyone in our state must prepare now for a direct hit," Florida Governor Scott told a news conference in Tallahassee. "If Matthew directly impacts Florida, the destruction could be catastrophic and you need to be prepared." It was difficult to assess the full extent of Matthew's impact in Haiti because it knocked out communications in many of the worst-affected areas, including the main bridge that links much of the country to the southwest peninsula. Haiti was a particular concern because it is prone to mudslides due to extensive deforestation, and tens of thousands of people are still living in tents and makeshift dwellings after the 2010 earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people. A spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the Haitian government estimated 350,000 people needed immediate assistance. The death toll in Haiti included at least eight people killed by falling trees and six others swept away by swollen rivers, authorities said. Mourad Wahba, the U.N. secretary-general's deputy special representative for Haiti, said the storm had triggered "the largest humanitarian event" witnessed in Haiti since the 2010 quake. The U.S. government said it was ready to help the afflicted, and about 300 U.S. Marines set off on the USS Mesa Verde to provide disaster relief in Haiti, the Marines said in a tweet. CUBA'S OLDEST TOWN GUTTED There were no immediate reports of deaths in Cuba, but Matthew devastated the picture-postcard tourist town of Baracoa, Cuba's oldest colonial settlement, in the province of Guantanamo. It gutted many houses there, dumping hunks of cement, wooden beams, roof tiles and fallen electrical lines on the streets. "This is unbelievable. The little we have we tried to look after, we know we don't have the means to get more," said Hector Toirac, 45, a carpenter in a nearby fishing village where residents rummaged for belongings in rubble of collapsed homes. The storm passed close to the U.S. naval base and military prison in Guantanamo and was on track to plow through the central and northwestern Bahamas, the NHC forecasts showed. Officials in the Bahamas urged residents to evacuate to higher ground and the Ministry for Grand Bahama said on Facebook that government offices in New Providence and Grand Bahama were closed until further notice. Hurricane and tropical storm warnings have been extended along a large stretch of Florida's east coast ahead of Matthew's forecast arrival there on Thursday. Tropical storm or hurricane conditions could affect parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina later this week, even if the center of Matthew remained offshore, the NHC said. (Additional reporting by Joseph Guy Delva in Les Cayes, Sarah Marsh in Guantanamo, Marc Frank in Cuba and Letitia Stein in Tampa, Fla.; Writing by Dave Graham; Editing by Simon Gardner and Peter Cooney)
Wipe out terror camps: Residents of PoK say during massive protests

International

oi-Vicky

Islamabad, Oct 6: The people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Thursday took to the streets seeking immediate action to destroy the terror camps.

People in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Chinari, Mirpur, Gilgit, Diamer and Neelum Valley towns say that their lives are being affected badly because of these terror camps.

They say that there are several terror training camps that have come up and this has made their lives hell. The protestors demanded that the government of Pakistan along with the army should dismantle these camps.

"Our problems will never be solved unless and until these camps are destroyed," the protestors said. Should we be forced to take the situation in our hands, the protestors asked.

#WATCH Local people and leaders in various parts of PoK protest against terror camps which they confirm are thriving there. pic.twitter.com/1qR5LHJnQD  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

The protests are a continuing affair in the PoK. Only recently the residents of Kotli had taken to the streets alleging atrocities by the Pakistan army and the ISI.

Similar protests are being carried out in Balochistan as well. The people have been complaining about brutalities and atrocities by the ISI and army who work in tandem with the terrorist groups.

OneIndia News
Centre of Excellency Lab to be set up by University of Jammu, Delhi firm

Yale University to name classroom after 1st black student

International

oi-PTI

Connecticut, Oct 5 Yale University is honoring its first black student by naming a classroom for him.

The New Haven Register reports that the school will hold a ceremony tomorrow to name a divinity school classroom after James W.C. Pennington and hang his portrait in the room.

Divinity school graduate Lecia Allman led the effort to honor Pennington, who escaped slavery in Maryland in 1837.

Allman says it was illegal in Connecticut then to educate African-Americans from other states, but Pennington was allowed to attend classes. He just wasn't allowed to speak, use the library or earn a degree.

Pennington later became an abolitionist and formed an organization to provide former Amistad captives an education. Divinity School Dean Gregory Sterling says honoring Pennington "recovers part of our past that has been neglected."

AP
A dream, a call and some courage: How a 15-year-old stopped her marriage

Massive fire engulfs LPG godown in Kolkata; 3 dead, several injured

Kolkata

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Kokata, Oct 6: A fire broke out at an LPG gas cylinder godown here on Thursday, police said.

Seven fire tenders battled the flames at the godown on Christopher Road.The fire claimed three lives and left several injured. The fire is yet to be brought under control and a few remain trapped inside the godown.

'Our fire fighters are trying their best to control the fire. The reason of the fire is still not certain,' a fire official said.

Three dead after fire broke out at Tangra area of Kolkata near China town. pic.twitter.com/IQ6Zxe4Jbk  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

IANS
Proof of surgical strikes, army denies giving consent, govt says nothing doing

New Delhi

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Oct 6: The army has denied to give its consent to release the footage of the surgical strikes. The government too has decided not to release any footage.

The unedited footage that was provided by the army was shown to the Prime Minister, National Security Advisor and the Defence Minister. They were convinced with the operation and said that the footage should not be made public.

Meanwhile, officers in the army have completely denied giving their consent to release the footage. It had been reported in some media outlets that the army was fine with the footage being released. None in the government too are in favour of releasing footage.

Also read: Surgical strike meant to send message to Pak, not to satisfy Kejriwal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NSA were shown both the edited and unedited footage. A presentation too had been made them by the Director General of Military Operations. At the high level security meet, the NSA had once again reiterated that there is no need to release the footage just because some in the opposition are making demands.

On Wednesday, union minister, Venkaiah Naidu told media persons that further discussions on this subject would only be an insult to the army. There is no need to respond to demands by the opposition, he said while also adding the Congress too had distanced itself from the comments made by some of its leaders.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, October 6, 2016, 12:33 [IST]
A number of African nations have banned the export of donkeys to China as the trade of the animal has increased three-fold in just one year. Increased demand for imported donkey skins follows a dramatic drop in Chinas donkey population as the country has industrialised.
Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif has send a strong message to his army, saying to act strong on militants. The civilian government delivered a blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning to the military leadership and sought consensus on several key actions, including action against banned militant groups
Mehbooba Mufti gets notice to vacate official bungalow 'meant for J&K CMs'

Accession Day: Valley lights up on this day when J&K became part of India

3 terrorists killed at army camp in J&K's Handwara

Srinagar

oi-Vicky

Srinagar, Oct 6: Three militants have been killed by alert soldiers at the army camp, Langate in Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir.

At around 5 am, terrorists opened fire on the army camp. However, the alert soldiers fired upon the terrorists and prevented them from breaching the camp.

The firing lasted for about 20 minutes at the Rashtriya Rifles Camp. The firing began at around 5 am. The alert soldiers at the camp retaliated and foiled an attempt made by the terrorists to breach the camp.

After a 15 minute standoff firing resumed, police officials in Jammu and Kashmir say. However, the army managed to kill 3 terrorists. Combing operations were carried out and the operation declared closed by the army.

#SpotVisuals (visuals deferred) Firing resumed outside an Army camp in Langate in Handwara (J&K) after a 15 mins stand off pic.twitter.com/EYOIn4I03C  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

This is the third attack on an army camp in three weeks. In the Uri attack, 19 soldiers were matryed while four terrorists were killed. On Sunday last, there was an attack outside the army camp at Baramulla.

In the incident, one soldier was killed.The terrorsits,however, managed to escape.

OneIndia News
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By Scott Malone and Gabriel Stargardter ORLANDO/MIAMI, Fla. (Reuters) - Matthew, the first major hurricane threatening a direct hit on the United States in more than 10 years, blasted the Bahamas on Thursday as it headed for Florida after killing at least 140 people in the Caribbean, mostly in Haiti. Matthew, carrying winds of 140 mph (220 kph), pounded the northwestern part of the island chain en route to Florida's Atlantic coast, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. The storm was likely to remain a Category 4 on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane intensity as it approached the United States, where it could either take direct aim at Florida or tear along the state's coast through Friday night, the center said, warning of "potentially disastrous impacts." Hurricane conditions were expected in parts of Florida later on Thursday and a dangerous storm surge is expected to reach up to 11 feet (3.35 meters) along the Florida coast, Ed Rappaport, deputy director of the Miami-based NHC, said on CNN. "What we know is that most of the lives lost in hurricanes is due to storm surge," he said. Some 136 people were killed in Haiti, local officials said, and thousands were displaced after the storm flattened homes, uprooted trees and inundated neighborhoods earlier in the week. Four people were killed in the Dominican Republic, which neighbours Haiti. As the storm passed near the Bahamas capital of Nassau, howling gusts of wind brought down palms and other trees and ripped shingles off the rooftops of many houses. The eye of the hurricane was later poised to move over or near Freeport in the Bahamas. It was too soon to predict where Matthew might do the most of its damage in the United States, but the NHC's hurricane warning extended up the Atlantic coast from southern Florida through Georgia and into South Carolina. More than 12 million people in the United States were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel. The last major hurricane, classified as a storm bearing sustained winds of more than 110 mph (177 kph), to make landfall on U.S. shores was Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Jeff Masters, a veteran hurricane expert, said on his Weather Underground website (www.wunderground.com) that Matthew's wind threat was especially serious at Cape Canaveral, which juts into the Atlantic off central Florida. "If Matthew does make landfall along the Florida coast, this would be the most likely spot for it. Billions of dollars of facilities and equipment are at risk at Kennedy Space Center and nearby bases, which have never before experienced a major hurricane," Masters wrote. NASA and the U.S. Air Force, which operate the nations primary space launch site at Cape Canaveral, have already taken steps to safeguard personnel and equipment. A team of 116 employees were bunkered down inside Kennedy Space Center's Launch Control Center to ride out the hurricane. We've had some close calls, but as far as I know it's the first time we've had the threat of a direct hit, NASA spokesman George Diller said by email from the hurricane bunker. ROADS FILLED WITH EVACUEES Roads in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed, and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as the storm approached. Florida Governor Rick Scott warned there could be "catastrophic" damage if Matthew slammed directly into the state and urged some 1.5 million people there to evacuate. "If you're reluctant to evacuate, just think about all the people... already killed, Scott said at a news conference. "Time is running out. This is clearly either going to have a direct hit or come right along the coast." Scott, who activated several thousand National Guard troops to help deal with the storm, warned that millions of people were likely to be left without power. Florida, Georgia and South Carolina opened shelters for evacuees. As of Thursday morning, more than 3,000 people were being housed in 60 shelters in Florida, Scott said. Those three states as well as North Carolina declared states of emergency, empowering their governors to mobilise the National Guard. President Barack Obama called the governors of the four states on Thursday to discuss preparations for the storm. He declared a state of emergency in Florida and South Carolina, a move that authorized federal agencies to coordinate disaster relief efforts. A White House statement said he was "committed to providing necessary federal resources to help the states respond." Hundreds of passenger flights were cancelled in south Florida, and cancellations were expected to spread north in coming days along the storm's path, airlines including American Airlines , Delta Airlines and United Airlines [UALCO.UL] said. At about 5 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT), Matthew was about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Florida's West Palm Beach, the hurricane center said. It was heading northwest at about 13 mph (20 kph) and was expected to continue on this track through Thursday. On Tuesday and Wednesday Matthew, the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck Central America in 2007, whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mph (225 kph) winds and torrential rain, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes. In Florida, fuel stations on Thursday posted "out of gas" signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up. At a Subco gas station in Orlando, the pumps ran dry on Wednesday afternoon. The shop was a stopping point for coastal residents seeking shelter inland. Among them was Jonas Sylvan, 44, of Melbourne, Florida, who planned to hole up in a hotel with his wife, two daughters and dog. "We're just trying to get away from the coast," he said. "It's safer here." Bumper-to-bumper traffic extended for more than 10 miles (16 km) on the main highway leading west to Orlando from the coast. In the central Florida coastal city of Jupiter, people scrambled to make preparations. "Our house is wood construction, so who knows what will happen," said Libby Valentine, 75, of Jupiter. "The whole idea is to stay safe and hope you have the grace to deal with the aftermath because you might not have a house." (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee, Neil Hartnell in Nassau, Rich McKay in Atlanta, Nick Carey in Chicago, Harriet McLeod in Charleston, S.C., Doina Chiacu in Washington, Joseph Guyler Delva in Haiti, Irene Klotz and Laila Kearney; Writing by Frances Kerry and Tom Brown; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
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Last month looking South, I saw another bad day brewing. Not surprising. It was preceded by a bad week, month, year, decade -- 15 years to be exact. The United States of America was shocked out of its f*cking mind on September 11th 2001 and there is no sign it is ever coming back.

To commemorate the 15th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 the major media booked the psychopaths, quislings, and blood-suckers who used the attacks as an excuse to launch never-ending wars. The war criminals and their minions were not in prison -- they were on television. In addition to all of that, the blogger driftglass observed in Crooks & Liars -- "Rupert Murdoch's Wall Street Journal has turned a large chunk of its 9/11 editorial page over to one of the worst and most unrepentant American war criminals and profiteers in modern history, and his blood-drunk beast of a daughter."

Dick fuckin' Cheney blamed Barack Obama for the ongoing hellish nightmare that Dick fuckin' Cheney unleashed in Afghanistan and Iraq. It was a grim reminder of just who's in charge. It is said "History is written by the victors," but today history is re-written right before our eyes by people who are human in form -- but not by nature.

Lists -- I used to make lists of the daily outrages and assaults against the country. I thought if I wrote down enough of the "symptoms" I observed I'd eventually see a pattern emerge and understand the nature of the disease. Most of the "moments" I've written since 2007 are attempts to name the disease. I was wrong. And by the way -- I don't make lists anymore.

What afflicts the country is not a disease at all. It is a metamorphosis not unlike the caterpillar's.

A caterpillar eats and grows until eventually it spins itself a cocoon or molts into a chrysalis. Inside a chrysalis the caterpillar releases enzymes to dissolve its tissues and literally digests itself, except for groups of cells known as imaginal discs that survive the digestive process.

The imaginal discs use the protein-rich soup to fuel the cell division required to form the wings, antennae, legs, eyes, and all the other features of the adult insect. By the end of metamorphosis, a butterfly or moth emerges from the chrysalis.

The United States of America is in the chrysalis stage. It is eating itself. The 1% are the imaginal discs and the rest of us are the protein rich soup. In this process of "becoming," The Dominant Culture has shed attributes that have been deemed to be no longer necessary. We might think they are necessary -- but our wants and needs are not considered in that we are not of the 1%.

I read the news. I know Black Lives Do Not Matter. I know clean air, water, land, and food Do Not Matter. I know global climate change Does Not Matter. I know the lives of my children and grandchild Do Not Matter. Everything I think that is vitally important Does Not Matter. The Thing that is "becoming" has its own agenda -- and it is insane.

Fifteen days after the 9/11 anniversary -- Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump met to debate who should be the next president of The United States. Each candidate was only emptiness with a name. This election, more so than most, is just a cheap garish distraction from paying attention to the thing in the chrysalis that is "becoming." Regardless of who "wins" the election -- we will still be living within the Dominant Culture.

There is no reason to overtly state what is "becoming." We've seen it before. Racism, Misogyny, and Xenophobia, are tolerated as the familiar becomes normal. The Robber Barons feed the flames to disguise their actions. We are in a new Gilded Age anesthetized from its brutality with toys produced by slaves. We complain that the Christmas season begins earlier and earlier each year while failing to see Halloween has never ended.

Oh -- if only we could dig a grave for our nightmares...
Silver Amalgam Alloys Market: Trends,Opportunities and Forecasts, 2015-2021

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4604

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

Silver amalgam is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper and used for dental applications. Amalgams are generally crystalline in structure with the exception of those with high mercury content which are liquid. Some of the important characteristics of an amalgam are dimensional change, compression strength, flow and creep. The dimensional change characteristics deal with an amalgams ability to expand and contract depending on its use. The compression strength characteristic is the ability of amalgams to resist fracture which is an important prerequisite for any restorative materials. The strength of silver amalgam depends on the composition of the alloy.Request TOC:Silver amalgams alloys are also known as dental amalgams and are used for dental fillings. Silver amalgams are popular dental restorative material because of their low cost, strength, durability and ease of application. They are long lasting, have a better performance than other fillings, applicable for broad range of clinical performance and are of better quality. However, its popularity is diminishing today because of concerns of mercury toxicity, allergic potential and inferior aesthetics quality. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended labeling of dental amalgam products, which includes a warning against using the product in patients who have an allergy to mercury. In addition, it has a warning that dental professionals follow a proper protocol while handling dental amalgams and a statement mentioning the risks and benefits of dental amalgam so that patients and dentist can make informed decisions.The continued use of silver amalgam in dental applications will be a major driving factor for silver amalgam industry. The FDI World Dental Federation has reaffirmed the safety of use of silver amalgams in dentistry and hence it is used by dentists all around the world. Majority of dental restorations depend on silver amalgams and hence it has a significant market. However, development of viable substitutes, growth of dental composites market and lack of awareness could hamper the growth of this market.The market for silver amalgam is worldwide as it is recommended by FDI World Dental Federation for use in its dental applications. The use of silver amalgams is quite popular in Asia Pacific, especially the emerging markets such as China and India due to its low cost and wide availability. The American Dental Association has also approved the use of silver amalgam for dental restorative procedures and hence it is used by majority of dentists in the U.S. However, the use of silver amalgam is declining in Europe with Sweden, Norway, Germany, Denmark, Austria and Finland reducing the use of silver amalgam for dental applications.Some of the key players in this market are DPM limited, Sirona, Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Astra Tech, Megagen, Osstem Implant Co. Ltd, Avinent Implant Systems, Zimmer Holdings, Inc, MIS Implants Technologies Ltd, Intra-Lock International and CAMLOG Implant Systems among others. Straumann and Nobel Biocare are leading players in this market with significant global market share. Straumann, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, has collaborated with multiple research institutes, universities and clinics to develop a broad range of dental implant products. The company has presence in major markets of Asia Pacific, South America, Europe and North America. Nobel Biocare, headquartered in Kloten, Switzerland has manufacturing plants for dental implants in Sweden, U.S. and Israel. It offers innovative dental implants and dental prosthetics to its clients and is listed at the SIX Swiss Exchange.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Peripheral Vascular Devices Market USD 8.7 Billion by 2020

https://www.ihealthcareanalyst.com/report/peripheral-vascular-devices-market/

http://www.ihealthcareanalyst.com

According to a market research report Peripheral Vascular Devices Market, 2013-2020, published by iHealthcareAnalyst, Inc., the global peripheral vascular devices market is estimated to reach USD 8.7 Billion in 2020, expanding at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2016 to 2020.Visit the Peripheral Vascular Devices Market, 2013-2020 report atThe global peripheral vascular devices market report provides market size (Revenue USD Million 2013 to 2020), market share and forecasts growth trends (CAGR%, 2016 to 2020).Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is narrowing of arteries outside the brain and heart. There are certain risk factors for the growth PVD such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes and smoking. Insufficient blood flow and narrowing of arteries are the most common peripheral diseases caused due to plaque buildup.The global peripheral vascular devices market segmentation is based on product types (peripheral vascular stents, peripheral transluminal angioplasty balloon catheters, pta guidewires, atherectomy devices, chronic total occlusion devices, aortic stents, synthetic surgical grafts, embolic protection devices, inferior vena cava filters). The global peripheral vascular 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 peripheral vascular 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. Product Type1.1 Peripheral Vascular Stents1.2 Peripheral Transluminal Angioplasty Balloon Catheters1.3 PTA Guidewires, Atherectomy Devices1.4 Chronic Total Occlusion Devices1.5 Aortic Stents1.6 Synthetic Surgical Grafts1.7 Embolic Protection Devices1.8 Inferior Vena Cava Filters2. 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 Abbott Laboratories3.2 Angioscore Inc.3.3 Boston Scientific Corporation3.4 C.R. Brad, Inc.3.5 Cook Group Inc.3.6 Cordis Corporation3.7 Covidien Plc3.8 Edward Lifesciences Corporation3.9 Medtronics, Inc.3.10 St. Jude Medical3.11 Volcano CorporationiHealthcareAnalyst, 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
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Industry Outlook in Japan to 2019 - Market Size, Demand, Production, Company Shares, Capacity Forecasts of All Active and Planned Plants

http://www.researchmoz.us/styrene-butadiene-rubber-sbr-industry-outlook-in-japan-to-2019-market-size-company-share-price-trends-capacity-forecasts-of-all-active-and-planned-plants-report.html

http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=386096

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Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Industry Outlook in Japan to 2019 - Market Size, Company Share, Price Trends, Capacity Forecasts of All Active and Planned Plants Size and Share Published in 2015-08-07 Available for US$ 1000 at Researchmoz.usDescriptionTo access full report, please visit :GlobalDatas report, "Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Industry Outlook in Japan to 2019 - Market Size, Company Share, Price Trends, Capacity Forecasts of All Active and Planned Plants", provides in-depth coverage of Japans Styrene-Butadiene Rubber industry and presents major market trends. The report covers Japans Styrene-Butadiene Rubber plants and presents installed capacity by process and technology. It also gives historical and forecast market size, demand and production forecasts, end-use demand details, price trends, trade balance data, and company shares of the countrys leading Styrene-Butadiene Rubber producers to provide comprehensive coverage of all parameters of the Styrene-Butadiene Rubber industry.Scope- Styrene-Butadiene Rubber industry supply scenario in Japan from 2005 to 2019, comprising plant capacity growth and installed plant capacity by production process and technology- Detailed information of all active plants and planned Styrene-Butadiene Rubber projects in Japan with capacity forecasts to 2019 and additional details such as process, technology, operator and equity- Styrene-Butadiene Rubber industry market dynamics in Japan from 2005 to 2019, consisting of market size, demand and production outlook, demand by end-use sector, and average prices- Trade balance data from 2005 to 2019, including import and export data and net exports and imports as a percentage of demand- Company snapshots, including company overview, business description and information on current and upcoming Styrene-Butadiene Rubber plants- Company capacity shares for key Styrene-Butadiene Rubber producersGet a Sample Copy of the Report:Reasons to buy- Obtain up-to-date information on Japans Styrene-Butadiene Rubber industry- Benefit from GlobalDatas advanced insights and analysis- Identify the macro and microeconomic trends affecting the industry- Understand the market positioning of the countrys Styrene-Butadiene Rubber producers- Learn about opportunities in the Styrene-Butadiene Rubber industry- Develop market-entry and market-expansion strategies- Benchmark your operations and strategies against those of major companiesInquiry on this report:Table of ContentTable of Contents 2List of Tables 4List of Figures 5Japan Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Industry, Supply Scenario, 2005-2019 6Japan Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Industry, Total Plant Capacity, 2005-2019 6Japan Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Industry, Installed Plant Capacity by Production Process, 2014 13Japan Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Industry, Installed Plant Capacity by Technology, 2014 15Japan Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Industry, Company Share, 2014 17Japan Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Industry, Market Dynamics, 2005-2019 18Japan Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Industry, Market Size, 2005-2019 18Japan Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Industry, Demand and Production Outlook, 2005-2019 20Japan Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Industry, Demand by End Use Sector, 2014 22Japan, Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Industry, Price Forecasts, 2005-2019 23Japan Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Trade Balance, 2005-2019 25Japan Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Industry, Imports and Exports, 2005-2019 25Japan Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Industry, Net Exports, 2005-2019 27Japan Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Industry, Imports as Percentage of Demand, 2005-2019 29Asahi Kasei Corporation, Company Snapshot 31Asahi Kasei Corporation, Company Overview 31Asahi Kasei Corporation, Key Information 31Asahi Kasei Corporation, Business Description 31Business Overview 31Asahi Kasei Corporation, Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Market, 2014 33Asahi Kasei Corporation, Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Capacity Split, Japan and Rest of the World, 2014 33Asahi Kasei Corporation, Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Plant Capacity Share in Japan, 2014 34Asahi Kasei Corporation, Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Capacity in Japan, 2005-2019 35Asahi Kasei Corporation, Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Plant Details in Japan, 2014 35SWOT Analysis 36Overview 36ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ bit.ly/1TBmnVG
Disposable Plastic Blood Bag Market is Escalating With a Significant Growth Rate Due to Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Growing Aging Population

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The global disposable plastic blood bag market was valued at $286.5 million in 2014, and it is expected to grow with a CAGR of 9.2% during the period 2015 - 2020. The global disposable plastic blood bag market is growing, due to increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and rising aging population. In addition, rising initiatives undertaken by government associations to boost awareness about blood donations and advanced features of disposable plastic blood bags are also driving the growth of the global disposable plastic blood bag market.Based on type, the single disposable plastic blood bag market segment is expected to be the largest market and witness fastest growth during the forecast period. Among the end-user segment, hospital had the largest market size in the global disposable plastic blood bag market in 2014.Browse Report with Detailed TOC on Global Disposable Plastic Blood Bag Market at:Increasing prevalence of various chronic diseases, such as cancer and blood disorders, is playing a pivotal role in the growth of disposable plastic blood bag market. Additionally, increased participation of government associations had raised awareness regarding blood donations all over the world. Some of the major associations include the World Health Organization (WHO), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and American Red Cross. These organizations support blood donation programs and encourage people to donate blood and blood components.However, undeveloped blood collection and storage infrastructure in developing countries, and high risk associated with blood donation and transfusion are hindering the growth of the global disposable plastic blood bag market. Growing number of mergers and acquisitions and increasing use of RFID technology in disposable blood bags are some of the latest trends that have been observed in the disposable plastic blood bags market.Request Report Sample:Geographically, North America dominated the global disposable plastic blood bag market in 2014; and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% during the period 2015  2020. However, the Asian disposable plastic blood bag market is expected to witness fastest growth, with a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period.The key companies operating in the global disposable plastic blood bag market include Haemonetics Corporation, JMS Co., Ltd., Kawasumi Laboratories, Inc., Grifols International S.A., AdvaCare Pharma, Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Terumo Corporation, Macopharma, Genesis BPS, SURU International Pvt. Ltd., Shanghai Transfusion Technology Co., Ltd., Nigale Biomedical Inc. of Sichuan Province Corporation (Nigale), Neomedic Limited, and Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Company Limited.Browse Related Research:DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BLOOD BAG MARKET SEGMENTATIONBreakdown by Type Single Disposable Plastic Blood Bag Double Disposable Plastic Blood Bag Triple Disposable Plastic Blood Bag Quadruple Disposable Plastic Blood BagBreakdown by End-User Hospital Blood Bank Home Healthcare OthersBreakdown by Geography North America - The U.S., Canada, and Rest of North America Europe - Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, and Rest of Europe Asia - China, India, Japan, and Rest of Asia Rest of the World (RoW)About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:DeepAssistant  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:347 5th Ave. #1402- 210New York CityUnited States
The Global Military Rotorcraft Market is Projected to Grow at a CAGR of 2.59% over the Forecast period, To Reach US$28.1 billion by 2026

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The Global Military Rotorcraft Market 2016-2026 Size and Share Published in 2016-09-29 Available for US$ 4800 at Researchmoz.usDescriptionTo access full report, please visit :Several countries across the world have inventories of obsolete or aging military helicopters that are reaching the end of their operational life; this means that despite budget cuts, the global military rotorcraft market is expected to grow over the forecast period. Countries such as Russia, the US, France, Germany, China, South Korea, and India are looking to replace existing military rotorcraft with modern helicopters, which in turn will boost the demand for the overall global market.Key FindingsThe global military rotorcraft market, valued at US$21.7 billion in 2016, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.59% over the forecast period, to reach US$28.1 billion by 2026 and cumulatively value US$254.2 billion.The market consists of four categories: multi-mission and maritime helicopter, attack helicopter, transport helicopter, and training helicopter. The market will be dominated by the multi-mission and maritime helicopter segment, which is expected to account for 44.6% of the market, followed by attack, transport, and training helicopters, with shares of 28.5%, 25.2%, and 1.7% respectively.The Asia Pacific region is forecast to dominate the sector with a share of 34.2%, followed by North America and Europe with shares of 30.2% and 20.7%, respectively.SynopsisThe Global Military Rotorcraft Market20162026 report offers a detailed analysis of the industry, with market size forecasts covering the next ten years. This report will also analyze factors that influence demand for military rotorcraft, key market trends, and challenges faced by industry participants.Get a Sample Copy of the Report:In particular, it provides an in-depth analysis of the following:Market size and drivers: detailed analysis during 20162026, including highlights of the demand drivers and growth stimulators. It also provides a snapshot of the spending and modernization patterns of different regions around the world.Recent developments and industry challenges: insights into technological developments and a detailed analysis of the changing preferences of military helicopter segments around the world. It also provides trends of the changing industry structure and the challenges faced by industry participants.Regional highlights: study of the key markets in each region, providing an analysis of the key segments of the market that are expected to be in demand.Major programs: details of the key programs in each segment, which are expected to be executed during 2016-2026.Competitive landscape and strategic insights: analysis of the competitive landscape of the global market. It provides an overview of key players, together with information regarding key alliances, strategic initiatives, and financial analysis.Reasons To BuyDetermine prospective investment areas based on a detailed trend analysis of the global military rotorcraft market over the next ten years.Gain in-depth understanding about the underlying factors driving demand for different rotorcraft market segments in the top spending countries across the world and identify the opportunities offered by each of them.Strengthen your understanding of the market in terms of demand drivers, industry trends, and the latest technological developments, among others.Identify the major channels that are driving the global military rotorcraft market, providing a clear picture about future opportunities that can be tapped, resulting in revenue expansion.Channelize resources by focusing on the ongoing programs that are being undertaken by the internal ministries of different countries within the military rotorcraft market.Make correct business decisions based on thorough analysis of the total competitive landscape of the sector with detailed profiles of the top military simulator providers around the world which include information about their products, alliances, recent contract wins and financial analysis wherever available.Inquiry on this report:Table of ContentExecutive SummaryGlobal Military Rotorcraft Market -OverviewMarket DynamicsDemand Drivers: Analysis of factors that trigger spending within the sectorTrends: Prevalent practices, industry consolidation and procurement patterns within the marketTechnological Developments : New products, processes and innovations recently inducted within the sectorKey Challenges: Obstacles affecting sector growthMilitary Rotorcraft Market -Segment AnalysisSegment Analysis: Multi-mission and Maritime HelicopterMarket size and CAGR growth analysis, 2016-2026Change in market share, 2016-2026Segment Analysis: Attack HelicopterMarket size and CAGR growth analysis, 2016-2026Change in market share, 2016-2026Segment Analysis: Transport HelicopterMarket size and CAGR growth analysis, 2016-2026Change in market share, 2016-2026Segment Analysis: Training HelicopterMarket size and CAGR growth analysis, 2016-2026Change in market share, 2016-2026Regional ReviewDefense capital expenditureCapex forecast, 2016-2026Factors influencing military modernization programsResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ bit.ly/1TBmnVG
Intelligent Emergency Response System Market to 2025: Trends, Business Strategies and Opportunities with Key Players Analysis  The Insight Partners

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The Intelligent Emergency Response System Market to 2025 - Global Analysis and Forecasts by Type, 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 Intelligent Emergency Response System Market to 2025 @Fast adoption of technological advancements such as Internet of Things (IoT) in the developed countries as well as urban regions is propelling the global market for intelligent emergency response system. Moreover, governments and other responsible authorities are also encouraging the installation of these systems, concerning about the large crowd and high risk factors involved. Threat of terrorism and homeland security is another major concern of the governments driving the market growth. Fast adoption of these systems has been noticed in highly crowded places such as stadiums, shopping malls and auditoriums due to serious threat of terrorism and thus, need for security is mandatory in such places. Also, upsurge in mining industries, awareness about significance of security, hazardous industries, up-gradation of architecture with up-to-date emergency systems are other factors propelling the demand for the global intelligent emergency response market. However, scarceness of interoperability amongst products and absence or lack of awareness regarding technical features restraining the growth of the market.Request Sample Copy @The intelligent emergency response system market is segmented by application into energy & power, government, defense, industrial, healthcare, education, oil & gas, mining, , residential and others. The market is also segmented on the basis of component into wireless chipsets, detectors, sensors, display & lighting, access control, programmable logic controller and optoelectronics. Furthermore, the global market for intelligent emergency response system is bifurcated by system into signage, video surveillance system, back-up power generators, communications system, broadcasting systems, perimeter intrusion system and others. On the basis of geography, the intelligent emergency response system is bisected into North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific and South America.North America holds the largest share of the global intelligent emergency response systems market and Europe being the second holder. Growing need for new regulations & standards to regenerate emergency response in the countries is the key reason of the growing demand in North America and Europe. APAC is anticipated to be the fastest growing market in the near future, owing to increasing adoption of improved technological solutions in emergency circumstances.Make an Inquiry @Cooper Industries PLC, Honeywell, Inc., Safeguard Communications UK LTD, Pageone, ATI Systems (Acoustic Technology, Inc.), Siemens Ag, Everbridge Inc., Criticall Ltd., Mircom Technologies Ltd., Spectrarep, Llc., Vocal Technologies, United Technologies Corporation, Phoenix It Group , Hiplink Software, F 24 Ag, Digital Acoustics, Criticall Ltd. are some of the key industries operating in the global intelligent emergency response systems market.Some of the key points covered in the report: Intelligent Emergency Response System Market Landscape Intelligent Emergency Response System Market  Key Industry Dynamics Intelligent Emergency Response System Market  Five Forces Analysis Intelligent Emergency Response System Market  Competitive Landscape Intelligent Emergency Response System Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  Application Intelligent Emergency Response System Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  Component Intelligent Emergency Response System Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  System Intelligent Emergency Response System Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  Geographical Analysis Intelligent Emergency Response System Market, Key Company ProfilesInquire about discount on this report @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
Cheese Market: Increasing awareness of the high nutritional value drives the market by 2015 - 2021

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Cheese is a nutrient food obtained from milk that is produced in a wide range of flavors, textures, and forms by coagulation of the milk protein casein. Cheese is valued for its long shelf life, and high content of fat, protein, and phosphorus. Their textures and flavors depend on the origin of the milk, whether they have been pasteurized, bacteria and mold, the processing and aging. Cheese is also a rich source of calcium which is useful to maintain healthy and strong teeth. Cheese has becoming more popular among people owing to its different flavors and delicious test.Request Sample Report:The cheese market is expected to witness rapid growth owing to strong demand from emerging markets such as India and China among other countries. The other key factor driving the market is the increasing awareness of the high nutritional value of cheese. However, growing demand for low calorie on account of rising obese prevalence is expected to restraint the growth of cheese market over the forecast period. The rising demand from the fast food industry is another key factor expected to boost market growth over the forecast period.The regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa with its further bifurcation into major countries including U.S. Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, India and Brazil. Europe was the leading region with largest share of overall market for cheese. With increased demand from fast food industries and dairy industry, Asia Pacific is expected to witness robust growth during 2015 to 2020.Request TOC (Table of Contents) of this report:The market for cheese is segmented on the basis of product, type and geography. Based on the product, the cheese market is segmented into unprocessed and processed cheese. Unprocessed dominates the overall cheese market owing to increasing demand from dairy industry. The type segment consists of mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese would be the largest revenue contributor, throughout the analysis period.In order to give the users of this report a comprehensive view on the cheese market, we have included a detailed competitive scenario and product portfolio of key vendors. To understand the competitive landscape in the market, an analysis of Porters Five Forces model for the cheese market has also been included. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, wherein type segments and product segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness.Browse report at:The report covers detailed competitive scenario including the company overviews, financial revenues of the key participants to develop their positions in the global market. Some of the major key players include in market such as Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd., Fromageries Bel S.A., Mondelez International Group, Saputo Inc, GCMMF- Amul, Alra Foods Inc., Almarai Company Ltd, EMMI, GROUPE LACTALIS S.A, Bongrain S.A. and SAPUTO INC.This report segments the global cheese market as follows:Global Cheese Market: Product Segment AnalysisUnprocessedProcessedGlobal Cheese Market: Type Segment AnalysisMozzarella CheeseCheddar CheeseGlobal Cheese Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeGermanyFranceUKAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaAbout US:Syndicate Market Research provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Syndicate Market Research cover more than 30 industries includsing energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@SyndicateMarketResearch.comWebsite:
Nanoscale Chemicals & Materials Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014  2020

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Nanoscience is a discipline that uses basic principles of chemistry, physics and other fields to understand the mechanism of systems when they are shrunk to the scale of a nanometer. Nanotechnology principles can be applied in areas such as microelectronics fabrications, solar cells, fibrous devices for filtration and separations and biological sensors. There are wide range of nanoscale materials and chemicals developed in order to build the molecule-sized machines, nanoscale electronics, nanoscale computers, nano based medical cures and nanoscale manufacturing with self assembly capabilities. Some of the nano size chemicals include silica, aluminium oxide, zirconia, etc. There are also several nano size materials manufactured from iron, cobalt, gold and silver. Carbon based and polymeric based nano materials mainly include the fluerence, carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, dendrites, solid and hollow polymeric nano spheres. Nano materials and nano size silica particles are studied widely for developing innovative nano particles for various applications.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical insights :Rising disposable income coupled with the growing demand for innovative products has boosted the growth of electronic and electrical industry. Growing demand for reduction of the overall weight as well as power consumption of the electrical devices is expected to augment the growth of nanoscale materials and chemicals market. Thus, nano materials are widely used in manufacturing flexible electronic circuits, switches and transistors among others. The growing population coupled with the increasing urbanization is expected to boost the demand for construction industry. Nanoscale materials are also widely consumed by the construction industry as they not only enhance the material properties and functions but also play crucial role in the conservation of energy during the construction activities. Nanoscale materials when used in the construction activities are known to lead to more durable, stronger, air purifying, self heating, fire resistant, easy to clean and quick compacting concrete. Nanoceramic materials find major applications in the construction industry. Thus, the growing construction industry is expected to augment the overall growth of the nanoscale materials and chemicals market in the near future. Nano materials and chemicals are also used widely in the medical sector. However, the lack of awareness of the benefits of these nanoscale materials and chemicals especially in developing regions is expected to hamper the overall growth of the market.North America is the largest consumer and manufacturer of the nano materials and chemicals. Presence of stringent regulations in the region especially for the construction industry has boosted the overall demand for nanoscale materials and chemicals. Europe is expected to be the next largest consumer of nanoscale materials and chemicals. The presence of large number of research institutes has led to the introduction of innovative nanoscale materials and chemicals in the region. Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit rapid growth in the overall demand for nanoscale chemicals and materials owing to the growing construction and automobile industry in the region. However, Rest of the World is anticipated to exhibit sluggish growth in the demand for nanoscale materials and chemicals in the near future.Browse Market Research Report with Free Analysis :Advanced Nano Products, Inc., Akzo Nobel/Eka, BASF, Tokuyama, NanoMas Technologies and Qinhuangdao Taiji Ring Nano-Products Co., Ltd. are some of the major participants of the global nanoscale chemicals and materials market. The companys manufacturing nanoscale materials and chemicals focus mainly on research. The companies intend to develop and introduce innovative products in the market. Nanoscale materials and chemicals manufacturing companies also strive to achieve competitive advantage by enhancing their production capacities to meet the growing demand especially from the construction industry.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. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, 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: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit :
UV Curable Inks Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014  2020

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Ultraviolet curing (UV curing) is a photochemical process wherein high intensity UV light is used to cure or dry inks, adhesives or coatings. UV curable inks speed up the printing process by reducing the drying time while facilitating superior bonding. UV curable inks do not employ the use of environmentally harmful solvents, additionally; they do not cause loss of coating thickness and volume loss in final prints. This causes a reduction in waste, pollutant emissions and energy use. UV curable inks are being increasingly used in printing applications as they offer higher productivity and increased printing throughput.Based on product types, UV curable inks can be segmented as free radical and cationic. Free radical UV curable inks are most widely used on a commercial scale. UV curable inks do not get absorbed inside the substrate and get dried very rapidly on exposure to UV light. This translates into high pigment saturation and quick drying time.Download And Get FREE Sample PDF File Of UV curable inks Market :Furthermore, energy costs, floor space and capital investments can be saved as drying equipments are not necessary to bring about drying of prints. UV curable inks can be used directly on rigid substrates owing to which the necessity to print on flexible media is eliminated, this reduces overall printing costs. The cost of UV curable inks is high however very little amount of ink is required due to their low viscosity. This reduces ink consumption and further drives down the printing costs. UV curable inks are used extensively in polyethylene billboards as they offer exceptional performance for outdoor signage. Additionally, they are used for 2D fleet graphics which can be applied on curved or flat surfaces. Retail POP (point of purchase) makes use of UV curable inks in order to eliminate pigment odors in retail stores.The increasing demand of inks & pigments for printing applications is the key driver for the UV curable inks market. UV curable inks impart numerous features and functionalities which make them suited for specialized printing needs. For instance, UV curable inks are used to print directly on rigid surfaces and on polyethylene billboards. They can also be used on metal, glass, ceramics, PVC, synthetic paper and other substrates. The quick drying and high ink saturation feature of UV curable inks makes them suited for these niche applications which has been driving this market. This trend is expected to continue within the forecast period. However, high cost of UV curable inks is expected to restrain the growth of this market in the near future. Technological advancements to produce UV curable inks for application on acrylics and polypropylene are expected to open new areas of opportunity for the UV curable inks market.Publication and printing sectors are mature markets in the U.S. and Western Europe but are witnessing an upwards trend in China, India, Middle East and Africa. Consumption of UV curable inks has been increasing in Asian countries with Japan and Republic of Korea as exception. In terms of global demand, China and India are forecast to be the largest consumers of UV curable inks within the forecast period. Central and Eastern Europe are expected to show moderate growth, while North America and Western European market are expected to grow at a steady rate within the forecast period.Browse Market Research Report with Free Analysis :Some of the key players profiled in the UV Curable Inks market research report include companies such as APV Engineered Coatings, Dartronics Inc, Eastern Marking Machine Corp, Hewlett Packard, ITW Trans Tech, Leibinger Inkjet, Ruco USA and Ricoh among others.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. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, 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: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit :
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Cement Market: Mounting Infrastructural Development to Open Plethora of Opportunities for Cement Manufacturers, reports TMR

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The cement market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is highly diversified due to the presence of a large number of players, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new report. The competition among the leading players in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia cement market is intense as they strive to gain a competitive advantage over each other through a high level of forward integration. The prime companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia cement market are attempting to combat cost pressures with economies of scale.Several leading cement companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are located in the southern and western regions. However, the rising demand for cement from the central and eastern regions is putting excess pressure on a few companies serving in the region, thus impelling them to enhance their production capacity. The three leading companies, Saudi Cement Company, Yanbu Cement Company, and Yamama Cement Company, accounted for a share of 44.8% in 2013 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia cement market.Download And Get Sample PDF File Of Cement Industry:The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia cement market is projected to rise at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2014 to 2020. The market was worth US$3,756.5 mn in 2015 and is estimated to touch US$5,071.2 mn by 2020. In terms of application, the infrastructural segment emerged dominant in 2013 with a share of 50.2% in the cement market for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is expected to retain a lead with an estimated share of 51.0% by 2020. The robust growth in the infrastructure of Saudi Arabia is the primary factor driving the growth of the cement market in the country. As a result of the rising construction activities in emerging cities of Jubail, Riyadh, and Jeddah, the demand for cement is expected to intensify over the forthcoming years.Central Region of Saudi Arabia to Lead in terms of Cement ConsumptionRegion-wise, the central region emerged as the leading consumer of cement in Saudi Arabia followed by the western region. The market for cement in the central region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stood at a valuation of US$799.4 mn in 2015 and is likely to rise to US$1,096.9 mn by the end of 2020. The growth in the cement market in the central region can be attributed to the burgeoning number of construction projects in the region coupled with the rising number of commercial and residential buildings. Moreover, ongoing infrastructure projects such as the construction of bridges and roads are likely to drive the progress of the cement market in future.Dynamic Demographic Structure to Drive Cement Market in Saudi ArabiaGrowing population and changing demographics are stated to steer investments in a country. According to a TMR analyst, Owing to the rising land prices and dearth of small housing units, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is facing shortage of feasible housing for medium and low income civilians. As a result of this, the demand for the construction of new buildings is significantly increasing, in turn impelling the government to increasing investments and funding for construction of new buildings and infrastructural activities. The changing demographics of the country are anticipated to push the number of construction projects in the region, further resulting in a rise in the demand for cement in the country.Browse Market Research Report with ToC & Free Analysis:Cut Down in Fuel Supply to Act Rogue in Development of Cement MarketCement companies operating in Saudi Arabia get the benefit of obtaining subsidized natural gas. The natural gas utilized by cement companies is supplied by Saudi Aramco, a state-owned company. With the government focusing on the economic development of the country, the possibility exists that the priority of expenditure might change. It is anticipated that this might lead to the discontinuation of subsidized fuel for the cement companies, leading to a rise in the prices of cement. The rise in cement prices is likely to inhibit the growth of the cement market in Saudi Arabia.The review is based on a report titled, Cement Market - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020.Cement Market - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Application AnalysisResidentialCommercialInfrastructureOthers (Including cement bricks)Cement Market - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Regional AnalysisCentralEasternNorthernSouthernWesternAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog :
Global monoclonal antibody (mAb) biosimilars market to grow at a CAGR of 4-7% during the period 2015-2020

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Big Market Research provides new report package Global mAb Biosimilars Market- Size, Share, Trends, Forecast, Growth, Opportunities 2020About BiosimilarsBiosimilars or follow-on biologics are generic versions of the biopharmaceutical products. These are developed following the patent expiry of an original molecule. Biosimilars have the same biological properties as original drugs and target the same diseases. They have many similarities but are not identical to the reference biopharmaceutical product.The global monoclonal antibody (mAb) biosimilars market to grow at a CAGR of 4-7% during the period 2015-2020.Get Sample Copy of report @Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global monoclonal antibody (mAb) biosimilars market 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of mAbs. The report also considers the revenues generated from the sales of drugs that are expected to be launched during the forecast period.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Europe Asia ROWGlobal Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) Biosimilars 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.Purchase this report for the price of Single User: US $ 2500 :Key vendors Biocon Celltrion Dr. Reddy's Laboratories HospiraOther prominent vendors 3SBio Accord Healthcare AET Biotech Allergan Alvartis Pharma Amega Biotech Amgen Apotex Aspen AstraZeneca Aurobindo Pharma Baxter Bharat Serums Bio Sidus Biogen Bionovis Bioton BioXpress Therapeutics Boehringer Ingelheim Boston Oncology Cipla Coherus Biosciences Daiichi Sankyo Emcure Pharmaceuticals Gedeon Richter GeneScience Pharmaceuticals GSK Hetero Drugs iBio Intas Pharmaceuticals JCR Pharmaceuticals LG Lifesciences Lonza Merck Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Momenta Pharmaceuticals Mylan Natco Pharma Novartis Pfenex Pfizer Ranbaxy Laboratories Roche Holding Samsung Biologics Sanofi SynthonMarket driverRise in number of patent expiries For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Physicians' reluctance to prescribe biosimilars For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend Emergence of biosimilars For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report 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?Get Complete Report @With the arsenal of different search reports, we help you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency.With the window of opportunity getting open and shut at a speed of light, it has become very important to survive in the market and only the fittest and competent enough can do so. So, we try and provide with latest changes in the market that can suit your needs and help you take decision accordingly.Our research services ranges into different domains and penetrates in different verticals so that we can carter to diverse needs of various organization. Not wrong to quote that this is the hotspot for research needs of yours.Contact us:5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect: + 1-503-894-6022Toll Free: + 1-800-910-6452Fax: +1 (855) 5505975Email: help@bigmarketresearch.comWeb:Blog:
Global 3D Printing Gases Market: Swift Commercialization of 3D Printers to Cause Volume Sales to Rise

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The explosive growth of the 3D printing industry and the commercialization of 3D printers for home use will be a defining trend for the global 3D printing gases market, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new report. The report is titled, 3D Printing Gases Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016  2024. Additive manufacturing, also popularly known as 3D printing, is being used in a myriad of industries. In virtually all 3D printing applications, 3D printing gases are now being employed to improve the quality of the final part being printed.According to the report, the use of 3D printing gases such as argon and nitrogen has gained traction because they help create the required inert atmosphere while manufacturing products that conform to high tolerance standards. These gases also prove crucial in creating a controlled atmosphere in instances where oxidation of freshly printed parts is a possibility. Thus, nearly all 3D printing applications that require minimal exposure of 3D printing materials to the ambient air are likely to make use of 3D printing gases. This factor will further aid 3D printing gases in becoming an indispensable component of the 3D printing industry.Download exclusive Sample of this report :Moreover, 3D printing gases are also being used in printing chambers to maintain the desired pressure and humidity levels. Combustible dust, a dangerous byproduct of the 3D printing process, can also be controlled using the right 3D printing gases. Another vital application of 3D printing gases is keeping 3D printing powders from clumping and keeping their consistency in line with desired standards. Sudden cooling of parts can cause deformities or ruptures. The use of 3D printing gases can help prevent this by controlling thermal stress.The growing use of 3D printing in the automotive industry, healthcare devices and instruments industry, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, and energy sector will also contribute substantially to the growth of the global 3D printing gases market.The report studies the key geographical segments of the global 3D printing gases market to provide insight about which regional markets will present the most promising opportunities. The report finds that North America will continue to lead the market in the short term on account of the proliferating use of 3D printing in several industries. Besides countries in North America, emerging nations in Asia Pacific, such as India and China will show promising growth in demand for 3D printing gases. However, the falling prices of 3D printings could cause a dent in the revenues earned from 3D printed gases.Complete Report with TOC :Companies that have established a notable presence in the global 3D printing gases market are: Air Liquide S.A., BASF SE, The Linde Group, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc., Praxair, Inc., Universal Cryo Gas, LLC, Iceblick Ltd., and Messer Group.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesUSA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207
Global Research details developments in the Agoraphobia Clinical Trials Review, H2, 2016

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The report analyzes and presents an overview of " Agoraphobia Global Clinical Trials Review, H2, 2016 " worldwide.GlobalData's clinical trial report, Agoraphobia Global Clinical Trials Review, H2, 2016" provides an overview of Agoraphobia clinical trials scenario. This report provides top line data relating to the clinical trials on Agoraphobia. Report includes an overview of trial numbers and their average enrollment in top countries conducted across the globe. The report offers coverage of disease clinical trials by region, country (G7 & E7), phase, trial status, end points status and sponsor type. Report also provides prominent drugs for in-progress trials (based on number of ongoing trials). GlobalData Clinical Trial Reports are generated using GlobalDatas proprietary database - Pharma eTrack Clinical trials database. Clinical trials are collated from 80+ different clinical trial registries, conferences, journals, news etc across the globe. Clinical trials database undergoes periodic update by dynamic process.The report enhances the decision making capabilities and helps to create an effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage.Download Sample copy of this Report @Scope- The report provides a snapshot of the global clinical trials landscape- Report provides top level data related to the clinical trials by Region, Country (G7 & E7), Trial Status, Trial Phase, Sponsor Type and End point status- The report reviews top companies involved and enlists all trials (Trial title, Phase, and Status) pertaining to the company- The report provides all the unaccomplished trials (Terminated, Suspended and Withdrawn) with reason for unaccomplishment- The Report provides enrollment trends for the past five years- Report provides latest news for the past three monthsReasons to buy- Assists in formulating key business strategies with regards to investment- Helps in identifying prominent locations for conducting clinical trials which saves time and cost- Provides top level analysis of Global Clinical Trials Market which helps in identifying key business opportunities- Supports understanding of trials count and enrollment trends by country in global therapeutics market- Aids in interpreting the success rates of clinical trials by providing a comparative scenario of completed and uncompleted (terminated, suspended or withdrawn) trials- Facilitates clinical trial assessment of the indication on a global, regional and country levelTable of Content :Table of Contents 2List of Tables 3List of Figures 3Report Guidance 4Clinical Trials by Region 5Clinical Trials and Average Enrollment by Country 6Top Countries Contributing to Clinical Trials in Asia-Pacific 8Top Countries Contributing to Clinical Trials in Europe 9Top Countries Contributing to Clinical Trials in North America 10Top Countries Contributing to Clinical Trials in Central and South America 11Clinical Trials by G7 Countries: Proportion of Agoraphobia to Central Nervous System Clinical Trials 12Clinical Trials by Phase in G7 Countries 13Clinical Trials in G7 Countries by Trial Status 14Clinical Trials by E7 Countries: Proportion of Agoraphobia to Central Nervous System Clinical Trials 15Clinical Trials by Phase in E7 Countries 16Clinical Trials by Phase 17In Progress Trials by Phase 18Clinical Trials by Trial Status 19Clinical Trials by End Point Status 20Subjects Recruited Over a Period of Time 21Clinical Trials by Sponsor Type 22Prominent Sponsors 23Top Companies Participating in Agoraphobia Therapeutics Clinical Trials 24Prominent Drugs 26Clinical Trial Profile Snapshots 27Appendix 46Abbreviations 46Definitions 46Research Methodology 47Secondary Research 47About GlobalData 48Contact Us 48Disclaimer 48Source 49MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E : sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Insight report On Austria Orthopedic Prosthetics Market Significant Forecast, Trends And Opportunity Outlook to 2022

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MarketResearchReports.Biz presents this most up-to-date research on Austria Orthopedic Prosthetics Market Outlook to 2022GlobalDatas new report, Austria Orthopedic Prosthetics Market Outlook to 2022, provides key market data on the Austria Orthopedic Prosthetics market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, and volume (in units) and average price data (in US dollars), within market segments - Lower Extremity Prosthetics and Upper Extremity Prosthetics.Note: This is an on-demand report and will be delivered within 2-3 business days of the purchase (excluding weekends)The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for the market category, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular category and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is available in the report.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology and capital equipment-based models to estimate and forecast the market size. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Capital equipment-based forecasting models are done based on the installed base, replacements and new sales of a specific device/equipment in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers. Data for average number of units per facility is used to arrive at the installed base of the capital equipment. Sales for a particular year are arrived at by calculating the replacement units and new units (additional and first-time purchases).Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.Download Sample copy of this Report atScope-Market size for Orthopedic Prosthetics market categories - Lower Extremity Prosthetics and Upper Extremity Prosthetics.- Annualized market revenues (USD million), volume (units) and average selling price ($) data for each of the market categories. Data is provided from 2008 to 2015 and forecast to 2022.- 2015 company shares and distribution shares data for each of the market categories.- Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the Austria Orthopedic Prosthetics market.- Key players covered include Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH, Ossur hf., Ossur hf., Endolite North America Ltd. and others.Reasons to buy- Develop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.- Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.- Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- What are the key distribution channels and whats the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand and capitalize.Table of Contents1 Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 31.2 List of Figures 32 Introduction 42.1 What Is This Report About? 42.2 Orthopedic Prosthetics Market Segmentation 42.3 Definitions of Markets Covered in the Report 53 Orthopedic Prosthetics Market, Austria 63.1 Orthopedic Prosthetics Market, Austria, Revenue ($m), 2008-2015 63.2 Orthopedic Prosthetics Market, Austria, Revenue ($m), 2015-2022 83.3 Orthopedic Prosthetics Market, Austria, Volume (Units), 2008-2015 103.4 Orthopedic Prosthetics Market, Austria, Volume (Units), 2015-2022 123.5 Orthopedic Prosthetics Market, Austria, Average Price ($), 2008-2015 143.6 Orthopedic Prosthetics Market, Austria, Distribution Share by Revenue ($m), 2008-2022 163.7 Orthopedic Prosthetics Market, Austria, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2015 174 Overview of Key Companies in Austria, Orthopedic Prosthetics Market 194.1 Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH 194.1.1 Company Overview 194.2 Ossur hf. 194.2.1 Company Overview 194.3 Endolite North America Ltd. 194.3.1 Company Overview 194.4 medi GmbH & Co. KG 194.4.1 Company Overview 195 Orthopedic Prosthetics Market Pipeline Products 216 Appendix 226.1 Research Methodology 236.1.1 Coverage 236.1.2 Secondary Research 236.1.3 Primary Research 246.1.4 Company Share Analysis 246.1.5 Distribution Share Analysis 246.1.6 Benchmarking 246.2 GlobalData Consulting 256.3 Contact Us 256.4 Disclaimer 26MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Epoxy Adhesives Market: Potential and Niche Segments, Geographical regions and Trends, 2015-2021

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Epoxy adhesives are high strength adhesives used extensively across various industries. They are made of epoxy resins, which are in turn made up of the chemical bisphenol A. Epoxy adhesives can be used for adhesion of numerous substrates such as wood, metals, plastics, glass and stones. After application, epoxy adhesives require time for curing or setting. This can be done with the help of heat or by exposure to ultra violet light or at room temperature. The epoxy adhesives cured by exposure to ultra violet light are used to manufacture fiber optics and opto electronics. Epoxy adhesives have strong adhesion which makes them the most commonly used structural adhesives.Request TOC:Epoxy adhesives find extensive use in aerospace, automotive, building & construction and semiconductor industry. Of these industries, aerospace and semiconductor industries are the two major consumers of epoxy adhesives. The growth of the aerospace industry is a key driver for the growth of epoxy adhesives market. The blades of aircrafts are joined using epoxy adhesives. Due to the superior mechanical properties of epoxy adhesives, such as resistance to creep under sustained load, temperature and pressure variations, they are the adhesives of choice for the aerospace industry. The semiconductor industry makes use of epoxy adhesives to manufacture printed circuit boards, integrated circuits and transistors. The semiconductor industry is growing exponentially due to the increase in usage of electronic gadgets. This is driving the market of epoxy adhesives. However, the application of epoxy adhesives must be carried out with protective gear owing to the toxic fumes which are emitted during its application. Technological advances to make the adhesives safer for humans during application are expected to open new areas of opportunity for the market of epoxy adhesives.China, Germany, the U.S and U.K are major consumers of epoxy adhesives. The aerospace and semiconductor industry in these countries are the largest markets of epoxy adhesives. The growth of this market is also seen in other Asia Pacific countries. South Korea and Japan are large scale manufacturers of epoxy resins. The market of epoxy adhesives is expected to grow considerably in the forecast period in Asia and Europe. Latin America shows a steady demand of epoxy adhesives for the building & construction industry.The application of epoxy adhesives requires pre treatment of substrates which ensures superior adhesion. There are two major types of epoxy adhesives  one component, heat curing epoxy adhesive and two component room temperature curing epoxy adhesive. One component epoxies are used as alternatives to welding and riveting and have excellent adhesion to metals. These epoxy adhesives require cold storage to provide sufficient shelf life. They are used for bonding large areas and find application in aerospace industry for assembly of aircraft panels and rotor blades.The two component epoxy adhesives are cured at room temperature and can take up to several days to weeks to achieve adhesion. These adhesives can be used on all types of substrates including rubber, wood, plastics, glass and ceramics. The market of epoxy adhesives is fragmented across the globe. There are numerous small, medium and large players in this market, which serve many markets and produce numerous epoxy adhesive variants. For instance, Henkel manufactures electrically conductive adhesives. The major players in this market include- Henkel, Permabond, The Gorilla Glue Company, 3M, Ardex, MG Chemcials, MAPEI, 5M, Epotek, Powerblanket and Masterbond among others.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Wireless Health Market : size, trends and share, 20152021

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Wireless health is the integration of wireless technology to transform the existing traditional and paper-based healthcare systems. Due to low-cost wireless systems and sensors we can create a constantly pervasive monitoring capability at home, work place, and in conventional point-of-care environments. The products globally used in wireless health market include insulin monitors, ECG monitors and neuro-monitors such as EEG and EMG devices.Get a copy of free Sample Report @The growth of global wireless health market has been attributed to the uptick in remote patient monitoring applications and diagnostics, aging populations and growing hospital deficits. Rising adoption of a patient-centric approach by healthcare providers coupled with increasing utilization of connected devices in the management of chronic diseases is expected to accelerate the growth of wireless health market. However, data security concerns are expected to restrict the growth of the market to a certain extent. Nonetheless, demand from the wellness market as well as era of mobile apps is expected to open up new growth opportunities in the forecast period.The report covers forecast and analysis of the wireless health market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2015 along with a forecast from 2016 to 2021 based on revenue (USD Million). To understand the competitive landscape in the market, an analysis of Porters Five Forces model for the wireless health market has also been included in the study. The report also analyzes several driving and restraining factors and their impact on the market during the forecast period. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, wherein application segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness.Get in-depth TOC (Table of Contents) @The report provides detailed segmentation of the wireless health market based on technologies, application and regional segment. The wireless health market has been segmented into WPAN, WLAN/Wifi, WWAN and WiMAX in terms of technology. The WPAN technology market segment held the largest market share in 2015.On the basis of application, the wireless health market is categorized into healthcare amenities (hospitals, nursing homes),physicians, home care, pharmaceuticals and others.Geographically, the market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. These regions are further bifurcated on country level, which include U.S., Germany, UK, France, China, Japan and India. Demand has been analyzed and forecast based on the current trends for the period of six years. North America was the leading segment of wireless health market followed by Europe in 2015. The wireless health market is expected to witness the highest growth in the Asia-Pacific region in the coming years due to the rising population as well as government initiative for eHealth.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @The report covers scenario including the company overviews, financial revenues of the key participants. Key players included in report are Verizon Communications, Omron Corporation, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Philips Healthcare, Aerohive Networks,Cerner Corporation, Alcatel-Lucent ,Vocera Communications ,Qualcomm and other.This report segments the global wireless health market as follows:Wireless Health Market: Technology Segment AnalysisWPAN,WLAN/WifiWWANWiMAXWireless Health Market: Application Segment AnalysisHealthcare AmenitiesPhysiciansHome carePharmaceuticalsOtherWireless Health Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East & AfricaKnow more before buying this report @About Us:Zion Market Research is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Zion Market Research is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading industry and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.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:
Predictions for Mobile Application Testing Services in 2017

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London (UK), Germany (Europe) & India (Business Network) 1st Oct, 2016:Prova has been providing mobile application testing services in Europe since 2010.The global mobile application testing solution market is anticipated to grow from US$ 2.2 Bn in 2016 to US$ 13.3 Bn by 2026, increasing at a CAGR of 19.5% during the forecast period. In a new report "Global Mobile Application Testing Solution Market", Future Market Insights studies the global market for mobile application testing solutions and presents a forecast in terms of revenue for the period 2016-2026.An increasingly agile mobile environment and higher demand for interactive testing over automated testing are the major challenges faced by mobile application testing solution providers globally. Opportunities for growth in the global mobile application testing solution market lie in the expansion of the IT sector and introduction of new technologiesProva conducts a range of android and iPhone app testing services including website testing in smartphones and tablets, functional testing, automation testing, performance testing, memory leakage testing, interrupt testing and security testing.We help fasten your software launch with our quick and effective mobile app testing services that ensure on-time delivery of a bug-free tool that is ready to reach the consumers.Here are top 3 Predictions for Mobile Application Testing Services in 2017...1. Outsourced Mobile App Testing TeamAt Prova, our testing professionals hold training across a wide range of mobile testing services and ensure compatibility with your business needs.2. Cost-effective MethodologyWe deliver fully-optimized solutions that ensure superior returns on your time and money invested in the testing process.3. In-sync TechnologyOur mobile app testing services are up-to-date with the rapidly changing mobile technology in order to deliver best results.The global mobile application testing solution market is expected to represent incremental opportunity of US$ 11.04 Bn between 2016 and 2026. Mobile apps are gradually becoming the first and foremost touch-points of customer-interaction. In such a case, it is important to deliver a highly efficient service through mobile apps. Prova offers a comprehensive mobile app testing services in Europe that assures your business of a glitch-free mobile technology.About UsWe, at Prova have undertaken 150+ software projects and 100+ websites for testing. Our services have helped enterprises with quick and comprehensive solutions. We have delivered projects in verticals such as Apparel, Social Media App, Music and e-commerceContact UsMobile:+1 281-886-8528Sales: info@provasolutions.comWebsite:Since 2010, Prova is providing end-to-end software testing and quality assurance services to enterprises across the globe. We are backed by a team of enthusiastic and experienced testing professionals who deliver customer-centric QA & testing solutions with the help of advanced testing tools and data-driven frameworks."SumaCenter", 2nd Floor, Opp. Himali Society, Erandawane, Pune, Maharashtra - 411004 Phone: +91 20 4
Global Polyester Fiber Market Worth Cross USD 115.0 Billion in 2020

Polyester Fiber Market

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Zion Research has published a new report titled Polyester Fiber Market (Solid and Hollow) for Carpet & Rugs, Nonwoven Fabrics, Fiberfill and Other Applications: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2014  2020. According to the report, global demand for polyester fibers was valued at USD 73.5 billion in 2014 and is expected to cross USD 115.0 billion in 2020, growing at a CAGR of slightly over 5% between 2015 and 2020. In terms of volume, the global polyester fiber market stood at 42 million tons in 2014.Get a copy of free Sample Report @Polyester fibers are polymers that are obtained from the polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is an artificial and manmade fiber manufactured from nonwoven bonded materials. Polyester fibers are used in the production of artificial nonwoven bonded fabric. It strengthens the usability of the finished product. Polyester fiber was discovered in 1940 and commercial scale production started in 1947. Polyester fibers are mainly used for apparel and are used in trousers, skirts, dresses, suits, jackets, blouses and outdoor clothing. PTA and MEG are key raw materials in the manufacture of polyester. Polyester is further molded through the extrusion process to produce polyester fiber. Raw materials are heated to a spinning mass, which is then pressed through spinnerets.Polyester fiber exhibit good chemical and physical properties such as the good elasticity, wear and tear property, low humidity absorption, creases free, quick drying, abrasion free, and water resistance and low humidity absorption capability. Polyester fibers are particularly resistant to light and weather and can withstand climatic effects. They can be used where lightness and fineness are primary requirements. Polyester fibers are very well suited to blends with natural fibers.Know more before buying this report @Polyester fiber is mainly driven strong demand from emerging economies. Increased construction of both residential and commercial spaces is expected to be a vital factor driving the demand for carpets and rugs. Emerging economies like China and India are projected to witness the highest growth in construction activities over the next few years due to rapid industrialization and infrastructure development. Rising disposable incomes coupled with changing lifestyles will likely to drive the home furnishings market. Carpets and rugs account for a notable share of the home furnishings market. This expected to fuel growth of polyester fiber market.On the basis of product segmentation the polyester fibres are segmented into fiberfill, rugs, carpets, and nonwoven fabrics and others. Solid fiber is one of the largest product segment accounted for over 80% of shares of the market in 2014. Moreover, the hollow fibers are used as fillers in the fiberfill.Carpets and rugs, non-woven fabrics, fiberfill and other (including apparels, industrial applications, and home textiles) are key application markets for polyester fiber. Fiberfill application segment dominated polyester fiber market with around 15% share of total volume consumption in 2014. However, carpets and rugs segment is expected to exhibit fastest growth rate during the forecast period.Browse the full Polyester Fiber Market for Carpet & Rugs, Nonwoven Fabrics, Fiberfill and Other Applications: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2014  2020 report atAsia Pacific dominated the global polyester fiber market in terms of volume as well as revenue. It accounted for around 80% in total volume consumption and revenue generated in 2014. Strong demand for polyester fiber from emerging economies such as China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc. is expected to further trigger the growth of this industry in the region. North America, Latin America, Europe accounted for small share of the global polyester fiber market.Key manufactures operating in the global polyester fiber market include Alpek S.A.B de C.V, Indorama Ventures Public Company Ltd., Sinopec Yizheng Chemical Fibre Company Ltd., Far Eastern New Century Corporation, Jiangsu Sanfangxiang group, Reliance Industries limited, Mossi Ghisolfi group, Tongkun group, Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, Zhejiang Hengyi group Co. Ltd., and Zhejiang Hengsheng Chemical Fiber Co., Ltd.Polyester Fiber Market  Product Segment AnalysisSolidHollowPolyester Fiber Market - Application Segment AnalysisCarpets & rugsNonwoven fabricsFiberfillOthers (Apparel, home textiles, industrial, etc.)Polyester Fiber Market - Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeGermanyUKFranceAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaAbout UsMarket Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Market Research Store is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@marketresearchstore.comWebsite:
Enterprise Unified Communications and Voice Equipment Market 2021 Explores New Growth Opportunities

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Unified communication is the combination of real time and non real time communication services such as video and voice conferencing, speech recognition and e-mail and messaging. Enterprise unified communication includes software and server based products that offers platform for communication for organizations and other enterprises. A key feature of enterprise unified communication is providing consistent user experience across wide range of communication channels. The major advantages of unified communication include price performance and ability to offer high quality services.Browse through the full Enterprise Unified Communications and Voice Equipment Market Report @The major challenge for providing unified communication services is to firmly integrate server based communication application and products into unified communication infrastructure. However, the market is expected to grow owing to rising demand for convergence of services such as voice mail, e-mail, audio and video conference, telephone PBXs and instant messengers. Additionally, the demand for unified communication is raising due to penetration of mobility applications such wireless e-mail. For instance, the presence of server applications such as multiuser video conferencing and improved communication features for employees in enterprise.Voice equipments for communication is segmented on the basis of terminal equipment and network equipments. Terminal equipment includes mobile phones, smart phones and tablets, IP phones and soft phones. Network equipments consists of router, switches, private branch exchange (PBX) among others.The market for Enterprise Unified communication is segmented on the basis of size of enterprise, configuration, services and geography. On the basis of size of company the market is segmented into large scale enterprise, medium scale enterprise. On the basis of configuration the market is segmented into phone to phone, computer to phone and computer to computer. On the basis of services the market is segmented into IP connectivity, managed PBX and hosted business. Moreover, it is expected that hosted business services would dominate the market over the coming years. The increasing demand for mobility is expected to fuel the growth of phone to phone configuration. The geographical analysis of the market is done on the basis of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of World. Currently Europe is the leading region among all the geographies due to advanced network infrastructure and availability of resources. Asia Pacific and Middle East offer tremendous growth opportunities for the key unified communication and voice equipment providers. This is due to the rise in number of enterprise in these regions.Request for Sample Report and Table of content @The market is highly fragmented with players such as 88 Inc., ADTRAN Inc., Ericson-LG, IBM Corporation, MDS Gateways, Microsoft Corporation, Nortel Networks Corp., Outsourcery Plc, PanTerra Networks, Roc Tel International, Siemens Enterprise Communication, Speedflow Communications Ltd. among others. Leading players in the market contributes less 15% of the total revenue of the market.Key geographies evaluated in this report are:North AmericaEuropeAPACLatin AmericaKey features of this reportDrivers, restraints, and challenges shaping the Enterprise Unified Communications and Voice Equipment market dynamicsLatest innovations and key events in the industryAnalysis of business strategies of the top playersEnterprise Unified Communications and Voice Equipment market estimates and forecasts(2015 -2021)About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
At A CAGR Of 3.13% Global Aviation Fuel Market Will Grow Steadily During The Period 2016-2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Aviation Fuel Market 2016-2020" to its huge collection of research reports.Aviation fuel is a specialized fuel that drives aircraft turbines. It is higher in quality and often contains additives designed to reduce risks such as icing and explosion due to changes in fuel temperature. The global aviation fuel market is captured by jet fuels i.e. aviation turbine fuel (ATF) owing to uncertainty in the production of bio jet fuels.Technavios analysts forecast the global aviation fuel market to grow at a CAGR of 3.13% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global aviation fuel market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, we have considered the production for aviation fuel and aviation biofuel.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Technavio's report, Global Aviation Fuel 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.Key vendorsAir BPChevronExideExxon MobilGazpromShellOther prominent vendorsAltAir FuelsAmyrisGevoHindustan petroleumHoneywellLanzaTechNeste OilPrimus Green EnergySkyNRGSolazymeSolena FuelsStatoilMarket driverRise in aviation fuel demandFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeInvestment hurdle for biofuelsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendIncreased focus on biofuels by the European UnionFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat 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?Make an Enquiry of this report @Table Of ContentPART 01: Executive summaryHighlightsPART 02: Scope of the reportMarket overviewTop-vendor offeringsPART 03: Market research methodologyResearch methodologyEconomic indicatorsPART 04: IntroductionKey market highlightsPART 05: Market landscapeTechnological overviewMarket overviewMarket size and forecastFive forces analysisPART 06: Market segmentation by typeGlobal aviation fuel market by type 2015Global aviation fuel market by type 2020Global aviation fuel market by type 2015-2020Global aviation turbine fuel (ATF) marketGlobal aviation biofuel marketPART 07: Market segmentation by applicationGlobal aviation fuel market by application 2015Global aviation fuel market by application 2020Global commercial application marketGlobal military application marketPART 08: Geographical segmentationGlobal aviation fuel market by geography 2015Aviation fuel market in AmericasAviation fuel market in APACAviation fuel market in EMEAPART 09: Market driversIncrease in number of aircraftRise in aviation fuel demandGrowing usage of biofuelGrowth in defense sectorsPART 10: Impact of driversAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Optical Transceiver Market Is Anticipated To Grow To $41.1 Billion By 2022

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Optical Transceivers: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2016 to 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.The vendors in the optical transceivers industry have invested in high-quality technology and processes to develop leading edge broadband network capability.Internet, enterprise augmented reality, and IoT Drive optical network adoption as the mega data centers are poised for significant growth to support trillion-dollar app markets. Global adoption of the Internet is driving rapid growth of the mega datacenter and the need for very high speed network transmission. Optical transceivers are used to upgrade telecommunications networks and launch very large mega data centers. The development of innovative products is essential to keeping and growing market share.An optical transceiver is a single, packaged device that works as a transmitter and receiver. An optical transceiver is used in an optical network to convert electrical signals to optical signals and optical signals to electrical signals. Optical transceivers are widely deployed in optical networking for broadband. Optical transceiver manufacturers test to ensure that their optical transceivers have compliance with the defined specifications. Testing of key optical parameters: transmitter optical power and receiver sensitivity is a big deal.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Leader of the team that prepared the research, Optical transceiver markets are driven by the use of broadband in every industry. Video, Internet adoption, and tablets drive demand for broadband. Markets are influenced by apps, augmented reality. IoT, the move to cloud computing and the adoption of smart phones by 9.5 billion people by 2020. Mega data centers that support online commerce, streaming video, social networking, and cloud services for every industry are expected to adopt optical transceivers as a fundamental technology. Software as a Service (SaaS) is a primary offering that will leverage optical transceivers in this mega data center.High-speed serial transceivers form the backbone of networks. Communications, servers and many other electronic systems depend on high-speed serial transceivers. Global adoption of the Internet is driving rapid growth of the mega datacenter. Data centers support online commerce, streaming video, social networking, and cloud services. Software as a Service (SaaS) is a primary offering.Leading vendors offer a broad product selection. They are positioned with innovative technology. Optical module manufacturers address the needs of all major networking equipment vendors worldwide. Leading vendors have taken a leading role in transforming the data communications and tele-communications equipment market.The global optical transceiver market at $4.6 billion in 2015 up dramatically from $3.2 billion in 2013 is anticipated to grow to $41.1 billion by 2022 driven by the availability and cost effectiveness of 100 Gbps, and 400 Gbps devices. Next generation optical transceiver devices use less power, are less expensive, and are smarter and smaller. The adoption of widespread use of the 100 Gbps devices, followed by 400 Gbps devices and the vast increases in Internet traffic are core to helping manage change in the communications infrastructure markets.Companies ProfiledSelected Market LeadersFinisarBroadcomFujitsuSumitomoNECEmcoreOplink CommunicationsFurukawa ElectricLumentumOclaroSource PhotonicsNeoPhotonicsInnolight TechnologyAccelink TechnologiesNTTBrowse Our Latest Press Releases @Market Participants3SP GroupAccelinkACONAgilent TechnologiesAnalog DevicesInnolight Technology CorporationLuna Innovations / Advanced PhotonixMenara NetworksMolex / OplinkChampion Optical Network Engineering, LLC (Champion ONE)Cube OpticsDasan Zhone SolutionsDeltaFoxconn Technology GroupMRVNokiaPhoton-XPOLYSYSQorvoReflex PhotonicsFujitsuFurukawa Electric Business SegmentsGigPeakHuaweiIkanosRohm SemiconductorSantecCreating OptopiaTransmodeViavi SolutionsVitesseKey TopicsOptical TransceiverAugmented RealityInternet of Things (IoT)Network CoreDWDMData rates 100 Gb/sMega Data Center OptimizedInternet Protocol TrafficMobile BackhaulBroadband Optical SectorMake an Enquiry of this report @Related ReportsChina Video Capture Card Market Research Report 2016China Transit Data Line Market Research Report 2016China Telephone Recording Equipment Market Research Report 2016About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
European Molecular Diagnostic Market for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Nucleic Acid (NA) Test Products expected to reach US$ 22.3 Mn in 2023

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Molecular Diagnostic Market for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Nucleic Acid (NA) Test Products (Polymerase chain reaction, Non-amplified tests, and Isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology; Hospitals, Public health laboratories, and Others) - Europe Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2015 - 2023" to its huge collection of research reports.Nucleic acid tests are used for rapid and accurate identification of microbes. This report on molecular diagnostic market for group A streptococcus (GAS) nucleic acid (NA) test products in Europe analyses the current and future prospects of the market. The report comprises an elaborate executive summary, including a market snapshot that provides overall information of various segments and sub-segments. This section also provides the overall information and data analysis of the nucleic acid test products market in Europe with respect to the leading market segments based on type of test techniques, end-user, and geography.The market overview section of the report includes qualitative analysis of the nucleic acid test product market in Europe including the factors determining the market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities, along with Porters Five Forces Analysis. In addition, various analyses such as market attractiveness analysis by geography and competitive landscape by key players have been provided. The market attractiveness analysis explains the intensity of competition in the market in different geographies. The competitive scenario between market players is evaluated through market share analysis. These factors would help the market players to take strategic decisions in order to strengthen their positions and expand their shares in the European market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The nucleic acid test product market in Europe has been segmented based on type of test technique, end-user, and geography. Based on type of test technique, the nucleic acid test market has been categorized into three major segments: polymerase chain reaction, non-amplified tests, and isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology. Based on end-user, the nucleic acid test product market in Europe has been segmented into five types: Hospitals, public health laboratories, and others. Market revenue in terms of US$ Mn for the period between 2013 and 2023 along with the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) from 2015 to 2023 is provided for all the segments, considering 2014 as the base year.Geographically, the nucleic acid test product market in Europe has been categorized into five regions: Western Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, and Rest of Europe. Western Europe comprises France, Germany, Austria, and Rest of Western Europe. Northern Europe includes Ireland, Norway, Sweden, the U.K. and Northern Ireland, and Rest of Central Europe. Southern Europe comprises Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Rest of Southern Europe. Eastern Europe comprises Poland, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Russian Federation, and Rest of Eastern Europe. The recommendations section included in the report would assist existing players to expand their market share and new companies to establish their presence in the market. The report also profiles major players in the nucleic acid test product market in Europe based on various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, product portfolio, and recent developments. Major players profiled in this report include Alere, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Hologic, Inc., Meridian Bioscience, Inc., Nanosphere, Inc., and Quidel Corporation.The molecular diagnostic market for group A streptococcus (GAS) nucleic acid (NA) tests in Europe has been segmented as follows:European Molecular Diagnostic Market for Group A Streptococcus (GAS)Nucleic Acid (NA) Tests Products, by Type of TechniqueIsothermal nucleic acid amplification technology (iNAT)Polymerase chain reactionNon-amplified TestsEuropean Molecular Diagnostic Market for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Nucleic Acid (NA) Test Products, by End-userHospitalsPublic Health LaboratoriesOthers (referenced and clinical laboratories)European Molecular Diagnostic Market for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Nucleic Acid (NA) Test Products, by GeographyNorthern EuropeIrelandNorwaySwedenUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandEastern EuropeEastern EuropeUkrainePolandCzech RepublicRussian FederationRest of Eastern EuropeWestern EuropeFranceGermanyAustriaRest of Western EuropeSouthern EuropeItalySpainPortugalRest of Southern EuropeRest of Europe (including Scandinavia, Mediterranean Europe, and Azerbaijan)Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
LTE, LTE-Advanced & 5G Ecosystem: 2016 - 2030 - Infrastructure, Devices, Operator Services, Verticals, Strategies & Forecasts | Now Available at Researchmoz.us

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "The LTE, LTE-Advanced & 5G Ecosystem: 2016 - 2030 - Infrastructure, Devices, Operator Services, Verticals, Strategies & Forecasts" to its huge collection of research reports.As a natural upgrade path for mobile operators from the previously detached GSM, CDMA and TD-SCDMA ecosystems, LTE has emerged as the first truly global mobile communications standard. Commonly marketed as the 4G standard, LTE promises to provide higher data rates and lower latency at a much lower TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) than 3G technologies.The TCO and performance is further enhanced by deployment of small cells and the LTE-Advanced standard, which improves performance and data rates using features such as the aggregation of carriers, interference management and advanced antenna techniques.With over 500 fully commercial network launches, LTE has become a mainstream technology, and a number of mobile operators have already deployed LTE-Advanced technology. SNS Research estimates that LTE service revenues will account for over $600 Billion in 2016. The figure is further expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 5% over the next four years.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @While LTE and LTE-Advanced deployments are still underway, mobile operators and vendors have already embarked on R&D initiatives to develop so-called 5G networks, with a vision of commercialization by 2020. 5G is essentially a revolutionary paradigm shift in wireless networking to support the throughput, latency, and scalability requirements of future use cases such as extreme bandwidth augmented reality applications and connectivity management for Billions of M2M (Machine to Machine) devices.By 2020, LTE and 5G infrastructure investments are expected to account for a market worth $32 Billion. This includes spending on distributed macrocells, small cells, C-RAN architecture equipment and mobile core solutions.The LTE, LTE-Advanced & 5G Ecosystem: 2016  2030  Infrastructure, Devices, Operator Services, Verticals, Strategies & Forecasts report presents an in-depth assessment of the LTE, LTE-Advanced and 5G ecosystem including key market drivers, challenges, technologies, service revenue potential, deployment strategies, vertical market opportunities, mobile operator case studies, R&D initiatives, future roadmap, value chain, vendor assessment and market share. The report also tracks revenue and shipments for both infrastructure and devices, along with subscription and service revenue from 2016 through to 2030.The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report.The report covers the following topics:LTE/LTE-Advanced technology and market status5G technology and R&D commitmentsMarket drivers and barriersTCO comparison with legacy technologiesLTE/5G infrastructure, devices, subscriptions and service revenueInfrastructure and device vendor shareAntenna systems, RAN, mobile core, backhaul and fronthaul deployment strategiesMobile operator reviews, service models, pricing strategies and LTE/5G deployment case studiesUnlicensed LTE, VoLTE, RCS, eMBMS and M2M servicesVertical markets for LTE/5G networksIndustry roadmap and value chainCompany profiles and strategies of over 90 ecosystem players including infrastructure vendors, device OEMs and mobile operatorsMarket analysis and forecasts from 2016 till 2030Forecast SegmentationMarket forecasts are provided for each of the following submarkets and their subcategories:LTE/5G Infrastructure Shipments & RevenueDistributed Macrocell Base StationsSmall CellsRRHs (Remote Radio Heads)C-RAN BBUs (Centralized RAN Baseband Units)Mobile CoreLTE/5G Device Shipments & RevenueHandsetsTabletsEmbedded M2M ModulesUSB DonglesRoutersLTE/5G Subscriptions and Service RevenueFDD LTETD-LTE5GPrivate LTE/5G Infrastructure RevenuePublic SafetyMilitaryEnergy & UtilitiesTransportationMining & OthersRegional MarketsAsia PacificEastern EuropeLatin & Central AmericaMiddle East & AfricaNorth AmericaWestern EuropeMake an Enquiry of this report @Key Questions AnsweredThe report provides answers to the following key questions:How big is the LTE, LTE-Advanced and 5G ecosystem?How is the ecosystem evolving by segment and region?What will the market size be in 2020 and at what rate will it grow?What trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth?Who are the key infrastructure and device vendors, and what are their strategies?How will FDD LTE investments compare with TD-LTE?What is the outlook for LTE-Advanced adoption?What are the future prospects for unlicensed LTE, VoLTE and eMBMS services?Will future network rollouts adopt a C-RAN architecture?How will NFV and virtualization affect the EPC market?What opportunities exist for small cells and how will their proliferation impact the wider LTE/5G infrastructure market?How much are vendors and operators investing in 5G R&D efforts?What will be the number of 5G subscriptions in 2020 and at what rate will it grow?What are the prospects of millimeter wave technology for 5G radio access networking?Key FindingsThe report has the following key findings:In 2016, mobile operators will pocket over $600 Billion from commercial LTE service revenues. The figure is further expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 5% over the next four years.More than 150 LTE operators have already deployed carrier aggregation technology. By 2020, over 50% of all LTE subscribers will be supported by LTE-Advanced networks.Mobile operators are pursuing a range of technologies including unlicensed LTE (LTE-U, LAA, LWA, MulteFire), VoLTE and eMBMS, as they seek to maximize the value of their LTE investments while addressing mobile data traffic growth.Although 5G is yet to be standardized, vendors are aggressively investing in 5G development efforts with a principal focus on new air interface transmission schemes, higher frequency bands and advanced antenna technologies such as Massive MIMO and beamforming.By 2020, LTE and 5G infrastructure investments are expected to account for a market worth $32 Billion. This includes spending on distributed macrocells, small cells, C-RAN architecture equipment and mobile core solutions."Companies Mentioned3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project)5G-PPPAbu Dhabi PoliceAccelerated ConceptsAccelleranAdaxAffirmed NetworksAirspan NetworksAirvanaAlcatel-LucentAltiostar NetworksAppleArcadyan Technology CorporationArgelaARItelArtemis NetworksASOCSASTRI (Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute)ASUS (ASUSTeK Computer)AT&TAT&T MobilityAthonetAxxcelera Broadband WirelessBaiCellsBBK Electronics CorporationBeach EnergyBelkin InternationalBlackBerryBrocade Communications SystemsBT GroupBusan Transportation CorporationAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
India Power Market Trends, Regulations, and Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2030

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"The Report India Power Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2016 - Market Trends, Regulations, and Competitive Landscape provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"This report elaborates India's power market structure and provides historical and forecast numbers for generation, capacity and consumption up to 2030. Detailed analysis of the India power markets regulatory structure, import and export trends, competitive landscape, and power projects at various stages of the supply chain is provided. The report also gives a snapshot of the power sector in India on broad parameters of macroeconomics, supply security, generation infrastructure, transmission infrastructure, degree of competition, regulatory scenario, and future potential. Financial performance of the leading power companies is also analyzed in the report.Get the Free Sample copy of this Report @Scope- Snapshot of the countrys power sector across parameters - macro economics, supply security, generation infrastructure, transmission infrastructure, degree of competition, regulatory scenario and future potential of the power sector.- Statistics for installed capacity, power generation and consumption from 2000 to 2015, forecast for the next 15 years to 2030.- Break-up by technology, including thermal, hydro, renewable and nuclear- Data on leading current and upcoming projects.- Information on grid interconnectivity, transmission and distribution infrastructure and power exports and imports.- Policy and regulatory framework governing the market.- Detailed analysis of top market participant, including market share analysis and SWOT analysis.Reasons to buy- Identify opportunities and plan strategies by having a strong understanding of the investment opportunities in the countrys power sector- Identification of key factors driving investment opportunities in the countrys power sector- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data- Develop strategies based on the latest regulatory events- Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential- Identify key partners and business development avenues- Identify key strengths and weaknesses of important market participants- Respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects.Read our latest Press Release atTable of Contents1 Table of Contents 41.1 List of Tables 81.2 List of Figures 102 Introduction 112.1 GlobalData Report Guidance 123 India Power Market, Snapshot 133.1 Macro-economic Factors 133.2 Supply Security 153.3 Opportunities 163.4 Challenges 174 India, Power Market, Market Analysis 184.1 India, Power Market, Market Structure 184.2 India, Power Market, Key Market Players 194.3 India, Power Market, Financial Deals 204.3.1 Deal Value and Volume Analysis, 2004-May 2016 204.3.2 Deals by Type, 2015 214.4 India, Power Market, Demand Structure 224.4.1 Power Consumption by Sector, 2015 245 India, Power Market, Regulatory Scenario 255.1 India, Power Market, Key Policies 255.1.1 Electricity Act, 2003 255.2 National Electricity Policy, 2005 265.2.1 12th and 13th Five-Year Plan Targets 265.2.2 National Tariff Policy, 2016 265.2.3 Integrated Energy Policy 285.2.4 Rural Electrification Program 295.2.5 Coal Linkage Policy for 12th Five-Year Plan 295.3 India, Power Sector, Renewable Power Policy 305.3.1 Renewable Energy Certificates 305.3.2 National Action Plan on Climate Change 315.3.3 Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission 325.3.4 Net-metering 335.3.5 Uttar Pradesh Solar PV Feed-in Tariff 345.3.6 Generation-Based Incentive (GBI) for Grid Connected Wind Power Projects 345.3.7 Regulatory Incentives and State Government Policies 345.3.8 Central Financial Assistance for Biomass Power Projects 365.3.9 Regulatory Incentives for Bioenergy 375.3.10 Financial Support to Private Sector, Joint Sector and Co-operative Society for Small Hydropower 385.3.11 Financial Support to State Government, Central Government and Public Sector Units for Small Hydropower 385.3.12 Support for Various Renewable Power Sources as per the New Tariff Policy of 2016 396 India Power Market, Capacity and Generation Overview 40MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Amount of Data Generated in Healthcare Industry is Managed by Outsourced IT Service Providers

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The global healthcare IT outsourcing market has registered a significant rise over the last decade. The cost-efficiency these outsourcing solutions offer to healthcare providers, as well as payers, has increased their adoption across the world in the recent times. The growing need for an enhanced level of IT convergence with reduced costs, improved productivity, and a higher level of patient satisfaction is likely to drive their demand substantially over the coming years.Healthcare IT Outsourcing Industry:In 2014, the markets opportunity was worth US$34 bn, which is expected to rise at a CAGR of 6.70% between 2015 and 2023 and reach an estimation of US$61.2 bn by the end of the forecast period.Healthcare Administration to Remain Dominant Application Area of Healthcare IT OutsourcingHealthcare administration, IT infrastructure management, and care management are the three main application areas of healthcare IT outsourcing. In 2014, these services were mostly utilized in administration, which held a share of nearly 37% in their overall application.The immense growth of the patient pool and the rising investments in healthcare infrastructure across the world resulted in the increased number of healthcare administrative processes, such as billing, asset management, operations management, and healthcare data management for both healthcare providers and payers, boosting the application these services in healthcare administration. Analysts expect a continuous growth in this trend over the next few years, ensuring the dominance of this segment.In terms of revenue, healthcare administration contributed US$12.5 bn in 2014, which is projected to rise up to US$21.5 bn by the end of the forecast period. Apart from this, the demand for healthcare IT outsourcing is also expected to experience robust growth in the care management segment in the coming years.Unmet Medical Need in Asia Pacific to Provide Potential Opportunities to Market PlayersAsia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East and Africa are the key regional markets for healthcare IT outsourcing across the world. In 2014, North America led the global market with a share of over 40%. The rise in the initiatives and mandates by governments to make quality healthcare available for people at much lower rates, such as the U.S. Affordable Care Act-2010, has increased the adoption of healthcare IT outsourcing by healthcare providers in this region.Information Regarding Importance of Healthcare IT Outsourcing:The opportunity in the North America healthcare IT outsourcing market stood at US$13.4 bn in 2014. Expanding at a CAGR of 5.10% during the period from 2015 to 2023, it is likely to worth US$21.2 bn by the end of 2023. Although North America will remain the biggest adopter of this service in the coming years, Asia Pacific is projected to register the fastest rise at a CAGR of 10.50% during the forecast period. The unmet medical needs in developing countries of Asia Pacific is anticipated to provide potential growth opportunities to market players over the next few years.IBM Corp., Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Wipro Ltd., Cognizant Technology Solutions, and Accenture Plc lead this market. Other prominent healthcare IT outsourcing solution providers are L&T Infotech, HCL Technologies Ltd., McKesson Corp., Infosys Ltd., and Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
ASEAN Organic Cosmetics Market Expected to be Worth US$ 66 Bn by 2020

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The global organic cosmetics market was valued at nearly US$ 40 billion in 2015, and by 2020, it is expected to reach US$ 66 billion, increasing at a CAGR of over 10%. ASEAN, an emerging market for organic cosmetics, is expected to witness high demand, driven a number of factors on which information is offered in the report, Organic Cosmetics Market: ASEAN Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2014-2020.Rising awareness about the potential side effects of synthetic cosmetics is a key factor driving increased demand for organic cosmetics. Positive perception towards organic cosmetics, availability of wide range of organic cosmetics, and emergence of a strong middle class in ASEAN are the other key regions fuelling demand. On account of these factors, the organic cosmetics market in ASEAN is expected to increase at over 9% through 2020 and reach US$ 4.4 billion in revenues.High cost, limited shelf life, and lack of standard certification have been identified as key challenges to the growth of the ASEAN organic cosmetics market. There is an urgent need for establishing rigorous certification standards, so that only those reliable and genuine brands are able to launch their products in the market.Request Free Report Sample@On the basis of product type, the ASEAN organic cosmetics market can be broadly segmented into skin care, hair care, make up, fragrances, and toiletries.Among these, organic hair care products accounted for the highest revenue share of the market in 2015. Valued at US$ 780 million in 2015, demand for organic hair care products in ASEAN is expected to reach US$ 1.24 billion by the end of 2020.Skin care is the second-highest product type on the basis of revenues, valued at US$ 671 million in 2015. This segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.7% through 2020, and surpass US$ 1 billion in revenues by 2020. Organic fragrances and toiletries are also expected to expand at healthy CAGRs through the forecast period.In terms of revenues, Thailand, Indonesia, and Philippines are the three largest markets for organic cosmetics in ASEAN.Thailand, the largest market for organic cosmetics in ASEAN, accounted for nearly 30% revenue share of the overall market in 2015. Valued at US$ 809 million in 2015, the Thailand organic cosmetics market is expected to expand at 9.4% CAGR to reach US$ 1.29 billion in revenues by 2020. Beauty specialist salon and pharmacy/drugstores are the two largest distribution channels in Thailand, collectively accounting for nearly 57% of overall sales.Indonesia is the second largest market, with total revenues totalling US$ 671 million in 2015. However, the Indonesia organic cosmetics market is expected to expand at slightly lower CAGR than rest of ASEAN countries. Beauty salon and e-commerce websites are the two largest distribution channels for organic cosmetics in Indonesia.Send An Enquiry@The Philippines organic cosmetics market was valued at US$ 552 million in 2015. General merchandise retailers account for a high percentage of total sales of organic cosmetics in Philippines.ASEAN Organic Cosmetics Market: Key PlayersThe leading players in the ASEAN organic cosmetics market are Estee Lauder Inc., Le Groupe L'OCCITANE, L'Oreal Group, Weleda Inc., W.S. Badger Company Inc.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 centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us: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:
Now Available Global Dental Implants and Prosthetics Market Forecast And Growth 2015-2025

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Dental implant is an artificial tooth that is placed in jaw to act as replacement tooth. People who have lost their tooth or teeth due to injury, periodontal disease and other reasons may use dental implant as an alternative to the natural tooth. Prosthetics are used to reconstruct the intraoral defects such as soft or hard structure of the jaw, missing parts and others. Rising number of people suffering from periodontal disease is one of the important factors driving the growth of dental implants and prosthetics. For instance, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that 47.2% of the total population above the age of 65 years suffers from some kind of periodontal disease. Thus, with the rise in periodontal diseases globally the dental implants and prosthetics market is also expected to grow in near future.The global dental implants and prosthetics market can be segmented as follows:Dental Implants MarketBy TypeTitanium Dental ImplantsProcedure StageSingle StageTwo StageConnector TypeExternal HexagonalInternal HexagonalInternal OctagonalZirconium Dental ImplantDental Prosthetics MarketCrowns and BridgesPorcelain fused to Metal Crowns and BridgesAll Ceramics Crowns and BridgesMetallic Crowns and BridgesDenturesAbutmentsRequest Free Report Sample@Rising edentulous population, increasing disposable income and growing awareness for dental care are some of key factors driving the growth of dental implants and prosthetics market. For instance, it has been estimated that in 2010 approximately 160 million people globally were edentulous which accounts for 2.3% of the global population. In addition, increasing geriatric population and changing lifestyle also propel the growth of this market. According, to the World Health Organization (WHO) it has been estimated that the global elderly population is expected to reach around 2 billion by 2050; thiswas around 524 million in 2010. Moreover, the global geriatric population is expected to grow at the fastest rate in developed countries such as Italy, Germany, the U.K., the U.S. and Japan. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 40 million people in the country belonged to the elderly category in 2011. Around 89 million people are estimated to be beyond the age of 65 years by 2050.Thus, increasing geriatric population globally augments the demand for dental implants and prosthetics.Technological advancements in the field of dentistry also drive the growth of this market. With the introduction of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has significantly reduced the dental treatment time. Thus, all the above mentioned factors collectively drive the growth of dental implants and prosthetics market. However, unfavorable reimbursement policies restrict the growth of this market during the study period.Geographically, Europe accounts for the largest share of the global dental implants and prosthetic market as the key players are domiciled in this region followed by North America. In addition, increasing geriatric population, presence of organized distribution channels and rising disposable income are of the major factors driving the global demand of this market during the forecast period 2015 to 2025. In addition, Asia-Pacific is estimated to be fastest growing market for dental implants and prosthetic owing to increasing healthcare awareness, population aging and rising medical tourism in countries such as India, Japan, Malaysia and others. However, economic slowdown in developed regions such as Europe and North America coupled with unfavorable reimbursement policies inhibits the global growth of dental implants and prosthetics market.Visit For TOC@3M Company, Biomet, Inc., Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Zimmer Holdings, Dentsply International, Zimmer Dental, BioHorizons, Inc., Ivoclar Vivadent AG are some of the leading companies having their presence in the global dental implants and prosthetics market.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 Us: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:
Contact Lens Market: Asia Pacific to Lead to Most Promising Growth Opportunities

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The global market for contact lenses features a consolidated competitive landscape, with the top four companies, including Johnson & Johnson, The Cooper Companies, Alcona Inc. and Bausch and Lomb, accounting for a share of nearly 68% in the global market in 2015, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new report. Johnson & Johnson, the largest vendor in the market, held nearly 31% share in the global market in the same year.Volume-wise, the Contact Lens market is expected to rise to 2,135.0 mn units by 2024. TMR also estimates that the global contact lens market, which had a valuation of US$9.74 bn in 2015 in terms of revenue, is expected to expand at a 7.6% CAGR from 2016 through 2024, and rise to US$18.70 bn by 2024. Of the key technologies used for manufacturing contact lenses, the cast molding technology is presently the most preferred, accounting for a share of over 80% of the markets overall revenues in 2015.Read Full Report:Rising Prevalence of Ophthalmic Disorders and Rising Popularity as Fashion Accessory Boost Global Sales of Contact LensesThe vast rise in the worlds population that suffers from a variety of ophthalmic disorders has emerged as the primary growth driver of the global contact lens market lately. The rise in younger population with issues such as refractory errors and weakened eyesight have especially increased the global consumption of contact lenses, which are being increasingly preferred for their comfort, convenience, and aesthetics.The easy availability of colored, disposable, and affordable varieties of contact lenses have also led to the vast rise in their usage as fashion accessories globally. Attempts made by contact lens manufacturers to educate masses about the proper and safe use of contact lenses and the availability of vast product varieties across distant corners of the globe have also helped stimulate the growth of the global contact lens market in the past few years.Concerns Regarding Damage from Careless Usage Continue to Limit Large-scale AdoptionOwing to the fact that contact lenses are worn directly on the cornea of the eye, they are required to be handled with exceptional care to prevent eye infections, ulcerations and other eye diseases. It is thus a widely known fact that careless handling or storage of contact lenses, or sleeping with the lenses on can have severe implications after the lenses are worn and remains a key challenge hindering the large-scale usage of contact lenses among skeptical consumers.Along with this, the fact that practitioners are not well equipped to prescribe contact lenses in certain developing economies across regions such as Asia Pacific and Middle East also threatens to limit the overall growth prospects of the global contact lens market to a certain extent.Download exclusive Sample of this Report:Emerging Economies to Present Excellent Growth OpportunitiesNevertheless, the vast untapped opportunities in developing regions can allow vendors in the market to gain substantial traction in the next few years. Expansion across these regions will require innovative marketing strategies and ways of educating the masses about the proper usage of contact lenses will have to be adopted. Over the period between 2016 and 2024, the market for contact lenses in Asia Pacific is expected to expand at a considerable CAGR. The APAC market is expected to reach US$4.76 bn by 2024.Prominent vendors in the market, including Novartis International AG, Menicon Group, STAAR Surgical, Carl Zeiss AG, SynergEyes Inc., Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Essilor International S.A., Valeant Pharmaceuticals, and Bausch and Lomb have strengthened their hold in regional markets with these approaches. Strategies such as innovation and new product development, high investments in research and development, and exploitation of novel marketing and sales channels have also helped key companies hold sway in the market in the past years. Incorporation of new technologies for upgradation of products and strategic acquisitions entered-in with the aim of expanding product portfolios and market position across regional markets will help companies in beating competition in the next few years.This review of the global contact lens market is based on a recent market research report published by Transparency Market Research, titled Contact Lens Market -Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024.For this report, the market has been segmented as follows:Global Contact Lens Market, by Product TypeSoft LensGas Permeable (GP)Global Contact Lens Market, by Design TypeSphericalToricMultifocalOthersGlobal Contact Lens Market, by Technology TypeSpin CastingCast MoldingLathe CuttingGlobal Contact Lens Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.Rest of North AmericaEuropeU.K.GermanyFranceRussiaItalyRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaRest of APACLatin AmericaBrazilRest of Latin AmericaMiddle East and AfricaGCCSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs 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.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Preeflow volumetric adhesive dispensing from Intertronics helps ensure integrity of life-saving medical device

Preeflow Volumetric Adhesive Dispensing helps ensure integrity of life-saving medical device

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See accompanying video:Intertronics customer BPR Medical, based in Mansfield, Nottingham, is a perfect example of a small British company which combines expertise, creativity and entrepreneurialism to design, develop and manufacture world-beating products for export worldwide and use in the United Kingdom, for which it was rewarded in 2012 with a Queens Award for Enterprise: Innovation. As with any manufacturing company, the success of its products depends to a considerable degree on assembly methods.The companys latest success story is the Bidirectional Firesafe Cannula Valve, used for in-home medical oxygen supplies to extinguish fires which can occur in the line between the concentrator and the users mask or nasal cannula. Such fires can occur if the line comes into contact with ambient flame  such as a candle  or more commonly if the patient is a smoker.The UKs Home Oxygen Service supports some 90,000 patients. In the US, accident & emergency units attend to in excess of 1,000 thermal burns a year caused by ignitions associated with home medical oxygen, of which smoking was by far the leading cause*.*National Fire Protection Association estimateLife and death integrity:BPRs unique inline Bidirectional Firesafe Cannula Valve extinguishes the fire by cutting off the oxygen supply. It is a development of an existing, unidirectional design and acts as a thermal fuse whereby the oxygen supply is cut off when a fusible component softens as a result of the heat from an approaching fire in the oxygen delivery tube. Integrity of operation is vital and could literally represent the difference between life and death.When BPR had chosen a two-part epoxy to bond both halves of the valves body, the next task was to find a dispensing solution that would assure deposition of a precise, repeatable volume of the adhesive, metered and mixed in the correct ratio, on to a cylindrical assembly. The resulting bond integrity would help ensure conformance for CE marking under European Medical Device Directive, as well as BPRs unerring commitment to quality.Technical Director Ben Johnsons team evaluated a number of possibilities, including premixing and dispensing via a pinch tube valve. This yielded inconsistent results due to changes in viscosity which begin to occur naturally as soon as epoxy is mixed, exacerbated by temperature fluctuations. It also took an unacceptable amount of set-up and clean-up time.The accuracy of volumetric dispensing:Having determined that volumetric technology would provide a better solution, BPR contacted Intertronics and two other vendors to arrange equipment demonstrations. Trials using the selected epoxy were conducted in a wide ambient temperature range, and rigorous pull, flexural and other testing of the assembled valve, revealed that the preeflow eco-DUO precision metering, mixing and dispensing system suggested by Intertronics was the correct solution. It offers 1% dosing accuracy, >99% repeatability and can dispense volume flows of 0.2 to 32ml per minute, with a minimum volume of 0.01ml. The preeflow positive displacement technology means that the volume dispensed is not affected by viscosity changes in the material.Key Customer Benefits were recognised as: Confidence of consistently high quality Increased productivity Decreased operating costs Time savings pre, during & post-operation Reduced material usage Reduced reject rates De-skilled assembly process Aesthetically superior productsThe two alternative potential vendors and their systems were also evaluated, but Intertronics was selected  not only on the basis of the eco-DUO meeting BPRs needs, but because of the lower total cost of ownership and promise of superior initial and ongoing support from Intertronics.Ben Johnson and Product Development Programme Manager Mike Brudenell worked with Intertronics to configure the dispenser into its bespoke manufacturing jig, into which the two populated halves of the Firesafe valve body are manually loaded prior to being rotated whilst the epoxy is applied. Each of the 20,000 units per month produced at the time of writing is non-destructively tested, whilst regular samples are subject to a three-point flexural test.The system operates an automatic purge at the end of the shift, eliminating the need for cleaning down. Control is via a preeflow plug n mix interface and stored settings ensure consistency and repeatability, and eliminate daily set-up time. Thanks to preeflows accuracy, the volume of epoxy applied has been reduced to 0.05 g from the pinch tube valves 0.06 g.Ben Johnson commented: We had to go through a number of stringent processes to ensure the integrity of the bonding of the two body halves. An essential part of this was how the two-part epoxy adhesive was applied: to ensure a highly accurate, repeatable dose on a rotating jig, but also to maintain the correct dispense volume regardless of viscosity changes caused by temperature. After evaluating a number of options, we chose the eco-DUO from Intertronics as it provided the best results for both of these criteria.He continued: Intertronics helped us choose a volumetric dispensing solution that was the best one for our needs. Weve been very impressed with their expertise, theyre responsive and always on hand to support us with any queries or technical support we might need. The way theyve helped us to integrate and set up the system means that we always achieve a consistently high level of process capability.Ben concluded: Not only that, but we estimate our return on investment to be in the region of 2,000 a month.For further information please see application specific video ator visit the Intertronics blog at"adhere from Intertronics provides quality adhesive solutions to high technology, high performance assembly industries, incorporating outstanding levels of technical support and customer service.The adhere concept covers their range of adhesives, encapsulants, coatings, sealants and tapes as well as the associated dispensing, curing and surface preparation equipment and materials used in the manufacturing and assembly processes. Also their Opti-tec brand of adhesives.Intertronics have been certified to ISO 9001:2008 standard demonstrating their commitment to customer service and quality in delivery. Certification proves that the Intertronics quality management system ensures consistency and a continuous improvement ethic, leading to high levels of performance and customer satisfaction.Sales partners include: Araldite, Thinky, Fisnar, DYMAX, Plato, Practical Components, Sipel, Techspray, 3DT Corona Treating Systems, SolderQuick, preeflow, Polytec PT, Opti-tec, Circuit Medic and ACC Silicones.IntertronicsUnit 17, Station Field Industrial EstateBanbury RoadKidlingtonOxfordshireOX5 1JDTel: 01865 842842email: info@intertronics.co.ukblog:Press contact: Peter Swanson
Intracranial Pressure Monitors Market: Upswing in Brain injuries Demands Increased Application

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As the global intracranial pressure monitors market undergoes a paradigm shift from invasive to non-invasive devices, manufacturers are facing intense competition, prompting them to focus on technological advancements. Leading players such as Integra LifeSciences Corp., Medtronic Inc., and Codman & Shurtleff Inc. are aggressively integrating advanced technologies in their products. In line with this trend, companies are now racing to introduce next-generation products in the market.Read Full Report:Looking forward, untapped markets in emerging economies are likely to offer lucrative opportunities to participants. Entering into strategic partnerships with local players will help major companies to seize better shares in the market.Intracranial Pressure Monitors Gain Impetus from Rising Incidence of Traumatic InjuriesThe frenzied lifestyle of people across the world has increased the frequency of traumatic injuries and augmented the prevalence of strokes, thereby escalating the demand for intracranial pressure monitors, says an analyst at TMR. Cranial injuries and head trauma are mostly caused by road and industrial accidents, which lead to death or permanent disability for hundreds of individuals every year. Elevated intracranial pressure causes around 2 casualties in every 10 cases of head injuries across the world. The increasing reports of brain injuries in adults as well as pediatric patients have also fueled the demand for intracranial pressure monitoring significantly.Strokes are another prominent factor that has escalated the application of these pressure monitors. Large hemispheric strokes increase the cerebral perfusion pressure and enhance the mean flow velocity of the middle cerebral arteries in the patient, raising the intracranial pressure. The growing prevalence of high blood pressure among people across the world has augmented the frequency of strokes, thereby boosting the demand for intracranial pressure monitors substantially.Hitherto, the risk associated with the invasive nature of intracranial pressure monitors, such as bacterial infections, hampered their adoption across the world. The reports about cerebrospinal fluid infection, which sometimes leads to fatal consequences, have limited the application of intracranial pressure monitors significantly.Download exclusive Sample of this Report:Despite North Americas Claim on Leadership, Asia Pacific to Emerge ProminentlyDespite of being hindered by these factors, the global market for intracranial pressure monitors has a bright future ahead of it. TMR expects this market to expand at a CAGR of 6.30% during the period from 2015 to 2023, with market opportunity swelling from US$0.94 bn in 2014 to US$1.63 bn by the end of the forecast period.Currently, North America holds the largest share in this market and will continue to lead over the next few years. However, the future of this market lies in Asia Pacific. The rapid increase in geriatric population, rising prevalence of cerebrovascular disorders, and escalating healthcare expenditure in this region together are likely to offer rewarding opportunities to participants in the coming years.This study is based on the findings of a TMR report titled Intracranial Pressure Monitors Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023.The global intracranial pressure monitors market has been segmented as follows:Intracranial Pressure Monitors Market, by TypeExternal Ventricular Drainage SystemLumbar Drainage SystemMicrotransducer ICP Monitoring DevicesFiber Optic DevicesStrain Gauge DevicesPneumatic SensorsNon-invasive ICP Monitoring SystemIntracranial Pressure Monitors Market, by ApplicationTraumatic Brain InjuryIntracerebral HemorrhageMeningitisSubarachnoid HemorrhageOthersGlobal Intracranial Pressure Monitors Market, by End-userTrauma CentersHospitalsGlobal Intracranial Pressure Monitors Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificRest of the World (RoW)Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs 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.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global and China Construction Wood Development Environmental Analysis and Market Share by Regions 2014

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Global and China Construction Wood Industry 2014 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2014-2020.The Global and China Construction Wood market has been consistently undergoing many changes. By highlighting these changes, the research study carries out a detailed analysis of the Global and China Construction Wood market for the period from 2014 to 2021.In the report, research analysts have identified the attractiveness of the Global and China Construction Wood market by using efficient analytical tools including investment return analysis, SWOT analysis, and market feasibility analysis. After discussing the current situation of the market, the study diverts its attention towards the future of the Global and China Construction Wood market. Considering the results of the analysis, the future of this market is projected to be bright.The research done helps stakeholders and vendors get a complete unbiased picture of the Global and China Construction Wood market. New project investments are also studied in the report. SWOT analysis, an industry-standard tool, is used to measure the feasibility of the new projects. Various crucial strategies used by key companies operating in the Global and China Construction Wood market are discussed in the report.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The study evaluates the competitive landscape of the Global and China Construction Wood market. For this, company profiles of leading players are listed in the report. The market is divided into various segments and sub-segments for a detailed analysis.The research studies the Construction Wood market by considering various products, specifications, and applications. The volume of production, pricing structure, and the revenue are the key factors considered in the report to determine the performance of the Global and China Construction Wood market. The analysts have also evaluated the sales dynamics and production chain in the report.The report provides a blueprint of the Global and China Construction Wood market for the market participants, vendors, stakeholders, and consultants, as it supports them in taking accurate decisions and using the appropriate approaches to gain a competitive edge.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsChapter One Construction Wood Industry Overview1.1 Construction Wood Definition1.1.1 Construction Wood Product Pictures & Product Specifications1.2 Construction Wood Classification & ApplicationChapter Two Construction Wood Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.1 Construction Wood Raw Material & Equipments Supplier and Price Analysis2.2 Construction Wood Labor & Other Cost Analysis2.3 Construction Wood Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.4 Construction Wood Manufacturing Process AnalysisChapter Three Construction Wood Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 2014 Global Key Manufacturers Construction Wood Capacity and Commercial Production Date3.2 2014 Global Key Manufacturers Construction Wood Manufacturing Plants Distribution3.3 2014 Global Key Manufacturers Construction Wood R&D Status and Technology Sources3.4 2014 Global Key Manufacturers Construction Wood Raw Materials Sources AnalysisChapter Four Construction Wood Production by Regions, Technology and Applications4.1 2010-2014 Construction Wood Production by Regions(such as US, EU, China and Japan etc)4.2 2010-2014 Construction Wood Production by Product Type & Application4.3 2010-2014 Construction Wood Price by key Manufacturers4.4 2010-2014 US & China Construction Wood Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.5 2010-2014 Europe and Japan Construction Wood Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.6 2010-2014 US and China Construction Wood Supply Import Export Consumption4.7 2010-2014 Europe and Japan Construction Wood Supply Import Export ConsumptionChapter Five Construction Wood Sales and Sales Revenue by Regions5.1 2010-2014 Construction Wood Sales by Regions (such as US, EU, China & Japan etc)5.2 2010-2014 Construction Wood Sales Revenue by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.3 2010-2014 Construction Wood Sales Price by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.4 2010-2014 Construction Wood Demand by ApplicationsRead More @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Worldwide Analysis on Food Sorting Machines Market Strategies and Forecasts, 2015 to 2025

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Automation is becoming more of a requirement than an option in the food processing industry. The rigorous quality and cost controls required in the food industry is making it more critical. Production of high grade food requires capable and efficient inspection and sorting systems, in the operations and production line. The food is sorted by color, size, shape, specific gravity prior to inspection and other criteria depending upon the raw material and application.Global interest is increasing towards the quality of food consumed along with the stringent legislations on product quality and operating procedures. In the food industry, the product specification is extremely important, and is one of those area where new developments are crossing the boundaries. The food industry is under immense pressure of meeting the demands of growing world population.The global population is becoming urbanized and there is heavy industrialization seen in the emerging economies. This leads to an upward trend towards convenience foods that are healthy, nutritious and easy to prepare. Food security is an emerging challenge for policy makers and companies in the food supply chain. Over the period food production will be under threat from climate change, competing land uses, erosion and diminishing supplies of clean water. One of the solutions to this dilemma is increased efficiency and waste reduction in the food supply chain. Food sorting machines offer increase in efficiency by selectively filtering out the undesired materials from the main food. The main purpose is separation of foreign seeds and bodies, such as unhealthy or spotted grains. The insertion of optical sorter into strategic positions of the milling process facilitates and optimizes the whole cleaning process. Worldwide the optical sorters are being used in the food industry. Its highly adopted in the processing of harvested foods such as fruits, potatoes, vegetables and nuts where it achieves non-destructive,100% inspection on full production volume. Since manual sorting is subjective and inconsistent, its not preferred. Optical sorting helps to improve the product quality, increase yields, maximize throughput while reducing labor costs. Since few years the trend is of integration of the traditional mechanical cleaning process with optical sorting machines.Food Sorting Machines Market: Drivers & RestraintsGrowing population, rising urbanization, growing technological awareness, industrialization of emerging economies and increasing per capita income are some of the key factors driving the growth of the food sorting machines market.Request Free Report Sample@Environmental Protection Agency regulations on disposal of food waste, changing consumption patterns and smaller households are few of the probable factors restraining the growth of the food sorting machines market.Food Sorting Machines Market: SegmentationThe global food sorting machines market is broadly classified on the basis of product type, technology and geographies.Based on product type, the global food sorting machines market is segmented into:Channel SortersFreefall SortersBelt SortersADR SystemsBased on technology, the global food sorting machines market is segmented into:LaserCameraLEDX-rayFood Sorting Machines Market: OverviewThough food sorting machines is a new technology for emerging economies like India, but in the developed economies like North America and Europe the same technology is in use for years.With growing global population and increasing pressure on food industry to meet the customer demands, the acceptance of food sorting machines is gaining popularity. The global food sorting machines market is expected to expand at a promising CAGR during the forecast period (2015-2025).Visit For TOC@Food Sorting Machines Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global food sorting machines market is expected to register a double-digit CAGR for the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions, global food sorting machines market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. As of 2015, North America dominated the global food sorting machines market in terms of market revenue followed by Europe. Asia Pacific & Japan are projected to expand at a substantial growth and will contribute to the global food sorting machines market value exhibiting a robust CAGR during the forecast period, 2015-2025.Food Sorting Machines Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market participants in global food sorting machines market are Tomra Systems ASA, Sesotec GmbH, Buhler AG, Key Technology, BarcoVision, Satake USA Inc.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 Us: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:
Organic Cocoa Market Trends and Segments 2015-2025

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The certified organic cocoa market represents a very small share of the total cocoa market, estimated around 0.5% of total production. However, the demand for organic cocoa products are growing at a very strong pace, the supply side faces a strong challenge to meet the demand of organic cocoa. Since, farmers are paying ample amount for producing organic cocoa, production of organic cocoa is more in least developed countries. Organic cocoa has many nutritional benefits such as more fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and many other minerals. Moreover it also contains antioxidants, which helps to protect skin. Organic cocoa also helps to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Demand for organic cocoa products are very high in U.S, U.K and Germany, hence organic cocoa are supplied to developed economies of North America and Western Europe to manufacture organic cocoa products. Currently, Dominican Republic is dominating the organic cocoa market in terms of production that holds around 70 percent of the total market share; Peru, Ecuador and Mexico together hold around 20 percent of the market share in terms of production; rest around 10 percent is held by Bolivia, Ghana, Brazil and others.Organic Cocoa Market Segmentation:On the basis of product type the organic cocoa market is segmented into cocoa powder, cocoa paste, cocoa butter, cocoa beans and others (products containing cocoa). Products containing cocoa holds the highest market share in terms of value followed by cocoa beans and cocoa butter.Request Free Report Sample@On the basis of application organic cocoa market is segmented into confectionaries, bakery, functional food, health drinks, home cooking use and others (pharmaceuticals, ointments, and toiletries). Organic cocoa is majorly used in food industry as a main ingredient of chocolate.Geographically, Organic cocoa market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Latin America is dominating worldwide followed by Middle East and Africa (MEA) in terms of organic cocoa production. Majority of organic cocoa is exported to Western Europe followed by North America. U.K and U.S are the largest manufacturing countries of organic cocoa products in the world, since organic chocolate is more popular in U.K, U.S and Germany and consumers from those countries owe a significant inclination towards organic chocolates irrespective of high pricing of organic products.Organic Cocoa Market Dynamics:Chocolate is the main application of organic cocoa which is the main growth driver of organic cocoa market. Also, the organic cocoa market is expected to be largely driven by the health consciousness among consumers. However, lack of proper supply of organic cocoa restrains the global organic cocoa market which also leads to increase in price of organic cocoa. There is a huge opportunity in the North America and Western Europe and Japan. Asia Pacific excluding Japan is an untapped market which is also a potential market for organic cocoa. This is attributed to increasing inclination of consumers towards organic products, rapid urbanisation, strengthening supply chain for organic cocoa and rising health consciousness among consumers.Visit For TOC@Organic Cocoa Market Key Player:Some of the leading players are Kraft Foods Inc., Cargill Incorporated, Tradin Organic Agriculture B.V., Ciranda, Blommer Chocolate Company, Artisan Confections Company, PASCHA Company, InterNatural Foods LLC and Wilmor Publishing Corp.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 Us: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:
Oatmeal Market Segments and Key Trends 2016-2026

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Oatmeal is made up of one of the highly consumed breakfast cereal Oats. Oat grains are processed, crushed, rolled or steel-cut to make coarse oatmeal. Oatmeal is the general term originated from the U.S. and used is the U.S. and some parts of Canada. Oatmeal are mostly cooked by heating and adding water or milk to form porridge and consumed as breakfast in most of the countries. Oats are also used as an ingredient in different products such as oatcakes, oatmeal cookies and baked oatmeal dessert dishes. In recent years Oatmeal market has flourished despite of slow growth of breakfast cereal industry, due its health benefits such as high fiber and beta-glucan content and no cholesterol.Oatmeal Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe size of oatmeal market is increasing with respect to the growth of breakfast industry, increasing preference for healthy meals, and changing food habits in different countries. Oatmeal is one of the major staple food for Scotland and Nordic countries, whereas oatmeal are highly preferred by the consumers who are health conscious and always look for high protein and fiber meals. Increasing demand for ready to eat foods, and healthy breakfast products is expected to drive the growth of oatmeal market.Oatmeal are served hot, and the increasing demand hot cereal products is also expected to support the growth of oatmeal market. Changing in eating habits of the consumers have demolished specific type of food to be consumed for dinner, lunch and breakfast. Now a days manufacturers are positioning oatmeal as an option for lunch, dinner and snacks, resulting in higher consumption of oatmeal.Request Free Report Sample@Other factors which are driving the oatmeal markets are the benefits offered by the oatmeal, such as its high fiber and protein content, no sugar and being gluten-free, present oatmeal as a preferred choice healthy conscious consumers. It is also easy to cook and take less time than traditional meals, which makes it a preferred choice, over other cereal products.Oatmeal Market Segmentation:Oatmeal market can be classified on the basis of product types, distribution channel and regions that constitute the key markets.Oatmeal on the basis of product type can be segmented into Whole oat grains, Steel cut oats, Regular rolled oats and Instant rolled oats. Instant rolled oats are growing at a faster growth rate among all other types as they contains pre-cooked oats, and can be quickly prepared by adding hot milk or water. Attributes such as easiness to cook and on-the-go food supports the growth of instant rolled oats market during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Oatmeal market can be further segmented on the basis of distribution channel used by manufacturers, to supply oatmeal products to end-users. On the basis of distribution channel, the oatmeal market can be segment into Super/Hypermarket, Convenience/Departmental Stores, Specialty Stores and Others (includes foodservice). Super/Hypermarket segment is expected to depict highest growth in terms of sales, due to its capability to offer wide variety of oatmeal products and also offers attractive offers and discounts.Oatmeal Market: Regional OutlookGeographically the Oatmeal market can be segmented by regions such as North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East and Africa and Japan. Among all these regions, Western Europe market is expected to dominate the oatmeal market, in term of revenue, followed by North America. Asia-Pacific and Latin America oatmeal market is expected to show higher growth rate during the forecast period, due to changing eating habits, and growing urban population resulting in higher demand for healthy on-the-go food.Full Report Analysis@Oatmeal Market Key Players:Oatmeal market is moderately fragmented with number of major players holding high share and domestic players offering oatmeal in the local market. Leading players in the oatmeal market are Quaker Oats Company, Kellogg's, Bagrry's India Ltd., General Mills, Nestle, Dr. McDougall's Right Foods., McCanns, Abbott Nutrition, Conagra Foods, ABF Grain Products Limited., and thinkThin.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 Us: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:
Which Clothes Burn Faster?

For example, would you expect your own jacket to protect you from fire in the same way as a fire fighters uniform? What level of safety from fire would you hope that your clothing provides?In the US, there are regulatory requirements for the flammability of textile clothing and yet Canada and some European countries have different regulations.The US market has stringent flammability requirements for general wearing apparel, but there is nothing comparable for the whole EU, although individual countries may have regulations. For example, childrens sleepwear  a high-risk category  has stringent flammability regulatory requirements in several countries including the US, Canada, Australia and the UK.General Wearing Apparel & FlammabilityTo use the US regulation as an example here, general wearing apparel needs to be tested for flammability using 16 CFR 1610 (Code of Federal Regulations). Some items, such as gloves and footwear, are exempt from the regulation. An additional group of items, which meet certain weight criteria or are made from specified fiber content, are considered to meet the flammability regulation without testing.In the US flammability test, a standard flame (5/8 of an inch long) is lowered onto the six-inch fabric specimen which is mounted at a 45 angle, which approximates the position of fabric during wearing. The flammability of the fabric sample is evaluated by timing how long it takes the flame to travel the length of the test specimen. The faster the time, the more likely it is that the fabric will burn so rapidly that the garment could not be removed or the fire extinguished before grave injury happened. Testing takes place on both the original fabric and on the fabric after dry-cleaning and washing. The final classification uses the lowest time recorded at the two stages of testing.Fabrics are classified into Class 1 Normal Flammability, Class 2 Intermediate Flammability and Class 3 Rapid and Intense Burning, according to the time of the burn and the characteristics of the burn. Fabrics, or fabrics cut from garments, with a Class 3 testing result are not allowed to be sold in the US market.There are different requirements for plain surface and raised surface fabrics. If a plain surface fabric has a burn time of 3.5 seconds or more, its classified as Class 1. Fabrics with a burn time of less than 3.5 seconds are classified as Class 3 and fail the flammability test. Class 2 Intermediate Flammability does not apply to plain surface fabrics.For raised surface fabrics, Class 1 fabrics have a burn time of more than 7 seconds. A combination of burn times between 4 and 7 seconds, and burning characteristics that indicate the base of the fabric has been burned through, would result in a fabric being rated as Class 2. Such fabrics, or garments made with Class 2 fabrics, are considered to have intermediate flammability and it is still legal for them to go on sale in the United States. A combination of a burn time less than 4 seconds, plus burning characteristics indicating the fabrics base has been burned through, would result in a fabric being rated as a Class 3 fabric. It is illegal to sell Class 3 fabrics in the US.Raised surface fabrics offer greater risk than plain surface fabrics because the pile on the fabrics surface traps more air and oxygen is essential for sustained burning.Childrens Sleepwear & FlammabilityThe US has two regulations for the flammability of childrens wearing apparel intended for sleeping or related activities: 16 CFR 1615 and 16 CFR 1616. All childrens sleepwear, sizes 0 to 14, must comply with one of these two standards, or else it cannot be sold in the US.The childrens sleepwear flammability tests are more severe than the general wearing apparel flammability tests. The test is a vertical burning test in which a 1.5 inch flame is applied underneath the bottom edge of the fabric for 3 seconds. The evaluation is based on the length of material burned away or severely charred, which is called the char length.Due to the severity of the tests, most childrens sleepwear made of cotton or other cellulosic materials will not comply with the standard. Fabrics made from 100% polyester or other synthetic fibers are usually self-extinguishing and therefore will usually pass the testing.Passing testing results must be obtained for each fabric production unit (5,000 linear yards) both before and after 50 washes. Depending on results, it may not be necessary to complete 50 washes for all fabric production units. The tests must be applied to prototypes of each type of seam and trim to be used on the final garment and each garment production unit (500 dozen).Most burn incidents occur when children are awake, unsupervised and wearing sleepwear. Contact with hot surfaces and small open flames are the primary hazards. Childrens sleepwear will comply with the flammability requirements if: It meets size specifications for sleepwear sizes 0  9 months and passes testing against 16 CFR 1610 It meets all tight fitting criteria in the regulations and passes testing against 16 CFR 1610 The average char length of specimens tested is seven inches or less No individual specimen burns along its entire length (10 inches)Sleepwear made in childrens sizes 0-9 months are exempt because most children wearing these sizes would not be unsupervised near open flames.Tight-fitting sleepwear would not easily be exposed to an open flame due to its design. Such sleepwear must meet the specific sizing measurements given in 16 CFR 1615 and 1616. In addition to meeting the sizing specifications, the garments must be labeled according to the regulations.For further information, please contact:S K LorGlobal Harmonization ManagerSGS Hong Kong Limitedt: +852 2774 7424email: cts.media@sgs.comKaren E. Kyllo, Ph.D.Deputy Vice President, Global SoftlinesSGS North America Inc.t: +1 973 461 7934email: cts.media@sgs.comAbout SGSSGS is the worlds leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 85,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,800 offices and laboratories around the world.1, Mons CalpeChitcombe RoadBroad OakRyeEast SussexTN31 6EU
Small Molecule API Market & Industry Development Analysis Report Till 2022

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DecisionDatabases.com offer Small Molecule API Market Research Report. This Report covers the complete Industry Outlook, Growth, Size, Share and Forecast till 2022.View More about Small Molecule API Market Research Report @The report on global small molecule API market evaluates the growth trends of the industry through historical study and estimates future prospects based on comprehensive research. The report extensively provides the market share, growth, trends and forecasts for the period 2015-2022. The market size in terms of revenue (USD MN) is calculated for the study period along with the details of the factors affecting the market growth (drivers and restraints).A glimpse of the major drivers and restraints affecting this market is mentioned below:A. Drivers> Increasing prevalence of cancer across the world> Technological advancementsB. Restraints> Stringent regulatory requirements> Global economic recessionGet Free Sample Copy of this Report @Furthermore, the report quantifies the market share held by the major players of the industry and provides an in-depth view of the competitive landscape. This market is classified into different segments with detailed analysis of each with respect to geography for the study period 2015-2022.The comprehensive value chain analysis of the market will assist in attaining better product differentiation, along with detailed understanding of the core competency of each activity involved. The market attractiveness analysis provided in the report aptly measures the potential value of the market providing business strategists with the latest growth opportunities.The report classifies the market into different segments based on type and application. These segments are studied in detail incorporating the market estimates and forecasts at regional and country level. The segment analysis is useful in understanding the growth areas and probable opportunities of the market.The report also covers the complete competitive landscape of the worldwide market with company profiles of key players such as Teva Pharmaceuticals Limited, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Limited, Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd., Aurobindo, Novartis International AG, Boehringer Ingelheim, Albemarle Corporation, Sigma Aldrich, Mylan N.V. and Allergan plc. A detailed description of each has been included, with information in terms of H.Q, future capacities, key mergers & acquisitions, financial overview, partnerships, collaborations, new product launches, new product developments and other latest industrial developments.SEGMENTATIONS IN THE REPORT:1. By Type:> Synthetic> Chemical> Biological2. By Applications:> Oncology> Neurology> Cardiovascular> Metabolic3. By Geography:> North America (NA)> Europe (EU)> Asia Pacific (APAC)> Latin America (LA)> Middle East & Africa (MEA)Major Table Of Contents:1. INTRODUCTION2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY3. MARKET ANALYSIS4. SMALL MOLECULE API MARKET ANALYSIS BY TYPE5. SMALL MOLECULE API MARKET ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION6. SMALL MOLECULE API MARKET ANALYSIS BY GEOGRAPHY7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE OF THE SMALL MOLECULE API COMPANIES8. COMPANY PROFILES OF THE SMALL MOLECULE API INDUSTRYOrder a complete Small Molecule API Market Research Report @DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.3rd Floor,Fountain chambers,Nanabhai Lane,Fort, Mumbai - 1E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.comPhone: +91 99 28 237112Web:
Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market To Exceed Us$1 Bn By 2018, Backed By Healthy Tourism Sector

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In a recent market study published by Transparency Market Research, the Latin America commercial refrigeration market is expected to log a CAGR of 6.9% from 2012 and 2018. The market is projected to reach a valuation of US$1.1 bn by 2018. The growth trends, technological developments, and competitive structure of this market for the 2012-2018 period are presented in a report, titled Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market - Latin America Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2012 - 2018.Browse the full Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market - Latin America (Caribbean, Central America and South America) Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2012-2018 report atPresently, Latin American countries are displaying steady economic growth, which includes the contribution of a healthy tourism sector as well. Owing to this, the demand for commercial refrigeration equipment is on the rise due to an increasing number of restaurants, hotels, transport hubs, and food processing plants. Moreover, improving trade relations between countries in Latin America and other parts of the world will benefit the growth of this market. The introduction of energy conservation reforms has necessitated replacement or upgrades of older commercial refrigeration equipment. This is bolstering the growth of this market.Commercial refrigeration equipment is designed and tested with everyday commercial cooling or freezing operations in mind. It is thus designed to store food at specified temperatures in hot kitchens environments that may also entail frequent door openings.By product type, the Latin America commercial refrigeration equipment market is segmented into transportation refrigeration equipment, refrigerators and freezers, beverage refrigeration equipment, parts, and other equipment. In Latin America, both domestic and international trade is witnessing an upsurge, which has positive implications on the food and beverages industry here. Thus, the increased trade volume will create opportunities for the transportation refrigeration equipment.Application-wise, the segments in this market are food service, food and beverage distribution, food and beverage production, and food and beverage retail. Of these, the food service segment exhibits the highest demand for commercial refrigeration equipment, with products such as display cases, vending machines, and beverage refrigeration equipment at the forefront of this market. The report states that food service and food and beverage distribution held a 50% share in the Latin America commercial refrigeration equipment market in 2014. However, food and beverage retail will emerge as the fastest-growing segment in this market.PDF Sample For Full Details with Technological breakthroughs is @On the basis of geography, South America stands as the largest regional market for commercial refrigeration equipment thanks to the high population density here. The markets growth in this region is driven by the increasing installation of new refrigeration equipment in commercial establishments such as retail outlets, restaurants, and cafes for storing food and beverages in bulk.This region is followed by Central America. However, despite being a multibillion dollar tourism industry, the Caribbean region will not display a high demand for this equipment as compared to South and Central America.The report profiles top companies that operate in the Latin America commercial refrigeration equipment market, which are Daikin Industries Ltd, Hussmann International Inc., Dover Corporation, Beverage-Air Corporation, Metalfrio Solutions SA, and others.The Latin America commercial refrigeration equipment market is categorized into the following segments:Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market, by ProductTransport refrigeration equipmentRefrigerators and freezersBeverage refrigerationOther equipmentsPartsCommercial Refrigeration Equipment Market, by ApplicationFood servicesFood and beverage retailFood and beverage distributionFood and beverage productionOthersTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
LED Display Driver And Lighting IC Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth 2019

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An LED display driver is an IC (integrated circuit) offers the circuitry essential in order to interface common microprocessors or digital systems to LED display. Included on an LED display driver may be a multiplex scan circuitry, static display memory and high current segment and digit drivers for displays. Among these two applications, LED Display Driver and IC Market for the lighting applications are estimated to grow with a high CAGR during forecasted period. Display application holds for the largest share of overall LED driver IC market.This market research report analyses the LED display driver and lighting IC market on the basis of its types, applications and geographies. There are different types of LED display drivers such as supply voltage, display mode, output current, number of digits, multiplexed display capability and packaging type. LED display drivers are found in a wide range of applications such as Industrial control indicators, Relay drivers, Digital clocks, Instrument panel meters, LED matrix displays, Professional audio equipment, Bar-graph displays, Medical equipment, Dot matrix displays and LED light supplies for smart phones among others.Get Sample PDF file of LED Display Driver And Lighting IC Market :The market for LED display driver and lighting IC market is driven by the rising demand for energy efficient displays and lighting solutions used in applications such as Liquid Crystal Display TV backlights and hybrid cars. Several initiatives are taken by government to phase out demand for radiant bulbs in lieu of power efficient lighting and high quality picture images, provided by LED have increased the usage of LED driver IC in a wide range of applications such as lighting and displays. Various government policies include promotion policies, labeling and certification programs, lighting programs and tax schemes. Countries such as the U.S., UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, Brazil, Japan, and Venezuela have taken several steps to replace luminescent bulbs with LED bulbs in order to save power and reduce green house gas emissions.The LED display driver and lighting IC market is expected to witness double digit growth during the forecasted period. Asia-Pacific dominates the LED driver IC market owning to the presence of large numbers of manufacturing plants in countries such as China, Korea, Taiwan and others. LED driver IC market in Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow during forecasted period owning to reduction in costs and increase in consumption of LEDs for several applications in the region. The use of portable devices is increasing such as Smartphone and tablets in Asia-Pacific would also contribute to expected growth.The global LED display driver and lighting IC market is highly fragmented due to presence of big industry players and as well as small companies that are based across the world. Few of the major players for this market include Texas Instruments, ON Semiconductor, National Semiconductor, NXP Semiconductors Nv, Maxim IC, Linear Technology, iWatt, Power Integrators, Infineon Technologies, Advanced Analogic Technologies, Intersil Corporation, Rohm, Silicon Touch Technology, ST Microelectronics, Supertex industries, Macroblock Inc., Austria Microsystems and Fairchild among others.About Us :Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us :-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Wireless Backhaul via Satellite Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size 2019

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Satellite backhaul for wireless and cellular services is being used to expand network coverage over remote and difficult locations. Backhaul via satellite also finds application in emergency communications, backup networks, off-loading cellular traffic and temporary solution in region where cell-towers have not been deployed. The demand for wireless backhaul via satellite is driven by the universal need to stay connected. Further, satellite backhauls are often cheaper than microwave or fiber networks in remote geographical locations. Although, the 2G, 3G, and LTE network coverage continues rapid expansion, many remote regions are not yet covered or are economically unfeasible for the carriers to expand there. Further, growth in mobile work force, in various industries demands satellite connectivity to increase efficiency and safety for operations in locations.Get Sample PDF file of Wireless Backhaul via Satellite Market :Rapidly expanding cell-tower network coverage in various regions including Asia Pacific and Latin America may pose a challenge to the market. Owing to increasing data consumption, the load on cell-towers has boomed in recent years creating the need to off-load via satellite backhaul and this represents an opportunity in this market. Satellite backhaul segments include backhauls for GSM, 3G, WiMAX, and LTE, among others. Satellite backhauling can be done for voice, data or services. The satellite backhauling can be implemented for small cells/hetnets including micro, pico, femto, macro and metro base stations.Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are expected to experience faster growth owing to lower cellular point-of-presence (POP) coverage, lesser land-line infrastructure, and more remote locations in these regions which require better coverage. North America and Europe are expected to experience comparatively low adoption of satellite backhaul owing to their higher cellular POP coverage. Key players in this market include LM Ericsson, iDirect, Inc., SkyVision Global Networks, Inc., Hughes Network Systems LLC., INTRASKY Offshore SAL, NewSat Ltd., Telefonica S.A., Telespazio VEGA UK Ltd., and Advantech Wireless, Inc.About Us :Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us :-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
GLOBALG.A.P. Supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations

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Cologne/ Amsterdam: GLOBALG.A.P. already incorporates a number of practices in line with the SDGs. On 26 September the GLOBALG.A.P. Board decided to formally visualize its current alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. Contributing to the SDGs is a collaborative effort, which is also part of GLOBALG.A.P.s principles, and working towards GLOBALG.A.P. certification is already an important milestone towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.For the first time, all delegates of the SUMMIT had the possibility to offset the carbon footprint of their journey to the SUMMIT with carbon credits sponsored by the Gold Standard. As a global organisation, GLOBALG.A.P. is aware of the impact of all our activities and thank the Gold Standard for this collaboration, said GLOBALG.A.P. CEO Kristian Moeller on the eve of the SUMMIT 2016 at the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam.For more information visitAbout GLOBALG.A.P.GLOBALG.A.P. is one of the world`s leading farm assurance systems that offers a clear focus on food safety paired with other significant elements of Good Agricultural Practices, a transparent and robust integrity system equipped with an increasing flexibility to respond to market requirements, and modular and customized solutions for certification, farm assessments, and capacity building. Today, over 160,000 primary producers are under GLOBALG.A.P. Certification in 124 countries. GLOBALG.A.P. Schemes primarily focus on product safety, environmental impact and the health, safety and welfare of workers and animals.GLOBALG.A.P.Claudia MeifertPublic RelationsT: +49 (0) 221-57993-997Email: meifert@globalgap.org
Global Pyridine Market to Value US$ 1,741.4 Mn by 2025

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According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research, titled Global Market Study on Pyridine: Increasing Demand for Synthetic Pyridine to Drive Growth During Forecast Period 2015 -2025 , the global pyridine market is estimated to reach US$ 1,741.4 Mn by 2025 from US$ 786.4 Mn in 2015.Pyridine is a toxic and soluble flammable liquid base with a distinct, strong odor. It is often considered the parent compound of several naturally occurring organic compounds. It is the preferred choice as a precursor to agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Initially, pyridine was extracted from coal tar or obtained as a by-product of coal gasification. The process was very expensive and inefficient as coal tar constituted only 0.10.2% of pyridine after extraction. Currently, pyridine and its derivatives are produced synthetically. The most commonly used reactions for pyridine synthesis are Chichibabin synthesis, Bonnemann cyclization, and Cobalt-catalyzed alkyne-nitrile cyclotrimerization, etc.By region, the market in Asia Pacific has been estimated to account for 51.6% volume share of the overall pyridine market by 2015 end, followed by Europe and North America. Due to increase in usage of pyridine and its derivatives in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals segments in Asia Pacific, the pyridine market in the region is projected to expand at a higher than average CAGR of 9.9% over 20152025 in terms of revenue. The U.S. pyridine market, which has been estimated to account for 89.5% revenue share of the overall market in North America by 2015 end, is expected to be driven by increasing adoption of pyridine and its derivatives in chemicals and pharmaceuticals segments. The pyridine market in the Middle East & Africa is estimated to register increased revenue due to a growth of pharmaceuticals and chemicals segments in the region. Europe market is anticipated to witness lower revenue growth in the coming years as compared to other regions due to the economic downturn in the region.Download Report Sample @Globally, pyridine N-oxide segment volume is estimated to expand at a lower than average CAGR of 7.4% over 20152025. Demand for 2-Methyl-5-Ethylpyridine (MEP) and gamma-picoline is expected grow significantly due to increasing application of these product types in chemicals segment. Alpha picoline finds wide application as a solvent in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food industries. The segment is projected to exhibit moderate growth over the forecast period. Key growth contributor for alpha picoline segment is 2-vinylpyridine, which is used as a raw material for styrene-butadiene-2-vinylpyridine terpolymer latexes (SBV latexes). Beta picoline is used to produce Vitamin B3. In terms of value, beta picoline segment is projected to experience significant growth rate over the forecast period. This is mainly attributed to rising demand for niacin in developing regions such as APAC and Middle East & Africa.Browse through the full Pyridine Market Report @Asia Pacific is the most attractive region in terms of CAGR and market share in the global pyridine market. India has been estimated to account for 24.4 % of the total APAC pyridine market by 2015 end due to expected increase in domestic pyridine production by 40%. In terms of value, gamma-picoline segment is expected to experience the highest growth rate during the forecast period in the Asia Pacific market. The Middle East & Africa accounts for the smallest market share. However, it is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.9% in terms of value over the forecast period. Food segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR in terms of volume during the forecast period in the Middle East & Africa market. Pyridine manufacturers are strengthening their presence in the regulated markets of Japan, North America and Europe as well as in key emerging markets. They are also focusing on local tie-ups and out-licensing of local companies in order to strengthen their regional presence.By Product Type:Pyridine N-oxideAlpha PicolineBeta PicolineGamma Picoline2-Methyl-5-Ethylpyridine (MEP)By Application:AgrochemicalsPharmaceuticalsChemicalsFoodOthers (Dyestuffs, Alcohol)By Region:North AmericaEuropeAPACThe Middle East & AfricaLatin AmericaAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Ozone Technology Market Is Expected To Grow At A CAGR Of 8.1% From 2014 To 2020

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According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Global Market Study on Ozone Technology: Air and gas to Witness Highest Growth by 2020, the global ozone technology market was valued at USD 715.4 million in 2013 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2014 to 2020, to reach an estimated value of USD 1,242.0 million in 2020.Ozone technology is used for disinfecting water, equipment and surfaces and purifying air. It is also used in therapy of some of the most fatal diseases such as cancer and human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Ozone technology equipment has promising growth rate in the waste water treatment equipment, in municipalities, and other water treatment segment which include swimming pools and spas. This growth is attributed to the many benefits associated with the technology. High oxidation potential, quicker processing time compared to other traditional disinfection techniques, no harmful by-product and long run cost benefits are some of the major advantages of ozonation.Download Sample @The increasing global health concerns due to surge in urbanization, increasing water contamination and increasing level of industrialization are driving the ozone technology market globally. The government expenditure on upgrading water infrastructure has increased in the past decades across all regions, which are also reflected in the five year plans of countries. Municipalities are upgrading from traditional chlorine-based disinfection to UV and ozone technology based disinfection which has boosted ozone technology market.The ozone technology market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% during 2014-2020. Ozone offers many advantages in terms of higher overall disinfection capacity and better processing speed for water disinfection as compared to the other disinfection mediums such as chlorine and UV, thus making it one of the preferred choices among end users. Water treatment related regulations in some of the countries are also compelling water and waste water service establishments to modify their disinfection techniques to improve safety level of water.Simple technology and lack of regulatory requirement for ozone generators in most part of the world lead to emergence of many small private level regional companies, serving their clients with customized solutions. However, for large buyers brand image also plays an important role.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:The market is fragmented though there are only few big international players operating on top (especially in potable water, other water, industrial water and waste water segments). Most of the large companies, such as Ebara Corporation and Degremont, operate through their subsidiaries. Some of the big players such as Mitsubishi Electric Corporation have raised the standard of products by introducing high efficiency and low power ozone equipment in the market.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 Corrugated Packaging Market Is To Reach An Estimated Usd 173.6 Million By 2020

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According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Global Market Study on Corrugated Packaging: Glassware and ceramics application to witness highest growth by 2020, the global corrugated packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% during 2014 to 2020, to reach an estimated USD 173.6 million by 2020.The corrugated packaging market is thriving mainly due to growing end-user industries, including food, medicine, consumer durables, rubber, and petroleum. Benefits associated with corrugated packaging such as sustainability and low cost makes it one of the preferred modes of packaging across various industries. Emerging markets offer tremendous growth opportunities for the corrugated packaging market due to increasing population and growing demand for consumer products in these regions. The e-commerce industry has emerged as one of the key drivers for the global corrugated packaging market. This is primarily because corrugated packaging is the most reliable form of packaging products in this industry.Download Sample @However, certain restraints such as low endurance of corrugated packaging and stalled growth across certain end-user industries are affecting market growth. The market, in terms of competitive structure, is consolidated through large numbers of mergers and acquisitions. This indicates tough sustainability in this market.Increasing population coupled with rising per capita income is encouraging industrial production worldwide, which, consequently, is increasing the number of shipments. Owing to low costs and easy handling, corrugated packaging is considered as ideal for shipments across several industries. Based on the application, corrugated packaging is used in different shapes such as sheets, liner board, boxes, and containerboards. Based on dimensions of the packaging medium, corrugated packaging is classified as A-flute, B-flute, C-flute, E-flute, and F-flute.The various application industries that use corrugated packaging include processed food, fresh food and produce, beverages, personal and household care, chemicals, paper products, electrical and electronic goods, glassware and ceramics, and tobacco.Rising population and growing demand for food, medicine, and consumer durable goods in developing countries are driving the demand for packaging products in these regions. Low costs and high benefits of corrugated packaging have made them one of the most preferred packaging solutions across an array of industries in these regions. Food and healthcare are among the fastest growing industries in China that use corrugated packaging. The processed food sector in China is growing at a rate of over 10%. Electrical equipment and machinery (a key end-user for the corrugated packaging market) market in China is growing at over 11%. Indonesia is another emerging economy with a large number of food processing companies. This, in turn, is driving the corrugated packaging market.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:China, Japan, India, and Indonesia are the major corrugated packaging material producers in Asia Pacific. The U.S. leads the corrugated packaging material production in North America while the European market is dominated by Italy, France, Germany, Spain, the U.K., and Poland. Brazil and Turkey feature among the leading corrugated packaging material producers in Rest of the World (RoW).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.com
International Standards Needed For Genocide Reparations

Author Mari Serebrov

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You cannot kill an entrenched ideology with a gun, Benjamin Ferencz, who began his law career prosecuting Nazis, said last week when he pledged $10 million to a group dedicated to preventing genocide.In addition to using the funding to provide governments with the tools needed to prevent genocide, the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum also helps develop an international response when a genocide occurs.Both are needed in a world that tends to turn a blind eye as entire cultures are erased for political, economic, ethnic or religious reasons, said Mari Serebrov, who has extensively researched the first genocide of the 20th century, which took place in German South-West Africa in 1904.However, we also need to establish international standards for dealing with past genocides to ensure the survivors arent victimized again, Serebrov said. Unfortunately, we too often refuse to recognize a genocide for what it is until years later. And even then, we temper our response, justifying our inaction and excusing the aggressor, especially if it happens to be a powerful or strategic ally.The refusal to confront an entrenched ideology and hold nations accountable for their actions, even after the fact, fuels more genocides, said Serebrov, the author of 'Mama Namibia', a historical novel based on the true story of a 12-year-old Herero girl who survived the 1904 genocide in German South-West Africa, now modern-day Namibia.In the case of Germanys first genocide, the government justified it as the necessary action to put down Herero and Nama uprisings. At the time, a few individuals spoke out about the senseless murder of entire peoples, but most nations looked away and continue to do so to this day, Serebrov noted. If they acknowledge it at all, they view it in the context of colonialism.There is no denying that what happened in South-West Africa went well beyond colonial aggression, Serebrov said. As German troops pressed the starving Herero ever deeper into the Kalahari Desert to die, Germany announced its intent to exterminate the entire Herero Nation, as well as many Nama communities.Although already in practice, the Herero extermination policy was formalized Oct. 2, 1904, in a much-publicized order General Lothar von Trotha issued on behalf of the Kaiser. Yet the world did nothing.By time other nations acknowledge that a genocide has occurred, the damage has been done, countless lives have been destroyed, and the survivors face a future haunted by grief and economic despair, Serebrov said.In recent years, some groups in Germany have pushed for their country to finally acknowledge the 1904 genocide, but no official recognition has been forthcoming. Now, the German government is privately negotiating with the Namibian government to put the matter to rest, according to Namibian news reports.Excluded from those negotiations are leaders of the Herero and Nama, who, because of the genocide, are minorities in Namibia, a country that didnt come into existence until 1990. While the Herero and Nama may finally get an apology of sorts, their years of suffering and heartache may be overlooked in a deal designed to benefit the German and Namibian governments rather than the genocide survivors.This is why we need international standards for genocide reparations, Serebrov said. Letting Germany dictate who it will negotiate with, along with the terms of an apology and reparations, is like letting a rapist determine if he has committed a crime and then having him slap his own hand.About Mama Namibia:Based on the true story of the daughter of a traditional healer, 'Mama Namibia' details the journey of a young girl, Jahohora, as she searches for her family while hiding from the German soldiers. Wasting away in the desert, Jahohora is about to give up her desperate struggle for life when she finds hope in a simple act of kindness from a Jewish doctor serving in the German army.'Mama Namibia' has received rave reviews. One reader said, "Thank you for writing this book - touching, amazing, wonderful, sad, inspiring . . . a must read and one of the best books I've ever read." Another stated, "This book is a must read for anyone who is interested in history, troubled by its propensity to repeat itself and stunned that this story has never been told to a large audience before. It leaves the reader wondering how many more genocides have been quietly buried in the past."Serebrov is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at mari.serebrov@yahoo.com. All of her works, including 'Mama Namibia', are available at Amazon and other book retailers. More information is available at her website.An award-winning journalist with a passion for history, Mari Serebrov has authored a variety of books, including 'The Life and Times of W.H. Arnold of Arkansas', the historical novel 'Mama Namibia' and a childrens book, 'Jahohora and First Day'. She also contributed to 'The Grandmothers Bible' and has co-authored a number of church resource and inspirational books with her mother, the late Adell Harvey.Because of her work in calling attention to the first genocide of the 20th century in what was then German South-West Africa, Serebrov was named the literary laureate of the Herero Tribal Authority in 2013. She and her husband, Job, an attorney and judge for a Native American tribe, have two children and five grandchildren.In regards to 'Mama Namibia' and the Herero genocide, Serebrov has been interviewed by Al Jazeera, The Namibian, New Era, the Windhoek Observer and other African publications. She appeared on "Good Morning, Namibia" and was interviewed on several national radio programs in Namibia.PO Box 1618Shallotte NC 28459
China Healthcare BPO Market Research Report Covers Shares and Worldwide Industry Analysis 2021

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http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/china-healthcare-bpo-market-report-2021.htm

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report China Healthcare BPO Market Report 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.The intelligence report on the China Healthcare BPO market presents an in-depth study of the market, emphasizing on the current market trends, key growth drivers, and the competitive landscape of the market. The China Healthcare BPO market has been analyzed on the basis of revenue and value, considering the forecast period from 2016 to 2021. Furthermore, the research study throws light on the expected impact of the potential opportunities and challenges in the Healthcare BPO market across the globe. The report also covers the product segmentation and key geographical segments of the China Healthcare BPO market.The research study provides a comprehensive analysis focusing on the different elements of the Healthcare BPO market, coupled with the past performance of the market. The study offers forecast figures concerning the state of the China Healthcare BPO market. An in-depth analysis of the data collected with the help of primary and secondary research tactics has been mentioned in the scope of the research study.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Furthermore, the research report presents an overview of the China Healthcare BPO market by categorizing it on the basis of relevant criteria. Each segment of the market has been discussed thoroughly to offer a clear understanding of the market. Moreover, the estimated figures, share, growth rate, and size for each segment have been included in the scope of the research report.The research report studies the key geographical segments of the China Healthcare BPO market and also throws light on the factors estimated to drive the segments in the next few years. In addition, a detailed picture of the regulatory framework is provided in the report in order to provide a clear understanding of the regulations, plans, and strategies. The research study has also included a list of the leading players in the China Healthcare BPO market.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsChapter One Healthcare BPO Industry Overview1.1 Healthcare BPO Definition1.1.1 Healthcare BPO Product Pictures & Product Specifications1.2 Healthcare BPO Classification & ApplicationChapter Two Healthcare BPO Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.1 Healthcare BPO Raw Material & Equipments Supplier and Price Analysis2.2 Healthcare BPO Labor & Other Cost Analysis2.3 Healthcare BPO Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.4 Healthcare BPO Manufacturing Process AnalysisChapter Three Healthcare BPO Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 2016 China Key Manufacturers Healthcare BPO Capacity and Commercial Production Date3.2 2016 China Key Manufacturers Healthcare BPO Manufacturing Plants Distribution3.3 2016 China Key Manufacturers Healthcare BPO R&D Status and Technology Sources3.4 2016 China Key Manufacturers Healthcare BPO Raw Materials Sources AnalysisChapter Four Healthcare BPO Production by Regions, Technology and Applications4.1 2010-2016 Healthcare BPO Production by Regions(such as US, EU, China and Japan etc)4.2 2010-2016 Healthcare BPO Production by Product Type & Application4.3 2010-2016 Healthcare BPO Price by key Manufacturers4.4 2010-2016 US & China Healthcare BPO Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.5 2010-2016 Europe and Japan Healthcare BPO Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.6 2010-2016 US and China Healthcare BPO Supply Import Export Consumption4.7 2010-2016 Europe and Japan Healthcare BPO Supply Import Export ConsumptionChapter Five Healthcare BPO Sales and Sales Revenue by Regions5.1 2010-2016 Healthcare BPO Sales by Regions (such as US, EU, China & Japan etc)5.2 2010-2016 Healthcare BPO Sales Revenue by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.3 2010-2016 Healthcare BPO Sales Price by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.4 2010-2016 Healthcare BPO Demand by ApplicationsRead More @QYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
Bio Container Market share, size, Dynamics, Outlook 2024

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Bio container or biodegradable container are easily decomposed in nature by bacteria or other living organisms. Recently, recyclable bio container are also getting popular and being launched by several bio container manufacturers. In April 2012, Cardia Bioplastics Limited claims that it has launched the worlds first food contact compliant and fully recyclable container namely Biohybrid for the global nutritional supplement market and cosmetics industries. Bio container are used to keep biodegradable materials, food waste, organic materials etc. Recently, rising demand from the end use industries and increasing application of bio container attributed to significant growth to the bio container market in terms of value.Bio Container Market  Regional Outlook:Geographically, the bio container market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa (MEA). The growth of global bio container market is expected to witness a healthy CAGR over the forecast period between 2016 and 2024. North America is expected to hold a significantly high market share of the bio container market in terms of volume during the forecast period. Currently, North America and Europe together holds more than half of the market share in the global bio container market in terms of value.Get More Information:In Europe, countries such as U.K and EU4 creates significant demand for plant-based plastic packaging in the market. However, Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest growing region in terms of volume sales followed by Europe. Large scale foreign investment is also expected to rise in the region, and is anticipated to fuel the demand of bio container over the forecast period. Many small Chinese players hold significant market share in the Asia Pacific bio container market in terms of value. In Asia Pacific, countries including China, Japan and Australia are the major growth driving markets for bio container in terms of revenue contribution. In Latin America, countries such as Brazil and Mexico are expected to grow significantly during the forecast period in terms of revenue.Bio container Market  Market Dynamics:The global bio container market is expected to witness a strong growth due to the rising consumer awareness about nature friendly products and changing inclination of consumers towards sustainable products. Other growth drivers for the bio container market include rise in implementation of plastic containers bans, increased focus on sustainable packaging by brand owners and retail companies, etc. Moreover, high demand from food and beverage and pharmaceutical industry for bio container creates a lucrative opportunity for the global bio container market. Bio container has higher costs than ordinary container, consequently bio container is not getting wide acceptance, especially among the small and medium enterprises. However, increasing demand from large scale industrial companies is expected to create significant opportunity to increase the revenue of the global bio container market.Browse The Full Report:Bio Container Market  Major Players:Some of the major players identified across the globe in the bio container market Eco-Products, Inc., Genpak, LLC, Biopac (UK) Ltd, WestRock Company, Cardia Bioplastics Limited, Ecoware SpA, Rim Bio Inc., Biopac India Corporation Ltd., BioVentures, Inc., Tipa-corp ltd., Novamont SpA and BASF SE.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, packaging type, material and end-use.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Autonomous versus Drone ships

The first action of the newly elected Senior President of Naval Defence Consulting, Commodore Garry Beauvoir, is to define the strategy for future goals in autonomous and Drone Shipping for both Merchant and Defence vessels.Commodore Garry Beauvoir made comment at a recent Defence Presentation for Autonomous Ships, that the terms autonomous and drone shipping have become somewhat clouded and confused in the public mind.A totally autonomous ship would sail minus any operational officers or crew. At-sea navigational decisions remove all human decision making and would be made by the Navigational & Management Computer systems, interfaced with all electronic navigational equipment, with regular and comprehensive data reporting to the ship operators Control Center located anywhere in the world. We can speculate that such a ship would sail from an offshore anchorage of its port to the offshore anchorage of its destination port, totally unmanned. A skeleton crew would embark at the arrival port anchorage to safely navigate the ship into and out of port.A drone ship, on the other hand, while also sailing without qualified officers and crew, would be remotely controlled from the Control Centre of the shipping company, (operating in conjunction with the ships Navigational & Management computer).From the shipping Control Centre, a drone ship/fleet may be group controlled by qualified senior navigation officers and Marine Electronic / Electrical / Mechanical Engineers. Control of each vessel would be dependent on the constant flow of critical data fed from the vessel to the Control Centre.As we make advances in autonomous/drone vessels the shortfalls with the current Maritime broadband communications and the considerably elevated operational importance becomes apparent, because of the volume of data required to be constantly transferred.Naval Defence Consulting.org is presently involved with projects ensuring future proofing in the area of maritime broadband communications and Civil/Defence Control Centre designs.In order to service the Defence Market in a dedicated manner, NDC.Os partners created a new venture with former Navy and an I.T. specialists to create Naval Defence Consulting.org (NDC.O) a Strategic Defence Company focused on Maritime Defence and Autonomous Shipping consulting and the development of Defence Systems.Michael WardNaval Defence Consulting.orgMinderbroedersberg, 6211 LKMaastricht Netherlands
Cosmetic Packaging Market Will Exhibit A 4.4% CAGR Over Period 2024; Rising Awareness About Anti-Aging Products To Boost Demand For Cosmetic Packaging

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Global Cosmetic Packaging Market: SnapshotThe focus of cosmetic product manufacturers on innovative and alluring packaging has significantly increased in the past few decades. Key cosmetics and personal care brands have started considering effective packaging as a critical attribute of product marketing. The strategy has translated in enhanced brand visibility, increased sales, reduced brand recall rates, as well as a larger footprint in the respective target geographies.The factors have significantly benefitted the global market for cosmetic packaging and are expected to lead to the development of healthy growth opportunities for the market in the next few years as well. Transparency Market Research estimates that the global cosmetic packaging market will exhibit a 4.4% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2024. If the prediction holds true, the market will rise from a valuation of US$23 bn in 2015 to US$33 bn by 2024.Get More Information:Plastic to Remain Most Preferred Cosmetic Packaging Material despite Rising Popularity of Paper PackagingA variety of materials is used for packaging cosmetics, including glass, plastic, paper, metal, and wood. Of these, the plastics segment presently leads the global cosmetic packaging market, in terms of both value and volume. The segment is expected to account for a 50% of the global market throughout the forecast period. However, rising consumer preference to eco-friendly products such as wood, paper, and metals is expected to hinder the growth prospects of the plastic segment to a certain extent.Increasing awareness and implementation of stringent environmental laws along with competitive benefits have compelled users to increase use of eco-friendly materials for packaging and manufacturers to integrate eco-friendly design principles in material development processes. As a result, the global demand for materials such as paper, silicone, melamine, and bamboo is expected to see a significant rise in demand across the cosmetic packaging market in the next few years.The market for glass-based cosmetic packaging is expected to rise in response to the substantial demand for luxury goods in the developed markets like the U.S., UK, and Germany. However, the adoption rate of metal as packaging is expected to remain low owing to higher costs in comparison with other materials.Browse The Full Report:Asia Pacific Cosmetic Packaging Market to Present Most Lucrative Growth OpportunitiesIn terms of geography, the market for cosmetic packaging is dominated by Asia Pacific in terms of total demand. The region is estimated to account for a share of 32.5% in the global market in 2016, followed by Europe and North America. The top spot of Asia Pacific in the global market can be attributed to the high concentration of manufacturers as well as buyers of cosmetic packaging products in the region. Furthermore, a large number of the cosmetic products, as well as cosmetic packaging product manufacturers, which previously had manufacturing facilities in China are opting for China plus one policy. Under the policy, these companies might set up facilities ASEAN countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia.Sales of cosmetic packaging in Asia Pacific are expected to be mainly driven by market growth in countries such as China, Japan, and India where the demand for cosmetic products is anticipated to expand at a robust CAGR over the forecast period. Rising awareness about anti- aging products coupled with the flourishing e-commerce sector in the region Asia Pacific is also expected to fuel demand for cosmetic packaging over the forecast period. Markets in Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to witness relatively sluggish growth over the forecast period.Key players in the global cosmetic packaging market include Aptar Group Inc., RPC Group Plc, Gerresheimer AG, Amcor Limited, Albea S.A., Libo Cosmetics Company, Ltd., Quadpack Industries, HCP Packaging, Fusion Packaging, and ABC Packaging Ltd.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:
Medical device labeling market has expected to register the significant growth over the forecast period 2016 - 2024

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Labeling is defined as the particular information associated with a device targeted to the end user or patient or lay caregiver. Medical device labeling helps patients or end users in understanding the device, its operation, care and maintenance. The medical device labeling also provides information about the way device interacts with the body to accomplish its purpose, its place and patient care and treatment program.Medical device labelling gives the adequate directions for operating the devices which are needed for safe and effective use. Basically, the medical device labeling is driven by the rules and regulations specified by the regulatory authority U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA has specified the sections based on the usage and applications of the devices.Get More Information:The global medical device labeling market has expected to register the significant growth over the forecast period due to the increasing demand of end use market of medical devices which drives the global medical device labeling market. The increasing awareness about the need of information regarding device, its safety and effective usage also drives the growth of the global medical device labeling market. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the global regulatory body has specified some mandatory guidelines and regulations for the medical device labeling which also drives the global medical device labeling market.In terms of geography, the global medical device labeling market has been divided into five key regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa (MEA). The global medical device labeling market has expected to register a significant growth rate over the forecast period. North America has contributed the major share to the global medical device labeling market as the demand of ultimate end use medical device market is anticipated to grow across the forecast period.Europe is also growing at a decent growth and expected to register the significance CAGR over the forecast period due to the strict government regulations about medical device labeling. APAC is expected to register the healthy growth rate due to increasing healthcare facilities and increasing demand of medical devices. Latin America and MEA are at a nascent stage and anticipated to register the moderate growth rate over the forecast period in the global medical devices labeling marketBrowse The Full Report:Some of the key players of the global medical devices labeling market are SGS SA, Loftware Inc., UBM Canon, Quality Tech Services, Inc., Weber Packaging Solutions, Inc., Seagull Scientific, Inc., Master Control, Inc., Euro Plus, Registrar Corp and Pharmaceutic Litho & Label Company. Various global companies are contributing descent growth to the global medical device labeling market. The key players from North America are contributing major share to the global medical devices labeling in terms of value and volume.Over all the global medical device labeling market has expected to register a significant growth over the forecast period.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.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:
North American Long-Term Acute Care Market Expected to Offer Good Opportunities by 2020

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A long-term acute care refers a specialty care provided by long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) to the patients in their serious medical conditions. In these medical conditions patient requires intense and special treatment for an intended period of time. In long-term acute care, a patient needs to stay for 25 to 30 days in hospitals for their Medicare. On the basis of types of patient, long-term acute care market can be segmented into respiratory patients, multiple IV medications or transfusions required patients, renal failure patients, prolonged ventilator use patients, wound care patients and others. Long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) provide services such as cardiopulmonary monitoring, respiratory therapy, dialysis, mechanical ventilation, wound care and others.Request to view Report Page :Respiratory therapy includes products such as ventilators, oxygen delivery devices and aerosol delivery devices. Wound care includes product such as standards and advanced wound dressings, negative pressure wound therapy, skin substitutes and other products. Dialysis includes therapy such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration and peritoneal dialysis. Some of the monitoring technologies used by long-term acute care hospitals are cardiac monitors, pulse oximeters and blood pressure monitors.Various factors such as increasing aging population, technological advancement in patient care, rise in need for long-term care services, increasing number of patients in long-term acute care facilities are expected to drive the North American long-term acute care market. In addition, increasing government spending in healthcare sector is expected to drive the North American long-term acute care market. However, high cost of new technologies, time consuming technical interfaces and complicated workflow are some of the factors restraining the growth for long-term acute care market in North America.Request for Sample Report and Table of content @ :Adoption of technological advancement and growing demand for long-term acute care due to continuous rise in aging population are expected to offer good opportunities for long-term acute care market. Increasing patient centric approach and new product launches are some of the latest trends have been observed in North American long-term acute care market. Some of the major companies operating in the North American long-term acute care market are CareFusion, Fresenius Medical Care, Philips Healthcare, Prism Medical Ltd., Covidien, Kinetic Concepts, Inc., SelectMark and Promise Healthcare, Inc.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
Genetically Modified Seed Market - Popular Trends & Technological advancements Forecast 2016 - 2024

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Genetic modification (GM) is the advanced technology, in which new traits are introduced into an organism by manipulating its genetic makeup and changes its genetic properties in laboratory. In genetic modification process various techniques are used such as gene splicing, gene silencing and a use of viral carrier. The growing adoption of genetic modification in agricultural practices is one of the leading application, resulted in the genetically modified seeds and crops.The genetically modified seeds are beneficial over conventional seeds as they increases the yields grown on the same or less acreage, reduce the crop damage from weeds, diseases and insects and potentially improve the nutritional value or other health benefits. Due to various research and innovations in seeds using genetic modifications, it provides the solutions to the farmers for several environmental conditions such as salinity, drought and disease stress which experienced the boost to the genetically modified seed demand.Get More Information:The global genetically modified seed market has anticipated to register the significant growth over the forecast period due to rise in adoption of biofuels, made up of genetically modified energy crops such as wheat, soybean, sugarcane, and corn which drives the growth of the global genetically modified seeds market. The governments of different countries from developing countries such APAC and Africa are also encouraging farmers to use the genetically modified seeds over the conventional seeds to increase the yield of crop which also drives the growth of the global genetically modified seed market.However, the major global genetically modified seed market has contributed by the few leading players, which monopolize the seed market, escalate seed prices and eliminate farmer choice of the seed which may hamper the growth of the market.Increased demand for oleo-chemicals from the genetically modified seeds will be a key trend for market growth due to various industries are shifting to oleo-chemicals over petrochemicals for their end use as oleo-chemical has cheaper cost and eco-friendly nature.In terms of geography, the genetically modified seed market has been divided into five key regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa (MEA). The global genetically modified seed market has expected to register moderate growth over the forecast period.North America has contributed the leading share to the global genetically modified seed market due to the growing demand from farmers and awareness about the benefits of genetically modified seeds. North America followed by Europe is also growing at a moderate growth and expected to register the significance CAGR over the forecast period. APAC and MEA is at a nascent stage, though expected to register a healthy growth over the forecast period due to increasing awareness and need of more crop yield to fulfil the demand of food in the region.Browse The Full Report:Some of the key players of the global genetically modified seed market are Monsanto, DuPont, Syngenta, Groupe Limagrain, Land O Lakes, KWS AG, Bayer Crop Science, Sakata, DLF-Trifolium and Takii. Various global companies are contributing significant growth to the global genetically modified seed market. The key players from North America and Europe has contributed a major share to the global genetically modified seed market in terms of value and volume.Over all the global genetically modified seed market has expected to register a moderate growth over the forecast period.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Custom Accumulators Market 2016-2022 : Bosch Rexroth,Technetics,Hannon Hydraulics

Custom Accumulators

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MRS Research Group addsGlobal Custom Accumulators Market 2016 Share,Size,Trends and Forecast to 2022 Market Research Reportreports to its database.Global Custom Accumulators market report is sole collaboration of the data and market research methodology to gain highest performance.Our research team has put immense efforts to make it better to understand. The report global Custom Accumulators market represents recent developments, technology, raw material, restraints and opportunities in the market.Market information will includes demanding sector and opportunities, challenges and future trends.We offer our reports to small, medium and big organization.We gather information from multi-dimensional sources like primary, secondary and direct sources.Request For Free Sample Report @We provide an experts knowledge to the client which offer solution to the client specific needs.We explore recent technology and R&D to resolve complex problems of the client.Our team is accompanied with analyst, research team, talented expert and which serves you worlds best report.It keeps belief to retain customers by providing them comprehensive analysis about market attractiveness, future forecast, recent trends and its competitors.This report offers you accurate and authentic first hand information on market that will help user to plan the organizations actions in future.The report will provide you deep knowledge of historical information, market drivers and related parameters of the market.The report includes accurate and sharp information on global market which allow you to take proper decision.It handles numerous reports on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, food and beverages etc.The 'Global Custom Accumulators Industry, 2016-2022 Market Research Report' is starts with definition, application, products, technology and others.It includes major players of the market, company profile, installed capacity, competitors strategies and others.The report will allow you to understand easily with schematic diagrams and statically data.It also represents supply and demand, production capacity, import and export and many more.Further it covers points segments on the basis of products, types, application; end users, geography whichever applicable for the competitive landscape analysis.Access Full Report @Table of Content (Index) :1 Industry Overview1.1 Definition and Specifications1.1.1 Definition1.1.2 Specifications1.2 Classification1.3 Applications1.3.1 Heating1.3.2 Air conditioning1.3.3 Refrigeration1.3.4 Industrial applications1.4 Industry Chain Structure1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis2.3 Labor Cost Analysis2.4 Other Costs Analysis2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.6 Manufacturing Process AnalysisBrowse More Report Related To Electrical and Electronics Industry @Since the time of its beginning the electrical and electronic industry has been continuously developing and branching out at a very fast pace. This industry keeps on outlining a foreseeable development in many of the developing markets like Asia Pacific, Middle East and Latin America. The electrical and electronic industry is likely to be one of the most attractive center for global investment and has a high rate of return. The electrical and electronic industry is known for being one of the most significant economies in many countries over the globe. There is a consistent requirement for innovation and diversification in this sector.MRS Research Group is the worlds giant collection of the Market research Reports. Where we specialized in global publisher, tailor made reports and specialists consulting. Global Publisher provides in-depth analysis of global and Chinese market. Tailor-made reports represent methodologies deliverable to proper insight of the client. While, expertise research specialist helps to provide strategic solution in specialists consulting. It consists of head such as, latest report, category, niche market and news. Reports published on the million of category like chemical, machinery and equipment, consumer goods, manufacturing and construction etc. Latest national, international, business News published under news portal.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com
Cord Blood Banking Services Be The Next Big Trend In The Biobanking Market

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Cord blood stem cells have gained much attention in recent years thanks to their ability to repopulate blood and treat a number of medical conditions. This has also brought the importance of umbilical cord blood banking into focus, leading to several such banks being set up across the world. The foundation for the growth of the cord blood banking services market has already been laid in developed and emerging countries, and the growth of the market will continue as new advances in technology are reported.Stem cells are capable of producing all the three types of blood cells produced in human body i.e. red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells. Researchers have discovered that stem cells can be used for the treatment of 80 different diseases including thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, leukemia diabetes and cardiac diseases. The major sources for stem cell banking are storing of peripheral blood and bone marrow, umbilical cord blood (UCB) is by far considered as the largest component for hematopoietic stem cells.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical industry insights:The global cord blood banking services market is highly fragmented and is characterized by the presence of dispersed public and private cord blood banks operating in parts of the world, states a new study by Transparency Market Research (TMR). The strong R&D setup, robust competitive strategies, and financial stability of private cord blood banks give them a competitive edge over public banks and are thus successful in attracting customers worldwide. Some of the key players in this market are Cord Blood America Inc., Cordlife Group Ltd., Cryo-Save Group AV, Cord Blood Registry Systems Inc., Cry-Cell International Inc., and ViaCord Inc.Focus on research and development is one of the key growth models that leading companies in this market are adopting. In this regard, Cord Blood Registry Systems Inc. and Cry-Cell International have set benchmarks for cord blood preservation and processing for other players to follow suit.Partnerships and agreements are what leading players in this market are looking forward to expand their geographical reach. A case in point is Cord Blood America Inc. The company entered into a partnership with Bonco Vida Corp. based in Puerto Rico, by which the former would provide cord blood stem cell collection and storage services to customers of the latter.Mergers and acquisitions are other strategies that companies in the market are adopting to enhance their presence globally.Technological Breakthroughs will Ensure Sustainable Growth to Stem Cells Fuel MarketAdvancement in cord blood banking technology is one of the major factors driving the growth of the global cord blood banking services market, says a TMR analyst. The process employed in the storage of blood from umbilical cord varies for each company depending on their technological capacity. Therefore, technological advancements enabling smooth and efficient processing of cord blood throughout the life span will reduce cost and encourage the establishment of more facilities for preserving cord blood.Increased acceptance and rising awareness among parents about the benefits of cord blood arealso driving the growth of this market. Due to adequate knowledge about the benefits of cord blood among expectant parents and availability of cord blood banking facilities, cord blood banking services in developed countries is on the rise. On the other hand, lack of adequate infrastructure and high costs involved in cord blood banking process are reasons for the slow growth of the cord blood banking services market in developing regions.Statutory Requirements for Operations of Cord Blood Banking Services Impede Markets GrowthLack of cord blood units is impeding the growth of the global cord blood banking services market, says a TMR analyst. According to information of Be the Match Registry of National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), only 190,000 cord blood units are available which creates a huge difference to the information availability of over 10 million potential donors.Need for accreditation for cord blood banking services is also hampering the growth of this market. Global operations of cord blood banking services require accreditation from internationally recognized organizations for maintaining standard and quality of cord blood banking services. These activities involve huge costs and documentation that lead to increased cost for customers. Also, it restricts the entry of players that have less financial capacities.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :The global market for cord blood banking services is anticipated to be worth US$26.81 bn by 2019, states TMR. Private cord blood banking services display dominance on the basis of type of storage option in this market.Currently, North America is the leading market for cord blood banking services due to a high investment in R&D in stem cell research, well laid out government regulations, and adequate knowledge of cord blood banking among the population. However, Asia Pacific is expected to display a substantial 9.1% CAGR between 2013 and 2019 in this market due to increasing penetration of multinational private cord blood banks in the emerging economies of this region.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Cyber Security Market worth USD 181.77 Billion in 2021: By Security Type, Segments, Applications and Region

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Zion Research has published a new report titled Cyber Security Market (Network Security, Cloud Security, Wireless Security, and Others), By Solution (Identity and Access Management (IAM), Encryption, Risk and Compliance Management, Data Loss Prevention, Antivirus And Antimalware, Firewall And Others), By Vertical (Aerospace, Government, Financial Services, Telecommunication, Healthcare And Others): Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Segment, Trends and Forecast, 2015  2021. According to the report, global demand for cyber security market was valued at USD 105.45 billion in 2015, is expected to reach USD 181.77 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% between 2016 and 2021.Cyber security can be described as the security of systems, networks, and data in cyberspace. Cyber security is a serious issue for all businesses across the globe. This field is of growing importance due to the increasing dependence on computer systems and the growth of smart devices such as smartphones and tablets. One of the most challenging elements of cyber security is the rapidly and continuously developing nature of security risks.Get free Sample Report @North America dominated the cyber security market in 2015, which was mainly contributed by the rapid adoption of cloud computing, strict rules by the government and emerging possible cyber threats. The U.S. accounted maximum share in the cyber security solutions and services market in 2015. U.S. is the leading market in this region as it acquired more than 80% share in the cyber security market. Cyber security market in North America will grow at the moderate rate in upcoming years.Europe was the second leading player in cyber security market in 2015, owing to rising number of mobile workforce, adoption of cloud-based services and broad opportunity for cyber vendors in the market. Europe is expected to remain relatively stable over the forecast period.Asia Pacific market is expected to show rapid growth, primarily due to increase in cyber crime and demand for cyber security solutions and products in emerging economies in this regions. Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest rate in the near future.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @Latin America expected to be the future market for cyber security. It expected to show huge development in next five years. Brazil is seen as the most potential business sector in Latin America for the cyber security market. Latin America shows the promising growth for the cyber security market.The Middle East is witnessing significant growth in cyber security market due to growing market opportunities in industries such as financial, healthcare, and banking. With the speedy economic growth and increasing the risk of cyber crimes, many industries in the Middle East countries have started to recognize the need for the cyber security system. This develops healthy demand for cyber security systems among the organizations in this region.Inquire more about this report @The major drivers of this market include stringent government regulation on data privacy and increasing cyber threats. Lack of awareness and availability of pirated security software are expected to hamper the cyber security market in the forecast period. There is a significant increase in the cyber security market due to development in cyber solution and services and it offers various options to safeguard data. Providing cyber security solution to ever increasing government IT domain becomes an expensive challenge for the government authorities.The cyber security market is segmented based on security types, solution, and vertical and by regions. On the basic of security types market is divided into network security, cloud security, wireless security and others. Cyber solution segment includes identity and access management (IAM), encryption, risk and compliance management, data loss prevention, antivirus and antimalware, firewall and others. By vertical, market is segmented into aerospace, government, financial services, telecommunication, healthcare, and others.Purchase a direct copy of report with TOC @In 2015, North America dominated the cyber security market owing to the increasing cyber crime and strict government rules against it. Asia Pacific is a fastest growing regional market for cyber security market due to increasing number of internet users in China and India.About Us:Zion Market Research is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Zion Market Research is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading industry and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.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:
At a CAGR of 8.4%, Global Business Intelligence Market will hit USD 26.50 billion by 2021

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Zion Research has published a new report titled Global Business Intelligence Market by Mobile BI, Cloud BI, and Other Applications: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2015-2021. According to the report, the global business intelligence market accounted USD 16.33 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach USD 26.50 billion by 2021, growing at a CAGR of around 8.4% between 2016 and 2021.Get free Sample Report @Business intelligence helps users with meaningful insights and helps them to make better decisions which will provide them an edge over their competitors. From an IT perspective, BI is an umbrella term that covers architecture, applications, and databases. BI means a wide category of technologies that enable business users to gather, store, access and analyze data to make improved decisions. It allows data-driven insights to analyze business performance. In general, the major features of BI solution available in the market includes Decision support systems, Querying and Reporting, Data mining, Online Analytical Processing (OLAP), forecasting and statistical analysis. Business Intelligence systems and tools play a major role in the strategic planning process of various organizations. At present organizations have to collect and deal with huge volumes of data from their operations. The data from various sources has to be consolidated, stored and abstracted for future references and strategic planning of business processes. BI tools and systems help organizations to tackle these challenges.North America is the largest region for Business Intelligence market. It accounted for around 56% of the market share globally in 2015. The growth in big data analytics and easy to operate features are some of the major factors for growth of the market in this region. The increasing growth in big data ecosystem requires a new way of storing & analyzing data for fast retrieval and analysis. Cloud analytics are mature, stable, reliable and scalable in-memory analytical solutions. It is accelerating business intelligence (BI) tools, & other parts of BI environment, to cater to various business requirements. Cloud analytics is delivered all the way through the internet which in turn makes deployment time shorter, cost effective and is easily installed in any organization.Inquire more about this report @Asia-Pacific is expected to grow with the growing CAGR in the coming years. Australia will remain the region's one of the largest BI platform software markets in the next few years. Growth in Australia's BI platform software market is accelerated by maintenance and new license revenue, with maximum clients in Australia looking at vendor consolidation as part of overall BI competency. As a developed market, Australia will maintain a more steady revenue stream from existing maintenance revenue, despite fears like economic downturn due to China and euro zone crisis. Apart from this, the emerging economies in Asia Pacific are also showing healthy signs of Business Intelligence technology adoption.China will remain the second-largest BI software market in Asia Pacific. Most often, Business Intelligence solutions in China are used tactically in departmental deployments as a reporting tool, rather than as the strategic platform to build analytic capabilities to support decision making. Chinese organizations have the relatively low-level maturity of the demand of IT & analytic professionals which in turn creates extra challenges for BI technology implementation in China.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @The European Business Intelligence market is expected to grow in the coming years. The drivers of European market include utility improvement in multiple domains, stable growth in big data, and effortless installment. However, the market in the European region is anticipated to grow at a sustainable rate in the forecast period due to lack of knowledge of regulations.Latin America is estimated to grow in the forecast period. Technological advancements, growing social media analysis for brand building, and the hunt of having the competitive advantage are some of the key factors that are fueling the growth of the BI market in Latin America.Purchase a direct copy of report with TOC @The Middle East and Africa are growing gradually in the Business Intelligence market. There were a number of reasons slowing the market growth in 2013. The Middle East and Africa grew slightly faster than the worldwide growth rate of 8 % Confusion still holds around how to best influence analytics on large data. Much big data investment happened outside traditional BI in infrastructure, experimental silos, and services. Growth in IT budgets is flat & IT traditional BI tools are over bought.North America is expected to be the largest market for BI due to major growth in the market. It accounted for around 56% of the markets share globally. Asia Pacific is expected to manifest high-growth over the foreseeable future due to rapid industrialization in the region and growing number of start-ups focusing on smartphone application development. Major industry participants in this include Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Microstrategy, GoodData, Targit, SAS, SAP, and Tableau Software among others.Ask for a customize report @About Us:Zion Market Research is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Zion Market Research is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading industry and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.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:
Transfection Technology Market 2019 : Analysis and Information for Every Aspact of the Industry

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Transfection is a process that involves production of genetically modified cells with the delivery of foreign nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) into the cell. There are two types of transfection technologies that include stable and transient. While stable transfection is permanent and the genes are continually expressed even after the host cell replicates, transient transfected genes are expressed for a limited period of time and are not integrated into the host genome. Increasing prevalence of cancer and growing obese population drives the global transfection technology market. In addition, initiatives taken by various government organizations also further accentuates the growth of this market. The global transfection technology market was valued at USD 386.4 million in 2012 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% from 2013 to 2019, to reach an estimated value of USD 768.2 million by 2019.Transfection technologymarket is segmented mainly by types of method and application. The method segment of the market is classified as reagent-based method, instrument-based method and virus-based method. The reagent-based method is further segmented as lipid mediated transfection (Lipofection), calcium phosphate, cationic polymers, DEAE-dextran, activated dendrimers and magnetic beads. Reagent based transfection technology market is experiencing significant growth owing to cost effectiveness and less complicated methods involved during transfection. Likewise, instrument-based method includes electroporation, biolistic technology, microinjection and laserfection.Instrument-based methods are less time consuming and accurate;these advantages drive the growth of this segment.Request a Sample Copy of the Report @Transfection technology application market is further segmented as biomedical research, therapeutic delivery and protein production. Rising prevalence of various cancers (prostate, breast and lung), cardiovascular diseases (arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease) and growing mass protein production further accentuates the global transfection technology market. Transfection technologies have also gained widespread popularity because manufacturers are constantly coming up with new and innovative instruments that are easy to use and less complicated.It was also observed that companies who were involved in this market collaborated with the local partners to enter emerging markets of Asia and Africa. For instance, Life Technologies Corporation acquired KDR Biotech Co., Ltd., a South Korea-based distributor of reagents, in April 2013. This acquisition would further enhance Life Technologies Corporations revenue in the South Korean biotechnology market. Increasing prevalence of infectious diseases (H1N1, H1N5) also accentuates the demand for global transfection technology market. However, cytotoxic effects, technological complications associated with instrument-based and virus-based methods might restrict the demand of the global transfection technology market to a certain level.North America contributed the largest share, i.e.over 45%, in 2012 of the global transfection technology market. Increasing awareness about transfection applications and various government initiativesare the major factorsdriving the growth of transfection technology market in North America.For instance, in February 2012, National Cancer Institute (NCI) signed a research agreement with Polypus Transfection S.A., a France-based, privately-held company. This agreement includes Polyethylenimine (PEI) reagent from Polypus Transfection S.A that will be utilized by the National Cancer Institute for in-vitro transfection exploration to produce transfected proteins, viruses and antibodies.Europe contributed the second largest share of the total market in 2012.Utilization of nanomedicine in diagnostics, targeted drug delivery, clinical trials and drug development studies is on the peak in Europe. Transfection technologies and reagents are combined with nanoparticles for better efficacy in the above mentioned studies. For instance, the European Commission published in 2011 that it had funded around 200 projects which include utilization of nanomedicine in research and development under sixth and seventh framework program.The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth (CAGR  more than 10%)due to increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and utilization of biopharmaceuticals for drug discovery and development.Read Complete Report @In terms of key players, the global transfection technologymarket is highly fragmented that comprises of Life Technologies Corporation, Lonza Group Ltd, Mirus Bio LLC, Polypus Transfection S.A, Promega Corporation and others.About MRRSEMRRSE stands for Market Research Reports Search Engine, the largest online catalog of latest market research reports based on industries, companies, and countries. MRRSE sources thousands of industry reports, market statistics, and company profiles from trusted entities and makes them available at a click. Besides well-known private publishers, the reports featured on MRRSE typically come from national statistics agencies, investment agencies, leading media houses, trade unions, governments, and embassies.Corporate Office State Tower 90 State Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207,United States
Avnu Alliance and Ruetz System Solutions Announce First Authorized European Test House for AVB / TSN Standards

Wolfgang Malek is General Manager and Co-Founder of RUETZ SYSTEM SOLUTIONS

http://www.avnu.org

www.ruetz-system-solutions.com

Ruetz System Solutions to become lead partner in Avnu Alliance interoperability and conformance testing outside the United States.Avnu Alliance, the industry consortium driving open standards-based time sensitive networking through certification, announces Ruetz System Solutions as an authorized test house for Avnu Alliance. Ruetz System Solutions is the groups first European Recognized Test Facility (RTF) for automotive Audio Video Bridging/Time Sensitive Networks (AVB/TSN) standards, including the Automotive Ethernet AVB Functional and Interoperability Specification based upon the Avnu Automotive Profile.As experts in automotive data communication, Ruetz System Solutions will provide Avnu Alliance Conformance and Interoperability Testing (C&I Testing) across Europe, leveraging the companys powerful laboratory tools and extensive test environment to effectively examine and assess AVB-equipped automotive solutions.We are the first test house outside the US to assess devices and systems according to AVB/TSN Standards," explained Wolfgang Malek, General Manager and Co-Founder of Ruetz System Solutions. "We are proud to be a testing partner of the Avnu Alliance and look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise throughout the certification process."We are excited to work with Ruetz toward interoperable network connectivity within the automobile, said Kevin Stanton, Avnu Alliance Chairman. The AVB / TSN functionality of Ethernet has become foundational in bringing the advantages of standard networking technologywith real-time supportto the automotive sector, enabling new features, usages and system architectures not otherwise feasible. In partnership with Ruetz System Solutions, Avnu Alliance expands the availability of conformance and interoperability testing of automotive modules to broaden the ecosystem of Avnu-Certified devices available for Automotive OEMs and Tier-1s."Ruetz System Solutions has vast experience as the compliance test house for control units based on the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) and Automotive Ethernet standards, which provides the basis for the reliable test implementation of Ruetz System Solutions. Numerous control units from different manufacturers and different electrical/electronic (E/E) architectures have undergone testing in the Ruetz System Solutions compliance test lab in the past years, meeting the stringent requirements for quality, robustness, and compliance expected by carmakers and suppliers. The test house and accredited test laboratory significantly broadens the comprehensive compliance tests for in-vehicle data communications by extending the test scopes. In addition, customers are supported with consulting and accompanying engineering services throughout the total certification phase in order to identify errors even at early design stages.Avnu Alliance created a robust and comprehensive compliance and interoperability certification procedure, which may then be used to certify products to the Avnu-certification based on IEEE Standards, to ensure interoperability. Once a product has passed the testing procedures, the test report and certification application can be submitted to Avnu Alliance for formal approval and the ability to use the Avnu-certified logo.More information on Avnu Alliance and the Automotive Ethernet AVB Functional and Interoperability Specification can be found atAbout Ruetz System SolutionsWith comprehensive expertise in data communication for automotive electronic systems, Ruetz System Solutions provides full service to carmakers and suppliers for a smooth and timely production start (SOP). The technology partner based in Munich offers engineering services for system specification and integration, Test Laboratories as a Service, compliance tests, technology assessment and training. Part of the test laboratory solutions are test systems and platforms. With broad competency in data bus systems for all in-car data transmission standards such as, amongst others, AVB, Bluetooth, CAN, Automotive Ethernet, FlexRay, LIN, MOST, USB, and WLAN are supported competently and reliably by the general contractor. More information is available atAbout Avnu AllianceThe Avnu Alliance is dedicated to the advancement of streaming audio video by promoting the adoption of IEEE 802.1 Audio Video Bridging (AVB) standards over the network infrastructure. The organization strives to create an open path to AVB standards, define AVB compliance test procedures, and an Avnu certification program that ensures AVB interoperability of networked AV devices to provide the highest quality streaming experience in professional AV, automotive, and consumer applications to deliver a compelling end user experience.Ruetz System Solutions Press ContactRuetz System Solutions GmbHWalter-Gropius-Strae 17MunchenT +49 +49 89 200 04 13 0E info@ruetz-system-solutions.comMandy Ahlendorf: ma@ahlendorf-communication.comAvnu Alliance Press ContactCaster Communications, Inc. 401-792-7080Erin Phillipserin@castercomm.comKimberly Lancasterklancaster@castercomm.com
Telstra and Cohda Wireless successfully trial V2I technology over 4G

Dr. Paul Gray is CEO of Cohda Wireless

www.cohdawireless.com

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Telstra, in partnership with Cohda Wireless, has successfully trialled Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) technology over Telstras 4G network in South Australia, a pivotal first step in developing Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology. Examples of V2X include vehicles talking to infrastructure (such as traffic lights), vehicles talking to other vehicles, and vehicles talking to vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. The use and development of V2X communications will enable the creation of intelligent transport systems that may allow more efficient use of road infrastructure, better traffic management (reduced congestion) and, in the future, coordinated and safe autonomous vehicle operation. Most importantly, it will likely lead to increased safety for road users as the impact of human error can be minimised as vehicles will be able to communicate and react to their surroundings.Telstra believes its 4G and future 5G networks can play a vital role in supporting the faster rollout of intelligent transport systems and V2X applications, making implementation of the technology cheaper and more efficient. Telstras Director of Technology Andrew Scott said that the successful V2I trial marked the first phase of Telstras plan to show how V2X technology can be supported via Telstras 4G network. While there has been a lot of focus around future transport technology, there has not been much work done to date in Australia on supporting intelligent transport systems via existing 4G mobile networks, Andrew said.The trial we just completed in South Australia confirms that 4G can support V2I applications. These applications included alerting a driver to roadworks ahead, giving green light priority to high priority vehicles, and testing optimal green light timing where the vehicle is informed of the optimal speed to approach a traffic light so that that they get a green light when they arrive, therefore allowing a more continuous flow of traffic.However this is only the first phase of our project with additional trial phases lined up for testing Vehicle-to- Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Vulnerable (bicycles and pedestrians). We are particularly excited about the upcoming Vehicle-to-Vulnerable testing as we will be able to showcase the Australian-first sending of standardised intelligent transport systems messages over the 4G network to enable interaction of vehicles with smartphone-equipped bicycles.CEO of Cohda Wireless, the world leading supplier of V2X solutions for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV), Paul Gray said There are a number of V2X use cases that can be deployed right now using 4G, and Telstras 4G network is ideal for supporting these. We are very pleased to be working with Telstra towards the shared goal of making roads safer, greener, and less congested.The South Australian Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Stephen Mullighan said We are positioning South Australia to become a key player in this emerging industry, and by leading efforts to accommodate driverless and autonomous technologies on SA roads, we are pursuing the safety, productivity and mobility benefits of these technologies, as well as new opportunities for our businesses and our economy.Last year we hosted the first on-road trials of autonomous vehicles in the Southern Hemisphere and this year we became the first Australian jurisdiction to legislate to allow further on-road trials."Our Government is striving to create an environment which nurtures companies developing autonomous technologies, including Telstra and Cohda Wireless, and this exciting initiative demonstrates the progress South Australia is making to take a share of this projected $90 billion industry.Telstra, Cohda Wireless and the South Australia Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure are all partners of the Australian Driverless Vehicle Initiative (ADVI), a partnership of government, industry and academic partners working collaboratively to research, investigate and help inform the development of robust national policy, legislation, regulation and operational procedures and processes to bring driverless vehicles safely and successfully to Australian roads.Telstra and Cohda Wireless intend to trial Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Vulnerable technologies in South Australia within the coming months.About Cohda WirelessCohda Wireless is the leading equipment vendor in the V2X market. The Australian company manufactures systems with acknowledged best-in-world performance. Cohdas hardware and software products are used in more than 65 per cent of all V2X field trials worldwide today. Customers include many carmakers, tier one suppliers, automotive chipmakers, road authorities and new market entrants. Cohdas products are already widely used in many countries like USA, Europe, Australia, Japan, Africa, Middle East, China, Singapore, Taiwan, and Korea. For more information, visitCohda Wireless Europe GmbHSchatzbogen 7DE-81829 MunchenBernd LuebbenVP Business DevelopmentE bernd.luebben@cohdawireless.comMedia Contact Cohda Wireless:Mandy AhlendorfT +49 8151 9739098E ma@ahlendorf-communication.com
EximInfinities celebrates saving 100 small shops from closure in UK, USA and Australia.

New Delhi, India: EximInfinities an export import company specialized in direct producer and retailer export & import procedure, announces that the company has saved 100 small shops around the world from being closed, within less than a month after the company announced #StrengthAndHonor campaign. Where Eximinfinities announced that it will supply any daily consumable best quality products from around the world for only $0.99 commission per order, throughout the year to those small shop owners whose business are in verge of collapse, for odd competition against brand, chain and online stores. The company also announced that it will take entire responsibilities to supply shop owners required products as per their requirement directly in their store without going through any legal difficulties or paperwork.We did not expect that quick and vast response right after initial launch of #StrengthAndHonor program. Said Abhijit Das, EximInfinitiess Managing Director. So far we have supplied various products under Footwear, Clothing and Dry fruits categories in 100 shops in USA, UK and Australia, and we are looking forward to help small shop owners around the world, by supplying more products from other different categories. He further added The shop owners still cannot believe that import process could be that simple where they have to order using phone or email and make the payment though their known payment method PayPal. And they can get their order delivered at their desired address. And the best part is that they can get any product with best quality for almost half price than their current market rate.As per #StrengthAndHonor initiative any shop owner whose business is in financial deficit is eligible for one year unlimited product import as per their requirement, by paying only $0.99 commission per order. Any shop owner can avail all benefits under #StrengthAndHonor initiative by simply providing any document or convincing company official verbally over video call. Where a shop owner enjoys the ease of placing order through email or phone and making payment through PayPal for order up to $1500 and receiving their required product as per their requirement directly in their shop without going through any legal difficulties or paperwork such as customs.EximInfinities Private Limited is an Import Export company specialized in supplying highest quality products in lowest price by purchasing goods from farmers or producer and supplying the goods directly to the shop, leaving no middle man between. EximInfinities is able to increase not only shop owners/ retailers revenue by direct supply, the company is also able to increase revenue of farmers and producers because of EximInfinities direct approach and provide products to consumer for much lower price.C-16, D.D.A Flats, Pocket-3, Binapur, New Delhi-110059, India
Europe Belt Duck Market 2016 - Gucci, Jeep, Goldlion, Levis, Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Polo, Pierre Cardin

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The Europe Belt Duck Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Belt Duck industry.The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Belt Duck market analysis is provided for the Europe markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.Request for sample report atDevelopment policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and Bill of Materials cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.The report focuses on Europe major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The Belt Duck industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.With 153 tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Access full report atTable of Contents1 Industry Overview1.1 Definition and Specifications of Belt Duck1.1.1 Definition of Belt Duck1.1.2 Specifications of Belt Duck1.2 Classification of Belt Duck1.3 Applications of Belt Duck1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Belt Duck1.5 Industry Overview of Belt Duck1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Belt Duck1.7 Industry News Analysis of Belt Duck2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Belt Duck2.1 Bill of Materials (BOM) of Belt Duck2.2 BOM Price Analysis of Belt Duck2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Belt Duck2.4 Depreciation Cost Analysis of Belt Duck2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Belt Duck2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Belt Duck2.7 Europe Price, Cost and Gross of Belt Duck 2011-20163 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Europe Key Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Europe Key Belt Duck Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Europe Belt Duck Key Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Europe Belt Duck Key Manufacturers in 2015Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
China Dental Carie Detector Market 2016 - AdDent, SOPRO, W&H Dentalwerk International, Air Techniques, Kavo, DEXIS, Sirona Dental Systems

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The China Dental Carie Detector Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Dental Carie Detector industry.The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Dental Carie Detector market analysis is provided for the China markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.Request for sample report atDevelopment policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and Bill of Materials cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.The report focuses on China major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The Dental Carie Detector industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.With 154 tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Access full report atTable of Contents1 Industry Overview1.1 Definition and Specifications of Dental Carie Detector1.2 Classification of Dental Carie Detector1.3 Applications of Dental Carie Detector1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Dental Carie Detector1.5 Industry Overview of Dental Carie Detector1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Dental Carie Detector1.7 Industry News Analysis of Dental Carie Detector2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Dental Carie Detector2.1 Bill of Materials (BOM) of Dental Carie Detector2.2 BOM Price Analysis of Dental Carie Detector2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Dental Carie Detector2.4 Depreciation Cost Analysis of Dental Carie Detector2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Dental Carie Detector2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Dental Carie Detector2.7 China Price, Cost and Gross of Dental Carie Detector 2011-20163 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of China Key Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of China Key Dental Carie Detector Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of China Dental Carie Detector Key Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of China Dental Carie Detector Key Manufacturers in 2015Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Global Heavy Commercial Vehicles Market 2016 - VOLVO, Scania, Mercedes Benz, MAN, IVECO, Paccar, ISUZU, Volkswagen, Ford, Hyundai, Hongyan Truck

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The Global Heavy Commercial Vehicles Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Heavy Commercial Vehicles industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Heavy Commercial Vehicles market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions development status.Request for sample report atSecondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), and other regions can be added.Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the Heavy Commercial Vehicles industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Access full report atTable of Contents1 Industry Overview of Heavy Commercial Vehicles1.1 Definition and Specifications of Heavy Commercial Vehicles1.1.1 Definition of Heavy Commercial Vehicles1.1.2 Specifications of Heavy Commercial Vehicles1.2 Classification of Heavy Commercial Vehicles1.3 Applications of Heavy Commercial Vehicles1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Heavy Commercial Vehicles1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Heavy Commercial Vehicles1.5.1 Industry Overview of Heavy Commercial Vehicles1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Heavy Commercial Vehicles1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Heavy Commercial Vehicles1.7 Industry News Analysis of Heavy Commercial Vehicles2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Heavy Commercial Vehicles2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Heavy Commercial Vehicles2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Heavy Commercial Vehicles2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Heavy Commercial Vehicles2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Heavy Commercial Vehicles2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Heavy Commercial Vehicles2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Heavy Commercial Vehicles3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Heavy Commercial Vehicles3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Heavy Commercial Vehicles Major Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Heavy Commercial Vehicles Major Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Heavy Commercial Vehicles Major Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Heavy Commercial Vehicles Major Manufacturers in 2015Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
China Automatic Hematology Analyzer Market 2016 - URIT Medical Electronic, Mindray, HORIBA Medical, Drew Scientific, erba diagnostics Mannheim, Idexx Laboratories

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The China Automatic Hematology Analyzer Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Automatic Hematology Analyzer industry.The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Automatic Hematology Analyzer market analysis is provided for the China markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.Request for sample report atDevelopment policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and Bill of Materials cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.The report focuses on China major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The Automatic Hematology Analyzer industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.With 155 tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Request for sample report atTable of Contents1 Industry Overview1.1 Definition and Specifications of Automatic Hematology Analyzer1.2 Classification of Automatic Hematology Analyzer1.3 Applications of Automatic Hematology Analyzer1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Automatic Hematology Analyzer1.5 Industry Overview of Automatic Hematology Analyzer1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Automatic Hematology Analyzer1.7 Industry News Analysis of Automatic Hematology Analyzer2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Automatic Hematology Analyzer2.1 Bill of Materials (BOM) of Automatic Hematology Analyzer2.2 BOM Price Analysis of Automatic Hematology Analyzer2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Automatic Hematology Analyzer2.4 Depreciation Cost Analysis of Automatic Hematology Analyzer2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Automatic Hematology Analyzer2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Automatic Hematology Analyzer2.7 China Price, Cost and Gross of Automatic Hematology Analyzer 2011-20163 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of China Key Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of China Key Automatic Hematology Analyzer Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of China Automatic Hematology Analyzer Key Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of China Automatic Hematology Analyzer Key Manufacturers in 2015Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
China Acrylic Acid Market 2016 - BASF, Dow, Arkema, Formosa, LG Chem, Mitsubishi Chem, Toagosei, Sasol, Hexion, Idemitsu Kosan, Jurong Chem

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The China Acrylic Acid Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Acrylic Acid industry.The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Acrylic Acid market analysis is provided for the China markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.Request for sample report atDevelopment policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and Bill of Materials cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.The report focuses on China major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The Acrylic Acid industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.With 150 tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Access full report atTable of Contents1 Industry Overview1.1 Definition and Specifications of Acrylic Acid1.2 Classification of Acrylic Acid1.3 Applications of Acrylic Acid1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Acrylic Acid1.5 Industry Overview of Acrylic Acid1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Acrylic Acid1.7 Industry News Analysis of Acrylic Acid2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Acrylic Acid2.1 Bill of Materials (BOM) of Acrylic Acid2.2 BOM Price Analysis of Acrylic Acid2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Acrylic Acid2.4 Depreciation Cost Analysis of Acrylic Acid2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Acrylic Acid2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Acrylic Acid2.7 China Price, Cost and Gross of Acrylic Acid 2011-20163 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of China Key Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of China Key Acrylic Acid Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of China Acrylic Acid Key Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of China Acrylic Acid Key Manufacturers in 2015Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Cologne, 30th May 2008 - The GLOBALGAP Board has recently approved a proposal that the standard shall be revised every 4 years, instead of every 3 years  a decision welcomed by all stakeholders to allow sufficient time for adjustment and implementation between new versions. Even though the GLOBALGAP Integrated Farm Assurance V3.0 has only become obligatory on 1st January 2008, the various sector committees have already started with the 
SPOOKY, SCARY SPOOKY, SCARY  Neighborhoods in Orchard Park are more than ready for Halloween. In the top photo, at a house at the corner of Orchard Hill Drive and Briar Hill...

Bremer finds seven residential lots storing items on town property Thanks to a new property-line shot by the Engineering Department, Building Inspector Steve Bremer was able to identify seven residential lots near Highmark Stadium that were placing all sorts of...

Highway Department receiving number of calls on dying ash trees Highway Superintendent Andrew Slotman warned in the spring that the ash tree population in Orchard Park would soon dwindle to zero due to the presence of the emerald ash borer....
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Associated Builders and Contractors Greater Michigan Chapters annual award presentation event took place recently at the H Hotel in Midland.

The chapter was announced the member companies that won the 2016 Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) Awards. STEP recognizes ABC member companies who consistently excel in the field of safety, but more importantly it provides an evaluation tool to help identify areas to improve a companys safety program.

Rich Wells, president of Michigan Operations, The Dow Chemical Co., assisted in presenting the awards.

The highest honor is the diamond level. The following ABC Greater Michigan Chapter member companies received awards in the following categories:

Diamond: Alloy Construction, Bay Aggregate, Blasy Electric, G.E. Insulation Co., RCL Construction

Platinum: Architectural Metals, Fisher Sand and Gravel, Three Rivers Corp., Windemuller Electric

Gold: Answer Heating and Cooling, Fisher Contracting, J.E. Johnson, Lake Painting, Magnum Construction, Pyramid Control, Sugar Construction, The Tancor Corp., Valley Electrical Contractors, Wolgast Corp.

Silver: A/C Electric, Central Concrete, Consolidated Electrical Contractors, Joseph M. Day Co.

Bronze: Albin Hengesbach Custom Cabinetry

In addition to the STEP award presentation, the 2016 ABC/GMC Safety Leader Award was presented. The recipient, Pete Crawford of Alloy Construction Services, was recognized for his leadership in leading Alloy to nine years of being OSHA free.

New to the event this year were the Excellence In Construction (EIC) award presentations. Projects were submitted in a variety of categories. The following awards were presented:

New construction under $1 million: Wolgast Corp.: NBS Commercial Interiors

New construction over $10 million: Three Rivers Corp.: MidMichigan Health Gerstacker Building

Addition/renovation $1 million to $5 million: Wolgast Corp.: Michigan Brand Meats

Electrical: Consolidated Electrical Contractors: Consumers Energy Innovation Center

Other awards presented during the event were:

 Founders Award for an individual who best exemplifies the philosophy of The Association of Builders and Contractors over a period of time in the advocacy of both merit shop and workforce training: John Bartos

 Champion of Free Enterprise award for outstanding contributions into ensuring that free enterprise continues to exist: Gary Elza, G.E. Insulation, and Brian Stadler, Wolgast Corp.

 ABC Cares award for using the skilled trades to give back to the community: Corey Hannahs, Consolidated Electrical Contractors for starting a training program for homeless individuals in the Lansing area.

 Giving for the Future award for outstanding support of the chapter and training initiatives: Chelsea Lumber

 Top Workers Compensation Producer award for highest level of new members into the ABC self-Insured workers compensation fund: Walton Insurance Group
The U.S. Small Business Administrations Michigan District Office announced that Chemical Bank was named Michigan Community Lender of the Year, SBAs award for support of community banks. Chemical Bank is the only community lender in the top ten 7(a) SBA lenders for 2015. It also was a top producer of 504 loans.

Other winners include:

 Michigan Lender of the Year  Huntington Bank

Huntington Bank had the best overall performance and approved 1,300 SBA loans worth $200,985,100 in fiscal 2015. Criteria included loan volume, increase coverage area and participation in SBA programs and community activities.

 504 Lender of the Year  PNC Bank

PNC Bank showed best overall support of the SBA 504 loan program by a third party lender, based on loan volume and year to year comparison. PNC continues to show strong support of the 504 loan program, leading the state with 13 loans in 2015.

 Export Lender of the Year  Level One Bank

For the third year in row, Level One Bank has been the leading bank in Michigan in supporting trade finance for small businesses. It originated more Export Working Capital Loans than any other lender in Michigan.

The top 10 lenders in Michigan include:

The Huntington National Bank, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Comerica Bank, Citizens Bank, Fifth Third Bank, PNC Bank, Firstmerit Bank, Celtic Bank Corp., Chemical Bank and Wells Fargo Bank.
The Midland County Board of Commissioners have unanimously approved a request from Sheriff Scott Stephenson to make staffing changes at the jail by creating a new employee classification, assistant shift leader.

The changes included the conversion of four corrections officers to assistant shift leader and conversion of a fifth shift leader position to a corrections officer.

It is actually a cost savings because we are taking one of the shift leaders, the one highest paid positions, out of the equation and so when you net the cost increases against the savings it is actually translating into a net savings for the county, said County Finance Director Tori Meyer.

The annual cost to convert the four correction officers to assistant shift leaders is $5,508 in 2017. The annual savings from the conversion of the shift leader to a correction officer is $7,822 in 2017 and the net savings is $2,314.

Now, when a shift leader is away, an assistant shift leader can step in and run the shift, which will eliminate a lot of the present overtime.

We will not have to pay nearly as much overtime. You will never get rid of all overtime, but it will take a bite out of it, Sheriff Scott Stephenson said. It also gives employees an incentive for promotion and better morale.

Originally, when the fifth shift leader position was created, it ran smoothly because of the employee filling the position. The man wasnt married and his children were grown, giving him the flexibility to work seven days in a row and then be off three days.

However, with a schedule that required a variety of differing hours, filling that position became almost impossible for Stephenson.

For several months, that spot has been open because I had posted and nobody will sign it because of the hours, Stephenson said.

The board of commissioners also presented the 2016 Fall Employee Appreciation Awards to the following employees:

 Julie Baker  Health Department

 Adam Walser  Midland County Jail

 Adam Wright  Midland County Jail

 Josh Qualls  Midland County Jail

 Jacob Fink  Midland County Jail

 Suzanne Schroeder  Pinecrest Farms

 Steve Wixson  Public Guardian

 Marisa Boulton  Alternative Community Service

 Nancy Krouse  Board of Commissioners

 Carl Bland  Mosquito Control

 Lori Enszer  Public Guardian

 Trent Millard  Sheriffs Department

 Brionna Varner  County Clerk
BLOOMINGTON  JPMorgan Chase plans to close its Chase Bank branch near downtown Bloomington next week and consolidate operations at a branch on the city's east side.

The branch at 413 E. Washington St. will close noon Oct. 13, said branch manager Will Whitzemann. "Our customers have been notified well in advance."

"We are consolidating our branch at 413 E. Washington (St.) into our branch at 2404 E. Oakland (Ave.)," JPMorgan Chase spokesman Christine Holevas wrote in an email Tuesday to The Pantagraph. "Employees from the consolidating branch will be assigned to our other branches."

In addition to the Oakland Avenue facility, Chase Bank also has a branch at 1703 W. Market St., Bloomington.

After JPMorgan Chase purchased Bank One in July 2004, the three Bloomington branches changed to Chase, the banking firm's brand name.

"Our West Market Street branch and our East Oakland branch will still be available to service the community," said Whitzemann.

Closure of the branch is part of a two-year plan JPMorgan Chase announced in 2015 to shutter and consolidate as many as 300 branches, or 5 percent, nationwide by the end of 2016 as the banking firm seeks to cuts costs as more customers move to online banking.

"We are continually evaluating our branch network market by market to ensure we are in the right sites as our customers locations and needs change," said Holevas.

Chase will continue to open branches where it makes sense, renovate existing branches, and consolidate branches where theres low traffic or overlap, said Holevas.

"We know our customers like going to the branch and talking with their banker," Holevas wrote. "We love that too, because we want to help our customers.

"However, they dont need the branch as much for depositing checks, getting cash or moving money around," she added. "They can do it themselves whenever they want. They do need us for financial advice and guidance and our branch bankers are great at that."
BLOOMINGTON  The first free-standing birthing center in Illinois outside the Chicago area will welcome mothers delivering babies beginning Monday.

The Birth Center of Bloomington-Normal  which has been providing women with pre-natal care since July  can begin performing deliveries because the facility has received its license from the state, the center announced Wednesday.

The center, 6 Westport Court, Bloomington, is the second birthing center in Illinois since state law changed to allow birthing centers that are not part of hospitals. The first center opened in Berwyn in 2014.

Dr. Dele Ogunleye and Dr. Joe Santiago  Bloomington-Normal obstetrician/gynecologists who are co-owners of the birth center  expect it to attract Central Illinois women who want to give birth in a less clinical, less costly setting.

"To come from where I had an idea many years ago to today, it's overwhelming," Santiago said recently.

Birthing centers are for women at low risk of birthing complications.

Pregnant women meet with a certified nurse midwife, tour the center and take classes before their delivery. A certified nurse midwife and registered nurse will attend each delivery while the doctors oversee care.

When complications happen, the center has an agreement with nearby OSF St. Joseph Medical Center to accept the patient. Drills have been conducted with employees of the birth center, Bloomington Fire Department, McLean County Area EMS and St. Joseph.

"The collaboration and support we have received from both OSF St. Joseph and our local EMS have been invaluable," said Jessica Poppe, the birth center's office coordinator.

St. Joseph and Advocate BroMenn Medical Center have agreed that the birthing center will be a good option for women with low-risk pregnancies and who don't wish to deliver in a hospital.

The center intends to provide midwife-led pre-natal, delivery, postpartum and well-women care. Services will include pre-natal fitness and nutrition classes, childbirth education, parenting classes, lactation counseling and new-mom support groups.

All three suites are equipped with a birthing tub for women to use during labor and delivery.

The center originally was named the Bloomington-Normal Birthing Center. The name was changed to Birth Center of Bloomington-Normal to avoid confusion with the hospital's birthing centers, Poppe said.
BLOOMINGTON  Edward Harrison, 80, of Prescott, Ariz., formerly of Bloomington, died Tuesday (Oct. 4, 2016) at the Northern Arizona VA Veterans Hospital, Prescott.

Ed was a beloved husband, father, brother, son, community leader and philanthropist wherever he lived. Born Feb. 16, 1936, in Bryn Mawr, Pa., the second child of Dr. Israel and Ida Harrison, Ed attended Lower Merion High School and earned a bachelor of science in business administration at Drexel University in Philadelphia. While at Drexel, Ed served as social director at the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, and organized award events featuring entertainers Sammy Davis Jr., Eddie Fisher, Brenda Lee and Mario Lanza.

He served his country as a member of the U.S. Army, Army Security Agency, while stationed in Sinop, Turkey, 1958-1961. It was there that he developed his famous cartooning and caricature drawing skills, which he practiced for the rest of his life. After being discharged from Fort Dix, Ed worked as a traveling salesman, selling humorous postcards throughout the Midwest. He later relocated to Chicago, where he worked for the original Abelson-Frankel advertising agency.

A resident of Bloomington from 1970 to 1999, Ed served as president of the Downtown Merchants Association; president of Illinois State University Friends of the Arts; belonged to the Young Men's Club, where he threw lunch rolls with the best of them; and was president of the Zoological Society, where he helped develop the Miller Park Zoo petting zoo. Ed was an active member of the Bloomington-Normal Ski Club, the B-N Sailing Club, and was a master crepe maker. An entrepreneur, Ed owned and operated Darkroom Express, a custom film developing business in downtown Bloomington. Ed organized a hugely successful drive to collect toiletry items in Bloomington to be sent to American fighting men and women in Operation Desert Storm, and upon retiring to Prescott in 1999, founded perhaps his greatest achievement, the philanthropic Yavapai Toymakers. This 501(c) charity specializes in construction of more than 7,000 handmade wooden toys a year for children in hospitals, clinics and shelters throughout Arizona.

Ed is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cindy Harrison, Prescott; sons, Scott Harrison, Bloomington, and Ian Harrison, Henderson, Nev.; and brothers, Dr. Bernard Harrison, Austin, Texas, and Nathan Harrison, Minneapolis, Minn.

Ed was a member of Temple Adath Israel on Philadelphia's Mainline, and Moses Montefiore Temple in Bloomington. Donations in Ed's memory can be made and sent to the Yavapai Toymakers, 4941 Summit Circle, Prescott, AZ 86301.

Last, but not least, Ed will always be fondly remembered at Bryn Mawr Grammar School as the first and only person to be Marble King twice, a feat he accomplished in fourth and sixth grades. Ed Harrison will be always be loved and missed.
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I grabbed my ear lobe and jiggled it in disbelief of the words I was hearing from former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani's mouth.

Giuliani, a surrogate for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, was responding to a very good question from NBC's "Meet the Press" host Chuck Todd on Sunday morning.

Todd wanted to know whether Giuliani's own history of marital infidelity disqualified him to be "the right person" to lead the Trump campaign's latest tactic: criticizing Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's response to her husband then-president Bill Clinton's sexual behavior with a White House intern named Monica Lewinsky.

"You have your own infidelities, sir," Todd reminded the former mayor.

"Everybody does," Giuliani casually responded. "You know, I'm a Roman Catholic, and I confess those things to my priest."

Those of us who were paying attention during his mayoral years don't need a priest to tell us that Giuliani and Trump -- with their three marriages apiece -- make an odd couple.

"Just bizarre," tweeted lawyer-journalist Glenn Greenwald, founder of The Intercept news site. "Trump & Giuliani have 6 wives between them & are sermonizing about marriage to the Clintons, who have been married 41 years."

And none of that's a secret. Trump's affairs were carried out on the front pages of New York's tabloids and gossip columns. Giuliani announced the end of his second marriage in a news conference in 2000 before he told his wife at the time, Donna Hanover.

When she refused to leave the official residence with their two children, the mayor's divorce lawyer said someone would have "to pry her off the chandelier to get her out of there."

Yet Giuliani's casual attitude toward infidelities today sounds even more bizarre when compared to the shock and outrage of Republicans who voted for Bill Clinton's impeachment in the late 1990s.

Compared to those days, Giuliani's attitude sounds as suspect as Trump's recent and sudden reversal of his five-year-old doubts that President Barack Obama was born in the United States. (It was about time, Donald.)

Even more suspect is Giuliani's tone deafness to the irony of his new position. After all, if "everybody" cheats, why make Bill Clinton cheating the focus of an attack against his wife?

Ah, but Trump and Giuliani insist they are not rehashing Bill Clinton's infidelities. Rather, they are attacking his former senator wife for defending him during the Lewinsky scandal and for her attempts to discredit women who accused her husband of sexual assault.

"After being married to Bill Clinton for 20 years, if you didn't know the moment Monica Lewinsky said Bill Clinton violated her," Giuliani told Elite Daily, a website for millennials, after the first Clinton-Trump debate, "then you're too stupid to be president."

This from a man whose own campaign to be president in 2008 flamed out after he came in third in Florida.

Perhaps Trump himself sensed the weakness of this line of attack when, during a full-steam ad-libbed tirade against his opponent at a Saturday rally in Pennsylvania, Trump shouted, "I don't even think she's loyal to Bill, if you want to know the truth. And really, folks, why should she be? Why should she be?"

Really? Trump offered no evidence to back up his suggestion that the former first lady might be cheating, too.

On Sunday, Giuliani the Trump surrogate dutifully dismissed Trump's suggestion of infidelity by the former First Lady as a "sarcastic remark." "After she called him a racist and misogynist, xenophobic ... I think it's fair game," Giuliani said.

Maybe. But at least Clinton actually has something that looks and sounds like evidence to back up her argument. The list of Trump's attacks and insults against Mexicans, Muslims, woman and other groups runs long and, by all indications, probably will grow longer in any minute now.

Does Trump really help himself by taking us back to Monicagate?

Sure, Hillary-bashing wins applause  which he loves  from his hard-core supporters, but he's already won that group. The remaining slice of moderates and independents who haven't made up their minds is small, pollsters say, but also likely to be decisive. Team Trump appears to be doing a great job  of delivering that group to their opponent.
"Domestic violence" doesn't mean someone who hits his wife. The victim can be a husband, daughter, son, mom, dad, grandparent, aunt or uncle, girlfriend or boyfriend.

And the wounds may come from words, not just fists.

Rich, poor, black, white, Christian, atheist, urban, rural, old or young: there are no rules for who causes the violence, where and when it happens or who is the target. What is clear is that domestic violence shouldn't take place and there ways to make it stop.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A number of McLean County agencies are working on an awareness campaign called "Stand Up With Me: A Victim's Call to Their Community."

If we are honest with ourselves, many of us have known someone who either has been a victim or who is the perpetrator. We've seen the bruises, the heavy makeup, the broken bones; we've seen the tears and the scars; we've seen the yelling, belittling and the violence.

"One in three women and one in seven men will be physically assaulted or raped by a partner in his or her lifetime," Senna Adjabeng, director of Mid Central Community Action's Countering Domestic Violence programs, told Pantagraph Health Editor Paul Swiech.

In a story last week, Swiech wrote that during the fiscal year that ended June 30, MCCA served 741 domestic violence survivors. That includes 648 adults and 93 children.

The Countering Domestic Violence hotline  309-827-7070  took more than 3,000 calls during the same period. Anyone who witnesses or experiences domestic violence should call 911. Victims  and people who suspect domestic violence  should call 309-827-7070.

Knowledge and awareness of domestic violence has increased greatly in recent decades, but the numbers haven't dropped accordingly. Until they are erased, we need to support and help the victims; work with the perpetrators to stop the behavior; and with counselors, police and judges on appropriate punishment when that doesn't work.

McLean County is fortunate to have shelters to help those who need to get away from their abusers. As part of the awareness month, MCCA is holding a drive for items needed by people who stay at Neville House domestic violence shelter.

You can donate canned foods, household paper products, used cellphones and gas and grocery gift cards from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 21 in the back parking lot of MCCA at 1301 W. Washington St., Bloomington.

Also planned is a domestic violence simulation, reflection and call to action from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26 at First Christian Church, 401 W. Jefferson St., Bloomington.

Publicly acknowledging the problem, helping victims find safety and providing counseling, retraining or punishment to abusers is something we all must work on. Let this month be the time to start.
Around the world, a child dies every 20 seconds from a vaccine-preventable disease. Strong U.S. government investments in global health and immunization programs save lives.

Polio is a prime example. Wild polio virus once plagued the world and paralyzed tens of thousands of Americans before the first polio vaccine was introduced in 1955. Yet 30 years later, in the mid-1980s, polio still paralyzed more than 350,000 children globally per year.

Thanks in part to U.S. government investments and collaboration with the United Nations and international partners, polio incidence has decreased by 99.9 percent. So far in 2016, only 26 cases of wild polio virus have been reported in three countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria.

With World Polio Day coming up on Oct. 24, now is an opportune time to remind legislators about the importance of continued funding for global vaccine programs. Given all that is at stake during this election season, I encourage you to act on something we can all agree upon: increasing access to vaccines that will prevent needless death and suffering among the world's most vulnerable children. Call U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood's office and tell him to strengthen funding for global vaccine programs through USAID, CDC and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. We all have a stake in the outcome.

Emilee Gibson, Bloomington
SPRINGFIELD  Bloomington physician David Gill is ending his independent bid for Congress in Illinois 13th District after a second U.S. Supreme Court justice declined to take up his ballot access case.

Gill, whos previously run for Congress four times as a Democrat, filed a federal lawsuit challenging the states signature requirement for independent congressional candidates after he collected fewer than 8,500 of the 10,754 valid petition signatures he needed to earn a spot on the Nov. 8 ballot. A federal judge in August ordered the Illinois State Board of Elections to allow Gill on the ballot, but the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals subsequently blocked that order.

Gill asked the Supreme Court to step in, and after Justice Elena Kagan denied his request last week, he appealed again to Justice Anthony Kennedy. Kennedy on Tuesday denied the request.

In the past six weeks, weve witnessed a complete denial of due process and justice, and the anti-democracy folks have won through gamesmanship and procedural tactics, Gill said Wednesday in a prepared statement. Ive said for many years that our politics and government have rotted from the inside by having two major parties which are both owned by Wall Street.  Its now clear that the rot extends into our judicial system.

Under state law, Gill still has time to notify local election authorities if he wishes to run as a write-in candidate, but he wont be doing so, said his campaign manager, Don Necessary.

While Gills candidacy is over, his lawsuit over Illinois signature requirement for independent congressional candidates continues.

Gills lawsuit argues that the requirement is unconstitutional because its out of line with the requirements for major party candidates. His would-be opponents, Republican U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis of Taylorville, and Democratic challenger Mark Wicklund of Decatur each had to gather fewer than 740 signatures on their nominating petitions.

Although she didnt make a final ruling on the merits of the argument, U.S. District Judge Sue Myerscough found that Gill had shown a modicum of support through the large number signatures he gathered and that he and his supporters would be irreparably harmed by his exclusion from the ballot.

Representing the elections board, the Illinois attorney generals office has argued that the signature requirement is valid because the state has an interest in preventing overcrowding of the ballot and potential voter confusion.

Following the appellate court order last month that led to his removal from the ballot, Gill said he planned to carry on the lawsuit regardless of whether he ultimately was allowed to run this year.

At the end of the day, thats even more important than the ballot access Im fighting for this year, he said in mid-September.

Gill has argued that the high signature requirement for independents is designed to protect a two-party system that doesnt benefit voters.

In his Wednesday statement, Gill said he was encouraged by the support he received this year and may seek to build on it for a sixth congressional bid in 2018.
DECATUR  A woman who lived with a Decatur drug dealer ended up losing big time when she took a judicial gamble on winning back the proceeds of a $50,000 lottery ticket.

The state of Illinois had initially seized the money as the ill-gotten gains of a ticket bought with drug money. But then a Macon County judge later ruled against the state and awarded the lottery cash to the woman, Tykisha Lofton.

Now, in a decision filed Sept. 27, the three-judge Fourth District Appeals Court ruled unanimously to reverse that decision and said the lottery winnings deserve to be kept by the state, where they will be shared among local and state law enforcement agencies.

The appeals court said the state was right in its initial suspicion the ticket had mostly likely been bought with the proceeds of drug sales, and that meant Lofton, who said she had lived with the drug dealer for many years, was out of luck.

Police had first discovered there was a winning ticket in November 2014, after officers from the Decatur Police Street Crimes Unit and the Macon County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team raided an address in the 1600 block of East Hickory Street.

They arrested Terrance Norwood, then age 30, after seizing a loaded SKS-type assault rifle, along with extra ammunition and a quantity of cocaine and cannabis together with a digital scale. Police say they found the rifle in the bedroom and 7.5 grams of cocaine in the kitchen and cannabis stashed throughout the house. Norwood was sentenced in October 2015 to 16 years in state prison for drug dealing, drug possession and armed violence offenses.

Lofton had been present during the raid that led to those charges but had told police she was unaware Norwood sold drugs. She also said she hadn't noticed the assault rifle in the bedroom.

Under questioning, detectives claimed Norwood told them about the winning $3 scratch-off lottery ticket, which he had already turned in to claim the prize, worth $35,315 when paid as a lump sum. He said the ticket was his way out of having to sell drugs.

Norwood stated he was selling drugs to pay the bills until he got that 'little bit of money,' according to court documents describing Norwood being interrogated at the time by Macon County sheriff's deputy Brian Hickey.

Police further alleged that Lofton at the time of the raid didn't dispute her boyfriend had been the one who had purchased the ticket, although she had scratched it off. But in her later court filing seeking the court proceeds before the Macon County judge, the formerly unemployed Lofton said she had bought the ticket with some cash she had earned.

... She purchased the first ticket, which yielded a free ticket, with money she received from babysitting, court documents stated. According to Lofton, the free ticket was the winning ticket. She backed up her version of events by producing a claim form dated Oct. 30, 2014, bearing her name and details.

But the Macon County judge had not bought her story and ruled that Norwood had purchased the ticket more likely than not with drug money. However, the judge said extending state forfeiture laws to grab the proceeds from a lottery ticket was going too far.

The judge used examples such as establishing a dry cleaning business with drug money or a drug dealer paying to put himself through medical school and then going to work as a doctor. Is that money (a doctor's salary or the profits of a legitimate business) then forfeitable? wrote the judge. At some point the connection has to stop. He then ruled in Lofton's favor.

The state of Illinois filed a motion to stay that judgment in July 2015, pending appeal. And now the appeals court, after wading back through various examples of case law, ruled the lottery windfall couldn't escape being linked to money obtained illegally.

Because of the direct link between the lottery winnings and the funds used to purchase the original ticket, the winnings can reasonably be considered proceeds traceable to Norwood's illegal drug sales, the appeals court judges wrote. The trial court's conclusion to the contrary was in error.

Reacting to the appeals court decision, sheriff's Lt. Jamie Belcher said seized cash like this is normally split among the sheriff's office, Decatur police and the Illinois State Police.

The money we (the sheriff's office) seize from drug raids goes into a separate drug enforcement account, Belcher said. That is used to purchase equipment and anything the drug enforcement guys need.

Belcher said it seemed only fair that a drug dealer or his loved ones shouldn't profit, even indirectly, from the proceeds of drug sales. But fighting it out in court over a winning lottery ticket was certainly unusual.

I've never heard of a case like it before, he added.
DECATUR  A woman who lived with a Decatur drug dealer ended up losing big time when she took a judicial gamble on winning back the proceeds of a $50,000 lottery ticket.

The state of Illinois had initially seized the money as the ill-gotten gains of a ticket bought with drug money. But a Macon County judge later ruled against the state and awarded the lottery cash to the woman, Tykisha Lofton.

Now, in a recent decision, the 4th District Appeals Court has ruled unanimously to reverse that decision and said the lottery winnings deserve to be kept by the state, where they will be shared among local and state law enforcement agencies.

The appeals court said the state was right in its initial suspicion the ticket had mostly likely been bought with the proceeds of drug sales, and that meant Lofton, who said she had lived with the drug dealer for many years, was out of luck.

Police had first discovered there was a winning ticket in November 2014, after officers from the Decatur Police Street Crimes Unit and the Macon County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team raided an address in the 1600 block of East Hickory Street.

They arrested Terrance Norwood, then age 30, after seizing a loaded SKS-type assault rifle, along with extra ammunition and a quantity of cocaine and cannabis together with a digital scale. Norwood was sentenced in October 2015 to 16 years in state prison for drug dealing, drug possession and armed violence offenses.

Lofton had been present during the raid, but had told police she was unaware Norwood sold drugs. She also said she hadn't noticed the assault rifle in the bedroom.

Under questioning, detectives claimed Norwood told them about the winning $3 scratch-off lottery ticket, which he had already turned in to claim the prize, worth $35,315 when paid as a lump sum. He said the ticket was his way out of having to sell drugs.

Police further alleged that Lofton at the time of the raid didn't dispute her boyfriend had been the one who had purchased the ticket, although she had scratched it off. But in her later court filing seeking the court proceeds before the Macon County judge, the formerly unemployed Lofton said she had bought the ticket with some cash she had earned.

The judge didn't buy her story, ruling that Norwood had purchased the ticket more likely than not with drug money. However, the judge said extending state forfeiture laws to grab the proceeds from a lottery ticket was going too far and he ruled in Lofton's favor.

The state of Illinois filed a motion to stay that judgment in July 2015, pending appeal.

The money we (the sheriff's office) seize from drug raids goes into a separate drug enforcement account, said Sheriff's Lt. Jamie Belcher. That is used to purchase equipment and anything the drug enforcement guys need.

Belcher said it seemed only fair that a drug dealer or his loved ones shouldn't profit, even indirectly, from the proceeds of drug sales. But fighting it out in court over a winning lottery ticket was certainly unusual.

I've never heard of a case like it before, he added.
Brazil's Export of Pulp, Wood Panels and Paper Continued to Grow thru August The highlight is the wood panels segment, which recorded a high of 65.6% while pulp and paper increased 13.6% and 5.0%, respectively, y-o-y. Oct. 5, 2016 - The drop in domestic consumption drove the planted trees industry in Brazil to seek out the foreign market to flow production and maintain growth for the year, according to Iba (Brazilian Tree Industry). Comparing August 2016 YTD with the same period in 2015, the pulp exports volume passed the 8.4 million tons (+13.6%) mark, the wood panels achieved the mark of 644,000 cubic meters (+65.6%) and paper exceed the 1.4 million tons (+5.0%) mark. The positive outlook for exports contributed to the pulp segment in order to maintain its YTD growth at 12.254 tons produced (+7.7%) and paper sustained its performance in the same period of 2015 at 6.897 tons. In the pulp market, China contributed the most to grow export revenues up to August, with approximately US$ 1.35 billion (+19%) and 37% market share. For the wood panels segment, the American continent is still the most appealing. Latin America accounts for a 53.5% share, i.e. US$ 83 million and North America at 25.2% share and US$ 39 million. The paper segment is also still focusing on foreign sales to Latin America with a 58.0% share of exports, at US$ 725 million, followed by Europe, at a share of 12.2% equal to US$ 153 million and North America at 10.1% in third place with US$ 126 million. Brazil deserves noteworthy mention in the global scenario of products made from planted trees. We have modern industrial facilities with the best genetic engineering and highest forestry productivity per hectare. The industry delivers the highest quality sustainable products, a crucial factor to win over the foreign market, says Elizabeth de Carvalhaes, CEO of Iba (Brazilian Tree Industry). Trade balance. The Brazilian Tree Industry increased its share of Brazilian exports, going from 3.9% Aug 2015 YTD to 4.1% Aug 2016 YTD, achieving a positive balance of US$ 4.4 billion (+6.7%) Pulp positively contributed to the balance with US$ 3.4 billion (+3.5%), paper with US$ 769 million (+19.4%) and wood panels with US$ 152 million (+25.6%). Domestic Sales. From January through August 2016, domestic wood panel sales achieved 4.19 million m3 (-4.4%) and for the paper segment, domestic sales totaled 3.55 million tons (-0.4%). The Brazilian Tree Industry (Iba) is the association responsible for institutionally representing the planted tree production chain, from the field to the industry, before its main audience of interest. To learn more about Iba, please visit: www.iba.org. SOURCE: Brazilian Tree Industry (Iba)
Resolute, Verso and Catalyst Announce Price Hikes for Coated Groundwood and SC Grades

Oct. 6, 2016  Major North American producers of groundwood and SC papers have announced price increases that will take effect on November 1.

Resolute Forest Products. Please be advised that, effective with shipments on or after November 1, 2016, Resolute Forest Products will raise its Coated and SC paper prices by amounts specified below (see primary grades listed).

The products impacted by the price increase include, but are not limited to, the following: $40 US/st on ResoluteGloss; ResoluteBlonde; ResoluteBrite 76; ResoluteBrite 80; ResoluteBrite 83+; ResoluteMax 84 and $50 US/st on ResoluteSCA+; ResoluteSCA; ResoluteSCB; ResoluteSNC.

The increases will be applicable to all basis weights and finishes, and all up charges apply.

Verso Corporation. Effective with all orders entered November 1, 2016 or after, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all Coated Groundwood grades by $2.00/cwt USD/$2.60/cwt CAD, including but not limited to: Liberty; Balance; New Era Matte; New Era ThinBulk.

The increase applies to all basis weights and related private label grades.

Catalyst Paper (USA). Please be advised that effective November 1, 2016, US pricing on shipments from Catalyst Paper (USA) Inc. will be increased for the following products: Coated Groundwood Grades + $2.00/cwt  Escanaba, Dependoweb, Capri, Consoweb; SC Grades + $2.50/cwt  Electracal, Electraprime.

This increase applies to all basis weights, finishes, grade extensions and related private label products.

SOURCE: Midland Paper, Packaging + Supplies www.midlandpaper.com
PPC Fall Meeting to Share Lessons from the Past and Technologies of the Future Oct. 6, 2016 (Press Release) - The Paperboard Packaging Council's (PPC) upcoming Fall Meeting and Leadership Conference, Oct. 26-28, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas will equip paperboard converters with new frameworks for leadership, ideas for harnessing technologies to increase productivity, and perspectives from brand owners, among other workshops and networking opportunities. Highlighting PPC's commitment to educating and engaging its members, the conference will feature a variety of illuminating speakers. Setting a new groundwork for effective leadership, Steve Wiley and Jared Peatman from The Lincoln Leadership Institute will use history  including the Battle of Gettysburg and the Alamo  as a metaphor for examining leadership in today's rapidly changing workplace. Later, Beth Ziesensis , author and self-proclaimed tech nerd, will show attendees how they can use technology to streamline daily projects, all while introducing dozens of apps and online tools that put the ideas from the session into action. Other speakers will include Michael P. Doss , president and CEO of Graphic Packaging International, Alon Bar-Shany , general manager of HP Indigo, and Jeff Rosensweig , economist and professor from Emory University. Leaders from folding carton companies across North America come to PPC's conferences to learn new skills and best practices for bettering their businesses, said Ben Markens, PPC president. We carefully curate the lineup of speakers maximize value for our attendees. Further improving the member experience, the conference will feature a number of smaller special interest sessions, including a sustainability and marketing workshop, an industry benchmarking committee meeting, a rigid box committee meeting, the women's leadership conference, the new generation leaders workshop, and a special session on the art of selling. Additionally, attendees will take part in two large panel discussions that will facilitate collaborative learning. The first will feature brand owners who will address their criteria for choosing packaging substrates and how paperboard stacks up. During the second panel, the designers of some of the winning entries from the 2016 North American Paperboard Packaging Competition will explain how they solved their customers' problems and open a dialogue with the audience about innovative solutions. Fall Meeting will also include a welcome celebration at San Antonio's famed Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, as well as a special banquet and ceremony to reveal the winners of the 2016 North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. Fall Meeting is a time when we come together as an association, said Markens. There is a true power in the air as friends and colleagues discuss the opportunities and challenges that matter to them most. I hope to see representatives from all parts of the industry in San Antonio. The three-day conference will take place at the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk. For more information, visit paperbox.org/fall. Now in its 87th year, PPC is the leading industry association serving suppliers and converters of all forms of paperboard packaging. To learn more, please visit: paperbox.org. SOURCE: Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC)
Teen Mom 2 star Chelsea Houska just got married with her fiance, Cole DeBoer on Saturday, Oct. 1, the US Weekly reports. Houska and DeBoer are expecting their first child. Houska is 20-weeks pregnant during the ceremony.

The romantic ceremony was attended by immediate families composed of their parents and siblings together with Aubree, Houska's 7-year-old daughter with ex-boyfriend Adam Lind. The wedding was held at a cabin belonging to Chelsea's father Randy Houska, near Lewis & Clark Lake in eastern South Dakota. Houska looked beautiful in her long lace floor-length bridal dress.

Two days before the wedding, Houska shared on her instagram account a picture of two giant bunches of her favorite flowers, sunflowers and proteas, with the caption, "I don't know what I did to deserve this man, but I am thankful every single day. @coledeboer beyond proud to be able to call you my husband soon!"

Houska met DeBoer, a fitness enthusiast at a gas station and they began dating in August 2014, the US Weekly reports. The engagement was made in November 2015 and now it is over, they are married.

The wedding got controversial a little bit because of Teen Mom co-star Kailyn Lowry's reported mocking of the wedding over social media. Lowry immediately cleared the issue and that she was actually invited and her relationship with friend Houska is good, according to US Blasting News. Previous write-ups talked about Lowry's cheating on her partner Javi, who was a friend of Houska and probably DeBoer too. This issue has been settled before the wedding.

The couple seemed very happy and proud of each other. DeBoer posted in his instagram account a wedding picture with Houska and simply captioned it with "Mr. and Mrs. DeBoer." Houska, on the other hand, has already made it official in her Facebook account by changing her last name to DeBoer.
Former U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, stated in his open letter to America's college presidents and education school deans that many teacher training programs in the country do not give the future teachers their needed training. This, in turn, has left them unprepared.

This conclusion was based on the report of National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), according to Duncan's open letter, which was published in Brookings. The same also pointed out a few reasons why this was happening.

It was noted that the assignments were vague and the grading results were extremely subjective. It was also mentioned that during training, teachers were asked to share their teaching philosophies on certain kinds of children, however, the specific strategies used were not presented.

Theories on education may serve as the foundation of knowledge, but this alone is not enough. In teaching, or in any other field for that matter, application of the assimilated learnings is important.

In view thereof, the Harvard University alum described what a good teaching program is. He said that the program must provide a challenge to the candidate teachers.

To Duncan, results can be easily evaluated if the specifics had been laid down. As such, he provided an illustration explaining that a candidate teacher may be asked to write and develop a lesson plan for kids with dyscalculia, based on the specified standards and curriculum.

Duncan, however, claimed that all throughout his career there were only a few who said they were ready to teach on the first day, TES had learned. Of course, there will always be a learning curve and that is understandable to a certain extent.

With regard to the teachers training programs, the former Secretary believes that they are not living up to their responsibility in training the teachers. Consequently, their future students may suffer because of it.

Despite these, there were some identified cases that manifested improvements in the program. One example given was the Hunter College-CUNY, wherein they reportedly require their teacher candidates to record themselves teaching on video.

This method will provide the professors information on the instruction used by the candidates and their work analysis. In this manner, they are creating an environment open for feedback, which is essential for development.
Alison Sweeney is rumored to be coming back to "Days of Our Lives" to reprise her role as Sami Brady. Meanwhile, another actress is coming to the soap as it was announced that Vanessa Williams will be introduced as Dr. Valerie Grant.

In a report by Inquisitr, the fan favorite character, Sami Brady, came into the mind of the fans after it was teased that there will be a character coming back to "Days of Our Lives." The character is reportedly making his or her way home for a very special occasion. Although the character will be coming back to "Days of Our Lives," she or he will only be appearing for a short period of time due to the special event.

The character teased was not revealed but fans of "Days of Our Lives" are reportedly going to be very happy once they see him or her. Many have speculated that it will be Sami Brady because the announcement was very timely since more members of the Brady family are on their way back to Salem.

It was confirmed just recently that Carrie Brady and her husband, Austin Reed, will be coming back to Salem on "Days of Our Lives." The twin brother of Sami, Eric, will also be on his way back although he is currently in prison on "Days of Our Lives." Eric is behind bars for driving drunk and causing the accident that killed Dr. Daniel Jonas.

Sami left "Days of Our Lives" after her husband was killed. She and her children headed to California and left Salem. Sami was last seen on "Days of Our Lives" last fall after she returned to Salem to attend the funeral of her oldest child, Will Horton. During her time in Salem, she was able to receive a message that EJ wrote to her before he died. In the letter, there was a message for Sami that instructs her on how she will be taking down the DiMera family.

Sami then got all of the money of the DiMera family and believes that her husband is alive. It is unclear if this will be shown in the upcoming episodes of "Days of Our Lives." If and when Sami will be coming back, she might also be attending the wedding of her mother, Marlena Evans, and John Black.

As for Williams joining "Days of Our Lives," Deadline reported that Dr. Valerie Grant will be coming back to Salem to attend to an old friend, Abe Carver.

Williams is now on CW's "The Flash" and "The Secret She Kept" of TV One. Williams will first appear on "Days of Our Lives" in the October 25 episode.
A teenager killed her abusive father, and many have been asking to release the girl from the detention center she is being held in custody. The #FreeBresha movement has been gaining traction, and the latest number of signatures for the petition has reached 13,000.

The teenager, identified as Bresha Meadows, 15, killed her father, and her family says it was due to self-defense. The teen is still being held in Ohio's Trumbull County Juvenile Detention Center, and many are asking for her to be freed. Aside from the signatures in the petition, vigils and rallies have also been held across the country in support of Meadow, the Huffington Post reported.

Although there are many supporters asking for the release of Meadows, her aunt, Martina Latessa, said that her niece continues to have a difficult time while in jail. She is reportedly on and off the suicide watch. "Usually when her court dates come up she gets all freaked out. She's just really scared she's going to spend the rest of her life in prison," Latessa added.

Meadows was charged with aggravated murder in July after fatally shooting her father. Accordingly, the father has had a long history of domestic violence. The pre-trial hearing for Meadows has been delayed because of the large amount of evidence being exchanged, according to the attorney of Meadows, Ian Friedman.

Meadows reportedly walked into her parents' room and killed her sleeping father using a 45-caliber, semi-automatic handgun. She endured years of emotional, mental and physical abuse. Bresha, her mother, and the entire family lived in constant fear, leading to the events that eventually killed her father. Two months before she shot him, she ran away from home and told relatives she was afraid of her life. She also told relatives that her father was beating her mother and threatening to kill the whole family, The Root reported.

A total of 16 cities will be hosting events to support Meadows as per the announcement of the Free Bresha Meadows Campaign. The "#FreeBresha" hashtag has also been trending on Twitter.

The advocacy surrounding the call for the freedom of Meadows also has something to do with stopping mass incarceration of young black people. Meadows' next hearing will be this Thursday.
The 3-year-old daughter of a Mississippi police officer is now dead after she was left inside the patrol car of her mother for hours. Accordingly, the officer was visiting another official.

According to Time, the officer was identified as Cassie Barker of Long Beach. Her daughter was identified as Cheyenne Hyer. She was left inside the car after Barker ended her patrol shift on Friday morning. Emergency officials were then called at the scene and saw Hyer unresponsive. Paramedics made life-saving efforts on the child for 40 minutes, but she was pronounced dead later at a nearby hospital.

It remains unclear what led to the circumstances as to why the child was inside the patrol car of her mother and why Barker did not remember her child being inside the car before she went to visit the other officer. Barker is said to be in the hospital and is dealing with trauma due to the death of Hyer.

Long Beach Police Chief Wayne McDowell said in a statement that he was shocked and devastated. He added, "As you can imagine, something that I really can't see any excuse for." The child was reportedly left in the car for at least four hours.

Barker has been suspended by the department as well as the officer she was visiting, Clark Ladner. However, they were terminated on Tuesday but it also was not detailed as to why they were fired. McDowell said in a statement that the officers violated department policy because family members are not allowed in the patrol car except if they are going to or coming from work to drop the child off at childcare.

The child was reportedly left in the car with the air conditioner on. It is unknown what the relationship of Ladner and Barker is, the Washington Post reported.

A crime lab in Jackson, Mississippi is yet to determine her cause of death but it would reportedly take some time before that will be revealed.

The father of Hyer, Ryan, said that he and Barker separated after being together for two years. He said that upon hearing of his daughter's death, he lost all feeling and could not speak or breathe. He also said that he was angry. He has created a GoFundMe page for his child.
Getty Images. An overheated Samsung device led to the evacuation of Southwest Airlines flight 994 from Louisville, Kentucky, minutes before departure.

Smoke emitting from an overheated Samsung (Korea Stock Exchange: 2826-KR) device led to the evacuation of Southwest Airlines (LUV) flight 994 from Louisville, Kentucky, minutes before departure.

The incident caused extensive damage to the device, which is making it difficult to identify the specific model, Capt. Kevin Fletcher of the Louisville Metro Arson Bureau told WAVE, the NBC affiliate in Louisville. He said that at the moment he can only say the electronic device, which looks like a cellphone, is a Samsung.

Last month, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission officially recalled the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 after reports of the batteries catching fire . A Samsung spokesperson told CNBC on Wednesday that there is "no evidence that this incident [on the Southwest airplane] is related to the new Note 7." The electronics-maker said it is working with the airline and authorities to recover the device and confirm the cause.

The owner of the device told The Verge that it was a replacement Galaxy Note 7 .

Capt. Fletcher said, however, that while the carpet of the aircraft has been singed, there is very minor damage to the aircraft. The plane was ventilated by the response team, so there was no smoke when the arson bureau arrived, Fletcher said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that "the crew of Southwest Airlines 944 reported smoke in the cabin while parked at a gate at Louisville International Airport at about 9:20 a.m. today." WAVE reported that the flight had been originally scheduled to depart at 9:30 a.m. ET. The flight appears to have been cancelled, according to Southwest's website.

Southwest said in a statement that a customer reported smoke coming out of a device.

The FAA said Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting responded and that it "will look into the source of the smoke."

A spokeswoman for the Louisville airport said a total of 75 people were on the plane at the time and that no slides were deployed during the evacuation.

Story continues

 NBC News' Melanie Kucera and Jay Blackman, and CNBC's Jim Forkin contributed reporting.









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Nokia is expected to release four Android powered devices at the end of the year which reportedly include the newly leaked Nokia D1C and the Nokia P1. A recent Geekbench listing apparently revealed the specs of Nokia D1C while new sources in China confirmed the specs of Nokia P1.

Nokia D1C is suggested to fall under the mid-range category as its single core performance resulted to 656 while the multi-score performance is 3120 according to the Geekbench list. As for its processor, Nokia D1C will reportedly carry a Snapdragon 430 SoC with octa-core clocked at 1.4 GHz. It will also integrate an Adreno 505 GPU and will arrive with 3GB of RAM.

While it seems that Nokia D1C only equips mid-range internals, it may not be left behind as its operating system is expected to be the newest version of Android 7.0 Nougat. However, its internal storage capacity, camera and screen size were not revealed on the Geekbench list.

Apart from Nokia D1C, new information on the Nokia P1 was also leaked in China. Nokia P1 is suggested to ship in two variants, a 5.2-inch and 5.5-inch model with 2560x1440 HD AMOLED displays, Android Headlines reported. The smartphone is also rumored to sport a powerful main camera though no specific details are revealed yet.

Moreover, Nokia P1 is also expected to arrive with IP68 water and dust resistance certification. The device seems to be promising especially with the integration of Android 7.0. Nougat that will also come with Nokia's Z Launcher.

Nokia has not confirmed rumors on the specs of any of the devices yet. No official launch date has been revealed as well. However, fans may just need to wait until the company set an official press release later on to unveil the Nokia D1C, Nokia P1 and the rest of its upcoming devices.

Check out the specs list of Nokia D1C below.
Technological skills are always in demand in the various industries around the globe. However, the industries have a fancy trend of hiring the young, white males from big schools. Hence, Northeastern University's Seattle campus Dean and CEO Scott McKinley wants industry and education to collaborate to solve tech talent gap, ageism and sexism.

Based on a survey, there are more tech jobs created compared to the number of candidates who are qualified to take the job. For instance, there are 3,700 tech jobs created annually in Washington but only 500 candidates graduate with computer science degrees.

With that said, the survey showed an alarming difference between the jobs and the workforce industry, highlighting the issues in tech talent gap. According to 2016 GeekWire Summit, McKinley urged the two major sectors  industry and education  to stop "finger pointing and whining" to solve these challenges.

"There are people that are trying to chip away at this problem," McKinley said. But aside from the tech talent gap, women and older men are also facing problems of sexism and ageism as they do not have a computer-science degree from reputable educational institutions.

Fortunately, it seems that the workforce industry is trying their best to address the issues. In fact, a voice from the industry spoke on the event. Redfin Company's Chief Technology Officer Bridget Frey, whose company is based in Seattle, said her company has hired more female engineers up to 30 percent. The company has also been hiring candidates with non-traditional software backgrounds.

The tech giant Microsoft has also been accounting for the unconscious biases and the subconscious prejudices that have been conceived in the minds of individuals. "We don't know where the next talent is going to come from, and it isn't always going to be the people who look like us or talk like us," the general manager of talent, learning and insights at Microsoft, Joe Whittinghill said.

Meanwhile, it's a known fact that staying on top means facing a highly competitive arena of the workforce industry, particularly in tech companies. As a matter of fact, OfferUp's Vice President of Engineering Peter Wilson revealed that companies are sometimes stealing engineers from each other, the cost of such act is said to be about $75,000.

In order to eradicate the biases in tech industries, there are really a lot of things needed to be done. That's why, industry and education sectors must collaborate to train diverse tech workforce, fight prejudices and understand the worth of each resource.
"Prison Break" Season 5 rumors suggest that Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell), Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) and their friends will struggle in leaving Yemen. A terrorist group is suggested to come after them as they try to leave the country.

According to a recent report from Melty, helping Michael escape from the Ogygia prison in Yemen will not be the center of "Prison Break" Season 5 storyline. It is suggested that the upcoming season will focus on the struggle of Lincoln, Michael and their friends to leave Yemen.

Previous reports claimed that some new bad guys will be running after Michael. He has been associated with a terrorist group that caused him to be imprisoned in Yemen. The same group is rumored to kill Michael as he still holds a sensitive information that reportedly involves illegal transactions within the government. So, it seems that it will not be easy for the "Prison Break" brothers to get out of Yemen after Michael escapes jail.

Meanwhile, a new report from Christian Today suggests that Paul Adelstein (Paul Kellerman) might turn out to be one of the new villains on "Prison Break" Season 5. To recall, Kellerman has been connected with conspiracies, including Lincoln's and has done some terrible things in the past, including murder. However, he came back on "Prison Break" Season 4 as a changed man who helped take The Company down.

It can also be recalled that Paul is now a congressman as revealed in the epilogue of "Prison Break" Season 4 after a four-year time jump. Though it is suggested that Paul has now changed, even "Prison Break" Season 5 writers cannot tell just yet. In a Twitter post, the "Prison Break" Season 5 writers said, "Paul will be around, but will he be helping or hurting? That is the question. You never know with that guy."

"Prison Break" Season 5, however, does not have an official air date yet. The show is suggested to air on Fox Network.

Watch the sneak peek of "Prison Break" Season 5 below.
"Criminal Minds" Season 12 Episode 2 saw J.J. telling her husband Will about the abduction case that quite affected her. However, fans have been waiting for this "Criminal Minds" episode to see how Aaron Hotchner will leave the show but it seems that there is no official goodbye.

J.J and Luke Alvez along with the BAU team had to resolve a case in Los Angeles where bodies of two children were burned in an abandoned building. "Criminal Minds" BAU team had to check on the area where the kids were last seen and initially thought that the cases are not related. However, when the UnSub captured another 16-year-old girl, the team started to suspect again.

It was then revealed that the girl was Francesca, a daughter of a woman named Renee. Francesca has a brother named Roberto who was sick that day so he was not able to go with her sister to school which they usually do. "Criminal Minds" BAU team was then able to identify that the UnSub is a pyromaniac who burns children to death. Then they found out that the UnSub's next target is Roberto.

The UnSub was able to force himself into Renee's house to kidnap Roberto. Then Hotchner asked Penelope Garcia to identify who has been arrested for Arson, those who has siblings, have fire-related jobs and those that are in the neighboring locations. They were able to identify John David Bates from Nevada who once burned their house with his 14-year-old sister locked inside. John was 12 years old back then so he ended up in a foster care system. Two years ago, he tried to reconnect with his sister but she rejected John. This caused John to kill and burn children in San Diego on "Criminal Minds"

J.J. and Alvez then rushed to where John was but they were a bit late as the building was already burning while the children were chained to the beds. J.J. as able to save Roberto but was too late to save Francesca. The girl was burned alive which caused J.J. to blame herself as she chose to save Roberto because he reminded her of her son on "Criminal Minds."

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 Episode 2 ended with Hotchner asking J.J. to take a week off from work. "It is not a request," he said. Hotchner's conversation with J.J. may be the last that fans may see from Gibson in the show as the actor leaves "Criminal Minds" permanently.

Watch "Criminal Minds" Season 12 Episode 2 promo below.
The "Pirates of the Caribbean" producer confirmed the comeback of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales." The production of the new "Pirates of the Caribbean" has already started in Australia in March.

Johnny Depp's new adventure as Jack Sparrow will face a new battle as the new villain arrives, Captain Salazar (plays by Javier Bardem). Jack Sparrow's new enemy has escaped from the Devil's Triangle together with his crew. The villains are determined to kill all the pirates at the sea.

The evil ghost crew of the villain, Captain Salazar will execute a massive attack on the British vessel. The only way Captain Jack Sparrow (played by Johnny Depp) is through the Trident of Poseidon. He needs to find the powerful artifact to be granted full control of the sea.

Johnny Depp and the rest of the cast, Kevin McNally, Orlando Bloom and Geoffrey Rush have started filming the hit film series, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" in Australia. Together with the main cast comes another feature of Brenton Thwaites who will play as Henry and Carina Smyth to be played by Kaya Scodelario.

Johnny Depp faced a scandalous divorce this year. As far the case is settled, co-stars still think "Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" will be a success in the big screen, according to E! News.

In case you missed it yesterday, here's the brand new teaser for 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales'https://t.co/qnkAAyJS8S pic.twitter.com/tTdKlNCGOX  JERRY BRUCKHEIMER (@BRUCKHEIMERJB) October 4, 2016

The producer, Jerry Bruckheimer of the hit film "Pirates of the Caribbean," has tweeted about Johnny Depp's comeback as Jack Sparrow. The "Pirates Of The Carribean" producer mentions he will not let him go, according to Telegraph UK. T

he production and filming is already happening when Johnny Depp left the said to get surgery in United States due to a hand injury. He's already back in Australia to continue filming the "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales." The movie is set hit the big screens in July 2017.


Over the past month, Samsung was, literally, on the hot seat after a series of reports about the Galaxy Note 7 overheating to the point of exploding. Their investigation has led to the assumption that the device's lithium-ion battery, when operated "under such high power that they tend to combust". While there have only been 35 reported cases out of the 2.5 million produced Samsung Galaxy Note 7, a recent report has added a notch to the rather re-ignited issue.

According to USA Today, a Southwest Airline bound for Baltimore was evacuated when a passenger's Galaxy Note 7 "began popping" and emitting smoke. Flight 994 passenger and Samsung Note 7 owner Brian Green said via tech site The Verge, that he had "powered down the phone for takeoff" and apparently overheated. His wife, Sarah, told reporters that right after shutting the device down, "it made a popping noise and started smoking". As a result of quick thinking, Brian "took it out of his pocket and threw it on the ground."

Fortunately, the unwanted incident happened when the plane was on the ground. Phys.org quoted a written statement that "all customers and crew deplaned calmly and safely via the main door." Nobody was injured and the flight was canceled by the management. The not so good news, on the other hand, was the condition of the Samsung "phablet": ABC News stated that "the heat damage" caused by the explosion "was so severe that a fire official could not independently verify the model of the phone."

For their part, Samsung remained calm, although they promptly questioned if the concerned device was indeed one of their own. In their press statement, the South Korean tech titan said that "until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note 7." Samsung added that they are working with the proper authorities and Southwest Airlines "to recover the device and confirm the cause."

To make matters worse, Green told sources that the overheated Samsung Smartphone was a replacement unit after the company rolled out a worldwide recall last month due to "serious fire and burn hazards." The issue left Samsung with the decision to recall 1 million Galaxy Note 7s sold before September 15. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, the agency that delegated the Samsung recall in the United States, is also lending a hand in the ongoing investigation.

This is certainly a big blow for Samsung. Beside the fact that the supposed "safe" issue was untowardly resurrected, Samsung is now on a standstill in the middle of a controversy while Google, with its new Pixel and Pixel XL grabbing the entire spotlight. Not to mention Samsung's first line competitor, Apple, who is rumored to release a plethora of devices, including a secretive "iPhone X" next year.
It is normal for rivals in the tech world to copy a bit of something from each other. For instance, Google's latest exploit, the Pixel and Pixel XL, borrowed the iPhone 7's premium design and size preference. Another is Samsung, one of Apple's fiercest rivals, is now touting a soon to be released Samsung Galaxy S8 that might come without a headphone jack.

While it comes no surprise that another phone maker would follow Apple's dismissive judgement to ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack, Samsung is one of the few names that would cross the minds of many to carry the mantle. According to an iTech post, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is now brewing, but without the standard headphone jack. It does come with the latest USB Type-C, but Samsung opted to "keep up with the ever-changing modern technology", hence the choice to go without "jack". But is it really good for Samsung's reputation to replicate the only isolated issue the iPhone 7 have?

The website pillared the rumor by inserting a statement from the USB Implementers Forum, where it said that the new USB Type-C can "efficiently deliver data, power and video" and thereby, "device manufacturers can eliminate the need for multiple ports". It added that using a USB audio through the USB Type-C port can shave "up to a millimeter of product designs and reducing the number of connectors on a device." It sounds reasonable, but it will also bring in a bag of questions, especially those coming from Samsung's loyal fans that tend to bring down Apple in the process. Nonetheless, Samsung is keeping up with the trend, adapting to what is new and adding it to their arsenal.

Something big is coming tomorrow. #TheNextGalaxy A photo posted by Samsung Mobile (@samsungmobile) on Mar 31, 2016 at 5:03am PDT

On the other hand of the spectrum, the Samsung Galaxy S8's specifications will pack off the chart hits. iTech claimed that the Smartphone will be endowed with an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 830, as well as an ARM Mali-471 Graphics card, 4K resolution and a jaw-dropping 6GB of RAM. There's also word that Samsung is mulling on a "curved screen only" variant and dual-camera setting - another feature found on the iPhone 7and LG V20, among others.

With this in mind, is the Samsung Galaxy S8 ready to go VR? Some also say that Samsung's next piece de resistance is a tad overpowered for the average user. Its GPU alone is one of the most powerful chips out in the market today. Pair it with Qualcomm's latest SoC and a 6GB RAM will definitely make the Samsung Galaxy S8 a machine. But if they want to grab the lead and once again establish dominance, Samsung is on the right track come early 2017's launching.
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The Montana governors race between incumbent Steve Bullock (D) and businessman Greg Gianforte (R) has gone full fear mongering. Check out this Gianforte flier:

Whats this about? Last fall the states Republican lawmakers pressured Bullock to pledge to refuse entry to Syrian refugees, and Bullock refused to sign it. Montana resident Darcy Anne took Gianfortes flier down in style:

Here is the text, for those who cant view the image:

Hey, Montana, allow me to educate you for a moment. 1. Our governor doesnt like to sign unnecessary legislation that cannot be enforced due to federal laws. Whatdoyaknow? Someone in office with a lick of sense. 2. There are no unveiled refugees. Thats the most fear-mongering, ignorant thing Ive heard all day. Since, ya know, yesterday I listened to Pence talk out of his ass. 3. We are safe. Say it again with me now: we are safe. Much safer, in fact, than the refugees fleeing ISIS. Which is why theyre asking to live here. Families that have been through an extensive, two year vetting process will not make us unsafe. The white guy in the compound next door who is stockpiling weapons against the government is a much bigger danger. Get over the xenophobia already. Its not a good trait in humans. 4. I fucking hate these stupid fliers and am ready for this to be over.

Montana isnt the only state in the midst of a fear-mongering campaign run by a Trump lookalike, and this anti-immigrant anti-refugee tide is making me grind my teeth in rage. My ancestors were immigrants. I have friends and family members whose ancestors were refugees. Its not just ancestorsI have an aunt who is an immigrant and an aunt who was a refugee. My immigrant aunt has since become a U.S. citizen and has had great success as an entrepreneur. My refugee aunt fled a war-torn region as a young child, settling in the U.S. She and her siblings learned English, went to college, and are today gainfully employed. This aunt, too, is an entrepreneur.

As a young child, I briefly lived next door to an immigrant family from Pakistan. Their children were our friends. Their mother wore a headscarf and cooked traditional Pakistani foods. While we soon moved and lost touch, I looked the family up on Facebook several years ago and found that my little friend had grown up to become an interfaith human rights activist. But if Trump and other politicians like Gianforte have their way, this family would have been denied access to the U.S. My daughter has several friends in her class whose parents are immigrants from various places around the world. Would they make the cut, under a President Trump?

This is not who we are. It cant be.


AWAKENING IN ZEN

James Ishmael Ford

The project of Zen is waking up.

Actually, the whole of religion could be said to be about awakening, its realization and the paths to it themselves arising, flourishing, sometimes misleading, sometimes corrupting, and in each in its own good time falling away. Awakening is in fact a part of our common human inheritance. It does not necessarily associate with Zen or Buddhism or any religion.

But in Buddhism and Zen it is found in an understanding of what is called the two truths and original awakening. Terms that both accurately point, and terribly mislead.

Stephen Batchelor, former monk in both the Tibetan and Korean Son traditions and independent scholar in his majesterial critique of Buddhism After Buddhism succinctly describes the two truths. Simply stated, the two truths doctrine is a way of distinguishing between the conventional truths of everyday life that we need in order to function as social and moral agents and the ultimate truth By gaining direct, nonconceptual insight of the latter we achieve the liberating knowledge that frees us from suffering and rebirth.

And then rather challengingly, Mr Batchelor suggests this isnt in fact a doctrine one can associate with the Buddha of history. He reports how he cannot in fact find a reference to the two truths any earlier than the Kathavatthu, Points of Controversy, a polemic attributed to Moggaliputta Tissa and included in the Abhidhamma, an attempt at systematizing the teachings of the Buddha, which in time has itself become canonical. Dating the Kahavatthu is difficult, but many attribute it roughly to the time of Ashoka, and therefore more than a century after the death of the Buddha.

For Steven Batchelor the Buddha lacked a single philosophical bone in his body. I believe this is true. Specifically, the Buddha was unconcerned with questions of ontology that is reflections on the nature of being and with epistemology, the study of how we know things. Actually he warned us over and over against wandering into such thickets of opinion. Mr Batchelor suggests nowhere is this problematic philosophizing more evident than in the two truths.

No doubt there is a litany of potential problems inherent in the two truths. But the most dangerous of these is how the two truths inevitably encourage a dualistic world-view that creates a mind-spirit split from the body-material world. I fear all of this is true.

Similar objections have been raised in regard to original awakening. Tathagatagarba is the doctrine of a potential of Buddhahood, and later describing the exact identity of the causal world and awakening. It is found among other sources in the Mahayana Mahaparinivara Sutra, the Avatamsaka Sutra, and the Awakening of Faith, and rests at the foundations of Zens understanding of awakening. And with original awakening has become the subject of serious criticism. The most vocal of these critics are the Japanese scholars Noriaki Hakamaya and Shiro Matsumoto, who are particularly concerned for the primacy of the historic Buddhas insight into dependent origination. And they correctly note original awakening comes quite late to Buddhist understanding, associated really only with the Mahayana school. They actually go a step farther and suggest because Zen is so tied up with this insight that it shouldnt even be considered Buddhist.

While he has his own fish to fry, I think we can use Stephen Batchelors critique of the two truths as a sufficient stand in for the issues regarding Zens approach to awakening, and whether it matters if it is Buddhist as defined by what the Buddha himself may or may not have taught. Focusing on the identity of emptiness and phenomena, awakening and the stuff of the world, Mr Batchelor gives particular attention to that line from the Heart Sutra. Form is emptiness, and emptiness is form. Form is not other than emptiness, and emptiness is not other than form.

For Mr Batchelor this line is an attempt to solve what he calls an unnecessary problem It is just more of that thicket of opinion, now given Buddhist clothing. But, me, I dont find the Heart Sutra an attempt at squaring a circle, resolving an otherwise unresolvable philosophical conundrum of a false dichotomy.

For Steven Batchelor, as for professors Hakamaya and Matsumoto and others there are two principal concerns. One the Buddha never taught these doctrines as theyre presented, and two, they can and indeed have led to all sorts of abuses ranging from aridity and disassociation from our lived lives for many practitioners, to a host of social ills that can be found in East Asian cultures and that can be associated with a sacralization of the ordinary mess, and with that becoming a justification for all sorts of ills.

This is a real problem. I recall a story about a terrible industrial crime in Japan, where pollutants were poured into a bay that poisoned a whole village. The defense was that they, the polluters were as much a part of the whole as the rest of the community, and their actions to their hell bent chase after short-term profit therefore was natural and excusable.

As to the first point, it can easily be argued each of these teachings are in fact implicit in the attributed teachings of the Buddha. One can indeed reasonably infer them from what we believe we know he actually taught. Although the beauty of Zen is not whether the canon supports its assertions, but whether they are true as defined by what they can do within a human heart. The proof of Zens existence is not appeal to the past, but by the taste of the pudding. As to the second point, there is no doubt abuses can and have been perpetuated in the name of these teachings. But, heres the deal. True things tend to be both powerful and dangerous, they are at the very least two-edged swords. So, if they point truly then the question is only how do we approach this matter? And the answer to that is to engage with caution and care.

And, so as to that line in the Heart Sutra.

In his youth Dongshan noticed a plain contradiction in the sutra. How, he asked, could something be both something and not something? The Zen teacher and abbot of the Nebraska Zen Center Dosho Port comments on this, noting how commonly today this apparent contradiction noted by Dongshan is explained away with the two truths doctrine. As this line of thinking goes, from the perspective of the absolute (emptiness), there are no eyes, no ears, no everything but from the perspective of the relative (form), there are eyes, ears, and many other things.

Port Osho points out this is flat contradictory with another passage in the sutra, form does not differ from emptiness, emptiness does not differ from form. For itself is emptiness, emptiness itself is form. He goes on to cite Dogen who wades into the issue in his fascicle on Buddha Nature, in Bielefeldts translation, The foolish think that the Sixth Ancestor might have been sahing that, since humans are obstructed by materiality, they have north and south, but the Buddha nature, being vacant and pervasive, is beyond discussion of north and south. He, Dogen, adds in Those who speculate like this must be indiscriminate simpletons.

Dosho Port warns us, To use the two-truths speculation as it is often misused, explains away the power of no, diminishes the transformative reality of no, and makes us indiscriminate, unmitigated, ignorant, powerless dorks. The problem is reification, which is defined as making something real, bringing something into being, or making something concrete. While that thing in fact has no independent existence.

What we have with the two truths, and with the Tathatagarba are not wandering into the thickets, are not philosophical speculations. Rather they are pointing, I would go farther and say direct pointing. And, so as Port Osho tells us, When the sutra declares, no eyes, that does not mean that we dont have eyes, just as no attainment doesntmean that devotedly practicing the buddhadharma will result in no (in the usual sense of the word) attainment. No just means that from the yes to attainment and beyond there is nothing but vastness, no holy  just this vividly hopping along life and death.

I find this particular passage is a declaration of who and what we are, and a pointer for those of us who would find the great peace in the midst of this roiling sea. This is why the Zen teacher Rachel Mansfield-Howlett tells us how I discovered an even broader truth: that my body is the same as the redwood, the mountains and rivers, oceans and kelp forests, and the great earth itself. If we cant quite express the deepest experience of our hearts with precision, we can bring images and allusions to help. And so the Heart Sutra isnt meant to be a theological assertion, it is no squaring a circle, it isnt a wandering into the thickets of opinion, it is poetry, and in that poetry, it points.

To some great rising.

Of the heart. Of the mind. Of our lives
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Iran Says It Released Homa Hoodfar for "Humanitarian" Reasons

10/06/16

Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

Other Ailing Dual Nationals Remain in Prison while Denied Due Process



Homa Hoodfar arrives in Montreal airport



I didnt feel I would be released until I was on the jet. In Iran, nothing is complete until it is complete, said Iranian-Canadian dual national and academic Homa Hoodfar on September 26, 2016 after landing at Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport following her release from Evin Prison where she was held since June 2016. As they say in Iran, nothing is possible and everything is possible.

According to Irans Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasem, Hoodfar, 65-detained since June 6 for undisclosed security charges-was released under humanitarian grounds, including for medical reasons on September 29 and flown to Canada, where she resides, via Oman.

Other dual nationals, including Baquer Namazi, the 76-year-old father of detained Iranian-American Siamak Namazi, and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian citizen and mother of a two-year old child, remain imprisoned in Iran with health problems while being prevented from posting bail.





Siamak Namazi with his father, Baquer Namazi



On March 9, 2016, two days before the end of Hoodfars visit to Iran to see her relatives and carry out research on Iranian women, agents of the Revolutionary Guards raided her home in Tehran, confiscated her personal belongings, and told her she was not allowed to leave the country. She was subsequently questioned several times by the Revolutionary Guards Intelligence Organization, which finally arrested her on June 6.

During her detainment, Hoodfars family frequently expressed concern about her health, especially because she had suffered a stroke shortly before her arrest. In late July she was transferred to the hospital after her condition deteriorated. She was very disoriented, severely weakened, and could hardly walk or talk before being hospitalized, Hoodfars family said in a statement on September 1.

Following Hoodfars release, both the Judiciarys Spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei as well as Tehran Prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi claimed she could have be freed sooner if the bail amount had been paid sooner, but Hoodfars family maintain they paid the bail amount promptly.

The bail set for Ms. Homa Hoodfar was 150 million tomans ($48,000 USD), but it was later increased to 500 million tomans ($160,000 USD), Ejei told reporters on September 28, 2016-two days after Hoodfars arrest. Obviously, it takes time to gather 500 million tomans, and when it was finally paid, she was released.

Ejei did not specify the charges against Hoodfar nor provide a date for her trial. On June 24 Dolatabadi had said that Hoodfars charges involved feminist and security issues.

At the airport in Montreal, Hoodfar, an expert on gender and development in Islam, thanked the Canadian government for pushing for her release, and thanked officials in Iran and Oman.

Its wonderful to be home, she told reporters. Ive had a bitter seven months, and the detention has left me weak and tired.







PETITION by Richard Ratcliffe: Free Nazanin Ratcliffe

814,347 supporters as of 9/13/2016





Bagher Namazi, Siamak Namazi, Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe, Robin Reza Shahini, and Kamal Foroughi, a 77-year-old Iranian-British man held since May 2011, are among the dual nationals who are currently languishing in Irans prisons without access to due process after being arrested by the Revolutionary Guards Intelligence Organization.

During a recent trip with President Hassan Rouhani to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif blamed the Judiciary for arresting dual nationals.

This is a Judiciary-no president has anything to do with it, he said on September 23 at a talk hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations.
What Tim Kaine Actually Got Wrong About the Iran Nuclear Deal During the Veep Debate

10/06/16

By Ali Gharib (source: LobeLog)



Tim Kaine

(photo: courtesy of ABC/Alycia Monaco via Flickr.)



An exchange about Iran during last nights vice presidential debate is getting a lot of attention from mainstream media fact-checkers. The discussion about the Iran nuclear deal came as Virginia Democratic senator was listing the national security bona fides of his running mate, Hillary Clinton. She worked a tough negotiation with nations around the world to eliminate the Iranian nuclear weapons program without firing a shot, Tim Kaine boasted.

Mike Pence, the Indiana governor and Donald Trumps running mate on the Republican ticket, interjected incredulously: Eliminate the Iranian nuclear weapons program?

Absolutely, Kaine responded quickly, without firing a shot.

Fact-checkers, the most in-vogue means of covering these sorts of debates, latched on to the exchange and quickly issued their rulings.

ABC News gave the discussion a nifty heading-Kaine says Clinton helped eliminate the Iranian nuclear program-and, after rehashing the back-and-forth, rendered its judgment: Grade: False. Luckily for us, they offered a justification, with my emphasis:

Explanation: The nuclear agreement reached between six world powers and Iran last year does not completely eliminate the Iranian nuclear program. Its major achievement, as told by the Obama administration, was getting Iran to commit to reduce its stockpile of nuclear material and cease further enrichment, effectively extending the time it would take Iran to build a bomb.

The New York Times was a little less harsh on Kaine, but the newspaper of record also took a dim view of the Democrats assertion, grading it an exaggeration. The papers White House correspondent, Mark Landler, offered up his own explanation:

Senator Tim Kaines assessment gives Hillary Clinton more credit than she or the Obama administration deserves. It is true that the nuclear agreement sharply cuts back the number of centrifuges and nuclear material Iran can have, prolonging the period of time Iran would need to manufacture a weapon. But it does not eliminate Irans nuclear infrastructure, and the deal has a sunset clause, meaning Iran will be able to resume its work after the deal expires in 15 years.

Kaines assertion was, in fact, false. It was also an exaggeration. The problem is that it was neither false nor an exaggeration on the grounds that either ABC or the Times said it was. Instead, what both news outlets-and Kaine himself-got wrong is that Hillary Clinton didnt actually eliminate Irans nuclear weapons program. The negotiations that she helped jump-start-by involving her State Department in nascent talks conducted by then-Senate Foreign Relations Chair John Kerry-werent to eliminate Irans nuclear weapons program, but rather to roll it back and block any potential path toward building a bomb. The key word in that last sentence is potential-its doing a lot of heavy lifting, because at the time the talks got underway, Iran was not, according to all publicly available information, making any concerted effort to build a bomb.

As much as Iran hawks in Washington-both Democrats and Republicans-go on about Irans nuclear weapons program, the best information we have suggests that the Islamic Republic was engaged in an organized nuclear weapons program before 2003 but later halted it. At least thats what the American intelligence community reported in a 2007 document called the National Intelligence Estimate. Later reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency indicated that Iran was doing some research that could be related to developing nuclear weapons, but these reports were not inconsistent with-nor did they contradict-the notion that Iran had halted, as one nuclear expert put it to me at the time, a determined, integrated weapons-development program.

So, Hillary Clinton didnt help to eliminate Irans nuclear weapons program because the talks werent about eliminating Irans nuclear weapons program because Iran didnt have a nuclear weapons program at that time to eliminate. Kaine, therefore, did exaggerate Clintons role: he credited her with participating in talks that didnt actually do what he said they did.

In its fact-check, ABC News deserves a special shout-out for conflating Irans nuclear program and Irans erstwhile nuclear weapons program (see bold above). This exact conflation has been a mainstay talking point for the hawkiest of Iran hawks, and ABCs lack of precision will surely give these warmongers comfort.

But Landler, a solid reporter, also committed a sin of omission. He writes, [T]he deal has a sunset clause, meaning Iran will be able to resume its work after the deal expires in 15 years. What work? Iran will not, in fact, be able to resume its pre-2003 weapons work because having a nuclear weapons program will still be prohibited not only by Irans signature to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty but also by express promises the country made as part of the nuclear deal itself. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the Iran deals formal name) says, Iran reaffirms that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop or acquire any nuclear weapons. Its plain as day, right there in the first paragraph. And theres no sunset clause on that pledge; it stays in force forever.

These are complex issues, so addressing them with subtlety and precision is of paramount importance. Thats what was so galling about Kaines initial remark. He should have simply said something along the lines that Clinton worked towards blocking Irans path to a nuclear weapon, and none of this hubbub would have arisen in the first place. Instead, Kaine seized the opportunity to make an exaggerated boast that was inaccurate for reasons that the fact-checkers, in all their wisdom, failed to grasp. Kaine has been good on issues of nuclear diplomacy and he ought to have known better.



About the Author:



Ali Gharib is a New York-based journalist on U.S. foreign policy with a focus on the Middle East and Central Asia. His work has appeared at Inter Press Service, where he was the Deputy Washington Bureau Chief; the Buffalo Beast; Huffington Post; Mondoweiss; Right Web; and Alternet. He holds a Master's degree in Philosophy and Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science. A proud Iranian-American and fluent Farsi speaker, Ali was born in California and raised in D.C.




Iran Refuses to Release Prisoner of Conscience Mohammad Ali Taheri

10/06/16

Opinion article by Barbara Slavin (source: VOA)



Iranian spiritual leader, Mohammad Ali Taheri



When Iranian officials come to the United Nations, they are usually met with questions about their human rights practices, particularly the arrest of dual nationals.

This year was no different as interlocutors brought up the cases of Siamak Namazi and his father, Baquer; another Iranian-American, Robin Shahini; a British-Iranian mother, Nazenin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was seized while visiting her parents with her toddler daughter and Homa Hoodfar, an academic and specialist on womens issues from Canada.

Hoodfar was finally released last week after seven months in prison apparently through the good offices of Oman, which has played a role in freeing dual nationals in the past. The others are also likely to be let go eventually, perhaps in swaps of the sort that accompanied the implementation of the Iran nuclear agreement in January.

None of this does any good, however, for the scores of Iranians without foreign citizenship who are jailed for their political or religious convictions. Among them is a 60-year-old spiritual leader, Mohammad Ali Taheri, who has developed a large following for his teachings.

The founder of the Erfan-e Halgheh (Spiritual Circle) Institute in Tehran a decade ago, Taheri was arrested in 2010 and sentenced to five years in prison and 74 lashes and fined the equivalent of $300,000 for insulting the sacred, immoral contact with women and carrying out illegal medical procedures. In 2014, he was convicted of blasphemy and sentenced to death, but the sentence was overturned.

Taheris initial sentence ended in February but the notoriously hardline Judge Abolqasem Salavati kept him in jail.

Sara Saei, one of Taheris disciples, reached out to this analyst after Taheri was told that his case had been sent back to the Revolutionary Court and that he would face a new trial.

According to Saei, Taheris lawyer has expressed hope that he will be released. Unfortunately we have been hearing this statement from the lawyer over and over again during the years of his arrest.

In the meantime, Iranian authorities have arrested a half dozen of Taheris students, the latest in August. According to the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, four students were prosecuted for protesting Taheris incarceration including Saei, who was sentenced to three months in prison and lashings but whose sentence was suspended.

Now she and other Taheri disciples want to bring attention to their teachers case before a new verdict against him is pronounced.

Taheri is the author of eight books that have to do with spirituality, mysticism and alternative medicine. The books include Halqeh-Mysticism, Human-From-Another-Outlook-Last-Edition, Human-Worldview and Non-Organic-Beings.

Disillusioned with organized, enforced religion - especially since the inception of the Islamic Republic - many Iranians have looked for alternative spiritual experiences. Buddhism, yoga and meditation are all popular among the young generation.

According to Saei, Taheris lectures and thoughts are based on respect to all religions and ideologies and he never denies or insults any religion or beliefs. His beliefs are based on creating freedom of thoughts by which any human can follow the path to [spiritual] perfection and self-realization regardless of their race, nationality, religion, and personal beliefs.

Taheris teachings draw on great Iranian spiritualists and mystics of the past including the poets Rumi, Hafez and Saadi. However, Iranian authorities regard such teachings as a challenge to official orthodoxy and the privileged position of Shiite Islam as interpreted by government-backed clerics.

As the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran puts it: Irans security establishment has come down hard on Taheri and supporters of the Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group, viewing it and any other alternative belief system, especially those seeking converts, as a threat to the prevailing Shia order.

Iran, however, is obliged to respect freedom of religion as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The prosecution of Mr. Taheri for his spiritual activities and the apostasy charge are clear violations of the protections mentioned in Article 18 of the covenant, Saei wrote to this analyst. That article states that, Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching... No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.

Taheris jailing also violates Article 15 of the covenant, which states that, No one shall be held guilty of any criminal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a criminal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed.

Iranian officials are fond of comparing their record on religious freedom favorably to that of Saudi Arabia. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif recently wrote an op ed for The New York Times in which he blamed Wahhabism - the intolerant strain of Sunni Islam that originated in what is now Saudi Arabia - for the rise of terrorist movements including al Qaeda and the Islamic State.

It is true that the Saudis have spent billions spreading this creed around the world and that the Saudi state - unlike Iran - allows no churches or synagogues on its soil and discriminates against its Shiite minority.

But the sins of the Saudis do not excuse religious persecution in Iran.

A more self-confident system would permit religious exploration that includes embracing Irans rich spiritual tradition. Bahais, Sufis and others - including a Sunni Muslim minority - should be allowed to practice their faiths without discrimination and certainly without risking prison or worse.



About the author:

Barbara Slavin is Acting Director of the Future of Iran Initiative at the Atlantic Council in Washington. Follow her on Twitter @barbaraslavin1



Publisher's Note: VOA will present the policies of the United States clearly and effectively, and will also present responsible discussion and opinion on these policies. - VOA Charter


IRGC commander: Iran stopped Daesh from overrunning Syria

10/06/16

Report by Press_URL; photos by Islamic Republic News Agency

Iran's Major General Qassem Soleimani says that Daesh and other Takfiri terrorist groups were created to weaken Iran. The Commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) made the remarks in Tehran on Wednesday during a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the killing of Brigadier General Hossein Hamedani by terrorists in Syria.





Major General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the IRGC's Quds Force





The senior IRGC commander was killed by Daesh last year during an advisory mission on the outskirts of the Syrian city of Aleppo.

"Daesh and Takfiri terrorist groups were not created for war with Syria, they were established to target the Islamic Republic of Iran," Soleimani said.

He stressed that Iran's advisory forces in Syria are not only defending the Arab country, but also Iran and the whole Muslim world.





Qassem Soleimani speaking with portrait of Brigadier General Hossein Hamedan in the background





"The Syrian government, with the help of Iran, has been able to withstand pressure and besiegement for five years, so that the world could admit that these groups [fighting the government] are terrorists," Soleimani added.







Soleimani noted that if it were not for Iran's help and Syria's resistance, the whole region would have been plagued with the Takfiri scourge.

"Today the Takfiris have been defeated... on all fronts," the IRGC commander said, adding, "I believe that the Syrian people are invincible if they support their government," he added.

He also stressed that "the EU is paying a heavy security price for supporting terrorist groups" in the Middle East.

Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011, which has claimed the lives of some 400,000 people.






35 dual nationals banned from serving in Iran's government

10/06/16

Source: Tehran Times

TEHRAN - Iran has barred 35 dual nationals, out of a 79 total, from serving in an official capacity presumably for security concerns, an MP quoted Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi as having said, IRIB news agency reported on October 5.

"Out of a total of 79 cases looked into, 39 were proved to have dual nationalities or a U.S. Green Card, and dismissed for official posts," Alavi had told members of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, according to Hossein Naqavi Hosseini, the committee spokesman.

In August, Iran's Judiciary confirmed the arrest of a "spy" involved in the nuclear negotiations with world powers later on identified as Abdolrasoul Dorri Esfahani, a senior accountant involved in banking-related aspects of the nuclear talks.

Meanwhile, Fars news agency quoted Alavi as having said that officials have been told to "choose between dual nationality and their office."

Dual nationalities grew into a major security debate raised by conservatives in Iran in the past two or three years. The conservatives say dual nationality is one of the major canals for foreigners to infiltrate the Islamic Republic.
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What Yahoo was looking for with its alleged email scanning program may have been signs of code used by a foreign terrorist group.

The company was searching for a digital signature of a communication method used by a state-sponsored terrorist group, according to a new report from The New York Times that provided more details on Yahoos email scanning.

The report on Wednesday report didnt identify the signature or say if it involved any cryptographic computer code. But the article said it was the U.S. Department of Justice, and not the National Security Agency, that had obtained a court order forcing Yahoo to comply. A Reuters report on Tuesday wasnt clear about what agencies were involved in the probe.

During the project, Yahoo made copies of any messages found to contain the signature and handed them over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to the Times story, which cited an unnamed government official. The report said the email collection is no longer taking place.

To conduct the searches, Yahoo reportedly modified an existing system that already scanned incoming emails for spam, malware and child pornography.

The Reuters story said Yahoo had created a custom software program to search through the incoming emails of all its users at the behest of the U.S. government.

The Reuters story also said U.S. intelligence officials were using Yahoo to find a set of characters, possibly a phrase in an email or an attachment. It also said hundreds of millions of Yahoo mail accounts had been scanned. This sparked outrage among privacy advocates, who said such an email scanning program would be unconstitutional.

On Wednesday, Yahoo called the Reuters report misleading.

We narrowly interpret every government request for user data to minimize disclosure, the company said in a statement. The mail scanning described in the article does not exist on our systems.

Yahoo declined to comment on The New York Timess report.
The data scientist role was thrust into the limelight early this year when it was named 2016s hottest job, and theres been considerable interest in the position ever since. Just recently, the White House singled data scientists out with a special appeal for help.

Those in the job can expect to earn a median base salary of roughly $116,840  if they have what it takes. But what is it like to be a data scientist? Read on to hear what three people currently on the front lines had to say.

How the day breaks down

That data scientists spend a lot of time working with data goes without saying. What may be less obvious is that meetings and face-to-face time are also a big part of the picture.

Typically, the day starts with meetings, said Tanu George, an account manager and data scientist with LatentView Analytics. Those meetings can serve all kinds of purposes, she said, including identifying a clients business problem, tracking progress or discussing reports.

LatentView Analytics Tanu George is a data scientist with LatentView Analytics.

By midmorning the meetings die down, she said. This is when we start doing the number crunching, typically focused on trying to answer the questions asked in meetings earlier.

Afternoon is often spent on collaborative meetings aimed at interpreting the numbers, followed by sharing analyses and results via email at the end of the day.

Roughly 50 percent of Georges time is taken up in meetings, she estimates, with another 20 percent in computation work and 30 percent in interpretation, including visualizing and putting data into actionable form.

Meetings with clients also represent a significant part of the day for Ryan Rosario, an independent data scientist and mentor at online education site Springboard. Clients explain the problem and what theyd like to see for an outcome, he said.

Next comes a discussion of what kinds of data are needed. More times than not, the client actually doesnt have the data or know where to get it, Rosario said. I help develop a plan for how to get it.

Ryan Rosario Ryan Rosario is an independent data scientist and engineer.

A lot of data science is not working with the data per se but more trying to understand the big picture of what does this mean for a company or client, said Virginia Long, a predictive analytics scientist at healthcare-focused MedeAnalytics. The first step is understanding the area  Ill spend a lot of time searching the literature, reading, and trying to understand the problem.

Figuring out who has what kind of data comes next, Long said. Sometimes thats a challenge, she said. People really like the idea of using data to inform their decisions, but sometimes they just dont have the right data to do that. Figuring out ways we can collect the right data is sometimes part of my job.

Once that data is in hand, digging in and understanding it comes next. This is the flip side of the basic background research, Long said. Youre really finding out whats actually in the data. It can be tedious, but sometimes youll find things you might not have noticed otherwise.

Virginia Long Virginia Long is a predictive analytics scientist at MedeAnalytics.

Long also spends some of her time creating educational materials for both internal and external use, generally explaining how various data science techniques work.

Especially with all the hype, people will see something like machine learning and see just the shiny outside. Theyll say, oh we need to do it,' she explained. Part of every day is at least some explaining of whats possible and how it works.

Best and worst parts of the job

Meetings are Georges favorite part of her day: They make me love my job, she said.

For Rosario, whose past roles have included a stint as a machine learning engineer at Facebook, the best parts of the job have shifted over time.

When I worked in Silicon Valley, my favorite part was massaging the data, he said. Data often comes to us in a messy format, or understandable only by a particular piece of software. Id move it into a format to make it digestible.

As consultant, he loves showing people what data can do.

A lot of people know they need help with data, but they dont know what they can do with it, he said. It feels like being a magician, opening their minds to the possibilities. That kind of exploration and geeking out is now my favorite part.

Longs favorites are many, including the initial phases of researching the context of the problem to be solved as well as figuring out ways to get the necessary data and then diving into it headfirst.

Though some reports have suggested that data scientists still spend an inordinate amount of their time on janitorial tasks, I dont think of it as janitorial, Long said. I think of it as part of digging in and understanding it.

As for the less exciting bits, I prefer not to have to manage projects, Long said. Doing so means I often have to spend time managing everyone elses priorities while trying to get my own things done.

As for Rosario, who was trained in statistics and data science, systems building and software engineering are the parts he prefers to de-emphasize.

Preparing for the role

Its no secret that data science requires considerable education, and these three professionals are no exception. LatentView Analytics George holds a bachelors degree in electrical and electronics engineering along with an MBA, she said.

Rosario holds a BS in statistics and math of computation as well as an MS in statistics and an MS in computer science from UCLA; hes currently finishing his PhD in statistics there.

As for MedeAnalytics Long, she holds a PhD in behavioral neuroscience, with a focus on learning, memory and motivation.

I got tired of running after the data, Long quipped, referring to the experiments conducted in the scientific world. Half of your job as a scientist is doing the data analysis, and I really liked that aspect. I also was interested in making a practical difference.

The next frontier

And where will things go from here?

I think the future has a lot more data coming, said George, citing developments such as the internet of things (IoT). Going forward, all senior and mid-management roles will incorporate some aspect of data management.

The growing focus on streaming data means that a lot more work needs to be done, Rosario agreed. Well see a lot more emphasis on developing algorithms and systems that can merge together streams of data. I see things like the IoT and streaming data being the next frontier.

Security and privacy will be major issues to tackle along the way, he added.

Data scientists are still often expected to be unicorns, Long said, meaning that theyre asked to do everything single-handedly, including all the coding, data manipulation, data analysis and more.

Its hard to have one person responsible for everything, she said. Hopefully, different types of people with different skill sets will be the future.

Words of advice

For those considering a career in data science, Rosario advocates pursuing at least a masters degree. He also suggests trying to think in terms of data.

We all have problems around us, whether its managing our finances or planning a vacation, he said. Try to think about how you could solve those problems using data. Ask if the data exists, and try to find it.

For early portfolio-building experience, common advice suggests finding a data set from a site such as Kaggle and then figuring out a problem that can be solved using it.

I suggest the inverse, Rosario said. Pick a problem and then find the data youd need to solve it.

I feel like the best preparation is some sense of the scientific method, or how you approach a problem, said MedeAnalytics Long. It will determine how you deal with the data and decide to use it.

Tools can be mastered, but the sensibility of how to solve the problem is what you need to get good at, she added.

Of course, ultimately, the last mile for data scientists is presenting their results, George pointed out.

Its a lot of detail, she said. If youre a good storyteller, and if you can weave a story out of it, then theres nothing like it.
Lenovo may be about to grow its share of the shrinking PC business again: Japanese IT conglomerate Fujitsu is considering selling its PC manufacturing business, and Lenovo may be the buyer, Fujitsu said Thursday.

As part of a strategy to focus on core activities, in February Fujitsu spun out its PC business as an independent operating unit. Such spin-outs are usually a prelude to a sale.

On Wednesday, Japanese media reported that the company was in talks to sell the PC business to Lenovo.

These reports are not based on any official announcement made by Fujitsu, the company said Thursday, adding that it is currently considering various possibilities, including what is being reported, but a decision has not yet been made.

Once a powerhouse of PC production, Japan has largely retreated from the market over the last decade. Sharp pulled out of PC manufacturing in 2010 to concentrate on the tablet market. In 2011, NEC put its PC business into a joint venture with Lenovo, which went on to buy the majority of NECs stake in July. And in 2014, Sony sold its Vaio PC business to an investment firm.

A person familiar with the Lenovo-Fujitsu discussions told the Wall Street Journal that the deal could be structured similarly to the one with NEC, which now holds only a 5 percent stake in its joint venture with Lenovo.

Lenovo made a name for itself outside China as a PC manufacturer when it bought IBMs PC division for US$1.75 billion in 2005, vaulting into third place in the global PC market.

Fujitsu targets the data center market with its servers, networking equipment, batteries and cooling systems, and also runs an IT services and cloud hosting business. But it also has other businesses not directly related to that, including smartphones, semiconductors and PCs.

Like IBM before it, Fujitsu is looking to hang on to its more lucrative services and servers businessesalthough even this could change. Almost a decade after their PC deal, IBM went on to sell part of its server business to Lenovo, too.
Photos of an upcoming Surface-themed mouse and keyboard have been published by the FCC, pretty solid evidence that a Surface all-in-one PC will arrive soon.

Late last month, the Bluetooth SIG published the first official notification of an upcoming Surface keyboard. Now, its the FCCs turn: external as well as internal shots of the rather spartan keyboard have been published, as well as the mouse. Both carry Microsoft branding and were submitted by Microsoft. Windows Central unearthed the FCC listings, and noted that the mouse appears to be a gray version of the existing Microsoft Sculpt mouse already on the market.

That means that theres a little bit of mystery remaining. Neither the mouse or the keyboard appears to carry the official Surface branding, though they feature the same workmanlike gray of Microsofts existing Surface Book. Could they be pictures of just a gray-themed Microsoft mouse? Absolutely.

FCC Could this be the new Surface Mouse?

What this means: If youre building a case for a Surface all-in-one, though, the FCC filings add another piece of circumstantial evidence to the pile. Theres really no point in launching a Surface keyboard unless theres a device to connect it to, and the Surface Pro 4 and Book include their own keyboard and trackpad. Desktops, however, do not. Last month, reports surfaced of a Microsoft hardware refresh at the end of October that would include said Surface all-in-one. So far, Microsoft hasnt issued any invitations. A confirmation of said event would pretty much confirm a Surface desktop, however.

A Surface AIO: What we know, what we dont

The filings, which were submitted on January 18, reveal scant details. They include a standard 180-day NDA, since expired. Theres no indication that Microsoft will manufacture either the mouse or keyboard, though the process is considered to be a good indication that the products are coming to market. And, of course, Microsoft has had 180 days to begin manufacturing.

A bare-bones instruction manual indicates that the mouse connects via Bluetooth, rather than a dongle, and uses a traditional wheel. The photos, however, indicate that the keyboard is a traditional model rather than an ergonomic or split keyboard, as German language site WinFuture divulged.

Based on a patent filing from Microsoft, Microsofts Surface AIO could place the computing elements in the base, like a traditional Chromebox, Windows Central reported. The patent also suggests that we could see something a Kinect sensor used to detect gesturesthough a patent doesnt necessarily indicate that Microsoft is headed in that direction. What we havent seen, however, is evidence of said Surface AIO on the FCCs site. If the PC emits electromagnetic radiation in the form of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it should require a filing.

For now, then, we dont know for sure than a Surface AIO is in the works. Hopefully, Microsoft will reveal all by the end of October.
Hillary Clinton holds a 41-percentage point advantage over Donald Trump among Asian-American voters, who help make up what has become the nations fastest-growing ethnic group, according to a survey released Wednesday, Oct. 5.

Clinton dominates Trump among Asian-American voters with 55 percent support to Trumps 14 percent, the National Asian American Survey found.

Support for Clinton is highest among younger Asian-American voters and also among women, according to the report.

These findings dispel a notion that Asian immigrants were more likely to identify as Republican.

Asian-Americans support a progressive agenda or an agenda that tends to line up with the Democratic party, said Karthick Ramakrishnan, the surveys director.

Ramakrishnan is a professor and associate dean of UC Riversides School of Public Policy.

The surveys results show an Asian-American population with progressive views on healthcare, climate change, immigration, and racial justice. And, Asian-American millennials, between the ages of 18 and 34, are at the forefront of this more liberal agenda.

For example, 60 percent of Asian-American voters support the Affordable Care Act.

Only 20 percent of Asian-American voters support banning Muslims from entering the United States, while 62 percent oppose this proposed policy, which as been touted by Trump.

And, more than three-quarters of Asian-Americans support setting stricter emission limits on power plants to address climate change.

When it comes to racial justice among black Americans, nearly three-quarters of Asian Americans support the government doing more to give blacks equal rights with whites. Cambodians, Koreans, Asian Indians, and younger Asian-Americans overall are more supportive of the black community having equal rights, the survey found.

The main take-away here is that the vast majority of Asian Americans support policies that would ensure equal rights to Black Americans, the report said.

Janelle Wong, one of the surveys principal investigators, said the results go beyond the stereotype that Asian-Americans only care about education and the economy. The environment and racial equality are top issues for young Asian-Americans, she said.

There is an even more pronounced progressive agenda among young people, she said. They can be reached on an emphasis on these issues.

Asian-Americans, though, are more conservative when it comes to marijuana legalization and Syrian refugees.

They demonstrated mixed support for accepting Syrian refugees into the U.S.  44 percent support admitting Syrian refugees, while 35 percent of those surveyed are opposed.

More Asian-Americans oppose than support the legalization of marijuana, 56 percent and 36 percent, respectively.

The report also shows growth in the number of Congressional Asian-American candidates, which went up from 10 in 2010 to 40 in 2016. However, 70 percent of Asian-American voters said they had not been contacted by either political party about the current campaign. Of those contacted, most were contacted by the Democrats.

Theres still a huge gap between how parties mobilize, Ramakrishnan said.

Nearly 1,700 Asian-American and more than 260 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander voters participated in the survey. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9462, amolina@scng.com, or on Twitter @alemolina
Updated with details of power outage.

Live power lines stalled the rescue of a person whose vehicle was wedged between a building and a tree in Lake Elsinore in the early-morning hours of Thursday, Oct. 6.

The crash happened just before 4:30 a.m. near the intersection of Railroad Canyon Road and Grape Street, Cal Fire/Riverside County fire officials said in a news release.

Drivers are encouraged to avoid Railroad Canyon Road, which was completely closed for several hours. Since about 9 a.m., traffic in both directions has been using the eastbound lanes between Canyon Hills Road and Grape Street. Officials have no estimate for when the road will fully reopen.

Only one victim was noted in the release. That person was injured and trapped inside the vehicle but firefighters werent immediately able to rescue the victim because of live 30,000-volt power lines lying on top of the vehicle and in the street.

By about 5:50 a.m., Southern California Edison crews had arrived and cut power to the lines. The victim was hospitalized with moderate injuries, according to the release.

The accident initially cut power tow 3,841 people, a SCE spokeswoman said. Just over an hour later, most had power back. The 28 customers still effected are expected to have power sometime overnight.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.
For the first time, members of the San Bernardino Police Department will be making a change to their uniforms.

Patrol officers, detectives and administrative staff have started wearing pink shoulder patches to bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer and to support breast cancer research organizations.

This is a very important cause and another way for us to give back, said Sgt. Vicki Cervantes, who lost her father to cancer 10 years ago.

The department already participates in No-Shave November  also known as Movember  an annual event involving the growing of mustaches to raise awareness of various cancers.

In October 2015, the Pink Patch Project was launched at the Irwindale Police Department as a grass-roots awareness project. It quickly expanded to include at least 60 law enforcement agencies in Southern California.

We get into these projects to help and serve the community while showing them that were regular people, too, said Sgt. Steve Desrochers, who is also the president of the San Bernardino Police Officers Association. Its one of those things that helps us break down barriers.

On Tuesday morning, Cervantes and Detective Van Verbanic, each carrying an armful of deep blue uniform shirts, arrived at Tellos Tailor on Highland Avenue to have pink patches affixed onto the shoulders. Another batch of shirts was taken to Cordovas on E Street.

Both tailors agreed to switch out the patches for $5. The standard cost is $20 a shirt.

I think this is a very good cause, said Tellos owner, Ariel Tello, who has been in business in the city for 33 years.

The idea of participating in the monthlong awareness campaign was first brought to the departments administration by Detective Tiffany Emon.

She was the one who started the whole thing, Cervantes said.

Emon made the initial contact with the Pink Patch Project in late August and after having to go on leave for medical reasons, Cervantes took up the reins.

About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of a lifetime, according to breastcancer.org.

This year, about 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women, the organization estimates. An additional 61,000 new cases of noninvasive breast cancer are also expected. Men also get the disease, with about 2,600 cases forecast this year.

As the women made the arrangements and sent out emails letting their colleagues know about their involvement with the project, they were not aware that someone within their station walls had been coping with a recent breast cancer diagnosis.

On Sept. 24, after receiving one of Cervantes emails, a transcriber in the department who did not want to be identified approached the sergeant about the campaign.

I gave her a hug, and I bought her her patch, Cervantes said.

The first 200 patches ordered by the department sold out in four days, said Cervantes, and an additional 300 were ordered.

They can be purchased for $10 each at the police station at 710 N. D St. All proceeds will go to Loma Linda University Health Cancer Center.

Contact the writer: bvalenzuela@scng.com; @BeatrizVNews on Twitter
Almost 13 years to the day when Kimberly Longs life changed forever, the ABC news magazine show 20/20 will look into the Corona womans saga of two court cases, a murder conviction, seven years in prison and being set free.

Long was convicted in the bludgeoning death of her boyfriend Ozzy Conde, a crime she says she did not commit. While a judge vacated the 2003 conviction this year, a new trial was ordered. The Riverside County District Attorneys Office is also appealing the overturned conviction.

An ABC News press release states the show, titled Her Last Chance, will include exclusive video of Longs testimony at the June 2016 hearing, a tour of the crime scene from defense investigator Bill Sylvester and interviews with Alissa Bjerkhoel, attorney with The California Innocence Project; Condes ex-girlfriend; Joe Bugarski, Longs ex-husband and more.

The 20/20 episode airs at 10 p.m. Pacific time Friday, Oct. 7 on ABC.



RELATED

From the archives: Coverage of Kimberly Longs first 2 trials

Woman in jail since 2009 is set free after judge orders third murder trial

District attorney appealing Kimberly Longs overturned murder conviction

How Kimberly Long is rebuilding her life after murder convictions reversal

Wrongfully convicted? New law changes standard for appeals
A 43-year-old Hemet man was convicted of murder Wednesday, Oct. 5, in the shooting of a Hemet man in his vehicle at a stop sign in the Rancho San Jacinto neighborhood of San Jacinto in 2013.

Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Allison Pace told the jury in closing arguments that the shooting of Ivan Carrillo, 26, was an execution of a man whose hands were raised up protecting his face when confronted by occupants of a Honda Accord.

Defense attorney Richard Swanson in his argument Monday asked the jury to weigh evidence that defendant Juan Javier Mejias extended family members had been victims of a home-invasion robbery eight months earlier about half a mile away, saw Carrillos car and had a genuine fear that he was targeting them again.

Mejia had just left his girlfriends home and was at the corner of Las Rosas Drive and Osprey Street about 7 p.m. June 6, 2013. His half-brother Abram Daniel Palacios home, which had been robbed months earlier, was some blocks away.

Pace discounted the story, as investigators found no link between the victim and the prior crime. Authorities initially identified the victim as Ivan Ibarra Carrillo, 23.

The jury found Mejia guilty of murder, along with allegations that he used a firearm and that the crime involved lying in wait for the victim.

A court trial on prior criminal charges before Judge Patrick Magers is set for Thursday, Oct. 6. Mejias sentencing date will be set after that hearing. He faces a penalty of up to life in prison without parole.

Mejia was on the lam for two years before he was caught and extradited from Mexico. Palacios, also charged in the case, remains a fugitive.

He hunted him down, he ambushed him and he executed him, Pace said of Mejia.

Among witnesses was a woman who happened to be driving down the street and witnessed two men get out of a Honda Accord, one firing a volley of shots, followed by a second man, identified in court as Mejia, who walked up to the drivers window and fired twice more.

Pace reminded jurors of testimony that Palacios fired at least 13 shots were before Mejia shot Carrillo.

The Honda was taken to Idyllwild, then hidden in Southgate, where police found it almost two weeks later. That led to identifying the defendants and tracking down a witness who heard Mejia admit to involvement.

Pace said that in subsequent interviews, Mejia tried to minimize his conduct and put the blame on the victim, telling an investigator, He deserved it.

Defense attorney Swanson said of the victim, He is driving directly in their neighborhood and he was told (previously) to stay away from the family. He urged the jury at most to find his client guilty of voluntary manslaughter.

A neighbors home surveillance video captured the Accord driving through the neighborhood once that evening to confirm Carrillos car was there, then returning as he left his girlfriends.

The crime was so out of character for the neighborhood that city leaders set up a community meeting to address public safety concerns.

PREVIOUSLY:

Mortally wounded man found inside car in San Jacinto (June 6, 2013)

San Jacinto officials attempt to assuage crime fears (June 12, 2013)

2 suspects identified in fatal San Jacinto shooting (June 25, 2013)

Murder suspect extradited from Mexico (Feb. 23, 2015)
UPDATE: The eye of Hurricane Matthew was nearing the Bahamas on Wednesday night, and forecasters expect it to intensify and again become a Category 4 storm as it approaches Florida on Thursday.

The hurricane warning area was expanded Wednesday night to include the rest of Floridas east coast north of Daytona Beach.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami also issued a hurricane watch for north of the Savannah River on the Georgia-South Carolina state line to Edisto Beach, South Carolina. The entire Georgia coast was already under a hurricane watch.

A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected in the area within 36 hours. A hurricane watch means the conditions are possible in the area within 48 hours.

LES CAYES, Haiti (AP)  Two days after Hurricane Matthew rampaged across Haitis remote southwestern peninsula with roaring winds and flooding rains, local authorities and international aid workers still lack a clear picture of the storms destruction.

But the weather began calming Wednesday and a way was found around a key bridge that was washed away, allowing convoys and helicopters to start ventruing to marooned corners to assess the damage and determine how to help thousands of people who lost homes, livestock and crops.

The death toll was raised to 10 by Haitis civil protection agency Wednesday evening, but the number was expected to tick upward as more hard-hit rural areas are reached Thursday and people tell their stories.

In Aquin, a south coast town outside the battered city of Les Cayes, people trudged through the mud around the wreckage of clapboard houses and tiny shops.

Cenita Leconte was one of many coastal residents who initially ignored official calls to evacuate vulnerable shacks before Matthew roared ashore at dawn Tuesday as a Category 4 hurricane. The 75-year-old is thankful she finally complied and made it through the terrifying ordeal with her life.

Weve lost everything we own. But it would have been our fault if we stayed here and died, she told The Associated Press as neighbors poked through wreckage hoping to find at least some of their meager possessions.

Marie Alta Jean-Baptiste, head of the civil protection agency, said authorities were starting to get a better view of the situation in the Grande Anse department, where the storm made roads impassable and knocked out communications.

We do know theres a lot of damage in the Grand Anse, and we also know human life has been lost there, Jean-Baptiste said, adding that the official death toll did not yet include reports from that severely raked area.

Civil aviation authorities reported counting 3,214 destroyed homes along the southern peninsula, where many families live in shacks with sheet metal roofs and dont always have the resources to escape harms way.

The government has estimated at least 350,000 people need some kind of assistance after the disaster, which U.N. Deputy Special Representative for Haiti Mourad Wahba has called the countrys worst humanitarian crisis since the devastating earthquake of 2010.

International aid groups are already appealing for donations to sustain a lengthy recovery effort in Haiti, the hemispheres least developed and most aid-dependent nation.

In coming days, U.S. military personnel equipped with nine helicopters were expected to start arriving in the capital to help deliver food and water to hard-hit areas.

Jean-Michel Vigreux, the country director in Haiti for the non-profit group CARE, said the lack of communication with people in the Grande Anse region was deeply worrisome.

We dont know the exact impact yet. We currently arent able to communicate with our team in one region, Grande Anse. It is very scary, he said.

As answers were slow to come, some Haitians were convinced their troubled homeland was largely spared the kind of human suffering that severe weather has wrought in the past.

It seems like Haiti dodged a bullet. The news on the radio doesnt seem nearly as bad as it could have been, upholsterer Daniel Wesley said as he walked down a rain-slicked street in downtown Port-au-Prince.

The last Category 4 storm to pound Haiti was Hurricane Flora in 1963, which killed as many as 8,000 people.

In nearby Cuba, Matthew blew across that islands sparsely populated eastern tip, destroying dozens of homes and damaging hundreds in the islands easternmost city, Baracoa. But nearly 380,000 people were evacuated and strong measures were taken to protect communities and infrastructure, U.N. officials said.

Early Thursday, Matthew was churning through the Bahamas on a path forecast to take it close to the U.S. East Coast, where authorities were pursuing large-scale evacuations.

Associated Press video journalist Pierre Richard Luxama reported this story in Les Cayes and AP writer David McFadden reported from Port-au-Prince.
District 42 voters had no idea they were sending the next Assembly Republican leader to Sacramento when they elected Chad Mayes two years ago.

But thats what happened. Assemblyman Mayes, R-Yucca Valley, didnt so much rise through the ranks as blast through them, being elected the minority partys Assembly leader after just 10 months in office. His experience as chief of staff for San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford when she was the board chair, and his three terms on the town council in Yucca Valley had prepared him well.

An impressive first term of representing his district  and the entire state as Republican leader  easily earns Mayes our Editorial Boards endorsement for a second term.

Mayes is a strong conservative, but he leans to the pragmatic rather than the ideological.

As leader, Mayes has been disappointed by the lack of actual debate and discussion about policies in Sacramento.

Theres no clear vision of where were going as a legislature, he told us. Before passing a bill, he said, We should ask: How will this make our constituents lives better?

Mayes lists as his top priorities housing, transportation and reducing poverty through education and economic expansion  clearly, three of Californias main challenges. Hes optimistic about working on them with Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. Mayes understands that his Inland Empire district has a very different set of values from, say, San Francisco, but that its important to build relationships, remain civil and work together to make real progress on Californias big challenges.

Mayes opponent, Democrat Greg Rodriguez, is a smart guy with an impressive and varied background. But theres no reason for District 42 voters in Riverside and San Bernardino counties to switch. They should re-elect Chad Mayes on Nov. 8.
Fed up with unwanted phone calls at home, Riverside resident Tim Webster registered his landline on the national Do Not Call list 12 years ago.

It didnt work. The deluge of unsolicited calls from telemarketers hasnt skipped a beat.

I am tired of not being able to use my landline because of advertising, Webster said. I receive about five calls a day on average and usually two or three leave messages.

Sound familiar?

Webster is far from alone. Thirteen years after the launch of the Do Not Call list, exasperated federal regulators are applying pressure on major phone carriers and tech companies to come up with ways to rein in the worsening volume of robocalls. Combined, telemarketing calls and robocalls  prerecorded sales messages delivered by computerized autodialers  are now the No. 1 complaint that the Federal Communications Commission receives from the public.

In fiscal 2015, residents in the 909 and 951 area codes filed more than 40,000 complaints over violations of the federal Do Not Call rule  triple the total from five years ago, data show.

In a time when spam email is actually falling (mainly due to technological advances), junk phone calls continue to be a nuisance and, often, a crime.

This scourge must stop, said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, who convened a task force in August comprising 30 telecommunications and technology firms, including AT&T, Verizon, Google and Apple. Their report with ideas for fighting robocallers is due Oct. 19.

PHONE WHACK-A-MOLE

Maureen Mahoney, a policy analyst at Consumers Union, is pleased with the first step but says it remains to be seen if the group can produce real, meaningful solutions.

So far, AT&T has made general commitments to the cause, such as complying with emerging  caller ID verification standards once theyre available, and investigating and adopting global phone system solutions tied to web-based phone calls where viable, according to ideas outlined in an AT&T public policy blog post. AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson chairs the robocalling task force.

Mahoney says such promises are rather vague  allowing them a lot of leeway.

In the past, telecommunications companies have said they lack the technology and authority to crack down on nuisance calls. Last year, at the urging of several state attorneys general, federal regulators tried to clear up any confusion, saying phone companies not only have the legal authority to offer call-blocking tools, theyre also encouraged to do so.

CTIA, a trade group that represents AT&T, Verizon and other U.S. wireless communications players, did not respond to requests for comment.

However, 2015 comments from the trade group to the FCC warn the commission about unintended consequences and significant logistical and technical challenges that may arise from blocking calls.

The comments, penned by CTIA leadership, also say mandating phone carriers to decide which phone numbers should be blocked or let through could result in the blocking of calls that customers would have wanted to receive.

The wireless industry group also noted that the task of identifying robocallers has become increasingly difficult with the use of phone spoofing  the practice of falsifying the data transmitted through caller ID to disguise ones identity. If one number is blocked, scammers can easily and cheaply purchase another.

FOR SANITY

Its been more than a year since federal regulators have made clear that phone companies can and should offer customers robocall-blocking tools. Some Southern California carriers have begun to offer customers a third-party service called Nomorobo, among the startups trying to fill the robocall-blocking demand left by the major phone carriers.

How it works: After a user activates Nomorobo, when a call is received, the companys server checks to see whether its a known robocaller.

If it is, then the service answers and your phone will typically stop ringing after one ring. The intent is to let legitimate calls go through.

The brains behind the operation is founder and self-described serial entrepreneur Aaron Foss, who developed the idea in response to the Federal Trade Commissions first robocall challenge to build a call-blocking service. The startup claims to have stopped more than 144 million calls for 675,000 users nationwide.

The service is free for landlines but is only available on Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, carriers. Foss said an iPhone version is in the works, to be priced at $1.99 a month.

Jon Laughlin, of Menifee, said he ordered Nomorobo immediately when his carrier, Frontier, offered it last June. The service is free for his landline. And it works.

Besides having a funny name, its a beautiful service, Laughlin said.

He said his family used to get five to 12 calls a day, many from vendors selling solar even though they already have solar panels on their roof.

And now, I tell you, my phone never rings anymore, Laughlin said. Its made having a home phone tolerable again. We were thinking about going without it just for sanity reasons.

A NEW LIST?

Consumers Union, the advocacy group, has also recommended the development of a Do Not Originate list, an idea from Henning Schulzrinne, who was recently appointed the FCCs senior adviser for technology.

The list would allow commonly spoofed entities such as the IRS and banks to register their outbound numbers in a database. Calls from those numbers originating from certain providers or gateways would raise red flags and likely be blocked, according to Consumers Union. The consumer watchdog group says phone carriers have the tools to execute something like this.

Huahong Tu, a robocall researcher and doctoral student at Arizona State University, said such a list sounds like a great short-term solution, but he sees potential hurdles. A Do Not Originate list, he says, would also require all the carriers to work together to figure out where each caller ID should originate.

It seems like we are going back to the idea of creating more lists, that creates more administrative and compliance headaches for the telephone companies, Tu said.

He added that services such as Nomorobo may not be good long-term solutions because their systems wont be able to keep up with spoofers.

Tu says the solution lies in bolstering phone verification. Internet browsers, he said, must verify the identities of websites typically with a green lock icon next to web addresses to ensure their authenticity. Theres no equivalent process for phone lines, which makes spoofing possible in the first place, he added.

Tu and his team at Arizona State filed a provisional patent outlining such a process, but he acknowledges that bringing something like this to life would require either consensus in the telecommunications community to accept such a standard or the creation of a commercial product.

The team is pursuing both paths.

With phone lines, theres a lack of accountability, Tu said.

Staff writer David Downey contributed to this report.

RELATED

How FCC is targeting unwanted robocalls

Older folks more likely to respond to robocalls

Contact the writer: lleung@scng.com and 951-368-9699 or ddowney@scng.com
A car crash into two power poles Wednesday evening, Oct. 5, in Yucaipa left 222 customers without power, said a Southern California Edison spokesperson. Crews were expected to restore power by 2 p.m. Thursday.

The 7:35 p.m. Thursday crash near the 10 Freeway and Live Oak Canyon Road originally affected 1425 customers, said SCEs Paul Netter.

The outage extended north to the 10 Freeway, south to Live Oak Canyon Road, west to Highview Drive and east to Outer Highway 10 South, Netter said.

Details about the crash were not readily available.
LOS ANGELES  In their only one-on-one debate before California elects a new U.S. senator, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez and state Attorney General Kamala Harris attacked and counterattacked each other repeatedly Wednesday night on issues of terrorism, criminal justice reform, gun control and for-profit colleges.

But the central issue they returned to in the hour-long event at CSU Los Angeles was who had the proven track record to best replace retiring U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer.

Sanchez touted her 20 years in Congress, her senior posts on the Armed Services and Homeland Security committees, and her votes against the Iraq war, the Wall Street bailout and the Patriot Act.

I believe that I have the experience to go in on day one and do the job, Sanchez said, later jabbing Harris for the states increase in violent crime over the past year.

Harris, who outpaced Sanchez in the primary 40 percent to 19 percent, touted her success in setting up a rehabilitation program for low-level offenders in San Francisco, and investigations of banks and for-profit community colleges. And she dismissed Sanchezs stint in Congress.

My opponent has passed one bill in her 20 years in Congress and that was to name a post office, Harris said. She also noted that Sanchez had missed more House votes in the past year than all but two other members.

Sanchez countered that she had a 95 percent attendance her first 18 years in Congress. She noted that when Boxer was a House member running for Senate 24 years ago, she voted on 54 percent of the bills in the House while Sanchez was there for 68 percent.

She also noted that while she has not had the lead on many bills, shes been successful in getting various provisions and amendments inserted.

It is clear that my opponent doesnt understand how Congress works, Sanchez said.

There was a considerable difference in the debate styles of the two, with Sanchez spontaneous and impassioned while Harris was measured and precise  a precision that included her attacks.

Harris went after Sanchez for a December statement that 5 percent to 20 percent of Muslims supported a Islamic caliphate. Harris said such statements only fuel the efforts of Islamic terrorists.

That is playing into the hands of ISIS and all they are doing to recruit, Harris said.

Sanchez has stood by the statement, citing sources for the estimate and saying its important to acknowledge the problem. At the debate, she emphasized the importance of gaining the trust of the Muslim community in order to battle terrorism and said Harris was twisting her words.

Sanchezs campaign is focusing much of its efforts on winning over the roughly one third of voters who are undecided or have said they dont intend to vote in the race, mostly Republicans and independents. Orange Countys Sanchez, known for upsetting GOP incumbent Bob Dornan in 1996, has gained a reputation as a moderate willing to work across the aisle.

Her endorsements include Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, Republican former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan and the conservative National Review, along with 19 Democratic House members.

Harris, meanwhile, has secured endorsements from President Barack Obama, New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the designated Senate Democratic leader next year; Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and the California Democratic Party. As of the most recent filing period, Harris had raised $12 million to Sanchezs $4 million.

Each has painted the other as weak on gun control. Sanchez points to an audit that found that the state Justice Department failed to fully implement recommendations for a gun-collection program. A 2014 study found that 17,500 Californians were banned from having guns because they were felons or had other disqualifying records, but still owned 35,000 licensed firearms. In the first year of the collection program, Harris department gathered just 11,500 of the weapons.

Harris has countered by pointing to a Sanchez vote in 2005 to protect gun manufacturers from lawsuits if their weapons were misused, an issue former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has also been criticized for supporting. Both candidates support universal background checks for gun purchases and a ban on high-capacity magazines.

They have also tangled over for-profit colleges. Sanchez has complained that Harris, who received $6,000 in campaign contributions from GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, failed to protect Californians from the now-defunct Trump Universitys allegedly predatory practices. Several of the schools students filed still-pending civil suits six years ago, while Harris received Trump contributions in 2011 and 2013. Harris has investigated the school but not filed charges. After Trump made derogatory comments about Mexicans last year, she donated the money to charity.

Harris campaign has countered Sanchezs attacks by pointing to the charitable donation of the Trump contribution and to the attorney general winning a $1.1 billion judgment from the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges. It has also noted that Sanchez has received contributions from for-profit colleges and that she opposed an Obama administration proposal to tighten regulations on such schools.

The debate was hosted by ABC7 anchor Marc Brown. Panelists asking questions were Raphael Sonenshein, director of CSU LAs Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs, ABC7 news reporter Adrienne Alpert and League of Women Voters of California former president Janis Hirohama, past president of the. Cal State LA student President Kayla Stamps also will question the candidates.

Contact the writer: mwisckol@ocregister.com
Condos at The Pacific  a mix of one-, two- and three-bedrooms, as well as three-story townhomes  hover around $2 million and max out at $20 million in the nine-story building. Source: The Pacific

Only in San Francisco will $8.9 million snag you a luxe condo without a washer and dryer.

Such is the case with The Pacific, a new ultra-high-end condominium building nestled on Webster Street in San Franciscos posh Pacific Heights neighborhood, which celebrated its grand opening this September. Designed by architect Glenn Rescalvo, who also designed the citys 60-story residential Millennium tower and the W hotel in Santiago, Chile, The Pacific is being unofficially hailed by many city residents as the most expensive condo building in San Francisco, and for good reason.

Condos at The Pacific  a mix of one-, two- and three-bedrooms, as well as three-story townhomes  hover around $2 million and max out at $20 million in the nine-story building. One of the first units sold also proved the most expensive sale for a residence in the US per square foot outside Manhattan: a three-bedroom, 2,300-plus square-foot unit with three bathrooms on the sixth floor.

For $8.9 million, or $3,750 per-square-foot, unit #606 featured interiors designed by Jay Jeffers, with hand-milled woodwork, marble slab counters, bronzed and gold mirrors, and art deco-influenced chandeliers. Homeowners association fees generally range from $1,800 to $3,000 a month, covering services including valet, concierge and maintenance.

Inside unit #606, which sold for $8.9 million, or $3,750 per-square-foot  the most expensive ever for a U.S. residence in terms of square-footage. Source: The Pacific

Unit #606 featured interiors designed by Jay Jeffers, with hand-milled woodwork, marble slab counters, bronzed and gold mirrors, and art deco-flavored chandeliers. Source: The Pacific

Theres no other building thats been done like this before, explained Arden Hearing, Managing Director at Trumark Urban, which developed The Pacific over the course of nearly 5 years. Were seeing that reflected in the pricing and the overall market sentiment.

Trulia Chief Economist Ralph McLaughlin recently told Yahoo Finance that San Francisco Bay Area rents and real estate prices are cooling off, down from 15%-17% growth year-over-year to 5%-6%. As a result, many Bay Area landlords are doling out crazy incentives like four to six weeks of free rent and preferred employee discounts for rental units. The Pacific, however, appears to be an anomaly: the creme de la creme of SF real estate, unaffected by the softening local market.

Story continues

The Pacifics lobby. Source: The Pacific

To wit, 35 out of 76 units are already sold, Hearing told Yahoo Finance, and as of September, Trumark Urban generated well over $120 million in sales.

Other amenities in the building include an art installation from artist Helen Amy Murray, known for her nature-inspired, hand sculpted leather creations and textiles, a fitness center with outdoor yoga terrace, valet, concierge, lobby attendant and an Observatory lounge on the eighth floor with 20-foot ceilings and indoor and outdoor fireplaces.

The drawback? No built-in washer or dryer by default in any of the units  owners must choose and pay extra for the washer-dryer of their choice. (To be fair, however, at this price point, a washer-dryer is pocket change for The Pacifics target demographic.)

Owners of one of The Pacifics eight three- or four-story penthouses can personalize their pads down to the type of window and kind of home automation system.

The Pacific also takes personalization to an extreme, depending on which unit someone buys. A standard one-, two-, or three-bedroom, which has 11-foot vaulted ceilings, nets you the ability to consult the buildings white glove concierge department to pick and choose flooring, audio-visual systems and customize closet layouts with the aid of either a domestic or Italian closet/shelving consultant. (Yes, seriously.)

Owners of one of The Pacifics eight three- or four-story penthouses can personalize their homes even further, with options for window types and home automation systems.

Thats all in all great news for Silicon Valleys 1%. For everyone else? Enjoy the real estate porn.



JP Mangalindan is a senior correspondent for Yahoo Finance covering the intersection of tech and business. Follow him on Twitter or Facebook.

More from JP Mangalindan:

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San Franciscos real estate market has reached peak unaffordability: housing expert

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Box CEO: Investors have two very different perspectives on our business

Youre not the shooter, are you?!  My night at LAX
An 85-year-old man who was arrested Sept. 22 on suspicion of child molestation held the license for a day care in San Jacinto that operated from 2007 to 2010, state records show.

Earnest Sims Jr.  who was released from jail on $250,000 bail two days after being booked, and has not been charged  was the licensee for the House of Praise Day Care, which operated out of a single-family home in the 100 block of De Anza Drive in San Jacinto.

Sims, also known as Grampa Sims, also was associated with the Sims Family Daycare in Moreno Valley and a foster home in Menifee, both of which have closed, according to the Riverside County Sheriffs Department.

Two people, now adults, reported last month that Sims had molested them at Sims Family Daycare between 1999 and 2002, sheriffs officials said in a news release. He was arrested after a three-week investigation. Authorities say he is no longer associated with any day care or foster care facilities.

RELATED: Child molest allegations made against 85-year-old day care associate

House of Praise Day Care, which Sims was licensed to run, was operated by House of Praise Ministries.

The church administer for the ministry was Antonette Sims  who also was the licensee of Sims Family Daycare in Moreno Valley. Her relationship to Earnest is unclear. She has not been arrested or charged.

House of Praise Ministries relocated from Moreno Valley to San Jacinto in 2005. In addition to the day care, it operated House of Praise Academy, a parent cooperative for home-schooled children. In 2009, the ministry petitioned to start a charter school but was denied by San Jacinto school district trustees, citing the proposed schools sectarian ties.

Michael Weston, a spokesman for the California Department of Social Services, said House of Praise Day Care shut down in April 2010 due to non-payment of licensing fees.

Sheriffs officials did not describe Earnest Sims role at the Sims Family Daycare or at the Menifee foster home.

The day care, in the 25000 block of Fernbush Street in Moreno Valley, was open until March 2005. Antonette Sims initiated the closure, Weston said.

The foster home was in the 27000 block of Bluff Vista Way in Menifee. Sheriffs officials did not know when it opened, but said it closed in March 2015. No records about the home were publicly available, Weston said.

Attempts to reach Earnest and Antonette Sims for comment this week have been unsuccessful. Some publicly listed phone numbers are no longer in operation. At a number listed for the address where Earnest Sims was arrested, someone answered the phone but hung up when a reporter identified himself.

Deputy Michael Vasquez, a spokesman for the Sheriffs Department, said no additional allegations have been made since authorities announced Sims arrest and said they were seeking additional potential victims or witnesses.

Anyone with information may call 951-486-6700 during business hours or 951-776-1099 after hours and on weekends. Anonymous tips may be submitted online at www.riversidesheriff.org/crimetips.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9284, atadayon@scng.com, @PE_alitadayon
A Lake Elsinore man suffered major injuries Wednesday, Oct. 5, after being ejected from his motorcycle on the 15 in Corona, officials said.

Kenton Hinkle, 31, was exiting the 1-15 northbound at the Cajalco Road off ramp about 2 p.m. on his 2015 Kawasaki when he went off the left shoulder and was ejected, according to a California Highway Patrol news release.

Hinkle was taken to Riverside Community Hospital for his injuries.Officials say its not known what caused his motorcycle to veer off the shoulder.

No lanes were closed in the time following the accident, according to the CHP.

The CHP is asking anyone who might have seen the crash to contact their Riverside office at 951-637-8000.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9693, agroves@scng.com or @AlexDGroves on Twitter
More than two years after a man was shot and killed near Highway 60 in Moreno Valley, a suspect in the incident has been identified, according to officials.

Michael Earl Mosby III, 25, is currently in custody in Los Angeles County awaiting trial in two homicides there, but is also a suspect in the April 8, 2014 shooting death of Darryl Anthony King-Divens, 27, according to a Riverside County sheriffs news release.

King-Divens was found suffering gunshot wounds in the 23300 block of Hemlock Avenue, just north of Highway 60 and five blocks east of Heacock Street in Moreno Valley. He died at the scene, sheriffs officials say.

The release says the Los Angeles County homicides Mosby is a suspect in are unrelated to the one that happened in Moreno Valley.

Mosby, already in custody in Los Angeles County, was determined to be a person of interest in the homicides in late April of 2014, and became a suspect later on.

The release said that the District Attorneys Office had chosen to charge Mosby in the 2014 shooting, but it wasnt clear Wednesday afternoon whether charges had officially been filed.

Sheriffs officials are asking anyone with information about the homicide to call investigators with the Riverside Sheriffs Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9693, agroves@scng.com or @AlexDGroves on Twitter.
The Bank of Ghana has justified a decision to spend about Gh2 million on gold watches for retiring staff.



According to the bank, 72 staff who have served for 30 years and above and were due for retirement this year and next year were to benefit as part of their retirement package.



The watches which were being bought from from a Swiss Watch Company, comprises 25 18 karat Ladies gold watches and 48 kt Gents ones.



Some documents sighted in some media reports indicated that on July 22, 2016, the central bank sent a request to the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to sole source the procurement of gold watches from a Swiss watch company.



The request letter indicated that the BoG intended to use part of its 2016 budgetary allocation to fund the procurement of 24 units of 18 carat ladies gold watches and 48 units of gents gold watches; all Tissot Gold Watches from a dealer.



It explained that the procurement of the watches begun in 2012 when the Bank decided to procure the gold watches once every two years (i.e. 2012/13 etc.) in order to control cost and make savings on foreign exchange.



The watches are meant for deserving members of staff who have served a minimum of 30 years and are due for statutory retirement from the Bank, the statement also explained.



Read below a copy of a statement issued by the BoG on the matter





RE: BoG GOVERNOR BLOWS US$504,000 ON GOLD WATCHES



Reports casting slur on the implementation of the end of service benefits of some deserving members of staff of the Bank have come with grave concerns.



The Bank of Ghana wishes to state, among others, that:



1. End of service benefits, as part of the conditions of service for staff, is a longstanding tradition of the Bank, an obligation the Bank has always fulfilled to boost staff morale and commitment to the goals and ideals of the institution. The award scheme has been the convention of the Bank since the 1970s.



2. In the year 2012, the Bank decided to procure the gold watches once every two years

(i.e. 2012/13 etc.) in order to control cost and make savings on foreign exchange.



3. Deserving members of staff should have served a minimum of 30 years and are due for statutory retirement from the Bank.



4. The procurement process for the period 2016/2017 commenced in January 2016, before the appointment of the current Governor.



5. No procurement rules were breached in presenting sole sourcing justification to the

Public Procurement Authority (PPA) for approval.



6. PPA is an independent public institution whose work cannot be influenced by the Bank or any other institution.



7. At all times, the Bank abides by good governance principles that ensure a robust and effective internal control systems and processes.







Source: Bank of Ghana Communications Department









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Theres outrage in Zimbabwe following the appointment of President Robert Mugabes son-in-law as state-owned Air Zimbabwes second-in-command.



The opposition Movement for Democratic Movement (MDC) has demanded to know when and where interviews were held before Simba Chikore was appointed chief operating officer of the debt-saddled national airline.



It also demanded that the airline furnish the nation with Mr Chikores professional qualifications and work experience.



Air Zimbabwe and Mr Chikore have not yet commented on the furore.



He married Bona Mugabe, the 92-year-old leaders daughter, two years ago.



As chief operating officer, Mr Chikore will report to Chief Cxecutive Ripton Muzenda, son of Zimbabwes late Vice-President Simon Muzenda.



The government earlier this year promised to help the airline overcome its financial crisis.



It has debts worth 300m (235m).



Parliaments transport committee revealed in June 2015 that it was making a monthly loss of $3m (2.4m) and was technically insolvent.



The airline has been looking for a strategic partner to boost its revenue and reposition itself for growth.











Source: BBC









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The National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress, Kof Adams, has suggested recent comments by Nana Akufo-Addo indicates he speaks under the influence of alcohol. I must admit that Nana Addo is getting to a point where he speaks not too differently from someone who has been intoxicated with alcohol, he said on 3FMs Sunrise Wednesday.

Responding to comments made recently by the New Patriotic Party presidential nominee, Mr Adams said Akufo-Addo just opens [his] mouth to say anything. That is what has become of him at his rally presentations. Speaking at the campaign launch of the partys Ablekuma South parliamentary nominee, Ursula Owusu Akuful, on Tuesday, Nana Akufo-Addo said the NDC has a copyright to rigging elections But Kofi Adams maintains the NDC has since 1992 allowed maximum reforms in at the Electoral Commission to ensure more transparent elections. He argued that since 1992, Ghana has held presidential elections which results were counted in coalition centres but over through reforms championed by the NDC, that changed over the years to the point where results are declared at the polling stations.

Mr Adams said the NDC accepted reforms that allowed transparent ballot boxes, and use of photo in voters identity cards. In 2009, NDC allowed biometric verification making the election more transparent. Transmission of results also became more transparent with the involvement of party agents, he said.

He thus argued Nana Akufo-Addos claim cannot hold as all reforms over the years have enhanced the credibility and transparancy of Ghanas elections If the NDC wants to rig elections it will not fund activities of a machinery which allows transparency in Ghanas elections to be implemented, he said But Abu Jinapor who is Aide to Nana Akufo-Addo, said the NDC cant take credit for reforms instituted by the Electoral Commission, which is an independent body. He argued that no political party has influence over the electoral body, adding that the EC undertake reforms after every election, and that the NDC cannot take credit for such reforms that prevent rigging.

Source: 3news.com









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The camp of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Lawra Constituency in the Upper West Region has been embroiled in grand defeat-inducing polemics following the decision by the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for the Constituency, Mr Samson Abu, to contest the December 7 election as an independent candidate.



The decision by Mr Abu to contest the seat as an independent candidate followed his defeat in the NDC primary in the constituency in which he lost narrowly to Mr Bede Ziedeng by 14 votes.



Since defeat



Since his defeat, there have been series of allegations from his camp against Bede Ziedeng, accusing him of manipulating the voters register to his advantage. Though Bede Ziedeng and his camp have flatly denied those accusations, all attempts by party bigwigs to reconcile the two camps have proved abortive.



When people started seeing posters of Mr Abu being posted at vantage points in Lawra at the beginning of the year, they thought it was the usual political drama associated with Ghanaian politics.



Not even an announcement on social media with the poster of the MP inviting friends to his residence in Dikpe (a suburb of Lawra) to accompany him to go and file his nomination forms at the Electoral Commissions office to contest as MP for the Lawra Constituency would make people believe that he meant business.



But rumours and speculations gave way to reality on Thursday, September 29, at exactly 3:48 p.m when Mr Abu and his team successfully submitted his nomination forms at the Electoral Commissions office in Lawra to enable him to contest as an independent candidate in the December election.



Faced with this regrettable and disappointing reality, the Lawra Constituency Chairman of the NDC, Lotah Joshua, threatened during the launch of Bede Ziedengs campaign on Saturday, October 1, to stand down from his position and resign from the party within two weeks if the party elders failed to dissuade Abu from going ahead with his plans to contest as an independent candidate.



While the spirit of topsy-turvy seems to have taken over the affairs of the NDC in the Constituency at the moment, their main contenders, the New Patriotic Party and the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), appear to be enjoying a bond of unity among themselves. Their primary in 2015 saw new entrant, Joseph Dontaa Bilson, coming up against Anthony Abayifaa Karbo, NPP stalwart, and after the contest at Lawra, Anthony Karbo came out victorious. Immediately the results were declared, the two factions marched and jubilated together in Lawra as a demonstration of the unity in their party. Since that contest, Joseph Dontaa has been a pillar in the affairs of the party and he is currently in charge of mobilising votes for the party in the Babile area.



Though either of the candidates of the two political parties or Abu could win the seat, one cannot write off the CPP candidate, Mr Saeed M. Hasiru, in this contest. He might not be courting the media attention as his fellow contestants but he might have a strategy which might inure to his benefit on voting day.



Chances of the various candidates



It is very difficult to predict who will emerge winner on December 7 in the parliamentary election in Lawra. All the candidates have their support bases and the one with the best strategy will surely carry the day.



Samson Abu



It is a win or perish situation for Mr Abu if he indeed goes ahead to contest the parliamentary election as an independent candidate. His party, the NDC, does not easily forgive its members who break away to contest parliamentary elections as independent candidates. The cases of Mr Paul Derigubaa, the independent MP for Jirapa and Alhassan Dahamani, the MP for Tamale North, are there for all to see. These two personalities broke away from the NDC and contested their respective seats as independent candidates. After emerging victorious, they supported the NDC in Parliament but that show of support was not enough for them to be forgiven as they still continue to suffer isolation and seclusion from the party. With this in mind, Mr Abu must win the seat or go into political oblivion. But he has his support base within the constituency and any political party that takes him lightly because he is an independent candidate does so at its peril.



Anthony Abayifaa Karbo



Anthony Abayifaa Karbo has the best of chance to win the seat this year on the ticket of the NPP. With so much confusion brewing in the camp of the NDC, he and his team can exploit the situation to their advantage. But before that can happen, his communication team, led by Augustine Liebo, has a lot of work to do to convince people to reject the NDC or Mr Abu and vote for the NPP. If they relax with the hope that the confusion in the NDC will automatically translate into votes for them, that could be their Achilles heel as the NDC member in the constituency are known for closing their ranks at the last minute and forging ahead as one force. In 2012, the present District Chief Executive for Lawra, Mr Paschal Dery, contested the primary and lost to Mr Abu. He threatened to go independent and actually went ahead to file his nomination, but he rescinded his decision at the last minute and supported Mr Abu to win the seat. Guided by this history, the NPP will have themselves to blame if they relax in their efforts.



Bede Ziedeng



Ziedeng in Dagaare might mean the good old days but Bede Ziedeng is surely not having the massive and invincible support that the NDC used to enjoy in the constituency in the good old days. The present lack of unity in his party is surely a huge hurdle for him to cross and the growing popularity of Abayifaa Karbo, who appears to have majority of the youth on his side, has made his work more difficult.



But he has history on his side, as the seat is traditionally an NDC seat.



Saeed Hasiru



Not much is known about this gentleman, but his ability to represent a party like the CPP tells a lot about his qualities and if his opponents underrate him, that could work to his advantage.

Source: Daily Graphic









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The flag bearer of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, has affirmed her strong conviction to tap into the human resource capacity of queenmothers to develop the country if she is elected President in the December polls.



Speaking at a forum for queenmothers in Accra yesterday, the former First Lady and Founder of the NDP said a key issue on the partys agenda was to promote technical and vocational apprenticeship, adding that queenmothers would be fully brought on board.



Queenmothers forum



The one-day programme, put together by the National Executive of the NDP, was meant to bring queenmothers in the Greater Accra Region together and educate them on their roles in society.



It was a follow-up to the forum organised in the Volta Region recently and was used to sell the policies and programmes of the party to the participants.



The programme also afforded the queenmothers the opportunity to raise concerns over issues such as early marriage, premarital sex, child abuse, drug abuse and parental care and guidance.



Others raised concerns over issues of national development, ranging from the economy, education, health, roads, sanitation to decentralisation.



Apprenticeship concept



Nana Konadu said the apprenticeship concept was widely implemented in countries such as Switzerland, saying that Ghana can do same under an NDP administration.



She said the concept was such that children who were not academically inclined could easily be identified and given the needed vocational and technical training to become better people in future, adding that it would be entirely different from what previous governments had tried to implement.



Our concept is such that it will not be thrown out to the people and managed anyhow. Rather, we will ensure that it is implemented adequately, since it is one of our key policies.



Why have some European countries been able to implement this concept successfully and we are not able to do so? she asked, and attributed that to poor leadership and mismanagement.



Touching on the key roles queenmothers played in society, she said they would be involved if the NDP came to power in 2017.



Decentralisation



On decentralisation, Nana Konadu stated that it was not being implemented appropriately and that is what we will focus on.



She said it was inappropriate for local government to be controlled by the central government in terms of budget and procurement, a situation she described as defeating the concept of decentralisation.



She also bemoaned the excessive taxation in the Ghanaian economy, saying it was counterproductive.



She said that her administration would put measures in place to reduce taxation.



The President of the Greater Accra Regional Queenmothers Association, Manye Amposah Dokua III, expressed appreciation for the opportunity given to the traditional leaders to put out their concerns to the NDP.



Manye Dokua, who is the Queenmother of the Osudoku Traditional Area, urged Nana Konadu not to neglect them when she won power.



She called for cooperation and collaboration among queenmothers to ensure that their concerns were always addressed.

Source: Daily Graphic









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An unidentified person in the crowd at a New Patriotic Party (NPP) rally at Osu on Wednesday hurled a missile at opposition leader Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as he addressed supporters.



Mr Akufo-Addo was on the second leg of his tour of the Greater Accra Region which earlier took him to Alajo in the Ayawaso Central constituency and subsequently to Osu Klottey Korle on Wednesday, October 5.



The three-time presidential aspirant had told party faithful of the need to vote out President Mahama and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) following their alleged mismanagement of the economy and to give him a chance to become president to reverse the hardship foisted on Ghanaians by the government.



But as the 72-year-old began to plead with supporters to also vote for the NPPs parliamentary aspirant for the area, Philip Addison, he was compelled to pause his delivery, turning to complain to those beside him on the platform that someone had hit him with a stone.



Someone just threw a stone at me, why? he asked. But he quickly resumed his delivery, saying: No problem, this is our politics in Ghana.



I would wish that when we are moving [to the Flagstaff House], you allow Philip Addison to come along with me. Our party, the party of the Elephant, we know of only one candidate for Klottey Korle. He is Philip Addison. We know of no other person. We go to primaries to elect someone before he can contest [on our ticket]. So please make no mistake  NPP is the only party capable of removing the NDC from power. No other political organisation in Ghana can do it.



Watch video of the incident below





Meanwhile, no one has been picked up in connection with the incident and the rationale for the attack is unclear.The NPP's front in the constituency is divided, with the decision of former constituency chairman Nii Noi Nortey to file to contest as an independent parliamentary candidate.Mr Nortey had been declared winner in an NPP parliamentary primary on August 2, 2015, but the results were annulled by a High Court after Mr Addison, dissatisfied with the conduct of the poll, petitioned it.A rerun of the primary was held on February 27, with the lead counsel of the NPP in the 2012 election petition winning the polls. But Mr Nortey, who felt hard done by with the decision, filed to contest for the seat as an independent candidate.

Source: Classfmonline.com









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Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Northern region have described the presidential nominee of All Peoples Party (APC) Hassan Ayariga as a crook, thug who lacks moral and leadership qualities.



Mr. Ayariga has accused Nana of being too old to stay in his fathers house, adding that he should be tutoring politicians than engaging in serious politics.



But members of the party in Bawku which happens to be hometown of the presidential hopeful, have not taken kindly this comment describing the APC leader in uncertain terms.



At a press conference addressed by the partys Deputy Secretary for Bawku Central Constituency Umar Sanusi Sheriff they used severally unprintable words to describe him aside challenging him to deny a litany of allegations.



He broke away from PNC to form his mushroom APC, a Party that has no Parliamentary Candidate in his hometown Bawku. For somebody who has always questioned the democratic credentials of Nana Akufo Addo to resign from a credible party like the PNC on a flimsy excuse, and not only that, but to go on and hire land guards to attack supporters of Dr Edward Mahama at the outskirts of Wa in the Upper West Region on their return from their party congress. What a shame, he said.



Mr. Sheriff further accused Mr. Ayariga of sneaking into Germany with other colleagues using a Burkinabe passport bearing the name Hassan Banse.



Anytime Hassan Ayariga attacks our Flag bearer then his actions inures to the benefit of the NDC. So how can such a person be described as a leader with respectable principles. We do not think so, and we know Hassan Burger as a crook who sneaked into Germany with our colleagues using a Burkinabe passport bearing the name HASSAN BANSE. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have enough evidence that Hassan Banse had to use our brothers ID card (Papers) to get a job in Germany in a Pizza joint. Now this is the reason why he could only prepare and sell Pizza when he returned to Ghana from German, he stated.



Read details of the statement



6/10/2016 PRESS CONFERENCE: HASSAN AYARIGA UNMASKED



Welcome Address: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media and the General Public, we welcome you to this important press conference. We are grateful for your presence.



Introduction: This press conference is necessitated by the continuous attack on our Presidential Candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo by Hassan Ayariga of the APC whom we know as Hassan Borger and Hassan Banse for reasons we will soon disclose to you in the course of this press conference.



You were all witnesses to Hassan Ayarigas disgusting behaviour during the 2012 IEA Presidential Debate when he exhibited such uncouth behaviour to the surprise of the audience. Just for a reminder, anytime our Flagbearer took his turn to answer questions from the Moderator of the program, it was then that Hassan had attacks of deliberate coughs. But when it was the turn of other candidates, particularly the NDC then Hassans cough will seize, and it became obvious that Hassan was programmed to disrupt our Flagbearer Nana Addo in his presentation.



And it became obvious also that Hassan Ayariga had assumed the role of the NDCs sidekick. Tolerant as he is, our Flagberer was so calm and patient that even as we speak, Nana Akufo Addo has never uttered a word about Hassan Ayarigas disgusting penchant for insulting him. Once again Hassan has assumed that role for his paymasters.



You will recall that a few weeks ago he made very disparaging statements about our Flagbearer, and therefore we the members of the NPP in the Bawku Central Constituency where Hassan comes from have had enough of his uncouth behaviour and are hereby telling him to shut up before we expose him for the whole world and Ghanaians to know the kind of crook that he is MORALITY AND LEADERSHIP: We will want to place it on record that as far as we the natives of Bawku know Hassan Ayariga, he lacks morality and leadership qualities.



If Hassan was a leader of principle he will not break away from the PNC merely because he lost the flagbearership race to Dr Edward Mahama. Ladies and Gentlemen, the hidden truth is that by losing the position to Dr Edward Mahama, Hassan has lost the opportunity to continue doing the bidding of his first party. He can no longer use the PNC for his parochial interest of insulting our Flag bearer for the benefit of his paymasters, and also to earn some pocket money.



That is the simple reason why he broke away to form his mushroom APC, a Party that has no Parliamentary Candidate in his hometown Bawku. For somebody who has always questioned the democratic credentials of Nana Akufo Addo to resign from a credible party like the PNC on a flimsy excuse, and not only that, but to go on and hire land guards to attack supporters of Dr Edward Mahama at the outskirts of Wa in the Upper West Region on their return from their party congress. What a shame.



This is the thug that we are talking about to you today. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media, is it not ironic for Hassan Ayariga, whose father went into exile after the overthrow of Dr Hilla Limanns administration by the PNDC, to now feel comfortable with the NDC which is an off-shoot of the PNDC.



Anytime Hassan Ayariga attacks our Flag bearer then his actions inures to the benefit of the NDC. So how can such a person be described as a leader with respectable principles. We do not think so, and we know Hassan Burger as a crook who sneaked into Germany with our colleagues using a Burkinabe passport bearing the name HASSAN BANSE. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have enough evidence that Hassan Banse had to use our brothers ID card (Papers) to get a job in Germany in a Pizza joint. Now this is the reason why he could only prepare and sell Pizza when he returned to Ghana from Germany.



And Hassan wants the whole country to believe his lies that he made his first million dollars at age 24. Who you trying to fool, Hassan? Ladies and Gentlemen, we are questioning Hassan Ayarigas moral character and we challenge him to come out and debate us on what we are telling the whole country today. For us, it is important and a civil duty to expose Hassan Burger to the good people of this country and not to allow him to lie to Ghanaians anymore.



For those who have accessed his CV which is available on line, it indicates that he is married to one Anita with five children.

To know the moral bankruptcy of APCs presidential candidate, we need to interrogate his marital and extra marital affairs. He married one white lady to enable him secure a document to live and work in Germany. He went out of his way to impregnate another white lady, an act that earned him his first divorce.



Then in 2004, he married one Fauzia from Bawku. It is customary in our part of the country, that a bride is accompanied by a sister or relative. Hassan Burger characteristically impregnated this lady that has accompanied the wife (name withheld for obvious reasons). No wonder he later divorced Fauzia and is now with Anita. We can assure you that Anita will not be his last victim. Even the circumstances under which he married Anita goes to expose how morally bankrupt he is.



For those who are still in doubt, we are asking Hassan Burger whether all his five children were from Anita as indicated on his CV. Family Care: Hassan Burger in his latest attack on Nana Addo said that Nana is still living in his fathers house at his age of 72. He claimed that he built his first house at age 24. As they say, the devil is in the detail. How could that be possible for somebody who built his own house the age of 24 but was still living in Alhaji Masa-ud house at age 30 when he returned from Germany.



For your information Alhaji Mas-ud is a native of Bawku based in Germany. It was not until 2004 that he built his house at Haatso in Accra. If you do the mathematics that will be after age 30, how can somebody who strives to be a president of this country exhibit such penchant for lies. We are saying that if Hassan ever gets an opportunity to be president of Ghana then Ghanaians will be in serious trouble.



So lets beware of Hassan Banse. Please members of the press, challenge him to produce the documents to show that he owned a house at age 22. Then maybe he started building at age 22 and completed it in 2004 (at age 30 and above). Another lie.



Now the question of owning one million dollars at age 24, if we were to accept the claim that he owned one million dollars at age 24, then we must also come to the conclusion that Hassan Burger is highly irresponsible as a family man and cannot be responsible for the lives of over 25 million Ghanaians.



For somebody who commanded one million dollars at age 24, how come his mother until her death was only selling tobacco just to earn a living at the Bawku central market. The truth of the matter is Hassan Ayariga was born on 5/09/1971 as indicated on one CV and 1972 on another, travelled to Germany through Burkina-Faso.



He used a Burkinabe passport with the name Hassan Banse. He sought asylum with the name Banse in Germany and was later accommodated by Ibrahim Saana (Dapore) together with Imoro Denis all from Bawku. Saana gave Hassan his ID to work with in Germany; he worked as a cleaner at Ferma Vafuzmit before coming back home in 2001. He was selling Pizza on the streets of Garmany before he later started importing second hand bicycles and selling them at the Lapaz Station in Accra.



Any time Hassan returned home from Germany, he lived in his Grand fathers thatched house which is still the same since the Grand father built it in the Limanns regime as an MP for Bawku Central. Since then Hassan has not been able to even renovate his fathers family house where the father lived until his demise. And such a person is questioning why Nana should still live in his fathers house at age 72.



Ladies and Gentlemen, during the 2012 IEA Presidential Debate, Hassan claimed that his mother was an educationist (Professional teacher) and was passionate about education.



But as far as we know in Bawku she did not even attend class one. Education and professional life: The second part of our press conference which comes later will focus on his educational and professional achievement. We will show to you and the rest of our country how he lied about all these credentials. We hope the electoral commission will do a back ground check as well as his CV which he submitted to them.



Conclusion: To conclude, ladies and gentlemen of the press, we are honored by your presence and we say thank you. To Hassan Ayariga we hereby serve him notice that anytime he attacks our flag bearer as he has been asked to do by his pay-masters, he will have us to contend with. A word to the wise is enough.



Yours faithfully,



Npp Bawku Central Constituency

Signed.



UMAR SANUSI SHERIFF (DEPT. SECRETARY









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.

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Females in the country are not given much attention in the category of rap as the male dominated industry faces stiff competition.



In recent times, numerous male artistes have been on the frontline to pick awards locally and globally on the said category. Interestingly some female rap artistes have also been doing their best to dilute the male dominated industry and rap category to make a bold statement. Its been a long journey as their predecessors AkosuaAgyepong etc try their best to hit some soft bars right from the early 80s.



However, for the new generation and frontline commercial rap its been the likes of Eno, Eazzy, Luosika and Itz Tiffany pushing the agenda. Even though the likes of Eazzy and Itz Tiffany have had their fair share of popularity through afrobeats other than core rap or hiphop they are still celebrated as pioneers in the Ghanaian rap game. Lousika made rap commercial and branded it beautifully however less was heard of her eventually. Eno has been the most consistent so far and we are not surprised shes landed a major deal with the Record Masters conglomerate this year.



Through a survey conducted by Ghanamusic.com between the four key front liners (Eno, Eazzy, Itz Tiffany and Lousika) to determine who the best female rap MC was, Enoundoughtedly pulled over 50% of the votes to stamp her authority. It will be also interesting to create a special category for female rap at Music Awards to foster competition as there is still a lot to be celebrated.

Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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In what is the only sensible outcome to this tale of larrikinism gone too far, the nine Aussies detained in Malaysia for donning budgie smugglers bearing the Malaysian flag are free to go.

They escaped conviction on the grounds that they were remorseful and ignorant of the countrys laws.

Somewhat amusingly, the blokes  Nicholas Kelly, Tom Whitworth, Tom Laslett, Brandon Stobbs, Timothy Yates, Jack Walker, Edward Leaney, Adam Pasfield and James Paver  appeared in court today fully clothed but handcuffed to one another, forming a chain of nine humans shuffling into court.

They apologised for their actions at the Malaysian Grand Prix, and claimed ignorance of the countrys laws regarding the flag.

The incident was purely an error of judgement on our behalf and a folly, one of the men read in a letter to the court. After the incident weve learnt of the fondness and respect Malaysia has for their national flag. We apologise and express our deepest regret for our actions.



The court heard that since theyre all part time life savers, stripping down to their budgie smugglers is second nature.

Er. the court also heard this.

Court hears I now tender the nine swimming trunks. @BudgySmuggler @9NewsAUS  Airlie Walsh (@AirlieWalsh) October 6, 2016

Legal fun!

Whitworth fainted in court after after the apology was read out, but quickly recovered.

#BREAKING Thomas Whitworth collapses in the dock. Bringing down his handcuffed partner with him. His friends surround him. @9NewsAUS  Airlie Walsh (@AirlieWalsh) October 6, 2016

Whitworth now propped up and sipping water after fainting in the dock. @9NewsAUS  Airlie Walsh (@AirlieWalsh) October 6, 2016

Anyhoo, the blokes were let out of court handcuff-free, and are hopefully on the way home to the inevitable 60 Minutes / The Project interview.

For the sake of Julie Bishops blood pressure, let this be a lesson to all Aussies to have a working knowledge of the basic laws of a foreign country before whipping out your Strayan humour.

Source: Twitter.

Photo: Getty / Rahman Roslan.
Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention. Ive just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. I need all of you to stop what youre doing and listen.

Melbourne, being the glorious city of big nerds who love drinkin that it is, has had more than its fair share of magnificent themed bars over the past little while. And not content to hog the lions share all to themselves, theyre going back in for more.

Fans of inarguably the funniest film in the Apatow Productions oeuvre (fight me) Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy will soon be able to party like its a 1974 San Diego-area news broadcast wrap party, thanks to a brand spankin new Ron Burgundy-themed bar.

For 10 days, beginning next week, the Porcelain Tea Parlous in the inner-northern suburb of Carlton will be transformed into Ron Burgundys Rich Mahogany Bar, complete with the lingering scent of actual rich mahogany.

The bar will feature an impressive array of whiskies  or scotchy scotch scotches, if you will  as well as a number of themed drinks concocted specially for the temporary takeover.

Waiters, dressed in outrageously bullshit 1970s attire (presumably all bought from the Pants Store), will serve you up the frothy goodness so your night can get out of hand fast.

What kind of drinks are we talkin here? Glad you asked!

Theres the Sex Panther, which is a hellish concoction of an absinthe frappe with mint, soda, and a white chocolate twist. We hear that 60% of the time, it gets you full munted every time. Better still, for an extra ten dollarydoos, the drink comes with an actual bottle of Sex Panther perfume, custom created by master perfumers The Powder Room. It probably doesnt smell like Bigfoots dick. Probably.

If you cant handle the sting in your nostrils from that one, theres the Milk Was A Bad Choice; a decidedly creamier bevvie made from spiced rum, cream, vanilla, and a little nutmeg. Best consumed at night, out of the ungodly heat.

Lastly, for a little refreshing kick, the Afternoon Delight sounds pretty dang tasty to be perfectly honest; a hit of vodka with pineapple, cardamom soda, and lime. Its outta sight, my man.

Oh yeah, and that thing we said about it smelling of rich mahogany? We werent kidding. The bar is actually gonna smell like wood. Bottoms Up Bartenders, the gang behind the pop-up, is enlisting a scent machine that converts liquids into fine mists, ensuring the whole place will maintain a rich, woody smell that should provide the ideal setting to toke from Uncle Jonathans corn cob pipe.

The pop-up opens from next Thursday, October 13th, at the Porcelain Tea Parlour, 149 Elgin Street, Carlton.

You can wrap your keenness levels right around the Facebook event page here.

Source: Facebook.

Photo: Anchorman, obvs.
This Sunday, thousands of Sydneysiders are expected to gather in defence of the citys dying nightlife at the second Keep Sydney Open rally. If its anything like last time, it might just be a lil difficult to locate your buds at Belmore Park near Central Station in the throng of lively civil demonstration.

Fortunately for all of those who want to display their affiliation on the issue of lock out laws while still being easily recognisable in a crowd, an absolute gun has whipped this bonza piece of headgear together:

HELL YEAH. Creative type Max Thorley is offering punters the chance to voice their dismay at Mike Bairds policies while simultaneously engaging in a pisstake that horrorshow of a human being Donald Trump. For $25 dollarydoos, you too could express topical political opinions with a bright red cap.

Well level with you. Pollies who are opposed to winding back the legislation probably wont be swayed by this nifty noggin-warmer, but if youre in the market for something more than a badge and less than a banner, this might just do the trick. Check em out here.

Source and photo: Max Thorley / Make Sydney Late Again.
CROSSOVERS. TV bloody loves em. One of the oldest tricks in the book. Ya take the characters from one show and shove em into the world of another and who bloody knows WHAT could happen! HIJINX!

Whilst its generally accepted that crossover episodes are naff as hell and almost universally result in cringe-worthy shoe-horning as two completely different storytelling styles attempt to temporarily co-exist, wed be lying if we said we werent just a little bit keen on this one.

The US FOX Network is prepping to unleash the Brooklyn Nine-Nine / New Girl crossover special unto us all next week, and theyve given us a little sneak peek at exactly how the two worlds will collide.

The shows, which air back-to-back in the States, will each get a chance to play in the world of the other, with the whole thing surrounding the New Girl gang visiting New York and having a chance encounter with the 99.

The Brooklyn Nine-Nine half of the special will focus largely on Andy Sambergs Detective Jake Peralta commandeering the car driven by Zooey Deschanels Jess Day. The New Girl half will then explain how the LA gang wound up travelling east, and will feature the gang bumping into Doyle, Gina, and Holt from Brooklyns finest police precinct.

The whole thing goes down next Wednesday (AUS time). Youll be able to peep it via all the usual nefarious internet-fuelled means.

If Julius Pepperwood gets to wander around a Brooklyn police precinct big-timing himself, then this whole dang thing wouldve been worth it ten times over.

Source: Deadline.
parikh

Dr. Parikh will close his dental office on Thursday after 36 years on Market Street in Harrisburg.

(Photo provided)

For 36 years, Dr. Devendra Parikh treated patients -- from dignitaries and generations of families to the homeless -- in his dental office on Market Street in Harrisburg.

That ends Thursday, when Parikh will retire and the doors will close at D. B. Parikh, D.D.S. P.C., Family General Dentistry at 1829 Market St.

Parikh graduated from dental school in 1967 and began teaching at B.J. Medical and Dental School in India while pursuing a post-graduate degree in physiology. In 1975, he came to the United States to attend New York University Dental School, where he received his license to practice dentistry.

After a teaching job in Connecticut, Parikh later opened a practice in Lancaster County and the practice in Harrisburg. The Harrisburg practice was busier so he closed the practice in Lancaster County and dedicated his full attention to the practice in Harrisburg.

The practice became a family affair, with his wife serving as the receptionist for 36 years. Their three children, when young, didn't go to daycare but instead went to work with their parents.

Over the years, the practice employed dozens of people, including providing part-time jobs to high school students, and Parikh gave a number of dentists their first opportunities out of dental school. Long-time dentists at the practice included Dr. Vieswas Sabnis, who worked at the practice for 12 years, and Dr. Clifford Sensenig, who was with the practice for 28 years.

Parikh has been the only dentist at the practice for the last two years. Over the years Parikh offered free services to those who didn't have insurance or financial resources.

Parikh, who comes from a family of medical professionals, and his siblings helped opened a hospital in his hometown of Baroda, Gujarat, India decades ago that is named after their late father. The B. M. Parikh Foundation Trust Hospital is a 40-bed hospital that sees 175-200 patients per day, Parikh says. The nonprofit hospital prioritizes providing services to the poor.

As Parikh retires, he plans to spend time with his family, including his granddaughter, travel with his wife and help coordinate religious lectures.

Parikh, 74, says he has mixed feelings about his retirement.

"I think it's time for me to retire," Parikh said. "I had a very hard time to hang the hat."
10-month-old-girl-dies-in-bloody-sexual-assault-BABY-EMMALEIGH.jpg

A mother awoke to her daughter, identified as 10-month-old Emmaleigh Barringer of West Virigina, covered in blood and unresponsive, with trauma to her lower body and bruises on both her head and face. The mother's boyfriend, 32-year-old Benjamin Taylor, is charged with the crime.

(screen shot)

An unspeakable alleged sex crime against a 10-month-old girl is being reported out of West Virginia.

WXPI-TV in Pittsburgh reports that a mother awoke to find her daughter, identified as Emmaleigh Barringer, covered in blood, with trauma to her lower body and bruises on both her head and face.

A mother awoke to her daughter, identified as 10-month-old Emmaleigh Barringer of West Virigina, covered in blood and unresponsive, with trauma to her lower body and bruises on both her head and face. The mother's boyfriend, 32-year-old Benjamin Taylor, is charged with the crime.

The mother, who had been sleeping, found her 10-month-old daughter in the basement of her Jackson County home on Monday, along with her boyfriend, 32-year-old Benjamin Taylor, according to the original report by station WCHS.

The baby was unresponsive and badly swollen, and the mother called police, who are now declaring the incident "the worst case of sexual assault they have seen in two decades."

The girl died Wednesday of massive brain injuries.

The suspected boyfriend, Benjamin Taylor, of Cottageville, West Virginia, was initially charged with first-degree sexual assault. However, Jackson County Sheriff Tony Boggs is telling local media outlets that the charges would be "upgraded as soon as possible" to felony murder in wake of the girl's death.

"I don't know of any normal human that could fathom what would possess somebody to do that," Boggs is quoted as telling MetroNews about the case.

Taylor's bail was set a $2 million.
Girl-left-in-patrol-car-by-cop-dies-cassie-barker.jpg

The punishment is already coming down on a pair of Mississippi police officers after one of them, Long Beach police officer Cassie Barker, left her 3-year-old daughter in a patrol car for hours, and the girl died shortly afterward.

(screen shot)

The punishment is already coming down on two police officers in Mississippi caught up in a terribly tragic mistake in which one of them left her 3-year-old daughter in a patrol car for hours, and the girl died shortly afterward.

Now, the mother of the girl, Long Beach police officer Cassie Barker, and the shift supervisors she was visiting at his home, Sgt. Clark Ladner, have both been fired by the department in Hancock County, Mississippi

CBS News reports that Chief Wayne McDowell recommended the immediate termination of the officers, who had been on suspension, citing conduct detrimental to the public. His recommendation was approved.

Barker allegedly left her daughter in the patrol car for four hours on Friday. During that time, Barker, 27. who was off duty, was with fellow Long Beach officer, Sgt. Clark Ladner, also off duty.

The Sun Herald newspaper in Mississippi reports that the girl was left in the patrol car while Barker was "visiting" with Ladner, 36, one of her shift supervisors, at his home. The child was strapped in a baby seat, and was found unresponsive.

Hancock County Sheriff Ricky Adam tells the Associated Press that the patrol car was running and the air conditioning was on when investigators found the child.

The girl died a short time later at a local hospital.

No criminal charges have been filed to date.

However, the investigation continues.
As Hurricane Matthew draws nearer to the coasts of Florida, officials have already called for evacuations from locations in coastal Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

The Weather Channel wants to make clear just how seriously those warnings need to be taken.

Bryan Norcross, a hurricane specialist for The Weather Channel, said Hurricane Matthew "is like no storm in the record books" in a message on air Thursday afternoon.

The @WeatherChannel just aired this unusual message from @TWCBryan, urging evacuations. "This is not hyperbole, and I am not kidding..." pic.twitter.com/tUYYM32hXX  Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) October 6, 2016

Norcross added that anyone staying in areas under mandatory evacuation orders is making a mistake.

"This is not hype, this is not hyperbole, and I am not kidding," Norcross said. "I can not overstate the danger of this storm."

The storm has already killed more than 100 people in its wake across the Caribbean.

About 2 million people in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina were told to head for safety, and interstate highways were turned into one-way routes to speed the exodus.

Hurricane Matthew remains a Category 4 storm with winds of 140 mph, according to the latest National Hurricane Center advisory. It is expected to scrape nearly the entire length of Florida's Atlantic coast beginning Thursday evening.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- Leaving more than 100 dead in its wake across the Caribbean, Hurricane Matthew steamed toward Florida with terrifying winds of 140 mph Thursday, and 2 million people across the Southeast were warned to flee inland.

It was the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade.

"The storm has already killed people. We should expect the same impact in Florida," Florida Gov. Rick Scott said as the skies began darkening from Matthew's outer bands of rain.

President Barack Obama has declared an emergency in the state of Florida and has ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal, and local response efforts to Hurricane Matthew.

The hurricane gained fury as it closed in, growing from a possibly devastating Category 3 storm to a potentially catastrophic Category 4 by late morning.

It was expected to scrape nearly the entire length of Florida's Atlantic coast beginning Thursday evening. From there, forecasters said, it could push its way just off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina before veering out to sea.

About 2 million people in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina were told to head for safety, and interstate highways were turned into one-way routes to speed the exodus. Scott said Florida could be looking at its biggest evacuation ever.

Many boarded up their homes and businesses and left them to the mercy of the storm.

Daniel Myras, who has lived for 25 years in Daytona Beach, where he owns the Cruisin Cafe two blocks from the boardwalk, struggled to find enough plywood to protect his restaurant.

"We're not going to take any chances on this one," he said. "I have the feeling that this one is the one that makes Daytona realize that we need to get ready for storms."

Forecasters said Matthew's fiercest winds appeared unlikely to strike Miami or Fort Lauderdale, the most densely populated areas in Florida, with about 4.4 million residents. Those cities were expected to get tropical storm-force winds of between 39 mph and 73 mph.

Instead, forecasters said the West Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral areas farther north could get the brunt of the storm. More than 1.3 million people live in Palm Beach County and about 568,000 in Brevard County, home to Cape Canaveral and NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

The last Category 3 storm or higher to hit the U.S. was Wilma in October 2005. It sliced across Florida with 120 mph winds, killing five people and causing an estimated $21 billion in damage.

As people hurried for higher ground, authorities in South Carolina said a motorist died on Wednesday after being shot by deputies in a gun battle that erupted after he sped away from a checkpoint along a storm evacuation route.

Matthew killed at least 114 people in the Caribbean as it roared through Haiti, Cuba and the Bahamas. Officials said at least 108 of those deaths were in desperately poor Haiti, where many towns were cut off by the storm and the magnitude of the death and destruction was just beginning to come into focus two days later.

In the Bahamas, authorities reported many downed trees and power lines but no immediate deaths.

Nearly all of Florida's Atlantic coast and Georgia's entire coast were under hurricane warnings.

In inland Orlando, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld announced plans to close early.

The Fort Lauderdale Airport closed late in the morning, and the Orlando airport planned to shut down as well. Airlines canceled more than 2,800 flights scheduled for Thursday and Friday, many of them in or out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Some coast residents decided to take their chances and stay.

Deborah Whyte walked her dogs at Jupiter Beach Park in the morning to check the surf.

"We boarded up our house and I boarded up my store" in Tequesta," she said. "And we're just hunkering down and waiting for it."

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal ordered a mandatory evacuation of the entire Georgia coast, covering more than a half-million people. The Georgia coast hasn't seen a hurricane evacuation since 1999, when it narrowly escaped Floyd.

On Georgia's Tybee Island, Loren Kook loaded up his pickup truck with suitcases and a computer and planned to drive to metro Atlanta.

"It seems like a lot of the longtime residents are staying," said Kook, who moved to the coast four years ago. "I've never sat through a Category Whatever. I'll watch it on TV."
UKIP MEP Steven Woolfe lies face-down on a walkway inside the European Parliament building in Strasbourg, eastern France, on October 6, 2016 (AFP Photo/)

Strasbourg (France) (AFP) - The favourite to lead the anti-EU UK Independence Party, Steven Woolfe, was recovering in hospital Thursday after an "altercation" at a meeting with colleagues in the European Parliament.

The incident at the parliament in Strasbourg, France, came two days into a leadership contest sparked by UKIP's new leader Diane James's resignation after just 18 days as Farage's successor.

Farage said in a statement that "I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of UKIP MEPs this morning that Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital."

Woolfe was rushed to hospital and initially said to be in a serious condition after suffering two "epileptic-like fits" and passing out on a raised walkway at the Parliament building, UKIP said.

But Woolfe, who was celebrating his 49th birthday on Thursday, later said a scan had shown there was no blood clot and no bleeding on the brain.

"I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever," Woolfe said in a statement. "The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face."

"As a precaution I am being kept in overnight awaiting secondary test to make sure everything is fine."

British media reported that Woolfe had been punched by a colleague but there was no immediate confirmation from the party.

The Strasbourg state prosecutor's office told AFP they were "aware of nothing" regarding the incident, which took place on what is effectively diplomatic territory within France.

- 'Picked a fight and came off worst' -

European Parliament spokesman Jaume Duch told AFP that Woolfe "fell ill in a corridor at the parliament near the hemicycle (main chamber). He was taken to hospital."

The party has faced an existential crisis since pushing Britain towards a referendum on June 23 in which the country voted to quit the EU, and since Farage's resignation shortly afterwards.

Story continues

James only became leader after Woolfe, her main rival, was embarrassingly ruled out of the contest after failing to submit his application in time.

Woolfe, who had been supported by both Farage and Arron Banks, the party's main financial backer, was quick to throw his hat into the ring to replace James on Wednesday.

"Only a strong UKIP can guarantee Brexit is delivered in full," Woolfe said in a statement.

However, he also admitted this week that he had considered defecting to the Conservative Party of Prime Minister Theresa May in a move that reportedly angered some colleagues.

In a sign of the bad blood in the party, key members were arguing even while Woolfe was in hospital and fears over his condition remained high.

Neil Hamilton, a disgraced former Conservative MP who is now the Welsh leader of UKIP, told the BBC: "Steven I think picked a fight with one of them and came off worst".

But Raheem Kassam, another leadership contender and ex-Farage advisor, said in a tweet that "I can't believe (Hamilton) has just gone on Sky (TV)) to blame Woolfe, and start trying to score political points while Steven is recovering :(."
A crash has closed a section of Route 222 north in Lancaster County.

The crash is between the Route 272/Oregon Pike and Route 772 exits, according to a traffic alert from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

All northbound lanes between the exits were closed as of 7:10 p.m.

A traffic camera showed heavy backlogs near the incident.

For more traffic information, follow live traffic updates, accident reports and road closures below from PennDOT, Total Traffic Network and other Twitter sources.

Get a look at conditions on local roads -- via PennDOT traffic cameras -- anytime here on PennLive. For Pennsylvania Turnpike updates and possible travel delays visit the Turnpike website here.

Tweet us at @pennlive with any incidents you see on your commute or send a submission to submissions@pennlive.com.
The lock could soon be coming off a gate at the former Naramata packinghouse site. A sale of the property is pending to a developer interested in putting up a hotel there.
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Locals gather at the Community Center to cast their votes on Tuesday. At 41% voter Turnout was slightly lower then for the Petersburg Borough vote 3 years ago.

Petersburg voters spoke loudly in favor of supporting marijuana in the Petersburg Borough. Moving forward, the product will be taxed and potentially bring much needed funds to the borough during tough fiscal times in the Last Frontier State.

The unofficial results showed a landslide victory with 701 no votes to 414, on the only ballot initiative for this year's municipal election. The polls were busy Tuesday, with 1120 people taking the time to cast their ballot at the Community Center, in addition to absentee ballots cast.

Those numbers will change when the last 18 absentee ballots are re...
PHOTOS: Downtown Petoskey Halloween 2022

Check out some photos from downtown Petoskey's Halloween celebrations on Saturday.
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for Sale - Petpeoplesplace.com
PDVSA wants to recuperate its oil production output



Company wants to add 50,000 barrels a day of production

CARACAS

Petroleumworld.com 10 06 2016

Petroleos de Venezuela SA is planning to reactivate wells in the Lake Maracaibo region to add 50,600 barrels a day of crude output next year even as its president, Oil Minister Eulogio Del Pino, says that OPEC is working with non-OPEC countries to reduce global supply.

PDVSA signed an alliance with China's Shandong Kerui Group Holding Co. to repair and connect 624 wells that will add 22,600 barrels a day of crude and require an initial investment of $30 million, the company said Wednesday in a statement. The company also said it was in talks with a Bulgarian-Venezuelan consortium to connect 307 wells that will add 28,000 barrels a day. The $100 million cost for that project would be financed by Bulgarian investment group ALECO.

The works associated with both projects will be completed in a year, and both companies will be working before the end of the year to start adding the new barrels in the beginning of 2017, PDVSA said in the statement.

The announcement came a day after Del Pino said an agreement among OPEC and non-OPEC states to limit oil production could slash global supply by 1.2 million barrels a day and add as much as $15 to prices. Two weeks ago, PDVSA said it was getting ready to start what it called one of the world's largest drilling projects  in the Orinoco heavy crude belt to add 250,000 barrels a day of new output.

As part of that plan, PDVSA will drill 480 wells at a cost of $3.2 billion over the next 30 months. Schlumberger Ltd., Horizontal Well Drillers LLC, and Venezuela's Y&V Group were selected after a worldwide tender, with Halliburton Co. and Baker Hughes Inc. providing support for specific project activities.

Venezuela's production fell to 2.33 million barrels a day in August, according to the oil ministry. That was 226,000 barrels higher than OPEC's estimate of 2.1 million, based on secondary sources. The country has lost over 250,000 barrels a day of output from levels seen last year, according to OPEC.








By Mark Hosenball and Dustin Volz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Yahoo operation in 2015 to scan the incoming email of its customers for specific information requested by the U.S. government was authorized under a foreign intelligence law, parts of which will expire next year, two U.S. government officials familiar with the matter said. Reuters on Tuesday reported that the Yahoo program was in response to a classified U.S. government request to scan emails belonging to hundreds of millions of Yahoo users. The revelation rekindled a long-running debate in the United States over the proper balance between digital privacy and national security. The collection in question was specifically authorized by a warrant issued by the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, said the two government sources, who requested anonymity to speak freely. Yahoo's request came under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, the sources said. The two sources said the request was issued under a provision of the law known as Section 702, which will expire on Dec. 31, 2017, unless lawmakers act to renew it. The FISA Court warrant related specifically to Yahoo, but it is possible similar such orders have been issued to other telecom and internet companies, the sources said. In a statement on Wednesday, Yahoo said the Reuters report was "misleading" and that the "mail scanning described in the article does not exist on our systems." When asked to identify any specific way in which the story was misleading, or whether the operation described by Reuters had previously existed, Yahoo declined to comment. Former Yahoo employees told Reuters that security staff disabled the scan program after they discovered it, and that it had not been reinstalled before Alex Stamos, the company's former top security officer, left the company for Facebook last year. The intelligence committees of both houses of Congress, which are given oversight of U.S. spy agencies, are now investigating the exact nature of the Yahoo order, sources said. Section 702 of the FISA governs a program exposed by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden known as Prism, which gathers messaging data from Alphabet Inc's Google, Facebook Inc, Microsoft Corp, Apple Inc and other major tech companies that involves a foreign target under surveillance. Another type of spying the authority allowed under Section 702 is known as "upstream," and allows the NSA to copy web traffic flowing along the internet backbone located inside the United States and search for certain terms associated with a target. Privacy advocates expressed alarm at the reported Yahoo program, saying it amounted to an unprecedented use of the authorities granted to the NSA by Congress. "The NSA has said that it only targets individuals under Section 702 by searching for email addresses and similar identifiers," Senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, said in a statement to Reuters on Monday. "If that has changed, the executive branch has an obligation to notify the public." Speaking to students at Georgetown University on Tuesday, Snowden, who leaked a trove of classified documents to journalists in 2013 exposing NSA surveillance programs, said the Yahoo report renewed questions about whether government surveillance programs are subject to sufficient congressional oversight and public scrutiny. "That's not to say that this Yahoo program is sinister," Snowden said via satellite: "It could be related to cyber security, where it is related to known malware actors." Government officials on Wednesday sought to defend U.S. surveillance operations as appropriately balanced and transparent, though they did not deny the Reuters report. "The United States only uses signals intelligence for national security purposes, and not for the purpose of indiscriminately reviewing the emails or phone calls of ordinary people," Richard Kolko, a spokesman for the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence, said in a statement. White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters Tuesday that he could not confirm the existence of specific intelligence programs or intelligence tools, but defended the checks and balances placed on what information or methods the intelligence community can seek. (Reporting by Mark Hosenball and Dustin Volz in Washington Additional reporting by Joseph Menn in San Francisco; Editing by Jonathan Weber and Grant McCool)
Is This Blenkinsop's New DH Bike?





The prototype's single pivot, linkage-activated design features an extremely high main pivot that sits well above the height of Sam's chainring, and an integrated pulley / chain guide setup routes the chain up high to run around the main pivot. The bike would have a large amount of chain growth / pedal kickback / anti-squat if the chain weren't routed in this way.



Remember when Sam was running a

What's new? Everything, it seems, as it's obvious even in these grainy cellphone photos that this bike represents a wholesale change from the Aurum and its 'A.R.T.' Horst Link suspension layout that delivers 200mm of travel.The prototype's single pivot, linkage-activated design features an extremely high main pivot that sits well above the height of Sam's chainring, and an integrated pulley / chain guide setup routes the chain up high to run around the main pivot. The bike would have a large amount of chain growth / pedal kickback / anti-squat if the chain weren't routed in this way.Remember when Sam was running a very non-production high idler pulley setup on his Aurum , pictured to the right, earlier this year? Blenkinsop was running a modified Aurum at the New Zealand Nationals last January. Note the idler pulley that routes the chain high above the main pivot.

An integrated idler pulley routes the chain up and over the bike's main pivot.

Norco's Sam Blenkinsop was recently spotted in the Whistler Bike Park aboard what looks to be a brand new downhill bike from the Canadian company that's a drastic departure from their long-standing Aurum DH rig. And while merely seeing Blenkinsop on the bike doesn't mean that we're looking at the Aurum's replacement, the fact that the front triangle, and apparently the rear as well, is made using carbon fiber says that Norco is relatively committed to the design you see here.When questioned about that back in January, Owen Pemberton, Norco's Senior Design Engineer, had this to say: '''' Information gathering for this new design, apparently.If you think that the basic layout looks a bit like a carbon fiber version of Commencal's Supreme DH V4 downhill machine, you wouldn't be wrong. The high pivot is in a similar (but not the same) location, and the integrated idler pulley setup on the swingarm is also somewhat comparable. Small differences in pivot locations can create drastically varying performance characteristics, however, and the prototype Norco's linkage system is distinctly different to the Supreme DH V4's that compresses its shock from below.This is reversed on the Norco, with its pull-link activating a rocker that compresses the bike's shock from above. The linkage, which is unrefined and clearly far from being set in stone, is very different from the V4, despite the bike appearing to be similar from afar.
Ratikon / New Prix Garantie climbed by Marcel Dettling and Michael Bechtel

06.10.2016 by by Planetmountain

On the 4th Kirchlispitze (2494m) in Switzerlands Ratikon massif Marcel Dettling and Michael Bechtel have made the first ascent of Prix Garantie (7c, 220m).

Elefantenbauch, the "Elephants belly", is a prominent and challenging bulging feature located on the IVth Kirchlispitze, home to three of the finest alpine outings in the entire Ratikon massif: Antihydral (8b, Harald Berger, 2006), Silbergeier (8b+, Beat Kammerlander, Kuoni Kammerlander, 1993) and Hannibals Alptraum (8a, Martin Scheel, Robert Bosch, 1986).

Switzerlands Marcel Dettling wondered whether there was space for something new among this awe-inspiring triptych and in November 2015 he and Michael Bechtel started up the righthand side of the buttress, to the right of both Silbergeier and Hannibals Alptraum. Climbing ground-up they established three and a half pitches on day one before abseiling off, and with the onset of winter and then the ensuing poor spring they were forced to wait until July 2016 before finally returning.

The remaining three and a half pitches were established on day 2 during what DEttling describes as "certainly one of my best days making a first ascent, yes, even best climbing days ever. The feeling of reaching the summit of the 4th Kirchlispitze late in the evening and completing the new route is simply indescribable."

All that was missing was the first free ascent and as Bechtel was out of the country, on 11/09/2016 Dettling teamed up with his wife Kathrin Dettling and freed all the pitches except for the first, which was climbed with one rest. The first repeat and, at the same time, first onsight, was carried out on 22/09/2016 by Daniel Benz and Lukas Hinterberger.

The climb starts circa 15m to the right of Hannibals Alptraum and takes a completely independent line apart from crossing, at the penultimate belay, the rarely repeated route Linksdrall (V+ A0). The rock quality tends to be bullet-proof Ration limestone although some sections - like all routes in the vicinity - contain rock that may snap. Difficulties are estimated at 7c max and although this is somewhat easier than the neighboring lines, Dettling explains that "the rest of the climbing shouldnt be underestimated" and requires plenty of experience, especially since 6c+ obligatory climbing can be somewhat run out at times. The new route has been called Prix Garantie promises utmost hallmark Ratikon quality and a stunning alpine setting.



Prix Garantie

IVth Kirchlispitze Ratikon

First ascent: Marcel Dettling and Michael Bechtel 2015/2016

Grade: 7c, 6c+ obligatory

Length: 220m

P1, 40m, 7c

P2, 30m, 6c

P3, 25m, 7a

P4, 35m, 7a+

P5, 20m, 6c

P7, 40m, 6b

Gear: 2 x 60m ropes, 10 quickdraws, Nuts/ Friends not necessary

For further information check out: mdettling.blogspot.kr
Photo: Facebook

A Los Angeles County sheriff's sergeant who was in critical condition after being shot in the face today has died. A suspect was taken into custody after a search for the shooter in Lancaster near Antelope Valley College, which issued a shelter-in- place order Wednesday afternoon, reports KTLA.

The sergeant killed was Steve Owen, according to Executive Officer Neal Tyler of the Sheriffs Department, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Owen, a 29-year department veteran, was awarded a Medal of Valor in 2014, the department's highest honor. His wife is a member of the department's Arson Explosive Unit.

The shooting occurred at 12:35 p.m. in the 3200 block of West Avenue J-7, according to Deputy Mike Barraza with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments Lancaster Station, reports KTLA.

The area is a couple blocks north of the Antelope Valley College campus, and a SWAT team and dozens of deputies could be seen responding to a residential area there.

Preliminary information indicated a deputy was struck by gunfire and taken to a hospital in unknown condition, Barraza said. He later said a sergeant and a deputy were both shot. That information was later corrected, with sheriff's spokeswoman Nicole Nishida saying only a sergeant was shot.

Nishida confirmed about 2:15 p.m. that one person was in custody and no suspects were outstanding.

The Sheriff's Department said in a news release that the sergeant was in critical condition. Sheriff's homicide detectives were responding.

The sergeant was shot in the face, Lancaster's mayor told the Los Angeles Times, which reported the sergeant and a deputy were responding to a burglary call.

It is now known that a gunbattle ensued after police responded to a residential burglary call in which the subject had reportedly taken two hostages, according to the Los Angeles Times.
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If you thought Donald Trumps support among Latino voters couldnt get any lower, youd be wrong.

In a New Latino Voice poll released on Wednesday, the Republican nominees level of support from this critical voting bloc has sagged to a dismal 10.6 percent.

The numbers:

While Hillary Clinton is soaring among these voters at a critical moment in the campaign, Trump is beginning to slide. Clinton surged by eight points with Latinos and Trump fell by roughly four points, the poll noted.

Its also worth noting that Trumps share of the Latino vote is on pace to drastically underperform all Republican nominees since at least 2000. This should be particularly alarming to Team Trump given how much this population has grown over that same time period.

Latino vote share: Bush 00: 35% Bush 04: 40% McCain: 31% Romney: 27% Trump (today): 10.6%https://t.co/1Dj0vNxTjH  Josh Dorner (@JoshDorner) October 5, 2016

If Donald Trumps numbers among this voting bloc are even remotely close to the latest poll, the Republican nominee is doomed. This is especially true when it comes to the must-win state of Florida, where the survey showed Clintons support among this demographic jumping by nearly 20 points since the first presidential debate.

According to the poll, over 76 percent of Sunshine State Latinos support Clinton, while just 18 percent plan to vote for Trump. In 2012, Obama won just 58 percent of these voters in Florida  and he still won the state.

The new poll suggests that Trump can win white voters by a good margin, as Republican nominees often do, but his pathetic showing among minority voters will doom him at the end of the day.
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Mike Pence is busted again as yet another lie from last nights debate gets debunked.

During Tuesday nights vice presidential debate, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine charged that Donald Trump had broken his promise to release his tax returns. Trumps vice presidential candidate Republican Mike Pence denied that Trump had broken his promise, saying directly, He hasnt broken his promise.

PolitiFact rules Pences statement as false; Donald Trump did break his promise. They write in their ruling:

Trump said he would absolutely release his tax returns in January 2016 and that itll happen probably over the next few months in February without the stipulation of an IRS audit. He also made the promise in 2011, 2014 and 2015 without conditions.

They note, Theres still 33 days left before Election Day, so Trump still has time to honor this pledge. But, as of Oct. 4, 2016, when Pence made his claim, Trump has yet to show the public the money.

Their final verdict, We rate Pences claim False.

Days ago, the New York Times released a leaked tax return that suggested not only was Donald Trump a big loser (almost $1 billion in debt) but he also might not have paid income taxes for 18 years.

So Tim Kaine pressed Pence about Donald Trumps refusal to release his tax returns, saying, Donald Trump started this campaign in 2014, and he said, If I run for president, I will absolutely release my taxes. Hes broken his first  

He hasnt broken his promise, Pence said, denying reality. Look, Donald Trump has filed over 100 pages of financial disclosure, which is what the law requires. The American people can review that. And hes going, Senator, hes going to release his tax returns when the audit is over.

PolitiFact notes that Kaine countered accurately, Richard Nixon released tax returns when he was under audit.

Donald Trump wont even do what Nixon Richard would in terms of transparency and thats certainly something for the nation to ponder.

For all of the misguided praise for Pences stylistic debate performance, it was a performance riddled with lies and deceit. Mike Pence could not defend the man hes running with, and so he chose to make up a fake Donald Trump.

Pence has been called out for his lies and embarrassed with the easily obtained video tape already. Pences performance full of lies only further brands the Republican ticket as the ticket of liars, but its also damaging his political future and further harming the Republican brand. Amid all of the other lies, its important to note that PolitiFact rated his Trump promise about his tax return claim false.

Donald Trump did promise to release his tax returns and he has not. He has no excuse for this, except that he is hiding something from the voters.
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Democratic satisfaction with Hillary Clinton continues to grow and has led to the enthusiasm gap between Clinton and Trump supporters being completely wiped out.

A new Economist/YouGov Poll has found that Clinton has erased the enthusiasm gap:

Hillary Clinton has erased a thirteen point gap in enthusiasm in a week. She has cut her net unfavorable rating by nearly half from 15 points to eight points, and dominant edge on Trump (+18 to -25) on net temperament ratings. While Hillary Clinton has demonstrated upward movement, Donald Trump is stuck in the same place where he has been for months. Trump net favorable rating remains (-34). Trump has a favorable rating of 29% and an unfavorable rating of 63%.

Hillary Clintons mission in the second presidential debate is to continue to speak to and motivate potential Democratic voters. She has rebuilt her lead based on bringing more of the Democratic coalition that elected Obama twice into her camp and appealing to moderate Republicans and Independents who have been completely turned off by Trump.

Trumps campaign is stuck in neutral and sliding downhill. It is difficult to see how he reverses his favorability and temperament issues given his apparent lack of impulse control.

Hillary Clintons lead has grown over the past week plus because Democrats and potential Democratic voters have grown more comfortable with her as their potential president. The first debate lit the spark and got Democratic voters engaged and excited. The next step for Hillary Clinton is to carry that excitement through early voting and to the polls in November.
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Mike Pence was asked on MSNBCs Morning Joe if the Trump campaigns position is still to ban Muslims based on their religion, and he denied it saying Of course not.

Yet, the ban-Muslims policy is still on Donald Trumps website and Trump mailers sent out this week brag about the immigration pause.

Mike Pence asked point-blank if the campaign's position is still to ban Muslims based on their religion. "Of course not," he replies.  Jenna Johnson (@wpjenna) October 6, 2016

Donald Trumps Donald J. Trump Statement on Preventing Muslim Immigration starts off definitively, Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our countrys representatives can figure out what is going on.

Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the U.S. until he can figure out whats going on, and God only knows how long that will take since the entire Republican Party is pretending there arent any rules about Syrian refugees.

For instance, there is already a security test  in spite of the many Republicans, including Speaker Paul Ryan, pretending there isnt.

It involves the Department of Defense, the FBI, the DHS, et al, all of which know more about national security than Donald Trump. Deputy State Department Spokesman Mark Toner called the Syrian refugee security process the most stringent security process for anyone entering the United States.

Syrian refugees go through even more forms of screening than other refugees and even further forms of screening are being examined, though these details are classified.

Because of Republican ignorance regarding these procedures, Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson were forced in November of 2015 to send letters to all state governors and to the mayor of D.C., even after the White House already had a phone call with governors around the country during which they explained the procedures. They are also on the internet for anyone to read. Yikes.

Republicans just put their fingers over their ears and eyes and cry as the grown ups shove facts in front of their faces. They have to do this in order to keep up the facade of being the strong party and in order to continue running campaigns based on hatred of Muslims.

Oh, yeah, and that hasnt abated. For proof, I give you an Ohio GOP Trump mailer from this week that brags about putting a pause on immigration from countries that sponsor terrorism:

Got a Donald Trump mailer addressed to me in Ohio this week, paid for by the New York Republican State Committee. pic.twitter.com/Hfdo2CXYr5  Nick Castele (@NickCastele) October 6, 2016

A close up of the ban brag:

Once again, Mike Pence continues his campaign strategy of just outright lying and denying. In Pences mind, he can just make up a better Donald Trump and you wont care that hes lying to hide the hate and ignorance they both stand for.

Its not that Mike Pence is embarrassed, after all he has a record of hate going after LGBT people and women. Its that he doesnt want to admit what he and Trump stand for. He knows the majority of America wouldnt like it, which begs the question if they feel so strongly about their hateful policies why dont they have the courage to be honest about them.
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This is certainly not going to help Donald Trumps view of CNN as the Clinton News Network, or coax him out of hiding over at the Hannity show. But facts are facts, and Ana Navarro pointed out Mike Pences mistake in talking about that Mexican thing at the VP Debate.

As Navarro, a Republican, explained, Pence is part of a campaign and of a ticket that has made it its purpose to attack Hispanicsfrom day one.

Former disgraced Trump adivser Michael Caputos only response was to call facts outrageous, to which Navarro responded, bluntly, that makes you seem insane.

ANA NAVARRO: The one gaffe [Gov. Mike Pence] made  and I think it was a gaffe because this is not consistent with Mike Pences record in Congress  is when he talked about that Mexican thing.



[]



NAVARRO: I believe the man made a legitimate gaffe, but he is part of a campaign and of a ticket that has made it its purpose to attack Hispanics, to attack Mexicans, from day one. And so he had to walk on eggshells.



MICHAEL CAPUTO: Thats outrageous.



NAVARRO: Whats outrageous about it? What was the first thing the man said June 16th when he first launched his campaign? That Mexicans were rapists. Thats what you should find outrageous, not that I bring it up.



CAPUTO: Thats not what he said.



NAVARRO: Oh. Listen. Its on video.



CAPUTO: Thats not what he said. You change it  you change it 



NAVARRO: For to you go on TV and say what everybody has seen for the last 16 months not to be true makes you seem insane. That is what he says. The video is there, the transcript is there, we know he said Mexicans are rapists and some are good people, too. And that is the part you should be outraged by. Not by me bringing it up.



CAPUTO: Actually, he said that illegal immigrants were committing rape. He didnt say anything about the way 



[CROSSTALK]



DON LEMON: The transcript says  as close as I can get it is that when Mexico sends its people, they send over their worst, their rapists 



CAPUTO: And he was speaking in the context of illegal immigration. That was about illegal immigration.



LEMON: But hes still talking about Mexican  is he not talking about Mexican people when he says that?



CAPUTO: Hes talking about Mexican illegal immigrants.



NAVARRO: And what was he talking about when he went after Judge Curiel? What was he talking about when he dismissed the ability of an Indiana-born judge to do his job fairly because he happened to be of Mexican descent, because his parents happened to be Mexican? Was that outrageous too for me to bring it up, or did you not hear that either?



CAPUTO: No, I heard it. I also think the judge had no business on that case. I think Mr. Trump didnt litigate his position very well, and I think that he could have chosen different words but, Ana, for you to sit here and call Donald Trump a flat-out racist is outrageous.



NAVARRO: Well let me do it again, and let me do it in two languages. Es un racista. He is a flat-out racist, and its what hes played on for 16 months. He is a bigot, he is a racist, he is a misogynist. He has said horrible things about women, he has said horrible things about immigrants, about Hispanics, he has yet to say one good thing about immigrants, and for you to shake your head and tell me that Im the outrageous one is what outrages me. Republicans need to speak up, and people need to know that not all Republicans are represented by the hostile, vile voice of Donald Trump.

Like Mike Pence, all Caputo could do was lie, pretending that Trump never said what Trump clearly, and very publicly, said. Eventually, Caputo ran out of words and just rolled his eyes.

Republican attempts to defend the indefensible crumble in the face of facts. Trumps racism is too well attested in video to be denied, and all Republican attempts to do so only make them seem foolish.

Caputo did the only thing he could do on behalf of Trump, and that was lie. But with barely a month left before Election Day, the lies have caught up to Donald Trump.
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People who believe they have a legal duty to put self-interest before the public interest dont belong in public service, two former White House ethics lawyers explain in the New York Times. These are the words of two people whose job it was to review tax returns of presidents and nominees to the presidents cabinet and other positions.

This destroys the Republican argument that Donald Trump is so smart to avoid paying taxes and hes doing some great thing when he acts selfishly.

If its not good enough for the cabinet, its not good enough for the office of the presidency.

Norman Eisen, chief White House ethics lawyer from 2009 to 2011 and Richard W. Painter, chief White House ethics lawyer from 2005 to 2007, explained in the New York Times just how central tax returns are for cabinet members and other positions. They write, Based on the few pages of Donald J. Trumps 1995 tax returns that have become public, we have come to the conclusion that no one in his position would have been nominated, much less confirmed by the Senate, during either of the administrations we served. The same is true of any modern administration of a president from either party.

Someone in Trumps position would not even be nominated, let alone confirmed, under either party.

If a presidential candidate cannot meet that standard, then we question his qualifications for the highest office in the land, they write.

As to the idea that not paying taxes is legal, maybe. But In both the Bush and Obama administrations, a bad attitude about paying taxes was a deal killer. They even specifically call out instances of doomed nominations by the arguably legal but unsavory use of tax loopholes.

Sure, if Republicans can pull this off it will be the heist of a generation  after all, this has been their goal, to convince the public that the rich and corporations shouldnt have to pay anything because they are so great. If they can convince the public that its super smart to be a selfish, greedy, unpatriotic business failure, well that would be quite an achievement.

And then theres the issue of being a public servant.

Any nominee who had told either of us that he had a fiduciary responsibility as a businessman or to his family to pay as little tax as possible, as Mr. Trump put it, would have been told to stop wasting the presidents time. People who believe they have a legal duty to put self-interest before the public interest dont belong in public service.

They also unravel the false notion that Trump has a fiduciary duty to not pay taxes on his personal income. That, as weve said before, is called greed.

Greed. The chief White House ethics lawyers under both Bush and Obama call what Donald Trump did greed.

They explain that they asked nominees for Senate-confirmed positions to provide tax information, and this is most important to national security and the economy Neither of us can recall a single nominee who refused, and with good reason. If the White House were to so much as delay in disclosing the tax returns of a nominee, much less tell the Senate that a nominee did not want to disclose them, the nomination would be dead on arrival.

DOA for even delaying. We are almost 30 days out and Trump still wont release his tax returns.

No one is asking Donald Trump to do something exceptional.

Donald Trump has business dealings with our political enemies, and business dealings and debt in this country that could not help but influence his decisions. Trump has already told us that he is greedy and proud of being greedy. There is no reason to assume that his lifelong personality would change when he got into the White House. So it is logical to see him using the White House to benefit himself  something he surely needs after a lifetime of horrible business management, and with no father to bail him out anymore.

Not only is the Republican defense of Donald Trump exposing the flimsy Republican argument for the tax laws they defend and fight for, but the American people are not impressed. Sixty-seven percent of Americans said it is selfish for a presidential candidate to pay no taxes, while 61% said it is unpatriotic, according to an online Reuters/Ipsos poll . Sure some of them think its smart, but selfish and unpatriotic are not acceptable for lower positions, so why should America lower the bar once again for Donald Trump.

America has bent over backward for Donald Trump to accommodate his lack of knowledge and give him a pat on the back for doing the most basic things required of a candidate, but he still wont even release his tax returns. Enough coddling of Donald Trump. Hes not entitled to special treatment, and he should have to do what every other person being considered for the job has to do  show his taxes and pay some taxes.
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I still remember the very first piece I made for Central Saint Martins, ten years ago. First years were instructed to create an artwork to illustrate their hometown, by way of introducing each other to their classmates on the first day of school. Being a Malaysian who immigrated to Britain because I found my country did little to support the creative arts, I thought I'd create a sculpture to depict the freedom of speech, or rather lack of, in my motherland. My sculpture began with a bird cage, the base of which was littered with smashed lightbulbs and bloodied feathers (broken dreams and ideas) and the centrepiece representing voices silenced would be a mouth fashioned from...dentures.

To procure the dentures, I scoured Jalan Petaling (Petaling Street), the main artery of the old heart of Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur. Among the back alleys of Chee Cheong Kai (the Chinese locals' name for Jalan Petaling) I found a tiny shop run by an old man who had been making false teeth since time immemorial. The look on this gentleman's face when I pointed at his bin and asked if I could have his unwanted, discarded creations was classic; as were the expressions of my bemused classmates on Orientation Day, the date of which will be immortalised as 'The day the bat-sh*t crazy Asian chick made an impression at art school by hauling in her hand luggage, across the world, a mouldy ol' bird cage teeming with germs, microbes, and DNA.'





If 10 years ago you had told me that this grubby, seedy pocket of the city where I got my dentures from would be a destination for cool-chasers and the social media generation, Id have probably laughed so hard that my chompers fell out of my mouth and I'd have needed two sets of false teeth. Of course, Id have wanted to believe it - Id long fantasised about living a bobo (bohemian borgeoius) lifestyle in a gently-restored but mostly artfully dilapidated shophouse on Jalan Petaling, popping downstairs to Nanyang for art supplies or to the flea market for snacks of soya bean milk and roasted chestnuts. My dreams of fauxhemian affectation was quickly shattered by petty crime rates in the area and the noise of backpacking tourists inhabiting the local hostels.

Jalan Petaling and her neighbouring streets have always suffered a reputation for being the place where you clutch your purse tight while travelling in packs for protection, avoiding jeers from street vendors trying to sell you counterfeit luxury goods. It still is, but lately its been drawing a new crowd of hipsters, tourists in the know, and even just straight-laced professionals who want an alternative aperitif. All this is thanks to the catalyst of the young-blood revival of Jalan Petaling (much like the revival of Ipoh Old Town ): 3 surprising and exciting new establishments - including a speakeasy bar - occupying former brothels, houses, warehouses, and guesthouses - in some instances all of the above.






Small business CEOs who have a product-centered business always are scratching their heads on how to best price their products.

As a SCORE mentor, I struggle with this question in trying to assist a client. So, I usually emphasize things such as doing research on your competitor's pricing so you know what your customers are seeing out there and also know your costs of production or accessing so you know what your base price is before you build in your cost of doing business.

But so often, the question is really getting at the "magic" of pricing and what will the customer pay, I have done a lot of digging on this topic and only concluded that it is complex.

I respect the contributions of Geoffrey James, a contributing writer for INC Magazine. He has summed these pieces up like this: "Given all the renewed attention to the study of prices, it's likely that a number of time-honored pricing strategies will gradually fall by the wayside." However, he added that "there is one pricing strategy that's turning out to be amazingly resilient, even though it's both painfully obvious and faintly annoying: ending your price with the numeral "9."

The classic study of this phenomenon was published in the journal Quantitative Marketing and Economics, encompassed three field studies where different price points were offered. According to the researchers, the data yielded these conclusions.

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 First, the use of a $9 price ending increased demand in all three experiments.

 Second, the increase in demand was stronger for new items than for items the retailer had sold in previous years.

 There also is evidence that $9 price endings are less effective when retailers use "Sale" cues. Together, these results suggest that $9-endings may be more effective when customers have limited information, which may in turn help to explain why retailers do not use $9 price endings on every item.

Thus, though the difference is negligible, a product priced at $1,999 will tend to sell better than the same product priced at $2,000. Surprisingly, the research also showed a product priced at $1,999 will tend to sell better than the same product priced at $1,995.

So it's not about the savings. Apparently there's just something about ending the price in a "9" that nudges people to buy. In James' words "Force of habit, maybe? Nobody seems to know for sure."

So it appears customers make buying decisions based upon their emotions and how the price is presented.

Entrepreneurs often assume customers are looking for the best value and make decisions to buy based on finding the best possible price. Neither assumption is true.

"Customers are deeply irrational and make decisions based upon emotions rather than logical thought," James said. "Fortunately, numerous studies have shown these emotional reactions to be highly predictable." Here are some:

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1. Similar prices prevent sales.More customers will buy at least one of two products if they have slightly different prices than if they have identical prices. Example: two T-shirts priced at $9.50 and $9.60 will sell better than if they're both priced at $9.55.

2. High-priced alternatives increase sales.Customers are more likely to buy a product after being exposed to an expensive alternative. For example, the Tesla Model 3 (at $35,000) became the most preordered automobile in part because would-be buyers compared it to Tesla's existing high-priced models.

3. Buyers do not notice price hikes less than 10 percent.Generally, customers don't care much about price increases until the increase exceeds 10 percent of the original price.

4. Customers buy more with installments.Customers are more likely to buy a product if the price is broken into multiple payments (such as three payments of $50) rather than a single price ($150).

5. Price can be reframed to seem smaller.Customers will consider a price more attractive if you compare it to something else that seems trivial.

6. Too much choice prevents buying.Customers are more likely to buy if they're presented with fewer choices.

7. Bundling options increases add-on buying.Customers confronted with add-on options are less likely to buy when it requires separate decisions and more likely to buy when the options are bundled into a package.

8. Yes, $999 sells better than $1,000.Also $999 sells much better than $999.99 because the decimal makes the number seem larger.

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9. Customers will pay more in fancy places.Weirdly, customers are willing to pay two or three times as much for the same product when that product is purchased in posh surroundings.

10. Customers will buy anything that's scarce.Customers pull out their wallets when told something won't be available in the future. The archetypal example of this is the Pontiac, a car that pretty much nobody wanted until General Motors retired the brand in 2010, at which point every car left on the lots sold within a couple of weeks.
ALBERT LEA  An Austin man wanted on a felony probation violation in Olmsted County was picked up after a traffic stop turned into a chase in Albert Lea late Tuesday.

Albert Lea police pulled over a vehicle on a vehicle registration violation at about 11 p.m. Tuesday. The driver immediately sped away, beginning a vehicle pursuit, according to the Albert Lea police.

The ensuing chase, which reached speeds up to 60 mph, ended when the vehicle being chased ended up in a yard after failing to successfully make a 90-degree turn in the road. The driver then fled on foot.

Freeborn County sheriff's deputies and Minnesota State Patrol officers helped set up a perimeter, and a K9 unit began the search for the driver. The police dog tracked the suspect, leading officers to a door on an unattached garage in the 300 block of Seventh Street East, about a block from where the vehicle crashed.

Officers arrested Coniah Horton, 31, of Austin, who surrendered after being warned of the police dog. He is being held in the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center on suspicion of fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, fleeing a police officer on foot, driving after revocation and other charges.

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He was also wanted on a felony arrest warrant from Olmsted County due to a felony probation violation.
A man from Colorado accused of stealing mail from local mailboxes, then trying to cash an altered check, has pleaded guilty in the case.

Brady Andre Courville, 30, entered the plea Tuesday in Olmsted County District Court, where he had been charged with one count each of check forgery, possession of stolen or counterfeit check and mail theft, all felonies.

He pleaded guilty to the possession charge; in exchange, the other two counts are expected to be dismissed at sentencing, which is set for Nov. 28. Courville was released on his own recognizance until then.

The case began Aug. 25, when an employee at U.S. Bank, 155 First Ave. SW in Rochester, contacted law enforcement about a possible forgery in progress.

A man  later identified as Courville  was in the bank, trying to cash an altered check, the complaint says. The owner of the checking account was contacted; he had not written the $1,769 check to Courville.

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The teller became suspicious because the check "was folded a bunch of times and appeared to have been bleached," court documents say. Upon closer examination, she saw the check originally was made out to U.S. Bank; Courville's name reportedly was written over the original payee.

The owner of the account told investigators he'd put the check in the mail a day or two earlier; he didn't know Courville, nor had he ever written a check to him.

Officers noted a bag full of what appeared to be mail in Courville's vehicle; a search warrant executed on the car turned up mail addressed to about 10 different people, as well as outgoing mail with return labels containing the victim's address.

Courville admitted the victim hadn't given him the check; he told authorities he was from Colorado and was broke.
With individual health insurance premiums set to balloon next year, the issue of rising health costs has been thrust into the political spotlight with less than five weeks until Election Day.

House Republican leaders on Wednesday accused Democrats of failing to take action to address the growing health care crisis and suggested it is time for a special legislative session.

Among those speaking out at the news conference was House Taxes Committee Chairman Greg Davids. The Preston Republican said in an interview that skyrocketing health insurance costs for people who buy their own insurance will have a devastating impact on many families.

"They simply can't afford it. They'll stop going to the doctor. They'll drop their insurance even if it's against the law to do that," Davids said.

Democrats pushed back, saying they have offered solutions but Republicans failed to consider their ideas.

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"The Republicans have a pattern of waiting until the last minute and saying, 'Oh man, we have an emergency and we need to solve it,' " said DFL House Minority Leader Paul Thissen. "And that's what they are doing again. Where have you been the last two years?"

Highest premiums are in SE MInnesota

Insurance company rates announced last week show that residents in southeastern Minnesota who are looking to buy individual policies will once again be faced with the highest premiums in the state.

There will also be less choice. Blue Cross/Blue Shield announced in June it would no longer sell policies in the state's individual market. That means there are two insurance plans left for individual consumers to choose from in southeast Minnesota  Medica and Blue Plus.

Medica's rates will climb by an average of nearly 50 percent in 2017 and Blue Plus' rates will increase by 55 percent. Medica will also cap the number of enrollees it will accept statewide at 50,000.

Only about 5 percent of Minnesotans get their coverage from the individual market, with most still getting health care coverage via their employer or publicly funded programs. Tax credits are available for policies purchased through the state's health insurance exchange, MNsure. To qualify, an individual can make up to $47,520 and a family of four's income can be up to $97,200.

The higher premiums also mean more tax credits are available, meaning some people could end up paying the same amount or less for health insurance as last year. But consumers who don't qualify for tax credits are facing a big spike in health premiums next year.

What should be done?

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In many cases, Republicans and Democrats disagree about what needs to be done to tackle rising health insurances costs. Davids said one important step Minnesota can take is to scrap MNsure and move to the federally-run exchange.

"(MNsure) is something that we don't need when you can go to the federal exchange. We've spent over $400 million, and we have nothing to show for it," he said.

He also backs the idea of returning to something the state used to have  a high-risk pool for health insurance. He is open to the idea of the state helping to subsidize that costly coverage.

Davids' rival, Spring Grove DFLer Thomas Trehus, opposes the idea of getting rid of MNsure. Rather than starting over, he said he favors efforts to keep improving the system.

To help bring down high rates in southeast Minnesota, Trehus said he supports getting rid of the nine geographic rating areas in the state. That would mean all residents in the state would be in the same insurance pool. Trehus agrees with Davids that it makes sense to bring back a high-risk insurance pool.

"We ought to work with the federal government to help bring something like that back and try to change the law," Trehus said.

Rochester GOP Sen. Carla Nelson also backs the idea of nixing the state's nine areas and moving towards a statewide health insurance pool. She said the state needs to get rid of additional hurdles that prevent people from buying the health insurance they want. Nelson said she would need to examine the potential consequences of getting rid of MNsure and moving to the federal exchange before getting on board with that idea.

"This was a disaster from the beginning and now it's a heck of a mess to clean up. But it needs to be done," Nelson said.

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Her rival, Rochester DFLer Rich Wright, said it is important to remember the many positives of the Affordable Care Act, including people being able to access preventable care instead of putting off doctors' visits and ending up in hospital emergency rooms.

Still, he agrees changes are necessary. He also wants to see a statewide pool for health insurance instead of having it broken up into nine regional areas. He opposes the idea of getting rid of MNsure in favor of HealthCare.gov.

"The federal exchange isn't better than MNsure," Wright said. "And what happens is we lose control and oversight, and I don't think we would want to do that."
The Rochester City Council is preparing to debate a sustainable city plan that will greatly impact Rochester during the next two decades.

The Sierra Club in Rochester strongly encourages the city council to listen to overwhelming public opinion and adopt these proposed design guidelines.

What are the design guidelines in question? It's a plan written by the University of Minnesota to guide every aspect of downtown Rochester's redevelopment, from a more-efficient parking system and public transportation, to safer streets and accessible parks. And most importantly, it will make downtown more renewable and energy efficient.

Support for renewable energy is strong in Rochester. A survey by Rochester Public Utilities found that 90 percent of residents want Rochester to be a leader in alternative energy, and one year ago Mayor Ardell Brede proclaimed that Rochester will strive to achieve 100 percent renewable energy, writing, "In order to ensure a livable planet for current and future generations, we urgently need to build societies powered by safe, affordable, and sustainable energy."

By implementing these proposed Destination Medical Center Design Guidelines, Rochester will take a significant step toward achieving the 100 percent renewable goal.

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The guidelines incorporate energy standards already successfully used by cities around the world as well as here in Minnesota. Here are two examples:

First, individual buildings built this year would have to be 70 percent more energy efficient than an average building. Then, every subsequent year, projects would become more energy efficient until net zero energy use is reached in 2030.

This is outlined in the Minnesota Sustainable Building 2030 Energy Standards. St. Paul has already adopted this standard, and the State of Minnesota requires it of all projects that it funds. Rochester should follow the state lead.

Second, the design guidelines set standards for districtwide energy systems. Downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul, the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic already use district energy systems and achieved 20 percent savings on average. Downtown Rochester should not be left out.

To quote the proposed DMC design guidelines themselves, they are an indispensable first step "to create more efficient, livable, and economically successful urban environment."

Rochester's current and future residents deserve to live in a city powered by clean, healthy energy. These are the guidelines necessary to achieve the goal. If you share this vision, we urge you to contact your city council representative to voice your support. Their contact information can be found on the city's website, www.rochestermn.gov .

Rick Morris, of Rochester, is the Rochester clean energy organizer for Sierra Club's North Star Chapter.
Olmsted County and Rochester are in the midst of very significant growth and changes, which create both challenges and opportunities. The city council, the school board, and the county board each have an important role to play in making decisions that will affect our community's future for years to come.

In fact, the health and vitality of our local community depends much more on the local government races than on who wins the presidency, or wins seats in Congress and the Legislature. In this election year, don't ignore the races for city council, county board and school board.

Who you elect to the city council, the county board and the school board will affect the property taxes you pay, the quality of local services you and your family use every day, and the overall well-being and vitality of your community. It is local governments which provide the services and make the decisions which build, maintain, and protect your homes, schools, and neighborhoods. It's local government officials that have the responsibility to take steps now to address today's challenges while scanning and preparing for our long-range future.

Most local elected officials have "day jobs" in addition to their public positions. This has the advantage of keeping them in close contact with the people they represent and with community concerns. Unlike state legislators or members of Congress, local elected officials are in the community nearly all the time. They walk the streets, attend events, listen to constituents, and have an on-going ability to be aware of what is on the community's mind. Better yet: they are available for you to communicate with directly.

Are local officials asking the right questions as our population grows, becomes older, and more ethnically diverse? How should we balance the demands of the downtown changes created by the Destination Medical Center initiative with the need for expanded public services and affordable housing? Should we choose to use transit-oriented development? Are we closing the achievement gap and becoming an inclusive community? Can everyone succeed here?

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The electoral races for these local races usually do not get much notice. Most are low-budget campaigns that cannot afford to mail literature to you or pay for print or broadcast advertising. So, it is really up to you to pay attention to who is running for the city council, county board and school board. In Rochester, there are contested races this year for all three elected bodies (city, county and school board), and the experience, views and goals of the candidates are very different.

Choosing your local elected officials is more important than ever. Creating and maintaining a vibrant, healthy community is challenging. It takes good management, collaboration between units of government, and the willingness to work to bridge differences. Who has the right experience, attitude and temperament to do this work on your behalf?

On Nov. 8, you will choose the local elected officials to make decisions that will directly affect your local services and your daily life for years to come. Be sure to vote  and  choose wisely.

Sheila Kiscaden, of Rochester, represents the Sixth District on the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners
Congressional candidate Jim Moylan will not let truth or distortions stop him from saying anything to get elected. It is up to political analy Read morePolitical ploys at the last part of election?
Lionel Shriver is an American novelist who lives in London. I will only add that she is a woman because her adopted name Lionel might lead one to infer otherwise (photo below).

On September 8 Shriver gave the keynote speech at the Brisbane Writers Festival. Her speech opposed the concept of cultural appropriation. The Guardian has posted the text of Shrivers speech here. Shriver elaborated on her speech in the New York Times column Will the left survive the millenials?

Shrivers speech triggered a leftwing meltdown (as Bari Weiss put it in the column linked below). The New York Times picked up on the controversy. The Times reported: Officials in charge of an Australian writers festival were so upset with the address by their keynote speaker, the American novelist Lionel Shriver, that they publicly disavowed her remarks. An Australian writer of Sudanese and Egyptian origin, Yassmin Abdel-Magied, got up and walked out, making live posts on Twitter about her dismay at what she described as a poisoned package wrapped up in arrogance and delivered with condescension.

This past weekend Bari Weiss followed up in her Wall Street Journal column The PC police outlaw make-believe. Weiss briefly summarized Shrivers argument. In Weisss summary of Shriver, fiction writers should be permitted to write fiction. Weiss rightly observes that Shrivers speech and the subsequent events show how the secular religion of identity politics is threatening imagination itself.

Taken to their logical conclusion, Shriver said in her address, ideologies recently come into vogue challenge our right to write fiction at all. Meanwhile, the kind of fiction we are allowed to write is in danger of becoming so hedged, so circumscribed, so tippy-toe, that wed indeed be better off not writing the anodyne drivel to begin with.

So far, so good. To defend her work as a novelist, however, Shriver cited Dalton Trumbo. If Dalton Trumbo had been scared off of describing being trapped in a body with no arms, legs, or face because he was not personally disabledbecause he had not been through a World War I maiming himself and therefore had no right to appropriate the isolation of a paraplegicwe wouldnt have the haunting 1938 classic, Johnny Got His Gun, she said.

I may be mistaken, but I wouldnt describe Johnny Got His Gun as a classic in the sense that Shriver uses the term. If it is a classic, it is a classic whose own story is part of the phenomenon that Shriver protests.

The story is related to my recent post Those Angry Days. Johnny Got His Gun was published in September 1939 and serialized in the Communist Party press in early 1940. Drawing on modernist literary techniques, the novel reflects pacifist sentiments that coincided with the Communist Party line at the time of its publication.

I believe that Trumbo himself acknowledged joining the Communist Party in 1943, although he said he may as well have been a member years earlier. In Red Star Over Hollywood: The Film Colonys Long Romance With the Left, Ronald and Allis Radosh write that Trumbo had in fact joined the Party during the years of the Nazi-Soviet Pact. Referring to Johnny Got His Gun, they observe that the novels fierce antiwar vision fit right in with the Party program of neutrality during the days of the pact[.]

Once Germany turned on the Soviet Union, however, the Party immediately abandoned the antiwar line. After the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, Trumbo suddenly found his pacifism no longer tenable, as Ring Lardner, Jr. put it. As Ron Radosh wrote in his Weekly Standard article on Trumbo: Literally overnight, the Communist partys peace campaign ended and was replaced by calls for intervention against Hitler.

The Radoshes comment: Practicing the self-censorship required of a good CommunistTrumbo remembered his novel, which was taken out of print and not mentioned again until the 1960s, when Vietnam developed as a cause of the left: then he not only resurrected the book but turned it into a major Hollywood film. (Roger Greenspun really captured the flavor of the film, written and directed by Trumbo, in his New York Times review.)

And thats not all. Ron Radosh adds to the story in his Weekly Standard article on Trumbo:

Trumbo censored his own book, took the plates from the publisher, and let it go out of print. But the novel, which had gotten good reviews, was still popular, and readers wrote to Trumbo to find out where it could be found. Not satisfied that his book was no longer available, Trumbo-fearing, undoubtedly correctly, that many of those letterwriters were isolationists, and some even pro-fascistinvited the FBI to visit him at home in 1944, and turned the letters over to the agents. He informed on Americans who only wanted to read his own novel! It was the right wing, he explained, that was trying to make censorship of Johnny Got His Gun into a civil liberties issue, so he had no compunction about informing on these people. After all, he told the agents, some of them were organizing politically and others had called Franklin Roosevelt a criminal incendiary.

Though Lionel Shriver finds Trumbo an ally of convenience, Johnny Got His Gun is not exactly a testament to the freedom of the artists imagination. If it is at all, it may be the least interesting part of the story.
The authorities in St. Cloud have been sparing in their release of information regarding the stabbing rampage perpetrated by Somali refugee Dahir Adan at the Crossroads Center mall on the evening of September 17. Since the joint press conference held by the mayor, the chief of police and the FBI in the immediate aftermath of the incident the following day, the authorities have remained mum. I wrote about what we knew as of September 20 in Minnesota man strikes in St. Cloud.

The FBI has taken over the investigation and, with one exception, said nothing for public consumption. The one exception is the brief comment made by FBI Director James Comey in response to a question posed by Rep. Ron DeSantis in the House Judiciary Committee hearing last week. Comey suggested that the investigation tended to support the suspicion that the rampage was inspired by an Islamic terrorist group. (I quoted Comey and posted the video of his testimony on this point in Comey on the stabbing rampage.) No surprise there.

Today Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall announced that Jason Falconer  the off-duty Avon police officer who heroically stopped the rampage by killing Adan  would not be charged because the officers use of force was justified. No surprise there. Kendall presented video of the rampage to explain her decision (KARE 11 excerpt below). The most terrifying video available online at the moment shows Adan in action above.

The Star Tribune reports on the press conference at which Kendall spoke here. KMSP 9 has posted a video of the entire press conference here together with its account.

FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Minneapolis Division Richard Thornton also spoke at the press conference. Consistent with Comeys testimony last week, Thornton summarized circumstantial evidence tending to support the inference that Adan was inspired by an Islamic terrorist group.

Dana Thiedes KARE 11 report highlights what can be seen of the press conference in the two videos above:

The most jarring part of the presentation was the showing and release of surveillance tape capturing Adan attacking and stabbing a store clerk who had walked to the entrance of his establishment after hearing screaming and commotion from the malls common area. The tape shows the employee fleeing as Adan entered the store clearly like a man on a mission, raising the large knife and stabbing the young man several times. Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall then stepped to the podium, announcing there will be no charges against Avon Police Officer Jason Falconer and saying it is clear that his use of deadly force in firing on Dahir Adan was justified. To back up the decision Kendall played surveillance tape from inside Macys that captured the fatal encounter between Falconer and Adan. She described how Adan approached Falconer in the Crossroads Mall, asking him if he was Muslim. When Falconer answered by saying no, Adan turned away, and the off-duty officer saw the two knives he was carrying. At that point Falconer began pursing Adan, identifying himself as a police officer and demanding that Adan drop his weapons. Instead the suspect fled, with Falconer pursuing him into Macys. Witnesses describe Falconer identifying himself as an officer over and over, telling Adan to drop the weapons. Cameras capture Adan laying down for a period of seconds, then getting to his feet and charging Falconer. The officer fires, striking Adan, who kept advancing despite his wounds. Investigators say Falconer opened fire a second time, dropping Adan to the ground. The suspect managed to get to his hands and knees, crawling at the officer with a knife in his hands. A third burst of gunfire finally stopped Adan.

The authorities took no questions after their presentations at the press conference. The FBI continues an investigation that has obviously consumed enormous resources in its Minneapolis office.
Noel Francisco and James Burnham practice law at Jones Day in Washington, D.C. They represented former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell against the federal corruption charges brought against him and his wife by the government. The story came to as happy an ending it could have for Governor McDonnell and his wife when the Supreme Court unanimously set aside their convictions this past June and the government subsequently chose to abandon the charges. The Supreme Court opinion in the case (by Chief Justice Roberts) is here>.

In the Wall Street Journal column The FBI treated Hillary Clinton with kid gloves (accessible via Google here, the headline really doesnt capture the severity of the column), Francisco and Burnham now look back on the FBI/DOJ investigation of the McDonnells and contrast it with the faux investigation of Hillary Clinton. They contrast the two investigations on the following points:

 Conduct ambush interviews.  Immunize only witnesses who can help deliver convictions.  Investigate and charge all potential crimes.  Construe corruption broadly.  Claim that concealment proves consciousness of guilt.

Francisco and Burnham arrive at this conclusion:

FBI Director James Comey said that in Mrs. Clintons case there was no evidence of criminal intent. Yet she set up a private email server in her basement and permanently deleted thousands of the emails it contained. A plausible motive would be shielding her activities from public scrutiny. The Comey standardthat direct evidence of knowing criminality is needed to prosecuteis certainly not the one that his agency and the Justice Department applied to Gov. McDonnell for more than three years. To be clear, we arent endorsing these heavy-handed tactics, many of which are befitting Inspector Javert of Les Miserables. But these are the sorts of things investigators do when they are serious about bringing criminal charges. In deciding whether the investigation into Mrs. Clinton was a real oneas opposed to a grand, expensive spectacle of law-enforcement theaterGov. McDonnells treatment is instructive.

Instructive doesnt quite capture it, but understatement has its uses.
PR-Inside.com: 2016-10-06 09:04:01

BCEE Implements SmartStreams Corona Universal Data Solution to Better Manage Custodian Data and Meet IRS Regulations

SmartStream (Corporate Head Office)

London:

Nathan Gee

Senior Marketing Manager

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7898 0630

Email: nathan.gee@smartstream-stp.com

or

Dina Communications

Shamira Alidina, Media Relations Director

Tel +44 (0) 7801 590718

Email: shamira@dinacomms.com

SmartStream Technologies, the Transaction Lifecycle Management (TLM) specialist, today announced that Banque et Caisse d'Epargne de l'Etat, Luxembourg (BCEE) has implemented SmartStreams Corona Universal Data solution - helping the bank to complete audit trails and meet US regulatory requirements in a timely manner.

In order to comply with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury, Banks only have a few weeks to reconcile annual data before the legal cut off. Alongside this, there are possible errors and exceptions, which need to be taken into account and escalated. As each bank works on its own system, manual processes often involving Excel spreadsheets are common practice. As a consequence, operational risk remains high.

SmartStreams Corona Universal Data solution will automatically update the data as soon as it is received from the custodian, reconcile it and alert the bank of any errors, providing a full audit. This allows the bank to have better control over its reconciliations processing  i.e ready to provide data to the regulatory authorities. Cost savings are achieved by eliminating the need to address errors due to time constraints.

The IRS regulation has meant that banks need to report and provide an audit trail of all transactions by a certain deadline. Alex Revelant, Head of Securities Department, BCEE, stated: As a Qualified Intermediary, BCEE must fulfil the reporting obligations to the IRS. Our team needs to ensure that the data provided by BCEE (relating to US payments) is in line with the classification of the same payments, reported by each of our custodians. The reconciliation is performed by combining different codes relating to the instrument, the income type, the beneficiary and of course the taxation data, all of this for each income payment is necessary.

He continues: As each intermediary owns his own system, there is no standardisation of the disclosure, the format of the files or event and the number of fields provided. Each year, the reconciliation was time consuming and in part was performed manually for many weeks. Today, as a result of having Corona, the functional team can focus on the real issues rather than on the reformatting of the files received. In addition, operational risk is reduced.

Alain Mercier, Deputy Head of IT Development Department, BCEE, stated: BCEE is a long-standing customer of SmartStream and uses Corona solutions for cash and securities reconciliation, investigations and confirmations. We are very satisfied with the quality and the performance of Corona solutions as well as the service delivered by SmartStream.

Christian Schiebl, Executive Vice President, Corona Business Unit, SmartStream, says: BCEE is a robust and forward thinking organisation, always looking to make further improvements to their services. Taking this measured approach to help reduce risk, gain more control of custodian data and getting better visibility of its overall reconciliations processing is a significant step in the right direction. Within a few weeks, we managed to set up the tool and tested the solution quickly. The system automatically compares the files and highlights the differences. The investigations can be followed up easily and the documentation of the process improves the monitoring of the whole flow. Overall a great success.

Notes to Editors

For more information about SmartStream visit: www.smartstream-stp.com

For more information about BCEE visit: www.bcee.lu

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201610060050
One of the three in NLNGs Nigeria Literature Prize 2016 final selection, Abubakar Adam Ibrahims Season of Crimson Blossoms, is a novel set in the conservative Northern Nigeria, unfolding an unusual love affair in its primary chronicle, yet transcending this in a drama of existence playing out larger ambiguities of religion and politics towards its striking denouement. This is a book described by Veronique Tadjo, author of As the Crow Flies as, A haunting story of forbidden love trying to survive in the midst of social and political violence; of obligation versus personal freedom; of desire and death. More so, Zoe Wicomb, author of October, sees it as A powerful and compelling debut, in which elegantly, and with compassion for the powerless, Ibrahim gives us unique insight into contemporary Nigerian society.

In this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, first-time novelist Abubakar Adam Ibrahim  winner of the BBC African Performance Prize, the Amatu Braide Prize for Prose; a Gabriel Garcia Marquez Fellow (2013) and Civitella Ranieri Fellow (2015)  lays out the influences that have shaped his world view, and his hope of possibly winning the grand prize.

PREMIUM TIMES: Most debut novels almost predictably reveal much of the facts and situations from the authors lived experiences. How true is this with regards to Season of Crimson Blossoms and Abubakar Adam Ibrahim?

Abubakar: I have always been conscious not to write myself into my stories. I am a very private person. Season of Crimson Blossoms is personal to me in the sense that in a way it is my love letter to Jos, the city where I was born, where I got everything and lost them all; a city very close to my heart. But Jos has suffered a decade of unrestrained violence, with neighbours and friends turning on each other in inexplicable acts of barbarity. We used to call them kururuwar Shaidan or the Devils wail. And in all those years of violence, there hasnt been any notable arrest of the politicians and tribal leaders who instigated this violence; there hasnt been any kind of closure for the people who lost their loved ones or their possessions in Jos. So when I wanted to write a novel, I wanted to write about Jos, not from the perspective of who attacked who and how; I didnt want to rationalise and justify anything, I wanted to write about the people who have suffered these violence, who have witnessed it and lost their homes, like myself, or their loved ones and how they are trying to piece together their lives after these had happened to them. That is why the book is dedicated to Jos, not because it is wholly set in Jos, but because for some of these characters, like me, we carry Jos in their hearts. So like Binta Zubairu, and her niece Faiza in the novel, I have been compelled to relocate from Jos by the violence. I suppose that is where the connection between me and the characters end. The story as a whole is completely removed from my person and my experience.

I did not want to write for the western gaze where poverty and violence become characters on their own in the African story; where they become the central focus. I wanted to write about people who live their lives in spite of poverty, or affluence and violence, as we do live our lives in reality.

PREMIUM TIMES: Most commentaries on your fiction, beginning from your collection of short stories The Whispering Trees to your debut full length novel Season of Crimson Blossoms, have remarked about the imaginative and linguistic flights of fancy. In your fictional world, the inventive is deliberately made to downplay the historical, why this?

Abubakar: I hardly think this is true. Season of Crimson Blossoms is deeply rooted in social realism; it addresses the issues in our society, in our culture, in our daily lives. It occupies itself with the background issues that shape the way some people think and behave, to the extent that I think it is a mirror for the North to look at and see itself  warts, dimples and all. At the same time, I want it to be a window for everyone else to look at the North and understand some of the social realities this massive region and its people face. I am a writer, not a propaganda agent and my principal loyalty is to my art and its aesthetics. So even though in Season of Crimson Blossoms I faced social reality head on, probing and interrogating it, I am also conscious that, first and foremost, Im an artist and my principal reason for writing is to tell an engaging story. With The Whispering Trees, I allowed myself some liberties because most of the stories in that collection were written at the height of the Jos crises. I wasnt ready to confront that reality at the point of writing that book, so yes, the stories there offered some kind of escape. By the time I got round to writing Season of Crimson Blossoms, I think I was ready to confront the reality and I wanted to see it in a different way from the regular run off the mill story of ethno-religious crisis in Nigeria, and your typical story of violence.

PREMIUM TIMES: How do you create fiction at the very point of realitys unremitting unrealness? Is it not a betrayal of the writers responsibility to support life when he concentrates entirely on creating beauty at the expense of being a patient and faithful witness to the truth of things, tragic things, around him?

Abubakar: Reality in Nigeria is often stranger than fiction. If anyone doubts that, read the newspapers, read blogs and other online news sources. We read the stories of billions in public funds disappearing into private pockets daily and it is the same hungry, socially and emotionally abused Nigerians who will come out to defend these thieving public figures because she is our tribes woman or he is our party man. It is here that we read in newspapers about birds falling out of the sky and transforming into women. How do you explain that for a decade of politically instigated violence in Jos, not a single person has been convicted for those crimes? In the 21st Century? Sometimes realities unrealness  and this I have experienced both as a citizen and as a journalist  is so stunning that it is inexplicable, and as a fiction writer, it falls to us to give context to this inexplicability, to probe and interrogate the stuff that this our irrational reality is made of. Like the great Chinua Achebe said in a seminal essay of his, the duty of a writer is not to compete with the newspaper headlines for topicality but to explore the human condition. The newspapers are ugly enough, the writer should find a more beautiful way of exploring these realities with debt. It is what artists do; we take ugly things and make them beautiful so you can actually look at them and see the essence of these things and why they can be so ugly and beautiful at the same time.

PREMIUM TIMES: Would you say your characters in Season of Crimson Blossoms effectively convey the intended authorial vision in our too familiar season of crimson blossoms, so to speak?

Abubakar: I think it would be presumptuous of me to make such bold claims. I think that is the duty of the readers and critics. My duty as a writer is to write, which I have done. I shouldnt be the player and the referee. I will let the critics determine this.

PREMIUM TIMES: It has been said that you are also at your best when you evoke the long unrepresented Northern Nigerian environment in your fiction. Is this deliberate?

Abubakar: One cant be the best unless he is pitted against something or someone else. If I am at my best at these evocations, as you say, then it suggests I have attempted other types of evocations. There has to be a basis for comparison, not so? But yes, Nigeria has produced incredible writers and a growing body of impressive works, but that narrative has been largely unbalanced because a huge chunk of the country, with its diverse people and cultures and identities, have not been sufficiently captured. And this is a region and a people that have been grossly misunderstood and stereotyped simply because they havent shared their stories with the world in a language that the world  and the world here begins with the man across the Niger  can access. I deliberately chose to set my stories in the North, to capture the human condition, in the hope of contributing to the balance of the Nigerian narrative. But essentially, what I hope to do the most is to capture our common humanity regardless of tribe, race, religion and identity. That if you remove the veil, replace the name, deep down, we share the same universal concerns as humans.

Perhaps we are witnessing the start of some kind of renaissance, which is in keeping with the renaissance we are experiencing in Nigerian literature as a whole. What is certain is that we are aware of the changing dynamics that are shaping our country as a whole and the North, especially, where these sparks start from.

PREMIUM TIMES: Is it correct to say that you seemed to have followed an emerging trend in serious Northern Nigerian writing in directly thematising identifiable historical experiences around the region. And I refer to Helon Habilas Measuring Time, Richard Alis City of Memories, E. E.Sules Sterile Sky.

Abubakar: The writer is not removed from the society from which he sprung. And if our literary cravings lead us elsewhere, deep down we are haunted by the things that affect our societies, our homes, because to be a writer one has to be sensitive. Helon Habila is an amazing writer but his writing has not been confined to geographic entities like the North. Oil on Water for instance is set in the Niger Delta. My friend Richard Ali has been more conscious, I think, of addressing the imbalance in the Nigerian narrative. His City of Memories is inspired by the upheaval in Jos as well. E.E Sules Sterile Sky also draws from his experiences in the riots in Kano when he was growing up. And of course we cannot go on without mentioning Elnathan John and Born on a Tuesday.

Perhaps we are witnessing the start of some kind of renaissance, which is in keeping with the renaissance we are experiencing in Nigerian literature as a whole. What is certain is that we are aware of the changing dynamics that are shaping our country as a whole and the North, especially, where these sparks start from. Over centuries, conflicts have shaped how the world looks today and we are conscious that the many crises in the North are reshaping not only perceptions of self but also the social and political geography of the region and by extension, of Nigeria as a whole.

There has to be a documentation of this moment, not just a record of the violence and riots and the number of causalities that the newspapers have been doing, but a documentation of the context as well. It would be a shame if two centuries or three from now, when we become the brand new ancients, our lives are excavated and all people will see is the damage we inflicted on ourselves. They should also see that even in these times, we loved and laughed, cried and comforted ourselves; that we mourned our losses and dreamt and experienced beautiful things; that we lived, not only as victims of the times, but as lovers, as dreamers, as humans. It has fallen to us, as writers, as artists, to write our stories, not just for the now, but for posterity as well.

PREMIUM TIMES: Specifically, can you give more clarity to how your growing up in Northern Nigeria has impacted on the fictive world youve created in Season of Crimson Blossoms? Do you see yourself as a Northern Nigerian writer who must tell the Northern Nigerian story?

Abubakar: Who appointed me the voice of the North? If such an office exists, I wouldnt want to take it because such labels are restrictive to a writer and one thing I know is that you cant shackle creativity. You have to let it roam as it wills. I see myself as a writer. I dont feel obliged to tell the Northern Nigerian story. If at all there is any obligation, I feel it is to tell the human story. I am particular about how despite social, cultural, racial and religious differences, the human species is connected at some level and my greatest pleasure has been to see people in Kaduna, in Enugu, in Oxford and Berlin connecting with these characters and their stories. My loyalty as a writer is to my art, not to any particular geographical construct; I have never allowed that to limit me. When I think, I think as an individual, as a human. But growing up in the North, of course, has had enormous influence on who I am. There is a history and culture here; there is an incredible ambience to feed into the creative machinery. There is a niche to be explored and occupied, as a creative writer, if necessary.

PREMIUM TIMES: You have travelled around Nigeria and the world, how would you describe the unsatisfactory state of affairs in Northern Nigeria and in Nigeria as a whole?



Abubakar: I am generally not satisfied with the state of affairs in Nigeria as a whole, not just Northern Nigeria. The poverty that is gnawing at Nigerians is not exclusive to the North; the failure of government at all levels is not particular to the North. And I certainly dont limit my thinking to the North. I am not happy with the state of the country and even though the leadership of the country, and the leadership of the North, in its many fractions, has failed, I feel the blame rest more with the followership. It is the followership that lauds the thieving, corrupt leadership because they throw crumbs their way. It is the followership that attacks you for asking questions of the leadership, for demanding accountability and justice. It is the followership that lets thieving politicians get away with stealing funds meant for building health facilities, only to run to this persons house to receive small change to buy fake drugs from pharmacies. It is the followership that expressly demands their leaders steal public funds to give them stomach infrastructure.

The leaders of this country are not foreigners, they come from amongst us, they are a product of this society and when they misbehave, we go on social media and rant, while some of us go to their houses, sing their praises and collect chicken change so we can fight the people asking questions. Until we learn to demand better from our leaders, we will always be treated to the worst by these leaders. No one has ever built anything great on crumbs that are thrown down to them. When a politician uses public funds to buy buses for the public and prints his name on these buses as if he is doing you a favour and you line the street to hail him instead of demanding for his resignation, you are the problem with this country. No great country has been built on celebrating mediocrity. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, mediocrity reigns supreme.

I am not happy with the state of the country and even though the leadership of the country, and the leadership of the North, in its many fractions, has failed, I feel the blame rest more with the followership. It is the followership that lauds the thieving, corrupt leadership because they throw crumbs their way.

PREMIUM TIMES: Do you consider yourself a politically committed writer?

Abubakar: Politics annoys me a lot. The insincerity and deceit is just something I cant deal with. I have little patience talking about politics. I cant understand why people are not outraged by all the rubbish going on in this country or how people mortgage their future for a plate of rice and a piece of rotten chicken. I cant understand how people can defend the criminality and outright thievery that is being perpetrated in this country in the name of politics. And sometimes, you expect the intellectuals to lead the charge, but they scream and rage and write columns in newspaper and as soon as they get appointments in government, they change their tunes.

PREMIUM TIMES: Who are your favourite authors, from the ancients to the contemporary? Did any of them influence your first work?

Abubakar: I have many favourites. I have favourite books, more than favourite authors. From the ancients, you look at the works of my namesake, Abubakar Imam, who wrote in Hausa. You look to the styles of Anthony Hope, or Michael Ondaatje, or John Banville, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Arthur Golden. These are some of the names I can remember just off the cuff. You read new works every day and are inspired differently. No writer is free of the influence of other writers but I have always been particular about being original, being true to my voice and my way of storytelling.

PREMIUM TIMES: Ikhide R. Ikheloa has described Season of Crimson Blossoms in the following terms: Ibrahim is a serious thinker-writer but he can be subversively funny. His characters are not idiots and Africa is not a fly-ridden place. He creates thinking characters who actually read. In an African novel. Wow. There is a quiet and reassuring dignity to his sentences. San Siro, the setting in Northern Nigeria is a place where school was no more than a couple of raffia mats spread out under the ancient tamarind, on which a black board leaned. And yet, it doesnt conjure grinding poverty. Do you consider this a felicitous representation of your achievement in your debut novel?

Abubakar: There is poverty in Season of Crimson Blossoms, and there is affluence as well, just like there is in real life. But the focus is not on poverty or affluence, or violence for that matter. The focus is on the human condition, the people and their stories. Of course I did not want to write for the western gaze where poverty and violence become characters on their own in the African story; where they become the central focus. I wanted to write about people who live their lives in spite of poverty, or affluence and violence, as we do live our lives in reality. It will be hypocritical to completely ignore these things in the book because they do exist and co-exist in the society that I write about. But despite the poverty and the affluence, these are characters with dignity and honour and integrity and that is the basis of the story really. The affair at the centre of the novel, between Binta Zubairu and Hassan Reza, even if it is a private affair, is poking a finger at these societal ideals of integrity and honour and the society fights back. So yes, I guess you could say that is a fair representation of the work.

PREMIUM TIMES: You have been familiar with the fictional works of your fellow nominees for the NLNG Nigeria Literature Prize, Elnathan John and Chika Unigwe. What are your views on Born On A Tuesday and Night Dancer?

Abubakar: I think they are good books. Elnathan and Chika have been furthering the renaissance of Nigerian literature and I am delighted and honoured to share the podium with these two amazing writers and friends.

My feelings about the prize hardly matter and the final decision rests with the judges. As a writer, what I could do was to write what I hope is a good story and for people to read and relate to this story; and I am happy people all over the world have connected to these stories and the characters. Of course, it will be great to win the prize

PREMIUM TIMES: Many people might agree with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies statement that I think we dont have as many stories coming from Northern Nigeria as we do from Southern Nigeria, and if we are going to make any sense of Nigeria as a nation, we need more storiesMore human stories. Do you really think Northern Nigeria has not measured up in literary and artistic production? And, what could be responsible for this  religion? Or, the generally low literacy level in the region?

Abubakar: I am glad Chimamanda also thinks there is an imbalance in the Nigerian narrative. But the reality is that literary and artistic production in the North has always been high when you consider the sheer number of literature produced in Hausa. For centuries, Northern Nigeria has written to itself; what it hasnt done is write to others about itself. Before the advent of colonialism and the English language, there has been a massive amount of literature about Northern Nigeria produced in Arabic and in Ajami, which is a system of using Arabic alphabets to write in Hausa. Magana Jari Ce was published in 1933, long before Achebe and Ekwensi wrote and published anything. The problem is that many people havent been able to access this literature because of the language barrier. So when Cyprian Ekwensi wrote about the North in remarkable books like The Burning Grass, like The Passport of Malam Ilia, like Juju Rock and his other books, he opened up a new world to readers in English. What he also ended up doing was to romanticise the North, create the impression of the North as a haven of adventures. And in the excitement of all these, the human stories fell through the cracks. We have had other writers like Abubakar Gimba and Zainab Alkali who wrote in English and tried to address some of these issues. I am not talking about the academics who wrote books merely for the consumption of their students, who in all honesty didnt have a choice but to read these books because their grades depended on it. For the narrative balance to be addressed, we certainly need to have more human stories from this part of the country, but they have to be of a certain standard that they will resonate not only with readers in Nigeria, but with readers elsewhere.

PREMIUM TIMES: On a very personal note, this must be the second time you have been nominated for a major prize. You came close in the last one. The NLNG Prose Prize is being awarded for the third time since its inception in 2004, twelve years ago. Do you have a feeling that you will be lucky on your second stint as a nominee?

Abubakar: It is an honour to be shortlisted. But there is no saying what could happen. My feelings about the prize hardly matter and the final decision rests with the judges. As a writer, what I could do was to write what I hope is a good story and for people to read and relate to this story; and I am happy people all over the world have connected to these stories and the characters. Of course, it will be great to win the prize, but I am not obsessing over it. Whatever would happen will happen eventually.

PREMIUM TIMES: Will winning the NLNG Nigeria Literature Prize 2016 support your ambition to be a fulltime writer?

Abubakar: I guess we will find this out if I win. Like I said, I am not obsessing over it. It would be a folly to build castles in the air, wont it?

This is the final of the four-piece compilation by Contributing Editor on Arts & Culture, Chiedu Ezeanah, which include a Prologue, and interviews with Chika Unigwe, and Elnathan John.

Image credit: Authorpedia.
Ingo Herbert, Consul-General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos on Thursday said that Nigeria and Germany would soon launch a historical book on their 158 years of relations.

Mr. Herbert, who made the disclosure at the celebration of the Day of German Unity in Lagos, said the book would chronicle the long-existing different areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Our countries have come a long way and have engaged ourselves in different areas of relations, he said.

Let me announce that Nigeria and Germany will soon launch a book on business relations in the last 158 years, he said.

The envoy, who congratulated Nigeria on her 56th Independence Anniversary, said Nigeria would continue to be Germanys important partner in Africa.

Mr. Herbert said that the German consulate was currently working at making more German businesses and investments come to Nigeria.

The consul-general said that the German Minister of Foreign Affairs would soon be leading a high-powered delegation to Nigeria to further strengthen both countries bilateral relations.

Mr. Herbert said the current economic situation in Nigeria would not deter more German companies and investors from doing business in the country.

We are really trying to get more and more business investments from Germany into Nigeria.

We know that the times are currently difficult in Nigeria, but we also know that this is the time for more of our companies and investors to come here, he said.

The consul-general also expressed his consulates readiness to always issue visas to Nigerians that would present the required information and requirement.

He also restated his governments commitment to providing technical support to Nigeria for the development of her renewable energy and other sectors.

Mr. Herbert also said that his government would on October 8 flag-off an Urbanisation Exhibition in Lagos, tagged AFFORDACITY, a new paradigm of urban planning and architecture for the 21st African century. (NAN)
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Tunde Fowler was elected, late Wednesday, as the Council Chairperson of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF).

Mr. Fowler emerged the winner of the keenly contested election during the Forums 4th General Assembly meeting in Durban, South Africa.

He was an ATAF Council Member before his election as Council Chairman.

The ATAF spoke of the FIRS Chairmans victory on its twitter handle: @ATAFtax thus: Mr Babatunde Fowler, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service of Nigeria elected ATAF Council Chair 2016-2018. He will be deputised by Mauritius.

The ATAF spoke of the FIRS Chairmans victory on its twitter handle: @ATAFtax thus: Mr Babatunde Fowler, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service of Nigeria elected ATAF Council Chair 2016-2018. He will be deputised by Mauritius.

Mr. Fowler  the first Nigerian to head ATAF  is the 3rd Chairperson of ATAF.

Oupa Magashula of South Africa was the Forums first Chairperson.

By his election, the FIRS Chief Executive takes over from the Commissioner General of Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Gershem T. Pasi, and will preside over the affairs of the Forum from 2016 to 2018.

Tunde Fowler is an inspiration to the ATAF. Last month, he spoke at an ATAF Workshop on how to contain aggressive tax planning, where he encouraged ATAF Chiefs with the following words: It is clear by all terms that Africa is blessed with natural resources but it still remains the poorest continent on earth. African currencies are not strong. Unfortunately, many African countries are highly dependent on the trade on natural resources. We do not produce so much, therefore, we find ourselves in a vicious circle. Governments cannot fund themselves through taxation so they cannot provide services and infrastructure that will support business.

Our job basically is to collect all revenue due to government and make sure that we fund our governments so that they can provide conducive environment for businesses to thrive. The main focus we should keep at heart is that we work for the people of our various countries. So, we should, please take advantage of this opportunity so that we can make a positive impact. It is now time for African Tax Administration Forum to take its rightful place so that in any international conference, ATAF will make a positive impact, Fowler said.

At the African Tax Administration Forum-International Monetary Fund (ATAF-IMF) seminar in South Africa recently, Mr. Fowler said FIRS was championing the under-listed initiatives and encouraged tax administrators in Africa to do same.

The initiatives include: Tax office modernization; Taxpayer Service education and enlightenment activities on their rights and; VAT Auto-Collect project aimed at on-line, real time deduction and remittance of VAT at source; Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) project to automate all core tax administration processes (registration, filing, audit etc.) and provision of multiple tax payment channels, such as e-tax pay, Remita, GIFMIS; National Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) project in collaboration with States Internal Revenue Services and massive taxpayers registration activities  which has led to significant widening of the tax base, with the registration over of 700,000 new corporate taxpayers within the past 12 months.

ATAF, the association of tax authorities in Africa, was launched in 2009. It was inspired by the deliberations at the International Conference on Taxation, State Building and Capacity Development in Africa held in Pretoria, South Africa from August 28 to 29, 2008. Commissioners, Senior Tax Administrators and Policy Makers from 28 African countries resolved to work towards the establishment of an African Tax Administration Forum.

The objective of the Forum is to create a platform to promote and facilitate mutual cooperation among African Tax Administrations and other relevant and interested stakeholders with the aim of improving the efficiency of their tax legislation and administration.

The Forum pursues this objective through laying a strong basis for a new approach to African taxation, state building and capacity development; establishing and developing bilateral and continental networks to regularly exchange ideas on the lessons learned and good practice on all issues of taxation and examining ways to improve systems and mechanisms in African tax administrations through the sharing of experiences and developing relevant best practices

Born a little over 60 years ago, Mr. Fowler studied in the United States of America at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, where he obtained his first bachelors degree with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a minor in Political Science in 1978, a second bachelors degree program at California State University, Los Angeles and also a Master of Business Administration degree program at California State University, Dominguez Hills in 1981.

A former Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) between 2006 and 2015 where he recorded: a sharp increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from an average of N3.6 Billion monthly as at January, 2006 to an average of over N23 Billion monthly as at June, 2015; improved quality of service delivery to taxpayers; improvement in the use of IT and other modern methods of tax administration and an unprecedented enlightenment campaign on tax administration and education in Africa.

In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Fowler was awarded Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in 2004, conferred with fellowship Honoris Causa by Certified Board of Administrators of Nigeria in May 2007 and Professional Honorary Doctorate Degree in June 2007 by the Irish International University. He is also a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and Business Management Association (UK).

Some two months ago, the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Ghana, (CITG) at its Annual Tax Conference honoured Mr. Fowler with as an Honourary Fellow of CITG for his contributions to the tax institute and for his tremendous help to the CITG in the past years both at FIRS and as Executive Chairman, Lagos Inland Revenue Service, LIRS, for having consistently mobilized Nigerian tax experts who have contributed actively to paper presentations and discussions and helped to enrich our conferences.

Those expert opinions on various tax issues the CITG noted, have impacted positively on communiques issued after each tax conference. This has gone a long way to shape some tax policies of our country and improved revenue mobilization.

Mr. Fowler is currently implementing initiatives to improve tax compliance and collection in order to meet the FIRS tax collection target of N4.9 trillion for 2016.
Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres is set to become the next head of the United Nations after he emerged on Wednesday as the favoured candidate among UN Security Council members.

Mr. Guterres, also former head of the UN refugee agency, had been in the lead during five previous straw polls and got no vetoes in the latest poll to find a replacement for South Koreas Ban Ki-moon.

He got 13 encouraging votes and two abstentions from the 15-member council.

None of the permanent members  Britain, China, France, Russia or the U.S.  signaled an intention to cast a veto against Guterres in a formal vote.

Today, after our sixth straw poll, we have a clear favourite and his name is Antonio Guterres, Vitaly Churkin, Russian ambassador to the UN, told reporters, with ambassadors representing all members of council standing next to him.

The council will take a formal vote later Thursday and will then send its recommendation to the UN General Assembly, which will make the final decision in a vote seen as a formality.

The secretary general oversees all of the operations of the 193-member UN, acting as its chief administrator and top envoy in global trouble spots.

According to Matthew Rycroft, British ambassador to the UN, it is an important day for the Security Council coming together, uniting behind Antonio Guterres.

Guterres will make a very strong, effective secretary general of the UN at a crucial time for the world and for this organisation, Mr. Rycroft said.

Samantha Power, U.S. ambassador to the UN, said that the breakthrough was Mr. Guterres performance and experience.

In the end, there was just a candidate whose experience, vision, and versatility across a range of areas proved compelling, Ms. Power told journalists.

The two officials said Mr. Guterres would make a statement in Lisbon after the formal vote.

All of the other nine candidates in the race for next chief got vetoes, a diplomat said on the condition of anonymity, since the straw poll was secret.

The EU Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva, who entered the race just recently, received five encouraging and eight discouraging votes, including two vetoes from permanent members.

Two countries expressed no opinion on her candidacy.

However current UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who has held the post for the last 10 years, is stepping down at the end of the year as his second term comes to an end.
The dust is yet to settle on the alleged copyright infringement by Lai Mohammed, Nigerias Minister of Information and Culture, concerning the Change Begins With Me campaign recently launched by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The owner of the Not in My Country, project, Akin Fadeyi, has written to Mr. Buhari, claiming the idea behind the campaign originated from him and was taken from his project.

Adebayo Adenipekun, senior lawyer at the Afe Babalola Chambers, in a September 29 letter to the President, written on behalf of Mr. Fadeyi, dared Mr. Mohammed to make good his threat to sue Mr. Fadeyi.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said the Afe Babalola Chambers had enough evidence to defend its clients claim of being the originator of the initiative.

Change Begins With Me was launched on September 8 by the Federal Government amid fanfare as a campaign for attitudinal change among Nigerians.

The campaign was immediately dogged by allegations of copyright infringement, following reports that the idea was stolen from Mr. Fadeyi, who had earlier made a proposal to the Information Minister on a similar project.

Associates of Mr. Fadeyi had launched a media war against Mr. Mohammed, alleging that he stole the idea from Mr. Fadeyi, who had fully developed the campaign at the behest of the minister.

But the minister denied the allegations, asserting that he had been nursing the idea of Change Begins With Me long before he was appointed into office as Minister of Information.

In Mr. Adenipekuns letter, hemaintained that the Not in My Country anti-corruption campaign project was a product of Mr. Fadeyis lifelong vision to do something towards ridding the society of corrution.

On this point alone, our client has the same goals as the present administration in tackling corruption effectively at the grassroots, the letter read.

Third, our client will not sacrifice this noblest of goals on the altar of claiming his personal individual rights, especially not in a way capable of being bastardized or confused with propaganda, among other distractions.

That is not to say our client will not defend his work and hard-earned intellectual property rights in a court of competent jurisdiction at the appropriate time.

Indeed, our client awaits Alhaji Lai Mohammed to make good his threats to sue him, in preparation for which he has instructed our law firm to commence the preparation of processes in answer to any summons filed against him.

Without a doubt, when our client responds to any processes filed, his actions and motives will be clear and unmistakable.

Mr. Adenipekun stated that Mr. Fadeyis is a private businessman genuinely concerned with advancing the Nigerian society by innovative thinking and development projects.

He said his client is not a politician with any vested interests, adding that he would contribute to the collective goal rather than be blinded by selfish interests.

He noted that his client only decided to clear the air on the controversies and misconceptions, following the threat by the Minister of Information and Culture to sue him over his ownership claims.

He also stated that the President would by the letter come to appreciate Mr. Fadeyis status as a partner in the pious goals of the present administration. He stressed the need to thoroughly investigate the issues surrounding the media report.

Mr. Adenipekun said his client is an enterprising young man with over a decade experience in initiating, coordinating, and executing national (re)orientation and other development projects in Nigeria.

Specifically, our client conceived and initiated the Not in My Country anti-corruption campaign project as far back as the year 2007 at the University of Lagos, he explained.

In a Letter granting his request to use the University premises for a three minutes clip demo tape on Saturday, September 29, 2007, the Principal Assistant Registrar acknowledged that the project is on national re-orientation campaign aimed at changing the attitudes of youths for the better especially in the area of examination malpractices and moral integrity (Please find attached Letter dated September 26, 2007).

From those days of little beginnings, our client kept working hard at his vision for this project- an effective anti-corruption media campaign which the Nigerian public would easily connect with and ultimately respond to.

Thus, our client has records of having presented some of his drama skits to officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in 2007. In 2008, our client took the project to Messrs Joseph Adeyeye, Casmir Igbokwe and Steve Ayorinde, the current Honorable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos, who was then Editor of the Punch.

Since then, our client kept developing this project into the media campaign to eradicate corruption over time- using the 1-minute drama skit model- which our client has perfected in his Not in My Country project.

Giving details of Mr. Fadeyis meeting with the Information Minister, Mr. Adenipekun said it was this fully developed 1-minute drama skit model that Mr. Fadeyi presented in a proposal to Mr. Mohammed on December 30, 2015.

The point of the proposal, which was the sole purpose of that meeting, was to enlist the cooperation of the Hon. Minister to facilitate the broadcast of our clients already prepared skits on the nations largest free- to- air network (Nigerian Television Authority), Mr. Adenipekun narrated.

Our client showed three 1-minute skits to the Minister and his team. Indeed, the Hon. Minister was so impressed with the project that he commended our client for having effectively harnessed the power of drama and time (one minute) and agreed in principle to partner with him on this project.

 However, the Hon. Minister indicated that he was yet ruminating on a Change Begins with Me idea of his own, which he wanted our client to reflect in the Not in my Country project.

Thus, it was agreed at that meeting that our client should go back to location and re-shoot the drama skits to reflect the Hon. Ministers Change Begins with Me as the pay-off line in the Not in My Country videos.

According to the lawyer, Mr. Fadeyi set out to work immediately with his crew at his own cost and upon completion of the video re-shoot, sent the minister text messages intimating him that the job was done.

Our client later met with the Hon. Minister at the Southern Sun Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, where the minister was meeting with some musical artists. The minister gave our client his email contact and asked that the reworked videos be sent to him via email, he stated

Accordingly, our client sent the files to the Ministers email (acnprs@yahoo.com) with a Cover Letter dated 3rdFebruary, 2016. Receipt of the letter was duly acknowledged.

Mr. Adenipekun accused Mr. Mohammed of holding on the drama materials sent to him after receiving them.

All attempts to reach and meet with him again were evidently rebuffed by the Hon. Minister, he said.

Undaunted, our client reverted to the original skits first presented to the Hon. Minister and produced many more skits of the Not in My Country drama. This was launched publicly to wide media coverage on the 3rd of May, 2016 in a well-attended event at Leadway/Protea Hotel, Maryland, Ikeja.

The countless media coverage of news stories, opinions and columns are available in print and electronic media for all to see.

Thereafter, our client embarked on an aggressive nationwide stakeholder engagement. Despite the Ministers silence after receiving the work, our client sent him a reminder letter, newspaper cuttings of his launch and a comprehensive copy of his Not in My Country project on the 9th of June 2016. Till date, the Hon. Minister has not replied any of these correspondences.

He noted that when on September 8, the Federal Government launched a drama skit model of the Change Begins with Me campaign, certain persons who were privy to Mr. Fadeyis project and others who witnessed his protracted exchanges with the minister made statements and accusations.

Rather, contrary to all the Hon. Minister has said about him, our client has neither released nor commissioned anyone to release any comment on this matter before now, Mr. Adenipekun said.

The lawyer admitted that on the flip side of Mr. Fadeyis private rights in the media reports, was a very crucial project of the Federal Government of Nigeria by which the government seeks to encourage individual change in the citizenry in the hopes of a holistic national change.

He said such a project is not one that ought to kick-off dogged with debate and controversy, underscoring that an important orientation project was being overwhelmed by negative reports and backlash.

We consequently urge Your Excellency to initiate a thorough investigation of the respective positions of the parties in the ultimate interest of the all-important war on corruption, he stated.

We also wish to reiterate to Your Excellency that in the event that Alhaji Lai Mohammed makes good his threat to go to court, which our client urges him to do, our client reserves his right to come all out to put up his defence, and that whatever steps our client takes in defending his right should not be interpreted as fighting the government.

Our client has no intention of taking up any dispute with the government in appreciation of its laudable anti-corruption campaign. Whenever our client is called upon to defend himself and his work before a court of justice, he will do so to the full extent allowed by law as the matter is strictly between Akin Fadeyi and Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
The House of Representatives on Thursday called on the security agencies in the country to intensify rescue efforts for high school students and teachers kidnapped in Lagos State on Thursday morning.

The call came just as police confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that two of the students have regained freedom while search continues for the others, including the school principal.

The Houses resolution followed a motion by Wale Raji, a lawmaker from the state, under matters of urgent national importance.

The House heard from Mr. Raji how some suspected kidnappers attacked Government Model College, Igbonla, Epe, on Thursday morning just as students were observing early morning prayers in the assembly.

Mr. Raji said he was told about the development shortly after the House resumed plenary today and he was compelled to bring it to the attention of the House and, by extension, the country.

I am just learning that a group of kidnappers struck today in my constituency where they kidnapped students and principals, Mr. Raji said.

The police spokesperson in Lagos State, Bisi Kolawole, told PREMIUM TIMES two of the students have been rescued, leaving two more students, a teacher and the school principal.

Were still on their trail to rescue the others who include the principal, a teacher and two students, Ms. Kolawole, an assistant commissioner of police, said.
The Federal Judicial Service Commission has recommended Justice Walter Onnoghen to the National Judicial Council for further recommendation to President Muhammadu Buhari as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Mr. Onnoghen is to replace Justice Mahmud Mohammed whose tenure ends November 10.

Sources within the NJC confirmed that the recommendation was made on Wednesday night, to formally commence steps towards ensuring that the office of the CJN does not remain vacant at the end of Mr. Mahmuds tenure.

Mr. Mahmuds departure is sequel to his attainment of the compulsory retirement age of 70.

Mr. Onnoghen, a native of Biase Local government area of Cross Rivers State, was born on December 22, 1950.

He attended the Presbyterian Primary School, Okurike Town in Biase, LGA, from 1959 to 1965.

He had his secondary education in Ghana, from 1967 to 1972.

He proceeded to the Accra Academy in 1972 and obtained an A Level, before going to the University of Ghana, Lagon, between 1974 and 1977.

In 1977, he obtained a Bachelors Degree in law and graduated with a second Class Upper Division.

He attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, between 1977 and 1978 for his B.L certificate.

Mr. Onnoghen has worked with the Pupil State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, in Ikeja, Lagos and Ogun State between 1978 and 1979. He became a partner in the Law Firm of Effiom Ekong and Company in Calabar between 1979 and 1988.

In 1988, he became Principal Partner and Head of Chamber of Walter Onneghen and Associates in Calabar and the following year, he was appointed a high court judge, under the Cross Rivers state judiciary.

He held that position till 1998.

He was also appointed Chairman, Cross Rivers State Armed Robbery and Fire Arms Tribunal in 1990. He held that position for three years.

Mr. Onnoghen became chairman, Judicial Enquiry into the Crisis between Students of the University of Calabar and Obufa Esuk Orok Community of the state in 1996.

He was appointed chairman, Failed Bank Tribunal, Ibadan Zone, in 1998

He became a judge of High Court of Rivers State in 1992.

In 1998, he was made a Justice of the Court of Appeal and was there till 2005 when he became Judge of the Supreme Court.

He is member of the Supreme Courts body of benchers and a life bencher.

He is also a fellow of the Chattered Institute of Arbitrators.

The appointment of the new Chief Justice will be done by President Buhari.
The Minister of Sport and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has said that the current crisis rocking the governing ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is largely about the ambition of some politicians for future offices.

He said the problems inherited by the party made it impossible for leaders to pay attention to party members, leading to frustration.

The minister said this on Thursday, while speaking to journalists at the national secretariat of the APC in Abuja.

I think we should try and appreciate the chemistry of what is referred to as APC today. APC started as amalgamation of different political groups then graduated into a mass movement and formed the government, Mr. Dalung said.

The significance of this was that these are political systems that are an embodiment of diverse interests.

Now, the management of that interests is very critical, but the challenge the party and the government is facing is that the government itself inherited a situation where it has more challenges of fixing the country, and so nothing or no good attention at all would have trickled down along the line in view of the economic constraints.

That is enough to stir bitterness in the party and this can give birth to crisis, he said.

The APC is currently in crisis after one of is leaders and a former Lagos governor, Bola Tinubu, asked the national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, to resign.

Mr. Tinubu accused Mr. Odigie-Oyegun of going behind the back of members of the National Working Committee to nominate Rotimi Akeredolu as the candidate of the party for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo state.

An Appeal Committee of the party had recommended that fresh primary election for Ondo State should be conducted after the exercise that produced Mr. Akeredolu was allegedly rigged.

Mr. Odigie-Oyegun has refused to resign and told Mr. Tinubu that he cannot use the media to remove him.

Mr. Dalung called on the leaders to forget their differences and allow the country to move forward.

He said the crisis was about the ambitious plans of politicians ahead of the next round of elections.

The second perspective to the crisis has to do with the future; a politician is a very ambitious person. In everything he does including the step of his movement, he calculates ahead of time.

So, It could also be that some politicians had viewed the future and they are already dusting their weapons for a political showdown to set the tone of their political ambition, he said.

Mr. Dalung said those in government were worried over the development.

There is no reasonable person in government that wont be worried, because the unity of the party is the unity of the government, he said.

So we are concerned, our position is just to appeal because all those that are involved in the crisis are our leaders and we respect them very much as young people.

What we expect from them is to bequeath durable legacies and I dont think that crisis is part of what they intend to bequeath to us, he said.

Mr. Dalung said APC leaders should know that younger politicians look up to the leaders for guidance.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a motion to withdraw the charge of criminal conspiracy against Senate President Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

An affidavit in support of the motion was filed before the High Court of Federal Capital Territory on Thursday by a litigation officer from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Odubu Loveme.

Messrs. Saraki and Ekweremadu, as well as a former Clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, and a former Deputy clerk, Ben Efeturi, were first arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu on June 10, 2016 via charge No. CR/219/16.

They all pleaded not guilty on July 27, 2016.

In the motion filed Thursday, Mr. Loveme said counsel to the Federal Government on the matter, Aliyu Umar, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, on September 30 in the office of the Director of Public Prosecution told him that he had studied the case diary and  had decided to amend the charge in the manner stated on the face of the motion paper.

Mr. Loveme added that he has, consequently, filed an amended charge.

That I depose to this affidavit in good faith believing same to be correct to the best of my knowledge and information and in accordance with the Oaths Act Cap 01 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, he said.

Based on the amended charge, only Messrs. Maikasuwa and Efeturi would face prosecution.

Count 1 of the charge against the two civil servants, is that of Criminal Conspiracy punishable under section 97 (1) Penal Code Act ( Northern States) Federation Provisions Act, 1960, Cap 345, laws of the Federation 1990 as amended.

It read that  Salisu Maikasuwa and Benedict Efeturi, on or about the 9th day of June 2015 at the National Assembly Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court agreed to do an illegal act, to wit to make the Senate Standing Orders 2015 as amended without the authority of the 7th Senate of the Federal republic of Nigeria which act was committed by yourselves and that you thereby committed the offence of criminal conspiracy.

The two officials are accused of fraudulently amending the 2015 Senate Standing Orders without the authority of the 7th Senate  with intention that the Senators elect of the 8th Senate would believe that the said Senate Standing Orders 2015 ( as amended) was made by the authority of the 7th Senate of the Federal republic of Nigeria.

They are also accused of forging a document punishable under section 366 of the Penal Code Act ( Northern States) Federal Provisions Act, 1960, Cap 345, Laws of the Federation 1990 ( as amended).

The Nigerian Government also accused them of giving false information with the intention to mislead the public.

The Court had on September 28 adjourned the matter to Friday, October 7 for commencement of hearing.

Mr. Umar, in his written address in support of the motion to amend the charge on Thursday, stated that the sole issue for determination is  whether the Court can permit the amendment of the charge in terms of the amended charge.

He said the Court has the powers to permit the amendment based on the provisions of Section 216 (1) of the Administration o Criminal Justice Act.

The Section stated that  A Court may permit an alteration or an amendment to a charge or framing of a new charge at any time before judgment is pronounced.

He also quoted Section 216 (3) which states that  Where a Defendant is arraigned for trial on an imperfect or erroneous charge ,the Court may permit or direct the framing of a new charge, or any amendment to, or the alteration of the original charge.
The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, has said that the Federal Government was exploring the possibility of setting up the National Agency for Cancer Control.

The minister made this known while meeting with the director, Head of Eastern Europe, Middle East, African (EEMEA) region, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Pharmaceuticals Division, Peter Hug in Abuja.

He said the institution, when established, would be responsible for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care for cancer patients.

The agency would also provide leadership and technical direction for cancer control in Nigeria, integrating services provided by the National Cancer Centre and incorporating a cluster of public and private tertiary Hospitals.

Other functions expected to be performed by the agency include, policy formulation, advocacy and mobilization, as per the Global Non-Communicable Diseases Framework.

Mr. Adewole said the ministry, in collaboration with other interested parties in cancer control, was working hard in creating awareness at the rural areas on early detection of cancer.

The minister expressed the governments determination and willingness to partner with Mr. Hug on cancer prevention and control in Nigeria

If you ask me what I want from Dr. Peter HUG, I will say how we can build a strong partnership and move from talking to action; what can you bring to the table in terms of partnership that would bring reliable service to Nigerians, he said.

The minister and Mr. Peter Hug later agreed that the partnership would focus more on Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) and Breast Cancer.

Speaking earlier, on the rationale behind his visit to Nigeria Mr. Hug said they were interested in partnering with the Nigerian Government on cancer prevention and treatment.

He said they had the facilities to support Nigeria in the fight against cancer.
A Wuse Chief Magistrates Court on Thursday ordered that Shuaibu Hamidu, a 23-year-old cattle rearer, be remanded in prison for alleged abduction.

The defendant from Gusau, Zamfara State, is standing trial on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and abduction.

The Magistrate, Ubani Chukwuemeka, ordered that Hamidu be remanded in prison after he pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him.

The defendant is to be remanded in Keffi prison to enable the police conclude their investigation as the other culprits are still at large, he said, and adjourned the matter till October 31 for hearing.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Yakubu Dabo, told the court that Maimuna Johnson of Plot 3D Layout Mpape, Abuja, reported the matter at Mpape Police Station on October 4.

The prosecutor said that sometimes in May 2016, at about 9 p.m., armed robbers invaded the complainants house, stole some of her phones and inflicted injuries on her.

He added that when they were about leaving, they abducted Maimunas 13-year-old son called Godswill Henry

Mr. Dabo said that the following day, the robbers called Maimunas husband through one of the phones they stole.

When they called her husband, he spoke to their son who was in their custody and the abductors demanded N10 million ransom before they will release the boy.

It was in the process of collecting the ransom that the defendant was apprehended while the others ran away and the boy was united with his parents, Mr. Dabo said.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened sections 97 and 272 of the penal code.

(NAN)
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has held back this years annual passing out and winding up ceremony held for outgoing corps members nationwide to ensure their safety.

Sule Kazaure, the NYSC Director-General, said this while addressing the 2015 Batch B Stream I set of corps members during their passing out on Thursday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja.

Represented by Adewoye Omotayo, the NYSC FCT Coordinator, Mr. Kazaure said the management of the scheme also held back the yearly ceremony due to current economic challenges facing the country.

It was a decision made to ensure that all corps members remain safe. On a day like this there is usually a lot of movement of corps members and to prevent any problem from arising we decided to hold back any ceremony.

The ceremony was also stepped down nationwide because the 2015 Batch B set of corps members were divided into streams I and II. We cannot hold double ceremonies for them just a few weeks apart, Mr. Kazaure, a Brigadier General, said.

However, he urged the outgoing corps members to remain focused on becoming self reliant and self sustaining.

The director-general advised them to put into practice all the skills and entrepreneurship training they received during their one year of national service.

He also enjoined the corps members to continue to be good ambassadors of their homes, institutions and the country.

Mr. Kazaure urged them not to rely on government jobs but strive to utilise the skills they learnt and become employers of labour in the nearest future.

He reminded the corps members not to think that their service to the nation had ended, urging them to go out and affect the society positively.

According to him, a total of 7,298 corps members are expected to pass out of the service year in the 2015 Batch B.

For now, only the 2015 Batch B stream I is passing out and they are 4,080.

The rest of them who are in the 2015 Batch B stream II will pass out on Nov. 4, 2016.

About 65 of them will not be passing out due to one reason or the other. These corps members are likely to face an extension of their service year.

One corps member died during the service year from an auto crash. Some corpers distinguished themselves by embarking on developmental projects during the service year; they will be honoured by the FCT Minister in November, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the outgoing corps members in the FCT were asked to assemble at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp to receive their certificates of national service.

(NAN)
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Googles Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Anglophone West Africa, has said that Google trend showed that Nigerias Independence celebrated on October 1 dominated the search engine among Nigerians.

Mr. Kola-Ogunlade said in Lagos on Thursday that from September 28 to October 5, Nigerias national history, Kim Kardashians personal experience and the power in availability of information dominated timelines, blogs and news sites.

According to him, the search by people revealed that the social media played a role in making history available for those who searched for historic events online or exposed bad experiences.

He said that people had sought some important history many may not know or remember about Nigerias independence.

Such history has to do with who designed the Nigerian Flag, when, where and how.

Twenty three-year-old Taiwo Akinkunmi designed the flag exactly a year before Nigerias independence in October 1959.

He was a student at Norwood Technical College in London, who responded to a newspaper advertisement about a competition to design the Nigerian Flag.

Now a retired civil servant with an ailing condition, Akinkunmi only remembers the admiration and support he received, with everybody calling him Mr Flag man, Kola-Ogunlade said.

He said that Kim Kardashian West who was held at gunpoint inside her hotel room in Paris by two armed masked men, reportedly making off with 10 million dollars worth of jewels got peoples attention.

It must have been a very frightening experience as even her hubby, rap superstar Kanye West was forced to end a performance to close out the Inaugural Meadows Festival in New York to be with her.

She was gagged with her hands bound and carried into the bathroom, inducing a fear of being sexually assaulted or worse, killed.

She had previously posted pictures of a 4 million dollars diamond ring which was also stolen, the search engine manager said.

Mr. Kola-Ogunlade said that the death of the 93-year-old Shimon Peres, a three-time Israeli Prime Minister, a former soldier and freedom fighter also got attention online.

He added that present at his funeral at Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem were about 80 world leaders and dignitaries, including the United States President, Barack Obama and Palestine President, Mahmoud Abbas.

According to him, it is no longer news that APC won the recent governorship election in Edo State, with Godwin Obaseki defeating Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

He added that, however, just as the build up to the elections saw a mega build-up of online traffic, so also had the aftermath.

Mr. Kola-Ogunlade said that different parties and different stakeholders reacted to the outcome declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Reactions have come in form of protests, refusal to sign result sheets, down to outright calls for cancellation of the elections.

There is no smoke without fire they say, but is there knowledge from experience, he asked?

Mr. Kola-Ogunlade said that there had been chitchat trending on the possibility of appointing Emmanuel Diala as Head, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), amidst past allegations of indictment in a N150 million fraud and alleged contract expiration.

He said that the fraud in question took place in defunct Nigeria Airways between 1996 and 1997.

According to him, the recent allegations suggest Mr. Diala also played a part in the ongoing crisis between the management of AIB and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers.

Mr. Kola-Ogunlade said that what was considered demure in Hollywood, hugs and cuddles in a viral music video, was considered immoral and a violation of codes and ethics in Kannywood.

He added that it was the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigerias (MOPPA) stand for expelling Rahama Sadau from the Hausa indigenous film industry popularly known as Kannywood.

MOPPA is a coalition of associations that sets rules and regulation governing movie production, actors and actresses in Northern Nigeria.

Rahama has reacted; accepting full responsibility, while apologising to those offended and appreciating those who have offered her support.

ClassiQ, the music star in whose video she appeared has also expressed shock and unhappiness at the turnout of events, Mr. Kola-Ogunlade said.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Google Trends launched in May 2006 allows one to see how popular, search terms and its demography have been over time on Google.

(NAN)
Some Nigerians studying in Turkey have pleaded with the Nigerian government to intervene and halt the continued arrest and detention of their colleagues in the wake of the July failed coup in that country.

They also lamented the deportation of some of their colleagues by Turkish authorities.

No fewer than 50 Nigerians attending private schools in Turkey, including Fatih University, were recently deported by that country after the coup attempt.

Nigeria had ignored calls by the Turkish government to close down 17 Turkish schools in the country. The Turkish government alleged that the schools were linked to Fethullah Gulen, a man the Recep Erdogan-led government blamed for the failed coup.

Thousands of people working for organisations linked to Mr. Gulen have been arrested in a clampdown condemned by local and international rights groups as excessive.

One of the Nigerian students in Turkey, who does not want to be named for fear of being attacked, said in a Facebook post on behalf of his colleagues on Wednesday that the arrest and detention of Nigerian students in Turkey had continued unabated three months after the coup failed.

He said no fewer than 50 of the students had been arrested so far and detained under harsh conditions and that they were being denied access to their colleagues.

He said some of the students who were not deported or arrested were missing.

The student pleaded with PREMIUM TIMES to draw the attention of the Nigerian government to intervene immediately and save the students from further harassment.

African students especially those from Nigeria are being hunted for. We are waiting for the arrest to get to our turn. Please pass this on to Nigerian government. Let them come to our aid before they charge us for treason, he said in the post.

The student said the Nigerian detainees were being poorly treated.

One of the detainees sneaked out to call me yesterday and said they are being treated badly, he said.

And the government is linking the student of the closed schools to FETO (an acronym Turkish government uses for organisations linked to Mr, Gulen).

They told them that they are threat to the security of the country and they dont trust them because they can be spies to the FETO group, he said.

He further disclosed that two of the students who were trying to leave Istanbul for Nigeria to evade arrest were subsequently apprehended and detained at the airport for over an hour for questioning.

He said other nationalities were allowed without any interrogations.

The student also said he was not allowed to enter the airport after he was identified as a Nigerian though he did not have his international passport.

I went to the airport but I wasnt allowed to enter because I had no passport with me and was identified to be a Nigeria, he said.

He however praised the Embassy of Nigeria in Turkey for responding to the predicament of the Nigerian students but lamented that the Turkish government was not cooperating with it.

According to him, the Turkish authorities refused to disclose any information to the embassy officials.

The source also said Nigerian students were transferred indiscriminately from the universities that were shut to other public schools after the failed coup.

Turkey closed scores of universities and schools linked to Mr. Gulen after the coup-

The Nigerian student stated that many of the students were also deported on arrival and that the Turkish authorities cancelled their resident permit due to closure of their universities.

We the students from the closed universities were transferred to different public schools, he said.

And those students were treated like criminals and made to pay huge fine for entering Turkey.

The detainees confirmed to us that they are being handcuffed and they buy their food themselves. They are kept in dirty rooms. Right now we dont even know where they are. They were asked to pay for their own lawyers, the source said.

Efforts by PREMIUM TIMES to speak with Nigerias Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, on the matter were not successful.

The minister did not respond to calls to his mobile telephone neither did he reply to a text message sent to him.

However, the Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said government had already initiated moves to halt the harassment of Nigerians in Turkey.

The ministry of foreign affairs through the permanent secretary summoned the Turkish ambassador immediately the information was received, Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa told PREMIUM TIMES.

While both countries are working at resolving the issue through every possible diplomatic channels, the ministry of foreign affairs made it clear that such act against Nigerians will not be accepted.
Following over a hundred petitions from across the country on the nefarious activities of an alleged Wonder bank , Lets Partner With You Ltd, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Thursday September 6, 2016 arrested its Managing Director, Patrick Nwokike, at his residence in Enugu, Enugu State.

Petitions from Nigerians across religious, gender, ethnic, economic and social strata indicate that the company had over the past five years solicited and obtained deposits of more than N4,000,000,000 (Four Billion Naira Only) from the general public with promise of mouth watering interest in return.

According to investigations conducted by the Commission, the company has no license to solicit and manage funds for the public nor was it registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC or the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC.

Further investigations revealed that the company had, for some time, paid a 10 per cent (ten per cent) interest on invested capital but suddenly stopped and all efforts by depositors to have at least their initial investments returned were futile.

Many of the complainants alleged that the operators of the scheme especially Mr. Nwokike not only live very flamboyant lifestyles but acquired several personal asset as well as using their deposits for philanthropic enterprise.

The company was found to have over six accounts in about four banks with the chief executive of Lets Partner With You Ltd and his wife being the only signatories to the accounts.

In his statement, Mr. Nwokike who acknowledged that depositors funds with his company was about N4,000,000,000 (Four Billion Naira Only), denied operating both money lending and investment business as alleged by the petitioners.

He stated that his company was into a partnership business, which receives money from interested partners who desire interest over a period of time.

Investigation into the alleged fraud continues.
The Ekiti State House of Assembly on Thursday suspended one of its members, Gboyega Aribisogan, for 180 legislative days, for allegedly being disloyal to Governor Ayo Fayose, and for associating with opposition elements.

The lawmaker, who is the former chairman, House Information Committee, was also barred from holding any position of responsibility in the house during the period of his suspension.

All benefits associated with his office were also suspended, just was barred from the assembly complex.

His conducts henceforth will determine further actions on him, the house declared.

The suspension was sequel to the adoption of the report and recommendations of a seven-member Ad Hoc panel constituted by the Speaker of the House, Kolawole Oluwawole, which was submitted to the Ethics and Privileges Committee.

The panel investigated allegations of gross misconduct and acts capable of destabilising the House made against Mr. Aribisogan by the House Leader, Tunji Akinyele.

Samuel Omotosho, who is now the new chairman of the house committee on information, told journalists on Thursday that Mr. Akinyele had unholy alliance with those who had constituted themselves as enemies of the state government and presented false information for pecuniary gains and cast aspersions on the house.

He said the action of Mr. Aribisogan was capable of destabilising the peace and orderliness of the state.

The chairman of the Ethics Committee, Fajana Ojoade, said after thorough investigation, it was established that Mr. Aribisogan committed the offence.

Mr. Ojoade said the Deputy Speaker, Segun Adewumi, confirmed both in writing and orally that Mr. Aribisogan confessed to him at a popular hotel in Ado Ekiti on the evening of Friday, September 30 that he did meet with some elements that were against the State Government in Lagos in a manner that has rubbished the integrity and confidence that the Ekiti people have in the State House of Assembly.

Instead of showing remorse and apologising for his embarrassing actions despite all overwhelming evidences, Hon. Aribisogan persisted in his shallow denials, he said.

It is hereby determined and declared that Hon. Aribisogan is guilty of these allegations and should be punished adequately to minimize the bad image his shady movements and conducts have caused this honourable house, while also serving as deterrent to others, he said.

The house also resolved that Mr. Aribisogans office should remain sealed throughout the period of the suspension and that he should submit all properties of the House of Assembly to the Clerk.

Responding to the allegations, Mr. Aribisogan denied the allegation, saying it was designed to tarnish his image.

The so-called audio was a superimposed voice-over to tarnish my reputation, he said.

At the panels sitting, there was a presentation of inaudible voiceover claiming that they recognized my voice and I discarded it as a cheap blackmail.
The U.S. Charge dAffaires Nigerian-American Chamber Of Commerce Conference on Financing and Franchising, David Young, said United States has provided more than half a billion dollars in annual assistance to Nigeria in the areas of health and security.

Mr. Young said also said the US was increasingly focused on the issues of economic stability and growth for the country.

We recognize that our shared health and security goals depend on a prosperous economy, he stated.

Mr. Young recalled that at the U.S. Africa Business Forum two weeks ago in New York, President Obama said, Wherever Ive gone, from Senegal to South Africa, Africans insist they dont just want aid, they want trade. They want partners, not patrons. They want to do business, and grow business . . . and the United States is determined to be that partner, for the long term.

He also recalled former Ambassador James Entwistles frequent reminders to Nigeria that the relationship between the two countries is indeed a partnership, one in which the United States does not do things for Nigeria, but with Nigeria.

Mr. Young highlighted United States support for Africas economic prosperity under President Obama, including renewal by Congress of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for a decade.

Other important steps taken by the United States include: launching Trade Africa and Power Africa, creating the Doing Business in Africa campaign, and increasing commitments from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

The 2016 Nigerian-American SME Financial and Franchising Conference is a bilateral trade and investment advancement initiative organized in collaboration with the Economic Section of the United States Embassy in Nigeria.
Members of Nigerias House of Representatives panel investigating the controversial Malabu oil deal on Wednesday expressed strong reservations about the attitude of firms caught in the scandal.

The House in January 2016 set up another ad-hoc committee to look into allegations of financial crimes in the lease of OPL 245 oil block in Nigerian waters.

A former Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete, awarded the lease of OPL 245 in April 1998 to Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd., a firm later traced to him.

The Nigerian government later in 2009 brokered a fraudulent deal that led to the transfer of the oil bloc to Shell and Eni Agip with the oil majors paying about $1 billion to Malabu accounts through the federal government.

Although Shell and Agip had long maintained innocence since the fraud was first uncovered by the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, a leak of internal emails of the companies later indicated their involvement.

It is not immediately clear why the House launched an all-new investigation into the affair since the same body had also found the oil firms culpable and ordered immediate cancellation of the contract following a thorough enquiry in 2014.

All the House needed to do was ask that its previous resolutions be enforced by the new administration.

Also, the scandal had been a subject of a worldwide investigation in five different countries including in Nigeria by the EFCC.

Several officials of the Goodluck Jonathan administration, including former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, and ex-Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, are being investigated for the scam.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Razak Atunwa, chairman of the committee, scolded officials of Shell Nigeria and NNPC for their alleged attempts at frustrating the investigations.

Mr. Atunwa said he had powers to launch the investigation following repeated challenge by Shell questioning the essence of a new committee as well as its legal standing.

After blasting Shell officials for seeking unnecessary adjournment of the inquiry, Mr. Atunwa, chairman of the House Committee on Justice, delivered a harsh criticism of NNPC, saying the failure of the state-run oil firm to appear before the committee was contemptible.

It smacks of a cover up that theyre running from contributing to this investigation, Mr. Atunwa said.

Mr. Atunwa adjourned the hearing to October 18 and warned of harsh consequences against further efforts aimed at stonewalling the proceeding.

This committee will not tolerate any implicit or explicit attempts by anyone, no matter how highly placed, to frustrate or forestall this highly crucial investigation.

NNPC spokesman, Garbadeen Mohammed, did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES enquiries for comments.
The Court of Appeal, Abuja division, on Thursday reserved judgement on applications brought by parties in the case of alleged false declaration of assets against Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

Mr. Saraki had approached the court to challenge the March 24 judgement of the Code of Conduct Tribunal which ruled that charges against him were valid and well within the jurisdiction of the tribunal.

The tribunals judgement followed an application by Mr. Sarakis counsel, Kanu Agabi, that the failure of the Code of Conduct Bureau to invite his client for confirmation or denial of the charges against him (Mr. Saraki) made the allegations null and void.

While making the application on March 4, Mr. Agabi had said that the CCB and CCT Act provides that allegations like those brought against his client must first be confirmed before a valid charge can be made.

In its judgement on March 24 however, the Tribunal, chaired by Danladi Umar, dismissed the application, for lacking in merit.

Mr. Saraki then approached the Appeal Court to challenge the trial, alleging that his fundamental rights to fair hearing had being breached.

In its reaction, the Federal Government, through its counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, also made a counter application before the court of appeal, describing Mr. Sarakis request as an abuse of court process.

Mr. Jacobs told the court that most of the arguments alluded to in the recent application were determined by the Supreme Court in its February 5 ruling, which forced Mr. Saraki to return to the tribunal and continue his hearing.

The case had being adjourned in July till October 6 for hearing, following the vacation of the Judiciary.

After listening to parties in the matter, the five-member panel, led by Justice Abdu Aboki, adjourned the case to a date to be communicated later.
The trial of former president Goodluck Jonathans cousin, Azibaola Roberts, and wife, Stella, stalled on Thursday, following the inability of the prosecution to present a witness in court.

Mr. Roberts and his wife are facing trial on a seven-count charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

They are accused of diverting $40 million meant for the supply of tactical communication kits for Nigerias Special Forces.

The funds were allegedly transferred from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser, domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria to the account of their company, One Plus Holdings.

The case was adjourned to October 6 for the cross-examination of the prosecution witness, Olabode Fanilola.

But at the resumed hearing on Thursday, prosecution counsel, SylvanusTahir, informed the court that Mr. Fanilola was out of the country to attend to his wifes ill health.

He prayed the court to adjourn the matter to allow the witness return to Nigeria.

The case was adjourned by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba to November 14 for continuation of trial.
The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Idiat Adebule, on Thursday visited Igbonla Senior and Junior Model College in the suburb of Epe where four students and two teachers were kidnapped by gunmen.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Government Ambode, Habib Aruna, said the abductions were carried out by suspected Ijaw militants.

The deputy governor assured that the government would work to ensure the prompt rescue of the victims.

The kidnappers, numbering about seven, invaded the school premises at about 8a.m. when students were having a special session at the hall and shot sporadically into the air before kidnapping the victims.

Mrs. Adebule, who was accompanied by head of security agencies to the school, condemned the abductions, but pleaded with parents and families of the victims to cooperate with government and security agencies in ensuring prompt rescue of the victims.

While addressing hundreds of parents who had come to the school to remove their children, the deputy governor said panicking would further compound the situation.

It is true that in the last 29 years that this school was established, we have never experienced such a thing like this, but now that it has happened and it is confronting us, we must come together to find a lasting solution to it, she said We, as government, parents, the school and security agencies, must remain united to solve this problem.

I know you are angry, I know you are worried and I know you are agitated, but we must look for solution. But I plead for the understanding of parents in this matter. I know how traumatic it could be, I know how emotional the issue we are discussing could be, but the best we can do is to handle it with care and with utmost wisdom that God can give us.

It is God who secures, it is God who protect and even in other climes where you have everything, you still have this type of incursion once in a while, but what we should be talking about is how can we collectively solve this problem, the Deputy Governor said.

She assured that the government would do everything humanly possible to ensure the rescue of the victims, assuring that a team of security operatives would stay behind in the school to secure the students and teachers.

She said that all security agencies including the Police, Air Force, Navy, the Army and others had been fully mobilised to ensure the rescue of the victims.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, assured the parents and families of the victims that the rescue operation already launched would be the shortest in the history of the Command.

While soliciting for the support of the parents, Mr. Owoseni said security agencies were already in custody of useful leads, adding that there was a strong hope of rescuing the victims.

All I just want to say for now is that you have to work with us. What we also need from you is your prayers. We will seek your understanding and for now, I will not reveal much because as we speak, there are agents of the kidnappers here and they will reveal whatever we say here to them.

We have a government in Lagos State that is ready to go all out and I can assure you that this will be the shortest rescue operation that we will carry out. We will do everything we need to do to secure the release of the victims, the CP said.
The House of Representatives on Thursday condemned the spurious charges levied on Nigerians when they initiate ATM transactions outside their domiciliary banks.

The parliament, in a motion supported by the majority, said Nigerians have lost significant sum of money to bank operators with little or no checks by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The CBN on September 1, 2014 reintroduced charges for ATM transactions, citing frivolous withdrawals and abuse by users.

The measure altered a 2012 arrangement in which the CBN resolved with the Bankers Committee to transfer the payment of N100 fee at the time to issuing banks.

Under that arrangement, the fee was shared between the ATM acquirers, card issuers and switches. Banks, as the issuers of the ATM cards, were required to waive the N35 issuers fee, while bearing only the cost of N65 each time their customers used another banks ATM.

The CBN said the loss for not collecting the N35 issuers fee from the card users had imposed a substantial cost burden on banks, and consequently set new charges at N65 per transaction after the first three transactions of every month which attract no charges.

Thursdays resolution, which called for investigation of prevailing N65 tax rates, was sponsored by a Kogi State representative, Yusuf Tajudeen.

Mr. Tajudeen said, apart from the ATM charges, there are other inexplicable charges that banks levy on customers, a situation he said a docile CBN had allegedly allowed to linger for too long.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, being the regulatory body of banks, has not taken any reasonable and punitive measure to sanction financial institutions engaged in this sharp and illegal practice of N65 deduction from customers, Mr. Tajudeen said.

Mr. Tajudeens proposal was backed by Leo Ogor ( PDP-Delta) and Aminu Suleiman (APC-Kano). It was subsequently forwarded to the House Committee on Banking and Currency.
Nigerias leading investigative daily, PREMIUM TIMES, on Thursday signed a deal with Abuja-based talk radio, WE FM 106.3, for collaboration on investigative reporting and amplification of contents.

The collaboration has the primary objective of enhancing good governance in Nigeria, officials of the two organisations said at the corporate headquarters of PREMIUM TIMES in Abuja.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Editor-in-Chief of PREMIUM TIMES, Musikilu Mojeed, and Steve Gukas, the Managing Director of WE FM.

In his remarks at the event, Mr. Mojeed emphasized the need for media organizations in Nigeria to collaborate and partner despite being competitors.

Today we are trying to work together, he said. I am sure that what is happening today will show the way to other newspapers about how to collaborate even in the face of competition, he said.

The multiple award winning journalist made reference to how collaboration by reporters around the world on Panama papers reporting yielded one of the most far-reaching journalistic impacts ever.

PREMIUM TIMES is the only Nigerian publication with full access to the Panama Papers.

Look at the impact of the Panama Papers, look at the number of reporters working together in close to a hundred countries, and working on the same story for over one year and no one got to know about it, Mr. Mojeed said.

The confidentiality wasnt broken. These reporters collaborated, and they worked together as colleagues. And look at the worldwide impact, look at the number of people who had to resign their jobs (after the stories broke). The stories are still being told as we speak. That is the power of collaboration.

There is power in collaboration; people coming together. Look at your strength, bring your strength to the table, and see how you can blend your strength (with others) to create a better society.

In his speech, Mr. Gukas said he was excited at the prospect of the partnership.

This represents a larger opportunity and a signpost of the beginning of something that I think is the way forward, he said.

You used the word collaboration and I like that. But I will also like to add the word amplification, in the sense that, whilst that collaboration allows us to work together on a lot of things, it also allows us to use our areas of comparative strength to amplify what we are doing.

Its almost the conventional traditional media versus the new media. And whilst on new media, you have a lot of push and you have a lot of reach, there is still a large population of people that are reached by the traditional conventional media, which we represent.

So I see a situation where what you do is further amplified in terms of its reach and impact, the radio chief said.

Speaking earlier, Stanley Bentu, the Director of Programmes at WE FM, praised PREMIUM TIMES journalism, especially its leadership position in investigative reporting in the country.

He said the deal would be of tremendous benefit to both organizations.

We believe that WE FM and PREMIUM TIMES share a lot of values, and that we have a willingness, desire, hunger to improve, to go through deeper level and bring to the people something that is closer to what will be considered international best practices.

PREMIUM TIMES has been able to do that in the area of Investigative Journalism and WE FM has been able to do that in the area of opening conversation that would further objectives that can create an atmosphere for good governance in Nigeria.

With this strength that we have coming together to push the agenda of quality media reportage and result-driven conversation, we think we can actually move or become a big example for others to follow, Mr. Bentu said.
The Government of Yobe state, on inaugurated what it called polio outbreak response centers in remote border communities of the state as a way of checking the influx of unimmunized children coming into the state.

The deputy governor of Yobe State, Abubakar Aliyu, officiated during the setting up of the centres, which he said were to dot the open borders Nigeria shares with Niger Republic.

Speaking at Tulo-Tulowa, one of the border villages in Yusufari local government area of Yobe state, Mr. Aliyu said the Polio Response Centers are to be set up in Yusufari, Machina and Bade local government areas of the state.

The deputy governor hoped the effort would strengthen the ongoing polio eradication campaign that was re-launched in the state recently after the recent outbreak of three cases of the polio in nearby Borno State.

We are here to mount outbreak response centers at entry points of major towns in the state, said the the Deputy Governor, who also doubles as the chairman of the task force established to monitor the polio situation.

The polio outbreak eradication task force has also devised another strategy of combating any occurrence or outbreak of the diseases in this state.

He said traditional rulers of the border communities  namely those of Bade and Yusufari  had been drafted into the taskforce to boost the enlightenment campaigns against scourge of polio.

The Emir of Bade, Abubakar Umar Suleiman II, said the states traditional leadership would continue to monitor the efficiency of the exercise.

With the setting up of outbreak response centers at check points across major towns of the state combine with the campaign around inaccessible border communities in the state, Yobe is set to ensure total eradication of polio in the country, said the Emir.
Valuables, including foodstuff and drinks, worth several millions of naira were destroyed by fire at Saraki Market, lta-Ama in llorin West Local Government area of Kwara on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the fire, said to have started early in the morning, raged till the afternoon.

The fire destroyed items such as rice, beans, among others, in more than 60 shops.

The Public Relations Officer of Kwara State Fire Service, Mohammed Kazeem, said the fire could have been from an electrical spark when electricity was restored in the market.

He said it took the combined effort of fire fighters and sympathisers to put out the fire.

Some of the affected traders said they lost all their belongings and appealed to the Kwara Government and llorin West Local Government to come to their aid.

The Chairman of llorin West Local Government, Tajudeen Zulu-Oloje, described the incident as unfortunate and a setback to the economy of the area.

He said the council would provide relief to the victims within the available resources.

(NAN)
Public primary school teachers in Plateau State are yet to be included in the N18,000 national minimum wage structure, six years after the state began implementation of the structure for its workers.

The Chairman of Nigerian Union of Teachers in the state, Yarlings Gunshin, stated this on Wednesday in Jos, at an event to mark the World Teachers Day.

Speaking at the event at the state secretariat of the union, Mr. Gunshin also revealed that the teachers have not been paid annual salary increment for the past five years.

It is disheartening that the teachers are yet to enjoy the 18,000.00 minimum wage, six years after its commencement. The teachers have also not been paid annual increment for the past five years.

I am therefore calling on the state government to implement the minimum wage for primary school teachers, so that they can enjoy it along with their counterparts in secondary schools and the civil service who have been on the salary for more than five years now.

Mr. Gunshin also accused a local government in the state of discriminating against public primary school teachers in its area.

It is sad that the recurring problem of non-payment of salary to teachers due to shortfall in the allocation of Mangu Local Government Area has resurfaced. I wish to urge the state government to find a permanent solution to the problem.

The union used the occasion to make a case for elongation of retirement age of primary school teachers.

According to the union chairman, this would allow the society to enjoy more service of experienced teachers.

I want to remind the state government on the request of the union for the elongation of primary school teachers of service from 35 years of service to 40, or 60 years of age. This is to enable the teachers to bring their acquired experience to bear on the learning and upbringing of pupils.

A cross section of teachers who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES at the event lamented that they have not been treated fairly by successive administrations of the state.

They also decried the level of infrastructural decay in public primary schools across the state.
An Oredo Magistrates Court in Benin on Thursday sentenced a 35-year-old woman, Oduwa Egbenayabuwa , to two years imprisonment for assaulting some police officers while performing their lawful duties .

The Chief Magistrate, Rachael Ogbevoen, convicted the accused after finding her guilty.

Mr. Ogbevoen, however, gave the convict an option of N30,000 fine.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Patrick Agbonifo, said the offence was committed on October 31, 2015.

Mr. Agbonifo said the accused assaulted Isaikpere Alfred, a police inspector, by slapping him on his back while performing his lawful duty.

He said the accused person also gripped the uniform of another policeman, Wose Azubike, and tore it.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 356(2) of the Criminal Code Cap. 48 Vol. 11, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, 1976, now applicable in Edo.

Earlier, the accused person appealed to the court for leniency, saying it was her first appearance in court.

(NAN)
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Taiwo Lakanu, has said that the police have intensified investigation into the murder of Celestine Onwumere, an Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Mr. Lakanu, who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Owerri on Thursday, said those behind the murder would soon be exposed.

There would be no hiding place for the murderers. They would be tracked down and brought to book. The killers of the officer have stepped on the lions tail.

We have stepped up our investigation into the killing with a view to bringing the perpetrators of the crime and their accomplices to book, he said.

Mr. Onwumere, who would have retired in Dec. 2016, was killed at the premises of Mbieri Police Station by gunmen last week.

(NAN)
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has commended Oluremi Tinubu, the senator representing Lagos Central, for her decision to push a bill seeking special status and federal grant for Lagos.

In a statement in Lagos, Thursday, Mr. Ambode said the senators position would remain an important contribution as well as a reference point in the national economic discourse.

At a time that our country needs courageous voices that seek solutions that can benefit millions of Nigerians irrespective of where they are from, what the distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu has done is to draw attention to how Lagos State can provide more succour to Nigerians being the home to the largest assemblage of Nigerians, Mr. Ambode said in the statement issued by Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

She has drawn attention to how Lagos deserves to be assisted so that the state can further provide assistance to millions of Nigerians. It is a pity that this import was not seen from that perspective by the majority of her colleagues.

Mrs. Tinubu, an All Progressives Congress senator, sponsored a bill seeking one percent of federally generated revenue as special grant for Lagos State as well as a recognition of the state by the federal government as Nigerias commercial capital.

But the bill, which elicited an uproar on the floor of the senate, was blocked by other senators.

Mr. Ambode said despite the bill suffering a setback, the fact was that Lagos State had always played a special role to Nigerians as individuals and to the country as a whole.

The truth of the matter is that as the most populous Nigerian state and the commercial heart-beat of the entire West Africa; a state that would have been the fifth largest economy in Africa if it were an independent country, Nigeria needs Lagos in order for other parts of the country to continue to benefit from Lagos, said Mr. Ambode.

A special status and a special grant are fair requests that would have encouraged and rewarded Lagos State for what it contributes to the federal purse.

A yes for the bill would have provided an opportunity to truly reflate the economy and empower Lagos State in serving as home to more than 21 million Nigerians and as hub to the largest volume of businesses and foreign direct investments in Nigeria. But clearly, a spectacular opportunity has been missed by ignoring this important bill.
A national leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, Rotimi Paseda, on Tuesday gave insight to how he reintroduced the party for last years general election.

UPN, with late Obafemi Awolowo as its leader and presidential candidate, was the main opposition party of Nigerias Second Republic between October 1979 and January 1983.

Mr. Paseda, while featuring on a live radio programme,Podium, on Sweet F.M Abeokuta, said he started the process of reviving the party with like minds while he was living outside the country.

He said on his return to Nigeria, he contacted a leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Fredrick Faseun, with whom he worked to secure the registration of the party within four months and on time for the elections.

It took us just four months to revive the party to relevance. I chose UPN because of late Obafemi Awolowos policies, of which I was a beneficiary, Mr. Paseda disclosed.

He said the party was active in 17 states in the federation. He, however, admitted that the party could not prepare well for the last elections and recorded no victory because it was registered too close to the polls.

The politician said the elections taught him some lessons that make him optimistic for the 2019 general election.

Mr. Paseda, who was the partys governorship candidate in Ogun State, said he would be a major player in the next political dispensation in the state.

I am the person to beat in the next political dispensation. I have time to prepare now, unlike the last time when we had just four months to prepare for the election. UPN structure was weak then, he said.
An Igbosere Magistrate Court has docked one Eloho Ekene, a 45-year-old man, for allegedly assaulting a lawyer and destroying property worth N2.7 million.

The defendant who lives at 147A, Ogunlana drive in Surulere area of Lagos State, appeared before Magistrate Joy Ugbomoiko.

Mr. Ekene is standing trial on a two-count charge of assault and unlawful damage preferred against him by the police.

The prosecutor, Eshiet Eshiet, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on July 2 at about 1 p.m. at 147A Ogunlana drive Surulere Lagos.

He further disclosed that the defendant assaulted one Ben Ibeke by beating him up and also unlawfully damaging chairs, table, books and other equipment valued at N2.7 million, all property of Ben Ibeke &Co.

Mr. Eshiet informed the court that the offences committed are punishable under Sections 170 and 348 of the criminal law of Lagos State 2011.

When the charge was read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.

The magistrate granted him bail on self recognition after his lawyer told the court that the defendant lives in the place of the incident and that he should be granted bail on self recognisance.

The prosecutor did not object to the bail application.

Magistrate Ugbomoiko insisted that the defendant must produce documents before the court and his address and documents be verified by the court.

The case was later adjourned till October 17.
The Vice Principal of Lagos State Model College, Igbonla in Epe area of Lagos State, and four students of the school, were on Thursday morning kidnapped by gunmen.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Fatai Owoseni, confirmed the incident during his weekly press briefing in Lagos.

Mr. Owoseni, however, said that two of the students had been recovered.

We received an unfortunate information this morning that four students and vice principal of Model College, Epe, were kidnapped at about 8 a.m.

The kidnappers went away with them in their speed boat. As soon as we got the information, crack detectives were sent there. We have been able to recover two of the students.

The vice principal and two students are still with the kidnappers. Our men have begun searching for them. We are collaborating with the Navy to search the creeks and the waters.

By the Grace of God, they will be rescued soon, Mr. Owoseni said.

The commissioner said about 1,500 police operatives had been deployed to 164 locations regarded as flash points in the state.

He said the deployment was to ensure adequate security for the people of the state during the forthcoming yuletide and after.

These flash points will be policed on a 24-hour basis, starting from now on.

Members of the public are to assist in giving timely information about any suspect, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 25 suspects, who were arrested for alleged various crimes in the last one week in the state, were presented to journalists.

(NAN)
The city of Dearborn played a major supporting role on a recent episode of ABCs new political drama Designated Survivor.

On Designated Survivor, Washington, D.C. is attacked by an as-yet-unrevealed enemy during the State of the Union address, killing the President, the Vice-President, and all members of the Cabinet except Thomas Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland of 24 fame), the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development whos the lowest man on the political totem pole.

Kirkman is the designated survivor, a person in the presidential line of succession whos sent to a secure, undisclosed location when the President and the nations other top leaders are gathered in one location. Should a catastrophic event happen (as it does in this case), the designated survivor guarantees the continuity of government and becomes the Acting President of the United States per the Presidential Succession Act.

Kirkman is sworn in as the new President. He is thrust into a job hes not ready for in the middle of the worst terrorist attack on American soil since 9/11. Not only is he trying to figure out who bombed the Capitol, he has to rebuild the government and reassure a very frightened citizenry. Hes also beset by political enemies who dont believe hes qualified to lead, including speechwriter Seth Wright (Kal Penn, who actually worked for the Obama Administration). In fact, Gen. Harris Cochrane (Kevin R. McNally) conspires to overthrow Kirkman because he perceives him as weak.

Still, Kirkman, a determined idealist and decent man, rises to the occasion. Assisting him are his beloved wife, Alex (Natascha McElhone), an attorney and the new First Lady; Wright, who becomes one of Kirkmans trusted advisors; Emily Rhodes (Italia Ricci), his Chief of Staff from his previous job; and Aaron Shore (Adan Canto), the White House Deputy Chief of Staff. Congresswoman Kimbel Hookstraten (Virginia Madsen, who appeared in mid-September at Motor City Nightmares in Novi), the GOP designated survivor, also supports Kirkman but harbors her own secret agenda as seen later in this episode.

On the Sept. 28 episode called The First Day  chronicling Kirkmans first full day as President  Dearborn feels the ramifications of the attack on the Capitol. Michigan Gov. John Royce (Michael Gaston) has the police round up every Muslim they can, given that Dearborn has the highest Muslim population in America. Under Royce, Michigan becomes a police state.

Kirkman wont stand for it. However, Royce refuses to recognize his authority and hangs up on him. Kirkmans staff attempt to get Royce back on the phone as Kirkman travels to the devastated remains of the Capitol. However, his attempts to inspire and comfort the nation fail when people are distracted by video footage of cops beating a Muslim-American teenager who eventually dies.

Angered and sickened by this senseless death, Kirkland finally gets a hold of Royce and orders him to release every Muslim in custody who hasnt been officially charged with a crime. He also tells Royce the death of this Muslim-American teenager is on him. This dents Royces resolve. Kirkland next tells Royce that several people in police custody are undercover Homeland Security agents, threatening him with obstruction of justice.

At that point, Royce stands down and obeys Kirkland  albeit grudgingly  recognizing his authority. Afterwards, Kirkland reveals he was bluffing about the Homeland Security agents. He also learns Wright was stopped by the police earlier in the episode en route to work because of his ethnicity and was released at the scene upon confirming he works for the White House. The episode closes with Kirkman calling the Muslim-American teenagers parents and expressing his sympathies.

Kimberly Donoghue of Dearborn was surprised that her hometown was in this episode.

I was not expecting that at all. I have lived in Dearborn for most of my life. I really dont think (the unrest depicted in this episode) would happen here, said Donoghue, an Edsel Ford High School alumnus who teaches in Dearborn. I wish that the show would have added more to the storyline such as showing the community coming together afterwards, which I believe would be the case if something like this were to actually happen.

In addition to Designated Survivor, Dearborn has been featured in one way or another on several TV series in the last five years, including The Simpsons, The Crazy Ones, and Person of Interest.

Its always a good feeling to see your hometown represented by Hollywood, said teacher/author R.J. Fox, a Dearborn native who graduated from Edsel Ford and the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He also performed in the Henry Ford College Big Band.

Dearborn obviously is a town that is rife with potential storytelling. Ill never forget when The Simpsons featured Dearborn in a quick snippet. And now Designated Survivor. Both featured the citys Muslim population as a backdrop, which obviously makes sense. For many people, both from the region and outside it, its the first thing people think of when they think of Dearborn.

The Simpsons episode aired in 2011, depicting an adult version of Milhouse  dressed in Muslim clothing  attending The University of Michigan-Dearborn. Additionally, Dearborn was mentioned in a 2014 episode of The Crazy Ones, the sitcom that starred the late Robin Williams. In that episode, Gordon (Brad Garrett) gives a history of Dearborn while wearing Smart Specs, a pair of glasses accessing the Internet via voice command.

An early 2015 episode of Person of Interest, the techno-thriller that concluded earlier this year, occurred in Dearborn and Detroit, but wasnt filmed on location. In it, the heroes Reese (Jim Caveziel) and Root (Amy Acker) battle the enigmatic Control (Camryn Manheim), whos in Dearborn to supervise the assassination of an innocent man.

I remember substitute-teaching in Dearborn on 9/11 and the response from the community, Fox said. Though there was some conflict and tension, I was always impressed with how well the community responded. And in the years since 9/11, the lack of serious tension and unrest in Dearborn is really a testament to the respect for diversity in the city.

The next episode of Designated Survivor airs at 10 p.m. Oct. 12 on ABC (Channel 7 in Detroit). ABC has given the series a full season order of 22 episodes.
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Mumbai. The seminar organized by the Children Welfare Centres school, Claras College of Commerce and Versova Resident Volunteers on Monday 3rd October, 2016 at the Children Welfare Centre High School,Yari Road, Andheri (W),Mumbai was a grand success. The children of the high school and the college welcomed the chief guest Mr. Erik Solheim (Executive Director of United Nations Environment Programme), attired in traditional costumes in cultural style by applying tilak on the forehead and garlanding them with floral garlands. Erik addressed the Students and told them that damage has been done to a large extent to the environment, animals and birds besides human beings due to the littering of garbage and plastic on the river banks and how pollution and damage to environment could be reduced to a large extent. On this occasion, the Principal of Children Welfare Centre Mr Ajay Kaul, the Schools executive Chairman Mr Prashant Kashid, Film & TV Actor Naresh Suri and Versova Resident volunteers Mr Afroz Shah also added grandeur and dignity to the event with their august presence and also expressed their viewpoints.Mr Ajay Kaul and Mr Prashant Kashid said that Mr Erik Solheim was trying his level best to save the environment from the encroachment of plastic and littering and added that just a day before he had cleaned the beach with his Swachchata Campaign and hence we have organized this seminar, through which todays youth will come to know more about how to prevent the environment from choking with plastic and littering and be free. Mr Erik Solheim also added that children of the school as well as the college are the future of every country and if they are taught properly about the harmful effects of littering and pollution on our environment then the future will see less of hassles as far as pollution and environment are concerned and hence I decide to attend this seminar.
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Udaipur(Dr.GNBhatt /Ritu Sodhi) Two Memorandums of Understanding were signed today in the presence of HE PM of Singapore Mr.Lee Hsein Loong and Rajasthan CM Smt. Vasundhara Raje at Udai Vilas Hotel in Udaipur.Rajasthan will be developed as International tourist destination in the world and Pink city, Jaipur will be recognized on world map as a Smart city. Government of Rajasthan and Singapore will work together to make this happen in future. Singapore will enhance Rajasthans productivity and economic growth & business creation.On behalf of Government of Rajasthan, Principal Secretary Mukesh kumar Sharma and on behalf of International Enterprise Singapore, Assistant Chief Executive Officer Tan Soon Kim signed the first MOU. Second MOU was signed by Permanent Secretary Department of tourism Ms. Roli Singh & Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Cooperation Enterprise, Mr. Kong Wy Mun.CM Raje and Minister of Trade and Industry Mr. S. Ishwaran were the witnesses of MOU while Singapore PM Lee was present there.Singapore Education Minister , Senior Defence Minister State Aung E Kung, Foreign Affairs Minister of State Dr. Usman, Singapores High Commissioner in India, Lin Thuan Kuan , Members of Parliament Miss Denis Phua and Vikram Nair with other deligates were present in the ceremony.Home Minister State Shri Gulab Chand Katariya, Housing and Urban Development Minister Rajpal Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State Tourism Krishnendra Kaur, Labour and Employment Minister of State Surendra pal singh, Mayor Chandra Singh Kothari , Divisional Commissioner Bhawani Singh Detha, Principal Secretary to labour and skill development Rajat Mishra, DM Rohit Gupta, Additional SP Rajendra Prasad Goyal, Additional SP Sudhir Joshi, CEO Zila Parishad Avichal Chaturvedi and other senior officials were also there.Government of Rajasthan has plans to build capacity of DOT and its related agencies for management of tourism among others. Singapore will share its expertise and experience with Rajasthan in the areas of tourism and infrastructural development.One time grant for Tourism program in RajasthanTemasek Foundation International has approved a one time grant amount of 484,010 S$ to support the Tourism programme in Rajasthan.This grant will be used in the development of tourism in Rajasthan.Singapores expertise for the implementation of strengthening knowledge capabilities in Strategic Tourism department of Pink city, Jaipur, tourism mobility planning, destination marketing and promotion etc. The money under the grant will be applied directly to the programme by SCE as aforesaid.Training programmes will be held in future to build capacity and knowledge of Singapore will be shared for the purpose of growth and development in this sector.International recognition of RajasthanThe Government of Rajasthan is progressive in fostering economic growth so as to improve the lives of public. Rajasthan Government has focused on the infrastructural development through the implementation of good urban and smart city solutions , improve connectivity and develop key industries such as tourism and export of gems & jewellery.Singapore companies will share the technology in solar and waste water management solution. Scoot has just started its direct flight from Jaipur to Singapore.Inter- model transport integrationSingle fare card, affordable wireless connections for internet, waste management, energy efficiency , rail & road transportation integration, information integration will be developed in Jaipur. Solid waste management is amongst the top areas identified under jaipur smart cities initiative. An integrated solution leveraging on data and communication technology could improve operational efficiency ,energy efficiency as well as improve the quality of life in Jaipur.Singapores experience in the development of Rajasthan will bring historical changes in future. Infrastructural development may give high quality life to the people of Rajasthan.
Hurricane Matthew forced several Florida airports to shut down Thursday, so Spirit Airlines cancelled flights between Atlantic City and Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. And at least one Friday Spirit flight from Atlantic City to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is also cancelled.

Spirit, Atlantic City International Airport's main airline, cancelled flights scheduled to arrive from Fort Lauderdale at 5:38 and 10:49 p.m. and from Orlando at 9:40 p.m., according to the airport's web site, acairport.com.

Spirit also called off a flight scheduled to take off from ACY for Orlando at 6:25 p.m., the airport reported.

And Myrtle Beach's airport reports that the flight scheduled to leave for there from Atlantic City at 6:30 a.m. Friday is also cancelled.

"Our flights to/from Atlantic City and these destinations will likely be impacted through (Friday) due to these weather-related closures," a Spirit spokesman said via email. "We will have a better idea on when service will begin again based on the track and impact of the storm."

Statements on the web sites of Orlando's and Fort Lauderdale airports said both either had closed Thursday or would close by evening.

Spirit had previously announced that the airline would waive its fees to change tickets at least through Friday for travelers affected by the hurricane.
If you dont know what a man bun is, you can let Lucas Rooney tell you. But hed rather show you.

The 16-year-old from Cape May created a film about the mens hairstyle phenomenon and won the opportunity to show it in Times Square in New York City.

Rooneys short film, Man Bun, was chosen for screening Friday through Sunday in the 2016 All American High School Film Festival, which will show films in the AMC Empire Theaters.

Its about a teenager who has a girlfriend that dumps him for someone that has a man bun. Hes not very sure what a man bun is. The whole movie leads up to this one joke, Rooney said. I kind of made the movie knowing I wanted to submit to some festivals.

The film is a glimpse into teenage relationships in 2016 and the mens hair fashion trend, the man bun, that, at least in the film, disrupts them.

Rooney said he submitted Man Bun to a few smaller festivals around the U.S., but they didnt bite. The New York festival chose Rooneys film among 1,850 submissions from 48 states and 40 countries. Rooney will be eligible to win scholarships and prizes that will be announced Sunday in Brooklyn.

Rooney said he has always been interested in cameras.

My parents always had a video camera out during family events. I was always interested in the fundamentals of it and how it works. So when I got a little older, I went on my computer, used iMovie, and I taught myself, Rooney said.

Rooney attended a film camp in Cape May that he said taught him a lot of the fundamentals of film. Along the way, he learned more specialized camera techniques and programs.

It was part of the evolution of me growing up as a filmmaker, Rooney said. Ive always been on the more technical side, but Ive been striving the last few years to go to the creative side: the writing and directing artistically.

Rooney said that without the help of friends P.J. Short, Spencer Hughes, Tony Herouvis, Sam Dragon, Emma Stanford, Nick Presnall and John Mazurie, Man Bun wouldnt have been created.

I had put it on YouTube, and a lot of people from school have seen it. Ive geared it toward not just my generation but also adults, Rooney said. It was really appealing to adults and kids, and it has been getting good reactions from basically everybody.

Next, Rooney says, he will focus on the TV/media class hes enrolled in at Ocean City High School. Hes excited for the projects he has in preproduction.

Family members will accompany Rooney to the screening Saturday in Times Square.

And looking ahead, beyond high school, Rooney said he hopes to continue on the film path.

Im definitely interested in this in college and even career, he said. Ill hopefully make a career out of it.
ATLANTIC CITY  Five City Council members blasted a proposed ballot question Thursday that would ask voters to cut two council ward seats, calling the referendums premise insulting and racist.

Council President Marty Small, Councilmen Kaleem Shabazz, William Marsh, Jesse Kurtz and Aaron Randolph released a joint statement Thursday condemning the proposal as a deceitful scheme to diminish African-American representation in the city. They also announced a Monday press conference about plans to challenge the legality of the petition.

The proposed ballot question would ask voters to reduce council from nine seats to seven by dividing the city into four wards instead of six. There would be one council member for each ward, while keeping all three at-large seats.

There is presently underway a plan, a plot, to dismantle the current Ward map, which provides the diverse representation we have on the City Council, the statement said. This referendum disenfranchises all residential taxpayers of the City by concentrating more people into less Wards, thus diminishing the individual character of the Citys neighborhoods in political representation.

The statement further charged that there is irrefutable evidence that violations were committed in the collection of signatures and those behind the plot will reward outside groups looking to take advantage of the city. The statement does not specify which groups.

The five councilmen, all representing wards, voted in favor of an earlier plan in June to cut two at-large council seats, keeping all six wards. That plan required state approval.

The new proposal, presented by Councilmen Frank Gilliam, George Tibbitt and Chuen Jimmy Cheng, along with residents John Exadaktilos and Mohammad Haroon Rashid, doesnt require state approval to be presented to voters. Their petition tried to put the question to cut wo wards on this Novembers ballot.

But the City Clerks Office recently rejected that petition, saying the question didnt comply with state statute. Gilliam is suing the Clerks Office to reverse the decision, claiming the former city clerk approved the questions format but later rejected it after signatures were submitted.

Gilliam, an at-large councilman, said if the petition would get its day in court, then voters would get a chance to dictate what they want. He hopes to have a special election for the question.

Its high time they wake up and realize this is not only a black and white town, said Gilliam, referring to the statements charge that reducing wards would diminish African-American or other minority representation. This is a town that consists of a myriad of cultures.

Gilliam also implied the councilmen opposing the petition were being hypocritical, pointing to a controversial nonbinding referendum that will ask voters this November whether the city should offer vouchers promoting school choice.

Theyre willing to open up the conversation in terms of school vouchers, Gilliam said. Let the elected officials open up the conversation as to whether they want to redistrict or ... want to reduce council from nine to seven.

The news conference against the petition will take place 11 a.m. Monday at Second Baptist Church on Rev. Dr. Isaac S. Coles Plaza.

Across the nation we are witnessing attempts to turn back the clock, to roll back the progress African-Americans have made as voters, the statement said. In Atlantic City, these attacks cut deep given the way our city has been exploited since the state allowed casinos on our shoreline and reneged on the promise of investing in the people of our city.
The state Department of Environmental Protection issued a drought watch Wednesday for Ocean, Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington and Monmouth counties.

The designation recommends residents voluntarily conserve water, according to the DEP.

The recent rainfall we received, while spanning several days, was not enough to reverse downward trends in our water supplies due to extended dry weather patterns over most of the year, DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said.

In Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties, rainfall is near or above normal, stream flow is considered moderately dry and shallow ground water is considered severely dry, according to the DEP.

The department has not issued a drought watch for those counties.

Martin urged residents and businesses across the state to conserve water, particularly by cutting down nonessential use, such as outdoor watering.

A drought warning may come for the northern part of the state so water can be moved between reservoirs, the DEP said.

The DEP has scheduled a public hearing on the issue for 10 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Millburn Free Public Library, 200 Glen Ave., Millburn, Essex County.

The DEP may issue formal drought warning measures after the hearing for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset and Union counties.

The goal is to avert a drought emergency declaration, which would cause mandatory restrictions on water use by the public.

These are current conditions that rely on reservoirs, according to the DEP:

 The combined storage in reservoirs serving portions of Monmouth and Ocean counties are 16 percent below their normal storage of 7 billion gallons.

 The New Jersey Water Supply Authoritys Raritan Basin reservoirs  serving densely populated central parts of the state are 22 percent below their normal storage level of about 64 billion gallons for this time of year.

 The Northeast Combined Reservoir System  12 reservoirs operated by four water suppliers serving the most densely populated region of the state  is 11 percent below its normal storage level of about 45 billion gallons for this time of year.

The southwestern part of the state  Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties  relies primarily on groundwater, the DEP said.

Stream flows and groundwater there are rated severely dry, accor ding to the DEP, while rainfall in that area is rated moderately dry.

Sussex and Warren counties also rely largely on groundwater. Stream flow and shallow groundwater in these counties are rated as severely dry, while precipitation is rated as moderately dry.

DEP also said it will continue a drought watch there that has been in effect since July.

More state water supply status information is at njdrought.org/status.html. Water conservation technologies and facts are at nj.gov/dep/watersupply/conserve.htm.
Two South Jersey girls were arrested in separate incidents Tuesday after authorities reported creepy-clown incidents in Lower Township and Toms River as reports of the pranks and threats continue across the U.S.

An Ocean County Prosecutors Office statement Wednesday said a Toms River schoolgirl made a post on Instagram directed toward Intermediate School East under the account name Killerclownfromnj.

Some people wanted Toms River Intermediate East Middle School; I will be there at 8:37 sharp on Thursday, October 6th 2016!!, the post read. After evaluating the post, officials determined there was no threat to students and the incident was a hoax, according to the Prosecutors Office.

The girl was charged with causing false public alarm.

In Lower Township, an 11-year-old was charged on juvenile complaints of making terroristic threats and harassment after she texted photos of a clowns face to a girl, police said.

Police throughout the region are experiencing issues with people either dressing up and lurking about as clowns or posting photos of clowns in a threatening or harassing nature, the statement read.

The activity could be criminal, depending on the circumstances, so police encourage people to come forward about the incidents.

These incidents follow the reports of a 13-year-old boy being arrested after Hamilton Township police said he made threats against a Mays Landing middle school through a creepy clown social-media account.
A lonely, widowed woman needs someone to talk to. A person is concerned about a loved one who stopped taking anti-psychotic medications.

Stafford Township police dispatch gets the same calls over and over from some of the same people, said police Chief Tom Dellane.

Officers and emergency workers respond to these types of calls, but often, they are not emergencies or are minor infractions.

They need help, not incarceration.

Dellane, Stafford police and experts at Ocean Mental Health Services have teamed up for one of the first efforts like it in New Jersey to integrate law enforcement and mental-health professions under one roof.

The officers will be able to tell me what is going with someone and Ill say, When you are going to see them? said Meghan Corrigan, a county licensed social worker. Then Ill hop in the car with officers and go with them to talk with that person.

About 2 million people with mental illness in the United States are booked into jails each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The police department employs Corrigan, of Toms River, part-time as the behavioral and mental health expert to directly help officers treat people they identified with having issues or could potentially have mental health crises.

Officers can make case referrals to her. Since starting the pilot program nearly three weeks ago, she has gotten more than 20 referrals.

My thought is that if we can get to those people before they reach that crisis state, we could save some lives, Dellane said.

In a mental-health crisis, people are more likely to encounter first responders and police before health professionals, especially ones specializing in mental health.

Police dispatchers recently got a call from a distressed mother in tears. Her child, who has autism, left the house after an argument holding a knife.

She called me later and said she thought police officers were going to kill her child when they saw him with the knife, Dellane said. In any other situation, officers would have the right to react and protect themselves, but they just talked to him quietly and didnt arrest him right after. They knew that would make it worse for him.

Corrigan said she hopes to be able to put people who struggle with homelessness, drug abuse, family discord and mental illness in touch with the right experts to reduce future law enforcement encounters.

Other local police, fire and emergency departments have collaborated with mental health services.

Still, some fall through the cracks.

Ann Thoresen, senior director of the Atlantic Homeless Alliance and Justice Involved Services for Jewish Family Services of Atlantic and Cape May counties, said jails and prisons are often considered the new mental health institutions, since many of the states psychiatric hospitals have closed.

And they are not a place for treatment, she said of correctional facilities.

Agencies such as Jewish Family Services keep an eye on those who cross over between the mental health field and the justice system. A team of social workers go to local jails and prisons and identify people who may have or are developing mental illnesses.

They then follow people and help them with mental-health counseling, housing and income once they leave incarceration.

"The systems have to be on the same page. Hopefully that work results in people not having more contact with justice system, Thoresen said.
Scott Mason is not eager to see what may soon happen to the signs above his gas pumps.

The price of gasoline could jump 23 cents per gallon if state lawmakers approve a gas-tax increase Friday.

And Mason, manager of Riggins Oil on Rio Grande Avenue in Wildwood, says it will hurt businesses and may disproportionately hurt South Jersey.

Hes already convinced the proposed tax increase, which would be used to fund transportation projects, would benefit the north end of things while largely ignoring this area.

Youve got to remember were South Jersey. Were the end of the map here, he said.

Hundreds of construction projects around the state that have been stalled since July would resume if a deal to replenish the states Transportation Trust Fund goes through. The proposal also phases out the estate tax by 2018 and lowers the state sales tax by three-eighths of a percentage point.

The bill is backed by Republican Gov. Chris Christie and Democratic leaders.

About 50 projects in Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties have been affected by the shutdown.

But some local lawmakers oppose a deal.

We have less mass transit than other parts of the state, and residents often drive greater distances to get to work, school, to doctors appointments and elsewhere, said state Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic.

Van Drew also said he is concerned about the impact the tax could have on farmers and fishermen, because they have big machinery to keep running.

Assemblyman Chris Brown, R-Atlantic, also said he thinks the current bill would negatively affect South Jersey. He voted yes on a version of the bill that was presented in June.

I thoughtfully listened to local families and reviewed all of the amendments and changes, and I believe the new bill prepared by the Senate is a step backward for our middle-class families, so Im voting No, Brown said in a statement.

But Wildwood business owner Tom Valentine said the overall idea of the plan wasnt bad, so long as the money goes where its intended.

Its worth it if they spend the money on what they say theyre going to, said Valentine, owner of Butchs Garage. Unfortunately, gas is a necessary evil.

One of the public questions in the Nov. 8 election would create a state constitutional amendment to dedicate all money from the gas tax to the Transportation Trust Fund.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP  Police are investigating a possible murder-suicide in Ocean County after two people were found dead Wednesday, officials said.

At 7:34 a.m., Holmdel police responded to reports of a man hanging from a Comcast truck in a parking lot on South Holmdel Road, according to a Thursday statement from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office.

Police identified the man as Tyree Johnson, 32, of Lexington Court in Jackson Township, who was found dead hanging from the trucks bucket, the statement said.

When police arrived at the victims home to contact his family, they entered the residence using a key from Johnsons belongings. Officers noticed a strong odor coming from inside and found Christy Keronen, 29, of Lakewood, dead on the kitchen floor with apparent head trauma, the statement said.

The Ocean County Prosecutors Major Crimes Unit and Jackson Township police learned Keronens family had reported her missing earlier in the day, and the last time she had been seen was Sunday around 9 a.m.

The Prosecutors Office said there is no reason to believe there is a threat to the community. The incident is still under investigation.
State Senate President Stephen Sweeney announced Thursday morning he will not seek the Democratic nomination in the 2017 governors race.

While the Democrat said he seriously considered running and feels he would have been able to win the election, he said in a statement that former Obama administration ambassador Phil Murphy has secured substantial support from Democratic leaders and people in the community.

Need for jobs in Atlantic City outweighs Sweeneys desire to help union friends Casino closings have cost Atlantic City several thousand jobs in the past few years, with ne

I am humbled by the support and encouragement to run I received from members of the building trades who have stood with me for decades, Sweeney wrote in the statement. The difficult choices my colleagues and I have made in recent years will make New Jersey a better, stronger and more financially secure place for Phil Murphy to lead as Governor.

Sweeney added he plans to run for re-election to the Senate and remain Senate president.

Hes proud of his record as the leader of the Senate, which has included raising the minimum wage, working to make college more affordable and increasing public safety, he said.

Sweeney also said he looks forward to working with Murphy during the campaign and plans to work to better the state together.

I believe that together we will continue to address the significant problems facing New Jersey, the statement said.

{span}Republican Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, R-Somerset, declared his candidacy for governor Tuesday.{/span}
MILLVILLE  Police officers spread throughout the streets of Holly Village Mobile Home Park, walking door-to-door Thursday morning, leaving no residence untouched.

They werent there on a crime-related assignment or investigation. Their goal was to get residents to see how prescription opioids can be abused and lead to heroin addiction.

More than 2,000 volunteers, professionals and advocates across all counties in New Jersey participated in the first Knock Out Opiate Abuse Day, a statewide prevention and awareness outreach organized by Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

Its really becoming even more of an epidemic, especially in families, Officer Rick Kott said. Kids will say they can get alcohol, but its still hard. With pills, theyre just in the medicine cabinet. Its too easy.

The state Department of Human Services and the Governors Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse were also part of the initiative. Angelo Valente, partnership executive director, said the door-to-door outreach on this topic is the first of its kind in the country.

Kott and Millville police officers were joined by volunteers from other Cumberland County departments and the SouthWest Council, a substance-abuse prevention and treatment network based in Vineland.

Kott walked up the blue wooden steps of a mobile home and let a door knob hanger. It had a picture of a young girl lying in a hospital bed with a broken arm.

Would you give your child heroin for a broken arm? Ask your doctor how prescription drugs can lead to heroin abuse, it read.

The number of opioid pain relievers prescribed in the U.S. has skyrocketed in the past 25 years, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 62 prescriptions for pain killers were written per 100 residents in New Jersey in 2014.

Heroin, which shares many of the same properties as opioids, has also increased nationwide among all genders and age groups, officials said. Research showed that four out of five new heroin users abused prescription pain relievers before turning to heroin.

We need to spread the knowledge on how much the prescription pad has led to this current heroin crisis, said Matthew Rudd, SouthWest director of coalitions and communications.

Betty Ecret was outside her home and stopped to talk to police distributing the information. She had seen how addiction affected people in her community.

Ashleigh Huff, of Cumberland County Human Services, later led a group of volunteers to nearby physicians offices where they sat with prescribers and talked about the importance of following updated CDC guidelines on opioid prescriptions.

Addiction does not discriminate, and its affecting people younger and younger, Huff said.

Other regional coordinators led groups of people out to neighborhoods and doctors offices in Cumberland, Cape May, Atlantic and Ocean counties. Ocean County has the highest rates of opioid overdose deaths in the state.

Atlantic Prevention Resources, Seabrook House, Ocean Countys DART Prevention Coalition and Cape May County departments were just a handful of the participating organizations and agencies.

Its an important message, and to have thousands of people out on the streets of New Jersey is very exciting and crucial to stem the epidemic in this state, Valente said. The conversations are happening now, and there are new, younger generations to protect as well.
Casino closings have cost Atlantic City several thousand jobs in the past few years, with nearly a few thousand more coming Monday when the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort closes. Senate President Stephen Sweeneys response? Make it harder for the Taj to reopen and rehire workers.

Billionaire investor and Taj owner Carl Icahn once said hed renovate the Taj to make it competitive again, but he set that plan aside when North Jersey casinos were proposed. Icahn is closing the Taj after a prolonged strike by Unite Here Local 54 in which the companys offer was never put to a vote of the union workers.

Some think Icahn might reopen the Taj if gaming expansion is defeated in the November referendum (as expected). Apparently Sweeney thinks thats a possibility, since he is pushing a bill to make sure the Taj doesnt reopen unless his union allies get what they want but couldnt attain through normal labor law.

Sweeneys special bill would disqualify casino license holders who closed a casino from opening a casino hotel for five years. The proposal is aimed solely at Icahn, but there might be other circumstances in which it could prevent a casino hotel opening or reopening, also costing Atlantic City jobs and tax revenue.

The bill was released by a Senate committee on Sept. 26 after amendments that make clear exactly which Sweeney political ally it is intended to help. The bill now says a license holder who closed a casino is welcome to open another or the same if the operator agrees to a contract with a registered labor organization representing the casino hotel facility. The union returned the favor on Tuesday, supporting Sweeney in his expected campaign for governor.

Besides rigging New Jersey law in a unions favor, Sweeneys bill also would override the standing and judgment of U.S. Bankruptcy Court, which voided some of the union contract terms (on union-provided health care in particular) as a condition of the Taj Mahal emerging from bankruptcy and into the hands of Icahn (its principal lender). Would a federal court allow Sweeneys bill to nullify the result reached by a federal bankruptcy judge? Perhaps, given the states broad power to run its gambling cash cow as it sees fit. But perhaps not.

But this is certain  whatever hope the 2,848 Taj Mahal employees have of returning to work at the casino hotel would be dashed if the bill becomes law. Sweeney, an iron workers union executive, apparently doesnt care about the nearly two-thirds of them  1,848  who arent members of the union hes boosting.

This seems to be government by and for a political/union alliance, not by and for the people. The governor should veto the bill if it reaches him.
Steven Santiago and Kelsey Frost practice salsa dancing even when they are in Frosts Brigantine living room.

Getting the timing and simultaneous movement down is still difficult for the newly engaged couple. But they continue to practice, hoping to salsa during their first dance at their wedding. The couple got engaged this past New Years Eve and have their wedding set for August of next year.

They know they have some moves to learn before then.

On a Tuesday night at Linwoods Body in Balance studio, Santiago and Frost are practicing basic salsa steps, mouthing an eight count while they listen to instructor Michele Acito.

At one point, Steven whispers to Kelsey, Im lost. But the two try to keep the beat straight.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.

For South Jersey residents like Santiago and Frost, salsa means more than just learning a new dance. It can mean becoming closer with their culture, or it can just be a good way to socialize with others.

Santiagos Puerto Rican background means that family parties often include dancing.

Santiago and Frost would sometimes dance at these family gatherings, but they both wanted to get better for their wedding.

For Santiago, that meant learning the dance that everyone else in his family seemed to know.

Even though I was born here, I had both (American and Puerto Rican) cultures, and I wanted to incorporate both in our wedding, said Santiago, 24, of Absecon.

He and Frost said they want to be more confident in their dancing and to be able to go out on the dance floor before their wedding.

We have to practice in front of people and go to family barbecues and have people laugh at us, so we can get that out of the way, Santiago joked.

They try to make it to practice every Tuesday night.

A typical class will run from 45 minutes to an hour. This isnt the salsa dance youve seen in the movies, with men in pressed white shirts and black dress pants or women wearing dresses with furling skirts. This class is typically for beginners, and the participants are usually in casual clothes or even in sweats.

Though the mirrors and dance bar that surround the room can make the class look very professional, almost all of the participants are learning the Latin dance for the first time.

The first lesson a few weeks ago was a lot to take in, particularly the fact that the man always leads. Santiago said this was new for the couple, as Frost usually takes the lead with most ventures in their relationship.

In real life, Kelsey takes the lead with a lot of things, so were able to change roles out on the dance floor, Santiago said.

Kelsey said shes ready to take the back seat to Stevens lead and is ready to learn, not only about salsa but about his family.

Im going to embrace his culture, and Im making my effort to embrace the dance, Frost said.

The class is also a good way for them to spend time together.

Its like a date night for us, Frost said.

For Chuck Walker, the love of salsa has been a big part of his life. Chuck used to go dancing with his wife, Myra, and friends for years. But Myra got sick and died in 2012.

One day, he saw a notice for salsa lessons in the newspaper and decided to brush up on his first love. Walker drives more than an hour every Tuesday night to practice his steps and to work with a partner. He now has been taking classes for a couple of years. He enjoys socializing with the people he meets during the classes.

Well all go out to the Golden Nugget or to the Stardust in Belmar, said Walker, 67. My goal when I started was to be able to go to any dance club and dance. Im no Michael Jackson, but at least I can look respectable.

During a recent practice, as he moved his feet back and forth and swiveled his hips to a Latin song playing in the dance studio, Walker was obviously enjoying himself.

He said salsa is his favorite type of dance.

Its a quicker dance, and there are probably about 300 to 400 moves you can do with salsa. There are just so many variations of the dance, said Walker, 67, of Waterford in Camden County.

Walker travels to Linwood every Tuesday so he can dance with his friends and participate in the class. He said he has enjoyed building relationships with people interested in the same activities.

He and other students will go to Christmas parties at the end of the year, theyll celebrate birthdays together, they even went to the Catskill Mountains in New York last November for a dance weekend.

Last New Years Eve, Walker and friends went to the Avalon Country Club to dance. Hes not sure how the group will celebrate the holidays this year, but he knows salsa will be involved.

You go out to the clubs and there are people out there doing salsa all the time, Walker said. And weve got a great community here.
Residents may not be able to support big teacher raises

Congratulations to the teachers of Egg Harbor Township for signing a three-year contract with a 12 percent raise. No doubt they are excellent teachers and they deserve a raise. Every public employee deserves a raise, since they provide valuable and necessary services. The EHT police, fire, clerical and maintenance workers also deserve a raise.

In the same week, in a commentary written by Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo, he predicted that three to five casinos will close if North Jersey gets casino gambling. According to the Morowitz Gaming Advisors study, cited by Mazzeo, the closing of that many casinos would result in the loss of $1.4 billion in gaming revenue, $2 billion in lost revenue to the local economy and the loss of 20,000 jobs.

If, God forbid, North Jersey does get casino gambling, I wonder if there will be enough people left in EHT to pay the teachers new salaries. The boards of education in Atlantic County and the unions should factor in the possibility of North Jersey casino gambling when negotiating contracts. The alternative is that the Mainland communities will be faced with the same fiscal disaster as the Atlantic City Board of Education that is or will be looking to the state for a bailout.

Alan Lands

Pleasantville

Straub will be chased out for not paying to play

How dare Glenn Straub come to Atlantic City. Straub wants to put thousands of people to work. He didnt hire the right attorneys and consultants who have incestuous relationships with local and state officials.

Shame on him, for paying high legal fees, taxes, insurance, electric and soon water. Visionaries such as Straub and Steve Wynn were chased out New Jersey for not paying to play.

Some animals are more equal than others? Local and state politicians should kiss the ground Straub walks on.

Steve Goldstein

Atlantic City

Backs Stokes for freeholder

I support Steve Stokes in the freeholder race for District 4 (Galloway Township, Absecon, Brigantine and Port Republic).

Rich Dase Jr. is a nice enough guy but he has served on the freeholder board for almost 10 years with nothing to show for it. Time and again he has supported the countys uncheck-ed spending habits while taxes continue to rise. Further, I cant remember the last time he actually had his own resolution or ordinance up for a vote.

We need actual leadership. Stokes honorably served the nation for 22 years in the Army, including tours in Iraq and at the Pentagon. Now, hes a union carpenter, whose sole responsibility is to put his members to work. Thats the kind of can-do attitude and fresh new voice needed at the county level.

In this election, we need to move out the old and put in the new. People should disregard party affiliation and vote for the person who wont just be a rubberstamp for business as usual, and even worse spending as usual.

Jerry Savell

Galloway Township

Public surveillance cameras needed in Atlantic City

Atlantic City is rated the second most dangerous city in New Jersey right after Camden. Residents in Atlantic City face a significant chance of being a victim of violence. I believe using surveillance cameras would help deter crime.

The Chicago Police Department has found public surveillance cameras an important crime-fighting tool. This technology is also used in Lower Manhattan and the United Kingdom and is showing a beneficial result in crime reduction in those areas.

Introducing surveillance cameras to the streets of Atlantic City might cut the crime rates because offenders would think twice when they are aware that they are being watched. The face detection technology in some surveillance cameras can help the local police recognize and penalize the offenders if the devices are put up in the citys crime hotspots.

Jude A. Hamidaddin

Galloway Township
When was the last time the skies over South Jersey were sunny from sunrise to sunset?

You have to go back a while, 10 days to be precise, to Sept. 26. Needless to say, its been too long, and we certainly deserve some substantial sunshine to buoy our spirits, which have been weighed down with more than a week of predominantly gray and gloomy weather.

Well, after a few morning clouds, here comes some sun, and its ours to keep through Friday and for most of the upcoming holiday weekend. In fact, theres only one bump in our otherwise nice weather road, and that comes in the form of just a few showers later Saturday.

However, that bump looks much smaller now than it did just 24 hours ago. Thats because Hurricane Matthew decided to throw forecasters for a loop, quite literally. The storm may actually make a clockwise loop east of Florida next week, and could be a feature on the weather map for a week or more to come. Matthews end game is far away and not yet written, but in the short term, any threat to South Jersey has been erased.

While Florida to the Carolinas are still in the crosshairs of a direct impact from Matthew, South Jersey can breathe a sigh of relief. A cold front that was initially supposed to pull Matthew up the coast in our direction will no longer do so, leaving it to meander well to our south and east. That means South Jersey should be spared, and our weekend forecast has improved as a result.

The aforementioned cold front will bring us some extra clouds to start the holiday weekend Saturday and perhaps a shower or two. However, most of the day will remain dry, and any showers that do pop up should remain light and short-lived.

The crisp fall sunshine returns for an encore early next week, with a brief uptick in some brisk breezes Sunday. Seasonably mild days will be followed by cool and comfortable nights, as we finally make up for the damp and dreary stretch were just now emerging from.
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.




RANDERS, Denmark, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The world's largest museum devoted to Austin cars will soon be auctioned in Denmark. Alongside 47 cars, it also features over 3,000 related items, including books, posters, signs, toy cars, die-casts and other rare automobilia.

Stefan Wolffbrandt began the collection in 1985 after he acquired his first car; an 1957 Austin A30, which he saved from the junkyard and restored on a shoestring. This ignited his passion for the brand and he went on to collect further Austin models, in particular A30's and A35's, while pursuing his career as a successful rock musician.

Wolffbrandt saw an opportunity to start a car museum when he became the harbour master on the idyllic island of Samsoe, which is popular with tourists. A believer in the term "everything is possible", in 2005 he started building the museum himself, acquiring cars along the way. Two years later, the Samsoe Austin Museum opened with 14 cars and continued to grow from there.

Today the collection fills approximately 1.200 m2 of exhibition space and the whole shipment can be contained in 17 - 42" containers.

Interestingly many cars and automobilia were donated to the museum on the basis of its status as the only Austin museum in the world; run out of love for the brand. As a result, Stefan Wolffbrandt knows the story of almost every car, and has tried to communicate these stories in the exhibitions. However, as the Danish tax authorities deemed the museum to be an enthusiast's hobby rather than a business, Wollfbrandt was penalised so badly that he decided to sell the whole museum. All taxes have now been paid so the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Noergaard Wolff Brandt Foundation; an organization established to benefit Samsoe's children and adolescents.

The majority of the cars have been preserved in their current condition, rather than being restored, and each has its own unique story. They include a range of models, from the well-known A30 and Sprite to the rare Allegro. The collection also features the "Half Crab", an 1800 cut in half and used in the 1971 film Traffic. However, those hoping to buy a single car or piece of automobilia will be disappointed, as the museum is only available for sale in its entirety. If the buyer desires, Wollfbrandt is also offering his expertise to help re-establish the museum in its new location.

Both Wolffbrandt and Campen Auktioner are excited to see who will win this unusual auction. They expect it to appeal to other collectors, or perhaps theme parks seeking a brand new and unique attraction.

More information:

http://www.campenauktioner.dk/

http://www.austinmuseum.dk/english.html

Campen Auktioner auction catalog #736

https://campenauktioner.hibid.com/catalog/84818/736-net--komplet-austin-museum--47-biler-merchandise--sams--

Samsoe Austin Museum Auction Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCN2yHzkMOQ

More photos, stories and information: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yrebsq5b7ux8nq2/AACFHE4btIXTrd3WgGYVRIjEa?dl=0

Annette Kjaer, PR & Marketing Manager, +45-22-543-543, pr@campenauktioner.dk

SOURCE Campen Auktioner
Arria recognizes the demand from users to be able to build their own NLG applications with the option of hosting on-premises or delivery via cloud Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

Articulator Lite (A-Lite) makes simple NLG solutions available to everyone. A-Lite is a toolkit that allows users who might not be specialist developers to build their own NLG applications using many of the key functionalities of Arria's patented technology suite.

Acknowledging customer demand, Arria has developed an everyday tool that allows users to plug in their data and configure elementary rules to generate content in a matter of hours. The tool can be used to generate content such as stock reports, product descriptions, crime trend reports or sales updates from any structured dataset.

Currently in private beta, Arria is working with users to tailor the A-Lite toolkit based on their feedback before opening the public beta later this year. During the beta, A-Lite will be free to users. A-Lite is expected to be fully released to the market in 2017 as a Software as a Service product, when a tiered pricing structure will be introduced. Prospective users can request an invite to the private beta at www.arria.com/nlg-cloud.

A-Lite is the first of two self-service software development toolkits that make up Arria's NLG Cloud. The second, a tool for professional software developers called Articulator Pro, is expected to be available in 2017.

Dr. Robert Dale, Chief Technology Officer at Arria NLG, commented: "Up until now, real Natural Language Generation has been available only to enterprises who purchase large and expensive applications. Arria's self-service NLG tools change all that, going beyond the simpler approaches of our competitors to bring real NLG capabilities to anyone who wants to automate content creation from data."

Media Contact:

Ruder Finn (PR USA)

Scott Beaver (West Coast) Tel: +1 541-326-5847

Brianna Mulligan (East Coast) Tel: +1 203-246-1304

Related Links

http://www.arria.com



SOURCE Arria NLG
PORTLAND, Oregon, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, "Asphalt Additives Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014 - 2022", the asphalt additives market was valued at $1,433 million in 2015 and is projected to reach $2,302 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2016 to 2022. The polymerized asphalt cement (PAC) segment held nearly half of the total market in 2015.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 )



Summary of the Asphalt Additives Market Report can be accessed on the website at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/asphalt-additives-market

Asphalt additives are the specialty chemicals that are added to impart additional benefits such as reduction in stripping, raveling, cracking, costs, and deformations. They are specifically added during construction of roads, sidewalks, airports, and parking lots. The market for asphalt additives has grown tremendously in the recent past due to increase in government investment for the infrastructural development coupled with the rise in ownership of automobiles globally.

Factors that drive the growth of the global asphalt additives market are increase in urbanization, rise in demand of asphalt from construction industry, and growth in conformity with latest manufacturing standards. In addition, increase in demand for asphalt additives from the emerging economies as well as growth in awareness about energy conservation and sustainable infrastructure provide opportunities to the asphalt additives manufactures. However, low consumer awareness and change in regulatory environment are expected to hamper the market growth.

PAC is expected to maintain its dominant position throughout the analysis period, due to the remarkable properties such as enhancement of asphalt ability to combat fatigue & cracks, temperature susceptibility, and increment in the adhesion & cohesion properties. PAC is added to the asphalt immediately before heating to yield maximum benefit.

Road construction segment dominated with more than 50% share, in terms of volume, in 2015. In response to the perennial urbanization, efficient roads are currently in high demand across the globe. Residential construction companies are inclined towards using asphalt roofs to provide durability, algae resistance, fire resistance, and cost-effectiveness. The world roofing asphalt additives market volume is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% and reach 399 kilotons by 2022.

According to Shiv Shukla, Research Analyst, Chemicals & Materials at Allied Market Research, "Construction firms have initiated road development projects using high grade construction materials including asphalt additives to provide improved structural integrity and sustainability. The Asia-Pacific and LAMEA regions dominant, due to the high urban displacement. Increasing demand for asphalt roofs among construction companies involved in residential and commercial constructions poses lucrative opportunities for players in the world asphalt additives market".

Key Findings of Asphalt Additives Market

In terms of both value and volume, Novophalt additives is projected to be the fastest growing segment during the analysis period.

Asia-Pacific is projected to maintain its lead position throughout 2022 and will grow at a CAGR of 8.3%, in terms of volume.

is projected to maintain its lead position throughout 2022 and will grow at a CAGR of 8.3%, in terms of volume. Road construction application occupied more than half of the total market in 2015.

China occupied two-thirds of the total Asia-Pacific asphalt additives market in 2015.

occupied two-thirds of the total asphalt additives market in 2015. India is expected to grow at the fastest rate and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2016 to 2022

In 2015, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA collectively accounted for two-thirds of the total asphalt additives market and are expected to continue this trend due to increase in infrastructural development, specifically in China, India, and other developing economies. Rise in urban population is the main reason for the growth of asphalt additive market in the Asia-Pacific region.

The major companies profiled in the report include Evonik Industries AG, Tri-Chem Industries, Ingevity, AkzoNobel N.V., E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Honeywell International Inc., Huntsman International LLC, Kao Corporation, ArrMaz, and The Arkema Group.

Summary of Similar Reports can be viewed at

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/materials-&-chemicals/speciality-and-fine-chemicals-market-report

About Us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

Contact:

Sona Padmanabhan

5933 NE Win Sivers Drive

#205, Portland, OR 97220

United States

Direct: +1-503-894-6022

Toll Free: +1 (800) 792-5285 (U.S. & Canada)

Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975

E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com



Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com

SOURCE Allied Market Research
Small- to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the e-FACTURA platform can now receive early invoice payment typically within 24 hours

DUBLIN and MADRID, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Aztec Exchange, a global supplier of invoice finance products and services, today announced the launch in Spain of its early payment solution ePayMe (payme.cloud/es/) through Grupo SERES, reaching their 6,000 SME clients. With this partnership, Aztec continues to grow its position among European SMEs seeking early payment  a nearly 1.6 trillion market.i

ePayMe takes traditional early payment services like factoring and turns it on its head. Typically issuing payment within 24 hours, ePayMe offers complete transparency, so there are no hidden costs or interest charges, and suppliers only pay minimal fees. Additionally, a supplier can sell as many invoices as it wants, provided the corporate debtors are creditworthy, and there are no long-term contracts.

"Demand for early payment solutions in Spain is among the highest in all of Europe, and we look forward to working with Grupo SERES to deliver ePayMe to SMEs throughout the region," said Aztec CEO Edwin Hagan-Emmin. "With ePayMe, SMEs have access to a flexible, cost-effective early payment service that can quickly get them the money they need to improve their working capital and grow their business. Because it's all done online, a business owner can request their money at any time via any Internet-connected device."

"ePayMe is exactly the kind of early payment service our customers are looking for. In a market where quick access to working capital can mean all the difference for an SME trying to grow and thrive, Aztec delivers a solution that makes sense and is cost-effective, and it is automatically implemented through our electronic invoice service," said Alberto Redondo, Marketing Manager Iberia & Latam Grupo SERES.

This move marks the latest expansion for Aztec and ePayMe. Aztec introduced PayMe (as it's known outside of Latin America and Spain) in May 2016 with Ireland-based Celtrino and their 4,000 SME customers. The company expects to announce sizable additional partnerships with a global customer base in the days ahead.

About Aztec Exchange

Aztec Exchange is a leading payment company dedicated to streamlining global supplier finance. Founded by former Morgan Stanley and HSBC executives, Aztec Exchange's flagship service is PayMe (known as ePayMe in Latin America and Spain) - a reliable, cost-effective and easy-to-use early payment solution. With PayMe, suppliers sell their invoices and receive working capital within days rather than weeks or even months. PayMe is available as a white-label service and can be easily integrated into e-invoicing networks.

Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and with operations in Los Angeles and Miami, Aztec can be found online at www.aztecexchange.com.

About Grupo SERES

SERES is a pioneer and specialist in safe electronic data interchange (EDI) for over 30 years. It is also in Latin America for over 10 years and it is a technology partner to help in digital transformation to optimize, automate and secure B2B, B2G and B2C electronic document interchange.

SERES belongs to Docapost (Grupo La Poste), and is an important element in the global market for electronic document interchange solutions. SERES is an international group and it is present in France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina and Peru, and through its partners in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, etc.

For more information: http://www.groupSERES.com

CONTACT:

David Eckstein Antonio Alvarez Gomez Aztec Exchange Grupo Albion pr@aztecexchange.com aalvarez@grupoalbion.net 415-385-9676 34 91 531 23 88

i https://fci.nl/en/news/global-factoring-volume-reaches-all-time-high-2015/3677

Related Links

http://www.aztecexchange.com



SOURCE Aztec Exchange
PORTLAND, Oregon, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, "Bio-based Lubricants Market by Raw Material, End User, and Application - Global Opportunities Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014 - 2022", the bio-based lubricants market stood at $1,924 million in 2015 and is expected to reach $2,799 million by 2022, registering a CAGR of 5.3% during 2016 - 2022. Asia-Pacific held one-third share in the global bio-based lubricants market in 2015, and is expected to maintain its lead during the forecast period.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 )



Summary of the Bio-based Lubricants Market Report can be accessed on the website at

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/bio-based-lubricants-market

Bio-based lubricants are used in industrial machinery and other automotive applications where environmental loss is more to prevent wear and tear and to increase the life of the machinery by reducing friction between metal parts. They offer several advantages over synthetic & mineral oil based lubricants due to their increased performance and environment friendly nature. Bio-based lubricants are renewable & biodegradable in nature and do not persist in the environment for a longer period of time.

The market for bio-based lubricants has grown considerably in the recent past, due to increase in adoption of bio-based materials owing to the stringent government regulation, especially in North America and Europe. For instance, Spill Prevention, Control and Counter (SPCC) measure rule was published by U.S. Environment Protection Agency in 1973 under Clean Water Act for the prevention of water bodies from leakage of oils in the environment. This rule describes the prevention of, preparedness for, and response to the oil spills at non-transportation-related facilities.

In 2015, the hydraulic fluid segment occupied around one-fourth of the overall bio-based lubricants market in terms of volume, and is expected to maintain its lead throughout the analysis period. This is due to their extensive use in low and high pressure hydraulic systems in the construction, automotive, and agricultural sector. Four types of hydraulic fluids are mainly used in the market, namely, HETG (Hydraulic Environmental Triglyceride), HEES (Hydraulic Environmental Ester Synthetic), HEPG (Hydraulic Environmental Poly Glycol), and HEPR (Hydraulic Environmental Polyalphaolefin and related).

Key findings of the study

Food Grade Lubricants is anticipated to the fastest growing segment during the analysis period.

Asia-Pacific is estimated to continue to lead the global bio-based lubricants market, growing at a CAGR of 6.5%, in terms of revenue.

is estimated to continue to lead the global bio-based lubricants market, growing at a CAGR of 6.5%, in terms of revenue. In 2015, the transportation end-user segment occupied more than half of the total market and is expected to retain its share during the forecast period.

In 2015, vegetable oil raw material segment occupied 86.4% of the total bio-based lubricants market in terms of revenue.

China is the fastest growing segment in the Asia-Pacific market, expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% in terms of revenue, throughout 2016-2022.

As per Eswara Prasad, Team Lead, Chemicals & Materials in Allied Market Research. "Europe, the largest consumer of bio-based lubricants in 2015, is expected to get surpassed by Asia-Pacific by 2022, due to increasing adoption of bio-based materials in emerging economies such as China, India, coupled with ongoing government initiatives in the region."

For instance, regulatory bodies in Malaysia have taken steps to provide incentives to encourage the companies for using vegetable oils as base oil in lubricants manufacturing. Under the Entry Point Project 6 or the EPP6, Malaysian government will provide incentive grants to the companies that invest in palm oil ventures. Rise in urbanization is the one of the foremost reason for the growth of bio-based lubricants market in Asia-Pacific.

Major companies profiled in the report include Total S.A. (France), Exxon Mobil Corporation (U.S.), Royal Dutch Shell plc (Netherlands), Chevron Corporation (U.S.), BP p.l.c. (UK), Renewable Lubricants, Inc. (U.S.), Panolin AG (Switzerland), Environmental Lubricants Manufacturing, Inc. (U.S.), BioBlend Renewable Resources, LLC (U.S.), and Houghton International, Inc. (U.S.).

Summary of Similar Reports can be viewed at

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/materials-&-chemicals/advanced-materials-market-report

About Us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

Contact

Rahul Thakur

5933 NE Win Sivers Drive

#205, Portland, OR 97220

United States

Direct: +1-503-894-6022

Toll Free: +1 (800) 792-5285 (U.S. & Canada)

Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975

E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com

Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com



SOURCE Allied Market Research
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BioGX announced it has received CE-IVD marking for its Flu A, Flu B, RSV automated test on Becton, Dickinson and Company's (BD) BD MAX* system for detection of Influenza A, B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The test is intended to simultaneously detect the presence of Flu A, Flu B and RSV RNA present in nasopharyngeal swabs samples collected from individuals at risk of infection.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415789LOGO

The Flu A, Flu B, RSV assay for the BD MAX automated real-time PCR instrument is offered in a "snap-in-tube" format (Sample-Ready). BioGX provides all test-specific real-time PCR components lyophilized in a single tube. The Sample-Ready tube snaps into the test-specific position on the BD MAX RNA/DNA extraction cartridge supplied by BD.



BioGX Sample-Ready assays empower clinical laboratories with the time- and cost-savings of moderate complexity systems such as minimum assay manipulation, simple workflow, and quick turnaround times. Sample-Ready lyophilized reagent mixes are designed to be compatible with a variety of automated sample extraction and qPCR systems. BioGX reagent technology affords the flexibility to run automated tests as singles or in batches to fit the needs of a laboratory workflow.

"In developing the Sample-Ready family of assays, we listened closely to the needs of our customers and crafted these products to increase laboratory efficiency, ensure result accuracy, and fit seamlessly into any laboratory running the BD MAX system. Additional diagnostic tests using this technology will be available soon to further extend our market reach," said Shazi Iqbal, Ph.D., CEO of BioGX.

The Flu A, Flu B, RSV assay for BD MAX is sold directly by BioGX and it is not available for sale in the United States at this time. To learn more or request information, visit: www.biogx.com

About BioGX:

BioGX is based in Birmingham, Alabama and operates in a cGMP compliant environment certified to International Standard ISO 13485. BioGX develops molecular products and provides partner-specified formulation and manufacturing services for molecular tests on a platform of a partner's choice. The company applies its proprietary platform-agnostic reagent technology to offer products and contract services across a variety of real-time PCR and Next Generation Sequencing platforms. The Sample-Ready technology is at the core of all product offerings for Clinical, Food Safety, Pharma and Water Quality testing. BioGX products are available worldwide through direct sales and distributors.

*BD and BD MAX trademarks are property of Becton, Dickinson and Company.

Related Links

http://biogx.com



SOURCE BioGX
LONDON and AUCKLAND, New Zealand, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

In 2015 The Cavemen (NZ) swapped the sheep and paddocks of their native New Zealand for the grimy streets of London. 2016 sees them rising from the gutter with a brand new record. These four miscreants have belted out 13 syphilitic tracks of rock'n'roll apathy. In this latest waxen slab of hate, The Cavemen touch on everything from lost love, murderous desires and their burning disdain for sophisticated artistic expression. Put simply: it's gonna make you wanna kill.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161006/415898 )



Writing about their debut album, which was released a year to the day before this, their second, is due out, the local Six Noises website wrote that it "features plenty of greasy riffs, uncouth howling, and road-rash-raw garage punk. Think a dose of Dead Moon, with a little of The Cramps and The Stooges, and then throw on a whole heap of vintage trash punk's debauchery. That's essentially The Cavemen. It's sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll conveyed via lo-fi, psychotic '77 era punk rock" and, according to the Irish News, "turbocharged with the attack of early '80s US hardcore and laced with the fuzz pedal-enhanced 'whoop-it-up' wildness of your favourite garage rockers from The Sonics to Mudhoney. The trio's first record is a funny, tuneful rampage of hedonistic juvenile delinquency, grave robbing fantasies and substance/self abuse-themed anarchy." Classic Rock magazine recently stated ," The guitarist sounds likes he's throwing his instrument down a flight of stairs. Record of the year so far, easy.

Both nihilistic and hedonistic at the same time, this is a record to shake the cobwebs out of your ears. It isn't sophisticated or remotely complex. It's one of those wonderful loose-nut albums that reminds you that life is short, and when it's not being nasty as hell it's simply dull as ditch water. So you might as well crank that volume knob to eleven, snigger knowingly at the prurient and intentionally juvenile lyrics and get busy making your own filthy fun, before you die in some tediously mundane fashion.

Things are moving upwards at breakneck speed for them; three short European tours already this year, and a two week continental road rager lined up next month that kicks off at the prestigious, Funtastic Dracula Carnival Festival in Benidorm, Spain. Be sure not miss these morally reprehensible troglodytes, clubbing folks over the head at a venue near you.

EUROPEAN TOUR - OCTOBER | NOVEMBER



Brought to you by Wap Shoo Wap & El Beasto Bookings, Recordings &Shop

30-10: Benidorm (ES) @ Funtastic Dracula CarnivalXI

31-10: Castellon (ES) @ Four Seasons SixtiesClub

01-11: TBA (ES)

02-11: TBA (ES)

03-11: Alcala de Hernares (ES) @ EgoLiveAlcala

04-11: Pontevedra (ES) @ SALAKARMA

05-11: Castelo Branco (PT) @ BastardRock

06-11: TBA (ES)

07-11: TBA (ES)

08-11: Perpignan (FR) @ El PATI de l'ecoleLavoisier

09-11: Clermont Ferrand (FR) @ Bombshell

10-11: Luzern (CH) @ Sedel

11-11: Kortrijk (BE) @ The Pit's - Bang Zoom Noise ProduktionsVZW

12-11: Amsterdam (NL) @ Pacific Parc

About Dirty Water Records

The Dirty Water Club started in October 1996 in the Tufnell Park neighbourhood of north London, at a venue called The Boston. The club's name is derived from The Standells' 1966 hit 'Dirty Water' which glorifies the US city of Boston, Massachusetts.

Past performers have included The White Stripes (voted by Q Magazine as one of the top 10 gigs of all time, Mojo one of the top 30 and Kerrang one of the top 100!), The Gories, NOBUNNY, Kid Congo Powers (from the Cramps), The Fleshtones, Billy Childish, Radio Birdman, The Dirtbombs, Thee Michelle Gun Elephant, The 5.6.7.8's, The Horrors and The Brian Jonestown Massacre to name just a few. The club has also seen some original '60s performers, such as The Monks, ? and the Mysterians, Kim Fowley, Sky Saxon, GONN, Michael Davis of the MC5 and more grace its stage.

The club has also seen some original '60s performers, such as The Monks, ? and the Mysterians, Kim Fowley, Sky Saxon, GONN, Michael Davis of the MC5, and more grace its stage. Their in-house record label, Dirty Water Records, is one of the leading garage/beat/(real) R&B labels in the world.

Dirty Water Records Bandcamp

Dirty Water Records Television

Dirty Water Records Website

Facebook: dirtywaterrecords

Twitter: @dirtywaterrecs

Instagram: dirtywaterrecords



Media Enquiries: label@dirtywaterrecords.co.uk

SOURCE Dirty Water Records
BURLINGAME, California and LONDON, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- From individualized medical treatment to targeted mobile ad buys, the burgeoning number of applications for machine driven data analytics solutions offer a revenue goldmine for the $1.5 trillion information industry, according to Outsell, Inc. Today, the research and advisory firm released its Information Industry Outlook 2017 report, with the key theme All Data, Nothing But Data. For the year ahead, the report highlights data monetization as the number-one growth opportunity for information, media, technology, and any enterprise  from GE to Boeing, Ford to Monsanto  in the business of information.

First shared during Outsell's 10th Anniversary Signature Event, an off-the-record event for C-level executives, the report highlights 10 important industry trends, with data front and center.

"Data has become the big enabler, and the chief data officer (CDO) and emerging chief analytics officer have become the money makers. Savviness in developing applications and analytics capabilities that take advantage of data is a differentiator among peer companies, and a leading indicator for overall business performance," said Anthea Stratigos, co-founder and CEO, Outsell.

From CivicScience, which produces a syndicated "poll of the day," to Kensho Technologies, an unstructured data analytics provider in financial services, to Numisight, which helps identify anomalies in a blockchain, "rising stars" are already harnessing this trend and disrupting a broad range of industries. By combining big data with artificial intelligence, the internet of things, machine learning, and robotics, whole verticals like food/agriculture are reinventing themselves and so too are companies in the Fortune 500. Today, everyone is a data provider, user, maker. Outsell's research and Outlook focuses on this now far-reaching phenomenon.

"Successful data-driven businesses reflect a transition from a product-oriented strategy to a platform strategy. At their core, platforms are data collection mechanisms with strong design that attracts participants, their customers, and enables desired interactions, encouraging ever-more-powerful network effects," said Leigh Watson Healy, Chief Analyst, Outsell.

Among other trends highlighted in the report:

Innovation demands de-siloing the data . The value is in knitting together all searchable and previously dark data with new service models.

. The value is in knitting together all searchable and previously dark data with new service models. Advertising might survive by getting smarter , including behavioral targeting through demographic, credit/financial, and social media data, as well as information on personal habits. This will add to the increasing concerns about cybersecurity seen across every sector, which will make specialized cybersecurity firms super-hot M&A targets.

, including behavioral targeting through demographic, credit/financial, and social media data, as well as information on personal habits. This will add to the increasing concerns about cybersecurity seen across every sector, which will make specialized cybersecurity firms super-hot M&A targets. The platform model is rising . The move from a product-oriented strategy towards a platform strategy provides opportunities for industry providers to create platforms or ride on third-party platforms.

. The move from a product-oriented strategy towards a platform strategy provides opportunities for industry providers to create platforms or ride on third-party platforms. Talent trends are changing. With data now a foundational element of product strategy, chief data officers are becoming chief analytics officers and expanding from the back office of "risk management" towards roles focused on new business and product development.

Outsell's report also identifies disruptive companies to watch, essential actions for increasing revenues in today's data-driven world, and the information industry segments that will experience the strongest growth next year. The analysis is based on Outsell's tracking of over 9,000 firms, along with their customers and advertisers. For a complimentary copy, please go to: https://www.outsellinc.com/search/d7entity/108212

In recognition of the fundamental shift that data, big and small, is driving, Outsell will also produce its first annual DataMoney Conference February 1-2, 2017 in New York City. To register, please visit https://www.outsellinc.com/events/datamoney.

About Outsell, Inc.

The rapid convergence of information, media, technology, and data is reshaping businesses every day. Enter Outsell, Inc, the only research and advisory firm focusing on these four sectors. As the trusted advisor to executives, our analysts turn complexity into clarity, and provide the facts and insights necessary to make the right decisions. Our proven blend of big data, research, proprietary intelligence, and exclusive leadership communities produces tangible results and a strong ROI. We promise to deliver "wow" and ensure our clients stay more focused, save time, and grow revenue in a fast-changing digital world.

Related Links

https://www.outsellinc.com



SOURCE Outsell, Inc.
Accelerates UK Market Growth as More Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Go Online

LONDON, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY), the world's largest cloud platform dedicated to small, independent ventures, today announced that it has registered its 1 millionth .UK1 domain in the United Kingdom. As more UK entrepreneurs and professionals decide to turn their ideas into reality, they are choosing GoDaddy to establish a successful online presence. In fact, an estimated 25 percent2 of Britain's most popular domains are now registered through GoDaddy.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150330/195302LOGO

Every day in the UK, new domains are registered by individuals starting new ventures, established firms planning to launch new products and software developers ready to launch the next must-have smartphone apps. Both .co.uk and the most recent .uk domain extensions represent two strong elements of recognition in the UK and abroad, offering an element of national pride and trust. Entrepreneurs are demanding more from their digital technology providers as they seek to make their mark and GoDaddy is committed to developing innovative solutions that meet these needs and help grow Britain's SME industry.

On achieving the milestone Andrew Low Ah Kee, Executive Vice President, GoDaddy International, said, "Reaching 1 million .UK domains demonstrates the value GoDaddy brings to customers by helping them create powerful digital identities. What is even more exciting to us than the milestone itself is the fact that we've grown our .UK domains under management by over 50% in the last 24 months. Our organic growth is a reflection that our purpose-built product and exceptional customer care resonate strongly with the UK market. We're committed to growing our UK business and are excited to continue supporting the digital revolution taking place in the UK."

Russell Haworth, Managing Director at Nominet, the official registry for UK domain names, commented: "It's a significant achievement to reach a million .uk and co.uk registrations, and the rate of growth is impressive. Like GoDaddy, we are committed to making the case for more businesses having their own space online, helping create new opportunities for us all."

Localized Products for UK SMEs

The 1 million domain milestone reflects GoDaddy's unwavering commitment to help UK customers build and manage their online presence. This includes offering entry-level businesses affordable and easy to use do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions to make the first step of going digital less daunting.

As GoDaddy customers succeed and grow into larger businesses, its product line scales up with them. GoDaddy offers a full range of virtual, dedicated and cloud servers as well as comprehensive security and productivity solutions. GoDaddy also empowers the growing community of UK web developers and designers to scale their services through time- and money-saving tools like site monitoring and client management, advanced hosting, and a dedicated rewards program.

While GoDaddy seeks to help first-timers establish a unique online presence, it also offers practical and impactful solutions to experienced digital marketing practitioners and addresses many of the most difficult challenges that businesses face when they go online, such as security, brand building, social media, and online marketing.

Dedicated, Local Customer Support

GoDaddy's portfolio of purpose-built products is complemented by a dedicated team of customer care experts who deliver award winning customer care. GoDaddy opened its customer care centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2014, giving its UK customers the added advantage of working with specialised support teams located locally and in the US. With a direct phone number available 24 hours, 7 days a week, customers receive personalized assistance as they create their digital presence.

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy powers the world's largest cloud platform dedicated to small, independent ventures. With more than 14 million customers worldwide and more than 63 million domain names under management, GoDaddy is the place people come to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers and manage their work. Our mission is to give our customers the tools, insights and the people to transform their ideas and personal initiative into success. To learn more about the company, visit www.godaddy.co.uk.

1 .UK domains refer to the ccTLD domains of the United Kingdom: .co.uk, .uk, .org.uk and .me.uk

2 Based on external and internal information available for the most popular selling domains in the UK, including .UK domains and .COM domains.

SOURCE GoDaddy Inc.



Related Links

http://www.godaddy.co.uk


DUBAI, UAE, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

International hydroponic experts Pegasus Agriculture have announced plans to drastically expand their operations in Oman. The expansion will take the form of the addition of 1000 more A-frames, and the development of some 4 new hectares of farm, which equates to approximately 8 new greenhouses.

In order to support this new growth, the company will be signing new offtake agreements on a monthly basis, as well as hiring and training new teams of agricultural engineering specialists.

This exciting new expansion has come about in response to massive public demand, both for the agricultural produce yielded by the company's patented A-frames and for Pegasus Agriculture's dynamic investment model. The company has consistently offered high returns as part of their design, and Mahmood Almas, Group Chairman, is quoted as having attributed their success to this, at least in part, stating that "clients are often excited by the dual aspects of our investment model: both financially speaking and with respect to the future of the region's food security."

About Pegasus Agriculture

Pegasus Agriculture is one of the leading owners and operators of hydroponic farming facilities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Their head office is strategically located in Dubai, U.A.E. and serves as the headquarters for their global growing and distribution network.

With over 150 years of combined market experience, Pegasus Agriculture leads the MENA region in its goal to attain independent food security.

For more information, please visit http://pegasusagriculturegroup.com

Pegasus Agriculture Contact

info@pegasusagriculturegroup.com

Dubai Office:

+971-4-818-8300



SOURCE Pegasus Agriculture Group
Hosted by Duetto, Hotel Industry Experts from Across the Continent to Discuss Revenue Strategy, Distribution, and Preparing for a Possible Industry Downturn

LONDON, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As the international travel community prepares to gather at the World Travel Market just a few miles away, hospitality innovators and brand executives from companies such as NH Hotels, citizenM, Google and HVS will convene 7 November at the Amba Charing Cross Hotel for the second annual Revenue Strategy Forum (RSF), a spirited discussion and networking event focused on how hotels can create value in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

RSF is a thought leadership event organized by Duetto, the market leader in hotel profit optimization technology.

Registration is now open, click below for more details:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/revenue-strategy-forum-london-tickets-26971337998

Last year's inaugural Revenue Strategy Forum drew more than 100 hotel industry professionals, discussing increasing challenges from the growth of third-party intermediaries and the further commoditization of the hospitality industry. Attendees concluded that hotels must develop a holistic approach to Revenue Strategy, which optimizes channel mix to achieve greater profitability and retain and create market share.

On 7 November, discussion turns to the state of the industry today, with challenges intensified further and hotel performance entering a new period of uncertainty and disquiet.

"Entering its second year in Europe, RSF has quickly become a critical program to develop new ideas that will shape the future of hospitality," said Patrick Bosworth, Co-founder and CEO of Duetto. "As macroeconomic trends and forces impacting the industry become even more volatile, we are excited to expand this forum to bring hotel professionals together and develop new revenue strategies alongside owners, asset managers, brands and fellow innovators."

The agenda and topics to be discussed at the conference, include :

Welcome and opening remarks

Patrick Bosworth, CEO, Duetto

Keynote Address

The Distribution Cost Conundrum: Are OTAs Actually Good Value for the Money ?

Peter O'Connor, Professor of Information Systems and Director of the Global MBA and the MBA in Hospitality Management (IMHI) programs, Essec Business School

Merging on the Digital Highway: Loyalty, Airbnb, Book-Direct Initiatives and the Fight for Today's Consumer Intensifies

Moderator: Patrick Bosworth, Duetto

Panelists:

Terri Scriven, Head of Hospitality UK, Google

Remy Merckx, VP of Marketing, The Rezidor Hotel Group

Fernando Vives, CCO, The NH Hotel Group

Lennert de Jong, CCO, citizenM

Break the Cycle and Win the Next Downturn

Moderator: Jill Barthel, Senior Associate - Consulting & Valuation, HVS

Panelists:

Olivier Jager, CEO, Forward Data SL

David Taylor, Chief Officer, Global Sales & Revenue Management, glh Hotels

Clinton Campbell, Revenue Director, Apex City of London Hotel

Annemarie Gubanski, Founder & CEO, Taktikon

Beyond RevPAR: What Lies Beneath

Special presentation by:

Jonathan Langston, Co-Founder, HotStats

Ben Godon, Vision Asset Management

*****

For more information on Duetto and its industry education initiatives worldwide, visit www.duettoresearch.com.

About Duetto

Duetto delivers the most powerful Revenue Strategy solutions to the world's leading hotels and casinos, allowing them to better manage pricing, revenue and business-mix decisions with superior, actionable data.

The unique combination of hospitality experience and technology leadership enables Duetto to provide new insights on pricing and demand as a true cloud-based software-as-a-service. With Revenue Strategy and Revenue Intelligence solutions that address the challenges of today's hospitality industry, Duetto helps hotels and casinos optimize profits and guest loyalty.

Thanks to rapid marketplace adoption, Duetto is expanding in key markets throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. More than 1,200 hotel and casino properties in more than 60 countries have partnered to use Duetto's Revenue Strategy and Revenue Intelligence platforms.

Contact: Michael Frenkel, MFC PR  New York

For Duetto

(212) 808-6559

michael@mfcpr.com

Related Links

http://duettoresearch.com



SOURCE Duetto
The new SDK package brings expanded capabilities to the Sawyer robot, while still featuring the same industry-leading specifications, including seven degrees of freedom, a 4kg payload, 1260 mm reach, high resolution embedded vision and sub-millimeter precision, while weighing only 19kg.

"Baxter has set the standard for open source research robots throughout the world. By designing solutions on a robotics platform designed for industrial applications, researchers and educators are applying innovative solutions to real world problems," said Brian Benoit, senior product manager, Rethink Robotics. "With Sawyer, we offer our customers a high performance platform to expand into new areas of research, engineering education and the development of manufacturing skills."

Rethink Robotics' open source community members are expanding the way smart, collaborative robots are used in research and education. Users from 27 countries around the world are sharing applications and development code to advance of the use of collaborative robots everywhere.

With the growing intersection of industry and education, Sawyer is leading the way for researchers and educators at University of Pennsylvania, University of Technology Sydney, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Johns Hopkins University and University of Portsmouth, with research ranging from the study of autonomous systems for manufacturing efficiency, to the interdisciplinary investigation of robotics, signal processing and medical devices for improving patient care.

The new Sawyer SDK will be on display at IROS in Daejeon, South Korea, where thousands of developers will be able to see the new open source robot in action. Rethink Robotics' Brian Benoit will be speaking on October 12 at IROS on the topic, "How Collaborative Robots are Changing the Face of Manufacturing." Benoit will detail the new possibilities that have been opened up to researchers and scientists as a result of Sawyer's availability in the education market.

For more information, visit www.rethinkrobotics.com.

About Rethink Robotics

Rethink Robotics is transforming the way manufacturing gets done, with smart, collaborative robots able to automate the 90 percent of tasks that until now, have been beyond the reach of traditional automation. Its Baxter and Sawyer robots, powered by the Intera software platform, adapt to real-world variability, can change applications quickly and perform tasks like people do. The result: manufacturers of all shapes, sizes and industries get the fast-to-deploy, easy-to-use and versatile automation solution they need to increase flexibility, lower cost and accelerate innovation.

Committed to accelerating robotics innovation in manufacturing and beyond, Rethink Robotics' robots gives academic and corporate research environments a humanoid robot platform with integrated sensors and an open software development kit for creating custom applications.

Based in Boston, the Rethink product suite is available in Asia, Europe and North America. The company is funded by Bezos Expeditions, CRV, Highland Capital Partners, Sigma Partners, DFJ, Two Sigma Ventures, GE Ventures and Goldman Sachs. For more information about Rethink Robotics, please visit www.rethinkrobotics.com and follow us on Twitter at @RethinkRobotics.

CONTACT: Gil Haylon, +1 617-969-9192, ghaylon@corporateink.com

Related Links

http://www.rethinkrobotics.com



SOURCE Rethink Robotics
NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Safanad Limited, a global principal investment firm, in a strategic partnership with Workspace Property Trust ("WPT"), a real estate investment firm led by long-term successful industry veterans Thomas Rizk and Roger Thomas, and Square Mile Capital, a diversified real estate investment firm, announced today that it has acquired 108 buildings and 26.7 acres of land, in five markets from Liberty Property Trust (NYSE: LPT) for approximately $969 million.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160727/393371LOGO

This acquisition forms an integral part of the Safanad Suburban Office Partnership, a real estate investment platform totalling approximately 148 buildings across 4 U.S. states with over 10 million square feet of leasable space. The Partnership now manages over $1.3 billion dollars of assets, continuing on its strategic plan to build a portfolio of superior, well-positioned suburban real estate assets.

The portfolio boasts strong, consistent overall occupancy and financial performance. Workspace Property Trust, previously acquired 41 buildings in Horsham, Pennsylvania from Liberty Property Trust in 2015, which were simultaneously contributed by WPT to the Safanad Suburban Office Partnership, bringing the total market value of assets managed to over $1.3 billion.

Kamal Bahamdan, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Safanad commented, "Safanad's approach to investing aligns very well with Workspace Property Trust's vision and strategic plan of building a strong overall portfolio in vibrant submarkets. We have great confidence that our partnership with Tom and Roger will create tremendous value in these suburban office markets."

The Safanad Suburban Office Partnership portfolio breakdown of assets is as follows:













Square







% Total Market Properties







Feet







Square Feet Malvern / Chesterbrook, PA 30







2,075,764







21% Horsham, PA 40







2,350,449







24% Tampa, FL 34







1,799,568







18% South Florida 11







1,135,410







11% Minneapolis, MN 19







1,488,832







15% Phoenix, AZ 14







1,078,652







11% Total 148







9,928,675







100%

About Safanad

Safanad is a global principal investment firm that invests directly in real estate and private equity transactions. As principal-led investors, Safanad preserves and grows wealth through a disciplined, industry focused investment approach that builds relationships with exceptional management partners and top industry leaders. With offices in New York, Dubai and London, the firm seeks to identify global investment opportunities poised to deliver consistently attractive returns, where the firm's capital and investment expertise support value creation. For more information, please contact vpica@safanad.com (U.S. queries) or mfayad@safanad.com (non-U.S. queries).

About Workspace Property Trust

Workspace Property Trust is a privately held, vertically integrated, full service commercial real estate company specializing in the development, management, and operation of office and flex space. Workspace Property Trust is a partnership between Rizk Ventures, Forum Partners, JPM Group, EverWatch Capital, and with the closing of this transaction, Safanad. For more information, visit www.workspaceproperty.com

Related Links

http://www.safanad.com



SOURCE Safanad
SiteLock to Provide Website Security Solution to Leading UK Domain Registrar

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SiteLock, the global leader in website security solutions, announced today its partnership with the UK's largest domain registrar, 123 Reg.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151014/277072LOGO

SiteLock and 123 Reg will offer existing customers website security solutions to find, fix, and prevent website vulnerabilities. The partnership will also provide automatic malware detection and remediation to further secure the infrastructure.

"SiteLock understands how critical website security is for our customers and their businesses," said Richard Winslow, 123 Reg Brand Director. "Google has discovered that malicious code infects approximately 30,000 sites every day. This wrecks website performance, puts website visitors at risk and has the potential to destroy the reputation of small businesses. By partnering with SiteLock, small business customers now have access to best-of-breed security solutions that deliver proactive and reliable protection from internet threats and vulnerabilities."

The recent partnership with 123 Reg is a testament to SiteLock's ongoing commitment to provide flexible solutions that ensure complete website security. Through a unique combination of automatic malware detection and removal, web application firewall and more, SiteLock delivers the critical protection required to guard against today's evolving cyberattacks.

"As the UK's leading domain registrar, 123 Reg understands the importance of online security for its customers," said Tom Serani, Executive Vice President of Business Development for SiteLock. "Our partnership will ensure that websites run safely and smoothly, and will further secure the infrastructure in the UK. Through our combined efforts and commitment, we can make it easy for customers to seamlessly integrate security into their sites and prevent future attacks."

SiteLock can detect known malware the minute it hits. After identifying malicious content, it automatically neutralizes and removes the threats. SiteLock then provides businesses with complete reports on scans, threats detected and items removed.

About SiteLock

SiteLock, the global leader in website security solutions, is the only provider to offer complete, cloud-based website protection. Its 360-degree monitoring detects and fixes threats, prevents future attacks, accelerates website performance, and meets PCI compliance standards for businesses of all sizes. Founded in 2008, the company protects over 6 million customers worldwide. For more information, please visit sitelock.com.

About 123 Reg

123 Reg is one of the UK's largest domain registrars, and has been every year for the last 15 years. 123 Reg has more than 800k customers, manages over 3.5 million domain names and is connected to over 1m websites in the UK. 123 Reg provides easy to use and intuitive products for all website needs, with a particular focus on providing online services to Britain's small business community. The philosophy is simple: the internet should be for the many and not the few which, is why every single product is designed for the small business owner looking for an easy and hassle free way of getting online. 123 Reg enables SME's to maximise their potential online to significantly grow their business through expanding and improving their online presence, helping businesses every step of the way with excellent local and friendly customer support.

Related Links

https://www.sitelock.com



SOURCE SiteLock
LONDON, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Survey tackles age old question: Open now, or later?

Upon receiving a gift, many struggle to resist the urge to open it immediately. The impatient may need to practise some restraint, as across the globe, 67% of people think it is polite to wait before opening a gift.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161004/414890-INFO )



(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161004/415108LOGO )



This was one of the many findings from The Body Shop Global Gifting survey, which studied gifting behaviours of 1,950 men and women across 10 countries from five continents. The countries surveyed were: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sweden, USA and UK.

Particularly in Hong Kong, 87% of people think it's best not to open the received gift then and there, followed by Japan and Saudi Arabia (both 72%). Brazilians, by contrast, seem slightly happier to tear into their gifts immediately, with only 51% agreeing that it is good to wait.

According to Arnaud Jeanteur, Global General Manager of Brand at The Body Shop: "The Body Shop is very well known as a gifting destination and we wanted to dig a little deeper to find out what lies behind the gift. In a world of instant gratification, we were very surprised with this finding. If you get a gift from The Body Shop, we'll understand if you want to open it immediately!"

The Seven Year Gifting Itch

The survey also highlighted a decline in generosity over the course of a long-term relationship. Across every country, gender and age group, it was found that the longer a relationship lasts, the less is spent on gifts for each other. Nearly 75% of people said that they spend less on gifts for their partners than they used to.

Gift giving in relationships follow a typical pattern: year one and two are the rosiest, with gift value reaching a peak before the end of year two. As the 'honeymoon period' ends, gift giving steadily declines, with lowest spend being year 7, which may help explain the existence of the seven year itch.

Click here (https://www.thebodyshop.com/global-gifting-press-release) for the full press release and more global gifting truths.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Survey commissioned in May 2016, conducted online by GFK. 10 markets surveyed, total respondents 1950 men and women.

SOURCE The Body Shop International
RHEINFELDEN, Switzerland, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Zeria Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has received the approval for a new drug application for Zentacort 3mg capsules from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan for the indication of the improvement of Crohn's Disease (CD). Following the acquisition of the worldwide rights to Entocort except the USA from AstraZeneca in July 2015, Zeria submitted the new drug application in October 2015 in Japan. Zentacort is sold as Entocort (generic name: budesonide) by Tillotts in more than 40 countries and recommended as first line therapy for treatment in CD in many international guidelines.

Zentacort was submitted in Japan after a special committee for the use of unapproved and off-label drugs with high unmet medical needs, operating under the Japanese MHLW, highlighted that there was a substantial need to make Zentacort available for the treatment in CD. AstraZeneca responded to the request from the Japanese MHLW and started the development of Zentacort in December 2010.

Zentacort is an enteric-coated sustained release formulation designated to release budesonide in the small intestine and the proximal colon. It is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate active CD and, in some markets, ulcerative colitis (UC).

Zentacort is sold by Tillotts as Entocort in more than 40 countries for CD and, in some markets, ulcerative colitis (UC). CD and UC are types of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, affecting over 2.2 million people in Europe and 5 million worldwide.

Tillotts CEO Thomas Toth von Kisker commented: "Tillotts is pleased that Zentacort will be introduced in Japan through Zeria. This approval further reinforces Tillotts' commitment as a leading specialist in the field of gastroenterology on a European and worldwide basis, offering patients a broad range of treatments for GI diseases."

Zeria expects that the approval of this new drug will make a significant contribution to treatment of mild to moderate CD in Japan. Sachiaki Ibe, Chairman of Tillotts and CEO of Zeria, declared: "We are extremely happy to introduce a product such as Zentacort in Japan, where the prevalence of CD is increasing, and to offer patients a well-established treatment."

About Tillotts

Tillotts Pharma AG, part of the Japanese Zeria Group, is a fast-growing specialty pharma company with over 250 employees in Switzerland and abroad. Tillotts is dedicated to the development, in/out-licensing and commercialisation of innovative pharmaceutical products for the digestive system. Tillotts successfully markets its own products Asacol and Entocort, as well as in-licensed products, in over 65 countries through its affiliates within Europe and a network of gastroenterology-focused partners throughout the world.

All trademarks used or mentioned here are protected by law. Tillotts Pharma AG's trademarks include Tillotts, Asacol, Octasa, Fivasa, Lixacol, Asacolon, Colpermin, VistaPrep, Entocort, Entocir, Entocord and Budecol and are either registered or applied for in up to 70 countries (transfer of registrations to Tillotts pending in certain countries). The rights to Asacol, including the rights to the trademark, are owned by Tillotts in various countries except for the following: Belgium, Canada, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom and USA. The rights to Colpermin, including the rights to the trademark, are owned by Tillotts in various countries except for the following: Ireland and United Kingdom. The rights to Entocort, including the rights to the trademark, are owned by Tillotts in various countries (transfer of market authorisations to Tillotts Pharma in process) except for the USA. Simtomax is distributed by Tillotts in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

Product information in this release is limited, with the aim of providing a summary for general information purposes for a wide audience regarding the activities of Tillotts, and could contain product details or information not accessible or valid in your country. Tillotts disclaims responsibility for access of information which may not comply with any regulation or standard in any particular country.

More information may be available from local regulatory authorities, but not all products are available in each country. Please consult a healthcare professional for further information.

About Zeria

Zeria Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., founded in 1955, based in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on R&D, manufacturing and sales of prescription drugs as well as OTC products. The company is listed on the First Section of Tokyo Stock Exchange (Stock code: 4559). Zeria holds a leading position within the gastroenterology field in Japan and operates internationally through a number of subsidiaries.

For more information about Zeria please visit http://www.zeria.co.jp.

 Copyright Tillotts Pharma AG. All rights reserved.

Tillotts Pharma AG media contact:

Suzanne Rouden

Corporate Communications Manager a.i.

Phone: +41(0)61-935-2749

Email: srouden@tillotts.com

http://www.tillotts.com



SOURCE Tillotts Pharma AG
Recognized for Exceptional Service to Middle Eastern Operators

BAAR, Switzerland, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Weatherford International plc (NYSE: WFT) was named Oilfield Services Company of the Year at the 2016 Oil & Gas Middle East Awards. The awards recognize the outstanding achievements made within the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry in the Middle East. From a field of four finalists for Oilfield Services Company of the Year, including Schlumberger, Gulf Drilling International and Megarme, Weatherford was selected for its commitment to providing Middle Eastern operators with integrated, complete solutions.

"We are very pleased to be recognized for our strong offerings in this region," said Frederico Justus, Vice President, Middle East and North Africa, at Weatherford. "This award is a testament to our continual investments in quality people, facilities and services in the Middle East."

About Weatherford

Weatherford is one of the largest multinational oilfield service companies providing innovative solutions, technology and services to the oil and gas industry. The Company operates in over 100 countries and has a network of approximately 1,000 locations, including manufacturing, service, research and development, and training facilities and employs approximately 32,000 people. For more information, visit www.weatherford.com and connect with Weatherford on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

Weatherford Contacts

Krishna Shivram

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

+1.713.836.4610

Karen David-Green

Vice President  Investor Relations, Corporate Marketing and Communications

+1.713.836.7430

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/19990308/WEATHERFORDLOGO

Related Links

http://www.weatherford.com



SOURCE Weatherford International plc
NEWTON, Mass., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Invest in Others Charitable Foundation hosted its tenth annual Community Leadership Awards Gala on September 29, 2016, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Over 500 financial advisors and financial services executives attended the event to recognize and celebrate the charitable work of financial advisors and firms in communities across the country and around the world.

"It's resoundingly clear that the financial advice industry is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to giving back to people in need," said Megan McAuley, Executive Director & President of Invest in Others. "The impact this industry has on communities across the country and around the world is significant."

Awards were presented to financial advisors in the following categories: Catalyst, Community Service, Global Community Impact, Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement. Invest in Others will donate $20,000 to each winner's designated charity, with the exception of the Lifetime Achievement Award winner, whose charity will receive a $25,000 donation. By award category, the winners are:

Catalyst Award: Michael J. Nathanson , chairman, CEO and president of The Colony Group in Boston, Mass. for the National Brain Tumor Society.

, chairman, CEO and president of The Colony Group in for the National Brain Tumor Society. Community Service Award: Roy C. Jordan , wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual in Nashville, Tenn. , for the Green Hills Family YMCA/YMCA of Middle Tennessee.

, wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual in , for the Green Hills Family YMCA/YMCA of Middle Tennessee. Global Community Impact Award: Michael Meltzer , portfolio manager at Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. in New York City , for Maya's Hope Foundation, Inc.

, portfolio manager at Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. in , for Maya's Hope Foundation, Inc. Volunteer of the Year Award: Mary Lou Arveseth , OSJ manager for Financial Network in Draper, Utah , for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  Utah Chapter.

, OSJ manager for Financial Network in , for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  Utah Chapter. Lifetime Achievement Award: Gerard A. Klingman , president of Klingman & Associates, LLC in New York City , for Best Buddies International.

The Corporate Philanthropy Award was presented in the following sub-categories: Advisory Firms and Financial Institutions. The winners are:

Corporate Philanthropy Award  Advisory Firms: Budros, Ruhlin & Roe, Inc., of Columbus, Ohio .

. Corporate Philanthropy Award  Financial Institutions: Ameriprise Financial of Minneapolis, Minn.

The Presenting Diamond Sponsor of this year's Community Leadership Awards was Fidelity Investments and Platinum Sponsors were Allianz, LPL Financial, Nuveen Investments, and TD Ameritrade.

About the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation

The Invest in Others Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was founded by the financial services industry in 2006 to make a difference in communities across the country and around the world. To achieve this, we amplify the charitable work of financial advisors, employees, and their firms by sharing their stories and awarding funding to the non-profits they care so much about. By recognizing those that are making a difference, we promote philanthropy and encourage others to get involved. Since our founding, we've recognized advisors and firms across the industry and partnered with charities representing a range of causes. Today, Invest in Others is the premier, industry wide non-profit dedicated to recognizing, encouraging, and supporting the charitable work of financial advisors and the advisory industry. For more information, visit www.investinothers.org.

Media Contacts:

Jessica Dunham, Director of Marketing and Communications

[email protected] | 781.304.4812

SOURCE Invest in Others Charitable Foundation

Related Links

http://www.investinothers.org


After diagnosing his mother with ovarian cancer in the Alps, Clara was taken to Grenoble where her sons Andre and Pierre were both in medical school. She had exploratory surgery to remove some of the tumor. After the procedure, the surgeons told Dr. Goy there was nothing they could do. Clara's case was then discussed at a tumor board and Dr. Goy was told to take her home on steroids and morphine and make her comfortable.

A naturally inquisitive and analytical problem-solver, he believed he should try to treat her. He convinced her doctors to let him try and he administered his first chemotherapy. Dr. Goy's mother surprisingly improved, and then had what are called "second look" surgeries later  which revealed the tumor was almost completely gone. Chemotherapy was continued every three weeks and eventually another surgery showed there was no more active tumor. Clara was in remission! Unfortunately, his mother later died accidentally while in remission.

Clara would become Dr. Goy's first of many cancer patients.

This experience changed Dr. Goy's life considerably, as well as the lives of the thousands of patients he has treated over the years. As he, his father and siblings endured this very difficult personal ordeal, it gave Dr. Goy a unique perspective and deeper understanding of what families go through as they deal with a loved one who is battling this terrible disease. He learned first-hand what it was like to be a caregiver and the passion that comes with trying to save a loved one's life.

Today, nearly 35 years later, Dr. Goy is an internationally-renowned oncologist and researcher specializing in blood cancers, particularly lymphomas. He has dedicated his life's work toward the treatment and cure of cancer. He has treated a countless number of patients during the course of his career and has been recognized as one of the top doctors for medical oncology in the United States for many years. Dr. Goy has trained at some of the world's leading medical institutions, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY), MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX), the Pasteur Institute (Paris) and Assistance Publique (Paris).

Dr. Goy joined the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center (HackensackUMC) in Hackensack, New Jersey in 2005. He is the chairman and director of the Cancer Center and head of the Lymphoma Program. He is also the chief science officer and director of Research/Innovation for Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), and also a professor of medicine at Georgetown University.

Dr. Goy has led research in multiple therapies particularly in mantle cell lymphoma, a rare but challenging Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma subtype. These therapies include bortezomib (Velcade), leading to its approval by the FDA for relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma; lenalidomide (Revlimid), leading to the first immunomodulatory approved agent in lymphoma; and ibrutinib (Imbruvica), also used in mantle cell lymphoma treatment. Interestingly, these novel therapies have shown activity even in patients who have failed multiple chemotherapy treatments and became chemo resistant. In addition, both lenalidomide and ibrutinib are oral agents that can be taken at home, and therefore do not require an IV injection. Such novel therapies open the door to non-chemotherapy options for patients moving forward, with new biological combinations currently tested in clinical trials.

Throughout his career, Dr. Goy has never lost sight of the emotional toll patients and families experience during the cancer diagnosis and treatment. His own experience has inspired him to ensure patients and their families are very much a part of the treatment team, and he has developed initiatives to create opportunities for patients to come together and support each other on their journey.

To both honor, celebrate and support patients with cancer, Dr. Goy created the Celebrating Life & Liberty event, a day that gives patients and families an opportunity to come together and celebrate their journeys, and offer one another hope and support. The idea for the program he started came while treating a patient who worked as a curator at the Statue of Liberty, a gift to the United States from Dr. Goy's native France. The idea of liberty resonated, because of his belief that patients should be liberated from cancer. Having heard the rich history of Ellis Island, and its symbolic importance of rebirth to millions of new Americans, Dr. Goy convinced the National Park Service to contribute the park for the event. The first Celebrating Life & Liberty event was held on Ellis Island in 2009 and about 700 people attended.

Over the years, the crowds have continued to grow in force, diversity and determination to nearly 4,000 people. The growth in attendance each year is a powerful testimony to the important meaning the event has to patients and caregivers. It is also an illustration of the continued progress against cancer. Over the years, in addition to survivors sharing their stories in song, poetry, prose and performance, professional artists have energized and coalesced the diverse crowds with stories of hope and survival. The event brings together people of all walks of life, where cancer knows no race or religion, and everyone is an equal opportunity victim and survivor. For the first time ever this year, the eighth annual event will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, October 9, and thousands of families are expected to attend.

As Dr. Goy continues his pursuit of innovative therapies and treatment options for cancer, he will always remember how his journey began many years ago - as a young physician caring for his mother. The Celebrating Life & Liberty event is a testament to her and all the cancer patients who fight so courageously each and every day to overcome the odds. They each deserve to celebrate their life and their unique journey that got them to where they are today.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161006/416131LOGO

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SOURCE Hackensack University Medical Center
JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AAR (NYSE: AIR), a world leader in airframe maintenance and integrated supply chain solutions, has signed a five-year agreement to provide power-by-the-hour (PBH) component inventory management and repair services to South African Airways Technical (SAAT) Ltd. The contract is valued up to $125 million.

"This agreement marks a significant expansion of AAR's aviation and supply chain services in emerging markets," said David P. Storch, President, Chairman and CEO, AAR. "We are pleased to win the confidence of this leading airline customer in Africa."

AAR has teamed with local joint venture partner, JM Aviation South Africa (Pty) Ltd., to support South African Airways' (SAA) fleet with nose-to-tail component and repair management. JM Aviation will provide day-to-day, on-the-ground account management and technical support and will work closely with AAR's global parts supply warehouse team in Brussels. Work officially began on October 1.

The joint venture also will focus on growing SAAT's MRO services to third-party customers/airlines across the continent, and fulfills a key objective of the South African government to extend aviation services contracts to black-owned firms that, like JM Aviation, are certified BBBEE, or broad-based black economic enterprise businesses.

In addition, AAR will offer its industry-leading airframe and avionics skills training to SAAT and JM Aviation workers, facilitating a knowledge transfer to support the growth of black-owned businesses in Africa's aviation sector, among the fastest-growing in the world.

"We're excited to lend our award-winning experience to reduce costs to the airline and support growth of Africa's air travel industry for years to come," said John Holmes, Chief Operating Officer, Aviation Services, AAR.

"Africa is a dynamic and growing market full of potential. Working with SAAT not only is an opportunity for AAR to grow its presence in Africa, it is an opportunity for SAAT to create access to lucrative jobs and business opportunities for locals through the skills training that AAR will provide," added Cheryle R. Jackson, President, AAR Africa.

SAAT will gain access to AAR's operational analysis and technical assistance for MRO, as well as warehouse facilities and integrated IT solutions for MRO. AAR has a global reputation in the aviation sector for improving operational efficiencies and turn times, and lowering costs through its customer-centric solutions. AAR also will support expansion of SAAT's component repair capabilities, including landing gear, and potentially support a new MRO facility in West and Central Africa to meet growing regional travel in sub-Saharan Africa and increasing international travel to the continent.

"We are excited to work with an industry-leading partner that not only will enable us to reduce costs and improve fleet readiness but will also fortify our workforce with mission-critical skills necessary to support future growth," said Musa Zwane, CEO of SAAT.

The agreement represents a significant expansion of AAR in Africa, where the Company recently established a base of operations in Johannesburg and appointed Jackson its first president of AAR Africa. The Company has been solidifying its foothold in Africa the last two years, signing its first PBH component inventory management and repair services contract in 2014 with Kenya Airways to support its fleet of 737NGs. More recent deals include a PBH contract with fastjet, the award-winning, Africa-based low-cost airline, illustrating the global reach of AAR's supply chain solutions.

About SAAT

South African Airways Technical (SOC) Ltd. (SAAT) is a full-service MRO organization, the largest in Africa. SAAT has held full and uninterrupted U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) certification since the late 1980s, serving a range of local and international airlines. SAAT was corporatized on April 1, 2000, and fully registered as SAA Technical (SOC) Ltd., to become a wholly owned subsidiary of SAA (SOC) Ltd.

SAAT is sole provider of aircraft maintenance to SAA, Mango and Comair/Kulula, who are the premier carriers in South Africa. SAAT also provides MRO services to a variety of regional and other airlines such as Air Namibia, Rwandair, TAAG, Arik Air, Trans Air Congo, Korongo Airlines, Air Zimbabwe, Air Mauritius, Air France, KLM and Turkish Airlines among others. Market segments include major airframe checks; engine overhaul; mechanical components; avionics; and line maintenance. SAAT's main operational base is Johannesburg and it also services customers at Cape Town, Durban and other regional airports.

About AAR

AAR is a global aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 4,500 people in over 20 countries. Based in Wood Dale, Illinois, AAR supports commercial aviation and government customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Expeditionary Services. AAR's Aviation Services include inventory management; parts supply; OEM parts distribution; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; and component repair. AAR's Expeditionary Services include airlift operations; mobility systems; and command and control centers in support of military and humanitarian missions. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.

This press release contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, including those factors discussed under Item 1A, entitled "Risk Factors", included in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described. These events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond the Company's control. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. For additional information, see the comments included in AAR's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150319/183226LOGO

SOURCE AAR

Related Links

http://www.aarcorp.com


"As a veteran, physician and community volunteer, Rep. Heck has a strong record of helping others," explained ACC President and CEO Cal Dooley. "He has been an advocate for veterans and seniors, and he supports commonsense policies that limit government so job creators can thrive. His leadership has been important to America's manufacturing sector and small businesses in Nevada and across our nation."

"Chemistry is the third largest manufacturing industry in Nevada," continued Dooley. "Because of chemistry's impact in the state and as representatives of one of the nation's largest manufacturing sectors, we want to acknowledge Rep. Heck's commitment and leadership on key issues that help our economy."

The ads for Rep. Heck will run for two weeks throughout select markets in Nevada and will encourage constituents to contact the office of the Congressman to tell him to keep fighting for Nevada families.

You can view the ad here: https://youtu.be/h5iur-8riR4.

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 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5iur-8riR4

SOURCE American Chemistry Council

Related Links

http://www.americanchemistry.com


DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The controversial decision to pardon one of Afghanistan's most notorious warlords, who's alleged offences include terrorist attacks and war crimes, has inspired an Afghan musical artist to pen and produce a song in protest. Gulbuddin Hekmatyar was pardoned by the Afghan government in September and Shuja Rabbani has released a song entitled 'Butcher of Kabul' in response.

Hekmatyar has previously held political offices and the agreement could mean a return to both public and political life for him. The agreement now means that there is a peace deal between the Afghan government and Hekmatyar's militant group Hezb-i-Islami. Rabbani, Afghanistan's most influential social media user on Twitter, is among those objecting the decision. The release of Rabbani's song, entitled after Hekmatyar's infamous nickname, aims to act as a sign of peaceful protest and to highlight the distrust and betrayal those that disapprove of the move feel towards the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's decision.

Following two-day Brussels Conference on Afghanistan that concluded on Wednesday, Rabbani tweeted in protest: "The hypocrisy of Afghan President in Afghan Conference in Brussels - on one hand talking women's rights, on another making peace with most misogynist figure known to Afghanistan such as Hekmatyar?!"

Rabbani also criticized Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for her remarks on welcoming the peace process by remaining silent on Hekmatyar's war crimes by tweeting: "I'm shocked to see @FedericaMog welcome peace with Hekmatyar during the Afghan Conference. Has she seen the faces of victims of acid attacks by HIA?" making a reference to Hekmatyar's political party.

The music track begins with the sounds of explosions, sirens and children crying to reference and serve as a reminder the volatility and terror that the country of Afghanistan has experienced in recent decades. Rabbani is among Afghanistan's most recognised English bloggers and social media influencers; he regularly comments on issues affecting his home country and wider trends through his blog and music.

About

Shuja Rabbani is the son the former President of Afghanistan Burhanuddin Rabbani. In his spare time Shuja pursues his passion for music production.

Related Images

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Related Links

Official Shuja Rabbani Website

Official Shuja Rabbani Blog

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YCPUnCTDfc

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Rabbani Records

Related Links

http://www.shujarabbani.com


BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second consecutive year, American Family Care (AFC) has earned a spot on the prestigious Franchise Times 200+ list, an exclusive ranking of the nation's largest franchisors. AFC jumped to No. 157 on the distinguished list, up from No. 201 in last year's ranking. The company also ranked as the second-fastest growing franchise system in terms of gross revenue, bested only by Berkshire Hathaway.

With nearly $450 million in annual system-wide revenue, AFC achieved year-over-year revenue growth of 45% in 2015  driven by the nation's need for high-quality, accessible health care. "We are delighted to be among the largest and fastest growing franchisors in the U.S.," said D. Bruce Irwin, M.D., Founder and CEO of AFC. "Our success is the result of the dedication our employees and franchisees have to delivering compassionate, convenient health care for our patients around the corner and around the nation."

During the past 34 years, AFC has pioneered the concept of non-emergency room urgent care. With its acquisition of the Doctors Express franchise system in 2013, the company became the nation's only franchisor operating in the realm of urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational medicine. Each AFC clinic features a high-tech, high-touch approach  including digital x-rays, on-site lab testing, state of the art diagnostics, and electronic medical records. The clinics are staffed by well-trained, compassionate health care professionals, resulting in high rates of patient satisfaction. Most clinics are open daily from at least 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and no appointments are necessary.

Joining AFC on the Franchise Times list of the ten fastest growing franchise systems in sales are:

Berkshire Hathaway: 49.9% increase from prior year

American Family Care: 45.3%

Dickey's Barbecue: 33.3%

Right at Home: 30.9%

Snap Fitness: 30.5%

Jersey Mike's: 28.6%

Planet Fitness: 25%

Keller Williams: 23.6%

Marco's Pizza: 23.5%

Wingstop: 20.9%

Similar to traditional hospital systems, the AFC franchise model combines skilled physicians with successful business people to deliver quality health care conveniently and in an economical manner. The model has been so successful that from 2009 to the end of 2016, AFC will have grown to 115 franchise units, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 52%. "Our growth has been gratifying, and we believe it represents the fact that AFC's patient-centric model is at the forefront of a revolution in the health care," says Scott Hoots, Vice President of Franchise Operations for AFC. "Maybe more telling than our growth is the number of multi-unit franchisees that have arisen within our system as a result of the success they have enjoyed with their initial locations. Their success has surely been our success," concluded Hoots.

About American Family Care:

Starting with a single location in 1982, American Family Care has pioneered the concept of non-emergency room urgent care. With its 2013 acquisition of the Doctors Express franchise, AFC has become the nation's leading provider of urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational medicine, with more than 160 clinics and 500 in-network physicians caring for 2 million patients a year. Ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S., AFC's stated mission is to provide the best health care possible, in a kind and caring environment, while respecting the rights of all patients, in an economical manner, at times and locations convenient to the patient. For more information, visit www.americanfamilycare.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nancy Bostrom [email protected] 919-459-8163

Sue Yannello [email protected] 919-459-8162

SOURCE American Family Care

Related Links

http://www.americanfamilycare.com


AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH) announced today that the Company will release its third quarter 2016 financial and operating results on Thursday, November 3, 2016, after the market closes. The Company will host a conference call on Friday, November 4, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to review third quarter results, discuss recent events and conduct a question-and-answer period.

Live conference call

Toll free number: (877) 705-6003 (for domestic callers) Direct dial number: (201) 493-6725 (for international callers) Passcode: Not required Simultaneous audio webcast link: www.americanhomes4rent.com, under "For Investors"



Conference call replay

Toll free number: (877) 870-5176 (for domestic callers) Direct dial number: (858) 384-5517 (for international callers) Passcode: 13647203# Webcast link: www.americanhomes4rent.com, under "For Investors" Date accessible through: November 18, 2016

About American Homes 4 Rent

American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH) is a leader in the single-family home rental industry and "American Homes 4 Rent" is fast becoming a nationally recognized brand for rental homes, known for high quality, good value and tenant satisfaction. We are an internally managed Maryland real estate investment trust, or REIT, focused on acquiring, renovating, leasing, and operating attractive, single-family homes as rental properties. As of June 30, 2016, we owned 48,038 single-family properties in selected submarkets in 22 states.

Additional information about American Homes 4 Rent is available on our website at www.americanhomes4rent.com.

Contact:

American Homes 4 Rent

Investor Relations

Phone: (855) 794-2447

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE American Homes 4 Rent

Related Links

https://www.americanhomes4rent.com


ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Hurricane Matthew threatens the southeastern United States, American Trucking Associations urged truck drivers, as well as the motoring public to take appropriate precautions and, if possible, avoid areas that may be susceptible to the storm's impact.

"As we all continue to track and monitor Hurricane Matthew, we encourage drivers  commercial and commuter alike  to make good travel decisions," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. "There is no delivery or trip that is worth putting yourself or others in harm's way."

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight.Trucking Moves America Forward.

Spear also encouraged companies and individuals in the storm's potential path to follow the instructions of emergency management officials.

"If you're advised to evacuate, do so early and in an orderly fashion," Spear said. "These orders are not given lightly and can make all the difference, so for your safety and the safety of your employees and families, please follow the advice and orders of your state and local officials."

After the storm, Spear added, the trucking industry will be quick to respond to meet the needs of the communities affected by Matthew.

"Every day, trucks deliver essentials like water, food and fuel to communities across the country, and once this storm passes, trucks delivering these critical goods will be on the move, delivering them to people who need them most," he said.

For more information, ATA encourages people to visit Ready.gov or American Red Cross. Carriers interested in assisting in post-incident relief efforts should go to the American Logistics Aid Network or contact ATA at www.trucking.org.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward.

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SOURCE American Trucking Associations

Related Links

http://www.trucking.org


DALLAS, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson in Dallas is proud to announce that firm founder Frank L. Branson and fellow attorneys Debbie Dudley Branson and Thomas Farmer have been selected by their legal peers across the United States to the 2017 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, one of the oldest and most respected guides to the country's top attorneys.

Mr. Branson is recognized in the 2017 Best Lawyers for his work in commercial litigation, personal injury litigation, product liability litigation, professional malpractice law and medical malpractice law.

Along with a consistent stream of standout verdicts and settlements on behalf of people injured by reckless and negligent corporations, dangerous products, trucking accidents, dangerous oilfield operations and workplaces, Mr. Branson has earned some of the legal profession's highest honors.

He is among a select group recognized in Texas Lawbook's inaugural "Lions of the Bar" series. He has earned a place on Texas Super Lawyers' list of the Top 10 lawyers in Texas on 10 occasions, while The National Law Journal named him one of the nation's 50 Elite Trial Lawyers for Plaintiffs in 2014. Mr. Branson is one of the few attorneys in the nation to be honored by Best Lawyers every year since its 1987 debut.

Ms. Branson marks her fifth Best Lawyers appearance for her expertise in personal injury and commercial litigation. A repeat honoree of Texas Super Lawyers and D Magazine's "Best Lawyers in Dallas," she is the 2016 recipient of Dallas' oldest and most prestigious civic honor, the Linz Award. She was recognized for her tireless and dedicated commitment to helping correct regulatory and compliance deficiencies at Parkland Memorial Hospital, the largest public hospital in North Texas.

Best Lawyers is honoring Mr. Farmer for the fourth consecutive year for his expertise in commercial litigation and personal injury litigation. In addition to repeat selection by Texas Super Lawyers, Mr. Farmer is rated AV preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest-possible.

The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson represent clients in cases involving complex product liability, catastrophic injury, commercial air crashes, professional negligence, and business torts. Visit http://www.flbranson.com to learn more about the firm.

For more information, contact Robert Tharp at 800-559-4534 or [email protected].

SOURCE The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson

Related Links

http://www.flbranson.com


FREMONT, California, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

BRIDGEi2i, one of the front-runner enterprise analytics firms, announced today that it has appointed John Ward, as Vice President - Business Intelligence (BI) and Big Data Solutions.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160601/808354 )



In his new role, John will be based out of Chicago and will engage with client executives to support strategic BI and Big Data initiatives. Furthermore, he will be responsible for strengthening key partnerships in this space and expediting BRIDGEi2i's expansion in the US enterprise market.

BRIDGEi2i has strong expertise in the rapidly evolving enterprise BI and Big Data Analytics space. Its unique approach enables customers to build data architecture at scale and bring together user persona-driven design thinking with embedded machine learning and predictive algorithms, thereby making BI dashboards more actionable.

John brings with him over 25 years of leadership experience in BI Managed Services and Analytics domain. Prior to his appointment at BRIDGEi2i, John played an instrumental role in building and leading HP Enterprise's BI Managed Services offering and Global Delivery Centres for the Analytics and Data Management division. John joined Hewlett Packard (HP) in late 2006 when HP acquired Knightsbridge, the leading business intelligence consultancy in the U.S.

"John has an impressive track record of empowering enterprises and deriving strong and sustainable ROI from their data assets. His command and expertise in architecting and scaling up BI and Big Data solutions make him an excellent addition to the BRIDGEi2i leadership team as we unswervingly serve our vision to monetize value through data," said Prithvijit Roy, CEO and Co-founder, BRIDGEi2i

About BRIDGEi2i:

BRIDGEi2i partners with global enterprises to drive sustainable return on investment from analytics by embedding decision engines into business processes and systems, leveraging its proprietary personalization and optimization algorithms. It offers analytics and decision support Solutions across marketing, sales, supply chain, pricing and risk management functions. The company has offices in Bangalore, India and multiple locations across the U.S.

To know more, visit http://www.BRIDGEi2i.com.

BRIDGEi2i Analytics Solutions Contact:

Sandip Saha

Director

Phone: +91-80-67422100 (India), +1-650-666-0005 (USA)

Email: [email protected]



SOURCE BRIDGEi2i Analytics Solutions
MIAMI, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Headquartered in Miami, CarHopper provides car renters with a unique booking experience unlike any other. CarHopper's web and app platforms connect independently owned local car rental companies with those looking to rent the car of their choice. For many years, large car rental companies have dominated the market, providing limited options for car renters. Thanks to CarHopper, renters are now able to choose the make, model, year, and even color of the car they want to book and view its unique car profile with the click of a button.

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While CarHopper has no initiation fees for car rental companies, CarHopper CEO, Bora Hamamcioglu, says that their team handpicks their affiliates based on their customer service standards and their eagerness to adapt to the CarHopper technology. "We want the customer to have the same level of convenience and go through the same streamlined CarHopper experience no matter which city and which company they rent from," says Hamamcioglu.

CarHopper runs MVR background checks on all customers looking to rent a vehicle to ensure that those renting have driving records that meet the high standards of the CarHopper community. Once a booking is confirmed, the renter is emailed the exact pickup location of the car. At the pickup time all they need to do is to "check-in" through the app, get the car keys, and hit the road!

The companies CarHopper works with are usually looking for alternative ways to increase fleet utilization by attracting new customers. CarHopper is a desirable option for them as the company is able to target a younger and mobile generation while offering a streamlined process with little to no paperwork. To date, CarHopper has grown its inventory value to over $9 million, with vehicles covering the spectrum, ranging from moderately priced Hyundai Elantras to higher end vehicles like Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

"Whether it is a Jeep Cherokee to drive out to the Everglades for the day, a Mercedes to go out to dinner in Miami beach, or a Toyota Camry to run errands, at CarHopper we want the renter to get exactly what they are looking for, while also giving the smaller car rental companies the chance for exposure in a market where ninety-five percent is controlled by just three holding companies," says CarHopper Founder and CEO Bora Hamamcioglu.

CarHopper raised $500,000 to date in funding since officially launching in early 2016. To rent a car through CarHopper, you can visit their website at www.CarHopper.co or download their iOS and/or Android application.

About CarHopper: CarHopper is a car rental booking platform aiming to disrupt the $48 billion car rental market by connecting local and independently-run car rental companies with a younger and mobile market by providing a streamlined, consistent, and convenient alternative to traditional car rental services for both the renters and the car rental companies. https://www.carhopper.co

Media Contact:

Bora Hamamcioglu

Email

3054241680

SOURCE CarHopper

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IRVING, Texas, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Caris Life Sciences,a leading biotechnology company focused on fulfilling the promise of precision medicine, announced today that the Company will deliver five poster presentations, including two poster discussions, at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2016 congress from October 7-11, 2016 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The studies presented utilized Caris Molecular Intelligence, the company's patented and proprietary tumor profiling offering, to help physicians make informed cancer treatment decisions. The use of Caris Molecular Intelligence enabled investigators to identify the biological heterogeneity and molecular characterization of certain types of cancers and inform physicians on therapeutic options, including therapies with potential benefit to consider and, just as important, therapies to avoid due to potential lack of benefit.

Following is a schedule of Caris Life Sciences' poster presentations:

Title: Molecular characteristics of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) from different age groups Date/Time: Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 8-9 a.m. CET Abstract: 618PD Location: Copenhagen meeting room Authors: C. Ang, A. Shields, J. Xiu, Z. Gatalica, S. Reddy, M. Salem, C.J. Farhangfar, J. Hwang, I. Astsaturov, J. Marshall Collaborators: Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC; Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC; Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; Karmanos Cancer institute, Detroit, MI



Title: Comparative molecular analyses of pancreatic cancer (PC): Younger vs. older patients (pts) Date/Time: Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 8-9 a.m. CET Abstract: 620PD Location: Copenhagen meeting room Authors: M. Salem, P. Philip, R. Feldman, J. Hwang, M. Pishvaian, J. Xiu, W. El-Deiry, S. Reddy, Gatalica, N. Trivedi, A. Zareb, B. Colton, H. Wang, A. Shields, J. Marshall Collaborators: Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC; Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC; Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; Karmanos Cancer institute, Detroit, MI



Title: Molecular characterization and comparison of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) and primary peritoneal carcinoma (PCC) Date/Time: Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 1-2 p.m. CET Abstract: 880P Location: Hall E Authors: A.M. Knipprath, D. Arguello, K. Russell, A. Voss, V. Heinzelmann-Schwarz Collaborators: University Hospital Basel, Switzerland



Title: PD-L1 status in refractory lymphomas Date/Time: Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 1-2 p.m. CET Abstract: 921P Location: Hall E Authors: S. Vranic, J. Jin, J. Kimbrough, N. Ghosh, N. Bilalovic, D. Argeullo, Y. Veloso, T. Hendershot, A.Dizdarevic, S. Reddy, Z. Gatalica Collaborators: University Clinical Center, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Cancer Treatment Center, Santa Clara, CA; Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC



Title: Molecular profiling of locally advanced/metastatic olfactory neuroblastomas Date/Time: Sunday, October 9, 2016 from 1-2 p.m. CET Abstract: 964P Location: Hall E Authors: Z. Gatalica, A. Ghazalpour, J. Swensen, R. Bender, S. Vranic, R. Feldman, S. Reddy Collaborators: University Clinical Center, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

About Caris Life Sciences

Caris Life Sciences is a leading biotechnology company focused on fulfilling the promise of precision medicine through quality and innovation. With more than 100,000 clinical cases, Caris Molecular Intelligence (CMI), the company's patented and proprietary product offering, provides oncologists with the most clinically actionable treatment options available to personalize cancer care today. Caris Molecular Intelligence uses a variety of advanced profiling technologies to assess relevant biological changes in each patient's tumor. CMI then connects the biomarker data generated from the tumor with biomarker-drug associations supported by the evidence and in relevant clinical literature through the Company's proprietary bioinformatics rules engine. Since 2009, Caris Life Sciences has tracked clinical and outcome data for certain patients utilizing CMI, and has observed that patients treated with drugs consistent with CMI's recommendations based upon the patient's tumor profile show a significant increase in overall survival. The company is also developing its ADAPT Biotargeting System, a revolutionary and unbiased profiling platform with applications across therapy development, drug delivery, advanced diagnostics and disease monitoring. Currently being developed for cancer and other complex diseases, the ADAPT Biotargeting System is able to simultaneously measure millions of molecular interactions within complex biological systems in their natural state(s). Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Caris Life Sciences offers services throughout the U.S., Europe, Australia and other international markets. To learn more, please visit www.CarisLifeSciences.com.

Media Inquiries:

Brian Stengle

Caris Life Sciences

Media Relations & Corporate Affairs

Email

214-294-5606

SOURCE Caris Life Sciences

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Hundreds of attorneys donate their time and expertise to CEB as authors and editors of its legal publications and as speakers for its programs; their generosity and public spirit are valued greatly by CEB and so in 2005 the Spirit of CEB Award was initiated to acknowledge recipients' service to the California legal community and their contributions to CEB's extensive resources for the state's attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals.

Since 2004, Commissioner Katherine E. Stoner has authored chapters in two CEB Family Law books, California Domestic Partnerships and Same-Sex Marriage and California Child Custody Litigation and Practice and has provided invaluable insight and analysis year after year as an update author for these titles. In addition, she has spoken at CEB programs on child custody and support issues. Peter Munoz has worked with CEB for over twenty years as an author, speaker, and contributing editor on more than forty programs, books, updates, and CEB Reporter articles. Coauthor of two CEB Real Property titles, Real Estate Finance Practice: Strategies and Forms and California Real Property Sales Transactions, he has also updated the latter publication for fifteen years. Both recipients exemplify CEB's commitment to the education and development of the California legal community.

Says CEB Executive Director Kelly Lake, "The spirit of CEB is about gratitude. It's about recognizing the fact that thousands of hours, which otherwise would be billable hours, are given freely by people who believe in what we do, who want to be part of something that is greater, and who want to serve the legal community. The Spirit of CEB Award is really about saying thank you and that we acknowledge how big a contribution you are making."

CEB is a program of the University of California that is cosponsored by the State Bar of California. CEB's mission is to provide practical legal resources to help California lawyers achieve success. For more information about the Spirit of CEB Award or CEB products, visit ceb.com.

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SOURCE Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)

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LONDON, Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Coal tar is a by-product of coke production, and its output varies with coke output.



In 2007-2014, China's coke output continued to grow, but the growth rate had been declining since 2010. In 2015, due to a downturn in the steel industry, the coke demand shrank sharply, with the output sliding 6.7% year on year. The change in coal tar output was basically the same as that of coke. In 2015, the coal tar output in China approximated 17.7 million tons.



In 2015, China's coal tar production converged in North China and East China, which contributed an aggregate of 57% of the total nationwide. By province, Shanxi, Hebei and Shandong ranked among the top three in terms of coal tar output. Among them, Shanxi constituted China's largest coal and coke producing area, whose coal tar output occupied 17.9%.



In China, coal tar is mainly consumed in deep-processed products (including phenol, anthracene, industrial naphthalene, coal tar pitch, etc.) and carbon black, with 2015's consumption in the two markets accounting for 76% and 22%, respectively.



In 2015, China's coal tar processing capacity totaled 25.5 million tons, and there were a large number of coal tar deep-processing enterprises that went into fierce competition. To promote sound development of the industry and by degrees eliminate backward capacity, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued in 2014the Access Conditions of Coking Industry, which stipulates that anhydrous coal tar processing capacity of single facility shall be no less than 150 kt/a. It is expected that in the upcoming years China's coal tar processing capacity will slow down, and that capacity concentration will improve.



The Chinese coal tar processing enterprises mainly include Henan Baoshun Chemical Technology, Shanghai Baosteel Chemical, and HuanghuaXinnuoLixing Fine Chemical, whose capacity reached respectively 1.05 million tons, 950,000 tons, and 900,000 tons in 2015. Among them, Baoshun Chemical has three major coal tar basesHenan headquarters, Shandong Baoshun, and Xinjiang Baoshun, which have the processing capacity of 450,000t/a, 300,000 t/a, and 300,000 t/a, respectively.



In 2015, affected by a combination of factors including China's economic slowdown, a fall in international crude oil prices, weakened demand for downstream products of coal tar, as well as the enforcement of the most stringent environmental protection law, coal tar prices bottomed out. In 2016-2020, China's coal tar industry will still face pressure from environmental protection rectification and excessive industrial capacity reduction. However, with the elimination of backward capacity and the improvement of capacity concentration, we project that in 2017 the coal tar prices will pick up, and that by 2020 China's coal tar output will reach about 20 million tons.



China Coal Tar Industry Report,2016-2020 by ResearchInChina is mainly concerned with the following:



Supply & demand, import & export, competitive landscape, price trend, and development forecast of the Chinese coal tar market;

Supply & demand, import & export, and price trend of the Chinese coal and coke markets;

Supply & demand, import & export, and price trend of the Chinese coal tar deep-processed products market (phenol oil, industrial naphthalene, etc.);

Operation, coal tar business, and development forecast of 15 global and Chinese coal tar processing companies.

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/182999/



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com

For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

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LEMONT, Ill., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifteen college-bound students from three Lemont area high schools were awarded a CITGO Fueling Education Scholarship for excellence in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The students received their award from Peter Collarelli, Government and Public Affairs Manager and were recognized by their peers during a school assembly.

This year, five students from each of the three schools received a scholarship from CITGO:

Misbah Chagpar , Lemont High School

, Colette Kelly , Lemont High School

, Jenna Molaro , Lemont High School

, Sarah O'Donnell , Lemont High School

, Margo Saucedo , Lemont High School

, Jacob Bohde , Lockport High School

, Lockport High School Amber Casas , Lockport High School

, Lockport High School Christopher Sulich , Lockport High School

, Lockport High School Matthew Tague , Lockport High School

, Lockport High School McKinley Timm , Lockport High School

, Lockport High School Ian Irvine , Romeoville High School

, Romeoville High School Alameen Kamara , Romeoville High School

, Romeoville High School David Lawrence Mancol , Romeoville High School

, Romeoville High School Isabel Joyce Ruiz , Romeoville High School

, Romeoville High School Nathaniel Zipperich , Romeoville High School

"The CITGO Lemont Refinery has been operating in the state of Illinois for more than 90 years. Being a loyal neighbor means investing in the future of our young people. Our hope is that on day, these students will bring their education and knowledge back to their communities," said General Manager and Vice President of the CITGO Lemont Refinery, Jim Cristman.

CITGO proudly supports higher education opportunities by awarding scholarships to many students who are pursuing STEM degrees. CITGO is also committed to facilitating educational programs that encourage students to explore STEM concepts. In 2015, CITGO brought educators from Illinois, as well as Louisiana and Texas aboard the Exploration Vessel Nautilus with the Ocean Exploration Trust to give them first-hand deep-sea exploration research and educational experience that they then delivered back to their classrooms. Additionally, CITGO employees at three refineries across the country are actively involved in local schools, enhancing students' STEM education through assistance with hands-on experiences including robotics competitions, technology fairs, presentations and career days.

About the CITGO Lemont Refinery

For over 90 years, CITGO Lemont Refinery has employed more than 750 Chicago area residents on a full-time and contract basis in support of the local economy. In addition to producing high quality fuels for a large portion of the network of nearly 5,500 locally-owned CITGO stations across the country, Lemont Refinery employees also make a major positive impact on the community. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer hours and thousands of dollars are given in support of community programs such as Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Way and a variety of environmental and preservation programs. Operations at the Lemont Refinery began in 1925 with a major expansion, doubling the facility, in 1933. Over the years, new units were added to meet the demand for a better quality of gas for automobiles, aviation fuel for WWII, and the production of asphalt. Petroleos de Venezuela, PDVSA, acquired 100% ownership of the refinery in 1997 and began operations as CITGO Lemont Refinery. For more information, visit www.citgorefining.com/Lemont.

About CITGO

CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com.

SOURCE CITGO Petroleum Corporation

Related Links

http://www.CITGO.com


HOLLISTON, Mass., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cold Chain Technologies (CCT), an industry leading manufacturer and provider of temperature-controlled packaging solutions is a proud recipient of the 2016 Cold Chain Global Excellence Awards for "Most Innovative New Cold Chain Technology of the Year" on behalf of its innovative patent pending Koolit Advanced PCM Gel refrigerant solution. Held on September 29th at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston MA, the Cold Chain Global Forum Excellence Awards honor, recognize and promote the most innovative supply chain practices, solutions and individuals over the past year.

Available in multiple sizes and temperature ranges, Koolit Advanced PCM Gel is the first commercially available solid phase change material (PCM) refrigerant engineered to maintain the efficacy of drugs and vaccines during transport. This new gelled PCM technology allows CCT to create package designs that reduce size, improve thermal efficiency and performance and are leak-proof. The company will begin to introduce these new materials in their product lines starting this year.

Thermal shipping systems utilizing Koolit Advanced PCM Gel are lighter and smaller than traditional water-based shippers and are less costly and ensure better coverage than PCM bottles and can be applied in either single-use or return/reuse applications.

"We continually seek and identify opportunities that will advance the state of our industry and provide our customers with significantly improved solutions. We believe the Koolit Advanced PCM Gel is one of those major advancements. By combining focused engineering and product development with new state-of-the-art manufacturing, we're able to offer the market a breakthrough solution with the same lowest total cost expectations," states Larry Gordon, CEO of Cold Chain Technologies.

Since its release, Koolit Advanced PCM Gel has been well received by both clients and peers alike. Says Ben Romero, President of CoolPack.com and BioPharma Cold Chain Consultant, "the ability to gel non water based PCM could have a profound positive impact on passive thermal shipping systems used in BioPharma packaging. Leakage has been the Achilles heel of this technology since its inception; if CCT is able to manufacture price and performance competitive leak proof non water based PCM, this is a very significant development for our industry."

For more information about Koolit Advanced PCM Gel, please visit http://www.coldchaintech.com/koolitpcmgel.

About Cold Chain Technologies

Cold Chain Technologies (CCT) is a global developer and manufacturer of solutions for the pharmaceutical, biotech, health care, clinical trial distribution and medical device industries. Distributed from multiple U.S. and international locations, CCT's trusted brands include Koolit Refrigerants, KoolTemp PreQualified Shipping Systems, and KoolTemp Insulated Containers which are available in a wide range of sizes, durations and temperature ranges. In 2015, CCT received the Cold Chain Global Forum Excellence Award for the "Most Adaptable Partner Solution or Service."

Nicole Stokes

Marketing Communications Manager

Cold Chain Technologies, Inc.

[email protected]

508-429-1395 x286

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SOURCE Cold Chain Technologies

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A taxpayer requested guidance on the application of Colorado sales tax to live online seminar fees, prerecorded online seminars, and fees to access self-study material online. The Department reviewed the taxpayer's transactions and found that charges to view live seminars online are not subject to Colorado sales tax because such charges are for an exempt service. However, charges to view prerecorded seminars online were subject to tax because unlike the live seminar, there was no student/instructor interaction. Therefore, the charge was for taxable training material rather than exempt instruction services. Similarly, the charge to access self-study material was also subject to tax due to the absence of instructor interaction.

The full discussion can be found in Colorado Department of Revenue GIL-16-009.

Web Collaboration

The taxpayer in question offers web collaboration services. The cloud-based collaboration service consists of a web conferencing application that allows users to share their desktops through a web browser. The service does not include any tangible personal property. Customers access the service using their own devices.

Colorado sales tax applies to intrastate telephone services. The Department found that the web collaboration services in question were teleconferencing services and further determined that the provision of teleconferencing is actually a telephone service. The taxpayer argued that its service was not a telephone service because they did not provide all the necessary connections to reach the teleconferencing service. The Department disagreed, finding that a service provider need not provide all the components of the teleconference service for it to be considered a taxable telephone service. The taxpayer further argued that the service was not an intrastate telephone service because the servers hosting the collaboration application were located outside the state. The Department, viewing each "call" accessing the web collaboration cloud application to be a call to an out-of-state location, agreed and concluded the taxpayer's web collaboration services were exempt interstate telephone services.

The full discussion can be found in Colorado Department of Revenue PLR-16-014.

About Ryan

Ryan is an award-winning global tax services firm, with the largest indirect and property tax practices in North America and the seventh largest corporate tax practice in the United States. With global headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides a comprehensive range of state, local, federal, and international tax advisory and consulting services on a multi-jurisdictional basis, including audit defense, tax recovery, credits and incentives, tax process improvement and automation, tax appeals, tax compliance, and strategic planning. Ryan is a five-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Empowered by the dynamic myRyan work environment, which is widely recognized as the most innovative in the tax services industry, Ryan's multi-disciplinary team of more than 2,100 professionals and associates serves over 12,000 clients in more than 40 countries, including many of the world's most prominent Global 5000 companies. More information about Ryan can be found at ryan.com.

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Jim Kranjc

Principal

Ryan

630.874.0412

[email protected]

Jeremiah T. Lynch

Principal

Ryan

212.847.0113

[email protected]

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Jim Kranjc

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Jerry Lynch

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SOURCE Ryan

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NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker Review is a series of posts featuring Innovations, Social and Economic Megatrends to understand the World of Tomorrow. Each post is illustrated with statistics for one industry.

Reportlinker Review in a nutshell

Most seafood used for human consumption

UN calls for greater safety regulations

UK takes on Chinese in seaweed market

How is the market ?

By 2024, the commercial seaweed market is forecasted to reach $22.13 billion globally, according to Grand View Research. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% from 2016.

Demand for seaweed grows as it is used increasingly for industrial applications and for food. It also is used in cosmetics, skin-care products and toothpaste.

In 2015, red seaweed was 52.5% of the market and is expected to continue to grow.

Human consumption was 81% and more than half of all seaweed was consumed in liquid form. The food market is forecasted to grow 9% by 2024.

Globally, the largest market is Asia Pacific with a 80% market share.

China produces more than half of the world's seaweed supply followed by Indonesia, South Korea, and the Philippines. Outside of Asia, Nova Scotia, Canada, has a multimillion dollar seaweed industry.

The increase in production, however, concerns the United Nations University's Institute for Water, Environment and Health, and the Scottish Association for Marine Science.

A joint report by the agencies calls for stricter regulations to keep seaweed sustainable.

Seaweed aquaculture was meant to decrease reliance on fisheries. The agencies are concerned increased demand over the past decade will have an environmental impact.

Concerns include the introduction of nonindigenous species, an increase in disease and farms' vulnerable to natural disasters. The illegal use of pesticides also is a concern.

In addition to advocating for regulations, the agencies also believe there needs to be more genetic diversity in seaweed.

"Future challenges include: technical improvements in increasing the genetic diversity of cultivars, breeding new disease-resistant strains and establishing disease-free 'seed-banks' or nurseries to assist with the restocking of sites where the crop has been lost to disease," the report said.

The agencies consulted 21 institutions for the report.

The European Commission has adopted legislation protecting aquaculture, the report said.

UK Producers

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the UK has proposed a plan to establish a network of seaweed farms.

Seaweed is common off the coast of the UK.

Celebrity chefs have embraced seaweed as a superfood, and it is being marketed for flavoring and as a salt alternative.

Since 2000, seaweed production jumped from 10.5 million to 28.4 million tons globally each year, according to The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science.

Seaweed also can be used a biofuel, the centre says.

Key Statistics  Global Commercial Seaweed Market

From 2016 to 2021, commercial seaweeds are forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 9.17% and reach $17.59 billion in value. (source: MarketsandMarkets)

in value. (source: MarketsandMarkets) From 2015 to 2020, the global algae ingredient market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 7.6%. (source: Mordor Intelligence)

During the period 2016-2020, the global aquaculture market is expected to increase at a CAGR of 3.75%. (source: TechNavio

__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

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VANCOUVER, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Copper Mountain Mining Corporation (TSX: CUM) (the "Company" or "Copper Mountain") announces production results for the third quarter of 2016, from the Copper Mountain Mine located in southern British Columbia.

Third Quarter 2016 Production Highlights :

Annual production on track : Produced 22 million pounds of copper, 8,170 ounces of gold, and 81,540 ounces of silver during the third quarter, bringing production totals to 62 million pounds of copper, 23,800 ounces of gold, and 220,850 ounces of silver for the first three quarters of 2016, which is slightly ahead of guidance for the year.

: Produced 22 million pounds of copper, 8,170 ounces of gold, and 81,540 ounces of silver during the third quarter, bringing production totals to 62 million pounds of copper, 23,800 ounces of gold, and 220,850 ounces of silver for the first three quarters of 2016, which is slightly ahead of guidance for the year. Gold production contribution significant : Gold and silver production continues to provide a favourable contribution to the operation and accounts for over 20% of the mine revenue.

: Gold and silver production continues to provide a favourable contribution to the operation and accounts for over 20% of the mine revenue. Mill throughput : The average milling rate of 39,980 tpd for the quarter set a new record. Total tonnes milled during the period was 3.7 million with an operating time of 92.2%. Copper recovery for the period was 82.9% treating an average grade of 0.327% copper.

: The average milling rate of 39,980 tpd for the quarter set a new record. Total tonnes milled during the period was 3.7 million with an operating time of 92.2%. Copper recovery for the period was 82.9% treating an average grade of 0.327% copper. Mining production strong: Open pit mining averaged 173,100 tonnes of material per day during the third quarter, bringing the year to date average 7% ahead of plan at 187,200 tonnes of material per day mined.

Mining activities continued from the Pit 2, Saddle and Virginia Pit areas during the quarter. A total of 15.9 million tonnes of material was mined, including 5.9 million tonnes of ore and 10 million tonnes of waste, resulting in a strip ratio of 1.68 to 1. High equipment mechanical availability was maintained during the quarter which helps contribute to the above average mining rates being achieved.

Mr. Jim O'Rourke, President and Chief Executive Officer of Copper Mountain Mining, said "New production records being achieved at the mine greatly strengthen our operating base. Mill throughput for the month of September averaged 42,900 tpd while the throughput for the quarter averaged 39,980 tpd, which is above our guidance of 37,500 tpd. Gold production continues to provide a strong by-product credit, and this combined with the mine's aggressive cost saving initiatives has greatly strengthened the mine's ability to weather the current weak copper market."

About Copper Mountain Mining Corporation:

Copper Mountain's flagship asset is the 75% owned Copper Mountain mine located in southern British Columbia near the town of Princeton. The Company has a strategic alliance with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation who owns the remaining 25%. The Copper Mountain mine commenced production in the latter half of 2011, and has continued to improve its operations since start-up. The 18,000 acre site has a large resource of copper that remains open laterally and at depth. The mine has significant exploration potential that will need to be explored over the next few years to fully appreciate the property's full development potential. Additional information is available on the Company's web page at www.CuMtn.com.

A conference call and audio webcast will be held on Monday, November 7, 2016 at 7:30 am (Pacific Daylight Time) for management to discuss the third quarter 2016 results. This discussion will be followed by a question-and-answer period with investors.



Live Dial-in information

Toronto and international: 647-427-7450

North America (toll-free): 1-888-231-8191

To participate in the webcast live via your computer go to: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1253968&s=1&k=F303E13481194B0FF30E12A194626D94

Replay call information

Toronto and international: 416.849.0833, passcode 72541674

North America (toll-free): 1.855.859.2056, passcode 72541674

The conference call replay will be available from 10:30 am (PDT) on November 7, 2016, until 11:59 pm PST on November 14, 2016

Participant audio webcast will also be available on the Company's website at http://www.CuMtn.com

On behalf of the Board of

COPPER MOUNTAIN MINING CORPORATION

"Jim O'Rourke"

Jim O'Rourke, P.Eng.

Chief Executive Officer

Note: This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents, filed by the Company on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statement.

SOURCE Copper Mountain Mining Corporation

Related Links

http://www.CuMtn.com


ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three major defense trade associations met with Secretary of Defense, Dr. Ashton Carter and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall at the offices of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) today to discuss a range of issues critical to the aerospace and defense industry. The CEOs and senior leadership of AIA, the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), and the Professional Services Council (PSC), provided the defense leaders with direct insight and better understanding of the challenges that the aerospace and defense industry faces in today's unique acquisition and budget environment.

Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook shared Secretary Carter's sentiment from the meeting during the Department of Defense press briefing this afternoon, calling it a "productive meeting with key industrial partners."

"It's important for industry and government to have open and frank dialogue, especially on the most difficult problems," said AIA President and CEO David F. Melcher. "As the voice of America's aerospace and defense industry, AIA strives to convene stakeholders to address matters of importance to our industry and to the nation. Based on what I heard around the table, we accomplished that here today."

"We are all committed to supporting a strong and innovative national defense," said NDIA President and CEO Gen. Craig McKinley, USAF (Ret.). "Incorporating large, mid-sized and small businesses into the discussion ensures the safety and security of our nation through the development of the best products and technology possible. As always, we appreciate the ongoing and open conversations with Secretary Carter and Under Secretary Kendall as we work together in the best interest of our national security."

"Today's session addressed important issues for both the short- and long-term government- industry partnership," said PSC Executive Vice President and Counsel Alan Chvotkin. "Continuing to provide DoD with the perspectives and experiences of PSC's member companies  and hearing directly from the department's senior leadership  is exactly the right path forward on our shared objectives."

Topics from today's meeting included the Defense Department's Fiscal Year 2017 budget proposal now before Congress, innovation in both government and industry, personnel and resource management, and the importance of security cooperation with our international partners and others.

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About AIA: Founded in 1919 shortly after the birth of flight, the Aerospace Industries Association is the most authoritative and influential trade association representing the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, homeland and cybersecurity systems, materiel and related components, equipment services and information technology.

About NDIA: The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is the trusted leader in defense and national security associations. As a 501(c)3 corporate and individual membership association, NDIA engages thoughtful and innovative leaders to exchange ideas, information and capabilities that lead to the development of the best policies, practices, products and technology to ensure the safety and security of our nation. NDIA's membership embodies the full spectrum of corporate, government, academic and individual stakeholders who form a vigorous, responsive and collaborative community in support of defense and national security. For more information, visit www.ndia.org.

About PSC: Now in its 45th year, the Professional Services Council (PSC) is the voice of the government technology and professional services industry. PSC's over 400 member companies include small, medium, and large businesses that provide federal agencies with services of all kinds, including information technology, engineering, logistics, facilities management, operations and maintenance, consulting, international development, scientific, social, environmental services, and more. Together, the trade association's members employ hundreds of thousands of Americans in all 50 states. PSC is at www.pscouncil.org or on Twitter @PSCspeaks.

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SOURCE Aerospace Industries Association

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http://www.aia-aerospace.org


HOUSTON, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Deloitte today announced the appointment of John England, a vice chairman of Deloitte LLP, to lead its energy and resources (E&R) industry practice in the United States. In addition, Deloitte has appointed Scott Smith to lead its power and utilities (P&U) sector.

England and Smith succeed John McCue, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP, who previously held both roles. Consistent with Deloitte's deep commitment to its clients, McCue continues to serve as lead client service partner and advisory partner to a number of Deloitte's largest E&R clients.

In their new roles, England and Smith will lead the overall strategic direction and market eminence of E&R and its P&U practice, respectively. This includes alignment of resources with clients, team leadership development and succession, and go-to-market strategies for Deloitte's key businesses including audit, consulting, tax and advisory services. Among Deloitte's E&R clients are companies across all segments of the oil and gas, power and utilities, alternative energy and mining sectors.

"John and Scott bring deep industry knowledge and experience to help our clients address today's global challenges head-on," said Brian Kanter, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP and Deloitte's U.S. clients and industries leader. "We congratulate John and Scott on their new roles and thank John McCue for his outstanding leadership and continued commitment to our E&R clients."

E&R leadership

Most recently, England has served as the vice chairman of Deloitte LLP and U.S. and Americas oil and gas sector leader, a role he will maintain. Based in Houston, England has more than 27 years of experience helping energy companies solve some of their most complex challenges. He has led successful projects and client relationships at some of the largest energy companies throughout his career with Deloitte. Most notably, he steers Deloitte's overall delivery of a broad range of professional services, from technology integration and operational consulting to human capital offerings and tax services, as well as financial advisory offerings and attest services. England is frequently featured at conferences and cited by media on energy industry issues and trends as well as all aspects of energy trading and risk management.

"Energy issues are top of mind for governments and businesses around the world, given the rapid changes we are seeing in demand patterns, energy technology and regulations," said England. "Within the oil and gas industry, the resilience of our industry has been tested and we're just now beginning to see signs of cautious optimism for industry recovery. I look forward to helping our clients anticipate the challenges and opportunities ahead and navigate toward a profitable and sustainable future."

England serves on the National Petroleum Council as well as on the board of directors for the Southeast Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin University where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting, England is a certified public accountant in the state of Texas.

P&U leadership

An audit partner based in San Diego, Smith has more than 26 years of public accounting experience, and will continue in his role as the E&R leader for Deloitte's audit practice. Smith has held numerous leadership roles at Deloitte, including audit national managing partner for Deloitte's West region, serving as a member of the audit executive committee, and partner in charge of the San Francisco audit practice. During his tenure at Deloitte, Smith has also spent three years in London, where he worked on U.S. GAAP and SEC matters for a number of U.S. and U.K.-based utilities and independent power producers.

Connect with us on Twitter at: @Deloitte4Energy; @JohnWEngland.

About the Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions

The Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions (the "Center") provides a forum for innovation, thought leadership, groundbreaking research, and industry collaboration to help companies solve the most complex energy challenges. Through the Center, Deloitte's energy and resources group leads the debate on critical topics on the minds of executives  from the impact of legislative and regulatory policy, to operational efficiency, to sustainable and profitable growth. With locations in Houston and the District of Columbia, the Center offers interaction through seminars, roundtables, and other forms of engagement where established and growing companies can come together to learn, discuss and debate. www.deloitte.com/us/energysolutions.

About Deloitte

Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including 80 percent of the Fortune 500. Our people work across more than 20 industry sectors to deliver measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to make their most challenging business decisions with confidence, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society.

As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.

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SOURCE Deloitte

Related Links

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"As a WaterSense partner since the program's inception, Delta Faucet Company strives to continually raise awareness and educate consumers as well as trade professionals about the program and benefits of WaterSense labeled products," said Jai Shah, Delta Faucet Company president. "We are proud to have earned such esteemed recognition from a leading industry partner and will work to continue designing and engineering innovative kitchen and bath solutions to help conserve water without sacrificing performance."

Contributing to this year's award recognition, the Delta brand partnered with Warrior Dash, a messy 5K obstacle course race that hosts more than 34,000 muddy runners nationwide. Delta brought to life its HappiMess campaign at the Warrior Dash locations with a shower station boasting 69 WaterSense labeled shower heads and set a GUINNESS world record for the most people to shower simultaneously. Delta also continued its work with HGTV which resulted in the installation of WaterSense labeled products throughout the 2015 HGTV Dream Home in Martha's Vineyard.

The brand worked to amplify its WaterSense messaging in a variety of online efforts including a water savings Twitter chat with Paul Patton, senior manager, research and development and regulatory at Delta Faucet. Delta Faucet also expanded its WaterSense labeled offerings with the introduction of the Delta Tesla bath collection and the expansion of the In2ition Showers with H2Okinetic Technology. The Brizo brand expanded its WaterSense labeled bath offerings with the introduction of the Rook collection.

Delta Faucet Company updated its Continuing Education Unit (CEU) course on bath trends and products. Designed to provide ongoing education for architects, designers and other customers, this CEU module includes information to help educate trade professionals about the WaterSense program and product specification requirements. More than 1,350 trade professionals took the course last year.

"Over the past 10 years, communities, states, organizations, manufacturers, retailers, and builders across the country have been working with WaterSense to help Americans save water for future generations," said Joel Beauvais, EPA Office of Water Deputy Assistant Administrator. "I am pleased to see so many of our WaterSense partners making contributions to build the resilience of communities everywhere by helping people use water more efficiently."

Since the program's inception in 2006, WaterSense has helped consumers save a cumulative 1.5 trillion gallons of water and more than $32.6 billion in water and energy bills.1 More than 1,700 utilities, manufacturers, retailers, builders, and organizations partner with the EPA through its WaterSense program. However, only a select few are recognized for their significant program contributions.

For more information about the WaterSense program, visit www.epa.gov/watersense.

About Delta Faucet Company

Founded by Masco Corporation in 1954 with the introduction of the single-handle faucet, Delta Faucet Company is proud to be America's faucet innovation leader, featuring Delta, Brizo and Peerless products. A WaterSense partner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Delta Faucet is a global organization that offers kitchen faucets, bath faucets, shower heads, shower systems, toilets and related accessories, selling products in more than 53 countries. For more information, visit www.deltafaucet.com.

About Masco

Headquartered in Taylor, Mich., Masco Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded building products. Our portfolio of industry-leading brands includes Behr paint; Delta and Hansgrohe faucets, bath and shower fixtures; KraftMaid and Merillat cabinets; Milgard windows and doors; and HotSpring spas. We leverage our powerful brands across product categories, sales channels and geographies to create value for our customers and shareholders. For more information about Masco Corporation, visit masco.com.

About WaterSense

WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by EPA, seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water with water-efficient products, homes, and services. Since the program began in 2006, WaterSense has helped consumers save 1.5 trillion gallons of water and $32.6 billion in water and energy bills.

Links to additional resources

Delta Online Press Room

About Masco Corporation

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SOURCE Delta Faucet Company

Related Links

http://www.deltafaucet.com


SEATTLE, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Democracy Live, the nation's leading cloud-balloting technology firm, today launched its LiveBallot app and website to provide every U.S. voter with access to his/her ballot, untethering the voting experience from the polling place. With LiveBallot, voters can access and interact with their ballots ahead of Election Day to research, save and even share their ballot choices.

Democracy Live is ushering a new way to vote through the first-ever social balloting technology. Voters can get a virtual replica of their ballot and share their choices on social media, direct from their online ballot. Through LiveBallot, voters can click on any of the candidates appearing on their ballot to read, watch or discuss each candidate and mark their choices.

"LiveBallot is the only app that delivers a customized ballot to each of the 200 million voters in the U.S.," said Bryan Finney, president and CEO of Democracy Live. "Rather than relying on yard signs and sound bites, voters can use LiveBallot to help be a more informed and impactful voter. LiveBallot has the potential to reduce disenfranchisement, by making voting more efficient and less time consuming for voters. For the first time in election history, voters will have a virtual replica of their ballots on their personal devices, computers and in their hands ahead of Election Day."

LiveBallot is powered through Democracy Live's proprietary national balloting database. The app and website are updated in real time and include information about the candidates' experience, endorsements and funding, as well as a voter's state and local ballot measures and polling place information.

"We can do almost anything on our smartphones, from checking our bank statements to buying groceries. It only makes sense that we can now add providing voting information and accessing our ballots to that list of capabilities," said Joe Brotherton, chairman of Democracy Live. "Ensuring that data-driven information is easily available to voters will enable and encourage them to vote. This is the future of voting."

To increase voter participation, the app also alerts users of upcoming elections and ballot availability. Additionally, Democracy Live partners with organizations on both sides of the political aisle to share their endorsements with likely voters via LiveBallot. With one click, voters can mark their ballots to align with organizations they support.

LiveBallot joins Democracy Live's existing suite of voting technologies for public elections. As a leader in the voting technology space since its founding in 2007, Democracy Live has been selected by the U.S. Department of Defense to enable Americans to vote abroad with ease. The company has revolutionized voting for U.S. military members overseas, citizens living abroad and voters with disabilities. With LiveBallot, Democracy Live is now extending that core technology to make voting easier for every voter for every election.

LiveBallot is available for iOS in the App Store for free and at LiveBallot.com.

Democracy Live is not affiliated with any political group or interest group.

About Democracy Live

Democracy Live is a voter information and technology company dedicated to providing voters with personalized information to make knowledgeable decisions when voting. Through its LiveBallot technology, Democracy Live enables U.S. citizens, domestically or abroad, to access critical information needed to thoughtfully and actively participate in the voting process. Founded in 2007 and based in Seattle, Democracy Live has been funded in part by the U.S. Department of Defense, Intel and Microsoft. For more information, please visit www.democracylive.com.

SOURCE COMMUNIQUE PR

Related Links

http://democracylive.com


PLANO, Texas, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., (NYSE: DPS) will issue its third quarter 2016 financial results on Thursday, October 27, before the market opens.

Larry Young, DPS president and CEO, and Marty Ellen, chief financial officer, will discuss the results during an earnings conference call for financial analysts and investors at 9 a.m. CDT that day. The conference call and slide presentation will be accessible live through the DPS website at http://www.drpeppersnapple.com and will be archived for replay for a period of 14 days.

About Dr Pepper Snapple Group

Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS) is a leading producer of flavored beverages in North America and the Caribbean. Our success is fueled by more than 50 brands that are synonymous with refreshment, fun and flavor. We have six of the top 10 non-cola soft drinks, and 13 of our 14 leading brands are No. 1 or No. 2 in their flavor categories. In addition to our flagship Dr Pepper and Snapple brands, our portfolio includes 7UP, A&W, Canada Dry, Clamato, Crush, Hawaiian Punch, Mott's, Mr & Mrs T mixers, Penafiel, Rose's, Schweppes, Squirt and Sunkist soda. To learn more about our iconic brands and Plano, Texas-based company, please visit www.DrPepperSnapple.com. For our latest news and updates, follow us at www.Facebook.com/DrPepperSnapple or www.Twitter.com/DrPepperSnapple.

Contacts: Media Relations

Chris Barnes, (972) 673-5539





Investor Relations

Heather Catelotti, (972) 673-5869

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SOURCE Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.drpeppersnapplegroup.com


CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DRIVIN, a premier service for automotive dealers that utilizes data to help sell, source, acquire and deliver quality used vehicles for its dealer partners, announced that it has partnered with Women in Automotive to host their first local networking event in Chicago on Thursday, October 13 at 4:30pm CST. DRIVIN, collaborating with CDK Global, will host the event at its new Chicago Headquarters at 600 W. Chicago.

The event brings together companies based in Chicago that focus on various aspects of the automotive industry and all share a goal of innovation and improvement within the industry for consumers and dealers alike. The local networking event is the first under Women in Automotive's new WomenPowered University program, created with the goal of assisting in the development of female leaders in the automotive industry, while providing resources that help achieve work/life balance.

The exclusive networking and education event will feature presenters from local companies sharing stories and tips on how their company is contributing to the future of automotive in Chicago today. This is an opportunity to celebrate, network and learn from automotive professionals in the Chicagoland area.

Space is limited. To register, please visit: http://www.womeninautomotive.com/womenpowered/

For more information on DRIVIN, please visit the recently updated website at http://www.drivindealer.com.

About DRIVIN

DRIVIN is redefining the used vehicle industry by bringing data and technology together in a first-of-its-kind, high-touch fashion to help automotive dealers sell and acquire the right used cars, at the right price, right now. Combining highly personalized service with cutting edge technology and local market analytics, DRIVIN casts a nationwide net to find and vet quality, whole-sale priced vehicles, and connect them with dealers all across the country. Launched in 2015, DRIVIN is powered by CarCo Technologies.

About CDK Global With more than $2 billion in revenues, CDK Global is a leading global provider of integrated information technology and digital marketing solutions to the automotive retail and adjacent industries. Focused on evolving the automotive retail experience, CDK Global provides solutions to dealers in more than 100 countries around the world, serving more than 27,000 retail locations and most automotive manufacturers. CDK's solutions automate and integrate all parts of the dealership and buying process from targeted digital advertising and marketing campaigns to the sale, financing, insuring, parts supply, repair and maintenance of vehicles. Visit www.cdkglobal.com.

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SOURCE DRIVIN

Related Links

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HOUSTON, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- EDENS, one of the nation's leading private owners, operators and developers of retail real estate, announces pivotal appointments for the company. With more than 20 centers in Texas, EDENS fortifies its commitment to the market by naming Tom Kiler as Senior Vice President to helm the Texas portfolio and to lay the groundwork for future expansion.

Kiler rejoins EDENS after having served as Vice President of Development for EDENS from 2006 to 2014 in the Washington, DC regional headquarters. During that time he led the development efforts of Mosaic, the 31-acre, 2 million square foot mixed-use neighborhood in Fairfax, VA. Most recently, Kiler was a Senior Development Manager with Continuum Partners, LLC, overseeing projects in Chicago and Denver. As EDENS new Senior Vice President, Kiler is responsible for management of the company's Texas portfolio and will direct acquisitions, development and operations of EDENS' properties in Houston and Dallas.

"EDENS' growth in the Texas market is an important initiative for us," says Jodie W. McLean, EDENS' chief executive officer. "Under Tom's leadership, our team will build on the great foundation we already have in the region, while at the same time strengthen the presence of EDENS in the marketplace."

EDENS also announces two veteran company leaders in new roles for the Texas market. Keith Davidson, Vice President of Investments, will be responsible for dispositions and investment relationships in the region. With more than 15 years at EDENS, Davidson has extensive experience in acquisitions, dispositions, and financing.

Brent Buck, Director of Investments, will lead asset management of EDENS' core portfolio in Texas. Having spent 13 years in EDENS' Columbia, SC office, Buck returns to Texas where he spent his earlier career directing property management and leasing.

"We have a number of exciting projects in Texas, including Uptown Park in Houston and Preston Royal in Dallas. These appointments reinforce our commitment to the region and to enriching the community," adds McLean.

ABOUT EDENS

EDENS develops, owns and operates community shopping centers in primary markets across the country. Focusing on innovative development and redevelopment together with key acquisitions in urban areas, the company has built an institutional-quality portfolio of more than 120 retail centers. EDENS has regional headquarters in Boston, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Miami, Houston and Columbia, SC. For additional information about the company and its retail real estate portfolio, please visit www.edens.com .

SOURCE EDENS

Related Links

http://www.edens.com


AHMEDABAD, India, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Elegant MicroWeb has surpassed 200 Content Management System (CMS) and Portal Solution projects, providing client and partner services including design, architecture, development and support for local and global clients, large and small, in many vertical industries.

Elegant MicroWeb Logo (PRNewsFoto/Elegant MicroWeb)

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The CEO of Elegant MicroWeb, Kartik Patel, announced this achievement and said, "Expert CMS and Portal Development is as important to your business as ERP, CRM, data warehousing, financial and sales systems. Today, there is an increased need for communication, collaboration, knowledge sharing, document management, and workflow management among team members and also with external stakeholders like vendors and customers. This need is driven by consumer expectations, the need for greater collaboration, and increased competitive and market pressures as well as the dynamic changes and growth in all business sectors."

The Elegant MicroWeb commitment to excellence assures that its clients and partners receive the best CMS and Portal solutions, and skilled design and implementation of popular Content Management Systems (CMS) platforms including Joomla, Drupal, JBoss Portal, Liferay Portal, dotCMS, Microsoft SharePoint, WordPress, Umbraco and Kentico. The Elegant MicroWeb team designs and implements integrated solutions to bring together and leverage data from ERP, CRM and Business Intelligence (BI) systems as well as other third party services and solutions.

The Elegant MicroWeb team establishes a foundation that allows clients to create a dynamic content driven web site and business image, as well as intranet portals to drive collaboration and data sharing. These solutions enable competitive advantage in the local, regional, domestic and global market. A solid CMS foundation helps businesses to improve productivity and revenue.

"Our content management systems services include user experience design, data architecture and workflow design, integration with internal as well as external applications and services, support for corporate and intranet portals, document management, team collaboration and enabling portal access for tablets, smart phones and desktops," Patel says. "Our key strength is in the determination of feasibility and recommendation of appropriate portal and CMS frameworks to meet the unique needs of our customers."

Elegant MicroWeb provides certified, end-to-end services for CMS projects including framework feasibility and selection, CMS and portal consulting, theme design and implementation, migration, feature mapping, technical and data architectural design, responsive web design, and more. The CMS and Portal environment can be used to manage calendars, events, blogs, surveys, memberships, collaboration, training, galleries, and partner, supplier and customer networks. The possibilities are endless.

"We bring to bear our experience, innovation, creativity and intelligence to design and develop effective solutions using the most appropriate CMS and Portal frameworks," Patel says. "Our team is educated in all available frameworks, tools and templates, and can recommend and select the most feasible framework to meet client needs and better serve its team members and customers. The resulting site will be logically organized, with meaningful content, a well-conceived access policy, appropriate security, and great usability and interoperability."

About Elegant MicroWeb

Elegant MicroWeb serves clients in many industries, and in many countries, including the U.K., Australia, the U.S., Japan, the Middle East and Far East, Europe and India. Its customer satisfaction ranking is excellent and the company has served some clients for nearly twenty years. Clients include small, medium and large enterprises. Elegant MicroWeb is an ISO 9001:2008 certified, software products and services company. The team approaches every project and every client with a fresh perspective and dedicated attention, balancing and combining software products and services delivery and the company offers white label partnerships for IT providers and agencies with non-disclosure protection, seamless support, and targeted skills and knowledge to enrich their product and service offerings.

Contact:

Hitesh Matlani

+91 (79) 3000 9991

[email protected]



http://www.ElegantMicroWeb.com



SOURCE Elegant MicroWeb Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
DALLAS, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The EnLink Midstream companies, EnLink Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: ENLK) (the Partnership) and EnLink Midstream, LLC (NYSE: ENLC) (the General Partner), will hold a conference call to discuss third quarter 2016 financial results on Wednesday, November 2, at 9 a.m. Central time. EnLink will post an operations report and earnings press release to its website at www.EnLink.com after market close on November 1.

The dial-in number for the call is 1-855-656-0924. Callers outside the United States should dial 1-412-542-4172. Participants can also preregister for the conference call by navigating to http://dpregister.com/10092382 where they will receive their dial-in information upon completion of their preregistration.

Interested parties can access an archived replay of the call on the Investors page of EnLink Midstream's website at www.EnLink.com.

About the EnLink Midstream Companies

EnLink Midstream is a leading, integrated midstream company with a diverse geographic footprint and a strong financial foundation, delivering tailored customer solutions for sustainable growth. EnLink Midstream is publicly traded through two entities: EnLink Midstream, LLC (NYSE: ENLC), the publicly traded general partner entity, and EnLink Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: ENLK), the master limited partnership entity.

EnLink Midstream's assets are located in many of North America's premier oil and gas regions, including Oklahoma's Midcontinent, the Permian Basin, and the Gulf Coast region. Based in Dallas, Texas, EnLink Midstream's assets include approximately 11,000 miles of gathering and transportation pipelines, 19 processing plants with approximately 3.9 billion cubic feet per day of processing capacity, seven fractionators with approximately 284,000 barrels per day of fractionation capacity, as well as barge and rail terminals, product storage facilities, purchase and marketing capabilities, brine disposal wells, an extensive crude oil trucking fleet, and equity investments in certain private midstream companies.

Additional information about the EnLink companies can be found at www.EnLink.com.

Investor Relations: Kate Walsh, Vice President of Investor Relations, 214-721-9696, [email protected]

Media Relations: Jill McMillan, Vice President of Public Relations, 214-721-9271, [email protected]

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SOURCE EnLink Midstream

Related Links

http://www.enlink.com


LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Exer More Than Urgent Care announced Rob Mahan as the company's Chief Executive Officer and confirmed plans to open new clinics in Redondo Beach, Santa Clarita and Manhattan Beach over the next several months. Exer More Than Urgent Care is California's fastest-growing privately-owned ER-alternative and offers patients high-quality healthcare that's affordable, convenient and provided directly by Emergency Medicine Doctors and Mid-Level Providers.

"I am humbled to join the Exer family and look forward to working with this incredible team of doctors, clinicians and staff to expand our operations and open more clinics across Southern California," said Rob Mahan.

"Exer was founded by emergency medicine doctors with a brilliant vision to offer ER patients a new choice when their conditions become urgent or serious but not life-threatening. As a father of three who's spent nearly twenty years working in the healthcare sector, I know first-hand the benefits of having a high-quality ER alternative close to home. I believe everyone deserves that, and by helping to build on and advance Exer's existing business strategy, I hope soon every community will have an Exer More Than Urgent Care just down the street."

With on-site laboratories, diagnostic equipment, laceration and splinting facilities, Exer More Than Urgent Care offers patients more services than a standard urgent care clinic. Designed to see patients with little-to-no wait time, Exer welcomes walk-in patients and can offer treatments including IV fluids, IV antibiotics, pediatric services, physical exams, DOT Physical Exams, immunizations, X-rays, prescriptions and corporate care at each clinic location.

"This is an extraordinary time for our company, and I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome Rob as our new CEO," said Dr. Cherlin Johnson, Exer's Founder and President of the company's Medical Corporation.

"Since our inception, I have served as both Chief Executive Officer of our Management Company, while also serving as President of our Medical Corporation. As we expand our operations and open more Exer clinics across Southern California, the medical side of our business must grow in parallel with the management side. Rob has an incredible track record of growing companies in the healthcare industry, and now with him in place as CEO on the management side, I can continue innovating our clinical model to deliver unparalleled care and service for our patients."

Exer More Than Urgent Care currently operates clinics in Calabasas, Northridge, Beverly Hills, Newbury Park and Sherman Oaks, and the company is mobilizing to open additional clinics in Redondo Beach, Santa Clarita and Manhattan Beach over the next several months.

"The demand to bring Exer More Than Urgent Care clinics into more communities is rapidly increasing thanks to our partnership with Providence Health & Services," said Dr. Johnson. "Providence Health & Services is the country's third largest not-for-profit health care system and we are excited to work together to bring emergency medicine directly into more communities while easing the strain on local Emergency Departments."

Exer More Than Urgent Care accepts most PPO and many HMO insurance plans, and the company offers several affordable payment options for those without health insurance. Exer clinics are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with little-to-no wait time and each clinic registers the last patient at 8:30 p.m.

For more information about Exer More Than Urgent Care including new locations and recruitment opportunities, visit www.ExerUrgentCare.com.

ABOUT EXER MORE THAN URGENT CARE: Visit www.ExerUrgentCare.com

SOURCE Exer More Than Urgent Care

Related Links

http://www.exerurgentcare.com


DRAPER, Utah, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc. (FLXT) today announced the company has accepted an invitation to participate in collaborative studies focused on the manufacture of Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) displays and other industry applications. As a thought and technology leader of sensor technologies within this prestigious group, Flexpoint will be able to collaborate with numerous, complimentary entities in identifying new technologies which will become commercially successful and deliver value to millions for many years to come.

This initial FHE Pathfinder Study will have Flexpoint pairing with companies such as IQMRI and Design HMI LLC. IQMRI is also part of a prestigious industry group - NEXTFLEX which awards grants for projects emerging from these studies. The experience Flexpoint brings to these studies is deep and rich. According to Paul Sexauer, Flexpoint VP Sales & Marketing, "The aggregate project resume we have developed globally to date, tremendous projects which feature the Bend Sensor including those attributable to the Human Media Lab (HML) at Queen's University, qualifies us greatly for these efforts. HML projects leveraging the Bend Sensor interfaced with organic user interfaces such as ReFlex smartphone, Holoflex smartphone and PaperTab are prime examples of how our technology and/or experience can significantly impact the success of these next generation development efforts. We are proud to be able to collaborate with such leaders given their respective areas of expertise and looking forward to realizing the synergies to be had."

FHE initiatives are underway and increasing in numerous vertical markets and industries including automotive, medical, toys, consumer products (telecom, VR/AR, etc) and others. Not surprisingly, these are market areas upon which Flexpoint has repeatedly stated it is squarely focused. Sexauer further commented, "We continue to work meaningfully with consumer electronics manufacturers and others around the world. These types of initiatives and the experience gained from them position us nicely to differentiate ourselves and become an integral part of their commercialized product offerings."

Please visit http://www.flexpoint.com/ for more information.

About Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc.

Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc. (FLXT) is an innovative technology firm specializing in developing products that feature the Company's patented Bend Sensor and related technology. The Bend Sensor is a groundbreaking sensing solution that is revolutionizing applications in the automotive, safety, medical and industrial industries. The Bend Sensor's single-layer, thin film construction cuts costs and mechanical bulk while introducing a range of functions and stylistic design possibilities that have never before been available in sensing technology. Flexpoint's technology and expertise have been recognized by the world's elite business and academic innovators for over 17 years. The company is setting a new standard for sensing solutions in the "smart" age of technology.

Forward-Looking Statements

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 Information:

Flexpoint Sensor Systems

Clark Mower, President

801-568-5111

Brokers and Analysts

Chesapeake Group

410-825-3930

SOURCE Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.flexpoint.com


BROOKLYN, N.Y., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Full Stack Modular, LLC announced today that it has purchased the core assets of FC Modular from Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Forest City Realty Trust, Inc., (NYSE: FCEA and FCEB). Full Stack Modular will offer turn-key modular solutions for developers of new multi-family buildings, hotels and dormitories and will continue to operate out of the 100,000+ square foot factory in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Full Stack Modular's CEO and founder, Roger Krulak, was formerly Senior Vice President of Modular Construction at FCRC where he was a leading member of the team that built the modular business that formed the foundation of FCRC's flagship project, 461 Dean Street, the tallest modular building in the world. 461 Dean is now leasing and will welcome its first tenants this fall to breathtaking views and amenities made possible by its modular construction.

The deal includes the long-term lease at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, all equipment and Intellectual Property, as well as the bespoke technology created for this manufacturing process. Full Stack Modular will also maintain the groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement with the Building and Construction Trades Council of New York and its members, and anticipates rehiring much of the original workforce responsible for 461 Dean Street.

"I am very proud to own a company that will continue to build upon our original mission at Forest City, and further grow the valuable relationships with the community, the unions and the talented workers who help bring our vision to life," said Krulak. "Modular is the future of multifamily construction and Full Stack Modular will be at the forefront of innovation in our industry. Our systems are not only more efficient and cost effective than conventional building, but also more sustainable and community-friendly."

"We have always been firm believers in modular construction and we are incredibly proud of the breakthroughs we've made that will soon be seen at 461 Dean Street," said MaryAnne Gilmartin, President and CEO of Forest City Ratner Companies. "The sale allows us to put our focus on our core strengths  management of our assets and our incredible pipeline of development. We are thrilled that the high-rise residential modular industry we launched will continue its groundbreaking innovations in the skilled hands of Roger Krulak at Full Stack Modular. We know it will be a great success."

"We're pleased that Full Stack Modular will remain at its home in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and will maintain the agreement to employ highly skilled, unionized workers," said Gary LaBarbera, president of the 100,000 member Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. "It's also good to hear that the company plans to hire from the community and anticipates rehiring much of the original workforce responsible for the project at 461 Dean Street. We look forward to working together in partnership with Roger Krulak and Full Stack Modular."

An internationally recognized expert in modular construction and innovation, Roger Kulak was the recipient of the 2014 Popular Mechanics 'Breakthrough Award' for his work on the creation of the high-rise modular process, has been appointed to the Building Innovation Panel for the Country of Singapore and regularly speaks all over the world.

About Full Stack Modular

Full Stack Modular provides turn-key modular solutions for developers of new multi-family buildings, hotels and dormitories. Full Stack Modular is dedicated to the innovation and creation of environmentally-conscious, cost-effective and labor-friendly development of multi-family housing. The company is located in New York City, in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. For more information, please visit www.fullstackmodular.com or email [email protected].

Media Contact:

Loren Pomerantz

917-902-0219

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415498LOGO

SOURCE Full Stack Modular, LLC

Related Links

http://www.fullstackmodular.com


CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago-based Golub & Company, an international real estate investment and development firm, announced the acquisition today of One East Delaware, a luxury rental community in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, in a partnership with Boston-based Alcion Ventures. The 306-unit building is nestled among upscale shopping and dining options, offers easy access to public transportation and the Loop, and is steps from the lakefront and cultural destinations.

"We're pleased to add One East Delaware to our growing portfolio of high quality urban mixed-use properties," said Michael Newman, CEO of Golub & Company. "Our repositioning plan will make One East Delaware one of the most sought-after apartment buildings, in the heart of one of Chicago's most desirable neighborhoods, the Gold Coast."

A team from Golub and Alcion Ventures, a real estate private equity firm, negotiated the transaction. The seller, Waterton, was represented by HFF. HFF also arranged financing for the deal through Deutsche Bank on behalf of the purchaser. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

One East Delaware offers studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and attached indoor parking. Residences feature dramatic city views with floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious living areas. Residents enjoy amenities such as a fitness center, expansive sundeck, business center, and 24-hour door service. Residents have access to gourmet grocer Potash Market, while on-site retail includes Starbucks Coffee and full-service spa Salon Buzz. Golub & Company plans to enhance the current features and amenities.

"The One East Delaware opportunity was attractive because of the sustained demand for residential and retail options in the Gold Coast," said Mark Potter, Co-Founder and Partner of Alcion Ventures. "We look forward to continuing our relationship with Golub as we maximize the revenue potential of this property."

Golub & Company and Alcion Ventures are also co-investors in a portfolio of residential properties in many Chicago neighborhoods, including the recent acquisition of Lake Shore Tower in the historic Edgewater community.

About Alcion Ventures

Alcion Ventures is a real estate private equity firm that executes a thesis-driven, opportunistic investment strategy in select North American markets. The firm is committed to being a disciplined fiduciary and investor, combining the entrepreneurial approach of an operator with the established practices of an institutional private equity fund manager. For more information on Alcion Ventures, visit www.alcionventures.com.

About Golub & Company LLC

Since its founding more than 55 years ago, with three generations of professionals working in the business, Golub & Company has built a strong reputation as a trusted co-investor and developer with its many institutional and private capital partners. It's a reputation based on track record; Golub and its affiliates have owned, leased or managed more than 50 million square feet of commercial, mixed-use and multifamily real estate properties, including 45,000 residential units, valued in excess of $10 billion located across the United States and internationally. Access more information by visiting www.golubandcompany.com.

Media Contacts:

Patricia Agos

[email protected]

773-758-5044

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160916/408975LOGO

SOURCE Golub & Company LLC

Related Links

http://www.golubandcompany.com


LONDON, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- "HPPs market projected to reach USD 5.71 billion by 2021"



The market size of HPPs, in terms of value, is projected to reach USD 5.71 billion by 2021, witnessing a CAGR of 3.81% between 2016 and 2021. The growing demand from major applications such as coatings, plastics, inks, and cosmetic products is expected to drive the demand for HPPs. The growing automobile industry and rising demand of plastics and beauty products are contributing toward the growth of the HPPs market.



"Cosmetic products application projected to witness highest growth during forecast period"



The cosmetic products application is expected to witness the highest CAGR between 2016 and 2021. The demand for these pigments is increasing in cosmetic products as consumers seek products that have less or no harmful effects. Cosmetics products made from conventional pigments are toxic and can cause health hazards. This encourages consumers to pay more for these better-quality products, thereby, propelling the growth of the HPPs market.



"Asia-Pacific projected to be fastest-growing market during the forecast period"



Asia-Pacific is estimated to be the largest and the fastest-growing market for HPPs, in terms of both value and volume. This is attributed to the increasing demand for HPPs in the cosmetic products and coatings applications in the region. The demand for coatings in automotive and decorative coatings is expected to increasing significantly due to flourishing automotive and construction industries in Asia-Pacific and North America.





Break-up of profiles by the primary participants for the report



- By Company Type  Tier 137%, Tier 250%, and Tier 313%

- By Designation  C Level 50%, Director Level31%, Others19%

- By Region  North America28%, Western Europe24%, Central Europe-17%, Asia-Pacific14%, the Middle East & Africa-10%, Latin America-7%



The report includes company profiles of major players and recent activities undertaken in the market such as new product launches, expansions, and R&D. Some of the major companies profiled in this report are BASF SE (Germany), Clariant AG (U.S.), Huntsman Corporation (Japan), Lanxess AG (Germany), Solvay SA (Belgium), Atul Ltd. (India), Sudarshan Chemical Industries Ltd (India), Heubach GMBH (Germany), Sun Chemical Corporation (U.S.), Synthesia A.S. (Czech Republic), Ferro Corporation (U.S.), and Gharda Chemicals Ltd. (India).



Reasons to buy the report:



While making strategic decisions in business, timely and useful information is required. This report fulfills the requirements of various stakeholders, including material suppliers, product manufacturers, investors, and executives.



Some of the salient features of this report include:



- Porter's Five Forces Analysis

- Value Chain Analysis

- Market Segmentation (Type, Application, and Region) by Volume and Value

- Competitor Analysis

- Detailed Information on Strategic Developments in the Industry



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3782619/



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com



For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

Related Links

http://www.reportbuyer.com


BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Owning a home can be expensive. Upkeep, maintenance and unexpected repairs can often add up. That's why many choose a home warranty from Home Warranty of America (HWA), a nationwide leader in home warranties. HWA works to help families by providing comprehensive coverage and protection against the cost of home and appliance repair.

Each year, HWA partners with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals), for "Miracle Month." During the month of October, for every home warranty purchased, a donation will be made to CMN Hospitals. "This is part of our mission and our company DNA. We want to improve the lives of children throughout the communities we serve," said Christie Lott, head of real estate channel sales for Home Warranty of America. The money donated will help support research, patient programs, and pediatric medical equipment. Every dollar donated stays in the community to benefit local children.

Home Warranty of America is part of the Direct Energy family of brands. The company is proud to be an official partner of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Direct Energy works throughout the year to help raise funds and awareness for CMN Hospitals.

Home Warranty of America has been in business since 1996, and is a leader in the home warranty industry.

We provide high value and protection against the ever-increasing cost of home and appliance repair.

See more at: http://www.hwahomewarranty.com  2016 Clockwork IP, LLC.

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity's Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit's mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children's hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415635LOGO

SOURCE Home Warranty of America

Related Links

http://www.hwahomewarranty.com


LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With travel by road restricted by damage from Hurricane Matthew, International Medical Corps' Emergency Response Team arrived by helicopter in Les Cayes, a city in the area of southwestern Haiti that bore the brunt of the storm. The Category 4 storm made direct landfall with sustained winds of 145 mph on October 4, causing widespread destruction that has left some of the hardest hit communities unreachable.

"Heavy rainfall and flooding create fertile ground for disease outbreaks like cholera, which our teams have been treating in Haiti since 2010," says Sean Casey, International Medical Corps' Emergency Response Team Leader in Haiti. "Ensuring people have access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene supplies will be essential in preventing the spread of illness. We will also be looking to support local health facilities and other immediate needs of affected communities."

While the full scale of the damage in Haiti is still unclear, the UN estimates 350,000 people are in need of humanitarian assistance following the storm, while a reported 21,000 people are staying in shelters and preliminary assessments found some 28,000 houses were damaged. Additional emergency response experts, including a water, sanitation, and hygiene specialist, are en route to Haiti to join International Medical Corps' Emergency Response Team in Les Cayes.

Hurricane Matthew is now battering the Bahamas. Made up of 700 islands, the country is particularly vulnerable to tropical storms, as much of the country is low-lying and coastal. Heavy rains, in some areas as much as 15 inches, and coastal surges are major concerns. International Medical Corps also has an emergency response team pre-positioned in Nassau so that they can travel to the hardest hit areas immediately after the storm to determine the greatest needs and provide assistance.

International Medical Corps currently provides ongoing humanitarian assistance to those in need in northern and western Haiti. The organization responded to the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that devastated Haiti in 2010 and later that year to Hurricane Tomas and an outbreak of cholera.

A preeminent first responder for more than three decades, International Medical Corps has extensive experience providing medical care and other lifesaving relief in the aftermath of disasters, including Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.

Since its inception more than 30 years ago, International Medical Corps' mission has been consistent: relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease, by delivering vital health care services that focus on training. This approach of helping people help themselves is critical to returning devastated populations to self-reliance. International Medical Corps has delivered more than $2.2 billion in humanitarian relief and training in 75 countries since 1984. Today its global staff of more than 7,000 provides assistance to devastated communities in the world's hardest-hit areas, from Syria to Sierra Leone, Iraq to Afghanistan. For more information visit: www.InternationalMedicalCorps.org. Also see us on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram, and Medium.

SOURCE International Medical Corps

Related Links

http://www.internationalmedicalcorps.org


NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hisense, a multinational consumer technology leader and one of the largest global television manufacturers, today revealed the results of a blind television picture quality study conducted by Wakefield Research that indicate consumers rate Hisense's picture quality at the same level as premium brands like Samsung and significantly above a budget brand like Vizio.

As a part of the study, consumers were asked to rate attributes such as picture color, clarity, contrast, image sharpness, brightness and off-angle viewing. On average, Hisense scored within a statistically negligible range of Samsung's scores for these attributes, demonstrating that consumers don't need to break the bank to have a premium television viewing experience. Hisense beat Vizio's average rating in every single category.

"At Hisense we are extremely proud of the picture technologies we put in every TV we make," said Jerry Liu, CEO of Hisense Americas. "We commit over 5 percent of our global revenues to research and development. This investment in research and development, efficient supply chain management and innovative manufacturing processes enable us to bring the best picture quality to consumers at more affordable prices."

Hisense, which has been the number one television brand in China for 13 years straight and is a major television brand globally, is aggressively expanding its footprint in the US and other countries around the world. In 2016, the company purchased a factory in Mexico to better supply the Americas and expects its capacity to reach over 4 million units per year.

Wakefield Research conducted the blind survey among 100 U.S. adult consumers, ages 18+, this past September, using a mall-intercept study. The TVs were masked to show only the screen and the picture quality. Consumers were asked a series of questions about their experience using a Hisense 50H8, a Samsung 50KU6300 and a Vizio E50UD2.

About the Survey

The survey was commissioned by Hisense USA Corporation and was conducted by Wakefield Research among 100 US adult consumers, ages 18+ between September 7th and September 25th, 2016 using a mall-intercept study. Quotas were set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the US adult population ages 18+. The margin of error for this study is +/- 10 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

About Hisense USA Corporation and Hisense Company, Ltd.

Hisense USA Corporation is a subsidiary of Hisense Company, Ltd., which was established in 1969 and headquartered in Qingdao, China. Hisense USA Corporation offers an innovative range of technology products that disrupt the consumer electronics industry, challenge the competition and provide significant value to consumers. Manufactured and distributed across North America, Hisense USA's product portfolio includes televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, beverage coolers and freezers.

Hisense Company Ltd. is multinational consumer technology manufacturer and one of the largest television brands in the world with the #1 TV share position in China for 13 consecutive years. The Company is committed to advancing the state of the consumer technology industry across North America and has dedicated R&D centers in Atlanta, Georgia; San Jose, California; and Toronto, Canada to enable localized product development and innovation.

Hisense products are available globally in over 130 countries and regions across the world, with production facilities in China, South Africa, Algeria, Egypt, and Mexico, as well as sales offices across North America, Europe, Australia, Middle East, and Southeastern Asia.

In recognition of its strong product offerings, aggressive expansion strategies, global client base and continued investment in research and development, Frost and Sullivan recognized Hisense with the 2015 Global Competitive Strategy and Innovation Leadership Award in Smart TVs.

www.hisense-usa.com and global.hisense.com

Contact:

Dara Cothran

Kwittken for Hisense

646-747-7166; [email protected]

SOURCE Hisense

Related Links

http://www.hisense-usa.com


CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- JBT Corporation (NYSE: JBT) will report third quarter 2016 financial results after the market closes on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. A conference call is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday, October 27, 2016.

Participants may access the conference call using the following numbers:

U.S. and Canada: (877) 201-0168

International: +1 (647) 788-4901

Conference ID #: 91012572

The call will be simultaneously webcast on JBT Corporation's Investor Relations website, which can be accessed at http://ir.jbtcorporation.com. To participate on the webcast, please log on to the website at least ten minutes before the call to register.

An online audio replay of the conference call will be available on JBT Corporation's Investor Relations website at approximately 1:30 p.m. EDT on October 27, 2016.

John Bean Technologies Corporation (JBT) is a leading global technology solutions provider to high-value segments of the food & beverage industry with a focus on proteins, liquid foods and automated systems. JBT designs, produces and services sophisticated products and systems for multi-national and regional customers through its JBT FoodTech segment. JBT also sells critical equipment and services to domestic and international air transportation customers through its JBT AeroTech segment. JBT Corporation employs approximately 4,200 people worldwide and operates sales, service, manufacturing and sourcing operations in more than 25 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.jbtcorporation.com.

SOURCE JBT Corporation

Related Links

http://www.jbtcorporation.com


LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies bestowed two 2016 American Architectural Awards upon Kelly Sutherlin McLeod Architecture, Inc. (KSMA), for preservation.

Kelly Sutherlin McLeod, FAIA's award-winning restoration of the Hafley House in Long Beach, CA Kelly Sutherlin McLeod, FAIA's award-winning restoration of the Killingsworth Office Building in Long Beach, CA

The first award went to the Olan G. and Aida T. Hafley House, a residence in Long Beach, Calif. In 1953 Richard J. Neutra designed the Hafley House and the adjacent one-story dwelling, the Moore Residence, as an integrated architectural composition that was characteristically "Neutra," yet in harmony with the neighborhood's more traditional architectural character. The conditions found at the house demanded careful preservation planning. KSMA's balanced approach was guided by maintaining authenticity and developing innovative, sustainable treatments; honoring Neutra's original design intent for the house and restoring, rather than replacing, original modern building elements, materials and finishes. This project has been published by DoCoMoMo US, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been widely recognized by the architecture community.

The second Chicago Athenaeum award went to another Long Beach, Calif., structure, the Killingsworth Office Building. As a longtime colleague, friend and protege of Edward A. Killingsworth, FAIA, Kelly Sutherlin McLeod, FAIA, is honored to be the current steward of this iconic office building, which is now the headquarters of her architectural practice. A daily reminder of the importance of preserving modern architecture, the Killingsworth building is a prime example of the International Style in California. Restoration of this designated landmark is in progress, maintaining the authenticity of Killingsworth's mid-century modern masterwork. The comprehensive preservation includes the meticulous restoration of the original building and landscape design that Killingsworth skillfully integrated with transparent walls of glass, framed by delicate post and beam construction - design elements that Killingsworth started exploring during his early, informative years. The interior furnishings, fixtures, and the extensive collection of Julius Shulman's black and white photos taken throughout Killingsworth's career, are also being preserved. The original structure was completed in 1955, recognized by the National AIA with the Award of Merit in 1956, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

Now in its 22nd year, The Chicago Athenaeum's American Architecture Awards for Design Excellence honor the best and finest contributions to innovative contemporary American architecture.

According to Christian Narkiewicz-Laine, Museum President, The Chicago Athenaeum, "The selected buildings and urban planning projects uniquely and sensitively reconcile the principles underlying architectural design with the rapid technological advancements and the modernization of our society today. This year, there was a considerable emphasis on restoration, renovation, and adaptive re-use as the Green Revolution continues to impact our cities and our buildings in which we live, work, pray, and become culturally refined."

The philosophy that heritage conservation must be integral to mainstream architecture has been KSMA's main operating principle since Kelly Sutherlin McLeod, FAIA, opened her practice nearly 30 years ago. "Many iconic structures that are now designated as historic, were deemed modern and cutting-edge when they were originally designed and built," says Sutherlin McLeod. "Employing present-day techniques and technologies to restore these buildings with integrity stemming from authenticity, relevance and context for current and future generations, to their true and original splendor is one of the most challenging and exciting aspects of my architectural practice. With these awards for our projects, it is so gratifying to see the most advanced approaches to heritage conservation and historic preservation recognized as essential disciplines by the architecture community."

KSMA's conservation focus is not only of buildings, but the preservation of place, tradition and culture. "All projects that impact our environment, whether new construction or rehabilitation, present conservation issues that need to be addressed," adds Sutherlin McLeod. "The concern for heritage conservation is a common thread that connects all of KSMA's work."

This year, the Museum received a record number of projects for new buildings, landscape architecture, and urban planning from the most important firms practicing in the U.S. and globally. From a short list of 380 projects, the 2016 Jury for Awards was held in Denver and 74 projects were selected by a distinguished group of Colorado architects and educators.

On October 3rd, The Chicago Athenaeum hosted an Awards Gala Dinner Ceremony in Chicago honoring the winning architects, clients, and developers. In December 2016, The Chicago Athenaeum, together with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, will present a special exhibition of all awarded buildings in, New American Architecture at Contemporary Space in Athens, Greece. After Athens, the exhibition travels to Istanbul, Turkey under the auspices of the Turkish Chamber of Architects in January 2017.

About KSMA (www.ksmarchitecture.com) Kelly Sutherlin McLeod Architecture, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is an award-winning firm with a commitment to architectural integrity. Combining an intrinsic architectural design aesthetic for the preservation of historically significant buildings with design innovation for institutional, civic, urban planning, custom residential and interior projects for a public and private clientele, KSMA has earned a reputation for excellence in the design of new construction and preservation projects. A graduate of the USC School of Architecture, Kelly Sutherlin McLeod, FAIA, recently received its Distinguished Alumni Award.

About The Chicago Athenaeum (www.chi-athenaeum.org) is a global nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide public education about the significance of architecture and design and how those disciplines can have a positive effect on the human environment. The American Architecture Awards is a trademark of The Chicago Athenaeum. 1994-2016 by The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Center together with Metropolitan Arts Press Ltd.

Note to editors: Additional photographs and interviews available upon request by contact Joanna Brody, [email protected], (310) 582-0085.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415624

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415623

SOURCE Kelly Sutherlin McLeod Architecture, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ksmarchitecture.com


SEATTLE, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LiveStories, a data hub for governments and their partners, released a free online tool called LiveStories IQ. The new tool makes it easy to compare school districts across the United States to determine if students have equal opportunities to succeed.

LiveStories IQ can help superintendents, government education agencies, mayors, city council members, and parents identify and understand where inequities existbetween districts, between schools, and between different student demographics. Users can even compare school districts with similar profiles and learn from communities facing the same challenges as theirs.

LiveStories IQ was announced as part of The Opportunity Project, an initiative led by The White House. The project's goal is to expand access to opportunity for all Americans by putting data and digital tools in the hands of families, communities, and local leaders and helping them navigate information about the resources they need to thrive.

Twenty-two non-governmental organizations and seven student teams participated in the Opportunity Project. They were tasked to develop solutions for problem statements put forth by several federal agencies. The teamsincluding LiveStoriespresented their solutions today at a White House event.

LiveStories focused on a problem posed by the U.S. Department of Education: identifying inequities in the nation's 95,000-plus public schools for such factors as per-pupil expenditure, teacher experience, access to rigorous coursework, and chronic absenteeism.

"With easy access to relevant data, decision-makers and influencers can publish their findings as interactive stories on LiveStories' platform and share the stories with their communities to inspire action on a local level," stated CEO of LiveStories, Adnan Mahmud.

You can try the LiveStories IQ tool here

About LiveStories

LiveStories is the data hub for governments and their partners. The web-based platform makes it easy for data novices and experts alike to explore, share, and present data effectively. LiveStories was the first on the market to provide an online tool to help governments create engaging stories with charts, images, videos, and stories. Governments and nonprofits around the world use LiveStories to serve more than 45 million constituents. LiveStories is based in Seattle and was founded in December 2013 by Adnan Mahmud. The company is backed by top Silicon Valley and Seattle investors, including True Ventures, Social Leverage, and Founders' Co-Op.

SOURCE LiveStories

Related Links

http://www.livestories.com


PHOENIX, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lotus Biotechnology Development Corp. (OTCQB: LBTD) a Bionaturals company specializing in the refining of organic materials for the production of powerful detergent and chemical free cleaners, announces that the Company's corporate information and filing requirements has been updated on the OTC Markets website, www.otcmarkets.com, in an effort to fulfill reporting requirements. Presently, the Company's status is reflected as current due to the recent updated filings of the 10K and 10Q.

In light of our commitment to transparency, we believe that keeping OTC current will give us greater visibility, and provide investors with enhanced confidence. We are excited to be moving forward, and intend to keep shareholders fully informed as we continue to reach fundamental milestones," stated Michael Palethorpe, Chief Executive Officer and President, Lotus Biotechnology Development Corp.

The Company recently announced the Grand Opening of the Company's new corporate office in China. In anticipation of the Company's growth strategy, Lotus Biotechnology has established the corporate office in Yong Zhou City to serve as a headquarters for its daily business activity.

About Lotus Biotechnology Development Corp.: Lotus Biotechnology specializes in plant extracting and refining. After years of research and development, the Company has developed the ability to extract tea saponin from Camellia seed and refine it to produce the most natural and organic cleaner. Compared with other chemical cleaners, tea saponin cleaner is more effective in terms of cleaning metal and stainless steel. The new recipe has registered patent in China (Patent Number 210510938973.4) and the product also received approval from China Food and Drug Administration.

For more information please visit: www.lotusbiotechnologies.com

Forward Looking Statements: This news release includes "forward looking statements", as that term is defined in Section 27A of the Unites States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward looking statements, including without limitation any statements concerning the Company's intentions, plans, estimates, expectations or beliefs regarding the future. Although the Company believes that any forward looking statements in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such forward looking statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions readers that all forward looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are based on assumptions none of which can be assured, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward looking statements. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements.

Any forward looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in the forward looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Lotus Biotechnology Development Corp.

Related Links

http://www.lotusbiotechnologies.com


LONDON, Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Market barriers cause net share loss for 5 major RCC treatments in Europe. Is your brand one of them?

We researched 8 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treatments to see what happens to their share of the European market when oncologists can't prescribe freely. The result: 5 of those brands saw a net loss.

But 3 of them made significant net gains. Is your brand one of them?

You'll learn how market barriers affect share for 8 major treatments from Bayer/Amgen, Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche.

Plus you'll see which brands your brand is losing share to, which ones you're taking it from, and whyinformation you can use to compete more effectively.



Get Answers to Key Questions about RCC Drug Brands



Afinitor (everolimus; Novartis): Afinitor takes market share from only two brands. Which two?

Avastin (bevacizumab; Roche): Which brand takes more than twice as much share from Avastin as any other?

Inlyta (axitinib; Pfizer): Would eliminating market barriers help Inlyta catch up to Afinitor?

Nexavar (sorafenib; Bayer/Amgen): Are doctors who don't prescribe either brand more likely to consider Nexavar or Inlyta?

Proleukin (aldesleukin; Novartis): Which two barriers do more doctors experience with Proleukin than any other brand?

Sutent (sunitinib; Pfizer): Which barrier is responsible for nearly a quarter of Sutent's impressive share gain?

Torisel (temsirolimus; Pfizer): Only one market barrier earns Torisel a net share gain. Which one?

Votrient (pazopanib; Novartis): Votrient and Afinitor are just about equally prescribed. Which brand has the edge in market share?



Top Takeaways





Barriers cost most brands market share: Five of the eight surveyed brands saw a net share loss due to barriers. Only three saw net gains.

Eliminating barriers would tighten up the market: Especially the top of the market, where it would make a big dent in the #1 brand's lead.

Most brands are heavily prescribed: A majority of doctors prescribe nearly all of the brands surveyed. The most prescribed brand has almost a 10% lead over its nearest rival.

Clear market share winner: of the three brands that gain share due to market barriers, one gains more than twice as much as the closest competitor.

Barrier effect varies widely: The number of doctors who experience each market barrier varies widely from brand to brand.

Reimbursement and guidelines have the greatest impact: barriers related to reimbursement, patient type restrictions, and guidelines affect more prescriptions than any others.

Brand awareness is high: With one exception, no more than 1% of doctors surveyed were unaware of any given brand.

Overall market access is good: In Europe, market barriers affect less than 20% of prescription decisions.



Exploring Market Access Issues

Market Access Impact: RCC explores key issues affecting RCC drug manufacturers. You'll learn:



How barriers affect market access:

What brands do doctors prescribe the most?

How many prescriptions do barriers affect?

Which barriers have the biggest effect?

How barriers affect your brand:

How many doctors prescribe your brand? How many don't, but would consider it?

Why don't doctors prescribe your brand? What do they prescribe instead?

Which competing brands does your brand take market share from?



A Report Based on Expert Knowledge

We surveyed 150 medical oncologists30 from each EU5 country (France, Italy, Germany, Spain, UK)chosen from the largest community of validated physicians in the world.

All respondents have:



Been practicing for 2+ years

Prescribed at least one of the listed products

Seen at least 5 patients with melanoma in total in the last month



We conducted the survey between April 4th and 11th, 2016.



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SOURCE ReportBuyer

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JERSEY CITY, N.J., Oct, 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Matrix International Financial Services (Matrix-IFS), a leading global specialist providing business and technology solutions in the areas of financial crime, risk, BI and compliance, has acquired controlling interest in Network Infrastructure Technologies Inc. (NIT) and its NIT Finance and NITHealth groups. NIT is a leader in IT consulting and outsourcing for finance and healthcare in the areas of IT and SEC compliance, data governance and data lifecycle management solutions. NIT has offices across the U.S. and serves top tier financial institutions and hospitals. NIT Founder, Lior Blik, will serve as president of the division for Matrix-IFS.

"Combining consulting and technology expertise from NIT Finance and NITHealth enables Matrix-IFS to significantly expand the range of our business and technology solutions related to compliance, internal regulations and rules, including developing strategies and policies to govern data collaboration and provisioning in data centers and on the cloud. We are pleased to welcome Lior Blik and his team," says Matrix-IFS CEO Renan Levy.

"I am very pleased to join forces with Matrix-IFS," says NIT President, Lior Blik. "We bring deep knowledge in banking and healthcare, and have relationships with key regulatory agencies. As part of the Matrix-IFS team, we can deliver additional services that help financial institutions address complex compliance and cyber issues with best practices for SEC compliance, data lifecycle management, and more. In Healthcare, NIT enables hospitals and other healthcare organizations to optimize their IT processes and outsource IT operations," adds Blik.

The acquisition of NIT adds a wide, complementary range of new services, including:

IT compliance and security assessment and implementation

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) for Technology

Data Lifecycle Management

IT Regulatory compliance reporting and BI analytics

Data and provisioning processes and user certification

Data collaboration, migration and archival automation

For more information, visit: www.matrix-ifs.com.

About Matrix International Financial Services (Matrix-IFS):

Matrix International Financial Services is a leading global specialist, providing business and technology solutions specifically for the challenging, complex needs of the global financial industry and capital markets. Headquartered in Jersey City, NJ, Matrix-IFS specialized Consulting, Systems Integration and Managed Services offerings include: Trade Surveillance, Business Intelligence (BI), AML / Case Management, Fraud Risk Prevention, Compliance, Financial Operational Risk, Cloud and Cyber-Risk Management, and Advisory Services. More than 50 top-tier financial institutions rely on Matrix-IFS solutions. Matrix-IFS is a division of Matrix IT Ltd (Symbol MTRX.TA), which has over 7,000 employees and offices in the U.S., UK, Israel, Eastern Europe, India, and Australia. Visit www.matrix-ifs.com

SOURCE Matrix International Financial Services

Related Links

http://www.matrix-ifs.com


PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Medallia (www.medallia.com), the global Customer Experience Management (CEM) leader, today announced new integration capabilities that make it easier than ever for companies to capture all of their customers' feedback, whether it's delivered by chat, SMS, or voice. Medallia's new capabilities also make it easier to integrate customer feedback into existing business systems, such as CRM, to facilitate streamlined customer and employee engagement.

"With the rise of digital, customer touchpoints have proliferated," said Krish Mantripragada, Medallia's VP of Product. "It's become incredibly challenging for companies to keep track of their customers, form a common understanding of them, and act on that knowledge. Our new and enhanced integration capabilities fix that. Now, wherever and however customers provide feedback, we'll be there to capture it. And wherever and however employees work, we'll be there to integrate the customer's voice into employee workstreams."

Medallia has long partnered with Salesforce.com and other CRM platforms to synchronize customer feedback in real time. With Medallia's new integration capabilities, customers and partners can now integrate with any enterprise system in real time, from marketing automation and business collaboration systems, to data analytics and visualization tools. Medallia's open approach has eliminated the need for complex, custom integrations and has unleashed innovation for Medallia's partners and customers.

Beeline, one of Russia's largest telecoms and a Medallia customer, innovated on the Medallia platform to deliver new value to its customers. Boris Antyushin, Beeline's Head of Customer Service Design and Customer Experience Systems Development, explained: "We have developed our own systems to support more than 57 million customers in Russia. With Medallia's real-time APIs, it's been easy to integrate them into our proprietary systems. We've already synchronized customer feedback with our CRM, delivered SMS surveys from an internal engine, and even built new applications on the Medallia platform."

"For example, we developed a network map that combines Net Promoter Score data with network quality data on a Google Maps interface. It allows us to monitor feedback by location and identify areas of lower service quality, so we can improve infrastructure and call quality for our customers," Antyushin continued.

"Our open integration approach gives our customers and partners choice and flexibility," said Mantripragada. "For customer-centric organizations, the field is now wide open for innovation."

Medallia is at Dreamforce 2016 to unveil its latest technology and thought leadership. In its session today on Effortless Contact Center Agent Experience, Medallia partner PwC will also demonstrate its Medallia/Salesforce integration.

Come see us at Dreamforce by registering at http://www.medallia.com/dreamforce2016/.

About Medallia

Medallia is the Customer Experience Management company that is trusted by hundreds of the world's leading brands. Medallia's Software-as-a-Service application enables companies to capture customer feedback everywhere the customer is (including web, social, mobile, and contact center channels), understand it in real time, and deliver insights and action everywherefrom the C-suite to the frontlineto improve their performance. Founded in 2001, Medallia has offices in Silicon Valley, New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Sydney and Buenos Aires. Learn more at www.Medallia.com.

Medallia is a registered trademark of Medallia, Inc. Net Promoter, Net Promoter Score and NPS are registered trademarks of Bain & Company, Inc., Fred Reichheld and Satmetrix Systems, Inc. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130314/SF76927LOGO

CONTACT: Maya Watts, [email protected]

SOURCE Medallia

Related Links

http://www.medallia.com


LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury Insurance representatives are ready to assist victims of Hurricane Matthew in Florida and Georgia with home and vehicle claims. Hurricane Matthew continues to strengthen as it gets closer to the eastern coast of Florida and Georgia. Mercury customers can report losses and damages through the claims hotline at (800) 503-3724.

"Hurricanes of this magnitude are extremely dangerous and can be devastating," says Mercury Insurance Chief Claims Officer Randy Petro. "Water surges and strong winds often precede the eye of the storm, so it is extremely important to comply with evacuation notices. We have mobilized our claims teams and are ready to respond quickly to our customers' requests for help. Whether it's providing living expenses while they are out of their homes or facilitating claims, we're committed to providing Mercury policyholders with the assistance they need."

Mercury, specializing in personal auto and homeowners insurance, encourages customers to review insurance policies each year with their local agents. Mercury customers in Florida and Georgia can protect vehicles from hurricane damage by purchasing comprehensive coverage, in addition to liability coverage, as liability covers only accidents and individuals.

Mercury claims adjusters will assess damage to policyholders' property due to rain and wind. Homeowners seeking coverage from flood and debris flows should review the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/about/nfip_overview.jsp.

Mercury is urging homeowners to prepare for heavy rain, wind and flooding. The company is offering tips to homeowners that will help prepare families for the coming hurricane. Disaster preparedness is essential to preventing injuries and property damage from violent and deadly storms.

Arrange your evacuation ahead of time. Plan where you will go in the event of an evacuation. Create an Evacuation Kit with a list of phone numbers and addresses. Your Evacuation Kit should include a map and a GPSin case street signs are blown down. Remember to include family pets in your plans. Create a home inventory. Establish a complete home inventory of your personal property. The Insurance Information Institute offers free, online software, which can be downloaded at: www.knowyourstuff.org/iii/login.html. If your home is destroyed by a hurricane or other disaster, the home inventory is securely stored online and accessible from anywhere at any time. Well-documented home inventories may serve to expedite the claims process, as well as substantiate losses for income tax purposes. Plan what to take. Prepare an Evacuation Kit that includes essentials, such as medicines and comfort items like children's toys or books. Your Evacuation Kit should also include these kinds of items: Bottled water

Clothing and beddings (sleeping bags and pillows)

Flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries

Special items for infants, children, elderly or disabled family members

Computer hard drive or lap top

Smartphone chargers

Photographs

Pet food, water and other items for pets (litter boxes, leashes, vaccination records, current photo of your pet)

Properly identify your pet with identification tags or microchips

Make sure your vehicle's fuel tank is full and park it facing out Gather important documents. Organize important documents in two groups: essential and basic. Original copies of essential documents should be stored in a safe deposit box, which will preserve them during a disaster. Moreover, a safe deposit box will keep essential documents out of circulation and help prevent identity theft. Basic documents should be added to your Evacuation Kit, which should be stored in a handy, easily accessible place.

Essential documents (store these in a safe deposit box)

Birth and marriage certificates

Passports

Social Security cards

Wills, living trusts and grant deeds

Mortgage papers

Stocks, bonds and other negotiable certificates

Credit card numbers

Basic documents (add these to your Evacuation Kit)

Checklist of what's in your Evacuation Kit; in a container that is waterproof and fireproof

Drivers license or other personal identification

Insurance policies

Employment information and copies of pay stubs for the past two months

Bank, savings and retirement account numbers

Mortgage papers (copy)

Recent tax returns

Home inventory (copy with photos of expensive items)

List of important phone numbers and addresses

Additional hurricane preparedness resources:

NOAA National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/safety.php

American Red Cross: www.redcross.org/getprepared

Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.ready.gov

ABOUT MERCURY INSURANCE

Mercury Insurance (MCY) is a multiple-line insurance organization predominantly offering personal automobile, homeowners and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia. Since 1962, Mercury has specialized in offering quality insurance at affordable prices. For more information visit www.mercuryinsurance.com or Facebook and follow the company on Twitter.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130521/LA18581LOGO

SOURCE Mercury Insurance

Related Links

http://www.mercuryinsurance.com


DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- His Excellency Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education for the United Arab Emirates today announced a new world-class curriculum to enhance the UAE's education system. The seven-year agreement has been signed with McGraw-Hill Education, a learning science company, for all K-12 math and science instructional materials in e-book and print formats.

The content for each curricular program was selected based on the most advanced and progressive material developed for U.S. standards and is aligned with the UAE National Standard Framework. All materials were created in Arabic and delivered in August for the 2016/2017 academic year.

"The new instructional materials provided by McGraw-Hill Education will help us create the UAE of tomorrow," said His Excellency Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education for the UAE. "Our economic growth depends on investing in education to build a knowledge-based society, and we have made massive strides for the children, women and men of the UAE. These new instructional materials are one more step on our journey of providing world-class education for our citizens and residents."

"It is the leadership's vision to provide students in the UAE with 21st century skills  education is a fundamental element for the development of a nation and the best investment in our youth. The new instructional materials clearly align school curricula with the country's vision of building a robust knowledge and innovation economy."

"Productivity and competitiveness will come to rival the best in the world, as we provide students with the skill set to bridge the gap in industries such as the sciences, medical and aerospace. The Ministry of Education's agreement with McGraw-Hill Education builds upon the decades of experience the company has in the region and reflects its commitment to advancing education and improving outcomes on a global scale."

"The UAE is an emerging global education hub, and we are very pleased to be working with the Ministry of Education on this important project," said David Levin, president and chief executive officer of McGraw-Hill Education.

"Given its focus on quality and innovation, the UAE is an important market for us and, with this agreement, we plan to expand our presence in Dubai where we have had an office since 2009," said Mark Dorman, president of McGraw-Hill Education International & Professional. "We look forward to delivering an outstanding program that will be impactful to educational outcomes in the UAE, in the GCC and the wider world."

McGraw-Hill Education provides outcome-focused learning solutions, delivering both curated content and digital learning tools and platforms to students in the classrooms of approximately 250,000 higher education instructors, 13,000 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school districts and a wide variety of academic institutions, professionals and companies. It distributes its products in over 135 countries across Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, Latin America, the Middle East and North America and in nearly 60 languages. McGraw-Hill Education has nearly 4,800 employees based in more than 35 offices in 28 countries.

About McGraw-Hill Education

McGraw-Hill Education is a learning science company that delivers personalized learning experiences that help students, parents, educators and professionals drive results. McGraw-Hill Education has offices across North America, India, China, Europe, the Middle East and South America, and makes its learning solutions available in nearly 60 languages. Visit us at mheducation.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

For more information please contact:

Dr. Rasheed Alhammadi

Director of Middle Schools Curriculm

Email address [email protected]

Mobile: +97150-219 9913

Marianna Wisden

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: +97155-552 7758

Wadd Kabida

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: +97155-911 3037

Catherine Mathis

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: +1 646-766-2468

SOURCE McGraw-Hill Education

Related Links

http://www.mheducation.com


PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the Philadelphia Region, Inc., with the support of the McDonald's Owner/Operators of the Greater Philadelphia Region, are seeking local, qualified applicants to apply for one of four scholarships: RMHC Scholars Scholarship for all high school seniors; the RMHC/African American Future Achievers Scholarship for African American high school seniors; the RMHC/Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources (HACER) Scholarship for Latino high school seniors; and the RMHC/Asian Students Increasing Achievement (ASIA) Scholarship for Asian high school seniors. Fifty-five (55) total scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 each, will be awarded the summer of 2017.

RMHC of the Philadelphia Region offers college scholarships to all high school seniors who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, financial need and plan on attending a two- or four-year college during the next academic year.

"RMHC scholarship winners are students who not only excel academically, but prove to be leaders within their schools and communities," said Bill Roberson, president of RMHC of the Philadelphia Region, Inc. and a McDonald's Owner/Operator. "Each year, we are honored to have the opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments of these outstanding young role models and help make their higher education dreams a reality."

Applicants may apply online at https://aim.applyists.net/RMHC now through January 18, 2017 and will be asked to submit a high school transcript, a letter of recommendation and a series of personal statements detailing their background and community involvement. For any questions about the scholarship program application process, please contact International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. at [email protected] or 855-670-4787. To search the frequently asked questions about the program and the application process, click here.

ABOUT RMHC

RMHC of the Philadelphia Region, Inc. grants hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to support local non-profit programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. In addition, RMHC supports four scholarships for high school seniors; the Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and Delaware Ronald McDonald House Programs; the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, operated by St. Christopher's Foundation for Children; and 13 Ronald McDonald Family Room programs in area hospitals. The charity receives its support from McDonald's Corporation, McDonald's Owner/Operators, corporate donors and McDonald's customers. For more information, visit www.rmhcphilly.org.

ABOUT McDONALD'S

McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. There are nearly 300 McDonald's restaurants in the Greater Philadelphia Region. For more information on McDonald's visit www.mcdonalds.com or log on at any of the 10,000 Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. Visit www.mcstate.com for local restaurant, career and program information. Follow us on Twitter @McDPhilly for the latest news, info, events and promotions, and find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.

Contact: Andrea Landau

Tierney

215-790-4318

[email protected]

SOURCE Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region, Inc.
AURORA, Neb., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamilton Relay, Inc. and Tenacity, Inc. today introduced a captioned telephone solution for business professionals who have difficulty hearing on the phone. With Hamilton CapTel for Business, Interconnected by Tenacity, employees with hearing loss can now listen while reading word-for-word captions of what's being said on a business phone, resulting in reduced frustration during business calls and greater productivity.

"We worked with Tenacity to build a captioned telephone solution for employees with hearing loss that works with a Cisco network and office phones. Business professionals won't have to miss out on what's being said during calls while at work," said Dixie Ziegler, vice president of Hamilton Relay.

Hamilton CapTel for Business, Interconnected by Tenacity provides employers with a solution for telecommunications access which meets the accommodations standards in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The solution seamlessly integrates with industry-leading Cisco VoIP communications systems utilized by many companies today. The software-based implementation makes deployment quick and simple as no additional phones or hardware is needed. In addition, tax credits may be available to some businesses when implementing accessibility enhancements.

"The telephone is a very important device in the workplace," said Dustin Armstrong, vice president of operations at Tenacity. "How can anyone communicate effectively on this important business tool by only getting part of the conversation? With Hamilton CapTel for Business, getting the full conversation is now not an issue."

Captioned telephone allows for a natural flow of conversation, while easy-to-read captions are displayed on the telephone. The captioning service is invisible to the other party on the call and captions can be reviewed once the call has ended. Existing Cisco phone features like transfer and conference work with this solution. Businesses of any size can use this captioned telephone technology and it is available to businesses with compatible Cisco systems that purchase an annual license. There is no cost to employees for the captioning service. More information can be found at HamiltonCapTel.com/biz.

About Hamilton CapTel

Hamilton Relay is an established leader in providing captioned telephone services nationwide. Since 2003, Hamilton has made over 70 million captioned telephone conversations possible for individuals with hearing loss. Hamilton CapTel is a service of Hamilton Relay, a division of Nedelco, Inc. d/b/a Hamilton Telecommunications, a diversified communications and technology services provider based in Aurora, Nebraska. Founded in 1901, Hamilton Telecommunications encompasses eight primary company divisions that allow Hamilton to operate on a local, regional and national basis. For more information about Hamilton CapTel, please visit www.HamiltonCaptel.com.

About Tenacity

Tenacity, Inc. is a software and service company providing various technologies designed to make enterprise phone systems more accessible. Founded in 2004, Tenacity has grown from enhancing the accessibility of a particular phone system in the government sector to now supporting many different phone systems and many different customer sectors all across the world. For more information about Tenacity, please visit our website at www.tenacitycorp.com.

Copyright  2016 Hamilton Relay. All rights reserved.  Hamilton is a registered trademark of Nedelco, Inc. d/b/a Hamilton Telecommunications.  CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.  Third Party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE Hamilton CapTel

Related Links

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PALO ALTO, California, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The new survey has been carried out by One Hour Translation, the world's largest online translation agency, together with Google Consumer Surveys.

The 1,000 respondents were also asked which language the next U.S. president should speak. Among the foreign languages, Spanish topped the list with 27% of the respondents; Chinese was a distant second with 6.5%, followed by Russian (4.3%), French (3.8%), Arabic (3.7%) and German (2.7%).

A survey performed in August 2016 by One Hour Translation, the world's largest online translation agency, indicated that 52% of the U.S. respondents think that speaking English is sufficient for the next U.S. president, while 48% think the next U.S. president should speak a second language.

The survey was performed together with Google Consumer Survey among 1,000 participants across the U.S. When asked which language the next U.S. president should speak, Spanish topped the list with 27% of the respondents; Chinese was a distant second with 6.5%, followed by Russian (4.3%), French (3.8%), Arabic (3.7%) and German (2.7%).

When broken down by age, One Hour Translation revealed that 67% of the youngest voters (ages 18-24) believed the president should be able to speak a second language, while 41% of the respondents in this age bracket thought the president should speak Spanish.

The survey also found a divergence of opinion in different states. In New York, a majority 52%, thought the next president should speak another language, with Spanish topping the list with 18.5%. In California, 45% believe that the next president should know Spanish and only 37% of the respondents felt that English was sufficient. In Arizona, 52% of the respondents thought English was enough, while 23% of the Arizonians believe that the next president should know Spanish, compared to 13% who favoured Chinese.

Neither one of the two major party candidates, Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump, speaks a language other than English.

About One Hour Translation

One Hour Translation is the world's largest online translation agency, offering professional translation services to thousands of business customers worldwide, 24/7/365. One Hour Translation provides professional, high-quality translations, performed by real people, for over 75 languages and 2,500 language pairs, thanks to a community of over 15,000 Professional Translators from more than 100 different countries.

The online translation agency serves more than 60% of the Fortune 500 companies. Some of One Hour Translation's top customers include Coca Cola, the U.S. Army, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, HP, Xerox, Shell, Deloitte, HSBC, Procter and Gamble, Ikea, 3M, McCANN and Allianz.

One Hour Translation specializes in providing translations in different business areas, including legal, technical, websites, applications and software, marketing and more. The agency also offers MyTeam - a team of dedicated translators that provide more speed and better quality, similar to an in-house translation team.

For more information, please visit One Hour Translation's website or follow the company on Twitter and Facebook. One Hour Translation also offers services that are tailored for enterprises via OHT Enterprise.

For more information: Alon Mlievski, +972-77-2129988, +972-50-4438778, Meirovitch Public Relations, PR agency for One Hour Translation

SOURCE One Hour Translation
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MidSouth Construction, LLC today announced it is now accepting nominations for its No Roof Left Behind Campaign. This nationwide program provides free roofs to local community members in need.

Nashville Roofing Contractor MidSouth Construction is giving away a FREE Roof to a family in need! Nominate someone today at roofingbymidsouth.com and tell us their story! You can also nominate yourself! Nominate Someone in Need for a FREE Roof to be installed by MidSouth Construction Roofing! Nashville Roofing Contractor partners with No Roof Left Behind and GAF to installed a FREE Roof to a homeowner in our community! Nominations are made online at RoofingbyMidsouth.com. We want to hear the stories of the families and individuals in our community that would benefit from having a FREE Roof installed!

Nominations are being accepted at RoofingbyMidSouth.com now through Dec 31, 2016. The process is simple. Anyone can participate and nominate a friend, neighbor or family member in need of a new roof. Everyone is encouraged to get the word out and nominate those in need! We are counting on the public to help us find those in our community who are in need! From the submissions, four finalists will be selected for the final online public voting campaign.

The four finalists' stories and photos will be displayed on Midsouth Construction's No Roof Left Behind homepage. A direct link to this page will also be placed on their main webpage to ensure easy access for everyone. Starting on January 15, the public will be able to vote for the finalist they feel is most deserving. The winner will be revealed online on February 25, 2017.

Nominees must own the home they are living in and be a resident of Davidson or Rutherford County. Also, the free roof recipient must be current on his/her mortgage payments. Nominees will be accepted until December 31, 2016 . A team of local volunteers will review all the nominees and four will be selected as finalists.

Midsouth Construction, LLC joined the No Roof Left Behind initiative as a way to give back to the Davidson and Rutherford County that has brought them tremendous success as one of the top roofing contractors headquartered in Nashville. Owner Austin Burton had this to say about the program. "We are proud to be part of No Roof Left Behind. The direct positive impact this initiative has on members of the community is something that can't be described. It is an honor to be able to launch this here. We look forward to seeing our neighbors and customers come together to help one of our own in need."

Other local businesses are invited to participate as sponsors or volunteers. "No Roof Left Behind is a great way to rally the community together," said Austin Burton. "There is something for everyone to play a part. You don't have to swing a hammer or even get dirty to help out. Whether looking to donate services, products or time just give us a call and we'll find a place for you."

For more information about MidSouth Construction, LLC and their No Roof Left Behind program and interviews with Austin Burton, please call 615-712-8893 or visit RoofingbyMidsouth.com

ABOUT NO ROOF LEFT BEHIND: No Roof Left Behind is a nationwide program that gives folks in the community a way to help their good neighbors that have fallen on hard times.

ABOUT MIDSOUTH CONSTRUCTION, LLC: Midsouth Construction is a family owned commercial and residential roofing contractor, and church steeple jack headquartered in Nashville, TN. They provide commercial roofing services and church steeple restoration across the southeast region of the United State and residential roofing services in the Middle Tennessee area including roof repairs and full roof replacement. Certified in all types of roofing including slate, tile, flat, shingles, metal, metal tile, TPO, EPDM.

CONTACT:

Sherri Berry

Midsouth Construction Roofing & General Contracting

Email

615-712-8893

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415542

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415543

SOURCE MidSouth Construction, LLC

Related Links

http://RoofingbyMidsouth.com


POST FALLS, Idaho, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwest Specialty Hospital announces the opening of their new Northwest Institute for Digestive Surgery located at 750 N. Syringa St. #205, Post Falls, ID.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415566

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415567LOGO

Dr. John Pennings, Director, CEO and Dr. Cory Richardson, Director of Foregut Surgery

The Northwest Institute for Digestive Surgery (NWIDS) is a state-of-the-art, patient-focused center dedicated to providing comprehensive diagnostic testing and surgical solutions for patients who suffer from gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders. Surgeons at the Institute emphasize the importance of applying minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques in the arena of general surgery as well as in metabolic and bariatric surgery.

"The Northwest Institute for Digestive Surgery delivers complete surgical and endoscopic care for all patients with digestive disorders. The physicians at the Institute were chosen for their passion, advanced fellowship training, and broad experience with digestive disorders. Care is focused on individual needs and the importance of arriving at timely diagnoses and effective treatment," says Dr. John Pennings, Director and CEO of NWIDS.

"The entire concept behind the Institute is to allow patients to receive the entire spectrum of diagnostic and surgical treatment options in one location by a single team of physicians. From mild symptoms to the most advanced disease, we want to be involved every step of the way," adds Dr. Cory Richardson, Director of Foregut Surgery for NWIDS.

"Northwest Specialty Hospital is very excited about this new Institute. Providing our region with a single place to take care of patients' digestive needs is something that our community has needed for a long time. We will continue to bring the latest technology and services as they develop," says Rick Rasmussen, CEO of Northwest Specialty Hospital.

To learn more about the Northwest Institute for Digestive Surgery, visit www.nwdigestive.com.

About Northwest Specialty Hospital

Established in 2003, Northwest Specialty Hospital is one of only 238 physicians-owned and operated facilities in the United States. They've continually been ranked in the top one percent of hospitals in the nation. Northwest Specialty Hospital also offers other service lines from neurosurgery and spine to family medicine.

For more information contact:

Rick Rasmussen, CEO, Northwest Specialty Hospital

208-262-2300

w: www.nwsh.com

SOURCE Northwest Specialty Hospital

Related Links

http://www.nwsh.com


Earlier this year, Not Impossible unveiled the first the MNI vests at the Bud Light Factory during SXSW. Since then, the team has made substantial updates to the technology, look, and wearability of the vest, to provide a more nuanced and comfortable experience for the wearer. The final product was worn last night by concert-goers in Nashville, translating the music of Lady Gaga's newest studio album for a deaf and hearing audience.

"Music is not about hearing or non-hearing, it's about inclusion," said Not Impossible Labs CEO and Founder Mick Ebeling, himself a Grammy Award Nominee. "We are not trying to help the Deaf hear music the way a hearing person hears music. Instead, we've created a new universal language for us all to experience music equally."

The Music: Not Impossible project was led by Not Impossible's Director of Technology Daniel Belquer; the vest was developed with Volcom, and the wrist-ankle bands developed with Stance. The vest provides live vibratory feedback to eight assigned channels, each replicating a particular instrument in the music  percussion in the ankle bands, guitar and piano in the wrist bands, vocals in the rib cage, and bass on the lower back and spine. It was tested by over 200 hearing, deaf and hard of hearing musicians and music lovers.

"You know the goose bumps you get when the tone is just right? That's the feeling I had throughout the entire experience of wearing the vest when we were introduced to Not Impossible at Volcom's HQ," said Kevin Meehan, President, North America at Volcom. "We're so stoked to be working with the Not Impossible team to create a way for our friends in the deaf community to experience the gift of music."

Vibrations have always been a fundamental way to convey music for the Deaf, but at many concerts the volume is neither loud nor complex enough to create a deep experience. MNI addresses this issue in the Deaf community, but also enhances music for all people, regardless of hearing capability.

"At Stance, we have always been committed to promoting self-expression and original ideas so music was a natural fit," said Taylor Shupe, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Stance. "This gives us the opportunity to use our expertise in knit to create an extremely comfortable experience for wearers, allowing them to focus on the experience of the music."

Moving forward, Music: Not Impossible vests will be offered on a venue- and artist-specific basis.

About Not Impossible:

Launched in 2009, Not Impossible Labs makes the impossible possible by creating accessible technology-based solutions primarily in the areas of health, mobility and communication. Not Impossible's first project The Eyewriter is an open source, low-cost, DIY device that enable individuals with paralysis to communicate and create using only the movement of their eyes. Time Magazine named the Eyewriter one of the "Top 50 Inventions of 2010" and the device is now part of MoMA's permanent collection. Project Daniel inspired the first 3D-printed prosthetic arm for those impacted by war in South Sudan. The Don's Voice project resulted in a digital communications interface for ALS patient Don Moir, allowing him to audibly communicate. Both projects were awarded SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Learn more at www.notimpossible.com.

Press Contact:

Molly Wade

[email protected]

(508) 864-1404

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415776

SOURCE Not Impossible Labs

Related Links

http://www.notimpossible.com


PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Attorney Robert J. Mongeluzzi said Philadelphia tourists and pedestrians are safer now that Ride the Ducks Philadelphia has unexpectedly announced an immediate and indefinite suspension of service. Mr. Mongeluzzi, who last April renewed his call for a ban on the amphibious vehicle tours following a fatal accident in Boston involving the same type vehicle operated by a different company, stated, "Through our extensive experience representing victims of duck boat disasters we've determined those vehicles are fatally flawed; they're death traps on the water due to their hazardous canopy design and on land they are engineered to restrict the peripheral vision of the operator, creating significant blind spots. A city without duck boat tours is a safer city."

Ride The Ducks Philadelphia issued the following statement on its website today: As of October 5, 2016, Ride The Ducks Philadelphia has suspended operations indefinitely. Mr. Mongeluzzi said that while Ride the Ducks expressed 'regret' for closing, 'this is very good news for those who are concerned about the safety of tourists and pedestrians' Mr. Mongeluzzi's law firm, Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C, successfully represented the two young tourists killed in the deadly July 7, 2010 Ride the Ducks Philadelphia Delaware River cruise (the Federal court litigation settled for $17 million). And the firm presently represents the family of Elizabeth Karnicki, PhD., who on May 8, 2015 was struck and killed by a Ride the Ducks duck boat while crossing a Center City Philadelphia street with her husband, Dr. Daniel C. Karnicki, during their visit to Philadelphia. The wrongful death lawsuit brought by SMBB seeks to hold Ride the Ducks responsible for the preventable tragedy. Andrew R. Duffy, of SMBB, said the closing will "have absolutely no impact on the litigation and, in fact, we are presently engaged in vigorous pre-trial discovery."

SOURCE Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C.
The Museum's "Float The Boat: Save Mayflower II !" campaign launched on October 3 at www.SaveMayflower.org and concludes on November 17, 2016. Kickstarter, the online crowdfunding platform that helps creative projects come to life, is "all-or-nothing"; a minimum of $250,000 must be pledged in order for Plimoth Plantation to receive the needed funds.

"We are thrilled to reach global audiences with Mayflower II's story through the powerful Kickstarter platform," said Plimoth Plantation's Development Director Courtney Roy-Branigan. "In the spirit that Mayflower II is 'everybody's ship," supporters will have the chance to be a part of preserving one of America's national treasures."

Based on plans by renowned naval architect William Avery Baker of MIT, Mayflower II was a gift from the English people to commemorate the United States' alliance with Britain during World War II. Constructed in Brixham, England using traditional methods and materials and sailed across the Atlantic in 1957, the ship has delighted millions of school children and countless visitors from around the world for over 60 years as a floating classroom and symbol of freedom.

Fundraising for the restoration of Mayflower II is a current priority for Plimoth Plantation, whose mission is to tell the rich and interwoven stories of the Plymouth colonists and Native peoples of the region through research, experimental archaeology, and engaging living history programs on its main campus and at the Mayflower II exhibit on the Plymouth, Massachusetts waterfront.

In total, the Mayflower II restoration project requires $12 million, which includes a reserve fund for future maintenance. Of this, $7.5 million is needed before the end of the 2016 in order to proceed with the major phase of restoration; more than $4.5 million has been raised to date from a combination of private donors, corporate sponsors, and government agencies.

The $250,000 the Museum aims to raise via its Kickstarter campaign will cover a portion of the costs of labor and materials needed for the restoration.

A comprehensive marine survey completed in 2014 by Captain Paul Haley of Captain G.W. Full & Associates  the same firm that surveyed several vintage vessels including the Mystic Seaport flagship Charles W. Morgan, the USS Constitution, the USS Constellation, and many additional projects within the tall ship community  concluded that while Mayflower II has lasted for 60 years thanks to Plimoth Plantation's attentive maintenance, the time has come for a major rebuild.

Since 2014, Plimoth Plantation has collaborated with shipwrights at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut, the nation's leading maritime museum, on stabilization efforts that have enabled Mayflower II to remain at her berth as one of the Museum's primary exhibits.

In November 2016, accompanied by a crew of eight from Plimoth Plantation's Maritime Preservation department, the 106-foot vessel will depart Plymouth Harbor for Mystic, Connecticut, towed by the tugboat Jaguar (operated by Mitchell Towing of Fairhaven, Massachusetts).

Together, skilled shipwrights at Mystic Seaport's Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard will work alongside Plimoth Plantation's maritime artisans to restore the ship according to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Vessel Preservation Projects. The project will take approximately 30 months, with Mayflower II expected to return to Plymouth in 2019 fully restored and able to sail once again. Vital to this effort is a plan to systematically replace timbers, planking, structural frames, knees and beams that, despite excellent care, have succumbed to the natural deterioration process expected of any organic material exposed to natural elements over the course of 60 years.

About Mayflower II

Since 1957, an estimated 20 million people have stepped aboard Mayflower II and imagined the Pilgrims' experience on their historic crossing. Today, visitors to the ship sense the perils and methods of maritime travel of the time, observe the tools of 17th century navigation, and are reminded of their own ancestors who may have made similar voyages to the United States.

Over the course of nearly six decades, Mayflower II has attracted the attention of major media beginning with LIFE and Time Magazine trumpeting its inaugural voyage from England to the United States. More recently, the ship was featured in Ric Burns' PBS American Experience documentary The Pilgrims  the last time she was under sail.



Today, at her berth at Pilgrim Memorial State Park, the ship is an economic anchor for the Town of Plymouth and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is expected to be a focal point of the upcoming 400th commemoration of the Pilgrims' arrival to New England's shores.

For preservation updates and more information about how helping Mayflower II sail into the future, please visit plimoth.org/SOS.

About Plimoth Plantation

Plimoth Plantation is the living museum of the United States' foundation in historic Plymouth, Massachusetts. Located less than an hour's drive south of Boston, and 15 minutes north of Cape Cod, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week, from mid-March through the end of November. A private, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational institution, the Museum is supported by admission fees, contributions, memberships, and revenue from a variety of dining programs/special events and gift shops. Plimoth Plantation is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate and receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, private foundations, corporations, and local businesses. For more information, visit www.plimoth.org.

Contact:

Kate Sheehan

Media Relations Manager

(508) 746-1622 x8206

Cell: (914) 602-6287

[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161006/415954

SOURCE Plimoth Plantation

Related Links

http://www.plimoth.org


DETROIT, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Miller Engineering (PME) is proud to announce and welcome Chris Andrews as its Director of Automotive Business Development. Chris joined the PME team on August 15th and is based out of the company's Grand River Office in New Hudson, Michigan.

Chris's impressive resume includes degrees in Communications, a Master of Science in Engineering Management, and is a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt. He is a 15+ year veteran from the Visteon Corporation where he was most recently Leader of Emerging Technologies.

In his new position, Chris's main focus will be growing PME's current customer portfolio while gaining ground with a new customer base in the automotive/mobility space.

"I am proud to now be a part of the extraordinary culture and capability at Pratt & Miller," said Chris Andrews. "I look forward to continuing the rich heritage of providing differentiated and relevant solutions for our customers by providing leading edge technologies that include smart systems, autonomy solutions, and mobility controllers."

Chris's broad experience in leading effective strategy, operations performance, and cross-functional team leadership in support of the development of groundbreaking technologies for use in automotive OEM applications made him the perfect fit for the position.

About Pratt & Miller Engineering

Pratt & Miller Engineering  a dominant force in professional motorsports and automotive technology  designs, engineers, and manufactures world-class vehicles, products, and software. The company is defining the future of the global automotive industry by providing advanced solutions in vehicle dynamics, safety systems, lightweight systems, and autonomy. Pratt & Miller serves a global customer base including those in the Motorsports, Defense, Automotive, and Powersports industries.

Contact:

Sandy McKinnon

1-248-278-5230

[email protected]

SOURCE Pratt & Miller Engineering

Related Links

http://www.prattmiller.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Premier Tourist and Landmark Association (PTALA.com), a leading branding and marketing firm, says it will unveil its first Augmented Reality (AR) experience in Washington, D.C.'s iconic Union Station on October 14th, at the start of a month-long open to the public experience.

Union Station, built by famous architect Daniel Burnham, is widely considered the nucleus of Washington, D.C. "It's the perfect venue to showcase how technology paired with engaging content in an iconic venue can create unbelievable impact," said Byron Appel, PTALA's CEO. "The five year restoration of the Main Hall was an epic project with millions of dollars invested and years of work, and we are using Augmented Reality to celebrate that impact."

Andrew Agus, PTALA's Chief Creative Officer who spearheaded the development of the experience, explains Augmented Reality as "digital content fused with reality." When both reality and the digital content are compelling, Andrew says the results are outstanding. In this instance, PTALA's app takes seminal moments from Union Station's past and allows history to come alive by utilizing photo and visual triggers to begin playback of digital content, such as the 1953 train crash at Union Station. PTALA sourced Helsinki-based Arilyn to lend their cloud-based AR platform for a custom application. PTALA turned to LA-based screenwriter Jesse Lumen to study Union Station's past and create a script that stayed true to history.

Recreating the 1953 Federal Locomotive crash at Union Station, for instance, was particularly challenging. "We didn't have digital models of 1953 Federal trains just lying around," said Andrew. "We had to painstakingly create digital 3D models off grainy black and white photographs, and then animate those 3D models in a realistic way. And then, we had to enable these historical digital experiences to fuse with the current Union Station that a visitor sees."

Andrew also hinted at PTALA's future AR projects, and mentioned that one such project "is so large in scope that it could scale worldwide to over 100 countries by mid 2017."

PTALA also oversaw the introduction of a total of 38 digital signage screens throughout Union Station's beautiful Main Hall, Train Concourse and various levels. This, coupled with new activation areas in the station's expansive Main Hall, create an unbelievably fertile environment for both visitors and brands to interact in an organic fashion.

PTALA works with some of the largest brands in the world on a continuing basis, including Microsoft, Qualcomm, Nestle, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and countless others, and felt the need to be responsive to the needs of clients and their ever-changing creative demands. There were immense hurdles to overcome in integrating modern displays into a multi-modal, 24-7 rail hub that services over 125,000 on a daily basis. "We are always trying to expand our capabilities of integrating brands into our properties in unique and creative ways," says Byron Appel. "AR will be a large part of that."

-- Premier Tourist and Landmark Association, a leading branding and marketing firm, specializes in the marketing of brands within iconic venues and media assets nationwide, including Washington D.C.'s nationally renowned Union Station, Faneuil Hall Marketplace in the heart of downtown Boston, San Antonio's unique Rivercenter on the famous Riverwalk, and Bayside Marketplace, the most visited destination in Miami. PTALA has also successfully consulted on marketing initiatives with major public-private partnerships such as the Wi-Fi network in the New York City Subway system. With a current reach in excess of one hundred fifty million people annually, PTALA continues to create conversations between relevant brands and target consumers on an immense scale.

Media Contact: Byron Appel, 347-831-4853, [email protected]

SOURCE Premier Tourist and Landmark Association

Related Links

http://www.PTALA.com


"Cowboys are tough," she explained, "but like everyone else, they are profoundly affected by breast cancer when it strikes a family member."

That night in 2004, the arena was awash with pink, rodeo fans embraced the idea, and Tough Enough To Wear Pink was born. Funds are raised at rodeos and western events through the sale of Tough Enough To Wear Pink gear. Wrangler is the title sponsor, and other corporate partners such as PRCA Rodeo, Las Vegas Events, Montana Silversmiths, Twisted X and Purple Cowboy wines share their support through generous financial and in-kind donations.

To date, over $24 million has been raised and a goal has been set for $50 million by the 20th Anniversary of Tough Enough To Wear Pink in 2024. Funds raised stay in local communities to support early detection, treatment and family needs and to international research for a cure through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Purple Cowboy wines were created by Terry Wheatley, Global Executive Vice-President, Vintage Wine Estates. When she first started out in the wine business, she was told of a group of rodeo-riding, winemaking cowboys who drank so much wine their teeth turned to purple. They were known as the "Band of the Purple Cowboys." Terry vowed someday to make a wine dedicated to their independent spirit. Purple Cowboy has been a proud sponsor of Tough Enough To Wear Pink since the brand was launched in 2008.

"What better way to support Tough Enough To Wear Pink than with a wine inspired by cowboys and the western community," explained Terry. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bottle of Purple Cowboy winesTenacious Red Blend, Trail Boss Cabernet Sauvignon and Rancher's Reserve Rose, go back to Tough Enough To Wear Pink.

Purple Cowboy wines are produced by Vintage Wine Estates. Employees, trade partners and friends of the wine company will wear pink to work on Tough Enough To Wear Pink Day, Wednesday, October 19 to celebrate survivors and raise awareness about the importance of early detection.

To learn more, visit www.toughenoughtowearpink.com or www.purplecowboy.com

About Vintage Wine Estates

Vintage Wine Estates is a privately held wine company owned by a group of vintner families with deep roots in the wine business. The families own a collection of winery estates and brands including Clos Pegase Winery, Cosentino Winery, Girard Winery, B.R. Cohn Winery, Swanson Vineyards, Viansa Sonoma, Windsor Vineyards, Cartlidge & Browne, Sonoma Coast Vineyards, Middle Sister, Tall Dark Stranger, Pro-mis-Q-ous, Monogamy, Girl & Dragon, Purple Cowboy and a number of exclusive wine brands. Vintage Wine Estates is a majority partner in Splinter Group Spirits, producing craft Kentucky whiskey (Straight Edge) and American whiskey (Slaughter House) and markets Clayhouse and Buried Cane wines. An industry leader across all sales channels and dedicated to providing wine consumers with a range of wines from $10 to $100 dollars, Vintage Wine Estates produces outstanding wines from Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and other premium California winegrowing regions and respects the way people buy their wineat wineries, at retail, on the telephone, on television, on the Internet and by mail. www.vintagewineestates.com

For more information contact:

Mary Ann Vangrin

[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161006/416089

SOURCE Vintage Wine Estates

Related Links

http://www.vintagewineestates.com


WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Hurricane Matthew nears the southeast coast of the United States, the American Red Cross is on the ground helping people who are in the path of this life-threatening storm.

As many as 3,600 people spent Wednesday night in 84 Red Cross and community evacuation shelters in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. This number is expected to grow as Matthew closes in on the United States and evacuation orders continue to be issued.

RED CROSS RESPONSE In addition to shelters, the Red Cross has more than 500 disaster workers and 90 response vehicles ready to help in the affected states and more help is standing by. The Red Cross has also prepositioned more than 30 trailer loads of shelter supplies, ready-to-eat meals, clean-up and comfort kits. The Red Cross is closely monitoring the storm and working in close collaboration with government officials and community partners to make sure people get the help they need.

"We cannot emphasize how dangerous Hurricane Matthew is," said Brad Kieserman, vice president, Disaster Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. "The Red Cross has shelters open now in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. We urge everyone in the storm's path to finish their preparations and listen to local officials if told to evacuate."

"Hurricane Matthew could leave widespread devastation in its wake and untold amounts of need for food, shelter and help," continued Kieserman. "This is a time for neighbors and communities to come together and support one another. We are proud to stand alongside and partners to serve those in need of our help."

If someone needs to find a shelter, they can visit redcross.org, check the Red Cross Emergency App or call 1-800-768-8048. Anyone who plans to stay in a Red Cross shelter should bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items. They should also include any special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, or for family members who have unique needs.

HAITI RESPONSE There are approximately one million people currently in shelters in Haiti, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. The overwhelming number of these is in Cuba. There are 20 confirmed deaths in Haiti, where 80 percent of all homes in the western part of Haiti have been damaged. Extensive flooding continues, which is leading to fears of cholera, as well as damaging crops, agriculture and livelihoods. Fortunately, the airports have reopened, allowing for the UN to fly in much-needed supplies.

Working with our partners, Red Cross staff will continue to work throughout the affected Caribbean to deliver much-needed humanitarian supplies, relief, and care.

BLOOD DRIVE CANCELLATIONS CLIMB Red Cross blood drive cancellations have more than doubled in the past 24 hours as the storm nears. Already, Hurricane Matthew has forced the cancellation of approximately 30 Red Cross blood drives in Georgia and South Carolina resulting in nearly 1,200 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. Dozens of additional blood drive cancellations are possible along the southern East Coast depending on the path and impact of the storm.

Platelets, a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, must be transfused within five days of donation and, therefore, are always in demand. If donation centers are forced to close over the next few days, the Red Cross is at risk of being unable to collect more than 100 additional platelet donations.

We strongly encourage eligible donors in parts of the country unaffected by the storm to please give blood or platelets to help ensure we have a readily available blood supply for patients in need. Even before the threat of Hurricane Matthew, there was an urgent need for donors of all blood types, especially type O. Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP Everyone should download the Red Cross Emergency App to have safety information available on their mobile device, including emergency weather alerts, preparedness information and shelter locations. Red Cross apps are available in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

HURRICANE SAFETY People living in the path of the hurricane should listen to local officials and obey any evacuation orders. Other safety steps include:

Know your evacuation route.

Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind.

Close doors, windows and hurricane shutters. If someone doesn't have shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.

Fill the car's gas tank.

Avoid flooded roads and bridges. Turn around, don't drown.

MAKE A DONATION The work of the American Red Cross starts long before a hurricane makes landfall in the United States. For example, we have warehouses stocked with disaster relief supplies, thousands of trained workers, and more than 320 mobile response vehicles on standby year-round to be ready to help people in need. If we didn't maintain these resources 24/7, we couldn't get help to people in a timely fashionbut we depend on donations from the American public to be ready.

Help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, floods and countless other crises by making a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small across the United States. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090108/RedCrossLOGO

SOURCE American Red Cross

Related Links

http://www.redcross.org


ST. GEORGE, Utah, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Rock Real Estate and Paragon Real Estate have reached a definitive agreement to unite. When the acquisition took place, Red Rock Real Estate proudly became the largest locally owned independent brokerage and real estate service group in Southern Utah. The two companies will operate as Red Rock Real Estate.

Red Rock Real Estate's principal broker, Allen Holland said, "We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Paragon Real Estate. Our established resources have allowed us to make a footprint in the Southern Utah real estate market. Paragon Real Estate's extensive industry knowledge brings a new dimension to our real estate services."

Jack Scott, the principal broker of former Paragon and President Elect for the Washington County Board of Realtors, brings with him a team of experienced agents. "I feel that this acquisition is a special blend of like-minded people joining together to provide the consumer the best real estate experience available," Scott said. "As a new team of Real Estate Professionals, we will continue to work hard for the property owner's rights, and protect our client's best interests in all types of transactions. We all look forward to providing the Washington County area with the best service available."

This transaction contributes to a new atmosphere with international reach benefiting all types of Southern Utah real estate needs. Red Rock Real Estate, Red Rock Property Management, and Red Rock Vacation Rentals have grown from one broker to well over 100 agents in only four years. Red Rock Real Estate has sold over $160 million so far this year and has become one of the top brokerages in volume and transactions in Washington County.

Red Rock Real Estate also offers a Luxury Real Estate Division along with full service real estate needs in investment property, property management, and vacation rentals through Red Rock Property Management and Red Rock Vacation Rentals.

For more information, visit www.redrockrealestate.com

Contact: Matt Curtis, Managing Partner, Red Rock Real Estate & Companies

Email [email protected], or call 435-275-2775.

SOURCE Red Rock Real Estate

Related Links

http://www.redrockrealestate.com


PLANO, Texas, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Epsilon, an Alliance Data (NYSE: ADS) company, today announced the signing of a new multi-year agreement with Red Roof, a leading economy hotel chain in the United States. Epsilon will serve as the company's email services provider.

Based out of Columbus, Ohio, Red Roof features over 470 hotels across the United States. The company was voted the best budget hotel brand by USA TODAY in 2014. Recently, Red Roof debuted Red Roof PLUS+, an upgraded offering promising guests a premium experience at a value price. Red Roof PLUS+ includes a new Premium room type with enhanced amenities and an in-room snack box.

As Red Roof's email services provider, Epsilon will leverage its Agility Harmony next generation digital messaging platform, to deploy targeted email campaigns to existing and potential customers. Epsilon will leverage Red Roof's existing customer database to develop and implement an audience segmentation strategy, identifying customers based on variables such as geolocation, demographics, likeliness to book, and travel history. Customers will receive permission-based, personalized email communications with relevant promotional offers, developed based on their preferences and behaviors.

"At Red Roof, our overall marketing strategy is based on meeting and exceeding the needs and desires of our customers. Email is a valuable vehicle to engage our core audience and we are excited about enhancing our existing capabilities," said Marina MacDonald, chief marketing officer at Red Roof. "I'm confident Epsilon will bring sophistication to our email and digital marketing campaigns, based on their knowledge and expertise as well as the sheer scale and functionality of their solutions."

"Agility Harmony is going to transform the effectiveness of Red Roof's email and digital marketing campaigns, supporting their existing customer-centric approach and creating deeper engagement with customers," said Bryan Kennedy, chief executive officer, Epsilon/Conversant. "Epsilon is honored to work with Red Roof, a leader in the hospitality space, on a variety of marketing initiatives which will undoubtedly play a critical role in driving customer engagement and return visits. We see tremendous opportunity to build on our relationship over time and introduce more integrated solutions that will deliver business outcomes."

About Red Roof

Red Roof is a leader in the economy lodging industry with franchised, corporate-managed, and corporate-owned properties, serving millions of guests each year. With coast-to-coast locations, Red Roof has over 470 properties in the U.S. Red Roof is also expanding internationally to Brazil, Canada, Thailand and Japan. The primary goal at Red Roof is to provide customers a savings without sacrificing comfort. The brand has been investing significantly to renovate and upgrade hotels nationwide with sleek and modern NextGen redesign elements. The Red Roof NextGen hotels feature updated, stylish and home-like interior and exterior designs that demonstrate the Red Roof dedication to providing customers with an affordable stay in a clean, comfortable and modern room. The company is rolling out Red Roof PLUS+, an enhanced Upscale Economy offering at a value price, committed to "Adding More Wow to Your Stay!". Nice Place. Nice Price is what every consumer can expect when they stay at any Red Roof location; and because the company has a single brand in their portfolio, Red Roof also offers franchisees One Brand. One Focus. The Red Roof loyalty program, RediCard, is the richest in the industry rewarding members with free nights with only 6,000 points, advance notice of special offers, and complimentary bottled water each day of their stay. Traveling with your pet? Don't forget that at Red Roof 'you stay happy, pets stay free' as one well-behaved pet is welcome per room, nationwide. The Columbus, Ohio based company has more than 4,500 employees. For more information or reservations, call 800.RED.ROOF (800.733.7663) or visit www.redroof.com.

About Epsilon

Epsilon is a global leader in creating connections between people and brands. An all-encompassing global marketing company, we harness the power of rich data, groundbreaking technologies, engaging creative and transformative ideas to get the results our clients require. Recognized by Ad Age as the #1 World's Largest CRM/Direct Marketing Network, #1 Largest U.S. Agency from All Disciplines and #1 Largest U.S. Mobile Marketing Agency, Epsilon employs over 7,000 associates in 70 offices worldwide. Epsilon is an Alliance Data company. For more information, visit www.epsilon.com, follow us on Twitter @EpsilonMktg or call 1.800.309.0505.

About Alliance Data

Alliance Data (NYSE: ADS) is a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions serving large, consumer-based industries. The Company creates and deploys customized solutions, enhancing the critical customer marketing experience; the result is measurably changing consumer behavior while driving business growth and profitability for some of today's most recognizable brands. Alliance Data helps its clients create and increase customer loyalty through solutions that engage millions of customers each day across multiple touch points using traditional, digital, mobile and emerging technologies. An S&P 500 and Fortune 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, Alliance Data consists of three businesses that together employ more than 16,000 associates at approximately 100 locations worldwide.

Alliance Data's Card Services business is a leading provider of marketing-driven branded credit card programs. Epsilon is a leading provider of multichannel, data-driven technologies and marketing services, and also includes Conversant, a leader in personalized digital marketing. LoyaltyOne owns and operates the AIR MILES Reward Program, Canada's premier coalition loyalty program, and Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, a global provider of tailor-made loyalty programs for grocers.

Follow Alliance Data on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements give our expectations or forecasts of future events and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "project," "plan," "likely," "may," "should" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements.

We believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements, however, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release, and no assurances can be given that our expectations will prove to have been correct. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, factors set forth in the Risk Factors section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year, which may be updated in Item 1A of, or elsewhere in, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed for periods subsequent to such Form 10-K.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation, other than as required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events, anticipated or unanticipated circumstances or otherwise.

Contact: Alliance Data Epsilon

Tiffany Louder  Investor Relations Britta Petersen  Media

Alliance Data 773-796-5434

214.494.3048 [email protected]

[email protected]









Shelley Whiddon  Media



214.494.3811



[email protected]



Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20051024/ADSLOGO

SOURCE Alliance Data Systems Corporation

Related Links

http://www.alliancedata.com


DENVER, Oct. 06, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Revenue River Marketing, a Colorado-based digital marketing and sales innovation agency, is celebrating one of its most successful months after being named HubSpot's newest Diamond Agency Partner, Clutch's Top Inbound Marketing Agency, purchasing a new office building in Golden, Colorado and moving into new office space in New York City's SoHo district.

HubSpot Diamond Partner Agency

HubSpot, a leading inbound marketing and sales software company, recently named Revenue River as its newest Diamond Agency Partner, the highest tier possible held by only 12 other agencies worldwide. This latest honor places the agency among the elite within a global community of over 3,700 agencies implementing inbound marketing tactics for businesses.

"We are so proud of the success that Revenue River Marketing has achieved as a HubSpot Partner and we are beyond excited to celebrate their rise to Diamond status," said Brian Halligan, HubSpot CEO & co-founder. "Revenue River is a star of the HubSpot Partner Agency Program and has exemplified the power of the inbound methodology as they help businesses transform their marketing and sales to match the way consumers actually shop and buy."

Clutch Top Inbound Marketing Agency

Clutch, a Washington, DC-based B2B research firm, recently named Revenue River as 2016's leading inbound marketing agency in the country, highlighting the agency's inbound focus and ability to deliver campaign results as the best in the industry. Using various qualitative and quantitative factors to evaluate agencies, including client reviews, industry recognition, market presence and focus on services, Revenue River beat out dozens of agencies to receive this honor.

Two New Office Locations

Revenue River also opened 2 new offices in September. First, the agency's home office in Colorado moved into a 7,000 sq. ft. standalone building in Golden, CO, fully owned by the agency and able to house their growing team of marketers, currently at 17. At the same time, Revenue River's East coast location moved into the Cubico Coworking Center in New York City, providing a better environment for a growing team.

"It's been a great year for our agency," states Eric Pratt, Managing Partner of Revenue River. "The excitement and energy from our recent success has been gratifying to see. Whenever you dream big it's great to see things come together. I can't wait to see what's next as our agency continues to stretch its legs and expand further."

About Revenue River

Revenue River Marketing is a digital marketing and sales innovation agency with offices in Golden, Colorado and SoHo, New York City. We specialize in designing and executing digital marketing and sales campaigns aimed at creating sales-ready leads for our clients within the US and several foreign countries. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help your business.

Media Contact:

Marc Herschberger

Director of Marketing, Revenue River

[email protected]

303.945.4341

SOURCE Revenue River Marketing

Related Links

https://www.revenueriver.co


CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- S&C Electric Company, a smart grid leader shaping the future of power delivery, announced today that the Minster Solar + Storage Project has been recognized as the Energy Storage North America 2016 Centralized Storage Project Innovation Award winner for their innovation and leadership in energy storage and positive impact on the industry.

The Village of Minster Solar + Storage Project, located in Minster, Ohio, is the largest storage + solar facility owned by a municipal utility in the United States. The 7-MW system was built in conjunction with Half Moon Ventures (HMV) and the local municipal utility, the Village of Minster. This is the first time a municipal utility combined solar power and energy storage, and will serve to provide the residents of the village affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity.

This project is especially innovative as it benefits from four unique revenue streams, offsetting the cost of the improvement as well as improving the quality of energy reliability to the village. The system has been operational since May of 2016 and is currently one of the top performing assets in the PJM frequency regulation market as measured by performance score over a three month rolling average.

"We are honored to be recognized for our work with industry leader, Half Moon Ventures and the Village of Minster, a visionary in public power," says Troy Miller, director, Grid Solutions, S&C. "The Minster project has opened the door to greater energy storage innovation, and we can't wait to see where that takes us next."

Energy Storage North America (ESNA), the largest gathering of policy, technology and market leaders in energy storage, celebrated the winners of its 2016 Innovation Awards and 2016 Champion Awards during a reception at the San Diego Convention Center. Award winners were recognized for their leadership in energy storage, services supplied to customers and the grid, unique technology solutions, financing, or partnerships.

More information on the award-winning projects and champions can be found here.

"The individuals and organizations who received this year's ESNA Awards have each played a key role in advancing energy storage through impactful programs, projects, technologies or policies," said Janice Lin, Energy Storage North America Conference Chair. "Their work is transforming the energy storage ecosystem by opening up brand new markets and solving real world problems for customers and the grid. The strength of our nominees was unmatched in 2016, reflecting the continued growth and maturation of our industry."

About S&C Electric Company:

S&C, with global headquarters in Chicago, USA, is applying its heritage of innovation to address challenges facing the world's power grids and is thus shaping the future of reliable electricity delivery. The mission of employee-owned S&C is to continually develop new solutions for electricity delivery, fostering the improved efficiency and reliability required for the intelligent grid. Additional information about S&C is available at www.sandc.com.

About Energy Storage North America

Energy Storage North America is the largest conference, exhibition and networking event for the North American energy storage industry. Now in its fourth year, ESNA connects developers, energy users, utilities and policymakers to advance understanding and deployment of energy storage and ultimately build a cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient grid. For more information, visit www.esnaexpo.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Melissa Winn

312-240-2868

[email protected]

SOURCE S&C Electric Company

Related Links

http://www.sandc.com


CAYCE, S.C., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SCANA Corporation (NYSE:SCG) will release its third quarter earnings on Thursday, October 27, 2016, before the market opens. SCANA's management will discuss those results in a conference call with analysts, details of which are as follows:

Date and Time: Thursday, October 27, 2016, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time





Call in Number: U.S. 888-347-3258

Canada 855-669-9657

International 412-902-4279





Speakers: Jimmy Addison Chief Financial Officer  SCANA

Steve Byrne Chief Operating Officer  SCE&G





Instructions: The conference call will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m. ET. Participants should call in 5-10 minutes prior to the call to ensure operators have sufficient time to record your name and company affiliation. A replay of the conference call will be available approximately 2 hours after completion of the call through November 10, 2016. To access the replay, call 877-344-7529 (U.S.), 855-669-9658 (Canada), or 412-317-0088 (International) and enter the event code 10093481. A transcript of the call will be available on the Investor section of the Company's website at www.scana.com.



Internet Access: The press release, presentation materials and a live listen-only webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor section of the website at www.scana.com. The webcast will begin Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. ET. A replay of the conference call will also be available on the Company's website through November 10, 2016.

SCANA Corporation, headquartered in Cayce, SC, is an energy-based holding company principally engaged, through subsidiaries, in electric and natural gas utility operations and other energy-related businesses. Information about SCANA and its businesses is available on the company's website at www.scana.com.

Analyst Contacts: Bryant Potter Susan Wright (803) 217-6916 (803) 217-4436

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SOURCE SCANA Corporation

Related Links

http://www.scana.com


"I am so proud of Hilda's community activism," said SCCAOR CEO Neil Collins. "She is a very worthy recipient."

Other honorees this year include Amanda Montez of Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Mario Vargas of All Stars Helping Kids, and members of the Hispanic Community Affairs Council. The event coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15th through October 15th.

"I look forward to honoring Hilda Ramirez and the other recipients at my Latino Heritage Leadership Awards Ceremony this Friday," said Senator Wieckowski. "Hilda is a great advocate for housing in Santa Clara County and helps local professionals better serve their clients by improving their marketing skills. Many businesses are better off because of the training and consulting she provides on important communication issues."

The ceremony will start at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7th. It will take place in the Santa Clara Council Chambers, located at 1500 Warburton Avenue. The event is free and open to the public; however, a limited number of RSVPs will be accepted. People wishing to attend are asked to call Senator Wieckowski 's District Office at 510-794-3900 or RSVP online at bit.ly/2cUlGYH.

Bob Wieckowski represents the 10th Senate District in the California State Legislature, one of the more diverse areas in the state of California. His district stretches from southern Alameda County into Santa Clara County. He was elected into office in 2014. While in office he has focused on job creation, clean technologies, protecting the environment and reducing unnecessary regulations.

Contact: Spencer High

Phone: 408.445.5095

Fax: 408.445.7767

[email protected]

www.sccaor.com

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SOURCE Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS

Related Links

http://www.sccaor.com


KANSAS CITY, Kan., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The family of a man who died after ingesting a purported male sexual stimulant reached a settlement with the Kansas City-area store that sold the product. David McElwee went into cardiac arrest and died on Sept. 25, 2012. He was represented by Timothy L. Sifers with Potts Law Firm and Michael Yonke with Yonke Law.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415643

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Timothy L. Sifers, Kansas City Managing Partner of Potts Law Firm

A lawsuit filed by the 37-year-old single father's survivors alleged that his death came shortly after he'd ingested "Stiff Nights," a male sexual stimulant he purchased from Erotic City. In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had issued a warning against its use.

"It is our opinion that this is a public safety issue affecting men all over the country," said Sifers. "These products need to be removed from the shelves of businesses, as doctors that treated Mr. McElwee informed us, this was not an isolated incident."

According to the wrongful death lawsuit, the product was an analogue of tadalafil, which is contained in the erectile dysfunction medication Cialis. This ingredient may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin and may lower blood pressures to dangerous levels. The suit, brought by Trisha Hale, the mother of McElwee's children, alleged Erotic City was negligent for selling the product.

Erotic City agreed to a policy limit of $1 million on March 16 according to Sifers. Judge Charles McKenzie approved the wrongful death settlement on behalf of McElwee's family on May 20.

The FDA is advising consumers not to purchase or use Stiff Nights, a product promoted for sexual enhancement. Health care professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of the product to FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. In addition, those consumers who have taken Stiff Nights and experienced adverse events or side effects are encouraged to seek legal advice if they have questions.

Widely recognized for his expertise in complex litigation and trials, Sifers has obtained record-setting verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients in state and federal courts across the country. He also regularly speaks and lectures to lawyers around the country on topics ranging from trial advocacy to handling complex mass torts matters.

About Potts Law Firm

Potts Law Firm diligently pursues a variety of personal injury claims and mass tort matters, from complex pharmaceutical cases to challenging product liability claims. The firm's team of highly competent attorneys have experience in many different areas of personal injury law. Believing that every detail of a case matters, firm attorneys work tirelessly to pursue just compensation, regardless of the obstacles faced. For more information, visit www.potts-law.com

For more information contact:

Kasey Long

832-838-4258

Email

SOURCE Potts Law Firm

Related Links

http://www.potts-law.com


BEAVERTON, Ore., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Vernier Software & Technology and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) are now accepting applications for the 2017 Vernier/NSTA Technology Awards. This annual awards program recognizes seven educatorsone elementary teacher, two middle school teachers, three high school teachers, and one college-level educatorfor their innovative use of data-collection technology in the science classroom.

Each winner will be chosen by a panel of NSTA-appointed experts and will receive $1,000 in cash, $3,000 in Vernier products, and up to $1,500 toward expenses to attend the annual NSTA National Conference in Los Angeles, CA on March 30, 2017April 2, 2017. All current K12 and college science and STEM educators are eligible and encouraged to apply by the November 30, 2016 deadline.

"We are committed to supporting teachers in providing students with engaging, hands-on STEM education," said John Wheeler, CEO of Vernier Software & Technology. "The Vernier/NSTA Technology Awards recognize teachers for their innovative teaching practices and award them with equipment, cash, and professional learning so they can further expand their use of data-collection technology in the classroom."

Last year's Vernier/NSTA Technology Award winners used data-collection technology for a wide range of investigations, including studying weather patterns, monitoring water quality at a nearby lake, exploring pollution in ponds and natural waterways, researching ants and termites, and more.

For more information and to prepare your 2017 entry, visit http://www.vernier.com/grants/nsta/.

About Vernier Software & Technology

Vernier Software & Technology has led the innovation of scientific data-collection technology for 35 years. Vernier was founded by a former physics teacher, current Co-President David Vernier, and hires educators at all levels of the organization. The company is committed to teachers and to developing creative ways to teach and learn science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) using hands-on science. Vernier creates easy-to-use and affordable science interfaces, sensors, and graphing/analysis software. With worldwide distribution to over 130 countries, Vernier data loggers are used by educators and students from elementary school to university. Vernier technology-based solutions enhance STEM education, increase learning, build students' critical thinking skills, and support the science and engineering practices detailed in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The Vernier business culture is grounded in Earth-friendly policies and practices, and the company provides a family-friendly workplace. For more information, visit http://www.vernier.com.

SOURCE Vernier Software & Technology

Related Links

http://www.vernier.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation ("Booz Allen" or the "Company") (NYSE: BAH) (ISIN: US0995021062). Investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby[email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980.

The investigation concerns whether Booz Allen and certain of its officers and/or directors have violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

[Click here to join a class action]

On October 5, 2016, a criminal complaint against former Booz Allen employee Harold T. Martin III, a private contractor assigned to a U.S. government office, was unsealed, revealing Martin's arrest by the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") on charges of theft of government property and unauthorized removal or retention of classified documents. In the affidavit in support of its application for criminal complaint, the FBI stated that on August 27, 2016, FBI agents searching Martin's residence and vehicle located various hard copy documents and terabytes of highly classified government information, including top secret and sensitive compartmented information.

On this news, Booz Allen stock fell $1.19, or 3.78%, to close at $30.31 on October 5, 2016.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Related Links

http://www.pomerantzlaw.com


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --SiteLock, the global leader in website security solutions, announced today its partnership with the UK's largest domain registrar, 123 Reg.

SiteLock and 123 Reg will offer existing customers website security solutions to find, fix, and prevent website vulnerabilities. The partnership will also provide automatic malware detection and remediation to further secure the infrastructure.

"SiteLock understands how critical website security is for our customers and their businesses," said Richard Winslow, 123 Reg Brand Director. "Google has discovered that malicious code infects approximately 30,000 sites every day. This wrecks website performance, puts website visitors at risk and has the potential to destroy the reputation of small businesses. By partnering with SiteLock, small business customers now have access to best-of-breed security solutions that deliver proactive and reliable protection from internet threats and vulnerabilities."

The recent partnership with 123 Reg is a testament to SiteLock's ongoing commitment to provide flexible solutions that ensure complete website security. Through a unique combination of automatic malware detection and removal, web application firewall and more, SiteLock delivers the critical protection required to guard against today's evolving cyberattacks.

"As the UK's leading domain registrar, 123 Reg understands the importance of online security for its customers," said Tom Serani, Executive Vice President of Business Development for SiteLock. "Our partnership will ensure that websites run safely and smoothly, and will further secure the infrastructure in the UK. Through our combined efforts and commitment, we can make it easy for customers to seamlessly integrate security into their sites and prevent future attacks."

SiteLock can detect known malware the minute it hits. After identifying malicious content, it automatically neutralizes and removes the threats. SiteLock then provides businesses with complete reports on scans, threats detected and items removed.

About SiteLock

SiteLock, the global leader in website security solutions, is the only provider to offer complete, cloud-based website protection. Its 360-degree monitoring detects and fixes threats, prevents future attacks, accelerates website performance, and meets PCI compliance standards for businesses of all sizes. Founded in 2008, the company protects over 6 million customers worldwide. For more information, please visit sitelock.com.

About 123 Reg

123 Reg is one of the UK's largest domain registrars, and has been every year for the last 15 years. 123 Reg has more than 800k customers, manages over 3.5 million domain names and is connected to over 1m websites in the UK. 123 Reg provides easy to use and intuitive products for all website needs, with a particular focus on providing online services to Britain's small business community. The philosophy is simple: the internet should be for the many and not the few which, is why every single product is designed for the small business owner looking for an easy and hassle free way of getting online. 123 Reg enables SME's to maximise their potential online to significantly grow their business through expanding and improving their online presence, helping businesses every step of the way with excellent local and friendly customer support.

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SOURCE SiteLock

Related Links

https://www.sitelock.com


SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Skillz, the worldwide leader in mobile eSports, today announced that its game developer partners are achieving more than eight times the mobile gaming industry's average revenue per daily active user (ARPDAU) and nearly two times the average time spent in game.

Traditional monetization efforts can sometimes hurt the user experience, but by implementing competitive eSports tournaments, developers were able to increase revenue, attract new users and better engage their existing players. Developers who have integrated Skillz tournaments are generating $0.92 in ARPDAU, which is over eight times the industry average of $0.11. The ARPDAU of top games using the Skillz platform is as high as $1.59.

In addition to revenue, Skillz developers also beat industry averages for time spent in game. Skillz players spend an average of 58 minutes a day competing in tournaments. This figure is nearly double the 33-minute casual mobile gaming industry average.

"From a developer standpoint, we've seen that implementing eSports tournaments is one of the most powerful tools for increasing engagement, retention and revenue," said Yonatan Erez, CEO and founder of Ilyon Dynamics, and the creator of the successful Bubble Shooter games on mobile. "With the superior product provided by Skillz, we were also able to increase day one user retention by 21 percent and day 30 retention by 19 percent, leading to a thriving and immersed community."

eSports are on track to become a $4 billion business by 2018. By integrating eSports tournaments into their games now, mobile developers are gaining a first mover advantage and staying ahead of the next big trend in mobile gaming. The Skillz Tournament Management System (TMS) allows developers to quickly and easily start running eSports tournaments, and provides competitive infrastructure that would normally cost a developer millions of dollars and multiple years to build themselves.

"eSports are often associated with first-person shooters and multiplayer online battle arenas, but the industry is evolving beyond its initial genres. We built Skillz to bring eSports to the 2.1 billion mobile gamers worldwide, and enable all developers to create sustainable businesses while providing players with more meaningful competitions," said Andrew Paradise, CEO and founder of Skillz. "Multiplayer competitions are the next evolution of mobile gaming, and seeing our game developer partners reach new heights using Skillz technology validates the power of mobile eSports to build the future of gaming."

Developers interested in implementing the Skillz Tournament Management System can visit www.skillz.com/developers or email [email protected] . Players interested in competing can visit www.skillz.com on their mobile device.

About Skillz

Skillz is the worldwide leader in mobile eSports, having hosted more than 70 million tournaments for players in over 180 countries. Skillz allows game developers to seamlessly integrate eSports competitions into any mobile game, making eSports accessible to the world's 2.1 billion mobile gamers. As the eSports provider for over 1,600 game studios, Skillz accounted for more than 20% of all eSports prizes awarded in 2015. Founded in 2012, Skillz has offices in San Francisco and Boston and has raised over $28 million in funding from investors including the owners of the New England Patriots, Milwaukee Bucks and New York Mets. To learn more, visit www.skillz.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415845LOGO

SOURCE Skillz

Related Links

http://www.skillz.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony  a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world's largest image sensor manufacturer  has today announced a new flagship model for their popular Cyber-shot RX100 series of compact cameras, the RX100 V (model DSC-RX100M5).

The exciting new camera brings a new level of AF performance and speed to today's compact camera market. It is equipped with a Fast Hybrid AF system with the world's fastest AF acquisition1 at 0.05 seconds2 and world's highest number of AF points on sensor1 with 315 points covering approximately 65% of the frame. The camera can also shoot continuously at speeds of up to 24 fps3  the world's fastest for a compact camera1  at full 20.1 MP (approx. effective) resolution with AF/AE tracking for up to 150 continuous shots4.

The RX100 V is equipped with a newly developed 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with a DRAM chip, a ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70 mm5 F1.8  2.8 large aperture lens and an enhanced image processing system with a new front-end LSI chip that maximizes processing speed, expands the memory buffer and optimizes image quality, in particular at high ISO settings. The camera also features 4K video recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning6, super slow motion recording at up to 960 fps7 with extended recording time and more.

"Featuring a level of power and performance that has never before been achieved in a compact, the new RX100 V redefines what it means to be a 'pocket camera'," said Neal Manowitz, Vice President of Digital Imaging at Sony Electronics. "This camera is yet another example of Sony innovating to a level far beyond what exists in the conventional marketplace."

Fast Focusing, Fast Shooting

A first for Sony's RX100 series of cameras, the new RX100 V model features a Fast Hybrid AF system that combines the respective advantages of focal-plane phase detection AF and contrast detection AF and ultimately enables the camera to lock focus in as little as 0.05 seconds2. This high speed focusing is a perfect complement to the 315 dedicated AF points that cover 65% of the sensor, and ensures that shooters will be able to capture their intended subject with high speed and accuracy, even if it's moving rapidly in unpredictable directions.

Additionally, processing speed has been greatly enhanced through the addition of a front-end LSI that perfectly supports the camera's BIONZ X image processing engine. These two components combined with the powerful AF system allow the camera to shoot continuously at speeds of up to 24 fps 3 at full 20.1 MP (approx. effective) resolution for up to 150 shots4 with AF/AE tracking. Viewfinder blackout between shots has also been minimized in this high-speed shooting mode, which greatly improves photographers' ability to follow fast action and capture the decisive moment. Silent shooting is also available in these high-speed modes as well8.

Other advancements to AF performance on the new RX100 V include the addition of AF-A mode, which allows the camera to automatically switch between continuous and single-shot AF modes. Users can also manually select if they'd like the continuous AF and phase detection AF areas to be displayed live on screen while they are framing a shot.

The RX100 V also has a high speed Anti-Distortion Shutter (maximum speed of 1/32000 second) that minimizes the "rolling shutter" effect commonly experienced with fast moving subjects. This fast shutter speed also allows the camera to capture sharp, crystal clear images with a wide open aperture at brightness levels up to EV199. Shooting at wide aperture with the fast shutter speed allows photographers and videographers to capture beautiful content with sharply focused subjects and defocused backgrounds under some of the most difficult, bright lighting conditions.

New on the RX100 V, users can freely select the initial magnification ratio when shooting in a mode with Focus Magnifier, and can select between "focus point" and "center of display" for the location of Focus Magnifier.

Professional Movie Functionality

The pocket-friendly RX100 V is packed with a variety of video capabilities that will satisfy even the most demanding video enthusiasts.

With Fast Hybrid AF, the focal plane phase detection AF sensor ensures accurate focusing and tracking performance, even for the severe focusing requirements of 4K movie shooting. AF drive speed and AF tracking sensitivity can also be adjusted via the menu system, giving shooters plenty of flexibility based on their focusing preferences.

In 4K mode 6, the new RX100 V utilizes full pixel readout without pixel binning to ensure that all the finer details of 4K video are captured with minimal moire and 'jaggies'. These high-quality results are achieved through use of the XAVC S codec, which records video at a high data rate of up to 100 Mbps during 4K recording and 50 Mbps during full HD shooting10.

Additional professional caliber video features include Picture Profile, S-Log2/S-Gamut, 120p HD Full HD mode and more. Users also have the ability to manually select a frame from a recorded movie and save it as a still image file of approximately 8 MP during 4K shooting or 2 MP during HD shooting.

The RX100 V is able to record super-slow motion video7 at up to 40x slower than the standard rate, and can do this for about twice as long as the RX100 IV model. This extended time allowing users to capture a series of high-speed, fleeting moments of action with incredible detail, resolution and clarity.

Prior to shooting, users will have the ability to choose among 960fps, 480fps and 240 fps frame rates and among 60p, 30p and 24p playback formats to optimize the recording to fit the speed of the moving subject, with the option to use the movie record button as a 'start trigger' to begin recording once button is pressed or 'end trigger' to record footage up until the button is pressed.

Pocket-Friendly Design, Premium Performance

The new RX100 V maintains the convenient pocket-sized design of the remainder of the RX100 family and is equipped with a high-contrast 2.35 million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder, ensuring true-to-life image preview and playback functionality. The EVF conveniently retracts in and out of the camera body based on user preference, and features optics with ZEISS T* Coating.

The new camera is also Wi-Fi and NFC compatible and can access Sony's growing range of PlayMemories Camera Applications. Learn more at www.sony.net/pmca.

Another convenient addition is the ability for users to freely set the leading three characters of saved file names for easier sorting and organization.

There will also be a new underwater housing (model MPK-URX100A) that will be available as a separate accessory for the RX100 V and all other RX100 series cameras. Designed exclusively to fit the RX100 cameras, the housing features a depth level of 40m/130ft.

Pricing and Availability

The new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V (model DSC-RX100M5) compact camera will ship this month for about $1,000 US and $1,250 CA.

The new underwater housing (model MPK-URX100A) will ship in November for about $350 US and $450 CA.

Both products will be sold at a variety of Sony authorized dealers throughout North America.

A variety of exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new RX100 V camera and other Sony products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, Sony's community site built to educate, inspire and showcase all fans and customers of the Sony  brand.

The new content will also be posted directly at the global Sony Photo Gallery and the Sony Camera Channel on YouTube.

For more information on the new RX100 V camera, please visit its product homepage on Sony.com HERE.

For more information on the new underwater housing (model MPK-URX100A) for RX100 series cameras, please visit its product homepage HERE.

Notes to Editors:

Among fixed lens digital cameras with 1.0-type sensor. As of October 2016 press release, based on Sony research. CIPA standard, internal measurement, at f=8.8mm (wide telephoto), EV4.7, Program Auto, Focus mode: AF-A, AF area: Wide, With "Continuous shooting mode: Hi". With "Continuous shooting mode: Hi" and "Image quality: Fine". 35mm equivalent Continuous recording is available for approx. 5 minutes. The duration available for the shooting may change according to shooting conditions. Sound cannot be recorded when shooting slow motion. An SDHC/SDXC memory card of Class 10 or higher is required Silent shooting can be activated via "Shutter type: Electronic" and "Audio signals: Off". Using built-in ND filter. An SDHC/SDXC memory card with a Class 10 or higher speed rating is required for XAVC S recording and UHS Speed Class 3 is required for recording at 100Mbps

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SOURCE Sony
NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- This fall, TABLE FOR TWO USA (TFT), a non-profit organization that aims to tackle obesity and hunger issues simultaneously, will hold a World Food Day 2016 campaign from October 11th to November 30th. The campaign promotes healthy Japanese food and aims to provide 1 million meals to children in need.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415784

World Food Day 2016 -Change the World with Onigiri- campaign site

As a part of the campaign, it will feature the popular Japanese food "Onigiri" (rice ball), and hold major events in New York City, Washington DC, Texas and California. The campaign features an interactive online site (http://jp.tablefor2.org/campaign/onigiri/en/) where TFT supporters and fans can participate by posting photos of onigiri enjoyment.

TABLE FOR TWO was first established in Japan in 2007 and has spread to 14 countries, including the U.S. Japanese food culture is acknowledged as one of the world's healthiest and is spreading widely around the world. As an NPO with roots in Japan, TFT promotes the enjoyment of Japanese food. Onigiri is featured to celebrate Rice, one of the major Japanese agricultural products, and to showcase the Japanese tradition of making onigiri for others with love.

The World Food Day campaign will feature a special interactive site that will be launched from October 11th until November 30th; TFT fans and supporters can submit photos of their own onigiri enjoyment to the site.

Sponsor organizations (Genji Sushi Bars, J.C.C. Fund/ Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York, JFC International/Nishiki, Japan Commerce Association of Washington D.C. Foundation, Zojirushi America, San-J, Yamamotoyama of America, Misuzu Corporation, Otafuku Foods, BentOn, Onigilly, Udemy) will donate 5 school meals per photo submitted. In Africa, a 25 cent donation funds one school meal to a child. In the U.S., the same donation enables schools to provide a school meal upgraded with fresh vegetables and fruits in low-income neighborhood districts.

The first onigiri photo action was held in 2015 and over 5,000 photos were posted to deliver 25,000 school meals. Among the all the great photos, the Best of the Best Onigiri photos were awarded. Below are some of the highlights in the US. The goal of 2016 campaign is to have over 15,000 photos.

"First-time Onigiri" Award

Students who had never eaten onigiri before got a recipe and gave it a try to provide school meals to Africa

"Best Onigiri Smile" Award

Ambassador Sasae posed happily with Onigiri.

"Let's be Onigiri!" Award

TFT supporters made this special onigiri mask and everybody loved the chance to be in the middle!

During the campaign period, Genji Sushi Bars' "Happy Bento", Yamamotoyama of America's "Ariake Roasted Seaweed", Hanada's "White Birch Glazed Oval Plate (by Kazuhiko Kudo)", Toiro Kitchen's donabe (Japanese clay pot) rice cooker, "Kamado-san" will be sold and a portion of the sales will fund TFT's mission. In addition to the online campaign, TFT will host events in major cities.

In New York City, TFT will participate in Japan Fes on October 16th. TFT will sell donated products such as Genji Sushi Bars' Sukiyaki Beef Rice Bowl, Otafuku Foods' Okonomiyaki Kit (Japanese savory pancake) and marukome USA's Miso soup. All the proceeds will be donated to provide school meals. Participants can try their own hand at making Onigiri at the TFT booth. During the campaign period, BentOn will sell special healthy Onigiri.

In DC, Hana Japanese Market will sell onigiri with donation and plans to have a store event. And at Tako Grill, Sushi Express, Sushi Taro and Rice Bar, healthy TFT selections will be available on the menu. The Japan Commerce Association of Washington D.C. Foundation will support a school in a low-income community in D.C. with improved access to healthier school meals with fresh fruits and vegetables. On one of the school days, a special onigiri will be provided to the students and they have an opportunity to learn how to make onigiri.

In Los Angeles, Japan Foundation Los Angeles and TFT will host Onigiri workshops by inviting Ms. Naoko Moore to the Japanese Food Festival on Nov 13th. Sushi Chef Institute will provide a "1 day sushi workshop" and a portion of the program fee will be donated (Sushi Workshop for Good). In San Francisco, Onigilly will sell onigiri with donation. In Dallas, an onigiri photo booth will be set up at Otsukimi Moon Viewing Celebration hosted by the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth on Oct 15th.

In Boston, "Oishi October Festival" will be held at Boston University by inviting Ms. Debra Samuels on Oct 28th. It will be a fun-filled and educational evening to make delicious (oishi) popular Japanese foods: rice balls (onigiri), savory pancake (okonomiyaki) and rice stuffed fried tofu skin pockets (oinarisan).

"We are thrilled to be launching our World Food Day campaign this fall in an effort to provide meals to children in need," said Mayumi Uejima-Carr, Co-President of TABLE FOR TWO USA. "Everyone can participate in the campaign through the campaign site, events and restaurants. We hope those who participate in the campaign enjoy the unique experience to make a difference by eating healthy Japanese food."

To visit the campaign site, please visit: http://jp.tablefor2.org/campaign/onigiri/en. For more information about TFT, please visit: http://usa.tablefor2.org.

About TABLE FOR TWO USA

TABLE FOR TWO USA (TFT) is a 501(C)(3) organization that that addresses the opposite issues of hunger and obesity through a unique "meal-sharing" program. TFT partners with corporations, restaurants, schools and other food establishments to serve healthy, low- calorie, TFT-branded meals. For each one of these healthy meals served, a small portion of the cost is donated to provide one school meal for a child in need. In this way, TFT has served healthy meals to both sides of the "table" and helped to right the global food imbalance. TFT started in Japan and now operates in 14 countries. As one of the most well-known NPOs in Japan which is noted for the longevity of its people, TFT promotes Japanese healthy eating culture as well to tackle the critical health issues.

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SOURCE TABLE FOR TWO USA

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Tanger has surpassed its sixty percent leasing threshold and has signed contracts with popular designer and brand name retailers including H&M, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Children's Place, Nike, Levi's, Banana Republic, Express, Guess, and Restoration Hardware. Retailers are responding strongly to the new site and Tanger is in lease negotiations with leading designers and retailers seeking to secure space in this dynamic location.

"We are proud to celebrate the Ground Breaking of Tanger Outlets in Fort Worth and look forward to bringing a world class shopping experience to residents and visitors to the Fort Worth area," said Steven B. Tanger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

The new Tanger Outlet Center will be the signature outlet retail component of Fine Line Diversified Development's Champions Circle, a commercial mixed-use real estate development adjacent to the Texas Motor Speedway. Tanger Outlets in Fort Worth will be home to approximately 350,000 square feet of retail space and feature more than 80 upscale brand name and designer outlet retailers.

"Tanger Outlets is known for creating lifestyle destinations that uniquely celebrate local cultures," said Bill Boecker, President and CEO of Fine Line Diversified Development. "We are so excited to officially kick off this project with an ideal partner that shares our vision of bringing a first-class retail experience to Texans and tourists alike."

The Company closed on the sale of the land on September 30 and expects construction to conclude in time to serve the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the 2017 holiday season. During the construction phase, the project will generate more than 400 full- and part-time jobs. Once the Center grand opens, it is expected to generate more than 900 full- and part-time retail positions.

"We are pleased to welcome Tanger Outlets as our new neighbor and look forward to future partnerships," said Eddie Gossage, President and General Manager of Texas Motor Speedway.

"Tanger Outlets will be a win for our over one million visitors each year seeking fast and fashionable savings."

The Ground Breaking Ceremony, which took place on site at Champions Circle, featured remarks from Steven B. Tanger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc., Betsy Price, Mayor of Fort Worth, Dennis Shingleton, Mayor Pro Tempore of Fort Worth, Andy Eads, Denton County Commissioner, and business and community leaders.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE:SKT), is a publicly-traded REIT headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina that presently operates and owns, or has an ownership interest in, a portfolio of 43 upscale outlet shopping centers and 2 additional centers currently under construction. Tanger's operating properties are located in 21 states coast to coast and in Canada, totaling approximately 14.7 million square feet, leased to over 3,100 stores which are operated by more than 490 different brand name companies. The company has more than 35 years of experience in the outlet industry. Tanger Outlet Centers continue to attract more than 185 million shoppers annually. For more information on Tanger Outlet Centers, call 1-800-4TANGER or visit the company's web site at www.tangeroutlets.com.

CONTACT: Quentin N. Pell, Vice President, Corporate Communications/Public Relations, [email protected]

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SOURCE Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.tangeroutlet.com


LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, one of the leading nonprofit universities devoted exclusively to psychology, and related behavioral health sciences, will open a new campus location in the City of San Diego in fall 2017. The new campus will allow easier access to the institution's degree programs for those who live in the southernmost region of California, and will also provide greater onground training opportunities for students who are interested in working in diverse communities. The Chicago School is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

"According to our research, The Chicago School is one of the most highly regarded institutions among prospective students seeking graduate psychology, and related behavioral health sciences programs," explained Dr. Nealon-Woods, president, The Chicago School. "Based on this data, the new campus will offer an M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Marital and Family Therapy Specialization, and an M.S. in Applied Behavioral Analysis."

The San Diego Campus is located at 401 W. A Street in the 1 Columbia Place building and within walking distance of the downtown trolley station and the Santa Fe Depot. Its Outreach Office is currently accepting applications and offering enrollment support for prospective students. Information about the campus and programs can be obtained by visiting the webpage or by calling (619) 541-4504.

As a result of this expansion, The Chicago School will be positioned to extend its hands-on practicum and internship opportunities to students in the area. Graduate students in The Chicago School's Los Angeles Campus Marital and Family Therapy Program already travel to San Diego to participate in practicum training at Generate Hope, an organization that provides a safe place for survivors of sex trafficking.

"Our impact has been widely felt in the Southern California region for nearly a decade as a result of our exceptional academic program offerings and community service initiatives. In just a short time, over 1,000 students have joined our Los Angeles Campus and Irvine Branch Campuses because of our reputation and timeless mission," said Dr. Nealon-Woods. "In addition to now providing over 22 academic programs, we have a community engagement model that impacts countless lives as a result of our partnerships with more than 500 nonprofit agencies across the country such as the Los Angeles Mission, Illinois Connections for Families of the Fallen, and the D.C. Child Family Services Agency. And, our service commitment now yields over 1 million hours of community-based impact services annually."

The Chicago School also has onground campuses in Chicago and Washington, D.C. as well as a successful Online Campus. The institution's unique Engaged Professional Model of Education enables students to bridge theory into real-world practice, both locally and globally, and helps prepare graduates as leaders to find solutions to the challenges of our changing society. The University's community service initiatives have earned The Chicago School's campuses a place on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for several consecutive years, while its commitment to providing a rich learning environment for military students has garnered recognition as a Military Friendly School for three consecutive years.

About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Founded in 1979, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) is a nonprofit, private university devoted exclusively to psychology, and related behavioral health sciences. The Chicago School is an affiliate of TCS Education System, a nonprofit system of colleges advancing student success and community impact. The University serves nearly 4,300 students across campuses in Chicago; Southern California (Los Angeles and Irvine); Washington, D.C., and Online. The Chicago School is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, (WSCUC), and its Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Chicago and Washington, D.C. are accredited by the American Psychological Association. With more than 20 graduate degree programs, thousands of hours of real-world training, and a wealth of international opportunities, TCSPP is the leader in professional psychology education. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Elinor Gilbert

(213) 304-6422

[email protected]

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SOURCE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Related Links

http://www.thechicagoschool.edu


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Taipei, Oct. 6 (CNA) James Soong (), chairman of the People First Party, said on Thursday that he could meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping () at this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima, Peru, but it was too early to speculate in what form such a meeting would take place.
MIDVALE, Utah, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As a leader in the Equipment Finance industry, Integrity Financial Groups have created several funding partnerships which give our customers the proper financial diversification they require in a funding partner. We believe that our commitment to building valuable business relationships, our expertise in equipment and our unparalleled flexibility to create programs tailored to meet each company's unique operating requirements and tax implications is what has made us one of the fastest growing companies in our industry.

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The Importance of Business Cash Flow and Used Equipment Finance

In the construction industry and transportation industry, like any other industry, cash flow is one of the most important aspects of success. The term cash flow refers to the difference of a company's cash position from one financial period to the next. Obtaining commercial truck finance, used truck finance, semi-truck finance, heavy equipment finance, and used equipment finance can improve the cash flow for any company in the construction and transportation industry.

What Positive Cash Flow Does for Businesses

Having more cash than you pay out gives you a positive cash flow, which is what everyone wants. The opposite end is where more cash is paid out than flows in, known as negative cash flow. No matter how much credit has been so ingrained in society, cash is still king, and it is one of the best indicators of your business's success.

However, when your business requires expansion for growth, or when it's just a start-up, using credit for the acquiring of assets is key. This will help you achieve a strong cash flow, which indicates the ability of your business to generate and use cash. Note that borrowing for used truck finance, commercial truck finance or heavy equipment finance in essence, uses your future cash to finance the debts you acquire presently. Therefore, you have to make arrangements to have positive cash flow in the future to pay for your monthly loan repayments. These obligations may restrict what you will be able to acquire in terms of investments in inventory or equipment in the future.

How Equipment Financing Affects Cash Flow

used truck finance, commercial truck finance, heavy equipment finance, and used equipment finance usually involves a large outlay of capital whether you are acquiring new or used equipment. Consequently, flexible financing packages are needed for financing, especially for the smaller operators and start-ups.

Managing this debt gives your business room to grow by providing the funds needed to access better technology, and finance research and development. Making these critical investments also places your business in a position to operate strategically by making long-term plans that will strengthen its position.

The flexibility provided by positive cash flow gives your business the ability to make critical purchases immediately that can give it a competitive edge over its competitors. The cash flow will enable your business to look appealing to lenders thus giving you access to debt whenever you may wish to take up some. It also allows you the opportunity to give shareholders and directors dividends thereby strengthening this important relationship.

How Business Loans Affect Your Cash Flow

Most financial institutions provide loans for commercial truck finance, semi-truck finance, used truck finance, truck repair as well as offering quarterly payments as a repayment option. This is an option that can greatly increase cash flow for a business. If you have good credit, lenders may offer financing options that include minimal or even no down payment for equipment and truck finance. Even with bad credit, this should not deter you from accessing lending opportunities. For most lenders, this only means an increase in the down payment required during purchase.

Seek out commercial truck finance, heavy equipment finance or used truck finance programs from knowledgeable lenders who understand the economics of running heavy machinery and getting you the best deal for your business. Also have your financial advisor assist you to structure your loan in such a way that it will not adversely affect your cash flow.

Do you need quick financing approvals for truck finance? Integrity Financial Groups offers pre-approvals in under an hour with the final approval going through within a day. With this speedy service, you can have your commercial truck or equipment within a few days. To learn more about how we can increase your cash flow with our range of flexible finance and leasing options, call our team today at (801) 386-8222.

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This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Integrity Financial Groups, LLC
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Salvation Army is mobilizing emergency response personnel and supplies after Hurricane Matthew, the most powerful Caribbean storm in almost a decade, caused widespread flooding, flattened homes and trees, and left a trail of destruction in Haiti.

"We are initiating a response to meet basic urgent needs. As we continue to assess, gather information and fully grasp the scope of this devastating situation, we know for certain there is already significant need for food, clean water, and shelter. We humbly ask the American public to consider supporting our efforts through prayer and monetary donations," said Lt. Col. Thomas Bowers, Director for The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO).

Flooding and mudslides remain a serious concern throughout the impacted region, particularly in the areas of Eux Cayes, Port-au-Prince, and Petit Goave, where a major bridge collapsed. The bridge was a major thoroughfare to the capital city. In southern Haiti, where the destruction was especially brutal, Salvation Army schools and community centers opened throughout the region to host vulnerable individuals, many of whom lost their roofs or entire homes due to violent winds and falling trees.

"Donations from the generous public will help provide basic necessities that vulnerable Haitians desperately need right now," said Lt. Col. Ron Busroe, The Salvation Army's National Community Relations and Development Secretary. "The effects of this situation will be felt for months to come. We know that emotional and spiritual counseling is equally important for these individuals to deal with the gravity of the situation."

Monetary donations are the most critical need for survivors. The Salvation Army has set up a designated fund where 100 percent of gifts go to relief efforts in Haiti. To give, visit salar.my/Matthew or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). Check donations to Salvation Army World Service Office (designated "Hurricane Matthew") can be sent to:

Salvation Army World Service Office

615 Slaters Lane

Alexandria, VA 22314

About The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO)

SAWSO is committed to working hand in hand with local communities to help people who face challenges every day in countries around the globe. Created in 1977 as an independent 501(c)(3) to support the ministry of The Salvation Army, SAWSO has been strengthening global communities in need for nearly 38 years. SAWSO supports The Salvation Army's impressive global footprint in 127 countries, developing long-term community-driven solutions to issues in the areas of Community Health & HIV Prevention, Livelihood & Empowerment, anti-human-trafficking, Disaster Relief & Recovery, and education. To learn more, go to sawso.org.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 135 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter for the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org.

Occasionally, conditions in the field may alter relief activities. If this occurs, The Salvation Army will direct funds to our International relief efforts in the region.

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SOURCE The Salvation Army

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DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wittern Group, a leading global vending and controlled dispensing equipment manufacturer and services provider, celebrates its 85th Anniversary this October. This major milestone is being celebrated with an open house event on the 7th of October and an awards program that recognizes company employees.

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The Wittern Group was founded by F.A. Wittern Sr. in 1931 with an investment of $12.50. During the first few years of its existence, the company operated out of a garage on the East side of Des Moines, Iowa. As the Wittern family grew, so did the legacy of The Wittern Group.

Since its founding 85 years ago, The Wittern Group has manufactured tens of thousands of dispensing machines, with its machines being placed in locations nationwide and across the world. Today, The Wittern Group is a major full-line vending equipment provider manufacturing everything from traditional snack and drink vending machines to controlled dispensing solutions for inventory management and asset accountability applications. The company prides itself on embracing an entrepreneurial spirit while remaining true to its deep Midwest roots as it continues to manufacture all of its vending equipment at its 375,000 square foot facility in Des Moines, Iowa and employs over 475 individuals.

"The Wittern Group is proud to be a family-owned company that is also family-centric," said Ms. Heidi Chico, Chief Executive Officer and third generation member of the Wittern family to lead The Wittern Group. "While we are proud of our rich history as an Iowa-based, third generation family owned company, we look forward to the next 85 years of innovation and profitability."

In celebration of The Wittern Group's 85th anniversary, the company is honoring outstanding employees who 'Live the Wittern Way'. This is a company-wide award to honor team members who have made exceptional contributions to the company.

"True with the company's mission statement, The Wittern Group has been driving force in the vending industry for 85 years by being a leader in quality products, customer service, innovation, and technology," said Ms. Chico. "We realize that our success is the result of people taking action and that our true power is in the continuous flow of initiative, skill, and insight from our employees. The Live the Wittern Way award is a way to recognize individuals that have made significant contributions to the company and its culture."

The Wittern Group cares deeply for the vending industry as well the community, which is evident through its commitment to The Wittern Family Foundation that supports various non-profit organizations including the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), the Mayo Clinic, Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, and United Way among many other organizations. The company also facilitates The Wittern Family Scholarship Foundation which provides post-secondary educational financial assistance to children of company employees.

Learn more about The Wittern Group in the newly launched online video that highlight's The Wittern Group's celebrated story  the early years, today, and looking ahead by visiting http://wittern.com/About_Us/.

About The Wittern Group

Founded in 1931 by F.A. Wittern Sr., The Wittern Group provides a full range of products and services to meet all vending needs including design, manufacturing, financing, national and international sales, re-manufacturing programs, parts, and support services. The Wittern Group is structured to help people succeed in vending. www.wittern.com

Contact: Heidi Chico // Tel: +1 (515) 271.8425 // E-mail

Media Contact

Ashley Hubler

The Wittern Group

Tel: +1 (515) 274.8539

Email

SOURCE The Wittern Group
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A group of 30 former Republican members of Congress today released a statement that they will not vote for the GOP nominee for president, including half who had not previously announced their opposition to Trump. The statement was circulated by former Oklahoma Rep. Mickey Edwards and former Missouri Rep. Tom Coleman.

The statement with signatories follows.

Statement by Former Republican Members of Congress

Each of us has taken an oath of office that conferred upon us a solemn obligation to act in the best interests of the United States. As Republican members of Congress, we took pride in representing a political party that stood for honest and principled public leadership in which the American people could place their trust.

Sadly, our party's nominee this year is a man who makes a mockery of the principles and values we have cherished and which we sought to represent in Congress.

In the presidency, as in Congress, it is not policy alone that determines one's fitness for office. Given the enormous power of the office, every candidate for president must be judged rigorously in assessing whether he or she has the competence, intelligence, knowledge, understanding, empathy, judgment, and temperament necessary to keep America on a safe and steady course. Donald Trump fails on each of those measures, and he has proven himself manifestly unqualified to be president.

In nominating Donald Trump, the Republican Party has asked the people of the United States to entrust their future to a man who insults women, mocks the handicapped, urges that dissent be met with violence, seeks to impose religious tests for entry into the United States, and applies a de facto ethnicity test to judges. He offends our allies and praises dictators. His public statements are peppered with lies. He belittles our heroes and insults the parents of men who have died serving our country. Every day brings a fresh revelation that highlights the unacceptable danger in electing him to lead our nation.

We are proud of our service in the United States Congress and proud that we served in that role as Republicans. It is in that spirit that, as Donald Trump's unfitness for public office has become ever more apparent, we urge our fellow Republicans not to vote for this man whose disgraceful candidacy is indefensible. This is no longer about our party; it's now about America. We may differ on how we will cast our ballots in November but none of us will vote for Donald Trump.

Signed,

Steve Bartlett (R-TX)

Bob Bauman (R-MD)

Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY)

Jack Buechner (R-MO)

Tom Campbell (R-CA)

Bill Clinger (R-PA)

Tom Coleman (R-MO)

Geoff Davis (R-KY)

Mickey Edwards (R-OK)

Harris Fawell (R-IL)

Ed Foreman (R-TX) (R-NM)

Amo Houghton, Jr. (R-NY)

Gordon Humphrey (Senator, R-NH)

Bob Inglis (R-SC)

Jim Kolbe (R-AZ)

Steve Kuykendall (R-CA)

Jim Leach (R-IA)

Pete McCloskey (R-CA)

Connie Morella (R-MD)

Mike Parker (R-MS)

Tom Petri (R-WI)

John Porter (R-IL)

Claudine Schneider (R-RI)

John "Joe" Schwarz (R-MI)

Chris Shays (R-CT)

Peter Smith (R-VT)

Edward Weber (R-OH)

Vin Weber (R-MN)

G. William Whitehurst (R-VA)

Dick Zimmer (R-NJ)

Media Contact:

Andrew Weinstein

Email

202-667-4967

SOURCE Former Congressmen Mickey Edwards and Tom Coleman
Current x-ray technology makes it difficult to detect nuclear components because they appear as ordinary metals. Thunder Energies, lead by Italian-US nuclear physicist, Dr. Santilli who's been on the faculty of MIT, Harvard and Boston University, is developing a new technology to detect nuclear components.

Dr. Santilli explains: "We can safely irradiate containers and suitcases with our neutron flux. The market potential of our nuclear detection stations is vast; every port or airport can be equipped with our stations. Our next step is to approach Homeland Security's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) and share our findings with the prospect of a possible collaboration."

See video:

http://www.b-tv.com/thunder-energies-nuclear-corporate-video/

ABOUT Thunder Energies Corp:

Thunder Energies Corporation is a breakthrough technology company featuring three cutting edge technologies in the fields of optics, nuclear physics and fuel combustion. Thunder Energies is lead by Dr. Ruggero Santilli, CEO and Chief Science Officer.

For further informaton: BTV on behalf of Thunder Energies Corp., Trina Schlingmann, [email protected] or 604-664-7401 x 5, http://www.thunder-energies.com

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/ThunderEnergies.mp4

SOURCE Thunder Energies Corp.
RHEINFELDEN, Switzerland, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Zeria Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has received the approval for a new drug application for Zentacort 3mg capsules from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan for the indication of the improvement of Crohn's Disease (CD). Following the acquisition of the worldwide rights to Entocort except the USA from AstraZeneca in July 2015, Zeria submitted the new drug application in October 2015 in Japan. Zentacort is sold as Entocort (generic name: budesonide) by Tillotts in more than 40 countries and recommended as first line therapy for treatment in CD in many international guidelines.

Zentacort was submitted in Japan after a special committee for the use of unapproved and off-label drugs with high unmet medical needs, operating under the Japanese MHLW, highlighted that there was a substantial need to make Zentacort available for the treatment in CD. AstraZeneca responded to the request from the Japanese MHLW and started the development of Zentacort in December 2010.

Zentacort is an enteric-coated sustained release formulation designated to release budesonide in the small intestine and the proximal colon. It is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate active CD and, in some markets, ulcerative colitis (UC).

Zentacort is sold by Tillotts as Entocort in more than 40 countries for CD and, in some markets, ulcerative colitis (UC). CD and UC are types of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, affecting over 2.2 million people in Europe and 5 million worldwide.

Tillotts CEO Thomas Toth von Kisker commented: "Tillotts is pleased that Zentacort will be introduced in Japan through Zeria. This approval further reinforces Tillotts' commitment as a leading specialist in the field of gastroenterology on a European and worldwide basis, offering patients a broad range of treatments for GI diseases."

Zeria expects that the approval of this new drug will make a significant contribution to treatment of mild to moderate CD in Japan. Sachiaki Ibe, Chairman of Tillotts and CEO of Zeria, declared: "We are extremely happy to introduce a product such as Zentacort in Japan, where the prevalence of CD is increasing, and to offer patients a well-established treatment."

About Tillotts

Tillotts Pharma AG, part of the Japanese Zeria Group, is a fast-growing specialty pharma company with over 250 employees in Switzerland and abroad. Tillotts is dedicated to the development, in/out-licensing and commercialisation of innovative pharmaceutical products for the digestive system. Tillotts successfully markets its own products Asacol and Entocort, as well as in-licensed products, in over 65 countries through its affiliates within Europe and a network of gastroenterology-focused partners throughout the world.

All trademarks used or mentioned here are protected by law. Tillotts Pharma AG's trademarks include Tillotts, Asacol, Octasa, Fivasa, Lixacol, Asacolon, Colpermin, VistaPrep, Entocort, Entocir, Entocord and Budecol and are either registered or applied for in up to 70 countries (transfer of registrations to Tillotts pending in certain countries). The rights to Asacol, including the rights to the trademark, are owned by Tillotts in various countries except for the following: Belgium, Canada, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom and USA. The rights to Colpermin, including the rights to the trademark, are owned by Tillotts in various countries except for the following: Ireland and United Kingdom. The rights to Entocort, including the rights to the trademark, are owned by Tillotts in various countries (transfer of market authorisations to Tillotts Pharma in process) except for the USA. Simtomax is distributed by Tillotts in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

Product information in this release is limited, with the aim of providing a summary for general information purposes for a wide audience regarding the activities of Tillotts, and could contain product details or information not accessible or valid in your country. Tillotts disclaims responsibility for access of information which may not comply with any regulation or standard in any particular country.

More information may be available from local regulatory authorities, but not all products are available in each country. Please consult a healthcare professional for further information.

About Zeria

Zeria Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., founded in 1955, based in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on R&D, manufacturing and sales of prescription drugs as well as OTC products. The company is listed on the First Section of Tokyo Stock Exchange (Stock code: 4559). Zeria holds a leading position within the gastroenterology field in Japan and operates internationally through a number of subsidiaries.

For more information about Zeria please visit http://www.zeria.co.jp.

 Copyright Tillotts Pharma AG. All rights reserved.

Tillotts Pharma AG media contact:

Suzanne Rouden

Corporate Communications Manager a.i.

Phone: +41(0)61-935-2749

Email: [email protected]

http://www.tillotts.com



SOURCE Tillotts Pharma AG
EATONTON, Ga., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Tri-County EMC, a member owned electric co-op, is proud to announce commercial operation of a one megawatt (MW) community solar electricity generation farm in Eatonton, Georgia. The project was developed jointly between Tri-County EMC, Georgia Power and United Renewable Energy LLC.

Tri-County EMC provides the low cost solar energy to its participating member-owners as a credit on their bill. Tri-County EMC was formed in 1939 by farmers and homeowners in Baldwin, Jones and Putnam counties and currently serves five additional counties, totaling more than 21,000 accounts. As a co-operative utility, it is owned by its members receiving electric service.

"Many of our members have asked for a solar option," said Greg Mullis, Tri-County EMC Senior Vice President. "This project makes economic and environmental sense. The low-cost, low-risk development of this project has allowed us to have a solar facility right here in our community that will supply our new 'ourSolar' program."

This innovative program allows any member to participate, has no up-front cost associated with it and no long term contract. Programs like this are an alternative for any electricity user who does not have a house or business suitable for installing solar panels and for those who want to participate in clean renewable energy programs, without having to purchase or install panels themselves.

"With 'ourSolar', Tri-County EMC members have the opportunity to get solar generation for their home or business without any of the risks of installing solar panels on their roof or property. The energy for 'ourSolar' comes from our new one MW solar array in Putnam County," explained Mullis. "For $25 per month for each 1.22kW block, members receive all of the energy generated by the block credited against the normal usage on that month's electric bill. Each block should generate approximately 160 to 250 kWh per month, depending on the weather and the time of year. Best of all, there is nothing to install or finance and no contract. You can end your participation at any time."

The project was developed and will be owned and maintained by Georgia Power, which has a long-standing wholesale relationship with Tri-County EMC. United Renewable Energy LLC, a highly experienced solar developer, general and electrical contractor with headquarters in Georgia, assisted with the development of the project and provided Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) services on behalf of Georgia Power for the Tri-County solar facility "We are proud to work with Tri-County EMC to bring solar energy to hundreds of their members in the most economical way, and be competitive with almost any other type of electricity generation," said William Silva, CEO of United Renewable Energy LLC. "Georgia Power continues to innovate and bring extremely low cost solar energy to wholesale customers in the State of Georgia."

Southern Company, through its multiple subsidiaries including Georgia Power, is a national leader in the development of renewable resources, with more than 4,000MW of renewable energy developed since 2012. "We are honored to serve Tri-County EMC, and this project allows Georgia Power to leverage its nearly one gigawatt of experience in solar energy, to provide Tri-County with an easy, low cost and low risk way of bringing solar resources to its members," said Chris Bell, Vice President of Southern Wholesale Energy, the wholesale marketing subsidiary for Georgia Power. "We appreciate the close collaboration with Tri-County EMC, the broad support of the Eatonton community and our solar developer United Renewable Energy LLC. Creative and enduring partnerships like this allow each of us to provide clean, safe, reliable, affordable solar power for all of our customers, members and communities for decades to come.

The 10 acre site has over 4,200 solar panels and will generate over 2.1 million kilowatt hours per year. The facility is located adjacent to Tri-County EMC's Eatonton District Office in Putnam County, Georgia.

About Tri-County EMC

Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 21,025 accounts in Baldwin, Bibb, Jasper, Jones, Morgan, Putnam, Twiggs and Wilkinson County. The cooperative, chartered in 1939, is headquartered in Gray, Georgia and has a district office in Eatonton. Tri-County EMC is governed by a nine-member board of directors elected by and from the cooperative's customers/members.

About Georgia Power / SWE

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. Value, reliability, customer service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com.

About United Renewable Energy LLC

United Renewable Energy LLC, (www.u-renew.com) is a highly experienced development and construction firm specializing in industrial and utility solar photovoltaics and energy storage systems. URE is a licensed multi-state general and electrical contractor operating throughout the Southeastern US and New York State. URE's focus on key utility and IPP partners allows us to deliver solar projects with utility level quality, performance, and safety at the lowest possible cost in the Eastern United States.

For questions, please contact:

Tri-County EMC  Greg Mullis at 478.986.8116

Georgia Power - John Kraft at 404-506-7525

United Renewable Energy LLC- Jakky Shanahan at 678-881-0014 x708.

SOURCE United Renewable Energy, LLC

Related Links

http://www.u-renew.com


SHARONVILLE, Ohio, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- TruStar Energy, one of the nation's leading developers of compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations, is proud to announce the groundbreaking of Kentuckiana Cleanfuel's public CNG fueling station, the first for Cincinnati.

The public station, located at 2490 Commerce Boulevard in Sharonville, Ohio, will feature three dual-hose dispensers, capable of providing up to fifteen gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) per minute via the four 250 horsepower Ariel compressors packaged by ANGI. In addition, the station will be capable of providing fuel to customers around the clock, seven days a week.

"Ohio has been a very active state for CNG and for TruStar Energy," said TruStar Energy VP of Sales and General Manager, Scott Edelbach. "We view Kentuckiana Cleanfuel as a valued partner in expanding CNG fueling infrastructure throughout the country."

"We are taking a very conservative approach to expansion," said Alan Steiden, President of Kentuckiana Cleanfuel. "We will have a total of four stations completed and fueling within the next year-and-a-half, and we always make sure to have enough volume locked in for success before we ever break ground. Now is the time for Cincinnati fleets to join the CNG revolution."

The station will be located in a transportation-based industrial park with easy access to the I-75 and I-71 corridors and will also operate as a depot for M&M Cartage Class 8 Freightliner trucks. Don Hayden, President of M&M Cartage is pleased with the expansion of the Kentuckiana Cleanfuel brand into Ohio. "The location of the station will help M&M Cartage to further serve our customer base," said Mr. Hayden, "and we're proud that our commitment to CNG provides valuable economic and environmental benefits to their shareholders."

CNG is insulated from the price volatility of diesel and gas resulting from international conflicts and events, which in recent years have been responsible for dramatic price fluctuations. As for the environment, CNG-powered engines are clean and quiet; produce 30 percent less greenhouse gases; and do not need the costly exhaust after-treatment devices and diesel exhaust fluids required for diesel engines. Natural gas engines also have an average of 80 to 90 percent lower noise decibel level than diesel engines.

To learn more about TruStar Energy's CNG fueling station program, visit www.trustarenergy.com.

About TruStar Energy

TruStar Energy, a subsidiary of Fortistar, is one of the nation's leading developers of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling stations. With decades of experience in trucking and fueling, the company's professionals are experts at designing and building CNG fueling stations that are ready on time, on budget and that are profitable for their owners. And with a rapidly growing network of public stations and 24/7 service and support, we're always there when you need us.

TruStar Energy puts fleet owners in the driver's seat by offering best-in-class, realistic and affordable options to meet a full range of fueling needs. For additional information, please visit www.trustarenergy.com and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

TruStar Energy: True Partnership. For a Change.

TruStar Energy Media Contact:

Jeffry Swertfeger

[email protected]

813-957-1846

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150408/197481LOGO

SOURCE TruStar Energy

Related Links

http://www.trustarenergy.com


Upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane today, Matthew is expected to deliver severe flooding and damage as it strikes Florida and travels up the Atlantic Coast. The storm has prompted the evacuation of millions from their homes and created a need for safe, secure and dry self-storage options where people can stow their possessions as Matthew approaches  and in its aftermath.

"The Atlantic Coast is in its direct path and the rain is expected to hit hard and continue into the weekend," U-Haul Company of North Orlando president Tom Burns said. "President Barack Obama has issued a state of emergency as we expect the storm to come spinning up the coast.

"U-Haul is proud to be a support system in times of need. We are part of these communities and it is important for us to help by providing 30 days of free, secure self-storage to our neighbors who are affected by these storms."

U-Haul stores offer needed supplies to help with storm recovery like boxes, tarps, propane and propane tanks. U-Haul urges customers to ensure their tanks are topped off since propane is good to have in the event of long-term power outages.

U-Haul is the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage with more than 21,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada. In addition to its 30 days of free self-storage assistance, U-Haul is proud to be at the forefront of aiding communities during times of disaster as an official American Red Cross Disaster Responder.

The U-Haul Companies of Eastern Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, North Orlando, Coastal South Carolina, Southern Atlantic Coast, South Carolina, Western North Carolina, Raleigh and Charlotte have made 112 self-storage facilities across 59 cities available to provide assistance.

Families needing more information about self-storage assistance should contact the participating U-Haul store nearest you. Locations are sorted by state and alphabetized by city.

FLORIDA

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Altamonte Springs

598 W. Hwy. 436

Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

(407) 788-2814

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Apopka

1221 E. Semoran Blvd.

Apopka, FL 32703

(407) 889-5550

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Coconut Creek

5431 Johnson Road

Coconut Creek, FL 33073

(945) 428-7369

U-Haul Center of Clermont

13650 Granville Ave.

Clermont, FL 34711

(407) 347-4065

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Daytona Beach (U-Box only)

700 W. International Speedway Blvd.

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

(386) 252-1834

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Amelia Island

1830 S. 8th St.

Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 491-6966

U-Haul at I-95 & State Rd 84

1840 W. State Road 84

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

(954) 525-4125

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Broward Blvd.

2800 W. Broward Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

(954) 584-1500

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Fort Pierce

3626 S. U.S. Hwy. 1

Fort Pierce, FL 34982

(772) 464-9400

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Haines City

3307 U.S. Hwy. 17-92 W.

Haines City, FL 33844

(863) 588-0707

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Edgewood Ave.

1651 W. Edgewood Ave.

Jacksonville, FL 32208

(904) 764-2516

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Atlantic Blvd.

9411 Atlantic Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32225

(904) 720-1932

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Phillips & Emerson

3435 Phillips Hwy.

Jacksonville, FL 32207

(904) 398-3016

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Mandarin

11490 San Jose Blvd.

(904) 292-9404

Jacksonville, FL 32223

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Normandy Blvd.

5481 Normandy Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32205

(904) 786-2424

U-Haul Moving & Storage of South Jacksonville

5630 Phillips Hwy.

Jacksonville, FL 32207

(904) 731-1383

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Downtown Jacksonville

400 W. Ashley St.

Jacksonville, FL 32202

(904) 358-9909

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Key Largo

103530 Overseas Hwy.

Key Largo, FL 33037

(305) 451-0677

U-Haul of Kissimmee

2021 N. Main St.

Kissimmee, FL 34744

(407) 932-0299

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Margate

1700 N. State Road 7

Margate, FL 33063

(954) 972-2440

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Doral

8700 NW 77th Court

Medley, FL 33166

(305) 805-7109

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Melbourne

438 Harbor City Blvd.

Melbourne, FL 32935

(321) 254-7933

U-Haul Moving & Storage at 36th St.

2460 NW 36th St.

Miami, FL 33142

(305) 634-0673

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Greater Miami

1000 NE 1st Ave.

Miami, FL 33132

(305) 358-9291

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Dade County

5341 NW 7th Ave.

Miami, FL 33127

(305) 795-1170

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Dolphin

10895 NW 21st St.

Miami, FL 33172

(305) 406-1006

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Dadeland

6701 S. Dixie Hwy.

Miami, FL 33143

(305) 661-2182

U-Haul Moving & Storage of New Smyrna

500 Turnbull Bay Road

New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

(386) 423-9139

U-Haul of North Miami

12865 NW 7th Ave.

North Miami, FL 33168

(305) 685-8316

U-Haul Storage of North Miami Beach

2100 NE 162nd St.

North Miami Beach, FL 33162

(305) 947-6461

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Ocoee

11410 W. Colonial Drive

Ocoee, FL 34761

(407) 877-7642

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Orange City

2395 S. Volusia Ave.

Orange City, FL 32763

(386) 228-3113

U-Haul at Citrus Bowl

840 S. Orange Blossom Trail

Orlando, FL 32805

(407) 422-7350

U-Haul at Florida Mall

7726 S. Orange Blossom Trail

Orlando, FL 32809

(407) 859-6640

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Alafaya

11815 E. Colonial Drive

Orlando, FL 32826

(407) 275-9267

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Baldwin Park

4001 E. Colonial Drive

Orlando, FL

(407) 894-6011

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Gatorland

14651 Gatorland Drive

Orlando, FL 32837

(407) 857-7867

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Goldenrod

508 N. Goldenrod Road

Orlando, FL 32807

(407) 282-5879

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Hunters Creek

13301 S. Orange Blossom Trail

Orlando, FL 32837

(407) 888-8279

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Kirkman Road

600 S. Kirkman Road

Orlando, FL 32811

(407) 295-3100

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Maitland Blvd.

7803 N. Orange Blossom Trail

Orlando, FL 32810

(407) 578-2500

U-Haul Moving & Storage at S. Orange Ave.

3500 S. Orange Ave.

Orlando FL, 32806

(407) 240-9999

U-Haul at West Colonial Drive

4600 W. Colonial Drive

Orlando, FL 32808

(407) 299-1024

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Palm Bay

4703 Babcock St. NE

Palm Bay, FL

(321) 473-3681

U-Haul of Perrine

16500 S. Dixie Hwy.

Perrine, FL 33157

(305) 232-1421

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Sample Road

903 E. Sample Road

Pompano Beach FL 33064

(954) 781-8660

U-Haul of Pompano Beach

801 S. Andrews Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

(954) 782-0474

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Cocoa

213 Dixie Lane

Rockledge, FL 32955

(321) 632-7874

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Lake Mary Blvd.

3851 S. Orlando Drive

Sanford, FL 32773

(407) 322-3167

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Saint Augustine

3524 U.S. Hwy. 1 S.

St. Augustine, FL 32086

(904) 797-3667

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Sunrise

4747 Nob Hill Road

Sunrise, FL 33351

(954) 749-2727

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Titusville

2070 Garden St.

Titusville, FL 32796

(321) 269-9944

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Semoran Blvd.

2055 State Road 436

Winter Park, FL 32792

(407) 678-4467

GEORGIA

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Augusta West

3515 Wrightsboro Road

Augusta, GA 30909

(706) 447-5225

U-Haul at Gordon Hwy.

1802 Gordon Hwy.

Augusta, GA 30904

(706) 738-0121

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Broad St.

1589 Broad St.

Augusta, GA 30904

(706) 722-4396

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Wrightsboro

3363 Wrightsboro Road

Augusta, GA 30909

(706) 738-6463

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Savannah

8810 Abercorn St.

Savannah, GA 31406

(912) 927-6550

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Savannah Ogeechee

3802 Ogeecgee Road

Savannah, GA 31405

(912) 233-9912

NORTH CAROLINA

U-Haul Moving & Storage of E. Asheville

387 Swannanoa River Road

Asheville, NC 28805

(828) 298-8551

U-Haul Moving & Storage of South Asheville

3161 Sweeten Creek Road

Asheville, NC 28803

(828) 483-5707

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Boone

849 NC Hwy. 105 Bypass

Boone NC, 28607

(828) 297-1723

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Chapel Hill

102 Vickers Road

Chapel Hill, NC 27517

(919) 929-1133

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Ashley Road

1530 Ashley Road

Charlotte, NC 28208

(704) 399-2528

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Farm Pond

6216 Albemarle Road

Charlotte, NC 28212

(704) 535-0030

U-Haul Moving & Storage at N. Tryon St.

1224 N. Tryon St.

Charlotte, NC 28206

(704) 379-1414

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Sharon Road

1400 Sharon Road W.

Charlotte, NC 28210

(704) 358-0010

U-Haul Moving & Storage at South Blvd.

5108 South Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28217

(704) 525-5889

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Statesville Road (U-Box only)

4124 Statesville Road

Charlotte, NC 28269

(704) 900-1311

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Wilkinson Blvd.

9136 Wilkinson Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28214

(704) 392-0056

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Concord

855 Concord Pkwy. S.

Concord, NC 28027

(980) 248-2308

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Lake Norman

19116 Statesville Road

Cornelius, NC 28031

(704) 892-8885

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Safe Harbor

9208 Westmoreland Road

Cornelius, NC 28031

(704) 655-8312

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Chapel Hill Blvd.

4411 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd.

Durham, NC 27707

(919) 682-9302

U-Haul Moving & Storage at U.S. Highway 70

2422 New Raleigh Hwy.

Durham, NC 27703

(919) 246-8931

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Fayetteville at Coliseum

2346 Gillespie St.

Fayetteville, NC 28306

(910) 223-1556

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Bragg Blvd.

5400 Bragg Blvd.

Fayetteville, NC 28303

(910) 864-2797

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Garner

1702 Mechanical Blvd.

Garner, NC 27529

(919) 779-3196

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Gastonia

3919 E. Franklin Blvd.

Gastonia, NC 28056

(704) 824-5298

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Hendersonville

1500 Airport Road

Hendersonville, NC 28792

(828) 233-5017

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Downtown Hickory

542 Main Ave. SE

Hickory, NC 28692

(828) 256-0209

U-Haul Moving & Storage of West Hickory

331 U.S. Hwy. 70 SW, Suite 101

Hickory, NC 28602

(828) 358-3669

U-Haul Moving & Storage of New River

425 S. Marine Blvd.

Jacksonville, NC 28540

(910) 455-2717

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Mooresville

304 W. Plaza Drive

Mooresville, NC 28117

(704) 663-6267

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Lancaster Hwy.

13401 Lancaster Hwy.

Pineville, NC 28134

(704) 541-7999

U-Haul Moving & Storage at 64 East

4720 New Bern Ave.

Raleigh, NC 27610

(919) 212-0323

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Capital Blvd.

3001 Capital Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27604

(919) 876-3001

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Commercial Ave.

5505 Commercial Ave.

Raleigh, NC 27612

(919) 781-3356

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Downtown

716 Capital Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27603

(919) 821-1450

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Millbrook

2431 Spring Forest Road

Raleigh, NC 27615

(919) 890-0163

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Wake Forest

9701 Capital Blvd.

Wake Forest, NC 27587

(919) 562-1707

SOUTH CAROLINA

U-Haul at Knox Abbott

901 Knox Abbott Drive

Cayce, SC 29033

(803) 791-5992

U-Haul Moving & Storage at King St.

584 King St.

Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 723-1605

U-Haul at Two Notch Road

2339 Two Notch Road

Columbia, SC 29204

(803) 256-7397

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Broad River Road

1003 Zimalcrest Drive

Columbia, SC 29210

(803) 731-0067

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Spring Valley

8400 Two Notch Road

Columbia, SC 29223

(803) 736-8582

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Decker Park Road

125 Decker Park Road

Columbia, SC 29206

(803) 699-9397

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Jamil Road

156 Jamil Road

Columbia, SC 29210

(803) 798-6184

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Elmwood

1037 Elmwood Ave.

Columbia, SC 29201

(803) 256-2499

U-Haul Moving & Storage at I-26

3754 Fernandina Road

Columbia, SC 29210

(803) 798-4414

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Fort Jackson

5604 Forest Drive

Columbia, SC 29206

(803) 787-5154

U-Haul at N. Irby St.

369 N. Irby St.

Florence, SC 29501

(843) 665-4061

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Roper Mountain

24 Roper Mountain Road

Greenville, SC 29607

(864) 254-9154

U-Haul Moving & Storage of W. Greenville

1406 Grove Road

Greenville, SC 29605

(864) 269-8172

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Wade Hampton

529 Wade Hampton Blvd.

Greenville, SC 29690

(864) 233-8319

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Little River

3195 Hwy. 9 E.

Little River, SC 29566

(843) 399-4777

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Myrtle Beach

5604 S. Kings Hwy.

Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

(843) 238-5701

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Dorchester Road

4788 Dorchester Road

North Charleston, SC 29405

(843) 747-6942

U-Haul Storage of North Dorchester

8222 Dorchester Road

North Charleston, SC 29418

(843) 552-3361

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Rivers Ave.

2155 Credit Union Lane

North Charleston, SC 29406

(843) 572-1140

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Spartanburg

345 Whitney Road

Spartanburg, SC 29303

(864) 582-4140

U-Haul Moving & Storage of W. Columbia

400 Orchard Drive

West Columbia, SC 29170

(803) 796-3724

U-Haul customers with equipment reservations who will be affected by Hurricane Matthew in the coming days should go to www.uhaul.com/Orders/ or call the phone numbers provided on the reservation to either pick up equipment early or postpone the pickup date until after the storm passes. For customers using U-Haul equipment to move into affected areas, please refer to local advisories before entering storm areas.

Contact:

Andrea Batchelor

Jeff Lockridge

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 602-263-6981

Website: uhaul.com

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161006/416197

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090622/LA34860LOGO-b

SOURCE U-Haul
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UVE) (the "Company") today noted that on May 31, 2016, Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company ("UPCIC") and American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company ("APPCIC"), the Company's wholly-owned insurance company subsidiaries, completed the placement of the Company's 2016-2017 reinsurance programs, effective June 1, 2016.

As publicly disclosed at the time, UPCIC has a net retention of $35 million per catastrophe event for losses incurred, in all states, up to a first event loss of $2.4 billion. In addition, under an excess catastrophe contract specifically covering risks located outside the state of Florida and intended to further reduce UPCIC's $35 million net retention, UPCIC has obtained catastrophe coverage of $30 million in excess of $5 million covering certain loss occurrences, including hurricanes, in states outside of Florida.

In certain circumstances involving a catastrophic event impacting both Florida and other states, UPCIC's retention could result in pre-tax net liability as low as $5 million  the $35 million net retention under the all states reinsurance program could be offset by as much as $30 million in coverage under the other states reinsurance program. These retention amounts are gross of any potential tax benefit the Company would receive in paying such losses. UPCIC's statutory surplus as of June 30, 2016 was $294 million.

Additional detail on the Company's 2016-2017 reinsurance programs can be found in the Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on June 3, 2016, accessible here.

About Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc., with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a vertically integrated insurance company performing all aspects of insurance underwriting, distribution and claims. Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is one of the leading writers of homeowners insurance in Florida and is now fully licensed and has commenced operations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Hawaii, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan and Alabama. For additional information on the Company, please visit our investor relations website at www.universalinsuranceholdings.com.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Such statements may include commentary on plans, products and lines of business, marketing arrangements, reinsurance programs and other business developments and assumptions relating to the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future results could differ materially from those described, and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements. For further information regarding risk factors that could affect the Company's operations and future results, refer to the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Investor Contact:

Andy Brimmer / Mahmoud Siddig

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

212-355-4449

SOURCE Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.universalinsuranceholdings.com


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The Zell Founders Fund, a $10 million seed fund that invests in extraordinary Michigan Ross students and recent alumni whose ventures need funding to move from idea to profitability, was made possible by a 2015 gift from business magnate Sam Zell. The student-led team is comprised of the top talent from the Institute's established student-led funds, based on recommendations from Zell Lurie executive director Stewart Thornhill, who is also the managing director of the Founders Fund, and the faculty directors of Zell Lurie's other student-led funds: the Wolverine Venture Fund, Zell Lurie Commercialization Fund and the Social Venture Fund. Each recommended a student member who showed exceptional talent and promise in investing. Ashka Dave, MPH/MBA '17, Christine Priori, MBA/MMP '17 and Florence Noel, MBA '17 comprise the inaugural Zell Founders Fund team.

"I am amazed by the caliber of students who have worked on this fund and the level of skill they have brought to this particular investment," said Thornhill. "Their diverse expertise  not only as investors but as individuals  has allowed them to work together in a way that provided Jordana with a level of guidance and expertise she could not have found elsewhere. The team and I are excited by this first investment for the Fund and look forward to watching Jordana's business continue to expand."

"From my experience recruiting for the Zell Lurie Commercialization Fund, many women do not think they're cut out for investing," said Noel. "It is very telling that three women were recommended to serve on the Zell Founders Fund. It is an honor for me to be an example to others, and show women that we have a place here, too. We have the expertise; we have the capacity; we have the input. If we're not here, it is a problem because that means businesses are not getting the full scope of support they need to be successful in this world."

In 2016, Schrager competed in the Michigan Business Challenge (MBC), a campus-wide, multi-round business plan competition where student teams have the opportunity to win cash prizes totaling more than $85,000. Impressed and motivated by the MBC experience, she was one of the first students to submit an application to the Zell Founders Fund, and the team was immediately captivated by her idea. Shortly after meeting, the students began the due diligence process, conducting extensive competitive research and creating a score card that outlined where the business was strong and the areas in which the team had concerns. From this research, the team determined the best approach was to offer Jordana $50,000 in seed funding upfront and create milestones she will be required to reach before they disperse the additional $50,000. This includes selling at least 50 percent of her first batch of product, establishing significant relationships and partnerships with other businesses and increasing her social media following by 50 percent by March 2017.

"As a female entrepreneur, it has been an amazing experience to work so closely with a talented women- and student-led investment team," said Schrager. "Not only have I received the financial resources I need to move my business forward, the team has also provided me with valuable guidance and advice that will continue to have a huge impact on me and the business decisions I make for years to come."

Schrager began doodling on her own white canvas sneakers back in high school. After positive feedback from friends and family, she began designing customized sneakers for others. After a short time, she had grown her wait list to nearly three months, and Sneakers by Jordana was born. During her time at Michigan Ross, Jordana has continued to expand her business, designing customized sneakers for celebrities including Miley Cyrus, Arianna Grande and Selena Gomez. She has also attracted the attention of major corporations including Jamba Juice and Taco Bell, with whom she has partnered for social media campaigns. Future plans for the business include expanding into mass production of sneakers and other products, including cell phone cases, that will feature her designs.

"It is a profound honor to be in a position where I am able to reach graduates and help them realize their entrepreneurial dreams," said Dave. "As a Michigan Ross student, I did not expect to have such an influence on another student. I believe in Jordana's business, and with the funding and guidance our team provided, I know that she will succeed and continue to establish a renowned organization."

For more information on the Zell Founders Fund, please visit http://zli.umich.edu/programs-funds/zell-founders-fund.

About the Zell Founders Fund

The Zell Founders Fund is a $10M seed fund managed by Stewart Thornhill, executive director of the Zell Lurie Institute, and an investment review advisory committee of four Michigan Ross students. The committee evaluates and invests in extraordinary student entrepreneurs whose business ventures need a helping hand to move from idea to profitability.

The Fund invests in students in their final year of the BBA or MBA program who are seeking funding to support a startup they wish to continue after graduation. The investment amount will depend on the need and stage of the business. For more information, visit http://zli.umich.edu/programs-funds/zell-founders-fund.

About the Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies

The Institute and its Center for Venture Capital and Private Equity Finance bring together an impactful combination of deep-seated knowledge, enriching experiences and strategic opportunities from the front lines of entrepreneurship and alternative investment. Students' learning experiences are further enhanced through internships, entrepreneurial clubs, business competitions and campus-wide events that foster valuable networking and engage the business community. The School's five student-led investment funds, with $8.5M under management, immerse students in the entrepreneurial business sourcing, assessment and investment process. Founding Zell Lurie advisory board members include Samuel Zell, chairman of Equity Group Investments, and Eugene Applebaum, founder of Arbor Drugs Inc. For more information, visit the Institute's website at www.zli.bus.umich.edu.

About Sneakers By Jordana

Jordana Schrager is the owner and designer of Sneakers by Jordana LLC.

She is a recent graduate from the University of Michigan. She majored in Art and Design and minored in Business. Jordana started designing sneakers when she was a sophomore in high school. She first doodled on a pair of old white vans for herself and wore them around town. After receiving great feedback and high demand for the custom orders, Sneakers by Jordana was born. She has made sneakers for celebrities such as Nick Cannon, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, and P!NK, corporate companies such as Taco Bell, Baked by Melissa, and Jamba Juice, and charities such as the Best Foot Forward, the GRAMMY Foundation, and St. Mary's Hospital. Today, Jordana has created hundreds of pairs of sneakers for people all around the country.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415743

SOURCE The Zell Lurie Institute

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MONTEREY, Calif., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. broadcast station mergers and acquisitions (M&A) volume reached $309.9 million in the third quarter of 2016 and surpassed $5.7 billion year-to-date (YTD) through September 30, as announced today by SNL Kagan, an offering of S&P Global Market Intelligence.

The radio market reported $293.1 million in deal volume in the third quarter, 82% of which is from the top radio deal of the year, the pending merger between Beasley Broadcast Group and Greater Media.

Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. announced on July 19 that it would acquire all of the outstanding stock of Greater Media Inc., effectively tripling the year's radio deal volume. Our estimates put the deal's value of $239.0 million at a 6.0x forward seller's multiple.

The only other sizable radio deal in the third quarter was a do-over of the canceled sale of noncommercial Jazz-FM station KPLU in Tacoma, Wash. A nonprofit group called Friends of 88.5 FM raised $8.0 million and bought KPLU and its three full-power and eight low-power translators from Pacific Lutheran University Inc.

As in the previous two quarters, the largest portion of the radio deal market (58% of all stations sold) involved low-power FM translators. In the wake of the FCC's AM Revitalization initiative, and following the sale of 626 FM translators and FM translator construction permits in the first half of the year, another 177 FM translators (including 64 Construction Permits) were sold in the third quarter for $9.7 million total.

Due to the ongoing FCC blackout on TV transactions, the TV deal market registered a mere $16.8 million in the third quarter 2016, which is the lowest quarterly deal volume since the first quarter of 2010.

The largest deal of the third quarter was a refiling, and its $13.5 million price tag was deducted from a previous deal announced earlier in the year. Calkins Media Inc.'s ABC affiliate WAAY-TV in Huntsville, Ala., was originally to be sold to Raycom Media Inc. together with Calkins' other two ABC stations for $82.0 million. As per the amended deal terms, Alabama TV LLC has agreed to acquire WAAY-TV on August 26.

The only other significant TV deal was another spinoff as part of Nexstar Broadcasting Group Inc.'s deal to acquire Media General. Nexstar is selling FOX affiliate KASA-TV in Santa Fe, N.M., and 31 TV translators to Ramar Communications Inc. for $2.5 million.

About S&P Global Market Intelligence

At S&P Global Market Intelligence, we know that not all information is importantsome of it is vital. Accurate, deep and insightful. We integrate financial and industry data, research and news into tools that help track performance, generate alpha, identify investment ideas, understand competitive and industry dynamics, perform valuations and assess credit risk. Investment professionals, government agencies, corporations and universities globally can gain the intelligence essential to making business and financial decisions with conviction.

S&P Global Market Intelligence a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence.

Copyright  2016 by S&P Global Market Intelligence, a division of S&P Global. All rights reserved.

SOURCE S&P Global Market Intelligence

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NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- INTRODUCTION

Vaccines have always been viewed as a low-margin business characterized by high entry barriers. Developmental and production related complexities, combined with significant fixed costs and stringent regulatory standards, have limited competition among vaccine manufacturers. In addition, these complexities have also restricted innovation in this space to a great extent. However, recent advances in biotechnology and biomanufacturing have resulted in the development of advanced technologies capable of addressing the challenges associated with manufacturing vaccines. Previously, the vaccine market was solely focused on preventive vaccines developed against infectious diseases. The advent of therapeutic vaccines has renewed interest in this field by paving way for vaccines to be developed for a variety of chronic and degenerative diseases. This has led to the entry of a number of established and emerging stakeholders who are competing for a share in this growing market segment.



It is well-known that the overall trend of outsourcing has grown significantly in the biopharmaceuticals industry. Due to the complex nature of vaccine development and manufacturing processes, both large and small stakeholders are exploring outsourcing opportunities for their products. Operational and infrastructural cost-benefits and reduced time-to-market are the major factors driving outsourcing. Manufacturing vaccines requires specialized resources and highly regulated technology platforms, which are becoming increasingly difficult to establish in-house. Although big pharma players prefer to carry out most of these processes in-house, they are gradually entering into long-term partnerships with trusted contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). On the other hand, smaller and emerging players have been known to outsource a relatively larger share of their clinical development and commercial manufacturing processes to contract manufacturing partners. The landscape is rapidly evolving. CMOs aiming to consolidate their presence in the market are expanding their service portfolios to provide end-to-end services to their clients and sponsors.



SCOPE OF THE REPORT

The Vaccine Contract Manufacturing Market, 2016  2026 report provides an extensive study of the current market landscape of CMOs focused on vaccines. The study presents an in-depth analysis of a diverse set of biopharmaceutical CMOs based on key parameters such as geographical location, scale of operation, use of expression systems and manufacturing capabilities. In addition, it captures some of the potential growth areas that will likely present tremendous opportunities for vaccine CMOs and contribute to an accelerated pace of growth.



The report assesses the key drivers that have governed the evolution of vaccine contract manufacturing market over the past several years, along with an elaborate discussion on the future trends that are likely to shape the market in the coming years. One of the focus areas of this study is to estimate size of the future opportunity for vaccine CMOs market over the next decade, segmented on the basis of business operations, type of expression systems and key regions.



The study also provides information on some of the most important aspects of vaccine outsourcing; these include growing collaborations, investment activity, facility expansions and technological advances. In addition to some of the well-known benefits and a promising outlook, the study highlights considerable challenges that are currently prevalent in the market. Examples include quality concerns, stringent regulations and lack of funding. Nevertheless, these challenges are resulting in new strategies and technological improvements, which are likely to prove advantageous in the long run.



The base year for the report is 2016; it provides market forecasts for the period 2016 - 2026. The research, analysis and insights presented in this report is backed by a deep understanding of key insights gathered both from secondary and primary research.



RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Most of the data presented in this report has been gathered via secondary and primary research. For all our projects, we conduct interviews with experts in the area (academia, industry, medical practice and other associations) to solicit their opinions on emerging trends in the market. This is primarily useful for us to draw out our own opinion on how the market will evolve across different regions and technology segments. Where possible, the available data has been checked for accuracy from multiple sources of information.



The secondary sources of information include

- Annual reports

- Investor presentations

- SEC filings

- Industry databases

- News releases from company websites

- Government policy documents

- Industry analysts' views



While the focus has been on forecasting the market over the coming ten years, the report also provides our independent view on various non-commercial trends emerging in the industry. This opinion is solely based on our knowledge, research and understanding of the relevant market gathered from various secondary and primary sources of information.



CHAPTER OUTLINES

Chapter 2 provides an executive summary of the key insights captured in our research. The summary offers a high level view on the current status of the vaccine contract manufacturing market and where it is headed in the mid-long term.



Chapter 3 is a general introduction to vaccines. The chapter also includes an overview of the various expression systems used in the development of different vaccines and their related manufacturing procedures. It also provides an elaborate discussion on the need for outsourcing vaccine development and manufacturing processes. In this chapter, we have also presented a list of commonly outsourced biomanufacturing activities that we came across during the course of our research. The chapter also features a section dedicated to the challenges associated with the market.



Chapter 4 provides a comprehensive overview of the global landscape of vaccine CMOs. The chapter includes in-depth analysis based on regional distribution, scale of operation, manufacturing capabilities, type of vaccines manufactured and expression systems used.



Chapter 5 features an analysis of the trends, regulatory landscape and highlights the key players in vaccine contract manufacturing located in the US and Europe, the two leading geographies in this market. The chapter also provides a sub-market forecast for vaccine contract manufacturing segmented on the basis of expression systems used.



Chapter 6 provides details of vaccine contract manufacturing activities in China and India. It includes information on the regulatory framework, growth drivers and challenges associated with vaccine contract manufacturing in these regions. It also provides a high-level view on the production capabilities of some the key players in these emerging geographies. Additionally, a sub-market forecast for vaccine contract manufacturing segmented on the basis of expression systems used is also included in this chapter.



Chapter 7 presents an analysis of the recent developments in the vaccine contract manufacturing market. It provides a listing of the partnerships established in the recent past, along with an overview of other observed market trends, including investments and facility expansions.



Chapter 8 presents a detailed market forecast for the vaccine contract manufacturing market. Additionally, we have analyzed the future potential for specific geographies across the globe and in terms of the type of expression systems used. To account for the uncertain nature of the market, we have presented three different tracks of market evolution, namely the conservative, base and optimistic scenarios.



Chapter 9 provides a SWOT analysis capturing the key elements that are likely to influence the market's future.



Chapter 10 highlights future trends that are likely to emerge in the evolving vaccine contract manufacturing market. It includes brief discussions on important aspects such as the adoption of innovative technologies and a shift to strategic partnering. The chapter also addresses the growing market demand and how it is likely to influence the future growth and evolution of this market.



Chapter 11 is a summary of the entire report. It provides the key takeaways and presents our independent opinion of the vaccine CMOs market, based on the research and analysis described in the previous chapters.



Chapter 12 contains the transcripts of interviews conducted with representatives from renowned organizations engaged in this space.



Chapter 13 is an appendix that contains tabulated data and numbers for all the figures provided in the report.



Chapter 14 is an appendix that provides the list of companies and organizations mentioned in the report.



EXAMPLE HIGHLIGHTS

1. Vaccine development and manufacturing, characterized by complex production processes and high entry barriers, is set in a highly regulated market landscape. Outsourcing has emerged as a rising trend in this domain and gained a lot of traction in the last few years. As the market continues to evolve, CMOs are rapidly enhancing their service offering to offer end-to-end services to their clients.

2. Developed regions, such as North America and Europe, currently dominate the vaccine contract manufacturing market. Of the 79 CMOs we identified, 41 have presence in multiple locations in the US. In Europe, the other major hub for CMOs, 20 CMOs have facilities located in Germany, France and the UK alone.

3. CMOs in emerging locations have also gained ground. With increasing support from local governments, many low-income geographies have restructured their indigenous regulatory landscape. Intellectual property protection laws have been made more stringent in favor of foreign sponsors looking to outsource business operations in the same regions. Established players in this market have also received the necessary qualifications and certifications to provide services in compliance with global standards.

4. Out of 79 CMOs, 21 offer end-to-end services across preclinical, clinical and commercial scale. We observed a rapid adoption of mammalian and insect production technologies among service providers.

5. The highly competitive market landscape is abuzz with partnership activity. We have identified 128 unique partnerships that were inked in the recent past. Of these, a sizeable proportion (25%) is mergers / acquisitions. We believe this trend is likely to continue in the future.

6. Technological advances are amongst the major driving factors in this market. The introduction of novel expression systems, such as the EB66 and GPEx cell lines, and cell culture media platforms have sustained the interest of players in this field. Single use / disposable technologies, a key bio-manufacturing trend, are also becoming more and more popular among contract manufacturers. This is representative of the current market intensity.

7. Driven by increasing global demand and the rapidly expanding vaccine market, we expect the overall contract manufacturing market in this space to grow at an annualized rate of 9.8%. The rate of growth is likely to vary significantly across different segments / activities and across geographical regions.



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03961394-summary/view-report.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarius Mobile Health, a digital healthcare startup, will demonstrate its ultra-portable ultrasound scanners at the Emergency Medical Services World Expo in New Orleans this week. Clarius Mobile Health's user-friendly wireless scanners pair with iOS and Android devices for point-of-care assessments to help diagnose critically ill patients before they reach the hospital.

Branden Miesemer uses his new Clarius scanner Helen Skinner demonstrates Clarius in an EMS helicopter

"One of the biggest obstacles to providing emergency care in the field is the lack of diagnostic tools," said Branden Miesemer, a flight paramedic and medical educator in Nebraska. "Having the ability to use real-time ultrasound imaging in the field will help improve treatment and patient outcomes."

Miesemer, who is the founder of EMSPOCUS and teaches point-of-care ultrasound at workshops and online, won a draw for a free Clarius Scanner in September. He picked up his prize at the EMS World Expo. "Winning the Clarius Scanner gives me more opportunities to educate EMS providers on the benefits of ultrasound," Miesemer said. "Since I can carry Clarius with me, I'll be able to show people what I'm talking about whenever the subject comes up."

Clarius ultrasound scanners are wireless and work with a mobile app that is compatible with most iOS and Android smart phones and tablets available today. The Clarius C3 multipurpose ultrasound scanner is designed to image the abdomen, lungs and for quick scans of the heart. The Clarius L7 linear scanner is ideal for guiding procedures such as nerve blocks and targeted injections.

"We're hearing from a broad spectrum of medical practitioners who are enthusiastic about using ultrasound to improve patient care in non-traditional settings," said Laurent Pelissier, Chairman and CEO of Clarius Mobile Health. "We are seeing strong interest from the EMS community and I believe Clarius will be a great fit. It's super portable, durable, easy to use and produces excellent images. It will be priced so institutions can buy several for the price of a high quality portable ultrasound system."

Clarius Scanners are built with a magnesium case that is designed to withstand difficult environments. The Scanners will be water resistant for easy cleaning and sterilization. They are powered with a rechargeable battery. Clarius Scanners are pending regulatory clearance from the FDA, CE and Health Canada. Miesemer and all other early users are only able to use the Clarius Scanner for teaching and testing on models. Clarius is ISO Certified and has met all safety requirements.

ABOUT CLARIUS

Founded by ultrasound innovators, Clarius Mobile Health aims to make ultrasound available to all clinicians. Our affordable handheld ultrasound scanners offer clinicians the freedom to use ultrasound anywhere they need it. Clarius is ISO certified and has filed for regulatory clearance in various regions. For more information, visit http://www.clarius.me/product.

Media requests: Neena Rahemtulla, VP Marketing, Clarius Mobile Health

Email: Email Tel: 1-604-260-7077

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415819

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415818

SOURCE Clarius Mobile Health
SHANGHAI and PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WuXi AppTec (WuXi), a leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device technology platform company, celebrated the grand opening of their new 150,000-square-foot biomanufacturing facility in an event attended by Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack and WuXi AppTec Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ge Li. The new facility is WuXi AppTec's third facility in the Philadelphia Navy Yard. When fully configured, the facility could employ an additional 200 manufacturing and support staff.

"The expansion by WuXi AppTec continues the growth of the Philadelphia Navy Yard as a hub for biotechnology and cell and gene therapy. It means workers in STEM fields will have more employment opportunities here. The commitment shown by a global pharmaceutical and biomanufacturing firms such as WuXi also demonstrates that Philadelphia and Pennsylvania are good places for science and technology firms to do business. We look forward to working with WuXi on future expansions," said Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack.

This facility is designed for cell therapy products that utilize viral vectors such as chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T cell) therapies. In addition, the facility will permit expansion of viral vector manufacturing to support gene therapy clinical and commercial programs and will permit large scale production in 2,000L single-use bioreactors. The new facility will supplement WuXi's existing 20,000-square-foot cGMP cell therapy manufacturing facility, as well as a 50,000-square-foot facility for the commercial manufacturing of allogeneic and autologous cell-based therapeutics. WuXi's 220,000 square feet of total manufacturing capacity in the U.S. expands its ability to be a single-source for process development, clinical and commercial cGMP manufacturing, and analytical testing to support the rapidly growing cellular therapeutic and gene therapy industry's unique requirements.

"Advanced therapies like CAR T-cells and gene therapy vectors offer significant new therapeutic options for cancer patients and those suffering from crippling genetic diseases. We are pleased to be at the forefront of this field, providing our partners with cutting-edge cGMP manufacturing capabilities and capacities," said Dr. Ge Li, Chairman and CEO of WuXi AppTec.

"We are proud to be an integral part of the biotech hub in the Navy Yard and an important center for the manufacturing of cell and gene therapies here in Philadelphia. With the capacity and capabilities we now have available, we can provide the integrated clinical and commercial manufacturing solutions needed by our cell and gene therapy customers," said Felix Hsu, Senior Vice President of WuXi AppTec's US Business Unit.

About WuXi AppTec

WuXi AppTec is a leading global pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device open-access capability and technology platform company with global operations. As an innovation-driven and customer-focused company, WuXi AppTec provides a broad and integrated portfolio of services to help our worldwide customers and partners shorten the discovery and development time and lower the cost of drug and medical device R&D through cost-effective and efficient solutions. With its industry-leading capabilities in small molecule R&D and manufacturing, biologics R&D and manufacturing, cell therapy and gene therapy R&D and manufacturing, medical device testing, and molecular testing and genomics, WuXi platform is enabling more than 2,000 innovative collaborators from more than 30 countries to bring innovative healthcare products to patients, and to fulfill WuXi's dream that "every drug can be made and every disease can be treated." Please visit http://www.wuxiapptec.com

For specific information on WuXi's advanced therapy manufacturing, please visit www.us.wuxiapptec.com

SOURCE WuXi AppTec

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) will host its 27th annual Washington PR Woman of the Year Award Luncheon on Friday, November 18, 2016 at the Fairmont Hotel to celebrate the accomplishments of women who are raising the bar in public relations. The Woman of the Year luncheon, established in 1990, is WWPR's signature event. It is an annual experience fostering camaraderie among women in public relations, culminating in a must-attend event that honors the achievements of those who have reached a pinnacle in the profession.

The Finalists for WWPR's 2016 Woman of the Year Award are:

Martha BoudreauChief Communications and Marketing Officer, AARP

Sharon ReisPrincipal, The Reis Group

Maria RodriguezPresident, Vanguard Communications

Deirdre Latour, Chief Communications Officer for GE, will provide keynote remarks at the event.

Please join us for lunch as we honor three extraordinary women and the positive impact they've made in the communications field. Register today and make sure to use the #WOY2016 hashtag to promote the event!

For additional information, please contact WWPR WOY committee co-chairs Elise Perkins and Dani Veira at [email protected]

Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is a member-based professional society cultivating and inspiring female communicators to reach their full potential in the DC market and beyond. The organization is committed to providing leadership opportunities, professional development, mentorship, and industry networking.

SOURCE Washington Women in Public Relations

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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
Dharamsala, Oct 2 : Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay on Sunday pledged the Central Tibetan Administration's (CTA) commitment to non-violence on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

"Gandhi Jayanti is an auspicious day. Gandhiji is the father of the very successful Indian freedom struggle. His views on morality and ethics still resonate with the consciousness of humankind. Therefore, we Tibetans join in this celebration," he told reporters here.

A brief ceremony was held at the CTA Secretariat to celebrate the occasion where Sangay hoisted the Indian national flag.

"Today is also the international day of non-violence as per a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly on June 15, 2007. Following the leadership of Gandhiji, we pledge non-violence as envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to resolve the Tibet issue," Sangay said.

He outlined non-violence as the key to resolve all conflicts and urged Tibetans to imbibe the messages of peace and positivity to move forward in the struggle.

Taking a jibe at the Chinese government, Sangay said China should restore the fundamental human rights and religious freedom for Tibetans inside Tibet.

China should also exert more effort to resolve the Tibet issue in a peaceful and amicable manner, the democratically elected Prime Minister said.

The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959. The Tibetan exile administration is based here.
New Delhi, Oct 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the issue of "brain drain" can be converted into "brain gain" if the nation started looking at the 27-million-strong Indian diaspora spread across the world as a strength rather than a number.

"Brain drain worries can be converted into brain gain if we see the Indian diaspora as a strength rather than counting them just as numbers," Modi said after inaugurating the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, a state-of-the-art complex dedicated to overseas Indians.

"In more than 150 countries we've presence of Pravasi Bhartiyas. They are a huge strength for our Missions," he added.

Noting that the world was more keen now than earlier "to engage with India", he said: "In such times 'fear of unknown' can be an obstacle. Our diaspora can help overcome this. They just have to tell the world that we belong to India."

The Prime Minister stressed on the need to connect with the diaspora and hailed his predecessor Atal Bihari Vajpayee who "coined idea of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas and it has been continued since then".

Modi also said that it was very appropriate to inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

"Gandhiji had left India but the call of the nation brought him back. Nothing can be a bigger inspiration than this," he said.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra located in south Delhi's Chanakyapuri will serve as the focal point of the institutional framework to benefit from networks with and among overseas Indians.

"Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra shows what it means to be an Indian, the meaning of association with India.

"It is home to 27 million PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) and NRIs (Non Resident Indians). It can act as a focal point for even those Pravasis who are still searching for their roots in India," said Modi.

The centre is expected to develop into the hub of activities for sustainable, symbiotic and mutually rewarding economic, social and cultural engagement between India and its diaspora.

Among other facilities, the complex has a library, research centre, flexible capacity meeting rooms, cultural centre, auditorium of 500 capacity, 24 guest rooms, business centres and restaurant.
New Delhi, Oct 3 : With a view to highlighting women's efforts in the startup ecosystem, assess opportunities and connect them with the business eco-system, Nasscom on Monday announced the 10,000 Startups programme the "Change Makers Summit 2016".

The premier trade association of Indian Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing industry said daylong event will take place on October 7 in Bengaluru.

"From receiving less than 2 per cent applications from Women founders in the first year to having more than 10 per cent of the total applications in 2016, Nasscom 10,000 Startups programme has seen a great rise in the number of women taking up tech entrepreneurship," the National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) said in a statement.

"Nasscom 10,000 Startups 'Change Makers Summit' will provide women lead startups access to knowledge sessions, funding options via SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) lending, access to the angel investor networks, and accelerator and incubation support," it added.

The IT representative body said the team has received a total of 280 applications so far and is in a process of evaluating them for the funding, government grants and acceleration opportunities.

The maximum number of applications received is from the booming e-commerce sector followed by fintech, artificial intelligence and IoT (Internet of Things), the industry body added.

"We came across an increased number of applications from women entrepreneurs this year which is a really good sign for the entire ecosystem. With more women addressing their interest towards entrepreneurship, it is essential to introduce such customized programs to promote women entrepreneurship across sectors and business offerings," Vice President of Industry Initiatives at Nasscom K.S. Vishwanathan said.

"We have to slowly introduce dynamics that allow us to live in a culture that boosts us to be inventive and enthusiastic, where our ideas can be fostered and transmuted into great inventions, which can glorify female entrepreneurs the same as men," he added.

"10,000 Start-ups", an attempt by Nasscom to scale up the start-up ecosystem in India, aims to enable incubation, funding and support for 10,000 technology start-ups in the country over the next ten years.
Damascus, Oct 5 : A Turkish soldier and 18 suspected Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in clashes in northwestern Syria, a media report on Wednesday quoted defence sources as saying.

Three Turkish soldiers were also wounded in the clashes, although none suffered serious injuries, Efe news reported.

The IS intended to "infiltrate" a village near Syrian town of al-Rai, which is currently under the control of Turkey-backed Syrian armed opposition.

During the operations, Turkey fired 221 artillery shells, 40 long-range rockets and 18 tank shells against 75 IS positions, the media report said.

A dozen Turkish soldiers have died in Syria during clashes with the IS since Turkish troops crossed the border on August 24 to free the city of Jarabulus in Syria from the jihadist militia.
New Delhi, Oct 5 : The central government on Wednesday constituted a high-level technical team to visit the Cauvery basin area to assess the ground realities there.

Central Water Commission Chairman G.S. Jha heads the team, constituted by the Ministry for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

The team was set up in pursuance to the October 4 Supreme Court order asking the Cauvery Supervisory Committee to visit the river basin area in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to assess the ground situation and report back to it by October 17.

The team members will converge at Bengaluru on October 7 for a preparatory meeting. It will submit its report to the Supreme Court on October 17.

The other member of the team include CWC member S. Masood Husain, Chief Engineer, Krishna and Godavari Basin Organisation, R.K. Gupta, Chief Secretary or his representative from the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and one chief engineer each from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry.

The bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit on Tuesday directed constituting the supervisory committee headed by the CWC chairman.

The panel is expected to visit Hemavathi, Harangi, Krishna Raj Sagar and Kabini reservoirs in Karnataka and Mettur, lower Bhavani dam and Amaravati reservoirs in Tamil Nadu.

It will be submitting its report before October 18, the date when the court would be hearing the matter again.
The Hague, Oct 5 : The International Court of Justice on Wednesday ruled against a complaint brought by the Marshall Islands against India that it was not doing enough to halt the nuclear arms race.

The UN's top judicial agency, in a 9-7 ruling, said it has accepted India's arguments that the ICJ should not have jurisdiction in the case.

The judge said the Marshall Islands had failed to show that it has any legal dispute with India fit for the court to adjudicate.

The Marshall Islands originally filed cases against the Permanent 5 countries -- US, Russia, Britain, France and China, and India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea for failing "to pursue in good faith and bring to a conclusion, negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament".

The case was then reduced to claims brought against Britain, India and Pakistan.

On Wednesday, the ICJ, known as the World Court, similarly rejected the claim brought by Marshall Islands against Britain and Pakistan.

The Marshall Islands was the site of atomic bomb tests by the United States after World War II and it was trying to force the nuclear powers to adhere to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons from 1970.
New Delhi, Oct 5 : With Bangladesh recently allowing passage of Indian trucks carrying petroleum products to the Indian state of Tripura through the former's territory, India and the neighbouring nation on Wednesday discussed other areas of bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbons.

According to an Indian Petroleum Ministry release, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met here with Bangladeshi Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid and thanked him for permitting Indian trucks to pass through Bangladesh.

"Pradhan discussed with his Bangladesh counterpart the issue of supply of high speed diesel (HSD) from the Siliguri terminal of Numaligarh Refineries Ltd to Parbatipur depot of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation," the statement said.

"Both sides are working on details of the proposed pipeline project -- the Indo-Bangla Friendship Pipeline -- between Siliguri and Parbatipur," it said.

Indian Oil Corp (IOC) had last month transported petroleum products from the northeastern state of Assam to Tripura through Bangladesh. The arrangement was due to the difficulties faced in carrying petrol and diesel through the Indian roads of the region.

The new route via Bangladesh saves time and costs in carrying petroleum products from Assam to Tripura as the existing over 400 km mountainous route requires more than ten hours to traverse. The short-term India-Bangladesh deal on shipping petroleum products was valid till September 30.

"Both Ministers also discussed the status of various Indian proposals that have been shared with the Bangladeshi side, including the setting up of LPG import terminal at Chittagong by IOC and its onward transportation by road to the Tripura bottling plant," the statement said.

"Petronet LNG Ltd (PLL) in Kutubdia Island near Chittagong is finalising an MoU with Petrobangla on setting up of the LNG terminal."

The two ministers also reviewed the progress on work being done by Engineers India Ltd on the expansion of Eastern Refineries Ltd, Chittagong, it added.
Chandigarh, Oct 5 : Schools in border areas of Punjab reopened on Wednesday -- although with less than 50 per cent attendance, officials said.

Reports from schools in the six border districts of Amritsar, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran and Fazilka said that only 35-45 per cent students attended the schools on Wednesday.

The main reason for this was that the Punjab government, which ordered the reopening of the schools, has still not said anything about the villages within 10 km of the International Border with Pakistan that were ordered to be evacuated on September 29.

"Children studying in schools have left the villages with their families and moved to safer locations. How can they be expected to attend classes? Only children from families which have not moved out or are living nearby came to attend classes today," a teacher in Attari village in Amritsar said.

Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh on Wednesday asked Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to explain why the residents of the border areas could not stay in their homes when schools were being reopened there.

"What is the point in opening the schools when you are forcing people to evacuate (their homes)? You are clearly losing it," Amarinder said in a statement here.

He said that "the state government's decision to open the schools in the border areas clearly vindicated the Congress' stand that the Akali-BJP government was just whipping up war hysteria in the border areas for its political ends".

"Who will go to the schools when there is nobody staying in those areas. In fact, neither schools should have been closed nor evacuations carried out in the first instance," he said.

The Punjab government had on Tuesday ordered that schools in the border belt of the state should be reopened from Wednesday.

"All schools in border belt will open from tomorrow (Wednesday). These had been closed due to security reasons," Education Minister Daljit Singh Cheema said on Tuesday.

The schools, which were situated within 10 km of the international border with Pakistan, had been ordered closed on Thursday last week following the Indian Army's surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) to destroy terrorist launch pads.

The Punjab government, based on directions from the Union Home Ministry, had also ordered the evacuation of villages in the border districts.

Though thousands of people were evacuated, many refused to move out of their homes in the border villages, saying that they had to tend to their properties, crops and cattle.

The evacuation order affected nearly 1,000 border villages and a population of over 400,000.

Punjab shares a 553-km-long International Border with Pakistan.
Washington, Oct 6 : The Us "strongly" condemns the Israeli government's recent decision to advance a plan that would create a significant new settlement deep in the West Bank, the State Department said on Wednesday.

"Proceeding with this new settlement, which could include up to 300 units, would further damage the prospects for a two state solution," State Department spokesperson Mark Toner said in a statement.

The criticism comes after Israel's decision last week to approve a plan for the construction of 98 housing units in the new settlement to be established next to the Shvut Rachel settlement, an Israeli settlement and a city in the West Bank, according to Israeli media reports.

The approval of a new plan "contradicts previous public statements by the Government of Israel that it had no intention of creating new settlements," Toner said.

The new settlement plan also came after the United States and Israel signed last week an unprecedented new military aid deal that will give the Israeli military 38 billion U.S. dollars from fiscal year 2019 to 2028.

Toner said that it is "deeply troubling" that Israel would take a decision so contrary to its long term security interest in a peaceful resolution of its conflict with the Palestinians in the wake of the new deal on military aid.

The spokesperson also lashed out at Israel for advancing plans that would "seriously undermine" the prospects for the two state solution that former Israeli President Shimon Peres, who died last week at the age of 93, "so passionately" supported.

Peres's body was laid to rest last Friday during a state funeral attended by US President Barack Obama, former US President Bill Clinton, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and dignitaries from 80 nations.

In Wednesday's statement, Toner called on Israel to "ultimately decide" between expanding settlements and preserving the possibility of a peaceful two state solution.

"Proceeding with this new settlement is another step towards cementing a one-state reality of perpetual occupation that is fundamentally inconsistent with Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state," he said.

"Such moves will only draw condemnation from the international community, distance Israel from many of its partners, and further call into question Israel's commitment to achieving a negotiated peace," the spokesperson added.
Srinagar, Oct 6 : Militants on Thursday attacked a army camp in Kupwara town of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

The 30 Rashtriya Rifles camp in Langate town of northern district came under the fire, a senior police officer said, adding that "alert guards have prevented the militants from entering the camp".

"Heavy exchange of fire was going on between the militants and the security forces," he said.

Militants had attacked an RR camp in Janbazpora area of Baramulla town on October 3.

One BSF trooper was killed and another injured in that attack.
Chennai, Oct 6 : A three-member doctors team from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will examine Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa admitted in Apollo Hospital since last month, said reports.

According to reports, the three-member team -- pulmonologist G.C.Khilnani, cardiologist Nitish Naik and anaesthetist Anjan Trikha -- will examine the 68-year old Jayalalithaa.

However, officials of Apollo Hospials and the state government were not available to comment.

The AIIMS medical team comes after a British doctor Richard Beale, consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at Guy's and St.Thomas Hospital, London examined Jayalalithaa.

According to Apollo Hospitals, the treatment plan was based on detailed discussions with Beale.

The treatment plan included appropriate antibiotics, respiratory support and other allied clinical measures presently being continued to treat the infection.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on September 22 for fever and dehydration.

While Apollo Hospitals initially said Jayalalithaa was cured of fever, later it said she was being treated for infection. She was advised some more days stay in the hospital.

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court on October 4 directed Tamil Nadu's Additional Advocate General to get instructions from the government on Jayalalithaa's health.

Social activist Traffic Ramaswamy filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Madras High Court seeking the real status of Jayalalithaa's health.

The court also observed that people were anxious to know about the Chief Minister's health.

Traffic Ramaswamy sought to know whether Jayalalithaa was in sound health to take important decisions and hold meetings of officials and ministers.
New Delhi, Oct 6 : Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday called terrorism the "foremost challenge" for the south-east Asian countries, adding that there is a need to delegitimise it as an instrument of state policy.

Parrikar said: "Terrorism remains foremost challenge to our (Asean) region. We need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere, delegitimise it as an instrument of state policy, and cooperate unreservedly to locate and destroy terrorist networks."

He was speaking at the 20th Asean Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities meet here.

"The security frameworks in our (Asean) region still does not give enough attention to terrorism. This must change," he said according to an official statement.

The comments came amid continued tension along the India-Pakistan border following the attack on an Indian Army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 19 soldiers dead.

A surgical strike was conducted by the Indian Army in the night between September 28 and 29 on terror launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir that further escalated the tension.

A camp of 30 Rashtriya Rifles was attacked by militants on Thursday in Kashmir's Kupwara district. In the gun battle, three terrorists were killed by the army.

Parrikar also referred to the maritime domain as a key enabler of prosperity that faces a wide spectrum of threats and reiterated India's support for freedom of navigation, over-flights and unimpeded lawful commerce, based on the principle of international law as reflected notably in the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The three-day meet is being attended by representatives of 23 member nations and organisations including China, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Russia, EU and Asean Secretariat. India last hosted the meet in October 2003 in New Delhi.

The main theme of discussion at the meet will be 'Transformation of military education to meet the challenges of 21st Century'.
Mumbai, Oct 6 : Actress Deepika Padukone, who is gearing up for the release of her debut international film "XxX: The Return Of Xander Cage", has described her character as reckless, fearless and relentless.

Deepika on Wednesday night took to Instagram to share over a 15-second-long video, which showed her character being described as: "Reckless, fearless, relentless...'XxX: The Return Of Xander Cage."

The "Bajirao Mastani" star captioned the clip: "Serena 'XxX: The Return Of Xander Cage'."

Deepika will essay the character named Serena Unger in the upcoming international film in which she shares screen space with Hollywood star Vin Diesel.

Directed by D.J. Caruso, "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage", a sequel to the 2002 film "xXx" and 2005 film "xXx: State of the Union", also stars Ruby Rose, Samuel L. Jackson, Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa.

The film is slated to release on January 20, 2017.
Leh (Ladakh), Oct 6 : She zoomed through the streets of Bangkok on a superbike with Pierce Brosnan in the James Bond flick "Tomorrow Never Dies", but Hollywood actress Michelle Yeoh mostly doesn't feel the need for speed. Road safety is a key element in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India has a key role in their delivery, says the UNDP Goodwill Ambassdor for SDGs.

"You have a great amount of infrastructure that is coming up along with many, many new highways. Also, there is great increase in urbanisation. And on your roads it's many wheels -- four wheels, two wheels and then four legs, two legs," the Malaysian-born Yeoh, who was here for the just-concluded Naropa festival at the famed 17th century Hemis monastery, 40 km from here, told IANS in an interview.

"But we are very persistent in ensuring that India will also be a very crucial part of road safety which also counts toward the sustainable development goals of the UNDP," said Yeoh, whose first notable role was as Colonel Wai Lin, a Chinese spy and Bond associate.

In this context, she lauded the road signs in Ladakh with messages like "Life is short, but don't make it shorter" and "Don't speed and drive".

"These signs remind you to drive sensibly and this is what we are trying to create awareness (about) across the globe. And in India, we are particularly hard because there are really a lot of challenges ahead," said Yeoh, who survived last year's devastating earthquake in Nepal and is equally renowned for her advocacy and philanthropic efforts.

Noting that driving on Indian roads means negotiating a host of perils, she said the authorities should give appropriate consideration to road safety and sustainable mobility.

"Life is short but don't make its shorter," Yeoh, whose other notable role was in Ang Lee's Oscar-winning martial arts love story "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", reiterated.

The action heroine, who believes Buddhism is a philosophy, said the UNDP is working closely with ministries across the globe. "We are advocating that if we build roads safe now, you don't have to come back 10 years later to correct the mistakes and after so many lives have been lost. So we have to work very closely with different departments."

After that, educating or generating awareness about road safety is must, she said. "Right now we have all the answers because the developed nations have been working hard on road safety. So we (the developing nations) are lucky; lucky in the sense that they made a lot of mistakes, we can learn from those mistakes."

"We have a lot of big models (on road safety) that can be easily replicated. Some of them don't cost anything much," Yeoh said.

Advocating stricter road safety laws, she said: "Whether it's the pedestrian crossing or implementing laws that can check speedy, crazy and drunk-driving, make compulsory the use of safety belts or restricting speed limits round schools, so many things can be implemented without much cost."

The survivor of the deadly earthquake that struck Nepal while she was visiting the country in April 2015, she recalled being so scared after the disaster that she left the country with a sense of helplessness.

"We were so lucky that we were unhurt and able to go back home. I must say at that time I didn't feel that I could do anything for them. I felt as helpless as the other victims."

"I was scared with the earth rattling. But when I left the place, I felt guilty. I thought I must go back. So a month after the disaster, I reached there again as the brand ambassador of the 'Live to Love' foundation of His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa (the spiritual head of the 1,000-year-old Drukpa Order based in India)."

"Three months back, I was there again as the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador. The UN is working on various projects, including restoring water supply in villages," Yeoh said.

The temblor in Nepal killed over 8,000 people, injuring thousands and causing widespread destruction.

(Vishal Gulati first met Michelle Yeoh when she visited quake-hit villages on the outskirts of Kathmandu in Nepal in May last year. He was in Leh at the invitation of the Gyalwang Drupka. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
Mumbai, Oct 6 : Actor Arjun Rampal has wrapped up shooting for the upcoming film "Daddy", reportedly based on the life of gangster Arun Gawli.

Arjun on Wednesday shared a photograph of the film's clap-board, and captioned it: "What a ride! What joy! Thank you team 'Daddy'...'Daddy' it's a wrap. Can't wait to see it now."

The film is directed by Ashim Ahluwalia, who made his directorial debut with the feature-length documentary "John & Jane" in 2005. The film also won him National Film Award for Best First Non-Feature Film of a Director. He also made "Miss Lovely"

Arjun has two more films in his kitty. The "D-Day" actor will be soon seen sharing screen space with actress Vidya Balan in the second installment of the 2012 thriller film "Kahaani".

He will also be seen in the sequel of the 2008 rock musical drama film "Rock On!! 2", with actors Farhan Akhtar, Purab Kohli, Prachi Desai and Shraddha Kapoor.
New Delhi, Oct 6 : Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling was on Thursday honoured with prestigious "Sustainable Development Leadership Award" by President Pranab Mukherjee here.

During "World Sustainable Development Summit" organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) at Vigyan Bhavan here, Chamling was recognised for his efforts to convert Sikkim into a fully organic state.

"The award was presented to Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in recognition of his vision and leadership in environment and sustainable development leading to the establishment of Sikkim as the first and only organic state in the country," an official statement released here said.

Sikkim is the only state in India to have attained the official status of fully organic state in January 2016 announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Around 75,000 hectares of land in Sikkim has been converted into certified organic farms and it contributes around 80,000 tonnes of organic production out of total 1.24 million tonnes of organic production recorded in india.

"Chamling has taken various green initiatives under which ban on pan masala/gutka was enforced in the entire state in the year 1995, and subsequently in 1997 passed an Act on prohibition of throwing of non-degradable garbage in public drains and sewerage," it said.

There is a ban also in the state on smoking at public places.
Accra, Oct 6 : The Ghanaian government has decided to relocate a statue of Mahatma Gandhi from the University of Ghana near Accra, following a move by a group of lecturers to have the statue pulled down over alleged 'racist' views expressed by Gandhi.

The decision was taken to ensure "its safety and to avoid the controversy on the Legon Campus becoming a distraction from our strong ties of friendship that have existed over the years", a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

"The unfortunate verbal attack on Mahatma Gandhi is effectively an attack on an Indian nationalist hero and icon, who is revered and cherished by over one billion people who are either citizens of India or persons of Indian decent," the statement said.

The petitioners seeking relocation of the statue were led by a former director of the Institute of African Studies at the Legon university.

Last month, Professor Akosua Adomako Ampofo led a group of lecturers to petition the University Council to remove the statue and listed, among other things, some remarks that Gandhi had made as far back as 1894 in South Africa.

They quoted Gandhi as saying: "A general belief seems to prevail in the Colony that the Indians are little better, if at all, than savages or the Natives of Africa. Even the children are taught to believe in that manner, with the result that the Indian is being dragged down to the position of a raw Kaffir," and contended that these were racist comments.

The group based their arguments on what, they said, had happened at other world class universities recently and mentioned Yale University in the US where it said: "Former bastions of slavery, apartheid and white supremacy, statutes and other symbols associated with controversial persons have been pulled down or removed."

The ministry said it had followed with deep concern the acrimony generated by the recent campaign by a group of lecturers and students of the University of Ghana for the removal of the statue of the Indian national leader, Mahatma Gandhi, from the campus of the University of Ghana on grounds of the latter's alleged past racist comments.

The statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled by President Pranab Mukhereje during his state visit to Ghana in June this year.

The statement said Ghana's relations with India date back to the early 1950s when Ghana's then President Kwame Nkrumah struck a strong bond of friendship with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

"Diplomatic relations were soon established after Ghana's independence in 1957. The two countries have since shared common positions on many issues of international concern," it said.

"Ghana and India have championed the struggle for the liberation of oppressed peoples around the world and were strong in their condemnation of the obnoxious policies of the apartheid regime in South Africa," it added.

"It is worthy of note that the statue of Mahatma Gandhi was erected on the University of Ghana campus with the consent of the university authorities. It was not compelled by the government to accept the statue," the ministry said.

The statement acknowledged that human as he was, "Mahatma Gandhi may have had his flaws," and said, "we must remember that people evolve. He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world."

"In a global interconnected world where conversations that take place on social media are shared in real time, there is the potential to create disaffection not only at the level of government relations, but also between people not only in our country but all over the world," the statement added.

It also urged Ghanaians to look beyond the comments attributed to Mahatma Gandhi and acknowledge his role as one of the most outstanding personalities of the last century who demonstrated non-violence.

(Francis Kokutse can be reached at fkokutse@gmail.com)
Damascus, Oct 6 : At least 16 Ankara-backed rebels were killed in a blast that rocked their position on the Syrian-Turkish border, authorities said on Thursday.

According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the explosion targeted a group of fighters at the Atama crossing between Syria and Turkey under the control of the Free Syrian Army, Xinhua news agency reported.

On August 14, a blast hit the same crossing at Atama, killing 35 rebels and civilians, and injuring 40 others.
Islamabad, Oct 6 : Pakistan must resume back-channel talks with India, Pakistani Senators have said.

This is one of the 22 recommendations finalised on Wednesday by the Senate Committee of the Whole House, set up to formulate policy guidelines for the government on ties with India, the Dawn reported on Thursday.

"Keeping in view the need, efficacy and usefulness of back-channel talks between India and Pakistan, the talks should be restored," said one of the recommendations approved by the committee during its in-camera meeting presided over by Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani.

"The bilateral and Kashmir-related confidence-building measures need to be restored and expanded," it added.

The Senators stressed the need for working "towards bringing about a climate in which Pakistan and India can implement politically difficult decisions to build mutual trust and confidence, leading towards an honourable and amicable settlement of Jammu and Kashmir as well as peace and stability and the welfare of the people".

The committee called for setting up an international fact-finding commission to investigate the terrorist attack on an army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir and human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir.

The committee's recommendations come amid a serious deterioration in India-Pakistan ties after New Delhi blamed Pakistan for the September 18 Uri camp terror attack.

Besides calling for restoration of back-channel talks, the committee recommended that the two neighbours "should prompt a serious caution and restraint when faced with over-provocation".

It also called for a task force to formulate a "doable and sustainable" Kashmir policy.

The members called for a comprehensive outreach to those segments of Indian public opinion which were opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "extremism and his anti-Pakistan policies".

The Senators also urged the government to oppose the "blatant interference" of India in various parts of Pakistan, especially in Balochistan, the Dawn reported.

The members expressed concern over growing military ties between the US and India, saying this was promoting Indian hegemony in the region and was set to spark a new Cold War in South Asia.
Patna, Oct 6 : RJD chief Lalu Prasad came under attack of the BJP after RJD legislator Raj Vallabh Prasad Yadav, accused of raping a minor in February 2016 and suspended from the party, visited him on Thursday, a day before the Supreme Court is to hear the Bihar government's petition challenging the grant of bail to him.

Yadav visited Lalu at his official residence, 10 Circular Road, here in the state capital and was closeted with him for two hours, according to officials.

"Yadav has spent two hours with Lalu discussing in a closed room at his sprawling bungalow," an official posted at Lalu's residence confirmed.

Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar attacked Lalu for meeting the rape accused, who was suspended from the Rashtriya Janata Dal after reports of the rape surfaced in February.

"Lalu meeting a rape accused MLA has sent a wrong message. It has insulted women," Prem Kumar said.

Prem Kumar said it has again vindicated his stand that Lalu has been providing protection to people like Yadav for political purposes.

Yadav is considered to be close to Lalu.

Yadav was released from jail on Saturday after spending nearly six months behind bars. The state government on Monday filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking cancellation of his bail.

Yadav, who represents Nawada constituency in the Bihar assembly, was accused of raping a schoolgirl in Bihar Sharif on February 6.

He was on the run for about a month before he surrendered in a Nalanda civil court.

His bail petitions were repeatedly rejected by the lower court. Following this, he moved the Patna High Court, which freed him on bail on Friday.

According to the victim's police complaint, a woman named Sulekha Devi had taken her to an undisclosed location in Nalanda and forced her to have liquor, after which she was raped by a man, who was later identified as Yadav.

The woman even offered the victim Rs 30,000 after rape.

The local court in Nalanda in June framed charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code against Yadav and all other accused persons.
Damascus, Oct 6 : A relative calm reigned over the embattled Syrian city of Aleppo on Thursday after the government announced a reduction in bombings, a British monitoring group said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said no airstrikes or mortar shelling were registered in eastern Aleppo since President Bashar al-Assad's forces announced a temporary humanitarian reduction in violence, Efe news reported.

However, some artillery rounds were reported in the early hours of the morning in certain rebel-held neighbourhoods.

There were reports of clashes between Syrian Army soldiers and armed opposition factions -- some of which were Islamist -- in the historic quarter of the city.

The Syrian government released a statement on Wednesday explaining that they would reduce bombing campaigns against "terrorist positions" so that civilians could evacuate blockaded districts of Aleppo.

On September 22, with the support of Russian aerial bombardment, the government troops embarked on an offensive to retake Aleppo neighbourhoods under rebel opposition control.

According to SOHR, 456 civilians have died since the collapse of an internationally-brokered humanitarian ceasefire on September 19.

In northern Idlib province near the Turkish border, 20 Turkish-backed Syrian rebels were killed when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt at a checkpoint.

The rebel troops were part of Ankara's 'Operation Euphrates Shield,' a military offensive that seeks to regain control a swathe of the Turkey-Syria borderland from the Islamic State and Kurdish militias, both regarded as terrorists by Turkey.

Assad receives the support of Russia, Iran and the Lebanese Shiite militia group Hezbollah while 'moderate' opposition and Kurdish groups benefit from US-led coalition airstrikes and Turkish military advice.

The UN estimated that over 400,000 persons have lost their lives in the five-year-old civil war.
Keylong, Oct 6 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Thursday told local authorities to rehabilitate the people of Changut village in Lahaul-Spiti district who were hit by a flash flood.

The Chief Minister directed the Lahaul-Spiti administration to rehabilitate the villagers by providing them "nautor land" as the entire village was washed away in the flash floods on August 14, 2014.

"Nautor Land" means the right to utilise, with the sanction of authorities, wasteland owned by the government outside towns, reserved and demarcated protected forests and such areas as may be notified by the government.

Addressing a public meeting at Chhaling in the remote Mayar Valley after inaugurating a bridge, he said it was due to compulsion that the people of the few villages who were affected by flash floods occupied the government land.

He directed the administration to restore their electricity connections.

He said out of total 28 panchayats in the Lahaul Valley, 27 panchayats had been connected with roads and the remaining Naalda panchayat would get road connectivity.

Addressing a gathering at Udaipur, the Chief Minister announced to restart bus service from Udaipur to Chamba via Sachh Pass.

He said with opening of the Rohtang tunnel, the area would be accessible to all and a large number of tourists would visit the Lahaul Valley which would make people economically sound.

The Lahaul Valley, about 350 km from state capital Shimla, remains cut off due to heavy snow accumulation in the Rohtang Pass (13,050 feet) - the only connection with Manali in Kullu district. It reopens once snow starts thawing after mid-April.

The Buddhist-dominated district in the Himalayan terrain at elevations ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 feet above sea level attracts globetrotters not only for nature-based activities but also to ancient monasteries.
Islamabad, Oct 6 : Rattled by global isolation after India's diplomatic blitz over Pakistan's pro-terror policy, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has told the country's all-powerful ISI to crack down on terrorists and end the Mumbai attack trial and the probe into the Pathankot strike -- New Delhi's two key conditions to resume peace talks with Islamabad.

Sharif's blunt demand came at a high-level meeting of civilian officials with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Gen. Rizwan Akhtar, the influential Dawn newspaper reported on Thursday.

But the Pakistan government dismissed as "not only speculative but misleading and factually incorrect" the Dawn report about the meeting on security issues.

Dawn reported that Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry told the meeting on Wednesday that Pakistan faced diplomatic isolation and its talking points had been met with indifference in major world capitals.

Even China, Pakistan's closest ally, had questioned the logic of repeatedly putting on technical hold a UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar, Chaudhry said, according to Dawn.

Also, amid worsening India-Pakistan relations, a group of Senators asked Islamabad to resume its back-channel talks with New Delhi.

And on Thursday, PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan denounced the government over its failure to curb non-state actors, leading to the country's diplomatic isolation.

The Wednesday meeting -- where there was an extraordinary verbal clash between the ISI chief and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister's younger brother -- came amid worsening ties with India.

India called for Pakistan's diplomatic isolation after the September 18 attack at an army camp in Kashmir that left 19 soldiers dead.

India says the attackers came from Pakistan and belonged to the Jaish that was also blamed for the January 2016 Pathankot attack on an IAF base that killed seven security personnel.

The Uri attack was followed by the Indian Army's surgical strikes, dismantling at least seven terror launch pad and killing an unknown number of terrorists and their sympathisers across the de facto border in Kashmir.

India's diplomatic war on Pakistan led to the cancellation of the Saarc summit that Islamabad was to host in November. Major world countries have supported India's demand to Pakistan to act against terrorist groups patronised by the ISI.

Dawn reported that the government on Wednesday informed the ISI about the "growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the state" to reverse the situation.

The daily said the government, in a "blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning", asked military-led intelligence agencies "not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action".

"Nawaz Sharif has directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court," the daily said.

Chaudhry said relations with the US had also deteriorated and may further deteriorate because of the American demand that action be taken against the Haqqani network, which is active in Afghanistan. The network has been blamed for attacks on Indian establishments in Afghanistan.

Talking about worsening ties with New Delhi, the Foreign Secretary said India's main demands were the completion of the investigation into the Pathankot attack and "some visible action" against the Jaish.

"To a hushed but surprised room, Chaudhry suggested that while China has reiterated its support for Pakistan, it too has indicated a preference for a change in course by Pakistan," Dawn reported.

"The Foreign Secretary's unexpectedly blunt conclusions triggered an astonishing and potentially ground-shifting exchange between the ISI chief and several civilian officials."

Shahbaz Sharif complained to the ISI chief that whenever action had been taken against certain groups by civilian authorities, the security establishment had worked behind the scenes to set the arrested men free.

The Dawn quoted those at the meeting as saying that the Foreign Secretary's comments and Shahbaz Sharif's intervention were orchestrated by the Prime Minister to stir the military into action.

The ISI chief cautioned that action against terrorist groups now could be seen as "buckling to Indian pressure or abandoning the Kashmiri people".
Taipei, Oct. 6 (CNA) The next U.S. president needs to reset policy toward Taiwan by allowing high-level Taiwanese officials to visit Washington, D.C., supporting a presence for Taiwan at the United Nations and including it in regional military exercises, a senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives said in an article published on Wednesday in The Diplomat online magazine.
Hyderabad, Oct 6 : L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd (LTMRHL) has completed 67 per cent of the work on the prestigious Hyderabad Metro Rail project, the company said on Thursday.

LTMRHL, a subsidiary of construction major Larsen & Toubro, reiterated that it remained committed to the project and was making all efforts to complete it expeditiously.

The firm issued a statement amid rumours about the project.

The official, however, declined to comment as to when the two stretches ready for operations will be thrown open to public.

He said 20 km metro rail in two stretches were technically ready.

According to the developer, the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has completed the inspection and issued the certification for Nagole to Mettuguda and S.R. Nagar to Miyapur stretches.

The first stage was earlier scheduled to be commissioned in January 2015 but it missed the deadline and uncertainty remained as to when the project will begin its commercial operations.

S.N. Subrahmanyan, Deputy Managing Director and President, L&T and Non-Executive Chairman, LTMRHL, said the project was moving on the right track and L&T was committed to the project.

Subrahmanyan had said in May this year that 71.16 km elevated metro rail project was likely to be fully operational by December 2018.

"We are sticking to the same deadline," Sanjay Kapoor, General Manager and Head, corporate communications, LTMRHL, told IANS.

As per the concession agreement signed with the then government of united Andhra Pradesh in 2010, the project should have been completed by July 2017.

According to update on project status, 17 stations were completed on two stages while work was in progress on three interchange stations and other 30 stations.

The concession agreement for Rs 14,132-crore project, said to be the largest metro project in the world in public-private partnership, was signed in September 2010 but the work commenced in July 2012.

LTMRHL in 2011 had achieved financial closure for Rs 16,375 crore -- Rs 14,132 crore for the metro rail system and Rs 2,243 crore for the first phase of real estate development.

While admitting in May this year that there has been cost escalation, the company did not share the figures, saying they are "dynamic".
Raisen (Madhya Pradesh), Oct 6 : Six persons have been arrested in Raisen, in Madhya Pradesh, on charges of killing a man who they believed was practising black magic, police said on Thursday.

The arrested persons blamed the victim, Ramesh Baba, for causing the death of 56-year-old Puran Singh, who succumbed to jaundice. The six men killed Baba with knives and swords.

Puran Singh, from Sameri Khurd village, was suffering from jaundice and malaria. Though the local clinic doctor advised him to be taken to Bhopal for hospitalisation, his family decided to rely on quacks, a police official told IANS on Thursday.

When his condition continued to deteriorate, one of the quacks alleged that the illness was due to "jaadu tona" or black magic done on him. Puran Singh died on Thursday morning, after which his family attacked Baba with sharp-edged weapons.
New Delhi, Oct 6 : India will host the Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) here next month, it was announced on Thursday.

The three-day conference, to held from from November 3, is being organised in collaboration with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), an official statement here said.

"This is the first AMCDRR after the advent of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), adopted at the third UN world conference in Sendai, Japan in March last year. It will set the direction of Sendai Framework implementation in the region," it said.

The conference, which aims at transforming the commitments of governments and stakeholders during the Sendai Conference into national and local action, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It will adopt the Asian Regional Plan for implementation of the Sendai Framework endorsed by the asian countries.

It will also consolidate the political commitment of governments towards preventing and reducing risk as well as strengthening resilience in the form of a political declaration, the statement said.

It added that voluntary statements of action of stakeholder groups towards a shared responsibility approach in implementation of the SFDRR would also be adopted.

Established in 2005, AMCDRR is a biennial conference jointly organised by different asian countries and the UNISDR.

So far, six AMCDRR conferences have been organised. India had also hosted the second AMCDRR in New Delhi in 2007.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 6 : The Congress-led opposition in Kerala on Thursday demanded a judicial probe into the fee hike in private medical colleges in the state by the CPI(M)-led Pinarayi Vijayan government.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has been on a war path since the Kerala assembly began a fresh sitting on September 26.

Things got worse when opposition legislators undertook an indefinite fast in the foyer of the assembly, demanding that thee fees be rolled back.

On Wednesday, the fast was called off as the House adjourned briefly for the Puja holidays, but Thursday saw protests by all the top UDF leaders across the 17 districts of the state.

"The only way the truth to the entire fee hike will come out is by a judicial probe. A mere crime branch probe that has been announced to find out if capitation fees has been collected will not suffice," said State Congress President V.M. Sudheeran while inaugurating the protest at Pathanamthitta.

Even though the Vijayan government has claimed that they have been able to put an end to the capitation fee regime of the private institutions, the opposition has dubbed it as a "bluff", pointing out that capitation fee for a medical seat still ranges between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 35 lakh.

The opposition claims that while the fee in the medical colleges went up by Rs 47,000 during the five-year tenure of the previous Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, the Vijayan government has increased it to Rs 65,000 since it took office in May this year.

Despite a few rounds of talks between the state government and the opposition in the assembly, the impasse continues with the rival fronts sticking to their stand.

"Everything has been done in a foolproof manner and there has been no wrong doing at all. Baseless news is being spread that the Chief Minister got angry with me and the Health Secretary," said State Health Minister K.K. Shailaja.

With the assembly resuming its sitting on October 17, the UDF has decided to conduct statewide meetings on October 15 and 16 and will meet again on October 17 to decide the next round of protest.
Rome, Oct 6 : Over 4.8 million Italians are now living abroad amid a growing "brain drain" of younger people who are leaving behind poor prospects in their homeland, a new report on Thursday showed.

As of January 1 this year, a total 4,811,163 Italians were registered as resident outside their homeland, according to the report presented in Rome by the Italian Bishops' Conference's Migrantes Foundation.

And between January 1 and December 31 last year, 107,529 Italians went abroad, a 6.2 percent increase from 2014, the "Italians around the World" report showed.

Among Italians who emigrated last year, most went to other European countries and the largest group was aged between 18 and 34 (36.7 per cent) followed by 35-49 year-olds (25.8 per cent).

The report described the rise in emigration as a "brain drain" caused by high unemployment and low salaries among the 'millennial' generation, who also have the highest average education levels.

While southern Italians have traditionally accounted for the majority of those leaving the country, the report showed a sharp increase in emigration from northern Italy in recent years.

Germany was the country where the biggest share of Italians decided to start a new life (16,568), only slightly more than the UK (16,503), followed by Switzerland and France, according to the report.
New Delhi, Oct 6 : Global airlines' industry body International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Thursday said that with a rise of 23.2 per cent, India's domestic passenger traffic increased at the fastest pace amongst the major aviation markets in the world.

IATA pointed out that for August, India's domestic revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) and available seat kilometres (ASK) grew at the fastest pace amongst the major aviation markets such as Australia, Brazil, China, Japan, the Russian Federation and the US.

According to the global airlines association's August traffic results, India's domestic RPK -- a gauge that measures actual passenger traffic -- rose by 23.2 per cent in the month under review, compared to the corresponding month of the previous year.

Data furnished by the IATA disclosed that India's domestic passenger traffic growth was followed by that of China at 12 per cent, Japan at 1.9 per cent, Australia at 1.2 per cent and the US at 1.00 per cent.

However, Brazil reported a decline in their domestic passenger traffic at 6.3 per cent, followed by the Russian Federation at 2.7 per cent.

Similarly, India's domestic ASK -- which measures available passenger capacity - surged by 18.4 per cent during last month, followed by that of China at 10.5 per cent, the US at 3.7 per cent and Australia at 0.9 per cent.

"All markets reported demand increases with the exception of Brazil and Russia, with India and China reporting double-digit rises," IATA said in its global passenger traffic data for August.

For the month under review, the association said that the global RPK in August had risen by 4.6 per cent, while the ASK climbed by 5.8 per cent.

"Growth in passenger demand dipped to 4.6 per cent. While that's disappointing compared to the previous month's performance, it is still healthy growth," said Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and Chief Executive, IATA.

"And although terrorist attacks in Europe have dampened demand, the impact is ebbing."

Further, the data for August revealed that the demand for global domestic traffic rose by 4.7 per cent, against the international demand growth of 4.3 per cent.

"Lower airfares are a major factor sustaining demand for air travel. And airline profitability is stronger than ever as a result of a better industry structure and efficiency gains," said de Juniac.

"The industry has improved resilience along with its profitability. That will be critical to responding quickly should the business environment change."
Washington, Oct 6 : Finance Minister Arun Jaitley held a meeting with World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim here to suggest exploring innovative financing solutions as India was looking at an increased capital support from it, an official statement said on Thursday.

"While discussing the policy issues related to the World Bank Group, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley indicated India's strong support for the capital increase and its readiness to take larger share than the dynamic formula would require," Finance Ministry said in a statement.

He also emphasised that the World Bank Group should work together with the member countries to explore innovative financing solutions.

The meeting held on Wednesday acknowledged the long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship between the World Bank Group and India, especially the former's in the six priority areas identified for the multilateral development bank's assistance.

Later in the evening, Jaitley interacted with several US State Department officials during the reception hosted in his honour.

Jaitley is currently on official tour to Washington to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank and other associated meetings. He is accompanied by Urijit Patel, Governor, RBI; Shaktikanta Das, Secretary, Economic Affairs and Arvind Subramanian, Chief Economic Advisor.

"Das held a bilateral meeting with United States Treasury Under-Secretary Nathan Sheets. Both sides took stock of the work done on technical cooperation on National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, public debt management and municipal bonds and agreed to expedite progress on these issues," the statement added.
Kolkata, Oct 6 : Bucking the trend, members of the primitive Asur tribe from Jharkhand will showcase their expertise in iron smelting to the public here during the five-day Durga Puja festival, organisers said on Thursday.

The Asur tribe claim their descent from the buffalo-headed demon Mahishashur and mourn the slaying of their ancestor by Goddess Durga as the rest of the world celebrates the occasion.

At the behest of the organisers of the FE Block, Durga Puja in the satellite-township of Salt Lake will highlight the intricacies of the ancient craft of conversion of ore to iron in live demonstrations at the marquee.

"There are seven Asur tribe members who arrived here to demonstrate their ancient practices. They have brought with them their own equipment," P. Roy of the FE Block Residents' Association told IANS, adding that the documented footage will be played during the celebrations.

"We had gone to their village Sakhuapani in Netarhat to interact with them and recorded a video on the community. They will hold live demonstrations and talk about their trials and tribulations as well," Roy said.

The iron made by the tribe has anti-rust property and the processes are much safer, cheaper and eco-friendly.

"The craft is on the verge of extinction and the idea is to generate awareness about their rich history and debunk myths," the organisers said.

The people from the tribe are now mostly found in Gumla, Latehar, Lohardaga and Palamu district of Jharkand and in Alipurduar in North Bengal.

The tribe holds that Durga had tricked their ancestor and killed him.

"For them, Durga puja is inauspicious and they mark its conclusion as Mahishashur Martyrdom Day. Despite their beliefs, they agreed to come to a Durga Puja pandal, which for them is taking a different route from tradition," Roy said.

Anthropologists say they were among the Proto-Australoid groups inhabiting Jharkhand and western regions of West Bengal.

The Asuras name figures in the Rigveda, Brahamanas, Aranyakas, Upanishadas and epics which comprise the sacred literature of the Hindus.
New Delhi, Oct 6 : India and Singapore on Thursday called for "reinvigorating multilateral action on terrorism" and "adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations" at the earliest.

According to a joint statement released at the end of the visit of Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong to India, the two prime ministers "reviewed and expressed satisfaction over the good progress in the bilateral relationship since the signing of the Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership".

The two countries signed the joint declaration during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore last year.

"The two Prime Ministers also noted the convening of the first Defence Industry Working Group in May 2016, the continued progress in cooperation in defence R&D and technology, regular joint military exercises and training between the armies, air forces and navies, service-to-service cooperation, naval ship visits, and the sharing of White-Shipping Information," the joint statement said.

The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the ongoing cooperation to address common security concerns, such as in the areas of counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber security and illicit drug trafficking.

Welcoming the launch of six satellites of Singapore by the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in December 2015, the Prime Ministers hailed the growing cooperation between India and Singapore in space technology and stressed on the need for furthering cooperation in R&D.

"The Prime Ministers also recognised the importance of exploring the expansion of air connectivity to support new and commercially viable air links between and beyond both countries," the statement said.

The two nations in the statement have "reiterated their support for security, safety and freedom of navigation and over flight," as per the "international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS".

Tje two nations have "called upon all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means without threat or use of force and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of actions that could escalate tensions in the region", it added.

Prime Minister Lee expressed his condolences to the Indian Government and the families of the victims of the Uri attack, and "the two Prime Ministers affirmed their resolve to fight against global terrorism, terror organisations and networks and all those who encourage, support and finance them".

India welcomed the realisation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) community and expressed full support for Asean's centrality in the evolving regional structure.

Three memoranda of understanding (MoU) were signed during this visit on Industrial Property Cooperation between Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, Collaboration in the Field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training between the National Skill Development Corporation and ITE Education Services, Singapore, and Collaboration in the Field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training between the Government of Assam and ITE Education Services, Singapore.
Ranchi, Oct 6 : : Five days after four villagers, including three minors, were killed in police firing in Hazaribagh district, the BJP-led Jharkhand government on Thursday announced compensation to the next of kin of the killed persons.

A compensation of Rs 2 lakh each will be given to the family members of the victims and Rs 25,000 to injured persons.

Terming the compensation an insult to the families of the victims, the state Congress demanded a judicial probe into the killings by a sitting judge of the Jharkhand High Court.

Sources in the government said that the BJP government led by Raghubar Das was under tremendous pressure from within the party as well as the opposition parties.

When police firing took place on October 1, the Chief Minster was in the United States and he returned on October 2.

Hazaribagh is represented by BJP MP Jayant Sinha who is a Minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet.

The villagers were protesting against land acquisition and low compensation being paid by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

The coal blocks of Pankri Barwadih, Chatti Bariatu and Keredari in Hazaribagh district were awarded to NTPC in 2004 and foundation was laid for mining work on November 21, 2005.

A total of 8,000 acres of land needs to be acquired for the purpose, out of which 4,000 acres belong to the 'rayats' or contract tillers, 2,900 acres comprises forest land and 1,200 acres is government land.

The land acquisition was estimated to affect 8,745 families and 13 million tonnes of coal was expected to be excavated from the project every year.

The villagers said that the NTPC has not given compensation as per the 2013 Land Acquisition Act and the majority of the villagers do not want to relinquish their cultivable land.
Islamabad, Oct 6 : Voices favouring action against terror groups are growing louder in Pakistan with ruling as well as opposition lawmakers asking the government to stop protecting terrorists like Hafiz Sayeed whose activities have plunged the country into diplomatic isolation.

Rana Muhammad Afzal, a ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker, on Thursday questioned the government's failure to act against Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba and the head of its frontal charity Jamaat-ud-Dawa.

"Which eggs is Hafiz Saeed laying for us that we are nurturing him," Afzal said in a meeting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, according to the BBC Urdu.

Afzal, a member of the parliamentary panel, questioned the efficacy of Pakistan's foreign policy and said it had become such that "we have not been able to get rid of Hafiz Saeed so far".

Sayeed, one the most wanted terrorists in India, has been blamed for masterminding terror attacks in Kashmir and other parts of India including the 2008 Mumbai carnage that killed 166 people.

The lawmaker said New Delhi had created such a worldwide impression about the terrorist leader "that during the meetings on Kashmir, foreign delegates mention Hafiz Saeed as the bone of contention between Pakistan and India".

He said the country needed to be freed of such elements that have "led the world to start isolating us and trying to declare (Pakistan) a terrorist state".

He recalled a trip to France where he had gone on a diplomatic mission to make Paris aware about alleged atrocities committed by Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

But Saeed was "brought up time and again" during his meetings in France, Afzal said.

He questioned whether Saeed was good or bad for the Kashmir cause and said that banned terror outfits, like the Lashkar and Jaish-e-Mohammed, were a source of embarrassment for Pakistan.

Opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Aitzaz Ahsan told a joint session of Parliament that the country was diplomatically isolated because it gives freedom to non-state actors.

"The government has been completely unsuccessful in imposing restrictions on non-state actors according to the National Action Plan (NPA)," the Dawn newspaper quoted Ahsan as saying.

He implied that such elements continued to hold protests and rallies and give speeches in places such as Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi.

"I don't want instability in any country, as the blame of that will then fall on us because of these non-state actors," he said.

He said the failure to curb terrorists would isolate Pakistan. "Then Bangladesh and Afghanistan will not speak to you, and Bhutan and Nepal will begin supporting India."

"You have isolated Pakistan," he said, adding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was responsible for Pakistan's diplomatic isolation as he was also the Foreign Minister.
New Delhi, Oct 6 : A court here on Thursday rejected anticipatory bail plea of Delhi Food and Supplies Minister Imran Hussain and four others accused of threatening to kill a man and demolish his under-construction building if he failed to pay up Rs 30 lakh.

"Considering the facts that the matter is serious and offences are not compoundable and considering the evidence so far, I do not find it a fit case for grant of anticipatory bail. Applications are therefore dismissed," said Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma.

The court turned down the plea of defence counsel that the parties have reached a compromise and were likely to move Delhi High Court for quashing of the FIR.

Four others whose bail plea were rejected are Mohsin Ahmed, Furkan Hussain, Irfan Hussain and Hammad, all associates of miinister.

A complaint was registered against the minister and the others at Jafrabad Police Station here early this year.

The accused were booked under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 387 (putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion) and 389 (putting person in fear of accusation of offence, in order to commit extortion) of the Indian Penal Code.

The Congress on February 9 released a video clip that showed a close aide of minister demanding a bribe on his behalf a person constructing a house in old Delhi.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), however, has termed the video as "fabricated".

Delhi Police has alleged that the minister had sent co-accused Mohsin at the residence of the complainant for stopping the construction work and asked him to meet Imran Hussain in Jafrabad.

It alleged the minister demanded Rs 30 lakh or he would not allow the construction work to go on and get the building demolished.

When the complainant said that the amount was too high, they abused him and Mohsin brandished a pistol at him.

The court, in its order, noted that the investigating officer has shown that there were recorded conversation between the accused and complainant and also of a junior engineer claiming pressure from the minister.

Hussain is AAP's legislator from Ballimaran.
New Delhi, Oct 6 : India has taken up with Beijing the issue of China putting on hold again inclusion of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's name in the UN's designated list of terrorists, the government said on Thursday.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup confirmed this in his weekly media briefing here.

A Chinese official confirmed last week that Beijing has extended its decision to put a technical hold on the UN's 1267 Committee declaring Pakistan-based Azhar a terrorist by three months.

In April, China had blocked India's move to label Azhar, a decision had angered New Delhi which has been trying to convince Beijing to reconsider the decision.

Beijing's latest move comes nearly two weeks after four Pakistani terrorists killed 18 Indian soldiers in cross-border terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri.

Swarup said that India's principal argument made in its submission to the 1267 Committee in March this year, was that the Committee has proscribed the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, but has ignored the need to take action against this organisation's main leader, financier and motivator who continues his terrorist actions, unhindered.

"On the further extension all that I will say is that the Committee has already pondered our submission for the last six months," he said.

"It will get a further three months to ponder, but that will in no way change the strange situation we have of the Committee designating the terrorist organisation but failing to or ignoring the need to designate the organisation's most active and dangerous terrorist!"

According to the spokesperson, India has conveyed to the Committee that it is expected to proscribe Masood Azhar under the 1267 Sanction Regime on the basis of New Delhi's submission.

"Such a designation would help send a strong signal to all terror groups across the world that the international community is no longer going to pursue, or tolerate, selective approaches to terrorism," Swarup said.

Stating that distinction between good and bad terrorists was not only fallacious and counterproductive, he said that it would also be sending a dangerous message if it failed to act upon India's submission.

"I understand this issue is also being taken up with the Chinese government," Swarup said.
Islamabad, Oct 6 : The Pakistan government on Thursday dismissed as "not only speculative but misleading and factually incorrect" a Dawn news report on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif asking the ISI to act against terrorists or face global isolation.

A spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office "has strongly rejected" the report about the deliberations in a meeting between the government and military leadership, including Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt. Gen. Rizwan Akhtar, on security issues of the country.

"It is an amalgamation of fiction and fabrication. The fact that the report itself states that none of the attributed statements were confirmed by the individuals mentioned in the story clearly makes it an example of irresponsible reporting," the PMO spokesperson said in a Facebook post.

The influential daily had in its exlcusive front page report said that "the civilian government has informed the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan.

The daily said that the military-led intelligence agencies were told not to interfere if civilian "law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action.

"Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has (also) directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot (terror strike) investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi antiterrorism court."

The PMO spokesperson, however, dispelled the impression that there was a rift between the civilian government and the ISI.

The spokesperson said the Pakistan's intelligence agencies were working with the state "in the best interest of the nation both at the federal and provincial levels to act against terrorists of all hue and colour without any discrimination".

"Indeed the army's and ISI's role and contributions towards implementation of (anti-terror National Action Plan) NAP have been proactive and unwavering.

"It is imperative that those demanding the right to information at par with the international best practices also act in a manner which is compatible with international reporting standards."
New Delhi/Agra, Oct 6 : Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said there is no reason to release the video of the surgical strikes across the Line of Control after what has been brought out by media on the army action.

Seeking to bring an end to the demand for disclosure of evidence of the strikes conducted across the Line of Control (LoC), he said: "After the telecast of the interview of the Pakistan police officer by a news channel on the surgical strikes, there is no reason left to release the video of the strike."

Addressing an event organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party in Agra, Parrikar, referring to the reports carried by the media in which people from across the LoC had said that strikes took place, said: "No more proof is needed.. the media has given enough proof."

CNN News18 news channel had reported on Wednesday a a senior Pakistani police official disclosing that at least five Pakistani soldiers and an unspecified number of militants were killed in the strikes.

The Indian Express on Wednesday also reported that eyewitnesses from across the LoC had confirmed brief but intense firing during during the strikes of September 29 and how the bodies of those killed were loaded onto trucks for secret burial.

Parrikar lauded the army for the surgical strikes and termed them as "perfect".

"I am proud of our soldiers, when asked to conduct a surgical strike, not only they conducted a strike but achieved hundred per cent success. World would not have seen such a perfect surgical strike ever. Our soldiers are capable of performing a perfect strike which is not heard even from forces of the leading nations."

He went to tell the audience that "under the leadership of (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi the borders of India are safe".

Attack the opposition, who had demanded proof, he said: "On one hand, I am asking you to be assured but on the other hand there are elements in the country who have raised question on the bravery of the Indian forces. I don't wish to name them."

The Minister thanked and praised retired servicemen for writing to him and expressing their desire to serve at the border in case of war.

The comments came amid continued tension along the India-Pakistan border following the attack on an Indian Army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 19 soldiers dead, and the surgical strike on September 29 on terror launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Earlier in the day, Parrikar, addressing the 20th Asean Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities meet in Delhi, stressed that terrorism remains the foremost challenge to the region, and called for delegitimising it as an instrument of state policy.

"Terrorism remains foremost challenge to our (Asean) region. We need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere, delegitimise it as an instrument of state policy, and cooperate unreservedly to locate and destroy terrorist networks.

"The security frameworks in our (Asean) region still does not give enough attention to terrorism. This must change," he said according to an official statement.

Parrikar also referred to the maritime domain as a key enabler of prosperity that faces a wide spectrum of threats and reiterated India's support for freedom of navigation, over-flights and unimpeded lawful commerce, based on principles of international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea.

The three-day meet is being attended by representatives of 23 member nations and organisations including China, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Russia, EU and Asean Secretariat.

India last hosted the meet in October 2003 in New Delhi.

The main theme is 'Transformation of military education to meet the challenges of 21st Century'.
New Delhi, Oct 6 : The government said on Thursday that its "responsible and principled approach" towards nuclear disarmament has been vindicated after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) dismissed a case filed by the Marshall Islands that India was not doing enough on nuclear non-proliferation.

"We believe the judgment vindicates our responsible and principled approach to nuclear disarmament," External Affairs Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in his weekyl media briefing here.

"By appearing at the ICJ and engaging on the Application brought forward by the Marshall Islands, India has underlined its respect for international law and for the sentiment in the international community for taking forward nuclear disarmament," he said.

The ICJ on Wednesday ruled against a complaint brought by the Pacific island nation against India that it was not doing enough to halt the nuclear arms race.

The UN's top judicial agency, in a 9-7 ruling, said it has accepted India's arguments that the ICJ should not have jurisdiction in the case.

The judge said the Marshall Islands had failed to show that it has any legal dispute with India fit for the court to adjudicate.

The Marshall Islands originally filed cases against the Permanent 5 countries - US, Russia, Britain, France and China - and India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea for failing "to pursue in good faith and bring to a conclusion, negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament".

The case was then reduced to claims brought against Britain, India and Pakistan.

On Wednesday, the ICJ, known as the World Court, similarly rejected the claim brought by Marshall Islands against Britain and Pakistan.

The Marshall Islands was the site of atomic bomb tests by the United States after World War II and it was trying to force the nuclear powers to adhere to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons from 1970.

Swarup, however, said that this was not an issue to be adjudicated legally between two states and that it was a subject for inter-governmental negotiations involving all essential parties.

"As a responsible nuclear weapon state, we remain strongly committed to negotiations on global, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament at the CD (Conference on Disarmament) in Geneva," he added.
Chennai, Oct 6 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa is making gradual progress and will require longer stay at the hospital, Apollo Hospitals said on Thursday.

The hospital said: "Based on detailed deliberations and clinical examination, the expert group of doctors from Apollo Hospitals have drawn up a detailed medical management plan keeping in view the Chief Minister's known history of diabetes and winter bronchitis in inclement weather."

While the statement is silent on the ailment Jayalalithaa suffers from, it said: "The present treatment regimen includes continued respiratory support, neubilisation, drugs to decongest the lungs, antibiotics, nutrition, general nursing care and supportive therapy."

According to Apollo Hospitals, the consensus opinion of all experts is that the line of treatment given to Jayalalithaa should be continued and she will require a longer stay in the hospital.

Jayalalithaa, who was admitted last month, is under observation of a panel of doctors consisting of intensivists, cardiologists, respiratory physicians, infectious disease specialists and diabetologists.

The hospital said a team of experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi -- G.C. Khilnani, Professor, Department of Pulmonary, Nitish Naik, Professor, Department of Cardiology, and Anjan Trikha , Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology -- had deliberations on October 5 on treatment protocols given to Jayalalithaa.

The AIIMS team examined Jayalalithaa and will be here till Friday.

British doctor Richard John Beale, who had earlier examined Jayalalithaa, also examined her on Thursday.

The 68-year-old Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on September 22 for fever and dehydration.

While Apollo Hospitals initially said Jayalalithaa was cured of fever, later it said she was being treated for infection.

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by social activist Traffic Ramaswamy seeking information about Jayalalithaa's health condition.

The court dismissed the case as one filed for seeking publicity.
New Delhi, Oct 6 : After being pulled up by the Supreme Court, Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung held a second meeting at Raj Niwas on Thursday with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Health Minister Satyendar Jain and several senior officers to review the situation related to spread of vector-borne diseases in Delhi.

The second meeting was held after the Supreme Court expressed its displeasure at lack of any concrete outcome after the meeting held on Wednesday over the issue.

During the meeting on Thursday, discussion was held on various measures to tackle the problem of dengue, chikungunya and other vector-borne diseases.

The government will formulate an action plan based on the discussions and place it before the Supreme Court, a statement from the LG's office said.

The statement added that the details of the action plan shall be made public in due course of time.

Amicus curiae Colin Gonsalves also attended the meeting and made several suggestions.

"The suggestions made by learned Amicus Curiae Colin Gonsalves were taken up for discussion and largely agreed upon by all present," the statement said.

Earlier in the day, a bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Amitava Roy expressed displeasure over the Wednesday's meeting. A suggestion was put forth that another meeting could be held at 5.30 p.m. on Thursday.

Accepting the suggestion, the bench said the meeting should focus on the steps to deal with the situation.

"We expect the participants to arrive at a time frame within which all necessary steps will be taken and as to who will be responsible for their implementation... We also expect the efforts to be consultative, collaborative and cooperative," the bench added.

The court said the meeting will also discuss the "preventive steps for any contingency that may arise in the near future".

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was present at the first meeting, did not attend the meeting on Thursday citing health reasons.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendra Jain.

Secretary (Health) C.K. Mishra, Chief Secretary S. N. Sahai, New Delhi Municipal Council Chairperson Naresh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Delhi Cantonment Board and DMRC Director were among those present.

The next hearing of the Supreme Court will be on October 17.
New Delhi, Oct 6 : India on Thursday expressed its commitment to develop a regional energy hubwork at Trincomalee in Sri Lanka and offered to work with the Sri Lankan government in developing gas infrastructure in the island nation, an official statement here said.

The offer was made by Indian Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to the Sri Lankan Minister of Petroleum Resources Development Chandima Weerakkody at a meeting here, a Petroleum Ministry statement here said.

"Assured my Sri Lankan Counterpart of full support & offered to share our expertise in developing Sri Lanka as a regional energy hub," Pradhan tweeted.

"Discussed various proposals from Indian Oil & Gas Public Sector Companies for developing hydrocarbon infrastructure in Sri Lanka," he said in another tweet.

"These includes setting up of an LNG terminal near Colombo, utilisation of Upper Tank Farm through a JV, expansion of Lanka IOC operation etc," he said in a separate tweet.

According to the Indian ministry, Pradhan told his Sri Lankan counterpart that Indian companies had engaged a reputed consultant for assessing liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand and are developing related infrastructure in Sri Lanka, while the report would be shared with Sri Lanka shortly.

Pradhan also discussed Lanka Indian Oil Corp (LIOC) activities in Sri Lanka, including increasing the number of its retail Outlets and bunkering operations and granting license to LIOC for marketing jet fuel and LPG, the statement said.

"Both the sides also discussed refurbishment of Sapugaskanda refinery and possibility of setting up of a refinery in Sri Lanka as a joint venture to address the local needs," it said.

India also offered to assist Sri Lanka in building oil and gas pipeline networks in Sri Lanka, it added.

"Also shared the idea of setting up a Saarc Energy Group and setting up common energy facilities between Saarc Countries," Pradhan tweeted on a proposal made to the Sri Lankan minister.
New Delhi, Oct 6 : Haryana Congress chief Ashok Tanwar sustained injuries on Thursday following a clash between his supporters and those of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on a day Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi ended his Kisan Yatra.

Tanwar was taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where was given medical treatment.

"Tanwar was seriously injured and was vomiting. That's why he has been kept under observation in the ICU," RML Hospital spokesperson V.K. Sinha told IANS.

He said that the requisite tests will be performed on Tanwar.

Sinha also said 12-13 Congress workers had also been brought for treatment and were given first aid.

The clash took place between supporters of two leaders near Bhairon Mandir, which was a meeting point ahead of Rahul Gandhi's rally at Jantar Mantar.

Gandhi was addressing a rally at the Jantar Mantar in the national capital at the end of his Kisan Yatra that took place in election-bound Uttar Pradesh.
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Taipei, Oct. 6 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen () said on Thursday that since she took office in May, she has attached great importance to Taiwan's relationships with its diplomatic allies and wants the world to feel the cordial and sincere hand of friendship extended by Taiwan.
United Nations, Oct 6 : The United Nations Security Council on Thursday formally recommended former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres to succeed Ban Ki-moon as the next UN Secretary-General from January.

The decision was announced at the end of a closed-door meeting of the 15 council members. Their recommendation now goes to the UN General Assembly for its approval, EFE news reported.

Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and current council President, Vitaly Churkin, made the announcement.

He read reporters the brief text of the Security Council resolution, which said Guterres had been recommended by acclamation.

He said the formal recommendation came after a "fair process" in which a dozen other candidates were considered.

Terming Guterres as the best candidate available, Churkin said the Portuguese former premier would name people to other senior UN positions once he is confirmed by the General Assembly.

Guterres is currently in Lisbon and is expected to issue a statement to the press at Portugal's Foreign Ministry, according to the Portuguese delegation to the United Nations.
New Delhi, Oct 6 : Haryana Congress chief Ashok Tanwar was seriously injured on Thursday after a clash here between his supporters and those of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. He was taken to hospital where doctors said he is out of danger.

Several other workers were also injured in the clash near Bhairon Mandir, a meeting point ahead of Rahul Gandhi's rally at Jantar Mantar as the Congress Vice President reached the capital after his nearly-month-long Kisan Yatra across poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

Tanwar was taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment.

"Tanwar was seriously injured and was vomiting. He has been shifted out of the ICU after initial treatment as he is out of danger," RML Hospital spokesperson V.K. Sinha told IANS.

Tanwar has been kept under observation and will not be discharged yet.

The 12-13 injured Congress workers were given first aid and discharged, Sinha said.

Senior Congress leaders including Gandhi, Kamal Nath and Deepender Singh Hooda visited Tanwar in hospital, but his supporters did not let the senior Hooda visit.

Delhi Police officials told IANS that the rival factions were separated from each other as soon as they began fighting, while no FIR was registered as no one came up with any formal complaint against anybody.

Meanwhile, Tanwar's supporters went to Congress headquarters around past 10 p.m. to tender their resignations in protest against the incident.

Their resignation was rejected by party leadership, while senior leaders like Kamal Nath, Digvijaya Singh, Motilal Vohra and Ghulam Nabi Azad assured them of action against the guilty as a meeting will be held on Friday to discuss the issue.
New Delhi, Oct 6 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a fierce attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over alleged politicisation of Army's surgical strikes, accusing him of doing "dalali" (trade) over the blood shed by Indian soldiers.

Addressing a rally at the Jantar Mantar here at the end of his Kisan Yatra across election-bound Uttar Pradesh, he also accused Modi of not fulfilling his promises to people made during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

But the party's grand show to mark the end of Gandhi's 26-day yatra was overshadowed by factionalism, with the party's Haryana unit chief Ashok Tanwar injured in clash between his supporters and those of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

Tanwar was taken to RML Hospital and initially kept in the ICU. Doctors later said he is out of danger.

Gandhi visited Tanwar in the hospital. General Secretary Kamal Nath, who is incharge of Haryana, also visited the hospital and said legal and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty. He said Congress president Sonia Gandhi had taken a dim view of the clash, which took place near a meeting point on the way to the rally venue at Jantar Mantar.

At the rally, Gandhi made a brief but aggressive speech in which he repeatedly attacked Modi.

Modi, he said, was taking political mileage from the surgical strikes the army conducted in Pakistani territory and the sacrifices of soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Unki dalali kar rahe ho... Yeh bilkul ghalat hai... Hindustan ki sena ne Hindustan ka kaam kiya, aap apna kaam keejiye... (You are trading on them. This is totally wrong... The Indian Army did its job for India, you do your work)," he thundered.

The Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on September 29 against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control in the wake of a terror attack that left 19 soldiers dead in Jammu and Kashmir.

Asking Modi to do justice to the people of the country, Gandhi said that the Prime Minister has only tried to divide the country.

"Modiji has been able to do two things - one making two Indians fight between each other and to divide the nation. He made people fight among each other in all states. In Uttar Pradesh, he made the Hindus and the Muslims fight among each other.

"I want to tell Narendra Modi ji, to the RSS people, and the BJP that this country wants justice from you, and your responsibility is to give justice."

"You asked us what did we do in the past 70 years. I'll tell you today, what we did. We gave justice to the people. We respected the insaaf ka tarazu (scales of justice)," he said.

He said the Bharatiya Janata Party had promised the farmers best prices and implementation of the M.S. Swaminathan report, "but you didn't fulfil that as well."

"You said you'll give employment to 2 crore unemployed youth every year, you didn't do that," said Gandhi, who reached here after starting the last leg of his yatra from Meerut in the morning.

His yatra was planned by the party as a major reach out to farmers of Uttar Pradesh, where the Congress has been out of power for over two decades now, ahead of assembly polls expected to take place early next year.

Gandhi covered around 140 constituencies and addressed 26 khat sabhas (cot assemblies) in his 3,400-km-long tour.

The party, which intends to target both the BJP-led central and the state's Samajwadi Party governments over farmers' plight, plans to hand over nearly two crores petitions from them, making demands including that of loan waivers.
The new nQativ Website The website is meant to be a resource...around new accounting trends and business analysis improvements.

The nQativ accounting software brand announced today that it has just released its new website nQativ.com. The website aims to provide a resource for business trend investigation and a pleasant navigational experience to customers seeking a flexible solution to their accounting needs.

After an extensive study of the market, nQativ decided that there was a necessity for more improved online tools for their customers to use. The new website features information about its ten accounting software packages and six accounting services available as well as ongoing shifts and advancements in business information systems. The website is meant to be a resource, not just a marketing tool, says designer Pamela Landrum, we have restructured the blog section around new accounting trends and business analysis improvements.

The change comes after a total rebranding of nQativs accounting software ActivityHD. The software now includes new logos, opening screen, icons and will soon see an updated appearance to its web portal. Its new development on ASP.NET framework makes expansion and improvements much more possible and more improvements will continue to come.

About nQativ

nQativ, a CoNetrix company, has been developing accounting software since 1977. Headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, nQativ has customers across the United States and parts of Canada. nQativ developers and accounting experts are focused on creating innovative solutions for your unique accounting and payroll needs in a secured environment through the ActivityHD ERP software. With its constant evolution and continued addition of different software solutions, the company has remained at the forefront of accounting trends  providing first-rate customer service to its diverse group of customers.
GFAA 2016 Nomination Announcement Event

Art collectors from around the world, museum executives and gallery owners were among the guests invited to attend the live announcement event of the 2016 Global Fine Art Awards Nominees at the Ritz London, the precursor to the 2016 Award Ceremony and Gala.

GFAA President and CEO Judy Holm, accompanied by nine GFAA Advisory Board members and Judges, are convening in London to present the nominations. GFAA Judge Dean Phelus, Senior Director of Leadership Programs, American Alliance of Museums (AAM) states, The Global Fine Art Awards, the only program of its kind, celebrates excellence and innovation in art exhibitions from around the world. This years outstanding nominees from over twenty countries demonstrate the universal power of art to facilitate a sense of individual and collective identity, enlighten through knowledge, and nurture an understanding of our connections to the world and to each other.

GFAA celebrates the best curated fine art and design exhibitions worldwide. In all, there are 78 GFAA Nominees this year in 11 categories ranging from Ancient Art to Contemporary, and encompassing 22 countries, 52 cities and 5 continents. More than 25% of the artist-centric exhibitions are women artists, and there is broad representation in size as well with 32 (40%) of the GFAA nominees from the top 100 art museums visited in the world (The Art Newspaper , April 2015), and 60% emanating from smaller institutions and other venues.

Nominees include exhibitions from many prominent museums across the globe: New Yorks Whitney Museum of American Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Jewish Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art; LACMA; The J. Paul Getty Museum, and The Broad Museum in Los Angeles; the British Museum, The National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Britain and Tate Modern in London; Le Grand Palais and Chateau de Versailles in France; the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence; the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam; the Museo del Prado and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid; National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea; Yuz Museum in China; the State Hermitage and the Moscow Kremlin Museums in Russia.

These exhibitions and public installations feature works by timeless masters, from Botticelli and Bosch, to Degas and Delacroix, as well as some of the most important artists living today. The 2016 list of Nominees includes Christo, Olafur Eliasson, Susan Philipsz, Sterling Ruby, John Baldessari, Frank Auerbach, Tony Cragg, Danh Vo and Tatsuo Miyajima.

The GFAA award program also recognizes group and theme exhibitions. This years nominations range from broad period shows, with Ancient Sicily and the Vikings in Ireland, to Contemporary Art from Latin America and in Creative Africa. Exhibitions addressing important themes are also nominated for their innovative work  some of these include Class Distinction, Divinity, World Exploration, Communication, and Love.

GFAA judges will ultimately select the winners from this slate of Nominees for these 11 award categories: Contemporary and Post-War (solo and group), Impressionist and Modern; Renaissance (solo and group), Baroque, Old Masters and Dynasties (solo and group), Ancient Art, Photography, Design, Fringe/Alternative and Public or Outdoor Installation. Youniversal, the twelfth award, recognizes the most popular nominee and is selected by public voting on the GFAA website.

Following the Nominee event in London, the 2016 GFAA Award Finalists will be announced at an event hosted by Baccarat Hotel in NYC on October 25, 2016.

The culmination of the year-long process to discover the best curated art and design exhibitions will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 with the celebration of all Nominees and the presentation of the Winners of the 2016 Global Fine Art Awards (GFAA). The black-tie gala will take place at the historic 583 Park Avenue in New York City.

The Gala Committee is currently in formation and Gala tickets are now available to the public. Tickets may be purchased online through the Fiscal Sponsor of the GFAA program  Fractured Atlas.

About the GFAA Program

The GFAA program honors innovation and excellence in exhibition design, historical context, educational value, and public appeal. The programs mission is to develop interest and passion for fine art, and to further its educational role in society.

GFAA is the first annual program ever created to recognize the best curated art and design exhibitions and installations worldwide. This program includes exhibitions in museums, galleries, art fairs and biennials, as well as public installations.

The Vision

GFAA has as its primary purpose to elevate the importance and relevancy of fine art in the world today: economically, socially, and culturally. GFAA endeavors to be world renowned as the premier art and design award program. Over time, the number of awards will grow to encompass more art categories, and awards for curators, artists and other individuals.

The Process

A broad set of criteria is utilized to research and assess the prospective nominees, with continuous review of over 50 sources of print and online art editorial and critiques. Through these sources, more than 200 museums and 2,000 exhibitions are vetted during the annual art research as well as personalized assessments based on exhibition viewing.

In addition to the research-based nominations, GFAA accepts open calls from museums, biennials, fairs, galleries and other art organizations. Individual patrons may nominate their favorite exhibitions as well. The timeframe for eligibility this year was for exhibitions and installations opening between Aug 1, 2015 and Jul 31, 2016. The basic criteria for eligibility is that each nominated exhibit must be curated.

The Nominating Committee reviews the slate prepared by the Art Research Committee, and presents their findings and final approvals to the Judges. The Judges modify and select the final slate of Nominees, then vote on the Finalists and Winners.

Public Voting

Nominees and winners for the eleven awards are selected by a panel of expert judges. Another integral aspect of the GFAA program is to engage the general public, and include their voice in the program results. Members of the general public vote online for their favorite nominee on the GFAA website. The most popular exhibition wins the final award -Youniversal.

GFAA Team

Judy Holm - President and CEO, Jeff Castellano, Renee Farina, Hogan Fritz, Felipe Gehrke, Ivonn Goihman, Danny Gonzalez, Betsie Piussan, Nancy Richmond; (Interns) Jenna Agres , Dahee Lim, Stephanie Wong She Wei

GFAA Advisory Board

Danielle Amato-Milligan, Tiffany Chestler, Bonnie Clearwater, David M. Kraemer, Eleanor Goldhar, Stephen Kimmerling, Patricia Lannes, Christian Gaines, Peter Hansen, Gail Lord, Salwa Mikdadi, Ty Murphy, Gina Quan, Terence Riley, Gernot Schussmann, Hedva Ser, Lawrence M. Shindell, Peter Trippi, Alex Wuchterl, Juan Carlos Zaldivar

GFAA Judges

Dr. Barbara Aust-Wegemund, Dr. James M. Bradburne, Gina Costa, Dr. Joe Lin-Hill, Dean Phelus;

(Emeritus) Cathy Leff, Peter Trippi

Media, Arts, Educational & Cultural Partners

The American Alliance of Museums (AAM), other important arts organizations, educational and media partners including: Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD), Frieze London and Frieze Masters, Traveling Exhibits Network, Vastari, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, Fractured Atlas, Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine, Family Office Elite Magazine, Nob Hill Gazette, SocialMiami.com and World Red Eye.

Corporate Sponsors

ARIS Title Insurance Corporation, Baccarat Hotel, Billionaire Italian Couture, Carillon Hotel and Resort, Crowell & Moring LLP, Galerie LeLong, Galleria Farina, Goihman Group of Douglas Elliman, Hanson Organic Vodka, Kwittken PR, Pryor Cashman LLP, Quivira Winery, Tui Lifestyle

GFAA is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purpose of GFAA must be payable to Fractured Atlas only. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)(3) public charity, provides a fiscal sponsorship program to help arts organizations raise money from charitable sources.
Todays unified commerce imperative moves the heart of the transaction to a centralized platform.

According to a new report from Boston Retail Partners (BRP), 56% of retailers indicate their top digital priority is to create a consistent brand experience across channels. According to the BRP 2016 Digital Commerce Survey, retailers understand that consumers expect a personalized, seamless experience wherever, whenever and however they shop and they are focused on delivering a unified experience.

Todays unified commerce imperative moves the heart of the transaction to a centralized platform, said Jeffrey Neville, vice president at BRP. This allows retailers to become more innovative and agile with their digital commerce offerings to further enable a personalized customer experience. It is promising to see that retailers are laser focused on delivering the seamless, cross-channel experience consumers expect.

BRPs 2016 Digital Commerce Survey of top North American retailers offers insights into retailers current digital commerce priorities and initiatives as the digital and physical worlds converge to facilitate a seamless experience across channels.

The key digital commerce trends driving todays initiatives are:

PERSONAL  Effectively engaging customers requires retailers to offer personalized, relevant, compelling and consistent brand messaging across channels.



40% are focused on improving personalization as a top digital priority

50% will have customer identifying technology within the store in 2 years

58% plan to utilize geolocation within 2 years

UBIQUITOUS  Heightened customer expectations for a personalized, seamless experience necessitates that retailers have the ability to follow the customers journey as she shops across and among channels.



46% are improving the mobile shopping experience as a top digital priority

75% will host a single shared cart across channels within 3 years

50% will offer start anywhere, finish anywhere within 5 years

UNIFIED  Retailers organization and infrastructure need to be unified and aligned across channels to offer a seamless and consistent customer experience.



56% are focused on a consistent brand experience across channels as a top digital priority

73% plan to utilize an OMS at the center of their unified commerce platform within 3 years

38% are adding new roles and employee initiatives to accommodate omni-channel tasks

To download the complete 2016 Digital Commerce Survey, visit: https://bostonretailpartners.com/2016-digital-commerce-survey.

The 2016 Digital Commerce Survey platinum sponsor is NetSuite and the gold sponsors are EarthLink, Manhattan Associates, Orckestra, Radial and Salesforce Commerce Cloud.

About BRP

BRP is an innovative and independent retail management consulting firm dedicated to providing superior service and enduring value to our clients. BRP combines its consultants' deep retail business knowledge and cross-functional capabilities to deliver superior design and implementation of strategy, technology, and process solutions. The firm's unique combination of industry focus, knowledge-based approach, and rapid, end-to-end solution deployment helps clients to achieve their business potential. BRPs consulting services include:

Strategy | Business Intelligence | Business Process Optimization | Point of Sale (POS)

Mobile POS | Payment Security | E-Commerce | Store Systems and Operations | CRM

Unified Commerce | Customer Experience | Order Management | Networks

Merchandise Management | Supply Chain | Networks | Private Equity

For more information on BRP, visit http://www.bostonretailpartners.com.
The Westchester Aero Radio Modelers Annual WRAM Show has been a staple in the modeling world for nearly 50 years. AMA is pleased to be able to carry on the WRAM tradition that benefits model aviation enthusiasts from throughout the Northeast.

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) in cooperation with the Westchester Radio Aero Modelers (WRAM) announced it will continue the long-standing tradition of hosting an annual East Coast hobby trade show, which will be held February 2426, 2017, at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey.

For 48 years, the AMA chartered WRAM Club produced and managed the WRAM Show. It has been one of the longest-running shows of its kind in the model aviation industry. Since we are not holding a show in 2017, we are pleased that AMA has stepped in to continue with a show for model aviation enthusiasts from Maine to Virginia, club officers stated.

The new show, AMA Expo East, will be modeled after the successful AMA Expo West, held in Ontario, California each year by the AMA. AMA Executive Director Dave Mathewson said, The Westchester Aero Radio Modelers Annual WRAM Show has been a staple in the modeling world for nearly 50 years. AMA is pleased to be able to carry on the WRAM tradition that benefits model aviation enthusiasts from throughout the Northeast.

Next years show will include guest speakers, new activities, and other special programs. AMA Ambassador and NASA space shuttle pilot and commander Robert Hoot Gibson will be a one of the guest speakers. David and Sarah Oneal, hosts of the popular podcast, That Drone Show, founders of International Drone Day, and director and producer of the new documentary The Drone Invasion, will also be attending as guest speakers. The Drone Invasion will be shown during their presentation.

AMA is pleased to announce that Ready Made RC will be the presenting sponsor for both AMA Expo East and AMA Expo West.

For exhibitor sales and sponsorships, contact Lora Knowlton at (303) 973-1209 or lorak(at)modelaircraft(dot)org, or Erin Dobbs at (800) 435-9262, ext. 272, or erind(at)modelaircraft(dot)org.

To learn more about AMA Expo, visit http://www.amaexpo.com.

# # #

The Academy of Model Aeronautics, founded in 1936, continues to be devoted to national airspace safety. It serves as the nations collective voice for approximately 195,000 modelers in 2,400 clubs in the United States and Puerto Rico. Headquartered in Muncie, Indiana, AMA is a membership organization representing those who fly model aircraft for recreational and educational purposes. For more information, visit http://www.modelaircraft.org.
Truly Supplements The idea behind Truly is simpleby making the little things people do each day to improve their well-being a delightful experience and something to look forward to, we believe they will be more inclined to stick to their health and beauty regimens.

Golden Tree Brands, LLC has launched the Truly line of chocolate supplements. The first productsbiotin, melatonin, collagen, and a probioticarrive on store shelves October 7, 2016. Consumers can find Truly supplements at participating Walgreens and Shopko stores across the country.

With Truly, we have taken the most on-trend vitamin supplements and created a healthy and indulgent alternative to caplets, pills and gummies, said Lee Golden, chief executive officer for Appleton, Wisconsin-based Golden Tree Brands. This is a truly revolutionary delivery system for sought-after supplements that enhance ones well-being.

Trulys all-new trubites are one of the first vitamin products to use confectioners ingredients. The proprietary formula consists of 70 percent dark chocolate that includes the finest organic cacao nibs, cane sugar and cocoa butter. The key ingredient is the cocoa butter, which makes the chocolate silky smooth and takes away the bitterness typical of dark chocolate.

Rather than having to take chalky, hard to swallow tablets, adults now can look forward to a delicious treat to receive their daily dose of nutrients, said Debbie Golden, company president. Trubites dont taste like vitamins...they actually taste like chocolate.

That is because the chocolate used in trubites is made with 100 percent organic, fairly traded and sustainably produced cacao collected from small farms throughout Peru. Once harvested, these cacao beans are processed in state-of-the-art facilities with a bean-to-bar process that makes them free of common food allergens such as milk, eggs, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy.

All Truly supplements also are vegan, organic, gluten and dairy free, and contain no additives or GMOs. Biotin and melatonin products are certified Kosher while biotin, collagen and probiotic supplements are USDA organic.

Trubites are a natural progression from gummy vitamins and supplements, which have grown in popularity with adults over the past few years, she continued.

With gummies, heat and moisture impact the strength of the vitamin over time. Chocolate, on the other hand, is a low moisture product and a better carrier of the nutrients. With Trulys probiotic, for example, clinical studies have proven that the supplements efficacy is guaranteed throughout the products shelf life with no disintegration.

The idea behind Truly is simpleby making the little things people do each day to improve their well-being a delightful experience and something to look forward to, we believe they will be more inclined to stick to their health and beauty regimens, said Lee Golden.

About Truly

Rooted in the Midwest, Golden Tree Brands is a family owned and operated company that encompasses the entrepreneurial spirit. The trubiteTrulys delicious delivery method of daily nutrientswas conceived in Wisconsin and all supplements are produced in the United States.

Company principals have nearly three decades of combined consumer product experience and are committed to crafting chocolate of exceptional quality in a way that is ethical and responsible, both socially and environmentally.

For more information on Truly products, visit the company website at http://www.TrulySupplements.com or call 1-866-82 TRULY.
Mediware Information Systems, Inc., a provider of comprehensive post-acute healthcare software, announces that Crossroad Pharmacy has agreed to license CareTend software for its home infusion service.

Crossroad Pharmacy is a start-up home infusion pharmacy that is located in Wylie, Texas. Upon starting the business, Dr. Samuel Evang, director of pharmacy and clinical services, determined that CareTend software was the best fit for his pharmacy because the technology would enable Crossroad Pharmacy to grow using a solid hosted platform. Dr. Evang also looks forward to the complete business management features available in the CareTend product, including the real-time workflow tracking, detailed billing, and business intelligence tools that will streamline operations as well as increase output. Crossroad Pharmacy is scheduled to go live with the CareTend software in the next two weeks with plans to add the CareTend specialty pharmacy software component to the pharmacy in the near future.

When searching for software, we needed a reliable system that would manage all of our business operations without accessing multiple applications, says Dr. Evang. CareTend was the obvious choice for us so that we can easily manage our patients, inventory, deliveries, billing, and reportingall inside the same system, he adds.

We are excited for Crossroad pharmacy to go live with CareTend software, says Paul OToole, vice president and general manager of the Home Care Solutions division of Mediware. We are eager to see how CareTend, the only complete software solution available in the market today, will streamline their infusion operations so they have more time to serve patients, adds OToole.

About Mediware:

Mediware delivers interoperable best-of-breed software systems that improve efficiencies and address safety concerns, enabling healthcare organizations to improve care processes while decreasing costs. Core Mediware solutions include blood management technologies for hospitals and blood centers; cell therapy solutions for cord blood banks, cancer treatment centers, and research facilities; medication management solutions for hospitals, behavioral health facilities, infusion and specialty pharmacy providers; business intelligence-based performance management solutions for clinical, regulatory and financial aspects of the broader healthcare market; and rehabilitation therapy and respiratory care solutions. For more information about Mediware products and services, visit our website at http://www.mediware.com.
I have a great appreciation for what they do, and I try to honor them by doing quality artwork that they will be remembered by."

Big Statues LLC has a very well known and experienced track record when it comes to Veteran memorials. Big Statues has created war memorial statues across the nation for multiple events and facilities, from world-renowned museums to homegrown memorial parks. This time around, Big Statues has been commissioned to recreate two important figures from both WWI and WWII for Veterans Memorial Park in the city of Cedar Park, Texas, one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.

Veterans Memorial Park is one of Cedar Parks largest and most visited parks in the City. The Parks center is home to a large military monument honoring all veterans- past, present and future. A pathway leads from the parking lot up to the large monument located at the top of the hill, where a towering, seven-foot tall bronze soldier, clothed in Army dress blues and holding an M-16 rifle standing guard on the monument base, can be found. The city wants to pay tribute to major modern conflicts and honor those that served in the war by adding more statues along the pathway that leads up to the monument. This year, Big Statues has been working on two of those sculptures; A life-size bronze depicting a WWI doughboy and a life- size bronze depicting a WWII naval commander.

Doughboy was an informal term for a member of the United States Army or Marine Corps during World War I, and the naval commanders were large assets in World War II. Matt Glenn, President of Big Statues LLC, never gets tired of Veteran memorial projects. He loves what they symbolize and the meaning behind each life-size, sculpted bronze piece. When creating these statues, Matt said, " I always consider it a privilege to work on military monuments, given the fact that I never had the chance to serve in the military. However, I have a great appreciation for what they do, and I try to honor them by doing quality artwork that they will be remembered by."
She had been putting off sending in that Ted Talks application for a long, long time. Still, it remained high on her bucket list.

Which is why, after just a brief connection with Wendy Yellen, using an oddly named process called eidetics, Running with Heels founder Jenny Powers applied for and was accepted to present a TEDX talk. Within a week.

Something inside me was awoken during our work together and it made my motivation stronger than my fears and I have Wendy Yellen to thank for that.

Eidetics begins where so many transformational processes stop. Often were told that our fear or perfectionism is holding us back. Well yes, true.but what exactly to do about it? The conscious mind cant solve this problem; that part of the mind doesnt know how to lift long-standing familiar patterns. Instead, our greatest yearnings are reached through a deeper level of the Self. Thats why so many efforts to make ourselves behave a certain way leave us feeling frustrated and underachieving, underwhelmed, and living far less than the conscious spiritual life so many long for.

Eidetics is an ancient art yet 21st century science which goes well beyond memory, history or conscious thought. It creates freedom, and choice within the person. And room to breathe.

NYC professional women and entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to experience this out-of-the-box deep inner transformational work for themselves on Thursday October 13th, 2016. Guest Presenter Wendy Yellen was named one of the Top 3 Eidetic Practitioners in the world.

For information and registration, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2588408

Contact Information: Jenny Powers, founder of Running with Heels : jpowers@running-with-heels.com or directly contact Wendy(at)WendyYellen.com
Participating in Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) for the first time, CBMM is demonstrating the considerable benefits niobium technology can bring to developing a wide range of sustainable energy solutions.

This zero emission motorcycle is an example of how a small addition of niobium to steel can enable the design of lighter and therefore more energy efficient vehicles. The motorcycles come complete with their own steel container, which is also made lighter using niobium. This transportable container has been cleverly adapted as a solar powered charging station, providing enough energy to charge four motorcycles simultaneously.

Providing clean energy, anytime, anywhere, this ground-breaking concept has huge potential for take-up in the Asian market, where the use of motorcycles is the dominant form of transport in many countries.

The motorcycles and solar charging station will be on display at the Marina Bay Sands Events Square from 24th to 28th October 2016, and CBMM, the worlds leading supplier of niobium and niobium technology, is proud to be the only participant at SIEW using a solar powered exhibition platform.

You can find out more about CBMM and the Niobium Solar Mobile Project on the SIEW website https://www.siew.sg/partners-sponsors/sponsors/2016-sponsors/siew-gold-sponsor.

ENDS

For more information, contact:

Jayne Evans

Director

Beta Technology Ltd, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1302 322633

Fax: +44 (0) 1302 388800

Mobile: +44 (0) 796 494 9734

Email: jayne.evans(at)betatechnology(dot)co(dot)uk

http://www.betatechnology.co.uk

Notes to Editors

About CBMM:

Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineracao (CBMM) is the world's leading supplier of niobium products and niobium technology. Fully integrated from the mine to the final customized products, CBMM also provides expert technical support to customers in the most sophisticated steel and technology industries around the globe.

A hallmark of CBMMs 60-year history is collaboration to develop innovate solutions where niobiums properties make it the unbeatable choice for improved efficiency, safety and performance. The Niobium Solar Mobile Project  the first zero emission motorcycle, combined with a solar charging container  is just one example of a partnership that harnessed the tremendous impact of a small amount of niobium added to steels, making them lighter, stronger, tougher and more weldable. These properties enabled the design of a 31% lighter frame for a motorcycle that goes faster and farther on a single solar charge.

To learn more about niobium technologies that address global challenges, visit http://www.cbmm.com.br.

About the Niobium Solar Mobile Project

This exciting project illustrates how companies can collaborate to develop the innovative technologies needed to address todays global challenges. CBMM joined forces with motorcycle company Current Motor, the College for Creative Studies in Detroit and steel producer SSAB. Through the application of niobium technology, they produced the worlds first zero emission electric cargo motorcycle.
Our Urgent Care, 1201 S. Big Bend Blvd, Richmond Heights, MO 63117, (314) 690-8805 ...the original mission upon which Our Urgent Care was founded--to provide a more convenient and cost effective healthcare alternative for our community...

Today Our Urgent Care announces the grand opening of a new urgent care in Richmond Heights with a ribbon cutting event planned for 11am on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our first location, my partners and I could not be more committed to the original mission upon which Our Urgent Care was founded--to provide a more convenient and cost effective healthcare alternative for our community, said Shivaram Kalugotla, MD, Partner at Our Urgent Care. The Richmond Heights medical center brings this mission to a fifth community in the Saint Louis Region and we look forward to being of service to our new neighbors.

With construction completed ahead of schedule, Our Urgent Care Richmond Heights opened its doors on September 26, 2016 in the same shopping center as the Post Office and New Balance near the intersection of Big Bend Boulevard and Interstate 64/Highway 40. This medical center provides occupational medicine, x-ray, rapid lab testing, and immediate care for injuries and illness. Residents, workers, and visitors in central Saint Louis County can walk-in or make an appointment to be seen at their convenience during the hours of 8 am to 8pm. Our Urgent Care accepts most major insurances or patients are offered cash pay alternatives.

Founded by five emergency room physicians who have more than 120 total years of experience, Our Urgent Care is a true alternative to hospital emergency rooms and other chain or hospital-owned urgent care centers. The first location opened in Wentzville in 2006, and since then medical centers have opened in Saint Charles, Maryland Heights, Florissant and Richmond Heights. Our Urgent Care is an Urgent Care Association of America certified facility, with 14 highly trained, licensed providers who have extensive emergency department experience specializing in both general and pediatric care.
Columbus Business First honors Palmetto Construction Services, LLC as the employee's choice for the citys best companies.

The 2016 Best Places to Work list included design-build, general contracting, and project management firm, Palmetto Construction Services, LLC. This is the 12th year Columbus Business First published the rankings and it is Palmetto Constructions first appearance.

Interested businesses applied for consideration. The award-winning businesses were chosen based on the results of employee engagement surveys, conducted by sponsor Quantum Workplace. The surveys evaluated employee opinions on all facets of the work environment.

Palmetto Constructions principal, Casey Cusack, views this as a seal of approval in the recent growth in the company. In 2015 we applied to be considered for this award, Cusack said. While we scored extremely high in almost every category, we fell short in the healthcare and benefits category, which kept us from ranking as a highly regarded firm. We heard our work family very clearly and truly appreciated their input.

In order to perform at a higher level, Palmetto took the initiative to listen to employee concerns. We explored many options and interviewed several providers. We have since implemented what we believe is a very good healthcare plan at the best value for our employees, Cusack said. As we continue to grow and prosper, we will continue to focus on keeping our family culture.

Palmetto regularly holds company-wide team building events like go-kart racing, trap shooting, and concert events. Palmetto is currently constructing a fitness center at their Franklinton office. As we grow, we continue to add office space, however, it is also important to preserve space for the well-being of our team. We believe a fitness center will enhance our employees work-life balance. In July 2016, Palmetto rented the large billboard at the corner of Broad St. and High St. in Downtown Columbus thanking each employee individually.

Palmetto Construction Services is headquartered in the Franklinton area of Columbus, Ohio and also has locations based in Houston, Texas, Irving, Texas and Clearwater, Florida. Palmetto aims to keep the client focused on their business practices, rather than construction progress.

Palmetto adopts several company values, including safety from the top-down, education and communication. Being a true builder, when most construction firms are becoming managers, allows Palmettos craftsmen to pass their building experience on to their customers through exhibiting high quality workmanship. We want to make this place different than any other in the industry, Cusack said. We developed our own ideology in that experience the difference isnt only for our clients."

Palmetto Construction Services will be recognized at the Best Places to Work Celebration Luncheon on Thursday, November 10 at the Hyatt Regency.

For more information, contact Casey Cusack at 614-503-7150.
Matt Kennedy

MedicFP announced today that Matt Kennedy is partnering with the company to help fight medical identity theft in the United States. Kennedy will support MedicFP in educating healthcare payers and providers about the negative consequences of medical identity theft on the healthcare system. Kennedy was recently a featured speaker at the Medicaid Health Plans of America conference in Washington, D.C. where he discussed the rising incidences of medical identity theft and the impact it has on both the healthcare payers and patient care.

Medical identity theft now represents 40% of all identity theft crimes in the U.S, impacting millions of people and costing the healthcare system billions in improper payments. With the expansion of Medicaid, cost containment and patient protection is more important than ever in helping to make the program sustainable, said Kennedy.

We are thrilled to have Matt working with us to advocate for the prevention medical identity theft, said MedicFPs CEO Wendell Elms, millions of Americans are impacted by this growing crime; having his knowledgeable voice speaking about this issue will give it the attention it deserves.

MedicFPs technology helps providers and payers identify stolen and borrowed medical identities at the point of care. The software flags medical identity theft prior to medical treatment, enabling health plans to avoid improper payments and protecting patients from erroneous healthcare bills and errors in their medical records.

About MedicFP

MedicFP is a healthcare technology company that has developed the first point of care solution that prevents healthcare fraud before it occurs. Working in collaboration with some of the nations healthcare experts, they have created the next generation of healthcare fraud prevention that can not only save the healthcare system billions of dollars, but can also facilitate patient safety by protecting patient identity and medical records.
Ideal CU Senior Mortgage Loan Advisor Kathy Glashan will lead the October 20 complimentary home buyers education seminar in Stillwater. Since its inception, the HomeAdvantage program has paid out over $101,400 in rebates to hundreds of Ideal CU members. The average rebate per transaction is $1,056.

Ideal Credit Union will host a complimentary Home Buyers Education Seminar on Thursday, October 20, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at the Comfort Inn & Suites, 2000 Washington Avenue in Stillwater. The event will provide attendees with the information they need to confidently take the next step toward homeownership. Ideal CU Senior Mortgage Loan Advisor Kathy Glashan, along with Hannah Johnson from Carriage Realty (part of HomeAdvantage), and Matt Olson from Liberty Mutual Insurance, will discuss the ins and outs to becoming pre-approved, evaluating your credit, selecting the right realtor, finding the right home and much more.

The public is invited to attend but pre-registration is required as seating is limited. Information and reservations can be made online at http://www.idealcu.com.

Ideal offers a full range of mortgage solutions to fit the needs of borrowers, including fixed rate, FHA/VA, adjustable rate, refinancing options and more. Complete closing services are available through Ideal Title. Ideal offers many home buying and selling seminars throughout the year in various cities, including Woodbury, Vadnais Heights and Eagan.

Ideal CU also offers the HomeAdvantage program, an exclusive, free service that can help users search, buy, sell and save on their next home. HomeAdvantage provides the tools and expertise needed to find and finance a home, and offers an attractive a rebate program that enables home buyers to earn cash back at closing. Since its inception, the HomeAdvantage program has paid out over $101,400 in rebates to hundreds of Ideal CU members. The average rebate per transaction is $1,056.

Ideal Credit Union is building a new office in Stillwater at 2020 Washington Avenue, which is scheduled to open in late 2016. The branch will offer a more contemporary approach to traditional banking. Ideal will be the first credit union to serve the 162-year old city, often referred to as the birthplace of Minnesota.

Founded in 1926, Ideal Credit Union is a member owned financial institution that specializes in providing excellent member service, great rates and convenience to 50,000 members. Ideal CU offers a complete range of services, including a full suite of electronic banking products, savings, checking, loans, mortgage products and title services, exclusive VIP member payback, business services, investment services and more. Visit idealcu.com for details and locations.
In the latest edition of PA Law Weekly, Founding Partner Jerry Lehocky discusses how repetitive stress injuries can qualify for workers compensation benefits. Jerry notes that many people assume workers compensation is limited to a single accident: a truck collision, a fall from scaffolding, a hand caught in machinery, without realizing that the definition of a work injury is expanded to include repetitive motions that cause a medical condition to occur.

Just as a worker who experienced a one-time acute injury would be entitled to workers compensation, the laborer who laid bricks for thirty years and suffered repetitive strain to his knees and the office manager who developed carpal tunnel from years of repetitive hand movement are both also entitled to benefits.

The insurance industry is based on a business model of denial, Jerry writes. He describes how witnessed and definable trauma is frequently denied, which makes it easier for companies to deny Mancini cases as theres no single event that caused the injury.

Jerry reminds readers that Benjamin Franklins proverb Little strokes fell great oaks has important implications for the health and rights of the modern worker.

Read the full article here: http://www.thelegalintelligencer.com/id=1202768883789?keywords=mancini&publication=The+Legal+Intelligencer.
We are excited to attend both of these pawn functions and meet with the pawnbrokers of California and New York to answer their questions during this interesting time in the pawn industry.

As in any Business-to-Business vertical, conventions and tradeshows are a great way for clientele to mingle with vendors while also attending educational seminars to further their growth in their dedicated trade. The Bravo Pawn Systems team values education and providing expertise to pawnbrokers. The Bravo team, who has been developing systems since 1985 and has generations of experience in the pawn industry, is attending two key pawn industry events, the Collateral Lenders Association of New York Meeting and the California Pawnbrokers Association Convention.

Collateral Lenders Association of New York Meeting (CLANY)

On Wednesday, October 26th from 6:30-9:30pm, Bravo representatives will be making a presentation to members of the Collateral Lenders Association of New York. Attendees will be divided to attend the two different informational sessions lasting around an hour each, where Bravo will cover the various aspects of their platform and how it can help them elevate their businesses.

The Bravo representatives in attendance will be in town for the days surrounding the meeting to answer any questions and set up one-on-one meetings with New York pawnbrokers. They will also supply additional informational pieces for CLANY members to evaluate competitive pawn systems and take back with them to help with purchasing decisions.

California Pawnbrokers Association Convention (CAPA)

The 60th Annual CAPA Convention and Exhibition takes place in Riverside, CA, on October 28th-30th. Events taking place are a pawn tour, welcome reception with legislative guests, active shooter and disruptive environment workshop, exhibit hall to meet with pawn vendors, CAPAs own Orange Blossom Festival, and a wide array of other educational seminars.

Bravo Pawn Systems is proud to announce they are a sponsor of this years convention and will be represented at booths 403 and 404. During the exhibit hall hours, pawnbrokers may stop by the Bravo booth to ask questions about the CAPSS DOJ compliancy requirements affecting them, how Bravos system can help their business, and even ask Bravos Marketing guru for marketing advice for their business. There will also be many free goodies for attendees to take home, as well as lots of informational material to assist in evaluating Bravos platform.

Tally Mack, Vice President of Business Development for Bravo says, We are excited to attend both of these pawn functions and meet with the pawnbrokers of California and New York to answer their questions during this interesting time in the pawn industry. With CAPSS DOJ and Military Lending Act compliancy both now in effect, we are prepared to assist pawnbrokers in learning how to be best prepared for new regulations.

By hitting the road this October to attend both CLANY and CAPA, Bravo Pawn Systems representatives are making themselves available and accessible to answer questions posing pawnbrokers at this time. As a pawn platform built by a pawnbroker for pawnbrokers, Bravo concerns itself with preparing pawnbrokers to tackle current and future challenges affecting their business by providing the tools necessary for success, compliancy, and growth.

About Bravo Pawn Systems:

Bravo Pawn Systems believes in the success of the pawn industry and strives to see pawnshops grow and compete with the national big box stores. Developed by a 4th generation pawnbroker specifically for pawnbrokers, Bravo helps companies find solutions to challenges they face with day-to-day operations.
ACT.md, a national provider of team-based care coordination technology and services, today announced a partnership with the North Coast Health Improvement and Information Network (NCHIIN), a not-for-profit health information exchange and data aggregator serving Humboldt and Del Norte counties in Northern California.

In this partnership, NCHIIN, the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and ACT.md will focus on supporting the journey to self-sufficiency among the countys chronically homeless families and individuals, with a goal to reduce emergency department utilization over the course of the two-year program.

It is important that our vulnerable, underserved, and often stigmatized populations receive coordinated, whole-person care, said Martin Love, CEO of NCHIIN and Humboldt Independent Practice Association. To deliver that care, we need a community collaboration platform for the whole continuum, and ACT.md has the experience to help us make this effort a reality.

Collaborators and data exchange points include:

 Humboldt County DHHS, providing data from the Homeless Management Information System.

 Local Emergency Departments, as well as local federally qualified health centers, collectively providing real-time clinical event and encounter data.

 Humboldt Independent Practice Association, a physician membership organization working with health plans and care providers to ensure that medical care is provided in a manner that enhances public health and promotes access to quality care.

 Many other local programs and social service organizations engaged in the Continuum of Care for homeless people in Humboldt County.

DHHSs Social Services team of case managers and social workers will use ACT.mds cloud-based and mobile-enabled platform, the Care Coordination Record, to understand when clients have had encounters with the healthcare system and to engage in rapid follow-up with clients after clinical encounters and other life events. They will be able to leverage the ACT.md platform to communicate and collaborate with resources from the hospitals, FQHCs, and social service providers to drive holistic, coordinated care across the continuum.

We know that people who experience chronic homelessness in America too often experience health disparities, disabilities, and stigma  all of which contribute greatly to high costs and complexity, said Ted D. Quinn, ACT.md CEO and Co-founder. Community-based interventions that address medical, social, behavioral, and functional needs  such as this innovative partnership led by NCHIIN  are the key to making health happen in vulnerable and underserved populations.

This NCHIIN project is funded by the Community Health Peer Learning Program, a national peer learning collaborative managed by AcademyHealth through a $2.2 million award from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). Within the Community Health Peer Learning Program, ACT.md has also partnered with the Vermont Child Health Improvement Program.

About ACT.md

With ACT.md, everyone  clinicians, patients, families, and communities  can act together to make health happen, wherever they are. ACT.mds Care Coordination Record promises a better, safer, less expensive, and more flexible approach to managing healthcares complex tasks and achieving your organizations goals. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., ACT.md is privately held and venture-funded by the disruptive innovation investment firm, Rose Park Advisors. For more information, visit http://www.act.md.

About NCHIIN

North Coast Health Improvement and Information Network (https://www.nchiin.org) is a non-profit successor organization to a community quality collaborative. It is hosted by the Humboldt Independent Practice Association with the purpose of providing health information exchange and care improvement in Humboldt and Del Norte counties.
By developing a flat hierarchy and business friendly practices, were able to represent companies of all shapes and sizes in any industry.

Penman PR, Inc. has reached a milestone this October, celebrating 15 years of public relations excellence. The company has grown from a simple concept by founder and managing principal Patti D. Hill to a company with locations in three U.S. cities representing clients throughout the nation.

In 2001, when the U.S. was in the midst of a national economic downturn Hill saw the potential for a public relations and corporate communications firm that catered to CEOs by addressing their specific business objectives. Three weeks after 9/11 she laid the foundations for a public relations firm with edge, personality, energy and power. Today, Penman PR is the only national and international public relations firm to offer 100% senior-level representation with PR strategists uniquely equipped to quickly absorb facts, information and details and distill them into creative and effective strategies and tactics for maximum client exposure.

Here are just 15 reasons why Penman PR is so excited to reach this particular milestone:

1. 100% senior-level representation, which means the entire Penman team is comprised of executive level PR reps with diverse backgrounds  this keeps them relevant and the team interesting

2. Relentless media outreach

3. Penman PR creates and implements dynamic and creative campaigns as dynamic and innovative as its clients

4. Being industry agnostic, each team member is becoming quite expert in lots of business playing fields

5. They make perceptions a reality

6. They are a symbol of professionalism, strategic innovation and goodwill underlined with a dose of tenacity, instantly differentiating themselves from all other public relations firms

7. They skillfully break through the clutter with impactful messaging

8. Having fun is part of the team's DNA and smiles are their favorite - they do what they love and love what they do

9. Because they love what they do, Penman PR strategists go above and beyond every day

10. They are privileged to work with some incredibly cool and interesting executives

11. They're always on the lookout for underserved, misunderstood or under radar companies with an upward trajectory to represent

12. And they're always looking for the best and the brightest to join their team

13. Work / life balance is never underestimated at Penman PR

14. The team can work anywhere in the world

15. And they often do!

After hiring and working with several PR firms in my career, I was convinced there was a better way, said Hill. By developing a flat hierarchy and business friendly practices, were able to represent companies of all shapes and sizes in any industry. Its been a whirlwind 15 years. Im beyond excited to see where the next 15 years takes us!

Penman PR also hit another milestone recently by opening its practice in St. Louis, the city Hill has made her home. In addition to this newest location, the company has locations in Atlanta and Austin.

About Penman PR

Penman PR, the only international public relations firm to offer 100% senior-level representation, has been serving the needs of nascent and established companies since 2001. The industry diverse firm of PR strategists are uniquely equipped to quickly absorb facts, information and details and distill them into creative and effective strategies and tactics for maximum client exposure.

Information on Penman PRs services, leadership, methodologies and notable achievements are available at: http://www.penmanpr.com/
On August 16, 2017, at Magicopolis in Santa Monica, California, Leonard Lanzi, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Venture Association (LAVA) and Alan Spatz, Outgoing President of LAVA, announced Sergio C. Munoz, SVP of HOTB Software Solutions as an incoming member of the Board of Directors.

Munoz, a fintech executive in the investment division at HOTB relayed his goals for his first two-year tenure on the LAVA board of directors, "I'd like to help grow the LAVA membership with Latina/o entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. It is reported that they currently feel they have limited access to capital from Silicon Valley and New York investors." Munoz continued, "I am secondarily focused on opening opportunities for Latinas in Los Angeles in the technology sector and supporting the efforts of the Women in LAVA special interest group."

HOTB Software Solutions began sponsoring LAVA in October 2014 via the Meet the VC event at the Annenberg Beach Club in Malibu. Munoz was selected from the executive team at HOTB as the representative for the firm. Munoz and HOTB have also been active with LAVA's First Look LA. Lanzi made an effort this year to diversify the ethnic make-up of the board at LAVA. Lanzi says, "In past years, we knew we had to diversify the gender profile of the board and establish special interest groups that welcomed all of our female entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. Those groups, like Women in LAVA, have been extremely popular and well-received. With Sergio, we begin our efforts to establish a connection to the Latin American entrepreneurs in our region. We hope it will be equally successful."

To understand the scope of the limited access to capital experienced by Latina/o entrepreneurs, read the recently published report by The Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (SLEI), a research collaboration between Stanford University housed at the Graduate School of Business and the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN), a 501(c)3 not for profit organization located in Palo Alto, CA. SLEI developed a vision to make America stronger by empowering Latino entrepreneurs to grow large businesses through entrepreneurship research, education and networks. The goal is to grow the American economy by doubling the number of $10+ million, $100+ million, and $1+ Billion Latino-owned businesses by 2020. {http://lban.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Final-Report-.pdf}

About LAVA: Since 1985 the Los Angeles Venture Association has been providing forums where entrepreneurs and executives of start-up, emerging growth and late stage venture funded companies actively meet and learn from fellow executives, investors, bankers, financial advisors and other providers of professional services. Our extensive slate of monthly Strategic Interest Group meetings and panel discussions feature exceptional presentations by prominent members of our investment, entrepreneurial, business and academic communities. Our annual Meet the VC conference, First Look LA and the LAVA Awards Dinner are our region's premiere forums on investment capital. We also co-produce events with many of our affiliated organizations. For more information, connect with len (at) lava (dot) org

About HOTB Software Solutions: Founded in Irvine in 2008, HOTB is a software development firm with an investment division. HOTB is fully capitalized and searching for startups that are capable of explosive growth. HOTB has industry strength in Fintech (high security), Healthcare (high compliance) and Real Estate (high volume). For more information, connect with sergio (at) hotbsoftware (dot) com
98 E. McBee Luxury Apartments We are excited to take on the management of a luxury apartment community that possesses one of the most desirable addresses in the downtown Greenville Market" states COO Kathleen Betz.

PRG Real Estate, a leading multifamily real estate investment and management firm, announced today the acquisition of 98 East McBee Apartments, located in Greenville, SC.

98 East McBee is a 55-unit luxury apartment community situated in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. With a main-and-main address and condo-grade finishes, 98 East McBee is the pinnacle of luxury apartment living in Greenville. Proximity to major employers such as BMW, Michelin, and Fluor along with regional attractions such as Falls Park on the Reedy, the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and the Bon Secours Wellness Arena appoints the property as the Live-Work-Play community in the region.

Completed in 2014, 98 East McBee has some of the largest floor plans found in the urban core of the city with the apartment homes averaging 1,028 square feet. Unit interiors are of condominium-level quality and feature luxury amenities such as 10 foot ceilings, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, walk in closets, washers and dryers and door-less walk-in showers. The propertys leasing office and community room will undergo the most substantial updates, with new flooring, furniture and fixtures. 98 East McBee will be our 3rd property currently in the Greenville market, states COO Kathleen Betz. We are excited to take on the management of a luxury apartment community that possesses one of the most desirable addresses in the downtown Greenville market.

About PRG Real Estate:

Founded in 1985 by Steven Berger and Jon Goodman, PRG Real Estate is a Philadelphia based real estate firm that acquires and manages quality apartment communities throughout the eastern half of the United States. Since its founding PRG has acquired well over 50 communities and 13,000 apartment units. PRG also has been designated as an Accredited Management Organization by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and holds membership in the National Apartment Association (NAA) as well as the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC). For more information please visit http://www.prgrealestate.com
The emerging tech scene in Saratoga Springs continues to grow with the second annual Startup Saratoga powered by AT&T event being held on October 6th at the Saratoga City Center. The evening will feature networking by host Saratoga TechOUT from 5:30-6:30 and a pitch event hosted by Startup Tech Valley with support from by AT&T. The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce has organized the event and has brought together local companies and vendors in support.

Last years Startup Saratoga event attracted more than 300 people who loved the chance to meet up and hear from startups about their new ventures, said Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. We are excited to be able to host the second annual Startup Saratoga event this time at the Saratoga Springs City Center. We are thrilled that our B2B Expo is preceding this event and we can invite local businesses to learn more about the potential for growth in this sector of our economy

Many national and local companies are sponsoring the event including; AT&T, Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, Informz, Mad Glory, Madaddie, RenderTribe, and Northeast Multimedia.

AT&T is proud to team up with Saratoga TechOUT and Startup Tech Valley to power Startup Saratoga again this year because it provides a unique forum for local innovative thinkers and makers to share their creative, entrepreneurial and technological ideas with the community and potential investors, said Benjamin Roberts, director of Public Affairs, AT&T. Our support for this event grows out of our ongoing commitment to foster local innovation by providing opportunities in New York for entrepreneurs, technologists, makers and developers to create new technologies and ideas that could positively impact their communities and strengthen the Capital Regions growing innovation economy.

This event will feature local companies and student startups: Startfast Code, AuxNation, Adirondack Flannel, Teachme, and an update from last years presenter Windrush. Each company will give a 5-7 minute presentation followed by a Q&A session.

The Partnership wants to help startups transform industries that impact lives both within and beyond Saratoga County, said Marty Vanags, president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership. Startup growth requires community building and the weaving of quality relationships throughout the economic development ecosystem, and thats why were proud to support this years Startup Saratoga event.

More information is available at http://startuptechvalley.org/events/startup-saratoga/
We look forward to mentoring the talented teams of students who will help all of us in the healthcare industry address significant challenges and establish superior solutions to drive rapid transformation.

Lumeris, a pioneer in population health management solutions headquartered in St. Louis, is pleased to announce that it is a sponsor of Washington Universitys ArchHacks in its inaugural year.

More than 500 college students from around the country will compete in the hackathon on Nov. 4-6, 2016. Teams of computer programmers and other innovators, through intensive collaboration, will build a HealthTech software product in just 48 hours.

Were thrilled that Washington University chose the theme, HealthTech, for its first ArchHacks, said Ray Wolf, Lumeris senior vice president of architecture and innovation. Its an industry that is growing and evolving each day. Lumeris technology platform has been integral to our success in helping organizations move from fee-for-service to value-based care so we certainly understand the importance of innovation. We look forward to mentoring the talented teams of students who will help all of us in the healthcare industry address significant challenges and establish superior solutions to drive rapid transformation.

ArchHacks will be offering workshops for students to learn new skills and one-on-one time with leaders from the national health and tech communities.

This is a unique opportunity for students to hack healthcare by using their passion for technology, design and building things in collaboration with other students and HealthTech professionals, said Stephanie Mertz, Washington University computer science student and co-founder of ArchHacks. We want to make a difference to improve the health and well being of many populations of people and what better way than to learn than from experts at Lumeris.

In addition to mentorship, Lumeris will also be providing quadcopter drones as prizes for the ArchHacks team that creates the Best Hack Addressing an Aging Population.

ArchHacks, which is free for students, is accepting applications until October 15. Students may visit archhacks.io to apply.

ABOUT ARCHHACKS

ArchHacks is a hackathon hosted at Washington University in St. Louis Nov. 4-6, 2016 for students of all backgrounds with a passion for technology, health, and building things. ArchHacks brings together students from around the country for 48 hours of collaboration, problem solving, and building. We will provide a unique opportunity for students to work with resources and companies they cannot find anywhere else, and our theme, HealthTech, means that the products our participants create will make a real difference. You will have the opportunity to make invaluable connections with corporations, collaborate with friends and, most importantly, develop something that will contribute to the HealthTech community.

ABOUT LUMERIS

Lumeris serves as a long-term operating partner for organizations that are committed to the transition from volume- to value-based care and delivering extraordinary clinical and financial outcomes. Lumeris enables clients to profitably achieve greater results in value-based care arrangements through proven playbooks based on collaboration, transparent data and innovative engagement methodologies. Lumeris offers comprehensive services for managing all types of populations, including launching new Medicare Advantage Health Plans, Commercial and Government Health Plan Optimization, and Multi-Payer, Multi-Population Health Services Organizations (PHSOs) for provider organizations. Currently, Lumeris is engaged with health systems, provider alliances and payers representing tens of millions of lives moving to value-based care. Lumeris has nearly 800 employees.

Lumeris was awarded 2015/2016 Best in KLAS within the Value-Based Care Managed Services category for outstanding efforts to help healthcare professionals deliver better patient care. For 2016 annual enrollment, Essence Healthcare, a Lumeris client, was rated Excellent by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Essence was Lumeris pioneer client and has been leveraging Lumeris for more than a decade to operate its Medicare Advantage plans, which serve more than 62,000 Medicare beneficiaries in various counties throughout Missouri and southern Illinois.

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Public Sector Digest (PSD) in partnership with Canadas Open Data Exchange (ODX) has announced the 2016 Open Cities Index results. Now in its second year, the Open Cities Index launched in 2015 as Canadas first study to benchmark municipal open data initiatives across the country.

The 2015 edition of the Open Cities Index included 34 of Canadas largest municipalities, covering 41 percent of Canadas total population, with the City of Edmonton securing the number one spot in the inaugural ranking. This year, the Open Cities Index has grown to include 68 municipalities, representing 61.17% of the Canadian population, providing a richer analysis of the state of municipal open data initiatives across the country. The 2015 Top 10 list was expanded to a Top 20 list this year in order to highlight more of Canadas leading open data communities.

The 2016 Open Cities Index Top 20

1. Edmonton, AB

2. Toronto, ON

3. Montreal, QC

4. Calgary, AB

5. Surrey, BC

6. Strathcona County, AB

7. Vancouver, BC

8. Ottawa, ON

9. Quebec City, QC

10. Winnipeg, MB

11. Oakville, ON

12. New Westminster, BC

13. London, ON

14. Niagara Region, ON

15. Mississauga, ON

16. Halifax, NS

17. Gatineau, QC

18. Brampton, ON

19. Kitchener, ON

20. Victoria, BC

For the second year in a row, the City of Edmonton has been named Canadas most open city, with the City of Toronto retaining its second place ranking. Montreal has climbed 10 spots to 3rd in 2016, rounding out the top three. Notably, the 2016 Top 20 list includes 5 municipalities brand new to the Index and the City of Mississauga has earned the Most Improved recognition for jumping 25 spots from 2015 landing in 15th place this year.

Edmonton received a score of 98% overall for its open data program, with very strong performances in the Readiness and Impact categories of the study. Providing open data training for the community, convening regular open data hackathons, and adopting an official Open Data Plan and Open Data Policy are just some of the ways Edmonton is building open data capacity within its organization and in the broader community. Under the Implementation category, Edmonton has published online, up-to-date, freely available, machine-readable, automated datasets that are linked to APIs under almost all 32 categories of datasets included in the Open Cities Index. Edmonton has also made advancements to better ascertain the impact of its open data initiative via an array of tools and strategies, including the use of an Impact Map, which tracks what users are doing with their published data, and through media tracking, measuring the percentage of media coverage that is favourable.

With the second highest score in the Implementation category, the City of Toronto continues to be a national leader in the publication of diverse high-quality datasets. Torontos open data portal includes highly sought after datasets, like restaurant inspection data (while most other municipalities across Canada lack access to restaurant inspection information as it is collected by another level of government  open data partnerships are required in order to share this data.) Toronto has also made headway with refining the measurement of its open data initiative. The Citys Open Government Committee has developed performance measures and indicators to track its Open Government program with a particular focus on Open Data, Open Engagement, Open Information and Open Culture.

Likewise, the City of Montreal is working with a local university to develop an impact assessment framework for its open data initiative. Montreal is also participating in a start-up accelerator, supporting a number of burgeoning businesses seeking to make use of the Citys open data. These targeted efforts have helped push Montreal into second place under both the Impact and Readiness sections of the Open Cities Index.

National Trends

The overall average score for the 68 participating municipalities was 27% for 2016, up from 25% in 2015. There is a noticeable improvement in the engagement and commitment to open data across municipalities of all sizes from coast to coast to coast. Despite the low national average of 24% in the Implementation category, a stronger showing of 34% in the Readiness category indicates that Canadas municipalities are starting to put the tools and resources in place that will allow for more robust implementation of open data in the near future. Support from national and provincial governments in terms of building municipal open data capacity will only accelerate this process.

BACKGROUND

The Open Cities Index serves as a supplementary guide for cities looking to initiate or advance their open data programs. Until now, municipalities have lacked a reference point for what types of data to make available to the public, in what format, and at what frequency. The Open Cities Index measures the readiness, implementation, and impact of the participating cities open data initiatives:

1) Readiness: To what extent is the municipality ready/capable of fostering positive outcomes through its open data initiative?

2) Implementation: To what extent has the city fulfilled its open data goals and ultimately, what data has it posted online?

3) Impact: To what extent has the posted data been used, what benefits has the city accrued as a result of its open data program, and to what extent is the city capable of measuring the impact?

The implementation section of the Index scores a municipality against the availability of 32 identified datasets, with 11 variables assessing the quality of the data, including whether the data is machine readable, available for free, and up to date. In establishing the Open Cities Index, PSD first reviewed all relevant open data literature including studies from across Europe and North America. A methodology for the Index was then developed by applying elements of the following initiatives to the local government context in Canada: The Open Data Barometer created by the World Wide Web Foundation, POPSIS (Pricing of Public Sector Information Study) conducted by the European Commission, McKinsey Global Institutes Open Data Study, and OKFNs Open Data Census.

For more information contact:

Tyler Sutton, Editor & Research Lead

Public Sector Digest

tsutton(at)publicsectordigest(dot)com

(519) 690-2565 ext. 2210

QUOTES

Cities are in the best position to unlock the value of open data. Open data constitutes the vital signs of a city. As such, it can be used to assess the health of the city. Moreover, it can be used by the private sector  including start-ups and SMEs  to formulate solutions to problems and challenges that the city is facing. And, open data can be used to assess the effectiveness of the solution. The Open Cities Index plays an important role in helping cities develop a framework for their open data initiatives with a focus on open data usage in support of the creation of products and services that complete the value exchange.



Dr. Kevin Tuer, Managing Director of Canadas Open Data Exchange

The municipalities represented in this years Open Cities Index Top 20 are trailblazers in the open data movement. Whether they are motivated by a commitment to increased transparency, the local economic development potential of open data, or the opportunity to enhance the delivery of government services to residents, these twenty communities are working through open data challenges that will become the best practices of tomorrow.

Tyler Sutton, Editor, Public Sector Digest

ABOUT PUBLIC SECTOR DIGEST

The Public Sector Digest is a monthly digital and quarterly print publication written to advance the managerial capacity of Canadas public sector. PSDs research activities and content, including articles, case studies, webinars, and white papers, focus exclusively on topics pertinent to current and future executives across all government levels and disciplines. Its network of researchers and authors spans 20 countries, across six continents, and comprises highly accomplished specialists and academics from hundreds of world-class organizations and government agencies.

ABOUT CANADAS OPEN DATA EXCHANGE

ODX is a public-private-academic partnership based in Waterloo Region serving all of Canada. The initiative presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to multi-national companies to be a global leader in the commercialization of open data. Founding partners include University of Waterloo, D2L (Desire2Learn), CDMN (Canadian Digital Media Network), OpenText and Communitech with funds matched by the Government of Canada.
We believe in cultivating the city we call home.

Trapp Technology, trapptechnology.com, has announced that it will exhibit at Phoenix SMALL BUSINESS EXPO on October 20, 2016. The expo is located at the Phoenix Convention Center. For more information, and free registration, visit the Phoenix event page.

The day-long conference and trade show, which travels throughout the countrys top cities for small business, brings together industry thought leaders and experts in a hands-on environment that features more than 20+ free business critical workshops and programs along with 100+ interactive booths, demos and brand exhibits. Headlining the event is Bill Walsh, Founder and CEO of Powerteam International with his presentation The 7 Keys to Build a Mega-Successful Business on the Inspiration 2020 Showcase Theater stage.

Start-ups and business owners can take advantage of free admission and educational workshops covering online/social media marketing, employee benefit plans, credit and financing, strategies for increasing revenue and team productivity, mentoring, cloud technologies, retirement plans, and more.

Small Business Expo expects to have more than 4,000+ registered attendees from across the Phoenix metropolitan area shopping for business resources, developing business leads, gaining new insights, and networking with peers.

Experts tell us that more and more Phoenix residents are wanting to take the entrepreneurial leap, says event founder Zachary Lezberg, but that the biggest barrier to starting a new business is that people dont think they can he adds, With the program weve put together, we believe our attendees will feel more empowered by the end of the day.

We believe in cultivating the city we call home, says Trapp Technology Event Marketing Specialist Nicole Wheeler, We are excited to be a part of the business ecosystem in Phoenix, and look forward to connecting with attendees.

To attend, register here.

About Trapp Technology

Trapp Technology provides the very best cloud, VoIP, IaaS, and IT managed services to provide a true all-in-one IT solution for businesses who seek to cut IT costs and leverage technology to grow revenues. Trapp Technologys services are designed to appeal to the growing number of medium- to enterprise-level businesses looking to outsource more IT infrastructure and application management services to help reduce total cost of ownership and free up internal resources, as well as those companies seeking the skills and support to quickly complete complex IT projects. For more information, visit trapptechnology.com.

About Small Business Expo

SMALL BUSINESS EXPO is the nations largest small business networking and learning event, and an Inc. 5000 company. Every year, over 65,000 small business professionals and entrepreneurs across the country attend the SMALL BUSINESS EXPO in 14 MAJOR US Markets to take their business to the next level. The shows owner, Film, Stage & ShowBiz Expo LLC. was founded in 2008 by Zachary Lezberg. For more information, visit http://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com.

Media Contact:

Ashley Capps

Brand and Culture Manager

(602) 443-9145 ext. 2009
To answer the increase in demand for financial planning services, we are pleased to announce that Chris Aiello has accepted the position of Director of Financial Planning.

Atlas Private Wealth Management (Atlas), a registered investment advisory firm headquartered in North Adams, Massachusetts, announced today that it has hired a new financial services industry veteran and promoted another to the firms newest position, Director of Financial Planning. The new position is in response to the growing demand for comprehensive wealth management and financial planning services that aim to work with individuals and families based on their individual set of circumstances and unique set of financial goals.

To answer the increase in demand for financial planning services, we are pleased to announce that Chris Aiello has accepted the position of Director of Financial Planning. The creation of this position represents the firm's commitment to expand its financial planning services to support the growing demand not only among our clients but also investors across the country. At the same time, we welcome Robert Palmer, CFP, formerly with Ayco Company, L.P., to Atlas. Mr. Palmer brings nearly two decades of experience providing comprehensive financial planning advice and financial education workshops to businesses and their employees, said Gregory Britton, President and CEO of Atlas Private Wealth Management.

J. Christopher Aiello, JD, CTFA has accepted the position of Director of Financial Planning at Atlas Private Wealth Management. After joining the firm earlier this year, Mr. Aiello has become an integral part of the firms mission to expand its capabilities to provide comprehensive wealth management and financial planning services to clients. I believe the financial planning process begins by asking thoughtful questions and listening attentively. At Atlas, our goal is to provide financial guidance over a lifetime, said Mr. Aiello.

Robert Palmer, CFP has joined Atlas as a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor in the Albany, New York office. Prior to joining Atlas, Mr. Palmer spent the last 17 years of his career with The Ayco Company, L.P, a Goldman Sachs Company. While at Ayco, Mr. Palmer traveled extensively where he conducted financial education workshops and provided comprehensive financial planning advice to Fortune 500 corporate executives and employees throughout the United States. Financial education is a key component of the financial planning process and I look forward to working with Atlas clients in helping them pursue their financial goals, said Mr. Palmer.

From more information, please contact Natalie Wheeler by phone at (800) 432-7447 or via email at nwheeler(at)atlaspwm(dot)com.

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About Atlas Private Wealth Management

Atlas Private Wealth Management is a fee-based investment advisory firm that provides services for individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Atlas is an SEC-registered investment advisor. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of Atlas by the SEC nor does it indicate that the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Atlas manages nearly $1 billion of assets for over 1600 clients throughout the United States.
Shield Watch wins MSP Mentor 2016 This is a huge testament to all your efforts, all your hard work, the countless number of times that I have seen each one of you OBSESS about customer support, client IT enhancements, software development and SEO strategies for clients.

Thousands of companies from across the world waited with apprehension as Penton Technology worked on consolidating its 2016 edition of MSP 501. The competition was tough as this years editors at MSPmentor were determined to raise the bar by introducing greater accuracy and transparency to the entire selection process. Shield Watch, a Tampa-based IT solutions provider, secured the 378th position, a first for the organization. The recognition came after a careful scrutiny of its finance and growth statistics. All participating MSPs were required to submit confidential applications that included their 2015 financial results.

This is a huge testament to all your efforts, all your hard work, the countless number of times that I have seen each one of you OBSESS about customer support, client IT enhancements, software development and SEO strategies for clients. This is a recognition for you, said CEO Pratik Roychoudhury when he shared the news with his team.

Shield Watch specializes in offering customized service solutions specifically with Small & Medium sized businesses in mind. Offerings such as managed IT services, web design & development, mobile app development, digital & creative marketing solutions as well as custom application development solutions. Shield Watch recently launched its Lever IT concept that is geared towards assisting these businesses in maximizing their ROI on IT spend. This framework, that is supported by more than 100 IT engineers, helpdesk engineers, software and app developers, and digital marketers, has significantly contributed to Shield Watchs growth. The company that brands itself as the provider of Worry-free IT and Obsessive Customer Support turns 20 this year.

What makes inclusion on the 2016 MSPmentor list even more prestigious for any company is the detailed approach that the organizers adhered to this year. Penton Technology partnered with Clarity Channel Advisors, a Massachusetts-based market consultancy and technology development company, in an attempt to add data-driven insights to the process. Penton used two different algorithms to arrive at the list.

Earlier this year the company also won The Globee Gold Awards for being one of the fastest growing private companies in America in the category of sales revenue growth. When referring to The Globee and the MSPmentor, Shield Watch President Tom Perricone said, The MSPmentor ranking is a gold standard in itself, but the achievement makes us doubly excited. Perricone goes on to say, At Shield Watch, we pride ourselves on our achievement of being recognized and awarded as one of America's fastest growing companies. We know that nothing inspires an organization more than hard work, motivation and success.

About Shield Watch:

Shield Watch is a Tampa-based MSP company that was founded in 1996 and purchased in 2013 by Pratik Roychoudhury, who then rolled out the concept of LEVER IT. The company specializes in IT Managed Services, Custom Software Development & Digital Marketing for the SMB market. Shield Watch helps businesses maintain & secure their IT infrastructure and leverage technology to drive productivity, scalability & business growth. It has a staff of 27 in Tampa and 82 software and app developers in its India development center. Shield Watch IT Services is located at 4014 Gunn Highway, Suite #248, in Tampa. For more information, visit: http://shieldwatch.com

About MSPmentor: MSPmentor, one of the digital properties of Penton Technology, offers a comprehensive list of the leading managed service providers worldwide. It released the 9th edition of the list this year. To learn more, please visit http://mspmentor.net/

For further information please contact:

Seemantini Bose

Manager - Corporate Branding

marketing(at)shieldwatch(dot)com

Skype: seemantini_sw

Phone: +1 (813) 200-7229

Cell: +91- 9830814932
Czocha Castle Our goal is to create business-changing experiences using meetings, events and incentives. This event will provide the perfect opportunity to see what leading experience creators in the publishing, film and gaming industries are doing. Past News Releases RSS

Creative Group, Inc., a performance improvement company, today announced that Courtney Spero, Marketing Communication Specialist, has been awarded a scholarship worth over $5,000 to attend the College of Extraordinary Experiences.

As an organization with a mission to help people reach their full potential and thrive, its great to see employees take their passions and career aspirations into their own hands, said Janet Traphagen, President, Creative Group. Our goal is to create business-changing experiences using meetings, events and incentives. This event will provide the perfect opportunity to see what leading experience creators in the publishing, film and gaming industries are doing.

Calling itself a school unlike any other in the world, the College of Extraordinary Experiences aims to create an unforgettable hands-on learning environment for the participants. Students come from different fields, including top executives, university luminaries, military instructors and more. Together, they will learn how to design and stage memorable experiences as an alternative thinking method to traditional business development.

Taking place from November 10-13, 2016, in the Czocha Castle in Poland, the College of Extraordinary Experiences can be considered an unconference for those familiar with trends in the meetings industry. Instead of being lectured to, participants will help create the content and outcome of this conference. The inaugural College has a long list of distinguished Professors in different fields. Among these is Mark Ordesky, executive producer, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy; Kim Wylie, global lead for change and transformation, Google; B. Joseph Pine II, author, The Experience Economy and Sara Thacher, creative lead, Walt Disney Imagineering R&D.

We are happy to bring Courtney on board as a scholarship recipient due to her resolve and commitment to understand experience design, says conference organizer, Paul Bulencea.

About Creative Group

Creative Group, a Direct Travel company, is a full-service performance improvement company. The company specializes in engagement, incentive and recognition solutions, and end-to-end meeting and event management. An industry leader, Creative Group has been honored with the CMI 25 Award, which recognizes the top 25 most influential meetings and incentive management companies in the U.S., since its inception in 2007. Creative Group was founded in 1970 and has served clients in financial services, life sciences, insurance, manufacturing, retail, technology, automotive, hospitality and more.

Employing over 150 people, the company is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin. It also has a large office in suburban Chicago and a satellite office in Detroit.

About The College of Extraordinary Experiences

The College of Extraordinary Experiences is an immersive conference focused on helping people and companies thrive in the experience economy by teaching them how to stage unforgettable experiences. Diverse individuals will come together for cross-industry collaboration using the same methodology of designing memorable experiences. Workshops are aimed to teach and implement core experience staging tools: rapid prototyping, flexible focus, and co-creation.

Conference Details | Date: November 10 - 13, 2016 | Place: Czocha Castle, Poland | Price: 4.900 | Web: http://www.collegeofee.com | Press Contact: Claus Raasted (coee(at)rollespilsakademiet(dot)dk / +45 22 34 24 80) | Organizers: Paul Bulencea, Jane Fleming, Mark Ordesky, Claus Raasted & B. Joseph Pine II; Academic partners: University of Cincinnati, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Kazimierz Wielki University

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Creative Group is a service mark of Creative Group, Inc.
The Group of Thirty today released Thoughts on Monetary Policy: A European Perspective by Jacques de Larosiere, G30 member and former Managing Director of the IMF and former Governor of the Banque de France.

In the paper, de Larosiere discusses the role of monetary policy in the financial system, particularly analysing the monetary policy decisions in the Eurozone after the 2007-08 global financial crisis. He specifically examines the question of how well suited various unconventional monetary policies are suited to the Eurozone, and comes to the conclusions that the conditions that explain the success of unconventional monetary policies in the United States are not necessarily transferable to Europe and that the present market volatility in Europe is related to these policies.

The discussion on monetary policy in Europe remains crucial. In this post-financial crisis environment, we need to assess the policies implemented by central banks and examine the effectiveness of the policies in Europe today. We should consider the consequences on financial stability of too accommodative a monetary policy for too long. This paper is a call for patience and moderation in analyzing and implementing policies which should be geared to reinforce confidence said Jacques de Larosiere.

Jean-Claude Trichet, Chairman of the Group of Thirty, welcomed the paper. Jacques de Larosiere brings an experienced voice to the discussion on monetary policy. We are pleased to add his new work to our Occasional Paper series.

PDFs of this paper are online at http://group30.org/publications. Hard copies are available for purchase.

_____________________________________________________________________

The Group of Thirty, formally known as The Consultative Group on International Economic and Monetary Affairs, Inc. was founded in 1978. The Group of Thirty is a private, nonprofit, international body composed of senior representatives of the private and public sectors and academia. The Group aims to deepen understanding of international economic and financial issues, to explore the international repercussions of decisions taken in the public and private sectors and to examine the choices available to market practitioners and to policymakers. The Group is led by Jacob A. Frenkel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Jean-Claude Trichet, Chairman of the Group.
The AI Post With the goals of safety and equity  our governance model is designed to be the worlds first and most comprehensive governance platform for artificial intelligence

The American Institute of Artificial Intelligence is announcing the launch of the worlds first and most comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Governance Model and product.

Built by performing comprehensive literature reviews and analysis from several fields (Political Science, Sociology. Economics, Philosophy, Computer Science, Ethics, Theology, Law, Communications, Business, Finance, Neuroscience, and many others), the AI Governance Model is designed to address thousands of data points through multi-dimensional analysis.

To address public concerns, improve safety of humans, create transparency, and achieve social good and regulatory compliance, the model can be used by different types of entities including small, medium and large companies, government agencies, institutions and others.

Recent research indicates that more than half of UK adults are worried about robots. Our top intellectuals and leaders have warned us that artificial intelligence can pose a serious threat to humankind. Even the White House is concerned and has organized various conferences on the topic. At the American Institute of Artificial Intelligence, we believe that the best way to advance artificial intelligence is to do it responsibly. The AI revolution is by far the greatest change in the history of human civilization and should be approached with the same respect and consideration as we approach nuclear technology and climate change. said Al Naqvi, president of the American Institute of Artificial Intelligence. We have designed our governance model to alleviate those concerns and to manage and govern the introduction of artificial intelligence in human civilization with confidence. With the goals of safety and equity  our governance model is designed to be the worlds first and most comprehensive governance platform for artificial intelligence, he added.

The American Institute of Artificial Intelligence (http://www.aipost.com) is a Washington, DC based entity. The productized governance framework can now enable companies and agencies that use and develop artificial intelligence products to meet the high safety and wellbeing standards of their customers, users, employees, suppliers, other stakeholders, and general public, Mr. Naqvi added.

Al Naqvi is leading the initiative. In addition to having information technology background, Mr. Naqvi has served in executive level governance roles including CFO of a healthcare system (Illinois Health and Science) and Chief Procurement Officer of one of the worlds largest power companies (AES). Mr. Naqvi also specializes in governance for complex industries including molecular imaging and nuclear medicine.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The American Institute of Artificial Intelligence is a Washington DC based firm focused on artificial intelligence governance. The Institution publishes http://www.aipost.com, a governance focused publication for artificial intelligence. The publication is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and general public understanding of artificial intelligence.
HighRadius will host a Lunch and Learn session directly after the Credit Research Foundation (CRF) hosted SAP User Group that HighRadius is facilitating.

HighRadius will host a Lunch and Learn session directly after the Credit Research Foundation (CRF) hosted SAP User Group that HighRadius is facilitating. The Lunch and Learn session will take place at the Marriott Harbor Beach, 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale at 12 noon, Monday, October 24, preceding the CRF Forum located at the same hotel. The lunchtime session is complimentary and lunch will be provided at no charge to registered attendees.

Lunch and Learn Session

The HighRadius Lunch and Learn session, titled Electronic Payments and the A/R Teams Groundhog Day  Eliminating Repetitive Manual Electronic Remittance Processing with Your Existing Cash Application System will be presented by Shankar Bellam, Senior Solution Architect, HighRadius Corporation, who will explain how leading-edge credit and A/R teams are leveraging existing in-house systems coupled with add-on technology to process electronic remittance automatically to escape the tedious, repetitious activities.

For more information and to register for the HighRadius Lunch and Learn, click here.

At the CRF Forum

In another speaking session that same day, registered CRF Forum participants are able to attend a session presented by Jay Tchakarov, VP  Product Management at HighRadius, Deus ex Machina? Evaluating Robotics for Credit & A/R Automation with Real-World Examples, as part of the CRF Forum.

Jay will present a framework for evaluating automation solutions, comparing across such parameters as process speed improvement, cost reduction capabilities and scalability. Jay will also explore the advantages of Robotic Process Automation and how it eliminates manual intervention from credit and A/R tasks.

About HighRadius

HighRadius provides Financial Supply Chain Management (FSCM) software solutions to optimize receivables and payments functions such as credit, collections, cash application, deductions and eBilling. HighRadius Receivables Cloud and Payments Cloud solution suites are delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS) in the cloud to automate the entire credit-to-cash cycle. HighRadius certified Accelerators for SAP receivables management enables large enterprises to achieve advanced business transformation initiatives and leverage their SAP investments with lower TCO. HighRadius solutions have a proven track record of reducing days sales outstanding (DSO), bad debt and increasing operation efficiency, enabling companies to achieve an ROI in a few months. For more information please visit http://www.highradius.com.

For More Information Contact:

Tara Gallagher

Marketing Manager

tara.gallagher(at)highradius(dot)com

281.972.2101
So far, only the best performers see the advantage in taking the hard steps to modernize stores

Retail Systems Research, LLC today released its findings from its 2016 Benchmark Report, The Retail Store In 2016: Poised For Transformation. The report, based on a survey of 125 retailers, found retailers are painfully aware of how short their in-store shopping experience falls compared to the online experience, but are stymied on what to do about it. The research is available for free download (registration required).

"Not only are there still too many retail stores, but even worse, the lions share of todays stores are relatively uninteresting," reports Paula Rosenblum, managing partner at RSR Research and co-author of the report. "Retailers agree that the consumer is demanding better, but so far, only the best performers see the advantage in taking the hard steps to modernize stores."

Key Findings include:



The best performers - sales wise  are more likely to say competition from online sources (such as Amazon) is stealing sales away from their stores, more likely to blame their own lack of integration between selling channels, and more likely to cite competitive price transparency across these myriad channels as real problems they must face.

By comparison, their underperforming peers are more content to blame rising minimum wage pressures, an inability to separate their own stores from their competitors, and most tellingly: increasing consumer price sensitivity (for which is there is little evidence).

More than half of retailers say their Store Operations management has grown accustomed to the way things are, the enterprise is hesitant to add more to store employees plates, and its not clear that any technology installation beyond the obvious will deliver a quantifiable benefit.

Despite their best intentions  and their rapidly increasing understanding of the problem - just over 50% of retailers see a lot of value in employee-facing technologies, with roughly the same number having either implemented or budgeted for these technologies. We are still a long ways off from physical stores that bring a strong fight to the online experience.

The Retail Store In 2016: Poised For Transformation contains analysis of the business drivers, opportunities, and organizational constraints surrounding technologies in retail stores. It also offers baseline recommendations for navigating this brave new world for retailers. The report is part of RSR Research's ongoing efforts to provide market intelligence on retail technology trends, is sponsored by Manhattan Associates, is supported by Tyco, and can be downloaded here:

http://www.rsrresearch.com/research/the-retail-store-in-2016-poised-for-transformation

About RSR Research: Retail Systems Research (RSR) is the only research company run by retailers for the retail industry. RSR provides insight into business and technology challenges facing the extended retail industry, and thought leadership and advice on navigating these challenges for specific companies and the industry at large.

To learn more about RSR, visit http://www.rsrresearch.com.

Contact:

RSR Research, LLC

Linda Wolfe, 774-284-4679

lwolfe(at)rsrresearch.com
BlueStar New Matte Black Kitchen The matte option allows design freedom to create a more interesting look. It's a trend that will never go away; it is an ideal look for appliances that is both understated yet design-forward.

Bluestar, manufacturer of high-performance appliances for the home  and a trailblazer in color innovation  is unveiling a new Matte collection of eight striking finishes, giving home chefs even more opportunity to unleash their inner designer and create a truly individual, bespoke kitchen design.

BlueStar appliances are designed to suit the unique cooking styles and design tastes of home chefs and entertaining enthusiasts. The pro-style appliance brand offers unsurpassed performance and virtually unlimited options for personalization, including 750 colors and trims as well as customizable cooking surfaces, swing and French oven doors, and restaurant-inspired accessories such as salamander broilers and Frenchtops.

Providing a contrast to glossy, industrial finishes, this new color collection gives both kitchen designers and homeowners access to the latest trend in home decormatte hues. Developed as a smooth, velvety finish, the BlueStar Matte collection lets you leave the shine behind and take appliance color to the edge.

Like cars, high-end appliances are about power, performance and design. Matte and satin finishes are standard options on luxury cars, and now this elegant look is available on BlueStar appliances, said Eliza Sheffield, president, BlueStar.

With inspiration from Heidi Piron, founder of Heidi Piron Designs in Chatham New Jersey and the grand prize winner in BlueStars first annual Kitchen Design Competition, BlueStar developed a well-balanced collection of eight hues that includes bold standouts like Matte Red and classic, on-trend neutrals like Matte Grey.

A really good mix of layers and contrast makes a kitchen special. I like a combination of matte and glossy, dark and light and smooth and textured, said award-winning designer Heidi Piron. The matte option allows design freedom to create a more interesting look. I dont believe that matte is a trend that will ever go away, and it is ideal look for appliances that is both understated yet design-forward.

Leaders in Color, Professional by Design

BlueStar has been a leader in color customization for nearly a decade, offering its cooking equipment in over 750 colors and finishes, plus custom colors. In addition, BlueStar offers curated groupings of unique finishes to stimulate the design process, including its popular Precious Metals featuring copper, pewter and other metallics; as well as the gem-inspired Jeweltones and the award-winning Textures collection.

For additional customization, customers can choose from 190+ colored knobs plus a choice of metal trim finishes. An interactive website tool, 'Build Your Own BlueStar', allows consumers to customize a new BlueStar range  from the intensity of the burners to the color of the knobs  before buying.

Constructed with commercial-grade stainless steel, all BlueStar products are designed to withstand the rigors of the busiest home kitchens. BlueStar gas ranges provide the home chef with a cooking experience that only can be matched by a restaurant kitchen environment. Its powerful burners provide up to 25,000 BTUs of cooking power for consistent, controlled heat and shortened cooking times. And for delicate soups and sauces, no stove matches BlueStars gentle 130 degree simmer burner. The companys first-ever Built-In Refrigeration Line, featuring top performance and unmatched customization, provides a seriously fresh take on premium food preservation that redefines the art of cooling. Home chefs can create a complete, coordinated look in the kitchen with a matching BlueStar range, ventilation hood and now chef-inspired refrigeration. For information, visit http://www.bluestarcooking.com.
cleverbridge, a provider of global subscription billing solutions, announces cleverbridge Software Developer Soukaina Messaoudi and Business Intelligence Expert Istvan Szabo will present at MRC Atlanta 2016 to be held October 10-12 at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta in Atlanta. Messaoudi and Szabo will present Kickstart Your Fraud Analytics with Open Source Machine Learning" on October 11 from 11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in Windsor E.

In their session, Messaoudi and Szabo will present on how to utilize accessible, cost-effective and rapidly integrated technologies and frameworks such as Hadoop Hive, Spark and Zeppelin to improve a merchants fraud analytics experience. Using a successful real-life project example, they will share their techniques for making specific requests from developers, cost-effectively gathering valuable knowledge from fraud data, managing project expectations, and leveraging a new fraud analytics solution.

Messaoudi and Szabo will also share how they effectively analyzed their companys ecommerce data using various open source tools to detect possible fraud attacks, and how they have created a landscape of freely available, easy-to-use tools that can enable them to apply complex methods to gain more insights from their data. They will provide a solid methodology for setting up a project like this, as well as explain how the typical problems of data-related product development can be avoided both on the coding and business sides.

With over five years experience in data engineering, data integration and software development, Messaoudi is a software developer at cleverbridge and is extremely passionate about data science, big data technologies and machine learning. She holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science from Arkansas Tech University and a Masters degree in Information Quality from University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Szabo has 8 years experience in data engineering and management at various multinational companies in different industries and is a business intelligence expert at cleverbridge. He is currently working on his third university degree in Business Informatics Engineering and Management and is passionate about data science and machine learning. Szabo graduated grad school in Budapest, London and Nuremberg.

Organized by the Merchant Risk Council, MRC Atlanta brings the worlds top fraud, payments and risk experts together to learn, share, create, connect and play in a way thats unlike any other event. Focused exclusively on merchants, attendees have the opportunity to participate in panel discussions, general sessions, networking events and much more.

To learn more about cleverbridge, please contact inquiry(at)cleverbridge(dot)com or visit http://www.cleverbridge.com.

About cleverbridge

cleverbridge provides global subscription billing solutions that help companies build long-term customer relationships and grow recurring revenue streams. With its flexible, cloud-based billing and monetization platform, cleverbridge integrates seamlessly with client systems, simplifies subscription business models and delivers an optimized online customer experience. Leveraging cleverbridge expertise, technology and services, clients monetize products and services more effectively, rapidly expand their global subscriber base and maximize customer lifetime value. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, cleverbridge has offices in Chicago, San Francisco and Tokyo. For more information, visit http://www.cleverbridge.com.
Intelligent Review is a timely solution that delivers exceptional efficiency and insight on your case.

Commonwealth Legal, a division of Ricoh Canada and the Canadian leader in ediscovery solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of a brand new service offering: Intelligent Review.

In a data-driven world, the traditional check everything approach to document review is no longer sustainable, says Jessica Lockett, B.A. (Hons), M.A., LL.B., Director Legal Solutions at Commonwealth Legal. Law firms and corporations are looking for creative yet practical ways to stay ahead of their growing data volumes. I am thrilled to use my legal experience and expertise to spearhead this unique offering from Commonwealth Legal, and help our clients do just that.

Challenged to handle the ever-increasing volumes of data that require review, law firms and corporations are becoming more attuned to the need to do things differently. For these organizations, the adoption of new review technologies and advanced methodologies is essential for managing review cost and timelines.

As the market matures, we are starting to see the true merging of technology with lawyer workflows. This is giving legal teams the opportunity to take unprecedented control of the review process at a fraction of the cost, says Jennifer Johnson, Vice President at Commonwealth Legal. Intelligent Review is a timely solution that delivers exceptional efficiency and insight on your case. By taking a systematic approach to identifying key documents sooner, you are able to achieve far more than with traditional review.

Intelligent Review from Commonwealth Legal, is a technology-driven, systematic approach that provides immediate insight and exceptional transparency and control over a legal matter. Commonwealth Legals growing team now includes specialized, technology-savvy eDiscovery lawyers who work directly with legal teams to implement strategic workflows and procedures.

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About Commonwealth Legal

Commonwealth Legal, a division of Ricoh Canada, specializes in providing secure, cloud-based legal document management solutions. In the complex and often expensive world of litigation, our goal is to provide technology solutions that are simple, fast, and cost-effective. We are a recognized industry leader with a strong reputation for customer service, ISO 9001:2008 certified deliverables and knowledgeable professional services.

For further information, please visit http://www.commonwealthlegal.com.
Maria Shireen 'CHARITY TIES' Bracelet "This bracelet represents not only those who have been lost to these types of cancer, but also serves as a reminder that there is still more work to be done to save the lives of future generations."

Maria Shireen (http://www.mariashireen.com) - makers of the original hair tie bracelet - is supporting Bright Pink (http://www.brightpink.org), a national breast and ovarian health non-profit organization for the second year in a row through its social good platform CHARITY TIES. Now through October 31, $10 from each sale of the companys CHARITY TIES hair tie bracelets will be donated to Bright Pink.

Each CHARITY TIES bracelet is a statement piece with a purpose. Function and fashion combine in this beautifully designed and crafted cuff bracelet that conveniently and discretely holds an elastic hair tie  transforming the piece into a functional fashion accessory. CHARITY TIES limited edition hair tie bracelets are available in silver plated stainless steel for $45 with two options for the accompanying hair tie elastics  pink for breast cancer and teal for ovarian cancer. Each bracelet is engraved with #BANDOFSTRENGTH  symbolizing Maria Shireens commitment to unifying and empowering the women who buy or gift the bracelets.

For nearly a decade, Bright Pinks mission has been focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women. The organization is dedicated to providing resources to 52 million young women between the ages of 18 and 45 with their innovative, life-saving health programs.

We are very excited to once again support Bright Pinks efforts in empowering and educating young women about early detection, prevention and treatment of these terrible diseases, said Shireen Thor, co-founder of Maria Shireen. This bracelet represents not only those who have been lost to these types of cancer, but also serves as a reminder that there is still more work to be done to save the lives of future generations.

To learn more about Maria Shireens CHARITY TIES and Bright Pink, visit https://www.mariashireen.com/collections/charity-ties and https://www.brightpink.org.

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About Maria Shireen

Maria Shireen is a functional fashion accessories company serving the $2.3 billion global fashion accessories marketplace. The company currently produces and markets its premium patented hair tie bracelets under its athleisure, bittersweet and luxury collection by Maria Shireen brands. The company also designs, produces and markets its mass market hair tie bracelets under its My Hair Tie Bracelets brand. Since launch, the company has sold more than 100,000 hair tie bracelets in 40 countries.

About Bright Pink

Bright Pink is a national non-profit focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women. The organizations mission is to save womens lives from breast and ovarian cancer by empowering them to live proactively at a young age. Bright Pinks innovative programs educate and equip young women to assess their risk for breast and ovarian cancer, reduce their risk, and detect these diseases at early, non life-threatening stages. Recently launched, ExploreYourGenetics.org, provides women comprehensive information about genetic testing and breast and ovarian cancer-influencing mutations. Founded in 2007, Bright Pink strives to reach the 52 million women in the US between the ages of 18-45 with this life-saving education. Put Awareness In Action at BrightPink.org.
Rocket Boys the Musical After years of work, Homer and his team were ready to go to Broadway with their award-winning show, but then Universal demanded they shut down and claimed Homer's entire life belonged to them.

Homer Hickam, author of "Rocket Boys" which was adapted into the movie October Sky, and the team of writers and composers who developed the Broadway show 'Rocket Boys the Musical' is asking for help to cover legal expenses in a lawsuit with Universal Studios which is owned by COMCAST.

After Hickam and his team developed their award-winning musical and were set to make an off-Broadway run followed by a national tour, court documents show that the giant multi-national corporation allegedly demanded they shut down immediately in favor of Universal (COMCAST)'s own musical titled, 'October Sky the Musical.'

When Hickam resisted, court documents show that Universal (COMCAST) allegedly claimed that all of Hickam's sequels to "Rocket Boys" plus every character in his memoir, including the author himself, belonged to them and he had no rights to use them in any dramatic production, which was based on their alleged interpretation of a 20-year old contract. This had the effect of blocking Hickam's writing career and stopped in its tracks negotiations with movie producers for a film based on his latest best-seller "Carrying Albert Home, the Somewhat True Story of a Man, a Woman, and Her Alligator."

After making its claims, court documents allege that Universal (COMCAST) offered the sequels and characters back to Hickam if he would renounce his musical and accept an alleged gag order for all time.

Instead, Hickam sued Universal (COMCAST) for breach of contract, misappropriation of his name, and fraud. A detailed copy of the full lawsuit can be found online via Deadline.com HERE [article published June 2nd, 2016]. The case was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles on June 2nd, 2016; case number VC622438.

Homer Hickam is a reknown author whose works have been praised and studied in schools across the world. He is also a decorated Vietnam veteran who works with veteran's support orgnizations, is an animal rescue activist, provides scholarships to needy children at four universities in the Appalachian region, a cancer survivor who supports with funding and speeches for the American Cancer Society, and serves without pay on the boards of the Space and Rocket Center (Space Camp) in Huntsville, AL, and the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana.

To help Hickam and his team pay their legal fees, an IndieGoGo crowd funding campaign has been started. To assist, please visit the campaign page HERE.
A model of the latest XYZ Atlas sculpture "Vertex" sits in Brush Square Park in downtown Austin, TX.

This fall, Austin artist Jennifer Chenoweth brings her groundbreaking public art project XYZ Atlas to SXSW Eco 2016. Selected as one of 36 international finalists in the Place by Design competition, which highlights design projects engaged in promoting social, economic and environmental change, XYZ Atlas will also debut a new original sculpture called the Vertex during the annual conference. XYZ Atlas is one of two Austin-based SXSW Eco Place by Design finalists, and the only Texas-based project in the Arts + Interaction category.

I am very excited to bring XYZ Atlas to SXSW Ecos stage, said Chenoweth. Rarely does a visual artist from Austin receive this kind of attention and acclaim, so Im incredibly honored to help represent my favorite city among so many brilliant innovators, designers and artists. I look forward to the diverse perspectives and passionate conversations.

XYZ Atlas selection to participate in SXSW Eco follows the culmination of the project in its hometown, Austin, Texas. In 2013, Chenoweth created XYZ Atlas as a way of marking Austins collective experience of a changing and growing city. Originally centered around a series of emotional maps of Austin that captured the range of experiences around town, XYZ Atlas quickly expanded its focus to become a multimedia public art project documenting how individuals and communities find attachment to place. These stories have been visualized through a series of interactive pieces playing with time, space and perspective. After closing out the Austin chapter in May 2016, Chenoweth is in the process of expanding and adapting XYZ Atlas for Bryan/College Station, TX, which will be on display in spring and summer 2017.

This project has evolved and changed so much over the past few years, and throughout this process, Ive discovered different ways XYZ Atlas can help shape and improve a particular place, whether thats socially, economically or environmentally Chenoweth said. As XYZ Atlas continues to expand to Bryan / College Station and beyond, my hope is that the information, stories and data that are uncovered through this project will help make these communities and areas more inclusive, healthy and valuable to those who use them.

More information about XYZ Atlas in Bryan / College Station will be released in late 2016 or early 2017.

SXSW Eco Place by Design (PXD) Outdoor Lounge: October 9-12

A special exhibition of Chenoweths new interactive Vertex sculpture has been organized as part of the SXSW Eco Place by Design Outdoor Lounge. Created by Chenoweth and her husband, Robert Whitehurst, Vertex is a multicolored 3-D perspective point measuring 20-feet high and 12-feet square at the base. Inspired by Tempest, an arcade game from Atari that Chenoweth played as a kid, Vertex serves as a location marker that You Are Here.

Set to transform one of Austins original public spaces, Brush Square Park, into a place of discovery, experimentation and fun, the PXD Outdoor Lounge will include games and art installations designed to show the potential of this accessible green space in downtown Austin. Vertex will be on display 4  8 p.m. Sunday, October 9; 8 a.m.  8 p.m. Monday, October 10, and Tuesday, October 11; and 8 a.m.  6 p.m. Wednesday October 12. All events in the PXD Outdoor Lounge are free and open to the public.

SXSW Eco Art + Interaction Pitch Competition: October 10

Place by Designs Art + Interaction category features visionary urban installations and temporary, participatory art that beautifies underutilized space and changes the way users perceive or interact with public space. As one of six category finalists, Chenoweth will present XYZ Atlas before conference attendees during the Art + Interaction pitch competition from 11:30 a.m.  12:30 p.m. Monday, October 10. Winners will be selected by the Place by Design Jury and announced at the SXSW Eco Awards Ceremony to be held Wednesday, October 12.

The 5th annual SXSW Eco conference runs October 10-12, 2016.

About XYZ Atlas

XYZ Atlas is a multi-year project mapping shared experiences through art. Taking its title from cartography, XYZ relates to geographical coordinates while Atlas characterizes the projects map-based components. Established in 2013, this body of work has been exhibited at SXSW, the Texas Tribune Festival, East Austin Studio Tour, and through Art of the City 2016, a national celebration of the most exciting and creative art projects across America. Major support for XYZ Atlas is provided by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department and the Parks and Recreation Departments Museums and Cultural Centers. For general information, please visit http://www.xyzatlas.org/.

About Jennifer Chenoweth

Jennifer Chenoweth is an Austin-based visual artist and cultural producer. For more than 16 years, Chenoweth has explored her art process through Fisterra Studio, where she makes contemporary art in any material that fits the idea, from drawings to large sculpture to interactive collaborative projects. Her personal style has earned her a reputation as a critically acclaimed figure in Austins art community, in part because of her ability to utilize visual art as a tool for social change through inspiration and connection. She studied Painting and Sculpture at the Kansas City Art Institute, has a masters degree from the Great Books program at St. Johns College in Santa Fe, and holds an M.F.A. in Painting from The University of Texas at Austin. From 2015-2016, Chenoweth served on a team for an ArtPlace project in Austin, Drawing Lines. In 2010, she founded a nonprofit, Generous Art, to empower artists and strengthen communities.
eShortLine combines security, convenience, and trusted expertise to reduce supplier and employee risk for short line railroads. ASLRRA is pleased to present this uniquely tailored program, which will ease the burdenand costof screening and onboarding.

eVerifile has been selected by The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) as a preferred provider in their associations Member Discount Program. This program will include eShortLine, eVerifiles contractor screening and workplace security management program designed specifically for short line railroads.

eVerifile, the trusted creator of eRailSafe  a Class I program and the industry standard  has created eShortline, a comprehensive contractor screening solution designed to meet the unique needs of short line railroads. Like eRailSafe, eShortline offers Nationwide Multi-County Criminal Search, National Criminal Database Report (NCDC), Nationwide Federal Search, grading (matrix provided by railroad industry), and specific short line training and testing. eVerifiles services also include drug testing and the issuance of ID badges.

eShortLine combines security, convenience, and trusted expertise to reduce supplier and employee risk for short line railroads. ASLRRA is pleased to present this uniquely tailored program, which will ease the burden  and cost  of screening and onboarding third party contractors for our members, said Linda Bauer Darr, President of ASLRRA.

Benefits to ASLRRA members include exclusive access and discounted rates on the complete range of screening services available through the eShortLine program, including comprehensive criminal background checks, railroad safety training, and authorized access credentials.

We are looking forward to introducing eShortLine to ASLRRA members. Our expertise in reducing risk for our clients, and the development of a customized cloud-based offering for short lines will enable ASLRRA members to quickly gain efficiencies and improve compliance in hiring third party contractors, said Brian Hullinger, President of eVerifile.

ASLRRA members may visit the Member Discount Program Page under the Member Resources tab at http://www.aslrra.org to learn more about the eShortLine program. For specific questions, contact Jennifer Brown at Jennifer(dot)Brown(at)everifile(dot)com.

About ASLRRA - The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) is a non-profit trade association representing the interests of the nations 550 short line and regional railroads and railroad supply company members in legislative and regulatory matters. Short lines operate 50,000 miles of track in 49 states, or approximately 38% of the national railroad network, touching in origination or termination one out of every four cars moving on the national railroad system, serving customers who otherwise would be cut off from the national railroad network.

About eVerifile - Founded in 1999, eVerifile specializes in helping companies mitigate supplier and workforce risk through cloud-based solutions, including contractor and employment screening. Through its innovative software-as-a-service platform eVerifile helps companies protect their brand, their employees and their customers. eVerifile founded and administers the eRailSafe compliance program, which serves as the Class I Railroad industry standard for contractor screening to protect U.S. and Canadian railroad property. eVerifile is a member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) and is compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Learn more at http://eVerifile.com.
Grinnell Mutuals Working Together Making It Better promotion is seeking submissions for innovative community improvement projects. Three nonprofit organizations will win grants totaling $3,500. The grant program is Grinnell Mutuals way of acknowledging projects that positively impact their communities and celebrating the hard work that goes into in making a community vibrant.

Grinnell Mutual will accept project submissions through Oct. 19. Enter on our Working Together Making It Better page on grinnellmutual.com. Projects must be (or affiliate with) a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and must be located in one of 14 states in which Grinnell Mutual does business: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

To find answers to frequently asked questions and see examples of successful submissions from previous years, go to our Working Together Making It Better FAQ page. You can also access the complete rules.

Grinnell Mutual will announce the finalists on its Facebook page, and beginning Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 10 a.m. Facebook account holders can vote on Grinnell Mutuals page for their favorite submission. Voting will end at 2 p.m. CT, Wednesday, Nov. 16. The winners will be announced shortly thereafter. The three finalists with the most votes will receive $2,000, $1,000, and $500, respectively.

To learn more about Working Together Making It Better, visit Grinnell Mutuals Working Together Making It Better page. Visit grinnellmutual.com to learn more about how Grinnell Mutual partners with organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities in the Midwest.

About Grinnell Mutual

Grinnell Mutual, in business since 1909, is the 114th-largest property casualty insurance company in the United States and the largest primary reinsurer of farm mutual companies in North America. The company provides reinsurance for farm mutual insurance companies as well as property and casualty insurance. Its products are available in 14 states.

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For more information contact:

Dan McCue

Digital Marketing Strategist

Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Co.

641.269.8289

dmccue(at)gmrc(dot)com
We are pleased to provide payment solutions to Tech.Cos Startup of the Year, ShearShare, as they continue to disrupt the beauty industry with their unique salon rental solution.

First American Payment Systems, a leader in the payment processing industry, has partnered with ShearShare, a Tech.Co Startup of the Year 2016 and a technology company that matches licensed cosmetologists and barbers to empty salon space, to deliver a mobile payment solution for users of their platform.

Tye Caldwell, Co-founder and CEO of ShearShare, stated, We are excited about our partnership with First American Payment Systems. First American adds additional value to our users by providing them with secure payments on the go. Added services like this one affirm our vision of helping beauty professionals build long, successful careers on their terms.

By partnering with First American, ShearShare users can leverage quick and easy mobile payments for their clients wherever they are working, all backed by advanced security features. The payment solution perfectly accommodates ShearShare users, who often work from different salon locations.

"We are pleased to provide payment solutions to Tech.Cos Startup of the Year, ShearShare, as they continue to disrupt the beauty industry with their unique salon rental solution, said Bill Lodes, EVP of Business Development and Strategy for First American Payment Systems. Their ability to connect salon and barbershop owners to independent stylists and barbers looking for space to work is truly unique. Our mobile payment solution is the perfect fit for these business owners who want the flexibility of working in different locations.

Out of 1,000 entrants, ShearShare was recently awarded the Tech.Co Startup of the Year Award at the Innovate! and Celebrate conference.

"Were thrilled that ShearShare has been named Tech.Co's 2016 Startup of the Year, said Frank Gruber, CEO, Tech.Co. This dynamic husband and wife team nailed their pitch with impressive market knowledge, a sharp product, and loads of energy. They clearly have a huge market opportunity, and were excited to support them on their journey.

For more information about ShearShares partnership with First American, visit https://first-american.net/partnerexchange/referrals/shearshare/.

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About First American Payment Systems

First American Payment Systems, L.P., based in Fort Worth, Texas, is a BBB Accredited payment processor, with over 25 years of experience that provides comprehensive electronic

transaction processing services for more than 140,000 merchants throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to credit, debit, and EBT card processing, First American offers a complete line of proprietary business solutions, including 1stPayPOS tablet-based point-of-sale system, 1stPayMobile, Secur-Chex check services, FirstPay.Net e-commerce solutions, and Govolution government e-payments. For more information, visit http://www.first-american.net. 1stPayPOS, 1stPayMobile, and 1stPayBlaze are trademarks of 1stPayGateway, LLC.

About ShearShare

Rent salon space whenever, wherever! ShearShare is the only B2B app that matches licensed beauty professionals to unused salon space. Salon and barbershop owners make money on their empty chairs, and licensed cosmetologists and barbers find professional space to work, leasing suites and booths by the day. To date, ShearShare listings are in 240 cities and 11 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.shearshare.com, or follow the company on Twitter and Instagram at @ShearShare.

About Tech.Co

Tech.Co (formerly Tech Cocktail) is a media company and events organization for startups, entrepreneurs, and technology enthusiasts. Since 2006, its goal has been to amplify local tech communities and give entrepreneurs a place to get informed, get connected, and get inspired. Tech.Co dedicates itself to covering news, how-tos, up-and-coming startups, and industry trends online, and hosting events in cities everywhere. For more information, visit https://tech.co
What they need are relief supplies and the fastest way to make sure they get what they need is to donate money to organizations already working on the ground in the affected areas like Salesian Missions.

Salesian Missions has launched an emergency fundraising campaign to purchase relief supplies and provide assistance to those affected by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti.

What is most needed at times like this are cash donations, explains Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. What they need are relief supplies and the fastest way to make sure they get what they need is to donate money to organizations already working on the ground in the affected areas like Salesian Missions. We have missionaries, schools and programs helping the poor in cities and towns not only throughout Haiti, but also in the Dominican Republic, so this adds to our ability to coordinate response efforts.

Those who want to help are encouraged to donate online at http://www.salesianmissions.org/haiti-relief/give. Donations made through this specific page will go specifically for relief efforts in Haiti.

The storm is still active and the government in Haiti has asked people to stay where they are until it passes. In the meantime, Salesian missionaries on the ground in Haiti are preparing for relief efforts and will begin this work as soon as they are cleared to do so. They are working with Salesian Missions as part of this preparation.

Funds raised will purchase the following relief supplies which have been identified as a priority by aid workers on the ground in Haiti: water, food (rice, beans, oil), sheet metal and plywood. The goal is to begin offering a hot meal to 3,000 children a day as soon as possible.

After the 2010 earthquake, Salesian Missions in New York worked in cooperation with the Rinaldi Foundation, which headed up Salesian relief and reconstruction efforts in Haiti. The experience both the Rinaldi Foundation and Salesian Missions gained from this work is invaluable at times like this. Not only are Salesian missionaries often called upon by the government to assist, their programs are trusted by locals who know it is a place to turn during emergencies. Infrastructure and logistical capabilities (such as storage warehouses, transportation and distribution channels) allow Salesian Missions to provide assistance during times like this. Additionally, partnerships are key to effectively respond to humanitarian needs during emergencies such as this. Salesian Missions works with organizations within Haiti, in the United States, and around the globe and therefore has access to the supplies needed.

So far, Salesian Missions has received word of damage to offices, schools and churches affected by the Hurricane. Roofs have been lost and buildings are flooded. An agriculture program has suffered the loss of its crops and animals (including cows and goats).

Salesian missionaries arrived in Haiti in 1935 upon request from the Haitian government to run a professional school. There are more than 200 Salesian-run schools in Haiti and programs reach more than 25,000 children and youth. Salesian programs are located throughout Haiti, including Port-au-Prince, Fort- Liberte, Cap-Haitien, Les Cays and Grassier. Salesian missionaries operate 10 main centers across the country, each of which has a number of primary and secondary schools, vocational training centers and other programs for street children and youth in need. Programs are focused on assisting the poorest and most vulnerable children (and their families) in countrysides, cities and slums. These include feeding programs and vocational and technical education to prepare youth for the workforce. Nutritional meals are a key element of the schools, ensuring children not only attend school but also are able to have the energy and focus to learn. In Port-au-Prince, Salesian missionaries operate one the largest free cafeterias in the world feeding more than 25,000 people daily.

Haitis educational system is continuing to rebuild after a January 2010 earthquake destroyed 90 percent of schools and 60 percent of hospitals, killed thousands of people and left more than 350,000 injured. Despite ongoing reconstruction and infrastructure improvements, Haiti remains the poorest country in the Americas and one of the poorest in the world. According to the World Bank, over half of the countrys population of 10 million lives on less than $1 per day and approximately 80 percent live on less than $2 per day. The majority of Haitians lack adequate access to education, healthcare and nutritious food.

To give to the relief efforts, go to SalesianMissions.org.

ABOUT SALESIAN MISSIONS

Salesian Missions is the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, working to raise funds and develop programs to aid youth and families in some of the poorest places on earth. Haiti is one of more than 130 countries around the globe where Salesians work to give hope and provide opportunity to vulnerable youth through education and skills training. Learn more about where the Salesians work and the programs they provide at http://www.salesianmissions.org.

Salesian Missions is headquartered in New Rochelle, New York, and is part of the Don Bosco Network  a worldwide federation of Salesian NGOs. Salesian Missions works in cooperation with the Rinaldi Foundation in Haiti, which is also part of the Don Bosco Network. Both organizations have immense experience and resources in handling humanitarian emergencies. Funds raised by Salesian Missions in the United States will be distributed to the Rinaldi Foundation.
We are extremely impressed with the hard work and determination that Endurance employees demonstrate every day.

Endurance Vehicle Protection has been named a Stevie Award winner in the first annual Stevie Awards for Great Employers. Endurance was honored with the Gold Stevie Award at this year's ceremony, highlighting a trend after previous being named one of the Top Workplaces in Chicago by the Chicago Tribune and one of the Best Places it Work in Chicago by Business Insider.

The Stevie Awards for Great Employers recognize the worlds best employers and the human resources professionals, teams, achievements and HR-related products and suppliers who help to create and drive great places to work. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word meaning crowned, the awards were presented to winners at a gala ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on Friday, September 30.

More than 250 nominations from organizations around the world were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of HR-related categories, including Achievement in Workplace Safety & Compliance, Employer of the Year, Chief Human Resources Officer of the Year, Human Resources Team of the Year and Employee Relations Solution Provider of the Year, among others. And at this year's award ceremony, Endurance won in the Diversified Services category.

"We are extremely impressed with the hard work and determination that Endurance employees demonstrate every day," stated Endurance CEO, Paul Chernawsky.

More than 50 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this years Stevie Award winners. The judges singled out Endurance for the Gold Stevie among a wide variety of competing companies, noting Endurance "uses creative engagement with employees, contributes to a positive work environment, and communicates the importance of giving back."

The judges were extremely impressed with the quality of entries we received in the first Stevie Award for Great Employers. The dedication these Stevie-winning organizations have to making great workplaces for employees was evident in every nomination, said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards.

Details about the Stevie Awards for Great Employers and the list of 2016 Stevie winners are available at http://www.StevieAwards.com/HR.

About Endurance:

Founded in 2006, Endurance Warranty Services LLC strives to be the most customer-driven company in the industry and believes that protecting consumers from exorbitant repair bills is the key to their success. Endurance, the exclusive extended coverage provider of Cars.com, is the only company industry-wide that is both A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and Gold-Certified by the Vehicle Protection Association. By delivering world-class customer service to every customer, current or future, Endurance continues to reign as the premier provider of vehicle protection in the nation. Visit us online at http://www.EnduranceWarranty.com

About the Stevie Awards:

Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 60 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.
CSG has been a Collaborating Partner with NCSEA for many years. We are proud of Joes continuous service to this important organization.

CSG Government Solutions, a national leader in government program modernization, today announced that Joe Mamlin has been elected to serve as the President of the National Child Support Enforcement Association (NCSEA) as of September 1, 2016.

Mr. Mamlin is a Principal in CSGs Child Support practice and a longtime member of NCSEA. He has worked in child support programs since 1992 and is the former Indiana State Child Support Director. Mr. Mamlin has led modernization projects for multiple state healthcare, human services, and child support programs including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and child care.

CSG has been a Collaborating Partner with NCSEA for many years. We are proud of Joes continuous service to this important organization, says Deneen Omer Director of CSGs Child Support practice. As an honorary life member of NCSEA and member of the Board of Directors, Joes expertise and dedication to the organization will serve NCSEA and its members well.

CSG Government Solutions continues to increase its presence across the United States. The company deploys highly experienced teams and innovative methods, knowledge, and tools to help governments modernize complex program enterprises. CSG clients include 43 state governments, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Labor, and large municipal governments.

CONTACT:

Deneen Omer

Director, Child Support Practice

CSG Government Solutions

180 N. Stetson Ave

Suite 3200

Chicago, IL 60601

312.444.2760 Fax: 312.938.2191

domer(at)csgdelivers(dot)com

About CSG Government Solutions:

CSG Government Solutions is a leading government operations consulting firm focused on helping states modernize critical program enterprises. Our highly experienced teams and industry-leading Centers of Excellence help governments leverage innovative technology and processes to meet the challenges of administering complex programs. Founded in 1997, CSG has established itself as a trusted adviser to government agencies across the U.S.
EIT Digital has positioned itself at the forefront of European education by creating courses for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Over 400 students from 50 different countries will gather in Rennes, France from 27-29 October for the start of the 2016 EIT Digital Master School programme. The event, dubbed the kick-off, marks the get-go of Europes premiere education programme for the innovation and entrepreneurial talent of the future.

Willem Jonker, CEO of EIT Digital, will start the kick-off proceedings with a keynote speech highlighting the skills required if Europe is to stay ahead in a competitive digital world. During the three day kick-off event, the students will take part in a realistic business challenge competition which will see them pitching entrepreneurial solutions on the final day to a panel made up of digital entrepreneurs and professionals.

Learning to think as an entrepreneur is a key criteria for the EIT Digital Master School. The programme seeks out the best students from across the EU and equips them with cutting-edge technical knowledge and business skills so that they can go on to help assure Europes role in the global digital economy.

Students can choose to study from eight master school programmes taught by a network of top European universities. During the two-year course they will have to complete a work placement as well as a two-week summer school programme. Graduates of the programme will be rewarded with a double master's degree coupled with a certificate from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Currently 20 partner universities in eight countries participate in the scheme.

100% of the students who completed previous Master School programmes are now either employed or are continuing their education (76% have jobs; 24% entered PHD-programmes) and nearly one third of those who are employed secured jobs before completing their studies. 89% of the programmes graduates work in Europe and 98% of those are employed in the technology sector. 58% state that they plan to start their own company within two years of graduation.

Prof. Anders Flodstrom, Director of Education EIT Digital said: "EIT Digital has positioned itself at the forefront of European education by creating courses for innovation and entrepreneurship. Our objective is to increase the quality, diversity and availability of the content supplied by high-level universities, research institutes and industrial partners of EIT Digital. Through this we are creating a recognised brand in the European higher education sector."

About EIT Digital

EIT Digital is a leading European open innovation organisation. Our mission is to foster digital technology innovation and entrepreneurial talent for economic growth and quality of life in Europe. We bring together entrepreneurs from a partnership of over 130 top European corporations, SMEs, start-ups, universities and research institutes.

EIT Digital invests in strategic areas to accelerate the market uptake of research-based digital technologies and to bring entrepreneurial talent and leadership to Europe. Our innovation and education activities are organised in and around our co-location centres, where students, researchers, engineers, business developers and entrepreneurs come together to drive the digitalisation of society.

EIT Digital is a Knowledge and Innovation Community of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Since 2010, EIT Digital has consistently mobilised talent, ideas, technologies, investments and business across Europe and beyond to stimulate disruptive digital innovation. EIT Digital headquarters are in Brussels with co-location centres in Berlin, Budapest, Eindhoven, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Paris, Stockholm, Trento and a hub in Silicon Valley.
KP Chair with Prime Minister of Namibia ...we have high anticipation that being part of the KP family will assist Namibia to sustain its efforts to provide economic growth and improved welfare for its people...", Prime Minister, Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.

As part of his KP Africa Initiative, the UAE Kimberley Process (KP) Chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem, met with the Prime Minister of Namibia, Dr. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila in Windhoek, to discuss Kimberley Process related matters. These talks focused principally on initiatives regarding rough diamond valuation and the countries diversification strategy to foster economic growth through revenues generated from the sale of rough diamonds.

A Kimberley Process member since 2003, Namibia became the Vice-Chair in 2008, taking the KP Chair role in 2009.

In recent years, the country has been creating a business friendly environment along with the strategy of diversification away from a heavy reliance on extraction and processing of minerals for export.

Natural resources have always been important to Namibia, especially diamonds, as they contribute a significant amount to our GDP. What is important about this is the funding that the diamond industry supplies to help Namibia diversify its economy. We cannot rely on diamonds forever, so this government is looking at ways to optimize benefits from diamonds to improve peoples lives while at the same time building a new economy for the future. Namibia is looking into growing several sectors that will employ people in a range of industries and services.

Regarding the Kimberley Process, we are delighted to have the KP Chair visit us - and we have high anticipation that being part of the KP family will assist Namibia to sustain its efforts to provide economic growth and improved welfare for its people, said the Prime Minister, Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.

Namibia, with unique alluvial diamond fields has seen small increases in diamond production over the last five years with close to two million carats being exported in 2015. Production costs were initially relatively low, but they are rising as much more of its alluvial activity going offshore with a 60/40 split in favour of underwater extraction.

Mr. Bin Sulayem commented: Namibia is an active member of the Kimberley Process and is embracing the countrys new business framework to provide more jobs in the mining sector and other parts of the economy. This aligns well with our KP rough diamond valuation initiative. Across the country, a robust infrastructure is in place, and business opportunities are emerging for the benefit of Namibia. With several airlines opening direct flights to Namibia, including Qatar Airways, I expect to see increased connectivity and trade with GCC and other countries going forward.

Namibia has been mining diamonds since 1908 and currently its overall mining activity accounts for almost 8% of GDP being a major source of foreign exchange earnings.
We are excited to attend AXUG Summit as a Gold Sponsor. It is a great platform to discuss business requirements, and offers customers easy access to our team and what they need.

I.B.I.S., A Sonata Software Company will be sponsoring the Dynamics Communities AXUG Summit next week in Tampa, Florida. Held annually, the AXUG Summit offers peer to peer relationship building as well as training on Microsoft Dynamics AX for attendees. I.B.I.S., and its parent company Sonata Software, will be a Gold sponsor of the event, highlighting the strength of the global company to support new and existing implementations of Dynamics AX. Sonata and I.B.I.S. together deliver a unique value proposition of industry leading IP based solutions for retail and distribution, scale, global foot print, managed services capability and the New AX (AX 7) and Dynamics 365 expertise.

I.B.I.S. & its parent company Sonata Software have industry specific solutions for retail and supply chain business available both on premise and now in the cloud via AppSource. Advanced Supply Chain Software for Microsoft Dynamics AX is a supply chain solution, designed to meet the needs of modern distributors and manufacturers. Additionally, Brick & Click for Dynamics AX is a retailing solution, that is a fully unified Omni-Channel Commerce platform. Both solutions are now available on Microsoft AppSource.

Ranga Puranik, President of I.B.I.S. states, We are excited to attend AXUG Summit as a Gold Sponsor. It is a great platform to discuss business requirements, and offers customers easy access to our team and what they need. Being a part of this channel meet up where the cloud movement is so strong, we will be able to showcase our Dynamics AX strength, adding significant value for clients, prospects and Partners.

In addition to their industry solutions, I.B.I.S. and Sonata will be displaying their Dynamics expertise, including Dynamics 365, presenting details on their 100 + AX 7 resources, 5 AX 7 Implementations, and being the only company with a complete toolset to directly upgrade AX 2009 to the latest Microsoft release of AX 7.

About Sonata Software

Sonata Software is a global IT services firm focused on catalyzing transformational IT initiatives of its clients through deep domain knowledge, technology expertise and customer commitment. The company delivers innovative new solutions for Travel, Retail & Consumer Goods and Software Product Companies by integrating technologies such as Omni-Channel Commerce, Mobility, Analytics, Cloud and ERP, to drive enhanced customer engagement, operations efficiency and return on IT investments. A trusted long-term service provider to Fortune 500 companies across both the software product development and enterprise business segments, Sonata seeks to add differentiated value to leadership who want to make an impact on their businesses, with IT.

About I.B.I.S., Inc., A Sonata Software Company

Founded in 1989, I.B.I.S., Inc. A Sonata Software Company, provides digital transformation for distributors, manufacturers and retailers. Through a Strategic Developer Partner relationship with Microsoft, I.B.I.S. provides world-class solutions for enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), business intelligence (BI), and application development. I.B.I.S. specialties include Microsoft Dynamics AX and CRM solutions focused on supply chain needs.

I.B.I.S., Inc. is a two-time winner of Microsoft Dynamics Outstanding Partner of the United States Award, a Worldwide Finalist for the Microsoft Dynamics AX Partner of the Year, Microsoft Dynamics 2015 Distribution Partner of the Year in the United States, a Microsoft Partner with Four Gold Competencies (ERP, CRM, Business Intelligence, Application Development), and a ten-time Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle Partner. In addition, I.B.I.S., Inc. is among the very select few companies that are Microsoft Dynamics Global Independent Software Vendors for Dynamics AX and CRM.
Jim Whittle, American Insurance Association (AIA) Assistant General Counsel and Chief Claims Counsel, issued the following statement ahead of Hurricane Matthew's landfall on the U.S. East Coast:

As Hurricane Matthew approaches, we urge everyone at risk in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and other areas to put safety first. Please watch developments with this serious storm closely and follow the recommendations and warnings of emergency services personnel. Take measures to prepare for and recover from hurricane damages if and when they can be done safely. Insurers prepare for catastrophes year-round and are ready to assist policyholders should they be impacted by Hurricane Matthew.

Insurers have mobilized resources to aid consumers. We recommend that in preparation for Hurricane Matthew, consumers have their policy information handy, so that insurers can help them begin the recovery process immediately following the storm.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) notes Hurricane Matthew is currently a Category 3 storm, with winds around 115 miles per hour. To help with preparedness and recovery, AIA's Catastrophe Central offers tips, insurer claim contacts, and government resources for affected policyholders.
Tecumsehsbones said: You actually think that the "energy" represented by the DEA, the FBI, the Border Patrol, 18,000 state and local law enforcement agencies, and the highest prison population on the planet is somehow less than the energy directed at making drug use safe?



Put down the bottle, son. You've clearly had far too much of the most dangerous drug of all. Click to expand...

Upon thinking it over that would have to be coffee.I don't know about the U.S.A. but when drug traffickers are apprehended in Canada two things generally happen. 1. They tie up the court for years and 2. they generally get off with a slap on the wrist or very light prison sentence. There is one sure solution- put them away for the duration with the option of applying for parole after 20 years.You are a scream Bones (and very entertaining)
The six new Directors announced today add tremendous depth and diversity of expertise to the Food and Agriculture Research Board of Directors, said former Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman, Chairman of the Board.

The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Board of Directors has appointed six new members, significantly increasing food and agriculture industry representation.

The following new Directors are serving five-year terms and began their participation at the Foundations board meeting taking place this week in Washington.

Doug Cameron, Ph.D., is managing director of First Green Partners, an early-stage venture investment company and of Alberti Advisors, a family business focused on innovation and education. Camerons extensive background in business and research includes serving as a professor of chemical engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a board director for several startup companies and on the advisory board of AgTech Accelerator, which supports the launch of innovative agriculture companies.

Carl Casale is president and chief executive officer of CHS Inc., an energy, grains and foods company and the nations largest member-owned cooperative. Casale, who operates a family-owned blueberry farm, was previously executive vice president and chief financial officer for Monsanto Company. He currently serves on the boards of Ventura Foods, LLC; Ecolab Inc., National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and the Minnesota Business Partnership.

Gail Christopher, D.N., is senior advisor and vice president at W. K. Kellogg Foundation, where she leads the foundations Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation enterprise and contributes to overall direction for the foundation. Christopher has received numerous public service awards for her work to infuse holistic health and diversity concepts into public sector programs and health policy discourse. Her contributions to the Kellogg Foundation since 2007 have spanned racial equity; food, health and well-being; community and civic engagement; and leadership. She is chair of the Board of Directors of the Trust for Americas Health.

Mehmood Khan, M.D., is vice chairman and chief scientific officer of global research and development (R&D) at PepsiCo. Khan, who has also been faculty member at the Mayo Clinic and Mayo Medical School, oversees the PepsiCo global Performance with Purpose sustainability agenda, which includes planet, product and people sustainability, and leads the companys R&D efforts, creating breakthrough innovations in food, beverages and nutritionas well as delivery, packaging and production technologyto drive PepsiCos businesses forward.

Pam Marrone, Ph.D., is founder and CEO of Marrone Bio Innovations, a company Marrone founded to discover and develop natural products for pest management in agriculture and water. Marrone has won numerous awards for her products and businesses, including the Natural Resources Defense Council Growing Green Award recognizing Marrone as a pioneer in sustainable farming and food. She is an alumni-elected Board Trustee of Cornell University.

Bob Stallman is a rice and cattle producer and past president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, a nonprofit membership organization with affiliates in 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Stallman has served on numerous state and federal panels, advising on economic issues including farm and trade policy. He was appointed by the President to the White House Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations and served from 2007 through 2016.

The Directors above join the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Board of Directors ahead of the Foundations public board meeting session, which took place yesterday in Washington.

The six new Directors announced today add tremendous depth and diversity of expertise to the Food and Agriculture Research Board of Directors, said former Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman, Chairman of the Board. I welcome the addition of these leaders in their respective fields and look forward to their contributions to the Foundations mission to address todays food and agriculture challenges through unique partnerships and innovative science.

The new Directors join a roster of 19, including Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, an ex-officio member.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with the other board members and staff of the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research to find real solutions to the challenges facing todays food and agriculture systems, said Stallman.

My first job out of college was with an agricultural start-up company and I have been passionate about the importance of research and innovation in food and agriculture ever since, said Cameron. I look forward to helping to address opportunities and challenges in these areas though my service on the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Board of Directors.

As someone who has formed and overseen innovative R&D groups in large companies and startup companies, I cant emphasize enough the value of scientific research, partnerships and innovation to meet the challenges of food production, said Marrone. I am honored to work with the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research to lead the way.

This addition of six Directors is the largest expansion of the Board since the inaugural members were appointed following the creation of the Foundation as part of the Farm Bill passed in 2014.

For more information on the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Board of Directors, visit http://www.foundationfar.org.

About the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research

The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, builds unique partnerships to support innovative and actionable science addressing todays food and agriculture challenges. Leveraging public and private resources, FFAR will increase the scientific and technological research, innovation, and partnerships critical to enhancing sustainable production of nutritious food for a growing global population. Established by the 2014 Farm Bill, FFAR is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman and with ex oficio representation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Science Foundation.

Learn more: http://www.foundationfar.org | bit.ly/FFARNews. Connect: @FoundationFAR | @RockTalking.
VisualSP Help System for SharePoint VisualSP is a partner-led organization, and we see Total Solutions as a critical resource for SharePoint implementations."

VisualSP officially announced its partnership with SharePoint professional service and application development firm Total Solutions Incorporated (TSI) today. The agreement provides both partners with value-add dimensions, enabling SharePoint clients to experience faster end-user adoption and reduced support burden on customer IT teams.

VisualSP Chief Revenue Officer Mark McDermott explained the mutually beneficial nature of the partnership. VisualSP is a partner-led organization, and we see Total Solutions as a critical resource for SharePoint implementations. We recognize their expertise in development and deployment, which is where IT teams want to focus resources but are constantly disrupted with end-user support issues. If our partnership moves the needle on SharePoint adoption then were both opening value for enterprises looking to extract greater ROI from their environments.

Total Solutions Inc. decided to partner with VisualSP when some of its team saw VisualSP founder and CEO Asif Rehmani speak about SharePoint adoption at an industry event. TSIs Chief Executive Office Matthew Fleszar recognized the challenges that VisualSPs software helps users overcome. Every client has issues with adoption, and VisualSP will help to solve this business problem, he said.

According to Fleszar, the robust, in-context feature set in the VisualSP Help System reduces the need to rely on out-of-the-box SharePoint help features. The ability to show clients a new and improved way to receive help within SharePoint is always a value-add, said Fleszar. VisualSP has opened up many opportunities (for us). For example, we hosted a SharePoint Saturday recently and VisualSP came up as a product of interest with multiple prospects.

When Fleszar was asked how the Help System provides value to his clients, he said, The VisualSP Help System benefits our clients in many ways. One notable benefit (has been) that the SharePoint team within an organization notices a lot less questions from end users, giving the SharePoint team more time to focus on more valuable activities within the organization.

Leading up to the highly anticipated release of VisualSPs Training for Office 365 solution, the the two companies will be co-hosting a webinar titled Overcoming Change: SharePoint Online & Office 365? on October 18, 2016 at 1:00 PM EST. We are excited about our upcoming partner webinar, said Fleszar. Microsofts approach and strategy going forward is cloud-based. Our experience working with Fortune 500 organizations, as well as being a Microsoft Gold partner, gives our team insight into what companies need to be thinking about.

McDermott echoed those comments. We recognize that Office 365 is where there will be considerable need for the solutions that VisualSP develops. Weve taken a big step in that direction with our upcoming Training for Office 365 product release. Its the right time to start addressing the change management issues that enterprises will face in the future.

To register for the Office 365 webinar, click here.

To learn more about partnering with VisualSP, click here.

For more information about VisualSP, visit http://www.visualsp.com. To learn more about Total Solutions, visit http://www.totalsol.com.

*******

VisualSP has been a leader in Elearning/performance support integration with SharePoint since 2004. Formerly SharePoint-Videos.com, a developer and distributor of SharePoint training videos, VisualSP introduced its on-demand, in-line Help System for SharePoint to assist end users in developing mastery over common SharePoint tasks. The company is led by Microsoft MVP and MCT Asif Rehmani.

Total Solutions Inc. is a premier Microsoft services partner and SharePoint consulting firm based in Brighton, Michigan. For over 20 years, the team has helped clients design, develop, and deploy SharePoint-based, enterprise solutions. SharePoint services include portal design and development, reporting and dashboards, migrations, and more.
EBSCO Information Services EBSCO) announces that Heidi Tebbe, the Collections & Research Librarian for Engineering and Data Science, from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C., is the winner of the 2016 EBSCO Charleston Conference Scholarship. The scholarship will pay for Tebbe to attend the 35th Annual Charleston Conference, which will take place in Charleston, South Carolina from October 31  November 5.

In keeping with the conferences theme of, Roll with the Times or the Times will Roll Over You, scholarship applicants were asked to submit a short essay in which they described what their library will be like in five years. Tebbes essay depicted the universitys campus in 2021 as having a diverse group of student makers taking part in the schools makerspace, librarians actively learning the plethora of new technologies in order to help students and HoloLaptops, which, as Tebbe explains, do not existyet.

EBSCO has sponsored a Charleston Conference scholarship for the past five years. Funds are used by the winning librarian for conference registration and related expenses. Judges for this years scholarship were Katina Strauch, Addlestone Library of the College of Charlestons Assistant Dean for Technical Services and Collection Development; Rick Anderson, J. Willard Marriott Library of the University of Utahs Associate Director for Scholarly Resources and Collections; and Kittie Henderson, EBSCOs Subscription Services Divisions Vice President and Chief Librarian.

About EBSCO Information Services

EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is the leading discovery service provider for libraries worldwide with more than 11,000 discovery customers in over 100 countries. EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) provides each institution with a comprehensive, single search box for its entire collection, offering unparalleled relevance ranking quality and extensive customization. EBSCO is also the preeminent provider of online research content for libraries, including hundreds of research databases, historical archives, point-of-care medical reference, and corporate learning tools serving millions of end users at tens of thousands of institutions. EBSCO is the leading provider of electronic journals & books for libraries, with subscription management for more than 360,000 serials, including more than 57,000 e-journals, as well as online access to more than 900,000 e-books. For more information, visit the EBSCO website at: http://www.ebsco.com EBSCO Information Services is a division of EBSCO Industries Inc., a family owned company since 1944.
Jet Reports Vice President Jon Oesch People want to know how to get the most from their Dynamics ERP investments, and from Microsofts tools like Power BI. Summit16 is a great place to learn.

Jet Reports will be in Tampa, Florida, this upcoming week taking part as a premium sponsor for Summit16 Oct. 11-14, the leading conference held for Microsoft Dynamics User Groups in the country.

Some 7,600 Microsoft Dynamics users of AX, CRM, GP and NAV will be sharing best business process practices, while taking part in training sessions, including five educational sessions put on by Jet Reports. The Summit attracts users from the largest sectors in the country: manufacturing, professional services, along with high tech, financial services, non-profits, plus wholesale & distribution.

As a platinum sponsor, Jet Reports will be presenting the general session Solving Your NAV Data Problem, on Thursday, Oct. 13. This session will demonstrate how users can efficiently obtain critical information from their Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP system through reports and dashboards that retain data integrity. In addition, the session will show Dynamics users how they can quickly use Microsofts flagship data visualization tool, Power BI, in a matter of minutes.

ERP solutions like Dynamics are inherently built to put business data in, but not get it out. People want to know how to get the most from their Dynamics ERP investments, and from Microsofts tools like Power BI, said Jet Reports Vice President of Sales, Jon Oesch.

This session addresses those questions while demonstrating how users can reduce the time it takes to get the information by 80%, with confidence that the results are accurate, Oesch said. Summit16 is a great place to learn whats possible.

Jet Reports will be following up the NAV data session with The Fundamentals of Jet Express for Excel with NAV, which gives users a walkthrough of the report builder tools included with NAV versions 2009 or later through a partnership with Microsoft.

Jet Reports is also providing three in-depth educational sessions at the Pre-Conference Academy, led by Jet Certified Trainer and Excel expert Mark Prozaki.

Sunday, Oct 9 - Jet Reports Product Suite Training  full-day session

Monday, Oct. 10  Office Excel Basic  half-day session

Monday, Oct. 10  Office Excel Intermediate  half-day session

Registration is available online for both the Pre-Conference Academy at http://www.navugsummit.com/event/academy-training and Summit16 at http://www.dynamiccommunities.com/conferences.

The aim of Summit16 is to give thousands of users across the country a chance to connect in person, discuss real challenges, and overcome them with support through these volunteer led sessions. Jet Reports will also be there to assist GP users now that Jet Reports tools have become Microsofts designated reporting solution for all GP users, and included it as a simple download for all existing users in an expansion of their Jet Express for Excel partnership to the GP market in July.

We are delighted to provide education opportunities for our users, and this annual Summit elevates the conversation. People come away with a greater understanding of how they can use new and existing technology to assist them with making important business growth decisions, Oesch said.

About Jet Reports

Jet Reports delivers unparalleled access to data through fast and flexible reporting and business analytics solutions that are cost effective, provide rapid time-to-value, and are built specifically for the needs of Microsoft Dynamics ERP users. Founded in 2002, Jet Reports is headquartered in Portland, OR, and has distribution offices in 14 countries around the globe. Over 10,000 companies in 94 countries, rely on Jet Reports every day for their financial reporting.

Learn more about Jet Reports at: http://www.jetreports.com

-30-

Contact:

Tara Grant

Vice President of Marketing

Phone: 503-608-3644

Email: tarag(at)jetreports(dot)com
We have great giveaways featuring a Hypertech programmer and Pro Comp wheels along with a raffle for a $500 4 Wheel Parts shopping spree.

4 Wheel Parts, the global leader in off-road performance product sales and installation, is holding grand reopening celebrations at three of its 75 nationwide locations this Saturday, October 8. The Stockton and Santa Rosa stores in California and its Memphis, Tennessee location will stage family-friendly events with discounts on aftermarket parts, off-road product giveaways and installation specials.

The three 4 Wheel Parts locations have been radically renovated to reflect off-road enthusiasts desire for direct access to truck and Jeep aftermarket products and accessories in a user-friendly setting. The grand reopening celebrations are free to the public and permit store customers to experience this novel off-road shopping concept firsthand while enjoying a wide range of relevant 4x4 activities surrounding the celebration.

Were excited to have show trucks and off-road buggies on display, pumpkin carving with free pumpkins, a tri-tip sandwich barbecue and hourly giveaways with the grand prize of a $500 4 Wheel Parts shopping spree, says Kyle Herlihy, Santa Rosa store Assistant Manager.

All three locations will have one-time-only, deep discounts and promotions on various popular products. Additionally, 4 Wheel Parts store employees will provide expert tips, tricks and ideas for potential 4x4 builds and upgrades.

Our headliner is the mechanical bull and well have a car crush with local food trucks serving food all day long, says Ben Murray, Store Manager of the Memphis 4 Wheel Parts. We have great giveaways featuring a Hypertech programmer and Pro Comp wheels along with a raffle for a $500 4 Wheel Parts shopping spree.

The Santa Rosa, Stockton and Memphis stores will have available ASE-certified technicians onsite offering installation discounts on select parts purchased. These stores join the lineup of 75 4 Wheel Parts retail locations across the United States and Canada.

What: 4 Wheel Parts Grand Reopening Celebrations

When: Saturday, October 8 from 9 a.m.  5 p.m.

Locations: Santa Rosa, California

3403 Santa Rosa Ave.

Santa Rosa, CA 95407

707-206-9238

Stockton, California

6622 Sampson Rd.

Stockton, CA 95212

209-545-5656

Memphis, Tennessee

2369 Covington Pike

Memphis, TN 38128

901-377-0323

Free Admission

About 4 Wheel Parts

4 Wheel Parts is the global leader in truck, Jeep, SUV and off-road performance products. With 75 locations across the U.S. and Canada and growing, 4 Wheel Parts Service Centers install all the products they sell. Maintaining the nations largest inventory of off-road tires, Mickey Thompson wheels, suspension products and LED fog lights, 4 Wheel Parts serves customers across the country and around the globe. Life is Better Off-Road. Visit them at 4wheelparts.com or call toll-free 877-474-4821.
Counsel Financial has provided plaintiffs firms financing for 16 years. During that time, we have gained invaluable insight on issues that arise in mass torts from some of the nations leading mass tort attorneys.

Counsel Financial is proud to announce that Kelly Anthony, Esq., the companys Deputy General Counsel, will speak at the continuing legal education webinar, Common Mass Tort Litigation Hazards, at 3 p.m. EST on October 13, 2016. The presentation, which is hosted by TrialSmith and sponsored by the Consumer Attorneys of California, will offer plaintiffs attorneys insight into various factors that can negatively impact a mass tort litigation. Topics include federal preemption, lone pine orders, causation and obstacles that delay settlement distribution.

Ms. Anthony has nearly a decade of experience examining and evaluating the viability of mass tort litigations, will lead the live program. In choosing to speak at the webinar, Ms. Anthony stated, Counsel Financial has provided plaintiffs firms financing for 16 years. During that time, we have gained invaluable insight on issues that arise in mass torts from some of the nations leading mass tort attorneys. Through this program, we hope to impart some of what we have learned so other members of the legal community can avoid problems that regularly occur in this complex field.

The webinar commences with a short introduction, followed by a one-hour presentation and live question-and-answer session. It can be accessed from the office, home, hotel or anywhere a computer with high-speed internet access is available. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and post comments remotely. Registration is required and can be completed by visiting the TrialSmith website, which will also provide additional information on state-specific CLE accreditation.

About Counsel Financial

Counsel Financial is the largest provider of working capital lines of credit to plaintiffs attorneys in the industry, having loaned over $1.5 billion exclusively to plaintiffs attorneys in its 15-year history. Counsel Financial sets the standard for innovation and flexibility in its loan offerings, structuring terms that are conducive to the unique demands of contingency-fee practices. Leveraging 200+ years of internal legal experience, Counsel Financial has financed the growth of firms in every area of plaintiffs litigation, including personal injury, mass torts, class action and labor and employment. The company is exclusively endorsed by six national and state trial organizations, including the American Association for Justice and The National Trial Lawyers.
If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity.

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Rep. Jeff Fortenberry said Wednesday a U.S. Postal Service inspector generals report makes it unclear to him whether mail processing and delivery problems in his congressional district have been resolved, and he will continue to pursue the issue.

Fortenberry represents eastern Nebraskas 1st District, which includes Lincoln and spreads north to Madison County and Norfolk.

Earlier this year, the congressman asked the inspector general to investigate numerous constituent reports of problems with the mail system in Nebraska.

Fortenberry said he is reviewing the conclusions reached after that investigation and will continue to engage with postal officials to address concerns in the (resulting) report.

I suspect the root cause of the problem has been the consolidation of mail processing in Omaha, the congressman stated earlier this year in announcing his decision to request an inspector generals review.

Even a letter going across Lincoln now has to go through Omaha first, Fortenberry said.

During an onsite visit, the inspector generals report noted, we observed mail arriving in Omaha from other originating processing facilities too late to be processed for its intended delivery day.

From January through April 2016, the Omaha (center) recorded an average of 3,604 trays of mail per month as late arriving.

The Omaha (center) does not have a system in place to notify origin facilities of late-arriving mail so they can correct the causes of delays.

The result is that the Omaha center was not meeting the established processing times to meet service commitments, the report stated.

Delayed mail increases the risk customers will lose confidence in the Postal Services ability to provide trusted and reliable service, the inspector general concluded, and that could lead customers to seek alternative delivery options and ultimately reduce postal revenue.
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When Greenwillow published Megan Whalen Turners debut novel, The Thief, in 1996, the author never imagined that other YA books set in the same fictional ancient world would follow  or that her fantasy adventure would be awarded a Newbery Honor. Yet she went on to wrote three additional novels centering on Eugenides the thief, whose destiny is entwined with the fates of three feuding nations: The Queen of Attolia (2000), The King of Attolia (2006), and A Conspiracy of Kings (2010). Turner will continue her saga in Thick as Thieves, due May 16 with a 100,000-copy first printing, whose title and cover are revealed here. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Thief, Greenwillow will release repackaged paperback editions of that novel and its three follow-ups next February, featuring new covers and additional content, including maps and character roundups. PW spoke with Turner about the genesis of her fantasy, what it was like to extend the story beyond The Thief, and her most recent and future revisits to her fictional universe.

Looking back more than two decades, what initially inspired the story of Eugenides, his allies and foes, and their world?

The idea for The Thief had been brewing in my mind for quite a while. Right at the very beginning, I was drawn to the idea of a person traveling in the company of other people who entirely underestimated him and failed to recognize who he was and what he was capable of doing. But the story didnt get off the ground until I found the right setting. I knew I wanted a landscape that didnt look like Middle Earth, but that would seem reasonably familiar to readers.

It took me quite a long time to figure out that a setting resembling Greece was the right choice. Thanks to the unit on ancient Greece that virtually every elementary school kid in the U.S. studies, I was pretty sure that most of my audience in this country would be able to imagine this landscape, with just a few important cues  and that it would fire their imaginations.

Did The Thiefs Newbery Honor take you by surprise  and was it that accolade that led you to continue the saga?

Things have changed so dramatically since the mid-1990s, when there wasnt the same conversation and buzz online. I didnt have a clue that I was even being considered for the Newbery. My husband and I had been joking that I might get that wonderful phone call, but I was still completely unprepared when it came  I wasnt even sure what date the winners would be announced!

I wrote The Thief as a standalone book, yet I knew there was a tremendous amount more that I had to tell about the characters, others related to them, and their world. I had trimmed quite a bit from the first novel, since I assumed it was a one-off, and never thought Id be following the characters and story further. But my editor, Susan Hirschman, called me right after I received the Newbery call, and she handed the phone to Barbara Barstow, then childrens librarian at Cuyahoga County [Ohio] Public Library, who asked me when the sequel was coming out. Thats when I started thinking about where the story might go. And as I began writing The Queen of Attolia, I became more and more comfortable with the idea of further exploring this world, and realized that I did, in fact, have a number of stories still to tell in it  it is a tremendously fun place to play!

Why did you decide to pen Thick of Thieves, which will pub seven years after A Conspiracy of Kings, at this time, and was it a challenge to return to this ancient realm?

Well, thats a bit embarrassing. Its not as if decided to wait seven years  I just work that slowly sometimes. I actually started the fifth novel soon after I finished the fourth, so I never really left these characters and their world. Theyve always stayed with me. They float in my head  when Im at home, when Im at the grocery store  pretty much nonstop. Ive never been separated from them.

And Im so grateful to my editors, first Susan and now Virginia Duncan, and everyone at Greenwillow, for their incredible support and patience with my writing pace. When I began my second novel, they told me to deliver it whenever it is ready  and that I should take as much time as I needed to make it the book I wanted it to be. I cant begin to say how gratified I am to have that ongoing support, and how very lucky I feel.

And as you mark The Thiefs 20th anniversary, might you consider expanding the Queens Thief saga beyond five installments?

The truth is, I only realized that it has been 20 years since The Thief came out when someone pointed that out to me not long ago. I am so pleased to be still here writing, and to know that people are still reading my books  and new readers every year. And for the growth of my and other authors fan base, even worldwide, I have to point to the Internet. It makes me so happy to see readers pass on recommendations for books  new ones and classics  on Twitter and blogs.

And I have already begun writing the sixth Queens Thief novel  I tell people who ask, Yes, Mom, I have started my homework! I hope this book wont take me seven years to write, but a long time ago I promised myself that I would not engage in teasers  thats not a nice thing to do to readers if they might be looking at a number of years before the novel comes out. I also refuse to answer readers questions about what Ive meant by this or that in my books  my go-to response is, Im not telling. I love to see people talking about my books online, interpreting scenes and sharing little things theyve noticed. If I answered their questions, Id short-circuit that conversation, which is something I never want to do.

Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner. Greenwillow, $17.99 May 2017 ISBN 978-0-06-256824-3
The sixth annual Horn Book at Simmons one-day colloquium was held on Saturday, October 1, at Simmons College in Boston, to celebrate the winners who were recognized the previous evening at the 2016 Boston GlobeHorn Book Awards. This year the Awards were celebrating 50 years of excellence in literature for children and young adults, and as is tradition, books were selected in three categories: picture book, fiction and poetry, and nonfiction. Over the course of both days, the 13 award-winning authors and illustrators left the audience of mainly librarians, teachers, author-illustrators, publishing professionals, and booksellers moved and inspired by their work and their words.

Horn Book editor-in-chief Roger Sutton pointed out in his opening remarks Saturday morning that he, BGHB event coordinator, Katrina Hedeen, and Cathryn Mercier, director and professor at the Center for the Study of Childrens Literature at Simmons College, figure out the theme for the daylong Saturday event after the Awards are announced in late May by looking for connections they can draw among the winners. This year that led them to the theme Out of the Box, a nod to the Horn Books blog of the same name, but mostly in recognition of how many of this years books defy easy categorization.

Fiction award winner Frances Hardinge (The Lie Tree, Abrams) and picture book honorees Sherman Alexie and Yuyi Morales (Thunder Boy Jr., Little, Brown) were unable to make it to the weekends festivities, but accepted their awards via heartfelt video messages on Friday evening. The rest of the authors and illustrators participated in both days events, and spent Saturday focusing on the ways in which their work was outside, inside, helped to expand, or used multiple, new, or different boxes and also how important it is to read within and outside the box of whats comfortable for us.

First up was keynote speaker M.T. Anderson, and nonfiction honor winner for Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad (Candlewick). The focus of his speech was on authors wearing down the walls between the genres, particularly within the last two decades, and he mentioned a few colleagues who have successfully done that, including Mo Willems, Matt de la Pena, Kelly Link, and Maggie Stiefvater. This was particularly important to him, as Symphony, which took him five years to write, is his first work of nonfiction and he had had to go through several genres (including graphic novels and fiction) until he had found the correct avenue. (He even remarked on the unusual way hed pitched this nonfiction book to his editor, Liz Bicknell: as a dystopian novel that happens to be true.) He learned that the material determines the genre and that authors should listen to their material to tell them what it wants to be.

Anderson also pointed out the ways in which writing Symphony had made him take risks and that he had ultimately come out changed from writing it, for, as he posited: How can we expect books to change others, if they dont change us first? He spoke of how it takes bravery, but can be exhilarating and rewarding, to step outside the box of what is familiar to us, and he encouraged everyone to attempt something unknown, dangerous, and/or impossible, because whether or not you succeed or fail, the world is a better place because of it.

Illustrating nonfiction honor book Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement (Candlewick) certainly changed fine artist Ekua Holmess life and was an out of the box experience for her, since it was her first book, and she has already received numerous other accolades for it. While being interviewed by BGHB judge Roxanne Hsu Feldman along with the books author, Carole Boston Weatherford, Holmes pointed out that every piece of the book was like a work of art to her (particularly noting how the sunflower motif and the Delta Blues piece were favorites of hers), though unlike the fine art work she was used to, this project required momentum and deadlines and new ways of creating.

For 21-year veteran Weatherford, working outside the box is very familiar to her. She doesnt shy away from tough topics and said she chooses not to talk down to children in her books, because she doesnt want to censor the truth. This self-proclaimed truth teller, who is passionate about writing African-American history so readers can have meaningful discussions about it, spoke about not candycoating Hamers rough life, as well as the need to see more biographies of African-American women who havent been written about before rather than publishing books about the same African-American stories and people. She particularly noted a lack of science fiction/fantasy picture books containing children of color and the need for more diverse sales forces in publishing (along with more diversity in editorial and marketing) as ways to continue improving the We Need Diverse Books movement.

For a man who by his own admission didnt even like history as a student really, Steve Sheinkin certainly excels at writing nonfiction books about history for kids. The three time Boston GlobeHorn Book nonfiction award winner, this year recognized for Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War (Roaring Brook), gave his presentation on rethinking nonfiction. First noting how his past experience as a textbook writer led him to step outside the box to a career as a narrative nonfiction writer for children and teens, Sheinkin reemphasized Weatherfords point about not talking down to or simplifying history for kids, saying that complex characters like Benedict Arnold and Daniel Ellsberg, who themselves lived in and outside the box (first labeled as patriots and then as traitors), deserve more than just a line or two in a school textbook. Thinking outside the box when it comes to writing, teaching, and learning about history is important, and finding ways to make it more accessible to kids, such as by having them create a Lego movie about a historical topic (Sheinkin showed the audience his humorous example from the book trailer for Most Dangerous), will hopefully lead adults away from thinking of nonfiction as something that needs help getting to readers.

After a morning reflecting on the nonfiction winners and then a period for book signing and partaking in one of four breakout sessions on various topics during lunch, the afternoon panels focused on the picture book and fiction honorees. Sutton started off his conversation with picture book award-winning author and illustrator, Roxane Orgill and Francis Vallejo, creators of of Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph (Candlewick), by pointing out how this was an out of the box experience for both of them because this was Orgills first poetry book and Vallejos first book. Orgill echoed Anderson in that she let her material, the famous photograph of 57 jazz musicians, help her decide to tell this story through poems, so she could highlight multiple points of view. The importance of that photo put (good) pressure on them to get this book right and do the photo justice. Unlike fellow first-time illustrator Holmes, Vallejo (who spent about three years working on the books art) said he relished the slower pace of working on picture book art. Through slides he shared his illustrating process, his influences (Norman Rockwell was a major one for him and theres even an homage to Rockwells work in the book), the extent of his research (constructing a 3D model of the Harlem block to examine perspective), and his work style (listening to different kinds of jazz music to capture the right mood/style in his paintings).

BGHB judge Betsy Bird next interviewed One Day, the End: Short, Very Short, Shorter-than-Ever Stories (Boyds Mills) author and illustrator, Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Fred Koehler. The genesis of this book actually came from Dotlichs grandsons persistent request to tell him a story even though she was busy. So she told him a very short story (One day I lost my dog. I found it. The End) and he loved it, which fascinated her. The minimalist text left illustrator Koehler lots of choice when creating his illustrations, and his art for the book was highly influenced by wordless books like Flora and the Flamingo (which even has a cameo in one scene) and also Charles Schulzs Peanuts.

BGHB judge chair Joanna Rudge Long spent the final panel of the day talking with fiction honor authors Rebecca Stead (Goodbye Stranger, Random/Lamb) and Laura Amy Schlitz (The Hired Girl, Candlewick), who was also presented afterward with the Scott ODell Award for Historical Fiction by Sutton. But before attendees celebrated her with champagne and cupcakes, Stead and Schlitz discussed where the voices of their characters came from, the similar pivotal age for their heroines even as the books took place in very different time periods, and the importance of finding opportunities to deepen their stories and writing from memories and emotions.

It was a day that opened the box of curiosity as Mercier explained in her wrap-up of the days events. She encouraged attendees to explore the margins of childrens books without marginalizing them, and to shift their vantage point when it comes to books that dont always fit the mold. For as Sutton pointed out in his discussion with Orgill and Vallejo, often what is first a break in tradition, then becomes tradition itself. Such is certainly the case with Horn Book at Simmons, as the organizers are already looking ahead to plans for next years steadily growing and must-attend event for childrens literature enthusiasts.
At this years Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association trade show, held September 29October 2 at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Wash., books for younger readers held their own against big-name adult draws. With a blend of realism  high school dramas and coming-of-age stories remain popular  and the more fantastic, or even dystopian, end of the spectrum, with dragons and other mythical creatures abounding, there was something for everyone. Two young adult titles generating a lot of in-show buzz from publishing reps and booksellers alike were Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland (Putnam), which booksellers and publishing reps agreed stood out because it features a love story from a boys point of view; and Sharon Camerons The Forgetting (Scholastic Press), a dystopian novel in which everyone forgets everything every 12 years, except for the young female protagonist. Scholastic rep Milena Giunco called the Irish YA thriller The Call by Peadar OGuilin one of the creepiest things shes read all year, with its Hunger Games-like culling of young people for brutal competitions.

For those high schoolers whove tackled Jane Austen and but dont want to leave the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, theres Scholastics The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennet, a Pride and Prejudice retelling from the point of view of one of the other Bennet sisters (in case anyone needs a refresher, Lydia ran off with the rakish Mr. Wickham). In keeping with the tradition of female protagonists, in the latest installment of Scholastics popular I Survived series (I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980), a female lead will be featured for the first time. This came as a result of fans  both boys and girls writing in, according to the Scholastic rep  asking for a change.

For younger readers, Portland author-illustrator Kate Berube, who drew long lines at Saturday evenings Sweet and Greet autographing party, returns with a new picture book, Hannah and Sugar (Abrams), about a girl who falls in love with a dog, despite her fear. Berube personalized every copy she signed with a quick sketch of the titular dog, Sugar. With the illustrator being as key to many childrens tales as the writer, its no surprise that the Beatrix Potter reissue of The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots, is being touted for its new illustrations by Quentin Blake, perhaps best known for his art for Roald Dahls novels. Penguin, which is also publishing A Celebration of Beatrix Potter: Art and Letters By More Than 30 of Todays Favorite Childrens Book Illustrators in November, was keen to point out that celebrated British actress Helen Mirren reads the audio version of Kitty.

Another more recent favorite returns this season with a new installment: Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jefferss Crayons series is back with The Crayons Book of Numbers, where the sentient doodling implements tackle counting, among other life lessons. One picture book thats bucking the trend of the shrinking page count is Blues Clues co-creator Todd Kesslers The Good Dog and The Bad Cat (Coralstone Press), the second in his Good Dog series. David Hemphill of Coralstone describes Kesslers 107-page effort as a long-form narrative picture book, something that gives booksellers and parents a different option in the picture book category.

Dinner at the Kids Table, held on Friday evening, featured four authors; first up was Jay Asher, who presented what he calls his perfect Christmas love story, What Light (Razorbill), a YA novel set on a Christmas tree farm, inspired by one near where he lives. Author-illustrator/Author Carson Ellis described how her picture book Du Iz Tak? (Candlewick), starring bugs speaking a made-up language, was inspired by her hippie childhood in upstate New York where she wondered about the interior lives of the insects she played with. Brandon Mull, author of the Fablehaven series, had something different from his usual books to present: a new activity book, Fablehaven Book of Imagination (Shadow Mountain) to accompany his popular series. The crowd was in stitches as the last author of the evening, David Shannon, presented his latest picture book, Duck on a Tractor (Scholastic/Blue Sky), which featured exactly that: a duck on a tractor, riding through town causing a flurry of activity.
Nestled inside a Brooklyn industrial building that once housed the Old American Can Factory are the offices of Archipelago Books, where the press has been humming away, publishing a catalogue of classic and contemporary international titles for adults since 2003. A new venture is in the works for Archipelago  Elsewhere Editions, a childrens imprint  with its first titles to be released in spring 2017. PW recently paid a visit to the home of Archipelago and Elsewhere Editions to learn about the publishers decision to break into childrens books, and whats in store for the imprint.

Entering through the doors of the stately building located in the Gowanus neighborhood, one steps through narrow iron corridors that call to mind those of a medieval fortress. En route to the Archipelago office, visitors enter a large, open courtyard, where it wouldnt seem out of the ordinary to cross over a drawbridge. But whether here there be dragons, once inside the cozy, busy offices of Archipelago and Elsewhere Editions, its evident that this is a world of books, which line the many shelves and are stacked on desks for easy perusing.

At the helm of Archipelago and Elsewhere Editions is Jill Schoolman, who established the publishing enterprise in 2003. Originally from Kansas City, Schoolman has lived in New York City since 1997. International books and travel are centerpieces of her life: I love exploring other cultures through their literature, Schoolman says. She began her career working in film and went on to spend three years with Seven Stories Press, where she dreamed up the idea of launching a press that would focus exclusively on international titles. Archipelago Press is a nonprofit, which Schoolman believes has allowed us to take a chance on books that other publishing houses may not have. Her team is small: she works closely alongside Kendall Storey, co-director of Elsewhere; one other employee, Alexander Brock; and interns. The modest employee count works just fine for Schoolman, who has always marveled at what can be accomplished when small groups of passionate people work toward a common vision.

The decision to create a childrens imprint came about organically as Schoolman began to see an opportunity within the thriving childrens literary landscape. Though she doesnt have a background in childrens books per se, shes not one to shy from taking a chance and to branch out into a world new for us. Schoolman believes that her past work in film  a highlight was getting to work on two Robert Altman films, Pret-a-Porter and Kansas City  likely contributed to her strong sense for visual art. Also, the types of childrens books that she is most drawn toward are those that she feels have appeal to both children and adults. As a child, Schoolman reported that she was definitely a reader. Some of her favorites include perennials like Where the Wild Things Are, the Pippi Longstocking books, A Wrinkle in Time, The Little Prince, and books by William Steig.

Schoolman sees the new childrens imprint as a natural extension of the mission at Archipelago, namely to publish creative, innovative books from around the world and to introduce American audiences to those wonderful childrens books that are very important within their own countries.

Schoolman already has a network of writers, translators, and other industry-wide professionals that she works with for Archipelagos adult catalogue, but admitted that there has been a learning curve when it comes to understanding the nitty-gritty of print runs and marketing strategies within the childrens book realm. Attending the Bologna Book Fair for the last two years with Kendall has helped her to learn the lay of the land and she has also reached out to independent publishers of childrens books in New York City and elsewhere to gather as much information as she can about the specifics of publishing for children.

She is also looking to forge new connections specific to childrens books by creating an advisory board to be comprised of booksellers, librarians, and other professionals from around the country and Canada. The relationships that Elsewhere Editions forms with new writers and artists, Schoolman hopes to be enduring: We want to give a home to certain authors and illustrators, she said.

The Birth of an Imprint

While Elsewhere Editions is its own entity apart from Archipelago, the two halves of the press share a common vantage point and purpose. Both focus on titles that offer elements of play, while grappling with essential questions and feature the presence of distinctive voices and visions... authors who create a universe of their own that we can enter, and that might alter ours, Schoolman said. Archipelago and Elsewhere also share a focus on appreciating the beauty of a physical book, which Schoolman sees parents fostering among their children: Parents want beautiful objects for their kids, she added.

Seeking out international childrens books for Elsewhere has already taught Schoolman more about the books she hopes to publish going forward. Works by author-illustrators hold strong appeal for her because of the cohesiveness of one vision that carries over across illustrations and text. More broadly, Schoolman said she is steering clear of books with didactic qualities, instead seeking out books that are questioning, innovative, and intelligent. She sees such titles being created in many countries, but she noted that Scandinavia, Poland, and Estonia are publishing some very exciting children's books right now.

Though she believes that international titles can and do appeal broadly to American readers, including to children, translation is a tricky art that is made even trickier when translating wordplay  something that has become especially clear when working with picture books.

First Books

Any new publishing venture faces the task of drawing an audience and building recognition  something that Elsewhere may have a head start on, as parents who are Archipelago fans may naturally seek out the childrens titles. Schoolman and her colleagues are planning multiple local events for both the launch of the imprint as well as for the individual spring books.

And they are: My Valley, a fantastical, far-flung journey by author-illustrator Claude Ponti, translated from the French by Alyson Waters; You Cant Be Too Careful, which explores the spectacular consequences resulting from a small action, Brazilian author-illustrator Roger Mello, translated by Daniel Hahn; and Questions Asked, by Jostein Gaarder, illustrated by Akin Duzakin and translated from the Norwegian by Don Bartlett. Questions Asked follows an inquisitive boy as he ponders open-ended questions relating to identity, existence, and the meaning of life, including: What is time? When something is past, is it gone forever? and Why do I dream? What goes on in my head when Im asleep? Schoolman said she was drawn to Gaarders beautiful and subtle book because of the way it credits the inquiring intelligence of children: We shouldnt underestimate kids. They want to be asked big questions, and I feel many of them are naturally drawn to them, she said. In fact, to celebrate that titles release next spring, Schoolman is planning to create a forum for kids to post their own responses to the questions in the book and perhaps pose some of their own. The format will likely begin as a video and then continue to evolve with an online presence.

Going forward, Schoolmans aspirations for Elsewhere Editions are not unlike the goals for Archipelago: to seek out and publish books with entire universes contained within their pages, the publisher said. There may be unchartered territory ahead, but with the wealth of international childrens literature that has not yet been made available in the U.S., the opportunities are indeed boundless.
In 2000, When Sasha Petraske opened Milk & Honey, his now-legendary cocktail bar in Manhattans Lower East Side, he shifted cocktail culture in the United States, resurrecting pre-prohibition concoctions served in a speakeasy setting. He died suddenly in 2015 at the age of 42, and the cocktail world mourned, with the New York Times obituary calling Petraskes role in the modern cocktail revival difficult to overstate. At the time, Petraske was working on his first cocktail recipe book, and with the help of his wife Georgette Moger-Petraske and the legions of bartenders who were schooled under his tutelage, the book was completed, and will be released by Phaidon on October 31.

The book, titled Regarding Cocktails, includes 85 cocktail recipes, as well as stories and recollections from the bartenders Petraske trained. According to Phaidon's executive commissioning editor for cookbooks Emily Takoudes, the publisher began to explore the idea of a cocktail recipe book several years ago, and after meeting with Petraske in November 2014, developed the concept and laid the groundwork for the bookwhich would be an accessible and beautiful book that would be for the home bartender, and also a reference for the professional community, said Takoudes.

Before Sashas passing we had worked closely on the content that he wanted to include, the ways in which the book would be organized, the size of the book, how he wanted it to feel in a users hands, said Takoudes. After he died, the team at Phaidon and Moger-Petraske reoriented the book, using his original vision to guide the process. We were...fortunate to have [Sashas] tight-knit bartender community fully embrace the project, and in the book they share stories and cocktail recipes, including many of Sasha's original recipes that he had taught them, said Takoudes. And instead of the traditional photographs of cocktails accompanying each recipe, we wanted a visual element that would be unique, like Sasha, and commissioned architectural-like diagrams.

The title marks new territory for Phaidon as the publishers first cocktail recipe book, and is a part the companys larger interest in growing its cocktail and beverage list. There is so much exciting work happening in this area and an eager audience that wants to learn more, said Takoudes. So we made an active decision to commission more beverage books. In 2017, Phaidon will be publishing Where Bartenders Drink, edited by Adrienne Stillman, and Where to Drink Coffee, edited by Liz Clayton and Avidan Ross.

The publishers first beverage book, Food & Beer by Daniel Burns & Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso (of Luksus and Torst in Brooklyn), was released in May. It was an exciting concept led by the idea that beer could be elevated to the level of wine in fine dining, said Takoudes. That began the new category for us and we started to think about other unique approaches to this category. It was around that time that we simultaneously explored the idea of a cocktail recipe book, which led to Regarding Cocktails.

The launch event for Regarding Cocktails will be held at the John Dory in New York City, where Petraske acted a bar consultant (his name still appears on the bar menu). Phaidon publicity director Meg Parsont said that the publisher is focusing on "people and places deeply connected to Sasha."
MERRILLVILLE, Ind.  A small medical training school focusing on graduating qualified sonographers, Cardinal Tech Institute of Allied Health is looking to grow not only in types of training offered, but also in new locations beyond northwest Indiana.

Located in the Purdue Technology Center within Purdue Research Park of Northwest Indiana, Cardinal Tech began offering classes in January 2015. The growing school has already graduated students and is currently working with 16 students spread across several classes.

Were a young school, said Jennifer White, Cardinal Tech president and co-founder. We try to do four classes per year. We intend to keep our classes very small so that each student has a lot of one-on-one experience.

Executive director and co-founder Marianne Moore teaches the classes. White is a partner at Advanced Imaging Inc. in Carmel, Indiana. Advanced Imaging provides ultrasound imaging services to physicians and hospitals in central Indiana.

According to White, the school was founded out of necessity.

In over a decade of business wed only hired one student straight out of school, she said. We saw a need to be able to prepare students for the workforce.

A resident of Crown Point, Indiana, Moore has many years of experience in ultrasound training. To utilize Moores expertise, the duo decided to launch the training close to where Moore lived.

They chose the Purdue Technology Center, not only due to its nearby location, but also because of the guidance and assistance afforded by the buildings staff.

You cant work where you dont feel comfortable, Moore said. Purdue Technology Center staff gives me that continual feeling of support and networking opportunity availability on a daily basis.

According to Moore, Cardinal Techs ability to provide hands-on training sets it apart. We offer ultrasound made easy and simplified. Bedsides, ultrasound has become a must have skill for medical practitioners. We offer the kind of ultrasound training available at top hospitals and medical schools without the high prices and need for many prerequisites.

The schools teaching methods have proven successful for its students.

Therese Saxen attended Cardinal Tech from January 2015 through June 2016. She made the two-hour drive once a week from her hometown of Indianapolis to attend courses.

It was well worth it, she said. The quickest way to a job as a sonographer in Indianapolis requires lots of prerequisites and radiology. I wanted to go to a place where I could focus on being a sonographer.

Saxen was placed into an internship with Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis toward the end of her study program. Upon graduation, the hospital offered her a full-time position.

Saxen credits Cardinal Tech for giving her a competitive advantage upon graduation.

With Cardinal Tech theres no going through radiology first and then only getting a relatively quick ultrasound education before being thrown out into clinicals to observe and self-teach, she said.

While the school currently only offers training in sonography, plans are in place to start offering electrocardiography training and perhaps more.

Medical providers are requesting qualified technicians in other specialties, Moore said.

Weve had amazing feedback from our local physicians and facilities that we work with throughout our clinical sites, she said. We plan on modeling the Merrillville operation in other areas of the state and perhaps even beyond.

Moore said the Purdue Technology Center has given Cardinal Tech enough space to grow. Being here gives us the space we need for that to happen.

About Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana

Modeled after West Lafayette's Purdue Research Park flagship incubator that is owned and operated by Purdue Research Foundation, the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana sits on 386 acres west of Interstate 65 in Merrillville. This laboratory and office facility serves as the anchor for the state certified technology park  Ameriplex at the Crossroads  under development by Purdue Research Foundation. The 60,000-square-foot center opened as Purdues first satellite technology center in January 2005 and currently serves many technology-based tenants and other tenants. It offers reasonably priced, flexible incubation space, including wet labs, to emerging technology firms. Information about the facility can be found at https://www.prf.org/researchpark/locations/northwest

Writer: Curt Slyder, (765) 588-3342, caslyder@prf.org

Sources: Jennifer White, (219) 525-1485, jennifer@cardinal-tech.com

Marianne Moore, (219) 525-1485, marianne@cardinal-tech.com

Therese Saxen, tsaxen86@gmail.com
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Notice of Formation of BobBee Apiaries LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022- 08-30. Office location: Putnam County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to G. Lita, Esq.: 1136 Rt []
A man was being held Wednesday evening in the Scott County Jail, charged with the shooting deaths of his parents in Davenport.

Sean Michael Freese, 20, of 1122 W. 59th St., Davenport, was in custody as of 5:30 p.m. on two counts of first-degree murder, according to the jail website. He was being held without bond.

The charges are related to the deaths of Kevin Freese, 58, and Donna Freese, 57, according the Davenport Police Department. Officers were called around 4:46 a.m. Wednesday for a report of a shooting at the 59th Street address and found the bodies.

Authorities believe Sean Freese shot them both about 3:55 a.m., police said.

Scott County property records state the victims owned the residence.

Davenport police ask that anyone with information regarding the incident contact them at 563-326-6125 or submit an anonymous tip through their app, "CityConnect Davenport, IA."
Iowa Department of Corrections escapee Micah Lee Bates, Jr., 28, no address listed, has been charged with second-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief, eluding, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and driving under suspension, the Davenport Police Department said in a news release Wednesday.

These charges stem from an Oct. 3 incident in which Mr. Bates allegedly fled from police.

Davenport police said they responded to a report of a man with a gun at 6:28 p.m. to the 900 block of Sylvan Avenue. Witnesses said they saw the man leave the scene in a red Ford Ranger, according to the release.

Police located the vehicle in the 1000 block of Tremont Avenue. Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the man failed to stop and led police on a brief vehicle pursuit.

Mr. Bates allegedly fled his vehicle on foot before being arrested in the 2500 block of Brady Street.

Upon his arrest, Mr. Bates was transported to Genesis Medical Center to be treated for a self-inflicted stab wound, the release says. As of Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Bates was being held in Scott County Jail.

Mr. Bates is also is being charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon in relation with a July 9, 2016, incident in the 800 block of East River Drive at the Riverside Liquor Store.
The law going into effect in January makes Illinois one of the few states in the country to have that requirement.

The three-year grant comes from the U.S. Department of Justice. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced the awarding of the grant on Wednesday.

Madigan said in a written statement the grant and the training it funds will encourage "more survivors to come forward."
The stay by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which happened late Tuesday, temporarily cancels a lower-court ruling that halted poll-level registration for voters due to what the judge said was discrimination against rural GOP-leaning areas of the state. But the full appeal is still pending, so Republicans may have a victory before Election Day.

However, the higher court's decision to issue a stay could be seen as a signal that it is sympathetic to same-day registration proponents, ACLU of Illinois spokesman Edwin Yohnka said.

The appellate court hasn't yet laid out a timetable for hearing arguments and ruling on the appeal, but it's likely to happen sometime this month.

At issue is same-day registration in highly populated areas, which started as a pilot program in 2014 but was expanded in 2015 by lawmakers. Roughly 110,000 people registered at their polling places in the March primary.

But the conservative Illinois Policy Institute filed a lawsuit on behalf of a Republican congressional candidate from north-central Illinois and a county party committee in August, arguing the poll-level registration rules violated the U.S. Constitution by creating an unfair and unequal system because voters in less populated and GOP-leaning areas of Illinois didn't have equal access. For example, a rural voter might have to travel longer to register at a clerk's office.

Jacob Huebert, a lawyer for the Liberty Justice Center, the legal arm of the institute, said he trusts that appeals court judges will carefully consider all the arguments before any final, decisive ruling.

"This stay does not necessary mean that the state will prevail," he said Wednesday.

No matter how the court handles same-day registration at polling stations, Election Day registration will still be available, though only at county or election jurisdiction offices.

The ACLU, which hasn't weighed in on constitutional questions surrounding the case, says its main criticism was that the provision permitting same-day registration at polling places was halted by the lower court so close to the election. They were concerned that it would cause confusion and dissuade some from even trying to vote.

Cook County Clerk David Orr, a Democrat who along with Attorney General Lisa Madigan has argued for the same-day registration, previously described the suit as a "thinly veiled partisan effort" to disenfranchise voters.
MOLINE  Western Illinois University announced Wednesday it will offering a mechanical engineering Bachelor of Science program in January at its riverfront campus in Moline.

Western's School of Engineering, based at the Moline campus, already offers a Bachelor of Science for engineering and the school's existing mechanical engineering classes formed the core of the new major, according to a Western news release. It states that the demand for engineers in the region is very high, with more than 1,000 manufacturing and engineering firms in the area.

"Through this program we will provide much-needed and well-trained mechanical engineers to the Quad-Cities and beyond," WIU President Jack Thomas said during the morning news conference.

School of Engineering Director William Pratt said he expects about half of the engineering school's roughly 160 students them to pursue mechanical engineering as a degree once it is available. Six or seven of those students have held off graduating to take advantage of the new major.

As an example of the popularity of the major, he said campuses in other regions, including Bradley University, have hundreds of students pursuing mechanical engineering degrees.

Most of Western's engineering graduates find jobs locally, said Mr. Pratt, who has a mechanical engineering doctorate from Brigham Young University. About 50 mechanical engineering positions are available at any given time in the region, but he expects broader employment opportunities for them as the new degree gains momentum.

The engineering school has graduated roughly a dozen students in each of the last two school years and expects to graduate twice that in 2016-17, he said.

His said school has six employees, including three full-time faculty, and a new position will come with the new major in January.

Next fall, the engineering school will begin the accreditation process for the new program through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the Western release states. The original engineering degree was accredited a few years ago.
Sharley McMullen of Manhattan Beach came down with a fever just hours after being wheeled out of a Torrance Memorial Medical Center operating room on May 4, 2014. A missionarys daughter who worked as a secretary at Cape Canaveral, Fla., at the height of the space race, McMullen, 72, was there for treatment of a bleeding stomach ulcer. Soon, though, she was fighting for her life.

On her medical chart, a doctor scribbled CRKP, an ominous abbreviation for one of the worlds most lethal superbugs, underlining it three times.

Doctors tried antibiotic after antibiotic. But after five weeks in the hospital, mostly in intensive care and on morphine because of the pain, McMullen died from complications of the infection, according to a Los Angeles Times review of her medical records.

Her death certificate does not mention the hospital-acquired infection or CRKP, however. Instead, her doctor wrote that McMullen had died from respiratory failure and septic shock caused by her ulcer.

The doctors conclusion outraged Shawn Chen, McMullens daughter.

It should say she died of an infection she got in the hospital, said Chen. She was so hardy. She would have made it through if it wasnt for this infection.

Dr. Yasmeen Shaw, who treated McMullen in the ICU and filled out the death certificate, said she was following directions from health officials by recording the underlying cause of death, which in her opinion was the perforated ulcer.

Everything that happened to her health is a consequence of the initial condition she came in with, Shaw said. Had the patient not have had a perforated ulcer they wouldnt have been in the hospital in the first place.

McMullens case is hardly unusual. An epidemic of hospital-acquired infections is going unreported, scientists have found.

University of Michigan researchers reported in a 2014 study that infections  both those acquired inside and outside hospitals  would replace heart disease and cancer as the leading causes of death in hospitals if the count was performed by looking at patients medical billing records, which show what they were being treated for, rather than death certificates.

Even if one person dies from a hospital-acquired infection, its one too many, said Dr. Chesley Richards, who oversees the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Center for Health Statistics and who met recently with a group of families to discuss the misleading death certificates.

California does not track deaths from hospital-acquired infections. And unlike two dozen other states, California does not require hospitals to report when patients are sickened by the rare, lethal superbug that afflicted McMullen, raising questions about whether health officials are doing enough to stop its spread.

McMullens daughter Chen said she called the Los Angeles County Public Health Department to report that her mother had been diagnosed with CRKP, which stands for carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, at Torrance Memorial. When the bacteria gets into a patients blood, it kills as many as half its victims.

A county employee told her it was not a reportable infection. She said, Its everywhere, Chen said.

Torrance Memorial declined to answer questions about the accuracy of the death certificate or other questions about McMullens care. In a statement, the hospital said it takes patient safety, particularly as it relates to infection control, very seriously.

Experts say hospitals can prevent the deaths through better infection control procedures, including some as simple as making sure staff wash their hands, but have little incentive to do so if the deaths are not reported.

We, the community of physicians, had been watching these patients die and trundling them off to the morgue for years, said Dr. Barry Farr, former president of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, who is now retired. Now were in the eighth verse of the same song.

Federal health officials call CRKP and other species of pathogens in the broader family known as carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae, or CRE, one of the nations most urgent health threats.

Because of the danger, the CDC recommends that local health officials require hospitals to report CRE cases. And if thats not possible, according to agency guidelines, health departments should still survey hospitals and nursing homes for the presence of the superbug to make sure facilities are trying to halt its transmission.

Chen said that at first the nurses at Torrance Memorial had taken extra precautions to keep the bacteria raging through her mothers body from spreading by wearing disposable gowns and posting a sign on the door warning others from entering.

But Chen said she was stunned when her mother was moved to another floor where no such precautions were taken. There was a bedpan of urine sitting on a chair, Chen said.

Chen said she worries that other patients may have been infected.

Torrance Memorial declined to comment on Chens report of a gap in safety precautions.

County health officials explained that they had stopped requiring health facilities to report CRE infections in 2012 due to resource limitations, though some hospitals voluntarily submit bacterial samples from patients diagnosed with the superbug.

Infection cases gathered between 2010 and 2012 showed that Los Angeles County was a high-prevalence region for the superbug, county officials said.

County officials said they were working to prevent the infections, including by sending public health nurses to hospitals to consult on potential outbreaks and proper infection controls. They said they had no record of a complaint about a CRE case at Torrance Memorial.

The CDC estimates that 75,000 Americans with hospital-acquired infections die during their hospitalizations each year. Since California provides between 10 percent and 12 percent of the nations hospital care, state officials used the agencys analysis to estimate that 7,500 to 9,000 Californians die each year from infections from hospital germs.

But these numbers may be underestimated, perhaps by a great degree, experts say.

Its fair to challenge that number, the CDCs Richards said of the estimate of 75,000 deaths.

Sepsis can cause death when an infection spreads to the blood, triggering an inflammatory response that damages the bodys organs and causes them to fail.

In March, the CDC estimated that the actual number of deaths from sepsis were as much as 140 percent higher than those recorded on death certificates, or as many as 381,000 deaths a year. According to another study, 37 percent of hospitalizations for sepsis were caused by infections caught in hospitals or other health facilities like nursing homes.

That suggests that as many as 140,000 Americans are dying each year from health care-acquired sepsis, just one subgroup of the infections.

McMullen came to Torrance Memorial for an elective hernia surgery in late April 2014. A week later, her husband rushed her to the emergency room because she was suffering from abdominal pain and weakness.

ER doctors suspected she was losing blood from a perforated ulcer in her stomach. Their suspicion was confirmed through two procedures with an endoscope. She had surgery to stop the bleeding on May 4. By the next day, doctors had diagnosed her infection and sepsis.

McMullens medical records, which her family provided to The Times, detail how doctors became frustrated as the drugs they prescribed  including colistin, known as the antibiotic of last resort  did not help. Soon McMullen was in critical condition.

The CDC advises hospitals that have a patient with CRE to test other patients nearby and those who have shared the same medical equipment to ensure others are not infected.

The Times asked Torrance Memorial officials whether any other patients were infected with CRE in 2014 or 2015 and if any of those cases may be linked to the bacteria that sickened McMullen. Officials declined to answer those questions.

Without mentioning McMullen, Torrance Memorial officials said that during 2014 the bacteria seem to have contributed to the death of one patient, who likely acquired CRE while hospitalized.

Yet they ruled out the endoscopes  the source of recent superbug outbreaks at three other Southern California hospitals  as the cause of McMullens infection. Officials said following an extensive investigation they had determined that there have been no known cases of CRE transmission by endoscope at the hospital.

One reason doctors are reluctant to report in public records that patients have died from hospital-acquired infections, experts say, is the possibility of malpractice lawsuits.

CDC officials warned in October that they had discovered that some hospitals had tried to stop their infection-control staff from reporting certain types of hospital-acquired infections to a national database as required.

In a 2010 survey published in a CDC medical journal, 49 percent of New York City medical residents said they had knowingly reported an inaccurate cause of death on a certificate.

Nile Moss, 15, unexpectedly died a couple days after having an MRI at Childrens Hospital of Orange County in Orange in 2006.

An autopsy showed that he died from a rare superbug, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, which the CDC says is a leading cause of health care associated infections.

His parents say they believe the pad patients lay on in the MRI machine was contaminated with the bacteria. The teen was hit with flu-like symptoms soon after having the outpatient test. He was hospitalized after his fever reached 104 degrees and he struggled to breathe.

The doctor did not list the bacteria on Niles death certificate. Instead he wrote the teen had died from adult respiratory distress syndrome. Contributing causes, the doctor wrote, were septic shock and pneumonia.

Doctors have the ability to write whatever they want, said Niles mother, Carole Moss, one of the people who attended the CDC meeting on inaccurate death certificates. Many people are angered by this. They cause the harm and then cover it up.

Denise Almazan, a spokeswoman for the childrens hospital, said officials were looking into the teens case and could not immediately comment.

Ed Winter, assistant chief in Los Angeles Countys medical examiner-coroners office, said that any case in which a patient is suspected of dying from an infection acquired from hospital procedures should be sent to the medical examiner for review to determine whether county officials rather than hospital doctors should determine the cause of death.

If there is a question, we will look into it, he said.

If the autopsy and facts of the case conclude a patient died from the infection, the death certificate would state acquired infection after surgical procedure, Winter said.

In May, Dr. Martin Makary, a surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, called on the CDC to add a line to all death certificates where doctors would be asked if the death was caused by a preventable complication from medical care.

Makary estimates that infections, errors and other cases of medical care going wrong would be at least the third-leading cause of death among Americans if they were properly recorded.

We need an open and honest conversation about the problem, Makary said.
DAVIS, Calif. (AP)  An American researcher killed in a rock attack by protesters in Ethiopia this week was a talented scientist with a bright future, the chairman of her department at the University of California, Davis said Thursday.

Sharon Gray, 31, was a leader in the study of how climate change affects plants, said Savithramma Dinesh-Kumar, chair of the plant biology department at UC Davis.

"She's really an always-smiling slip of sunshine. She's a smart, energetic scientist," Dinesh-Kumar said. "She had a very bright future ahead of her. And everyone knew she was going to be the star in the plant biology research area."

Gray, a post-doctoral researcher, was in the East African country for a meeting to kick off a research project when she was killed Tuesday. She was traveling in a car in the outskirts of the capital, Addis Ababa, an area that has seen months of deadly protests.

Gray is the first foreigner killed in the massive anti-government protests that have claimed the lives of hundreds of protesters since November 2015. At least 55 were killed in a stampede last weekend when police tried to disrupt a demonstration amid a massive religious festival that has been followed by clashes between security forces and protesters.

The circumstances of the attack that killed Gray are still unclear, Dinesh-Kumar said. Another UC Davis professor who was in Ethiopia was shaken but not hurt and is returning home, he said.

The U.S. Embassy on Wednesday attributed the death to head injuries from a rock thrown by "unknown individuals."

Gray earned her doctorate at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2013 before moving to UC Davis with her husband, who is also a post-doctoral researcher. She was recently awarded a three-year National Science Foundation grant to study how growing levels of carbon dioxide affect plants.

She traveled to Ethiopia for her first meeting to discuss a separate research project she planned to conduct with the Netherlands Institute of Ecology and charitable organizations.

The U.S. State Department is assisting Gray's family, said UC Davis Interim Provost Ken Burtis and Mark Winey, dean of the College of Biological Sciences, in a message to the campus community.

"On behalf of the entire UC Davis campus, our hearts and condolences go out to Sharon's husband and extended family," they wrote. "Even in tragedy, we hope that we all can find some comfort in the wonderful work Sharon was engaged in that will better the lives of so many around the world."
Press release submitted by Rock Island Arsenal

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Illinois  (Oct. 6, 2016) The Iowa Interstate Railroad are making repairs on the railroad over the Government Bridge. This will necessitate some closures of the Government Bridge and effect traffic crossing the Bridge.

 Between Wednesday, Oct. 5, and continuing to Thursday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, expect intermittent single-lane closures for vehicle traffic. No impact to pedestrian, bicycle, navigation or rail traffic.

 On weekends, Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 8-9, as well as Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 22-23, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m., the Government Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic. No impact to pedestrian, bicycle, navigation or rail traffic.

Barricades, signs, and flagman will be used to warn, direct and detour traffic during closures. The local media will be informed of the closures for public announcement.
LES CAYES, Haiti (AP)  Haitian officials on Thursday dramatically raised the known death toll from Hurricane Matthew as they finally began to reach corners of the country that had been cut off by the rampaging storm.

Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph announced that at least 108 had died, up from a previous count of 23. That raised the hurricane's overall toll across the Caribbean to 114.

Officials were especially concerned about the department of Grand-Anse, located on the northern tip of the peninsula that was slammed by the Category 4 storm, which severed roads and communications links.

"(It) got hit extremely hard," said Guillaume Albert Moleon, Interior Ministry spokesman.

Officials with the Civil Protection Agency said 38 of the known deaths were reported in Grand-Anse.

People in the region's devastated main city, Jeremie, faced an immediate hunger crisis, said Maarten Boute, chairman of telecom Digicel Haiti, who flew to the city in a helicopter.

Matthew mashed concrete walls and tore away rooftops, forcing thousands of Haitians to flee for their lives.

In the southwest seaport of Les Cayes, many were searching for clean water on Thursday as they lugged mattresses and other scant belongings they were able to salvage.

"Nothing is going well," Jardine Laguerre, a teacher, told The Associated Press. "The water took what little money we had. We are hungry."

Authorities and aid workers were just beginning to get a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years.

Joseph, the interior minister, said food and water were urgently needed, noting that crops have been leveled, wells inundated by seawater and some water treatment facilities destroyed.

Before hitting Haiti, the storm was blamed for four deaths in the Dominican Republic, one in Colombia and one in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

So far there were no reports of casualties from better-equipped Cuba or the Bahamas, which was being raked by the hurricane on Thursday.

In Haiti's southern peninsula towns, where Matthew hit around daybreak Tuesday with 145 mph (235 kph) winds, there was wreckage and misery everywhere.

"The floodwater took all the food we have in the house. Now we are starving and don't have anything to cook," said farmer Antoine Louis as he stood in brown water up to his thighs in the doorway of his deluged concrete shack.

In Aquin, a coastal town outside Les Cayes, people trudged through mud around the wreckage of clapboard houses and tiny shops.

Cenita Leconte was one of many who initially ignored calls to evacuate vulnerable shacks before Matthew roared ashore. The 75-year-old was thankful she finally complied and made it through the terrifying ordeal with her life.

"We've lost everything we own. But it would have been our fault if we stayed here and died," she told the AP as neighbors poked through wreckage hoping to find at least some of their meager possessions.

Civil aviation authorities reported counting 3,214 destroyed homes along the southern peninsula, where many families live in shacks with sheet metal roofs and don't always have the resources to escape harm's way.

The government has estimated at least 350,000 people need some kind of assistance after the disaster, which U.N. Deputy Special Representative for Haiti Mourad Wahba has called the country's worst humanitarian crisis since the devastating earthquake of 2010.

International aid groups are already appealing for donations for a lengthy recovery effort in Haiti, the hemisphere's least developed and most aid-dependent nation.

In coming days, U.S. military personnel equipped with nine helicopters were expected to start arriving to help deliver food and water to hard-hit areas.

When Category 4 Hurricane Flora hit in 1963, it killed as many as 8,000 people.

As recovery efforts in Haiti continued, Matthew pummeled the Bahamian capital of Nassau on Thursday with winds of 140 mph (220 kph).

The head of the Bahamas National Emergency Management Authority, Capt. Stephen Russell, told the AP there were many downed trees and power lines, but no reports of casualties.

Authorities shut down the power grid to protect it against the winds.

In nearby Cuba, Matthew blew across that island's sparsely populated eastern tip,destroying dozens of homes and damaging hundreds in the island's easternmost city, Baracoa. But the government oversaw the evacuation of nearly 380,000 people and strong measures were taken to protect communities and infrastructure, U.N. officials said.

Matthew was on a path forecast to take it close to the U.S. East Coast, where authorities ordered large-scale evacuations. Matthew had dropped slightly to a Category 3 storm after crossing land in Haiti and eastern Cuba, but strengthened once again to a Category 4, officials said.

It was located about 125 miles (205 kilometers) east-southeast of West Palm Beach in Florida and was moving northwest at 14 mph (22 kph) at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT).
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.
I know, I know, the point Im about to make is painfully obvious. But it is not in any sense trivial: If you care who wins the election next month, get off the couch, go down to your polling place and vote.

National polls taken since last weeks debate show Hillary Clinton with a solid lead over Donald Trump; a Politico-Morning Consult poll released Monday morning, for example, put the gap at 6 points. New polls in swing states, including some that once looked favorable for Trump, also report that Clinton is now ahead. There is every reason to believe that most Americans favor the former U.S. senator and secretary of state over the bigoted, clownish real estate mogul who claims hes worth billions of dollars yet apparently avoids paying federal income taxes.

If youre tempted to think this is in the bag, however, look around.

In Colombia on Sunday, voters narrowly rejected a peace deal intended to end a war against leftist guerrillas that has raged for five decades and claimed tens of thousands of lives. Supporters of the agreement were shocked because respected polls had shown it would be approved easily.

Similarly, polls showed that British voters were in favor of remaining in the European Union. Yet when ballots were counted after the June 23 referendum, the leave position had won a slim victory. Many Britons were stunned and dismayed  none more so than David Cameron, who was forced to resign as prime minister.

It is tempting to look at these results  plus the election of dangerous lunatic Rodrigo Duterte as president of the Philippines  and conclude that some sort of vast, perhaps unstoppable, anti-elite wave is sweeping the globe. As go Medellin and Manila, in other words, so goes Milwaukee.

I think there is a simpler, less apocalyptic explanation: In both Britain and Colombia, the outcomes were determined by those who didnt bother to vote.

For the Brexit referendum, overall turnout was high, a bit over 70 percent. But turnout among voters younger than 40  those most likely to favor remaining in the E.U.  was only about 65 percent, according to a London School of Economics analysis . Meanwhile, turnout among those older than 65, the group most likely to favor exiting the union, was an estimated 90 percent.

Had turnout among younger voters been a few points higher, Brexit would have lost.

In Colombia, a nation of approximately 47 million people, the peace deal was rejected by just 54,000 votes. But turnout was a paltry 37 percent. If so many Colombians who favored the agreement perhaps hadnt assumed it was safe to stay home, President Juan Manuel Santos would be taking a victory lap instead of scrambling to come up with a Plan B.

The lesson for American voters seems clear. Yes, this is a year when anti-establishment protest is finding expression at the ballot box. The Duterte case is instructive: Filipino voters knew they were choosing a man who believes the way to deal with illegal drugs and rampant crime is through extrajudicial summary execution. They may come to regret their choice, but they made it with open eyes.

In Britain and Colombia, however, majorities of voters sabotaged themselves with their own apathy. And the only way Trump can win is if the same thing happens here.

It is true that the white working-class voters who form the core of Trumps support do not always show up on Election Day. But given their fervor for the bombastic GOP candidate  who claims, ridiculously, that he can hold back the tides of globalism, demography and science  it is reasonable to assume that Trumps people will indeed vote.

But they are outnumbered by voters who recognize Trump for the charlatan that he is. Pollsters try to account for any enthusiasm gap when they screen for likely voters. But really, there should be no gap at all.

The coalition of women, young people, African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans that twice elected President Obama has even more reason to come out in force to elect Clinton. Anyone who believes that Trump is essentially harmless, or that he is so ridiculous a figure that inevitably he will lose, is whistling past the graveyard.

The Clinton campaign is setting in motion a get-out-the-vote campaign that represents the state of the art. Ultimately, however, this is on you. There is one sure way to avoid the nastiest of surprises on Nov. 8: Vote, or youll have no right to complain.
"This stuff has been asked and answered time and time again and we can just get on with it which is why I'm not pulling my bill," Chloe Swarbrick said.

2 hours ago
The planned investments are in line with the 2014-2023 National Transport Plan, with investments in the first four years of the plan exceeding the expected allocation by 7%, or NKr 4.6bn.

The government says it will allocate more than NKr 6.8bn for operation and maintenance of the railway network during the year, of which NKr 4.3bn is intended for maintenance.

For new projects, in 2017 the government will continue investments made in the 2016 budget by allocating NKr 8.8bn, including nearly NKr 4.9bn for the new 22km Follo Line between Oslo and Ski, which is currently under construction and is due to open in 2021. The new 23.5km Farriseidet - Porsgrunn inter-city line will also receive NKr 564m, while the project to construct a new double-track tunnel through Mount Ulriken on the revitalised Arna - Bergen line will receive NKr 426m.

In addition, NKr 1.9bn will be spent on measures to improve capacity for freight and passenger services across the network as well as schemes to enhance safety and maintain the environment. This includes eliminating level crossings, improving tunnel security, and minimising the impact of avalanches.

The network is set to benefit from the introduction of 10 new Stadler Flirt trains during the year, including four on the Gjvik railway from September 2017, while the government is providing NKr 3.3bn in the budget to co-finance train orders, which is consistent with funding allocated last year.

Finally, the government is also set to allocate nearly NKr 1.5bn towards planning new projects, an increase of Nkr 220m over 2016, including NKr 1.3bn for the eastern Norway inter-city project.

Our budget for planning new investment projects is an expression of the great railway effort we are engaged in, says transport minister Mr Ketil Solvik-Olsen. When we came into government in 2013, we found that the planning of the InterCity projects was underfunded. In 2014 we more than quintupled funding for planning new investments, and we also added the Ringerike Line between Sandvika and Hnefoss as the fourth line in the eastern Norway InterCity project.
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The Pardee RAND Graduate School (PardeeRAND.edu) is home to the only Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs offered at an independent public policy research organizationthe RAND Corporation.
Syrian and Russian killing in Aleppo is humiliating the West, disgusting the global community, and challenging U.S. leadership. With elections only five weeks away, Washington has transition fever and is dithering. Unless it acts soon to raise costs to Syria and Russia, their forces could threaten more of the lives of the quarter-million people in Aleppo, and the Kremlin might think that in the future it can mount further challenges to the West and America.

In many ways, the international community has failed Syrians over five-and-a-half years. In April, the United Nations and Arab League envoy to Syria declared that 400,000 had died. Current, intensive attacks on rebel-held eastern Aleppo are raising this number. Killings in Syria could approach the magnitude of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, in which more than a half-million people died.

Russia knows scorched-earth tactics. In two wars in the 1990s against the North Caucasian region of Chechnya, tens of thousands of civilians were killed. The onslaught in Aleppo could resemble block-by-block fighting in Grozny.

Intervention in Syria has brought tactical gains to Russia but not a path to clear achievement, although there is still a possibility Russia will find its footing. In September 2015, when Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces were losing ground to the Islamic State terrorist group and anti-Assad rebels, Moscow dispatched air power and special forces. President Vladimir Putin described the purpose as stabilizing legitimate power in Syria and creating conditions for political compromise.

Moscow's air power, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah militants helped stabilize the battle lines. But Mikhail Khodarenok, a prominent Russian military observer, warned recently that Syrian armed forces have not conducted a single successful offensive during the past year, and results of the fighting are disastrous. Like his father, Hafez Assad, who ruled Syria for three decades, Bashar is playing the Kremlin, undermining its strategic flexibility.

This could be a reason why, just after inserting forces last year, Putin sought an urgent meeting with President Obama and called for coordinated actions against ISIL and other terrorist groups. Since then, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has worked intensively with Secretary of State John Kerry to negotiate multiple cease-fires, but all have failed. Assad opposes them, and Russian forces end up joining his in strikes against regime opponents.

Talking with a group of Syrians recently in New York City, Kerry gave two reasons why the United States had eschewed using military power to bolster diplomacy and cease-fires: Syria's air defenses would have to be taken out, and the U.N. Security Council had not authorized the use of force. He lamented, American legal theory does not buy into the so-called right to protect.

As the bloodletting worsens and Russia is seen as complicit, its international image is suffering. By denying a role in the Sept. 19 attack on a Syrian Arab Red Crescent warehouse and convoy, the Kremlin has seemed callous and duplicitous. In contrast, within hours of a U.S. strike on Sept. 17 that killed at least 60 of Assad's fighters, the Pentagon voiced regret.

The Kremlin seems eager for a quick if gory end to the rebellion in eastern Aleppo. It doubtless wants the international fury to fade, although how much Moscow cares about global opinion is a question. In any case, Russia might think that an America in political transition will be less able to rally global condemnation.

This would not be the first time the Kremlin sought to exploit a U.S. change in power. At a June 1961 Vienna summit, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev beat the hell out of me," as the new President Kennedy later said. Two months later, the Berlin Wall began to rise. After the August 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia, President George W. Bush imposed only light sanctions; months later Obama lifted them and pursued a reset to improve relations.

Transitions are not always times of U.S. vulnerability. In 1946, less than a year after assuming the presidency, Harry Truman pressured Soviet leader Joseph Stalin to withdraw troops from northern Iran. This is the kind of transition Washington needs now.

A tragedy of historic proportion is unfolding in eastern Aleppo. Only U.S. diplomacy augmented by compulsion might avert its destruction. Perhaps fearing forceful action, the Kremlin warned Saturday that U.S. strikes on Syrian government forces would lead to terrible, tectonic consequences. The same day, Syrian and Russian forces bombed the largest trauma hospital in eastern Aleppo, causing it to close.

The next U.S. president will be at a disadvantage dealing with Moscow if America refuses to arm defenders in eastern Ukraine against Russian aggression, and Washington persists in its reluctance to challenge Moscow over its participation in the siege of Aleppo. In the near term, the world will increasingly question U.S. leadership. The sooner Russia and Syria perceive U.S. determination, the more likely these consequences can be avoided  and the less likely Aleppo will become a greater humanitarian calamity.

Colin P. Clarke is a political scientist at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation. William Courtney, an adjunct senior fellow at RAND, is a former U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan, Georgia and the U.S.-Soviet nuclear testing commission.

This commentary originally appeared on USA Today on October 5, 2016. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
Grand Rapids has a message for its children: Time to turn the television off. These days, the city is set on giving its younger residents plenty of reasons to abandon the TV. With a renewed focus on parks, outdoor learning labs and playgrounds, the city and its leaders aim to be at the cutting edge of reuniting children with the great outdoors.

As a somewhat new parent, I have experienced the transformation of myself from a cinephile homebody to a rampant outdoorswoman, constantly pushing my toddlers outside for a bit of fresh air. Because, let's face it, that's what we did as kids: jump on our bikes and ride around the neighborhood with friends until the street lights came on. Exhausted until the sun came up, we would do it again until the school bells rang. And, believe me, we got our share of fresh air and exercise.

But that was before cell phones, before Instagram. Back during the golden age of dial up. When it took so long to get online that it was hardly worth it. Forget it, I would think, and head outside. As technology continues to find its place in our daily lives, and especially the lives of our children, many seek a way to provide balance with the new paradigms in which we live.

Knowing inherently the benefits of the great outdoors for children, many organizations throughout the country have put pen to paper to prove these with facts and figures. Many have even added personal testimony, and have used this to develop programs that are getting kids outside, interacting with nature in greater numbers.

And this is no struggle in our fair, nature-loving city. Grand Rapids has recently been named one in a seven-city cohort of

Founded in November 2014, "the CCCN initiative offers local officials guidance in establishing new connections between children and nature through exposure to promising practices, access to national experts, and structured peer learning and training opportunities," according to the network. In the summer of 2015, the Children & Nature Network and the National League of Cities sent out a request for proposal to 43 cities for city-wide plans on the topic. After the GR Parks and Rec and Our Community's Children submitted their application, they were selected as one of 16 finalists to attend a leadership academy on the topic in October of that year, and ultimately became one of a seven-city cohort to receive funding for their projects (along with Austin, Texas; Louisville, Kentucky; Madison, Wisconsin; Providence, Rhode Island; Saint Paul, Minnesota; and San Francisco, California).

Each city received a $25,000 planning grant as part of the first phase of the planning process. After submitting the second stage implementation plan, they each will receive $50,000 to put their plans to work, and could later be eligible for further funding if needed.

But why Grand Rapids? Out of a wide array of cities, why was GR selected as a leader in the field of connecting children to nature?

"What GR is able to do is look across departments at real systems change for its communities," says Margaret Lamar, director of strategic initiatives for Children & Nature. Instead of siloing efforts within particular organizations like some of the original 43 applicants, notes Lamar, GR's staff and citizens were working together, each utilizing their particular skill set.

It's this type of partnership that allowed the parks department to work with Our Community's Children, a donor-funded organization that acts uniquely as a city and school partnership to develop beneficial programming for kids in GR. Such programs include the Mayor's Youth Council and Project LEAD, a professional training program. Leveraging OCC's unique vantage point on programs that benefit the city's children, David Marquardt, director of the GR Parks and Recreation Department, was able to craft a new master parks plan that directly benefitted the principal users of parks: children.

"Our young people can have a say in the development of parks and playgrounds for the future," says OCC's Executive Director Lynn Heemstra. With this passion for youth feedback in mind, she worked with colleague Shannon L. Harris, OCC's program director, to collect student testimony on natural spaces during the annual

An annual event hosted by the mayor's youth council, KidsSpeak brings together local children to focus on a particular issue, ultimately creating written testimonies that are presented to the community. In April 2016, GRPS students from kindergarten through 12th grade discussed their desires for parks in the city. Designed to directly impact the parks master plan, the children's testimonies were honest and powerful.

Some nervous and some polished, these student presenters bravely expressed their thoughts about the city's natural areas, saying, "green spaces are not something you can brush aside" and "losing [green things] in the city means losing our compassion for the world around us, and ultimately, each other." Many expressed regret over the loss of their connection to nature and time spent in parks and playgrounds. "We don't play outside anymore," said one presenter. "We are disregarding natural spaces more and more."

One younger student expressed her views clearly and with conviction. "No playgrounds? Don't ever say no playgrounds to me," she said. "How would the city look like if there were no trees, flowers or wildlife?It would look dark and gloomy." Overall, the clear consensus of the GRPS presenters was the desire to increase and improve the green spaces and parks in the city. "My hope for this city is that we not only maintain our parks, but proliferate them. Through that we can allow more children to have experiences of joy and compassionIf we understand the world around us. We can understand each other better," said a teen presenter

(the entirety of the event can be viewed

This natural spaces-focused KidsSpeak was the most attended in the event's history. "That definitely says something about the topic area," says Harris. After more than 13 years working with the organization, Harris has seen the benefit of "allowing young people to give voice to issues that concern them," she says.

Marquardt was able to directly utilize this youth testimony in revamping his master parks plan, which was coincidentally being crafted during the application process for Cities Connecting Children to Nature. Thus, the plan itself became the bulk of the city of GR's application to the nonprofit, showcasing the serious efforts the city would undertake to improve children's access to nature. "David has both an innovative approach to creating equity across the city, deeply committed to community input, and just a real commitment to serving all children through the parks department," says Lamar.

In addition to fantastic timing and a potential to revamp outdoor city spaces with its new master parks plan, GR's proposal showcased the citys dedication to programming for its younger denizens. "One of the things that really stood out about GR is the long-standing track record that GR has in serving its children," says Lamar. With city/school partnerships like Our Community's Children and the mayor's close relationship with Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal, GR demonstrated its dedication to serving all kids in the city, right where they are.

"GR gave us a very good proposal,"

, who played a part in distinguishing GR among the final seven cities that would move on to the implementation phase. Including cities throughout the country that varied in population and geography, Moore and Lamar included two other midwest cities in the seven, Madison, Wisconsin and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Utilizing the city's unique geography was one of the proposal's selling points, as Marquardt and Heemstra seek to potentially revamp school playgrounds at GRPS, converting them into outdoor learning spaces that work with the natural landscape, such as trees and wildflowers. "Parks are natural classrooms where children can encounter hands-on experiential learning," said Mayor Rosalyn Bliss. Leveraging the natural geography in the literal backyards of GR's schools will hopefully serve as a major part of GR's implementation of the funds.

This dedication to children is an "example of how GR really is a leader in systems change," says Lamar.

While GR staff stood out to the Children & Nature Network, so did its new mayor, elected in August of 2015. Planning a dedication to parks and green spaces during her tenure, Mayor Bliss attended the leadership academy in October herself, before she even took office. "The leadership of Mayor Bliss on this issue is unique," says Lamar. "Nature is not always the top of the priority list for mayors."

"It was the mayor's priority," says Lynn Heemstra, executive director of Our Community's Children. Noting the development of parks as a major part of her upcoming work as mayor,

"We know that nature is important to children's development, in every single way: intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically," Bliss said during the speech. Understanding these benefits, Bliss worked hand-in-hand with the Parks and Recreation Department and Our Community's Children after they were selected by Cities Connecting Children to Nature as one of 16 cities invited to apply for basic training in the development of outdoor spaces for children.

Demonstrating a desire to improve the city's parks and a mayor who was personally willing to get her hands dirty in that effort, GR quickly distinguished itself to the committee. "We are seen as one of the cities that is capable of advancing the initiatives that the children in nature network is interested in," says Marquardt.

Having just submitted the next phase of the initiative, the implementation plan, Marquardt and Heemstra still have a lot of work to do in the next 12 months, putting to good use the next portion of the funding, a $50,000 grant that help them realize their original plan. At the heart of it all is a question posed by Moore, "How can we leverage the role of city leaders and the power of city government to go farther, faster in terms of connecting kids to nature?"

Knee-deep in efforts that involve local schools, the mayor, parks and recreation, donor-funded organizations, national nonprofits, students, parents, and passionate citizens, the city of GR has already taken many steps in the right direction. Exploring what it means to "green a playground" and planning to utilize playground designers instead of buying one-size-fits all equipment, GR's parks are right on the cutting edge. Identifying key neighborhoods that are a priority for increasing park access, like Plaster Creek on the southwest side, Marquardt and Heemstra can't wait to get started.

Having already received public input during numerous community meetings throughout September and October, Marquardt looks forward to implementing precise and passionate feedback. Such community desires for the parks are: improved pedestrian walkways to and around parks, more diverse and accessible recreation programming, increased tree-planting programs for families, bilingual signage and educational labeling of wildlife, among others. Above all seeking to increase access to parks and natural spaces for children that do not currently have it, the city of Grand Rapids will get to work in the southeast, southwest and northeast sections of the city.

"We're helping to shape how cities can connect children to nature," says Heemstra. All onboard in the joint mission of lowering childhood obesity, improving academic skills, increasing social learning opportunities and cultivating environmental stewardship (all benefits of children accessing nature, according to the Children & Nature Network), the seven-city cohort can't wait to implement their plans in the next phase. Here in GR, the potential has been identified, and those involved in the initiative are forwarding their mission with every day and dollar spent. "Children spend an average of 6 hours a day in front of a screen," said Mayor Bliss, but with the city of Grand Rapids and the Children & Nature Network, they're working to change that.

This article is part of Michigan Nightlight, a series of stories about the programs and people that positively impact the lives of Michigan kids. It is made possible with funding from the
Burton Elementary has a long history of success and is further banding together with the community to support students and their families. These efforts, however, are being jeopardized by the state's emphasis on standardized testing practices that unfairly penalize schools serving primarily English language learner communities, writes Saul Ulloa, an alumnus of Burton and a longtime resident of the Burton Heights and Garfield Park area.

On The Ground GR

Over the next few months, On The Ground GR journalists will be knocking on doors and getting to know the neighbors and community members. We will dive deeper into topics concerning this neighborhood's residents and stakeholders while celebrating the diversity and strength found in this area. We are on the ground listening and want to celebrate the community's unifying spirit of positivity and vibrancy.

Follow On The Ground GR's work via

On The Ground GR is made possible by the

Saul Ulloa, whose father comes from Mexico, grew up in the Burton Heights neighborhood. He is a product of Grand Rapids Public Schools and attended Burton Elementary, Blandford School, and City High. He is a 2015 graduate of Vassar College with a degree in International Studies & Arabic Language. Ulloa has recently returned to Grand Rapids after spending a year in Amman, Jordan, where he spent time improving his Arabic skills and working with an NGO that provides humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees.I grew up in the Burton Heights area, just a few blocks from Burton Elementary and Middle Schools. I attended Burton Elementary from 1999 to 2004 and benefited from incredible teachers and supportive paraprofessionals along the way. I was dismayed to hear that the Michigan School Reform Office (SRO) had identified Burton Elementary and Middle Schools as two of the lowest-performing public schools in Michigan. This ranking was based upon the states student performance test, the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP. These rankings fail to show, however, that the vast majority of Burton students are designated as English Language Learners, meaning students for whom English is not their primary language. This places an extra hurdle in front of parents and teachers to provide a quality education for their children.I am from a somewhat bilingual household but primarily grew up speaking English. This gave me and my family immense amounts of privilege. I did not have to learn English while learning math. I did not have to learn how to read a language I did not even speak. I did not have to translate for my mother in parent-teacher conferences. However, these are the experiences of many of the students at Burton. Throughout my time there, I remember most of my classmates were either bilingual or did not speak English very well. According to Burton Elementarys 2016-17 School Improvement Plan , 96 percent of Burton Students are Latinx, coming from Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. The vast majority of these students speak English as their second language.The SROs designation of Burton as a failing school is troubling and complicated. If students are tested in a language they do not speak, then they probably will not score well. The state does not take into account students English language proficiency when tallying the scores, leaving schools like Burton, and many others in West Michigan, to appear as though theyre failing.It seems unwise to threaten school closure based on a test the students were, essentially, destined to fail. (The SRO has said it will use the list of low-performing schools in Michigan to decide if it will close any of the institutions. This decision is expected to be made by the end of the school calendar year.) These children are not unintelligent nor lazy; they are simply being held accountable for information in a language many of them have only recently learned. Fortunately, most of the teachers at Burton are bilingual and can provide support in the students native language, while maintaining an emphasis on their mastery of English. The National Center for Fair and Open Testing reports that it can take five to seven years for students to become proficient enough in academic English to understand test questions.Despite these challenges, the school is constantly looking at ways it can better support its children. Burton currently partners with 15 social service, medical and educational agencies to promote the well-being and success of its students. A Department of Human Services office was included in the schools 2008 remodel, removing barriers to accessing social welfare programs such as food assistance and Medicaid. This allowed for parents to use the school as a one-stop-shop in addressing each students needs. The school aims to remove all conceivable social barriers in order to ensure the success of each child by remembering that they do not live in a bubble. The students are affected by the economic, political and social conditions under which they have grown up. According to Burton Elementarys 2016-17 School Improvement Plan, 100 percent of the schools students are eligible for free and reduced lunches and participate in a sack supper program from Kids Food Basket , a nonprofit organization that provides free dinners to underprivileged children. A hungry child does not become full simply by going to school.Burton has also fostered relationships with several local and national charities to improve its capacity to teach students effectively. Burton has received an Apple ConnectED grant that gives an Apple laptop and iPad to every teacher and an iPad to every student, for educational purposes. Burton was also one of three GRPS recipients of a $40,000 Mejier Good School Grant to hold a series of workshops detailing the importance of parental involvement in oral language acquisition.In an interview with a recent Burton parent, Juan Ramon Hernandez, these language programs were viewed positively. Burton has many programs where parents learn a lot, too. I was learning a little English there and I still use a lot of the information I learned in those classes," Hernandez says.Burton seems dedicated to functioning as both a school and a community center, addressing the most pressing needs in their students' lives. If I could go back in time, I would definitely put my child back at Burton," Hernandez says. "I got along well with the teachers and always saw them at parent-teacher conferences. The Burton staff are seen as genuinely caring about their students and the communities they come from. This holistic educational model ensures that trust forms between all interested parties to support the Burton children.The school has implemented the LOOP after-school program, providing additional educational enrichment during the hours when parents are still working. This allows students to receive extra help with their homework and ensures they remain in a safe and stable environment as long as possible. I attended this program as a student and benefited greatly from the additional educational enrichment. I felt secure with the dedicated LOOP volunteers and gained a lot of valuable experiences in the program. I visited the local zoo for the first time in fourth grade, and we took summer field trips to Chicago. I was shown that there is a world beyond Burton Heights. I could see there was more than just Grand Rapids. My familys economic circumstances did not have to keep me from accomplishing my dreams.I hold very fond memories of my time at Burton Elementary. The teachers and staff there encouraged me to believe in myself and to believe in my future. As a result of their dedication to my education, I have been pretty lucky in my professional and educational endeavors. However, I entered the school with an incredible privilege: English. The students at Burton are just as intelligent as kids elsewhere. The teachers at Burton are equally as capable as staff in other schools. The resources available to students and their families demonstrate a unique dedication to the Burton Heights community. However, tying the future of the school to a test in a language many students are still learning undermines all the extraordinary efforts students, parents and staff put in every day.is a new Rapid Growth series. This series will highlight and celebrate the communities found along South Division Avenue that touch the Garfield Park and Burton Heights neighborhoods. You can read all the On The Ground articles published to date here Twitter (use the hashtag #OnTheGroundGR ), Facebook and Instagram . To connect with On The Ground GR's editor, Michelle Jokisch Polo, you can email her at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook and Instagram . You can learn more about Michelle here Frey Foundation , the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Steelcase , organizations that believe democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged.
News channel France 24 is now available in South Korea following a distribution agreement with Hyundai Cable Networks (HCN).





The English language news channel will see its international news and current affairs content reach HCNs 1.3 million television subscribers following the deal, via cable, IPTV and mobile.France 24 will also enhance its presence throughout the country with screens broadcasting the channel in French cultural institutes the Alliances Francaises and at the Institut Francais in Seoul, the broadcaster said in a statement.As a finale to the 2015-2016 France-Korea year, France 24 is also planning a special edition of its cultural magazine programme Encore! which will be dedicated to Korean culture.
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State Duma committee backs criminalization of unlicensed gambling

MOSCOW, October 6 (RAPSI) - The State Duma Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building recommended on Thursday that the lower house of Russias parliament pass a bill on criminal punishment for organizing unlicensed gambling activities out of specialized gaming zones, RIA Novosti reported.

Currently, unlicensed gambling in bookmaker's offices and betting houses is punishable by administrative fines and seizure of property.

Under the bill, illegal gaming business would be punished with fines of up to 500,000 rubles ($8,000) or the offenders salary or other income for a period of up to 3 years; compulsory community service for up to 240 hours; supervised release for a term of up to 4 years or imprisonment for up to 2 years.

Regular granting a lease of a building for illegal gambling (more than twice) would be punishable by fines ranging from 500,000 to 1 million rubles ($16,000) or the offenders salary or other income for a period of up to 5 years or a prison sentence for a term of up to 4 years.

The amendments are proposed to the Criminal Code of Russia.

Gambling business was prohibited in Russia on July 1, 2009 with the exception of four specialized gambling zones: Kaliningrad Region, Primorsky Krai, Altai Krai and Krasnodar Krai. According to Kommersant, Russia has only four legal casinos: Oracle and Nirvana in Krasnodar Krai, Altai Palace in Altai Krai and Tigre de Crystal in Primorsky Krai.
This is my fifth book in my Using Picture Books With Older Readers series. I love using picture books with secondary students! There are so many lessons in history, art, writing, sociology, psychologypretty much every subject can be enhanced with picture books!

Todays picture book is Four Feet, Two Sandals. This is the story of two girls who share a pair of used sandals at a refugee camp near Peshawar, Pakistan. Ive included lessons for photography, library, English, social studies, and PE.

TITLE: Four Feet, Two Sandals

AUTHOR: Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed

ILLUSTRATOR: Doug Chayka

PUBLISHER: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

PUBLICATION DATE: August 1, 2007

ISBN: 9780802852960

PAGES: 32, full-color illustrations

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Set in an Afghan refugee camp near Peshawar, a Pakistani city near the Afghan border. Since the early 1980s, Afghan refugees have fled to Pakistan to escape war. In this story, two girls named Lina and Feroza live in a refugee camp. When foreign aid workers bring used clothing to their camp, ten-year old Lina is thrilled to find a shoe that fits her foot perfectly. Then she sees that another girl, Feroza, got the other shoe. The girls decide that sharing the shoe is better than each girl wearing only one. The girls become friends, going about their daily chores together and sharing the sandal.

BEFORE READING ALOUD:

Students must understand the current world-wide refugee crisis. While this story is set in Pakistan, the poor conditions in the camp could reflect could be anywhere. In discussing the refugee crisis students need to know why the refugees are fleeing their home country and what the camp conditions are like when they get there. It would also help them to understand what the opinions of people in the host country, as well as political and economic issues the host country faces because of the refugee camps. Also, students have likely heard about refugee camps in the news, so giving them a background to the current events will help them to see that this is an ongoing issue that wont be easily solved.

PHOTOGRAPHY ETIQUETTE (COULD BE USED FOR ANY CLASS):

Students today have cameras with them a lot of the time, maybe even all the time. They snap photos in public without thinking about the people they are photographing. If we do not teach them the etiquette of snapping photos of people with their phones, who will?

Take a look at this article and photo from Peshawar:

August 31, 2016This LA Times article tells about recent changes in Pakistani refugee law. Afghan refugees must self-deport before December 31, 2016. If they do not, their registration cards will expire.

The top of this article contains a photo of a refugee family in Peshawar. The photo features two women in burqas and eight children. Four of the children are facing the camera or partially facing the camera. The other four are either covering their faces or completely turned away from the camera. Two of the four children facing the camera appear to be girls, so gender does not appear to be a factor in whether or not the children face the camera.

Questions for discussion:

What do you notice about the people in this photo? (you want them to say that some are turned away or covering their faces)

Why might some of them be turned away? Why might others be facing the camera?

The two mothers are completely covered and turned away from the camera. How do you think they felt when the photographer took this photo? Do you think they wanted their photo taken?

Do you think the photographer asked to take this picture? Why or why not?

Links to explore:

Dont Be That Guy: Avoid Annoying Behavior By Following Basic Photography Etiquette

Etiquette of photographing people and places in Middle Eastern countries

HUMANITIES, GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES, SOCIAL STUDIES: A STUDY OF SHOES

In Four Feet, Two Sandals Lina and Feroza are excited to find a pair of used sandals donated by relief workers. Access to sturdy, clean shoes is a real struggle for people in refugee camps and impoverished areas around the world. Even if they are not refugees, finding appropriate shoes and socks is a continuing problem for homeless people around the world as well.

A Long Walk: Documenting Refugees in South Sudan

Documentary-photographer Shannon Jenson talks about the water crisis in South Sudan and shows lots of photographs of the shoes the Sudanese walk miles in to get their water each day. Pair this video with Linda Sue Parks A Long Walk to Water.

There are lots of organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, that are trying to help provide shoes and socks for the worlds homeless and displaced people. Here are just a few:

Redeeming Soles (Seattle, WA)

This is a non-profit organization founded by a formerly-homeless man. Their sole mission is to provide donated shoes and socks for homeless people in the Pacific Northwest.

Giving back to the community with their One Pair Purchased = One Pair Donated campaign. Click on the link above to read about how they customize all donated socks to meet specific needs of the homeless.

ENGLISH (WRITING)PEN PAL PROGRAM

When I was in middle school, we had pen pals for our French class. My first pen pal was from France, a boy named Rory. The second one was a girl named Kejrudee, but her nickname was Love. Love lived in Thailand. Though we did not correspond beyond a few letters, this was a neat experience that I remember fondly.

I had a positive pen pal experience, but Im honestly not sure if I would do this one. Its a fabulous idea, but we just live in a different world today. You would definitely want to get approval from school admin and parents before you sent any student letters to other students. Research your pen pal school well (make sure you are writing to a real school with real children) and always, always get the approval of your school and parents of your students first.

I did find some sites that connect international pen pals, but if I were to do this, I would pick a school, find the librarians email on their website, and contact the librarian directly. Sure, he or she might not respond or say no, but there are thousands of schools out there. Someone will say yes. Tip: Be sure to send the email from your school email account so they know you are legit.

You can also find potential pen pal schools by posting your request on LM_Net (lots of international librarians on there!) or by joining FaceBook groups like Intl School Library Connection.

Other resources for pen pals:

Pen Pal letters from Minnesota middle schoolers to newly-arrived refugees in Minnesota

This is a really sweet site that contains several letters from tweens welcoming kids their age to Minnesota. If you have a refugee community in your area, this would be a really great way to make those children feel welcome and safe. In this situation, I would visit the refugee community organizers personally to ensure the people we are sending letters to are actually children.

I looked very hard online to find an international refugee camp pen pal program. I did find a couple of organizationsRESPECT and the United Nations Refugee Council (UNHCR)but neither of their websites were particularly helpful. RESPECTs website is far too outdated; the most recent post I could find was from 2012. The UNHCR does not specifically list any pen pal information, but it appears they have connected pen pals with schools in the past. Possibly an email to the UNHCR might net better results.

If you or someone you know is part of either of these organizations or another one that connects student pen pals, please let me know!

Other pen pal connection sites:

International Pen FriendsThis site is for written letters, not e-email correspondence.

e-PalsUse this site if you are looking to connect with a school for email pen pals.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION, SOCIAL STUDIESRIO OLYMPICS 2016 REFUGEE TEAM

No major ideas on this one, but this short BBC News video about the Olympic Refugee Tema is incredibly inspiring. Pair this with Warren St. Johns Outcasts United.
During the first presidential debate, Hillary Clinton accused Donald Trump of thinking climate change is a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese. The real estate mogul denied ever making the statement.

Referencing a 2012 tweet from Trump, Clinton surrogates and environmental activists quickly unleashed a storm of ridicule, smugly asking whether Trump actually believes climate change was something dreamed up in Beijing.

On its face, the comment attributed to Trump certainly seems absurd. However, Clinton mischaracterized Trumps position when she paraphrased his tweet during the debate. He actually wrote that the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.

Conspiracy theories abound in the world of climate politics. Developing countries frequently claim that the carbon agenda is a Western plot designed to prevent industrialization and trade competition.

Environmentalists argue that U.S. oil interests are working to undermine climate policy to avoid unwanted competition from wind and solar projects that generate fossil-fuel-less electricity. In reality, though, little oil is used to generate electricity in the United States.

But whether or not Trump believes that climate change is a hoax is a distraction from the real point of his November 2012 tweet.

Trump also wrote that The Chinese will benefit from an international climate agenda that undermines U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.

China in all likelihood will gain a competitive edge on the U.S. manufacturing sector under the terms of the Paris climate agreement  a deal supported by Hillary Clinton.

As part of that deal, Beijing promised to peak its emissions sometime around the year 2030. Unlike the United States, China is not required to make actual cuts in its greenhouse gases emissions or regulate its manufacturing sector to meet its Paris pledge. In 2014, China accounted for 30 percent of global emissions, dwarfing Americas share of 15 percent.

Environmentalists dismiss these concerns, pointing to structural changes in Chinas economy that are already slowing carbon emissions. From the beginning of 2012 to the end of 2014, Chinas annual coal consumption grew only an average of about 1 percent. Beijing has also promised to impose a nationwide cap-and-trade next year, which would first control emissions from coal-fired power plants.

These are notable developments, but they ignore a few important facts. While coal use has slowed significantly in China, manufacturing emissions for the same three-year period increased across the board in the production of aluminum, steel and cement.

Any Chinese cap-and-trade scheme would likely protect the countrys competitiveness by subsidizing key export sectors, thereby providing an even greater trade advantage.

To their credit, Chinese leaders are playing the international climate agenda to their favor. The same cannot be said of some U.S. policymakers, who, intentionally or not, are advancing policies that threaten to put the final nail in the coffin of U.S. manufacturing.

The threat is real. According to a report published last year, Chinese imports destroyed roughly 1 million U.S. manufacturing jobs from 1999 to 2011.

Today, Chinese cement and steel production accounts for more than half of global output. By comparison, U.S. production of those goods is 5 percent or less. Under such a trend, the elimination of the last few remaining U.S. jobs in energy-intensive industries could be right around the corner.

Trumps promise to cancel U.S. participation in the Paris Agreement, as well as his November 2012 tweet, is likely based on concern for U.S. competitiveness. Americas energy-intensive industries are already struggling under the Obama administrations expanded regulatory, tax and trade regimes.

The Clinton campaign is promising to make American manufacturing the cleanest and most efficient in the world. Her administration would achieve that objective by regulating greenhouse gas emissions from trade-exposed industries, such as steel, cement, and aluminum, in order to meet President Obamas Paris pledge to slash U.S. greenhouse gas emissions up to 28 percent by 2025.

Unilateral carbon regulation on U.S. manufacturing, justified by a poorly-designed international climate framework, would only add to the competitive advantage of China and other economies that do not face the same constraints.

If Clinton wins the White House, we can only hope that she does not fulfil her promise to implement policies that ultimately shut it down.

Environmental and climate mitigation goals are important, but such policies must be based on a rational approach and balanced by sound economic principles that promote the national interest.
Ilyas El Omari is on the offensive. The bespectacled 49-year-old activist who heads Morocco's Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) has spent years honing PAM's political message and worldview. Now, with the Kingdom heading into what is shaping up to be a decisive general election on October 7, Omari senses a political opening.
Two events recently took place in Ukraine, both having to do with the past that shaped the heritage of the Jewish people in the 20th century. In the city of Odessa, on the coast of the Black Sea, Ukrainians celebrated the far-reaching legacy of Zionist leader Vladimir (Ze'ev) Jabotinsky, one of the greatest Jewish writers, thinkers and political activists of his generation. And in Kiev, they marked 75 years since the Babi Yar tragedy -- the massacre of tens of thousands of the city's Jews that went on to become one of the notable events of the Holocaust.
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Are you a fan of so-called Dead Bird gear? Arc'teryx builds some of the most popular snivel kit and extreme weather technical apparel in the world. A writer called

All photos courtesy Hendrik Morkel and HikingFinland.com.

Scrutinizing the Dead Bird

Says Morkel (who is clearly an Arc'teryx fan),

What goes into designing a jacket like the Arcteryx Alpha SV Jacket? How is it made? Who makes it? Where is it made? After my visit to the Arcteryx factory in North Vancouver  one of four factories Arcteryx operates in Canada  these are questions I feel I have the answers to. If youre a gear nerd like me then visiting a factory  an Arcteryx factory!  is like entering the holy halls of outdoor gear making. Theres so much skill and knowledge going into making these garments which we take out to the mountains and forests on our adventures that its inspiring to see it happen in front of your eyes, ask questions and of course take photos.

While there, Morkel was able to watch the gear as it was made, discuss methodologies and design philosophies with Arc'teryx principals and learn how they train their personnel.

[Arc'teryx sewing staff] learn in a 12 week sewing training programme all the skills they need to work at the Arcteryx factory  from sewing over taping and learning about the Lean programme. They have a 94% graduate rate of this programme, and the employees made a happy & proud impression on me. Arcteryx cares well for their employees, with regular breaks, being able to switch up stations, good pay  and many were also sporting Arcteryx garments, some even garments which they sewed just for themselves! The trainees of the sewing programme also do good, as they make from excess material Ponchos for the homeless of Vancouver and give these away for free to those in need.

Read the rest of the story in its entirety and see the entire gallery of images right here.
On Oct. 15, Athens-Clarke County Police received a call from a man who claimed to be Sheriff Longmire, who was requesting backup for a murder case. The man asked to speak with an Officer Ferguson," according to the report.
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Lucas Raposo entered a guilty plea on April 19 to two counts of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, according to recently-relea
Nguyet Vuong, owner, of Pho Saigon on Hartnell Avenue in east Redding

SHARE Tai bo vien Seaweed salad

By Marc Beauchamp

With the weather finally cooling down, its time for warm and nourishing soups, so Ill be spending more time at one of my favorite Asian restaurants in Redding  Pho Saigon.

Tucked into the southwest corner of the Cobblestone Court shopping center on Hartnell Avenue in east Redding, Pho Saigon serves 10 varieties of pho, the Vietnamese beef soup with rice noodles.

If youre new to pho, try tai bo vien (a thin slice of steak with meat balls).

Ask owner and Saigon native Nguyet Vuong to explain how to spice up the soup with the condiments on the table.

Shes a lovely woman. On one recent visit she pulled out her smartphone and showed me pictures of her family in Stockton and her pet Chihuahua.

At Pho Saigon, vegetarians have a lot of choices too such as egg rolls, spring rolls, tofu, yellow curry and vegetables.

When I dropped by for lunch a week ago, I ran into Kim Pocock of Ohio and her daughter, Shavonne, who lives in the Washington, D.C., area. The duo have pretty eclectic tastes food-wise, searching out Ethiopian or Salvadoran restaurants around the country.

Shavonne Pocock, no stranger to Vietnamese cuisine, pronounced Pho Saigon one of the better places shes dined at. Very tasty.

Kim Pocock has been to Pho Saigon five times (her cousin first introduced her to the place while she was visiting her mother in Redding). She usually orders one of the seafood dishes. I really enjoy it, she said of the restaurant.

At Pho Saigon, the decor is simple, the place seems super-clean and the food comes out relatively fast.

I usually order the pho, but on my last visit I tried the bun bo xao, cha gio  vermicelli noodles topped with stir fried beef, eggs rolls, onion, lemongrass and peanuts. It was delicious.

Several online commenters raved about the bun bo hue  thinly sliced beef brisket with rice vermicelli in a spicy lemongrass broth. I thought I died and went to heaven, one wrote.

Try an appetizer like the spring rolls or the chicken salad with cabbage and peanuts. My favorite, especially in the warmer months, is the seaweed salad.

On the beverage menu I usually like the classic Vietnamese hot coffee with condensed milk. But there are a lot of options to choose from  iced coffees with pearls, a salted plum soda, a soybean drink, smoothies made with seasonal fruits, Thai iced tea and several beers.

Theres a lot of the menu I still havent explored, including the beef stews and the 14 rice plates featuring beef, pork, shrimp and chicken.

Next time though Im going to try the spicy bun bo hue. Sounds perfect on a sweatshirt day in Redding.

Go now 

Pho Saigon

Address: 236 Hartnell Ave., Redding

Phone: 223-9888

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Closed Mondays

Social media: Facebook (unofficial)

Owner: Nguyet Vuong

Established: 2009

Sample menu items:

Seaweed salad $2.99

Pho soups (large) $8.59

(Recommend: tai bo vien)

Chicken soup $8.59

Tofu, vegetable, steamed rice $11.99

Stir-fried beef and rice $11.75

Bun (vermicelli) $9.49-$13.99

(Recommend: bun bo xao, cha gio)

Vietnamese coffee $3.75
Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight

Shasta Lake School was placed on lockdown Wednesday morning after a man dressed black was seen walking through the campus with what locked like a rifle slung across his back. It was later determined that Justin Marshall Bauer was carrying a walking stick and he was arrested on felony warrants unrelated to the school incident.

SHARE The Shasta County Sheriff's Office provided this surveillance photo of a man on the Shasta Lake School campus who was later identified as Justin Marshall Bauer.

By Amber Sandhu of the Redding Record Searchlight

Shasta Lake School administrators ordered a lockdown this morning following reports that a man dressed in black walked through campus carrying a rifle. It was later determined to be a walking stick.

By noon, Shasta County Sheriff's deputies arrested Justin Marshall Bauer, 33, at Clair Engle Park in Shasta Lake on outstanding felony warrants. He told them he was collecting recyclables from the campus and he wasn't charged with a crime related to the morning incident.

Melanie Sanderson, the middle school's principal, said a cafeteria employee first noticed Bauer around 6:20 a.m. on Vallecito Street, but "thought the person walked past campus." After staffers told Sanderson Bauer was thought to be carrying a rifle, Sanderson called the sheriff's office at 7:52 a.m. By 7:55 a.m., she put the school on a soft lockdown, meaning all students were ordered to class.

"When this happens, your immediate reaction is the safety and security of kids and staff," Sanderson said.

Sanderson said upon reviewing security video footage, she saw Bauer had walked across campus. "The video did show he went from garbage can to garbage can," Sanderson said. But there was no way of knowing whether the stick Bauer was carrying was a weapon, she said, which put them on a "higher alert."

Sanderson said by 8:20 a.m., the School Messenger System notified parents via text, email, and a phone call about the lockdown. But some parents got the alert up to 30 minutes later.

With Bauer not yet located, some parents were on edge.

"Just because he's (Bauer) not on campus doesn't mean our kids are safe still," parent Jamie Hardison said while waiting for her daughter. She headed to the school with her husband as soon as she received a telephone alert at 8:43 a.m.

A number of students were already on campus by 7:30 a.m. after taking part in Walk to School Day. But Autumn Harris' 11-year-old daughter missed out on the event.

"She was too late to walk to school, so I dropped her off," Harris said, happy that her daughter didn't participate.

She said when she dropped her daughter off before 8 a.m., everything was calm, and nothing seemed out of order. But close to 9 a.m., she too got the call that the school was on lockdown. Shaken, she decided to take her daughter home.

"There's nothing like having your kid with you when you're worried," she said.

By the middle of the day, about 34 students were pulled out of school, Sanderson estimated.

Jim Harrell, Gateway Unified School District superintendent, said when an unknown person walks through campus, the standard procedure is to put the school in soft lockdown, which allows teachers to resume instruction, but restricts movement out of the classrooms.

"We do everything we can to keep students safe," he said. "This is a random incident where an individual walked through campus."
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Motorcyclist killed in Redding crash

A man riding a motorcycle was killed Wednesday when his bike collided with a vehicle at South Bonnyview and Churn Creek roads, police said.

The identity of the motorcyclist was being withheld pending notification of his family.

Investigators said William Ray Wilburn, 64, of Cottonwood was driving his Toyota Venza north on Interstate 5 around 11:45 a.m. when he exited and turned east onto South Bonnyview Road.

Wilburn did not see the motorcycle, which was going east on South Bonnyview through the intersection on a green light, and collided with the bike, investigators said.

The motorcyclist was taken to Mercy Medical Center where he later died.

Police said alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in the crash.

The motorcyclist was wearing a Department of Transportation-approved helmet, police said.

Police: Suspect escapes after chase

Anderson police plan to file auto theft charges against David Alan Schott, 46, after they were unable to catch him following a pursuit Tuesday night.

A police officer said he spotted a stolen 2003 Ford F-150 pickup driven by Schott just before 10:30 p.m. Tuesday on Highway 273, but waited to pull him over until he had backup.

Schott failed to yield on West Center Street and turned onto South Street and went onto West Anderson Drive, police said. At times the chase reached 90 mph while Schott's girlfriend was inside the pickup, police said.

Schott turned off West Anderson Drive and drove into a cattle field. He crashed through three cattle gates to evade officers, police said.

The chase ended when Schott tried to drive the stolen pickup up a hill. He jumped out of the moving truck and ran away while the pickup rolled backward and crashed into a tree, police said.

Schott's girlfriend suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. Police say she's a victim in the case and was released.

Schott has a criminal history that includes arrests for theft-related crimes and other violations, police said. Charges against Schott will be filed with the Shasta County District Attorney's Office, police added.

Simpson to host homelessness talk

Simpson University in Redding will host a talk on homelessness from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday.

San Francisco Bay Area attorney Toussaint Bailey will present "Addressing Homelessness: Avoid Litigation and Do Some Good."

The free event is co-sponsored by the university's History and Political Science Department and the Shasta-Trinity Counties Bar Association. A lunch buffet is available for $9.50.

One hour of mandatory continued legal education credit is available for licensed California attendees.

The event will be in the Collord-Humphries Room in the dining center at university at 2211 College View Drive.

For more information, contact Cherry McCabe, chair of the History and Political Science Department, at 226-4154; or Jacob Baldwin, a board member of the Shasta-Trinity Counties Bar Association, at 225-4050.

Mysterious death under investigation

Tehama County authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a 41-year-old man who they say had been detained after experiencing symptoms of being under the influence of a drug.

Harry Velez, of Dairyville, died Sept. 26 in the hospital, five days after sheriff's deputies responded to a 911 call made by Velez, who said it was as if someone had furnished him with narcotics without his knowledge or permission.

Deputies went to the 11000 block of Highway 99E in Dairyville and reported that Velez was displaying signs and symptoms of being impaired. They reported that his behavior became increasingly bizarre to the point he was becoming a danger to himself and others.

Deputies attempted to detain him and Velez physically resisted before a stun gun was used in an effort to handcuff him, investigators said.

Velez's breathing became labored during the struggle and at one point deputies said they believed he stopped breathing. They performed CPR on Velez before medical personnel arrived.

The investigation into Velez's death continues. An autopsy was done Sept. 27 and the cause of death has not been determined.

The coroner is waiting for toxicology results.
Joe Sydlowski/Record Searchlight

Audience members watched a video at Wednesdays State of the City of Shasta Lake luncheon at Win-River Casino and Resort.

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By Joe Szydlowski of the Redding Record Searchlight

SHASTA LAKE  For the city of Shasta Lake, revenue is up across the board, in part thanks to better-than-expected income from its medical marijuana tax  and city staff members are mulling how open they should be to the marijuana industry.

"We ended up having $350,000 (budgeted). We have exceeded that," said Laura Redwine, Shasta Lake's finance director, in a video at the annual State of the City of Shasta Lake luncheon at Win-River Casino and Resort on Wednesday afternoon. Afterward, she said, "This is one of our better revenue sources."

There, a lengthy video examined law enforcement, homelessness, finances and more in the city of 10,000 that has Shasta County's only legal medical marijuana dispensaries.

Instead, the 2015-16 fiscal year brought in $375,000 from a 6-percent tax on dispensaries' gross income, she said in the video. It's too early to examine this fiscal year's contribution. Redwine also cautioned that those numbers don't fully represent a third dispensary's contribution because that one, Leave It To Nature, opened just before the end of the fiscal year.

That better-than-expected revenue appears to come from marijuana moving mainstream, said Jamie Kerr, owner of 530 Collective in Shasta Lake.

"The shift really started two years ago, when cannabis became a little bit more mainstream. Measure C (Shasta Lake's 2014 marijuana tax ballot measure) was part of that," she said, adding that her clientele base swells and shrinks based on harvest season. "We've been seeing a solid 10 to 15 percent increase (annually) over the past two years."

But, depending on how voters decide on Proposition 64, which would legalize recreational marijuana in the Nov. 8 election, that income could rise, she said.

Once they could sell recreational marijuana, dispensaries in Washington, Oregon and Colorado saw business skyrocket two to three times its medical base, Kerr said.

But she cautioned that, because medical marijuana has been around for 20 years, it isn't clear how many people outside of the medical marijuana community would be interested.

Measure C applies to gross income from any marijuana industries in Shasta Lake, not just medical ones, similar to a VAT, or value added tax, Kerr said.

"The city was smart to do that. They don't need another ballot," she said. "Should they choose to allow other types of activities, all those commercial activities' (gross income) would be assessed at 6 percent."

In addition, the new medical marijuana rules, which establish a farm-to-sale regulatory system, will license vendors, wholesalers, transporters, commercial growers and quality-assurance labs.

City leaders are eyeing that potential revenue to augment the $6 million general fund, but they also don't want to rush into anything, Redwine said.

"We're hoping to take (Shasta Lake's marijuana ordinance) to the council and amend our rules and be more open, but we want it to be natural, to be slow," she said. "We want to be careful."

That tax helps the city offset a lack of other revenue streams, such as a motel and hotel tax, she said.

But the city should look to entice hotels to open in the city, bringing growth in an obvious location, Farhad Mortazavi said in his video remarks as the city's interim director of development services.

The talks also touched on the Shasta County Sheriff's Shasta Lake patrol division, which finally filled its last vacancy to have 10 deputies and two sergeants assigned to the city, said sheriff's Lt. Tom Campbell.

He credits that to aggressive recruitment at Northern California police academies. That extra deputy allows authorities to conduct special operations, such as deputy Will Gardner, Campbell said. He has helped remove several homeless encampments and alongside social service workers, direct them toward needed services.

That also means potentially lower overtime costs when a deputy is sick or on vacation, he said.

Nonetheless, they do still have one vacancy, but it's open only to four-legged officers. The city no longer has its own sheriff's dog, which he hopes to remedy as soon as possible.
SHARE Adam McElvain Julie Winter Lea Tate Gary Cadd

Gary Cadd

Age: 74

Occupation: City Councilman

Family: Wife, Linda

Time lived in Redding: 13 years

Campaign phone number, email address, website: 945-5889; gary@garycadd.com; garycadd.com

Social media accounts: Facebook: www.facebook.com/gary.cadd.5?fref=ts

Other elected experience: none

What should the city's top three priorities be?

Unfunded pensions, public safety, and jobs. If the Council continues to ignore the first priority, public safety and general services become financially unsustainable.

Should the city take a lead on the homeless issue?

I am in support of the path forward in concept, as long as the county maintains primary oversight of the COC.

What will you do to bring jobs to the city?

Retaining Costco and its tax base is a high priority. Facilitating their move within Redding boundaries and wooing additional anchor stores as well as the ancillary businesses that typically surround it are developing.

Adam McElvain

Age: 37

Occupation: Partner and treasurer of the board at Pacific Sky, a marketing firm

Education: Graduate of Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Arabic School; BA in organizational leadership, Simpson University

Family: Wife, Courtney; son, 8; and daughter, 5

Time lived in Redding: 11 years

Campaign phone number, email address, website: 276-7012, adam@adammcelvain.com, adammcelvain.com

Social media accounts: www.facebook.com/adammcelvain; twitter.com/adammcelvain; www.linkedin.com/in/adam-mcelvain-8b41b7114

Other elected experience: none

What should the city's top three priorities be?

1. Public safety and a secure community.

2. Building the infrastructure of the modern economy to create jobs, enhance businesses, and draw/retain young people to our city.

3. Creating an environment at city hall from top to bottom that works effectively with local businesses.

Should the city take a lead on the homeless issue?

I believe that the city can take the lead on homeless solutions. Historically the county and nonprofits have provided homeless services. I believe the city has an opportunity to coordinate with the county and nonprofits to partner and apply for grant money on new solutions. The homeless issue affects all of us, and the people expect action from their leaders.

What will you do to bring jobs to the city?

1. Offer ultra-high-speed internet service to businesses and residents.

2. Create proactive solar policy, and encourage more solar power at all levels.

3. Help Redding transition into a premier 21st century city to attract young people and modern industry.

Lea Tate

Age: 41

Occupation: Clinical psychologist

Education: MA and Psy.D California School of Professional Psychology in clinical psychology; BA in psychology UC Berkeley

Family: Husband, Matt; two daughters, 6 and 3

Time lived in Redding: 19 years

Campaign phone number, email address, website: 232-5129; lea@leatate.com; www.leatate.com

Social media accounts: Facebook: @leatateredding; Twitter: @leatateredding; Instagram: leatateredding

Other elected experience: none

What should the city's top three priorities be?

1. Make our community safe by increasing the number of police officers, jail cells, firefighters and mental health services.

2. Improving response times, unclog jail cells and emergency rooms with a sobering center.

3. Address substance abuse, mental health and homelessness by working with the county, public and private agencies and the business community.

Should the city take a lead on the homeless issue?

Leadership and responsibility for the Continuum of Care should remain with Shasta County. With a new full-time administrator and appropriate staffing, the newly restructured CoC must have time to produce results in reducing homelessness. Our city should support the CoC and collaborate to solve the root causes of homelessness.

What will you do to bring jobs to the city?

We cannot build a healthy economy without a safe community. We must pass Measures D and E. I'll seek opportunities to make it easier to conduct business in the city. I'll support infrastructure and encourage development to generate jobs, and attract technology and innovation.

Julie Winter

Age: 56

Occupation: Nurse practitioner

Education: BS in genetics from UC Davis, BS in nursing from CSU Sacramento, masters in nursing from UCLA.

Family: Husband, Mike, two sons, four grandchildren

Time lived in Redding: 27 years

Campaign phone number, email address, website: 414-9461, julie@juliewinter.com; www.juliewinter.com

Social media accounts: Facebook: Julie Winter for Redding City Council

Other elected experience: none

What should the city's top three priorities be?

1. Jobs. Within that is a clear vision statement of who we are, where we're going, and an associated strategic economic plan.

2. Public safety. To attract skilled workers and businesses, we need safe streets. For this reason, I support Measures D and E. We also need to look for ways to partner with the county and nonprofits to treat substance abuse and mental illness.

3. Homelessness

Should the city take a lead on the homeless issue?

Homelessness is a community problem, requiring community collaboration. I support increased funding to the Community of Care by the city and county. The city also needs to support nonprofits moving people out of homelessness.

What will you do to bring jobs to the city?

1. Create an Redding Economic Advisory Board made up of business and civic leaders to advise the City Council and create plan to reduce unemployment and raise local incomes, among other duties.

2. Reassess impact fees and look for ways to stimulate economic growth.

3. Revitalize downtown and the riverfront.

4. Increase access to affordable broadband.
Randy Cates, a 38-year-old former state prison inmate, rides a bus Thursday on the way to the Mt. Shasta Mall, where he was going job hunting. Cates is among the first former state prisoners released to Shasta County under a controversial plan.

SHARE Officers with Shasta County's probation and sheriff departments try to perform a compliance check Friday at an apartment in Anderson. The person they were looking for was not home. Randy Cates, 38, and Aaron Betancourt, 21, fill out job applications Wednesday at the Mt. Shasta Mall in Redding. The pair, former state prisoners staying at the Good News Rescue Mission in Redding, are among the first state prison inmates to return to Shasta County under a new law that transfers responsibility of monitoring some former state inmates to county probation departments. Probation officers say a third of returning former inmates are homeless. Shasta County Chief Probation Officer Wesley Forman addresses people during a Community Corrections Partnership Advisory Committee meeting earlier this month at National University. The meeting was to discuss programs and other services that could assist prison inmates released under the realignment plan.

By Ryan Sabalow

Randy Cates, a 38-year-old homeless man staying at the Good News Rescue Mission in Redding, has been in and out of prison before. But this time it's different.

Cates was among the first of Shasta County's recently released state prison inmates to return this fall under a contentious new law that transferred responsibility of some of those who once were called parolees to the county's probation department.

Cates, who has a lengthy history of drug-related crimes, is now assigned to probation's "post release community supervision" program. The state classifies him as a "nonserious" offender.

Rather than a state parole officer, Cates now reports to a county probation officer, whom Cates says has taken a different approach.

"He is really willing to work with us and help us in any way he could to help us get our (government assistance), our food stamps and make sure we're doing all right," Cates said Wednesday as he sat beside Aaron Betancourt, a 21-year-old probation-supervised former prison inmate also staying at the mission. "It's more than what parole actually did before. I was actually kind of shocked. They give me more direction than parole did."

Cates and Betancourt were among the first of more than 100 prison inmates who so far have returned to Shasta County under California's Assembly Bill 109, a law intended to cut the state's budget and alleviate prison overcrowding by eliminating prison time for less serious offenses. The law also transfers to the counties responsibility of overseeing thousands of former inmates like Cates and Betancourt.

By law, the ex-inmates can't be sent back to prison for violating the terms of their release. Although they might face jail time or penalties if they don't comply, the former prisoners can be sent back to prison only if they commit new high-risk felonies.

The bill has prompted a fundamental change of mindset for Shasta County officials, who long had sent criminals to prison at higher rates than elsewhere in California and who lived and worked among the state's highest per-capita numbers of parolees.

The policy shift has introduced new urgency into countywide discussions about how to rehabilitate offenders.

And not everyone is happy about it.

'Formula for disaster'

The shift has been denounced by conservative state politicians like Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber, who says the influx of inmates being pushed on the counties is a direct threat to public safety and will lead to "anarchy" on the streets.

Nielsen said counties have had only a few months to prepare for the prisoners and are still struggling to find ways to handle the inmates they're now required to monitor.

"Putting non-rehabilitated people in a community without sufficient resources is a formula for disaster," Nielsen said.

State Sen. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, said the prisoner shift is destined to fail because it's geared toward rehabilitating career felons, most of whom are beyond help because of what he describes as an entitlement-based society that destroys family bonds and values.

"The people using (the programs), they have to want to be in and stay in," LaMalfa said. "If people are going to flat misbehave ... keeping them away from the rest of society with jail time or prison time is the only way we're going to accomplish that."

But others, including the county's probation chief, the area's top parole agent, some local politicians and court officials, see the move as an opportunity for the counties to do what the state hasn't: reform a prison system in which inmates are almost guaranteed to reoffend after they're released.

"That's part of the problem," said David Nichols, who heads the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation's northern parole division, which includes Shasta and Tehama counties. "We've sat on our hands so long at the state level, this is why we are where we are now."

Wesley Forman, Shasta County's probation chief, agreed.

"What it's doing is giving us control of the offenders who are committing crimes and living in our community," he said. "If we manage it correctly, manage it in the right way, it gives us a chance to do it better. It's in our power now. We are looking at it as an opportunity."

By almost all standards, the state's system of incarceration hasn't been very effective at rehabilitating inmates.

Before the inmate shift, more than two-thirds of all California prison inmates went back to state prison within three years of their release. Each state prison inmate costs California taxpayers more than $40,000 annually to incarcerate.

Shasta County's judicial system contributed its share of inmates over the years.

At the start of 2010, Shasta County had the second-highest rate of prison inmates per capita in the state.

Supervisor Les Baugh said that while he has concerns about potentially dangerous inmates overwhelming the county's limited resources, he, too, sees realignment as an opportunity to stop what he described as cycles of incarceration that sometimes span generations of Shasta County families.

"Man, I would love it if we could make even a small dent in recidivism," Baugh said, referring to the rates at which inmates return to prison. "A few percentage points, and we'll end up saving tens of millions dollars, and thousands of lives would be affected in a positive way."

A program in flux

But how the county will accomplish that remains very much in flux. Four months into the inmate shift, county officials are still discussing how to shape programs and policies. The probation department continues to seek new probation officers to cope with ballooning caseloads. The sheriff's office also is taking applications for new corrections officers to reopen a floor of the jail closed since 2009 because of budget cuts.

Home electronic monitoring programs for released inmates are still being developed, and the county has yet to expand its work-release program to handle more inmates.

Confusion also remains among judges, probation officers and jailers about the new sentencing laws, court officials say.

And there are lingering worries about whether the county will receive inmates who are more dangerous than state prison officials classified them when they were released from prison. The state is releasing inmates based only on their most recent offense. Their past crimes, even if they were violent, aren't factored into the decision.

"Looking at some of their prior records and (from) dealing with some of these people before they went to prison, it causes some concern," said Kevin Kubisch, a deputy probation officer. "It's like 'wow' (looking at) their prior histories."

Indeed, three-quarters of the inmates the state has released have been declared by the probation department as having a "high risk" of reoffending. Of the 102 inmates who've returned under probation supervision from October to December, 43 have been deemed to have high violence potential, probation officers say. Forman said those potentially dangerous inmates are given much more stringent supervision by probation officers.

Even so, only a handful have gotten into trouble so far.

Probation officials say that since October, four prisoners haven't reported to their probation officers upon their release. As of December, three of them had been arrested for failing to do so. One person hadn't yet been arrested on a warrant charging him with failing to appear. One probation-supervised offender failed a drug test. Another was arrested for petty theft.

There also are concerns more felons may be coming back under the county's supervision than the state had predicted would arrive.

In December, the state had forecast 24 new probation supervised inmates would return. Instead, 53 arrived, probation officials said.

Forman said state officials have assured the county the inmate numbers will drop back to more-manageable numbers.

Local officials say they're wary that funding the state is giving the county ? expected to reach $8.27 million in the 2013-14 fiscal year ? eventually will be slashed as lawmakers struggle to get the state's finances in order.

"There's absolutely no guarantee how much money the county will get the next fiscal year," said Melissa Fowler-Bradley, executive officer of Shasta County Superior Court. "It's a very uncertain commitment on the part of state, which makes it very difficult when you're trying to set up programs. ... I think they have a good chance of doing something very meaningful. If they don't (get funding), I don't see how they can handle the workload associated with" the inmate shift.

Jail not 'the only thing you can do'

To outsiders like John Dixon, a 69-year-old Redding retiree who's been attending the county's monthly planning meetings about the prisoner shift, the struggles the county has faced so far in creating a whole new way of dealing with its criminals have been obvious.

"They're overwhelmed and understandably so," he said. "But I think it's going as good as could be expected. It's an untenable situation."

Dixon said he's optimistic, though, that after some initial struggles the county may be able to make the community safer through smarter policies geared toward helping people gain job skills and turn their lives away from crime instead of merely locking them up.

That's the approach probation officers are taking.

Chelsey Chappelle, the probation department's adult division director, said officers strive to correct the root cause that landed the person in prison in the first place.

Probation officials say that while holding an inmate accountable through regular office check-ins and surprise sweeps of probationers' homes, they also help felons find counseling for mental illness, anger management, chronic unemployment or substance abuse.

"When you look at violations, the ultimate goal is to put people back in a successful position," Chappelle said. "Jail isn't necessarily the only thing that you can do, and sometimes it's actually a hindrance to doing that. One of the things we try to look at is how can we get people back on the right track with what they need long term to be successful. And if you look at something like someone who has serious substance abuse issues, the jail's only going to stop that for the time he's in custody. If he doesn't get that issue dealt with, we're back to square one."

Often, though, simply finding a place for a newly released inmate to live is the largest challenge probation officials face.

Up to a third of all state prison inmates released to Shasta County are homeless. Most of those go to the mission.

The Rev. Dave Honey, a former Shasta County jail chaplain and the mission's chief minister, said the homeless shelter is working on starting a program that would help the inmates get educations, restore their self esteem and move past the "prison attitude" that's a hindrance to them finding a job and adjusting back into society. Honey called the program a "cycle breaker."

"A lot of these guys have been told they're dirtbags their whole lives," Honey said.

'Thanks, but no thanks'

But Chief Deputy District Attorney Brian Popkes warns not everyone wants to give up the criminal lifestyle. With no room to lock up dangerous offenders, the public's at risk, he said.

"The reality is those folks who don't want to change ? if there are no consequences for them, they'll say 'thanks, but no thanks,'" Popkes said. "Those folks, many of them remain a threat to community. The fact of the matter is some folks aren't going to want to do programming. They're sociopaths, some of them."

Popkes, though, said he's also seen the other side. Before becoming a prosecutor, Popkes represented parolees accused of violating the terms of their early release from prison. He said some of the violations they were accused of committing were trivial and petty.

He used the example of a man with a traumatic brain injury who suffered memory lapses. He was sent back to prison for driving on a suspended license. The parolee had forgotten he didn't have a driver's license, Popkes said.

Meanwhile, a host of taxpayer-funded employees were involved with each parole violation. Popkes said they included parole agents, parole commissioners, jail employees and the state's bus drivers paid to drive the inmates back and forth to prison in Susanville.

"It was a whole big industry," Popkes said.

Cates, the former state prisoner staying at the mission in Redding, said he got to know that system all too well.

He said once, after being sentenced to a 16-month prison term, he ended up spending nearly four years in prison when his parole officer kept sending him back because he repeatedly failed drug tests.

Cates said he's now trying to stay clean and look for a job ? not an easy task for a felon in one of the worst economies in decades.

But he said the biggest challenge he faced when was he released was avoiding the people with whom he associated before he was locked up.

"My biggest fear when I got out was I'd start selling drugs and using again," Cates said. "I straight ran to the mission. I was banging on the door, hoping they'd let me get in the drug program."

In Shasta County

Inmates transferred from the state are broken into two groups, those on "post release community supervision" and those sentenced to "mandatory supervision."

Post-release inmates are those who have been released from state prison. These inmates, formerly tracked and monitored by state parole agents, now report to counties' probation departments.

As of mid-December, 101 post-release offenders had returned to Shasta County, according to the county's probation department.

They were:

Women ? 22

Men ? 79

Although the inmates are supposed to be those convicted of the least-dangerous crimes, the probation department uses its own risk assessment models to categorize them based on their criminal histories and other factors that might contribute to the likelihood they reoffend.

Probation officers break them down like this:

Low risk ? 10

Moderate risk ? 14

High risk ? 77

The high-risk inmates are separated further by type:

High drug ? 12

High property ? 22

High violent ? 43

The primary crimes the 77 high-risk offenders were sentenced to prison for were broken down this way:

Drug offenses ? 24

Theft ? 23

Domestic violence ? 10

Assault ? 3

DUI ? 3

Weapons ? 2

Failure to register as a sex offender ? 2

Other (including vandalism, resisting/obstructing an officer, failure to appear for court) ? 10

"Mandatory supervision" offenders are those sentenced under new laws that forbid prison time for many less serious felonies.

Shasta County Superior Court court executive officer Melissa Fowler-Bradley said 52 inmates have been sentenced under the legislation since Oct. 1, although not all have made their way through the court system.

About 40 percent have received split sentences (jail time, plus mandatory supervision time).

The remaining 60 percent received only jail time.

About 50 percent of the inmates failed to appear for their court appearance, "so I'm sure we have warrants out for those that were supposed to be sentenced but didn't show. That is a very rough estimate; it varies from day to day," Fowler-Bradley said.
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The more than 500,000 homeless people in America have been studied at great length by local communities dealing firsthand with the fallout compared to paltry attempts to solve the problem at the state and federal levels. It's well known many of the working poor are only one missed paycheck away from losing their home, relocating to the car, and with one more piece of bad luck, they're camping in an urban ravine  sometimes with kids who should be in school.

Of course, not all communities the size of Redding have anywhere near the numbers of these folks that have taken refuge here. Across the homeless informal communication network, Redding seems to be touted as a place to try. Other writers have shared their experiences with homeless people proclaiming Redding's virtues. My wife and I ran into three knowledgeable homeless and formerly-homeless folks in Siskiyou County also exclaiming about Redding's services. One homeless couple had come clear from the Midwest and the closer they got to California, the more often Redding was mentioned as the place to try. As soon as he healed up, they planned to leave Siskiyou for Redding.

Some of our homeless are Redding natives and for some reason they did not grow up to be 18 with a clear intent to go to college; nor did they become trained in any way which would allow them to escape poverty wages. Nationwide, this group is referred to as disillusioned and without a positive vision of their future. Add to this a 20-percent high school dropout rate and birth records here in Redding that show about 50 percent of the babies born here are to parents with different last names and 9 percent of the records show no father at all.

So here you have the American system for generating a continuing flow of homeless people. Redding, if it makes you feel good to create highly touted and well publicized services for our share of these folks, give it a try. However, unless you just got in from the moon, you know that the flow will continue until we can guarantee that every third grader has learned how to read and enjoys reading and that parent education programs are reinstituted everywhere, coupled with a truly adequate Planned Parenthood program with free abortions on demand  no questions asked.

With the homeless population now being sprinkled with 22-year-olds, America is entering its third generation of turning a blind eye to this mess. We can do better.

Learning to floss your teeth correctly is more complicated than figuring this mess out. It's the will that's missing. Hillary and Don don't have a clue.

Parker Pollock lives in Redding.
We are witnessing a new phase where business leaders are realising globalisation has to take into account national identities and cultures, says Claude Smadja.

One fashionable idea these days is that globalisation is in retreat, that we are witnessing a de-globalisation process. The proponents of this school of thought would see evidence of that everywhere: The rise of populist parties in Europe and the US, the UK vote on Brexit, the slowdown in the volume of global trade or the difficulty to get the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) or the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) moving forward.

It was also interesting to hear, at the China Global Enterprises Forum that we co-organised last weekend in Ningbo, some Chinese speakers fretting about the risk of globalisation having reached a standstill and how this would impact negatively on their countrys prospects.

In fact, there is a lot of misunderstanding about what we see today when it comes to globalisation. While it keeps moving ahead, driven by irreversible factors such as the information technology and communication revolution, the explosion of travel around the world, or the growing interconnection among economies and major currencies, we are witnessing a major course correction at play: This might be the end of arrogant globalisation and the beginning of a painful learning of humility by the business and other establishment elites that had considered over the last 15 years that globalisation meant a blank check for them.

Of course, there is a strong anti-European Union, anti-European integration, feeling in many parts of Europe. But did European integration - as part of the globalisation process - have to mean that bureaucrats in their Brussels bubble would have to regulate anything and everything in the lives of the people of the 28 member countries? Certainly not.

What most people in Europe want is not the end of the European Union, but the reining in of a process gone berserk and completely oblivious to the voices of the people.

It is a pity that it has taken crisis after crisis for European leaders to just begin to realise that something is wrong with the way integration has been implemented, and that an integration that fails provide a great portion of the people growth and jobs cannot but be perceived as a process schemed by big business and the elites for their sole benefit.

Regarding the opposition to the TPP or the TTIP some observations are also worth making: Trade pacts have always generated opposition by different groups defending their vested interests or afraid of the new competition this would create for them.

This is the case with respect to these two trade deals. However, one specific element about the TTIP is creating a very strong rejection in Europe: Basically, the TTIP is not about reducing tariffs or trade barriers but about creating a single trans-Atlantic regulatory space. This is something that people in Europe dont want.

They realise that a single regulatory space would mean that, for instance, GMOs would be imposed on them in the name of free trade and most of them are viscerally, culturally, against GMOs; in the same way, the European notion of privacy is much stronger than the American one and most European people dont want this notion of privacy being diluted for the benefits of MNCs having more leeway to operate on both sides of the Atlantic.

Another bone of contention is the way investment protection is envisaged in the TTIP. The proposed Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) process would bypass/negate the legal authority of national courts. Although this ISDS system exists already in many investment treaties, the way the US would like to enforce it in the case of the TTIP is seen as a way for big business to trample national legal systems.

So what we truly have behind the rising opposition to the TTIP is a real clash of cultures and identities - a reaction which goes way beyond and is more significant that the protection of vested interests.

In the case of the mounting opposition to the TPP treaty in the US, this is much less a case of globalisation backtracking than segments of the US public having the increasing perception that many trade pacts are either for the sole benefit of big business or are mostly set for geopolitical purposes which are either illusory and/or transitory and/or badly explained to the public.

President Barack Obama has promoted the agreement as a key element of the pivot to Asia strategy, as strengthening US national security and as a way for the US - and not China - writing the rules of the road for trade in the 21st century.

This sounds beautiful, but quite fuzzy for people concerned by job security and stagnant - if not declining - standards of living. Promises that the deal will mean supporting more higher paying jobs sound a little hollow as the US has already trade agreements with six of the 12 TPP countries and a more convincing argument would be to demonstrate how these existing deals have actually benefited US workers and how TPP would add more tangible benefits.

This is even more necessary as Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, once a strong proponent of TPP, has now vowed to throw it to the bin as it would kill US jobs.

Coming to the slowdown of global trade growth, which some analysts see as evidence of globalisation now on neutral gear - if not in reverse - a more pertinent explanation might be that the previous double-digit growth was not sustainable because of structural factors: One is the slowdown of the Chinese economy, with the subsequent reduction of the growth of the countrys overall trade; the other is the development of Chinas internal supply chains which means less imports from other Asian countries for the products it consumes and/or exports.

A third factor is the way MNCs are streamlining their global supply chains to reduce risks and costs as well as their environmental footprint. So, annual increases of global trade are not likely to get back to the previous era when global trade growth was driving global economic growth. However, this is definitely not a sign, or evidence that globalisation is now in reverse.

What we are witnessing today is a new phase where business leaders and the global elites are painfully beginning to learn that globalisation has to be managed in a way that will really take into account national identities and cultures, that the pendulum cannot always swing towards more ease for doing business at the expenses of national sensitivities; that cultures clashes exist and can become truly explosive if allowed to develop because blind business logic is allowed to be the sole driving element. Globalisation has increased - not reduced - the longing for the preservation of identity.

This is the crucial moment for the powers that be to come to the full realisation of this reality and start adjusting policies and attitudes to it.

Photograph: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters

Claude Smadja is the president of Smadja & Smadja, a strategic advisory firm.
E-commerce companies have understood the importance of having their own in-house wallet, explaining their acquisition spree, says Manoranjan Mohapatra.

In India cash in circulation amounts to 18 per cent of the GDP compared to two-five per cent in developed economies. However, there has been a definite shift toward digital payments, with cash transactions declining from 89 per cent in 2010 to 78 per cent in 2015.

Many factors have combined to make this possible. First, the ongoing digital revolution, led by the increasing penetration of smartphones and last-mile network connectivity, has created a strong base for digital payments to take root.

Second, the government has shown the foresight to open the payments space to non-banking institutions creating a strong base of digital payment providers. And third, the masses have taken to digital payments like the proverbial duck to water, providing a strong incentive for banks, mobile network providers and fintech firms to push innovation with a long-term view.

The government must also be commended for building a strong and coherent narrative for digital payments through initiatives like RuPay, payments banks, relaxation of KYC norms, waiver of 2-factor authentication norms for low-value transactions and the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) initiative.

The digital revolution has transformed banking with digital taking precedence over physical branch banking. From 2012-13 to 2015-16, mobile banking transactions increased from Rs 60 billion to Rs 4,018 billion. UPI is a game changer for digital payments.

In FY 2014-15, we saw 1.98 million tickets booked through mobile apps. Indian Railways online ticketing subsidiary IRCTC in partnership with mobile financial service providers offers mobile ticketing via a variety of access channels.

The ability to shop on the go and the increase in availability of mobile wallets and apps is pushing m-commerce in India. E-commerce companies have understood the importance of having their own in-house wallet, explaining their acquisition spree.

The government of Madhya Pradesh, with Vodafone M-Pesa, disburses financial aid to mothers (Janani Suraksha Yojana) who receive payment on mobile phone. If we go with the estimate that only a fraction of the government aid reaches the recipient, we have a strong case for G2P payments such as subsidy transfers, welfare scheme money and salary payments.

While the growth of mobile commerce has been rapid, the use of smartphone for purchases at a physical point of sale (POS) has been nascent, and the growth is much slower than that of mobile online because of the lack of accepting terminals, conflicting protocols, and limited distribution of payment-enablement phones.

Recent developments using contactless payments have tried to address this. Recently, ICICI Bank announced its consumers using pockets wallet can make contactless payments by tapping mobile phones over POS devices. The service uses HCE technology powered by Mahindra Comvivas mobiquity Wallet solution.

Besides such initiatives, the market needs to move towards a more comprehensive business model that is both end-to-end and forward looking in order to drive sustainable growth. First, it is important to build digital payment solutions that are easy to use and for the masses.

We have seen some USSD-based applications fail because they were too complicated. Service providers need to offer the right mix of form factor, user experience, and intuitive interface to drive mass adoption.

Second, success in digital payments will depend on hybrid solutions that are able to leverage digital and physical networks. Third, wherever physical cash is required there should be a last mile network to facilitate cash in and cash out. Finally, cash - the elephant in the room. The government should levy some surcharge on cash transactions that reflect the cost of cash and bring it on par with digital money.

Photograph: Matt Siegel/Reuters

Manoranjan Mohapatra is CEO, Mahindra Comviva
They would call US citizens and demand their financial and bank details, failing which they would allegedly threaten them with dire consequences, including legal action and jail term

In a swift operation, Thane Crime Branch officials conducted raids at seven call centres on Mira Road and arrested 70 employees for allegedly threatening US citizens for extortion and siphoning off their money.

Police investigations also revealed that the daily turnover of these call centres was to the tune of Rs 1.5 crore, with an annual collection of over Rs 400 crore.

The modus operandi was that the call centre employees would pose as the US Internal Revenue Service department officials. They would provide their badge number and identity card number.

They would call US citizens and demand their financial and bank details, failing which they would allegedly threaten them with dire consequences, including legal action and jail term.

After obtaining requisite details from American citizens, these call centre employees would siphon off money from their accounts. The callers would ask US citizens not to disconnect the phone call, and ask them to purchase a gift card or make some other payment, and obtain their account details.

Police investigations have revealed these call centres employed 770 people, of which 70 have been arrested. The police allowed another 73 to go, while the remaining 630-odd agents are on radar.

The raids, started on Tuesday evening, were concluded on Wednesday evening.

Thane Joint Commissioner of Police Ashutosh Dumbre told Business Standard, So far, the call centre owners are at large. The police have registered a case for cheating, extortion and impersonation under the Indian Penal Code, Telegraph Act and Information Technology Act on the 70 staffers, who have been arrested.

The employees were trained to speak with an American accent.

The police have recovered 851 hard disks, high-end servers, laptops, mobile phones and electronic gadgets.

Photograph: Reuters
Facing international isolation, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in an unprecedented move has warned the powerful military not to shield banned militant groups and directed authorities to conclude the Pathankot terror attack probe and the 2008 Mumbai attack trial, a leading Pakistani daily reported on Thursday.

Sharif's orders came after a series of meetings between military and civilian leaders, Dawn newspaper said.

The government delivered a "blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning" to the military leadership and sought consensus on several key actions, including action against banned militant groups, the paper quoted unnamed individuals, who were involved in the meetings.

However, the Spokesman of Pakistan Prime Minister's Office strongly rejected the Dawn report.

"The spokesman has termed the contents of the story not only speculative but misleading and factually incorrect. It is an amalgamation of fiction and half truths which too are invariably reported out of context," an official statement said.

"The fact that the report itself states that none of the attributed statements were confirmed by the individuals mentioned in the story, clearly makes it an example of irresponsible reporting," it said.

The PMO Spokesman said, "It is imperative that those demanding the right to information at par with the international best practices, also act in a manner which is at par with international reporting norms and standards."

The Pakistan Foreign Office termed the report as "speculative".

Asked about the report, Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria also said, "The story you are referring to is purely speculative and as the author himself acknowledged that 'none of the attributed statements were confirmed by the individuals mentioned'."

"Such speculative stories on matters of national security are not helpful for national causes," he said.

According to the paper, at least two sets of actions have been agreed as a result of the most recent meeting, an undisclosed one on the day of the All Parties' Conference, which took place on Monday.

ISI Director General Rizwan Akhtar, accompanied by National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua, will travel to all provinces with a message that military-led intelligence agencies should not interfere if law enforcement agencies act against militant groups that are banned.

Sharif directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attack trial in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court.

Those decisions, taken after an extraordinary verbal confrontation between Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the ISI DG, appear to indicate a high-stakes new approach by the PML-N government, the paper said.

Separately, on Monday Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry made a presentation in the Prime Minister's Office to a small group of civil and military officials.

The presentation by the Foreign Secretary summarised the results of the recent diplomatic outreach by Pakistan, the crux being that Pakistan faces diplomatic isolation and that the government's talking points have been met with indifference in major world capitals, the paper said.

On the US, Chaudhry said that relations have deteriorated and will likely further deteriorate because of the American demand that action be taken against the Haqqani network.

On India, Chaudhry said that the completion of the Pathankot investigation and some visible action against Jaish-e-Mohammad, which India says was behind the January 2 attack, were the principal demands.

Chaudhry said while China has reiterated its support for Pakistan, it too has indicated a preference for a change in course by Pakistan.

Specifically, while Chinese authorities have conveyed their willingness to keep putting on technical hold a UN ban on JeM leader Masood Azhar, they have questioned the logic of doing so repeatedly, the report said.

IMAGE: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with Army Chief Raheel Sharif. Photograph: PML-N/Twitter
With the Supreme Court scheduled to hear on Friday the Bihar governments appeal for cancellation of his bail in rape case of a minor, suspended Rashtriya Janata Dal MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav on Thursday met party chief Lalu Prasad and said he has no grudge against the state government.

Emerging from the meeting at 10 Circular Road residence of former Chief Minister Rabri Devi where he met RJD president Lalu Prasad, Raj Ballabh Yadav told reporters it was a courtesy visit to extend greetings of Durga Puja.

There was no word from Lalu Prasad on the meeting. The office at Rabri Devis house also maintained it was a usual courtesy visit.

Raj Ballabh Yadav, MLA from Nawada, said he has no complaint against the state government for going against his bail in the apex court.

Government works according to a system. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has not gone into appeal ... I do not have any grievance against the state government. Why you (mediapersons) are raising question about the system, he said.

Replying to questions, Yadav said, There is no serious charge against me. There is no FIR or statement of the victim under 164 CRPC against me.

The third term RJD MLA was suspended from the party in the wake of the rape allegation against him. The girl, a resident of Rahui in Nalanda, was raped allegedly at the MLAs house under Mufassil police station on February 6.

He was arrested in the case but got bail from the Patna high court on last Friday.

Bihar government has moved the Supreme Court challenging the bail granted to Raj Ballabh Yadav.

The court has listed the matter for hearing on Friday.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Prasad Yadav told reporters that the government was doing its duty and it is up to the court to see if the accused MLA is guilty.

Let us leave the matter to the court to decide, Tejaswi Yadav, who is also leader of RJD Legislature party in the state assembly, said.
Putting cross-border terrorism on top of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation agenda, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday said tensions between India and Pakistan do have an impact on the forum, wondering whether the 8-nation group can continue.

The economic activity among the 8-member nation block is low and there is virtually no integration in the South Asian sub-continent, he said, while asking if SAARC is willing to go in for deeper cooperation and integration.

When asked about impact of the current tension between India and Pakistan that has resulted in the cancellation of SAARC summit, Wickremesinghe said: "These are issues that South Asia has to grapple with. It has an impact on SAARC, whether SAARC can continue or not?"

Addressing a press conference at the India Economic Summit in New Delhi, he further said: "Cross border terrorism is on top of the agenda. Even though we don't want it to be, it has got there."

Stating that most of the issues are between Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, he said: "Let's hope things are resolved."

Commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian political leaders, including Congress President Sonia Gandhi and ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh, for being very restrained and for far sighted approach, Wickremesinghe said: "It is a very difficult situation in which media can drive you to take extreme steps which are not conducive... I know the difficulties, I have gone through that. You have been taking a really diplomatic approach. It shows the maturity as far as the world leadership is concerned and I think the approach should be to back the political leaders."

On economic co-operation among SAARC members -- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- Wickremesinghe lamented that the activity is low and there is virtually no integration in the South Asian sub-continent.

"Is SAARC willing to go in for deeper cooperation and integration?" he wondered.

With such low integration, he said, already, SAARC members, including Sri Lanka, have organised/BIMSTEc "but it's progress (too) is very slow".

"While others are organising regional fora, we are going for bilaterals. India is bigger than the West European sub continent. There can be diverse economic models around India... India is a regional power," Wickremesinghe said.

The number of bilateral agreements between countries in South Asia can well be built up into one regional agreement. It will be far more focused, he added.

On Sri Lanka's expectations, he said the country has much in common with South Indian states.

"There should be deeper integration and at the same time carve out a special area that is Sri Lanka and five other Southern Indian states which has about USD 500 billion GDP," he said.

IMAGE: Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe is in India for a 3-day visit. Photograph: Ranil Wickremesinghe/Twitter
After years of waiting, the Diwali stamp was released on Wednesday, October 5, by the US Postal Service, joining stamps that have marked Christian, Jewish and Muslim holidays in the United States.

P Rajendran reports from New York. Photographs: Paresh Gandhi

IMAGE: The Diwali stamp released by the US Postal Service features a traditional diya with rose petals.

After a long wait -- 12 years of waiting -- the first-ever Diwali postal stamp was released in the United States at the consulate general of India in New York on Wednesday, October 5.

The ceremony was conducted in association with the United States Postal Service and the community-driven Diwali Stamp Project.

IMAGE: The forever stamp was released after much lobbying by the Indian-American community.

The stamp shows a traditional lamp, with a pair of rose petals before it, and set against a sequined gold background.

Scott Stringer, the New York City comptroller, delivered a proclamation on the occasion, ending it with some fervour, saying, 'I have my stamps for the holiday season -- and I'll be using them!!'

IMAGE: The Diwali stamp being launched at an event in association with the United States Postal Service and the community-driven Diwali Stamp Project.

Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das, India's consul general in New York, thanked the USPS for holding the historic event at the consulate and for making true the community's "dream to have a stamp they can call their own."

Pritha Mehra, the USPS vice-president, mail entry and payment technology, spoke of how the stamp addressed the wishes of the Indian-American community and spoke about growing up in India, lighting ceremonial lamps during Diwali and enjoying special dishes then.

IMAGE: Members of the USPS and the Indian-American community are all smiles as they unveil the new postage stamp that celebrates Diwali.

Mehra spoke of how she enjoyed the fireworks of July 4, the food of Thanksgiving and the lights of Christmas, "all wrapped up in one: Diwali."

Did you know? The US Postal Service receives around 40,000 suggestions for stamp ideas. Of that, 25 suggestions are selected by the committee for the Postmaster General's approval.

After she stepped off the stage with a "Diwali Mubarak," a blue sheet in the backdrop of the stage was pulled off, and the new Diwali stamp, designed by Sally Anderson, was revealed.

And emcee Ravi Batra just couldn't contain his excitement when he exclaimed, "Isn't that a gorgeous, gorgeous stamp?!"

IMAGE: Ranju Batra, chair of the Diwali Stamp Project, worked hard to see the stamp become a reality.

Ranju Batra, chair of the Diwali Stamp Project, was jubilant that the hard work in getting the petitions had paid off. Husband Ravi Batra later described how Ranju had even sought help from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who made a note to tell US President Barack Obama.

IMAGE: Pritha Mehra, USPS vice-president, mail entry and payment technology, said the stamp, "addressed the wishes of the Indian community."

Carolyn Maloney, the US Representative for New York's 14th District, and Ranju Batra's associate in the Diwali Stamp Project, said Diwali had come earlier this year, and said the Indian community was the only one without a festival to celebrate it.

She thanked Megan J Brennan, the USPS postmaster general, for making happen what had been put on the backburner for years, adding, "If you want a job done, give it to a woman."

Brennan is the first woman US postmaster general.

IMAGE: Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, India's former permanent representative to the United Nations, said the lack of a Diwali stamp till date was a glaring omission.

Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, india's former permanent representative to the United Nations, recalled the first formal discussion about the project seven years ago, on a blustery evening at the South Sea Seaport.

"The United States has been home to all the religious groupings in the world," Puri said, saying the lack of a Diwali stamp had been a "glaring omission."

IMAGE: People collect to buy their Diwali stamps outside the event at the Consulate General of India in New York.

Puri said there was some good organising and even that slightly unpleasant thing, lobbying, involved.

But, he added, the strength of the argument for the stamp lay not in mere numbers, but the fact that it was a sensible proposition.

IMAGE: People queue up to get their hands on the special postage stamp. The stamp is equal to the value of the current First Class Mail 1-ounce price.
Some employees of three call centres, under the scanner for allegedly conning American nationals by posing as US taxmen, earned huge incentives as "best performers" from the racketeers.

Explaining the modus operandi, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Mukund Hatote told a Thane court that "best performing" staffers were given reward of up to Rs 1 lakh by the operators of the racket for making US nationals cough up money.

The employees were given liberal incentives for money they earned for the company by calling up US 'tax defaulters' and on several occasions upon seeing one employee getting big money others also followed the suit and won reward, Hatote stated in a remand application moved before the court of FCJC PD Chavan and AB Katte on Thursday.

The court remanded all 70 persons arrested so far in police custody till October 10.

The racket was exposed after Mumbai police raided three call centres, which were run illegally at the premises of Hari Om IT Park, Universal Outsourcing Services and Oswal House in Mira Road locality in Thane district, on Tuesday night.

The callers used to make calls to people in the US and spoke to them in American accent by posing as officials of US Internal Revenue Service.

The ACP said though salary of the employees was in range of Rs 10,000-40,000 per month, some of them earned up to Rs 1 lakh per month.

He stated that employees were fully trained in US accent and were given SOP and call sheet, based on which they used to make calls to the 'tax defaulters'.

They use to make at least 100 calls per day of which 10 to 15 calls would materialise and of these three to four people would make payment under threat by the conmen, the ACP said.

If the caller earned $10,000-20,000 for company by making the gullible US citizen pay, he would get a good incentive, the application stated.

"We are yet to reach the mastermind, the directors and owners of the companies which had been raided by police," the ACP said, adding that the racket was an international one.

He said police will trace the money trail and are also gauging the quantum of the fraud.

Hatote told the court that police have received a complaint in this regard from US and are working on it.

Thane Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh on Wednesday said the accused made the use of VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).

"The reference number and registration number of the IRS officials of the US were brought in for the purpose. Thus, in this manner they extorted money," he said.

The daily turn over of these call centres was to the tune of nearly Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.50 crore, and the annual turn over could be well above Rs 300 crore.

Besides arresting 70 persons, Kashimira police booked another 630 people under IPC sections 384 (extortion), 419 (cheating by impersonation), 420 (cheating) and under relevant sections of the IT Act and Indian Telegraph Act.

According to police, among over 12 persons who are absconding are two directors of Universal Outsourcing Services, namely Tapan Gupta and Arjun Vasudeo.

IMAGE: A policeman escorts men who they said were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of tricking American citizens into sending them money by posing as US tax officials, at a court in Thane, on the outskirts of Mumbai. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters
Here's a recap of events that occurred in India in the past 24 hours.

Indian army soldiers patrol near the Line of Control in Pallanwal sector about 70 km from Jammu. Photograph: PTI Photo

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav launches the 'Dial 100' service to ensure police reach a crime scene within minutes. Under this, police is expected to reach a crime scene within 15 minutes in both rural and urban areas. Photograph: PTI Photo

Congress President Sonia Gandhi made her first public interaction two months after she fell ill. She met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe (not in the photo) in New Delhi on Wednesday. Gandhi's left hand was still in the sling after she had suffered a shoulder injury. Photograph: Shahbaz Khan/PTI Photo

NDRF personnel and Fire fighters rescue a person of an under construction building which collapsed in the afternoon,at belandur in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI Photo

Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation M Venkaiah Naidu visiting a newly inaugurated smart class room at Govt Co-Ed Senior Secondary School under East Kidwai Nagar Redevelopment Project, in New Delhi on Wednesday. MoS home Kiren Rijiju is also seen. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal during a meeting on dengue and chikungunya at Raj Niwas in New Delhi Photograph: PTI Photo

Youth wing activists of the Kerala United Democratic Front manhandling a cop in front of the Secretariat during a protest march in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo

Commuters wade through a flooded road after heavy rains in Ajmer. Photograph: PTI Photo

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi. The five-month-old Mehbooba Mufti government in Jammu and Kashmir is likely to be expanded soon with the induction of two PDP MLAs as ministers. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal gets into a car after ABVP workers threw ink on him in Bikaner on Tuesday night. Photograph: PTI Photo
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of indulging in political exploitation of the sacrifices of soldiers in remarks that come in the wake of cross-LoC surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"Jo hamare jawan hain jinhone apna khoon diya hai, Jammu and Kashmir mein khoon diya hai, jinhone Hindustan ke liye surgical strike kiye hain, unke khoon ke peeche aap chhupe hain. Unki aap dalali kar rahe ho. Yeh bilkul galat hai. {You (Modi) are hiding behind the blood of soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir and those who carried out the surgical strikes for India. You are exploiting their sacrifices, which is very wrong}," he said.

Gandhi was addressing a rally in New Delhi, marking the culmination of his month-long 'Deoria to Delhi kisan yatra' in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

"The Indian army has done its job for the country, you do yours," the Congress Vice President said, attacking Modi.

His attack comes a few days after he had praised Modi for his first Prime Minister-like action in two years in the context of surgical strikes. Gandhi said the people of the country have elected Modi as Prime Minister and entrusted with the responsibility of helping farmers and soldiers.

"You should help the farmers of the country. You should provide more money to the Indian Army under the 7th Pay Commission, that is your responsibility. This is why people of India have elected you and this is the truth," he said.

Gandhi's remarks come at a time when there is a growing chorus over making public the evidence of the operation on terror launch pads in PoK.

The army has already handed over to the government video clips of the cross-LoC surgical strikes as per laid down procedure.

Addressing partymen, the Congress leader also accused Modi of dividing the country on religion and caste lines and not fulfilling his poll promises of providing employment to youth, higher support prices for farm produce among others.

He also charged the Prime Minister with helping a select few industrialists while not waiving debts of farmers.

"You have given Rs 1.10 lakh crore to 15 people while youth are not getting jobs, they are committing suicides. You are not doing justice... you have not implemented Swaminathan Commission report.

"Modiji you promised two crore jobs per year that has not been done... You talked about 'Make in India' that is not happening, you talked about Swachh Bharat that is also not visible... You only did one thing - that of dividing the country on religion and caste lines," he said.

"We have to change this. Crores of youth are unemployed and you are doing anything, this is not acceptable.

"Crores of youth are not asking for any gift. They want to work and do something for the country but employment is not being provided to them," he said.

Seeking to counter Modi's attack on Congress for having not done anything for the country in the past 70 years, Gandhi said, "We have given them justice."

The Congress leader said he used to jokingly ask the people if they have bank accounts and did they get the Rs 15 lakh as promised by Modi.

"In my last 30 days experience what I learnt is that -- even the smallest politicians think they know how this country should run. With humility, I want to tell you that in last 30 days poor people taught me about India, agriculture... no one knows better than them," he said. Gandhi's Kisan Yatra that started from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh on September 6, took off on its last leg from Meerut this morning where a large number of party supporters participated.

He also targeted Modi over the IDS window alleging that he had failed to act against black money despite his talk of "56-inch chest" to fight corruption, and instead brought out a scheme for turning into white the ill-gotten wealth of "thieves".

The Congress Vice President, who was speaking during his road show on the last day of his month-long Yatra, pressed the Modi government to announce a debt waiver for farmers.

Lashing out at Modi government, he said only the prime minister and his friends were "happy" as money has come into the pockets of 15 top businessmen and not the farmers, labour and small shopkeepers.

"Modiji had said he has a 56-inch chest and will fight out corruption, but he instead brought out a 'Fair and Lovely scheme' for turning the black money of the country's thieves into white.

"The money has not come into the pockets of farmers, labour and small shopkeepers, but went into those of 15 top businessmen. Only Modiji and his friends are happy," he said in Meerut.

Modi government had announced Income Declaration Scheme (IDS) -- a one-time opportunity to those with hidden income to come clean by making the disclosure and paying 45 per cent tax and penalty. After the end of the four-month window on September 30, the government had pegged the disclosed amount at Rs 65,250 crore.

Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
Terror training camps have been thriving in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for years, according to people living across the area who have shown resentment to the Pakistan's intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence for having made their region a haven for anti-social elements.

Residents of Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Chinari, Mirpur, Gilgit, Diamer and various parts of the Neelum Valley say that their lives have been made a living hell by the terror training camps as the lawless men, who train here, plunder local villages and molest the women of the area.

They say that their region is being used by the ISI for its proxy war against India.

In various interactions, people and leaders in the region spoke about the daily extortion and harassment caused by the terror groups who are located near the Line of Control.

"If management doesn't end Taliban's terror camps and 'no-go' areas in Diamer, Gilgit, Baseen and others, then we will take action," a local leader of Gilgit said.

Residents confirm that the region is being used as nothing more than a staging post for Pakistan's proxy war against India. People say they have no sympathy for the terror groups who are perhaps hated more in PoK than anywhere else.

PoK leaders like Arif Shahid exposed the ISI-terror nexus in the region and paid for it with their lives.

Shahid used to say that the poor people of Pakistan are being exploited by the ISI to wage a Jihad against India in which only the Pakistan Army is interested.

Shahid fought tooth and nail against Pakistan's oppression in PoK before he was shot dead outside his residence in Rawalpindi on May 14, 2013. He was 62. The investigation into Shahid's murder is still inconclusive, and there is no closure to the cold-blooded murder, so far. The ISI is blamed for conspiring and executing Shahid's murder.

The people of PoK have been demanding the removal of terror camps for years but the state has always turned a deaf ear.

PoK, earlier also witnessed a series of protests by residents against rigged polls that saw Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, coming to power.

IMAGE: PoK residents hold protest rally against atrocities committed by Pakistani Army. Photograph: ANI/Twitter
Three heavily armed militants suspected to be from Pakistan were on Thursday killed after they launched an attack on an army camp in north Kashmirs Kupwara district.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from the militants, who were also carrying medicines with Pakistani markings.

IMAGE: A special operations group official takes positions at the site during an encounter in which three militants were killed at Langate. Photograph: Umar Ganie

An army official said that the militants opened fire on an army camp at Langate in Kupwara district around 5 am, which was retaliated by the jawans.

After repulsing the attack, the security forces launched a search operation in the area, during which the militants fired upon them, leading to an encounter.

Briefing the media on the operation, Commanding Officer, Colonel Rajiv Sharang said the three militants were challenged by jawans after they noticed suspicious movement near the perimeter fencing of the camp.

Three terrorists were seen near the perimeter fencing of our camp. Our sentries challenged the terrorists who fired heavily on our sentry posts. We also retaliated and then a quick reaction team was activated so that the terrorists do not flee the area where they were spotted.

We used illumination rounds to illuminate the area and killed all the three terrorists, Col Sharang told reporters at Langate.

IMAGE: A huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from the militants, who were also carrying medicines with Pakistani markings. Photograph: Umar Ganie

The army official said the forces have recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from the slain militants.

The medicine which has been recovered from all three terrorists has Pakistani marking. This ascertains that all three terrorists were Pakistani terrorists. The maps and the matrix sheet, which they were using, that also is being analysed. If we come to know more from it, we will let you know, he said.

Asked whether there could have been more militants, Col Sharang said there could have been more but we had spotted only three, so we take it that there were only three terrorists who had approached the periphery fencing.

IMAGE: The cache included munitions, medical kits, food and other supplies. Photograph: Umar Ganie

He said the search and sensitisation operation in the area was on.

We will share more details about the operation with you whenever we have it, he said.

On a question on the recovery of four radio-sets from the three militants, the army official said, There are times that the terrorists carry more than one radio-set also, so that is why from the three terrorists, we have recovered four radio-sets and there are three GPS devices.

The firing comes at a time when the army foiled three infiltration bids assisted by Pakistani posts along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Three infiltration bids were foiled in two separate sectors on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on the intervening night of October 5-6, an army official said.

IMAGE: The slain terrorists were also carrying GPS and radio equipment as part of their communication apparatus. Photograph: Umar Ganie

He said while two infiltration bids were foiled in Naugam sector, one such attempt was foiled in Rampur sector.

The infiltration attempts were assisted by Pakistani posts, the official added.
The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously backed former Portuguese premier Antonio Guterres to be the next UN chief as the world body's most powerful organ recommended to the General Assembly to appoint him for a five-year term.

The 15-member Council held a formal vote here to elect Guterres, 67, a day after it said the former UN High Commissioner for refugees had emerged as the "clear favourite" to succeed Ban Ki-moon, 72, as the 9th Secretary General.

Guterres's name will now be considered by the 193-member General Assembly for final confirmation. The Assembly's membership historically chooses the candidate that the Council decides upon.

The Security Council adopted the resolution, behind closed doors as is practice, recommending that the General Assembly appoint Guterres for a five-year term from January 1, 2017. The resolution needed nine votes in favour and no vetoes to pass.

"The Security Council considered the question of the recommendation to the appointment of the Secretary General of the United Nations. The Security Council have voted by acclamation...and recommends to the General Assembly that Antonio Guterres be appointed Secretary General of the United Nations for a term of office from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2022," Russia's envoy to the UN and President of the Council for October Vitaly Churkin told reporters here.

Churkin said Guterres has "many strong qualities" to lead the UN.

"I sensed in my conversations with other members of the Security Council and various members of the UN that Guterres has great UN credentials having been High Commissioner for Refugees for 10 years," he said, adding that in this position Guterres has seen "most gruesome conflicts" the world has to deal with.

"He is a high-level politician...He is a person who talks to everyone, listens to everyone and speaks his mind. Very outgoing person so I think it was a great choice. I am glad that we rallied around Mr Guterres" Churkin said.

On the UNSC not selecting a woman for the top job at the UN, he said 50 per cent of the candidates for the post of UNSG this year were women and the Council would have "very much liked" to see a woman Secretary-General.

"But at the same time we have to respect the fact that they are other strong candidates," he said.

The General Assembly will be considering Guterres name for final confirmation next week.

India had congratulated Guterres on his election with Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeting, "Congratulations and Best wishes. India welcomes Antonio Manuel de Olivera Guterres as next Secretary General of @UN."

Akbaruddin's tweet was accompanied with a picture of Guterres shaking hands with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Guterres had met Swaraj during his visit to New Delhi in July this year.

The council had conducted a sixth straw poll yesterday in which Guterres received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes. None of the five veto-wielding permanent members voted against him, clearing the way for Guterres to become the world's top diplomat.
A chain of border hamlets along the Line of Control wear a deserted look with villagers abandoning their houses to escape the shelling and firing from across the border.

Mortar marks on the walls of houses and shutters of shops in the area are a mute testimony to the firing from across the border.

Border dwellers have fled the LoC hamlets of Panjtoot, Channi Dewano, Mogyal Lalo, Somwa, Chapriyal, Gigriyal, Paltan, Mili Di Khae and Jodian in the Pallanwala belt in Jammu-Kashmir.

Pallanwala market town is also shut down for the past three days following heavy shelling.

Market is closed for the past three days since the firing and shelling, Suresh Kumar, a resident said.

Forced to leave their hamlets and cattle, the border residents want the Narendra Modi government to take strong action against Pakistan so that it does repeat the terror attacks and ceasefire violations along LoC.

Nobody wants a war but we border people, who have been forced to desert our homes and hamlets every time during ceasefire violations almost annually, want that Pakistan should be taught a lesson so that it does not dare to violate the ceasefire again, Sita Devi, who along with her family has taken shelter in a camp setup at Radha Swami Ashram in Khour, said.

Devi and another border resident Raj Kumar said their hamlet along the LoC has been deserted. However, some residents have been making trips during the day time to look after their cattle.

Some of us had gone to provide fodder to animals in the afternoon yesterday, when Pakistani troops started raining mortar shells and heavy firing. We thought we are dead, Gigriyal resident Ashok Kumar said.

We managed to save the lives of our domestic animals and some people, who had vehicles, ferried women and men out of the shelling zone yesterday, he said.

Pakistan troops have repeatedly violated the ceasefire and resorted to heavy mortar shelling and firing on civilian areas in Pallanwala sector of Akhnoor tehsil of Jammu district.

The areas targeted by Pakistani troops include Gigriyal, Platan, Damanu, Channi, Palanwala and Somwa areas of Pallanwala sector of Jammu district.

In the migrant camp at Naiwala, border dwellers have also protested about scarcity of ration and water.

We demand food and water supply at the camp, Santosh Devi Jodian said.

As many as 60 families of Jodian had fled their LoC homes and took shelter in the camp here but authorities told them to go to Khadah Khadi camp but they refused triggering protests.

Image: A villager travels in a cart after authorities asked them to leave their villages for safety reasons near the Pakistan border, at Paloora village in Jammu. Photograph: PTI
Senior officials from world powers attending a donors conference in Brussels have pledged more than $15 billion in aid for Afghanistan during the next four years.

Meanwhile, the European Unions foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said on October 5 that there is support to revive a stalled peace process after almost 40 years of conflict in the war-torn country.

The Brussels conference brought together senior representatives from more than 70 countries and dozens of agencies and nongovernmental organizations in a bid to attract development aid for Afghanistans through 2020.

But Afghanistan is required to agree to a series of political, economic, and social reforms in return for the funds.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani told the conference that his government already is making progress on reforms to improve human rights and rein in corruption.

The EU also wants Kabul to take back Afghan migrants whose asylum applications in the EU have been rejected -- although EU donor money is not linked to the demand.

Mogherini announced that the EU was pledging 1.2 billion euros ($1.5 billion) in aid a year and called for similar levels of engagement from our partners."

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the conference, EU diplomats focused on trying to get peace negotiations back on course by bringing together four key international players in the peace process  the United States, China, India, and Pakistan.

Mogherini said after those talks that there was an understanding "to work on a common basis for regional political support for the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan."

Washington and New Delhi say Pakistan continues to harbor Afghan Taliban leaders and must do more to bring them to the negotiating table.

Speaking at the Brussels conference on October 5, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called on Afghanistan's regional neighbors to do more to help it make peace with the Taliban and build on its economic progress.



He said Russia, China, Pakistan, India, and Iran should "think about the special role that they could play in this region in order to help make a major difference not only in the long-term economy and future social structure of Afghanistan but in reaching peace with the Taliban."

Kerry also urged the Taliban to follow the recent example of an Afghan warlord and strike its own peace deal with the government in Kabul.



He said "there is a path toward an honorable end to the conflict that the Taliban have waged -- it is a conflict that cannot be won on the battlefield."



Kerry said that the peace deal signed last week by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who heads the Hezb-e Islami group and was a key figure in Afghanistan's civil war in the 1990s, was a "model for what might be possible."



He said a peace deal is the only way for the Taliban to end the fighting, ensure lasting stability, and "achieve a full drawdown of international military forces, which is their goal."



He said "the [Taliban's] goal of ridding Afghanistan of external forces will not occur by the demand or by the continued insurgency. It will come through peace."



There was no immediate reaction from the Taliban to Kerry's remarks.

But as Kerry was speaking, fresh fighting raged for a third consecutive day between Taliban and Afghan security forces in the northern city of Kunduz.

Taliban fighters penetrated the center of Kunduz on October 3 and were testing the defenses of two other provincial capitals in the south of the country.

Ghani told donors at the Brussels conference on October 5 that his government will be "relentlessly focused on reduction and elimination of poverty as its central task."

WATCH: Stoltenberg: Development, Security Interdependent In Afghanistan

Separately, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told RFE/RL on the sidelines of the conference that the alliance is confident that Afghan security forces can stand on their own in the fight against the Taliban.

"We handed over the full responsibility for security in Afghanistan to the Afghan forces themselves in 2015 and, of course, there are challenges, there are attacks, and we still see violence, but we also see that the Afghan Army is able to retake ground and to answer in a very decisive way to the attacks of the Taliban," he said.



He added that NATO decided at its summit in Warsaw in July that the alliance would maintain its deployment of some 13,000 troops in Afghanistan at least through 2017 and will continue to fund the Afghan security force at least until 2020.

With reporting by RFE/RLs Radio Free Afghanistan correspondent Mustafa Sarwar in Brussels, Reuters, AP, and AFP
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.
Geekologie has shut down.

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Top UN relief official meets with key Saudi officials to discuss situation in Yemen

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 5 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Top UN relief official meets with key Saudi officials to discuss situation in Yemen, 5 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f6325140c.html [accessed 31 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.

5 October 2016 - Visiting Saudi Arabia, the United Nations humanitarian chief today met with key officials from defense and foreign ministries there to discuss the situation in the neighbouring war-torn country of Yemen.

"We all agreed that the utmost must be done to save and protect lives in Yemen in accordance with international humanitarian law," Stephen O'Brien, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, told reporters in Riyadh, the Saudi capital.

According to a news release from his Office (OCHA), they also discussed ways to facilitate humanitarian access and the importance of relying on facts for impartial and neutral action.

Mr. O'Brien also met with Abdul Latif Al Zayani, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to discuss the situation in Yemen and how they can mutually support efforts to alleviate the human suffering of the people there.

The UN humanitarian chief has also met with the President of Yemen, Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi, in Riyadh to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in his country and the need to ensure the protection of civilians as hostilities sadly continues and even intensify there.

Mr. O'Brien, who is also the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, noted that the establishment of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in 2015 has been a continuation of Saudi Arabia's philanthropy to support people in need. "Its generosity has made a real impact in Yemen and elsewhere," he said.

He and Abdullah Al Rabeeah, the Center's Supervisor General, discussed how their two entities can better work together in a more complementary and efficient way.

"As in all humanitarian crises around the world, there is absolutely no time to waste. While the humanitarians will continue to provide aid to all those in need, there is an urgent need for a political, durable solution to the crisis beginning with a resumption of the cessation of hostilities," Mr. O'Brien said.

Yemen has been engulfed in violence for several years now. A confrontation between the country's Houthis (Ansar Allah) and the Government of Yemen in early 2014 led to a Houthi advance on the capital, and an ensuing conflict which has involved support from outside parties. The UN has been heavily involved in efforts to resolve the crisis.

While peace talks between a Yemeni Government delegation and a delegation of the General People's Congress and Ansar Allah continued, serious violations have occurred in Marib, al Jawf, Taiz and in the border areas with Saudi Arabia. Those UN-facilitated talks ended on 6 August.
'Sad of state affairs' in Iraq as last month's surge in violence leaves more casualties  UN

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 5 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, 'Sad of state affairs' in Iraq as last month's surge in violence leaves more casualties  UN, 5 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f63279412.html [accessed 31 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.

5 October 2016 - The United Nations in Iraq has reported that civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict in the country, with a more than 28 per cent spike in fatalities and a 17 per cent increase in injuries from August to September this year.

"It is a very sad state of affairs that the numbers of Iraqis killed and injured remains very high and unacceptable. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence," said Jan Kubis, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Iraq said in a news release issued by the UN Assistance Mission in the country (UNAMI), which he heads.

Of the 1,003 people killed in September, 609 were civilians. Of the 951 injured, 922 were non-military persons. Both categories were comprised of members of the federal police, Sahwa civil defence, personal security details, facilities protection police and fire department constituted the balance of casualties.

The 394 Iraqi Security Force members killed included Peshmerga, SWAT and militias fighting alongside the Iraqi Army, excluding Anbar Operations. An additional 208 were injured (excluding Anbar casualties).

With 1,127 civilian casualties, Baghdad, the worst affected governorate, suffered 289 deaths and 838 injured. Elsewhere, Ninewa tallied 42 fatalities and 55 injured; Salahadin had 23 killed and 10 injured; Kirkuk endured 23 killed and nine injured; and two people in Babil were killed and four injured.

According to information obtained by UNAMI from the Health Directorate in Anbar, the governorate suffered 254 civilian casualties - including 219 killed and 35 injured - according to figures updated to include 28 September.

"The Holy month of Muharram has started and I sincerely hope that the killings will stop during this month," Mr. Kubis concluded.
UN food relief agency to scale up emergency operations in southern Madagascar

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 5 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN food relief agency to scale up emergency operations in southern Madagascar, 5 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f632c540c.html [accessed 31 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.

5 October 2016 - Following a visit to Madagascar, the Executive Director of the United Nations' food relief agency has announced plans to scale up humanitarian operations in response to rising levels of hunger and malnutrition as a third consecutive year of drought deepens the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people in the south of the island nation.

"The situation is extremely worrying," said Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), at the conclusion of her visit.

"The hunger and malnutrition we're seeing is the result of three years of ruined harvests. We must receive the necessary funding to respond before it's too late. This funding will also allow us to invest in people's livelihoods, so we don't just save lives but change lives and break the cycle of emergency response," she added.

The preliminary results of a multi-agency food security assessment, due to be released shortly, indicate that four out of nine southern districts are likely to fall into the "emergency" classification by year's end. Unless swift action is taken, three more districts could follow, according to WFP.

The south of Madagascar has been hard hit by this year's El Nino weather phenomenon, which resulted in reduced rains for southern Africa. On the south of the island, one household in three has already been forced into desperate measures such as begging, selling its land or house, or migrating. Four in 10 households have already eaten their vital seed stocks, leaving nothing for the November/December planting season, WFP said.

Vital WFP food assistance reaching people in Tsihombe district in south Madagascar where 80 per cent of the people are severely food insecure. Photo: WFP

"I met women who told me they had nothing to feed their babies except the fruit of the red cactus growing by the roadside," said Ms. Cousin after her visit to Tsihombe district, where nearly all households are food insecure, 80 per cent of them severely so. "It's vital in these situations that we and our partners ensure that no child goes hungry and that every child gets the nutrition he or she needs."

El Nino is the term used to describe the warming of the central to eastern tropical Pacific that occurs, on average, every three to seven years. It raises sea surface temperatures and impacts weather systems around the globe so that some places receive more rain while others receive none at all, often in a reversal of their usual weather pattern.

El Nino, and its counterpart La Nina, which is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, occur cyclically, in recent years, mainly due to the effects of global climate change. Extreme weather events associated with these phenomena - such as droughts and floods - have increased in frequency and severity.

According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), El Nino-related conditions have compounded existing vulnerabilities across southern Africa, resulting in severe food shortages. Agricultural production has been crippled, and almost half a million drought-related livestock deaths have been reported, while water sources and reservoirs are severely depleted.

With adequate funding and in support of the Madagascar Government's own humanitarian response, WFP said that it will scale up from November to reach as many as one million people with food and cash assistance. WFP is also expanding its programme to prevent and treat acute malnutrition in more than 200,000 pregnant and nursing women, and children under five.

Starting this month, in support of the upcoming planting season, WFP said it will provide food to vulnerable communities, complementing the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which will supply tools and drought-resistant seeds.

WFP currently provides a daily hot meal to some 230,000 primary school children - 42 per cent of primary school students in the south. For most of these children, the school meal is the only nutritious meal they receive in a day.

In addition, starting in early 2017, WFP - alongside the Government of Madagascar, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Bank and other partners - is planning to reach even more children with its school meals programme.

WFP requires $92 million for its humanitarian response in the south of Madagascar from now until March of next year. The agency said it currently faces a shortfall of $78.5 million.
'Keep Afghanistan on the path towards stability,' Ban tells Brussels Conference

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 5 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, 'Keep Afghanistan on the path towards stability,' Ban tells Brussels Conference, 5 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f632ef40c.html [accessed 31 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.

5 October 2016 - Addressing a conference aimed at charting a way forward for conflict-ravaged Afghanistan, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged the international community to sustain its commitment to support the country and its people, while stressing the importance of holding both donors and the Afghan Government accountable for aid effectiveness.

"In their efforts to rebuild their country, the people of Afghanistan have been able to count on international development assistance," Mr. Ban told the gathering of representatives from some 70 countries and 20 international organizations and agencies in the Belgian capital of Brussels, which was co-hosted by the European Union and the Afghan Government.

"To consolidate gains, international support will remain necessary for years to come," the UN chief said, stressing the importance of ensuring that assistance is predictable, shaped by sustained commitment to mutual accountability and aid effectiveness, and aligned with the priorities of the Afghan Government as set out in its national peace and development framework.

Afghanistan has been in protracted conflict for almost 35 years, which has seen an ever-growing number of civilians killed and poverty reduction and development efforts seriously hampered.

The Brussels conference comes two years after the London conference, which provided a platform for then newly-elected president Ashraf Ghani to set out his Government's vision for reform and for the international community to demonstrate enduring solidarity and support for Afghanistan. The Government outlined a clear path toward a better future, including measures to tackle corruption, advance governance reforms, and address the illicit economy.

The Brussels conference is also a follow-up from the 2012 Tokyo conference where the international community agreed to provide four billion euros a year in funding until the end of 2016, based on a partnership of mutual accountability.

Secretary of State of the United States John Kerry (left) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg (right), at the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan hosted by the European Union and the Government of Afghanistan. UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

"The commitments of this [Brussels] Conference provide a crucial window of opportunity for the next four years," Mr. Ban said.

He highlighted important headway the Government has made since the London conference towards promoting transparency, accountability, and improving public services, despite complex challenges.

"Of course, the ultimate goal of the reform agenda is real change in people's lives," he said. "The substantial levels of assistance that this Conference is seeking can only be justified - to the people of Afghanistan and of donor countries - if the lives of Afghans are visibly and sustainably improved."

In this regard, he said Afghanistan's women must be provided greater space to play their full role as political actors and peace-makers. He went on to welcome the Government's commitment to implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda (SDGs) which is crucial to reduce poverty, address food insecurity and child malnutrition, improve literacy rates and empower women and girls.

However, conflict remains the main obstacle to the prosperous future that the people of Afghanistan deserve, Mr. Ban warned.

"I am deeply concerned by the record numbers of civilian casualties and growing numbers of people forced from their homes," he said, citing that this year alone, more than one million Afghans will be on the move within Afghanistan and across borders.

In an interview with the UN News Centre ahead of the Brussels conference, Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission there (UNAMA), said that the most fundamental challenge in the country is security, which affects all activities of life.

After the drawdown of the international forces in 2014, the Taliban has tested the ability of Afghan national forces to defend the country, creating a rather difficult situation in 2015, when the Taliban insurgency was able to make headway in terms of expanding their areas of control, Mr. Yamamoto said.

In today's address, the Secretary-General stressed the need to support a peace process for Afghanistan and the region, calling on all of Afghanistan's regional partners to seize opportunities for cooperation and do their part to help build a prosperous and peaceful future.

"My message is clear: Keep Afghanistan on the path towards stability, accountability and greater self-reliance. Build bridges. Put the Afghan people first," Mr. Ban said.
Yemen: Security Council strongly condemns attack on vessel by Houthi forces

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 5 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Yemen: Security Council strongly condemns attack on vessel by Houthi forces, 5 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f6335940d.html [accessed 31 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.

5 October 2016 - The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned an attack by Houthi forces on a United Arab Emirates vessel operating near Bab al-Mandeb Strait on 1 October.

The members of the Security Council take threats to shipping around Bab al-Mandeb, a strategically important shipping passage, extremely seriously, a statement issued by the 15-member body said. The Council also stressed that the continued exercise of freedom of navigation in and around Bab al-Mandeb Strait in accordance with relevant international law must be upheld.

The members of the Security Council called for such attacks to cease immediately and urged necessary steps to be taken to de-escalate the situation.

They also reiterated their support to the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, to pursue his efforts to find a political solution to the conflict in Yemen.

To support the consultations of the Special Envoy, and avoid further loss of life, the members of the Security Council urged all parties to recommit to and fully respect the terms and conditions of the cessation of hostilities entered into on April 10, which will include a complete halt to ground and air military activities.

Further, the Council called on all sides to resume working through the De-Escalation and Coordination Committee to facilitate the strengthening of the cessation of hostilities.

Yemen has been engulfed in violence for several years now  a confrontation between the country's Houthis (Ansar Allah) and the Government of Yemen in early 2014 led to a Houthi advance on the capital, and an ensuing conflict which has involved support from outside parties. The UN has been heavily involved in efforts to resolve the crisis.

While peace talks between a Yemeni Government delegation and a delegation of the General People's Congress and Ansar Allah continued, serious violations have occurred in Marib, al Jawf, Taiz and in the border areas with Saudi Arabia. Those UN-facilitated talks ended on 6 August.
Ethiopia: Renewed protests underline need to investigate after dozens killed in stampede

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 5 October 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Ethiopia: Renewed protests underline need to investigate after dozens killed in stampede, 5 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f633bc4.html [accessed 31 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.

Fresh protests in Ethiopia since dozens of protesters were killed in a stampede at a religious festival on 2 October underline the need for the Ethiopian government to ensure a full investigation into how the protest was handled, said Amnesty International today.

Protests have broken out in the capital Addis Ababa, as well as in the Oromia and Amhara regions, since the deadly stampede at a large-scale traditional ceremony in the town of Bishoftu on Sunday. Protest groups blame the tragedy on security agents firing live bullets and tear gas into the massive crowd assembled in a confined space, a charge the government has denied.

"We have documented multiple complaints of police using excessive force, including lethal force, against largely peaceful protesters since demonstrations began in the Oromia region in November last year," said Michelle Kagari, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes.

"The law enforcement agencies must immediately end all unlawful use of force against protesters. The government, meanwhile, has an obligation to ensure prompt, thorough, impartial, transparent and effective investigations, particularly into deaths during protests. This should include what role government forces played in Bishoftu, as well as how Ethiopian security forces manage public protests in general."

The government has put the death toll from the stampede at 52, while protest groups say the number is much higher. They also say that some of their colleagues died of gunshot wounds inflicted by the security forces.

"Given the contradictory accounts, it is critical that an investigation be held to unearth the truth and to identify law enforcement officers criminally responsible, and hold them to account in open and fair trials," said Michelle Kagari

"In the meantime, the authorities must exercise restraint to prevent further bloodshed."

Background

The Oromo protests began in opposition to the Addis Ababa Masterplan, which aimed to extend the administrative boundaries of the capital Addis Ababa into parts of Oromia, which many Oromo feared would lead to mass displacement of people from their homes. The masterplan was scrapped in January but the protests have continued.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Zimbabwe: Court ruling upholding police ban on protests must be rescinded

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 5 October 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Zimbabwe: Court ruling upholding police ban on protests must be rescinded, 5 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f6340d4.html [accessed 31 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.

In response to the ruling by the High Court in Zimbabwe yesterday upholding a 30-day police ban on protests in the capital Harare, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Southern Africa, Muleya Mwananyanda, said:

"The ruling must be rescinded and the ban lifted as it infringes the fundamental right to freedom of assembly. Police must not be given carte blanche to impose a blanket ban on protests which are protected by the country's constitution, and Zimbabwe's international human rights commitments. Instead of outlawing peaceful assemblies, the government would do well to ensure the safety of people who choose to peacefully exercise their right to protest."

Background

Yesterday's ruling by Justice George Chiweshe invalidated a previous court order that had found the ban to be unconstitutional.

The police declared that no protests would be allowed in Harare for 30 days from 16 September to 15 October, a decision it said was aimed at preserving peace.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Iran: Writer facing imminent imprisonment for story about stoning

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 6 October 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Iran: Writer facing imminent imprisonment for story about stoning, 6 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f634654.html [accessed 31 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.

Iranian authorities must immediately repeal the conviction and sentence of Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee, a writer and human rights activist who is due to begin serving six years in prison on charges including "insulting Islamic sanctities" through the writing of an unpublished story about the horrific practice of stoning, Amnesty International said today.

"The charges against Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee are ludicrous. She is facing years behind bars simply for writing a story, and one which was not even published - she is effectively being punished for using her imagination," said Philip Luther, Research and Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

"Instead of imprisoning a young woman for peacefully exercising her human rights by expressing her opposition to stoning, the Iranian authorities should focus on abolishing this punishment, which amounts to torture. It is appalling that Iran continues to allow the use of stoning, and justifies it in the name of protecting morality."

On 4 October Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee received a threatening phone call from the Centre for the Implementation of Sentences ordering her to present herself to Evin Prison to begin serving her six-year prison sentence for "insulting Islamic sanctities" and "spreading propaganda against the system".

The first charge, for which Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee has received five years in prison, was imposed primarily in response to an unpublished fictional story that she had written. The story describes the emotional reaction of a young woman who watches the film The Stoning of Soraya M - which tells the true story of a young woman stoned to death for adultery - and becomes so enraged that she burns a copy of the Qur'an.

The story was discovered by authorities on 6 September 2014 when Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee was arrested together with her husband Arash Sadeghi at his workplace in Tehran by men believed to be Revolutionary Guards. The men showed no arrest warrant but took the couple to their house where they searched their possessions and seized items, including their laptops, notebooks and some CDs.

They then transferred Arash Sadeghi, a human rights activist, to Tehran's Evin Prison and Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee to a secret detention place. She was kept there for the night and then transferred to a section of Evin Prison that is under the control of the Revolutionary Guards. She was held there for 20 days, without access to her family, a lawyer or a court. She was in solitary confinement for the first three days.

Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee has said that during her periods of detention she was subjected to long hours of interrogations while blindfolded and facing a wall, and that interrogators repeatedly told her that she could face execution for "insulting Islam". She could also clearly hear interrogators threatening and verbally abusing her husband in the next cell, adding to her distress. Arash Sadeghi has since said that he was tortured while in custody - his interrogators kicked him, punched him in the head, slapped him and choked him.

Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee was tried in two brief sessions by a Revolutionary Court in Tehran, and had no legal representation at the trial. The first lawyer she appointed was put under pressure to withdraw from the case, and the second was barred from reading her court case and representing her. She was not given the chance to speak in her own defence, because the first session was focused on her husband's activism, and at the second she was in hospital recovering from major surgery and could not be present. She provided the court with her medical records, but her request to adjourn the hearing was rejected.

"Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee's 'trial' was farcical. She was denied the right to a defence and her sentence was a foregone conclusion. This is just the latest example of the Iranian authorities' utter contempt for justice and human rights," said Philip Luther.

"We are urging the authorities to immediately quash Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee's conviction and that of her husband Aresh Sadeghi, who has been behind bars since June for peacefully exercising his rights to freedom of expression and association. The Iranian government is on the verge of stamping out a whole generation of young activists with its ruthless and repressive tactics."

Background

The Iranian authorities confirmed in their comments on the latest report of the UN Secretary-General on the human rights situation in Iran that stoning is the punishment outlined in Shari'a law for adultery, and stated that this punishment "is effective in deterring crimes and protecting morality".

Amnesty International is aware of the case of at least one woman - Fariba Khaleghi - who is currently facing death by stoning.

Amnesty International has consistently called on the Iranian authorities to decriminalize opposite and same-sex sexual activities between consenting adults.

Arash Sadeghi is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence in Evin Prison on charges including "spreading propaganda against the system", "gathering and colluding against national security" and "insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic". He was also denied access to a lawyer. His interrogators are reported to have used printed copies of his Facebook messages and emails to journalists and human rights activists abroad, as well as media outlets such as BBC Persian, as "proof" of the charges against him.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
DES MOINES  Retired law officer David Elledge said the only down side of receiving one of the states first Historic Valor Awards was that the man who saved his life nearly 25 years ago wasnt present to be honored with him at a Statehouse ceremony Wednesday.

Elledge, a former deputy in the Delaware County Sheriffs Office, was one of 10 officers honored for heroic efforts to save the lives of Iowans during critical times of need.

Seven received the 2016 Sullivan Brothers Award of Valor and Elledge was among three individuals honored with the newly created Historic Valor Award.

On Nov. 6, 1981, Elledge and fellow Delaware County sheriffs deputy Duncan Gross responded to a disturbance where an armed suspect had taken refuge in a rural, wooded area. Resisting arrest, the assailant fired five rounds from his .357 magnum at Elledge, striking him once in the abdomen and once in the foot.

Elledge said he feared for his life at the time because when I put my hand up to the wound, every time my heart would beat, I could feel blood pumping out through my fingers.

My little boy was 4 years old at the time and the first thought that went through my mind is whats he going to do without a daddy?

However, according to a state Department of Public Safety description on the events that followed, Elledges life was spared in no small measure by the decisive actions taken by Duncan Gross to disarm the suspect and render lifesaving assistance to his fallen comrade.

Both Gross and Elledge survived this event. Gross eventually retired from law enforcement and has since passed away while Elledge went on to become a state Department of Natural Resources officer until he retired.

Gross widow, Gean, accepted the award from Gov. Terry Branstad posthumously for her late husband at Wednesdays ceremonies in the state Capitol rotunda.

Its an honor to be honored, Elledge said after the ceremony. I only wish that Duncan Gross could have been here because if it werent for Duncan Gross I wouldnt be alive.

The other 2016 Historic Valor Award recipient was Noel Harlan, a former Keosauqua Fire Chief who was recognized for his heroic actions of saving a man who was on fire near Harlans house in September 2014.

Among the Sullivan Brothers Award of Valor recipients were four members of the Cedar Falls Fire Rescue squad  Capt. Derek Brown and firefighters Shane Farmer, T.J. Taylor and Troy Purdy, who responded to a trailer fire on Feb. 7 where three people were trapped  a mother and her two children.

According to state Public Safety Commissioner Roxann Ryan, the seven firefighters who arrived at the burning residence were told three people were in the structure and Brown and Farmer entered without a hose line and began a search in zero visibility.

Usually were in a team and we stick together, but in this situation we made the decision that time was critical and so we went without a hose line, which isnt typical, Brown said of the rescue effort.

With the assistance of Taylor and Purdy, the firefighters were able to find the two children and their mother and move them to safety.

We understood the danger. Its what you train for, Brown said.

Also honored Wednesday with the Medal of Valor were Lt. Dennis Mernka and officer Nathan Eldredge of the Fort Dodge Police Department and Iowa State Patrol Trooper Matt Eimers, who responded on Dec. 12, 2015, to a call of a distressed man on the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge over the Des Moines River basin in Fort Dodge and performed heroic actions to save the mans life after he attempted to jump from the bridge.

The citizens of Iowa are grateful, Branstad told the 10 honorees during Wednesdays ceremony. What each of you has done is nothing short of heroic. We just want to say were proud of you.
Ukrainian journalist held in Moscow on spying charge

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 5 October 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Ukrainian journalist held in Moscow on spying charge, 5 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f638044.html [accessed 31 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.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is concerned about Roman Sushchenko, the Ukrainian national news agency Ukrinform's Paris correspondent, who is being held on a spying charge in Moscow.

Sushchenko went missing on arriving in Moscow on 30 September and it was only by chance that ONK Moscow, an association of prison visitors, discovered him in an isolation cell during a routine visit of Moscow's Lefortovo prison on 2 October.

It was not until yesterday that the Russian authorities confirmed that they are holding him. The Ukrainian consulate had not been told until then, and

Sushchenko had not been allowed to contact his family to tell them he had been arrested.

Sushchenko is facing a possible sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison on a charge of spying under article 276 of the Russian criminal code. He is currently held under a two-month detention order effective from 1 October, the day after his arrest.

He was initially given a court-appointed lawyer but his family have hired Mark Feygin, the lawyer who defended Nadiya Savchenko, a Ukrainian pilot who was held by the Russians for two years. Feygin has not yet been able to visit Sushchenko or see the prosecution file.

"The way the Russian authorities have handled this case raises serious doubts about the grave charges brought against Roman Sushchenko," said Johann Bihr, the head of RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk.

"In violation of his rights, this journalist was placed in detention without being able to contact his consulate and has still not been able to meet his lawyer. If the authorities cannot produce credible evidence to support the charges, they must release him without delay."

Sushchenko has worked for Ukrinform since 2002 and has been its Paris correspondent since 2010, mainly covering international stories. According to Ukrinform, he went to Moscow to visit relatives but the Russian authorities say he went there with the sole aim of gathering classified information concerning national security.

According to the Russian authorities, he works for the Ukrainian defence ministry with the rank of colonel - a claim that is categorically denied by Kiev. Prior to 2001, he was part of the peacekeeping force in Kosovo.

Russia is ranked 148th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
Raids on opposition stations end broadcast pluralism in Turkey

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 6 October 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Raids on opposition stations end broadcast pluralism in Turkey, 6 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f638ed4.html [accessed 31 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.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the abrupt closure of many leading opposition radio stations and TV channels in police raids yesterday and voices alarm at the systematic way the authorities are eliminating media pluralism in Turkey.

The programmes of several Istanbul-based opposition outlets, including IMC TV, Hayatin Sesi TV and Ozgur Radyo, were cut short in mid-broadcast when the police suddenly arrived, evicted staff and placed seals on the entrances.

The raids were carried out as a result of a decision by the High Council for Broadcasting (RTUK) to rescind the licences of at least 12 TV channels and 11 radio stations on suspicion of "complicity with terrorist organizations" and posing a "danger to national security"

Taken under Decree No. 668, imposing a state of emergency five days after the failed coup d'etat of 15 July, the decision followed a meeting two days ago of the National Security Council, which groups the government and security forces.

The targeted media outlets, which were either left-wing or served the Kurdish or Alawi communities, are all now closed or are under police seal, joining the long list of media already eliminated by decree since the start of the state of emergency. They have also been dropped from the national radio and TV satellite Turksat and their websites have been blocked.

"The elimination of entire media organizations in such a sweeping manner and without due process is indefensible in a democratic state and means the end of broadcast pluralism in Turkey," said Johann Bihr, the head of RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk.

"It is chilling to see police raids on media outlets becoming routine in Turkey. If not amended without delay, the state of emergency will end up crushing media freedom as surely as the military coup would have, had it been successful."

The raid on Ozgur Radyo was particularly violent. The police smashed the door and arrested seven employees, as well as other journalists who had gone there to cover events. They were released this morning.

IMC TV, a broadcaster created in 2011 that was very critical of the government, had already been dropped from Turksat on 20 February as a result of a judicial investigation into suspected "terrorist organization propaganda." It had continued to broadcast on the Hotbird satellite and the Internet.

The closures have elicited many protests from journalists' unions and associations, which observed the police raids, gave news conferences and staged demonstrations in Istanbul and Diyarbakir, a southeastern city with a mainly Kurdish population.

At the same time, social networks have been inundated with support messages under such hashtags as #HalknHaberAlmaHakknaDokunma (Don't mess with my right to information), #SesimiKesme (Don't cut off my voice) and #HayatinSesiSusturulamaz (Hayatin Sesi must not be gagged).

RSF issued a report on 19 September about the many media freedom violations under the state of emergency. Turkey is ranked 151st out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
Turkey: "You cannot report the news under the state of emergency

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 5 October 2016 Related Document(s) State of Emergency in Turkey: the Impact on Freedom of the Media Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Turkey: "You cannot report the news under the state of emergency, 5 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f639a84.html [accessed 31 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.

ARTICLE 19 and other international organisations including Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released a report summarising findings from a three-day joint fact-finding mission to Istanbul, conducted on 31 August - 2 September 2016, six weeks after the Turkish government invoked a state of emergency in response to the failed coup attempt of 15 July 2016.

The coup attempt, in which nearly 250 people were killed, traumatised Turkish society. Had those behind the coup attempt not been defeated, the consequences for Turkey's stability, prosperity and democratic development would have been dire. The government has the right and responsibility to bring those responsible for the coup attempt to account; and the imposition of a state of emergency may well be a legitimate response to a threat of this magnitude.

However, the government is now abusing the state of emergency to severely restrict the right to freedom of expression and media freedom, to stifle criticism and limit the diversity of views, perspectives and opinions available in the public sphere within Turkey. Restrictions on the media are not a new phenomenon in Turkey, but in response to the failed coup, the breadth and scope of the crackdown on media freedom has intensified dramatically, with measures of an unprecedented scale now being justified on the grounds of ensuring stability.

Media workers and other government critics are being arrested and harassed, and independent newspapers and broadcasters are being forced to close.

During the first six weeks of the state of emergency, pursuant to the decrees outlined above, over 100 media outlets had been closed, leaving over 2,300 journalists and media workers without jobs. At least 89 journalists have been arrested, bringing the total number of media workers detained on official charges, believed to be related to their exercise of the right to freedom of expression, to 121. These numbers exclude countless other journalists who are currently in detention in police holding cells, or have been detained and released without charge during the state of emergency, as well those for whom detention warrants have been issued but have not yet been detained.

At almost every meeting during the 3-day fact-finding mission, the delegation was alerted to new cases of detentions or arrests; with several interviewees stressing that it was impossible to gain an accurate figure of those detained, due to the speed of arrests and a lack of official information.

Such measures have a disastrous chilling effect upon the free flow of information and ideas, depriving the population of the right to receive information about current events and to hold the government to account. Even those that have not been directly silenced by the state are forced into self-censorship, with only a handful of beleaguered independent outlets continuing to express alternative viewpoints. In this environment, the government is able to almost entirely dominate Turkey's public discourse, while alternative viewpoints must be actively sought out.

In parallel to the right of the media to seek and impart information and ideas, the right of the public to receive information about current events and the actions of the public authorities - including in a critical perspective - is of utmost importance in times of emergency and disarray.

Please consider signing this petition, initiated by our partner PUNTO 24, calling for the release of the 121 journalists currently in jail in Turkey.
Peru: RSF condemns disproportionate penalties in defamation cases

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 5 October 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Peru: RSF condemns disproportionate penalties in defamation cases, 5 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f63a054.html [accessed 31 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.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is concerned about the scale of the damages awarded or sought in two recent defamation cases against Peruvian journalists and calls on the authorities to decriminalize media offences without delay.

Ronald Daniel Ormeno , the editor of the weekly Prensa al Dia, was jailed

on 4 September for failing to pay 10,000 soles (2,600 euros) in

damages in a libel case brought by Mirtha Nancy Toledo Morales, a

lawyer and administrator of a university in the city of Chimbote,

over an October 2013 article.

The article, for which Ormeno was also given a suspended sentence of one year in prison, accused her of management irregularities and lying about her qualifications. He was freed two weeks later, after his family and friends succeeded in raising the money to pay the damages, but he is still the subject of the suspended jail sentence.

The other case concerns Milagros Rodriguez Hidalgo, a journalist based in the northern city of Tumbes who reports for the Diario Tumbes 21 newspaper and presents the "En ContactoTV" programme on La Hechicera TV.

Pedro Octavio Mejia Reyes, a senior official in the Tumbes regional government, brought a defamation case against her on 12 September demanding 100,000 soles (26,000 euros) in damages in connection with her coverage in May about alleged corruption within the regional administration.

As a result of her reporting, Rodriguez has also repeatedly received anonymous threatening messages and she says she has been denied access for her coverage of local government matters.

"We reiterate our appeal to the Peruvian government to comply with international standards on freedom of expression by decriminalizing media offences," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of RSF's Latin America desk.

"The damages awarded or sought in these two cases are utterly disproportionate. The cases against Ormeno and Rodriguez are typical of the way powerful Peruvian plaintiffs, often public officials, use the justice system to censor and retaliate against journalists. This sends an extremely negative signal for media freedom in Peru."

Peru must quickly clarify its position on the criminalization of media offences in order not to continue obstructing the work of journalists.

In another recent case, TV reporter and presenter Rafo Leon was given a suspended jail sentence on 3 May in a defamation case brought by fellow journalist Martha Meier Miro Quesada. A higher court finally quashed the sentence on 8 September. Meir Miro Quesada is appealing.

And the journalist Fernando Valencia was given a 20-month suspended jail sentence on 18 April for allegedly defaming former President Alan Garcia. This sentence was also subsequently overturned, on 9 August.

Peru is ranked 84th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
Reassembling Colombia's Rejected Peace Deal

Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG) Publication Date 6 October 2016 Cite as International Crisis Group (ICG), Reassembling Colombia's Rejected Peace Deal, 6 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f63ff84.html [accessed 31 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.

Three interlocking sets of negotiations can still end Colombia's 52 years of civil war, even after a 2 October referendum voted down a 26 September peace deal. But success will need energetic new engagement by all sides - especially in the region.

The 37 per cent of the electorate that voted in the 2 October referendum narrowly and unexpectedly rejected the peace agreement between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas 50.2 per cent to 49.8 per cent. The result has shaken the political establishment and shocked the international community, which had unanimously backed the peace process. Saving that process is still possible but requires success in three delicate, interlocking negotiations.

Myriad explanations are given for the vote. In areas with higher concentrations of the 52-year armed conflict's victims and/or higher poverty rates, the "yes" vote tended to be stronger. But commuted sentences without jail for convicted FARC fighters who confess their crimes, even though their liberties would be restricted; a guaranteed ten seats in Congress; and the economic reintegration package for ex-combatants, with livelihood payments for two years, generated a sense, especially in big, formerly conflict-affected cities such as Medellin and Bucaramanga, that members of an illegal armed group would receive overly generous benefits. The fear that the country would "be handed over to FARC" or converted into chavista Venezuela was influential in higher-income brackets.

The result is also the most conspicuous manifestation of the feud that has dominated politics since 2014, pitting President Juan Manuel Santos, the prime sponsor of the peace talks, against the opposition, led by former President Alvaro Uribe. Santos's poll ratings have languished, while Uribe remains one of Colombia's most popular but divisive politicians. His claim that the agreements can be amended is now the focus of attention. That despite the narrowness of their victory, Uribe and his colleagues have won significant leverage over the peace process was reflected in his meeting yesterday with Santos, their first formal encounter for six years.

The opposition has laid down demands for a "new" peace agreement. It insists that FARC concentrate its forces as a requisite to continue negotiation; any adjustment to the constitution be dropped; the special jurisdiction for transitional justice be scrapped; there be blanket amnesties for all who have not committed crimes against humanity; those who have committed such crimes be sentenced to jail terms and deemed permanently ineligible for political office; but also that there be special judicial treatment for members of the Armed Forces convicted of those crimes. Some describe these as minimum requirements, others as a starting point in negotiations. Uribe has said Santos has the right to continue peace talks - the plebiscite binds him, but only as it concerns the agreement signed in September - and that the opposition will not directly negotiate with FARC.

The opposition assumes it has public backing for a new agreement. Government figures fear Uribe may have little genuine interest in saving the peace talks, wishing instead to weaken the government ahead of the 2018 presidential election. But the power shift is not as overwhelming as it may appear. Santos and FARC could conceivably reach a new peace deal with some key changes without Uribe's involvement. A second plebiscite would be politically desirable if the deal lacks his support, but not legally required.

Santos used his executive power to extend the bilateral ceasefire until 31 October, but convincing the FARC to accept any changes to the deal is challenging. Though guerrilla leader Timochenko has reiterated his desire to end the conflict, it is hard to see how FARC could accept many of the opposition demands. Even the opposition's preconditions for renewing talks - concentration of insurgents in cantonments - is highly problematic. Exploratory negotiations with Colombia's second guerrilla group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), failed in 2007 because Uribe insisted it assemble its forces ahead of talks.

Negotiating a way forward

The vote exposes deep divides in society. Containing efforts to make partisan gain from what are now in effect tripartite talks would badly strain the peace process. International support continues to be essential. Norway and Cuba, as guarantors of the negotiations, are complemented by others, including Venezuela and Chile as witnesses and U.S. and European Union (EU) envoys. Thirteen Latin American presidents attended last month's signing ceremony. All must now use their influence to persuade the actors to put aside political calculations and act in the long-term national interest.

The U.S., complemented by new centre-right presidents in Brazil, Peru and Argentina, should remind Uribe that achieving peace is imperative. Other Latin American nations and the UN Mission should assure all sides of willingness to ensure fair implementation of the final deal. The EU should be encouraged to use its trust fund for peace in Colombia creatively to kick-start the reintegration process and implement rapid-impact development projects as soon as a new accord is reached.

These confidence-building measures are essential given that three sets of interlocked negotiations will now begin, each needing tangible results fast. The first is between the opposition and Santos. Likely compromise areas are harsher punishments, including jail time for those convicted and most responsible for crimes against humanity and tougher restrictions on political participation for FARC leaders. Proposals must be realistic. Uribe may feel he has little to lose if Colombia returns to war, but if he appears to be willfully blocking peace with exorbitant demands, such as stripping rural reform from the accord, he risks being seen as responsible.

The second is between the outcome of the Santos-opposition talks and FARC. The latter can gain political capital by showing it accepts new conditions but may have little interest in complying with harsh demands resulting from a referendum it did not want. A fragile negotiation may move forward slowly as the government tries to find a balance to satisfy FARC and Uribe. Ceasefire extension beyond October will be essential.

The third will be within FARC, to adjust the deal in a way acceptable to its fighters. The risk of schism is higher than ever before in the peace process, and its leaders will be tested.

Every effort should be made to keep the opposition on board during the new negotiations. At the same time, no one, including Uribe, can be given a veto if a revised agreement is negotiated with tougher but reasonable conditions on the FARC.

Moving forward without the opposition would be very risky for both Santos and FARC. It should only be attempted if they, the international guarantors and other witnesses are convinced they have a good faith agreement meeting the major "no" vote objections. Nothing will be easy; international partners' constant attention will be required. Avoiding return to conflict will demand sacrifices from all sides.
Iowa scientists are urging farmers to adopt climate-smart practices that reduce net greenhouse gas emissions while improving soil health, wildlife habitat and water quality.

Theyre also urging policymakers to employ incentives in those practices.

You cant just say, Do it when you want to or whenever you can. Policymakers need to provide incentives for beneficial action, said Kamyar Enshayan, director of the Center for Energy and Environmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa and a contributor to the sixth annual climate science statement issued Wednesday.

Wider adoption of conservation practices would reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by pulling heat-trapping carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and rebuilding soil carbon, the statement said.

Converting marginal farmland to perennial vegetation and reducing crop land tillage, the statement said, are critical components of a U.S. Department of Agriculture program. That program has potential to reduce net carbon emissions and enhance storage of carbon in the soil by more than 120 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2025  about 2 percent of economywide emissions.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack introduced USDAs Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry last year and earlier this year announced a $72.3 million investment to boost carbon storage in healthy soils.

The one-page statement, signed by 187 science faculty and researchers from 39 Iowa colleges and universities, did not mention the August and September extreme rainfall events in north central and northeast Iowa that flooded farmland and communities along the Cedar, Wapsipinicon, Iowa, Maquoketa, Turkey and Upper Iowa rivers.

We know the trend is toward more frequent downpours, Enshayan said. The statement is about how we are going to deal with that reality and reduce the size of our losses.

Jerry Schnoor, co-director of the University of Iowa Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research, responding to a news conference question, said climate change conclusions cannot be drawn from a single weather event.

We can say that the frequency of extreme rainfall events is increasing in Iowa. Schnoor said. We see that trend clearly in the meteorological record going back 100 years. Total annual rainfall is increasing, and the severity of single-day events is increasing.

Agriculture contributes 27 percent of Iowas greenhouse gas emissions, Schnoor said.

The prescription for climate-smart agriculture, intended to reduce those emissions, is nearly identical to the conservation practices identified in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, intended primarily to reduce the runoff of nitrates and phosphorus from farm fields into the states surface waters.

They include no-till and reduced tillage, cover crops, replacement of annual row crops with perennial plants, conversion of marginal farmland to wetlands and better fertilizer management.
Confrontation in Zimbabwe Turns Increasingly Violent

Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG) Publication Date 6 October 2016 Cite as International Crisis Group (ICG), Confrontation in Zimbabwe Turns Increasingly Violent, 6 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f653494.html [accessed 31 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.

Abductions, assaults by pro-government thugs and anti-government demonstrations met by tear gas and water cannon all signal rising levels of violence in Zimbabwe. The situation is aggravated by the government's failure to implement proposals for reform and mounting economic woes.

Zimbabwe may not be a failed state yet, but its rulers are doing nothing to prevent its collapse.

After months of empty promises of reform, President Robert Mugabe and his party, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), have set a course designed to mute criticism, criminalise political opposition and shut down any attempt to weaken their grip on power. The gloves are off.

At the same time, a renewed spirit of resistance and protest has taken hold, with an array of constituencies voicing their displeasure. Signals are multiplying of new violent confrontation to come. Under the banner of the National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA), eighteen opposition parties including the two most influential, Movement for Democratic Change-Tsvangirai (MDC-T) and Joice Mujuru's Zimbabwe People First (ZPF), have embarked on a series of protests that state security services are determined to stamp out.

On multiple occasions in August and September police have resorted to tear gas and water cannon to disperse anti-government demonstrations; in late August the police introduced a ban on protests in Harare. They subsequently defied a court ruling overturning the ban by extending it to mid-October. Reports of abductions and beatings of activists by militias and covert security units have increased significantly and echo previous cycles of resistance and repression. A brutal assault on 25 September by ZANU-PF supporters on four senior ZPF leaders, including Brigadier General (Rtd) Agrippa Mutambara, former ambassador to Mozambique, confirms a trajectory toward more ruthless tactics.

The government shows no interest in dialogue and dismisses calls for reform, accusing NERA and the plethora of other protest groups of furthering a foreign sponsored agenda to create the conditions for regime change. It claims its opponents have received military training and now present a serious security challenge. This is supported by a conspiracy narrative played out in the state media. At the same time the government has reneged on promised policy reforms and dialed up its attacks on Western governments, including the United Kingdom and the United States, who paradoxically continue to provide the bulk of humanitarian support in response to a crippling drought and chronic food shortages.

Nor has the president spared domestic institutions. When Zimbabwe's courts ruled in September that protests were legal and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission accused ruling party officials of distributing more food aid to loyalists, Mugabe denounced them for being in cahoots with the international conspiracy. The "offending" judge is now under investigation for soliciting a bribe.

Broken Promises

With an economy in crisis and almost $2 billion owed just in international debt arrears, the government's domestic borrowing (mainly through the issuing of treasury bills) has become unsustainable. Having failed to secure much-needed support from China, Zimbabwe's desperation forced it to return to those traditional western lenders it had shunned, mocked and accused of criminal agendas for over a decade. However, the road back to credibility and potential solvency was always going to be painful; the government has to cobble together a loan package to pay its arrears before it can even qualify for critically needed additional budget support.

Twelve months ago, on the sidelines of the annual gathering of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Lima, Peru, the government presented a reengagement and recovery strategy for clearing its debt arrears and implementing related governance reforms. It was a limited framework, focused on financial and economic measures, but one that provided a sliver of hope that Harare was prepared to commit to greater transparency and accountability. This, it was argued, would buttress undertakings to address reforms outstanding from the previous unity government period, in particular the alignment with the constitution of hundreds of laws adopted in 2013.

Several western governments embraced the opportunity to rebuild bridges with Harare, expecting ZANU-PF to adopt a new approach. The government was saying the right things and there was a strong belief that economic realities would bring intransigent elements to their senses. These hopes have been dashed, however, and progress in implementing reforms has been stymied by opaque factional dynamics and political machinations within the ruling party.

The reforms were officially endorsed by President Mugabe, but his commitment to the process has been at best inconsistent. Promised changes to ZANU-PF's controversial indigenisation policy and significant cuts in government expenditure (in particular reducing the bloated civil service salary bill) have not materialised. These and other measures to promote transparency and good governance have proven too difficult for ZANU-PF to implement, suggesting that government spending has become central to the party's patronage system.

Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa's most recent pledge, in early September, to cut civil service salaries was promptly contradicted by Information and Communications Minister Chris Mushohwe, Mugabe's nephew. It was a body blow to the government's claims of being committed to reform.

Even if the government does secure funds to repay debt arrears, few development banks will be willing to approve loans amid the current uncertainties. Not surprisingly, Zimbabwe is not on the agenda for the IMF's October Board meeting in Washington, D.C.

Mugabe refuses to provide clarity or allow discussion on his succession, while a punishing schedule is visibly taking a toll on the 92-year-old president. Leaked intelligence reports reflect growing concerns about his growing fragility and frequent collapses. Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, regarded by many as heir apparent, has been weakened by opponents, who reportedly plan to use ZANU-PF's national conference, scheduled for December, to thwart his presidential ambitions.

Mugabe's sudden disappearance in late August from the summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional bloc fueled feverish speculation. For almost 60 hours it was unclear where he was and whether, as multiple sources reported, he was at death's door. On his return, he said he'd just gone to sort out some family affairs. The stunt was widely suspected of having been designed to test the loyalty of Mnangagwa in the role of acting president.

Economic Woes Stoke Discontent

Prospects for recovery and stability look bleak. Divisions within ZANU-PF remain profound, although some believe the party may be able to put its differences aside to beat off the opposition ahead of the 2018 elections. It would be a short term strategy, but in these dire straits short term relief trumps long term concerns.

On the economic front, the government may buy itself some breathing room in a debilitating liquidity squeeze by introducing bond notes in October. But many predict this new "surrogate currency" will further erode diminishing confidence in a government which is at pains to point out this is not akin to a return to the valueless Zimbabwean dollar. The move is likely to fan the flames of protest.

Neighbours are loath to step in. SADC members, with the exception of Botswana, have publicly ignored calls to engage. South Africa has gone so far as to endorse ZANU-PF's assertion that there is no crisis to speak of. But this belies the reality of a profound sense of impotence and growing concerns among regional governments about where Zimbabwe is heading.

Silence should not be an option. In 2008, the region ignored the warning signs and did not hold ZANU-PF to account for almost 300 murders that marred the elections. Then, ZANU-PF did what it needed to retain power. Now, in spite of complicating factional dynamics, prospects of a repeat performance loom large. Stoked by economic collapse and the government's desperate desire to hold onto power, Zimbabwe is back on a trajectory to further confrontation and repression.
Malaysia: Drop Charges for 'Street Protests'

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 5 October 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Malaysia: Drop Charges for 'Street Protests', 5 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f653f439.html [accessed 31 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.

Malaysian authorities should drop charges against eight activists and opposition politicians for participating in peaceful "street protests" in Kuala Lumpur in February and March 2015, Human Rights Watch said today. The Federal Court, Malaysia's highest tribunal, will hear a constitutional challenge to the country's ban on street protests on October 10, 2016.

"Malaysia's blanket ban on street marches is legal overreach that betrays government paranoia about organized protests," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "However the Federal Court rules, the government should return to the drawing board and enact a law that respects the right to peaceful assembly."

On September 9, 2015, more than six months after thousands of people marched in the so-called KitaLawan protests in support of the jailed opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysian authorities filed charges against the eight activists and opposition politicians for unlawfully participating in what officials deemed "street protests." The charges were filed under Malaysia's overly restrictive Peaceful Assembly Act, which imposes a blanket ban on participating in a "street protest," defined as "an open air assembly that begins with a meeting at a specified place and consists of walking in a mass march or rally for the purpose of objecting to or advancing a particular cause or causes."

The right to peaceful assembly is not limited to static protests, but also protects processions and other forms of "moving" assemblies, Human Rights Watch said. By prohibiting all kinds of marches, Malaysia's Peaceful Assembly Law imposes an unlawful restriction on the right to peacefully assemble that is recognized under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights treaties.

Besides prominent opposition party officers, most of those charged were leaders or organizers of the peaceful Bersih 4.0 rally, held by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections in downtown Kuala Lumpur on August 29-30, 2015. Demonstrators called for the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak, and institutional reform to end government corruption.

A week later, the authorities charged Maria Chin Abdullah, the Bersih chair; Mandeep Singh, the Bersih manager; Sim Tze Tzin, an opposition Parti Keadlin Rakyat (PKR) member of parliament; and Fariz Musa, an activist, with participating in an unlawful street protest on March 28, 2015. Musa was also charged, together with Adam Adli, another activist, with participating in a street protest on February 28, 2015. Authorities also charged two PKR state assemblymen and the secretary to PKR vice president Tian Chua with participating in a street protest on March 21, 2015. All of those charged have challenged the constitutionality of the Peaceful Assembly Act's ban on street protests.

"Peaceful marches and street protests are a legitimate way of expressing dissent and should not be the basis of criminal charges," Robertson said. "The Malaysian government should immediately drop the charges against all the KitaLawan protesters and amend the Peaceful Assembly Act to comply with international standards."



Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Iraq: Key Concerns for Impending Mosul Battle

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 6 October 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Iraq: Key Concerns for Impending Mosul Battle, 6 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f654446.html [accessed 31 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.

The Iraqi government should make a commitment to prevent any armed forces implicated in laws of war violations from participating in planned operations against the extremist armed group Islamic State (also known as ISIS) in Mosul, Human Rights said in a letter to Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

Those prohibited from participating should include elements of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a group of armed forces allied with the government known as the Hashd al-Sha'abi. The government should also ensure the protection of fundamental rights and nondiscrimination in security screenings and detention of people detained during the Mosul operations. Up to 1.2 million civilians are estimated to remain in Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, which ISIS captured in June 2014.



"Civilians in Mosul have suffered under ISIS rule for more than two years and will need support if the city is retaken, but risk reprisals instead," said Lama Fakih, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa. "The last thing the authorities should allow is for abusive forces to carry out revenge attacks in an atmosphere of impunity."

In the most recent operation against ISIS, to retake Fallujah in May 2016, Human Rights Watch research indicates that members of the Popular Mobilization Forces and in at least one instance Iraqi Federal Police officers beat men taken into custody; tortured, summarily executed, and forcibly disappeared civilians including children; and mutilated corpses. Human Rights Watch has previously reported widespread abuse by the Popular Mobilization Forces, including the intentional destruction and looting of civilian property in al-'Alam, Amerli, al-Bu'Ajil, al-Dur, and parts of Tikrit after retaking territory from ISIS in March and April 2015.

Al-Abadi should prevent armed forces under his command or control who have been implicated in laws of war violations, including the Badr Brigades, the Hezbollah Brigades (Kata'ib Hezbollah), and other groups within the Popular Mobilization Forces, from participating in planned operations to retake Mosul. The authorities should take steps to protect civilians fleeing and in camps from revenge attacks.

Human Rights Watch documented the recruitment of child soldiers by two government-backed tribal militias (Hashad al-Asha`ri) participating in the fight against ISIS. The Iraqi government should stop working with armed groups that recruit child soldiers and those that have failed to demobilize them.

The Iraqi authorities should hold fighters and commanders in the Iraqi security forces and militias accountable for any abuses committed during military operations and make public the results of investigations into these abuses.

In light of violations in previous operations to retake territory from ISIS, Human Rights Watch has also provided al-Abadi with recommendations to prevent abuses during any screening and detention processes linked to the Mosul operation. If Iraqi and allied Kurdish forces set up centers to screen people who leave Mosul, only Iraqi Security Forces or Kurdistan Regional Government forces should operate them, not abusive armed forces. Authorities should ensure that the screening process is limited to a period of hours, and that anyone held longer is treated as detained and entitled to all protection of detainees under Iraqi and international law. No one should be presumed to be ISIS-affiliated or otherwise suspected of criminal activity based only on gender, age, religious sect, or tribal name.

Human Rights Watch noted with concern that under Iraqi law, the age of criminal responsibility is nine. If authorities screen children leaving Mosul and suspect that they were recruited or used as child soldiers by Islamic State, their treatment should focus on rehabilitation and social reintegration, not detention or prosecution.

The Iraqi authorities should promptly inform detainees of any charges against them and provide them with an opportunity to promptly challenge their detention before an independent judicial body, as required under Iraqi law. The authorities should allow independent protection monitors access to all screening and detention centers.

Since the Fallujah operation, al-Abadi's government has refused to make public any information on the number of people killed and detained during and after the operation despite numerous requests from Human Rights Watch. The authorities should make public the number of fighters and civilians killed or detained as a result of the conflict with ISIS, and the charges brought against those in detention.

"Iraqi officials operating the screening centers and detention facilities should appreciate how vulnerable fleeing civilians will be, and treat them with care, respect, and the presumption of innocence," Fakih said.

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Title Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL establishing an EU common list of safe countries of origin for the purposes of Directive 2013/32/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection, and amending Directive 2013/32/EU

Publication Date 9 September 2015

Citation / Document Symbol COM(2015) 452 final

Other Languages / Attachments Annex

Cite as European Union: European Commission, Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL establishing an EU common list of safe countries of origin for the purposes of Directive 2013/32/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection, and amending Directive 2013/32/EU, 9 September 2015, COM(2015) 452 final, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f65be24.html [accessed 31 October 2022]
DES MOINES -- A lawyer representing tens of thousands of people in a lawsuit over allegedly contaminated drinking water in West Virginia and Ohio, and an expert on economics and the environment are scheduled to address an Iowa environmental coalitions annual conference.

The Iowa Environmental Councils annual conference, scheduled for Thursday on the Des Moines Area Community College campus in Ankeny, will explore opportunities to advance policies, programs and practices that offer ecological, economic and societal benefits, according to the council.

The Des Moines-based coalition has advocated for solutions to Iowas water quality issues.

The state has been ordered by the federal government to reduce the level of phosphorous pollutants in its waterways, which are contributing to deadly areas for marine life in the Gulf of Mexico.

And a Des Moines water utility has sued water drainage districts in four northwest Iowa counties over agricultural pollutants, forcing the utility to spend millions of dollars to clean water for its customers, it says.

Among the keynote speakers at Thursdays conference is Jon Erickson, a fellow at the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics.

Erickson said during an interview Wednesday that Iowas water quality situation is similar to his home state of Vermont, where the state this past month submitted to the federal government a plan to clean phosphorous pollution out of Lake Champlain, the sixth-largest lake in the country.

Water quality issues like Iowas and Vermonts are playing out across the country, Erickson said.

Weve seen a dramatic decline in our state, really indeed across our whole country, Erickson said. This past summer over 20 states issued alerts for toxic green algae blooms. (With) the magnification of that coming with a warming planet, the projections are not good in terms of our failing water systems.

Erickson, who according to the council has been published on a variety of environmental topics and has led international research and education programs, said he believes the desire for economic growth has created an economy that has outgrown the environments ability to sustain it.

He said water pollution is one signal of the stress economic growth is placing on the environment.

I was trained as an economist, and for economics the holy grail has been economic growth, that we grow the economy and we only count the benefits of that growth and we kind of ignore the cost, Erickson said. So for my profession it really has become a wake-up call to say that the metrics that we use to track human progress are all wrong, the traditional metrics like gross domestic product, size of the economy.

In a world that is seeing massive biodiversity loss, massive water system failures, massive signals to our climate through climate change, weve designed systems that say all growth is good. And weve got to really rethink the very basic premise of what economic success is.

The conferences other keynote speaker is Rob Bilott, a Cincinnati-based lawyer involved in a lawsuit against Dupont over allegedly polluted water in West Virginia and Ohio. Earlier this year a New York Times headline called Bilott the lawyer who became Duponts worst nightmare.

Bilott said his remarks at the conference will focus on how to use the legal system to create change in environmental and human health policies and programs, since funding for environmental programs often is in short supply and the scientific and regulatory process can be slow-moving.
Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/06/2016 --Without access to a healthy climate, children will be bereft of their fundamental rights to life. A perfect storm is brewing due to this happening at a time when the screen generation is being raised with less meaningful contact with nature.



Right now, the future stewards of the environment are growing in a world of change and distraction. As they play endless games on their screens, the world's forests are disappearing, temperatures and sea levels are on the rise, and more extreme weather is in the forecast. Ten of millions of lives and the lives of generations to come are sure to be impacted as they are set-up to bear a disproportionate share of the burden of climate change.



The ChariTree Foundation was founded 10 years ago by Andrea Koehle Jones. She explained, "ChariTree grew out of my wish to help children and the world."



There is so much uncertainty in the world, so instead of waiting around for leaders to agree on appropriate solutions, Koehle Jones was inspired to act to create a program to encourage kids back outside to be part of the solution.



Koehle Jones thinks one of the best ways to teach environmental education is to give kids a tree of their own to plant. She said: "It's about learning to care for something beyond yourself while learning about self-sufficiency, reforestation, trees as future food sources and so much more."



When children receive a Wish Tree through their school, camp or other children's organizations, they get to plant it and make a wish for the world. Every time they return to visit or care for their tree they can make more wishes  for anything! They can write their wishes on 100% recycled paper and tie them to their tree or simply say their wish by their tree.



Here are just a few wishes sent into The ChariTree Foundation by children.



Aidan, from Hamilton, Canada says:

"I wish I had super powers to save the earth and save people."



Lisa, from Copenhagen, Denmark says:

"I wish more people would plant trees."



Debbie, from Calgary, Canada says:

"My wish for the planet would be to bring more natural beauty to all the cities. I wish for our empty boulevards to be planted with evergreens, and remind us that with more nature that our world will be a much better place."



Shannon, from West Bolton, Canada says:

"I wish everyone would deeply understand that trees are the lungs of the earth, and we all breathe together"



"I am so proud of every child that has planted a tree in the last ten years," said Koehle Jones. "These kids are going to be changemakers," she continued.



"Helping a child plant a tree might seem like a small thing but imagine if all children were given an opportunity to plant a tree," said Koehle Jones. "What if children in Syria or Somalia or Canada  anywhere were given this opportunity? The benefits would directly impact those children and children everywhere."



The ChariTree Foundation strives to give as many children as possible a tree of their own. It's about supporting environmental education programs for children by giving kids a tree to plant at their home, camp or school that is native to their region ~ and an opportunity to connect with nature and contribute positively to the world.



This year more than 13,000 campers at Canadian Camping Association camps planted trees across Canada.



"Thank you for this continuing opportunity. We value the focus The ChariTREE Foundation provides to involve our campers in forest sustainability." ~ Jocelyn Palm, Director / Owner, Glen Bernard Camp



"There is something hopeful in the act of planting a tree. Our campers enjoy enhancing our habitats, increasing bio-diversity and just being in nature. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity. You are growing hope for a greener future." ~ Jacob Rodenburg, Executive Director, Camp Kawartha



So far, more than 100,000 children have received trees, and Koehle Jones hopes to give millions of children trees in the future.



"Without healthy trees and forests, the earth cannot sustain life. There's something so hopeful about planting trees," said Jones. "I'll never forget the children we planted trees with in Africa and I'll never stop trying to bring more children trees."



Andrea runs the charity from a tiny office on an island off the coast of Vancouver. She volunteers her time and works with a small group of volunteers devoting 100 percent of donations to running ChariTree's children's tree projects.



"I am so grateful to all the volunteers, and donors who have helped The ChariTree Foundation grow over the last ten years," said Koehle Jones.



She hopes more and more people will hear about The ChariTree Foundation and will donate to support the project. "We plant trees based on the amount of funding we bring in through donations and requests for trees from children's organizations.



To learn more about the ChariTree Foundation and to offer support, please visit www.charitree-foundation.org



About The ChariTree Foundation

The ChariTree foundation was set up by Andrea Koehle Jones. It has the aim to make the world a better place for children and generations of children to come.
IU Health Morgan opening walk-in primary care service Nov. 8

A new walk-in primary care service unit is opening at IU Health Morgan very soon as the healthcare provider looks to offer more convenience to Martinsville and Morgan County residents.
DIVORCE STORIES CAUSE WOMAN TO PAUSE ON PATH TO MARRIAGE

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost two years, although we have known each other for almost seven years now. He is sweet, compassionate, always puts me first and is the best friend and romantic partner I could ever wish for.

My question is, is two years too soon to know that I want to spend my life with him? We have discussed getting married and we would both like to, but I have heard countless stories about couples divorcing because they didn't wait long enough before getting married, and I don't want to be one of those people. Please help.

 Loving In California

DEAR LOVING: In many cases, two years is long enough for a couple to meet, know they are compatible, become engaged and marry. Having known this man for a total of seven years, I would like to think that you have had a chance to observe him in many situations and possibly in other relationships. I would hope that you have both dated others and gained some experience.

What concerns me is that you felt the need to write and ask me this question, because it makes me wonder if you are completely convinced that your marriage would last forever. Premarital counseling might put your mind at ease, and that's what I recommend.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for two years. He keeps asking about a tattoo I have on my ankle and making fun of it. The tattoo is small and has my initials, or so I tell him. I think he knows I'm lying. A guy I dated had the same initials and we got matching tattoos, but I have never admitted it to my husband. Am I lying? Should I tell him whose initials those really are?

 Initially Confused

DEAR INITIALLY CONFUSED: Many people today have tattoos, and some of them include the names or initials of former boyfriends, girlfriends and spouses. You should have fessed up at the time you were being married. The problem with lying about something as trivial as this is that it makes one wonder what else you would lie about.

I see several possible solutions: First, tell your husband the truth. The second would be to have the tattoo removed. The third would be to add your married initial to the ones already on your ankle, at which point they WILL be your initials and yours alone  unless you're still using your maiden name.

DEAR ABBY: I have noticed that you often tell people to talk to a spiritual adviser. As an agnostic, I am curious whom you would recommend I speak to.

 Rick In Denver

DEAR RICK: In a case like yours, talk to someone who is not personally or emotionally involved with you, such as a licensed counselor.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Cowboys offense clicks in rout of Bears

Dak Prescott threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, Micah Parsons returned a fumble for his first NFL score in Dallas Cowboys win.
MASON CITY  The craze of creepy clown sightings has hit Iowa, but so far resulted in only one alleged incident in Mason City.

An employee of a Southbridge Mall store said she spotted a person dressed as a clown acting creepily outside her store. The clown was allegedly chased away by a security officer.

Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley said the department sent two cars to investigate the report, but couldnt find the alleged clown.

Police called to Southbridge Mall for suspicious individual MASON CITY | Mason City police were called to Southbridge Mall for a "suspicious subject" ar

Thats not the case in Waterloo, where police say they received nine clown-related calls on Monday night alone.

Waterloo Police Lt. Greg Fangman said many of those reports were third-hand sightings and several involve social media and Internet threats.

No arrests were made.

According to Fangman, other clown-related calls in Waterloo include:

A resident heard people outside their home and feared they were clowns.

A passerby called police after spotting two people in clown costumes at the strip mall on Sovia Drive at 2:48 a.m. Thursday. Two officers were sent but they were unable to locate any clowns, and people at a laundry in the mall said they hadnt seen any clowns in the area.

A resident received an anonymous phone call in which the caller said something about knowing all about their family. Apparently clowns were mentioned.

A clown entered the McDonalds restaurant on La Porte Road and then left, prompting workers to lock the doors, Fangman said.

Mason City residents shouldnt panic if they run across someone dressed as a clown, and should only call police if that person is doing something suspicious, Brinkley said.

People do all kinds of fun things to get attention, said the police chief, a self-described practical joker. So, if theyre just sitting on a park bench staring at people, probably not a big deal.

If someone is acting suspicious, regardless of how theyre dressed, residents should contact local law enforcement, he said.

We would be happy to interview the clown, Brinkley said.

The reports in Waterloo and the lone alleged sighting in Mason City are just a few of countless suspicious clown incidents reported across the country.

Brinkley hopes mimes arent the next craze.

How are we going to interview them and find out whats going on?
William Lenches calls the road to the 15th anniversary of the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum 'a long, strange trip.'

During a gathering Wednesday to celebrate the milestone, Lenches, the facility's curator and executive director, said he is pleased with the success of the museum, which opened Oct. 5, 2001.

'I started here as a volunteer while I was still on active duty at Dyess,' said Lenches, who retired from the Air Force in 2008 to assume the curator's position. 'I thank God for the opportunity to do the work we've done, and look forward to 15 more years and beyond.'

The 12th Armored Division was activated for World War II and was deactivated after the war ended.

In addition to being a display space for documents and artifacts of the 12th Armored Division, the museum also serves as a teaching platform for the study of World War II and its impact on the American people, Lenches said.

'Through the efforts of (museum board member) Dale Cartee and a grant he was able to secure, we've also been able to offer distance learning to schoolchildren all over the world,' Lenches said. 'This kind of outreach is invaluable in expanding academic access to them, as well as to veterans and their families.'

Lena Duncan, who served in World War II from 1942-1944, said she was impressed with the museum as she visited for the first time Wednesday.

'This is a beautiful place and should be done everywhere in the country,' said Duncan, who served as a Navy telecommunications specialist in Washington, D.C. 'Children need to be taught about our history, and places like this can do that.'

Duncan said she 'loved to see the uniforms' as well as the other artifacts from the 12th Armored Division's history.

'Seeing everything here brings back a lot of memories,' she said. 'I was glad I got to come here while I am still able.'

Lenches also thanked the museum's volunteers, saying that they are responsible for much of the work to keep the museum running.

'Our volunteers are the backbone of this place,' he said.

Asked about the most unusual artifact the museum owns, Lenches smiled as he described a small, teardrop-shaped ceramic piece with a hole in one end.

'It is a chain pull from the commode in Hitler's Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden, Germany,' he said. 'We only bring it out to show during tours and private meetings; otherwise, we leave it locked up in the vault.'

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 325-677-6515.
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Apophasis, as students of rhetoric know, is the speechmaker's trick of raising a nasty subject by saying you're not going to talk about it. But it isn't easy to pull off. It requires a light touch; once you raise the taboo subject, you can't go back to it  a subtlety lost on Donald Trump, it seems.

At the end of his debate with Hillary Clinton, Trump said he considered mentioning Bill Clinton's history of sexual misconduct, but decided that would be wrong. "It's inappropriate. It's not nice," he said, noting that Clinton's daughter was in the audience.

Allies praised his statesmanship. "He was a gentleman," former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said. "That took a lot of courage," his son Eric Trump said.

His restraint didn't last long, though. Over the next several days, Trump and his campaign continued raising the subject he didn't mention.

His campaign staff even issued talking points to supporters, offering helpful tips on how to talk about Clinton scandals.

GOP strategists have a term for dredging up Bill's scandals: "the nuclear option." They've waited all campaign long to see whether Trump would pull the trigger. Now, despite his short-lived attempt at apophasis, he has.

The danger is obvious: The fallout could hurt him as much or more than the intended target.

"It's like a nuclear hand grenade," Republican pollster David Winston told me. "As Trump blows everything up, does he blow himself up as well  or does he only get damaged around the edges?"

"It's totally the wrong direction to go," Gingrich, who led the drive to impeach Bill Clinton in 1998, told the Washington Post. "He should not let them bait him into a swamp where they can revel in the mud."

Yet that's where Trump went.

He also made a second, even briefer attempt at apophasis when it came to Alicia Machado, the former Miss Universe who accused him of bullying her when she gained weight.

"A lot of things are coming out about her," he told Bill O'Reilly on Fox News on Wednesday. "I'm not going to say anything."

And then he did, in a flurry of tweets at 5 a.m. Friday, including one that urged voters to "check out [a] sex tape" that allegedly includes Machado.

As he flails, Trump is using precious campaign time to talk about the wrong subjects: Sex scandals and sex tapes rather than his promises to fix the economy. And these tangents seem unlikely to improve his standing among women voters, most of whom already consider him unpalatable.

In 1998, during the impeachment proceedings against Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton's popularity soared. Earlier this year, a Democratic polling firm asked voters whether Hillary Clinton should be held accountable for her husband's misconduct, and a large majority  including 56 percent of Republicans  said no.

That said, Trump's dive into the swamp may also create problems for the Democratic candidate, who says she wants to spend the final weeks of the campaign talking about positive themes  mainly, her proposals for creating jobs and making the economy fairer. When Trump's charges dominate the news and Clinton responds to the targets he provides, few other messages are likely to break through.

Ultimately it's the voters, on all sides, who stand to lose the most. We need to hear about job creation and foreign policy. Instead we're arguing about Gennifer Flowers and Miss Universe. In a presidential campaign.

Email Doyle McManus, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, at doyle.mcmanus@latimes.com.
Today in history: On Oct. 6, 1996, President Bill Clinton and Republican challenger Bob Dole, the senator from Kansas, meet in their first debate, in Hartford, Connecticut. Jim Lehrer of PBS is the moderator. Clinton takes credit for improving the U.S. economy. Dole criticizes Clinton on his foreign policy and record on crime. It was a civil debate, although Dole digs on Clinton for his recreational drug use and having a soft drug czar. The two debated again Oct. 16. Clinton was regarded the winner of both.
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Editors note: This article contains language some readers may find offensive.

CHARLES CITY  A Floyd County jury Thursday found a North Iowa man guilty of third-degree sexual abuse.

The jury deliberated just a handful of hours before delivering its verdict at 1:45 p.m. A sentencing date will be set soon.

The only witness for the defense, defendant Stephen Brodersen Jr., 47, admitted on the witness stand Thursday morning to having sexual intercourse briefly with the 25-year-old woman who accused him of raping her while she was his house guest on May 21.

However, he claimed any sexual intrusion happened accidentally when he was rubbing against her after removing her pants and underwear.

He also said she never said no at any time during the encounter. The accuser testified earlier during the trial that she said no several times.

Accuser in North Iowa rape trial: 'No means no' CHARLES CITY  A woman accusing a North Iowa man of raping her while she was his house guest

Brodersen, who now lives in Greene but was living in Marble Rock when the assault took place, claimed the woman cooperated when he removed her clothes. He said he would not have been able to do so if she didnt.

In a text message he sent to the woman after she sent him a text accusing him of rape, he referred to himself as a monster.

Brodersen testified he was being facetious when he called himself a monster. He said he was thinking that he loved the accuser and offered to take care of her. So that makes me the monster in all this? he asked.

He also suggested the accuser was mad at him because she told him she wanted to leave Iowa right away and go to California, and he told her he wouldnt have the money for a bus ticket for a while. He said he had already spent all the money he had to buy her a bus ticket from Maine to Iowa.

During her closing argument Thursday, Floyd County Attorney Rachel Ginbey said the victim did say no several times, but Brodersen ignored her. She said it was still rape even though the woman did not struggle or try to push him off of her.

Brodersen and the accuser met when they were both living in Maine. The woman came to stay with Brodersen after he moved to Marble Rock so she could get a job and save some money before heading to California.

The woman was in a very vulnerable state in her life, Ginbey said.

She noted the accuser had no money, no vehicle of her own and didnt have any friends in Iowa except for Brodersen.

Ginbey said the woman was looking for a fresh start but all she got was trauma.

She said Brodersen knew the woman had been sexually abused in the past and was uncomfortable with sex, but he still pushed for a physical relationship once she arrived in Iowa.

Ginbey said the woman made it clear in text message exchanges and Facebook Messenger conversations before coming to Iowa that she did not want to be anything more than friends. She also noted that Brodersen admitted the two of them did not discuss what their relationship would be like the day she arrived in Iowa.

Ginbey said the woman was watching TV that night and trying to relax after her long bus trip from Maine, but Brodersen, who had spent money to help her, decided to take from her what he felt she owned him.

She called the defenses claim that Brodersen could not have removed the womans pants and underwear without her cooperation ridiculous.

She also noted Brodersen admitted he continued penetration for approximately 20 seconds, which is too long for it to have been an accident.

Ginbey said Brodersen attempted to commit suicide by overdosing on pills afterwards because he was consumed by guilt over what he had done.

She said he had never mentioned before that the accuser was mad at him for not giving her money to get to California right away, noting there was no mention of this in any of the electronic messages exchanged between them.

During her closing statement, Nellie OMara, Brodersens attorney, told the jury the law states a person cannot be convicted of sexual assault if the sex act was unintentional.

She said Brodersen did not use force or intimidation.

OMara said the accuser previously said she did not hold Brodersens criminal past against him, but then claimed she was afraid of him.

OMara questioned why she came to Iowa to stay with him in the first place if she was afraid.

Brodersen was convicted of murder as a teenager after he stabbed his mother and served prison time. Due to a court agreement, the jury was only allowed to hear that Brodersen told the accuser he had stabbed his mother and had been convicted of a crime.(tncms-asset)bf1b48b8-8a70-11e6-9092-00163ec2aa77(/tncms-asset)
Myanmar National Human Rights Commission members Than Nwet (L), Mya Mya (C) and Zaw Win (R) deliver a statement during a press conference in Yangon following the arrest of three suspects accused of abusing two girls, Sept. 21, 2016.

Four members of Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) resigned in the wake of public protests over their actions settling a high-profile abuse case involving two teenage maids who were allegedly tortured by their employers.

In a statement issued on Thursday, President Htin Kyaw announced that Zaw Win, Nyan Zaw, Than Than New and Daw Mya Mya were "allowed to leave the human rights commission according to their wishes following the MNHRCs decision against pursuing a criminal case against the girls employers.

Ma San Kay Khaing, 17, and Ma Tha Zin, 16, say they endured five years of brutal physical abuse by a prominent family of tailors for whom they worked as maids in Kyauktada township in the commercial capital Yangon.

They said the family members stabbed them with scissors and knives, and burned them with an iron.

The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC), which accepted the girls case on Sept. 15, pressured their families to negotiate a monetary settlement with the alleged abusers rather than pursue legal action, according to local media reports.

The MNHRC mediated a deal in which the shop owner and her children paid 4 million kyats (U.S. $3,150) to one girl and 1 million kyats (U.S. $790) to the other in order to avoid punishment.

They did not express remorse for their actions and laid the blame on the girls, accusing them of disrespect while they were employed, the online journal The Irrawaddy reported.

Rights activists protested against the MNHRCs actions outside its offices on Sept. 21, prompting the commission to hold a press conference during which it attempted to defend its actions.

Civil society organizations pressed Htin Kyaw to take action, and the Lower House of Parliament on Sept. 22 voted in favor of action against the commission for failing to help the victims and violating their human rights.

Our conscience is clear

At the time, MNHRC said it was only trying to get compensation for the two girls during its mediation and that legal recourse against the shop owner and her children was still a possibility.

Three MNHRC members made inquiries about the complaint letter filed by the girls parents and arranged for a meeting with the home owners and the parents, Zaw Win told reporters during the press conference.

They were told they could solve the problem between themselves, and that there were two courses of actionone is to go to court, and the other is to find a monetary solution, he told RFAs Myanmar Service in September.

After some deliberations, the two sides agreed to end the case with compensation for the girls, he said. Our conscience is clear. We did our best with human rights basics and loving kindness.

That didnt satisfy rights activists or President Htin Kyaw as his office launched an investigation into the decision.

Yangon police have arrested four members of the family accused of the abuse. Owner Tin Thuzar, 57, was arrested on Tuesday, and Tin Min Latt, 37, Su Mon Latt, 27, and Ko Latt, 63, were arrested on Sept. 21, the online journal The Irrawaddy reported.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the police force has filed charges against them for trafficking and abusing the two underage girls.

Reported and translated by RFAs Myanmar Service. Written in English by Brooks Boliek.
Protesters seeking an end to armed conflict in Myanmar take to the streets in Kachin states capital of Myitkyina, Oct. 6, 2016.

Demonstrators jammed the streets of Kachin states capital Myitkyina on Thursday demanding a cease-fire between government forces and the Kachin Independence Army as armed conflict in Myanmar appears to drag on.

By some estimates, tens of thousands of people from Myitkyina, Winemaw, Namti, internally displaced peoples and representatives from Kachins political parties joined the latest of several recent protests over the fighting.

People, especially women and children, are having a difficult time surviving, getting education and health care, everything, because of the fighting, Winemaw resident Ywe Gyi told RFAs Myanmar Service.

We are left far behind, she said. Thats why we have been demanding a stop to the war by asking both the government army and the KIA to stop the fighting.

While protests have broken out in Myitkyina during the week, it is unclear if they are having a moderating effect on the fighting.

The government blamed the renewed fighting on the KIAs conscripts, saying they are extorting money from the local people and planting landmines to fight Myanmars army.

The KIA blames the government for the renewed fighting, saying the army attacked because it wants to clear land in the region.

We want these offensives to stop

Residents of the area blamed both sides as they appealed for an end to the attacks.

As everybody knows, we are having ongoing offensive attacks in Kachin and Shan states, one demonstrator told RFA. We want these offensives to stop.

The protests may have little direct impact on the fighting, but members of Myanmars parliament are petitioning for a new ceasefire in both the Kachin and Shan states.

We have more fighting after the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference, said Nang Moe the MP for Mangton Township. We have planned to submit a petition on the peoples difficulties and suffering in parliament.

The Panglong meeting at the end of August represents Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyis signature effort to end decades of civil wars pitting armed ethnic groups against the national military in many regions of the country.

Fighting in the Shan State caused thousands of refugees to flee the Mong Kung township as fighting broke out there between government forces and the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S) over the weekend. There has been off and on fighting between the Myanmars military and the SSA-S since August.

The KIA has yet to sign a nationwide cease-fire agreement (NCA) that many other groups including the SSA-S agreed to last year, although it sent leaders to the Panglong peace talks.

The former military government and the KIA observed a 17-year cease-fire until 2011, when the army attacked the KIA's Laiza headquarters and nearby units.

Since winning the 2015 election, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi has made peace and national reconciliation a priority for her government.

Aid groups want access

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs more than119,000 people are in need of humanitarian assistance, including over 98,000 people in Kachin and northern Shan States who have been displaced as a result of the conflict that erupted in June 2011

Civil society organizations in Kachin are urging the military to allow aid groups to reach the refugees.

In September the provincial government told aid groups they have to gain its permission before the can visit the camps.

We want to urge the government not to block aid groups who are doing humanitarian work for the refugees, said the Kachin Peace Networks Esther Kaung Naw.

Reported and translated by RFA's Myanmar Service. Written in English by Brooks Boliek.
Hundreds of Chinese officials have descended on Sichuans Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in recent days to question resident monks and nuns about their residency status in order to target them for removal, sources in the region say.



The officials, many of them coming from Tibetan-populated areas outside Sichuan, are now busily going door-to-door collecting information, a resident of the area told RFAs Tibetan Service this week.



Recently, over 300 government officials from different provinces, prefectures, and counties arrived at Larung Gar, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.



They are gathering names and information regarding the hometowns and monasteries of the monks and nuns, and are recording all of this [to select individuals for eviction], the source said.



At the request of the senior teachers and abbots of the Institute, the monks and nuns are cooperating with these investigations without displaying anger or irritation, he said.



Many thousands of Tibetans and Han Chinese study at the Larung Gar complex, which was founded in 1980 by the late religious teacher Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok and is one of the worlds largest and most important centers for the study of Tibetan Buddhism.



The order now to reduce the number of Larung Gars residents by about half to a maximum level of 5,000 by Sept. 30 next year comes from higher authorities, with Chinas president Xi Jinping taking a personal interest in the matter, sources told RFA in earlier reports.



Dwellings destroyed



Chinese work crews meanwhile continue to demolish structures at the sprawling religious complex in Sichuans Serthar (in Chinese, Seda) county, with 550 houses torn down between July 20 and Sept. 23, a source at Larung Gar with close knowledge of the situation said.



Authorities have targeted a total of 1,000 monastic dwellings for destruction by the end of this year alone, sources say.



The list of monks and nuns to be removed from Larung Gar this year must be reported to senior officials by Oct. 30, RFAs source said.



Rights groups have slammed the government-ordered destruction at Larung Gar, with New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) saying that Beijing should allow the Tibetan people to decide for themselves how best to practice their religion.



If authorities somehow believe that the Larung Gar facilities are overcrowded, the answer is simple, HRW China director Sophie Richardson said in a statement in June, when the plan to destroy large sections of the complex was first announced.



Allow Tibetans and other Buddhists to build more monasteries.



Reported by Lhuboom for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Richard Finney.




MASON CITY  U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said Wednesday the FBI is tracking nearly 1,000 people in the U.S. with some kind of suspected connection to ISIS.

In a session with the Globe Gazette Editorial Board, Grassley touched on a wide range of issues, including national security.

He said the public is well aware of the violent episodes with terrorist implications that have occurred in Florida, New Jersey and California, among others.

What isnt publicized, he said, is the number of terrorist-linked plots that have been thwarted.

There have been 105 interventions, said Grassley. The FBI has tracked 900 people with connections to ISIS in the United States with at least one in every state, including Iowa.

He said the role of Congress is to support the FBI and other law enforcement agencies in their efforts.

Give them the money they need to do the job and dont take away any of the tools they need, he said.

The role of the people is to support law enforcement and to report any suspicious activities.

Grassley, 83, is seeking his seventh term in the Senate and is opposed by Democrat Patty Judge, a former Iowa lieutenant governor and agriculture secretary.

He said the major difference between him and his opponent is my record against her non-record because she has never served (in the Senate).

Grassley said he is proud of his work in the Senate focusing on creating jobs, working for economic security, national security and accountability in government.

He has a longstanding reputation for ferreting out waste in government spending. If theres transparency in government, theres accountability, he said.

Grassley said 90 percent of the tips he gets on government waste comes from whistle blowers, 5 percent from journalists and 5 percent from his staff.

The senior senator said Social Security funding is in trouble and its surplus will run out if Congress does not act on it soon.

He said by 2033, a person who is 67 years old today will only receive about 78 percent of what they are receiving now.

Medicare and Social Security are politically sensitive issues so its hard to get anything done, said Grassley.

He said the fate of Affordable Care Act, often called Obamacare, depends on who is elected president.

If Trump is elected, it will be repeal and replace, said Grassley. But he said he favors keeping some parts of it, such as coverage for pre-existing illnesses.

If Hillary is elected, there wont be too many changes, and only if shes for them, he said.

Grassley said a lot of attention is paid to partisan bickering in Congress, but it is not as bad as you think it is.

He said controversy makes news so it gets more coverage than bipartisan efforts that are successful.

Grassley said when he was chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, he worked with Sen. Max Baucus, D-Montana, the ranking Democrat. All the bills that came out of our committee were bipartisan, he said.

The same is true with the Judiciary Committee, which he now chairs in which Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, is the ranking Democrat. Thirty bipartisan bills have come out of our committee so far, said Grassley.

He said 36 years ago, the three major broadcast networks, NBC, CBS and ABC controlled 85 percent of the news Americans received.

Now, with cable TV and its dozens of channels, as well as the Internet and social media, the American people are getting information from far more sources.

The result, said Grassley, is that the grassroots of the country are more divided than they were years ago.

He said the problem the presidential campaigns this year is too much personal, not enough policy.

Regarding his decision not to hold hearings on President Obamas nominee for the Supreme Court, he said there are no rules but historical precedent has been to wait until a new president takes office.

Asked if he would feel the same way if a Republican president was in office now, Grassley said, Thats a hypothetical; Id hate to answer.

He said his staff handles his Facebook page but Twitter is his responsibility. And he offered this advice: Dont do Twitter unless you want to find out how many people hate you.
More than 100 migrants who set off on foot toward Hungary to protest the European Union's closed borders and deteriorating conditions for migrants in Serbia have ended their march and returned to Belgrade.

The migrants, mostly Afghans and Pakistanis, on October 5 were bused to Belgrade from the town of Indjija, where they had camped overnight at a local gas station. Serbian authorities say some will be taken to centers for asylum seekers.

Hundreds initially took off on October 4 from Belgrade toward the Hungarian border 200 kilometers away to demand that the border open for people fleeing war and poverty.

More than 6,000 migrants remain stuck in Serbia in overcrowded and unsanitary refugee camps after Hungary this summer introduced strict limits for asylum seekers.

Also on October 5, Serbian police said they caught 71 migrants and arrested two people smugglers who had transported them in vans to Zajecar.

Police said the migrants were from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Iran. The two drivers were detained and face criminal charges.

Serbian officials have vowed to step up military and police patrols on the borders with Bulgaria and Macedonia to stem the continuing influx of migrants.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters


Afghan officials say government security forces have pushed Taliban militants back from the south side of the city of Kunduz in a battle that is now in its fourth day.

General Qasim Jungalbagh, the police chief for Kunduz Province, made the remarks about battle in the northern Afghan city on October 6.

The south side of Kunduz city is the location of a strategic airfield that is vital for the reinforcement and logistical support of government forces in Kunduz.

But Mohammad Yusouf Ayubi, the head of the Kunduz provincial council, said gun battles in the east and west of the city had continued through the early morning hours of October 6.

The U.S. military spokesman in Afghanistan, Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, said Afghan commandoes were clearing what he described as "isolated pockets of Taliban resistance" within the city.

Afghan officials also said many civilians were leaving the city on October 6 to escape the ongoing battle.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP


The Pentagon says dozens of Afghan troops who had been visiting the United States for military training have gone missing since January 2015, presumably to live and work illegally in the United States.

Defense Department spokesman Adam Stump told Reuters that the whereabouts of 44 Afghan troops are unknown.

Since September 1, eight Afghan troops have left military bases without authorization.

An unidentified U.S. defense official said the frequency of Afghan troops going missing was concerning and "out of the ordinary."

The Pentagon is assessing ways to strengthen screening procedures for the training program, Stump said.

Some 2,200 Afghan troops have received military training in the United States since 2007.

Since 2002, the United States has allocated more than $60 billion to train and equip Afghan security forces.

Fifteen years after the start of the U.S.-led invasion that toppled the Taliban regime, Afghanistan remains one of the world's poorest and most politically unstable countries.

Based on reporting by Reuters
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."
Mohammad Nayeb-Zehi was among the hundreds of worshippers who gathered on September 30 at the Great Mosalla, a religious site in Iran's southeastern city of Zahedan, for Friday Prayers.

Just hours later, the 16-year-old's family learned he was dead.

Nayeb-Zehi was among the scores of people gunned down by security forces in a brutal crackdown following anti-government protests in Zahedan, the provincial capital of Sistan-Baluchistan Province, which is home to the country's Baluch minority.

"He was a simple laborer and not political," Nayeb-Zehi's brother, Ahmad, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda in a telephone interview from Zahedan, adding that his sibling had been shot in the heart. "We're in pain, and we cannot accept it."

The crackdown in Zahedan came amid weeks-long nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who died on September 16, days after she was detained by Iran's morality police.

In Sistan-Baluchistan, public anger at the authorities escalated amid reports that a 15-year-old Baluch girl had been raped by a police official in the province's southern port city of Chabahar.

The violence erupted soon after protesters gathered outside a police station near the central mosque in Zahedan. Members of the crowd chanted anti-government slogans, and some threw rocks. Security forces responded with deadly force by firing on the crowd from the station, according to witnesses.

Security forces also raided the central mosque and the nearby Great Mosalla and opened fire on worshippers using live ammunition, rights groups said, adding that many were shot in the head, heart, neck, or torso, revealing a clear intent to kill or seriously wound.

At least 94 people were killed and 350 wounded on that day, referred to as "Bloody Friday," according to the U.S.-based Iran Human Rights Documentation Center. At least 13 minors were among those killed, including Nayeb-Zehi.

The victims were overwhelmingly Baluch -- a mostly Sunni ethnic group that has long faced disproportionate discrimination at the hands of the Iranian authorities.

"He was martyred inside the Mosalla while holding his prayer mat," said Ahmad Nayeb-Zehi.

Nayeb-Zehi's family first visited Zahedan's Khatam al-Anbia hospital, hoping he was among the wounded. They later found his body in a seminary at the Great Mosalla.

"We entered a room there and saw about 10 bodies," said Ahmad Nayeb-Zehi. "[Mohammad] was among them."

He said the authorities prevented the family from filming the scene. "I told them this has to be documented, it has to be published by international media," he said, adding that footage later emerged on social media showing the gruesome scene at the seminary.

The family refused to send Nayeb-Zehi's body to the morgue. Instead, his body lay in the living room for around 24 hours before he was buried.

"We said he was martyred and there was no need for an autopsy," said Ahmad Nayeb-Zehi.

The authorities accused Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni militant group, of attacking the police station. The group is recognized as a terrorist organization by both Iran and the United States and has previously claimed deadly attacks in Sistan-Baluchistan targeting Iranian security forces.

But local and independent sources have rejected the authorities' claims.

The authorities have also reported a much lower number of fatalities, announcing that only 19 people, including several members of the security forces, were killed.

Ahmad Nayeb-Zehi said the authorities were "rubbing salt into the wounds of the people" by claiming "terrorists" were involved.

He said he witnessed a military helicopter shooting at civilians near the Great Mosalla. "I haven't even seen such scenes in Hollywood movies," he said. "A helicopter was shooting at people. A lady was shot in front of my eyes."

RFE/RL could not verify his account. But activists have accused security forces of shooting at protestors from helicopters.

"I don't know what the intention of this crime was," he said. "Our only demand from the establishment is for the murderers of our [family members] to be punished."

The killings have led to widespread anger in Sistan-Baluchistan, one of Iran's poorest provinces.

Anti-establishment protests have been reported in Zahedan since the crackdown, including on October 14 and October 21, when protesters took to the streets after Friday Prayers and chanted "Death to the dictator."

During his Friday Prayers sermon on October 21, influential Sunni cleric Molavi Abdolhamid Ismaeelzahi said senior officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were "responsible" for the September 30 killings.

"We are surprised by the silence of the high-ranking officials," he said in his sermon, which was posted on his website.

"Scores were killed here without any reason. I don't have the exact number. Some have reported 90, some say less, some say more," Ismaeelzahi added.

He also said people will not be satisfied until "those who killed the people" are brought to justice.

The Iran Human Rights Documentation Center said the events of September 30 amounted to "a massacre of protesters by security forces."

"The government's total denial of responsibility for the massacring of citizens by its security apparatus is consistent with similar past denials and is evidence that internal calls for investigation of such crimes are insufficient," said the rights group, which documents human rights violations in Iran.
India says its soldiers have killed three suspected militants who tried to raid an army base in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The Defense Ministry said the militants tried to break through the camp's perimeter in Kupwara district early on October 6 but were repelled by soldiers in heavy exchanges of fire.

It said the army suffered no casualties in the incident, which took place near the de facto border between India and Pakistan.

There was no independent confirmation of the attack, which comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following last month's militant attack on an Indian military base that killed 19 soldiers.

In an October 6 speech, Pakistan's army chief General Raheel Sharif warned India that Pakistani armed forces will react with a "befitting response" to any act of aggression.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947. Both claim the disputed Himalayan territory in its entirety and have fought two wars over it.

Based on reporting by dpa, AFP, AP, and Reuters


Baghdad has requested an emergency session of the UN Security Council over the presence of Turkish troops in northern Iraq.

Iraqi Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Jamal said on October 6 that the request was made by Iraq's ambassador to the UN to talk about "the Turkish side's transgressions and interferences."

The request includes a demand to the Security Council to take a resolution that would "end the Turkish troops' breach of the Iraqi sovereignty and the Turkish side's nonrespect for principles of good neighborliness," Jamal said.

Relations between the two neighbors have become strained since late last year when Turkey deployed troops near the Iraqi city of Mosul to train fighters to take on Islamic State (IS) militants there.

Baghdad's Shiite-dominated government wants Turkey to withdraw its troops, saying they had been sent to Iraq without its permission, but Ankara has ignored the call.

Iraqi lawmakers adopted a resolution on October 6, asking the government to consider the Turkish soldiers in Iraq as "occupation forces," while Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi said Ankara's insistence on maintaining the troops could lead to "regional warfare."

In Ankara, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Turkish troops would stay in northern Iraq to prevent "efforts to forcibly change the demographic structure in the region."

Turkey is worried that once Mosul is liberated from IS militants, Baghdad's Shiite-led forces will destabilize the city's largely Sunni population and worsen ethnic strife across the region -- where there are also populations of Kurds, ethnic Turkic Turkomans, Assyrians, and other minority ethnic and religious groups.

Based on reporting by AP, dpa, and Reuters
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart resumed discussions on Syria on October 5, despite a U.S. decision earlier this week to suspend direct talks with Moscow on trying to end the conflict.

Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by phone about Syria, Ukraine, and North Korea. The State Department said the chat was outside the engagement that Washington put on hold just 48 hours earlier due to continued Russian bombardment of the besieged city of Aleppo.

"It would be irresponsible for us, given what's happening in Aleppo, not to touch base with Foreign Minister Lavrov periodically," spokesman Mark Toner said.

Toner said Kerry had also spoken about Syria with the top diplomats from Britain, the European Union, France, Germany, Turkey, and Qatar.

The call with Lavrov "was part of those multilateral efforts now that are going to continue because we recognize they've got to be part of the conversation," Toner said.

He said the suspension of contacts with Russia had to do only with implementing a cease-fire that Kerry and Lavrov had agreed to on September 9 but that quickly broke down.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters


Pakistani lawmakers have passed a law that increases the penalty for so-called "honor killings" and closes a loophole that often allowed killers to go free.

The new law imposes a 25-year mandatory prison sentence against anyone convicted of killing "in the name of honor" and it no longer allows family members to forgive such killers.

The law allows forgiveness only when a so-called "honor" killer is sentenced to death.

But if killers who face the death penalty are forgiven by relatives, they still must serve 25 years in prison.

The legislation was passed on October 6 after a four-hour debate in a joint session of the national parliament.

Some of the loudest opposition came from hard-line Islamist lawmakers.

They argued that Pakistan's Islamic Ideology Council, a body of conservative Muslim clerics, should offer their views before the bill becomes law.

But supporters of the bill refused, saying the council routinely vetoes legislation aimed at protecting women.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and UPI
Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake. Inurnment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake, with military honors provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.
A Russia Defense Ministry spokesman suggested that Russian antiaircraft systems may shoot down U.S. or U.S.-led coalition aircraft if they attack Syrian forces.

The warning by Major General Igor Konashenkov was the harshest and bluntest remark to date by a Russian official about the ongoing air campaigns in Syria.

It comes as bilateral ties between Washington and Moscow continue to spiral downwards. The United States earlier this week announced it was suspending talks with Russia about cooperation on Syria that were aimed at reestablishing a cease-fire that broke down on September 19.

Since then, Syrian and Russia warplanes have conducted a campaign of air strikes on rebel-held neighborhoods of Aleppo, killing hundreds of civilians.

Since the weekend, Russia has deployed S-300 antiaircraft missile systems in Syria, and has sent three warships to the eastern Mediterranean. Several longer range S-400 antiaircraft systems are also in Syria and mounted on Russian warships off Syria's coast.

The Washington Post reported on October 4 that the Pentagon this week presented U.S. administration officials with several options for possible air strikes against Syrian government forces in response to the offensive on Aleppo.

Speaking at a briefing in Moscow on October 6, Konashenkov said Moscow was worried by The Washington Post report and other similar media reports.

"I would recommend that our colleagues in Washington carefully weigh possible consequences of the fulfillment of such plans," Konashenkov said.

'Unhelpful' Comments

Konashenkov also warned that the Russian military would probably not have time to use the hotline set up earlier this year to avoid confrontation between U.S. and Russian military forces if missiles are fired at targets in Syria.

"One should realize that the Russian crews manning the air defense systems will unlikely have time to find out an exact flight path of missiles and their origin through the direct [hotline]," he said.

In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby criticized the Russian Defense Ministry spokesman's comments, saying they "werent helpful" for moving toward "some sort of diplomatic solution."

But Kirby said "the Russians should speak for themselves."

Kirby also said U.S. administration officials were discussing a range of options for action in Syria.

"Not all of those options revolve around diplomacy," he said.

With reporting by Reuters and AP
Anna Politkovskaya's last interview was with RFE/RL's Russian Service, just two days before she was gunned down in Moscow. The date of the interview, October 5, 2006, was also the birthday of Ramzan Kadyrov, then Chechnya's prime minister, and it was a particularly significant birthday: now aged 30, he could legally run for president.

Kadyrov was the target of much of Politkovskaya's most critical reporting, and in this interview Politkovskaya expresses her forthright view of a man she calls "a Stalin of our times," dreams of a day when Kadyrov will stand trial, and talks about the subjects of much of her work -- the victims of torture and abduction in Chechnya.

RFE/RL: A Moscow journalist recently wrote that Ramzan Kadyrov has switched from the role of "destroyer" to the role of "creator," and that, as far as human rights are concerned, "all that remains for us is to cry about them." What's your reaction to this statement?

Anna Politkovskaya: I am not even going to comment on this, because it's total nonsense. I think that the new Kadyrov is the one who gives a ride in his car to Moscow ladies who long for more brutality. That is the only difference.

What does that mean, to "cry about human rights?" There is no need to sit and cry about human rights. One simply needs to meet not only with Kadyrov, but also with those people who have suffered as a result of Kadyrov's actions, and not just in a hypothetical way but directly -- people whose relatives died, who were tortured, and who were forced to flee. The majority of these people are truly admirable; I know many of them personally.

Right now I have two photographs on my desk. I am conducting an investigation about torture today in Kadyrov's prisons, today and yesterday. These are people who were abducted by the Kadyrovtsi [members of Kadyrov's personal militia] for completely inexplicable reasons and who died. They died as part of a PR campaign.

I plan to say that these people who were abducted, whose photographs are on my desk, these people -- one of them is Russian, the other is Chechen -- were made to look as though they were fighters who battled against the Kadyrovtsi in the village of Aleroi. It's a well-known story, one that was all over our TV screens, on the radio, in the newspapers, when Kadyrov gave an interview before TV cameras from state and other channels with bodies in the background. But in fact these were people whom they had seized, had "disappeared" for some time, and were then killed.

RFE/RL: Some say such incidents are just a small percentage, that these are individual cases that are the price paid for improvements in the region. What is your view?

Politkovskaya: I want to say here that there were more abductions in the first half of this year than in the first half of last year... And those are figures just of those people whose relatives reported abductions and whose bodies were never found. I'd like to call attention to the fact that we talk about "individual cases" only because these people aren't our loved ones -- it's not my son, my brother, my husband. The photographs that I'm telling you about, these were bodies that had been horribly tortured. You can't reduce this to a small percentage -- it's an enormous percentage.

Kadyrov is a Stalin of our times. This is true for the Chechen people. Many of our colleagues have gone out of their way to make us believe that this is a small percentage, that absolute evil can triumph today so that in some hypothetical future this evil can become good. This is absolutely not true.

As for the admiration felt for Kadyrov, you know, the situation is as it was under Stalin. If you [hear someone] speaking officially, publicly, openly, there is admiration. As soon as you [hear someone] speak secretly, softly, confidentially, you're told, "We hate him intensely." This split is absolute in people's souls. This is a very dangerous thing.

The Future Of Ramzan Kadyrov

RFE/RL: Do you agree with journalists who say that the presidency of Ramzan Kadyrov is linked to the presidency of Vladimir Putin?

Politkovskaya: I link Kadyrov's fate to the number of [people who want to take revenge on him], that's all. Of course, I don't wish death on anyone, but as far as this particular person is concerned, I think he should take serious care of his security.

Journalists who don't know this region say that he is reviving Chechen traditions. That is complete nonsense. He's destroying them. You know, I'm no supporter of the custom of the vendetta, but it did ensure some kind of stability in this region for many years. He has destroyed that, too.

RFE/RL: Assuming Kadyrov is not killed, do you think he is likely to bring about early elections?

Politkovskaya: He is a puppet, nothing depends on him now. I don't think he's more powerful than anyone else. He's a coward armed to the teeth and surrounded by security guards. I don't think he will become president [of Chechnya]. That is my strong inner belief, perhaps an intuition. It's not something rational, and nor has it been confirmed by Alu Alkhanov... Alu Alkhanov himself is a very weak person. That is his particular problem and the main reason for Kadyrovs increasingly draconian methods.

Personally I only have one dream for Kadyrov's birthday: I dream of him someday sitting in the dock, in a trial that meets the strictest legal standards, with all of his crimes listed and investigated.

By the way, no other newspaper writes anything about this, but criminal cases have been launched against the Kadyrovtsi and Kadyrov personally on the basis of three articles published by our newspaper. I myself am a witness in one of these cases. These cases are about abductions, including one criminal case about the abduction of two people carried out with the participation of Ramzan Akhmedovich Kadyrov.
Russia has suspended another nuclear agreement with the United States, this one on working together to conduct nuclear energy research.

Underscoring how tensions between Washington and Moscow have deteriorated this week amid tit-for-tat suspensions of previous joint efforts, an announcement of the nuclear research suspension on October 5 described it as a "countermeasure" to U.S. sanctions imposed over Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

"We can no longer trust Washington in such a sensitive area as the modernization and security of Russian nuclear facilities," the Russian Foreign Ministry said, adding the agreement would only be reinstated if the United States lifts its sanctions.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax thatthe suspension of the 2013 research accord was a response to Washington's "hostile" move to suspend all such nuclear energy cooperation when it imposed the sanctions in 2014 after Russia forcibly annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula.

"So, the ball is fully in the U.S. court. We have just balanced from the legal point of view the things that Americans did in 2014," he said.



The impact of the move is likely to be less serious than Russia's suspension on October 3 of an agreement on disposal of weapons-grade plutonium. That agreement had been seen as a symbol of U.S.-Russian rapprochement after the Cold War.

The strain in Moscow-Washington relations has intensified rapidly since the United States suspended a joint effort with Russia to negotiate a cease-fire agreement in Syria over the weekend.

Since then, Russia has suspended several agreements with the United States and bolstered its forces in Syria as the Syrian Army stepped up its campaign -- with Russian backing -- to retake the city of Aleppo with a vicious bombing campaign.

U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said the United States "regrets the Russian decision to unilaterally suspend cooperation on what we believe is a very important issue that's in the interests of both our countries."

With reporting by Reuters, AP, TASS, and Interfax


The Russian Navy says one of its corvettes is heading to the Mediterranean Sea to join the countrys group of warships in the region.

A spokesman for the Black Sea Fleet said the Mirazh, armed with Malakhit cruise missiles, left its Crimean base at Sevastopol on October 6.

The Mirazh follows another two Black Sea Fleet corvettes, equipped with Kalibr long-range cruise missiles, which had been due to reach the Mediterranean late on October 5.

The navy said the deployments are part of a "planned rotation" of Moscow's naval forces in the region.

The moves come after Moscow confirmed it had sent an S-300 antiaircraft missile system to its naval base in Syria's port of Tartus.

They also follow Washingtons announcement that it is suspending talks with Russia on trying to end the violence in Syria.

Based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax
Svetlana Alexievich, winner of the Nobel Prize in literature in 2015, spoke to RFE/RL ahead of next week's announcement of the 2016 prize. Here are excerpts from the Belarusian author's discussions with RFE/RL's Current Time TV and Belarus Service on October 5.

RFE/RL: What do Russians see in President Vladimir Putin?

Svetlana Alexievich: They associate him with empire, with a strong state. It's not easy for Russians to put up with the thought that they merely live in a normal country. When I was writing a book, I asked people the question, "Would you rather live in a strong or normal country?" And 80 or even 90 percent chose a strong country.... Russian culture is based on grand ideas. If a person becomes a part of some grand idea, it compensates for poverty and the feeling of inferiority.

RFE/RL: Do you think the people who have fought in Ukraine and Syria will receive the same treatment when they come back home?

Alexievich: The war in Syria seems to be far away, though it's still frightening. But the war with Ukraine is a shock comparable to perestroika. It's a war between brothers, and people are very confused.

RFE/RL: Have you decided on who is right and who is wrong in this case?

Alexievich: Of course. I am on Ukraine's side; it is occupation pure and simple.

RFE/RL: Russia is waging a war both in Ukraine and Syria. Do you think they are somehow similar?

Alexievich: Absolutely not.

RFE/RL: Why not?

Alexievich: As far as Ukraine is concerned, it was understandable what Putin wanted -- it was clear. To stand up for Russia, to expand Russia if possible. That is, to keep Ukraine with it because what is Russia without Ukraine? Without Ukraine, Russia doesn't exist in that imperial sense that it hasn't cast off.

But Syria is somewhere far off and people absolutely don't understand it. It is incomprehensible even to me, a person who has read Tolstoy and Dostoevsky and also Remarque and who follows politics and who has been studying Soviet people and their history for 30 years. Even for me, it is incomprehensible what we are doing there.

RFE/RL: For you personally, where does Russia begin and end? What are its borders?

Alexievich: Pretty much what they are now. But Belarus and Ukraine are not parts of Russia, please understand and accept that.

RFE/RL: One of your books is called Secondhand Time. Let me ask about the role of a person and time: Can a political leader change his times for everyone, or is it the times that elect him?

Alexievich: In the case of Belarus, [President Alyaksandr] Lukashenka has managed to stop time for several generations. He has hampered our development, no doubt about it.... Russia had a chance to remain a democratic country, if it had a different leader. But now it has a leader who thinks not like a politician, but like a KGB officer. It is a different kind of thinking.

RFE/RL: Is there hope in your life? What is your hope?

Alexievich: I have hope, and I always say that hatred will not save us. Only love. Only by talking with one another.
Two human rights lawyers in Tajikistan have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms on charges of issuing public calls for the overthrow of the government and inciting social unrest.

The Dushanbe City Court on October 6 found Buzurgmehr Yorov and Nuriddin Mahkamov guilty of the charges -- sentencing Yorov to 23 years and Mahkamov to 21 years in prison.

Yorov and Mahkamov pleaded not guilty and called their trial politically motivated.

Yorov was a lawyer for 13 members and leaders of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, a group that was banned in 2015 as a terrorist organization.

Dozens of party members have been arrested.

Yorov and Mahkamov are among at least five human rights attorneys who have been targeted by authorities in Tajikistan in connection with their work, prompting the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch and other rights groups to call for their immediate and unconditional release.


ON MY MIND

When you step back and look at it, Russia's behavior over the past month has defied logic. In early September, Moscow secured a cease-fire in Syria that was clearly in its interests. And it was making progress toward getting Europe to ease sanctions.

But Moscow chose to violate the Syrian cease-fire with an all-out assault on Aleppo, bombing two hospitals in the process and sparking widespread condemnation. It sent surface-to-air missiles to Syria, suggesting it was seeking an all-out military victory. It seized a Ukrainian journalist and accused him of espionage. And it reacted defiantly to a report by a Dutch criminal investigation into the downing of Flight MH17.

Now, not only will Russia not get relief from EU sanctions over the Ukraine conflict, but according to a report featured below, Germany is considering pushing for additional sanctions over Moscow's behavior in Syria.

In the past couple weeks, the Kremlin has managed to accomplish what its fiercest critics have failed to do: convince much of the world that Russia has effectively become a rogue state.

IN THE NEWS

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Germany is considering a push for additional European sanctions against Russia for its behavior in Syria.

Russia says two of its warships are heading to the Mediterranean Sea to reinforce the country's military presence in the region.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet in Moscow with French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault today as France attempts to pass a UN Security Council resolution for a Syrian cease-fire.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart resumed discussions on Syria on October 5, despite a U.S. decision earlier this week to suspend direct talks with Moscow on trying to end the conflict.

Russia has suspended another nuclear agreement with the United States, this one on working together to conduct nuclear energy research.

The Kremlin says it is unhappy with frequent references to Russia and President Vladimir Putin in the U.S. presidential campaign.

Lawmakers in Ukraine have called on parliaments across the world to help defend the rights of two Ukrainian journalists held in Moscow and the Crimean Peninsula.

Sergei Kiriyenko, a former prime minister and the outgoing head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, has been appointed first deputy chief of Putin's administration in charge of domestic politics.

The Russian government has doubled the penalties for tax evasion.

Russian consumers increased their spending in September for the first time in three years.

Russia has returned the skull of Keiki Batyr, a leader of the Kazakh national liberation movement who was killed in 1923, to Kazakhstan for burial.

Chechnya's Ramzan Kadyrov has been formally inaugurated for another term as head of the volatile Russian region.

Kadyrov, meanwhile, is facing criticism after his three sons -- all aged between 8 and 10 -- took part in a televised mixed-martial-arts fight.

WHAT I'M READING

Lana Estemirova, the daughter of slain human rights activist Natalya Estemirova, has a heartfelt piece in The Guardian remembering her mother and journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was shot dead 10 years ago this week.

"My mother, Natalia Estemirova, and the investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya had worked together for several years by 2006, and their professional bond had evolved into a deep friendship," she writes.

"My mother worked at the human rights center Memorial, where she gathered evidence of state abuses, while also delivering aid and medication to those in need. Together, they were a super team who investigated the most heart-wrenching and dangerous cases in war-torn Chechnya."

Going Rogue

Veteran Kremlin-watcher James Sherr has a thoughtful piece in The Moscow Times on how Russia has become a rogue, but is not yet a pariah.

"Russia, an emphatically modern state that elevates national (and regime) interest above all other things, has proved singularly adept at manipulating the conscience of a post-modern West distrustful of 'certainty' and lacking confidence in itself," Sherr writes.

Confronting Putin

New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman writes that it is time for the West to give Putin a taste of his own medicine.

"For a long time, Putin's excesses were just a tragedy for the Russian people and for many people in Ukraine and Syria, so President Obama could plausibly argue that the right response was economic sanctions and troop buildups in Eastern Europe. But in the last nine months, something has changed," Friedman writes.

In a piece for The National Interest, meanwhile, Gerald F. Hyman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in The American Interest asks, what does Putin want and how should the West deal with him?

"In short the policy should be firmness about core interests, openness to opportunities for cooperation, but all without illusions," Hyman writes.

"The alternative is the worlds second-strongest military power whose policies are determined entirely by a single man more sullen, isolated, resentful, wounded, mercurial, and bitter than perhaps he needs to be."

Is Putin Really Winning?

Also in The National Interest, Nikolas Gvosdev argues that the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine are not going as well for Putin as many believe.

"Russia was clearly banking on being able to gain some concessions from Europe before the new U.S. administration took office in January. But it appears that the pleas of the outgoing Obama administration to maintain the status quo on Russia will be honored," Gvosdev writes.

Kiriyenko Goes To The Kremlin

Political analyst Aleksandr Morozov has a piece in Slon about what we should expect from Sergei KIriyenko in his new job as deputy Kremlin chief of staff, where he replaces the the regime's chief political strategist, Vyacheslav Volodin.

Another Putin Pal Unmasked

Mikhail Khodorkovsky's Open Wall web portal has a piece on Pyotr Kolbin, a childhood friend of Putin and the former co-owner of Gunvar.

Marketing A Tragedy

The Washington Post's newly minted Moscow bureau chief David Filipov has a feature out on the Russian company is selling childrens beds resembling the missile launcher that downed MH17

Preparing For War?

The Independent takes a look at the civil-defense drills Russia launched this week involving 200,000 emergency personnel and 40 million civilians.
Kerstin Malmgren of Sweden sits at Linda Godfreys kitchen table in Mason City, looking over old letters and photos.

The pair have 49 years of friendship between them. A friendship that began with a Junior Scholastic pen pal club that Linda joined for 25 cents in Estherville. Now, both 66 years old, they call themselves sisters.

They first began writing to each other when they were in high school in 1967.

We were 16 going on 17, Kerstin and Linda sang, laughing.

We have the same sense of humor, Kerstin said.

Kerstin, who learned English in school, was encouraged by her teacher to find a pen pal to keep the foreign language fresh and in use.

Its exhausting writing in English, Kerstin said.

Kerstins first letter was nine pages long, the longest letter shes written over the years, according to Linda.

She wrote about her country, the royal family, Linda said, pulling out the letter saved in a plastic sleeve.

Linda has several large boxes filled with letters and pictures from their 49 years.

They bonded quickly because both sides of Lindas family are Swedish and she took an interest in her heritage. Through Kerstin, she was able to learn more about her familys history.

On her honeymoon, she took me, my mom and dad to my dads family farm back then, Linda said. I mean, she spent her honeymoon with us.

At the time, Linda said, phone calls to Sweden could cost as much $12 per minute, by her estimate.

The pair called each other once a year but it was always difficult to say goodbye.

I would cry and cry after, Kerstin said. Its easier now, I know we will see each other.

Linda made her first trip to Sweden in 1973.

I felt like I knew her my whole life, Linda said. We were like sisters. It was so easy.

Since then, the pair have traded visits between Iowa and Sweden. Theyve been to each others weddings, family gatherings and typically stay for a few weeks. Both womens parents are deceased but each family loved the other like their own child.

It (friendship) has meant everything, Linda said.

Linda has been to Sweden 7 times and Kerstin to the U.S. 10 times.

When you arrive at the airport you never know what the other will be wearing, Linda said, laughing and holding a picture of the two in Dr. Seuss-like hats with each countrys flag.

Sometimes Linda will get matching sweaters or make T-shirts for the occasion. The pair enjoy more than each others company as theyve found treats in each country they like.

Our likes and dislikes are very similar, Kerstin said. I find myself thinking of Linda every day. Oh, I think Linda will like this or No, she would not like that!

Linda enjoys many Swedish delicacies. Most recently, Kirsten smuggled some red caviar and a special Swedish flat bread in to her friend. While Kerstin enjoys many American foods, root beer is her absolute favorite treat since its a soda that cant be found in her country.

Oh Ive sent it to her, Linda said. Back when you could bring stuff in your carry on and through customs, I brought two 12-packs of A&W in my suitcase to Sweden.

Those sodas made her luggage quite heavy. Thats love, they said.

Through it all theyve experienced lifes ups and downs together, giving each other comfort and advice along the way. With technology, communication has become much easier over the years.

We talk every few weeks now, Linda said. Im a card person so I send a lot of cards.

Kerstin will go back to Sweden on Oct. 12 and Linda knows there will be plenty of tears. The pair will celebrate their 50th anniversary in Sweden next year.

It has meant a friendship that there are no words for, Kerstin said, tearing up.

Its deep, Linda said. You have to listen to each other and work at it.
Ukraine has summoned the Russian consul in Kyiv after Moscow detained one of its state media journalists for alleged espionage.

Roman Sushchenko, a Paris-based correspondent of the Ukrinform news agency, was detained in Moscow on September 30 and later charged with espionage.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mariana Betsa said the Russian consul was summoned on October 6 to give an explanation as to why Kyiv officials had been denied access to the reporter.

"This is a direct violation of human rights and international law," Betsa said.

Russia has no ambassador in Kyiv.

Meanwhile, some 30 Ukrainian reporters picketed Russia's Embassy in the Ukrainian capital in protest over Sushchenko's arrest, and some Ukrainian lawmakers pushed for the introduction of travel visas for Russians in retaliation for Moscow's move.

Sushchenko's lawyers say the charge against their client is trumped-up, adding that he was in the Russian capital to visit relatives.

Based on reporting by AFP and Interfax
U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump appeared to backtrack on his praise of Vladimir Putin, saying he is now unsure how his relationship with the Russian president will evolve.

A day after his running mate Mike Pence broke ranks during a vice presidential debate and called Putin "a small and bullying leader," Trump adjusted his own previously warm rhetoric toward the Russian.

"I don't love[Putin]. I don't hate. We'll see how it works," Trump told supporters in Nevada on October 5. "Maybe we'll have a good relationship. Maybe we'll have a horrible relationship. Maybe we'll have a relationship right in the middle."

Trump has previously asserted that, if elected, he would have a good relationship with Putin, who he praised as a strong leader.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has repeatedly criticized and highlighted Trump's praise for Putin as evidence he lacks the good judgment needed to be president, while she has raised questions about the real estate mogul's business interests in Russia.

Clinton repeated the charges on October 5, saying Trump has "this weird fascination with dictators."

"My opponent seems not to know the difference between an ally and adversary," Clinton said at a fund-raiser in Washington. "There seems to be some misunderstanding about what it means to have a dictatorship and provide leadership."

Pence, in contrast to Trump, during the October 4 vice-presidential debate denounced Russia for its "barbarous" attacks on the Syrian city of Aleppo, where Russian aerial bombing has provided backup for Syrian regime forces attempting to retake rebel-held parts of the city.

Pence also went further than Trump and said the United States should use military force against regime targets in Syria unless Russia stops its Aleppo bombing campaign.

But instead, he noted that the Obama administration decided earlier this week to abandon joint efforts to negotiate a cease-fire with Russia, leading Russia in the days since to bolster its forces and presence in Syria with the goal of helping the Syrian regime win the civil war there.

"The small and bullying leader of Russia is now dictating terms to the United States," Pence said.

While Trump changed his tune and cooled some toward Putin on October 5, he continued to maintain that Russia could be a valuable ally in the fight against the Islamic State extremist group in Syria and Iraq.

"I will say if we get along with Russia and Russia went out with us and knocked the hell out of ISIS, that's OK with me, folks," he said.

With reporting by AP and Reuters
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Mike Pence went into the Farmville, Virginia, vice presidential debate as a lame-duck, one-term governor and left two hours later as the favorite for conservative Republicans to win the GOP presidential nomination for 2020. Of course that would require Donald Trump losing in November, but well get to that later.

Pence managed his 90-minute career comeback with a combination of a broadcast-quality performance (thanks to a past career as a radio host) and a shrewd political strategy of not even trying to defend much of the record of his own running mate, Trump.

Early in the debate, Kaine threw out the catnip that had crippled Trumps performance in last weeks debate against Hillary Clinton  references to Miss Universe, Trumps tax rate, his curious praise for dictators as strong and insults for women as pigs or disgusting.

But Pence ignored the bait as any seasoned professional should. Trump couldnt help but defend himself, but Pence made a different choice.

Pence also affirmatively hit on all of Trumps inexplicable omissions from the last debate. Clintons emails? Check. Her private server, check. The Clinton Foundation, check. Her description of half of Trumps supporters as belonging in a basket of deplorables? Done and done.

That kind of blocking and hitting is the sign of a well-prepped candidate. But when it came to some of the most central aspects of Trumps candidacy, Pence chose to talk about a parallel universe that looked a lot more like Ronald Reagans Morning in America than Donald Trumps vision for the future.

Pence described Trumps foreign policy just as Reagan described his own, as peace through strength, even though Trump routinely talks about bombing the hell out of American adversaries and suggests that Japan either pay the U.S. more money for protection or acquire nuclear weapons of their own. Pence described Vladimir Putin as small and bullying while Trump has described Putin as a strong leader for Russia.

On immigration, Pence described Trumps position as securing the border, building a wall and deporting criminal aliens  a process that any member of the Gang of Eight could recognize as their own idea  even though Trumps entire candidacy has been animated since the beginning by his promise to deport all illegal immigrants, not just criminal aliens, with what Trump has described as a deportation force.

They have to go, Trump tells his crowds, they have to go.

When the debate turned to social issues like abortion, Kaine asked Pence why Trump would call for punishing women who seek abortions. Pence responded that he and Trump would never suggest punishing women for making that choice, even though Trump suggested exactly that in an interview with Chris Matthews.

Pence capped off the debate by declaring, I couldnt be prouder to be Donald Trumps running mate.

Was it helpful to Trump that Pence delivered a top-flight defense of his candidacy, even though the Trump who Pence described doesnt really exist?

Trump might have preferred a more vigorous defense of the things he has actually said and done, but in a year when facts hardly matter, Pences steady delivery may be all voters needed from Trumps VP pick if they were just looking for a sign of adults in the room of a Trump administration.

For disheartened conservatives, Pences performance was more than that. It was as a reminder, after months of Trump, of what its really like to see a fellow conservative on a national platform, talking about issues they care about in a way that is respectful and effective.

If Trump wins, conservatives can know that at least one of their own will be in the administration to fight their battles for them. If he loses, conservatives got a view Tuesday night of what their future could look like after Trump, a phase many would like to pretend never happened in the first place.

Either way, its obvious that conservatives future will include Mike Pence.

Mark your calendars for Iowa 2020.
Three men have been charged in the alleged sexual assault of a child and the production of child pornography in Northern Virginia on Saturday.

Benjamin Faulkner, 25, and Patrick Falte, 26, were arrested at a home in Montpelier and named in a criminal complaint alleging they crossed a state line with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a person under age 12. A third man, Thomas Hix, 28, was charged with the sexual exploitation of a child.

Authorities would not release their hometowns. Court papers indicate that Faulkner is from Canada, Falte from another state and Hix from Northern Virginia.

Aside from the location where Faulkner and Falte met Friday and were arrested Monday, it is unclear if the Montpelier address had any other role in the alleged events.

According to an affidavit filed in the case, the assault occurred while the two men who were arrested in Montpelier were under electronic tracking surveillance in Virginia by agents with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.

It is not known from the affidavit, written by a special agent with Homeland Securitys Child Exploitation Unit in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., why the agents were asked to monitor Falte and Faulkner or if they suspected there was any imminent danger to a child.

Such affidavits often leave out many details and contain only enough information to establish probable cause for arrest warrants.

The affidavit said that last Friday, agents in HSIs Washington child exploitation group were asked by two HSI offices elsewhere to monitor the movements of the two men.

A warrant authorizing a tracking device was obtained for Faltes vehicle by one of the other HSI offices.

On Friday, Faulkner drove the vehicle from another state to the undisclosed location in Montpelier.

That same day, Falte crossed the Canadian border into the U.S. and his car was also spotted at the Montpelier address by agents.

On Saturday morning the GPS tracking device showed that Faltes vehicle traveled north to the Washington area, stopping at a hotel in Northern Virginia around 1:30 p.m.

Agents spotted Falte and Faulkner leaving the hotel that evening for dinner. Shortly after that, electronic surveillance placed Faltes vehicle at an address that later proved to be Hixs.

On Sunday morning Falte and Faulkner left the hotel, each carrying a bag that they placed in the trunk, and then they apparently drove back to Montpelier. That same day agents obtained a warrant from a U.S. magistrate judge in Richmond to search the Montpelier address as well as Faulkner and Faltes vehicles.

The search was carried out on Monday, according to the affidavit. The two men were read their rights and questioned, each allegedly admitting they traveled to Virginia from outside the state to have sex with the child and to produce pornography.

The assault allegedly occurred at Hixs address in Northern Virginia.

The affidavit alleges a preview of Faulkners laptop computer seized by authorities showed roughly 30 images and three videos of the sexual abuse of a prepubescent minor. The three men allegedly communicated through internet forums and platforms and agreed to meet at various locations to sexually abuse the child.

On Tuesday a federal judge in Nashville dismissed a complaint against Faulkner and Falte for undisclosed alleged criminal activity in light of the charges they now face in Richmond.

The order said the government expects to renew charges in Tennessee at a later date.

Records show that all three men are in custody. Faulkner and Falte are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge David J. Novak on Thursday for preliminary and detention hearings.

No information was available for Hixs next court appearance.
Richmond mayoral front-runner Joseph D. Morrissey held a news conference at his law office Wednesday to condemn a Richmond Times-Dispatch opinion column that described Morrissey as having an enduring appeal to the citys underclass.

Written by political columnist Jeff E. Schapiro, the column in Wednesdays newspaper drew heavily on an interview with former congressman Tom Bliley, who helped advocate for the establishment of the strong-mayor form of government in 2003 and said he is concerned that Morrisseys election would make the city a laughingstock.

Bliley supports former Venture Richmond Director Jack Berry, who so far has come closest in the polls to challenging Morrissey.

Morrissey called the comments offensive. If Jeff would take off his bow tie and go down into the neighborhoods, hed see that my supporters are ... neither the underclass nor are they oppressed, Morrissey said.

The Times-Dispatchs executive editor, Paige Mudd, said the newspaper stands behind its coverage, which she described as being provided by veteran reporters and columnists.

Morrissey also criticized Bliley and the newspapers editorial board for appearing to encourage white candidates to exit the race to strengthen Berrys position.

Nothing was said about black candidates who are polling in low numbers getting out, he said. What theyre advocating ... is for folks to coalesce around one white candidate but keep the black candidates in there so youll dilute the black vote. And thats disgraceful.

Bliley declined to comment on Morrisseys remarks.

A poll conducted by Christopher Newport University in August found that 50 percent of black voters polled said they would vote for Morrissey, compared with 4 percent of white voters, who heavily favored Berry, but were also divided among other candidates, namely Councilman Jon Baliles and former Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney.

Morrisseys support also is split among income levels: 47 percent of voters who make less than $50,000 annually said they support him.

Bob Holsworth, a former political scientist at Virginia Commonwealth University and longtime political commentator, called the reference to Morrisseys supporters unfortunate and said Morrissey has a justifiable beef there.

But he questioned Morrisseys allegations of bias in the growing calls for candidates to drop out of the seven-person field.

I didnt see Bliley or Schapiro calling for white vote consolidation as much as Bliley was calling for a consolidation of the opposition, he said.

More than anything, Holsworth said, Morrisseys news conference struck him as smart politics.

He doesnt have the funds to compete with Berry or Stoney on the airwaves. And so what I think he skillfully does is try to find a way of making news every week. Last week he did it with the statue. This week hes doing it with Jeffs column. And it actually demonstrates sort of his political skill.

Stoneys campaign, apparently sensing an opening, distributed a statement characterizing the flare-up as a bickering between Berry and Morrissey.
Twenty-three people were arrested Wednesday for trespassing in front of the Executive Mansion following a peaceful, three-day protest urging Gov. Terry McAuliffe to reject a pair of proposed fracked-gas pipelines, require power companies to clean up or move coal ash ponds before closing them and pass measures to prevent rising sea levels.

Were fed up, said Russell Chisholm, of Newport in Giles County. Were not professional activists. Were real people who are being impacted by and care deeply about these issues. Enough that were willing to risk arrest to make our point.

The protesters, organized by Chesapeake Climate Action Network, a Maryland-based nonprofit fighting global warming, totaled about 50 people on their third day of activity around the capitol grounds. About half stepped up their efforts by blocking the mansions entrance in hopes of sending a stronger message to McAuliffe. The group said the governor has failed to meet with them time and time again and their opposition has fallen on deaf ears.

I am here today to remind Gov. McAuliffe that when called to serve, I did not shrug my shoulders and claim, Not my job, Chisholm, an Army veteran who served in Desert Storm, told the crowd. He was referencing McAuliffes response in a recent interview where the governor stated he could not stop the pipeline project, even if he wanted to, which is in the midst of a lengthy environmental review process by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The governors office did not respond to requests for comment.

Chisholm lives within walking distance of the Appalachian Trail and just a few miles from the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline that would extend almost 300 miles from Wetzel County, W.Va., to an existing pipeline hub in Pittsylvania County. He smiled and held a clenched fist in the air as officers from the Virginia Capitol Police escorted him to a tent set up in area cordoned off crime scene tape.

Lee Williams, of Richmond, said she wanted to be arrested because she felt her voice wasnt being heard through the other means.

I have testified at water board meetings, talked about cancer clusters and the ill effects of fracking. Ive called my senators, delegates, local lawmakers. I written letters, Williams said. Ive gotten blank stares. I feel like my voice is not being heard. Ive tried democracy.

Instead, the group resorted to an act of civil disobedience. At about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, the group, ranging from college students to an 83-year-old woman, lined up in front off a gate that leads to the governors mansion and chanted. They even notified Capitol Police ahead of time saying some of them wanted to be arrested to make their point.

Officers asked each protester individually to disperse and warned that they would be arrested if they did not comply. When they did not leave, the protesters were issued summons for trespassing and escorted off the premises. They will have to appear in Richmond General District Court in November for a hearing.

Nearly all of those arrested smiled and joked with the officers who never raised a hand or weapon.

These are regular people and they have a cause, said Capt. Raymond Goodloe, deputy chief of operations for the Division of Capital Police. Everyone was compliant  well, except when they were asked to move from blocking the driveway.

Katharine Layton, of Fort Valley, said she hopes their actions will inspire more people to speak out.

We want people to know they dont have to take things lying down, Layton said.
Richmond police are investigating after two men where shot late Wednesday in South Richmond.

Officers were called at 11:45 to the 3000 block of Hull Street near Broad Rock Road, where they found a man who had been shot in the back, police said.

Not far away, officers found a man who had apparently been grazed by a bullet in the 3400 block of Hull Street.

Police are trying to determine if the shootings are related. No suspects have been identified.

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective James Baynes at (804) 646-3617 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or at www.7801000.com.

Submit tips to GUN250 about persons illegally possessing guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword GUN250 followed by the tip. Rewards up to $250 possible.
A man wanted in Henrico County in connection with two robberies of people attempting to purchase items advertised on social media was arrested in New York City.

Clayton Mollette Jr., 18, of the Bronx, N.Y., has been charged with three counts of robbery and three counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Both robberies occurred on Sept. 5, according to a statement from Henrico police. The first took place at 2:10 p.m. in the 4000 block of Sprenkle Lane, the second at 5:40 p.m. in the 1900 block of Greenwood Glen Drive. Police said each of the victims were attempting to purchase items sold on social media.

On Tuesday, Henrico detectives, along with members of the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and the New York City Police Department, arrested Mollette in New York City.
Henrico police have arrested a 33-year-old man in connection with a string of commercial robberies in the county's west end.

Jeremy Lemech Graham of Henrico was arrested Tuesday after police said he robbed a business in the 6800 block of Paragon Place.

According to Henrico police, officers saw a vehicle leaving the area of the robbery and ultimately stopped it with the assistance of Richmond police.

Graham has been charged with robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in Tuesday's robbery.
A Richmond nonprofit focusing on computer science education is partnering with Richard Bland College of William & Mary to help teachers gain college credit.

CodeVA has signed an agreement with the college that allows teachers to get three credit hours for taking the classes Exploring Computer Science and AP Computer Science Principles.

The idea is to make sure teachers across the commonwealth will receive the training necessary to educate students in computer science, providing them with the fundamental skills needed to be competitive in todays high-tech world, according to CodeVa and Bland.

With the partnership in place, teachers will sign up for the classes through Bland but take the courses with CodeVA. Bland will issue the credit that teachers will be able to use to meet licensing requirements.

This allows them a variety of benefits, Chris Dovi, CodeVAs executive director, said Wednesday. It keeps them actively engaged. It lets them know theyre not just being pushed toward teaching a new subject but are valued for what theyre doing. It also helps them towards their accreditation.

Getting teachers the training they need is critical, state education officials say, after the legislature unanimously approved a measure that calls for the Board of Education to incorporate computer science-related material into the SOL curriculum and current requirements.

Participating in CodeVA teacher training is the first step for teachers to obtain a valuable endorsement to instruct computer science classes to K-12 students, a foundation that is critical to success at college and on the job, Blands president, Debbie L. Sydow, said in a statement.

Dovi said that progress is being made and that less than 50 teachers in Virginia taught computer science three years ago, when CodeVa began.

Adding computer science to the curriculum is part of an effort to change education in the state that is aimed at better preparing students for the modern job market, state education officials say.

According to a statement released by CodeVA and Richard Bland, 70 percent of jobs in science, technology, engineering and math are in computing with the demand for people with those skill growing.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has called it a public health crisis  an estimated 20 veterans commit suicide every day. So it is no trivial matter that a suicide hotline run by the VA is failing to answer the phone.

The former director of the Veterans Crisis Line told The Associated Press that an average of 35 to 40 percent of the calls to the hotline in May went unanswered by the crisis-trained health science specialists at the VCLs location in Canandaigua, New York. The calls rolled over to backup centers run by a contractor and staffed by workers, sometimes volunteers, who lack specialized training.

Thats consistent with the findings of the Government Accountability Office, which ran a covert test of the Veterans Crisis Line during the summer of 2015. Investigators determined that the suicide hotline met the VAs call response time goals  answering the phone within 30 seconds or sometimes 60 seconds  only 65 to 75 percent of the time. The rest of the calls were transferred to one of five backup call centers, where some callers were left on hold.

The VAs policy prohibits Veterans Crisis Line staffers from placing callers on hold without first completing a suicide assessment.

The VA has made a few changes, including modifying the contract with the backup call center provider to prohibit voicemail. The agency said it will hire more staff for the primary call center in New York and open another one in Atlanta.

The fact is, the crisis line has not been able to keep pace with the crisis.

From 2008 to 2015, the number of calls to the Veterans Crisis Line increased by nearly 700 percent. Last year the VCL received over 500,000 calls, and no one knows how many more callers may accidentally have reached a call center not operated by the VA.

The Veterans Crisis Line shares a national toll-free number with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  800-273-TALK (8255). A recorded message instructs veterans and their families to press 1 to be connected to the VCL. No one collects statistics on how many people trying to reach the Veterans Crisis Line miss the Press 1 instruction and are connected to one of the Lifeline call centers, which have not met the VAs requirements for services, staffing and training.

On Monday, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act. The bill, now in the Senate, requires the VA to ensure that a qualified person responds to calls and texts to the crisis line in a timely manner.

It shouldnt take a new law to do that. Someone in the administration should pick up the phone.

 By the Orange County Register, Tribune News Service
Anne Holton, wife of Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine, joined four other Virginia first ladies in Richmond on Thursday at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia to urge women to turn out for Hillary Clinton and Kaine on Election Day.

Holton, Virginias first lady from 2006 to 2010, also has been a legal aid lawyer, a Richmond juvenile court judge and secretary of education under current Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

She told of watching Clinton visit with a woman who drove the charter bus that carried Clinton and Kaine through Pennsylvania and Ohio after the Democratic National Convention. During a break, the bus driver used FaceTime on her phone to check in with her children in Georgia.

Holton said that when the bus driver got off the phone, Clinton struck up a conversation with the woman about work-family balance and how sick leave policy could help.

Thats our working woman president, Holton said.

The event kicked off Women for Action, a group of Virginia women who will push turnout for Clinton and Kaine in the Nov. 8 election.

Virginias current first lady, Dorothy McAuliffe, said, Its just going to be so exciting to have a career child advocate in the White House.

Holton also was joined by her mother, Virginia Jinks Holton, Virginias first lady from 1970 to 1974; Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson, wife of former Gov. and U.S. Sen. Charles S. Robb and first lady from 1982 to 1986; and Jeannie Baliles, former wife of Gov. Gerald L. Baliles. She was Virginias first lady from 1986 to 1990.

The five women have been friends for years. All are the wives of Democrats who served as governor, except Jinks Holton. Her husband, Linwood Holton, was Virginias first Republican governor of the 20th century.

Baliles said that in 33 days, were going to break through the glass ceiling and then all of the strong women I know in this room and around this commonwealth and around this country are going to pick up the pieces and put this country back together again.

Robb repeated a line she often used late in her husbands campaigns for governor and U.S. Senate. Its calling and hauling time, she said.

Robb said Clinton believes every mother is a working woman and that Clinton wants to make sure that women who work outside the home are getting paid what theyre worth.

Stephanie McGrath, Virginia communications director for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps Virginia campaign, said in a statement: Virginia women know all too well what four years of Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine will bring  the same economic misery that weve seen for the last eight years under President Obama.

Work-life balance doesnt mean much when you cant find a job, or when your family hasnt had a raise in nearly a decade. Thats why Virginians are voting for change in November.

Before the discussion, the first ladies toured the black history museum. Anne Holton and her mother posed next to a photograph of Governor Holton escorting Annes sister, Tayloe, to Richmonds predominantly black John F. Kennedy High School in the fall of 1970.

Anne Holton said the photo was a moving memory of a moment in history. She added that her sister was wearing my dress in the photo.

During the first ladies discussion, McAuliffe looked beyond Election Day.

Kaine will be a great vice president, she said, and then, who knows?
A green-haired clown scared a woman while she was sitting in her car on Stafford Avenue on Tuesday afternoon near the Greyhound bus station, according to Fredericksburg police.

Were taking this very seriously, said Tabatha Timmons, a city police spokeswoman. This has been the only incident that we are aware of. No one else has come forward.

Someone wearing a clown mask approached the womans car about 3 p.m., reached inside her window, touched her shoulder and then growled at her, according to the police incident report.

The woman believed the suspect to be a man because of the sound of his voice, the report said.

The suspect was last seen running in the direction of Seacobeck Street wearing the clown mask and a black, long-sleeve shirt. The investigation is ongoing.

The report comes at a time when rumors of clowns threatening schools are being spread on social media nationwide.

Earlier this week, Stafford County schools and the Stafford Sheriffs Office issued a statement reassuring the public that the threats had been investigated and nothing concrete was found. Security was raised at the schools as a precaution.

Parents in Caroline also reported that their children had seen threats online last week, and parents in Spotsylvania said they received a letter from the schools about creepy clown concerns there. Caroline and Spotsylvania officials did not return requests for comment.

This is the first incident or report of any kind she was aware of in Fredericksburg, Timmons said, noting that the lack of any kind of reports had been a topic of discussion among officers before the incident occurred.
Deputies uncovered a mobile methamphetamine lab in a minivan after two vehicles collided Thursday morning on U.S. 17 in York County, the sheriff's department said.

When deputies arrived at the accident scene about 7 a.m., they discovered odors consistent with meth production coming from a minivan, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies then called a York County hazmat team and the Tri-Rivers Narcotics Task Force to help investigate.

Members of the task force found items and chemicals used to produce meth, containers actively cooking meth, finished meth, a syringe and a small amount of marijuana inside the van, the sheriff's office said.

Jennifer D. Kendrick, 27, of the 9400 Block of Selby Place in Norfolk, was charged with meth possession. She is being held without bond at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.

One deputy at the scene was taken to the hospital for exposure to chemical fumes while at the scene, the sheriff's office said. His injury is not considered life-threatening.
Sen. Tim Kaines aggressive interruptions of Mike Pence during their debate Tuesday at Longwood University surprised some longtime observers of Virginia politics, who gave the Indiana governor an edge on style points.

But analysts said the theatrics largely will be forgotten by Sunday, when the presidential nominees  Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton  hold their second debate at Washington University in St. Louis.

Kaine was far more the litigator than weve ever seen in his political career, Robert Holsworth, a political analyst formerly at Virginia Commonwealth University, said of the U.S. senator from Virginia.

Pence did quite a good job remaining cool under attack, he added.

Stylistically, I would agree with most people who thought Pence had an advantage, he said, in part due to the constant interruptions.

But Holsworth said Pence never attempted to defend Trump on some key controversies.

Pence did himself some good, but its an open question of whether he did Trump any good, Holsworth said.

Kaine, the Democrat, was in Farmville with one purpose  to keep the focus on Trump  at probably some personal cost to his reputation as someone who ordinarily is more subtle in his approach, Holsworth said.

While Kaine probably lost the debate stylistically, there likely is little regret in the Clinton camp because the overall dynamics of the race likely are unchanged, Holsworth said.

Robert Denton, head of the Department of Communication at Virginia Tech, said he is not sure that Kaine helped the Democrats case with leaners or undecideds.

We know hes an excellent debater, Denton said of Kaine. We know hes very smart.

But the Tim Kaine we saw last night was not the Tim Kaine I have known in previous debates.

Dan Palazzolo, chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Richmond, said Kaines goal was to make sure he pushed Pence on some of the more controversial aspects of Trumps campaign. That affected the tenor of the debate, he said.

Fair-minded voters will come away from the debate concluding that either Kaine or Pence could step in and serve as president, Palazzolo said.

They both passed the capability test.

Pence really set himself up well for 2020 should Clinton win the election Nov. 8 and the Indiana governor decides to seek the next GOP presidential nomination, Palazzolo said.

As for Kaine, the image of aggressiveness might not have a long-term effect, particularly if the Democrats win Nov. 8, Palazzolo said.

If you serve as vice president, that is the best place to be in order to seek a presidential nomination someday, Palazzolo said.
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 05, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MVP REIT, Inc. and MVP REIT II, Inc. (the REITs), both publicly registered non-traded real estate investment trusts, entered into a credit agreement with KeyBank National Association for a $30 million revolving credit facility with accordion expansion options to increase the facility size up to $100 million. The initial term is two years and matures on October 5, 2018.

The closing of this facility marks a milestone for the REITs, said Michael Shustek, chairman and chief executive officer of MVP REIT, and president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of MVP REIT II. It will provide both companies with increased flexibility and a reduced cost of capital which should facilitate the growth of their portfolios of parking assets.

About MVP REIT, Inc.

MVP REIT is a publicly registered, non-traded hybrid real estate investment trust which completed its initial public offering in September 2015. MVP REIT primarily invests in parking facilities throughout the United States, secured by long term leases with national and regional operators. MVP REITs portfolio currently includes investments in 27 parking facilities with over 5,800 parking spaces. For more information regarding MVP REIT, please visit TheParkingREIT.com.

About MVP REIT II, Inc.

MVP REIT II, Inc. intends to operate as a publicly registered, non-traded real estate investment trust. It is currently conducting an initial registered public offering of up to 20,000,000 shares of its common stock at $25.00 per share and up to an additional 2,000,000 shares of its common stock for issuance under its distribution reinvestment plan at $25.00 per share. MVP REIT II intends to invest in a portfolio of parking facilities located throughout the United States and Canada, secured by long term leases with national and regional operators. MVP REIT IIs portfolio currently includes investments in 13 parking facilities with over 3,000 parking spaces. For more information regarding MVP REIT II, please visit TheParkingREIT.com.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws and regulations. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "should," "will," and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions and forecasts of future results. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. These risks include, but are not limited to: volatility in the debt or equity markets affecting our ability to acquire or sell real estate assets; national and local economic, business and real estate market conditions, including the likelihood of a prolonged economic slowdown or recession; the ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and our access to capital markets; our ability to identify, successfully compete for and complete acquisitions and loans; and the performance of real estate assets and loans after they are acquired. Although MVP believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, they can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. MVP does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained herein to conform the statement to actual results or changes in expectations. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.
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At a joint meeting of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors and School Board, officials from the county, the schools, and the business community praised the partnership that has formed to offer state-of-the-art learning opportunities for the countys students.

The advanced welding lab at the Botetourt Technical Education Center (BTEC) is a nationally accredited lab that can provide the highest level certifications to its students. Open for nine years, the advanced welding lab recently won a state grant and much support from the community in order to more fully train the welders of tomorrow.

We a truly proud of the program here in Botetourt County, said Botetourt County Public Schools Superintendent John Busher. When a student graduates from the welding program and goes into the workforce, we know that that student is one of the best welders starting out in the country.

The advanced welding lab has three overarching goals: building an applicant pool of superior welders for area businesses, enhancing partnerships with community industries, and providing the foundation for adult education opportunities. During the development of the lab, the driving force in achieving these goals has been the Botetourt County Education Foundation. The success of the Education Foundation in this endeavor is evident with the partnerships formed with Altec Industries, Arkay Packaging, Dynax America, Gala Industries, Roanoke Cement, Tread Corporation, and other community institutions.

This opportunity was the perfect confluence of the desire of students for welding education and the needs of industry in the region, said Brian Price, maintenance and facilities manager for Altec and a member of the Education Foundation. This was a chance for the Foundation, Altec, and other business partners to support the community in order to fill a distinct need for our local industries.

Throughout this process, it has been evident that Botetourt County is forging new ground with the advanced welding lab. By bringing in support from the state in the form of the Governors Competition for Talent Solutions Grant and support from the community, the county is able to offer a world-class technical education to its students.

We have built strong partnerships in Botetourt that are supporting every part of the community, said County Administrator Gary Larrowe. The private sector, the schools, and the government have all worked together to give something special to our students and our future workforce.

As needs arise in both the education and business sectors, the county will continue to look for innovative partnerships like those that have supported the advanced welding lab.

Submitted by Cody Sexton
BUDAPEST, Hungary, Oct. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cloudera, the global provider of the fastest, easiest, and most secure data management and analytics platform built on Apache Hadoop and the latest open source technologies, today announced the inauguration of its new Budapest offices by Levente Magyar, State Secretary for Economic Diplomacy for Hungary. Working with the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA), Cloudera is expanding its Budapest location to serve as a notable R&D center for Central Europe, a recruitment hub for local talent, and to serve as a technology ambassador to universities and other local businesses.

Clouderas new offices will expand to incorporate R&D, recruitment for talent across Central Europe, and foster partnerships with other electronics manufacturers and research companies in the region who are also drivers of innovation and economic growth in the country. Clouderas roadmap for their offices in Budapest is centered on building long-term collaborative relationships aimed at investing in the local talent and economy through its proximity to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and eighteen universities including Eotvos Lorand University, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and the Central European University. The new facility, located next to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, represents Cloudera's substantial commitment to Budapestone of the largest regional economies in the European Union.

"The Hungarian Government looks for partners who are willing to make strategic investments in our local economy. Clouderas commitment to the region by expanding their operations and creating more new skilled job opportunities in the ICT market is important to supporting our goal of being one of the leading knowledge centers in Europe," said State Secretary for Economic Diplomacy for Hungary, Levente Magyar. We look forward to a long and meaningful partnership with Cloudera.

By 2019, Cloudera expects to be fully operational across all areas of our business and to have achieved staffing capacity. Broadening our presence here in Budapest is an important step for us as a company, said Mike Olson, chief strategy officer for Cloudera. Its a vibrant city of innovation with a wealth of opportunity for startups and enterprises alike and where the latest advances in technology and cutting edge R&D present opportunities to gain first hand experience. This presence will deepen our ability to serve and support our customers all across Central Europe and contribute to the local economy in a meaningful way.





About Cloudera

Cloudera delivers the modern data management and analytics platform built on Apache Hadoop and the latest open source technologies. The worlds leading organizations trust Cloudera to help solve their most challenging business problems with Cloudera Enterprise, the fastest, easiest and most secure data platform available for the modern world. Our customers efficiently capture, store, process and analyze vast amounts of data, empowering them to use advanced analytics to drive business decisions quickly, flexibly and at lower cost than has been possible before. To ensure our customers are successful, we offer comprehensive support, training and professional services. Learn more at http://cloudera.com.

Connect with Cloudera

Read our blogs: blog.cloudera.com and vision.cloudera.com

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/cloudera

Visit us on Facebook: facebook.com/cloudera

Join the Cloudera Community: cloudera.com/community

Cloudera, Cloudera's Platform for Big Data, Cloudera Enterprise Data Hub Edition, Cloudera Enterprise Flex Edition, Cloudera Enterprise Basic Edition, Cloudera Navigator Optimizer and CDH are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cloudera Inc. in the United States, and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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Twenty-three people were arrested Wednesday for trespassing in front of the Governors Mansion following a peaceful, three-day protest urging Gov. Terry McAuliffe to reject a pair of proposed fracked-gas pipelines, require power companies to clean up or move coal ash ponds before closing them, and pass measures to prevent rising sea levels.

Were fed up, said Russell Chisholm, of Newport in Giles County. Were not professional activists. Were real people who are being impacted by and care deeply about these issues. Enough that were willing to risk arrest to make our point.

The protesters, organized by Chesapeake Climate Action Network, a Maryland-based nonprofit fighting global warming, totaled about 50 people on their third day of activity around the capitol grounds. About half stepped up their efforts by blocking the mansions entrance in hopes of sending a stronger message to McAuliffe. The group said the governor has failed to meet with them time and time again and their opposition has fallen on deaf ears.

I am here today to remind Governor McAuliffe that when called to serve I did not shrug my shoulders and claim, Not my job,  Chisholm, an Army veteran who served in Desert Storm, told the crowd. He was referencing McAuliffes response in a recent interview where the governor said that even if he wanted to, he could not stop the pipeline project, which is in the midst of a lengthy environmental review process by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The governors office did not respond to requests for comment.

Chisholm, from the Newport area of Giles County, lives within walking distance of the Appalachian Trial and just a few miles from the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline that would extend almost 300 miles from Wetzel County, W.Va., to an existing pipeline hub in Pittsylvania County. He and his wife, Anna, also an Army veteran, draw drinking water from a spring that could be affected by the construction and operation of the pipeline through karst terrain in the Newport area.

Chisholm smiled and held a clenched fist in the air as officers from the Virginia Capitol Police escorted him to a tent set up in an area cordoned off by crime scene tape.

Rick Shingles, also of Giles County, said protestors hoped to encourage the governor and legislators to do whats best for the state instead of being swayed by utility monopolies. He said McAuliffe has been unwilling to meet with people who could be directly affected by the pipelines.

Virginians have been disenfranchised from decisions determining our environment, health and welfare by state monopolies, mainly Dominion, that own Virginias energy polices, Shingles said.

Lee Williams, of Richmond, said she wanted to be arrested because she felt her voice wasnt being heard through other means.

I have testified at water board meetings, talked about cancer clusters and the ill effects of fracking. Ive called my senators, delegates, local lawmakers. Ive written letters, Williams said. Ive gotten blank stares. I feel like my voice is not being heard. Ive tried democracy.

Instead, the group resorted to an act of civil disobedience. On Wednesday, around 12:30 p.m. the group, ranging from college students to an 83-year-old woman, lined up in front off a gate that leads to the governors mansion and chanted.

They even notified Capitol Police ahead of time.

Officers asked each protester individually to disperse and warned that they would be arrested if they did not comply. When they did not leave, the protesters were issued summons for trespassing and escorted off the premises. They will have to appear in Richmond General District Court in November for a hearing.

These are regular people and they have a cause, said Capt. Raymond Goodloe, deputy chief of operations for the Division of Capitol Police. Everyone was compliant  well, except when they were asked to move from blocking the driveway.

Katharine Layton, of Fort Valley, said she hopes their actions will inspire more people to speak out.

We want people to know they dont have to take things lying down, Layton said.
Primary endpoint results expected as early as the first quarter of 2017

Investor conference call scheduled for October 11, 2016

VANCOUVER, Washington, Oct. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB:CYDY), a biotechnology company focused on the development of new antibody therapies for combating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, announces that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted protocol modifications for the Companys Phase 3 pivotal trial with PRO 140 in combination with current standard-of-care antiretroviral therapy (ART) for highly treatment-experienced patients with HIV. The new protocol reduces the number of patients to be enrolled in the trial from 150 to 30 patients and lowers the primary endpoint for viral load reduction from viral load of 0.7log to viral load of 0.5log. The Company intends to provide data from its monotherapy trial (conducted in parallel to this study) to satisfy the safety portion of its pivotal trial and will meet with the FDA when the trials primary end point data becomes available to further discuss the safety portion requirement.

We view these protocol modifications as highly favorable in accelerating the clinical development of PRO 140 and advancing this therapy toward approval for patients infected with HIV, said Nader Pourhassan, Ph.D., CytoDyn President and CEO. Decreasing patient enrollment by 80% will dramatically reduce the cost of this trial, while advancing the anticipated time to report the primary endpoint results to as early as the first quarter of 2017. This pivotal trial could lead to the first FDA approval for PRO 140.

Conference Call and Webcast Instructions

CytoDyns management team will host a conference call and live audio webcast on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. ET to further discuss the Phase 3 trial protocol modifications and the anticipated time and cost reductions, among other corporate updates.

Interested participants and investors may access this conference call by dialing 877-407-2986 (U.S./Canada) or 201-378-4916 (international).

A live audio webcast may also be accessed via CytoDyns corporate website at www.cytodyn.com under the Investors section/IR Calendar and will be archived for 60 days. Web participants are encouraged to go to the website 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download and install any necessary software. The webcast can also be accessed via the following link: http://cytodyn.equisolvewebcast.com/inv-call-10-11-16.

A replay of the conference call will be available until December 11, 2016. To access the replay, interested parties may dial 877-660-6853 (U.S./Canada) or 201-612-7415 (international); Conference ID: 13647094.

About CytoDyn

CytoDyn is a biotechnology company focused on the clinical development and potential commercialization of humanized monoclonal antibodies for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection. The Company has one of the leading monoclonal antibodies under development for HIV infection, PRO 140, which has completed Phase 2 clinical trials with demonstrated antiviral activity in man and is currently in Phase 3. PRO 140 blocks the HIV co-receptor CCR5 on T cells, which prevents viral entry. Clinical trial results thus far indicate that PRO 140 does not negatively affect the normal immune functions that are mediated by CCR5. Results from seven Phase 1 and Phase 2 human clinical trials have shown that PRO 140 can significantly reduce viral burden in people infected with HIV. A recent Phase 2b clinical trial demonstrated that PRO 140 can prevent viral escape in patients during several months of interruption from conventional drug therapy. CytoDyn intends to continue to develop PRO 140 as a therapeutic anti-viral agent in persons infected with HIV and to pursue non-HIV indications where CCR5 and its ligand CCL5 may be involved. For more information on the Company, please visit www.cytodyn.com.

About PRO 140

PRO 140 belongs to a new class of HIV/AIDS therapeutics  viral-entry inhibitors  that are intended to protect healthy cells from viral infection. PRO 140 is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody directed against CCR5, a molecular portal that HIV uses to enter T-cells. PRO 140 blocks the predominant HIV (R5) subtype entry into T-cells by masking this required co-receptor, CCR5. Importantly, PRO 140 does not appear to interfere with the normal function of CCR5 in mediating immune responses. PRO 140 does not have agonist activity toward CCR5 but does have antagonist activity to CCL5, which is a central mediator in inflammatory diseases. PRO 140 has been the subject of seven clinical trials, each demonstrating efficacy by significantly reducing or controlling HIV viral load in human test subjects. PRO 140 has been designated a fast track product candidate by the FDA. The PRO 140 antibody appears to be a powerful antiviral agent leading to potentially fewer side effects and less frequent dosing requirements as compared to daily drug therapies currently in use.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of United States securities laws, including statements regarding CytoDyns current and proposed trials and studies and their results, costs and completion. These statements and information represent CytoDyns intentions, plans, expectations, and beliefs and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many beyond CytoDyns control. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements or information. The words believe, estimate, expect, intend, attempt, anticipate, foresee, plan, and similar expressions and variations thereof identify certain of such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date on which they are made.

CytoDyn disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. While it is impossible to identify or predict all such matters, these differences may result from, among other things, the inherent uncertainty of the timing and success of and expense associated with research, development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of CytoDyns products and product candidates, including the risks that clinical trials will not commence or proceed as planned; products appearing promising in early trials will not demonstrate efficacy or safety in larger-scale trials; future clinical trial data on CytoDyns products and product candidates will be unfavorable; funding for additional clinical trials may not be available; CytoDyns products may not receive marketing approval from regulators or, if approved, may fail to gain sufficient market acceptance to justify development and commercialization costs; competing products currently on the market or in development may reduce the commercial potential of CytoDyns products; CytoDyn, its collaborators or others may identify side effects after the product is on the market; or efficacy or safety concerns regarding marketed products, whether or not scientifically justified, may lead to product recalls, withdrawals of marketing approval, reformulation of the product, additional pre-clinical testing or clinical trials, changes in labeling of the product, the need for additional marketing applications, or other adverse events.

CytoDyn is also subject to additional risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the actions of its corporate, academic, and other collaborators and government regulatory agencies; risks from market forces and trends; potential product liability; intellectual property litigation; environmental and other risks; and risks that current and pending patent protection for its products may be invalid, unenforceable, or challenged or fail to provide adequate market exclusivity. There are also substantial risks arising out of CytoDyns need to raise additional capital to develop its products and satisfy its financial obligations; the highly regulated nature of its business, including government cost-containment initiatives and restrictions on third-party payments for its products; the highly competitive nature of its industry; and other factors set forth in CytoDyns Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016 and other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meritage Homes Corporation (NYSE:MTH), a leading U.S. homebuilder, unveiled its LiVE.NOW. homes focused on the growing first-time buyer market. The Companys strategic decision comes at a time when demand for new homes is increasing among first-time buyers who desire to enter the market to escape continuously escalating rents that make homeownership more attractive.



According to Harvard Universitys Joint Center for Housing Studies, the Millennial generation is expected to form two million households per year over the next decade. Many of them will be purchasing their first homes, said Steve Hilton, chairman and chief executive officer of Meritage Homes. We are offering those buyers more than a no-frills entry-level home by incorporating Meritages industry-leading energy efficiency and other upgraded features in an entry-level plus home at an affordable price.

LiVE.NOW. homes will generally range from 1,800 to 2,500 square feet, with prices starting in the low $200s in most markets. A selection of homes will be available for quick move-in, making the dream of home ownership an immediate reality.

Unlike most entry-level homes, Meritage incorporates features that enhance a homeowners lifestyle, such as kitchen islands, pantries and granite counter tops, in addition to upgraded cabinets, laundry rooms, plumbing fixtures and appliances. While move-up homes may include those features, they usually come at higher price points that make them unaffordable for most first-time buyers.

LiVE.NOW. homes also include Meritages standard suite of industry-leading technologies, including spray foam insulation that is not available from other production homebuilders. Those technologies and features allow Meritage homeowners to enjoy greater comfort and energy-cost savings of up to 50 percent on heating and cooling their homes.

People want a quality home that is comfortable, safe and healthy for their family to live in and enjoy for many years, and its our job to make that affordable for them, Hilton added. With the improved quality of life offered by our LiVE.NOW. homes, homeowners of those Meritage homes will be inclined to stay in their first homes longer before making the decision to move up to their next homes.

In addition to the comfort and upgrades offered in LiVE.NOW. homes, buyers of those homes will also enjoy a streamlined and efficient home buying process and experience. Meritage is encouraging buyers to MOVE SOONER. LIVE BETTER. WHY WAIT? Its LiVE NOW. homes are currently available in Phoenix and Houston, with more coming soon across the country.

About Meritage Homes

Meritage Homes is the seventh-largest public homebuilder in the United States, based on homes closed in 2015. Meritage Homes builds and sells single-family homes for first-time, move-up, luxury and active adult buyers across the Western, Southern and Southeastern United States. Meritage Homes builds in markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay area, southern coastal and Inland Empire markets in California; Houston, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Austin and San Antonio, Texas; Phoenix/Scottsdale, Green Valley and Tucson, Arizona; Denver and Fort Collins, Colorado; Orlando, Tampa and south Florida; Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina; Greenville-Spartanburg and York County, South Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; and Atlanta, Georgia.

Meritage Homes has designed and built more than 95,000 homes in its 31-year history, and has a reputation for its distinctive style, quality construction, and positive customer experience. Meritage Homes is the industry leader in energy-efficient homebuilding and has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence Award every year since 2013 for innovation and industry leadership in energy efficient homebuilding. For more information, visit meritagehomes.com.

For more information, visit www.meritagehomes.com.
ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 6, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Suffolk University Law School and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) are launching a new, first of its kind online resource for law school students that will prepare them to prosecute complex DUI cases. Prosecution of the Impaired Driver is an intensive, interactive 14-week online course available to law schools nationwide.



"Many new prosecutors often receive DUI cases as their first assignments, yet DUI cases are among the most difficult cases to prosecute due to the complexities of understanding alcohol's effect on the body and driver impairment, and the need to qualify expert witnesses and manage motions from very experienced defense attorneys. Additionally, jurors tend to relate to the defendant and for all these reasons, DUI cases are tough ones to win." said Ralph S. Blackman, president and CEO of Responsibility.org. "With more than 1.1 million DUI arrests occurring each year, prosecutors need to have confidence in how to effectively prosecute impaired drivers. Further, we want to stop would-be repeat offenders. Period."



Responsibility.org was pleased to fund this initiative which builds on almost 15 years of creating award winning specialized resources for judges, prosecutors, probation, parole, and law enforcement to improve impaired driving education among criminal justice practitioners.



Suffolk Law School gathered a faculty of nationally recognized leaders in the fields of impaired driving to develop the course which can be adapted by individual law schools as desired. It is easily incorporated into a trial advocacy course or can be used to teach case preparation. Course topics include: How the body processes alcohol, traffic stops and standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs), motion practice and other common evidentiary issues that arise in impaired driving cases. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to handle impaired driving case discovery, direct and cross-examination of witnesses, and opening and closing arguments.



The practical experience gained from this course will also help to hone general trial skills that are transferrable to the prosecution of criminal cases broadly.



About Suffolk University Law School

Suffolk University Law School, located in Boston, is dedicated to welcoming students from all backgrounds and circumstances and educating them to become highly skilled and ethical lawyers who are well-prepared to serve in their local communities, across the nation, and around the world. Because the lawyer's role has evolved and expanded since Suffolk's founding in 1906, the Law School seeks to develop in its students the skills necessary to serve the profession's changing needs in an increasingly diverse, global and technologically-dependent society. As one of the nation's largest law schools, Suffolk meets that challenge by providing students with a core foundation in legal education, a breadth of courses and programs, and excellent training by a diverse and accessible faculty engaged in scholarship and service to their profession and communities. Suffolk's goal is to provide its students with access to an excellent legal education, inspire a commitment to justice, and provide its graduates the opportunity to achieve their career aspirations. To learn more, visit http://www.suffolk.edu/law/index.php.



About the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility

The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) is a national not-for-profit that leads the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Suntory Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Edrington; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Pernod Ricard USA. Recognizing 25 years of impact, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families and communities together to guide a lifetime of conversations around alcohol responsibility and offering proven strategies to stop impaired driving. To learn more, please visit us at Responsibility.org or follow us on social media: @goFAAR.
DEER PARK, Ill., Oct. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Plexus Groupe LLC, a growing insurance brokerage and risk management consultancy with a national presence and an international reach, has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Insurance in 2016 by Business Insurance magazine and Best Companies Group. This marks the seventh consecutive year The Plexus Groupe has received the Best Places to Work honor.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/84c925ce-d754-4cca-8b66-3b06aea1c427.

The Best Places to Work award recognizes insurance companies for excellence in employee engagement and satisfaction. To be considered, a firms employee benefits are reviewed, as are the results of a voluntary, confidential survey taken by employees on the firms corporate culture, with employee satisfaction a key metric.

We are elated to have received the Best Places to Work in Insurance honor, said Brian F. Griffin, president and COO of The Plexus Groupe. The award is testament to the culture built and maintained by our associates, who are committed to client service and making the workplace a better place for their colleagues.

Under the leadership of founder and CEO Walter E. Fawcett III, Plexus emphasizes employee wellness and well-being. The companys headquarters features a walking workstation where associates can burn calories while catching up on emails. Also, Plexus sponsors employee-run philanthropy, social and wellness committees aiming to make an impact beyond the office. Furthermore, complementary fresh fruit and vegetables and healthy drinks are provided throughout the work week.

The Plexus Groupe provides expertise in employee benefits, property and casualty, retirement plans, human resources administration and consulting, technology, personal lines and mergers & acquisitions. Headquartered in Deer Park, Ill., Plexus also has offices in Chicago (Loop), Dallas and Oklahoma City. Earlier this year, Plexus was named a Best Practices Agency for 2016 by Reagan Consulting and the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, Inc.

For more information on The Plexus Groupe, please contact the firm at 847-307-6100, or visit plexusgroupe.com.
EIGHT fund-raising friends are getting behind the wheel for a madcap mission to Vegas  not that one.

Instead of jetting out to the American gambling city of Las Vegas, the two teams of four Rotherham Round Table members have all chipped in to snap up two cars for 500 each ahead of a four-day drive to Vegas in southern Spain.

Stuart Burns, James Fox, Mark Allen and Mark Whitehouse make up Team Mystery Machine, in their blue and yellow 2004 Ford Mondeo, while Steve Reynard, brother Andy Reynard, Matt Guest and Mike Starr form Team 4 of a Kind.

They were due to drive down to the south coast tonight, take an overnight ferry and complete the length of France tomorrow, before more miles and fun challenges over the next three days and finally  hopefully  arriving in Vegas on Monday.

They hope to raise at least 500 for Rotherham Hospice.

Stuart said: We were allowed to spend up to 500 on buying it and anything we liked on to get it roadworthy.

The other teams car, which they bought on Ebay, was in perfect condition but ours needed a whole new fuel system.

The 2,000-mile journey on two sets of four wheels will test the team members patience but Stuart added: Were all good friends so we should be OK.

You can make a donation to their appeal page at http://tinyurl.com/RTvegas.
DAREDEVIL drivers braved bumps, jumps and chicanes to raise cash for a childrens charity.

The Matts Moovers cart crosses the finishing line.



Dozens of go-kart pilots participated in Bluebell Woods first ever soapbox derby at Clifton Park on Saturday.

Red Tree Racers head to the finnish line



The event saw handbuilt racing cars made from baths, bicycles and wheelchair parts tackle a 300m downhill course twice.



The three fastest teams were treated to bottles of bubbly a motor racing-style winners podium.

Off we go, The Morris Mafia team



A Touch of Glass crossed the line in just 44 seconds, taking the top spot.



They were followed by Be Smart Homes, with a time of 45 seconds.

Bsmart Homes takes the jump head on.



And with a time of 46 seconds, Living with a Lion came in third place.

High drama unfolded as a Fireman Sam-themed kart jumped a ramp, snapping off its front wheels and grinding to a halt on the asphalt.

Team are lined up & ready for inspection for @BluebellWoodCH #SoapboxDerby Clifton Park, Rotherham. Good luck all pic.twitter.com/33jtEoxOqW  Barnsley College (@barnsleycollege) October 1, 2016

But the unlucky team from Barnsley College still scooped a prize for most creative build.



A team of youngsters from Manor Makers, a Sheffield-based youth creativity project, got a special mention for their all-wood, four-wheeled wonders.

The Wilde Rockets cart
Call for KPCS to commit to serious reforms The Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition (KPCSC) has called on the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) to come to terms with the shortcomings of the certification scheme and to commit to serious reforms. A KPCS plenary...

Barrick Gold secures future of DRC mine with exploration success Barrick Gold says the ability of the Kibali mine, Africas largest gold mine to replace its reserves beyond depletion will secure its position as one of the companys tier-one assets well into the future. Company president and chief executive Mark Bristow...

Mountain Province Diamonds announces 3Q 2022 production and sales results Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. has announced production and sales results for the third quarter ended September 30, from the Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine. According to the company, 1,451,455 carats recovered, 7% lower than Q3 2021, and a 15% increase...

Hong Kongs jewellery export dips 17.6% in September Hong Kongs government data revealed that exports of jewellery, goldsmiths and silversmiths wares were down 23.1 per cent year on year to HK$18.24 bn which is around $2.32 bn during September 2022.
(ria.ru)  The Finance Ministry of Russia proposed to amend the draft to 2016 federal budget, according to which the sum of the purchase of precious metals and stones in Russia's Gokhran is limited to 5.018 billion rubles, according to the bill posted on the federal portal of legal acts.

Originally, 11.962 billion rubles were allocated in the budget for this purpose.

Earlier, Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Moiseev reported that the government decided to limit gemstones purchases, mainly diamonds, to 5 billion rubles in the current year. In 2014 and in 2015, Gokhran did not buy diamonds. The remaining funds will be allocated for the purchase of gold and other precious metals. However, due to the uncertain price environment the ministry postponed a decision.

Head of Gokhran Andrei Yurin also confirmed that the state fund has no plans to purchase diamonds and precious metals this year.




Lucara Diamonds has completed the first stage of plant modifications at its Karowe mine in Botswana to upgrade the large diamond recovery circuit that will allow the processing of material of up to 90mm in size.

It said this size fraction would allow for the recovery of a diamond of similar size to the

3,106 carat Cullinan diamond recovered in 1905.

Lucara recovered the worlds current largest gem-quality rough diamond last year  the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona.

The Karowe mine has continued to produce large exceptional high value stones, said company chief executive William Lamb.

He said the companys focus on advancing recovery techniques, marketing strategy and the routes to market for the sale of such exceptional diamonds had resulted in the expansion of premium customer base and was achieving maximum diamond recoveries, prices and shareholder value.

Meanwhile, Lucara said it would conduct its second exceptional stone tender for the year from 7 to 16 November.

The sale, it said, would include no less than 12 exceptional diamonds with a combined weight of approximately 1,100 carats.

The ongoing sale of these diamonds has solidified the company's market leadership position and brand recognition for the sale of exceptional high quality, large diamonds, said Lamb.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




NASSAU, Bahamas, Oct. 6, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has given the all clear for the islands in the southeast Bahamas including Inagua, Ragged Island, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay and Samana Cay. Officials at the NEMA said there have been no reports of major damage or injuries on those islands.



On Long Island, which is still under a hurricane warning, there are reports of minor damage with some power lines down. However, phone lines and water are on.



Residents on New Providence, Andros, the Berry Islands, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Abaco, Rum Cay, San Salvador, Cat Island and Eleuthera are bracing for the storm.



There are over 3,000 visitors on New Providence, 74 on Grand Bahama and 379 throughout the family islands. All visitors in the country are accounted for.



Airports in The Bahamas closed on Tuesday and Wednesday and with some expected to open on Saturday.



Fifteen flights left the Lynden Pindling International airport before it closed on Wednesday. Twenty-two flights were canceled. Cruise ships canceled scheduled calls to The Bahamas due to the storm.



As of 8 a.m. Thursday, October 6 Hurricane Matthew, a category 3 storm, was located 30 miles south-southwest of New Providence and 89 miles south-southeast of Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands. At 11a.m. Hurricane Matthew was upgraded to a category 4 storm.



Hurricane Matthew, packing winds of 125 miles per hour, is moving northwest at 12 miles per hour and is expected to continue on its path throughout the day. On this present track, the eye of Hurricane Matthew should pass near or over Fresh Creek, Andros around 9 a.m. this morning and over Nicholl's Town and Morgan's Bluff between 11 a.m. and noon today.



Residents along eastern Andros from Behring Point to Morgan's Bluff are strongly advised not to go outdoors during this brief lull as the worst is yet to come. The eye will then pass west of the Berry Islands and West End Grand Bahama later today, and move very close to the east coast of the Florida peninsula tonight through Friday night.



According to the Department of Meteorology, the most intense portion of the storm's eye wall will begin passing over New Providence after 9 a.m. and will last for a two to three hours. New Providence should see hurricane force winds subside around 1 p.m.



The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism activated its Emergency Coordinating Committee at the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau, in preparation for Hurricane Matthew and is keeping up to date with the latest information on the storm. The committee represents a cross-section of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism that includes senior management and other officers who will monitor the storm's movements.



BMOT's crisis management team is liaising with NEMA, Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Nassau Airport Development Company, the Port Authority and other relevant authorities.



"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the archipelago as this storm moves over the islands of The Bahamas," Director General in the Ministry of Tourism Joy Jibrilu said. "We are praying for the best outcome and will being assisting in the recovery effort as soon as the all clear is given."



The BMOT is maintaining contact with all of its offices, representatives and visitors in the family of islands as Hurricane Matthew passes. The Islands of The Bahamas will be releasing updates on the tracking of Hurricane Matthew on Bahamas.com/storms and anyone wishing to reach tourism can call the command center at 242-302-9074.



For donations, NEMA can be reached on their Facebook page or at 242-322-6731 and The Bahamas Red Cross can be reached at bahamasredcross.com or 242-323-7370.



For more information on Hurricane Matthew, and The Islands Of The Bahamas, travel professionals and consumers are advised to access the following: The National Hurricane Center at nhc.ncoaa.gov and the Weather Channel at www.weather.com.
Zimbabwe is planning to add value to its rough diamonds by venturing into the jewellery-making business, a state-owned newspaper has reported.

Mines minister Walter Chidhakwa was quoted by Manica Post as saying that the manufacturing of jewellery was expected to create strong diamond sector value chains with the capacity to create massive employment opportunities, widen tax base for Treasury and expansion of the countrys export basket.

We feel we can make a contribution to the international diamonds industry by providing good quality diamonds and ensuring the cutting and polishing of diamonds and ensuring the jewellery making activities can be supported, he said.

We also want to be a part of that jewellery making community, that value addition that is happening in other parts of the world.

Zimbabwe produced 972 765 carats of diamonds in the first six months of the year against a target of 6 million carats, finance minister Patrick Chinamasa told parliament last month.

He said most firms lost production time during the month of February when government moved in at Marange to consolidate the diamond sector.

Chinamasa said Zimbabwe was also losing out on lost diamond production from the three concessions which are not yet operational.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Although polished diamonds in Russia are not subject to export duties, it turns out that natural persons cannot take diamonds worth more than $ 25,000 out of the country due to the absence of a relevant customs procedure for the gems of that value.

According to the Vedomosti Daily, Rinat Gizatulin, Vice President of ALROSA wrote about this to Alexei Moiseev, Deputy Finance Minister last Tuesday pointing out that in line with the existing rules such diamonds must be placed "under a customs procedure for export purposes" usually carried out by specialized customs terminals, but they do not deal with natural persons, which makes it impossible to take such a diamond out of the country.

Having opened the Eurasian Diamond Center in Vladivostok earlier this year, ALROSA intends to push up its diamond sales in the Asia-Pacific Region to $ 1 billion a year, the daily said, noting that currently almost half of the miners production is sold through Antwerp and the company raked in $ 1.4 billion from its sales to Belgium in the first half of 2016, having a total revenue of $ 2.9 billion.

Although Vladivostok has now established a free port  an economic zone with a pruned-down version of customs and visa control  and ALROSA expected to have there not only corporate buyers among its clientele, but also tourists, it turned out that natural persons can take out of Russia only inexpensive diamonds, worth not more than $ 25,000.

Rinat Gizatulin told Vedomosti that his company proposes to increase or even cancel altogether the upper value limit for polished goods to be taken out of the country. The Finance Ministry spokesperson did not comment on the letter submitted by the vice president of ALROSA.

Theodor Lisovoy, Rough&Polished, Moscow




Australia will on Friday see September results for the Performance of Construction Index from the Australian Industry Group, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.

The index score in August was 46.6, beneath the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction.

Japan will release August figures for labor cash earnings, as well as preliminary results for the leading and coincident indexes.

Labor cash earnings are tipped to add 0.4 percent on year after gaining 1.4 percent in July. The leading index is expected to show a score of 101.6, up from 100.0, while the coincident is expected to ease to 111.8 from 112.1.

Malaysia will release August data for imports, exports and trade balance. In July, imports were worth 57.9 billion ringgit and exports were at 59.9 billion ringgit for a trade surplus of 1.90 billion ringgit.

South Korea will see unemployment figures for September; in August, the jobless rate was 3.6 percent.

Finally, the in China remain closed all week for the National Day holiday, and will re-open on Monday.

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Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Factory orders data from Germany is due on Thursday, headlining a light day for the European economic news.

At 2.00 am ET, Destatis is slated to issue Germany's factory orders data for August. Orders are forecast to rise 0.3 percent on month in August following a 0.2 percent rise in July.

At 3.00 am ET, the Swiss KOF Institute is slated to release Autumn Economic forecast.

In the meantime, the Czech Statistical Office is set to publish retail sales figures for August. Economists forecast sales to grow 8.5 percent annually, reversing July's 0.4 percent fall.

At 3.15 am ET, Swiss consumer prices for September are due. Prices are expected to remain flat in September after easing 0.1 percent in August.

At 3.30 am ET, Markit releases Germany's construction PMI for September.

At 5.00 am ET, Greece unemployment data is due for July. Economists forecast the rate to fall to 23.2 percent in July from 23.4 percent in June.

At 7.30 am ET, the European Central Bank is scheduled to issue the minutes of the monetary policy meeting of the governing council held on September 8.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres has emerged as the clear favourite to become the next United Nations Secretary-General following the sixth secret ballot held Wednesday by the UN Security Council. It is expected to take a formal decision Thursday and forward Guterres' name to the 193-Member General Assembly for final confirmation.

Ambassador Vitaly Churkin of Russia, which holds the Security Council presidency for the month, informed the President of the Assembly, Peter Thomson, that in the sixth informal "straw poll" for the position of Secretary-General, Guterres emerged as the clear favourite among the Council's 15 members.

Churkin said the Council's meeting Thursday to take a formal vote is expected to pass by acclamation. That decision would then be formally submitted to the General Assembly for its consideration.

In addition to Guterres, who served as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015, 12 other candidates were in the running to succeed the current UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, who leaves office at the end of the year.

The selection of a new United Nations Secretary-General, traditionally decided behind closed-doors by a few powerful countries, has for the first time in history, involved public discussions with each candidate campaigning for the world's top diplomatic post.

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Political News
Donald Trump's presidential campaign has condemned the Obama administration's ratification of the Paris Climate Accord, saying it is a bad deal that undermines the interests of the American people.

President Barack Obama delivered remarks praising the agreement on Wednesday after a coalition of nations pushed the treaty past a key threshold needed for it to take effect.

The U.S. and China, which represent approximately 40 percent of global emissions, officially joined the Paris Agreement in September.

In a statement, Dan Kowalski, Deputy Policy Director for the Trump-Pence Campaign, claimed the deal will cost the American trillions of dollars, impose enormous costs on American households through higher electricity prices and higher taxes, and force more coal miners out of work.

The Paris climate agreement is set to enter into force next month after the European Union and ten other nations ratified the treaty.

Kowalski said the deal allows China to increase emissions for more than a dozen years while the U.S. makes drastic cuts beginning right now.

"The President of the United States should be fighting for the best interests of American workers, not giving China another unfair, competitive advantage," Kowalski said.

The Trump campaign challenged Obama and Hillary Clinton to submit the climate deal to a vote in the Senate, arguing such a move is required under the Constitution.

Kowalski said Trump would call on America's scientists to continue studying the scientific issues of greenhouse gas emissions, but without political agendas getting in the way.

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Political News
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shopoff Realty Investments, a national manager of opportunistic and value-add real estate investments, announced today that the company has acquired a 624-unit apartment community in northwest Las Vegas for $72.6 million. In line with the companys strategy, there is a possibility of the addition of a co-investor in the near future.



The property, Sky Pointe Landing Apartments, is a Class B community constructed in 1996 and located at 5850 Sky Pointe Drive off the U.S. 95 highway and near the I-215 interchange. The property boasts a variety of one, two and three bedroom floorplans with two clubhouses and two pools throughout the community.

This apartment community is located in a terrific neighborhood, but is in need of an update, said William Shopoff, chief executive officer of Shopoff Realty Investments. As a market, Las Vegas is coming back from the depths of the 2008 Great Recession, with steady job growth a greatly reduced inventory of shadow market single family homes which is helping to push market rents and occupancy for apartments across the Las Vegas Valley.

While the property is in great shape for being 20 years old, we are planning to invest over six million dollars into enhancing the existing community amenities and updating the unit interiors, said David Placek, executive vice president of Shopoff Realty Investments. Our strategy is to bring the asset up to modern standards, improving the living experience for the residents and with that, the value of the asset.

About Shopoff Realty Investments

Shopoff Realty Investments has a 24-year history of real estate investing. For additional information, please visit www.shopoff.com or call (844) 4-SHOPOFF.

Disclosures

This is not an offering to buy or sell any securities. Such offer may only be made through the offerings memorandum to qualified purchasers. Any investment in Shopoff Realty Investments programs involves substantial risks and is suitable only for investors who have no need for liquidity and who can bear the loss of their entire investment. There is no assurance that any strategy will succeed to meet its investment objectives. Securities offered through Shopoff Securities, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC, 2 Park Plaza, Suite 1120, Irvine, CA 92614, (844) 4-SHOPOFF.
A California Chrysler dealership blames Anton Yelchin, the Star Trek actor, for the accident that killed him few months ago after his Jeep rolled backward and crushed him between a metal gate and a brick pillar.

The car agency was responding to the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Yelchin's parents with a court filing of its own. The dealer says Anton's death was the result of his own "misuse, misapplication, or damage" of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Actor Anton Yelchin is popular for his role as Pavel Chekov in the new "Star Trek" series. He died on June 19 after his Jeep Grand Cherokee struck him and pinned him between a brick postbox pillar and a fence after it rolled backward down a steep drive at his Studio City home.

The Jeep that killed Yelchin was part of a safety recall the government issued two months ago before Yelchin was killed, however, according to his attorney a recall notice was mailed to the actor only seven days after his death.

The dealership has asked the judge to remove them from the lawsuit.

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Business News
Chobani, the company that makes Greek Yogurt brand, announced it will offer six weeks of 100 percent paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers.

Both hourly and salaried employees will be eligible for the new parental leave policy, the company said. The program extends to both mothers and fathers for the birth, adoption or placement of a foster child into the home. It will begin next year.

Many companies in the US offer fewer weeks of paid parental leave to its hourly workers than its salaried employees, according to reports

"As a founder and a new father, my son opened my eyes to the fact that the vast majority of workers in this country don't have access to paid family leave when they have a new child," said Hamdi Ulukaya, founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chobani. "That's especially true when it comes to manufacturing and that needs to change in this country and Chobani needed to be part of that change."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blow and Drive Interlock Corporation (OTCQB:BDIC), an Offender Monitoring and Police Grade Alcohol Detection Device Manufacturing and Distribution Company, is pleased to announce it has closed on financing for $548,000 which will allow BDIC to manufacture over One-Thousand-Five-Hundred BDI 747 Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices to meet our high demand and quadruple BDIC's market share.

The Doheny Group (TDG) has formally finalized its commitments and has funded the initial $192,000 to Blow & Drive Interlock Corp (BDIC). The total financing amount is $548,000 to be remitted to BDIC in two tranches. The first tranche of $192,000 was received on Friday September 30, 2016.

"This will essentially double our initial yearly projection," said Laurence Wainer CEO of Blow and Drive Interlock. "We are excited to be capitalizing on the power of having approximately 2,100 units generating re-occurring monthly revenue. As interested shareholders know, it was very important to me to secure funding for the company that will not harm our shareholders or burden the company with toxic convertible debt. And I'm pleased to tell you that there are no convertible notes, warrants, or options associated with this funding."

Mr. Wainer further stated, "Repayment of the interest will only take 36 months with a principle balloon payment at the end of the term. The company will be generating reoccurring monthly income from these devices for many years to come. That's why a simple interest financing deal over 36 months was so important for us to secure. In addition, TDG will receive an equity stake in the company consisting of royalties and approx. 1,600,000 shares of restricted company common stock, vetted in two tranches correlating with the two phases of funding. I am also confident after all my discussions with TDG that an equity and revenue stake in the company will ensure their continued financial support as BDIC executes its growth plan."

When asked about the company's progress, Mr Wainer said, "I am very pleased at how fast BDIC is gaining significant market share and truly believe, that with our superior technology and software we are going to outsell our competition and quickly become the leader in the BAIID industry. We are very well on our way to achieving my goal of growing our company nationwide and leasing thousands of units on monthly reoccurring lease payments."

Blow & Drive wants to thank you for you continued support. Every shareholder of BDIC contributes to saving lives and keeping the roads safe for sober motorists.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER

This report may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of mentioned company to be materially different from the statements made herein.
HOUSTON, Oct. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY), North America's leading foodservice distribution company, recently honored its suppliers that met or exceeded the company's exacting standards as part of the 2016 Sysco Supplier Excellence Awards program. The awards, presented at an industry dinner in Houston, recognize the commitment, support and partnership of suppliers by category and area of accomplishment.

Recipients of Syscos 2016 Supplier Excellence Awards were chosen from more than 1,300 eligible suppliers worldwide. Winners were selected based on key business performance measures as prescribed by Sysco's U.S.-based distribution companies and the companys corporate Merchandising, Quality Assurance and Supply Chain departments.

Michael Foods Inc., headquartered in Minnetonka, Minn., was recognized as Supplier of the Year, Syscos top supplier recognition, and awarded for the highest level of performance in areas such as sales growth, profitability, Sysco Brand sales and overall support of Sysco and its customers. Michael Foods President and CEO, Jim Dwyer, along with Michael Elliot, Vice President and General Manager of the Commercial Business Group, accepted the award.

The complete list of 2016 Top Supplier Awards (not in ranked order):

Gold Supplier Award recipients:

Product Category: Company: - Grocery & Commodities Conagra Foodservice - Poultry Butterball - Beverage Coca-Cola North America - Beef Cargill - Foodservice Supplies Handgards, INC. - Dairy Michael Foods, Inc. - Seafood Devi Seafoods - Bakery & Convenience Campbells Foodservice - Produce The Garlic Company - Canned Goods Red Gold, LLC - Frozen Fruits, Vegetables & Potatoes Bonduelle Americas - Pork JBS

Additionally, several Gold-level specialty category winners were named, including:

Supply Chain Partner Award - Alpha Baking Company, Inc., of Chicago, Ill., for collaborating with Sysco to improve Syscos end-to-end supply chain, including inbound purchase order fill rates, market freight rates, pick-up allowances and availability, and overall support and participation in Sysco Supply Chain initiatives;

Alpha Baking Company, Inc., of Chicago, Ill., for collaborating with Sysco to improve Syscos end-to-end supply chain, including inbound purchase order fill rates, market freight rates, pick-up allowances and availability, and overall support and participation in Sysco Supply Chain initiatives; Sustainability Partner Award - Sea Watch International, Ltd., of Easton, Md., for emphasizing the importance of a responsible supply chain to enhance Syscos corporate social responsibility goals;

Sea Watch International, Ltd., of Easton, Md., for emphasizing the importance of a responsible supply chain to enhance Syscos corporate social responsibility goals; Cutting Edge Solution Award for Innovation - National Frozen Foods Corporation of Seattle, Wash., for creating a unique, differentiated and exclusive product solution for Sysco customers;

National Frozen Foods Corporation of Seattle, Wash., for creating a unique, differentiated and exclusive product solution for Sysco customers; Emerging Supplier Award - Barfresh Food Group, Inc., of Beverly Hills, Calif., for clear commitment to sales growth and developing strong relationships with Sysco associates and customers;

Barfresh Food Group, Inc., of Beverly Hills, Calif., for clear commitment to sales growth and developing strong relationships with Sysco associates and customers; Heritage Award for Diversity - Mann Packing Co., Inc., of Salinas, Calif., for meeting and exceeding Syscos expectations set forth for minority, women-owned and diverse supplier partners; and

Mann Packing Co., Inc., of Salinas, Calif., for meeting and exceeding Syscos expectations set forth for minority, women-owned and diverse supplier partners; and Broker of the Year - KeyImpact Sales & Systems, Inc. of Odenton, Md., for high-level performance in the areas of case growth, target close rate, and overall support of Sysco operating companies and their Sysco-dedicated team. This is the first year Sysco has awarded the Broker of the Year award.

Silver Supplier Award recipients:

Product Category: Company: - Grocery & Commodities Sovena USA - Poultry Mountaire Farms - Beverage Red Bull - Beef Tyson Fresh Meats - Foodservice Supplies Ecolab - Dairy Schreiber Foods, Inc. - Seafood High Liner Foods - Bakery & Convenience Alpha Baking Company, Inc. - Produce Mann Packing Co., Inc. - Canned Goods Pacific Coast Producers - Frozen Fruits, Vegetables & Potatoes Conagra Foodservice - Pork Heritage (Diversity) Fresh Mark, Inc.

County Fair Food Products

Bronze Supplier Award recipients:

Product Category: Companies: Grocery & Commodities Lyons Magnus, PepsiCo Away from Home, McCormick for Chefs, Stratas Foods, Bay Valley Foods, a Treehouse Foods Company Poultry Sanderson Farms, Inc., Mar-Jac Poultry, Inc., Georges, Perdue Foods LLC, Koch Foods Beverage Nestle Waters North America, Keurig Green Mountain Inc., PepsiCo Away from Home Beef JBS Swift Beef, American Foods Group, Lower Foods Inc., Dans Prize Foodservice Supplies PACTIV, Heritage Bag Company, NCCO, WNA Dairy Saputo, Leprino Foods Company, Wells Enterprises Inc., Land OLakes, Inc., Emi Roth USA, Inc. Seafood Beaver Street Fisheries, Inc., Arista Industries, F.W. Bryce, Inc. Nissui Global Links Company, Trident Seafood Corporation, Paul Piazza & Son, Inc. Bakery & Convenience General Mills Convenience & Foodservice, Rich Products Corporation, Flowers Bakeries, McCain Foods, Diannes Fine Desserts, Inc. Produce Tanimura & Antle, Potandon Produce, Church Brothers Farms Canned Goods Agro Sevilla-U.S.A., Inc., Lakeside Foods, Inc., Oregon Cherry Growers, Traina Foods, Teasdale Foods Frozen Fruits, Vegetables & Potatoes Penobscot McCrum, McCain Foods, Simplot Food Group, National Frozen Foods Corporation, Jasper Wyman & Son Pork Clemens Food Group, Tyson Foods Inc., Nathans Famous, Hormel Foods Corporation Heritage (Diversity) Ruiz Food Products

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. The company operates approximately 200 distribution facilities serving approximately 425,000 customers. For fiscal year 2016 that ended July 2, 2016, the company generated sales of more than $50 billion. For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoCorporation or Twitter at https://twitter.com/Sysco.
Measuring more than five feet tall and ten feet long, the Javan rhinoceros is often called the rarest large mammal on earth. None exist in zoos. Like the Indian rhino, the Javan has only one horn; African and Sumatran rhinos have two. While the Javan rhino habitat once extended across southern Asia, now there are fewer than one hundred of the animals in Indonesia and under a dozen in Vietnam. Very little is known about Javan rhinos because they lead secretive and solitary lives in remote jungles. Until recently, scientists debated whether females even have horns, and most scientific work has had to rely on DNA garnered from dung. The near extinction of the Javan rhino is the direct result of human actions. For centuries, farmers, who favored the same habitat, viewed them as crop eating pests and shot them on sight. During the colonial period, hunters slaughtered thousands. Now, human efforts to save them may well prove futile. The Vietnamese herd is probably doomed, as too few remain to maintain the necessary genetic variation. Rhinos from Java cannot supplement the Vietnamese numbers because in the millions of years since Indonesia separated from the mainland, the two groups have evolved into separate sub-species. In Indonesia, the rhinos are protected on the Ujung Kulon peninsula, which is unsettled by humans, and still have sufficient genetic diversity to have a chance at survival. Ironically, however, the lack of human disturbance allows mature forests to replace the shrubby vegetation the animals prefer. Thus, human benevolence may prove little better for these rhinos than past human maltreatment.

One of the MOST endangered? Incorrect

CORRECT. Scientists don't have much information. They perform analysis from "dung" for a particular theory.

No such information given

Most animals is a generalisation. This passage is about Javan rhinos

Most important? Exaggerated

Show Spoiler B

Not at all optismistic

Yes its "futile" but not sad

Not at all idealistic

Yes both problematic and ironical - " Ironically, however, the lack of human disturbance allows mature forests to replace the shrubby vegetation the animals prefer. Thus, human benevolence may prove little better for these rhinos than past human maltreatment "

Not at all heroic

Show Spoiler D

No such contrast mentioned. Its just plain simple information

No evolution is demonstrated

CORRECT. The author is simply saying that like indian rhinos, Javan rhinos have 1 horn. He further states that african rhinos have 2 horn. There is contrast, no seperate theory. Its simple straightforward

No contrast

Show Spoiler D

Absolutely not. Passage is just about Javan rhinos

No, its not the central point of first para

CORRECT. Author simply states facts about javan rhino

No

LOL

Show Spoiler C

CORRECT. Straight from the passage

Are you kidding me?

ROFL

So what? We dont know about rhinos in vietnam

LOL

Show Spoiler A

" I DONT AGREE WITH THE OA GIVEN FOR THIS OPTION ."

This is just an example

No

This is just an example

No

Yes its the human activities. Maybe for centuries farmers killed a million of rhinos. And later with much more advanced weaponry the poachers killed a 999,999 (that is still thousands). No concrete reason is given for any particular activity to become the winner

Show Spoiler A

1. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?A. Javan rhinos are one of the most endangered animals on the planet. -B. More is known about the genetics of the Javan rhino than is known about its mating patterns. -C. Hunters killed more Javan rhinos in Vietnam than in Indonesia.-D. Most animal extinctions are the result of human actions. -E. Genetic diversity is the most important factor for the survival of a species. -2. The authors attitude toward current human efforts to save the Javan rhino can best be described asA. optimistic and worthwhile -B. pointless and doomed -C. idealistic but profitable -D. problematic and ironic -E. confused but heroic -3. The author mentions that the Javan rhino has only one horn in order to do which of the following?A. explain why it is closer to extinction than the African rhino -No comparison for extinctionB. contrast it to the number of horns that the Indian rhino has -C. demonstrate its evolution into a separate sub-species -D. describe the features of the animal -E. contrast it to the number of horns that females have -4. The purpose of the first paragraph is toA. discuss the different types of rhinoceroses that populate the world -B. describe the ways in which human actions have brought the Javan rhino close to extinction -C. outline the few known facts about the Javan rhino -D. discuss the steps taken to save the Javan rhino -E. highlight the differences between the sub-species of Javan rhinos in Vietnam and Indonesia -5. According to the passage, which of the following best explains why the number of Javan rhinos in Vietnam cannot be increased by additions from those in the Ujung Kulon peninsula?A. The Indonesian Javan rhinos constitute a separate sub-species.B. The Javan rhinos cannot swim to Vietnam and have no land route available. -C. Neither Vietnam nor Indonesia has the funds for such a project. -D. Javan rhinos in the Ujung Kulon peninsula are almost impossible to capture.E. Terrorist activity in Indonesia has made such a project too dangerous to attempt. -6. The author states that which of the following was most responsible for the near extinction of the Javan rhino?A. farmers shooting them on sight -B. the separation of Indonesia from the mainland -C. hunters slaughtering thousands -D. current human efforts to save them -E. the cumulative effect of many past human activities -
In the last 24 hours, India reported 1,326 new Covid-19 cases and eight cases, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. ...


Quote:

BKimball wrote



With that said, I'd push people to not just consider the single word used in this and other questions (less vs. lesser) but the phrase overall ("of less than" vs. "lesser than) and try to determine why one of these is right and the other is wrong.

Thank you Daagh for your time on GMAT Club and all your contributions! Thank you for everything you did!

Your work will remain a great tribute to you here on GMAT Club !

-bb -bb Signature Read More

Can you please tell us which is correct? Of less than Choice A or lesser than (Choice C).Coming back to your example of the word like, the use of the same word in two different meanings is not equal to the use of two different words in the same meaning, which is what the text is about. Can you please give some more examples in which we have to choose between two altogether different words but with the same meaning such as equal and equalant etc.I also feel that it is not fair to compare a word in spoken form with its written form._________________
$25K in Gannett Foundation grants go to central Kansas organizations

Four local organizations are receiving a total of $25,000 as the Gannett Foundation invests in community-building initiatives in north-central Kansas.
Samoa paused yesterday to honour its teachers.

The occasion was the local commemoration of International Teachers Day.

Throughout the country, students paid unique tributes to their teachers.

Principal of Gagaifo Lefaga Primary School, Masae Tupou, said Teachers day means a lot to those in her line of work.

Aged 50 and from the village of Matautu Lefaga, Masae says that the special day gives them a chance to reflect on all the good they have done.

This day has been put aside for us teachers, she told the Samoa Observer.

It reminds us of our work and our ancestors who were our first teachers. It shows how hard the job of a teacher is.

We dont just focus on the minds, body and language of the students but we also focus on their personalities and now that this day for teachers has come, we see it as the most important for us.

We remember and we keep in mind that this job and duty isnt an easy one because there are many problems we face.

According to Mrs. Tupou, many times the teachers work out of sheer willingness to help the students.

A lot of the times we push through with our eagerness to bring up the standard of the children in Samoa, she said.

Especially nowadays where there has been much change. We try and try to teach the children well here in the village.

Mrs. Tupou also explained how the key behind a successful teacher is patience.

The struggles we face as teachers starts all the way from the year ones where we need a lot of patience for, she said.

We need patience to understand the state all our children are in because we have those who need more attention; we also have those who need a lot more discipline.

We must have patience for those who dont listen and others who give us trouble so we can teach them properly. With patience we can give all the students equally the service we offer.

Leading a school in a rural school, Mrs. Tupou says that their school is in need of help.

We are in need of a lot of reading books in our school, she said.

Not just that, we need proper resources to better teach the students. We also need computers like many other schools who are now using that technology.

We need those things to help out with teaching the students out here in Lefaga.

Whatever is good in Apia where they have computers in each room, good classrooms, enough resources, and enough money to do their work both in the classrooms and the compounds then that is also good for us out here.

We out here in Lefaga should be treated the same as those in Apia.

Mrs. Tupou concluded with well wishes to all the teachers of Samoa.

I wish all the teachers out there a good teachers day, she said.

Not just for the teachers here but also the government schools, and all other schools. This job isnt easy but we teachers need to be patient, we need to stand and work together no matter how hard it gets.
HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP)  Republican Mike Pence emerged from the vice presidential debate Wednesday an energized No. 2 set on using his Midwestern reserve to win over small-town and rural conservatives in battleground states.

But the praise Pence is receiving after Tuesday's debate against Democrat Tim Kaine is also an awkward reminder of Trump's failings at his own top-of-the-ticket showdown against Hillary Clinton. That has some Republicans wishing for a ticket flip  with Pence the one running for president  and looking ahead to Pence's prospects in 2020.

"Some people say they wish the ticket were reversed. I can see that," said Jim Wood, a retired Army officer and Iraq War veteran from nearby Waynesboro, Virginia. "People got to see that last night. For all of Trump's anger, this guy plays it cool."

The understated Pence kept calm during the debate, offering only an indignant "Oh, come on" at Kaine's assertion that Trump's "personal Mount Rushmore" includes the faces of dictators including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The more a wound-up Kaine challenged him to defend Trump's statements and policies, the calmer Pence seemed to get. And as the political intelligentsia debated which man won, Pence offered a gracious deflection.

"People are saying that I won the debate," he said Wednesday in Harrisonburg, Virginia. "I can tell you from where I sat, Donald Trump's vision to make America great won the debate."

Trump concurred that Pence's performance was about Trump.

"Mike Pence did an incredible job and I'm getting a lot of credit because that's really my first so-called choice, that was my first hire, as we would say in Las Vegas," the real estate mogul told supporters at a rally Wednesday in Henderson, Nevada. "He was meant to be doing what he's doing and we are very, very proud of Gov. Mike Pence."

But in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the audience cheered  for Pence  when the Indiana governor mentioned his showdown Tuesday night against Kaine.

Still, Pence strayed not an inch from his mission to champion Trump, even when some see presidential material in the Indiana governor.

A Pence-for-president campaign four years hence is not even a whisper on Pence's lips, senior Pence adviser Nick Ayers said. After all, that assumes Trump loses the election on Nov. 8.

"There's been zero consideration from the moment he took that phone call from Donald Trump to anything beyond this election," Ayers said.

Pence's performance Tuesday night preserved some distance between him and the man at the top of the GOP's 2016 ticket. Pence did not defend Trump's oft-criticized remarks about Mexican immigrants, Sen. John McCain and women. Clinton spokeswoman Karen Finney suggested Pence was acting out of concern for his own future.

"Was he there to do his job or was he thinking about 2020?" Finney asked.

Ayers dismissed the swipe, saying Pence dispatched Kaine's jabs quickly then pivoted to put Clinton's team on defense.

Still, Pence is impressing conservative audiences, maintaining and expanding a network of key conservative leaders and donors and receiving increased media attention, all in the service of Trump. For instance, Pence helped raise money with Republican establishment donors to boost Trump's stepped-up battleground advertising. Pence also was instrumental in securing endorsements of Trump by Christian conservative James Dobson to Trump and onetime bitter rival, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

Others are watching his movements with the future in mind.

Gwen Ecklund, Republican chairwoman in Crawford County, Iowa, said Republicans in this conservative western Iowa county have told her they'd like to see Pence at the top of the ticket. "I've heard the same top-of-the-ticket comments," Ecklund said. "In general, I hear people will support Trump, but wish the ticket was reversed."

At the debate, Pence demonstrated familiarity with international affairs and national security, even going so far as to suggest a somewhat stronger U.S. position with respect to Russia's support for the Assad regime in the five-year-old civil war that has displaced and killed hundreds of thousands of Syrians.

"The United States of America should be prepared to use military force to strike military targets of the Assad regime to prevent them from this humanitarian crisis that is taking place.

Pence's work for Trump and any residual benefit to himself are not mutually exclusive. But, it requires a soft touch, considering Trump's notoriously sensitive ego, said Bonnie Barlow, a Newmarket, Virginia, supporter who attended the rally.

"I love him, more after the debate. He was such a gentleman," Barlow said. "But we can't let talk of him overshadow Trump. That would be bad."

"Plus, he'll get his turn," she said.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Rescue workers in Haiti struggled to reach isolated towns and learn the full extent of the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew as the powerful storm battered the Bahamas on Wednesday and triggered large-scale evacuations along the U.S. East Coast.

At least 11 deaths were blamed on the hurricane during its weeklong march across the Caribbean, five of them in Haiti. But with a key bridge washed out, roads impassable and phone communications down, the western tip of Haiti remained cut off a day after Matthew made landfall and there was no full accounting of the dead and injured in its wake.

After moving past Haiti, Matthew rolled across a corner of Cuba and then began pounding the southern Bahamas with winds of 120 mph (195 kph) and heavy rain on a course expected to take it near the capital city of Nassau during the night.

Forecasters said the storm could hit Florida  or come dangerously close  Thursday evening and then sideswipe the East Coast all the way up to the Carolinas over the weekend. Matthew could become the first major hurricane to blow ashore in the U.S. since Wilma slashed across Florida in 2005, killing five people.

At least a half-million people along the lower East Coast were urged to evacuate their homes.

"If you're able to go early, leave now," Florida Gov. Rick Scott warned.

On Tuesday, Matthew swept across a remote area of Haiti with 145 mph (230 kph) winds, wrecking homes and swamping roads. But government leaders in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere said they weren't close to fully gauging the effect in the flood-prone nation where less powerful storms have killed thousands.

"What we know is that many, many houses have been damaged. Some lost rooftops and they'll have to be replaced, while others were totally destroyed," Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph said.

Late Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. military announced that a small advance team would start preparing for the arrival of roughly 100 military personnel and nine helicopters currently in the Cayman Islands.

The U.S. government said it sent experts to Haiti to assess the damage and is providing $1.5 million in food and other disaster assistance.

Mourad Wahba, the U.N. secretary-general's deputy special representative for Haiti, called the hurricane the biggest humanitarian crisis in Haiti since the devastating earthquake of 2010.

The Haitian government postponed Sunday's presidential election, in part because some schools and churches that are used as polling stations are serving as shelters and police can't get election materials to some districts. A new date for the vote was not expected to be announced until next week.

Aid groups with representatives in the area said it was clear that many homes and crops were destroyed but that the extent was impossible to gauge, especially in the Grand Anse area on the southwestern tip, which Matthew's eye raked over.

"We have people in Grand Anse that we cannot reach," Hervil Cherubin, country director for Heifer International, a nonprofit group that works with local farmers.

While the capital, Port-au-Prince, was essentially back to normal in many spots, there was still widespread flooding across southern Haiti.

"There's absolutely nothing we can do to protect ourselves here," motorcycle taxi driver Joseph Paul said as he watched torrents of brown water wash over a road and deluge his low-lying neighborhood in Leogane. "This storm was too much for us, and we are at its mercy."

The hurricane blew across the sparsely populated eastern tip of Cuba on Tuesday night, destroying dozens of homes in Cuba's easternmost city, Baracoa, and damaging hundreds.

People stood amid the rubble of their homes, weeping, hugging or staring into the distance. Others scoured piles of concrete and rebar for any possessions they could recover. Some carried cooking pots and rolled-up mattresses through the streets on their way to a shelter.

"I've never seen something like this in my life," Elva Perez, a 55-year-old homemaker said as she stood by what remained of her home. "For more than 200 years, here in this house, nothing like this has ever happened."

At the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the storm knocked down trees and caused road flooding but no injuries or major damage, said Julie Ripley, a spokeswoman.

At 5 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT), Matthew was centered about 205 miles (325 kilometers) south-southeast of Nassau in the eastern Bahamas. It was heading northwest at 12 mph (19 kph).

Hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 45 miles (75 kilometers) from the center, meaning Matthew could wreak havoc along the East Coast even if it did not actually come ashore.

Along the East Coast, people boarded up beach homes, some schools closed and residents began clearing out.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley announced plans to evacuate a quarter-million people from the coast, not counting tourists, starting Wednesday afternoon. Florida's Broward County, which includes Fort Lauderdale, asked some 150,000 residents in low-lying areas or mobile homes to move to safety.
Dear Editor,

Freedom of speech in the context of modern democratic societies is complex and convoluted. And it has become more so with the advent of the Internet.

In Samoa, we should not be surprised at how vague the freedom of speech concept is because of the countrys fledgling political experiment with democracy.

The two seem to be strange bedfellows thus far, to say the least.

Metaphorically speaking, Samoas traditional socio-political system is a square peg trying to dovetail into the round hole of democracy. Compounded by the divisiveness, stubbornness, reluctance - and sometimes defiance - of the present government to yield and conform to some of the democratic principles, the results have been less than compliant and/or favorable. It is disappointing and disheartening especially when one of the countrys main political goals is that of becoming a more democratic society.

The clashes between Samoas traditional political system and its modern counterpart have been well documented through the years.

We therefore should be tolerant and patient with Samoas shortcomings and struggles in the process. She however has been making some important strides and headway in this seemingly inevitable challenge, but theres still a lot more that needs to be done.

Freedom of speech in the article tends to focus more, if not exclusively on oral speech, and the right to express oneself within a more traditional authoritarian and despotic village setting and environment. Samoa, still largely an unsophisticated and rudimentary society, politically (at least in the villages), has not yet acquired the more advanced and modern applications of the freedom of speech. Freedom of speech includes expressions of different kinds, not just oral speech. In fact it even includes not speaking at all especially while in protest of something. It also covers the creation and dissemination of information.

There is a bigger irony however.

Contrary to what we have come to believe through a more modern lense, Samoas traditional system has always had - and allowed - freedom of speech. Yes. In fact a lot freer than we thought; albeit more arbitrarily than by invocation of contemporary individual rights. Though some of this traditional freedom was/is regulated, by the village councils mostly, much of it was/is not.

With regards to oral speech, traditional freedom of speech was/is maintained via the chiefly rank relations (va tootoo) and status quo, often propelled by the expression O Samoa ua uma ona tofi (Samoa has been classified).

Adherence to these protocols would deter or discourage anyone from speaking out of turn, or spew any slanderous remarks or comments. Moreover, chiefs are the spokespersons for the family, village or other individuals. This social order helps keeps freedom of speech, notably among the common people, in check and under control; it also indirectly discourages and/or limits free speech, unfortunately.

Notwithstanding, however, its Samoas traditional culture of violence and contention that freedom of speech thrives unabridged and unbridled. Included in the above cultures or behaviors are words and speeches that are taunting, incendiary, provocative, threatening, inciting, etc. Obscenities, offensive actions and expressions such as sigo (mooning), faaumu (incitive whoop) are freely demonstrated often without retribution in most cases. During feuds and contentions between families and individuals, hate speeches also are freely exchanged and retaliated.

Ironically, in most democratic countries, today, many if not all of the above are illegal and punishable by law, as having fallen under disorderly conduct or other criminal acts and violations.

Samoans need to understand that restrictions on certain speeches, expressions and rights are intrinsically linked as parts of the convoluted and more comprehensive freedom of speech. In other words, certain freedoms of expression enjoyed in the traditional system may already be restricted and illegal in todays democratic system.

LV Letalu

Utah and Lalomanu
Former Manu Samoa player, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu has hit out against the media coverage of the Losi Filipo case saying the facts were slanted and exaggerated at the players expense.

The outspoken player and lawyer slammed the coverage by Newshub on his Facebook page saying the reporting of the pre-sentencing indication for Losi Filipo over his involvement in an altercation with four people in the early hours of October 11 last year was a horribly slanted exaggerated version of the case to sensationalise at the expense of Filipo and his family.

Filipo was discharged without conviction for assaulting four people, causing an outcry from his victims. Police have now appealed the sentence.

This is an edited version of what Fuimaono-Sapolu wrote:

I just read Judges Sentencing Indication on Losi Filipo case.

1) The judge said Filipo RESPONDED, not initiated. He reacted to what happened to him first. This was nicely left out by NewsHub.

2) Judge said assaults on women were not serious and in the nature of pushing and shoving. Not punches Newshub said.

3) The judge did NOT make his decision because Filipo has a potential rugby career. The Judge wrote 8, EIGHT, long paragraphs of all sorts of mitigating factors to be weighed up. He only wrote 1 SHORT paragraph about Filipos potential rugby career and another paragraph explaining that it is not the rugby that is important. Its the possible career. A potential career in ANYTHING is considered.

4) I only show 2 paragraphs of what Filipo has done since. The extensive restorative work done by Filipo, his family and friends was not published by NewsHub.

5) NewsHub said, Judge said conventional sentencing would demand a starting point of at least one-and-a-half years imprisonment. But then they miss out the big paragraph immediately following outline all the mitigating factors as to why, in conventional sentencing, Filipo would NOT go to jail.

5) I think the Justice system, as it is today, along with the Law society, is a crooked white male supremacist colonial artifact that needs to be demolished and rebuilt, BUUUuuuT in this instance, Judge got it right

I screenshot some of the paragraphs only because you aint going to get it if you leave it white media outlets. Newshub, ONEnews, etc dont give two s**** about our brown ass. Do a little work. You got up off your ass to chase imaginary Pokemon. This was a horribly slanted exaggerated version of the case to sensationalize at the expense of Filipo and his family. And while the raping Roastbusters toast freedom and future careers, our ignorance in riding with redneck fervour has helped destroy another young Polynesians career. You have a super computer in your pocket. Try using it to catch out mainstream sometimes instead of just consuming it.
Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has washed his hands clean of claims he disrespected the judiciary when he invited an Associate Minister accused of fraud and forgery to travel with him in the middle of his Court hearing.

I only give instructions to come with me but I do not own their common sense, Tuilaepa said.

Ministers dont tell me that they will be at this certain place at 7 oclock and will be here and there at 8 and 10 oclock. I have the instructions to come as he is the Associate Minister of my Office.

Tuilaepa made the comments during a press conference yesterday inside his office.

He was queried about asking Peseta Vaifou Tevaga to accompany him to Tuvalu last week, when he was supposed to appear in Court.

Peseta has pleaded not guilty to charges of forgery and fraud. They arose from a complaint filed by senior H.R.P.P member and former Speaker of Parliament, Laaulialemalietoa and two other business associates.

The complainants claim Peseta had forged the signature of Mr. Schwalger in order to transfer shares from his son to his name.

Last Friday when the matter was called for final submissions, Peseta was absent. He was in Tuvalu instead to accompany Prime Minister Tuilaepa to the celebration of that countrys flag day.

Pesetas absence did not sit well with Justice Mata Tuatagaloa.

The defendant should have never left the country without an application before the Court, said Justice Tuatagaloa. It doesnt make him look good. He is a politician, this is the judiciary, this is the justice (system) and for something like that to have happened, what does that make us look like? That politicians are above the law?

Yesterday, Tuilaepa maintained that the decision by Peseta to travel with him was his call. He insisted that he only gives instructions but it is up to the person to accept or deny.

Tuilaepa added that Peseta being his Associate Minister, it was an important trip.

Who knows he might be the Prime Minister one day but at least he will understand what my work entails. That is the whole reason why there are trips where I take a Minister in case one day, I slip on a fruit skin but at least there are people who understand what I used to do.

Asked if he knew about the case, Tuilaepa insisted Peseta accompanied him on his free will.

It is none of my business because its not a matter concerning me, its a matter concerning him, he said.

If he was to be arrested for it  it would be good too because he has his own common sense because its not like I asked him to come and he protested. He shouldve told me Tuilaepa I have something (to attend to).

Tuilaepa added that the Associate Minister was putting his country first.

He also had a go at the Judiciary, saying the Judge should have thought about it deeply first before criticizing Pesetas absence. He added that the issue was as shallow as some judges.

Pesetas lawyer, Leuluaalii apologised to Justice Tuatagaloa for Pesetas absence.

She explained that her client had advised her that he had received an urgent call from the Prime Minister to accompany him to Tuvalu.
A young woman who claims to be carrying the marks of Jesus Christs suffering has converted to the Catholic Church. Toaipuapuaga Oeti Patrick, who is the daughter of a Minister of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S) said converting to the Catholic faith is the only way she can continue her mission from God. Do you believe her? Ilia L. Likou asked people in todays Street Talk and this is what they said:





Maliko Malalatea, 44, Toamua

Up until know I still dont want to believe. The fact is when the word convert is mentioned then that must be from one faith to another faith. Not from another Christian faith to another Christian faith. The Bible didnt tell us that a stigmata girl died for our sins. She must be possessed by demons.

Ulugia Matau, 64, Vaiusu.

To believe or not to believe? Thats your own opinion. For the Catholic faith, they see it as a miraculous blessing and a vision. If thats how they feel, good on them. As for me, I dont know and I dont really care.

Faalavaau Tuputala, 63, Tuanai

Im a Catholic and when I heard about the story of Toa for the first time I was really happy knowing that this is a sign from God to our people. Its a sign that shows us He is near and we should prepare ourselves all the time and open our spiritual eyes.

Alatise Latu, 44, Moataa

God judges people. I have nothing much to say about the Stigmata girl. There is a God in heaven who will judge each and everyone of us. The Bible says do not judge others or you too will be judged.





Otilia Moi, 55, Lotofaga

I dont pay much attention to those things. I have other stuff that are more important than trying to figure out who she is and what she looks like.

If she really has those wounds, then good on her. If she is lying, she will pay. Who knows? But I dont really follow those things.





Ieremia Faasootauloa, 45, Lalovaea

Its great to hear of the young ladys strong desire to share Gods will. All we need to do is to pray and trust in the Lord. He will lead us in the right path and all we need to do is to believe. I really believe in God giving us clear guidance in everything so that we may be children who do the Fathers will.
MOSCOW (AP)  The Russian military on Thursday strongly warned the United States against striking the Syrian army, noting that its air defense weapons in Syria stand ready to fend off any attack.

The statement underlined high tensions between Moscow and Washington after the collapse of a U.S.-Russia-brokered Syria truce and the Syrian army's offensive on Aleppo backed by Russian warplanes.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said any U.S. strikes on areas controlled by Syrian President Bashar Assad's government could jeopardize the lives of Russian servicemen.

He said Moscow was worried by media reports alleging that Washington was pondering the possibility of striking Syrian army positions.

"I would recommend our colleagues in Washington to carefully weigh possible consequences of the fulfillment of such plans," Konashenkov said.

In Washington, State Department spokesman John Kirby said "We're looking at the full range of options here and those comments notwithstanding, we still have a responsibility as a government to consider all those options."

"I don't find them (comments like the warning) helpful to moving forward, to reach some sort of diplomatic solution here. But the Russians should speak for themselves and why they're saying that kind of thing," he said.

Russia responded with dismay to the U.S.-led coalition's air raid on Syrian army positions near Deir el-Zour that killed 60 Syrian soldiers on Sept. 17, rejecting the U.S. explanation that the attack was a mistake.

Konashenkov said "we have taken all the necessary measures to prevent any such 'mistakes' with regard to Russian servicemen and military facilities in Syria."

He said the range of Russia's S-300 and S-400 air defense missile systems deployed to Syria would be a "surprise" to any country operating its aircraft over the country. Konashenkov added that the Syrian army also has various Soviet- and Russian-built air defense missile systems, which have undergone modernization over the past year.

Since Russia has launched its air campaign in Syria in support of Assad's forces a year ago, the Russia and the U.S. militaries have maintained contacts to prevent any midair incidents between Russian warplanes and the aircraft from the U.S.-led coalition in the skies over Syria.

Konashenkov warned, however, that the Russian military won't have time to use the hotline if it sees missiles on their way to targets in Syria.

"It must be understood that Russian air defense missile crews will unlikely have time to clarify via the hotline the exact flight program of the missiles or the ownership of their carriers," he added.

In an apparent hint at the U.S. stealth aircraft, he added that any "dilettante illusions about stealth planes could collide with disappointing realities."

The Russian military announced Tuesday that a battery of the S-300 air defense missile systems had been sent to Syria to protect a Russian facility in the Syrian port of Tartus and Russian navy ships off the Mediterranean coast.

Tartus is the only naval supply facility Russia has outside the former Soviet Union.

The deployment has added more punch to the Russian military force in Syria, which already includes long-range S-400 missile defense systems and an array of other surface-to-air missiles at the Hemeimeem air base in Syria's coastal province of Latakia.

Russia has conducted an air campaign in support of Assad since Sept. 30, 2015, saving his army from imminent defeat and helping it win key ground.
Archtoberfest, San Diegos month-long architecture and design festival, kicked off last week with more than 65 tours, exhibitions, lectures and street fairs in this third annual edition.

Its not just about architecture, said Bastiaan Bouma, executive director of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects that coordinates the event.

Its about how architecture works to elevate the community, to enrich the community. Its not just a bunch of specimen buildings you look at. Its how buildings work in the community.

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The program has added community organizations in Barrio Logan, North Park, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach as partners, brought in eight higher-education institutions with design curricula and helped organize a retrospective at various venues on San Diegos early 20th century modernist architect, Irving J. Gill.

Were not just looking for architecture, Bouma said, were looking for a bigger sense of how design, planning, sustainability and community development work together to create a more successful community.

A full calendar is available at archtoberfest.com. Here are some highlights:

San Diego Design Film Festival: Design Disrupters on corporate approaches to design, Thursday, Oct. 6, and Design Maverick on William F. Codys modernist work in Palm Springs, Oct. 20, sddesignff.tix.com.

Awards: Orchids & Onions awards program, Oct. 13, at the Spreckels Theatre, orchidsandonions.org; AIA Design Awards, Oct. 27, at the Scripps Research Institute auditorium, aiasandiego.org.

Tours: Barrio Logan Community Committee art crawl, Saturday, Oct. 8, mwsteele.com; San Diego Modern Architecture + Design Society modern home tour, Oct. 15, mads.media; Signature Flight support facility tour, Oct. 18, sdasandiego.org; Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego tour of Tijuana architecture and design scene, Oct. 21, mcasd.org; American Society of Interior Designers interior excursion, Oct. 22, asidsandiego.org; Design Institute of San Diego campus tour, Oct. 22, disd.edu.

Lectures: Woodbury School of Architecture, Petra Blaise on Oct. 10, Karen Lewis on Oct. 21 and Mason White on Oct. 28, architecture.woodbury.edu; Masters of a Generation, Tom Kundig, Oct. 14, adjoinsd.org; Friends of San Diego Architecture, Rob Quigley, Oct. 15, friendsofsdarch.com; NewSchool of Architecture and Design, Billie Tsien on Oct. 19, newschoolarch.edu.

Exhibition, talks, tours on Irving J. Gill: Illustrating New Architecture, La Jolla Historical Society, lajollahistory.org; New Architecture for a Great Country, San Diego History Center, sandiegohistory.org; A Comfortable Fit, Oceanside Museum of Art, oma-online.org; Coronado Refined, Coronado Historical Association, coronadohistory.org; Progress and Poetry in Architecture, Save Our Heritage Organisation, sohosandiego.org; Stones in the Meadow, Barona Cultural Center and Museum, baronamuseum.com; Simplicity and Reform, UC Santa Barbara, museum.ucsb.edu; The Iannellisin California, La Jolla Athenaeum, ljathenaeum.org; The Chicago School symposium, La Jolla Womans Club, Oct. 20, eventbrite.com. Romance and Honesty, Bishops School, bishops.com. Tours and lectures also are planned at various sites, irvingjgill.org.

roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley
More than 1,200 children, parents, teachers and supporters turned out recently for the Cuyamaca Outdoor Schools Open House.

The open house offered a preview of the San Diego County Office of Educations 6th Grade Camp in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

The camp is celebrating its 70th year, said Principal Greg Schuett in a news release. This is the only publicly operated outdoor school program in San Diego County, and we hope it endures for another 70 years, so your kids and their kids can attend, he told a group of children enjoying birthday cake in the camps Fox Lodge.

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Every September, just before the camp school year starts, SDCOEs Outdoor Education team invites future campers and their parents for a preview of 6th Grade Camp. They tour cabins and the dining hall, and try activities such as camp songs and rock climbing.

Among the visitors was a group of about 50 parents and children from San Marcos Elementary, which is new this year to the program. Camp also accommodates some fifth-grade classes.

The 6th Grade Camp is Californias oldest outdoor school program and one of the oldest in the nation. More than 1 million students have participated since 1946. Credentialed teachers and program specialists instruct more than 400 students a week, with more than 11,000 students taking part each year. Students come from as far away as Orange County and Arizona.

This isnt a summer camp program; its an accredited outdoor school, Schuett said. We have a 45-member staff that includes award-winning educators. The program curriculum supports Next Generation Science Standards.

The 2016-17 camp school year started recently, with Capri, Flora Vista, and Mission Estancia elementary schools from the Encinitas Union School District.

The nonprofit Outdoor Education Foundation sponsors individual camperships and schools. Visit https://www.sixthgradecamp.org, or contact Principal Greg Schuett at (760) 765-4101 or the Outdoor Education office at (858) 292-3695.

laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
One day a year the Carlsbad-based Gemological Institute of America opens its doors to the public without requiring an appointment.

This years free open house with exhibits, presentations and demonstrations is Oct. 7, held at the same time as its career fair.

Visitors can see the internationally renowned nonprofits collection of more than 1,000 gems and jewelry designs and visit its library, billed as the worlds largest gem and jewelry information center, which houses the Cartier Rare Book Repository.

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The museum features several exhibits. The Variations on a Theme: 25 Years of Design from the AJDC includes nearly 200 jewelry works along with objet dart by 40 designers from the American Jewelry Design Council, aka AJDC, a nonprofit education group established in 1988 to promote American jewelry design. The exhibit, which debuted three years ago at the Forbes Galleries in New York, consists of jewelry art that designers created in response to various themes, such as water, tear, spiral and flight.

Visitors can get a glimpse of designs by Tony Duquette, whose jewelry has been worn by Hollywood stars and British royalty.

Tom Munsteiners 6 ft. tall Visions in Crystal will be on display with its 264 tiles of rock crystal quartz, citrine and smoky quartz each cut with angular facets. Munsteiner is a third generation gem cutter from Idar-Oberstein, Germany, a center for fine lapidary work dating back to the Renaissance.

Also on display is the Jadeite Qilong Carving, depicting a Chinese unicorn with a dragons head on the body of a horse, carrying symbols of fortune and wealth such as lotuses, pomegranates and bamboo tubes.

Another exhibit features 100 trilliant-cut gems ranging from 7 to 140 carats that represent a rainbow of colors and gem varieties such as tanzanite, emerald and topaz mined from exotic places around the world.

Talks will be given by jewelry industry notables, including celebrity designer Martin Katz and blogger Danielle Miele.

Gem and jewelry demos will include GIAs Jewelry Design & Technology program, which uses computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and 3D printers to develop jewelry designs

The event is 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 5345 Armada Drive.

Visit gia.edu or call ( 760) 603-4116 or email guestservices@gia.edu.

linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com

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The six candidates for three open seats on the Solana Beach City Council agree on things such as protecting the citys coastline and promoting the arts, but they differ on an important proposal that could be decided under the new leadership.

Community choice energy  also called community choice aggregation (CCA)  is a public program that allows cities and counties to form co-ops or joint powers groups to buy energy from sources other than traditional utilities, potentially lowering costs and promoting alternative energy such as solar power. Solana Beach has been moving toward forming a CCA, but council candidates split on the idea that voters might decide whether the city should proceed with such a plan.

About 200 community members attended the Wednesday night forum, moderated by the League of Women Voters. All the candidates participated: Jewel Edson, Judy Hegenauer, Chris Hohn, Edward Siegel, Cynthia Walsh, and incumbent David Zito. (Incumbents Lesa Heebner and Peter Zahn arent seeking re-election.)

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After briefly introducing themselves and describing their backgrounds, the candidates took turns answering questions submitted by the audience.

The second question of the night was about whether community choice energy should be put to a public vote. Solana Beach has commissioned an independent study of the idea and could be the first city in San Diego County to proceed with it.

We dont need a vote, said Hegenauer, a 45-year resident of Solana Beach who serves on the citys Climate Action Commission. People could choose whether they want to participate in the energy plan, she said, and if they do their power would be cheaper and cleaner.

The City Council can make the best decision, she said, and, I think its a good idea.

Walsh, an 11-year resident, parent, and businesswoman, spoke for a more cautious approach, though she agreed that everyone wants clean sustainable energy.

It should go to a vote of the people, Walsh said. Is there a rush to do this?

Zito, a software professional finishing his first four-year term on the council, said the program is worth looking into and that he supports the study, but added he would be nervous about putting it to a public vote because the issue is so complicated.

Another question that divided the candidates was about whether the city should reinstate its Public Safety Commission, which the council disbanded last year because of a lack of participation.

Walsh and Hohn, a four-year resident who serves on the Parks and Recreation Commission, both said the city should re-establish the public safety panel and try to fix whatever was wrong with it.

Edson said the commission was disbanded because it was redundant, and that theres no need to spend more staff time and money on it. A resident since 1997, Edson serves on the citys View Assessment Commission and has been on the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce board, the countys community grant review panel.

Also prompting mixed answers  and true to the environmental lean of many Solana Beach issues  was a question about whether the city can prevent people from removing large trees from private property.

Maybe the city could offer an incentive to encourage residents to keep the trees, suggested Siegel, a medical doctor, professor of psychiatry, and founder and director of the 30-year-old community Sing-Along, which meets Thursday nights at the Fletcher Cove Community Center.

Hegenauer agreed the incentive might be a good idea, but most of the others said theres little the city can do about trees on private property.

The candidates generally agreed that the citys finances are strong, that Solana Beach places a high priority on coastal water quality and environmental protection issues, and that it needs to adopt a Local Coastal Plan that would allow Solana Beach to take greater control of matters now decided by the state Coastal Commission.

Twitter: @phildiehl
Every year, the Little Italy Association throws a giant festa, an event that has been celebrating the Italian-American community since 1994. On Sunday, the tradition continues as this iconic neighborhood welcomes more than 120,000 visitors to the 22nd annual family-friendly event. At the festival, which covers more than 12 blocks, attendees can eat their way through traditional Italian cuisine, be serenaded by Italian music on three stages and watch chalk artists create erasable masterpieces on the sidewalk. Also on tap: cooking demonstrations, Kids Fun Zone, bocce ball tournament, street stickball and an Italian Motorsport Show. Fans of the popular lip sync television battles will be entertained at the FESTA! Lip Sync Competition. The almost-singing contest starts at 1 p.m. on the Date Street Stage. The audience votes for the winning act.

Little Italy FESTA! 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Along India Street from West Grape to A streets, downtown. Free admission. littleitalysd.com

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William Shakespeare was not one to mince words.

Or maybe he was  at least in the sense of carving them and parsing them and filleting them into just the right form for the story and meaning he was trying to get across in his plays.

Mincing words  both in that definition and in the more familiar meaning of tiptoeing around the truth  comes into play in a big way in Equivocation, the Bill Cain thriller thats about to get its San Diego premiere at Lambs Players Theatre.

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So does Shakespeare himself. Or a version of him, nicknamed Shag, whos grappling with whether to take on a play commission that could either make his career or severely abbreviate his life. (Maybe both.)

Equivocation, which premiered in 2009 and ran off-Broadway the following year, imagines an alternative history in which King James I of England entreats Shag to write a play about a major news event of the time known as the Gunpowder Plot.

That was the (supposed) Catholic conspiracy in 1605 to blow up the English government, including the king himself. (The folklore surrounding the foiled plot still lives on in Britain in the form of Guy Fawkes Day, named for a co-conspirator who was caught beneath Parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder.)

For Shag, writing about the still-fresh event proves a dicey proposition in Equivocation, particularly as he begins to discover that the conspiracy may not have been everything the government claims it was.

And thats where the title of Cains play comes in, and takes on multiple meanings, says Lambs producing artistic director Robert Smyth, who is playing Shag in the Coronado theaters production.

Equivocation

When: In previews. Opens Oct. 21. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Nov. 20.

Where: Lambs Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado

Tickets: $22-$68 (discounts available)

Phone: (619) 437-6000

Online: lambsplayers.org

When we think of someone, in a modern sense, equivocating, it means theyre double-speaking, Smyth says. Theyre trying to avoid something, or theyre being duplicitous.

But the concept back then is what we use as the tagline (for the play) now: How do you tell the truth in a dangerous time?

As Shag says at one time: Look, Im faced with a choice: Either lie, or die. And Garnet (a Jesuit priest in the play) says, basically: There is another way. And its called equivocation: Discerning what is the real question being asked of you, and answer that.

In explaining the play, playwright Cain (himself a Jesuit priest) has used the example of Miep Gies, the woman who heroically helped hide Anne Frank from the Nazis for two years in Amsterdam.

Gies would say no to direct questions about whether she was harboring Jewish refugees, because she knew the real question being asked was, May we come in and take your guests away to death camps?

Equivocation as a whole is heady and ambitious, with intertwined story lines, leaps through time and plays-within-plays. Several of the actors also play multiple characters  as many as 10 each.

(Besides Smyth, the production also features Paul Eggington, a former Lambs mainstay whos returning to the company for the first time in years; plus Francis Gercke, Caitie Grady, Ross Hellwig and Brian Mackey. Diana Elledge plays cello onstage as part of the show.)

Its a really dense piece, Smyth says. Its amazing how if you just read the play, you go, What? This thing is just a mess! But if your rhythm and pace are right, its magical.

Its a celebration of the way the theater can work, in an imaginative way.

Deborah Gilmour Smyth, the shows director and Lambs associate artistic chief, adds that there are also some thematic things in it that are human and that never change.

Its a very dangerous time (now) in so many ways. And were in that arena (in the piece).

The plot-rich play, which also takes in the storyline of Shags lost son and his difficult relationship with the boys twin sister, Judith, is also something of a whodunit; members of Shags theater troupe are alternately excited and terrified at the prospect of the play they must help him create, says Gilmour Smyth.

Equivocation happens to be the first Lambs production to open since the company has gone through a bit of retrenching, pulling out of its longtime second space the Horton Grand Theatre to concentrate on shows at its resident theater in Coronado.

But the Cain play certainly doesnt represent a downsizing in ambition. And Robert Smyth notes that the show is meant to appeal to audiences far beyond just Bard aficionados:

Hes really written a love poem to the way theater works.

Twitter: @jimhebert

jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com
The Phoenix VA  'ground zero' of the VA wait-time scandal in 2014 -- is still failing veterans, giving critics more ammunition at a precarious time for the agency.

Plus a recent phone snafu at the San Diego VA created a hole in the telephone system that one frustrated veteran said lasted at least two weeks.

A report from the U.S. Veterans Affairs Departments inspector general found that the embattled Phoenix hospital "inappropriately discontinued and canceled consults. In VA parlance, consults can mean appointments, lab tests, teleconferencing or other planned patient contacts.

Welcome to The Intel, a blog examining the hot military news of the day

As of August 2015, Phoenix patients were waiting for 35,000 pending consults, according to a report released Tuesday.

More than 200 patients died waiting for these appointments, the report concluded. VA investigators determined that untimely VA care may have actually contributed to the death of one of those patients.

Longtime VA watchdogs jumped on the news, calling for a cultural change or despairing of the VA ever solving its problems.

Rep. Jeff Miller, the Republican chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said:

VAs performance in Phoenix and across the nation will never improve until there are consequences up and down the chain of command for these and other persistent failures. Unfortunately, given that this report is largely devoid of clear lines of accountability to those responsible for Phoenix VAHCSs current problems, it is unlikely these issues will be solved anytime soon.

Arizona Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake, also Republicans, also released a statement:

These findings underscore the need to give our veterans a choice in where and when they receive care. We continue to believe that every veteranno matter where they live or how long they are waiting for careshould have access to the Veteran Choice Card to visit a health care provider in their community. Unless and until we provide veterans the flexibility in care they need, reform the culture at the VA, and enforce real accountability, the status quo will continue to fail the veterans we are indebted to serve.

The Veterans Choice program, created by Congress in response to the VAs wait-time scandal, has been touted as a possible fix. In fact, an outside expert committee recently recommended going further by partially privatizing the federal agency through creating community-based delivery networks.

In San Diego, the rollout of the Choice program has been somewhat rocky, according to a recent survey and interviews by the San Diego Union-Tribune.

A VA undersecretary responded to the Phoenix report today while in Arizona to introduce the medical centers new director.

VA Undersecretary for Health David Shulkin acknowledged that more needs to be done, according to the Associated Press. He said more medical staff and a less-archaic appointment scheduling system are needed.

Even as he said that, Phoenixs new hospital director is already under fire for her performance in past VA jobs.

Meanwhile, a phone snafu at San Diego VA dragged on for what one veteran said was at least two weeks.

San Diegan Pete Powell, a Vietnam-era veteran, contacted the San Diego Union-Tribune today to say the telephone system at the VAs Mission Valley clinic has been on the fritz.

Powell wrote:

I called the SD VA Directors office 2 weeks ago to tell them the phone system at their Mission Valley clinic is screwed up and veterans can't get through.

Why don't you call 619-400-5050 and listen to the menu then press 0 as it tells you.

Then PLEASE get back to me if you think something might be wrong, seriously wrong, if the administrators don't even take their phone services seriously.

Contacted earlier today, the San Diego VAs public affairs officer passed the information on to the clinics information technology office.

Within the hour, the phone glitch was fixed.

Now when you press zero, an operator answers  instead of nothing happening at all, as before.

Why didnt the VA fix the problem when Powell reported it to the directors office?

Spokeswoman Cindy Butler said someone in the directors office had previously referred the complaint to the unit that oversees the call center, but not the phone operations.

As Butler noted, This is a very big, complex place.

jen.steele@sduniontribune.com

Facebook: U-T Military

Twitter: @jensteeley
Barack Obama is slated to return to San Diego Oct. 23 in what may be his last official visit here as U.S. president.

On a West Coast swing, Obama is scheduled to join House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Ben Ray Lujan for a private fundraiser in a La Jolla home.

Its exciting, said organizing hostess Christine Forester, a business consultant and member of Obamas National Finance Committee. She noted that Obama had attended a fundraising reception at her home, followed by a dinner at the Joan and Irwin Jacobs estate, on March 19, 2006, as an Illinois senator before he entered the race.

After declaring his White House candidacy, Obama returned to San Diego on Feb. 18, 2007 for his first official campaign fundraiser.

Forester describes his fundraising stops in San Diego as bookends of his presidential journey. He has made a couple other campaign visits here and, most recently, a three-day R&R stay last October in Rancho Santa Fe.

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The Oct. 23 event, to support Democratic Congressional candidates, is limited to 45 attendees and costs $10,000 per person to co-host or $33,400 per couple for co-chair status.

It is your chance to  hopefully help Nancy Pelosi and Ben Ray Lujan regain the House   suggested Foresters invitation, or at least close the gap substantially.

Following her heart: There is literally not one other living soul on the earth that I would do this for.

Those were the words of Stephanie Thompson, a 48-year-old working mother of two teens who drove to Los Angeles and camped outside a downtown mall in a folding beach chair for nearly 24 hours.

Why? To meet The Boss and get a pre-signed copy of his first, and only, autobiography, Born to Run, during Bruce Springsteens L.A. stop Monday on his nine-city book tour.

She wasnt the only one. People just ahead of her in line came down from Sacramento and those behind her flew in from Phoenix and from Des Moines, Iowa.

But Thompsons travel the farthest prize went to the man who jetted in from Tokyo just for the event, he told her in broken English.

Thompson has been a devoted fan since 1978 and attended every concert within rational travel distance of her home since 1984  about two dozen shows.

His work has impacted my life in a very important way, said the communications specialist and former spokeswoman for San Diego Opera. She was raised in the Middle East and Europe, where she was introduced to American culture through Archie comics, Happy Days and Beach Boys songs.

In contrast, Springsteens lyrics imparted profound depth and three-dimensionality to life in the United States. It strengthened my knowledge and appreciation of American culture so when I got here, I wasnt expecting Happy Days, she said.

In fact, she spoke of Springsteen so often that when one of his songs came on the radio, her young children would announce, Thats Mommys friend.

When Thompson, No. 123 in line, got her hard-earned 12-second photo op with the Boss, he shook her hand and greeted her warmly.

On an impulse, she asked, Would it be OK if I give you a kiss for the photograph?

Well, sure, he replied, and she kissed his cheek. I tried to put 35 years of emotion into that two-second kiss, said Thompson, acutely aware that she was one of many diehard fans trying to convey his impact on their lives.

After Barnes & Nobles 1,150 books sold out, The Grove stores Facebook page was buzzing with reactions:

Mike Sinclair: 15 hours of Expectation, Enervation and Exasperation in exchange for 15 seconds of Exhilaration...

His sentiment was echoed by Craig Bobchin: 18 hours in line, hunger and exhaustion, 10 seconds to meet Bruce... Was it worth it? Hell Yeah!

Marilyn Mangini posted a copy of her Springsteen photo and her note: Please excuse Danny from school yesterday 10/03/16. He was meeting the Boss.

diane.bell@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1518

Twitter: dianebellSD

Facebook: dianebell.news
The manager of a Ross Dress for Less store in Carmel Mountain was threatened at gunpoint late Wednesday by a robber who was arrested later, San Diego police said.

Police said they found cash from the store and a BB gun when they arrested a 19-year-old man.

A man walked into the store on Carmel Mountain Road and headed through a door leading to a stairway to the managers office, police Officer Robert Heims said.

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The man pointed a gun at the manager and demanded money, Heims said. The manager handed over some cash and the robber ran out of the store, heading east.

Heims said some time later, a suspect in the holdup was contacted and arrested, and the cash and gun were recovered.
A woman suspected of stealing an Uber drivers Mercedes Benz led San Diego officers on a car and foot chase into La Jolla Thursday, police said.

The woman ran through a neighborhood near La Jolla Country Club and was arrested. Police said she suffered a possibly broken foot.

The Mercedes owner called police about 4:10 a.m. from an Arco gas station at Cass and Turquoise streets. He said he saw a woman get into the white car and drive off, and that she nearly hit him, police Officer Tony Martinez said.

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Officers found the car a short time later and the driver backed up to get away, hitting a patrol car. The damage was minor and the officer wasnt hurt, Martinez said.

Police got into a pursuit, but lost sight of the Mercedes at Pearl Street and Draper Avenue in La Jolla, Martinez said.

They found it again, abandoned, on Miramar Avenue near the La Jolla Country Club. Then they saw the suspected driver a block away on Cabrillo Avenue, Martinez said.

Officers chased the woman another block to Rhoda Drive and got her into custody shortly after 5 a.m. Video from Channel 10 news showed that she was barefoot.

She was to be jailed on suspicion of auto theft and assault with a deadly weapon for nearly hitting the vehicles owner, Martinez said.
At a time when San Diego County is wrestling with the ramifications of a fatal police-involved shooting, a group of teenagers met with federal authorities Wednesday to talk about building relationships between law enforcement and community.

I dont really know what you guys do in your job and what you guys do on a daily basis, said 18-year-old Elijah Johnson, one of about a dozen young people who took part in the discussion in southeastern San Diego.

We can learn from each other, Johnson said.

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Among the authorities in the room was U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy, several of her deputies, and representatives from the FBI and U.S. Marshals Office. The session, dubbed a community building circle, was the second in series hosted by Second Chance, a San Diego nonprofit that works to reduce recidivism, unemployment and homelessness, and other outreach groups including Project Aware and the National Conflict Resolution Center.

A similar session in July brought together at-risk youth and representatives from the District Attorneys Office, San Diego Police Department, Sheriffs Department and other local law enforcement agencies.

Johnson said it would be helpful for people like Duffy to reach out to residents to learn about what they go through in their daily lives. He said there are things people in positions of authority might think they know, but dont fully understand.

We go through a lot, he said. Being at risk, you know, Im young and Im black and I just feel like Im targeted sometimes. But I want to feel as though Im helping my community, and I can change lives (like) you guys are changing lives.

Duffy acknowledged that national statistics show people from minority communities are stopped more by law enforcement, especially black and Hispanics, and they are sentenced to longer jail and prison terms than whites.

Those are just facts that we have to look at and that we have to deal with on a national level, she said. I dont know that thats the case in every city in America, but certainly the national averages are that.

Duffy also said some issues go beyond law enforcement, including those related to poverty and education.

Wednesdays conversation, which lasted a little more than two hours, touched upon a number of subjects  childhood experiences, racism and discrimination, gang violence and investment in communities of color  but didnt center around any specific event.

The fatal shooting last week of Alfred Olango, a 38-year-old Ugandan immigrant, by an El Cajon police officer was alluded to though never mentioned outright. But some of the people who spoke at the meeting shared feelings that echoed those expressed by protesters after the shooting.

When asked whether they felt they had ever been treated differently, or more harshly, by police because of the color of their skin, most of the young people answered, yes. (The teens and young adults in the group came from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds, but most identified as black, Hispanic or Latino.)

When asked whether any of them hated the government, a few raised their hands.

Mathew Gordon, a policy adviser for San Diego City Councilwoman Myrtle Cole, told the group he understood how they felt. He said there was a time in his life when he never dreamed he would be working in local government.

He described himself as a former at-risk youth whod had run-ins with the law and whose parents were both gang members. He said he knows not all police officers are bad, but he has experienced harassment by police.

The experience is traumatizing, Gordon said. It makes you want to not trust anybody.

Gordon told the group not to give up hope.

From my side, from my lens, there are people that are willing to go the extra mile and understand who you are, he said. I live that every day.

dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @danalittlefield
Three suspected gang members accused of targeting and fatally stabbing a black man in an act of racial hatred as he walked through Fallbrook were in a Vista courtroom Wednesday for a key pretrial hearing.

The defendants  Kevin Garcia, 21, Ryan Valdez, 18, and Tyler Dean, 25  are charged with murder in the death of 33-year-old Hugh Pettigrew. They are also accused of committing a hate crime, and having done it to benefit their gang.

A preliminary hearing is under way for three defendants in the Fallbrook murder of Hugh Pettigrew III, who died about two weeks after he was attacked. The defendants are Kevin Garcia, (shown here) Tyler Dean and Ryan Valdez. (John Gibbins/San Diego Union-Tribune )

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Pettigrew was walking home along Ammunition Road in Fallbrook when the three Latino men jumped and stabbed him repeatedly at about 10:45 p.m. on Jan. 22, authorities said. The victim staggered about a quarter-mile home to Alturas Road, where he collapsed.

As Pettigrew lay bleeding inside his familys apartment, sheriffs deputies testified, he repeatedly said he did not want to die.

He also told family members that hed been attacked by between 3 to 5 gang members and that some of the assailants were in masks or hoodies. Pettigrew was rushed to a hospital, but died more than two weeks later.

A security camera captured the attackers getting out of a red Honda Civic and walking through the parking lot of a nearby grocery store at South Mission and Ammunition roads. The trio is then seen running back to the car, jumping in and driving off. The sheriffs department released the video in February, in hopes that someone would identify the three.

Using that and other surveillance video from businesses in the area, authorities pieced together the attack from start to finish. The investigation eventually led authorities to identify the car and the woman who had been behind the wheel of the Honda: Garcias 20-year-old girlfriend Jessica Valencia.

Sheriffs homicide Detective Dan Barnes, the lead investigator on the case, testified that part of the grainy black and white video depicts three smaller figures surrounding Pettigrew, who stood about 6 feet, 8 inches and weighed more than 400 pounds.

Valencia testified Wednesday that she and the three defendants had been driving around Fallbrook for about a half-hour that night, listening to music and joking around. Her 1-year-old son was sleeping in the back seat. At one point, she went to the grocery store with the child to use the bathroom.

She said the trio got out and walked off  she did not know why or where they went  then returned later, after shed used the bathroom. She said she was done and waiting behind the wheel when she saw them approaching.

(John Gibbins/San Diego Union-Tribune )

She said they jumped in and Garcia told her lets go. She admitted telling the police that he seemed different, but assumed that he was tired from walking around with buddies while she was in the grocery store bathroom.

She said she did not ask the trio any questions.

Valencia said she and Garcia been dating nearly two years and that after his arrest, they became engaged. Valencia said she intends to marry him no matter the outcome of the case.

The three defendants were not charged with murder until May. By then, Garcia and Dean were already in custody on unrelated cases.

Garcia had been jailed in February for violating probation. Dean was picked up in March for drug possession, carrying a knife, resisting arrest as well as a probation violation.

In May, authorities arrested Valdez without incident at a continuing education facility for adults in Fallbrook.

Defendants Ryan Valdez (shown here), Kevin Garcia and Tyler Dean are accused of stabbing a Fallbrook man who was walking down the street. The victim, Hugh Pettigrew III, later died. The trio was in a Vista courtroom Wednesday for the start of their preliminary hearing. (John Gibbins/San Diego Union-Tribune )

All three remain jailed in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Outside of court, Pettigrews second cousin Cameo Jordan described him as funny and goofy, and said he had no gang affiliation.

Everybody loved him, Jordan said, adding He was my foodie buddy. We liked to eat.

Friend Alex Soria said Pettigrew was all about unity. He was never negative, always positive.

The preliminary hearing is slated to continue Thursday.
The number of high school students taking classes offered by the San Diego Community College District has quadrupled in the past year, bringing the total to more than 2,000.

Lynn Neault, vice chancellor of student services with the community college district, said a number of factors played into the jump, including getting an early start in forming a partnership with San Diego Unified School District after a new state law went into effect.

The community college district was one of the first in the state to have a partnership through Assembly Bill 288, signed into law last year as the College and Career Access Pathways partnerships, which lifted restrictions and expanded the types of classes that colleges can teach in high schools.

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Only 547 high school students were taking classes offered by San Diego community colleges last year. This year, 2,128 high school students are concurrently enrolled in the community college district..

Almost all of the increase has been at Mesa College, which saw concurrent enrollment jump by about 1,000 students, and Miramar College, which had an increase of about 500. City College had few students participating, but has other programs that work with high school students.

Among the changes under AB 288, community colleges can offer remedial courses to high school students, while before they could offer only advanced classes.

Neault said the change can be important in the long run, because studies have found that college students who are required to take remedial courses sometimes get discouraged and drop out. With the remedial courses out of the way by the time they reach college, students will have a better chance of success, she said.

About 25 percent of the new classes are in basic skills, she said.

We have well over 100 classes scheduled on high school campuses this fall, which is quite an increase for us, Neault said. The majority of them are college level,and theres a number of accelerated classes to get students ready for English.

In another change made possible with the law, community college courses can be taught during high school hours. In the past, community college classes offered at high schools had to be held later in the day so they were open to the public.

With the change, high school students can take the classes during regular high school hours when their campuses are closed to the public, making it more comfortable for students who want to take the courses with people their own age.

Finally, the new law waives the fee for high school students taking the classes.

Neault said at least one other community college district has contacted her to learn about creating partnerships with their own feeder districts.

With only one feeder district, which happens to be the largest in the county, Neault said the San Diego Community College District had the advantage of having to create only one partnership. Others have multiple feeder districts that require multiple contracts and partnerships for a smaller number of students.

Even without the new opportunities that came with AB 288, other community college districts have been increasing the number of high school students they work with during the past few years.

At MiraCosta Community College District, for example, the number of high school students taking college classes has increased from 85 in 2013 to 755 this semester, said district public information officer Cheryl Broom.

That increase came after the district waived its $46-a-unit fee for high school students, she said.

MiraCosta doesnt have a partnership through AB 288 yet, but has offered for-credit courses to high school students at its college campuses in Oceanside and San Elijo for years. In 2014, it began offering evening classes at Sage Creek High in Carlsbad and recently began offering classes at Cathedral Catholic High School.

Broom said the district expects more high school students will enroll once it forms partnerships through AB 288. MiraCostas feeder districts are Carlsbad, Oceanside and San Dieguito.

Southwestern College is working on its AB 288 partnerships, but has had a partnership with Sweetwater Union High School District for more than 20 years. Southwestern public information officer Lillian Leopold said 1,374 high school districts are concurrently enrolled at the college, a 4 percent increase from last year.

The college district waives enrollment fees and high school districts pays for the textbooks in the agreement.

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

760-529-4939

@GaryWarthUT
Three hundred teachers, librarians and other school officials will gather in Vista on Friday to explore online teaching and learning resources that are available for free, without copyright restrictions.

The Go Open Regional Summit introduces educators to the U.S. Department of Educations Go Open movement, which encourages the use of openly licensed educational material.

The initiative aims to expand the range of curriculum, lessons and other resources that are available to students in all districts, said Erin English, director of blended and online learning and principal of Vista Visions Academy.

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They want to level the playing field so that all kids have access to current information regardless of their zip code, she said. Its about the teachers curating content to present to their kids.

The Go Open program launched a year ago in 16 school districts, said Kristina Peters, a K-12 open education fellow for the Office of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education. It now has 76 districts, including Vista, that share items such as lesson plans, online science labs and interactive learning programs, she said.

Vista has teamed up with school districts in Wisconsin and Ohio to pool content, and will be hosting the summit at Vista Civic Center on Friday to explore the opportunities and tradeoffs of open licensing.

Open educational resources can help keep materials up to date and readily accessible, officials said. Online learning resources can be more affordable than traditional textbooks, and offer more timely information, proponents say.

And although there are other free digital educational materials, open licensing takes that a step further, allowing teachers and students to not only use material, but also to modify and share it without copyright violations.

Open licensing, Peters said, allows users to reuse, revise, remix, retain and redistribute shared learning resources. That means teachers dont have to reinvent the wheel every time they plan a lesson or unit. And it lets them modify the material to engage students who are high achievers, and those who need extra help.

It allows that personalization of learning, so were not teaching to the middle, but can engage students based on their interests but also based on their needs, she said.

Companies including Microsoft and Amazon have committed to sharing openly licensed materials, along with other companies and nonprofit organizations, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

With a vast collection of open resources at their disposal, teachers and librarians can help students to search and sort information with a critical eye.

Lets say were doing a research study in our high school classes, English said. Theyre not just looking at one books opinion. Theres the Library of Congress and other places to get information. Students should be able to look at many, many sources to draw an opinion from.

Open licensing may soon be an obligation rather than an option for some educational content developers. In November of last year the Department of Education proposed a new rule that would require recipients of its direct competitive grant funds to openly license all copyrightable material they create with the funds.

During a 45 day comment period, some people expressed concern that requiring grant recipients to share their work without copyright could stifle innovation. And allowing users to modify it could introduce errors, and compromise the integrity of their products, they said.

Peters said however, that the Go Open initiative has been welcomed by many teachers and librarians, who are accustomed to collaboration.Theres a lot of enthusiasm and excitement about it, she said. In education we are definitely a sharing community.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
When Leighangela Brady was hired in July to lead the National School District, a bit of womens history was made.

Though nearly 40 percent of San Diego Countys public school districts have women at the helm, up until Brady was appointed by trustees, National didnt have a female superintendent at any point in its 145-year past.

For Brady, however, taking the job wasnt about breaking a glass ceiling. It was about finding the perfect fit.

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I was looking for diversity in the culture. I was looking for a place where there was teamwork and a family feel. I wanted to be in a place where a superintendent could go in a class and know each students name, Brady said. Id done enough research by the time Id applied that I told the board, I know that National is a good fit for me and Im here to see if you feel like Im a good fit for you.

Bradys resume reads like a road map with National School District as the destination.

She began her career as a bilingual teacher in the Cajon Valley Union School District. It was there that she honed her skills in English language development and primary intervention support.

Brady would later go on to become vice principal of Carlton Oaks School in the Santee School District. And she served as principal of La Costa Heights Elementary in the Encinitas Union School District before being chosen as the districts assistant superintendent of educational services three years ago.

Now she is superintendent of a K-6 district that serves about 5,800 students  70 percent of whom are English language learners who come from low-income families.

I plan to spend the rest of my career here. I plan to immerse myself in this family, Brady said. I truly believe that if you are a good enough listener and you follow your heart, you end up where youre supposed to be.

Brady, 45, earned bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Connecticut, where she focused on bilingual and multicultural studies. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from San Diego State University.

And like her predecessor Chris Oram, who went to college to study economics before finding a passion for teaching, Brady didnt set out to get into education.

I really always wanted to be a dentist, she said. But in high school, she didnt do well in science. That was when her mom, an accountant, steered her daughter toward her own line of work.

I studied accounting until my senior year in college, Brady said. Then I realized I was doing that because it was something that was suggested to me. But everywhere I went people would ask me, Are you a teacher? Where do you teach? Id get that question over and over.

In the end I switched my major to teaching and went into education from there because I felt called.

It may have been a decision that didnt initially thrill her mother, a single parent for many years who was very engaged but not always involved because she was working, Brady said.

We struggled a lot when I was little, and so my mom always said get your education, its the one thing that no one can ever take away from you, she said. I believe education can help you achieve whatever you want to achieve in life.

Growing up, Brady said she has never felt anything other than supported in following her dreams.

At one point, I really thought I was going to the Olympics for gymnastics, she said. I was 11. I was nearly 5-foot-6. I was not going to the Olympics, but my mother never told me I wasnt.

She did, however, graduate from high school one of the top four seniors in gymnastics in her home state of Connecticut and become a cheerleader in in college.

Brady lives in Clairemont with her husband Chris and their son, Noah, who has just started high school. They also have a Chihuahua-terrier mix named Zeke.

The family likes to travel  Noah started spelling his name Noa after a trip to Fiji, because thats how its spelled there  and spend time together at the beach.

I dont get in the water,  Brady admitted. Its too cold.

Follow me @HuardSDUT
The Department of Homeland Security has not altered its plans to resume deporting Haitians to their troubled island nation, despite the most powerful hurricane in 52 years hitting there on Tuesday.

While the extent of the damage is still being assessed, initial reports have indicated that the hurricane affected infrastructure, agriculture and imminent elections, three concerns that were already paramount for those opposed to resuming deportations.

I think in terms of magnitude, I believe this is one of the most severe humanitarian crises that will have affected Haiti since the earthquake of 2010, said Mourad Wahba, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Haiti, by telephone.

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 Previously: Hurricane hits with deportations already under scrutiny

The decision to resume deportations has been of particular interest in San Diego, the first U.S. stop for thousands of Haitians who are fleeing Brazil, their temporary home since the earthquake.

The Department of Homeland Security announced last month that Haitians would become eligible for deportation, after several years in which they were granted temporary humanitarian entry to the U.S. following the 2010 earthquake that destroyed the countrys capital, Port-au-Prince.

The agency told The San Diego Union-Tribune on Wednesday that it has not changed course as a result of the storm.

No further announcements have been made at this time, said Marsha Catron, press secretary for the department. DHS is monitoring Hurricane Matthew and will assess its impact on current policies as appropriate.

The powerful, category 4 Hurricane Matthew struck Haiti on Tuesday at about 7 a.m. with wind gusts as fast as 145 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Relief teams on the scene reported flooding, overflowing rivers and washed-out bridges via Twitter.

Wahba said a bridge that serves as the major thoroughfare between Port-au-Prince and the southern region  believed to have sustained the most damage  was destroyed.

The number of casualties has not yet been determined as communication with the most heavily affected areas has been difficult, Wahba said. Before the hurricanes landfall, local news organizations had reported concern for the safety of the thousands still living in tent camps following the 2010 earthquake.

According to 2016 data from the CIA, more than 62,000 Haitians are still living in the camps.

The Coordination Nationale de la Securite Alimentaire, a Haitian organization that monitors food insecurity, said prior to Hurricane Matthews arrival that agricultural improvements with the lessening of the drought were at risk this fall if a hurricane hit the island.

Now that Hurricane Matthew has struck, the extent of the agricultural damage is not yet clear. Wahba said the country will be assessing damages over the next couple of days, but he has heard reports of entire crops of plantain trees, which are in season, being wiped out.

The Conseil Electoral Provisoire, the Haitian government entity that is responsible for elections, announced on its Twitter account that the Oct. 9 presidential elections would be postponed. The new date will be announced in a few days, the tweet said in French. Haiti has an interim president after evidence of fraud surfaced in its previous presidential elections in 2015.

Uncertain political conditions are one condition advocates have cited in arguing its too soon to return residents to Haiti.

The Haitian weather service warned Wednesday in a bulletin that, although the red alert for Hurricane Matthew had been lifted as it moved toward the U.S., the country was still at risk for flooding and landslides.

The U.S. Navy is sending three ships to provide aid. The U.S. Agency for International Development announced on Wednesday an additional $1 million in humanitarian assistance will go to the island nation.

kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate
Aiming to rid San Diego of illegal pot shops, city officials are partnering on a new campaign urging people to use only the 15 medical marijuana dispensaries that have received permits to operate legally.

The most effective way to put the roughly 20 to 30 illegal shops out of business is to deprive them of their customers and their profits, City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said Thursday.

And he said thats an important goal because the illegal shops dont pay taxes, have no security cameras, have no product testing and often have employees with felony convictions and illegal guns inside.

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The campaign, a partnership with a coalition formed recently by the legal dispensaries, will include advertisements and a special insignia on storefronts that identifies the dispensary as city-approved.

Goldsmith also suggested the city should consider loosening its regulations to allow the opening of more legal shops, which follow strict security protocols and must test their products for quality and potency and have opened only in locations deemed appropriate by the city.

They pay their taxes  they regulate their products, he said. They work with police to guarantee a safe environment for their customers.

In contrast, Goldsmith said the illegal pot shops flout city regulations and put customers in danger.

They operate outside the law, and with a flagrant disrespect to their neighbors, to our City Council and mayor, and often to the judges who order them to close their doors, said Goldsmith, urging people not to buy marijuana there. Its sort of like jumping into a swimming pool when you dont know if theres water or not.

While Goldsmith has shut down about 300 illegal pot shops across the city since 2011, strong consumer demand continues to prompt others to open.

And it can take months to shut down illegal shops because the 1996 legalization of medical marijuana by California voters prevents the city from simply raiding them.

Instead, city officials must declare the shops in violation of zoning laws and then pursue civil or criminal remedies based on those violations alone, not the illegal sale of drugs.

Zach Lazarus labeled jars in March 2015 at the city of San Diegos first legal dispensary in Otay Mesa. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune )

However, if consumers stop buying marijuana at illegal shops the strong financial incentive would go away and fewer of them would open, Goldsmith said.

Thats the goal of the new campaign, which has been dubbed Buy Safe Buy Legal by the dispensary coalition.

Maybe the biggest tool is the consumer and working with the legal industry, Goldsmith said. Its a big step. For too long, people who need medical marijuana have had few tools for separating the good guys from the bad guys.

The campaign will help consumers do that, particularly with the special insignia identifying legal shops, he said.

Anyone who misuses this or counterfeits it  illegally, improperly uses it  and is an illegal operation, we consider that illegal use to be a serious criminal offense and people will be prosecuted and well ask for jail time, Goldsmith said.

Operators of the legal dispensaries praised Goldsmith and the new campaign, which they are paying for.

They stressed that each legal dispensary spent hundreds of thousands of dollars complying with regulations and securing city permits under a 2014 city ordinance allowing legal shops for the first time.

We have a lot of incentives to follow these rules and stay on the right side of the law compared to the fly-by-night collectives that just set up so they can get shut down, said Alida Grahame-Lehman, manager of the Point Loma Patient Consumer Cooperative. They are prepared to be raided by law enforcement and theyre designed to literally tear down and pack up into a moving van.

One hurdle for the campaign is that only eight of the 15 approved dispensaries have opened, leaving most neighborhoods in the city without convenient access to legal marijuana.

Phil Rath, executive director of the United Medical Marijuana Coalition, said many of the seven approved dispensaries that havent opened yet will do so in coming months as they complete city inspections and tenant improvements.

Ads for the campaign feature only 14 of the 15 permitted dispensaries because one got final approval just recently in late August.

Critics say the citys regulations are too strict and that 15 permitted dispensaries isnt enough to meet strong demand.

Goldsmith said the citys process is too expensive and takes too long, and suggested the City Council should consider loosening the rules to allow more legal shops.

But he warned that they would need to be careful not to allow dispensaries to damage neighborhoods.

It has to be well-thought-out and it has to be careful because you want to protect your neighborhoods, he said. If you dont protect your neighborhoods theres going to be an outcry against these things.

Goldsmith, who hasnt taken a position on a Nov. 8 ballot measure that would legalize recreational marijuana in California, said approval of the measure  Proposition 64  wouldnt help solve the problem of illegal pot shops.

He said the city would still have the power to regulate where dispensaries could open and how they operate, so there would still be a risk that illegal shops would flout those rules.

The eight legal dispensaries that have opened are at 2335 Roll Drive in Otay Mesa, 3452 Hancock St. in the Midway District, 658 E. San Ysidro Blvd., 2405 Harbor Drive in Barrio Logan, 7128 Miramar Road in Mira Mesa, 5125 Convoy St. in Kearny Mesa, 10671 Roselle St. in Torrey Pines/Sorrento Valley and 3703 Camino Del Rio South in Mission Valley.

The next two expected to open are located at 1028 Buenos Avenue in Linda Vista and 3385 Sunrise Avenue, just southeast of downtown in Stockton. And a second dispensary in Mission Valley at 3455 Camino Del Rio South is further along in the process of getting permits to open than the other four that have been approved.

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Proposition 64s opponents are urging voters to look at increased crime and traffic crashes in Colorado, where recreational use of marijuana has become legal. Supporters of the 64 the regulation of cannabis is necessary, long overdue, and will be a

david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick
The University of San Diego is creating a cyber range where students can experience simulated online attacks and learn how to defend against them  or even fight back.

The school wants to expose students and industry partners to everything from automated attacks by lone hackers to major assaults by foreign governments, notably China and Russia.

The USD range, which is scheduled to open next year, is part of a broad and growing effort nationwide to train workers to deal with cybersecurity problems, which have been escalating for years. The University of Southern California already operates a cyber range. So does the U.S. Defense Department and a coalition of universities in Michigan.

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The USD range is expected to accommodate up to 30 students, who would be divided into teams that confront a variety of real-world scenarios.

Imagine tools on display that show cyber events graphically, with colors constantly changing as attacks materialize, alarms and warnings firing as systems experience breach attempts, and graphic representation of the success or failure of the efforts, said John Callahan, who oversees cybersecurity programs at USD.

This is a bit dramatic, but for things like penetration testing and red team-blue team scenarios, our goal would be to create a network operations center within our facility so that students could not only experience a real-world environment, but be able to learn from the visualization of the elements of the exercises, he said.

The planned cyber range comes about a year after USD created a masters degree program in cybersecurity, something that universities across the country are doing as well.

In related news, the University of Southern California announced this week that it has created the Center for Cyber-Physical Systems and the Internet of Things, which is the universe of devices connected to the Internet. A major concern is how to deal with the burgeoning number of household devices that are linked to the web and often are vulnerable to hackers because they lack security shields or have weak ones.

The incoming torrent of the (Internet of Things) will provide a myriad of opportunities to improve the everyday life of all people, particularly those in urban environments, the centers director, Yannis C. Yortsos, said in a statement.

(The center) will serve to advance the state of the art, seek solutions to grand challenge problems, particularly as they affect society at large, and provide thought leadership across academia and the industry.

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A San Diego man was part of a boiler-room scheme that used high-pressure sales tactics to trick investors into buying securities at inflated prices, ultimately causing more than 200 people  including retirees  to lose virtually all the money they invested, according to a recent lawsuit.

The Securities and Exchange Commission filed a complaint against Jason A. Wallace, of Huntington Beach. The lawsuit, filed Sept. 27 in federal court in Santa Ana, accuses Wallace of partnering with others, including James M. Price of San Diego, to defraud hundreds of investors, who ultimately lost their money.

The lawsuit accuses Wallace of defrauding investors, acting as an unregistered broker and selling unregistered securities. It seeks to permanently bar Wallace from participating in any future penny stock offerings, impose civil penalties and force him to give up all his ill-gotten gains  plus interest.

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In 2012, Wallace pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud, according to the civil complaint.

Price and another man, William Alverson of Jupiter, Florida, engaged Wallace to manipulate the market for securities of companies including Healthient, Inc.; PEI Worldwide Holdings, Inc.; Sycamore Ventures, Inc.; and Systems America, Inc., according to the lawsuit.

Between 2010 and 2012, Wallace and his employees cold-called potential investors to sell penny stocks (stocks that generally trade for less than $5 a share) in the companies, the lawsuit said. He and his cold-callers made false promises to investors and left out important information about sales commissions.

Meanwhile Wallace convinced investors to place orders to buy shares at set prices, and Price and Alverson placed orders to sell their own stocks at matching set prices, the lawsuit said. Wallace coordinated the amount and price of sales to investors with how much stock Price and Alverson wanted to sell, and at what price.

Price and Alverson earned at least $2.2 million on the sales, and paid Wallace and his boiler room nearly half a million dollars in commission, according to the lawsuit. When the boiler-room scheme ended, the false market collapsed and buyers lost almost all the money they invested.

Wallace and Price did not respond to requests for comment.

morgan.cook@sduniontribune.com
A Marine veteran and quadruple amputee who received a double arm transplant said this week that the donation will allow him to pursue his dream of being a chef while also enabling him to do something most of us take for granted.

In his first public appearance since the August operation at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, retired Sgt. John Peck said the best part of his new appendages was that he was now able to hold his fiancees hand.

Peck, 31, who hails from Illinois but now lives in Virginia, was with his unit in Afghanistans Helmand province in 2010 searching for Taliban fighters when a homemade bomb went off. The explosion blew off both his legs above his knees, almost all of his left arm and his right arm above his elbow, according to The Washington Post.

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He told the paper that he felt something hit his head and that he thinks it was was one of his legs.

This was the second time the Marine vet had been injured. In 2007 he suffered a traumatic brain injury in an explosion in Iraq. He was sent home, recovered and reenlisted in 2009, the Post reported.

An emotional Peck said Wednesday that he was enormously grateful to the donors family, who wish to remain anonymous.

Your loved ones death will not be for nothing, he said. Every day that I look down at our new arms, I will drive on. . . and I will never give up. I will remember his selflessness and his gift until the day I die.

He also said that the surgery will allow him to pursue his lifelong love of cooking, and he said that he hopes to accomplish that after traveling to Europe and elsewhere to learn the craft.

Thats all I want to do, he said. It could be easily accomplished. Well, not easily, but it could be accomplished. Its just up to me. How hard I try. How successful the arm transplant is.

Pecks new arms are stillswollen and scarred and they are awkward to move, but he is making progress while learning how to brush his teeth and dress and feed himself again.

His doctors say he will need at least a year of rehabilitation before his nerves are fully functional.

In the meantime, he reached a milestone when he was able to feel his girlfriend Jessica Pakers hand when she squeezed his.

That truly is a special gift, he said.

Officials said this was the fourth double arm or hand transplant that had been performed at Brigham and Womens Hospital and that Peck is the second war veteran and quadruple amputee who has received the operation.
Much scientific research has established that the human mind is susceptible to something called implicit bias, which is unconscious attitudes and stereotypes humans harbor that can affect a persons actions and behaviors without that persons awareness. A person who believes they are not prejudiced may still harbor implicit bias.

A Harvard University website  https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html  has implicit association tests (IAT) where one can evaluate themselves for 13 types of implicit bias. Both authors of this article took an IAT and found they had implicit bias. Hillary Clinton gave the problem of implicit bias widespread exposure when she correctly stated that implicit bias is a problem for everyone, not just police, in the first presidential debate. The recent shooting by police of an unarmed black man in El Cajon brought the issue to San Diego as has been happening in communities across the U.S.

Humans have evolved from animal, pre-human and human ancestors for whom the ability to discriminate, sometimes with minimal hesitation, could decide whether they survived. Research indicates that rapid neural responses from the amygdala part of the brain send us unconscious signals which shape our decision-making and subsequent actions, especially in a situation perceived as threatening.

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One type of implicit bias is implicit racism and such hidden racism is likely a factor in U.S. police shootings of black men at significantly higher rates than white men. For example, recent research by the Washington Post found that after adjusting for their representation in the population unarmed black Americans were five times as likely as unarmed white Americans to be shot and killed by a police officer. Research has eliminated higher crime rates by blacks as being a factor in these statistics. As Justin Nix, a professor of criminal justice at the University of Louisville, stated: The only thing that was significant in predicting whether someone shot and killed by police was unarmed was whether or not they were black.

Seminal research in 2002 by a team of university researchers using four different simulations found that civilian participants would shoot an armed African-American target more quickly and more often than a white armed target but decided to not shoot an unarmed white target more quickly and more often than an unarmed African-American target. Unarmed targets held a common object such as a cellphone.

A similar 2007 study confirmed the results of the 2002 study for community members and found comparable results for police officers.

Drawing from research on implicit bias, including the aforementioned, a February 2016 article in The Police Chief, a publication of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, concludes that police may use more or quicker force against blacks because like many humans, they have a black-crime implicit bias producing greater perceptions of threat from blacks than from people of other races, and that training can counter this tendency.

Examples of methods that appear to reduce implicit bias, particularly for police in respect to African-Americans, are exposure and mindfulness. One technique related to exposure is training simulations in which an officer is repeatedly exposed to situations where race is unrelated to the presence of a firearm. The goal of this exercise is to make race irrelevant to the decision as to whether an officer will shoot. Exposure to African-Americans through community policing is another method that may reduce implicit racial bias. Getting to know people better, particularly those different than oneself, breaks down stereotypes which reduces implicit bias. Mindfulness training, which has its roots in meditation practice and Buddhism, provides a powerful way to be present in the moment with a sharpened awareness of ones thoughts, feelings, and environment. It has the potential to calm the amygdala and improve focus, especially in stressful situations. Another goal of mindfulness training can be to increase a persons empathy and compassion. Research has established that mindfulness training decreases implicit bias. It was recommended by an April 2014 article in The Police Chief and has been utilized by police departments.

President Obamas Task Force on 21st Century Policing recommended increased training on implicit bias and Attorney General Kamala Harris has done so in California. Further research into implicit bias based on factors such as gender, sexual orientation and race in different facets of society such as employment, housing and criminal justice, is needed to advance our understanding of this phenomenon and provide solutions that will lead to greater equality. We urge government to provide funding for police training which reduces implicit bias and mistakes in difficult and stressful situations.

Lampe is professor of business law and social responsibility at the University of San Diego School of Business. He has done research on evolution, the brain and ethical behavior, and mindfulness in ethics education. Christianson is a retired professor of economics who taught at USD School of Business.
Especially in San Diego County, home to one of Americas largest Filipino communities, its important to pay attention to seemingly deteriorating relations between Manila and Washington, which have been allies for 70 years. On Tuesday, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, a populist former big-city mayor elected in May, told President Obama he can go to hell after the latest U.S. criticism of murderous vigilantism in the Asian democracy triggered by Dutertes call for the killing of drug dealers and drug users.

Duterte may soon apologize, as he did last month after calling the U.S. president a son of a bitch. But there is little doubt that the Philippines are in for a wild ride after choosing a president who has long shown contempt for not just civility but due process and democracy, using extralegal death squads to fight crime and opposition while mayor of Davao City.

This is a terrible development for a nation of 100 million people that only in recent years has begun to enjoy the economic growth seen in many of its Asian neighbors. That growth was spurred by the decision of the last president, Benigno Aquino III, to push for international investment. Such investment is unlikely to continue if Duterte Harry continues to raise questions about his stability by saying Pope Francis is the son of a whore and calling a U.S. diplomat the gay son of a whore.

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How could such a coarse man be elected president in a landslide? Its because of anger over income inequality and constant headlines about corruption, and a desire for change in a political status quo in which power is often wielded by a handful of wealthy families. Aquinos mother, Corazon, was president from 1986 to 1992, after the People Power revolution forced out Ferdinand Marcos, the corrupt president of 20 years.

No matter how outrageous Dutertes provocations may get, the United States should not overreact. The Washington-Manila relationship is long and complex  the Philippines were a U.S. territory from 1898 to 1935  but the ties between the U.S. and Philippines armed forces are less fraught. In 2014, the nations signed a 10-year accord allowing the U.S. to establish military bases in the Philippines again, more than 20 years after such historic U.S. bases as Subic Bay were ordered closed during a surge of nationalism. The primary reason for the change of heart: the island archipelagos concerns about the increasing adventurousness of the Chinese military in the South China Sea.

This week, Duterte threatened to junk the agreement and forge a strategic alliance with China. This is unlikely to go over well with leaders of the Philippines armed forces, who have been humiliated by Chinas seizure of several small islands.

Dutertes latest salvo at the United States came as the U.S. and the Philippines military began their latest joint exercise. I serve notice to you now that this will be the last joint military exercise with U.S., Duterte said.

He shouldnt be so sure about that. The key moment in the 1986 revolution that ousted Marcos was when the Philippines military decided it could not tolerate him stealing an election. The junior officers then are the senior officers now. If Duterte seeks to split with the U.S. and trust China as a partner, the officers may say  politely or otherwise  no thanks.
ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP)  Suspected members of a little-known rebel group killed eight soldiers in an attack in northern Paraguay on Saturday, just days after guerrillas and officials in Colombia reached a peace deal to end the longest-running insurgency in Latin America.

Paraguayan Interior Minister Francisco De Vargas reported the first five deaths from the attack in Arroyito, a town about 305 miles (490 kilometers) from Asuncion. Dr. Bernardo Jacquet, a physician at Hospital Concepcion, located some 55 miles (90 kilometers) from where the attack occurred, later said the death toll had risen to eight.

Authorities suspect the attack was carried out by a little-known Paraguayan guerrilla group called the Paraguayan Peoples Army.

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Federico Delfino, the countrys prosecutor for anti-kidnapping efforts, said the attackers got away with eight M4 carbines, bulletproof vests and the victims personal belongings.

President Horacio Cartes vowed to personally lead the fight against these terrorists.

The spike in rebel violence in Paraguay came as Colombias government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia on Wednesday announced the finalization of a peace agreement after more than four years of grueling negotiations. A cease-fire in the Colombian conflict that lasted more than a half-century will take effect at midnight next Monday.

The Paraguayan government considers members of the Paraguayan Peoples Army to be terrorists under an anti-terrorism law.

The group was blamed last year in the killing of a German couple. Their bodies were found after the rebels abducted the pair from their cattle farm and demanded that the owner of a farm pay $300,000 and give food to the poor.
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Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. 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
Selangor, Malaysia -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/05/2016 -- One of the renowned providers of aesthetically rich jewelry, Kim Jewelry Design, is offering state-of-the-art Infinity Charm Coin Pearl Bracelet that will help young ladies in dressing up in a beautiful way on different occasions. They first stepped into this market years ago and since then have amassed a huge customer base by providing impeccable handmade jewelry in a variety of designs, styles, patterns and sizes. The exclusive collection of bracelets that they have in stock include Purple Pearl Beaded Bracelet, Sterling Silver Infinity Bracelet, Infinity Charm Coin Pearl Bracelet, and a lot more. Manufactured with the utmost care, these jewelry items are great adornment for young ladies who love to enhance their charm with warm elegance.



When it comes to offering best-in-class handmade jewelry at the market's best prices, Kim Jewelry Design is one of the most sough-after names in the country. All of the jewelry items they provide are manufactured employing cutting-edge technological tools to ensure they fulfil the varied needs of their customers. Beside bracelets, this reputable online store also offers jewelry items like Rings, Bridal Jewelry, Necklaces, Lockets, Cluster Pearl, Earrings, moonstone, Key Chain Accessories, Swarovski Element, Sorority Necklace, and many others. Those who are willing to buy jewelry items of any kind can visit their official portal, KimJewelryDesign.com, order their desired jewelry and get it delivered to their doorstep within the right time and in a proper condition.



Talking more about the Infinity Charm Coin Pearl Bracelet, one of the representatives of the company stated "I would use shell pearl for this design is because shell pearl tends to have a standard round shape just like mentons, unlike coin shape freshwater pearl. Freshwater pearl in coin shape tends to have irregular shape. (Just my personal opinion, no offense to freshwater pearl lover."



About Kim Jewelry Design

Kim Jewelry Design has been making and designing beautiful jewelry pieces for 3 years and decided to sell online since April 2012. The entire design and crafting process takes place in their little home studio. Each piece of their jewelry is carefully handmade. Customers will discover a whole array of gift ideas and browse handy customer product reviews to help in making the perfect choice. Simply log on to their easy to use and customer friendly website and they bring gift shopping right at the fingertips.



For more information, please visit, http://www.kimjewelrydesign.com/
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/06/2016 -- The cement market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is highly diversified due to the presence of a large number of players, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new report. The competition among the leading players in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia cement market is intense as they strive to gain a competitive advantage over each other through a high level of forward integration. The prime companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia cement market are attempting to combat cost pressures with economies of scale.



Several leading cement companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are located in the southern and western regions. However, the rising demand for cement from the central and eastern regions is putting excess pressure on a few companies serving in the region, thus impelling them to enhance their production capacity. The three leading companies, Saudi Cement Company, Yanbu Cement Company, and Yamama Cement Company, accounted for a share of 44.8% in 2013 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia cement market.



Download And Get Sample PDF File Of Cement Industry: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=4015



The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia cement market is projected to rise at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2014 to 2020. The market was worth US$3,756.5 mn in 2015 and is estimated to touch US$5,071.2 mn by 2020. In terms of application, the infrastructural segment emerged dominant in 2013 with a share of 50.2% in the cement market for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is expected to retain a lead with an estimated share of 51.0% by 2020. The robust growth in the infrastructure of Saudi Arabia is the primary factor driving the growth of the cement market in the country. As a result of the rising construction activities in emerging cities of Jubail, Riyadh, and Jeddah, the demand for cement is expected to intensify over the forthcoming years.



Central Region of Saudi Arabia to Lead in terms of Cement Consumption



Region-wise, the central region emerged as the leading consumer of cement in Saudi Arabia followed by the western region. The market for cement in the central region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stood at a valuation of US$799.4 mn in 2015 and is likely to rise to US$1,096.9 mn by the end of 2020. The growth in the cement market in the central region can be attributed to the burgeoning number of construction projects in the region coupled with the rising number of commercial and residential buildings. Moreover, ongoing infrastructure projects such as the construction of bridges and roads are likely to drive the progress of the cement market in future.



Dynamic Demographic Structure to Drive Cement Market in Saudi Arabia



Growing population and changing demographics are stated to steer investments in a country. According to a TMR analyst, "Owing to the rising land prices and dearth of small housing units, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is facing shortage of feasible housing for medium and low income civilians." As a result of this, the demand for the construction of new buildings is significantly increasing, in turn impelling the government to increasing investments and funding for construction of new buildings and infrastructural activities. The changing demographics of the country are anticipated to push the number of construction projects in the region, further resulting in a rise in the demand for cement in the country.



Browse Market Research Report with ToC & Free Analysis: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/saudi-arabia-cement-market.html



Cut Down in Fuel Supply to Act Rogue in Development of Cement Market



Cement companies operating in Saudi Arabia get the benefit of obtaining subsidized natural gas. The natural gas utilized by cement companies is supplied by Saudi Aramco, a state-owned company. With the government focusing on the economic development of the country, the possibility exists that the priority of expenditure might change. It is anticipated that this might lead to the discontinuation of subsidized fuel for the cement companies, leading to a rise in the prices of cement. The rise in cement prices is likely to inhibit the growth of the cement market in Saudi Arabia.



The review is based on a report titled, "Cement Market - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020."



Cement Market - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Application Analysis

-Residential

-Commercial

-Infrastructure

-Others (Including cement bricks)



Cement Market - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Regional Analysis

-Central

-Eastern

-Northern

-Southern

-Western



About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The company's exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.



TMR's data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.
Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/06/2016 -- A kiosk is a small physical structure (often including a computer and a display screen) that displays information for people walking by.



The United States Kiosk Market Report is a meticulous investigation of current scenario of the global market, which covers a number of market dynamics. The United States Kiosk market research report is a resource, which provides current as well as upcoming technical and financial details of the industry. The thorough analysis in this report enables investors, CEOs, traders and suppliers to understand the market in a better way and based on that knowledge make well-informed decisions.



Browse more detail information about United States Kiosk market report at: http://www.absolutereports.com/united-states-kiosk-market-by-manufacturers-type-and-application-forecast-to-2021-10358350



To begin with, the report elaborates the Global United States Kiosk overview various definitions and classification of the industry, applications of the industry and chain structure are given. Present day status of the United States Kiosk Market in key regions is stated and industry policies and news are analysed.



Major Points Covered in this Report are:



- Industry Overview of United States Kiosk

- Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Global United States Kiosk Market

- Sales & Revenue Analysis of United States Kiosk Market

- Production Analysis of United States Kiosk by Regions

- Market Dynamics Considering Opportunities, Constraint and Driving Force

- Feasibility Analysis of New Project Investments



Get a PDF Sample of United States Kiosk Market Research Report at: http://www.absolutereports.com/enquiry/request-sample/10358350



Major Key Players Analysed in the United States Kiosk Market Research Report are:



-GiiNii

-NIX

-Aluratek

-Micca

-Sungale

-Digital Foci

-Philips

-ViewSonic

-Pix-Star

-Sylvania



For each region, market size and end users are analysed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies.



The Global United States Kiosk market analysis is provided for major regions as follows:



- North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)

- Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)

- Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)

- Latin America, Middle and Africa



Have any query? ask our expert @ http://www.absolutereports.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/10358350



By Types, the United States Kiosk Market can be Split into:



-Indoor Kiosk

-Outdoor Kiosk



By Applications, the United States Kiosk Market can be Split into:



-Hospitals

-Banks

-Airports

-Others



There are 11 Chapters to deeply display the United States Kiosk market.



-Chapter 1, to describe Kiosk Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;



-Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Kiosk, with sales, revenue, and price of Kiosk, in 2015 and 2016;



-Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2015 and 2016;



-Chapter 4 and 5, to show the market of Kiosk by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2011 to 2016;



-Chapter 6, Kiosk market forecast, by type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2016 to 2021;



-Chapter 7, to analyze the Kiosk market development potential except United States, covering China, Southeast Asia, India, Latin America etc.



-Chapter 8, 9, 10 and 11, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, market effect factors, appendix and data source.



Get Discount on United States Kiosk Market Research Report at: http://www.absolutereports.com/enquiry/request-discount/10358350



About Absolute Reports

Absolute Reports is an upscale platform to help key personnel in the business world in strategizing and taking visionary decisions based on facts and figures derived from in depth market research. We are one of the top report resellers in the market, dedicated towards bringing you an ingenious concoction of data parameters.



Contact

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Absolute Reports

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Email  sales@absolutereports.com

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Obesity is one of the major problems faced by America. Several reports show how obesity is linked to people's genes. The "thrifty gene hypothesis" explains that our ancestors store fat to stay away from famine. Will the scientists today prove this hypothesis true?

The "thrifty gene" is a genotype that allows our ancestors to store fat when famine arrives. It was proposed back in 1962 by James Neel. It is an advantage for our ancestors yet, research today claim that it is a curse for the future generation, as reported by Express.

Arguments regarding the thrifty gene hypothesis have been heard by many. One of the questions was why is it that everyone did not inherit these favorable traits if the selection has been acting from our ancestors.

A biologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology in Beijing, who co-authored the research with Guanlin Wang, one of his PhD students at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, John Speakman said that "This is probably the hardest evidence so far against the thrifty gene hypothesis-our ambition here is for people to entertain a wider range of ideas about where the genetic basis of complex diseases, like obesity, comes from."

The research conducted by John Speakman and Guanlin Wang is to test the thrifty gene hypothesis and its addendums. They gathered publicly available data such as the HapMap consortium and 1000 Genomes project. The result shows that, out of 115 genes known to be associated with obesity, only 9 showed evidence of being under positive with the hypothesis.

However, the nine genes that show positivity only 4 of those favor obesity. The other 5 favored leanness. In line, John Speakman added, "The process of evolution is a lot more complex than just the spread of favorable traits by natural selection, and the thrifty gene is an emblem of this older way of thinking about evolutionary aspects of medicine," according to Phys.org.
A study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland suggests that diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) may show as pathological changes in the retina of the eye. Researchers stated that findings from mouse models showed that eye examination can be used as a non-invasive test to screen diseases of the human brain especially Huntington's disease (HD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Science Daily reported that the retina, which is known as the light sensing tissue on the bottom of the eye, can be acknowledged as a significant part of the central nervous system (CNS). According to the report, the research, conducted by Dr. Henri Leinonen, who explored functional abnormalities in the retinas of mice for his Ph.D. project, also said that during fetal development, the retina matures from the area of the brain and its sensation closely resembles that of the brain.

While directly analyzing the brain has a number of limitations, checking retinal structure and function can be possible using minimally or non-invasive procedures. This suggests that the health status of the brain could be indirectly assessed through the eyes and diagnostic screening of brain diseases could become more efficient.

In Dr. Leinonen's experiments, he used a procedure called electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potentials (VEP) to identify changes in retinal functions. Using a mouse model with Huntington's disease (HD), Dr. Leinonen found changes in day and color vision while the animal was in its pre-symptomatic phase.

The retinal structure was somewhat normal even in the advanced state of the disease. However, a collection of toxic mutated huntingtin protein was seen all over the diseased mouse's retina. Science Newsline reported that although the retinopathy in the model mice showed an exaggerated result compared to human HD patients, the findings was also directed to the patient data which revealed impaired color vision but no clear-cut anatomical retinopathy.

It is also important to note that researchers found abnormalities in night vision in a mouse model with Alzheimer's disease, reported UPI. They discovered that the rod-mediated inner retinal, which responses to dim light flashes, were quicker in diseased mice than in their wild-type controls. The observation may be explained by impaired cholinergic neurotransmission that is also one of the reasons for the deterioration of memory in AD.

Basically, Dr. Leinonen's findings contribute to the growing evidence that pathological changes in the retina are linked to the central nervous system, noticing that visual impairment was the fastest progressive symptom in two of the models tested.
United States election is fast approaching. Presidential bets are continuously hitting the social media debates. However, scientists have a different opinion on a certain candidate. They bravely warn the public that Republican standard bearer Donald Trump is a threat to the planet since he does not believe in climate change.

Reports regarding Donald Trump describing climate change as "bullshit" and a hoax have reached the global warming scientists. Trump also stated that climate change was designed by China to ruin the US economy. But, later on, he said that the comments he stated were meant to be jokes.

Michael E. Mann, Professor of Atmospheric Science and Director of the Earth System Science Center at Penn State University wrote that "In just a matter of weeks, we will be confronted with a critical decision. It is not mere hyperbole to assert that we are facing a make-or-break election as far as climate change is concerned." He added that in 1992 the appropriate catch-phrase was "It's The Economy Stupid!" then this time around it ought to be "It's the PLANET stupid!" basing on the statement made by Donald Trump, according to Huffington Post.

Michael E. Mann and his team reported that to inhibit the climate change dangerous effects is a challenge. But, the progress they made in the past few years can be seen. Of those is the monumental international agreement in Paris last December. Global carbon has already declined and renewable energy rises.

Tom Tole a cartoonist from Washington Post, co-author of Michael Mann created a book. Inside you can see illustrations of Donald Trump saying "I have built a wall and you have to pay for it." Though Trump denied his claims the day after, Tole and Mann said it is too late.

Michael Mann added that "Donald Trump and his campaign still firmly reject the scientific evidence that climate change is human-caused, opposing the only action (a reduction of fossil fuel burning) that can save us from ever-more dangerous climate change impacts," according to EcoWatch.

In line with this, a group of scientists including Michael Mann encourage others to speak out. While Donald Trump denies the climate change, for the others climate change is happening and it can be seen.
The researchers believe that humans could live to a maximum of about 115 years. On the other hand, they said that only a few people may live longer.

The findings of the study were printed in the journal Nature. The team of researchers in New York examined data on human longevity. The study was found to be affirmative yet some people said it is a dismal travesty, according to BBC News.

In the study, the team analyzed the data from the Human Mortality Database. They also examined the deaths of super-centenarians, those who were over 110, in U.S., UK, France and Japan. The findings indicate that the life expectancy was slowing in centenarians. It also suggests that the maximum age of death of humans had shown no progress for at least two decades.

Professor Jan Vijg, a researcher from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine said that in humans aged over 105 they make very little progress. This signifies that people are most likely approaching the limit to human life.

"For the first time in history we've been able to see this, it looks like the maximum life span - this ceiling, this barrier - is about 115 years." Prof. Vijg further said that it is impossible that you'll go beyond 115 years and there is a very small chance to live up to 125 years. He also describes aging as having amassed damages to DNA and other molecules. The body can repair some of the damages yet at the end there is so much to restore and causes collapsing, as noted by New York Times.

Prof. Vijg recommends lengthening the years of healthy living instead of extending the life spans. He refers healthy living as having healthy habits and probably drugs that could restore the cellular damages that come as humans get older. He concluded that there is a good chance to improve health span and that is the most significant thing.




Samsung has announced it will buy Viv, an Artificial intelligence platform developed by the makers of Apple's Siri. Viv an AI platform has been developed by Dag Kittlaus, Adam Cheyer and Chris Brigham, the creators of Siri which was acquired by Apple in 2010.

Samsung's AI, Vivs Co-founder, and CEO Dag Kittlaus writes in a blog post that "Samsung will drastically accelerate our vision." The reason for the Vivs cofounders quitting the earlier company was believed to be a creative difference with Apple.

Samsung has clarified that Vivs team will continue to work independently to further develop the artificial intelligence platform. Samsung intends to use the AI Viv in TVs, phones, VR and other products.

Samsung's AI, Viv has an interconnected nature compared to other platforms such as Siri. Viv artificial intelligence will allow multiple communications across apps and form a link between them. This will allow it to run queries that resemble how people actually talk.

Samsung's AI, Viv is also capable of writing codes to accomplish new tasks. Viv is the first AI software that will build itself to gauge the intent of the users. Unlike Apple's Siri Viv is capable of doing tasks that it has not performed in the past.

"Instead of having to write every code instructed, you're really just describing what you want it to do the whole idea of Viv is that developers can go in and build any experience that they want," said, Kittlaus, as reported in Techcrunch.

Samsung's acquisition of Viv will let them compete with Apple's Siri. Viv is going to be an important part of Samsungs strategy to compete with Google in the Smartphone segment. With its direct use of Tizen Apple is becoming a direct competitor to Samsung.

Samsung's acquisition of Artificial intelligence Viv could be about creating a voice-powered interface across all its devices. This strategy would help Samsung acquire customers that are keen on artificial intelligence.

Only time will tell, how much competitive edge Samsung will have over Apple with its acquisition of artificial intelligence platform, Viv. Let us wait and watch!
The survey of the deep sea ecosystems that has taken two decades to be completed has resulted in the discovery of the largest coral system in the Hawaiian Islands and the site is phenomenal.

The scientists have located the largest coral system on Earth in almost complete darkness, down past the shallow reefs. One of its section features the highest level of endemism in any marine ecosystem that has ever been recorded, according to Science Alert.

The real fascinating fact about this discovery is that none of the researchers in team had expected to come across such an ecosystem in the middle light coral zone of the Hawaiian archipelago. This part of the mysterious geopgraphy of Hawaiian Islands is at a depth of 30 to 150 meters where the things are quite dim and cold.

"What is unique about this study is how vast and dense the coral cover is," lead researcher Richard Pyle from Bishop Museum in Honolulu told the Associated Press.

The deep reef zone of the Hawaiian Islands is often referred to as the Twilight zone since its depth is too much for divers to take the plunge but too shallow to rationalize the cost it takes to deploy an unmanned, submersible rover. The team comprising of international researchers had to explore the area in the darkness making use of data recorders, drop cameras, remote operated vehicles and advanced diving techniques that involved rebreathers only when they could afford it.

They travelled over the the entire 2,590 kilometer long Hawaiian Archipelego and discovered the largest coral system that hosts more than twice the number of native fish species found in the shallower waters of Hawaii.

Wired reports that 17 percent of the fish species found in any shallower reef of Hawaii will be endemic which means they are unique to that part of Earth. However, in the deep sea systems which have just been discovered, the percentage has hiked to almost 50 percent. The team also reported that 100 percent fish species found in the north western Hawaiian Islands can be spotted only in Hawaii.

This news of the discovery of the largest coral system has brought some relief and much-needed hope after the news of 93 percent damage caused to Australia's Great Barrier Reef by coral bleaching broke out earlier this year.
It's time for the world to combat climate change. The global agreement has finally crossed its threshold, and the fight against climate change is about to commence, thanks to the support from the European Union, which sent the agreement into full force as it crossed the necessary 55% to take effect.

Countries like Canada, Bolivia, and Nepal have already raised backing for the 2015 agreement, as do countries that represent 56.87 percent of the world greenhouse emissions, pushing past the 55 percent needed to implement the agreement. As the UN News Center noted, EU's ratification put a total of 73 parties out of 197, which have signed the treaty.

The deal is going to formally take place 30 days after crossing the 55 percent threshold - on November 4, just four days before the US presidential election will take place. This is especially important, as Reuters noted, because of the opposing stances of the presidential candidates: Republican Donald Trump is strongly against the accord, while Democrat Hillary Clinton is a strong supporter.

President Barack Obama, however, called Wednesday a "a historic day in the fight to protect our planet for future generations." He also said that if the ratifying countries follows through on the commitment that the agreement embodies, it could be considered as a turning point for the planet.

ABC News noted that UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq also said on Wednesday that the EU and 10 other countries have already deposited their instruments of ratification. Even UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon praised the quick ratification of the treaty, saying that what once seemed unthinkable has now become unstoppable.

Yet, the load is still long. As Michael Oppenheimer, a professor of geosciences at Princeton University warned, a lot of hard work will have to be put to fulfill the Paris goal, adding that "without focused efforts starting now, we are not going to avoid falling over a very steep cliff."
The occasion was the 67th International Astronautical Congress, and Elon Musk, the CEO and founder of SpaceX, Tesla Motors and more, made full use of the 90 minutes of his podium time. Elon Musk spoke on everything from his Mars plans to solar city and more. Musk also announced long-term plans that will involve refueling stations around the entire solar system for the benefit of his upcoming Spaceships. But, let us now focus on the numbers that are indeed mind- boggling.

Elon Musk Reveals Mars Plan

Ballpark estimate by Elon Musk puts the cost of sending humans to Mars by 2033 by NASA at $10 billion for every person. In contrast, the Congress is worried that the cost of NASA's mission, the way things are progressing now could edge up to as much as $500 billion.

The ultimate goal of Elon is to colonize Mars and at $10 billion per head, this could simply remain a dream. So, the prices have to drop deep into the fathoms and peg around the $200,000 mark to make the project viable for the ordinary humans.

Elon Musk is still confident

According to Musk, his initial plan is to create a spaceship that can transport 100 humans in the initial phase and gradually ramp up the numbers to 1,000,000 colonists. The first of such spaceships, targeted to take off in 2020 could be making a solo trip.

Later, Elon Musk has plans to colonize Mars in the Caravan style. When and if this happens, 1,000 spaceships will be orbiting the earth and dispatch 100,000 colonists to Mars. These spaceships will then make their way back to earth to take a refill.

According to these plans, the total colonization of Mars could consume about 100 years, assuming SpaceX can ramp up to 1,000 space ships. as reported in Huffington Post.

Biggest Revelation By Elon Musk

Last week, Elon made a mention of $10 billion and he was speaking of what it could cost to send one human to Mars with the technology currently available to NASA. Musk says that is exactly the amount of money that he would need to take his Mars Mission off the ground and prepare to send 100 colonists to Mars.

To achieve this, he will also have to build massive infrastructure including the gigantic spaceships, and the refueling stations as he calls it. All these could consume that neat little pile of money and perhaps more.

Only time will tell, how much of what Elon Musk has said will turn into reality with SpaceX's project Mars.
Hurricane Matthew has set its sights on the US, and over 2 million people have been urged to evacuate their homes as the storm makes its way past the Bahamas.

CNN noted that the hurricane already killed at least 15 people in Caribbean countries, and by early Thursday, it was seen about 125 miles south of Nassau, Bahamas, and 325 miles from West Palm Beach in Florida. Although not expected to make landfall, the storm center is expected to get "very near" the Atlantic Coast as a possible Category 4 hurricane. A hurricane at this level hasn't been seen in the area since Hurricane Andrew, which devastated the Miami area in 1992.

The impending weather already had Florida Governor Rick Scott asking President Obama to declare a pre-landfall emergency. In line with this precaution is to have 1,000 more National Guard Members activated to add to the 1,500 already positioned in the state, as well as suspend all tolls in the affected areas.

Voluntary and mandatory evacuations in Florida as warned by the Governor included the Miami area, and extended all the way to the north, past St. Augustine. USA Today reported that Scott implored those who have been ordered to evacuate as instructed, telling reporters at a briefing that "There is absolutely no excuse not to evacuate," adding that "if you are able to leave early, go now, before evacuation-related traffic tie-ups get worse."

He also said that people having a plan for evacuation and safety could be the difference between life and death. Federal Emergency Management Agency chief W. Craig Fugate agreed, saying that residents should take the evacuation orders seriously, as the hurricane is expected to potentially cause significant harm.

Airline passengers are also urged to call before leaving for the airport, as almost 250 flights have already been canceled at Miami International. State Offices, in accordance to the evacuation orders, will also be closed on Thursday and Friday in 26 counties.
There were rumors of Google prepping a new Pixel launcher app for its Pixel- branded smartphones, dubbed Pixel and Pixel XL. Now after the search giant has officially announced the Pixel smartphones with the new exclusive launcher, tech enthusiasts are very keen to know whether or not the new Google Pixel launcher will be making its way to other smartphones including Nexus phones.

Taking note of the queries, Google has confirmed that it won't be rolling out the new Pixel launcher for smartphones other than Pixel and Pixel XL for the time being, reported Android Police. The same even applies to the tech giant's own Nexus branded phones.

Google noted that while they have no plans to make the new launcher available for other phones at this point of time, they will definitely evaluate the launcher's wide roll out in future, reported Android Headlines. This means there are chances that we might see the Pixel Launcher getting opened up in coming time.

Google Pixel Launcher Features

The updated Pixel launcher UI features a clean and polished look, Google Assistant in place of Google Now, new Google search "pill" widget, which lets users easily search and access voice commands, a dynamic calendar icon, a revamped app drawer, new round app icons, home screen shortcuts and more.

In related news, the Nexus maker recently unveiled a host of new devices at the October launch event which was held in San Francisco on Tuesday. The list included the highly anticipated Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, smart multi-router Google Wi-Fi, smart home assistant Google Home, Google Assistant, Daydream View VR headset and Chromecast Ultra.

Stay tuned to SWR for more updates and latest news related to Google Pixel launcher.

What do you think about Google's decision to make Pixel launcher exclusive to Pixel smartphones? Let us know in comments below.
DARLINGTON, S.C. -- Darlington County agencies are working together to continue to ensure the safety of our county residents and those who come through.

Please make sure your family has their needs met to get through an extended amount of time when we may experience periods without electricity, fuel stations and pharmacies closed, and other daily conveniences interrupted. We encourage your family to prepare an emergency supply kit with a minimum of a 7-day supply of prescription medications, extra batteries, flash lights, first aid kits, small hand tools, non-perishable food with a can opener, and a minimum of 1 gallon of water for each person in your household for each day.

We ask that everyone take proper precautions to ensure their own safety. If you see barricades on a road, do not go around them. They have been placed there to prevent traffic from proceeding into danger. With this type of storm, there is a high potential for flash flooding. If you see water over a roadway, Dont drown, turn around

If you see down power lines, do not touch them. All lines should be assumed live. If you have a loss in electricity, report it to your power company. Dont assume your neighbors will make the notification.

As of 7 a.m. today, the South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a statewide burning ban until further notice. Under Darlington County ordinance, when the state has a ban in effect, there is also a burning ban for Darlington County.

Please continue to monitor the local media, our social media outlets (Facebook @DCEmergencyManagement and Twitter @DarCoEmMgmt), and our county weather page (www.weather.gov/ilm/emdarlington) for the latest information. We encourage the use of the CodeRed app found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Is it a luxurious breakfast? A satisfying dessert? The perfect sweet snack with your afternoon coffee? Indeed, a doughnut is all these things (and more!) but though these pastries are easy to find in this beautiful city of ours, some yeasty/cakey treats are much, much better than others. For this list, I ate mountains of doughnuts over the course of a couple of months, revisiting perennial winners and seeking out random neighborhood gems. And although some long-time favorites were caught slipping, there are, thankfully, plenty of newcomers eager to take their place. And so, in no particular order, here are the 11 Best Doughnut Shops In NYC, rated as such for consistent deliciousness across flavors and styles.



(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

PETER PAN DONUT AND PASTRY SHOP: It's been about 65 years since the Peter Pan began hawking its remarkable donuts on Manhattan Avenue (and half a dozen since Tina Fey articulated what generations of pastry lovers had been thinking), and the wonderfully old-school Greenpoint shop shows no signs of slowing down. The doughnut choices ($1.10 to $1.55 each) are vast, and everything's delicious, from classics like Honey Dip and the Old Fashioned Cruller to the more newfangled S'mores and Tahitian Cream drizzled with chocolate. It's places like Peter Pan that ensure I will never leave New York.

Peter Pan is located at 727 Manhattan Avenue between Meserole and Norman Avenues in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (718-389-3676; peterpandonuts.com).



(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

MOE'S DOUGHS DONUT SHOP: It seems unfair that a five-block radius in Greenpoint is home to TWO of the best doughnut shops on the planet, but here we are. Moe's Doughs, of course, is run by a former Peter Pan baker. The quality here is just as good as the original, and maybe sometimes even a tiny bit better. Moe's, which prices its doughnuts at $1.10 to $1.50 each, is not afraid of going gimmicky (there's a Rainbow Cake doughnut, and a Samoa-cookie one), and the candy-colored Strawberry is a bit alarming (though delicious). But the flavors are big, the pastry soft and fresh, and the love evident in each bite.

Moe's Doughs is located at 126 Nassau Avenue between Eckford Street and McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (718-349-1216; Moe's on Facebook).



(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

CARPE DONUT: Every coffee cart in town will sell you a breakfast belly bomb, but don't you dare lump the Carpe Donut truck in with those guys. These $2.25 chewy, craggy marvels are as simple as can bethere's only one flavor available, and it's Organic Apple Ciderbut the taste and texture is a revelation. I've eaten three in one sitting and enjoyed the last bite as much the first. If this truck is parked anywhere near you on any given day, you owe it to yourself to indulge.

Various locations; follow on Twitter for daily update. (carpedonutnyc.com).



(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

THE DOUGHNUT PROJECT: Though this West Village shop has only been open just shy of a year now, the Doughnut Project has quickly become a leading creative force in the breakfast pastry world. Chef Troy Neal totally pulls off such innovative sweet-and-savory creations as Bone Marrow Chocolate, Pineapple Habanero, and, Gothamist favorite, the Everything Doughnut. The doughnuts run $3.75 to $4.50 each, and less crazy flavors are available as well (the menu changes often), plus the comfortable, low-key vibe of the place, located on a quiet stretch of Morton Street, encourages frequent visits.

The Doughnut Project is located at 10 Morton Street between 7th Avenue South and Bleecker Street in the West Village, with a new outpost in the Gansevoort Market at 353 West 14th (212-691-5000; thedoughnutproject.com).



(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

DUN-WELL: If somewhere in the back of your mind you still have any doubt that vegan doughnuts can be as good or, in the case of Dun-Well, much better than your basic animal-product pastry, let this Bushwick shop put it to rest once and for all. Just ignore the oddly surly staffers and dive right in. The $2.50 to $2.75 selection changes all the the time, but my go-tos include anything in the Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter, Maple Glazed, Salted Caramel Glazed family, though the fruity ones are equally good. And thank you for saving the planet by eating vegan.

Dun-Well is located at 222 Montrose Avenue between Bushwick Avenue and Humboldt Street in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn; there's also a newer shop at 102 St. Marks Place in the East Village (917-555-1212; dunwelldoughnuts.com).



(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

UNDERWEST: At first it seemed weird when Underwest opened, in 2014, inside a busy car wash along the West Side Highway. But chef Scott Levine quickly proved he was serious about the doughnut life by churning out some of the best cake-y pastries, running about $2 to $3 each, in town. The menu's short, but everything's amazing, with moist cake and a glaze that's thick, sweet, and intenseMaple Waffle and the new Lemon Poppyseed are particularly hard to resist. And though you can now get Levine's creations in coffee shops like Everyman Espresso, a trip to the mothership is still really the way to go.

Underwest is located at 638 West 47th Street inside the Westside Highway Car Wash (212-317-2359; underwestdonuts.com).



(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

NOSTRAND DONUT SHOP: If only all old-school, breakfast-counter, neighborhood doughnut shops were as good as this one. Located on a bustling corner in Flatbush, Nostrand Donuts serves a solid array of first-rate treats, all of which are dense, sugary, satisfying as hell, and only $1. Toasted Coconut, Chocolate Marble (heavily glazed), and Chocolate Frosted are my favorites, but get a mixed dozen, bring them home, be a hero.

Nostrand Donut Shop is located at 1449 Nostrand Avenue between Martense Street and Church Avenue in Flatbush, Brooklyn (718-826-3008).



(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

DOUGH: Dough is in danger of feeling played outyou can't swing a stick in this town without hitting one of Fany Gerson's pop-up doughnut booths, usually with a long-ass line attachedbut fortunately for us, Gerson's is not one to rest on her Hibiscus-pink laurels. A recent visit to the Bed-Stuy original confirmed that Dough, whose offerings run $2.75 to $3.25 each, is still at the top its game, with both classic yeast and newer cake varieties coming out fresh and packed with flavor. We all have our favoritesI'm a Dulce de Leche with Almonds man... or a Salted Chocolate Caramel onebut you can really order with impunity here and walk away feeling good about life.

Dough is located at 448 Franklin Avenue at Lafayette Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, and at 14 West 19th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in Flatiron (347-533-7544; doughdoughnuts.com).



(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

This eclectic diner in Astoria"never use two ingredients when eight will do" seems to be menu mottois a crazy popular neighborhood spot, especially for brunch, and especially on Sundays, when Montana D'Alessio Barbieri shows up with one or two of her outrageously sweet and delicious doughnuts. Like everything else here, Montana's $4.50 doughnuts lay it on thick; two recent creations were the crunchy-gooey Chocolate Nutella Crumb Cake and the borderline obscene Banana Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter and Jelly, rolled in Nilla Wafers. Each one counts as a full meal, but don't let that stop you from eating two.

Queens Comfort is located at 40-09 30th Avenue in Astoria, Queens (718-728-2350; queenscomfort.com).



(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

DOUGHNUT PLANT: This venerable Lower East Side institution (well, since 1994... but the basic recipe is from the 1930s, when chef/owner Mark Israel's grandfather ran a bakery in North Carolina) has seen a lot of success, with four shops across three boroughs and countless coffee shop clients. And that success is all earnedIsrael's goodies, whether in the yeast, filled, or cake families, are highly creative, dessert-sweet, and still made with love after all these years. Personal favorites include Tres Leches, Peanut Butter and Jam, Creme Brulee, and any of the fun "holiday" ones, but the menu is long and well worth exploring in full.

Doughnut Plant has locations on the Lower East Side, in Chelsea, in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, and in Long Island City, Queens. (929-373-4997; doughnutplant.com)



(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)

MAH-ZE-DAHR BAKERY: Umber Ahmad and Shelly Barbera's West Village bakery has been open for just a few weeks at this point, and in that time I've only been able to get my hands on their Brioche Donut twice (they sell out quickly). But it's enough to know that these are truly extraordinary doughnuts, perhaps even the very best single doughnut in the city. The dough is both fluffy and dense without being too bread-y, it's generously filled with a thick vanilla custard, and a layer of sugar crystals on top adds both sweetness and crunch. And, as you can see above, you get to eat the hole too. These will make you very happy.

Mah-Ze-Dahr is located at 28 Greenwich Avenue between Charles and 10th Streets in the West Village (212-498-9810; mahzedahrbakery.com).
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- As residents along the South Carolina coast prepare for potential impacts from Hurricane Matthew, the American Red Cross is working closely with the entire response community  government agencies, other non-profit organizations, churches, area businesses and others  to coordinate readiness and response efforts.

This is a time for our communities to come together and support one another, said Nanci Conley, executive director for the Red Cross of Eastern SC. The Red Cross will continue to work closely with partners in the days ahead to ensure our friends and neighbors receive the help they need as quickly as possible.

Find a shelter

The Red Cross and its partners have opened evacuation shelters across South Carolina for residents who are evacuating from the coastal areas. These shelters provide a safe, dry place for people to stay until the storm passes and they are able to safely return home.

The Red Cross encourages anyone coming to a shelter to bring the following items for each member of their family: prescription and emergency medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items. It's also important not to forget special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, and other items for family members who have unique needs.

To find an open shelter, visit redcross.org or download the free Red Cross Emergency App.

Download emergency app

Everyone should also download the Red Cross Emergency App to have safety information available on their mobile device, including emergency weather alerts and information on what to do in the case of a hurricane and other emergencies. The app also displays shelter locations. Red Cross apps are available in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Volunteer

People who would like to help their friends and neighbors can volunteer with the Red Cross. Volunteers are currently helping with sheltering, feeding, and operational support. Getting started is easy. New volunteers can visit RedCross.org/SC and click on volunteer to start their application. Red Cross volunteer training is free and open to the public. A background check will be performed on every volunteer applicant.

Please give blood and platelets

Hurricane Matthew may force the cancellation of some Red Cross blood drives along the East Coast. The Red Cross is closely monitoring the storm and plans to send additional blood products to areas likely to be impacted by the storm to ensure patient needs continue to be met. Even before the hurricane threat, there was an urgent need for donors of all blood types, especially type O. Eligible donors in areas unaffected by the storm are urged to schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets. Appointments can be made to donate blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Make a donation

Help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, floods and countless other crises by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small across the United States. Visit redcross.org/donate, call 1-800-REDCROSS, or text RedCross to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

For more updates, follow the Palmetto SC Region of the American Red Cross on Twitter at @RedCrossSC.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Seven shelters dogs from the Florence Area Humane Society were flown Wednesday to a rescue in Pennsylvania where they can find loving homes. The flight was courtesy of the Pilots N Paws volunteer organization.

Pilots N Paws allows volunteer pilots to assist with animal transportation. In this case, a pilot arranged a rescue flight from the Florence organization to Last Dog Rescue in Pennsylvania for seven older, and usually overlooked, shelter dogs.

Lela Joseph, rescue coordinator for the Florence Area Humane Society, said the Last Dog Rescue specializes in the placement of small older dogs, some of which with special needs. Once the dogs arrive in Pennsylvania, the Last Dog Rescue will take them to their new homes.

The dogs will be going to foster homes so they wont be in a shelter, Joseph said. Its just wonderful.

Joseph said the the society has been using the services of Pilots and Paws for six years or so.

Pilot Scott Messenger has worked with the society for three years off and on has been flying for Pilots N Paws for five. Messenger said that in those five years of volunteer work, he has rescued more than 6,000 dogs all over the country from Maine to Louisiana.

Weve flown enough miles to crisscross the U.S. about nine nine times since we started this, Messenger said. Its kind of a labor of love.

Messenger is just one of approximately 5,000 pilots who work with Pilots N Paws, donating their own aircraft and various other expenses.

We all volunteer our planes and our fuel and our time, Messenger said. Were all animal lovers and this is what we do.

Joseph, Messenger and society President Jayne Boswell each had a hand in loading the lucky seven dogs into the airplane to begin their journey to Pennsylvania. Boswell and Joseph knew how each dog ended up at the shelter and their road to recovery. But more important, they both knew how crucial Pilots N Paws was in helping those dogs go to caring families.

Its almost a miracle, Boswell said. This is something we dream about, to have a way for these animals to be saved. To give these dogs an opportunity, especially those with special needs, you get emotional every time.

Boswell describes the feeling of saying goodbye to these shelter dogs as bittersweet, but she was reassured knowing that each dog will feel the warmth of a loving home soon enough.

Just seeing them leave on a plane, you just think its almost like heaven came down and took them away, Boswell said. Its exciting, its tearful, its joyful.

Its a really special moment for all of us.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  The Latest on Hurricane Matthew as it approaches South Carolina (all times local):

5:05 p.m.

A state of emergency has been declared in Charleston because of approaching Hurricane Matthew.

The ordinance approved late Thursday by city council says Charleston is threatened by a hurricane that could result in vast damage or destruction to both commercial and residential buildings.

Council passed two other ordinances, including one outlawing price gouging in the event food, gas and other commodities are in short supply after the storm. The other allows police to close streets flooded or blocked by storm debris and makes it illegal for people to be on those streets.

Forecasters warn Matthew could bring rains and a storm surge that could cause flooding worse than that of a year ago when rains from a so-called 1,000-year storm forced the closing of the downtown area for several days.

___

4:50 p.m.

Storm warnings are now in effect for the entire South Carolina coast as Hurricane Matthew approaches from the south.

The National Hurricane Center has posted hurricane warnings from central Florida north to the South Santee River between Charleston and Georgetown. Meanwhile, Tropical storm warnings are now in effect from the South Santee River northward to Surf City in North Carolina.

The warnings mean that hurricane or tropical storm conditions are expected in the warned area within 36 hours.

Rains and winds from Hurricane Thomas are expected to move into South Carolina on Friday and conditions will deteriorate during the day on Saturday.

___

4:40 p.m.

Gov. Nikki Haley is ordering additional evacuations along the southern part of South Carolina's coast to be safe from possible flooding from Hurricane Matthew.

Haley said Thursday that additional people in Colleton and Jasper County must go inland to avoid storm surge.

In Colleton County, the new evacuation routes are south of state Highway 63 and east of Interstate 95. In Jasper County, the order covers people south of state Highway 336 and west of U.S. Highway 321.

Other evacuations are ongoing in Beaufort, Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Georgetown and Horry counties.

___

4:30 p.m.

Hilton Head Island is eerily empty as Hurricane Matthew moves closer to South Carolina.

The Piggly Wiggly grocery store was about the only place open on the island Thursday afternoon. A steady stream of shoppers came through until it closed and boarded up at 3 p.m. Some were going to ride the storm out.

Otherwise, the island of 40,000 people was full of sprawling condominium complexes with empty parking lots and homes along the beachfront roads sitting empty and not even boarded up. The island has been under an evacuation order since 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Hilton Head Island is forecast to be closer to Hurricane Matthew's eye than any place else in South Carolina. Forecasters are prediction 3 feet of storm surge over most of the island and winds gusting to at least hurricane strength.

___

4:15 p.m.

South Carolina officials are extending the deadline to register to vote in this fall's elections due to Hurricane Matthew.

The South Carolina Election Commission said Thursday that applications postmarked by Tuesday, Oct. 11 will be accepted.

South Carolina's deadline to register to vote by mail had been set for Saturday, Oct. 8. Post offices are closed Monday due to the Columbus Day federal holiday, and that's another reason officials say they're moving the deadline.

Online, email or fax applications are due by midnight, Oct. 9. Due to Hurricane Matthew, some counter voter registration offices are closed through Saturday.

___

2:30 p.m.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg says that although the city that draws millions of tourists a year is known widely for its hospitality, he wants everyone to leave town as Hurricane Matthew approaches.

City officials warn that the heavy rains and storm surge from Matthew could combine to cause flooding worse than the floods the city saw a year ago.

During a news conference Thursday, Tecklenburg asked residents to pack up what they need, secure their property and get out of town.

City officials say that the first rains from the storm are expected to move in late Friday and conditions will deteriorate into Saturday.

Police Chief Greg Mullen warns that at the height of the storm, police and emergency personnel will be pulled off the streets and there won't be the usual rapid response to 911 calls.

___

1:35 p.m.

The National Weather Service is posting flash flood watches for the entire South Carolina coast and warning that the combination of storm surge and rains from Hurricane Matthew could cause worse flooding in downtown Charleston than the October storm of a year ago.

During the October, 2015 flooding, the city was closed for several days.

Forecasters are posting flash flood watches on the coast from Friday morning through Saturday night.

An advisory warns that 8 to 14 inches of rain are expected with locally higher amounts. It said residents should be prepared for flash flooding, including the possibility of widespread street flooding and property damage on the Charleston peninsula.

Forecasters say the storm could bring severe flooding even though the center of Matthew is expected to stay offshore.

___

11:55 a.m.

Forecasters are warning that Hurricane Matthew could inundate the coast of South Carolina just a year after what was called a 1,000-year flood closed Charleston for several days.

A forecast map issued by the National Weather Service shows that as much as 14 inches of rain could fall in the Charleston and Georgetown areas between Thursday night and Sunday night as the hurricane passes at sea.

It was just a year ago that as much as 2 feet of rain fell in some areas of South Carolina. Streets in Charleston were flooded so badly that police kept people from coming downtown to the peninsula for several days.

A section of Interstate 95 near Orangeburg was also closed for a time. The Matthew forecast predicts between 5 and 8 inches of rain could fall in that area before the weekend is over.

___

11:30 a.m.

South Carolina officials say shelters for those worried about Hurricane Matthew are only at about 10 percent capacity in Charleston County.

Spokesman Russell Hulbright says if the shelters in the Charleston area do fill, there are 100 school buses ready to take people from the North Charleston Coliseum to Greenville.

Hulbright said officials hope people can leave in an orderly manner. Gov. Nikki Haley said Thursday that about 175,000 people have evacuated from the Charleston and Beaufort areas. Haley had hoped as many as 250,000 would flee from the area before Hurricane Matthew approaches.

Hulbright says he thinks interest in evacuating will increase once the winds pick up and rain begins to fall.

A hurricane warning has been extended to Edisto Beach. A hurricane watch is in effect to Georgetown.
CONWAY, S.C.  South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has just issued an evacuation order for Horry and Georgetown counties to officially begin at noon (12 p.m.) Thursday, October 6, 2016. This evacuation order is for Horry County Zone A only and includes all areas east of U.S. Business 17 (Kings Hwy), up to the intersection with U.S. 17 (Kings Hwy) and all areas east of US 17 (Kings Hwy) to the Northern county line. In addition, evacuations include all low-lying areas, mobile homes, and campground sites.

Horry County does not anticipate the need for lane reversals on Highway 501, but is prepared to implement the reversals if needed.

The Horry County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will move to OPCON 1 at noon today, as an evacuation has been issued.

To support the evacuation, American Red Cross shelters will open at 12 p.m. today for individuals who must evacuate. Please see the shelter list and evacuation route list below. Individuals are reminded to secure their property BEFORE they evacuate. Shelters should be considered as a place of last resort to ride out the storm, shelters may be crowded, do not accept pets and are not designed for comfort. When going to a shelter, citizens will need to take their own supplies such as batteries, bedding, identification, toiletries, clothing, etcShelters do not accept guns, alcohol or animals.

Once the Governor rescinds the evacuation order, Horry County Emergency Management will activate the Re-Entry Plan. Re-entry will occur in phases beginning with Level 1 access into the impacted areas. Municipalities may enforce their own identification procedures at checkpoints if deemed necessary.

Level 1

All public officials and personnel having key roles in life safety and the restoration of critical services after a disaster will be permitted to access the impacted area. All Level 1 personnel will be required to present and wear in full view an authorized employee identification badge. No personal vehicles will be permitted to enter impacted areas during Level 1 access, except governmental personal reporting for official business.

Level 2

This allows for reentry of critical support groups, relief workers, South Carolina Law Enforcement certified security officers, healthcare personnel, business owners/essential staff, insurance adjusters and any other person(s) authorized by the jurisdiction to provide services or reduce economic loss. All Level 2 personnel will be required to present and wear an authorized employee identification badge at checkpoints.

Level 3

Residents and business operators will have access to areas that have been deemed safe by the authority having jurisdiction. When possible, every effort should be made to safely assist these persons to their property if access is limited. All residents and business operations must show proper identification to enter an impacted area. Residents with special needs will be assisted back into their dwellings once sufficient support services are available to assist.

Re-Entry for Residents & Property Owners

Residents should have proper identification to gain admittance. Identification may include a valid government issued photo ID card showing the location of the property. Out of state property owners with residential or commercial properties within the affected area(s) must show a valid government issued photo identification and current documentation to verify the need for re-entry such as a utility bill, deed, property tax notice, etc

Re-Entry for Business Owners & Essential Employees

Business owners/operators will need proper identification to gain admittance to impacted areas such as a current business license, company photo ID card, lease documents or other official documents showing the location of the property and a valid government issued ID card.

Essential staff/employees will also need proper identification such as a valid business or government issued ID card and an essential employee authorization letter on official company letterhead provided by the business. This letter should include a request for admittance, the employees name and be signed by the business owner/operator.

The forecast for Hurricane Matthew may change as the storm gets closer to the coast, residents are strongly urged to monitor local news for the most up-to-date information. In addition, citizens should survey their property to make sure outside objects are secured. It is also recommended that you review your hurricane plans now.

For more information, call Horry County Emergency Management at 843-915-5150 or visit Horry Countys website at http://www.horrycounty.org
Frustrated bus riders who feel like their commutes are becoming more miserable by the day can now see how their bus route stacks up against other routes in the city, thanks to a new interactive website launched today by Bus Turnaround, a coalition of transit activists who are urging the MTA and NYC Department of Transportation to improve the city's ailing bus system.

The interactive site allows users to select any of the city's 307 bus routes and see their average speed, daily ridership, and frequency of bunching, i.e., when your bus is running way behind schedule and suddenly two buses arrive at the same time.

Tabitha Decker, director of the New York City branch of the Transit Center, a think tank and part of the team that developed the site, told Gothamist that transit advocates are hoping it will push the MTA to make reforms to the bus system, which is among the slowest in the country and is steadily losing ridership.

"Riders who rely on buses know they're becoming increasingly unreliable," Decker said. "And with the site, they can confirm what they've been experiencing in their daily lives and get the quantitative analysis that can be used to create a strong argument for the change that we need."

Upper West Side resident B. Rosanoshe wouldnt give her full first nameis one of the 2.5 million New Yorkers who ride the bus each day. "Sometimes you wait half an hour or 45 minutes for a bus, and then three or four of them arrive all together," Rosano, who rides the M116 and the M11, told Gothamist as she waited for the M116 this morning. "There's no use in complaining to the MTA. They don't do anything about it."

According to data from Bus Turnaround, the average speed of the M11 is a glacial 5.2 mph, compared to a citywide average of 7.4 mph. It would take a commuter 11 minutes and 30 seconds to travel 20 blocks on the M11, compared to 20 minutes walking at Google Maps speed/more like 16 at NY walking speed. And thats not including wait time. The route also suffers from significant bunchingmore than 16 percent of M11 buses arrive within two minutes of a previous bus's scheduled arrival time.



Council Member Margaret Chin speaks at Bus Turnaround's press conference. (Gaby Del Valle /Gothamist)

Due to the unreliability of the city's buses, New Yorkers who live in transit deserts are often forced to rely on private transport for their daily commute.

"Dollar vans and car services like Uber, Lyft, and Juno take advantage of the bad buses that are plaguing us," Saint Albans resident Natasha Saunders said Thursday morning at a Bus Turnaround press conference near City Hall. "If you ask anyone in Jamaica, they'll tell you dollar vans run better than the busesand don't let the name fool you, they cost more than a dollar."

At the press conference and a subsequent City Council hearing, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, chair of the Council's Committee on Transportation, emphasized the disproportionate impact insufficient bus service has on the city's poorest residents, who are more likely to live far from a train line and more likely to make multiple transfers during their daily commutes.

According to a recent report by the Riders Alliance and the Community Service Society, low-income families rarely purchase unlimited MetroCards, meaning they end up paying more per ride than higher-income New Yorkersespecially when delayed buses force them to forgo free transfers.

Since only about 100 of the city's 422 subway stations meet ADA standards for accessibility, surface transit is often the only reliable transportation option for disabled and elderly commuters, many of whom find themselves squeezing onto crowded buses. With the L train shutdown looming, buses are likely to get even more crowded.

Bus Turnaround has put forth a multi-pronged proposal for revamping the citys bus system. Recommendations include:

Implementing multi-door boarding and tap-and-go onboard fare collection

Redesigning streets to include dedicated bus lanesand enforce penalties on unauthorized passenger vehicles that drive or park in them

Keeping buses on schedule by letting dispatchers contact drivers while they're en route

Redesigning inefficient bus routes, many of which are obsolete and based on the city's former streetcar routes

Providing riders with real-time information, including countdown clocks, at both bus stops and on buses

NYC Buses: Time for a Turnaround (STREETFILMS/Vimeo).

At both the press conference and hearing, Decker and Nick Sifuentes, deputy director of Riders Alliance, urged the MTA and DOT to develop a list of steps that can be taken to add dedicated bus lanes to at least 25 routes by the end of 2017 and to identify a list of "hotspots" throughout the city where service is most unreliable.

According to Decker, these changes are relatively easy to execute. "It's more of a political than a technical challenge," she said. "We can make changes to the bus system almost immediately, whereas the subway requires far more capital investment and time."

Representatives from the MTA and Department of Transportation expressed their support for Bus Turnaround's plan at the council hearingbut said they need to ensure that changes to the bus system don't adversely affect the city's motorists. Many of the council members who provided testimony did not agree.

"Sometimes we need to make tough decisions and work towards the greater good, even if that inconveniences concerns like parking," Council Member Antonio Reynoso said during the hearing. "Parking is not a right; it is a privilege. But for many, the only way to get around is public transportation."
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Mayor de Blasio came to the defense of his embattled Administration for Children's Services (ACS) commissioner on Wednesday, while announcing ACS reform measures in the wake of the death of six-year-old Zymere Perkins. Perkins died last week, allegedly at the hands of his mother's boyfriend, despite five prior reports of abuse. Yesterday, ACS Commissioner Gladys Carrion told reporters, "We can't protect them all"a quote that ran on the front page of today's Daily News.

"The mission is to save every child. Period," said de Blasio, who appeared with Carrion and Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Herminia Palacio. "We know the system failed. That's what we have to get at here.... Anyone who works for the city of New York who is found to be negligent in this case will face serious consequences."

Last Monday, Geraldine Perkins, 26, took her son from her West 135th Street apartment to St. Luke's hospital, where he was pronounced dead. She told investigators that her boyfriend, Rysheim Smith, 42, had beaten Zymere with a wooden broomstick after the boy defecated in an ice bucket. Smith than allegedly hung a limp Zymere by his T-shirt from a bathroom door hook. After Smith left the apartment, Perkins said she laid the unresponsive boy on a bed and then went to read the Bible before realizing her son was dead hours later.



Zymere Perkins (via Facebook).

Perkins had been investigated for child abuse five times previously, including three times over the past 15 months, according to the Daily News. Her Harlem apartment was reportedly covered in mold and infested with roaches, and she had failed to register Zymere for school this year. Perkins and Smith were both charged with endangerment of a child, with more charges likely to come after Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance completes his investigation.

Citing the ongoing investigation, de Blasio refused to comment on the specifics of the case.

"There will come a point, and that point is not to far in the future, where we will will be able to fill in the blanks," de Blasio said.

While de Blasio said that Palacio would lead a full investigation of all involved agencies to determine how Perkins was allowed to remain with his alleged killer, Carrion announced immediate changes at the ACS. These include ensuring that NYPD and ACS will jointly investigate children; making sure ACS reviews all child welfare decisions made by contracted partners; and assembling a review team to hold child protective staff accountable, perform audits and conduct case reviews. Carrion also said that ACS would work with the Department of Education to establish guidelines that would trigger investigations after a series of school absences.

"From the very first day I started as commissioner I charged my agency and all my partners to treat every child we work with as if it is their own child," Carrion said. "These children are no different than our own."

On Friday, Palacio announced that five ACS staff had been placed on administrative duty while the case was investigated. While the names of those staff have not been released, the Daily News, citing unnamed sources, has reported that Nitza Sutton, 48, a caseworker involved with Zymere's case, had been the subject of a Department of Investigations (DOI) probe for falsifying records. In spite of the investigation, she was promoted a few months ago, the Daily News reported. The outcome of the investigation is not known.

What is known is the DOI released a report in May of this year that faulted ACS for lax investigations and incomplete record keeping. Palacio said ACS had implemented, or was in the process of implementing, four of the five recommendations from the DOI report. In June, City Comptroller Scott Stringer released a report criticizing the ACS's juvenile delinquents program, which included six recommendations. Palacio said ACS was finishing implementing five of those recommendations as well.

Perkins's death comes two years after the death of 4-year-oldMyls Dobson, which prompted a set of nine recommendations for ACS, all of which have been implemented, except for two that are still in the process of being implemented with the cooperation of state organizations.

De Blasio emphasized the difficult nature of ACS's work and said his administration had increased funding to ACS and implemented a training academy in coordination with CUNY. The mayor also said the size of the average caseworker's caseload had fallen under his administration and remained below the New York state average.

Still De Blasio insisted that more needed to be done.

"It's unacceptable to me," De Blasio said of Perkins's death. "It makes me extraordinarily angry."
It's that time of year again: the High Holy Days, 10 days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, mark the beginning of the Jewish New Year and for Jews are a time of reflection, repentance, and celebration. The days that make up the period, commonly known as Yamim Noraim, or the Days of Awe, include a variety of practices, such as intermittent fasting, prayer, reconciling with people one has wronged, and giving to charity. In strictly observant Hasidic communities around the world, the lead-up to Yom Kippur is the time for Kapparot, a ritual in which one buys a live chickenhens for women, roosters for menwaves it over one's head while reciting a prayer to transfer one's divine punishments for the coming year to the bird, then has it slaughtered for it, or a cash equivalent, to be donated to the poor.

In the Hasidic enclaves of South Williamsburg, Borough Park, and Crown Heights, where tens of thousands of Hasidim reside and many more visit for the holidays, this means that crates containing thousands of birds are on their wayat least one slaughter organizer named in a lawsuit last year purportedly put in an order for 50,000 birdsand backyards, parking lots, and sidewalks are in the process of being transformed into makeshift slaughterhouses.

Animal rights activists have a problem with this. Around 40 protesters with the group Alliance to End Chickens As Kaporos rallied on the steps of City Hall yesterday, demanding that the city enforce a litany of animal cruelty, sanitation, and slaughterhouse regulation laws that they say are routinely broken by Brooklyn practitioners.

"We recognize the freedom of religion, but it does not give you a license to break the law," said Nora Constance Marino, a lawyer for the activists. "If it did, you would be able to stone your wife in the street under sharia law and say, 'It's okay. It's my freedom of religion.' That's not happening."





Last year, activists said they watched one stack of crates full of birds in Borough Park go more than 15 hours without food or water, and said police officers refused to intervene, even as the starving birds resorted to cannibalism. In 2013, some 2,000 chickens died in crates outside a yeshiva in the neighborhood before the slaughter, after the temperature rose to an unseasonably high mid-90s, according to the Daily News.

During the slaughter last year at President and Crown streets in Crown Heights, officers from the 71st Precinct cordoned off a block for hundreds to congregate, and hundreds of chickens to be slaughtered by men on a makeshift platform, using traffic cones to place the chickens in as they bled out. Boy helpers assisted in tossing the chicken carcasses into piles in garbage bags. Video shot of the event shows one of the bags still kicking.

A lack of containment left the street and sidewalk caked in chicken feces, blood, and urine. A lack of evident refrigeration raised questions about how the chicken meat could be donated anywhere without sickening its recipients. Representatives of the Central Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch, outside of which the event was held, didn't respond to calls seeking comment this year or last. However, contrary to the assertions of some activists, the chicken meat isn't always necessarily promised to be donated. Kapparot participants pay money (at this particular event $12) for each chicken, and in some cases organizers say they'll donate the money, not the meat, to charity. Whatever the case, at least some of the dead chickens from Crown and President wound up in a dumpster, and ultimately ended up in the back of a Sanitation Department garbage truck the following morning.

Marino called on Mayor Bill de Blasio to change the city's approach to the ritual.

"The authorities need to stop aiding and abetting these crimes," she said. "They need to step in and start enforcing the law."



Protesters rallied outside of City Hall on Wednesday to demand the city enforce health, sanitation, and animal cruelty laws at the kapparot slaughter. (Nathan Tempey/Gothamist)

Marino and the group sued the NYPD, the Health Department, and eight Jewish organizations and their leaders last year, citing reams of photo evidence and hours of video footage showing purported violations. A toxicologist hired by the chicken lovers asserted that the slaughter constitutes a massive health risk given that chickens can carry salmonella and the pathogen campylobacter, among other sources of disease, and due to the unrestricted nature of the event, such pathogens can be tracked throughout the city by anyone who happened to walk down a block where a slaughter occurred.

A judge threw out the lawsuit on the basis that city enforcement is discretionary in this case, and that the neighborhood residents who sued don't suffer in a way unique from other locals.

The demands of the activists are a sort of inverse of the landmark 1993 Supreme Court decision Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah, in which a Santeria church successfully claimed that the Florida city where it operated created a set of animal slaughter laws that singled them out for special regulation, in violation of their First Amendment rights. Defense attorneys for Kapparot organizers invoked the case in their defense, and Rabbi Shea Hecht, board chairman of the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education, has cited freedom of religion as the overriding protection of the practice, and described the protesters as "anti-Jewish forces." In her decision throwing out the case, New York County Supreme Court Judge Debra James ruled that the principle raised by Lukumi doesn't apply here.

Still, the case was thrown out.

City Law Department spokesman Nick Paolucci said in a statement, "We believe the trial court reached the right result."

Daniel Mach, the ACLU's Freedom of Religion and Belief Program, said that as long as health, sanitation, and other laws are applied uniformly from one person to the next, there wouldn't necessarily be a problem with officials trying to police the way Kapparot is carried out in New York.

As a general principle, he said, "Religious exercise should be accommodated to the greatest extent possible without harming health safety or the rights of others."

The activists might have better luck, Mach said, if they found someone of another religion who was punished for doing something similar with animals.

"If someone came forward who was just slapped with a fine for animal cruelty or some health code violation, they would likely have more standing," Mach said. Given that many of the activists are vegans, this might be a tough arrangement to work out.

In smaller Hasidic communities, including ones in Australia and the Chabad congregation in suburban Detroit, the ritual is often carried out in slaughterhouses.

The city has punished Kapparot organizers for breaking animal cruelty and sanitation laws in the past, but various city agencies are exceedingly tight-lipped about what if anything they've done latelyin fact, the NYPD press office and the Health Department did not respond at all when I reached out to them repeatedly last year.

But an Officer Bulzoni, who works Community Affairs for Crown Heights's 71st Precinct, said that it's not the NYPD's job to look for violations during Kapparot, because the ritual is protected by the First Amendment, and also, it would be difficult to document, for instance, chickens being deprived of water. "If we go to court, what do I have to stand on?" he said. More importantly, though, is the freedom of religion issue, as he explained at length in a phone interview today:

[The ceremony is] for religious purposes. The NYPD does not take enforcement for chickens. That might be something the Health Department would do, but the NYPD does not do that. We keep the peace. Its a religious ceremony. How would it look if the police department tried to stop a religious ceremony? How would that look? Youd have me on the 8 oclock news, in my blue uniform with a gun on my gun-belt, and I stopped a religious ceremony. Would that look like America to you?

[]

Thats for government officials and/or the Health Department to figure outIf a government official wants to tell me this has to happen because of A, B, or C, and the public agrees, then thats fine. But to put the onus on the police department to stop a religious ceremony is absolutely the wrong thing to do.

[]

If you see me doing it, you might be like, You know what? Hes helping the chickens. I like that cop. Hes a good cop. But to somebody else, he just broke up a religious ceremony. Thats the plight that the police department has. You cant make it that simple because its not. Because at the end of the day, youre giving me too much power, if you think about it logically. Right? Because you dont want me to have that kind of power. Because if I have that kind of power, thats a militant state. If you give the police department the power to stop every single thing you dont agree with, thats a militant state, is it not?

Asked about the issue, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals would only say, as it has for years, that it respects religious beliefs but opposes animal cruelty. A spokeswoman added when pressed that the organization would help the NYPD with an investigation if asked. She deferred to the department when asked if the NYPD had made such a request.

The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office said it brought no animal cruelty prosecutions against Kapparot practitioners last year.

Activists have also filed an appeal, and Constance Marino said she expects a decision in early 2017. Some activists ascribe the supposed reluctance of the authorities to take action around the ritual to the fact that Hasidic groups vote in blocs, meaning a good relationship with a handful of rabbis can mean the difference of thousands of votes on Election Day.

While the appeals judge deliberates, the ritual will go on this year, as will chicken activists' vigils, rallies, rescues, and impromptu religious lectures aimed at convincing Hasidim to use coins instead of chickens, and donate the money to charity, as Orthodox Jews of other persuasions have done for centuries. Local Hasids are aware of the controversy, but those we spoke to this morning showed no signs of wavering on what their rabbis have decreed.

"It's a mitzvah. God commands me to do it, and God tells us it is good for the chicken also," said Avraham Ashkenazi, a 19-year-old visiting from Israel. "I could do it with money, but God says it is better with the chicken."

People's objections are "a misunderstanding," said Gaby Fal, 52, of Crown Heights. "We do it because it's a commandment for the Yom Kippur day. We don't just sacrifice them for nothing...The issue here is those who are ignorant and see it as a violent scenario."

Kapparot can be performed throughout the period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but the 24 hours before the beginning of Yom Kippur (at dusk on Tuesday) is preferred because, as the Chabad organization website puts it, "a 'thread of Divine kindness' prevails during those hours." As the site notes, the Torah prohibits causing animals unnecessary suffering. (Kapparot, by contrast, is rooted in a set of Ashkenazic traditions dating back to medieval times, with no clear origin in the foundational Torah or the Talmud.)

In court papers, a lawyer for Brooklyn practitioners wrote that the ritual has been performed in the borough for the last 40 years or so.

Crown Heights resident and goy Josh Richards won't be participating in the event, but he can see both sides.

"It could be done in a more appropriate place," he ventured. "The smell is offensive at times."

Additional reporting by Scott Heins
Keppel Singmarine, wholly-owned by Keppel O&M, secured the tug contracts from Keppel Smit Towage and Maju Maritime who have ordered one unit each.

The two tugs, due for completion in 2018, are expected to use bunkering services provided by FueLNG, a joint venture firm of Keppel-Shell that will provide LNG bunkering services in Singapore.

We are happy that our joint venture, FueLNG has secured its first two contracts from Shell to provide bunkering services for Keppel Smit and Majus dual-fuel tugs. Together, Keppels shipbuilding/design capabilities and LNG bunkering services provide end-to-end solutions for vessel owners turning to LNG as a marine fuel in Singapore, said Chow Yew Yuen, ceo of Keppel O&M.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will co-fund up to SGD2m ($1.5m) for each tug under its LNG Bunkering Pilot Programme Grant, as Singapore port seeks to make LNG bunkering a reality in the future.

To bolster efforts in the LNG-related business, Keppel O&M, through its subsidiary Gas Technology Development, signed a MoU with Shells subsidiary Shell Eastern Petroleum to jointly explore potential opportunities to cater to the demand of LNG as fuel in coastal areas, inland waterways and the international marine sectors. Shell Eastern Petroleum is already an accredited bunker supplier in Singapore.

The partnership will leverage Keppels strength in shipbuilding and design, and Shells experience as a global energy supplier to work with potential customers to develop technical and commercial solutions for their LNG fuel needs.

Michael Chia, managing director (marine & technology) of Keppel O&M, commented: Through this cooperation framework, Keppel and Shell can combine our resrouces and expertise as a leading global shipbuilder and energy supplier, and work together in collaboration with stakeholders such as shipping companies, terminal operators, local governments and regulators to meet their needs which may include engine retrofit or setting up coastal LNG storage infrastructure.
On Sunday, August 28, 2016, my 13-year old son and I set out on an epic adventure

It was my son, Dominic, who was bound and determined to make it happen.

No, we didnt climb a mountain or drive to the Grand Canyon.

Instead, we decided to swim all five Great Lakes in one day.

So many Michiganders (myself included) often forget what a gift these lakes are and how truly unique our pleasant peninsula is.

They store 20 percent of the fresh water in the world and 90 percent of the fresh water in the United States.

Forty million people use them for drinking water every day. They irrigate the fruits and vegetables we eat, and provide habitat for birds and wildlife.

And yet. Algae blooms have shut down city water supplies; microplastics are harming our fish; invasive species are taking over habitats.

When it rains, the stormwater running off the land picks up and carries anything we leave behind.

In an urban area like Metro Detroit, it picks up litter, excess fertilizers, pesticides, dog waste and more and carries to our lakes, rivers, and streams and ultimately into the Great Lakes.

But this doesnt have to keep happening.

We decided to swim all the Great Lakes in one day to raise awareness and teach people how to protect them.

Seek out your local

Go jump in a Great Lake.

We didnt break the world record for swimming in all five Great Lakes in one day (which is 8 hours 51 minutes and 44 seconds, in case you were interested).

But we had a great time, met lots of Michiganders and visitors to our fair state, and shared our story along the way.

Crossing the border into Canada was our first opportunity to tell our story. The customs agent wished us luck.. Armed with a cell phone camera and dry erase board we took our first dive into Lake Erie at sunrise on Monday morning. Lake Erie is the smallest by volume of the Great Lakes and the warmest, so the best place to start at the crack of dawn. We were the only people on the beach so we bid farewell to the gulls and forged ahead.. Ontario in Iroquois means beautiful lake. A beautiful lake indeed. After swimming in the coldest water we encountered during our adventure. Then we started our journey back to Michigan.n. We found a little neighborhood beach where the water was warm, clear and deep. A gentlemen sitting on his porch greeted us with a welcoming hello. As with many people we encountered that day, we shared our story, and he smiled and wished us a safe journey.. Here we were joined by a close friend who had been following our story on social media. We lingered a bit swimming in Lake Michigan as the sun began to descend in the sky. We bid farewell to our friend and headed for Lake Superior to beat the sunset.. The sun was low in the sky and we swam in what the Chippewa Indians call Kitchi-gummi or Great-water. We were excited to have completed what we set out to do that day. We shared our story one last time with a couple who had been watching the sunset. They said it made them happy to see young people who want to protect the waters they love, and they hope we encourage more to do the same. practice water friendly lawn care , support green infrastructure projects in your community and practice water conservation. Michele Arquette-Palermo is the Head of the Freshwater Forum at Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills. She has worked in the field of water quality based educational programs, teacher professional development, exhibitions, research and stakeholder engagement in Metro Detroit for over 15 years. Michele is a resident of Orion Township Where Living is a Vacation and Michele likes to spend her spare time in and on the water.Arquette-Palermo is also a member of Metromode's Emerging Leaders Board . which advises our solutions journalism-based series on Metro Detroit's regional issues. The project is conducted in partnership with Metro Matters and Model D . The work is funded by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan . Read more in the series here
Conrad Milster, Pratt's chief engineer for 58 years and the man responsible for the Institute's recently-retired New Year's Eve steam whistle salute, was removed from his post over the summer. Known for his handling of a century-old steam plant that provides heat and hot water to the entire campus, Milster now heads up maintenance and fire safety for Higgins Hall, the architecture building on campus.

"If they wanted to destroy me, they couldn't have thought of a better way," Conrad told Gothamist this month.

Pratt did not make an announcement to the school community about Milster's move, according to students and staff, and the school's website still lists him as chief engineer. The press office declined to provide any details on the job change, stating only that "Conrad continues to both work in the facilities department at Pratt Institute and live in his townhouse on campus."

But a June letter from the administration to Milster shows that the decision stemmed from an ongoing conflict over numerous stray cats that have populated the engine room for decades. It states that Milster failed to keep the cats out despite repeated orders to do so.

Milster's salary has not been reduced, and the 80-year-old campus fixture has not been asked to vacate his campus housing. But the job change has taken a mental and physical toll, he says. A case of shingles, latent for five years, is back.

"I'm a high-grade janitor," Milster said. "I have a staff to take out trash, and I supervise everything from cleaning bathrooms, to changing lightbulbs, to moving chairs and setting up tables. The responsibilities here are much less."

"He's the last chief engineer of the old guard in New York City," said a longtime Pratt services supplier (who declined to provide his name, fearing retribution). "They didn't make an announcement or throw him a celebration."

"It has destroyed me mentally," Milster said. "My stomach still churns, my brain still churns. I can't help but think about it. After half a century, you can't let go. People say, 'Let go.' I can't. It's too ingrained in me."





Milster's reassignment is the latest in a string of conflicts he's had with the Pratt administration. Last September Milster and four faculty members were issued eviction notices to make way for student housing. Pratt then made an exception for Milster, following student and alumni outcry, so long as he is employed by the school. "We look forward to Conrad's continued presence in the Pratt community for many years to come," President Thomas Schutte told students at the time.

The cat problem surfaced in May 2013, when Pratt told Milster that the engine room cats would have to go, as they were aggravating coworkers' allergies. More than 1,300 students signed a petition stating that, "To evict these animals would be detrimental not only to the hundreds of students that have become close to them, but to the image and reputation of the administration itself." Pratt relented, agreeing to install air conditioners in the engine room to improve airflow.

George Larino, a union engineer at Pratt, took several weeks of workman's compensation this year citing cat allergies, according to Milster and others. "HR sent down memos that we were supposed to keep the cats out. Most of the people, and I have to include myself, sort of ignored that," Milster said, adding that he did take measures to keep cats out of the office he shared with Larino.

"This action is necessitated by the continuing problem of cats being present in the Engine Room, causing an allergic employee to be on extended worker's compensation leave," the June 2016 Human Resources letter to Milster states. "We have made several efforts to reasonably resolve this situation to everyone's satisfaction, including yours."

"Unfortunately, and I tried to say this to Conrad, he gave them a loaded gun," said the anonymous services supplier. "Conrad wasn't as diligent in keeping the cats removed as was directed."

"The administration's really smart," he added. "They didn't reduce his salary... so they really have the higher ground. Now, the question to me is, does the punishment really fit the crime? I don't think so."

Larino and the temporary chief engineer, Kenny Loeffle, declined comment.



One of Milster's house cats, lounging on his couch (Scott Heins / Gothamist).

"It doesn't surprise me," said Emily Poulis, a recent Pratt alumna who started a petition in 2015 in opposition to the faculty evictions. "The administration isn't transparent about anything they do." In addition to the evictions, she cited Pratt's decision last February to cancel its juried student art show, one day after students lost their tuition refund eligibility.

"Every alumni I've ever met, they love him," said the longtime supplier. "How much did it cost Pratt and its fundraising efforts to remove someone who has a 60 year history, without a succession plan?"

He added that without the steam whistle salute, and thanks to rules that limited Milster's engine room tours in recent years, "a lot of people on campus currently aren't so aware" of his legacy.

Of Pratt's 27 townhouses, 22 have been renovated as of this fall, according to the school. Milster, who lives rent-free, says he's one of two staff members remaining (Pratt did not immediately confirm this). Undergraduates pay $5,180 per semester for a single furnished room and common spaces, and six students live in each house.

"I'm over 80. I'm in a house that they want to renovate," Milster said. "I have my own suspicions about what they've done."



Milster's steam engine models, stacked up in his backyard (Scott Heins / Gothamist).

Milster stood in his tiny backyard on Willoughby Avenue on a recent evening, peeling back the tarp over a stack of his handmade miniature steam engines. He used to demonstrate the tiny wood-fired machines for students during engine room tours. WQXR, the local classical radio station, wafted out through the screen door, and several cats padded through the low shrubs.

"I finally realized, which has taken a hell of a long time, that I'm gonna have to get out," he said. "If they didn't have the cat excuse I'm sure they would have found another excuse."

In recent years, Milster said, he'd begun to consider retirement. He'd even been thinking about it this summerwork through one more heating season, and mentor a replacement chief. But HR's directive, which came two weeks before his end date, felt too abrupt.

"You're taking the chief engineer out of a power plant in the middle of all of the heavy summer maintenance, which is necessary to insure a reliable operation next winter," he said. "So the mechanical timing was atrocious. But there were no students. The faculty was gone. Nobody was around to make a fuss."

The same steam engines that Milster used in the 1950s, with parts that date back to 1900, still function today. Most of the replacement parts have long since gone out of production, so he's fabricated his own. "I'm sort of interested, in a negative way, as to what will happen this winter," Milster said.

Now he's daydreaming about finding a Victorian home, ideally with a front porch and basement workshop. He says he's even got a few leads within his budget on Staten Island. In a few weeks he'll take his driver's test, which would make living on Staten Island in the cold months more feasible. In his 58 years living and working at Pratt, he's never felt the need to own or drive a car.

"I sort of thought in my fond, stupid dreams that I would go out like a hero, after all of these years of service," Milster said. "But the way it's happened, I'll just sneak away as quietly as I can."

Pratt declined to answer a second round of questions pertaining to the specifics of Milster's removal from the engine room. "Pratt Institute does not comment on these personnel issues," a spokeswoman said.
Hurricane Matthew has a chance this week to break the decade-long major hurricane drought in the U.S. The storm could bring punishing winds, heavy rains and storm surge to Florida as early as Thursday. The potential risks that storm surge poses are particularly worrisome for parts of Florida as the center of Matthew is likely to approach the coast on Friday morning during high tide. Matthew's surge and winds have already caused major damage in coastal areas in the Caribbean. Baracoa, a city of nearly 82,000 on the northeast corner of Cuba, was hit particularly hard by storm surge. The center of Matthew passed just to the east of the city, but the shape of the coast helped funnel powerful storm surge ashore. Videos and photos emerging on social media show rubble-strewn streets and collapsed buildings in the wake of the storm. As of late Wednesday morning, Matthew was packing 120 mph winds and showing signs of strengthening further before hitting the Bahamas. Florida is expected to start to feel the peripheral effects of Matthew as early as Wednesday night, but storm impacts will really crank up by Friday morning. RELATED: Haiti Faces Years of Recovery From Hurricane Matthew

Exactly how much storm surge comes ashore in different parts of Florida depends in large part on Matthew's track, but forecasts indicate up to 5 feet of surge is possible for Cape Canaveral, located about 70 miles south of Daytona Beach. Jacksonville could also see up to 5 feet of storm surge while further north in Savannah, Ga., 3-4 feet of surge is likely.

Numbers only tell part of the story. To help illustrate the potential severe impacts, WXshift has created graphics using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration storm surge forecast and Google Earth. They show storm water could flood the streets of downtown Jacksonville and wash right up to the gates of EverBank Field, the Jacksonville Jaguar's home. These renderings are not intended to be a forecast of exact impacts. A shift in Matthew's track of just 10 miles could be the difference between major impacts and relatively minor ones, not just in terms of storm surge but also rain and wind. But these images do illustrate the potential Matthew has to push water ashore and wreak havoc. They also serve as a warning that staying in harm's way is a risky proposition. Voluntary evacuation orders have been issued for Lucie, Flagler and Duval counties and a mandatory evacuation order has been issued for barrier islands in Brevard County. It's distinctly possible more evacuation orders will be issued as the forecast progresses. RELATED: Hurricane Matthew: Why It's So Strong Warming oceans and melting glaciers have added about 8 inches to sea levels near Jacksonville since the start of the 20th century. Research has also shown an increase in the frequency of large storm surge events in the Atlantic hurricane basin since 1923. Marshall Shepherd, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Georgia, has an instructive post over at Forbes about what you need to know about monitoring Matthew. His first point is particularly relevant: "The forecasts evolve. Just because you saw a forecast on Saturday, it doesn't mean that it has not or will not change. It is not uncommon for someone to say, 'But I thought the storm was going to ___ because that is what they said three days ago.' Hurricane track forecasts have improved over the past few decades, but there is still significant error. Intensity forecasts are even more challenging. Watch the evolving forecast rather than exclusively relying on one you saw days ago."
Ever wondered what it's like to fly down into a rainbow from the sky? Recently skydivers jumping in New Zealand got a chance to find out, reports Stuff.co.nz.

Rainbows appear as arcs from the ground, but every once in a while during the right conditions they show up as a perfect circle from above.

British adventurer Anthony Killeen was doing a tandem skydive in New Zealand on Monday when he and his local instructor spotted something truly unexpected. They were 16,000 feet above Bay of Islands, a subtropical micro-region in northern New Zealand, when they looked down to see a 360-degree rainbow.

RELATED: Wingsuit Flier Soars Over Active Volcano

"We were both ecstatic, laughing together, and kept circling so we could keep looking at it," Killeen told the news site Stuff.co.nz. No pun intended, right? Apparently spotting a full-circle rainbow isn't all that rare, but capturing one on camera is unusual.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Killeen has spent the past few years pursuing various adventures including bungee jumping, according to his YouTube channel. Currently he's based in the northern city Whangarei and works for the i-Site Visitor Centre there, Stuff reported. I imagine his skydiving footage might help draw some visitors.

RELATED: Skydiver 'Surfs' Scary Summer Thunderstorm

Killeen posted a bunch of cool photos showing the circle-rainbow on Imgur, but his YouTube video is a mere 4 seconds long and has no sound. Wanting to add some excitement, I experimented with looping those 4 seconds while playing the audio from the double rainbow guy (video).

Since there is a double rainbow around the circle's edge, it actually kind of worked. Woah, indeed.
Moving with a diplomatic haste rivaling the rapid recent rise in global temperatures, the European Union on Wednesday joined dozens of countries in signing onto a United Nations climate treaty, pushing it to within a month of taking legal force.

Following the filing of paperwork in recent weeks by 73 countries, collectively responsible for 57 percent of annual climate emissions, a key threshold for the Paris agreement was passed Wednesday. The U.N. said the treaty will take effect Nov. 4.

"This gives us the best possible shot to save the one planet we've got," President Obama said in a televised address Wednesday. "If we follow through on the commitments that this Paris agreement embodies, history may well judge it as a turning point for our planet."

The agreement was finalized less than a year ago, following five years of contentious efforts to push global climate policy in an untested direction following the collapse of UN negotiations in Copenhagen in 2009.

"None of us who have been close to this process ever anticipated that this agreement would become official so quickly," said Heather Coleman, climate change policy manager at the nonprofit Oxfam America. "What it shows is that world leaders understand the urgency of the problem."

RELATED: US, China Join Key Climate Deal

The rapid ratification of the agreement suggests nations may finally be nearly united in being eager to tackle an existential threat that has been building since the dawn of the Industrial Age. The voluntary nature of the pact, however, offers few assurances that it will succeed.

Even if all countries live up to their pledges under the agreement to tackle rising levels of greenhouse gas pollution, projections show warming will fail to be kept to well below 2C (3.6F) compared with preindustrial times - which is a key goal of the pact. Future work to tighten pledges will be key to the treaty's success.

Recent years have seen China, the U.S. and India reverse decades of resistance to joining Europe in its fight against global warming. The reversals have come amid plummeting clean energy prices and rising global temperatures. They helped assure leaders of smaller countries that their own efforts to tackle warming would not be futile.

A warming spurt followed a lull in surface warming from 2001 until 2014, and 2016 is set to be the hottest on record globally, beating records set each of the two prior years. Earth's surface is more than 1C (1.8F) warmer than it was in the early 18th century, worsening storms, droughts and heat waves and causing seas to rise.

Wednesday's announcement by the U.N. means countries that have signed onto the pact will have more power than others over decision making during global climate talks in Marrakesh next month.
Press Release

October 6, 2016 Bam: Entice overseas Filipino scientists to return to PH, help in R&D A senator has filed a bill seeking to provide overseas Filipino scientist with financial benefits and incentives to encourage to return to the Philippines and help boost the country's research and development. "Although numerous Filipino scientists would like to serve their country and contribute to our technological, social, and economic advancement, many opt to move overseas where their work is highly valued, and where there are more opportunities to conduct meaningful research," said Sen. Bam Aquino in Senate Bill No. 1183. Sen. Bam saw the need to entice Filipino scientists working overseas to return to the Philippines after research showed that the country produced fewer research papers and file far fewer patents with 1.8 per million population in 2010, compared to Thailand (17.6), Malaysia (43.4), and Vietnam (3.5). "Filipino scientists have been contributing to groundbreaking advancement in scientific research all over the world with their talent, intelligence, and creativity. Yet as a country, we are lagging behind our neighbors in scientific output," explained Sen. Bam. According to Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology, the measure aims to institutionalize the Balik Scientist Program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Reinstated in 1993 by virtue of Executive Order No. 130, the DOST's Balik Scientist Program has successfully encouraged some of our scientists to return and contribute to research that will address development gaps in the Philippines. The Balik Scientist Program provides financial incentives for overseas Filipino scientists and facilitates their return to work on either a short-term or long-term basis. The program subsidizes the cost of returning to the Philippines to impart their technical expertise to the nation, while conducting research to address our country's needs. "Institutionalizing this will provide financial benefits to returning overseas scientists, but more importantly, it will signify our government's commitment to, and recognition of science, research and development," he added. Once enacted into law, Sen. Bam said the bill will assure Filipino scientists that their work is valued and that the government is their partner in promoting, and protecting research and development. "It is not just Filipino scientists that stand to gain from this program, but the Filipino people, as the brightest minds pour their brain power to solving longstanding problems like poverty through science and technology," Sen. Bam stressed.
Lacson seeks closer look at rural electrification picture

While the Department of Energy claims 100 percent of the country's barangays now have electricity, it does not automatically mean the agency's electrification efforts have been completed.

On this note, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson sought a closer look into the government's rural electrification program, after learning that many sitios - enclaves far from the barangay centers - still do not have power.

"Sitios are a part of barangays. We cannot say barangays are 100 percent powered if a few sitios in those barangays still have no power," Lacson said at a Commission on Appointments hearing for Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

He also warned that if the DOE maintains 100 percent of the country's 42,036 barangays are already powered, it may no longer see the need to bring electrification to the sitios still without electricity.

During the CA hearing, Cusi initially claimed 100 percent of barangays nationwide had been electrified as of 2008, but sitios in many of the barangays may still be without power.

Lacson said his concern is that barangays without power may not be able to absorb resources downloaded from the national government.

Earlier, Lacson filed Senate Bill 40, the Budget Reform for Village Empowerment Act of 2016, to give local government units an active role in nation building by providing them with funding for their development projects.

The bill provides for a Local Development Fund giving P500 million to P1 billion for each province; P100 to P200 million for each city; P50 to P100 million for each town; and P3 to P5 million for each barangay.
Press Release

October 6, 2016 Legarda Bats for Integration of Phl Arts and Culture in Educational System "Our culture is our story as a nation," said Senator Loren Legarda as she proposed the integration and mainstreaming of Philippine arts and culture in the country's educational system. In filing Senate Bill No. 387, Legarda proposed the creation of a cultural education program that will integrate arts and culture in the curricula for basic and tertiary education and technical-vocational courses. "Our culture is the narrative that binds Filipinos regardless of ethnicity, social class, or educational background into a common chronicle of tradition, trials and triumph. It is our identity and, therefore, must be preserved and passed on to the next generation," said Legarda. "The government has already taken concrete steps to address the need to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of the country through the establishment of schools of living traditions (SLTs). However, we need a major leap in making sure the country's unique and diverse cultural heritage will flourish," she stressed. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) instituted and managed the growth of SLTs to create and nurture the talents of culture specialists/masters and to preserve and transmit indigenous skills and techniques to the young. Under the proposed measure, the country's key educational agencies-the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA), will collaborate and work with the NCCA in formulating and implementing plans and programs that will integrate and mainstream Philippine arts and culture in the national education system. These agencies will create a cultural education program (CEP) that will develop and implement an enhanced Special Program for the Arts (SPA); mainstream indigenous knowledge systems, skills and practices through the institutionalization of an appropriate SLT model in the formal education system; and support the K-12 program of DepEd, both in the formal and informal systems, particularly the subjects on heritage, culture and the arts through teacher training, resource materials and by formulating competencies for arts-related careers. The CEP will also institutionalize the training of students and teachers on arts and culture for both in-service and degree programs under the NCCA Philippine Cultural Education Program (PCEP) and execute cultural enrichment activities.
Press Release

October 6, 2016 SOLUTION TO KILLINGS: MODERNIZE JUSTICE SYSTEM, "UPGRADE THE HARD DRIVE" - PANGILINAN Senator Francis Pangilinan on Wednesday night took to social media to address his proposed solution on the spate of killings going on in the country. In his Facebook post, Pangilinan reiterated his call to convene the Joint Judiciary, Executive, and Legislative Advisory and Consultative Council (JJELACC), which was last convened in 2009 and granted the Judiciary a P2.4 billion increase in their budget. "Convene the JJELACC, modernize our system of justice to punish the guilty swiftly and extrajudicial killings and disregard for the rule of law will be a thing of the past," Pangilinan said. "I have been asked what the solution is to the illegal drugs problem and I have said that a system of justice that punishes the guilty and absolves the innocent swiftly regardless is key. If our system of justice punishes the guilty and absolves the innocent swiftly in a process that is fair, extrajudicial killings will not be happening in the country today," the senator explained. To further materialize his call, Pangilinan filed Senate Resolution 79 which urges the President to convene the JJELACC to strengthen the administration of justice as a means to end criminality and disregard of the rule of law. The JJELACC, as stated in Pangilinan's resolution, aims to strengthen the consultation and coordination among the three branches of government to uphold the rule of law, with addressing the issue of killings as among its priorities. Pangilinan also posted excerpts from the article he wrote in 2009 entitled "Four Proposed Solutions to Help Fix the Philippines" as his proposal to addressing corruption which also applies to addressing criminality in the country. In the excerpt, he wrote: "Pervasive corruption will not cease unless we punish more and we punish swiftly and we cannot punish more and punish swiftly unless we modernize our Judiciary and provide it with the necessary resources to do so. So many politicians decry corruption yet apart from exposes, they have not presented concrete steps to address corruption." The concrete steps from Pangilinan's article in his personal blog, www.kilosko.blogspot.com, were reposted on Facebook as follows: 1. Increase Conviction Rates The conviction rate of the Ombudsman in the Sandiganbayan (the anti graft court) for corruption cases is pegged at an estimate of less than 20 percent. For every 10 cases filed, less than two end up in conviction. The rest of the cases are dismissed. No wonder there is no fear of committing corrupt acts. More than 8 out of 10 get away it. This is in sharp contrast to the conviction rates in Hong Kong for corruption cases which is pegged at 79 percent. Nearly 8 out of 10 are convicted. Hence if we are to punish more we must focus on upping the conviction rates to 50 percent within a three-year period and perhaps reach 65 to 70 percent within 6 years from 2010. When more are punished and punished swiftly, respect for the rule of law will return. It is the certainty of punishment that instills fear and respect for our laws. It is the task of the justice system to ensure that the conviction rates are upped. An anti-corruption task force must be organized at the highest levels to monitor the big cases and to ensure that government resources are harnessed to ensure convictions within a period of 18 to 24 months from the time of its organization. The proverbial big fish must not be allowed to get away. 2. Double Judiciary Budget In addition, we must modernize the Judiciary. The Judiciary Executive Legislative Advisory Council (JELACC) was created in 2007 precisely to address the budget woes of the Judiciary. The Philippine Judiciary receives a measly sum of less than one percent of the national budget. The remaining 97 plus percent goes to the Executive department while some 2 percent goes to the Legislative Department. The bulk of the funds are with the Executive. By upping the budget of the Judiciary to say 2 percent of the 1.17 trillion national budget we give rise to the swift dispensation of justice, the creation of more courts, construction of justice halls, the filling up of vacancies of existing courts, the augmenting of the compensation and benefits of judges, prosecutors, and court personnel. Through the JELACC, the budgetary target of 2 percent or in real terms some 20 plus billion pesos can be achieved within a period of 6 years or within the term of a sitting president. 3. Reduce Average Case life/Create more Courts It takes 6 long years on average for a case to be decided upon in the first level courts. This is too long. With the increase in budgetary support for the judiciary, our courts through the leadership of the Supreme Court must endeavor to reduce the average life span of a case that remains pending before our courts. Today, data reveals that the average case life is 6 years. This does not include appeals. This is totally unacceptable. Within a period of six years and with the creation of more courts, appointment of more judges, the filling up of vacancies in the judiciary, the life span of a case on average should be reduced to 2 years maximum. Research provided by the Supreme Court shows that the ideal ratio of the number of judges per number of people is one judge for every 10,000. Our situation is that there is one judge for every 50,000 or 5 times more than the ideal number. We must create more courts to be able to reach the ideal level and to be able speed up the disposition of cases. When cases are resolved swiftly and fairly then the respect, trust, and confidence in our justice system are reinforced immensely. If the nation is likened to a computer, the judicial system is the hard drive and its natural resources, its educated work force, and its economic investments among others its software. No amount of the latest software made available will matter if the hard drive is not effectively in place.
MATOBATO PLEAS COURT TO RECONSIDER ARREST ORDER

On Thursday, counsel of Edgar Matobato filed an urgent motion for reconsideration, asking the Municipal Trial Court in Cities of Davao City, Branch 3, to set aside its bench warrant ordering Matobato's arrest following his failure to attend his arraignment in the complaint for illegal possession of firearms filed in 2014.

In his motion, Matobato explained to the court his failure to attend his arraignment. According to Matobato, who testified in the Senate investigation on extra-judicial killings, he was unable to fly to Davao because he was scheduled to appear in the Senate hearing on Tuesday, 4 October 2016. This hearing was eventually cancelled.

Thus, Matobato prayed: "that the bench order for issuance of a Warrant of Arrest be reconsidered and set aside, and if a Warrant of Arrest has already been issued, the same should be recalled and set aside, and lastly that accused's bailbond be reinstated."

Matobato was earlier released by the court on bail, granting him provisional freedom as early as 2014.
Press Release

October 6, 2016 Villar welcomes P21-billion program for farmers in CCT program Sen. Cynthia Villar welcomed the creation of a program that will allow Filipino farmers to produce the rice requirement for the 4.5 million household-beneficiaries of government's conditional cash transfer program. During the Finance Subcommittee E hearing presided by Villar on the P50.5-billion proposed budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for 2017, DA Sec. Emmanuel Pinol informed senators that they have devised a program that will help farmers increase their productivity and profitability by allowing them to produce the rice requirement under the P21-billion rice subsidy of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). "With this scheme, we will be able to feed the CCT beneficiaries and at the same time provide the farmers with the market for their rice produce. This makes the 4Ps program more meaningful," Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, said. Under the program called LGU Corporate Farming, a partnership between farmers cooperatives, local government units and rice farmers will be formed to ensure supply of freshly-milled and affordable rice in the community. Towns and provinces and farmer organizations will finance the farm inputs and service requirements of the rice farmers to produce rice for the LGU beneficiaries. DA will provide technical support services, farm equipment and machineries. Pinol said during last Monday's Cabinet meeting, President Rodrigo Duterte has approved this program and DA is now working out a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for this purpose. For next year, aside from the education and health cash grants, 4Ps household-beneficiaries will also be provided with P20 kilos of rice every month. "This is based on the experience of Yazaki Torres. It is a corporation with 14,000 employees. They have a canteen which consumes 400 bags of 50-kilo bags of rice every week. They also have employees na binibigyan ng rice allowance. Instead of buying their rice requirements from commercial sources, they went to Mindoro, engaged 400 farmers, finance the farmers through a local bank, Banco Makiling, provided the tractors, provided good seeds, provided fertilizers, and then binili nila iyong bigas ng mga magsasaka," Pinol explained. Initially, the project will be implemented in four areas - Quezon City, Quirino Province, Kidapawan City, and Sorsogon. Earlier, Villar has called on the DSWD to review the 4Ps program after it failed to bring down poverty figure in the country, which remains at 27 percent after spending billions of pesos and six years of 4Ps implementation. She has been advocating for a CCT program tied up with agriculture like what is being done in Brazil and Thailand. "The Brazil CCT program, which is the biggest in the world with 8.8 million beneficiaries, farmers are required to grow crops. The government buys their produce and feeds the school children. In Thailand, they require 6 million school children to drink 200 ml of milk everyday, which brought up their dairy industry," Villar said. The vice chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Food said the 4Ps program should be tied up with agricultural programs, given that 40 percent of 11.8 million farmers and fisherfolk are living below the poverty line. Sixty percent of the 3.5 million coconut farmers are earning P50 a day or P1,500 a month. "If you want to reduce poverty, you should tie the CCT program with agriculture because if you can reduce the number of the poor people in agriculture, then you reduce poverty in the Philippines," she said.
On Thursday October 20, Habitat for Humanity New York City is raising the roof and raising funds to build a better New York City at their Habitat House Party. The Habitat House Party is a celebration of what Habitat NYC has built to date and a look forward at whats to come. Funds raised at this come-as-you-are event will help to build, repair and preserve more than 150 homes over the next four years, giving hard-working New York City families a safe, stable place to call home.

Party with a purpose at the newly renovated 180 Maiden Lane, in the heart of the South Street Seaport District. Guests will enjoy signature cocktails, delicious fare, performances by local musicians, and live art from Brooklyn-based muralist Leon Reid IV. Guests can also participate in an interactive build of a model Habitat home on-siteno hard hat required! This event will honor change-makers Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and David Terveen, President and owner of DK Display Corporation.

Help Habitat NYC in their vision to create a city where everyone has a decent place to call home. Learn more and buy tickets at www.habitatnyc.org/HouseParty.

This post is brought to you by Habitat NYC.
Britex Fabrics, the Union Square landmark that has drawn generations of garment-makers, designers and decorators to its four floors of silks and woolens, faux furs and rare buttons, is looking for a new home now that an investment group has purchased the building with plans to convert its upper floors to office space.

On Tuesday, the property owner of 146 Geary St., which has been home to Britex for 64 years, filed an application with the San Francisco Planning Department to convert three floors of the building from retail to office space. The ground floor will remain retail  just not the business that has been there since 1952.

In February, the owners  a partnership of Central City Realty Partners and Acadia Realty Trust, which purchased it last year for $38 million  informed the city that Britex would be vacating the building in the near future. The owners stated they would like to be able to offer new tenants of the building the opportunity to change the lettering on the Britex sign so that it would meet the needs of the new tenant.

On Wednesday afternoon, store owner Sharman Spector said she wasnt aware of the landlords plans, first reported by SocketSite, but seemed resigned to an eventual move. She said Britex still has time left on its lease, but would not say how much.

Were not closing, were moving, said Spector, whose parents, Martin and Lucy Spector, started the business, which has always been at the Geary Street address. There is zero intent to close.

Britex is one of Union Squares last locally owned businesses. It stands in contrast to the European luxury brands on the 100 block of Geary Street  Chanel, Bvlgari, Lacoste and Bottega Veneta.

Find another independent business in Union Square  you cant, said store manager Dina Fayer. The businesses down here are for branding purposes. We are one of the few real businesses.

On Wednesday, Britex customers were shocked to learn that the store may be evicted from its funky narrow building. Longtime customer Cathy Boxwell said shes been shopping at Britex for more than 50 years, ever since she was 13 years old and wanted to make a red cape with a paisley green and red silk lining.

Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

That was the most ambitious things I had made to date and it was a great success, she said. Britex is the destination and has been for decades. If you needed fabric for a bridal dress, there is no question that is where you would go.

Boxwells friend, Susan Phillips-Moskowitz, said she has been going to Britex since 1972.

I love the remnant floor and the first floor with the wools and silks, she said. The guys who work there are so professional and old-school San Francisco. They are snotty and dismissive at the same time as being really helpful.

Boxwell said she was saddened by the idea that the emporium of fabrics, furs and buttons could become another warren of tech entrepreneurs in a city already stuffed with such enterprises.

Just what we need, she said.

Acadia Realty Trust said there are no firm plans for the building.

We understand. We simply want to keep options open as we look down the road at what the future of this property might look like, the company said in a statement.

Many of the 40 employees at Britex have been working there for 20, 30, even 40 years.

Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Spector said shes determined to continue operating the store, which serves local theater groups, the Opera, the Ballet and Burning Man regulars  and is especially busy in October for Halloween. Spector said shed just returned from a buying trip in Italy, where she picked up a new batch of silks.

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Its unique. Its quirky, she said of her business. My parents started it. I grew up in the store and learned the business standing alongside my mother. I love what I do. Im going to continue it.

She said there is little hope that she can work out a deal with the new property owner  but she would like to find something in the greater Union Square neighborhood.

This business has seen the transition from ladies in white gloves to flip-flops and track suits, and thats just fine. We will be around to see the next trend.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who represents the Union Square area, said that he would explore legislation to place interim controls on converting retail to office space in San Francisco.

Are you kidding? Britex is a San Francisco institution, Peskin said. The Board of Supervisors and the Planning Department should explore whether or not we should impose land-use controls relative to preserving retail in the heart of the No. 1 retail district in the United States.

Also on Wednesday, Britex, working with the preservation group San Francisco Heritage, filed an application with the city to be designated a legacy business under Proposition J, which San Francisco voters passed last year.

If Britex receives the legacy designation, a landlord that signed the fabric store to a lease of 10 years or more would be eligible for a payment of $4.50 per square foot per year. In the case of the 12,500-square-foot space at 146 Geary, that would add up to $562,500 over 10 years.

J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @sfjkdineen
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A federal judge on Thursday sharply questioned Airbnb and HomeAway on their contention that San Franciscos vacation-rental law would violate their rights under the First Amendment and Communications Decency Act.

The legal showdown comes after years of tension between Airbnb and its hometown over the rules that govern short-term rentals in a city thats short of space for long-term residents and visitors alike.

The Communications Decency Act, passed in 1996 to shield companies for liability over content published online, does not say because you are a website you are free of any potential regulation or liability, U.S. District Judge James Donato said to attorneys for the two vacation-rental companies at a hearing in San Francisco. As to their First Amendment argument, Im struggling with how this ordinance can be described as content-based, he said.

Airbnb sued the city in June over an update to the vacation-rental law that would make rental platforms like Airbnb liable for steep fines and criminal penalties if they arranged bookings for listings that flouted the citys registration requirement. Expedias HomeAway later joined Airbnb in the suit. San Francisco agreed to suspend enforcement of the new provision until Donato rules on the companies request for an injunction halting it. A ruling could come as soon as next week.

In an 80-minute hearing, Donato peppered attorneys for Airbnb and HomeAway with questions about why the ordinance would discriminate against their free speech rights, and noted that it seemed undisputed that the majority of the citys vacation-rental hosts are skirting the law by failing to register their properties.

Only about 1,700 hosts have registered since the requirement took effect in February 2015, although there are about 8,000 to 10,000 hosts citywide. San Francisco contends that it cant easily track down the scofflaws, which is why it decided to force vacation-rental platforms to police their sites. After initially passing an update that would have held platforms liable for simply showcasing unregistered listings, the Board of Supervisors re-amended the law to make the liability occur only if platforms arranged bookings of unregistered properties, in a move to undercut Airbnbs legal arguments.

You have all this outrage in your briefs; This is outrageous, theyre outsourcing enforcement to Airbnb, but theyre not outsourcing, just trying to harvest information from the single entity that knows, which is you, Donato said to Airbnbs attorney.

The ordinance would compel Airbnb to remove thousands of listings, including listings that are potentially lawful, said its attorney, Jonathan Blavin, a partner in San Francisco firm Munger, Tolles & Olson. You dont want a website with a bunch of listings people cannot book; that would make this site unusable.

But Donato said automated technology could provide a simple solution without requiring Airbnb to infringe on its hosts privacy. The homeowner can give (Airbnb) a registration number; you send that to the city database and it gets checked against the database, he said.

He later questioned attorneys for San Francisco about how the city could make it easy to check registration numbers.

Whats the citys vision to make sure this isnt an exercise in futility? he said, asking if San Francisco would have a transition period until the needed software was up and running. If youre going to criminalize behavior, you have to make sure you play fair. You cant say you have to check the registration number and then make it impossible for people to check.

Assistant City Attorney Sara Eisenberg suggested that Airbnb initially could require hosts to upload a copy of their registration certificates, just as Uber requires drivers to upload copies of their drivers licenses.

Donato said the city needs to make its information totally transparent to these companies so they dont get prosecuted since Airbnb still would be on the hook if a host lied and comes up with a brilliantly conceived facsimile of a legal registration thats totally fake.

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Assistant City Attorney Jim Emery said, Well work with (Airbnb and HomeAway) and develop an enforcement plan and its going to work.

Thats not very comforting, Donato replied, drawing chuckles.

In a statement after the hearing, Airbnb spokesman Christopher Nulty maintained that the ordinance violates an important federal law that serves as the backbone of free speech and innovation online. ... Though these cases can drag on for years, we remain ready and willing to work with the city right now on much simpler rules for hosts that protect the citys scarce housing stock.

Airbnb, founded as temporary crash space in a South of Market bachelor pad, has rocketed to gargantuan success, showcasing some 2.3 million listings worldwide, far more than even the largest hotel chain. Private investors value the company at $30 billion.

But its stirred controversy and clashed with regulators in many cities, with activists saying it siphons off permanent housing for more-lucrative tourist rentals and hurts neighborhood ambience.

Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @csaid
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Meal-delivery service Munchery is adding lunch to its offerings, but only for corporate clients in its four biggest markets.

Lunch is a natural evolution for us, said CEO Tri Tran. Its logistically difficult to do well. If you serve individual meals and have to drop off at a ton of different addresses it doesnt work as well. Serving a corporate environment with 10, 20 or 50 meals makes sense.

The four cities  San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Seattle  where Munchery will begin the lunch deliveries also are well-stocked with prosperous companies that routinely pick up the tab for employees lunches. And they match the locations of Muncherys industrial kitchens, which serve those four metropolitan areas plus Sacramento, San Diego, Portland and Washington, D.C.

Backed by $117 million in venture capital, Munchery has about 80 employees at its Mission District headquarters and the same number at its South San Francisco kitchen. It has an undisclosed number of part-time workers who deliver its meals. All are classified as employees with benefits such as medical coverage and sick leave, Tran said. (Many rival services rely on contractors instead.)

Munchery competes in a crowded field of food delivery, albeit one with multibillion-dollar potential. San Franciscos Sprig likewise delivers its own chef-prepared meals, while a roster of others, including Uber, DoorDash, Postmates, Caviar and GrubHub, deliver hot restaurant food. Ubers UberEats recently discontinued a service which quickly delivered a smaller, limited menu quickly in most cities, including San Francisco; it continues to offer a broader set of restaurant meals with standard delivery times.

Munchery is unique, Tran said, because it rapidly cools cooked meals and provides instructions for quick reheating so they dont get soggy. In November it added ready-to-cook food kits, which it ships to eight Western states, with plans to expand further.

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In the Bay Area, Munchery now is realizing a 20 to 30 percent profit margin on its meals compared to the cost of ingredients, preparation and delivery, Tran said. That does not account for costs like real estate, software development and the headquarters team.

Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid
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After a serial cat killer in San Jose pleaded guilty to torturing and dismembering nearly two dozen felines, their former owners and friends are asking a Santa Clara County judge to impose a maximum sentence in the case thats inflamed the quiet Cambrian Park neighborhood.

Robert Farmer, 25, pleaded guilty to 21 felony counts of animal cruelty Tuesday in a Santa Clara courtroom.

Farmer, who police suspect of killing more than 20 cats, though only four corpses were recovered, faces a maximum sentence of 16 years, said Assistant Santa Clara County District Attorney Alexandra Ellis.

The convicted South Bay resident could face anything from probation with credit for time served to the maximum at the discretion of Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Sharon Chatman.

Ellis said she hasnt decided whether to pursue the maximum, but the higher end of sentencing is at the minimum appropriate for an extremely disturbing pattern of criminal behavior.

An attorney for Farmer, Wesley Schroeder, said he absolutely understands the anger and anguish of the victims, but he added that a long jail stint wouldnt necessarily solve his clients underlying issues. He plans to ask the judge for a sentence that includes therapy, he said.

It isnt like he shouldnt be held responsible, but wouldnt it be better for all concerned if a serious effort were made to try to provide the proper mental health-related services to try to ensure that this sort of thing doesnt happen in the future? Schroeder said.

Dozens of animal rights activists have joined bereaved pet owners to demand the full sentence.

This past year has been very hard for all of us, said Myriam Martinez, whose cat, Thumper, was found decomposing in a trash bin. What really scares me is that we dont know how long hes been doing this.

The pet owners are writing letters and typing up tweets, obsessively combing through Farmers background and mourning the loss of their furry friends on Facebook.

Through a Change.org petition with almost 30,000 signatures, theyre also laying the groundwork to lobby for a law that would establish a statewide registry for those convicted of animal abuse  the equivalent of Megans Law for sex offenders.

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Though the FBI in January began tracking animal cruelty, reporting is voluntary for local agencies, said Lisa Jenkins, interim program manager for Santa Clara County Animal Care and Control.

A law like Megans Law would be great because then when were processing adoptions, it would add another layer of security, Jenkins said. If we are going to adopt to somebody, we could quickly look them up.

When police arrested Farmer Oct. 8, 2015, they found him in possession of a beaten, bloody cat in a garbage bag and an assortment of collars, according to court documents. Surveillance video showed a man police identified as Farmer nabbing a cat off a nearby porch.

Another neighborhood cat owner, Becky Ewens, said she and other Cambrian Park residents had noticed cats mysteriously missing. But they assumed coyotes were the culprit. And she worries it could start again if he gets out.

I think he will continue to do this, Ewens said of Farmer. I dont think he will change.

Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michael_bodley
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Audrey Hitchcock never stops moving. Its almost as if shes afraid to sit still or that if she does finally take a breath, the weight of her world will crush her far more swiftly than the 45 water buffalo she cares for ever could.

On a foggy morning last week, Hitchcock grabbed a broom and started sweeping buffalo milk and fresh cut hay from a spot on her barn floor. She pushed her blond bangs away from her forehead and looked up, smiling. We dont cry over spilled milk here.

Hitchcock runs Ramini Mozzarella all by herself. She rents 25 acres of land out in the middle of nowhere Tomales where she raises her buffalo and makes spectacular mozzarella cheese from their milk. She used to share this labor of love with the love of her life, but Craig Ramini died a year and a half ago, suddenly making Audrey Hitchcock a 51-year-old widow  and Im now a little bit in love with her.

Hitchcock tossed me a pair of farm boots, and I gratefully followed her around the ranch while she rattled off buffalo facts and life lessons. Even though its hard, she likes talking about Ramini.

One of Craigs favorite sayings was, Just rip the Band-Aid off. I guess thats what I did, explained Hitchcock of choosing to run the farm alone after Raminis death. I ripped the Band-Aid off.

Real buffalo mozzarella comes from water buffalo. You may have already known this, but I didnt. (Hitchcock did not make me feel stupid for asking obvious cheese questions, but she did tease me for wearing a bright red windbreaker to a buffalo farm.)

Ramini Mozzarella is the only real buffalo mozzarella made fresh in the Bay Area. Hitchcock makes it on Thursdays and Sundays, and personally delivers it to her high-end restaurant customers.

The milk that came out of Pink yesterday is going to be on the table at Seven Hills tomorrow, she said.

Beth Spotswood

Pink is a water buffalo. Most of Hitchcocks beloved buffalo are named after rock stars. Be careful of Sarah McLachlan, she warned. Shes a little on the nasty side.

To get buffalo milk, one needs a lactating water buffalo. To get lactating water buffalo, one needs their buffalo to have babies all the time. Hitchcock now uses stud bulls after a failed attempt with artificial insemination. A discarded container of very expensive Italian water buffalo semen sits against a wall in the barn, while a very mellow buffalo named Lou Reed gets the job done instead.

To make ends meet, Hitchcock gives $25 tours from 2-4 p.m. Guests can bring a big picnic and learn all about buffalo and mozzarella making. They can taste Hitchcocks famous cheese and snuggle water buffalo.

The massive animals are fun to pet, and its cool to see mozzarella making in action. The fresh, foggy rural air mingles nicely with newly cut hay and buffalo poop. But Hitchcock is the one who makes it come together in a powerfully human way. Shes got this rustic femininity that Ralph Lauren print advertisements aspire to, and its inspiring to watch her in action.

Hitchcock never thought shed end up in remote West Marin, surrounded by water buffalo. The Boston native designed homes. She and Ramini didnt hatch their mozzarella-making plan until they were in their 40s.

I wanted to run an animal sanctuary in Africa, Hitchcock said, while stirring a giant vat of buffalo milk.

Norah Jones got stuck in a metal fence. Along with her assistant, a 22-year-old UC Davis graduate named Vanessa, Hitchcock weighed the options. One of those options was to break apart the fence. We havent had to do it in a while, Hitchcock said. Craig did it the last time. Ive never done it by myself.

Hitchcock suddenly ripped off her cheese makers white jacket and hat. She shoved them toward me. Hold these, she said.

Hitchcocks wispy blond hair fell out of a bun as she marched toward the barn, switching boots along the way. She clearly had an idea.

A black and white kitten jumped out of the path, watching the proceedings with as much curiosity as I did. Hitchcock dumped oats from a massive feed bag into a plastic bin and made a beeline for her trapped buffalo. Her tan hands rubbed Norahs shoulders and guided Norahs head to the snack. A few gentle maneuvers later and the massive buffalo aligned her head and her horns just right. Norah Jones was free.

And Audrey Hitchcock got back to work.

Beth Spotswoods column appears Thursdays in Datebook. Email: datebook@sfchronicle.com
Heres a case where the screenwriters signature is the strongest element onscreen. The Girl on the Train was directed by Tate Taylor (The Help) and based on the best-seller of the same name by Paula Hawkins. But in feeling and aura, its much more like Chloe and other films written by its screenwriter, Erin Cressida Wilson.

Theres an atmosphere here thats hard to describe, a kind of mournful eroticism. Sex and sexual possibility are in the air, but so are betrayal, melancholy and loss  and hovering out there, too, a hint of real twistedness. And the wellspring of all this flailing human behavior, all these pathetic attempts to connect, is longing. It is the face pressed up against the window, the despairing need to feel whole.

This is the ideal tone  an ennobling and enriching tone  for a story that begins with a woman sitting on a train, looking into the houses as they go by, wondering about the lives taking place behind those windows. Rachel (Emily Blunt) is a complete mess, a blackout drunk and an emotional wreck, but the one thing she has left is a grand romantic yearning. And so she fixates on a young woman that she imagines to have the ideal life.

In fact, the woman, Megan  played by Haley Bennett, a commanding presence  is nothing but confused and angry, with a tragic past and an unsettled present. She has the surface confidence that Rachel lacks, but she is utterly lost. And though her beauty gives her a certain power over people, it only gives her license to lose herself more.

The movies trio of turbulent women is completed by Anna (Rebecca Ferguson), who is married to Rachels ex-husband, Tom (Justin Theroux). She is seemingly normal, besotted with her baby daughter and seemingly happy in her marriage, but there are cracks, both in her moral nature and in her facade of contented domesticity.

A missing-person case unites these characters into a single story, with Blunt remaining mostly at the center. Shes obsessed. Shes drunk half the time, and when she shows up at an Alcoholics Anonymous, its always day one. She stumbles into the investigation and gets in the way of the police, particularly Allison Janney as a detective who looks at her with a professionals scorn. Yet she keeps stumbling closer to the truth.

The Girl on the Train may be too idiosyncratic and moody to get the credit it deserves, but if theres any justice, Blunt should be up for awards consideration at the end of the year. She gives a remarkably invested and unflinching performance. She contains her natural wit, brightness and intelligence  she conceals her attractiveness  and encases herself in a physical condition and a psychological cloud. She piles on the damage, but she doesnt play the damage. She plays the struggle to break through. Its a performance of technical precision, emotional perception and inspiration.

Of course, when the acting is strong across the board, it has something to do with the director. Taylor directed Viola Davis to an Oscar nomination for The Help, and with The Girl on the Train, he may very well have made a star of Bennett. Meanwhile, Ferguson continues to demonstrate a capacity to transform entirely for each role (Mission Impossible  Rogue Nation, Florence Foster Jenkins) and be memorable and arresting each time.

But the most exciting contribution to The Girl on the Train is that of Wilson. Its exciting because it shows that its possible, despite the odds, for a distinctive screenwriter to express herself consistently and dominate a film. And its exciting because this is a unique voice, and very much a womans voice, that our cinema needs.

Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle

The Girl on the Train

Starring Emily Blunt, Haley Bennett and Rebecca Ferguson. Directed by Tate Taylor. (R. 112 minutes.)

To see a trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkoEE1i0CX8
The man reportedly killed while attempting to ride on top of a Coney Island-bound F train Wednesday has been identified as Christopher Serrano, a Brooklyn native who had gained notoriety as a daring urban explorer and photographer. Serrano, 25, regularly posted photos from off-limits locations across New York City, including the tops of bridges and Manhattan skyscrapers, using the online alias and Instagram handle Heavy Minds.

According to the NYPD, Serrano is believed to have ventured outside of a moving F train car and tried to climb on top of it when he was struck shortly before 5 a.m. yesterday near the Fourth Avenue/Ninth Street station in Park Slope. First responders found Serrano lying dead in the subway roadbed at 5:12 a.m. Police sources told the NY Post that Serrano is believed to have been with a female friend when he attempted to climb on top of the moving car.

It's lonely up here. A photo posted by NYC | HeavyMinds (@heavy_minds) on Oct 2, 2016 at 3:08pm PDT

Starting over. A photo posted by NYC | HeavyMinds (@heavy_minds) on Aug 31, 2016 at 7:07pm PDT

Nostalgia. A photo posted by NYC | HeavyMinds (@heavy_minds) on Aug 19, 2016 at 2:45pm PDT

9/11 Memorial. A photo posted by NYC | HeavyMinds (@heavy_minds) on Feb 27, 2015 at 4:35pm PST

Above the GWB. A photo posted by NYC | HeavyMinds (@heavy_minds) on Dec 17, 2014 at 5:13pm PST

Have a great weekend everyone. A photo posted by NYC | HeavyMinds (@heavy_minds) on May 9, 2014 at 2:15pm PDT

In the wake of his death, dozens of Serrano's fans and peers within the photography and urban explorer communities have expressed their grief in comments on his Instagram photos. "I keep wanting to wake up now from this horrible dream," one user wrote, while another commented "Rest In Peace homie. Fly hi. Will forever be inspired by your work." Several others have posted tribute photos dedicated to Serrano and his work.

When asked for comment on the collision that resulted in Serrano's death, the MTA did not reply.


Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Yahoos declining fortunes are hitting a new low. It reportedly gave a federal spy agency instant access to its enormous email stream and even designed software to help the sleuths hunt for suspicious words. Its a fresh chapter in the collusion of Internet firms with Washingtons aggressive surveillance policies.

In the past, major phone and email providers have allowed intelligence agencies to sift through their data in the hunt for terrorist threats. When that practice came to light, many firms pulled back by beefing up encryption which made eavesdropping harder.
By all accounts, Derric Sampson is a model driver. Hes done 7,400 trips on Uber in 18 months and riders rate him 4.85 out of 5, above average. The only issue: Hes served time in prison. My friends are often taken aback when I tell them about Sampson. But people are released from prison because the state accepts they have repaid their debt to society and deserve a second chance. And if prisoners cant find gainful employment, theyre much more likely to commit another crime, putting them back in prison.

However, its amazingly hard to find work if you are one of the 70 million-plus Americans with a criminal record because many companies ask about your history up front. And if you check yes, the application process ends before the interview has even started. That is why Uber supports Ban the Box and has removed this step from our hiring process.

But thats just one of the many barriers people face when looking for work. Some 30 percent of jobs in the United States now require a license  from being a tour guide or real estate agent to hair braiding. And many of these licenses include some kind of criminal background check.

Its easy to understand why weve gotten here. Certain offenders, especially those convicted of violent and sexual crimes, should be prevented from doing some jobs. But these types of rules have been extended to cover too many nonviolent crimes, excluding people from low-skilled work for offenses such as the possession of marijuana. Its about fear not fact.

Earlier this year, Uber aligned its requirements with Proposition 47, which reclassified certain nonviolent crimes as misdemeanors. As a result, 3,300 people have signed up to drive with Uber to earn a living and stand on their own two feet  in one state alone. Imagine how many more life-changing opportunities we could create if other states followed suit. And the most interesting part: Prop. 47 drivers have the same average rating as their Californian counterparts (4.82 in August). They also appear to live in areas where work opportunities are harder to find.

Id never really thought deeply about criminal justice reform before starting Uber. Now I realize reform is desperately needed. For example, the FBI records many companies use to do background checks dont include up-to-date data on whether an arrest resulted in a charge or conviction. So if someone is arrested and subsequently acquitted, their record may not show that theyre innocent. This is a terrible injustice because a large number of arrests dont end in a conviction. Whats more, people of color bear the brunt of this inequity as they are more likely to be arrested than whites. Flaws in these government databases are one of the reasons Uber screens drivers  and we do rigorous background checks  using county court records.

Reforms like Prop. 47 could have an outsized impact on the life of someone like Ingrid Archie. Convicted of drug possession in her 20s, she was laid off when the company where she had worked for three years changed its policies to exclude anyone with a criminal record. Out of work, Ingrid stole clothes for her baby. She was arrested for petty theft and, having violated her probation, sentenced to prison. Under Prop. 47, her offense was reduced and she is out of prison and wants work.

Archie signed up with Uber after receiving support from A New Way of Life, an organization that helps women coming out of prison. But without lawmakers and corporations showing greater collective courage, her other work choices are almost nonexistent.

Crime is wrong. But once a person has served their time, we need to give them a second chance. Consigning millions of Americans to a life of unemployment  with all the costs that entails  may be the easier option. Its certainly not the best one for our country.

Travis Kalanick is CEO and co-founder of Uber.
From the rim of a coastal hill, we peered over the top of a small granite outcrop. We hoped to see elk without them seeing us.

A cool breeze sailed out of the northwest across the sea. The afternoon sun poured sunbeams into alto cirrus, where some of the clouds turned into prisms of red and orange.

Our view cleared the rock, and there in front of us was a big bull tule elk, about 800 pounds, with antlers nearly 5 feet high, nine points on each side. He didnt know we were there. His harem of females was alongside and about a half dozen spotted us. In the group, we counted 27 elk in all. This was last weekend, but the same adventure is available throughout the fall.

This is the mating season for the tule elk at Point Reyes National Seashore and these animals represent a symbol of hope for the future of a herd emerging from historic issues.

During the drought, roughly 250 elk have died from a lack of water in a two-year span at the Tomales Peninsula. The hope now is that rains this winter will bring high survival rates for next years crop. About 280 elk survived this year and the park hopes to re-establish the herd to about 450 animals over the long-term.

Wildlife paradise: The Point Reyes National Seashore is a vast 71,000-acre national park in west Marin that has long provided the best wildlife watching west of Yellowstone. Though wildlife is abundant in many areas, the Tomales Peninsula out of Pierce Ranch is the parks crown jewel.

Tom Stienstra/Tom Stienstra / The Chronicle

On one trip, when I spent the day tracing out game trails, I tracked and counted more than 250 elk. While tracking the elk herds, Ive seen deer, fox, bobcat and rabbits. Another time, I followed an elk route for about a half mile and then felt a presence, looked up, and at 20 feet, a mountain lion was dead ahead, sitting straight up on its hind legs; we had a stare-down for a half-minute or so before it slinked off into the grasslands and disappeared.

Elsewhere in the park, you occasionally will see elk in the coastal hills above Limantour Beach, often in Muddy Hollow. This area also provides excellent habitat for bobcat, fox, coyotes, skunks, weasels, badgers, ring-tails, raccoon and the elusive black bear (rarely sighted, not photographed).

Ive also tracked the beautiful non-native white deer, the bucks with antlers that resemble moose (palmated) on one side and elk (spike-tipped) on the other. In 2007, the park hired a company to exterminate the white deer by shooting them from helicopters. Protests shut down the program, and reports are that as few as 40 white deer survived.

Tomales Point Trail: By October, most of the big bull elk  either by fighting or intimidating smaller bulls  have completed assembling their harems. That means some of the bulls will have 20-30 females with whom to mate, but others will have none. In the fall, the partner-less often hang out together, some times within range of the parking area. This means you often can drive right up and see a few elk with big antlers without getting out of your car.

But it can get much better.

The trip starts at the historic Pierce Ranch. As you drive up, the trailhead for the Tomales Point Trail is on the left. Its a 4.7-mile hike (one-way) to Tomales Point, which leads to an overlook of crashing breakers at the point and beyond across the ocean north to Bodega Bay.

To see the elk, instead of a long march, consider a stalk. As you walk north, you will see occasional game trails on your right that lead through the wild grass and chaparral.

What I do is hike on the Tomales Point Trail, then trace out game trails up to the crowned ridge, into canyons, valleys, and over the top of short crests to see whats on the other side. Along the way, the views are spectacular of the Pacific Ocean to the west, Tomales Bay and beyond across miles of coastal hills to the east.

If you see fresh elk scat and mashed-down grass where elk have bedded down, youre getting close.

When you scan across the grasslands, look for the tips of antlers poking above the grass. Bring binoculars, a long lens for a camera, and remember the ethics of wildlife photography: Your behavior cannot change the behavior of the animals.

Many of the elk will mate this month. The young will be born in about 250 days, roughly in May. A wet winter would mean plenty of water, fresh vegetation with high water content, and in turn, high nutrition of pregnant females over the winter and then high survival rates of their calves come spring.

It all starts now. Through the spring, the hope is that this is the start of a rebirth of a once-flourishing elk herd.

Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for The San Francisco Chronicle. His Outdoor Report can be heard at 7:35 a.m., 9:35 a.m. and 12:35 p.m. Saturdays on KCBS (740 and 106.9). Email: tstienstra@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @StienstraTom

If you want to go

Where: Tomales Point Peninsula out of Pierce Ranch at Point Reyes National Seashore

When: October provides peak viewing of tule elk

Cost: Parking, access, map/brochure, free

Trail: Tomales Point Trail, 4.7-miles one way, Pierce Ranch to Tomales Point; many game trails. No dogs. No bikes. No harassing the elk.

Trailhead docents: From 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends through October, docents are available at the trailhead to provide on-the-spot info; limited number of spotting scopes and binoculars are available.

Darwin Awards: Dont attempt to get too close, take a selfie, get between the elk (especially a cow and its calf), attempt to feed them, shout or make loud noises, or bring music.

Lodging: www.ptreyes.com.

Contact: Point Reyes National Seashore, Bear Valley Visitor Center, (415) 464-5100, www.nps.gov/pore.

How to get there

To Bear Valley Visitor Center: From San Francisco, take U.S. 101 north over Golden Gate Bridge into Marin and continue to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Take that exit west and drive 20 miles to Highway 1. Turn right and go 100 yards to Bear Valley Road. Turn left and go 0.7 of a mile to signed left turn for visitor center. Turn left and drive short distance to parking. Get brochure/map.

Note: Other routes available; Highway 1 coastal route from Sausalito/Mill Valley; rural two-laners from north Marin/Novato.

To Pierce Ranch: From Visitor Center, exit to Bear Valley Road. Turn left and go 1.7 miles to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Turn left and go 5.6 miles to Pierce Point Road on right. Turn right and drive 9 miles to Pierce Ranch.

Distances to Pierce Ranch: 36 miles from San Rafael, 48 miles from San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge), 53 miles from Berkeley, 63 miles from Pacifica, 75 miles from Concord, 98 miles from San Jose, 113 miles from Sacramento.

 Tom Stienstra
California voters are being asked Nov. 8 to push their elected officials to do whatever they can to overturn the U.S. Supreme Courts 2010 decision that unleashed a torrent of money into politics by allowing corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts on political activity.

Proposition 59 would have no force of law. Instead, it is a longshot effort to urge Congress to seize back control over election spending by supporting a constitutional amendment to overturn the ruling.

The 5-4 Citizens United decision, with the late Justice Antonin Scalia in the majority, held that corporations and unions have a constitutional right of free speech to spend money for political purposes. The decision allowed these entities, along with other organizations and individuals, to spend unlimited sums on elections, so long as the expenditures were not specifically directed at candidates.

The decision gave rise to super PACs, known technically as independent expenditure-only committees. These can spend unlimited funds to advocate for or against candidates, but they may not give directly to or coordinate with candidates.

Super PACs have dramatically changed modern campaigns, weakening political parties and greatly enhancing the ability of billionaires, particularly, to influence elections.

Since the decision, very wealthy individuals on the left, such as former hedge-fund manager Tom Steyer and financier George Soros, and the right, such as industrialists Charles and David Koch, have spent vast sums on elections.

The Koch brothers alone reportedly have budgeted nearly $900 million for this election year, focusing on electing Republicans to the Senate while refusing to back GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, himself a self-proclaimed billionaire.

Prop. 59 is part of a national effort by mostly left-leaning activist groups to urge legislators to begin the process of overturning Citizens United. Voters have passed similar ballot measures in Colorado and Montana, and another is before voters this November in Washington state.

We fully expect (Prop. 59) to pass in every congressional district in California, including those held by Republicans, said Derek Cressman, the Prop. 59 campaign director for California Common Cause.

He said proponents have spent most of the roughly $100,000 they have raised on polling and found that nationally 75 percent of voters want to see Citizens United overturned, with Republicans polling nearly as strongly in favor as Democrats.

Cressman said supporters seek to get Prop. 59 passed by as large a margin as possible and then if it does pass, make sure that members of Congress are held accountable to follow up on its instructions.

He said the ballot measure would ask Congress to write a constitutional amendment that would establish that corporations do not have the same constitutional rights as human beings and that campaign spending is not considered free speech. Such an amendment would allow Congress to reassert control over political spending, including super PACs, he said.

Amending the Constitution is an immensely arduous task. The last amendment took more than two centuries to ratify. Introduced by James Madison in 1789, the 27th Amendment banning members of Congress from voting on raising or lowering their pay in their current term was finally ratified in 1992.

A proposed amendment that begins in Congress would require a two-thirds vote of approval from both houses before it could be sent to the nations 50 states. Three-quarters of the states, either through their legislatures or a convention, would have to approve it for passage.

In 2012, San Francisco passed a measure similar to Prop. 59, by an 80-to-20-percent margin, that opposed corporate personhood. Richmond, Los Angeles, Arcata (Humboldt County) and Chico (Butte County) have followed suit. The California Legislature passed a bill to put the current measure on the ballot in 2014, but it was stalled by litigation, succeeding this year with Gov. Jerry Browns approval.

Prop. 59 has no organized opposition, but most Republican state legislators opposed putting it on the ballot.

Several California newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, are urging California voters to reject the measure, warning that such advisory measures threaten to clutter future ballots. The newspaper argued that Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has vowed if she wins to appoint Supreme Court justices who would be inclined to overturn Citizens United.

Prop. 59 is sponsored by a coalition of liberal watchdog groups led by California Common Cause. It is endorsed by former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, now a UC Berkeley professor; Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders; and The Chronicle.

The Chronicles editorial board conceded that such nonbinding resolutions as Prop. 59 are generally a waste of time but argued that the message in Prop. 59 is too important to bypass.

Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com

What Prop. 59 asks the voters

Shall Californias elected officials use all of their constitutional authority, including, but not limited to, proposing and ratifying one or more amendments to the United States Constitution, to overturn Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) 558 U.S. 310, and other applicable judicial precedents, to allow the full regulation or limitation of campaign contributions and spending, to ensure that all citizens, regardless of wealth, may express their views to one another, and to make clear that corporations should not have the same constitutional rights as human beings?
Gentlemen, please!

History may remember vice presidential debate moderator Elaine Quijanos desperate plea to shush the candidates talking over each other  and her  as the theme to a forgettable evening.

Quijanos moderation of the throw down between Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican Mike Pence didnt go over well with some people. Former top Obama adviser-turned-CNN pundit David Axelrod tweeted that she seems intent on running through her questions, even when significant exchanges are happening. Slate said she did a disastrous job, losing control of the debate early on, and never regained it.

But Voxs Dara Lind, hit another note, saying Kaine was particularly querulous and disappointing. Hes running as a man who respects women, and in his only debate he simply didnt show it.

Perhaps, as Jessica Lavariega Monforti, a professor of political science at Pace University in New York, told The Chronicle, the two white male candidates were more comfortable interrupting a woman  a woman of color than they might have a man. Quijano, who is Filipina American, is the first Asian American to moderate a debate in a general-election presidential campaign.

 Joe Garofoli

Olamikan Gbemiga/Associated Press

Seat in peril? Its maybe past time for Republicans to start getting worried about Rep. Darrell Issas San Diego County congressional seat, especially after a nonpartisan national political handicapping service suggested the conservative businessmans re-election is no longer a guarantee.

The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report last week changed its rating on the race from safe Republican to Republican favored. Thats a long way from predicting a victory for Democrat Doug Applegate, but it shows sentiment is moving in the right direction for the Democrats.

Democrats also are touting a poll released last week that showed Issa up by a scant two percentage points, 48 to 46 percent.

Of course, the poll was commissioned by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, so buyer beware.

Still, Issas 50 to 45 percent victory in June was way closer than anyone expected, and Democrats are doing everything possible to tie Issa to GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, who is going to lose big in California.

Its never easy to beat an eight-term incumbent, though, and Issas 49th Congressional District, which includes his northern San Diego County hometown of Vista, the Camp Pendleton Marine base and southern Orange County isnt exactly Berkeley, politically speaking.

But the contest could turn out to be a test of whether Trumps unpopularity can drag down Republicans across California.

 John Wildermuth

Phil Willon/TNS

No humor, please: Heres an important rule for all candidates to remember: There is no joking in politics.

Case in point is Santa Barbara County Supervisor Salud Carbajal, the Democratic candidate to replace retiring Democratic Rep. Lois Capps in the Central Coasts 24th Congressional District.

Last month, he was at a meeting of the Santa Barbara Association of Governments and casually asked a friend who had recently moved to Lompoc, population 43,509 and home to Vandenberg Air Force Base, How do you like living in the armpit of the county?

Problem is, a Lompoc city councilman overheard the remark and was not amused.

Cue the protests and angry phone calls.

It was all in jest, a spokesman for Carbajals campaign said. The supervisor apologizes for the offhand remark, the campaign statement said. He is proud of the work hes done for the city of Lompoc.

Yeah, like thats going to work, especially in one of the most hotly contested congressional races in the state.

These are peoples lives that we are talking about and this isnt something to joke about, said Justin Fareed, Carbajals GOP opponent, whose campaign quickly put together a TV spot focusing on the remark and painting Carbajal as an elitist insider and career politician of the type who have been looking down their noses at us for years.

 John Wildermuth

Agricultural vote: The United Farm Workers union gave its backing to state Attorney General Kamala Harris on Wednesday, praising her work protecting immigrants and backing collective bargaining for farm workers.

The decision by the union founded by Latino icon Cesar Chavez was a blow to Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez, the Spanish-speaking daughter of Mexican immigrants who is looking to be the first Latina elected to the Senate.

In the endorsement message, union leaders spoke of the difficult choice between these two leaders and argued that Californians are lucky to have two strong candidates for U.S. Senate.

What distinguishes Kamala Harris in this campaign is her leadership and the results she has produced as attorney general, the announcement said. We also appreciate Kamala Harris vigorous and effective advocacy of justice for all, including advocating for farm workers receiving equal overtime pay protections.

The endorsement came after farm worker leaders under union contract interviewed both candidates and made their recommendations, the announcement said.

 John Wildermuth

Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com, jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli, @jfwildermuth

More election news

For complete campaign news, go to: www.sfchronicle.com/election/2016/.
Tyler and Justin Catalana have distinguished themselves in the world of beer. They opened Mill Valley Beerworks as a beer bar in 2009. In 2011, they expanded the kitchen and began offering a full-blown menu by David Wilcox, which earned three stars. Then in 2014 they opened Fort Point Beer Company, a brewery in the Presidio.

Around the same time, Wilcox was replaced by Rob Hurd, who worked at both XYZ in San Francisco and Brix in Napa. The Catalana brothers also relocated the brew tanks in the back of the restaurant to the basement, which increased the seating from about 35 to 55. Now theres a little more room between tables, though the restaurant retains its cozy, pub-like feel with its moody nighttime lighting and homey shelves.

As was the case under Wilcox, vegetables are still celebrated in just about every dish. Grilled corn ($7) is served with cultured butter, furikake and a dusting of Parmesan to help smooth the edges of the charred kernels. Theres also maitake mushroom toast with fresh ricotta and tiny beet greens ($14), and a beet root hummus ($12) with red quinoa, cocoa nibs, blackberries and nuts.

One of my favorites is the Brussels sprouts fritto ($11), where the vegetable is quartered, battered and deep-fried to form a substantial crust, which mellows the cabbage-like intensity. Its served with charred lemon and caper aioli, adding another flavor boost that helps it stand up to the beers. Another excellent choice among the 11 small plates is smoked salmon chowder ($11) with chunks of potato and bacon.

The five main courses include farrotto ($18) with king trumpet mushrooms, spigarello and creme fraiche. Orecchiette ($19) is paired with chunks of fennel sausage, zucchini, basil and Calabrian chiles; the flavor was on point, but the pasta tasted as if it had been held in a water bath because the outer layer was slightly mushy.

Alaskan halibut ($29) is served on butter beans with Tuscan kale that benefited from roasted garlic and a sprinkling of crisp breadcrumbs. Theres also a cheeseburger ($18)  a staple of any restaurant specializing in beer  and flat iron steak ($28) rubbed with porcini powder with roasted potatoes, arugula and salsa verde. While some dishes lack the precise balance of what Wilcox achieved, they still are satisfying and well crafted.

For dessert, the creamy panna cotta ($8) was all the better for its topping of peaches, pistachio and drizzles of honey. The apple cake, moist with slices of fruit and toasted walnuts, felt like a perfect introduction to fall.

The one-page beverage menu features eight beers from Fort Point. In addition, there are seven other guest draft beers, including several from Germany, Belgium and Fort Bragg. The wine list contains just nine selections, and most are offered by the bottle or glass.

With its warm, casual atmosphere and locally sourced food, Mill Valley Beerworks continues to be the type of place wed all love to have in our neighborhood.

Michael Bauer is The San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic and editor at large. Find his blog at http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com and his reviews on www.sfchronicle.com. Email: mbauer@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michaelbauer1

  

Mill Valley Beerworks

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Atmosphere:  

Prices: $$$

Noise: Four Bells

173 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley; (415) 888-8218 or millvalleybeerworks.com. Brunch 11:30 a.m.to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Dinner 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday-Monday, until 9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and until 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Street parking, sometimes difficult.
Couturier Jake Wall debuted his whimsical fall collection for more than 300 guests at Fashion for a Reason at his flagship atelier and boutique Sept. 15. Each look in the circus-theme show made its own bold statement: a tailored mens linen camouflage suit shared the runway with a leather-and-lace gown highlighted by delicate camo details in a train reminiscent of a ringleaders cape. The fearless array of pieces featured plunging necklines, fiery red silks and Jessica Rabbit-slits. Wall says the collection is mild-mannered compared to whats to come in his spring line, which he plans to debut at the Drever Family Foundations Imperial Dynasties of China Hotbed Benefit next year on June 10. Wall said the fall collection is meant for individuals who dont fear being noticed; rather, they seek it out  and give a bit of spectacle to the world.

The Drevers annual gala is hosted by actress Sharon Stone, and raises funds for charities 10,000 Degrees, Planet Hope and a handful of local artists. Wall plans to donate 10 percent of proceeds from his seasonal WearNow collections to Planet Hope and partner with the Drevers to turn the Hotbed Benefit into the Bay Areas version of the Met Ball, the annual gala that raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute in New York City.
It doesnt take long after climbing off the packed commuter train to realize that Kaifeng, once one of the most powerful ancient capitals of China, clearly has been left behind.

Which makes it a very special place.

Having previously visited the gargantuan metropolises of Beijing, Nanjing, Xian and Hangzhou, Im shocked to find Kaifeng is tiny, comparatively. I know it hosts a trove of remarkable historical sites, so I had been expecting to see a modern, booming city, rather than a more subdued, less developed one.

This makes Kaifeng a true anomaly in China, a country which has changed beyond recognition in the space of 20 years. In that time, many of its cities have increased in population three or four-fold. Yet Kaifeng is scarcely bigger now than it was 1,000 years ago.

All of which means that here, being left behind equates to more original culture and architecture, a slower pace and a tiny fraction of the foreign and domestic tourists who swarm Chinas more popular cities.

Some of those other cities  Beijing, Nanjing, Xian and Hangzhou among them  are sophisticated, cosmopolitan places that managed to build on their fame as imperial capitals. Yet Kaifeng has a major advantage: being left behind isnt necessarily a bad thing.

Amid a period of wild change, in some ways, being left behind can be the very opposite.

Ronan O'Connell/Special to The Chronicle

In the 11th century, when it was the capital of Chinas Song Dynasty, Kaifeng was the largest city in the world, according to research by the late Berkeley historian Tertius Chandler. Kaifengs population reportedly swelled to about 700,000 people in this period.

These days it has not many more than 800,000 residents. This makes it positively miniscule in a country that has more than a dozen cities with populations of at least five million people.

The comparative lack of development in this city in Henan Province in eastern China means it has a less westernized appearance than the big Chinese cities, not to mention a wealth of well-preserved historical sites. From magnificent temples, to grand pavilions and timeworn pagodas, Kaifengs architectural heritage is healthy and beguiling.

Many parts of Kaifeng look and feel similar to what I imagine most Chinese cities were like 25 years ago, before the countrys metamorphosis. This includes its train station, which is small and basic, unlike the enormous, glass-and-steel rail hubs found all over China.

As I trot down the steps of the station entrance I seem to bend time. The people around me are moving almost in slow motion, their necks craning to stare at the tall westerner. Kaifeng is passed over by tourists in the same way it has been by property developers.

The dearth of tourists means I have Kaifengs attractions nearly all to myself. As I stand at the entrance to the imposing and majestic Dragon Pavilion Park, Im struck by the peace and quiet. There are no touts trying to sell me trinkets. There are no tour groups led by guides with megaphones. There are no lines at the ticket office.

Its the same at each of the fascinating attractions I visit across the city.

Ronan O'Connell/Special to The Chronicle

Walking along the long, stone-paved bridge that leads across Yangjia Lake to the beautiful Dragon Pavilion, I imagine the momentous events that would have unfolded here a millennium ago. Grand imperial parades and deadly battles took place on this site, which was home to successive royal palaces before the pavilion was built over their ruins in 1692.

I dont have to use my imagination for long. Just as I arrive at the foot of the pavilion, a troupe of actors is beginning a performance. Decked out in brightly-colored, traditional Chinese garb, they march into a nearby temple and begin to interact in an animated fashion.

While I cant understand a word they say in Mandarin, a spectator tells me in broken English they are recreating an Imperial meeting from the Song Dynasty period. This era, from 960 to 1279, marked the high point in Kaifengs history. When this dynasty began its rule of China, it made its capital at Kaifeng.

Unlike in the current day, when Kaifeng is poorly placed geographically, it was then a key port along Chinas original Grand Canal. This man-made waterway built at the start of the seventh century stretched for about 1,000 miles, from near Beijing in Chinas north all the way down to Hangzhou on its central-eastern seaboard.

Kaifengs convenient location on the canal made it the obvious choice of several regional authorities before the Song reunified China as an empire. In the 11th and 12th centuries Kaifeng flourished, becoming arguably the most significant trading hub in Asia.

But what the Grand Canal gave, it later took away. When the canal was given a new path in the 14th century, Kaifeng was bypassed and swiftly faded as a commercial center. It was here, on the site of the Dragon Pavilion Park, that the imperial palaces of six different dynasties were based, the most recent being the Jin Empire of 1115 to 1234.

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China was riven by conflict throughout most of Kaifengs glory days. As a result, there are limited vestiges of its imperial era, with many of the major structures from this period long having been destroyed and buried beneath the city. The imperial splendor of Kaifengs past has been recreated at the Millennium City Park.

On the Western side of Yangjia Lake, opposite the Dragon Pavilion, this 40-hectare theme park has been modeled after Kaifengs appearance during the Song Dynasty. It is a kitschy, albeit well executed project punctuated by faux-palaces, bridges and tea houses. But Kaifeng is not short on real heritage sites.

Between Dragon Pavilion and the Kaifeng train station sits one of Chinas most famous Buddhist monasteries, Xiangguo. Beyond the earthen-red walls of its ornate entrance gate are more than 60 temples.

Monks congregate at Xiangguo each day to chant prayers inside Tathagata Hall, more than 1,400 years after this religious complex was built. In its Octagonal Glazed Hall are hundreds of statues, including a golden likeness of Avalokitesvara, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, which is adorned by dozens of eyes.

I feel as if almost as many eyes are trained on me as I wander down a quiet back street just West of Xiangguo, past dusty shop houses where families sit drinking tea and playing board games. For more than an hour, my stomach has been rumbling, sending me a message loud and clear: Find dumpling soup.

There are many decadent dishes in China. The only problem is that in a small city like Kaifeng, if you dont speak or read Mandarin, the restaurant menus offer you no clues. Again and again in China I fall back on my rough Mandarin translation for the simple and ubiquitous dumpling soup.

Sitting on a child-sized plastic chair in a no-frills alleyway restaurant I attempt to order. Jiaozi tang, I say to a young waitress who has looked dazed and confused from the moment I stepped in the door.

After I repeat myself for the third time, tweaking my pronunciation on each occasion, she grins and nods her head vigorously. I get the thumbs-up signal from not one but two men who had been hunched over their meals but who are now sitting bolt upright, transfixed by my interaction with the waitress.

My food arrives swiftly and I hand over just 10 yuan, roughly $1.50, for a generous bowl of steaming hot soup filled with about a dozen pork dumplings. It is delicious. Rather than trying to deliver this praise in broken Mandarin, I give the thumbs-up to the staff and the seven or eight fellow diners studying me.

Kaifeng is a friendly place for westerners. Many locals seem fascinated by me and if you meet their stares with a smile and a wave, the warmth is returned. This is not always the case in China.

In big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, foreigners are common and residents are often in a rush so they take little notice of tourists. Combined with the language barrier, this can make travel in those places a lonely experience. Meanwhile, in Kaifeng, Ive got more mates than I do back home.

With my hunger sated, I hop in a taxi to the impressive Youguo Temple, a Buddhist monastery from the Song Dynasty. It was built in the northeast portion of Kaifeng, just inside the boundary of the towering city walls, small sections of which have been restored and can be climbed by visitors. Looming above the manicured grounds of the monastery is a monument that embodies the architectural style of the Song Dynasty.

As I rest at the foot of the 180-foot-tall Iron Pagoda, tilting my head back to take it all in, I understand momentarily the discomfort the Kaifeng locals had felt as they strained to stare up at me. Unfortunately, Im not nearly as majestic or significant as this enormous monument.

Glazed gray tiles cover the roofs of each of its 13 levels, with more than 100 small bells hanging from its eaves. Most of the brick pagoda is embellished by wonderfully intricate, hand-carved depictions of flowers, animals and Buddhas.

I enter the pagoda and ascend step after step until finally I earn a sprawling view of Kaifeng. With a squint of the eye it is possible to trace the rough route once followed by the old city walls. As was the case 1,000 years ago, there is little of significance outside the lines of this rectangular fortification.

What was once the biggest city on Earth, and the capital of one the worlds superpowers, is now little more than a footnote in Chinese history. Kaifeng has been sidelined.

But in a country becoming ever more westernized and modern, it is a charming throwback.

Ronan OConnell is a freelance writer. Email: travel@sfchronicle.com

If you go

Getting there

Kaifeng doesnt have its own airport, but you can fly into sister city Zhengzhous Xinzheng International Airport. Eva Air, Air China and Cathay Pacific offer flights from San Francisco to Zhengzhou with stopovers in Taipei, Beijing and Hong Kong, respectively. Alternatively, you can fly into Beijing and catch a bullet train to Zhengzhou that takes two and a half hours.

Where to stay

Pullman Kaifeng Jianye: No. 16 Longting North Road, Longting District; (+86) 371 2358 9999. New hotel in the historic heart of Kaifeng, near the Dragon Pavilion Park and the Millennium City Park. Superior rooms start from $100, and the hotel has a pool, a relative rarity in China.

Kaifeng Sunshine Holiday Inn: Building 5, Qishengjiao Business St.; +86 371 2238 2222. A neat hotel with a traditional-style Chinese courtyard. Boutique rooms start at $65.

Where to eat

Kaifeng has amazing street snacks, including steamed pork buns (50 cents to $1 each) sold by mobile vendors all over the city. Pork dumplings, called Xialongbao, are found more commonly in restaurants. This includes Di Yi Lou, a popular Xialongbao haunt right next to Xiangguo Temple, where a basket of 10 cost about $6, and a cold beer just $2.

What to do

Kaifeng is a fantastic city for temple hopping, from the ancient Xiangguo complex, to the sprawling Youguo Buddhist monastery, and the fascinating Yanqing Taoist Temple. On the kitschier side of things, the Millennium City Park holds various cultural demonstrations throughout the day. These range from the enchanting (water puppets and drumming displays) to the strange (cockfighting and fire-breathing performances).

If you have time, it is highly recommended to make do a day trip to Luoyang (two hours by train), another of the eight ancient capitals of China. The UNESCO Heritage listed Longmen Grottoes on the outskirts of Luoyang is one of the most astonishing sites in China yet, bizarrely, is almost entirely overlooked by foreign tourists.

More Information

Henan Province Tourism: www.visithenan.org

Kaifeng City website: www.ekaifeng.gov.cn/enIndex.html

Chinas seven other ancient capitals

Beijing: This city has been the capital of the Peoples Republic of China since that was formed in 1949. Beijing previously acted as the hub of various Dynasties and regional authorities throughout Chinas history.

THIERRY ROGE/REUTERS

XiAn: Like Beijing, XiAn long has been a center of political power in China, serving as the capital of more than 10 dynasties. This stretches back more than 2,000 years to its time as the hub of the Western Han Dynasty, back when the city was called Changan.

Nanjing: These days one of Chinas largest and most cutting edge cities, Nanjing has been the capital of many different dynasties and governments over the past 1,800 years. Most significantly it was a capital of the mighty Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Luoyang: The capital of nine ruling dynasties, Luoyang these days is a small, sleepy city compared to Beijing, XiAn and Nanjing. Now it is famed for the Longmen Grottoes, a complex of incredible, giant rock carvings.

Hangzhou: Twice this city was the capital of dynasties, most notably the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). As the southern bookend of the Grand Canal it for many centuries was a major trading port.

Anyang: This is a truly ancient hub of China, having served as a capital only once, roughly during the period between 1600 and 1046 BC when the city was known as Yin. The archaeological site of Yin, close to Anyang, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Zhenzhou: Just 60 kilometers west of Kaifeng, this city has superseded Kaifeng both in size and in political clout as the capital of Henan Province. It became known as the eighth ancient capital of China after the recent discovery within Zhenghou of the remains of a capital city of the Shang Dynasty (from about 1760 to 1030BC).

 Ronan OConnell
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When Khairuldeen Makhzoomi was pulled off a Southwest Airlines flight and interrogated by police officers, he said he felt like he was back in Iraq  a police state.

But the recent UC Berkeley graduate was in Los Angeles, waiting to take a flight back to Oakland. And since the April incident, hes been waiting for an apology from Southwest for removing him from the plane because, he says, he was speaking Arabic on his cell phone.

On Wednesday, Makhzoomi and the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations filed a complaint against Southwest Airlines with the U.S. Department of Transportation. The complaint calls for a federal investigation into Southwest Airlines practices that can result in discrimination against Muslims, said Saba Maher, the civil rights coordinator for the CAIR chapter.

Its very scary, the way the police spoke to me. Even if I tell the truth, they dont believe me. It immediately brought back bad memories, said Makhzoomi, reminiscing about his upbringing in Iraq.

On April 6, Makhzoomi, a 26-year-old Iraqi refugee, was kicked off his flight when a passenger raised concerns over him speaking Arabic on his cell phone. The passenger claimed she heard Makhzoomi use words in Arabic connected to martyrdom, but Makhzoomi said he was using the word inshallah, an Arabic term meaning god willing or hopefully.

Nobody deserves to be discriminated against for their perceived religious and racial identity, said Maher. People speak hundreds of different languages and it shouldnt be seen as a threat.

Thais Hanson, a spokeswoman for Southwest, said the airline conducted an internal investigation that determined the flight crew involved followed protocol, as required by federal law, to investigate any potential threat to civil aviation.

The internal review determined that it was the content of the conversation, not the language used, that prompted the report leading to the investigation, Hanson said in a statement to The Chronicle.

Makhzoomi, who moved to the United States in 2010, said he was removed from the plane after speaking to his uncle in Iraq on his cell phone about a dinner he attended in Los Angeles the evening before with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Since the incident, Makhzoomi has not been on a Southwest flight and doesnt intend to fly with the airline until it apologizes. For him, requesting a federal investigation isnt about getting money. He said he just wants the airline to be held accountable for humiliating him.

If Southwest does not issue an apology, Makhzoomi said he would consider filing a lawsuit and use any monetary damages awarded to him to build a school in the Middle East.

Im going to open a school just to show them that the money from their discrimination is helping a lot of people in the Middle East, said Makhzoomi, who graduated in June with a degree in political science and Near Eastern studies.

Makhzoomis case isnt uncommon for Muslims and Muslim American travelers in the United States. Maher said many of her organizations clients are not just removed from flights, but are subjected to extra screenings and heightened security measures at airports.

The CAIR national office recently submitted a separate letter to the Department of Transportation that included instances where Muslims and Muslim Americans, including Makhzoomi, were discriminated against on airlines in 2016.

The incidents highlight five separate occasions where at least a dozen individuals were removed from flights on Southwest, American Airlines and United Airlines based on their appearance or for speaking in Arabic. The letter, written by CAIR attorney Maha Sayed, calls for the Department of Transportation to require airlines to develop policies that use objective factors when determining whether a person should be removed from a flight.

Sayed advised the Department of Transportation to also compel airlines to give regular sensitivity and diversity training to employees.

In response to the letter from CAIR national, the Department of Transportation said it will investigate the incidents the group listed.

Its appalling that its happening this many times, said Maher. These are the incidents that get reported. We dont know whats not getting reported.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
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Rabbi Theodore Alexander, a survivor of Kristallnacht who became an advocate for civil rights and led a San Francisco congregation for nearly 40 years, died Tuesday at his home in Danville. He was 95.

In his decades leading Congregation BNai Emunah in a windy corner of San Franciscos Outer Sunset, Rabbi Ted, as he was known, welcomed not only Jewish refugees of Nazi Germany like himself and Gertrude, his wife of 70 years, but people of color, gays, non-Jews and converts  all in an era when such inclusiveness was uncommon.

He spoke out for same-sex marriage years before it became legal and helped found gay-centered Congregation Shaar Zahav in 1977. And for years, he taught classes in basic Judaism, often to Jews who knew little of their own religion.

He was one of the early voices saying our community is a big enough tent that we can welcome people of all backgrounds, said Frank Kurtz, a friend and former congregation president.

He got this idea of diversity long before it became a catchword. He was a feminist from way back.

Born in Berlin on Nov. 6, 1920, Rabbi Alexander entered an enlightened world of intellectuals and Jewish culture. His parents were Kathe and Hugo Alexander, also a rabbi. Albert Einstein played the violin at the family synagogue. In 1935, a family friend, Regina Jonas, became the first woman ordained as a rabbi.

He was 18 in 1938, and on a streetcar, when he got word that he should not go home. The Nazis were on a deadly rampage breaking windows and burning Jewish-owned businesses and synagogues, vandalizing homes and arresting or killing Jewish men. The infamous Night of Broken Glass, or Kristallnacht, had begun.

Afterward, Kathe Alexander announced that the family must leave, and in 1939, the Alexanders sailed to Shanghai.

My parents met in Shanghai, said Rabbi Alexanders daughter, Leslie Alexander, who in 1983 became the first female rabbi to lead a major Conservative synagogue.

In Shanghai they found a thriving community of Jewish refugees. Rabbi Alexander was ordained, but got a job with Sassoon, a banking company. Then, in 1943, the Japanese arrived and forced the Jews into a ghetto.

You could be sent to prison for the slightest offense, like not bowing low enough to a soldier, Rabbi Alexander told the San Francisco Examiner in 1997.

After liberation, Rabbi Alexander and Gertrude Langer married in 1946, and sailed to San Francisco a year later. They were just lovebirds for seven decades, Leslie Alexander said. They enjoyed what my mother describes as a marvelous life.

Gertrude Alexander encouraged her husband to become a rabbi full time, a choice he never regretted.

He was totally dedicated to Conservative Judaism, and everything about the movement, Leslie Alexander said. But he never pushed anyone. His love of Judaism simply rubbed off on people  including, once, on a Catholic teenager named Cyndie Culpeper.

Culpepper was 15 in 1978 when she visited Rabbi Alexander for a high school class in comparative religion. She returned again and again, finally asking: How do I become Jewish?

She became a rabbi. But along the way, as a nurse at San Francisco General Hospital, a needle stick infected her with HIV in 1994, and she then developed AIDS. Rabbi Alexander helped her practice telling her congregation  which was in Alabama  about her illness. Then he and an AIDS educator traveled there with her to offer support.

I dont believe there was ever a more wonderful, open, welcoming person, a more loving person anywhere, Leslie Alexander said of her father.

In addition to his wife, Gertrude, of Danville, Rabbi Alexander is survived by a sister, Gerda Abramchik of Chicago; daughter Leslie Alexander and son-in-law Ken Aitchison of Los Gatos; granddaughter Shira Aitchison and her husband Justin Hellman of Los Angeles; granddaughter Aliza Aitchison of New York; nephew Elhanan Abramchik of Florida; nephew Joe Abramchik and his wife Elka Abramchick of Chicago; and nephew David Abramchik of New York.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Congregation Bnai Emunah. 3595 Taraval St., San Francisco.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com
A researcher with UC Davis died in Ethiopia after antigovernment protesters stoned a van she was riding in, officials said Wednesday.

Sharon Gray, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Plant Biology, was killed by a rock Tuesday while traveling in a car near Ethiopias capital, Addis Ababa, said Andy Fell, a university spokesman.

Further details on her death were not released.

Gray, 31, has a spouse who is also a campus employee, he said.

Its a tragic occurrence and a very sad occasion for the campus, Fell said.

Gray had been in the country for a meeting with Netherlands Institute of Ecology and other charitable organizations for a project she was a part of. Another member of the plant biology department was also on the trip but not injured, university officials said.

The U.S. Department of State was facilitating the return of Grays remains.

On behalf of the entire UC Davis campus, our hearts and condolences go out to Sharons husband and extended family, Interim Provost Ken Burtis wrote in message to campus. Even in tragedy, we hope that we all can find some comfort in the wonderful work Sharon was engaged in that will better the lives of so many around the world.

The State Department had an active travel alert warning citizens of violent protests that had disrupted telephone and internet services in Ethiopia since November 2015.

Protests are likely to continue, and could spread to other parts of the country, including the capital, Addis Ababa. U.S. citizens in Ethiopia should increase their level of situational awareness, continuously assess their surroundings, evaluate their personal level of safety, and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, the alert stated.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
Ninety-Nine Stories of God

By Joy Williams

(Tin House; 151 pages; $19.95)

The poetic logic of Williams stories is evident from the first page of her collections opening story, Postcard. A woman sends the titular card to the last known address of her late mother. Within a week, she receives an envelope in the mail, addressed in her mothers hand: Even the green ink her mother favored was the same. But the letter goes unopened, retaining its tantalizing mystery.

Ninety-eight bite-size, paradigm-warping tales follow, with ordinary people (an elderly wedding crasher, a dog breeder, a shoplifter) and also Kafka, Tolstoy, O.J. Simpson, Abraham and Sarah, grappling with a divinely edgy reality.

Not many writers can launch a premise like The Lord was in line at the pharmacy counter waiting to get His shingles shot without falling into gimmickry, but Williams  long known as a master story writer  twists the scenario to an eerily moving effect. In manipulating our most deeply rooted expectations, shooting them through a prism of irony and wonder, she has created a cockeyed book of common prayer. Each piece is titled at its end, the better to clamp itself onto your psyche.

Deceit and Other Possibilities

By Vanessa Hua

(Willow Books; 149 pages; $18.95)

The men, women and children in Huas moving debut often find themselves straddling the volatile fault lines between desire and shame, decorum and rage. In Line, Please, a Chinese American San Franciscan turned Hong Kong media star finds himself embroiled in a humiliating sex scandal. He stumbles home to hide in plain sight, moving back in with his parents, catching the eye of a girl he used to know  only to make a spectacular but ultimately self-aware mess. In What We Have Is What We Need, a Mexican American boy uses the breaking-and-entering skills learned from his honest locksmith father after he catches his mother in an affair. And in Accepted, a Korean American woman, rejected from Stanford, goes to elaborate lengths to pretend she got in, until her deception turns violent.

Throughout these stories, first-generation children confront cultural differences with their immigrant parents and their American lovers, longing  as everyone does  for authentic connection. Hua, a Chronicle columnist, has a sharp eye for character (a bedraggled airline traveler resembles a lapdog gone missing from its designer tote) and a wry awareness of the digital age (My neck feels strange upright instead of tilted in prayer over my phone). Above all, she has a deep understanding of the pressure of submerged emotions and polite, face-saving deceptions. The truth comes out, sometimes explosively, sometimes in a quiet act of courage.

The Jungle Around Us

By Anne Raeff

(University of Georgia Press; 140 pages; $24.95)

Dont forget to feed the chickens, Pepes parents told her when they left for the jungle to take care of the yellow-fever victims. That homely yet alarming sentence opens Raeffs Flannery OConnor Award-winning collection and holds one of its central tensions: the mundane stuff of life seated within tremendously fraught circumstances. Pepes story, The Doctors Daughter, is set at the edge of the Amazon during World War II, and the doctors in question are Jews whove escaped the Nazis in Vienna. For them, the jungle is a temporary refuge while they await their chance to go to New York, but their daughter, Pepe, is in love, both with the magic of her surroundings and with a young man. The chilling ending is a stunner  the kind you should have seen coming but didnt, quite.

Political and emotional displacement run through these stories, which span the globe from New York to the Soviet Union to South America. Karl would have stayed there in Bolivia, where nothing ever changed, even though they had a coup every six months, a story titled After the War begins, reprising the paradox of the quotidian amid chaos. In many of these perfectly controlled tales, a wilderness of emotion lies beneath the surface  a spurned lover cries silently, almost elegantly, while another writes a long, engaging letter shell never send; a homesick wifes pillow-propped posture, reading in bed, is expressive of solace and sorrow, both. The jungle itself is ever present, sometimes literally and always metaphorically, a living force within and without.

The Virginity of Famous Men

By Christine Sneed

(Bloomsbury; 305 pages; $26)

Sneeds immersive stories contain such full worlds that they almost feel like distilled novels. The First Wife unpeels a marriage to a celebrity in 13 crystalline sections. If you are married to a man whom thousands, possibly millions of women believe themselves to be in love with, some of them, inevitably, more beautiful and charming than you are, it is not a question of if but when, the savvy, wounded narrator says.

In another of the collections standouts, Five Rooms, a high school student drives a blind man to the home of his long-distance lover, so he can try to talk her out of ending their relationship. (Meanwhile, the students mother is likely taking advantage of the briefly empty nest to hook up with a lover.) The mission fails, but the revelations that arise from it are touching, without being sentimental.

Several of Sneeds characters live in proximity to fame; almost all are dealing with disappointments and misconnections, idealized dreams doomed to fizzle. Its Sneeds sophisticated wit and emotional acuity that keep these stories vibrant.

Dawn Raffels most recent book is The Secret Life of Objects. Email: books@sfchronicle.com
Marc Benioff, founder and CEO of Salesforce, showed up onstage Wednesday at his biggest customer event of the year to talk up his business technology companys products and strategy.

But the higher-stakes meeting was held later that day. At the St. Regis San Francisco Hotel, Benioff presided over a gathering with Wall Street analysts and investors. His aim: to assuage their concerns about his interest in buying Twitter, the struggling social media company.

We look at a lot of things, Benioff told the room, without directly mentioning Twitter. The number we acquire is very few. Still, he said, it gives us ideas to look at companies.

For weeks, the technology world has been buzzing about Benioffs intentions after it emerged last month that Salesforce was interested in bidding for Twitter.

At first glance, the two companies could not be more different. Twitter is where celebrities, politicians and countless other individuals broadcast their thoughts in 140-character messages. Salesforce, on the other hand, makes online software for sales people and marketers.

Yet Twitter would fit into a vision that Benioff has had for Salesforce, which he founded in 1999, as a company that can help enterprises with all of their customer needs. Twitter, in Benioffs eyes, is already a powerful customer service tool that airlines, restaurants, banks and many other companies use to field consumer complaints and requests. Companies can also use what people post on Twitter to glean consumer habits.

This is a huge messaging and communications service, Benioff said in an interview on his way to the St. Regis. He added, I use mergers and acquisition activity to think about the market.

Benioff faces a battery of challenges in buying Twitter. Skeptical investors pushed Salesforce stock down by more than 8 percent since news broke that the company was considering bidding for the social media company. The shares recovered a bit Thursday, gaining $2.84, or 4 percent, to close at $71.26.

Twitter shares, however, plunged 20 percent Thursday as word spread that other rumored suitors, including Google, Disney and Apple, were not interested in the San Francisco company.

With Twitter valued at about $17 billion, an acquisition would be the largest one undertaken by Salesforce, which has a market capitalization of about $46 billion.

This would be a disaster, said Joel Fishbein, managing director at BTIG, a financial services firm. Benioff is a visionary, but this could blow up. Engineers could leave Salesforce, and it would send the stock down 30 or 40 percent.

Benioff acknowledged that Salesforce would face difficulties in taking over Twitter  Salesforce sells software to businesses while Twitter is a consumer technology company. An activist in areas like gay rights and gender equality, Benioff also said he is troubled by the amount of hate speech on Twitter.

But it is not unusual for Benioff to go against the grain. He worked at Redwood Citys Oracle, the business software company, for years before founding Salesforce as an online software firm in 1999, when online software was still unproven.

Salesforce soon became the largest maker of cloud-based customer relationship management software, which is used by companies like American Express and General Electric. Salesforce went public in 2004.

Benioff has been on a buying spree, purchasing companies that can help build up data or capabilities in areas like artificial intelligence, as well as features that broaden how Salesforce can serve customers.

This week, Salesforce said it was buying Krux, a little-known advertising company, in a deal valued at more than $700 million. That followed a $750 million purchase in August of Quip, a maker of collaboration software.

But the biggest deal was one that got away. This year, Benioff tried to acquire LinkedIn, the professional social networking site. Salesforce lost to Microsoft, which is paying $26.2 billion for LinkedIn.

Without LinkedIn, Benioff turned his sights to Twitter, which has been trying to figure out how to rev up its growth.
One of two men charged with murder in a fatal shooting at a South of Market hotel was acquitted Wednesday months after the court rejected the other suspects murder charge, officials said.

A jury found Darius York, 36, not guilty in the death of 18-year-old Daniel Beltran at the Henry Hotel on Sixth Street in July 2014.

York was also acquitted of two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm and two counts of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. He was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Surveillance video at the hotel recorded the fight that led to the shooting. Attorneys said York had shot Beltran in self-defense after Beltran and another man threatened to shoot a 57-year-old desk clerk who had a limp and failing vision.

Darius York was thrown into a life-or-death situation where he was asked to protect a vulnerable friend. He has been in jail ever since. Luckily, he had a public defender who was determined to fight for him and a jury who carefully considered all the evidence, Public Defender Jeff Adachi said in a statement.

In March, a state appeals court rejected a murder charge against Yorks childhood friend Joseph Young, who had been accused of providing the gun that killed Beltran.

Authorities said surveillance video showed no evidence Young gave the gun to York, and Justice Marla Miller said in the 3-0 ruling it was sheer speculation that the men had planned an armed assault.

Young, 35, was acquitted of two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm and two counts of assault likely to produce great bodily injury on Wednesday. He was convicted of misdemeanor assault and sentenced to time served.

He was elated. He burst out in tears, said Bob Waggener, Youngs attorney. His mother and family are quite excited and emotional.

Beltran died in the early dawn hours of July 22 after authorities say he and another man, Roger Alarcon, went to the hotel to buy cocaine.

They tried to go upstairs, but the desk clerk demanded a $10 fee, which the hotel required for nighttime entry to dissuade drug dealing, the First District Court of Appeal said.

The two men refused to pay or show required identification, claimed gang membership, and shouted threats at the clerk, officials said. The clerk spotted York, who lived at the hotel and was planning to become a security guard, and told him the men threatened to kill him.

Attorneys said the clerk advised York to get a gun so he rushed upstairs to Youngs room, then returned carrying the weapon.

Young and York arrived in the lobby and a fight broke out. At one point, York fired his gun and hit Beltran in the chest, the court said.

Deputy Public Defender Matt Sotorosen, who defended York, said his client cried tears of joy when he heard the verdict.

You always have to believe in yourself. I believe in my client and I believe in the jury system, he said. Were very confident the jury system worked.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
Courtesy of the Marin County Sheriffs Office / Courtesy of the Marin County Sheriffs Office

A driver stopped for speeding Thursday on Highway 101 south of Novato inexplicably hit the gas and led a Marin County sheriffs deputy on a high-speed chase that ended when his car careened off the roadway, down an embankment and slammed into a tree.

The driver, whose name was not immediately released, suffered serious internal injuries in the crash that occurred just after noon south of the Highway 37 exit, official said. His car was so mangled by the wreck that officers were having trouble recognizing the model.
Sarah Ravani

A knife-wielding bicyclist chased down and stabbed a man standing on a San Francisco sidewalk in the middle of the day and then pedaled off, leaving the victim with life-threatening injuries, police said Thursday.

The attack occurred just before 2 p.m. Wednesday on the 400 block of Turk Street, near Hyde Street, in the Tenderloin district, according to the San Francisco Police Department.
A group of five robbers targeted a man taking scenic pictures in the middle of the afternoon in San Franciscos Sutro Heights Park, snatching his camera and then dragging him along in their getaway car when he tried to take the device back, police said Thursday.

Two of the suspects accosted the victim around 3:17 p.m. Wednesday as he snapped photos in the oceanside park off Point Lobos Avenue, near the Cliff House, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

After the robbers grabbed the 29-year-old mans camera, he chased them to their getaway car, containing three accomplices, police said. Latching onto his camera through a car window, the victim refused to let go and was briefly dragged by the car as the robbers drove away, police said.

No arrests have been made in the incident.

The victim injured his arm and shoulder in the encounter, but did not need to go to the hospital, police said.

The daylight mugging in the heavily trafficked area follows a spate of violent robberies of sightseers that have recently occurred in popular San Francisco tourist destinations.

In late September, two tourists from China were mugged by a man who said he had a gun near the famed crooked section of Lombard Street on Russian Hill. In June, police broke up another mugging of three female visitors near the same tourist attraction.

And back in May, a tourist was forcibly robbed of his camera as he snapped pictures from the vista atop Twin Peaks.

Anyone with information on the Sutro Heights Park robbery, or any of the other unsolved tourist muggings, can contact the San Francisco Police Department anonymously at (415) 575-4444.

Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @michael_bodley
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Willowridge High School was temporarily placed on lock down Wednesday morning after a threat against the campus apparently involving a clown, officials said.

The threat was later found to be unsubstantiated and normal activities were resumed at the school at 16301 Chimney Rock, according to the Fort Bend Independent School District.

The supposed threat apparently involved a clown but no other information about it was available.

The incident comes after a 14-year-old student in the Houston Independent School District was arrested and charged Monday with making a terroristic threat against an HISD school on social media using a clown image. School officials did not disclose which school was targeted.

The student charged was not identified because he is a juvenile.

The non-specific threats, HISD officials said, were posted anonymously using accounts with a clown image and are believed to be part of a national hoax.

Also on Monday, Some schools in Spring Independent School District beefed up security after an unidentified bogus threat against them involving violent clowns recently spread on social media, officials said.

"We have been made aware of a social media hoax made toward school districts and campuses across the state, including several Spring ISD campuses," district officials announced Sunday evening in a statement on the Spring ISD Facebook page. "Although this was determined to be a hoax and we will have school tomorrow, please know that we have taken precaution with extra security at our campuses."

The hoax, officials said, concerned clowns threatening the schools and people on campuses. No activities have been reported.

Officials with Klein Independent School District said Klein Forest High School was mentioned as a campus where a clown would appear. The district increased security at the school and alerted parents as well as local law enforcement agencies.

"Klein ISD is aware of posts made on social media sites regarding perceived threats toward several state and local schools," the officials posted on the district Facebook page. "Although law enforcement has indicated that these clown posts are a social media hoax, the Klein police continue to actively investigate in conjunction with local law enforcement."

Meanwhile, two teens wearing clown masks and chasing people at a park were arrested Monday in Baytown.

The incident happened about 6 p.m. at Jenkins Park, 4334 Crosby Cedar Bayou Road, according to the Baytown Police Department.

Police said officers were sent to the park after several people reported seeing two suspects dressed in black clothes and wearing clown masks chasing park visitors while carrying a stick.

When officers arrived, police said, they took two boys, ages 16 and 13, into custody. Both were charged with making terroristic threats and later released to their parents.
The Lennon Report is a brisk, low-budget drama that re-creates the events of Dec. 8, 1980, as experienced by the police, doctors and reporters involved. The assassination of John Lennon was an earthquake  the whole country stopped and mourned for days  but the epicenter was New York City, where Lennon lived and where Mark David Chapman committed the murder.

Honestly, I cant tell for sure how younger people will react to this film. After all, it is almost impossible, and it should be impossible, to truly mourn tragedies that took place before you were born. To do so would be akin to rejecting the world, when the business of each generation is to embrace the world and move life forward.

But the public tragedies that take place during our own lives can be lasting and unshakeable, and for many of a certain age, the death of John Lennon is not something weve ever quite gotten over. Every Beatles song brings an undertone of mourning. Every film or newsreel brings an underlying pain.

So I cant tell if this movie is for everybody, or rather just for people old enough to remember John Lennon as a living person. In any case, its a satisfying drama that inverts the usual way of building interest and suspense. Instead of wondering whats going to happen, we sit with the knowledge and wait for every character to react to what we already know.

The movie also provides information not in wide currency. For example, the emergency room doctors were working on Lennon for perhaps a half hour before they knew just who was on the table in front of them.

Over the opening credits, director Jeremy Profe sets the scene. The New York of 1980 was violent and ugly, and the America of 1980 was a nation off stride, with hostages in Iran and an economy in the toilet. There was a feeling in the air that nothing could ever get better, that everything was heading downward, and Lennons death fit right into that picture.

The film follows Alan Weiss (Walter Vincent), a TV producer who just happened to be in the emergency room (for a motorcycle accident) at the time Lennon was brought in. Placed on a gurney right outside Lennons operating room, Weiss found himself sitting on one of the most important stories of the year. Today Weiss could have just whipped out his phone and called his station. But this was 1980, which meant somehow crawling to a pay phone on a busted-up leg while escaping notice of the police, who wanted to contain the story.

Most of the drama of The Lennon Report deals with Weiss attempt to report the news and with the doctors struggle to save Lennons life. The doctors were already working hard when their patient was John Doe, but when he became John Lennon, an extra urgency took over the room. The movie particularly focuses on the passionate efforts of Dr. David Halleran (Evan Jonigkeit), who massaged Lennons heart for a half hour or more.

The Lennon Report offers no special insights into Lennon, or the country, or that awful night, but it does bring back the time. It looks and feels like 1980. Indeed, its like being there, which is something that could make you all the more appreciate 2016, if such a thing were possible.

Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle

The Lennon Report

Starring Walter Vincent and Evan Jonigkeit. Directed by Jeremy Profe. (Not rated. 87 minutes.)

To see a trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=icJQQ5ubvO0
The howls of BRUUUCE! coming from the balcony were no surprise. But the venue itself was certainly unexpected.

The last time Bruce Springsteen was in the Bay Area, he performed a sweaty, ear-splitting four-hour-plus set for some 18,000 fans at Oracle Arena in Oakland.

On Wednesday, Oct. 5, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee returned for a far more intimate but no less fervent crowd, appearing at a City Arts & Lectures event at the Nourse Theater in San Francisco to discuss his candid new memoir, Born to Run, with the writer Dan Stone.

The 500-page book was seven years in the making, but clearly worth the wait. This week it debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times best-sellers list, as well as topping charts in the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, Austria and Sweden.

Through its pages, Springsteen, 67, shares road stories, takes readers behind the scenes on the making of his classic albums, and humanizes the iconic figure who for the past four decades has been known simply as the Boss.

Wearing his usual uniform  black leather jacket, gray T-shirt, cuffed jeans, boots and just the right amount of facial scruff  the New Jersey native spoke in a voice much like his big, raspy singing voice during a long, wide-ranging conversation covering his formative years, the challenges of writing the book and his lifelong battle with depression.

Like the book itself, Springsteen was by turns funny and intense, elegiac and thoroughly charming, occasionally slipping on a pair of borrowed matronly reading glasses to read from the book.

Here are some excerpts from the conversation between Springsteen and Stone:

On his first guitar, which his mother rented for him: Though I couldnt play it, I remember deeply the smell of it. When you opened the case, the smell of the wood of the guitar, it was filled with promise and magic and hope. This is something you can do something with. Everything smelled like another world  a better world.

On how his days in bar bands like the Castiles and Steel Mill prepared him for his current career: I played for five hours in a bar, so what Im doing now feels easy. You learned everything in the bars. You had to please an audience sight unseen. You had hours upon hours upon hours to work on your craft. You got used to being ignored, so that didnt bother you too much. It was just a place where you can learn your business.

On why he chose not to take on an alternate identity like his peers Declan MacManus (Elvis Costello) or Robert Zimmerman (Bob Dylan): You cant help but create a persona the minute you walk out onstage. I didnt change my name because it just didnt feel like the right thing for me. But you do build a completely constructed person that, of course, is tied to your true inner self. It comes out of your roots and your background. But on another level it is a creation.

On how he feels about being called the voice of New Jersey: Nobody likes that stuff because it pens you in. The minute youre the voice of anything, theres an obligation. Most artists run from obligation. I mean, that was the whole point.

On how he remembers saxophonist and longtime sidekick Clarence Clemons, who died in 2011: He had a sound that was a force of nature. It was just an amazing sound that came out of his saxophone. If you stood next to him, particularly, you could hear it before it went into the microphone. It was incredible.

On how most his work comes out of his battle with depression: Music was the way that I medicated myself from the beginning. It was the first thing that centered me and chased away the blues. It was a way that I made sense of my experience. Even the length of the shows  I found out that exhaustion was my friend. If I got myself tired enough, I was simply too tired to be depressed.

On whether or not he plans on writing another book: I think this is my swan song right here. I cant imagine writing another one.

Aidin Vaziri is The San Francisco Chronicles pop music critic. E-mail: avaziri@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MusicSF
In the 12 years since the Mr. T Experience released its last full-length album, Yesterday Rules, front man Frank Portman, a.k.a. Dr. Frank, has been busy writing more than just songs. The Bay Area punk rock outfits new album, King Dork Approximately, also serves as the soundtrack to Portmans third young-adult novel, which bears the same title.

The idea of creating a soundtrack for a book always intrigued Portman, who describes the album and the book as each being a window into the other. The teenage narrator of the books, Tom Henderson, writes songs in the course of the narrative. The songs on the album are (the characters songs), recorded by my band, says the Oakland rocker.

Its an idea that I had as a kind of fantasy when I started writing the first book  wouldnt it be great if I could record and release a rock n roll album to accompany and illustrate the book, and vice versa? Portman says. But its a big job, and like a lot of wouldnt-it-be-great-ifs, never got too far past the fantasy stage  until now.

Dr. Frank, along with bandmates Ted Angel, Bobby Jordan and Jaz Brown, will perform Friday, Oct. 7, at San Franciscos DNA Lounge as part of the bands album and book release party. King Dork Approximately is the 11th full-length release in the bands more than three decades together, while the book is the sequel to Portmans 2006 King Dork. The latest novel will be available for purchase at the show and will include a code for a free album download.

Formed in Berkeley in 1985, the Mr. T Experience is considered one of the founding bands of the East Bay pop punk scene. It released the majority of its albums on Berkeleys Lookout! Records, the former label that also launched bands like Green Day. Having gone through several lineup changes over the years, Portmans wry and sardonic humor has remained a staple of the band.

The book and album pairing now takes the punk band to another level. While other musicians, including Wesley Stace, Jimmy Buffett and Cynthia Weil, have written songs to go along with their books, none has quite done it like this.

While the album itself is virtual, the book itself is kind of like the cover, with artwork and lyrics, but in place of liner notes you have a whole novel crammed in there, says Portman. People who want the album can get it through the book; readers of the book can access the music.

Leah Millis/The Chronicle

Portman admits, Doing the two together as a coordinated, complementary project is rather far-fetched. ... But I have always thought of the two things  the books and the songs  as part of the same basic project, each as relevant to the other as it is to itself.

A hurdle Portman discovered, however, is that the music and literary worlds dont really have a symbiotic relationship. It is quite challenging to get the book world to pay attention to the music world and vice versa, he says. Thats a bridge Ive been trying to build in small ways all along, and one that Im now trying to build in a somewhat bigger way.

Portman, who is known for his clever and catchy but often dark lyrics for tracks such as Even Hitler Had a Girlfriend and That Prozac Moment, says the approach to writing these songs was no different from his previous work with the Mr. T Experience. But he did admit that the book created greater focus, because the songs needed to reflect the characters voice and sensibilities.

Even before Tom Henderson came into existence in King Dork in 2006, I was writing songs in his voice  i.e., an angsty, self-absorbed, romantically frustrated adolescent in resigned, passive-aggressive war with the world, he says. All these songs are that guy rather than the variety of voices that another album might have featured.

In the albums title track, Portman sings, But I know everything will almost be approximately fine/ when its approximately clear that youre approximately mine.

Still, Portman is confident that fans of the Mr. T Experience will be able to appreciate the new songs without having read the books. My hope is that people who dig the songs will be spurred to delve into the backstory of them by reading the books, he says. But, on the other hand, its rock n roll music, so its not necessary to read anything if you dont want to. You dont need to do nothing but dance.

Steven Boyle is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.

The Mr. T Experience: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. $15. DNA Lounge, 375 11th St., S.F. www.dnalounge.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. $15. Blue Lamp, 1400 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento www.bluelampsacramento.com

To watch a music video: https://youtu.be/42IwDDWEUUQ

To purchase the book, go to www.soundsradical.com/store/p30/King_Dork_Approximately_Signed_Paperback_Edition.html
MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla.  Hurricane Matthew marched toward Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas and at least a half a million people along the coast were urged to evacuate their homes Wednesday, a mass exodus ahead of a major storm packing power the U.S. hasnt seen in more than a decade.

Matthew was a dangerous and life-threatening Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 120 mph as it passed through the Bahamas, and it was expected to be very near Floridas Atlantic coast by Thursday evening.

The storm was forecast to scrape much of the Florida coast, and any slight deviation could mean landfall or it heading farther out to sea. Either way, it was going to be close enough to wreak havoc along the lower part of the East Coast, and many people werent taking any chances.

In Melbourne Beach, near the Kennedy Space Center, Carlos and April Medina moved their paddle board and kayak inside the garage and took pictures off the walls of their home about 500 feet from the coast. They moved the pool furniture inside, turned off the water, disconnected all electrical appliances and emptied their refrigerator.

They then hopped in a truck filled with legal documents, jewelry and a decorative carved shell that had once belonged to April Medinas great-grandfather and headed west to Orlando, where they planned to ride out the storm with their daughters family.

The way we see it, if it maintains its current path, we get tropical storm-strength winds. If it makes a little shift to the left, it could be a Category 2 or 3 and I dont want to be anywhere near it, Carlos Medina said. We are just being a little safe, a little bit more cautious.

About 20 miles away in the town of Cape Canaveral, John Long said Hurricane Matthew is just hype as his neighbors in his RV park packed up and evacuated inland. Even though his 32-foot RV is just feet from the Banana River and a half mile from the beach, he had no plans to leave.

Long, who owns a bike shop and has lived along the Space Coast for 30 years, said he has a generator and enough food and water for himself and his cats to last a week.

The last Category 3 storm or higher to hit the United States was Wilma in October 2005. It made landfall with 120 mph winds in southwest Florida, killing five people as it pushed through the Everglades and into the Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach area. It caused an estimated $21 billion in damage and left thousands of residents without power for more than a week. It concluded a two-year span when a record eight hurricanes hit the state.
Retired Marine Corps Sgt. John Peck is crying as he lies on the operating table, the stumps of his arms anesthetized, the room filled with lights and figures in blue scrubs.

He's been praying since his plane left Virginia the night before, asking for strength. And a nurse keeps trying to comfort him. But the enormity of what's happening has hit him, and for the moment he is overcome.

It's been six years since he stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan and became a quadruple amputee. Almost two years since he got on the waiting list for a double arm transplant.

Less than 24 hours since the urgent summons from the hospital here.

Now, Peck, 31, is under a white blanket with an oxygen mask over his nose and mouth, unnerved that a dying man's limbs are headed for the operating room, and not really sure that he will make it through the surgery.

He's breathing heavily. The nurse, Jocelyn Lim, appears, leans in close and tells him to calm down, everything will be okay. After that, he remembers little: "I'm gone. . . . knocked out."

- - -

On Wednesday morning, Peck, who lives outside Fredericksburg, Virginia, made his first public appearance with his new arms at a media briefing at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

He is thought to be the second quadruple amputee from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to get a double arm transplant.

The 13-hour surgery was performed in August by a team headed by Simon Talbot, the hospital's director of upper extremity transplantation.

It was a complex procedure that required good timing, surgeons at two medical facilities, the help of the New England Organ Bank, and a large plastic cooler to transport the donor's limbs.

The family of the donor, a young man whose arms were an ideal match for Peck's, did not want to be identified, the hospital said.

But an emotional Peck expressed his gratitude Wednesday to the donor's family.

"Your loved one's death will not be for nothing," he said at the briefing. "Every day that I look down at our new arms, I will drive on.... and I will never give up. I will remember his selflessness and his gift until the day I die."

The donor's right arm was attached to Peck's right arm just above the elbow, and the donor's left arm was attached below Peck's left elbow, cutting through one of Peck's old tattoos.

Some of the surgery was done under a microscope, Talbot said in a telephone interview last week, and some of the stitches were as thin as a human hair.

During several interviews last week, Peck said he was doing well, aside from a frightening but temporary episode of rejection, which the hospital said often happens in such cases.

He said his arms feel good, but they do not yet feel like his. "They will," he said. He already has some faint sensation in them. But he will probably not see significant results for months, his doctors said.

He can lift the new arms, but must be careful because the bone, muscles, blood vessels and skin are healing. Swelling remains where the donor limbs are attached, and on Friday the incisions looked raw.

But for the first time Peck has been able to wear the black wristband he got to honor a buddy, Marine Corps Cpl. Larry Harris, who was killed in combat in Afghanistan a few months after Peck was injured.

After the surgery, as the sedation was wearing off, Peck, still groggy, said over and over to his fiancee, Jessica Paker, 29, who was at his bedside: "I have hands. I have hands. I did it."

- - -

On a day in early August before the transplant, Peck was in the rehabilitation gym at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, with his mother, Lisa Peck, helping him put on his prosthetic legs and arms.

His job was to practice walking with the legs - "shorties," they're called, because they're not full size - and the crutch arms, which are like metal canes.

"I don't think I've fallen yet," he said as his mother strapped on the support belt for the legs.

He eased himself out of his motorized wheelchair and steadied himself on the prosthetics. "All right, I'm good," he said.

At that point, Peck had no idea when he might get arms.

He said he learned that arm transplants were an option when doctors from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore came to Walter Reed while he was recovering. He first contactedBrigham and Women's in the fall of 2013. He went for a week of rigorous tests - physical and psychological - in January 2014, and was put on the wait list that August.

It had been more than two years since he began. The big black suitcase he had bought to be prepared was gathering dust in a closet. He was still making regular visits to the hospital in Bethesda for physical therapy.

"My nerves," he said, as he began walking laps around the room. "I'm mentally exhausted. . . . Everywhere I go, even here, even right now, I have to have a game plan on how I'm going to get there."

Sweat beaded on his forehead as he walked, his prosthetics clanking quietly on the floor. "I am unwilling to accept this until the day I die," he said.

His ultimate dream is to be a big-time chef, he said.

"My goal is to do arm transplants, do some traveling, learn different types of food, take like cooking courses across seas, like Tokyo, China. . . . Florence, places like Paris," he said. Then become a Food Network star.

"That's all I want to do," he said. "It could be easily accomplished. Well, not easily, but it could be accomplished. It's just up to me. How hard I try. How successful the arm transplant is."

He said he asked the doctors at Brigham and Women's if he would be able to work out again after the transplant.

"They were like, 'Yeah,' " he said. "Can I work on my car?'. . . They were like, 'Yep.'. . . Can I cook again? 'Yep.' "

Okay, he said, "I want to be in your guys' program."

- - -

On May 24, 2010, Peck was on patrol in a small village in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. The Marines were entering compounds, meeting residents and looking for weapons or the Taliban.

The last place they visited that Monday was a compound were nobody seemed to be home. He said the Marines had been warned: If no one's home, don't go in.

But his commander was suspicious and decided to poke around.

Peck, who was handling a metal detector, entered the compound first and swept the area for IEDs. "Everything was clear," he said.

"I went to go tell my sergeant I was going to go outside," he said. "I went to go turn around, and that's when I took my step forward, and got flung through the air."

Peck had been in the Marines since 2005. He was the son of an Army nurse and grew up in Rockford, Illinois.

He had served in Iraq in 2007, and said he suffered a traumatic brain injury in an explosion there that August.

He was manning a machine gun atop an armored truck when the truck hit an IED. The blast threw him in the air, and when he came down he struck his head on the machine gun.

He had suffered a concussion, and after further evaluation was sent home to his base in the United States. He underwent treatment, recovered, and reenlisted in April 2009.

A year later he was in Helmand.

As the blast tossed him that day, he felt a blow to his head, which he thinks may have been from one of his amputated legs. He doesn't recall hearing or feeling anything.

"My system was already in shock," he said. "There was no pain at all."

He remembers screaming, "I don't want to die here!"

He had instantly lost both legs above the knees, and his right arm above the elbow. His left arm was all but gone, and was later amputated below the elbow.

As he told the story, he paused.

"Sorry," he said. "It's still. . . . like a fantasy. Sometimes I just can't believe it. . . . I think about it and I recall this, and it surprises even myself. "

An amiable man with a brown beard, Peck was recounting the tale as he floated in the swimming pool of the home provided by a charitable organization.

He was a pale, thoughtful figure in a blue bathing suit, with a large back tattoo depicting a prone man with fire coming from his chest.

As he reflected, his cellphone rang nearby.

He asked someone to see whether it was a New England number.

It wasn't.

- - -

A few weeks later, he was lounging alone on his living-room couch watching television when his cellphone rang again. He glanced at the screen, saw that it was from a doctor, and knew that this was the call.

It was Talbot, the transplant surgeon in Boston.

An ambulance would be waiting for Peck at Boston's Logan International Airport as soon as he could get there.

Peck was overjoyed, but then realized somebody was dying to enable his transplant. "I felt terrible," he said.

But he was about to join former Army Sgt. Brendan Marrocco, who is thought to be the only other military quadruple amputee to get a double arm transplant.

Marrocco was injured in Iraq in 2009, and had his transplants at Johns Hopkins in 2012.

In a recent telephone interview, Marrocco said he and his arms were doing well.

Peck's double arm transplant was the fourth at Brigham and Women's. Worldwide, about 80 arms have been transplanted in about 60 patients, doctors have said.

Although Peck said he had significant out-of-pocket expenses, a spokeswoman for Brigham and Women's said the hospital covered the cost of the surgery and the physicians volunteered their time.

The operation began at 12:33 p.m. and concluded at 1:56 the following morning.

Many hours later, when Peck's head cleared and he realized he had new arms, he was filled with gratitude.

"It was just pure love," he said. "And it will remain like that."

- - -

Video: Marine Corps vet John Peck is learning to use his new arms after losing all four of his limbs fighting in Afghanistan six years ago. (Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post)



URL: http://wapo.st/2dRgAm1




As if people weren't already scared enough of clowns, it seems there is a contingent of people who have decided (perhaps unwisely) to purchase clown costumes. Already, costume shops are reporting a huge uptick in clown costume sales ahead of Halloween.

Costume chain Halloween Express told Eye Opener TV on Tuesday that sales of clown masks were up 300 percent over last year.

"In the top 10, eight of them are 'evil' clown masks this season, whereas last year, five of the top 10 were 'evil,'" said Halloween Express spokesman Brad Butler. Other costume chains, such as Party City and Walmart, did not return the news site's request for comment. Spirit Halloween, in particular, told Eye Opener TV that it did not want to comment on sales, "strangely citing a policy not to comment on ongoing police investigations," according to the story.

Smaller costume shops are also confirming the increase in clown costume sales. A Cincinnati store told Fox19 that clown masks are selling quickly and that some of its theatrical clown makeup is sold out.

Incidents involving "creepy" clowns have skyrocketed in the past two months, beginning with sightings in South Carolina in August, when children had informed adults of clowns allegedly trying to lure them into the woods. Since then, clown threats have become nationwide headlines as police have been forced to investigate reports varying from threats toward schools to videos of creepy clown sightings being posted to social media. Locally, clown threats have been reported at schools in Oakland, Fairfield, Sacramento and Burlingame as recently as this week.

A number of cases have turned out to be hoaxes, but many communities are on edge. On Wednesday, Concord police reported a possible kidnapping attempt by a clown, in which a mother reported that a costumed man had tried to pull her 1-year-old daughter away from her while they were waiting at a bus stop. The woman kicked the clown in the shin and he ran away. The toddler was not injured.

Some cities are beginning to combat any potential clown incidents by discouraging individuals from wearing the costumes in public. Students in a Connecticut school district, for example, have been banned from wearing clown costumes and "any symbols of terror" by school administrators and told not dress up as clowns for Halloween, citing recent social media posts, Pix11 reported.

Some police departments have also cautioned residents against wearing clown costumes. Pix11 mentioned that the Roselle Park Police Department in New Jersey has issued a warning on Facebook, to refrain from dressing up as clowns, regardless of age, "to avoid spreading panic."

"Residents may be extra sensitive to 'evil or creepy' clown attacks leading up to Halloween," the Facebook post reads. "We are issuing this warning of possible exposure to criminal prosecution and civil liability for any suspicious or threatening clown behavior on social networks or in public, into any business or a school after a spike of incidents across the country."
Supporters of preserving Californias death penalty in next months elections showcase the relatives of murder victims, who say their only hope of justice and closure is the killers execution. Death penalty opponents, on the other hand, are featuring former Death Row inmates who were cleared of their charges and set free.

Ive been out over 30 years ... and every day its on my mind, Ernest Shujaa Graham said Wednesday at an event sponsored by supporters of Proposition 62, which would abolish capital punishment and resentence condemned prisoners to life without the possibility of parole.

Graham, 66, was sent to prison at age 18 for a robbery in Los Angeles. He said he joined a political movement behind bars, was influenced by the Black Panther Party, and in 1973 was charged with the fatal stabbing of a guard, Jerry Sanders, at Deuel Vocational Institution near Tracy.

His first jury deadlocked, but he was convicted and sentenced to death after a retrial in 1976  a conviction the California Supreme Court reversed in 1979 because prosecutors had systematically removed all African Americans from the jury. The court had prohibited race-based jury selection in 1978, eight years before the U.S. Supreme Court followed suit.

A third trial ended with another hung jury. Graham was finally acquitted at his fourth trial and set free in 1981. He now lives in Maryland and is on the board of directors of Witness to Innocence, a group of former death row inmates seeking to end executions.

Paris Powell, another formerly condemned prisoner, noted the number of inmates nationwide since 1973 who have been cleared of the charges that had sent them to death row.

Americas justice system got it wrong 156 times, he said.

Powell, now 43, was sentenced to death in Oklahoma for the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old girl in 1993. He said he knew nothing about the crime, turned down a prosecutors offer to go free if he would implicate others, and was convicted on the testimony of a witness who later admitted lying under pressure from the district attorneys office. A federal appeals court overturned Powells conviction in 2009, and prosecutors decided not to retry him.

I do believe in redemption, Powell said, describing fellow death row inmates who had straightened out their lives in prison, and some who shed tears of remorse as they were led to the execution chamber. This is a time that California can show the world that theres no place for the death penalty in 2016, he said.

The event was held to promote Prop. 62 and oppose Prop. 66, a rival measure that would retain the death penalty and seek to speed up executions. It would require the state Supreme Court to rule on all capital cases within five years, more than twice as fast as its current pace, while setting new time limits and other restrictions on inmates appeals. If both measures pass, only the one with the most votes will take effect.

Opponents say Prop. 66 would greatly increase the chances of convicting and executing an innocent person.

If 66 had been in effect, theres a great possibility that myself would not be here today, Graham said.

That was disputed Thursday by San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, co-chairman of the campaign to pass Prop. 66.

I think their appellate rights would be protected even more (by) expanding the pool of attorneys and assigning them an attorney at the date of sentencing, Ramos said, referring to two of the initiatives provisions.

The last thing we want to do is put an innocent person on Death Row, and Im confident we have not, said Ramos, whose county is one of five responsible for nearly all of Californias death sentences in recent years. He said exonerations like Grahams are evidence that the system works.

His confidence wasnt shared by a third inmate, Randy Steidl, 65, who spent more than 17 years in Illinois prisons, 12 of them on Death Row, before being cleared and released in 2004. Steidl was convicted of two 1986 murders  based on the testimony of a mentally ill woman and a town drunk, he said. He was eventually exonerated after an investigation by the state police, a ruling by a federal judge and newly available DNA evidence.

We know that weve executed innocent people, said Steidl, who now heads Witness for Innocence. You can release an inmate from prison. You cant release him from the grave.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
An 18-year-old Oakland man was arrested on rape and human trafficking charges after authorities discovered he was holding a 13-year-old girl captive and forcing her to work as a prostitute, officials said Wednesday.

Ahmad Daniels was charged with human trafficking, forcible rape of a child and committing lewd acts upon a child. He was being held at the Santa Rita jail on $600,000 bail.

The Oakland Police Department declined to comment on the case Wednesday.

On Sept. 29, Oakland Housing Authority officers rescued the young girl after they responded to calls of a dispute outside of an apartment on the 800 block of 69th Avenue, according to a probable cause statement by Officer Natasha Coral of the Oakland Police Department.

The girl told authorities she was being held captive by Daniels who had raped her five times, demanded oral copulation twice and forced her into prostitution by threatening violence, Corals statement reads.

Daniels was not home when authorities found the victim and spoke to her, but he was taken into custody when he returned to the residence about 9 p.m., according to court records.

The Oakland Housing Authority has turned the investigation over to the Oakland Police Department, said Greer McVay, a spokeswoman for the agency.

We will see how the investigation unfolds and we will respond once we know more about what happened, McVay said.

Prior to his arrest, Daniels had been on probation for a 2015 robbery.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
Bay Area politicians are joining the condemnation of a Fox News segment that makes fun of Asian Americans in New Yorks Chinatown, calling the segment offensive, demeaning and racist.

The premise for the five-minute segment was the frequent references to China in the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Fox News reporter Jesse Watters went to Chinatown and did a series of mocking interviews, asking Asian Americans about the candidates. The video was shown on Foxs OReilly Factor.

He made fun of more than one person for not understanding English. The segment was interspersed with clips from the movies Karate Kid and Chinatown, plus video of Watters practicing karate and getting a foot massage.

Watters said he meant the segment to be light-hearted and humorous. Instead the segment sparked outrage.

We cannot stand by and watch as entire populations are ridiculed and vilified, Assemblyman David Chiu, D-San Francisco, said. Working together as Americans is the only way we can defeat this type of racism and bigotry.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee issued an unusually pointed statement about the video.

As the son of Chinese immigrants, as well as the mayor of a city with a thriving Chinese population, I must speak out against the offensive and demeaning video that aired on the OReilly Factor, Lee said. At a time when divisiveness and negativity drives the conversation around immigration, we must remember that our country was founded and built by immigrants. The stereotypes depicted in the segment feed into the racist notions that drive our communities apart and diminish the positive impact our immigrant populations have on our country.

And U.S. Rep. Mike Honda, D-San Jose called the segment blatant yellow journalism, in comments to Politico.

So far, now word from Trump or Clinton.

 Emily Green
Lets be clear: Darren Criss is superb in the title role of SHNs Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Golden Gate Theatre.

Pumping out the shows glam and punk rock anthems, he works his mike stand at times as if it were his own appendage, at others as if it were a sexual partner. His miniskirt highlights his every sinew  his leg muscles practically have their own leg muscles, and his bulging veins are visible from many rows back.

Yet his strength isnt just physical. When the guitar in the four-person band that is the Angry Inch blasts out power chords at the command of his outstretched arm, its a product not just of bodily power but also of messianic deviance and contagious rage.

Hedwig has a lot to be angry about: a bungled sex change operation that left her, en route from Hansel to Hedwig, with the angry inch of the shows title; a brutal breakup with the soldier she had that operation for and moved from East Berlin to Kansas for; and a second, even more cruel breakup, this one with a teenage boy who steals her musical ideas, becomes famous and never credits or remembers her, even though she gave him his rock-star name, Tommy Gnosis.

As Hedwig plays her show for us, Tommys AT&T Park concert (John Cameron Mitchells script allows room for many nods to the Bay Area) takes place simultaneously offstage. Each time an upstage door gets opened  usually by Yitzhak (Lena Hall), Hedwigs slavish but vindictive sidekick  the lights and sound from Tommys much bigger show overwhelm Hedwigs.

Save for a few well-timed outbursts, when Hedwigs not singing, Criss keeps Hedwigs jealousy, hurt and fury restrained, speaking in a menacing singsong thats like the voice Robin Williams used to play Mrs. Doubtfire: a lilt ever threatening to drop into acerbic baritone.

As excellent as Criss is in the part, Halls Yitzhak, for which she won a 2014 Tony Award, was so mesmerizing at the Wednesday, Oct. 5, opening that you cant help but want more of her. She gives an effortlessly fluttery, pitch-perfect rendition of Whitney Houstons version of I Will Always Love You (the shows set in the wake of the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall); and in her one big solo, The Long Grift, she combines orchestra-quality phrasing with the jagged timbre of a rock star. She delivers much of that song in a breathy sotto voce, with which she communicates plenty, so acute is her stage presence, but its one big crescendo suggests untapped potential for rocking out.

Well, not wholly untapped. At four performances during the shows run, Hall will switch roles and play Hedwig  this production marks the first time in the shows history that one actor will perform the two parts  with Shannon Conley taking over as Yitzhak.

Whether you see Hall or Criss, both Bay Area natives, in the title role, director Michael Mayer supports his cast with an ecstasy of visual effects. Lighting designer Kevin Adams redefines color palettes. Projections by Benjamin Pearcy achieve the rare feat of not only being worthy of but adding to the live performances.

Illustrating the tender ballad The Origin of Love, some of his video appears on the stages back wall, some on a scrim in front of Hedwig and the band. Both sets of images interact with the figure of Hedwig, cannily creating a three-dimensional yet unearthly universe in miniature where vengeful gods and hapless humans coexist on a primordial plane.

For all her suffering, Hedwig also is a deity, and thats what made the musical, which premiered off-Broadway in 1998, so pioneering: It gives a gender-queer character not just flaws, not just agency, but superpowers in the all-American language of rock n roll. And in this production, those superpowers are wielded by not one, but two superheroes/heroines.

Lily Janiak is The San Francisco Chronicles theater critic. Email: ljaniak@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LilyJaniak

Hedwig and the Angry Inch: Musical. By John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask. Directed by Michael Mayer. Through Oct. 30. 90 minutes. $45-$212, subject to change. Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., S.F. (888) 746-1799. www.shnsf.com

To see videos: www.youtube.com/watch?v=whGPdSss6IY&feature, www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE_YpXNsjE0
A 25-year-old probationer is accused of fracturing a man's eye socket and the roots of his teeth during a fight.

Melvin Thomas Brown Jr. faces a felony charge of aggravated assault. He's on probation for a 2013 conviction on the same charge.

Police arrested Brown after his alleged victim went to St. Peter's Hospital on Tuesday for treatment for an orbital eye fracture. Court documents say the attack occurred two days prior, after Brown drunkenly accused the man of being a liar.

The victim told investigators Brown punched him twice in the face and he lost consciousness.

Brown denied striking the man, according to documents filed in Lewis and Clark County Justice Court on Wednesday.
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a ... weird skywriting message meant to troll the Dreamforce conference?

An airplane in downtown San Francisco was seen writing out the phrases "#Outsmart Einstein. Zoho CRM" and "zoho.com/outsmart" in the sky Wednesday.

If you were one of the non-techy people scratching their head at exactly what it all means, look no further for your answer: The skywriting was all a part of a guerrilla marketing campaign that was paid for by Salesforce competitor Zoho.

Overall, conference attendees seemed overwhelmingly amused by the advertisement, judging by Twitter response. Many posted photos and video of the skywriting, using the hashtag #OutsmartEinstein or tagging Zoho's Twitter handle.

The company is known for pulling stunts like this in the past, paying for cryptic BART advertisements reading, "Dear Salesforce, Sorry for your losses" in 2015.

Of the BART ads last year, Zoho's Senior Evangelist Mason Hering then told SFGATE that they "wanted to go bold and make a big statement."

And it looks like they decided to go boldly forward with their advertising again this year.

Whether the skywriting was convincing enough to draw customers away from Salesforce is arguable, but the method was certainly eye-catching: SFGATE did ultimately wrote about Zoho's stunt, after all.
They came with their red Spider-Man and pink Sofia umbrellas, and dressed in a rainbow array of raincoats.

And they came, although it was 35 degrees out, raining, sleeting and snowing.

Wednesday was International Walk to School Day, which started in 1997. Its now in its 16th year at Jefferson Elementary School.

And as part of the celebration, a walking school bus headed down Highland Street at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, picking up about 35 students and parents as it headed to Jefferson.

Seven walking school buses slogged and splashed and scurried their way to Jefferson that morning from all directions.

Walkers and bikers quickly beelined for the cafeteria, where there was free coffee for the parents and a free breakfast for the kids.

The Highland Street walking school bus had a special mission Wednesday morning -- to call attention to the intersection of Highland and Montana Avenue, where a marked crosswalk had been erased during a repaving project.

Wednesday morning, Jeanne and Chad Lee, dressed in rain gear and carrying umbrellas, stood in their driveway with their two daughters waiting for the walking bus to arrive.

We typically walk to school, said Jeanne, adding that its a good way to start the day. A walk to school settles you.

Its good exercise, agreed Chad. It clears your mind when youre outside.

Beth Gordon typically walks a mile to school each morning with her family, she said, because their dog likes long walks.

Today is a good day to walk, said Chad Hultin. The fact that it was a gloomy, dark day illustrates their safety concerns about crossing Montana Avenue.

In the past few weeks, a group of Jefferson School parents met with the Helena City Commission to request a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Highland Street and Montana Avenue.

The commission is supportive, said one parent. The city engineer and city attorney are looking into it.

Were really trying to make this work, said Sarah Elkins, the citys public affairs specialist, later in the day. It is tentatively on the agenda for the Oct. 12 commission work session at 4 p.m., but staff are still gathering information.

In addition to safety, another benefit of the walk is bringing the community together, said walk co-chair Gina Hultin.

Its also a political statement, added parent council co-chair Lynn Maciver. We are big advocates of neighborhood schools.

Although it was a chilly, wet morning, Jefferson reported that 127 kids walked to school that day and 22 biked.

One parent who was dripping in the school entryway told her balking kids, We live in Montana -- get over it.

Apparently, that was the attitude that ruled at the seven other Helena area schools participating in the walk.

Montana City Schools had 168 kids walk in from two different starting points, said coordinator Darlene Moyer.

Photos of East Helena showed a healthy turnout, with all three schools there participating.

Central-Linc School had about 30 kids and 12 adult volunteers walking.

And Broadwater School, which added a walk around the school as part of the event, reported a fantastic turnout, with a total of 200 participants.

For more information about the international event to promote walking, biking and healthy communities visit www.walkbiketoschool.org/.
BILLINGS -- The whole southern belle way of life that some women in Chelsea Cheffs home state of Mississippi adopted never suited her.

It just wasnt me, the 33-year-old said with no hint of a drawl.

So 13 years ago in pursuit of a change of lifestyle Chelsea left a small liberal arts college in the South to pursue a mechanical engineering degree at Montana State University in Bozeman. The move ended up completely altering the course of her life when she met the man who would be her husband, Corey Cheff.

She had never eaten wild game until she met me, said Corey, a lifelong Columbia Falls resident who helps run his familys logging and road-building business. We grew up on it.

Chelsea has found her lifestyle change.

Now she is married, living in the mountains of northwest Montana, has two children, loves to hunt and works a part-time job. Then a year-and-a-half ago, almost on a whim, she launched a small business building outdoor gear out of paracord  the strong, lightweight nylon rope that got its name from its original use, parachute cord.

Tying one on

In a year-and-a-half she has nurtured the fledgling SOS Gear into a mainly online business that generates a small profit and also helps her feed the need to be more involved in the outdoors and hunting. Emphasizing that fact, her Twitter photo shows her drawing a bow.

To be able to do what we love  hunting and running my own business  you make time, she said.

For Chelsea, thats often meant working early into the morning after her children are tucked into bed or driving eight hours east to archery hunt for elk on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge with her husband for two days.

Weve sacrificed a lot, Chelsea said.

Shes not alone. A 2015 study showed Montana led the nation in the creation of new businesses.

People want to stay in Montana, and given that there arent that many large corporations here, people try to figure out a way to stay, Kregg Aytes, dean of the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship at MSU in Bozeman, told the Billings Gazette in a 2015 story.

Bowhunters

Thats certainly the case with Chelsea. She could have moved to Seattle or Houston for an engineering job but chose the Montana lifestyle, and all it has to offer, instead.

September is what we live for, she said, the opening of the archery season.

She got hooked on the sport after Corey took it up. For him, target shooting in the backyard was a stress reliever. When Chelsea showed interest, he got her outfitted with all of the gear. Now the fall is all about hunting.

That is a date night for her, going hunting, Corey said.

Chelsea started out rifle hunting in 2007 and shot her first deer in 2008 before transitioning to archery in 2010. She has yet to kill a big game animal with her bow, although last year she shoulder punched an elk with an arrow but never did recover the animal.

It was a little heartbreaking, she said.

Realization

The impetus for launching SOS Gear came when Corey wanted to buy a paracord survival bracelet. He figured having the strong, thin rope always with him would be handy if his chainsaw cord ever broke. Then his uncle fell 40 feet out of a tree, emphasizing that preparedness for an emergency is always a good idea.

Were usually 3, 4, 5 miles back, out of cellphone service when were hunting, Chelsea said. I started thinking what would happen if one of us got hurt. Theres no way I could carry my husband. Hes 6-2, 210 pounds. Im 5-4, 112 pounds. I started to assess what was in my hunting pack, stuff for survival purposes.

Paracord, she realized, could be used to build a shelter or to make a splint for a broken leg.

I try not to carry anything that has just one use, she said.

Tied up

With a new bracelet costing $10, Chelsea thought she could buy 100 feet of paracord for the same price and make one for her hubby, even though her only previous experience was braiding friendship bracelets in summer camp as a teen. Then friends saw Coreys bracelet and wanted one, too.

I realized that maybe I could make some money here and was able to be home with the kids, she said. It was a way I could start contributing a bit after losing an engineering job that would have required her to place her children in daycare.

So SOS Gear was born.

It was really built from me doing all of it from almost nothing, she said, a strong point of pride, as is her satisfaction in custom-building each piece.

Growing

From bracelets, Chelsea has expanded SOS Gear to include bow and rifle slings, belts, lanyards, keychains, game drags and bird carriers. She even braids handles for insulated tumblers.

She definitely likes to work and come up with new products, Corey said. The way her business works, its all about the customer.

Chelsea tracks her sales on a map pinned to the wall. So far shes sold her products in 45 states and six Canadian provinces.

Yet even now there are sleepless nights when she lies awake in bed wishing an email order would arrive to generate more income.

I hope it will continue to grow and be a fulltime job on its own, she said. I hope in the future I can look back and say I built a business from nothing in a mans outdoor industry. I hope to see the silver lining in it and better us for the future.

Until then, she said, At least Im doing something I truly love.
The Meagher County Commission is questioning a Helena city commissioners draft resolution related to a proposed copper mine in the Smith River watershed.

Helena City Commissioner Robert Farris-Olsen brought a resolution before his commission last month, citing the economic, environmental and cultural importance of the Smith River to Helenans. Noting environmental degradation caused by mining, the resolution requests assurance that the proposed Black Butte Copper Project near White Sulphur Springs will not harm the river.

Any proposed mining activities that could potentially affect the health and vitality of the Smith River should be viewed skeptically, and should not be permitted unless the applicant can demonstrate with 100 percent certainty that the proposal will not harm the river, the proposed resolution states.

Subsequent commission discussion led to changing the wording from 100 percent to absolute certainty. The Helena City Commission is expected to take up the resolution later this month.

In an Oct. 4 response letter, Meagher County commissioners Herb Townsend, Rod Brewer and Ben Hurwitz asked Robert Farris-Olsen if he or other commissioners have toured the proposed Black Butte Copper Project near White Sulphur Springs. Tintina Resources, the company proposing the mine, offers tours of the site.

This excellent opportunity gives a detailed factual explanation of the planning and implementation of the project along with the mine site tour, the Meagher County letter states. Questions are welcomed, and it goes without saying that one with personally opinionated concerns would be more than foolish to engage in negative rhetoric without ever having attended the enlightening presentation or participated in an onsite tour.

The commissioners continue with a series of questions that challenge points of the resolution. The letter asks if the resolution suggests the Montana Department of Environmental Quality is inept and if Robert Farris-Olsen is better qualified to render judgment. It further requests sourcing of economic figures cited in the resolution.

The letter incorrectly quotes the resolution as characterizing the proposed mine as near the Smith River." The resolution does note the mine is directly adjacent to and underneath Sheep Creek, a tributary of the river.

The letter concludes by describing support of the proposed mine by Meagher County residents that do business in Lewis and Clark County.

We would like to see this neighborly interaction continue on a friendly level to the benefit of all concerned, the letter says.

We would hope people will deal with facts rather than opinions out of respect for a sincere, hardworking, well meaning, technically advanced business that will benefit not only Helena but the citizens of the nation as a whole.

When reached for comment, Robert Farris-Olsen said he appreciated the commissioners letter, as they were looking out for people in their community the same as he was considering impacts of the mine on his constituents. He intends to send Meagher County a response.

While Robert Farris-Olsen has not toured the site, he has contacted Tintina and hopes to do a tour in the near future.

Its the least I can do if the city of Helena is going to take this position, is to go and see the site, he said.

Robert Farris-Olsen is married to Erin Farris-Olsen, a board member of the Montana Environmental Information Center. MEIC is one of the leading critics of the mine and in 2014, sued DEQ and Tintina over the companys proposed exploration permit.

Robert Farris-Olsen said he does not see it as a conflict of interest to bring the resolution, explaining that the resolution is a policy statement and the city is not actively fighting the mine.

Its just how we feel as the city of Helena because there are risks to the people in Helena, he said.

Tintina recently submitted a revised application for a mine operating permit with DEQ. The agency has 30 days to respond, but says it will likely take longer to review due to the amount of new information in the latest submittal.

If DEQ accepts the application as complete, full environmental review of the project will launch. That review would take about two years.
Election to the State Auditors Office means the individual will serve as Insurance Commissioner for Montana. This person will play a critical role in setting policy which will effect nearly every man, woman, and child in our state. Whether through health, life, homeowners, automobile, workers compensation insurance, or the myriad investment products available, everyone in our state is impacted by this office. The Auditors Office provides for the licensing and oversight of the firms selling insurance and investment products and determines which products can be offered in our state as well as the prosecution of those found violating laws governing those products.

While the Auditors Office does not set insurance rates, they do set the policy that dramatically impacts those rates. Many Montanans have watched as the Auditors Office, assisted by my opponent, has put policies in place which have hurt Montana families and businesses. Our automobile insurance rates are the nations second-highest, workers compensation insurance rates are tenth-highest. The health insurance rates recently released have left many families facing premium increases anywhere from 30 percent to nearly 60 percent, and this is beyond last years double-digit increases and does not even account for the increases in our deductibles.

My opponent has embraced Obamacare and with it he has broken our health care system. Now that we know you cannot keep your doctor or your insurance, or save $2,500 a year on insurance, his solution is to turn the entire health care system over to the government under a single payer system.

I believe we have an obligation to focus on affordable access to health care for everyone. I have brought forth solutions  and will continue to if elected  such as Health Care Sharing Ministries, Primary Care Provider Agreements, and access to insurance products across state lines. These common sense policies will decrease costs and remove the government from between you and your health care provider. I have proposed and passed many of these concepts in the Montana Legislature while serving as the Senate Majority Leader. Alternatively, under my opponents watch health insurance rates have skyrocketed, and the Governor vetoed legislation which would have lowered health care costs and helped our families and businesses.

The other important role that the Insurance Commissioner performs is sitting on the State Land Board. The Land Board is responsible for the management of roughly 5.2 million acres of state school trust lands and about 6 million acres of mineral rights. These lands are not to be confused with the U.S. Forest Service lands or any land owned by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks as some would lead you to believe. The Land Board is made up of the Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditors Office, and the Superintendent of Schools. This group is constitutionally charged to manage those lands in perpetuity for the financial benefit of the Montana public schools. Any timber sale, agricultural lease, commercial lease, or pipeline easement on those lands needs to be approved by the Land Board. These lands are physically managed, however, by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

I think it is critical we have people on the Land Board with background in land management to ensure these lands generate the revenue as mandated by the constitution without degrading them, thereby reducing the recreational use and access which is so important to the people of Montana. I have that expertise and will always protect these lands for our schools' and citizens' use.

I am asking for your support, your vote, and your assistance if elected, as our system only works with your participation.

Montana Senate Majority Leader Matt Rosendale, R-Glendive, represents Senate District 18 (Dawson, Richland and Wibaux Counties). Matt and his wife Jean have been married for 31 years and have three grown sons, Matthew Jr., Brien, and Adam. Matt is a rancher, businessman and real estate developer.
The citizen advisory committee on the Lewis and Clark County Open Lands Program has agreed to recommend two projects for funding.

While the committee recommended fully funding a $1 million request to purchase a conservation easement on about 2,888 acres of the Gehring Ranch, it was less certain about what to recommend for the proposed $783,000 purchase of a conservation easement on 836 acres of the Shoco Ranch by Augusta.

Committee members left a decision on the level of funding to the county commission.

Both of the committees votes on the conservation easements were unanimous, with 10 members supporting the proposals.

Gehring Ranch sits west of and adjacent to Lincoln Road about four miles west of Green Meadow Drive. The property includes portions of Silver and Threemile creeks.

The Shoco Ranch, located about four miles southwest of Augusta, is west of and partly adjacent to Highway 435 and south of Smith Creek Road. Smith Creek bisects the property.

During the three-hour advisory committees meeting, it was noted that the soonest the commission could consider the recommendations was the middle of this month.

Once the commission begins its consideration, a 30-day public comment period could begin before the commission further considers the proposals.

The countys Open Lands Program came from voter support of a 2008 ballot measure that approved issuing up to $10 million in general obligation bonds to fund protections for land, water, wildlife, recreation and open space.

Of the $10 million approved by voters, $3 million was converted into cash in 2010 to fund projects.

As of mid-August, about $1,975,000 had been spent, according to a tally from the countys finance office.

The owner of a home valued at $200,000 pays $3.38 this year toward repayment of the $3 million in bonds that are scheduled to be retired in 2030, although forested and agricultural lands are exempt from the annual fee, said Nancy Everson, the countys finance director.

The annual fee can vary based on growth and new development in the county, she noted.

Another Open Lands Program funding request is already before the commission, seeking $113,300 for the purchase of nearly 9.5 acres outside of Lincoln owned by Paul Roos.

The funding application submitted by Five Valleys Land Trust of Missoula, which would become the propertys owner if the request is approved, lists Prickly Pear Land Trust here in Helena as a secondary sponsoring organization.

Both commission Chairman Mike Murray and Commissioner Andy Hunthausen, while not disputing the value of the project for Lincoln, previously expressed concern.

Unlike other projects funded through the Open Lands Program, the request for the Lincoln Community River Park had no entity other than Lewis and Clark County providing cash to make the acquisition possible.

The Gehring Ranch conservation easement is proposed by the Prickly Pear Land Trust. The application stated that the $1 million funding from the Open Lands Program will be matched by the landowner, who will donate $1.21 million of the easements value, which amounts to almost 55 percent of the easements total value.

Additionally, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will contribute $7,500 to the project, and $2,500 will come from the Travelers for Open Land program. Together, the two contributions amount to 1 percent of what is being requested of the countys Open Lands program.

Project costs, which include a $12,871 stewardship fee, a preliminary appraisal costing $3,000 and title reports and mineral rights searches at $1,000 and $1,530 respectively, as well as a baseline and environmental report for $5,976, amount to more than $28,000, according to the Gehring Ranch level two application.

The conservation easement wont increase public access, the application stated, but it noted that the ranch currently has more than 1,200 acres open to hunting through the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks block management program.

The property is said in its application to provide a critical link for wildlife between the Scratchgravel Hills and the Canyon Creek area.

This property has been a ranch for 150 years in an area that has seen increasing subdivision in recent years, the application noted. A map of the area details the residential tracts that now fill much of this part of the Helena Valley.

"One doesn't have to look much beyond the Valley to know where development pressure is headed, Mary Hollow, executive director of the Prickly Pear Land Trust, wrote in an email.

Bill Gehring's iconic ranch on the edge of town has been feeling that pressure for quite some time, and Prickly Pear Land Trust is thrilled to play a part in protecting this working ranch and piece of Canyon Creek history."

"Prickly Pear Land Trust seeks projects for the open space funding that hit several of the program's goals, she continued, adding Our recent projects have been additions to city parkland and trails. This one has open space, wildlife, water protection; it's good to have a mix of different project types."

The Shoco Ranch application, sponsored by the Montana Land Reliance, would provide the landowner with $729,000, which is 90 percent of the $810,000 appraised value of the conservation easement.

The $783,000 sought from the Open Lands Program would be matched by an $81,000 donation in the conservation easements value.

Montana Land Reliance and Shoco Ranch costs that include $9,000 for an appraisal, $2,500 for a legal review plus $2,050 for consultation and legal services for the ranch, plus $27,000 for a land protection fund/stewardship endowment, bring the project costs to $54,000 that would be reimbursed through the Open Lands program funding request.

The Shoco Ranch has been a working ranch along Smith Creek for nearly 100 years, according to the funding application. Its current owner, Sally Shortridge, is the fourth generation of the Shortridge family to work the ranch.

Ranch lands provide spring calving grounds for elk, and Smith Creek is used as a travel corridor for grizzly bears, the application noted. The roughly 4.5 miles of creek flowing through the ranch produces brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout.

The ranch was visited by the Lewis and Clark expedition on July 8, 1806, and provides habitat for wildlife species that include deer, lynx, mountain lion, beaver and many species of birds.

An array of neighbors wrote the county in support of the application. A March 13 letter from Sarah Howe-Cobb states Conserving the Shoco Ranch will enhance the future of protected lands along the Rocky Mountain Front.

Sally (Shortridge) wants to leave a legacy by making sure this pristine, well-managed ranch is not diminished by future development. She has been an excellent steward of that land and has put her heart and soul into improving this property over many years, wrote Linda Reynolds of Bozeman.

It would be a shame to see this beautiful land subdivided, putting all this in danger of pollution and closed public access, Joyce (Bean) Adams stated in her letter of support.

Kurt Geise, operator and manager of the Augusta Water and Sewer District, added his voice to support of the conservation easement and said it would protect and conserve Smith Creeks water.

This easement will limit subdivision of property and impacts to the watershed, he explained.

This project ensures open lands and recreational spaces for myself and those generations that come after me, Doug Reutzel of Augusta wrote.
GREAT FALLS  The final U.S. House debate, the first to feature all three candidates on the ballot, covered topics that ranged from the future of farming to foreign policy.

Incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke and outgoing State Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau, a Democrat, rehashed some familiar campaign attacks about public lands, gun rights and honesty. Rick Breckenridge, a surveyor from Proctor in rural Lake County, joined them on the stage at Great Falls College after being selected by his party upon the death of fellow Libertarian Mike Fellows. About 300 people arrived to watch the debate sponsored by the Great Falls Tribune and Montana Farmers Union, so many that those who had not arrived early were moved to a nearby overflow room.

The nights first question reflected the debate's location just a few miles from Malmstrom Air Force Base: With the bases nuclear missiles set to become obsolete within 15 years, what would the candidates do to keep it open?

I dont think the missiles are going to go anywhere. We do need to upgrade them, Zinke, a former Navy SEAL, said, also noting that the military had run out of sufficient training space as it closed other bases. Great Falls has great potential to become a training base.

Juneau also said the bases future hinged on upgrades to silos and missile technology. And weve got to work on trying to bring the flying mission back as well.

Breckenridge briefly described his Army deployment to a nuclear base in Germany toward the end of the Cold War before suggesting that Malmstrom nonetheless should have a place in the overall strategy of the U.S. military.

We have to roll with the flow and ride the tide, he said.

Later, Breckenridge railed against executive decisions in recent years to send American troops overseas without first seeking Congressional approval.

Unless there is a national interest that is defined, debated and agreed upon by Congress, no troops at no time on foreign soil, he said, dinging Zinke for a recent interview in which he talked about needing more troops in Iraq.

The Republican defended himself, saying he, too, thinks Congress should have a say in the use of military force. But he said his comments had been about the presidents recent authorization to send 600 more soldiers to Iraq as American forces prepare to take the city of Mosul from the Islamic State.

I dont think (600) is enough, he said.

Juneau acknowledged that sending troops overseas is a really hard decision.

Candidates also weighed in on a Monday-night vote by Missoula City Council to require criminal background checks on all private gun sales within city limits.

Heres my concealed carry card and if thats not good enough for you, heres my U.S. constitution, Breckenridge said, pulling a card out of one pocket of his fringed jacket then a small book out of another.

Juneau and Zinke did not directly say what they thought of the ordinance, debating their general gun rights records and becoming focused on a Congressional proposal to ban firearm sales to people on the no-fly list, a part of the nations terror watch list.

I do believe we have enough laws on the books. We need to enforce those laws currently there, Juneau said. There is a bill moving through Congress I support that would keep criminals and terrorists from buying guns. Congress cant even take that step. That strengthens the rights of law-abiding citizens and responsible gun owners.

Zinke fired back.

Whos on the no-fly list and how do you get on it? Its secret. More importantly how do you get off? he said, suggesting that removing citizens rights at all, but especially with so little transparency, was a slippery slope.

Reflecting the debates location at one corner of Montanas Golden Triangle, candidates also talked about how they would help the next generation of farmers and ranchers secure the capital they needed.

Zinke suggested two fixes: End the estate tax and undo recent banking reforms that he said tied the hands of local lenders. Juneau suggested strengthening federal loans available to young families and the safety net provided in the Farm Bill. She also touted her work as superintendent to grow farm-to-school lunch programs.

Breckenridge disagreed with pledges by his two opponents not to sell off public lands and suggested a simple way to combat the challenges of rising land prices is to sell some federal parcels to private owners who have the skills and the knowledge to manage it.

The candidates also were asked how they would help close a 19-year life expectancy gap between American Indian and white Montanans.

Juneau spoke generally about reforming the Indian Health Service, the federal agency tasked with fulfilling treaty promises to provide health care, including pushing for improved primary care. She also celebrated the "other options" provided by the Affordable Care Act.

Zinke disagreed, saying that Obamacare has been a disaster. He also suggested that more power needed to be given to IHS doctors and people on the frontline rather than to bureaucrats.

Breckenridge said American Indian health would best be improved by bringing more care options to reservations than just the Indian Health Service.

Socialized medicine does not work, he said.

In a question from the audience at the end of the night, candidates were asked what they would do protect the rights of LGBT Montanans.

No. 1 get elected, Juneau said, taking the opportunity to list the ways her election would be historic: the first woman to represent Montana in the House since Jeannette Rankin left in 1943, the first ever American Indian woman and the first openly gay member of Congress from Montana. Representation matters.

Welcome to the Libertarian Party, Breckenridge said, arguing no one needed "specialized rights" under the Constitution.

Zinke has said he opposed the Supreme Courts decision to legalize gay marriage last year, citing religious freedom, state rights and his personal belief that a marriage is between one man and one woman, although he said at the time of the ruling that all Americans should be treated with dignity.

He did not directly answer the question in Great Falls. He instead noted his military service fighting to protect the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.

I do support you, he said, looking to Juneau. If you want to be lesbian, if you want to be Muslim, whatever, it doesnt matter to me.

Juneau and Breckenridge will appear at a forum in Bozeman on Saturday. Zinke has declined an invitation to attend.
A Few Good Men: Before The Newsroom, before The West Wing, Aaron Sorkin was a struggling actor, tending bar at Broadways Palace Theatre, and its in theater, not on the big or small screen, that he got his first big break. Most know A Few Good Men as the 1992 courtroom film starring Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore and Tom Cruise, but the story was a stage play before it was a screenplay. This week, Hillbarn Theatre presents the tale in its original version, with a cast of 15 directed by Josh Marx. Preview Thursday, Oct. 13. Opens Friday, Oct. 14. Through Oct. 23. $45-$48. Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City. www.hillbarntheatre.org

In previews

Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf?: Rounding out Shotgun Players repertory season is the most famous play by Edward Albee, who died at 88 last month. Celebrated director Mark Jackson promises a nonrealistic version of the show, the better to get at the scripts gnarliness, the terror at its characters hearts. Frequent Shotgun collaborators Josh Schell, David Sinaiko, Megan Trout and Beth Wilmurt star. Previews begin Wednesday, Oct. 12. Opens Oct. 19. Initial run through Nov. 20. Repertory performances through Jan. 22. $25-$40. Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. (510) 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org

 Lily Janiak
DANBURY  A number of reported clown sightings at Western Connecticut State University in recent days are likely to be a hoax, according to a statement issued by the universitys police department Wednesday.

According to a statement released Wednesday, the universitys police department has been receiving a number of calls concerning a person or persons appearing in public areas wearing a clown custom. Most, of not all of the reports, authorities said, are being proven as hoaxes.
Retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer, stepping away from her pledge of neutrality, on Wednesday endorsed state Attorney General Kamala Harris to replace her in the U.S. Senate.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who was first elected alongside Boxer in 1992, also gave her nod to Harris, saying the former San Francisco district attorney would be a strong partner in the Senate.

But it was Boxers support that was the bigger surprise, since she has declined to anoint a favorite since she announced her retirement plans in January 2015.

I said at the start of the race between Attorney General Kamala Harris and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez that they were both my friends and supporters, and so she would stay neutral, Boxer said in a statement. I also said that if differences developed that indicate that one candidate emerges as the progressive choice that I would endorse the individual. That day has come.

Although Boxer didnt say exactly what had changed her mind, in recent weeks Sanchez, an Orange County congresswoman, has been making a strong play for GOP votes, getting endorsements from well-known conservatives like San Diego County Rep. Darrell Issa and talk show host Hugh Hewitt.

Earlier this week, Sanchez also came out against Prop. 57, a ballot measure championed by Gov. Jerry Brown that would make it easier for nonviolent felons to be paroled if they met certain requirements. Polls show the measure is overwhelmingly supported by California Democrats, including Brown, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Democratic Party.

For almost 50 years, the seat that I hold has been a leadership seat on human rights, womens rights, civil rights, voting rights, immigrants rights, fair trade, a clean environment and a voice for all families  no matter their circumstances, Boxer said. Kamala Harris shares those values with me.

But Sanchezs supporters have argued that working across the partisan aisle to gather Republican backing is exactly what a California senator needs to do.

During her 20 years in Congress, Sanchez has a long track record of getting together with Republicans on issues of mutual concern, said Bill Carrick, a consultant to the Sanchez campaign.

Every day Democrats see Hillary Clinton reaching to Republican voters, he said. We need to find a common ground and get something done in Washington.

Feinstein, a former mayor of San Francisco, said that Harris was one of the first prosecutors in the nation to push a series of reforms to make our criminal justice system smarter, fairer and more efficient.

Feinstein also called Harris a consistent voice of unity and optimism at a time when too many political leaders have tried to divide our communities along racial and religious lines. I wholeheartedly endorse Kamalas campaign and look forward to having a strong partner in Kamala Harris serving alongside me in the U.S. Senate.

The senators support for Harris was the second piece of bad news for Sanchez in as many days. On Tuesday, the United Farm Workers endorsed Harris, which was a blow to the woman who is seeking to become the nations first Latina senator.

With the support of Californias two senators, Harris now has the endorsement of virtually every big-name Democrat, including President Obama; Vice President Joe Biden; Brown; Newsom; Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles; Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Paramount (Los Angeles County) and San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee.

John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth
Donald Trump encouraged those people with terminal illnesses to hang on until election day at a campaign rally in Henderson, Nev., on Wednesday.

"I don't care how sick you are," the GOP presidential candidate said. "I don't care if you just came back from the doctor and he gave you the worst possible prognosis, meaning it's over, you won't be around in two weeks. Doesn't matter. Hang out till November 8th. Get out and vote."

Trump ended his comments to those on their deathbeds with a final thought, "And then all we're going to say we love you and remember you always."

Trump's dark sales pitch expressing the dire need for for all his supporters to place their votes wasn't entirely serious as he prefaced it with, "I say kiddingly, but I mean it . . ."

Trump's Nevada visit also included a stop in Reno where he lectured supporters about the correct way to pronounce the name of their state.

He insisted it's "Neh-VAH-da."

The Republican presidential candidate performed an exaggerated form of his preferred pronunciation from the stage at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center Wednesday afternoon.

He declared that "nobody says it the other way."

The confused silence from the crowd mixed with a few shouts of disagreement indicated that quite a few Nevadans pronounce their home state "Neh-VAD-uh."

American Bridge, a group that supports Hillary Clinton, immediately put up a web video declaring that Trump was "looking like an idiot" for getting the name wrong.

With reporting from the Associated Press
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In their lone debate of the U.S. Senate campaign, state Attorney General Kamala Harris and Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez clashed Wednesday night on issues like crime and for-profit colleges, but neither scored a game-changing blow.

For Sanchez, D-Santa Ana, the race is all about what she has learned as a 20-year member of Congress.

I have the experience to go in on day one and do the job, she said. I have cast the hard votes: no on the Iraq War, no on the Patriot Act, no on the Wall Street bailout.

Harris, though, countered that she is the person who can best represent all Californians.

Most issues Californians care about arent bipartisan; theyre nonpartisan, she said. They wake up at 3 oclock in the morning wondering if theyre going to have a roof over their head. ... They want a leader who can get things done.

For the two Democrats seeking to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, the main contrast was the way they presented themselves on the Cal State Los Angeles stage for the hour-long debate.

From the very start, Sanchez was upbeat and intense. Time after time, she kept speaking after her time expired, ignoring efforts by moderator Marc Brown, a reporter for KABC-TV in Los Angeles, to cut her off.

When warned by Brown that if she went over her time, Im going to stop you, Sanchez had a one-word answer: Try.

Harris, on the other hand, was often low-key to the point of lethargy, delivering what sounded like oft-rehearsed remarks.

The few times she went off script brought some of the nights best moments. After Sanchez attacked her for what she said was rising crime in the state, Harris stood for a moment and asked, No rebuttal? Darn, then joined in the laughter of the audience.

Sanchez was over-caffeinated and Harris was under-caffeinated, said political analyst Sherry Bebitch Jeffe of the University of Southern California. For Harris, it was almost like you pushed a button and got a prerecorded message.

Both candidates got in their digs. Harris repeatedly criticized Sanchez for her attendance record in Congress, saying she had the third-worst record in the House and never attended any of the meetings of an antiterror task force she chaired.

California needs bold national leadership, Harris said, taking a slap at Sanchezs claim to have traveled to many of the worlds most troubled areas during her time in Congress. You can have a lot of stamps on your passport, but youve got to show up.

Sanchez countered that she has never missed a critical vote and argued that Boxers attendance record was even worse when she was running for Senate in 1992 as a House member from Marin County.

For my first 18 years in Congress, I had 95 percent attendance, Sanchez said. Come on, guys ... thats a solid A.

To do democracy and run for office in a state the size of California, something has to give, Sanchez added.

Sanchezs harshest attack was on crime, charging that Harris was failing in her job as attorney general. Crimes such as homicide, assault and hate offenses rose in 2015, Sanchez said.

Harris has failed to lead on the area thats her expertise, the congresswoman said. As senator, you would fail to lead and fail to protect us.

The candidates also clashed on the question of for-profit colleges, with Sanchez arguing that while the bad ones should be closed, the good ones satisfy a need for many Californians. Harris boasted of her efforts to close down for-profit colleges in the state that have taken advantage of students and said Sanchez had taken thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from those colleges.

For Sanchez, Wednesdays debate was a chance to present herself to voters outside her Orange County district as an alternative to Harris.

She got no help from the timing of Wednesdays encounter, however. The debate was up against the San Francisco Giants playoff game, likely slashing viewership in the Bay Area and Northern California, where Sanchez had never run before the June primary and is still widely unknown.

She likely didnt get the boost she needed, Jeffe said.

There was no knockout punch, and Harris came off as more controlled and more senatorial, she said. Harris played it close to the vest, which is probably a good strategy for the front-runner.

John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth
GENEVA  The top U.N. diplomat for the Syria conflict proposed a new truce Thursday, in hopes of averting what he called the destruction of rebel-held eastern Aleppo by Russian and Syrian forces. He offered to personally escort the jihadist fighters in the area to safety if the bombing is halted.

The proposal by the diplomat, Staffan de Mistura, reflected his despair over the relentless bombardment by the Syrian military and its Russian allies in the past few weeks, after the collapse of a cease-fire negotiated by Russia and the United States.

But de Misturas proposal also was seen as part of a possible new diplomatic effort to press the Russians over their role in the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Aleppo, the divided Syrian city that was once the countrys commercial capital and is now a sprawling urban kill zone.

Roughly 275,000 people in the rebel-held eastern half of Aleppo have been subjected to indiscriminate aerial bombing that has killed hundreds, including many children. Outside access to that part of the city has been cut off.

Russia, which has been supporting the forces of President Bashar Assad for the past year with air strikes and other military assistance, has said it is not responsible for the killing of civilians.

In Aleppo, the Russians have said, their targets are the jihadist fighters from Fatah al-Sham Front, a group previously known as Al-Nusra Front. It changed its name after cutting ties with al Qaeda. Those fighters are regarded as enemies by the United States and its allies as well as by the Syrian government and Russia.

De Mistura said opposition groups had a total of no more than 8,000 fighters in eastern Aleppo, including roughly 900 Fatah al-Sham Front members. Their departure from the city, de Mistura said, would remove any justification by Russia and Syria for the ferocious bombardments.

The bottom line is: In a maximum of two months  two and a half months  the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate maybe be totally destroyed, he said. And thousands of Syrians, not terrorists, will be killed, the Associated Press reported.
1 Iraqi air strike: A tribal leader said Wednesday that an air strike killed 19 pro-government tribal Sunni fighters south of the town of Mosul, which is held by the Islamic State. Sheikh Nazhan al-Lihaibi said the air strike took place following hours of clashes between his troops and Islamic State militants east of the town of Qayara. The U.S.-led coalition said it had carried out strikes in the area at the request of Iraqi security forces, adding that it had destroyed a building and killed eight enemy fighters.

2 U.N. chief: The Security Council has unanimously agreed that Antonio Guterres, Portugals former prime minister, should be the next U.N. secretary-general. Russias U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin made the announcement to reporters Wednesday surrounded by ambassadors from the 14 other council nations after they held their sixth informal poll of the 10 candidates behind closed doors. Churkin said the council will meet Thursday to formally approve Guterres and recommend his candidacy to the 193-member General Assembly, which must give final approval.
Last year around this time I came into a zillion pounds of fresh quince (above), which I turned into .5 zillion pounds of quince paste. Which actually was a good thing. I like quince pastealso known as membrilloa lot and it's great to put out with cheese when people come over. Here's how to make it.

This sounds like a great field trip for Saturday: You can help harvest grapes at the beautiful Vivac Winery in Embudo, then Rocky Durham will make you lunch and you'll go home with a bottle of wine. It's $55 per person. RSVP to Michele@VivacWinery.com.

On Sunday at 11 am there's a hard cider-making workshop at Liquid Light Glass Studio (next to Counter Culture on Baca Street). You can get the $35 tickets here.

Hey, Old Windmill Dairy in Estancia is offering a cheese-making class next Saturday, Oct. 15. You'll learn how to make chevre, cheddar, mozzarella and more. Call 505-384-0033 or email info@towdairy.com for more info. Look at these goats!!

Here's a profile of the Food Network chef Alton Brown that gets really dark before it gets light again. You will learn many things you did not know about Brown, whose new book, EveryDayCook, is described as the product of a midlife crisis. He is weirder and more square and yet also cooler than you thought.

Also, it's Canadian Thanksgiving! Ha! Serious. It happens every second Monday in October. Pete Wells got the editor of Cooking Light to admit he'd never heard of it. I found out about this from my Canadian aunt and uncle, who, truth be told, are really just Americans who have lived in Canada for 40 years. (They still vote here.) Long story short: They eat all the same stuff we do, they just don't get so fussy about it. Canadian Thanksgiving is kind of like that second Thanksgiving dinner you have at your dad's house when your parents are divorced and you live with your mom. It's a thing that happens but it's kind of perfunctory and not as good as the real one.

What's weirder: the fact that Patagonia is selling beer made with a grain you've never heard ofor the fact that I read about this in Playboy? (Probably the former. Did you know Playboy's not doing the naked girls thing anymore? It's true.) Patagonia's "Provisions" line now includes Long Root Ale, made in partnership with Hopworks out of Portland, Oregon. The recipe is 15 percent a perennial grain called Kernza, which is environmentally friendly, supposedly tastes good and has really, really long roots.

Ladies: Is it that week? That week where you find yourself thinking, "Hmm What can I eat for dinner that involves potato chips and chocolate syrup and peanut m&m's but also has something deep-fried?" You know what I'm talking about. Well here is the PMS menu of your dreams: General Tso's chicken and waffles. I KNOW, RIGHT?! It's sweet and salty and fatty and everything. Check out the recipe here.



What news do you want to see in this newsletter? We want to hear from you! Let us know! Email thefork@sfreporter.com

Santa Fe Reporter
Ron Brierley's Mercantile NZ has crossed the 90 percent threshold in its takeover bid for Wellington Merchants, formerly known as Kirkcaldie & Stains, triggering provisions to mo-up the remaining shares.

As of yesterday, 80.2 percent of the shares in Wellington Merchants had been sold to Mercantile under the takeover offer which, taking its holdings to 91.1 percent, a notice to the stock exchange shows. That means Mercantile can enforce compulsory acquisition of the remaining stock under the Takeovers Code.

In August, Mercantile offered $3.45 per share, an uplift from previous offers of $2.75 and $3 made in March and June respectively. Kirkcaldie changed its name to Wellington Merchants in July. A month later, Wellington Merchants' directors recommended shareholders accept the offer, which they described as attractive.

The former Kirkcaldie site on Wellington's Lambton Quay is now occupied by the first New Zealand branch of Australian retailer David Jones. The cashed-up Merchants had to exit lease obligations on other properties before it could settle on the amount available for distribution to shareholders.

The shares, still listed on the NZX, last traded at $3.40, and have gained 118 percent this year.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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October 31st Morning Report


The New Zealand dollar extended its decline, trading near a two-month low, as looming US employment data keep the prospect of a rate hike by the Federal Reserve at the front of investors' minds.

The kiwi fell to 71.48 US cents at 8am in Wellington from 71.67 cents yesterday. The trade-weighted index was little changed at 76.46 from 76.44.

Economists predict the US added 172,000 jobs last month when non-farm payrolls data are released on Friday in Washington, and investors will be watching the figures for whether the labour market in the world's biggest economy is healthy enough to warrant another rate hike later this year. Fed officials have been relatively upbeat about the outlook in the US and economic indicators earlier this week exceeded expectations, prompting some traders to view a hike in November as an outside chance. The yield on 10-year US Treasuries rose 3 basis points to 1.74 percent.

"Expectations for a decent report already appear high, and the US OIS (overnight index swap) market now prices almost an 80 percent chance of a December Fed hike," Bank of New Zealand market strategist Kymberly Martin said in a note. "A stellar report would likely be required to spur a further leg of USD strength."

The European Central Bank noted "increasing scarcity of some bonds" in the account of its last policy meeting, though didn't directly mention tapering its quantitative easing programme, which has been rumoured as being under consideration. The kiwi rose to 64.13 euro cents from 63.99 cents yesterday.

The British pound dropped to a 31-year low against the greenback as investors adjusted to the prospect of the UK's prioritising immigration curbs over staying in the European single market when it exits the European Union. The kiwi rose to 56.67 pence from 56.32 pence yesterday.

The kiwi was little changed at 94.30 Australian cents from 94.22 cents yesterday, and gained to 74.40 yen from 74.12 yen. It fell to 4.7660 Chinese yuan from 4.7793 yuan yesterday.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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October 31st Morning Report


The government has extended funding for the three technology incubators for a further two years after a Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment review of the start-up eco-system.

The three privately-owned technology incubators, Astrolab in Auckland, WNT Ventures in Tauranga, and Powerhouse in Canterbury, were originally expected to stand on their own two feet at the end of a three-year pilot. They were set up in late 2014, modelled on the Israeli incubator system, to commercialise capital intensive intellectual property mainly from universities and Crown Research Institutes.

They were expected to become financially sustainable after three years through returns on exiting early investments but it took longer than expected for some to set up and make investments. The Israeli model allows funding for 8 years.

Powerhouse, which was an existing incubator, last month extended its A$20 million initial public offer on the ASX for a week. Chief executive Stephen Hampson has failed to return calls on whether it has raised its minimum A$10 million and the ASX website says TBA (to be announced) next to the intended listing date.

Callaghan Innovation, the MBIE-funded innovation agency, said funding allocated for all incubators (both technology and founder-focused) shrank to $3.5 million in the 2015/2016 year from $5.6 million the previous year and will be kept at this level for the next two years.

Following the review, MBIE has changed its mind about ending operational funding for the five founder-focused incubators mid-next year unless they changed to a new business model, and has recommended the hybrid model of both technology and founder-focused incubators continue.

Stefan Korn, chief executive of Wellington-based incubator CreativeHQ, said MBIEs review concluded the founder-focused incubators were important because they provide talent.

Even with the best IP (intellectual property) in the world we need entrepreneurs to execute on that. Thats what the founder-focused incubators produce, he said.

The government has also announced today three accelerator programmes that will be funded for one year from the $3 million over four years allocated for accelerators in the Innovative New Zealand package announced in the Budget. That matched the existing $750,000 per year funding.

Callaghan Innovation invited tenders for accelerator programmes for one year until funding for all start-up support programmes is decided on in 2017 for the following two years.

Accelerators typically speed up growth of an existing start-up within a set timeframe, working with a group of mentors to build out the business and getting seed investment, while incubators focus more on taking disruptive ideas, getting pre-seed investment, and over time building a business model and company.

Science and Innovation Minister Steve Joyce said accelerators have proven worldwide to create the conditions to get early-stage businesses to the point where they can grow, attract capital, and generate revenue under their own steam.

The three new programmes include two through Creative HQ  the Kiwibank FinTech Accelerator focused on financial technology, and another focused on the energy sector.

CreativeHQ has been running digital-based accelerators under the Lightning Lab brand since 2013 in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Korn said the brand would continue and he was a strong advocate of industry-focused accelerators.

We typically look at opportunities globally and what are the investment hotspots and what are the sectors being disrupted and thats why we chose fintech and energy, he said.

The three-month financial technology accelerator will launch later this month in partnership with Kiwibank while the energy one is still in the early stages with a crowd-sourcing competition planned to turn up good ideas in the energy sector that could end up in the accelerator.

The third programme is the Auckland-based Icehouse digital technology accelerator which will offer up to $100,000 of seed investment along with six months of mentoring, global connections and further funding.

Icehouse chief executive Andy Hamilton said after partnering on Lightning Labs in Auckland, it decided to focus on running one that could be more aligned to its own angel and seed investment funds.

We didnt want the accelerator to be isolated from our model, but to be part of the model, he said.

The Icehouse and ICE Angels launched a $10 million seed fund, Tuhua, earlier this year to invest in 25 kiwi start-ups over the next three years.

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October 31st Morning Report


An independent external review and better processes are needed before the Electricity Authority proceeds with the latest reform of how the national grid is paid for, says a group of consumer trusts, businesses, farming, local government and electricity sector participants.

The group includes the Ashburton District Council, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Counties Power and its consumer trust, EA Networks, EMA Northern, Entrust, Auckland Federated Farmers, Northpower, Norske Skog, New Zealand Steel, Top Energy and Vector.

The authoritys board met in Wellington yesterday to decide on its transmission pricing methodology proposals. Published submissions on the proposal revealed fresh divisions over how to ensure the costs of the wires that carry electricity from power stations to all parts of the country are allocated fairly, with objections largely resting on whether the submitter's region would be better or worse off.

Submissions were roughly two to one against and thats why independent international experts are needed to review the authoritys work, especially the cost-benefit calculations, said group spokesman Kim Campbell, chief executive of the Employers and Manufacturers Association, which is spear-heading opposition to the proposals, which would raise transmission charges to the north of the North Island, where billions of dollars of upgrades are providing benefits to consumers in Auckland and further north.

If the authority is confident in the quality of its analysis, it has nothing to fear from an independent review. And if there are problems, then well all be spared a restructuring that could rival the Bradford reforms for controversy," he said, referring to the reforms in 1998 that split the competitive provision of retail electricity services from the monopoly-owned local owners of electricity networks.

The group wants all parties brought together in a working group and cross-submissions to achieve a lasting consensus which the present propose-respond approach wont achieve, Campbell said.

Its also calling for the government to separately commission a wider review of the proposals to include social and economic impacts, given the authoritys narrow mandate to look at the efficiency of the electricity system only.

The authoritys own data shows consumers connected to electricity lines companies in the gun will be worse off to the tune of $115 million a year, while those connect to lines companies that benefit will only be $46 million ahead. One major beneficiary would be the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter, owned by Australian metals giant Rio Tinto, while Australian-owned NZ Steel, south of Auckland, would be a net loser.

State-owned grid operator, Transpower, suggested in its submission an alternative simplified, staged approach to resolve the long-running impasse and said it doesnt believe the EAs proposals can be implemented by April 2019, as proposed.

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October 31st Morning Report


Increasing debt being taken on by some retirement village operators makes the state of the housing market a more important factor for investors to consider, according to a detailed report on the sector by First NZ Capital.

The report looks at Ryman Healthcare, Metlifecare, and Summerset Group, analysing the accounts of more than 70 villages during the past decade.

Increased land banking and construction given the ageing population and strong sector growth in recent years will see debt among retirement village operators continue to increase, FNZC said.

Ryman, the largest of the listed operators, is likely to increase its debt to more than $800 million over the next few years from $545.9 million in the 2016 financial year as it grows its landbank and builds more villages in Australia. It wants to have five villages open in Melbourne by 2020, while still maintaining its development rate in New Zealand and could announce a further six to eight development sites between now and 2020, the report said.

Summersets debt is likely to grow to between $400 and $500 million in the next few years from $241.5 million currently on core operating earnings of $15 million. The company has also been growing its landbank quite significantly since listing in 2011 and is focusing on more ambitious apartment projects which require more peak construction working capital than villas. Summerset is currently targeting acquiring one site in Auckland and one outside of Auckland yearly.

FNZC doesnt say the three listed operators have too much debt, but we do think as development focus increases, more information on headroom would be useful for the market.

Ryman says it is comfortably within its debt covenants, Summerset says it is comfortable and does stress testing, while Metlifecare has limited debt of only $74.2 million.

Metlifecare has been the least active developer of the large operators in the last decade though thats starting to change. Its development pipeline is dominated by brownfield opportunities in existing villages with only one greenfield development still some years away from opening.

Retirement village operators tend to acquire land and fund new developments through debt, building a mix of independent villas and apartments, serviced apartments and care facilities. They make money off any development gains and providing care services but the big and steady profits come from Occupational Rights Agreements which incoming residents purchase in order to live in the units.

When residents leave, the operators have to repay the purchase price but make a gain on the resale of the ORA to a new resident, on a deferred management fee of 20-to-30 percent, and on any uplift in the units value if the property market rises.

Despite the attractiveness of development and the operators broader business model, FNZC said more disclosure is required as the sector takes on more debt for growth.

Ryman did demonstrate in the last downturn that its diverse business (higher level of serviced apartments and care) positioned it well through that period which is likely a reason why the other operators are increasingly looking to replicate elements of Rymans model, among others.

But we similarly note that not all operators across the sector  both listed and private  have demonstrated the same capability to grow without equity and for this reason we would like to see more disclosure on debt as debt levels grow again and consideration is given to how the operators are placed in a property market slowdown, the report said.

Retirement village operators are favouring more developments in Auckland and other higher value locations than in the provinces because their business model works best in markets that combine large populations with higher property valuations.

In recent years the strong property market has caused a big uplift in the value of the operators net tangible assets, including mature villages.

FNZC notes the property market is well into the third material upwards cycle over the past 25 years and the last two strong growth periods were followed by relatively long periods in which nominal house prices were essentially flat.

The increasing leverage that some operators are taking on means that we think the health of the property market is the more important consideration for investors to consider, particularly given that we are well into what has been a strong period of house price growth, FNZC said.

Both development cash flows through new sales and the core resale cash flows that drive retirement village businesses rely on a functioning property market in which incoming residents are able to sell their existing houses at levels they are happy with, it said.

While it is not easy to observe, we expect a slowdown and more suppressed house prices might impact the timing of incoming resident choice  this is important to new and resales timing, FNZC said.

Mitigating factors include residents of serviced apartments and care facilities dont have much choice on moving in or not and may, therefore, still sell their houses even in a property market downturn.

Another factor, the report said, is that unlike typical property developers who can only sell once, village operators can opt to sell a unit at a lower price in a weak market, knowing theyll ultimately capture the gain again in the future.

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October 31st Morning Report


DECATUR  Again this year, artists from all over the country have submitted pieces to the Gallery 510 Arts Guild's annual exhibit, October National.

The exhibit will be displayed throughout October in the Madden Arts Center's Anne Lloyd Gallery. A reception will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, in the gallery. An artist talk will be at 6 p.m.

The juried show includes 50 pieces of various mediums, including photography, sculptures, paintings and textiles. Artists from New York to California have submitted pieces. Of course, our local Illinois artists are well-represented as well, said Jamie Rutherford, executive director of Gallery 510.

Each year, the gallery advertises the competition in national magazines. Artists send an email or a disk with photos of the art they wish to submit. Accepted pieces are then shipped or hand-delivered.

According to Barbara Dove, secretary of the Gallery 510 Arts Guild, artists are always searching for exhibition such as this to submit their work.

As part of the October National, seven pieces of art work are devoted to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These pieces will be acknowledged with their informational labels trimmed in pink.

Along with the juried pieces, Gallery 510 will give their own special recognition to Breast Cancer Awareness. The gallery has collaborated with the cancer awareness organization Come Together Let's Walk for the exhibit. The gallery will display a mosaic made of colored glass created especially for the 5K event held in June. The piece is designed with the 3-ribbon logo used by organization, recognizing ovarian, breast and cervical cancer. Survivors and supporters added their touch to this beautiful piece that will be donated back to the organization, Rutherford said.

October Art Exhibits

ANNE LLOYD GALLERY. October National 2016 will be shown during the month. Approximately 30 artists from eight states will be shown during the exhibit.

BICENTENNIAL ART CENTER. The Paris art center will display its annual Fall Show Juried Exhibition throughout Nov. 11. An open reception will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14

BLUE CONNECTION. Millikin University's retail art gallery will display Millikin alumni artwork, including paintings by Casey Wilen and Brady Rhoades and photography by Rachel Holden.

DECATUR AIRPORT GALLERY. The artwork of Barbara Dove will be displayed at the Airport Gallery during October.

FLOURISHES GALLERY AND STUDIOS. The downtown Shelbyville gallery will exhibit the paintings of Tom David until Nov 5.

Displayed in Studio D and the Beaux Arts Ballroom are works by artist Dan Modzelewski and the photography of Christan Riddle. For an appointment, call (217) 827-5690.

GALLERY 510. Gallery 510 will display the work of woodturner Don Davis. A reception will be held during First Friday, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 7. The artist's talk is at 6:30 p.m.

GIERTZ GALLERY. The Parkland College gallery will feature the display Parkland College 50th Art and Design Alumni Exhibition. For more information, visit www.artgallery.parkland.edu.

HEROIC AGE STUDIOS. Throughout the Halloween season, the art gallery and studio will display scary and fall scenes in the hallway. The display will be shown until November.

KRANNERT ART MUSEUM. The University of Illinois art museum will display Borderland Collective: Northern Triangle until Dec. 22. The exhibit includes art and historical documents communicating the the struggles of the many children who have crossed into the United States over the borders of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, known as the Northern Triangle.

LINCOLN ART INSTITUTE. Logan County Arts will host an exhibit from art classes at the Memorial Behavioral Health-Lincoln Center for Developmental Rehabilitation. A reception will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. Call (217) 651-8355 for an appointment.

PERKINSON ART GALLERY. Kirkland Fine Arts Center's art gallery will display the artwork of Shane Harris beginning Oct. 10. His exhibition will include ceramic sculptures and digital prints representing relationships and intimacy.

ROCK SPRINGS NATURE CENTER. Rock Springs Nature Center's north wing art gallery will feature Curt Knapp's photography. He focuses on wildlife and sunsets.

The photography of Jerry Sievers will be exhibited in the south gallery of the nature center. His photos include images of Midwest scenery, plants and wildlife.

Both exhibits will be on display until the end of the October.

TARBLE ARTS CENTER. Eastern Illinois University main art gallery will display A Dark Matter until Oct. 30. Contemporary artists will display their works depicting the struggles between economics, power and violence.

In the Brainard Gallery, an exhibition by artist Erin Washington entitled Ephemeros highlights images using mixed media.

Tours are available by appointment only. To schedule a tour, call (217) 581-2787 or email tarble@eiu.edu.

UPSTAIRS GALLERY. Pieces from the Macon County 4-H Visual Arts club will be displayed at the Decatur Public Librarys second floor gallery throughout October.
DECATUR  No matter the age, the childhood years can be funny. Pat Hazell brings his past on to the stage during his comedy show Wonder Bread Years.

The show will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, at Millikin University's Kirkland Fine Arts Center.

Hazell was one of the original writers for the NBC television show Seinfeld, as well as a writer for Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. His career has been full as a playwright, business owner and commentator for National Public Radio.

Wonder Bread Years is a family-friendly show taking the audience through their past, which the comedian knows is similar to his own.

The flavor is a time travel directed to the audience, he said. It's an homage to the baby boomer with our common denominators.

According to Jan Traughber, director for Kirkland Fine Arts Center, the show is a perfect union of theater and stand up comedy. Nostalgic performances are popular with Central Illinois audiences. However, Traughber knows the show may be tailored for Baby Boomers, she sees an attraction for others as well. I feel it has a broader appeal than just for that demographic, she said. It is a salute to happier, simpler times, when we were kids.

Hazell describes the show as a hybrid of his comedy style mixed with the humorous side of his past. He has added story telling, along with family slide shows, commercials and other memorabilia. He also allows the audience to add their own comparisons.

Raised in Ohama, Neb., Hazell refers to himself as part of the bread basket kids. His generation rarely used seat belts on their way to Dairy Queen. Lawn Jarts were not considered dangerous. And Halloween costumes were made from whatever was found in the closet. It is language we all speak, he said.

By subtracting some information, Hazell considers most childhood stories universal. All the of his stories come from his youth, but they can be seen in others' lives as well. Because of the connection, Wonder Bread Years is relatable to many generations. My dad had green army men, so did I, he said. Although his were made of metal and mine were made of hard plastic.

Hazell is now a father of two teenage boys. Although he is able to use some of their experiences in his act, he is also reminded that he is now similar to his own parents. My kids shine a light on it whenever they can, he said.
DECATUR  Darius D. Anderson was charged Wednesday with seven felony counts, after he allegedly boarded a Decatur-bound bus in Chicago to sit next to a woman who had an order of protection against him, held her against her will, forced her to enter her residence with him, battered her and threatened to kill her.

At the time of those incidents Anderson, 22, was serving a two-year probation term for domestic battery and unlawful restraint for attacks on the same victim in earlier this year.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, told police she was on a bus on Chicago's South Side on Sept. 28, when it stopped at 95th Street and the Dan Ryan Expressway. Her order of protection against Anderson is in force until August 2018.

Anderson sat next to her. When she tried to get up, Darius held her in the seat against her will, said a probable cause affidavit by Decatur patrol officer Kyle Schlorff. He repeatedly pushed her down in the seat so other passengers could not see her.

After the bus arrived in Decatur about 8 p.m., Anderson forced her to go with him to her residence in the 3700 block of North Portage Place.

Anderson told her he would kill her and then himself if she called the police, Schorff wrote in his statement.

About 9 p.m., Anderson punched and kicked her in the head, because she would not unlock her cellphone for his inspection. When he strangled her, she unlocked the phone.

She repeatedly told him to leave her residence, but he refused. When he fell asleep, she grabbed her phone, ran outside and called the police. When police arrived, they found Anderson asleep in a bed.

The victim suffered multiple facial abrasions. Her eyeglasses were broken.

Anderson was arrested and booked into the Macon County Jail, where he is being held on $75,000 bond. He was arraigned on charges of aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery with a prior conviction, unlawful restraint and violation of an order of protection with a prior domestic battery conviction.

In his prior case, on June 8, he kicked in the front door of her residence, punched her and bit her on the forehead. When she broke free and ran outside, he shattered her TV set and smashed holes in her walls.

On April 4, Anderson entered her bedroom, turned on the light and began yelling at her. When she went into her children's room to check on them, he punched her in the mouth. He stole her iPhone and dragged her down a flight of stairs by her hair.

Anderson is due in court Oct. 19 for a preliminary hearing in his most recent case.
DECATUR  Cartemius Watson, a 24-year-old man who recently moved to Decatur from Memphis, is being held in jail on $250,000 bond for allegedly sexually assaulting a girl younger than 14.

The alleged crime first came to light when a teacher found a note that was passed between students, which referred to sex acts.

The victim then told school officials that (Watson) had written her a note asking her to have sex with him on a specific evening in September, said a probable cause affidavit by Decatur patrol officer Brandon Rolfs.

He then snuck into her bedroom when other members of her household were asleep. In addition to engaging in sex acts with the underage girl, she told police he paid her $4 to perform a sexy dance for him, Rolfs wrote in his statement.

After police obtained consent to search the girl's residence, they found pieces of the paper note Watson used to proposition her. One part had been saved by the girl, while other pieces were found in trash bags inside an outdoor garbage can.

In the note, Watson allegedly wrote, stop being scared i got u we aint gone get caught and can u stay up please aint nobody gone know about us followed by an explicit request to have sex with him.

There are several other additional crude statements in which (Watson) is obviously attempting to persuade (the victim) to have sex with him, the affidavit said.

The clothes she wore the night of the incident were also taken for evidence.

When he was taken into custody, Watson made unsolicited statements to officers. My life is (expletive), I am so (expletive), Watson said.

When he was informed of his preliminary charges, he asked officers if he thought he might receive a sentence of probation.

The age of legal consent for sexual relations is 17 in Illinois.

Watson, whose first name is also spelled Cortemius, was booked into the Macon County Jail on Sept. 9, where he is being held on $250,000 bond. He was arraigned Sept. 19 on two counts of criminal sexual assault, each punishable by four to 15 years in prison.

On Wednesday, he entered a not guilty plea in circuit court. He is being represented by the public defender's office.

In 2015, Watson served 100 days in jail for a burglary conviction in Memphis. He also had prior cases of marijuana possession and a felon carrying a weapon on school property in Memphis.
HOBOKEN, N.J. (AP)  Federal investigators estimate a commuter train was traveling two to three times the 10 mph speed limit when it slammed into a New Jersey rail station last week, a U.S. official told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The official, who was briefed on the investigation, said investigators estimated the train was moving between 20 and 30 mph when it crashed into Hoboken Terminal last Thursday. The official was not authorized to speak about an ongoing investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

The speed estimate is based on the extent of damage, not on data from the train's instruments.

Federal investigators recovered a data recorder, video recorder and the engineer's cellphone from the front car of the train Tuesday afternoon and sent them to an agency lab for analysis.

National Transportation Safety Board investigator James Southworth said they don't yet know if the recorders contain any useful information.

Access to the devices had been hampered by debris from the crash.

Southworth said it would be at least a day before investigators are able to move the crashed train. He said New Jersey Transit service into and out of Hoboken wouldn't resume before then.

A second data recorder, in the locomotive at the rear of the train, wasn't functioning the day of the crash and didn't record speed, braking or other information about the trip, the NTSB has said.

That recorder was built in 1995. The recorder recovered Tuesday was made in 2003, investigators said.

Engineer Thomas Gallagher's cellphone was found in a backpack in the cab of the front train car.

At a briefing Tuesday, NTSB investigator James Southworth declined to address the train's speed. "We're not prepared to make that statement right now," he said.

One woman standing on a platform was killed by debris as the train smashed through a concrete-and-steel bumper and knocked out pillars, causing a section of the station's outdoor roof to collapse.

More than 100 people were injured.

Gallagher told investigators that he had no memory of the crash but said he was operating at 10 mph as he approached the station, said T. Bella Dinh-Zarr, the vice chair of the National Transportation Safety Board.

Gallagher, 48, said he only remembered waking up on the floor of the engineer's cab, Dinh-Zarr said Sunday.

Federal regulations require commuter trains to have working recorders. The regulations require they be inspected every 92 days. It was unclear when the nonworking recorder, which officials said was installed in 1995, had been last inspected.

The commuter rail service has not responded to requests for comment.
The 15th annual WSOY Community Food Drive is Friday, Oct. 7.

This is one of the remarkable events in the country, let alone this city. It's amazing how inadvertently dismissive of the effort we can be. Of course that goal was made. The goal always gets made.

But everyone needs to stand up and take a bow for the accomplishment. It's not an easy task. It takes hundreds of people to pull it off, both before and during the event. Take a look Friday and see all the volunteers from all walks of life doing all manner of jobs. See all of the effort that has gone in, and all the thanks those volunteers are given in ways large and small.

The goal for this year's food drive is 1.3 million pounds/dollars of food. Last year's total was 1.27 million. And in 2014, the event surpassed the one million pound mark for the first time.

After that, I wrote this. We're repeating it today (with a few adjustments to remove 2014-specific statements) as a reminder that this is a remarkable achievement annually.

Decatur, Illinois: Home of the World's Largest Charity Food Drive.

Why not?

* * *

One million pounds. Has that one sunk in yet?

Because I was typing it all weekend in correspondence with friends and acquaintances in and outside of Decatur, and every time I did so, I thought, "Did that really happen?"

It did.

Via the WSOY Community Food Drive, Decatur contributed in excess of one million pounds of food to local food banks.

That night, I made a post on social media encouraging people to "go ahead and say something snotty about where I live."

People like to do that, you know. People who live here especially. Generally, too many Decatur residents' obsessions are self-loathing and envy. Anywhere is better than here.

And sure, there are times when it is better to be somewhere else. But there is a thing Decatur can claim ahead of all others. It has a larger heart than anyone can imagine.

For a day, this community puts its best foot forward and delivers in remarkable style. Every time you might think the drive's results can't improve; or it seems the corporate, government and economic powers-that-be deliver the city some injustice, or we feel the need is greater and those with the capability to give number fewer, somehow, enough people are able to step up generously.

One of the things to come up throughout the broadcast was the feeling that it was a holiday. Not that there was celebration of others' misfortune and need. But in that we were able to see things of which our friends and neighbors are capable, and what one person can do, what one person's contribution can mean if all people pull in the same direction.The specific holiday mentioned throughout the day was Christmas. Does that make Kevin Breheny or Brian Byers Santa Claus? And how do you think the volunteers would feel about bring referred to as "elves" from this point forward? And where into that whole picture fit the media partners like the Herald & Review, those who get the word out to an even wider audience?

One of my favorite moments in 2014 was being able to witness the look on Breheny's face when an on-air guest casually mentioned, "You should get a million this year, eh?" Breheny's face was pulled down dramatically, as though the entire weight of the efforts of getting the totals to where they were to that point (less than even 500,000 pounds) was hanging from his cheeks.

The food drive has grown annually. To the point where its beginnings, while impressive, pale in comparison to what it became 10 and five years ago, let alone in 2014. The effort put forth by Byers and Breheny, done without them being defined only by that effort, is superhuman. Not only are they able to touch the right people for the right resources for success, they are able to inspire and lead the people who can do every human thing needed for success.

Those around the first food drive wouldn't recognize it now, and even those who have missed the last four or five would do double takes now. Not only has the amount of the gifts grown, the experience (broadcast and live) has been streamlined for enjoyment. As each new issue has cropped up, superb solutions have arisen. The best part is how the solutions have been noticeably well-conceived and well-executed, rather than slap-dash and something that is tolerated just because that's the way it is.

At one point during the 2014 broadcast, one guest said, This is the biggest food drive in America, isn't it? Breheny, notoriously shy about taking bows anytime but especially during the on-air part of the drive, quickly said, I don't know about that, and changed the subject.

But why not? At least the claim can be made. If someone challenges the claim, let them beat it. The benefits could be incredible. And the WSOY Drive can still make its claims as the nation's best, at the very least by using pounds per capita, or people served, or length of time pantry shelves are stocked.

Decatur, Illinois: Home of the World's Largest Charity Food Drive.

That's got a ring to it, doesn't it?
SPRINGFIELD  Bloomington physician David Gill is ending his independent bid for Congress in Illinois 13th District after a second U.S. Supreme Court justice declined to take up his ballot access case.

Gill, whos previously run for Congress four times as a Democrat, filed a federal lawsuit challenging the states signature requirement for independent congressional candidates after he collected fewer than 8,500 of the 10,754 valid petition signatures he needed to earn a spot on the Nov. 8 ballot. A federal judge in August ordered the Illinois State Board of Elections to allow Gill on the ballot, but the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals subsequently blocked that order.

Gill asked the U.S. Supreme Court to step in, and after Justice Elena Kagan denied his request last week, he appealed again to Justice Anthony Kennedy. Kennedy on Tuesday denied the request.

In the past six weeks, weve witnessed a complete denial of due process and justice, and the anti-democracy folks have won through gamesmanship and procedural tactics, Gill said Wednesday. Ive said for many years that our politics and government have rotted from the inside by having two major parties, which are both owned by Wall Street.  Its now clear that the rot extends into our judicial system.

Under state law, Gill still has time to notify local election authorities if he wishes to run as a write-in candidate, but he wont be doing so, campaign manager Don Necessary said.

While Gills candidacy is over, his lawsuit over Illinois signature requirement for independent congressional candidates continues.

Gills lawsuit argues that the requirement is unconstitutional because its out of line with the requirements for major party candidates. His would-be opponents, U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, and Democratic challenger Mark Wicklund of Decatur each had to gather fewer than 740 signatures on their nominating petitions.

Although she didnt make a final ruling on the merits of the argument, U.S. District Judge Sue Myerscough found that Gill had shown a modicum of support through the large number signatures he gathered and that he and his supporters would be irreparably harmed by his exclusion from the ballot.

Representing the elections board, the Illinois Attorney Generals Office has argued that the signature requirement is valid because state has an interest in preventing overcrowding of the ballot and potential voter confusion.

Following the appellate court order last month that led to his removal from the ballot, Gill said he planned to carry on the lawsuit regardless of whether he ultimately was allowed to run this year.

At the end of the day, thats even more important than the ballot access Im fighting for this year, he said in mid-September.

Gill has argued that the high signature requirement for independents is designed to protect a two-party system that doesnt benefit voters.

Gill said he was encouraged by the support he received this year and may seek to build on it for a sixth congressional bid in 2018.
KOLKATA: Chinese electronics goods maker Lenovo on Monday said it considers India as a potential centre for manufacturing laptops.

"Pondicherry plant, where we are already manufacturing desktops, has the capacity and flexibility to manufacture laptops. The company will have to take a call on when to do it," Dinesh Nair, director, consumer business, Lenovo India said.

He said that Lenovo, which already started manufacturing at its Chennai plant, is committed to the 'Make in India' initiative, which is evident from the visit of the company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Yang Yuanqing in 2015 for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Lenovo, which is already the third largest vendor of PCs in India in terms of market share, has redesigned its entire range of portfolio targeting the youth and the business segments and keeping the price at competitive levels, he told reporters in Kolkata on Monday.

Nair said that manufacturing laptops in India would give more flexibility as at least two months were needed to ship products from China.

Currently, the entire range of laptops are being shipped from China, he said.

In terms of revenue contribution, the laptops segment was contributing to 85 per cent to 88 per cent of overall PC sales, the rest being desktops, Nair said.

On market growth of PCs, he said that it remained flat in the last quarter.

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WASHINGTON: The U.S. Postal Service today said it will issue a Diwali postage stamp, meeting one of the long pending demands of Indian-American community here.



The Diwali stamp is being issued as a "Forever" stamp, the US Postal Service said in a statement.

The stamp design, unveiled by the US Postal Service (USPS), is a photograph featuring a traditional diya oil lamp lit in a sparkling gold background.



Sally Andersen-Bruce of New Milford, Connecticut, photographed the diya.



Greg Breeding of Charlottesville, Virginia, designed the stamp and William J Gicker from Washington postal service was the project's art director, a statement said.



The first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony will take place at the Indian Consulate in New York City on October 5, the USPS said.



Hinduism was the only major world religion, for which the USPS had not issued a postage stamp.



"This is a dream come true," said New York-based Ranju Batra chair, Diwali Stamp Project, who had led campaign to send thousands of letters to the US Postal Service in the past and had campaigned before the US Congress.



"It has taken seven years for me, thanks to Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney," she said.



Over the past several decades, a large number of individuals, organizations and Congressmen had campaigned for the issuing of a postage stamp commemorating the festival of lights.



Several resolutions were introduced in the Congress too.

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BALTIMORE  As the dogs touch down on a plane from Kuwait, each arrives with a story: Hope was the last survivor pulled from a pile of dead puppies; Stella was stabbed eight times; Mandy is recovering from pancreatitis.

Jennifer Yoon recalls their histories as she scrolls through pictures of some of the 152 dogs her organization has rescued from abuse and neglect in the small Persian Gulf country during the last year. Yoon is co-founder and vice president of Wings of Love, Kuwait, a Baltimore-based organization that just received its nonprofit status last month after more than a year of transporting dogs to the U.S.

Standing in the cellphone lot at Washington Dulles International Airport, Yoon is waiting for more dogs that will soon arrive on a flight with Patricia Riska, Wings of Love, Kuwaits founder and president. Its about a 30-hour turn and burn trip from Dulles and back.

A flight attendant for United Airlines, Riska founded Wings of Love, now a five-volunteer operation with 10 to 20 foster homes, after traveling to Kuwait for work. The Riverside resident connected with another flight attendant who was finding new homes for animals there, and brought home her first dog in April 2015.

Yoon learned of Riskas work when she was looking to adopt a second dog, and joined the effort. They incorporated as Wings of Love, Kuwait in October 2015.

Riska lands on Monday with seven dogs in tow. Popeye and Luna flew with her in the cabin in a soft carrier; chubby brother-sister pair Hershey and Sherry arrived in a crate; Jeff the poodle and Gipsy the papillon mix flew together in a third cage; and German shepherd mix Cecilia, the only large dog of the bunch, traveled alone in the fourth and final crate.

Yoon and Riskas husband, Bryn, circle around to the passenger pickup zone when they get word that shes cleared customs. They load the crates into their cars and head back to the cellphone lot, where the dogs stretch their legs in an adjacent dog park.

Popeye scratches at the grass. Jeff sits and stays on the familiar concrete. Cecilia bounds around the fenced-in yard.

Theres barely any grass in Kuwait, so this is new for them, and they just either rub themselves in it or they eat it, Patricia Riska said. Its so funny to watch them.

Riska and Yoon connected with rescuers in Kuwait through women like Karen Orobey, a Florence, Ore., resident who lived in Kuwait for 20 years.

Finding a permanent home in Kuwait for a dog and even a cat is really difficult, Orobey said. Its easier to rehome them outside of the country.

Thats because many Kuwaitis regard dogs as disposable accessories rather than part of the family, she said. Animals are usually kept outside  many times, on roofs  in the desert heat, and abandoned when they become sick or are no longer novel.

Those dogs end up on the street, where many are picked up by merchants and sold at Kuwait Citys Friday Market. The dogs that dont sell there are typically discarded or killed. International groups have been pressuring the Kuwaiti government to regulate the market, which has little to no standards of animal care, according to news reports and online petitions. Representatives from the Embassy of the State of Kuwait could not be reached for comment Wednesday night.

Riska said shes traveled all over the world, and shes seen some of the worst animal abuse in Kuwait.

People dont get it  theyre like, Oh, OK, why Kuwait? Riska said. And once I took Jennifer, she was like, I get it now why youre doing it.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

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A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High around 80F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

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Cloudy with showers. Low 59F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
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Before todays government cabinet session commenced, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan addressed the newly appointed prime minister and ministers and declared that he had full confidence that the new government is capable of achieving everything that all past governments failed to do.

Sargsyan told the newly formed government that its number one priority would be to raise the level of efficiency given that Armenia had no shortage of challenges to tackle.

Of course, it is much easier to develop, to reach high economic results, when your surroundings are peaceful and when your neighbors and partner countries also experience economic growth, Sargsyan said, adding that despite negative external factors in this regard, the government is obligated to do all it can and to usher in economic development.

Sargsyan said it was his conviction, based on international experience, that it is possible to better manage modest resources and nevertheless achieve positive results.

The president said he believed the Armenian public expected no less from the new government.

Referring to the change of the countrys government from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary system, Sargsyan said that not only would the model of governance change, but that it would resolve the problem of the lack of collective thinking and attitude in Armenia.

Perhaps people do not fully comprehend the scale of change that will take place in our reality due to the constitutional reforms and the new government model. It falls upon you to become the leader of this transitional period, Sargsyan said, adding that the new government must take the lead in this effort and that the entire state apparatus would assist.
Canberra, Australia  Nine Australian friends who have spent four nights in Malaysian police detention will appear in a court for the first time on Thursday after stripping down to their briefs and drinking beer from shoes at the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix, an official said.
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."
Labor has promised to use the former Downer Club site in Dickson to expand a program of low-cost supportive housing for the homeless and vulnerable.

The government purchased the land from the CFMEU-linked Tradies Club in February, as part of a complicated land deal involving two other sites nearby.

The Common Ground model combines a mix of affordable units and housing for the homeless with support services and a stable community.

The site of the former club, which included an old observatory, has remained disused since a fire in 2010.
A Canberra man convicted of molesting two sisters in the late 1990s has won an appeal to have his jail term reduced.

Michael Alan Gillard, 62, "cynically and evilly" abused the two teenage girls when he looked after them during school holidays at his Canberra home.

Michael Alan Gillard outside the ACT Magistrates Court in 2011 Credit:Marina Neil

ACT Supreme Court Justice John Burns described Gillard's crimes as a "gross breach of trust" when he sentenced him to 10 years and nine months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of seven years, in December 2014.

Justice Burns said Gillard had a history of denial and had repeatedly sought to downplay his own culpability
It was a mission to find out whether cable ties attached to helmets really do deter swooping magpies that led to one of more than 30 entries to The Canberra Times' spring photography competition.

Woden resident Noel Hart was one of many getting out in the new season to gather images of a classic spring experience for the competition.

Woden resident Noel Hart's image of a swooping magpie attack on September 19, taken using a GoPro camera attached to his bicycle helmet. Credit:Noel Hart

But rather than the traditional Brindabella landscapes, floral close-ups and lake shots, he got an arresting shot of an attacking magpie.

The 81-year-old jumped on his bike in late September, Go-Pro camera attached to his helmet, in a bid to prove whether cable ties attached to the helmet did deter a certain "aggressive" magpie in Woden from swooping riders.
An Amaroo man has been refused bail in court after police allegedly seized a mobile phone stun-gun, eight grams of the drug ice and more than $3000 cash from his bag.

Cam Massey, 28, was arrested after he allegedly fled police who were called to a unit complex in Berrigan Crescent, O'Connor, in response to a report of a suspicious vehicle in an underground carpark shortly before 2am on Thursday.

Massey was charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing stolen property when he appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday.

He has not yet entered pleas.
NAB chief executive Andrew Thorburn has told a banking inquiry that no senior executive was terminated despite the bank paying millions of dollars in compensation to customers of the bank's wealth division.

Mr Thorburn appeared before the parliament's economics committee where he was grilled by committee chairman David Coleman on the bank's dealing of a financial advice scandal, which affected around 750 customers and saw the bank pay around $15m in compensation. .

A Fairfax investigation uncovered that inside the bank there were concerns about forgery and file tampering. More than 40 planners ended up leaving the bank - not all of whom were reported to the corporate regulator, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

"That's not one or two rogue individuals that's a significant number. How did you allow that to happen in the first place..." Mr Coleman asked.
The company that owns Cronulla Sharks chief sponsor, Capitol Health, is nursing a major post-premiership hangover with the departure of its chief executive officer just days after the NRL grand final.

The diagnostic imaging group threw on a guernsey in mid-2015 when it signed up its NSW offshoot Southern Radiology as major sponsor to NRL team.

Not winning: Capitol Health managing director John Conidi has resigned. Credit:Pat Scala

The Sharks had been without a major sponsor since its supplements scandal broke in 2011.

But that stench didn't scare off Capitol's general manager John Conidi, who reportedly found the team via a Google search and saw it as an opportunity to win Sydneysiders' hearts and minds.
The competition watchdog has raised concerns about Rupert Murdoch's News Corp gaining a monopoly on print newspapers in Queensland if allowed to buy its rival's mastheads.

APN announced in June that News Corp, one of its major shareholders, will buy a division called Australian Regional Newspapers [ARN] for $36.6 million.

ACCC has concerns about Rupert Murdoch's papers getting an effective monopoly in Queensland. Credit:Christopher Pearce

APN News and Media owns 76 printed newspapers distributed across Queensland and 60 websites.

News Corp owns a 14.9 per cent stake in APN, which has been restructuring by shedding its traditional media assets but keeping its radio and AdShel divisions.
Malcolm Turnbull's failure to mention the tram at the Canberra Liberals' campaign launch, and Richard Farmer's promise of a $100,000 advertising blitz in his bid to oust Labor added a tinge of shock and surprise to an otherwise muted ACT election week.

With eight days to go, the big-ticket promises have come to a halt and both parties are down to the odds and sods. Next week, Labor will return to health and education; the Liberals can be expected to release a plan on rates and taxes.

Road workers hold pro-light rail signs in Woden.

The final fortnight has been coloured by Auditor-General Maxine Cooper's report into the Land Development Agency, and a return to debate about the tram. These, and longevity, are the three big problems for Labor  because while the tram is clearly a vote-changer for those who might normally support Labor or the Greens, it doesn't appear to have the same pulling power among its supporters. Other than Turnbull's silence, you don't hear many Liberal voters unhappy at the party's plans to scrap the tram.

One theory attributes a level of foresight to the Liberal strategy which possibly doesn't exist  suggesting that the characteristically Labor agenda the Liberals have rolled out on health, education, housing and public transport was designed from the get-go to neutralise Labor on those issues so by the time we got to the pointy end, we would be back to the tram as one of the few, and the big, difference.
This is a man who likes to strut and gloat. He's such a great businessman he declared a loss of $US916 million on his 1995 tax return, a loss so huge the tax software used by his accountant choked at the amount, which had to be corrected manually.

There's more ingenuity to his hairstyle than any of his rambling pronouncements. His political hero is Vladimir Putin, who has perfected what John le Carre once called the "classic, timeless, all-Russian, barefaced whopping lie".

This man, with the support of tens of millions of Americans, is a hairbreadth from the Oval Office. Credit:Evan Vucci

He's managed to bring penis size and menstrual cycles and the eating habits of a former Miss Universe (Alicia Machado, who he once called "Miss Piggy") into the debate for the highest office in the land. He's mocked and mimicked the handicapped and the pneumonia-induced malaise of Hillary Clinton. His intellectual interests would not fill a safe-deposit box at Trump Tower.

Donald Trump is a thug. He's a thug who talks gibberish, and lies, and cheats, and has issues, to put it mildly, with women. He's lazy and limited and he has an attention span of a nanosecond. He's a "gene believer" who thinks he has "great genes" and considers the German blood, of which he is proud, "great stuff". Mexicans and Muslims, by contrast, don't make the cut.

His cohorts, including the former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, reckon this makes Trump a "genius" because he could offset the loss against many millions of dollars of income for years afterward and perhaps pay not a dime in taxes. All of which did a lot of good for the United States of America and all the working stiffs who did not know that losing about a billion dollars is a financial masterstroke.

And this man, with the support of tens of millions of Americans, is a hairbreadth from the Oval Office.

I am shocked  yes, shocked!  that Trump's burbling about the Iran nuclear deal in the first presidential debate has received little attention. He called it "the worst deal I think I've ever seen negotiated", before suggesting "Iran has power over North Korea" and should use it, before saying Iran had been given $US400 million and then $US1.7 billion and then $US150 billion, as well as saying, "This is one of the worst deals ever made by any country in history!"

Of course, Trump has no idea what is in the agreement, since that would require reading it, and so he would not have an inkling that it has slashed and ring-fenced Iran's nuclear capacity until 2030, reversing the Islamic Republic's steady accumulation of centrifuges, and has also opened the way for Boeing to sell Iran 80 commercial passenger aircraft  just the sort of job-creating deal Trump professes to like.

And this man, whose meanness and petulance and childlike inadequacies have been on display for more than a year now, may become president next month.
We had world suicide prevention day on September 10. Two days before this, we had R U OK? day. Mental health month has just started in NSW in October, which has borderline personality disorder awareness week. On October 9, we will have World Mental Health Day. Then there'll be a short break until the November 13, which will start perinatal depression and anxiety awareness week.

In an age of stigma, never before have we discussed mental health this extensively, particularly among calendar manufacturers.

People do not seek treatment due to stigma, which is why so many continue to needlessly suffer. Credit:Tamara Voninski

What has led to this saturation-level public psycho-education? In the past, psychiatric issues have been anathema for open discussion. Freudian psychoanalysis meant that, apart from repressed Victorian housewives, there was little scope for any actual clinical improvement. Psychiatrists were seen as the dutiful documenters of the insane  watching over looming asylums packed with screaming inconsolable lost souls.

Callan Park (later Rozelle Hospital) was opened in 1885 with an intended capacity of 250 patients  by the mid-20th century, this population had exploded to more than 3000 patients, packed to the brim in ancient buildings with no possibility for relief. Psychiatric patients did not deserve the disdain that the ineffectual psychiatric profession earned.
The ACU report notes that only one in eight car workers has started looking for work, and there will be some, especially in the Turnbull government, who use this to blame the workers for their plight. Nothing could be less fair, or further from the truth. Ideologues who oppose any sort of government co-investment in manufacturing regularly trot out myths about Australia's car workers, smearing them as lazy and overpaid. The truth is very different. When I was industry minister in 2013, the average annual wage in the industry was $59,789, compared with $59,548 in the manufacturing sector as a whole. Wages were higher in motor vehicle manufacturing, at $70,394, but lower for component workers, at $54,313.

Wage rates have been static since then. Nor can automotive workers be portrayed as bludgers. Productivity in the industry more than doubled between 1991 and 2012, with the number of vehicles produced per employee rising from 10.9 to 19.6. If people working in engineering and design are included, the number of vehicles per person in 2012 was 24.9. The myth that this is an unskilled workforce is also confounded by the facts. More than 40 per cent of automotive industry employees have a certificate qualification or advanced diploma, and 15 per cent have degrees. Both these figures are higher than in manufacturing as a whole.

Those who like to blame the workers for losing their jobs find it easier to peddle these myths than to acknowledge the real reasons for the low number of workers seeking new jobs. Geelong and Broadmeadows have higher than average unemployment rates, and Broadmeadows, in particular, has one of the highest in Australia at 22 per cent. Youth unemployment is harder to gauge, but on some estimates it is as high as 40 per cent in Melbourne's north-west. Many of the Broadmeadows workers are also older and from non-English speaking backgrounds, which makes job hunting harder even at the best of times. Yes, they will all receive redundancy pay-outs, and the Victorian government and the company have contributed to programs aimed at helping them retrain and find new work.

But to describe this glibly as "transition", as some media commentators have done, masks the reality. It is not simply a matter of an old industry going and new ones automatically appearing to take its place. What will be happening in the Australian automotive industry over the next 12 months is unprecedented, as Tom Barnes, who led the ACU study, acknowledges. "We have never seen anything else like it, where a whole industry is wound up in such a short period," Dr Barnes said. The tragedy is that this did not have to happen.

Ford made its own decision to leave because the high dollar at the time made exports unprofitable. But Holden was goaded into leaving by the Abbott government, and Toyota followed suit because without at least two car manufacturers there would not be a big enough domestic supply chain to satisfy demand. The notion that these were cosseted companies, protected from competition, is nonsense. As the then Holden chief, Mike Deveraux, reminded the Abbott government, for every dollar the taxpayer gives the industry in assistance $30 are returned in economic activity. That return makes the industry assistance a damned good investment by any measure.

And, automotive manufacturing has long been the great repository of skills and capabilities in advanced manufacturing in this country. That is what is now under threat because of the shutdowns. Whether these capabilities are lost will depend on whether government and industry pull in the same direction, or the government washes its hands of the problem as Malcolm Turnbull has done so far. If we can retain them there is every possibility of attracting new investment to revive the industry, as happened in Britain. If we do not, the grim prospect is that predicted by University of Adelaide research: 200,000 jobs lost across the national supply chain, with a $29 billion hole ripped annually in the economy.
This has not been the centennial year the national Returned and Services League wanted.

Just four months after taking up the RSL national presidency, Vietnam veteran Rod White is resisting calls to stand aside over "consultancy fees" he took while he was NSW state president. The payments came from RSL LifeCare  a billion-dollar business of which he was a director at the time.

The reputation of the RSL is paramount but under threat. Credit:John Veage

RSL LifeCare is controlled by RSL NSW and runs 45 nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.

The RSL national board has wisely announced an independent inquiry but will allow Mr White to stay on "for reasons of natural justice".
It's time economists stepped up and started to advocate loudly, persuasively and in simple terms the benefits of free trade. From Donald Trump's proposed 45 per cent "Trump Tariff" on Chinese imports, to Theresa May's crackdown on migration, to our very own One Nation, we are witnessing the rise of anti-globalisation and anti-free trade voices. Of course, there have been voices of discontent for decades, pointing out the devastating impact on some sectors of unfettered free trade, and the unfairness of the distribution of the gains. Rightly so. But the idea of throwing out the free trade baby with the bathwater entirely? That's new. And extremely dangerous to our prospects for future prosperity. Are policymakers worried? You bet. Officials gathering in Washington DC this weekend for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank's annual meetings worry about the unravelling of half a century of economic prosperity.

The two institutions were forged in the aftermath of World War II at a conference at the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire (to this day, a lovely place to holiday). Their founders hoped that by establishing a truly global system of economic co-operation, deeply interlinked economies would have less motivation to go to war with each other. It worked. Since then, freer trade has liberated millions from poverty and ushered in a period of relative international peace. This is now in peril. Global trade collapsed during the global financial crisis. In its aftermath, growth in global trade has sunk below the pace of global economic growth  having grown at twice the pace of economic growth for the three decades prior. In large part, this collapse in growth of trade is a direct result of the collapse in economic growth, the IMF concluded in a special chapter of its recent World Economic Outlook. The world is gripped by widespread economic malaise, and depressed trade is a symptom of that. But anti-trade liberalisation and pro-protectionism sentiments are also playing a role. Multi-lateral trade negotiations have stalled, replaced by a web of preferential trade deals that have more to do with side issues, like protecting intellectual property, than freeing trade. Since the global financial crisis, countries surveyed by the World Trade Organisation have introduced no less than 1583 trade-restrictive measures, of which only 387 have been removed.

There now exists a real risk that workers already suffering the effects of depressed wages will reject the very ideas which would underpin prospects for future income growth. Still dubious about the benefits of free trade? Let me spell it out. Free trade makes consumers better off in a number of ways. Most obviously, it opens up access to a wider variety of cheap consumable goods and services. Kmart and IKEA are consumers' paradise, yes. But, on a more serious note, a tangible saving on the everyday cost of living for the most disadvantaged in society. According to IMF: "The benefits of trade from lower prices tend to favour those at the bottom of the income distribution because the poor spend a larger share of their income on heavily traded goods."

Of course, you can raise your standard of living in two ways: by paying less or earning more. Free trade helps both sides of the equation. While it doesn't necessarily create more jobs overall, free trade does lift wages, in the long run. In poorer, developing countries, freer trade creates opportunity for earning income that didn't previously exist. It's no exaggeration to say that millions of humans have been lifted out of poverty by the opportunities freer trade open up. Of course, the opportunity for exploitation also exists, and for unfair distribution of gains. But these are the result of inadequate government regulation and intervention, not the fault of free trade itself. In developed nations, free trade exposes workers to greater competition from cheaper offshore labour. For some workers, in manufacturing in particular, this can have a devastating impact not just on wages, but on livelihoods. The truth policymakers are often too scared to speak is that  far from being an unintended side effect of free trade  this painful readjustment is actually the primary way that freer trade helps economies to become more efficient, and thereby earn more for doing less. Free trade forces countries to specialise at producing what they are relatively best at. Without it, Australians would still be sewing undies behind a wall of tariff protection. The alternative free trade has created is that we import our undies and instead deploy our workforce to produce higher end manufactures and services. The earning capacity of those jobs is much higher.

Of course, not every assembly-line worker sacked secures one of these new jobs. Does that mean we shouldn't open our economy to competition and force ourselves up the value chain? That is what proponents of protectionism would argue. A far better way is for governments to intervene properly to support redundant labour, either through retraining or dignified social welfare support. It is the job of government to intervene to restore fairness where market forces unleash only efficiency. Many governments have failed in this responsibility  particularly in the US. Arguably, as Australia's car manufacturing industry prepares to close with barely a whimper, we have done better. It's true that free trade unleashes destruction, but it also unleashes an even greater potential for creativity. Australian companies have cheap access to a global supply chain of intermediary products to use to build entirely new products for export. Free trade facilitates the flow of new technologies (Australians don't make smartphones, after all), business best practices and new ideas, particularly in medicine and education which can truly enhance wellbeing.
Victorian Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio has accused her federal counterpart Josh Frydenberg of pulling a political stunt by calling an emergency meeting of ministers in the wake of the South Australian blackout, saying it had no meaningful agenda and suggesting it was unlikely to achieve anything.

Federal and state energy ministers will meet in Melbourne on Friday to discuss the events that shut down the electricity grid across the state last Wednesday. Issues to be discussed include the strengthening of transmission poles and wires, the integration of renewable energy into the national grid and the rise of battery storage.

Victorian Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio has described the emergency meeting of federal and state energy ministers this Friday a political stunt. Credit:Angela Wylie

Ms D'Ambrosio said there was desperation behind the scenes on Thursday as the federal government scrambled to put something significant behind the one-page agenda delivered to the states that morning.

"It is hard not to conclude that this is a political stunt," she said. "I'm actually a bit flabbergasted that it appears the federal government has given the draft agenda to a media outlet before ministers got to see it themselves."
National Australia Bank boss Andrew Thorburn says his bank stopped giving money to Australian political parties "to be clean" and to avoid public perceptions of impropriety or graft.

Appearing before a parliamentary inquiry into the banking sector on Thursday, Mr Thorburn said NAB made the landmark decision in order "to be respected as a bank and as a company".

But he also tacitly acknowledged the big banks did not need to make political donations for goodwill, noting "we have good relationships with all political parties anyway".

"In essence, we felt that the donations we were making to political parties were being misconstrued, misinterpreted incorrectly," Mr Thorburn said. "We felt that to be clean, direct and decisive, our board decided to stop making such political payments."
Civil celebrants who oppose same-sex marriage would be allowed to refuse to officiate gay weddings under Attorney-General George Brandis' vision for marriage equality in Australia.

The Turnbull government is also considering extra funding for mental health groups if a plebiscite on same-sex marriage goes ahead, a tacit admission the public vote has the potential to harm LGBTI people's mental wellbeing.

Senator Brandis will next week bring to the Coalition party room proposed amendments to the Marriage Act that would be enacted if a plebiscite is held and passed by the Australian people.

He told a teleconference of marriage equality advocates on Thursday his preferred position was to protect both religious ministers and civil celebrants from anti-discrimination law if they did not wish to officiate same-sex weddings.
He was the founding head of a top barristers' chambers in Sydney and hails from a high-flying family.

But the federal government's chief legal adviser, Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson, has enjoyed a relatively low profile outside legal circles  until now.

Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson SC "could basically run rings around Brandis in his sleep", according to one senior barrister. Credit:Nic Walker

The 54-year-old silk and St Patrick's College Strathfield old boy is now the chief thorn in the side of Attorney-General George Brandis, and a very public brawl between the pair is showing no signs of abating.

What started as an important but pointy-headed legal debate about the independence of the Solicitor-General is now a feud about a far more tangible issue for voters: whether Brandis misled Parliament.
The federal government will push ahead with a new tender for Australia's triple-zero emergency call service, despite an official review warning changes should be delayed until location capability technology is implemented and co-ordination problems are resolved.

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield called for expressions of interest from service providers on Thursday, saying he expected a new tender would help Australia keep pace with technological advancements developed since the call-only system was established in 1961.

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield. Credit:Andrew Meares

As part of the announcement, Senator Fifield said the government would separately seek a provider who can track the location of emergency calls made from mobile phones.

A government review in 2014 found about two thirds of calls to the national triple-zero operator now come from mobiles.




George Washington Adams was the eldest son of John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the United States, and Louisa Catherine Adams. He also, of course, was a grandson of John Adams, first Vice President and second President of the United States. He was born in Berlin, Prussia on April 12, 1801 while his father was serving as a U.S. diplomat there. According to a brief biography of George Washington Adams:





In 1809 John Quincy was appointed minister plenipotentiary to Russia. Despite Louisas objections, John Quincy and his parents decided that George and his younger brother John 2d would remain at home to be educated. Only the youngest son, Charles Francis, would accompany his parents to Russia. The separation lasted for nearly six years, during which time Louisa gave birth to a daughter, Louisa Catherine, who died in infancy. George and John 2d boarded with their great-aunt and uncle, Mary Smith and Richard Cranch, in Quincy. With the death of both Mary and Richard in 1811, the two boys went to live with the Peabodys, and a year later they entered Derby Academy in Hingham, Massachusetts, residing with the schools preceptor, Daniel Kimball. John Quincy was appointed minister plenipotentiary to the Court of St. James in 1815, and in May of that year George and John 2d were reunited with their parents and Charles Francis in London. The family resided in Ealing where the boys attended David Nicholas school, George as a day student. With John Quincys appointment as secretary of state in 1817, the family returned to the U.S. In August George enrolled at Harvard, and although he was disciplined for taking part in a student rebellion, he received his degree in August 1821. He then studied law with his father, and in October 1823 he entered his third year of legal education in Daniel Websters Boston law office. The following October, after being admitted to the Suffolk County Bar, George began to practice law in Boston.





Source:  Third Generation  George Washington Adams  in Adams Biographical Sketches by the Massachusetts Historical Society (visited Oct. 12, 2016).





George Washington Adams had a reputation as a womanizer and a heavy drinker. Although he began practicing law in Massachusetts, he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1826, serving one year. In 1828 he served briefly on the Boston City Council. According to one account, Adams had a troubled life. . . . He was said to be predisposed to gloom and paranoia, a combination that would probably be classified as depressive illness.





On April 30, 1829, George Washington Adams was traveling on board the steamship Benjamin Franklin in Long Island Sound on his way from Boston to Washington, D.C. when he appears to have committed suicide in the middle of the night. According to one account: He was last seen at about 2 A.M., and his hat and cloak were found on deck, leading to the conclusion that he had intentionally jumped. His body washed ashore on June 10. Adams had left notes hinting that he intended to kill himself, and earlier on the ship he had seemed delusional, asking the captain to return to shore, and declaring that the other passengers were conspiring against him. The consensus in news accounts of the time and among historians subsequently is that he committed suicide by drowning after he jumped from the Benjamin Franklin.





Source:  George Washington Adams  in Wikipedia  The Free Encyclopedia (visited Oct. 2, 2016).





A Hell Gate pilot named Ferris living on City Island in the Town of Pelham found the body of George Washington Adams after it washed ashore, virtually on the pilots doorstep, on Wednesday, June 10, 1829. One newspaper reported:





We learn from Mr. Ferris, one of the Hurl [sic] Gate pilots, that the body of Mr. G. W. Adams, son of the late President Adams, was found on Wednesday afternoon on City island directly in front of his door.





Ex-President Adams, with his family, was to leave Washington last week for Massachusetts, there to take up his permanent residence.









Although George Washington Adams never married, he is believed to have had a mistress named Eliza Dolph who, some claim, gave birth to a child only a few months before George Washington Adams committed suicide. Eliza Dolph was a chambermaid to Dr. Welch, the family doctor of the Adams family in Boston. Shortly before Adams committed suicide, Eliza became ill. Although she recovered from the illness, by July 1829 her baby, possibly a child of George Washington Adams, had died.









George Washington Adams in Portrait Painted Ca. 1820.

Painting by Charles Bird King On Exhibit in Brooks' Adams'

Bedroom of the Old House (National Park Service).

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.





Labels: 1829, City Island, Drowning, George Washington Adams, John Quincy Adams, Long Island Sound, Suicide
As cabinet portfolios go, the post of Attorney-General, ideally, sits above the fray. Sober. Reasoned. Cooly jurisprudential, and deliberately low profile.

Less so under this AG however. George Brandis, Australia's first law officer, displays a surprising penchant for occupying the story.

Whether it be in his incendiary defence of the right to bigotry, his expensive bookshelves and ostentatious poetry reading gesture during a Senate committee hearing, or his creative use of travel entitlements, the Queensland Queen's Counsel has rarely been far from controversy.

Now he is in the public dock again - haughtily accused, by a somewhat puffed-up opposition, of having misled Parliament, and in so doing, having misrepresented the nation's second law officer with whom he must work hand-in-glove, the Commonwealth Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson.
Kylie Minogue and her British fiance would love to tie the knot Down Under but will not be doing so until there is marriage equality in Australia.

The pair would love to get married in Melbourne says Minogue's fiance, UK actor Joshua Sasse.

Kylie Minogue and fiance Joshua Sasse. Credit:Getty Images

"There are chances of a Melbourne wedding ... [but] we will not get married until this law has passed in Australia," Sasse told Network Seven from Vancouver on Thursday.

Minogue and Sasse are fighting for same-sex marriage to be legalised in Australia supporting the "Say I Do Down Under" campaign.
Episode 3 of the Phoebe's Fall podcast, The Age's investigation into Phoebe Handsjuk's death and its aftermath, can be downloaded from theage.com.au/phoebesfall or iTunes.

Growing concern over a Victorian coroner's finding into the mysterious garbage chute death of Phoebe Handsjuk has sparked a push for changes to the law.

Victoria's state opposition has pledged to amend the Coroner's Act to broaden the grounds for appeal; shadow attorney general John Pesutto says Ms Handsjuk's case highlighted the need for "confidence in our coronial system".

"The coronial findings in this case are difficult to comprehend and many Victorians will appreciate why Phoebe's family continue their painful search for a better understanding of events leading up to and following her tragic passing," Mr Pesutto said.
A Tax Office public servant has won workers' compensation for mental damage he suffered when his boss told him she was used to managing "people like you".

The case in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal has revealed the tensions behind the scenes as ATO technicians struggled at its Brisbane offices to ready the new E-tax for Mac software in time for Tax Time 2013.

Workplace anti-bullying efforts are failing to protect state and federal public servants.

At one point one public servant was told he was endangering the whole E-tax project by not carrying out enough defect tests each day.

Thompson Francis will be compensated for the anxiety and depression he said was caused by workplace bullying and harassment as he and his colleagues were pressured by bosses to iron-out bugs in the system.
The NSW government will need to modify station platforms and rail lines in the Blue Mountains because the new fleet of intercity trains it is spending $2.3 billion on will be too wide to make trips as far as Lithgow and Katoomba.

Tender documents for the new fleet show the trains, which are to be built in South Korea, will be about 3.1 metres wide, which is the size of a medium electric rail car.

But this means they will be too wide to travel beyond Springwood to Katoomba and Lithgow on the Blue Mountains Line.

That section of line can handle only carriages narrower than three metres, such as the decades-old V-Sets that the new trains will replace.
Senior NSW National MPs were dismissive on Thursday of the prospect of a challenge to the party's leader, Deputy Premier Troy Grant, if he did not agree to dump its support for a ban on greyhound racing.

Other party figures did not return calls amid widening media speculation that the party room could force Mr Grant to drop the policy or face a challenge himself as early as next week.

One senior MP acknowledged that there was concern about the impact the ban was having on the party's standing but dismissed the reports: "There is no move.

"It is a contest [with] News [Corporation] and Macquarie Radio shock-jocks and an elected government about who runs the state."
Controversial Gold Coast policeman Chris Hurley felt "unsafe" and "threatened" during a roadside incident with a man he was later accused of assaulting, a court has heard.

Senior Sergeant Hurley has pleaded not guilty to four counts of common assault over a 2013 incident at Robina in which he allegedly grabbed a man by the throat.

Gold Coast policeman Chris Hurley is accused of common assault. Credit:Ian Hitchcock

But the 48-year-old told a summary trial in the Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday the body language and manner of Luke Cole "made me feel unsafe" and said he later drew his Taser because he "felt threatened".

AAP
The typical startup fairy tale goes something like this: You begin with young entrepreneurs from Stanford or Harvard who have come up with some novel idea for disrupting restaurants or dog-walking or whatever else.

After creating a prototype, the guys (they are almost always men) enter startup boot camps like Y Combinator, recruit a group of early investors, and perhaps launch a Kickstarter with a slick video. If the initial plan succeeds, the founders go into heedless expansion mode, which usually means selling off huge chunks of their company in exchange for gobs of money from venture capitalists. Then, after a few years, if all goes according to plan, they hit the big time ??? an initial public offering and a chance to be the next face of the future.

MailChimp advertising became synonymous with the global podcast Serial. Credit:Penny Stephens

Well, sometimes. What's often left out of the startup dream story is any mention that there's another way.

In fact, it's possible to create a huge tech company without taking venture capital, and without spending far beyond your means. It's possible, in other words, to start a tech company that runs more like a normal business than a debt-fueled rocket ship careening out of control. Believe it or not, startups don't even have to be headquartered in San Francisco or Silicon Valley.
In a bid to foster new and deeper connections among Australia's entrepreneurs and the wider community, new start-up TwoSpace will next week launch a platform allowing nomadic workers to make a temporary, comfortable home in the cosy environs of inner-city restaurants  whose doors are normally closed during office hours.

The idea came about when founders Tashi Dorjee and Rob Walker recalled a unique establishment in Singapore  where they both worked in 2013  which would transform from an understated daytime cafe into a swinging nighttime pizza parlour. The venue was called TwoFace.

TwoSpace co-founders Tashi Dorjee and Rob Walker are launching their service in Sydney next week.

"After we both moved back here we found it a bit hard to work at Starbucks or cafes all the time or even to have the odd meeting," Tashi said. "Then over dinner one night when we started to talk about some of the good old days, TwoFace came up while we were at a restaurant which seemed a bit empty ... and we thought what if we could fill this bad boy up with people who needed space to work from? And order food and drinks?"

Applying the transformation concept as a way to match freelancers with empty space  and also weave some new social fabric  TwoSpace will launch on October 10 at Casoni in Darlinghurst, Sydney. It will be free for the first month. The internet will be provided by Optus.
Samsung, the largest maker of televisions and smartphones in the world, is buying Viv Labs, a high-profile artificial-intelligence start-up founded by the inventors of Apple's Siri voice assistant.

The move is a major land grab in the battle for cutting-edge artificial intelligence taking place among tech giants. Samsung, which has lagged behind in such services, is now positioned to add intelligent, Siri-like voice capabilities to its vast collection of home and mobile electronics.

Dag Kittlaus and his team previously built Siri, which was acquired by Apple in 2010. Credit:The Washington Post

"We have a unique opportunity to take advantage of AI and show the rest of the industry what the smart, connected world can look like," Jacopo Lenzi, Samsung's senior vice president of business development and strategic acquisitions, said in an interview. The companies declined to disclose the purchase price of the deal.

It is no coincidence that Samsung chose to make its announcement just one day after Google touted its own foray into smartphones and other technologies that can converse with users, providing them with information and services.
After a 24-hour launch delay, the National Broadband Network's second satellite has been successfully deployed and will soon begin providing broadband services to tens of thousands of homes and businesses in rural and remote Australia.

The Sky Muster II satellite was carried aloft on board an Ariane 5 rocket decorated with the photos of 700 Australians, winners of NBN's "blast your face into space" contest.

The rocket carrying Sky Muster II lifts off.

The launch vehicle took off from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana in South America at 7.30am AEDT. The event was observed by NBN executives and board members in both Kourou and at the offices of the satellite's manufacturer, Space Systems Loral (SSL), in Palo Alto near San Francisco.

The Australian payload was released 28 minutes into the flight, before a tense 7 minute wait for mission control to obtain what is called the initial acquisition of signal. Only then did the champagne corks pop.
A sustained years-long campaign involving underwear being placed in front of a tree outside a house in Melbourne's east has left police and the homeowner baffled.

The perplexed Surrey Hills resident has told law enforcement that knickers of various styles and sizes have been appearing in her front yard since 2014.

Someone has been leaving underwear at a tree out the front of someone's house.

At least five times, the woman has found a pair of undies carefully laid out in the same spot at the base of a tree trunk. On the sixth occasion, a black lacy number was put inside the woman's letterbox.

While mystery surrounds the origin of the multiplying smalls, police are unsure if an offence has even been committed.
For some, it doesn't take much to be branded a terrorist, or at least some sort of lookalike.

That's exactly what happened to Dandenong doctor Belal Haniffa, who liked an anti-racism group on Facebook only to be sucked into a bitter mosque debate and dubbed "irresponsible" by the mayor of Melbourne's most-populous council.

Dr Belal Haniffa. Credit:Josh Robenstone

In May this year, Casey mayor Sam Aziz posted a picture of Dr Haniffa's Facebook profile, which shows Dr Haniffa wearing hunting gear including a cloth face mask, with his name written in Arabic and English.

Cr Aziz urged his followers to "draw their own conclusions" about the type of people who would like the Facebook page Casey Against Racism, a local group outspoken against the council's decision to rejected a recent mosque application.
The painful day when cars stop rolling off the Ford production line has arrived but the factory workers who assembled the vehicles will not leave empty-handed.

They will be entitled to relatively generous redundancy packages, retraining and job placement schemes.

Ford Australia's Broadmeadows plant has stopped running.

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union national vehicle division secretary Dave Smith said most workers losing their jobs on Friday were entitled to about five weeks of pay for each year of service.

Workers who remained on the production line until the final day will also get a $3700 bonus.
Melbourne had its hottest October night in four years on Thursday night as a warm and windy day turned into a warm and windy night.

The temperature lingered at around 20 degrees for most of the night, more than double the month's historical average of 9.8 degrees.

A kite border takes advantage of strong winds at Brighton Beach on Thursday. Credit:Leigh Henningham

While big temperature fluctuations are typical for spring, it's not often you see this kind of warmth after dark, says Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Keris Arndt.

The last time we had such a hot October night was in 2012.
A man has been charged after allegedly jumping on a woman and biting her on the head on a Melbourne train.

The woman, 73, was attacked on the city-bound train about 3.50pm on Thursday.

A 15-year-old witness told Fairfax Media she saw a man jump onto a woman between Glenferrie and Hawthorn stations before he started "biting her head".

"He then pushed her to the ground," she said.
A Perth real estate agent has quit his company after telling a woman to "get the f--k out of this country" when she questioned his involvement in bringing the canned Fremantle Australia Day fireworks back to the port city.

The popular event was scrapped by Fremantle council from 2017 after councillors deemed the annual celebration "culturally insensitive."

Stuart Endersby's pamphlet about the fireworks - and his text on the right to someone querying the Australia Day date of the event.

But businesses around Fremantle's fishing boat harbour pooled their resources to bring back the city's Australia Day fireworks.

A flyer from Harcourts Realty Plus estate agent Stuart Endersby, boasting of his role in the return of the fireworks, ended up on the popular Facebook page Freo Massive.
Community members rallied to save it but the RAC Driving Centre at Perth's international airport has shut its doors after twelve years.

But there may still be a chance to save it.

DTEC has trained Perth drivers for many years - but has shut it doors. Credit:RAC

Known as DTEC, the facility offers a racetrack and off road areas that have been used to train thousands of amateur drivers of the years in everything from racing techniques to recovering from spins, with professionals from the emergency services also using the track to sharpen their driving.

All of those engines revving and tyres screeching over the years has led to noise complaints from local residents and businesses over the years, and the RAC closed the facility on September 30.
The World Forage Analysis Superbowl awarded top producers at a luncheon held on Wednesday at World Dairy Expo. The competition is celebrating 33 years of forage excellence.

This year there were 373 entries that hailed from 24 states. The forages are judged 70 percent on lab test results and 30 percent on visual characteristics. Awarded at the luncheon were the top five finishers in eight categories including baleage, hay, haylage, and corn silage.

World Dairy Expo Board of Directors President Al Deming praised contestants for the high-quality forages submitted.

The Grand Champion Forage Producer went to Tom Leubke of Mayer, Minn., who submitted grass hay. Champion First-Time Entrant was awarded to Dynamic Dairy Nutrition, based out of Hixton, Wis., with a baleage sample.



All of the top finishing samples can be viewed in the Arena Building.

Return to Hoard's at Expo

was the 2016summer editorial intern and is a junior at South Dakota University.
Beirut: Rebels holed up in Aleppo can leave with their families if they lay down their arms, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Thursday, vowing to press on with the assault on Syria's largest city and recapture full control of the country.

The offer of amnesty follows two weeks of the heaviest bombardment of the five-and-a-half-year civil war, which has killed hundreds of people trapped inside Aleppo's rebel-held eastern sector and torpedoed a US-backed peace initiative.

Fighters have accepted similar government amnesty offers in other besieged areas in recent months, notably in Daraya, a suburb of Damascus that was under siege for years until rebels surrendered it in August.

However, rebels said they had no plan to evacuate Aleppo, the last major urban area they control, and denounced the amnesty offer as a deception.
New York: Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres has accepted his unanimous nomination by the United Nations Security Council to become the UN's next Secretary-General.

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday put Mr Guterres forward, recommending that the 193-member General Assembly appoint him for five years from January 1, 2017.

The General Assembly is likely to meet next week to approve the 67-year-old's appointment to replace Ban Ki-moon, 72, of South Korea. Ban will step down at the end of 2016 after serving two terms.

"Humility [is what I feel] about the huge challenges ahead of us, the terrible complexity of the modern world," Mr Guterres said in a short statement in Lisbon, which he repeated in various languages. He is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
The Hague: It is not yet time to take action against Russia over the shooting down of flight MH17, despite investigators finding that the Buk missile responsible had come from the Russian Federation, the Netherlands' Foreign Minister says.

Albert Koenders said he had summoned the Russian ambassador for a meeting last week after an international group of investigators  the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team (JIT) issued interim conclusions over the tragedy.

But the meeting was to address concerns that Russia was trying to undermine the legitimacy of the group's work, Mr Koenders said, not to lay blame for the attack.

In late September the team, comprising experts from most of the countries affected by the tragedy including Australia, revealed some of their findings and the evidence they gathered.
West Palm Beach, Florida: As Hurricane Matthew makes its way up the Florida coast, forecasters now say there's a possibility that the deadly storm will go into the Atlantic and slam back into Florida.

If it Matthew makes that turn into the Atlantic, it could get in Tropical Storm Nicole's path, resulting in both storms interacting with one another. This phenomenon is called the Fujiwara effect.

Named after a Japanese meteorologist, this phenomenon can happen when tropical cyclones are less then 1440 kilometres apart.
Townville, South Carolina: Jacob Hall, the six-year-old killed when a teenager opened fire in a primary school playground last week, has been honoured with a superhero funeral.

Jacob was shot along with another student and a teacher as their first-grade class at Townville Elementary School, in South Carolina, left for recess. He succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.

His family organised a superhero-themed funeral to honour Jacob "in a way he would love", dressing the first-grader in a Batman outfit and inviting pallbearers and mourners to wear superhero outfits.

The service was held at the Oakdale Baptist Church in Townville, the same church used as evacuation point to the school's 280 children while police attended the scene of the shooting.
The Hague: "Any advice for Prince Charles?" The question drew a smile from King Willem-Alexander (warned in advance, one aide had raised an eyebrow and said "oh, a spicy question").

Willem-Alexander has been ruler of the Netherlands since 2013 when his mother, the long-reigning Queen Beatrix, abdicated.

Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima leave the Knight's Hall after the King delivered a speech outlining the government's budget in The Hague on Tuesday. Credit:AP

But during an interview on Wednesday the 49 year-old refused to be drawn on whether Australia's royal family should follow suit.

Abdication is a tradition in the Netherlands  it started with his great-grandmother, he said, who felt after 50 years it was time to pass on the baton to a younger generation. This tradition means the change of monarch was not a time of mourning but of celebration, which gave him a very positive start to his position: the whole country had a big party.
Donald Trump's rise has created deep rifts at some of the United States' most powerful political institutions. The latest casualty: Fox News.

In an extraordinary public display of rancour between top-tier news personalities, the Fox anchor Sean Hannity on Wednesday accused his colleague Megyn Kelly of bias toward Hillary Clinton, writing in a late-night tweet, "Clearly you support her."

Hannity's remark came shortly after Kelly, during her broadcast that evening, pointed out that Mr Trump had restricted his media appearances in recent weeks to friendly questioners, including Hannity, who is an overt supporter of the Republican nominee.

"With all due respect to my friend at 10 o'clock, he will go on Hannity and pretty much only Hannity and will not venture out to the unsafe spaces these days," Kelly said of Mr Trump.
The Trump campaign appeared to disavow one of its most provocative policy proposals on Thursday, as Governor Mike Pence of Indiana said explicitly that Donald Trump no longer wants to impose a temporary ban on Muslim immigration to the United States.

In a round of television interviews in which he was asked to clarify once and for all where the campaign stands on the proposal, Pence, who opposed the ban before becoming Trump's running mate, declared the idea dead. The reversal is a significant one for the Trump campaign, which was accused of promoting a policy that was discriminatory and likely unconstitutional when Trump unveiled it in the name of national security last year.

Asked on CNN about why he will not condemn the Muslim ban now, Pence said, "Because that's not Donald Trump's position now."

In recent months, Trump has changed how he has talked about the ban, saying that "extreme vetting" of immigrants should be focused on people coming from countries that have been compromised by terrorists. But that idea led to more confusion, because it was not clear if it was an expansion of the Muslim ban or a shift away from it.
Donald Trump would withdraw Australia's security guarantee with the US, an analyst says. Credit:AP But she surged after the presidential debate  "Out of 20 post-debate polls in swing states, she's led in 18, trailed in only one and was tied in one other." Who are these people who are newly telling pollsters that they'll pull the lever for Clinton? An artisan paints clay miniatures of Hillary Clinton in a "caganer" factory at Torroella de Montgri, north-east of Catalonia, Spain. Credit:Emilio Morenatti It seems they are reluctant Democrats who previously were of a mind to not vote, but now say they will vote. They have been "energised". Pre-debate, Clinton polled well among "registered" voters; but Trump was in better territory, polling well among more politically active "likely voters."

All the data now point to an outcome that will remind people of the 2012 election, in which Obama defeated Mitt Romney by a margin of 3.9 per cent in the popular vote. A Donald Trump minature gets painted. Credit:Emilio Morenatti But state-by-state, a dramatic political realignment is underway. This is how The Atlantic's Ronald Brownstein explains it: "[Clinton's] position now looks stronger in Florida than in Ohio; in Virginia than in Wisconsin; and in Colorado and even North Carolina than in Iowa. In other news, the sun today rose in the West." What's up? In the so-called Sunbelt states, younger, college-educated and minority voters are coalescing and their future is Democratic; and in the so-called Rust Belt states, older and blue-collar whites want Trump to save them from an end they believe is nigh. For sale: Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump and US President Barack Obama are displayed at a shop in Barcelona, Spain. Credit:Manu Fernandez

All this has been trending since the early 90s but according to analysts, the rate of change has become turbo-charged in the run-up to this election. That surge in Democratic enthusiasm is most obvious in the Sunbelt  Florida, North Carolina, Colorado and even Nevada where, by a New York Times analysis, the Democrats have to round up non-white and "irregular" voters to win. In the Rust Belt, Clinton trails Trump by five points in Ohio; and while ahead handily in Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Hampshire, by margins ranging from four to nine points, she has not performed in these states as strongly as she did earlier in the year. A big question in terms of the support for each candidate in the various demographics, is this  are there enough of their 'likely' supporters in the states that matter  that are in contention as swing states. Noting that white voters who had not attended college favoured Trump by two to one in a clutch of recent national polls, that Times analysis made a sobering point: "Mr Trump's strength among white working-class voters isn't enough to put him in the lead  not nationally, not in the Sun Belt and not even in the relatively white states of the north. But it does keep him close." Here's Trump's dilemma  at 40 points ahead of Clinton among white men generally and 60 points among working-class whites, according to a recent poll, he's probably maxed out among whites; and if Clinton can hold her current lift in the polls and get those voters to polling stations, Trump will have difficulty rounding up more white working-class support.

Syndicated columnist Michael Gerson warns of a looming new culture war  "not between social conservatives and social liberals, but between a movement of white economic and cultural grievance and a party of social elites and ascendant minorities. This struggle  rooted in race and class  would be far more bitter than the old culture war of ideas." The contest seems razor thin, because it is. That's the consequence of a continually polarising electorate. Despite claims by the Trump camp, pollsters are convinced that there is no below-the-radar army of 'shy' Trump voters, girding to ambush Clinton on election day  pollsters argue that if it existed, it would have surfaced in the primaries. And by that line of logic, the pollsters don't anticipate a surprise, Brexit-like stampede to the polls. Similarly, pollsters and party operatives are concluding that there are very few "undecided" voters left for the candidates to fight over. In a country in which voting is not required by law, the biggest headache for candidates but also for pollsters, is in forecasting voter turnout  hence repeated use of the term "likely voters".

For the Clinton camp, that means a super-human effort to get the Obama coalition energised  Latinos, African Americans, young voters and unmarried women. In Columbus, Ohio, where Candidate Barack Obama drew crowds of up to 10,000 students to rallies, one of Clinton's voter registration teams recently failed to get a single sign-on in canvassing four city blocks where students live. Obama won Ohio twice  Clinton trails Trump by 2.5 points in poll averages. Young voters crawled over hot coals to vote for Obama; but with Clinton, many just say: "Naah" Here's the frightener  in a recent national poll for The Washington Post, voters under age 30 preferred Clinton over Trump by just two points; in 2012, Obama had a 30-point advantage over Mitt Romney. They're one of the groups that Kaine was targeting on Tuesday evening. Pence, inexplicably, stayed focused on the GOP base, prompting this from The Washington Post's Greg Sargent: "What Pence could not successfully do last night is persuade college-educated whites and suburban women that Trump is not a racist, in not sexist and is not dangerously insane."

Translating new movement in the polls since Trump's abysmal performance in his September 26 debate with Clinton, The New York Times' Nate Cohn concluded that enthusiasm among core Democratic voters is spiking and in swing states like Florida, Virginia, Colorado and North Carolina, she is finally connecting with college-educated white voters. A new Fairleigh Dickerson Public Mind poll out Wednesday had Clinton nine points ahead of Trump nationally 45-36, with Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson on 11 points. The popular vote  however many millions select either candidate across the country  will get Clinton and Trump only so far. The final endorsement for an American president comes not from the people, but from an institution called the Electoral College  which is made up of 538 "electors" apportioned to each state, according to the size of their population. Hence all the attention on swing states and a hint of abracadabra in talk of the candidates "paths" to victory  each particular loss requires compensating wins to deliver the 270 college votes to become president. By the reckoning of the psephological gurus at the Times, Clinton currently has 693 paths to victory; Trump has less than half Clinton's options  315; and there are 16 that could be tied.

This is the context in which we hear pronouncements like  "If Trump loses in Florida, he probably loses the whole election." Conversely, if Trump were to win in North Carolina and Florida, he might gather up enough of his faithful white working class voters in other states to crawl over the college line. But without Florida, Trump would need a virtual clean sweep of the most contentious swing states  Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Nevada and New Hampshire; and he'd still have to pick off a Clinton safe-bet  say Michigan or Virginia. Talk of swing states also creates a false sense that the candidates have cushions of the support they need  not necessarily so. In a sobering assessment of how Trump could win, the FiveThirtyEight blog recently used census data and past exit polls to analyse the distribution of some demographics whose votes are widely presumed to be vital in the election outcome. Consider: - College-educated whites: They exceed 35 per cent of the likely electorate in 12 states  but Colorado and New Hampshire are the only swing states among the dozen states.

- Hispanics/Latinos: It's an effort to get them to vote  in 2012, only 48 [percent of the estimated 23.3 million who were eligible to vote did so. The Trump tirades likely will lift turnout in 2016, but in the battleground states Latinos exceed 15 per cent of the likely electorate only in Arizona, Florida and Nevada. - Mormons: Almost 80 per cent of them voted for their fellow Mormon, Mitt Romney, in 2012. But Trump is tipped to win in Utah, and other big Mormon states, Idaho and California are not in contention  "and they may only matter on the margins in Arizona and Nevada." Despite the Clinton surge, some refuse to write off Trump  like Joe Scarborough, a former Republican congressman and cohost of MSNBC's Morning Joe. Loading Warning that Trump had become the default choice for voters, he writes: "Given Trump's behaviour over the past week [and month and year], Trump should be down 20 points by now and the media should be speculating about Clinton's cabinet choices.
Marigot:--- The Our Land Matters initiative held its first rally on October 2, 2016 in the Boo Boo Jam area. The rally was a mixture of speakers calling citizens of Saint Martin to unite and stand for their rights. Echoing at what was once an area for locals to congregate and enjoy Saint Martin was the need to re-open Boo Boo Jam Saint Martin style. The rally drew a large crowd that listened keenly to the words of local activists, grass root Saint Martiners and long-standing Boo Boo Jam patrons who are concerned about what is taking place on their beloved island. The organizers of the rally would like to thank all that contributed to this event, especially the following persons: Mr. Julo Charville and the Hope party, Mr. Louis Mussington and the MJP party, Mr. George Greaux of Caribbean Liquors, the Collectivite de Saint Martin (tent), Mr. Arthur Hunt of Rent a Sound, Mr. Don Frostin, Mr. Walton Holiday of EZ promotions, Mrs. Daniella Jeffrey, Mr. Raymond Helligar, DJ Ruby, the Bologne Band, Mr. Loic Artsen (IA Comfort Restrooms), Control Band, DJ Terry, Cani-TV, MSR TV, and RFO. Also a big thank you to the community of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten for standing for this cause. Our Land Matters will next schedule our next event Billboard Selfie Saturday and BBQ shortly.
Claim: Muslims demanded the U.S. Army change its dress code to allow beards and turbans. Rating: About this rating Mostly False What's True The Department of Defense announced back in January 2014 that religious dress accommodations had been added to uniform guidelines on a case-by-case basis. What's False U.S. military uniform regulations were not changed in response to "demands" from Muslims (and beards and turbans are a religious requirement of male Sikhs, not Muslims).

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On 1 September 2014, the disreputable American News web site published an article whose clickbait headline stated that Muslims had "demand[ed] the Army change its dress code to include turbans and beards.

The article text itself made no mention of any such "demands" from "Muslims," however, but merely summarized an earlier Department of Defense (DoD) announcement regarding religious accommodation in uniform codes:

The Department of Defense released regulations to protect the rights of service members to wear a turban, scarf, or beard, to display their religious beliefs  as long as the practices dont interfere with military discipline, order, or readiness. We welcome the important decision to broaden the religious rights of American military personnel, a statement from the Council on American-Islamic Relations read, We hope it will allow all those in uniform to practice their faith while serving the nation.

The American News article about changes to military dress code regulations was dated 1 September 2014, but no such regulations were issued or updated on immediately prior to that date. Several months earlier, on 22 January 2014, the Department of Defense did issue a press release titled "DOD Releases New Religious Accommodation Instruction" via the American Forces Press Service which painted a far less alarming picture of the issue than the American News headline did.

In a 22 January 2014 statement, Pentagon spokesman Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nathan J. Christensen explained that as a result of a DoD instruction, allowance for religious dress accommodations would be added to U.S. military uniform guidelines on a case-by-case basis:

A DOD instruction implements a policy or prescribes the manner or plan of action used to carry out a policy, operate a program or activity, and assign responsibilities. "The new policy states that military departments will accommodate religious requests of service members," Christensen said, "unless a request would have an adverse effect on military readiness, mission accomplishment, unit cohesion and good order and discipline." When a service member requests such an accommodation, he added, department officials balance the need of the service member against the need to accomplish the military mission. Such a request is denied only if an official determines that mission accomplishment needs outweigh the need of the service member, Christensen said. Requests to accommodate religious practices will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, the spokesman noted. "Each request must be considered based on its unique facts, the nature of the requested religious accommodation, the effect of approval or denial on the service member's exercise of religion, and the effect of approval or denial on mission accomplishment, including unit cohesion," he added. Immediate commanders may resolve religious accommodation requests that don't require a waiver of military department or service policies that address wearing of military uniforms and religious apparel, grooming, appearance or body-art standards. Accommodation requests that require a waiver will be forwarded to the respective military department for determination.

Christensen elaborated on factors that could warrant a denial of accommodation:

Impairing the safe and effective operation of weapons, military equipment or machinery;



Posing a health or safety hazard to the service member wearing the religious apparel;



Interfering with the wear or function of special or protective clothing or equipment such as helmets, flak jackets, flight suits, camouflaged uniforms, protective masks, wet suits, and crash and rescue equipment; or



Otherwise impairing the accomplishment of the military mission.



The release concluded with a final quote from Christensen:

The Department of Defense places a high value on the rights of members of the military services to observe the tenets of their respective religions and the rights of others to their own religious beliefs, including the right to hold no beliefs.

On 22 January 2014, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a press release responding to the DoD's updated guidelines. The CAIR release made reference to a successful 2011 effort that resulted in the relaxation of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) dress codes to allow for religious attire:

The [DoD] policy now states: "Service member's expression of sincerely held beliefs (conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs) may not be used as the basis of any adverse personnel action, discrimination, or denial of promotion, schooling, training, or assignment." "We welcome the important decision to broaden the religious rights of American military personnel and hope this updated policy will allow all those in uniform to practice their faith while serving the nation," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. Awad noted that CAIR has dealt with past requests for religious accommodations by Muslim military and ROTC personnel. In 2011, CAIR successfully urged the Department of Defense (DOD) to allow Muslim and Sikh students who wear an Islamic head scarf (hijab) or a turban to participate in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC).

At the time of the dress code update, CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper said:

What we are seeing is not a revolution but an evolution in military policy. It sends a message that the military is friendly to minority faiths.

Jasjit Singh of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund said the updated guidelines were structured in such a way that they continued to discourage Sikhs (who are not Muslims) from military service:

Unfortunately, this continues to make us have to choose between our faith and serving our country. This is an expansion of the waiver policy that is decided person by person. It does not open doors and say you can apply as a Sikh American and serve your country fully. It has been a work in progress, but we were hoping they would go further. What we want is not to be an exception. Sikh Americans want to be able to serve their country as any other Americans are allowed to do.

The updated regulations affected a number of faiths and was supported by interfaith groups. A New York Times article quoted the leader of a Sikh advocacy group and provided a short explanation of the effect the previous ban on beards and turbans had on Sikhs:

"There is still a presumptive ban, which would discourage any recruit," said Rajdeep Singh, director of law and policy with the Sikh Coalition, an advocacy group. "If I sign up to join the Army for example, and wear a turban, there's no guarantee my accommodation request will be granted." Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region of what is today northwestern India. Five articles of Sikh faith were established to give Sikhs a sense of identity when they were chafing under the Islamic Mughal court of Delhi. The five articles are unshorn hair, a comb, a wristband made of iron or steel, underwear (a symbol of sexual modesty and personal hygiene) and a sword. The turban is worn as a sign of religious respect but also as a practical matter, to bind up long hair.

At least two requests for religious accommodation were denied by the Army in 2014.
Brazilian App Promises to Spice Up USA Elections

Posted by Publisher Software

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL  (Marketwired)  10/05/16  FRAMEYOU is a startup that is revolutionizing the way advertising is done in Brazil, and worldwide. After launching the app in Brazil, it became right away part of the campaign of many candidates for mayor and councilor in the current elections. The developers then moved to the next step in order to expand the project to the American territory just as the presidential race is getting interesting.

The meetings to introduce FRAMEYOU to the main American parties are scheduled for the beginning of October. Democrats and Republicans will be introduced to the tool that promises to take the electoral campaigns to a new level and to have great electoral acceptance.

On the market for forty five days in Brazil, the plataform has more than eighty thousand subscribers. For CEO Marcos Martins, The numbers exceeded the expectations, given the short amount of time dedicated to advertising. During the visit to the USA, the CEO intends to present the application to companies that are a reference in the market.

The app, which is available for Android and IOS, customizes contents throughout photo frame customization and can be shared simultaneously on all available social networks in less than ten seconds. You can generate contents quickly, reaching millions of views. The number of users is unlimited, which allows voters to generate contents for campaigns, increasing the spreading with in less than ten seconds is able to customize a photo and share on all social media networks available on one device, it only depends on how many networks are available on your device.

Marcos visualized the development of the startup from his political marketing experience. According to the CMO Weslley Aguiar, it was crucial to realize the needs in this market, combined with the flexibility and integration of professionals who tirelessly dedicate themselves to the project

The new generation of business persons know that determination and resilience must coexist with constant adjustments in the digital universe. FRAMEYOU is being enhanced to add possibilities that value instant communications. The app that proposes to enhance the image of the candidates in just few seconds will soon be also available for companies and people in the four corners of the world.

Image Available:

Contacts:

Pablo Ribeiro

CMO & US PRESS USA

+1 (508) 726-0960
Searchmetrics Study: Page One of Google shows fewer Results, but Marketers can Target Search in growing number of ways

Images, Videos, App Packs, Direct Answers and other integrations are opportunities for marketers to appear on Googles first page

London, October 06, 2016  While the number of traditional organic links displayed on page one of Google has now fallen from 10 to around 8.5 links[1], new research suggests there are more opportunities than ever for marketers to give their content a chance of appearing in search results in other ways.

Almost every search query today throws up at least one related Images, Videos, Twitter card, App Pack, Knowledge Graph or other type of integration box on the first results page according to a study by Searchmetrics, the leader in search and content optimisation. And each of these has the potential to be targeted by marketers to showcase their content.

The Searchmetrics Universal & Extended Search Study 2016[2] analysed page one results for approximately half a million frequently Googled search terms to track where Google inserts Universal Search or Extended Search boxes such as these to enrich and enhance user experience.

The study, which focused on Googles US results, aims to give marketers an overview of the opportunities for targeting these integrations by creating and optimising content appropriately. Five important findings highlighted in the study are:

1) Desktop and smartphone searches feature different integration boxes

There are significant differences between Googles smartphone and desktop results, with, for instance, 34% of desktop results including at least one Images box compared with only 14.4% for smartphones. This is presumably because Google is trying to discourage image-laden pages with long download times on smartphones.

Phone results also include more Google Maps and Twitter Card integrations and fewer Product Listing Ads integrations related to search queries.

The implication is that marketers must understand what integration types Google is more likely to feature on the different devices and use this to inform their content strategies.

2) Nearly one in ten smartphone searches includes app suggestions

In nearly one out of 10 (9.76%) smartphone searches, Google integrates at least one App Pack box suggesting one or more apps that are related to the search term. If you click on a suggestion, you are taken to the App Store to download it.

Appearing in App Pack boxes represents a significant opportunity to attract downloads and to transport searchers into the closed environment of your app. Marketers can try to increase their chances of inclusion by following App Store Optimisation (ASO) techniques, including carefully researching and selecting the keywords and descriptions used in their App Store titles and descriptions. The number and frequency of app downloads and positive user evaluations all play a role in whether Google chooses to include an app.

3) Videos boxes feature in around a quarter of results  and YouTube wins

Around a quarter of search results (23.99% on desktops and 25.25% on smartphones) now include at least one Videos integration. On desktops, 9 out of 10 videos tend to be hosted on YouTube making it the top platform to target if you want videos to appear in search results. On smartphones around 72% of videos integrated in results are from YouTube, with the others from the likes of Dailymotion, Vimeo and Vevo. To boost the chances of appearing in Videos boxes you should create clickable thumbnails of your video content that Google can easily include and use relevant keywords in titles and descriptions. Adding subtitles also helps (as Google understand text better than audio visual content), as does encouraging more user interaction in the form of likes and comments.

4) Knowledge Graph boxes are an opportunity for known brands

Around one in five search results feature at least one Knowledge Graph box, usually when search queries relate to a person, a place, or other known entities. Knowledge Graphs appear prominently on the right hand side of the search page (and on top of the page in mobile results) and include a collection of facts, images and answers related to the search topic, which might be a well-known public figure, business person or company for example. Google pulls this information together from online sources and known brands can have some influence on what appears when people search for them by optimising content such as logos/images, social network profiles and contact information. Having a company Wikipedia page is thought to be very helpful (although not easy for brands to control).

5) Direct Answer boxes are a high traffic opportunity

Google shows Direct Answer boxes for 11% of desktop results and 4% of smartphone results. These appear when the search engine senses that searchers are asking a question (very often when queries include the words How or What). These boxes are positioned above the organic results and usually include content from a relevant search listing which searchers arrive at if they are click on the box. This can potentially generate a lot of organic traffic.

To have a chance of appearing in Direct Answer boxes, content needs to be well written, clearly ordered, reside on high authority sites and be structured using specific web code that helps Google understand it.

Gone are the days when optimising for search was all about trying to appear in the classic ten blue organic links on Googles first page, said Lars Hartkopf, EMEA marketing director at Searchmetrics. Now marketers must also plan their strategies to include opportunities around a variety of Universal and Extended Search boxes, understanding how to create and optimise content which Google will consider useful for each.

The Searchmetrics Universal & Extended Search Study 2016 provides detailed explanations about the type of integrations boxes commonly used by Google, how often they appear in desktop and mobile searches and suggestions on how marketers can develop content that has a chance of appearing.

The Searchmetrics Universal & Extended Search Study 2016 can be downloaded from: http://www.searchmetrics.com/knowledge-base/universal-search-study/

[1] The Searchmetrics study reveals that Google now typically shows an average 8.5 organic links on the page in mobile phone results, 8.59 links in desktop results

[2] About the study

This study was based on the analysis of the results from approx. 500,000 general, frequently googled search terms. In each case, the first search results page was analysed in relation to the integration of 11 selected boxes:

Images, videos, news, maps and product listing ads (PLAs) from Universal Search were investigated.

From the Extended Search, Searchmetrics analysed the Knowledge Graph, Direct Answer, Fact Box, Google Carousel, the mobile App-Pack integrations in addition to the Twitter Cards and the Related Questions.

Since Google frequently applies different rules depending on whether the search occurs on a desktop computer or mobile device, both desktop and mobile search results were analysed.

In the process, data from four time points in 2016 were recorded (calendar weeks 2  6  10  14) so that fluctuations and trends could be identified. The published data reflect the values obtained for calendar week 14 of 2016.
Information Builders Earns Industry Praise for Its WebFOCUS Platform and Commitment to Serving the Midmarket

NEW YORK, NY  (Marketwired)  10/06/16  Information Builders, a leader in (BI) and analytics, data integrity, and integration solutions, today announced that it was honored with two accolades at The Channel Companys Midsize Enterprise Summit (MES) West 2016 Conference. Information Builders WebFOCUS BI and analytics platform received the XCellence award for Best Midmarket Solution in the Software category. Melissa Treier, the companys vice president of Product Sales and Strategy, was named to the Top Midmarket IT Executives list.

.@infobldrs receives top product & executive honors at #MESW16 for its commitment to the midmarket #BI #analytics

Judged by CIOs and senior IT executives attending the event, the MES XCellence awards highlight the best midmarket products, services, programs and presentations. This recognition follows on the heels of Information Builders Best Midmarket Solution win at MES East earlier this year. WebFOCUS is a flexible, highly scalable solution that is empowering business and technical users at midmarket organizations, such as Amerisure Insurance, Food For The Poor and OFS Brands, with access to data that can help them make better data-driven decisions.

As evidence of the companys commitment to this important market sector, Information Builders rolled out its (BUE) earlier this year. Based on the WebFOCUS enterprise-grade platform, BUE is specifically tailored for non-technical users and analysts at small- to mid-size organizations. The solution enables groups of up to 100 people generate and share reports, charts, documents and dashboards as well as conduct data discovery to identify trends, patterns and opportunities. BUE empowers users to extract value from their data without the need to involve IT and BI developers for their analytical needs.

We commend Information Builders on this recognition, and can attest to the value the WebFOCUS platform provides mid-size organizations, said Vickie Torregrossa, director of IS, . WebFOCUS has been a huge time saver for our various users, giving them easy access to information and the ability to create and modify reports on their own. In addition, we are able to quickly and automatically combine data from different systems, including DB2, various FoxPro databases, MS Navision SQL, and Excel, into a single report. WebFOCUS enables us to boost personal productivity and gain data insights that help us to improve the success of our fundraising campaigns.

Information Builders drive to help mid-size enterprises truly capitalize on their data extends well beyond technology innovation. The Channel Company acknowledged Melissa Treier as a Top Midmarket IT Executive at MES West; she joins this years list of influential vendor and solution provider executives who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the midmarket.

Information Builders dedication to this market segment is also demonstrated by its partnerships with other premier vendors, providing solutions tailored to meet the needs of smaller enterprises. The company revealed at MES that it recently , winner of the MES XCellence Award for Best Midmarket Solution in the Hardware category. The joint offering, the Scale Analytics Appliance, combines Information Builders WebFOCUS BUE software with Scale Computings hardware in an easy-to-deploy, affordable BI and analytics appliance.

The applications for BI and analytics  within and outside of the firewall  are expanding each day. Midmarket companies must have flexible, agile tools that enable information delivery and exchange across and beyond the enterprise, said Gerald Cohen, president and CEO of Information Builders. Its also crucial that they be able to engage operational level employees, giving them the ability to make fact-based decisions on the job. This latest recognition speaks to the excellence of our WebFOCUS platform and leadership in helping mid-size enterprises accomplish these key objectives.

To learn more about MES West and the XCellence Awards, visit .

Information Builders provides solutions for business intelligence (BI), analytics, data integration, and data quality that help drive performance improvements, innovation, and value. Through one set of powerful products, we enable organizations to serve everyone  analysts, non-technical users, even partners, customers, and citizens  with better data and analytics. Our dedication to customer success is unmatched with thousands of organizations relying on us as their trusted partner. Founded in 1975, Information Builders is headquartered in New York, NY, with global offices, and remains one of the largest independent, privately held companies in the industry. Visit us at , follow us on Twitter at , like us on , and visit our page.

Kathleen Moran

Information Builders

(917) 339-6313

Kate Finigan

LEWIS

(781) 761-4500
Light Readings Women in Comms Joins Forces With Knects Women in TMT at Broadband World Forum

NEW YORK, NY  (Marketwired)  10/06/16  Women in Comms (WiC), Light Readings initiative to provide information, networking, mentorship, access to jobs and support for women in the next-gen communications industry, is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming Women in TMT KNect event at Broadband World Forum.

For the organizations 11th panel discussion tackling the biggest issues facing women in the workplace today, leading female executives from Intel, Korn Ferry Futurestep, TalkTalk and Orange will be discussing the middle in the muddle. According to McKinsey & Company, women in the workplace often find themselves grappling with three different scenarios: being unable to enter, stuck in the middle or locked out of the top. WiCs event, its third to take place in London, will focus on why women may get mired in the middle and how to fix the leaky pipeline problem for talented women in comms.

Speakers will include Lorna Keane, Engineering Manager, Network Platforms Group, Intel; Erin Callaghan, Managing Consultant, EMEA Advanced Technology, Korn Ferry Futurestep; Alexandra Tempest, Director of Partners, TalkTalk Business; Jehanne Savi, Executive Leader of the All-IP & On-Demand Networks Programs, Orange Corp; and panel moderator Elizabeth Miller Coyne, Light Readings Managing Editor.

While its not uncommon to see females in middle management positions, they often either meet challenges progressing any further or leave the workplace at this time, said WiC Director Sarah Thomas. This a phenomenon we want to better understand and begin to rectify. Our panelists  all of whom have crossed the middle management hurtle and are working to help others do so too  will shed light on how we can fix the comm industrys leaky pipeline. Were looking forward to an enlightening discussion, as always.

This free event will provide both an informal setting for women and men in the industry to meet and network and a forum to exchange ideas, learn and grow. Women in Comms and its members are hosting this networking event on October 18 as part of KNects Women in TMT meet-up at Broadband World Forum in London, sponsored by Accenture. All attendees are invited to stay for lunch and more great discussions following the WiC event.

For more information and to register to attend the full event, please visit .

Since January of this year, WiC has grown its membership to nearly 40 companies, including the industrys leading service providers, vendors and industry associations. WiCs current member roster includes founding partner Intel Corporation; presenting partners Dell, Flex, Nokia and Sprint; silver partners Ciena, Cisco, CommScope, Fujitsu Network Communications, Hitachi Consulting, Infinera, Netcracker, NetNumber, Parallel Wireless, Redknee and SAP; service provider partners AT&T, Boingo Wireless, CenturyLink, Charter Communications, Hyperoptic Ltd., Level 3 Communications, Rogers Communications, TalkTalk PLC, Verizon Communications, Vodafone Americas, Windstream and XO Communications; and partner organizations Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), DFW  Alliance of Technology & Women, IEEE Women in Engineering, Open Networking Lab, Open Networking Foundation, OPNFV, NTCA  The Rural Broadband Association, Small Cell Forum and TM Forum.

To learn more about Women in Comms and to join our efforts in 2017, please contact WiC Director Sarah Thomas at or 913-486-9358.

Women in Comms is an independent organization, launched in January 2016 by Light Reading, with support from the largest comms companies across the globe. The organization focuses on providing information, networking, mentorship, access to jobs and support for women in the next-gen communications industry with the ultimate goals of empowering women, championing change and redressing the industrys gender imbalance.

Women in TMT KNect is an open networking initiative, designed to both support and promote female leaders in tech, media and telco industries. It offers members thought-leadership and speaking opportunities at KNects world-leading events to raise their profiles and enhance careers.

Sarah Thomas

913-486-9358
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The second series ofhas been on Netflix for around a month now, so it's probably safe to assume that most of the die-hard fans have already watched it at least once over, probably more. That in mind, it's fair to suggest that some of them might be feeling a bit stuck for things to do.I know what you're thinking,, and it's fairly common knowledge where he's buried, so what is this, a live steam of a pleasant walk through Itagui? Well, no, you silly sausage, it was all staged., set up to look like a DEA office, and then split into two teams and given a series of challenges. There was. The whole thing was hosted by another big time YouTube gamer, Rewinside.The teams were given. Actual clips from the show were integrated into the feed, which was broadcast on Facebook Live and Twitch. Activities ranged from searching a prison cell for clues to finishing puzzles to navigating a virtual map by running on a specially designed treadmill.Viewer interaction was encouraged during the live broadcast, largely using the comments section, which the teams used hashtag filters to look through. The hashtags on the team named made sure that supporters of each could be sure that they were reaching the right side.. You can watch the full thing above, but just so you're aware, it's in German.
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Warren Parks and Recreation Director Dino Turcato announced during an Oct. 26 city council committee of the whole meeting that he expects to start soliciting bids from contractors as early as next week for the construction of a skateboard park
Namely News: Harriet Tubman statue unveiled in South Bend's Howard Park

The statue of the abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor received its dedication Oct. 13 at South Bend's Howard Park.
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Jaxon the dog is a Hometown Hero, and is being applauded by a family and an entire community. Thank goodness, Mikaela Sebree understands exactly what her dog, Jaxon, is trying to say when he barks. This understanding saved her family and their home.

Sebree, who resides in Meridian, Idaho, explained that one night as she, her husband, Todd Lavoie, and their young children were sleeping when they heard Jaxon barking.

Sebree said she can read through the 11-year-old dogs barks and immediately understood that something was wrong. Sebree explained:

Dogs have different kinds of barks, so he has his somebodys at the door bark and then he has his holy crap somethings happening bark.

Mr. Lavoie rushed downstairs and discovered that there were sparks on an outlet. When he saw that the sparks were growing into flames, he rapidly grabbed a fire extinguisher and put out the fire.

The family called 911 and reported the incident. Members of the Meridian Fire Department quickly arrived on the scene. Meridian fire chief Mark Niemeyer said:

Certainly his actions and the actions of this dog saved that house from potentially igniting and catching on fire and going up into walls and up into the attic and causing significant damage.

The dog became a local celebrity and appeared on the nightly news with his grateful owners. For saving his family, Jaxon was given Meridians Hometown Hero Award. Jaxon is the first nonhuman to receive that Hometown Hero Award.

The adorable pug wagged his tail and played with Sebree as he was being praised for his heroic actions. The animal also earned an official probationary firefighter badge from the Meridian Fire Department. Lavoie said:

Jaxon is definitely a super pug; he deserves the hometown hero. He saved our house; he saved our lives, and he saved our memories.

Online commenters have praised the dogs efforts.
Italian mob boss Antonio Pelle has been arrested in a very embarrassing manner. On Wednesday, as the cameras rolled, Italian police commanded the dangerous mafia fugitive to get out of his bunker.

The authorities combed through Pelles home in Benestare, Italy several times before someone spotted an anomaly behind an armoire.

The impressive armoire, which was located between a bedroom and a bathroom, was hiding a bunker. The Polizia di Stato national police eventually discovered that Italys most wanted mob boss had been hiding in what is described as a bunker behind the armoire.

The mafia boss had been hiding in his home since he escaped from a hospital five years ago. Pelle, the head of organized crime centered in Calabria, was ordered to climb out of the home bunker and he did after having a brief exchange with the police.

The scene was quite silly as the grown man got down from the armoire like a child who was playing hide-and-seek. Pelle, 54, was immediately handcuffed and escorted out of the mansion.

According to the police, the hideout contained a small mattress, a fan, a few bottles of water and a load of cash. This is the second time; the criminal was arrested in the past five years.

Pelle is the head of Ndrangheta  a powerful crime syndicate in Italy. He built an impressive wealth via narcotics trafficking, extortion, and money laundering activities. The Ndrangheta has established branches in Canada, Belgium, Australia, and Argentina. According to reports:

Italian DIA (Direzione Investigativa Antimafia, Department of the Police of Italy against organized crime) and Guardia di Finanza (Italian Financial Police and Customs Police) the Ndrangheta is now one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world.

The business volume of the Ndrangheta is estimated at almost 44 billion euros in 2007, approximately 2.9% of Italys GDP, according to Eurispes (European Institute of Political, Economic, and Social Studies) in Italy. Drug trafficking is the most profitable activity with 62% of the total turnover.

In 2008, Pelle, who was high on the interior ministrys list of most dangerous mafia fugitives, was arrested. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in an extensive list of crimes including arms and drug trafficking.

In 2011, Pelle, who was struggling with anorexia, was taken to a hospital in Locri where he managed to escape, and authorities had been searching for him ever since. Members of the Pelle family are often involved in crimes and try to use hospitals to get or stay out of prison.

In 2012, Giuseppe Pelle, his son, Antonio, and his wife, Marianna Barbaro, were arrested after authorities had learned they had cooked up a fake depression story to stay out of jail.

The members of the Ndrangheta had paid or intimidated several doctors and an attorney into falsifying documents claiming the patriarch was suffering from psychiatric conditions incompatible with detention.

Police commander Francesco Ratta said after the arrest:

Fifty of us searched the two-storey villa where Pelle had always lived, but it took a very attentive eye to discover his hiding place.

Online commenters had a lot of fun at the expense of Mr. Pelle.
Henkel is relocating the headquarters of laundry detergent giant Sun Products to Stamford from Wilton, while bringing hundreds more jobs east from Arizona in a major win for Connecticut.

The German company spent $3.6 billion in June to acquire Sun Products, which was created in 2008 via a private-equity-backed spinoff from Unilever operations in Trumbull. Henkel has its North American headquarters in Rocky Hill, where it had about 420 jobs, according to the most recent records on file with the state of Connecticut.

With Sun already employing about 200 people in Wilton, Henkel will create an additional 266 jobs in the state, according to the office of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, giving the governor another significant economic development win after an announcement last month about an agreement to keep the headquarters of Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford.

Henkels consumer goods headquarters has been located in Scottsdale, Ariz., but with the recent acquisition of Sun Products, the company has decided to combine those operations in Stamfordt. Some 375 Arizona employees will be offered the option of relocating to Connecticut, according to the Phoenix Business Journal.

Stamford has several office buildings with available space to accommodate the number of people Henkel is bringing together there, including downtown offices formerly occupied by UBS and General Reinsurance, and the sprawling former headquarters of Pitney Bowes in the citys South End.

With brands like All, Snuggle and Wisk, Sun Products is the second-largest seller of laundry products in North America; the market is dominated by Procter & Gamble. In the Henkel move from Arizona, Stamford will assume status as the head office for Dial soaps, one of many Henkel personal care and beauty products sold on store shelves coast to coast, as well as a broad portfolio of adhesives, sealants and surface treatments for consumer and industrial use.

The decision to relocate is a result of our evolving business needs and we are thankful to Arizona and its leaders for many years of partnership and support in the community, said Jens-Martin Schwaerzler, president of Henkels North American consumer goods division, in a written statement. We are looking forward to the future, building on our more than 20-year partnership with the leaders and communities of Connecticut.

To fund the move, the company will participate in the states First Five Plus program, which is operated under the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

Under the program, the company will receive a 10-year, $20 million low-interest loan toward the relocation. It may also be eligible for up to $5 million in tax credits through the Urban and Industrial Sites Reinvestment Tax Credit program, which allows for a corporate tax credit of up to 100 percent of capital investment.

When an international company of Henkels stature decides to relocate to our state, expand its operations, and create hundreds of new jobs, it sends a message to the rest of the world that Connecticut is serious about working with companies to grow, generate capital investment, and strengthen our economy for the residents of our state, Malloy stated. Henkel is a valued member of the business community. We are proud of their decision to relocate and expand in Connecticut and we welcome the company to our state.

Henkel expects the relocation of its operations will start in the second quarter of 2017, with the process completed by the first quarter of 2018. It has yet to pick a specific site in Stamford.

This is just another example of the positive business environment found here in the state of Connecticut and is reflective of Henkels confidence in Connecticuts workforce talent, Stamford Mayor David Martin said in a statement. The city of Stamford has taken steps over the last few years to create a business climate that attracts companies like Henkel. I look forward to working with them as a corporate citizen for years to come.

State Sen. Carlo Leone, D-Stamford, said Henkels decision to move is just the latest company to bet on Connecticut and it shows the state is on the right path.

Just last week I voted for an agreement that will keep Sikorsky in Connecticut where they will grow and create new jobs, he said in a statement. Pratt and Whitney and Electric Boat have also announced their intention to each create thousands of new jobs in Connecticut. Henkel is just the latest piece of good news showing that Connecticuts economy is moving toward a much stronger future.
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STAMFORDAn Americares shipment of medicine and supplies arrived in Haiti Thursday where Hurricane Matthew has left 350,000 people in need of humanitarian assistance and are headed to a clinic in Les Cayes run by Hope for Haiti, according to the Stamford-based organization.

As the storm makes its way towards the United States and the east coast of Florida an Americares Emergency Response team has arrived in that state to assess any damage and offer assistance when the storm makes landfall on Friday.
STAMFORD  In the wake of a minor car-versus-pedestrian accident Wednesday, Mayor David Martin announced the rollout of more than two dozen 4-foot-tall yield signs designed to slow traffic at crosswalk intersections.

Its not rocket science, the mayor said Thursday, but its a step forward in making our streets safer for pedestrians.

A 75-year-old man was disoriented after being struck by a Toyota RAV4 at the intersection of Summer and Fourth streets on Wednesday. Officials said the motorist hit the man while turning southbound onto Summer Street.

While admittedly a small step, Martin said the neon green signs are nonetheless effective at easing traffic. Many of them will be placed nearby schools.

The mayor demonstrated by placing one in the crosswalk in front of Trailblazers Academy and Charter School on Lockwood Avenue. With two police officers looking on, he crossed the road with several city representatives from the neighborhood.

Like The Beatles on Abbey Road, he said.

Garland Walton, chief of staff for DOMUS, the organization that runs the school, said she has been concerned about cars speeding down Lockwood Avenue in the path of distracted adolescents.

When youre a middle school student and youre engaged with friends in a recreational social mode, youre probably not paying attention to traffic, she said.

The city introduced nine of the aluminum signs in a pilot program last September and having found them to be successful and inexpensive, ordered an additional 28.

But the mayor acknowledged that theres still more the city needs to do to protect pedestrians and bicyclists.

We not only have to do a better job, he said, we need to catch up because theres still so much more to do.

Coinciding with the mayors announcement is the imminent departure of the citys transportation chief  a position Martin created to oversee all city employees working in parking, traffic and transit.

Transportation bureau chief Joshua Benson is heading to New York City, where he will oversee traffic signaling for the five boroughs. Benson was hired to deal with congestion, signaling and to make city streets safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Stamford has suffered a spate of car-versus-bicycle accidents in recent years. In May, a 72-year-old man was struck by a car and killed while riding his bicycle on Tresser Boulevard.

Martin said pedestrian accidents are at a high across the country because of distracted driving. Cellphones, many say, are the greatest threat to motorists and the pedestrians in their path.

I think we can do better in Stamford, he said, but this is a step in the right direction.
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HARTFORD  A proposal to close two of Connecticuts 17 vocational-technical high schools drew a quick outcry from teachers, business leaders and state officials and an equally quick response from the governor, who said Thursday that there was no such plan.

Theres no plan to close schools, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said hours after a group of protesters took to Hartford to denounce the closings. No one has said well close schools. Its a discussion, not a plan. I think everyone over-reacted, quite frankly.

The state Board of Education on Wednesday approved a package of proposals that would cut $82 million from its budget. Closing two vocational schools, at a savings of $11.4 million, was included in that proposal, which didnt identify particular schools.

Malloy said the closure proposal was part of the normal budget discussions. Every year, he said, he asks top agency officials to plan on 5 percent to 10 percent budget cuts. Any proposed cuts would have to be approved by the Legislature and governor.

But even a discussion of closing vocational-technical high schools, which produce work-ready teenagers, set off loud protests. The Technical High School System serves about 11,200 students, and offers 31 career tracks.

Thomas Auray, a co-owner of a Stratford electronics supplier, came to Hartford Thursday to denounce vocational school cuts, saying he is worried that he wont have the skilled workforce needed when the current generation of senior employees retires.

More Information Some vocational technical schools Bullard-Havens Technical High School, Bridgeport Emmett O'Brien Technical High School, Ansonia Platt Technial High School, Milford Henry Abbott Technical High School, Danbury J.M. Wright Technical High School, Stamford See More Collapse

Auray, speaking with House Democrats during a noon news conference criticized the state Board of Educations vote, and said Bridgeport Fittings, his 91-year-old family-owned factory on Lordship Boulevard, needs workers who have experience with modern manufacturing equipment.

Auray, the firms executive vice president, said that technical schools are keeping his third-generation factory thriving.

If we did not have the technical-school system it would put us in a monumental setback, he said, adding that he regularly brings in students from Platt Technical High School in Milford to experience tool-and-die work, as well as computer-aided design. Many get full-time jobs upon graduation.

Ed Leavy, a teacher with 25 years of experience at Bullard-Havens Technical High School in Bridgeport, who is president of the Vo-tech Teachers Union, called Wednesdays proposal by the state school board a real body blow to the system. He said many Bullard graduates have earned good money upon graduation, quickly becoming the first members in their families to buy houses.

House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, who led the news conference, said he was outraged by the state school boards proposal to save 10 percent of their budget next year by closing two of the vo-tech schools, a tactic that could be part of a wider range of cuts that agency will present to the governor on Friday.

The school board proposals comes at a time when lawmakers and Malloy have been stressing the need to foster high-tech engineering jobs to supply skilled employees to both small contractors as well as the corporate giants like Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford and Electric Boat in Groton.

The outcry did not change the boards plan, said Abbe Smith, a spokeswoman for the state school board.

We presented a set of options for what a 10 percent reduction would look like and that this is just a starting place for future budget discussions, she said.

kdixon@ctpost.com
Formula may contain dangerous bacteria

Graceleigh, Inc. Sammys Milk is recalling all lots of Sammys Milk Baby Food because of possible presence of Cronobacter, a bacteria that can cause severe and sometimes fatal blood infections or meningitis in infants.

Sammys Milk was distributed nationwide from http://www.sammysmilk.com/. This product comes in a 12.84-oz white plastic container for all lot numbers with expiration dates of November, 2016 through August, 2018. No illnesses have been reported to date. This recall is being conducted as a result of the FDAs determination that Sammys Milk is not manufactured in compliance with infant formula regulations and that testing to confirm the absence of the Cronobacter bacteria was not performed.

Consumers who have purchased Sammys Milk are urged to not consume and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 949-646-4628, or email at recall@SammysMilk.com between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Buns recalled for potential plastic

Vermont-based Koffee Kup Bakery, Inc. has voluntarily recalled about 99,000 packages of its bread products due to the possibility that there may be clear plastic pieces in some products.

Koffee Kup discovered the presence of a foreign object in its bread and roll production through routine screening. The company ceased production immediately and upon further investigation, discovered that a small piece of clear plastic entered the stream of production and broke apart during the production process, thus creating a hard-material choking hazard. The company elected to commence an immediate product recall of all products potentially contaminated by the plastic that entered the production stream.

The recalled products were shipped to U.S. retailers in 11 states, including Connecticut, and the District of Columbia. A full list of affected products is available here.

Customers who purchased any of the should return them for an exchange or a full refund. When possible, customers are asked to return the product with the bag and closing clip. No injuries have been reported to date.

Consumers with questions can contact Koffee Kup Bakery, Inc. at 800-841-8102.
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STAMFORD  The appetite for heroin in the city is real and its growing.

But parents who first learned about the drug several decades ago may not realize how much cheaper and purer it has become.

Police in Stamford, where at least 12 people have died of drug overdoses since January, have urged parents to be proactive and talk to their children about the dangers of heroin and other opioids.

Capt. Richard Conklin told a group of parents and educators at the Academy of Information, Technology and Engineering this week that such conversations can prevent years of headache.

I cant tell you how many families I speak to that have children who have become addicted to these substances and virtually anything valuable in their household has been taken, he said. Lawnmowers, jewelry, electronics. They come home and its just gone.

Although heroin is cheaper than it used to be, the drug is very physically addicting and users build up tolerance extremely quickly, Conklin said. As a result, many of them steal from their own families or burglarize other homes to fund their addiction.

Conklin, who oversees the departments Narcotics and Organized Crime squad, said most of the heroin being sold in the Stamford area is 80 to 90 percent pure, up from an average of about 6 percent several years ago.

His presentation to parents was part of an opioid education program held Wednesday night at AITE and organized by the schools parent-teacher organization.

PTO President Sue Feldman said its important for parents to be proactive, but they should also learn to identify possible addiction signs, including knowing what heroin looks like and what kind of paraphernalia is used.

Conklin showed parents several items commonly used for heroin consumption, including cut up drinking straws, small spoons, pipes and needles.

He also said many overdoses are the result of mixing heroin with fentanyl, an opioid painkiller that can be many times stronger than heroin alone.

The spike in heroin and opioid deaths has been a growing national problem. In Connecticut, drug overdoses increased to 729 in 2015 from 357 four years ago, according to the Office of the State Medical Examiner.

State officials project an increase in accidental drug overdose deaths in 2016 for the fifth year in a row. With the accidental-drug death toll already at 444 in the first six months of the year, the state projects there will be 888 by the end of 2016.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy will hold a news conference Friday morning in New Haven to discuss a report he commissioned last summer to help guide the states response to the opioid overdose crisis.

Most of the victims in Stamford this year were in their 20s and 30s, Conklin said, but officials say addictions often start much earlier.

Heroin use among young adults 18 to 25 years old more than doubled in the past decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ingrid Gillespie, executive director of Communities 4 Action, said at Wednesdays meeting that adolescents are much more susceptible to addiction because their brains are still developing. Communities 4 Action promotes substance-abuse prevention and mental health services in the region.

Michele Rawicz, who has two children in Stamford Public Schools, said the presentation was extremely informative, but very scary.

A lot of times, things that our children do surprise us, she said. We all need to be informed. I have these discussions with my children all the time and Ill have some discussions with them tomorrow.

Dayna Patashnik, a mother of two Stamford students, said the more parents talk with their children, the less likely they will abuse drugs.

A lot of parents have questions that theyre afraid to ask, she said. A lot of parents truly believe, it wont happen with my kid... But we need to talk. We need to talk to each other and we need to talk to our kids.

Patashnik admits discussions alone wont stop youth from trying drugs, but it is a major first step.

I want them to know that they can talk to me about whats going on, she said. I want them to know that its safe to tell me anything thats happening with their friends and that wont get them in trouble.

noliveira@hearstmediact.com, 203-964-2265, @olivnelson
STAMFORD  A drunken driver who caused a motorcyclist to sustain permanent brain damage in a hit-and-run accident will spend four years in jail.

Byron Luna-Perez, 41, of Woodrow Street, was sentenced this week to four years in jail and five years probation. Judge Richard Comerford also gave him a six-year suspended sentence, which he could be made to serve if he violates probation following his release.

Assistant States Attorney Susan Campbell told Comerford that Luna-Perez can never atone for what happened to motorcyclist Williard Kemp, 37.

No amount of jail time will ever bring back the victims life, Campbell said. Now Mr. Kemp is in a mental and physical prison because of his injuries. No amount of time will get that back for him.

Family and friends told Comerford that Kemp will never be the same and he remains in a New Britain care facility  16 months after the accident.

Kemp suffers from outbursts and has trouble walking. He doesnt understand why he is in the facility and suffers reoccurring memory loss. Kemp has also considered suicide because of his condition.

He feels he is being punished and held captive in this facility and his mother Jenny feels helpless because she can not take care of him at home, Mothers Against Drunk Driving victim advocate Michelle Chamberlain wrote in a letter.

Luna-Perez, a Guatemalan national, pleaded guilty in August to second-degree assault with a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident and drunk driving.

Luna-Perez, a welder who has been in the U.S. for eight years, agreed to be sentenced to up to four years in prison.

The accident occurred when Kemp was traveling south on West Avenue on his Suzuki 750 just before 9:30 p.m. on June 5, 2015. Luna-Perez, heading in the opposite direction, made a left turn right in front of him, police said.

After stiking Kemp, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, Luna-Perez kept driving on Baxter Avenue, police said.

One witness gave police the license plate of the car that fled the accident scene. Police tracked the car down a short distance away where they found Luna-Perez, who admitted to having six beers an hour before.

The Kemp family is thankful that Willard survived the crash, but his injuries are life altering and he will never be the same, Chambelain said.

jnickerson@scni.com
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STAMFORD  An imaginative childs sighting of a clown with a knife ended up canceling recess for a short time at a Westover school on Wednesday, police said.

Creepy clown sightings have been reported all over the country in recent months and many are portrayed as jokes or hoaxes.

But the attention given to them in the news and on social media sparked a discussion among some Stillmeadow Elementary School students during their lunch recess, which then led to an eight-year-old boy telling a teacher that he spotted two clowns outside the school and one had a knife, Sgt. Robert Shawinsky said.

All the children were immediately taken inside and recess was canceled, Shawinsky said.

Police went to the school, but no creepy clowns were found.

A subsequent talk with the boy and his friends, Shawinsky said, determined, that the childs imagination got the best of him and the school was reopened.

On Thursday morning, a similar report by a child at Turn of River Middle School forced staff to bring all students inside the building. A district spokeswoman said no clowns were found in the area.

Earlier this week, Superintendent of Schools Earl Kim told parents in a robocall that a scary clown threat involving Stamford schools had been posted on social media this week.

Sgt. William Brevard, who is investigating the threat, said it does not appear to be credible.

This is going on nationwide and is not specific to Stamford. Norwalk is also getting calls, Brevard said.

He said the most of the threats are coming from Facebook and Instagram and a lot of the messages, containing scary clown faces, are similarly vague kinds of posts.

Brevard said investigators are working with the superintendents office to determine whether those sending the messages can be found.

Brevard said he is asking parents to tell their kids not to respond to the messages.

JNICKERSON@SCNI.COM
D EFENCE giant BAE Systems expects supersonic earnings growth this year because of strong demand for Typhoon jets.

Talks to sell more fighter planes to foreign powers, a plan supported by the Government, are fuelling BAEs belief it can clinch more contracts this year.

The firm said underlying earnings per share will be between 5% and 10% higher this year, bucking the trend for under-performing defence manufacturers such as Cobham and Rolls-Royce.

Negotiations between Theresa Mays Government, BAE and Saudi Arabia  which accounts for a fifth of BAEs sales  to renew a five year defence deal are also progressing.

The Typhoon is BAEs flagship fighter jet and offers potentially lucrative after-care revenues. In July, BAE won a 2.1 billion deal with the RAF to services its Typhoon fleet.

BAE is also leading the UKs 41 billion Successor Submarine programme, which yesterday came under fire for using French steel.
I dont doubt that having Misys in the FTSE 100 will be a boost to Britains tech scene, particularly with the departure of ARM.

But patriotism aside, at this price I dont want my pension fund to pile into the shares.

Vista, the private-equity wizards selling the business from their Cayman Islands haven (Theresa May, take note) are asking us for 5 billion-5.5 billion. Thats over 4 billion more than they paid us for it four years ago.

Either the sale in 2012 was the dumbest deal ever, or were being fleeced. I lean to the latter.

Yes, Vista invested in Misys along the way, buying a chunk of Thomson Reuters for 1.2 billion. But, for all managements talk of their personal genius and favourable changes in the finance industry, surely that hasnt created this much extra value. And, though Misys might be good at servicing its legacy IT contracts, its not a supercharged grower like ARM.

Theres another thing: typically for a private-equity flip, Misys returns to the market leveraged to the hilt. In its final filings before disappearing into Vistas maw, Misys recorded debts of 107.8 million, 1.7 times its underlying profit. Today, its debt load has surged to more than 1.3 billion.

Even after it spends 300 million of its new float investors money paying that down, it will still represent 3.5 times profit. With all that debt to service, how will Misys be able to invest enough in R&D to keep itself ahead of the opposition?

As if that werent enough to make you squeamish, theres the fact that the directors and Vista have decided its time to sell, albeit only part of their stakes. To quote chief executive Nadeem Syed, this is a partial monetising event.

Partially monetising for him, certainly. Perhaps not for us.

Scribble, dont quibble

SCEPTICISM about the Misys float may not be matched by analysts at the Citys big banks.

Making millions of pounds in fees, either as bankers, co-ordinators or bookrunners are: Goldman Sachs, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank.

How many 20-something scribblers in their research departments will be willing to rock the boat?

Get quids in, Lynn

SVGs Lynn Fordham has properly sent HarbourVest packing. Good riddance to an ill-mannered, underpriced, hostile bid. Goldmans white knight offer may be some way shy of the 700p a share investors hoped for, but it still spanks opportunist HarbourVest, and is tidier than the piecemeal alternative on offer yesterday. Time to take the cash.
W hen he passed through London last month Robert Shiller, one of the most distinguished of the current generation of US economists, said we can only understand the current great mood swings in global politics and economics if we first understand that we live in a post-factual world. It is no longer what is true that matters and drives opinion, it is what people believe. Success goes to those with the best narrative, those who can spin the best story, not those with the knowledge and the best command of the facts.

This, he says, is what lies behind the rise and rise of Donald Trump. What the Republican presidential candidate says resonates with a significant slice of US voters and might yet deliver him the White House because it chimes with what they want to believe. Facts are too difficult. Seen from the standpoint of the individual struggling to cope, the world is complex and issues are confused. Furthermore, they no longer trust the experts  the lawyers, the politicians, the journalists.

Trump is the answer for them because he does not ask them to think things through, he gets them instead to trust in what they feel. He tells them a story  the narrative, as Shiller calls it  which is aimed at the heart not the head. He first plays up their fears and fires up their emotions and then he delivers an answer. That is the beauty of the fairytale. Unlike the real world, however big the problem there is always a simple solution and a happy ending.

Of course this is not just a US phenomenon, it pretty much characterised the EU debate too. The Brexiteers constructed a narrative that tapped into discontent and offered a solution. They understood  to adapt a cynical old newspaper saying  that the truth should never get in the way of a good story.

In fact, you could argue that the whole EU story is one of narrative rather than fact and it certainly is at the political extremes. Jeremy Corbyn does not much like the EU because he espouses a strand of extreme Left-wing thinking which has always seen it as a capitalist club. This view holds that it is an umbrella organisation dedicated to furthering the interests of big business, globalisation and the exploitation of working people around the world. If it collapses, well and good, because it will be one less barrier to the socialist revolution.

The likes of Michael Gove (remember him?), Liam Fox and Nigel Farage come at it from quite the other end of the spectrum. They dislike the EU because they see it as a socialist plot  much too preoccupied with workers rights, safeguarding consumers, protecting the environment, strangling business in red tape, curbing markets, stifling free enterprise and letting faceless bureaucrats tell us what to do. If it collapses, fine, because it will be one less barrier to free markets and the triumph of neoliberal economics.

Neither vision represents the reality but that is not the point  it is what they believe.

Economics does not help to provide an answer because in spite of what its practitioners claim, economics is not a science. The laws of physics are real  an apple will fall to earth under the pull of gravity regardless of the ethics, values or beliefs of those who own the orchard. But in modern economics it is the other way around. The policies implemented to deliver growth and prosperity are grounded in beliefs not in facts. The policy conclusions that economists reach depend on the values they hold and the political views they subscribe to. It is narrative, not fact, which drives economic theory.

However, that is not how it is presented: economic policies are instead put across as inalienable truth. Before the great financial crash every politician had bought into the idea that unfettered markets, liberalised open economies, privatisation and the growth of the financial sector was the guaranteed way to global prosperity. Only after the crash did Lord Turner and others point out that what was known as the Washington Consensus  the primacy of financial markets and the free flow of capital across borders  was not some natural law which would automatically deliver good outcomes. It was simply the self-serving mantra of New Yorks investment bankers, who promoted it ruthlessly because it gave them a platform to make unprecedented sums of money.

And we are here again with Brexit. To separate totally from the EU and opt instead for free trade is in fact to endorse the triumph of the neoliberal agenda. It is a philosophy that says farmers will have to learn to compete with hormone-enhanced beef and genetically modified grain from the US because it is cheaper.

It is a philosophy which says the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the body which tries to control drug prices and get value for money for the NHS, should be wound down because it unfairly denies patients access to high-priced US drugs.

It is a belief system which says it is wrong to subsidise the arts because the only things which should be staged are those people will pay to see. It is a policy which says we do not need to import East Europeans to pick out fruit because British workers will do it once their benefits are cut.

But back to Robert Shiller. He is fond of saying the financial crash has left two unanswered questions. The first is one initially asked by the Queen: Why did no one see it coming? The second asked by an angry public is why has no banker gone to jail?

There is, however, a third which is far more difficult to understand. Why does the neoliberal agenda championed by Thatcher, Reagan and their disciples still dominate economic and political thinking when it brought about the biggest financial disaster since the Thirties?
Dr. Erica Rotondo: You can help provide medical care and supplies at Standing Rock
T he Conservative Party conference strapline may be a country that works for everyone but in reality the Government has learnt the wrong lessons from the Leave vote and is being more divisive than healing. Many of those Brexit voters believed Boris Johnson when he said we would stay in the single market  he told us we could have our cake and eat it. It turns out Boris is not interested in cake and wants a hard, destructive Brexit.

Try and point out this U-turn and you are dismissed as a bad loser; try and stand up for a multiracial Britain and you are labelled part of the liberal elite; point out the 20 billion net contribution from immigrants over a decade and you are told you are not listening to the people; oppose hate crime and you are mocked for political correctness. It is easier to vilify foreigners in the new Britain than it is to espouse European values. No wonder most of the Remainers have headed for the hills.

Yet now is the time that progressive, outward-looking liberal people must speak out. We accept the referendum result but not a hard Brexit which will make us poorer. And we dont accept language that stigmatises immigrants or that makes us meaner. That is why I have helped set up Open Britain, a coalition of people from all walks of life who want Britain to remain open to trading with Europe and open to tolerance and diversity. Open Britain will provide a framework for people to exercise their right to speak out for a sensible Brexit.

To achieve that the Government needs to do three things immediately. First, it must commit to maximum participation in the single market and resist calls to fall back on World Trading Organisation tariffs, which would weaken our economy. The Chancellor, Philip Hammond, who was brave enough to point this out, was condemned by parts of the hard Brexit media as a doom-monger who needed to get with the programme.

What is Article 50? - Explained

Second, it should make a commitment to Europeans living and working in Britain that they can stay here permanently. Under no circumstances should they be a bargaining chip in our negotiations with our European partners. To do otherwise would be morally repellent. Such a bold move by the UK would almost certainly be met in all of the other 27 nations in the EU, generating goodwill that will be desperately needed as we try to settle our post-EU trading arrangements.

Third, the Government must end its secrecy over the negotiations. Leaving the EU is probably the biggest event since the Second World War. Of course we cant know about every conversation but the people should know about the broad aims and direction upon which this Government is embarking.

The Government must trust the people if it is to be trusted itself. Waiting until early next year when it triggers Article 50 is not sufficient  by then our goals will have been set in stone. We heard a lot about parliamentary sovereignty during the referendum; there could be no better expression of this than a vote in parliament on the eventual Brexit terms.

In a democracy there is always a spectrum of views. Those of us who want a sensible Brexit, who want Britain to remain a beacon of tolerance and who find the denigration of non-British workers appalling have a duty to speak out.

Roland Rudd is chairman of Open Britain and Finsbury
As one of the fashion world's most well-respected designers, Victoria Beckham is looked up to my many as a style icon who can put no foot wrong.

Having come a long way since her experimental days as a Spice Girl, however, the 42-year-old revealed to Net-a-Porter.com's digital magazine The Edit that there are looks from her past that she perhaps wouldn't recreate today.

"I have made so many fashion mistakes but I actually dont look at them as mistakes. I celebrate those things, I laugh occasionally but Im not ashamed of any of that."

"At some point I thought it was OK to wear a PVC cat suit. When I was pregnant with Romeo, I walked around Disneyland in Christian Louboutin heels, literally at nine months pregnant!"

But despite acknowledging her own controversial style desicions, Beckham suggests she would never question another woman's look.

"I have no time for women who dont support other women," she admits. "Its the ultimate compliment when a woman tells you that you look good."

Victoria wears Victoria Beckham (Tom Craig courtesy of The Edit, Net-a-Porter.com) / Tom Craig courtesy of The EDIT, NET-A-PORTER.com

And while her fashion career shows no sign of slowing down, the mother-of-four has added yet another string to her bow by lending her knowledge of the beauty industry to a collaborative make-up collection with Estee Lauder.

On revealing her beauty secrets, Beckham admitted: "There are two types of women out there: theres the kind of woman who finds something nice and likes to keep it to herself, and then theres the other type, which is me, who wants to share."

"I have worked with the best makeup artists, hairdressers and stylists, and Ive learned so much. I havent always got it right, but when Ive got it wrong, Ive actually learned an enormous amount from that, too. And I want to share everything I know."

Victoria wears Victoria Beckham (Tom Craig courtesy of The Edit, Net-a-Porter.com) / Tom Craig courtesy of The EDIT, NET-A-PORTER.com

The collection - which is one of the most impressive beauty launches in several seasons - was inspired by every day products made to fit for the modern woman's every need.

"Id be getting on a plane from London, then 11 hours later, getting up, walking out of the airport terminal and being bombarded by so many paparazzi, so I wanted something that I could put on to make me look fresh."

"That was my starting point, actually; when I began working with Estee Lauder, I said I really want to create a product that does exactly that."

"And the thing is, everybody is in that position now, because everyone has a camera phone. Even if youre not being chased by paparazzi, there will be someone doing selfies, so everybody has to be camera-ready all the time. Whoever you are, everybody has to be ready now!"

Victoria Beckham SS17 at New York Fashion Week 1 /40 Victoria Beckham SS17 at New York Fashion Week Victoria Beckham at NYFW David and Brooklyn Beckham arrive at Victoria's SS17 show Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW David and Brooklyn take their seats Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW Anna Wintour sits front row Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW Models walk the SS17 runway Trevor Collens/AFP/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW A model walks the SS17 runway Neilson Barnard/Getty Victoria Beckham at NYFW Victoria acknowledges her audience Neilson Barnard/Getty

To see The Edits full interview with Victoria Beckham go to at net-a-porter.com/magazine or download the free Edit app on the App Store and Google Play
T he Frieze art fair is now into a groove that doesnt seem shakeable. Its been through the crash, eurozone crisis and now Brexit, and still the big galleries and the art crowd come in their droves and buy and sell to the tune of millions.

With more than 1,000 artists and 160 galleries, Regents Park seems as busy as ever. While there are no dramatic shifts or reinventions to report  though a section dedicated to the Nineties is a small but enriching addition  it is packed with highlights (and some lowlights, of course) by senior figures and emerging talents, using any materials under the sun.

Biggest price tag

Anish Kapoor

Red Stave (2015)

Lisson Gallery (3.5m)

Matt Writtle

Around 18 months in the making, this monumental polished stainless steel creation packs an enormous punch. Kapoors mirrors had come to feel a bit ubiquitous at art fairs but in its scale and power this work returns to the spirit of his early reflective works.

In the past his concave mirrors have played havoc with our sense of space, with the shock of turning us upside down in an instant. This sculpture, close to four metres high, is just as visually enticing, if more subtle, turning everything caught in its mirrored gaze into stripes and lines, which shift as you move in front of it.

It is a shimmering spectacle, which appears to hover before you when up close. This illusionistic quality, where the space between you and the sculpture seems to expand, allowing for the disorienting sensory effects, is something I associate with Kapoors stone works more than his mirrors.

When youre partly surrounded by the sculpture, the sound shifts, too, from wide to close. At his best, Kapoor can still create poetic and profound sensory experiences: he can still turn our world upside down.



Philippe Parreno / Shahzia Sikander

Speech Bubbles (Transparent Orange)/Singing Suns (2016)

Pilar Corrias Gallery (Price not disclosed)

Matt Writtle

A pairing of two very different artists that works like a dream. Parreno has said that the speech-bubble-shaped balloons at Pilar Corrias hold words waiting to come out  theyre sculptures between speaking and silence. In the packed booth at Frieze above the art crowd they become vehicles for imagined conversations.

Sikanders stunning, coruscating animation, meanwhile, is constructed entirely from a single shape, based on the hair worn by a gopi, a female worshipper of Krishna. These shapes coalesce into spheres, like suns or globes, and dissolve into swarms, like birds or insects.

Jon Rafman

Trans-dimensional Serpent

Seventeen Gallery (Price not disclosed)

Matt Writtle

Decorated with a patchwork of leather, this tail-chasing serpent doubles up as a sculpture and a seat. Settle on its coiling midriff and you are equipped with an Oculus Rift headset. And once you put it on, youre transported to a very different virtual-reality Frieze  there are crowds, but these ones are all naked and all energetically going about their business.

Some are fairly normal looking, aside from the lack of clothes. But there are also figures who wouldnt be out of place in a Greek myth or a Peter Jackson movie. Even as you look around, you see that those joining you on the writhing snake are also naked. Once you remove the headset, its unlikely youll see the bustling fair visitors in quite the same way.



Francis Upritchard

Various works

Kate MacGarry (3k-26k)

Matt Writtle

For some years this New Zealand-born artist has been fascinated with displays in archeological museums, and amid the Frieze madness shes created what might be this years best and most absorbing booth: a deliciously weird and colourful museum of mankind in which even the lamps on the table are handmade.

I love the quirky poses of her diminutive, delicately painted figures: Seraphina Purple Kiss (2016) seems to be caught energetically dancing, and bears a badge on her back featuring Gene Simmons of Kiss. Elsewhere, a hippie-ish figure gently caresses his erect penis, while others seem caught in spiritual reverie.

Complete with ceramics, clearly evocative of ancient cultures, and playful textiles, often in the form of eccentric hats, Upritchards mock-museum display is a tour de force.

Frieze Masters

If you plan to visit both Frieze fairs, do Masters second. After the drama and energy across Regents Park this seems almost serene.

Nothing will shock you if youve been before: more than 130 galleries show works from ancient Egypt and Greece, pictured, to the year 2000. But there are always surprises. You can find yourself looking at works youve never seen by familiar friend  a delightful Bonnard on Acquavellas stand, in my case  and then thrown thrillingly out of your comfort zone. I enjoyed the exquisite Books of Hours on Jorn Gunthers stand, for instance.

As ever, there are clever fusions of different eras  Hauser & Wirth and Moretti have combined the historical and contemporary brilliantly  but the highlights are often solo presentations. Booths dedicated to Ed Ruscha (Gagosian), Frank Stella (Marianne Boesky, Dominique Levy and Spruth Magers), Daniel Buren (Galleria Continua) and the too-little-known land artist Michelle Stuart (Parafin) are excellent. Masters remains Londons best art fair.

Until Sunday; frieze.com

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T he Natural History Museum are to screen Jurassic Park in the shadow of much-loved Dippy the diplodocus.

The museum have teamed up with the Rooftop Film Club to screen the 1993 box-office smash on Tuesday December 13.

Guests will be treated to a private view of the dino walk, which heads through the mammals and dinosaur gallery, before making their way to the entrance hall to enjoy the screening while seated next to the 83ft-long dinosaur frame.

The event will be one of the final chances to see the iconic Dippy in the museum, as its set to be removed in early 2017, when it will head off on a world tour.

Behind the scenes at...Natural History Museum

The sculpture, built out of 356 plaster cast bones, first arrived in its South Kensington home in 1905 after King Edward VI saw an illustration of the original skeleton when it was unearthed in Wyoming in 1898, and asked for a copy to be constructed.

Tickets cost 32 - 35, include free popcorn, and are on sale now. For more information, visit eventbrite.co.uk.

Follow David Ellis on Twitter @dvh_ellis

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C offee giant Starbucks is taking on the Great British cuppa, and is giving away mugs of the stuff today, Thursday October 6, from 3pm until stores close.

The Seattle-born chain is launching Teavana Tea for Autumn, a range of ten brews including chai, mint citrus, jasmine pearls and the probably-misleadingly named Youthberry tea.

Traditionalist wont be disappointed, though, and therell also be staples of the menu, including English breakfast, Earl Grey, and chamomile.

The more adventurous can swing by for a tea latte, which include a citrus mint green option.

Fancy one? Simply head to your nearest Starbucks to claim a free tall-size cup. We say claim  probably best just to ask politely. Its one per person.

Follow David Ellis on Twitter @dvh_ellis

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P atrick Leigh Fermor (Paddy to his friends and admirers) saw himself as a footloose tramper from another, more chivalrous age. His letters, judiciously edited by John le Carres biographer, Adam Sisman, display an old-world grace and antiquarianism. Scholarly reflections on Lord Byrons boat-shaped slippers combine with rapturous overtures to the Hellenic world. Like his novelist friend Lawrence Durrell, Leigh Fermor was drawn to the intoxicated self-forgetfulness of his adopted Greece and not always comfortable in drab, post-war Britain  Cardiff is rather a dreadful town, he writes to a lover in 1961, meaning it.

The letters, of a piece with his travel writing, radiate the glittery brilliance of a Faberge egg. Leigh Fermors most celebrated book, A Time of Gifts, published in 1977, chronicled a year-long hike across Europe from Rotterdam to Istanbul in 1934, when he was just 18. How much of it was embellished? His razor-sharp recollection of dialogue and landscape from four decades earlier suggested the artifice of afterthought. If fact blurs into fiction in Leigh Fermor, however, it does so in the time-honoured manner of his literary hero Norman Douglas, who insisted: Truth blends very nicely with untruth, my dear. So it is with these letters.

Ian Fleming and other tropical voluptuaries exiled in the West Indies are among the many posh and rakish friends mentioned here. Inevitably, the impression remains of a charmed circle. (In a bare-faced plug, James Bond is seen to consult Leigh Fermors 1950 account of the West Indies, The Travellers Tree, in Flemings voodoo extravaganza Dr No.)

From his home in the southern Peloponnese, Paddy corresponded with Greek writers such as George Seferis, Deborah Debo Cavendish, Cyril Connolly and, in his later years, the literary golden boy Bruce Chatwin. His finely arranged prose, not unlike Chatwins, had something of an auctioneers flourish or swank about it. All this green gives one the sensation of living in the heart of a giant lettuce, he writes from France in 1955, with characteristic Leigh Fermorian campiness.

While Chatwin was not especially interesting to look at (he was far too boyish for real elegance or style), Leigh Fermors dashingly handsome, Jack Hawkins-like appearance encouraged the mystique of a vagabond-scholar. In April 1944, in one of the most daring feats of the Second World War, he abducted a German officer from his headquarters in occupied Crete and drove him through 22 checkpoints to Egypt. The exploit was later filmed as Ill Met by Moonlight, starring the absolutely charming  slim, handsome Dirk Bogarde as plucky British officer Paddy.

Naturally, the letters amount to an autobiography of sorts. In the late 1930s, like a tramp or pilgrim, Leigh Fermor decamped to Romania in order to be with his first love, Princess Blasha Cantacuzene, the recipient of some of his most tender (Darling B, Balasha darling) letters.

More book reviews 1 /24 More book reviews Recovery by Russell Brand Will Russells brand of self-help prove quite so addictive? By Nicholas Lezard. Read review A Life in Questions by Jeremy Paxman Paxo refuses to answer all the really good questions, says David Sexton. Read review Politics: Between: The Extremes by Nick Clegg The basis of this book makes it impossible not to warm to Clegg, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review Serious Sweet by A L Kennedy Thank heavens for London in this tale of self-obsessed lovers. Read review The Last Royal Rebel: The Life and Death of James, Duke of Monmouth by Anna Keay Born a kings b****** and destined for a traitors death. Read review Man Up: Boys, Men and Breaking the Male Rules by Rebecca Asher Getting to the bottom of why boys will be boys. Read review The Course of Love by Alain de Botton A philosophical novel that does run smooth, says Johanna Thomas-Corr. Read review The Tree Climbers Guide: Adventures in the Urban Canopy by Jack Cooke How I gave this book a proper test and ended up with a broken ankle. Read review Reader, I Married Him: Stories Inspired by Jane Eyre Brontes classic tale in the imaginations of other writers, says Claire Harman. Read review Moranifesto by Caitlin Moran Caitlin comes clean about politics  the world according to our funniest feminist. By Rosamund Urwin. Read review Spark Joy An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying by Marie Kondo Theres no messing wih Marie, says Katie Law. Read review Cockfosters Stories by Helen Simpson After 50, a womans life gets better not worse. By Katie Law. Read review Stalins Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess by Andrew Lownie Joker in the spying pack. By Richard Bassett. Read review Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin The darkness that lies at the heart of the novel is offset by a lightness of touch, says Mark Sanderson. Read review Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink by Elvis Costello Elvis proves not quite so lyrical on the page, says Nick Curtis. Read review The Importance of Elsewhere: Philip Larkins Photographs by Richard Bradford His poetry paints better pictures than any camera, says David Sexton. Read review Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith Morality wins out over macabre murders, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review The Grownup by Gillian Flynn Calling all Flynnies: the con girl whos like gone girl. Read review

Other affairs followed  with the novelist Antonia Whites daughter Lyndall Birch and John Hustons fourth wife Ricki Huston. I say, what gloomy tidings about the CRABS! he writes to Ricki in 1961 apropos a pubic lice outbreak, adding: Could it be me? By the time Ricki died in a car crash in 1969, at the age of 39, Leigh Fermor was married to Joan Rayner, the daughter of the first Viscount Monsell. He was far too much of a snob not to marry into a class above his own.

A marvellous writer but not always a great one, Leigh Fermor could all too easily lapse into rococo candyfloss prose. These charming letters, however, spanning 70 years from 1940 to 2010, confirm him as a sort of latter-day Lord Byron, with an enviable gift for friendship and unstinting generosity to those he loved. Glorious, heady stuff.
I N THE wake of the 9/11 attacks in 2001 there have been at least eight major conflicts across the Middle East and Africa, and many smaller insurrections and social explosions. Among the newest is the war between the Turks and the Kurds, while other wars seem in a perpetual process of re-ignition, as in Afghanistan, Somalia and Yemen.

These convulsions make up what Patrick Cockburn, indefatigable correspondent of the region, calls in the title of his new book The Age of Jihad. It is a brilliant tour dhorizon of the new wars, a chronicle compiled from despatches, notes and diaries. No one could be better placed for this task and no one else could have produced such a lucid and comprehensive account.

Turning the old cliche about journalism as the first draft of history on its head, Cockburn claims that journalism is the first draft of journalism. That is what the reader gets: a brilliant piece of sustained journalism.

The descriptive narrative is delivered with deadpan wit, combined with the deftest analysis. Cockburn recounts each episode in real time  allowing him to shift his conclusions as matters develop or deteriorate. After the capture of Mosul in June 2014 and the declaration of the Islamic State, he conjectures that IS is all but invincible as there are no Sunni forces strong enough to contest its supremacy in Iraq and Syria.

Two years on, we read of the evident cracks in ISs control of centres such as Mosul in Iraq or even Raqqa in Syria. IS, the most powerful proponent of jihad, is already mutating in structure, operations and message.

The book opens with Cockburn lying up in the front lines of the Northern Alliance in the plains north of Kabul, just as the Taliban regime is about to fall, following US intervention in the aftermath of 9/11. Afghanistan is visited several times in the course of the chronicle, as are Yemen, Bahrain, Somalia and Libya. The focus of the story, however, is Iraq and Syria. What goes on there is at the heart of the crisis now engulfing the Arab world, with its string of tribal, ethnic and sectarian wars.

Intervention in Iraq by the Bush regime, abetted by Tony Blair, is seen as Americas biggest blunder in foreign policy of the modern era. Curiously, Cockburn suggests that it may not prove as damaging for the US and its standing as the Suez debacle of 1956 was for the UK. I think the jury may still be out on this because there can be no final audit yet of the true cost of the Anglo-American invasion of 2003.

The intervention to throw out Saddam Hussein mirrors the equally ill-thought-out adventures in Afghanistan and Libya. In all three cases exiles were listened to too much and the problems of the country and regime were underestimated. There was a deranged naivety in believing that once the cruel dictator was overthrown everything would fall into place.

Instead everything fell apart, and very rapidly in the case of Libya and Iraq  where within a year the occupying powers of America and its allies were facing two separate rebellions by Shias in the south and Sunnis in the centre of the country.

Cockburn has a great deal of affection for both the landscapes he travels in and the people who try to live there, and shares their predicament. Iraqi society became like a lump of sugar ready to dissolve as soon as Saddams rule was ended, he ruminates, looking over once cosmopolitan Baghdad.

We may, the book suggests, just be at the beginning of the age of jihad, a licence for violence beyond anything conceived by the founders of Islam in their prescription for Holy War. The irruption of IS into Mosul and Syria in 2014 was the most dramatic change of boundaries in the Arab world and Middle East since the secret Anglo-French deal by Sykes and Picot exactly a century ago.

That was during the First World War, the greatest conflict in the area to date. Now the conflict is within states, their sects, tribes and ethnicities. Describing these ragged, cyclical, unending, continuous wars, Cockburn uses the term Somalianisation  reflecting that Somalia has been in perpetual conflict and with no central authority since the ousting of President Siad Barre in 1991.

Under the continuous or perpetual conflict of today, tribes fragment, villages are uprooted, clans and families flee in the tens of thousands. This powerful book suggests that there is a great deal more Somalianisation to come.

13.60, Amazon, Buy it now
T HE WORKOUT

Omorovicza X Equinox Oxygen Booster Facial 125 for 60 minutes (0207 666 6000; omorovicza.com)

What is it? A Hungarian mud facial with a day-pass to Equinox  Kensingtons most exclusive gym.

Tell me more...The facial itself is a modern reinterpretation of traditional Hungarian massage techniques designed to firm up droopy areas and drain excess fluid. Head to the treadmill straight after and youll get a double hit of increased circulation and twice the glow. Ask your therapist to add some extraction (pore cleaning)  highly recommended.

THE SPEED CLEAN

Skin Laundry Laser and Light Facial Liberty, 50 for 15 minutes and the first session free (skinlaundry.com)

What is it? The most exciting LA export since green juice: a functional deep clean using LED light.

So, like a speed-wash setting? Yes, but more thorough. Pop on your goggles and your therapist will pass a YAG laser (for fine lines, sun damage and any lingering bacteria) over your face twice followed by a dose of light therapy. The sensation feels like elastic bands pinging and youll smell the bacteria burning. Perfect for minimising visible pores.

THE NATURAL PLUS

Eletheas Biochemist Method Facial Haris, 185 for 60 minutes (harissalon.com)

What is it? A high-tech, machine-based facial combined with 100 per cent natural products.

Theres a lot going on here... First your skin will be introduced to the Elethea five-step freeze and thaw method in which natural ingredients like vitamin A and hyaluronic acid are massaged, target-applied and even melted via ice cubes into your skin. It feels heavenly  but before you get too comfy, your therapist will whip out a hydra-dermabrasion machine, which jets out a blend of serums, water and oxygen to exfoliate and vacuum out apoptotic cells (essentially dead cells), making this great for adult acne and sun damage.

111CRYO Facial

THE BIG FREEZE

111CRYO FacialHarvey Nichols fourth floor, 75 for 30 minutes (harveynichols.com)

What is it? A half-hour blast of 31-degree air to push skins collagen production into overdrive.

Sounds chilly, why so cold? Think of it as the plunge-pool of facials  brief and bracing. Your therapist will double cleanse then wash your face with colder-than-ice nitrogen-free air. The bodys reaction to the cold is sending white blood cells to the face, explains 111Skins managing director Daniel Smith. The immediate results are plumped-up fine lines and longer-term increased collagen production. Plus, the cold destroys bacteria so its brilliant for killing a last-minute acne flare-up.

THE INNER FACIAL

Bespoke Sculpting Facial Charlotte Connoley, 160 for one hour (nicholajoss.com)

What is it? Developed by facialist Nichola Joss, Charlotte Connoley kneads away at skin inside your mouth. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Carine Roitfeld and Keira Knightley are all fans.

Inside the mouth? How does that even work? After donning Latex gloves, Connoley will massage your cheek and jaw from within with her magic hands to manually sculpt and contour your face. Be warned  this isnt the most relaxing experience. As Connoley explains: Its intense but it has the most insane lifting results. I work under the master muscle along the jawline to get rid any tension and underlying congestion, removing toxins as I go.

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S he is the woman fashion editors stalk on Instagram, dissecting her every style move, and who designer Erdem Moraloglu says has the most incredible eye. Tall, slight with glowing olive skin and exotic features that come via a Japanese father and American mother, Hikari Yokoyama is a fixture on the FROW, as well as at Frieze, an art insider who even before she became the fiancee of White Cube owner Jay Jopling seemed to embody the point at which the fashion world meets the art one.

In fashion terms, Yokoyama nails it, looking as uncontrived in architectural Celine as she does in Haider Ackermanns lean tailoring or the maximalism of Alessandro Michele at Gucci. What I love about Hikaris style, says the designer and Net-a-Porter fashion editor Kim Hersov, is that it is bold, sometimes daring but never overdone. Celia Hempton, the stylish artist, agrees, saying: She manages to look chilled and sexy at the same time, wearing striking clothes in a thrown-together way. Today is a case in point. She has arrived at the St James branch of White Cube wearing a black Bella Freud sweater, apple green chinos and black Gucci Princetown furry slippers.

How would she describe her style? Her eyes crinkle up, then she laughs. I have always admired women who have a specific style, she says. But I feel like Im still experimenting. Its not as though Ive been wearing designer clothes my whole life. For years I honed my style off the sales rack, [at] thrift stores and garage sales.

OSMAN top, 395 (osmanlondon.com). GUCCI skirt, 400, at foundandvision.com. ROSETTA GETTY boots, 770, at ssense.com. Jewellery, Hikaris own / Rosaline Shahnavaz

We have met before, when I interviewed her about what women wear to work. Then she seemed tentative about being perceived as a fashion plate, anxious that it might detract from the seriousness of her day job as a cultural communications consultant and curator for online auction house Paddle8, as well as her work for Frieze Masters where she advises Gucci, the events associate sponsor. A year on she appears more confident both about her portfolio career and being upfront about the joy that clothes can bring her. Today she is very much the diligent model. The fashion world, she tells me, has incredible amplification powers and so much influence on women.

Of course, the convergence between art and fashion is nothing new: designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel and Gianni Versace amassed impressive art collections and the fashion world has always been keen to associate itself with the high-mindedness of the art world. But in the past few years, the relationship has become reciprocal.

Any visitor to the opening morning of Frieze will have found that it is possibly the best catwalk outside of Paris. Head-to-toe floral print Miu Miu brocade rubs alongside the darker  okay, more bonkers  side of Comme des Garcons and everything else you can think of in between.

TOPSHOP UNIQUE skirt, POA (topshop.com); VICTORIA BY VICTORIA BECKHAM top, 165, at theshopatbluebird.com;Manolo Blahnik shoes, POA; jewellery, Hikaris own / Rosaline Shahnavaz

Yokoyama is reluctant to be drawn into the sartorial semiotics of her art-world peers for fear or sounding mean. The art world attracts people who think visually. I would say they are more self aware of how they look than the average person. I once read that if you want to see who wears the Commes des Garcons paper cut-out dresses, then go to Frieze. You wouldnt see that at Fashion Week.

She loves that many of the London designers she wears are from her generation  shes 34 this month  so there is less sense of dressing up to be someone. Im proud to be showing off something one of my friends worked hard to make. Those friends include Erdem Moraloglu, Nicholas Kirkwood and Duro Olowu. She likes to wear Christopher Kane, Simone Rocha and Grace Wales Bonner, too. I [also] admire the work of Rei Kawakubo, Alessandro Michele, Rudi Gernreich and Callot Soeurs.

Frieze Art Fair 2016 - the highlights 1 /48 Frieze Art Fair 2016 - the highlights Frieze London and Frieze Masters Regents Park, NW1. Thu until Oct 9



Where it all began: the star attractions, the magnet for the global art world. Frieze London is the contemporary fair; Masters is for historical art up to 2000. Look out for Frieze Londons new section, The Nineties, with recreations of seminal shows from that decade. friezeartfair.com Sunday Art Fair Ambika P3, W1. Thu until Oct 9



The most radical of the other fairs, Sunday features 25 emerging galleries and is where youre likely to find future stars  and its free, too. Head for the editions section to find good, affordable work. sundayartfair.com 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair Somerset House, WC1. Thurs until Oct 9



The fourth edition of this excellent showcase of African art  40 exhibitors show around 130 artists from Africa and its diaspora. Look out, too, for Forum, the fairs talks and films programme. 1-54.com Namsa Leuba, Patience (from the series Zulu Kids), 2014, Fibre pigment print, edition of 5 + 1 A. P, 112 x 140 cm, Courtesy of PAD London Berkeley Square, W1. Mon until Oct 9



Now 10 years old, PAD is the blue-chip fair where you see design and decorative work alongside major artists. Its the closest you get to seeing what great art looks like in the home. pad-fairs.com The Other Art Fair Old Truman Brewery, E1. Thu until Oct 9



Now partnered with Saatchi art, the online gallery created by Charles Saatchi, the Other Art Fair is similarly uneven in quality but affordable. Tracey Emin has created a limited edition for this years event. theotherartfair.com Carolina Mizrahi Richard Serra Gagosian Britannia Street, WC1. Tomorrow until Feb 25. Gagosian Davies Street, W1. Until Dec 17



At Gagosian Britannia St, three enormous new steel sculptures by this giant of contemporary sculpture; at Davies St, several new drawings. gagosian.com Richard Serra. Courtesy Gagosian. Cindy Sherman and David Salle Skarstedt, SW1. Tomorrow until Nov 26



A new space for the American gallery, showing playful homages to art history made in the late Eighties and early Nineties by two linchpins of Postmodern art. Sherman poses in photographs evoking Raphael and Rubens among others, while Salles Tapestry series pastiches Italian and Dutch painting. skarstedt.com Cindy Sherman. David Salle Robert Thierren: Works 19751995 Parasol Unit, N1. Sun until Dec 11



Rare show of the sculptors work, mainly from the Eighties and Nineties. Thierren takes simple, utilitarian forms, like a pitcher or a snowman, and turns them into enigmatic, quietly beautiful sculptures. parasol-unit.org Courtesy of Mary Patricia Anderson Pence. Photography by Douglas M. Parker Studio. Jeff Koons Almine Rech, W1. Mon until Jan 21



Almine Rech opens her new gallery in Grosvenor Hill with Jeff Koonss recent Gazing Ball works: painstakingly recreated Old Master paintings, with the suburban garden baubles placed on the canvas. alminerech.com Courtesy of the Artist and Almine Rech Gallery Bruce Nauman: Natural Light, Blue Light Room Blain Southern, W1. Wed until Nov 12



Rare showing of early Nauman work, using blue fluorescent lights below skylights to disorientate the viewer. The idea, Nauman said, was that it would be hard to know what to focus on and even if you did, it would be hard to focus. Portrait of the Artist as Bruce Nauman V2 (detail),  Jack Fulton ARS, NY and DACS, London 2016 Matt Mullican  The Sequence of Things Camden Arts Centre, NW3. Until Jan 8



On posters, maps, photographs, drawings and much else, Mullican has created a universe of symbols over decades, to grapple with the complexities of the world. His show is inspired by Camden Arts Centres previous life as a public library. camdenartscentre.org Ed Ruscha: Extremes and In-Betweens Gagosian Gallery, W1. Wed until Nov 17



All new paintings by the prolific LA artist, featuring his familiar interplay between words and images. Includes the latest works in his much loved series of mountain paintings. gagosian.com Mike Kelley Hauser & Wirth, W1. Until Nov 19



The late Kelley was a dextrous artist, but often chose the extraordinary cultural richness of Los Angeles as his source material: this installation from 1999 includes a reconstruction of a grotto-like wishing well in Chinatown, downtown LA. Work by the Brazilian artist Lygia Pape is shown next door. hauserwirth.com Donna Huanca: Scar Cymbals Zabludowicz Collection, NW5. Until Dec 18



Painted bodies are at the heart of this new commission by the hotly-tipped Chicago-born artist: Huancas brightly coloured models perform within a glass structure, with sculptural and sound works nearby. zabludowiczcollection.com Donna Huanca, MAENAD CYMBALS. Performance view July 7July 31, 2013, Open Forum, Berlin. Helen Marten Serpentine Sackler Gallery, W2. Until Nov 20



A massive autumn for the Macclesfield-born artist: shortlisted for the Turner Prize and the inaugural Hepworth Sculpture prize, she also brings her sculpture, text and screen-printed paintings together for this, her first major London solo show. Dont miss Marc Camille Chaimowicz at the Serpentine Gallery, either. serpentinegalleries.org Annik Wetter Photographie Howard Hodgkin: After All Alan Cristea, SW1. Wed until Nov 18



Now 84, Hodgkin is working with as much vigour as ever. His prints use a unique combination of collagraphy [SUBS this is correct, not calligraphy!] and hand painting and his latest are among the best of his career, bursting with colour and vivid expression. alancristea.com Tony Cragg Lisson Gallery, NW1. Tomorrow until Nov 5



The latest work by the New British Sculpture man, across both the Lisson galleries; typically energetic and dynamic, they draw on nature and geometry, the organic and the industrial. lissongallery.com Antony Gormley: Fit White Cube, SE1. Until Nov 6



Increasingly making in architectural works, Gormley has created a labyrinth of 15 rooms within the vast White Cube space. The poetic forms of the American sculptor Virginia Overton are on show elsewhere in the gallery. whitecube.com Bedwyr Williams: the Gulch Barbican Art Gallery, EC2. Until Jan 8



The Barbicans Curve gallery is ripe for labyrinthine journeys. Williamss series of installations through the space is infused with the Welsh artists wit and taste for the absurd. As the artist tells us: Theres a talking goat in it. barbican.org.uk Yinka Shonibare Stephen Friedman Gallery, W1. Until Nov 5



After 20 years of using batik fabric for its visual and cultural resonance, Shonibare has abandoned his trademark technique in his new wall drawings, sculptures and screen prints. A turning point. stephenfriedman.com Tacita Dean: LA Exuberance Frith Street Gallery, W1. Until Nov 4



Dean confirms that shes among our best artists with beautiful lithographs of clouds and vapour trails, a quietly moving filmic portrait of David Hockney smoking and a tour-de-force film, Event for a Stage, featuring actor Stephen Dillane grappling tremendously with Deans confounding scripts. frithstreetgallery.com James Richards: Requests and Antisongs Institute of Contemporary Arts, SW1. Until Nov 13



Sound and vision from the former Turner Prize nominee: sound installations downstairs at the ICA and Richardss characteristically poetic videos upstairs, fusing imagery from sources as diverse as French erotica and medical documentaries. ica.org.uk Philippe Parreno: Hyundai Commission Tate Modern, SE1. Tue until Apr 2



Parreno is a master of the exhibition-as-artwork, inviting us into consuming environments and manipulating space, light, sound and the video screen. His track record suggests this could be one of the great Turbine Hall commissions; as usual, everything is under wraps until opening day. tate.org.uk Amalia Ulman Arcadia Missa, SE15. Tomorrow until Nov 5



New work by the Argentinian artist at this cutting-edge Peckham space. Read our interview with her. arcadiamissa.com Neo Rauch: Rondo David Zwirner, W1. Wed until Nov 12



Amazingly, the first solo exhibition ever in the UK for this linchpin of the Leipzig school of painting, despite his international fame. Rauch creates atmospheric figurative works, at once familiar and strange. davidzwirner.com Tala Madani: Shitty Disco Pilar Corrias, W1, Wed until Nov 11



New work by the irreverent Iranian-American painter. Madanis work is mischievous and, at times, laceratingly satirical. pilarcorrias.com Roman Ondak South London Gallery, SE5. Until Jan 6



Time, teaching and history are the subjects of the Slovakian artists installation. Oak tree rings with historical events inscribed in ink and drawings by children local to the South London Gallery are among the works. southlondongallery.org Courtesy the artist, kurimanzutto. Photo Andy Keate. Babak Golkar: a fair days wage for a fair days work Edel Assanti, W1. Until Nov 12



A complex conceptual exercise in exploring labour and workers rights by the Canadian-based artist, involving the purchase, transformation and documentation of objects. edelassanti.com Akram Zaatari: Letter to a Refusing Pilot Thomas Dane, W1. Until Nov 12



A powerful video work, telling the true story  which Zaatari thought was a myth  of an Israeli pilot ordered to bomb a target in Southern Lebanon  he refused to when he realised it was a school. thomasdanegallery.com Indre Serpytyte: Pedestal Parafin, W1. Until Nov 12



Fascinating combinations of archival images of statues of Lenin and Stalin, once located in grand Lithuanian public spaces, with Serpytytes photographs of them in their current setting in a weird Lithuanian theme park for Soviet sculptural relics. parafin.co.uk William Kentridge Whitechapel Gallery, W1. Until Jan 15



Works from the last decade or so by the South African artist, a period in which he has set his trademark animated drawings amid film, collage and much else. A thrilling sensory bombardment. whitechapelgallery.org Turner Prize 2016 Tate Britain, SW1. Until Feb 1



A strong year for the prize, with sculpture the most prominent medium among artists Michael Dean, Anthea Hamilton, Helen Marten, and Josephine Pryde. But, this being the Turner Prize, dont expect conventional materials. tate.org.uk Protest Victoria Miro, N1. Until Nov 5



Victoria Miro partners with human-rights charity Reprieve on a show about politics and human rights, featuring artists as diverse as Wolfgang Tillmans and Yayoi Kusama. Alongside it are the remarkable paintings of Njideka Akunyili Crosby, a young African-American artist. victoria-miro.com The Infinite Mix: Sound and Image in Contemporary Video The Store, 180 The Strand, WC2. Until Apr 12



The Haywards pop-up show is an exhilarating journey into artists use of sound and video. Dominique Gonzalez-Foersters spectral holographic performance as Maria Callas and Cyprien Gaillards drone footage of a firework display are among the many highlights. theinfinitemix.com Picasso Portraits National Portrait Gallery, WC2. Thu until Feb 5



A collaboration with the Museu Picasso in Barcelona, benefitting from loans from that collection, this show sees portraits from all periods of Picassos long career brought together: he was as capable of tenderness as he was of destruction. npg.org.uk Succession Picasso/DACS London, 2016 Abstract Expressionism Royal Academy of Arts, W1. Until Jan 2



Despite mixed reviews, this exhibition is still a landmark event. Bear with the overhanging and strange curatorial choices: there is much here that will astonish, including a Willem de Kooning room to make you swoon. royalacademy.org.uk ARS, NY and DACS, London 2016.

Born in Japan to a banker father and teacher mother, Yokoyama moved to Chicago as a toddler before attending New Yorks Columbia University. Where did she learn to dress given her insistence that her mother  the most beautiful woman  was not remotely into fashion? Ive lived in a city since I was 18, its more interesting for me to watch people on the street than to read a fashion magazine.

When shopping, she loves independent boutiques such as Maria Lemoss edit at Mouki Mou and Dover Street Market. I also love vintage  I always go to Clingnancourt in Paris if I have time, and in London I love Found and Vision as well as Rellik. High-street wise, its Cos, J Crew and Uniqlo for basics and boots from Kurt Geiger.

She laughs when I ask if she ramps it up for big gallery openings and dinners. Dressing up is a way of honouring an occasion. Its an exchange of signifiers; all throughout history we have done this as humans, but now we have a much wider palette to pull from.

GUCCI shirt and skirt set, 600, at foundandvision.com; Salvatore Ferragamo sandals, 1,150 (ferragamo.com); jewellery, Hikaris own / Rosaline Shahnavaz

What I like about dressing for an opening is that anything goes. The art community is about sharing ideas, questioning and using surface clues to ascertain deeper meaning. So people do not judge each other simply on how they dress. You can attend super dressy. Or, if you are feeling tired and dont want to wear heels, you can turn up in jeans and a tote bag. Or else diamonds and a big up do.

However, while shes happy to support friends by attending launches and parties, increasingly she says she prefers to look at art when surrounded by quiet and she can appreciate it in her own time. Im really social but lots of events can really deplete your energy. The art circuit is pretty non-stop. There are fashion weeks, then Frieze, and Art Miami in early December. Then in spring theres Art Basel, Frieze New York followed by benefit season in June with openings, fundraisers and meetings in between.

She admires the style of Irish collector Marie Donnelly  one of the chicest women I know, shes a collector and philanthropist and her style extends from her clothes to her entire way of being; Shanay Jhaveri, curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, who is not afraid of colour and strange silhouettes; and the effortless way that Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, owner of Salon 94 in New York, carries herself.

The art world is inclusive, its a space for people to challenge one another. It accepts anyone whether rich, poor, old, young, as long as youre interested in art.

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A donor to the Wisconsin Club for Growth included the line "Because Scott Walker asked" in the memo line.
F or Londons best and boldest young artists, stories of how they got to where they are start from all directions, then meet in the middle  or, more often than not, out east. And thats just a typical Friday night.

George Henry Longly and Prem Sahib, for instance, were introduced in 2010, out and about at the Joiners Arms on Hackney Road, a jewel in the crown of east Londons LGBT scene, which closed last January. Prems still the first person I call when I want to have fun, says Longly. A year later, alongside fellow artist Eddie Peake  a contemporary of Sahib at the Royal Academy Schools  they founded the anarchic dance night Anal House Meltdown (AHMD) at Dalstons Vogue Fabrics.

The rest is history. Theres lots of it, with club nights, exhibition after-parties and late-night study sessions at art school providing fertile ground on which to get to know each other. Celia Hempton, whos dating Peake, is just as likely to spend a night at one of art collector Jay Joplings rarefied house parties as she is at AHMD. There, shell often see Michael Armitage, a scholarly, thoughtful painter whose evocative oil canvases draw upon his Kenyan heritage. Armitage and the sculptor Mark Barker both studied in the same year at the Slade School of Fine Art.

Meanwhile, when Barker isnt locked in his Peckham studio working on his sculptures, he can be found hanging out with his boyfriend, Edward Thomasson, and Beatriz Olabarrietta. Thomasson, who produces hypnotic dance video pieces, is also looked after by Southard Reid Gallery along with Barker and Hempton, and is on first babe terms with Sahib.

Andrew Woffinden / Andrew Woffinden

Not only are these artists all friends, but, as contemporaries, ideas flow between them and cross-pollinate. An intersecting interest in queer art (and, of course, a social life) has led to Longly, Than Hussein Clark, Rosie Hastings and Hannah Quinlan (all artists who have worked on interior spaces) meeting more times than we can remember.

Andrew Woffinden / Andrew Woffinden

Clark and Longly worked together on a show called Mundus Muliebris in Rome, curated by Nicoletta Lambertucci, while Hastings and Quinlan, who have been going out for four years, construct glorious, garish set designs based on the gay bars and clubs they have visited around the country, and set them up in art galleries.

Hastings and Quinlan also go way back with the artist Hannah Perry. They studied at Goldsmiths together (Longly once came to give a lecture, they recall, although none of them can remember what it was on), lived in a communal artists studio in Peckham, and all DJ at Hastings and Quinlans club night, Gay Bar, and at DeptfordX. Perry has known Hempton and Olabarrietta for years. When shes in east London, she might bump into Mohammed Qasim Ashfaq, sunning himself in the park. Thats my favourite way to relax, he says. He has a monastic dedication to his dark, razor-edged sculpture pieces and black hole graphite pencil drawings, but his work has been shown at Peckhams Bold Tendencies (underneath Franks Cafe) and the Modern Art Oxford gallery. Modestly, he calls himself a bit of an outsider, but of the crew he knows Sahib best, and has shown alongside him in Mumbai.

Great minds think differently but it helps having friends like these. Many of them have shown together across London, from the ICA to the Serpentine Gallery. As artists, they would be the first to tell you your craft is what you know. But who you know can also be a boost  just ask Hempton, whos always running over to Sahibs studio, which neighbours hers in Cambridge Heath, to borrow his power drill. Now lets meet the team

New Sensationalists: in pictures 1 /24 New Sensationalists: in pictures Rosie Hastings and Hannah Quinlan We build gay bars in galleries, say Rosie Hastings and Hannah Quinlan. The couple, both 25, who fell madly in love on a trip to New York when studying Fine Art at Goldsmiths four years ago, now live in Brockley and were part of Somerset Houses exhibition of cutting-edge work, Utopian Voices Here and Now, this summer. There, UK Gay Bar Directory (UKGBD), using video shot on Go-Pro, combined footage from 170 gay bars they visited across Britain. It would be hard if we didnt work together because then we wouldnt have any time with each other, says Quinlan. They also run a roaming club night, Gay Bar. Their most complicated relationship is with gentrification. All the big studio spaces are in disused industrial buildings, sighs Hastings. But we do get that by moving in, were part of the problem. Whats your greatest love? Each other. Andrew Woffinden Than Hussein Clark Than Hussein Clark says he cant relax. Not ever, says the American artist, 34, who studied at Goldsmiths. Im always occupied by my work. Born in Boston, he moved to Europe chasing a boy, and now explores the lurking history of architecture and decorative arts to mine things from a queer past and create structural pieces (2013s Waves transformed Berlins Mathew Gallery into a Wiener-Werkstatte tribute to an Oriental boudoir). With a deep, stage-ready voice, he dreamt of acting before being consumed by his current work. Were told identity politics are over, but its politically important work and theres a lot to be done, he says. Still, when hes finished work at the Penarth Centre studio space in Bermondsey, on Friday nights he can be found at the Royal Opera House, in Box 66, with his partner Jordan. What are you most addicted to? My work. Andrew Woffinden Cancellation (Curtain Wall), by Than Hussein Clark Andrew Woffinden Beast II, by Prem Sahib Andrew Woffinden Mohammed Qasim Ashfaq With his youthful good-looks, youd guess Mohammed Qasim Ashfaq, 34, was in his early 20s. You wouldnt be the only one. I was at a party with [the artist] Ed Fornieles when someone said they could guess anyones age by looking at their elbow, says Ashfaq, a Slade School of Fine Art graduate who lives in and works from his Hackney studio. He didnt get near mine. He moved here from Dunfermline aged 24, like the Dick Whittington of the art world, except without the stick and tablecloth. Ashfaq attends mosque every day, but says religion doesnt influence his work directly. Instead, he strives for simplicity, surface, craftsmanship. For instance, his piece How Dirty Is Your Glossy Black (2010-13) is a wall installation of silver duct tape, geometrically astute, typical of Ashfaqs assured minimalism. Perfection is a dodgy word, but its something I believe is possible, he says. Greatest obsession? Vans and Adidas trainers. Andrew Woffinden Michael Armitage Paul Gauguin is Armitages go-to artist for inspiration, along with Edouard Manet and Francisco Goya. I look for the peculiar within a painting, says half-English, half-Kenyan Armitage, 32. Growing up in Nairobi, camping, fishing trips and nursing injured animals were common occurrences. His vibrant paintings evoke scenes of African narratives from media and mythology. A Slade and RA Fine Art graduate, hes preparing for his first solo US show at the Berkeley Art Museum in December. Being attached to White Cube, Bermondsey, with stablemates such as Gilbert & George, has exposed him to hugely diverse people. But on a Friday night, hes most likely to be found somewhere between the studio, the squash court and a friends house. What could London do better for young artists? Create more free artist studio spaces Andrew Woffinden Prem Sahib I often joke that going out is becoming part of my research, says Prem Sahib, 33, the Southall-born, half-Indian, half-Polish artist. Saunas, cruising sites and nightclubs, or spaces where the body is enacted on, or sex is part of the design influence Sahibs work. At his ICA exhibition last year, Side On, a dancefloor covered in talcum powder and puffa jackets trapped between sheets of glass demonstrated Sahibs determination to capture elements of the space. Im definitely the work hard, play hard type, he admits. On Fridays hell head to nightclub The Glory via a whisky at his local, the Queen of Adelaide. Has he had to juggle jobs to support himself? Yes, he worked in a pet shop, chair factory and bakery to put himself through his BA and MA. Cleaning the kennels was not a highlight, he says, but it did pay the bills. Whats you best party trick? My stamina. Andrew Woffinden George Henry Longly Longly, 38, isnt the jealous type. I feel driven and inspired by my contemporaries, he says. The Central Saint Martins graduates close friends include Prem Sahib and Eddie Peake. Growing up in Somerset, the Glastonbury Festival became an important city that would appear and disappear almost overnight in an otherwise sleepy, rural country environment. Bjorks iconic pink dress in her 2007 set made a lasting impression on him (fashion heavily influences his work, with a pop-up catwalk at the Sepentines Park Nights series at the Summer Pavilion this year). Other returning motifs include snakes, both beautiful and terrifying, with an all-seeing eye he admires. To blow off steam, he drifts through the British Museum. Where do you feel most alive? Swimming in the sea. Andrew Woffinden Edward Thomasson Dress-up nights at Thomassons studio happen more often than you might think. Theres an ever-growing fancy-dress box at our warehouse in Hackney Wick, says Thomasson, 31, who often collaborates on expertly choreographed videos and plays with the artist Lucy Beech, as well as producing drawings that capture moments of intense closeness (his most recent work, at the David Roberts Art Foundation, looked at instances in which people voluntarily allow themselves to be used by other people). Having worked as a receptionist at a mental-health clinic, Thomasson uses non-theatrical spaces to work through emotional and occupational problems. His next creation is a video in which the slow movement of choreography will lead up to a group gradually making the sound of a fight. His greatest love? My boyfriend. Whats your party trick? I get naked. Andrew Woffinden Beatriz Olabarrieta There are always two questions in my work: How do we make a language? and What is art for?, states Olabarrieta, 35. The artist speaks five languages herself (Basque, English, French, Italian, and Spanish) and has lived in London for 15 years since moving from Guernica (she prefers the Basque spelling Gernika). The more you know, the more interesting it gets, she says. Olabarrietas work also evokes change, often through performance. Her biggest commission to date, Modern Forms, funded by Hussam Otaibi, will incorporate a language machine in Mayfair (although the funding has been secured, the details of where and when it will open have not), piecing together fragments of audio recordings. Whats your greatest dislike? Twats. Andrew Woffinden Mark Barker Mark Barker, 33, spent his nights at the Slade School of Fine Art practising the art of subterfuge. I was quite stealthy at getting into art parties I wasnt invited to, he says. But after a solo show of his drawing at Southard Reid last year, hes knuckling down and working towards an exhibition in Berlin. These days, hes more likely to have quiet dinner parties with his boyfriend, Edward Thomasson (I make a very good Italian chicken stew), or to be locked away in his Peckham studio where figurative sculpture is now his focus, setting his works to hold dried flowers (as pictured above). The figures, he says, are meant to be seen as barely alive, somewhere between life and death. When do you have your best ideas? Just after leaving the studio. Andrew Woffinden Hannah Perry Hannah Perry, 32, and Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson, arent related. I sat next to him at a dinner once, says the younger Perry, who studied at both Goldsmiths and the Royal Academy. I said, Hi Uncle, and he didnt like it. Oops. Her intoxicating video pieces, including Kicking My Game at the Saatchi Gallery in 2013, are intended as memory fragments where the end credits roll up on a car crash sex scene. She lives between LA and London, and will move to Berlin in a month for a show at the Contemporary Fine Arts gallery, followed by a residency in Las Vegas, then an exhibition in New York. Sounds exhausting, but Perrys undaunted. She relaxes by talking, dancing, and having sex  and dancing on tables with Hempton. Who are your heroes? Those people who fix your laptop for an extortionate price. Andrew Woffinden Celia Hempton Body language is the first thing Celia Hempton, 35, notices about a person, but often not the last. Her nude painting series, Chat Random (2014-ongoing), used chatrandom.com, a website that usually connects users to masturbate together, and captured everything from the slump of the human body to wallpaper colour and speed of the internet connection in sittings from Iraq to Switzerland. I do like to scratch the surface of the Deep Web when I have a moment, says the east Londoner. Theres a sense of exploration there, a danger. Having studied at Glasgow School of Art and the RCA, shes working on a collaboration with Prem Sahib exploring men on building sites. Its quite a beautiful sight, men hosing things down and doing things with diggers, she says. Im interested in spaces that Im trespassing in. How do you relax? Margaritas and massages from friends. Andrew Woffinden Figure, by Mohammed Qasim Ashfaq Mark Barkers (untitled) Hydrangea Hannah Perrys I Feel We Think Bad exhibition at Arsenal in Montreal Ben, by Celia Hempton Cosmic Clap installation by Beatriz Olabarrieta

PREM SAHIB

Andrew Woffinden / Andrew Woffinden

I often joke that going out is becoming part of my research, says Prem Sahib, 33, the Southall-born, half-Indian, half-Polish artist. Saunas, cruising sites and nightclubs, or spaces where the body is enacted on, or sex is part of the design influence Sahibs work. At his ICA exhibition last year, Side On, a dancefloor covered in talcum powder and puffa jackets trapped between sheets of glass demonstrated Sahibs determination to capture elements of the space. Im definitely the work hard, play hard type, he admits. On Fridays hell head to nightclub The Glory via a whisky at his local, the Queen of Adelaide. Has he had to juggle jobs to support himself? Yes, he worked in a pet shop, chair factory and bakery to put himself through his BA and MA. Cleaning the kennels was not a highlight, he says, but it did pay the bills.

Whats you best party trick? My stamina.

CELIA HEMPTON

Andrew Woffinden

Body language is the first thing Celia Hempton, 35, notices about a person, but often not the last. Her nude painting series, Chat Random (2014-ongoing), used chatrandom.com, a website that usually connects users to masturbate together, and captured everything from the slump of the human body to wallpaper colour and speed of the internet connection in sittings from Iraq to Switzerland. I do like to scratch the surface of the Deep Web when I have a moment, says the east Londoner. Theres a sense of exploration there, a danger. Having studied at Glasgow School of Art and the RCA, shes working on a collaboration with Prem Sahib exploring men on building sites. Its quite a beautiful sight, men hosing things down and doing things with diggers, she says. Im interested in spaces that Im trespassing in.

How do you relax? Margaritas and massages from friends.

THAN HUSSEIN CLARK

Andrew Woffinden / Andrew Woffinden

Than Hussein Clark says he cant relax. Not ever, says the American artist, 34, who studied at Goldsmiths. Im always occupied by my work. Born in Boston, he moved to Europe chasing a boy, and now explores the lurking history of architecture and decorative arts to mine things from a queer past and create structural pieces (2013s Waves transformed Berlins Mathew Gallery into a Wiener-Werkstatte tribute to an Oriental boudoir). With a deep, stage-ready voice, he dreamt of acting before being consumed by his current work. Were told identity politics are over, but its politically important work and theres a lot to be done, he says. Still, when hes finished work at the Penarth Centre studio space in Bermondsey, on Friday nights he can be found at the Royal Opera House, in Box 66, with his partner Jordan.

What are you most addicted to? My work.

ROSIE HASTINGS & HANNAH QUINLAN

Andrew Woffinden

We build gay bars in galleries, say Rosie Hastings and Hannah Quinlan. The couple, both 25, who fell madly in love on a trip to New York when studying Fine Art at Goldsmiths four years ago, now live in Brockley and were part of Somerset Houses exhibition of cutting-edge work, Utopian Voices Here and Now, this summer. There, UK Gay Bar Directory (UKGBD), using video shot on Go-Pro, combined footage from 170 gay bars they visited across Britain. It would be hard if we didnt work together because then we wouldnt have any time with each other, says Quinlan. They also run a roaming club night, Gay Bar. Their most complicated relationship is with gentrification. All the big studio spaces are in disused industrial buildings, sighs Hastings. But we do get that by moving in, were part of the problem.

Whats your greatest love? Each other.

MARK BARKER

Andrew Woffinden

Mark Barker, 33, spent his nights at the Slade School of Fine Art practising the art of subterfuge. I was quite stealthy at getting into art parties I wasnt invited to, he says. But after a solo show of his drawing at Southard Reid last year, hes knuckling down and working towards an exhibition in Berlin. These days, hes more likely to have quiet dinner parties with his boyfriend, Edward Thomasson (I make a very good Italian chicken stew), or to be locked away in his Peckham studio where figurative sculpture is now his focus, setting his works to hold dried flowers (as pictured above). The figures, he says, are meant to be seen as barely alive, somewhere between life and death.

When do you have your best ideas? Just after leaving the studio.

MOHAMMED QASIM ASHFAQ

Andrew Woffinden / Andrew Woffinden

With his youthful good-looks, youd guess Mohammed Qasim Ashfaq, 34, was in his early 20s. You wouldnt be the only one. I was at a party with [the artist] Ed Fornieles when someone said they could guess anyones age by looking at their elbow, says Ashfaq, a Slade School of Fine Art graduate who lives in and works from his Hackney studio. He didnt get near mine. He moved here from Dunfermline aged 24, like the Dick Whittington of the art world, except without the stick and tablecloth. Ashfaq attends mosque every day, but says religion doesnt influence his work directly. Instead, he strives for simplicity, surface, craftsmanship. For instance, his piece How Dirty Is Your Glossy Black (2010-13) is a wall installation of silver duct tape, geometrically astute, typical of Ashfaqs assured minimalism. Perfection is a dodgy word, but its something I believe is possible, he says.

Greatest obsession? Vans and Adidas trainers.

HANNAH PERRY

Andrew Woffinden / Andrew Woffinden

Hannah Perry, 32, and Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson, arent related. I sat next to him at a dinner once, says the younger Perry, who studied at both Goldsmiths and the Royal Academy. I said, Hi Uncle, and he didnt like it. Oops. Her intoxicating video pieces, including Kicking My Game at the Saatchi Gallery in 2013, are intended as memory fragments where the end credits roll up on a car crash sex scene. She lives between LA and London, and will move to Berlin in a month for a show at the Contemporary Fine Arts gallery, followed by a residency in Las Vegas, then an exhibition in New York. Sounds exhausting, but Perrys undaunted. She relaxes by talking, dancing, and having sex  and dancing on tables with Hempton.

What does genius mean to you? Those people who fix your laptop for an extortionate price.

GEORGE HENRY LONGLY

Andrew Woffinden

Longly, 38, isnt the jealous type. I feel driven and inspired by my contemporaries, he says. The Central Saint Martins graduates close friends include Prem Sahib and Eddie Peake. Growing up in Somerset, the Glastonbury Festival became an important city that would appear and disappear almost overnight in an otherwise sleepy, rural country environment. Bjorks iconic pink dress in her 2007 set made a lasting impression on him (fashion heavily influences his work, with a pop-up catwalk at the Sepentines Park Nights series at the Summer Pavilion this year). Other returning motifs include snakes, both beautiful and terrifying, with an all-seeing eye he admires. To blow off steam, he drifts through the British Museum.

Where do you feel most alive? Swimming in the sea.

EDWARD THOMASSON

Andrew Woffinden

Dress-up nights at Thomassons studio happen more often than you might think. Theres an ever-growing fancy-dress box at our warehouse in Hackney Wick, says Thomasson, 31, who often collaborates on expertly choreographed videos and plays with the artist Lucy Beech, as well as producing drawings that capture moments of intense closeness (his most recent work, at the David Roberts Art Foundation, looked at instances in which people voluntarily allow themselves to be used by other people). Having worked as a receptionist at a mental-health clinic, Thomasson uses non-theatrical spaces to work through emotional and occupational problems. His next creation is a video in which the slow movement of choreography will lead up to a group gradually making the sound of a fight. His greatest love? My boyfriend.

Whats your party trick? I get naked.

BEATRIZ OLABARRIETA

Andrew Woffinden

There are always two questions in my work: How do we make a language? and What is art for?, states Olabarrieta, 35. The artist speaks five languages herself (Basque, English, French, Italian, and Spanish) and has lived in London for 15 years since moving from Guernica (she prefers the Basque spelling Gernika). The more you know, the more interesting it gets, she says. Olabarrietas work also evokes change, often through performance. Her biggest commission to date, Modern Forms, funded by Hussam Otaibi, will incorporate a language machine in Mayfair (although the funding has been secured, the details of where and when it will open have not), piecing together fragments of audio recordings.

Whats your greatest dislike? Twats.

MICHAEL ARMITAGE

Andrew Woffinden

Paul Gauguin is Armitages go-to artist for inspiration, along with Edouard Manet and Francisco Goya. I look for the peculiar within a painting, says half-English, half-Kenyan Armitage, 32. Growing up in Nairobi, camping, fishing trips and nursing injured animals were common occurrences. His vibrant paintings evoke scenes of African narratives from media and mythology. A Slade and RA Fine Art graduate, hes preparing for his first solo US show at the Berkeley Art Museum in December. Being attached to White Cube, Bermondsey, with stablemates such as Gilbert & George, has exposed him to hugely diverse people. But on a Friday night, hes most likely to be found somewhere between the studio, the squash court and a friends house.

What could London do better for young artists? Create more free artist studio spaces.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @EsMagOfficial

A special 3 month National Art Pass is available exclusively to ES readers for just 10. The pass gives free entry to over 240 museums, galleries and historic houses and 50% off entry to major exhibitions. Valid until 14 October. Visit artfund.org/es
A celebratory party was held at Mayfairs Skarstedt Gallery last Friday night. International art collectors and leading American artists Eric Fischl and David Salle flew in especially. Guests were there to toast an exhibition pairing Cindy Shermans History Portraits with Salles Tapestry Paintings, but also Skarstedts new European headquarters  a Bennet Street space, right by the Ritz, with a 4,000-square-foot ground-floor exhibition space. We wanted somewhere that had the feel more of a mini foundation than a typical gallery, says the gallerys glamorously well-connected Anglo-Italian director, Bona Montagu. Following the showing, selected guests were invited round the corner to Le Caprice for a private dinner.

Forget the summer or Christmas season. For Londons art-world insiders, this is the peak period. The previous evening, there was an Antony Gormley private view at the White Cube, Bermondsey. This week, on Tuesday, Philippe Parrenos Turbine Hall commission was unveiled at Tate Modern, while over in Berkeley Squares PAD London, the high-end fair of 20th-century art, design and decorative arts, followed its Collectors preview with a VIP party at Annabels. On Tuesday, the Parisian Almine Rech Gallery celebrated its expansion here into a bigger space on Grosvenor Hill and the opening of a Jeff Koons show, with the artist attending. Nearby, the third London branch of the Gagosian Gallery was celebrating its first birthday with a show of new work by American pop artist Ed Ruscha.

Planning to go to the Frieze Art Fair this weekend? Wednesday was when collectors had their invitation-only preview. Frieze, first held in Regents Park in 2003, has helped redefine Londons position as Europes art-buying capital. Our October season has grown up with the art fair, says Alex Branczik, head of Contemporary Art, Europe, at Sothebys, which will auction works including pictures by David Hockney, Gerhard Richter and Jean-Michel Basquiat, all with seven-figure estimates. They hope to fetch 3.5m to 4.5m with the Basquiat.

It used to be considered mid-season for us. But now our contemporary art auction has grown exponentially. The large reason is that there are so many international collectors in town that week. The combination of Frieze, Frieze Masters, PAD, the auction houses season and museums scheduling major exhibitions to coincide means there is an incredible draw from all corners of the world. If the major collectors from the US and Asia are only going to come to London once a year, then it will be now.

Once here these collectors will be courted with concierge services offering private tours and views. They will meet gallerists and specialist art advisers and be entertained lavishly. Buying art is addictive, but very personal: you really have to trust the person you are working with, says Jean-David Malat, London director of the Opera gallery in New Bond Street. It sells works by 20th-century masters such as Picasso for millions, but also builds the commercial careers of emerging artists such as Mike Dargas, who appeal to their celebrity clientele, with prices around the 25,000 to 30,000 mark. Collectors Malat has advised include Lily Allen, Erin OConnor, Jude Law, Bono and the designer duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

Surtenture #09 (...because where the mind wanders is the conundrum of freedom), by Emo de Medeiros

Neil Wenman, a director of gallery Hauser & Wirth  whose Swiss-born power-couple owners, Iwan and Manuela Wirth, topped ArtReviews 2015 Power 100 list  will spend the week meeting clients at its art fair booths, Savile Row gallery shows and in private viewing rooms. The gallery is even taking some collectors on a jaunt to its fashionable Somerset branch. The longest-standing relationships I have are the most rewarding, Wenman says. When I can help someone to build their collection, but also challenge them.

This Friday, when Frieze, Frieze Masters and PAD are fully open to the public, kicks off the most frantic weekend in a British gallerists diary. Its an important week for London, says the New York-born pioneer of the East End scene, Maureen Paley, owner of the eponymous gallery in Bethnal Green, which represents artists such as the Turner-winning Gillian Wearing and Wolfgang Tillmans. She will host a dinner on Thursday to celebrate the new show by American Maureen Gallace, attended by a lot of people from abroad who are not often in town. Then on Saturday, a newish signee, the Lebanon-based rising star Lawrence Abu Hamdan, will hold a book launch as part of Friezes East End Night. You have to be incredibly focused with your energy, Paley adds.

Naked truth: Bona Montagu with Cindy Shermans Untitled #205, 1989

During this week the world is coming to London: all the wealthy collectors and important people, says Malat. For PAD he will curate a show that brings together pieces by 20th-century titans such as Picasso, Calder and Dubuffet. In Bond Street he will show contemporary artists he is nurturing such as the British street style-influenced portraitist Joe Black, who is being collected seriously by Asian collectors, and Mike Dargas, the hyperrealist German ex-tattoo artist he discovered on Instagram, whose collectors include Boris Becker and Dolce and Gabbana.

Opera, which started in Paris but now has 12 showrooms worldwide, is representative of what Lock Kresler, the director of the Bond Street branch of New York-based Dominique Levy Gallery, describes as the diaspora of galleries that have recently moved to London or are considering doing so.

The legendary American art broker Larry Gagosian has, since 2000, opened three galleries here. US-founded galleries such as Pace, David Zwirner, Skarstedt, Michael Werner and Marian Goodman have all since crossed the Atlantic, while galleries like Opera and Almine Rech have braved the English Channel. One of the most anticipated arrivals of 2017 will be Thaddaeus Ropac  considered one of Europes foremost contemporary galleries  opening its first UK branch in the grand setting of Ely House on Dover Street. The London market is just staggering for the broad spectrum of nationalities  from Europeans to buyers from emerging markets  that you get here. You dont get that anywhere else. That is why were all opening up in London, says Polly Robinson Gaer, the director of Thaddaeus Ropacs anticipated Mayfair branch.

Frieze Art Fair 2016 - the highlights 1 /48 Frieze Art Fair 2016 - the highlights Frieze London and Frieze Masters Regents Park, NW1. Thu until Oct 9



Where it all began: the star attractions, the magnet for the global art world. Frieze London is the contemporary fair; Masters is for historical art up to 2000. Look out for Frieze Londons new section, The Nineties, with recreations of seminal shows from that decade. friezeartfair.com Sunday Art Fair Ambika P3, W1. Thu until Oct 9



The most radical of the other fairs, Sunday features 25 emerging galleries and is where youre likely to find future stars  and its free, too. Head for the editions section to find good, affordable work. sundayartfair.com 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair Somerset House, WC1. Thurs until Oct 9



The fourth edition of this excellent showcase of African art  40 exhibitors show around 130 artists from Africa and its diaspora. Look out, too, for Forum, the fairs talks and films programme. 1-54.com Namsa Leuba, Patience (from the series Zulu Kids), 2014, Fibre pigment print, edition of 5 + 1 A. P, 112 x 140 cm, Courtesy of PAD London Berkeley Square, W1. Mon until Oct 9



Now 10 years old, PAD is the blue-chip fair where you see design and decorative work alongside major artists. Its the closest you get to seeing what great art looks like in the home. pad-fairs.com The Other Art Fair Old Truman Brewery, E1. Thu until Oct 9



Now partnered with Saatchi art, the online gallery created by Charles Saatchi, the Other Art Fair is similarly uneven in quality but affordable. Tracey Emin has created a limited edition for this years event. theotherartfair.com Carolina Mizrahi Richard Serra Gagosian Britannia Street, WC1. Tomorrow until Feb 25. Gagosian Davies Street, W1. Until Dec 17



At Gagosian Britannia St, three enormous new steel sculptures by this giant of contemporary sculpture; at Davies St, several new drawings. gagosian.com Richard Serra. Courtesy Gagosian. Cindy Sherman and David Salle Skarstedt, SW1. Tomorrow until Nov 26



A new space for the American gallery, showing playful homages to art history made in the late Eighties and early Nineties by two linchpins of Postmodern art. Sherman poses in photographs evoking Raphael and Rubens among others, while Salles Tapestry series pastiches Italian and Dutch painting. skarstedt.com Cindy Sherman. David Salle Robert Thierren: Works 19751995 Parasol Unit, N1. Sun until Dec 11



Rare show of the sculptors work, mainly from the Eighties and Nineties. Thierren takes simple, utilitarian forms, like a pitcher or a snowman, and turns them into enigmatic, quietly beautiful sculptures. parasol-unit.org Courtesy of Mary Patricia Anderson Pence. Photography by Douglas M. Parker Studio. Jeff Koons Almine Rech, W1. Mon until Jan 21



Almine Rech opens her new gallery in Grosvenor Hill with Jeff Koonss recent Gazing Ball works: painstakingly recreated Old Master paintings, with the suburban garden baubles placed on the canvas. alminerech.com Courtesy of the Artist and Almine Rech Gallery Bruce Nauman: Natural Light, Blue Light Room Blain Southern, W1. Wed until Nov 12



Rare showing of early Nauman work, using blue fluorescent lights below skylights to disorientate the viewer. The idea, Nauman said, was that it would be hard to know what to focus on and even if you did, it would be hard to focus. Portrait of the Artist as Bruce Nauman V2 (detail),  Jack Fulton ARS, NY and DACS, London 2016 Matt Mullican  The Sequence of Things Camden Arts Centre, NW3. Until Jan 8



On posters, maps, photographs, drawings and much else, Mullican has created a universe of symbols over decades, to grapple with the complexities of the world. His show is inspired by Camden Arts Centres previous life as a public library. camdenartscentre.org Ed Ruscha: Extremes and In-Betweens Gagosian Gallery, W1. Wed until Nov 17



All new paintings by the prolific LA artist, featuring his familiar interplay between words and images. Includes the latest works in his much loved series of mountain paintings. gagosian.com Mike Kelley Hauser & Wirth, W1. Until Nov 19



The late Kelley was a dextrous artist, but often chose the extraordinary cultural richness of Los Angeles as his source material: this installation from 1999 includes a reconstruction of a grotto-like wishing well in Chinatown, downtown LA. Work by the Brazilian artist Lygia Pape is shown next door. hauserwirth.com Donna Huanca: Scar Cymbals Zabludowicz Collection, NW5. Until Dec 18



Painted bodies are at the heart of this new commission by the hotly-tipped Chicago-born artist: Huancas brightly coloured models perform within a glass structure, with sculptural and sound works nearby. zabludowiczcollection.com Donna Huanca, MAENAD CYMBALS. Performance view July 7July 31, 2013, Open Forum, Berlin. Helen Marten Serpentine Sackler Gallery, W2. Until Nov 20



A massive autumn for the Macclesfield-born artist: shortlisted for the Turner Prize and the inaugural Hepworth Sculpture prize, she also brings her sculpture, text and screen-printed paintings together for this, her first major London solo show. Dont miss Marc Camille Chaimowicz at the Serpentine Gallery, either. serpentinegalleries.org Annik Wetter Photographie Howard Hodgkin: After All Alan Cristea, SW1. Wed until Nov 18



Now 84, Hodgkin is working with as much vigour as ever. His prints use a unique combination of collagraphy [SUBS this is correct, not calligraphy!] and hand painting and his latest are among the best of his career, bursting with colour and vivid expression. alancristea.com Tony Cragg Lisson Gallery, NW1. Tomorrow until Nov 5



The latest work by the New British Sculpture man, across both the Lisson galleries; typically energetic and dynamic, they draw on nature and geometry, the organic and the industrial. lissongallery.com Antony Gormley: Fit White Cube, SE1. Until Nov 6



Increasingly making in architectural works, Gormley has created a labyrinth of 15 rooms within the vast White Cube space. The poetic forms of the American sculptor Virginia Overton are on show elsewhere in the gallery. whitecube.com Bedwyr Williams: the Gulch Barbican Art Gallery, EC2. Until Jan 8



The Barbicans Curve gallery is ripe for labyrinthine journeys. Williamss series of installations through the space is infused with the Welsh artists wit and taste for the absurd. As the artist tells us: Theres a talking goat in it. barbican.org.uk Yinka Shonibare Stephen Friedman Gallery, W1. Until Nov 5



After 20 years of using batik fabric for its visual and cultural resonance, Shonibare has abandoned his trademark technique in his new wall drawings, sculptures and screen prints. A turning point. stephenfriedman.com Tacita Dean: LA Exuberance Frith Street Gallery, W1. Until Nov 4



Dean confirms that shes among our best artists with beautiful lithographs of clouds and vapour trails, a quietly moving filmic portrait of David Hockney smoking and a tour-de-force film, Event for a Stage, featuring actor Stephen Dillane grappling tremendously with Deans confounding scripts. frithstreetgallery.com James Richards: Requests and Antisongs Institute of Contemporary Arts, SW1. Until Nov 13



Sound and vision from the former Turner Prize nominee: sound installations downstairs at the ICA and Richardss characteristically poetic videos upstairs, fusing imagery from sources as diverse as French erotica and medical documentaries. ica.org.uk Philippe Parreno: Hyundai Commission Tate Modern, SE1. Tue until Apr 2



Parreno is a master of the exhibition-as-artwork, inviting us into consuming environments and manipulating space, light, sound and the video screen. His track record suggests this could be one of the great Turbine Hall commissions; as usual, everything is under wraps until opening day. tate.org.uk Amalia Ulman Arcadia Missa, SE15. Tomorrow until Nov 5



New work by the Argentinian artist at this cutting-edge Peckham space. Read our interview with her. arcadiamissa.com Neo Rauch: Rondo David Zwirner, W1. Wed until Nov 12



Amazingly, the first solo exhibition ever in the UK for this linchpin of the Leipzig school of painting, despite his international fame. Rauch creates atmospheric figurative works, at once familiar and strange. davidzwirner.com Tala Madani: Shitty Disco Pilar Corrias, W1, Wed until Nov 11



New work by the irreverent Iranian-American painter. Madanis work is mischievous and, at times, laceratingly satirical. pilarcorrias.com Roman Ondak South London Gallery, SE5. Until Jan 6



Time, teaching and history are the subjects of the Slovakian artists installation. Oak tree rings with historical events inscribed in ink and drawings by children local to the South London Gallery are among the works. southlondongallery.org Courtesy the artist, kurimanzutto. Photo Andy Keate. Babak Golkar: a fair days wage for a fair days work Edel Assanti, W1. Until Nov 12



A complex conceptual exercise in exploring labour and workers rights by the Canadian-based artist, involving the purchase, transformation and documentation of objects. edelassanti.com Akram Zaatari: Letter to a Refusing Pilot Thomas Dane, W1. Until Nov 12



A powerful video work, telling the true story  which Zaatari thought was a myth  of an Israeli pilot ordered to bomb a target in Southern Lebanon  he refused to when he realised it was a school. thomasdanegallery.com Indre Serpytyte: Pedestal Parafin, W1. Until Nov 12



Fascinating combinations of archival images of statues of Lenin and Stalin, once located in grand Lithuanian public spaces, with Serpytytes photographs of them in their current setting in a weird Lithuanian theme park for Soviet sculptural relics. parafin.co.uk William Kentridge Whitechapel Gallery, W1. Until Jan 15



Works from the last decade or so by the South African artist, a period in which he has set his trademark animated drawings amid film, collage and much else. A thrilling sensory bombardment. whitechapelgallery.org Turner Prize 2016 Tate Britain, SW1. Until Feb 1



A strong year for the prize, with sculpture the most prominent medium among artists Michael Dean, Anthea Hamilton, Helen Marten, and Josephine Pryde. But, this being the Turner Prize, dont expect conventional materials. tate.org.uk Protest Victoria Miro, N1. Until Nov 5



Victoria Miro partners with human-rights charity Reprieve on a show about politics and human rights, featuring artists as diverse as Wolfgang Tillmans and Yayoi Kusama. Alongside it are the remarkable paintings of Njideka Akunyili Crosby, a young African-American artist. victoria-miro.com The Infinite Mix: Sound and Image in Contemporary Video The Store, 180 The Strand, WC2. Until Apr 12



The Haywards pop-up show is an exhilarating journey into artists use of sound and video. Dominique Gonzalez-Foersters spectral holographic performance as Maria Callas and Cyprien Gaillards drone footage of a firework display are among the many highlights. theinfinitemix.com Picasso Portraits National Portrait Gallery, WC2. Thu until Feb 5



A collaboration with the Museu Picasso in Barcelona, benefitting from loans from that collection, this show sees portraits from all periods of Picassos long career brought together: he was as capable of tenderness as he was of destruction. npg.org.uk Succession Picasso/DACS London, 2016 Abstract Expressionism Royal Academy of Arts, W1. Until Jan 2



Despite mixed reviews, this exhibition is still a landmark event. Bear with the overhanging and strange curatorial choices: there is much here that will astonish, including a Willem de Kooning room to make you swoon. royalacademy.org.uk ARS, NY and DACS, London 2016.

Though New York remains the commercial centre of the global art market, London is the more cosmopolitan second hub. This is where we have our most international sale room, says Sothebys Branczik, who had buyers from 41 different countries bidding in its record-breaking contemporary art sale in June, just days after the Brexit vote. Our position in the world time zone; our geographical position sitting between the East and West and a lower lot value than in New York all encourage collectors to come here.

Art advisor Arianne Levene Piper says that for many of her collectors, who currently come from Europe, the Middle East, Russia and South Asia, it is the expedience of already having a base here (either a pied a terre or a proper family home) that makes collecting in London so practical. Yet it is not just expedience that makes London so appealing, insists Opera Gallerys Malat. New York is number one, but London is more classy, more elegant, he says.

Thaddaeus Ropacs Robinson Gaer talks also of the aspirations that cling to collecting art. Contemporary art gives a little bit of edge to the normal trappings of the wealthy. It means youre in the know: it has a cachet to it. And prices keep rising. At its June auction, Sothebys sold Jenny Savilles Shift for 6.8m (four times the previous record price for the YBA artist). The painting was bought by the Long Museum in Shanghai  one of 3,500 or so privately owned museums or art foundations opened in China since the 1970s, says Malat. At the same auction a European collector paid more than 2m for a self portrait by the prominent Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi. We are a globalised world and economy, says Branczik. For many artists, national boundaries are becoming less and less relevant.

Still, some find them a helpful distinction. The Moroccan-born, London-based, Touria El Glaoui credits much of the success of her 1:54 Art Fair to the fact that it rewards the curious-minded. Based at Somerset House over Frieze weekend, 1:54 showcases contemporary art from Africas 54 countries, with prices running from 1,000 to 120,000, though one piece by the Sudanese modern master Ibrahim El-Sahili is priced at 690,000. Founded in 2013, it has expanded year by year and there is now a New York fair, too.

Art consultant Bomi Odufunade, who specialises in helping clients build collections of art from Africa or its diaspora, says traditionally the UK has lagged behind the US in offering opportunities to buy work by people of colour. But El-Glaouis decision to found her fair here and Sothebys introducing a regular auction of African art next year suggests that is changing. Odufunades clients have included the Congolese billionaire Sindika Dokolo, who is married to Isabel Dos Santos, the daughter of Angolas President and considered to be the richest woman in Africa. In Angolas capital, Luanda, Dokolo has established an arts foundation containing more than 5,000 works by artists from across Africa and its diaspora including Yinka Shonibare MBE (currently showing at Londons Stephen Friedman Gallery), Chris Ofili (part of a group show, Protest, at the Victoria Miro Gallery) and Delio Jasse (also at 1:54).

Lilli Jaseme, a co-director of Sophia Contemporary Gallery, hopes Irans opening up to global trade could make contemporary Iranian art the next big collectable area. Its a very young country, with an excitingly vibrant scene, she says.

Is anyone worried about London peaking? I dont think it will, says Robinson Gaer. Its an extraordinary city that is so fashionable and yet so rich in culture and history. And its safe. Its just one of the great treasures of the world.

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Y ouTube has hosted many a strange online craze, with plenty of its most watched videos also being the very weirdest. But surely no-one could have anticipated the popularity of films showing cars struggling to start in sub-zero temperatures, or after decades of neglect in a garage.

These cold start videos have a massive following, with millions of fellow enthusiasts tuning in to watch stationary vehicles slowly being switched on.

There are clips of American V8 muscle cars being coaxed into life in barns, brand new Bugattis being delivered in Monaco, and Soviet era Ladas starting up in the snow.

Below are just a few of the most viewed videos from this unique genre, you might find it oddly mesmorising.

It will soon be that time of year when the windscreen needs de-icing and the heater is permenantly switched on. This YouTube user gave himself an altogether greater challenge when he had a go at starting his dads 1937 Mercedes w153 after 10 years off the road and covered in snow. The story goes that the car was confiscated from a military man by the Soviet Union and given to the Ministry of Agriculture before its abandonment decades later.

The Dodge Challenger is an icon of the golden age of American muscle cars. The owner of this 1970 Challenger says this was the first time he had tried to start the car in 4 months, in a video that's attracted more than 400,000 viewers. Its worth the wait to hear the rumble of the 440 cubic inch plant coming to life.

Crowds gathered outside a Bugatti dealership in Monaco to watch a brand new 1.5 million Bugatti Chiron being delicately unloaded off a truck and squeezed into the showroom. It wasn't very cold on this day, "cold start" refers solely to starting the vehicle at the ambient temperature, even if that's 27C. New to 2016, the Chiron has a similar engine to the 8.0 litre W16 plant used in the Veyron. As a result, 0-62mph takes just 2.5 seconds and top speed is a 261mph, limited by Bugatti.

Often cast as the mean machine in films like Bullitt and The Fast and the Furious, the Dodge Charger is a gas-guzzling monster with a loud V8. Just under 1 million people have tuned in to watch this 1970 Charger firing up on a cold November morning.

Todays cars hardly ever find difficulty starting in the UKs relatively mild climate but motorists of a certain generation will remember using all sorts of tricks to get their vehicles to tick over on a cold winters morning. But no motorist in the UK has had to contend with the sort of temperatures the Russian's are having to deal with. Ladas were never famous for their reliability, but according to this owner, his 1980 Soviet-built Lada started at -19C on a day his Mercedes refused to start without a blockheater.

Over in the States, the owner of this Dodge RAM 2500 pick-up truck forgot to plug in his blockheater overnight, leaving the car at -35C for two days straight. Modern cars and trucks are designed to switch on in very cold temperatures but the sort of conditions experienced here in Fairbanks, Arkanas is extreme for any vehicle.

It's not strictly a car, but this video of diesel locomotive starting up at our very own Old Oak Common in West London has over 3 million views on YouTube, making it the most popular of all the cold start videos. It was filmed on 8th February 2007, when temperatures in the area fell to -0.7C.

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F ive teenagers arrested after a Polish man was killed in a suspected hate crime will face no further action due to a lack of evidence, police said today.

Arkadiusz Jozwik, a factory worker known as Arek, was killed in an attack outside a takeaway in The Stow, Harlow in August.

The 40-year-old died in hospital two days later after he suffered head injuries.

Six teenagers, five aged 15 and one 16-year-old, all from Harlow, were arrested on suspicion of murder between August 28 and 29. Five have now been released without charge due to insufficient evidence.

A 15-year-old remains on bail in connection with the death.

Memorial event: Floral tributes were laid at the event for Arek Jozwik / PA

Detective Inspector Danny Stoten, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "The investigation into Arek Jozwik's death is progressing and I am grateful to the Harlow community for their ongoing support.

"Arek's family has been updated throughout the investigation.

"We have carried out a huge amount of work into the investigation.

"So far we have taken over 150 witness statements, spoken to over 300 people during house-to-house and general inquiries, and seized over 100 hours of CCTV, which is subject to ongoing viewing.

"In excess of 30 police officers and staff have been involved in the investigation and have committed over 1,200 additional hours."

Shelley Wright, who works at a hair salon in The Stow, said: "It's disgraceful that nobody has been charged.

"It does feel safer with the police presence, without a shadow of a doubt it does make a difference, but that's terrible."

She said there were still flowers in tribute to Mr Jozwik on a bench in the shopping precinct.

"We do appreciate the police are coming round here but there are other places in Harlow where teenagers are now congregating," she added.
T he family of a trainee engineer stabbed to death over 10 today called for an end to knife crime in the capital as his killer was convicted of manslaughter.

Ali Nasrollahi, 22, was knifed in the chest in North Finchley on March 29.

Bright Osei, 22, was charged with his murder but yesterday pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Old Bailey and was being sentenced today.

Mr Nasrollahi, who was studying at the University of West London, had argued with Osei over a 120 debt owed to one of his friends.

When the men met the following day witnesses said they saw Mr Nasrollahi pushed up against a tree and stabbed.

His family said it followed a row over whether Osei should receive 10 change. Osei, from Finchley, was caught after police found his victims DNA on a knife.

Mr Nasrollahis sister Ala, 16, from Hatch End, told the Standard: In every school there are kids my age carrying knives on them every day.

When youve seen what happened to my brother why would you carry around a knife? Dont put yourself in that position. Young people should get ready to go to school the next day  not pick up a knife. Look at this as an example.

She said her brother cared for her and her twin brother Amir after their father died from cancer, adding he would buy my mum and I perfume, look after us and cook us pizza late at night.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Chalmers of the Mets Homicide Command said the killing followed an argument over a small debt. It is hard to believe that someone can place so little value on another persons life.

Three other men were acquitted of murder at the Old Bailey trial.
A mugger and his accomplice sped through a crowded market on a moped as they desperately tried to escape from police.

Cavell Hutson, 21, had reached out and grabbed phones - 21 in total, believed to have been stolen in just an hour - from pedestrians as he rode on a moped before police launched a 20-minute chase to capture him and his accomplice.

Dramatic footage of the pair's bid for freedom was captured by a police helipcopter as they twisted their way through a busy market in Dalston.

After weaving their way past startled shoppers, one of them is seen jumping off the back of the moped and fleeing through a stall.

The rider then continues on for a short distance before ditching the moped and running into a building, pursued by police.

However Hutson was nabbed by officers near by and has now been jailed for more than three years. His partner-in-crime did manage to evade officers.

The case follows a surge of moped phone muggings in London, from 372 in 2011 to more than 4,600 in the past 12 months.

Jailed: Cavell Hutson was sentenced to three years and four months at Blackfriars Crown Court / Met Police

In Islington alone, the worst hit borough, more than 300 phones were being snatched every month at the height of the crimewave.

Police have released shocking CCTV images of thieves on mopeds mounting pavements to snatch phones from unsuspecting pedestrians.

In February a couple had phones snatched from their hand in Farringdon Road while in July video footage revealed how two men on a scooter snatched a phone from the hands of a man walking on a pavement in Muswell Hill.

Scotland Yard launched a dedicated unit Operation Attrition to tackle the menace and revealed that a hard core of teenagers was behind the muggings. Two of the most prolific offenders were aged just 14 and 15 at the time.

"Excellent result": Hutson's conviction was celebrated as a victory in tackling moped-enabled crime / Met Police

Blackfriars Crown Court heard how Hutson, riding with an accomplice who is still at large, forced shoppers to dive out of the way as they weaved among stalls at Dalstons Ridley Road Market, on September 3, in a desperate bid to avoid capture.

They finally ditched the moped as police officers closed in, and Hutson - clutching a bag with 21 stolen mobile phones - was captured moments after he fled into Kingsland Shopping Centre.

Hutson, from Highbury New Park, Islington, admitted 21 counts of theft at Blackfriars crown court, as well as dangerous driving and breaching a criminal behaviour order imposed last year.

Dangerous: CCTV showed the moped being driven dangerously before the vehicle was abandoned / Met Police

Judge John Hillen jailed him for 32 months for the thefts and an extra eight months for dangerous driving, after seeing the helicopter CCTV footage of Hutson and his accomplice weaving recklessly through the market place.

Hutson was handed the criminal behaviour order and locked up for 12 months in September last year after he admitted being part of a gang on mopeds armed with knives, swords and machetes who had chased a rival group of teenagers through an Islington estate.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Heatley, from Operation Attrition, said the scourge of moped thieves are making Londons streets hostile territory for members of the public.

This was an excellent result, which has seen a perpetrator of an audacious crime, which not only endangered members of the public but himself and his accomplice, receive a robust jail sentence, he said.

Hutson committed his crime spree across Camden, Hackney, Westminster, and Tower Hamlets, as well as his native Islington which has seen a rising tide in moped crimes in the last year.

In August, victim Katharina Frosig, 28, told how muggers mounted the pavement and snatched her iPhone as she spoke to her mother, before targeting another woman just seconds later.

You cant prepare yourself  you might think if someone comes up behind you then youll grab your phone tight in your hand, but theres no option apart from just not speaking on your phone on the street. Now my phones in my bag at all times, she said.

Dramatic footage was also released in July of the split second moment a mans phone was snatched out of his hand in Muswell Hill, the thief fleeing before the victim had chance to react.

DCI Heatley urged members of the public to enable security features on their phones and avoid texting while walking, suggesting they stand close to a wall when on the phone in public.

Hutson will serve half his sentence of three years and four months before being considered for release on licence.
L indsey Boswell stood at the entrance of his FareShare warehouse in Deptford and inspected the food being loaded onto vans for delivery to charities.

Look at these luxury yoghurts and this pate and this prime beef, he said.

Nobody can say we feed the homeless on crap. This is top-quality food that could be served in restaurants and would otherwise have been thrown away.

As the chief executive of the surplus food distribution charity chatted away, articulated lorries rumbled up, one after the other, to offload trays of chicken fillets and fresh fruit and vegetables nearing their sell-by or use-by dates.

It was all being delivered direct from manufacturers or supermarket depots, locating FareShare further up the supply chain than The Felix Project, our campaign flagship, which mainly collects smaller volumes of surplus produce from the back of supermarket outlets.

Indeed FareShare is by far the biggest redistributor of surplus food in the UK.

This year it offloaded 9,070 tonnes to 2,489 charities countrywide, providing 18.3 million meals  a 20 per cent rise since 2014/15.

In London, it delivered 807 tonnes this year to 279 charities and fed 820 vulnerable Londoners each day.

You might think Mr Boswell would be thrilled with his 4 million operation and how it has progressed, but he is also intensely frustrated.

After 20 years of operating we have only been able to access two per cent of the surplus food available, he said. Imagine if we could get our hands on 10 times that, what we could do to tackle food poverty.

We work with 450 food manufacturers and most big supermarkets and they all initially protest that they have no waste. Four years ago Tesco gave us no food, now they give us five million meals a year and are our largest supplier.

We also work with Sainsburys, Asda and Co-op and have agreements with Aldi, Lidl and Morrisons, with the latter three fluctuating at a very disappointing low level. Its about turning the pressure up to turn the taps on  and thats where the Evening Standards campaign can make a major difference.

Mr Boswell suggested we need only look to the French for what can be achieved.

In France they have roughly the same size food economy as the UK, yet they redistribute 10 times the value we do, he said. You have to think that it is time for our Government to do something about this.

If only the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs would stop sitting on its hands, he argued.

Kind donations: Lindsey Boswell at his FareShare warehouse in Deptford / Matt Writtle

Like Sainsburys boss Mike Coupe, and City Hall food waste czar Rosie Boycott, both of whom have criticised Defras do-nothing approach in the Standard since we launched our Food for London campaign, he believes Defra needs to act decisively.

The number-one ask is for the food industry to give us more than two per cent of their surplus food, he said. For that we need transparency from supermarkets as to how much they waste and how much they redistribute to charity. Because unless supermarkets measure their waste and publish it, how on earth can we believe they will do anything about it? So Defra has to make them accountable and transparent.

The Government should go further, he said, by offering supermarkets tax incentives to redistribute their surplus like they do in France.

We have calculated that a tax incentive costing Government a mere 10 million would completely alter the playing field and make it more cost effective for suppliers to redistribute their food to charities than dump it, as most currently do, for anaerobic digestion.

This would generate 100,000 tonnes of food to feed the hungry  10 times more than we manage now.

Yet FareShare is itself not without criticism. Controversially, it levies a fee to the 2,489 charities it helps, raking in 400,000 a year. Why is this necessary?

I make no apologies for this, said Mr Boswell.

Charities pay us 100 to 5,000 a year depending upon the weight of food we deliver. We introduced fees 10 years ago to help us cover our costs and while some charities protested and left, most came back because the cost is a fraction of the value we give them.

One in five of the charities we supply say it would go bust without our food supply. Thats 500 charities for whom we are, quite literally, a lifeline.

FareShares London depot deploys up to 100 volunteers, including Anna Prior, the drummer of the electronic group Metronomy, who headline internationally and play the likes of the Brixton Academy and Alexandra Palace. The 31-year-old puts in an eight-hour shift every Tuesday, delivering a 750-kilogram load to up to 10 charities. Why does she do it?

Its a travesty that people are going hungry in a rich city like London and that supermarkets just nonchalantly chuck away perfectly good food, she said.

It really rattles me. I treat volunteering as if I am being paid for a proper job and give it the same level of dedication and respect. I like to give something back to society.

Mr Boswell looked on. Volunteers are our lifeblood, he said.

But what we need now is for food suppliers to step up to the plate and to make a concerted effort to donate more of their perfectly fresh surplus food to charity.

A more decisive and joined-up approach from Government could make all the difference.
A musician who volunteered at a psychiatric hospital was let down by its staff when he suffered his own mental crisis, his mother said today.

Ben Brown, 35, from Barnet, was found dead at Edgware Community Hospital after a stand-in nurse failed to monitor his condition every 15 minutes through the night and was pressured into altering medical records.

Mr Brown, who had a 16-year history of schizophrenia, was voluntarily admitted to the hospital on July 18 last year. He was found in cardiac arrest on the morning of July 25.

His mother Elizabeth said: Even though my son had previous hospital admissions, he had been well for seven years and so his death came as a dreadful shock.

Ben gave his time generously to the hospital in the past, having played saxophone on the wards and volunteered in the coffee shop, yet when he turned to the hospital in a crisis I feel he was let down.

An inquest at Barnet coroners court in March heard an agency nurse was not told about the need for 15-minute observations and was pressured into making entries... for times Mr Brown was not observed.

Coroner Andrew Walker gave the cause of death as natural causes, noting the cardiac arrest was spotted too late for a successful resuscitation.

He was so concerned at the failures in care that last month he issued a prevention of future deaths report ordering hospital bosses to make immediate improvements to prevent similar tragedies.

Clair Hilder, a solicitor at Hodge Jones & Allen, said: This is a very sad case of health professionals failing to consider the needs of a mentally ill patient and then trying to cover up their mistakes. These failings would never have come to light if it werent for CCTV.

Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust said: The trust would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Benjamin Brown.

"The trust is committed to providing safe patient care and as part of that process the service had already commenced making changes to its procedures following an internal investigation.
T he six advertising hoardings at the landmark Piccadilly Lights are to become one giant screen, which could be sold for 30 million a year.

Londons equivalent to New Yorks Times Square launched more than a century ago. Since then it has become one of the worlds most exclusive advertising hoardings.

Now Land Securities, which has owned the Piccadilly Circus site since the Seventies, has won planning consent to replace the six existing screens with one huge state-of-the-art interactive screen, which analysts expect to attract the worlds biggest brands.

More than 70 million pedestrians walk by the Piccadilly Lights each year, with another 30 million driving past.

With each of the six screens worth more than 4 million a year, advertising analysts estimate the chance to dominate the site completely could be worth as much as 30 million.

The changing face of Piccadilly Circus - In pictures 1 /33 The changing face of Piccadilly Circus - In pictures 1899: Horse-drawn traffic and passers-by outside The London Pavilion at Piccadilly Circus. The statue of Eros is on the left General Photographic Agency/Getty Images A view of Piccadilly Circus in London, England. Circa 1900s Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images April 1918: Omnibuses at Piccadilly Circus. The London Pavilion is in the background Topical Press Agency/Getty Images Piccadilly Circus pictured In 1926 when the surrounding streets were being almost completely reconstructed. Picture Shows Swan And Edggar's Department Store New Building and the New County Fire Office Rex 1932: Lit up advertisements in Piccadilly Circus, London General Photographic Agency/Getty Images 1933, Two ladies sell flowers in Piccadilly Circus Popperfoto/Getty Images circa 1935: Nightime and two men chat on the street corner with Piccadilly Circus in the background Hulton Archive/Getty Images Piccadilly Circus at night on New Years Day 1937 Rex Colour photograph of Shaftesbury Avenue from Piccadilly Circus, London. Dated 1940 Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty Images Piccadilly Circus with the boarded-up Statue Of Eros on VE Day, May 1945 bringing traffic to a standstill Rex Photograph of London Piccadilly Circus by Chalmers Butterfield. Dated 1949 Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty images Heavy smog in Piccadilly Circus, London, 6th December 1952 Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images May 1953: A view of Piccadilly Circus, with decorations for the Coronation. The statue of Eros is enclosed in a birdcage structure for the celebrations Hulton Archive/Getty Images circa 1955: An entrance to Piccadilly underground station at night. In the background are the neon advertising signs of Piccadilly Circus Ernst Haas/Ernst Haas/Getty Images Piccadilly Circus at night in the 1950's Rex 1956: Traffic circling the statue of Eros on the central roundabout at Piccadilly Circus, London Harry Kerr/BIPs/Getty Images Piccadilly Circus by night during the Black Out in 1959 Rex People gather for a night on the town at Piccadilly Circus, London in 1969 Rex Piccadilly Circus in 1971 Rex Neon signs in Piccadilly Circus in 1972 Rex Piccadilly Circus in 1983 Rex Aerial view Of Piccadilly Circus in 1990 Traffic moves through Piccadilly Circus as the landmark advertising lights are turned off during the Capital 95.8 Light Out London Campaign on June 21, 2007 in London Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images Traffic moves through Piccadilly Circus as the landmark advertising lights are turned back on after the Capital 95.8 Light Out London Campaign on June 21, 2007 in London Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images Long exposure of pedestrians and traffic outside Piccadilly Circus Tube Station in 2014 Rex

Lorna Tilbian, media analyst at Numis Securities, said: A mega-size hoarding is worth much more than six hoardings. You can safely say this is the billboard equivalent of the Super Bowl  prime ad space in the busiest bit of the worlds leading global city.

Land Securities said: We are working with experts in new technologies and out-of-home marketing to completely reposition this iconic site, giving advertisers innovative ways to interact with the two million weekly passers-by.

But analysts said the move to one big screen could take time, as existing clients such as Coca Cola  which has advertised there since 1955  could have long-term leases.

Water company Perrier was the first electrical advert on the site, in 1908. Since then the lights have shone almost continuously, turned off only for the Second World War, for the funerals of Sir Winston Churchill and Princess Diana and more recently to mark Earth Hour for the WWF.

In 2002, Yoko Ono paid more than 100,000 for her husband John Lennons quote Imagine all the people living life in peace to be illuminated for three months.
A n orthopaedic surgeon, a screenwriter and a musician were today named among the winners at the 2016 Black British Business Awards.

The ceremony, at the Grange St Pauls Hotel, honours the members of the black business community and is backed by the Evening Standard.

The awards, in their third year, celebrate leaders and rising stars in the financial services, media and arts, professional services, science and technology and consumer and luxury goods sectors, as well as entrepreneurs.

The Image award went to consultant orthopaedic surgeon Samantha Zoisa Tross. The judges praised her record of excellence that has made a lasting and positive contribution to the reflection of people of African and Caribbean heritage in Britain.

Bloombergs black professionals community was presented with the Network Impact award for championing diversity and inclusion throughout the organisation, while judges chose double bassist Chi-chi Nwanoku as Black British Business Person of 2016.

She founded the Chineke! Foundation, which provides career opportunities to young black and minority ethnic classical musicians in the UK and Europe.

Speakers at todays event included former shadow secretary of state for business, innovation and skills Chuka Umunna and senior executives from some of the most prominent global corporations operating in the UK.

Theresa May and Sadiq Khan were among those who paid tribute to those selected. The Prime Minister said: All the nominees should be incredibly proud of their achievements and I wish them all the best of luck with their future endeavours.

The Mayor said: These awards showcase exceptional talent by promoting and celebrating the achievements of black people in businesses.

Melanie Eusebe, chairman and co-founder of the Black British Business Awards, said the winners were evidence of the wealth of talent from the black community contributing substantially to the UKs economy.

Leading Labour MP Chuku Imunna told winners at todays Black British Business Awards in London that they had a responsibility to extend the ladder of success to others in their communities.

He said many of their parents never had the chance to get on. He said there were still some who were denied opportunities, including black actors who had to go to the United States to be considered for a full breadth of roles.

There is still this stereotype. It is disgraceful this is happening in 2016, he said.

He told the winners of the awards: Lets celebrate our achievements and extend this to the young people in our communities.

Imunna said he had wanted the UK to vote to stay in Europe but it was now important to get the best deal. He said the UK had to balance the books and needed to expand trade with emerging market economies.

http://www.thebbbawards.com/
F irst, Barking revealed its ambitions to be seen as a Thames-side Barcelona. Now the other half of Londons least glamorous borough is muscling in on the act: Dagenham has set its sights on becoming the capitals Hollywood.

A site for what would be the biggest film studios in the city has been identified close to the abandoned Ford car plant for which the area was once best known.

The plan was disclosed today by Mayor Sadiq Khan and Darren Rodwell, the Barking and Dagenham council leader.

They have jointly commissioned an 80,000 study to make the business case for the investment.

There are three major movie studios in the capital  at Twickenham, Ealing and the more recent Three Mills facility in Stratford  as well as world-renowned production centres at Pinewood, Elstree and Shepperton just outside its boundaries.

Barking and Dagenhams film office has attracted the makers of big-budget features including Marvels Avengers: Age Of Ultron

However, demand for film-making in London  the worlds third busiest city for film production after Los Angeles and New York  means extra capacity is desperately needed.

The Mayor said: From James Bond and Star Wars to Harry Potter and Bridget Joness Baby, London has a vib-rant production history and some of the worlds best studios.

To sustain and grow this success story, it is critical that the capital gets significantly more studio and production capacity.

"London is open to the best creative and cultural minds and I am looking forward to exploring whether a new film studio in Dagenham could help the capitals film industry thrive for years to come.

The potential site is next to a huge industrial park at Dagenham East with good links to the District line and, from 2018, Crossrail.

The area already has a strong cinematic connection through 2010 drama Made In Dagenham starring Bob Hoskins and Sally Hawkins, about the fight for equal pay by women working at the car plant  although much of it was filmed in Croydon.

Barking and Dagenhams film office has also attracted makers of big-budget features including Marvels Avengers: Age Of Ultron and Doctor Strange, as well as TV dramas such as BBC1s Undercover and Channel 4 sci-fi series Humans, starring Gemma Chan.

Mr Rodwell said: We are working to create a blockbuster deal to generate hundreds of exciting opportunities for local young people and bolster Barking and Dagenhams reputation as Londons latest creative hotspot. Our ambition is that Dagenham will become world famous for films rather than Fords.

A Made In Dagenham studio will ensure London will remain Europes film capital. It will be a case of Barking and Dagenham and not Berlin for film-makers. Todays announcement comes two months after Mr Rodwell said a new Barking riverside marina could rival the Catalan capital.

If the studios get the go-ahead they will be the first in London for more than 25 years. About three quarters of the UK film industry is based in and around the capital, and last year an estimated 1 billion investment was attracted to the city from international producers.

Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said movie-makers were making a beeline for our city because they know it offers the very best facilities, expertise and creative talent.

Our reputation means demand for studio space is incredibly high. Unlocking new studio space would help maintain the capitals competitive edge and [be] a tremendous economic boost for Barking and Dagenham and the UK.
P lans for a 15-storey tower behind Damien Hirsts new art gallery look set to be scrapped after locals described it as a horrific alien phallus.

Architect Will Alsop described the 6.6 million block, called The Beacon, as a gateway to the emerging Vauxhall gallery district in south London.

The proposed tower, 100 yards from Hirsts Newport Street Gallery, would house 11 flats with a two-storey penthouse and roof terrace.

But neighbours have submitted dozens of objections to Lambeth council. They say the tower will be twice as high as surrounding properties, wrecking the areas character and blocking views of Big Ben. They also criticised its failure to include any affordable units.

More than 100 letters have been sent to planners with residents calling the scheme a hideous eyesore and a horrendous monstrosity.

One resident said: It looks alien. Like some horrific alien phallus from the nightmare visions of [Swiss artist] H R Giger.

Another added: It looks like a Fifties science fiction film where a UFO crashes into a normal street. Why not at least try and design it in keeping with its surroundings? Margaret Hanbury, a literary agent who works in Lambeth Walk and lives nearby, said: Its a modernist fantasy of the worst kind.

Another resident compared the proposals unfavourably with Hirsts gallery, designed by Caruso St John, saying: What does Damian Hirst have to say about all this? His new gallery on the same street was tastefully done and enhanced the neighbourhood.

The site, previously a public lavatory, was bulldozed to make way for a five-storey block of flats six years ago.

Locals said demolishing the block after such a short time was: unethical and shameful.

One wrote: The proposed development is an entirely luxury development, which includes no affordable housing at all. This is absolutely scandalous considering the acute housing shortage.

Not all residents have opposed the scheme, submitted by Alsops Hackney-based practice aLL Design. Some called it a brave vision and refreshing.

Alsop said all objections had been considered, including the height. He added: The size of a development affects the number of affordable housing units provided.

"As The Beacon is a small development of 11 homes a cash payment, presumably for public benefit, was agreed with the council planners instead. This is standard practice for a development of this size.

Lambeth planning officers have recommended that councillors refuse permission at a meeting on Tuesday next week.
A young boy was rushed to hospital today after he was hit by a car on a busy road in north London.

Police and paramedics raced to the scene after the child was struck by the vehicle in Kensal Rise this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the crash in Chamberlayne Road at about 4.25pm.

A witness described seeing the young boy being treated by paramedics at the scene.

Calvin Robinson, a local secondary school teacher, told the Standard: I saw three police cars blocking off the road, followed by the arrival of an ambulance.

"Paramedics were securing a young person in the middle of the cordoned off road.

They attended to him in the road for several minutes before taking him away in the ambulance.

Pictures emerged on social media of several police vehicles blocking off the road surrounded by heavy traffic.

The street was cordoned off and buses diverted while officers investigated the crash.

Police were unable to give details of the boys age and condition.
W est End restaurants tycoon Richard Caring is facing one of the biggest divorce payouts in British legal history.

The owner of a string of venues including The Ivy, Sexy Fish, Le Caprice and J Sheekey, as well as the nightclub Annabels, has separated from his wife of 45 years, former model Jacqui, it was reported today.

Mr Caring, a close friend of former BHS owner Sir Philip Green, is said to have moved into a 32 million, 10-bedroom house in St Johns Wood with his new partner, 35-year-old Brazilian property developer Patricia Mondinni, and their toddler son.

Mother-of-two Jacqui Caring, 67, still lives at the familys palatial home dubbed the Versailles of Hampstead.

Mr Caring, 68, who started his career as a teenager selling dresses to shops in London in the sixties to help save his fathers business, is estimated to be worth 700 million.

Courts are increasingly awarding spouses half of fortunes built up by successful entrepreneurs, particularly after a long marriage.

The biggest divorce settlements seen in Britain include the 740 million awarded to Formula 1 billionaire Bernie Ecclestones ex-wife Slavica in 2009 and the 337 million paid by hedge fund boss Chris Hohn to his former wife Jamie Cooper-Hohn in 2014.

Mr Caring married Jacqueline Stead, the Aldershot-born daughter of a retired major, in 1971 after spotting her on a catwalk.

He said of her in one interview: She gave up modelling three days after she met me. Shes not a fool. She doesnt cook, and she doesnt work.

They have two sons, Jamie, 44 and Ben, 37, who have worked in their fathers business empire, which also includes a 30 per cent stake in the Soho House private members clubs group.

The Carings have homes in Hong Kong and at Pixton Stables in Dulverton, Somerset, which is a 50-acre shooting estate.

A spokesman for Mr Caring would not comment.
S adiq Khan today launched a new taskforce to help tackle the shameful rise in the number of people sleeping rough on Londons streets.

It came as new figures revealed that 8,096 people slept on the streets of the capital last year for at least one night - a seven per cent increase on the year before.

The Mayors No Nights Sleeping Rough scheme, building on his predecessors No Second Night Out project, will bring together key players to try to prevent rough sleeping.

The taskforce will include Government officials working with the five London boroughs with the highest number of rough sleepers - Westminster, Camden, Lambeth, Tower Hamlets and the City - and leading charities Crisis, St Mungos, Thames Reach, and Homeless Link.

The taskforce, which met today for the first time, will be led by deputy mayor for housing James Murray and work with the Metropolitan Police, NHS and Transport for London to tackle specific problems including housing and mental health provision for rough sleepers.
A third runway at Heathrow would not break any pollution laws, a study has suggested.

Research has shown a new runway at the London airport could be built and still be in keeping with the laws.

Professors at the University of Cambridge led an independent study measuring poisonous nitrogen dioxide levels using 40 sensors in and around the airport, the BBC reported.

It found although there would be a marginal increase in the toxic gas coming from the airport, this would be countered by a drop in NO2 from traffic elsewhere.

Professor Rod Jones from the University of Cambridge told the BBC: "If there is the development of a third runway, we expect there to be a marginal increase in NO2 coming from the airport itself, but that would be against the background of reduced NO2 from other traffic, because of Euro 6 engines and electrification of the traffic fleet."

But this suggests any advances to help the environment made by electrification could be cancelled out by the third runway.

The controversial plan for a third runway at Heathrow is one option being considered, along with an extension of its northern runway or a second runway at Gatwick.

London mayor Sadiq Khan made a last-ditch plea to Theresa May this week, calling for an extra runway to be built at Gatwick rather than Heathrow.

Planned protest: Activists took over Heathrow airport last weekend to protest against the third runway. / REUTERS

Professor Jones added: "By deploying a network of sensors we can tell directly from the measurements, what's been emitted locally from Heathrow airport and what's been blown in, mostly from central London. That's the real strength of the sensor network.

"The major result from this study is that we have tested the models far more critically than you can from a single measurement site."

In her keynote address to the Tory Party conference in Birmingham, Mrs May confirmed that the Government would "shortly announce" which project would get the go-ahead.
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With the presidential race between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump entering its final, extraordinary stages, the coming weeks will shape the United States for years to come  and have a significant impact on its relationship with the rest of the world.

Panel including former British Ambassador to the US, Sir Christopher Meyer, New Yorker journalist Lauren Collins, Kwasi Kwarteng MP for Spelthorne, Green Party parliamentary candidate Larry Sanders, whose brother Bernie Sanders lost out to Mrs Clinton for the Democratic Party nomination, former newspaper publisher Lord Black of Crossharbour and Josh Berger, Chairman of the British Film Institute and UK head of Warner Bros . They will consider the key issues facing America. The debate will be chaired by CNNs Hala Gorani.

Panel

Sir Christopher Meyer, Former British ambassador to US

Sir Christopher Meyer is a former British Ambassador to the United States, he was the Ambassador during the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush presidencies which coincided with 9/11 and the preparation for war in Iraq. He was also the former Ambassador to Germany and former chairman of the Press Complaints Commission. Sir Christopher was knighted by Her Majesty The Queen in 1998. He is now a regular television, radio and newspaper commentator.

Lord Black of Crossharbour, Former Newspaper Publisher

Lord Black of Crossharbour was head of the Canadian Argus and Hollinger financial group from 1978 to 2004, and chairman of the Telegraph newspapers, including the Spectator, from 1987 to 2004. He spent three years in US federal prisons, assisting inmates to matriculate from secondary school, but all charges against him were abandoned, rejected by jurors, or unanimously vacated by the US Supreme Court, and he won the largest libel settlement in Canadian history from his original accusers ($5 million). He has relaunched himself in Canada in financial affairs, and is a columnist in the National Post (which he founded) and the National Review (New York). He is the honorary publisher of the National Review (Washington), and has written authoritative biographies of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Richard M. Nixon. His latest books are Flight of the Eagle, a Strategic History of the United States, and the History of Canada from the Vikings to the Present.

Kwasi Kwarteng, MP for Spelthorne

Kwasi Kwarteng has been the Conservative Member of Parliament for Spelthorne since 2010. Prior to entering Parliament Kwasi studied at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge obtaining Bachelor and PhD degrees in British History. He has worked as a financial analyst, journalist and author. His first book, Ghosts of Empire, was published in 2011. His second book, War & Gold, was published in 2014, and most recently Thatchers Trial was published in 2015.

Larry Sanders, Green Party Candidate for the Witney by-election and brother of U.S senator Bernie Sanders

Larry moved to the UK in 1968 and has long been active in Green politics. He was trained professionally as a social worker and lawyer and is currently the Green Party parliamentary candidate for the Whitney by-election, with his main focuses in social and health care services. He will stand for David Camerons former seat on the promise to fight NHS privatisation after he was selected by the West Oxfordshire Greens. Larrys brother is the U.S. senator Bernie Sanders who was against Mrs Clinton in the Democratic Party nomination.

Lauren Collins, Staff Writer at The New Yorker

Lauren Collins, a staff writer for The New Yorker, has been reporting from Europe since 2010. Her profile subjects have included the Daily Mail and IKEA; she has also written on Michelle Obama and Melania Trump. Her first book, When in French: Love in a Second Language, was published by 4th Estate last month.

Josh Berger, Chairman of the British Film Institute and UK head of Warner Bros

Josh Berger is President & Managing Director, Warner Bros. UK, Ireland and Spain, overseeing Warner Bros. business activities in the three territories, and the President of Harry Potter Global Franchise Development, leading Warner Bros. expanded creative partnership with J.K. Rowling. A 27-year veteran of the Studio, he has lived and worked in the UK for 20 years and has been a British citizen since July 2011. Josh is the Chairman of the British Film Institute (BFI), having been a BFI Governor since 2011. He is also a Member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), the Creative Industries Council, and the British Screen Advisory Council; a Council Member of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA); a Director of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences; and the Chair of Chickenshed Theatre Trust. Josh was appointed a CBE in the Queens 2012 Birthday Honours List for services to the UKs creative industries.

Moderator

Hala Gorani, CNN Anchor and Correspondent for CNN International

Hala Gorani is an anchor and correspondent for CNN International, based in London. She anchors her nightly news programme, The World Right Now, with Hala Gorani, and has played a key role in CNN's coverage of the race to the White House. In addition to her anchoring duties, Gorani often goes into the field to report on major breaking news stories. Most recently she covered the aftermath of the Paris and Brussels attacks and the bombing of Istanbul airport. She also covered the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon in 2014 and the 2012 Egyptian Elections and has previously reported extensively from Jordan and Egypt. She was also instrumental in CNN's coverage of the Arab Spring. Hala joined CNN in 1998 from Bloomberg Television in London, where she worked as an anchor. She also worked for French network France 3, covering stories for the French cable network Paris Premiere. She started her career in journalism writing for French daily La Voix du Nord and news agency Agence France Presse. Hala speaks English, French and Arabic.

Panel



Sir Christopher Meyer

Former British ambassador to US

Lord Black of Crossharbour

Former Newspaper Publisher

Kwasi Kwarteng

MP for Spelthorne

Larry Sanders

Green Party Candidate for the Witney by-election and brother of U.S senator Bernie Sanders

Lauren Collins

Staff Writer at The New Yorker



Josh Berger

Chairman of the British Film Institute and UK head of Warner Bros

Moderator



Hala Gorani

CNN Anchor

Ticket

Registration is now closed.

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G eorge Osborne launched a battle for Tory thinking today with plans for a book on the dangers of populism infecting economic policy.

His rallying cry comes a day after Prime Minister Theresa May set out a more interventionist approach to business and the economy designed to appeal to the 17 million Brexit voters.

The former chancellor, who was sacked by Mrs May in July, said he wanted to confront nationalism and prejudice and prevent politicians such as Donald Trump from closing down free markets.

It will be seen as evidence that he plans to stay in politics as a rival to Mrs Mays thinking.

One Cabinet minister at this weeks Conservative party conference predicted that Mr Osborne was likely to be the next Tory leader, even if Mrs May stays in power into the next Parliament.

George is only 45 and has had one job in government, as Chancellor, at an age when many people are just getting elected as an MP for the first time. He will be still a relatively young man, and a vastly experienced one, when she eventually retires, the minister said.

In her speech at the conference, Mrs May, 60, distanced herself from Mr Osbornes policies, saying she would step in when firms let down consumers or workers. She also implied she would sacrifice full access to the European single market to curb immigration.

Brexit donor Arron Banks said on Newsnight: Shes basically rebranded the Conservative Party Ukip.

Mr Osbornes book, The Age of Unreason, will argue that prosperity is threatened when politicians offer simplistic solutions to harness public anxieties.

He said: The likes of Donald Trump say to people, What the hell have you got to lose? The answer is, A lot.

"Peace, prosperity and security.


S ome guards at a London prison that specialises in young male offenders are "unaware of how to identify and report suspected extremists" despite the presence of "individuals of concern", a government watchdog warned today.

Peter Clarke, the chief inspector of prisons, said that most staff at Isis jail in south-east London knew how to tackle the risks of radicalisation.

But he warned that despite regular meetings to discuss the dangers, others still remained ignorant of their responsibilities.

Mr Clarke's warning comes in a critical report on the prison published today and will add to concerns about the action taken in prisons to prevent the spread of extremist ideas behind bars.

It follows a report by the former prison governor Ian Acheson which warned that charismatic" inmates acting as self-styled "emirs" are exerting a radicalising influence in prisons and that extremist Islamic State supporters are threating staff, other prisoners and jail chaplains.

Justice Secretary Liz Truss responded to the report - which also warned of Islamist radicals trying to force prison guards to leave Friday prayers - by announcing reforms including the creation of special units to house those who "seek to poison the minds of others".

Mr Clarke, a former police officer who headed Scotland Yard's counter-terrorism command for several years, says, however, that the measures taken at Isis, which houses 600 male prisoners, nearly all under 30, are insufficient.

"Most staff we spoke to were aware of their responsibilities but, despite work to raise awareness of this issue, some staff remained unaware of how to identify and report suspected extremists and those at risk of radicalisation," his report states.

In other criticisms, Mr Clarke says that Isis, which opened only six years ago, is blighted by high levels of violence with 200 fights or assaults during 2105 with "too many" prisoners feeling unsafe.

He also says that "living conditions for some prisoners were unacceptable, with dirt and graffiti in many areas" and filthy toilets and warns that staff shortages mean that many inmates remain locked in their cells for excessive periods.

Many miss work training or education classes as a result, meaning that the prison is "completely failing in its central purpose" of preparing prisoners for their return to society.

Frances Crook, from the Howard League for Penal Reform, said the report's findings were "dreadful" and added: "Isis is only six years old, but it is violent, filthy, overcrowded, understaffed, and failing to help people to lead crime-free lives.

The picture painted by inspectors is nothing short of a disgrace."

Michael Spurr, the chief executive of the National Offender Management Service, said that "progress" had been made since the arrival of a new governor.

He added: "More prisoners are now accessing education, training or work facilities, providing offenders with the opportunities they need to turn their backs on crime."


U kip leadership frontrunner Steven Woolfe says he is as 'happy and smiley as ever' as he recovers in hospital after his collapse at the European Parliament.

Mr Woolfe was rushed to hospital on Thursday after allegedly being punched during an altercation following a meeting of Ukip MEPs.

He was initially said to be in a serious condition with fears that he was suffering bleeding on his brain, but doctors have carried out a CT scan that discovered no sign of a blood clot.

Mr Woolfe released a statement this afternoon saying he was looking well but would be kept in hospital overnight as a precaution.

"At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever. As a precaution, I am being kept in overnight awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything in fine," he said in a statement.

"I would like everyone to know that the parliamentary staff, the Ukip MEPs with me and hospital staff have been brilliant. Their care has been exceptional.

"I am sitting up, and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face."

In his statement he made no reference to the reported altercation.

The Ukip MEP collapsed after a meeting in Strasbourg / ITV

A spokeswoman for French national police said that the incident had not been reported to them and they had no current plans to investigate.

She added that if someone were to ring and make it complaint then officers would follow up the matter.

Paramedics treat Mr Woolfe / ITV News

The Evening Standard understands that the fight happened outside the meeting of 22 Ukip MEPs where Mr Woolfe had been arguing with another MEP.

Afterwards Mr Woolfe told a colleague he was all right but that it had been a difficult meeting.

His last words to the colleague were: Im off to vote.

Initially a UKIP spokesman claimed that Mr Woolfe had been taken suddenly ill but acting leader Nigel Farage then made a statement revealing that an argument had taken place.

He said: I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of UKIP MEPs this morning that Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious.

Later Mr Farage said he had spoken to Steven Woolfe on the phone and he is mildly better.

Steven Woolfe with Nigel Farage / Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images

A spokeswoman for the European Parliament confirmed Mr Woolfe had collapsed in the main building in Strasbourg, and said that an investigation into the circumstances was now under way.

Concern about his condition was raised when a rival leadership candidate, Raheem Kassam, tweeted that he had cancelled a TV interview out of respect for Mr Woolfe.

Steven Woolfe speaking at the 2016 UKIP conference

I have cancelled my appearance on BBC @daily_politics out of respect to @Steven_Woolfe who is currently being treated after collapsing.

Politicians from all parties offered their support to Mr Woolfe as news that he had been taken ill spread.

Mr Woolfe has been named as hot favourite to succeed Diane James as leader of the party which has been riven with in-fighting.

He announced only yesterday he would stand for the leadership and was quickly endorsed by the partys key donor Arron Banks.

However he admitted that had considered joining the Conservatives after becoming enthused by the start of Theresa Mays premiership.

Mr Woolfe, from Moss Side in Manchester, became MEP for North West England in July 2014.

He also acts as Ukip spokesman for Migration and Financial Affairs and sits on the EU Parliaments Economic and Monetary Affairs committee.

Mr Woolfe worked as a lawyer before entering politics in 2010, becoming one of Mr Farages senior spokesmen when he initially ran for the leadership.

He ran to become MP for Stockport last year but finished third behind Labours Ann Coffey, who won the seat, and Daniel Hamilton of the Tories.
After opening a fast-casual salad restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan, two University of Michigan graduates decided Madison was the next place they wanted to locate.

Salads UP is opening at 439 N. Frances St., on Monday. It's in the Hub apartment complex, near Colectivo, and next to the massive building's official entrance.

Max Steir and Robby Mayer graduated in 2013 and opened their Ann Arbor restaurant in January 2015. Madison's is No. 2.

Steir said he looks at the two cities as having similar characteristics, particularly because both have large student populations. "We think it will be as good, if not a step up from our Ann Arbor experience to build upon what we've done since we graduated college."

He said the "vibe and the buzz" has been as good, if not better than they'd expected. "We were planning to expand when the time was right, and the time came sooner than we thought," Steir said.

Mayer acknowledged that nearby Forage Kitchen with its signature and customizable salads is doing something similar. Its owners even share a similar story. "I think a town like Madison is big enough to support a lot of businesses that are dedicated to serving a healthier product," he said.

Prices are determined by the choices customers make. "That's kind of the beauty of it. It's flexible," Steir said. "Loaded up with toppings and dressings it can go north of $10," he said.

At the same time, simpler salads can be made for as low as $6.50 or $7, he said. "Ideally, we'd like to see the average check under that $10 range."

Salads UP also offers wraps, soups, juices and smoothies. Breakfast bowls are coming to both locations with the opening of the Madison restaurant. Oatmeal, yogurt and quinoa are the bases for toppings like berries, fruit, nuts, honey, jam, pretzels and chocolate chips.

"We just want people to know we're two young guys. This is only our second location. It's not a big franchise or anything," Mayer said.

"We'll be on the ground here, working in the store," he said. "We are excited about immersing ourselves in the Madison community and not just pop in, open the restaurant and disappear."
E bola nurse Pauline Cafferkey has been rushed to hospital for the fourth time since contracting the disease.

The British medic was infected with the deadly virus while working in Sierra Leone in 2014.

Ms Cafferkey was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow under police escort this morning.

She is undergoing "routine monitoring" by the infectious diseases team and remains in a stable condition, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said.

Ms Cafferkey travelled to west Africa to volunteer with Save The Children and was quickly struck down herself.

However, she was cleared to go through a screening area at Heathrow Airport despite registering a high body temperature.

She was treated at the Royal Free Hospital in north London but was discharged in January 2015 with doctors saying she had completely recovered and was not infectious in any way.

However, she was readmitted to hospital twice - in October 2015 and February 2016 - after suffering complications linked to the disease.

At one stage Ms Cafferkey was critically ill.

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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Sending my very best wishes to Pauline Cafferkey. She has already suffered way too much - & all for trying to help others. Thoughts with her."

Last month the nurse was cleared of misconduct over her return to the UK with the virus.
A new wave of jihadi terrorism has only just begun and risks bringing outrages worse than the attacks in Paris and Brussels, one of Londons leading terror experts will warn next week.

Professor Peter Neumann says the shootings and bombings in the French capital last November, in which 130 died, are only the first indication of the violence that will be played out ... on our streets in the coming decades.

Internal rivalry within terrorist ranks will encourage more attacks on the West, he adds, and the remarkable growth of the jihadi movement in the past five years has created a threat that will cost many people their lives.

The warnings come in a book by Professor Neumann, director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation at Kings College London, which will be published next week.

Met police terror exercise

In Radicalised: New Jihadists And The Threat To The West, he claims Western leaders are often baffled by extremists actions, strategy and ideology and have displayed a lack of intellectual rigour in combating the problem.

The result is that there are more jihadist groups than ever and more mass-casualty attacks appear certain.

Warning that the new jihadists have turbocharged terrorism he writes: Paris and Brussels are not likely to re-main isolated events and they may not be the worst. The new jihadist wave of terrorism has only just begun.

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Whatever happens in Syria and Iraq ... the future veterans of this conflict have already emerged. Some networks formed over the past five years will remain active ... like the networks that came out of the Afghanistan conflict in the Eighties paved the way for al Qaeda.

"Even if Islamic State can be defeated, this will not be the end of jihadism.

Professor Neumann quotes estimates suggesting there are 45,000 to 105,000 jihadis worldwide, including at least 5,000 west Europeans who have gone to Syria and Iraq.

Some will plot highly shocking attacks when they return home, he predicts, with the danger increased by competition with al Qaeda, which will want its own spectaculars to prove its continued existence.

Today Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said a resurgent al Qaeda posed a very direct threat to the UK and Europe.

Al Qaeda is still alive and kicking in Afghanistan, in Syria, in Yemen and elsewhere, he told The Times. It has not been finally defeated and we are very conscious of that. Not just the [defence] ministry but the security ag-encies are very much aware of that.

Professor Neumann concedes it is a vision of a menacing future but insists he is not seeking to engender panic or anti-Islamic sentiment, just portraying the reality of the situation confronting Britain and other nations.

He also warns of the danger that societies will become polarised, with far-Right groups gaining strength.

The solution, he argues, is sustained engagement with ideas and the political conflicts and social cleavages inspiring militants.

He calls for better preventative and deradicalisation schemes and more partnership between government and Muslim communities. He also urges Muslims to aggressively and credibly engage with the extremist minority in their communities.
K ylie Minogue has said that she wont marry fiance Joshua Sasse until Australia changes its marriage equality laws.

The pop star, 48, who announced her engagement to the British actor earlier this year, will not walk down the aisle until her home country makes same-sex marriage legal.

Minogue and Sasse, who are keen to wed in Melbourne, have launched the Say I Do Down Under campaign in a bid to promote marriage equality.

When I found out that gay marriage was illegal in Australia, I was astounded, said Sasse.

Kylie Minogue and Joshua Sasse got engaged in this year / Dave Benett

I simply cant fathom on any level, whether its moral or religious or anything, that I have the right to get married and to marry the person that I love and that somebody else doesnt because of their sexual orientation."

Minogue has described the countrys stance on marriage rights as backward, saying that the world hasnt caved in in countries where it has been made legal.

The government is expected to put the marriage equality issue to a public vote in February next year.

A forthcoming marriage announcement was placed in Daily Telegraph beneath the names Mr JS von Sasse and Miss KA Minogue earlier this year.

It read: "The engagement is announced between Joshua, son of the late Dominic Sasse and of Mary Heale (nee Macauley), of Herefordshire, and Kylie, eldest daughter of Ronald and Carol Minogue, of Melbourne, Australia.

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Minogue met the actor, who is 20 years her junior, in September last year.
R obbers tricked their way into the Paris home of the worlds most famous reality TV star by simply saying: Its urgent  we must see Miss Kardashian, a concierge has claimed.

The testament from the so far unnamed doorman is the latest spoken evidence to be made available to detectives investigating Mondays heist at Kim Kardashians flat.

She says she was held up at gunpoint by members of a five-man gang, who then bound and gagged her before making off with 9m worth of jewels

The concierge  who has not been identified  has told police the robbers arrived at around 2.30am, and got through a first set of locked doors by buzzing the intercom, and saying: Its urgent  we must see Miss Kardashian.

Kim Kardashian at Paris Fashion Week before the attack / Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Once inside they falsely claimed to be police, and then pointed a gun at the mans head, forcing him to lead them to Ms Kardashians first floor apartment.

Detectives are still investgating how this door, which was armoured and locked from the inside, came to be opened.

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There is no sign of forced entry, said an investigating source.

Police said that the gang is likely to have arrived and left by bicycle.

Kim Kardashian robbers 'saw jewels' in her social media posts

There were no CCTV cameras in or directly outside the block, but recorded images from other parts of Paris point to the possibility of the gang members being on push bikes, said the source.

Ms Kardashian says she raised the alarm after managing to untie and ungag herself, and screaming for help from the flats balcony, and called her bodyguard at 2.56am.

Pascal Duvier, the muscular giant who is usually always at her side, was out at a nightclub with other Kardashian family members.

Ms Kardashian herself fled France within a few hours of the raid, boarding a private jet so as to be with her husband, the rapper Kanye West in New York.
A lan Sugar has said that he would never leave the BBC if the Appprentice were to be sold to a rival channel.

The business mogul, who recently branded Love Prodcutions' decision to sell The Great British Bake Off to Channel 4 a 'disaster', insists that he would never follow suit.

Lord Sugar told the Press Association: "In my case, my profession is not television.

"I don't derive my income from TV and I find that the BBC have given me this platform to perform in this programme, which I appreciate, and I would find it absolutely out of the question that if they decided to allow the format to go somewhere else I wouldn't be going with it, that's for sure."

The Apprentice 2016 1 /26 The Apprentice 2016 Lord Sugar will see you now Lord Sugar with his 18 potential business partners Getty New recruits Nine men and nine women are preparing to battle in the boardroom Getty Courtney Wood Courtney Wood Age, 29, is a novelty gift company owner who thinks he is awesome. He is not one to sit back and plans to assert his authority in the process. He thinks his cutthroat tactics will help him reach the top. He says: How would I describe myself in one sentence? I'll give you one word: awesome. BBC/PA JD OBrien JD OBrien, 37, owns a beachwear company and believes he can make the best of any situation whilst still being a good bloke. He says he is going to put in the hard work and aims to make no mistakes along the way. He says: I wont suffer fools. I will get upset by other candidates who dont know their arse from their elbow. BBC/PA Oliver Nohl-Oser Oliver Nohl-Oser, 33, is the founder and director of a sausage manufacturer who believes his greatest business skills lie in his powers of persuasion. When it comes to winning, he regards honesty as the best policy but says he wont be befriending other candidates as he wants to focus on the prize. He says: Sometimes I feel like James Bond when Im in my suit. BBC/PA Dillon St. Paul Dillon St. Paul is a 37-year-old art director for a fashion magazine who intends to be Machiavellian about tasks and says he will tell white lies if he needs to. He says: Sometimes batting the eyelashes can get you a lot in business. Hence, the mascara comes in handy  so they can see those lashes. BBC/PA Samuel Boateng The 27-year-old sales manager says he has excellent public speaking abilities and admits he will be on the charm offensive, but doesnt want to seem an easy target. He says: My creativity, my passion, my charm, and my likeability all roll into one, creating one perfect guy. BBC/PA Frances Bishop The 25-year-old owner of a children's clothing company describes herself as "fiery and talkative". Bishop says: "Im a pocket rocket. Im quite fiery and live by the rule kill them with kindness. BBC/PA Grainne McCoy Grainne McCoy Age, 31, owns a makeup studio in Northern Ireland and had a hunger and passion to succeed. McCoy is confident that her self-belief and strong-mindedness will see her through the tasks. She says: I need guidance and a little bit of mentoring to help me make that first million. BBC/PA Michelle Niziol Michelle Niziol, 35, owns a property consultancy and describes herself as straight-talking, passionate and honest but admits that she can sometimes be bossy and impatient and struggles to let others take the lead. She says: I work 15 to 17 hours every day. 100 per cent, I'm a workaholic. BBC/PA Jessica Cunningham The 29-year-old online fashion entrepreneur wants to get close to the other candidates to find out how they operate, analyse their strengths and weaknesses and attempt to use them to her advantage. She says: A motto I live by is: there is no competition if you're already winning. BBC/PA Paul Sullivan The 38-year-old owner of a marketing agency is a self-proclaimed charmer but doesnt think he needs a USP to win because he thinks consistency and sincerity will put him ahead. He says: I'll play the team when I need to be part of the team, but I'm here to win; I'm not here to make up the numbers. BBC/PA Mukai Noiri The 36-year-old digital marketing manager believes his charm is one of his strongest qualities but says he can come across as insensitive. He says: I feel sorry for Lord Sugar because previous applicants have been weak. BBC/PA Trishna Thakrar Trishna Thakrar, 28, works for a large IT company to provide internal recruitment services is engaging and funny and will use her charm to win over Lord Sugar. Cross her at your peril, she will not hold back. She says: My only tactic is to be myself; this alone will make sure I win. BBC/PA Alana Spender Cake company owner Alana Spencer, 24, started her first business at age 17, a chocolate company, before moving on to selling cakes. She believes she is an adaptable businesswoman who will not shy away from any task Lord Sugar sets. She says: I am incredibly hard working, driven, and I'll stop at nothing to get what I want. BBC/PA Rebecca Jeffery Rebecca Jeffery, 31, owns a design and marketing agency. She prides herself on being relentless and possessing an infectious enthusiasm  but admits that numbers and calculations are a weakness for her. She says: People often foolishly mistake my enthusiasm for silliness or positivity for naivety. Im proof that you can get things done without whinging. BBC/PA Karthik Nagesan Karthik Nagesan, 33, owns an IT consultancy and prides himself on having a monobrow and cites Alexander the Great as his role model. His friends describe him as a born leader who takes charge and blazes a trail. He says: If I wanted to be like everyone else, Id have waxed my monobrow. BBC/PA Natalie Hughes The 30-year-old hair and beauty salon owner considers her best quality to be her quick-thinking, but she is also a persuasive talker who insists that nothing embarrasses her. She says: I started at a young age, I'm a hustler, I've got the hustlers ambition. BBC/PA Sofiane Khelfa Hailing from Essex, Sofiane Khelfa, 32, is a senior sales executive with high profile clients, whose friends say he can sometimes be overzealous. He believes when he gets down to business, his skills and personality will shine through. He says: The best survivors in the world are the people who adapt, and Im the best at adapting. Im like a chameleon. I adapt to anything, anywhere, anytime. BBC/PA Aleksandra King Aleksandra King, 38, is the owner of a business consultancy who believes she has a gift for spotting a good business opportunity and cites her mother as an inspiration as she is fluent in seven languages and has an ability to get people. She says: Like the Tasmanian devil in the famous cartoon, I will torpedo my way through to the win.

The multimillionaire businessman has predicted a dip in ratings when Bake Off moves to Channel 4 for the next series - without judge Mary Berry and presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.

"I personally think that Channel 4 are going to be disappointed with the value for money that they think they are going to get," he said.

Asked who could fill his shoes should the move happen, Lord Sugar said: "That's a question for you not for me. I am not unique. I am sure there must be someone out there."

Series 12 of The Apprentice starts on Thursday, and Lord Sugar is calling on the BBC to produce a spin-off show to highlight the successes of the past winners.

He said: "It's just an idea of mine that the BBC should consider - a spin-off show about how the past winners of The Apprentice are doing."

Since the show's format for Series 7 changed - from a role working for Lord Sugar to becoming his business partner with a 250,000 investment - Lord Sugar has gone into business with five candidates: Tom Pellereau (2011), Ricky Martin (2012), Leah Totton (2013), Mark Wright (2014) and Joseph Valente last year.

Series 12 of The Apprentice starts on BBC One on October 6 at 9pm.
West Towne Malls food court is about the last place youd expect to get a good, home-cooked West African meal. But there he is, the smiling Mahamadou Tunkara, running Burgers and Ethnic Food B-B-Q single-handedly, near the gelato spot.

Early Sept. 11, 2001, Tunkara was working an overnight shift at the Sbarro in the World Trade Center in New York. He said he left at 8 a.m. to go to another job at Burger King (he had a third job at Wendys) just before the first plane hit at 8:46 a.m.

His cousin was working at the Roy Rogers restaurant in the building that day, he said, but was sent out to get change just before the attacks.

When he came back, everyone was dead, Tunkara said.

After the terrorist attacks, Tunkara, 48, who moved to New York from his native Gambia in 1988, decided the city was not a safe place to raise his family. He had some relatives living in Madison, so he moved to the area.

At the mall, he is a friendly host who will hand you pieces of chicken on a toothpick if you are looking through the glass case at his food. On my first visit, he had me try the non-spicy and then the spicy chicken, asking if I needed water afterwards.

You are brave; most people need water, he said when I initially turned down the water. The meat actually had a slow burn, so moments later I reconsidered and took him up on the offer.

I wound up with a combo ($8) of the two chicken types, later discovering that the one he called hot was a jerk chicken with white meat, onions and green peppers. The mild one was a curry chicken, with dark meat and sauteed onions, green beans and red and green peppers. Both came in separate compartments in a Styrofoam box and sat in pools of oil.

It wasnt the most appetizing of presentations, but both were moist and flavorful. The main compartment was reserved for a nicely seasoned rice that Tunkara covered with peanut sauce. The sauce was excellent, but the rice was a little mushy from sitting in the heat tray too long. Nonetheless, it was a filling and reasonably priced meal.

I returned a couple of weeks later with friends to try Tunkaras African dishes, some of which are advertised on a small display on the counter. If they arent ready and waiting, Tunkara is happy to go back in the kitchen and cook them up.

Start with a meat pie ($2.99), huge, fried empanada-type turnovers that are crisp, but not too greasy. Tunkara says the meat is Angus beef and it was seasoned perfectly. The African pasty also held some potato and carrot.

Another favorite was the yassa ($8), a spicy Sengalese dish usually made with chicken, that one companion thought was too salty. Ours had beef in a peppery sauce and we ordered it over couscous (rice is the other choice). The meat was super tender and joined by onions and tomatoes. The dish also has lime, vinegar and mustard.

A beef stew made with palm oil and tomato paste also had a salty bite, tempered by little pieces of red and green peppers. My other companion complained the pot-roast style meat was slightly fatty, adding, but this is a food court, not a high-end restaurant.

Both friends adored a final dish, fufu ($8), chicken on top of a bed of starch made with cassava leaves and plantain flour. It had a mashed potato quality I didnt care for, and was covered in a beige gravy.

My friends, who have traveled extensively in Africa, went wild for it, saying that you can get rice or couscous anywhere, while the fufu provided a unique experience. It can also be ordered with cow feet, just so you know.

Tunkara gave me a sample of his American-style pulled pork and it was fantastic, tender meat in an excellent BBQ sauce. I would have ordered it, but my friends voted me down.

The space was formerly Stir Fry 88, but once held a Cinnabon, and Tunkara offers a host of desserts ($1.99 each), including frosted cinnamon rolls. Tunkara will tell you that most come from Sysco, so I tried the ones he makes himself: a white cake with a thick layer of frosting and nuts and carrots inside, and a pumpkin cream roll that had dried out a bit. Both provided a welcome sweet finish to the meal.

Burgers and Ethnic Food B-B-Q opened last November in a different location in the food court and moved to its current location a few months ago. It is one of two independent, non-franchise options there. The other is Gyros Express. As the name implies, only half of Tunkaras menu is African. There are plenty of other items including burgers, fried chicken, fish sandwiches and a daily fish fry.
A man who had a gold chain yanked off his neck called police later on when he confronted the suspect and had a gun pointed at him.

The incident happened around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of Walgreens, 5702 Raymond Road, Madison police said.

The 37-year-old victim told police the suspect, a teen boy, approached him in the parking lot, snatched the chain off his neck and fled.

"A short time later, the victim was driving and saw the suspect in a nearby parking lot," said Sgt. Galen Wiering.

He drove up to the suspect and demanded he give the chain back.

"The suspect pulled out a black pistol and pointed it at the victim," Wiering said. "The victim fled the area and called police."

No description of the suspect was given.
Residents on Madison's North Side scrambled for cover Wednesday night as people not from the area started shooting out on the street.

The gunfire happened at about 9:15 p.m. in the 1800 block of Windom Way, Madison police said.

Nobody was hurt, but five shell casings were found by police and witnesses.

"A 55-year-old man told police he hit the deck because he thought they were shooting at his house," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain.

Another man on the block told police his dog went ballistic, while others called 911 during the gunfire, concerned for their safety.

"Witnesses said there were cars stopped in the street before the gunfire, with people milling about," DeSpain said. "The witnesses said these people don't live in the neighborhood, and there's been an ongoing concern about possible drug trafficking."

Residents were told by officers that the North Side Community Police Team would keep tabs on the area.

No property damage was reported and no suspects were found.
Dane County deputies responded to calls of shots fired on Madison's East Side Wednesday night, with nobody reported injured and no property damage found.

The reports came from the Webb Avenue and North Fair Oaks Avenue area, which is a small island in the town of Blooming Grove surrounded by the city of Madison.

The gunfire happened about two hours after bullets started flying on Madison's North Side.

"Witnesses reported seeing three cars racing southbound on North Fair Oaks Avenue from Furey Avenue," said Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Elise Schaffer.

Spent shell casings were found on North Fair Oaks Avenue, in a two-block stretch from Furey Avenue to Thurber Avenue.

"No damage was located on buildings in the area, and no local hospitals reported receiving any patients related to the incident," Schaffer said.
One of the most impressive pieces of history is the Rosetta Stone. Made of granodiorite, an igneous rock similar to granite, the Rosetta Stone is inscribed with a decree on behalf of King Ptolemy V in 196 B.C.E.

The decree is written in three languages  ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, demotic script and ancient Greek. Knowing the latter two allowed us to understand hieroglyphs and opened the door to understanding the ancient world.

The Rosetta Stone is a stele, a stone or wooden slab, with funerary, commemorative or governmental information. Among the oldest steles is from the First Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, from 3215-3035 B.C.E. Clay Cuneiform tablets from 5,000 years ago are still readable.

Vint Cerf, one of the fathers of the internet, wrote in his column for Communications of the ACM that he is worried about the decreasing longevity of modern media. He recently wanted to reread a book he purchased 50 years ago, but was afraid of breaking the binding. So he purchased another copy and read it on his Kindle. Then, he began to wonder about the fragility of the media we use today.

This experience set me to thinking again about the ephemeral nature of our artifacts and the possibility that the centuries well before ours will be better known than ours will be unless we are persistent about preserving digital content, he wrote. The earlier media seem to have a kind of timeless longevity while modern media from the 1800s forward seem to have shrinking lifetimes. Just as the monks and Muslims of the Middle Ages preserved content by copying into new media, wont we need to do the same for our modern content?

I started thinking about the media I use. Since 1988, Ive transferred files I wanted to keep from 5.25 inch floppy disks to 3.5 inch floppy disks to Compact Discs to USB drives and external drives. I also convert my files to the current technology, but what happens when I die? There will likely be no one to preserve those files, painstakingly converting them to the current format in use 100 or 1,000 years from now. The things I write will be lost to time unless someone takes an active interest in preserving it.

I began to wonder whether we need to save everything our society has ever done. Do we need to keep every salacious tidbit of celebrity gossip? While your first instinct is to say no, it will tell future historians about our culture. Salacious poems, gossip and literature allow historians and sociologists to learn how previous cultures were similar and different from us today.

Slashdot user Vakuona argued the vast majority of things...worth knowing will always be remembered and preserved. If the few that [sic] forgotten become necessary, they will be reinvented.

Others argued if we never lost information, we wouldnt have found a better way to do things. I dont believe we would still be building things with the same tools as the we used for the pyramids if we had preserved that information. Humans are always looking for a better way to do things. Once we wanted to build higher, we may have found a way centuries before we actually did. Our society could have progressed farther than it is now. Instead, we languished and then had to reinvent.

Another Slashdot user, Opportunist, said no one ever wrote down the common knowledge, which is also important. Much of that is lost to us.

For example, nobody knows how crucifixion really worked. Where did they put the nails? For the longest time people thought it was through the hands, until we learned that this could not have been the case for it would simply have torn them off, Opportunist wrote. Did they nail the feet next to each other or across each other? How common were some of the forms, did they actually use the cross form in Palestine? Are Christians wearing the wrong symbol around their necks and they should be wearing a T-shaped pendant instead?

While we laugh when someone is Rickrolled, future generations may have no idea what that meme is. There are people alive now who dont know what an 8-track is or how it works, what a floppy drive is or the sound of a dialup tone to the internet sounds like.

While the mundane seems like things we dont need to preserve, it is all part of our culture. We need to preserve the good, the bad and the mundane or future societies will never understand the world we live in.

Cerf was right. Unless we face this challenge in a direct way, the truly impressive knowledge we have collectively produced in the past 100 years or so may simply evaporate with time.
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Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will share a Wisconsin stage with the states top elected Republicans for the first time Saturday  a signal that the states 10 electoral votes are in reach for the real estate mogul one month from Election Day, GOP leaders say.

Trump will appear during a program at the First Congressional District Republican Party Wisconsin Fall Fest at the Walworth County Fairgrounds along with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Gov. Scott Walker and U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson.

It will be the first time Ryan  who has repeatedly distanced himself from Trumps incendiary comments  has campaigned publicly with his partys nominee.

I think its great because it shows, once again, that Wisconsin is certainly in play, said Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau.

But the disclosure of the details about Trumps visit came on the same day that 30 Republican former members of Congress revealed a letter saying they would not support Trump. Among the group is former Rep. Tom Petri, R-Fond du Lac.

Ryan told the Associated Press on Thursday that he has not appeared until now with Trump because Ive been busy doing my job.

Ryan said he wants to win up and down the ballot, but his primary responsibility is the re-election of enough Republicans to maintain the House majority.

Trumps appearance with Ryan, Walker and Johnson illustrates the evolution of many Wisconsin Republicans to support the nominee, Fitzgerald said. He noted that many Republicans in the Legislature first supported Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, then moved behind Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and eventually landed with Trump after he secured the nomination.

Wisconsin has had one of the strongest Never Trump movements, and Cruz crushed him in the states primary in April after GOP leaders sold Cruz as the only viable candidate to stop Trump.

But Fitzgerald said he doesnt think that will be a problem for Trump. He said the very counties Trump struggles in most  conservative Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties that surround Milwaukee County  will come home for the party.

I see people in this environment who know by November they are going to have to make that decision and figure out who they are going to support  I see those people coming home and certainly supporting Trump, said Fitzgerald.

Officials from the Wisconsin campaign for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton did not respond to specific questions about Trumps visit and Fitzgeralds claims. But spokeswoman Ofirah Yheskel issued a statement:

Donald Trump lacks the temperament to be president and he solidifies that in the minds of Wisconsin voters with each visit, Yheskel said in the statement. The choice is clear. Hillary for Wisconsin not only has the ground game to win in November for Hillary Clinton, Russ Feingold, and Democrats up and down the ticket, we have a candidate with the experience and steadiness to bring people together and get real results.

Tightening polls

The most recent Marquette Law School Poll shows Trump within 2 points of Clinton statewide, but garnered support from 40 percent of registered voters living in the greater Milwaukee media market.

UW-Madison political science professor Barry Burden said it remains quite difficult for Trump to win the state. Burden said over the past two weeks, polling shows the state moving from a situation where Trump was in striking distance to a more lopsided race where Clinton has a wider lead.

The state is still in play, but its a much longer shot for Trump than Clinton, especially as early voting continues to proceed while Clinton is ahead in the polls and more organized on the ground, said Burden.

He said the fact that Trump is visiting the state so quickly after his last rally in Waukesha on Sept. 28 and that Saturdays event is coordinated with other state Republicans suggests a more integrated and serious GOP effort to win the state.

Polls indicate that Trump will do well among Republican voters in Wisconsin, maybe even as well as Clinton will do among Democrats. But he will almost certainly perform worse in the (Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington) counties than did Scott Walker and other successful Republicans, said Burden. Trumps strength is coming from different places, including the Fox Valley and the far northern part of the state. It is not the standard Republican coalition.

One of the most prominent voices among the Never Trump movement is Republican strategist Brian Fraley, who predicted Thursday the majority of state Republicans who are disgusted by Trump will likely reluctantly acquiesce.

It is possible, but not probable, that Trump wins Wisconsin. But hes not done himself any favors with suburban women by being personally undisciplined and voluntarily bringing up past spats with the likes of Rosie ODonnell, said Fraley. The best thing he has going for him is that hes running against Hillary Clinton, who carries more baggage than an overseas flight.

Seventh state stop

The Saturday event will be Trumps seventh stop in the state since launching his presidential campaign, and the second appearance with Walker.

Walker unsuccessfully ran his own presidential campaign last year and helped Trumps running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, prepare for his debate this week against Clinton running mate Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine.

On Thursday, Walker appeared on National Public Radios Morning Edition and said Trump needs to prepare for the next debate against Clinton, scheduled for Sunday. Trump has been widely panned for not preparing for the Sept. 26 debate.

Also appearing Saturday will be Attorney General Brad Schimel, Treasurer Matt Adamczyk and state GOP party chairman Brad Courtney.

Clinton has not campaigned in the state since the April primary, but former primary rival Sen. Bernie Sanders stopped in Madison on Wednesday. Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, will campaign in Milwaukee on Saturday, and daughter Chelsea Clinton will stump in the state Monday.

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., will campaign for Clinton in Madison and Milwaukee on Friday. Shell be joined by U.S. Senate candidate Russ Feingold of Middleton.

Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook told reporters Thursday that early voting totals are up in a lot of the swing states, leading them to believe turnout will be high, perhaps higher than 2008 or 2012.

Mook said early voting numbers are high so far in Dane and Milwaukee counties. Mook said those two counties account for one-third of early votes cast so far. The campaign expects early voting to be a bigger proportion of votes cast in Wisconsin this year than in past years.

Early voting began Sept. 26 in Dane County this year but was restricted to roughly two weeks before the election in 2012.

State Journal Reporter Mark Sommerhauser and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

The state is still in play, but its a much longer shot for Trump than Clinton, especially as early voting continues to proceed while Clinton is ahead in the polls and more organized on the ground. Barry Burden, UW-Madison political science professor
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Minister-delegate for Romanians Abroad Maria Ligor says the Romanians have a confidence problem that has to be overcome if they are to prove their potentials and be taken seriously.

"As a diplomat with a 20-year experience, I have learned how important perception is in international relations, in our lives. We, Romanians, have a problem with perception, with confidence, first of all in ourselves. We have to overcome this confidence deficiency if we want the others to see us with all our potentials and if we are to be taken seriously, as we should. We should not have complexes, because we are not below other Europeans or Westerners. I believe that we are currently part of the Western family more than anything else," Ligor told a "Business Summit. Together for Romania" event at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace on Thursday.

She told the Romanians living abroad that their interaction in their host countries with friends, colleagues and business partners represent Romania the same as an ambassador or diplomat does.

On the other hand, Ligor said about the incumbent Romanian Government that it can be said to be of the Diaspora, given that many of its members have amassed experience outside Romania. agerpres.
Madison loves its neighborhoods. But healthy neighborhoods dont just happen; they require care and feeding from a committed core of residents willing to get out and meet their neighbors, create a sense of place and work with city officials to fix problems.

Thats the theme of this years Mayors Neighborhood Conference, Working together to make a better community, to be held at Monona Terrace from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday.

The daylong conference features neighborhood tours that touch on different themes  public art installations, historic preservation and development  and workshops on such topics as strengthening neighborhood associations, engaging youth, supporting area businesses and turning underused public places into centers of social activity. One workshop focuses on the central role barbershops play in black mens health.

The keynote speaker is New York City parks commissioner Mitchell Silver, who will join Mayor Paul Soglin in a question-and-answer session about unique work being done by neighborhoods around the country.

The conference, now in its 20th year, also provides neighborhood leaders a chance to meet their cohorts from other parts of town and network with city and county officials, nonprofits and business owners.
In a meeting this Wednesday in Berlin, Romanian Minister of National Defence Mihnea Motoc and Federal Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen analyzed the current geopolitical context and the security situation in the NATO and EU neighborhood.

Mihnea Motoc, on an official visit to Berlin at the invitation of his German counterpart, and Ursula von der Leyen tackled subjects of shared interest concerning the development of Romania - Germany cooperation in the line of defence, as well as topical issues on the allied and European agenda.

"The German Defence Minister highlighted the quality of cooperation between the two states and the very good relations of the two national forces, characterized by mutual trust. In this context, the two officials stressed the need for intensifying political-military dialogue with a view to supporting each other within the North Atlantic Alliance and the EU, and strengthening practical cooperation for all categories of armed forces. As regards allied cooperation, the two ministers voiced their belief that a major goal for the next period is the implementation of the decisions of the Warsaw Summit on ensuring a credible NATO presence throughout the Alliance's eastern flank, with the next decision-making landmark in this respect being the NATO Defence ministers' meeting in late October," reads a Thursday press statement of the National Defence Ministry.

The Romanian minister highlighted the strategic importance of the Black Sea for the security of the Euro-Atlantic space and evoked the need to strengthen the tailored forward presence in the southern segment of the eastern flank of the Alliance as a major important element of NATO's strategic defence and deterrence posture.

Motoc thanked his German counterpart for Germany's announced contribution with General Staff personnel to manning the Command of the Multinational Brigade on Romania's territory, as well as its contribution with officers to the two Romania-based NATO command and control structures.

According to the cited statement, the German Defence minister voiced her appreciation for Romania's connection to the Framework Nation Concept, which makes an obvious contribution to the achievement of the Alliance's Level of Ambition. DefMin Motoc stressed that Romania's participation in this framework group led by Germany proves its commitment to the joint development of the NATO necessary forces and military capabilities through intensified cooperation among European allies.

The talks of the two officials also focused on the optimum ways to implement the Global Strategy for the EU foreign and security policy in the next period, the importance of the European Defence Agency in this process, especially as regards the development of European capabilities.

"The sides underscored that in the context of the Brexit triggered reflection, the security and defence dimension has acquired a particular importance as one of the areas efforts to relaunch the European project can focus on," mentions the release.

Minister Motoc also emphasized the need for clearly understanding the EU's level of ambition as regards defence and security, and the importance and the need to get all EU member states involved in the cooperation formats, the EU - NATO synergy and complementarity, the support for developing a competitive European defence industry and use the opportunities offered by the European Defence Agency. agerpres.
Co-chair of Romania's Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, also the chairman of the Romanian Senate, said Wednesday that as of now he does not know of any ALDE member facing juridical problems being on the tickets for the general election. He said there may be people under a criminal investigation, but everybody should enjoy the presumption of innocence.

"I do not know what penal law problems are supposed to mean. There may be people under some criminal investigation, even a criminal probe, but everybody enjoys the presumption of innocence under the rule of law. Speaking of integrity criteria, and I have noticed the President [Iohannis] doing that, I saw the President had no hesitation about running for office when a court case was underway implicating him and the National Integrity Agency (ANI). Probably all those who voted for him just presumed him innocent, and it is our right to presume the same about our colleagues until proven otherwise,"Tariceanu said after a meeting of the party's Merger Committee.Asked whether he will run in the December's general election, Tariceanu answered ironically, "I'll see whether my colleagues support me. If I do not have their backing, well I will keep on thinking until we submit the tickets. I am worried to answer now." AGERPRES
The states largest teachers union came out swinging Thursday after the Wisconsin State Journal reported that Assembly Republicans are looking at bringing a new style of school voucher to Wisconsin.

Assembly Republicans are considering a program that would allow Wisconsin parents to pay for K-12 school expenses  including private school tuition, textbooks and tutoring  with a taxpayer-funded stream of money known in other states as Education Savings Accounts.

The subsidies  now being offered in Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, Nevada and Tennessee  have been dubbed the next generation of school vouchers, which allow students to use tax money to attend private schools and have been used in Wisconsin since 1991.

Ron Martin, president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, said in a statement Thursday after the State Journal published a story about the lawmakers plans, that the programs amount to a back-door scheme to take money away from public school funding.

Education savings accounts literally take money out of our neighborhood public schools and hand it over to subsidize private tuition, with zero accountability, said Martin. Politicians who turn their backs on the public schools that provide all children with opportunity in return for campaign contributions from voucher lobbyists had better be ready to look parents in their communities in the eye in the next election and explain why local public schools are cutting teachers and programs, while tax dollars go unaccounted for through private subsidies.

If lawmakers move forward with creating such a program, it would add another option for Wisconsin parents, who already have a variety of alternatives to their designated public school, including open enrollment to other public schools, voucher-assisted private schools and independent charter schools.

In general, under the subsidies, parents of eligible children  typically students with disabilities, low-income students or those attending schools that dont meet state education standards  receive several thousand dollars from taxpayers to pay educational expenses.

In the states that have such programs, parents either are issued a debit card that accesses the money or are reimbursed for their expenses.

Rep. Dale Kooyenga, R-Brookfield, said a starting point might be to offer the programs to families whose income currently makes them qualify for school vouchers  which is 185 percent of the federal poverty level in the statewide voucher program and 300 percent of the federal poverty level in the Milwaukee and Racine programs.

School Choice Wisconsin president Jim Bender said Martins hyperbolic rhetoric shows he doesnt understand how the program might work in Wisconsin.

Given the ability to customize educational programs, public schools could be leaders in innovating new solutions that improve education and attract new revenues in response to the clear, and growing, demand from parents for quality options, said Bender.

A spokeswoman for Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said lawmakers wont look at the idea in earnest until January, when the new Legislative session begins.

Scot Ross, executive director of the liberal group One Wisconsin Now, on Thursday also reacted to the State Journal report, saying Republican lawmakers are willing to sell out our public schools in exchange for campaign donations from pro-voucher supporters.
Missouri Department of Economic Development officials showed up Wednesday at Coolfire Solutions to tour the tech firm's newly renovated office in downtown St. Louis.

Coolfire, a software developer, is adding 11 jobs at its headquarters at 415 North 10th Street, the state agency said. About 25 people work there now.

The rich tech ecosystem that makes St. Louis a national leader in the industry is good for startups as well as well-established national and global companies, the agency's director, Mike Downing, said in a statement. The success of companies like Coolfire Solutions drives the entrepreneurial culture and tech excellence Missouri is well-known for.

Don Sharp, Coolfire's chief executive, said the companys growth is possible because of St. Louis tech talent and dynamic tech economy as well as Coolfire's first-of-kind product.

To help Coolfire grow, the state agency has offered the company $112,000 through the Missouri Works program. The company must meet job creation criteria to be eligible.
Earnings at U.S. automakers are expected to decline in the next two years as negative pricing and lower production weigh on North America results, Goldman Sachs said, downgrading the sector to "cautious" from "neutral."

Major automakers posted September U.S. sales that were slightly lower than a year ago, despite big consumer discounts, as pickup truck volumes fell for both General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co.

"The U.S. auto cycle peaked in 2015 and is currently being held at a plateaued level by increasing OEM incentives," analysts David Tamberrino and Mariel Kennedy wrote in a note.

The analysts said they expected seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) to hold steady from current levels into next year, followed by a gradual decline.

The brokerage downgraded Tesla Motors Inc. to "neutral" from "buy" and cut its price target to $185 from $240.

The analysts said any delay in the timeline for the launch of the electric carmaker's much-hyped Model 3 would hurt shares. They also cited Tesla's deal to buy SolarCity Corp. as a concern.

"Combination of Tesla and SolarCity  two high growth, high cash burn businesses, creates a higher risk entity," the analysts wrote.

Tesla's shares were down 2.65 percent at $202.93 in premarket trading on Thursday.

The analysts were neutral on Detroit carmakers Ford and GM, saying dividend yields are a cushion and not at risk over the next 12 months.

Shares of both companies were untraded premarket.

The brokerage downgraded auto part suppliers Lear Corp. and BorgWarner Inc. Lear's rating was cut to "sell" from "neutral," while BorgWarner was downgraded to "neutral" from "buy."

However, the brokerage said suppliers who had more international profit exposure could see earnings hold up longer, maintaining a "buy" rating on Lear's rival Delphi Automotive Plc.
When I reviewed Louies Wine Dive last month, I made the observation  neither original nor profound  that a true dive bar would never refer to itself as such. Putting the word dive in the name of your restaurant or bar is a signifier, a pretense of casualness. That isnt a capital crime, but its definitely a gimmick.

This week, we must confront a thornier description: the shack, lately invigorated by superstar restaurateur and St. Louis native Danny Meyers Shake Shack. While Shake Shack is a slickly conceived, wildly successful international brand, its also exactly the burger, fries and frozen-custard joint it purports to be.

So I walked into the 3-month-old Cherokee Street restaurant Kalbi Taco Shack unsure of the stakes. It doesnt offer table service. The average diner will spend about $10 on a meal. Yet the past few years have proven again and again that such operations  fast-casual restaurants, food trucks and the like  are dishing up some of the most enjoyable, exciting and innovative fare in St. Louis.

The best example of this trend is Guerrilla Street Food, which I included in the Top 25 of my annual STL 100 when it was only a food truck. Last year, when Guerrilla Street Food opened a small, fast-casual brick-and-mortar restaurant, I awarded it three stars. Just last week, I gave a 2-star review to tiny, carryout-only Kounter Kulture, and I even flirted with a full three stars but couldnt pull the trigger on a restaurant without seats. (Yet.)

Spoiler alert: Kalbi Taco Shack doesnt rise to the level of exciting or innovative, but there are enjoyable moments here.

Kalbi follows the Korean-Mexican-fusion template made famous by Los Angeles chef Roy Choi and introduced to St. Louis by Seoul Taco. And if the idea of filling tacos and burritos with kalbi (marinated and then grilled beef short ribs) and other traditional Korean preparations isnt new, at this modest, family-run spot, it doesnt yet feel played out.

Kalbi is the first restaurant for married owners Sue Wong-Shackelford and Mark Shackelford, though Wong-Shackelford is no stranger to the industry. Her mother was the chef at a Chinese restaurant, her father at a Polynesian restaurant, and at home her parents cooked dishes from those and other Pacific Asian cuisines. For Kalbi, Wong-Shackelford and her older daughter have tweaked some of those recipes.

The format is simple. Choose a dish (taco, burrito, quesadilla, rice bowl or banh mi) and then a protein (kalbi, sweet-spicy pork, sweet-spicy chicken, teriyaki chicken or tofu). The kalbi is the standout, with a full flavor from its traditional sweet-savory soy-sauce-based marinade. To my taste, at least, both the sweet-spicy chicken and pork could be spicier. This could be the fault of my assumptions, though. I think I expected  or hoped for  the fermented funk and chile heat of Korean gochujang paste.

As at Seoul Taco, the best example of Korean-Mexican fusion at Kalbi isnt the titular taco  a relatively straightforward affair here, your choice of protein, a crisp vegetable slaw and the Kalbi aioli, a garlicky, sour cream-based sauce  but the burrito. My order was plump, but not collapsingly overstuffed, with pork and jasmine rice, and each accent (cheddar and Jack cheeses, lettuce, sour cream and, especially, pickled carrots and the aforementioned aioli) was in the exact proportion to be distinct but still in harmony with the rest.

The banh mi is a welcome curveball. Here, at least, is the chile heat I craved from other dishes, with jalapeno slices to balance the cool, crisp cucumber, daikon and pickled carrot. The rice bowl also packs a chile punch, thanks to the little cup of sweet-and-spicy sauce served on the side. This is far more pungent than what seasons the chicken and pork, with a fizzy tang not unlike Srirachas.

As it stands, Kalbi serves fun, flavorful food  more than enough to earn two stars in this brave new world of ever more casual, democratic dining. But those last two dishes I mentioned suggest some quirks beyond Kalbis basic Korean-Mexican concept that could, if nudged forward, push this unassuming restaurant even further.

Where Kalbi Taco Shack, 2301 Cherokee Street  Two stars out of four  More info 314-240-5544; kalbitacoshack.com  Menu Korean-Mexican fusion  Hours 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday

 Fair  Good  Excellent  Extraordinary
The Birth of a Nation arrives on screens amid celebration and backlash. The indie historical epic about the bloody 1831 slave rebellion led by Nat Turner is written, produced and directed by Nate Parker, who also stars in the film. After the Sundance premiere in January, it was snapped up for a record-breaking $17.5 million by Fox Searchlight (no doubt with hopes of little gold men) during the height of the #OscarsSoWhite controversy.

But when Parkers 2001 Penn State rape trial (in which he was acquitted) resurfaced in the media, attention was directed away from the movie itself and onto Parkers character. In fairness, the story of The Birth of a Nation is born singularly from his vision  with the notable exception of Jean McGianni Celestin, who shares a story by credit. Celestin was convicted of rape in the same incident in which Parker was accused. (The conviction was later overturned.)

Can The Birth of a Nation withstand the scrutiny? It both can and cannot. Parker is a better actor than writer or director in this particular project. In an emotionally detailed performance, he plays slave preacher Turner with a flinching self-effacement that evolves into horror, sorrow, rage and then possession by the blood of the Holy Spirit. He often grins with an eerie sense of torment behind his mask. But as a director, hes far too fond of heavy-handed film school symbolism, magical realism and a color palette so desaturated that its difficult to discern the time of day.

In Parkers embodiment of Turner, hes a pious, loving, devoted man, driven to extreme violence by systemic oppression and dehumanization. Parker dutifully walks us through the physical horrors of slavery, presented in the perfunctorily horrifying manner that were accustomed to. He wields shock value as a weapon against the audience, which is sobering, if not entirely innovative.

Whats troubling in light of their shared past is that Parker and Celestin utilize not one, not two, but three incidents of sexual violence against women as a storytelling device within this imagining of the Turner rebellion. Rape was a dark reality of slavery, but no evidence of it exists in the historical account of Turners actions. In this invention, its hard not to find a disturbing resonance to Parkers personal history, especially in a scene of Turner weeping over the violated body of his wife, Cherry (Aja Naomi King), vowing revenge after she is gang-raped by a group of white men.

But in this film, rape is not about women, but its effect on men. Its clearly a convenient way to motivate and justify the mass murder that our hero commits, while maintaining audience allegiance to him. Its the kind of cheap and easy storytelling that is all too ubiquitous.

There are many accoutrements that lend the appearance of importance and urgency that are perhaps style over substance  the title appropriated from D.W. Griffiths racist early cinema epic, the poster of Parker lynched by an American flag, its anachronistic use of Nina Simones Strange Fruit. Placed under the microscope, The Birth of a Nation lacks some originality of thought, but it nonetheless offers the opportunity for necessary discussion as we continue to wrestle with the racist history of this nation and its continuing effects.
Pizzaiola is Italian for a pizza-style tomato sauce. Sounds straightforward, right? Well, the recipe certainly is. It usually starts with chopped tomatoes cooked with olive oil, a little garlic, a pinch of salt and some dried oregano. Thats it.

So why hadnt I heard of this dish until recently? After all, Ive been obsessed with pizza for years and can name innumerable styles, regional variations and cooking techniques. Why hadnt I crossed paths with pizzaiola before?

Right away, its important to note that, as Michele Scicolone explains in 1,000 Italian Recipes, the sauce cant actually be used on pizza, since the extreme heat of wood-fired Neapolitan pizza ovens would overcook an already cooked sauce. Instead, its just supposed to be reminiscent of the sauce you put on pizza.

Which leads to another important question: How does pizzaiola differ from any other traditional tomato sauce, like a marinara? In the strictest definition, marinara is a tomato sauce flavored with garlic and basil. Pizzaiola, on the other hand, gets garlic and dried oregano. Sounds slight, and, well, it is.

From what I can tell, pizzaiolas distinguishing feature is that its usually used as a sauce for meat. According to Anna Del Contes Gastronomy of Italy, pizzaiola is a specialty of Naples, but is quite common everywhere. Expecting to find a trove of recipe options, I flipped through 100-odd Italian cookbooks, setting aside each and every book that mentioned the term. In the end, my haul came to a paltry three books. Not exactly what Id hoped for.

I think this has to do with the straightforward and humble nature of pizzaiola. Its one of those dishes thats so basic that it feels unnecessary to write a recipe for it. Yet, its a shame that more people dont know about pizzaiola, because it has the ability to transform almost any cut of meat.

Heres a basic blueprint: Pick up some thick-cut pork chops. Saute them in some olive oil in heavy skillet over high heat until browned, but still pink inside. Remove and set aside while you prepare the sauce. Cook some garlic, and then add tomatoes, salt and oregano, and simmer until the sauce reduces to a thick, spoonable consistency. Add the chops back in to finish the cooking. Serve the chops with the sauce spooned on top.

The sauce has a vibrancy from the tomatoes, which plays nicely off the pork. But it also picks up the juices from the pork, adding a savory depth to each bite. Serve this with some pasta, with more of the sauce drizzled on top of the noodles, and you have a filling weeknight dinner.

Of course, as with all incredibly simple recipes, quality is key. Pizzaiola is only as good as the tomatoes used. During the summer, this is slightly easier, but if its cooler, then youll need to track down some top-quality canned tomatoes, preferably San Marzanos from Italy.

Besides pork, beef and veal are the most popular meats served with the sauce. But if youre willing to cast any worries of authenticity aside, you can repeat this process with almost any kind of protein. Chicken is an obvious choice, and I also saw one recipe for swordfish. Hoping to push the boundaries of the dish, I even tried the sauce with squid. With the addition of a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, the sauce makes a lively and satisfying companion. And if you make sure to only cook the cephalopod until just done, usually around 2 minutes, youll be rewarded with exceptionally tender squid. Once again, adding pasta turns this into a full meal, though polenta or even potatoes work too.

While quick-cooking meats work with the sauce, I believe the sauce works best when its paired with an equally humble cut of meat that needs time to cook. In Lidias Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine, Lidia Bastianich offers a recipe for short ribs pizzaiola that requires more than two hours to slowly simmer. Instead of fresh and vibrant, the sauce reduces to a robust and richly hearty base, with a luscious body from the fatty beef. This is the kind of stew that everyone, from a picky child to confident cook, will melt for. Its equivalent to a hug from your grandmother.

Call pizzaiola humble or unduly spartan, but when done right, the result can be refreshingly uncomplicated and soul-satisfying.
Lakenia Mahdi has brought the Malaysian practice of belly binding to St. Louis moms who have just given birth  a practice aimed to help women recover from pregnancy and feel nurtured.

Bengkung belly binding involves taking a long strip of muslin cotton and knotting it around the torso from below the hips to under the chest. The list of proposed benefits is long: help muscles heal, realign the spine, improve posture, decrease postpartum bleeding, relieve water retention, improve circulation, break down fat and stabilize loose ligaments.

It helps with the healing process, Mahdi said. It speeds up the postpartum recovery when it comes to moving organs back into place and getting the cervix to shrink back in size. The length of the wrap is different from store-bought belly bands and is customized for each womans shape.

Before wrapping the belly, a mixture of warming spices and herbs in sesame oil is spread on the torso. It aims to stimulate blood flow and the release of retained water, as well as help firm, tone and strengthen the muscles and skin.

Little research has been done to either support or refute the claims, but moms say it helps.

May Thompson, 32, of St. Louis, used the service just over a week after giving birth in early August. A friend bought it for her as a gift. Thompson said her belly shrank much more quickly than when she had her first child seven years ago, and its helped relieve back pain she suffers from standing long periods as a hair stylist.

It lessened my bleeding after birth. It also helped with my posture, Thompson said. Its an easy habit to not be aware of how you are holding yourself, especially with the aches and pains and fatigue of pregnancy. It made me aware of my body posture.

Thompson said she was surprised to find, however, that she was most grateful for the nurturing and emotional experience.

Mahdi comes to the womans home and places candles, flowers and rose petals around the space. She burns white sage  a Native American practice called smudging that rids the space of negative energy (it actually releases negative ions, which research has shown may boost your mood).

She brews a special tea and puts on relaxing music. She includes a massage that either she or a partner can give. She listens to the moms birth story.

Mahdi said that so much attention and focus is on a newborn that sometimes mom gets lost. She wants to honor women for all their hard work in pregnancy and birth, and for the work thats yet to come. I want them to know that they arent forgotten, to honor the process they just went through, she said. It puts the emphasis back on the women and lets them know they still have power and they still have control.

Thompson said her babys father did not support her during pregnancy and birth. When Mahdi was massaging her, she started to cry, she said. I realized I hadnt had that type of nurturing, loving attention through my whole pregnancy.  It was just nice to be able to breathe and let go and release, and allow sadness to pass and gratitude to take its place.

Thompson said shes normally very reserved and quiet, but Mahdi made her feel comfortable. It was amazing because she was somewhat of a stranger, but it didnt feel that way, she said. It was like being with my sister.

Mahdi, 29, who has also almost completed her certification as a postpartum doula, said many women have similar emotional experiences during the belly binding process.

The person that went down on that (massage) table and the person that gets up is a different person, Mahdi said. They are so alive and rejuvenated. Its amazing.

Mahdi learned the practice of binding over two years ago from Valerie Lynn, who was working as a business consultant in Malaysia when she suffered postpartum anxiety. Lynn found great benefit in the traditional care for new moms in the country and began researching their methods, which she discovered produce the lowest rates of postpartum depression in he world. She wrote the book The Mommy Plan and has become a leading expert in post-pregnancy wellness.

Mahdi charges $150 for the binding service. That includes the initial visit, which can take more than two hours, and three more visits during the first week to make sure the client knows how to bind the wrap herself. The wrap is supposed to be worn during the day for 40 days. Women who have had a C-section must wait until their incision is healed, about six weeks after birth.

For $350, new moms will also receive a milk and honey bath and a lavender body wrap along with a supply of the warming mixture.

Other services include teaching pregnant moms different types of belly wraps they can use to help support the belly and relieve back pain and binding and exercises for diastasis recti, when space between the right and left abdominal muscles has widened.

Women should be pampered, Mahdi said. Its about recognizing women for their ability and power to give birth and comforting them.
ST. LOUIS  A former Pine Lawn police lieutenant described by prosecutors as a loose cannon and by a judge as a disgrace was sentenced Thursday to 51 months in federal prison.

U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. said the evidence was overwhelming that Steven Blakeney, 36, had trumped up evidence and engaged two store owners in conspiring to falsely arrest and jail a Pine Lawn mayoral candidate, Nakisha Ford, on behalf of her rival on Easter night in 2013.

Blakeney ordered a store owner to call 911 and falsely report that Ford had stolen a campaign poster for incumbent Mayor Sylvester Caldwell, the owner said at Blakeneys federal trial in January. Blakeney then returned to the store to take a police report and told the owner he would have to testify in court.

Blakeney also tipped off a TV station about the arrest.

In a victims impact statement quoted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reggie Harris, Ford said the thought of being arrested in front of her daughter and jailed still brings me to tears.

Jurors found Blakeney guilty of conspiracy against rights, deprivation of rights under color of law and falsification of records for that arrest.

Limbaugh called the crimes unconscionable but said he would have given Blakeney less time in prison if his bad behavior were limited to that.

Limbaugh cited two witnesses who testified Wednesday about arrests by Blakeney, and a misdemeanor assault case against him, as showing a serious pattern of misconduct and abuse of authority.

Roy Telano, a U.S. Army captain and lay minister at the time, said he was coming home from a Cardinals game on July 19, 2013, when he encountered Blakeney while merging into traffic. Miles down the road in Pine Lawn, after Telano was stopped by other officers, Blakeney kneed him in the thigh, pushed him onto a car hood and threw him in jail, he said.

Telano and his wife agreed to settle civil claims against Pine Lawn for $225,000 in 2015, one of almost two dozen people paid in total more than $1.3 million in settlements of Blakeney-related claims.

Jordan Martner, a college student, was driving to her boyfriends home in St. Louis when Blakeney pulled her over. She said he shouted expletives, searched her car without a warrant and damaged a laptop computer and other property in her car. He also threatened to take her to the ghetto and texted her worried boyfriend, pretending to be her, before having her jailed, Martner said.

Martner said she settled her claims for $163,000.

Blakeney did not testify during the hearing, although his lawyer, Matt Radefeld, did challenge the claims of Telano and Martner, as well as a former Pine Lawn police officer, Alan Lawson II, who said he saw Blakeney hit Telano and shove him into a ditch.

Limbaugh said he twice read transcripts from Blakeneys trial on a misdemeanor assault charge in St. Louis Circuit Court last week. He said he found the evidence completely overwhelming that Blakeney had tried to lure three drunken women into his unmarked patrol car, then sucker-punched one of the women and a man who tried to intervene, all while acting as a police officer.

At the trial, the man, Billy Baker, said he confronted Blakeney and demanded to see his badge. Baker said he was punched when he tried to call 911.

A St. Louis jury deadlocked 11-1 in favor of a guilty verdict.

Limbaugh did credit Blakeney for awards he had received over the years, as well as Blakeneys own letter to Limbaugh and letters in support from a former colleague and a therapist.

But the judge ordered Blakeney to be taken into custody immediately by U.S. marshals, instead of giving him the opportunity to self-surrender at a federal prison months from now.

Harris, the prosecutor, asked Limbaugh for 63 months, the top of the recommended sentencing guidelines of 51 to 63 months. Harris called Blakeney a loose cannon and said he never should have been a police officer in the first place.

Harris cited a series of negative reports Blakeney had received from a police academy, the military and former employers, and said Blakeney has always believed that hes above the law.

Radefeld said many of the claims against Blakeney were unreliable and conflicting, and that his sentence was double that received by other officers in situations that involved violence. He cited Blakeneys cooperation with the FBI in an investigation of former Pine Lawn Mayor Sylvester Caldwell and the plea deal prosecutors offered before trial that could have netted his client 18-24 months.

He should not be the scapegoat for all the corruption in Pine Lawn, Radefeld said.

After the hearing, Radefeld said Blakeney would appeal both the sentence and jury verdict.

Blakeney still faces a pending federal civil suit by two women who say he drugged and abducted them.

Blakeney was fired from the Pine Lawn department in December 2014 after being accused of having another officer take the women home. The department has since been disbanded, and the city is served by the North County Police Cooperative.
EDWARDSVILLE  Terrence T. Lee, 32, was sentenced Thursday to 50 years in prison after admitting in court that he killed a fellow Madison County Jail inmate and previously participated in a robbery in which another man was slain.

Lee, of Jennings, pleaded guilty of first-degree murder in the July 18 death of John E. Newsome Sr., 61, at the jail in Edwardsville.

He also pleaded guilty Thursday of an armed robbery on May 19, 2014, in which Kenneth Deal, 43, of Madison, was killed. A first-degree murder charge against Lee in that crime, which occurred in Venice, was dropped.

Madison County Associate Judge Neil Schroeder sentenced Lee to consecutive terms of 30 years for Newsomes murder and 20 for Deals robbery.

With this lengthy prison sentence, this violent individual will remain locked up behind bars where he belongs, States Attorney Tom Gibbons said in a statement. The defendant will be in his seventies before he is first eligible for release.

A co-defendant in the Deal case, Turhan Robinson, 39, of St. Louis, is set for trial Nov. 7 on charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and armed robbery.

Newsomes daughter recently filed a federal lawsuit against Madison County and others, claiming the jail was negligent in failing to protect her father from Lee. The suit says Lee has an extensive criminal record, including murder, battery and attempted murder of a police officer.

He threatened inmates if they used the day room TV without his oversight, the suit says, or didnt give him their snacks. He allegedly had previously assaulted two other inmates.

The suit says Newsome, of Madison, tried to use the TV and was threatened, then tried unsuccessfully to get the attention of jail staff before Lee beat him. It says surveillance cameras caught the assault but that staff did not find the body for two hours.
JEFFERSON CITY  A St. Louis man convicted of killing a mother of two is appealing to the Missouri Supreme Court in hopes of being eligible for parole before hes in his eighties.

Ledale Nathan Jr., now 23, was 16 when he and an accomplice broke into and robbed a home in the LaSalle Park neighborhood on Oct. 5, 2009. The invasion left Gina Stallis, 34, dead, and an off-duty city police officer and a firefighter wounded.

Nathan was originally convicted on 26 criminal counts, including first-degree murder, for which he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. But in June 2012, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Alabama vs. Miller case declared life sentences without parole unconstitutional for juveniles, even if the defendant was tried as an adult, as Nathan was.

He was resentenced in 2014, charged with second-degree murder instead of first, and sentenced to eight consecutive life sentences, plus 120 years and 11 concurrent life sentences, eligible for parole in 75 years. A life sentence in Missouri is 30 years.

Nathans attorney, William Swift, argued before the court Thursday that Nathans situation was inconsistent with the principles laid out in Miller, as Nathan will very likely be dead before he would be eligible to be let out of prison on parole if he has to serve more than 60 years first.

Essentially, Swift contends multiple constitutional sentences could have a combined effect of being unconstitutional.

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear similar cases. Justices on the Missouri Supreme Court questioned if it would be more prudent to wait for a clear direction from a higher court.

Swift said that consecutive life sentences are the functional equivalent of life in prison without parole, which the U.S. Supreme Court has already weighed in on in the Miller case, ruling that juvenile offenders should be treated differently.

Swift also said that with his current sentence, Nathan has no real chance of demonstrating maturity or rehabilitation.

The Miller ruling mandates that a juvenile offenders age and background should be considered before handing down a life sentence. In Nathans resentencing, new jurors heard about his diminished mental capacity, sexual abuse in childhood, homelessness and his relatives drug habits.

Evan Buchheim, attorney for the state, acknowledged other states found similar cases violated the spirit of the Miller decision, but maintained the court was well within its rights to sentence Nathan for each separate offense.
ST. LOUIS  St. Louis authorities have identified a woman whose body was pulled from the Mississippi River Tuesday.

The woman was identified as Mansi Flaherty, 22, of the 4100 block of Glendale Road in the House Springs area.

An autopsy found no evidence of a homicide, but authorities have not released a cause of death. The investigation is ongoing.

The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted at about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday that a possible body was floating in the river near the Poplar Street Bridge. City police showed up, and firefighters pulled the body from the water.

Police say the body had no obvious signs of trauma. The case is being handled as a "suspicious death."

Amber Hurt was Flaherty's best friend since the day they met ten years ago, Hurt said.

Flaherty, who was born in India and adopted by a family in the U.S. when she was 5 years old, was a positive person with a big heart, Hurt said.

"She was so full of life," she said. "Her laugh was just contagious and she lit up every room she was in. She was the type of person you always wanted to be around."

Hurt and Flaherty attended different St. Louis-area high schools but felt a strong bond between each other.

"We stayed best friends for ten years," she said. "We were the only ones who really understood each other. She was like a sister to me."

They hung out on weekends, often spending time camping outdoors or trying out new restaurants. They saw each other less frequently as they got older but always stayed in touch.

Flaherty disappeared Sept. 30. She had been living in a homeless shelter in downtown St. Louis for two weeks before she disappeared, Hurt said.

Hurt immediately printed hundreds of flyers and drove downtown looking for Flaherty the day she disappeared. Hurt got her own family and friends to join her in the search.

She posted the flyers and talked to people on the streets. She handed out her number and asked people call her and call 911 with any information.

When police identified Flaherty as the woman found dead and pulled out of the Mississippi River on Tuesday, Hurt was horrified.

"We're just trying to find out answers right now so we can find some peace and mourn the loss of one of the best people I've ever known," she said.
JEFFERSON CITY  The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday on the minimum wage law in St. Louis, which was struck down by a circuit judge last year hours before it was to take effect.

The city was sued by employers and business organizations, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, who wanted to block the citys attempt to raise the wage to $11 by 2018. State law sets the minimum wage at $7.65.

At issue is whether charter cities can approve legislation to raise minimum wages at the local level, despite a law enacted by the Missouri Legislature in May 2015, which prohibits a local minimum wage exceeding the requirements laid out by federal or state law.

The bill, which would have taken effect on the same day the city of St. Louis originally adopted its ordinance, began as a prohibition on municipal bans of plastic grocery bags that lawmakers then expanded.

The measure was vetoed by Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat. It was eventually overridden by the GOP-led House and Senate.

Attorney Jane Dueker, who is representing the business groups, argued before the court Thursday that employers could face criminal penalties for following the St. Louis ordinance instead of what the state requires.

I do think when you criminalize complying with state law, theres a conflict, Dueker said.

She also argued that the Legislature intended to take cities out of the minimum wage business completely, making it a statewide issue for the sake of consistency.

We could have 4,000 different minimum wages, she said.

John Rehmann, the attorney representing the city, pointed to an earlier minimum wage law to argue the Missouri Legislature recognized local authority in these cases.

In 1998, the Legislature passed a law that provided no municipality could establish a minimum wage exceeding the states minimum wage. Rehmann contended that lawmakers must have recognized cities power to raise the wage if they acted again in May 2015.

Why would the General Assembly act twice on the same subject if theyd already done it the first time? he asked.

He also encouraged the court not to look at the minimum wage efforts only in the national scope, but to see how the issue affects St. Louis uniquely. The city has pointed to social issues from unrest in and around Ferguson as one of the reasons to implement the higher wage.

This was passed to address cost-of-living issues, which by definition is going to be different in different areas of the state, Rehmann said.

Also on Thursday, the Supreme Court heard a case about an initiative to raise the minimum wage in Kansas City, and will soon rule on whether a circuit court should have removed it from the November ballot.

Just outside the courthouse while the hearings were going on, advocates called for higher wages in both cities, wielding signs that read, St. Louis needs a raise and Jobs with justice.

A national movement to raise the minimum wage has seen victories in California, New York and Oregon. Cities such as Seattle, Chicago and Washington have hiked their own minimums.

The effort is stalled in Missouri until the Supreme Court rules on both the St. Louis ordinance and the new state law banning local minimum wages.
ST. LOUIS  Antonio French, alderman for the citys 21st Ward, entered the mayors race on Thursday, announcing his candidacy by posting a video on Twitter that was captioned: Im in.

French becomes the fourth person to publicly announce a mayoral candidacy since Mayor Francis Slays surprise announcement in the spring that he would not seek a fifth term.

In 2012, French founded the North Campus, an initiative modeled after New York Citys Harlem Childrens Zone. The model calls for schools to provide mentoring and after-school tutoring in addition to traditional schooling to low-income children.

Two years later, French gained a national profile in the immediate aftermath of the Ferguson protests for his tweets showing clashes between police and protesters.

His announcement video has several shots of him playing the peacemaker during those clashes interspersed with clips of him appearing on local and national news stations talking about public safety and the shortcoming of the justice system.

French, 38, initially hinted at a mayoral run last month when he began soliciting pledges from donors that he would accept only if he formally entered the race.

I have been publicly contemplating this for a while, and I have been asking how best can I serve the city, French said. Its time for me to move to a different office that has more direct control over how the city is run.

Joining the race is inherently risky for French, a two-term alderman who is serving his eighth year on the board.

I wont be able to run for my 21st seat while Im running for mayor, so its either up or out for me, he said. But Ive chosen to sacrifice this period of my life in the spirit of community service.

The 21st Ward includes portions of the Penrose, College Hill and OFallon neighborhoods.

French said the risk of losing his seat at City Hall is worth it.

Not holding public office is not the end of the world for me, he said. This was part of my deliberations. How can I serve and have the most impact? Its from the mayors office.

French said his campaign will be centered on quality of life issues in the citys neighborhoods.

Weve reached a point where people are leaving the city by the dozens, he said. We need to refocus our efforts not just in the central corridor  downtown to the Central West End  but to all the other neighborhoods where most people live.

French said crime and neighborhood stability, including increasing job opportunities and finding uses for abandoned properties, will go a long way toward improving the quality of life for the average city resident.

But having collected only $3,000 in pledges from a crowdfunding site, and having just $3,000 in his campaign account, French is starting off at a distinct disadvantage compared with other candidates whove raised six-figure sums.

Its not about having more money than other candidates, French said. Its about having enough money.

I have not raised political money in many years, he said. Ive been focused on raising money for educational programs, but I have name recognition and a large base and a large pool to draw from.

French joins 28th Ward Alderman Lyda Krewson, Aldermanic President Lewis Reed and Police Chief Sam Dotson as the candidates whove publicly announced theyre running.

Collector of Revenue Gregory F.X. Daly and Treasurer Tishaura Jones have formed exploratory committees and are considering entering the race.

The filing period for mayoral candidates runs from Nov. 27 through Jan. 6. The primary election will be held on March 7. The general election is set for April 4.
MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla.  Hurricane Matthew marched toward Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas as nearly 2 million people along the coast were urged to evacuate their homes Wednesday, a mass exodus ahead of a major storm packing power the U.S. hasnt seen in more than a decade.

Matthew was a dangerous and life-threatening Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 120 mph as it passed through the Bahamas, and it was expected to be very near Floridas Atlantic coast by Thursday evening. At least 16 deaths in the Caribbean have been blamed on the storm, with heavy damage reported in Haiti.

The storm was forecast to scrape much of the Florida coast, and any slight deviation could mean landfall or it heading farther out to sea. Either way, it was going to be close enough to wreak havoc along the lower part of the East Coast, and many people werent taking any chances.

In Melbourne Beach, near the Kennedy Space Center, Carlos and April Medina moved their paddle board and kayak inside the garage and took pictures off the walls of their home about 500 feet from the coast. They moved the pool furniture inside, turned off the water, disconnected all electrical appliances and emptied their refrigerator.

They then hopped in a truck filled with legal documents, jewelry and a decorative carved shell that had once belonged to April Medinas great-grandfather and headed west to Orlando, where they planned to ride out the storm with their daughters family.

The way we see it, if it maintains its current path, we get tropical storm-strength winds. If it makes a little shift to the left, it could be a Category 2 or 3 and I dont want to be anywhere near it, Carlos Medina said. We are just being a little safe, a little bit more cautious.

The last Category 3 storm or higher to hit the United States was Wilma in October 2005. It made landfall with 120 mph winds in southwest Florida, killing five people as it pushed through the Everglades and into the Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach area. It caused an estimated $21 billion in damage and left thousands of residents without power for more than a week. It concluded a two-year span when a record eight hurricanes hit the state.

As of 5 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday, Matthew was centered about 400 miles southeast of West Palm Beach and moving northwest, according to the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane-force winds extended 45 miles from the center.

Florida could get as much as 10 inches of rain from the storm in some isolated areas.

In South Carolina, Gov. Nikki Haley reversed lanes of Interstate 26 so that all lanes of traffic were headed west and out of Charleston. It was the first time the lanes had been reversed. Plans to reverse the lanes were put in place after hours-long traffic jams during Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

The governor planned to call for more evacuations on Thursday, which would bring the total to about 500,000 people in the state. Florida urged or ordered about 1.5 million to leave the coast, said Jackie Schutz, spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Scott. Georgia had about 50,000 people told to go.

President Barack Obama visited the Federal Emergency Management Agencys headquarters Wednesday to be briefed on preparations. FEMA has deployed personnel to emergency operation centers in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Its also positioning commodities and other supplies at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and in Albany, Georgia.

On the Georgia coast, 92-year-old Lou Arcangeli saw two of his adult children come to his home on Tybee Island to help prepare and evacuate if necessary.

Its serious, said Arcangeli, who has lived in the Savannah area since 1979, when Hurricane David became the last hurricane to make landfall on Georgias 100-mile coast. Im going to keep an eye on it and not wait until the last minute. As far as Im concerned, whats going to happen is going to happen.

HAITI

Meanwhile, rescue workers in Haiti struggled to reach isolated towns and learn the full extent of the death and destruction Matthew caused before battering the Bahamas and heading to the East Coast.

At least 11 deaths, five of them in Haiti, were blamed on the hurricane during its weeklong march across the Caribbean. But with a key bridge washed out, roads impassable and phone communications down, the western tip of Haiti remained cut off a day after Matthew made landfall and there was no full accounting of the dead and injured in its wake.

After moving past Haiti, Matthew rolled across a corner of Cuba and then began pounding the southern Bahamas with wind at 120 mph and heavy rain on a course expected to take it near the capital city of Nassau during the night.

On Tuesday, Matthew had swept across a remote area of Haiti with 145 mph wind, wrecking homes and swamping roads. But government leaders in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere said they werent close to fully gauging the effect in the flood-prone nation where less powerful storms have killed thousands.

Late Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. military announced that a small advance team would start preparing for the arrival of roughly 100 military personnel and nine helicopters currently in the Cayman Islands.

The U.S. government said it had sent experts to Haiti to assess the damage and was providing $1.5 million in food and other disaster assistance.

Mourad Wahba, the U.N. secretary-generals deputy special representative for Haiti, called the hurricane the biggest humanitarian crisis in Haiti since the devastating earthquake of 2010.

The Haitian government postponed Sundays presidential election, in part because some schools and churches that are used as polling stations are serving as shelters and police cant get election materials to some districts.

The hurricane blew across the sparsely populated eastern tip of Cuba on Tuesday night, destroying dozens of homes in Cubas easternmost city, Baracoa, and damaging hundreds. People stood amid the rubble of their homes, weeping, hugging or staring into the distance.

At the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the storm knocked down trees and caused road flooding but no injuries or major damage, said Julie Ripley, a spokeswoman.
FARMVILLE, Va.  In the closing days of the Civil War, Robert E. Lee stopped in this tobacco town to fortify his bedraggled troops. With Union forces in hot pursuit, Lee abandoned the effort, fled town  and surrendered at nearby Appomattox two days later.

Tuesday night, Mike Pence came to Farmville for the vice presidential debate against Democrat Tim Kaine with a similar mission: trying to halt the retreat, and revive the troops, after last week's rout of Donald Trump in the first presidential debate.

Pence came prepared with a sound battle plan: He would avoid discussing Trump to the greatest extent possible. And, in executing his plan, he fared rather better than Lee.

Asked why Americans think Trump is "too erratic," Pence responded  by talking about Hillary Clinton and her foreign policy.

"I do want to get back to the question," moderator Elaine Quijano of CBS News coaxed. When Pence continued on about Clinton, she repeated: "In the meantime, the questions. ..."

Pence finally mentioned that Trump has "extraordinary business acumen" and "employed tens of thousands"  then quickly went back to Clinton's trustworthiness.

Quijano asked Pence to talk about Trump's claim that he "brilliantly" used the tax laws. Pence responded  by talking about the Obama administration.

"Governor," Quijano finally interjected, "with all due respect, the question was about whether it seems fair to you that Mr. Trump said he brilliantly used the laws to pay as little tax as legally possible."

Stylistically, Pence was strong: calmer than Kaine, interrupting less often, and repeatedly luring Kaine to respond to him. He likely won the debate on points, helped by a canned and sometimes shrill Kaine. But in a broader sense, Pence succeeded by avoiding discussion of Trump and his policies. To the extent he defended Trump at all, he did so by denying Trump had said and done things that Trump had, in fact, said and done.

In that sense, you might consider this the first appearance of Mike Pence's 2020 presidential campaign. He didn't turn against his running mate, but he helped himself more than he helped Trump.

Republicans watching Pence's strong performance Tuesday night had every reason to kick themselves. Had Republicans chosen a mainstream conservative like Pence there is every reason to believe that candidate would be leading Clinton, who has proved to be a weak general election candidate in this year of change.

Pence hasn't tweeted about a sex tape at 5 a.m. He hasn't shamed a woman publicly for gaining weight. He didn't mock a political opponent's pneumonia-induced stumble, nor claim that his opponent is "crazy" and unfaithful to her husband, nor suggest that returning soldiers with PTSD are weak.

Trump did all that  in the space of a single week since his first-debate flop.

A running mate's usual task in a debate, and in a presidential campaign generally, is to assure the public that he or she could take over if the unthinkable occurs. In Pence's case, there's no question about his fitness to serve. The question is whether Trump is prepared to serve.

That Pence could be a heartbeat from the presidency makes pulse rates calm. That Trump could be president causes tachycardia.

Kaine, therefore, did all he could to keep the focus on Trump: "The thought of Donald Trump as commander in chief scares us to death. ... Donald Trump always puts himself first. ... He has pursued the discredited and really outrageous lie that President Obama wasn't born in the United States."

But Pence had a simple parry: Noun, verb, Hillary Clinton. As Kaine hectored him to defend Trump's "insult-driven" talk of women as slobs and pigs and Mexicans as rapists and criminals, Pence volleyed:

"That's small potatoes compared to Hillary Clinton calling half of Donald Trump's supporters a basket of deplorables."

It didn't much matter what the topic was  North Korea? Police and race?  Pence, deftly, kept turning the conversation back to Clinton. This, occasional jabs at the Obama administration and at Kaine's own record, and Pence's Trumpian willingness to assert falsehoods with great conviction, kept the Democrat on his heels.

Kaine repeatedly  by his own count, six times  challenged Pence to defend Trump on one point or another.

"In all six cases, he's refused," Kaine complained toward the end of the debate.

"Don't put words in my mouth," Pence protested. "I'm very, very happy to defend Donald Trump."

Ah, but sparingly: Not enough to appear overtly disloyal, but not so much that it will harm his future presidential prospects after Trump's Appomattox.

Dana Milbank

Copyright The Washington Post
ELON, North Carolina  My favorite bumper sticker I've never seen: Commas matter.

So I've always thought, and do still believe with the passion of one whose knuckles were rapped for grammatical errors. I mean this only metaphorically  no bloody fingers  but using incorrect grammar was the Eighth Deadly Sin in my childhood home.

How grateful I am that this was so.

And now I have a confession: I've begun to forget the rules. What used to come naturally has become a test of recall. Does a comma go here? Should I use the Oxford comma?

I don't think this is singly attributable to the aging process (shut up) but rather to our increasing sloppiness in new ways of communicating. We may as well blame social media for this, too, especially Twitter. When you only have 140 characters to make a point, why waste one on a comma?

Fortunately, I have editors to sweep up behind me and make sure all my commas are in order, though even they (and I, obviously) occasionally miss something, even (gasp!) recently a subject/verb disagreement. Of all things!

Yes, that was a sentence fragment, deliberately incorrect in the service of KP style, as opposed to AP (Associated Press) style, which is the final word for most newspaper copy editors.

In my personal stylebook, developed over almost 30 years of column writing, it's fine to misuse grammar intentionally. But it's not all right to misuse a word, such as "over," where one should use "during."

If you're lucky (and probably older), you learned these things in school, along with the multiplication tables. They're imprinted on your brain so that the correct answer comes relatively quickly and accurately.

Not so for younger generations, who've had the dubious benefit all their lives of spell- and grammar-check, as well as handheld devices. It may not matter how one produces a sum or a sentence, but it's my pleasure to worry about such things. The quick mental function that says 9 times 9 is 81 without benefit of a calculator, besides being strangely satisfying, provides periodic reassurance that the brain is sufficiently oxygenated.

Whatever synapses are involved in that precise if rote calculation must besides do something good for the noggin. Calisthenics for the brain, perhaps? What, then, is failing to occur in minds that are deprived of these daily exercises? The correct answer is a Google away, but I'll leave this to the dear readers while I return to the question of grammar. Does it matter, really?

Yes, please.

It matters because good grammar conveys a great deal about a person.

Quality is in the details  and attention to commas, semicolons, dangling participles, gerunds and the proper placement of quotation marks says to the reader that this person is careful, considerate (because bad grammar is painful to the discerning eye), and (there's that Oxford comma) competent.

"Grammar is credibility," says Amanda Sturgill, associate professor of communications at Elon University, where I recently spoke. "If you're not taking care of the small things, people assume you're not taking care of the big things."

Sturgill, who devotes an entire day of class to the lowly comma, says that most students have a limited appreciation of the nuances of comma usage. Most have been taught that you insert a comma when you would naturally pause in speaking or where you would take a breath.

As Sturgill makes clear in her 14 points of comma usage (http://ow.ly/C99L304R4lh), there's more to it  and not just grammatically.

Last April, journalist Mona Chalabi made a little splash in video-commentary for The Guardian when she averred that grammar snobs are patronizing, pretentious, censorious  and a bunch of other stuff. Oh, and also probably racist. This is because, wait for it, most people who correct others are older and white. She claimed that grammar-mongers effectively silence voices straining to be heard.

It's an interesting point, but do people really go around correcting strangers' grammar? One could stay quite busy doing this.

I suppose I'm one of those snobs even if sometimes I, too, err. But we do no favors to rising generations to pretend that it's only the thought that counts. Better than finding excuses  or implying that good grammar is an attitude of old white folks  our efforts might be better directed at teaching the rules by which the real world abides.

Kathleen Parker

Copyright The Washington Post
Womens health care advocates in Missouri are bracing for potentially severe reproductive care consequences as the state patches together plans to fund the Womens Health Services Program. Some other states that rejected federal money in an effort to punish Planned Parenthood saw a rise in maternal mortality rates, unintended pregnancies and HIV transmission.

Legislators intent on pursuing personal political agendas are going to cause a lot of needless suffering. Women who depend on Planned Parenthood and other participating providers for important medical care will see reduced service availability because federal funds are being cut off.

The Legislature in April passed a budget that rejected more than $8.3 million in Medicaid funding the state was due to receive for family planning, sexually transmitted disease testing and pelvic exams at county health departments, clinics and Planned Parenthood offices.

Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, spearheaded the effort to strip public money from Planned Parenthood, the countrys largest abortion provider. His effort is part of a national conservative movement that seeks to distort Planned Parenthoods primary health-service mission and focus on the small portion of services related to abortions.

Federal law prohibits use of government money for non-emergency abortions, and the funding was used only to provide health care for women who receive Medicaid. States are prohibited from blocking Medicaid dollars from abortion providers for services such as vaccinations and cancer screenings. In turning down the federal funding and replacing it from Missouris general revenue fund, state lawmakers specified that none of it could go to organizations that provide abortions.

In Texas, where lawmakers targeted Planned Parenthood and slashed funding for reproductive care clinics, the maternal mortality rate doubled between 2011 and 2012. Hows that pro-life?

The cuts forced closure of more than 80 family planning clinics. Remaining facilities were able to provide low-cost or free birth control, cancer screening and well-woman exams to only half as many women as previous.

When conservative political forces in Indiana gutted Planned Parenthoods public funding, forcing the organization to close clinics, citizens in Scott County had nowhere to go for HIV testing and education. They now face an unprecedented HIV outbreak that Republican Gov. Mike Pence characterized as an epidemic.

Planned Parenthood provides health care and education to more than 50,000 men and women in Missouri. The organization says other federally qualified providers will not be able to easily take care of more than 7,000 Medicaid patients cared for by Planned Parenthood.

The health organization will continue serving Medicaid patients while the state Department of Social Services devises plans to suspend the Womens Health Services Program and replace it with state funding.

Missouri legislators owe it to their constituents to understand the full range of crucial services Planned Parenthood provides, and stop punishing poor women in an effort to score political points.
So my question is, if the department is defunded, and low pay continues, what will happen the next time the police are desperately needed and only a handful of them are available?
Approximately 500 fifth grade students in 21 classes from nine different schools gathered at Lewis and Clark Community College on Sept. 30, for the 14th annual Water Festival, according to a press release.

This year's Water Festival was a huge success, said environmental educator and Water Festival coordinator Allison Rhanor. The weather was perfect and we were fortunate enough to have a little more than 100 volunteers to help with the event, most being Lewis and Clark students who wanted to get involved.

Students learned about environmental sciences and participated in outdoor activities during the daylong event, which was organized by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC).

The Water Festival is awesome and it is very fun, said DeAngelo Robinson, a fifth grade student from Mason/Clark Middle School, in East St. Louis. I learned about nature and what happens in water. It is all about the circle of life. I love it.

For the third time, each participating class was asked to collect shoes to donate to the Shoeman Water Project (SWP), which focuses on providing clean water to communities in developing countries.

A total of 1,336 pairs of shoes were collected during the shoe drive  321 more pairs of shoes than were collected last year. SWP community engagement specialist Nick Lintner said the shoes will be sold in a secondary market, and the money raised is used to build wells in developing countries.

We cannot do this without you, Lintner said to the fifth graders as they ate lunch. This isnt about what we at the Shoeman Water Project do ourselves. It is about you and the people you are helping. Your donations will help us construct a well in Uganda.

Sarah Brokerings fifth grade class from C.A. Henning Elementary School, in Troy, collected the most shoes, 322 pairs in all. That averages out to approximately 12 pairs of shoes per student in the class. Each student in the winning class received a Water Festival t-shirt for their efforts.

This year, we were able to engage fifth graders from across four different counties with fun, hands-on activities that exposed them to a variety of freshwater topics, Rhanor said. For some of these students, this is the first time they've been exposed to water as a natural resource, despite living right on the Mississippi River. It's amazing to be able to reach so many of our youth with this sort of experience.

Other activities at the Water Festival included canoeing, fishing, Japanese fish painting, bug collecting and geocaching. Students also learned about water collection in developing countries, water treatment methods, pollution causes and effects, storm water management, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, native fish species, bird migration, watershed management and water conservation.

I think it is a great experience for the kids, said Sylvia Haygood, fifth grade teacher at Mason/Clark Middle School. My students otherwise wouldnt be able to take a canoe ride or be out in nature learning. They have experienced a lot of things that they otherwise would not encounter.

Fifth grade teachers who brought students to the Water Festival were required to attend a teacher workshop before the event. The workshop provided the teachers with curricular materials, supplies and teaching methodologies to enhance water education in their classrooms.

I thought the teachers workshop was a lot of fun, said Megan McCormack, a teacher in training at Metro East Montessori, in Pontoon Beach. I personally learned things, too, which I thought was great. We got this amazing book with all these lessons in it that are very user friendly. It makes me excited to teach about this subject and I cant wait to share this knowledge with my students.

Water Festival sponsors include an anonymous local private foundation, Illinois American Water, the Swarovski Waterschool, Southern Regional Groundwater Protection Planning Committee, Madison County, Wood River Refinery, the Horinko Group, Pepsi, Walmart, Caseys General Store, Dynegy, J.L. Nash, Grassroots Grocery and the St. Louis Bread Company.

To learn more about Water Festival, visit ngrrec.org/Education/Children/Water-Festival.
From: jovita gomez < jovitagomez80@hotmail.com >

Sent: Thu, Sep 22, 2016 1:08 pm

Subject: It is from my heart to compensate you with 20% of the total money



How are you doing presently ? I hope this my mail will reach you in good condition of health, I will really like to have a good relationship with you and I have a special reason why I decided to contact you because of my situation here. My name is Miss Jovita Gomez. I am 23 years old girl from Zimbabwe, the only daughter of late Mr. Gomez Sango. my late father Mr. Gomez Sango was an importer and exporter. my late father was killed by high killers, my late father business partner sent group of high killers to my parents, the high killers killed my father, killed my mother and my only two brothers, am the only survivor in my family because i was not at home when the high killers came, i was in the school Hostel that is what save me.

i run away from Zimbabwe my country because my father business partner want to kill me too, i run away because those killers still want to kill me by all means i decided to move out from Zimbabwe for the sake of my life, Meanwhile, I wanted to escape to Europe but is very difficult to me because i do not have moneyat hand for traveling document. i manage to toke my father's files which contains important documents. So I decided to run to the refugee camp in Senegal where I am presently seeking asylum under the United Nations High Commission for the Refugee here in Dakar, Senegal, I wish to contact you personally for a long term business relationship and investment assistance in your country. Please please please i really really need your honesty and trustworthiness, my father deposited the sum of US$ 5.700.000 (Five Million Seven Hundred Thousand US Dollars) in a finance firm with my name as the next of kin. However, I shall forward to you the necessary information of the deposit on confirmation of your acceptance to assist me for the transfer and investment of the fund in your country. i want the bank to transfer the money to you in your country and i will join you in your country, i want you to help me in this transaction and i want you to help me to invest the money for me in your country immediately the bank transfer the money to you in your country, and I will like to complete my studies in your country because I was in my school before i decided to escaped to Senegal to safe my life. According to the financial governing laws of this country Senegal, people under refugees are not allowed to participate into monetary transaction or operate personal bank account with large sums international or locally. It is from my heart to compensate you with 20% of the total money for your services and the balance will be my investment capital. This is the reason why I decided to contact you. Please all communications should be through this email address only for confidential purposes. As soon as I receive your positive response showing your interest I will put things into action immediately. In the light of the above, I shall appreciate an urgent message indicating your ability and willingness to handle this transaction sincerely.

I am staying at the female refugee camp here in Dakar, Senegal. I am waiting your urgent and positive response. Please keep this thing only to your self please I beg you do not tell anybody this thing till I come over to your country after the transfer. I hope my explanation is very clear but if you need further clarification then send in your questions. i will try to send you my pictures in my next mail. Thanks as i hope to receive from you soon.

Yours sincerely Jovita Gomez.





From: jovita gomez < jovitgomez85@hotmail.com >

Sent: Fri, Sep 30, 2016 8:00 am

Subject: I will compensate you with 20% of the total money



How are you doing presently, I hope this my mail will reach you in good condition of health, I will really like to have a good relationship with you and I have a special reason why I decided to contact you because of my situation here. My name is Miss Jovita Gomez. Am 23 years old girl from Zimbabwe, the only daughter of Late Mr Gomez Sango. my late father Mr gomez Sango was an importer and exporter. my late father was killed by high killers, my late father business partner sent group of high killers to my parents, the high killers killed my father, killed my mother, and my only two brothers, am the only survivor in my family because i was not at home when the high killers came, i was in the school Hostel that is what save me. I run away from Zimbabwe my country because my father business partner want to kill me too, i run away because those killers still want to kill me by all means i decided to move out from Zimbabwe for the sake of my life, Meanwhile, I wanted to escape to Europe but is very difficult to me because i do not have money at hand for traveling document. i manage to toke my Father's Files which contains important documents. So I decided to run to the refugee camp in senegal where I am presently seeking asylum under the United Nations High Commission for the Refugee here in Dakar senegal, I wish to contact you personally for a long term business relationship and investment assistance in your country. Please please please i really really need your honesty and trustworthiness, My father deposited the sum of US$ 5.700.000 ( Five Million Seven Hundred Thousand US Dollars) in Finance Firm with my name as the next of kin. However, I shall forward to you the necessary information of the deposit on confirmation of your acceptance to assist me for the transfer and investment of the fund in your country. i want the bank to transfer the money to you in your country and i will join you in your country, i want you to help me in this transaction and i want you to help me to invest the money for me in your country immediately the bank transfer the money to you in your country, and I will like to complete my studies in your country because I was in my school before i decided to escaped to senegal to safe my life. According to the financial governing laws of this country senegal, people under refugees are not allowed to participate into monetary transaction or operate personal bank account with large sums international or locally.

It is from my heart to compensate you with 20% of the total money for your services and the balance will be my investment capital. This is the reason why I decided to contact you. Please all communications should be through this email address only for confidential purposes. As soon as I receive your positive response showing your interest I will put things into action immediately. In the light of the above, I shall appreciate an urgent message indicating your ability and willingness to handle this transaction sincerely.

I am staying at the female refugee camp here in Dakar, Senegal. Am waiting your urgent and positive response. Please keep this thing only to your self please I beg you do not tell anybody this thing till I come over to your country after the transfer. I hope my explanation is very clear but if you need further clarification then send in your questions. i will try to send you my pictures in my next mail. Thanks as i hope to receive from you soon.

Yours sincerely Jovita Gomez.

From: jovita gomez < jovitagomez141@hotmail.com >

Sent: Fri, Sep 30, 2016 9:48 am

Subject: I will compensate you with 20% of the total money





How are you doing presently, I hope this my mail will reach you in good condition of health, I will really like to have a good relationship with you and I have a special reason why I decided to contact you because of my situation here. My name is Miss Jovita Gomez. Am 23 years old girl from Zimbabwe, the only daughter of Late Mr Gomez Sango. my late father Mr Gomez Sango was an importer and exporter. my late father was killed by high killers, my late father business partner sent group of high killers to my parents, the high killers killed my father, killed my mother, and my only two brothers, am the only survivor in my family because i was not at home when the high killers came, i was in the school hostel that is what save me. I run away from Zimbabwe my country because my father business partner want to kill me too, i run away because those killers still want to kill me by all means i decided to move out from Zimbabwe for the sake of my life, Meanwhile, I wanted to escape to Europe but is very difficult to me because i do not have money at hand for traveling document. i manage to toke my Father's Files which contains important documents. So I decided to run to the refugee camp in senegal where I am presently seeking asylum under the United Nations High Commission for the Refugee here in Dakar senegal, I wish to contact you personally for a long term business relationship and investment assistance in your country. Please please please i really really need your honesty and trustworthiness, My father deposited the sum of US$ 5.700.000 ( Five Million Seven Hundred Thousand US Dollars) in Finance Firm with my name as the next of kin. However, I shall forward to you the necessary information of the deposit on confirmation of your acceptance to assist me for the transfer and investment of the fund in your country. i want the bank to transfer the money to you in your country and i will join you in your country, i want you to help me in this transaction and i want you to help me to invest the money for me in your country immediately the bank transfer the money to you in your country, and I will like to complete my studies in your country because I was in my school before i decided to escaped to senegal to safe my life. According to the financial governing laws of this country senegal, people under refugees are not allowed to participate into monetary transaction or operate personal bank account with large sums international or locally.

It is from my heart to compensate you with 20% of the total money for your services and the balance will be my investment capital. This is the reason why I decided to contact you. Please all communications should be through this email address only for confidential purposes. As soon as I receive your positive response showing your interest I will put things into action immediately. In the light of the above, I shall appreciate an urgent message indicating your ability and willingness to handle this transaction sincerely.

I am staying at the female refugee camp here in Dakar, Senegal. Am waiting your urgent and positive response. Please keep this thing only to your self please I beg you do not tell anybody this thing till I come over to your country after the transfer. I hope my explanation is very clear but if you need further clarification then send in your questions. I will try to send you my pictures in my next mail. Thanks as i hope to receive from you soon.

Yours sincerely Jovita Gomez. How are you doing presently, I hope this my mail will reach you in good condition of health, I will really like to have a good relationship with you and I have a special reason why I decided to contact you because of my situation here.

From: jovita gomez < jovitgomez85@hotmail.com >

Sent: Sun, Oct 2, 2016 3:17 pm

Subject: I need your full informations



The most important thing we need from you now is your honesty and trustworthiness as I said before. I chose this transaction because of my situation based on my current situation here in Senegal as a refugee under asylum. According to the laws governing financial Senegal, this country, people under refugees are not allowed to participate in the monetary transaction or operate personal bank account with large sums of money internationally or locally as I said before. I want to understand more about my situation here in the camp, I am sending an email to the office of the Reverend Father David Mike who is a priest in the church in the refugee camp, I have explained to him a little about my life though not everything, I told the Reverend father of my communication with you and that allowed me to access my email in his office computer three times a day here in the refugee camp, I have no access to food here in the refugee camp, the government give us food here is not good for health, life has not been easy for me. I told the Reverend Father about you and let me be receiving phone calls from you through the phone number of the office; is as follows : +221.769099374 You can call me, I do not have any money on hand here, now, Reverend Father David Mike calling to tell him that you want to speak with Miss Jovita Gomez, Zimbabwe girl. Do not be surprised that I gave this kind of trust that is how God wants anything that happened in this world is as God wills it, just try to be honest and sincere with me. I'll send all relevant documents of money, money is 100 percent true, only if you promise not to me will betray or sit on my inheritance after the money transfer to your account in your country, please tell me more about yourself again in your next mail. Please understand that there is no illegality involvement in this transaction, which will deal with the holding bank directly. I am with important documents here. certificate of deposit certificate of money and the death of my late father. all I need from you now is your sincerity, honesty and seriousness about this transaction. try to send mail to me three times in one day. so we will do this transaction without any delay.

Please reply to my email urgently, your full name, country name, complete address, phone number, your photos, your occupation, your age. So I will present to the bank to enable send mail about you to know that you are going to have access to funds deposited my father and then request that the claim and transfer directly on my name to your account. I will send the bank contact in my next mail so that you contact the bank for the transfer and the bank will transfer the money to you in your country and I will join you there to pursue a new life. I have attached my photos in this post and would like to see yours too. I am really suffering in this camp I want the money to be transfer to you in your country so that I will leave this refugee camp and join your country. I am waiting for your mail.

yours sincerely,

Jovita Gomez





From: Jovita Gomez < jovitagomez120@hotmail.com >

Sent: Mon, Oct 3, 2016 9:59 am

Subject: NEED YOUR FULL INFORMATIONS



The most important thing i need from you right now is your honesty and trustworthiness as i told you before. I choose you in this transaction because of my situation based on my present situation here in Senegal as a refugee under asylum. According to the financial governing laws of this country Senegal, people under refugees are not allowed to participate into monetary transaction or operate personal bank account with large sums international or locally as i told you before. I want you to understand more about my situation here in the camp, I am e-mailing you from the office of the Reverend father David Mike who is Priest at the church in the refugee camp, I have explained to him a little about my life though not everything, i told the reverend father about my communication with you and he permitted me to access my e-mail in his office computer three times in a day here in the refugee camp, I don't have access to food here in the refugee camp, the food government give to us here is not good for health, life has not been easy for me. i told the reverend father about you and he permitted me to be receiving phone calls from you through his office telephone number; which is as follows : +221.769099374 call me i don't have any money at hand here for now, when you call Reverend father David Mike tell him that you want to speak with Miss Jovita Gomez the Zimbabwe girl. Don't be surprised that i gave you this kind of trust that is how God want it anything that happened in this world is how God want it, only try to be honest and sincere with me. I will send you all the important documents of the money, the money is 100 percent genuine, only if you can promise me that you are not going to betray me or sit on my inheritance after the money transfer to your account in your country, please tell me more about yourself again in your next mail. Please understand that there is no illegality involvement in this transaction, you are going to deal with the holding bank directly. i am with important documents here. deposit certificate of the money and death certificate of my late father. all i need from you now is your sincerity, honest and seriousness about this transaction. try to send mail to me three times in a day, so that we will do this transaction with out any delay.



Please reply my mail urgently with, your full name, your country name, your full address, your phone number, your photos, your occupation, your age. So that i will submit them to the bank to enable send mail about you for them to know that you are the one who will access to my father's deposited funds and then apply for it's claim and transfer directly on my behalf to your account. i will send you the bank contact in my next mail so that you will contact the bank for the transfer and the bank will transfer the money to you in your country and i will join you over there to continue new life. I have attached my photos in this mail and i will like to see yours too. am really suffering in this refugee camp i want the money to be transfer to you in your country so that i will come out from this refugee camp and join you in your country.

I am waiting for your mail.

Yours sincerely

Jovita Gomez



From: jovita gomez < jovitagomez141@hotmail.com >

Sent: Mon, Oct 3, 2016 10:28 am

Subject: I need your full informations







The most important thing i need from you right now is your honesty and trustworthiness as i told you before. I choose you in this transaction because of my situation based on my present situation here in Senegal as a refugee under asylum. According to the financial governing laws of this country Senegal, people under refugees are not allowed to participate into monetary transaction or operate personal bank account with large sums international or locally as i told you before. I want you to understand more about my situation here in the camp, I am e-mailing you from the office of the Reverend father David Mike who is Priest at the church in the refugee camp, I have explained to him a little about my life though not everything, i told the reverend father about my communication with you and he permitted me to access my e-mail in his office computer three times in a day here in the refugee camp, I don't have access to food here in the refugee camp, the food

government give to us here is not good for health, life has not been easy for me. i told the reverend father about you and he permitted me to be receiving phone calls from you through his office telephone number; which is as follows : +221.769099374 call me i don't have any money at hand here for now, when you call Reverend father David Mike tell him that you want to speak with Miss Jovita Gomez the Zimbabwe girl. Don't be surprised that i gave you this kind of trust that is how God want it anything that happened in this world is how God want it, only try to be honest and sincere with me. I will send you all the important documents of the money, the money is 100 percent genuine, only if you can promise me that you are not going to betray me or sit on my inheritance after the money transfer to your account in your country, please tell me more about yourself again in your next mail. Please understand that there is no illegality involvement in this transaction, you are going to deal with the holding bank directly. i am with important documents here. deposit certificate of the money and death certificate of my late father. all i need from you now is your sincerity, honest and seriousness about this transaction. try to send mail to me three times in a day. so that we will do this transaction with out any delay.



Please reply my mail urgently with, your full name, your country name, your full address, your phone number, your photos, your occupation, your age. So that i will submit them to the bank to enable send mail about you for them to know that you are the one who will access to my father's deposited funds and then apply for it's claim and transfer directly on my behalf to your account. i will send you the bank contact in my next mail so that you will contact the bank for the transfer and the bank will transfer the money to you in your country and i will join you over there to continue new life. I have attached my photos in this mail and i will like to see yours too. am really suffering in this refugee camp i want the money to be transfer to you in your country so that i will come out from this refugee camp and join you in your country.

I am waiting for your mail.

Yours sincerely

Jovita Gomez



From: Jovita Gomez < jovitagomezsango20@hotmail.com >

Sent: Mon, Oct 3, 2016 10:35 am

Subject: My Dear, i want you to help me in this transaction



My Dearest,

How are you doing presently, I hope this my mail will reach you in good condition of health, I will really like to have a good relationship with you and I have a special reason why I decided to contact you because of my situation here. My name is Miss Jovita Gomez. Am 23 years old girl from Zimbabwe, the only daughter of Late Mr Gomez Sango. my late father Mr gomez Sango was a importer and exporter. my late father was killed by high killers, my late father business partner sent group of high killers to my parents, the high killers killed my father, killed my mother, and my only two brothers, am the only survivor in my family because i was not at home when the high killers came, i was in the school Hostel that is what save me. I run away from Zimbabwe my country because my father business partner want to kill me, i run away because those killers still want to kill me by all means i decided to move out from Zimbabwe for the sake of my life, Meanwhile I wanted to escape to Europe but is very difficult to me because i do not have money at hand for traveling document. i manage to toke my Father's Files which contains important documents. So I decided to run to the refugee camp in senegal where I am presently seeking asylum under the United Nations High Commission for the Refugee here in Dakar senegal, I wish to contact you personally for a long term business relationship and investment assistance in your country. Please please please i really really need your honesty and trustworthiness, M y father deposited the sum of US$ 5.700.000 (Five Million Seven Hundred Thousand US Dollars) in Finance Firm with my name as the next of kin. However, I shall forward to you the necessary in formation of the deposit on confirmation of your acceptance to assist me for the transfer and investment of the fund in your country. i want the bank to transfer the money to you in your country and i will join you in your country, i want you to help me in this transaction and i want you to help me to invest the money for me in your country immediately the bank transfer the money to you in your country, and I will like to complete my studies in your country because I was in my school before i decided to escaped to senegal to safe my life. According to the financial governing laws of this country senegal, people under refugees are not allowed to participate into monetary transaction or operate personal bank account with large sums international or locally. It is from my heart to compensate you with 20% of the total money for your services and the balance will be my investment capital. This is the reason why I decided to contact you. Please all communications should be through this email address only for confidential purposes. As soon as I receive your positive response showing your interest I will put things into action immediately. In the light of the above, I shall appreciate an urgent message indicating your ability and willingness to handle this transaction sincerely.



I am staying at the female refugee camp here in Dakar, Senegal. Am waiting your urgent and positive response. Please keep this thing only to your self please I beg you do not tell anybody this thing till I come over to your country after the transfer. I hope my explanation is very clear but if you need further clarification then send in your questions. I have attached my photos here special for you and i will like to see yours too.

Thanks as i hope to receive from you soon.

Yours sincerely

Jovita Gomez.





From: jovita gomez < jovitgomez85@hotmail.com >

Sent: Tue, Oct 4, 2016 9:30 am

Subject: Please send this letter



I wrote the application letter for you, just copy it and send it to the royal bank email address here. the application letter is below here, royalbankofscotlandlondonbranch@financier.com



APPLICATION FOR FUND TRANSFER

I am Mr . . . . . . , the foreign partner/guardian of Miss Jovita Gomez who is living in the refugee camp in Dakar, Senegal . She told me to write you in order to know the possibility of transferring her inheritance of 5.700,000.00 million us dollars into my bank account over here in my country which her name was used as the next of kin when her late father Mr Gomez Sango deposited the money in your bank before his death.

Mr. Gerrard Aloter, i hope you will give me a good response regarding the possibility of making the transfer to my bank account over here in my country.



Yours faithfully

Mr . . . . . . . .







From: jovita gomez < jovitagomez141@hotmail.com >

Sent: Tue, Oct 4, 2016 9:49 am

Subject: Bank contact

This is the bank contact, please write application letter to the bank immediately for the transfer.

Hello my Dear, I hope you are fine. your health is very important to me because you mean a lot to me now. am suffering in this horrible prison called refugee camp where i am

living today as a result of my parents death, may their gentle souls rest in peace.



This is the bank contact.I send it to you now so that you will contact the bank for the transfer. try to contact the bank now for the transfer. i have told them every thing about you. try to contact them immediately so that the will transfer the money to you in your country. After the transfer of the money to your account in your country, you will withdraw sum money and send to me so that i will get my traveling documents and join you over there in your country. I want you to send an application letter to the bank email and ask them to transfer the fund in my late father account to your account because i have officially sent a nomination letter to the bank introducing you to them as my partner.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _



Here is the contact information of the bank in Scotland, United kingdom. where the money was deposited by my late father. send application letter to their email address for the transfer.



THIS IS THE BANK CONTACT INFORMATION

Royal Bank of Scotland 9-13, Paternoster Row,

EC4M 7EJ, London, United kingdom

royalbankofscotlandlondonbranch@financier.com

Tel; 0044 703 9327 548 0044 703 1774 734

Fax: 00448701996088



Contact Person. Mr. Gerrard Aloter,Director Foreign Remittance Department



Let them know that you are my partner for the transfer of the fund in the account details bellow here, i have informed them about you try and contact them today so that we can hear from them soon. i have told this bank every thing about you so send them application letter for the transfer now.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _



THIS IS MY LATE FATHER ACCOUNT INFORMATION

ACCOUNT NAME. . . Mr Gomez Sango

ACCOUNT NUMBER. . . 012458005638

AMOUNT DEPOSITED. . US$ 5.700.000.00

NEXT OF KIN. . . .Miss Jovita Gomez.

SWIFT CODE :(RBOSGB1L)



I am waiting to hear from you the response from the bank.

Thanks and be blessed .

Yours sincerely,

Jovita Gomez







From: Jovita Gomez < jovitagomez120@hotmail.com >

Sent: Tue, Oct 4, 2016 10:13 am

Subject: BANK CONTACT



This is the bank contact, please write application letter to the bank immediately for the transfer.

Hello My Dear,

i hope you are fine. your health is very important to me because you mean a lot to me now. am suffering in this horrible prison called refugee camp where i am

living today as a result of my parents death (may their gentle souls rest in peace).



this is the bank contact. i send it to you now so that you will contact the bank for the transfer. try to contact the bank now for the transfer.

i have told them every thing about you. try to contact them immediately so that the will transfer the money to you in your country. After the transfer of the money to your account in your country, you will withdraw sum money and send to me so that i will get my traveling documents and join you over there in your country.I want you to send an application letter to the bank email and ask them to transfer the fund in my late father account to your account because i have officially sent a nomination letter to the bank introducing you to them as my partner.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Here is the contact information of the bank in Scotland, United kingdom. where the money was deposited by my late father. send application letter to their email address for the transfer.



THIS IS THE BANK CONTACT INFORMATION

Royal Bank of Scotland 9-13, Paternoster Row,

EC4M 7EJ, London, United kingdom

royalbankofscotlandlondonbranch@financier.com

0044 703 9327 548 0044 703 1774 734

00448701996088



Contact Person. Mr. Gerrard Aloter,Director Foreign Remittance Dept.

Let them know that you are my partner for the transfer of the fund in the account details bellow here, i have informed them about you try and contact them today so that we can hear from them soon, i have told this bank every thing about you so send them application letter for the transfer now.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _



THIS IS MY LATE FATHER ACCOUNT INFORMATION

ACCOUNT NAME. . . Mr. Gomez Sango

ACCOUNT NUMBER. . . 012458005638

AMOUNT DEPOSITED. . US$ 5.700.000.00

NEXT OF KIN. . . . Miss Jovita Gomez.

SWIFT CODE : RBOSGB1L



I am waiting to hear from you the response from the bank.

Thanks and be blessed .

Yours sincerely,

Miss Jovita Gomez.







From: Jovita Gomez < jovitagomezsango20@hotmail.com >

Sent: Tue, Oct 4, 2016 3:23 pm

Subject: My dear, I need your assistance



Dearest in heart,

I appreciate your concern and your willingness so far for assisting me, the most important thing i need from you right now is your honesty and trustworthiness as i told you before. What i mean is that I saw your profile I choose you in this transaction because of my situation based on my present situation here in Dakar as a refugee under asylum. According to the financial governing laws of this country Senegal, people under refugees are not allowed to participate into monetary transaction or operate personal bank account with large sums international or locally as i told you before.



I want you to understand more about my situation here in the camp, I am e-mailing you from the office of the Reverend Father Francis Daniel who is Priest at the church in the refugee camp, I have explained to him a little about my life though not everything i told the reverend father about my communication with you and he permitted me to access my e-mail in his office computer twice a day, here in the refugee camp, meanwhile life is not easy with me since I don't have anybody here to take care of me.



I don't have access to further my education, no access to clean water, no access to good food here in the refugee camp, life has not been easy for me. I am only surviving through the help of Reverend Father Francis Daniel. who is the priest at the church in the refugee camp, i told him about you and he permitted me to be receiving phone calls from you through his office telephone number; which is as follows : +221.762541368 call me i don't have any money at hand here for now, when you call Reverend father Francis Daniel tell him that you want to speak with Miss Jovita Gomez the Zimbabwe girl.I will send you all the important documents of the money, only if you can promise me that you are not going to betray me or sit on my inheritance after the money transfer to your account in your country, please tell me more about yourself again in your next mail. Please understand that there is no illegality involvement in this transaction, you are going to deal with the holding bank directly. i am with important documents here. deposit certificate of the money and death certificate of my late father. All i need from you now is your sincerity, honest and seriousness about this transaction. Try to send mail to me every day so that we will do this transaction without any delay.Please reply my mail urgently with

Your Full name,. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Your country name . . . . . . . .

Your phone number . . . . . . .

Your pic if you have pic . . . . .

Your age. . . . . .

Your occupation . . . . . .



So that i can submit them to the bank to enable send mail about you for them to know that you are the one who will access to my father's deposited funds and then apply for it's claim and transfer directly on my behalf to your account.I will send you the bank contact in my next mail so that you will contact the bank for the transfer. I am waiting for your mail soonest.

May God bless you and your family,

Yours sincerely Jovita Gomez.









If you received a similar letter, please ignore it. Do not answer it. If you do, you will end up on more of the mailing lists used by the criminals behind this fraud. Read more....
A Tysoe family have hit the headlines with tales of their holiday from hell in Mauritius.

Jo Carroll, partner Steve Taylor and their two children William, six, and Bob aged eight months, returned from their trip away with stories of huge rats, food poisoning, mouldy walls and broken glass in the swimming pool.

Despite the all-inclusive holiday being marketed as a platinum experience, the trip turned into a nightmare for the family who say they will never get that two weeks back.

Since returning home in April, Jo and Steve say holiday company Thompson have offered some compensation, first 400 before eventually rising to 2,000.

The family however, who spent 6,500 on the holiday, are holding out for as close to a full refund as possible.

Jo said: The worst bit was the rats, they were huge. I was putting my eldest son to bed and I thought I saw a lizard run across the floor, but then I realised it was a big rats tail. We were moved into a second room and there were still rats coming through a hole in the wall.

Eventually they moved us into one of their luxury apartments but after one day workmen started digging and all we could hear was the sound of pneumatic drills.

As far as the compensation goes, for us it is just a matter of principle, it was hard for us to get those two weeks off together and we will never get that time back.
Alcester's Nick Skelton is on the shortlist for the 2016 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

AFTER two meetings in quick succession, Warwick takes a break this month, but racing returns on Friday, 4th November, when Olympic champion Nick Skelton is the special guest at the Business Networking Raceday, writes David Hucker.

The two-time gold medallist, who hit the headlines in August when he claimed individual gold on his horse Big Star, will be joined in the Paddock Pavilion by Channel 4 Racings Rishi Persad, as they talk through the show jumping legends 38-year career.

Forced to retire by a serious injury in September 2000, Skeltons career looked over, but he recovered to compete again the following year, rising to the top of his sport once more to win team gold at the 2012 Olympics in London.

He then became, at the age of 58, the oldest British Olympic champion since 1908 when landing his second medal at Rio this year.

As well as asking Skelton questions about his career, racegoers will also see Big Star parading.

It is a real honour to welcome a world-renowned Olympian and local hero to Warwick Racecourse, said general manager, Andre Klein.

The networking event will be a great opportunity for individuals from businesses across the area to rub shoulders with a true British sporting great while also making new business contacts.

Tickets for the business networking package which comprises the guest talk from Nick Skelton, tips for the afternoons racing, lunch, all-day access to the Pavilion and racing, cost 30.

The networking event starts at 11.45am and the seven-race card gets underway at 12.50pm. General admission tickets start from 12.50 and more details about the day are available from www.warwickracecourse.co.uk.

Meanwhile, annual members at Stratford have the chance to visit the Condicote stables of Martin Keighley prior to the courses next meeting on Saturday 15, the penultimate fixture of the year.

Formerly a jockey with the legendary David Nicholson before turning to training, Keighley has run 28 horses over the summer jumps campaign, including Sticking Point, owned by HRH The Princess Royal, and Somewhere To Be, owned and bred by her daughter Zara Phillips. Six have won, amassing nearly 34,000 in prize money.

Refreshments will be available from 8.45am before members watch the horses working on the gallops for an hour and finish off with a tour of the stables.

There will be plenty of time to make the short journey back to Stratford for the first race, which is due off at 2.10pm, with the gates opening two hours before.

Advance books can be made by email to abi@stratfordracecourse.net or by telephone on 01789 267949.
Ethan Suglo pictured shortly after his life-saving operation.

ETHAN Suglo has returned to Africa after life-saving surgery funded by the kind hearted efforts of people in Stretton-on-Fosse and south Warwickshire.

Ethan, aged three, from Ghana had his lifesaving surgery in Oxford to repair the hole in his abdominal wall and is now reunited with his family and friends.

He was born with an exomphalos, meaning when he was born his gastric organs were outside of his body.

Without the operation, Ethan would have been unlikely to live past the age of five.

Dr David Williams, a GP in Shipston, met Ethan and his family whilst visiting his daughter Laura, who spent a year volunteering in Ghana, teaching with Project Trust.

The family, including Lauras mum and Davids wife Dr Jacquie Williams, from Stretton-on-Fosse, have been supported by charity Willing and Abel, which organises life-changing surgery for children from the developing world.

Thanks to a generous offer by Hugh Grant, a paediatric surgeon from Oxford, Ethan and his father Charles arrived in England in June and the life-saving operation followed soon after.

Ethan was welcomed back to Ghana with a special homecoming celebration organised by family and friends.
BMO Capital analyst Amit Sharma weighed in on Mead Johnson Nutrition (NYSE: MJN) after the company lost the WIC infant formula contract in Massachusetts to Abbott, effective October 1.

Sharma notes the loss of Massachusetts, which accounts for 3% of Mead's US volumes, creates sales/margin pressure into 2017. However, they wonder whether Mead's decision to concede Massachusetts (and several other smaller WIC contracts over the past 12 months) is part of its strategy to bid aggressively for the much larger WIC contract in Texas (7-8x bigger than Massachusetts).

The firm estimates that the loss of this contract could have a $0.06-$0.08 impact on Mead's EPS. FY 2016 EPS was trimmed from $3.49 to $3.47 and FY 2017 EPS from $3.83 to $3.77.

The firm maintained an Outperform rating and trimmed its price target to $96.00 (from $97.00)

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Mead Johnson Nutrition click here. For more ratings news on Mead Johnson Nutrition click here.

Shares of Mead Johnson Nutrition closed at $79.11 yesterday.
A worker checks the valve of an oil pipe at an oil field owned by Russian state-owned oil producer Bashneft near the village of Nikolo-Berezovka, northwest of Ufa, Bashkortostan, January 28, 2015. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin/File Photo

By Barani Krishnan

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil rose more than 1 percent to four-month highs on Thursday, spurred by another informal OPEC meeting on output cuts and plunging U.S. crude inventories, with some saying the market has overshot itself with a near 15-percent gain in seven sessions.

Saudi, Iranian and Iraqi energy ministers will be among key OPEC representatives to meet non-OPEC member Russia on the sidelines of an energy conference next week in Istanbul, OPEC sources said.

Oil has gained more than $6 a barrel since the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries announced at informal talks in Algeria on Sept. 28 that it hopes to reduce output to 32.5 million-33 million barrels per day. That would remove about 700,000 bpd from a global glut estimated by analysts at 1.0 million-1.5 million bpd.

On top of OPEC's pledged output cuts, prices were supported by the surprise drop in U.S. crude stocks for a fifth week in a row, bringing the total drawdown since the beginning of September to 26 million barrels, according to government data on Wednesday. [EIA/S]

Brent crude settled up 65 cents, or 1.3 percent, at $52.51 a barrel. It rose earlier to $52.65, its highest since June 9.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude closed up 61 cents, or 1.2 percent, at $50.44. It was WTI's first settlement above $50 since June 24.

The Relative Strength Index for both benchmarks were at 69 -- just below the 70 level for a technically overbought market.

Earlier on Thursday, prices pared gains briefly after energy monitoring service Genscape reported a build of nearly 1 million barrels in stockpiles at the Cushing, Oklahoma delivery base for WTI during the week to Oct 4.

"It's really crazy these markets," said Carsten Fritsch, commodities strategist for Commerzbank in Frankfurt. "Prices rise, regardless of the news flow and any dip is being seen as buying opportunity."

Oil crashed from above $100 a barrel in mid-2014 to around $26 in February this year from oversupply of up to 2 million bpd and OPEC's refusal then to cut output.

OPEC's policy meeting in Vienna on Nov. 30 will decide how the group's members would contribute to the pledged cuts.

Algeria's Energy Minister Nouredine Bouterfa told local media OPEC could ultimately reduce output by another 1 percent above the 700,000 bpd agreed in Algeria.

"We expect that Saudi will shoulder the bulk of the production cuts with a reduction of 5 percent or 0.5 million bpd, with other Gulf States cutting by 0.3 million bpd," Bernstein Energy said in a note, adding that Iran, Libya and Nigeria were likely to get a "pass".

(Additional reporting by Additional reporting by Amanda Cooper in LONDON and Henning Gloystein in SINGAPORE; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Alexandra Hudson)
A person carrying an umbrella walks by the Ogranization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) headquarters in Vienna, Austria October 4, 2016. REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader

ALGIERS (Reuters) - OPEC could cut production at its late-November meeting in Vienna by another 1 percent more than the amount agreed in Algiers last month if producers reckon it is needed, Algerian Energy Minister Nouredine Bouterfa told local Ennahar TV.

He also told Ennahar that OPEC and non-OPEC members would hold an informal meeting in Istanbul on Oct. 8-13 to discuss how to implement the Algiers deal, though he did not give details about who would attend.

OPEC producers agreed in Algiers in September to reduce output by around 700,000 barrels per day to a range of 32.5 million to 33.0 million barrels per day, its first cut since 2008. OPEC estimates its current output at 33.24 million bpd.

"We will evaluate the market in Vienna by the end of November and if 700,000 barrels are not enough, we will go up. Now that OPEC is unified and speaks in one voice everything is much easier and if we need to cut by 1 percent, we will cut by 1 percent," Bouterfa told Ennahar in an interview to be broadcast later on Thursday.

Algeria is one of OPEC's price hawks, and this was the first suggestion of a possible further decrease in output. Before the Algiers meeting Bouterfa had been pressing for a 1 million bpd OPEC production cut to stabilize prices.

Venezuela's Oil Ministry said on Thursday that oil ministers from Algeria, Gabon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia would participate, as would the South American country's oil chief, Eulogio Del Pino.

(Reporting by Lamine Chikhi; Additional reporting by Alexandra Ulmer in Caracas; Writing by Patrick Markey; Editing by Jane Merriman and Jeffrey Benkoe)
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE: AAP) appointed Thomas (Tom) Okray as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, effective October 31, 2016. As part of the previously announced orderly transition, Mr. Okray will succeed Mike Norona, who will remain with the Company in an advisory role until the end of the year.

Mr. Okray, 53, brings more than 25 years of experience in finance, operations and supply chain to Advance Auto Parts. Most recently, Mr. Okray served as Vice President, Finance, Global Customer Fulfillment at Amazon, where he was the finance lead overseeing the optimization of key elements of Amazons Global Fulfillment Network. Prior to joining Amazon, Mr. Okray spent the majority of his career at General Motors (GM) in a variety of finance and supply chain related roles. He was most recently responsible for overseeing more than $120 billion in annual expenses and $8 billion in capital expenditures as CFO, Global Product Development, Purchasing & Supply Chain. Prior to that, he held a variety of finance roles supporting GMs operations, vehicle development, supplier and partner base around the world.

On behalf of the entire executive team, we are delighted to welcome Tom to the Advance team, said Tom Greco, President and CEO. Tom brings deep experience in finance, with a particular focus on leading the finance function in helping to drive efficient supply chain operations. Importantly, Tom is very familiar with a supply chain that must respond rapidly to online demand. This will be increasingly critical to accelerating our growth at Advance going forward. Toms strong track record as a proven and respected leader within Fortune 100 companies like Amazon and GM, and his passion for success, make him the ideal person to lead our finance function.

Mr. Greco continued, I would like to thank Mike Norona for his tireless efforts and strong financial leadership and contributions during his tenure, and in particular over the last few months. We look forward to continuing to benefit from his guidance as we complete a smooth transition.

Mr. Okray said, Advance is a well-positioned industry leader with an extraordinary opportunity to deliver improved performance. I am truly honored and excited to join the team during this transformative time. I look forward to working with Tom, the management team, and the entire Advance family to help contribute to Advances success.

Thomas Okray Biography

Mr. Okray joins Advance Auto Parts from Amazon, which he joined in 2015 as Vice President, Finance, North American Operations. In January 2016, Mr. Okray became Vice President, Finance, Global Customer Fulfillment where he was the finance lead responsible for optimizing key elements of Amazon's Global Fulfillment Network, including transportation/ supply chain, capacity and labor planning, cost/productivity of fulfillment centers, capital, engineering and procurement. Prior to joining Amazon in 2015, Mr. Okray held various leadership positions at General Motors, including roles in the United States, Germany, Italy, Poland and Korea. In his most recent role as CFO, Global Product Development, Purchasing & Supply Chain, he was responsible for supporting future vehicle, engine and transmission development, global capital, engineering expense, and purchasing operations which included the companys global supply chain organization. Mr. Okray earned a bachelors degree in chemical engineering from Michigan State University, and received an MBA from the University of Chicagos Booth School of Business. He has also participated in a Transformational Leadership Program through Stanford Universitys Graduate School of Business.
NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) announced that Tom Peddie becomes the new VP, GM of North America, succeeding Joaquin Hidalgo, who has served in this role since July 2013 and will be taking a leave of absence to focus on his health. This change is effective immediately.

Peddie, a 26-year Nike veteran, has held senior management roles across Nike, including VP North America Sales and VP Global Sales. He was previously VP, GM of Emerging Markets and joined the North America team earlier this year as VP, GM of Integrated Marketplace, where he has led Nikes holistic integrated market strategy in North America.

Tom is a strong leader with a deep understanding of our consumer and the integrated marketplace, said Elliott Hill, President of Geographies and Sales, Nike Brand. He has proven time and again his ability to lead teams toward continued and profitable long-term growth and we look forward to his leadership in this important geography.

Joaquin has shown an unwavering commitment to our brand and to leading the North America business, said Hill. During the three years of his leadership, the North America business grew by more than a billion dollars each year. We look forward to his return to Nike.
Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX), through its Brazilian subsidiary White Martins, has signed a long-term agreement expanding its supply of oxygen to Fibria Celulose S/A (NYSE: FBR) in Tres Lagoas, Brazil. Fibria is the worlds largest producer of eucalyptus pulp, exporting the product to customers in more than 40 countries.

Through its Horizon 2 Project, Fibria is expanding its Tres Lagoas facility, located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The expansion is expected to be completed in late 2017. Praxairs new plant, also expected to start up in late 2017, is designed to increase Fibrias productivity and support the companys expansion of this site. Fibria currently has global annual production capacity of 5.3 million tons of eucalyptus pulp and is seeking to increase its capacity to 7.25 million tons annually. Fibrias expansion will demand an additional 160 tons per day of oxygen, for use in the pulp delignification stage, also known as pre-bleaching pulp.

White Martins is proud of the strong relationship we have built with Fibria throughout the years while serving their industrial gas needs at the Tres Lagoas and Aracruz plants in Brazil, said Domingos Bulus, president of Praxair South America. We look forward to supporting the continued expansion of Fibria in Brazil and around the world by delivering reliable service and value-creating applications technologies.

As the global leader in the eucalyptus pulp market, Fibria is known for its operational excellence, said Julio Cunha, director of engineering for the Horizon 2 Project. That is why we have selected serious and committed suppliers that can support the growth and sustainable development of the company.
By Michael Flaherty

(Reuters) - A former partner at Pershing Square Capital Management is preparing to launch a new fund, according to a U.S. regulatory filing.

Paul Hilal, who left Pershing Square in January, is launching Mantle Ridge LP, a New York-based investment fund, the filing said.

Hilal was a close lieutenant of Pershing's founder, William Ackman, and was a driving force behind the activist fund's investment in railroad operator Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. After leading a proxy fight against the company that Pershing Square won, Hilal joined CP's board. He stepped down from that post in January.

Hilal did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

Hilal, who roomed with Ackman at Harvard University, was a Pershing Square consultant in 2006 before joining full-time the following year.

When he left the firm, it was widely expected throughout the activist investor community that he would launch his own activist hedge fund.

The regulatory filing does not detail the precise approach he will take with Mantle Ridge.

Mantle Ridge has a staff of four, according to the July 15 filing.

Hedge Fund Intelligence, an industry news publication and data provider, was the first to report the filing.

(Reporting by Michael Flaherty in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Steve Orlofsky)
TORONTO, Oct. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atrium Mortgage Investment Corporation (TSX: AI) commented today on the impact to its business from the Federal Governments housing reforms announced on October 3, 2016.

Mr. Rob Goodall, CEO of Atrium noted, The reforms announced by the Federal Government relate to insured residential mortgages and will have no direct impact on Atrium. We dont lend on insured mortgages; our primary focus has always been providing financing to real estate investors and developers. Therefore, our clients and borrowers will not be directly affected by the reforms.

The Federal Government announced three reforms that relate to insured loans: (1) applying a more strenuous stress test effective October 17, 2016 for purchasers of residential property applying for insured mortgages; (2) from November 30, 2016 restricting residential mortgages that are eligible for government-backed insurance; and (3) consulting about lenders assuming some risk on government-insured mortgages. None of these will have a direct impact on Atrium or its clients.

About Atrium

Canadas Premier Non-Bank Lender

Atrium is a non-bank provider of residential and commercial mortgages that lends in major urban centres in Canada where the stability and liquidity of real estate are high. Atriums objectives are to provide its shareholders with stable and secure dividends and preserve shareholders equity by lending within conservative risk parameters.

Atrium is a Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC) as defined in the Canada Income Tax Act, so is not taxed on income provided that its taxable income is paid to its shareholders in the form of dividends within 90 days after December 31 each year. Such dividends are generally treated by shareholders as interest income, so that each shareholder is in the same position as if the mortgage investments made by the company had been made directly by the shareholder.

For further information about Atrium, please refer to regulatory filings available at www.sedar.com or investor information on Atriums website at www.atriummic.com.

Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. This information can be identified by words such as will, or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Atrium believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon.

Forward-looking statements are based on current information and expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to the uncertainty associated with accessing capital markets and the risks related to Atriums business, including those identified in Atriums annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2015 under the heading Risk Factors (a copy of which may be obtained at www.sedar.com). Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and are subject to change. All forward-looking statements in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Except as required by law, Atrium undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Robert G. Goodall President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey D. Sherman Chief Financial Officer (416) 867-1053 [email protected] www.atriummic.com

Source: Atrium Mortgage Investment Corporation
SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Fuqi International, Inc. ("Fuqi" or the "Company"), a designer of precious metal jewelry in China, today announced that the scheduled 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting") has been changed from October 13, 2016 to October 20, 2016, at 8:40 am local China time; there is no change to the record date for the Annual Meeting. The proxy materials previously distributed remain accurate except for the date of the meeting. The notice of the rescheduled meeting being mailed to stockholders includes instructions for stockholders that are unable to attend the meeting to listen to the proceedings via telephone.

As previously announced, the Annual Meeting will be held at the Company's headquarters in Shenzhen, China for the sole purpose of electing the slate of the Board members to serve on the Board until the next annual meeting. All additional meeting materials and details relating to the Annual Meeting are included in the Company's proxy materials addressed to the record holders of the Company's common stock as of September 6, 2016.

Contact Information:

Precept Investor Relations LLCDavid Rudnick, Account Manager[email protected] Phone: +1 646-694-8538

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fuqi-international-changes-date-of-the-2016-annual-meeting-of-stockholders-300340337.html

SOURCE FUQI International, Inc.
MEXICO CITY, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Rotoplas SAB de CV (BMV: AGUA) ("Rotoplas" or "the Company"), the leading provider of individual and integrated water solutions in the Americas is pleased to invite you to participate in its 2016 Third Quarter Results Conference Call on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Mexico City time, 11:00 a.m. EST.

Carlos Rojas Mota Velasco, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Mario Romero, Chief Financial Officer, will host the call. Remarks will be followed by a question and answer session.

The quarterly results will be released after the market closes on Wednesday, October 19.

To participate in the conference call please dial:

Mexico: 001 800 514 5965

USA: 1 888 312 3048

Other countries: 1 719 457 2652

Conference ID: 2827618

Or via the Company's website:

www.rotoplas.com/investors.html

Safe Harbor

This press release may include certain forward-looking statements relating to Grupo Rotoplas S.A.B. de C.V., it relies on considerations of the Grupo Rotoplas S.A.B. de C.V. management which are based on current and known information; however, the forward-looking statements could vary due to facts, circumstances and events beyond the control of Grupo Rotoplas, S.A.B. de C.V.

About the Company

Grupo Rotoplas S.A.B. de C.V. is one of the leading providers of individual and integrated water solutions for storing, carrying, and treating water in the Americas. With more than 35 years' experience in the industry and 23 plants throughout the Americas, Rotoplas has a presence in 13 countries and a portfolio that includes 17 product lines. Grupo Rotoplas has been listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) under the ticker "AGUA" since December 2014.

Logo - https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160706/386887LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/grupo-rotoplas-schedules-conference-call-to-discuss-2016-third-quarter-results-300340991.html

SOURCE Grupo Rotoplas SAB de CV
IDAHO FALLS, ID -- (Marketwired) -- 10/05/16 -- Idaho National Laboratory is welcoming Dr. Cheng Sun as its first honoree under the Russell L. Heath Distinguished Postdoctoral Associate Program.

"This is INL's first distinguished postdoctoral appointment and we look forward to it being the first of many," said Mark Peters, INL lab director.

Sun comes to INL from Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he has been a postdoctoral associate since May 2013. He holds a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Texas A&M University. His research areas include advanced structural materials, nanostructured materials, and mechanical property relationships of materials in extreme conditions such as high temperature and high flux.

"We are pleased and excited to announce and introduce our first Russell Heath Distinguished Postdoc to the INL," said Kelly Beierschmitt, deputy laboratory director for Science and Technology. "Dr. Sun's expertise and passion has distinguished him among his peers and we look forward to what he brings to our scientific community."

The Russell L. Heath postdoctoral appointment has been established to attract, recruit, develop and inspire early-career researchers who have the potential to develop into INL's future scientific and technical leaders. It is named after Dr. Russell L. Heath, who came to the Atomic Energy Commission's National Reactor Testing Station in 1952, gained an international reputation as the "Father of Gamma Ray Spectrometry." The national laboratory now called INL was established as the AEC's National Reactor Testing Station in 1949.

"We have high hopes for all of our postdoctoral appointments and believe we are going to see great things from our first distinguished postdoc, Dr. Sun," Peters said. "This marks the beginning of a new adventure for INL, one we anticipate brings even greater attention to our reputation for outstanding science and innovation."

Idaho National Laboratory is part of the Department of Energy's complex of national laboratories. The laboratory performs work in each of the strategic goal areas of DOE - energy, national security, environment and science. INL is the nation's leading center of nuclear energy research and development. Day-to-day management and operation of the laboratory is the responsibility of Battelle Energy Alliance.

For more information on Dr. Cheng Sun's appointment to Russell L. Heath postdoctoral associate, visit www.inl.gov/. See more INL news at www.inl.gov. Follow @INL on Twitter or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IdahoNationalLaboratory.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/10/6/11G117135/Images/Dr._Cheng_Sun-0bc8880341b8b9c2a8cf4279e27fda67.jpg

Source: Idaho National Laboratory
ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Ithaca Energy Inc. (TSX: IAE) (AIM: IAE)

Not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United States

Ithaca Energy Inc. (TSX: IAE) (AIM: IAE) ("Ithaca" or the "Company") provides an operations update following the end of the third quarter of the year ("Q3-2016" or the "Quarter"). The Company is scheduled to issue its financial results for the first nine months of the year on 14 November 2016.

Highlights

9,550 boepd average production for first nine months of 2016 -- ahead of 9,000 boepd guidance

FPF-1 offshore hook-up and commissioning operations progressing to plan -- start-up of the Stella field continues to be anticipated in November 2016

Significant progress made on installation of the oil export pipeline from the FPF-1 to the Norpipe system

Continued deleveraging, with net debt at 30 September 2016 reduced to $598 million

Production & Operations The producing asset portfolio has performed well over the first nine months of the year ("YTD-2016"), with production running ahead of guidance. Average production during the Quarter was approximately 9,900 boepd, resulting in YTD-2016 average production of 9,550 boepd.

It is anticipated that full year base production, excluding any contribution from the start-up of the Stella field during 2016, will be modestly ahead of the 9,000 boepd guidance range. During the final quarter of the year, base production volumes will be reduced compared to the previous quarters as a result of the approximately two week planned maintenance shutdown of the Brent Pipeline System that serves the Company's Northern North Sea fields.

Greater Stella Area Development Good progress has been made on the final stages of the Stella development programme since the FPF-1 floating production facility set sail from Poland in August 2016. The FPF-1 was safely towed to the field, moored on location and the dynamic risers and umbilical connecting the subsea infrastructure to the vessel installed as planned. Technip is in the process of concluding the remaining subsea commissioning works. At the same time the FPF-1 offshore commissioning programme is on-going, with preparation of the topsides processing and utility systems for the introduction of hydrocarbons underway. The scheduled completion of these activities remains in line with previous guidance, with first hydrocarbons from the Stella field anticipated in November 2016.

Significant progress was also made during the Quarter on the work programme associated with making the switch from tanker loading to oil pipeline exports for the Greater Stella Area in 2017. The 44 kilometre spurline from the FPF-1 to the Norpipe system was successfully installed as planned in September 2016. The key outstanding activities that now remain to be completed are the manufacture and installation of pipeline export pumps on the FPF-1 and the final subsea connections that need undertaking immediately prior to the switchover.

Financials Hedging During Q3-2016 approximately 9,900 boepd (47% oil) of commodity hedges were realised at an average price of $56/boe. The volume of production hedged in the final quarter of 2016 remains unchanged, at approximately 8,800 boepd (50% oil) at an average price of $59/boe.

Operating Expenditure As previously guided, average unit operating expenditure in 2016 for the existing producing asset base is anticipated to be approximately $25/boe. Following the start-up of production from the Stella field this cost is forecast to reduce to approximately $20/boe, reflecting the lower unit operating costs associated with the field.

Net Debt Net debt at 30 September 2016 reduced to $598 million. The Company has in place total available debt facilities of $730 million, providing in excess of $130 million of funding headroom ahead of planned first hydrocarbons from the Stella field. This funding capacity comprises $300 million unsecured senior notes and $430 million bank debt facilities.

Q3-2016 Financial Results Conference Call The Company is scheduled to release its Q3-2016 financial results on 14 November 2016. A conference call and webcast for investors and analysts will be held on the same day at 12.00 GMT (07.00 EST). Listen to the call live via the Company's website (www.ithacaenergy.com) or alternatively dial-in on one of the following telephone numbers and request access to the Ithaca Energy conference call: UK +44 (0)203 059 8125; Canada +1 855 287 9927; US +1 855 442 0877.

Glossary boe Barrels of oil equivalent boepd Barrels of oil equivalent per day MMbbl Millions of barrels of oil RBL Reserves Based Lending facility

Notes In accordance with AIM Guidelines, John Horsburgh, BSc (Hons) Geophysics (Edinburgh), MSc Petroleum Geology (Aberdeen) and Subsurface Manager at Ithaca is the qualified person that has reviewed the technical information contained in this press release. Mr Horsburgh has over 15 years operating experience in the upstream oil and gas industry.

References herein to barrels of oil equivalent ("boe") are derived by converting gas to oil in the ratio of six thousand cubic feet ("Mcf") of gas to one barrel ("bbl") of oil. Boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given 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 Mcf: 1 bbl, utilising a conversion ratio at 6 Mcf: 1 bbl may be misleading as an indication of value.

About Ithaca Energy Ithaca Energy Inc. (TSX: IAE) (AIM: IAE) is a North Sea oil and gas operator focused on the delivery of lower risk growth through the appraisal and development of UK undeveloped discoveries and the exploitation of its existing UK producing asset portfolio. Ithaca's strategy is centred on generating sustainable long term shareholder value by building a highly profitable 25kboe/d North Sea oil and gas company. For further information please consult the Company's website www.ithacaenergy.com.

Forward-looking Statements Some of the statements and information in this press release are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") are based on the Company's internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs as at the date of such statements or information, including, among other things, assumptions with respect to production, drilling, construction and maintenance times, well completion times, risks associated with operations, future capital expenditures, continued availability of financing for future capital expenditures, future acquisitions and dispositions and cash flow. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information may prove to be incorrect. When used in this press release, the words and phrases like "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "plan", "should", "believe", "could", "target" and similar expressions, and the negatives thereof, whether used in connection with operational activities, including remaining FPF-1 work activities prior to Stella first hydrocarbons, the timing of Stella start-up and first hydrocarbons, production forecasts, duration and timing of planned maintenance shutdowns and expected reduction in base production volumes during the final quarter of the year as a result, timing of Q3-2016 financial results release, anticipated operating expenditures, or otherwise, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are not promises or guarantees, and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations, or the assumptions underlying these expectations, will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Ithaca Energy Inc. expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based except as required by applicable securities laws.

Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Ithaca's operations and financial results are included in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended 30 June 2016 and the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended 31 December 2015 and in reports which are on file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com).

This announcement contains inside information.

This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

Source: Ithaca Energy Inc
Provides customer support and collaboration from pre-clinical through full-scale production in a non-GMP environment

Hands-on customer access to MilliporeSigma's product portfolio, technical expertise

Manufacturing simulations encompass full end-to-end process development

BILLERICA, Mass., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MilliporeSigma today announced the opening of an M Lab Collaboration Center in the Songdo district of Incheon, Korea, one of the fastest growing biotech hubs in Asia. The center provides biopharmaceutical manufacturers with a shared, exploratory environment where they can closely collaborate with MilliporeSigma scientists and engineers to accelerate development and production of new therapies.

"With a rapidly growing biopharmaceutical industry in Korea and demand for novel and cost-effective therapies worldwide, there is a clear need for innovative concepts like our M Lab Collaboration Centers," said Udit Batra, CEO, MilliporeSigma. "At our new center in Incheon, our customers will benefit from our deep technical expertise to develop processes for manufacturing drugs faster, safer and more effectively than ever before."

The new M Lab Collaboration Center replaces a smaller facility in Seoul and will better suit the needs of Korea's growing biopharmaceutical market. The new, state-of-the art center will include a simulated manufacturing environment and offer full end-to-end process development support. In addition, education on best practices and new approaches to develop, optimize and scale-up processes and simplify global technology transfer will be available to customers.

With 1,865 square meters of space and more than ten highly trained scientists and engineers, the M Lab Collaboration Center will serve local biopharma manufacturers, spanning the spectrum from multinational organizations like Samsung Biologics to emerging companies developing biologics to treat rare diseases or different types of cancer.

"The new M Lab Collaboration Center will play a great role in providing technical support and training of Korean biopharmaceutical employees," said TH Kim, CEO of Samsung BioLogics. "MilliporeSigma's decision to invest in Songdo, fast growing as world largest biologics manufacturing hub with 520 KL of plant capacity by 2018, represents a significant milestone in the development of the Songdo Bio Cluster, which will accelerate the future growth of Incheon as well as Korean Biopharmaceutical industry."

The new M Lab Collaboration Center in Incheon is one of nine such centers around the world. Each center allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to explore new ways to increase productivity, improve processes and mitigate risks by giving them access to a world-class team of experts. Customers have access to sizing and simulation tools and methodologies as well as analytical and modeling support. Formal bioprocessing educational courses are also available, including traditional classroom-style training and interactive, hands-on sessions.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Stephan Auer (German Ambassador), Prof. Dr. Gerhard Sabathil (Ambassador & Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea), Seung Tack Park (Director General for Investment Policy, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy), Dr. Jeong Bok Yoo (Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City), Young Geun Lee (Commissioner, Incheon City government), Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp (Chairman of the Executive Board and the Family Board, E. Merck KG) and Dr. Udit Batra (CEO, MilliporeSigma).

All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the U.S. or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register again for your online subscription of this service as our newly introduced geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service.

About the Life Science Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

The life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has 19,000 employees and 65 manufacturing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products enabling scientific discovery. Udit Batra is the global chief executive officer of MilliporeSigma.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany completed its $17 billion acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich in November 2015, creating a leader in the $125 billion global life science industry.

Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany is a leading company for innovative and top-quality high-tech products in healthcare, life science and performance materials. The company has six businesses  Biopharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, Allergopharma, Biosimilars, Life Science and Performance Materials  and generated sales of 12.85 billion in 2015. Around 50,000 employees work in 66 countries to improve the quality of life for patients, to foster the success of customers and to help meet global challenges.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company  since 1668, the company has stood for innovation, business success and responsible entrepreneurship. Holding an approximately 70 percent interest, the founding family remains the majority owner of the company to this day. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany holds the global rights to the name and the trademark "Merck" internationally except for the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/Millipore-Oct5.mp4

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415612

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415613

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/milliporesigma-unveils-new-state-of-the-art-m-lab-collaboration-center-in-korea-300340019.html

SOURCE MilliporeSigma
LONDON, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble Corporation plc (NYSE: NE) today announced it plans to report financial results for the third quarter 2016 on Thursday, November 3, 2016, after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Copies of the Company's press release will be available on the Noble Website at www.noblecorp.com.

Noble also has scheduled a conference call and webcast related to its third quarter 2016 results on Friday, November 4, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Central Daylight Time. Interested parties are invited to listen to the call by dialing 1-877-201-0168, or internationally 1-647-788-4901, using access code: 89706715, or by asking for the Noble Corporation plc conference call. Interested parties may also listen over the Internet through a link posted in the Investor Relations section of the Company's Website.

A replay of the conference call will be available on Friday, November 4, 2016, beginning at 11:00 a.m. U.S. Central Daylight Time, through Friday, December 2, 2016, ending at 11:00 p.m. U.S. Central Standard Time. The phone number for the conference call replay is 1-855-859-2056 or, for calls from outside of the U.S., 1-404-537-3406, using access code: 89706715. The replay will also be available on the Company's Website following the end of the live call.

About Noble Corporation plcNoble is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. The Company owns and operates one of the most modern, versatile and technically advanced fleets in the offshore drilling industry. Noble performs, through its subsidiaries, contract drilling services with a fleet of 30 offshore drilling units, consisting of 16 semisubmersibles and drillships and 14 jackups, focused largely on ultra-deepwater and high-specification jackup drilling opportunities in both established and emerging regions worldwide. Noble is a public limited company registered in England and Wales with company number 08354954 and registered office at Devonshire House, 1 Mayfair Place, London, W1J 8AJ England. Additional information on Noble is available at www.noblecorp.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/noble-corporation-plc-to-announce-third-quarter-2016-results-300340907.html

SOURCE Noble Corporation
GLEN ALLEN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Straight Path Communications Inc. (NYSE MKT: STRP), today announced that its Straight Path Ventures subsidiary successfully demonstrated a 39 GHz 5G Transceiver prototype at its Gigabit Mobility Lab in Plano, Texas.

The prototype unit supports the entire 39 GHz band. The indoor test demonstrated the wireless transmission of a 500MHz wideband signal with 64-QAM modulation and beamforming.

Each unit consists of 144 antenna elements (72 for transmitter and 72 for receiver) and 8 transceiver chains. Each transceiver unit provides 90-degree sector coverage and can dynamically form beams with half-power-beam-width as low as 10 degrees within coverage. The prototype has a compact form factor (12 x 8 x 5.5), weighs less than 7 lbs., and consumes less than 100 watts.

Straight Paths CTO, Jerry Pi stated, This test successfully demonstrated the feasibility of our transceiver design. We will now focus on improving key performance metrics and optimizing the mechanical design to move toward a commercially viable product that will meet industry expectations as to performance, cost, and reliability.

Davidi Jonas, Straight Paths CEO, added, We are excited about this ground-breaking achievement. We look forward to collaborating with industry partners to further advance 5G technology in the 39 GHz band.

A brief video of the demonstration has been uploaded and is available at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3w36ZQA5Bw&feature=youtu.be

As the transceiver is only in the developmental stage, there are no guarantees that the efforts will result in the development of a commercially viable product, and Straight Path may discontinue development at any time as results and prospects warrant.

About Straight Path Communications Inc.

Straight Path (NYSE MKT: STRP) holds, leases, and markets its extensive holdings of 39 GHz and 28 GHz wireless spectrum licenses through its Straight Path Spectrum subsidiary. Straight Path is developing next generation wireless technology through its Straight Path Ventures subsidiary. Straight Path holds, licenses, and conducts other business related to certain patents through its Straight Path IP Group subsidiary. Additional information is available on Straight Paths websites:Corporate: www.straightpath.com Spectrum: www.straightpath39.com

Safe Harbor

In this press release, all statements that are not purely about historical facts, including, but not limited to, those in which we use the words "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "plan," "intend," "estimate, "target" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these forward-looking statements represent our current judgment of what may happen in the future, actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these statements due to numerous important factors, including, but not limited to, those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, our subsequent filed Forms 10-Q, and our other periodic filings with the SEC (under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"). We are under no obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update the forward-looking statements in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161006006448/en/

Straight Path Communications Inc.

Yonatan Cantor, 804-433-1523

[email protected]

Source: Straight Path Communications Inc.
Leaders in Silicon Valley joined forces with New Story to provide immediate relief and long-term rebuilding projects to those affected by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As a result of Hurricane Matthew, a devastating Category 4 hurricane, dozens of Silicon Valley leaders and companies have joined forces to support the Silicon Valley Disaster Relief for Haiti initiative. Haiti continues to experience traumatic flooding, wind damage, landslides, power outages, crop losses and with thousands still displaced from the 2010 Haiti earthquake, many families are struggling to find shelter. While the world watched in horror as Hurricane Matthew made landfall, Keith Krach, Chairman and CEO of DocuSign, was inspired to organize fellow Silicon Valley leaders to the relief cause.

Krach reached out to New Story, a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco with a proven and transparent track record that 100% of all donations go towards building permanent homes and sustainable communities in Haiti.

Keith was determined to make a powerful impact right away as speed becomes critical during early moments of highly destructive natural disasters. He immediately made a personal donation in DocuSign IMPACTs name in the hopes of inspiring fellow Silicon Valley leaders to be a part of this initiative to help bring relief to families in Haiti, said Brett Hagler, CEO of New Story.

Through quick planning and coordinated efforts, Krach and New Story rallied a formidable group of Silicon Valley leaders and companies to create an immediate fundraiser to aid in long-term rebuilding throughout the country.

My heart goes out to all the families affected by this catastrophic hurricane that hit Haiti, said Keith Krach, Chairman and CEO of DocuSign. Its humbling to see how quickly Silicon Valley leaders and companies came together in partnership with New Story to assist these families in their current situation as well as provide long-term sustainable shelters.

We are hopeful that this initiative can make a meaningful difference for the thousands of families in Haiti that are in desperate need of shelter after this disaster, said Jeff Wilke, CEO of Amazon Worldwide Consumer. Im grateful to Keith for pulling us all together so quickly and trying to make an impact.

My heart goes out to those affected in Haiti by Hurricane Matthew and Im proud to support New Story as they provide 100% of all donations to these families in need," said Sridhar Ramaswamy, SVP of Google.

Other supporters include: DocuSign IMPACT Foundation, Salesforce, Byron Deeter  Partner of Bessemer Ventures, John Battelle  CEO of NewCo, Nick Mehta  CEO of Gainsight, Rob Bernshteyn  CEO of Coupa, Robert Hohman  CEO of Glassdoor, Robin Washington  CFO of Gilead, Ron Conway - Managing Partner of SV Angel, Ryan Holmes  CEO of Hootsuite, Tod Nielsen, Tom Mendoza  Vice Chairman of NetApp.

"We're proud to be part of raising awareness and rallying people around this important initiative. New Story's noble effort will bring support and hope to the resilient people in Haiti, said Lew Cirne, CEO of New Relic.

Through the 1-1-1 model of integrated corporate philanthropy, Salesforce has already done impactful work in Haiti. Salesforce quickly stepped up to match up to $100,000 and provide much-needed aid to these hurricane victims.

"Salesforce is proud to support this disaster relief initiative through our 1-1-1 model to help provide impactful solutions for families in Haiti recovering from Hurricane Matthew," said Suzanne DiBianca, EVP and Chief Philanthropy Officer, Salesforce.

To join, use hastag #SV4Haiti and visit newstorycharity.org/hurricane-matthew to donate.Download press images here.

About New Story

New Story transforms slums into sustainable communities. With a model developed in the prestigious Y Combinator, theyre disrupting traditional charity by utilizing 100% of donations for families in desperate need with full transparency. Visit www.newstorycharity.org for more information.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161006006533/en/

New Story

Brett Hagler

[email protected]

Source: New Story
By Robert-Jan Bartunek

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Two police officers were stabbed in Brussels on Wednesday in what prosecutors said could have been a terrorist attack.

Brussels is on high alert after bombings in March killed 32 people at the city's airport and in a subway carriage.

According to public broadcaster VRT, one officer was stabbed in the neck and another in the stomach. The attacker then broke the nose of a third policeman who had arrived on the scene.

The attacker, identified as 43-year-old Belgian Hicham D., was shot in the leg and taken away by ambulance, prosecutors said in a statement, adding that the police officers' wounds were not life-threatening.

"The provisional results of the investigation indicate that it could be a potential terrorist attack," federal prosecutors said without elaborating further. In another statement, prosecutors said they searched one house in Brussels but did not find any firearms or explosions. They did not give more details.

Early on Wednesday afternoon, the city's Gare du Nord railway station was closed for an hour because of a bomb alert. Rail operations resumed after bomb disposal teams had checked the area.

(Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek; editing by Alastair Macdonald and Philip Blenkinsop, Ralph Boulton)
By Trevor Hunnicutt

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Investors pulled $9.1 billion from U.S.-based stock funds in the latest week, Lipper data showed on Thursday, on growing anxiety about Brexit, the stability of Deutsche Bank AG and the timing of the next U.S. interest rate hike.

This week UK Prime Minister Theresa May said a process to take Britain out of the European Union would start by March 2017 and could be bumpy.

Concerns grew over Deutsche Bank as Germany's largest bank fought a fine of up to $14 billion from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The markets also digested remarks from regional Fed presidents Loretta Mester and Jeffrey Lacker that seemed to hint at a U.S. rate hike sooner rather than later.

Investors lacking confidence are "looking elsewhere to better returns," said Thomson Reuters Lipper research analyst Pat Keon.

That has fueled U.S. fund investors' rotation this year from stocks to bonds, which carries the risk that bonds lose value when rates rise.

Inflation-protected bond funds took in $209 million, the most since July, according to Lipper, as some investors appear to be bracing for a potential cycle of price hikes as rates rise.

Taxable bond funds overall took in $2.9 billion during the seven days through Oct. 5, the data showed. More speculative high-yield debt funds took in $1.9 billion.

Investors turned against utility sector funds again, pulling $390 million as the funds sank by an average of 4.7 percent in their worst showing since August 2015, Lipper said. The funds took in money over the prior two weeks after a punishing seven weeks of outflows.

Dividend-paying utilities had been popular as an alternative to low-yielding bonds this year but could continue to lose their appeal if bond yields rise.

Financial sector funds took in $268 million during the week after four weeks of outflows, the data showed. The sector is seen having more room to boost revenues when rates rise.

Real estate, recently carved out from financials as a separate sector in some major indexes, posted $471 million in withdrawals in their largest week of withdrawals since February, according to Lipper.

The research service also said money-market funds posted $28.5 billion in withdrawals during the week, the largest for those investments since July. This came ahead of reforms that would force some funds to let their share prices float with the market.

Keon said outflows should abate after the regulations take effect next week.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Jennifer Ablan and Richard Chang)
KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine warned its citizens on Wednesday against traveling to Russia, saying they were at risk following an increase in harassment and detentions of Ukrainians by Russian security services.

The move is further testimony to the breakdown in relations between the one-time allies in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea in early 2014 and support for pro-Russian separatists in the ensuing conflict in eastern Ukraine.

"On the territory of the aggressor-state, the number of unjustified detentions of our citizens has increased," the Ukrainian foreign ministry said in an online statement.

"Russian law enforcement bodies treat Ukrainians roughly, using unacceptable methods of physical and psychological pressure, torture and other acts," it said, warning citizens against traveling to or through Russian territory.

On Monday a Ukrainian journalist was arrested by Russia's FSB security service and accused of gathering secret information about Russian defense and security bodies - charges Ukrainian authorities said were trumped up.

The arrest has prompted Ukrainian authorities to consider introducing visa requirements for Russian citizens on the expectation that Russia will tighten rules for Ukrainians wishing to travel to Russia.

"We have to understand that unfortunately Russian security services will quickly adjust to a visa regime. We must not make political gestures, but truly deal with Russia as an aggressor," Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin told journalists on Wednesday.

Traveling between Ukraine and Russia had already become more complicated since the introduction of tit-for-tat direct flight bans in October 2015.

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; writing by Alessandra Prentice; editing by Mark Heinrich)
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 6, 2016

InspireMD, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 001-35731 26-2123838 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)

321 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02116 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrants telephone number, including area code: (857) 453-6553

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4 (c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 3.03. Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

As previously announced by InspireMD, Inc. (the Company) in its Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2016, a 1-for-25 reverse stock split of the Companys issued and outstanding shares of common stock (the Reverse Stock Split) shall become effective as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 7, 2016 (the Effective Time).

In accordance with the terms of the outstanding warrants currently trading on the NYSE MKT under the symbol NSPR.WS (the Warrants), the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and the exercise price per share of common stock shall be adjusted in proportion to the Reverse Stock Split. Accordingly, as of the Effective Time, each Warrant shall become a warrant to purchase one twenty-fifth (1/25) of one share of common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per full share of common stock.

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On October 6, 2016, the Company issued a press release announcing the adjustment to the Warrants. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit Number Description 99.1 Press release dated October 6, 2016

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

InspireMD, Inc. Date: October 6, 2016 By: /s/ Craig Shore Name: Craig Shore Title: Chief Financial Officer

InspireMD Announces Adjustments to Shares Receivable Upon Warrant Exercise and Exercise Price Per Share

BOSTON, MA  October 6, 2016  InspireMD, Inc. (NYSE MKT: NSPR, NSPR.WS) (InspireMD or the Company), a leader in embolic prevention systems (EPS), neurovascular devices and thrombus management technologies, today announced that in conjunction with the 1-for-25 reverse stock split announced last week following the Companys special meeting of stockholders, the number of shares of common stock of InspireMD receivable upon exercise of one warrant currently trading on the NYSE MKT and the exercise price will adjust from 1 share at the exercise price of $0.20 per share of common stock to 1/25 of one share at the exercise price of $0.20 per 1/25 of one share of common stock, effective at 5:00 p.m. ET on October 7, 2016. Warrants may only be exercisable for a whole number of shares of common stock. Warrants exercised on or prior to October 7 will be on a pre-adjusted basis.

InspireMDs warrants will continue to trade on the NYSE MKT under the symbol NSPR.WS. The CUSIP number for the Companys warrants will remain 45779A 119.

Additional information regarding these warrant adjustments can be found in the Companys definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 2016, a copy of which is also available at www.sec.gov or at www.inspiremd.com under the SEC Filings tab located on the Investors page.

About InspireMD, Inc.

InspireMD seeks to utilize its proprietary MicroNetTM technology to make its products the industry standard for embolic protection and to provide a superior solution to the key clinical issues of current stenting in patients with a high risk of distal embolization, no reflow and major adverse cardiac events.

InspireMD intends to pursue applications of this MicroNet technology in coronary, carotid (CGuardTM), neurovascular, and peripheral artery procedures. InspireMDs common stock is quoted on the NYSE MKT under the ticker symbol NSPR and certain warrants are quoted on the NYSE MKT under the ticker symbol NSPR.WS.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements may be preceded by the words intends, may, will, plans, expects, anticipates, projects, predicts, estimates, aims, believes, hopes, potential or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) market acceptance of our existing and new products, (ii) negative clinical trial results or lengthy product delays in key markets, (iii) an inability to secure regulatory approvals for the sale of our products, (iv) intense competition in the medical device industry from much larger, multinational companies, (v) product liability claims, (vi) product malfunctions, (vii) our limited manufacturing capabilities and reliance on subcontractors for assistance, (viii) insufficient or inadequate reimbursement by governmental and other third party payers for our products, (ix) our efforts to successfully obtain and maintain intellectual property protection covering our products, which may not be successful, (x) legislative or regulatory reform of the healthcare system in both the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, (xi) our reliance on single suppliers for certain product components, (xii) the fact that we will need to raise additional capital to meet our business requirements in the future and that such capital raising may be costly, dilutive or difficult to obtain and (xiii) the fact that we conduct business in multiple foreign jurisdictions, exposing us to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, logistical and communications challenges, burdens and costs of compliance with foreign laws and political and economic instability in each jurisdiction. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward looking statements is set forth in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SECs web site at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Contacts:

InspireMD, Inc.

Craig Shore

Chief Financial Officer

Phone: 1-888-776-6804 FREE

Email: [email protected]

Lazar Partners

David Carey

Investor Relations

(212) 867-1768

[email protected]
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): October 6, 2016

Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

001-34951 20-5313323 (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)

664 Cruiser Lane Belgrade, Montana 59714 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(406) 388-0480 (Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions ( see General Instruction A.2. below):

 Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On October 6, 2016, Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc. (the Company, we, us, or our) announced that its board of directors (the Board) appointed Carl D. OConnell to serve as the President of the Company. His appointment will become effective October 6, 2016 (the Effective Date).

Carl D. OConnell, age 53 , most recently worked as Global Vice President of Marketing for Wright Medical Group N.V., as the leader for the Foot and Ankle division, from October 2013 until September 2016. Mr. OConnell has been a director of Calmare Therapeutics Incorporated (formerly known as Competitive Technologies), a Delaware corporation, since January 2013, and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Calmare from November 2012 through September 2013. Mr. OConnell has 30 years of experience in the healthcare field and 20 years as a leader in the medical device arena. Prior to joining Calmare, Mr. OConnell held executive positions for top global medical device and Fortune 500 companies. From 2008 to 2011, Mr. OConnell served as President and Chief Executive Officer for the US Healthcare Division MedSurg for ITOCHU, a Japanese conglomerate, vice president of global marketing for Stryker Spine, and President of Carl Zeiss Surgical, the market leader in optical digital solutions for Neurosurgery, Spine, Ophthalmology, ENT and Dentistry.

There are no family relationships between Mr. OConnell and any director, executive officer or person nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer, and, except as noted below, there have been no transactions between Mr. OConnell or any of his immediate family members and the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

OConnell Employment Agreement

Also on October 6, 2016, Mr. OConnell entered into an employment agreement with the Company to serve as President (the Employment Agreement). The term of Mr. OConnells employment under the Employment Agreement begins on the Effective Date and ends upon termination by either party pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement (the Employment Term). The Employment Agreement provides that the Company shall pay Mr. OConnell an annual base salary of $340,000, subject to adjustments as may be approved by the Company. Mr. OConnell is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus of up to 50% of his annual base salary based on the achievement of performance objectives, metrics and targets adopted by the Board or Compensation Committee of the Board. In addition, Mr. OConnell will receive a signing bonus of $75,000 and time-vesting equity awards described below under Stock Option Agreement. During the Employment Term, Mr. OConnell will be entitled to participate in the Companys employee benefit plans, practices, policies and arrangements as in effect from time to time on generally the same terms and conditions as such benefits are made available to other senior executives (except as otherwise set forth in the Employment Agreement). Mr. OConnell also will be entitled to certain relocation benefits.

The Employment Term may be terminated by the Company or Mr. OConnell at any time and for any reason. If Mr. OConnell is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason, he will be entitled to receive bi-weekly payments of severance pay at his current Base Salary for six to nine months from the date of termination of employment. If the Company terminates Mr. OConnell employment in connection with a change of control, he shall receive his accrued but unpaid base salary and other benefits earned, and bi-weekly payments of severance pay at his current Base Salary for six to nine months from the date of termination of employment. The Employment Agreement also contains restrictive covenants, including a covenant on confidentiality of information, and covenants related to non-competition and non-solicitation of the Companys employees at all times during Mr. OConnells employment, and for one year after termination of Mr. OConnells employment.

Stock Option Agreement

Upon commencement of his employment, Mr. OConnell will receive an option to purchase 300,000 shares of the Companys common stock at an exercise price equal to the closing price on the Effective Date (the Option). The Option will vest as follows: (i) twenty percent (20%), or 60,000 underlying shares, will vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant, and (ii) the remaining eighty percent (80%), or 240,000 underlying shares, will vest in sixteen (16) equal quarterly installments of 15,000 underlying shares each, beginning three months after the first anniversary of the date of grant. Mr. OConnell must remain continuously employed by the Company for vesting to occur. Vesting of the Option will accelerate in full upon a change of control unless the successor to the Company assumes the Option or issues to Mr. OConnell a similar replacement instrument on substantially the same economic terms as the Option.

The foregoing descriptions of the Employment Agreement and the Option do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Employment Agreement and the Option, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, and are incorporated by reference herein.

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

On October 6, 2016, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Mr. OConnell. A copy of this press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1.

The information in this Item 7.01 and the document attached as Exhibit 99.1 are being furnished and shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), nor otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits .

Exhibit No. Description 10.1 Carl OConnell Employment Agreement, dated effective as of October 6, 2016, between Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc. and Carl OConnell. 10.2 Carl OConnell Stock Option Agreement, dated effective as of October 6, 2016, between Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc. and Carl OConnell. 99.1 Press Release, dated October 6, 2016.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: October 6, 2016 XTANT MEDICAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By: /s/ John Gandolfo Name: John Gandolfo Title: Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No. Description 10.1 Carl OConnell Employment Agreement, dated effective as of October 6, 2016, between Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc. and Carl OConnell. 10.2 Carl OConnell Stock Option Agreement, dated effective as of October 6, 2016, between Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc. and Carl OConnell. 99.1 Press Release, dated October 6, 2016.

EXHIBIT 10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement ( Agreement ) is effective October 6, 2016 ( Effective Date ), by and between Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the  Company ), and Carl OConnell, an individual ( Employee ).

In consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES.

A. Job Title and Responsibilities . The Company hereby employs Employee, and Employee hereby agrees to be employed, as President reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. Employees title and responsibilities may change during the course of Employee's employment with Employer, but the terms of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any change in Employee's title or responsibilities.

B. Full-Time Best Efforts . Employee agrees to devote Employees full professional time and attention to the business of the Company (and its subsidiaries, affiliates, or related entities) and the performance of Employees obligations under this Agreement, and will at all times faithfully, industriously and to the best of Employees ability, experience and talent, perform all of Employees obligations hereunder. Employee shall not, at any time during Employees employment by the Company, directly or indirectly, act as a partner, officer, director, consultant or employee, or provide services in any other capacity to any other business enterprise that conflicts with the Companys business or Employees duty of loyalty to the Company. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Employee has disclosed that he currently serves on the board of directors or trustees of one (1) company/organization, which has been identified to the Company. Employee shall seek the written consent of the Company prior to accepting any further outside board positions or prior to materially expanding his role on the current boards on which he serves.

C. Duty of Loyalty . Employee acknowledges that during Employees employment with the Company, Employee has participated in and will participate in relationships with existing and prospective clients, customers, partners, suppliers, service providers and vendors of the Company that are essential elements of the Companys goodwill. The parties acknowledge that Employee owes the Company a fiduciary duty to conduct all affairs of the Company in accordance with all applicable laws and the highest standards of good faith, trust, confidence and candor, and to endeavor, to the best of Employees ability, to promote the best interests of the Company.

D. Conflict of Interest . Employee agrees that while employed by the Company, and except with the advance written consent of the Board of Directors, Employee will not enter into, on behalf of the Company, or cause the Company or any of its affiliates to enter into, directly or indirectly, any transactions with any business organization in which Employee or any member of Employees immediate family may be interested as a shareholder, partner, member, trustee, director, officer, employee, consultant, lender or guarantor or otherwise; provided , however , that nothing in this Agreement shall restrict transactions between the Company and any company whose stock is listed on a national securities exchange or actively traded in the over-the-counter market and over which Employee does not have the ability to control or significantly influence policy decisions.

2. COMPENSATION.

A. Base Pay . The Company agrees to pay Employee gross annual compensation of $340,000 ( Base Salary ), less usual and customary withholdings, which shall be payable in arrears in accordance with the Companys customary payroll practices. The Base Salary will be subject to normal periodic review at least annually, and such review will consider Employees contributions to the Company and the Companys overall performance.

B. Signing Bonus . The Company shall pay Employee a signing bonus in the amount of $75,000 (the  Signing Bonus ), as follows: $20,000 shall be paid as soon as practicable after the Effective Date, and $55,000 shall be paid no later than March 31, 2017. In the event Employee terminates his employment with the Company for any reason on or prior to the one (1) year anniversary following the Effective Date, Employee shall forfeit the Signing Bonus and repay to the Company any portion of the Signing Bonus then paid to Employee.

C. Bonus and Incentive Compensation . Employee shall be eligible for bonus and incentive based compensation approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors from time to time. The target bonus compensation will be 50% of Employees Base Salary, except that for the 2016 calendar year, Employee shall only be eligible to receive a pro-rated bonus of up to 25% of Employees Base Salary. Such bonus and incentive compensation shall be less all required tax withholdings and other applicable deductions, and shall be paid in accordance with the bonus and incentive compensation plan documents adopted by the Company, or in the absence of such plan documents, no later than two and one-half (2-1/2) months following the year in which the bonus or incentive compensation vests. Employee must remain continuously employed by the Company through the date bonus compensation is paid to be eligible to receive such bonus compensation.

D. Stock Option . Subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee of the Companys Board of Directors, the Company will grant Employee an option to purchase 300,000 shares of Company common stock at an exercise price equal to the closing price of Company common stock on date the Compensation Committee approves the grant (the  Option ). The Option will vest as follows: (i) twenty percent (20%), or 60,000 underlying shares, will vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant, and (ii) the remaining eighty percent (80%), or 240,000 underlying shares, will vest in sixteen (16) equal quarterly installments of 15,000 underlying shares each, beginning three months after the first anniversary of the date of grant. Employee must remain continuously employed by the Company for vesting to occur. Vesting of the Option will accelerate in full upon a Change of Control unless the successor to the Company assumes the Option or issues to Employee a similar replacement instrument on substantially the same economic terms as the Option.

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E. Benefits . During Employees employment, Employee will be eligible to participate in the Companys benefit programs, as summarized and as governed by any plan documents concerning such benefits. Employee acknowledges that the Company may amend, modify or terminate any of its benefit plans or programs at any time and for any reason. Employee will be eligible for four weeks of paid vacation per year, subject to the Companys carryover policy for unused vacation in effect from time to time.

F. Travel and Relocation Expenses . Until December 31, 2017, or such earlier date as Employee and the Company may agree, Employee will be based in Memphis, Tennessee and will travel from Memphis, Tennessee to all Company locations, and the Company will reimburse Employee for Employees reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses associated with such travel. No later than December 31, 2017, Employee and the Company will mutually agree upon Employees principal place of employment, and the Company will provide Employee with a reasonable and customary relocation package to facilitate Employees move to such principal place of employment.

G. Clawback . Employee agrees that any compensation or benefits provided by the Company under this Agreement or otherwise will be subject to recoupment or clawback by the Company under any applicable clawback or recoupment policy of the Company as may be in effect from time-to-time or as required by applicable law, regulation or stock exchange listing requirement.

3. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION.

A. Employee understands that during Employees employment relationship with the Company, the Company intends to provide Employee with information, including Proprietary Information (as defined herein), without which Employee would not be able to perform Employees duties to the Company. Employee agrees, at all times during the term of Employees employment relationship and thereafter, to hold in strictest confidence, and not to use or disclose, except for the benefit of the Company to the extent necessary to perform Employees obligations to the Company, any Proprietary Information that Employee obtains, accesses or creates during the term of the relationship, whether or not during working hours, until such Proprietary Information becomes publicly and widely known and made generally available through no wrongful act of Employee or of others under confidentiality obligations as to the information involved. Employee understands that  Proprietary Information  means information and physical material not generally known or available outside the Company and information and physical material entrusted to the Company by third parties under an obligation of non-disclosure or non-use or both.  Proprietary Information  includes, without limitation, inventions, technical data, trade secrets, marketing ideas or plans, research, product or service ideas or plans, business strategies, investments, investment opportunities, potential investments, market studies, industry studies, historical financial data, financial information and results, budgets, identity of customers, forecasts (financial or otherwise), possible or pending transactions, customer lists and domain names, price lists, and pricing methodologies.

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B. At all times, both during Employees employment and after its termination, Employee will keep and hold all such Proprietary Information in strict confidence and trust. Employee will not use or disclose any Proprietary Information without the prior written consent of the Company, except as may be necessary to perform Employees duties as an employee of the Company for the benefit of the Company. Employee may disclose information that Employee is required to disclose by valid order of a government agency or court of competent jurisdiction, provided that Employee will:

1. Notify the Company in writing immediately upon learning that such an order may be sought or issued,

2. Cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested if the Company seeks to contest such order or to place protective restrictions on the disclosure pursuant to such order, and

3. Comply with any protective restrictions in such order, and disclose only the information specified in the order.

C. Upon termination of employment with the Company, Employee will promptly deliver to the Company all documents and materials of any nature pertaining to Employees work with the Company.

D. Employee agrees not to infringe the copyrights of the Company, its customers or third parties (including, without limitation, Employees previous employer, customers, etc.) by unauthorized or unlawful copying, modifying or distributing of copyrighted material, including plans, drawings, reports, financial analyses, market studies, computer software and the like.

4. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE.

A. Noncompetition Covenant. Employee agrees that during the Restricted Period (as defined below), without the prior written consent of the Company, Employee shall not, directly or indirectly within the Territory (as defined below): (i) personally, by agency, as an employee, independent contractor, consultant, officer, director, manager, agent, associate, investor (other than as a passive investor holding less than five percent of the outstanding equity of an entity), or by any other artifice or device, engage in any Competitive Business (as defined below), (ii) assist others, including but not limited to employees of the Company, to engage in any Competitive Business, or (iii) own, purchase, finance, organize or take preparatory steps to own, purchase, finance, or organize a Competitive Business.

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B. Definitions .

1.  Competitive Business  means (i) any person, entity or organization which is engaged in or about to become engaged in research on, consulting regarding, or development, production, marketing or selling of any product, process, technology, device, invention or service which resembles, competes with or is intended to resemble or compete with a product, process, technology, device, invention or service of the Company; or (ii) any other line of business that was conducted by the Company or that Employee knows or reasonably should know the Company or any affiliate, successor or related entity, at any time during the term of Employees employment with the Company, is actively preparing to pursue.

2.  Territory  means the United States of America.

3.  Restricted Period  means the period of Employees employment with the Company and for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of Employees employment; provided that if such termination is of a type that results in severance under Paragraph 12B, the Restricted Period after termination shall be the period of severance, if any, following such termination.

5. NON-SOLICITATION AND NON-INTERFERENCE COVENANTS.

A. Nonsolicitation of Employees and Others . During the Restricted Period, (a) Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit, or induce, or attempt to solicit, recruit or induce any employee, consultant, independent contractor, vendor, supplier, or agent to terminate or otherwise adversely affect his or her employment or other business relationship (or prospective employment or business relationship) with the Company, and (b) Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit, or induce, or attempt to solicit, recruit or induce any employee to work for Employee or any other person or entity, other than the Company or its affiliates or related entities.

B. Nonsolicitation of Customers . During the Restricted Period, Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit, or induce any Customer (as defined below) for the purpose of (i) providing any goods or services related to a Competitive Business, or (ii) interfering with or otherwise adversely affecting the contracts or relationships, or prospective contracts or relationships, between the Company (including any related or affiliated entities) and such Customers.  Customer  means a person or entity with which Employee had contact or about whom Employee gained information while an Employee of the Company, and to which the Company was selling or providing products or services, was in active negotiations for the sale of its products or services, or was otherwise doing business as of the date of the cessation of Employees employment with the Company or for whom the Company had otherwise done business within the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the cessation of Employees employment with the Company.

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6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. Employee acknowledges and agrees that:

A. The geographic and duration restrictions contained in Paragraphs 4 and 5 of this Agreement are fair, reasonable, and necessary to protect the Companys legitimate business interests and trade secrets, given the geographic scope of the Companys business operations, the competitive nature of the Companys business, and the nature of Employees position with the Company;

B. Employees employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between Employee and the Company with respect to the Proprietary Information, and Employee will have access to Proprietary Information (including but not limited to trade secrets) that would be valuable or useful to the Companys competitors;

C. The Companys Proprietary Information is a valuable asset of the Company, and any violation of the restrictions set forth in this Agreement would cause substantial injury to the Company;

D. The restrictions contained in this Agreement will not unreasonably impair or infringe upon Employees right to work or earn a living after Employees employment with the Company ends; and

E. This Agreement is a contract for the protection of trade secrets under applicable law and is intended to protect the Proprietary Information (including trade secrets) identified above.

7. BLUE PENCIL AND SEVERABILITY PROVISION. If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision of this Agreement invalid, void, voidable, or unenforceable, the court shall reform such provision(s) to render the provision(s) enforceable, but only to the extent absolutely necessary to render the provision(s) enforceable and only in view of the parties express desire that the Company be protected to the greatest possible extent under applicable law from improper competition and the misuse or disclosure of trade secrets and Proprietary Information. To the extent such a provision (or portion thereof) may not be reformed so as to make it enforceable, it may be severed and the remaining provisions shall remain fully enforceable.

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8. INVENTIONS.

A. Inventions Retained and Licensed . Attached as Exhibit A is a list describing all inventions and information created, discovered or developed by Employee, whether or not patentable or registrable under patent, copyright or similar statutes, made or conceived or reduced to practice or learned by Employee, either alone or with others before Employees employment with the Company ( Prior Inventions ), which belong in whole or in part to Employee, and which are not being assigned by Employee to the Company. Employee represents that Exhibit A is complete and contains no confidential or proprietary information belonging to a person or entity other than Employee. Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employee has no rights in any Inventions (as that term is defined below) other than the Prior Inventions listed on Exhibit A. If there is nothing identified on Exhibit A, Employee represents that there are no Prior Inventions as of the time of signing this Agreement. Employee shall not incorporate, or permit to be incorporated, any Prior Invention owned by Employee or in which he has an interest in a Company product, process or machine without the Companys prior written consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, in the course of Employees employment with the Company, Employee directly or indirectly incorporates into a Company product, process or machine a Prior Invention owned by Employee or in which Employee has an interest, the Company is hereby granted and shall have a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, world-wide license to make, have made, modify, use, create derivative works from and sell such Prior Invention as part of or in connection with such product, process or machine.

B. Assignment Of Inventions . Employee shall promptly make full, written disclosure to the Company, will hold in trust for the sole right and benefit of the Company, and hereby irrevocably transfers and assigns, and agrees to transfer and assign, to the Company, or its designee, all his right, title and interest in and to any and all inventions, original works of authorship, developments, concepts, improvements, designs, discoveries, ideas, trademarks (and all associated goodwill), mask works, or trade secrets, whether or not they may be patented or registered under copyright or similar laws, which Employee may solely or jointly conceive or develop or reduce to practice, or cause to be conceived or developed or reduced to practice, during Employees employment by the Company (the  Inventions ). Employee further acknowledges that all original works of authorship which are made by Employee (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of and during the period of his employment with the Company and which may be protected by copyright are  Works Made For Hire  as that term is defined by the United States Copyright Act. Employee understands and agrees that the decision whether to commercialize or market any Invention developed by Employee solely or jointly with others is within the Companys sole discretion and the Companys sole benefit and that no royalty will be due to Employee as a result of the Companys efforts to commercialize or market any such invention.

Employee recognizes that Inventions relating to his activities while working for the Company and conceived or made by Employee, whether alone or with others, within one (1) year after cessation of Employees employment, may have been conceived in significant part while employed by the Company. Accordingly, Employee acknowledges and agrees that such Inventions shall be presumed to have been conceived during Employees employment with the Company and are to be, and hereby are, assigned to the Company unless and until Employee has established the contrary.

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C. Maintenance of Records . Employee agrees to keep and maintain adequate and current written records of all Inventions made by Employee (solely or jointly with others) during his employment with the Company. The records will be in the form of notes, sketches, drawings and any other format that may be specified by the Company. The records will be available to and remain the sole property of the Company at all times.

D. Patent, Trademark and Copyright Registrations . Employee agrees to assist the Company, or its designee, at the Companys expense, in every proper way to secure the Companys rights in the Inventions and any copyrights, patents, trademarks, service marks, mask works, or any other intellectual property rights in any and all countries relating thereto, including, but not limited to, the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments and all other instruments the Company reasonably deems necessary in order to apply for and obtain such rights and in order to assign and convey to the Company, its successors, assigns, and nominees the sole and exclusive rights, title, and interest in and to such inventions, and any copyrights, patents, trademarks, service marks, mask works, or any other intellectual property rights relating thereto. Employee further agrees that his obligation to execute or cause to be executed, when it is in his power to do so, any such instrument or paper shall continue after termination or expiration of this Agreement or the cessation of his employment with the Company. If the Company is unable because of Employees mental or physical incapacity or for any other reason, after reasonably diligent efforts, to secure Employees signature to apply for or to pursue any application for any United States or foreign patents, trademarks or copyright registrations covering inventions or original works of authorship assigned to the Company as above, then Employee hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Employees agent and attorney-in-fact to act for and in his behalf and stead to execute and file any such applications and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of letters patent, trademarks or copyright registrations thereon with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Employee; this power of attorney shall be a durable power of attorney which shall come into existence upon Employees mental or physical incapacity.

9. SURVIVAL AND REMEDIES. Employees obligations of nondisclosure, nonsolicitation, noninterference, and noncompetition under this Agreement shall survive the cessation of Employees employment with the Company and shall remain enforceable. In addition, Employee acknowledges that upon a breach or threatened breach of any obligation of nondisclosure, nonsolicitation, noninterference, or noncompetition of this Agreement, the Company may suffer irreparable harm and damage for which money alone cannot fully compensate the Company. Employee therefore agrees that upon such breach or threat of imminent breach of any such obligation, the Company shall be entitled to seek a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, permanent injunction or other injunctive relief, without posting any bond or other security, barring Employee from violating any such provision. This Paragraph shall not be construed as an election of any remedy, or as a waiver of any right available to the Company under this Agreement or the law, including the right to seek damages from Employee for a breach of any provision of this Agreement and the right to require Employee to account for and pay over to the Company all profits or other benefits derived or received by Employee as the result of such a breach, nor shall this Paragraph be construed to limit the rights or remedies available under state law for any violation of any provision of this Agreement.

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10. RETURN OF COMPANY PROPERTY. All devices, records, reports, data, notes, compilations, lists, proposals, correspondence, specifications, equipment, drawings, blueprints, manuals, DayTimers, planners, calendars, schedules, discs, data tapes, financial plans and information, or other recorded matter, whether in hard copy, magnetic media or otherwise (including all copies or reproductions made or maintained, whether on the Companys premises or otherwise), pertaining to Employees work for the Company, or relating to the Company or the Companys Proprietary Information, whether created or developed by Employee alone or jointly during his employment with the Company, are the exclusive property of the Company. Employee shall surrender the same (as well as any other property of the Company) to the Company upon its request or promptly upon the cessation of employment. Upon cessation of Employees employment, Employee agrees to sign and deliver the  Termination Certificate  attached as Exhibit B , which shall detail all Company property that is surrendered upon cessation of employment.

11. NO CONFLICTING AGREEMENTS OR IMPROPER USE OF THIRD-PARTY INFORMATION. During his employment with the Company, Employee shall not improperly use or disclose any proprietary information or trade secrets of any former employer or other person or entity, and Employee shall not bring on to the premises of the Company any unpublished document or proprietary information belonging to any such former employer, person or entity, unless consented to in writing by the former employer, person or entity. Employee represents that he has not improperly used or disclosed any proprietary information or trade secrets of any other person or entity during the application process or while employed or affiliated with the Company. Employee also acknowledges and agrees that he is not subject to any contract, agreement, or understanding that would prevent Employee from performing his duties for the Company or otherwise complying with this Agreement. To the extent Employee violates this provision, or his employment with the Company constitutes a breach or threatened breach of any contract, agreement, or obligation to any third party, Employee shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless from all damages, expenses, costs (including reasonable attorneys fees) and liabilities incurred in connection with, or resulting from, any such violation or threatened violation.

12. TERMINATION.

A. By Either Party . Either Party may terminate this Agreement at any time with or without notice, and with or without cause. Except as provided in this Paragraph 12, upon termination of employment, Employee shall only be entitled to Employees accrued but unpaid Base Salary and other benefits earned under any Company-provided plans, policies and arrangements for the period preceding the effective date of the termination of employment.

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B. Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason . If the Company terminates Employees employment without Cause (defined below) or Employee resigns for Good Reason (defined below), Employee shall be entitled to receive continuing bi-weekly payments of severance pay at a rate equal to Employees Base Salary, as then in effect, for (i) six (6) months from the date of termination of employment, if employment is terminated on or prior to December 31, 2017, or (ii) nine (9) months from the date of termination of employment, if employment is terminated after December 31, 2017, less all required tax withholdings and other applicable deductions, payable in accordance with the Companys standard payroll procedures, commencing on the effective date of a separation agreement with a complete release of claims against the Company; provided that (1) the first payment shall include any amounts that would have been paid to Employee if payment had commenced on the date of separation from service; and (2) Employee shall not be required to execute a release of any claims arising from the Companys failure to comply with its obligations under Paragraph 12A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any payments due under this Paragraph 12B shall commence within sixty (60) days of Employee's termination of employment, provided that if such sixty (60)-day period spans two calendar years, payments shall commence in the latter calendar year.

C. Termination Upon a Change of Control . If the Company or any successor in interest to the Company terminates Employees employment in connection with or within twelve (12) months after a Change of Control (defined below), Employee shall be entitled to receive (i) his accrued but unpaid Base Salary and other benefits earned under any Company-provided plans, policies and arrangements for the period preceding the effective date of the termination of employment, and (ii) continuing bi-weekly payments of severance pay at a rate equal to Employees Base Salary, as then in effect, for (A) six (6) months from the date of termination of employment, if employment is terminated on or prior to December 31, 2017, or (B) nine (9) months from the date of termination of employment, if employment is terminated after December 31, 2017, less all required tax withholdings and other applicable deductions, payable in accordance with the Companys standard payroll procedures, commencing on the effective date of a separation agreement with a complete release of claims against the Company; provided that the first payment shall include any amounts that would have been paid to Employee if payment had commenced on the date of separation from service; and further provided that Employee shall not be required to execute a release of any claims arising from the Companys failure to comply with its obligations under Paragraph 12A. In addition, during the applicable period determined in accordance with the preceding sentence, with respect to group health benefits, Employee (and his dependents) may elect, in accordance with and subject to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 ( COBRA ) or similar state law, to remain covered under the Companys group health plan for the period mandated by COBRA or similar state law. If Employee timely and effectively elects such continuation coverage, the Company will pay the premiums for such coverage of Employee (and his dependents, as applicable) through such applicable period; provided that the Companys obligation to make such payments shall immediately expire if Employee ceases to be eligible for continuation coverage under COBRA or similar state law or otherwise terminates such coverage. The payments described in this Paragraph 12C are in lieu of, and not in addition to, the payments described in Paragraph 12B, it being understood by Employee that he shall be paid only one severance. Notwithstanding the previous provisions of this Paragraph 12C, any payments due under this Paragraph 12C shall commence within sixty (60) days of Employee's termination of employment, provided that if such sixty (60)-day period spans two calendar years, payments shall commence in the latter calendar year. A Change of Control may also accelerate vesting under the Option as provided in Section 2D.

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D. Termination for Cause, Death or Disability, or Resignation Without Good Reason . If Employees employment with the Company terminates voluntarily by Employee without Good Reason, for Cause by the Company or due to Employees death or disability, then payments of compensation by the Company to Employee hereunder will terminate immediately (except as to amounts already earned).

E. Definitions .

1.  Cause . For all purposes under this Agreement,  Cause  is defined as (i) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of Employees duties and responsibilities to the Company; (ii) commission of any act of fraud, theft, embezzlement, financial dishonesty or any other willful misconduct that has caused or is reasonably expected to result in injury to the Company; (iii) conviction of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, any felony or a lesser crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude; or (iv) material breach by Employee of any of obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company, including the policies adopted from time to time by the Company applicable to all employees.

2.  Good Reason . For all purposes under this Agreement,  Good Reason  is defined as Employees resignation within thirty (30) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Employees express written consent: (i) a material reduction of Employees duties, authority or responsibilities, relative to Employees duties, authority or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction; (ii) a material reduction in Employees base compensation; or (iii) a material breach by the Company under any written agreement or covenant with Employee. Employee will not resign for Good Reason without first providing the Company with written notice within thirty (30) days of the event that Employee believes constitutes  Good Reason  specifically identifying the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for Good Reason and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date of such notice during which such condition shall not have been cured.

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3.  Change of Control . For all purposes under this Agreement,  Change of Control  of the Company is defined as:

(a) a sale, transfer or disposition of all or substantially all of the Companys assets other than to (i) a corporation or other entity of which at least a majority of its combined voting power is owned directly or indirectly by the Company, (ii) a corporation or other entity owned directly or indirectly by the holders of capital stock of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of Company common stock, or (iii) an Excluded Entity (as defined below); or

(b) any merger, consolidation or other business combination transaction of the Company with or into another corporation, entity or person, other than a transaction with or into an Excluded Entity, being another corporation, entity or person in which the holders of at least a majority of the shares of voting capital stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction continue to hold (either by such shares remaining outstanding in the continuing entity or by their being converted into shares of voting capital stock of the surviving entity) a majority of the total voting power represented by the shares of voting capital stock of the Company (or the surviving entity) outstanding immediately after such transaction; or

(c) any acquisition of at least a majority of the shares of voting capital stock of the Company by any corporation, entity or person or group of corporations, entities or persons acting in concert, other than an Excluded Entity.

For the avoidance of doubt, a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or change in the state of the Companys incorporation shall not constitute a Change of Control event for purposes of this Agreement.

F. Exclusive Remedy . In the event of a termination of Employees employment with the Company, the provisions of this Paragraph 12 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Employee or the Company may otherwise be entitled.

13. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

A. Governing Law; Consent To Personal Jurisdiction . The laws of the State of Colorado govern this Agreement without regard to conflict of laws principles. Employee and the Company each hereby consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state courts located in the City and County of Denver, State of Colorado, and the federal district court sitting in the City and County of Denver, State of Colorado, if that court otherwise possesses jurisdiction over the matter, for any legal proceeding concerning Employees employment or termination of employment, or arising from or related to this Agreement or any other agreement executed between Employee and the Company. Should an action be brought to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys fees and costs incurred in prosecuting the action.

B. Entire Agreement . This Agreement sets forth this entire Agreement between the Company (and any of its related or affiliated entities, officers, agents, owners or representatives) and Employee relating to the subject matter herein, and supersedes any and all prior discussions and agreements, whether written or oral, on the subject matter hereof. To the extent that this Agreement may conflict with the terms of another written agreement between Employee and the Company, the terms of this Agreement will control.

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C. Modification . No modification of or amendment to this Agreement will be effective unless in writing and signed by Employee and an authorized representative of the Company.

D. Waiver . The Companys failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of its ability to enforce that provision or any other provision. The Companys failure to enforce any breach of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of that breach or any future breach. No waiver of any of the Companys rights under this Agreement will be effective unless in writing. Any such written waiver shall not be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated, and shall operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future or as to any act other than that specifically waived.

E. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be assignable to, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Companys successors and assigns. Employee shall not have the right to assign his rights or obligations under this Agreement.

F. Construction . The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be language chosen by Employee and the Company to express their mutual intent, and no rules of strict construction will be applied against either party.

G. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be enforceable, and all of which together shall constitute one agreement. Signatures of the parties that are transmitted in person or by facsimile or e-mail shall be accepted as originals.

H. Further Assurances . Employee agrees to execute any proper oath or verify any document required to carry out the terms of this Agreement.

I. Title and Headings . The titles, captions and headings of this Agreement are included for ease of reference only and will be disregarded in interpreting or construing this Agreement.

J. Notices . All notices and communications that are required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sufficient in all respects if given and delivered in person, by electronic mail, by facsimile, by overnight courier, or by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the receiving party at such partys address shown in the signature blocks below or to such other address as such party may have given to the other by notice pursuant to this Paragraph. Notice shall be deemed given (i) on the date of delivery in the case of personal delivery, electronic mail or facsimile, or (ii) on the delivery or refusal date as specified on the return receipt in the case of certified mail or on the tracking report in the case of overnight courier.

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K. 409A . The amounts payable under this Agreement are intended to be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (" Section 409A "). To the extent that any such payments are determined to be subject to Section 409A, (i) the terms of this Agreement shall be interpreted to avoid incurring any penalties under Section 409A, (ii) any payments due upon a termination of employment shall only be payable if the termination constitutes a "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A, (iii) any right to a series of installment payments is to be treated as a right to a series of separate payments, and (iv) any payments due to a "specified employee" of a publicly-traded company upon a separation from service shall be delayed until the first day of the seventh month following such separation from service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Company be responsible for any taxes or penalties due under Section 409A.

14. EMPLOYEES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. Employee acknowledges that he is executing this Agreement voluntarily and without duress or undue influence by the Company or anyone else and that Employee has carefully read this Agreement and fully understands the terms, consequences, and binding effect of this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound, the parties have executed this Employment Agreement as of the date first written above.

EMPLOYEE XTANT MEDICAL HOLDINGS, INC.

Print Name: Carl OConnell Print Name: Dan Goldberger Signature: /s/ Carl OConnell Signature: /s/ Dan Goldberger Title: CEO

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EXHIBIT 10.2

XTANT MEDICAL HOLDINGS, INC.

NON-PLAN INDUCEMENT STOCK OPTION GRANT

This Non-Plan Inducement Stock Option Grant (this  Agreement ), between Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc. (the  Company ) and Carl OConnell (the  Option Holder ), is effective as of the Grant Date.

1. Grant of Option . The Company hereby grants the Option Holder a Non-Qualified Stock Option to purchase 300,000 shares of common stock, $0.000001 par value per share, of the Company under the terms of this Agreement (the  Option ), as an inducement grant made pursuant to Section 711(a) of the NYSE MKT Company Guide. This Option satisfies the requirements of Section 2.D of the Employment Agreement between the Company and the Option Holder effective as of October 6, 2016 (the  Employment Agreement ). For avoidance of doubt, this Option is not issued under the Companys Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (the  Plan ) and does not reduce the shares available under the Plan. The Option is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

2. Date of Grant . The date of the grant of the Option is October 6, 2016 (the  Grant Date ).

3. Number and Price of Shares . The number of shares of the Companys common stock as to which the Option is granted is three hundred thousand (300,000) shares (the  Shares ). The purchase price per Share is the closing price of the Companys common stock listed on the NYSE MKT on the Grant Date.

4. Vesting . The Option granted hereby shall become vested in and exercisable by Option Holder as set forth in the following schedule:

Date Number of Shares

Which Become

Exercisable October 6, 2017 60,000 January 6, 2018 15,000 April 6, 2018 15,000 July 6, 2018 15,000 October 6, 2018 15,000 January 6, 2019 15,000 April 6, 2019 15,000 July 6, 2019 15,000 October 6, 2019 15,000 January 6, 2020 15,000 April 6, 2020 15,000 July 6, 2020 15,000 October 6, 2020 15,000 January 6, 2021 15,000 April 6, 2021 15,000 July 6, 2021 15,000 October 6, 2021 15,000

Stock Option Agreement  Carl OConnell DATE: October 6, 2016 1

In order to be eligible to exercise the Option in accordance with the vesting schedule, the Option Holder must have been continuously employed by the Company from the Grant Date of the Option until the date specified in the vesting schedule.

Notwithstanding the foregoing vesting schedule, upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Employment Agreement) of the Company, unless the Companys successor assumes this Agreement or issues to the Option Holder a similar replacement instrument on substantially the same economic terms as this Option, (i) the entire Option shall immediately be 100% vested without regard to the vesting schedule, and (ii) the entire Option shall become immediately exercisable in full for the remainder of its term. For the avoidance of doubt, the vesting of the Option will not accelerate in connection with a Change of Control if the Companys successor assumes this Agreement or issues to Option Holder a similar replacement instrument on substantially the same economic terms as this Option.

5. Manner of Exercise . The vested portion of the Option may be exercised by delivery to the Company of (i) a written notice of exercise, specifying the number of Shares with respect to which such Option is exercised, and (ii) payment in full of the exercise price and any liability the Company may have for withholding of federal, state or local income or other taxes incurred by reason of the exercise of the Option.

6. Legends . Certificates representing shares of common stock of the Company acquired upon exercise of this Option may contain a legend restricting transfer of the stock until there has been compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws.

7. Term . Unless terminated earlier pursuant to Section 8, the Option will expire ten (10) years from the Grant Date.

8. Effect of Termination of Employment . The Option shall not be transferable by the Option Holder except by will or pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution. The Option is exercisable during the Option Holders lifetime only by the Option Holder, or in the event of disability or incapacity, by his guardian or legal representative. In the event of termination of the Option Holders employment other than for Cause (including, without limitation, by reason of the Option Holders death or disability, which results in the Option Holders inability to perform substantially all of the duties of his position for more than one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days) or resignation of the Option Holder for Good Reason (as those terms are defined in the Employment Agreement), the Option will expire ninety (90) days after the effective date of termination of the Option Holders employment. In the event of termination of the Option Holders employment for Cause or the Option Holders resignation for other than Good Reason, the Option will expire at the effective date and time of termination of the Option Holders employment.

Stock Option Agreement  Carl OConnell DATE: October 6, 2016 2

9. Adjustments for Stock Splits and Dividends . If the Company shall at any time increase or decrease the number of its outstanding shares of common stock or change in any way the rights and privileges of such shares by means of the payment of a stock dividend or any other distribution upon such shares payable in stock, or through a stock split, subdivision, consolidation, combination, reclassification or recapitalization involving the stock, then in relation to the stock that is affected by one or more of the above events, the numbers, rights and privileges of the shares underlying this Option shall be increased, decreased or changed in like manner (in accordance with the rules governing modifications, extensions, substitutions and assumptions of stock rights described in Treas. Reg.  1.409A-l(b)(5)(v)(D)) as if they had been issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable at the time of such occurrence; provided, however, that no adjustment shall require the Company to issue a fractional share under any circumstance, and the total adjustment shall be limited by deleting any fractional share.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is effective as of the Grant Date.

XTANT MEDICAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By: /s/ Dan Goldberger Name: Dan Goldberger Title: CEO

OPTION HOLDER:

/s/ Carl OConnell Carl OConnell

Stock Option Agreement  Carl OConnell DATE: October 6, 2016 3

Exhibit 99.1

Xtant Medical Announces the Appointment of Carl OConnell as President

Belgrade, MT, October 6, 2016  Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc. (NYSE MKT: XTNT), a leader in the development of regenerative medicine products and medical devices, today announced the appointment of Carl OConnell as President, reporting to the CEO effective October 6, 2016.

Mr. OConnell will lead all commercial efforts by providing the vision, leadership, strategy and management skills necessary to continue and further develop Xtant Medicals successful commercial business. He has worked to transform and grow companies into market leaders in Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, ENT and Dentistry. His extensive leadership experience in both U.S. and global medical device markets will be an asset to Xtant Medical.

"We are pleased to have an executive of Carl's stature and experience as a leader for Xtant Medical" said Dan Goldberger, Chief Executive Officer of Xtant Medical. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and a vast network of strong relationships within the medical device market, and has been directly responsible for creating growth strategies, opportunities and leadership platforms in his prior positions. I share the excitement of the Company in welcoming Carl to the team."

"I am honored and excited for the opportunity to be a part of this Company," states Carl OConnell, President of Xtant Medical. "Xtant Medical is an organization that has been focused on delivering quality products to its customers, and has taken great pride and responsibility as stewards of the gift of donation. My goal is to continue and build upon the positive momentum that Xtant Medical has achieved, and to work closely with the talented team to drive value for our customers, employees, and stakeholders."

Carl OConnell has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare and medical device arena. He most recently worked as Global Vice President of Marketing for Wright Medical as the leader for the Foot and Ankle division, the fastest growing segment in Orthopedics. He has also served as President for the U.S. healthcare division of the Japanese conglomerate, ITOCHU Corporation, and previously as Global Vice President for Stryker Spine, and President for Carl Zeiss Surgical, Inc. Mr. O'Connell's responsibilities have spanned from global marketing, sales, manufacturing, leadership development, regulatory affairs, corporate quality systems, research, product and business development functions. Carl received a bachelors degree in Psychology and an M.B.A. from Mount St. Marys College, Maryland.

About Xtant Medical Holdings

Xtant Medical develops, manufactures and markets regenerative medicine products and medical devices for domestic and international markets. Xtant Medical products serve the specialized needs of orthopedic and neurological surgeons, including orthobiologics for the promotion of bone healing, implants and instrumentation for the treatment of spinal disease, tissue grafts for the treatment of orthopedic disorders, and biologics to promote healing following cranial, and foot and ankle surgeries. With core competencies in both biologic and non-biologic surgical technologies, Xtant Medical can leverage its resources to successfully compete in global neurological and orthopedic surgery markets. For further information, please visit www.xtantmedical.com.

Important Cautions Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains certain disclosures that may be deemed forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as "continue," "efforts," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," "strategy," "will," "goal," "target," "prospects," "potential," "optimistic," "confident," "likely," "probable" or similar expressions or the negative thereof. Statements of historical fact also may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. We caution that these statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, including, among others: our ability to integrate the acquisition of X-spine Systems, Inc. and any other business combinations or acquisitions successfully; our ability to remain listed on the NYSE MKT; our ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms; our ability to increase revenue; our ability to comply with the covenants in our credit facility; our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity to fund our operations; the ability of our sales force to achieve expected results; our ability to remain competitive; government regulations; our ability to innovate and develop new products; our ability to obtain donor cadavers for our products; our ability to engage and retain qualified technical personnel and members of our management team; the availability of our facilities; government and third-party coverage and reimbursement for our products; our ability to obtain regulatory approvals; our ability to successfully integrate recent and future business combinations or acquisitions; our ability to use our net operating loss carry-forwards to offset future taxable income; our ability to deduct all or a portion of the interest payments on the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes; our ability to service our debt; product liability claims and other litigation to which we may be subjected; product recalls and defects; timing and results of clinical studies; our ability to obtain and protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights; infringement and ownership of intellectual property; our ability to remain accredited with the American Association of Tissue Banks; influence by our management; our ability to pay dividends; our ability to issue preferred stock; and other factors.

Additional risk factors are listed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading "Risk Factors." You should carefully consider the trends, risks and uncertainties described in this document, the Form 10-K and other reports filed with or furnished to the SEC before making any investment decision with respect to our securities. If any of these trends, risks or uncertainties actually occurs or continues, our business, financial condition or operating results could be materially adversely affected, the trading prices of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
Syria's Ambassador to the UN Bashar al-Jaafari says Israels occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights is a direct threat to regional stability and security.

Jaafari made the remarks while addressing the 71st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

He noted that Israels support for terrorist groups in Golan also escalates the conflict in Syria, where according to UN estimates, over 400,000 people have died in a foreign-sponsored conflict, which started in March 2011.

He further stressed that economic measures imposed by the US and EU on Syria are directly affecting the nation and have led to problems including food shortage and a decline in healthcare standards.

"The terrorism and extremism which our region suffers from is the biggest obstacle in the face of development," he said.

Syria says Israel and its Western and regional allies are helping militant groups operating inside the Arab country. Moreover, the Syrian army has repeatedly seized huge quantities of Israeli-made weapons and advanced military equipment from the foreign-backed militants inside Syria.

Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria after the 1967 Six-Day War and later occupied it in a move that has never been recognized by the international community.

The regime has built tens of illegal settlements in the area ever since and has used the region to carry out a number of military operations against the Syrian government.
Key Outcomes of U.S. Priorities at the UN Human Rights Council's 33rd Session

Washington, DC - Although the United States is not a voting member of the UN Human Rights Council this year  taking a mandatory year off, while standing for election on October 28 for the 2017-2019 term  it is sustaining robust engagement in the Council and working with countries from all regions to address urgent human rights situations and issues. At the Councils 33rd Session in Geneva from September 13-30, U.S. leadership proved critical to shaping the international communitys response to these challenges.

Burundi: The United States was a key sponsor of the EU-led resolution on Burundi, which passed 19Yes-7No with 21 Abstentions. The resolution establishes a Commission of Inquiry and highlights the findings of the final report of the UN Independent Investigation on Burundi released on September 20.

Sudan, Somalia, and Central African Republic: The United States supported renewing the mandates of the Independent Experts on Sudan, Somalia, and Central African Republic. The Independent Experts will provide continued reporting on the human rights situations there as well as recommendations for technical assistance and capacity building.

Syria: The United States was a main sponsor of the resolution that drew continued attention to the serious human rights situation in Syria.

Yemen: The United States is pleased that the Council adopted a consensus resolution on Yemen, reaffirming the critically important role of OHCHR in helping establish the facts and circumstances of human rights violations and abuses and in advising on appropriate accountability measures.

Political Participation and Safety of Journalists: The Council adopted two resolutions that address the curtailing of the enjoyment of freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly around the world. The resolution on political participation, led by the Czech Republic, will provide draft guidelines on the implementation of the right to participate in public affairs as set out in Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The resolution on safety of journalists impresses upon states the urgency of developing strategies to promote and protect a safe and enabling environment for journalists, free from harassment, intimidation, and violence.

Indigenous issues: The United States co-sponsored resolutions on the rights of indigenous peoples; renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and revising the mandate of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP). The EMRIP resolution changed the composition and functions of that body, enabling it to be more responsive to indigenous peoples concerns.

Cambodia and Venezuela: The United States joined efforts to heighten attention to the human rights situations in Cambodia and Venezuela. The United States read a joint statement, supported by 38 other countries, expressing concerns about impediments to the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly, and freedom of association, as well as condemning the escalation of political tension in Cambodia. Paraguay, on behalf of 29 states including the United States, read a joint statement urging political dialogue and expressing concern for human rights and threats to democracy in Venezuela.

Appointment of Special Procedures Mandate Holders: The United States welcomes the appointment of Vitit Muntarbhorn of Thailand as the first UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. In addition, we welcome the appointment of Asma Jahangir of Pakistan as the new Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, replacing Dr. Ahmed Shaheed of the Maldives, who will now take on the mandate of Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Religion or Belief.
Brian Rogers

Rogers Rabbits

www.sunlive.co.nz

With the local busy body elections wrapping up here, the US presidential elections heading for a massive comedy finale and the situation in Syria playing heavily on our minds, the RR team has been deep in research for the answers to your most pressing questions.



Such as: Is the new L&P flavour, chilli and lime, any good with rum?



Should the Mount New Years Eve party have been canned, or a bigger riot planned? Would the new L&P flavour be socially acceptable at the Mount on New Years Eve?

Whatever happened to wine coolers?



Why isnt W called Double Vee? Because its not a Double U, is it? Its two Vs.



If it was Double V, would a VW become a Vee Double Vee? Or a Triple Vee?



If you know the answers, please tell us.



Well get the new mayor straight onto it, first job Monday.



Blame the coffee



Coffee is the evil of our society, not rugby. Rugbys not the demon.



New Zealand, stop vilifying the sport because of the conduct of a few; or a decision of the court.



Pointing the finger vaguely at a pastime and saying its rotten to the core is like saying all coffee drinkers are violent and sexist.



I can guarantee you that Filipo, the judge, the stripper, the Chiefs and almost every other person in our society behaving contrary to our liking, all drink coffee.



I bet even David Bain, the directors of dodgy finance corporations and the skipper of the Rena all drink coffee.



Therefore, by the rugby critics reasoning, all coffee is bad because some of its users might be violent or sexist or generally undesirable citizens.



Its not the first time rugby has been vilified, driven by an odd collection mostly from the leftie, anti-everything whacko fraternity. Remember the Springbok protests of the early 80s, when rugby fans were dragged into essentially a political scrap, simply for wanting to watch their sport. Rugby was singled out by career protestors and crucified as if it was the cause of all racial and political problems of the African continent.



We saw in the streets of Hamilton and witnessed first-hand the blatant, one-way hatred that had been brewed and cultured in the student population, looking for trouble and spoiling for a fight with generally passive and slightly bemused rugby families minding their own business, walking peacefully and legally to a sporting event.

Imagine if we decided all sailors are bad and yachting is the problem, because Scott Watson was convicted of murdering Olivia Hope and Ben Smart? If those Olympic medal-winning yachties were tarred with the same brush, their sport denigrated because of the actions of one?



What if all breast feeding mothers were deemed bad people, because Hitlers mother was one.



Thats the level of logic were dealing with over the current Rugby vilification.



Rugby is an easy target. It becomes fashionable every now and then to pick on the big one. A sort of tall poppy mindset.



Yes, Losi Filipo did wrong. Yes, the resulting judicial decision has provoked outrage. Maybe a few of the Chiefs cant keep their hands to themselves and Aaron Smith is easily confused with the signage on the disabled restroom. You cant blame him; some of those stick figure diagrams can be pretty ambiguous.



Memo to NZ: be a bit more intelligent when looking for the cause of these issues and accept that individuals are responsible for their own actions. Not a sport code, a cultural event, pastime or recreational drug. And take it easy on the coffee if youre having self-control issues.



Racy horse names



Thanks to the many who entered the Tauranga Races giveaway last week. Your mission was to suggest names for racehorses.



We have two winners this week, each winning prize packs of double tickets, with racebooks each, a couple of $10 betting vouchers and a couple of drinks tickets; for the Tauranga Racing Club meeting on Saturday, November 12.



Richard Glass: I have two suggestions, Doofgod & dooftac which are dog food and cat food backwards and are the type of horse I seem to back.



Paul Knights is our second winner, with these horse name suggestions:



Auckland House Prices  It will take off and they will never catch it!



Waitangi Tribunal  It will never get there but it will fun watching it zig-zag back and forth!



Council Election  Shows a lot of promise but lets you down at the finishing line.



Seal the Deal Trains around the Mount and is involved in fishy deals.



Bag the Nag  Goes the distance but drives its rider crazy!



Thanks for the fun!  Paul Knights.



Keep your eyes peeled for more Tauranga Racing Club giveaways, weve two more prize packs for four to come in following weeks, at each of the other race meetings on December 9 and 21.



Parting thoughts:



A couple of recent news items from the police made us think.



Teens arrested after car stolen in Paeroa. Whats the bet it was a lemon?



Police want assistance with robbery in main street. Well Ive got a balaclava, what else do I need to bring?



Meanwhile, the New Years eve party at the Mount has been cancelled.



But its alright, apparently theres still a party at Kelly Browns.



Son helping with mirror installation: I could see myself in this line of work.





More rabbiting on Facebook: Like: Rogers Rabbits Blog



Complaints department: Coffee houses and Bain supporters, send your concerns to RR, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 on the back of a $20 cheque.



Or email: brian@thesun.co.nz








Minister for Women Louise Upston has today announced a reformed National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women (the Council), which will address key issues facing women in work.

The Council will be comprised of a group of highly experienced business people who will tackle the ongoing barriers to womens full participation in the workforce.

The new Council has the skills, knowledge and practical experience and will be key influencers and leaders of genuine and sustainable change for women in the workplace.

New Zealand women are playing a greater role in our economy than ever before, but there is still a long way to go before they are fully utilised, Ms Upston said.

There are no female chief executives of New Zealands top 50 companies and women make up just 17 percent of roles on private sector boards. Career progression and managing career breaks continues to be an issue. There is huge potential for women to address current and projected skill shortages, especially in digital technology, engineering, construction and trades.

Getting more women in these areas will boost their own economic success, help to close the gender pay gap and bring greater benefits to New Zealand as a whole. Im looking forward to working with the Council to make this happen.

Ms Upston acknowledged and thanked all past Council members who served on the previous advisory council known as NACEW for their contributions to New Zealand womens employment.

The members of the new Council are:

Traci Houpapa (Chair), Chair of Landcorp and Federation of Maori Authorities

Norah Barlow, former Chief Executive of aged-care providers Summerset Holdings Ltd

Dr Andrew Cleland, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of New Zealand and former Chief Executive of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand

Tagaloatele Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop, Professor of Pacific Studies at the Auckland University of Technology

Theresa Gattung, co-founder of My Food Bag and former Chief Executive of Telecom

Kerry Prendergast, Chair of the Environmental Protection Agency and former Mayor of Wellington

Mark Verbiest, Chair of Spark

Katherine Rich, representative for Business New Zealand and Chief Executive of the Food and Grocery Council

Ms Upston said these members are well-positioned to identify new opportunities for women and to influence businesses across New Zealand.

SOURCE: Office of Louise Upston
Thunder, lightning and gale force winds are expected to slam and batter the Coromandel in the coming days.

MetService says an active front in the Tasman Sea is expected to bring heavy showers and thunderstorms  and theres a moderate risk of these thunderstorms becoming severe, producing damaging wind gusts in excess of 110km/hr and the chance of a small tornado.



Wind gusts of this strength can cause some structural damage, including trees and power lines, and may make driving hazardous. If any tornadoes occur, they will only affect very localised areas.

MetService will continue to monitor the situation closely for severe thunderstorm development and will issue further updates.

Earlier today the MetService also issued a severe gale warning for the Coromandel from Thursday afternoon until Friday afternoon, including squally thunderstorms.

So no matter where you are on the peninsula  the weathers likely to be unpleasant over the next few days, says the Thames-Coromandel District Council.

Take time now to secure outdoor furniture and trampolines. Driving conditions will also be difficult with saturated ground conditions increasing the risk of slips and flooding.

Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler is also reminding everyone to get into the habit of regularly checking in on the MetService and New Zealand Transport Agency websites or the TCDC Facebook page when severe weather is approaching.

Being informed helps make good decisions, says Garry.

While further south in the central plateau, the MetService has also issued a snowfall warning for the Desert Road, with showers and hail expected until Friday afternoon.

Sleet is possible about higher parts of the road from tonight until early Friday morning, although little if any snow is likely to settle.

Keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any watches/warnings at metservice.com or on mobile devices at m.metservice.com.

You can also follow updates on MetService TV, on Facebook, @metservice and @MetServiceWARN on Twitter and at blog.metservice.com
The main access track and surrounding areas of Papamoa Hills Regional Park is now closed to the public, effective from October 5.

The closure, which came into effect yesterday, is due to a Fulton Hogan logging operation on park and adjacent land.
Police can now release the name of the man killed in a crash on Kakepuku Road, near Te Awamutu on October 2nd 2016.

He is 23-year-old Mandeep Singh, an Indian national in New Zealand on a work visa.

He had been residing at the farm he worked at on Kakepuku Road.

Police offer their sympathies to the friends and family of Mr Singh at this sad time.

SOURCE: New Zealand Police
The last single lane bridge between Opotiki and Gisborne, the Motu Bridge near Matawai is to be replaced at a cost of $6.6m.

The replacement of the Motu Bridge will result in a safer, more reliable route linking the East Coast to the Bay of Plenty, says Transport Minister Simon Bridges.
Taurangas newest festival will arrive on the scene in stunning fashion by hosting the most extensive collection of Bansky works in the southern hemisphere.

Tauranga City Council in partnership with Oi YOU! and Tauranga Art Gallery, is proud to introduce the Paradox: Tauranga Street Art Festival which will run next year from March 28 to the end of June.
We started the business in 2010 and in 6 years the business has grown a lot. The brand Vilanova Grand Marina is well known now in the industry and has a very good reputation and more and more yachts are coming to visit us and the fleet has grown.

Ignacio Erroz shares just how the growth and expansion of the Marina services have made superyacht owners experience bigger and better than ever.

We have made some changes in our facilities offering bigger berths to our clients. The maximum length we welcome to the Marina is 120 metres when it was just 60 metres when we started to run the business shares Ignacio Erroz.

When speaking on the buzz of Barcelona as a central superyacht hub in the Mediterranean, it seems abundantly clear just how this up and coming destination has remained a jewel of discovery for those venturing into its waters.

Barcelona is no doubt one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean. Its modern, cosmopolitan, there is lots of culture and our gastronomy is incredible. Its a very attractive place.

You can watch the full interview in the video above this article and also keep up to date with all of our Monaco Yacht Show news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Malaga branch of the Kustner family, which has since been scattered across Spain, remembers its founder, Jorge Kustner, who took up residence in the city in 1895

Kustners from around the world at their ancestors grave in the English cemetery. :: FRANCIS SILVA

Jorge Kustner (Merienberg 1865 - Malaga 1910) was a young, German businessman who settled in Malaga at the end of the 19th century. He was a merchant, selling products originating from German colonies in Africa and bringing them to central Europe. For this commercial route, the port of Malaga was an obligatory layover. At 35 years old, on one of his trips, he discovered the local produce of Malaga: its wines, muscatel raisins and dried figs. Without hesitation he started to export them to the rest of Europe and made the city his home.

He spoke no Spanish at first and mixed mainly with the German communities of the time. However, soon after he arrived he fell in love with a Malaga-born woman, with a German surname, Rosa Schneider (Malaga 1876 - 1951), whom he married a year later. Although he died young, at only 44, Jorge and Rosa had four children: three boys (Emilio, Otto and Federico Kustner Schneider) and one girl (Rosa Kustner Schneider). This was the start of the Malaga branch of the Kustner clan, whose descendants have since spread out to other parts of Spain. There are also branches of the Kustner family in Australia, Argentina, the United States and, of course, Germany, where Jorge was originally from.

The Kustners, particularly those still in Malaga, are familiar with their familys history. The surname is well-known in the city and one of Jorge and Rosas children, Emilio, went on to be the German consul in Malaga.

The Kustner family also played an important role in helping and taking in the injured sailors and survivors of the wreckage of the German frigate SMS Gneisenau in 1900 in the bay of Malaga, caused by a storm. Forty-one sailors died but the tragedy was lessened by the people of Malaga going out of their way to rescue and take in the survivors; among them were Jorge and Rosa.

According to Emilio Kustner, many Malaga residents received certificates of gratitude from Kaiser Wilhelm II. Jorge also received a medal from the Sociedad Espanola de Salvamiento de Naufragos (the Spanish society for the rescue of shipwreck survivors). Both items are preserved by the family, and some members have inherited parts their ancestors kept of the frigate itself.

Seven years after the shipwreck, Malaga suffered a storm which destroyed its bridges. In response, Germany donated the Puente de los Alemanes in appreciation of the help given to its shipwreck survivors.

The Kustner family, celebrating their tenth family reunion, visited the bridge last Friday to remember the help offered by their family to the sailors. This reunion brought together 120 people with the Kustner surname, of whom 100 were Spanish, 19 German and one Australian.

Of the six generations that have passed since Jorge Kustner came to Malaga, only the last three survive. The oldest is 96 years old and the youngest is three months, noted Berta Moreno, who was in charge of organising the reunion. The last time the family got together was in Leipzig, Germany, in 2014.

On Saturday the family went to the English cemetery to place a floral tribute on the tomb of Jorge Kustner. The family reunions first started before the Second World War in Germany and, more recently, since 2000. Malaga has hosted the reunion on two occasions.
The Sierra de las Nieves park contains 65% of all Spains pinsapo trees. :: Francis Silva

The province of Malaga boasts a unique combination of coastal and mountain scenery and there are numerous treasures for visitors to discover.

Some of its inland areas are rapidly becoming better known outside the province. For example, the recent designation of the Dolmens of Antequera as a Unesco World Heritage Site has raised the profile of that area, bringing important outside recognition, even if us locals are already very proud of what we have.

If 2016 is to be remembered as the year of the Dolmens, its likely that 2017 will belong to the Sierra de las Nieves, the beautiful mountain region which aspires to become Malagas first national park and only the third in Andalucia, alongside the Sierra Nevada and Donana.

The Sierra de las Nieves is an environmental jewel and its designation as a national park would provide it with the highest level of protection. The Sierra is shared by the municipalities of Casarabonela, Alozaina, Guaro, Ojen, El Burgo, Istan, Monda, Parauta, Ronda, Tolox, Yunquera and Benahavis. They too would undoubtedly benefit from a classification which would be the icing on the cake and something which they have been calling for for years.

A long-standing campaign

Theres nothing new about the campaign for the Sierra de las Nieves to be upgraded from being a Natural Park (it was given that status in 1989) to a National Park. The seed was sown as long as 70 years ago when people first realised the potential of this beautiful countryside and its now become an enormous joint effort to make that dream come true.

It looks as though the Sierra de las Nieves will be finally granted national park status next year. The latest phase in the campaign began in 2011, when the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park board formally applied to the Junta de Andalucia for the area to get the extra protection.

Three years later, the Juntas Environment Minister took up the request and set the bureaucratic machinery in motion to grant the region the highest level of protection available under Spanish law for natural beauty spots.

It has been a long, slow process, but it looks as if it will come to fruition towards the end of 2017, when the classification as a national park is approved by the Spanish government and parliament, assuming that by then Spains new government will finally be in place and the current political stalemate is over. Even though all the sectors involved in this process are convinced that everything will be completed on time, there are still a few obstacles to overcome.

One definitive step forward came at the end of last year, when the Junta de Andalucias Ministry of the Environment sent the government its first draft proposal for the classification as a national park.

Final touches to the plan

Work is now being done on different fronts to ensure that this document fully complies with new national park legislation that came into force in December 2014. This process has led to a long debate about the length of time the project has to be made available for public consultation, between mayors of villages in the area, environmental groups, hunters and local residents, all of whom are given the chance to have their say in matters like these.

In addition, just as it did with the Dolmens of Antequera, the Junta has launched a campaign to enlist the support of everyone in Malaga province for the project, and it is active on social media including Facebook and Twitter, with the hashtags #SierradelasNieves and #ParqueNacional. There is also a petition on Change.org.

Leaving the bureaucracy to one side and taking a closer look at this natural treasure, the future national park will cover an area of about 23,000 hectares. This is slightly more than originally anticipated (18,000) because of the change in the Law of National Parks, which now demands that these areas cover at least 20,000 hectares.

This area, most of it publicly owned, covers the most environmentally-sensitive parts of the Sierra de las Nieves, as 65 per cent of the pinsapo trees in Spain grow here. This species is the indisputable symbol of the natural park. It is one of the few places in the world - together with the Sierra de Grazalema (Cadiz) and Morocco - where these fir trees, which became almost extinct after the ice ages, still survive. The Pinsapo de las Escaleretas is the most famous variety in this region, because of its exceptional size.

The lovely oak and Mediterranean woods are another attraction and there are a number of native species which are unique to this region, just as there are in the Sierra Nevada.

Another important reason why the Sierra de las Nieves should be designated a national park is that certain outcrops of peridotite rock of plutonic origin are found nowhere else in the world.

Other strong arguments in favour are the ecosystem and geological value of the landscape, firstly because it is home to more than 150 species of birds and a wealth of fauna, including ibex and roe deer, and, secondly, because of the presence of many chasms and caves, and the Torrecilla Peak, the highest in western Andalucia at 1,919 metres.

Declaring the Sierra de las Nieves a national park would bring huge benefits for the municipalities it covers, a fact which has not been lost on all those involved in this project.

It would provide an extraordinary economic stimulus throughout the area, while ensuring that this environmental jewel remains well-protected.
Simon Manley, the United Kingdom's Ambassador to Spain, says immigration was one reason for the 'Brexit' vote and that the wall which is being built in Calais is necessary

The British ambassador in Spain, Simon Manley. :: R. C.

Many questions have been raised about the future of Europe after the UKs unexpected vote to leave the European Union. British access to the single market, the situation of EU citizens who live in the UK and future alliances between the fifth world power and other countries are just some of the questions to which there are still no answers. Simon Manley, the British ambassador to Spain, was recently at BioSpain, the biotechnology fair in Bilbao, and he spoke about some of the main issues which will need to be negotiated between London and Brussels.

The direction of the EU changed with the result of the referendum. Was Brexit a goal scored by the far right against Cameron?

It wasnt the decision that David Cameron was expecting, but there are many explanations for it, some related to globalisation or the part played by the Labour party. However, this was the most important referendum in British history and we cannot look back. We have to look forward now.

So the so-called regrexit wont be possible?

The British people voted to leave the EU and we respect that decision. We are not going to hold a second or third referendum to change public opinion. We are working on how to leave, analysing all aspects of our relationship with the European Union and evaluating all the possibilities. In any case, were not going to turn our back on Europe. We are and we will be European, and we hope to reach an agreement which will be beneficial for both sides.

David Davis, one of the ministers in charge of negotiating, has said that Britains aim is to have access to the single market but restrict EU citizens coming into the UK. Do you believe the other members will agree to that?

We havent announced our objectives in the negotiations, but the result of the referendum is explained, partly, by concerns about the effects of the arrival of large numbers of people from the EU and elsewhere. We have to respect peoples feelings and find an agreement which reflects their concern and the need to open our market to the world.

If the future is open, Brexit seems to have been quite the contrary. Breaking the ties with Europe seems to be the response of British people who miss the Empire.

There will be generations of professors and students who carry out studies to explain what happened, but the country didnt change on June 23rd. We decided to leave, but we will be the same state, the only important one to respect the UNs commitment to pay 0.7 per cent of its budget to aid development and one which also spends another two per cent on common defence as part of NATO. We have paid 2.3 billion pounds to tackle the crisis in Syria and our armed forces are there and in Iraq. We have a global presence and the willingness to play an important role in the world.

But the country is still divided. Brexit showed a polarisation of the electorate of almost 50 per cent.

If everyone had the same opinion we wouldnt have needed a referendum. We are not North Korea. We are a vibrant democracy and Theresa Mays role now is to determine our objectives and focus on the negotiations, in consultation with the Scottish government, which has a very different opinion, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What will happen to European residents in 2018, when Britain leaves definitively?

Many Europeans contribute to our society and our economy and we are proud of their contribution. There are also 280,000 British people registered as living in Spain, and we hope to reach an overall agreement.

But will their legal status remain the same?

We will need to look at the details. When we finish our analysis, we will announce it. We intend to be prudent about the interests of British people and we hope to reach a reciprocal agreement. For me, the secrets of success in the 21st century are economies which are more open to foreign investment and talented people.

You support the creation of a single market with the USA. Will Washington become Londons new best friend?

We are great allies and have had a very strong relationship for centuries. We dont want to reduce our economic relationship with the EU and we do want to strengthen the one we have with India and China. We are talking about a country which is open to the world.

But in Calais youre building a wall with French support.

What we are doing in Calais, with the collaboration of the French authorities, is fighting illegal immigration and violence. We are worried about the attacks on lorry drivers and tourists, and what we want to do is ensure free movement of people.

The European Banking Authority has said it will withdraw from London, and institutions with headquarters there and continental interests have also warned that they plan to move to Paris, Amsterdam or Frankfurt. JPMorgan is suggesting that Madrid would be the best substitute. Will the City suffer from segregation?

The City is an incredible ecosystem, not only because of the proliferation of banks and services. It has all the advantages of London as a communications hub and its not just a European financial centre, its a global one. Its contribution to the continental economy is very high. Without the financial resources of the City, the economy of the eurozone would be weaker. If Europe loses its global financial centre, Paris, Frankfurt or San Sebastian wont be the winners; New York and Singapore will.

What does London think is the best solution to the situation in Syria?

It is a major tragedy. What happened a few days ago in Aleppo is horrible and we have accused Russia of committing war crimes. We have to keep fighting for a peace agreement promoted by the UN.
The mobile app is the fastest-growing way of making appointments with family doctors and paediatricians

Operators from Salud Responde answer patients calls. :: SUR

Understanding exactly what a patient says allows doctors to make a better diagnosis. This is the theory behind the creation of the system of simultaneous translation that Andalucia health services Salud Responde currently uses.

At the moment, they attend patients in up to 46 languages, as the director of the company, Jose Maria Gonzalez, explains. The service is aimed at foreign tourists and non- Spanish speakers.

The translation system, which operates 24 hours per day, is used in health centres, hospitals, emergency rooms and other institutions within the Andalusian healthcare system.

Through a three-way telephone conversation between patient, healthcare professional and translator, a comprehensive understanding can be achieved.

The province of Malaga is where this service is predominantly used, accounting for 66 per cent of the Andalusian total. From its activation in 2009 until 31 August 2016, it has registered 48,297 users in Andalucia. The languages most called upon are: English (82.84%), German (5.46%), French (3.14%), Arabic (2.39%), Mandarin (1.34%), Finnish (1.03%), Russian (0.81%), Danish (0.34%), Dutch (0.33%) and Swedish (0.30%).

We deal with languages such as Urdu, Lithuanian and African dialects. We work in collaboration with a company which provides us with the necessary interpreter for each case. The results are very good, explains Jose Maria Gonzalez.

Furthermore, the director of Salud Responde stated that in terms of making an appointment with a family doctor or paediatrician in primary healthcare centres, the mobile application is the method which has grown the most, to such an extent that it is gaining ground on traditional phone calls and the website.

In the province of Malaga there are 210,000 registered users of the app, 56 per cent of which are female and 44 per cent male. 23.7 per cent of those who use the mobile app request paediatric appointments. From the apps creation in 2013 until 31 August 2016, the people of Malaga have used the app 4,814,331 times, according to Gonzalez.

More and more users are deciding to download the free mobile app and are making appointments through it. Its a very easy system to use, states the director. In terms of the people who choose a traditional phone call to make their medical appointments, 58.54 per cent are women and 41.46 per cent are men.

The Salud Responde service operates 24 hours per day and on every day of the year at 902 505 060 / 955 545 060. In addition to calling them, you can contact them via the internet at www.juntadeandalucia.es/salud, via email at saludresponde@juntadeandalucia.es and via their free mobile application, which is available for iOS, Android and Windows Phone.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A Syracuse area roofing contractor is facing $96,000 in fines for repeat violations of federal safety laws, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

OSHA inspectors said they found employees of The Roofing Guys Inc., of 3570 Walters Road, Geddes, working atop a pitched residential roof at 100 Gulf Road in Camillus on April 8 without safety harnesses. The lack of fall protection meant the employees were exposed to potential falls of up to 20 feet, the inspectors said.

They said they also found that the company allowed an additional fall hazard created by a roof access ladder that did not extend at least three feet above the roof's edge for required stability.

Company owner Michael Flynn issued a statement Thursday denying OSHA's allegations.

"We deny all allegations that have been brought forth by OSHA," Flynn said. "We comply to safety standards, which is the reason why we have not had a workplace injury since the start of our company ten years ago. We are continually targeted by competitors and inspectors and we will be pursuing all of our rights to clear our name against these charges."

OSHA said it had previously cited the company for similar violations in 2011, 2014 and 2015 at roofing jobs in Liverpool, Marcellus, Syracuse and North Syracuse.

Federal law requires that workers on residential construction projects who are six feet or more above lower levels be protected by guardrail or safety net systems, or safety harnesses, according to OSHA.

"This pattern of non-compliance is disturbing," Jeffrey Prebish, OSHA's acting area director in Syracuse, said in a statement. "This employer knows that effective fall protection is not just a necessity, it's required by law. Workers are just one slip, trip or misstep away from a deadly or disabling fall each time fall protection is absent or inadequate."

Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York, said falls are the leading cause of death in construction work.

The agency cited The Roofing Guys for what it said were two repeat violations of workplace safety standards and proposed a total of $96,027 in fines.

OSHA said it also has placed the company in the agency's Severe Violators Enforcement Program, which targets "recalcitrant" employers for extra inspections.

The company has 15 business days to pay the fine, request a conference at which it may seek an adjustment of the citations or fines, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148
Syracuse, NY -- The lawyer for baby murderer Ryan Lawrence asked for a delay in sentencing so he could get a non-profit to submit a report that could help Lawrence shorten his prison sentence down the road.

Lawrence, 25, pleaded guilty in September to first-degree murder in his daughter Maddox's brutal death. She was hit, burned and dumped in a creek. Lawrence took responsibility in exchange for a promised 25-year-to-life prison sentence.

He was supposed to be sentenced Friday, but that was adjourned this week. He'll now be sentenced in early November.

Defense lawyer Michael Vavonese asked the Center for Community Alternatives, a group that seeks alternatives to incarceration, to prepare a report on Lawrence's behalf, said County Court Judge Anthony Aloi.

The report will not be done in time for sentencing Friday, the judge said.

It's a common practice for defense lawyers, who are paid to provide any mitigating circumstances to the crime. The CCA report, which Lawrence has a right to receive, will follow Lawrence after sentencing, Aloi said.

It won't spare Lawrence any of the 25 years he's obligated to spend in prison under the plea deal. But after that point, he'll be eligible for parole. (There won't be any time shaved off his 25-year punishment.)

The CCA report can be considered by a parole board in 2041 in deciding whether Lawrence remains in prison or not. Because the maximum punishment includes life, Lawrence may never leave prison.

It's not clear what the CCA report will say. But the reports are considered "mitigation reports" seen as beneficial to the defendant.

Aloi said there was a second reason the sentencing was adjourned: one of the victim's family members wanted to speak at sentencing. But that family member was not available, so the judge picked a day that family could all attend.

The new sentencing date is set for Nov. 9. Lawrence remains incarcerated and his time is counting toward his punishment, whether he's in local jail or state prison.
Rochester, NY -- An able-bodied man was correctly convicted of felonies after trying to drive off a stolen motorized wheelchair from a Rochester hospital at a "high rate of speed," an appeals court ruled recently.

Eddie Palmer, 41, was convicted in 2011 of unauthorized use of a vehicle and possession of stolen property.

A security guard saw Palmer through surveillance cameras driving the wheelchair off the grounds of Strong Memorial Hospital, the New York Law Journal reported. When guards caught him, Palmer said he was visiting a friend and was taking the chair to get it recharged.

Palmer appealed his conviction, saying there wasn't enough evidence to show he stole a "vehicle."



At trial, the wife of the true owner testified against Palmer, the appeals court noted. The owner himself is deceased. It's not clear how much the stolen wheelchair cost, though it was more than the legal threshold of $1,000.

Palmer later escaped from a Rochester jail in 2011 and was caught again a week later, the Law Journal reported. He's served 2 to 4 years for the wheelchair theft and is serving another 3 to 7 years for escaping.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A man was shot twice in the thigh Wednesday night on the city's South Side, Syracuse police said.

Officers responded to the 200 block of McLennan Avenue at 9:07 p.m. for a shooting. Police said residents in the area had reported hearing gun shots.

When officers arrived on McLennan Avenue they found a 21-year-old man who had been shot twice in the left thigh. He was taken by American Medical Response Ambulance to Upstate University Hospital. His injuries were not life-threatening.

Police said they do not yet have any suspect information in the shooting.

Police asked anyone with information to contact 315-442-5222. Tips can also be submitted using the "SPD Tips" app.
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The Apple Harvest Ale brewed by Empire Farmstead Brewery in Cazenovia using apples grown and pressed at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards in LaFayette.

(Don Cazentre)

Two of Central New York's best known names in food and drink have collaborated on a new seasonal offering this fall: Apple Harvest Ale.

Apple Harvest Ale is a new collaboration between Empire Farmstead Brewery in Cazenovia and Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards of LaFayette.

It's a draft-only beer brewed at the new Empire Farmstead Brewery in Cazenovia using juice from apples grown at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards in LaFayette. It will be available starting this weekend at Empire Brewing Co.'s brewpub in Syracuse's Armory Square, the tasting room at Empire Farmstead Brewery in Cazenovia and the Beak & Skiff Tavern in Lafayette. Other kegs will be available soon at selected other locations.

"It fills a void in the Central New York beer market," Empire owner David Katleski said, adding he believes it is much more flavorful than the popular national brand, Redd's Apple Ale.. "There's nothing else like it."

The beer has a tart apple flavor and a sweet caramel malt finish, with a reddish tinge to the color. It is 5 percent alcohol, about the same as a Budweiser.

Empire Brewing Co.'s Tim Butler holds a pint of Apple Harvest Ale brewed by Empire Farmstead Brewery in Cazenovia using apples grown and pressed at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards in LaFayette.

It was made with juice from Empire and Honeycrisp apples from the Beak and Skiff orchards. About one-third of the total volume is apple juice, said Empire director of brewing operations Tim Butler. The other two-thirds are a malt-accented ale.

"We wanted the malt to come through along with the apple to give it a caramel apple kind of flavor," Butler said. "But it's still got a lot of that tart apple character."

Assuming the beer is a hit, it is likely to be brewed at Empire again next fall and packaged in cans at Beak and Skiff's 1911 hard cider facility. The collaboration idea started about a year ago, said Beak and Skiff general manager and co-owner Eddie Brennan.

"Our two companies are committed to creating high quality hand crafted products so the opportunity to work together has been very rewarding," Brennan said. "We believe Apple Harvest Ale has the opportunity to be a big part of both our businesses in the years ahead."

Empire Brewing Co. started with its brewpub at 120 Walton St. in Armory Square in 1995. It opened its farmstead production brewery off Route 13 in Cazenovia in June. It is one of the largest craft breweries in New York state.

Beak and Skiff is a family-owned apple farm with on and around Route 20 and Route 80 in LaFayette. It launched the 1911 Hard Cider and 1911 Spirits brands in the last few years. Its apple-based hard cider, vodka and gin are distributed statewide.

Don Cazentre writes about food, beverages, restaurants and bars for syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Contact him by email, on Twitter, at Google+ or via Facebook.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Ann Waterman's blue eyes glow brighter when as she talks about her husband, Don.

"Three days after we were married, we went to Mexico. Oh, it was wonderful," she said, pausing in the moment long past. Don and Ann Waterman met as art students at the Cleveland Institute of Art. They married in 1952.

Then they did what crazy kids do: They drove to Mexico on a whim. They had no jobs. Neither could speak Spanish. Don Waterman got working papers and landed a job doing industrial design for a firm in Mexico City. The couple stayed there for four years, during which their family grew to a baby, a dog and a cat. Then Don Waterman got a job as a professor of art, teaching surface and textile design, at Syracuse University.

He flew to the new town and Ann Waterman followed with the dog, the cat, their pre-school age daughter, Cathi, and two lamps that Ann loved too much to leave behind.

She laughed as she remembered the madness. "I have no idea how I did it," Waterman said. "I just did it."

  

Waterman's life was picture-perfect. They had a house in Manlius, two more children, and a design firm together.

Together, they sold designs to major upholstery companies in the U.S. and England. Ann Waterman remembered when they each sold designs to a prestigious London upholstery company.

"Don said to me, 'Are your feet even on the ground?'" Waterman recalled. She felt like she was flying. They had made it to the big leagues, together.

"We just had a ball," Waterman said.

They were partners in everything. Until one Thursday morning. Ann was 49. Don was 51. He was getting ready for work when he died.

Ann Waterman did what she had to, like when they moved from Mexico. She canceled her husband's classes at Syracuse University for the next day. But on Monday, she showed up in his place. She comforted his students. And then she taught his classes for the remainder of the year.

"You just decide ... you're going to go ahead," Waterman said. And she did -- to California.

  

Like when they went to Mexico on that whim, Ann Waterman went to California without many prospects. She taught her own art classes at schools there, including the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.

And, as she always had, she painted, sculpted and made fabric.

Now 85, Waterman has returned to Central New York where her son, Mark, and his family, still live. A selection of her life's artwork is on display at May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society in Syracuse. It's the church she, Don and their kids attended.

Like Waterman's life, her work seems nearly equal parts joy and sadness. Waterman began experimenting with 3-dimensional paintings. The figures emerge in stages from the canvas. Their bodies are made of cloth and their faces of baked clay. In some, the figures are working, but in others, they are mischievous men who have escaped their flat world to climb.

In the center of the exhibit hangs a painting of Waterman's daughter, Cathi, as young woman. Waterman has captured those years when you see the grown-up who is not yet there. Cathi sits with a Raggedy Ann doll on her lap. Cathi died last spring of pancreatic cancer at 62.

"I did not paint for a while after that," Waterman said. But then she picked up the brush again and painted. It was a man making a clay pot for carrying water in the Mexican countryside. It seems like if you were to touch the painting, you would feel the warmth of the red clay in the bright sunshine.

Earlier in the week, a church worker led Waterman into the sanctuary to a wall-hanging. Do you remember this, he asked her. She had forgotten it was there, but of course she remembered. It was the fabric print Don had made when the May Memorial church left its original home on James Street. He took the iron heat grate from the building and used it for a pattern on a white wall hanging.

Ann Waterman looked up at the print her husband made, held her hand on the cloth for a second, and smiled.

  

Ann Waterman's work is on exhibit at the May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society, 3800 East Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13214, through Oct. 31. There is a "Meet the Artist" with Waterman at the church Sunday at 12:15 p.m.

Exhibit hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday; noon to 2 p.m. Friday; Sunday starting at noon. For more information call 446-8920.

Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people, life and culture in Central New York. Contact her anytime: email | twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2246
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Germanys data protection regulator on Tuesday ordered Facebook to stop collecting and storing data from WhatsApp users in the country.

Facebook also must delete any data it already may have harvested from German WhatsApp users, according to Johannes Caspar, Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, who issued the order.

Even though Facebook purchased WhatsApp two years ago, they are two independent companies, noted the commissioner, and WhatsApp can not share data with Facebook without first obtaining a users consent.

What WhatsApp and Facebook have been doing not only misleads users, but also violates German law, the commissioner maintained.

This administrative order protects the data of about 35 million WhatsApp users in Germany, Caspar said. It has to be their decision, whether they want to connect their account with Facebook. Therefore, Facebook has to ask for their permission in advance. This has not happened.

Broken Promise?

WhatsApp plans to appeal the decision.

Facebook complies with EU data protection law. We will appeal this order and will work with the Hamburg DPA in an effort to address their questions and resolve any concerns, the company said in a statement provided to the E-Commerce Times by spokesperson Anne Yeh.

If Facebook is tapping into WhatsApp data, that appears to violate a pledge it made when it bought the service.

When Facebook and WhatsApp came together, they made a statement that they would not share data, said Karen North, director of the USC Annenbergs Digital Social Media program.

Its easy to understand why Facebook would want access to WhatsApp data.

You have access to peoples phone numbers, locations and conversations, North told the E-Commerce Times. For targeting ads and other activities, having the data from WhatsApp could be a huge asset for the strategic planning of Facebook.

Political Motivation

Politics may have had a hand in Germanys move against Facebook and WhatsApp, maintained Jim McGregor, founder and principal analyst at Tirias Research.

Europeans see big American companies dominating the Internet, and he who has the information has the power, so theres some concern there politically, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Sometimes politicians have to show theyre doing something, and sometimes the best way to do that is to pick on the big guys, McGregor said.

How much of this is driven by the people? he asked. Very little.

Trouble Brewing

This skirmish in Germany could be just the start of trouble for Facebook, observed Andreas Scherer, managing partner at Salto Partners.

This will be an uphill battle for Facebook, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Its safe to assume that regulators in other European jurisdictions will take a hard look at the situation, he said. So, this could be just the beginning of the Facebook WhatsApp data-sharing saga.

For the time being, though, other countries appear content to see how the scenario plays out in Germany.

Data privacy authorities in France and the UK are monitoring the policy change, but its unclear that they will follow suit, said Samantha Merlivat, an analyst in Forrester Researchs London office.

They seem to be monitoring what happens with Germany before taking action, she told the E-Commerce Times.

Since the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation earlier this year, data protection is very much in focus at the moment, and privacy rules are expected to tighten in the next 18 months, Merlivat said.

Impact on Facebooks Business

Whether or not a Facebook appeal can flip the Hamburg commissioners order, the decision isnt likely to damage the companys business in Germany or Europe, maintained Jan Dawson, chief analyst at Jackdaw Research.

This will have a minimal impact on Facebooks German operations, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Those operations have functioned just fine until now without having access to the WhatsApp data, and although Im sure it would have been useful for Facebook to have access to the additional WhatsApp data, its not critical to its future success, Dawson said.

Since the ruling affects only German users, it will have very little impact on Facebooks global business, of which Germany is only a small fraction.

Germany has always taken a particularly strict approach to data protection, and so I suspect this will be more of an outlier than a bellwether, Dawson suggested. I would be surprised if more than one or two other European countries take a similar approach.
Microsoft on Monday announced a series of major enhancements to its enterprise cloud platform, as well as a new strategic partnership with Adobe, advancing its drive to attract new business from core competitors like Salesforce and Amazon.

Microsoft has entered a strategic partnership to make Azure the preferred cloud platform for the Adobe Marketing Cloud, Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Document Cloud. Adobe Marketing Cloud will become the preferred service for Microsofts Dynamics 365 Enterprise edition.

I think we would both say that SaaS has completely disrupted how enterprises are thinking about software, said Shantanu Narayen, chief executive of Adobe, at Microsoft Ignite in Atlanta. We think its absolutely critical that we provide this integration  between sales and marketing and visualization.

The announcement of the new Azure monitoring and management updates, which allow seamless integration, was critical for Microsoft, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

Microsoft is the only firm that offers both on- and off-premises implementations of the same cloud-based platform, he told the E-Commerce Times.

For ease of management for hybrid cloud solutions, which remain the IT favorite, allowing the greatest match of flexibility, performance, compliance and cost, this should put Microsoft in a position of significant advantage, said Enderle, particularly for a global enterprise.

Adobes move raises questions about why it decided to reduce its participation in the AWS platform, noted Ed Anderson, research vice president, cloud services, at Gartner.

It might be related to some of the intelligence capabilities now available through Microsofts Cortana platform, he suggested.

Its not entirely clear how or why Adobe would be interested in moving the application to Azure, Anderson told the E-Commerce Times. Regardless, this isnt a change that can happen overnight, and it will take some work on Adobes part to make the change.

Think Fast

Microsoft also unveiled several artificial intelligence innovations, including several new skills for Cortana, the companys personal assistant.

Office 365s new intelligence capabilities:

Tap, which uses Microsoft Graph to incorporate content from within the company into documents and emails;

Quickstarter for Powerpoint and Sway; and

Maps, which allows new forms of Excel charts to be converted into visualizations.

Microsofts My Analytics, formerly known as Delve Analytics, provides insights into how employees spend work time. Relationship Assistant is included in the upcoming Dynamics 365 for Sales.

The company also announced a multiyear deal with Renault-Nissan Alliance to provide advanced navigation and predictive services. Remote monitoring of car features and geofencing will provide theft protection, disabling the car if necessary. The alliance is working on a plan to unveil 10 autonomous vehicles by 2020.

Threat Protection

Further, Microsoft announced a series of security enhancements for Windows 10 and across the Office 365 platform, along with data protection tools for the enterprise customer.

Windows Defender Application Guard, which will come to Windows 10 enterprise customers in 2017, uses isolated containers and virtualization-based security technology to stop malicious code from moving across employee devices in a corporate setting.

The security announcements could be a breakthrough in terms of containing threats to Edge users, said Paul Teich, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

If Microsoft carries through with their advanced threat detection inside of their hardware secure containers, it means that most of the Web-based threats that infect peoples PCs can be stopped in the browser container  they will not get a chance to touch the rest of the PC, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Office 365 Threat Intelligence will provide alerts on the origination of specific attacks, and Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection will be extended to Word, Excel, Powerpoint, SharePoint and OneDrive, scanning attached files and examining links for malicious code.




I honestly don't think that this model - along with the smaller Google Pixel - will be officially launched in the Philippines.

The Google Pixel series officially supersedes and replaces the company's Nexus line of smartphones. Pixel models will still offer consumers the latest Android experience but they already come with more proprietary apps and they represent a clear and bold attempt by Google to rival giant smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Huawei.

Just from looking at these smartphones' specs, you might think that there isn't particularly anything special in them compared to some devices that are already available in the market. But actually, Pixel and Pixel XL have at least one feature that's unique to them

Earlier this year, some 'Apple insiders' hinted that the Cupertino company would finally release an iPhone with Blue anodized aluminum shell -- which obviously didn't turn out accurate. That was heartbreaking for me since I was already keen on getting the device in that hue. Now, I'm not even sure if I should upgrade from my Rose Goldto theThe last Blue smartphone that I fell in love with was thefrom 2010. I know. Technically, it's not Blue. It's Cyan -- but it's still within the same color family.Looking at the freshly announced' variant, I must admit I'm quite smitten. I'm not yet sure if I'm in love with it but I think I'm going to like it even more when I finally see the device in the flesh.So I really don't want to keep my hopes up and have my heart broken again.I mean, Google's 2015 Nexus smartphones made by LG and Motorola were never released locally -- and I doubt that these HTC-crafted upgrades would have a better fate.Come on, Smart Postpaid!, this maiden Pixel release comes in two sizes. The regular one has a 5.2-inch Full HD AMOLED display and the other - called Pixel XL - has a larger 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED screen both protected by curved 2.5D Gorilla Glass 4 touchscreen and complemented by an aerospace-grade anodized aluminum body with gorgeously chamfered edges.In terms of specs and features, Google Pixel and Pixel XL sport a top-notch 12.3 MegaPixel autofocus main camera with f/2.0 aperture and large 1.55m pixels, an 8 MP fixed focus with f/2.4 aperture and 1.4m pixel size for clear and brilliant selfies, 4K 30fps video recorder (1080p @ 30fps, 60fps, 120fps ~ 720p @ 30fps, 60fps, 240fps), 4G LTE connectivity,headset support, USB Type C port, and Fingerprint Scanner at the back for quickly unlocking the device with just a touch of a finger.The main camera lacks optical image stabilization but according to Google, they tied the gyroscope into the camera system to make videos look more smooth and steady even with subtle shaking while clips are being recorded.At its heart, both Pixel versions run the latest Android 7.1 Nougat operating system right out of the box with the beastlychipset, havefor multitasking, and come withof non-expandable internal storage.One thing that the company is particularly proud of about these models is that they have 'all-day' battery life -- thanks to the 2,770 mAh pack inside the Pixel and the 3,450 mAh battery powering the Pixel XL. They deliver 13 hours and 14 hours of internet use on WiFi or mobile data, respectively.. To be specific, these two are the first to come with the all-new Google Assistant, which is more or less Google's version of Apple's Siri Virtual Assistant as it lets you manage everyday tasks, find photos faster, and keep tabs on your schedule simply by talking to it.Google Pixel and Pixel XL are available in three colors - with funny names -, and. As for their prices, in the United States, Google Pixel 32GB and 128GB sell for $649 (Php 31,370, as of October 6, 2016) and $749 (Php 36,230) while Google Pixel XL 32GB and 128GB go for $769 (Php 37,190) and $869 (Php 42,030), respectively.They're just slightly more affordable than Samsung's flagship offerings, which is another point I want to raise.Let me know your thoughts about these Pixel handsets via our comments section below.
In what appears to be a case of history repeating itself, the NSA has arrested a contractor working for Booz Allen Hamilton, the same firm that employed Edward Snowden, and charged him with unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials, as well as theft of government property.

According to a statement from the Department of Justice, the contractor is 51-year old Maryland resident Harold Thomas Martin III. The criminal complaint against him states that investigators found thousands of physical and digital documents marked as top secret when they searched his home on August 27.

TechCrunch reports that the material contained hacking codes for government systems in Russia, China and North Korea. Moreover, six of the discovered documents were said to be of an extremely sensitive nature.

According to the complaint, Martin initially denied taking the documents but later admitted to storing them in his home and car, despite knowing they were classified. "Martin stated that he knew what he had done was wrong and that he should not have done it because he knew it was unauthorized," the affidavit states.

Edward Snowden famously passed NSA documents on to journalists in 2013. It's unclear if Martin leaked the information in the his documents, or if he passed them on to a third party. His lawyers told the New York Times: "We have not seen any evidence. But what we know is that Hal Martin loves his family and his country. There is no evidence that he intended to betray his country."

While no connection between Martin and Snowden has been made, investigators discovered Martin's alleged theft when they were looking into the recent Shadow Brokers leak, which exposed what appeared to be malware used by the NSA. The leak took place two weeks before Martin's arrest, suggesting he may not have any connection to it.

If found guilty, Martin could face up to ten years behind bars for his crimes. If it's discovered that he shared the information with anyone, the contractor may face charges under the Espionage Act, just as Edward Snowden does.
The day when the Galaxy S7 gets the latest Android version might not be far down the road if rumors are taken into account.

Even though the Galaxy S7 is considered as a leading smartphone and released in March, it still runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which was released last year.

Ever since Nougat's release in August, there is growing anticipation for the arrival of the OS to the Galaxy S7. There were even rumors that Samsung was testing the Grace UX along with Nougat on the Galaxy S7 and its curved edge sibling, the Galaxy S7 Edge, when these devices were spotted on Geekbench.

The latest sighting of the Galaxy S7 running Android Nougat comes courtesy of GFXBench, which could mean that Samsung will soon roll out the update to the device.

However, SamMobile reports that Nougat might first arrive to "international models of the handsets," which are currently used in Europe. This follows a pattern adopted by Samsung in the previous years, in which it first rolls out firmware updates to European countries before bringing them to the United States.

A few weeks earlier, there were indications that Samsung was already testing Android 7.0 Nougat on the Galaxy S7 in Poland. However, since this report about testing emerged, there has been no official rollout of the update.

Therefore, it is likely that Samsung has used the interim period to ensure that the test build of Nougat is running well on the Galaxy S7. With the spotting of the smartphone running Nougat on GFXBench it appears that the testing process might be drawing to an end and the update could be made official soon.

When Android Nougat was released, it was only made available on devices like the Nexus 5X, Nexus 9 and Nexus 6P. With Pixel and the Pixel XL being launched with Android 7.0 Nougat right out-of-the-box on Oct. 4, it is clear that such devices have an edge over others like the Galaxy S7 in terms of new features. So Samsung is likely going to try to bring the new features available on Android 7.0 to its flagships as soon as possible to ensure it does not fall behind others.

Samsung usually rolls out updates to Android in phases because it takes time to layer a skin on stock Android. This process has often resulted in delays over the past years, and users are probably hoping that it will not be repeated this year.

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Galaxy Note 7 was at the heart of the biggest recall in mobile history, and Samsung is atoning for its mistake. The company opened a casting call, urging owners of the flamboyant device to share their experiences in an advert.

The company hopes that the video ad would dampen the damage and irritation caused by the inflammable Galaxy Note 7.

As many as 2.5 million Note 7 phablets were subject to recall earlier this year. The massive exchange program started only a few weeks after the product landed on shelves, as it became clear that the smartphone sported batteries that had a penchant for overheating and even exploding.

Samsung acknowledges that its clients were grieved by the incidents, and is making an attempt at rebuilding the Note's reputation. In order to succeed, the OEM wants people who have bought the device to appear in an advert.

O'Connor Casting is the agency that is at the helm of the project.

In its call to action, the agency asks current or former owners of the Note to "share their experiences with the Galaxy Note 7, the Note 7 recall and their overall experience with Samsung." A proof of ownership will be required from the selected candidates.

The final ad will be shot in New York, with those selected to appear in it getting paid $600 or more. To put it in perspective, a new Galaxy Note 7 from AT&T costs $879.99, getting one from T-Mobile or Sprint costs $849.99, with Verizon standing in the middle at $864.

Additionally, travel and accommodation during the project will be provided by Samsung. The advert is scheduled for shooting sometime between Oct. 7 and Oct. 17.

Interview dates are on Oct. 5 to 7 (Wednesday to Friday), with all the interviews scheduled to take place at O'Connor Casting Company. The casting agency, which is based in Chicago, notes that residents from outside the Windy City can also participate by submitting a video application.

Samsung has deployed a massive recall program for its potentially explosive devices and those who purchased a Note 7 were asked to exchange them for a new device, with the option to request a refund instead. When Samsung customers in its home market are concerned, they seem to maintain faith in the OEM. Only 4 percent of South Korean Galaxy Note 7 owners asked for their money back, while the rest were satisfied to get a non-inflammable Note 7.

In September, the OEM announced that about 60 percent of its potentially hazardous Note 7 devices went through the exchange process, worldwide.

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Google's Project Tango effort to pack 3D mapping in a smartphone will reportedly hit the scene next month, starting with the Lenovo Phab2 Pro.

After Google's Project Ara got canceled and Lenovo's Phab2 Pro was delayed, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding Project Tango. The Phab2 Pro was supposed to launch this summer as Google's first Project Tango smartphone, but was delayed to a vague "fall" release.

Some wondered whether Project Tango would ever see the light of day, but it now seems that it will  and soon. According to CNET, Google's Clay Bavor confirmed that Project Tango's Lenovo Phab2 Pro is all set to debut in November.

For those unfamiliar with the massive phone, the Lenovo Phab2 Pro boasts a 6.4-inch display and 3D mapping capabilities, tracking your surroundings and displaying content in an augmented reality manner like it's right there in front of you. This could be greatly useful in various scenarios where visualization is essential, such as redecorating or picking out new furniture.

The phablet packs a Snapdragon 652 processor specifically optimized for Tango apps, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, microSD support for up to 126 GB of additional storage, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow on the software side. The massive 6.4-inch display has a QHD resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels and can adapt to different lighting conditions.

The Lenovo Phab2 Pro will come at a $499 price point unlocked and go on sale in the United States sometime in November, albeit a specific date is not available at this point.

It's worth pointing that while the new Google Pixel smartphones will play nice with the Daydream VR headset, the Lenovo Phab2 Pro will not be compatible because it doesn't have an AMOLED display to properly support VR.

Consequently, those looking to buy a new Google phone next month may want to think twice whether they want AR or VR. Both the Lenovo Phab2 Pro and the Google Pixels will go on sale in November, but they will offer different experiences.

If you're looking for augmented reality, the Lenovo Phab2 Pro should do the trick. If VR is more up your alley, the new Google Pixel and Pixel XL will be the first two smartphones that are Daydream VR-ready.

Google has yet to make an official announcement regarding Project Tango and the Lenovo Phab2 Pro release, but we'll let you know as soon as it does.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
It look like SpaceX will have a bit of competition when it comes to colonizing Mars.

Elon Musk made headlines when he announced late last month his plans to send people to Mars within the next 50 to 100 years. However, Boeing has now thrown its hat into the ring, saying that it will be the first to send people to the red planet.

Speaking at the "What's Next" conference in Chicago this week, when Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg was asked about the future of his company, he focused on breakthroughs in space travel, explicitly stating that his company will be the first to bring people to Mars.

Im convinced the first person to step foot on Mars will arrive there riding a Boeing rocket, said Muilenburg.

That's quite the bold claim: compared to SpaceX, which owes its very existence to Elon Musk's aspirations to send people to Mars, Boeing is mostly known as an airplane manufacturer. So with that in mind, just how reasonable was Muilenburg when he made that proclamation?

Fairly reasonable.

Boeing has actually been involved in the space business for decades and has been one of NASA's primary contractors since the space agency's inception. In fact, the company built the first stage of the Saturn V rocket and has contributed to the Space Shuttle program, as well as the International Space Station (Boeing was the first contractor of the ISS program). Adding on to that resume, Boeing is in the middle of designing and developing the Space Launch System, the rocket that NASA wants to use to send people to Mars in the mid-2030s.

Boeing's involvement with NASA doesn't just give it a hefty amount of experience - giving its claim added legitimacy - it also means that it has deep financial reserves to see its goal reach fruition, as Boeing is receiving billions in funding from NASA to develop the SLS.

By comparison, SpaceX doesn't have the same level of experience or resources.

To start, SpaceX was founded in 2002 and its first major achievement came in 2008 when it sent the Falcon 1 into orbit. Similarly, a majority of its efforts to send people to Mars are almost entirely self-funded and the company is currently only devoting 5 percent of its resources to building its Mars rockets and spaceships. SpaceX has other priorities, such as determining what caused the Falcon 9 explosion on Sept. 1.

Interestingly enough, the most notable difference between these two might be the timelines for reaching Mars. As stated before, SpaceX is planning to go to Mars by 2024, while NASA (and Boeing) is eyeing sometime in the mid-2030s. Does Mulienburg's statement mean that he doesn't place much stock in Musk's estimates?

If the answer is yes, then he wouldn't necessarily be wrong in thinking that way. SpaceX is somewhat notorious for missing its deadlines (or at the very least being overly optimistic about them). Remember in 2011, when Musk claimed that his company would send people to space within the next three years? Well, that likely won't happen until 2018. Similarly, remember when the company promised to launch its Falcon Heavy by 2013 or 2014? It's 2016 now and we're still waiting for that.

At this point, it's still too early to tell who will be the first to reach Mars, and we'll undoubtedly have to wait a decade or so before a we can even fathom who the winner might be.

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Theranos will pull the plug on its clinical labs and Theranos Wellness centers in California, Arizona and Texas, leading to the axing of 340 jobs.

About 40 percent of the company's workforce will be affected by the restructuring of the startup, which is aimed at research and development.

Theranos caught the media's attention in August, when it unveiled the "minilab" during an American Association for Clinical Chemistry conference. The device is a depository for small samples of blood and urine that can be uploaded to a centralized system for detailed analysis.

Theranos repeatedly dissed the tagging of its new device as a "lab on a chip," but experts claim that the description sums up miniLab accurately.

The gadget is still under scrutiny of the Food and Drug Administration, something that executives from Theranos hoped to fast-track under the emergency use authorization for Zika detectors. As the company failed to implement proper patient safety protocols, the regulator denied the approval.

Despite being far removed from the revolutionary device Theranos intended it to be, it may have been the only safe option for the company's survival.

The company has a blog post announcing the laying off of nearly half its staff, as a number of disturbing revelations rolled out in the past year. The increasing number of complaints talked about improperly trained workers and faulty test results.

Theranos is called in court on multiple legal actions, was forced to terminate its California lab facility, and was part of a Congressional inquiry. Things were so problematic with the company that regulators prohibited CEO Elizabeth Holmes from entering her own labs.

The company's blood testing methods showed a disturbing lack in accuracy, leading to sanctions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Part of the sanctions stated that Holmes cannot own, manage or direct a lab, and denied Theranos access to funding via Medicare/Medicaid systems.

As you would expect, this puts great pressure on the testing arm of the enterprise.

Earlier this year, Theranos said that it will make an appeal to remove the sanctions, but a final resolution in that matter is yet to take place.

The venture refused to make any official comments on the current developments.

Theranos touts that its undivided attention will be focusing on the miniLab platform, which sounds like a good plan.

"We are fortunate [...] to have the runway to realize our vision," Holmes said.

The biotech firm, which used to be a sweetheart of Silicon Valley investors, once held a market cap of $9 billion.

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After Dallas nurse Amber Joy Vinson ordered dresses from a bridal shop and contracted Ebola shortly after visiting, the Ohio-based boutique is suing a Texas hospital company  where Vinson works  for more than $1 million.

Vinson was diagnosed in October 2014 while she was caring for Thomas Eric Duncan, the first U.S. patient ever to have had the deadly disease, at Texas Health Presbyterian of Dallas.

The suit was filed Tuesday in the Dallas County and it alleges the hospital, along with its parent company Texas Health Resources, for negligence in permitting the nurse to have contact with other people in spite of her exposure to the virus.

No more than two days after treating the patient who died on Oct. 8 the same year, the nurse flew to her hometown in order to prepare for her wedding. It was then when she went shopping for dresses at Coming Attractions Bridal and Formal. She was diagnosed with Ebola a week later, on Oct. 15, two days after returning to Dallas from her trip.

Vinson's travel was traced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From requiring the planes that she flew on to be cleaned; to monitoring the passengers she had contact with for possible symptoms of the disease; and watching the nurse's family back in Ohio  every measure was taken to insure caution.

It didn't take too long for the disease control officials to back track the bridal shop and temporarily closed it as part of the investigation procedure on the case. Customers who entered the store when Vinson was in the shop were also closely monitored and checked for symptoms. However, immediately after the incident, the shop was labeled as "the Ebola boutique," which made customers reluctant to go there even after the authorities decided it was safe to reopen.

"We get calls, 'Is it safe to come in there?'" explained the store manager Kayla Litz at the time.

As the shop never reopened, according to attorney Patrick Kelly, the suit asks for compensation for all the business loss since 2014.

"The necessary training, instruction, and personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of the disease" were not provided, according to the lawsuit.

Moreover, the Texas Health Resources state spokesman Stephen O'Brien doesn't seem to be too concerned about this issue at all.

"We're still reviewing the petition, but see no factual or legal basis for the arguments the plaintiff is making," O'Brien said.

The bride shop managers are all the more frustrated since some customers even asked for refunds for dresses they had already ordered.

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Two weeks ago, a speeding car slammed into the side of a Milwaukee Public Works utility truck, killing the cars driver and passenger.The public works employees who were in the truck escaped unharmed. But involvement in a fatal accident is traumatic. Immediately, the city's Employee Assistance Program swung into action with the structured approach it takes following such incidents."We went through a list of what the employees might be inclined to experience, said Cris Zamora, employee assistance and resource coordinator for the city, and then we provided advice about what actions the people involved should take. For example, its good to talk about it. Its not good to drink.Employee assistance programs aren't new. They've existed in private-sector businesses and government organizations for decades. Initially, these programs were offered quietly, sometimes almost secretly, and primarily to employees with substance abuse problems.But over time, they've expanded dramatically in scope and now offer services for employees having legal, marital, child care and financial problems.Its night and day. When I started [in the mid-1980s], employee assistance was viewed as a program for those who were in dire need. It had a negative stigma. Now, I dont think that stigma is there," said Gary OBannon, director of the Kansas City Department of Human Resources in Missouri.Requests for help are confidential, but the programs are often aggressively advertised, especially in places like Kansas City, Milwaukee and Fairfax County, Va.Milwaukee's program is fairly typical. When employees have a problem, they can go to a licensed social worker for free short-term counseling. Depending on the issue, the social worker may refer them to nonprofits that contract with the city or help them access further medical assistance that's covered by the employee insurance program. The city offers no financial aid for services used but helps employees find affordable options.While some might think this crosses the privacy line, few such complaints have been made. For many people, technology has blurred the line between their work and home lives, and employee assistance is seen as a natural extension of widely-accepted wellness programs, said Zamora.On top of that, employers are increasingly recognizing that personal problems can hinder employees' productivity. The thinking goes: happier person, better worker.As employees change, so do their needs. In recent years, for example, assistance programs have had more requests from people who are starting to transition their gender. And as the workforce ages, questions about wills, trusts and estate planning have also increased.No government seemingly goes further to help its employees than Virginia.The state pioneered a financial service four years ago that offers employees small loans at about 1/20th the cost of borrowing from the sometimes confusing and misleading payday lending industry.There is a growing awareness among all employers, public and private, that there is an issue with workplace financial stress among employees, said Doug Farry, vice president for employer partners with Employee Loan Solution, which works with the cities of Anaheim, Calif., and Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, to offer similar loans.Surveys show these services have true value in the workplace. According to the firm Chestnut Global Partners , which provides services to EAPs in the public and private sector, employees who received assistance from their employers missed half as much work and 27 percent reported improvement in their ability to concentrate at work.Employee assistance programs can also be a powerful tool for governments trying to bolster their workforces in an increasingly competitive market.Theres beauty in this as a retention tool," said Leslie Amiri, employee relations manager of the Department of Human Resources in Fairfax County. "It stays with employees that the organization really cares."
The winner of the Brazilian presidential elections on Sunday, former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2011), assured that he would work to put his country back on the international... | Read More
The days of full commissions are thankfully not over but we are seeing a trend for broadcasters to seek additional finance to pay for documentary projects.

Over the last 12 years, Bungalow Town has made many films with BBC Storyville and one with Channel Four True Stories and we have needed to look for additional finance for all of these projects from international broadcasters, foundations and private investment.

This job has become harder and harder as TV tariffs have gone down and competition for funding and for slots has gone up. Often the task of looking for funding means that the production process takes more time than if the project is fully commissioned.



Film schools and universities offering film and TV production courses dont generally teach the actual skills and knowledge needed to broker complex deals and find funding for films.

The colleges usually act as producer to the students. Knowledge of global documentary TV slots, foundation funding, equity investment, crowd funding, festivals, finance raising forums, and distribution are all requirements as is the inside track on how to create partnerships with entities who often have differing editorial and distribution needs.

This skills gap means that graduates know the basics of how to make a documentary but are wholly unprepared for the business side of the role.



We responded to this industry need by initiating and devising Future Producers with Sheffield Doc/Fest as our partner with funding from Creative Skillset, Tribeca Institute in the US and the Public Media Alliance in the UK.

The programme has been running for three years and we have trained and mentored 39 talented emerging producers since 2014.

We will be running the course again in 2016/7 and will be looking for another 15 trainees. We will gather together in early 2017 for a three day residential workshop and our producers are tutored by world class producers and funders. We then mentor them in advance of an intensive programme of events and tailored meetings at Doc/Fest.



Since we identified the gap in producer training and devised Future Producer School, weve also noted that other organisations are responding in kind.

Sundance Institute in the US, Creative England and BFI in the UK are variously offering new talent schemes, funding and training opportunities for creative producers.



Sustainability and therefore diversity are a big issue in our sector. Weve noticed a growing number of feature docs being made by privately wealthy individuals who have the resources to make films without the need for a salary.

Often these films are promoting a specific agenda or viewpoint. As its becoming increasingly difficult to earn a living making documentaries, those who cant afford to sustain themselves will often lose out and in turn well all lose the diverse and broad viewpoints that these producers and filmmakers offer.



We believe the future of docs and factual will be a world where it pays to play nicely with others.where the UK broadcasters and international broadcasters will want to form meaningful, collaborative relationships to get projects off the ground.

Commissioning editors are already working closely with their in-house business teams to make broadcaster to broadcaster deals but we also need experienced and dedicated producers who can act as conduits for this process and help our sector thrive.

Future Producers 2016/7 is launched on 6th October 2016. See www.sheffdocfest.com for more details and information on how to apply.

Rachel Wexler is a producer and company director at Bungalow Town Productions. The indie is producing Selah Hennessys feature length version of The Pacemakers, pictured above. Its credits also include Marc Isaacs The Road: A Story of Life and Death and Jez Lewis Living with Poverty: Country Kids.

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The London Film Festival might not have the stature of A-list festivals such as Cannes, Toronto or Berlin (just 14 of its 246 features are world premieres), but it is an excellent showcase for British talent and the best of world cinema.

Some 29 British features play in the line up, from established UK directors through to first time feature directors.

Festival director Heather Stewart says the UK film industry is in good health, emphasising the breadth of UK talent on display at the festival. She compares Amma Asantes impassioned opening drama A United Kingdom with Ben Wheatleys closing night gala Free Fire (pictured above), a freewheeling, kinetic shoot-em-up. Says Stewart: You couldnt find two more different films.



Casting her eye through the programme, she picks out two films by British directors playing in the first feature competition: theatre director William Oldroyds Lady Macbeth (pictured above), an adaptation of an 1865 Russian novella about a young bride unhappily married to a wealthy mine owner, and debut writer/director Hope Dickson Leachs The Levelling (below), about a young vet and her garrulous father struggling to maintain their Somerset farm. Both of them are terrifically assured debut feature films, says Stewart.

Elsewhere, new British talent is on display in Lone Scherfigs gala feature Their Finest (below), which is scripted by Gaby Chiappe, who cut her teeth on EastEnders and Holby City and also has credits including Shetland and The Paradise.

The crossover between television and film is also apparent in comedy Mindhorn (below), scripted by The Mighty Booshs Julian Barratt and co-writer Simon Farnaby. Its the story of a washed up 1980s TV detective with a robotic eye that allowed him to literally see the truth.

Sightseers actress Alice Lowe also makes her directorial debut with dark comedy Prevenge (below). Lowe also takes the lead role as a pregnant serial killer  filmed while she was seven months pregnant. Lowe has a unique voice, says Stewart, noting the films energy and inventiveness.

Elsewhere, Garth Tunley, who previously starred In Kill List, turns director in inventive low budget Brit thriller The Ghoul; and Joseph Adesunloye also makes his debut in the cinematic White Colour Black, about a mixed heritage man exploring his Black British identity in Senegal. Stewart picks Paul Anton Smiths first feature  Have You Seen My Movie? (below) as one of the standouts of the festival. Its a totally brilliant montage of footage gleaned from hundreds of films which explores the cinema going experience.

Meanwhile, Shoola Amoos feature debut Moving Image (below) explores the gentrification of Brixton, and is billed as a gently probing mash up of fiction, documentary and performance art.

Fittingly, theres a strong London theme running through the festival. Roger Mainwoods Ethel & Ernest (below) is an animated adaptation of Raymond Briggs autobiographical book, while Pete Travis latest City of Tiny Lights is billed as modern London-noir.

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Barking and Dagenham Council leader, Darren Rodwell, have announced that they are exploring plans to build what could be the capitals largest film studios, based in Dagenham.



The Mayor has teamed up with Film London, the London Local Enterprise Panel and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham to commission a feasibility study into creating the capitals first new TV and film production studios for at least 25 years at Dagenham East. The process will be led by Film London in close consultation with the film and television industries.



The potential site for new studios at Dagenham East is located in front of London-east industrial park and has been scoped out because of its significantly large size, which presents the opportunity to build a new, bespoke facility. The area is also well connected with the District Line and Crossrail services nearby, allowing quick access to central London.



The London Local Enterprise Partnership and Barking and Dagenham Council will invest up to 80,000 to develop a business case for the proposed new studios. This will look in detail at the demand for such a facility and the economic benefit that it could bring to East London and the city as a whole.



The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: From James Bond and Star Wars to Harry Potter and Bridget Joness Baby, London has a vibrant production history and some of the best studios in the world. To sustain and grow this success story, it is critical that the capital gets significantly more studio and production capacity to maximise the opportunities for filmmaking. London is open to the best creative and cultural minds and I am looking forward to exploring whether a new film studio in Dagenham could help the capitals film industry thrive for years to come.



Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: London is one of the worlds busiest destinations for the film industry, with international filmmakers making a beeline for our city because they know it offers the very best by way of facilities, expertise and creative talent. Our global reputation means demand for studio space is incredibly high, and unlocking new studio space in east London would help maintain the capitals competitive edge. If realised, this major new infrastructure project would mean a tremendous economic boost for Barking and Dagenham, the capitals film and TV industries and the UK as a whole.

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A former state health department project manager admitted Wednesday to laundering federal grant money over a period of several years.

Curtis Mack, 53, of Baton Rouge, pleaded guilty to one count each of money laundering and malfeasance in office, and state District Judge Trudy White put him on probation for a year and ordered him to pay $10,000 in restitution.

Investigators looking into a public corruption complaint first discovered that Mack, who supervised federal grants administered through the Louisiana Department of Health, solicited a kickback from an apartment complex operator in exchange for federal grant program funds to help pay rent for the mentally ill, homeless and substance abusers, a state Attorney General's Office report stated. The operator cooperated with investigators.

Detectives later learned that Mack made similar arrangements with the heads of other Baton Rouge independent living facilities, including Shonda Burns, owner of Angel House, and Elaine Borskey, former executive director of Christian Outreach Center, and was pocketing federal grant money between April 2010 and July 2013, the report said.

Mack allegedly used the kickbacks he received to fund his own business, another independent-living facility, according to the report.

Burns, 47, of Baker, is charged with money laundering and public bribery. Borskey, 54, of Zachary, faces a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Their cases are pending in the 19th Judicial District Court.

Mack, Burns and Borskey were arrested earlier this year.
The state Department of Education will no longer suppress any student enrollment data relating to economically disadvantaged and English proficiency students as part of the settlement of a lawsuit the agency and its chief filed against two education activists who had lodged numerous public records requests for the information.

One of the activists, retired educator and former Louisiana Association of Educators executive director Michael Deshotels, declared Wednesday's settlement a "decisive victory" for the rights of citizens seeking public records.

"Now because of this landmark ruling it is my sincere hope that the letter and spirit of the Public Records Law will be complied with and no further lawsuits will be necessary," Deshotels said.

State Education Superintendent John White said the ruling merely resolved what had been a conflict between two laws.

"The federal government told the Department not to make available student enrollment data that could be used to personally identify a child," he said Thursday. "State law, on the other hand, tells the Department to disclose all public records. We asked a state judge for guidance on state law, and we received it."

Education Department attorney Joan Hunt told members of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in an email Wednesday that the department had sought a declaratory judgment from state District Judge Janice Clark because there was "tension" between free disclosure of public records according to Louisiana law and protection of student information according to federal law.

Hunt, in an email Wednesday to BESE members, said Clark's ruling "provides the Department the clarity it sought." Hunt said the agency "will comply with the ruling immediately."

The Education Department agreed Wednesday to three stipulations which settled the state court suit filed in April by White and the department against Deshotels and James Finney, a local technical college math instructor.

One of the stipulations, read into the court record Wednesday by Clark, states that the suppression of data in the economically disadvantaged and English language learner or English proficiency sub-groups of the Education Department's multi-stat reports is not in compliance with the Louisiana Public Records Act.

The department agreed in a second stipulation not to suppress student enrollment data in responding to requests made under the act.

The final stipulation says data regarding the economically disadvantaged and English language learner or English proficiency sub-groups will be made available to the public dating back to 2006.

Deshotels maintains the motivation behind the declaratory judgment filed against him and Finney was never about clarifying the legal issues relative to certain public records and student privacy.

"I believe it was purely an attempt to discourage citizens from seeking to independently research the claims and conclusions made by White and his staff," he said. "If citizens are forced to face legal challenges and high legal fees for seeking public records, the Department can continue to manipulate and spin what should be factual information about the operation of our schools."

In the past, Deshotels and Finney have sought records relating to Louisiana's K-12 testing and accountability system; Recovery School District data; voucher program enrollments and costs; voucher student demographics; and charter schools' enrollments, charters and leases.
Mechael Williams was smiling from ear-to-ear Wednesday morning as she walked around a nearly empty sound stage at Celtic Studios  one of the shelters she and her three children were forced to call home for more than a month after August's destructive flooding.

She was among the handful left who had to clear out of the Stage 5 sound stage the Celtic Studios as the American Red Cross worked to shutter its last remaining shelter in the region.

"It feels so good," Williams, 31, said of moving on after six weeks of living in Red Cross shelters at the Baton Rouge River Center and Celtic Studios. "It was stressful at times. And I was complaining. I just didn't know what to expect (but) I kept telling my kids something good would happen for us."

Williams and her children lost everything in the flood. They were living with her sister at the time.

Her new home is in mid-city Baton Rouge. She said Wednesday she was surprising her children with it after they returned home from school that afternoon.

Not everyone was as fortunate as Williams to find permanent housing through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. But everyone did have somewhere to go when the shelter closed for good Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

Many were forced into more temporary solutions  like staying in hotels (local and out of state), apartments, with family members or manufactured housing provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency  as they struggle to rebuild their lives.

Nancy Malone, spokeswoman for American Red Cross' Louisiana region, said the disaster relief agency spent the past few weeks aggressively trying to find solutions for flood victims through partnerships with state and federal agencies as well as local non-profits and volunteer groups.

"Emergency shelters are really only meant for an emergency time frame. These are not meant to be long-term solutions," Malone said Wednesday morning as the final cots were broken down at Celtic. "However, this is not the Red Cross ending services. Anyone who needs help can still call 855-224-2490 for assistance."

As of midnight Tuesday, Malone said, there were only 30 people still living at the Celtic Studio shelter. When shelter operations were transferred from the Baton Rouge River Center to Celtic on Sept. 15, officials said about 280 displaced flood victims were still without a place to live.

Immediately following the August floods, nearly 11,000 people were housed at about 70 shelters in East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Ascension parishes.

The Celtic Studio's shelter's shutdown came two days after Red Cross faced criticism from the Governor's Office over its response to the recent disaster.

After the flood, many complained to local news outlets and shared stories on social media about volunteers and donations being turned away at Red Cross shelters despite escalating needs.

They complained that shelters appeared to be understaffed. And photographs of meager food rations served by the Red Cross  contrasted against plentiful hot plates served by other good Samaritans  were widely shared and criticized online.

After meeting with the governor's staff on Monday, Red Cross officials agreed to draft a plan addressing how food is served and how private donations are accepted. It will also address minimum staffing levels and how the Red Cross will take over managing shelters after local governments open them.

The lack of affordable housing options in the region provided the biggest challenge for the team of state, federal and local agencies that were stationed at shelters providing case work for evacuees after the August floods.

"There just wasn't enough housing stock," said Ray Perez, a spokesman for FEMA. "With FEMA, we're trying to help with temporary stuff in the beginning and after, work on more long term options."

Perez said FEMA had to provide hotel vouchers for at least 2,500 families. Malone said Red Cross does not maintain data tracking how many flood victims ended up in rental properties or other transitional housing.

The Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge will continue to help families navigate the uncertain waters of recovery.

"We'll be working thousands and thousands of cases over the next few years," said David Aguillard, executive director of Catholic Charities. "We'll prioritize cases based on need and work with individuals in terms of identifying their recovery plan and helping them secure the resources they need."

Aguillard said the organization's support could include helping flood victims apply for disaster relief loans, using monetary donations for any immediate issues they may face and helping flood victims appeal denials from FEMA for aid.

Mechael Williams said she'll be depending on whatever help case workers can provide her family going forward as she looks to furnish her new home and replace all she lost in the flood.

"This entire situation has taught me to stay motivated and keep faith in God," she said. "A lot of people really reached out to me and my family."
Ms Tongs said Winnunga had partnered with CHC Community Housing in a bid to manage the 12 Indigenous-specific houses of the 84 properties that were managed by Inanna, which was forced to close at the end of September.

Toora Women's Inc and EveryMan Australia won the tender to manage the clients and properties left in the lurch by Inanna's sudden closure last month.

The head of Canberra's Aboriginal health service has accused the ACT government of ignoring "national best practice" after it chose two non-Indigenous organisations to run housing and support services for Indigenous people.

But their bid, which included managing the Indigenous Boarding House and Indigenous program previously run by Inanna, was rejected in favour of a consortium that included Toora Women's Inc and EveryMan Australia.

While Ms Tongs congratulated the groups, she said the broader Aboriginal community was concerned that "two mainstream non-Aboriginal led and staffed organisations had instead been chosen to run programs of support for Aboriginal people when a highly respected and competent Aboriginal organisation stood ready and able to do so".

"The decision by the ACT government to place responsibility and control of Indigenous-specific programs in the hands of non-Indigenous organisations when there was a more than credible Aboriginal organisation willing and able to manage those programs flew in the face of national best practice and also contributed to the continuing disempowerment and marginalisation of the Aboriginal community of Canberra," Ms Tongs said.

However a spokeswoman from the Community Services Directorate said the directorate already provided more than $250,000 per year to Winnunga to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at risk of homelessness through the Housing Liaison Service and the Home Maintenance Program.

"[The] consortium of Toora Women Inc and EveryMan Australia was assessed as the strongest respondent. EveryMan will deliver the Indigenous Program and Indigenous Boarding House Network and will work to engage and develop opportunities in the community sector for these Indigenous programs to be run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations in the future," the spokeswoman said.
Supermarkets frustrated by light-fingered shoppers have joined with police to crack down on shoplifting at self-serve checkouts.

Retailers such as Coles say they're sick of being targeted by opportunists who lie about what they're purchasing to get a discount or try to avoid paying at all.

NSW Police pledged on Thursday to charge shoplifters over thefts as small as $2 as part of the crackdown.

"No matter how small you think it is, even if it's the avocado and you're saving $2, it's still shoplifting," detective superintendent Murray Chapman told reporters outside a Coles supermarket in Zetland, in inner-Sydney, on Thursday.
One of Australia's largest college networks is under investigation over allegations two of its courses were flawed, all but impossible to complete and under-resourced.

Queensland single mother Sharon Watene is among a handful of students threatening legal action against Careers Australia over web development and graphic design courses they claimed were effectively worthless.

Students are threatening legal action against Careers Australia over web development and graphic design courses they claimed were effectively worthless.

"The course was flawed right from the moment we enrolled in it and there were complaints all the way through," she said.

"After about eight months of being in the course, students couldn't progress.
Young women are being solicited for sex at work and face alarmingly high levels of sexual harassment and bullying from their supervisors, co-workers, customers and clients, new research reveals.

Surveys and interviews with 1000 Australian workers, aged 15 to 24, have found young women believe sexual harassment is "normalised" in their workplaces, and occurs on a daily basis with apparent impunity.

They say it is regularly treated by their employers as a "non-issue".

The wide-ranging study, conducted to provide a snapshot of the workplace issues facing young Australians, found that 50 per cent of young people were experiencing some form of bullying and harassment on the job.
The question of whether last week's blackout in South Australia was entirely storm-related or attributable in some part to the state's heavy reliance on renewable energy sources continues to rage, days after the state was plunged into darkness. The latest volley is a preliminary report on the outage prepared by the Australian Energy Market Operator that found a sudden reduction in electricity being generated by six wind farms as the extreme weather front hit caused the Heywood interconnector supplying SA with Victorian-generated electricity to became overloaded, triggering an automatic shut-down to prevent widespread system damage.

The finding linking intermittent renewables to the outage won't cause Premier Jay Weatherill to recant his declaration made last week (and oft-repeated since then) that it was damage to high-voltage transmission lines that triggered the event. Weather, ipso facto, caused the blackout. His agitation was undoubtedly driven in part by criticism from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Energy Minster Josh Frydenberg that that growing use of renewables in SA had made the state's power networks more vulnerable to outages.

Unsurprisingly, other Labor leaders, notably Bill Shorten, defended Mr Weatherill's assertions  and here in the ACT, the Labor government reiterated its commitment to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2020.

Political ideology has always cast a shadow over renewables discussion and policy-setting in Australia, and this latest manifestation of that divide is regrettable. Despite having an abundance of cheap, high-quality coal, Australia needs to develop its renewables industry, if only because coal-burning is becoming more socially unacceptable every year. Developing renewables expertise, in part by having governments set ambitious targets for solar and wind energy uptake, will help defray the loss of national income as coal exports decline, which they inevitably will.
Proceeds from the tobacco excise raise more than $7 billion every year, reducing the financial burden of smoking on the health system. The time has come to implement a similar strategy for sugary drinks.

Opponents suggest a sugar-sweetened drink tax has a fat chance of being effective. But evidence both from Mexico and a local trial at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital is clear: a tax on sugary drinks significantly reduces consumption of these harmful beverages with direct benefits to health.

Modelling studies suggest a 20 per cent volumetric tax on sugary drinks in Australia could prevent 800 cases of diabetes every year, significantly reduce the impact of heart disease and stroke, and result in a saving of 112,000 and 56,000 disability adjusted life years (a fancy measure of an intervention's impact on quality of life) for men and women respectively

And what about the money? Studies indicate that implementation of this tax in Australia would deliver more than $400 million in revenue each year. This estimate doesn't even take into account the drastic savings for the health system down the line, which is already struggling from a lack of funding and an ageing population.

It is important to emphasise that this is not a cash grab. While the finer details of the policy must be nutted out, there are many exciting opportunities to invest the proceeds of a sugar tax  on the health system, fresh fruit and vegetable subsidies, or nutritional education for children. These measures would directly benefit the health of all Australians, particularly those who suffer from obesity and its associated effects.
Queensland remains committed to a 50 per cent renewable energy target, despite conservative backlash as a result of last week's South Australian storm that plunged the entire state into darkness.

State Energy Minister Mark Bailey, who will attend a COAG meeting of energy ministers in Melbourne on Friday, said the federal government should be doing more to increase renewable energy targets, despite its criticisms of an over-reliance on renewable energy in the wake of the storm.

Queensland Energy Minister Mark Bailey has blasted Coalition figures for using last week's South Australian storm to attack renewable energy targets. Credit:Glenn Hunt

On Wednesday, Federal Resources Minister Matthew Canavan said north Queensland opposition to a reliance on renewable energy would not be represented at the COAG meeting, as he argued the case for north Queensland statehood.

Mr Bailey said north Queensland had the most to benefit from renewable energy projects, such as the Genex Energy solar and hydro power station west of Townsville, so he thought Senator Canavan's comments were misguided.
Hotel owners, bakers and florists who object to same-sex marriage would have their legal cases bankrolled by a new fighting fund set up by the Australian Christian Lobby.

The Human Rights Law Alliance, partly modelled on the notorious US-based Alliance Defending Freedom, would provide financial backing for businesses caught up in anti-discrimination cases.

Australian Christian Lobby director Lyle Shelton attends a National Press Club debate in Canberra in July. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

At the moment it is little more than a desk at the ACL, headquartered at the same Canberra building, run by former ACL chief of staff Martyn Iles and established with the ACL's seed funding.

But the outfit has lofty ambitions. "The Human Rights Law Alliance develops and executes legal strategies to protect fundamental rights and freedoms in Australia," its rudimentary website states.
Two passengers have been escorted off a flight and could be banned from flying with Jetstar in the future after a mid-air "incident" where they had to be separated by the crew.

The incident occurred on flight JQ33, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner which left the Thai city of Phuket early on Wednesday and arrived in Sydney in the afternoon.

Scott Haywood, a passenger on the flight, told Sydney radio station 2GB the dispute began when one passenger "fully reclined" her seat and a passenger behind her took offence.

"One of the passengers was distressed as another lady put her seat back on his mother," Mr Haywood said.
Both trucks caught alight soon afterwards, killing the drivers who are yet to be formally identified.

Emergency services were called to Lenore Drive in Erskine Park around 1.30pm when one truck crossed to the wrong side of the road and collided head-on with another one, police say.

Two truck drivers have died in a "horrific" fiery crash in Sydney's west on Thursday afternoon.

Video footage of the crash shows witnesses watching as both trucks are engulfed in flames.

The scene of the fatal crash from above. Credit:Top Notch Video

One person is heard asking: "Did anyone see him get out?"

Another replies: "No one got out."

Chief Inspector Simon Maund from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said officers who arrived at the crash were met with a "horrific" scene.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has drawn on the words of former US president Lyndon Baines Johnson in describing the challenges facing Queensland today.

Ms Palaszczuk said LBJ's presidency was a controversial one, but it was also transformational for the US.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has drawn on the words of US President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Credit:Tertius Pickard

She said Mr Johnson's Great Society reforms in the area of civil rights, healthcare, education, urban planning and poverty were trail blazing.

Ms Palaszczuk then quoted Mr Johnson: "Will you join in the battle to build the Great Society, to prove that our material progress is only the foundation on which we will build a richer life of mind and spirit?
Washington: The war of words between regional nemeses Iran and Saudi Arabia has taken a curious, if not outrageous, turn.

Much to the ire of Tehran, the Saudi military conducted live-fire naval exercises in the Persian Gulf, which borders the two countries, and along the Strait of Hormuz. A statement from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard naval forces said that "this war game is mainly to create tension and destabilise the Persian Gulf" and warned Saudi vessels against straying into Iranian territorial waters.

Saudi Arabia Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends the G20 opening ceremony in Hangzhou, China this week. Credit:Nicolas Asfouri

The Saudis countered that the operation, known as Gulf Shield One, was aimed at improving combat readiness and protecting "the marine interests of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against any possible aggression." The subtext, as ever with these two Middle East rivals, is clear.

But then Qassem Soleimani, a senior Revolutionary Guard general, waded into the rhetorical battle. Soleimani is the shadowy commander of the Quds force, Iran's paramilitary unit that engages in its proxy wars elsewhere.
ITV grab of Steven Woolfe being tended to by paramedics. Credit:ITV News "Mike came at me and landed a blow. The door frame took the biggest hit after I was shoved into it and I knew I'd taken a whack and was pretty shaken." Mr Woolfe said he banged his head as he fell. Mr Hookem said: "I did not hit Steven and I did not see him hit his head." The UK Independence Party's Steven Woolfe in June. Credit:Alastair Grant The men retrieved their jackets and went back to the meeting. Two hours later, Mr Woolfe said, "I began feeling woozy and knew something wasn't right so I ran out to get help. I started shouting, 'Where is the medical centre?' and was pointed over a walkway bridge. "That's the last I can remember. I don't remember anything else.Next thing I know, I woke up surrounded by Parliament staff, lying on the floor and they ran to get my colleague Nathan Gill, who then came with me to the hospital.

"The doctors told me I had had one seizure lasting three minutes and then another." Nigel Farage, left, announced that Mr Woolfe, right, pictured in June, was taken to hospital in a serious condition. Credit:AP Amid speculation about the seriousness of his condition, the party issued a statement on Thursday afternoon from Mr Woolfe himself, confirming he had been admitted to hospital and saying he had undergone a CT scan, but saying that he was now feeling fine apart from some "numbness" on one side of his face. The statement read: "The CT scan has shown that there is no blood clot in the brain. At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier and smiling as ever. As a precaution, I am being kept in overnight awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything is fine." "I would like everyone to know that the parliamentary staff, the UKIP MEPs with me and the hospital staff have been brilliant. Their care has been exceptional. I am sitting up, and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face."

ITV showed footage of Mr Woolfe sprawled face-down on a Strasbourg parliament walkway, his briefcase still in his hand. One source said he had complained of losing feeling on one side of his body before the collapse. Mr Farage condemned the incident as bad for UKIP's image. "It's made us look like we're violent," he said. "It's not good." Mr Woolfe was expected to make a full recovery, Mr Farage said, adding that he did not expect the matter to be referred to French police. Roger Helmer, UKIP MEP for the East Midlands, said the MEP collapsed two hours after a "lively exchange of views" in a party meeting in Strasbourg. It had been intended as a 'clear the air' meeting with MEPs unhappy with Mr Woolfe's glowing praise for new Prime Minister Theresa May. MEPs had met later for a voting session, which Mr Woolfe had left shortly before he collapsed.

UKIP's Welsh leader Neil Hamilton, who was not at the meeting but said he had been given an account of what had happened by an eyewitness, said Mr Woolfe had been knocked over and hit his head on a window. A spokeswoman for the national police in France told Press Association: "No one has called us about this incident and so we have no plans to investigate it at this time. If someone decides to ring and make a complaint, we will of course follow it up." It is the latest, literal blow to a party that has fractured into squabbling factions since the Brexit referendum. UKIP's new leader Diane James quit on Tuesday evening after just 18 days in the job. Mr Woolfe had announced he would stand for the leadership. He had been favourite to win in the previous ballot in August, but was disqualified for filing his official application too late. He has the backing of former (and now temporary returned) UKIP leader Nigel Farage, and the party's major donor Arron Banks. However he angered many UKIP members by admitting he had considered joining the Conservatives after being "enthused" by new Prime Minister Theresa May.
I Guess They Did! Toyota Hopes Toyoda Family Will Steer Recovery

Toyota city hopes for brighter future for automaker under founder's grandson

TOYOTA, Japan June 22, 2009; Yuri Kageyama writing for the AP reported that the statues of Toyota's founder and the mayor who brought the automaker to this rural area stand side by side in front of city hall -- a clear symbol of this city's intimate and longtime ties with Japan's biggest manufacturer.

And so it's little wonder the residents here are hopeful that Akio Toyoda -- the 53-year-old grandson of the company founder -- will turn around the automaker and surrounding community. On Tuesday, shareholders are expected to approve his nomination as the new president.

For the first time in 14 years, Toyota Motor Corp. is turning to its founding roots for leadership as it tackles the worst crisis in its history and desperately needs to stop losing money.

Kohei Suzuki, the mayor of this city of 420,000, believes the mystique of a Toyoda presidency is exactly what this community needs to come together in these hard times.

"I know Toyota will protect our jobs. It is part of the hereditary makeup at the company," Suzuki said Monday in an interview with The Associated Press at city hall.

"Mr. Toyoda is a frank person, and he is very easy to talk to. He puts the workplace above all else. He listens to his workers," said Suzuki, who often runs into Toyoda family members at events and uses a Lexus, Toyota's luxury model, as his official car.

Toyota has cut more than 6,000 contract workers in the last year, but hasn't resorted to laying off any of its 71,000 regular, salaried workers, in keeping with Japan's traditional lifetime employment system.

Toyoda is promising a back-to-basics approach at Toyota, valuing rank-and-file and consumer needs. He faces enormous challenges in steering a turnaround after the company lost 437 billion yen, or about $4.6 billion, in the fiscal year through March, its worst loss since it was founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda, Akio's grandfather. It predicts even more red ink this year.

"He represents history," parking lot attendant Yuji Ito, 24, said of Toyoda's presidency. "I want him to work hard and do well."

The founder's family name is spelled with a "d," but the company name was changed to read Toyota because that was considered a luckier name.

Toyota city's fate is deeply intwined with the company whose name it shares. Thousands of its residents work in Toyota factories and suppliers. The painful slump has trickled down to parts-makers as well as to hotels, service jobs and shopping districts.

The city's corporate tax income is expected to plunge 96 percent to 1.6 billion yen ($16.8 million) this fiscal year through March 2010 from 44.2 billion yen the previous year -- largely because of Toyota's woes. That would reduce the city's tax income by 34 percent, and the city has cut costs in construction, education and other areas.

Over the years, Japan's "motor city," which has sister ties with its American counterpart Detroit, has tried to branch out into other fields, such as electronics and biotechnology, but failed miserably.

Its unemployment office is packed these days with job-hunters in unprecedented numbers. No longer is this the place where people flock from around the nation -- and even from abroad, like Brazil -- to find good work.

Juichi Nakamura, mayor during the 1930s of the city that later changed its name to Toyota, is still hailed as a visionary for having wooed Toyota here after the local silk business started to lag.

Nakamura -- whose statue stands at city hall -- worked hard with Toyoda to get the automaker started, back when Japan's auto industry was still dwarfed by America's. Last year, Toyota surpassed General Motors Corp. to become the world's biggest automaker in annual vehicle sales.

Hisao Inoue, author of "Toyota Shock," a book that chronicles the automaker's recent troubles, says Toyota sorely needs what he called "a philosophy" or "a spirituality" that a founding family member like Akio Toyoda might offer.

"He has charisma like the imperial family. The same way Japanese people look with respect to the imperial family, Toyota workers respect Mr. Toyoda," he said.

Toyoda holds a master's degree in business administration from Babson College in Babson Park, Massachusetts. He has overseen Toyota's China operations, Japan sales and its Internet business.

Previously, he served as vice president at New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., a Fremont, California-based joint venture between Toyota and General Motors Corp., giving him key experience in the U.S.

Known as a car-lover, he even enters auto races, although company officials acknowledge their nerves are in tatters worrying for his safety.

Inoue said Toyoda will be able to make long-term management strategies that center around developing good cars, not just making quick profits.

Others are less optimistic.

Masaaki Sato, who has written several books on Toyota, criticizes the move to name a family member as "an anachronism" when the family owns barely 2 percent of the company stock, and believes other executives should have taken the job.

"Name value has nothing to do with how Toyota has grown," he said. "Why do we have to go back to family succession in this most difficult of times?"

Sato is worried that Toyoda lacks experience, and wondered what his recovery strategy is going to be. His comments on pleasing customers and making good products were too predictable and general, he said.

"He could be a loser card, not the ace card he is trumped up to be," Sato said.

Still, for the ordinary people of Toyota, the mood is that of hope.

"You have to give it to Toyota. Toyota has grown so much," says Kayoko Kobayakawa, a 60-year-old gallery worker. "Times are bad but we hope for a recovery."
Dacia Sales Continue To Grow

 Dacia sales in September increase 17.7 per cent over September 2015



 Dacia sales up 2.6 per cent in first nine months of 2016 to 20,921 cars



 More than 82,000 Dacias sold in the UK since launching in 2013



 Dacia consistently voted amongst top car brands for both customer satisfaction and affordability



 Groupe Renault UK records 108,707 vehicle sales year to date  up 12 per cent on last year

LONDON - October 6, 2016: Dacias popularity continues to grow amongst UK car buyers with year-to-date sales up on last years record results. According to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Dacia recorded sales of 20,921 vehicles in the first three quarters of 2016  up 2.6 per cent in comparison with the same period in 2015, with a market share standing at 1.1 per cent.

For the month of September, Dacia recorded sales of 5,245 vehicles  up 17.7 per cent compared to September 2015  considerably outpacing the UK car market and growing at one of the fastest rates in the industry.

The Dacia Duster SUV has in particular struck a chord with Britons so far this year with 5,960 sales of the tough go-anywhere SUV in the first nine months of the year  up 20.4 per cent on last year.

Commenting on the performance, Paul Flanagan, Groupe Renault UK Managing Director, said: Dacias no-nonsense approach to motoring has evidently appealed to the British public, and it is clear why  the brand provides a unique proposition in the marketplace with something for everyone  the most affordable hatchback, estate and SUV available to buy in the UK. With a fully updated range just unveiled at the recent Paris Motor Show and coming to the UK later in the winter, I fully expect to see the brand continue to go from strength to strength in the UK.

Groupe Renault, which comprises Renault cars, vans and Dacia, has experienced unprecedented growth over the last three years, consistently outpacing the UK market. This growth has continued into 2016 with 108,707 Group vehicles being sold year-to-date for a market share of 4.4 per cent  up 11.8 per cent and almost double that of the total market growth rate of 2.5 per cent. Of that total, Renault cars represented 68,109 vehicles (up 15 per cent), Renault vans 19,625 vehicles (up 11.3 per cent) and Dacia 20,921 vehicles (up 2.6 per cent).

Since the brands launch in the UK in 2013, Dacia has won numerous awards including What Car?s ?Best Small Car under 12,000 for four consecutive years for the Sandero, has been in the top five, out of 35 manufacturers, of the Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey for three consecutive years and also ranked fourth out of 34 brands for customer satisfaction in the recent Which? Car Guide 2016.

Since relaunching to continental Europe in 2004, more than 4 million Dacias have been sold globally. In the UK, over 82,000 Dacia models have been sold since its launch in the country in January 2013.

About Dacia

Dacia has a long history associated with Renault, the French brand first working with Dacia plants in Romania in the 1960s, before acquiring them fully in 1999. The brand concept is simple: to shake up preconceived ideas. Dacia produces spacious, robust, high-quality vehicles of original design that are affordable for everybody.

Dacia vehicles offer exceptional value for money. Reliable and resistant, they carry a three-year warranty and embody the best of Renault expertise. Since 2004, the range has been expanding constantly and buyers have a wide array of vehicles to choose from, ranging from Dacia Duster, a sporty all-terrain vehicle, to light commercial vehicles or family vehicles such as Dacia Logan MCV.
Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi...
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/10/2016 (2217 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Find these stories and more in the Oct. 6 issue of The Carillon.

At the old barn

Sports editor Terry Frey checks in with the Steinbach Pistons with a recap of Wednesday nights action.

Music man

Reporter Adriana Mingo talks with a Kleefeld-area university student who is getting noticed for his music composition abilities.

Falk has faith

I talk with Provencher MP Ted Falk about his pro-life views and his participation in an anti-abortion event this past weekend in Steinbach.

Ag Now

Our bimonthly special section on agriculture comes into focus with the latest issue of Agriculture Now.
BAE Systems plc provides defense, aerospace, and security solutions worldwide. The company operates through five segments: Electronic Systems, Cyber & Intelligence, Platforms & Services (US), Air, and Maritime. The Electronic Systems segment offers electronic warfare systems, navigation systems, electro-optical sensors, military and commercial digital engine and flight controls, precision guidance and seeker solutions, military communication systems and data links, persistent surveillance systems, space electronics, and electric drive propulsion systems. The Cyber & Intelligence segment provides solutions to modernize, maintain, and test cyber-harden aircraft, radars, missile systems, and mission applications that detect and deter threats to national security; systems engineering, integration, and sustainment services for critical weapons systems, C5ISR, and cyber security; and solutions and services to intelligence and federal/civilian agencies. It also offers data intelligence solutions to defend against national-scale threats, protect their networks, and data against attacks; security and intelligence solutions to the United Kingdom government and allied international governments; anti-fraud and regulatory compliance solutions; and enterprise-level data and digital services. The Platforms & Services (US) segment manufactures combat vehicles, weapons, and munitions, as well as provides ship repair services and the management of government-owned munitions facilities. The Air segment develops, manufactures, upgrades, and supports combat and jet trainer aircraft. The Maritime segment designs, manufactures, and supports surface ships, submarines, torpedoes, radars, and command and combat systems; and supplies naval gun systems. It also supplies naval weapon systems, missile launchers, and precision munitions. The company was founded in 1970 and is based in Farnborough, the United Kingdom.
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Dunelm Group plc retails homewares in the United Kingdom. The company offers furniture for bedroom, living room, dining room, and office; sofas and chairs; bean bags; bed frames, mattresses, storage beds, divan bases, and headboards, as well as kids beds; and bedding products, such as bed linens, duvets, pillows, mattress toppers, protectors, and baby and kids beddings. It also provides curtains, and poles and tracks; blinds; rugs, runners, and door mats; mirrors, pictures and frames, clocks, wallpapers and DIY, cushions and throws, and accessories; lighting products, including ceiling and wall lights, lamp shades, floor and table lamps, and outdoor lights; kitchen products, such as cooking, dining, utility, and electrical products; and storage products for home, clothes, and kitchen, as well as travel and luggage products. In addition, the company offers garden furniture and storage, garden decoration, and entertaining and dining products; and towels and bathmats, bathroom furniture, bathroom decor, and bathroom accessories, as well as trees and decoration, gifts, cook and dine, and trends Christmas products. It operates 175 superstores and 1 distribution centers, as well as sells its products through an online store at dunelm.com. Dunelm Group plc was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Syston, the United Kingdom.
TransMontaigne Partners L.P. provides integrated terminaling, storage, transportation, and related services. The company operates through Gulf Coast terminals, Midwest terminals and pipeline system, Brownsville terminals, River terminals, Southeast terminals, and West Coast terminals segments. It offers its services for companies engaged in the trading, distribution, and marketing of light and heavy refined petroleum products, crude oil, chemicals, fertilizers, and other liquid products. The company operates 8 refined product terminals in Florida with approximately 7.0 million barrels of aggregate active storage capacity; a 67 mile interstate refined products pipeline; 2 refined product terminals with approximately 5 million barrels of active storage capacity; and 5.4 million barrels of aggregate storage capacity. It operates 1 crude oil terminal in Cushing with an aggregate active storage capacity of approximately 1.0 million barrels; 1 refined product terminal located in Oklahoma City with aggregate active storage capacity of approximately 0.2 million barrels; 1 refined product terminal located in Brownsville with an aggregate active storage capacity of approximately 0.9 million barrels; and a 16 mile LPG pipeline from its Brownsville facility to the U.S. border. In addition, the company operates a 174 mile bi-directional refined products; 7.1 million barrel terminal facility on Houston Ship Channel; 12 refined product terminals with approximately 2.7 million barrels of aggregate active storage capacity, as well as operates a dock facility; 22 refined product terminals located along Colonial and Plantation pipelines with an aggregate active storage capacity of approximately 11.9 million barrels; and 2 refined product terminals with active storage capacity of approximately 5.0 million barrels. TransMontaigne Partners L.P. was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.
I couldnt not share some of the photos I snapped on my phone while in Vermont this weekend. Victorias family has an amazing ski house in Vermont, and I was so excited to visit them again this fall. (I went up there last October too!)

I made the trek up to Massachusetts to meet up with them at a horse show Victoria and her mom competed in and then we caravanned the rest of the way up to Vermont. It was well past sunset when we finally arrived, so imagine my excitement when we saw the very beginning of the fall foliage in the morning. I was in heaven. Poor Victoria had to hear me exclaim about the colors every two seconds!!! There is something really magical about changing leaves it speaks to me on a very, very deep level.

That is my favorite house in Vermont! I just love it and can only imagine the incredible views of they get to see from the porch.

It was dreary the entire weekend, but we all agreed that it set the mood for the entire weekend. There was a lot of bundling up for walks and extra time spent cozying up in front of the fire.

We set off for the farmers market first thing in the morning. Its very Vermont, which I love. I made a special request to get some maple glazed doughnuts and had zero protests. They are so good. And I apparently forgot to snap a photo of them, although they made an appearance in the vlog I did.

(A few people have emailed me about Victorias sweater its an older Dale of Norway, but heres a similar option!)

We also took the dogs on a lot of walks around their property. My little Teddy does not enjoy the car, so I wanted to make sure the long drive/quick trip was well worth it plus tiring out a dog before a long car ride home is never a bad idea. Teddy and Ham were in heaven. At one point, I didnt think Hamilton would want to leave at all. They were romping around like wild animals, and it was the cutest thing ever.

Victoria and I also made a significant, early dent in the wood stacking. Even though this would technically fall under the category of chore, its one of my favorite things to do. Its quite cathartic, and Im pretty sure I could do it for ten hours straight. The dogs were just extra happy to get to run around for even longer.

We went to bed early Saturday night after dinner and a movie at home and woke up early for a hike first thing in the morning. Last year we did this wonderful hike. It was a beautiful day, the dogs had a blast, and it was energizing and felt like a nice paced workout.

 then this year Victoria didnt exactly mention that we were doing a different hike. But, um, she tricked me into climbing Mad River Glen. I did think it was weird when Victorias mom asked me if the little dogs would be okay on the hike since Teddy did it with no problem the year before. This, however, was entirely different ballgame. Im sure its not bad for someone in good hiking shape (like Victoria, who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro this summer ), but for me, it was REALLY hard. Somehow I made it up in once piece.

I was hot on the way up and sweating like crazy, plus it was raining, but the minute we stopped moving, I was freezing. The dogs took turns snuggling in our warm Patagonia sweaters while we ate sandwiches before making the (thankfully easier) trek down.

Never again Victoria Never again!!!!!!

Bundled back up after successfully making it to the top in once piece! It was rainy so the views of the foliage werent as great as they could have been, but I still thought it looked so cool with the fog rolling in.

This house was for sale. tempting, very tempting! A ski house is definitely on my dream-life-bucket-list. Part of me thinks Ill probably buy a second home before I buy a real house, ha!

Sad news, though. Victoria is moving to Colorado this month Im really going to miss her!!!!!!!!!! Hopefully, there will be some trips out to Colorado to visit her.
For Dogs, its Trick and Treat Its almost Halloween, a great time to teach your dog a trick and give him a treat. Most trainers are fans of trick training. Its not as silly as it...

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Queen Margrethe visits Wittenberg (Photo: ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images)

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark visited Germany this week to attend the reopening of Wittenbergs refurbished castle church. Wittenberg is particularly significant because its the place where Martin Luther lived, preached, and started the Protestant Reformation.

Photo: ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images

For the German visit, Queen Margrethe wore one of the most significant heirloom jewels in her personal collection: the Connaught Pearl Bar Brooch, a piece that has German roots.

Photo: JAN WOITAS/AFP/Getty Images

The brooch is made of three natural pearls set in diamond clusters. An additional diamond is set where the rings join. The piece originally belonged to Margrethes great-grandmother, the Duchess of Connaught, who was born Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia.

Photo: ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images

I love unusual viewpoints on royal jewels, and I thought this side view of the brooch gave a unique perspective on both the shape of the pearls and the detail of the setting. Margrethe has had this brooch in her collection for decades. The Duchess of Connaught bequeathed it to her younger daughter, Princess Patricia (later Lady Patricia Ramsay). Patricia gave it to her great-niece, Margrethe, as an eighteenth-birthday present. Its a truly classic piece, and its no wonder that Margrethe wears it regularly.

Photo: JAN WOITAS/AFP/Getty Images

With the Connaught brooch, Margrethe wore a pair of glittering statement earrings. You can see a close-up detail above.

Photo: ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images

And even Margrethes hat was accessorized with jewels: pearl-tipped hat pins were used to secure the chapeau.
Its hardly a shock that the folks who write and edit The Atlantic, the Washington-based monthly that was founded in Boston by abolitionists, would prefer Hillary Clinton to Donald Trump.

But the magazine made news Wednesday afternoon by departing from 159 years of hallowed practiceand a fierce institutional pride in never aligning itself with, as the mags motto goes, any party or cliqueto officially endorse the Democratic nominee for president.

Were not kidding ourselves here. We dont think this moves large numbers of voters, said National Correspondent Jeffrey Goldberg, who wrote the draft of the endorsement editorial on which half a dozen senior editors and writers weighed in, including top editor Scott Stossel, Washington Editor James Fallows and national correspondent Ta-Nehesi Coates. But I think its important for this magazine, with this history, to honor its history.

The Clinton endorsementwhich is more condemnation of the Republican nominee, who might be the most ostentatiously unqualified major-party candidate in the 227-year history of the American presidency, than enthusiastic approval of his Democratic opponentis only the third time in its long life that the magazine has stuck its neck out in a presidential election.

The Atlantics owner, David Bradley, gave the endorsement his seal of approval, and it will appear in the print issue to be published next week. The previous two endorsements were for Lyndon Johnson over Barry Goldwater in 1964again, more anti-Goldwater than pro-Johnsonand a wholehearted recommendation of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 for his anti-slavery stance.

According to Goldberg, who spoke to The Daily Beast on behalf of the magazine, the editors and writers have been chewing on endorsing for the past couple of monthsand finally pulled the trigger a couple of weeks ago, when the endorsement was put into final form.

The Atlantic was to be a non-partisan magazine of no party or clique, and that has guided the magazine today, which is why the magazine doesnt usually make endorsements, Goldberg explained. It is only when one of the candidates is so far outside the boundaries of their partys own ideology, when the candidate so temperamentally unsuited, that the magazine would take an official position.

Thus the new editorial savages the reality show billionaire, who has no record of public service and no qualifications for public office, the magazine argues. His affect is that of an infomercial huckster; he traffics in conspiracy theories and racist invective; he is appallingly sexist; he is erratic, secretive, and xenophobic; he expresses admiration for authoritarian rulers, and evinces authoritarian tendencies himself. He is easily goaded, a poor quality for someone seeking control of Americas nuclear arsenal. He is an enemy of fact-based discourse; he is ignorant of, and indifferent to, the Constitution; he appears not to read.

While Clinton has flaws (some legitimately troubling, some exaggerated by her opponents)she is among the most prepared candidates ever to seek the presidency, the magazine declares. We are confident that she understands the role of the United States in the world; we have no doubt that she will apply herself assiduously to the problems confronting this country; and she has demonstrated an aptitude for analysis and hard work.

The Atlantic, which published the writings of Mark Twain and Frederick Douglass (who boast author pages on the magazines web site), was founded by a group of thought-leaders that included Ralph Waldo Emerson, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Harriet Beecher Stowe and James Russell Lowellthe magazines longtime editor who wrote the Lincoln endorsement.

In fashioning the latest endorsement, titled Against Donald Trump, Goldberg consulted yellowing pages in the collection of bound volumes in order to be faithful to The Atlantics intellectual traditions.

As extreme as Goldwater was, Goldberg said, referring to the legendary Arizona Republican senator who opposed federal civil rights legislation and favored the use of nuclear weapons, he was more experienced, more balanced, and more sober-minded than Donald Trump. He had certain mitigating qualities, and actual experience in government and public service. In fact, Trumps temperament is worse than Goldwaters.

Indeed, toward the end of his life, the conservative Goldwater was a beloved figure who was celebrated, even by liberal former distractors, for his personal integrity, adherence to principle, and his impassioned support for gay rights.

We take pride in being nonpartisan, said Washington editor at large Steve Clemons, adding that Trumps supporters, however misguided, represent a certain authentic feeling, an attitude of people who feel frustrated and left behind.
The story of Donald Trumps misogyny is so old that if it were a person, Donald Trump probably would not date it. The gospel of Trumpthat money leads to power leads to womenis the most consistent thing in a career characterized by dramatic fluctuations in both wealth and ideology, and its a feature of his presidential campaign, not a bug.

In recent weeks, the Republican presidential nominees long tradition of sexism has been particularly noisy, and so ubiquitously covered by an aghast press that its easy to recite. Trump interrupted Hillary Clinton 51 times during the first presidential debate in late September, at one point to yell about Rosie ODonnell. He spent the following days attacking former Miss Universe Alicia Machados weight, including a 3 a.m. tweetstorm wherein he advised his millions of followers to check out her (non-existent, actually) sex tape. He gestures goonishly at his wife Melania onstage, as though she were a top-shelf prize he won playing a carnival game. He talks about his daughter as though she were a sexual Faberge egg. And recently, cast and crew members from The Apprentice, the show responsible for foisting a semi-likable Trump on American TV audiences, have complained that the Professional Success Guy was an exceptional creep on set.

Among polite society, this behavior is piggish. Among Trumps base, its aspirational.

Randal Pinkett, winner of Season 4 of The Apprentice and former employee of the Trump Organization, says theres likely a reason for Trumps enduring sexism. Donald surrounds himself with people who dont challenge him, he told The Daily Beast. He weeds out people who want to challenge Donald or who want to be critical of Donald. A person who would bristle at Donalds habit of asking male contestants if they found a woman attractive or if theyd sleep with a particular woman on set, for example, would likely be eliminated.

The pundit class has met every new or resurfaced sexist Trump incident with concerned tsk-tsk-ing. If Trump wants to win the election, the talking heads argue, he must try to be a little less piggish. But according to Pinkett, belief that he is superior to others is knit into the DNA of Trumps personality. Donald is born out of a privileged male experience, he says. Donald, as a function of his experience and his mindset, believes that men and women arent completely equal. As a privileged male, Im smarter, Im more powerful, Im more influential.

Donald Trump has made billions and gotten to within a statistical hair of becoming president of the United States by selling himself to people as the ideal pickup artistboorish, unpolished, and pushy, but ultimately able to use alpha male behavior to win and eventually claim his woman-shaped reward. Why would he change his approach now? At this point in the campaign, it seems as though he believes it has and will help him win.

Sure, Trumps chances look slim at this point; hes the less-liked of the two least-liked candidates in the history of presidential politics. The polls say Donalds in trouble. Since his bizarre debate performance and subsequent public unraveling, his rival Hillary Clinton has enjoyed a several-point swing in her favor in nationwide polls. Shes enjoying nearly across-the-board support from non-white voters, and more support from white women with college degrees than Obama did in 2012.

Donald Trump doesnt have many demographic allies left, but theres one group that still loves him: white guys without college degrees. Theyre bananas for him. According to an ABC News/Washington Post poll conducted post-debate, white guys are the force keeping Trumps campaign from collapsing into flaccidity. Being as Donald as possible in the final weeks before the election is a Hail Mary pass designed to get his most ardent fans to the polls.

If Trump is to have any shot on Election Day, hes got to get white guys without college degrees to show up by keeping them motivated, and he keeps them motivated by keeping them angry over the slights responsible for their condition. The appeal of The Donald is that hes Just Like Them. Hes so Just Like Them that if it wasnt for the elites and the blacks and the Mexicans and the over-prepared, Hillary-esque women challenging the rightful order of things, they would occupy their own Trump-like throne in a gilded penthouse. Alpha male boorishness should work for them the way it worked for Donald. They should have it; they deserve it; the world has robbed them. Theyre angry that they didnt live a Trumpy life of romancing and discarding socialites and models, angry that their final prize for simply existing in a world that respected them in the way they deserve wasnt their very own Melania. That they are, statistically, losers is not their fault; its the worlds fault.

Donald Trump is their alternate-reality success avatar. Hes just like them. And look at him! Living the good life!

Trump firing off a bunch of unhinged 3 a.m. tweets to a beauty queen who gained weight is exactly what they would do. Trump bringing up Rosie ODonnell during a presidential debate is exactly what they would do. Of course theyd brag about their hot daughter, if they had a daughter as hot as Ivanka. If they had their own show like The Apprentice, of course theyd use their status as boss to treat women like garbage. Yes, an Eastern European former model wife is a thing they believe they can win. If they were invited to the White House Correspondents Association dinner, of course theyd feel they had license to comment on a Swedish models breasts and legs until she cried.

This is how Trumps most devoted supporters believe they should be allowed to behave, and every new incident is a reminder of what PC culture, spearheaded by people just like Hillary Clinton, has stolen from them. Make Pickup Artistry Work Again.

Donald Trump needs his core supporters to believe that he will restore the world to its rightful order, where they can treat women (and everybody else) like shrews to be crushed or trophies to be displayed. Trumps recent behavior suggests that he believes there are enough people who want to live like him to push him to victory on Nov. 8. At the very least, behaving like hes teaching a workshop on pickup artistry is getting him what hes always needed: attention. Donald respects publicity, says his former Apprentice winner Randal Pinkett.

Get ready for more tweetstorms.
Having already devastated parts of Haiti and the Bahamas , Hurricane Matthew has strengthened and, despite dropping down to a Category 3 storm overnight, is causing widespread damage in Florida. Winds up to 120 miles per hour have continued to hit Florida's central Atlantic coast and more than 900,000 residents have lost power.

As of Friday morning, the hurricane warnings have been extended to Surf City, North Carolina, but dropped south of Cocoa Beach, Florida. A storm surge Friday afternoon is predicted to reach anywhere from seven to 11 feet and could flood portions of Jacksonville, Florida's downtown.

Projections show that the storm could go out to sea without landfall, but its center could still cross land in Florida, Georgia, or the Carolinas, CNN experts say. Center winds remain at around 115 miles per hour near Florida's coast.

There have been two deaths reported in the U.S. so far. One victim, in St. Lucie County, Florida, was a woman in her late 50s, who died of a cardiac arrest after emergency crews failed to reach her due to strong winds. The other victim was an unconscious 82-year-old man who, according to officials, was declared dead after being taken to a hospital.

The total death toll of the storm has reached more than 800 as of Friday, with at least 842 people dead in Haiti and four in the neighboring Dominican Republic, according to Officials in Haiti's Civil Protection Agency. Officials have said the storm is the most intense to strike the Caribbean in a decade , displacing thousands. Medical professionals are also raising concerns about a possible cholera outbreak on the island.

On Wednesday night, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal ordered a mandatory evacuation for the entire coast, an area that hasnt seen a hurricane evacuation in 17 years, according to the Associated Press .

If wind speeds increase and Matthew is upgraded to a Category Four storm again, it could also be the first Category Four since 2004 to make landfall in the U.S. which caused $14 billion worth of damage in the southern states.

Florida Governor Rick Scott has continued to warn those in evacuation zones that they must leave. If Hurricane Matthew directly impacts Florida, there could be massive destruction which we havent seen since Hurricane Andrew devastated Miami-Dade County in 1992, Scott said in a statement . That is why we cannot delay and must prepare for direct impact now.

"If you're reluctant to evacuate, Governor Scott said Thursday , just think of all the people this storm has already killed. You and your family could be among these numbers if you don't take this seriously."

Heres everything you need to know to follow the storm, keep up with news updates, and stay safe during Hurricane Matthew:

When will Hurricane Matthew hit? Where is it now?

Matthew has already hit parts of Florida causing power outages and flooding. Projections show it may not make landfall, but will continue to cause damage in parts of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) has sent several updates on the hurricane via social media, updating residents as the storm moves towards the Carolinas.

What Should I Do?

Authorities are recommending that those in evacuation zones leave as soon as possible if they have not done so yet, and that they keep nonperishable food and a water supply on hand along with flashlights, medications, and warm clothing .

How do I sign up for weather alerts?

Anyone can download the FEMA app to receive alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS), locate local shelters, and get safety reminders.

Weather.com is updating its Matthew Forecast as new information comes in. CNN is also providing live updates from the storm .

FEMA and the National Weather Service will also be posting alerts and updates on their twitter pages.

For those in South Carolina, you can keep up with weather alerts by following the South Carolina Emergency Management Division on twitter .

Those in Florida can also follow various twitter feeds, including the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office , National Weather Service Miami , WSVN 7 News , and 7 Weather .

Photos: View Hurricane Matthews Devastating Path
On May 17, 2012, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made a quietly consequential move: She announced that American businesses would soon be able to invest in Burma. The country was just opening to outside influence after years of isolationand was still ripped by ethnic conflict, with civilians routinely faced rape and other atrocities at the hands of the military.

Clinton and her team said the countrys gradual shift to democracyBurma had just held an election, won by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyis partymeant it had earned the U.S. investment. Other economic powerhouses, including Australia and the EU, were also moving to loosen their own rules for investment in Burma. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as the Washington Post reported at the time, said the United States needed to keep up.

But, as the Post also noted, human rights leaders predicted Clintons decision would set back their cause. At the time, as Foreign Policy reported, Suu Kyi supported a partial easing of the U.S. investment ban, but didnt want American companies to be able to invest in the countrys energy sector. They argued opening investment to the energy market would fuel economic inequality and only strengthen the countrys repressive military. And they thought it gave the countrys government too much too soon, giving up leverage to push for more reform in the future.

But the Obama administration broke with Suu Kyi and human rights leaders, letting American companies invest in all sectorsincluding oil and gas.

Perhaps its just a coincidence, but that was exactly what the energy conglomerate Chevron and other generous donors to the Clinton Foundation wanted. Chevronwhich has given the foundation between $500,000 and $1 million, according to the Foundations disclosureslobbied the State Department during Clintons time there, according to its federal lobbying disclosure filings. Those filings show Burma policy was one of the companys top focuses. And once Clinton announced the investment ban was lifted, theyand many otherslooked to capitalize on the new opening.

Neither the Clinton Campaign nor the Clinton Foundation provided comment for this story.

The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre tracks foreign investment in Myanmar. The Daily Beast cross-referenced their list with Clinton Foundation donors and found that more than two dozen corporations who donated to the foundation have moved to invest in Burma since the investment ban was lifted. The companies are some of the worlds best known: Calvin Klein, General Motors, Boeing, ConocoPhillips, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Gap, General Electric, Microsoft, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble.

And many of those corporations lobbied the State Department during Clintons tenure there, and many are board members of the National Foreign Trade Council, whose project USA*Engage advocated energetically for the roll-back of American sanctions on Burma. Some are also members of the US-ASEAN Business Council, a corporate group that lobbied hard for the sanctions to be eased.

Today, human rights activists argue that those changes benefitted American corporate interests at the expense of reform effortsand that this is evidence of undue corporate influence on American foreign policy, particularly in the Clinton State Department. American investment opportunities in the country will only grow, as President Obama announced in September that the U.S. will lift sanctions on the country.

Kelley Currie, a former State Department official, said corporate efforts to allow investment in Burma ramped up dramatically in 2010.

It was stunning, the degree to which they suddenly began engaging in Burma policy processes, said Currie, now a senior fellow at the Project 2049 Institute think tank.

Currie and human rights leadersincluding Juman Kubba of the human rights group Global Witness and Jennifer Quigley, an advisor to the U.S. Campaign for Burmasay the biggest beneficiaries of the Burma shift werent the Burmese people, but rather the American corporations who got a brand new investment opportunity. And a 2015 paper from the International Trade Union Confederation argued that foreign investment increased violence and land confiscation in some parts of the country, and had mixed resultsat bestfor the countrys poor.

In fact, conditions for the Rohingya people have worsened; more than 120,000 Rohingya people have had to flee their homes since June 2012, according to IBTimes, and human rights groups say they face ethnic cleansingand that the countrys government is complicit in their persecution. The most recent report on Burma from Human Rights Watch found that the military still recruits child soldiers and that efforts to make it submit to civilian control have stalled or reversed. Despite this, American companies have investment access to the countryincluding the freedom to make investments that strengthen its military.

State-sponsored violence, especially directed at ethnic minorities, has long torn Burma. The countrys brutal military regime, called the Tatmadaw, used rape as a weapon of war against ethnic minority women and young girls. The military still does so in some parts of the country, as Priscilla Clapp, chief of mission and permanent charge daffaires at Americas embassy in Burma from 1999 to 2002, told The Daily Beast in June.

The U.S. put a variety of economic sanctions on Burma from 1990 onward to limit the Tatmadaws power, as the Congressional Research Service has detailed. These sanctions were designed to incentivize political reform and reduce human rights abuses. In 2010, as Currie noted, U.S. business groups started pushing the State Department to loosen these restrictions.

Those companies included Chevron, which has long had a presence in Burma through a subsidiary, even before the lifting of the investment ban. In addition to the sums it gave the Clinton foundation, it also lobbied the State Department in the lead-up to the lifting of the ban, as disclosures available from the Center for Responsive Politics show. And the human rights group United to End Genocide noted that the companys federal lobbying disclosures mentioned Burma 23 times in 2011, when corporate efforts to allow investment there were taking off. The corporation is a board member of the National Foreign Trade Council.

In 2014, Chevron announced in a press release that it acquired exploration rights for offshore drilling in Burmas Rakhine Basin. On March 24, 2015, it announced it is working with the countrys national oil company, Myanmar Oil & Gas Exploration (MOGE). Chevrons website says these explorations are currently underway. And Currie said this set-up may benefit Burmas repressive military.

For the past 20 years, Chevron and its predecessor Unocal have been providing valuable hard currency to the Burmese military, by partnering with MOGE, Currie said.

She added that in the past, that partnership didnt benefit the Burmese people, and that today it isnt clear if MOGEs revenues boost the civilian government or the repressive military.

A Chevron spokesperson said she does not think the companys contributions to the Clinton Foundation influenced its ability to invest in Burma.

There is no connection between our contributions to the Clinton Global Initiative and Chevrons engagements with the US State Department on appropriate business matters, said Chevron spokesperson Melissa Ritchie. The Clinton Global Initiative was one of the many partnerships and programs that the company has had or maintains to advance our aim to build communities by investing in health, education and economic development in the areas where we do business.

Chevron has made contributions to the Clinton Global Initiativewhich the organization itself disclosedto raise awareness of Chevrons key social investment focus areas, such as preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, education and workforce development, she continued. The total amount of Chevrons contributions to the organization over a nine-year period is $725,000. Over the same period of time, Chevron has contributed approximately $1.8 billion in social investments to local communities, and in 2014 alone we spent approximately $233 million on global social investments.

Ritchie added that Chevron complies with all State Department reporting requirements regarding its partnership with MOGE and its exploration in the Rakhine Basin.

We comply with all laws and regulations in the locations where we do business, she said.

Coca-Cola is another generous Clinton Foundation donor that has moved into Burma. Its given the foundation between $5 and $10 million, and filed an investors report to the State Department in December of 2013. In June of 2013, the companys CEO celebrated the opening of the first Coca-Cola bottling plant in Burma in 60 years. In a report filed to the State Department in June of 2015, the company expressed concerns about the countrys child labor problem. Coca-Cola is also a board member of the National Foreign Trade Council.

In a speech on November 17, 2012, Hillary Clinton mentioned a trade mission to Burma and then praised a few American businesses that later set up shop there.

Were proud to go to bat for the Boeings and Chevrons and General Motors and so many others, she said.

All three of those businesses gave to the Clinton Foundationbetween $1.5 million and $6.1 million between the three of them. All three have also moved to invest in Burma (General Motors recently opened a showroom there). And all three lobbied the State Department during Clintons time there.

Bill Clinton, through the Foundation, offered to help expedite foreign investment in Burma. In an email on Sept. 26, 2012, Clinton Foundation foreign policy advisor Amitabh Desai told Jake Sullivanthen a State Department officialthat Bill Clinton told the countrys president he would be willing to bring an investor delegation to the country. An aide to Bill Clinton said he did not end up bringing an investor delegation there and didnt offer further detail on how the former president made that decision.

The Chamber of Commerce, also a foundation donor, pushed hard to lift the investment ban. The US-ASEAN Business Council also advocated for the change, according to Quigley.

Those two lobbying arms of the business community here were very aggressive in pushing the State Department to lift the sanctions, Quigley said.

Lobbying disclosure forms accessed through the Center for Responsive Politics show that the Chamber lobbied the State Department in 2010. The Chamber is a Clinton Foundation donor. According to the Foundations disclosures, which the Washington Post helpfully made searchable, the Chamber has given the foundation between $10,000 and $25,000.

A spokesperson for the Chamber downplayed their lobbying efforts.

Im not sure who would say the move in 2012 was the result of the Chambers efforts, but the U.S. Chamber did support lifting the investment ban and has encouraged the ongoing reform measures in Myanmar, the spokesperson said. U.S. companies bring high standards and can play a beneficial role in providing good jobs and a stable business environment.

So the Chamber got what it wanted. On May 17, 2012, Hillary Clinton announced the U.S. would roll back the ban that kept American companies from investing in Burma. As the Washington Post reported, human rights groups immediately criticized the movein large part because it allowed investments that they believed would only strengthen the military.

Quigley said human rights advocates were extremely angry about it, and thought it did too little to help civilians, particularly marginalized ethnic groups facing killings and rape.

Kubba said she was perplexed by the decision to lift the investment ban.

There was no good reason for that, she said. I dont understand why you would do that if youre trying to help the country. Whats going on, is it the corporate influence, where is this all coming from?

Quigley said she believes Clintons decision is evidence of undue corporate influence at the State Department.

It was to open this environment up to them, she said, referring to corporate investors who benefitted from the move. That was the big success.

Human rights activists argue that investors like these companies have been among the biggest beneficiaries of the opening to Burma, and that activists have lost power since it happened.

You dont have an end to the conflict, said Quigley. You dont have civilian control of the military. You dont have national reconciliation. And the economy is structured exactly the same, with the same handful of oligarchs that benefit from it.

And those concessions mean the Burmese government had less of an incentive to keep reforming.

The United States business community has been among the biggest beneficiaries of sanctions relief on Burma, said Currie. Meanwhile, the human rights community has lost important leverage in pressing for greater reforms in Burma.

In other words, she said, the U.S. gave the Burmese government too much too soon with too little in return.

A State Department official said they are pleased with the Burmese governments reform efforts.

The new government faces a wide array of challenges, but there has been important progress so far, said the official, who spoke anonymously. We commend the new governments demonstrated commitment to human rights, and look forward to support the governments efforts to further the democratic transition, advance peace and national reconciliation, and promote economic development and growth.

That view is far from universal. And some argue that increased foreign investment in Burma has in some ways made the human rights situation worse. A paper from the International Trade Union Confederation published in October of 2015 concluded that foreign investment could exacerbate inequality and abuse. That report also noted that underage labor is still common in the country, including in the oil and mining industriesindustries which have attracted Western investment. It added that Western clothing companies planning to source their materials from Burma risk inadvertently hiring workers under the age of 18. H&M, for instance, recently cracked down on two of its factories there that allegedly hired 14-year-olds to work 12-hour days, as The Guardian reported.

The reputational harm that comes from hiring kids isnt the only risk for Western investors.

There are serious risks that Myanmars natural resources and labor will only benefit privileged domestic interests and foreign companies, while disadvantaged communities will suffer the negative impacts of poorly regulated business activities, the paper reads.

The paper also noted that conditions have worsened for the Rohingya minority and the increased foreign investment is intensifying land confiscation and violence.

And Foreign Policy noted in 2014, the countrys military faces allegations of ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya minority.

Kubba said Burma should be a dark spot on Clintons State Department legacy.

This whole issue really could come back to bite her, she said, and, more significantly, the democracy movement in Burma.

Not everyone shares that perspective, including Tommy Vietor, a Clinton supporter and former National Security Council spokesperson.

I do believe with 100 percent certainty that not a single voter will make their decision based on her policy towards Burma, Vietor told Foreign Policy in 2014. Youll be lucky if they know where the fuck it is.
A bloodied wifes screams recorded by her husbands cell phone as he beat her should not have been used to convict him, an appeals court ruled Tuesday, because she didnt give her consent to being recorded.

John Garrett Smith of Vancouver, Washington, was found guilty of assault and attempted murder last year after beating his wife Sheryl to a bloody pulp and leaving her for dead. The conviction hinged on a key piece of evidence: a voicemail recording of Smith, who goes by his middle name, Garrett, telling Sheryl, I will kill you.

The Smiths lived in a swanky home on the Washington-Oregon border and ran a clean-energy business together, until an argument left Sheryl fighting for her life on June 2, 2013. Sheryls 18-year-old daughter from a previous marriage, Skylar Williams, had recently left the home to go to the gym, leaving the couple alone. The two began arguing, with Smith threatening Sheryl and calling her a fat bitch while she pleaded with him to stop, according to the appeals court decision. At one point, Smith called his cell phone from a landline in an attempt to find it.

The call went to voicemail, which then recorded Sheryls screams.

Where is my phone? Smith asks on the audio, according to the appeals decision.

Look what you have done to me! Sheryl screamed.

I will kill you, he replied.

Smith left and Williams returned home to find her mother on the floor, with a swollen face, broken nose, concussion, injured back, and brain damage. Sheryl told her daughter to make sure people knew it was her husband that assaulted her.

Smith didnt know that she was still alive, former Clark County Deputy Prosecutor Jennifer Nugent later alleged in court.

Smiths defense attorneys said at trial the damning threats werent meant to be taken literally. In a letter to the court in February 2015, Smith said he meant no harm.

First, I never intended to hurt Sheryl, let alone kill her, he wrote, according to The Columbian. Any inference otherwise is simply false.

The judge disagreed and found Smith guilty of second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault. (He opted to forego a jury of his peers for a bench trial.) Smith was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

He appealed on the grounds that the voicemail should not have been admitted as evidence because Washington requires both parties recorded to give consentand his wife did not consent.

The appeals court agreed.

Standing alone, Sheryls screams would not constitute a conversation. However, these screams were responsive to statements that John was making, Judge C.J. Bjogen wrote. Within this context, Sheryls screams serve as an expression of sentiments responsive to Johns yelling and thus constitute part of a conversation.

And because the recording had featured so heavily in the courts guilty ruling, the appeals court reversed Garretts second-degree attempted murder conviction and remanded it for a retrial.

Josephine Townsend, an attorney who represented Garrett in the trial, told The Daily Beast that she was thrilled with the outcome.

I thought the ruling was an error at the time the judge made it, which is why I made a record, she said. The width and breadth of the statute in Washington is very broad, and the judge took a very narrow approach.

Nugent, the prosecutor on the case, is now in private practice and declined to comment on the case other than to say she disagrees with the appeals courts decision. (Attempts to reach Sheryl and her daughter, Williams, were unsuccessful.)

Townsend says prosecutors could request a new trial, or have him plead out on the assault charge. A guilty plea would allow him to count his attempted murder prison time toward his assault sentence.

Its not an automatic win. Its basically a do-over, Townsend said.

The lurid crime became fodder for a Vancouver community already livid over alleged corruption in the citys criminal justice system. This steadfast group of Smiths supporters took to the internet to argue for his innocenceand his wifes guilt.

Over a series of blog and Facebook posts, Smiths supporters characterized Sheryl of crying wolf in order to extort money from her then-husband.

In one post, a blogger accused Sheryl of being a less-than credible witness because she had had a maiden name and a previous surname from her prior marriage, which the writer described as aliases. Another characterized her as suspicious because she gave a prosecutor the letters Smith sent her from jail in violation of his no-contact order.

The website Garretts Voice called Sheryl the real perpetrator, accusing her of betraying Smith to provide herself the lifestyle she desired by defrauding Smiths companies of $1.2 millionall without providing any evidence she did so.

Police investigated one of the supportersthe fiance of Garretts Voice blog author Traci Ecclesfor cyberstalking Sheryl. Eccles told The Daily Beast police flagged the blogging couple for allegedly making threats against the prosecutor in Smiths case.

Civilly, I cant respond to that, Sgt. Andy Hamlin, one of the officers accused of conspiracy to silence Smiths supporters told The Daily Beast.

Eccles still insists that she and her fiance have evidence exonerating Smith, even of his newly-upheld assault charge. She claimed a detective had fabricated the voicemail that once convicted him, and that his own counsel had suppressed his access to evidence while he was awaiting trial.

[His counsel] brought him his evidence in jail on 20 CDs and a flash drive, and then refused to provide him with any equipment to play it, Eccles said. Judge Bjogen refuted this accusation of evidence suppression in his appeals decision, writing in the reversal that Garrett had been acting as his own counsel at the time.

Meanwhile, Garretts parents are ecstatic over the decision, Townsend said.

Theyve been hoping and praying for a good result from the appeal, she said.
Edward Klein had been chiseling the wood for hours, making small indentations and fine lines to perfect the under-eye bags and bulbous noses on the hideous, aging faces of his figurines of Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Yes, he said, satisfied, as he made one final incision to create a deep wrinkle between Hillarys eyes.

That should do it.

Klein had never been all that artistically inclined, but he was preparing to write a draft of another book about the Clintons and he wasnt yet sure what he wanted them to do or say in it. The figurines, he thought, would allow him to act out various scenarios until he settled on just the right amount of drama, humor, and intrigue. For his last booksUnlikeable: The Problem With Hillary, Blood Feud: The Clintons vs. The Obamas, and The Truth About Hillary: What She Knew, When She Knew It, and How Far Shell Go to Become Presidenthe had tried this using sock puppets, but his housekeeper kept throwing them in the wash, shrinking them or losing them in the process. The figurines were more time-consuming to make, but the effortand the calluses hed developed on both thumbsfelt worth it.

Just as he put Hillary in her rubber Polly Pocket pantsuit and set her down on his desk, he heard a knock at the door. It was his editor, Harry Crocker, the vice president and executive editor of Regnery Publishing.

Har, Klein said, letting him into the apartment, help me figure this out!

We definitely want to start on a private jet, Crocker told him as he positioned the former president and secretary of State on a stack of notebooks. People love shit like that, stuff that confirms their preconceived biases while sounding entirely plausible.

Oh, definitely, Klein said, squinting his eyes as the scene developed in his mind. How about this: Bill Clintons private jet was cleared for takeoff and was taxiing toward the active runway when a Secret Service agent informed him that Attorney General Loretta Lynchs plane was coming in for a landing. Dont take off! Bill barked.

Perfect, Crocker smiled. Barked really sells it.

It does, doesnt it, Klein said.

The two men embraced, something Im not certain theyve ever done in real life but it doesnt matter because Im making this entire scenario up anyway.

To use Edward Kleins own journalistic practices when writing about his work is to produce colorful narrative fiction with only the smallest connection to realitythe characters are real people, their titles and roles unchanged, but the content of their personalities, their conversations, and their thoughts invented from whole cloth. Kleins work is propaganda as fan fiction, published and promoted as the serious nonfiction work of a reporter and editor once employed by Newsweek, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times Magazineall of which is true, except at some point in the last quarter century, Klein lost his goddamn mind.

Kleins latest book, released Oct. 4, is called Guilty as Sin. Its cover is an unflattering black and white photo of the Democratic nominee, her scowl and wrinkles featured prominently, peering through four large stripes the color of an orange prison jumpsuit.

The idea, you see, is that Clinton is a criminal. Think of this as the scholarly counterpoint to the Lock her up! chants of Trump rallies and the Republican National Convention.

Reached by phone Wednesday afternoon, Klein, who is 79, said he didnt have time to answer questions about his work.

He began his career at the New York Daily News, from there became an editor at Newsweek, then left for The New York Times, became the editor of The New York Times Magazinewhich won two Pulitzers under his stewardship, from 1977 to 1987and then, in the mid-1990s, started writing books.

Hes written 11 books advertised as nonfiction, four of them about the Clintons, whom, he told me in a May interview, he began researching around 2003.

In case its not overwhelmingly clear already, he does not like the couple very much. But Kleins political opinions are not the problem with his books or even their defining characteristicthat would be that he just makes shit up, and its not even good. Yet in the highly emotional and volatile climate of the 2016 presidential election, Kleins tall tales are likely to provide fodder for Clintons detractorsespecially Donald Trump, whom Klein has spent a lot of time with over the years and interviewed extensively for Guilty as Sin.

But first lets talk about Clinton.

She was in a rage, he wrote in the chapter The Sky Is Falling.

On a private plane with aide Huma Abedin, Clinton was ranting about James Comey, the director of the FBI. Its more right-wing bullshit on top of more right-wing bullshit, Hillary bristled, according to Huma. Comey, she said, would end up like all the other Clinton enemies. And how did Bills impeachment work out for those motherfuckers? Hillary said.

How does Klein know any of this happened? Well, because Abedin described the fit to a colleague who was interviewed for this book, he wrote.

And how does he know Clinton told a close friend that Bill looks out for Bill first and foremost and its always been that way. But I know in my heart that Huma, Cheryl, and Jake will be loyal to the end. Especially Huma. Nothing will shake her loyalty. Huma would go to Sing Sing before she would rat me out to the FBI? Unclear, since he doesnt explain the sourcing of that quote.

Or what about how Abedin came down the stairs in Chappaqua, rubbing her puffy eyes and looking a bit disheveled which prompted Clinton to ask, Did you get your power nap? before she placed both hands on Humas neck and began massaging her shoulders? That, Klein wrote, was told to him by one of Hillarys oldest friends, who had been invited along with a group of women to spend the afternoon with Hillary, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Chappaqua get-together was private. Whats more, Klein noted at the bottom of the page (171), The source was interviewed 18 times.

Klein believes Clinton is vulgar and has suggested repeatedly throughout his books that she may be a lesbian. In much of the dialogue he produces that he claims took place between Clinton and other parties, she is cursing like a sailor.

Were now, what, 13 years into my researching and interviewing people about Hillary Clinton and also Barack Obama, Klein saidfor real, I have it on tapewhen I interviewed him back in May. Developed many, many different sources. Took a long time.

People ask me: Why do they talk to you? he continued. People like to talk about their connection to people in power. Theyits something that gives them a sense of their own importance, and a lot of them talk to me because they feel that theyre basically letting the world know, or through me, letting me know, that they are connected to people at the highest levels of power.

When a source who knows a very powerful person talks to a reporter, theres a kind of an ambivalence, I would call it, in what they tell you, he added. On the one hand, these are people they admire and support. But on the other hand, theres a jealousy and competition also. And this is, I think, another reason why they talk, because of the sense of ambivalence they have.

His sources, he said, are protected by him, and I would point out, as I think you know, that virtually all of Bob Woodwards sources are anonymous, all of the sources in the two Game Change books were anonymous, all of them. You cannot write about current politics when things are still going onthis is not history, this is contemporary politics, where so much is at stakeand expect people to have their names connected to what they tell you because they simply cant risk that.

From the way Klein talks, youd think he wrote All the Presidents Men, not a gossipy trilogy about the muumuu-loving Democratic nominee sexually harassing her female underling and escaping the law yet again.

The portions of the book about Trump are based on Kleins experience interviewing him over the years and time spent traveling with him on his plane during the Republican primary.

According to Klein, Trump told him, I have confidentiality agreements with everyone who works for me, and I think Ill do that in the White House so fucking guys like Gates cant write a book and trash everyone he worked with.

Later, talking about female voters, Trump told Klein, The only thing Hillarys got going for her is shes a woman.

The Trump campaign did not respond when asked if the candidate actually said either of those things.

On page 225, the end of Guilty as Sin, Klein features A Note on Sources in which he blames criticism of his work on partisan rancor and claimsincorrectlythat it comes only from liberals. Much of the criticism can be traced back to Hillarys notorious attack machine and the henchmen who run that machine, he wrote, referring to Philippe Reines, Sidney Blumenthal, David Brock, and Brian Fallon.

As the old saying goes, if you lie down with dogs, youll rise up with fleas, so Im never surprised by the Clinton Slime Rooms efforts to discredit me, he continued. What I do find dismaying, however, is that many mainstream reporters attack me with words and phrases that could have come straight from the mouths of Reines, Blumenthal, Brock and Fallonand probably did.

The product, one assumes, of a drawer full of wooden reporter figurines.
Last Sunday, attendees at The Meadows Festival found their mellows severely harshened when headliner Kanye West prematurely rushed offstage, citing a family emergency. Yeezys disappearing act, and the predictable Twitter backlash and fan whines that followed, turned out to be just the beginning of one of the biggest and most mysterious celebrity stories of 2016. Even more intriguingly, the terrifying tale of the Kim Kardashian jewelry heist is still breaking.

Heres what we know so far. On Sunday night, Kim Kardashian West was unwinding from the Paris fashion week shows at her penthouse suite in the Hotel de Pourtales. A group of five men dressed as police officers entered the luxury mansion, forced the concierge to let them into Kardashians room, and proceeded to rob the reality-TV star at gunpoint. The jewel thieves tied her up, gagged her, and pushed her into the bathtub, before raiding the room for $9 million in statement jewels. The main focus of the heist appears to have been Kims $4 million diamond engagement ring, which shed featured heavily on her social-media accounts in the days leading up to the attack. As the thieves biked away from the scene, Kardashians bodyguard, Pascal Duvier, rushed back from a nightclub where he had been working security for sisters Kourtney Kardashian and Kendall Jenner. Kim has maintained an uncharacteristic silence on social media in the wake of the 8th arrondissement incidenther spokeswoman said Mrs. West was badly shaken but physically unharmed.

As the close-knit Kardashian clan remains respectfully mum, various media outlets, conspiracy theorists, and tweeters have rushed to fill the silence with a cacophony of conspiracies and commentaries. Responses to the crime have ranged from respectful concern to outright condemnation. Fashion vampire Karl Lagerfeld, an acquaintance of the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star, told the Associated Press that Kim was at least partially to blamethe literal definition of victim-blaming. [She is] too public, too publicwe have to see in what time we live. You cannot display your wealth then be surprised that some people want to share it, Lagerfeld opined after the Chanel show. I dont understand why [Kardashian] was in a hotel with no security and things like this. If you are that famous and you put all your jewelry on the net, you go to hotels where nobody can come near to the room, he added.

While Lagerfelds heart is undoubtedly in the right placehonestly, how woke of a sound bite can you expect from a man who refers to Snapchat as the nethes only the chicest in a long line of Kim K critics. In the immediate aftermath of the heist, Paris fashion week attendees reportedly expressed skepticism, arguing the attack may have been entirely fictitious. Where did they get a gun? Sounds fake, was the first reaction of one British journalist. Later, an American fashion editor snarkily joked that, She was probably drunk after the LOreal party and let them in accidentally. Perhaps remembering that Kim isnt a drinkerthats, like, Kim Kardashian 101she amended, Or she tagged herself there. Criminals can have Instagram, too.

This brand of bitchy banter perfectly fits the stereotype of the starved-for-attentionand just plain starvedfashion femme. Its very The Devil Wears Prada, minus all that icky idealism and empathy. Still, fashion world smack talk seems better suited to taking down fashion bloggers and street-style stars than casting aspersions on actual crimes.

Unfortunately, snide remarks about Kims social-media presence only seem to be spreading.

Bargain-basement talking head Piers Morgan wrote an opinion piece Wednesday, just days after the attack, calling the robbery a wake-up call: Time to decide if you want to be the smart, warm woman you really are or the trash-talking monster you were becoming. Morgans basic argument appears to be that Kim experienced a karmic comeuppance. In addition to implying that the attack was somehow deserved, Morgan rebrands the heist as an opportunity for Kim to stop being so gosh darned vulgar.

Linking Kardashians unfortunate twist of fate to her penchant for social-media nudity, well-timed internet clap backs, and/or public displays of affluence might seem like inadvisable logical gymnastics, especially for a man of Piers Morgans age. Unfortunately, Kardashians nuanced reputation, which really has nothing to do with the crime at hand, appears to be playing an overactive role in the court of public opinion.

Kim Kardashianthe personis many things: a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a businesswoman, and a Silicon Valley sorceress. But Kim Kardashians real-life influence is rivaled only by her symbolic significance. The reality-TV star has, for many, become a poster child for societal decaya talentless sex-tape star turned self-obsessed celebrity. Every woman in the public eye walks a series of tightropes, but no one treads a thinner line than Kim Kardashian. Her attempts at celebrating her body are often maligned as obscene or offensive. Her abilities as a mother are often questioned, her body is constantly policed and criticized, and despite years in the limelight, her legitimacy as a celebrity is still heavily debated. When critics make vague illusions to karma, make no mistake: Theyre not just talking about Kardashians choice of hotel or social-media indiscretion. Theyre relishing in the public humbling of an unabashed woman.

Kim Kardashian is the rare polarizing celebrity whose haters seem to only make her stronger. In fact, Kardashians detractors are a crucial component of her publicity machine. As internet opiners and social-media commenters take turns tearing Mrs. West down, clicks climax and views skyrocket. Because of Kims unique position in the public imagination, her attackers painstaking crime has quickly transformed into the perfect story. Whether youre rooting for Kim or following her ups and downs with a heavy dose of schadenfreude, youve likely been pulled into the whodunnit of the year.

Initially, conspiracy theorists flocked to the notion that the thieves must have had an accomplice on the inside. According to Steve Stanulis, Kim Kardashians former bodyguard, the heist was 100 percent an inside job. They went to an exclusive place, with exclusive entrances, they knew exactly where to go, where to find the jewelry, he said. Security was out with the sisters and Kim had been showing all the jewelry on Snapchat. Its a perfect storm to get robbed.

The brunt of public suspicion immediately fell on Kardashians current bodyguard, Pascal Duvier, who was quickly blamed as the man who had left Kim alone in the first place. While Duvier was too late to protect Kim or catch her attackers, sources close to Kardashian claim that she in no way holds him responsible for the crime. Duvier left Paris on Kardashians private jet, and has been keeping a low profile ever since. On social media, the #BiggestBodyguardEver has made a habit of doling out security tips and not-so-humble brags. As recently as Oct. 2, the large German tweeted, You dont become a bodyguard over night. Its a job with dedication, responsibility and passion.

Unfortunately, it seems that Duviers commitment to his work has led him to forego his financial responsibilities. One result of the post-heist limelight has been the big reveal that Kardashians bodyguard filed for bankruptcy protection 10 weeks ago, with his German security company claiming some Pascal Duvier-sized debts. The reported 1,093,518 debt even has the cases lawyer at a loss. In a brief statement, he told The Daily Mail, There is so much debt. There are many claimants. I cannot say the exact number. Lots.

Similarly, the concierge of Kims hotel on the night in question is experiencing his own ill-begotten 15 minutes of fame. A TMZ report describes the unnamed employee as a critical witness. In an extensive interview between Kim and the cops, which allegedly occurred Tuesday, Kim disclosed that the concierge watched the entire crime unfold. After bringing the thieves to her door, the handcuffed concierge was in there the whole time, apparently maintaining an unusually calm demeanor throughout the heist.

But the most convincing theory has the added bonus of being the most dramatic. According to Palve Punch Stanimirovic, a former member of the Serbian robbery collective known as the Pink Panthers, its clear that the fascinating gentleman robbers have clearly executed another heist. Stanimirovic told The Daily Beast, This was a preplanned inside job and they pulled it off. Citing an extended network of Croatian and Serbian service-industry workerswaiters, door men, and cleaning peoplehe noted, Its so easy to pick up a phone and say, Hey, Kim Kardashian is here in room so and so.

The jewelry theft was certainly in keeping with the Pink Pantherss traditional methods. The robbery collective boasts an impressive resume of deliberate, well-coordinated, nonviolent strikes. These audacious robbers have targeted some of the most valuable gems on the planet, raking in around $372 million in gems from about 280 international heists since 1999. The Pink Panthers have cemented their inarguable status as criminal kingpins through glamorous, blockbuster movie-esque heists.

In 2013, a single thief walked into a Cannes exhibition entitled Extraordinary Diamonds only to walk out a minute later with $138 million in precious stones. Due to their polished style, the Pink Panthers have often left police stumped. Earlier this year, Interpol ended its nine-year investigation of the Pink Panthers. And while certain key figures have been arrested, the collective has, if the rumors are true, once again proven itself stronger than the sum of its parts.

Between Kim Kardashians stratospheric star power and the timeless appeal of an old-fashioned mystery, this Parisian jewel heist is a story with staying power. Weve become obsessed with weighing possible scenarios and pasting together clues, searching for narrative cohesion in the face of media chaos. After all, from KUWTK to Kims Snapchat and Instagram accounts, were used to having a backstage pass to all things Kim Kardashian West. Critics and fans alike have seen Kim and her sisters solve countless mysteries and overcome innumerable obstacles, season after season. Weve watched Kim feign surprise, register shock, and occasionally sob. Weve even followed eerily prescient storylines, such as when Kylie Jenners older sisters attempted to teach her a lesson about sharing her location with potential stalkers via social media. The difference, of course, is that every episode of KUWTK is tied up in a neat bow. No matter how manufactured the conclusions may be, weve still come to rely on easy answers from this made-for-TV family. But with our emotionally frazzled heroine taking a rare sabbatical from the public eye, and her attackers continuing to evade apprehension, weve journeyed far outside of typical Kardashian convention.

While couch-dwellers will doubtlessly continue moonlighting as amateur detectives, they shouldnt expect a happy ending.
NEWARK  Whenever I talk to Trump supporters, they always say two things: He knows business and hed have people around him to rein him in. A guy who loses nearly a billion dollars in the boom economy of the 1990s is not exactly a star businessman.

And the team? OK, Mike Pence showed in the debate that hed be a sane, if extremely conservative vice-president. But the rest of the gang does not inspire confidence. In any other year, the collected sins of the thugs, hypocrites, and hacks working on Trumps behalf would be big news and lead to their banishment. This time, they all seem coated in Teflon.

If he wins, Trumps likely White House chief of staff, senior advisers, and many of his Cabinet members would be nearly as reckless and dangerous as he is. The bar is high, but some could clear it.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, currently the head of Trumps transition team, is too tarnished to be attorney general, his first choice after losing his bid to be the GOP vice-presidential nominee. But White House chief of staff requires no Senate confirmation and he is favored for the job. Because Trump has little or no interest in running the government, Christiewhen he wasnt being demeaned by Trumpwould have broad leeway to shape the administration along the bully-boy lines that he and his boss have long favored.

Ive been hanging out lately at the federal courthouse in Newark, where two of Christies closest associates are on trial for an act of civic depravityintentionally tying up traffic at the George Washington Bridge on the first day of school to punish the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, New Jersey, for not endorsing Christie during his 2013 reelection campaign.

On Tuesday, the prosecutions star witness, David Wildstein, once again charged that Christie lied in denying knowledge of the dirty trick when it was underway, an allegation that neither side in the case has contested. Wildstein has consistently said that he and one of the defendants, Bill Baroni, who the governor had appointed as the deputy executive director of the Port Authority, laughed with Christie about the four-hour traffic jams that trapped ambulances and other first responders when the three men gathered that year on Sept. 11 at Ground Zero. Whether Christie knew of the dangerous scheme (which imperiled ailing motorists) in advance, he was clearly part of the cover-up when he said at a press conference that he thought the lane closings were part of a non-existent traffic study.

Politicians, like other people, never fundamentally change, which means Christie would bring his cesspool to Washington to splash around in. The Port Authority, with a budget bigger than most states, became what Wildstein described as a goodie bag for the governors use. When he wasnt punishing disloyal politicians, Christie would arrange for Baroni and Wildstein to offer pieces of steel from the wreckage of the World Trade Center to New Jersey political supporters. Before the scandal broke he intended to give those same goodies to backers in Iowa, New Hampshire, and other early primary states. Port Authority employees were told they had a constituency of oneChristieand all decisions were to be made with that political imperative in mind.

Trump and Christie wouldnt hesitate to politicize the federal bureaucracy, turning agencies into his personal fiefdoms. Newt Gingrich confirmed this when he said that stripping civil service protections from tens of thousands of federal workers would be a Trump priority.

Christie denies hes sending his operatives to Trump, but theyre ending up there anyway. Bill Stepien, who ran his 2009 and 2013 gubernatorial campaigns, is currently Trumps national field director. During a 2013 press conference when Christie was misleading reporters about the lane closings, one of his aides, Christina Renna, texted a colleague: He [Christie] just flat out lied about senior staff and Stepien [then the governors deputy chief of staff] not being involved. Another former Christie staffer, Matt Mowers, testified that a newly-created governors Office of Intergovernmental Affairs included a special spreadsheet to track which mayors and other New Jersey officials were loyal to Christie. Those who werentwho didnt endorse a governor in the other partywere rebuffed when they tried to get anything from Trenton for their constituents. Mowers, too, now works for Trump, and has already said hes keeping a list of politicians and reporters he hates.

Another senior White House post would almost certainly be filled by Stephen Bannon, who is the CEO and chief strategist of the Trump campaign. Bannon is staying off TV these days and for good reason. Breitbart News, the scurrilous site he ran until recently, continues to publish racist and anti-Semitic articles. And Bannon, who has a well-documented history of calling women the c word, doesnt want to be reminded on TV that he was charged 20 years ago with beating his wife after a police officer saw red marks on her wrists and neck (the charges were eventually dropped when she missed a court appearance).

Tax avoidance apparently runs in the Trump political family. Bannon set up what appears to be a phony residence in a vacant house in Florida, perhaps to avoid California state income taxes. The law requires residency six months of the year; Bannon apparently lived there rarely, if at all.

Its not clear who would finally make it into Trumps Cabinet, as filibusters by Democrats (joined, perhaps, by anti-Trump Republicans) could scuttle some of his nominations. But Trump told radio host Hugh Hewitt that hed like to appoint former UN ambassador John Bolton as secretary of state. Bolton, who lied about Hillary Clinton in 2012 by saying she faked a concussion to get out of testifying on Benghazi, makes Trump look diplomatic by comparison. With their taunts and abusive rhetoric, the two of them would likely get the United States into some kind of military confrontation within months, if not sooner.

The war would be managed by retired Gen. Michael Flynn, who leads Trumps short-list for secretary of defense. Flynn is a semi-regular analyst on RT, an English-language Russian TV network that offers thinly-veiled propaganda. Last year, Flynn attended RTs gala in Moscow and sat with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trumps former campaign chief, Paul Manafort, worked as an adviser to Viktor Yanukovych, who was Putins puppet president of Ukraine, among other criminals and oligarchs. Another Trump adviser, Carter Page, is under federal investigation for using his close financial ties to the Kremlin to weaken sanctions against Russia and undermine U.S. foreign policy. A sign of the influence of these pro-Putin advisers came in the Hofstra debate when Trump claimedcontrary to the FBIthat Russia had not been implicated in hacking into U.S. systems.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who served in the Justice Department in the Reagan administration, is gunning for attorney general and might get it. Giuliani has been auditioning for top sycophant and deputy sexist-in-chief, trashing President Obama (I do not believe that the president loves America), peddling conspiracy theories about Hillary Clintons health (Go online and put down Hillary Clinton illness, take a look at the videos for yourself), and calling Lester Holt biased, while saying of tax-evading Trump: Dont you think a man who has this kind of economic genius is a lot better for the United States than a woman?

Like Gingrich, another serial adulterer who hopes to help run the Trump administration, Giuliani is brave enough to scale hypocrisys heights. The man who let his second wife know he was divorcing her via a news conference at Gracie Mansion is now urging Trump to get tough with Hillary over Monica Lewinsky. Between them, Trump, Giuliani, and Gingrich have nine marriages to Hillarys one.

I almost forgot the third thing Trump supporters invariably say when explaining why, despite his faults, they will vote for him: Such a nice family! Ivanka and Eric would tend to the family business and of course make sure the Trumps continue to pay no income taxes while dad is president. But Donald Jr. is more public-spirited. A lifetime member of the NRA who has hunted endangered leopards, elephants, and buffalo, Donnie has said publicly that he wants to be the next secretary of the interior.

Rest assured. In Trumps Washington, hell get it.
No matter who wins this fall, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein are prepared to make Portlandia great again.

On Thursday, IFC released the first sketch from Season 7 of Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownsteins show, which returns on January 5. At first, it seems the video might focus on Women & Women First, the feminist bookstore that has been a staple of the series since its inception. But instead, we have two white men riding their bikes past the store and complaining that everyones focused on feminism, Black Lives Matter, and transgender activism.

None of these movements are about us, Armisens character says. Wheres our movement? As he explains, The only place I feel safe expressing myself is on social media, you know? Under a pseudonym. Like the alt-right movement that has risen up to support Donald Trump this year, their safe space is on Reddit.

In some ways, it kind of feels like were a minority all of a sudden, Brownsteins male character replies.

This leads to an epic, hard rock ballad titled What About Men? in which the two stars and a chorus of other white men warn the world not to forget about them or theyll regret it. Throughout the video, they also lament the new trend of Hollywood remakes featuring female casts and fret that young boys born today might never what its like to have a white male president.

By the end of the sketch, Armisen and Brownstein are decked out in Revolutionary garb, waving American flags and deciding to draft a new Constitution, this time one that really favors men.

This desire to go back in time to a less politically correct era when white men were on top perfectly mirrors the gripes that Trump, and by extension his angriest followers have been making over the course of his divisive campaign. Mens rights activists praised Trump for retweeting an unattractive photo of Ted Cruzs wife juxtaposed with a model shot of Melania. Trump himself accused journalists of reverse racism after he suggested a Mexican-American judge could not be fair to him. In their world, its the white man who is the true victim of oppression.

Its safe to say there isnt much overlap between Trumps alt-right fans and Portlandia viewers, but if any of them find their way to this sketch, they might be surprised at how much it reflects their reality. Whether or not they can appreciate the irony is another question altogether.
Racial segregation in higher education is not just a topic confined to history classrooms.

After last years protests across the country over racial inequality, more universities have warmed to the idea that students should be segregated by race in clubs, diversity initiatives, housing, and conversations about race.

Come November, the University of Vermont will host a three-day Examining White Identity Retreat for students who self-identify as white.

The retreat aims to educate students about white privilege, start a dialogue to combat racism at the university, and conceptualize and articulate whiteness from a personal and systemic lens, according to the universitys website. The University of Oregon is planning similar retreats for January 2017, one for white students and one for white faculty members.

Last June, minority students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin at Madisons Multicultural Student Center held separate meetings for minority students and white students to discuss the shootings of African-American men in Missouri and Louisiana.

On one hand, this is nothing new. Columbia University has held its annual Students of Color Leadership Retreat for more than 15 years, according to a school spokesperson.

Student groups have long formed around identities like race, sexual orientation, and religion. Self-segregation of marginalized students in mostly upper middle class, higher education environments has allowed them to have dialogues they feel they cannot have with non-marginalized students.

Universities who rightly advocate and promote diversity are increasingly supporting them with new initiatives and programs to build stronger communities.

More new are the efforts to educate white students about white privilege, and the criticism from both minority students and white students of racially segregated programs.

Concordia University, St. Pauls annual orientation for minorities backfired recently when a student of color took offense to a letter that said all minority students were expected to attend. Another minority student called the orientation discriminatory.

Oregon State University did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding its Examining White Identity Retreat, though an internal email from a Diversity and Cultural Engagement (DCE) representative was provided to The Daily Beast by an anonymous member of the community who said theyd been asked not to speak to media.

The DCE rep had emailed all of the white colleagues at DCE to form a group to discuss whiteness in our work, ways we are implicated and invested in whiteness as an organizational norm, and how to counter negative effects on our colleagues of color that result from each of us having been socialized via white ways of knowing, the email stated, adding that the group was DCE specific and for our white staff to learn and grow together.

In a statement to The Daily Beast, the University of Vermont said its Examining White Identity Retreat was not mandatory and was designed to engage white students who wanted to become more effective allies in confronting racism.

The university also noted that the concept of white privilege is not new nor is it exclusive to UVM.

Critics say these racially segregated programs can perpetuate bias, particularly when the dialogue that takes place within them doesnt extend to the larger community.

A 2004 study that examined ethnic enclaves within college universities, surveying incoming freshmen at the University of California, Los Angeles the week before classes began and those same students each spring for the next four years, found that membership in ethnically oriented student organizations actually increased the perception that ethnic groups are locked into zero-sum competition with one another and the feeling of victimization by virtue of ones ethnicity.

The researchers found that this victimization and attendant hostility toward other ethnic groups applied to both minority students and white students in predominantly white fraternities and sororities.

The longer they were in these clubs, the more they felt they were being discriminated against by other students at the university and by the administration, said co-author Jim Sidanius, now professor of psychology and African American studies at Harvard. This increased sense of victimization contributed to an increase of tension between and among these groups.

Universities are in a bind, Sidanius said. They want to promote diversity, which is a good thing, but they havent found an effective way of doing so without negative side effects.

So far, I havent seen universities come up with any solutions, he said.
Bill OReillys top lackey stepped in a pile of outrage on Wednesday when his supremely unwatchable man-on-the-street sketch, featuring blatantly racist mockery of Asian people, went viral.

For five minutes, Jesse Watters took his smirking dudebro persona to the streets of New York Citys Chinatown to ask Asianssome of whom didnt speak Englishif they do karate, where he can buy some homeopathic herbs for performance, or whether hes supposed to bow to say hello. Carl Douglass tacky hit song Kung Fu Fighting, featuring a quintessential Oriental riff, played throughout the pre-taped package.

It was funny in only the way blackface minstrelsy could've beenappealing to the outdated and cheap humor of dehumanizing minorities who seem exotic and foreign to the networks old and predominantly white audience.

The reaction was swift and universally angry across all digital news outlets. Even right-wing blog Hot Air called it a crime against comedy, and The Federalist, another conservative website, called Watters a jackass and a jerk who conflates being mean with humor.

Literally the only funny thing in the entire ordeal was when Watters attempted to excuse himself by calling himself a political humorist.

As a political humorist, the Chinatown segment was intended to be a light piece, as all Watters World segments are, he wrote, hours after the video blew up. My man-on-the-street interviews are meant to be taken as tongue-in-cheek and I regret if anyone found offense, he added, completing what was undoubtedly a Fox PR-driven effort to get a non-apology out there and move on. (Prior to that, Watters response was to retweet supporters and taunt a critic calling him racist.)

Hell get off with a slap on the wrist. At worst, his segments will go through several levels of approval from second-floor executives for the next few months.

And so Jesse Watters will always win. And he will continue to rise at Fox News.

Why? Well, for starters, Fox Newss right-wing commentariat gets off on other peoples outrage. It feeds their own righteous indignation, giving them material for more segments about how Fox News is under assault from, as OReilly frequently describes it, the loony far left.

After all, as Watterss shameless non-apology and proud Trump shilling suggest, its your own fault for being offended by his brilliant wit.

To be sure, the internets outrage mills often cry wolf about various offenses, further providing people like Watters with a sense of accomplishment when they swat the hornets nest. In the high-fiving, self-congratulatory cocoon of Fox Newswhere anti-P.C. culture segments routinely air on its leading gabfestsWatters is just a dude with another notch in his belt.

Despite having about as much charisma as a frat-bro villain from early-80s comedies, and literally smirking his way through every asinine word he says on-air, Watters has risen up the ranks from OReillys top ambush reporter to occasional co-host of The Five and Outnumbered to host of his own monthly weekend show.

Watters has been something of a perpetual hatemonger. His Chinese-mocking video was only the latest and most outrageous example of what can only be described as pure, unadulterated garbage TV.

One of his shining moments was coining the phrase Beyonce voters to mock single women who support Obama because they depend on government because theyre not depending on their husbands. The list of egregious on-air behavior goes on and on. And he has continued to rise up the ranks.

This is because Fox News has historically rewarded cheap, often ugly bullshit.

Take, for example, the meteoric rise of fellow race-baiting clown Eric Bolling.

Plucked from Wall Street to give trading analysis for Fox Business Network, Bolling has used his platform to, among many things: become the networks earliest birther and routinely say terrible things about women, Muslims, and black people.

One of his most controversial moments was when he proclaimed, after President Obama met with a Gabonese president that, Its not the first time hes had a hoodlum in the hizzouse, referring to rapper Commons appearance at a prior event. So whats with all the hoods in the hizzie?

Earlier that same year, Bolling said Obama was too busy chugging forties to visit tornado-ravaged Missouri.

That came early in Bollings TV career. The unabashed Trumpkin now hosts two prominent Fox News shows and occasionally has the honor of filling in for ratings leader Bill OReilly.

The bottom line, however, is that Watters is among the protected class at Fox News because he is OReillys right-hand man. Watterss colleagues on the show refer to him as The Golden Boy because of his favored position with the top dog.

And according to several former OReilly staffers, Bill himself approves Watterss segment pitches. As we all know, Fox would certainly never make their top-rated talent apologize for anything.

Some have suggested a concerted ad boycott by Asian-American groups could help convince Fox to more severely punish him.

But while an advertiser boycott was credited for at least partially pushing Glenn Beck out the Fox News door following his Obama is racist comments (though, based on what we know now, it was more just the clash of egos between Beck and Ailes), Watters does not draw the numbers the blubbering radio host once did.

And does anyone actually expect Liberator Medical to stop hawking lubricated catheters or Rosland Capital to stop selling gold to the networks elderly audience?

Not to mention, Fox News fatigue is a very real thing. At a certain point, it just becomes easier to roll your eyes and accept that Fox News is Fox News.

But fear not. Like the most villainous jocks from high school, one dayafter Foxs megastar leaves for greener pastures, Bill OReilly finally retires, and Foxs septuagenarian viewers fade into the Great BeyondWatters will be left seated at the hometown bar of basic cable, reminiscing about the glory days, bemoaning how he will never get such a prominent gig again in his life.

Unless, of course, Trump TV becomes a reality.



Note: Andrew Kirell was employed by the Fox Business Network from 2009 to 2012.
Charter Brands brings back a classic gin style

Charter Brands hopes to revive a classic gin style by launching Langley's Old Tom, a different flavour profile to appeal to the growing interest in gin in the UK.

Langleys Old Tom is Charter Brands first new product since the launch three years ago of Langley's No.8 gin. Old Tom is a style originally popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The labelling intends to reflect the style's heritage, however the liquid will come contained in the brand's distinctive bottle, offering consumers consistency and placing the style in the Charter Brands range.

Mark Dawkins, co-founder of Charter Brands, says: Weve always planned to develop other styles of gin under the Langley's brand and our Old Tom has been 12 months in development. The style is a forgotten classic in many ways, but with interest in gin among UK consumers at an all-time high and still growing, the time is right to bring it back with a real focus and strategy behind it.

He adds: There are a lot of gin brands using the craft terminology, but we feel its becoming over-used. The Langley's brand is all about classic, timeless and quintessentially English gin products. Old Tom is exactly that - weve taken a classic recipe and redeveloped it for the modern era.

The sweeter flavour profile will appeal to bar professionals looking for a different take on classic gin drinks such as a Collins, as well as giving consumers an alternative to the London Dry style. Weve had pre-orders already for export markets, as well as interest from some key UK on and off-trade retailers.

Old Tom is available at 40% ABV for the UK market as well as in a 47% Export Strength, with an RSP of 25 for the 40%. Like Langleys No. 8, Langleys Old Tom is distributed in the UK by Hi-Spirits and will be available from October.

5 October 2016 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, editorial assistant
You know what they say about dinosaurs with big feet? They left big holes.

Some of the largest footprints known to science were made 70 million to 90 million years ago, when a type of dinosaur believed to be a titanosaur galumphed across the muck in central Asia. A few of these mud tracks filled with sand and silt, which hardened like plaster. Long after the titanosaur died off, the casts in the sand remained. We know about these big feet because a Mongolian paleontologist discovered a few of them in the Gobi Desert in August.

And what a titanic foot the dinosaur must have had. One of the most detailed tracks was a convex mound 42 inches in length, with impressions of the animal's massive nails. By U.S. shoe standards, it would stretch its sneakers to a size 104. (The world's largest human feet max out at about 15 inches , about a size 23 or 25.) The print was also much wider than any human foot, at 30 inches across.

"The footprint is one of the biggest known footprints in the world," said Shinobu Ishigaki, a researcher at the Okayama University of Science in Japan and a member of the joint Mongolian-Japanese expedition to the Gobi, in an email to The Washington Post. The researchers announced their discovery of the footprint, roughly the size of a popular IKEA kitchen table, on Friday in Japan.

In Morocco and France, paleontologists have also found footprints more than a yard long. "However the Mongolian one is very well preserved," Ishigaki said, "with three clear claw marks." The size of the dinosaur cannot be determined easily from the footprints, but Ishigaki and his colleagues estimate it was two dozen to three dozen yards long.

Paleontologists have been hunting for dino prints in Mongolia since 1957, when a researcher stumbled upon dozens of tracks in the cold, dry desert. As Ishigaki and his colleagues reported in the journal Geological Quarterly in 2009, the Gobi is something of a fossilized footprint mother lode: Between 1995 and 2008, the scientists found more than 20,000 preserved tracks belonging to a variety of dinosaur species.

This titanosaur print was special, as nothing quite of this scale had been found in the area before. Based on the geologic layers of nearby rock, the researchers determined the print to be from the Upper Cretaceous period, about 70 million to 90 million years old. Ishigaki and the other scientists hope that the fossil cast will shed light on the way that these massive creatures walked.

Although paleontologists have found titanosaur fossils on every continent, including Antarctica, the titanosaur remains shrouded in mystery. It is not considered to be a specific dinosaur but a sort of catchall term for a group of four-legged, long-necked herbivores.

All of the titanosaurs lived in the Cretaceous. And they were all, as a rule, giants. Dreadnoughtus, hailed as one of the biggest dinos around when its discovery was announced in 2014, may have tipped the scales at 80 tons. (That weight is debated, however.) Among the other titanosaurs were the 70-ton Argentinosaurus, and a yet unnamed dino whose model skeleton was too big to fit in one room at New York's American Museum of Natural History.

What type of titanosaur left these tracks was not yet determined, but the Mongolian desert is also known for its rich fossil beds - perhaps the sand holds even more clues about these humongous animals.
College Station council candidate is hardworking, humble and deserving of your vote

Jeremy Osborne is running for College Station City Council, Place 3. I could not think of anyone more hardworking, humble and deserving to represent College Station.

Over the past three years, I have been given the privilege to become good friends with Jeremy. He is the type of person you want to be around because he makes you feel important while unknowingly inspiring you to grow in different areas of your life.

Jeremy graduated from Texas A&M University before continuing his education at Georgetown Law School and graduating at the top of his class. After returning to College Station, Jeremy has immersed himself in the community by being on the Young Alumni Advisory Council at Texas A&M, joining Crossfit Aggieland, and going to church every Sunday.

Through the Young Alumni Advisory Council, Jeremy has been given the chance to make crucial decisions to better Texas A&M. Jeremy exerts the meaning of hard physical work and community at Crossfit Aggieland. It is common to find Jeremy squeezing a workout into his busy schedule and taking a moment to offer professional advice to an ambitious college student. As the week comes to an end, you will find Jeremy among the pews at church on Sunday, taking time to build intentional relationships.

I truly believe Jeremy is passionate about this city and has the keen instinct to connect with people and take College Station to the next level.

LUKE HICKS

College Station

Vote for the candidate who shows maturity, honesty anad integrity

Linda Harvell and I both grew up in College Station and attended College Station schools beginning in the mid-1950s. We have seen our community grow from a sleepy little burg that centered on a small land grant college to a growing and thriving city built around a world class university.

Progress such as this does not come easily or without the involvement and support of dedicated residents. Linda Harvell is dedicated to the future of College Station, as well as the preservation of our past. She has served the city as a responsible resident, president of the city of College Station Historic Preservation Committee, member of the Zoning Board of Adjustments and more.

She has completed the Citizen's University, Citizen Police Academy, and Citizen Fire Academy.

She is a small business owner and considers creating jobs and economic development as a priority.

Linda also is committed to providing smart and sustainable growth as our city grows, while striving to maintain integrity in our existing neighborhoods so that they won't be forgotten.

A vote for Linda Harvell for College Station City Council is an investment in our future as well as a vote of confidence and support for a woman of maturity, honesty, and integrity.

ANNE BOYKIN

College Station
In November 2012, it was revealed that Japan Atomic Energy Agency had failed to conduct regular inspections of almost 10,000 out of a total 39,000 pieces of equipment at Monju, including safety-critical equipment.

In November 2015, the Nuclear Regulation Authority declared that the Japan Atomic Energy Agency was "not qualified as an entity to safely operate" Monju. Education minister Hirokazu Matsuno said on 21 September 2016 that attempts to find an alternative operator have been unsuccessful.

On 15th August 2016, less than a week before the extraordinary Cabinet meeting, the Nuclear Regulation Authority rejected a request to lift a ban on operating Monju, imposed in 2013 after the revelation that safety inspections of thousands of components had not been carried out.

The government has already spent 1.2 trillion yen (US$12bn) on Monju. The government calculated that it would cost another 600 billion yen (US$6bn) to restart Monju and keep it operating for another 10 years. Offline maintenance costs amount to around 20 billion yen a year (US$200m).

Decommissioning also has a hefty price-tag - far more than for conventional light-water reactors. According to a 2012 estimate by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, decommissioning Monju will cost an estimated 300 billion yen (US$3bn).

Reprocessing in Japan

Logically, the decision to scrap Monju should be followed by a decision to scrap the partially-built Rokkasho reprocessing plant. Providing plutonium fuel to Monju - and, in time, other fast reactors - was one of the main justifications for Rokkasho.

Moreover, Japan already has an astronomical stockpile of 48 tonnes of separated plutonium from the reprocessing of Japanese spent fuel in European reprocessing plants. Rokkasho would result in an additional 8-9 tonnes of separated plutonium annually.

But the government seems determined to proceed with Rokkasho, which is due to start up in 2018. The reprocessing plant's scheduled completion in 1997 has been delayed by more than 20 times due to a series of technical glitches and other problems, and its construction cost is now estimated at 2.2 trillion yen (US$22bn) - three times the original cost estimate.

How to justify continuing with Rokkasho without a fast breeder program? The Japanese government says that it will continue research and development into fast breeder reactors. At the extraordinary Cabinet meeting on 21st September, the government decided to commission a road map for developing 'demonstration fast reactors' by the end of the year.

One option is to attempt to restart the Joyo experimental fast reactor in Ibaraki Prefecture (shut down since 2007 due to damage to some core components - the World Nuclear Association says its future is "uncertain"), or Japan may pursue joint research with France (specifically, France's plans to develop a demonstration fast reactor called ASTRID).

Operating a massive reprocessing plant in support of a small, experimental fast reactor program makes no sense, especially given the existing plutonium stockpile. Another rationale for Rokkasho - separating plutonium to be incorporated into MOX fuel for light-water reactors - is just as illogical. Only one operating reactor - Ikata 3 in Ehime Prefecture - uses MOX fuel.

Will sense prevail in Japan's 'nuclear village'? Probably not

Perhaps sense will prevail and Japan will abandon both fast reactors and reprocessing - but that isn't seen as a likely outcome. Masafumi Takubo and Frank von Hippel noted in a recent article:

"According to a 2011 estimate by Japan's Atomic Energy Commission, operating the RRP [Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant] will cost about 200 billion (~US$2 billion) per year to produce plutonium with a fuel value that is less than the cost of fabricating it into fuel. The economics of reprocessing in France are similarly irrational.

"One therefore needs to find other explanations than those stated for the persistence of reprocessing in France and Japan. Partial explanations include:

The thousands of jobs and government subsidies to local and regional governments associated with reprocessing and related facilities have become important to the rural areas where they are located;

Abandoning the pursuit of a plutonium economy would be seen by elite nuclear technocrats as an admission that they had wasted the equivalents of tens of billions of taxpayers' dollars;

Reprocessing is government policy and therefore not responsive to market economics; and

In Japan, some see its reprocessing capability as providing a virtual nuclear deterrent."

India's failed fast reactor program

India's fast reactor program has been a failure. The budget for the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) was approved in 1971 but the reactor was delayed repeatedly, attaining first criticality in 1985. It took until 1997 for the FBTR to start supplying a small amount of electricity to the grid. The FBTR's operations have been marred by several accidents.

Preliminary design work for a larger Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) began in 1985, expenditures on the reactor began in 1987/88 and construction began in 2004 - but the reactor still hasn't started up. Construction has taken more than twice the expected period.

In July 2016, the Indian government announced yet another delay, and there is scepticism that the scheduled start-up in March 2017 will be realised. The PFBR's cost estimate has gone up by 62%.

India's Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has for decades projected the construction of hundreds of fast reactors - for example a 2004 DAE document projected 262.5 gigawatts (GW) of fast reactor capacity by 2050.

But India has a track record of making absurd projections for both fast reactors and light-water reactors - and failing to meet those targets by orders of magnitude. s aAcademic M.V. Ramana writes:

"Breeder reactors have always underpinned the DAE's claims about generating large quantities of electricity. Today, more than six decades after the grand plans for growth were first announced, that promise is yet to be fulfilled. The latest announcement about the delay in the PFBR is yet another reminder that breeder reactors in India, like elsewhere, are best regarded as a failed technology and that it is time to give up on them."

Russia's snail-paced fast-breeder program

Russia's fast reactor program is the only one that could be described as anything other than an abject failure. But it hasn't been a roaring success either.

Three fast reactors are in operation in Russia - BOR-60 (start-up in 1969), BN-600 (1980) and BN-800 (2014). There have been 27 sodium leaks in the BN-600 reactor, five of them in systems with radioactive sodium, and 14 leaks were accompanied by burning of sodium.

The Russian government published a decree in August 2016 outlining plans to build 11 new reactors over the next 14 years. Of the 11 proposed new reactors, three are fast reactors: BREST-300 near Tomsk in Siberia, and two BN-1200 fast reactors near Ekaterinburg and Chelyabinsk, near the Ural mountains.

However, like India, the Russian government has a track record of projecting rapid and substantial nuclear power expansion - and failing miserably to meet the targets. As Vladimir Slivyak recently noted in Nuclear Monitor:

"While Russian plans looks big on paper, it's unlikely that this program will be implemented. It's very likely that the current economic crisis, the deepest in history since the USSR collapsed, will axe the most of new reactors."

While the August 2016 decree signals new interest in reviving the BN-1200 reactor project, it was indefinitely suspended in 2014, with Rosatom citing the need to improve fuel for the reactor and amid speculation about the cost-effectiveness of the project.

In 2014, Rosenergoatom spokesperson Andrey Timonov said the BN-800 reactor, which started up in 2014, "must answer questions about the economic viability of potential fast reactors because at the moment 'fast' technology essentially loses this indicator [when compared with] commercial VVER units."

Russian plans in the 1980s to construct five BN-800s in the Ural region failed to materialise and, as the International Panel on Fissile Materials noted last December, plans to scale up fast reactor deployment to 14 GW by 2030 and 34 GW by 2050 do not seem realistic.

OKBM - the Rosatom subsidiary that designed the BN-1200 reactor - previously anticipated that the first BN-1200 reactor would be commissioned in 2020, followed by eight more by 2030. The projection of nine BN-1200 reactors operating by 2030 was fanciful, and the latest plan for three new fast reactors by 2030 will not be realised either.

The BREST-300 fast reactor project is stretching Rosatom's funds. Bellona's Alexander Nikitin said in 2014 that Rosatom's 'Breakthrough' program to develop BREST-300 was only breaking Rosatom's piggy-bank.

China's program going nowhere fast

Australian nuclear lobbyist Geoff Russell cites the World Nuclear Association (WNA) in support of his claim that China expect fast reactors "to be dominating the market by about 2030 and they'll be mass produced."

Does the WNA paper support the claim? Not at all. China has a 20 MWe experimental fast reactor, which operated for a total of less than one month in the 63 months from criticality in July 2010 to October 2015. For every hour the reactor operated in 2015, it was offline for five hours, and there were three recorded reactor trips.

China also has plans to build a 600 MWe 'Demonstration Fast Reactor' and then a 1,000 MWe commercial-scale fast reactor. Whether the 600 MWe and 1,000 MWe reactors will be built remains uncertain - the projects have not been approved - and it would be another giant leap from a single commercial-scale fast reactor to a fleet of them.

According to the WNA, a decision to proceed with or cancel the 1,000 MWe fast reactor will not be made until 2020, and if it proceeds, construction could begin in 2028 and operation could begin in about 2034. So China might have one commercial-scale fast reactor by 2034 - but probably won't. Russell's claim that fast reactors will be "dominating the market by about 2030" is unbridled jiggery-pokery.

According to the WNA, China envisages 40 GW of fast reactor capacity by 2050. A far more likely scenario is that China will have 0 GW of fast reactor capacity by 2050. And even if the 40 GW target was reached, it would still only represent around one-sixth of total nuclear capacity in China in 2050.

So fast reactors still wouldn't be "dominating the market" - even if capacity grows by orders of magnitude from 0.02 GW (the experimental reactor that is usually offline) to 40 GW.

Travelling-waves and the non-existent 'integral fast reactor'

Perhaps the travelling-wave fast reactor popularised by Bill Gates will come to the rescue? Or perhaps not. According to the WNA, China General Nuclear Power and Xiamen University are reported to be cooperating on R&D, but the Ministry of Science and Technology, China National Nuclear Corporation, and the State Nuclear Power Technology Company are all skeptical of the travelling-wave reactor concept.

Perhaps the 'integral fast reactor' (IFR) championed by 'nuclear greens' like James Hansen, George Monbiot and Mark Lynas will come to the rescue? Or perhaps not. The UK and US governments have been considering building IFRs (specifically GE Hitachi's 'PRISM' design) for plutonium disposition - but it is almost certain that both countries will choose different methods to manage plutonium stockpiles.

In South Australia, nuclear lobbyists united behind a push for IFRs / PRISMs, and they would have expected to persuade a stridently pro-nuclear Royal Commission to endorse their ideas. But the Royal Commission completely rejected the proposal, noting in its May 2016 report that:

advanced fast reactors are unlikely to be feasible or viable in the foreseeable future;

the development of such a first-of-a-kind project would have high commercial and technical risk;

there is no licensed, commercially proven design and development to that point would require substantial capital investment; and

electricity generated from such reactors has not been demonstrated to be cost competitive with current light water reactor designs.

So which generation technolgy is really 'unreliable' and 'intermittent'?



Just 400 reactor-years of worldwide experience have been gained with fast reactors. There is 42 times more experience with conventional reactors (16,850 reactor-years). And most of the experience with fast reactors suggests they are more trouble than they are worth.

Apart from the countries mentioned above, there is very little interest in pursuing fast reactor technology. Germany, the UK and the US cancelled their prototype breeder reactor programs in the 1980s and 1990s.

France is considering building a fast reactor (ASTRID) despite the country's unhappy experience with the Phenix and Superphenix reactors. But a decision on whether to construct ASTRID will not be made until 2019/20.

The performance of the Superphenix reactor was as dismal as Monju. Superphenix was meant to be the world's first commercial fast reactor but in the 13 years of its miserable existence it rarely operated - its 'Energy Unavailability Factor' was 90.8% according to the IAEA. Note that the fast reactor lobbyists complain about the intermittency of wind and solar!

A 2010 article in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists neatly summarised the worldwide failure of fast reactor technology:

"After six decades and the expenditure of the equivalent of about $100 billion, the promise of breeder reactors remains largely unfulfilled ... The breeder reactor dream is not dead, but it has receded far into the future. In the 1970s, breeder advocates were predicting that the world would have thousands of breeder reactors operating this decade. Today, they are predicting commercialization by approximately 2050.

"In the meantime, the world has to deal with the hundreds of tons of separated weapons-usable plutonium that are the legacy of the breeder dream and more being separated each year by Britain, France, India, Japan, and Russia.

"In 1956, US Navy Admiral Hyman Rickover summarized his experience with a sodium cooled reactor that powered early US nuclear submarines by saying that such reactors are 'expensive to build, complex to operate, susceptible to prolonged shutdown as a result of even minor malfunctions, and difficult and time-consuming to repair.' More than 50 years later, this summary remains apt."

'A demonstrably failed technology'

Allison MacFarlane, former chair of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, recently made this sarcastic assessment of fast reactor technology:

"These turn out to be very expensive technologies to build. Many countries have tried over and over. What is truly impressive is that these many governments continue to fund a demonstrably failed technology."

While fast reactors face a bleak future, the rhetoric will persist. Australian academic Barry Brook wrote a puff-piece about fast reactors for the Murdoch press in 2009. On the same day he said on his website that "although it's not made abundantly clear in the article", he expects conventional reactors to play the major role for the next two to three decades but chose to emphasise fast reactors "to try to hook the fresh fish".

So that's the nuclear lobbyists' game plan - making overblown claims about fast reactors and other Generation IV reactor concepts, pretending that they are near-term prospects, and being less than "abundantly clear" about the truth.

Dr Jim Green is the national nuclear campaigner with Friends of the Earth Australia and editor of the Nuclear Monitor newsletter, where a version of 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!
Plan your week ahead in SE Iowa with these local events: music, art, more

Your guide to getting off the couch and out the door this week in Southeast Iowa.
STAMFORD  If financial services firms want to transform themselves into innovative organizations, they will need to look well beyond technology and products, the keynote speaker told a room full of industry peers at a conference Thursday in the citys South End.

Dont think about innovation as a thing, dont think about innovation as a product, certainly dont think about it as a technology; think about it as a value that you hold in your company that is core to your culture, said Doug Haynes, president of the Stamford-based Point72 Asset Management, which manages the personal fortune of hedge fund billionaire Steven Cohen.

Haynes speech headlined the Global Alpha Forum, a conference founded in 2007 and sponsored by the Connecticut Hedge Fund Association, which attracted about 400 industry professionals to the Silicon Harbor office complex. His remarks focused on the cultivation of a strong culture because he said all successful organizations share that goal.

My view is that culture is the connective force in any institution that brings stakeholders together, Haynes said. Culture is the reason that investors and customers and employees and owners of a company have a reason for working together.

But the financial-services industry has been hamstrung in recent years by widespread mistrust of its integrity. Headlines of toxic cultures at companies such as Wells Fargo abound, Haynes said. The lack of faith in the industry has led to diminishing permission space from government regulators and other groups for financial firms to innovate, he said.

When Haynes arrived at Point72 in 2014 after more than 20 years at the McKinsey and Co. consulting firm, he joined a firm that needed to forge a new culture. In 2013, Cohen's hedge fund, SAC Capital Advisors, reached a $1.8 billion settlement with the federal government after it pleaded guilty to insider-trading violations. Cohen was not charged with wrongdoing, but the settlement with prosecutors ended SAC's management of outside investors money and led to the firm's conversion into Point72.

As part of his charge, Haynes oversaw the development of a mission statement and an accompanying group of company values. About 400 employees were involved in the project, he said.

Our mission is to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns while adhering to the highest ethical standards and offering the greatest opportunities to the industrys best talent, Haynes said.

Pretty obviously, you cant do any of that without a culture of performance, integrity and innovation, he added. But we went further, and, in our values, said were not satisfied with the status quo, and were committed to pursuing innovation and excellence.

While the firm does not comment publicly on its financial performance, Point72 appears to be performing well based on its growing headcount. Compared with a one-time total of about 825, the firm now employs about 1,000 people. About 550 are based in Stamford, with the headquarters in the citys Waterside section.

In the past couple of years, Point72 has sought to foster more innovation by developing a pipeline of talented young investment professionals through its Academy training program. The initiative draws from new college graduates around the world, who have studied a range of subjects. More than 5,000 people have applied for only 12 spots in the programs next recruiting class.

You cant make your firm innovative overnight, Haynes said. What you can do is start sowing the seeds of innovation and stay committed to it. You can make an organization more innovative over time, and it will snowball. But you really do have to take a long view.

pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott
The owner of Xeroxs Norwalk headquarters has begun marketing the building for the first time since Xeroxs arrival in late 2007, with the document technology giant tight-lipped still about its plans going forward after a lease expires later this year.

In a brochure posted online titled Introducing 45 Glover at The Towers, Building and Land Technology touts the merits of Xeroxs headquarters at 45 Glover Ave. The advertisement expounds on the building and drops the names of General Electric (NYSE: GE) and Diageo (NYSE: DEO), which occupy adjacent buildings in the three-site Towers complex, but leaves conspicuously absent the Xerox (NYSE: XRX) moniker despite the companys universal renown as a Fortune 500 company.

A Xerox spokesman did not provide insight into the companys current headquarters plans going forward.

Our headquarters decision-making process is still ongoing, stated Xerox spokesman Carl Langsenkamp in an email. A final decision has not been made.

Built in 2001 by BLT, the Xerox building totals more than 250,000 square feet of space, with the corporation sharing the building with Aon Hewitt, a human resources consulting subsidiary of Chicago-based Aon. Bridgewater Associates has also used the building as an extension of its hedge fund operations based in Westport, with Bridgewater having taken space in Stamford as well at BLT-built offices.

The existing leases expire in 2017 and therefore BLT intends to market the property to prospective tenants, said Leslie Whatley, a BLT executive vice president, in an email forwarded by a public relations firm. Given its great location and first-class amenities, we expect tremendous interest.

Any loss of Xerox would represent only a temporary economic blow for Norwalk given the proven appeal of The Towers complex to corporations, but perhaps a more punishing psychological hit for Connecticut, which is fresh off major commitments for renewed investment by Henkel, Lockheed Martin, United Technologies and General Dynamics. Even as they did so, a stream of former GE headquarters employees from Fairfield have taken up new quarters at 901 Main Ave. across from Xerox headquarters in The Towers complex, following the August departure from Fairfield of 200 senior GE executives to a new headquarters in Boston.

Xerox is in the process of splitting into two independent companies, with the new Conduent taking over business process outsourcing operations Xerox bolstered in 2010 with the acquisition of ACS. Xerox CEO Ursula Burns plans to retire when the split is complete, with senior executive Jeff Jacobson slated to take the top job. Jacobson last listed a residence in Purchase, N.Y. just over the Greenwich border, while Conduents incoming CEO Ashok Vemuri lived in New Jersey at last report.

Xerox moved its headquarters to Connecticut from Rochester, N.Y. in 1969, in part to be able to recruit executives from the orbit of New York City. Until 2007 it was located at 800 Long Ridge Rd. in Stamford, used since by GE Energy Financial Services.

 A previous version of this article misstated the headquarters location of Bridgewater Associates, which is based in Westport.

 Includes prior reporting by Chris Bosak.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman
Federal Judge Margaret M. Sweeney has ruled that the U.S. government acted improperly when it failed to release over 12,000 documents specific documents to investors in Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. These investors sued the government in 2013, following the seizure of profits from the two mortgage companies. Sweeney ordered the government to release the documents immediately.

Investors filed the lawsuit four years after the government took direct control of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, following the financial crisis that left the mortgage industry close to collapse. In 2012, however, the government began removing funds from the two enterprises. This money was placed in the general fund of the U.S. Treasury and occurred before Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae began making a profit. Since then, the U.S. Treasury has received $63.1 billion more from Freddie and Fannie than they took during their near-bankruptcy.

Investors say in the lawsuit that the government's seizure of all Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae's profits was theft of their private property. The documents withheld from the investors, include reports, memos, and emails, which government officials claimed included privileged information. After a private review, Sweeney ruled in an 80-page decision that the use of privilege was not justified in 52 of 56 documents she reviewed. Four others were protected under the presidential communications privilege, but Sweeney ruled that even those documents were necessary to the case and granted the investors access to all of these documents.
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NORWALK  Democratic incumbents came under fire on issues ranging from Connecticuts economy to the federal Affordable Care Act during a candidates forum in East Norwalk on Wednesday evening.

The Affordable Care Act has really hurt me significantly, said Vincent Scicchitano, owner of Accurate Auto Repair. My health insurance for my family doubled, with a quadruple deductible. So with that, Im trying to attract new employees that I cannot get because I have to compete with the United Auto Workers Unions that operate dealerships in that sort of a business climate.

Scicchitano asked U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, the Greenwich Democrat who is running for fifth term representing the 4th Congressional District, what could be done about the act.

Himes said the 2010 federal law  also known as Obamacare  has provided health insurance to more than 20 million Americans, prohibited insurance companies from turning away people based upon pre-existing health conditions, and helped seniors.

Himes added, however, that the law has some real problems.

I hear you loud and clear, and Im not going to tell this law was perfect  it wasnt, any more than Medicare or Social Security was, when it got started, Himes said. I hope we get to a place in January where we can take up the issues of the instability in the (insurance) exchanges and take up the issues you articulated.

Health care, transportation

John Shaban, the Redding Republican and state representative hoping to unseat Himes in November, said hed work to fix the law through interstate competition, tort reform and insurance plan clarification. He identified Washington, D.C., as Connecticuts biggest enemy health care, education and other issues facing the state.

We send dollars to D.C. and beg for pennies back, and then it comes back with strings attached, Shaban said.

The two candidates also distinguished themselves on the states plan to replace the Walk Bridge. Himes said hed defer to local wishes on the project, and then support the local consensus. Shaban questioned whether it is necessary to replace the structure with a lift bridge, given the absence of tall ships.

Himes and Shaban were among five candidates and approximately 40 people who attended the Meet the Candidates hosted by the East Norwalk Business Association and held outdoors, with food around a small fire pit, at Harbor Harvest on Cove Avenue.

We wanted to give you a chance to meet the candidates that are running for public office, ENBA President Winthrop Baum said. We invited them here in an effort to allow them to speak to you directly about who they are, why theyre running, what they intend to do if they win the office.

Darien Republican Greg Ehlers pitched his candidacy in the 25th state Senate District. He blamed lobbyists, state employee unions and incumbent lawmakers for the states fiscal health.

My opponent and his party has been control in the Senate since Ive been here, Ehlers said. Its time to push him back to the side, and its time for some people to come in that actually want to do something to make a difference.

State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, who is running for a seventh term representing the 25th District, was not at the forum. He said afterward that he was unable to attend because of other commitments. He limited his response to Ehlers.

Ill continue to run a positive campaign, run on my record and stay focused until Election Day, Duff said.

Ranking the state

State Rep. Christopher R. Perone, who is running for a seventh term representing the 137th District, traced Connecticuts near-bottom ranking in polls addressing business friendliness to past policy decisions. The Norwalk Democrat added, however, that the state ranks high in other areas.

Were ranked in the top 10 in bioscience and innovation and technology and advanced manufacturing, said Perone, who co-chairs the General Assemblys Commerce Committee. The difference is that the stuff in the bottom (is) based on legacies  bad tax policy  these decisions that have been made over time, and they do have to be addressed.

Darline Perpignan, the Norwalk Republican hoping to unseat Perone, presented herself as a fresh voice.

Fresh perspective, thats what we need, Perpignan said. Things havent changed in Hartford, because we keep electing the same people. I dont have all the language of a politician, but it is common sense that I am speaking to you, because you know  how hard it is to remain in business.

The League of Women Voters of Norwalk will host a candidates forum for Thursday, Oct. 20, in the Community Room of Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave. Duff and Ehlers will face one another at 7 p.m. Perone and Perpignan will square off at 8 p.m.
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WEST HARTFORD, Conn.  There's always one home every Halloween that gets the neighborhood talking.

But one Connecticut property may have the entire nation scratching its head this year.

Along North Main Street in West Hartford stands a wall. Outside that wall, mannequins donning ponchos and sombreros. And high atop in "Trump Tower," the country's potential Commander-in-Chief.

See where this is heading?

"I knew it was going to get some attention," homeowner Matthew Warshauer said of his home's display. "I didn't expect how much. And this quickly."

Warshauer, a professor of history at Central Connecticut State University, said his goal is the same every Halloween: To incite discussion.

This year was no different and this year's election was a prime opportunity for him. In August, Warshauer set out to create the wall U.S. voters have long heard about from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Over the course of about 50 hours, Warshauer built a wall complete with a tiny-handed Trump, Senator Bernie Sanders "jailed by the DNC," and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in a star-spangled tutu and riding a donkey.

The display is a jab at Trump's promise to build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico to combat illegal immigration, as well as controversy over the Democratic party supporting Clinton over Sanders.

"I've never been at a loss to come up with something...The 'Trump Wall' is a no-brainer. It fits with how I put the display together," Warshauer said. "Friends will say, 'You'll never top that one.' And you know what that does."

That challenges Warshauer to rise to the occasion. Though every year, his makes sure his display has a political theme.

"I don't think I'm being belligerent. I'm trying to be thought-provoking," Warshauer said. "I say the same thing to my students. 'You don't have to believe what I believe. But you have to believe what you believe.'

"I'm making fun of both political parties," he added.

Related: Guide to Halloween activities around Connecticut

This isn't the first time his Halloween display has generated local fame. In fact, it's practically a tradition now and even those who don't agree with him get excited for his next creation.

"People get excited every year," Warshauer said. "The town has gotten used to it. In the summer, people will say, 'Can't wait to see what you have for Halloween this year.'"

Last year, Warshauer built a Huey helicopter replica and a grisly, war-torn landscape to depict the Vietnam War. The year before, a Roman coliseum with soldiers beheading their ancient leaders. Each year's theme took aim at the effectiveness of the country's two-party system.

The same display wouldn't go over too well in March or June, Warshauer joked, but during Halloween, "It's in good nature and fun." While he pokes fun at both major political parties, he admitted he has a bias this election year.

"I think [Trump] is a tremendously dangerous candidate," Warshauer said. "I would like people voting for Trump to think about it. It's not the same as not voting for Hillary Clinton."
NORWALK  Like Norwalks water departments, the citys Arts Commission is hoping for rain.

For the commission, the hope is for a downpour to expose the poetry painted on sidewalks in invisible paint, as part of the Raining Poetry Project taking over South Norwalk.

The project, started by Norwalks poet laureate, Laurel Peterson, was inspired by Mass Poetry, a Boston nonprofit.

When I started as poet laureate, I said I wanted to make poetry public, Peterson said. The more we can encounter beauty in our daily lives, the better our daily lives are. This is a way of bringing that into the lives of people who might not otherwise have poems in their lives. This way, they get to kind of trip over them.

In the coming weeks, Norwalk artist 5ivefingaz  known for #mygalleryisoutside  will assist Peterson by painting 10 poems in invisible paint along North Main and Washington Streets. The poems are short  only a few lines each  and range from works by well-known poets like Robert Frost and Ralph Waldo Emerson to local writers.

The paint becomes visible when wet, and Peterson said they could last several months, depending on weather and foot traffic along the sidewalks.

Susan Wallerstein, chairwoman of the Norwalk Arts Commission, said she appreciates the support of area merchants and help from the Department of Public Works to bring the project to life.

This is a fun way to bring poetry to the street, connecting another type of art with the community, she said.

Peterson is Norwalks first poet laureate, and is an English professor at Norwalk Community College, where she teaches interdisciplinary arts courses. She has two books of published poetry and a mystery novel.

I think its really cool that it is an artistic and a poetic thing at the same time, Peterson said. I love that connection that makes it an artistic thing and a literary thing.

KKrasselt@scni.com; 203-354-1021; @kaitlynkrasselt
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A pair of former campaign managers for August Wolf allege the Republican U.S. Senate hopeful forced them to work as independent contractors for below minimum wage and discriminated against one because he is gay.

Troy Meeker and Matthew MacFarlane abruptly departed the campaign in January, fueling speculation about a mutiny by several of Wolfs young political operatives. The first quit and the second was dismissed by Wolfs campaign.

It was the second shakeup in recent months for the GOP newcomer and Stamford money manager, who competed in the 1984 Olympics in the shot put.

Meeker, 22, who also served as Wolfs campaign spokesman, opened up about the circumstances that drove him to resign in a letter that was sent to Wolf Thursday and obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media.

In the three-page letter, Meeker, who is from Middletown, accused Wolf of creating a hostile work environment with his inappropriate banter.

Whom I choose to have relationships with is my business and nobody elses, especially not yours, Meeker wrote. So by discussing my relationships with other men in a manner that is negative and hostile, you could be making many of your employees extremely uncomfortable. This is not a speculation of mine  I know it to be fact that your dialogue about my relationships and me has put many on edge.

A spokeswoman for Wolf said that campaign was not prepared to comment Thursday night, and that the earliest its current campaign manager could speak to the allegations would be Sunday.

No other Republicans have stepped forward to challenge Democrat Richard Blumenthal, who has the power of incumbency, universal name recognition and a $4 million war chest in a reliably blue state working in his favor.

State GOP Chairman J.R. Romano was not immediately available for comment.

MacFarlane, 22, filed a complaint Feb. 10 with the state Department of Labor, alleging that he and other campaign employees were switched over to independent contractors against their will in late November when they had existing contracts.

August Wolf for Senate is misclassifying its workers intentionally, in order to avoid the minimum wage, withhold pay following termination/resignation and to overwork the staff without overtime compensation, MacFarlane wrote the states labor agency in a follow-up Wednesday.

Both MacFarlane and Meeker declined to comment further about the allegations, including that both failed to receive their final paychecks from the campaign.

A contract accompanying MacFarlanes complaint showed that the Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., resident, was paid $3,000 a month, before taxes, by Wolf to be his campaign manager.

In contrast, Linda McMahon and Christopher Shays each paid their campaign managers $15,000 a month leading up to their 2012 Republican Senate primary in Connecticut. The architects of their campaigns were seasoned political veterans, however.

The practice of politicians utilizing independent contractors is not unheard of, but industry insiders say it is a highly unusual arrangement for a campaign manager.

Blumenthal declined to comment Thursday about the matter.

Meekers resignation letter did not articulate a specific incident of bias, but characterized a general pattern of intolerance.

Now, I have been gay my entire life and I can assure you that I have been the recipient of much worse, much more obvious and hateful homophobia, Meeker wrote. But those who proudly claim their homophobic bigotry do not overshadow those who dont quite understand that their behavior is in fact homophobic.
Since we live in a sound-bite world, heres my excessively glib summary of the vice-presidential debate: Kaine was able and Pence made sense (mostly).

The debate should be remembered as Throwback Tuesday. It was an homage to the days when political parties nominated candidates as flashy as Michael Dukakis and Bob Dole.

Never before in history have two vice presidential candidates as little known as Tim Kaine (red tie) and Mike Pence (blue tie) met on a debate stage. Before the debate began, a CBS News poll found that 67 percent of registered voters had no impression of Kaine and 57 percent drew a blank slate about Pence.

During the 1970s, American Express launched a memorable ad campaign in which minor celebrities like puppeteer Jim Henson faced the camera and asked, Do you know me?

This could have been billed as the Do you know me? debate. Now that it is over  with few memorable moments likely to be immortalized in debate lore  what have we learned about both second bananas?

The debate is certain to be overanalyzed for its political ramifications. But it is more likely that this debate was just a fleeting burst of normalcy in a dispiriting campaign pivoting around attacks on a Gold Star mother, a former Miss Universe and a $916 million tax loss.

What we saw was a whirlwind tour of the political talking points that both sides believe will attract wavering voters. As disciplined candidates, Kaine and Pence must have gladdened the hearts of their handlers.

The debaters displayed their strategies from the outset with no obvious trapdoors or bait-and-switch tactics.

Kaines goal was to remind undecided moderate viewers of every single extreme statement that Trump, the bilious billionaire, had ever made. Pence was the reasonable-sounding candidate of amnesia  shaking his head No like a metronome and absurdly claiming that Trump had never insulted anyone and had never developed a fan-boy crush on Vladimir Putin.

With Kaine, in particular, the rehearsed rhetoric was painfully obvious  whether it was calling Pence Donald Trumps apprentice or declaring that the GOP nominee cant start a Twitter war with Miss Universe without shooting himself in the foot.

Sometimes Kaines lines probably worked better in the practice debates than at the table with Pence. It seemed an overreach when the Virginia senator talked of Trumps love of dictators and then hyperbolically claimed, Hes got a kind of personal Mount Rushmore: Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, Moammar Gadhafi and Saddam Hussein.

Pence responded to Kaines riff by saying in a deceptively mild voice, Did you work on that one a long time? Because that had a lot of really creative lines in it. But the Indiana governor could also come across as a synthetic politician, especially when he tried to update Ronald Reagans famed There you go again debate line.

There were moments in the debate when it seemed possible that in a post-Trump era, a note of civility may return to politics.

Even though both would-be vice presidents often ignored moderator Elaine Quijano  and Kaine in particular seemed to have taken a crash course in Trumpian interruptions  neither candidate ever shouted or used language that couldnt be repeated in polite company.

In fact, when they got away from talking points, there were even moments of surprising harmony. After Kaine, a former mayor of Richmond, praised community policing, Pence chimed in, Let me say, at the risk of agreeing with you, community policing is a great idea. Its worked in the Hoosier state.

Toward the end of the debate, the two candidates had an earnest and thoughtful disagreement over abortion. Kaine, a practicing Catholic, talked about government not imposing its will on pregnant women  and, instead, trusting them to make the right decisions. Pence, an evangelical Christian, declared, in a line that may accompany him long into the future, I couldnt be more proud to stand with Donald Trump who is standing for the right to life.

In the end, Kaine probably scored more political points with his repetitive tour of Trumps epithets and invective. In technical terms, Pence may have had the better debate  especially since he was defending (or ducking) an irresponsible ticket mate.

Does it matter much?

Probably not. In 2012, the energetic  and sometimes acerbic  face-off between Vice President Joe Biden and Paul Ryan had little lasting influence on the voters. As political scientists John Sides and Lynn Vavreck write in The Gamble, their analysis of the 2012 campaign, The debate did not move the polling average or succeed in rallying ... wavering Democrats, but vice presidential debates rarely have much effect.

Political scientists will probably reach a similar conclusion after Nov. 8, as the Virginia Valium Veep debate fades from memory.
Porter is getting to umpire his second World Series

Alan Porter is working his second World Series as an umpire. He'll be behind home plate if the Phillies and Astros need a Game 7.
The St. Louis County Police Officer killed in the line of duty was a resident of Edwardsville.

Edwardsville Mayor Hal Patton made the announcement and extended the Citys sympathy to the family of St. Louis County Police Officer Blake Snyder at Thursdays Edwardsville Rotary Club meeting.

According to the Associated Press, Snyder, 33, was shot shortly after 5 a.m. yesterday while responding to a call in the Affton, Mo. precinct he was assigned.

St. Louis County Chief of Police John Belmar said Snyder was responding to a disturbance call and was shot by an 18-year-old man who was accused of the disturbance.

According to the AP, Snyder saw the suspect in a car and demanded he show his hands. The suspect then shot Snyder once with a pistol, which was found at the scene.

A second officer on scene fired at the suspected shooter, hitting him several times, Belmar said.

The suspect, whose name was not released, was hospitalized and is in stable condition.

Snyder, a 2001 graduate of Alton High School, had been with the St. Louis County Police Department for four years.

He leaves behind a wife and a 2-year-old son.

The Backstoppers Inc., a non profit that financially assists families of fallen first responders, announced it is already begun working with the Snyder family.

A press release from St. Louis Backstoppers, Inc., said that the assistance will be immediate and ongoing.

Wihin hours of the death of a police officer, the family receives a check for $5,000 to be used in whatever way they need, the release stated. Within a few weeks, our representatives meet with the surviving spouse to identify the familys other financial obligations, eliminate the familys debt and provide ongoing support for education and other extraordinary expenses.

Citizens can learn how to contribute to help Officer Synders family, as well as the families of other police and first responders, at www.backstoppers.org.

Snyders death was the first on-duty death involving a St. Louis County officer since October of 2000 and the 10th to be killed in the line of duty since the departments inception in 1955.
Christopher M. Derleth has agreed to allow U.S. marshals to return him to Edwardsville soon to face charges of kidnapping and child abduction.

The 39-year-old Bond County man agreed to waive his right to extradition at a hearing Tuesday in Kanawha County Court, in Charleston, West Virginia.

He is accused of taking his step-daughter and her 4-week-old son from their foster home in rural Edwardsville on Sept. 17.

At the time of the abduction, Derleth was under a restraining order from Bond County to stay away from 13-year-old Katherine Derleth and her infant son, Christopher M. Derleth.

On Wednesday, Tod Kaufman, a circuit judge in Kanawha County, issued a Waiver of Extradition, signed by Derleth at the hearing. Madison County States Attorney Tom Gibbons confirmed that Derleth would be coming to Madison County soon to face the charges and that the mother and son were already back in the Edwardsville area, under protective custody.

The incident began on Sept. 18 when Madison County authorities issued a nationwide alert for Derleth, whom they suspected had taken Katherine and Christopher to West Virginia.

Gibbons said the three had been camping at a site known as Cabin Creek, a mountainous area near Charleston, West Virginia.

The site was off the road in a remote area that was hidden from view, Gibbons said shortly after Derleths arrest. The fugitives van was parked and hidden in heavy brush.

When Derleth went into a convenience store nearby, a clerk recognized him and called 911.

I want to thank the Madison County Sheriffs Office, the Kanawha County Sheriffs and Prosecutors Offices, as well as all of the law enforcement officers and citizens who contributed to the safe return of the victims and the arrest of the defendant, Gibbons said Wednesday afternoon. We look forward to having the defendant in our custody so that we can continue our prosecution and pursuit of justice for these extremely serious crimes.
According to a national survey, nine out of 10 people say they want to live in their own home for as long as they possibly can.

But current projections show that in a couple of decades the 65-and-over population in Madison, St. Clair and Bond counties could double, from 60,000 to 120,000, and by 2050 the number of people in the U.S. over age 85 is expected to reach 19 million.

These are trends that Americans should be spending more time pondering, since they promise to put even more pressure on the time and pocket books of friends and family members who are already involved in their care.

In this country, were not prepared to support that level right now, says David Eustis, who recently purchased a soon-to-open franchise in Collinsville from Right at Home. Its the tenth Right at Home franchise in Illinois but the first in the Metro East. The business offers in-home companionship and personal care, that allows seniors and disabled adults to live independently. The typical fee is around $20 an hour, though that can vary with the clients situation.

Were going to have to do some things differently than weve been doing, Eustis says. Home care is going to be one piece of that pie.

The new office will open in mid-October at 1 Regency Plaza Drive in Eastport Plaza. They will offer two kinds of home care services: companion and personal home care. The former involves services such as cooking, laundering, and light housekeeping but could also involve playing cards with a client or ensuring they take their medications. The latter kind involves helping with things such as grooming and bathing, Eustis said.

Right at Home Senior Director of Franchise Development, Eric Martin, said Right at Home works with a wide variety of families that have aging family members or a loved one with disabilities that need personal care or companionship.

We can come into a loved ones home to make sure they are being monitored and well taken care of, Martin said in a phone interview. We provide those caregivers that give those daily, weekly or monthly services that allow those people to maintain some level of independence in their environment. We help them with certain tasks that a lot of us take for granted.

When Right at Home began considering the Metro East for expansion, they were already well known around the state. Were excited to be there. Its a great location, Martin said. The company is looking to add franchises in Springfield, Peoria, Rockford and Champaign/Urbana.

Martin and Eustis had met earlier this year. Eustis had already been considering some kind of career in home care services for years.

The germ for that idea began in 1998. One day that year, having spent the day working at Home Nursery in Edwardsville, Eustis came home and injured himself in accident involving a tractor and a brush hog. He was airlifted to St. Louis University Hospital where they operated on him.

They patched me up, but they didnt really know what to do with me so they sent me over to SSM Rehabilitation. But I wasnt really able to rehab because of my injuries, so I was just kind of laying there, Eustis said. They finally told me they couldnt send me home until I had the ability to take care of myself at home.

Fortunately, Eustiss parents were able to help for a while. His wife adjusted her work schedule and helped as well. And friends and neighbors pitched in as well. Still, it was a hodgepodge of help.

The accident had left Eustis with one leg amputated and the other with significant injuries.

So when this opportunity for a franchise came to me last fall, I kind of looked at it as Hey, this is an opportunity to fill that need that I needed that others are going to need now, he said. Every experience you encounter in life gives you new opportunities. While that wasnt a wonderful experience, 20 years later I can look back on it and see an opportunity to serve others.
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Linkedin Jonathan Davy (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

Poverty is perhaps the most notorious disaster in our history. The World Bank defines poverty in absolute terms as living on under US$2 per day. Economist JK Galbraith, however, describes poverty in more relative terms, as when an individual's income falls radically behind that of the communitys standard. He implies that poverty occurs when unequal distribution of income takes place.

Poverty reduction and sustainable inclusive growth have been at the heart of global change initiatives. In 2010, global leaders declared their agenda during the G20 Toronto Summit to empower 1.3 billion people that still live below the poverty line through financial inclusion.

How can we reduce poverty through financial inclusion?

According to the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor, financial inclusion means a state in which all working age adults have effective access to credit, savings, payments and insurance from formal service providers [...] with the result that financially excluded customers use formal financial services rather than existing informal options. Broad access to financial services is achieved by erasing any kind of barriers, price and nonprice, that hinder peoples (mostly the underprivileged) participation in formal financial networks.

Underprivileged citizens today live in an informal economy that exposes them to certain risks, like unpredictable incomes and high daily expenses. With the little amount of money they may have, the underprivileged still need to manage their daily expenses, save, or watch out for the unexpected like medical bills. When they are faced with the unexpected, they have very limited options and it usually involves borrowing money.

Financial inclusion is very important in this regard. To provide these people with access to formal financial services means they can effectively use appropriate financial services to improve their lives. Formal financial services, in theory, should serve better than informal ones, because they are rigorously regulated to protect the consumers.

With around 70 percent of the population still excluded, Indonesia has taken major leaps to improve the situation. Since the preceding high-level talks in 2010, Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) have focused on how to provide better access to financial services. The talks recognize the major issue as asymmetric information between the supply [banks] and the demand [people at the bottom of pyramid] for information on financial inclusion.

The disproportional knowledge between the banking industry and the population in general is quite severe, and a product to address the specific needs and wants of economically active poor and micro entrepreneurs is essential. Moreover, it shows that the challenges of financial inclusion do not stop when formal financial services are provided. It goes beyond service provision to educating and empowering the community to understand finance.

For instance, giving loans to borrowers that do not understand the costs will only increase the risk of non-performing loans (NPL) and credit stress, further sinking the underprivileged into poverty.

In that light, the responsibility to pan out financial inclusion should be shared. This collective responsibility is a task for all: the private sector, the government and civil society. Civil society is necessary to provide support and scrutinize the process of financial inclusion.

Private sector initiatives can harness technology to empower the unbankable and tap into the underprivileged segment. The rise of financial technology (fin-tech) in recent years has proven there is major market demand for such services. For example, utilizing the high penetration of cell phone and internet services, the private sector could entertain the concept of mobile and branchless banking for saving and borrowing.

With an overwhelming 125 percent mobile subscription rate in Indonesia, mobile banking is an alternative to the otherwise costly branch banking in rural areas. M-Pesa is widely known for making this model work in Kenya.

Another possibility is maximizing recent biometrics and big data analytics technology to further safeguard loan activities without handicapping access to loans.

The government in turn could facilitate a conducive environment to enable financial access and drive initiatives of responsible financial inclusion. There are several ways to achieve these goals.

First, the government should be able to create an enabling regulatory environment. Financial sectors are rapidly expanding thanks to avid technological advancements. The government needs to be able to catch up and deliver prudent policies that can include innovative approaches.

The OJK has declared it will issue a fin-tech regulation by the end of this year.

We will proceed with the regulation in a balanced manner. Too tight and it will strain growth, but a too-loose regulation will incite consumer protection issues, OJK director Tuahta Aloysius Saragih said at the Indonesia Fintech Conference 2016 in September.

Second, the Indonesian government needs to consolidate financial services infrastructure. Integrated policies that can inform banks about credit information systems, biometric records and moveable collateral legal registries should be essential practices in future financial services. This information becomes a key aspect of financial inclusion. It increases confidence in lending to micro, small and medium enterprises and individuals.

Third, financial inclusion needs a motor to push it forward and drive financial literacy. The LAKUPANDAI program from the OJK is one of the initiatives along this line of thinking. Another angle is to communicate financial terms to make them understandable to the public. As most members of the low-income bracket do not enjoy extensive education, financial terms can create pitfalls if not understood properly.

Financial inclusion is a powerful force for inclusive growth. It works by empowering families and individuals to cultivate opportunities. With robust policy support, it creates stability in financial systems, and a well-run system improves welfare.

Financial inclusion cannot be achieved through isolated efforts. Collaboration between private companies, the government and civil society is necessary. It is a key driver of change necessary in Indonesia with an undeniable role to address poverty, one of the major challenges of the century.



***

Jonathan is the cofounder of Youth Corps Indonesia. He also works in business operation improvement at Tunaiku, Amar Bank. Connect with him at linkedin or email.

---------------

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.
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Linkedin Jessicha Valentina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

To coincide with National Batik Day and her 27th work anniversary, renowned kebaya designer Anne Avantie is hosting a bazaar displaying 50,000 batik items in Grand Indonesia shopping mall in Central Jakarta.

Running until Oct. 9, the Pasar Tiban Karya Anak Negeri (Incidental Market by the Locals) bazaar presents batik fashion from her personal brands, Anne Avantie Atelier and Anne Avantie Heritage, as well as small and medium business (UKM) batik producers in Yogyakarta, Solo, Kudus and Pekalongan.

The event was kicked off with a fashion show featuring 100 models, public figures and celebrities, such as Indra Bekti, Julia Perez, Indra Herlambang and Melanie Subono. The runway showcased womens collections by anneavantiemall.com and mens collections by local designer Ai Syarif.

Anne Avantie told The Jakata Post that she had dreamed of creating a bazaar that gathered the works of many batik producers. I saw that most fashion exhibitions feature the same products or brands, while there are many batik producers who create a great collection but dont have the opportunity to join such events, she said.

(Read also: Looking at the other side of batik)

Customers choose batik items at the Pasar Tiban Karya Anak Negeri bazaar.(JP/Firmanto Daniel Sibarani)

The Anneavantiemall.com brand itself aims to cater to UKM owners who want to promote their products. I collected the sample products from producers that have registered to us, Anne said. If the products are good, she buys them with cash or through a consignment system.

During the occasion, Anne also stressed that fashion enthusiasts should not look down on block-printed batik. People tend to underestimate the block-printed batik. However, I personally think both hand-drawn and block-printed batik deserves the same place, she said, adding that we need to understand that there are many people whose livelihoods rely on block-printed batik.

For hand-drawn batik users, dont be too arrogant, said Anne.

Pasar Tiban Karya Anak Negeri is set to be held in other provinces and will be part of the designer's solo exhibition next year. (kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

The fifth Borobudur Writers and Cultural Festival launched on Wednesday with participants including writers, religious figures, historians, artists and humanists.

Slated to run until Oct. 8, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo said this year's festival focused on eroticism and spiritualism, or tasawuf. "The theme varies and the event also features live performances like singing, dancing and music combined with traditional arts," he said during the opening ceremony at the Atria Hotel in Magelang, Central Java, as quoted by Antara news agency.

(Read also: Borobudur festival to return with erotic, religious themes)

The festival's executive chairman Yoke Darmawan said the event highlighted two main activities: a writers forum and an arts and culture festival. "It aims to become an educational space as well as a networking opportunity for scientists, writers and readers in order to develop creativity and cultural knowledge. The festival also celebrates local creative works that hopefully could give a fresh air of historic culture for the people and Indonesian tourism."

Compared to other festivals, Yoke said this one was unique because of its highlighting of archipelagic history and cultural richness.

"We are also hopeful that the festival could offer intercultural understanding based on scientific development so that cultural creators and the public can benefit from it to project a better future," he added. (fmn/kes)
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Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

Fans of the 1961 American romantic comedy Breakfast at Tiffanys might be excited to find out that they can now wear a nail polish inspired by the classic movie.

The Breakfast at Tiffanys Nail Lacquer Collection by California-based nail polish brand OPI consists of 11 shades, ranging from the dark Black Dress not Optional to the elegant Cant Read Without My Lipstic and the shocking but romantic Apartment for Two colors with a starting price of Rp 130,000 (US$10). Available in gel, the company describes the new collection as full of beautifully, classical shades and some unexpected pops of color.

(Read also: Manicure, pedicure at these places in Jakarta)

A video posted by OPI (@opi_products) on Oct 2, 2016 at 1:50am PDT

The movie, which is based on Truman Capotes novella, is considered one of the most fashionable movies due to Audrey Hepburns memorable little black Givenchy dress, hairstyle, oversized cigarette holder and sunglasses. It follows the relationship between a striving writer Paul Varjak (George Peppard) and his apartment neighbor, socialite Holly Golightly (Hepburn).

The movie was quite a success and was nominated for several Academy Award, namely Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Original Score and Best Original Song. (kes)

A scene from "Breakfast at Tiffany's".(youtube.com/user/paramountmovies/File)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Depok  Wed, October 5 2016

Police have detained a man for allegedly killing two men with highly poisonous potassium cyanide and dumping the victims bodies in the Limo area, Depok, West Java.

The suspect was identified as Anton Hardianto, 32, who the police said had murdered 20-year-old Ahmad Sanusi and his driver, 27-year-old Shendy Eko Budianto, for wanting to take his car.

Depok Police chief Sr. Comr. Harry Kurniawan said the suspect lured the victims by offering to perform a supernatural ritual to duplicate a gold bar, which the two followed.

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Linkedin Agus Maryono and Djemi Amnifu (The Jakarta Post) Banyumas/Kupang  Wed, October 5 2016

Regional election committees have reminded the incumbents to take leave for their reelection campaign despite the court petition filed to annul this requirement.

The Central Java Election Commission (KPUD Central Java) has asked all incumbent candidates running in the 2017 regional elections to schedule leave before the campaign period starts on Oct. 28.

KPUD Central Java head Joko Purnomo said that this action was needed because when they registered themselves for the 2017 elections, they submitted statements declaring that they would take leave during the campaign period.

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Linkedin Jonathan Lemire and Josh Lederman (Associated Press) Henderson, Nev.  Thu, October 6, 2016

Donald Trump pushed back Wednesday on Hillary Clinton's accusation that he's cozying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin after Mike Pence found himself on the defensive over the issue in the vice presidential debate against Tim Kaine.

Trump offered effusive praise for his running mate but also claimed credit for Pence's strong performance even as both campaigns acknowledged that the sole vice presidential debate was unlikely to alter the race's trajectory.

Picking up where Pence left off, he said his relationship with Russia's leader would be determined by how Moscow responds to strong US leadership under a Trump administration.

"They say Donald Trump loves Putin. I don't love, I don't hate. We'll see how it works," Trump told a rally outside Las Vegas.

Clinton on Wednesday said Trump has "this weird fascination with dictators."

"My opponent seems not to know the difference between an ally and adversary," Clinton said at an evening fund raiser in Washington. "There seems to be some misunderstanding about what it means to have a dictatorship and provide leadership."

The billionaire candidate sought to take away an argument that Clinton and her running mate, Tim Kaine, have ramped up in the final weeks of the campaign as they work to portray Trump as dangerous for American interests overseas. While US-Russia relations nosedive over failed diplomacy in Syria, Trump has complimented Putin, calling him a strong leader and even encouraging him to track down Clinton's missing e-mails, though Trump later said he was being sarcastic.

"You guys love Russia," Kaine said in Tuesday's debate. "You both have said Vladimir Putin is a better leader than the president."

In a forceful rebuke, Pence described Putin as a "small and bullying leader," but blamed Clinton and President Barack Obama for a "weak and feckless" foreign policy that had awakened Moscow's aggression in Ukraine and meddling in the Middle East.

The US and Russia back opposing sides in Syria's civil war but both are fighting the Islamic State group there. The US cut off talks with Russia about Syria this week after the latest cease-fire collapsed, blaming Russia for failing to fulfill its commitments under the deal.

"I can say this: If we get along and Russia went out with us and knocked the hell out of ISIS, that's OK with me folks," Trump said, using an acronym for the extremist group.

Since last week's debate, Trump has faced a barrage of questions over a leaked tax return showing he lost more than $900 million in 1995. In turn, he's sought to reframe his life story as a comeback tale he hopes to recreate on behalf of a faltering nation.

"America needs a turnaround. American needs a comeback. America needs a change. And that's why I'm running," Trump said.

Taking the stage in Nevada, Trump took his own victory lap for Pence's performance, which he called "phenomenal." So phenomenal, in fact, that Trump said it was "the single most decisive victory in the history of VP debates." Pence's cool demeanor contrasted with Trump's bluster during his own, top-of-the-ticket showdown against Clinton. However strong Pence's performance, Trump made clear he considers it a reflection of himself.

"I'm getting a lot of credit, because that's really my first so-called choice, that was my first hire," Trump said of Pence.

Even Clinton's team wasn't claiming that Kaine had come out on top, despite the chest-puffing that usually follows a political debate. Perhaps former President Bill Clinton most concisely summed up Democrats' takeaway when he said underwhelming that his wife's running mate "did just fine."

The big moment for their running mates behind them, both Clinton and Trump were shifting focus back to each other  and to Sunday's debate, the second of three showdowns between the nominees.

Clinton was deep in debate prep Wednesday at her Washington home. She was huddling with campaign chairman John Podesta, top policy aid Jake Sullivan and her debate advisers.

Though Trump was on the campaign trail, campaign manager Kellyanne Conway said he was preparing "constantly." Trump planned his own town hall in New Hampshire on Thursday, in an apparent dress rehearsal for the big event.

With fewer than 5 weeks until Election Day, Sunday's debate marks one of Trump's final chances to show the race isn't slipping out of his grasp. Widely viewed as the loser of the first debate last week, Trump went into a multi-day tailspin over a decades-old tiff with a beauty queen. New public opinion polls show Clinton's standing on the rise in nearly all battleground states.

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Lederman reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Bill Barrow, Jill Colvin and Ken Thomas contributed to this report.

___

Follow Jonathan Lemire at https://twitter.com/JonLemire and Josh Lederman at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP (**)
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Linkedin Rod McGuirk (Associated Press) Canberra, Australia  Thu, October 6, 2016

Nine Australian friends who have spent four nights in Malaysian police detention will appear in a court for the first time on Thursday after stripping down to their briefs and drinking beer from shoes at the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix, an official said.

The nine have been detained since they stripped down to Budgy Smuggler-brand swimsuits decorated with the Malaysian flag in full view of thousands of spectators at the Sepang track Sunday after Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo won the race.

Police say the men were being investigated for intentionally causing insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and public indecency. They face up to two years in jail, a fine or both if they are found guilty.

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade First Assistant Secretary Jon Philp said he did not know what would happen in court today.

"Something could happen quickly, but it's entirely up to the magistrate and the legal authorities," Philp told Nine Network television.

"We'd like to think that they'll be home soon, but it's up to the Malaysian authorities to decide what to do now," he added.

The men, mostly Sydney University graduates, could be charged or police could ask the magistrate for their detention to be extended while they continue their investigation.

Ricciardo, the driver whose success inspired the Australians' beer-fueled revelry, described the incident as "pretty harmless."

"I respect the laws of Malaysia, but beyond that I don't think they deserve any further punishment," Ricciardo told Sydney's The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

"In Australia, it's a bit different, but I'm very sure they didn't intend to offend anyone," he added.

The Australian media has dubbed the men the Budgie Nine, using a spelling variation of the abbreviated name of the budgerigar, a small Australian parrot. The name plays on nine Australians arrested in Indonesia for heroin trafficking in 2005 who became known as the Bali Nine.

___

Associated Press writer Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, contributed to this report. (**)
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Linkedin Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6 2016

Full of expression: Sharing the stage in a play titled Bunga Penutup Abad (The Flower that Ends a Century) are (from left to right) Chelsea Islan, Reza Rahadian, Happy Salma and Lukman Sardi (JP/Ricky Yudhistira)

The most intriguing part of a play actually starts long before the curtains rise when theater troupes go all the way to be able to perform on stage.



Teater Abang None troupe is no different in this respect. Model and actress Maudy Koesnaedi established the theater troupe in 2009 to preserve the art and cultural performances of the Betawi, the indigenous people of Jakarta.



The winner of the Jakarta administrations male and female pageant Abang None in 1993 has had to take all means possible for the troupe to stage a big production at least every other year. The troupe consists of dozens of pageant finalists from different years.



There are not many financial angels out there and you cannot rely on the ticket proceeds to cover production costs because public appreciation of theatrical plays is still low, she said in a theater workshop held recently at the Galeri Indonesia Kaya, Central Jakarta.



Titled Ruang Kreatif: Bincang Seni Pertunjukan Indonesia (Creative Space: A Talk on Indonesian Performance Art) held in September, the workshop was part of the Proposal Art Project  initiated by renowned director Garin Nugroho and the Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation.



The project started with road shows to many cities that brought in 25 representatives of youth art communities in Greater Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Bali, Madura, West Sumatra and Jambi for the workshop to develop their production-management skills.



The mentors include Garin, Maudy, Butet Kartaradjasa, Yudi Ahmad Tajudin of Teater Garasi, Keni Soeriaatmadja of Bengkel Tari Ayu Bulan, Rangga Riantiarno of Teater Koma as well as producer Jala Adolphus.



At the end of the workshop, the mentors will pick the 10 best project proposals submitted by the participants to receive grants from Galeri Indonesia Kaya for their production.



Garin said performance art in Indonesia was currently at its lowest ebb as a result of several problems including the difficulty of finding financial sources and bringing in audiences as well as the lack of regeneration in theater troupes.



Meanwhile, we have to keep in mind that performance art holds an important role in allowing people to have direct contact with cultural artwork, said the director of theatrical film Setan Jawa, a silent black-and-white film accompanied by a live gamelan orchestra.



That is why we have to see the poor condition of the performance art scene as a challenge in our production, without sacrificing our creativity, Garin added.



Creativity is indeed the mainstay of theater troupes in their struggle to get donors or investors.



I dont have the heart for selling pricey tickets because most of our fans, the Betawi indigenous people, will not be able to afford them. And this is when we have to be smart in production management. The first step is to fit the

production within the budget and human resources we have and not vice versa, said Maudy.



To cut production costs for the workshop and practice sessions, Maudys troupe takes endorsement jobs. For example, the troupe tries to get meals for free or at discounted prices from caterers during the production by promoting the food products on social media platforms.



Maudy herself said she would also go straight to a fabric factory to get wardrobe material at reduced prices and use her network of friends to design the wardrobe or posters for free.



Sometimes we take modeling photo shoots in exchange for the help and donations, but I always make sure not to be involved in political campaigns, said Maudy, who was in a middle of production of Muka Kampung Rejeki Kota (Kampung face, city good fortune), slated to be staged next year.



In a bid to attract people to watch the play, the troupe will literally go on to the street in full costume as done by the all-male actors of Jawara (Fighters) in 2015 who caught the attention of morning joggers around the Sunday car-free area at Hotel Indonesia traffic circle.



Rangga Riantiarno said that after 40 years Teater Koma had no trouble in bringing in audiences as the troupe already had a large number of fans over three generations.



Still, the troupe is active in its audience-development programs by performing in museums or schools.



In one of the elementary schools, where we performed a play on financial literary sponsored by a private bank, in the introduction the teacher told the students that theater plays are similar to sinetron [TV soaps]. It shows how ignorant the public is about performance art, he said.



Garin said art communities should not be discouraged by the situation but instead make adjustments while creating a niche market of their own.



Its not about compromising your ideas and vision. Its about developing a creative idea to become an artwork in collaboration with strategic partners. Well-planned production management can help young Indonesian artists to compete on both local and international stages, he said.

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Linkedin Julie Pace and Hope Yen (Associated Press) Washington  Thu, October 6, 2016

Each night, Hillary Clinton's data experts head to a conference room on the 11th floor of her Brooklyn headquarters, to start counting votes.

The sessions in the "early voter boiler room," as it's been dubbed by campaign aides, stretch into the early hours of the morning. The team pores over turnout patterns in states where advance voting is already underway, projects how many votes Clinton and Republican Donald Trump have already received, and updates crucial targeting lists of the voters she still needs.

For Clinton, October is when she's likely to win or lose the election, not Nov. 8. By the third week of this month, Clinton's campaign hopes to have a solid enough sample of the early vote to know whether the Democrat is on track to win the White House.

"Many battleground states are already voting so every day is Election Day," said Matt Dover, Clinton's voter analytics director.

In several competitive states, including North Carolina, Iowa, Colorado, Florida and Nevada, at least 45 percent of the total vote is expected to come in early. Initial metrics show good news for Clinton in North Carolina, a must-win state for Trump. There are modestly positive signs for the Republican in Iowa, but that's a state the Democrat can likely afford to lose.

The Republican National Committee, which oversees early voting and turnout operations for Trump, is also encouraging supporters to take advantage of opportunities to cast ballots before Nov. 8. The party has significantly stepped up its analytics and voter targeting operations since being outmatched by Democrats in the past two presidential elections, but the 2016 race is the first test of its strength in a national election.

Despite improvements, the RNC system was always intended to be a complement to whatever operations the eventual GOP nominee brought to the table. Trump arrived in the general election with intense enthusiasm among his core supporters but few ways to harness it into trackable voter data.

Unlike Clinton, whose travel schedule is being built around voter registration deadlines and the start of early voting in key states, Trump's battleground stops haven't been pegged to those benchmarks. However, there is a noticeably more robust registration effort at Trump rallies and the candidate himself is making explicit early voting appeals to supporters.

"Get those ballots in because the only way this is going to be taken away (is) if we're foolish or if we let people take it away from us," Trump said Monday during a rally in Colorado. "I hate to interrupt my speech with these minor details but they're very important, right?"

Republicans traditionally do well initially with mail-in absentee balloting before Democrats surpass them during in-person early voting. That makes the start of in-person voting a key indicator as to whether core Democratic constituencies, such as young people and non-whites, show up.

"For me, voting early is a matter of convenience, and if I don't do it I'm unlikely to vote at all," said Joseph Wozniak, 23, of Macon, Georgia. A recent college graduate who declined to say who he is supporting in the election, Wozniak is working on early vote efforts for the non-partisan organization Democracy Works.

Thirty-seven states allow voting with little restriction before Election Day, either in person or via mail. By the third week in October, 34 of those states will be voting.

Iowa was the first of the battlegrounds to start in-person voting last Thursday. Of the 39,435 people who have cast ballots, 58 percent were Democrats and 25 percent were Republicans  but that was much closer than in 2012.

In North Carolina, buoyed by strong voter interest, Clinton appears to hold an edge with Democratic ballots submitted so far currently leading Republican ones, 40 to 35 percent. At this point in 2012, Republicans had opened a wide lead over Democrats in ballots, due in part to strong support among older whites.

For 2016, Clinton officials pointed in particular to a 13 percent increase in African-American and a 40 percent jump in Latino mail-in ballot requests. To them, it's a hopeful sign that non-whites and young people will be engaged this election, part of a shift in campaign strategy to more strongly mobilize less reliable, sporadic voters first. Still, the campaign said it will have a much clearer picture once in-person voting begins in the state on Oct. 20.

Similarly in Florida, absentee balloting began only Tuesday, but already more than 2.5 million people  nearly one-third of the total number of votes cast in 2012  have requested ballots. In-person voting doesn't begin until Oct. 24, so state Democrats are now strongly urging voters to vote by mail  including in a letter from President Barack Obama paid for by the party.

"In Florida, voting is easier than ever because now you can vote by mail," he writes. "It's the fastest and most convenient way to make your voice heard."

In Obama's historic 2008 race, he ran up such big early voting advantages in four battlegrounds  Colorado, Florida, Iowa and North Carolina  that his rival, John McCain, couldn't catch up, despite winning the Election Day vote in those states, according to AP data.

If all goes according to the Clinton campaign's plan, early ballots soon enough will start to unequivocally point in the same direction.

___

AP writer Jonathan Lemire contributed to this report.

___

Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC and Hope Yen at http://twitter.com/hopeyen1 (**)
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Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

While lauding the governments 13 economic policy packages, foreign investors say they want to see more changes to smooth business activities.

In a diplomatic and chambers of commerce gathering held by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, representatives of foreign business communities and ambassadors said they appreciated ongoing progress, but added that some of the most common problems were still present in the field.

In terms of tax, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) president director Daiki Kasugahara pointed to a recent shift in tax procedures that resulted in troubled operations among Japanese firms.

The diplomats and firms executives also highlighted issues of different handling mechanisms for imported goods and complicated work permit procedures.

At the moment, Indonesia requires importers to bring in goods that meet local standards, which has resulted in numerous inspections at ports upon arrival, even when the importers are repeat businesspeople and the goods already meet international standards.

The multiple inspections add to the layers of difficulty faced by businesspeople and prolong custom clearance and cargo release at ports, whereas the government aims to reduce dwell time at ports, in accordance with its 13th economic policy package.

Government data shows that dwell time varies from port to port. Tanjung Priok Port, which is the countrys largest port and manages the heaviest flow of goods, has a dwell time of 3.5 days, compared to Singapores one day and Malaysias three days.

The dwell time is even higher at other ports, with Tanjung Perak Port in East Java reporting 5.2 days and Belawan Port in North Sumatra reporting 4.28 days.

We believe if Indonesia wants to rely more on international standards, youll avoid some troublesome situations where you have to fly in and fly out some of the experts [to assist in] each and every shipment, said EU Ambassador to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam Vincent Guerend.

In terms of work permits, UK Ambassador to Indonesia Moazzam Malik highlighted the piles of paperwork needed to renew permits every six months.

Meanwhile, Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head Thomas Lembong, who attended the event, acknowledged that tax, the predictability of regulations and work permits were the top three complaints from foreign businesspeople.

Thomas  along with other government officials, such as economic policy effectiveness and acceleration task force deputy chairman Sofjan Wanandi and Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara  assured the businesspeople that their concerns had been taken into account by the government.

The government is currently preparing for the revision of four tax laws to ease tax matters and payment methods, such as the General Taxation Law (KUP).

Rudiantara said that starting next year, incoming goods could meet local standards through a process carried out abroad. That way, you wont have to bring your experts to Indonesia anymore.

Despite the existing problems, the diplomats said they had seen progress as a result of the 13 economic packages.

Tangibly, I get fewer complaints from my companies, so thats a sign of improvement. I also see that the goodwill and efforts to resolve the problems are there. I think things are really improving, said Swedish Ambassador to Indonesia Johanna Brismar Skoog.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

Jakarta Police claim that Gatot Brajamusti, who has been accused of being involved in a number of crimes, admitted to investigators that he had a sex party with a number of women.

He (Gatot) told the police that he used to have sex with a number of women who one by one entered his room, said Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Corm. Awi Setiyono said in Jakarta on Thursday as reported by kompas.com.

Alwi did not explain when the sex party occurred.

Alwi said Gatot also confirmed a statement made by his wife, who claimed he used to have a sex with a number of women simultaneously.

Gatot was arrested during a raid at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, on Aug. 28 for possession of crystal methamphetamine. Four other people were inside the room at the time of arrest, including Gatots wife, DA.

Awi also claimed Gatot made another confession about consuming crystal methamphetamine, locally known as sabu sabu, before he had sex with the women.

The case started when a woman reported Gatot to Jakarta Police, claiming she was raped by Gatot when she was 16 years old. Another woman was reported to have made a similar accusation. She allegedly told the police she was forced to consume crystal meth before she was raped.

Awi said the police had questioned nine women, including entertainers Elma Theana and Reza Artamevia, in connection with the case. (bbn)
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Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

The Public Works and Public Housing Ministry has vowed to focus state budget spending next year on road development in the countrys border areas to improve regional economic development in Kalimantan, Papua and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

The total budget allocated for roads in border areas doubled to Rp 2.76 trillion (US$212.3 million) next year from Rp 1.34 trillion this year, ministry data show.

Papua, for one, has seen its allocation for border area road construction more than double to Rp 734 billion (US$56 million) next year to leave the province with more than 900 kilometers of road.

Each time we build roads, the economy will flourish there, said the ministrys director for road development, Rachman Arief.

The government considers road development in border areas a strategic goal to spur economic growth in an economy held back by a lack of infrastructure. It aims to build a total of 796 km of roads next year in border areas as well as along the southern coast of Java and in areas promoted for tourism, such as Lake Toba in North Sumatra.

All the road projects are expected to finish in 2018, except for those in NTT, where work is scheduled to conclude next year. A 177-km-long road is planned for East Nusa Tenggara, which shares a border with Timor Leste.

Rachman said that while budget allocations for border roads would definitely increase, efficiency measures would be brought forward, given the limited state budget.

For example, not all of the roads would be made of asphalt; some would use chip seal, a protective road layer on top of existing pavement. Roads made of asphalt would only be built near public houses and border gates.

Our main target is to get the function. We will improve the quality over time, he added.

The government is currently dealing with lower-than-anticipated state revenue that has forced it to conduct two budget cuts this year and affecting numerous ministries. The Public Works and Public Housing Ministry saw its budget for this year trimmed by a total of Rp 14 trillion to Rp 90 trillion.

The 4,235-km Trans-Papua is among the road projects strongly affected by the cuts, according to the ministrys former director general, Bina Marga Hediyanto Husaini.

However, the government remains upbeat for overall road development, including for the 1,602-km road along the southern coast of Java, set to be partially funded by an Islamic Development Bank (IDB) loan.

The $250 million loan is slated to fund the construction of 159 km of road in the area and is expected to be disbursed by next year.

For next year, at least Central Java has to be connected to Yogyakarta with the road, Rachman said.

The road is deemed crucial to support underdevelopment airports in the area, including Kulon Progo airport in Yogyakarta.

Commenting on the plan to build more roads in border areas, Center for Reform in Economics (CORE) research director Mohammad Faisal urged the government to align infrastructure construction with the economic sectors to be developed in respective areas, so that the projects would not backfire to the community.

He warned that given already slow economic growth in border areas, road projects alone might just help bordering countries like Malaysia export their goods to Indonesia.

It has to strengthen their most sought after sector, such as palm oil distribution in Kalimantan or also tourism, he said, mentioning Lake Sentarum in West Kalimantan, which could be developed further with roads to the surrounding area.
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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

Ongoing investigations into the Indonesian haj pilgrims who used the Philippines' haj quota have revealed that approximately half of the 106 people detected posing as Filipinos were residents of Malaysia, an official has confirmed.

"An interesting detail that we can reveal at this time is that around 50 of the haj pilgrims are Indonesian citizens who live in Malaysia," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said during a press briefing on Thursday.

There are 105 people now housed at the facilities of the Indonesian Embassy in Manila while one person has decided to remain at the local detention center to accompany her two sons who are Malaysian citizens, he added.

As of Thursday, Arrmanatha explained that 84 people had been cleared by local authorities and were awaiting an exit permit. Meanwhile, 22 people are required to provide statements in the ongoing investigation conducted by the Philippine government, he went on.

"The hearings began on Monday, so we hope the procedure won't take too long," Arrmanatha said, adding that the Indonesian citizens would be returned to their homes.

The spokesman explained that the 106 illegal haj pilgrims had taken nine haj flights to Saudi Arabia by illegally using unused seats allocated for the Philippines haj quota. The group consists of 27 men and 79 women, with the majority aged in average around 41-60, he said.

No details have been provided on their expected return, but Arrmanatha said all procedures would be finalized in the near future. (rin)
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Linkedin Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6 2016

In contrast: The Parangtritis Powder Room boasts different colors to separate the mens and womens restrooms.

Top interior designers presented their creations in a new exhibition concept that spoke of the richness of ideas and resources available in the country.

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Linkedin Tjokorda Nirarta Samadhi and Almo Pradana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6 2016

The appointment of Arcandra Tahar as the energy and mineral resources minister signaled strongly that the focus of President Joko Jokowi Widodo had shifted back to oil and gas, as well as coal.

This can be observed by several steps taken by minister Arcandra in his first 20 days working, including extending Freeports license to export concentrates, resuming negotiations regarding the Masela block and Indonesia Deepwater Development (IDD) projects, as well as cancelling the launch of feed-in tariff (FIT) solar power.

Arcandra was removed from his position in early August following the revelation that he held US citizenship.

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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

Indonesia is set to boost economic ties with Uruguay and Romania during a visit of the two countries foreign ministers, Rodolfo Nin Novoa and Lazar Comanescu, to Jakarta next week, an official has confirmed.

Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi is scheduled to meet with her counterparts to discuss expanding economic cooperation in the areas of trade, investment and tourism, ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said on Thursday.

The two ministers were also scheduled to visit the upcoming Indonesian trade expo, which will open on Oct. 12, along with a group of businessmen from their countries, he added.

On Uruguay, Arrmanatha noted that Nin Novoa's visit on Oct. 10 to 12 would mark the first visit of a foreign minister from Uruguay to Indonesia since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries over 50 years ago.

"This is one of Indonesia's main strategies of diplomacy to expand its non-traditional market, especially to the South American region," Arrmanatha said in regards to the bilateral meeting, which will be held on Oct. 11. Two memorandums of understanding (MoU) were also expected to be signed during the meeting, he added.

On Romania, Arrmanatha said Indonesia was in talks to become the entry point for the eastern European country to the ASEAN market following the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). He said Indonesia was Romania's second biggest trade partner in the Southeast Asian region.

Retno is scheduled to meet with her Romanian counterpart on Oct. 12 to discuss increasing Indonesia's exports of crude palm oil (CPO), rubber and coffee. Trade between the two countries reached US$117 million in 2015. (ebf)
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Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

Property developer Jababeka welcomes the government's plan to cut gas prices for the industrial sector to between US$5 and $6 per million British thermal units (mmbtu), which is expected to take effect in January 2017.

Jababeka director Hyanto Wihadhi said the current price for gas for the industrial sector in Indonesia was from $9 to $11 mmbtu, far above prices in other countries, which were from $4 to $5 per mmbtu.

He further said natural gas accounted for about 70 percent of total industrial production costs. Lower gas prices would automatically slash production costs, improving competitiveness in the country, he said.

Hyanto also welcomed the governments decision to prioritize gas supply to 10 instead of just seven industries. The 10 are fertilizers, petrochemicals, oleochemicals, steel, metal, ceramics, gloves, pulp and paper, food and beverages and footwear.

"Lowering gas prices to $6 per mmbtu will strengthen the competitiveness of our national industries, allowing them to become Indonesias economy drivers," Hyanto said in a workshop held in Jakarta on Thursday.

He said he also expected with lower gas prices Indonesias industry could grow at a faster rate than the rate of the countrys economic growth as a whole. Currently, Indonesian industries only grew at a rate of about 4.6 percent, less than economic growth, which was 5.04 percent in the first half of 2016. (ebf)
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Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam, Riau Islands  Thu, October 6, 2016

The Air Forces 2016 Angkasa Yudha airborne training module, which capped off on Thursday, showcased the capacity of Indonesias air power, in which 50 jet fighters performed air attractions.

President Joko "Jokowi Widodo witnessed demonstrations of the countrys air deterrent capabilities in the event, which was held in Natuna, Riau Islands.

Ranai Air Force Base commander Col. Nurtantio Affan said the 2016 Angkasa Yudha airborne training module was held to test the Air Forces air combat capacity. The presence of President Jokowi in the trainings closing event had made it more special, he admitted.

President Jokowis visit to Natuna was special not only for the Air Force but also for all Natuna residents. Moreover, the airborne training module coincided with the inauguration of the newly-expanded [Ranai] airport, Affan told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

He said Natuna was designated as the location of the Angkasa Yudha training module because the Air Force considered it as Indonesias outermost area; thus, it was rather ideal for a training location to showcase the countrys air power capacity.

Our President has given close attention to Natuna-related matters. We, the Air Force, as one of the defense elements, must give support, said Affan.

At the training, which took place from Sept. 29 to Oct. 6, 50 fighter jets belonging to the Air Force, such as Sky Hawk 100 and 200, Shukoi, F16, Super Tucano, Hercules, Puma and Cassa, performed air attractions.

This was Jokowis second visit to Natuna in the last five months after he visited the area to inspect naval patrols on the border of the South China Sea on June 23. (ebf)
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Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam, Riau Islands  Thu, October 6, 2016

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo officially opened the new terminal of Ranai Airport in Natuna Island in Riau Islands province on Thursday, which is seen as a boost for the connectivity of one of Indonesia's outermost regions.

Ranai Airport serves as the air bridge that connects Natuna to Tanjung Pinang, the province's capital city and other cities such as Batam, Jokowi said.

"The sea and the sky are not separators. Connectivity among provinces and regencies is very important. Without connectivity, we will be left behind," he said in his inauguration speech.

The connectivity would assist people and logistics movements in Natuna, which would eventually lower logistics and transportation costs, he added.

Jokowi was on a working visit to Natuna accompanied by several senior ministers on Thursday. It comes after his visit in June where he held a Cabinet meeting aboard a warship in Natuna waters following a number of clashes between Indonesian and Chinese vessels in the area. Natuna sits close to the disputed South China Sea.

The new 3,865-square-meter terminal with a capacity of 385 people was built in collaboration with the local administration and the Air Force. It replaces the former 243-square-meter terminal. The runway was also expanded to 42 meters in width from the previous 32 meters to accommodate bigger aircraft.

"I have instructed the Transportation Ministry to persuade as many as airlines as possible to fly to Ranai," he said.

Jokowi also said the government had begun the development of a 100-hectare fisheries center in Lampa Strait in Natuna, which will be equipped with cold storage. The government aims to complete the construction by the end of 2017 and expects it will have a positive economic impact on the local area. (rin)
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Linkedin Desy Nurhayati (The Jakarta Post) Bali  Thu, October 6, 2016

Global cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab is set to hold the Cybersecurity Weekend for Asia Pacific countries in Jimbaran, Bali, on Friday.

During the annual event, the companys experts and renowned leaders in cybersecurity will provide updates on the latest cybercrime trends, particularly in the financial industry. They will reveal secrets and tips for businesses to protect themselves and survive in a world of cybersecurity threats.

Our objective for the event is to share our expertise in cybersecurity and to show the audience different perspectives of cybersecurity, focusing on the financial industry, Kaspersky Lab Asia Pacifics head of corporate communications, Jesmond Chang, said on Thursday.

Information technology for financial transactions is advancing at a tremendous pace in Asia Pacific. As a result, many organizations and users tend to forget to implement cybersecurity.

We hope that by creating more awareness, the public will have a better understanding of cybersecurity and together we can move towards making the cyberspace a safer place, Chang said. (ebf)
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo has urged regional administrations to provide more room for the involvement of the Inter-Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) in the decision-making processes of in their respective regions.

"The [FKUB] should always be involved in discussions and their advice should always be heeded in the process of public policy making at the local level," Tjahjo said at a FKUB national coordination meeting on Thursday.

Strengthening cooperation between various religious communities in public policy making is important, both to ensure religious harmony and to anticipate possible conflicts, Tjahjo said.

When intolerance and violence erupts, religious communities and local elders can play a role in de-escalating the tension, more so than security officers and government officials, according to Tjahjo.

Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin said local governments should also support the FKUB in their respective regions.

More money is needed to establish regional headquarters in order to improve the FKUB's role in promoting inter-religious peace, Lukman added.

He further stated that the FKUB was a strategic institution designed to strengthen grassroots communities and promote religious harmony. (bbn)
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Linkedin Wayan Junarta (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar  Thu, October 6 2016

Guardian Spirit: Dancers perform barong on a stage at Batubulan. Barong is believed to be the guardian spirit that protects villages from plagues and demons. (Courtesy of Menarung Jiwani)

A stunning movie gives an insiders perspective on barong: the islands guardian spirit and one of its most iconic dances.

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Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

The realization of a government-backed micro credit program (KUR) reached Rp 71 trillion (US$5.46 million) as of September, 71 percent of the target of Rp 100 trillion with 2.95 million debtors, an official has said.

The Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry's finance deputy, Braman Setyo, was optimistic that KUR distribution would meet its target, supported by the governments decision to appoint several cooperatives to act as lenders in the program, in addition to 28 existing banks and multifinance firms.

"The more institutions that participate in distributing KUR, both banks and non-banks, the more we are able to meet the target of Rp 100 trillion set by the government," Braman said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He added that one cooperative had been approved by the government to disburse KUR funds. However, Braman said the ministry would encourage more cooperatives to participate in the program. "There are 27 cooperatives that want to disburse KUR [funds]," he said.

Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution said previously that cooperatives had assisted banks in the loan program. In the future, cooperatives will be able to channel loans directly to debtors. (bbn)
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

Minister has applauded Indonesian diplomat's strong response to the allegations of human rights violations in Papua and West Papua conveyed during a recent UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York.

Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto asserted that a counter argument was necessary since six Pacific Island heads of state, who conveyed their allegations, did not deliver the whole truth in their statements.

"We should trust ourselves and believe that the government has done the best we can to develop Papua like any other region in the country," Wiranto said on Wednesday.

He further asserted that the government was committed to settle all allegations of past human rights abuses, both in Papua and across the country, as it was the promise of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's administration.

The government will soon reveal which abuse cases were considered human rights violations and which were not and explain all measures necessary to resolve the cases, Wiranto added.

During the recent UNGA session in New York, Nara Masista Rakhmatia, the second secretary of Indonesias Permanent Mission to the UN, referred to speeches made by the heads of state of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Tonga as "interference and said they aimed to encourage separatism of the two provinces. (bbn)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6 2016

Papuas place in Indonesia is not up for negotiation, a minister has said in response to allegations of human rights violations conveyed during a recent UN General Assembly (UNGA) session.

In diplomacy, several things are negotiable, but some others cannot be negotiated. When it comes to the issue of support for separatism, I think not only diplomats, but all of us, know that this is a point where we should stop, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi told journalists.

The minister was responding to criticism of Indonesias strong response to six Pacific Island heads of state who conveyed allegations of human rights violations in Papua and West Papua provinces during the recent UNGA in New York.

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Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

After releasing a new regulation on pawnshops, allowing private players to participate in the industry, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) has invited private entities to open pawnshops to end the monopoly of state pawnshop Pegadaian.

"Our goal in allowing the establishment of private pawnshops is to increase access to finance for people, as well as to increase liquidity," the OJK commissioner overseeing non-banking financial institutions, Firdaus Djaelani, said during a discussion forum called "Indonesia's Responsible Access to Finance" in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Currently, the only pawn business that has been licensed is Pegadaian, while the OJK recorded about 2,000 private pawn businesses operating without permission.

Therefore, the authority issued OJK regulation (POJK) No. 31/POJK.05/2016 on pawnshop businesses, published July 29.

The OJK would give private pawnshop players two years to apply for business licenses. The regulation also requires private pawnshops to have a minimum paid capital of Rp 500 million (US$38,439) for businesses with the service scope of a district and Rp 2.5 billion for businesses with the service scope of a province. (bbn)
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Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6 2016

The prosecution team has kept its word that it will not seek the death penalty for Australian permanent resident Jessica Kumala Wongso, who it accuses of killing her friend Wayan Mirna Salihin at an upscale restaurant in Jakarta.

On Wednesday, prosecutors demanded that the Central Jakarta District Court sentence Jessica to 20 years prison for the crime. The 27-year-old has been charged with premeditated murder, which carries a maximum sentence of death.

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Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan  Thu, October 6 2016

Six years after being forced to leave their homes by the Mount Sinabung eruptions in Karo regency, North Sumatra, the displaced still have no place to live.

They have been living in makeshift tents and local authorities have given them no indication of when they can expect to be relocated.

To protest the local administrations inaction, hundreds of people displaced by the eruptions staged a rally on Tuesday outside the North Sumatra Legislative Council and the governors office in Medan. They demanded the local authorities speed up their relocation.

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Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang and Moses Ompusunggu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

While remaining defensive about mass killings during the communist purge of 1965, the government has been dragging its heels on a reconciliation process for victims of torture and those who have suffered stigma for being accused of being communists.



The government has been considering setting up a task force that will deal with the process, but there has been no clarity until now about the establishment of the institution, which would be aimed at resolving the gross human rights violations that the government, under the leadership of Soeharto, ordered during the period.



According to Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto, the special body has been established and is set to work on win-win solutions to resolve not only the 1965 massacre, but all cases of human rights violations that occurred in the past.



But the former defense minister and Armed Forces commander could not provide many details about the body, arguing that the discussions were ongoing.



A judicial process to resolve past rights abuses will result in a win-lose solution. It will leave someone as a winner and someone else a loser. This violates the culture in our society that champions peace and harmony, Wiranto said at his office on Wednesday.



The chief security minister reemphasized the governments defense on the gross human rights violations of 1965 on Saturday, saying that no judicial actions would be taken despite rendering deep sympathy to victims.



The [1965] tragedy met the principles of a clear and present danger, in which the country was in an emergency and had to be saved,he said.



Under the communist purge, the government allegedly killed and tortured those accused of being communists and their families.



Thousands of victims and the families of victims who survived the 1965 atrocities are still facing discrimination and stigma today because of existing anticommunist regulations.



The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) recorded that 35 such regulations are still active to this date.



A symposium to convene a meeting of victims, their families, the military and the government was held for the first time in April, but there has been no follow-up to bring about reconciliation.



The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has issued recommendations that the 3,000 survivors be able to access free health services provided by the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK).



But the LPSK can support no more than 1,300 victims of various past rights abuses from all across the archipelago because of the institutions limited budget.



LPSK chairman Abdul Haris Semendawai said his office could only support each victim for six months at the maximum. The LPSK has been running the program independently as the services it has been providing would not be part of the non-judicial mechanism the government is proposing.



We have done nothing to endorse the non-judicial mechanism, said Komnas HAM commissioner Roichatul Aswidah.



Human rights lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis said the most important facet of the non-judicial mechanism sought by the government to address the 1965 purge was a truth-telling process.



Todung urged the government to immediately create a presidential committee akin to the now-defunct Truth and Reconciliation Commission (KKR) in the absence of a special body to spearhead the truth-telling process.



The collective trauma that followed the 1965 atrocity, in which lots of people were accused of being affiliated with the defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), had become deeply entrenched in the country, Todung said, even though numerous policies, such as the issuance of identity cards marked ET indicating former political prisoners and the Bersih Lingkungan (clean status) letter, had been abrogated.

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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, October 6, 2016

Indonesia is set to lead talks on global security, including addressing issues related to terrorism and extremism, at the upcoming ASEAN-European Union Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, which will be held on Oct. 13-14, an official has said.

Southeast Asia's largest economy will be the lead speaker at the forum on security issues to share its experiences, Foreign Ministry's ASEAN political-security cooperation director, Chandra Widya Yudha, said on Thursday. Indonesia will also exchange lessons learned with participating countries in response to the challenges presented by rising terrorist activities across Southeast Asia and Europe.

"What we hope is that there is an exchange of intelligence, and how to use it toward more effective cooperation, so that it can really be relied upon to fight the challenges of terrorism," Chandra said during a press briefing at the ministry's office in Jakarta.

He expressed the hope that as a lead speaker, Indonesia could be more efficient and effective in tackling terrorism through various cooperation forums, including within organizations, bilaterally, as well as within a multilateral framework, while noting the global nature of the issue.

The meeting, which is conducted once every two years, will produce two documents, Chandra said. The Bangkok Declaration would contain reaffirmation on the cooperation between ASEAN and the EU with statements from both blocs, while the Bangkok Roadmap would contain plans on efforts to elevate the interregional partnership, he added. (rin)
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Linkedin Teresa Cerojano (Associated Press) Manila, Philippines  Thu, October 6, 2016

An independent poll released Thursday showed that more than three-quarters of Filipinos are satisfied with President Rodrigo Duterte, even though he is under fire internationally for his deadly crackdown on suspected drug dealers and users.

The survey, conducted by Social Weather Stations from Sept. 24 to Sept. 27 and published Thursday, shows 76 percent of 1,200 adults polled nationwide were satisfied with Duterte's performance, 11 percent were dissatisfied, and 13 percent were undecided. There was a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

The poll, which described Duterte's net rating as "very good," comes nearly three months after he took office and with his anti-drug crackdown, which has left more than 3,600 suspected drug dealers and pushers dead, raising alarms at the United Nations, the EU, the US and human rights watchdogs.

The brash-speaking leader has been hypersensitive to such criticism, and the latest survey was carried out just before he raised his rhetoric on Sept. 30, comparing his anti-drug campaign to Hitler and the Holocaust and saying he would be "happy to slaughter" an estimated 3 million Filipino addicts  a remark he has since apologized for.

He has unleashed a number of expletive-laced tirades against his critics, telling President Barack Obama "you can go to hell," and saying he may eventually decide to "break up with America." He has also lashed out at the European Union and the UN.

In his latest remarks Thursday, Duterte dared Obama and the EU to withdraw their financial assistance from the Philippines over their criticisms of his bloody crackdown, but warned of an unspecified backlash. There has been no known official declaration by the US or EU of a threat to withdraw assistance from the Philippines.

"Go away, bring your money to somewhere else, we will survive as a nation," Duterte said in a speech in southern Butuan city. "How do you look at us? Mendicants?"

"But, let's see, there is always a day for reckoning. Not all the times are yours," he said.

The crackdown has reduced the crime rate in Manila by half, Duterte said, adding he did not expect Obama or the EU to understand "the pain we are suffering" from the drug menace.

The survey showed respondents in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao, an insurgency-ridden region where Duterte is from, gave him the highest rating, with 88 percent satisfied and just 4 percent not satisfied.

Associated Press writer Jim Gomez contributed to this story.
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Linkedin K.C. Vijayan (Strait Times) Singapore  Thu, October 6, 2016

Religious organisations are reviewing safety and security in places of worship islandwide, in the wake of a national initiative to better prepare Singapore residents for a terrorist attack.

The Catholic Archdiocese, the Hindu Endowments Board, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and the Singapore Buddhist Federation have all pro-actively stepped up security measures at their premises, in line with the SGSecure movement.

The Catholic Church is going further, with plans to form an Archdiocesan Emergency Preparedness Taskforce to work out a centralised response. This includes training staff with basic emergency skills and improving standard operating procedures for emergencies.

The SGSecure national movement, officially launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last month, aims to get all Singaporeans involved in the fight against terror.

Said the Catholic Archbishop's Office spokesman Andre Ahchak: "What we're doing is in line with the Government's call for all citizens, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, to be prepared to handle emergencies that may arise anywhere around them. It is our task therefore to review and to heighten our preparedness as an organisation and see how we can collaborate with public agencies to protect members of our society and train our people to handle emergencies."

Headed by Archbishop William Goh, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore oversees a congregation of some 360,000 Catholics and has 31 churches spread across five districts in Singapore. Currently, individual parish churches are encouraged to contact the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) fire stations in their vicinity to work out emergency evacuation plans for their congregations. But concerted coordination from a central body from within the Archdiocese - working with agencies like the SCDF and the Singapore Police Force - will strengthen the safety measures, said Mr Ahchak.

Churchgoer and community volunteer leader Lionel de Souza said the review is timely in the wake of possible new threats such as " lone wolf attacks or sudden assaults by mentally unstable minds".

In July, an 86-year-old Catholic priest in a French church was knifed to death in a hostage incident. It was reported that Muslims across France attended Catholic mass after the murder as a gesture of solidarity. Closer to home, a church in Penang was attacked in 2014 when two Molotov cocktails were thrown into its compound.

Places of worship, like St Joseph's Church in Victoria Street and Masjid Muhajirin (above) in Braddell Road, have security cameras installed(ST/Nivash Joyvin, Alphonsus Chern)

Singapore's mosques have also enhanced their security measures. Director of mosques at Muis Mohd Helmy Isa said "mosques are fully on board with the SGSecure framework, and have long had measures in place to maintain community vigilance, cohesion and resilience".

Mosques are secured and locked after midnight, with closed-circuit TVs used to ensure vigilance at all times. They are also well plugged in to their neighbourhood and grassroots organisations, as well as the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCCs), he added.

The Hindu Endowments Board said while existing security measures are in place at the four temples under its purview, it welcomes a review which will promote greater security consciousness among its devotees. "Each temple will work with the authorities such as the police and SCDF, and local grassroots and IRCC to deal with security-related contingencies. The board endeavours to provide a safe and secure place of worship for our devotees ."

The Singapore Buddhist Federation president, Venerable Seck Kwang Phing, said temples in Singapore have stepped up awareness through talks and circulars to underscore the SGSecure message, among other existing safety and security measures in place.

Meanwhile, the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) will be holding a closed-door meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean next week on SGSecure. "All key leaders of churches, denominations and church-related agencies will be attending. As you can see, NCCS is taking this matter seriously, " said its general secretary, Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian.
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Linkedin Rebecca Reynolds Yonker and David Koenig (Associated Press) Louisville, Kentucky, United States  Thu, October 6, 2016

An overheating, smoking Samsung smartphone forced the evacuation of a Southwest Airlines jet that was preparing to take off Wednesday from the Louisville airport.

The incident raised fresh trouble for Samsung, which saw its new Galaxy Note 7 device recalled last month because of overheating batteries.

Samsung, Southwest and federal aviation-safety officials declined to say what model of Samsung phone was involved, saying they were still investigating.

But an Indiana woman, Sarah Green, told The Courier-Journal of Louisville that it was her husband's Galaxy Note 7 that made popping noises and started to smoke after he powered it down while the plane sat at the gate.

Green told the newspaper that her husband, Brian, received the Galaxy Note 7 about two weeks ago as a replacement for his recalled phone. He called her from someone else's phone to tell her what happened.

Last month Samsung agreed to recall the Galaxy Note 7 after receiving 92 reports of batteries overheating in the U.S., including 26 reports of burns and 55 cases of property damage. The Federal Aviation Administration took the unusual step of warning passengers not to use or charge the devices while on board and not to stow them in checked luggage.

(Read also: Indian airline says Samsung Note 2 emitted smoke in plane)

Flight attendants on many airlines added a warning about the Samsung device to their pre-flight safety demonstrations.

However, the FAA's advisory to airlines did not apply to replacement Galaxy Note 7s. Those phones have a green battery icon.

Samsung Electronics Co. said in a statement that it could not confirm that the latest incident involved a new Note 7. Samsung said it is working with authorities to recover the device and confirm the cause of overheating.

The FAA also declined to specify the model of the phone. Spokesman Ian Gregor said the FAA was still investigating the incident.

The Galaxy Note 7, which sells for $850 to $890, competes in the high-end smartphone business with Apple and its new iPhone 7. Samsung dominates the market for Android-powered phones but faces growing pressure  just Tuesday, Google unveiled its new Pixel phones at $650 and up.

Wednesday's mishap occurred while the Southwest plane with 75 passengers and crew members prepared to fly from Louisville to Baltimore. Fire Capt. Sal Melendez said the device overheated during the crew's safety demonstration.

Southwest Airlines Co. spokesman Brad Hawkins said a passenger reported smoke coming from a Samsung device and that everyone got off the plane through the main cabin door.

No one was injured in the evacuation, but the plane's carpet suffered minor damage where the phone was dropped, fire officials said.

___

Koenig reported from Dallas.
The backlash was swift and intense following a racist Fox News segment Monday night advancing ridiculous stereotypes in Chinatown. Bill OReilly sent his flunky, Jesse Watters, to the neighborhood to find out what Chinese people think of the U.S. presidential election. Now our local elected officials are denouncing the story.

Am I supposed to bow to say hello?, asked Watters of two women he encountered. In another scene, he asked a merchant, I like these watches. Are they hot? The self-proclaimed cable news jokester asks someone else whether they know karate. You get the idea. It goes on and on. Just about every news organization  local and national  picked up on the controversy today.

Earlier this evening, statements came rolling in for elected representatives. City Council member Margaret Chin, born and raised in Chinatown, said:

Bill OReilly sent his correspondent into our neighborhood without knowing or acknowledging the culture, the language or even the difference between Japanese Americans and Chinese Americans. As the daughter of an elderly Chinese American who still lives in Chinatown, the moment when his correspondent mocked a senior citizen who seemingly did not know English stood out as a particularly mean-spirited act of disrespect. Would Bill OReilly or his correspondent treat an elderly Irish grandmother in the same manner? I suspect the answer to that question is emblematic of the persistent racism that still exists against Chinese Americans, who more than a century ago worked alongside Irish Americans to build the railroads that connected this continent. It is a legacy of hate that has been given new life and a national platform by the candidacy of Donald Trump and his allies at Fox News.

State Sen. Daniel Squadron, who represents Lower Manhattan, said:

Under the guise of asking residents of Manhattans Chinatown their thoughts on Donald Trump, OReilly Factor correspondent Jesse Watters brought the kind of disrespect to my constituents that has been all too common this election cycle: stereotyping, mockery and a thinly veiled disdain for immigrants. Unfortunately, one of the real costs of Trumps divisiveness is the climate of racism and disrespect its made commonplace in our national discourse. Thats unacceptable in Chinatown, unacceptable in New York, and must be unacceptable on Fox News. And to Jesse Watters: welcome to my district  hope you dont come back.

And Yuh-Line Niou, Democratic nominee in the 65th Assembly District, added:

I am utterly shocked and disgusted by the blatant racism against Asian-Americans that Fox News host Bill OReilly expressed during his show. Mr. OReillys characterization of our community as lazy thieves and karate masters reflects a long and painful history of discrimination that has no place in our society. I stand with every family in Chinatown, every Asian-American and every immigrant in calling for a full retraction and apology from Mr. OReilly and Fox News. Sadly, this isnt the first or last time that racism against Asian-Americans has reared its ugly head. At a time when Donald Trump and Fox News will stop at nothing to slander and disenfranchise entire communities, we must remain vigilant in the face of bigotry. I am proud to be an immigrant and I am proud to be an American. My parents came here seeking the unique freedom that America offers, and taught their children to always work hard and contribute to the betterment of our nation. The actions of Mr. OReilly and Fox News stand is stark contrast to the values of this nation, and they should be ashamed.

Elected officials and community activists will be holding a rally in front of Fox News 6th Avenue headquarters tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m.

Watters responded to his critics on Twitter yesterday. As a political humorist, the Chinatown segment was intended to be a light piece, as all Watters World segments are, he tweeted. My man-on-the-street interviews are meant to be taken as tongue-in-cheek and I regret if anyone found offense.

UPDATED 10/6 12:04 p.m. Heres a statement from Alan van Capelle, president and CEO of the Educational Alliance:
If you dont think poetry is really your thing, youre not alone.

Verse, couplet, enjambment, pentameter: the impenetrable speech of old duffers in ruffs, and a whole lot of compulsory school exams to go with them.

How about Martin Luther King, Damon Albarn, Mike Skinner? They might not sound like obvious names to pull out of the poetic canon, but theyve all utilised a form of poetry that has come, variously, to be known as slam or spoken word.

What is it?

In many ways, spoken word existed long before written poetry.

Essentially a spoken art form, poetry became popularised in written forms with the invention of the printing press, but spoken traditions continued until American poet Vachel Lindsay advocated for its resurgence as an oral art in the early 20th century.

Today, spoken word has come to be associated with a spoken form of poetry or free-verse reading that focuses on intonation and variations in rhythm, speed and inflection in order to create contrast and tension  usually along a through-line narrative, or theme.

Sounds hard

To write  yes; to enjoy  no.

As a spoken  mostly live  art, spoken word has been used by musicians, for comedy, dramatically, and even in major political speeches: think of the rhymic quality of Martin Luther Kings I have a dream. Its gone on to influence some of the very best spoken word artists of today, particularly those whose work concerns black empowerment and civil rights.

Part of spoken words popularity lies in how accessible it is  at least when its done well. Because performers are able to harness the power of the voice as well as the words themselves, it has tended to attract a reputation for emotional story-telling, passion and civil unrest.

Who should I listen to as a beginner?

In a word: everyone. At least, as many artists as you can.

Spoken words many forms and influences mean youre more likely to find someone you really like by looking around and seeking out as many different examples as possible.

Some of the most celebrated examples include John Cooper Clarke, Alan Ginsberg and Linton Kwesi Johnson, but make sure to look at the work of Anthony Anaxagorou, Kate Tempest, Suli Breaks, Rives, Ashley Haze, Saul Williams and Hollie McNish for excellent contemporary examples.

How can I see it live?

The spoken word scene has exploded in the past 15 years, so if you live in anything other than the deepest heart of the Amazon rainforest, you might already have a local poetry slam night to attend.

Bang Said the Gun Chill Pill Tongue Fu Hammer and Tongue andare all brilliant regular London events, but if your reach doesnt stretch as far as the capital, check out the nationalcompetition which also hosts regional events in Brighton, Oxford, and Cambridge.

Remember to do a search for any other gigs closer to home and in the event you still come up short  start your own! It wont take long to find willing performers, and who wouldnt want to see some great live slams?
New York, London and Milan were mere warm-ups for the mother of all fashion weeks: Paris.

The French capital played host to some of the biggest names in high fashion for five action-packed days.

So whether youre looking for sartorial inspiration straight off the catwalk or just want to catch up on everything fashion, here is all the important stuff you might have missed from the style extravaganza.

New faces at old houses

If youre a new designer you tend to gravitate towards New York or London fashion weeks  Paris has a reputation for being particularly exclusive and reserved for the historic brands.

(Thibault Camus/AP)

However, that didnt mean that there wasnt a whole lot of excitement on the schedule: particularly as there were a whole host of new designers at some of the most prestigious fashion houses.

First up is Yves Saint Laurent: the wildly popular Hedi Slimane handed over the gauntlet to Anthony Vaccarello, who was obviously keen to give the brand his own spin. Sex appeal was top of Vaccarellos list, models sporting sassy minidresses with eighties-style shoulder pads.

(Thibault Camus/AP)

Tops were sheer and heels were high for this collection, which was anything but subtle.

Having Jane Birkin and Charlotte Gainsbourg on the front row certainly helped up the cool factor of the show.

(Thibault Camus/AP)

Dior was another house with a new face at the helm keen to make their mark. Maria Grazia Chiuri was previously at Valentino, and had no easy task on her hands.

The collection was much more wearable than you normally see on the runway  we can actually picture ourselves throwing on some of those t-shirts and coats (if we had the budget for it, of course).

That isnt to say it was a normal affair for Dior: just check out this fencing-inspired ensemble.

Rihanna

It wasnt just designers showing their work at PFW, but also celebrities. Rihanna presented her second collaboration with Puma, and it was a crazy combination of streetwear and Marie Antoinette.

Dogs

Electric blue puppies are this seasons latest accessory, according to Manish Arora.

(Zacharie Scheurer/AP)

Celebrities

Celebs were spotted both on and off the runway for Balmains show. Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid strutted their stuff, with Carla Bruni and a some of the Kardashians on the front row.

(Thibault Camus/AP)

The weird and wonderful

John Galliano doesnt exactly have a reputation for being shy or retiring, and this seasons collection for Maison Margiela was no exception.

Makeup was wacky, hats were crazy and outfits were outrageous. Our favourite bit was the addition of a yoga mat in one of the ensembles.

(Zacharie Scheurer/AP)

(Zacharie Scheurer/AP)

Chanels data centre

Chanel is always one of our favourite shows because of the extravagant sets that Karl Lagerfeld dreams up. In the past weve seen Chanels take on supermarkets and airports, and this season he transformed the show into a data centre. Droids and all.

(Francois Mori/AP)

(Francois Mori/AP)

Flashmobs

Fashion has a reputation for being a bit stuffy and snooty, which is why we loved the finale of Stella McCartneys show. Instead of moody models strutting down the catwalk, she closed the show with a dancing flashmob.

(Francois Mori/AP)

Street style

As in any fashion week, all eyes werent just on the catwalk, but also on what people were wearing on the streets. Here are some of our favourite street style moments.

So there you have it: Paris has brought the exciting and exhausting fashion month to a close, and with quite the bang.


Find out more about the K-Music festival and Korean culture on Find out more about the K-Music festival and Korean culture on Twitter and Facebook

Connect with Korean culture in London at https://london.korean-culture.org/en/welcome

Find out everything you need to know about travelling to Korea and making the most of your trip at www.visitkorea.or.kr

For seven years this band have been combining traditional Korean folk with rock, jazz and even the heavy riffage of metal.This vivid and unique fusion see the three-piece take traditonal, historic instruments and add the tools of modern rock and pop: the geomungo meets the guitar, the piri marries the drums and the haegeum accompanies the synth.This combination and their leaps between genres made for a engaging and enthralling live performance. They transfered their quiet, polite energy from a wishy-washy atmospheric sweet sound to a chilling, almost scary anger and euphoria.One second we are in the woods, lulled by the sound of the wind in the trees and the next minute we are in a tragic storm orchestrated with furious thunder and fist clenching pain.Jambinai's tracks speak to human anger by sucking it all up into electronic noises, raw rock and high pitched Korean etchings and then swirling these angsty feelings around in a room as if it was a whir-pool in a fishbowl.Hackney's Oslo turned into a scary forest and a furious ocean simultaneously as unpredictable patterns of noises exploded from the stage to every corner of the venue. Pings and pangs, yelps and strums.Standing in the audience I was inadvertently twitching and swaying under the power of their notes, just like the people surrounding me: listening to Jambinai is like being sent into a hypnotic trance and being enveloped by the power of nature.A musical hurricane, Jambinai has been maybe the most revealing of the K-Music Festival acts so far, reminding us that contemporary Korean culture has so many intersections to discover yet.
(Gareth Fuller/PA)

(Gareth Fuller/PA)

A statement from Ukips interim leader said: I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of Ukip MEPs this morning that Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious.A party spokesman said Woolfe was taken suddenly ill in the European Parliament building in Strasbourg on Thursday morning, adding: He has been taken to hospital in the city and he is undergoing tests.Ukip MEPs have been tweeting their thoughts for Woolfe, and Raheem Kassam  who is also standing as a candidate for the partys leadership following Diane James resignation on Tuesday  has cancelled a TV appearance. MEP Patrick OFlynn declined to discuss the incident, adding: My thoughts and prayers are with Steven and Im desperately, anxiously waiting to hear further news.
Over the years YouTube has grown exponentially, with some creators on the website reaching global celebrity status. One of the ways they are able to build a career in such a precarious industry is to sell merchandise related to them and their channels.

It is unsurprising therefore, that YouTube has created a centralised space for this merchandise in a way that finally infiltrates irl.

This is certainly useful for regular YouTube fans. Those who watch multiple YouTubers can benefit from having all the merchandise in one place, and being able to properly look at, feel, and compare what theyre buying. They may also find something they like from a YouTuber they dont watch, which grows the business of the website in general.

Unfortunately this is still a little optimistic at this point, as the shop is surprisingly small. I predict that they will expand, and that theyre just playing it safe to start, or perhaps are experiencing licensing issues with the multiple individual creators from across the world.

That said, there was considerable hype around the store on its opening day, with free prosecco and cake drawing a fair number of people.

It was a nice space to be in  fairly colourful but modern and sleek, and it matches the aesthetic of the YouTube creator space. The staff were friendly and enthusiastic and facilities like the free photo booth all made it a fun place. This will work well when the store starts hosting events such as book signings, and having a single space for these will likely be practical for creators and fans alike.

Likewise, the store is not just a smart business choice for fans, but will benefit creators. The most obvious way is that it provides another source of economic support. I dont know exactly how the system works, but it is likely that having merchandise in the store takes away some of the stress of business management for the creators whilst still earning them money. Having a physical space and making a clearly business-focused move also works to legitimise the business of being a YouTube Creator, something which still challenges many.

However, though all of this is undeniably positive for the creators, currently it is only benefitting those already at the top. The store mostly features those of the Gleam Team, a group of some of the most famous YouTubers who are part of the Gleam network, including Zoe Sugg, Alfie Deyes, Caspar Lee and so on. Those featured from outside Gleam are also international superstars, such as Dan and Phil and Pewdiepie.

These are the creators that already have millions of subscribers, and are notorious for their pay-checks that likewise go into the millions. In terms of the store providing monetary support, these creators dont need it, and it is failing the smaller creators who are struggling to afford doing YouTube full time. There is no trickle down in YouTube; if the big YouTubers get bigger, it just makes it harder for smaller YouTubers to infiltrate and get featured on the site.

Another problem with the featured creators is that they were all white, able-bodied and mostly straight. Given that YouTube prides itself in giving anybody a platform, this lack of diversity is very disappointing. It does play into the wider problem of YouTubes lack of diversity; for example the Stand Up To Cancer campaign was widely criticised for the featured creators all being white. By only selling products of a poignantly small selection of the top creators, the store is quite literally funding these problems.

Diversity isnt the only moral problem with the store. The increasing commercialisation and selling out is a topic widely discussed within the community. One of the biggest concerns is the youth of many of the viewers who will be buying these products. Many feel that it is wrong to exploit the fanaticisms of these young, impressionable people.

This is especially the case with some of the products I looked at in the store, which were quite appalling in terms of them bearing little resemblance to the creator, their content, or even being their own work. Furthermore, the relationship between creator and viewer is often billed as a friendship, with many strongly rejecting the word fan. Therefore, the opening of the store brings into question their integrity, as it directly encourages the commercialisation of this friendship.

The morality of the commercialism of YouTube is an extremely complex one, but the business is simple. The store is an opportunity for creators and YouTube itself to earn more money, which in turn can see it grow and move onto greater things. Only time will tell whether they will improve the diversity and small creator support, or indeed whether having a physical realisation of an online world will draw enough traffic to be successful.
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NORTHVILLE >> Guernsey Farms Dairy has announced a voluntary recall due to the failure of equipment used to verify proper pasteurization. Five products distributed in Southeast Michigan are being recalled. No illnesses have been reported associated with the products.

* Guernsey Farms Dairy skim milk, gallon, dated Oct. 20.

* Guernsey Farms Dairy egg nog, quart or half-gallon size, dated Oct. 21.

* Guernsey Farms Dairy half-percent milk, half-gallon size, dated Oct. 11.

* Guernsey Farms Dairy Butter Pecan ice cream, 48-ounce size, with a product code of 27116.

* Guernsey Farms Dairy French Vanilla ice cream, 48-ounce size, with a product code of 27016.

Guernsey Farms recommends disposing of the products or returning them to the store of purchase for a replacement product.

For more information, contact Greg McGuire, Guernsey Farms Dairys director of quality assurance, at 248-349-1466.
Chinese snorkeller remains comatose, but cries when spoken to

PHUKET: The Chinese tourist who was pulled unconscious from the water during a snorkelling tour in Phang Nga Bay last Saturday (Oct 1) remains unconsciousness at Krabi Hospital, but has tears roll from her eyes when spoken to, The Phuket News has been told.

Chinesetourismmarineaccidents

By Yutthawat Lekmak

Thursday 6 October 2016, 12:50PM

Chinese tourist Lia Xiaochang, 22, remains unconsciousness at Krabi Hospital, but cries when family members speak to her. Photo: Royal Thai Navy Koh Lanta Rescue Unit

Lia Xiaochang, 22, was rushed to Krabi Hospital last Saturday after friends found her unconscious in the water while snorkelling at the popular tourist day-trip destination Koh Gai (Chicken Island), near Poda Island.

Despite efforts to revive Ms Lia, she remains unconscious at Krabi Hospital. (See story here.)

Doctor and nurses are monitoring her closely, said Chief Petty Officer First Class Weerawut Padam of the Royal Thai Navy emergency rescue team based at Koh Lanta Noi which was called to rushMs Lia to hospital.

She is alive and she seems to be partially aware, as she cries when her family members speak to her, but otherwise she remains unresponsive to any attempts to bring her back to consciousness, he said.

CPO Weerawut noted that Ms Lia might have suffered partial brain damage. It was more than 10 minutes before her friends discovered that she was unconscious face-down in the water, he said.

Ms Lias family have arrived in Krabi to oversee her treatment and her possible return to China, CPO Weerayut said.

They are discussing with doctors about whether or not to transfer her to a hospital in China, he explained.

They said it would be better if she received treatment in her home country, but they are frightened that taking her home might cause more damage to her current condition, he said.
Human rights agencies flare over activist Wong detention, deportation to appease China

BANGKOK: The 12-hour detention of well-known Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong at Suvarnabhumi airport has sparked heavy criticism from local and international human rights activists over Thailands excessive accommodation of Beijings demands.

politicsmilitaryimmigration

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 6 October 2016, 09:46AM

Hong Kong democracy campaigner Joshua Wong speaks during a press conference upon his arrival at the international airport in Hong Kong on October 5, 2016, after being deported from Thailand. Photo: AFP

Mr Wong, secretary-general of the Demosisto political party, was detained on arrival Tuesday (Oct 4), two days ahead of his scheduled speech marking the 40th anniversary of the Oct 6, 1976, massacre set to take place at Chulalongkorn University.

Foreign media quoted Thai officials as saying they acted on a request from Beijing in the latest sign of what rights groups said was China pressuring neighbours to quash dissent.

The New Democracy Movement said in a statement that Thai authorities claimed the detention came after a written request from Beijing, adding the incident was a deprivation of the right to travel and freedom of expression, and a serious and unreasonable intimidation of an individual.

New York-based Human Rights Watchs China director Sophie Richardson said it was quite shocking to see military-ruled Thailand bend over backwards to appease China's rights abusing agenda.

The detention and deportation of Joshua Wong are yet another indicator that Thailands military government will use any available means to stifle political discourse in the country, said Champa Patel, London-based Amnesty Internationals senior research adviser for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Chulalongkorn University political scientist Thitinan Pongsudhirak said Mr Wongs detention and expulsion would do more harm than good to the image of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

The Thai government has kowtowed to China to its own detriment in the past. When the military government deported Uighurs to China at Beijings request, it eventually boomeranged and Thailand suffered terrorist violence in August 2015 as a result, he said.

This time, the repercussions will not be violent but will cost the junta credibility problems, as this case has attracted the international spotlight. With a better communications team, the government could have used this opportunity to show that political space in Thailand is more open, especially after the recent charter referendum. Making a fuss and deporting Joshua Wong is counterproductive. The publicity from his remarks in Thailand would be less than the publicity from his deportation.

Mr Wong was freed and sent back to Hong Kong around noon Thursday (Oct 5).

The Immigration Bureau said Mr Wong was prohibited for entering and staying in Thailand based on the 1979 Immigration Acts Article 12(7).

According to the article, Mr Wong was considered as behaving in a way that could be dangerous to the public or likely to be a nuisance or constitute a threat of violence to the peace, safety or security of the public or to the security of the nation, or being sought under an arrest warrant by competent officials of foreign governments.

Mr Wong was one of the high-profile student leaders behind pro-democracy protests two years ago that marked the former British colonys most turbulent period since China regained control in 1997. In August, a Hong Kong court sentenced him to community service for his role in the protests, which brought parts of the city to a standstill for months.

Mr Wong told reporters that he was held in a windowless holding cell at the airport. He said he was not given a clear explanation for his detention and was not allowed to contact his family or a lawyer.

I actually had a lot of discussions with a Thai official, but because he didnt speak English very well, I couldnt hear him very well. But there was one word I heard very clearly: blacklist, he told reporters after arriving back in Hong Kong.

Mr Wong, who last year was prevented from entering Malaysia, said he was relieved he did not end up like five Hong Kong booksellers who disappeared and later turned up in custody in mainland China. One of them, Chinese-born Gui Minhai, who is a naturalised Swedish citizen, vanished from his holiday home in Thailand.

If I hadnt returned to Hong Kong, I cant imagine what kind of situation Id be in, Mr Wong said. Fortunately, I did not become another missing person.

The Thai government and NCPO defended its move.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said: It was not a deportation. It was a stopover flight and Chinese authorities just took him away. It was Chinas reason, so let China handle its own affairs.

Gen Prayut also said that while he did not prevent the public from holding activities to mark the Oct 6 event, they should avoid causing public disturbances. History serves to remind us to avoid repeating [similar mistakes].

Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd reaffirmed Thailands respect for international law as well as the highest priority for national security issues.

As the NCPO has the responsibility to maintain peace and to carefully consider such matters, Thailand does not wish to see an escalation of political conflict, even though causing political disputes remains an intention for some. The NCPO has always used discretion and carefully considered the legality of its actions to maintain political stability, based on international rules and regulations. In any case, there had been no instruction or order given, pertaining to Mr Wong, he said.

Read original story here.
New Phuket Vice Governors to arrive next week

PHUKET: The island is to have three new Phuket Vice Governors as part of a national reshuffle of high-ranking government officials next Monday (Oct 10).



By The Phuket News

Thursday 6 October 2016, 05:05PM

Meet the new Phuket Vice Governors (from left): Teera Anantaseriwidhya, Siwaporn Chuasawad and Snith Sriwihok.

Taking up the post of Vice Governor of Phuket will be Snith Sriwihok, who currently serves as the Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) in Surat Thani Province.

Joining him will be Teera Anantaseriwidhya, a Chief Inspector at the Department of Local Administration in Bangkok, and Siwaporn Chuasawad.

Ms Siwaporn is currently a Chief Inspector at the Land Department in Bangkok.

Of the three who served as Phuket Vice Governors over the past year, V/Gov Prajiad Aksornthammakul retired on Sept 30.

I will be moving to Surin Province in Isan (Northeast Thailand) to take up the post of Vice Governor on Oct 10, current Phuket Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat told The Phuket News today (Oct 6).

Vice Governor Kajornkiet Rakpanitmanee will go to Nakhon Sri Thammarat to take up the same position there, he added.

Vice Governor Kajornkiet will be joining former Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada, who was transferred to the post of Governor of Nakhon Sri Thammarat on Oct 1. (See story here).

V/Gov Chokdee said he was looking forward to being a Vice Governor of Surin, and assured that he and V/Gov Kajornkiet would pass on all projects under their management for the new Vice Governors to take over.

For me, there are three main areas that I want them to continue to develop and organise: Surin Beach; transportation in Phuket Town; and vehicle rentals, he concluded.
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JetSuiteX is a public charter airline that flies out of San Jose's swanky private terminal on the opposite side of Terminals A and B. They already have two routes, one to Burbank and another to Bozeman, Montana. Their third route will be a nonstop to Carlsbad that launches on October 17th.The flight will depart Carlsbad at 7:45am and arrive in San Jose at 9:10am, with the return flight leaving San Jose at 5pm and arriving at 6:25pm. Fares are $499 each way, but hey you are basically flying on a private plane.For more info, head over to the JetSuiteX website. Source: SVBJ
Montreal, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

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A couple embrace in the remains of their home that was destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Baracoa, Cuba, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. The hurricane rolled across the sparsely populated tip of Cuba overnight, destroying dozens of homes in Cuba's easternmost city, Baracoa, leaving hundreds of others damaged. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
James Paver, left, Nick Kelly, third left with glasses, Thomas Whitworth, fourth left, Branden Stobbs, third right, of the nine Australian men arrested arrive at the Sepang Magistrate in Sepang, Malaysia, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Nine Australian friends who have spent four nights in Malaysian police detention will appear in a court for the first time on Thursday after stripping down to their briefs and drinking beer from shoes at the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix, an official said. (AP Photo/Joshua Paul)
`Not going to take any chances: Hurricane menaces Florida
In this Monday, Sept. 26, 2016 file photo Russian defense ministry spokesman Maj.-Gen. Igor Konashenkov speaks to the media in Moscow, Russia. Konashenkov strongly warned the United States against striking Syrian government forces and issued a thinly-veiled threat to use Russian air defense assets to protect them. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev, file)
Edie Simms, a 102-year-old woman from Missouri, checked off 'getting arrested' from her bucket list in a rather unique fashion.

By India Today Web Desk: Edie Simms, a 102-year-old woman from Missouri, checked off yet another thing from her bucket list: getting arrested.

And guess what? She was totally asking for it.

Simms was handcuffed and put in the back of a police car, all thanks to Five Star Senior Center, a multi-purpose day facility that provides services for senior citizens in south-St. Louis.

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Reportedly, Simms has made over 400 items for the residents at Five Star Senior Center.

The only thing she did not do was deliver them in person. She finally organised her trip to the Center, but yes, in a police car that escorted her.

Also Read: In pictures: How 'The Bucket list family' made their life a permanent vacation

"She was so excited that she can ride in a police car and she said, 'Do you think you could put those handcuffs on me?'" Michael Howard, executive director of the center, told ABC News.

"Keep going, dont ever stop whatever it is youre doing and spend some time doing community service," Simms, who turned 102 on September 25, told CNN, "because sometimes the person you reach out and touch, is the only person that they will talk to in a day."

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South India is turning to be a hotbed for Islamic State activities with the National Investigation Agency arresting another suspected terror operative from Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu on charges of joining and supporting the proscribed global terror organisation. Subahani Haja Moideen(31), hails from Thodupuzha in Idukki district of Kerala, has allegedly been trained in the heart of IS territory in Mosul in Iraq.

Moideen's arrest comes days after the NIA busted a suspected IS module of six youngsters from Tamil Nadu and Kerala who were allegedly planning to carry out attacks at various places in the country and were collecting explosives to carry out their nefarious designs. Earlier, a group of 21 people from Kerala, including six women and three children, were reported to have travelled to Afghanistan in May-June this year.

Moideen's arrest gains significance as he was brought to India last year with the help of official channels. However, he again got in touch with IS operatives and was planning terror strikes in the country. He was summoned to the NIA branch office in Kochi after the agency conducted searches in his house in Tirunelveli on October 3. Moideen is learnt to have confessed that he had gone to Iraq on April 8, 2015 to join the terror group. He had left his house without informing even his parents.

Preliminary examination by the NIA reveals that Moideen was radicalised and recruited by the IS handlers who were active on social media platforms. Official sources in the investigation agency said that he left India for Istanbul from Chennai on a tourist visa and then crossed over along with others, including people from Pakistan and Afghanistan, to the IS-held territory in Iraq.

He was taken to Mosul in Iraq, where he underwent detailed course in Shariya followed by combat training. On completion of the training, including the training in automated weapons, he was sent to the war zone in Mosul for security duties in IS-held territory, said an NIA officer. The officer said Moideen had confessed that he performed the security duties for almost two weeks and that he was being paid USD 100 per month as subsistence allowance by the IS along with common available accommodation and food without any additional charges.

The NIA said that Moideen could not withstand the violence and misery in Mosul and decided to leave the organisation. But when he conveyed his desire to leave the outfit, he was subjected to extreme torture .

For the first time, the NIA sleuths said that they got a first-hand account of the misery of foreign fighters in the IS heartland. Moideen revealed to them that the deserting foreign fighters used to be produced before an IS judge and then incarcerated at Raqqa in Syria. Later, for unknown reasons, he was released and he returned to Turkey along with five other foreign nationals.

Moideen then stayed illegally in Istanbul for two weeks before he approached the Indian consulate for returning to India. He also contacted his family which sent him money to return. Moideen returned to Mumbai on September 22, 2015 after the Turkish police gave him a clearance certificate and the Indian consulate provided an emergency certificate.

Thereafter, Moideen was staying with his wife in their house in Tirunelveli and he even managed to get a job as a salesman in a jewellery shop in Kadayanallur. However, he again established contact with IS handlers on the internet, and was planning to collect explosives and precursor chemicals from Sivakasi at their instance. Moideen is alleged to have travelled to Chennai, Coimbatore and other places to meet his local contacts and collect money and explosives for terror acts that were guided and motivated by the IS handlers.

Moideen was produced before the special NIA court in Ernakulam on Thursday for seeking police custody and further interrogation, said NIA officials.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Subahani Haja Moideen (31), originally hailing from Thodupuzha in Kerala, for joining and supporting the activities of the ISIS, the global terrorist organisation proscribed under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. His arrest comes just a few days after an NIA raid resulted in the arrests of six youths from Northern Kerala, which included an employee of a right-wing Malayalam newspaper.

According to the NIA, Subahani Haja Moideen, who resided in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, had gone to Iraq on 8 April 2015 to join ISIS and fight for the outfit. He had left home after telling his parents and wife that he was going to perform Umrah.

His house at Kadayanallur in Tirunelveli was searched on Monday and he was summoned to the NIA Branch Office, Kochi, for further examination. As per the preliminary examination, he was radicalised and recruited to ISIS by recruiters active over online social media platforms. He left India for Istanbul from Chennai on a visiting visa. "After reaching Istanbul, Moideen, along with others including people from Pakistan and Afghanistan, crossed over to ISIS held territory in Iraq. He was taken to Mosul in Iraq, where he underwent detailed course in Shariya followed by combat training. On completion of combat training including training in the automated weapons, he was sent to the war zone in Mosul for security duties in ISIS held territory, which he performed for almost two-weeks. He was paid USD 100 per month, as subsistence allowance by the ISIS, along with common available accommodation and food without any additional charges," NIA stated.

Going by the information provided by the NIA, he had revealed that he could not withstand the violence and war misery of Mosul and decided to leave the organisation. Two of his friends were charred alive before him in a shell attack. On conveying his decision to quit the outfit, he was imprisoned by ISIS at Mosul and was subjected to extreme torture. He along with other similar deserting foreign fighters, was produced before a judge of the ISIS, following which he was again incarcerated at Raqqa in Syria. Later, he was allowed to leave ISIS controlled territory and return to Turkey along with five other foreign nationals. Thereafter, he stayed illegally in Istanbul for about two weeks, before he approached the Indian Consulate for returning to India. He contacted his family and conveyed his decision to return to India, following which they sent him money for flight tickets. After Turkish Police issued a clearance certificate, he was issued an Emergency Certificate by Indian Consulate, over which he returned to India through Mumbai on September 22, 2015.

On his return to India, Subahani Haja went to his ancestral place in Kadaynallur, Tirunelveli, where he stayed with his wife. Later, he got a job as a salesman in a shop at Kadayanallur.

"However, he was planning to collect explosives and chemicals after getting in touch with ISIS again, travelling to various locations of Tamil Nadu to put the plan in motion," stated NIA.

Barely a week before, NIA had conducted raids and broken up a meeting of IS sympathisers in secluded Kanakamala region of Kannur district. They were collecting explosives and other offensive material for targeting public places and places of importance in South India.
It was a day of high drama in front of the high rise gates of the Apollo hospital in central Chennai, where Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa is undergoing treatment. While the AIADMK cadres and the Amma loyalists thronged the hospital premises, posh cars carrying senior specialists and renowned doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi wheeled into the swanky portico inside the hospital. Then came a series of visitorsfrom CPIs former state secretary D. Pandian to Naam Thamizhar party leader Seeman to Rajiv Gandhi assassination accused Perarivalans mother Arputhammal.

Our chief minister is recovering. I wish her good health. She needs rest for a few more days, Pandian, Seeman and Arputhammal spoke in the same tone to the media crowd camped outside the hospital. All the three claimed to have enquired about chief ministers health by meeting the doctors and the government officials camped inside the hospital.

For nearly two weeks, Jayalalithaa has been admitted to the hospital and the anxious party cadres and her loyalists are in a prayer mode. They throng the narrow Greams lane in front of Apollo to get a glimpse of their Amma. Everyday they sharpen their eyes and ears only to watch and hear anyone who call on their leader and brief the status of her health.

A team of experts from the AIIMS has arrived at the hospital to examine and treat the chief minister. The team comprises G.C. Khilnani, professor, Pulmonary Medicine, Anjan Trikha, professor, Anesthesiology and Nitish Naik, cardiologist, and would be available for consultations till Friday, said the hospital. The UK-based expert Dr Richard Beale, who treated Jayalalithaa on September 30, has also arrived in the city to assist the AIIMS team. According to a medical bulletin released on Thursday, the chief minister has been advised a longer stay in the hospital.

However, beyond all these, what caught the eyes of everyone at the gates of Apollo on Thursday was a new visitor who came calling Jayalalithaaher disowned foster son V.N. Sudhakaran. Clad in a white Chinese collared shirt and with a dash of vermillion on his forehead, he looked completely spiritual seated inside his white colour Innova. But Sudhakaran, popularly known as Chinna MGR (junior MGR), was denied entry into the hospital as party cadres showed their anger and tried to chase him off.

Despite an hour long wait, Sudhakaran didn't get permission and he had to return without meeting his former foster mother.

Sudhakaran, a nephew of Sasikala, was adopted by Jayalalithaa in 1995 and was betrothed to Satyavati, the grand daughter of legendary actor Shivaji Ganesan. The extravagant wedding in 1995 cost Jayalalithaas victory in the next year election and led to her arrest over corruption charges. The DA case is still hanging as a sword of Damocles over her head. Sudhakaran had almost distanced himself from Jayalalithaa after she disowned him on August 25, 1996the day he later termed as his independence day.

Even after Jayalalithaa disowned him, Sudhakaran was running the Chinna MGR narpani manram (Junior MGR fan club) and the then JJ TV. In 2001, after Jayalalithaa came back to power for the second time, he was arrested from his house at T Nagar in Chennai for allegedly possessing a packet of heroin and an unlicensed gun.

It has been more than a year since Sudharkaran met Jayalalithaa eye to eye and it has been more than two decades since he had a word with her. They met each other last time in 2014 at a trial court in Bengaluru where Justice John Michael D'Cunha pronounced the judgment in the disproportionate assets case .

According to Cunhas judgment, Rs 8 crore was spent for Sudhakarans wedding of which Rs 3 crore was spent by Jayalalithaa.
By PTI: Jaipur, Oct 6 (PTI) Another complaint has been filed against actor Om Puri at Gandhi Nagar police station here for allegedly disrespecting Indian soldiers during a television show.

The complaint was filed by Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) worker Shankar Gora yesterday, ASI Subhash Chand said.

The complainant alleged that the actor had insulted the Indian soldiers by passing derogatory remarks and that a case of sedition be filed against him, he said.

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We are looking into the complaint, Chand said, adding that no FIR has been registered in this regard.

A complaint was filed against the actor at Andheri police station in Maharashtra on October 4.

A TV channel had called Puri to join a debate about the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Associations (IMPPA) indefinite ban on Pakistani artistes from working in Indian projects after the Uri attack.

As per the complaint, the 65-year-old actor had said, "Who had asked soldiers to join the Army? Who told them to pick the weapons?" PTI CORR SRY

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The Telangana government has launched a global campaign to promote the flower festival of Bathukamma, which will be celebrated from September 30 to October 8. Apart from a website, the State Government has also set up a Facebook page and a YouTube link. Earlier, the government headed by K Chandrasekhar Rao had announced its intention to celebrate Maha Bathukamma with an eye on the world record.

Apart from all that, TRS MP Kavitha, who is also the daughter of the Chief Minister, has taken it a step further by announcing her intention to fly to nine countries to celebrate the festival. She has currently covered Dubai, London and in the US. After visiting Australia on October 8 and New Zealand on October 9, the MP plans to travel to Singapore, before visiting Bahrain, Kuwait and Denmark. Her schedule will come to a close on October 15. The MP wants to highlight the women-centric thoughts which are projected through the `Bathukamma' songs. Ironically, the songs talk of hardships and illnesses. While the flowers suggest resurgence and joy, the essence of the festival is a prayer to the mother goddess to protect children from untimely deaths. As in all folklore of the rural-agrarian communities, the festival is also about the relationship between earth, water and the human beings. When the flower stacks or Bathukammas are finally immersed in water, it is believed to have a cleansing effect.

"Bathukamma is about conserving the environment; it is about social-inclusion and economic development. The UN and the international community consider all these factors with great seriousness. But the people of Telangana already know it, as it is in our culture and passed on to us as a tradition," said Kavitha when she was in London, celebrating Bathukamma.

"We, the people of Telangana, are very proud people and we will continue this tradition. After decades of struggle, we have achieved this state. Now, it is the time to spread the message of Telangana not only in the country, but across the globe. If the cultural identity of our state is known to the public, it would be identified, respected and automatically, the opportunities for the state will grow," she added.

Telangana Jagriti, the banner under which TRS MP Kavitha is spreading the cultural identity of Telangana in foreign nations where there are a large number of Telangana denizens, has developed an app with festival songs and information about the event.

Over 10,000 women are expected to take part in the festivities on October 8, worshipping a giant 20-ft high Bathukamma decorated with flowers. One of the first announcements made by the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, as soon as the Telangana Rashtra Samithi(TRS) took over the administration of the 29th state of Telangana, was that Dusshera would be celebrated with great pomp and fervour.
US President Barack Obama warned on Wednesday that Hurricane Matthew could have a devastating effect as residents of southeastern US states were bracing themselves for one of the most powerful storms to hit the region in almost a decade.

"This is a serious storm," said Obama here after visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters. "Even if you don' t get the full force of the hurricane, we are still going to be seeing tropical force winds, the potential for storm surge, and all of that could have a devastating effect."

According to the US National Hurricane Centre, the deadly Category 3 hurricane was roughly 169 km, south of Long Island in the Bahamas on Wednesday morning.

"We anticipate that by tomorrow morning, it will already begin to have significant effect in Florida, and then has the potential to strengthen and move on up the coast during the course of the day," said Obama.

So far, the hurricane had claimed five lives in Haiti, and the UN Children's Fund warned on Tuesday that more than 4 million children could be exposed to the damage of the hurricane on the impoverished Caribbean island.

In preparation for the upcoming hurricane, U.S. state of South Carolina would start evacuate over 1 million residents from its coastal areas later on Wednesday and Governor Rick Scott of Florida had urged coastal residents to stock three days' worth of food, water and medicine.
Mr. Ron Lauder was among the many VIPs who arrived in Israel to attend the levaya of Shimon Peres on erev Shabbos. Lauder, who also serves as head of the World Jewish Congress, was approached by Israel Police during the state funeral in connection with an ongoing investigation against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. It is reported that while Mr. Lauder took exception to the poor timing, he agreed to be questioned in the future.

Channel 2 News reported that Lauder was taken aside during the funeral and he was less than pleased with the timing. It is added that Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit gave police the green light to act as they did. The sides agreed that a team of investigators will follow-up in NYC as they will fly there to speak with him further or alternatively, when he is next in Israel, he would respond to questions.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Apollo Hospital authorities have said they will punish the rumour-mongers who have mischievously been trying to trigger panic by sending out misleading information on Jayalalithaa's health status.

By Pramod Madhav: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo hospital in Chennai on 22nd September following high fever and dehydration.

The entire state is waiting eagerly for her health to improve. But the secrecy that has surrounded Jayalalithaa's life has made dissemination of information about her very complicated. This enabled rumour-mongers to almost succeed in triggering panic by using 'credible sources' to state that she has suffered a multiple-organ failure and entered a vegetative state.

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To many old-timers, this brought back memory of what happened when Tamil Nadu former Chief Minister MGR was sick and was undergoing treatment abroad.



RUMOURS ABUZZ ON JAYALALITHAA'S HEALTH



To rubbish all these rumours, Apollo hospital authorities began to release health bulletins on Jayalalithaa's health periodically. Although the information was basic, it satisfactorily dispelled rumours about her temporarily. And as rumours started resurfacing, Apollo started releasing its news bulletins again on Jayalalithaa's health.

Also read: Jayalalithaa health: Medical team from AIIMS to assist in treatment



But these bulletins didn't carry any concrete information about her health and the bulletins were not different from each other.

Each bulletin is worded identically -- "The honorable Chief Minister has responded well to the treatment". The honorable Chief Minister has been advised to stay at the hospital for a few days."

The coming out of six such bulletins with the same refrain has made the gravity of the health update on Jayalalithaa a joke among the people. People, however, are actually concerned about the CM's health.

FAKE LETTER



Recently, a fake news letter resembling Apollo's bulletin went viral on social media.

The letter, which bore the exact format of the Apollo letter head, can easily fool anyone who reads it in the first go. The letter dated 5th September stated, "The honorable Chief Minister was admitted due to honorable fever and honorable dehydration on 22nd September and is showing remarkable progress."

Also read: Supporters offer prayers for Jayalalithaa's recovery; DMK alleges there is no government in Tamil Nadu



Mischief-mongers have taken a dig at Amma medical shops and say, "Medicines from honorable Chief Minister's Amma medical were imported to Apollo and are being administered to the honorable Chief Minister, which is the reason for her remarkable progress."

Earlier, Apollo authorities mentioned that Jayalalithaa was under close observation. The letter mockingly states, "The honorable Chief Minister is being closely monitored by a team of doctors with powerful telescopes 24?7." Finally, making fun of the inexplicably long hospitalisation of Jayalalithaa at Apollo without any clarity on her health status, the letter reads, "As we are expecting a hefty bill from the Tamil Nadu government, we advised further stay in the hospital for treatment, God only knows for what".

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APOLLO AUTHORITIES MIFFED

Although the letter did get some people laughing in the social media, as many couldn't differentiate it from the Apollo health bulletin immediately, it certainly did not go down well with Apollo Hospital authorities.

Also read: Jayalalithaa health: High Court asks Tamil Nadu to release more info because people need to know



The authorities are in no mood to entertain such acts of mischief and said that they were closely monitoring social networking sites. They said miscreants and mischief-mongers would be definitely caught and punished.

Currently, 3 AIIMS doctors have been flown down by Apollo Hospitals. Pulmonologist Dr GC Khilnani, cardiologist Dr Nitish Nair and Dr Anja Trikha are reportedly to be consulted on the chief minister's treatment.

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The man at the heart of the George Washington Bridge lane-closing case concluded eight days of testimony Wednesday by reiterating that a goal in the aftermath of the scandal was to insulate New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies office from blame.

David Wildstein, the one person to plead guilty in the alleged political retaliation plot by Christie loyalists against the mayor of the town that abuts the bridge, struck a contrite pose as he described first telling a bridge authority police official not to lie about the plot then reversing field.

I was in a bad place. I was feeling sorry for myself, Wildstein said during questioning by defense lawyers. The official, Paul Nunziato, said in December 2013 the lane closures near the bridge, which caused massive gridlock for four days in the town of Fort Lee, were part of a traffic study suggested by police.

The overriding goal in the months following the September 2013 closures, Wildstein said, was to keep Christies office out of any public discussions.

That goal, he said, guided the preparation for testimony in November 2013 to a New Jersey legislative committee by Bill Baroni, one of two defendants Wildstein testified against in the current trial. Baroni told that committee the gridlock was due to a traffic study that had been poorly communicated to local officials and motorists.

Tying Christie or his staffers to the burgeoning scandal was never going to happen, Wildstein told jurors Wednesday. There would be no mention of the governors office, the governors office would be insulated.

Baroni was Christies top appointee to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the bridge. His co-defendant, Bridget Kelly, was Christies deputy chief of staff and headed an office responsible for outreach to county and municipal officials.

Testimony by Wildstein and others has portrayed Kellys office as keeping a list of Democratic mayors targeted for endorsing the re-election of Christie, a Republican, in 2013. Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich was one of those mayors, and the government contends Kelly and Baroni schemed with Wildstein in August 2013 to create gridlock in Fort Lee after Sokolich declined to endorse Christie.

Kelly and Baroni face charges including conspiracy, fraud and deprivation of civil rights. The most serious charge, wire fraud conspiracy, carries a 20-year maximum prison sentence.

They contend the scheme was conceived and executed by Wildstein, a career political operative and blogger their attorneys have characterized as Christies hatchet man at the Port Authority, a powerful bistate agency that runs bridges, tunnels, ports, airports and the World Trade Center.

Christie wasnt charged and has denied any involvement in the scheme or its cover-up. Wildstein testified several members in the governors inner circle knew about the plot beforehand or soon after, and that Christie himself was told about the traffic jams on Sept. 11, 2013, on the third day of the lane closures.

Christie reiterated last week he had no knowledge prior to or during these lane realignments.

(AP)
A survey released Wednesday found that Hillary Clinton is better liked than Donald Trump in China, where the U.S. presidential election  and the criticisms both candidates have made of Chinese policy  have generated intense attention.

Clinton was seen favorably by 37 percent of respondents in a survey in mainland China conducted by the Washington, D.C.-based Pew Research Center, while just 22 percent saw Trump favorably. At the same time, 35 percent of respondents saw Clinton unfavorably, while 40 percent had an unfavorable impression of Trump.

The survey found that Chinese interest in America comes with strong skepticism. More than 80 percent of respondents said they considered the U.S. to be a threat to China.

While the Pew survey has no bearing on the U.S. election, it offers a rare glimpse of the opinions of ordinary Chinese, whose views can be hard to discern due to Chinas censorship of the media and social media channels. State-sanctioned newspapers often publish nationalistic commentaries that deride American policies, but the survey suggests the public has a more nuanced opinion of the U.S.

President Barack Obama was seen favorably by 52 percent of respondents, up from 31 percent in a similar survey in 2013 but still below 62 percent shortly after he took office in 2009.

The next president will have to work with China on several important fronts. On issues like climate change, both countries have found some common ground and jointly announced last month that they would join an international agreement to cut carbon emissions. On others, like the South China Sea and North Koreas nuclear weapons program, Beijing and Washington are deeply divided.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV provides selective and largely sporadic coverage of the U.S. presidential election. But ever-growing numbers of Chinese tourists, immigrants and students are traveling to the U.S. and seeking information about the country on the internet. Pirated versions of American political dramas such as Netflixs House of Cards are widely watched in China. Among the reported fans of House of Cards is Wang Qishan, a member of Chinas highest decision-making body, the Politburo standing committee.

Pews survey was conducted between April 6 and May 8 and included in-person interviews with more than 3,100 Chinese. Pew said it had a margin of error of 3.7 percentage points. Participants were asked how much confidence they had in Obama, Clinton and Trump to do the right thing regarding world affairs.

Clinton has a longer history of engagement with China than Trump, dating back more than two decades to her famous 1995 speech in Beijing in which the then-first lady declared that human rights are womens rights, and womens rights are human rights. As secretary of state, Clinton oversaw the American pivot to the Pacific, a hallmark of Obamas foreign policy thats been derided by China.

Trump has made some of his signature clothing line in China and boasted during the campaign of his dealings with Chinese businessmen. But he has repeatedly blamed China for the loss of American jobs and accused China of cheating at global trade. His campaign website says he would use every lawful presidential power to punish China if it does not stop its illegal activities, including its theft of American trade secrets.

While Chinese leaders have not publicly indicated their preference, the state-run Global Times newspaper, published by the Communist Party, has ripped both candidates, though Trump has generally received tougher criticism than Clinton. A September commentary on the first U.S. presidential debate called Trump seemingly unprepared and ill-informed, but dismissed Clinton for her poor performance as secretary of state, let alone her credibility issues.

China has also lashed out at the Republican Party over its criticisms of Beijing, accusing it of leveling groundless accusations and meddling in Chinas internal affairs.

Zhang Ming, a political science professor at Beijings Renmin University who was not involved in the Pew survey, said hes found opinions vary widely on the two candidates, depending in large part on how people feel about China itself.

Some Chinese agree with government policies, so they hope the candidate who wins the election will be friendly toward China, Zhang said. Some people may want the new president to interfere in some issues in China if they disagree with government policy.

(AP)
Israel Air Force Major Ohad Cohen Nov ZL, 34, was the pilot killed while trying to land his F-16a after returning from a mission from Gaza. It was reported that he and his navigator had to eject from the plane and while the navigator is okay, Major Ohad was killed.

IAF Commander Amir Eshel has ordered a probe into the mishap. At present, it is being explained that the pilot fired a rocket at his objective in Gaza in retaliation for rocket fire into Sderot earlier in the day. He was returning to base with rockets still loaded to the plane, causing an imbalance. This led to difficulties and complications when trying to land the plane after a fire erupted, leading to the fatal outcome. The cause of the blaze on the plane is under investigation. It is pointed out that Major Cohen Nov was a very experienced and accomplished pilot. This past week, he assumed his new assignment as deputy squadron commander.

A fire broke out in the plane as he was preparing to land and the navigator, who was seated behind him, ejected safely. Ohad apparently delayed his exit, trying to save the plane, and was killed as a result as the plane crashed just dozens of meters from base.

Major Cohen Nov is survived by his pregnant wife Shachar and their young daughter, his parents and two sisters. Levaya details to be announced.

  

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo: IDF Spokesman Unit)
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times

A young woman had some extra heart tissue which caused an irregular heartbeat due to the extra electric activity. She had ablation surgery, and she is fine now. Do her parents have to disclose the surgery to a prospective shidduch?

Another young woman is partially deaf in one ear. Must her parents disclose?

A third young lady has alternating esotropia  she can only see out of one eye at a time. She had Strabismus surgery but it did not allow for the mental fusing together of her eyesight. Must this be disclosed?

A young man was the product of an intermarriage  his father was a gentile. He is also an accomplished Talmid Chochom. Must his situation be revealed?

If disclosure is halachically required, what is the time element? Should it be done before the first date? Also, do they tell the Shadchan, the parents, or just the guy?

IS SHIDDUCHIM BETTER OR WORSE THAN SALES?

In regard to the sale of an item, the halacha is quite clear. All negative information must be disclosed when selling an item if most people would consider it a possible deal-breaker (See Choshen Mishpat 232:3-7). Does the same hold true for shidduchim? In other words, is Shidduchim more stringent or less stringent than the laws of Choshen Mishpat?

A DEBATE

The Steipler Gaon ztl, father of Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, in his Sefer Kehilas Yaakov on Yevamos (Siman 44) writes that Shidduchim are different than sales of items. The sages were more lenient in order to allow people who would ordinarily have a tougher time to get married. He cites a Gemorah in Yevamos where Rabbi Yehudah advises someone to go to a different town where they do not know his lineage and marry there. The Steipler does add that one should not rely on this halacha lmaaseh.

There are some complications with the proof that the Steipler cites, because both townspeople erroneously believed that having a gentile father created a mamzeirus illegitimacy, when, in fact, it does not.

Regardless, the Chsam Sofer cites this Gemorah (Responsa EH Vol. II #125) as a proof that one can temporarily suppress information in order to help along that person to get married and fulfill the Mitzvah of Pru urvu. The indication of the Kehilas Yaakov is that the information can be obscured even longer  indefinitely.

However, not everyone is in agreement with this position.

Rav Malkiel Tanenbaum ztl (1847-1910) author of the Divrei Malkiel (Volume III #90), holds a position diametrically opposed to that of the Steipler. The Divrei Malkiel holds that even if the majority of people would not care about the information  one must be concerned that the potential shidduch is from the minority of people that would be concerned. This is markedly different than the halacha cited in Choshen Mishpat chapter 232.

IF PEOPLE GENERALLY ASK

The Steipler has another qualification. He states that according to Tosfos (Chullin 94a Inhu) if it is an issue that is generally inquired about  then there is no obligation to reveal. However, if it is something that people do not generally inquire about then one would be obligated to reveal. Matter relating to yichus (genealogy) are generally looked into. It would seem that health issues are also inquired of rather regularly.

SO WHO DO WE RULE LIKE?

Clearly, in regard to shidduchim, there are matters that should definitely be revealed.

Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl writes (Igros Moshe E.H. IV 73:2) that a 25-year-old young man who has Marfan Syndrome is obligated to reveal it to his future spouse. (Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder of connective tissue, where those who have the syndrome tend to be tall, and thin, with long arms, legs, fingers and toes. They typically have flexible joints and scoliosis. The most serious complications involve the heart and aorta with an increased risk of mitral valve prolapse and aortic aneurysm. Other commonly affected areas include the lungs, eyes, bones, and the covering of the spinal cord.)

Rav Shmuel Vosner (Sheivet HaLevi Volume VI #205) indicates the same position in a responsum concerning a single girl suffering from a dermatological disorder where she had lost all her hair and wears a sheitel.

Interestingly enough, Rav Waldenberg, the Tzitz Eliezer (Vol. XIII #81:2), writes that a doctor has an obligation to reveal information that will do damage to another party, notwithstanding issues of legal and professional obligations of confidentiality.

Rav Elyashiv (Kovetz Teshuvos Vol. I #159) rules in one case that even if the information of improper pre-marital activity would never be known otherwise, there is still an obligation to reveal it. In regard to other matters, however, the debate between the Divrei Malkiel and the Steipler has not been fully resolved. Anyone with this question must consult with his own Posaik or qualified Rav.

It is this authors experience, however, that it is always a good idea to be as forthcoming as possible, and rather have bitachon that ones bashert will eventually come along.

REREADING THE GEMORAH IN YEVAMOS

How would the Poskim who rule that one must inform understand the Gemorah in Yevamos cited by the Steipler Gaon? Perhaps the advice given was to suppress the information to the family members of the prospective bride, but actually to inform the bride herself. Indeed, one contemporary Posaik actually provides such a reading of the Gemorah.

GOOD ADVICE OR OBLIGATION?

Dayan Yitzchak Weiss, ztl, the rav of the Eida Chareidis in Yerushalayim, in his Minchas Yitzchak (7:93) cites the Sefer Chassidim (#507) regarding an issue having to do with safrus. The Sefer Chassidim writes that a person needing to get married should not cover up a serious malady among his household that, if it were to be revealed, would cause the other party to not marry them. Dayan Weiss cites this Sefer Chasidim as authoritative, and it would seem that this is an obligationnot merely good advice.

The Sefer Chassidim, as a general rule, often discusses matters beyond halacha. It may therefore be possible to view the Sefer Chassidim quoted above by Dayan Weiss as merely good advice, but the manner in which Rav Moshe, Rav Waldenberg, and Rav Vosner discuss the obligation seems to indicate that the issue lies beyond mere good advice, but is a full blown obligation.

SOURCE OF OBLIGATION

From where, then would this obligation stem? There may actually be four or more mitzvos involved here:

1. Veahavta lereiacha kamocha. Love thy neighbor as thyself;

2. Lo saamod al dam reiacha. Do not stand idly by thy brothers blood;

3. Hashavas aveidah. Returning a lost item to its owner. This can be found in the Pischei Teshuvah in Orech Chaim (Chapter 156);

4. Lo sonu ish es amiso (Vayikra 25:17)  one shall not aggrieve his fellow, and you shall fear your G-d, for I am Hashem your G-d. See the Gemorah in Bava Metziah 58b and also Sefer Hamitzvos 251 and Sefer Hachinuch 338. The

application here to shidduchim is mentioned in the responsa of Rabbi Feinstein ztl.

This, of course, is a biblical imperative. Indeed, Rav Waldenberg (Tzitz Eliezer Vol. XVI #4:1) points out that there is a strong obligation to warn a woman about a man who is dating her and planning not to reveal information. The Tzitz Eliezer indicates that the obligation exists even if it is not a life-threatening illness. The obligation exists on anyone who is aware of it  not just the person who is asked.

NOT OVER-REACTING

However, we must keep something very important in mind. We must realize that people tend to overreact when they hear information that is completely a non-issue. Example: a young man had a contusion in his right ileus when he was in ninth grade. This can cause a potential shidduch to be scared off. However, this actually translates to a bruise on his thigh.

The point is that some people can over-react to anything. That being the true, a good case can be made to suppress harmless and inconsequential information.

CONDITIONS

Rav Yitzchok Steinberg, in the sefer Bracha LAvraham (p.345), points out that when one does reveal this information, one must adhere to all of the five conditions set forth in Sefer Chofetz Chaim (Volume II Klal 9:2). They are: 1] Not to decide that it is necessarily negative per se 2] not to exaggerate the matter at all 3] to only have positive intentions (ltoeles) and not through hate 4] if the positive can be accomplished without having to convey the information to avoid conveying it, and 5] that the person not suffer an actual loss as a consequence but only the removal of a gain.

TIMING

When information must be revealed, the Poskim have ruled that it need not be disclosed before the first date or even after the first date. Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl (Igros Moshe OC Vol. IV #118) rules that a certain type of negative information need not be revealed on the first date, and only must be revealed when he has shown indications that he wishes to marry her.

Other Poskim have stated that one can withhold the information until the third or the fourth date, depending upon how far things have progressed. As discussed above, however, each person should consult with his or her own Posaik or Rav. Articles and books should not be relied upon for such sensitive matters.

NOT TELLING THE SHADCHAN

Rav Dovid Cohen Shlita once told this author that where the situation warrants that sensitive or negative information be disclosed  it should never be disclosed to the Shadchan. Once the Shadchan knows  the information gets out quickly and a shidduch is much more difficult, near impossible, to be made.

OUR FIRST FOUR QUESTIONS

Now lets get back to our first four questions. The question about the young woman who was deaf in one ear was posed to Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach ztl. He responded that it need not be disclosed, and he added that he himself was deaf in one ear and only became aware of it several years after he got married. The alternating esotropia would have the same status. As far as the heart ablation, Poskim in Eretz Yisroel [Rav Vosner ztl and Rav Nissin Karelitz] ruled that the information does not need to be disclosed if the young lady is not taking medication. If medication is being taken, however, it needs to be revealed. Regarding the young man whose father was a gentile, this should be revealed as well, but after the third or fourth date.



The author can be reached at [email protected]
PA (Palestinian Authority) leader Mahmoud Abbas was taken to a Ramallah hospital on Thursday morning 4 Tishrei after complaining of not feeling well. A Palestinian doctor says Abbas has undergone a cardiac catheterization and all results were normal.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Batrawi, a heart specialist who treated Abbas, said Abbas went through a number of routine tests, including the catheterization on Thursday.

He says Abbas arteries looked healthy and that Abbas will be discharged from the hospital shortly.

A spokesman from the PA leaders office stated that he did undergo testing, with a PA news agency quoting a doctor saying his overall health is excellent.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Police, border police and IDF troops arrested seven minors, residents of the el-Eida refugee camp under PA (Palestinian Authority) rule. The suspects in custody are believed to have perpetrated firebomb and pipe bomb attacks at Kever Rochel during recent months.

The suspects in custody range in age from 16  17.5-years-old, all residents of the refugee camp. They learned how to assemble bombs on the internet and bought the ingredients in stores in PA areas, assembled the makeshift explosives and used them at Kever Rochel on Friday afternoons. In many of the alleged attacks, they also targeted mispallalim with rocks.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Gov. Nathan Deal has ordered mandatory evacuations along the entire Georgia coast as Hurricane Matthew approaches.

Deal said Thursday that everyone east of Interstate 95 should flee Georgias six coastal counties  Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh, Glynn and Camden. Those counties have a combined population of more than 522,000 people.

The governor had asked coastal residents to evacuate on a voluntary basis Wednesday. He called for mandatory evacuations as the National Hurricane Center placed all 100 miles of coastal Georgia under a hurricane warning Thursday.

Officials say powerful winds and heavy rains from Matthew could begin to arrive in coastal Georgia late Thursday. The storm is forecast to pass Saturday.

The Georgia coast hasnt seen a hurricane evacuation since a near-miss with Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

Hurricane Matthew has strengthened to a catastrophic Category 4 storm as it barrels toward the heavily populated coast of Florida.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storms maximum sustained winds had strengthened to 140 mph as of late Thursday morning and were expected to maintain their strength as the storm approaches the Florida coast.

Hurricane conditions were also still affecting the Bahamas. The storm was expected to start affecting Florida by early afternoon Thursday.

(AP)
By PTI: Sambhal (UP), Oct 6 (PTI) Mounting a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Azam Khan today asked him to "burn Ravana of Gujarat" ahead of his visit to Lucknow to attend the historic Aishbagh Ramlila on Dussehra next week.

"I want to request him that there is no need to burn Ravana in Lucknow. The capital of India is not Lucknow but New Delhi and after 1947 if massacre of humanity was done somewhere it was in Gujarat. If he (Modi) wants to burn Ravana, he should burn Ravana of Gujarat," he told a meeting here.

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"After Gujarat riots, BJP and RSS men said they had also got votes from Muslim localities. But the reality is that they (BJP and RSS) threatened Muslims about what they had done (during riots) to get their votes," he said.

Modi is scheduled to attend the historic Aishbagh Ramlila in Lucknow on Dussehra next week, seen as yet another attempt to connect to the people of poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

On surgical strikes, Khan said that leaders like Arvind Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi and Sanjay Nirupam could not trust Modi due to "his lies" to people.

"They (these leaders) are now termed as traitors by RSS. I am happy that till now only I was in this category and was asked to go to Pakistan. Now they are above me in the list (of traitors)," Khan said.

Mentioning Asaduddin Owaisi, who is trying to make inroads in UP, the SP leader said he "challenged" him to get one legislator elected from the state. PTI CORR ABN AJR ZMN AJR

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Landlords campaigning against the hacking back of mortgage tax relief were dealt a bitter blow today.

The Administrative Court did not grant permission to proceed with a full judicial review hearing of the legislation in the case led by Cherie Blair, CBE and QC of Omnia Strategy LLP, representing co-claimants Steve Bolton and Chris Cooper.

Mrs Blair, the wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, has amassed an estimated 25million property empire, alongside her husband and children.

Cherie Blair: The wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair took up the case - and says the result is 'disappointing'

The pair of landlords represented by Mrs Blair have raised 180,000 to fight the changes through crowdfunding their campaign - dubbed 'Axe the tenant tax' - since it launched in January

The tax relief change will curb the amount of mortgage interest landlords can offset against tax on their property investments and could mean buying and renting out property is no longer viable for some.

Its introduction in April 2017 will arrive a year after the stamp duty hike that added a 3 per cent surcharge to the tax on purchasing buy-to-lets and second homes.

Some experts believe that as a result of the moves, brought in by former Chancellor George Osborne, rents could rise or tenants could be evicted as landlords look to sell before they are phased in.

According to Treasury forecasts, the tax relief changes will net almost 1billion a year by 2021.

Currently, landlords can claim tax relief on monthly interest repayments at the top level of tax they pay, up to 45 per cent.

Under the new system, falling under section 24 of the Finance Act 2015, they will instead get a 20 per cent tax credit for mortgage interest. This means that they will effectively pay tax on their rental revenue rather than profit after mortgage costs.

The change will be phased in from April next year.

George Osborne: The former Chancellor announced the changes in the summer of 2015

Mrs Blair said: 'The Court's decision that our clients' legal challenge should not proceed is very disappointing. Steve and Chris, and many others, have dedicated a lot of time and energy into putting forward the best case possible.

'We know the case has been supported and followed with interest by a large number of individual landlords. Many of these landlords now face challenging times ahead.

'From the outset, the legal process was just one aspect of our clients' fight against this unfair measure.

'Together with their impressive and growing coalition, they will continue to engage with the Government, and the legal team wishes them every success.'

In a joint statement, Mr Bolton and Mr Cooper said: 'We are outraged by the Court's decision today. It has completely missed the opportunity to protect tenants, landlords and the housing market from the disastrous consequences of Section 24.

'From April 2017 the negative impact of this previously failed tax experiment from Ireland, where rents increased by 50 per cent over a three year period, will be felt far and wide.

'Sadly it will be tenants who are hit hardest.'

The pair say that now the legal route has closed, they will be focussing their attention on taking the case 'right to the heart of government.'

They added: 'We will be launching a range of lobbying, media and grass-roots activism measures over the coming days and weeks.

'We will also be encouraging all of our landlords to write to their tenants if they have to increase their rents or sell up, clearly explaining that it is this Conservative tax policy that has forced them into this situation.'
Low-cost airline EasyJet has revealed that its profits have been damaged by the plunging pound after the UK voted to leave the European Union.

The Luton based carrier said the pound - which this week hit fresh 31-year lows against the US dollar - would cost it 90million in its full-year profits.

Overall EasyJet warned it will be left nursing at least 125million in lost profit once the terror attacks in Europe, Egypt and Tunisia as well as air traffic control strikes in France and political turmoil in Turkey were factored in.

Hard landing: EasyJet is set for its first drop in annual profit since 2009 after a tough year

For the year ending September 30 it has now penciled in profits of 490million and 495million - a sharp decline on the 686million posted in 2015.

This morning its shares have fallen 5 per cent, or 57.5p at 945.5p - meaning its stock market value has lost 35 per cent since the Brexit vote.

Its official full year results will be released on November 15.

EasyJet boss Carolyn McCall said: 'We have been disproportionately affected by extraordinary events this year.'

She added: 'The current environment is tough for all airlines, but history shows that at times like this the strongest airlines become stronger. That is why we will continue to invest for the long-term success of the business.'

Analyst said the statement showed the airline has fallen further behind its rival Ryanair - although the Irish carrier has had its own Brexit troubles.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said last month he intends to pivot business away from the UK in the next 18 months, as the carrier waits to see the outworking of Brexit.

In a bid to spur more people to fly post Brexit both Ryanair and EasyJet have slashed fares.

War: Ryanair and EasyJet have been slashing prices in order to encourage flyers post Brexit

EasyJet has cut it fares by around 9 per cent year-on-year, while Ryanair believes prices could fall by 12 per cent over the six months between September and March.

There has been evidence the strategy worked as Easyjet flew a record 22 million passengers in the three months to 30 September.

But its load factor - a measure of how well it fills it planes - dropped from to 91.1 per cent in September from 93.1 per cent a year earlier.

Brexit aside, the travel industry has also been hit hard by a string of terrorist attacks in Belgium and France as well as Tunisia, while airlines are still not flying to Egyptian resort Sharm el Sheikh after a Russian aircraft crashed soon after take-off.

Tour operators and airlines also had to switch away from once popular sun-seeker destination Turkey after an attempted coup earlier this year.

There have been fears over the future of UK airline Monarch as it rushes to secure investment, while Low Cost Holidays collapsed earlier this year, affecting more than 140,000 customers.

Mike van Dulken, head of research at Accendo Markets, said: 'Investors are taking flight following a FY 2016 profits warning pinned on a weak GBP hindering UK holidaymakers, terror events denting bookings, flight disruption due to strikes across Europe and a still uncertain economic outlook.'

George Salmon, analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, added: 'Weaker sterling is making going abroad less affordable for the average Brit, while the rising threat of terrorism is putting customers off too.
Flotation activity in London looked to be firmly back on track today after Misys revealed plans to return to the stock market in what is set to be the biggest UK listing this year.

The group, which provides software to banks and financial groups worldwide, is planning to float in early November, just four years after it was taken private by Vista Equity Partners in a 1.3billion deal.

Misys is hoping to raise around 500million and it is thought the group could be valued as high as 5.5billion.

Misys provides software to banks and financial groups worldwide.

Chief executive Nadeem Syed said the timing was right to return to the market, adding that the UK is still 'open for business' despite uncertainties over Brexit negotiations.

Misys is headquartered in the UK, but has around 2,000 business customers worldwide.

After a slowdown in UK stock market listings in the third quarter - six IPOs compared to 13 in the previous quarter - the Misys announcement adds to a growing list of flotations in recent months as firms capitalise on the strength of the equity markets since the Brexit vote.

The FTSE 100 Index this week smashed through the 7,000 mark for the first time since mid-2015.

Accountancy giant EY has said that higher valuations and lower volatility could spark a pick-up in IPO activity going forward, adding that a return to the record levels of 2014 'may be a stretch', but the number of IPOs throughout 2017 could surpass the 2015 total.

Pure Gym, waste management firm Biffa and GoCompare have recently announced plans to join the stock market, and Hollywood Bowl recently listed.

Reports suggest that firms including O2, Premier Asset Management, and the UK arm of doughnut company Krispy Kreme are exploring UK flotations.

Insurance comparison website GoCompare.com has announced plans to float as the London stock market picks up.

Mr Syed told the Press Association Brexit was 'not expected to be a factor for us' and London would remain a 'substantial hub from a financial services perspective'.

He added: 'We provide mission critical solutions to our customers and Brexit doesn't change the need to adapt to regulation and serve our customers better.

'This is our back yard and we believe the UK is still open for business.'

The firm's IPO comes after a major transformation since its buy-out in 2012, when the group was merged with Turaz, the former treasury and risk management software division of media group and financial information provider Thomson Reuters.

Mr Syed, who joined Misys in 2012 to lead the overhaul, said the group is now nearly three times as profitable.

He said: 'I believe that the return to public markets as a larger, more innovative and more effective company is a logical step in our evolution.'

The company, which has more than 4,600 employees, traces its roots back to 1979 when it was founded as a computer systems supplier to UK insurance brokers.

Its product range includes software to create consumer banking apps and products for analysing banks' capital management to ensure they comply with regulations.

Even the Misys float however would be dwarfed by that of mobile phone network O2, if reports that it is planning to float are correct.

The telecoms giant is said to be preparing for an initial public offering that values it at 10.3billion before the end of the year or early 2017.

The IPO will see investors offered a minority stake in the company, in a bid by Spanish owner Telefonica to reduce its heavy debt burden. It had sought to sell O2 for 10.3billion to Hutchison, the owner of rival mobile network Three last year, but the deal was blocked by EU regulators.

The UKs Ofcom and Competition and Markets Authority also claimed the merger would have harmed competition and consumer choice. It is understood it will not be a full retail offer, but O2 customers will likely be offered to buy shares.

Scott McCubbin, EY's IPO leader for UK and Ireland, said: 'Following the markets' strong recovery and the added interest of US and Asian investors looking to take advantage of the weak pound, we now expect a number of firms to dust off their IPO plans.'
Billions of pounds are pouring into fledgeling tech firms

Walk round the streets of many of Britain's biggest towns and cities in the evening and you'll see queues of young people waiting outside curry houses and pizzerias.

But they are not waiting to eat. Instead, these are couriers for the firm Deliveroo  the takeaway delivery service.

Its bikes and mopeds toting black boxes with a picture of a kangaroo have become a regular sight as the firm has soared in popularity.

The most successful restaurants are building mobile kitchens in car parks and yards to cope with demand.

At its most recent valuation, Deliveroo was worth close to 786million  more than pub chain JD Wetherspoon  making it the UK's second-biggest food business after McDonald's.

Yet Deliveroo doesn't make any food. Its success is all down to the technology developed by its founder William Shu. Deliveroo is essentially a mobile phone app that connects customers with local eateries.

Aside from tech staff, its only employees are the delivery people who pick up food from restaurants and take it to the customer's door.

Trendy technology firms such as Deliveroo are commanding vast sums of money from investors hoping to cash in on the latest start-up success.

They're looking for the success of firms such as Facebook, which was worth more than 275billion at the last estimate  leaving founder Mark Zuckerberg 43.3billion richer.

But tech stocks can be incredibly volatile. Yesterday Twitter sunk 20 per cent after Disney and Google pulled out of a potential takeover bid.

Billions of pounds are pouring into fledgeling tech firms. But with entrepreneurs promising vast returns to venture capitalists and investors, it begs the question  are we in another tech bubble?

Before the millennium the internet prompted a rapid rise in website businesses. But then in 2000 investors saw millions wiped off the value of their stock almost overnight.

Fortunes were lost, companies folded and the economy stepped into a mudslide that eventually led to a recession.

With so many tech firms starting up, there are some similarities. Investors have been keen to pump money into technology businesses and the number of tech unicorns  start-ups with a valuation of at least $1billion (790million)  has reached more than 150.

Even Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has warned investors to be more discriminating when investing in technology start-ups. He said he would bet on the number of unicorns falling over the next two years.

Gates said: 'It never should be a case of closing your eyes and saying 'Oh, it's a tech company, just throw money at it'. That strategy worked for about two years, now you actually have to open your eyes and look at the company.'

In 2015, Shazam, which allows users to discover the name of any song by playing it to a mobile phone app  raised more than 32million.

At its most recent valuation, Deliveroo - the takeaway delivery service- was worth close to 786m

That was on top of more than 75m in a previous round  and before the UK-based company had even made a profit

Its latest accounts reveal the company made a loss of 16.7million for the year ending December 2015.

And its is not alone in struggling to turn a profit. When Twitter launched onto the stock market in 2013, shares ended their first day trading at $44.95.

The stock initially flew. But it has struggled to achieve financial success, shares are now around $20 and it is likely to be taken back into private ownership.

Since the last bubble, technology has moved on. Most people now have a smart phone, internet speeds are faster than ever and computer technology has become essential for everyday life. And start-ups have moved in to take advantage of this.

In its latest fundraising, taxi app Uber raised 2.8billion from a Saudi investor, valuing the company at 49.2billion. Every person with a smartphone can use the app from wherever they are.

In its latest fundraising, taxi app Uber raised 2.75bn from a Saudi investor

Paraag Amin, technology analyst at Peel Hunt, said: 'Fifteen years ago the world wasn't ready for technology.

'We didn't have the devices and hardware we have today. Internet was reserved for rich people and it was still a closed network. People still used dial-up or low-speed connections.

'We are in a different place from a technology standpoint. The world is ready for it.'

Success stories in the UK are not hard to find. Micro Focus, which helps companies with computer servers and makes 154.6million profit on revenues of 984.8million, recently leapt into the FTSE 100.

Cambridge-based ARM Holdings is another. Once the jewel in Britain's technology crown, it was sold to Japan's SoftBank for 24billion earlier this year.

And Premier Farnell, which makes the Raspberry Pi experimental computer, is in the process of being sold to a US firm for 792million.

Jeremy Podger, portfolio manager of Fidelity Global Special Situations Fund, said: 'If we are in a bubble, it is far less pronounced than the tech bubble of 2000.

'I well remember the puzzling valuations of technology stocks back then. We all knew that the internet was just taking off and that this would cause amazing things to happen, but we weren't sure exactly what or who would succeed.'

If the bubble does burst, it is unlikely to be anywhere near as serious as the dot-com crash of 2000.
The collapse allegedly occurred due to cheap and substandard materials being used in the construction.

By Rohini Swamy: A five-storey under construction residential building collapsed in Outer Ring Road area, leaving two people dead and three others trapped under the debris.

18 people were working on the construction site. Some of the workers were rescued and immediately rushed to Sakra World Hospital.

Hospital-wide disaster response was activated as soon as it was known that an external disaster had taken place. A field medical team was also constituted and sent to the incident site to support the rescue operations.

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As the rescue operation is ongoing and more victims are being evacuated, various specialty doctors' operation theatres and ICUs are being kept on standby till the disaster all clear is given by the rescue agencies.

The collapse was allegedly due to substandard materials being used in the construction.

Also read: Another building collapses in Bhiwandi, 2 killed and 1 injured



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Deutsche Bank is slashing another 1,000 jobs in Germany

Deutsche Bank is slashing another 1,000 jobs in Germany as the beleaguered lender battles to convince investors it has a solid future.

The reduction is on top of 3,000 German job losses announced in June.

Almost half of the latest cuts will hit the companys head operating office and the rest will be spread over several other departments.

It follows wild swings in Deutsches share price due to market angst over a 10.8billion bill demanded by US authorities.

Bosses have insisted this charge, for selling toxic mortgage debt in the run-up to the financial crisis, will be negotiated down in talks.

But since the bank is worth just 14.9billion, there are fears over its ability to pay.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has reportedly ruled out a taxpayer rescue if Deutsche gets into serious difficulties.
Energy firms caught traders' attention yesterday as the Government threw its weight behind the British shale revolution.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid gave Cuadrilla approval to frack at its site in Preston New Road, Lancashire. The controversial technique might not be loved by campaigners, who fear it can cause earthquakes, but it was music to the ears of investors.

Although Cuadrilla is a private company without a stock market listing, dealers saw the approval as a licence to drill down into the sector themselves.

Their enthusiasm pushed shares in onshore exploration firm IGas Energy up 14.6 per cent, or 1.75p to 13.75p. Listed on the AIM junior stock market, the firm is one of a relatively small number that give traders exposure to onshore drilling.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid gave Cuadrilla approval to frack at its site in Preston New Road, Lancashire

IGas has 55 licences at locations across Britain, but like many rivals, its progress has so far been impeded by protests.

There was good news too in the wider sector, as Tullow Oil pumped up 4.6 per cent, or 11.9p to 273.7p after a positive note from Barclays.

Analysts hiked their target price from 310p to 340p, saying Tullow's South Lokichar discoveries in Kenya were worth more than they previously thought.

The firm would benefit from steadily improving oil prices, they said, with Brent Crude hovering above $50 a barrel after a sustained recovery.

Fossil fuel big beast BP was also buoyed by the positive mood, climbing 0.3 per cent, or 1.5p to 473.5p.

But not all firms were lifted by the tide of good will.

STOCK WATCH - FIRESTONE DIAMONDS Firestone Diamonds has said it is close to commissioning a mine in the South African province of Lesotho. The prospector said its site at Liqhobong was one of the best undeveloped plots in the world and will give it the ability to challenge more established rivals as their resources run out. Firestone acquired digging rights in 2010 and is seeking to begin production by the end of the year. Yesterday it said all major work had been finished. The glittering AIM-listed stock caught investors' eye, rising 6.1 per cent, or 3p to 52p.

AIM-listed President Energy crashed 34.4 per cent, or 3.96p to 7.54p after being forced to suspend operations in Salta Province, Argentina, following a catalogue of failings.

The firm said it was 'extremely unusual to encounter such a combination of issues in the course of a single well' and promised an investigation.

With a lacklustre day for the blue chip FTSE 100 index, traders were looking elsewhere for opportunities.

The Footsie struggled to gain direction, eventually closing down 0.47 per cent, or 33.29 points at 6999.96.

One of the few to do well was travel firm TUI, helped by the weak pound. Shares rose 1.35 per cent, or 15p to 1129p.

But there was plenty of activity at the smaller end of the market with two pharmaceutical firms facing different fortunes.

FTSE 250 firm BTG rose 5.7 per cent, or 37p to 684p after announcing double-digit turnover growth in the six months to September 30.

The firm, which works on critical care, cancer and varicose vein products, said revenue would be ahead of its previous guidance of 510million to 540million.

It also reached a 28.5million settlement with the US authorities over the marketing of cancer drug LC Bead. BTG said the probe dated from before it owned the product.

Summit Therapeutics suffered a sharp sell-off as investors' enthusiasm for the drug maker waned.

Summit's share price almost doubled in a single day earlier this week after it revealed it was teaming up with US rival Sarepta Therapeutics to develop and market a specialist drug in Europe.

The licence allows the AIM-listed company to sell an experimental treatment for muscle wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

But shares dropped 14.7 per cent, or 34p to 197.5p yesterday, suggesting traders felt their initial enthusiasm might have been overdone.

In the financial sector, fund manager Liontrust unveiled a 19 per cent increase in assets under management to 5.7billion.

The firm said it had 92million of net inflows in the six months to September 30. Its update met a muted response and shares closed flat at 330p.

Games Workshop had more luck after issuing a 3pm trading update, which gave shares a late boost.

The tabletop gaming business said sales and profits in the last four months were ahead of expectations  helped in part by the weaker pound.
Cardboard jungle: The Amazon warehouse in Hemel Hempstead

ONLINE STORE Online retail giant Amazon is hiring another 300 staff for a warehouse set to open next year in Daventry.

The centre will help boost its 150million-strong product range and support a 40 per cent hike in the number of independent sellers on Amazon Marketplace. It already has 12 warehouses across Britain.

BANK BUY-UP Royal Bank of Scotland is ready to buy rivals to expand its Irish business.

Chief executive Ross McEwan said the focus for the next 12 months would be cleaning up the operation, but he would then be happy to consider acquisitions.

PUBLIC OFFERING New lender Atom Bank is making its app available to the public.

The mobile phone-focused bank previously restricted its service to people who had already registered an interest online. It is offering a fixed saver account paying 1.4 per cent interest.

TRUST SALE Barclays is selling its UK Trust business to global operator ZEDRA as part of a long-running strategy to get rid of non-essential assets.

The bank would not reveal how much it made from the deal, but said the impact on its accounts would be minimal.

Barclays has a 19.9 per cent stake in ZEDRA. Shares in Barclays rose 1 per cent, or 1.8p to 174.25p.

CLOUDING OVER BT has teamed up with human resources services provider Randstad Group to build a new IT cloud service for more than 3,500 sites across the world.

It will see BT launch its infrastructure in Europe, and the Americas, Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

Bernardo Payet, general manager of Randstad Global IT Solutions, said the deal would help accelerate its digital transformation.

PREMIUM INFO The UK insurance sector is affected by 80 separate pieces of European Union law, new analysis has found.
Last week, Mastan had triggered another controversy on the same issue when he was questioned about declining number of tourists in the state post imposition of prohibition in Bihar.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: Bihar Excise Minister Abdul Zalil Mastan triggered another controversy after he said that all those people who are against prohibition and are opposing the new liquor law in the state were "mad".

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the state cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Mastan said those who were challenging the new liquor law were mad.

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"All those people are mad who are challenging the new liquor law," said Mastan.

PIL was filed a day after new liquor law was imposed in the state by a retired professor of Patna University, Rai Murari challenging the provisions of the new liquor law.

Also read:

BJP supports prohibition minus talibani provisions, says Sushil Modi

Bihar is dry once again, Excise and Prohibition law comes into force



Last week, Mastan had triggered another controversy on the same issue when he was questioned about declining number of tourists in the state post imposition of prohibition in Bihar. Mastan then said that foreign tourists did no good to the state but instead created litter and left the state in dirt and garbage.

New liquor law called Bihar Prohibition And Excise Act, 2016 was enforced in the state on October 2.

The Patna High Court on September 30 had scrapped the old liquor law calling it illegal and unconstitutional.

Also read:

Bihar: Hardly any takers for Nitish Kumar's doodh-dahi offer post prohibition law



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MNS workers, led by their two leaders, allegedly harassed and forced the BMC chief engineer to hold the placard at a public place in Dadar.

The BMC top official with the placard. (Source: Source: Twitter/@Laxmantweetsss)

By India Today Web Desk: Pothole-riddled roads are a reality of our lives. Despite endless complaints, seldom has the situation improved.

But trust Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to ensure top civic officials take note of them.

On Wednesday, a senior civic official was allegedly harassed by the MNS workers and forced into holding a placard at a public place that read: "I am responsible for potholes in the city".

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ALSO READ: Mumbai Police notice to MNS for 48-hours ultimatum to Pakistani actors

TOP OFFICIAL TRICKED

A group of MNS workers, led by party leader Sandeep Deshpande and corporator Santosh Suri, met Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Chief Engineer (Roads department) Sanjay Darade at his office in Worli.

ALSO READ: MNS questions BMC chief on sparing Navratri organisers from paying rent

According to a senior BMC official, the MNS workers asked Darade to accompany them to a spot between the Sena Bhawan and Plaza Theatre in Dadar area.

"After reaching the spot, he was forcibly made to hold a placard which read: 'I, Chief Engineer of the Roads Department, am responsible for potholes in the city. Citizens should take note of this'," the BMC official said.

MNS LEADERS MAY FACE ACTION

Action could be initiated against both the leaders at the meeting of the House of the civic body, the civic official said, adding that the BMC Commissioner has also taken note of the incident.

ALSO READ: Strip off Om Puri's Padmashri: MNS

Sources in the BMC Engineers Union said the union has condemned the incident and is planning to hold a protest soon.

The BMC Chief Engineer, meanwhile, has filed a complaint against the two MNS leaders as well as the party workers.

ALSO READ: No Pakistani artists in Mumbai after our ultimatum, claims MNS



"We have received a written complaint filed by the BMC chief engineer and we are looking into the merits of the complaint," an officer at the Shivaji Park police station said.

NOT DONE ANYTHING WRONG

Accused Deshpande, however, is unrepentant and said he has done "nothing wrong" and will continue to raise such issues in the interest of the common man.

"If I am arrested for raising such an important issue then I not will seek bail till all potholes of the city are repaired," Deshpande said. "We are the representatives of our voters and we are only responsible towards them," he added.

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(with inputs from PTI)

ALSO READ: See what we do then: MNS warns Karan Johar against casting Pakistan artists

ALSO READ: Maharashtra BJP minister backs MNS' protest against Pak artistes



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Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. In addition, it provides internet banking, mobile banking, trust and wealth management, retail brokerage, mortgage services, and treasury management, as well as debit and credit cards. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 273 full-service banking locations comprising 65 in the Houston area, including The Woodlands; 30 in the South Texas area including Corpus Christi and Victoria; 63 in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area; 22 in the East Texas area; 29 in the Central Texas area, including Austin and San Antonio; 34 in the West Texas area, including Lubbock, Midland-Odessa and Abilene; 16 in the Bryan/College Station area; 6 in the Central Oklahoma area; and 8 in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area doing business as LegacyTexas Bank. Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is based in Houston, Texas.
Zoetis Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes animal health medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic products in the United States and internationally. It commercializes products primarily across species, including livestock, such as cattle, swine, poultry, fish, and sheep; and companion animals comprising dogs, cats, and horses. The company also offers vaccines, which are biological preparations to prevent diseases of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tracts or induce a specific immune response; anti-infectives that prevent, kill, or slow the growth of bacteria, fungi, or protozoa; and parasiticides that prevent or eliminate external and internal parasites, which include fleas, ticks, and worms. It also provides other pharmaceutical products that comprise pain and sedation, antiemetic, reproductive, and oncology products; dermatology products for itch associated with allergic conditions and atopic dermatitis; and medicated feed additives, which offer medicines to livestock. In addition, the company provides portable blood and urine analysis testing, including point-of-care diagnostic products, instruments and reagents, rapid immunoassay tests, reference laboratory kits and services, and blood glucose monitors; and other non-pharmaceutical products, including nutritionals and agribusiness services, as well as products and services in areas, such as biodevices, genetics tests, and precision animal health. It markets its products to veterinarians, livestock producers, and retail outlets, as well as third-party veterinary distributors through its sales representatives, and technical and veterinary operations specialists. The company was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey.
GoAir has filed a petition against Indigo over the latter's domain name. The Bombay High Court will be hearing the case on January 31 next year.

By Vidya : The Bombay High Court has decided to hear the 'go war' between GoAir and Indigo on January 31 next year.

The petition had been filed in 2014 by Go Holdings Private Limited, which runs the GoAir airline, against its rival Indigo.

GoAir said that Indigo should not use the domain name GoIndigo.in as it has intellectual property issues with Indigo's chosen prefix Go.

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Justice Gautam Patel, while hearing the case this week, said the operator of the GoAir airline "has declared litigation war" on the Indigo Air.

THE CASE

Justice Patel, slyly remarked that thankfully, the GoAir had not challenged the word 'Go' in Indigo.

Advocate Amit Jamsandekar, representing GoAir, told the court that the litigation was not challenging the word Go and the court heaved a sigh of relief. Justice Patel said, "That is all to the good, for the alternative is unthinkable - we might otherwise be forced to ogle the Web."

The court noted, "For reasons that are presently unclear so far, Google India Limited is also said to be liable."

The documents perused by GoAir runs into 441 pages and the company wants to add more to it as replies to the affidavits filed by Indigo and others.

The court said that it will look at all filings and cross filings by GoAir and Indigo on January 31, 2017. Justice Patel, however, said that he would frame all the issues relating to the case by October 19 this year.

Also Read:

Infant aboard Indigo flight dies despite emergency landing in Raipur

GoAir to launch flights from Hyderabad to Chennai, Kolkata



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First Republic Bank was founded by Jim Herbert with the intention of providing exceptional levels of customer service. It was his belief that customer service would set the bank apart and create a profitable investment for its shareholders. After 35 years, his vision has proven true with a 25% CAGR that continues to this day. The initial enterprise value has grown from only $8.8 million in that time, to over $19 billion making it the 14th largest bank in the US. First Republic Bank was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

First Republic Bank with its subsidiaries operates in two segments and provides personal banking, business banking, and wealth management services to individuals, families, organizations, and small businesses in the United States. The companys services are available in-person at one of the more than 80 offices or via ATM, online, mobile, and debit cards.

The company offers deposit products including checking and saving accounts, money market, and CDs as well as a range of lending products. The full range of lending products includes but is not limited to residential mortgages, home equity lines of credit, commercial real estate and construction loans, and personal and business loans.

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First Republic Bank operates a network of more than 80 deposit-taking branches and 12 wealth management offices. The network is located primarily in California with additional branches in major metropolitan areas and two destination locations that include Portland, Boston, Palm Beach, Greenwich, New York, and Jackson, Wyoming.

First Republic Bank has proven its worth over the year by maintaining a consistently strong capital level, asset quality, and liquidity position. Its prudent management has allowed it to weather market ups and downs while commanding investment grade ratings for its bonds and preferred stock.
Intu owns and manages some of the best shopping centres, in some of the strongest locations, in the UK and Spain. Our UK portfolio is made up of 17 centres, including eight of the top-20, and in Spain we own three of the country's top-10 centres, with advanced plans to build a fourth. We are passionate about creating compelling experiences, in centre and online, that make our customers smile and help our retailers flourish. We attract around 400 million customer visits and 26 million website visits a year offering a multichannel approach that truly supports retail strategies. Our strategic focus on prime, high-footfall flagship destinations, combined with the strength and popularity of our brand, means that intu offers enhanced footfall, dwell time and loyalty. This helps our tenants flourish, driving occupancy and income growth. We are committed to our local communities, with our centres supporting nearly 130,000 jobs (representing about 3 per cent of the total UK retail workforce), and to operating with environmental responsibility. We have already met or exceeded a significant number of our 2020 environmental targets.
Locals of Bisada claim that the accused in Dadri lynching was tortured to death, while doctors didn't find any marks on Ravin's body.

By Mail Today Bureau: Bisada is on the boil again. A day after an accused in the Akhlaq lynching case, Ravin (22), was found dead in police custody, Hindu groups and residents held protests in the area and burnt effigies of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and his father Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Anticipating trouble, the district administration clamped Section 144 in the area and deployed more than 300 policemen. Ravin was lodged at the district jail in Luksar in Greater Noida.

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LOCALS DEMAND COMPENSATION, JOB



Locals are demanding Rs 1 crore as compensation, a government job for Ravin's wife and action against the jailer and Akhlaq's brother Jaan Mohammad for cow slaughter.

Tension is simmering in the village as locals and residents from neighbouring villages gathered outside the house of the deceased. Blaming the Samajwadi Party for a 'biased' probe, protesters burnt effigies of Akhilesh and Mulayam and shouted slogans against them.

FAMILY WON'T CREMATE BODY TILL DEMANDS ARE MET



The protesters also carried out a protest march from the village to Rana Sangram Singh Chowk, alleging negligence of jail officials and demanding that the jailer, ML Yadav, be suspended and an FIR registered against him.

Ravin's family members, who are yet to get possession of his body, have refused to cremate him till their demands are met.

"This is a case of custodial death and we don't believe in the police version. He was tortured to death and we want a fair probe in the matter. We have made a list of demands, which include compensation of Rs 1 crore and action against the jailer and Akhlaq's brother. If these are not done, we will not cremate the body," said Sanjay Rana, local BJP leader whose 12 relatives, including son Vishal, were arrested on the charge of killing Akhlaq.

READ| Dadri lynching accused dies in jail, NHRC issues notice to Uttar Pradesh top cops

ULTRASOUND SHOWS WATER IN LUNGS



On Monday, Ravin allegedly complained of respiratory problems and fever, following which, he was admitted to the Noida district hospital. On Tuesday morning, he was shifted to LNJP Hospital, where he died in the evening.

Yadav said that Ravin complained of stomachache on September 29 and he was taken to the district hospital.

"Ravi's ultrasound report showed that there was water in his lungs," he said. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter. The Commission has issued notices to the Director General, Prisons, and the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, calling for a report within four weeks.

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DOCTORS RULE OUT DENGUE OR CHIKUNGUNYA



Doctors at LNJP Hospital said no injury marks were found on Ravin's body. "We are waiting for his medical report. The symptoms are of dengue or chikungunya," a doctor said. On the other hand, the Uttar Pradesh government ordered two inquiries-one a magisterial probe and another by SDM, Sadar.

"The situation in Bisada is under control. Villagers are cooperating. Police teams are on standby. We have forwarded the demands of the deceased's family to the government," said Rajesh Kumar Singh, SDM, Dadri.

Ravin was unemployed and married a year before going to jail. He has a 9-month-old daughter. Meanwhile, a trial court in Greater Noida rejected an application of the rest of the accused to attend Ravi's funeral, saying that there is no provision for it.

READ| Dadri lynching: The meat in victim's house was beef, says forensic report

Dadri lynching: Fresh forensic report says meat in Akhlaq's freezer was beef, not mutton



Dadri lynching: Take back UP govt perks from victim's family, says accused's kin

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Embraer S.A. designs, develops, manufactures, and sells aircrafts and systems in Brazil, North America, Latin America, the Asia Pacific, Brazil, Europe, and internationally. It operates through Commercial Aviation; Defense and Security; Executive Jets; Service & Support; and Other segments. The Commercial Aviation segment designs, develops, and manufactures a variety of commercial aircrafts. The Defense and Security segment engages in the research, development, production, modification, and support for military defense and security aircraft; and offers a range of products and integrated solutions that include radars and special space systems, as well as information and communications systems comprising command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems. The Executive Jets segment develops, produces, and sells executive jets. It also leases Legacy 600 and Legacy 650 executive jets in the super midsize and large categories; Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 executive jets in the midlight and midsize categories; Phenom family executive jets in the entry jet and light jet categories; Lineage 1000, an ultra-large executive jet; and Praetor 500 and Praetor 600, disruptive executive jets in the midsize and super midsize categories. The Service & Support segment offers after-service solutions, support, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for commercial, executive, and defense aircrafts; provides aircraft components and engines; and supplies steel and composite aviation structures to various aircraft manufacturers. The Other segment is involved in the supply of fuel systems, structural parts, and mechanical and hydraulic systems; and production of agricultural crop-spraying aircraft. The company was formerly known as Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. and changed its name to Embraer S.A. in November 2010. Embraer S.A. was incorporated in 1969 and is headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
KBR, Inc. provides scientific, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and commercial customers worldwide. The company operates through Government Solutions and Sustainable Technology Solutions segments. The Government Solutions segment offers life-cycle support solutions to defense, intelligence, space, aviation, and other programs and missions for military and other government agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Its services cover research and development, advanced prototyping, acquisition support, systems engineering, cyber analytics, space domain awareness, test and evaluation, systems integration and program management, global supply chain management, and operations readiness and support, as well as command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services. This segment also provides various professional advisory services to deliver high-end systems engineering, systems assurance, and technology to customers across the defense, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors. The Sustainable Technology Solutions segment holds a portfolio of approximately 70 proprietary process technologies for ammonia/syngas/fertilizers, chemical/petrochemicals, clean refining, and circular process/circular economy solutions. This segment also includes advisory and consulting practices that focuses on energy transition and net-zero carbon emission consulting; and provides engineering, design, and professional services, as well as industrial solutions through KBR INSITE, a proprietary, digital, and cloud-based operations and maintenance platform that identifies opportunities for clients to achieve sustainable improvements in production, reliability, environment impact, energy efficiency, and profitability. KBR, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
National Bank of Canada provides various financial products and services to retail, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, and savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services comprise credit, and deposit and investment solutions, as well as international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services. The Wealth Management segment comprises investment solutions, trust services, banking services, lending services, and other wealth management solutions. The Financial Markets segment offers corporate banking, advisory, and capital markets services; and project financing, debt, and equity underwriting; advisory services in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, and financing. The U.S. Specialty Finance and International segment provides specialty finance products; financial products and services to individuals and businesses in Cambodia; and investment solutions, guaranteed investment certificates, mutual funds, notes, structured products, and monetization. It provides its services through a network of 384 branches and 927 banking machines. National Bank of Canada was founded in 1859 and is based in Montreal, Canada.
Coffin of one of the accused in the infamous Dadri lynching case was seen draped in tricolour. Bishada villagers cry foul alleging his death cannot be due to kidney failure and refused to cremate his body.

By India Today Web Desk: One of the 18 accused in Akhlaq's murder case, Robin aka Ravi Sisodia, was taken to Delhi's Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Hospital from the Noida district hospital after he complained of pain but died there on October 4, due to kidney and respiratory failure.

But Ravi's family cried foul saying he could not have died of a kidney failure and allege that he was beaten up inside the jail in Noida where he was held for a year.

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RAVI SISODIA BECOMES A MARTYR, BODY DRAPED IN TRICOLOUR

Ravi Sisodia is now being hailed by his villagers as a 'martyr'. Bishada villagers draped the body of the murder accused in tricolour and have been holding a sit-in from yesterday alleging that Ravi was killed by the jail staff.

Photo: RV Moorthy

Photo: RV Moorthy

Ravi's family members, who on September 30 submitted an application in the court, on his behalf, stating he was suffering from chikungunya, now maintains that he was 'perfectly normal',reportsThe Hindu.

HEAVY COMPENSATION DEMAND

The report also says that many Hindutva groups and VHP leaders are addressing the huge gathering of over 1,000 villagers. Ravi's family and the villagers are now demanding Rs 1 crore in compensation and a government job for Ravi's wife.

Photo courtesy: ANI

Photo courtesy: ANI

Photo courtesy: Ram Kinkar Singh

Other than this, they are demanding a CBI probe into Ravi's murder, action against the jailer and immediate release of all the other 17 accused.

VILLAGERS DEMAND ARREST OF AKHLAQ'S BROTHER

The women relatives of 16 persons arrested in the case held a dharna to demand the arrest of Jan Mohammad, Akhlaq's brother. Activists of many local organisations joined the women protesters to support their demand.

Provocative & hate speech being delivered in Bishahra villg in #Dadri after Ravi died of kidney failure Video by @rvmoorthyhindu @the_hindu pic.twitter.com/fBq5NcFl9Z Mohammad Ali (@hindureporter) October 6, 2016

The protesters led by Sadhvi Hari Siddhi demanded that Jan Mohammad, an accused in a cow slaughter case, be arrested immediately. They accused police of acting under state government pressure in the case.



The Dadri lynching case, where an old Muslim man named Mohammad Akhlaq was lynched by a mob in Bishada village in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri over suspicion of consuming beef, is still fresh in the minds of people. The case had sparked outrage across the country and initiated a debate on whether anyone, be it the state or any political/religious outfits, should have the right to tell any citizen of the country what to eat and what not to.

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Twitterati condemned draping the body of a murder accused in tricolour.

When you slaughter a man for killing a cow, you are given a funeral wrapped in the National flag. India 2016

pic.twitter.com/ghZ1msfRC2 SANJAY HEGDE (@sanjayuvacha) October 6, 2016

@sanjayuvacha THis village should be booked under prevention of insults to national honour act (flag cod3) Anonymouslim (@anonymouslim_7) October 6, 2016

Dear nation(alists) , Akhlaq's son serves the Indian air force. Now is this how we respect our men in uniform ? Tricolour for accused ? Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) October 6, 2016

I thought tricolor was wrapped around the body of martyrs. How come used for dadri accused. New govt policy? @simba49 @Di_CB ?? Col Dinesh Kumar (@kkhushal9) October 6, 2016

Dadri accused wrapped in tricolour & surgical strikes unleashed fresh nationalism demons. As @pbmehta said genie is out of the bottle & how. ?? ? (@kanikagahlaut) October 6, 2016

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The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. was founded in 1869 by Marcus Goldman as an investment bank catering to institutions and businesses. Among the firm's first products are the revolutionary use of commercial paper for entrepreneurs which opened a new method of finance for business and industry.

The original firm expanded to Goldman Sachs in 1882 with the inclusion of son-in-law Samuel Sachs and again in 1885 with a son and another son-in-law. The firm joined the New York Stock Exchange in 1896 expanding into trading of its own and in 1898 it was worth $1.6 million. The company began its work in the IPO market in 1906 with the initial public offering of Sears, Roebuck & Co., and then moved on to Ford and other prominent names of the time.

The 1930s brings a change of leadership and a new direction for the firm. The company shifted toward a purer play on investment banking and embarks on a campaign of acquisition that lasted until the present day. The company doesnt go public itself until 1999 and from that point on it will change into a bank holding company that not only offers investment banking services but takes deposits too, and in 2016 the company added consumer banking to its list of services.

Today, Goldman Sachs is a financial institution that provides a range of financial services for corporations, institutions, governments, and individuals globally. The company operates through four segments that include Investment Banking, Global Markets, Asset Management, and Consumer & Wealth Management. According to US banking regulations, it is systemically important to the financial health of America.

The company is headquartered in New York, New York, and operates 6 regional headquarters as well. Regional headquarters are located in financial hotspots such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangalore, and Warsaw. Among its many prominent CEOs are John Corzine and Hank Paulson who both went on to successful work in government.

The company's Investment Banking segment provides a full range of financial advisory services as well as underwriting for the public markets. The financial advisory services include but are not limited to strategic advisory for mergers and acquisitions, divestiture, restructuring, and spin-offs. This segment is also engaged in middle-market lending and transaction banking. Underwriting services include IPOs, preferred stock, debt instruments, and bridge loans.

Goldman Sachs Global Markets segment facilitates market transactions for institutions, banks, brokerages, corporations, and governments. Services include execution, derivatives, financing, clearing, settlement, and custody.

The Asset Management segment manages client portfolios across the investment spectrum while the Consumer & Wealth Management segment provides advisory and banking services to consumers.
Alibaba Group Holding Limited is an eCommerce and Internet technology giant headquartered in the People's Republic of China. Its core platform, Alibaba.com, is the worlds 3rd largest eCommerce platform by sales. The company, through its vast network of subsidiary companies, provides the infrastructure and marketing to help merchants of all sizes develop their brands and to connect with customers in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company also aids other businesses with a vast array of digital and logistical solutions with a reach that spans the globe.

Alibaba was co-founded by Jack Ma in 1999 when it became clear the Internet and digitization were the future of commerce. Mr. Ma is a billionaire investor, businessman, and philanthropist who believes in an open and free-market economy. The company went public in September 2014 with an IPO on the NYSE. The IPO set a record with its valuation of $25 billion and the company is now worth more than $225 billion and ranked among the 10 most valuable companies by market cap. Alibaba is also ranked 5th largest globally in regards to its work in AI, and it owns the world's largest B2B, B2C, and C2C eCommerce portals. In 2022, Alibabas Singles Day event brought in $139 billion to set a new one-day record.

The principal purpose of Alibaba Group Holding Limited is to open the Chinese market and connect it to the world. The company operates through seven segments including China Commerce, International Commerce, Local Consumer Services, Cainiao, Cloud, Digital Media and Entertainment, and Innovation Initiatives and Others.

The companys eCommerce platforms include Taobao Marketplace, Tmall, Alimama, 1688.com, Alibaba.com, Aliexpress, Lazada, Trendyol, and Daraz. Taobao Marketplace is a social-media eCommerce platform while Alimama is a monetization platform for entrepreneurs. 1688.com and Alibaba.com are wholesale marketplaces where individuals and businesses can connect with bulk items and the remainder are eCommerce retail platforms and search engines targeting specific markets. In addition, the company also operated a retail chain called Freshippo and Tmall Global which is an import platform for eCommerce.

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Alibaba also supports the infrastructure of the Internet with a range of products and services that include computing, storage, network, security, database, big data, and IoT connectivity. This segment includes a suite of cloud-based services such as Alibaba Pictures and content platforms that provide streaming media.
MarineMax, Inc. operates as a recreational boat and yacht retailer and superyacht services company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Retail Operations and Product Manufacturing. The company sells new and used recreational boats, including pleasure and fishing boats, mega-yachts, yachts, sport cruisers, motor yachts, pontoon boats, ski boats, jet boats, and other recreational boats. It also offers marine parts and accessories comprising marine electronics; dock and anchoring products that include boat fenders, lines, and anchors; boat covers; trailer parts; water sport accessories, which comprise tubes, lines, wakeboards, and skis; engine parts; oils; lubricants; steering and control systems; corrosion control products and service products; high-performance accessories, including propellers and instruments; and a line of boating accessories, such as life jackets, inflatables, and water sports equipment. In addition, the company provides novelty items, such as shirts, caps, and license plates; marine engines and equipment; maintenance, repair, and slip and storage accommodation services; and boat or yacht brokerage services, as well as charters yachts and power catamarans. Further, it offers new or used boat finance services; arranges insurance coverage, including boat property, disability, undercoating, gel sealant, fabric protection, and casualty insurance coverage; and manufactures and sells sport yachts and yachts. Additionally, the company operates vacations in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. It also markets and sells its products through offsite locations and print catalog. The company has 79 retail locations in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. MarineMax, Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is based in Clearwater, Florida.
An alumni association of a college in Kerala's Kottayam today distributed air guns to tackle stray dog menace. They even offer a discount to people who have killed dogs.

By Revathi Rajeevan: An alumni association of a college in Kerala's Kottayam today began distributing air guns to tackle stray dog menace.

In a press statement issued by the general secretary of the association, James Pambakkal, it is said that those who are facing stray dog issue will receive a 10 per cent discount while buying the air guns.

Those who have a police case against them for killing stray dogs can avail a 25 per cent discount, according to the statement.

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Jose Maveli, a social activist from Ernakulam, who has six cases against him for killing stray dogs, received the first gun as part of the inauguration of the programme and is now leading students in a pledge against stray dogs.

The pledge goes "God, protect us from stray dogs, give us the strength and courage to kill stray dogs, all stray dogs are dangerous..."

Meanwhile, Kerala businessman Jose Chittilapilly today said that the state police chief Loknath Behera was behaving like a clown for saying he will take action against those who killed stray dogs.

He said this during a "stray dog free Kerala" programme conducted by Jose Maveli participated by those who were bitten by stray dogs and were facing the stray dog menace.

Justice CN Ramachandran, who was also present said "government must take care of people. It is not stray dogs who voted them to power. It is people."

Also read

40 stray dogs killed in Kerala's Kannur



No country for dogs: Shocking pictures of culling of strays emerge in Kerala





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Addressing fire safety Living in San Diego County, the threat of fires is constant, that is why I have made fire safety one...

Supporting animals As a trained Project Wildlife Native Songbird Rehabilitator, my experience raising orphaned and injured songbirds and returning them to the...
By India Today Web Desk: Africa's elephant population has suffered massive decline in the past 25 years as more poachers kill the mammals for their valuable ivory tusks. In the last seven years, nearly a third of the elephant population has vanished.

To combat this menace, wildlife conservationists are using specially trained dogs who skydive to nab the poachers.

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According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) report, Africa's elephant population fell around 20 per cent between 2006 and 2015 because of a surge in ivory poaching. Poachers, on the other hand, are on with their hunt owing to a huge demand of ivory from Asian economies, especially China.

To mitigate this international criminal network, activists have come up with the fastest solution to nab poachers. Helicopters are deployed over areas prone to hunting and as soon as they spot a poacher, the dog assisted by their handlers jump off. The dogs then follow their trail.

The video below shows training facilities in Africa specialising in anti-poaching activities for dogs. The YouTube description of the video says they 'provide combat training courses for park rangers, and rapid response unit training for K9 teams including rappelling from helicopters for fast deployment.'



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Superstar Rajinikanth, who is basking in the success of his gangster drama Kabali, has resumed the shoot of his upcoming sci-fi thriller Enthiran 2.0.

By India Today Web Desk: A Rajinikanth film needs no promotion. His last outing Kabali is a glowing example. Rajinikanth, who has been out of action for nearly three months, has finally resumed shoot for Shankar's upcoming magnum opus 2.0, a mega-budget science-fiction thriller.

ALSO READ: Naga Chaitanya and Samantha ARE in a relationship- She will continue acting after marriage

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ALSO READ: AR Rahman to compose music for Ilayathalapathy Vijay's next?

On Wednesday, filmmaker Shankar shared the latest picture of Rajinikanth from the sets of the film on his Twitter page. He wrote that two-thirds of the film has been shot in 150 days.



The first look poster, which will be out in November, is touted to feature Thalaivar Rajinikanth locking horns with Khiladi Akshay Kumar, who plays the menacing villain in the film.

Amy Jackson will be seen playing the female lead in 2.0, which also has Sudhanshu Pandey and Adil Hussain in important roles.

Bankrolled by Lyca Productions, the film has music by Academy Award winner AR Rahman and is made on a lavish budget of Rs 350 crore.

Enthiran 2.0, the sequel to the blockbuster Tamil film Enthiran, is likely to hit the screens next year on Diwali.

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Fatmagul serial on Zindagi TV seems to feature these newsmakers of Pakistan. Take a look, though only with a pinch of salt.

By Amitabh Srivastava: Men who matter in Pakistan seem to have their counterparts in Fatmagul serial on Zindagi TV. Take a look at this innovative match-making; though only with a pinch of salt.

1. Mukkadesh Ketenci and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif: Remember Mukkadesh? The nagging, eavesdropping, manipulative, furtive and on the sly vamp in the reel life. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also appears to be a man of various shades. The Pak PM attended Narendra Modi's swearing in, insisted upon hosting Indian PM for lunch in his country and also took him to meet his mother. But like a flip of the coin, the other Nawaz Sharif backs covert terrorists operations against India, supports insurgents in Kashmir and also demands an intervention from the UN. Quite like Mukkadesh, who swears loyalty to her husband but keeps eloping with her paramour as well.

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2. Erdogan Yasaran and Pakistan Army Chief Raheel Sharif: Like the stubborn spoiled brat, Erodogen who shows his teeth to his friends and foes alike, the Pak Army chief too is feared at home and mistrusted elsewhere. He flexes his muscles at India and also keeps the other Sharif guessing about his real intentions.

Like the deceitful, criminal-minded reel life criminal lawyer Munir Telci, who has no power of his own but who flexes the borrowed authority from Yasarans for his own good, Khawaja Muhammad Asif also bobs over his blusters. All ether and no substance, Khawaja is one man who loves to jump the gun, like threatening to use nuclear weapons against India.

4. Resat Yasaran and Imran Khan: Like the strong, never-say-die Resat Yasaran of Fatmagul serial, someone who had to defend his son despite knowing his follies, Imran Khan too is forced to back terrorists and insurgents to play to the gallery and strengthen his position. Once widely respected as a fair man and a level-headed politician, Imran too is practicing anti-India politics to survive at home.

5. Selim Yasran and Dawood Ibrahim: Like the coward Selim Yasaran who lost his wife and respect and whose misdeeds brought down his family, Dawood Ibrahim too is hiding behind Pakistani curtains where he lives like a fugitive without having the courage to show his face to the world even once.

Like Mustafa, a petty fisherman, who used deceit, lies and fraud to gain prominence, and switched sides to earn loads of money and stay above water in Fatmagul serial, Hafiz Saeed, a terrorist sitting in the lap of Pakistan, is using every opportunity and individual to stay relevant without having the moral will or physical strength to do anything on his own.

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By Patrick Donachie

The NYPD announced a continued reduction in crime for the month of September while also touting the extension of the neighborhood policing model into nine new areas, including precincts in Jamaica and Astoria, as well as a housing bureau based out of Flushing.

There is such enthusiasm about the way this is improving  not only the relationship between police and community  but the effectiveness of our police and the safety of our police, Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a press conference held with Commissioner James ONeill and other police brass at One Police Plaza Monday. They are getting more information than ever before that can stop crimes before they happen, that can help them locate weapons, that can help them locate individuals who aim to do others harm.

Crime in the seven major categories tracked by police throughout the city has decreased 3 percent this year compared to the same point in 2015, including a 10.9 percent drop in shootings and a 3.7 percent decline in murders during the periods in the respective years. Deputy Commissioner of Operations Dermot Shea said it was the safest September since Compstat, a statistical and analytical model for tracking trends in crime throughout the city and in individual precincts, was first introduced in 1994.

Shea reported the NYPD had made 19,000 arrests for the year, a 7.3 percent reduction from the year before. Felony arrests increased by nearly 5 percent, with Shea saying a reduction in misdemeanor arrests and a sharper focus on criminals who might commit violence had led to the total drop. He also speculated that the focus on people perpetrating violent acts may have led to an increase in assaults on officers, which spiked by 23 percent this year thus far.

By the end of October, 51 percent of the precincts in the city will have incorporated the neighborhood policing model, according to Chief of Department Carlos Gomez, with 44 operational commands around the city applying the practice, which involves giving officers the time and guidance to become better acquainted with the communities they patrol.

In addition to bridging the trust divide between communities and cops, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the approach would help police do their work.

This is not social work. This is crime fighting, de Blasio said. There was too much information that did not reach our officers because there wasnt a relationship or there wasnt enough trust.

In Queens, neighborhood policing was rolled out Monday at the 114th Precinct, which covers parts of Astoria, Long Island City, Woodside and Jackson Heights; at the 103rd Precinct, which includes parts of Jamaica, Hollis and Lakewood; and at Police Service Area 9, a housing bureau that covers northern and southern parts of the borough. Gomez said that in the precincts already utilizing neighborhood policing, overall crime was down 2.8 percent and shootings were down 8 percent.

Were getting more information and being more precise, he said. Were targeting the right individuals.

Turning to the stop, question and frisk practice, which gained renewed focus in the past week due to its prominence in the first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Shea reported the NYPD conducted nearly 9,000 fewer stop-and-frisks than the previous year. To chart the change in the department during the past five years, he pointed to the Brooklyn North patrol borough, where nearly 110,000 stops were performed in 2011.

Year-to-date is just over 1,000, he said.
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By Mark Hallum

Work has been allowed to continue on the land where the Bayside house formerly owned by federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis once stood.

A stop work order for 218-15 40th Ave. was issued in July due to the Alt-1 permit being revoked for work that exceeded the scope of the original plans. The violations have been dismissed, according to a Department of Buildings spokesman, and a new Alt-1 permit was issued in mid-August and took effect in mid-September.

It was not clear why the violations were dropped.

Controversy about the house began brewing in April after neighbor Bonnie Skala Kiladitis noticed the renovations to the four-story house taking a turn for the extreme. Within days, the home had been reduced to the first floor.

An Alt-1 permit requires at least 50 percent of the original structure to be retained during the renovation of any home. The DOB, however, reissued an Alt-1 in this case on the basis that the foundations were still intact and because the building plans had been revised and approved for an Alt-1, a DOB spokesman said. He pointed out that it is at the discretion of a plan examiner to determine how much of the original structure needs to remain to call for an Alt-1.

State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) has kept an eye on the situation with the property and said the DOB informed him the new Alt-1 permit is what is known as a Big Alt-1 and allows renovation to exceed the usual 50 percent required to be retained.

Now we just have to make sure that the owner follows through on what the permit says, Avella said. They should have done a better job in the first place of analyzing the first Alt-1, and making sure the letter of the law was followed. You know, any developer or property owner when remodeling a house does what the permit says. Theres a reason building and zoning code exist. Unfortunately, the DOB does not do a good job, and it relies on the community to raise the issue, which I think is really a backwards approach.

However, a DOB spokesman said in August the owners no longer qualified for an alteration permit and would be required to apply for a new building permit.

The stately home was purchased for $1.5 million by a real estate agent from New Jersey who identified herself as Lisa and said it would be occupied only by her family. Lisa, who did not disclose her last name, was baffled by the opposition her building project attracted from the neighborhood.

Theres a lot of new construction in Bayside. I dont know why theres concern over our house, she said back in April, referring to other projects in her neighborhood.

But many held the home in high regard and contended that it had historical value which cannot be replaced.

It infuriates me as to how they have bastardized that gorgeous house, Richard Doyle, a nearby resident said. You know it really gets me, because they know what they are doing when they tear down too much of a house and wont keep with the plans. I get tired of people being able to do this and the [DOB] does nothing.

Garaufis house is believed to have been built circa 1890 and was the one of the personal residences of the Lawrence family, influential members of the early Bayside community. A study conducted by Bayside Historical Society Treasurer Paul Graziano found the Lawrence Estate eligible for the National and State Register of Historic Places. This recognition, however, carries no protection from demolition or alteration.

Kiladitis, daughter of late community activist Frank Skala, got elected officials involved in the fate of the house on 40th Avenue and looked to it as an example of a zoning violation epidemic in the community.
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By Patrick Donachie

Hurricane Matthew, which swept across the southern tip of Haiti and left nearly 600 people dead, unleashed a path of destruction that has been felt in Queens.

The boroughs concerned Haitian community was keeping a close watch on developments in the island nation, where the Category 4 hurricane destroyed large parts of Jeremie, a city on the southwestern coast, and other towns late Tuesday and into Wednesday.

Reuters reported Friday that at least 572 people had been killed in the storm with unofficial estimates running close to 900 fatalities. The BBC said 80 percent of the buildings in Jeremie, a town of about 30,000, had been leveled.

A Haitian-American organization in southeast Queens put out a call for donations to assist in relief efforts as Hurricane Matthew battered the Caribbean nation Tuesday. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere still is recovering from a devastating earthquake six years ago that killed more than 300,000 and destroyed much of Haitis fragile infrastructure.

The Haitian-Americans United for Progress organization, located at 197-17 Hillside Ave. in Hollis, has set up a special page on its website for people to donate money that will go toward rebuilding in the aftermath of the hurricane. The organization helps to support schools and families in two villages in Haiti, Masson and Sarazin, which are located a few miles from Port-au-Prince, the capital. The hardest-hit section in the southwest was cut off for more than a day and rescue workers still were struggling to reach residents in remote areas.

We are grateful to all of you who have reached out to check on our families, and our schools, and your offers to help with funds and supplies, HAUP Executive Director Elsie Saint Louis said in a statement. We are committed to the welfare of these children and their families and pledged our support and limited resources to help them through the very difficult days ahead.

She also noted that preliminary information relayed to the organization revealed that the students they had sheltered in their schools were safe. People interested in contributing can visit www.haupi nc.org to donate, or can donate with organizations such as UNICEF or the International Red Cross.
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By Patrick Donachie

Mayor Bill de Blasio defended his administrations approach to finding housing for the citys homeless during a town hall meeting in St. Albans last week, saying he had an obligation to house people, including using space in hotels if necessary.

De Blasio also pledged to continue to push for supportive services and shelters in other areas of the city that were not unduly burdened with such facilities. He also touted his administrations record on education and spoke about the NYPDs continued push to instill a neighborhood policing model in all its precincts.

The town hall meeting was held in the gymnasium of the recreation center in Roy Wilkins Park and was moderated by Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans), who represents the district. In his introduction, de Blasio took time to address the presidential debate, which had taken place two days before, and asserted that Donald Trump had been inaccurate in his portrayal of stop-and-frisks relationship to crime statistics in the city.

Stop-and-frisk has gone down, down, down. And you know what else has gone down? Crime has gone down, he said. Its the right path in terms of values, and its proving to be a better way of fighting crime.

He reported that crime in the 103rd Precinct, which covers Jamaica and Hollis, was down 5 percent, with no murders for the year. . In the 113th Precinct, which covers South Jamaica, crime was down 14 percent for the year, according to the mayor.

After introductions from Miller and the mayor, audience members in the packed-to-capacity crowd asked questions for about three hours. Several people raised concerns about how the city was housing homeless New Yorkers in hotels in the area. One questioner said she carried petitions and signatures from her community asking the mayors help in regulating the increased development of hotels throughout the area.

De Blasio said he was unaware of this particular growth of hotels, but said that changes in zoning could help curtail the size of the hotels.

There are ways we can change what is allowable in a community, he said. Miller said the preponderance of hotels in the downtown Jamaica area was due to a 2007 rezoning of the neighborhood, and development had skyrocketed after bouncing back from a long recovery in the aftermath of the 2008 crash. While many hotels were constructed in the bustling downtown area, he said some were encroaching on residential streets and neighborhoods.

Another questioner asserted that two hotels in the boundaries of the areas community board were now being used as shelters without any opposition on the part of Miller, while another questioner decried the placement of homeless shelters in the city, with communities like Jamaica shouldering an unfair burden.

There are 14 community boards that have no shelters, he said. The placement of these shelters seem to have a racial bias.

De Blasio cited the recent controversy over a proposed shelter placement at the Holiday Inn Express on 55th Road in Maspeth. He said he was frustrated by the tone of the protests that were conducted in response to the proposal, and said he was angered at threats made against Human Resources Administration Commissioner Steven Banks.

We will pursue a fair share strategy, in a sense, going into areas that have not had these kinds of facilities before, and we will catch hell for it, he said, referring to shelter placement. And we will stand our ground and take it because it is an act of fairness

De Blasio also said a portion of Jamaica Avenue from Francis Lewis Boulevard to 225th Street would be repaved as early as December, while state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) also revealed that he secured funds to go toward purchasing a tractor trailer for the NYPD to work in south Queens to tow illegally parked vehicles.
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By Gina Martinez

Carolyn Bush came to New York after graduating from Bard College to pursue her artistic dreams, but the young poets life was ended by her roommate, who confessed to police that he stabbed her to death in their Ridgewood apartment, the Queens district attorney said.

Bush, 25, shared a rental at 1861 Stanhope St. with fellow Bard alumnus Render Stetson-Shanahan, 26, who admitted drinking and smoking pot before the murder, according to the criminal complaint filed by the DA.

On Sept. 28 police received a call at 11:26 p.m. from someone outside their building who told the authorities that a man had pointed and lunged at them with a knife and they were afraid for their safety, the complaint said.

When officers arrived at the apartment, they discovered Bush with multiple stab wounds and Stetson-Shanahan with a self-inflicted stab wound on his leg, DA Richard Brown said. Bush was taken to Wyckoff Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, police said. Stetson-Shanahan was transported to Elmhurst Hospital, where he remained in stable condition and was then taken into police custody.

He has been charged with second-degree murder, the DA said. If found guilty, the artist from Rhinebeck, N.Y. could face up to 25 years in prison.

At his arraignment new details emerged about what possibly happened that night. When officers arrived, Stenton-Shanahan admitted to officers that he killed Bush, according to testimony from prosecutors based on statements the defendant had made to police and EMS workers.

I dont have any weapons, Stetson-Shanahan said in one statement I stabbed myself. I was upset. I stabbed her, my roommate . Shes in the other room. I wontgive any confession, but I stabbed her. I just went up to her, she was on the phone. She didnt have a chance to react. I went up to her and said guess what? and I stabbed her.

He then showed officers where the murder weapon was.

The knife is right there on the floor, he said. There is another one in the drawer. Should be the second or third drawer, wrapped in something. Yeah, thats it.

While he was being taken to the hospital in the ambulance, Stenton-Shanahan told EMS personnel: I drank a lot of beer. I smoked some weed at my brothers house. I then took an Uber back to my house. I called my girlfriend. I stabbed myself.

The medical examiners office determined Bushs cause of death was stab wounds to the neck and torso and ruled it a homicide.

A GoFundMe page has been started for Bush, who was born in St. Petersburg, Fla., to help her family with expenses stemming from her untimely death. The page, created by her friend and former roommate, Masha Mitkov, offers insight into who exactly Bush was before she was killed. The goal was set for $7,239. Mitkov, who had lived with Bush in Red Hook, Brooklyn, expressed shock at the murder allegedly at the hands of her roommate.

She told me about how great of a roommate she had, how well they got along, and that it was seemingly an ideal housing situation, Mitkov said.

Bush had a wide range of interests from esoteric philosophy to mystic rituals. She was also a poet who co-founded the non-profit library and writing space Wendys Subway in Bushwick, a collaborative space that holds readings, research, screenings, discussions, writing workshops and free courses, according to the page.

Mitkov said Bush had returned to college in 2015 and was studying at the New School toward a degree in Literary Theory.

Caroline was fierce. A passionate reader. Willing to butt heads. Im at a loss for words. Michael Pettinger, a literary professor at The New School, told the New School Free Press She was able to do all those things thoughtfully she has a rare gift.

A vigil was held last Sunday at Wendys Subway celebrating Bushs life.

Stetson-Shanahans website describes him as an artist, illustrator, and sign maker. He currently resides in Queens, New York. He is being held in Rikers Island and was expected back in court on Oct. 17
A major fire broke out at a welding shop in Kolkata's Tangra area today, killing three people.

A fire has broken out in Kolkata.

By India Today Web Desk: A major fire broke out at the Tangra area of Kolkata today afternoon. As per initial reports, three people have died.

The incident took place at a welding shop. Tangra is close to China town, a place known for housing some of the best Chinese restaurants in the city.

Three dead after fire broke out at Tangra area of Kolkata near China town. pic.twitter.com/wnlPxqiZOy ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

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Seven fire engines have been pressed into service.

(Inputs from agencies)



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Trick-or-Treat times for communities across the Beaver Valley

Officials across the Beaver Valley are starting to announce the Trick-or-Treat times for their communities.
DRI sleuths on Thursday seized a huge amount of foreign currency from two passengers at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.

By Ashish Pandey: The sleuths of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Thursday seized a huge amount of foreign currency from two passengers at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.

The DRI team detained both the passengers and recovered foreign currency worth over Rs 14 crores in two separate incidents at the busy Hyderabad International Airport.

FOREIGN CURRENCY SEIZED

In the first incident, DRI seized Rs 55 lakh in currencies of various countries, including US dollar from a passenger identified as Ahmed. He was trying to check-in the airport with his hand bag containing the amount.



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Also read: Delhi: Fake Indian currency notes of Rs 3 lakh face value seized, 2 arrested



In another incident, the sleuths seized Rs 85 lakh in currencies of different countries in the luggage of a passenger identified as Haider. He was scheduled to travel to Dubai.

Two separate cases have been booked and further investigation is on.

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USA Today Network Archives photo Damage done by the 1979 tornado

How many times over the years have I been told by someone who visited or moved to Wichita Falls how "friendly," "sweet" and "helpful" we are?

Power goes out in Turtlecreek and a neighbor will run an extension cord across the street. We mow lawns for seniors who no longer can. Volunteers turn up in droves for kid fun days and Habitat for Humanity builds.

It amazed someone who recently relocated here so much they asked, "why?"

One thing has connected the biggest little town in Texas for many years. Tornados.

Just mention 1979 and stories about the damage done and post-disaster recovery come pouring out. Where someone was on April 10, what they were doing when the sirens went off, how the family stayed safe, how much friends lost.

Some nonprofit agencies got their start in '79.

People were so committed to helping those who lost homes, jobs, cars, the religious community came together as Interfaith Disaster Service. In 1981, their task complete, efforts were channeled to the future. Twenty five churches came together to found Interfaith Ministries, a help center for families whose lives had been impacted by medical emergencies, job loss or other financial crises.

Donated food was distributed to tornado-effected families by volunteers at Floral Heights United Methodist Church. In the months after, FHUMC's pastor asked the congregation "why quit?" What followed over 37 years was a food pantry for needy seniors, the disabled and families.

With the help of a grant from Mueller Inc, the Floral Heights Community Food Pantry will celebrate initial construction across Taylor Street from the church.

Time and recovery has given us a lot to think about. A tornado can cherry pick its way through a neighborhood. One address may be left with limited damage while next door the house is leveled. There but for the grace of God, given the right time, right season it could happen to any home, business or church.

Nothing makes the people of North Texas and Southern Oklahoma more willing to help than the knowledge all of us face challenges. Disasters bring out the best in us but every day someone is out there deciding whether to pay for needed medication or the utility bill. Wondering how long children can go without healthy meals.

The Empty Bowls fundraiser for Wichita Falls Area Food Bank will be Tuesday at Wichita Falls Museum of Art. WFAFB supplies pantries across 12 counties; Kids Cafe for after-school meals and Power Packs 4 Kids provides food for children over the weekend; the Senior Brown Bag program provides low-income seniors with brown bags of fresh produce, bakery goods and shelf-stable food.

For the past several years the National Weather Service guys in Norman, Okla., have inferred Wichita Falls and the Red River Valley are "overdue" for another tornado.

Whether it happens, we face life's risks together.

Judith McGinnis, whose column appears here on Thursdays, may be reached at mcginnisj@timesrecordnews.com or 940-763-7534.
SHARE Letcher Stewart

Two Electra people were arrested Tuesday after a 12-year-old child living in their residence reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine.

Kevin Lee Letcher, 34, and Tammi Michelle Stewart, 29, are each charged with abandoning or endangering a child  criminal negligence. Their bail was set at $2,500 each and both remained in Wichita County Jail Wednesday afternoon.

According to arrest warrant affidavits:

On Aug. 31, Child Protective Services received an allegation of criminal negligence of the child while under the care of Letcher. Letcher and Stewart denied any illegal drug use to CPS workers but failed to appear for a scheduled drug test.

Letcher and another person in a rear shed at the residence in the 300 block of West Summit agreed to ride with Electra police to the hospital on Sept. 20 to submit a sample for drug screening but refused to be tested once they arrived. CPS workers also removed the child from the home that day after another witness stated there was methamphetamine use in the house.

A CPS investigator notified police the next day that a hair follicle test on the child came back positive for methamphetamine.

The following was taken from Wichita County court records:

BAIL

Suspect: Scott Johnson, 46

Charge: continuous violence against the family

Offense date: Aug. 30

Bail: $20,000

Suspect: Rebeckia Lynn Cardenas, 43

Charge: forgery

Offense date: Aug. 27

Bail: $5,000

Suspect: Rebeckia Lynn Cardenas, 43

Charge: fraudulent use or possession of identifying information

Offense date: Aug. 31

Bail: $20,000

Suspect: David Roberts, 42

Charge: aggravated assault

Offense date: Aug. 31

Bail: $20,000

Suspect: Jordan Haley Kidwell, 26

Charge: possession of a controlled substance

Offense date: Aug. 31

Bail: $3,500

Suspect: Phillip Gamel Smith, 21

Charge: assault on a public servant

Offense date: Sept. 1

Bail: $5,000

Suspect: Robert Jackson, 44

Charge: aggravated assault family violence

Offense date: Sept. 1

Bail: $25,000

Suspect: Jerry Tetmeyer, 55

Charge: assault family violence

Offense date: Sept. 3

Bail: $25,000

Suspect: Alex Wheeler, 32

Charge: continuous violence against the family

Offense date: Sept. 3

Bail: $5,000

Suspect: Wendy Jo Ray, 46

Charge: hindering apprehension or prosecution

Offense date: Sept. 4

Bail: $5,000
SHARE

Hungarians voted in a referendum Sunday to support Prime Minister Viktor Orban's policy of trying to keep migrants from war-torn countries to the east out of Hungary. The vote in favor was about 92 percent, but the 3.3 million who came to the polls were too few, representing 40 percent of registered voters; Hungarian law requires a 50 percent turnout for such a measure to become operative. Orban's government has signaled its intent to go ahead anyway, in defiance of the law.

European Union planning anticipates Hungary accepting 1,294 migrants as its part from the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. That is a tiny percentage of Hungary's 10 million population. Instead, in addition to the anti-migrant referendum, Orban's government has posed obstacles to accepting refugees. These include fences, a clampdown on the Hungarian press and resistance to the courts. The foreign minister of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, called for the expulsion of Hungary from the E.U., saying that Hungary was treating asylum-seekers "worse than wild animals."

There a supreme irony of the position of Orban's government and the vote on Sunday. In 1956, the world responded quickly and sympathetically when Hungary's own revolt against the Soviet Union resulted in some 188,000 Hungarians, 2 percent of the population at the time, fleeing the country. The United States, as one example, accepted and resettled some 35,000 of them.

Hungarians clearly have a right to express their opinions, including at the ballot box, but migration into Europe from the east and south is a European problem and they have an obligation to play a part in a European solution to it. E.U. popularity and leverage are slipping in general, in part because of the United Kingdom's vote in June to leave. At the same time, over the 12 years it has been a member of the E.U., Hungary has received an estimated $7.4 billion in development aid, with 95 percent of public investment in Hungary cofinanced by the European Commission.

Hungarians need to recall their own recent history and remember that responsibilities go with benefits.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
COLONIE -- A Waterford father faces heroin charges after he was found unconscious inside a car with a his 6-month-old baby boy in the backseat Saturday in Latham, Colonie police said.

Officers responded at 4 p.m. to reports of an unresponsive man inside a car with a sleeping baby in the parking lot of Rumors Salon and Spa on New Loudon Road. A woman who worked nearby called 911 after she saw the pair and noticed signs of drug use, Colonie police spokesman Lt. Bob Winn said.
This 12-year-old boy wanted to become a rich and famous YouTube blogger but ended up owing a whopping 1,20,000 USD (approximately Rs 79,99,254) to Google.

By India Today Web Desk: A 12-year-old Spanish boy, Jose Javier, resident of Torrevieja in Spain, wanted to become a famous YouTuber and thought he will get paid through Google's Adsense but ended up using Google AdWords and paying for advertising.

Google's AdSense program pays content creators and website owners for ad space but Google AdWords is used by companies and individuals to pay Google for advertising.

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"We have analyzed this case and we haven't received payment from this particular user. We will proceed to cancel the user's pending AdWords balance. Many online services, including Google AdWords, have age restrictions policies in place. We know how important it is to keep the family environment safe on the Internet. That's why parents have our Safety Center available", read Google's statement as reported by Themerkle.

Inma Quesada, Jose's mother, had no clue what exactly her son was doing. The 12-year-old boy had decided to start an online 'adventure' with his friend and both of them thought that they will get paid via advertising revenue but what happened was the exact opposite

Jose entered a personal bank account number in Google's AdWords dashboard and eventually Google's charges rose from $20 to $22,000.

Noticing this activity, the bank called the parents to alert them and Jose's mother said punished Jose. She does not know how he could spend that much money when he had limited access to his personal computer.

Google is said to have asked for only a bank account number and a name and had no other requisites.

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Glenville

Joe Beaver didn't choose to be born in Alplaus. But he chose to stay.

He's lived in the small hamlet near East Glenville since 1966, and says it's the tight-knit community feel of the roughly 450-person community that he loves most. It's also what he and his neighbors fear they'll soon lose if plans for a large-scale apartment complex on the Mohawk River are approved.

At a Glenville Town Hall meeting Wednesday, Beaver and other Alplaus community members criticized the proposal, which would be located on Mohawk Drive and include a pool, clubhouse and marina along the Mohawk River. Last month, Prime Companies, the developer hoping to break ground at the site, fielded similar complaints from the Alplaus residents, who opposed the height of the originally proposed 390-unit building, the lack of green space and infrastructure issues.

On Wednesday, developers rolled out a new plan that would decrease the number of units to 341, add more green and recreational space and decrease the height of buildings by 1 1/2 stories, among other things.

But that wasn't enough to sway community members, like Beaver, who said the fixes were merely "superficial" and didn't address more important issues.

"There has been no substantive response to our concerns about the impact of the proposed development on traffic," Mike McHale, president of the Alplaus Residents' Association, wrote in a letter addressed to the Town Board. "(The) additional traffic this development would bring to our hamlet represents a serious safety threat to the residents of Alplaus, especially since there are no sidewalks through the hamlet."

Residents also fear the population influx, which they say could potentially triple the size of their community and exacerbate crowding at schools.

"There has been no effort to address the potential impact on the development on the school system," McHale's letter read. "This lack of willingness to address such a serious concern indicates to us that the developer has no interest in giving any substantive response to our concerns."

Others also noted the lack of infrastructure, as well as the location of the complex in a 100-year flood plain, as problematic.

But more than anything, it's the fear of losing that sense of community that concerns residents.

One woman said that, should the development be approved, she and her family would debate moving  something she "never thought (she'd) ever even consider."

"The proposed development is nearly double the size of the existing community," McHale wrote. "The negative impact of a development of a development being built in an existing community that is twice the size of that existing community cannot be overstated."

The proposal will continue to undergo assessments and impact studies before any action is taken, town officials said.

Details can be found on the town website.
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Saratoga Springs

Navy submarine veteran Dave Thierling says he's one of the forgotten veterans  mainly because what he and his crew did deep in the ocean waters was unseen and often top secret.

But Thursday, a dozen submarine sailors received rightful recognition along Route 9 in Saratoga County with a designation renaming the road United States Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway.

Standing with submarine service veterans, state Sen. Kathy Marchione and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner talked about the bipartisan effort that resulted in the designation at a news conference at PJ's BAR-B-QSA in Saratoga Springs.

"This deserved designation honors the service and sacrifices of America's submarine forces that defend freedom and protect liberty," Marchione said. "It provides visibility and long overdue recognition to the submarine forces, and greater Capital Region, that have contributed so much to America's national security."

Woerner said Saratoga County is the ideal location for the designation.

"Saratoga's strong naval presence makes this portion of Route 9 a fitting and well-deserved memorial to honor those who bravely served aboard submarines and helped preserve and protect our nation's safety," said Woerner. "Many members of the naval force were trained here and many veterans live here, and I am proud to help honor their service with this designation."

Clifton Park submarine veterans Fred Miller and Jim Irwin asked Marchione and Woerner in July 2015 to help with securing the designation that runs from the Albany County to Warren County lines. Last month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed it into law.

"On behalf of every American, every New Yorker, who values the freedom they have defended, we say thank you to our courageous submarine forces," Marchione said.

wliberatore@timesunion.com  518-454-5445  @wendyliberatore
COLONIE  A Shaker High School teacher faces a charge of endangering welfare of child for allegedly having online contact with a male student that involved requests for an in-person meeting and "the requesting and/or sending of suggestive photos" through Twitter, email and text messages, police said.

Daniel Weaver, 46, of Overridge Road, Latham, was arrested Wednesday in connection with actions while he was a teacher, police said.

There is no evidence of any physical contact between Weaver and the student, but rather "contact in the virtual world," investigators said.

According to police, Shaker administrators contacted town police on Sept. 21 because students expressed concerns to staff about Weaver's relationship with a student. The initial investigation by the school and police did not reveal criminal behavior, but over the next two weeks a victim was identified and charges were filed, police said.

Police said the student was 16 at the time of the occurrences, which also included sending gift cards, from June 2015 to that fall.

Weaver's cellphone and digital media devices were seized and will be forensically examined, investigators said.

Weaver was to be arraigned on the misdemeanor charge in Town Court Wednesday night.

"While there is no evidence or information about other minor victims, the nature of these allegations and the fact that the defendant was a longtime employee of the school and was active in after school clubs, there exists the possibility that other victims exist," according to a police statement.

The North Colonie School District, in a statement on its website, said it removed Weaver from his duties at the school and he was not allowed on district property.

"The safety and well-being of students remains the highest priority for the district. Because police say additional charges in the future are possible, district officials encourage anyone who may have information relative to this case or believe they were victimized to contact Colonie Police at 518-783-2754."

School psychologists and counselors will be available for students. Capital Employee Assistance Program will be at the school to support staff and faculty.

The district's website is dotted with stories about Weaver, a social studies teacher.

A November 2015 posting said, "Dan Weaver works extensively with Shaker High School's World of Difference club members on service opportunities throughout the year. He leads many fundraisers and collections for troops overseas and military families, and is currently working on the unveiling of the North Colonie Veterans Memorial outside of Shaker High School."

He is credited with helping in the organization of a Teen Summer Symposium on advocating for human rights last summer and in 2014, according to a Times Union story, he was award a Colonie Town Justice Gavel Award for a display on the Nuremberg trials.

See story here
Port-Au-Prince, Haiti

Rescue workers in Haiti struggled to reach isolated towns on Haiti's southern peninsula and learn the full extent of the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew as the powerful storm lashed at the Bahamas on Wednesday and triggered large-scale evacuations along the U.S. East Coast.

At least 16 deaths were blamed on the hurricane during its weeklong march across the Caribbean, 10 of them in Haiti. Marie Alta Jean-Baptiste, head of Haiti's civil protection agency, announced Wednesday that Haiti's confirmed death toll had doubled from five to 10.

But with a key bridge washed out, roads impassable and phone communications down, the western tip of Haiti has been largely cut off a day after Matthew made landfall and there was no full accounting of the dead and injured in its wake.

But Jean-Baptiste indicated that her agency was starting to get a better handle about what happened in hard-hit Grande Anse department on Haiti's southern peninsula and expected to soon release more information about what rescuers were finding.

After moving past Haiti, Matthew rolled across a corner of Cuba and began pounding the southern Bahamas with heavy wind and rain. Weakening a bit, it had maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 kph) by Wednesday night as it spun on a course expected to take it near the capital city of Nassau during the night. It was expected to regain strength overnight.

Forecasters said the storm could hit Florida  or come dangerously close  Thursday evening and then sideswipe the East Coast all the way up to the Carolinas over the weekend. Matthew could become the first major hurricane to blow ashore in the U.S. since Wilma slashed across Florida in 2005, killing five people.

Nearly 2 million people along the lower East Coast were urged to evacuate their homes.

"If you're able to go early, leave now," Florida Gov. Rick Scott warned.

On Tuesday, Matthew swept across a remote area of Haiti with 145 mph (230 kph) winds, wrecking homes and swamping roads. But government leaders in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere said they weren't close to fully gauging the effect in the flood-prone nation where less powerful storms have killed thousands.

"What we know is that many, many houses have been damaged. Some lost rooftops and they'll have to be replaced, while others were totally destroyed," Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph said.

Late Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. military announced that a small advance team would start preparing for the arrival of roughly 100 military personnel and nine helicopters currently in the Cayman Islands.

The U.S. government said it sent experts to Haiti to assess the damage and is providing $1.5 million in food and other disaster assistance.

Mourad Wahba, the U.N. secretary-general's deputy special representative for Haiti, called the hurricane the biggest humanitarian crisis in Haiti since the devastating earthquake of 2010.

The Haitian government postponed Sunday's presidential election, in part because some schools and churches that are used as polling stations are serving as shelters and police can't get election materials to some districts.

Aid groups with representatives in the area said it was clear that many homes and crops were destroyed but that the extent was impossible to gauge, especially in the Grand Anse area on the southwestern tip, which Matthew's eye raked over.

"We have people in Grand Anse that we cannot reach," Hervil Cherubin, country director for Heifer International, a nonprofit group that works with local farmers.
This week in 1957, the Soviet Union launched the first human-made object into space and started a race that has continued for nearly six decades, although in changing forms.

On Oct. 4, 1957, Sputnik, which is Russian for "traveler," was launched through Earth's atmosphere, according to Today in History. The main competitors in the Space Race were the Soviet Union and the United States of America.
The suspicious boat from Karachi tried to enter Gujarat through Dwarika sea route but was seized.

By Gopi Maniar Ghanghar : A high alert was sunded in Saurashtra, Gujarat as a suspicious boat of terrorists from Karachi reportedly targeting to enter through Dwarika sea route was seized.

As per the reports, coastal security has been tightened. All the IPS officers who are out of headquarters have also been asked to return immediately.

Also read: 2 Pakistani boats on way to India; Navy, Coast Guard on alert



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SECURITY BEEFED UP

Dwarika and Somnath Mandir have been put under heavy security. All the bus stations, railway stations and airports have also been put on high alert and patrolling on highways has been increased.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is personally monitoring the situation. The high alert and seizure of the boat come at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan are at a high after the Uri attack.

Also read: Gujarat HC issues notice to Pokemon Go makers for 'hurting religious sentiments'

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NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has sent Earthlings a few more photos to look over as it continues to explore the landscape of the Red Planet.

And this batch of photos looks oddly familiar.

The photos are from an area of the planet called the "Murray Buttes," which is a region of lower Mount Sharp. The Martian buttes and mesas rising above the surface are eroded remnants of ancient sandstone that originated when winds deposited sand after lower Mount Sharp had formed.

MORE MARS: 'Skeletal remains' spotted in NASA Mars rover Curiosity photo

"Studying these buttes up close has given us a better understanding of ancient sand dunes that formed and were buried, chemically changed by groundwater, exhumed and eroded to form the landscape that we see today," Curiosity Project Scientist Ashwin Vasavada says in a news release.

These findings could lead to more proof to the theory that Mars once hosted life. Furthermore it comes after the rover successfully found evidence in 2014 on the surrounding plains of Mount Sharp that ancient Martian lakes could have offered conditions that would have been favorable for microbes if Mars ever hosted life.

OTHER WORLD BEAUTY: NASA rover takes interactive 360-degree panorama of Mars

We haven't found any conspiracy theorists claiming they see a Glock, or an alien's skull or anything else, but we'll keep you updated if the theorists' imaginations can form something we can't.

But for the meantime, take a look at the rock formations shared by NASA and the conspiracy theories already created with other photos from Mars in the gallery above.

MORE SIGHTINGS? Pretty sure this skull found on Mars is that of an alien or Bigfoot
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Albany

In early 2014, Joseph Nicolla of Columbia Development inked a novel real estate transaction with SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Albany to build a $9 million home for Tech Valley High School.

The previous summer, Columbia Development had been selected by SUNY Poly to oversee the construction of SUNY Poly's new $191 million ZEN building, a major business win for Nicolla, one of the region's top real estate developers.

Tech Valley High was originally expected to be in the ZEN building, a 365,000-square-foot "zero energy" building designed as a living laboratory for clean tech research.

But when plans changed, SUNY Poly had to find a way to build Tech Valley High its own building, and it turned to Nicolla to get it done.

The solution ended up being an unusual approach in which SUNY Poly and its real estate development arm, Fuller Road Management Corp., granted a small slice of the SUNY Poly campus to an entity controlled by Nicolla.

The entity, called Tricentennial Properties, does not figure in the felony bid rigging complaint that state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman filed against Nicolla and SUNY Poly president Alain Kaloyeros last month, accusing them of conspiring to hand Columbia Development a contract to build the first-ever student dorm on the SUNY Poly campus.

And there is no indication of any wrongdoing involved with the Tech Valley High project. Officials with BOCES, which funds Tech Valley High, say they have never been asked by state or federal authorities for information about the deal. Tech Valley High pays $720,000 a year in rent to Fuller Road Management Corp. for the 25,000-square-foot school building.

However, the structure of the deal, in which Fuller Road Management granted Tricentennial Properties a 25-year leasehold agreement, appears to have allowed Nicolla to seek out more than $2 million in government subsidies, including a $1.5 million grant from Empire State Development, on top of a lucrative stream of annual payments from SUNY Poly.

Nicolla also used two business entities that controlled Tricentennial Properties to provide $95,000 in campaign contributions to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, land records and campaign disclosure records show.

The two entities, Ridgehill LP and ADC LLC, are listed in the deed recorded in the Albany County clerk's office in May 2014 between Fuller Road Management and Tricentennial Properties. Both entities are frequently used by Nicolla for business dealings. The deed lists Ridgehill LP as the managing member of Tricentennial Properties while ADC LLC is listed as the general partner. Nicolla is listed as a member, a legal term for partner or business owner.

Fuller Road Management pays Tricentennial Properties about $700,000 a year through a capital lease agreement that totals $15 million over 20 years. Fuller Road Management is reimbursed through the rent it collects from Tech Valley High, according to annual financial statements filed by Fuller Road Management with the state.

There is no indication that Nicolla, who has showered a variety of elected officials with campaign donations over the years through a variety of business entities, made the donations to Cuomo in exchange for SUNY Poly business or ESD support.

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"No donation of any size influences a government action, period," Cuomo spokesman Richard Azzopardi told the Times Union Wednesday.

Nicolla's defense attorney in the Schneiderman case, E. Stewart Jones of Troy, declined comment, citing the fact that the Tech Valley High project is not part of Schneiderman's case.

The ESD grant was originally awarded to Tech Valley High in December 2013 as part of Cuomo's regional economic development council competition, although it was directed toward Tricentennial Properties when the ESD board finally approved the grant in 2015.

ESD, Cuomo's economic development arm, took over administration of SUNY Poly's development projects last month after criminal charges by Schneiderman, as well as those by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, were filed against Kaloyeros and others for widespread corruption on SUNY Poly projects.

"The regional council process established by Gov. Cuomo has brought unprecedented transparency and accountability to an economic development process that previously lacked both," ESD spokesman Jason Conwall said. "Each year, the (regional councils) hold multiple public meetings, the scores for every single application submitted are posted online, and we release detailed information about every penny awarded on the same day the awards are announced."

lrulison@timesunion.com  518-454-5504  @larryrulison
Albany

State Street, once a hot spot for beaver-pelt sales, is the oldest commercial corridor in the country. Liberty Park, that little patch of green just off Hudson Avenue, is the oldest publicly owned parkland. Albany itself is the oldest continuously occupied chartered city.

In an effort to press home those and other significant historical nuggets, the Downtown Business Improvement District  in partnership with the New York State Museum, SUNY's central administration and the City of Albany  is installing a new, permanent exhibit of 11 panels highlighting aspects of the city and its roots.

Concentrated along State Street and several blocks of Broadway near Riverfront Park, "Signs of Greatness: Albany Stories" will focus mostly on Albany's colonial past, with an emphasis on the Dutch era from 1609 through 1664. Themes include architecture, transportation, politics, science and industry.

"It's really to celebrate the rich history that Albany has. Being settled as a Dutch colony is different than a British colony, and it's really highlighting how that makes Albany unique," said Georgette Steffens, executive director of the Downtown BID.

An aim of the exhibit is increasing "place esteem," she said. "How do we tell that story of why we have this affection for the deep history, the culture, our heritage?"

Installation will begin on Monday, Oct. 17. A launch party featuring a sneak-peek at all 11 panels has been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 in the first-floor gallery at SUNY Plaza, 353 Broadway. (Tickets are $60, or $40 for those under 30, and available at downtownalbany.org.)

One of the signs, located at 41 State St., describes the thoroughfare's beginnings "many thousands of years ago as a path worn by Native peoples as they traveled along the Hudson River." Earlier names, it tells us, include Market Street, Brewers Street and Cow Street  so called for the herd once driven to a grassy area south of the village center. "That neighborhood, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is still called the Pastures today."

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In May, a pilot version was installed in a recessed wall at 80 State St. that told the story of the street and the timeline of Albany in the context of world history. According to Steffens, the 11-panel exhibit is intended as a potential template for other such installations  in other neighborhoods, perhaps sponsored by other BIDS  around the city. "The history that is around the Empire State Plaza, and the Capitol, and moving into the some of the neighborhoods  you could definitely take this and do future phases with this."

She hopes the signs will attract the eyeballs of "the new conventioneers" due to arrive at the Albany Capital Center when it opens in March. "Being able to tell the story, the history of Albany to a new audience is really exciting," she said.

abiancolli@timesunion.com  518-454-5439  @AmyBiancolli
Recreational marijuana proposals failed in the Massachusetts state Legislature last spring, but a ballot measure will let voters decide for themselves this November  with the provision being felt across the border in upstate New York.

If passed, Massachusetts residents age 21 and older would be able to carry an ounce of pot, store 10 ounces at home and grow six plants.

New York's strict medical marijuana program only allows patients to obtain cannabis if they are certified by a doctor as having one of 10 qualified, debilitating or life-threatening conditions, including cancer, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. And the plant cannot be smoked; only liquid or oil preparations, including vapor or capsules, may be used for medicinal purposes.

It's unclear yet how a new law would change the way New York law enforcement patrols the 50-mile interstate border. Officials in the Capital Region vary in their opinions about how to respond.

For his part, Rensselaer County Sheriff Pat Russo said he would increase patrols where the county line runs along the Massachusetts border and on thoroughfares between the two states.

He said his main concern is how the drug would be dispensed and to whom. The ballot proposition does not prohibit sale to out-of-state residents.

"Then you have them driving back" into New York with their ability impaired, Russo said. "And for somebody who is holding 10 ounces, who is growing six plants, it becomes a potential for them to sell it," he said.

Still, as the tides turn against a decades-long national war on drugs, some of New York's local law enforcement leaders are already telling their officers not to arrest people for small amounts of pot.

"I tell my officers, 'If you don't have to arrest them, don't arrest them,'" Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said. "Hopefully we just scare the living daylights out of them and they don't do it again."

Likewise, Russo said, arresting someone for a small amount of marijuana is "up to an officer's discretion."

"One joint is a question of whether it would be worth our time to arrest them" or investigate users with larger amounts, Russo said. But a whole ounce is a different story, he said.

Massachusetts' proposed law would legalize the possession, use, distribution and cultivation of marijuana in limited amounts. If passed, the state would regulate and tax the sale of pot, as well as marijuana accessories and products.

New York law enforcement aren't the first to fret over their neighbor's new cash crop. The U.S. Supreme Court shot down Nebraska and Oklahoma's attempts to sue neighboring Colorado over its recreational marijuana laws in March.

The states cited increased enforcement costs and federal anti-drug laws but the high court sided with Colorado voters. Nebraska, like New York, has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. In New York, possession of up to 25 grams  about three grams less than an ounce  of marijuana is considered a violation. A bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Vermont failed last spring. Legislators there moved to decriminalize possession instead.

In terms of legalizing the recreational use of pot in New York, Russo said he's against it, but Apple said he has mixed feelings.

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"There are far too many unlawful possession records being made on marijuana but I've also seen marijuana be used as a gateway drug," he said. Most of the marijuana offenders are young people and "the record usually sticks with them through college and beyond," he said. "It's tying up our courts system and drying up our local law enforcement resources."

The proposed Massachusetts law would allow people to give up to one ounce of pot to someone of age without payment.

Retail marijuana from licensed vendors would be taxed up to 11 percent and the revenue would be used for regulation. Massachusetts would create a Cannabis Control Commission of three members, appointed by the state treasurer, to oversee regulations and licensing. The commission, whose records would be publicly accessible, would supervise testing, packaging, security and advertising.

Cities and towns would regulate when, where and how marijuana businesses would operate, plus how many establishments could set up shop. The localities could bar the commercial sale and consumption of pot in their community by public vote.

Landlords could prohibit tenants from smoking pot but not from using marijuana in general, while employers could ban the substance all together in the workplace. State and local governments would continue restrictions in public buildings or near schools, but existing medical marijuana facilities and state laws against driving while ability impaired would not be affected.

"I don't think you'll see a huge surge" in marijuana use on either side of the border if the ballot passes, Apple said. "People just won't be as sneaky as they are now."

emasters@timesunion.com
[October 06, 2016] Community Response to Alleged Abuse and Mistreatment Crisis at Pueblo Regional Center

The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) and Parents of Adults with Disabilities Colorado (PAD-CO) are hosting a press conference to address Colorado's Statewide Crisis in Disability services for those with intellectual disabilities, in response to conditions at the Pueblo Regional Center (PRC). PRC is a placement "of last resort," with a campus and 10 local group homes with a maximum of 8 people each. Residents have significant support needs, which are unable to be met in other placements, and are the most vulnerable of the most vulnerable. According to CCDC management, ratios and training of PRC staff are major concerns. Additionally, according to CCDC Regional Centers (RC) serve a specific need; CCDC is not advocating closures. The organization also believes people should get what they need, when they need it in a setting they need, including RCs. The Disability community stands in unity to demand immediate changes to the services at the Pueblo Regional Center and to address the findings of non-compliance statewide from the federal government review. At the conference, several speakers will share personal experiences and discuss necessary actions to address the emergency at understaffed Pueblo Regional Center. Wider impacts also will be raised. In March of 2015, months after allegations of abuse, 63 residents at the Pueblo Regional Center were subjectd to invasive strip searches at the hands of the state, without their consent or their guardians' knowledge. Mari Newman, an attorney representing many residents observed, "Instead of actually addressing concerns that residents were being mistreated, DHS delayed taking action for months, and then further abused residents by subjecting them to humiliating and degrading strip searches without their consent and in violation of their constitutional rights."



In April 2016, the US Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Center for Medicaid Medicare Systems conducted an on-site review which resulted in systemic issues of non-compliance and a request that Colorado submit a corrective action plan. Dr. Denver Fox, PAD-CO moderator, is father to an adult son in residential services. He shared that, "despite overwhelming medical evidence of abuse nearly causing my son's death, the 18th Judicial District Attorney refused to prosecute. Until criminal accountability and prosecution is present at every level, including supervisors and administrators, this abuse will continue."

Julie Reiskin, executive director of the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, commented, "People who require residential support live in every community in Colorado and all of them deserve to live with dignity and without abuse. We must get to the bottom of what is causing low pay and inadequate staffing that is leading to these inhumane conditions across the state." For questions, Contact Maureen Welch [email protected] or 720-436-4121 ***The US Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services on site Review of the Pueblo Regional Center dated August 17, is available at http://www.ourwebs.info/HHServicesCMSPRCOnsiteReportPDF.pdf. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161006005263/en/

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[October 06, 2016] Concerned Stockholders Send Open Letter to Stockholders of Surge Components, Inc.

The Concerned Stockholders of Surge Components, Inc., long-term stockholders of Surge Components, Inc. (OTCPK: SPRS) ("Surge") who beneficially own approximately 22% of Surge, today announced that they sent an open letter to their fellow stockholders. The letter expresses their concerns regarding Surge's sustained underperformance and dilutive equity issuances. The Concerned Stockholders urge their fellow stockholders to contact them regarding improving Surge. The full text of the letter follows: Concerned Stockholders of Surge Components [email protected] +1-507-86SURGE (507-867-8743) October 6, 2016 Dear Fellow Stockholder: We are Mike Tofias and Brad Rexroad, long-time individual stockholders of Surge Components, Inc. (the "Company"). We collectively own approximately 22.4% of the Company. We have been stockholders for more than twelve and a half years and three and a half years, respectively. Over the past several years, each of us has separately attempted to work constructively with management by providing suggestions, guidance, and best practices on how to improve the Company's corporate governance and capital allocation. Unfortunately those efforts fell on deaf ears. We believe that prompt action is needed to prevent further value destruction at the Company. Over the five years preceding August 26, 2016 (when we first went public with our concerns), the Company's stock price declined by 17% while the S&P 500 and Russell 2000 indices have produced returns of 105% and 92%, respectively. Additionally, over the preceding 20 years the Company's stock price dropped by 85% while the S&P 500 returned 375% and the Russell 2000 returned 387%. Current management has been in place during that entire 20-year span. That kind of performance cannot continue. Furthermore, from October 10, 2014 to September 16, 2016 the number of shares outstanding increased by 11%. Approximately 75% of that increase went to management and the Board of Directors (the "Board") in the form of stock grants and the exercise of options. This amounts to almost 8% of the Company. Since 2010 management and their friends on the Board have given themselves options and stock accounting for roughly 12% of your Company. The significant dilution of your shares and the transfer of ownership to management must end. As a result of this and many other concerns, we felt that we had no options other than to seek election to the Board. We have also submitted stockholder proposals to (1) reincorporate in Delaware from Nevada and (2) remove the outdated and stockholder-unfriendly classified Board so that all directors stand for election each year. We continue to believe that the Company should be sold to a strategic buyer or to management in a management buyout. Until that happens, we will diligently and thoughtfully press management for initiatives that add stockholder value and are in the best interests of stockholders. We would love to speak with each of you personally to discuss our rationale for taking these actions. Unfortunately we don't know many of your names or contact information. This is because the Company has refused to provide us with customary information regarding its stockholders that it is legally required to provide. The Company's objective is clear: To make it as hard as possible for us to contact you to discuss the Company. Please contact us regarding the Company. We can be reached by phone at +1-507-86SURGE (507-867-8743) or by email at [email protected]. We have also established a website at www.concernedsurgestockholders.com. We are personally spending thousands of dollars of our own money in an attempt to improve the Company for all stockholders. We believe that management is using stockholders' money-your money-to continue to entrench themselves and further their personal interests. If elected to the Board, we will work for free. Currently, the four outside directors are each paid between $30,000 and $42,000 annually, in addition to receiving generous stock option grants. In the coming weeks we will be mailing you our proxy materials which will include a WHITE proxy card. We would be honored to represent you on the board.







Very Truly Yours, Concerned Stockholders of Surge Components /s/ Mike Tofias /s/ Brad Rexroad Mike Tofias Brad Rexroad

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT Bradley P. Rexroad and Michael D. Tofias (the "Concerned Stockholders") are participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders of Surge Components, Inc. ("Company") in connection with Company's 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"). On September 27, 2016, the Concerned Stockholders filed a preliminary proxy statement in connection with the Annual Meeting. Prior to the Annual Meeting, the concerned Stockholders intend to furnish a definitive proxy statement to the Company's stockholders, together with a WHITE proxy card. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Mr. Rexroad is the beneficial owner of approximately 6.8% of Company's common stock. Mr. Tofias is the beneficial owner of approximately 15.6% of Company's common stock. Additional information regarding such participants, including their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is included in the preliminary proxy statement. Stockholders may obtain, free of charge, the preliminary proxy statement, any amendments or supplements thereto and any other relevant documents filed by the Concerned Stockholders with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC (News - Alert)") in connection with the Annual Meeting at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of the Concerned Stockholders' definitive Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements thereto and any other relevant documents filed by the Concerned Stockholders with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting will also be available, free of charge, by contacting the Concerned Stockholders at [email protected] or by telephone at 1-507-86SURGE (507-867-8743). View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161006006025/en/

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Three terrorists, who attacked an Indian Army camp in Langate in Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir early today morning, have been killed. Massive search operations are going on.

By Shuja-ul-Haq , Ashraf Wani: Three terrorists, who attacked an Army camp in J-K's Handwara early today morning, have been killed. It was a Fidayeen attack on 30 Rashtriya Rifles camp in Langate and all terrorists came in army combat dress.

The Army foiled 3 infiltration bids at LoC and killed the terrorists in a gunfight. Two Army jawans have reportedly been injured in the attack, but no casualties reported so far. Massive search operations are going on.

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This is the third terror attack this month.

Only four days ago, a similar attack took place in Baramulla in which one BSF jawan was killed. On September 18, 19 Army personnel were martyred in a terror attack in Uri. There is a heightened security alert across Jammu and Kashmir fearing possibility of more attacks after India announced that it carried surgical strikes in PoK.





Also read: Pakistan is rattled, and that's evidence of India's surgical strike



Initial reports suggest the group may have recently infiltrated from across the LoC and could be belonging to the terror outfit Lashker-e-Toiba.

The 30 RR camp in Handwara was attacked, and the firing is reported to have lasted for 30 minutes in the first round.

Also read: Pakistan's denial of surgical strikes exposes Kejriwal's colonial hangover



The second round of intermittent firing resumed again around 7 in the morning.



#UPDATE Firing resumes outside an Army camp in Langate in Handwara (J&K) after a 15 mins stand off ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

The attack comes four days after the Baramulla attack where terrorists tried to break into the 46 Rashtriya Rifles camp at around 10.40 pm. The three-hour long fierce gunfight ended with two terrorists being gunned down and a BSF jawan being martyred in the attack.

Also read: I'm sad it took constable Nitin Kumar's life for media to honour BSF



The Army and other forces have been subjected to a series of attacks after the Uri attack which claimed the lives of 19 jawans.



Terrorists open fire outside an Army camp in Langate in Handwara (J&K).More details awaited&; ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

Also read | Baramulla Army camp attack: 2 terrorists killed, BSF jawan martyred

Also read: Stop asking for evidence of surgical strikes: Put India above politics

Also read: Also read: Evacuation of Punjab border towns post Uri has become a battle for votes

Watch video:



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[October 06, 2016] LiqTech And Kailong High Technology Amend The Letter Of Intent

BALLERUP, Denmark, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- LiqTech International, Inc. (NYSE MKT: LIQT) announced that due to regulatory issues it has not been possible for Kailong High Technology to meet the September 30, 2016 deadline for an investment in LiqTech. The parties have therefor agreed to amend the agreement, so that the joint venture is increasing the payment for the technology of producing Silicon Carbide Filters. LiqTech will now be paid 2 million USD up-front for the technology and a royalty of USD 2.25 per liter of filters sold in the joint venture in 2018  2020. Zang Zhicheng, Chairman of Kailong High Technology, stated, "Kailong is very optimistic about our partnership with LiqTech. We have had very positive responses from our customers. We have recently placed an order of 2.4 million USD and we expect to place significant additional orders in 2017." Due to restrictions to meet the September 30th deadline for our investment we have agreed to change our Letter of Intent and pay a higher price to LiqTech for its technology. We are fully committed to making our Joint Venture a success." Aldo Petersen, Chairman of LiqTech, noted, "When we agreed to our partnership with Kailong, we knew that there could be time restrictions to meet the September 30th deadline. However, we are very focused on getting our Chinese joint venture started and we agreed to an alternative solution that would ensure that key objective would be attained." ABOUT LIQTECH INTERNATIONAL, INC. LiqTech International, Inc., a Nevada corporation, is a clean technology company that for more than a decad has developed and provided state-of-the-art technologies for gas and liquid purification using ceramic silicon carbide filters, particularly highly specialized filters for the control of soot exhaust particles from diesel engines and for liquid filtration. Using nanotechnology, LiqTech develops products using proprietary silicon carbide technology. LiqTech's products are based on unique silicon carbide membranes, which facilitate new applications and improve existing technologies. In particular, LiqTech Systems A/S (www.provital.dk), the Company's subsidiary, has developed a new standard of water filtration technology to meet the ever increasing demand for higher water quality. By incorporating LiqTech's SiC liquid membrane technology with its longstanding systems design experience and capabilities it offers solutions to the most difficult water pollution problem.



For more information, please visit www.liqtech.com

Follow LiqTech on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/liqtech-international

Follow LiqTech on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiqTech Forward-Looking Statements



This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Although the forward-looking statements in this release reflect the good faith judgment of management, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in the our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. We assume no obligation to update any forward- looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release.

CONTACT: Aldo Petersen, Chairman,

+45 2390 0000, [email protected] Sune Mathiesen, CEO

+45 5197 0908, [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/liqtech-and-kailong-high-technology-amend-the-letter-of-intent-300340453.html SOURCE LiqTech International, Inc.

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[October 05, 2016] Global Market Study on E-clinical Solution Software: Asia to Witness Highest Growth by 2020

LONDON, Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- E-clinical solution is software that helps researchers easily manage and analyze clinical data. It helps clinical research organizations, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and research organizations to magnify their clinical research investment through the use of innovative technologies. Clinical trials are research studies to inspect safety and efficacy of drugs, medical devices, and therapeutic products for humans before they are launched in the market. Growing penetration of computers and the Internet worldwide is driving the application of e-clinical solution software in the clinical trials industry. E-clinical solution software is used widely in the management of clinical trials due to its effectiveness over paper process.



North America dominates the global market for e-clinical solution software due to increasing number of clinical trials in the region. The market in Asia is expected to show high growth rates over the next five years. China and India are expected to be the fastest growing e-clinical solution software markets in Asia. Major key driving forces for the e-clinical solution software market in emerging countries are large pool of patients, increasing healthcare awareness, and increasing clinical trial outsourcing in these regions.



Increasing number of clinical trials, rising need for improved data standardization and reducing the time consumed during clinical trial process, and increasing spending on clinical research and development in the pharmaceutical industry are key growth drivers for the e-clinical solution software market. In addition, increasing clinical trial outsourcing is expected to provide opportunities for new market entrants, which would further drive growth of the e-clinical solution software arket. On the other hand, long approval times for clinical trials, high costs of implementation, and lack of skilled manpower are major concerns for the industry. Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies require approval from competent regulatory authorities in every country before starting a clinical trial. Another challenge faced by the e-clinical solution software market is the lack of high-speed broadband facilities in remote areas. Rising number of mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships are major trends in the global e-clinical solution software market.







This report provides in-depth analysis and estimation of the e-clinical solution software market for the period 20142020, considering 2013 as the base year for calculation. In addition, data pertaining to current market dynamics, including market drivers, restraints, trends, and strategic developments has been provided in the report. The e-clinical solution software market is categorized on the basis of mode of delivery, end user, product, and geography. Based on mode of delivery, the e-clinical solution software market comprises web-based e-clinical solution software, cloud-based e-clinical solution software, and licensed enterprise e-clinical solution software. Based on product type, the market comprises clinical data management system, clinical trial management system, electronic clinical outcome assessment solution, randomization and trial supply, and safety solution.



In the geographical analysis, the report identifies and analyzes market size and forecast of North America , Europe , Asia and Rest of the World (RoW). North America is further segmented into the U.S and rest of North America . Similarly, Europe is further segmented into Germany , France and Poland . Asia is further segmented into South Korea and China . Major major players in the e-clinical solution software market are Oracle Corporation, Medidata Solutions, PAREXEL International Corporation, BioClinica, OmniComm Systems. These key market players have been profiled on the basis of attributes such as company overview, recent developments, growth strategies, sustainability and financial overview.

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3175788/





About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-market-study-on-e-clinical-solution-software-asia-to-witness-highest-growth-by-2020-300340239.html SOURCE ReportBuyer

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[October 06, 2016] Ministry of Electronics & IT Confirms Support to India Electronics Week 2017

NEW DELHI, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Invest in India' is the Mantra Powering India Electronics Week 2017, and the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) has Confirmed its Support for the Event The Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) has extended its support to India Electronics Week (IEW) 2017 in recognition of the fact that this show provides the right platform for showcasing the Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector in India. IEW is a mega event for the electronics industry, the inaugural edition of which was organised in 2016 by EFY (Electronics For You) Group. This media group has played the role of a knowledge-sharing and marketing partner to the electronics industry since 1969. IEW 2017 is going to be held from March 2nd to 4th, 2017 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru, with seven co-located shows including Electronics For You Expo (seventh edition), Electronics Rocks (fifth edition), Test & Measurement India (sixth edition), LEDAsia.in (second edition), IoTshow.in (second edition), Raksha India (second edition) and DIY Expo (first edition). While continuing to add value through conferences, buyer-seller meet, government-to-business interactions, workshops, etc, IEW 2017 will increase its focus on innovation and investment promotion. National programmes lke 'Make in India' and 'Digital India' will be promoted during the event to encourage domestic manufacturing and value addition.



The show caters to manufacturers, developers and technology leaders interested in the domestic as well as global markets, offering them a platform to display their products and services. It acts as a catalyst for accelerated growth and value addition, acquisition of technology and joint ventures between Indian and global players to enable the growth of the Indian ESDM industry. IEW features participation from manufacturers and distributors of electronic components, raw materials, assemblies and capital equipment as well as EMS providers. This will bring together the business and technology aspects of electronics onto one platform for the benefit of all participants for the entire ESDM value chain. Ramesh Chopra, Executive Chairman, EFY Group, said, "We thank MeitY for its continuous support towards our objective to bring the ESDM ecosystem partners together to facilitate networking, knowledge-sharing and marketing through our mega event - India Electronics Week (IEW). We have been organising several events for the ESDM sector for the last seven years - all of which were finally merged in 2016 to create India Electronics Week."

About IEW India Electronics Week (IEW) is a week-long international event to be held at Bengaluru, to promote the Indian electronics industry. It's a mega event, where the global electronics industry comes together in India. The main part of IEW will be held between March 2nd to 4th, 2017 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). Seven events are being held together under the banner of India Electronics Week. These are: Electronics For You Expo (7th edition) Electronics Rocks (5th edition) Test & Measurement India (6th edition) LEDAsia.in (2nd edition) IoTshow.in (2nd edition) Raksha India (2nd edition) DIY Expo (1st edition) Besides, many more events will be held across Bengaluru and the rest of India, during this week, to promote awareness about developments in the electronics industry. For more information, refer to http://indiaelectronicsweek.com/. Media contact:

Atithya Amaresh

[email protected]

+91-7838052334

Asst. Manager, EFY Group



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[October 06, 2016] IT Revolution Releases "The DevOps Handbook: How to Create World-Class Agility, Reliability, & Security in Technology Organizations"

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- IT Revolution (http://itrevolution.com), the industry leader for advancing DevOps, today announced the availability of "The DevOps Handbook," a new book dedicated to helping leaders understand how to transform their businesses through DevOps best practices. The book is co-authored by DevOps pioneers, Gene Kim, Jez Humble, Patrick Debois and John Willis  and features a foreword by John Allspaw, chief technology officer at Etsy. It can be purchased from all major book retailers. "The DevOps Handbook" (itrevolution.com/devops-handbook) is a highly anticipated non-fiction follow-up to "The Phoenix Project," a novel also co-authored by Gene Kim that has sold more than 250,000 copies worldwide. Five years in the making, "The DevOps Handbook" contains more than 400 pages of material including 40 case studies and findings pulled from more than 25,000 data points of research. Each of the four co-authors has helped pioneer DevOps transformations at large companies, is passionate about helping organizations effect positive change and recognizes what is at stake when companies fail. Together they produced "The DevOps Handbook" to drive cultural changes and technical practices that will increase profitability and lead to marketplace wins. "This is a comprehensive guide that describes the DevOps principles and patterns that enable people to replicate the outcomes of high-performing organizations. Our research has found that these organizations are 2.5 times more likely than their peers to surpass profitabilit, market share and productivity goals," said Gene Kim, founder of IT Revolution and co-author of "The Phoenix Project" and "The DevOps Handbook." "This book describes the decades of collective experiences of the four co-authors, as well as research of high-performing technology organizations, spanning over 25,000 IT professionals. We hope this book can show how product management, development, quality assurance, operations and information security can help their organizations win in the marketplace."



"The DevOps Handbook" examines the "Three Ways"the core principles from which all DevOps behaviors can be derived. Leaders will unpack common DevOps Myths, find tips on where to start their DevOps journey, determine who needs to be involved, and learn how to protect, organize and enable their teams. "The DevOps Handbook" also features applicable practices that will shorten and amplify feedback loops and seamlessly sustain the fast flow of work from Dev into Ops. The authors will be on hand for a formal book signing at the DevOps Enterprise Summit (DOES16)

About the Authors Gene Kim

Kim is a multi-award winning CTO, researcher and author. He is the founder of Tripwire and served as CTO for 13 years. He has written two other books: "The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win," and "The Visible Ops Handbook."

Kim is a multi-award winning CTO, researcher and author. He is the founder of Tripwire and served as CTO for 13 years. He has written two other books: "The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win," and "The Visible Ops Handbook." Jez Humble

Humble is co-author of the Jolt Award-winning "Continuous Delivery." He has spent his career tinkering with code, infrastructure and product development in companies of varying sizes across three continents and he currently works at 18F, teaches at UC Berkeley, and is co-founder of DevOps Research and Assessment LLC.

Humble is co-author of the Jolt Award-winning "Continuous Delivery." He has spent his career tinkering with code, infrastructure and product development in companies of varying sizes across three continents and he currently works at 18F, teaches at UC Berkeley, and is co-founder of DevOps Research and Assessment LLC. Patrick Debois

Debois is an independent IT-consultant who is bridging the gap between projects and operations by using Agile techniques both in development, project management and system administration. He is considered by many to be the founder of the modern DevOps movement.

Debois is an independent IT-consultant who is bridging the gap between projects and operations by using Agile techniques both in development, project management and system administration. He is considered by many to be the founder of the modern DevOps movement. John Willis

Willis has worked in the IT management industry for more than 35 years. Currently he is Director of Ecosystem Development at Docker, Inc. Share This: IT Revolution releases The #DevOps Handbook for building #culture and #technology practices that win in the market (http://itrevolution.com/devops-handbook) About IT Revolution IT Revolution (www.itrevolution.com) researches and amplifies the best practices of high-performing technology organizations. Founded by Gene Kim, the company publishes books, hosts events and supports the adoption of DevOps practices in the IT community. Contact:

Jeremy Douglas

Catapult PR-IR

303-581-7760

[email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160322/346968LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/it-revolution-releases-the-devops-handbook-how-to-create-world-class-agility-reliability--security-in-technology-organizations-300340342.html SOURCE IT Revolution

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[October 06, 2016] First-ever certification program for jewellery retailers introduced by Retail Council of Canada and the Canadian Jewellers Association

TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) announce the first-ever retail certification program for jewellery store managers and personnel - the Certified Jewellery Retail Professional Program (CJRP). CJRP is the first-of-its-kind program that covers matters of critical knowledge and skills that are unique to the jewellery retail profession in Canada. The self-directed online course will cover topics and skills ranging from protection and operations, law and legislation, succession planning and leadership, to sales and marketing. "We're thrilled to empower jewellers with this specially designed program that will assist them and their staff in becoming successful retail professionals" said Diane J. Brisebois, President & CEO of Retail Council of Canada. Ms. Brisebois added. "Buying jewellery is one of the most emotional retail adventures and to be able to build on jewellers' nnate passion with these additional skills will further ensure a great customer experience and business growth."



The certification will require that candidates complete a rigorous evaluation which includes passing an exam, successfully completing a performance interview by We Check, as well as having a full year of on-the-job experience in the jewellery industry. "It was exciting to develop this program jointly with Retail Council of Canada and provide our members with a training program that has never existed before for jewellers", said Stephen Cole, President, Spicer Cole Fine Jewellers and Board Member of the Canadian Jewellers Association. "We know other countries are also looking to create similar programs and we are proud to be the first to address the specific issues of jewellers' retail training needs," added Mr Cole.

The Canadian Jewellery Retail Professional (CJRP) program will be offered online through Retail Council of Canada's education division, Canadian Retail Institute. To find out more or to register, contact us at [email protected]. Retail is Canada's largest employer with 2.2 million Canadians working in our industry. The sector annually generates payroll of $60 billion and approximately $350 billion in sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline). Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members' represent more than two thirds of retail sales in the country. RCC is a not-for-profit industry-funded association and represents small, medium and large retail business in every community across the country. As the Voice of Canadian retailers we proudly represent more than 45,000 storefronts in all retail formats, including department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers and online merchants. RetailCouncil.org @RetailCouncil

SOURCE Retail Council of Canada

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In suburbs, a fight for the soul of local school districts intensifies

Slates of conservative candidates are gunning for the majority on school boards nationwide, with the potential to impact school for thousands of kids.
Under the ordinance, anyone applying to do a lot split must live in one of the units for at least three years. Also, each new unit must have an accompanying covered parking space and they may not be used as short-term rentals.



https://www.toacorn.com/articles/council-codifies-new-state-mandate-rules-around-duplexes-lot-splits/
The Madras High Court dismissed the petition seeking government's statement on the health condition of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's health

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has been in the hospital since September 22. (File photo)

By Akshaya Nath: The Madras High Court today dismissed the petition seeking the Tamil Nadu government's statement on Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's health.

The petition was filed by Traffic Ramaswamy, a social activist. It sought the government's statement on Jayalalithaa's health condition and on appointment of an interim chief minister.

Dismissing the petition, the court observed that it is not a public interest litigation. It further said the petition is for publicity of the person and is an attempt to turn the matter into a political issue. The court also called the petitioner's demand for a recent photograph of the chief minister to clarify her health position "not justified".



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ALSO READ: Jayalalithaa health: Medical team from AIIMS to assist in treatment

The Tamil Nadu chief minister was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in Chennai on September 22 and has been undergoing treatment ever since.

Information on her health condition has so far been released only by the hospital.

ALSO READ: Supporters offer prayers for Jayalalithaa's recovery; DMK alleges there is no government in Tamil Nadu

Hundreds of AIADMK supporters have been visiting the hospital on a daily basis to check on Amma's health. According to AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi, the chief minister is recovering well and has been advised a few days' rest in the hospital.

Rumours, however, about her worsening health condition have been doing the round since the past fortnight.

ALSO READ: Jayalalithaa's health is improving, states Apollo Hospital



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Some 98 people were killed in Haiti and thousands were displaced after the storm smashed homes and inundated neighborhoods earlier in the week.

People walk down the street next to destroyed houses in Haiti. (Photo: Reuters)

By Reuters: Hurricane Matthew, the fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, strengthened as it barreled toward the southeastern United States on Thursday after killing at least 102 people, mostly in Haiti, on its deadly northward march.

As Matthew blew through the northwestern Bahamas on Thursday en route to Florida's Atlantic coast, its winds increased to 140 miles per hour (220 kph), the US National Hurricane Center said.

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That made it an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 hurricane and it was likely to remain so as it approached the United States, where it could either take direct aim at Florida or brush along the state's coast through Friday night, the center said.

Some 98 people were killed in Haiti and thousands were displaced after the storm smashed homes and inundated neighborhoods earlier in the week.

The National Hurricane Center extended its hurricane warning area farther north into South Carolina and more than 12 million US residents were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel.

Roads in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as the storm approached, carrying with it strong storm surges, heavy rain and high winds.

Matthew was 180 miles (290 km) southeast of West Palm Beach at about 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT), and 25 miles (40 km) from Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, the hurricane center said.

The damage could be "catastrophic" if the hurricane slammed directly into Florida, Governor Rick Scott warned, urging some 1.5 million people in the state to heed evacuation orders.

"If you're reluctant to evacuate, just think about all the people who have been killed," Scott told a news conference on Thursday. "Time is running out. This is clearly either going to have a direct hit or come right along the coast and we're going to have hurricane-force winds."

Scott, who activated several thousand National Guard troops to help deal with the storm, warned that millions of people were likely to be left without power.

With an expected storm surge of up to 9 feet (2.7 meters), he said people should stay away from beaches. "Do not go on the beach," he said. "This will kill you."

The four US states in the path of the hurricane declared states of emergency, a move empowering their governors to mobilize the National Guard.

It was too soon to predict where in the United States Matthew was likely to do the most damage, the Hurricane Center said.

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Shelters in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina were opened for evacuees. Federal emergency response teams were coordinating with officials in all four states and stockpiling supplies.

In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest encouraged residents in the path of the storm to heed warnings from local governments about evacuations and seeking shelter.

CLOSED SCHOOLS, EVACUATED HOSPITALS

Schools and airports across the region were closed on Thursday and some hospitals were evacuated, according to local media. Hundreds of flights were canceled in and out of the Florida cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, industry website Flightaware.com said.

Matthew was heading northwest at about 14 mph (22 kph) and was expected to continue on this track on Thursday, turning north-northwest on Thursday night or early on Friday, the hurricane center said. The eye, or center, of the storm was moving between Andros Island and New Providence in the northwestern Bahamas on Thursday.

In Nassau, which is on New Providence, it was raining steadily on Thursday morning and high winds were bucking palm trees. Minor damage to roofs was reported but there was no flooding yet or reports of injuries.

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On Tuesday and Wednesday Matthew, the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck Central America in 2007, had whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mph (225 kph) winds and torrential rain, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes. The devastation in Haiti prompted authorities to postpone a presidential election.

The last major hurricane, classified as a storm bearing sustained winds of more than 110 mph (177 kph), to hit the United States was Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

In Florida, fuel stations posted "out of gas" signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up.

At a Subco gas station in Orlando, the central Florida city that is home to resorts including Walt Disney World, the gas pumps had run dry on Wednesday afternoon.

"We were selling 800, 1,000 gallons of gas an hour. That's huge," said Nancy, who was working the counter on Thursday morning and declined to give her last name.

The shop was a stopping off point for coastal residents seeking shelter inland from the coast. Among them was Jonas Sylvan, 44, of Melbourne, Florida, who planned to hole up in a hotel with his wife, two daughters and dog. "We're just trying to get away from the coast," he said. "It's safer here."

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In South Carolina, Tylisia Brooks, 44, who has lived on the barrier island of James Island near Charleston for six years, waited with her 8-year-old son and mother at a closed Walmart early Thursday for a school bus to take them to a hurricane shelter.

"We're from New York City," she said. "We've never been through a storm like this where we had to evacuate.

"It's very scary."



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Google Pixel 7 features coming to Pixel 6  heres what to expect

Google has announced that the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are getting some of the Pixel 7s new features, and older Pixel phones are even getting a few updates. Here's what we know so far.
Earlier this week, Reuters revealed an exclusive report backed by multiple sources, saying that Yahoo allowed either the NSA or the FBI to scan a set of characters across all of its hundreds of millions of accounts. When we asked whether it was true and how it happened, Yahoo responded saying that the Reuters article was misleading, but it didnt characterize it as false.

The article is misleading. We narrowly interpret every government request for user data to minimize disclosure. The mail scanning described in the article does not exist on our systems, a Yahoo Inc. representative told Toms Hardware.

The statement was Yahoo's only reply to multiple different questions we posed about what happened. We also attempted to clarify previous statements made to Reuters and other news sites.

Misleading, But Not False?

Whats surprising about Yahoos statement is just how vague it is. Beyond not calling it false, but only misleading, the response goes no further in trying to clarify what exactly was misleading about the Reuters article.

Reuters post made two primary claims. One was that there is a software scanner that allows U.S. intelligence agencies to scan through all of Yahoos user accounts, and the other was that the scan is limited to search of characters, not that the government is allowed to look and see anyones emails in full at will.

Yahoo also seems to talk about disclosure, while the Reuters post talks about the ability to search emails. Yahoo may minimize disclosure to the U.S. government (not clear just how minimized), but according to the Reuters post it still has to search through everyones emails first.

Its not the first time when Yahoo has released carefully crafted statements that may technically be true, but dont answer the actual question at hand. Back in 2013, following accusations that Yahoo was involved in NSAs PRISM program, the company implied it doesnt voluntarily participate in such a program. However, everyone wanted to know whether Yahoo participates at all; voluntarily or not.

Internal Scanners, Repurposed For Government Surveillance

Many have argued that once you build a censorship or surveillance infrastructure, even with the best intentions in mind, governments will eventually demand that companies use it for much more.

According to a recent New York Times post, this seems to have happened at Yahoo as well. The company allegedly repurposed its malware, spam, and child pornography scanners as a surveillance tool to aid the U.S. intelligence agencies.

Google and Microsoft have their own similar malware and child pornography scanners, but so far, theyve all denied that they have also repurposed the scanners for government surveillance in the same way that Yahoos scanners seem to have been.

Yahoo Complied With U.S. Laws - But Which?

One particular bit of information we wouldve liked Yahoo to clarify was what laws was Yahoo complying with when it made this statement as the first response to Reuters article:

"Yahoo is a law abiding company, and complies with the laws of the United States," Yahoo said in a statement to Reuters.

As far as we know, the U.S. doesn't apply secret laws. There may be secret interpretations of laws, and we already know there are plenty of secret government or judicial orders, which governments often abuse. However, governments use the secret orders as a reason to protect an investigation from becoming public. Theres no reason to keep a law itself secret, at least not in a way that wouldnt be unconstitutional.

Americans (companies or individuals) have the right under the First Amendment to say which laws (passed publicly through Congress) theyre complying with. However, for some reason, Yahoo refuses to disclose the laws it is operating within.

FISA Amendments Act, Section 702

Two government sources have said that the law in question is the FISA Amendments Act. More specifically, the government seems to have given the order under a provision called Section 702, which is due to expire on December 2017.

Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act was one of the three main tools that have allowed indiscriminate mass surveillance by the U.S. government, along with Section 215 of the Patriot Act (which was set to expire before the passing of the USA Freedom Act last year) and Executive Order 12333.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, whos now working on an anti-encryption bill, heavily supported and promoted renewing the Section 702 provision in 2012. President Obama also provided support. Senator Ron Wyden was one of the few that fought against its renewal. Unless theres a change in public perception and enough pressure on Congress to vote against renewal, its likely that the government will extend the provision for at least another five years in 2017.

Many Unanswered Questions

In another statement to the New York Times, Yahoo said that the collection of the data that the Reuters article mentioned is no longer taking place. The company didnt say whether it happened in the past. We also asked Yahoo why it had to stop the collection if it has done it under a legal requirement by the government, and whether it was the government or Yahoo that decided to end it for now. However, Yahoo didnt provide an answer.

The Reuters report said that Alex Stamos, Yahoos Chief Information Security Officer in 2015, discovered the program weeks after the company installed it. Its not clear how Stamos knew Yahoo installed the program only a few weeks before. Stamos reportedly left the company to move to Facebook after Yahoos CEO, Marissa Mayer, kept the security team in the dark about the email scanning operation.

If Yahoo installed the program in 2015, it may not have anything to do with the data breach that Yahoo reported happened in 2014. Often, government backdoors, or any backdoors at all, are the ones that lead to massive data breaches. Yahoo didnt tell us whether there was any connection between the two.

In light of the significance of the accusations thrown at Yahoo right now, which could impact its business or sale to Verizon (to be completed in Q1 2017), it's puzzling that the company isn't at least trying to answer as many questions as it can in a more direct manner.

Christopher Soghoian, privacy researcher and principal technologist at the ACLU

Its likely this wont be the last time well hear about Yahoos alleged involvement with U.S. intelligence agencies, especially if the company decides to clarify some of the questions it now seems to avoid answering purposefully. Weve also asked Yahoo for further clarification on its statement that the Reuters article was misleading, so well update the post if we receive new statements.
He may have received his start on Australian Idol, arguably the progenitor of modern reality singing competitions, but Shannon Noll isnt a fan of todays TV singing competitions.

In our year it was all about the contestants. The judges were unknown, Noll recently told AAP. To be fair, he has a point, the focus of the first season of Australian Idol was squarely on the contestants.

There were no big-name celebrity judges simply there to plug an album and collect a check. The judges  Marcia Hines, Ian Dicko Dickson, and Mark Holden  were veterans of the music industry, and besides Hines, had little name recognition.

Now they bring Americans out who announce a new single and a tour, said Noll. I think I heard one of them go You can win this for me and Im going, Who is this supposed to be for? Its supposed to be for the kids, not for the judges.

According to Noll, not only do the judges rob the contestants of the spotlight, they may be harming them and their careers. These kids believe every word that theyre getting told and I worry about them because its a bit dangerous for them.

Ive sort of been through the highs and the lows of it and its hard until you get there to be able to handle the part where people dont give a s**t about you anymore all of a sudden.

Back in May, Noll spoke to News Corp about the meme-born career resurgence hes experienced in recent years, revealing that he loves the new attention hes been receiving and the new opportunities its given him.

After enjoying a string of chart hits with Drive, Shine, and Lift, Noll largely receded from the spotlight and was relegated to punchline status for many Australians and he became the subject of many popular memes.

The memes eventually turned to thousands upon thousands of people RSVP-ing to his gigs on Facebook and calling for festival organisers to add Nollsy to their bills. The attention effectively reignited his career.

Theyre not just saying interested in coming on Facebook, theyre making the effort to get out from the computer and come along to the shows, Noll told News Corp, opining that many of the fans coming to gigs remember him from his Idol days.
Melbournes Parading have released a stirring, stripped-back cover of Paul Kellys Big Heart in anticipation of their upcoming Jungle Songs album.

Already having made a name for themselves as purveyors of some of the finest modern shoegaze music going around, Paradings take on Paul Kellys classic track is a welcome slice of updated Australiana.

Produced by Richard Andrew (Underground Lovers), the group lovingly pay tribute to the lyrical and emotional beauty present in Kellys original 1987 track through the restrained use of dreamy vocals and fuzzed-out guitars.

Jungle Songs is out on November 11, with a launch at Ding Dong on Saturday Nov 25 to follow, but in the meantime you can check out Big Heart below.
Craig Glazer: A Star Is Born. Mike Pence.

Until the debate this week between Mike Pence Republican Vice President nominee and Tim Kaine Democratic Vice Presidential nominee, we knew just a little bit about both. Then the magic of a tv debate happened. Tim Kaine was decent no doubt, but Mike Pence, holly molly, emerged as 'The New and Future Star' of his party. Pence had the calm presence, the answers and maybe most important:Even his voice tone was pleasant and authoritative.Hey he may be too far right for many. The fact he's a republican will of course not please any democratic folks, but boy he left that stage as a political rock star! Pence came under attack not only from Kaine but also the commentator who was clearly not a Trump fan. Kaine interrupted Pence all too often, but he not only held his own, his message was loud and strong. Pence never rattled or got upset. A lesson his boss could use, Donald Trump.Lets be honest, Trump is trailing and as of today not likely to beat Hillary Clinton in a few weeks in November. If he loses, Trump will of course be done with politics and back to being 'Donald Trump.' However Mike Pence is likely to be the man she will face in four years, the next election.With both Clinton and Trump drawing more negatives than positives you have to wonder: what if the Republicans would have found this guy a year ago? What if it were Pence and not Trump going up against Hillary in November? Things might be much different. You even wonder what might have happened if Trump dropped out a few months back when things got dark for him and it was Pence who faced Clinton in that first debate, which may have sealed Trump's fate.It's become clear that America likes the nice looking,charming, candidate when possible. Pence has that 'Kennedy' thing. The guy has the looks, the presidential presence and the goods to be the next big thing in politics in America. The problem is if Trump falls he will have a long wait and running against an incumbent is always uphill. However with all Clinton's issues, if she doesn't have a great four years, then look out for Pence.Yes Trump can say his first big move as a political leader was to choose mister hot, Pence, but again, he has come under so much media fire and he keeps saying things that don't help him. Trump was nearly even with Clinton before the debate and now has fallen back. Pence helped Trump somewhat but likely not enough. Trump needs a HUGE win Sunday night against Hillary. That will be tough with the town hall style of the debate coming up. Plus Donald just hasn't learned how to do what Pence did, stay calm, stay on the issues and not get upset. Again it may just be too late for the 'Donald.' It's just the beginning for Mike Pence.#########
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that Greece will not be discussion the issue of Cham Albanians with Albanian authorities. The press release came in response to Albanian claims that the issue was on the table.

Greece is not discussing the Cham issue nor is negotiating with third parties the rulings of Greek courts against those who collaborated with the German occupiers. The Foreign Ministry feels obliged to refute, once again, those who argue that the Foreign Affairs Ministry clarified. Greece has proposed t a discussion on a series of unresolved issues with Albanian authorities, not however the Cham issue.

Furthermore, the Ministry clarified that the Chams were only mentioned once in a non-paper that was issued in the bilateral talks with Albania. According to the Ministry, the term was used once in the non-paper, where it is mentioned that in no way [does Greece] see rights for the so-called Chams.

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
The fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mile-per-hour winds and torrential rains, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes.

By Reuters: Hurricane Matthew twisted toward the Bahamas and Florida's east coast on Wednesday after killing at least 26 people and damaging a majority of homes in Haiti's south, prompting the hard-hit country to postpone a long-awaited presidential election.

The powerful Category 3 hurricane, the fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mile-per-hour (230 kph) winds and torrential rains on Tuesday, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes.

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In the United States, more than 1.5 million people were urged to evacuate the southeastern coast and Florida Governor Rick Scott warned residents to prepare for a possible direct hit that could be catastrophic.

Hundreds of thousands of people had been evacuated from the path of Matthew, which caused severe flooding and killed four people in the Dominican Republic as well as at least 22 in Haiti. The two countries share the island of Hispaniola.

The storm carved a path of devastation through southwestern Haiti, dumping boats and debris on coastal roads hit by surging seas and flooding residential areas heavily.

A man stands next to a home flattened by Hurricane Matthew. Photo: AP

Some 80 percent of homes were damaged in Haiti's Sud Department, which has a population of more than 700,000, a government official said in a meeting with UN officials. Some 11,000 people were in shelters in the province.

In the town of Jeremie, people were cooking and sleeping outside because most houses were either knocked down or severely damaged. Similar scenes were reported across the coastal towns of the south.

Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, had been set to hold a repeatedly postponed presidential election on Sunday, but the country's electoral council delayed it again in the aftermath of Matthew. No new date has yet been set.

STORM COULD STRENGTHEN

Matthew was downgraded early on Wednesday from a Category 4 storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of intensity, the US National Hurricane Center said.

The storm had sustained winds of about 115 mph (185 kph) on Wednesday evening, but the NHC said it could strengthen as it approaches Florida.

The eye of the storm was about 270 miles (435 km) south-southeast of Nassau in the Bahamas at 8 p.m. EST (0000 GMT) and was expected to be very near the east coast of Florida by Thursday evening, the NHC said.

"Everyone in our state must prepare now for a direct hit," Florida Governor Scott told a news conference in Tallahassee. "If Matthew directly impacts Florida, the destruction could be catastrophic and you need to be prepared."

It was difficult to assess the full extent of Matthew's impact in Haiti because it knocked out communications in many of the worst-affected areas, including the main bridge that links much of the country to the southwest peninsula.

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Haiti was a particular concern because it is prone to mudslides due to extensive deforestation, and tens of thousands of people are still living in tents and makeshift dwellings after the 2010 earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people.

A spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the Haitian government estimated 350,000 people needed immediate assistance.

Chris Bessey, country representative at charity Catholic Relief Services, said on-the-ground reports from the small coastal town of Dame Marie indicated that much of the town had been destroyed.

Also read:

Hurricane Matthew unleashes fury on Haiti, moves to Cuba



The death toll in Haiti included at least eight people killed by falling trees and six others swept away by swollen rivers, authorities said.

Mourad Wahba, the U.N. secretary-general's deputy special representative for Haiti, said the storm had triggered "the largest humanitarian event" witnessed in Haiti since the 2010 quake.

The US government said it was ready to help the afflicted, and about 300 US Marines set off on the USS Mesa Verde to provide disaster relief in Haiti, the Marines said on Twitter.

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CUBA'S OLDEST TOWN GUTTED

There were no immediate reports of deaths in Cuba but Matthew devastated the picture-postcard tourist town of Baracoa, Cuba's oldest colonial settlement, in the province of Guantanamo. It gutted many houses there, dumping hunks of cement, wooden beams, roof tiles and fallen electrical lines on the streets.

"This is unbelievable. The little we have we tried to look after, we know we don't have the means to get more," said Hector Toirac, 45, a carpenter in a nearby fishing village where residents rummaged for belongings in the rubble of collapsed homes.

The storm passed close to the US naval base and military prison in Guantanamo and was on track to plow through the central and northwestern Bahamas, the NHC forecasts showed.

Residents carry food down a street strewn with rubble caused by Hurricane Matthew. Photo: AP

Officials in the Bahamas urged residents to evacuate to higher ground and the Ministry for Grand Bahama said on Facebook that government offices in New Providence and Grand Bahama were closed until further notice.

Hurricane and tropical storm warnings have been extended along a large stretch of Florida's east coast ahead of Matthew's forecast arrival there on Thursday.

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Tropical storm or hurricane conditions could affect parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina later this week, even if the center of Matthew remained offshore, the NHC said.

--- ENDS ---
The Greek National Meteorological Services (EMY) forecast a drop in temperatures of 7 degrees Celsius, accompanied by low visibility in regions and topical cloudy patches over the next two days. Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate due to the onset of what meteorologists dub the Rex Blocking phenomenon. Crete and central Macedonia, as well as areas in the eastern mainland will see temporary rains and overcast weather. Meteorologists link the sudden weather downturn to the Rex Blocking phenomenon, which rarely affects the eastern parts of the European continent.

The phenomenon is caused when the flow of air masses in the atmosphere block the barometric systems from moving from west to east. This blocking was dubbed Rex in honour of an American meteorologist who closely studies the phenomenon in 1950. Greece is usually affected by the Omega Blocking systems, meteorologist Thodoris Kolydas told newspaper Ethnos. The Rex system practically means that hot air masses from northwestern Europe will move southeastwards, while cold air masses will move from the Ukraine towards the Balkan peninsula, he explained. The last time Greece had experienced such a phenomena was in 1991.

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
Brits shockingly poor knowledge of which countries use the euro was recorded by a study commissioned by APH

Brits shockingly poor knowledge of which countries use the euro, even after the EU referendum, shows how little they know of their European neighbors.

A study commissioned by APH asked 1,000 people which countries they think used the currency, which was first introduced in 2002.

Just 26% correctly picked the popular holiday destination of Malta, despite the fact that the euro has been used there since 2008. The British cash confusion extends to Cyprus, with 68% incorrectly believing it doesnt use the euro, and Portugal, with 47% of us thinking it has its own currency.

Other tourist hotspots that caught people out include microstates, such as the Vatican City. Despite being economically dependent on Italy, only one in ten people (10%) said they thought the microstate uses the euro. Similar assumptions were made of San Marino (10%) and Monaco (23%).

The biggest misconception, however, was for countries in Eastern Europe. Just over one in ten people (13%) correctly stated that Slovakia uses the euro, closely followed by Slovenia and Lithuania (14%).

The consequences of this lack of knowledge has led 23% of Brits to actually take the wrong currency on holiday, with almost a third of men making the mistake (29%), as opposed to just 18% of women.

Top 5 Eurozone Countries People Think Use A Non-Euro Currency

1. Slovakia (87%)

2. Slovenia (86%)

3. Lithuania (86%)

4. Latvia (85%)

5. Estonia (84%)

Non-Euro Countries People Most Commonly Think Use The Euro Currency

1. Denmark (32%)

2. Poland (31%)

3. Hungary (22%)

4. Sweden (22%)

5. Czech Rep. (22%)

Beverley Barden, Head of Marketing at APH, said: This survey highlights the understandable confusion around the euro and which countries use it. Before you travel to anywhere in Europe, our simple advice would be to check our euro guide to make sure you have the correct currency.

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
Greece-based Neptune Lines, a leading finished vehicle logistics provider, has announced the launch of its new roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) service in the Middle East.



It is a major provider of transportation and shipping solutions to manufacturers and shippers of cars and high and heavy cargoes.



To mark the opening of Neptune Lines, an official reception was held recently in Dubai, UAE, which was attended by UAE government officials as well as leaders of the shipping and logistics industry.



The new Neptune Lines service is supported by NMT Shipping, its commercial agents in the region, and is scheduled to connect the UAE ports of Jebel Ali and Khalifa to the ports of Shuwaikh (Kuwait) and Umm Qasr (Iraq), as well as Bandar Abbas (Iran), Sohar (Oman), Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Hamad (Qatar) and Khalifa Bin Salman (Bahrain), said the company in a statement.



Upon demand and subject to availability, the new service will also operate alternative routes on an inducement basis, it stated.



The companys operations in the region will be headed by Markos Vassilikos from Dubai.



Vassilikos, as the former head of Neptune Lines operations, has a vast experience in the field and a deep knowledge of the company and its business culture.



Melina Travlos, president and CEO, Neptune Line, said: "I am delighted to be here, to celebrate together with our distinguished guests, our entry into a visionary region with world-class infrastructure that strives for continuous growth and development.



We are creating a sea bridge dedicated to the automotive trade, servicing the Emirati ports as well as the ports of Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran, aiming to boost and facilitate the trading of vehicles overall, offering permanent solutions for reliable, on-time deliveries, she said.



We are committed to contributing to this region our pioneering expertise and professionalism alongside our pledge for excellent quality shipping services, she added.



Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, vice chairman, DP World, added: "On behalf of our company, I wish to extend a warm welcome to Neptune Lines and wish them every success in their new endeavours.  TradeArabia News Service
For the fourth consecutive year, Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel Beirut has launched its Box Appeal Campaign, an annual charity initiative organised by the Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson hotels, in partnership with the Lebanese food bank.



Dedicated this year for elderly people in need, the Box Appeal involves volunteers from the hotel in Beirut along with the Lebanese Food Bank joining forces to fill boxes with a predetermined list of daily essential items of dry food. Volunteers will distribute these boxes to NGOs who will deliver them to elderly people in need across Lebanon. Filling up hundreds of boxes, the campaign is also considered to be various schools and companies yearly CSR activities.



We are proud of launching this campaign for the fourth year in Lebanon, said Francois Galoisy, general manager of Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel Beirut. This year we took the decision to dedicate this initiative to help elderly people in need, filling up to 1,000 pledged boxes.



The campaign relies on asking people to fill a provided box with a pre-determined shopping list of essential dry food needed in every house. This year, the campaign in Beirut is sponsored by Tannourine.



We are very delighted to be partners in the Box Appeal Campaign for the fourth consecutive year as it supports our vision Lebanon, free from hunger, said Soha Zaiter, executive manager of Lebanese Food Bank.



Launched in 2008, the Box Appeal has collected more than 90,000 boxes for the Middle Easts less fortunate. This years campaign will include the participation of 24 hotels in Bahrain, Lebanon, Qatar, Egypt, Oman and the UAE. - TradeArabia News Service
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

Its every travelers nightmare. You descend to baggage claim at your destination and begin waiting for your bag. And you wait and you wait. That dreaded feeling begins to rise up inside you as you realize that your bag didnt make it.

Heres everything you need to know about airline lost luggage: what to do when the airline loses your luggage, the sickening truth about lost baggage by airlines and even tips on preventing lost luggage hassles.

That dreaded feeling of wondering if your baggage made it (Photo by Tom Mayby CC 2.0)

What To Do When the Airline Loses Your Luggage

Here is what to do when luggage is lost or delayed on your flight. Nobody from the airline is just going to magically find your bag without you taking steps to make it happen. You need to be your own advocate.

File your claim immediately at the airport

Dont just assume your bag will come on the next flight. You must file your claim immediately to receive compensation and it helps to start the clock on your claim. Be sure to have all of your information handy, including record locator number, flight number, and description of your bag (including color, shape, size, manufacturer, and any distinguishing characteristics).

Be loud, be vocal

Get in front of a real person (ideally a manager) at the baggage office at the airport. Get their attention. Get them looking for your bag. But remember the phrase, You catch more flies with honey. Being a jerk or obnoxious is unlikely to help your case. Be pleasant, but forceful.

You need to assume your bag is lost for a minimum of 5 days

Airlines rarely get bags back to passengers in 48 hours. Most bags that fall into the delayed baggage category make it back to the passenger in 3-7 days. Figure out what you need for a few days and immediately buy those items.

Itemize everything

Keep receipts for everything you buy. How much do airlines have to pay for lost luggage? The answer depends on if the flight was a domestic flight or an international flight.

The airlines are required to reimburse you for delayed, lost or damaged baggage up to $3,300 per person on domestic flights. International flights are covered by the Warsaw Convention, but the current lost luggage reimbursement is around $1,750 per person. Actually getting paid for your lost or delayed luggage reimbursement is another matter with some airlines being very quick and others not.

Use a concierge service

Once youve submitted your paperwork and you have your claim information, you might consider hiring a professional. If you have access to high-end concierge services via an elite credit card, a travel membership program, or a corporate travel account, consider putting your concierge or ambassador to the task.

Baggage waiting for owners

Share your story

After a few days, you will want to take your story to social media. Dont be a jerk, but share your story and be sure to tag your airlines social media accounts. Have friends re-share the story, particularly on Twitter. Eventually someone in the airline will pay attention. Thats what you need  a real person in customer service/central baggage office to take interest. They are the people who can help get someone to look for your bag.

The Truth About Airline Lost Luggage

Filing a Lost Luggage Report Probably Wont Help

When your bag doesnt make it at a destination, youll dutifully file your report with the airline in the baggage claim area. If this is a simple issue of delayed baggage, it should show up in the next three days. FAA data shows that delayed baggage usually arrives within 3-7 days. However, if the bag is truly lost, your chances of finding lost luggage after 30 days are cut in half.

Automated baggage tracking is hardly a science. Despite having bar codes, the baggage search process is largely a manual one. It requires an airline representative to manually search the WorldTracer computer system for misdirected bags.

WorldTracer is a computer system used by practically every airline (over 440 worldwide) at over 2,800 airports. To get help with your lost bag, you need to find some way to get the airline to initiate this manual process. Complaining loudly and frequently is your only choice.

Time Is Not On Your Side

When your bag is lost, time is not on your side. There are a number of key deadlines that youll need to observe if you want to see your bags (or receive compensation). Here are the key deadlines:

4 hours : Deadline from flight landing to file your complaint with the airline for lost baggage

: Deadline from flight landing to file your complaint with the airline for lost baggage 5 days : The time period when the airline transitions your case file from the local airport to the central baggage office. This is the start of getting someone to actually help you.

: The time period when the airline transitions your case file from the local airport to the central baggage office. This is the start of getting someone to actually help you. 45 days : Deadline to file the Passenger Property Questionnaire (PPQ) with the airline. This form is where you itemize your property and assign value to it.

: Deadline to file the Passenger Property Questionnaire (PPQ) with the airline. This form is where you itemize your property and assign value to it. 100 days: All bags cycle out of the WorldTracer system. After 100 days, your bags are likely lost forever and cant be tracked. Luckily, only about 2% of lost luggage is missing forever.

Not All Airlines Are Equal

Some airlines have better luck than others. And some just have bad luck. I was flying on American Airlines. After returning home, I wondered just how often does luggage get lost? Airlines hype that the rate of lost luggage is on the decline, but they frequently overlook delayed baggage statistics (and a delay can be DAYS). The issue of lost vs. delayed baggage may play out in the statics, but the result is the same for the consumer.

In the course of my ordeal, I learned that in the year prior to my trip, American Airlines lost more bags than any other major carrier in the United States. Among top carriers, only discount Southwest lost more bags. [At Southwest, bags may fly free, but they dont get there.]

In fact, American and U.S. Air (now combined as American Airlines) lost more bags than all other major carriers COMBINED. Eventually, American Airlines surpassed Southwest Airlines in lost baggage.

Despite having a barcode, luggage tracking is still a largely manual process (Photo by Karl Baron by CC 2.0).

Automated Baggage Tracking Doesnt Work

A number of airlines are rolling out automated baggage tracking features. American Airlines launched a feature on their app that allows passengers to Track Your Bags. You didnt know about this feature? The AA Baggage Tracker hasnt been widely publicized, but American Airlines spokeswomen Laura Nedbal is quoted in media stories saying, Its [the American Airlines Track My Bag feature] something our customers have been asking for a really long time, and were excited to make this available to them.

Only theres one small problem: it doesnt work very well. During my AA lost luggage odyssey, the American Airlines luggage tracker in the app did not accurately show my bags location. Not even once. [More on that later.] Other airlines apps are similarly plagued by inaccurate or completely missing data.

If you really want to know where your bags are, buy some Apple AirTags or Tile Pro and put them in your luggage. It will tell you where you luggage is in real time.

Your Lost Bag May Not Even Be the Airlines Fault

Most airlines, staff out their baggage operations to subcontractors. As I learned from my lost luggage experience, the relationship between airline staff and these subcontractors can be adversarial. As they argue and bicker over turf and relationships, you suffer.

Airline Staff Are Caring Professionals

During my experience, nearly every American Airlines employee I encountered was a caring professional. They were apologetic. They cared about me and treated with respect. It didnt result in getting my bag back any faster. It didnt stop the fact that nearly every American employee gave me incorrect information about my bag. But it did ease tensions and took a lot of steam out of the situation.

Your Bag May be Destined for the Lost Luggage Auction

Unclaimed baggage left at the airport is ultimately auctioned or sold at a lost luggage store like the mega-center in Scottsboro, Alabama. Only theres one catch, sometimes it isnt abandoned or unclaimed luggage that ends up there  it may be your lost luggage.

Airlines are murky on the data, but after discussing with airline employees, weve become convinced that many lost bags are treated as unclaimed bags and sold off. Seriously, who just abandons their luggage, especially after paying the airlines extra money to be able to check the bag in the first place?

In a way, this amounts to luggage theft by the airlines who sell your bags to these lost luggage operations for profit. Thankfully, the numbers are low, but it does happen.

The only way to prevent lost luggage is to pack carry-on only.

Travel Tips for Preventing Lost Luggage Problems

Carry On Only

If you truly care about your stuff arriving with you, pack carry on only. Its the only way to guarantee that your luggage will make the flight. The minute you check that bag, youre opening yourself up to lost or delayed baggage problems. Be sure to check our articles for Packing Tips and also Carry-On Essentials to make your trip go more smoothly.

Luggage Tags

Make sure you have a luggage tag on the outside of your bag. Also, make sure there is a business card or other address identification inside your bag. Remove all luggage tags and luggage barcodes from previous flights to avoid confusing ground staff or electronic bar code readers. This is especially important if the tags are for a different airline than the one you are currently flying!

Tight Connections

Flight connections are the death of bags. Over the years, the airlines have tightened connection times. Think about all the times youve had to run to make a flight. Now think about how your bag will get there. Chances are good that it wont. If you really want your bags to get there, be sure to take non-stop flights (although, as my American Airlines baggage story below indicates, direct flights are not a guarantee that your baggage will arrive).

If you must check your bag and you must have a connection, consider taking a flight with a longer layover. Each airport has a published minimum connection time (called a legal connection time). Thats if everything goes according to plan. Now take into account weather, late crews, the ever-vague mechanical problems, and air traffic delays and youre basically screwed. Dont rely on the airline to plan your connection for you.

Keep Your Proof

When you pack your bag, take a picture of the inside contents. You may need this to prove to the airline what you had with you. Its not unusual for the airline to lose the bag, and then add the insult in disputing your lost luggage claim. Also, keep your bag claim check separate from your boarding card in a safe place.

Some airlines insist on putting your claim check on the back of your boarding pass. Politely decline and take it with you. The reason is that if you need to be re-ticketed (upgraded to first class) or you miss a flight, you might not get the claim check back (its happened to us more than once).

As a pro tip, take a photo of your baggage claim ticket on your phone in case you lose your physical ticket.

Take a picture of your suitcase contents to assist in disputes with the airline

My American Airlines Lost Luggage Story

I recently flew on American Airlines from Philadelphia to Zurich. American is part of the Oneworld Airline Alliance, which sadly has poor coverage in Europe. I was ultimately flying onward to Albania, where I was going to meet up with Laura, but needed to fly on a different airline.

On arriving in Zurich, my bag never made it. Several other passengers also didnt receive their bags. This was a non-stop flight and there were no tight connections (or any connections at all). I had checked in to the flight early, so it wasnt a rush. Theres no excuse for my bag not to have made the flight.

According to American Airlines, my bag sat in Philadelphia for five days before being sent onward to Athensnot Zurich. Had AA put the bag on the next flight the next day, it would have caught up to me, but that didnt happen.

Throughout the entire process, American Airlines customer service staff were extremely apologetic and polite, but I got the feeling they really werent doing a whole lot or trying to help. The compassion settled tensions, but did little to resolve the fundamental problem. Things improved slightly once I was put in touch with the American Airlines Baggage Call Center ([email protected]). Note: As of October 2021, the phone number (1-800-535-5225) has been disconnected and the ONLY option to contact them is the form on their website.

In the early days, the airline sent inconsistent and confusing updates. On the same day, different people in the American Airlines Central Baggage Resolution Office told me different things. One agent told me to submit the paperwork for an American Airlines delayed baggage compensation claim, and another told me to wait. One agent told me they would e-mail me the American Airlines Passenger Property Questionnaire and a different agent told me to download the file (you can download the questionnaire here).

To further add to the confusion, on one single day, different AA Customer Service agents told me that my bag was in Philadelphia, Zurich, and Tirana. Obviously, my bag couldnt be in three countries on two different continents at the same time.

The tags as my bag flew around the world

Ive been able to piece together the story of my bag. It sat for five days in Philadelphia before being flown to Athens, Greece, but I wasnt in Greece. So the bag went back to Philadelphia, where it sat for a couple of weeks, before being flown to Zurich, who forwarded the bag to Tirana (but I was already home). Tirana forwarded it back to Zurich, who forwarded it back to Tirana, where it sat for a few weeks. Eventually, it flew back to Philadelphiavia Sydney, Australia. Ironically, the American baggage tracking app (AA Track My Bag) showed my bag never left Philadelphia for the entire time.

Yes, I got my bag back. It took 39 days (thats more than 10% of the year that my bag was missing). Yes, I eventually got paid for the items that I bought while my bag was missing. But I wasted an immense amount of time. I spent over 3 hours on hold from Europe with AA baggage racking up some pretty serious phone charges (which were not reimbursed).

I spent hours following up again and again with American Airlines. Thats time I dont get back in my life and theres no compensation for wasted time. We only recently learned the pro trick of using a concierge service to save time (for details, review the section at the beginning of the article).

Reunited at long last

To be honest, I probably fared better than most. Im an American Airlines Platinum elite flyer. However, Im not feeling the love from AA these days. I dont really feel like my loyalty has been reciprocated. So yes, I probably fared much better than some victims of airline lost luggage. Unfortunately, theres still very little recourse for passengers. And while the airlines claim they are improving, it doesnt look like it to most frequent fliers.

Do you have an airline lost luggage horror story? Share your story below!
Yearly, more than 1.5 million travelers are inspired to reach different castles and experience what it feels inside.

Cordula Mauss, PR officer for the Bavarian Administration of State-Owned Palaces, said, "People have always been interested in celebrities and powerful people and their homes. Immediately after the death of Ludwig II in 1886, the first tourists came and wanted to see what their king had built as his private residence."

Though castles and palaces commonly attract such curiosity to the people, not all have the Neuschwanstein's European fairy-tale looks. Some of the world's most visited castles across Asia feature red exteriors, gates and pagodas.

CNN reveals the most recent data supplied by the attractions themselves or from government agencies, industry reports, and reputable media outlets have gathered the top 5 most-visited castles in the world.

1.The Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Beijing

Every day, tens of thousands of people visit the Forbidden City to take a look at the 178-acre walled compound that once shielded the Imperial Palace, housing Chinese emperors and their entourages, from the public's eye.

2.The Louvre, Paris

Displaying masterpieces like La Gioconda (the Mona Lisa) and the Winged Victory of Samonthrace, the Louvre is the largest and most famous museum in the world which started as a palace. It housed generations of French kings and emperors from the start of 12th century.

3.Grand Palace, Bangkok

This place still holds royal offices, and state visits and royal ceremonies such as Royal Birthday Anniversary of the current King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thai kings also officially resided here from 1782 to 1925. Travel and Leisure said that the Buddha located in Grand Palace was carved from a single block of jade, and his garments, made of pure gold, are changed in a royal ceremony three times a year to reflect the Thai seasons.

4. Palace of Versailles, France

No other palace in the world can match the grandeur of Versailles's Hall of Mirrors, dripping with chandeliers, and Marie Antoinette's bedroom, decorated with hand-stitched flowers.

5. Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

About 400 years, Topkapi Palace was the royal residence the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the 1920s. Moreover, the sultan inhabited with his wives, concubines, mother, and children in the harem, under the fierce protection of eunuchs.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
A 14-year-old girl suffered burns while riding the Hogwarts Express train with her family, when they were on a holiday from Tennessee visiting Universal Studios in Orlando.

The unidentified girl was riding the train along with a group of young men. One of them had an e-cigarette or vaporizer pen in his pocket which exploded, a police in Florida said. He also described the explosion as a "fireball", causing the girl's face to be burned.

"It was just a weird, freak accident. It wasn't a big explosion but was definitely enough to scare everyone who was in that cab of the train," Lieutenant Dan Brady told the Orlando Sentinel.

The girl was then on the train that connects Universal Studios with the Island of Adventure theme park around 15:30 local time (19:30 GMT) on Saturday when the device malfunctioned and exploded. BBC News narrated that she suffered mild burns to her face, arm and leg, and was taken to the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

The e-cigarette, that time, was inside the owner's pocket when it blew up, resulting to a minor burn to the man's leg as well.

A hole in a seat was also left after the explosion. Fortunately, there was no significant damage to the train, as stated by the officials.

After the incident, Universal Studios temporarily shut down the ride to let detectives investigate and interview witnesses.

Meanwhile, the Hogwarts Express can be experienced when one has a park-to-park admission ticket to pass through Platform 9 and board the said train. It will take a tour from King's Cross Station in London, located inside Universal Studios Florida theme park, and travel to Hogsmeade Station, located inside Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened to the public in 2010 at Universal Studios.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Last week, Cathay Pacific marked the end of the ultra-large aircraft era by retiring the "Queen of the Skies," the Boeing 747. The airline had three of it in its fleet, and the last one made its final flight from Hong Kong to Haneda last September 30. They've started the retirement process of the aircraft since 2005. They had 32 units flying across Asia to Europe, to the United States, and more.

The Boeing 747 has been part of Cathay Pacific's fleet since 1979, and this led to the emergence of many ultra-large aircrafts during that time. According to Stuff New Zealand, the aircraft was well loved by both cabin crew and passengers and it made the world a 'smaller place' to travel.

From the makers' standpoint, it will be no surprise if they cease all manufacturing of the 747 - especially that it has been suffering from poor sales as of late. This goes not only for the passenger version, but for the cargo version as well.

It will be replaced with the Boeing 777-300R, which is a bit smaller than the former, but equipped with more economical twin jet engines. The South China Morning Post also reports that the retiree aircraft was laid off duty by the new aircraft as soon as it landed on Japanese seas.

A lot of airlines are now shifting to smaller and more efficient aircrafts due to economical reasons. Tony Britton, project manager at Cathay Pacific, says that the new 777s go in line with their efforts of increasing flight frequency and connectivity. As of time of publishing, the airline boasted of having five flights to London using the new aircrafts on duty.

Cathay Pacific was the first airline to acquire 777-300Rs in their fleet back in May 1997. The airline describes as a "stretched-out version" of the Boeing 777-200. It can carry a little bit less than the 747s, but the airline still guarantees a pleasant trip each time.

Here's a short tribute to the iconic Boeing 747:



See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Facing global isolation in the aftermath of Uri terror attack on September 18, the civilian government of Pakistan has asked the military establishment to let it act against India-centric terror outfits operating in the country.

By India Today Web Desk: In what could be the first of its kind blunt message to Pakistan army, the Nawaz Sharif government has asked it to take action against India-centric terror outfits operating on its soil, the Dawn reported on Thursday citing highly confidential civilian and military sources.

Called it an 'extraordinary exchange', the daily said that Pakistan's foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry warned ISI DG General Rizwan Akhtar not "to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups".

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Expressing deep concern about growing international isolation after Uri terror attack and pressing the need for Pakistan to act, Chaudhry told ISI DG Akhtar, "The principal international demands are for action against Masood Azhar and the Jaish-i-Mohmmad; Hafiz Saeed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba; and the Haqqani network."

READ: Exclusive: How India's para commandos used flame throwers, night-vision glasses to strike terrorists behind enemy lines



A CONFIDENTIAL MEETING

According to the Dawn, the civilian government held a confidential meeting attended by ISI DG Akhtar- who represented the military side, national security advisor Nasser Janjua, Punjab province chief minister Shahbaz Sharif and senior cabinet ministers. Foreign secretary Chaudhry gave a presentation in the meeting, chaired by prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The civilian government gave "a blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning" to the military establishment about a growing international isolation of Pakistan.

READ: How Ghatak platoons from units attacked in Uri helped commandos in surgical strike

PAKISTAN ISOLATED

"The presentation by the foreign secretary summarised the results of the recent diplomatic outreach by Pakistan, the crux being that Pakistan faces diplomatic isolation and that the government's talking points have been met with indifference in major world capitals," the Dawn reported.

"On India, Chaudhry stated that the completion of the Pathankot investigation and some visible action against Jaish-i-Mohammad were the principal demands," the daily wrote about the civilian government's message to the military establishment.

READ: Lie nailed: Pakistan police officer admits India did carry out surgical strikes

DECISIONS TAKEN

PM Nawaz Sharif directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court, the Dawn reported.

Another decision taken at the confidential meeting was that ISI DG Akhtar and NSA Janjua will personally travel to the four provinces of Punjab asking the their officials "not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action."

The Dawn quoted a government official as saying, "Wait till November to see if action will be taken. By then a lot of things will be settled."

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ALSO READ:

Pakistan's Kashmir approach long past its sell-by date: India at UN

3 terrorists killed after Army camp attacked in J-K's Handwara, search operations continue

Watch video:



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Hyperloop, the super-fast train system was first proposed by Elon Musk, revolutionary founder of Tesla, in 2013 as a method of travel that could transport people at 740mph. In essence, he says it could take passengers from LA to San Francisco, a distance of 380 miles, in just 30 minutes - half the time a plane ride would take.

The Hyperloop consists of a long tube turned into a vacuum, with pods to be accelerated by powerful electromagnets. The suspended system protects itself from weather, earthquakes, and allows the possibility of building underwater.

In Musk's encouragement for third-party firms to develop the technology, Hyperloop One's Vice President, Alana James, said Australia would be a great place to start testing the technology. The proposed trip between Sydney and Melbourne will take just 55 minutes, instead of a 9 hour drive or 2 hour plane ride.

Another country planning to take advantage of this technology is the UAE. In cooperation with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT), the initial goal is for people to travel from Dubai to Fujairah, a distance of 67 miles, in 10 minutes - a usual 2 and a half hour drive. If this proves successful, the plan is to build a transportation system between Abu Dhabi and Qatar, where the 190 mile distance can be traveled in 22 minutes.

Saif al-Aleeli, the CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, tells the Daily Mail: "Imagine that you can live in Riyadh, work in Dubai, have your dinner in Abu Dhabi and watch a movie in Qatar. Already being home to the world's tallest building, the longest driverless metro line, and touted to have the world's busiest airport by 2020, Dubai is aiming to cements its status as a global transit hub with these daring investments."

Despite a ceremony held in early October for a presentation of ideas on a Hyperloop connecting Dubai International Airport and Fujairah International Airport, some have fears about the Hyperloop. Researcher Alon Levy tells Yahoo! NZ, "it's not transportation; it's a barf ride." Mr Levy claims that the proposed lateral and vertical acceleration will mean that passengers will be subjected to motion sickness for the duration of the ride. It is, he explains, "worse than the acceleration felt by passengers on an airplane taking off".

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 5 (PTI) India is key to the success of the Paris climate deal, a top European Union official today said, underlining that it is crucial to have a "deep dialogue" with the country to ensure timely delivery of the landmark pact.

"India is a key factor in the success of the Paris agreement. It is crucial to mobilise and to engage in a deep dialogue with India to ensure a timely delivery of the plan by 2030," said Henriette Faergemann, EU representative to India, a day after the European Parliament overwhelmingly backed the ratification of the Paris climate deal.

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"We have no time and need to get to task at the earliest. This will only work if multiple sectors are tackled simultaneously instead of in isolation," he said, speaking at the World Sustainable Development Summit organised by TERI.

TERI Director-General Ajay Mathur said, "We are today on the day that follows the ratification by the European Parliament. Also the 30-day countdown to the Paris Agreement starts now. For the agreement to be effective, we need to ensure there is technology, financing, best practices and options for all."

The summit from October 5 to 8 is also an attempt to initiate discussions on methodologies to be adopted in order to envisage a plan to realise the Global Goals beyond 2015.

The idea is to create a common platform for countries to identify opportunities for consensus and collaboration to balance the realities of ecosystem preservation with aspirations for a holistic economic development.

President Pranab Mukherjee will formally inaugurate the summit tomorrow.

Some of the key sessions deliberated today include discussions on climate resilient agriculture, valuation of energy costs in the context of India, mainstreaming affordable and clean energy, creating stronger linkages between climate risks and policy and practice amongst others.

Last December, more than 190 countries adopted the Paris Agreement. At least 55 countries representing minimum 55 percent of global emissions need to formally join the agreement before it comes into force.

India, the worlds third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, on Sunday ratified the landmark Paris climate deal, giving a major boost to the deal which appeared tantalisingly close to enter into force by the end of this year.

With Indias move, a total of 62 countries accounting for almost 52 per cent of emissions have now ratified the accord. PTI TDS PMS

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By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Amid simmering tension between India and Pakistan, Sri Lankan Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama today advocated the need for the two to find a way of working together if SAARC is keen to create "regional economic population". Stating that SAARC accounts for just 5 per cent of the total trade of the member countries, the minister said barriers like high cost of trading in the region and absence of regional value chain have hindered growth of economic co-operation. "The fact is it is natural for neighbouring countries to trade more with each other, but... South Asia inter-regional trade is just 5 per cent of the total trade. It shows we are nowhere near where we want to be," Samarawickrama said at the India Economic Summit here, jointly organised by WEF and CII. "Of course, there are many obstacles like high cost trading within the region, absence of regional value chain... First of all, it is extremely important to have India and Pakistan, the two largest economies in the region, to find a way of working together." Asked if it was essential for India and Pakistan trade to pick up for rest of the countries to work with each other, he said: "I am not saying that, individually we have all the countries... Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan having reasonable growth. If we are looking at regional economic population, India and Pakistan will have to find a way of working together." On trade with India, the minister said both countries are looking at deepening their ties further. "From Sri Lankas point of view, we have a free trade agreement with India and now, we are in the process of deepening that agreement. We are looking at a more comprehensive economic and technological cooperation that we hope is in place by the first quarter of the next year," Samarawickrama said. "At the same time, we are invigorating the FTA we have with Pakistan. So, from our point of view, we are looking at a market of 1.5 billion people," he added. The country is also working closely with China to bolster its economy. He clarified that it is not at the expense of any other country.

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"We are discussing FTA with China. We hope to do it by March next year," Samarawickrama added. PTI MSS RKL AKT ARD

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By PTI: menace

New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) India today sought enhanced cooperation from Switzerland in tackling menace of black money by providing information on people stashing illegal funds in that country.

This was conveyed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh to visiting Minister for Justice and Police of Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga here.

Singh told Sommaruga that India looks forward for cooperation with Switzerland on the issue of exchange of tax information since black money is the main corruption issue which needs to be tackled, an official statement said.

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On the occasion, the two sides signed three pacts -- mutual visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic passports, technical arrangements on identification and return of illegal migrants and arrangement for dependent person of diplomatic, consular, technical and administrative staff of diplomatic and consular mission to perform gainful employment.

The Home Minister said India and Switzerland have made significant contributions to strengthen peace and prosperity based on their shared vision of a peaceful and progressive future.

Singh also sought a more liberal visa regime for Indian business people since India has been offering multi-year multiple entry visas to Swiss businesses in a bid to enhance bilateral trade and investment.

He proposed training facilities for Indian police officers in Switzerland police academies and other training institutes in the fields of anti-hijacking and cyber forensic.

Other subjects of interest to the two countries were also discussed. These included cooperation in transfer of sentenced persons and mutual legal assistance treaty in criminal matters that would help in combating terrorism, transnational organised crimes and corruption including money laundering, the statement said. PTI ACB SC

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Tribune news service

Amritsar, October 5

With armies of India and Pakistan currently engaged in a confrontation, chances of traders, industrialists and chefs of Pakistan to take part in the annual edition of PITEX are bleak this year.

However, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry that has been organising the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) here for the past 10 years, has extended invites to nearly 150 exhibitors and about eight chambers of commerce of Pakistan to take part in the 11th edition of PITEX, scheduled to take place from December 8 to December 12.

RS Sachdeva, co-chairman of the Punjab Committee of the PHD Chamber of Commerce, said interested exhibitors of all countries under SAARC have been extended invites to take part in the proposed exhibition.

He hoped that the bitterness between the two countries would soon evaporate and a new dawn of hope and prosperity would set in. He said Punjab and its natives cannot afford a war between India and Pakistan because their growth engines, trade and agriculture, would be severely hit due to the geographical location.

In the last edition of PITEX, business inquiries worth over Rs 500 crore were generated and footfall of over 2.50 lakh people was recorded.

Geographical location is the Achilles heel for the state in the event of war. Otherwise, it is an advantageous aspect as the border citys state-of-the-art Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari-Wagah Joint Check- Post connects via road to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and all nations in the Central Asian region.

Punjab being at the confluence of trade routes, connecting SAARC and Central Asian countries, is a natural trading partner for the countries in this region.

The holy city has excellent infrastructure to accommodate trading partners and exchange of cargo from these regions. For instance, it has Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport, which is already receiving daily flights from two important Central Asian countries, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

However, the government is in no position to deliver on its promise of a world-class trade exhibition centre because it is yet to be raised at the abandoned building of Central jail.

Inmates of the Amritsar Central Jail have already been sifted to a new location. It would take plenty of time to raise the world-class trade and exhibition centre and other facilities there.
By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Sri Lanka expects the Economic and Technology Co-operation Agreement (ETCA) with India to be signed by the end of this year, which will help strengthen economic ties, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said.

"The proposed ETCA will be signed by the end of this year... Prime Minister Modi and I have decided that we must conclude it by the end of this year," he said here at the India Economic Summit.

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He impressed upon the audience the importance of this pact for Sri Lanka and South Indian states.

The five states -- Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Telangana -- have a population of 250 million and a combined GDP of nearly USD 450 billion and with the addition of Sri Lanka of 22 million people and USD 80 billion economy, the GDP "in the sub-region will be USD 500 billion", he said.

"Just imagine if we work together," the Prime Minister said, adding that ETCA has the potential to promote growth of USD 500 billion sub-regional economy.

ETCA is expected to help Sri Lanka gain better access to Indias rapidly growing market. Wickremesinghe also said the economic asymmetry between the countries is going to increase in future when the "latter (India) emerges as the major global player in an increasingly multi-polar world".

He added that India and Sri Lanka FTA will be further expanded and deepened to go beyond trading in goods to cover trade in services, investments and technology co-operation. PTI RR RNK ARD

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Reports about Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif berating the army, which he later denied, had warmed the cockles of even the most realist heart in India. Ram Madhav, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modis inner group, hailed Nawaz's counsel to the Pakistan military on terror as an extraordinary development. Ram Madhav's reaction is more like clutching at a straw than a rational scrutiny of the circumstances that would have rendered inoperative had the Pakistan PM actually made the observation. Nawaz Sharif, like all Pakistan PMs in the past, is engaged in perpetual shadow warfare with the army to gain control over the levers of the state. The Sharif brothers have repeatedly tried to clearly demarcate responsibilities for investigation of terror crimes in the domestic sphere.

Nawaz had taken this line after the Pathankot attacks by entrusting the probe to the Intelligence Bureau chief who reports directly to him. Asif Zardari had also tried to ensure impartial trials of the Mumbai attack masterminds. Mysterious forces stymied both investigations including the unexplained assassinations of two public prosecutors in the Mumbai attack case. Nawaz has found an ally in the Pakistan People's Party on Pakistan's diplomatic isolation in the entire neighbourhood. Even the Pakistan army should find it galling that Sri Lanka boycotted the SAARC summit even though both countries have a long-standing defence relationship. Only Maldives, in the throes of acute political crises, acted neutral.

Should India take on face value Nawaz and PPPs deviation from remaining in denial mode? The firing on the LoC and attempts to storm Indian Army camps indicate that Pakistans Kashmir policy marches to a different drum beat. Nawaz may be playing the good cop in a routine that has been performed earlier. In fact, the stand of Pakistans political parties and its army on Kashmir is the same. They believe India unfairly snatched away the Valley and the final word has not yet been said. Thus even if Nawaz believes what he is saying, he neither has the capability to implement his views nor can it temper the ardour of forces trying to destablise J&K.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 6

Three militants were killed on Thursday when they attempted to storm an Army base in Langate while four others were gunned down as three infiltration bids were foiled along the Line of Control during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.

In the wee hours of today, unidentified militants attacked an army base in north Kashmir's Kupwara district. The attack was repulsed.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Police said three militants were killed in a gunfight in Langate, Handwara, over 75 km from here when Army and Special Operations Group of J&K Police were carrying out searches after militants attacked battalion headquarterd of 30 Rashtriya Rifles.

The militants opened fire on the Army camp in the wee hours. Later, the area was cordoned and during searches a gunfight broke in which three militants were killed, police said. The operation is still underway.

The slain militants were in combat dresses.

The Commanding Officer of 30 RR Col Rajiv Saharan told the media that a large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered from the slain militants.

GPS, maps, radio sets, metric sheets, medicines and food items were also recovered from the slain militants. The medicines had Pakistani markings on them, suggesting that the militants were Pakistanis," he said. We are analysing the metric sheets and the maps as well.

The identity of the militants could not be established immediately.

The attack in Langate comes just four days after the militants made an abortive bid to storm an Army base in garrison town of Baramulla in which in a BSF jawan was killed and another injured.

Meanwhile, four militants were killed as Army foiled three infiltration bids during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday at Naugam in Kupwara and Rampur in Uri-Baramulla sectors along the Line of Control in Kashmir. Army claimed that the infiltrators were assisted by Pakistani posts.

Bodies of four militants have been recovered from Naugam sector where the operation is on, an Army spokesman said.

Following the surgical strikes, these were the first infiltration attempts from across to sneak into Kashmir. Pakistan had violated ceasefire in the Machil Kupwara sector on Wednesday.
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 6

Farooq Ahmad Shah, Secretary for Tourism and Floriculture, met Houter Vealey, agriculture counsellor of the Netherlands for India and Sri Lanka, at the Dutch embassy in New Delhi today.

The officials held threadbare discussions to explore commercial floriculture development avenues in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Valley, said an official statement issued here.

The counsellor was convinced that Kashmir had tremendous potential to become the hub for commercial production of cut flowers which are of the best quality and fragrance, it said. Vealey emphasised the production of tulip, lilium, lilly, rose, gladiola and other varieties and assured assistance in the form of technical and professional knowhow which will make Kashmir the centre of excellence, it added.

The statement said the counsellor assured officials of greater cooperation to synergise relations between the Dutch and Kashmiris as it would result in major exports from the state.
Srinagar, October 6

General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Army's Northern Command, Lt General D S Hooda, on Thursday reviewed measures to thwart any "misadventure" from across the Line of control (LoC) besides maintaining "pressure" on terror groups operating in Kashmir.

The Northern Army Commander Lt Gen D S Hooda, accompanied by Srinagar-based Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Satish Dua, visited the frontier area of Uri and reviewed security with the local commanders. He took stock of all measures taken by the Army to beat back any misadventure from across," a defence spokesman said.

The visit of the northern Army commander to Uri sector comes on a day when troops foiled three infiltration bids along the Line of Control.

"During his interaction with officers and men on ground, Lt Gen Hooda conveyed his compliments for their high levels of operational preparedness, vigil and morale and exhorted them to remain alert for any eventuality," the spokesman said.

He said the Army commander also complimented the troops operating in the hinterland for their professionalism in foiling the terror attack in Baramulla on October 3 and in today's operation in Langate, Kupwara in which three Pakistani terrorists were killed.

The spokesman said both the senior officers later visited Awantipura based Victor Force Headquarters in south Kashmir where Lt Gen Hooda was briefed by the Kilo and Victor Force Commanders on the security situation in the Valley.

"The Army Commander urged sustaining the pressure on terrorist groups operating in the valley and also to continue with the humanitarian initiatives to help the civil administration in alleviating the problems of the people," the spokesman said.  PTI
Manika Ahuja

A dose of politics, sinister manipulation, thirst for power, and lo... There goes your recipe to conjure up an intriguing plot which is bound to have viewers hooked, and in this case, earn as many as eight Golden Globe Award nominations, and 33 Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

No prizes for guessing, we are talking about the much-loved American political drama web television series House of Cards! For those of you do not know about its sources of origin, well, it is an adaptation of BBCs mini-series by the same name and is inspired from a novel penned by Michael Dobbs.

Lights, camera...action

House Of Cards is the first original online-only web television series to have earned major Emmy nominations. Set in present-day Washington, D.C., House of Cards narrates the story of Frank Underwood (essayed by Kevin Spacey), whose hunger for power makes him hatch a plan to grab a higher position of authority than the one he has been passed over for- Secretary of State. Franks journey to realise his overreaching ambition is aided by his wife, Claire Underwood (Robin Wright). What lengths he goes to grab more and more power, is what primarily forms the essence of the series.

Watch out

In January 2016, Netflix announced its decision to renew the show for a fifth season, which will see the light of the day in 2017.

We bet you didnt know..

House Of Cards is the first online series to win an Emmy. Whats more, Robin Wright is the first actress from an online-only show to have won the Best Actress award at the Golden Globes (in 2014).

Chinese connect

Surprisingly enough, the American political drama enjoys a massive viewership in China, where it streams on the Chinese equivalent of Netflix, Sohu TV.

Bright future behind

Remember when President Barack Obama and then French President Nicolas Sarkozy, were caught off guard by the paparazzi inspecting the backside of a young French delegate? Well, as if holding up a mirror to the real life viral post, the scene was recreated in season 1 of the show, where Frank is photographed admiring his future mistress behind. Needless to say, the viewers could read between the lines, and loved the dig.

Viewer speak

Power couple

The biggest USP of the series is the intriguing plotting and scheming that goes on between the protagonist Frank, and his spouse Claire, to ascend the ladder of name, fame and power.

 Suman Jagota, IAS aspirant

Serving a purpose

What keeps me hooked to the series is the fact that everyone, right from the protagonists to the extras, whosoever appears on the series has a purpose to serve. Nobody comes in front of the lens unnecessarily.

 Manohar Singla, businessman
Washington, October 6

America is no longer a world power and Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs envoys have said here.

(The) US is no longer a world power. It is a declining power. Forget about it, Special Kashmir Envoy of Sharif, Mushahid Hussain Syed, was heard as saying on Wednesday after the conclusion of an interaction at the Atlantic Council, one of the top American think-tanks.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Syed and Shazra Mansab, another Kashmir envoy, are in the US as part of the Pakistani effort to apprise the global community of the current situation in Kashmir and allegations of human rights violations in the Valley.

Syed has gone to the extent to warn the US that Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India were not considered.

He was apparently responding to a question from a member in the audience after the conclusion of the 90-minute interaction during which he expressed his frustration over the lack of response to his point of view on Kashmir and India.

The remarks of Syed were not recorded on camera, but were heard prominently by those inside the room.

Thereafter, he was quick to point out China and the newly perceived relationship with Russia, which he had mentioned during his interaction at the Atlantic Council.

Syed submitted a dossier of alleged human rights violation in Kashmir to Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Olson.

With no takers for Pakistans Kashmir policy, Syed said China is now an important factor in South Asia and described Beijing as part of what he termed as Greater South Asia.

There has been slow and steady building of relationship between Moscow and Islamabad, he said, referring to the joint military exercise between Pakistan and Russia.

Syed said the Putin government has for the first time agreed to sell arms to Pakistan and the US should take note of this changing regional alignment.

Unfortunately under the Obama administration, there was a drift in American foreign policy towards our region, towards Afghanistan. There was confusion and there were a lot of flip-flops. I think, the Obama administration could not figure out this region of Afghanistan and Pakistan and as a consequence this region suffered.

With policies one step back and one step (forward), announcing surge, announcing a cut-off time for exit. Asking sometime Pakistan that please we want to talk to the Taliban and then saying that we want to take on the Taliban and finally they said there would be no American troops and then they end up having 8,500 troops stationed in Afghanistan. It leaves this to the next administration, he said.

Syed said Pakistan felt that the US should look at the region as a whole.

Whether it is Pakistan, India, China, Afghanistan and there is plus also, the Iran nuclear deal...because all these countries can contribute to the stability and security of the region.

And what Pakistan would like to have from the US, I am talking about the incoming administration, because Obama is a guest for the next few months as January 20, 2017 there will be a new administration, that they have to see the region, where they have a more comprehensive perspective, and do not try to compartmentalise peace and security, because that is not possible, he said.

When you talk of peace in Kabul, you have to ensure that Kashmir is not burning. The US has a long-term interest in Kashmir. They are a party to the UN resolutions. The US has played a very legitimate role in supporting oppressed people, oppressed Muslims (in) Bosnia, Kosovo and even the Kurds.

So Kashmiris today should not suffer, just because Kashmir has no oil or Kashmir is not part of Europe or Kashmiris belong to a certain religious denomination, because we cannot have double standards on those issues, Syed said.

He said Pakistan had a long-standing relationship with the US and we would like that (to continue). But of course, we have options also. With the greater Russian involvement in the region, they are also interested coming into CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor). Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have also expressed interest in joining CPEC".

He also called for dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Issues cannot be brushed under the carpet. People thought the Kashmir issue is suppressed and buried. It has come back with a bang. It is more significant as (former) president (Bill) Clinton called as a potential nuclear flashpoint. The two nuclear neighbours should learn to talk to each other.

We feel that the way forward is that the region calls for statesmanship and what I call a Nixonian transformation of (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi. If he can have that outreach and develop that statesmanship which Richard Nixon demonstrated in 1971 courtesy Pakistan. I think, the options are there, opportunities are there. The ball is in Modis court, can he rise to the occasion as a leader of 1.2 billion people to build a better and peaceful tomorrow, Syed said.

Alleging that the US has done a U-turn of its policies on India, which started from the civic nuclear deal, he said the US is losing sight of the other interests in the region.

The most important interest of the US is stability of Afghanistan and counter-terrorism. And for that they like it or not, they need Pakistans cooperation, which they have been getting and we have been providing and we are also suffering in the process. We see the shift (of US policy from Pakistan to India). And that shift would be detrimental to Americas own security and interest in South Asia, Syed added. PTI
New Delhi, October 6

Terming terrorism as the foremost challenge in the region, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said it should be delegitimised as a state policy and urged ASEAN countries to "cooperate unreservedly" to locate and destroy terror networks.

Security frameworks in ASEAN region still do not give enough attention to terrorism. This must change, he said at 20th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities Meet here.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

"Terrorism remains the foremost challenge to our region.

"We need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere, delegitimise it as an instrument of State policy and cooperate unreservedly to locate and destroy terrorist networks," he said

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam as members.

Parrikar's remarks came on a day when terrorists launched another attack on an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir. Three terrorists, believed to be Pakistan backed, were killed in the attack on the army camp north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

19 soliders were killed in a militant attack on an army camp in Uri on September 18. The Army had launched surgical strikes targeting terror camps located across the LoC on September 28 night. PTI
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 6

The government is in final stages of granting asylum to exiled Baloch nationalist leader Brahumdagh Bugti, who is also the founder of Baloch Republican Party (BRP). Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs said the government was looking for a right place for his comfortable stay.

Sources in the foreigners division of the ministry, who are processing Bugtis asylum application, said they had sent a note to the Research &Analysis Wing (RAW), asking it to provide a tentative list of people who would possibly accompany Bugti to India.

In a bid to finalise the proposal, ministry officials have already revisited the files related to the asylum granted to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in 1959, as currently there are no rules to regulate such foreign nationals. Bugti and his supporters may be given resident certificates by an executive order and thus will become political protectees in India, as is the case with Dalai Lama and his supporters, said a senior MHA official.

Last month, Bugti had approached the Indian mission in Geneva and made a formal plea seeking asylum in India, which the Ministry of External Affairs had forwarded to the MHA to take a final call. The Baloch leader, currently living in Switzerland, intends to move near his homeland to carry forward his campaign for a free Balochistan.
By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) India will host the Asian ministerial conference for disaster risk reduction next month which will focus on partnership with governments and stakeholders to imbibe the practices in the regions development narrative.

This is the first AMCDRR after the advent of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRRR), adopted at the third UN World Conference in Sendai, Japan in March, 2015. It will set the direction of Sendai Framework implementation in the region.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the conference that will be held here on November 3-5 in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR).

The conference aims at transforming the commitments of governments and stakeholders during the Sendai Conference into national and local action.

The hosting of the conference re-affirms Indias commitment to the cause of disaster risk reduction, an official statement said.

Established in 2005, AMCDRR is a biennial conference jointly organised by different Asian countries and the UNISDR.

So far, six AMCDRR conferences have been organised. India had also hosted the second AMCDRR in New Delhi in 2007. Indias commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is evident from the fact that it became one of the first countries to align its National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) with SFDRRR.

The meet will focus on collaboration, consultation and partnership with governments and stakeholders to mainstream DRR in the regions development narrative.

The conference will adopt the Asian Regional Plan for Implementation of the Sendai Framework endorsed by the Asian countries. It will also consolidate the political commitment of governments towards preventing and reducing risk as well as strengthening resilience in the form of a political declaration, the statement said. (More) PTI ACB RT

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New Delhi, October 6

Terming terrorism as the foremost challenge in the region, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said it should be delegitimised as a state policy and urged ASEAN countries to "cooperate unreservedly" to locate and destroy terror networks.

Security frameworks in ASEAN region still do not give enough attention to terrorism. This must change, he said at 20th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities Meet here. Terrorism remains the foremost challenge to our region.

"We need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere, delegitimise it as an instrument of State policy and cooperate unreservedly to locate and destroy terrorist networks," he said.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam as members.

Parrikar's remarks came on a day when terrorists launched another attack on an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir. Three terrorists, believed to be Pakistan backed, were killed in the attack on the army camp Kashmir's Kupwara district.

Nineteen soliders were killed in a militant attack on an army camp in Uri on September 18. The Army had launched surgical strikes targeting terror camps located across the LoC on September 28 night.  PTI
Chennai, October 6

An Indian communication satellite GSAT-18 was successfully put into orbit by the Ariane 5 rocket belonging to French company Arianespace on Thursday, the Indian space agency said.

The rocket lifted off from its spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana).

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According to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), its Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka took control of GSAT-18 and performed the initial orbit raising activities by firing the motors onboard the satellite.

The satellite was placed in a circular geostationary orbit, the ISRO said.

GSAT-18 is Indias latest communication satellite with 48 transponders that receive and transmit communication signals.

The 3,404-kg satellite will provide services in normal C-band, upper extended C-band and Ku-bands of the frequency spectrum.

The satellite carries Ku-band beacon as well to help in accurately pointing ground antennas towards the satellite.

Its designed in-orbit operational life is about 15 years.

It is now the fifth time this year that Ariane A5 has performed flawlessly, and this launch celebrates as well its 74th success in a row, now equalling (that of the predecessor) Ariane A4, Arianespaces Chairman Stephane Israel was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the company.

Apart from the Indian communication satellite, the Ariane 5 rocket put into orbit Australian Sky Muster II satellite.

Overall, Arianespace has won 86 per cent of all geostationary launch contracts the country has opened to non-Indian launch systems--including those for GSAT-11 and GSAT-17, to be lofted on future missions from the Spaceport in French Guiana, the company said.

Carrying 12 transponders in Ku-band and another 24 in C-band, GSAT-18 will provide telecommunications services for India once in its final orbital position (74 degree East), strengthening ISROs current fleet of 14 operational satellites.

The Thursday flight was Arianespace;s eighth of 11 launches targeted in 2016.

Modi congratulates ISRO

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Indian space scientists for successful launch of the communication satellite, GSAT-18, calling it another milestone for our space programme.

Congratulations to @isro for successfully launching the communication satellite, GSAT-18. This is another milestone for our space programme, Modi tweeted. IANS
Chennai, October 6

Observing that it should not be used for political purposes, the Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL seeking a detailed report from the government on the health of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, undergoing treatment at a hospital here since September 22.

When the PIL came up, the first bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul observed, This forum should not be used for political purposes and it is a publicity interest litigation.

The hospital is already issuing health bulletins. The PIL is dismissed, the court said.

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The petitioner Traffic Ramaswamy, a social activist, had submitted that the people of Tamil Nadu were eager to know about the health condition of Jayalalithaa.

The PIL also sought releasing of photographs of the meeting Jayalalithaa is said to have had with her cabinet colleagues and officials in the hospital.

The 68-year-old AIADMK leader was admitted to the Apollo Hospital after she complained of fever and dehydration. PTI
Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 6

The Congress is gearing up for a massive public rally at Jantar Mantar on Thursday to mark the end of its vice president Rahul Gandhis 2500-km road journey through the heartland of poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

Dedicated to farmers, the yatra called Deoria se Dilli tak focused on farmers to make up for the Congresss weak caste equations in the state where community voting is a conventional practice.

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The yatra which began on September 6 from UPs Rudrapur will end in a rally in Delhi on Thursday. Rahul will address the rally and give the final call to farmers seeking their support for the 2017 elections.

Rahul covered 234 Assembly segments in UP through his kisan yatra, which served to bring the party back in the poll equation of the state. Congress leaders said that until the yatra, the Congress was not even being discussed seriously in the states political landscape where incumbents Samajwadis are pitted against Mayawatis Dalit majority BSP and the BJP which is seeking to consolidate Hindus.

The Congress vice president visited various temples, mosques and gurdwaras during his UP sojourn in a bid to project his party as all-encompassing.

The Congress chose farmers as the theme to find an issue that could resonate across castes, says RPN Singh, former minister and a senior UP Congress leader. He says Rahuls pro-farmer pitch has created an impact on account of the Congresss moral high ground on the issue.

It was the Congress government under former PM Manmohan Singh which waived Rs 77,000 crore of farm loans, Singh says.

Rahul repeated the loan waiver promise in UP and is expected to raise the agrarian crisis when he speaks in Delhi on Thursday.

The yatra was planned by Congress strategist Prashant Kishor, who has crafted a dramatic conclusion for it.

Congress delegations from different states have been tasked to receive Rahul at different locations as his yatra enters Delhi from Meerut. The Punjab delegation led by state chief Capt Amarinder Singh will receive Rahul at Vijay Ghat, former PM Lal Bahadur Shastris memorial.

Delhi, UP, Rajasthan and Haryana delegations are similarly tasked. Rahul upon entering Delhi will visit Mahatma Gandhis memorial Rajghat, Vijay Ghat and Bhairon temple before leading party workers towards Parliament Street for a public rally.

We have to receive Rahul like he is an all-conquering king returning from war, a leader said indicating unease with the dramatics opted by Kishor at a time when the national mood is mixed after Indias surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Top Congress leaders of UP--general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad, chief ministerial candidate Sheila Dikshit and state chief Raj Babbar--will accompany Rahul during the conclusion as the Congress seeks re-election in UP after being out of power for 27 years.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 6

Haryana Congress president Ashok Tanwar on Thursday was injured after his supporters clashed with those of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda at a venue where they had gathered to receive party vice-president Rahul Gandhi at the end of his Kisan Yatra.

Tanwar sustained a minor injury on his head in the clash and was taken to hospital by police.

The two groups clashed over the area domination at the venue where farmers from Haryana had gathered to receive Gandhi.

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Addressing a rally here, marking the culmination of his month-long 'Deoria to Delhi kisan yatra' in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of indulging in political exploitation of the sacrifices of soldiers in remarks that come in the wake of cross-LoC surgical strikes on terror launch pads in PoK.

Jo hamare jawan hain jinhone apna khoon diya hai, Jammu and Kashmir mein khoon diya hai, jinhone Hindustan ke liye surgical strike kiye hain, unke khoon ke peeche aap chhupe hain. Unki aap dalali kar rahe ho. Yeh bilkul galat hai. {You (Modi) are hiding behind the blood of soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir and those who carried out the surgical strikes for India. You are exploiting their sacrifices, which is very wrong}," he said.

"The Indian army has done its job for the country, you do yours," the Congress vice-president said, attacking Modi.

His attack comes a few days after he had praised Modi for his first Prime Minister-like action in two years in the context of surgical strikes.  With agency inputs
Ravi Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Gurdaspur, October 5

Various security agencies have fanned out in this border district, apprehending that the eight persons spotted on the Pakistani side by Border Security Force cameras may have acted as a subterfuge to enable infiltrators to sneak into the Indian territory.

The police today stepped up its search operations in and around the border town of Dorangla, deploying 12 anti-sabotage teams at strategic locations with special focus on the Pathankot-Amritsar rail track passing through Dinanagar, Gurdaspur, Dhariwal and Batala, said Jasdeep Singh, SSP.

RDX weighing 5.4 kg was found on the Pathankot-Dinanagar track hours after three terrorists had attacked the Dinanagar police station on July 27 last year.

Security has been raised at public places. Also, agriculture fields and rooms built over tubewell motors are being thoroughly searched.

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Sources said the district administration may raze the 10-15 feet high sugarcane crop in the Dorangla belt, as was done in the Tibri cantonment area after the January 2 Pathankot attack. The standing crop can be used by terrorists to hide themselves.

Sugar mills normally start operations in November. If the need arises, we will raze the sugarcane fields and compensate the farmers, the Gurdaspur DC said.
Anirudh Gupta

Ferozepur, October 5

Pipal Singh of Gokhiwala village has been camping at the grain market in Bare Ke, situated along the India-Pakistan border, for the past five days, waiting for his paddy to be purchased. He does not know when the agonising wait will end. Neither do several other farmers from nearby villages who have brought their paddy to the mandi.

Already in trouble with war clouds hovering over the horizon, these farmers are up in arms against the procurement officials for their apathy. Said Amir Singh of Habibwal, as Kulbir Singh of Madhre nodded in agreement: The Deputy Commissioner yesterday told the FCI officials to expedite the procurement. But its noon already, yet none of them has turned up so far. The grain market on the Ferozepur-Hussainiwala axis is allocated jointly to the FCI and the Punjab Warehousing Corporation.

But Deputy Commissioner DPS Kharbanda claimed that procurement was in full swing at all 28 grain markets located within a 10-km radius of the border belt. At Bare Ke, the commission agents refused to lift the FCI stock as they feared the amount would be directly credited in the farmers account, he said, adding that the matter had been sorted out.

Of the 131 grain markets, 62 are paddy-surplus. We have asked the government to let rice mill owners from Barnala, Sangrur and Moga procure paddy from here, Kharbanda said. He said paddy with moisture more than the permissible limit could not be purchased right away.

As the moisture content of paddy at Bare Ke is beyond 17 per cent, we are going slow, said Vipin Kumar, Divisional Manager, FCI. Karanjit Singh, DM, Punjab Warehousing, said they had purchased 187 tonnes at Bare Ke, but the rest can be procured only when the moisture content (19-21 per cent at present) is within the permissible limit.
Ravi Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Gurdaspur, October 6

The BSF has recorded unusual vehicular movement of Pakistani army in Narowal and Shakargarh tehsils across the international border (IB) following which intelligence agencies are regularly updating security agencies about the latest developments.

The movement is visible from almost BSF Border Outposts (BOP) in Punjab. In Gurdaspur, this movement was recorded by jawans through binoculars manning the towers at the Chakri BOP while in Pathankot officials were monitoring it at the Dinda (forward) BOP.

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A BOP is an outpost maintained by the Border Security Force to watch over and safeguard its border.

Shakargarh and Narowal are barely 10 km from the IB fencing located in Gurdaspur district.

Senior BSF officers confirmed that vehicular movement was visible through surveillance equipment, including binoculars, available at the BOPs.

However, no officer wanted to go on record fearing the repercussions of an executive order (EO) issued by the BSF Director General recently.

The order warns all officers, barring the Punjab Frontier IG, from speaking to the media. Disciplinary action will be initiated against officers who speak to the press, reads the note.

In fact, several similar orders have arrived at sector headquarters in the last few days making officers wary of going public, the EO being the latest one.

Officers confirmed that a day after the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes in PoK, light movement of Pakistani army officials was witnessed.

However, with the passage of time the intensity of the build-up has gone from light to mild. Jawans are cleaning bunkers from inside and elephant grass surrounding these bunkers is also being removed. Probably, they must be doing a reconnaissance of the area. Patrolling by their jawans is also not being ruled out. It is also possible that they may be expecting infiltration from the Indian side. Nothing can be ruled out at this juncture and all possibilities are open, said an officer not willing to be quoted because of the executive order.

Sources said this type of activity was expected after the PoK strikes.

The army is being regularly updated on the build-up by intelligence agencies.

Dinda BOP shot into limelight when the NIA feared that the four JeM militants who were involved in the January 2 Pathankot Air Force station attack had entered Indian territory through this BOP. Belongings and food packets of the terrorists were found buried in a pit near this place.

BSF, which monitors the 553 km of border in Punjab, has been asked to step up its surveillance in this area.
KATHMANDU, October 6 (PTI): THE Prime Miniser, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, today announced that India would provide Nepal for her Third Five Year Plan aid totalling Rs. 40 crores. Mrs. Gandhi, who was inaugurating the Indian-aided Sundarijal project also promised Nepal machinery for her proposed paper factory. The Prime Minister said India could buy Nepal's surplus paper when produced. She also indicated Indias interest in the multi-million kilowatt Karnali hydro-electric project which, according to a resent United Nations survey, could produce on completion 6.8 million kilowatts of power. She said India could buy surplus power generated in Nepal. The total aid announced by India will be twice of what India has spent in Nepal during the last five years.
After conducting a large-scale cyber attack, Indian hackers are also in full capacity of destroying the entire Pakistan cyberspace.

By Shashank Shekhar: Indian hackers are in their elements: they have hacked into the Pakistan government network, locking their computers and data.

Facing the large-scale Indian cyber attack, Pakistani techies are down on their knees - they paid the Indian hackers with Bitcoins so that their systems can be unlocked. However, patriotic Indian hackers have rejected the offer and kept the Pakistani sites under their control.

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'FAKE' SURGICAL STRIKE LEADS TO PAK'S LOSS



The Indian attack came in the wake of Pakistani hackers defacing Indian sites and circulating videos that say India's recent surgical strike in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) was fake. The malicious Pakistani propaganda and cyber attack angered the Indian hackers so much that they deployed the Ransomware to lock the network in the neighbouring country.

One of the Indian hackers has been identified. Experts in India claim that an 'anonymous' hacker, a member of Telangana cyber warrior, was among those who infected Pakistan government systems and have taken control over hundreds of computers.

READ| After surgical strikes, Pakistan floods Facebook with terror videos

MASSIVE CYBER ATTACK DESIGNED, READY TO DESTROY



Experts say Indian hackers attacked the Pakistani network after thousands of Indian websites were hacked by the techies from Pakistan. To counter the offensive, Indian hackers locked Pakistan government computers. "To unlock their data, techies from Pakistan also paid in Bitcoins but 'patriotic' Indians refused to give away the decrypt key to unlock the data. Pakistani officials have been asked to pay the amount again to unlock," a black hat hacker told Mail Today.

Sources told Mail Today that Indian hackers are ready to launch a massive cyber attack which can destroy the cyber space of Pakistan. However, they warned that Pakistani hackers will also retaliate.

INDIAN AGENCIES ALERT



Indian agencies are now on alert to ensure that there is no data loss in the ongoing cyber war. Experts believe that intelligence gathering has increased as the hackers are not only defacing the sites but silently spying into critical network.

According to reports, a group of Pakistani hackers - the Pakistan Haxors Crew - has claimed that it had defaced 7,051 Indian websites after India launched surgical strike in PoK. The websites targeted include the official website of the National Green Tribunal (www.greentribunal.gov.in) and Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation (www.biharonline.gov.in.) "Indian hackers just responded after smelling the malicious intention of Pakistani hackers. Techies across the border targeted Indian sites. They are also trying to circulate fake links and videos claiming that India never carried out surgical strike," said Kislay Chaudhary, a cyber crime expert. Indian experts also believe that cyber attacks from Pakistan are state-sponsored but Indian agencies have not retaliated.

WHAT 'EDGE' DO INDIAN HACKERS HAVE?



However, if the Indian hackers want, they can easily destroy the entire Pakistani cyber space.

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"Indian hackers are technically sound and can easily spy or steal data from any country. But no one ever tried to bring young talents under one umbrella for information gathering," a hacker told Mail Today.

According to security officers, many Pakistani accounts have become active post India's surgical strike. These accounts are used for expanding terror network. Security agency officials said that they have zeroed in on several suspected accounts, including the account of one Salman Chaudhary, who is uploading objectionable content like videos that talk of Pakistan attacking India with nuclear weapons. Chaudhary's account is active since 2014 and his IP address is based in PoK.

HOW IT HAPPENED



Speaking to Mail Today one of the Indian hackers said it took over three months to infect the Pak computers. Over 100 computers are now under his control, that belong to the education department, government tender website, among others.

The hacker said he got 120 bitcoins to release the Pak computers. "The money is being distributed among the trusts involved in education of poor kids," he said.

Also read: Facebook, WhatsApp honeytraps: Border villages, police cautioned on bogus Pakistan messages



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Beirut, October 6

A bomb blast in northern Syria near the border with Turkey killed at least 16 Turkish-backed rebel fighters and wounded others on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

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Two witnesses in the area separately told Reuters the blast killed at least 20 people and wounded many more.

The British-based Observatory said it was not clear if the blast near the Atmeh border crossing was from a suicide attack or a bomb placed in the area. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

It targeted rebels who have been backed by Ankara in its operation against both Islamic State and Kurdish militants further to the northeast, along a separate stretch of border.

Reuters
United Nations, October 6

The Paris Agreement on climate change will enter into force on November 4 as enough countries have signed onto the landmark accord to bring it to the emissions threshold that will trigger its implementation, UN chief Ban Ki-moon has said.

"This is a momentous occasion," Secretary-General said after the deal was ratified by 72 countries accounting for more than 56 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

"Global momentum for the Paris Agreement to enter into force in 2016 has been remarkable. What once seemed unthinkable is now unstoppable. Strong international support for the Paris Agreement entering into force is a testament to the urgency for action, and reflects the consensus of governments that robust global cooperation, grounded in national action, is essential to meet the climate challenge," he added.

India, the world's third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, had ratified the Paris climate agreement on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary on October 2, becoming the 62nd country to deposit its legal instrument of ratification for the climate pact and bringing the global pact "tantalisingly" close to entering into force.

Ban had "warmly" congratulated India for ratifying and formally joining the Paris Agreement, and had said India's leadership moves the world an important step closer toward the 55 per cent threshold needed for the historic agreement's entry into force this year.

India accounts for 4.1 per cent of the emissions and after it joined the agreement, the Paris pact had needed slightly more than three percentage points to reach the 55 per cent threshold to enter into force.

The requirements for entry into force were satisfied yesterday when Austria, Bolivia, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Malta, Nepal, Portugal and Slovakia, as well as the European Union, deposited their instruments of ratification with the Secretary-General.

"Now we must move from words to deeds and put Paris into action. We need all hands on deck - every part of society must be mobilised to reduce emissions and help communities adapt to inevitable climate impacts," he stressed.

"I urge all governments and all sectors of society to implement the Paris Agreement in full and to take urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen climate resilience, and support the most vulnerable in adapting to inevitable climate impacts," he said.  PTI

The road ahead

Work will start at UN climate talks in Morocco next month to hammer out the rules for putting the accord into practice. The Paris climate deal will enter into force in time for the Climate Conference (CoP 22) in Morocco in November, where countries will convene the first Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement. Countries that have not yet joined may participate as observers. The UN Chief, however, cautioned that the work of implementing the agreement still lay ahead.

The aim: Tackling climate change
MIAMI/CHARLESTON/ PORT-AU-PRINCE, October 6

Hurricane Matthew has killed at least 102 people, the death toll in struggling Haiti alone rising to 98, local officials said, as the storm headed northward on Thursday battering the Bahamas en route to Florida in US.

Four people were killed earlier in neighboring Dominican Republic.

The fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade slammed into the Bahamas early on Thursday, intensifying as it barreled towards the southeast US coast where millions of residents heeded warnings to flee inland.

Roadways in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as Hurricane Matthew approached, packing storm surges, heavy rain and sustained winds that accelerated overnight to around 125 miles (205 km) per hour.

Matthew was predicted to strengthen from a Category 3 to 4 storm en route to eastern Florida.

Landfall was expected there on Thursday night, the US National Hurricane Center said, extending its hurricane warning area further north into Georgia in a 6 am EST (1000 GMT) advisory.

"Everyone in our state must prepare now for a direct hit," Florida Governor Scott told a news conference in Tallahassee on Wednesday. "If Matthew directly impacts Florida, the destruction could be catastrophic and you need to be prepared." The four states in the path of the hurricane, tracked 255 miles (410 km) southeast of West Palm Beach, declared states of emergency enabling their governors to mobilise the National Guard.

Shelters in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina opened their doors after authorities, along with President Barack Obama, urged locals to evacuate their homes.

Federal emergency response teams were coordinating with officials in all four states and stockpiling supplies, Obama said.

Scott requested that Obama declare a pre-landfall emergency for Florida, which would bring resources including as food, water and waterproof coverings and double the active National Guard force to 3,000.

Schools and airports across the region were to close on Thursday and some hospitals evacuated patients, according to local media. Hundreds of flights were canceled in and out of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida, industry website Flightaware.com said early on Thursday.

'Al boarded up'

In all, more than 12 million US residents were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel.

In Florida, fuel stations posted "out of gas" signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up.

"Every gas station I went to is empty," said motorist Charles Bivona in a Tweet late Wednesday. "Here comes Hurricane Matthew. Um, yikes."

Others, meanwhile, prepared to wait out the storm.

People stocked up on water, milk and canned goods, emptying grocery store shelves, footage from local media showed.

Residents and business owners boarded up windows with plywood and hurricane shutters and placed sandbags down to protect property against flooding.

"All boarded up and ready to bunker down. God be with us," West Palm Beach Florida resident Brad Gray said in a Tweet.

The National Hurricane Center said it was still too soon to predict where in the United States Matthew was likely to do the most damage.

Matthew is the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck in 2007.

On Tuesday and Wednesday it whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mile-per-hour winds and torrential rain, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes.

The devastation in Haiti prompted authorities to postpone a presidential election.  Reuters
Nairobi, October 6

Nairobi: Suspected Islamist militants from the Somali group al Shabaab killed six people in an attack in northeast Kenya on Thursday, a regional governor said.

The Mandera region on the Somali border has often been targeted by al Shabaab, which says it will continue its campaign of attacks in Kenya until the Kenyan government withdraws its troops from Somalia where they are part of an African force.

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"We have suffered another sad attack," the governor of Mandera county, Ali Roba, wrote on Twitter, saying six people had been confirmed killed.

"If not for the quick response by our security forces, we would be talking of many more casualties now," Roba told Reuters by telephone. "From the nature and style of the attack, it will obviously be al Shabaab."

Kenya's Daily Nation said on its website that the attack occurred early in the morning at a public works site.

There was no immediate comment from al Shabaab.

Repeated in attacks in Kenya by al Shabaab have killed hundreds of people in the past three years or so and hammered the country's vital tourism industry.

The assaults have often been in the northeast, near the long and porous border with Somalia, but the group has also struck coastal areas popular with tourists and the capital Nairobi, where al Shabaab gunman attacked Westgate shopping mall in 2013. Reuters
GENEVA, October 6

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura offered on Thursday to go to eastern Aleppo and escort up to 1,000 Islamist fighters out of the city for the sake of a halt to the bombardment by Russian and Syrian forces.

De Mistura said history would judge Syria and Russia if they used the presence of about 900 former Nusra Front fighters as an "easy alibi" for destroying the rebel-held besieged area, killing thousands of the 275,000 citizens, 100,000 of whom are children.

"The bottom line is in a maximum of two months, two and a half months, the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate may be totally destroyed. We are talking about the old city in particular," de Mistura told a news conference in Geneva.

"There is only one thing we are not ready to do: be passive, resign ourselves to another Srebrenica, another Rwanda, which we are sadly ready to recognise written on that wall in front of us, unless something takes place," he said.

Syrian government forces seized around half of a key opposition-held neighbourhood in Aleppo on Thursday in a new advance against rebels, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said.

De Mistura said that there were a maximum of 8,000 fighters in eastern Aleppo, including those formerly known as Nusra Front, who have renamed themselves as Jabhat Fateh al Sham. At least 200 wounded civilians needed medical evacuation to save their lives.

The veteran diplomat addressed his plea directly to the former Nusra fighters: "And if you did decide to leave, in dignity with your weapons, to Idlib or anywhere you wanted to go, I personally am ready, physically ready, to accompany you". Addressing himself to the Russians and the Syrian government, he asked: "Are you really ready to continue this type of level of fighting using that type of weapons, and de facto destroy the whole city of eastern Aleppo ... which is home to 275,000 people for the sake of eliminating 1,000 al-Nusra fighters?"

The alternative was an immediate halt in the bombing in response to the Nusra fighters' departure, which would leave the local administration in place.

The UN should then be allowed to reach the population with humanitarian medical aid.

TASS news agency quoted a Russian presidential envoy for the Middle East and Africa as saying on Thursday that Russia supported the idea of a special UN envoy escorting ex-Nusra fighters out of Aleppo.

"It's high time," TASS quoted Mikhail Bogdanov as saying in reference to Mistura's proposal.  Reuters
Jupiter, October 6

Hurricane Matthew, the fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, slammed into the Bahamas on Thursday and intensified as it barreled toward the southeastern United States after killing at least 140 people, mostly in Haiti, on its deadly northward march.

As Matthew blew through the northwestern Bahamas on Thursday en route to Floridas Atlantic coast, it became an extremely dangerous hurricane carrying winds of 140 miles per hour (220 kph), the US National Hurricane Center said. That made it a Category 4 hurricane and it was likely to remain so as it approached the United States, where it could either take direct aim at Florida or brush along the state's coast through Friday night, the center said.

It extended its hurricane warning area farther north into Georgia and more than 12 million US residents were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel.

As the storm passed about 25 miles (40 km) from the Bahamas capital of Nassau, howling gusts of wind brought down palms and other trees and flipped shingles off the rooftops of many houses. Bahamas Power and Light disconnected much of Nassau as Matthew bore down on the town. No structural damage was immediately visible, a witness said, and rain was fairly light. No fatalities were reported.

It was too soon to predict where Matthew might do the most of its damage in the United States but the National Hurricane Center's hurricane warning extended up the Atlantic coast from southern Florida through Georgia and into South Carolina. More than 12 million people in the US were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel.

Roads in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as the storm approached with not just high winds but strong storm surges and drenching rain.

In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest encouraged residents in the path of the storm to heed warnings from local governments about evacuations.  Reuters
Actor Rana Daggubati or better known as Bhallaladeva, has dubbed for Hollywood actor Tom Hanks in the Telugu version of the upcoming film Inferno.

By India Today Web Desk: Rana Daggubati has lent his voice for the character of Robert Langdon, essayed by Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks, for the Telugu dubbed version of the forthcoming Hollywood film Inferno.



ALSO READ: Anurag Kashyap to play villain in Atharvaa's Imaikka Nodigal?



SEE PIC: Thalaivar Rajinikanth on the sets of Enthiran 2 looks uber cool

Rana says he is happy to be a part of Hanks's legacy in this way.

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"Tom Hanks is a legendary actor and to be a part of his legacy in this way made for an exciting partnership of sorts. More so, this film 'Inferno' is quite significant for us in India because it truly celebrates the power of the Indian market for global players, given that they are releasing it two weeks ahead of the US," Rana said.

Directed by Ron Howard, Inferno will open in India on October 14, two weeks ahead of the US release.

Rana also said that dubbing for Hanks's role was an enriching experience.

"As an actor, I learnt a lot while dubbing for an actor of the caliber of Hanks. I did a small exercise for myself where I got myself recorded while dubbing this helped me a lot in my performance. It was almost like getting trained from someone like Tom Hanks," he said.

Meanwhile, Rana will be next seen in the much-awaited sequel, Baahubali: The Conclusion. According to reports, Rana will be more meaner and villainous than the first part. Directed by SS Rajamouli, Baahubali: The Conclusion will release on April 28, 2017.



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One infiltrating terrorist has been killed in an ongoing operation near the Line of Control in Nowgam sector of Handwara in Kupwara district of North Kashmir.

By Ashraf Wani: One infiltrating terrorist has been killed in an ongoing operation near the Line of Control in Nowgam sector of Handwara in Kupwara district of North Kashmir.

The Army has said that late last night, 3 infiltration attempts were attempted by terrorists across LoC, which was facilitated by Pakistani troops with cover firing. All three bids were foiled.

Also read: Pakistan is rattled, and that's evidence of India's surgical strike

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SEARCH OPERATIONS ON



Two infiltration bids took place in Nowgam sector of Kupwara District and one in Rampur sector near Uri.

Massive search operation is on in all the three sectors near the LoC.

Also read: 3 terrorists killed after Army camp attacked in J-K's Handwara, search operations continue



TERROR ATTACK IN HANDWARA



Meanwhile, earlier today, three terrorists were killed after they attacked 30 Rashtriya Rifles camp in Langate in Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara. It was a Fidayeen attack as all terrorists came in army combat dress.

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By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Batting for gender diversity at the workplace, Union Minister Smriti Irani today said she was instrumental in getting eminent scientist Tessy Thomas nominated to the IIT Council after being told that women were "not good enough" to be among the top engineers in the country.

Pointing out that she had "never used gender as a grudge", Irani said one needs to look at diversity not just from a business point of view but from peoples point of view.

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"When I became the HRD Minister, in the IIT Council, the first meeting that I held, I saw that there were all men in the room and I said, dont you have a woman representative. They said no, they (women) are not good enough to be amongst the top layers of engineers in this country.

"I was asked to nominate two people and the nomination list was all men... So I picked up my phone and called Tessy Thomas to be a part of this Council ... It is my privilege that she is one of the first women to get into the IIT Council," Irani said at the India Economic Summit here.

She said India had a rich legacy of diversity in all spheres and the country has women political leaders cutting across party lines, apart from their significant presence in fields like banking and media. PTI RSN ABM

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The presidents of Turkey and Russia discussed bilateral relations, the war in Syria and energy projects in a recent telephone call, a source in a Turkish presidential source said Wednesday.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, did not reveal any further detail about President Recep Tayyip Erdogans conversation with Vladimir Putin.

The leaders are due to meet in Istanbul for an energy conference between Oct. 9 and 13.

Anadolu Agency
The Iraqi parliaments rejection of Turkeys military presence in the country is not a reflection of the feelings of ordinary Iraqis, the Turkish foreign minister said Wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference in Ankara, Mevlut Cavusoglu said the decision against the Turkish base at Bashiqa in northern Iraq does not represent the whole Iraqi people.

He said a 2007 mandate from the Turkish parliament allowed military action against terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq but a recent extension of this mandate had been rejected by Iraqi lawmakers.

Cavusoglu urged Iraq to take the friendly hand that Turkey offers for the benefit of Iraq and the region in a period which is so critical in terms of fighting against Daesh.

Iraqs parliament on Tuesday asked the government to send a diplomatic note to the Turkish ambassador to Baghdad describing Turkish troops training forces against Daesh as hostile occupying forces. They also asked for trade and economic ties with Turkey to be reassessed.

Cavusoglu said Turkey would continue to support Iraq. We think such a decisions are temporary and arising from internal politics, he said, referring to the Iraqi parliament.

Earlier Wednesday, Iraqs ambassador to Ankara was summoned to the Foreign Ministry and Baghdad also summoned Turkeys ambassador.

Anadolu Agency
Iraqs ambassador to Ankara was summoned to the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday after the Iraqi parliament's characterization of Turkishtroops in Bashiqa as occupiers, according to a ministry source.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said Hisham Ali Akbar Ibrahim Al-Alawi was called to the ministry early Wednesday.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry, for its part, responded by summoning the Turkishambassador to Baghdad.

Ministry spokesman Ahmed Jamal said the Turkish envoy was summoned on the background of the provocative Turkish statement about the operation of liberation of Mosul.

On Tuesday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the Iraqi parliament's mischaracterization of Turkish troops in Bashiqa, situated near the Daesh-occupied northern Iraqi city of Mosul, who are present there to train Iraqi troops to fight Daesh.

"We strongly condemn the Iraqi parliament's unacceptable decision, including dirty accusations against Turkish President [Recep Tayyip Erdogan]," the ministry said in a statement.

It said the decision did not reflect the opinion of the Iraqi people, which Turkey has stood by and supported for years.

It also stressed that Turkey has been fighting Daesh, which is a threat to its national security, and that Ankara is a member of an international coalition fighting the terror group.

"Turkey has lost thousands of citizens due to the terror threat from Iraq and has defended Iraq's territorial integrity, sovereignty, stability, and security, thereby taking huge political and economic risks, although it has been directly affected by the instability caused by Iraqs sectarian approach," the statement said.

A 2007 mandate that allows military action against terror organizations in neighboring Syria and Iraq was extended by Turkeys parliament after the emergence of Daesh, according to the statement.

"Turkey will maintain its determination to fight terrorist organizations which threaten the national security under its right to self-defense as well as to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq, with which it shares a common future, according to the statement.

Iraqs parliament Tuesday rejected Turkish lawmakers decision to extend the mandate.

The Foreign Ministry statement urged Iraqi authorities to "take the friendly hand offered by Turkey" to the benefit of Iraq and the region "in a period which is so critical in terms of fighting Daesh.

In the resolution passed Tuesday, in addition to the occupiers characterization, Iraqs parliament called on the government to send a diplomatic note to Turkey'sambassador to Baghdad and also to reconsider trade and economic ties with Turkey.

Anadolu Agency
The Israeli navy seized the Zaytouna-Oliva, a Gaza-bound aid ship, on Wednesday and was towing it towards the Israeli port of Ashdod, according to the initiatives organizers and reports in the Israeli media.

Sondos Ferwana, a spokeswoman for the International Coalition for the Fourth Freedom Flotilla, told Anadolu Agency on Wednesday evening that Israeli naval forces had captured the ship.

The Israeli military confirmed the ships seizure in a statement.

The Israeli Defense Forces managed to quickly seize the ship without causing any injuries among passengers, the statement said.

The military said the crew initially refused the navys orders to change course. This forced us to intervene and seize the ship before it violated the legal maritime closure imposed on the Gaza Strip.

According to reports on Israels Channel Two television station, the aid ship was intercepted -- without resistance -- some 80 kilometers (50 miles) off Gazas coast. The Jerusalem Post newspaper quoted military sources as saying the navy was preparing to tow the ship to Ashdod.

Ferwana described the incident as another act of Israeli piracy and said all contact with the ship -- which is carrying humanitarian aid and around a dozen female activists -- had been lost.

We dont know the fate of the activists aboard, she told Anadolu Agency, adding that Israeli naval vessels had surrounded the ship to halt its progress to Gaza.

Half an hour before the boat lost contact, Anadolu Agency contacted Madeleine Habib, the ships captain. She said the women were in high spirits and were preparing oatmeal and boiled eggs.

She added that they expected to be detained for a few days and did not intend to accept food during Israeli detention.

In a pre-recorded video, Marama Davidson, a New Zealand lawmaker aboard the Zaytouna-Oliva, said: We are peaceful women who stood by principles of peace and the Israeli oppression forces had no reason to kidnap us, to take us hostage. They could have just let us through to Gaza.

Impunity

They have chosen to oppress us women. We need the world to pressure the Israeli government for our immediate and safe release.

In a statement, organizers Rumbo a Gaza said: The Israeli armada has again acted with total impunity and against all international legality, assaulting a civil boat that was headed towards Gaza in the international waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Passengers on the Zaytouna-Oliva, which set sail from the Spanish city of Barcelona last month, include Irish Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mairead Maguire, Swedish and Algerian lawmakers, a South African Olympic athlete and a Malaysian doctor.

The all-female initiative seeks to break Israels decade-long blockade of the Gaza Strip and show solidarity with the women of Gaza.

Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, which has governed the enclave since 2007, condemned the Israeli occupations assault on the aid ship and its intimidation of the activists on board.

In a statement, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said the incident amounted to an act of state terrorism and was another example of Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and those who show solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Barhoum went on to urge the international community to put an end to Israels crimes and stressed the need for immediate action to lift the blockade and rescue the people of Gaza.

In June last year, Israeli forces intercepted the Marianne -- which had been taking part in a similar initiative -- and arrested all the activists on board.

Another aid mission ended in tragedy in 2010 when the Mavi Marmara, a Turkish ship, was raided by Israeli commandos who killed 10 Turkish activists.

Since 2007, Gaza has faced a crippling Israeli and Egyptian blockade that has deprived its almost 2 million inhabitants of most basic commodities including food, fuel, medicines and building materials.

In June, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described the blockade of Gaza as collective punishment that suffocates its people, stifles its economy and impedes reconstruction efforts.

Anadolu Agency
The suspect, a native of Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu is believed to have worked for Islamic State in Syria, Iraq for several months.

By Ashish Pandey, Atir Khan: Continuing its crackdown on Islamic State module active in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana - the National Investigation Agency arrested 31-year-old Subhani Moideen aka Abu Meer today.

He has revealed that he had gone to Iraq in 2015 to join ISIS.

"RETURNED TO INDIA TO CARRY OUT ATTACKS"



The suspect, a native of Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu is believed to have worked for Islamic State in Syria, Iraq for several months. Sources say he was returned to India to carry out attacks and was active in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Kerala for last several months.

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After returning to India, he again got in touch with ISIS handlers via internet and was planning to collect explosives and chemicals from Sivakasi on their instance.



As per the National Investigative Agency, Meer had gone to Iraq on April 8, 2015 to join the banned Islamic State outfit and fight for the organisation. The investigation revealed that he was radicalized and recruited to ISIS through social media.

He reached Istanbul from Chennai on a visit VISA and after reaching their he crossed over the board and reached to Iraq and joined the Islamic State along with few Afghan and Pakistani nationals.

MEER UNDERWENT TRAINING IN MOSUL

Meer underwent training in Mosul, but later on after witnessing the violence, he decided to leave the organisation.

The arrest of Subhani Moideen alias Abu Meer came after the interrogation of the six suspects arrested by NIA earlier on Sunday from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

"Information was received that some youths from Kerala and Tamil Nadu along with their accomplices had entered into a criminal conspiracy to commit terror acts by collecting explosives and other offensive material to target important persons and places in various parts of south India" said agency in their statement after the arrest of six suspects.

He is being produced before Special NIA court for seeking his police custody for further interrogation.

Also read:

Tamil Nadu: NIA arrests man with suspected links to Islamic State



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The Minister of Local Government.. says when the local government legislation comes into effect.. regional corporations can better service their communities. He made the remark.. during the San Juan Laventille Corporation's interfaith service and military parade.. as the corporation turns 30 years.
The first comedy from the ABC Comedy Showroom to win a full season is Ronny Chieng: International Student.

It will air on both ABC and Comedy Central in the US.

Chieng, currently a correspondent on The Daily Show, revealed the news in a podcast with the UKs Des Bishop.

Asked about his background as an immigrant to Australia, he said, Tune it to ABC or Comedy Central US. June 2017. My new series addresses it.

On Bishops podcast, Chieng said that he had to dumb down and present a simplified version of himself for American audiences.

He said: Well, I shouldnt be saying this, but People have been asking me to give an international perspective but what America really wants is what America THINKS an international perspective is. You give them what your real perspective is, its too much nuance and they cant get it.

When I go, I was born in Malaysia but I,m ethnically Chinese and grew up in Singapore but spent ten years in Australia going to law school and doing comedy. Thats too many things.Youve just gotta be Asian. You cant be doing nuance, thats to f***ing complicated.

Source: Chortle
Weve known for some time that Judge Judy Sheindlin is the highest earning star in US television, and those Big Bang stars also earn a hefty salary.

But Variety has conducted a wide survey of actors, executives, attorneys, agents, managers, and other representatives in an effort to offer a snapshot of the earnings power of talent at all levels in US primetime, late-night, daytime, and news.

It tallies their earnings into three different genres, which shows how hosting is far more lucrative than acting (subject to the amount of episodes one is contracted for).

Notably the list contradicts earnings by Modern Familys Sofia Vergara which Forbes recently indicated was $43m -however I suspect Forbes was also looking to annual revenue, not per episode salary.

It also explains what lures stars to reunions, streaming and cable television.

Heres a snapshot of their findings:

You can check out the full lists here.
The Feed presenter Marc Fennell has defended the plan to rebrand SBS 2 as SBS VICELAND in November.

On his website Fennell wrote about the kind of content that will feature on the channel as being more on charter than much of the current content.

When the Viceland move was first discussed internally at SBS months ago I took the time to go through all of the shows that Viceland had produced and I was floored, he wrote.

SBS will make an announcement very soon about the shows that will launch on the channel but let me assure you that I have seen stunning programmes on music, sexuality, feminism, technology, sports, food, alcohol, terrorism and yes, good ole fashioned drugs that simply blew me away. Beautiful filmmaking, great characters and stunning storytelling. There are programmes that both revel in hipsterism and utterly challenge it by showing you a world that almost never gets shown on tv. And certainly never shown with this panache.

Conceding that the US-Canadian Vice Media seems like an odd fit he said the content explores a multicultural world through the prisms of music, sex, the environment, film and food.

I believe deeply in SBSs capacity to capture the diversity of the world in a way that is informative and utterly entertaining. Frankly, this move will bring SBS2 far more in-line with our charter than some of our existing content. Certainly not losing our way as some have suggested.

Is a lot of the Viceland content produced by UK & US producers? Yeah. But were also bringing you a lot of those iconic programmes that only SBS can. Thats why its a partnership.

SBS is yet to announce the programming for the channel and whether the program supply deal is based on a revenue sharing agreement with Vice Media.

Come November 15, SBS Viceland & The Feed will bring you Walkley and Logie-nominated Australian storytelling every night that is diverse, fun and generally bats way above its average for a multichannel. And as for the shows around us on the channel and on SBS OnDemand? Well, as I said. just you wait, he wrote.
Offspring producer Imogen Banks (pictured, left) and screenwriter Alice Bell (Puberty Blues) have launched an initiative for female screenwriters, Smart For a Girl: Roar.

Applications are now open for the paid program, which will teach twelve, uncredited, female writers how an idea is developed into series television by splitting them into four groups and taking them through the processes of a writers room.

We were often approached by young female writers looking for advice on how to get to that next step in their career, but while we could see their passion and potential, we didnt have the means to help them until now, Banks says.

Theres more desire now than ever for female based stories but less opportunity for women to enter the industry, Bell added. We want to give these new writers the experience of brainstorming in a real writers room, support them in taking their ideas through to second draft, surround them with new industry contacts and then guide them through the process of pitching to networks  thats how you learn.

The program was made possible by Screen Australias Gender Matters: Brilliant Careers initiative.

Further details are available here.
Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospital on September 22 for fever and dehydration.

By Indo-Asian News Service: A three-member doctors team from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will examine Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa admitted in Apollo Hospital since last month, said reports.

According to reports, the three-member team - pulmonologist G.C.Khilnani, cardiologist Nitish Naik and anaesthetist Anjan Trikha will examine Jayalalithaa.

The AIIMS medical team comes after a British doctor Richard Beale, consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at Guy's and St.Thomas Hospital, London examined Jayalalithaa. According to Apollo Hospital, the treatment plan was based on detailed discussions with Beale.

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JAYALALITHAA WAS ADMITTED ON SEPTEMBER 22

The treatment plan included appropriate antibiotics, respiratory support and other allied clinical measures presently being continued to treat the infection.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospital on September 22 for fever and dehydration.

Also read:

Brand Amma: How Jayalalithaa's rice, kapda and TV schemes won her popularity

Supporters offer prayers for Jayalalithaa's recovery; DMK alleges there is no government in Tamil Nadu

Jayalalithaa's health is improving, states Apollo Hospital



While Apollo Hospital initially said Jayalalithaa was cured of fever, later it said she was being treated for infection. She was advised some more days stay in the hospital.

PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT JAYALALITHAA'S HEALTH

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court on October 4 directed Tamil Nadu's Additional Advocate General to get instructions from the government on Jayalalithaa's health.

Social activist Traffic Ramaswamy filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Madras High Court seeking the real status of Jayalalithaa's health.

The court also observed that people were anxious to know about the Chief Minister's health.

Traffic Ramaswamy sought to know whether Jayalalithaa was in sound health to take important decisions and hold meetings of officials and ministers.

Also read:

Jayalalithaa health: High Court asks Tamil Nadu to release more info because people need to know

Jayalalithaa continues to improve, advised some more days' hospital stay

Watch video



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On Sunday Night shark attack survivor Cooper Allen tells Rahni Sadler about his ordeal of the NSW North Coast.

The Fatal Shore

Summer is not yet here and already theres been a shark attack on our beaches. Thankfully, teenage surfer Cooper Allen survived his encounter last week with a four-metre great white. But of greater concern is where it happened  a beautiful and dangerous stretch of coastline thats fast becoming our Fatal Shore. As the debate again surfaces over how to best protect surf-loving Aussies, young Cooper tells Sunday Night he had one greater fear than being bitten by a shark  what his Mum would say. Reporter Rahni Sadler catches up with mother and son as he recovers from the terrifying attack.

The Hunting Grounds

A shameful epidemic is sweeping our universities. Female students are being sexually assaulted in frightening numbers, with only a fraction of the assaults resulting in any punishment for the offenders. While the accused are often allowed to continue their studies, their victims are left broken and afraid. In a Sunday Night major investigation, three brave young women speak out for the first time. And as PJ Madam uncovers, they all paint the same picture  that some of our most reputable universities have become hunting grounds for young predators.

King of the Waltz

In a time of pop, rock and roll and heavy metal, he chose the most unlikely musical path to fame and fortune. But by becoming the King of the Waltz, Andre Rieu has taken his violin to the top of the charts to become one of the worlds most popular and successful artists. As Kerri-Anne Kennerley discovers, the musical maestros life is like one of his extravagant concerts, full of passion and surprises.



Sunday at 8.10pm on Seven.
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).
By India Today Web Desk: Akshay Kumar and the crew of Jolly LLB 2 have arrived for the final schedule of the film in Manali. The Khiladi actor shared a picture of the gorgeous location on his Twitter handle, saying he just got there and already feared he would start missing it as soon as they left.



It's a Jolly good morning here in Manali??? Just arrived and already afraid of missing it when I leave...the crew & the film. #lastschedule pic.twitter.com/FULLDkYvVj Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 6, 2016

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The sequel to the 2013 sleeper-hit starring Arshad Warsi, Jolly LLB 2 is being directed again by Subhash Kapoor with Annu Kapoor replacing Boman Irani as the antagonist lawyer. The first film made on a meagre budget of Rs 18 cr went on to gross more than double the budget with Rs 37 crore.



ALSO READ: Jolly LLB 2 first look of Akshay Kumar as a lawyer

That brought Fox Star on board from a sequel, and seeing an opportunity to make a bigger film the more bankable actor Akshay Kumar replaced a reliable Arshad Warsi, who starred in the 2013 original. Interestingly, Arshad Warsi has gone on to replace Akshay Kumar in Aankhen 2.

Huma Qureshi will replace Amrita Rao from the first film, and will be seen romancing Akshay Kumar. Jolly LLB 2 earlier finished a schedule in Lucknow and is set to release February 10 next year.

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Russian-backed militants launched 40 attacks on Ukrainian positions in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in eastern Ukraine over the past day, the press center of the ATO headquarters reports.

In Luhansk direction, 12 ceasefire violations were recorded. Terrorists shelled Novooleksandrivka, Novozvanivka, Trokhizbenka, Stanitsa Luhanska, and Popasna using small arms, grenade launchers and machine guns.

In Donetsk direction, 8 ceasefire violations were recorded. Militants used small arms, grenade launchers, machine guns to shell Ukrainian troops near Avdiivka, Zaitseve, Novhoroske and Kamianka.

In Mariupol direction, terrorists launched 20 attacks on Ukrainian positions. The enemy used small arms, machine guns, grenade launchers to shell Marinka, Shyrokyno, Starohnativka, and Hnutove.

ish
One Ukrainian soldier was killed, one soldier was wounded and another one got contusion injuries in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in Donbas over the last day, Ukrainian Defense Ministrys spokesman for ATO issues Oleksandr Motuzniak said.

One Ukrainian soldier was killed, one was wounded, and another one got contusion injuries as a result of combat actions in the ATO zone in the past day, Motuzniak said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. iy
Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Valeria Gontareva, together with the Ukrainian delegation, has left for Washington to participate in the annual meeting of member countries of the International Monterey Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

This has been posted on the NBUs official Facebook page.

"During the visit, representatives of the central bank will take part in the meeting of member countries of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, the closed discussion on regional economic issues among the countries of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as the plenary session of the International Monetary and IMF Financial Committee, reads the report.

iy
Ukrinform journalist Roman Sushchenko, who is being held illegally in Russia, is still not being allowed to see the Ukrainian consul.

This is what lawyer Mark Feygin told the Ukrainian TV channel 112 Ukraine.

"Yesterday I spoke with Hennadiy Breskalenko, the Consul of Ukraine in Moscow, and he confirmed that had not received a response from the investigation department of the FSB, but talked to investigators about his right to visit Roman at the Lefortovo pre-trial detention centre. I have so far today not been able to see him," he added.

He confirmed he was unable to see him yesterday.

"Yesterday I was not able to get inside Lefortovo. There's a huge queue of lawyers there. I do not see any special action by itsadministration. Several lawyers were simply unable to get into the investigative offices due to the huge influx of investigators and lawyers who conducted investigative actions for a long time. I am leaving right now. I am leaving for Lefortovo now. I hope that it will be easier today. Thursday is a special day, bath day or something, perhaps I will be able to get to see him. In any case, tomorrow I will see him because tomorrow he is being charged," said Feygin.

However, he stressed that he does not know whether Sushchenko has appealed for protection for his family.

pd
The Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction will not support a draft resolution of the Verkhovna Rada on appeal to the Cabinet of Ministers regarding termination of the intergovernmental agreement on visa-free travel of Ukrainians to Russia.

MP from the Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction Oleksiy Honcharenko said this to journalists on the sidelines of the Parliament, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to Honcharenko, firstly it is necessary to think about the Ukrainian citizens but not about public relations campaign, thats why the faction has decided not to support the introduction of a visa regime with Russia.

He also stressed the need to take into account the government's position on this issue. In particular, he said that the foreign ministers position was "that it is wrong to do and we are not prepared."

ish
Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said during a meeting with the head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Hugo Mingarelli that Ukraine is awaiting a decision from the EU on the visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens, the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine reports.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed the need to fulfill the tasks on the agenda between the EU and Ukraine. In particular, the ratification of the Association Agreement, the use of the second tranche of macro-financial assistance to the sum of 600 million euros and the introduction of the visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens.

"We expect a decision from the EU on the introduction of a visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens," Groysman said, noting that Ukraine has, for its part, fulfilled all the necessary requirements for the liberalization of the EU visa regime for Ukrainian citizens.

In addition, the prime minister said that the Cabinet of Ministers is continuing its work on reforms.

pd
Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations, has said that the situation with moving forward the procedure to give Ukraine a visa-free regime should be successful, as it was with Georgia.

"I would say that the Ukraine situation should be the same as in the case of Georgia. They have fulfilled all the conditions, and I have not heard of any problems from either by EU Member States or from MEPs," the commissioner said.

According to him, the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States of the European Union has decided to give the "green light" the European Council to launch negotiations with the European Parliament on liberalizing the visa regime for citizens of Georgia.

On October 5, the Council expressed its support for providing a visa-free regime for citizens of Georgia, in view of the reforms the country has conducted. Peter Javorcik, Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the EU, Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the EU, said that the reforms in Georgia are credible and such efforts should be encouraged.

pd
The Ukrainian delegation during the fourth round of the EU-Ukraine bilateral meetings, which will take place in Brussels on Friday, will touch on an issue of the situation in Crimea and will inform other participants of the event the position of our country is to extend the sanctions against the Russian Federation.

First Deputy Minister of Information Policy of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova, who is a member of the delegation, said this on the air of TV Channel 112 Ukraine.

According to her, the main purpose of these negotiations is to synchronize policies regarding non-recognition of annexation of Crimea, as well as to develop clear recommendations for further actions in this context.

"Our position remains unchanged, the policy of non-recognition should be continued, sanctions should be even tougher," she said.

ish
By India Today Web Desk: Professor Munna Singh, the suspended vice chancellor of Kanpur's Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, has been terminated from his position by Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik after two separate inquiry committees headed by former Allahabad High Court judges found him guilty of anomalies in appointment of teachers.

Singh, who was suspended in May 2015, wanted to resign twice earlier but was told by Naik that he will remain suspended as the probe continues.

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The CSA University VC was suspended after 75 varsity teachers, MPs and former MLAs had complained to the governor about large-scale irregularities.

(With inputs from PTI)

Also read: US fake university sting: 21 arrested, including 10 Indians



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UNHCR warmly welcomes the recommendation by the UN Security Council of its former High Commissioner, Antonio Guterres, as the next United Nations Secretary-General.

During his ten years at UNHCR, Mr. Guterres managed some of the biggest refugee crises of our times, said High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. We know that he will lead the United Nations with the vision, political skills and deep sense of humanity needed to make an unprecedented push for world peace.

Faced with a surge in the number of people displaced by conflict and persecution, Antonio Guterres skillfully managed UNHCRs responses, introducing important reforms to make these more effective.

But Antonio Guterres was  above all  a tireless advocate for refugees, the internally displaced and the stateless, defending their rights in the field and at the highest political levels. He placed a strong emphasis on finding innovative solutions to help them find safety and a dignified life, as well as on pushing for an end to the conflicts driving so many people from their homes, Grandi said.

We at UNHCR are especially happy that the worlds most senior peacemaker will be somebody who knows so well the terrible human consequences of war.

Additional resources

To download photos and video footage of Antonio Guterres during his tenure as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, visit Refugees Media [registration required].
India says Pakistan has received no support from the United Nations for its claims on Kashmir, adding that it has established itself as a "global epicenter" of terrorism.

By Press Trust of India: India has strongly hit back at Pakistan, saying the "sell-by date" of the country's "anachronistic approach" is long over and there is absolutely no support in the world body for claims on Kashmir by a nation that established itself as a "global epicenter" of terrorism.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin strongly rejected remarks on Kashmir made by Pakistan's envoy Maleeha Lodhi during a UN General Assembly debate on 'Report of the Secretary General on the Work of the Organisation'.

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Also read: Pakistan is rattled, and that's evidence of India's surgical strike

PAK GLOBAL EPICENTER OF TERRORISM



"We have heard one such lone voice again a short while ago, making claims to an integral part of my country. This comes from a country which has established itself as a global epicenter of terrorism," Akbaruddin said.

He said claims by Pakistan on Kashmir find no resonance amongst the international community, with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's raising the Kashmir issue in his General Assembly address also finding no support.

Also read: Pakistan's denial of surgical strikes exposes Kejriwal's colonial hangover

"Just less than 10 days ago, the GA (General Assembly) hall witnessed a singular lack of support for Pakistan's baseless claims. Need one say more," he said.



INDIA'S RESPONSE TO PAKISTAN CONSISTENT



Akbaruddin asserted that India's response to Pakistan was consistent.

"Abandon your futile quest. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so. No amount of misuse of international fora by Pakistan will change that reality. The sell-by date of Pakistan's anachronistic approach is over," he said.

Also read: I'm sad it took constable Nitin Kumar's life for media to honour BSF



Sell by date of Pakistan's anachronistic approach is over - India @UN pic.twitter.com/AiNJARuDXO Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) October 5, 2016

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By India Today Web Desk: Be it her revenge body or her break-up with Ranbir Kapoor or her shooting schedule with ex on the sets of Jagga Jasoos, Katrina Kaif has been the talk of the town this year. From her personal life to her professional choices, every single move made by the Baar Baar Dekho actor is inspected with a magnifying glass. And now her growing friendship with Fitoor actor Aditya Roy Kapur has been misunderstood as something more by many.

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ALSO READ: Ranbir with Jacqueline and Katrina with Aditya? The exes are giving us important lessons in moving on!

ALSO READ: Aditya Roy Kapur takes rumoured girlfriend Katrina Kaif out on a dinner date?



And Katrina isn't too pleased with his piece of news. According to a report in Bollywoodlife.com, the 33-year-old actor has expressed her displeasure over these constant link-up rumours. The report further suggests that the Phantom actor is irked that she is linked to every man that she steps out with and call it 'unfair'.

Especially her outings with Aditya Roy Kapur have caught the fancy of many. There are rumours that there is more than just friendship between the co-actors.

A source close to the actor was quoted as telling the website, "Katrina has laughed off the rumours of dating Aditya Roy Kapur. She has always looked up to Adi as one of her close buddies. She has known him for more than two years and there is NO truth to any of these rumours. In fact she has been friends with Aditya even when she was dating Ranbir Kapoor."

On the work front, Katrina Kaif is currently busy shooting for Anurag Basu's Jagga Jasoos along with ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor. The film is set to hit the screens next year.



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Who are Mirza and Sahiban? Before Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher bring on screen Mirzya, here's all you need to know about the tragedy of Mirza and Sahiban.

By Ananya Bhattacharya: The one thing that has made many people wonder after reading the legend of Mirza-Sahiban is why Sahiban broke her lover Mirza's arrows and helped her brothers kill him. 'Sahiban ne teer kyu toda? (Why did Sahiban break the arrows?)' is the one question that has been on the mind of people who know the story of Mirza-Sahiban. Why did Sahiban betray her lover?

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WATCH: How Mirzya actors Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher became Mirza and Sahiban

SPECIAL COVERAGE: MIRZYA

This question has worried director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra no end for many years. And that is the reason he is bringing to the silver screen the legend of Mirza-Sahiban this Friday, in his visual extravaganza called Mirzya. With Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher, respectively, as the Mirza and Sahiban of 2016, the classic love story is all set for a contemporary spin, courtesy Mehra.

But before Mirzya hits the screens this Friday, we tell you the legend that is at the core of the story of the film: the legend of Mirza-Sahiban.

1. The legend of Mirza-Sahiban is one of the four tragic romances that are most popular in the folklore of Punjab. The other three tragic romances are the stories of Heer-Ranjha, Soni-Mahiwal and Sassi-Punnun.

2. Mirza Khan's father was Wanjhal Khan, the leader of the Kharal tribe in Danabad, a town in the Jaranwala area of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Sahiban, on the other hand, was the daughter of Khewa Khan, the chief of Khewa, a town in Sial territory in the Jhang district, Pakistan.

3. The legend goes that in the village of Kheewa, a woman died after giving birth to a son. Another woman nearby had just given birth to a daughter, and she took mercy on the motherless child and brought him up along with her own daughter, breastfeeding both the children.

4. These two 'milk siblings' grew up and went on to marry other people. The girl, called Fateh Bibi, married a man named Wanjal Khan and they had a son called Mirza. The boy grew up to become Khewa Khan, the chief of a town called Khewa. He had a daughter called Sahiban.

5. Mirza and Sahiban were of the same age. When it was time for the children to go to school, Mirza was sent to his 'milk uncle's' house so that he and Sahiban could study the Quran together there.

6. As Mirza and Sahiban grew up, they began having feelings for each other. Mirza's skills with the bow and arrow were unmatched, while Sahiban's beauty left people agape. Outside the contours of the 'normal', the 'cousins' ended up falling in love with each other.

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7. Soon, Sahiban's parents discovered that their daughter and Mirza had fallen in love with each other, a relationship that was furiously frowned upon by everyone. Mirza was sent back to his village, heartbroken.

8. Sahiban's parents, meanwhile, arranged for her to be married to Tahir Khan, a man belonging to the same village as Sahiban. Sahiban sent word of her marriage to Mirza, leaving the latter adamant on not letting the marriage happen.

9. On the day of the wedding, Mirza reached Sahiban's village and the two eloped on Mirza's horse, Bakki. After reaching what they thought was a safe distance from Sahiban's village, Mirza slept off. Sahiban's brothers, along with Sahiban's bridegroom, hunted down the lovers.

10. When Sahiban saw that her brothers were closing in on them, she broke every arrow in Mirza's quiver. Mirza woke up to his throat being pierced by an arrow from one of Sahiban's brothers. When Mirza turned around to shoot an arrow back, he realised that Sahiban had broken all arrows. Betrayed, Mirza tried to look for an answer on Sahiban's face. Sahiban, at this point, tried to shield her lover from more of her brothers' arrows, dying with Mirza in the process.

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Why did Sahiban break the arrows - still remains one of folklore's unanswered questions. A question that bothered director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra no end. So much so, that the director is attempting to answer the question with his film Mirzya. Whether or not his answer is satisfactory is something that probably only the audience will be able to decide.



(The writer tweets as @ananya116 .)

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Roger Stone's tweet Saturday night, citing "Wednesday@HillaryClinton is done #WikiLeaks did not happen.

Stone, a prominent supporter of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, even granted several interviews regarding what some anticipated could be an October surprise. Everyone was anticipating the publishing of documents supposedly to be released by WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange last Wednesday. A WikiLeaks tweet detailed Tuesday's press conference would proceed while the reported dramatic London balcony address was moved to Berlin due to "specific information" which might have to do with Assange's safety.

Tomorrow's press conf in Berlin proceeds. London speech by Assange has been moved to Berlin due to specific information. #wikileaks10  WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) October 3, 2016

The supposed "death blow" as Stone repeatedly said, was a complete let down. Mainstream media were bombarded with appeals for donations. They even pitched their books at 40 percent off. It is their 10th founding year after all.

This did not sit well with Trump supporters. All were anticipating for Assange to present vital information that could potentially obliterate the Clinton campaign.

At one point in the more than two hours "infomercial," Assange said "If we are going to make a major publication about the U.S., we wouldn't do it at 3 a.m.," as quoted from The Washington Post.

Those who are waiting for an October surprise might have to wait a little longer. Assange said he would release documents every week for the next 10. Some, he said, will have a bearing on the coming U.S. elections. No one really knows just yet if some of those documents pose a serious impact that will undermine Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. All he said was "We think they're significant."

Pressed on what those documents will reveal and when Assange wouldn't say

If there was one thing everyone who was up, Republican and Democrat alike could agree upon, it was that everyone was taken for a ride. Pro-Trump and Infowars radio host Alex Jones realized in the end, he too had been played. Alternatively, as he puts it, #wikirolled.
The Google Pixel Phone has recently been announced and it looks like it could make Apple users ditch the iPhone 7. The highly-anticipated device will be available later this month.

Inc. reported that the name is based on one of the best laptops in the market today, the Chromebook Pixel. Google Pixel Phone specs are the most high-tech there is, considering that it's the Internet giant itself who developed it. Here's how the smartphone can be of great help to college students.

1. Best camera ever

Let's face it; students often use the camera to take note of what professors write on the board. The Google Pixel Phone reportedly has a 12.3 megapixel camera, which has an F/2.0 aperture and 1.55-micron pixels to capture light. It has the ability to record 4K videos and hi-resolution photos.

2. Quick charge

With the busyness of weekday mornings, there seems to be not enough time to charge our phones always. Well, the Google Pixel Phone allows users to charge the phone for seven hours of use in just 15 minutes.

3. Google Assistant

The Internet giant's upcoming device will be a part of the Google Pixel Phone features. With this, students can set reminders for project deadlines and ask for directions. It is claimed to be smarter since it understands your conversation. According to WSJ, Sundar Pichai, Google's chief executive, believes that computing is evolving from mobile-first to an AI-first world.

4. Unlimited storage

Along with the powerful camera, the phone will have unlimited cloud storage for video and photo. It also syncs with your Google Drive as well as with photos.google.com so that you can check your photos from your laptop or tablet.

5. 3.5mm headphone jack

Google decided to keep the headphone jack when Apple removed it from the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. This would save students a lot of time from finding the adapter.

6. Video Chat app

The Google Pixel Phone will have an app called Duo for video calls. This is similar to FaceTime and Skype. It works on both Android and iOS.
Elon Musk has a great plan for its space company, SpaceX. The CEO and founder will use this organization to send people to Mars.

Recently, the SpaceX founder revealed his plans about sending humans to Mars within 10 years. He has also unveiled the Interplanetary Transport System (ITS). Musk claimed that this plan can result to a city on Mars with 1 million people or more. Moreover, this could happen in less than a century.

Apparently, the SpaceX founder and CEO plans to create a gigantic rocket - one that is more comfortable and larger than the Saturn V, which sent humans to the moon. It is believed to go on orbit, be refueled using multiple launches, go to Mars, enter the planet's atmosphere using aerodynamic braking to slow down and land on its tail.

While there are a lot of skeptics on Elon Musk's seemingly impossible dream, it does sound quite exciting. If it does push through, it would certainly raise the bar for engineering and technology.

The massive Mars plan would also need a lot of people for its operation. If you want to work at SpaceX, a Quora thread has revealed which schools have had graduates who got a job in the space company.

It was found that the University of Southern California had the highest number of people who were able to work at SpaceX, with 134. The data is according to a LinkedIn query done by Quora member Sasha Ovsankin.

USC is followed by the University of California - Los Angeles, with 97, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (85), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (80) and Stanford University (80). Other universities such as Purdue, Georgia Institute of Technology, California State University, Cornell University and the University of Florida also have graduates working for Elon Musk's space company.

Another Quora member, Aaron Labajo, noted that renowned rocket engineer and engine designer Tom Mueller went to less popular schools Loyola Marymount University and the University of Idaho. Labajo emphasized on how talent accomplishment is vital in SpaceX's hiring process.
The Apple iPad Pro brand three new sizes are expected to debut in 2017. But before iPad Pro 2 most anticipated launching, an emerging competitor with spectacular battery life is about to hit the store shelves in November this year.

iPad Pro

New sizes of iPad Pro brand are rumored to be introduced in 2017. The 7.9-inch is said to be an iPad Mini that is under the Pro tagline which has smart connector and four speakers. Both the 10.1-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 will feature a 12MP improved camera with a True Tone flash, The Verge reported.

However in contradiction to the mentioned sizes above, the Apple analyst Ming Chi-Kou said that a 10.5-inch iPad Pro is likely to be launched instead of the 10.1-inch one. He also said that the three devices are likely to keep the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Lenovo Phab 2 Pro

Google desire to put the virtual reality (VR) in the mainstream is manifested through their newly launched Lenovo Phab 2 Pro or referred to as "Google's first Tango phone". According to Digital Trends, Tango applications will open the doors to a special interaction between the digital world and the real world.

The 6.4-inch phablet is the very first device to have the Tango technology that Google started to developed under the Advanced Technology Projects laboratory since 2014. The device is notable for its thinness and lightness.

With the latest technology embed in Lenovo Phab 2 Pro Google is looking forward to take Tango to the doorsteps of video game programmers and developer. Also the company hopes to bring the technology to grocery store chains coupled with augmented reality apps that could possibly "assist shoppers to the right place" and to be able to "highlight items".

The Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is scheduled to launch in October following the launching of Pixel phones. Google is also under the process of taking the Tango technology to Nexus 6P. The device is expected to beat the upcoming iPad Pro 2 just before its release date.

The video below will give you further details about the first AR phone Lenovo Phab 2 Pro.
After some personal emails reported hacked, Yahoo is now being accused of providing US intelligence officials access to all of its users.

Last year, the giant tech company, Yahoo Inc., secretly built a custom software that can search all of its users/customers' incoming emails for specific information. This was the reason why National Security Agency and FBI scanned hundreds of millions of Yahoo Mail accounts, Reuters reported.

This news came after Yahoo announced that State-Sponsored Hackers stole hundreds of personal information. A Yahoo spokesperson told Engadget, "Yahoo is a law abiding company, and complies with the laws of the United States."

Meanwhile, Edward Snowden, a former Central Intelligence Agency employee who revealed leaks some sensitive information of the government, took Twitter to share his thought.

Google and Microsoft were also accused of being involved in NSA email scanning. Yesterday, it was confirmed that these tech giants did not participate on email scanning for the government, according to Fortune.

According to the source, the email surveillance program was reportedly installed in 2015. After this report appeared on Tuesday, Oct. 4, many people asked if NSA also gave direction to Google and Microsoft. The two tech giants announced they never participated.

Google spokesperson confirmed that the company, never received any request. If they'd receive such request, they will surely say, "no."

Microsoft released a statement that they did not participate as well. In a released statement, the company said they never engaged in the secret scanning of email.

Both Google and Microsoft are operating millions of accounts (Gmail and Hotmail). This is the reason why many people think that they also participated in secret scanning happened in 2015.

Another tech giant who also confirmed that they did not receive a request from NSA, is Facebook.
By Mail Today: You might turn your exhilarating journey into an adventurous one if you lose yourself in a place from where you can't find a way back. But before that happens, you know you have a smart phone which is smarter than you. Here's a complete travel guide to plan your trip next time:

GOOGLE MAPS

Going somewhere? Go with Maps, the official app you can rely on for real-time GPS navigation, traffic, transit, and details about millions of places, such as reviews and popular times. The app will help you to get faster with real-time updates. Beating the traffic with real-time navigation, ETAs and traffic conditions it will save your time and will guide you in the right direction. Discover places and explore like a local with this application.

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TRAVELYAARI

This android app will always keep your phone happy with the of size of 3-4 MB which will not bother your phone's storage. Transparent prices, excellent customer service, accessibility, best seat guarantee and most importantly 100 per cent live bus ticket inventory available on Travelyaari have revolutionised the industry.

Also read: 5 tools every backpacker would love to have in his kit



JUGNOO

Jugnoo helps you with an affordable, quick and convenient doorstep commute in 40+ cities, lunch and dinner on tap (few cities) and high quality fruits and vegetables (some cities) to fit your daily needs. Get convenient and safe rides at the lowest possible fares in your city.

OYO ROOMS

The app developed by India's largest branded network of hotels allows you to book a hotel room in a matter of just five seconds. You can find over 50,000 rooms across 150+ cities in India listed on the app. You can also browse through a wide range of quality stays with all standard amenities at unbeatable prices.



ZOMATO

Food is one thing that a traveller first looks for when deciding to plan their trip. You need an expert to guide to tell you about the best and all the options around and Zomato does it all. Browse through restaurant menus, photos, user reviews and ratings to decide where you want to eat, and use the map feature to guide you there.



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Glasgow Academy is to erect a new sports building at its Kelvinbridge campus to mark the centenary of the school's re-establishment following the First World War..

Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh is the result of a five year project to convert the former Bank of Scotland headquarters at 37-39 St Andrews Square into a hotel and private members club as part of an expansion of the Gleneagles Hotel brand.

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October 6 2016

The latest issue of Urban Realm is now out in which we look at the power of architecture to transform the way people think of themselves and the world around them, with a look at two contrasting schemes in Edinburgh and Argyll. The Thistle Foundation is a new health & wellbeing centre offering relief to those with from long-term illnesses whilst Cove Park promises to unleash a new wave of pent up creativity from resident artists.Elsewhere our series of city tours continue as we take a look at the contrasting fortunes of Bradford and Stirling. The former still struggling to pull the wool from its eyes with misplaced ventures such as Westfield just as the latter seeks to move past its own egregious mistakes.Mark Chalmers delivers a timely overview of the often tortuous process of public procurement, a sector whose recent history does little to inspire confidence that a fresh wave of infrastructure investment to stimulate the economy will maximise returns.Looking further afield Eugene Mullan offers some nuggets from Japan, a country which is increasingly held up as an example of how to do off-site construction well.Even more remote is the island of St Kilda to which we return to cover early ideas for a new visitor centre, confusingly located on the Isle of Lewis. It seeks to square the circle of meeting the demands of the tourism industry without destroying the fragile ecology which draws them and could offer a template for other heritage sites.We round things off with our exhaustive engineering report which shows that whilst the sector might have a heart of steel it beats with real sensitivity.Dont just take our word for it though, pick up a copy to see for yourself
By PTI: Dharamshala, Oct 6 (PTI) Prime Minster Narendra Modi will visit Himachal Pradesh on October 18, his maiden visit to the the state after assuming office, a BJP MP said today.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate three hydropower projects and address two rallies in Mandi and Nahan, BJP MP from Mandi constituency Ram Sawroop Sharma said.

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He will inaugurate 800 MW Kol Dam, 540 MW III phase of Parvati Projectand 412 MW Rampur hydropower project. PTI CORR PMS

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Published: October 05, 2016

First Semester Starts Abroad for Some Students

Before the group of 19 first-year students even made it to orientation, they were caving, whitewater rafting and studying Costa Ricas water policy and the health of its water systems.The two-week Spartans Academy Abroad program gave incoming students the chance to start their academic experience by studying abroad. In partnership with the Monteverde Institute, the students earned eight credit hours in a multidisplinary course that focused on environmental politics, conservation, sustainability and biological diversity.We traveled all across Costa Rica and saw a lot. From the beautiful landscapes to the unique biodiversity, the top moment was definitely experiencing new places and different animal life, said Tim Cucci 20, of New Lenox, IL. It was extremely fascinating to look at landscapes and animals in person that I had only ever seen in pictures.UT biology professor Mason Meers and government and world affairs professor Kevin Fridy led a combination of lectures, discussions with local groups and observational studies, giving the students real-world experience in the issues surrounding climate change and sustainability.I think for Dr. Meers and I, our real hope was that this pre-first year experience would provide a real head start to our students, Fridy said. One of the fundamental things all professors want to do at a university is help their students transition from passive receptacles of information into scholars who can contribute to the building of knowledge.For Allicyn Cole, a marine sciencebiology major from Milwaukee, WI, the highlights included seeing all of the wildlife at the national parks they visited, watching Olive Ridley sea turtles surface while on a sustainable fishery tour and spotting a humpback whale while on a boating adventure in the Pacific Ocean.This trip impacted me, because it gave me a better understanding of Costa Rican culture, as well as a better understanding of economic and environmental problems outside of the U.S., Cole said. Spartans Academy Abroad impacted my first year at UT by giving me an early start at adjusting to college courses and learning to be more independent.One of the unique aspects of this course was the instruction by two professors from two different fields. This not only broadened the perspective of the topics they were studying, but gave them different tools for research. For example, the students were asked to collect data. In Fridys social science course, the primary method was a survey that asked Costa Ricans about their experiences with water. For the natural science component, the students took water samples and measured trees.Despite these courses being from different branches of the academy, our integrated teaching style taught students that both the surveys and water samples were approaches to turning conceptual variables into operationalized variables to test hypotheses, said Fridy, who has led UT travel courses to Ghana as well. I am really proud of how well this little experiment in teaching worked. We really saw lots of light bulbs going off during the two weeks, and I hope that the incoming first-year students will take the lessons learned in Costa Rica into their courses at UT.Meers, who has led a UT travel course to Costa Rica multiple times, said the students all rose to the challenge. Not only academically, but he said many experienced personal growth and a widening of their world views.If you want to have exceptional outcomes, you have to provide exceptional opportunities, he said, paraphrasing Malcolm Gladwells Outliers. Now that they are back at UT, they will likely challenge their professors to provide a more enhanced curriculum.Hannah Smith, a marine sciencebiology major from Saint Peters, MO, said she learned so much in the short time frame, noting one experience in particular. The group took a guided night walk in La Selva Biological Station where they spotted a variety of frogs, toads and insects.On every nature walk and tour, I learned about a new plant or animal and how it was unique to Costa Rica's ecosystem, Smith said. I learned how they struggle with environmental issues and what the locals are trying to do to improve their situation and educate others about these issues.Back on campus, the students are all enrolled in a Pathways to Honors course together so they can continue the conversation.The Spartans Academy Abroad has really opened my mind to new experiences and showed me that if I am passionate about something to go out and get involved, even if it is something I never thought I would be able to do, said Smith. It also helped my transition into college and showed me that even though being in a new place with new people can be overwhelming to just stick it out because it will get better. Also to enjoy every opportunity and experience I get in life.The Spartans Academy Abroad will be offered again in Fall 2017.
Published: October 06, 2016

Narcissism Topic of Ethics Hot Seat at UT Oct. 18

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, The University of Tampa will host an interactive discussion on the question, Is it cool to be a narcissist? Educational, Relationship and Business Perspectives. The event, which is part of the Ethics Hot Seat Speaker Series hosted by the UT Center for Ethics, will run from 5:307:30 p.m. in the Vaughn Center, Trustees Board Room and is free and open to the public.On the hot seat will be W. Keith Campbell, professor and chair of the University of Georgia Department of Psychology, as well as Dan Verreault, UT associate professor of accounting and director of the Center for Ethics, and Robert Marley, UT assistant professor of accounting and associate director of the Center for Ethics. Interactive participation will be facilitated through polling questions.Campbell is a nationally recognized expert on narcissism, society and generational change. His work and lectures expose the rise of narcissism  and individualism more generally  and its influence on every level of society. His many publications include the popular book. He also edited, the definitive collection of research on narcissism.The UT Center for Ethics provides educational and professional resources to promote ethical systems and individual responsibility in the academic and greater business community through closer interaction with the University.Register at www.ethicshotseatnarcissism.eventbrite.com . For more information, contact Jessica Luce at jluce@ut.edu
Second Presidential Debate Watch Party Oct. 9 at UW

The University of Wyoming debate teams second sponsored presidential debate watch party will be a town hall-style event Sunday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. in the College of Business auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

Following the debate, Ryan Greene, the Democratic candidate for Wyomings lone U.S. House of Representatives seat, will field questions from students and members of the public for 30-45 minutes.

The town hall will begin with a live stream of the U.S. presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Snacks will be served 20 minutes before the televised event.

UWs debate team is hosting watch parties for the three presidential debates between Clinton and Trump as a way to encourage UW students to become more informed about, and involved in, the 2016 presidential election.

The first presidential debate Sept. 26 drew more than 250 UW students, says Travis Cram, director of forensics in the UW Department of Communication and Journalism.

Town-hall meetings allow for clear and direct responses to the most pressing issues that voters care about, which allows for voters to be sure about their feelings about particular candidates, says UW freshman Brent Lamb.

UW senior Arete Bond adds that town-hall forums allow for a more streamlined communication between citizens and potential candidates that traditional media coverage typically lacks.

The goal of the event is to draw connections from the debate to Wyoming and what Greene will do in Congress to represent the interests of Wyomingites, Cram says. He adds that an invitation was sent to Republican candidate Liz Cheneys campaign, but it declined.

Students and audience members can submit questions to ask Greene by tweeting @WyoDebate.

The final presidential debate watch party is Wednesday, Oct. 19, followed by a panel featuring a discussion on foreign policy issues at stake in the election, including American responses to the crisis in Syria, and the growing tensions with major powers such as Russia and China, Cram says.

UWs debate team also will challenge the University of Pittsburgh squad Thursday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. The two teams will debate national energy policy issues. The free event is in the Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center, and refreshments will be provided.

For more information about any of the debates, email Cram at tcram@uwyo.edu.
Beckett Simonon is never done experimenting. The direct-to-consumer brand first made a name for themselves with a line of reasonably priced fine footwear. Then they expanded into outerwear and started innovating and refining the construction of their shoes. The benefit of selling straight to your customers is that the instant feedback can be invaluable. Recently, Beckett Simonon revamped their business model in order to up the quality but keep the prices fair. Each month, they design new products with a strong focus on quality and design. When the month ends, the orders are grouped together and manufacturing begins. The result? Items that are made to order with an incredibly high attention to detail at much better prices. Because there's no expensive inventory or middlemen inflating the costs, each product is made just for you at wholesale prices instead of retail. Or as co-founder Andres Nino explains it: "It pays off to be patient." This month, the brand is introducing a range of autumn essentials to get you through the next six months and beyond.
Church News  October 20, 2022 LIGHT OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH Needing Answers We want God to be like FedEx and deliver overnight. Things dont happen that way, but in...

Church News  October 13, 2022 LIGHT OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH Natures Therapy The pine tree with its solemn dignity lifts its branches to the sky as if to give...
The 42-year-old actor, who comes from Muzaffarnagar, had on Wednesday said he would play the character of 'Maricha' in the programme.

By Press Trust of India: A Ramlila programme featuring actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has been cancelled following opposition by a religious group in Muzaffarnagar, police said today.SIDDIQUI'S CHARACTER

The 42-year-old actor, who comes from Muzaffarnagar, had on Wednesday said he would play the character of 'Maricha' in the programme.

Maricha is a rakshasa (demon), who is killed by Ram. His most notable exploit is his role in the kidnapping of Sita, Ram's wife.

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PROGRAMME CANCELLED



The Ramlila program featuring Nawazuddin at Budhana town has been cancelled over opposition by some Hindu activists, SP (Rural) Rakesh Jolly said.

The organisers had to cancel the programme after the activists approached them and expressed their displeasure over Nawazuddin's participation, he said.

Also read:

Posters in Modi's Varanasi show PM as Ram, Kejriwal as Meghnad, Sharif as Ravan







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"I wanted them to feel beautiful and for the world to see them the way I do and they themselves do which is far from just 'underprivileged'."

By Mini Dixit: When 19-year-old Natasha Kothari is not juggling between college, a full-time job, separate fashion & social work blogs,--she's busy transforming the lives of certain underprivileged children via a project titled, Beauty Lies in Eye of the Beholder.

Associated with a Mumbai NGO, Spark a Change, Kothari wants people to look beyond the word 'underprivileged' and see the kids for the beautiful, bright and confident individuals that they are.

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With her project, Kothari wants to gift these children their fair share of vanity that allows them to feel like any other teenager who loves to look good and beautiful.



Natasha with her students. Picture courtesy: Natasha Kothari

"Today if you would see a picture of an average teenager with some make up and a rad outfit, would you think of it as anything out of the ordinary? That teenager feels empowered, feels confident as she dresses up and gets a million likes and comments, she simply feels so good about herself. She feels her beauty," Kothari told India Today Digital on being asked about the project's inception.

Also Read: These girls from Nepal were asked to photograph the things they aren't allowed to touch during their period

She also went to say how these children barely ever get to pamper themselves.

"With my underprivileged kids they would rarely get these moments of vanity because people are so busy pitying them and stereotyping them. I just wanted to change up things a bit, I wanted them to feel beautiful and for the world to see them the way I do and they themselves do which is far from just 'underprivileged'," she added.





Before the three girls got a makeover!

Documenting the response her project has been raking in, Kothari mentions how, for every 10 good comments, there's always that one person who believes in the art of criticism.

"Just because these 3 girls are underprivileged some people start getting all righteous about how I am wasting my time playing "make up make up" with them or giving them a wrong idea of beauty. My question still stands, if they were not poor and were just some other typical teenager would you still have the same concerns? Since when did taking pictures, looking pretty and having some fun become a bad thing?" she says.

Shot in the compound Kothari's own society, the pictures before and after versions of the girls who were elated after the whole process! "



Also Read: Forced into prostitution at 10, this woman is the warrior you probably haven't heard about

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"For me the BEST part was the excitement and sheer surprise in their eyes when they saw their own pictures. They were so enthusiastic and happy about how the whole thing paned out, one of the girls even wants to try her hand at modelling after looking at her pictures!"



She also elaborated on the planning that went in for the shoot.





After the makeover!

"One day I just called 3 of my students and explained the concept to them which they loved. We then just picked a day, I got them over to my house and had a friend help me in make up. After which I styled them according to their preferences and tastes and we took pictures in my societies compound. It was followed by a really yummy ice cream treat!"



Signing off, Kothari mentions that she plans to keep doing this not just for girls, but also for boys provided she gets the correct kind of assistance in styling them!



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Announced this morning on Live With Kelly: Murray SawChuck is now in the top 20 running to co-host Live With Kelly.

He is the ONLY Nevada resident to qualify and Las Vegan!
Since 1995, Southern Nevada foster children have been reunited with their siblings annually at Camp To Belong, a nationally recognized summer camp program. This year brothers and sisters will once again come together to partake in a week of fun and memories June 20-27 hosted by Camp Mariastella in Wrightwood, CA.

Camp To Belong is dedicated to reuniting siblings placed in separate foster homes and other out of home care for events of fun, emotional empowerment and sibling connection. Supervised by volunteer counselors, the campers days are filled with lively and meaningful activities giving brothers and sisters the opportunity to experience new things together such as swimming, canoeing, challenge courses, hiking and archery. Each afternoon, siblings participate in art activities, while nights are filled with bonfires and inspirational activities. Camp To Belong has also built in unique traditions including a signature birthday celebration where each camper is surprised with a gift from their sibling and they share a special cake made just for them  a priceless event that is often missed when living apart.

Brothers and sistersthey argue and tease and take each other for granted, yet sibling relationships are generally the longest experienced in life, said Jeff Grandy, Camp To Belong Nevada administrator. In foster care, keeping siblings together is one of the many challenges that face the child welfare system. The Camp To Belong experience provides lifetime memories that can never be taken away.

Camp To Belong was founded in Las Vegas by Lynn Price, herself a former youth-in-care. She later moved to Colorado and the program went with her. Camp To Belong continued to serve youth in our local foster care system but with state line and cost barriers, so few children from Clark County were able to participate.

In 2005, Las Vegas residents Cristine Lindholm and Betsey Husted attended as volunteer counselors. Collectively they decided it was time to bring the program back to Nevada and in 2008, Child Focus became the local camp operator.

Camp To Belong Nevadas goal is to send 80 Clark County youth to camp again this year, but the support of the community is critical. Help is needed in the following areas:

Camper referrals (from the legal guardian of youth living separate due to foster, adoptive, or other out-of-home care placements) Volunteer camp counselor applicants Donations to help make Camp To Belong Nevada and other sibling preservation events possible

For more information on CTB-NV and to learn how you can help, please contact Child Focus at (702) 436-1624 or email jeff@childfocusnv.org or Martha@childfocusnv.org.

About Child Focus

Child Focus is a non-profit agency providing many vital supportive services and resources which enrich the lives of children living in foster care in Southern Nevada. The goal of the organization is to work within the system to become a powerful voice for change. Child Focus partners with many national and local child welfare organizations to create a strong network of support and caring within our community.

Current programs and services include Mentoring, Sibling Preservation, Birthday Wishes and Step Up. The Mentoring program partners each youth with a caring adult who provides guidance and support, helping each young person excel and reach individual goals. Sibling Preservation fascilitates quarterly get together events, creating shared memories for siblings living in separate homes, in addition to managing Camp To Belong, a week-long summer camp experience for brothers and sisters. Birthday Wishes provides gifts to youth in care ensuring that no child is forgotten on their special day. And Step Up is a state of Nevada funded initiative supporting youths in transition from foster care, teaching them to become self sufficient members of society. The Step Up program has been administered by Child Focus since 2005. Child Focus: 4310 S. Cameron, Suite 13, Las Vegas, NV 89103. 702.436.1624, www.childfocusnv.org.
Navada rape accused RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav met party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday amidst reports that the Nitish government was set to oppose his bail in the supreme court.

By Amitabh Srivastava: "I-care-a-damn" was writ large all over his face as Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav, accused of raping a school girl at his Navada residence in February, strutted out of Lalu Prasad Yadav's residence on Thursday in Patna.

The MLA, facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act, is now a free man after he was granted bail by Patna High Court on September 30.

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The minor rape survivor has already expressed fear for her family's safety after the MLA was released from Navada jail on bail. The girl, who cleared the matriculation examination earlier this year, was allegedly raped by Yadav, the RJD MLA from Nawada, and had been living in trauma since.

MEETING THE PARTY BOSS

Having spent nearly two hours at the residence of Lalu Prasad, the chief of senior alliance partner- RJD-in the ruling coalition, Raj Ballabh seemed unmindful of the Nitish Kumar government's move to challenge his bail order in the supreme court.

"They are following a system, let them. I have no grievances against Nitish Kumar," he said during a brief interaction with media-persons outside Lalu's residence, caressing his moustache. The supreme court has admitted the Bihar government's special leave petition challenging the bail granted to the RJD legislator.

UPROAR OVER BAIL

The MLA's release has stirred the state's political circles with the senior BJP leader Sushil Modi accusing the state government of not putting up the sufficient facts before the high court and thus " facilitating" bail to the rape accused legislator.

Even in jail, the RJD MLA had remained remorseless and created news by throwing a lavish mutton party on the occasion of Holi. The government had then suspended four prison officials for letting the rape accused organise a feast in jail.

The victim has sent WhatApp message to media persons. "He (Yadav) is out of jail. I am scared and afraid for my family. What will happen to them? I am already dead after what happened to me. I have nothing more to lose," the minor rape survivor said.

THE RAPE CASE

Raj Ballabh Yadav, who had served as a minister in Rabri Devi government in the past, was accused of raping a school girl after the victim's family reported about the incident to Navada police on February 6, this year. The police later issued his arrest order after an investigation by Deputy Inspector General of Police Shalin found the complaint true.

The school girl, who lived in a rented one-room house in Biharsharif with two elder sisters and a younger brother, told police that a middle-aged woman named Sulekha Devi, who had befriended her earlier, took her to an undisclosed place on the pretext of attending a birthday party.

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There, the woman forced the girl to consume liquor after which a man, later identified as Raj Ballabh, allegedly raped her. All this happened in Sulekha's presence, the girl had alleged. Sulekha then gave the girl some money and told her not to speak to anybody about the incident. But the girl went home and told her parents, who approached the police.

HIDE AND SEEK GAME

Initially, a case was registered against Sulekha. During police investigation, the girl was taken to the site of crime and they found it to be the RJD legislator's house. She even identified Raj Ballabh as the man who allegedly raped her.

When police issued arrest warrant against Raj Ballabh on Febraury 13, he went underground. On February 20, a court in Biharsharif rejected Raj Ballabh's anticipatory bail plea. Finally, on March 10, he surrendered before a Biharsharif court.

In April, he was named as main accused in the chargesheet filed by police. The chargesheet also named Sulekha and her relatives, accused of supplying girls to the RJD legislator.

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ALSO READ:

Bihar: Raped schoolgirl expresses fear over release of suspended RJD leader Raj Ballabh Yadav

After Shahabuddin, RJD leader Raj Ballabh's bail also stage-managed by Nitish govt, says BJP's Sushil Modi





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Tran Thi Thuy is English teacher of Duc Hop Upper Secondary School in Vietnam. She is also Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE).

Thuy feels that her students do not get enough practice with English as they have few opportunities to communicate in the language. So she offers students a game of Mystery Skype that theyve dropped their initial reservations and are now enthusiastically interacting with their classmates students from across the globe for the day.

Mystery Skype is a global activity that virtually connects two classrooms together, encouraging students to learn more about each others culture without going beyond the four walls.

As an educator, my role is to provide the most conducive environment for learning, said Thuy. Technology helps me achieve that. With Skype, I can connect to other classrooms around the world, and thus encourage my students to learn.

It is this vision that drove her to strive for innovation in the classroom, leading to her runner-up prize at the Vietnam National Teacher Competition 2016.

Her winning project was a Skype lesson about raising awareness of the dangers of pesticides in their area. By utilising a variety of technology tools, including Internet Explorer, Outlook, and PowerPoint, students had to research on the topic, reach out to experts, and present their findings through posters, banners, and standees.



Thuys students using technology to carry out their projects

Thuy is collaborating with another English teacher in Japan on how their students can explore a common social issue together: high levels of chronic stress in schools, which stems from the gruelling entrance examinations that students in both countries have to go through.

After sharing more about the challenges they face as students, they were tasked to think about how they could use technology to resolve this issue, and then present their solution to the teachers.

By interacting with overseas students on Skype, my students are more aware about global issues, Thuy shared. Not only does it improve their communication skills, it also develops critical thinking skills and enhances creativity.

Meanwhile in a town 10,000km away, Jarrod Aberhart, an economics professor at Nelson College, New Zealand, also implements the same philosophy of enhancing learning through technology.

In this digital age, traditional classrooms are no longer conducive for learning. Students are born into technology, so why not teach them how to utilise it to better connect and collaborate with one another? said Aberhart. This pushes them to realise that with technology, the possibilities are endless as they can pursue goals that previously seemed out of reach.

One of Aberharts favourite software to use in class is OneNote. As part of his courses, Aberharts students are required to group up and run a businessand he found that OneNote has been particularly useful in getting them to work together efficiently, both within and outside the classroom.

Before I integrated technology into my course, progress on projects was slow, shared Aberhart. Students would work up a momentum on their projects in class, but once they stepped out of the classroom, it would come to a standstill. OneNote becomes a one-stop shop for them to communicate, work together and store information about their projects even outside classes.



Aberhart working with his students on their projects in class using a Surface

As IT Professional Learning Leader at Nelson College, Aberhart plans to introduce TPACK and 21st Century Design (21CD) courses that emphasise the use of content and pedagogy in guiding technology integration into the classroom to teachers in the school.

His colleagues have already integrated technology in their lessons, and he hopes these will continue inspiring them to explore new ways of using technology which can help students develop crucial skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and knowledge construction.

Lorelee Dedoroy Asignacion, an MIE teaching at Bata National High School in the Philippines, had a similar idea. Her journey began in 2012, when she was a finalist for the Microsoft Innovative Teachers Leadership Awards.

Her winning entry was an activity about raising environmental awareness among local officials, where students were required to use technology as a platform for conducting research on the environment, organising mangrove-planting sessions in other cities and creating presentations for local officials.

Since then, her students have enjoyed getting involved in other environmental projects such as clean-up drives and environmental camps, using tools such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Publisher and PhotoStory, to share their findings on environmental issues.

Inspired by this experience, Asignacion endeavoured to introduce this to her colleagues. She demonstrated to them that even with limited Internet access in school, technology can still be integrated into lessons in many ways, such as by using quizzes created through PowerPoint and its hyperlink functions.
The Government would consider carefully the use of financial resources to resolve debts in the future in accordance with targets of restructuring the system of credit institutions and the whole economy from 2016 to 2020. - Photo ebankplus.vn

Dung said this after a proposal to use State funds to settle commercial banks' bad debts, as stated in the draft plan on economic restructuring for the 2016-2020 period, was given the cold shoulder recently. Experts said the solution is infeasible as it puts pressure on public debts, especially in the context of State budget deficit.

Under the plan drafted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the feasibility of the proposal will be studied by the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Viet Nam. Authorities will have to submit a relevant resolution to the National Assembly for approval next year.

Dung said that this was only a preliminary proposal drafted during the compilation of the plan on economic restructuring for the 2016-20 period.

Based on reviews and assessments of bad debt settlement in the 2011-15 period, the Government would consider carefully the use of financial resources to resolve debts in the future in accordance with targets of restructuring the system of credit institutions and the whole economy from 2016 to 2020, he said.

Implementation would be transparent and effective while ensuring legal regulations and safety of public debts, Dung said.

Experiences of other countries showed that financial resources were required to be able to settle bad debts thoroughly and effectively. Some countries had to spend a lot of money, even up to 10-15 per cent of their GDP, for settlement.

A series of measures, such as provision for risky loans, enhancement of debt retrieval, sale of mortgaged assets, transfer of bad debts into contribution capital and establishment of the Viet Nam Asset Management Company, have, so far, been initiated to resolve bad debts. However, results have been limited.

To settle bad debts thoroughly, the Government has asked the State Bank of Viet Nam to implement policies to trade debts following market principles and develop a project on restructuring the system of credit institutions in combination with settling bad debts for the 2016-20 period. In addition, the Ministry of Planning and Investment will compile a plan on economic restructuring for the 2016-20 period, which includes bad debt settlement.
Photo Duc Thanh

The Hai Duong Provincial Peoples Committee just held a working session with related parties at Viet Hoa-Kenmark Industrial Park (IP) project and ultimately came to the conclusion that the IP must be sold in the upcoming time.

Hai Duong IP Management Authority was assigned by the provincial Peoples Committee to devise an official way out and submit it to the provincial management for approval.

The project has remained unsolved for quite a long time now, while the IP holds strategic importance in attracting investment to Hai Duong. This bottleneck must be tackled without further delay to unlock the so-far inhibited opportunities for others, said a source from the provincial management.

Also according to the source, the IP was unsuccessfully put on sale several years ago, but there were no buyers and the $67.6 million debt of IP developer -Taiwanese furniture-maker Kenmark Group- towards Vietnamese banks still hangs in the balance.

Before it was put on sale, the IP was highly valued by the developer, so buyers were not charmed. Now price fixing will be assigned to the creditors, promising a more reasonable pricing to lure buyers, the source revealed.

Viet Hoa-Kenmark IP was licensed in 2005. At the time, the developer promised to inject $500 million into turning the empty land into a mammoth IP and an urban township.

During the first phase, Kenmark was set to disburse about $98 million and, in fact, spent $44 million on building internal roads, workshops, as well as a wastewater treatment and an electricity generation system.

The developer abruptly returned home in 2010, suspending the project without further notice.

Unsolved contradictions between Kenmark and two Malaysian investors, who not only contributed capital to building the IP but also ran projects there, were supposedly one of the main reasons for the projects failure.

Kenmarks suspended $67.6-million debt to Vietnamese banks was another headache with little solution on the horizon.

To open a path to dealing with the debt, Kenmark chairman Hwang Ding Kuo flew to Vietnam numerous times to work with relevant lenders and local management authorities.

They came to a consensus on selling the IP to recoup the investment capital and pay off bank debts. However, all negotiations with potential buyers failed due to transfer price-related issues.

At the moment, as the IP projects price is now fixed by the lenders instead of the developer, the project promises to be more appealing to investors, paving the way for a happy ending to a long journey full of adversity.
Historic climate deal to enter into force. (AFP/Paz Pizarro, Muriel Pichon-Dd-Boysere, Alain Bommenel)

"On October 5, 2016, the threshold for entry into force of the Paris Agreement has been achieved," the UNFCCC announced on its website.

Inked outside the French capital in December by 195 nations, the world's first universal climate treaty vows to cap global warming at well under two degrees Celsius.

At least 55 countries accounting for 55 per cent of heat-trapping emissions needed to ratify the pact before it could go into force.

The European Union, which signed as a single party, and some EU member states have now pushed it over that threshold.

"The EU and European countries that have already ratified the agreement at a national level have now also submitted ratification documents to the UN," French environment minister Segolene Royal told AFP.

The move was widely hailed.

"This is a welcome development after years of frustratingly slow progress," said Andrew Steer, president of the World Resources Institute, a Washington-based thinktank. "With the agreement in full force, countries can shift their focus from commitment to action."
Antonio Guterres speaks to reporters on the selection of the next UN Secretary-General at the UN headquarters in New York on Apr 12, 2016. (KENA BETANCUR/AFP)

Guterres, who led the UN's refugee agency for a decade, won backing in the straw poll from 13 of the 15 council members while none of the five veto-holding powers blocked his candidacy.

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin emerged from the council chamber along with the 14 other ambassadors to declare that Guterres was on course to succeed Ban Ki-moon as the world's diplomat-in-chief. "We have a clear favorite and his name is Antonio Guterres," he said.

Churkin announced that a formal vote by the council will take place on Thursday to confirm the choice of Guterres, adding that he expected the selection to be "by acclamation."

"We wish Mister Guterres well in discharging his duties as the secretary general of the United Nations in the next five years," Churkin said.

As the first former head of government to lead the world body, the 67-year-old Socialist politician has pledged to revamp the United Nations to bolster its peacemaking efforts and promote human rights.

During the secret ballot, Guterres won four positive votes from veto holders and one "no opinion", clearing the way for him to become the new UN chief.

Veto-holders Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States used colour-coded ballots to indicate for the first time whether they intended to block a candidate.

Guterres, who was Portugal's prime minister from 1995 to 2002, had held the number-one spot in the previous five informal votes, but the quick consensus decision took many diplomats by surprise.

GOOD NEWS FOR THE UN

Once he is formally endorsed by the Security Council, he will be presented to the General Assembly for it to approve his candidacy. The new UN chief begins his five-year term on Jan 1.

France's Ambassador Francois Delattre said the choice of Guterres - who speaks French, English and Spanish as well as Portuguese - was "good news for the United Nations" while British envoy Matthew Rycroft said he will make a "very strong, effective secretary-general".

US Ambassador Samantha Power described Guterres' experience and vision as "compelling" and stressed the need for an effective leader at the UN helm during a time of multiple global crises. "We are united in understanding the gravity of the threats that are out there," said Power.

Describing Guterres as "exceptional", Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, said: "The best person for the job was selected and it is very good for the world, it is very good for the United Nations, it is very good for Portugal."

Human Rights Watch's UN director Louis Charbonneau said Guterres could "strike a radically new tone on human rights at a time of great challenge" but cautioned that he will be judged on his ability to stand up to the veto powers.

GEORGIEVA'S BID FALTERS

There were 10 candidates in the race to become the next UN chief, including EU budget commissioner Kristalina Georgieva from Bulgaria who entered the fray just last week.

Georgieva, however, failed to garner crucial support from two of the permanent members, with speculation turning to Russia's opposition to her candidacy.

The former World Bank vice president received eight negative votes including two from veto-holding members, five positive votes including two from the permanent council members and two "no opinion."

Georgieva tweeted congratulations to Guterres and offered "best of luck in pursuing an ambitious agenda for the UN."

UNESCO chief Irina Bokova, who was pushed aside by the Bulgarian government to make way for Georgieva, also received two negative votes from veto-holders.

Throughout the campaign, there had been calls for the council to choose the first woman secretary-general and to pick a candidate from eastern Europe, the only region that has not been represented in the top job.

Another high-profile woman in the race, Argentina's Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra, received one negative vote from a veto-holder, while Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak received two, according to diplomats.

New Zealand's former prime minister and head of the UN Development Programme Helen Clark received three negative votes from the veto powers as did Serbia's ex-foreign minister Vuk Jeremic, Macedonia's ex-foreign minister Srgjan Kerim and Natalia Gherman of Moldova.

Slovenia's former president Danilo Turk received four negative votes from the permanent five members.
According to the Department of Telecommunication under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), SPTs licence for the S-Fone project has expired.

The ministry is likely to issue an official notice on the revocation of the licence soon. With this revocation, the ministry is going to take back the 850MHz bandwidth to write up a tender for interested mobile operators.

Four years after it stopped operation, S-Fones sole remaining valuable asset is the 850 MHz bandwidth that the MIC allotted to the company at the time of its operation. At the moment, the bandwidth lies unutilised, as no move has been made to dissolve the company. The bandwidth could be valuable to other telecom companies in the deployment of their 3G and 4G networks.

S-Fone was founded in 2001 under a business co-operation contract (BCC) between SK Telecom and SPT, with the initial capital of $230 million. It was the first operator to use the CDMA 2000-1x EV-DO technology and to provide 3G in Vietnam.

In the early days, S-Fone seemed to be on the rise. In May 2007, the partners announced a new $543-million infrastructural investment. By 2008, S-Fone had 3.1 million subscribers.



Then GSM started to replace CDMA networks all over the world, including in Vietnam. S-Fone rapidly lost subscribers who went over to operators using GSM technology, like VinaPhone, MobiFone, and Viettel.

At the end of 2009, SK Telecom announced that it would stop investing in S-Fone, citing lower-than-anticipated profits and subscriber growth. However, the company did not withdraw from the partnership. Later in the year, S-Fone changed the partnership model from BCC to joint venture, with SPT holding the majority stake.

By 2011, as the number of subscribers and revenue continued dwindling, the company scaled down services to only Hanoi, Haiphong, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

In July 2012, S-Fone broke its employment contracts and closed all shops and the website. At the end of 2012, the company leadership confirmed that S-Fone company was insolvent. From then on, no move has been made to dissolve the company.

In 2014, SPTs general director Hoang Sy Hoa said that the network infrastructure was asset of SK Telecom and that SPT was negotiating to dissolve the company, however, no further information was forthcoming ever since.
A security perimeter is set up at the scene where two police officers were stabbed on October 5, 2016 in the Schaerbeek neighbourhood of Brussels AFP/Dirk Waem

Police shot the man in the leg after he used a knife to attack the two officers, one female and one male, in the Schaerbeek area of the Belgian capital before breaking the nose of a third officer.

Prosecutors identified the attacker as 43-year-old Hicham D., a Belgian national. Reports said he was a former soldier with ties to militants who had gone to fight in Syria.

The incident came shortly after one of the main train stations in Brussels and the city's prosecutor's office were shut by a bomb scare which later turned out to be a false alarm.

"We have elements to believe that the (stabbing) incident was a terrorist attack," Eric Van Der Sypt, a spokesman for the Belgian federal prosecutor's office, told AFP.

"At noon two police officers were attacked by a man with a knife on the Boulevard Lambermont in Schaerbeek. Their life is not in danger," the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

"Another police patrol was able to overpower the offender who was shot in the leg. His life is also not in danger."

An unnamed eyewitness told RTBF television: "I saw the attacker striking the policeman on the ground. He got on top of him and was punching and kicking him. The policeman rolled into the bushes but he followed him and kept hitting him.

"After that he hit the woman, she was crying and bleeding. Then the police arrived, they got out of their car and shot him."

Officials said one police officer was stabbed in the neck and the other in the stomach.

Police later searched the suspect's house in Schaerbeek but found no weapons or explosives, Van Der Sypt said. The suspect remains in police custody and a terrorism judge will decide whether to keep him in detention.

FORMER SOLDIER

Hicham D. served in the Belgian army until 2009, a source close to the inquiry told AFP.

Belgian media said he was already known to the authorities for being in contact with jihadists who had gone to fight in Syria, but the source was unable to confirm that.

He was also a one-time professional boxer who stood as a candidate in local elections for an Islamist party, RTBF reported.

Belgian media said he had been hit by a police car in 2011 and had said at the time that police had tried to kill him.

Wednesday's stabbing took place on a day of tight security as Brussels hosted a major conference of international donors to raise billions of dollars in aid for Afghanistan.

European Union headquarters, where the conference was taking place, are about four kilometres (two and a half miles) from the scene of the knife attack.

The stabbing comes two months after two policewomen were wounded in the southern Belgian city of Charleroi by a machete-wielding man who shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest).

That attack was claimed by the Islamic State group.

Belgium remains on its second highest terror alert level following the Mar 22 IS suicide bombings on the Brussels metro and airport in which 32 people were killed.

Schaerbeek, much like the nearby district of Molenbeek, was deeply connected to the Brussels attacks.

A bomb-making factory for the Brussels bombings and the November 2015 attacks in Paris was located in Schaerbeek.

The neighbourhood was also the home of Najim Laachraoui, one of the three suicide bombers at Brussels airport who also served as the bomb-maker for Paris.

The three Brussels suicide bombers left for the airport from a hideout apartment located in Schaerbeek.
By PTI: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, Oct 6 (PTI) Challenging increasing gaining perception that Pakistan is "facing diplomatic isolation", Pakistan Prime Ministers envoys claimed today that Islamabad is committed to rooting out terrorism in all forms and shapes.

"Campaign against terrorism has to be comprehensive, clear and has to be all out," Mushahid Hussain, one of the two Special Kashmir Envoy of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told a Washington audience at an interaction organised by the Stimsons Center, a US think-tank.

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"Pakistan has waged one of the most difficult and successful against inland terrorists inside the country," he said and acknowledged that "there are remnants" of terrorists inside the country and they would soon be taken care of.

"There is no two view about that. We are going against the largest war against terrorism inside the country. There is a certain consensus inside the country. We are against terrorism. We would go against remnants," he said in response to a question.

"We consider terrorism and extremism as the number one security threat in Pakistan. There is a consensus on this," Hussain said.

However, he appeared to be in denial mode that Pakistan is increasingly facing international isolation as mentioned by moderator Michael Krepon from the Stimson Center.

"Right now, Pakistan is not isolated," he said asserting that countries like China, Russia, Iran, Turkey are with Pakistan, so does the Organisation of Islamic Countries and Human Rights Council.

While Russia is holding its first ever joint military exercise with Pakistan, even NATO he said has supported the Pakistani stand.

Iranian Navy is anchored in the Karachi port, he noted.

However, Shazra Mansab, another Special Envoy on Kashmir said that people of Pakistan are against militancy, against terrorism.

"We have this feeling that the huge sacrifices that Pakistan has not been recognised by the US and other countries. No other country in the world has taken so much step as we have done," she said.

"We are against militancy. But we do not fear isolation," Mansab said.

The Pakistani leader suggested three issues for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the India-Pak issues.

"First, resume the back channel. Second have confidence building measures (CBMs) in Kashmir and finally give nod to Sharif for the SAARC summit in Pakistan. Let 2017 be the year of decision and year of peace," he said. PTI LKJ UZM

--- ENDS ---
The decree will make sure less buyers get their fingers burnt

Among the big projects to be launched is An Khanh New City Developments sale of its first phase this quarter. The mega $2 billion project is developed by South Koreas Posco E&C and Vietnams Vinaconex, located in Hanois Hoai Duc district, along the Thang Long Boulevard.

Scheduled for completion in 2013, the city is expected to supply 6,440 apartments, equivalent to 392,319 square metres of accommodation, enough for 30,000 people.

Even though Hoa Phat Group, the investor in a more than 1,000 apartment Mandarin Garden in Cau Giay districts Tran Duy Hung road, refused to release its launching time, real estate experts predicted the project would be soon launched.

At the beginning of this month the CT7D, located in Le Van Luong street and invested by Nam Cuong Group and the FLC Landmark Tower of FLC Group will also be launched, with a total of 200 units and prices ranging from VND23 million ($1,200) to VND28 million ($1,470) per square metre.

In Gia Lam district, over the Red River, the second lot of Rung Co Residentials belonging to the Eco Park is also being launched, with around 1,500 apartment units.

In addition, Victoria Van Phu, Star City, Diamond Tower and Song Da City View will also add apartments to the mix.

Real estate consultant CBRE Vietnam expected that there would be 3,000 units in Hanoi launched this quarter, compared to 1,950 units in the third quarter. There were more than 4,600 units launched in the second quarter.

This decline, according to CBRE Vietnam, could be due to the Decree 71, effective on August 8, 2010 providing guidance on the Housing Law, which caps the proportion of units sold via capital contribution contracts at 20 per cent with the remaining 80 per cent sold on transaction floors.

This decree, CBRE Vietnam said, had put a pressure on developers with low financial capabilities and enhanced market transparency.

However, CBRE Vietnam executive director Richard Leech said new project launches would continue trending towards more affordable options.

With the opening and improvement of major infrastructure routes, the capitals western and southern districts are attracting new residents with easier access for commuting into the core urban districts, Leech said.

He said that the Decree 71 was expected to benefit the market by enhancing transparency, placing pressures on developers with low financial capabilities, lessening the threat of price bubbles and limiting speculative forces.

Tran Nhu Trung, Savills Vietnam associate director, said the Decree 71 had showed off its advantages to clearly regulate five types of mobilising capital investment. However, Trung said the procedures to implement Decree 71 were still complicated and wasted customers time and energy.

The more simple it [decree] regulates, the more it is practical in the real life, Trung said.


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Prime Minister Hun Sen has said that Cambodia will sign 28 agreements with China during Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to the Kingdom next week.



Speaking at a graduation ceremony in Phnom Penh on Thursday, Hun Sen said that Xi would arrive for a two-day visit on October 13.



According to the plan, if there is no change, at least 28 agreements and protocols will be signed, he said.



China has distributed about $15 billion in loans to Cambodia in the past two decades. It has already pledged $600 million this year.



The premier did not elaborate on what areas the agreements would cover, but said that the visit would focus on trade and access to the Chinese market for products such as rice and cassava.



He added that trade between the two countries was expected to reach $5 billion next year, up from $4 billion in 2015.



Xis visit comes amid a wave of criticism against Cambodia from the international community over what western countries have described as politically motivated legal action taken against members of the opposition, human rights workers and government critics.



Cambodia has also come under fire for its stance on the South China Sea dispute, where it is seen as supporting Chinas claims by blocking Asean statements that mention the standoff. However, Cambodia maintains it is neutral.



Ou Virak, founder of the Future Forum research institute, said Cambodia will benefit from the agreements with China in the short-term, but added that a pivot towards China could further endanger human rights and democracy in Cambodia.



Firstly, China does not respect human rights and, secondly, China is a communist country, so China supports other countries to follow its political path, he said.



This means that China does not want democracy to succeed, because if democracy succeeds it means the Chinese people can also demand a change of regime in China, he added.



Phay Siphan, a government spokesman, said the agreements were purely economic in nature and not related with politics.
By PTI: Karachi, Oct 6 (PTI) A judicial commission constituted by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court today examined a boat used by 10 LeT terrorists to reach India for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack and recorded the statement of an investigator.

"A Pakistani commission, comprising prosecution and defense lawyers, today inspected Al-Fauz boat (used by Mumbai attack terrorists) in port city of Karachi in the presence of a trial court judge," an official said.

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He said the commission also recorded the statement of an official of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) who had collected evidence about Al-Fauz.

"The commission recorded the FIA officials statement and received evidence," the official said.

"There will be no further inspection of the boat as the commission will submit its report to the trial court on next hearing on October 19," he said.

The commission which is headed by anti-terrorism court (ATC) judge Sohail Ikram includes a civil judge, the defence lawyer and officials of the FIA. The commission will return tomorrow to Islamabad after completing its task.

The commission was constituted during a hearing into the Mumbai terror attack case by ATC-Islamabad, which held the hearing at the Adiala Jail Rawalpindi last month, and heard that the boat was used by the terrorists in the attacks in which 166 people were killed.

The ATC judge accepted the request by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to send a judicial commission to examine the boat as it was difficult to produce the vessel before the court.

Earlier, the Islamabad High Court had set aside the verdict of a trial court of not allowing to send a commission to Karachi, terming it "flawed and not in accordance with law" and allowed examination of the boat in the port city.

In May, the prosecution had challenged the trial courts decision to reject its plea to form a commission to examine the boat so that the vessel could be made a "case property".

According to the FIA, the attackers used three boats - including Al Fauz - to reach Mumbai from Karachi.

Al-Fauz is in the custody of Pakistani authorities in Karachi, from where 10 militants, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades, had left for India to carry out the Mumbai attack.

A Federal Investigation Agencys report says along with the engine and the boat, a bank and a money exchange company were also traced which were used for the transaction of money.

10 LeT militants had left Karachi on the boat on November 23, 2008. En route to their destination, they hijacked another boat, killing four of its crew.

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They forced the vessels captain to take them close to the Indian shores. The captain was killed when the vessel reached Mumbais coast.

Mastermind and LeT operations commander Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum are accused of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack.

Lakhvi is living at an undisclosed location after being released from jail on bail a year ago. The other six suspects are in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. The case has been going on in the country since the last six years. PTI MZ ASK AKJ ASK

--- ENDS ---
The deputy leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, Kem Sokha, has returned to the party headquarters following a brief excursion to register at a polling station for local elections scheduled for next year.



Sokha has remained in the building for more than four months, since an attempt to arrest him was made amid high-profile court proceedings that many believe to be politically motivated. He was given a five-month prison sentence in September for failing to appear in court for questioning in the case.

On Wednesday, Sokha made the short drive to the voter registry office near the partys headquarters, before returning and giving a speech to supporters.



I have stayed here for more than four months to advocate for a political solution to return things to normal...to have free and fair elections. I believe that from today, we have hope it will be heading back to normal and reaching a political solution, he said.



The trip to the registry office came after Prime Minister Hun Sen declared a ceasefire in the dispute between his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party and Sokhas Cambodia National Rescue Party.

Yem Ponharith, a CNRP spokesman, told reporters the party planned to meet to decide whether to attend a National Assembly session on Friday.



Meas Ny, a political analyst, said allowing Sokha to register to vote was a sign that the tensions may continue to be eased in the coming weeks.



I think its an improvement of the political situation, giving the green light, for hope We will need to wait and see what happens in the next few days.
Editors note: William J. Rust is one of the foremost researchers specialized in US relations with Southeast Asian nations. His recently published book looks closely at American policy toward Cambodia during the U.S. presidential administration of Dwight D. Eisenhower during the years 1953-1961. Titled Eisenhower and Cambodia: Diplomacy, Covert Action, and the Origins of the Second Indochina War, Rusts book deals primarily with the Eisenhower administration and its relationship with Cambodian leader Norodom Sihanouk. A central focus of the book is on covert US involvement in the intriguing and little-known plot by a military commander, Dap Chhuon, against Cambodias then-Prince Norodom Sihanouk.



Born in Washington DC and currently living in East Otis, MA., Rust is a writer, editor and communications consultant. He was a researcher with the book division of US News and World Report where he contributed articles on the Vietnam War. He has published four books on US relations with countries in Southeast Asia and is currently writing a fifth about US relations with Indonesia.



In a recent phone interview with VOA Khmers Sopheada Phy, Rust explained why the Eisenhower administration was covertly involved in the Dap Chhuon affair, and how relations between the US and Cambodia were significantly damaged as a result. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Eisenhower and Cambodia - What is the book mainly about?

The book is mainly about the formulation and execution of US policy toward Cambodia during the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Essentially, it is history of US relations with King, and later Prince, Norodom Sihanouk between 1953 and 1961. The book also has an epilogue that covers US relations with Cambodia during the administration of John F. Kennedy. During the 1950s and early 1960s, there were many significant events in Cambodian history, including Sihanouks crusade for independence in 1953, the Geneva Conference in 1954, Cambodias declaration of neutrality in 1955, and Cambodias troubled relations with its US-backed neighbors, South Vietnam and Thailand. The book devotes a great deal of attention to the plots against Sihanouk and his eventual decision to kick out American military and civilian advisors.

What are a few of the important issues discussed in the book?

Basically, the book examines the Eisenhower administrations inability to find common ground with Sihanouk, who was at least initially pro-Western in his political orientation. I pay particular attention to US relations with anti-communist Cambodian dissidents plotting against Sihanouk, and with their patrons in South Vietnam and Thailand. In 1959, American relations with the Prince were severely damaged by the exposure of CIA involvement with Dap Chhuon and his unsuccessful plot to overthrow Sihanouk. Cambodias relations with the Americans were severely damaged by the failure of the United States to provide any explanation for agency operative Victor Matsuis contact with the rebels.

Was the plot against Sihanouk at that time conducted secretly by the US government?

Yes, I believe so. For much of Eisenhowers presidency, national security policy provided explicit guidance for encouraging anti-Sihanouk groups and individuals. From the Eisenhower administrations point of view, the basic problem with Sihanouk was his indifference to the global ideological struggle between the so-called communist bloc and the Free World. Sihanouk, however, said that he wanted to stay out of the fight between two elephantsthe United States and the Soviet Union. The US government tended to look at all international relations through the Cold War perspective of being for the West or the communist bloc.

Neutrality, particularly in Southeast Asia, was very troubling to the United States. It was disturbing to the US government when Sihanouk established diplomatic relations with China in 1958. In the 1950s, non-recognition of China was the cornerstone of US policy in the Far East. When Sihanouk in Cambodia and Souvanna Phouma in Laos tried to come to an understanding with their giant neighbor [China], US officials were upset.

When talking about the plots against Sihanouk, you have to talk about his relations with South Vietnam and Thailand, which were not good in this period. I think part of the problem was the personalities of the leaders and part of it dated back to clashes among the Khmer, Siamese, and Vietnamese empires in Southeast Asia. The relations between Cambodia, Thailand, and South Vietnam were worsened by arbitrary boundaries established by the French in Indochina during the colonial era. The United States, however, paid little attention to historical antagonisms and focused almost exclusively on the fight against communism. The Americans were not terribly sympathetic to Sihanouks concerns about the threats from his anti-communist neighbors.

In 1956, when Sihanouk first visited China and decided to establish economic and cultural relations with that country, Siem Reap regional military commander Dap Chhuon approached the US ambassador and said he was going to resist the Princes policy of getting along with China. He [Dap Chhuon] was anti-communist, and he was prepared to take forceful measures against Sihanouk. At that time, in 1956, the United States did not back Dap Chhuon, correctly assuming that he really didnt have much political support and that it would probably make matters worse if he tried to launch a coup.

But, that changed later in the decade. In 1958, Sihanouk agreed to establish diplomatic relations with China, which deeply disturbed the United States as well as Thailand and South Vietnam. The Thai and the South Vietnamese were willing to work together to overthrow Sihanouk and to provide support for the Khmer Serei, the armed Cambodian dissidents who operated from bases in Thailand and South Vietnam. Then there is the issue of CIA involvement in plotting against Sihanouk.

Up to now, there have been two narratives about the CIAs role in the Dap Chhuon coup. One, which I called the covert story, is that CIA operative Victor Matsui merely reported on Dap Chhuons activities and that the US government tried to stop his plot against Sihanouk. There is a second narrative, which my book provides evidence for and which I find much more persuasive: The United States played an active role in the Dap Chhuon conspiracy, but unsuccessfully tried to pull the plug on the coup at the last minute. The evidence supporting this conclusion includes documents from the US National Archives and statements from such credible sources as the US ambassador to Cambodia, a CIA case officer in Phnom Penh, and a recorded conversation between President Kennedy and Assistant Secretary of State Roger Hilsman.

Why did Sihanouk establish relations with communist China during that time?

The evidence indicates that he [Sihanouk] was trying to maintain a balance between the West and the communists. He wanted to have good relation with the United States, which was underwriting all the cost of his army, and at the same time, he felt he couldnt ignore his massive neighbor to the North, China, which loomed so large over Southeast Asia. He didnt want to antagonize the Chinese communists.

In the 1950s and early 1960s, Sihanouk had no tolerance for domestic Khmer communists, and he tried very hard to suppress them. The United States paid little attention to this fact. Eventually, after the collapse of the Dap Chhuon coup, Eisenhower administration officials concluded that it was really counterproductive to plot against Sihanouk, and they tried to figure out a way to get along with him, but that proved to be very difficult.

Why was the United States disturbed that Sihanouk was dealing with China?

You have to go back to the early years of the Cold War and the US view of it. The activities of the Soviet Union in Eastern Europe in the late 1940s - the communist coup in Czechoslovakia, for example - the successful test of the Soviet atomic bomb, and perhaps most important of all, the success of Mao Tse-tungs communist revolution in China produced the policy of non-recognition of China. In the eyes of virtually all US officials in the 1950s, China was an outlaw state, and non-recognition of China was fundamental to US policy. A related aspect of US policy was that the conviction that neutral countries were utterly naive and vulnerable to communist takeovers. American officials also bristled at the moral equivalence implied by Sihanouks foreign policy of neutrality. Finally, the US government at this time acted as if the Kremlin ran an efficient, vertically integrated global communist conspiracy with wholly owned subsidiaries in Beijing, Hanoi, and elsewhere, and they paid little attention to national differences that would prove stronger than ideology.

The Red Army in Europe and Soviet nuclear capabilities, these were very scary realities for the United States and worthy of all the sustained national security attention they received. What US officials failed to recognizeor at least failed to act uponwas the fact that communists in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam were not controlled by Moscow, and that they operated with considerable autonomy. In other words, the United States failed to see that the threats posed by the Soviet Union, the Peoples Republic of China, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, and indigenous communist movements throughout Southeast Asia as related, but distinct phenomena, each with its own dynamics, strengths and limitations. This monolithic, one-size-fits-all view of communism led US officials to the dubious conclusion that Indochina was strategically significant to US national security, which turned out to be untrue.

If Sihanouk had agreed to US support to counter communist North Vietnam during that time, what would have been the result?

Im not very good at speculative historygetting the facts straight is hard enough. You know, Souvanna Phouma in Laos had a lot of problems with the United States in the 1950s and ended up supporting the Americans. That didnt change the outcome of the Vietnam War or the outcome of communist rule in Laos. I would flip your question and suggest that greater US tolerance for Cambodian and Laotian neutrality would have been better for everyone. Instead of trying to undermine Sihanouk, instead of engaging in plots against him, instead of trying to elevate anti-communists, the United States could have told him: We dont think neutrality is going to work; we think this policy is naive, but were going to support you in it. I think that there would have been a great deal more international support for a truly neutral Cambodia and Laos if the United States had actively supported neutral leaders there rather than try to overthrow them, which only benefitted the communists.

If Sihanouk had agreed to United States support, North Vietnamese troops would have had no access into Cambodia to fight South Vietnam. What do you think about that argument?

Again, I prefer not to engage in speculative history. Interdicting North Vietnamese troops traveling along the Ho Chi Minh Trail through Laos and Cambodia proved to be very difficult for the United States. To win the Vietnam War, the United States would have had to use overwhelming force and occupied virtually all of Vietnam. If the United States had signed and abided by the terms of 1954 Geneva Agreement, the Vietnamese communists would have still won the war but with a lot less loss of life among Southeast Asians and Americans.

If North Vietnamese troops had not had access into Cambodia through the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the United States had been backed by Sihanouk, would the result of the Vietnam War have turned out different way?

The existence of the Ho Chi Minh Trail made it almost impossible for the United States to win the war in Vietnam. To really shut down the trail, at least in the view of some top US military and civilian officials, the United States would have to invade North Vietnam and sever the trail at its source. Such an operation was unacceptable to both the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.

Do you think the United States was partly responsible for the rise of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia?

I think that the expansion of the Vietnam War into Cambodia by both the Vietnamese communists and the Americans were partly responsible for the rise of the Khmer Rouge. Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge leadership were responsible for the Cambodian genocide.

My main research interest or main contribution in this book is trying to understand how and why the United States became involved in what most Americans called the Vietnam War, what most historians called the second Indochina War. Although Vietnam was the main focus of many Americans, understanding what happened in Cambodia and Laos are essential to any meaningful understanding of the war.
Rhona Smith, the U.N. human rights special rapporteur to Cambodia, will make her third visit to the Kingdom later this month, a spokesman has confirmed.

The spokesman declined to elaborate on the details of her visit.



Smith succeeded the former rapporteur Surya Subedi in 2015 and has made two previous visits to Cambodia, in September 2015 and March of this year.



On those occasions she met with Prime Minister Hun Sen and other government officials, leaders of the opposition, civil society representatives and communities affected by rights alleged rights abuses.



On a mission to Preah Vihear province in March to meet with local indigenous groups, her car was blocked by security forces.



In the wake of the death of Cambodian political analyst Kem Ley  gunned down in broad daylight in the capital on July 10, Smith was urged by rights groups to speak out against the deteriorating human rights situation and political tensions.



She has twice described the tense political climate as having reached a dangerous tipping point, a phrase previously employed by her predecessor during mass demonstrations in the wake of the 2013 election.



Four staffers of local rights group Adhoc and a senior election official have been arrested on bribery charges related to an ongoing case against the deputy leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, Kem Sokha, a case that is widely seen as politically motivated.



Sokha was convicted last month and sentenced to serve five months in prison for failing to appear in court for questioning in the case, in which he is accused of having an extra-marital affair.



Sam Rainsy, the CNRP president, went into self-imposed exile in November 2015 to avoid a two-year sentence for defamation.



Last month, Smith used a U.N human rights council meeting to criticize the authorities over the apparent use of the courts to stifle opposition ahead of elections planned for next year and 2018.



Her visit this month comes after both parties made calls for a cessation of hostilities.
Tuberculosis is one of the most dangerous and deadly diseases in the world. The Centers for Diseases Control estimates about one-third of the world's population has the disease, and it was responsible for 1.5 million deaths in 2014. In Kenya, fighting the disease in children just became easier thanks to a new drug that hit the market in October. VOA's Kevin Enochs has this report compiled with the help of Lenny Ruvaga in Nairobi.
Armed attackers believed to be members of al-Shabab have attacked a residential housing area in the Kenya town of Mandera near the border with Somalia.

Governor of Mandera County Ali Roba confirmed the attack on Twitter. He said six people were killed, and one other person was seriously injured.

"We grieve with our families," he said, adding "sadly 6 lives are too many to lose."

Roba confirmed that security forces responded to the attack and were able to rescue 27 people, including the injured person, from the housing area.

A resident in the town says the housing area that was attacked belongs to Kenya's ministry of public works. The tenants are either government workers or contractors working on controversial border fences, says the resident who requested anonymity.

Kenya media reported the attackers used grenades and then shot at the victims randomly.

As the attackers fled the scene they threw grenades and fired rocket propelled grenades according the resident. One of the RPGs reportedly hit a mobile money services shop. No casualties were reported from this explosion.

Cross border attacks

This is the latest cross border attack by al-Shabab since Kenya intervened Somalia in 2011.

Last year Roba narrowly escaped an al-Shabab attack when his convoy was targeted near Mandera.

A security source says al-Shabab has trained about 200 new militants from Somalia and Kenya that it plans to dispatch to the coastal regions of Kenya. The training took place near Badhadhe town in Lower Jubba region of Somalia according to the source.

Al-Shabab previously carried out several high profile attacks in the Lamu coastal county.
An American researcher was killed in Ethiopia after protesters began throwing rocks at the car she was riding in, officials from the University of California, Davis, said.

Sharon Gray was a postdoctoral researcher with the plant biology department at the university. She was in Ethiopia for a meeting regarding her research and traveling in a car outside the countrys capital, Addis Ababa, when she was killed Tuesday.

University officials said another researcher with the plant biology department who had been traveling with Gray in Ethiopia was not injured in the attack and is headed back to the U.S.

The U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia confirmed that a U.S. citizen had been struck by a rock and subsequently died from her injury, but did not release a name.

Andy Fell, a spokesman for the university, said Gray had been working at UC Davis since 2013, and her husband is also employed by the university.

Violence is not uncommon at political protests in Ethiopia, which are driven largely by anti-government sentiment. At least 55 people were killed during a stampede at a religious festival Sunday caused by skirmishes between police and protesters.

Hundreds of people have died during the massive anti-government protests since November 2015, but Gray is the first foreigner to be killed.
A documentary released Thursday tells the story of four women who fled conflict, rape and brutality in Africa. "The Baulkham HIlls African Ladies Troupe" is based on an Australian theater production of the same name and features refugee women -including a former child soldier in Eritrea and another who trekked across the Sahara to escape war - who play themselves on stage.

It is a story of survival and triumph.

The group is named after a Sydney suburb where recent refugee arrivals are often settled.

Their stage production has played to sold out shows in Australia and other countries and was filmed for the documentary.

The four women say their goal is to encourage other refugees to speak out about the trauma they may have suffered and begin the healing process.

Well, I was a child soldier. I was kidnapped when I was five by the army. I grew up there until I was 16. I was in a front-line war. We were heavily targeted, and most of - some died and some escaped," explains Yordanos Haile-Michael, a refugee from Eritrea, who says it is important that her story receives a wide audience. " I knew this would be my time for me to escape. I went across to, I went to Kapia, and I was jailed for three years as a prisoner of war and then I escaped from there to Sudan, to the border."

The documentarys producers say the film will also be shown at the Mumbai Film Festival in India.

Australia grants visas to just under 14,000 refugees each year. That figure will soon increase to 19,000.

In recent years most refugees arriving in Australia have come from Iraq and Syria, with others from across Africa, including Eritrea, Somalia and Ethiopia. In previous years Australia has resettled families fleeing conflict in Sudan and Liberia.
Seven years ago this week, when a young American president learned he'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize barely nine months into his first term  arguably before he'd made any peace  a somewhat embarrassed Barack Obama asked his aides to write an acceptance speech that addressed the awkwardness of the award.

But by the time his speechwriters delivered a draft, Obama's focus had shifted to another source of tension in his upcoming moment in Oslo: He would deliver this speech about peace just days after he planned to order 30,000 more American troops into battle in Afghanistan.

The president all but scrapped the draft and wrote his own version.

The speech Obama delivered  a Nobel Peace Prize lecture about the necessity of waging war  now looks like an early sign that the American president would not be the sort of peacemaker the European intellectuals of the Nobel committee had anticipated.

On matters of war and peace, Obama has proven to be a confounding and contradictory figure, one who stands to leave behind both devastating and pressing failures, as well as a set of fresh accomplishments whose impact could resonate for decades.

He is the erstwhile anti-war candidate, now engaged in more theaters of war than his predecessor. He is the commander-in-chief who pulled more than a hundred thousand U.S. troops out of harm's way in Iraq, but also began a slow trickle back in. He recoiled against full-scale, conventional war, while embracing the brave new world of drone attacks and proxy battles. He has championed diplomacy on climate change and nuclear proliferation and has torn down walls to Cuba and Myanmar, but also has failed repeatedly to broker a lasting pause to more than six years of slaughter in Syria.

No consensus

If there was consensus Obama had not yet earned his Nobel Peace Prize when he received it in 2009, there's little such agreement on whether he deserves it today.

I don't think he would have been in the speculation of the Nobel committee now, in 2016, even if he had not already won,'' said Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the Peace Research Institute of Oslo, and a close watcher of the Nobel committee. Harpviken said he views Obama's foreign policy as more conventional and limited than he expected, particularly when it comes to using multilateral cooperation and institutions.

When it comes to finding new instruments for peace, he said, Obama has been stuck in the old paradigm.

In many respects, Obama's tenure has been a seven-year debate over whether the president has used the tools of war to try to make peace too much or little.

Obama has been sharply criticized for his refusal to use force to depose Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, cripple his air force or more aggressively engage in diplomatic efforts to end the fighting. Many view Obama's policies as an unfortunate overcorrection from the George W. Bush-era Iraq war.

The president correctly wanted to move away from the maximalist approach of the previous administration, but in doing so he went to a minimalist, gradualist and proxy approach that is prolonging the war. Where is the justice in that?'' said Ret. Lt. Gen. Jim Dubik, a senior fellow at the Institute for the Study of War and the author of the book, Just War Reconsider. Obama should have worked harder to rally a coalition around a shared vision of a stable Middle East, he said.

Part of the requirement of leadership, Dubik said, is to operate in that space between where the world is and where the world ought to go.

Limited force, limited objectives

The president's advisers dismiss such critiques as a misguided presumption that more force yields more peace. Cold-eyed assessments of the options in Syria show no certainty of outcomes.

In Syria, there is no international basis to go to war against the Assad regime. Similarly, there's no clearly articulable objective as to how it would play out. What is the end that we're seeking militarily? said deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes. The president doesn't believe you can impose order through military force alone.

But Obama has in many other cases been willing to use limited force to achieve limited objectives, even risking unintended consequences.

He has ordered drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Syria, actions that that have killed civilians and sparked tension in those countries and across the international community. What began as a secret program has become more transparent, and Obama has aimed to leave legal limits for his predecessor on the use of unmanned warplanes.

But he has left unanswered the question of how or when those actions will lead to peace, some argued.

Looking back on his Nobel speech, that dilemma was already there, said Jon Alterman, a Middle East expert and former State Department official.

What's strikes me most is how different our concept of war was seven years ago, he said. We are engaged in a whole series of infinitely sustainable, low-level actions that have no logical endpoint. When do we stop doing drone attacks in Yemen and Pakistan? What level of terrorism is acceptable? ... We're engaged in battles with a whole range of groups that are never going to surrender, so how do you decide to stop it? How do you decide what winning looks like?
In the aftermath of Tuesday's vice presidential debate, the focus has shifted to the second presidential debate between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump, which will be Sunday in St. Louis, Missouri.

Trump in particular has a lot riding on his performance in the second debate: It could be one of his last opportunities to turn the race around.

Some early polls and many pundits gave Republican Mike Pence a slight edge over Democrat Tim Kaine in the only vice presidential debate. Pence's cool, calm performance Tuesday night has a number of Republicans hoping that Trump might choose to channel his running mate in Sundays debate.

Mostly About Trump

Trump was very much center stage in the vice presidential debate.

Kaine brought up several of Trumps most controversial statements during the 90-minute debate in hopes of putting Pence on the defensive.

Six times tonight I have said to Governor Pence, I cant imagine how you can defend your running mates position on one issue after the next, Kaine said at one point. And in all six cases, he has refused to defend his running mates [positions].

Pence did often choose to ignore the attacks on Trump and tried as often as he could to turn his focus to Clintons record as secretary of state.

The situation we are watching hour by hour in Syria today is a result of the failed foreign policy and the weak foreign policy that Hillary Clinton helped lead in this administration and create, Pence said.

Impact Probably Minimal

Historically, vice-presidential debates change few minds in a presidential election campaign, and many analysts said this one is likely to be no different.

I think the Democrats will like a little bit of aggression and fire towards Donald Trump, and I think that the Republicans like the sort of calm steadfastness of Governor Pence, said Austin Hart of American University.

Hart added that Pence was able to right the ship a bit by showing a steady demeanor in the face of aggressive prodding by Kaine.

On the other hand, Kaine managed to score points by keeping the focus on Donald Trump, Hart said.

With the focus now on Sundays second presidential debate, Trump is signaling an aggressive approach that might involve resurrecting the Bill Clinton impeachment saga in the second term of his presidency.

Trump performed a shaky walk earlier this week at a rally in Pennsylvania as he poked fun at Clintons recent bout with pneumonia.

She is supposed to fight all of these different things and she cant make it 15 feet to her car. Give me a break, Trump said to cheers from the crowd.

Clintons lead in national and some key state polls has surged in the wake of the first debate, and she is likely to emphasize unity in her next faceoff with Trump, as she did this week with supporters at a rally in Coral Springs, Florida.

My view is, we are already great and if we work together, we will become even greater in the years ahead, she said.

Will Trump Seize the Opportunity?

The next debate could give Trump an opportunity to reset the race and rebound from his performance in the first debate, said George Washington Universitys Matthew Dallek.

So if he can improve on some of his answers, show more knowledge, and not be as wild-eyed as he was in the first debate, it could be very different, he said.

Dallek sees the Trump-Clinton battle in one sense as a contest of trust versus temperament, noting polls that show Clintons challenges in convincing voters that she is trustworthy and voters doubts about Trumps temperament.

Many conservatives were disheartened not only with Trumps first debate performance but also his Twitter attacks in the days that followed targeting Alicia Machado, a former Miss Universe.

The more he talks about that, that doesnt help him. It is what you would call off-message, said Weekly Standard Editor Fred Barnes on VOAs Issues in the News program.

The next Clinton-Trump debate features a town hall format where the candidates will field questions from moderators and from voters invited to attend. That could present a challenge to Trump if he chooses to attack Clinton while answering a question from a voter.

Trump captured the Republican Party nomination in no small measure because of his performance in the numerous primary debates. But the general election debates are a different matter.

Those were multi-candidate debates with many people on the stage where short answers and short quips were good for him, said John Fortier of the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington. This 90 minutes is a lot of time to fill and so I think Donald Trump needs to think about how he is going to complete an entire debate against one candidate who is quite experienced.

A third presidential debate is scheduled for October 19 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Six years after George Gjieli left federal prison, where he'd been sent for trying to break out a triple murderer, Donald Trump gave him a job running Trump Tower, where the billionaire businessman lived and worked.

For a decade, the Albanian immigrant, whom federal prosecutors had described as having "utter disdain for the laws of our country,'' was the live-in residential superintendent of Trump's most prized Manhattan high-rise. Meanwhile, he was accused in court papers of coordinating a cash-for-jobs racket inside the building, an Associated Press review has found.

Trump's decision to entrust responsibility of his namesake Fifth Avenue skyscraper to Gjieli adds to a growing public accounting of men with questionable backgrounds whom Trump has hired or partnered with. The AP and others have reported they include a Mafia-linked government informant whom Trump named as a senior adviser and a convicted cocaine dealer whom Trump supported in a letter to a federal judge.

Gjieli, who said Trump wrote him a recommendation letter when he left Trump Tower in 2001, denied taking kickbacks, including cash in envelopes delivered to his 29th floor office. In an interview, he said that the allegations were nonsense and that they mostly likely had been made by Romanian building workers harboring generations-old European ethnic rivalries.

Trump accents performance

The AP uncovered no evidence that Trump knew of money being paid for jobs. His presidential campaign spokeswoman, Hope Hicks, declined to address whether Trump ever conducted a background check before hiring Gjieli. She said Trump wasn't familiar with the kickback allegations.

"Mr. Trump's management style has led to the creation of one of the great private companies anywhere in the world,'' she said.

Trump himself has said he cares more about his supervisors' ability to get things done than their tactics or pasts, writing approvingly in his best-selling "Art of the Deal'' about a "con man'' project manager who most likely stole $50,000 annually from the company, including from his secretaries' funeral fund used to buy flowers.

"Even so, I was probably getting a bargain,'' Trump wrote, saying the con man  it was not Gjieli  was a good manager.

When Trump hired Gjieli after a face-to-face interview in 1991, the man didn't mention his criminal past and Trump didn't ask him about it, Gjieli said. Records of his conviction were publicly available at the time and were recently reviewed in detail by the AP. They show that government wiretaps from the 1980s captured Gjieli's efforts to bribe a U.S. Treasury agent with $100,000 to get a fellow Albanian immigrant serving life terms for triple murder out of a Michigan state prison.

Gjieli, in acknowledging that the imprisoned man had committed the crimes, used a racial epithet to describe the three black men killed during a 1976 robbery attempt, according to a transcript. Gjieli and two associates were later convicted in the jailbreak plan.

"The fact that [Gjieli and his associates] offered a special agent a bribe lets you know what they think of law enforcement,'' said Jim Covert, then an Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent, according to excerpts from the grand jury testimony from the 1980s. "They just figure they can buy anybody.''

'All the guys pay'

Paying kickbacks was also at the center of a wrongful-termination lawsuit against Trump and the Local 32BJ labor union, which is associated with the Service Employees International Union, filed in 2004 by a fired elevator operator named Ioan Ghilduta. He alleged Gjieli had forced workers to pay for their positions.

"Sure, all the guys pay the money,'' Ghilduta said in a 2005 deposition, according to court documents obtained by AP, describing the $1,000 in cash and a gold crucifix he said he was made to give to his boss in 1994. "It was a common practice when you get the job.''

Ghilduta didn't respond to phone calls, text messages or an in-person visit to his home.

The Local 32BJ union declined to comment for this story. The lawsuit was settled shortly after a judge ruled there were issues of fact a jury should hear. Ghilduta walked away with $7,500 apiece from Trump and the union, neither of which admitted wrongdoing.

In a close-knit service industry, word of Gjieli's influence spread, drawing in workers like Gabriel Mitrea, who recalled in an interview with the AP taking the elevator up to Gjieli's Trump Tower office in the late 1990s with $2,000 cash in an envelope to secure a doorman job at a non-Trump-owned building near Central Park.

Internal Trump Tower employee manuals show workers are expected to remain discreet about their duties, and some workers declined to discuss their experiences with the AP because they said they didn't want to get into trouble.

Discretion remains a Trump imperative: Earlier this year, he settled a lawsuit against a campaign worker whom the billionaire had sued for $10 million, claiming he'd violated a nondisclosure agreement.

Positive remarks

Still, some workers, like Cornel Nedelcu, spoke glowingly about Trump and recalled receiving gifts from him, such as pairs of used Gucci shoes and trousers.

Nedelcu was named in a deposition as having known about kickbacks. He denied to the AP that he paid for his job but acknowledged that "others may have.''

Ilie Malancea did pay, according to his family. His wife recalled that, in the early 1990s, they had to purchase a gold chain that cost between $500 and $1,000 as a mandatory "gift'' for Gjieli.

For Malancea, who worked at Trump Tower for two decades, that payment foreshadowed further troubling interactions with his bosses, including Gjieli's successor, according to journal entries provided to the AP.

In one case, Malancea raised concerns about a faulty elevator and wrote he was lambasted for suggesting to a resident it was unsafe rather than merely out of order. In another, he complained his pay was withheld after coming late from a doctor's appointment following heart surgery.

He wrote in an undated journal entry that a supervisor was hostile "towards me (without apparent reason) lately using threats of being fired, choice words, constantly accusing me of breaking the rules, not being a team player?!?, being late etc.''

"Gjieli had a criminal past,'' said Jennie Malancea, 27, the daughter of the elevator operator, who is now deceased. "That's a pretty big deal for someone that you're hiring, and is hiring other people.''
By PTI: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Oct 6 (PTI) Pakistan Parliaments joint sitting today passed two important bills, one seeking to curb murders in the name of honour and the other to punish rapists by use of modern technology of DNA testing in probes involving rape cases.

Both the bills, initially moved by former Senator Sughra Imam, were passed unanimously by the Senate sometime back and subsequently moved in the Joint Sitting of the Parliament by Senator Farhatullah Babar on the expiry of Imams term in the Senate.

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Under the existing laws a close relative murdered a woman in the name of honour and was promptly pardoned by another close family member.

Thus the murderer would walk away literally without any punishment.

It cannot be the spirit of religion to condone pre-meditated murder with ulterior murders, he said.

He said that the anti-honour killing Bill was passed by the Senate Committee in 2014 when it was headed by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Senator.

Subsequently it was passed by the 104 member Senate by consensus including the religious parties.

He said that under the anti terror laws murder was not compoundable and Qisas and Diyat did not apply.

Similarly, Women Protection Act of 2004 also excluded from compoundability murders.

If it was not an issue of ideology and religion, how can it be an issue of ideology now, he asked.

He said that opposition to exclude from Qisas and Diyat law and to make non-compoundable murders in the name of honour was motivated by politics and not religion.

The legislation passed by the Joint session today makes 25 years jail mandatory in case of honour killings even if the murderer has been pardoned by other close family members.

About the Anti Rape Bill he said that a recent study had shown that conviction in rape cases was a mere 2 per cent which means that 98 per cent rapists potentially got scot-free.

The is largely because DNA test is not compulsory in rape case under the existing law.

The legislation passed today however makes DNA test mandatory in investigations as part of the procedure.

Through another amendment enhanced punishment has been provided for rape in police stations and rape of minors and mentally handicapped.

The new legislation also deletes from Qanun e Shahadat the provision relating to questioning the character of the victim of rape.

Thus sex workers also get protection of the law against rape. The identity of a rape victim will also be protected under the legislation passed today. PTI SH UZM

--- ENDS ---

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When journalist Jineth Bedoya went to Bogota's maximum-security prison 16 years ago to interview an infamous paramilitary warlord, little did she know the visit would mark her life and convert her into a leading rights activist.

Bedoya never made it to the interview but instead was kidnapped, gang-raped, tortured and left on the side of a road.

She kept quiet for years but in 2009 broke her silence and began campaigning against the taboos and stigma suffered by victims of sexual violence, which was used as a weapon by all sides in Colombia's 52-year-war.

For her activism, Bedoya was awarded on Thursday the annual Reach All Women in WAR (RAW in WAR) Anna Politkovskaya Award.

"To defend the truth is one of the most difficult missions anyone could undertake, and its price can even be that person's life," Bedoya said in a statement. The award is named for a Russian investigative reporter shot dead in 2006.

"For her, and for thousands and thousands of women who gave their last breath for their work, we cannot fail. We cannot falter," said Bedoya, 42, who is deputy editor at Colombia's El Tiempo newspaper.

Bedoya has become the public face for women in Colombia seeking justice in cases of sexual violence crimes. Nearly 16,300 Colombians, most of them women and girls, have been victims of rape and sexual violence, government data shows.

Embodiment of bravery

"Jineth is the embodiment of bravery. As a reporter, she suffered a brutal attack and abduction for exposing atrocities committed by paramilitaries," said Jimena Sanchez-Garzoli, Colombia rights advocate at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).

"She then transformed her personal pain into a beacon of light for all women who have suffered abuse at the hands of illegal armed groups," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Despite receiving death threats, Bedoya started a campaign "It's not time to be silent" on behalf of women and girls raped during Colombia's conflict.

A peace accord to end the conflict, signed between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), is in limbo after being narrowly rejected by voters as too lenient on the rebels in a referendum Sunday.

Under the accord, both sides had pledged to ensure perpetrators of sexual violence would not be eligible for amnesty.

About 98 percent of rapes have gone unpunished, according to Bedoya.

But in a rare conviction this year, two paramilitary fighters were sentenced for Bedoya's kidnapping, torture and rape.

RAW in WAR

The award marks the tenth anniversary of the killing of Politkovskaya, an investigative reporter who uncovered state corruption and rights abuses, especially in Chechnya.

She was killed in the lobby of her Moscow apartment block on Oct. 7, 2006, at age 48.

"The bullets that took her life are the same that ended the life of over 200,000 Colombians. The business of war has not only contaminated the souls of those who profit from it, but it has also made our society hardened and intolerant," Bedoya said.

RAW in WAR, a London-based non-governmental organization supporting women human rights defenders and victims of war, also honored Russian rights activist Valentina Cherevatenko, who provides legal and psychological help to civilians affected by violence in the North Caucasus, Armenia, Georgia and Ukraine.
The U.S. plan to send millions of dollars in aid to Colombia next year is not expected to be affected by Sunday's surprising defeat at the polls of a peace plan intended to end 52 years of civil war.

"There is no discussion at this point within the [U.S.] government" about American assistance to Colombia, a senior U.S. official said Wednesday in response to a VOA query. "Our hope is that the peace accord will go forward with national support."

Congress is expected to approve $400 million in development aid and about $50 million in counter-narcotics assistance for Colombia for fiscal 2017. In years past, the U.S. spent billions of dollars in military aid to help the Colombian government combat the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and bring it to the negotiating table.

Colombian officials have been meeting in Cuba with FARC representatives to try to save the peace deal that voters narrowly rejected Sunday.

Cease-fire extension

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said he was extending a cease-fire agreement with the rebels until October 31, in the hope negotiators can find a way to salvage the peace agreement, which both sides signed last week.

"Time is very important. We can't prolong this process and this dialogue for a long time because we're in a gray zone, a sort of limbo, that is risky and can wash away the entire process," Santos said.

FARC senior leader Rodrigo Londono Echeverri, known as Timochenko, was skeptical about extension of the cease-fire until the end of the month. "And after that, the war continues?" the rebel leader asked on Twitter.

The senior U.S. official who spoke to VOA said FARC leaders have "made it clear they want the peace process to continue, and they want to negotiate a settlement to the war."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he has "urgently" dispatched special representative Jean Arnault to try to assist the consultations in Cuba. The U.S. special envoy for the Colombian peace process, Bernie Aronson, also is in Havana.

Santos and FARC's Timochenko signed the peace agreement on September 26 in Cartagena, at a ceremony attended by Ban, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and a number of heads of government and foreign ministers.

Meeting with Uribe

In addition to resuming negotiations with the rebels, Santos met with former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, who led the opposition campaign against the peace deal. Uribe told a Colombian radio station he was willing to provide input on a way forward to peace with FARC and an end to the country's half-century of conflict.

Colombians voted down the peace deal 50.2 percent to 49.7 percent, a margin of 54,000 ballots. Earlier polls had forecast approval by a 2-to-1 margin.

"Colombia is still a divided nation," said Andrea Saldarriaga Jimenez, a native of Bogota who is a program assistant at the Atlantic Council, an international affairs policy research group in Washington.

In a posting Wednesday on the council's website, Jimenez said the country is polarized because "many Colombians don't think that the FARC should be allowed to participate in politics. They believe that criminals should be in jail and not in government."

The guerrilla war began as a simple peasant uprising in 1964, but since then it has killed more than 220,000 people and driven millions from their homes.

FARC used drug trafficking as a major source of funding, and the militants kidnapped politicians and foreigners, holding them hostage in remote jungle hideouts.

VOA's Steve Herman contributed to this report.
Four days after Colombians narrowly voted to reject a peace deal with FARC rebels to end 52 years of war, community leader Leyner Palacios is still struggling to contain his bitterness over the outcome.

Palacios, who is from the jungle town of Bojaya in western Colombia, which has borne the brunt of guerrilla violence, says he and other residents, mostly from Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities, feel betrayed by fellow Colombians.

He accuses those who voted against the deal - many of them living in cities that escaped the worst of the insurgency - of a lack of empathy for people like him.

"We are shocked by the result. We are very sad and disappointed," said Palacios, who lost 32 relatives and friends in 2002 after a cylinder bomb fired by FARC rebels hit a church sheltering villagers fleeing the conflict.

"We thought the part of society that has been least affected by the war would have shown solidarity towards those who have," said Palacios, who was one of dozens of war victims to travel to Cuba to give testimony at peace talks being held there.

"We expected more understanding. The urban population doesn't see or feel the war like we do," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by telephone.

Sunday's referendum result prompted President Juan Manuel Santos to send negotiators to Havana to meet rebel commanders from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and triggered crisis talks with the leader of the "No" campaign, Alvaro Uribe, an opposition rival and former president.

Santos said on Tuesday a government ceasefire put in place in August would be extended until Oct. 31 to allow time to salvage the deal to end a war that has killed 200,000 people and displaced nearly 7 million.

FARC commanders have said they will remain "faithful" to the accord which sets out their disarmament.

"Repeat of Tragedy"

For the past two years, farmers in Bojaya have been growing crops again. Palacios said rebels in the area had stopped planting landmines, extorting locals and recruiting child soldiers under a unilateral ceasefire declared by the FARC.

"We had started to experience what peace would be like," Palacios said.

Despite having been caught in the crossfire, 96 percent of Bojaya's residents voted to back the peace accord.

Many other voters living in Colombia's impoverished rural and border areas battered by the conflict, also voted 'Yes".

But voters in Colombia's more urban and developed central provinces tended to reject the accord. For example, in Medellin, Colombia's second biggest city, 63 percent of voters rejected the peace deal.

Palacios, who met several FARC commanders when they visited Bojaya to ask for forgiveness, said the guerilla group recognized their responsibility for the massacre in the town.

"They have changed their behavior towards the community. This has allowed the community to gain trust in the FARC," he said.

Opponents of the deal say they want an end to the war but cannot accept some of the terms agreed on, including guaranteed congressional seats for the FARC and immunity for rebel commanders.

The future of the deal may hang on whether the FARC will accept tougher conditions for demobilization, perhaps combined with a softening of Uribe's hard-line demands which include ensuring FARC commanders serve time in jail, analysts said.

"The peace deal was our opportunity for peace. It was a chance we could live in peace. We had hoped the FARC would have started to disarm by now," Palacios said. "For us the "No" vote means that we are again exposed to repeating the tragedy of Bojaya that will lived through."
With less than five weeks to go until the presidential election, U.S. officials are taking extra measures to reassure voters of the integrity of the election process, insisting it is safe from hackers despite a recent series of high-profile breaches, attempted attacks and warnings.

What people need to know about this is that our voting infrastructure is really quite resilient, Lisa Monaco, assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism, told a Cyber Warfare Summit hosted by the Washington Post Thursday. We ought to be very confident in our election system.

The reassurance comes as cybersecurity experts and U.S. lawmakers continue to blame Russia for the wave of online attacks they say are meant to undermine confidence in the November 8 election.

Related video from George Putic:

Most notable was the attack on the Democratic National Committee, which resulted in the leak of thousands of emails that embarrassed the party in the days leading up to its national convention in July and forced the resignation of its chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a congresswoman from Florida.

Multiple U.S. government officials have said off the record that they believe Russia is trying to undermine confidence in the U.S. election process, though the White House has yet to publicly blame Moscow.

Hard to hack

In reality, hacking the U.S. election would be incredibly difficult, since it is not federalized into a single entity. Instead, the election is spread across about 8,000 localities, with each one using its own methods, systems and rules. In many jurisdictions, the process is offline altogether.

Our system is decentralized, said Thomas Hicks, commissioner of the Election Assistance Commission, who also spoke at the forum Thursday. And with a decentralized system, youd need an army of folks to try to get into the system.

But there are still vulnerabilities, as described by specialists at the cyberwarfare event Thursday.

One risk is at the state and local level. Hackers have recently targeted voter registration systems in more than 20 states, the Department of Homeland Security said last week. In at least a few cases, officials said the hackers succeeded in gaining access to state voting-related systems.

Responding to the threats, at least 21 states have asked for federal cybersecurity assistance, according to DHS.

So far there have been no reports of manipulation. But the threat is real and could be highest in the handful of so-called swing states that typically determine the winner of U.S. elections.

A cybersecurity company, Carbon Black, warned last week that the battleground state of Pennsylvania could be the most at risk, in part because some parts of the state use electronic voting machines without adequate paper backup.

Campaigns, parties also vulnerable

Its not just the voting process that is susceptible to hackers. Other parts of the U.S. election apparatus, including political parties and individual campaigns, are also at risk.

Though the DNC has so far experienced the worst of the hacking attacks, Republican Party operatives have also been targeted, according to Brett DeWitt, the senior policy adviser for cybersecurity for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security.

Both political parties have been hacked, DeWitt says. Theyre trying to undermine the integrity and confidence of the entire election system, Republican or Democrat.

The problem is complicated by the fact that many political campaigns and committees are traditionally reluctant to spend a major amount of money on cyber protections, instead preferring to concentrate funds into political ends.

All these political organizations want to put all their resources into winning races and promoting candidates and building their party, says Michael Sussman, a former Department of Justice cybercrimes prosecutor, who is on the DNCs new cybersecurity board.

More to come?

Sussman says he expects more emails to eventually be released by the hackers who broke into the DNC networks. And he says he wouldnt be surprised if there were more politically motivated attacks to come.

We know its Russian state-sponsored, and we know that the groups doing it are very sophisticated, and in fact, it is their day job. he said. Theyre not going to go away, and theyre going to be very persistent.
A close parliamentary election in Georgia on Saturday is being seen as a test of stability in the ex-Soviet state after a car bombing and a shooting marred the runup to the vote.

Crisscrossed by strategically important oil and gas pipelines and traditionally buffeted between Russia and the West, a fifth of Georgian territory remains under the control of pro-Russian separatists and the economy is emerging from a deep slowdown, which has crimped living standards.

Opinion polls suggest the ruling Georgian Dream party, which is funded and controlled by the country's richest man, is likely to win. But they also show strong support for the opposition United National Movement (UNM) and suggest many voters are undecided.

"No one can be sure who the winner will be, but the vote is expected to be free and fair," said Thomas de Waal, a Caucasus expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

The pre-election atmosphere in the nation of 3.7 million, a U.S. ally, is tense after an opposition deputy's car was blown up in Tbilisi, the capital, on Tuesday. Givi Targamadze survived unscathed, but five passers-by were injured.

In a separate attack, two men were shot and wounded Sunday at a speech by Irakly Okruashvili, an independent candidate and former defense minister, in the town of Gori.

Georgia fought and lost a short war with Russia in 2008 and both the government and the opposition would like to see it join the European Union and NATO one day. Georgian Dream also favors stronger ties with Russia.

Originally a coalition of six parties, Georgian Dream was founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Russia. It came to power in 2012, ending the nine-year rule of former President Mikheil Saakashvili's UNM.

It was the first peaceful transfer of power since the 1991 Soviet collapse and followed public protests over a scandal involving the mistreatment of prison inmates and accusations that Saakashvili, who was feted in the West for his reforms, was behaving in an authoritarian manner.

Under Georgian Dream, dozens of ex-officials, including a former prime minister, have been arrested on charges such as abuse of power, and some Western countries have accused the government of selectively applying justice.

Saakashvili, now a regional politician in Ukraine, is wanted at home on charges of exceeding his authority, embezzlement, corruption and brutality. He says the charges are politically-motivated.

Some Georgians accuse the government of mishandling the economy.

"They [the government] did not do what they promised four years ago," said Tina Kutivadze, a 69-year-old pensioner from Tbilisi. "Where are the cheap loans and higher pensions?"

The economy expanded at a rate of 2.7 percent in the first eight months of this year.
The European Union on Thursday announced the creation of a new cooperative Border and Coast Guard Agency that will patrol its external borders and deal with the influx of refugees coming from the Middle East and Africa.

The new agency will complement independent border police in each of the 28 nations that make up the bloc, and work with those agencies to quickly identify and address any potential security threats to the EUs external border, according to a statement released by the European Commission.

"Today is a milestone in the history of European border management. From now onwards, the external EU border of one Member State is the external border of all Member States  both legally and operationally, EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos told reporters. This is exactly the European response that we need for the security and migration challenges of the 21st century."

The role of the new border agency will expand the responsibilities of the EUs already existing Frontex force to offer operational support to neighboring non-EU countries and share intelligence regarding criminal activities across borders, Fabrice Leggeri, executive director of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, said.

Watch video report from VOA's Henry Ridgwell:

The agency will be fully rolled out over the next six months, and is expected to be fully operational by March 2017. Once it is fully established, the new border agency will keep a reserve pool of 1,500 border guards that can deploy rapidly in the event of an emergency.

The establishment of the force came as a response to the worlds worst refugee crisis since World War II. The EU accepted a total of around 1.5 million asylum-seekers in the past year.
Children of migrants and refugees stranded in Greece will begin attending Greek schools next week.

Greek Education Minister Nikos Filis said Wednesday that 1,500 children would be taught at 20 public schools or in classrooms at six refugee camps starting Monday.

Schooling refugee children falls under Greeces international obligations, Filis told a news conference.

After two schools in northern Greece last month expressed opposition to the project, officials said only vaccinated refugee children would be allowed to participate.

But Filis described the objections as marginal.

As long as they are in this country, refugee children will play with Greek children, he said. Regardless of the circumstances any child is in, we are obliged to look after them and provide them with an education. Its a legal obligation and a moral obligation.

More than 60,000 refugees and migrants are in Greece after several European states further north shut their borders earlier this year.
The U.N. Security Council has formally endorsed Portugals former prime minister Antonio Guterres as the next U.N. Secretary-General.



Following a decisive round of voting Wednesday in the council, the veteran politician and diplomat prevailed with 13 votes in favor of his candidacy, none objecting and two votes of no opinion.



In the formal vote Thursday, the council approved him by acclamation, adopting a resolution recommending him to the General Assembly, which will pro forma approve his nomination next week.



Guterres was not present in New York for the vote, but he spoke briefly in Lisbon saying he feels humbled and grateful that he has been selected.

"Gratitude, but also humility when facing dramatic problems of todays world. Humility that is needed to serve," he said. "Especially to serve those that are most vulnerable, the victims of conflict, of terrorism, the victims of the violation of rights. The victims of poverty and the injustices of this world."

He noted the quick agreement around his nomination in a Security Council not lately known for its unity.

"I hope this represents a symbolic moment, a moment in which the Security Council enhances its capacity to act in unity and consensus creating the conditions to decide timely in relation to the dramatic problems of our time," Guterres said.

WATCH: Guterres on his vision for role of UN chief





Praise for Guterres

Hes a high level politician. Hes been prime minister of his country. He is a person who talks to everybody, listens to everybody, speaks his mind; very outgoing, I think open person, Russias U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said about Guterres. So I think it was a great choice.



Antonio Guterres has shown ... that he is the strongest candidate, said Britains ambassador Matthew Rycroft. He has a vision, and a moral authority, and integrity that have put him at the top of this league.



Speaking to reporters in Rome, current U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon congratulated his former high commissioner for refugees.



I know Mr. Guterres very well and consider him a superb choice, he said. He noted that during his decade-long tenure as refugee chief he showed a deep compassion for the millions of people who have been forced from their homes.



The global refugee crisis will be one of the biggest challenges awaiting Guterres when he takes up his post on January 1, 2017.



Guterres, 67, was Portugals prime minister from 1995 to 2002. He led the U.N. Refugee Agency from 2005-2015. He is a trained theoretical physicist and an avid reader of history.



He told VOA in an interview during his campaign that he was running for the top U.N. job because he wants to create the conditions for solutions to global challenges.



Gender and Geography



There is a United Nations tradition of regional rotation to fill the secretary-generals post. Eastern Europe is the only group that has never had a turn and it fielded a number of candidates this year in a bid to end that .



There was also a push by about a third of the member states to see a woman occupy the secretary-generals suite on the 38th floor of U.N. headquarters. But despite the talk of wanting a woman, the female candidates have mostly placed only in the middle to the bottom of the pack.



We do, however, fully expect that the new secretary-general will be a feminist secretary-general who puts women's rights and gender equality at the very core of the international agenda, Oxfam International Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said Thursday.



Ban Ki-moons term expires December 31st. Guterres will take over on January 1, for an initial five-year term, with the possibility of a second five-year term.
In India, police say they have unearthed a massive scam that involved bogus call center workers in Mumbai masquerading as U.S. tax officials and duping American citizens of millions of dollars. Police believe there is a possibility of similar frauds targeting other countries.

Authorities have arrested 70 people on suspicion of tricking American citizens following a series of raids on Tuesday night by about 200 policemen at three nondescript premises in Thane, a Mumbai suburb.

Thane police commissioner Parambir Singh explained the method allegedly used by the 700 odd workers at the so-called call centers, which apparently functioned round-the-clock. He said they would call up people and pretend to be officials from the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. government body responsible for collecting taxes.

The people are told they owe taxes, they are threatened and told that if they dont pay up, police will reach their doorstep in half an hour and arrest them, said Singh.

Police believe they netted as much as $150,000 a day. They say the victims, who were asked to buy prepaid cash cards, made online payments amounting to $500 to $3,000.

Officials say those involved at the Indian end of the operation got to keep more than two thirds of the money collected, while the rest went to their U.S. collaborators.

India is a major hub of back office operations for hundreds of Western companies using local, English-speaking employees to either answer customer queries or process credit card payments and utility bills. The employees are usually trained to use the accents of the countries where the customers are.

Police say the employees at the fake call centers underwent training to speak with an American accent.

Authorities believe the scale of the latest scam is the biggest of its kind so far.

What we estimate is that $36.5 million has been stolen from American citizens, said Singh. It is not clear whether that figure refers to the fraud by the Mumbai call centers alone.

In the U.S., the IRS has been warning people about tax phone fraud involving phone calls claiming that they owe back taxes and threatening jail.

Indian police say they will share the information with U.S. authorities, but did not say whether they had collaborated with them during the operation.

Police believe the scam unearthed in Mumbai spreads wider and there is a possibility that people in Britain and Australia may also have been similarly conned.
This weeks military exercises near the territorially disputed South China Sea are not provocative, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Wednesday, because they are part of routine drills within the countrys maritime territory.

Indonesias air force will kick off its largest military exercises Thursday near the Natuna Islands, largely as a show of its sovereignty over the gas-rich area on the fringe of territory claimed by China, officials said.

President Joko Widodo launched an unprecedented campaign to bolster fishing, oil exploration and defense facilities around the Natuna island chain four months ago, after a series of faceoffs between the Indonesian navy and Chinese fishing boats.

China, while not disputing Indonesias claims to the Natuna Islands, has angered Indonesia by saying the two countries have overlapping claims to the nearby waters that Indonesia calls the Natuna Sea.

I want to emphasize, this is not the first or only military exercise by Indonesia, the foreign minister said. Weve done them several times and the military exercise is in Indonesian territory  not in South China Sea, but in the Natuna Sea, which is part of Indonesia.

According to a report by IHS Jane's Defence Weekly, the October 6 drill is planned to simulate an air raid and the seizure of a captured runway ... on Pulau Natuna Besar, a piece of territory close to the area that Beijing asserts is Chinese.

Chinas claims are based on its so-called nine-dash line of sovereignty across the South China Sea, a standard whose legal legitimacy recently was rejected by a U.N.-backed tribunal.

We want to show our existence in the area, [that] we have a good enough air force to act as a deterrent, said Air Commander Jemi Trisonjaya, a spokesperson for the Indonesian air force.

About 2,000 military personnel will be involved in Thursdays exercises, which he said would include deployment of special operations ground forces, transport aircraft, helicopters and Indonesias fighter jet, both Russian-made Sukhois and U.S.-made F-16s.

Indonesian legislator Tantowi Yahya, chairman of parliaments defense commission, told VOAs Indonesia Service that Jakarta recently allocated $35 million to strengthen a military base in the Natuna Sea.

Natuna is the farthest and most outer region, [so], in case something happens, it would take time to handle it, he said. To strengthen the region, should something unwelcome occur, we need to fortify the area with additional soldiers, facilities and infrastructural development.

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 over islands and waters in the area.

This report was produced in collaboration with VOA's Indonesia Service. Some information is from Reuters.
America is "no longer a world power" and Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's envoys have said in Washington.

By PTI: America is "no longer a world power" and Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's envoys have said in Washington.

"The US is no longer a world power. It is a declining power. Forget about it," Mushahid Hussain Syed, Special Kashmir Envoy of Sharif, was heard as saying yesterday after the conclusion of an interaction at the Atlantic Council, one of the top American think-tanks.

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Syed and Shazra Mansab, another Kashmir Envoy, are in the US as part of Pakistan's effort to apprise the global community of the current situation in Kashmir and allegations of human rights violations in the Valley.



PAK WARNS US



Syed has gone to the extent of warning the US that Pakistan will move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered.

He was apparently responding to a question from a member in the audience after the conclusion of the 90-minute Atlantic Council interaction, during which he expressed his frustration over the lack of response to his point of view on Kashmir and India.

Also read: Pakistan does not have aggressive designs against any country: Nawaz Sharif



Syed's remarks were not recorded on camera, but heard prominently by those inside the room.

Thereafter, he was quick to point out China and newly-perceived relationship with Russia, which he had mentioned during his interaction at the Atlantic Council.

Syed submitted a dossier of alleged human rights violations in Kashmir to Richard Olson, Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

CHINA IMPORTANT FACTOR IN SOUTH ASIA



With no takers for Pakistan's Kashmir policy, Syed said China was now an important factor in South Asia and described Beijing as part of what he termed 'Greater South Asia'.

Also read: Pakistan is rattled, and that's evidence of India's surgical strike

"There has been slow and steady building of the relationship between Moscow and Islamabad," he said, referring to the joint military exercise between Pakistan and Russia.

Syed said the Putin government had for the first time agreed to sell arms to Pakistan and that the US should take note of this changing regional alignment.



AMERICA'S FOREIGN POLICY INCONSISTENT



"Unfortunately under the Obama administration, there was a drift in America's foreign policy towards our region, towards Afghanistan. There was confusion and there were a lot of flip-flops. I think the Obama administration could not figure out this region of Afghanistan and Pakistan and as a consequence, the region suffered.

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"America's policies under Obama leadership went one step back and one step (forward). First telling Pakistan that they (US) want to talk to the Taliban, then saying that they want to take on the Taliban and finally saying there would be no American troops and ending up having 8,500 troops stationed in Afghanistan. A lot has been left to the next administration to put in order," he said.

--- ENDS ---
Haiti said Thursday that the country's death toll from Hurricane Matthew had risen past 260 and that search-and-rescue operations in the wake of the Category 4 storm were continuing.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama declared a federal state of emergency in the southeastern state of South Carolina, which was in the path of the powerful storm, along with the states of Florida and Georgia. Tropical storm warnings stretched as far north as North Carolina.

The president's move will free up federal funds to help South Carolina recover from hurricane damage.

Thursday evening, Matthew was pounding the Bahamas. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said the eye of the storm would soon hit the city of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, and it warned that the hurricane could have "disastrous impacts" later on Florida.

Florida Governor Rick Scott made repeated announcements over the past two days, urging his constituents to take this storm seriously. On Thursday, as about 1.5 million people were ordered to move inland, he said: "There are no excuses. You need to leave. Evacuate, evacuate, evacuate."

Even more bluntly, he said: "This storm will kill you."

Matthew was the strongest storm to make landfall in Haiti, the Western Hemisphere's poorest country, in 52 years.

Torrential rain

The hurricane center warned of a dangerous storm surge and the possibility of at least 20 centimeters of rain as Matthew pounded Andros Island and Nassau on Thursday.

The forecast said Matthew could gain even more strength as it approaches the Florida coast. The latest forecast track predicted Matthew would move directly up the east coast of Florida throughout Friday.

In an interview with VOA, Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) spokesman Raphael Lemaitre cautioned residents in southeastern coastal states to heed evacuation and other warnings from local officials. Regardless of the direction that this storm takes, its going to have significant impact, he said.

Georgia declared states of emergency in 13 coastal counties. South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley ordered the evacuation of several coastal counties where more than 1 million people reside.

Lemaitre said FEMA had personnel and other resources at the ready for residents affected by Matthew.

We have commodities on the ground already pre-located in several different staging areas throughout the potentially affected areas, things like food, water, blankets, cots," he said. "We also have personnel on the ground there, rapid response teams.

The coastal city of Saint Augustine, Florida was in a mandatory evacuation area, prompting resident and former VOA State Department correspondent Pam Dockins to temporarily move to an area north of the city. Dockins told VOA that very hard bands of rain were sweeping through the area Thursday afternoon and the winds are picking up. She said many of the smaller stores had closed but larger chain stores remained open for business.

WATCH: Hurricane Matthew devastation in photos

Strongest in decades

Interim Haitian President Jocelerme Privert and administration officials were assessing the damage in Haiti after not being able to do so because of a washed-out bridge that cut off access to the most affected southern areas. Privert described the situation as catastrophic after flying over southern Haiti Wednesday in a U.S. Coast Guard plane.

The World Bank said it was allocating funds to help with relief efforts in Haiti and had a team of workers there.

Our staff on the ground are already working with the ministry of public works to begin restoring access to hardest-hit areas in the south of the country, including a key bridge that was washed away, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said.

VOA Creole reporter Jean-Hernst Eliscar said many houses in the southern city of Les Cayes were flooded and had no roofs.

The United Nations office coordinating humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti said half of the countrys population of 11 million people had been affected by the storm. At least 350,000 people were in need of immediate assistance, the U.N. said.

The severe flooding in Haiti sparked a resurgence of cholera. Officials said eight cases had already been reported.

US military helps

The U.S. Navy had nine military helicopters, an aircraft carrier and troops on hand in response to the Haitian government's request for help. Some of the helicopters were equipped for search-and-rescue missions and others for transporting supplies.

Dave Herman of the U.S. Agency for International Development said the U.S. government was working "very diligently" with Catholic Relief Services and the Red Cross to ensure relief aid was distributed to Haiti's most vulnerable people.

Oxfam, a global anti-poverty confederation, said Thursday that at least 10,000 Haitian people were displaced and in need of aid.

"Our first response will concentrate on saving lives by providing safe water and hygiene kits to avoid the spread of cholera," said Oxfam official Jean Claude Finole.

Haiti has postponed its presidential election, scheduled for Sunday, because many schools and churches that were to serve as polling stations were being used to shelter thousands of displaced people. The head of Haitis provisional Electoral Council, Leopold Berlenger, said a new date for the elections would be decided by next week.

WATCH: Matthew's devastation in Haiti, Cuba, Bahamas

Cubans evacuated

About 1.3 million people were evacuated in Cuba, where four cities were cut off because roads were blocked by large rocks thrown by the storms powerful winds. Dozens of homes were destroyed and hundreds of others damaged in the city of Baracoa. No deaths were reported in Cuba, however.

What you can do

In Washington, Obama called on people to help hurricane victims in Haiti by donating to the USAID Center for International Disaster Information (www.cidi.org). Find out how you can help make life a little bit easier for those who didnt have a lot to begin with, Obama said.

Matthew is the strongest hurricane to tear through the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea since Hurricane Felix in 2007.
Relatives of victims of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre told an appeals court on Thursday that the Dutch government should be held responsible for failing to protect more of the thousands of Bosnian Muslim men and boys killed there.

They are seeking to expand a 2014 ruling by a lower court that found the Netherlands culpable for the deaths of 300 of the 8,000 men and boys who were killed after leaving a United Nations compound that was run by Dutch peacekeeping troops.

"We think the state should be held liable for a much larger group because there were possibilities to save many more men," lawyer Marco Gerritsen, who represents the Mothers of Srebrenica group, told judges.

The earlier court decision found that the Dutch peacekeepers could have known that the men seeking refuge at the base in the village of Potocari would be murdered if forced to leave.

"In the knowledge that there was a serious risk of genocide men and boys were handed over (by the Dutch) to their killers, and they cooperated with the deportation of the women," said attorney Simon van der Sluijs, who also represents roughly 6,000 of the surviving Srebrenica relatives.

Gerritsen argued that the Dutch were also responsible for the safety of thousands of men who fled into the forests surrounding the Bosnian Muslim enclave - designated a "safe area" by the U.N. - to escape execution.

Lawyer for the Dutch state, Bert-Jan Houtzagers, said the lower court had been wrong to find that the Dutch battalion had "effective control" over the compound when it was overrun by Bosnian Serb forces.

"It was a chaotic situation where Bosnian Serbs called the shots and the only thing Dutchbat could do was to try and guide the situation to the best of their abilities," he said.

The Dutch forces did not foresee the later genocide and had been focused on "helping the refugees and guiding the evacuation," he said.

The failure of Dutch soldiers to protect the Muslim men and boys of Srebrenica has left a deep scar in Dutch politics, contributing to the resignation of the Dutch government in 2002.

The 1992-95 Bosnian war, in which at least 100,000 people were killed, was the bloodiest of a series of conflicts that accompanied the break-up of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

On July 11, 1995, the enclave was overrun by the Bosnian Serb forces lead by commander Ratko Mladic, who is on trial for war crimes at an international court in The Hague.

A ruling was expected on March 14.
For months in the U.S. presidential campaign, Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson has drawn a modest amount of support, but after a string of foreign policy blunders, even he admits that his chances of winning the White House are all but nil.

In mid-August, Johnson, the former two-term governor of the southwestern state of New Mexico, occasionally drew 10 to 12 percent support in national political surveys against the major party candidates, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, more often than not taking votes away from her.

But now, polls show Johnson's support dwindling as voters begin to focus more on the November 8 election to pick the successor to President Barack Obama when he leaves office in January, and some states are already allowing early voting. The latest compilation of national polls by Real Clear Politics shows Johnson with 7.1 percent support, far behind Clinton at 43.9 percent and Trump at 40.7.

Johnson failed to gain enough traction -- a 15 percent average in national polling -- to be included in the crucial presidential debates.

Clinton, a former secretary of state looking to become the first female U.S. president, and Trump, a brash real estate mogul seeking his first elected office, will face off Sunday in the second of their three head-to-head encounters, a townhall format where undecided voters will ask them some of the questions along with television newscasters.

Johnson described his electoral chances to The New York Times this week as bleak, saying, "Right now it's a Hail Mary, not being in the presidential debates."

He said he has thought about limiting his national campaign in an effort to win in New Mexico, the state where he was governor from 1995 to 2003 and where at 19 percent in the polling average, he still enjoys more support than he does nationally.

His U.S. support has often come from voters who can't abide casting a ballot for either Clinton or Trump, both of whom have majority unfavorable ratings.

Johnson's vice presidential running mate, former Massachusetts Governor William Weld, says he still supports Johnson, but that his primary interest in the last month of the campaign is to defeat Trump, whose own fortunes have slumped in the last week after a poor debate performance against Clinton in late September.

In one interview, Weld said this week, "I'm not sure anybody is more qualified than Hillary Clinton to be president of the United States."

Johnson's fortunes have slipped over the last month after exhibiting a distinct lack of interest in foreign affairs.

In early September, when asked how he would address the desperate refugee situation in the war-wracked Syrian city of Aleppo, he responded, "What is Aleppo?"

More recently, when asked to name his favorite foreign leader, Johnson was at a loss to come up with a single name.

"I guess I'm having an Aleppo moment," he said, referring to his earlier gaffe.

In the interview with the Times, Johnson drew a parallel between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad targeting thousands of non-combatants in his country's protracted civil war to the accidental U.S. bombing of an Afghan hospital that killed 60 people. Asked if knew the name of North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, Johnson said he did, but declined to offer the name.

Clinton is staying off the campaign trail for a few days to prepare for Sunday's debate, poring over policy briefing books with aides and reviewing Trump's campaign statements.

She has engaged in town hall debates with voters on numerous occasions over the years, but Trump has not, preferring to speak to large rallies of voters.

With that in mind, Trump headed to the northeastern state of New Hampshire on Thursday for a late-day town hall-style gathering with select voters, although the event was not open to the public.
Alexander Khrgian quit Moscow for Montenegro in 2008 and immediately felt at home, setting up a law firm that helps the tiny country's outsized Russian diaspora do business, profiting from close ties between the two countries.

"We liked the climate, the people and conditions for doing business," said the lawyer. "So we stayed."

But a parliamentary election due on October 16 could test those ties. The vote, its outcome very much in the balance, could be Montenegro's last before joining the Western NATO alliance, an expansion dubbed "irresponsible" by Russia.

Attracted by the mountainous country's majestic coastline, 15,000 Russians flooded into the country after its 2006 split from Serbia, bringing money and Russian influence to the former Yugoslav republic of just 650,000 people.

Western priority

Ushering Montenegro into NATO is a priority for the West, wary of Russian influence in a strategic region that is on the front lines of the migration crisis facing Europe.

"We want Montenegro in NATO because we are worried about Russian influence," said a Western diplomat in Serbia's capital, Belgrade, of a policy that divides the Adriatic country down the middle.

Montenegro was bombed by NATO 17 years ago when the alliance intervened to end Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic's campaign of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. At the time, Montenegro was in union with Serbia.

Joining the alliance is the central pillar of Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic's campaign ahead of an election in which he is likely to face a tough challenge.

Djukanovic, who has been president or prime minister for more than 25 years, with one brief interruption, is accused by opponents of running the Adriatic country as a corrupt personal fiefdom, letting organized crime flourish.

He denies the allegations, but pollsters say NATO membership could act as a wedge issue, boosting support for eurosceptic parties and forcing his Democratic Party of Socialists to seek new coalition partners for the first time since 2006.

In one opposition advertisement, an actor playing the role of Djukanovic is shown having no answers, answering "NATO" every time he is challenged on alleged failings.

Majority favors NATO

A poll by the Center for Democracy and Human Rights and the U.S. Embassy showed 50.5 percent would vote in favor of joining the alliance and 49.5 percent against if a referendum promised by the Democratic Front opposition party were held.

"Our main mission is to liberate Montenegro from Milo Djukanovic's rule," said Slaven Radunovic, a Democratic Front lawmaker. Djukanovic says opposition parties are Russian-funded, a claim they deny.

But Moscow, also concerned about suggestions of NATO expansion into Nordic countries such as Finland, is following events closely. An official from President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party recently urged the opposition to form a united front against Djukanovic.

The anti-NATO message has traction.

Montenegro's ties to its traditional Orthodox allies are too valuable for it to ignore. Tourism contributes 20 percent of economic output, and Russia and Serbia accounted for nearly 60 percent of visitors in 2016.

In a sign of strengthening ties between the three nations, volunteers last month set up a Balkan Cossack "army" in a ceremony rich in symbolism that was attended by Russian and Serbian bikers with Orthodox priests officiating.

Terrorism fears

Miladin Jokic, a 44-year old from the capital, Podgorica, said he opposed Djukanovic's party because NATO membership would expose the country to terrorist attacks.

"Montenegro has to stay away from it, especially at a time of such a big terrorist threat," he said.

The West, for its part, sees integrating the former Yugoslav republics into the EU and NATO as crucial for bringing stability to a region that suffered a decade of wars in the 1990s as Yugoslavia broke up into successor states.

Croatia and Slovenia, now in the EU, were the first to join NATO. Serbia and Montenegro are in talks over joining the EU, while Bosnia and Macedonia are yet to open talks. Montenegro received its invitation to join NATO in December.

In culture, history, religion and economics, links with Russia run deep. But for some, particularly the young, the West has more appeal.

"Geographically we are part of Europe, and we have to stand by those who are already in that alliance," said Ivan Bozovic, a 24-year old student.
President Robert Mugabe addressed the new session of Zimbabwe's parliament Thursday. All eyes were on the 92-year-old leader, watching for clues to the state of his health and listening for any response he might give to the recent protests against his government.

President Mugabe, looking visibly tired, started proceedings by joking with his officials that they had given him the correct speech this time. The president stirred talk of mental decline a year ago when he re-read a speech he had delivered in parliament a month before.



This year, he read out a list of laws that his government wants parliament to amend or introduce to be in line with Zimbabwe's 2013 constitution and to prop up the country's moribund economy.



Mugabe ended his speech by saying: "In conclusion I wish to remind you, honorable members of parliament, of your sacrosanct duty to enact laws and build institutions that promote development in an environment of peace and national unity. You not only have a duty to enact laws, but to also respect and adhere to them and to our constitution; in word, deed and spirit.



Zimbabwe opposition MPs, who had received death threats amid reports that they planned to protest while Mugabe spoke, remained subdued throughout the 30-minute speech.



Since July, the opposition has teamed up with civic organizations to hold protests against Mugabe and his 36-year rule of Zimbabwe. They accuse his government of failing to fix the economy and disregarding human rights.



Authorities have used force to disperse the demonstrations or prevent protesters from gathering to march.



On Thursday, Mugabe also said he wanted tighter laws to avoid what he called "leakages" in strategic areas of the Zimbabwean economy, such as mining and tourism. "Leakage" is when businesses do not declare their actual profits, depriving the country of tax revenue.



The problem has plagued the government for the past decade, since the discovery of diamond fields in eastern Zimbabwe and the takeover of the fields by the military.
As a union carpenter, Dustin Wolf used to walk on stilts to work on grid ceilings. Now he works for the local chapter of his union, Interior Systems Local 373 of the Regional Council of Carpenters, which represents 35,000 carpenters across Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.



A fourth-generation union carpenter, Wolf will be voting for the Democratic presidential candidate because "the carpenters have endorsed Hillary Clinton, so that's who I'm voting for."



Wolf is part of a long tradition of union members voting for the candidate endorsed by their union. But there are signs that tradition may be changing.

Dustin's father works the phone banks for the union. A 43-year carpenter, Gary Wolf says he is "quite surprised" when some members tell him they are bucking the union and voting for Republican candidate Donald Trump.



Hard choice for members - and unions



It continues to be a tough economic time for union members, even as the U.S. economy has recovered in other sectors. Manufacturing and other union jobs continue to disappear and as a result, union membership nationwide has dropped. It peaked in 1979 at 21 million and stands now at 15 million.



The National Mining Association says 40,000 coal miners alone lost their jobs in the past year after the Environmental Protection Agency issued new emission standards.



United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts said that kind of mass job disintegration left his members questioning the current Democratic administration.

"This election's tough for us at the very top because our people are so upset about losing their jobs over the course of the last few years," said Roberts. "And we don't have a recession in Appalachia. We have a straight-up depression."



Roberts' union has not endorsed either candidate yet, although both are clamoring for UMW votes as well as its phone banks and door-to-door voting programs. The union is torn between its longtime Democratic leaning and the anger of its members.

"The people are angry in the coal fields of West Virginia," Roberts said. "They're angry in the coal fields of Pennsylvania and Ohio and in the coal fields of Alabama. So it's a difficult proposition with the election for president, there's no question about that."



Political science professor Emeritus with Ohio State University Herb Asher said Republican candidate Donald Trump is saying what union members want to hear.

"I would argue that Trump's promises to bring back the coal jobs is without any credibility," he said. "But at least he's saying, 'We're going to bring back your jobs.' What did Hillary Clinton say? 'We're going to take away your jobs.' I think if those are the two choices, who are you going to vote for?"



Asher is the author of American Labor Unions in the Electoral Arena, which examines union voting influence.

As go union voters, so goes Ohio?



At age 33, Johnny Nickum is an apprentice carpenter. Nickum said he saw no future in the hospitality industry. So he switched to manual labor. And in November, he will defy the Regional Council of Carpenters' endorsement. "I'd probably vote Trump right now," he said.



Nickum is aware that unions are at a low point. But he doesn't think he's diluting their influence by taking a stand against his.

"You don't have to be a follower all the time. That's the best part of democracy ... being able to choose and think for yourself," he said.



How Nickum and other union members vote matters in Ohio, a key swing state in the presidential election that is a must-win for Trump. Ohio "remains critical to Mr. Trump's path to the White House," The New York Times recently observed.



But Ohio continues to be elusive, polling for Clinton in mid-August and Trump in mid-September. On Wednesday, two polls showed the state's voters were edging back toward Clinton in the wake of her strong performance in the first debate.



A Bloomberg Politics poll in mid-September showed union members were no more decided than the state as a whole. The poll indicated Trump was winning 45 percent of voters in union households, compared with 48 percent for Clinton.



But there are 670,000 workers represented by unions in Ohio. And their vote, whether they go along with union leadership or go it alone, could swing the state. President Barack Obama won the state by a little more than 166,000 votes in 2012.

A carpenter's considerations



Joe Ochsenhirt, 27, kneels down to drill a screw into a metal stud.



He graduated from Ohio University with a degree in business management but couldn't land a job in his field. Now he's a third-year apprentice union carpenter at the Ohio Carpenters' Apprenticeship and Training Program in Richfield.



In the past, he's voted Republican. But this year, he says he would like to check the "undecided" box: "I don't agree with either side. So I'm right in the middle."
Pakistan passed long-awaited legislation Thursday on so-called "honor killings," removing a loophole that allowed the killer to go free..

Under the new law, perpetrators will get a mandatory 25-year prison sentence. Previously, killers could be pardoned by the victim's family and be freed.

In a statement issued late Thursday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif congratulated the parliament, civil society activists, academia and media for supporting the landmark passage of the anti-honor killing legislation.

"I urge the entire nation particularly enlightened and progressive voices in the country to support us in successful enforcement of the legislation and catch hold of those who have been targeting women through frivolous customs and practices that have nothing to do with Islam," Sharif asserted and added: There is no honor in honor killing.

Human rights groups say hundreds of women are killed in Pakistan each year for allegedly bringing dishonor to their families.

In July, a social media star, Qandeel Baloch, was strangled and her brother confessed to the crime, citing what he described as Balochs intolerable behavior.

Her death made headlines in local and international media for days, prompting a high-level probe into the killing.

VOA's Ayaz Gul in Islamabad contributed to this report.
Pakistan's army chief is warning India any military aggression in contested Kashmir will not go unpunished.

General Raheel Sharif said Thursday Pakistan wants good relations with all its neighbors, but no one should mistake its collective resolve to defend itself.

On the other side of the border, India said it had foiled an attack by suspected rebels near an army base in Indian-controlled Kashmir. All three attackers were killed, according to the army.

In a separate incident, the Indian army said at least one militant was killed in clashes between groups along the highly militarized Line of Control that divides Kashmir between Indian and Pakistani control.

Neither incident has been independently confirmed.

Mounting tensions between India and Pakistan over the contested region of Kashmir were sparked by a rebel attack last month that left 19 soldiers and four attackers dead at an Indian military base in Kashmir.

India later retaliated by conducting what they called "surgical strikes" to destroy "terrorist launching pads" in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. Islamabad rejects India's account, citing routine cross-border fire instead.

The violence also comes amid some of the largest protests in Kashmir against Indian rule in recent years, which have killed more than 80 people.
The Pentagon on Thursday confirmed the death of a prominent al-Qaida leader who was targeted this week in a coalition airstrike in Syria.

Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said a U.S. strike near Idlib on Monday killed Abu al-Farai al-Masri.

Cook called al-Masri's death "a significant disruption to al-Qaida senior leadership" and "a blow to their ability to plot external attacks."

The Pentagon announced the strike shortly after it occurred Monday but took three days to verify that the target had been killed.
Iraqi troops are gearing up to retake the city of Mosul from Islamic State, in an assault expected to begin later this month. Officials of the U.S.-led coalition assisting Iraq say up to 45,000 troops will be needed to keep Mosul secure after it is recaptured.

The Iraqi security team protecting Mosul will include about 8,000 police from Ninevah Province and 10,000 to 12,000 members of tribal forces from the surrounding area, according to Canadian Brigadier General Dave Anderson, the director of coalition training operations in Iraq.

"The important thing is that they are local, and that is the key, particularly for Mosul and [its residents] who are about to be liberated," Anderson told reporters Wednesday at the Pentagon. "It needs to be people from the area and of the area."

Police and other local forces will be assigned to protect Mosul, the general added, while Iraqi units from other parts of the country will guard areas outside the city. Mosul, the capital of Ninevah Province, had an estimated population of about two-and-one-half million at the time it was overrun by Islamic State fighters in June 2014.

Some units of the massive force being assembled by Iraq need about two more weeks of training, Anderson said.

Twelve brigades of Iraqi forces, each made up of 800 to 1,600 troops, are preparing for the assault. Iraqi ground forces, backed by coalition airstrikes, will take on between 3,000 and 5,000 Islamic State fighters entrenched in the city.

Anderson said some Iraqi soldiers bound for Mosul have been fighting across the country, and they need a final round of training to "tune up" some specific skills and "top off their equipment before they go."

"The only thing better than winning 7-0 is winning 100-0," the senior Canadian officer said. "There's no point in leaving anything to chance here. Overwhelming odds always help. No one is looking for a close game or a tie in war."
America, under the leadership of Barack Obama, has been facing heat from many nations. Let us take a look at some of these countries.

By India Today Web Desk: The world is starting to get irked with Uncle Sam.

At an interaction at the Atlantic Council, one of America's top think-tanks, Mushahid Hussain Syed, Special Kashmir Envoy of Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, said, "The US is no longer a world power. It is a declining power. Forget about it."

The message from Pakistan seemed to be echoing a lot of countries.

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Pakistan: The India Card

Syed warned the United States of America and its President, Barack Obama, that if Pakistan's views on Kashmir and India are not given due consideration, the country will move towards China and Russia.

Of course, Pakistan shares a remarkably complicated relationship with US. From the war on terror to the assassination of Osama bin Laden in a Pakistani military garrison town to attacks on CIA agents on Pakistani soil. And with no support from the US after India's surgical strike, Islamabad is trying to turn on the heat.

Syed's remarks follow a pattern set by a few countries as they take the US head on.

Philippines: The Angry Punisher

In September, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, known for his controversial statements and violent campaign against illegal drugs, called Barack Obama a 'son of a bitch'. Duterte abused Obama a day before his scheduled meeting with the POTUS, and quite naturally the American President cancelled the meeting saying, "I always want to make sure that if I'm having a meeting, it's actually productive and we're getting something done."

Later, Duterte -- who is known as The Punisher -- expressed regret through his spokesperson, who presented a dry apology.

This week, Duterte was at it again. He told President Barack Obama to "go to hell" in response to the US leader's criticism of his deadly anti-drug campaign, suggesting he may eventually decide to "break up with America".

Yes, Philippines, which was US territory till 1946, seems to have some anger built-up against Uncle Sam.

Russia: Putin Power

The US-Russian relations are at an all-time low, experts say. A report in NBC quotes Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and a Hillary Clinton campaign adviser, as saying, "I don't know what label to use, but this is probably the lowest point we've seen in US-Russian relations since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979."

Rob Knake, former director of cybersecurity policy for the National Security Council told National Public Radio, "We would say we want Russia's help on Syria. We want Russia's help on nukes. We want Russia's help on North Korea. Now, we've taken at least two of those issues off the table," after Russia pulled off a landmark agreement on plutonium as well on Syria.



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Russia is also America's prime-suspect for continued cyber attacks on 'targets ranging from the Democratic National Committee to a former US NATO commander to former Secretary of State Colin Powell.'

Saudi Arabi: Oil Is Well?

Saudi Arabia's recurrent warnings did not stop the United States Congress from passing the bill letting victims of 9/11 to sue the kingdom for the attacks.

Saudi Arabia has had a long-term but often troubled relationship with the United States of America. The oil-rich country could respond to the bill by 'curtailing official contacts, pulling billions of dollars from the US economy, and persuading its close allies in the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council it dominates to scale back counterterrorism cooperation, investments and US access to important regional air bases,' says a report in Fox News.

Abdulkhaleq Abdullah, a professor of political science at United Arab Emirates University, told Fox News, "This should be clear to America and to the rest of the world: When one GCC state is targeted unfairly, the others stand around it."

Turkey: Clashing For The Clerik

US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter Islamic State Brett McGurk had met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other officials in Turkey's Ankara in September.

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Turkish media reported diplomatic tensions after the two-day visit of the US officials and reports say that Tayyip was irked with McGurk for accepting a medal from the Syrian Kurdish militia the YPG, a key US ally in the fight against IS but an outfit Ankara accuses of being terrorists.

Ankara's demand for extradition of Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who they believe is the man behind the failed coup attempt, also did its part in increasing the tension between Erdogan and Obama.

A report in VOA News says that former senior Turkish diplomat Aydin Selcen believes Turkey is looking forward to a change in the US leadership.



--- ENDS ---
Lawmakers in Poland voted on Thursday to reject a plan that would effectively ban nearly all abortions in the country after mass protests prompted some to reverse their position.

The decision came after a Polish parliamentary committee voted down the abortion ban bill on Wednesday and urged the majority rightwing parliament to follow suit when it voted on the bill Thursday.

The full parliament voted 352-58 against the abortion plan.

Poland already bans abortion except in cases of rape, incest, a threat to the life of the mother or irreparable damage to the fetus. The rejected law would have made abortion illegal in all instances, with potential prison terms of up to five years for women and doctors who defy the law.

Tens of thousands of women went on strike Monday, wearing all black and demonstrating in the streets of Poland's cities to protest the proposal.

Jaroslaw Gowin, the minister of science and higher education, said that the protests "caused us to think and taught us humility," The Associated Press reported. "There will not be a total abortion ban."

Poland's influential Catholic Church initially gave the initiative its seal of approval earlier this year, though its bishops have since opposed jailing women.

The proposal to ban abortion came about after a nationwide signature drive garnered support from 450,000 residents, even though the majority of Polands 38 million residents opposed the plan.
More than three quarters of Philippines residents are satisfied with President Rodrigo Dutertes performance in his first 90 days in office, which has been largely defined by his continued crackdown on drug dealers and outbursts directed towards Western leaders.

According to the poll conducted by the Social Weather Station (SWS) agency, 76 percent of respondents said they were satisfied with Dutertes presidency so far, while only 11 percent said they were dissatisfied. Thirteen percent said they were undecided.

That gives Duterte a satisfaction rating of very good, according to the formula used by SWS. The rating is determined by subtracting the percentage of dissatisfied respondents from the satisfied, and then rounding it off.

According to SWS, an approval rating between 50 and 69 percent is very good, while an approval rating over 70 is seen as excellent. Dutertes net rating was 64 percent.

Duterte won the presidential election earlier this year largely based on his promise to continue aggressively targeting drug dealers and criminals.

Philippine police and vigilantes have killed at least 3,600 people for drug use and drug sales since Duterte took office at the end of June.

The poll of 1,200 people took place between September 24 and 27, just weeks after Duterte launched into a profanity-laced tirade against U.S. President Barack Obama over Obamas comments about Dutertes drug crackdown.

During a September 5 media address, Duterte called Obama a son of a whore and said nobody has the right to lecture him about human rights issues.

Duterte has engaged in similar verbal spates against European Union and United Nations leaders.
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara presented the draft of the new constitution to parliament Wednesday. Among the reforms is the removal of a clause that helped trigger civil war five years ago.

The clause, Article 35, required that both parents of presidential candidates be natural-born Ivory Coast citizens, according to Reuters. The new constitution would soften that rule.

The spirit of this draft for the new constitution is to reinforce social cohesion, to assure our country peace and stability, Ouattara said. It is also the opportunity to definitely move on from the past crisis that our country went through.

Ouattara himself was blocked from several presidential elections by claims his parents were foreigners, thus rendering him ineligible to run.

But the opposition denounced the draft, which would create a deputy president and a Senate, saying it was not the result of a national consensus and was being forced through.

We all agree on the reform of Article 35 since we all signed the [Linas-Marcoussis] peace deal, said opposition member Pascal Affi N'Guessan, from the Ivorian Popular Front party. But the peace deal didnt say we had to write a new constitution entirely, or that we should implement bicameralism.

He said Ouattara betrays the spirit of the peace deal, he manipulates it  for personal gains.

The draft also removes the age limit of 75 for presidential candidates. Some members of the opposition argue that Ouattara, 74, might have removed the age limit in order to seek a third term in 2020. But the new constitution stipulates the president is only re-eligible once.

Parliament has until October 15 to approve the draft, then the text will be submitted to Ivorian voters during a referendum October 30.
In one-third of people with diabetes, the "gold standard" method for monitoring blood sugar levels is inaccurate. But scientists have found a way to fix the discrepancy, helping diabetics more effectively manage their disease.

There are 422 million people with diabetes worldwide, according to World Health Organization estimates, and they face such devastating complications of the disease as blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and limb amputation. Keeping blood sugar levels in a range that's as close to normal as possible is considered the best way to reduce the likelihood that a diabetic will have to deal with those complications.

But researchers from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital found in a study of 200 diabetics that the A1C test, considered the most accurate method for measuring glucose levels, is inaccurate in one in three people.

Three-month period

The A1C offers a snapshot of blood sugar levels based on a three-month analysis of glycated hemoglobin, or the hemoglobin to which glucose is bound. The test is considered more accurate than daily blood sugar levels, which can vary minute by minute.

But when scientists compared daily glucose monitoring to the A1C, they found discrepancies based on the age of the red blood cells, according to John Higgins, a professor of systems medicine at Harvard and a clinical pathologist.

Red blood cells live an average of 45 days. But they live longer in some people, prompting this comparison by Higgins.

"I think a simplistic analogy is just a sponge sitting on a damp counter," he said. "The more water you have on your counter, the more soaked that sponge is going to get. But also if you leave that sponge on a counter even longer, it's going to soak up even more water."

So, the A1C level of a person whose blood sugar seems well-controlled day to day may actually be elevated if his red blood cells are older.

"And the opposite is true as well," said Higgins. "If someone has had a really high level of blood sugar but his blood cells are pretty young, it may look like he is fine when in fact his blood sugar's been high."

When the age of each person's red blood cells was factored in, the error rate in the A1C's three-month blood sugar reading was cut in half in the study.

The findings were reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Continuous measurement

One way to correct for the discrepancy, according to Higgins, would be for someone to briefly wear a device that continuously measures blood sugar level.

The device, which uses a needle implanted under the skin, takes glucose readings every five minutes. Those hundreds of readings could then be compared with an A1C reading. With the data, the difference between daily blood sugar levels and the A1C level could be permanently corrected for in the lab. By factoring in the age of each patient's red blood cells, the method offers a more precise, individualized method of diabetes control.

Most people think of personalized medicine as involving sophisticated, expensive genetics tests that help doctors tailor treatments for complex diseases. Higgins said adjusting a test for A1C is a form of personalized medicine using everyday lab tests.

"I think this study shows that we can look at laboratory tests that are already being collected and measured," he said. "And if we think mathematically about the physiology leading to those measurements, we can personalize monitoring and treatment of some of these diseases already."
Eugen David is a smallholder farmer who has been living in Rosia Montana, Romania, for the past 20 years.

He heard a mining company was coming in the early 2000's with a project that would relocate 2,000 people, demolish four mountain tops and create a waste pool of cyanide-laced water.

David did not want to be resettled and now heads a local association that opposes mining activity in the area. Protests against the mine project continued for more than 15 years and resulted in the largest demonstrations in Romania since the late 1980s.

Romanian courts eventually said the given mining permits were obtained illegally and parliament labeled the mountainous area of Rosia Montana a historical heritage site to protect the area.

Project parent company Gabriel Resources decided to sue the Romanian state at a so-called ISDS, an investor state dispute settlement court. The first hearing took place in September.

David said he was shocked to learn about ISDS.

We followed all the legal procedures and we showed that according to the rule of law, the Gabriel Resources project was illegal. Now they found a backdoor, the arbitration court; but, the Rosia Montana project should be dead and buried by now.

Controversial procedures

ISDS is a controversial measure whereby foreign investors may sue a state at a secret arbitration for damaging their profits if the state has violated a trade deal or international law. Critics say ISDS is not transparent, that it gives more rights to corporations and infringes on human rights. Proponents say it protects investors.

Gabriel Resources, a Canada-based company, is suing through a bilateral trade agreement between Romania and Canada with provisions for ISDS settlements.

Alfred de Zayas investigated ISDS as an independent expert for the U.N. Human Rights Commission. He says private dispute settlements put into question democratically adopted legislation of sovereign states.

The investor has plenty of protection. What is most normal to expect is that if you go to a country to make money, that you subject yourself to the courts of that country. They want to have their own court and that is a frontal attack on the concept of the rule of law.

The Center for International Environmental Law in Washington is following the case to provide legal support to Rosia Montanas local organizations by trying to have the communities' voice heard at the tribunal. So far, they have not been given access to any of the suit's documents.

The European Union, meanwhile, is negotiating two high-profile trade deals that led to mass protests in several European countries last month. The deals in question are the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership or TTIP, which has been in the discussion phase since 2013, and which EU and U.S. negotiators are focused on this week in New York, and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA.

The EU and Canada have been discussing CETA for seven years. On Thursday, the final draft of the CETA deal was leaked and a chapter covering an investment court system, or ICS, was immediately opposed by civil society organizations. The final draft of the CETA deal is expected to be signed later this month.

A new dispute system?

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom stated last year that the investment court system would replace ISDS, and called it a "modernized system of investment courts, subject to democratic principles and public scrutiny.

Lora Verheecke is a campaigner at Corporate Europe Observatory, a group researching the influence of corporate lobbies in European policymaking. She says there is no difference between ISDS and ICS as it remains a one-way system.

She says ICS gives corporations rights and no obligations, and they still have the right to be compensated for democratic decisions that may result in future lost profits.

"There are some changes as there is an appeal mechanism and there is some wording that is meant to be reassuring, like the right to regulate; but, states still have to prove that the regulations were necessary and the objectives were legitimate.

It is not known how long the case between Romania and Gabriel Resources will last, but most ISDS cases take several years.

David says he and the community of Rosia Montana are determined to keep fighting for their demands to be heard and respected.
Haunted by images of terrified children living in the mist of war in his hometown of Aleppo, Syrian native Rami Adham wanted to help them.

And so in 2012, he began a series of perilous journeys to smuggle toys into Aleppo.

Initially, I traveled to Syria to see the situation on the ground, said Adham, who lives in Finland.

"I took with me my own savings and the toys that I collected from my own children," Adham, a father of six, said in a telephone interview with VOA.

Since that first trip, Adham says he has traveled more than 28 times to the city he left 27 years ago.

By his estimate, he has delivered some 20,000 toys.

In his most recent trip in September, he spent nearly two weeks in Aleppo. Over time, he has brought teddy bears, Barbie dolls, "Buzz Lightyear" and other toys gathered from donors worldwide. He also brings in some food and medicine  whatever fits in large cloth sacks that he and some other volunteers can carry on their backs. On a usual trip, he can bring some 80 kilograms of goods into Aleppo, he said.

The journey from Helsinki to Aleppo is not an easy one. Adham, 43, said he flies to Turkey and then takes circuitous routes, crossing the porous Turkey-Syria border into Aleppo on foot. The crossings are illicit; only humanitarian aid workers are officially allowed to pass the borders toward Aleppo.

For his safety, he relies on his contacts inside Syria to reduce potential risks. But Adham said he has faced serious threats to his life.

"It is a war zone," Adham said. "The worst case was early this year when I was trapped in a place that got bombed and I was injured badly."

In that incident, Adham said he was taken to a field hospital in Aleppo with a broken arm and shrapnel in his back and neck. He was later transferred to a hospital in Turkey for further treatment.

His work has garnered international media attention from BBC, CNN and other Arabic media outlets.

Adham leads a nonprofit Finnish-Syrian association that receives toys from throughout Europe and also sponsors over 400 orphans in Syria. It runs three schools in rebel-held refugees camps near Aleppo. His charity organization facilitated education opportunities for over 2,000 Syria children, he said.

"My work started with a small circle of my friends and the circle grew to include neighbors, Adham said, adding it expanded to other cities in Finland and elsewhere.

Children have been ravaged by Syrias civil war, with hundreds of thousands killed, wounded or displaced.

"The children of Aleppo are trapped in a living nightmare," Justin Forsyth, UNICEF's deputy executive director, said recently. "There are no words left to describe the suffering they are experiencing."

On Thursday, a top United Nations official warned that rebel-held eastern Aleppo could be "totally destroyed" by the end of the year.

The U.N. Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said if the Syrian and Russian airstrikes on the city continue, "Thousands of Syrian civilians, not terrorists, will be killed and many of them wounded."

Outside observers estimate as many as 100,000 children are among the 250,000 people trapped in rebel-held areas of Aleppo.
At first, Tanzania's new president appeared keen on smashing corruption and wasteful government spending, capturing the admiration of many in this East African country with austerity measures like rarely traveling abroad.



Then came President John Pombe Magufuli's more startling decrees.

He banned all opposition rallies until 2020, when the next election is due. He approved a tough new cybercrime law under which some Tanzanians have been charged with insulting him in WhatsApp chats.



Less than a year after his election, Magufuli has split public opinion with what some describe as undemocratic attempts to reform the government.



Others see them as exhilarating.



The 56-year-old Magufuli has left the country only twice, traveling to Rwanda and Uganda, since he became president, saying the savings should be directed toward social services, such as health care, to the poorest Tanzanians.



Government officials must obtain his permission before traveling abroad, and when they travel within Tanzania, they must go by road - in a country more than twice the size of California. The administrative capital, Dodoma, is more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) from seaside commercial hub Dar es Salaam.



The bald, bespectacled Magufuli has made unscheduled visits to hospitals, where he has been known to fire absentee physicians, and he has urged public institutions to reduce the money spent on refreshments during meetings.



Such measures were so popular that they inspired a Twitter hashtag in East Africa for situations that required strong leadership, #WhatWouldMagufuliDo. In neighboring Uganda, some expressed longing for a president who would crack the whip on hefty per diems and fire corrupt officials.



Mixed reviews

But that initial warmth is slowly giving way to apprehension among some who are worried that Magufuli, who did pushups on the campaign trail to illustrate his fitness, may be just as impulsive as other African dictators.



He seems to believe in the philosophy of accountability without democracy, said Kitila Mkumbo, an independent political analyst and professor of political science at Tanzania's University of Dar es Salaam.



He always believes he is right, said another analyst, Denis Mpagaze of Tanzania's St. Augustine University.



Ordinary Tanzanians seem divided over what to make of the president, who is genuinely popular in rural areas and among the working class, who might benefit from his efforts to cut unnecessary spending and stem tax evasion.



The country was ranked 117th out of 167 countries in Transparency International's corruption perceptions index last year.



Emanuella Pascal, a primary school teacher in Dodoma, said she was pleased with the president's tactics, saying errant public officers are terrified of what might happen if they are caught.



I love this man, Pascal said, calling the lack of accountability among public officials a thing of the past.

Unease about man of his word

Years ago, Magufuli earned the nickname Bulldozer because of his apparently corruption-free efforts to improve Tanzania's road network as a government minister. He was never implicated in a corruption scandal despite being in charge of billions of dollars in contracts, a record that may have been key when the ruling party put him forward for president.



Jaffary Malima, a taxi driver in Dodoma, described the president as a man of his word, but expressed fear that Magufuli's unilateral decisions and unorthodox tactics might destroy the country's economy.



Some worry that Magufuli's war on tax evaders might scare away foreign investors or lead to price speculation. The president recently warned that he would order the central bank to print new currency so that those who are hoarding cash suffer for it.



Tanzania has been a relatively stable, if impoverished, country in a region otherwise plagued by violent conflicts. Founding president Julius Nyerere, was known to be an authoritarian who nevertheless was beloved for his kinship with local people, a political style that some see in Magufuli.



But since Magufuli was elected in October 2015, the list of human rights complaints has been growing.



In August, authorities banned two private radio stations for broadcasting allegedly seditious material, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. It's not clear what statements the government considered troublesome.



The live transmission of parliamentary debates has been halted, and dozens of newspapers have been taken off the streets for alleged licensing violations, the CPJ group said.

Although Magufuli has managed to restore public accountability, he has not succeeded in promoting human rights, especially people and political rights, said Helen Kijo-Bisimba, who leads Tanzania's Legal and Human Rights Center.
A U.S. citizen and two Russian nationals were arrested Thursday on charges relating to the alleged illegal export of sensitive military technology from the United States to Russia, the Justice Department said.

The department said Alexey Barysheff of Brooklyn, New York, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was arrested for illegally exporting controlled technology. Russian nationals Dmitrii Aleksandrovich Karpenko and Alexey Krutilin were simultaneously arrested on charges of conspiring with Barysheff, it said.

All three were scheduled to appear in court Thursday afternoon.

In its complaint, the government alleged the defendants had engaged in a conspiracy to obtain microelectronics from manufacturers and suppliers in the United States and export them to Russia while evading government controls on high-tech exports.

The United States restricts the export of items it believes could significantly contribute to the military potential and weapons proliferation of other nations and undermine U.S. national security.

The Justice Department said the microelectronics allegedly shipped to Russia included digital-to-analog converters and integrated circuits frequently used in a wide range of military systems, including radar and missile guidance systems.

It said Barysheff had registered two companies in New York that were used as front companies to purchase and export the controlled technology, while concealing from their suppliers the intended final destination.

If convicted of the charges, the defendants face up to 25 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
As the operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group approaches, tensions between Iraq and Turkey are escalating over Turkey's possible military involvement in the attack.

The dispute grew more intense Wednesday after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned that the presence of Turkish troops in the north of the country risked provoking a larger regional confrontation.

Around 1,000 Turkish troops are stationed near Mosul to protect what Ankara calls "Turkish interests," which include training Kurdish and Sunni forces to fight IS. Turkey wants its forces to participate in the looming battle to take Mosul by Iraqi, Kurdish and Arab forces. Baghdad says Turkish troops should leave Iraq.

Tensions escalated when the Turkish parliament voted last week to keep troops in Iraq for another year to "fight terrorist organizations." The Iraqi government issued a protest to the Turkish ambassador Wednesday, following a late-night vote condemning the presence of Turkish troops on Iraqi soil.

Future tensions expected

Iraq's Abadi warned Turkey that it was risking a regional war by keeping troops inside Iraq, and said he had "warned Ankara more than once against intervening" in Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city.

This dispute will "complicate the situation for months afterwards," said Michael Knights, an Iraq expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

"The problem is, what do they do after Mosul is liberated?" he asked of Turkish troops. "Do they support some factions? Do they give them a lot of money? Do they give them weapons?"

Turkish troops have entered Iraq several times before, albeit mostly with the consent of the Baghdad government.

A "border security and cooperation" treaty signed in 1983 by Turkey and Iraq allowed Turkish troops to enter Iraq multiple times to chase members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, a Kurdish guerrilla movement in Turkey that wants independence.

But when Turkey opened a military base in late 2014 in Bashiqa, 15 kilometers northeast of Mosul, the Iraqi government protested, saying Turkey had not consulted Baghdad for permission.

Tensions simmered for months, but the looming battle for Mosul is raising diplomatic pressures.

"We will play a role in the Mosul liberation operation and no one can prevent us from participating," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his parliament Saturday.

Turkey wants more than to help militarily in Mosul, analysts say. It is also seeking to increase its influence in Mosul, most of whose people are Sunni Muslims, after Islamic State extremists are pushed out, they say.

Turkish 'sphere of influence'

"What they are doing in Mosul is to increase their sphere of influence," said analyst Knights. "Mosul is a major Sunni Arab city with a population of about 1.2 million people [down from twice that size in 2014, before IS moved in]. It has a major significance for Turkey."

Turkey does not want to see Mosul fall under control of Shi'ite Iraqi troops.

"After Mosul will be rescued from [IS], only Sunni Arabs, Turkmen and Sunni Kurds should remain there," Erdogan said Sunday in an interview with the Saudi-based television channel Rotana.

Ultimately, analysts say, it may fall to the Obama administration to settle the dispute between Baghdad and Ankara over Turkey's involvement in the battle for Mosul. Washington is an ally of both countries and is helping to craft battle plans to drive Islamic State fighters out of the city.

"Washington would most likely solve this Mosul problem before it gets out of hand," former American diplomat Alan Makovsky, a Turkey expert at the Center for American Progress in Washington, told VOA.

However, Khattar Abou Diab, who teaches political science at the University of Paris, told VOA the U.S. "will have a delicate balancing act."

And the U.S. seems to be siding with the Iraqi government.

An American military spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel John Dorrian, told Iraqi state TV that Turkey is "not part of the international coalition" fighting against Islamic State in Iraq.

"The Turkish military presence on Iraqi territory isn't there with official Iraqi permission and is illegal," Turkish media quoted him as saying.

VOA's Edward Yeranian in Cairo and Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb contributed to this report.
United Nations peacekeepers failed in their mission to protect civilians during an outbreak of fighting in South Sudan in July, a rights group said.

Peacekeepers abandoned their posts or cowered in place, and then used tear gas on frightened civilians who sought shelter at the U.N. base, the U.S.-based Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) said in a report released Wednesday.

"The United Nations needs to ensure transparency and accountability for the inadequate response of its peacekeepers," the report said.

South Sudan erupted in a civil war within two years of gaining independence in 2011, when President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup detat.

Machar returned to the capital, Juba, this year after a peace deal was negotiated in 2015, but fresh fighting between his forces and government soldiers loyal to Kiir erupted in July. Hundreds of people died in the clashes.

The peacekeepers failings in July were nothing new, CIVIC said. The group investigated an incident in February in which peacekeepers from Ethiopia, India and Rwanda stood by as government soldiers attacked another Protection of Civilian site in the northern town of Malakal, killing at least 30 civilians.

In July, the report said the peacekeepers either fled or remained on their base as government forces broke into a hotel and apartment complex to brutally attack international and national aid workers, and in the weeks following the crisis raped South Sudanese women who went outside the displaced persons camps in search of food.

Much of the fighting occurred in close proximity to the main UNMISS [U.N. Mission in South Sudan] bases, the report said.

U.N. peacekeeping officials said the report raises a number of important issues, noting that an independent investigation of the Juba violence is to present its findings shortly.
The Indian Motion Pictures Association today urged MNS to let Pakistani actors-starrer movies get released in India as it is the Indian distributors and producers who will incur losses.The MNS, however, blatantly refused.

By Mayuresh Ganapatye: The members of the Indian Motion Pictures Association (IMPA) today met the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chitrapat Sena chief Ameya Khopkar in Mumbai urging MNS to not ban Pakistani-starrer films Raees and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. But MNS plainly refused to entertain their request.

IMPA member and well-known filmmaker Ashok Pandit said, "We today met MNS Chitrapatsena leaders. We told them that even we support their stand of banning Pakistani artists. We even have passed this resolution in IMPA."

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He said, "But we said that the Pakistani artists have left the country after completing their work and taking their money. But people like distributors and small producers who have invested their money in this will bear the brunt if these films don't release."

Also Read: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil with Pakistani Fawad? Won't let film release, threatens MNS

MNS FIRM ON THEIR STAND

In the backdrop of the Uri attack, the MNS recently held a campaign against Pakistani artists and gave them an ultimatum to leave the country.

Last week, MNS claimed that after their ultimatum all Pakistani artists had flown back.

MNS is still adamant on their stand that they will not allow the release of those films in which Pakistani artists have worked.

"Leaders of IMPA met us today at my office. Their demand is to allow release of Raees and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. But as I said earlier, when Pakistan is attacking India and when our artists and leaders are getting insulated on their soil, how can we tolerate? We are firm on our stance to not allow these films to be released" said MNS Chitrapet Sena chief Khopkar.

Also Read: MNS at it again, gives 48-hour ultimatum to Pakistani artists to leave India

MNS QUESTIONS VISAS ISSUED TO PAKISTANI ARTISTS

MNS also raised questions over visa on which these Pakistani artists come to India. The MNS feels that the artists don't have a valid work permit and they come on tourist visa.

Recently, the MNS had issued a statement and asked the government to take back the awards given to Om Puri as he supported Pakistani artists.

Also Read:

Has India already avenged Uri by killing 20 Pakistani terrorists in PoK?

MNS men ransack censor board office in Mumbai

Didn't invite soldiers to join Indian Army: Complaint filed against Om Puri for insulting martyrs



--- ENDS ---
Opium production in Afghanistan increased this year to one of the highest levels on record as efforts to eradicate the crop in a country that provides much of the world's heroin collapsed, the United Nations said Wednesday.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports annually on opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, and is due to give its yearly update toward the end of this month.

"Unfortunately, preliminary results suggest that illicit cultivation has increased well above 200,000 hectares [494,000 acres]," UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov said in the text of a speech prepared for delivery to an international conference on Afghanistan in Brussels.

That would make it one of the top three years since the UNODC began providing estimates in 1994, according to previous reports by the Vienna-based agency. The greatest area recorded to date was 224,000 hectares in 2014.

"The production of opiates is expected to follow the same upward trend, Fedotov said. "Eradication has been close to zero."

Eradication rose 40 percent in 2015, to 3,760 hectares, according to the last UNODC annual opium survey for the country.

Fedotov did not give a reason for the increase in production, but his agency's 2015 report said there is a "high correlation" between a poor security situation and poppy cultivation, and the government in Kabul is facing a resurgent Taliban 15 years after U.S. forces helped oust the militants.

Taliban successes on the battlefield have exposed the defensive limits of Afghanistan's NATO-trained armed forces, which are supposed to number 350,000 personnel but which have been heavily depleted by casualties and desertion.

"Clearly we cannot afford to see international community engagement in Afghanistan weaken," Fedotov told the conference, at which world powers raised $15 billion to fund the country over the next four years.
The United Nations says it is deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation for civilians still trapped in the conflict-hit northern Afghan city of Kunduz, while thousands of others have fled their homes with few possessions.

Street-to-street fighting for control of the crucial Afghan provincial capital continued for a fourth day Thursday, after Taliban insurgents staged a multi-pronged offensive earlier this week.

Afghan forces backed by U.S. military airstrikes have been attacking insurgent positions to evict them, but officials say the operations are being conducted carefully to avoid collateral damage. They allege Taliban fighters are using civilian homes as shields. Clashes were reportedly also taking place in parts of central Kunduz.

There have been dozens of civilian casualties while Afghan forces and the Taliban also claim to have inflicted heavy losses on the other side, but no exact figures or details are available because of communication disconnections and lack of access to the city.

A spokesman for the U.S.-led military coalition says Afghan forces are defeating Taliban attempts to take Kunduz and their commando units continue to clear isolated pockets of Taliban in the city.

The hostilities come despite repeated claims by government forces backed by the U.S. militarys advisors and air power that they have pushed the insurgents to the edges of Kunduz.

Initial reports suggest that up to 10,000 individuals fleeing the fighting have in recent days arrived at locations including Taloqan, Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul, the national capital.

Many of these refugees left suddenly and are carrying few possessions, said the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Afghanistan.

Families trapped in Kunduz city are facing water shortages, power cuts and are finding it increasingly difficult to source food and fuel, and when they do, its at inflated prices. In addition, with many health clinics shut or running with reduced staff, there is limited access to essential health services, said Dominic Parker, head of the UNOCHA.

A senior doctor at the citys 200-bed main public hospital, Abdul Hameed Alam, told VOA that several rockets and small arms fire hit the facility during overnight clashes, forcing all the doctors and other staff to abandon their work and flee for safety.

Since then, he says, medical units of the Afghan army have been trying to provide assistance at the hospital to more than 150 people sustaining conflict-related injuries.

The doctor disclosed that since the fighting erupted, the hospital has treated and discharged more than 200 wounded people, but declined to share the number of fatalities.

An American airstrike mistakenly destroyed the citys well-equipped trauma center run by Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) when Taliban militants assaulted and briefly captured Kunduz exactly one year ago. Hospital staff and patients were among 42 people killed.

Meanwhile, a government spokesman in the southern Helmand province told VOA that overnight coalition airstrikes killed nearly 90 insurgents, including several commanders, enabling Afghan forces to repel a major Taliban assault on the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah.

The Islamist insurgency has kept the city under pressure since capturing key districts around it in addition to overrunning other areas in Helmand in recent months.

In the wake of intensified hostilities in Afghanistan, U.N. officials estimate that nearly 280,000 individuals have fled their homes as of early October. They have warned that by the end of this year, more than 1 million people will be on the move in Afghanistan, including Afghan refugees returning home in large numbers from Pakistan and Iran.

The U.N. refugee agency says that within the past five weeks alone, more than 100,000 Afghans have gone back to Afghanistan and the number is growing by the day.
The U.N. peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo said Wednesday that it could not take sole responsibility for removing 750 disarmed South Sudanese fighters from the country.

A spokesman for the mission, known as MONUSCO, said it had flown the South Sudanese to several camps in the DRC at the request of the DRC government, which later gave a deadline for their removal.

The South Sudanese combatants are loyal to South Sudan's former first vice president, Riek Machar. They crossed into the DRC on foot in August after retreating from the capital, Juba, in July following intense fighting with forces loyal to President Salva Kiir.

Machar and his wife were with the rebels, but they have been evacuated to Khartoum.

Last month, as the news of the arrival of the troops in the DRC was made public, a DRC government spokesman denied that it had allowed them into the country. MONUSCO had already disarmed the combatants and flown them from Congo's Garamba national park to several of its bases, including one near Goma.

On Tuesday, two weeks after the DRC defense minister visited the combatants, the government said the fighters were a security risk and gave MONUSCO seven days to fly them out of the country.

MONUSCO spokesman Felix Prosper Basse told journalists Wednesday that on August 17, the DRC authorities had asked MONUSCO, on a purely humanitarian basis, to extract the South Sudanese combatants from Garamba park, where 40 of them had already died of sickness, malnutrition or wounds.

Everyone agrees the fighters must leave the country, Basse said, but he did not say when this would happen.

Basse rejected a suggestion from a journalist that MONUSCO had been tricked with false promises into carrying out the rescue operation. He said he didn't recall any authority or any MONUSCO spokesman making this claim. MONUSCO did not invite the South Sudanese soldiers into the Congo, which is a sovereign country, he added.

As for the deadline, Basse said, the mission has taken note, but the solution cannot come from MONUSCO alone.

MONUSCO has been working with the U.N. headquarters, the DRC, South Sudan, and other governments in the region to try to find a solution, he said.

A demonstration was organized in Goma last week to protest the presence of the South Sudanese fighters. Demonstrators said the country has admitted too many foreign rebel groups in the past.

There have been no confirmed reports of any abuses committed by the South Sudanese combatants in the Congo. Neighbors of the base near Goma where the fighters are living told VOA they had not seen the rebels outside the camp.
U.S. traffic deaths jumped 10.4 percent in the first six months of 2016 to a "crisis" level, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday.

NHTSA said that road deaths in the first half totaled 17,775 and that the number was likely to be higher in the second half because of warmer weather and seasonal driving.

The jump in the first half of the year followed a spike in 2015, when road deaths rose 7.2 percent to 35,092, the highest full-year increase since 1966. NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind called the rising death toll a "crisis" and urged swift action to reverse the rising trend after years of declines.

The U.S. Transportation Department said vehicle miles driven rose 3.3 percent in the first half of 2016. The fatality rate in the first half of the year rose to its highest since 2009, NHTSA said.

Last year, total U.S. traffic crashes rose by 4 percent to 6.3 million, while people injured rose 4.5 percent to 2.44 million.

Much of the increase in 2015 was driven by a jump in pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle deaths, NHTSA said.

Rosekind and other policymakers at an event outside Washington called for a goal of reaching "zero road deaths" within 30 years.

Many American cities have adopted similar "Vision Zero" programs. Sweden first adopted a "Vision Zero" strategy in 1997 and has seen a sharp reduction in road deaths.

NHTSA plans to bring other federal agencies and safety groups together to work on more concrete plans over the next year or more to roll out a vision for eliminating road deaths, including addressing road design and speed limits.

With human error accounting for 94 percent of crashes, officials acknowledge self-driving vehicles and other automated vehicle systems will be necessary to meet the goal.

NHTSA said in a study released in 2014 that the annual societal costs of U.S. traffic crashes was $836 billion in economic loss and societal harm.

In April, the U.N. General Assembly backed a plan to create a Road Safety Trust Fund to support efforts to reduce traffic deaths. Road crashes kill more than 1.25 million people and injure as many as 50 million people a year globally, the United Nations said.
The United States and more than 40 other countries issued a declaration Wednesday laying out principles they said should govern the export and use of armed drones to ensure they do not cause instability or help terrorism and organized crime.

Many U.S. allies such as Britain, Germany and Australia were among the countries that signed the declaration released by the U.S. State Department.

France, Israel, Brazil, Russia and China, among other countries, did not sign the Joint Declaration for the Export and Subsequent Use of Armed or Strike-Enabled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Recognizing that misuse of armed or strike-enabled UAVs could fuel conflict and instability, and facilitate terrorism and organized crime, the international community must take appropriate transparency measures to ensure the responsible export and subsequent use of these systems, the declaration said.

It said international laws on armed conflict and human rights should apply to the use of armed drones, and exports should be consistent with existing multilateral export control and nonproliferation regimes.

The United States regularly uses drones to attack Islamic State, al Qaeda and other militant groups in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other countries.

The U.S. militarys drone program has expanded far beyond specific strikes to become an everyday part of its war machine.

Drones fired more weapons than conventional warplanes in Afghanistan last year and the ratio is rising, U.S. Air Force data show.
Russia on Wednesday suspended a three-year-old agreement with the United States on cooperation on nuclear and energy-related research  the latest move signifying a deteriorating bilateral relationship.

"It's frankly concerning," a senior U.S. official told VOA on condition he not be named.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday also signed a decree suspending an agreement with the U.S. on disposing weapons-grade plutonium, citing "unfriendly actions" by Washington  a reference to U.S.-led sanctions on Moscow for its actions in Ukraine.

Nullifying the plutonium pact is "a real tragedy because these are areas where we have successfully cooperated in the past," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said during Wednesday's daily briefing.

The United States has halted Syria cease-fire direct talks with Russia amid continuing military attacks against civilian targets, with the U.S. administration declaring its patience at an end with Moscow. However, Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke again Wednesday about Syria.

Diplomats in both Washington and Moscow say the United States requested the call, which also covered the situations in Ukraine and North Korea.

There was also face-to-face, high-level U.S.-Russian engagement Wednesday in Moscow with Victoria Nuland, U.S. assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs.

Nuland, accompanied by members of the National Security Council, met with Russian officials, including presidential aide Vladislav Surkov. They discussed the 2015 cease-fire and peace agreement for Ukraine, known as the Minsk Protocol.

U.S. officials insist that despite all of their disagreements with Russia when it comes to achieving a solution for Ukraine, "we still believe the Minsk process remains the best way to get there," Toner said.

Global influence

Besides Ukraine, Russia is staking its reputation on whether it can keep its ally, President Bashar al-Assad, in power in Damascus and can ensure Syria's reviled government, which is confronting numerous enemies on the battlefield, is able to maintain territorial integrity.

Addressing the new State Duma on its first official day of work Wednesday, Putin stressed the importance of maintaining global influence.

"Every nation and every country has the right to be powerful, as does [Russia]," Putin said. "Our power is in ourselves, in our nation and our people, in our traditions, our culture, our economy."

Throwing aside agreements that "are not terribly important but have symbolic value" are a way for Russia to try "to raise the cost of having bad relations with Russia," Henry Hale, George Washington University professor of political science and international affairs, told VOA.

Never acknowledge, always counterattack

As far as alleged Russian responsibility for atrocities in Syria and other actions for which it is harshly criticized by the international community, the Kremlin's tactic is to "never acknowledge, always counterattack," Mark Galeotti, a senior research fellow at the Institute of International Affairs Prague, wrote in an article for Foreign Policy. "Moscow believes such gambits are successful because the West is at once cynical and easily distracted."

Among the most recent alleged controversial action taken by Moscow are cyberattacks intended to undermine American public confidence and disrupt the U.S. election process.

Some analysts caution there may not be an overarching goal tied to such actions.

"Is there any strategic thrust to what the Russians are doing in cyberspace  or is it all improvisation?" asks Martin Libicki, a professor at the Pardee Rand Graduate School and distinguished visiting professor at the U.S. Naval Academy.

"Just because the Russians are doing something tactically doesn't mean there is a strategy attached," Libicki said Wednesday during a discussion at Georgetown University's Center for Security Studies. "In Russia, everything is subsumed to psychological operations."

Messing with U.S.?

Hale, who is also co-director of the Program on New Approaches to Research and Security in Eurasia, characterizes it as Moscow flexing its muscles to say "look, we're here, we can mess with you  we can do some of the same types [of things] to you we see you doing to us."

Reports say the Russian president blamed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for being behind protests in Moscow in December 2011  in which demonstrators accused Putin of rigging elections  at the same time she spoke of a "reset" in relations with Russia.

Some analysts, such as Hale, expect Putin to continue to engage in brinksmanship and play up a perceived threat from the West ahead of the planned 2018 presidential election in Russia.

But the Kremlin "doesn't want things to spin out of control" and while misunderstandings could happen, "all sides in the end are in control enough of their actions to avoid something really catastrophic," Hale told VOA. "I don't think they're interested in outright conflict with the United States and NATO. Because such a serious confrontation could "pose problems [at home] for the Putin administration, as well," Hale added.

"The bottom line is, in some ways, Russia's leadership really does want cooperation with the West, with the United State, with NATO," Hale said. "The question is on whose terms this cooperation is going to be."
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering the case of a black inmate on death row in Texas who contends that racially biased testimony tainted his sentence.

On Wednesday, the nations highest court appeared to side with inmate Duane Buck.

Most of the justices expressed concern that Bucks own defense lawyer, not the prosecutors, introduced the racially charged testimony during his trial.

It would seem more prejudicial when the defendants own lawyer brings it up. The jury would probably think, then it must be true, said Justice Elena Kagan.

During the sentencing phase of Bucks trial in 1997, clinical psychologist Walter Quijano, testifying on the likelihood of Buck committing future offenses, said black and Hispanic people are more likely to be dangerous because they are overrepresented among violent offenders.

In Texas death penalty trials, one of the special issues jurors must consider when deciding punishment is whether the defendant theyve convicted would be a future danger.

Bucks current lawyers said in court papers that the alleged link between race and future dangerousness has been proven false.

Bucks lawyers are not challenging his conviction, but they are seeking another chance to argue that he should not get the death penalty.

The only issue in arguments at the high court appeared to be whether to throw out Bucks sentence altogether and order a new sentencing hearing. The court also could instruct lower courts to decide whether the death sentence can stand.

Buck, now 53, does not dispute that he shot and killed another man and his ex-girlfriend, Debra Gardner, 32, about a week after breaking up with her in 1995. He also shot his stepsister, who survived.

Since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, 1,437 people have been put to death nationwide, with Texas carrying out the most executions at 537.

Historically, black inmates have held an outsized place on death row, even though nationally, whites greatly outnumber African Americans.
The United States is trying to broker an agreement between a host of nations to prohibit unregulated fishing in the international waters of the Arctic Ocean.

Such an agreement would be binding and include more countries than a non-binding agreement that the U.S. entered into with Norway, Denmark, Russia and Canada last year to avoid fishing in the area.

Adm. Robert Papp, the U.S. special representative for the Arctic, said a binding, multinational agreement would prevent fishing in the Arctic high seas before scientists can determine what is sustainable. He said the issue is especially important as Arctic ice melts, making the area more open to potential commercial fishing.

We dont want people fishing in there until we have the science of whats happening, Papp said. Its a preemptive effort to be able to sustain fisheries into the future.

The U.S. would like to get nations such as China, Korea, Japan and members of the European Union on board with the fishing shutdown, Papp said. He estimated that such an agreement is most likely a couple of years away.

The issue of Arctic Ocean fishing was one of many Arctic issues discussed this week at a diplomatic meeting of the Arctic Councils Senior Arctic Officials in Portland, Maine, that ended Thursday.

Arctic fishing also is on the radar of environmental organizations, such as The Pew Charitable Trusts, which has argued for a binding agreement signed by many nations to shut down fishing. Pew has called the current non-binding agreement laudable but also said a broader deal is needed because unregulated fishing could do damage to the Arctic Oceans ecosystem as waters continue to warm.

The U.S. State Department said last year that the non-binding agreement, signed in Oslo, acknowledged that commercial fishing in the central Arctic Ocean, an area bigger than Alaska and Texas combined, is unlikely to happen soon. But it also acknowledged that the reduction of Arctic sea ice and the limited scope of scientific knowledge about marine life in the area make it necessary to prevent unregulated fishing.

Signers agreed not to fish in the area until international fishing management measures are in place for the Arctics high seas. More than 200 species of fish thrive in the Arctic, some of which have commercial value, such as the Arctic cod.
Researchers have discovered the strongest evidence yet linking the Zika virus to the paralytic illness Guillain-Barre syndrome. During the height of the viral epidemic the incidence of Guillain-Barre was 100 times the number of cases usually seen.

Guillain-Barre is a normally rare condition that affects the peripheral nervous system, the nerves in arms and legs that are responsible for sensation and movement. The immune system attacks the fatty myelin coating of the nerves that protect and speed signals from the brain to the limbs.

Zika is in a family of viruses transmitted by mosquitoes called flavivirus, including dengue fever, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and chikungunya.

Normally, there are between one and two cases of Guillian-Barre per hundred thousand adults according to Carlos Pardo, a neurologist and pathologist at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland and lead author of a study published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine.

But at the height of the Zika epidemic between January and June in Colombia, where the study was conducted, hospitals were seeing 10 to 15 cases per week.

Pardo and colleagues from six institutions in the U.S., Central and South America established the first biological evidence connecting Zika to Guillain-Barre.

Investigators recruited 68 patients but because of research limitations were only able to look for evidence of Zika in 42 patients complaining of symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome. They underwent a genetics test looking for Zika RNA.

Seventeen - or 40 percent - of patients showed the virus genetic footprint.

Pardos team also conducted blood and urine tests on each patient. Investigators were able to culture the virus in the urine and found immune system-produced antibodies against Zika in the blood samples. The most positive results were in the urine.

Underreported

Occurrence of the disease was reported less in the media than microcephaly, another condition that linked to Zika. Microcephaly causes an abnormally small head and brain in newborns of mothers infected with Zika, leaving babies severely disabled.

Pardo says the magnitude of Guillain-Barre was similar to microcephaly.

Pardo says symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome typically appeared two to six weeks after people showed signs of infection with Zika, including fever, rash, headache and an eye infection called conjunctivitis.

Pardo says its important to get to patients early because there are treatments that can lessen the severity of Guillain-Barre.

If we are able to diagnose those patients in an early stage, we are able to provide them with an early treatment that may prevent those neurological disabilities, said Pardo.

For now, the Zika epidemic has settled down with the rainy season.

But Pardo is worried what will happen when the weather in the Americas gets warmer and drier at the end of the year.

Subsequently, theres going to be a higher risk for Guillian-Barre and obviously maternal infection and higher risk for pregnant mothers to have babies with microcephaly, said Pardo.

Treatment involves filtering the blood to clean up the immunological factors that attack the peripheral nervous system, causing Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Former vice president Joice Mujuru, who is now the president of Zimbabwes opposition Zimbabwe People First party, says she is prepared to compensate a white commercial farmer, Guy Watson Smith, for losing his commercial farm which was seized by her late husband General Solomon Mujuru in 2001.

Mujuru and Smith are currently discussing compensation modalities. The former vice president, who is in London where she is expected to address sizable audiences on the current situation in Zimbabwe, says the land belongs to everyone.

Zimbabwe People First spokesman, Jealous Mawarire, said Mrs. Mujurus thrust is to reboot the agriculture sector by monetizing the land.

He said his party is living up to its name as a government led by Mrs. Mujuru will be able to work with all people in Zimbabwe regardless of their color.

Mawarire noted that both Smith and Mrs. Mujuru will continue negotiating on the terms of the compensation package through their lawyers to ensure that the whole process was conducted in a fair manner.

Zimbabwe says it wont compensate for land but property belonging to farmers who lost their land to indigenous people.

Zimbabwes ruling party spearheaded a land reform program that resulted in more than 3,000 white commercial farmers losing their prime land to blacks, mostly ruling Zanu PF supporters.
By Press Trust of India: A senior Pakistani opposition leader today strongly criticised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for giving freedom to "non-state actors" that has led to the country's diplomatic isolation following the Uri terror attack.

"Pakistan's isolation is Nawaz Sharif's personal failure," Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Aitzaz Ahsan said during a joint session of parliament.

"Pakistan is isolated because it gives freedom to non-state actors," he said, adding that the government has been "completely unsuccessful in imposing restrictions on non-state actors according to the National Action Plan. Ahsan said he does not want instability in any country, as the "blame of that will then fall on us because of these non-state actors".

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The PPP senator also slammed the cabinets denial of Pakistani involvement in the Uri attack. He said using the phrase "we believe Pakistan has no hand in the Uri attack" is not a categorical denial and implies instead that "we don't know if our non-state actors are behind it."

Also Read: Heads start rolling in Uri attack, brigade commander removed as army probes terror strike

"When you cannot completely implement NAP (National Action Plan) and then something like this happens, the blame will fall on Pakistan and we will be isolated. Then Bangladesh and Afghanistan will not speak to you, and Bhutan and Nepal will begin supporting India. You have isolated Pakistan," he said, blaming Sharif for Pakistan's diplomatic isolation since the Prime Minister is also the foreign minister.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Senate Committee, set up to formulate policy guidelines for the government on relations with India particularly on the Kashmir issue, has sought backchannel talks between the two countries amid tensions following the Uri attack and the retaliatory surgical strikes.

"Keeping in view the need, efficacy and usefulness of back channel talks between India and Pakistan, the talks should be restored. The bilateral and Kashmir-related confidence- building measures need to be restored and expanded," the Dawn cited the Committee as saying in one of 22 recommendations it approved yesterday.

The senators underlined the need for working "towards bringing about a climate in which both Pakistan and India can implement politically difficult decisions to build mutual trust and confidence, leading towards an honourable and amicable settlement" of the Kashmir issue besides peace, stability and the welfare of the people.

Also Read: How India carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan post Uri attack



The Committee called for setting up an international fact-finding commission to probe the Uri terror attack and "rights violations" in Kashmir.

Besides calling for restoration of backchannel talks, the committee recommended that the two nuclear-armed neighbours "should prompt a serious caution and restraint when faced with over-provocation", the report said.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani had referred the issue to the committee, comprising all members of the house, following escalation of tension between the two countries after the September 18 attack on the Indian Army base in Kashmirs Uri, it said



Also Read

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Act against India-centric terror groups to check international isolation, Sharif govt tells Pak army

Pakistan will move towards China, Russia if views on Kashmir ignored, say Nawaz Sharif's envoys



--- ENDS ---
President Robert Mugabe says Zimbabwe is expected to amend its feared indigenization law, which has been blamed by economic commentators for any meaningful investment in Zimbabwe since its promulgation.

Officially opening the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament today, Mr. Mugabe said the indigenization law will be among several laws that will be debated in parliament.

The indigenization act will be amended to bring it into consonant with policy changes enunciated by my government in April this year. The Computer, Crime and Cyber Bill will be tabled to deal with what governments the world over are grappling with, he said.

The much-feared regulations compelling foreign-owned firms to part with equity stakes of 51 percent remains intact with indications that there is discord in the government on changing the Indigenization and Economic Empowerment Act to accommodate cowered foreign investors.

Zimbabwe has been grappling with public protesters demanding an end to President Mugabes rule.
A day after a lower court in Zimbabwe upheld a month-long ban on anti-government street protests, opposition and civil society groups are appealing the decision to the country's highest judicial body, the Supreme Court.



Politician Tendai Biti, with Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Wednesday filed the appeal. The move came after the High Court of Zimbabwe dismissed an application that called into question the legality of the ban imposed by police.



"Quite clearly, the judgment of the High Court is wrong," he said. "So we are entitled to appeal. For constitutionalism, the right to protest as defined in our new constitution is so compelling such that I would not think that any court would refuse the insurmountability of those arguments."



Last month, the High Court ruled that an earlier ban on the protests in Harare was "invalid" because it was not done procedurally. That decision led to the second ban, which was upheld Tuesday.

Before the bans, Zimbabwe had been rocked by an unprecedented wave of protests calling for President Robert Mugabes government to fix the moribund economy and respect human rights. Police then resorted to force and arrests to quell the protests.



Activist Linda Musarira was released last week after spending 82 days in jail for protesting. Musarira said she thinks it is time to change strategy to challenge the 92-year-old president's leadership.



The demonstrations have failed, people are being beaten up, people are being abused. Why should we continue with a strategy which is making people get into situations that we do not want? We are fighting against those injustices.



The constitution allows us to demonstrate, but they are unleashing the reign of terror using police officers and state security agents against activists so that they instill fear in us so that they silence us. But we will not be silenced. We are tired of this regime. We want change; we want to restore Zimbabwe back as the breadbasket of Africa, Musarira said.



Hunger and poverty are two of the issues that have brought Zimbabweans into the streets since July. The country has about a quarter of its 13 million population depending on international aid for survival.
Marion Louise Dahlke, 86, died on October 23rd at Grace Pointe Crossing in Cambridge, MN. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, October 28th at Anderson Funeral Home.
The Supreme Court criticised the authorities for not handling the situation properly and making the people suffer in Delhi.

By India Today Web Desk: Criticising the handling of dengue and chikungunya menace in Delhi, the Supreme Court today said the authorities were "not interested" and the people have been "left to suffer".

The Supreme Court expressed disappointment over the outcome of yesterday's meeting between Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and Delhi government on curbing vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya. It asked them to hold another meeting this evening to check the diseases.

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"We have gone through the minutes of the meeting held yesterday and we are quiet disappointed with the outcome," a bench of justices MB Lokur and Amitava Rao said.

Also read: SC imposes Rs 25K cost on Delhi Minister in dengue matter



"These people are not interested and the people of Delhi are left to suffer," the bench observed and asked the Jung and Delhi government to hold a meeting at 5:30 pm today to discuss the matter.



MEETING TO BE CONVENED



During the Supreme Court hearing, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, appearing for Delhi chief secretary, told the court that Jung would convene a meeting in which those officers, who were directed to attend the meeting by the court in its October 4 order, would be present.

The Supreme Court also ordered senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who is an amicus curiae in the matter, to attend the meeting and express his views on how to tackle the diseases. The court directed that the participants should discuss the steps to be taken to prevent the problem faced by the people of Delhi this year and also the future measures.

Also read: Viral threat still high in Delhi, say experts



The Supreme Court added, "We expect the participants to keep the interest of people of Delhi in mind while doing the entire exercise." The bench added, "We expect that the action taken is collaborative and cooperative".

It fixed the matter for further hearing on October 17.

--- ENDS ---
Something is off with Black-ish. Maybe it has something to do with how crowded the show has become this season. Daveed Diggs as Johan is good, but he has been given few opportunities shine. And now, 40 Acres and a Vote introduces another character: Connor (Nelson Franklin), Mr. Stevenss son. Does the show really need to add any more cast members? The ensemble is large enough as it is. With so many characters fighting for screen time, Black-ish feels way too busy.

Junior is running for student president. If he wins, hell be the first black president in the schools history. Dre, emotional from realizing President Obama will soon leave the office, is determined to see Junior win. Dre doesnt want the country to lose all the progress its made, so he wants to keep black presidents of any kind in office  a desire that leads to the episodes central family debate. Everybody in the family has various positions on voting, and while I can appreciate Black-ish for wanting to show many sides to an issue, it all seemed like overkill.

Ruby is voting Democrat, regardless of Hillary Clintons positions or the fact that her ideals align so perfectly with Republican candidate Donald Trump that Dianes voting app assumed Ruby was him. Ruby always votes Democrat, plus she knows her priorities: Idris, money, and alimony. Johan and Pops refuse to vote because they think elections are rigged. Even Jack experiences what he thinks is a rigged election in his classroom. The students have to vote for a class pet, but because he received detention, he is no longer allowed to cast a ballot. Johan and Pops shake their heads at this felony disenfranchisement, another way to keep black voters from having a voice.

At work, Dre has to contend with Connor and Mr. Stevens, who are birthers and believe President Obama is the worst thing to happen to the country. Connor may not be the best person to listen to on these kinds of matters  or anything, really  since his nickname is the New Haven Ripper. It looks like Jeff Meachams Josh has been demoted to a recurring role for season three, so Connor must be tapping in as the requisite idiotic white guy at work.

After Junior embarrasses himself by wearing a womans pantsuit to present his campaign speech, Dre tells him to focus on black cool while it still has some value. Junior dabs to Desiigners Panda but drops his phone, which begins to play some kind of uncool indie pop. Juniors failure goes viral, frustrating Dre. Charlie suggests Junior try the white guilt strategy. It worked for him, which is why the office now has Popeyes Fridays. We next see Junior looking like a modern Malcolm X, claiming to be the son of a slave, and adding images of the KKK in between slides of his vending-machine platform. The white guilt campaign works, sort of: Junior rises in the polls, but someone creates a smear campaign against him, claiming the election is rigged.

Junior wants to be himself, so he tells Dre hes going to quit. Junior is not cool, nor does he want to guilt his classmates into voting for him. Dre is disappointed but lets it go. In the end, however, Junior sticks to the race. He saw his opponent being rude to the janitorial staff and didnt want someone in office who would not be respectful of all people. In the meantime, Johan and Pops are inspired by First Lady Michelle Obamas rousing Democratic National Convention speech and vow to vote in the upcoming election. Zoey uses white guilt to write her college essay, turning the Johnson family into a sob story she needs college to escape from.

Not only is the episode a crowded house of cast members, but Johan and Pops are also watching O.J.: Made in America, which occasionally pops up to add a remark about white justice to the voting disenfranchisement debate. (The complete line, uttered by Simpsons childhood friend Joe Bell: That is white justice in America.) So yeah, 40 Acres and a Vote has a lot to juggle. Ostensibly, it is a long reminder to get out and vote when its time to elect a president  with Rubys narrow-minded views as admonishment of how not to vote  but the episode doesnt gel. If Black-ish had found a way to give us more Johan, more Charlie, and less time at Dres workplace, maybe the episode wouldve gone more smoothly. As it is, the show needs to get its groove back.
L-R: Issae Rae and Yvonne Orji in Insecure. Photo: HBO

Issa, whats on fleek? These are the kinds of questions that Issa (Issa Rae), the heroine of HBOs excellent new series Insecure, has to answer from white folks at her workplace, a nonprofit that creates outreach programs for public schools. Issa politely ignores them. She doesnt answer the smart-alecky questions of the black school kids she deals with, either, much less observations that arent even questions, like You talk white! Issa loves to rap and is good at it and wants to be part of that world, but resents the casual misogyny embedded in hip-hop. She chafes at the inert niceness of her longtime live-in boyfriend, Lawrence (Jay Ellis), a Georgetown graduate whos been unemployed for a long time because hes too prideful to accept jobs he thinks are beneath him; she loves Lawrence but resents feeling pressured to stay in a relationship thats not going anywhere out of fear of being single forever; she also feels pressured to cut him loose and have lots of colorful, strings-free hookups like her best friend Molly (Yvonne Orji), a lawyer. Of course, the grass is always greener on the other side: Molly would love to have a relationship with a halfway decent, committed man, but too many of both her and Issas potential love interests dont want relationships, only sex, and everything these women do is treated by men as a pretext to call it quits and move along to the next woman. Just because we have standards does not make us difficult, Molly tells Issa, sounding as if she wishes that she could believe her own statement.

The show is organized around recurring images of Issa standing in her bathroom mirror, practicing what shes going to say at work or on dates or during nights out with friends; trying on different lipstick to embolden herself to adopt a different personality, trying out rap lyrics she wants to perform someday. She loves herself but also feels dissatisfied with what she sees reflected in the glass; its always not quite right, never exactly enough. She exists simultaneously in multiple self-contained worlds, and within multiple self-states, navigating her own interior multitudes. Shes complicated and real.

And so is Insecure. Co-created by Rae and writer-producer and former The Nightly Show host Larry Wilmore, and co-executive-produced by music-video helmer Melina Matsoukas, this series offers still more proof that, creatively, the half-hour Comedy in Theory is leaving the hour-long drama in the dust. The show also confirms that theres plenty of talent percolating outside of the TV industrys established channels: Rae honed this character in her web series, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, and Insecure imports much of its progenitors DNA, adding production values, a strong narrative through line (built around Issas and Mollys relationships and work lives), and a wide-ranging, imaginative soundtrack, collated by music supervisor Solange Knowles, that somehow manages to feel like a Greek chorus to the action without seeming too on-the-nose.

Few series have conveyed such a clear sense of all the different people that black professional women are required to be, and none has done such a fine job of conveying this visually as well as in performance and dialogue; notice, for instance, how the offices where Issa and Molly work are subtly whiter in production design than their apartments, favoring flat white, cream, pale aquamarine, and other Ikea-type hues  all of which make Mollys and Issas dark skin pop more, driving home the notion that, as the lone African-American women in their department, theyre expected to represent as well as do their jobs. One of the more agonizing subplots finds Molly cautioning and then reprimanding a new employee at her law office, a young African-American woman she fears is too loud and uses too many vernacular terms. Orjis performance puts across all the complications in this dilemma: Shes protecting her own position while imparting life lessons to her co-worker, and underneath it all is the fear that Molly has made compromises that the new hire refuses to accept. Issas workplace has its own drama: At one point, she masterminds a new project that she knows is kind of half-assed, but is still rightly pissed when her co-workers discuss it with her white partner via an email chain without copying her. Theyre having secret white meetings and sending secret white emails, Issa tells Molly.

The pilot of Insecure is underwhelming, as pilots often are, but the second episode is more relaxed and confident. By the time it gets to the third and fourth episodes, its on rails, conveying its more meaningful insights through lyrical bits of filmmaking, such as the Proustian mini-montage triggered by Lawrence trying to scrub a food stain out of the utterly unremarkable couch that he and Issa have been sitting on for years. In a series of brief, static flashback images, we see Issa and Lawrence accepting delivery of the couch and tearing the protective wrapping off, then making out on it, watching TV, eating, etc. Years pass within the space of a minute. Eventually, Lawrence tries to talk to Issa, but she takes a moment to register that hes said anything because shes always buried in a book. The characters gradually stop touching each other over time. The last couple of shots in the sequence find them smushed against opposite ends of the couch. Its this shows equivalent of that magnificent montage in Citizen Kane that communicates the growing alienation between Kane and his second wife by showing them moving farther apart at their dinner table, the table itself getting (preposterously) longer until the couple practically has to shout to be heard. One of Kanes most devastating scenes also occurred in a hall of mirrors, come to think of it. This show is Citizen Kane for awkward black girls.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Just in time to get you hyped for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, J.K. Rowling has added to her history of American magic. Rowlings latest installment, now on Pottermore, fills out more details on the films 1920s setting, and goes in depth on the Magical Congress of the United States of America (or MACUSA, for short). The gist seems to be that even though American witches and wizards have their own government, theyre not so keen on participating in national movements. According to Rowling, the wizarding community congregated in 1777 for a grand debate about whether to join the Revolutionary War, and eventually decided to abstain, telling the Ministry of Magic in London, Sitting this one out. After that, the Ministry sent back the classically British response, Mind you do. Of course, a few American wizards still joined the fight, because were not all giant Tories.

Closer to the present, Rowling emphasizes one key thing that might be important during Fantastic Beasts: In the 1920s, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement was the largest department in the MACUSA, and American wizards still live under Rappaports Law, which bans intermarriage and even friendship between wizards and No-Majs. Crucially, a significant difference between the wizarding governments of the United States and the U.K. of this time was the penalty for serious crime. Whereas British witches and wizards were sent to Azkaban, the worst criminals in America were executed. Eddie Redmayne, watch your back.
Gabrielle Union in Birth of a Nation. Photo: Jahi Chikwendiu/Twentieth Century Fox

Nate Parkers The Birth of a Nation, a retelling of Nat Turners 1831 slave insurrection, has approximately five women in speaking roles: Turners wife, Cherry; his mother, Nancy; his grandmother, Bridget; his masters wife, Elizabeth Turner; and the masters daughter, Catherine. Behind them is another woman, Esther, whos at the center of one of the films most pivotal scenes. Though shes played by the biggest name in the cast, Gabrielle Union, she never speaks (a deliberate choice by Union). In Parkers telling, Esther is just one soul among the thousands of slaves in antebellum Virginia  the only difference is her survival inspires a revolution. But in the way he tells her story, Parker does a disservice to the actual women who lived and died alongside Turner, presenting them as little more than stock victims in need of deliverance.

Much of the conversation around Birth of a Nation has centered on the college rape allegation against Parker, charges he was acquitted of in 2001. But while Parkers crimes against women must remain, legally at least, in the realm of reasonable doubt, his treatment of the films female characters deserves a similar level of scrutiny. For as much time Parker has spent in the spotlight discussing his newly evolved views on sexual assault, his film itself has a troubling habit of using rape to valorize Turner.

Near the end of the film, before the rebellion, Parkers owner Samuel Turner (Armie Hammer) throws a dinner party. Esther catches the eye of the one the guests, and so later than night, Turners butler arrives at her door to bring her to his bed. Nat and Esthers husband, Hark, are oddly scandalized by the request, as though the routine rape of enslaved women and men was not business as usual on a Virginia plantation. The arrangement spurs a conversation about consent  but only between Nat, Hark, Samuel, and the butler. Esther is absent, her dignity bounced around from man to man until its stripped of any attachment to the woman herself.

And yet, while the film treats every other atrocity of slavery with the same visceral transparency  at one point, Nat watches an overseer hammer in the teeth of a hunger-striking slave  it turns away from this one. Esthers rape takes place offscreen, with neither a scream nor any audible acknowledgement that a woman is being brutalized. Rather than show the sexual assault, Parkers camera shows us the faces of pitiful men  Nat, Hark, the butler  standing helpless while they wait outside. The audience bears witness from a comfortable-enough distance. No one has to see what happens to Esther through her own eyes.

In its clumsy way, the scene suggests that the shared pain of the three men matters more than Esthers own, singular pain. When Esther emerges from the masters house, her husband collapses onto her shoulder just as much as she does his. Its clear in that moment that, for the foreseeable future, shes going to have to comfort him before she can comfort herself. His pain and fragility is of greater importance than her own.

The audience doesnt get to know the story of how Esther heals, because shes never seen again. Having served her purpose as a catalyst for Turners uprising, she vanishes from the film. The same thing happens to Nats wife, Cherry (Aja Naomi King), whose rape by a group of white men Parker delicately cuts away from. Shes left out of much of the films third act, her disfigured face seen only in rare cutaways when Nat sobs at her bedside, begging her to allow him to avenge her.

Historians and Turners own testimony agree that the rebellion was spurred on not by anything resembling either of these incidents, but rather an eclipse, which Turner took as a religious call to arms. Parker has attempted to explain his exclusion of rape scenes in the film by arguing that he didnt want to exploit the pathology of sexual assault, but its hard not to see a similar exploitation in the films refusal to show violence against women through any lens but a mans.

Even in scenes that have nothing to do with sexual violence, Births hero-worship of Turner prevents it from presenting its female characters as specific three-dimensional people. Nats mother Nancy (Aunjanue Ellis) offers nothing but unwavering support, with none of the moral complexity of his white surrogate mother (Penelope Ann Miller), who retains a measure of sympathy for him even after the rebellion. Even Cherry, purportedly the love of Turners life, gets short shrift: Shortly after their rushed marriage, Nat learns that Cherry isnt her real name. When she tries to reveal more about her history and how she got to that auction block, shes met with a dismissive smile. Whatever Cherrys real-life story  and the facts have long been disputed  its irrelevant to the one Parker has invented for her.

One scene near the end of the film offers the possibility of something more. After Nat receives a vicious whipping, his grandmother (played with admirable fortitude by Esther Scott) tends to his wounds, offering a family story about the transatlantic slave trade. Just when you a think the movie might finally give her some depth, her speech turns out to be yet another celebration of a Turner man  in this case, Nats grandfather, who bravely defied the slavers. Its a fitting example of the films worldview. It was apparently Nat Turners destiny all along to become a martyr. All the women in his life had to look forward to was helping build his cross.
Even if you missed the vice-presidential debates on Tuesday night, at least you know that late-night hosts like Samantha Bee and Seth Meyers will recap it so its practically like you watched it. On Wednesday night, Meyers took a patented Closer Look at the debate between Virginia governor and goober Tim Kaine and Indiana governor and Jonny Quest boy-toy Mike Pence. Pence did a lot of shaking of his head and denying of things that both he and Donald Trump have said, but fortunately, Seth Meyers has the fact-checkers on it. Still, Pence came off a lot better than his boss, the exploding tomato, which prompts Seth Meyers to deliver a message specially for Donald Trump: Hes better than you.
Its been a while since Youre the Worst gave us a banger of an episode like this: wall-to-wall jokes, along with lists, insults, and bizarro-profane descriptions courtesy of Britains next great and terrible novelist, Jimmy Shive-Overly. I admire YTW for its ability to go dark, but its been ages since weve seen an episode willing to be this light, and it felt so good to be back.

Like many an aging friend crew before them, our foursome has stayed just a bit too long at the fair. Lindsay and Edgars valiant effort to come up with a worthy Sunday Funday activity  nude beach, turtle races, sex trampoline  feel desperate. Gretchen surveys the scene, then calls it: Sunday Funday is played out, even for these hipsters. Jimmys response: Oh no! Theyve corporatized your cloying, fabricated, feckless drinking holiday? Is nothing pure anymore? If you heard that and thought, Wait a second, Jimmy LOVES fabricating reasons to be drinking and has never had qualms about fecklessness before, you, my friends, predicted the lovely undercurrent of the episode. Jimmy, resident Sunday Funday hater, gets an absurd amount of joy from the (brilliant, hyperbolic riff on a real) scavenger hunt to Gretchens white whale of a speakeasy. Seeing Jimmy blossom with each inane, convoluted clue that comes his way is like watching Ron Swanson giggle with glee at Leslies impossible scavenger hunts.

Gretchen insists they seek out, as Jimmy not-inaccurately describes it, the worst thing to happen to bars since internet jukeboxes and big ice cubes, because she had depression and therefore really needs it. (I love that Gretchen was torn up about her relatively manageable condition but bumbled on, willfully oblivious to Edgars devastating, debilitating PTSD.) Jimmy agrees, so long as he doesnt have to solve any riddles, and then of course he leaps at the opportunity to use his knowledge of HTML and the Dewey Decimal system to get them to their first stop: the library, where a gross dude is using the free Wi-Fi to watch porn and masturbate. Also, they find a book that leads them to something about ragtime, and who do they know that knows anything about ragtime?

Sam! ALL episodes should include Sam and his guys. Not just all episodes of Youre the Worst, either. All episodes of all the shows. Imagine the damage Sam would do on Stranger Things. Picture Honey Nutz on Jane the Virgin, finally finding the true love that eludes him here. Think of Shitstain on The Americans. Im honestly not sure what he would do there, but Im open to suggestions. Sam is thrilled by the power of his bigifier  godDAMN these pixels look big as shit!  and Shitstain is thrilled because he just eloped with Jacqueline. Honey Nutz is TOTALLY FINE so dont worry about him.

Sam identifies the sheet music as a song called Happy Toes, which changes from major to minor key midway through. Its like Happy Toes and then it switches to Sad Toes, he offers. This leads the gang, naturally, to a sketchy-looking foot clinic. (Sam declines the invitation to join the adventure: I am frightened by puzzles and general trickery.)

The escalation of the hunt is real magic, starting from its low-to-moderate implausibility to straight-up, theres-no-way-in-hell-this-could-happen territory. Outside the foot clinic, to use a technical term of art, shit gets real: Gretchen harasses a man in a suit who drops his briefcase; a special code dialed into a pay phone produces a key; the abandoned briefcase, when unlocked, contains a photo of the group from the library. (As Jimmy puts it: The masturbating mans computer took the photo.) Edgar has a real Dorothy  as in Oz, not his girlfriend  moment, thinking this means that were the bar, the bar is inside us! But theres too much airtime left for that sentimental noise.

Lindsay and Gretchens low-grade tiff blows up into a real fight by the middle of the episode, with Gretchen furious at Lindsay for bitching about a marriage she refuses to invest in (or bail on) and Lindsay tired of being called out on the aforementioned failure. Lindsay keeps mentioning Paul, though, and after three name drops, Gretchen summons him. (BEETLEJUICE, BITCH.) Paul, who recognizes their next clue as an old railroad map, shows up with bubble tea and a sad little engineering hat.

In Chinatown, Lindsay and Edgar have this beautiful heart-to-heart that makes me nostalgic for season one, when their friendship got more attention. When was the last time we saw Lindsay this genuinely happy for someone else? Her smile at the realization that Edgar is unbothered by firecrackers is so sweet. Edgar returns the favor by telling Lindsay, point-blank, that she should try the thing youre most afraid of. Lindsay: You mean ask Paul to try to accommodate my needs within the confines of my marriage? That she takes this legitimately stunning moment of self-awareness and turns around to tell Paul she needs to be able to have sex with other people is  still not promising for her marriage! But you know, baby steps. Like the baby inside of Lindsay. That apparently she is still carrying to term.

This is followed by a gorgeous sequence in which Edgar puts on his Joe Biden shades and lets his friends shoot firecrackers directly at him. Seems dangerous, but sure. Immersion therapy!

The episode hits its absurdist climax when the gang break into what appears, by all accounts, to be a random familys house  No families are that happy, Jimmy insists, convincing everyone to rush back inside. Theyre actors! he screams. They tear the place apart, get arrested, and land in prison  only to find that their prison toilet is ACTUALLY ATTACHED TO A SECRET REVOLVING WALL-DOOR THAT LEADS TO THE SPEAKEASY. Our victors are welcomed to a night like no other.

The best part of all that insanity? The speakeasy is lame and two Manhattans set Gretchen back $42. Speakeasies are lame. I appreciate that, even as this episode abandons reality for the heightened fantasy land of Sunday Funday, such an essential truth remains. And now Gretchen knows, the way you can feel nostalgic for a moment while its still happening, theyll never Sunday Funday again.

The Worst: Speakeasies, now and forever.

Runners-up: Lindsays understanding of the Dewey Decimal system (you boop with your pen?), trying to fix a broken marriage with a one-sided adultery arrangement, grabbing someones ice cream in your fist just to fuck with them, old men who masturbate in libraries.

A Few Good Things: The way Sam pronounces trickery, immersion therapy, how Gretchen got banned from so many bars, Edgar learning that marijuana helps in a way that his other meds did not, Jimmy singing Happy Toes.
A large number of people in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) have spoken out against the terror camps there, which the locals say enjoy the support of the Pakistan government.

PoK residents have slammed Pakistan govt for not acting against terror camps. ANI Photo.

By India Today Web Desk: A large number of people in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) have spoken out against the terror camps thriving there and slammed Pakistan for giving support to banned terror organisations.

The protest also confirms India's allegation that the Pakistani administration is allowing terror camps on its soil, a fact that Pakistan repeatedly denies.

PoK RESIDENTS RECOUNT ATROCITIES

Residents of Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Chinari, Mirpur, Gilgit, Diamer and Neelum Valley in the PoK said life is a "living hell" due to the terror training camps in the area.

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Locals said Pakistan has provided food and ration to banned terror organisations and their camps. "We condemn it," a local leader in Muzaffarabad told news agency ANI.

Also read: Pakistan is rattled, and that's evidence of India's surgical strike

"Terrorism needs to be eliminated. Giving shelter to terrorists won't solve the issue," another resident said in Kotli.



WILL ACT IF GOVT DOESN'T: PoK LOCALS



Some residents said if the Pakistani government does not act against the terror camps, they will be forced to take the matter in their hands.

"If the management doesn't end Taliban's terror camps and 'no-go' areas in Diamer, Gilgit, Baseen and others, then we will take action," a man in Gilgit said.

Also read: I'm sad it took constable Nitin Kumar's life for media to honour BSF

Last week, the Indian Army conducted a surgical strike across the Line of Control and killed nearly 50 terrorists. The commandos also destroyed eight terror camps in the PoK.

The Indian Army's operation to avenge the Uri attack has also been confirmed by eyewitnesses in the PoK, as reported by The Indian Express on Wednesday.

Also read: Pakistan's denial of surgical strikes exposes Kejriwal's colonial hangover

Watch video:





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The Mad Hasher

University Parks Drive at Franklin Avenue / 254-299-7971 / madhasherwaco.com / On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-midnight Thursdays-Saturdays.

Price: $ (see guide)

Takeout: Yes

Alcohol: No

On the menu: Breakfast hashes (basics of fried potatoes, meat and cheese, topped with fried eggs) with multiple optional toppings; and sandwiches (Cuban, two with breakfast sausage/ground sirloin patties, two jalapeno waffle sandwiches).

Good to know: Vegetarian The Green Thumb hash is locally sourced. Candied bacon featured on some sandwiches. Waffle sandwiches have fillings of fried chicken and maple syrup or brisket with barbecue sauce.

Restaurant origin: Owned by Jonya Williams of Rio Brazos Catering Company and opened by Williams and general manager Dean Covic in early September.

Moroso Wood Fired Pizzeria

4700 Bosque Blvd. / 254-235-6000 / morosopizzeria.com / On Facebook, Instagram

Hours: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, 5-10 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, 5-11 p.m. Fridays.

Price: $-$$

Takeout: Yes

Alcohol: Yes

On the menu: 13 types of Neapolitan pizza (dough from 00 flour, fresh yeast, sea salt and purified water; San Marzano tomatoes; cooked at very high temperature); appetizers including aranchini (fried ravioli balls), made-from-scratch meatballs, charcuterie board; salads; desserts including cannoli, risotta cheesecake and torta al cioccolato (flourless chocolate cake).

Good to know: Tomatoes and flour are imported from Italy with Italian sausage custom-made in Texas. Pizza oven, dough mixer designed for neapolitan pizza. Many recipes are from owner Dan Morosos family.

Restaurant origin: Dan Moroso trained in restaurant and hotel service before following a career as a television production and writer. He and his wife Robyn, a Baylor University graduate with family in Waco, moved to Waco after 17 years in Miami to set up their own restaurant with an emphasis on hand-crafted food and premium ingredients. Opened Sept. 1.

Silos Baking Co.

601 Webster Ave. / 254-235-6111 / magnoliamarket.com/silos / On Facebook, Instagram

Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays.

Price: $

Takeout: No

Alcohol: No

On the menu: Eight flavors of cupcakes; cookies (chocolate-chip and chocolate-chip/peanut-butter-chip/walnut); cinnamon rolls (with and without pecans); biscuits (bacon/cheddar and orange/cranberry); almond pastry; and blueberry muffins. Drinks include milk, lemonades and water.

Good to know: Some of the recipes are favorites of Magnolia Market co-owner/founder Joanna Gaines of HGTVs Fixer Upper. Several cupcakes carry Fixer Upper-inspired names, such as the Shiplap (vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream icing), Nuts & Bolts (vanilla cake with pecans and walnuts, cream cheese icing), Silobration (vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream icing) and Cup O Jo (chocolate cake with espresso buttercream icing).

Restaurant origin: Located on the Magnolia Market grounds in the shadow of the twin silos. Opened June 29.

The Provender Store

608 B Austin Ave. / 254-265-4327 / TheProvenderStore.com / On Facebook, Instagram

Hours: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.

Price: $-$$

Takeout: Yes. Catering available.

Alcohol: No

On the menu: Organic delicatessen and bakery with locally sourced foods wherever possible. Hand-cured pastrami, corned beef and chicken; homemade bread, pickles, preserves, mustards and sausage; specialty desserts.

Good to know: Menu updated every few months to reflect seasonally available produce and meats.

Restaurant origin: Owner Craig Parker came to the Waco area as a wine-making consultant, but success with his homemade jams at the Downtown Waco Farmers Market persuaded him of a need for a downtown deli. The Provender Store opened in 2013.

Georges Restaurant and Bar

1925 Speight Ave. (original location) and 1201 Hewitt Drive (Westrock) / 254-753-1421 and 254-420-2060 / georgesrestaurant.com

Hours: 6:30 a.m.-midnight Mondays- Saturdays and 11 a.m.- midnight Mondays, 7 a.m.-midnight Tuesdays-Saturdays

Price: $-$$

Takeout: Yes. Catering available.

Alcohol: Full bar

On the menu: Mix of American, Southern and Tex-Mex with breakfast, lunch and dinner served. Recent menu additions include sandwiches The George (hamburger with bacon, mushrooms, grilled onions, Swiss cheese, spinach and roasted tomatoes), the Bruiser (chicken-fried steak with grilled onions, mushrooms bacon, jalapenos and Bruiser Sauce; and the chick-queso potato (potato stuffed with chicken-fried steak and queso).

Good to know: Both Georges offer a new 15-item $5.99 menu and both have outdoor seating on the Big O Deck (original location) and the Big O Patio patio (Westrock).

Red Wagon BBQ

169 Halbert Lane / 254-829-2277 / www.redwagonbbq.com

Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays. Brisket and ribs often sell out before closing.

Price: $-$$

Takeout: Yes

Alcohol: No

On the menu: Brisket, chicken, beef ribs, beef sausage; brisket and chicken plates, sandwiches. Sides of potato salad, cole slaw, beans, all organic. Salads topped with chopped beef, chicken or smoked salmon also available.

Good to know: Grass-fed beef used for sausage, which is made onsite; all-natural ribs; all-natural brisket when available. Sandwiches made with bread baked at nearby Homestead Heritage using flour from wheat milled onsite. Honey used as sweetener in cole slaw; no sugar added to sides or barbecue rubs.

What About Cupcakes?

1001 Franklin Ave. / (254) 224-6610 / www.whataboutcupcakes.com / on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturday or when cupcakes are sold out.

Price: $ (see guide below)

Takeout: Yes. Same-day calls to reserve cupcakes accepted with payment at time of call. Those with large or custom orders advised to call at least a day in advance.

On the menu: Cupcakes in mini, regular and jumbo sizes. Daily flavors of strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter and Oreo plus two or three featured cupcakes each day. Ice cream, frosted sugar cookies and tea cake cookies also available.
By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Making a case for free market economy to boost investments, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today said the market price of petroleum products should commensurate with production rate to augment output and subsidies on such items must be for poor households only.

"The market price should be near to production price. We have to adopt a market mechanism. Government should not control prices (of petroleum products)," the minister said at the India Economic Summit here.

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The minister was also of the view that freeing price of petroleum products is necessary to boost the investors confidence and increase private players participation in energy sector.

He suggested that the without removing subsidies India cannot augment production of petroleum products in the country.

He also stressed that the subsidies should be targetted and should not be available to everybody for increasing investors confidence. Besides there should be a debate on this.

At present, the government still provides subsidy on kerosene and cooking gas (LPG). Government has been trying to persuade consumers to give up their LPG subsidy so that it could be provided to deserving below poverty line or poor families.

The minister was of the view that the gas and renewables like solar and wind energy has a future in India in the long term and their proportion will increase in the energy mix in coming days.

The Minister also emphasised the need to monetise farm waste by converting it into various forms of energy and said "We are very much focused on the bio-energy. We have to tap the farm bio waste." PTI KKS MKJ

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Nearly 50 companies will have a presence at the Greater Waco Career Fair scheduled for Thursday in the Waco Convention Center, where job seekers also will have access to skill and training workshops and information from local schools of higher learning, a spokesman for the event said.

We had 200 people attend within the first couple of hours last year, and wed love to see that many again, said Ashley Lunde, director of the business retention and research at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, which is sponsoring the fair with Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas.

Lunde said 47 employers will have tables at the fair, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in McLennan Hall of the convention center, 100 Washington Ave.

But we also are going to have something different called the Resource Center, Lunde said. This is where people will find out about skills they need to get jobs.

She said representatives of Prosper Waco, Texas State Technical College-Waco, McLennan Community College, the MCC University Center, Goodwill Industries and the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce will talk with people wanting feedback on finding a job locally and what is available from a training standpoint.

Were always eager to retain local talent, and were excited about all the groups getting involved, Lunde said.

Each person attending the fair will receive a career fair guide with information about the employers participating and available positions being recruited.

This is an opportunity for recruiters to network with several potential candidates from within and outside of Central Texas in a short period of time, Lunde said. The career fair also provides recruiters the opportunity to go beyond reviewing the resume to direct engagement with the potential candidate.

The Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes McLennan and Falls counties, continues to enjoy a relatively low jobless rate. And the Waco metro area continues to add jobs, though the pace of growth has slowed in recent months, according to Karr Ingham, an Amarillo-based economist who prepares a monthly report on economic trends.

Lunde said the job market is getting tighter, but there are still people looking, the underemployed, for example, and were hoping they make their way to the fair.

Local plant managers have said they face challenges in finding and keeping staffers to fill their needs, said Whitney Richter, manager of business development and marketing at the Waco chamber. The chamber has a stake in keeping talented people in Waco to meet the needs of prospects considering the city, Richter said.

Some of the businesses scheduled to attend the job fair include M. Lipsitz & Co., Baylor University, Express Employment Professionals, KCEN-TV, KWTX-TV, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Marine Corps, the city of Hewitt, the city of Waco, Hobbs Bonded Fibers and Magnolia Market. Others are EMSI, Express Employment Professionals, Jack-of-All-Trades Personnel Services, Pilgrims Pride, Tractor Supply Co., C3/Customer Contact Channels, Contemporary Services Corporation, Ferguson Enterprises, the U.S. Army, Waco ISD, Westview Manor, Caterpillar Work Tools and Woody Butler Homes.
The Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy is working to increase enrollment and the money that comes with it to offset the expiration of the federal grant that helped the program get started.

GWAMAs almost $6 million, three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education Magnet School Assistance Program grant expired Friday, but district officials say parents and potential students should know this will not have a major impact on the school or its programs.

The district is shifting its focus on how the school will be funded now that more of the cost will be on the districts shoulders, GWAMA director Dale McCall and area superintendent Rick Hartley said Tuesday afternoon. GWAMA opened in August 2013, and its future funding will come with a renewed focus on recruiting students, GWAMA grant coordinator Sarah Harper said. The district is committed to funding the school for the next several years, Harper said.

Classes will remain the same, Harper said. Kids and parents wont notice any difference in the quality of education or the amount of classes and the number of students we have.

The school serves about 185 students, he said.

McCall said the school has a yearly budget to meet, and this years budget is between $1.1 million and $1.2 million, with about 90 percent of it going toward salaries, electricity and utilities.

The goal is to have an enrollment of 250 to 300 students for next year, McCall said.

Each district pays $3,300 per student it sends to GWAMA, McCall said. That is $2,900 based on average daily attendance funding and $400 for building use fees, he said.

The home campuses cost may be offset if the student takes Career and Technology Education courses at GWAMA, which are reimbursed through the state, McCall said. Because the students arent at the campus the entire day for courses, and may have to be transferred between GWAMA and their home district, the school districts also may be reimbursed for mileage costs if applied for through the state.

It is a larger portion than what just one school district can fund, McCall said. This community is not only WISD. Its La Vega. Its Lorena. Its Riesel. Its Bruceville-Eddy. These are the school districts. We have 15 were partnering with just this year, and its becoming more and more of an integral part of what theyre offering their students, and they see theres the commitment from WISD and the community partners that we have.

Within he next 10 days, McCall, the schools recruiter and his team will be hitting the ground to inform high school counselors, families and students about what GWAMA offers because if they dont start now, theyll be behind in boosting enrollment for next year, he said.

Created with the Waco Business League, Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, Texas State Technical College and area manufacturing businesses, the school offers classes and dual credit courses in welding, precision metal manufacturing, robotics and electronics to sophomore through senior students in any school district within a 60-mile radius, the schools website states.

Enrollment has increased on the campus each year, and demand for skilled workers in GWAMA-related fields is high in Texas, Hartley said. GWAMA also will rely on the marketing of its business partners, and the school just added the sophomore grade level to its program this year, McCall said.

Theres a lot of value in what this program can do for its students and all these different districts, and were going to continue to get that word out, Hartley said.

The lack of federal funding wont impact the possibility of the school adding new programs either, Hartley and McCall said. At least one new program is already in the planning stages, a construction science program.

Beyond the recruiting measures, the districts grant department is also working to identify other potential funding sources, Harper said.
The fight to end local human trafficking has gained federal backing in the form of grants worth $1.5 million.

Communities In Schools of the Heart of Texas will receive $900,000 over a three-year period, and the McLennan County Sheriffs Office will get $600,000 over a three-year period from U.S. Department of Justice divisions.

The Heart of Texas Human Trafficking Coalition was one of seven projects nationwide selected for the Justice Department grant awards.

Human trafficking in the Waco community is an unfortunate reality, said Mike Harper, executive director of Communities in Schools of the Heart of Texas. The areas youth are at risk, Harper said.

Coalition leader Susan Peters, executive director of UnBound, an organization that assists victims of human trafficking, said the formation of the Heart of Texas Human Trafficking Coalition and the funding provided by this grant dramatically increase the capacity for collaboration to make the community a hostile environment for human trafficking and a safe place for children.

The idea behind the grant is for Communities in Schools and the sheriffs office to work with other agencies to create a multidisciplinary human trafficking task force.

The funding will allow the Heart of Texas Human Trafficking Coalition to expand its roles. Founded in 2015, the coalition represents McLennan, Falls, Bosque, Hill, Limestone and Freestone counties and now incorporates more than 50 area agencies on the local, state and federal levels.

The $900,000 for Communities in Schools will help pay for a case manager, a human trafficking specialist counselor and for victim services, said Natalie Garnett, Heart of Texas Human Trafficking Coalition coordinator and UnBound assistant national director. The sheriffs offices portion will cover the salary of one detective and half the salary of another detective and pay for equipment.

According to the grant application, law enforcement entities in the region conducted one human trafficking investigation in 2013, 26 in 2014 and 83 in 2015. There was one human trafficking prosecution in 2014 and four in 2015, with several more pending trial. Seven victims were served in 2013, 18 in 2014 and 42 in 2015, according to the application.

McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara said many victims caught up in human trafficking do not want to be a part of that lifestyle.

Make no mistake, our favorite pastime is throwing criminals in jail, McNamara said. Thats not going to change, but we want to throw the right ones in jail. Yesterday our detectives arrested two pimps, two despicable pimps, that were pimping and human-trafficking this young girl who is underage. She was very frightened. She did not want to be in the situation she was in.

A few days ago, another pimp was arrested, and another woman was rescued, McNamara said.

Save them

She couldnt even speak English. We have rescued at least four in the last three or four months from China that cannot even speak English, he said. They didnt have any means of support except a pimp is pimping them out for sex. So, people like that we try to get them out of the biz and save them if we can.

District Attorney Abel Reyna said there are situations in which victims do not identify as victims, or they think what is happening to them is normal.

You have to understand that many of these individuals that are trafficked, those traffickers are providing for certain basic needs of these victims, and a lot of times they identify that as taking away something that they otherwise need if you prosecute this individual, Reyna said.

This gives us the ability, this gives this coalition the ability to respond to those needs.
The next U.S. administration will inherit the worst relationship with Russia since Ronald Reagan called the Soviet Union an evil empire. Judging from the list of grievances that President Vladimir Putin has laid out, even a Putin-friendly Donald Trump will have a hard time satisfying him.

Putin delivered his message to the future U.S. president Monday, just as the U.S. State Department announced it was suspending negotiations with Russia on a cease-fire in Syria and Russia-backed Syrian troops moved to take more ground in Aleppo. In a bill submitted to parliament, Putin threatened to end a joint U.S.-Russian disarmament program  in which surplus weapons-grade plutonium is processed into fuel  unless the United States meets certain conditions:

Roll back North Atlantic Treaty Organization infrastructure and reduce NATO personnel to September 2000 levels.

Repeal the Magnitsky Act, which imposed sanctions on Russian officials involved in human-rights violations.

Repeal all U.S. sanctions against Russian individuals and businesses.

Compensate Russians for damages incurred by U.S. sanctions and by Russias forced countersanctions.

Present a clear plan of irreversible destruction of U.S. surplus plutonium.

Putin might as well have said the program will resume when hell freezes over. He asked for too little, Leonid Volkov, an anti-Putin politician, wrote sarcastically on Facebook. He should have asked for Alaska back, eternal youth, Elon Musk and a ticket to Disneyland.

Even if a U.S. administration were suddenly prepared to lift sanctions introduced in response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine, not even President Trump would agree to the humiliating and nonsensical demand for compensation  particularly for Russias spiteful decision to ban Western food imports, a move that primarily hurt Russias domestic consumers. The NATO cuts, too, are a nonstarter.

The plutonium deal was largely symbolic and on its last legs anyway. It applied to just 34 tons on each side, a small share of each countrys nuclear arsenal. The Obama administration put its side of the program on cold standby in 2014, after a series of disagreements over such issues as how to dispose of the plutonium and the high cost of converting it into fuel for nuclear plants. The move indicated that the United States was prepared to see Russia abandon its side of the bargain, too. Putin appears set on reminding the world that Russia remains a nuclear power with plutonium to spare, unlike most countries in its immediate neighborhood. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko bitterly regrets that his country gave up its nuclear arsenal in the mid-1990s in exchange for a now-worthless guarantee from Russia, the U.S. and the U.K. that it wouldnt be attacked. Poroshenko wants to convince Washington that Ukraine deserves lethal U.S. weapons, having been duped into stripping itself of a powerful deterrent that probably would have kept it intact in 2014.

Putins message is that Russia will start acting as an equal, whether or not the U.S. wants to treat it as one. Its a reminder to the presidential candidates that pacifying Russia will have a price tag, and that Russias starting position in any negotiations will be arrogantly high. Since the outgoing U.S. administration is unlikely to step up military activity in Syria, Russia is doing its best to make sure President Bashar Al-Assads troops win a decisive victory at Aleppo before the next U.S. president is inaugurated. The U.S. decision to withdraw from talks means little to Putin, who has been playing for time rather than talking anyway.

Putin is aware that his belligerent stand will be costly. On Monday, the finance ministry suggested boosting the classified part of the budget  which includes military and security expenditures  by about 680 billion rubles ($10.9 billion), a move that will require cutting other expenditures and increasing the deficit.

Its hard to see how Barack Obama can respond seriously to Putins demands. The next U.S. president, though, will need to decide what to do with an intransigent Russia. One option is to ratchet up sanctions and wait for a weakening economy to undermine the Kremlins position. Yet such an approach could have immediate and unpredictable consequences in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Leonid Bershidsky, a Bloomberg View contributor, is a Berlin-based writer. He was the founding editor of the Russian business daily Vedomosti.
Former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said that the residents, who were earlier forced to evacuate from their villages, have now been rendered homeless as a result of this.

By Manjeet Sehgal: The opposition Congress today lashed out at the Badal government for closing down the refugee camps in the border areas without making arrangements for the displaced residents to return to their homes.

Former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said that the residents, who were earlier forced to evacuate from their villages, have now been rendered homeless as a result of this. The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president also added that the people were facing a harrowing time. Akali workers have also been withdrawn from these camps, causing the displaced residents to be left out in the open, without a roof on their heads, he added.

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Reacting strongly to reports about the closure of the camps and the withdrawal of the ruling party workers from there, Captain Amarinder said the move reflected the total apathy of the Badal government in the state towards the people forcibly evacuated from the border villages.

Captain Amarinder said the extent of the state government's mismanagement of the border issue was appalling and clearly showed that the political dispensation in the state was totally unconcerned about the plight of the poor people of the state. While Badal and his team are busy in promoting their vested interests, lakhs of people around the state were being subjected to all kinds of hardships, said the former Punjab chief minister.

Residents of the border areas, in particular, were being subjected to all kinds of problems since being displaced from their villages in the midst of the war hysteria whipped up by the Badal government, said Captain Amarinder. From facing loss of their crops ready for harvesting, to becoming homeless, they were suffering a host of problems, all of which were of the Badal government's making, he added.



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The Wahkiakum County Sheriffs Office Department of Emergency Management (DEM) is happy to announce that October is Disaster Preparedness & NOAA Weather Radio Month. It is my goal to make Wahkiakum County and its residents as prepared and ready as possible for a disaster through preparation and public education.

Each of the coming weeks in October I am going to provide you with information on how you can take four basic steps: Be informed, Create a Plan, Build a Kit, and Get Involved. By taking these steps now it will make you and your family more prepared during and after an everyday emergency or a large scale disaster.

This week I am going to discuss how you can Be Informed before, during and after a disaster. Studies have shown that the public craves information about what to do, where to find a shelter, how to and where to get help during a disaster.

Wahkiakum County has implemented five primary ways of informing our community so you will Be Informed. Below is a brief description of each.

 Wahkiakum County Emergency Information line: You can call 795-3911 or 1-877-795-3910 (toll free) to listen to a recorded message that includes severe weather information, current road conditions and any other important announcements from the Sheriffs Office and DEM.

 Facebook: follow the DEM page at Wahkiakum County Department of Emergency Management and the Wahkiakum County Sheriffs Office to see posts from county Officials and Emergency Management.

 Emergency Community Notification System: This is a system that will allow us to send out recorded messages to residents. All hard wired landline telephone numbers are automatically added to the system. It is very important for you to register your V.O.I.P. and/or cellular telephones by visiting the DEM website at: http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/dem.html and then click on the Alert Wahkiakum County picture or by contacting me.

 NOAA Weather radio network: This network allows Wahkiakum DEM and the National Weather Service to issue urgent or emergent messages through any weather radio that is equipped with tone alert capability and that is monitoring frequency 162.400. These radios are widely available and retail for around $25. The National Weather Service conducts a test every Wednesday at noon.

 Emergency Alert System: Allows Federal, State and Local Emergency Managers to issue alerts by preempting cable TV and some radio stations.

If you have any questions or for more information on the item I have discussed in this article, contact Beau Renfro at renfrob@co.wahkiakum.wa.us, 795-7876, 465-2202 or visit my website at: http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/dem.html.
District 9 President Vicki Luebbe from Seward visited the Ashland VFW Auxiliary on Wednesday, Sept. 21 for the annual inspection.

Luebbe praised the Ashland Auxiliary for being 100 percent last year and for their many outstanding programs such as the Food Pantry and Toys for Tots. The auxiliary assured her the projects are only possible because the Ashland community has always been so generous with time and donations to help those in need.

Luebbe also told the members that national and department are concentrating on helping service men, veterans and their families that are need of assistance in any way we can. The Ashland auxiliary takes up a donation at each of their meetings to help the Military Assistance Program of Nebraska with this project.

Auxiliary President Darlene Todd served cookies, coffee and tea after the meeting so everyone would have an opportunity to visit with Luebbe.
WAHOO  The USS Wahoo never returned home from battling the Japanese. The service to pay her and the other submarines lost during World War II will get that privilege on Sunday.

The 54th Annual USS Wahoo Memorial Service and Tolling of Lost Submarines will be held at the Saunders County Veterans Memorial in Wahoo at 1 p.m. on Oct. 9.

Were going home again, said Pat Hancock of Wahoo, a member of the Nebraska Base of Untied States Submarine Veterans Inc.

The memorial service returns to the grounds of the Saunders County Courthouse after a two year absence. The construction of the Saunders County Veterans Memorial prevented the service from being held near the Mark 14 torpedo put there by the Wahoo Chapter of World War II Submarine Veterans, the group that started the yearly memorial service in Wahoo.

The torpedo, as well as a black marble marker telling the contributions made by members of the Silent Patrol, have now become a part of the recently constructed county veterans memorial.

The memorial really looks nice, and I like the way they incorporated the torpedo, Hancock added. Now, all we need is the sailor statue.

A bronze sailor statue is one of the final pieces that still is not in place for the county veterans memorial. The empty pedestal near the torpedo is where it will be placed.

However, the statue is not the only sailor that will be absent Sunday.

We lost the last Wahoo Chapter veteran about a year and a half ago, Hancock said.

As the World War II veterans dwindled over the years, the group folded into the state chapter in 2010.

Hancock said the same thing has also happened at the national level now.

One of the traditions at the memorial service in Wahoo has been to bring in a top ranking officer from the U.S. Strategic Command. This year, that tradition continues.

The featured speaker on Sunday will be Rear Admiral Thomas Ishee, deputy commander, Joint Functional Comment Command-Global Strike.

Ishee is responsible for conducting strategic assurance, deterrence and global strike operations for the U.S. Strategic Command. Prior to this assignment, he served as the executive assistant to the chief of naval operations.

He has spent time aboard the USS Key West and also commanded the Submarine Squadron 11, along with other assignments.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal.

This weekends service coincides with the 73rd anniversary of the sinking of the USS Wahoo, one of the most hailed submarines during World War II. In her seven combat patrols, United States Submarine Wahoo (SS-238) sank 20 Japanese ships. The keel for SS-238 was laid on June 28, 1941. The submarine, named after a swift fish of the Pacific Ocean, was launched on Feb. 14, 1942.

The USS Wahoo and all crew members were lost at sea when sunk by the enemy on Oct. 11, 1943. Aboard the USS Wahoo at the time was Navy Fireman First Class Bob Jasa of Wahoo.

In 2006, U.S. Navy confirmed that a submarine found in the waters between Japan and Russia was that of the USS Wahoo.

She and all 80-hands on deck remain there.
After Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi accused Narendra Modi of 'khoon ki dalali', Lieutenant General D B Shekatkar slammed him for his remarks.

By Pankaj P. Khelkar: Lieutenant General D B Shekatkar (retired) today hit out at the Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi for targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gandhi, in his speech, had said that Modi had used soldiers for political benefit.

Lt General Shekatkar told India Today that it was very unfortunate that some people were getting politics into army operations.

"Vice-President of a particular party accusing the Prime Minister of using soldiers for political gains- he is institutionalizing, he is humiliating, he is abusing the Prime Minister's institution. One should not play with national interest for narrow political gains," he said.

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Lt General said the world was watching today. "Nowhere in the world does the people of any country point fingers at their prime minister," he said.

Also Read: Modi is doing 'khoon ki dalaali': Rahul's scathing attack on PM

'ALLEGATIONS OF PM DOING KHOON KI DALALI TOTALLY WRONG'

He said that in his 40 years of service, he never came across such allegations, accusations against the government, the Defence minister, and the armed forces.

Lt Gen Shekatkar said that he too had been a part of such operations and it has been taught to them that the team members should neither leave any proof nor bring any evidence of the operation.

He said the things were not moving in the right direction and that if something goes wrong, the people accusing the government and the armed forced would be responsible.

"For any Prime Minister, all the citizens are like his own children. So, these allegations that the PM is doing khoon ki dalali is totally wrong."

Also Read: Exclusive: How India's para commandos used flame throwers, night-vision glasses to strike terrorists behind enemy lines

NEXT TIME A SOLDIER CROSSES LOC, HE SHOULD CARRY A CAMERA INSTEAD OF WEAPONS

Lt General Shekatkar said the wise people, who are questioning the surgical strikes, were creating a false image of Indian government.

"One day, all of these people who are alleging will have to pay very heavily; they will pay in their own way," he said.

He said that considering the kind of allegations against the Indian Army, the next time a soldier goes across the LoC for any operation, he should take camera with him instead of weapons.

Lt Gen Shekatkar, who is a key member of the Shekatkar committee, said that this level of surgical strike had not happened until now.

NO STRIKES OF THIS NATURE HAPPENED AFTER 1971 WAR: LT GENERAL SHEKATKAR

The officer reiterated that surgical strikes of such a level needed tremendous preparation. "Even though only a few people would have gone inside, there must be hundreds waiting for them on the other side of the LoC. Everything would have been kept ready, even the choppers."

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He said this was for the first time that a surgical strike of this kind had taken place after 1971 war.

"So whoever is saying that such operations have been carried out earlier is lying."



Also Read:

How Ghatak platoons from units attacked in Uri helped commandos in surgical strike

Army gives videos of surgical strikes to government, PM Modi to take final call on release

Pak exposed: Eyewitnesses across LoC give graphic details of India's surgical strikes, says report

After surgical strikes, wounded Pakistan likely to respond with terror attack on high-profile targets



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Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's month long Kisan Yatra ended on a violent note in New Delhi. Haryana Congress chief injured in the clash between two groups of party supporters.

By India Today Web Desk: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's month-long Kisan Yatra came to an end in New Delhi on Thursday amidst violence. Rahul Gandhi visited Bharon temple, where two groups of Congress supporters clashed with each other.

Congress leader Ashok Tanwar was injured in the violence. According to reports, the supporters of senior Congress leader Bhupender Singh Hooda clashed with those of Tanwar. Hooda escaped unhurt in the incident. Tanwas and others, injured in the clash, were taken to a hospital.

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READ| Rahul Gandhi's Kisan Yatra is Bring Back Brahmins Yatra

Reports suggest that the violence erupted when supporters of former Haryana chief minister Hooda tore up the posters of Tanwar, who is the president of Haryana Congress.

Rahul Gandhi had begun his Kisan Yatra on September 6 from Deoria in UP. He traveled 3,438 kilometres in 48 districts covering 141 assembly constituencies in UP. He did 26 Khat Sabhas and the same number of road shows.

READ| Rahul Gandhi's Kisan Yatra: Show of hands



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"Humare jawan hain jinho ne khoon diya hai, jinho ne surgical strike kiya, unke khoon ke peeche aap (PM) chhupe huye ho," Rahul Gandhi said today while taking a dig at the BJP for encashing the surgical strikes.

By Maha Siddiqui: In a high-pitched end to Rahul Gandhi's month-long Kisan Mahayatra, the Congress vice president took on the BJP government for allegedly politically encashing the surgical strikes on terror launch pads in PoK. He said since the Modi government had failed to live up to any of the promises made in the past, it has been conveniently hiding behind the sacrifices of the army men. In a scathing remark he alluded to the BJP as 'dalals' (brokers) of blood.



"Humare jawan hain jinho ne khoon diya hai, jinho ne surgical strike kiya, unke khoon ke peeche aap (PM) chhupe huye ho. (You (PM) are hiding behind our soldiers, who gave their blood and who carried out surgical strikes)", Rahul Gandhi said.

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Even though Congress president Sonia Gandhi issued a statement last week backing the government's action against Pakistan-based terrorists, the party has shown signs of discomfort at what they believe to be Centre's crass attempt at making political gains of the surgical strikes. While, former home minister P Chidambaram claimed that the UPA too conducted surgical strikes and chose not to make them public, Sanjay Nirupam called them fake.

Throughout his yatra, Rahul Gandhi has been extremely critical of the Modi government. From reneging on the promise of bringing back black money to not being able to solve the problem of unemployment among the youth, it has been quite clear all through his UP tour that it was Modi who was his target.

RAISES BLACK MONEY

The Congress leader alleged that Modi misled the nation about black money. "The nation seeks justice from Modi. It is his responsibility to tell people about the black money that he promised to bring back from abroad," Rahul said.

"Where is Rs 15 lakh? Where are all those promises made by Modi? He promised bank account to everyone, but there is no money in those accounts," the Congress leader said.--

Age is an issue of mind over matter, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter....

(Mark Twain)



WATCH: You are doing 'Dalali' of their(Jawans) blood: Rahul Gandhi to PM Modi pic.twitter.com/9FyidaF6uj ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

ARMY HAS DONE ITS JOB



Today as his tour drew to a close, he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and within an hour made his most stinging comment on the government, accusing it of exploiting the feat of the armed forces. He left the government with a word of advice,"the Indian army has done its job for the country, you do yours."

TWITTER REACTIONS

Twitter went into a tizzy today after Rahul Gandhi called PM Modi a 'dalaal'.



That Awkward Moment When You Realise That Rahul Gandhi Is Out On Bail On An Issue Of Dalali. ;) #NationalHerald#SurgicalSelfGoal Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) October 6, 2016

Not really surprised that Rahul Gandhi uses the word Dalaal so casually. After all, Bofors kickbacks were a family business!! Shefali Vaidya (@ShefVaidya) October 6, 2016

Tdy IndiraGandhi is ashamd tat RahulGandhi is hr blood.This woman stood by hr army in 71 & hr grandson backstabs cntry tdy #SurgicalSelfgoal Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) October 6, 2016

We all knew Rahul Gandhi was immature ..but today the "Degree" of immaturity became clear!! Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) October 6, 2016

Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of 'Khoon ki Dalali'. In 2007, his mother called Modi 'Maut ka Saudagar'. It's called unlearning from history Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) October 6, 2016

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Watch Video:



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The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be welcoming a collection of new aircraft to the site later this year as it prepares to celebrate and commemorate the centenary of the Royal Air Force in 2018. New arrivals will include a Wolverhampton built Boulton Paul Defiant Mk 1, the last surviving example of its kind, plus a rare Messerschmitt BF109G-2. As the RAF and family of RAF charities work towards celebrating a century of service, plans at the RAF Museum are already underway for a major transformation of its London site, with aircraft movements and some exciting new additions making their way to Cosford. The centenary plans will also include exploring the first 100 years of the RAF, the role it plays today and its future contributions by sharing this story online with a global audience.

In preparation for 2018 there are a number of aircraft moves due to take place at both the museums London and Cosford sites in order to deliver the interpretation planned. The planned moves will see the largest single influx of new aircraft at Cosford since the National Cold War Exhibition building was opened in 2007, as six new aircraft are scheduled to arrive before Christmas. As part of the centenary plans, Cosford will receive six aircraft from the collection in London, enabling the RAFs story to be more comprehensively represented to museum audiences in Shropshire.

Over the coming months, visitors at Cosford will notice a number of aircraft movements and work is already underway to make room for the new arrivals. In September the Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina was moved out of the War in the Air Hangar and placed on temporary external display at the entrance to the History of the RAF. The museum has also begun looking into long term plans for the site at Cosford to ensure that all aircraft, including any future arrivals are displayed undercover.

In addition to the Messerschmitt BF109G-2 and the Boulton Paul Defiant Mk 1, other new aircraft heading to Shropshire before the end of the year include the Junkers Ju 88R-1, a sub-type of the most versatile German combat aircraft of the Second World War, and the Gloster Gladiator 1, the first enclosed cockpit and last biplane fighter introduced into RAF service. Following re-assembly, all four aircraft will go on public display in the museums War in the Air hangar.

Also included in the new line-up is the de Havilland Tiger Moth II, one of the worlds most famous training aircraft which provided the majority of RAF pilots with their elementary flying training during the Second World War. The Tiger Moth will be displayed next to the de Havilland Chipmunk and Scottish Aviation Bulldog T Mk 1 in Hangar 1, demonstrating progression in training aircraft.

Finally, the Westland Lysander III, the only surviving Special Duties variant of this aircraft (which were used to ferry allied agents in and out of enemy occupied Europe) will be heading to the museums Conservation Centre for an in depth inspection and condition assessment. The Lysander will join other conservation projects which include the Wellington Bomber and the Handley Page Hampden and work will be carried out over the next few years to replace its fragile linen outer skin.

Head of Collections at the RAF Museum, Ian Thirsk said: The museums centenary plans have provided an exciting opportunity to relocate significant aircraft in the collection closer to our Midlands audience. Im particularly delighted that our Boulton Paul Defiant, an aircraft with such strong local links to Wolverhampton, will be going on public display at Cosford for the first time. Additionally, the arrival of the Junkers Ju 88 R-1 and Messerschmitt BF109G-2 will enhance our existing display of Axis Second World War aircraft, several of which are the last remaining examples of their type in the world.

To make way for the new arrivals, the de Havilland Venom FB4, FMA IA58 Pucara and Folland Gnat F1 have all been moved into the museums storage facility on the airfield.

Work is already underway at the museums London site to disassemble the aircraft and prepare them for their journey by road to Cosford. Aviation fans can keep up to date with the centenary aircraft moves and on-going developments by signing up to the museums free e-Newsletter http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/contact-us/newsletters.aspx

Visitors will be able to see five of the new arrivals fully reassembled and in their new display positions by early 2017. Entrance to the museum is free of charge and the museum is open daily from 10am until 5pm. For further information, please visit the museums website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford or call 01902 376200.
Vasundhara Raje today held navratra prayers at Tanot temple in Jaisalmer and asked Rajasthan Sanskrti Academy to prepare a yajna to boost the morale of the security personnel and people living near the LoC.

By Rohit Parihar : To boost the morale of security forces and people residing near the LoC in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje dedicated her navratra prayer today at Tanot temple in Jaisalmer. The temple is located near the international border.

The move came a week after the border villages in Rajasthan and other states were put on high alert after Indian Army's surgical strikes across the LoC.



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Also Read: Will Pakistan hit back? Villages close to border being evacuated, leaves of soldiers cancelled

It is a widespread belief that the Tanot temple of deity Tanot Rai has survived many mortar shells during previous wars with Pakistan. It is located just above palaeo channel which is believed to be of the erstwhile Saraswati river.

RAJE CARRIES OUT PRAYERS, ASKS ACADEMY TO HOLD YAJNA

Chief Minister Raje carried out the prayers at the temple to instil confidence among the soldiers, para military personnel and the people at the LoC anticipating a war with Pakistan.

Raje asked the Rajasthan Sanskrit Academy to hold a special yajna, Rashtriya Raksha Yajna for the security of the nation, security personnel and the people.

She also asked 21 priests to make preparations as hymns are being chanted in various schools run by the academy across the state.

She just flew from Udaipur to Jaisalmer. In Udaipur, she had attended state BJP's executive meet and held a meeting with Prime Minister of Singapore.

Also Read: India's claim of surgical strikes across LoC an 'illusion', says Pakistan

RAJNATH SINGH TO VISIT JAISALMER, MIGHT ATTEND YAJNA

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to be in Jaisalmer on October 7 and 8 to hold meetings to review the situation along the international border. The meetings would be attended by Raje and home ministers of a few border states.

Singh may also attend the yajna.

Vasundhara Raje has held various prayers in the past when the state was hit by droughts and deluges. She reportedly attaches a lot of importance to prayers and yajnas.

However, a Chief Minister holding prayers for troops in times of war-like preparedness seems awkward.

People say that she should have kept the prayer and yajna a personal affair as many tourists visit the Tanot temple.

Also Read:

India hits Pakistan back with surgical strikes across Line of Control, 38 killed

Surgical strikes in PoK: How Indian para commandos killed 38 terrorists, hit 7 camps

As BSF faces shortage of camel, Rajasthan govt introduces innovative plan for animal's breeding Recovery on the cards

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Attorney-General George Brandis has vehemently denied misleading Parliament and refused calls to resign amid an extraordinary and escalating brawl engulfing the country's top lawyers.

Senator Brandis insisted he consulted appropriately before ordering that all ministers, including Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, obtain his written approval to seek legal advice from Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson.

In an explosive submission to a Senate inquiry, Mr Gleeson said he had not been consulted about the controversial change, and would have opposed it "in the strongest terms" if given the chance.

Labor subsequently accused Senator Brandis of misleading Parliament about the consultations, and called on him to stand down as the country's first legal officer.
Mr Campbell said his mum is an ex-user and moved to Perth to escape her addiction. "She's doing pretty well, she's got a job and she's making progress," he said. He said he hoped his stepdad's passing was a wake up call for his mum to stay away from drugs. Mr Campbell wanted to see something done about the epidemic and has decided to take matters into his own hands. He started a petition on Monday requesting better treatment for drug addicts in regional Western Australia and hoped he could get enough signatures to capture the attention of the Federal Government.

He said he would like to see more facilities in major regional hubs such as Bunbury, Albany, Kalgoorlie and Esperance. Mr Campbell believed if his friends were offered more support, the outcome could have been different. "I see a lot of friends who go to rehab and relapse as soon as they come back to Esperance because they're straight back with the same friends doing the same thing," he said. He said he had seen people as young as 15 being exposed to drugs. Mr Campbell has lived in Perth for the past two years while he studies at the University of Western Australia.

He said Esperance was a trap for drug users and the town had gone downhill dramatically in the time he had been in Perth. He said he is currently in Esperance to help his pop look after his 12-year-old brother as his grandmother recently passed away. "I don't enjoy coming back to this town at all," he said. "There's a mass exodus at the moment, especially with my age group, because they just want to move to Perth and get away from Esperance." He said the lack of facilities put pressure on families who have to move 800 kilometres away to get help for their loved ones.

"A mate of mine was going through the same thing and his family had to sell up and move to Perth to help him," Mr Campbell said. "Not everyone has the chance to do that, not everyone has job opportunities in Perth." He said his biggest fear was that meth would change the culture of Esperance permanently. "It's not going to change any time soon," he said. But Mr Campbell said politicians weren't listening and there wasn't enough being done.

"Even with the hospital I know they've been trying to get that emergency department for a number of years and already it's under equipped," he said. "I've been up there and there's been people suffering from withdrawals and psychosis and they're in the same area as small kids that have broken their arm." He said he had experienced people close to him exhibiting aggressive behaviour while high on meth and "it wasn't pretty". "There needs to be separate facilities," he said. Mr Campbell's petition had received a staggering 300 signatures in the first 24 hours.

He said the comments on his change.org petition indicated people in other regional towns shared his sentiment. "It needs to be more proactive than reactive, we need to get on top of things before they happen," he said. Mr Campbell's change.org petition is available to sign at https://goo.gl/9tOd1P. Loading Support is available: call Lifeline (131 114) or beyondblue (1300 224 636)
Sepang: The nine Australians arrested after stripping down to budgie smugglers emblazoned with the Malaysian national flag during the Malaysia Grand Prix have escaped conviction and will soon arrive home in Australia.

The young men, who appeared in Sepang Magistrates Court on Thursday handcuffed to each other, were told their behaviour was "totally inappropriate" before they were cautioned and discharged. Eight of the men left for the airport to go back to Australia on Thursday night, and were expected to arrive home on Friday morning.

In court, one of the men read out a letter of apology on behalf of the group saying it was a "moment of folly".

As they waited to hear their fate, one of the nine - believed to be Thomas Whitworth - fainted while handcuffed to another of the group. He was helped up by his friends.
Weddings are a time for celebrating forgotten narratives and adding new dimensions to existing ones. In the desert state of Rajasthan, weddings take on a lyrical quality as gossamer threads wrap up dreams and spin their own yarn that is both traditional yet timeless. Four designers from Rajasthan have used the state as muse to create an enviable trousseau that's symbolic and worthy of being passed on from generation to generation.

Siddharth Kasliwal, 32

Jewellery designer and director, Gem Palace, Jaipur

With a child-like smile and a clear idea of perfection, he carries his legacy wherever he goes. Siddharth Kasliwal, jewellery designer and director, Gem Palace, who grew up in the world of gems and jewels has many stories to share from his sub-conscious archive. He believes that his best teacher was his father, the visionary Munnu Kasliwal. He says, "my father involved me in the art and mechanism of it at a very early age. I remember how he used to put me next to a pile of rubies, sapphires and other stones and I used to play with them. The colours and the egg-sized shapes of the stones, the lustre attracted me endlessly."



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Siddharth Kasliwal at store in Jaipur. Photograph: M Zhazo

He studied at Mayo College, Ajmer, and then moved to Mumbai to study at HR College of Commerce and Economics. At 25, he moved to New York to work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and assisted his father with three exhibitions there The Americans had always looked down upon Indian jewellery but after that exhibition, perceptions changed. Kasliwal who is content with the fine craftsmanship his work offers, says the special element lies in the effort that goes into making the jewellery's reverse look equally attractive. As far as the bride goes, he says, "we do enamel jewellery which was done last in the 19th century. The key is multi-functionality and longevity for generations to experience our work and cherish it. Jewellery should be able to travel as an heirloom."



Also Read: Konkona Sen Sharma, Kiran Rao, Deepti Naval drape themselves in the history of Indian weaves

Celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Princess Diana, Gwyneth Paltrow, members of the Kennedy family, Oprah Winfrey have worn the designs and of course Indian royalty as well. His primary influences come from the days when he used to work on the exhibitions with his father for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York, which was themed Treasury of the World's Jewelled Arts of India in the Age of Mughals'.

With the wedding season on its way, it's a busy time in Rajasthan. His clients come from all areas and age groups and what they get is worth their years of savings or a certain idea they love. He says that the art of jewellery has changed a lot over the years. "Firstly, there has been a huge distribution of wealth in luxury. Jewellery is still important but it's not the same as it was 15 years ago. Jewellery is art, expression, passion and happiness for me. The natural transition of metals and stones into something so beautiful is my driving force."

He is currently helping his mother, Kalpana Kasliwal with the business and administration of their multi-designer brand store Hot Pink in Jaipur and Jodhpur as well as the more recently launched menswear collection, which includes a range of jackets, shirts and footwear. Price Range and Availability Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 crore, Gem Palace stores across India.

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Kalpana Kasliwal

Director, Hot Pink, Jaipur

A small corner in the Narain Niwas Palace in Jaipur was transformed into Hot Pink, a multi-designer store; it stands soaked in the colours of Rajasthan, yet boasts a global appeal. Every corner is quirky in its own right with a mix of a gorgeous selection of garments, jewellery, accessories and art. Among the oranges, yellows, reds and greens, pink definitely stands out reminding you of the spirit of the brand. The man behind Hot Pink, the late jewellery designer Munnu Kasliwal of Gem Palace, opened in 1852 to bring together the brilliance of traditional Indian techniques. The beautiful handmade bags with elephant motifs, luscious pashminas and embroidered dresses, bright scarves, jewels, iconic juttis, bamboo jewellery from Assam, the newly launched children's section as well as the latest menswear collection have all been curated by the current director and creative head, Kalpana Kasliwal.



Hot Pink's director Kalpana Kasliwal.

A treasure trove for those curating a wedding trousseau that is traditional yet global, it houses brands like Idli by Thierry Journo, Bouni Pun by Zubair Kirmani, Abraham & Thakore, Gitto, Kashmir Handloom, Rajesh Pratap Singh and Isi by Isabelle Fraysse among others. Born and brought up in Kota, Kalpana moved to Jaipur after her marriage in 1982. Her journey with Hot Pink began four years ago, when she decided to take charge of its operations after her husband passed away. She says,"working with Hot Pink initially began as a cathartic activity for me, but this has now evolved into a very important form of self-expression. This is the first business I have ever managed, and it has helped me learn a lot about the fashion industry and about myself as a person."

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Her philosophy is based around amalgamating traditional Indian art with a contemporary outlook. She says, "India has so much to offer. There are so many ingenious craftsmen in the country. If one can successfully combine their design ideas with the local craftsman's skills, the outcome is potentially incredible. Additionally, Rajasthan is a very colourful and vibrant state and I try to add its essence in my designs. I believe colours provide a sense of happiness and joy, and a vibrant palette certainly has the ability to heighten any design." As of now, she wants to keep Hot Pink within Rajasthan. She says, "we believe in quality over quantity, and it is very important for us to ensure that we are able recreate the Hot Pink experience wherever we go. Rajasthan, with its old havelis and palaces, suits Hot Pink the most as of now and I am happy with it." Price Range and Availability Rs 1000-Rs 80,000, Narain Niwas Palace, Jaipur, www.hotpink.com

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Anupama Bose, 44,

Textile Designer, Jaipur

Is it a studio? A home? Well, you can't really tell. The splash of colour in her studio encapsulates the spirit of Rajasthan. The decked-up leheriya sarees in one corner and her ready-to-wear work wear blend seamlessly with the surroundings. Dressed in an orange long dress, she blends in with the pop colours. Having spent almost two decades exploring textiles, designer Anupama Bose still seeks inspiration from her childhood. She learnt how to embroider when she was five and later sewing and knitting. Bose finished school at Sophia School, Ajmer, and all her pleas to join medical school fell on deaf ears even though her parents were doctors.



Textile designer Anupama Bose at her studio.

So, she went on to pursue a diploma in industrial design with a specialisation in textiles from National institute of Design, Ahmedabad, between 1989 and 1994. After working with Tarun Tahiliani for five years, she moved to Jaipur in 2007. From experimenting with linen carpets, printing and making uniforms, she turned to garments and embroidery in 2007 and set up her studio.

Over the last nine years, her work has been known for bespoke embroidery which is very popular on the wedding circuit. In 2010, she started experimenting with leheriya and the dream of presenting the idea of leheriya print kept getting bigger. She says, "I do rosebud embroidery which is one of a kind in leheriya and it involves very fine craftsmanship. I want to introduce leheriya to the international market. It's not ethnic. Stripes can be used in so many ways and structures. It is formless and translates into so many patterns." Bose who does bespoke bridal wear, ready-to-wear, handloom, tussar, chiffons and georgette, believes in the idea of cut, stitch and wear. Her collection claims a sense of individuality. It has recall value and can travel through generations.

She says, "A traditional garment doesn't have to look like a theatre costume. If it's comfortable, it will look good. I do have a bit of theatrical element to my bridal wear though. It's not just about drawing something beautiful or translating it into an object. It's about being the medium between the maker and the consumer and making sure that both are comfortable and content." Her clients mostly ask her for something new; some may request the same old traditional patterns. She is honest with her feedback. She says,"wedding wear has gone through some changes over the years. No evolution is good or bad. It's just change that happens with changing mindsets. Some like comfort and some enjoy the traditional distress." Price Range and Availability Lehengas start at Rs 1.5 lakh www.anupamabose.com

Raghavendra Rathore, 48

Designer, Delhi-Jodhpur

He is royalty in the Indian design fraternity even though he never uses the title bestowed on him by legacy. Few others could suit you up as royalty in his globally-renowned signature Jodhpuri bandhgalas and transport you to the lanes of regal Jodhpur. Raghavendra Rathore is a merchant of design and heritage. Hailing from the royal family of Jodhpur, Rathore has created a new space for grooms where it's not about embellishments and uncomfortable silhouettes. Known for his attention to detail, the charming designer's journey is fascinating with varied exposure to illustrious institutes across the world and his childhood tales.



Designer Raghavendra Rathore at his store in Khan Market.

He says, "I have always been travelling between Jodhpur and Delhi. I studied at Mayo College, Ajmer, Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, to pursue higher studies in electronics and robotics, moved on to Marlboro College in Vermont for fine arts and then the prestigious Parsons School of Design, New York City, the vortex of the design world. That's where I honed my skills of design, creativity and visualisation. My design company has a national footprint with eight elegant bespoke menswear stores." His stint in the US added a layer of professional understanding of the design world while cherishing the indigenous values of his childhood, combining the culture of a remote and dusty town to the finesse he learnt abroad. Also, working as an assistant to some of the world's most talented designers such as Donna Karan and Oscar de la Renta, enriched his experience.

To celebrate the idea of originality, He thinks that it is important to understand the demands of a client and, most importantly, provide memorable service. His excellence lies in the art of hand stitching, customised clothing, especially the bandhgala jacket, breeches, Jodhpuri riding pants and the achkans. He adds, "I have always believed that even if you have all the skills, if your work doesn't reflect your soul, it won't stand out. My soul is Jodhpur and it reflects in my work. The culture, the traditions and the fables inspire my work. Heritage and traditional clothing patterns usually inspire the cuts and the fits of our designs." Rathore who loves tropical wools and handloom silk from across the country meticulously transforms them to create textures and patterns that best suit the client's requirements, season after season.

The most preferred go-to designer for Indian wedding wear for men loves his classics like embroidered achkan, the classic Jodhpuri bandhgala suit for the wedding and customised gold or silver buttons, colourful waistcoat and kurta look for the festive functions like sangeet and a dhoti with a light kurta for the pooja functions. He says, "Wedding wear in India has mostly remained constant in its silhouettes and styling, what changes with seasons is just the embellishments, but that is what the market demands. My current favourite trends would be gold in hundreds of textures and revival of heirloom menswear jewellery." Price Range and Availability All items are customisable as per one's personal budget, stores across India

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Actor Ranveer Singh is going to rap for international menswear brand Jack&Jones's new campaign.

By India Today Web Desk: Trust Ranveer Singh to do something no one has so far. Sure, stars have in the past sung for their film projects, but to lend your personality, voice AND writing skills to a brand you're endorsing seems only to be Ranveer Singh's forte (remember the Ranveer Ching campaign by Ching's Chinese?).



Clothing brand brand, Jack&Jones' new campaign, Don't Hold Back, now boasts of Ranveer Singh as the brand ambassador. To kick-start the campaign, the brand along with the actor have worked on a song titled Don't Hold Back, written and sung by Ranveer himself.

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The strong and snappy lyrics of the song invite listeners to boldly display their true individuality and celebrate the power of inner strength.

As the name suggests, the song echoes the 'who-gives-a-damn' attitude and is a clear call-to-action for fans, to shun all inhibitions and follow their gut, irrespective of what the world says. Ranveer even took to social media recently to send some teasers our way:

HOLLLLA!!! @jackjonesindia and I have created this rager of a music video called #DONTHOLDBACK which I'm all set to unveil this Friday, 7th October at the JACK & JONES Linking Road store! So come on out and lets tear the roof off! ????? A video posted by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) on Oct 5, 2016 at 4:35am PDT

"Don't Hold Back is a strong message that I believe will resonate with the youth of the nation. It's a message that, I believe, echoes the vibe and attitude of our youth; follow your heart, and stop giving a damn about 'log kya kahenge' (what will people say)," Ranveer said in a statement.

He added, "I am grateful to Jack&Jones for giving me the opportunity to share this bold message with all the young and fearless Indians out there! I have written the lyrics and sung the rap myself, and I can't wait to see how everyone reacts to the music video."

Vineet Gautam, country head, Bestseller, also feels that "the words 'don't hold back' represent the Jack&Jones spirit, and Ranveer embodies this message perfectly."

"We see music as a key medium to connect with our target audience and hence, to kick start the campaign, we are launching a rap song, written and sung by Ranveer Singh exclusively for Jack&Jones," Gautam said.

The music video for Don't Hold Back will go live on Friday.

(With inputs from IANS)



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The RJD MLA, allegedly raped a minor girl at his residence in Nawada on February 6 this year.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav accused of raping a 16-year-old today met RJD chief Lalu Prasad at his residence. The meeting between the two lasted for about two hours. Raj Ballabh was released from jail a few days back after he was granted bail by the Patna High Court.

The RJD MLA, allegedly raped a minor girl at his residence in Nawada on February 6 this year. Soon after the incident, the accused MLA was absconding.

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However, it was only a month later in March that Raj Ballabh surrendered in the Chief Judicial Magistrate court in Bihar Sharif in Nalanda after which he was sent to judicial custody. Speedy trial in the case is going on, however, the accused MLA had filed for bail in September and was granted the same.

"DID NOT SEEK ANY HELP FROM LALU"

After his two hour long meeting with the Lalu, Raj Ballabh said that he had come to greet Lalu on the occasion of Durga puja. He also said that he did not seek any help from Lalu to help him in the rape case which is going on against him.

"I did not seek any help from Lalu. I know Lalu and Nitish, both can't help me in this case," said Ballabh.

The state government has challenged Raj Ballabh's bail in the Supreme Court and the hearing in the Apex court in this case is scheduled for October 7.

LAW WOULD TAKE ITS OWN COURSE: TEJASWI



Deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav said that law would take its own course in the Raj Ballabh case.

"The matter is sub-judice and law will take its own course", said Tejaswi Yadav.

Alliance partner JDU, however, has reacted strongly over the meeting of the rape accused MLA with Lalu. JDU spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said that the meeting of the MLA with Lalu will have no impact and state government will ensure that the bail of Raj Ballabh is cancelled and he is sent back to jail.

"There is rule of law in the state and raj dharma will be followed by the state government. Raj Ballabh meeting Lalu will yield no result. He will have to go to jail", said Neeraj Kumar.



Also read:

After Shahabuddin, RJD leader Raj Ballabh's bail also stage-managed by Nitish govt, says BJP's Sushil Modi



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De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Illinois Tool Works Chile Limitada, Illinois Tool Works ITW Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, Instron Shanghai Ltd., Instron Thailand Limited, International Leasing Company LLC, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., Itw Spraytec, KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems Canada Inc., Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MTS 2 LLC., MTS 3 LLC., MTS China Holdings LLC, MTS Europe Holdings LLC, MTS Holdings France S.a.r.l., MTS Japan Ltd.., MTS Korea Inc.., MTS Systems China Co. Ltd., MTS Systems Corporation, MTS Systems Danmark ApS., MTS Systems Europe B.V., MTS Systems Finance C.V.., MTS Systems Germany GmbH, MTS Systems Holding B.V.., MTS Systems Hong Kong Incorporated, MTS Systems Limited, MTS Systems Norden Aktiebolag, MTS Systems S.r.l, MTS Systems., MTS Systems.., MTS Sytems Do Brazil, MTS Testing Solutions India Private Limited., MTS Testing Systems Canada Ltd., Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology Suzhou Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited Enping, Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners Shanghai Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., R&D Engineering A/S., R&D Prague s.r.o., R&D Steel ApS., R&D Test Systems A/S., R&D Tools and Structures A/S., RDGDK Engineering Private Limited, Ramset Fasteners Hong Kong Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco Japan Inc., Simco Nederland B.V., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques  SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes B.V., Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Hong Kong Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Shanghai Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stokvis Tapes Taiwan Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Tianjin Co. Ltd., Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Subsidiaries, Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek China Limited, Teknek Japan Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Kunshan Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta Global Limited, Vesta Guangzhou Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil South Africa Pty Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, and Zip-Pak International B.V..

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This is a current list of the top 250 companies by market capitalization on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Learn more .

Many investors understand the reasons for having a diversified portfolio. One way to accomplish this is to diversify within an asset class. For equity investors in the United States this can mean investing in both growth and value stocks.

It can also mean investing in international stocks. And when investors want to do this, they need look no further than our neighbor to the north. Canada has a range of stocks for investors to consider. This article will focus on strategies that investors can use when looking to invest in Canadian stocks.

Why Buy Canadian Stocks?

There are a few reasons for investors to consider Canadian stocks as part of their diversification strategy:

A Large Natural Resources Sector  The sheer size of the country and its location lets investors know that it is an area rich in natural resources. This also means that the country has a source of current and future wealth.

An Advanced Skills-Based Economy  In this regard, Canada is similar to other western nations. The difference is that it is not as common to find these skill-based professions in a country with so many natural resources.

Stability  Canada is not exempt from any problems that impact the global economy. However, the country is known for stable financial and business policies that have kept the economy relatively stable. This Goldilocks economy has meant that many Canadian stocks havent enjoyed the outsized growth of some U.S. equities. However, it also comes with a bit of protection against downside risk.

How Have Canadian Stocks Performed?

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, there was a time when U.S. stocks and Canadian stocks performed nearly identically. Heres a graph that shows the performance of the S&P 500 Index vs. the TSX Index



Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence

You can see that with a couple of exceptions, the two indexes performed remarkably similar. That all changed around 2012 and Canadian stocks became less attractive.

Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence

This disparity is widely due to one sector, technology. However, Canadian technology stocks have been on the rise. And in 2022, the country is benefiting from renewed interest in materials stocks as well as a spike in commodity prices.

What Are the Best Sectors of Canadian Stocks?

For different reasons finance, materials, and energy stocks are among the best performing stocks as of September 2022. Heres a brief overview of each sector and some of the top names for investors to consider.

Financial  Similar to the United States, Canada has a strong banking industry. Many Canadian banks have a track record of solid performance that can provide long-term value to a portfolio. And several of these stocks pay dividends with attractive yields for investors.

This sector makes up the largest percentage of the TSX at roughly 30%. And the Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY)is the top-weighted constituent in the TSX. Beyond the Royal Bank of Canada some of the other top-performing Canadian financial stocks include:

Materials and Mining  Canadian stocks can be an ideal choice for investors looking to diversify into gold and precious metals without owning the physical metal. Canada has a large natural resources sector. So, its not surprising that there are a number of gold mining companies with Canadian origins. This sector also gives investors exposure to other components in the mining and agriculture sectors. This sector makes up approximately 11.5% of the TSX. Some of the top Canadian materials and mining stocks include:

Energy  Canadian stocks offer both traditional fossil fuel-based energy stocks as well as some renewable energy stocks. This sector makes up approximately 18.5% of the TSX. Some of the top Canadian energy stocks include:

Technology  As mentioned earlier, technology stocks have largely been the domain of the United States. As evidence of this, information technology stocks make up only about 5.5% of the TSX. However, there are a few Canadian companies that have become stars in the new economy being created. Some of the more popular names include:

What Are the Risks of Investing in Canadian Stocks?

One concern about investing in Canadian stocks is that they can be heavily weighted towards cyclical industries. For example, as of February 2022 financials (33.5%), energy (14.8%) and industrials (11.7%) made up nearly 60% of the index. That may be too much for some investors particularly because those sectors all tend to correlate roughly the same way as the economic cycle. But as a long-term play, Canadian stocks are worth considering with a small part of your portfolio.

How to Buy Canadian Stocks

Buy Individual Stocks on a Stock Exchange

Hundreds of Canadian stocks have dual listings on either the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or the NASDAQ. This is the most convenient way to get exposure to Canadian stocks because there are no barriers to stock ownership. These shares can be purchased in U.S. dollars directly from the exchange just like purchasing a U.S. stock.

However, for a full list of the best Canadian stocks, investors should look at the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). The TSX is one of the oldest stock exchanges having been founded in 1852. Its also the third largest stock exchange in North America in terms of market capitalization.

The Toronto Stock Exchange includes approximately 1,500 companies. It allows investors to trade stocks, investment trusts, exchange-traded products, bonds, commodities, futures, options, and other derivative products. All transactions on the TSX are executed in Canadian dollars.

Invest in a Mutual Fund or ETF

There are many mutual funds and exchange-traded funds that supply exposure to Canadian stocks. Some funds supply exposure to both U.S. and Canadian stocks. Other funds hold just Canadian stocks. Some examples of those include:

BMO S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF

Horizons S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF

Vanguard FTSE Canada All Cap ETF

As with investing in any asset class, investors need to consider their investment objective, time horizon and risk tolerance before choosing a fund that fits their needs. Investors will also want to pay attention to the funds fee structure to ensure youre making the most efficient use of your capital.

The Final Word on Investing in Canadian Stocks

Investing in Canadian stocks is one way for investors to add diversification to their portfolio. MarketBeat provides a list of the top Canadian stocks that trade on the TSX. This is Canadas version of the NYSE or NASDAQ in the United States and includes many of the same stocks.

Thats one advantage of investing in Canadian stocks is that many have a dual listing which removes many of the obstacles that can come with investing in international stocks.

However, investors should be aware that many of the best Canadian stocks are in highly cyclical industries which can lead to underperformance when those sectors are out of favor. Still, due to their relative stability and in some cases an impressive dividend, Canadian stocks may have a place in an investors portfolio.
The following companies are subsidiares of Becton, Dickinson and: Accuri Cytometers, Accuri Cytometers Inc., Alverix Inc, Alverix Inc., Atto Bioscience Inc, BD Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., BD Infection Prevention BV, BD Kiestra BV, BD Kiestra Total Lab Automation, BD Rapid Diagnostic (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., BD San Luis Potosi S.A. de C.V., BD Switzerland Sarl, BD Ventures LLC, BD West Africa Limited, BDX INO LLC, Bard (Thailand) Limited, Bard ASDI Inc., Bard Access Systems Inc., Bard Acquisition Sub Inc., Bard Australia Pty. Limited, Bard Benelux N.V., Bard Brachytherapy Inc., Bard Brasil Industria e Comercio de Produtos Para a Saude Ltda., Bard Canada Inc., Bard Chile S.p.A., Bard Czech Republic s.r.o., Bard Devices Inc., Bard Dublin ITC Limited, Bard EMEA Finance Center Sp.z o.o., Bard European Distribution Center N.V., Bard Finance B.V. & Co. KG., Bard Financial Services Ltd., Bard Finland OY, Bard France S.A.S., Bard Global Holdings I LLC, Bard Global Holdings II LLC, Bard Global Holdings III LLC, Bard Healthcare Inc., Bard Healthcare Science (Shanghai) Limited, Bard Hellas S.A., Bard Holding SAS, Bard Holdings Limited, Bard Holdings Netherlands B.V., Bard Hong Kong Limited, Bard IP Holdings Inc., Bard India Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Bard International Holdings B.V., Bard International Inc., Bard Istanbul Healthcare Limited Company, Bard Korea Ltd., Bard Limited, Bard MRL Acquisition Corp., Bard Malaysia Healthcare Sdn. Bhd., Bard Medica SA, Bard Medical Devices (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Bard Medical R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Bard Medical SA (Proprietary) Limited, Bard Mexico Realty S. de R.L. de C.V., Bard Norden AB, Bard Norway AS, Bard Pacific Health Care Company Ltd., Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc., Bard Poland Sp. z.o.o., Bard Productos Plasticos e Medicos Ltda., Bard Reynosa S.A. de C.V., Bard S.r.l., Bard Sdn. Bhd., Bard Shannon Limited, Bard Singapore Private Limited, Bard Sourcing Office Singapore Pte. Ltd., Bard Sweden AB, Bard UK Newco Limited, Bard de Espana S.A., Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Limited, Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Management Limited, Becton Dickinson (Mauritius) Limited, Becton Dickinson (Pty) Ltd., Becton Dickinson (Thailand) Limited, Becton Dickinson A.G., Becton Dickinson A/S, Becton Dickinson Argentina S.R.L., Becton Dickinson Asia Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson Asia Limited, Becton Dickinson Austria GmbH, Becton Dickinson Austria Holdings GmbH, Becton Dickinson B.V., Becton Dickinson B.V. Saudi Limited Company, Becton Dickinson Benelux N.V., Becton Dickinson Biosciences Systems and Reagents Inc., Becton Dickinson Canada Inc., Becton Dickinson Caribe Ltd., Becton Dickinson Croatia d.o.o., Becton Dickinson Czechia s.r.o., Becton Dickinson Dispensing Belgium BVBA, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Denmark A/S, Becton Dickinson Dispensing France SAS, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Ireland Limited, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Norway, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Spain S.L.U., Becton Dickinson Dispensing UK Ltd., Becton Dickinson Distribution Center N.V., Becton Dickinson East Africa Ltd., Becton Dickinson Euro Finance Sarl, Becton Dickinson Europe Holdings S.A.S., Becton Dickinson France S.A.S., Becton Dickinson GSA Beteilgungs GmbH, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings I Inc., Becton Dickinson Global Holdings II LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings IV LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings V LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings VII LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings VIII LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Services Centre Sdn. Bhd, Becton Dickinson GmbH, Becton Dickinson Guatemala S.A., Becton Dickinson Hellas S.A., Becton Dickinson Holdings Limited, Becton Dickinson Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson Holdings Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Hungary Kft., Becton Dickinson India Private Limited, Becton Dickinson Industrias Cirurgicas Ltda., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy AB, Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Holdings UK Limited, Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Systems Inc., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Systems Inc. S.A. de C.V., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy UK, Becton Dickinson Insulin Syringe Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings II Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings III Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Israel Ltd., Becton Dickinson Italia S.p.A., Becton Dickinson Ithalat Ihracat Limited Sirketi, Becton Dickinson Korea Holding Inc., Becton Dickinson Korea Ltd., Becton Dickinson Ltd., Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Finance S.a.r.L., Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Global Holdings Sarl, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings II S.a.r.L, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings III S.a.r.L, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings V S.a.r.L., Becton Dickinson Malaysia Inc., Becton Dickinson Management GmbH & Co. KG, Becton Dickinson Matrex Holdings Inc., Becton Dickinson Medical (S) Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Devices (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Products Pte. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Technology (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Global Holdings II C.V., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Holdings B.V., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Holdings II B.V., Becton Dickinson Norway AS, Becton Dickinson O.Y., Becton Dickinson Overseas Services Ltd., Becton Dickinson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd., Becton Dickinson Penel Limited, Becton Dickinson Philippines Inc., Becton Dickinson Polska Sp.z.o.o., Becton Dickinson Portugal Unipessoal Lda., Becton Dickinson Pty. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Research Centre Ireland Limited, Becton Dickinson Rowa Germany GmbH, Becton Dickinson Rowa Italy Srl, Becton Dickinson S.A., Becton Dickinson Sample Collection GmbH, Becton Dickinson Scot Financing L.L.P., Becton Dickinson Scot Financing L.P., Becton Dickinson Sdn. Bhd., Becton Dickinson Slovakia s.r.o., Becton Dickinson Sweden AB, Becton Dickinson Sweden Holdings AB, Becton Dickinson Switzerland Global Holdings SarL, Becton Dickinson Technology Campus India, Becton Dickinson U.K. Limited, Becton Dickinson UK Financing I Limited, Becton Dickinson UK Financing II Limited, Becton Dickinson Venezuela C.A., Becton Dickinson Venture LLC, Becton Dickinson Verwaltungs GmbH, Becton Dickinson Vostok LLC, Becton Dickinson Worldwide Investments Sa.r.L., Becton Dickinson Zambia Limited, Becton Dickinson and Company Ltd., Becton Dickinson de Colombia Ltda., Becton Dickinson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Becton Dickinson del Uruguay S.A., Bee IT Solutions, Benex Ltd., Biometric Imaging, Bridger Biomed Inc., C. R. Bard (Portugal) - Produtos e Artigos Medicos e Farmaceuticos, C. R. Bard Do Brasil Productos Medicos Ltda., C. R. Bard GmbH, C. R. Bard Inc., C. R. Bard Netherlands Sales B.V., C.R. Bard Inc, CME America LLC, CME Ltd., CME Medical (UK) Limited, CME UK (Holdings) Limited, CRISI Medical Systems, CRISI Medical Systems Inc., Caesarea Medical Electronics, Cardal II LLC, Care Fusion Development Private Limited, CareFusion (Barbados) SrL, CareFusion (Shanghai) Commercial and Trading Co. Limited, CareFusion 213 LLC, CareFusion 2200 Inc., CareFusion 2201 Inc., CareFusion 302 LLC, CareFusion 303 Inc., CareFusion Asia (HK) Limited, CareFusion Corporation, CareFusion Corporation., CareFusion D.R. 203 Ltd., CareFusion France 309 S.A.S., CareFusion Israel 330 Ltd., CareFusion Italy 312 S.p.A., CareFusion Manufacturing LLC, CareFusion Mexico 215 S.A. de C.V., CareFusion Netherlands 328 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands 503 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands 504 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands Financing 283 C.V., CareFusion Resources LLC, CareFusion S.A. 319 (Proprietary) Limited, CareFusion Solutions LLC, CareFusion U.K. 244 Limited, CareFusion U.K. 305 Limited, CareFusion U.K. 306 Limited, Carmel Pharma AB, Carmel Pharma Inc, Cato Software Solutions, Cell Analysis Systems Inc, Cellular Research, Cellular Research Inc., Clearstream Technologies Group Limited, Clearstream Technologies Limited, Clontech Laboratories Inc, Corporativo BD de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Critical Device Corporation, Cubex, Cytognos, Cytopeia Inc, DLD (Bermuda) Ltd., DVL Acquisition Sub Inc., Davol Inc., Davol International Limited, Davol Surgical Innovations S.A. de C.V., Difco Laboratories Incorporated, Distribuidora BD Mexico S.A. de C.V., Dutch American Manufacturers (D.A.M.) B.V., Dymax Corporation, Embo Medical Limited, Enturia de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Enturican Inc., FJ International Inc., FlowCardia Inc., FlowCardia LLC, FlowJo LLC, Franklin Lakes Enterprises L.L.C., GSL Solutions, Gamer Lasertechnik GmbH, GenCell Biosystems, GenCell Biosystems Ltd., GeneOhm Sciences Canada ULC, GeneOhm Sciences Inc, Gentest Corporation, Gesco International Inc., Gesco International LLC, Glentech Inc, HandyLab Inc, HandyLab Inc., IBD Holdings LLC, Iontophoretics Corporation, JoHome LLC, Kabushiki Kaisha Medicon (Medicon Inc.), Liberator Health and Education Services Inc., Liberator Health and Wellness Inc., Liberator Medical Holdings Inc., Liberator Medical Supply Inc., Limited Liability Company Bard Rus, Loma Vista Medical Inc., Loma Vista Medical LLC, Luther Medical Products Inc, Lutonix Inc., Med-Design Corporation, Med-Design Investment Holdings Inc., Med-Safe Systems Inc, Med-Safe Systems Inc., MedChem Products Inc., Medafor Inc., Medegen LLC, Medinservice.com Inc., Medivance Inc., NAT Diagnostics Inc., NAT Diagnostics Inc., NOW Medical Distribution Inc., NOW Medical Distribution LLC, Navarre Biomedical LLC, Navarre Biomedical Ltd., Neomend Inc., Nippon Becton Dickinson Company Ltd., Omega Biosystems Incorporated, P.R.C. (Isialys) Societe a responsabilitie limitee, PT Becton Dickinson Indonesia, PharMingen, PharMingen., Plasso Technology Ltd, PreAnalytiX GmbH, Pristine Access Technologies Inc., ProSeed Inc., Procesos para Esterilizacion S.A. de C.V., Productos Bard de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Productos Para el Cuidado de la Salud S.A. de C.V., Puls Medical Devices AS LC, PureWick Corporation, Roberts Laboratories Inc., Rochester Medical Corporation, Rochester Medical Ltd., Saf-T-Med Inc, Safety Syringes Inc., Scanwell Health Inc., Sendal S.L.U., SenoRx Inc., SenoRx LLC, Shield Healthcare Centers Inc., Sirigen Group Limited, Sirigen II Limited, Sirigen Inc., Sistemas Medicos ALARIS S.A. de C.V., Specialized Cooperative Corporation, Specialized Health Products Inc., Specialized Health Products International Inc., Specialized Health Products International LLC, Staged Diabetes Management LLC, Straub Medical AG, Straub Medical AG, Surgical Site Solutions Inc., TVA Medical Inc, TVA Medical Inc., Tepha Inc, Tepha Inc., Tissuemed Ltd., Tri-County Medical & Ostomy Supplies Inc., TriPath Imaging Inc., Tru-Fit Marketing Corporation, Vas-Cath Incorporated, Vascular Pathways Inc., Velano Vascular, Velano Vascular Inc., Venclose Inc., Venetec International Inc., Venetec International LLC, Visitec, Y-Med Inc., Y-Med LLC, and ZebraSci Inc..

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Palo Alto Networks, Inc. provides cybersecurity solutions worldwide. The company offers firewall appliances and software; Panorama, a security management solution for the control of firewall appliances and software deployed on a customer's network, as well as their instances in public or private cloud environments, as a virtual or a physical appliance; and virtual system upgrades, which are available as extensions to the virtual system capacity that ships with physical appliances. It also provides subscription services covering the areas of threat prevention, malware and persistent threat, URL filtering, laptop and mobile device protection, and firewall; and DNS security, Internet of Things security, SaaS security API, and SaaS security inline, as well as threat intelligence, and data loss prevention. In addition, the company offers cloud security, secure access, security operations, and threat intelligence and cyber security consulting; professional services, including architecture design and planning, implementation, configuration, and firewall migration; education services, such as certifications, as well as online and in-classroom training; and support services. Palo Alto Networks, Inc. sells its products and services through its channel partners, as well as directly to medium to large enterprises, service providers, and government entities operating in various industries, including education, energy, financial services, government entities, healthcare, Internet and media, manufacturing, public sector, and telecommunications. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
The one-man judicial commission set up the the HRD Ministry has accused Rohith Vemula's mother of faking Dalit status to avail benefits and has said that he committed suicide owing to 'personal frustrations'.

By India Today Web Desk: The Justice (retd.) AK Roopanwal Commission, set up by the Ministry of Human Resource Development to probe what led to Hyderabad Central University PhD scholar Rohith Vemula's suicide, has said that Rohith's mother Radhika Vemula "branded" herself as a Dalit to avail benefits of reservation, reports The Indian Express.

The one-man judicial commission was constituted on January 28 this year after Rohith Vemula hanged himself in a hostel room in the university campus. The 41-page report submitted by AK Roopanwal is based on the deposition of over 50 people, a majority of whom were university teachers, officers and staff members, says the report.

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Roopanwal's report claims that expelling Rohith from the hostel was the 'most reasonable' decision taken by the university, and that it is not caste-based discrimination that led the 26-year-old PhD scholar to suicide, but his own 'personal frustrations'.

The commission has also said that then HRD minister Smriti Irani and union minster Bandaru Dattatreya were only 'discharging their duties' and that they did not put any pressure on the HCU authorities to expel Vemula and four other batchmates from the hostel.

RADHIKA VEMULA FAKING THE DALIT STATUS

The commission, after the investigation, concluded that Radhika Vemula branded herself as a Mala (a scheduled caste community) and managed to get a certificate from the then corporator Uppalapati Danmma, someone who has lived with Radhika for over one and half years.

The commissoin cites Radhika's application for her younger son Raja Chaitanya Kumar's birth certificate in 2014 as evidence to prove that she doesn't belong to a Dalit community. In that application, Radhika disclosed her caste as Vaddera, a backward class. Hence, the retired judge infers that since Radhika is not Mala, Rohith cannot be Mala either.



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ChannelAdvisor Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions in the United States and internationally. The company's SaaS is a cloud platform that helps brands and retailers to improve their e-commerce operations, expand to new channels, and grow sales. Its suite of solutions includes various platform modules, including Marketplaces module that connects customers to third-party marketplaces, and allows brands and distributors to manage purchase orders, shipment notifications, stock quantities, and invoices for multiple retail dropship partners; Digital Marketing module that creates, manages, and evaluates advertising using a variety of ad formats across multiple channels; Shoppable Media module that allows brands to provide web visitors to purchase using dynamic links to in-stock retail product pages or carts, or with information on where products can be purchased from local retail stores; and Brand Analytics module, which helps brands for e-commerce channels with actionable insights into how products are performing across thousands of retailer websites and marketplaces. Its customers include online businesses of brands and retailers, as well as advertising agencies that use its solutions on behalf of their clients. The company was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina.
Derwent London plc owns 83 buildings in a commercial real estate portfolio predominantly in central London valued at 5.4 billion (including joint ventures) as at 30 June 2020, making it the largest London-focused real estate investment trust (REIT). Our experienced team has a long track record of creating value throughout the property cycle by regenerating our buildings via development or refurbishment, effective asset management and capital recycling. We typically acquire central London properties off-market with low capital values and modest rents in improving locations, most of which are either in the West End or the Tech Belt. We capitalise on the unique qualities of each of our properties - taking a fresh approach to the regeneration of every building with a focus on anticipating tenant requirements and an emphasis on design. Reflecting and supporting our long-term success, the business has a strong balance sheet with modest leverage, a robust income stream and flexible financing. As part of our commitment to lead the industry in mitigating climate change, in October 2019, Derwent London became the first UK REIT to sign a Green Revolving Credit Facility. At the same time, we also launched our Green Finance Framework and signed the Better Buildings Partnership's climate change commitment. The Group is a member of the 'RE100' which recognises Derwent London as an influential company, committed to 100% renewable power by purchasing renewable energy, a key step in becoming a net zero carbon business. Derwent London is one of only a few property companies worldwide to have science-based carbon targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Landmark schemes in our 5.6 million sq ft portfolio include 80 Charlotte Street W1, Brunel Building W2, White Collar Factory EC1, Angel Building EC1, 1-2 Stephen Street W1, Horseferry House SW1 and Tea Building E1. In 2019, the Group won several awards including EG Offices Company of the Year, the CoStar West End Deal of the Year for Brunel Building, Westminster Business Council's Best Achievement in Sustainability award and topped the real estate sector and was placed ninth overall in the Management Today 2019 awards for 'Britain's Most Admired Companies'. In 2013 the Company launched a voluntary Community Fund and has to date supported over 100 community projects in the West End and the Tech Belt. The Company is a public limited company, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange and incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered office is 25 Savile Row, London,
The following companies are subsidiares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft: ABFS I Incorporated, ABS MB Ltd., Alex. Brown Financial Services Incorporated, Alex. Brown Investments Incorporated, Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft mbH, Ambidexter GmbH i.L., Argent Incorporated, BHW - Gesellschaft fur Wohnungswirtschaft mbH, BHW Bausparkasse Aktiengesellschaft, BHW Holding GmbH, BT Globenet Nominees Limited, Bainpro Nominees Pty Ltd, Baldur Mortgages Limited, Bankers Trust Investments Limited, Bayan Delinquent Loan Recovery 1 (SPV-AMC) Inc., Berkshire Mortgage Finance, Betriebs-Center fur Banken AG, Better Financial Services GmbH, Better Payment Germany GmbH, Borfield Sociedad Anonima, Breaking Wave DB Limited, Cardales UK Limited, Cardea Real Estate S.r.l., Cathay Advisory (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Cathay Asset Management Company Limited, Cathay Capital Company (No 2) Limited, Cedar (Luxembourg) S.a. r.l., Chapel Funding, China Recovery Fund LLC, Consumo Srl in Liquidazione, D B Investments (GB) Limited, D&M Turnaround Partners Godo Kaisha, DB (Barbados) SRL, DB (Malaysia) Nominee (Asing) Sdn. Bhd., DB (Malaysia) Nominee (Tempatan) Sendirian Berhad, DB Alex. Brown Holdings Incorporated, DB Aotearoa Investments Limited, DB Beteiligungs-Holding GmbH, DB Boracay LLC, DB Capital Markets (Deutschland) GmbH, DB Cartera de lnmuebles 1 S.A.U., DB Chestnut Holdings Limited, DB Corporate Advisory (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., DB Delaware Holdings (Europe) Limited, DB Direkt GmbH, DB Elara LLC, DB Energy Trading LLC, DB Equipment Leasing Inc., DB Equity Limited, DB Finance (Delaware) LLC, DB Global Technology Inc., DB Global Technology SRL, DB Group Services (UK) Limited, DB HR Solutions GmbH, DB Holdings (New York) Inc., DB IROC Leasing Corp., DB Impact Investment Fund I. LP., DB Industrial Holdings Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG, DB Industrial Holdings GmbH, DB Intermezzo LLC, DB International (Asia) Limited, DB International Investments Limited, DB International Trust (Singapore) Limited, DB Investment Managers Inc., DB Investment Partners Inc., DB Investment Partners Limited, DB Investment Resources (US) Corporation, DB Investment Resources Holdings Corp., DB Investment Services GmbH, DB London (Investor Services) Nominees Limited, DB Management Support GmbH, DB Nominees (Hong Kong) Limited, DB Nominees (Jersey) Limited, DB Nominees (Singapore) Pte Ltd, DB Omega BTV S.C.S., DB Omega Holdings LLC, DB Omega Ltd., DB Omega S.C.S., DB Operaciones y Servicios lnteractivos Agrupacicm de lnteres Econemico, DB Overseas Finance Delaware Inc., DB Overseas Holdings Limited, DB Print GmbH, DB Private Clients Corp., DB Private Wealth Mortgage Ltd., DB Re S.A., DB Service Centre Limited, DB Service Uruguay S.A., DB Services (Jersey) Limited, DB Services Americas. Inc., DB Servizi Amministrativi S.r.l., DB Strategic Advisors Inc., DB Structured Derivative Products LLC, DB Structured Products Inc., DB Trustee Services Limited, DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited, DB UK Bank Limited, DB UK Holdings Limited, DB UK PCAM Holdings Limited, DB US Financial Markets Holding Corporation, DB USA Core Corporation, DB USA Corporation, DB Valoren S.a. r.l., DB Value S.a.r.l., DB VersicherungsManager GmbH, DB Vita SA., DB lmmobilienfonds 5 Wieland KG i.L., DB lo LP, DBAH Capital. LLC, DBCIBZ1, DBFIC Inc., DBNZ Overseas Investments (No.1) Limited, DBOI Global Services (UK) Limited, DBR Investments Co. Limited, DBRE Global Real Estate Management 18 Ltd., DBRMS4, DBRMSGP1, DBUK PCAM Limited, DBUSBZ1 LLC, DBUSBZ2 S.a. r.l., DBX Advisers LLC, DEBEKO lmmobilien GmbH & Co Grundbesitz OHG, DEE Deutsche Erneuerbare Energien GmbH, DEUKONA Versicherungs-Vermittlungs-GmbH, DEUTSCHE BANK AS., DI Deutsche lmmobilien Treuhandgesellschaft mbH, DISCA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, DWS Alternatives France, DWS Alternatives Global Limited, DWS Alternatives GmbH, DWS Asset Management (Korea) Company Limited, DWS Beteiligungs GmbH, DWS CH AG, DWS Distributors Inc., DWS Far Eastern Investments Limited, DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA, DWS Group Services UK Limited, DWS Grundbesitz GmbH, DWS International GmbH, DWS Investment GmbH, DWS Investment Management Americas Inc., DWS Investment S.A., DWS Investments Australia Limited, DWS Investments Hong Kong Limited, DWS Investments Japan Limited, DWS Investments Shanghai Limited, DWS Investments Singapore Limited, DWS Investments UK Limited, DWS Management GmbH, DWS Real Estate GmbH, DWS Service Company, DWS Shanghai Private Equity Fund Management Limited, DWS Trust Company, DWS USA Corporation, Deposit Solutions, Deutsche (Aotearoa) Capital Holdings New Zealand, Deutsche (Aotearoa) Foreign Investments New Zealand, Deutsche (New Munster) Holdings New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Access Investments Limited, Deutsche Aeolia Power Production Societe Anonyme, Deutsche Alternative Asset Management (UK) Limited, Deutsche Asia Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd, Deutsche Asset Management (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Australia Limited, Deutsche Bank (Cayman) Limited, Deutsche Bank (China) Co. Ltd., Deutsche Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, Deutsche Bank (Suisse) SA, Deutsche Bank (Uruguay) Sociedad Anenima lnstitucien Financiera Externa, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, Deutsche Bank Americas Holding Corp., Deutsche Bank Europe GmbH, Deutsche Bank Financial Company, Deutsche Bank Holdings Inc., Deutsche Bank Insurance Agency Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., Deutsche Bank Mutui S.p.A., Deutsche Bank Mexico. S.A., Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, Deutsche Bank Polska Spelka Akcyjna, Deutsche Bank Representative Office Nigeria Limited, Deutsche Bank S.A, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Limited, Deutsche Bank Societe per Azioni, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Delaware, Deutsche Bank Trust Company National Association, Deutsche Bank Trust Corporation, Deutsche Bank. Sociedad Anenima Espanola, Deutsche CIB Centre Private Limited, Deutsche Capital Finance (2000) Limited, Deutsche Capital Hong Kong Limited, Deutsche Capital Markets Australia Limited, Deutsche Capital Partners China Limited, Deutsche Cayman Ltd., Deutsche Custody N.V., Deutsche Domus New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Equities India Private Limited, Deutsche Finance No. 2 Limited, Deutsche Foras New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur lmmobilien-Leasing mit beschrenkter Haftung, Deutsche Global Markets Limited, Deutsche Group Holdings (SA) Proprietary Limited, Deutsche Group Services Pty Limited, Deutsche Grundbesitz Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., Deutsche Grundbesitz-Anlagegesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Deutsche Holdings (BTI) Limited, Deutsche Holdings (Grand Duchy), Deutsche Holdings (Luxembourg) S.El r.l., Deutsche Holdings Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 2 Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 3 Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 4 Limited, Deutsche India Holdings Private Limited, Deutsche India Private Limited, Deutsche International Corporate Services (Ireland) Limited, Deutsche International Corporate Services Limited, Deutsche International Custodial Services Limited, Deutsche Investments (Netherlands) N.V., Deutsche Investments India Private Limited, Deutsche Investor Services Private Limited, Deutsche Knowledge Services Pte. Ltd., Deutsche Leasing New York Corp., Deutsche Mexico Holdings S.a. r.|., Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Group Limited, Deutsche Mortgage & Asset Receiving Corporation, Deutsche Nederland N.V., Deutsche New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Nominees Limited, Deutsche Oppenheim Family Office AG, Deutsche Overseas Issuance New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Postbank, Deutsche Postbank Finance Center Objekt GmbH, Deutsche Private Asset Management Limited, Deutsche Securities (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Securities (Proprietary) Limited, Deutsche Securities (SA) (Proprietary) Limited, Deutsche Securities Asia Limited, Deutsche Securities Australia Limited, Deutsche Securities Inc., Deutsche Securities Israel Ltd., Deutsche Securities Korea Co., Deutsche Securities Mauritius Limited, Deutsche Securities SA. de C.V.. Casla de Bolsa, Deutsche Securities Saudi Arabia, Deutsche Services (Cl) Limited, Deutsche Services Polska Sp. z o.o., Deutsche StiftungsTrust GmbH, Deutsche Strategic Investment Holdings Yugen Kaisha, Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, Deutsche Trustee Services (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Trustees Malaysia Berhad, Deutsche Wealth Management S.G.I.I.C. SA., Deutsche lmmobilien Leasing GmbH, Deutsches lnstitut fur Altersvorsorge GmbH, Durian (Luxembourg) S.a. r.l., EC EUROPA IMMOBILIEN FONDS NR. 3 GmbH & CO. KG i.l., Elizabethan Holdings Limited, Elizabethan Management Limited, European Value Added I (Alternate GP.) LLP, Fiduciaria Sant Andrea S.r.l., Finanzberatungsgesellschaft mbH der Deutschen Bank, Funfte SAB Treuhand und Verwaltung GmbH & Co. Suhl "Rimbachzentrum" KG, G Finance Holding Corp., German American Capital Corporation, Grundstucksgesellschaft Frankfurt Bockenheimer LandstraBe GbR, Grundstucksgesellschaft Miesbaden LuisenstraBe/Kirchgasse GbR, Hollandsche Bank-Unie, ISTRON Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungs-GmbH, IVAF l Manager S.a.r.l., Immobilienfonds Buro-Center Erfurt am Flughafen Bindersleben I GbR, J R Nominees (Pty) Ltd, Joint Stock Company Deutsche Bank DBU, Jyogashima Godo Kaisha, KEBA Gesellschaft fur interne Services mbH, Kidson Pte Ltd, Konsul lnkasso GmbH, LA Water Holdings Limited, LAWL Pte. Ltd., Leasing Verwaltungsgesellschaft Waltersdorf mbH, Leonardo lll Initial GP Limited, MEF I Manager. S. a r.|., MIT Holdings Inc., Maher Terminals Holdings (Toronto) Limited, Morgan Grenfell & Company, MortgageIT, MortgagelT Inc., MortgagelT Securities Corp., OOO "Deutsche Bank TechCentIe", OOO "Deutsche Bank", OPB Verwaltungs- und Treuhand GmbH, OPB-Oktava GmbH, OPB-Quarta GmbH, OPPENHEIM Capital Advisory GmbH, OPPENHEIM PRIVATE EQUITY Manager GmbH, OPPENHEIM PRIVATE EQUITY Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, PADUS Grundstcks-VermietungsgeseIlschaft mbH, PB Factoring GmbH, PB Spezial-lnvestmentaktiengesellschatt mit Teilgesellschaftsvermogen, PCC Services GmbH der Deutschen Bank, PT Deutsche Sekuritas Indonesia, Pan Australian Nominees Pty Ltd, Plantation Bay. Inc., Postbank Akademie und Service GmbH, Postbank Beteiligungen GmbH, Postbank Direkt GmbH, Postbank Filialvertrieb AG, Postbank Finanzberatung AG, Postbank Leasing GmbH, Postbank lmmobilien GmbH, Quantiguous, R.B.M. Nominees Pty Ltd, RREEF, RREEF America LLC., RREEF China REIT Management Limited, RREEF European Value Added I (G.P.) Limited, RREEF Fund Holding Co., RREEF India Advisers Private Limited, RREEF Management LLC., RoPro U.S. Holding Inc., Route 28 Receivables. LLC, SAB Real Estate Verwaltungs GmbH, SAGITA Grundstucks-Vermielungsgesellschaft mbH, SAPIO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, Sal. Oppenheim, Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. Beteiligungs GmbH, Sharps SP l LLC, Stelvio lmmobiliare S.r.l., Suddeutsche Vermeigensvewvaitung Gesellschaft mit beschrenkter Haftung, TELO Beleiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Tempurrite Leasing Limited, Thai Asset Enforcement and Recovery Asset Management Company Limited, Treuinvest Service GmbH, Triplereason Umited, VOB-ZVD Processing GmbH, WEPLA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Wealthspur Investment Ltd., World Trading (Delaware) Inc., lmmobilienfonds BuroCenter Erfurt am Flughafen Bindersleben II GbR, lmmobilienfonds Wohn- und Gescheftshaus Koln-Blumenberg V GbR, and norisbank GmbH.

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NextEra Energy, Inc. is the largest electric utility holding company in the US. It operates a network of power generation and distribution facilities that include fossil-fuel-generated and green energy. As of mid-2022, the company was capable of generating 58 GW of electricity with nearly 60% of the load produced by green sources including wind and solar. In their view, going green isnt an option, its the solution. NextEra Energy has been recognized multiple times as a leader in clean energy and ESG practices and was ranked the #1 electric and gas utility on the Forbes list of Most Admired Companies.

The company is the result of several mergers that begin with FPL Group. FPL Group is now a subsidiary of NextEra Energy and the third-largest provider of electricity in the US servicing nearly half of Florida. FPL and its affiliates are the single largest provider of renewable energy generated from wind and sun. The group changed its name in 2010 following a decision to shift focus onto renewable energy sources.

Today, NextEra Energy, Inc through its subsidiary FPL serves about 12 million people in eastern and southwestern Florida. The company employs nearly 14,900 people who service 5.8 million accounts. The company is in business to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity to retail and wholesale clients. Electricity is generated through wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, and coal-fired facilities.

The company is also engaged in the construction and operation of new facilities, specifically renewable power generation, storage, and delivery facilities, and can offer custom solutions tailored to any need. Offerings include tailored services to assist businesses with their transition to clean energy.

NextEra Energy also owns and operates 7 nuclear power stations in Florida, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin generating power for the wholesale market.

Unlike other companies that are targeting net-zero emissions, NextEra Energy has a plan to reach real zero and is investing heavily to reach that goal by 2045. The company had invested nearly $50 billion in green energy infrastructure and initiatives by mid-2022. The plan is to first work on reducing its own emissions and then take its knowledge and expertise to the world.
[October 06, 2016] IAP experts called in support of Hurricane

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- IAP Worldwide Services, Inc., has been activated to provide assistance and emergency power in support of Hurricane Matthew for FEMA Regions IV and V. IAP has deployed numerous teams to the Initial Support Bases along the East Coast, located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Orlando, Florida, in support of several states preparing for this critical regional effort. IAP's emergency response support during Katrina, Sandy, Katia, and other devastating events included emergency power, communications systems, commodities, and deploying expert personnel. During the 2011 hurricane season IAP deployed more than 100 power experts to activate emergency generators throughout New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Maryland. The contract, awarded in 2013 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)  Pittsburgh District, Pennsylvania, allows IAP to provide emergency power, support to public works requirements, and engineering services during incidents of national significance.



"Today, we remain in constant contact with the U.S. Government and the various agencies supporting this mobilization ahead of Hurricane Matthew," shared Doug Kitani, IAP CEO and Director. "We are proud to be part of the solution to get the right support to the people impacted by this hurricane, and our team is again ready to do what it takes to sustain our customers and help the community." The IAP teams located in Cape Canaveral Office have evacuated the region and the emergency operations center (EOC) in IAP Panama City Office is activated. For the last 48 hours, the IAP EOC staff led by John Matasich, has been coordinating around the clock efforts with several USACE Primary Response Teams, which include Pennsylvania, Washington, and Georgia districts. Additionally, IAP, through their partner ECC, is providing response options for Naval Facilities Engineering Command-directed missions in response to the storm.

About IAP A leading international services company for more than 60 years, IAP provides a broad spectrum of services and solutions to U.S. and international government agencies, and organizations. IAP's maintains offices in Washington, D.C., Florida, Maryland, Oklahoma, the United Kingdom and the Middle East, and operates in more than 110 locations in 27 countries. Visit www.iapws.com for more information. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151104/283961LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iap-experts-called-in-support-of-hurricane-300340974.html SOURCE IAP Worldwide Services, Inc.

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Ranbir Kapoor, Kapil Sharma and Aamir Khan came in close by shelling out crores in advance taxes.

By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: Actor Salman Khan has proved to be a real Sultan of Bollywood, by paying the highest advance tax numbers, in this financial year.

Data of advance taxes paid till September 2016 i.e. half-yearly, available with Indiatoday.in indicates - Dabangg Salman is leading in the list of actors by paying an advance tax of Rs 16 crore, as compared to Rs 11 crore paid during the same period, last year.

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Film Sultan released worldwide in July 2016 grossed approximately Rs 584 crore and became the fourth highest grossing Indian film of all time.

For the second position, two actors paid the same amount of advance tax i.e. Khiladi Akshay Kumar and Hrithik Roshan. Both actors paid Rs 11 crore, respectively, till September 2016.

Surprisingly, last year - Akshay was leading with a sum of Rs 18 crore (ahead of Salman) till September 2015, but Hrithik was nowhere seen even in the top 10 highest taxpayers list.

Rockstar Ranbir Kapoor is on the third position, who paid Rs 7.8 crore as advance tax till September 2016 end, compared to Rs 4 crore paid in the last year.

Interestingly, comedian Kapil Sharma entered in the top list of Bollywood taxpayers by beating none other than Aamir Khan.

Till September 2016, Sharma paid an advance tax of Rs 6.06 crore, may be to prove his point as mentioned in his Twitter account that "he pays Rs 15 crore of IT returns every year since last five years"

This time, Mr Perfectionist - Aamir was happier by paying advance tax of Rs 3.7 crore, as compared to Rs 4.5 crore last year, till September end.

The department declined to give the advance tax numbers of three actors: Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.

Senior IT official told Indiatoday.in that these actors must have paid their advance tax numbers till September 2016, "but these numbers could not be revealed, as all three are under investigation by the department. Bachchans' are getting probed in Panama Papers leak case and Shah Rukh for his investment in Dubai and other Gulf countries".

Other numbers in hand are : Kareena Kapoor paid advance tax of Rs 2 crore, compared to Rs 2.2 crore last year for the same six months period.

Shahid Kapoor paid an advance tax of Rs 1.75 crore for this half year.

Most surprisingly amount is Rs 20 lakh paid by Ajay Devgn as advance tax. May be for the reason that Devgn is contesting with IT dept and has already made an appeal for the questionable amount of Rs 6 crore.

--- ENDS ---

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[October 06, 2016] GE Debuts Brilliant Career Lab at Boston Public Schools; Demonstrates Commitment to Students and Educators

GE (NYSE:GE), GE Foundation and Boston Public Schools today launched the GE Brilliant (News - Alert) Career Lab, a first-of-its-kind interactive mobile technology lab designed to prepare students for innovative digital industrial jobs of the future. The Brilliant Career Lab focuses on enhancing access to skills training in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through hands-on experiences and mentoring, as well as a website that offers access to similar experiences and career information. "GE is focused on forward-looking, innovative technologies, and through the GE Brilliant Career Lab we will advance students' understanding and ability to pursue STEM careers," said Ann R. Klee, president, GE Foundation and vice president, Boston Development and Operations for GE. "At GE, we take investment in future generations very seriously and through innovations like the GE Brilliant Career Lab we plan to help meet future needs for skilled workers." The Brilliant Career Lab offers both physical and virtual locations so that students have access to unique, hands-on experiences with advanced manufacturing technology. Through the mobile lab, students will become familiar with new technologies, such as 3-D printers, laser cutters, milling machines, and programming tools. They will be able to work on projects to help them understand the uses and features of the equipment. The Brilliant Career Mobile Lab will first be deployed in Boston Public Schools, with the goal of sharing the mobile labs in other cities in the coming years. The Brilliant Career Lab website, www.brilliantcareerlab.org, also launched today and has tools to help students with career planning and preparation. The site houses careerassessments that identify potential STEM-related careers paths and interactive activities that teach students about opportunities based on their interests and skills.



"In Boston, we are committed to making our city a leader in bringing STEM education to all students," said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "The Brilliant Career Lab is an example of how companies like GE improve our city and bring more opportunities to Boston's young people. The Lab will help prepare BPS students for the jobs of the future, and I'm proud to support this partnership and a strong STEM foundation for all of Boston's students." "Preparing our students for the careers of the future is a collective responsibility, and the GE Foundation has stepped up to contribute to the learning experiences of many BPS high schoolers," said School Committee Chairperson Michael O'Neill. "On behalf of the Committee, I would like to extend our gratitude for this new budding partnership, and we look forward to seeing the results as our students participate in mobile lab workshops, prepare to graduate, and enter the workforce."

The Brilliant Career Lab is a centerpiece of the GE Foundation's $25 million investment to support Boston students and educators, an important piece of a larger, ongoing commitment from GE to the City of Boston as GE moves its headquarters to the city. Through the $25 million commitment, GE has the potential to reach thousands of Boston Public Schools high school students each year with career labs, computer science courses and high school design experience to prepare tomorrow's workforce. The investment will provide students the opportunity to explore college and career possibilities, and to understand the skills necessary for future employment. GE will also help STEM high school teachers to better prepare students for college and their future careers. "The Brilliant Career Lab opens a door for Boston students by providing a new - and engaging - level of technology and skills-preparedness training," said Tommy Chang, superintendent of the Boston Public Schools. "We are proud to be working with the GE Foundation to bring valuable, educational tools to BPS students that will help prepare them to enter the workforce, and in turn, bring value back to communities across our city." ABOUT GE FOUNDATION The GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GE, is committed to building a world that works better. We empower people by helping them build the skills they need to succeed in a global economy. We equip communities with the technology and capacity to improve access to better health and education. We elevate ideas that are tackling the world's toughest challenges to advance economic development and improve lives. The GE Foundation is powered by the generosity and talent of our employees, who have a strong commitment to their communities. We are at work making the world work better. Follow the GE Foundation at www.gefoundation.com and on Twitter (News - Alert) at @GE_Foundation. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161006006467/en/

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[October 06, 2016] $10K Grant from The Cottonport Bank and FHLB Dallas Assists Developmentally Disabled Citizens

The Avoyelles Society for the Developmentally Disabled (ASDD) received a $10,000 grant today from The Cottonport Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas). This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161006006527/en/ Regional elected officials joined representatives from The Cottonport Bank, FHLB Dallas, Avoyelles Society for the Developmentally Disabled (ASDD) and others at a check presentation today in Marksville, Louisiana. ASDD received $10,000 in Partnership Grant Program funds from The Cottonport Bank and FHLB Dallas. (Photo: Business Wire) Several dignitaries attended the presentation of the Partnership Grant Program (PGP (News - Alert)) ceremonial check including: Wyatt Lobrano, district director for the Office of Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D. (District 5); Maria R. Trichell, legislative aide to Louisiana State Representative Robert Johnson (District 28); Avoyelles Parish Sheriff Doug Anderson; and representatives from ASDD, The Cottonport Bank, and FHLB Dallas. ASDD, a 45-year-old nonprofit that serves developmentally disabled residents of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, will use the funds to pay for CPA services including financial reporting and tax filing. "I'm pleased to see that the Avoyelles Society for the Developmentally Disabled will be the beneficiary of this grant. The Society does a tremendous job working to improve the lives of its clients, and I know that this grant money will helpit further its mission of strengthening our families and local communities," Dr. Abraham said.



Presented annually to community-based organizations (CBOs), PGP grants may be used for research, organizational capacity-building, grant- and funding-application assistance, or contractual services. "The Cottonport Bank has served this region since 1902, and we thank FHLB Dallas for partnering with us to better provide for the ASDD and all they do in our community," said Vickie Miller, chief compliance officer and community development officer at The Cottonport Bank.

ASDD currently provides training and employment opportunities to 45 clients, supporting their levels of independence, personal growth, and community engagement. "This is just outstanding for us," said ASDD Executive Director Lauren Laborde. "We rely heavily on fundraisers to support our mission so, without the grant, we would have had to coordinate another fundraiser or find another grant program." Through the PGP, member institutions, such as The Cottonport Bank, contribute $500 up to $4,000 to a CBO. These contributions are matched by FHLB Dallas at a 3:1 ratio to provide up to $12,000 in grant money to the CBO. Avoyelles Parish Sheriff Anderson said ASDD's tenure of service has created a legacy of positive outcomes. "This nonprofit meets people where they are and gives them tools and resources to make the most of their lives," he said. "Thank you to everyone involved with this grant. It will free up funding that can directly impact citizens." PGP grants are offered annually through FHLB Dallas' member institutions via a lottery system. Funds may be used for research, organizational capacity-building, grant- and funding-application assistance, or contractual services. In 2016, FHLB Dallas awarded $225,000 in PGP funds to assist 23 CBOs. Combined with the $96,200 from member institutions, a total of $321,200 was awarded this year. "FHLB Dallas appreciates the support of The Cottonport Bank to Louisiana," said Bruce Hatton, Affordable Housing Program manager at FHLB Dallas. "Through the PGP, we are able to partner with our valued member to effectively direct grant funds to nonprofits." About The Cottonport Bank Established in 1902, The Cottonport Bank employs 144 financial professionals serving 12 locations across Baton Rouge, Bordelonville, Brusly, Bunkie, Cottonport, Effie, Mansura, Marksville, Moreauville, New Roads, Plaucheville, and Simmesport. The bank reported total assets of $331.1 million as of June 30, 2016. For more information, visit cottonportbank.com. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank system created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $54.4 billion as of June 30, 2016, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 850 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. Visit fhlb.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161006006527/en/

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Welcome to Weird Science DC Comics, the DC Comics site for the common man and woman. We love comics and hope you do too. Remember, our reviews are only one persons opinion and doesnt mean you have to agree or disagree, just be you.
Fort Polk, LA (71446)

Today

Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. High 77F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 53F. Winds light and variable.
The following is from the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office:

The Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office has been contacted by numerous citizens regarding social media posts about possible clown attacks.

VPSO is aware of the social media posts and we are monitoring social media web sites. VPSO will take appropriate action should any incidents occur.

Sheriff Sam Craft would like to caution the public in regards to the wearing of such masks in public.

The priority of the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office is the safety and well being of our citizens.

Please do not utilize any types of masks in an effort to harass or scare other persons.

All complaints of this nature will be diligently investigated and prosecution will be sought.

Below is the Louisiana Revised Statute regarding Terrorizing:

40.1. Terrorizing

A. Terrorizing is the intentional communication of information that the commission of a crime of violence is imminent or in progress or that a circumstance dangerous to human life exists or is about to exist, with the intent of causing members of the general public to be in sustained fear for their safety; or causing evacuation of a building, a public structure, or a facility of transportation; or causing other serious disruption to the general public.

B. It shall be an affirmative defense that the person communicating the information provided for in Subsection A of this Section was not involved in the commission of a crime of violence or creation of a circumstance dangerous to human life and reasonably believed his actions were necessary to protect the welfare of the public.

C. Whoever commits the offense of terrorizing shall be fined not more than fifteen thousand dollars or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than fifteen years, or both.
Sheikh Hasina said her government is striving to take forward the country towards peace and prosperity and so we don't expect any conflict in this region.

By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina today urged the leaders of India and Pakistan to exercise restrains in their conflicts for saving the people of South Asia from any kind of sufferings.

"We want peace in South Asia. We never want any conflict or tense situation in the region as Bangladesh would also be a victim of any such situation," Sheikh Hasina said while giving her valedictory speech in the 12th session of the 10th Jayita Sangsad.

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Sheikh Hasina said her government is striving to take forward the country towards peace and prosperity and so we don't expect any conflict in this region.

India, which had already launched a diplomatic drive to isolate Pakistan, later announced to boycott the SAARC regional summit that was scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in November.



When Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan followed suit afterwards, the summit was cancelled.

--- ENDS ---
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Oct. 06, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 06, 2016 | 10:25 AM | PADUCAH, KY

Representatives from more than 20 cities and 11 nations across the globe will be descending upon Paducah in 2017 for a first ever annual global meeting of Creative Cities of Crafts & Folk Art.



Paducah representatives Mary Hammond, Executive Director of the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Bonnie Browning, Executive Show Director of the American Quilter's Society, recently participated in the tenth annual meeting of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities' Network in Ostersund, Sweden.



Paducah presented an invitation to the fellow UNESCO Creative Cities of Crafts & Folk Art to meet in Paducah in September 2017 to share strategies of incorporating the arts in building identity and strategic development. This first formally-designated annual meeting of the thematic area will be hosted by the City of Paducah in partnership with the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, Paducah Economic Development and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.



Laura Oswald, Marketing Director with the Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau, tells West Kentucky Star that further details regarding the length of the meeting, and locations that will be used to facilitate the meetings are still being worked out. Oswald says they will be working with local businesses and vendors to make sure the representatives from around the globe will get a full view of what Paducah has to offer.



In addition to the 20 global cities being invited, Oswald says the U.S. art cities of Austin, Detroit, Tucson, Iowa City, and Sante Fe will also be invited to attend the meeting. Paducah was designated as a UNESCO Creative City in 2013.



"We are excited to host ambassadors from Creative Cities around the world in 2017," said Mayor Gayle Kaler in a written press release about the event. "The relationships we have formed within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network have opened up doors into other cultures, promoted international cooperation and allowed us to expand and promote our own creative initiatives. We look forward to this unique opportunity for Paducah to showcase its innovations on a global platform."



"Every Annual Meeting of the Creative Cities Network represents an opportunity to strengthen the ties between its members," said Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO in a written press release about the event. "The network today comprises 116 cities in 54 countries and its diversity enhances its cooperation potential. The network is a unique platform that helps place culture, creativity and innovation at the heart of sustainable urban development in the spirit of the 11th Goal of the 2030 Agenda."



The UNESCO Creative Cities Network was created in 2004 by the United Nations to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.






By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 02, 2016 | 07:58 PM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY

The McCracken County Sheriff's Department has released the identity of both people killed Sunday morning in a single-vehicle crash on McKendree Church Road.

The crash happened at around 11:45 am on McKendree Church Road. Deputies said an SUV driven by 24-year-old Miriah Cissell of West Paducah was traveling south on McKendree Church Road, just south of Childress Road, when it crested a hill and entered into the oncoming lane of travel.

Police said Cissell over-corrected, causing the SUV to travel off the roadway and strike a large tree. Both Cissell and passenger 36-year-old Jesse L. Tinsley of Paducah died from injuries sustained in the collision.

McKendree Church Road between Childress Road and KY Hwy 286 was closed for about three hours for cleanup and investigation.
By The Associated Press Oct. 04, 2016 | 08:55 PM | LEXINGTON, KY

One proposed debate between Kentucky candidates running for U.S. Senate has been confirmed and another canceled.

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul's campaign said on Tuesday that he accepted an invitation to debate Lexington Mayor Jim Gray on Kentucky Educational Television. That debate will be televised live across the state on Oct. 31.

Meanwhile, the League of Women Voters said on Tuesday that it would not hold a debate scheduled for Oct. 30 at the University of Kentucky because Paul declined to participate in it. Gray had accepted the group's invitation.

There had been plans to broadcast that debate, which was also being sponsored by the Lexington Herald-Leader the University of Kentucky student government, on stations around the state.
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By India Today Web Desk: If you've read Sonam Kapoor's contribution to BuzzFeed of late, you'd know Sonam made it amply clear that Shobhaa De's comment on the actress lacking "oomph" echoed in Sonam's heart for a while.

Now, in an unexpected turn of events, author Shobhaa De has expressed that she now thinks the same Sonam Kapoor is "super hot".

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It's a way from Shobhaa's end to extend an olive branch to the Khoobsurat actress, it seems.

De, joined by a lot of other celebs, has been championing a campaign of late for eBay, called #ThingsDon'tJudge. As a part of the same, Shobhaa took to Twitter to express this:

Saw this ad https://t.co/jTZl9FhQmu #ThingsDontJudge but people do. Inspired to make amends @sonamakapoor I got it wrong:You are super hot! https://t.co/t32HJ7Dt28 Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) October 5, 2016

Her tweet reads: "Saw this ad #ThingsDontJudge but people do. Inspired to make amends. Sonam Kapoor, I got it wrong: You are super hot."

Recently, Sonam had written an extensive blog, opening up about her struggle to deal with criticism about her body, her looks and her other issues regarding her appearances.

Sonam's tiff with Shobhaa started when the author criticised her film, I Hate Luv Storys, in one of her blogs, labelling it as "I Hate Dumb Storys" and calling Sonam "a lassie who lacks oomph".

Later, the actress posted on the social media platform: "Guys please don't take Shobhaa De seriously. She's a fossil who's getting no action and going through menopause. So just for her."

(With inputs from IANS)



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Two wolf hybrids received blessings from four different religious leaders in front of Santa Fes Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis on Tuesday on the traditional feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.The event was organized by the Southwest Environmental Center, a conservation group that works to protect endangered species and their habitat. Kevin Bixby, the groups executive director, said the blessing ceremony was intended to call attention to the plight of the Mexican gray wolf.While federal officials are trying to increase the genetic diversity of the fewer than 100 gray wolves living in the wild by introducing populations into their native habitat in Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, the state Department of Game and Fish has been working against the program, claiming that expanding the wolf population and territory was an interim measure and not a recovery plan.The Rev. Rob Yaksich, associate rector at historic cathedral, said he makes a regular pilgrimage to Yellowstone National Park just to see wolves, but hadnt been able to go in several years. So, God brought the wolves to me, he joked. Thank you, Lord.Rev. Carol Calvert, associate pastor with the Church of Antioch at Santa Fe, and Rev. Catherine Volland of St. Bedes Episcopal Church also gave blessings to the wolves.
CITY OF HENDERSONVILLE NO LONGER CHARGING "SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT" FEES

What created quite a stir among new and established businesses when they were first put in place a few years ago, impactor "system development"fees have been suspended by the City of Hendersonville."

Those fees were put in place by Hendersonville and other cities and towns in North Carolina to cover the cost of future expansion and other expenses that develop over time associated with municipal services like water and sewer.

Some local businesses had argued the fees were excessive and discouraged new businesses and the expansion, remodeling, or relocation of existing businessesand were, in thE long run, bad for local business and ultimately for the city. The city had earlier waived those fees for some non-profit and affordable housing projects.

In a council meeting last this summer, Hendersonville City Council dropped these fees after the North Carolina Supreme Court struck down similar impact, or system development, fees in the town of Carthage. The state supreme court also left it to the state court of appeals to decide if Carthage would have to refund the fees they had already collected.

Hendersonvilles city manager is estimating the loss of these fees this year will cost the city just over half a million dollars. And its being reported thet impact or "system development" fees charged to the all the Fairfield Inn and Suite on Upward Road are being refunded to the developer.
By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) The 18 per cent cut in natural gas prices will lower revenues of producers by around Rs 2,000 crore during second half of 2016-17 fiscal, India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) said today.

Domestic natural gas price has been cut to USD 2.50 per million British thermal unit for the period of October 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 from the previous price of USD 3.06. The price cut by the government is in line with the fall in US Henry Hub gas prices over the reference period (July 2015 to June 2016). Prior to this reduction, the government had reduced domestic gas prices by 20 per cent in April 2016. This is the fourth consecutive gas price reduction since the implementation of the domestic gas pricing formula in October 2014. "The present gas prices are about 50 per cent lower since the implementation of the gas pricing formula," Ind-Ra said. The average Henry Hub gas prices declined by 15 per cent to USD 2.24 per mmBtu for the current reference period of July 2015-June 2016 period compared to USD 2.62 for previous reference period of January 2015-December 2015. The reduction in natural gas price will most impact public sector firms Oil India Ltd (OIL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), which contribute around 75 per cent of the total domestic gas production. "Despite the decline in sale price, lower costs in terms of rig and vessel rentals will provide some relief to margins in this segment. However, the expected fall in margins is likely to result in a lower investment surplus for future exploration," it said in a note. Gas utility GAIL India may witness around Rs 900-1000 crore lower trading revenue from the sale of domestic gas during second half of current fiscal on account of lower per unit realisation. "Given that the current price of domestic gas will be close to the marginal cost of production for most players, a further fall in natural gas prices can lead to losses for these players," it said adding there is a possibility for a formula revision or setting up of a floor price by the government to protect the domestic producers. However, the end-consumers of compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG domestic) can benefit from the downward price revision. The revised price will translate into City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities lower costs of around Rs 1.4-1.5 per standard cubic metre (SCM) on gas procurement. The PNG prices have been reduced by Re 1 per scm and CNG by Rs 1.4 a kg in Delhi, post this gas price revision. Stating that price of alternate fuel, diesel have increased by 8 per cent this fiscal, Ind-Ra said CGD entities may pass on between 40-70 per cent of the benefit of gas price reduction to the end consumers. This, it said, would lead to a price cut of around Rs 0.50-1 per scm in PNG prices and around Rs 0.7-1.4 per kg in CNG prices across CGDs. PTI ANZ ADI MR

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Union Minister Smriti Irani has been accused of giving wrong information about her educational qualifications in affidavits.

By India Today Web Desk: The Patiala House Court will announce its order today on whether to summon Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani on a complaint filed against her for allegedly giving false information regarding her academic qualifications.

The order was put off on October 1 after the magistrate had said the order was not ready. The court had reserved its order after hearing arguments advanced by the complainant, and going through the reports submitted by the Election Commission and Delhi University regarding Irani's educational degrees.

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Ahmed Khan, a freelance writer had filed a case in June 2015, against Irani accusing her of providing false information about her educational qualifications in affidavits.

Also read: Court clears blind father of rape allegation, questions girl's silence



The court was earlier told by an official appearing for the poll panel that the documents filed by Irani regarding her educational qualification, while filing nominations, were not traceable. However, the information on this was available on its website, it had said.

DIFFERENT INFORMATION IN AFFIDAVITS

Khan had alleged that Irani had knowingly furnished misleading information about her qualifications in affidavits filed before the EC and that a candidate, deliberately giving incorrect details, could be punished under provisions of the IPC and under section 125A of the Representation of the People Act (RPA).

The complainant had earlier claimed in court that Irani in her affidavit for April 2004 Lok Sabha polls, had said she had done BA in 1996 from DU (School of Correspondence), whereas in another affidavit of July 11, 2011 to contest Rajya Sabha election from Gujarat, she had said her highest educational qualification was B.Com Part-I from the School of Correspondence, DU.

Also read: Textile industry seeks cotton fibre security policy



The complaint had also claimed that in the affidavit filed for nomination of April 16, 2014, Lok Sabha polls from Amethi constituency in Uttar Pradesh, Irani had said she had completed Bachelor of Commerce Part-I from School of Open Learning, DU.

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A senior Pakistan police officer has admitted that Indian Army did carry out surgical strikes in PoK, exposing the denial that Islamabad has been in over the incident.

By Indo-Asian News Service: A senior Pakistan police officer has conceded that India indeed carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and killed at least five soldiers and many militants in an operation that Islamabad has continued to deny ever since it happened on September 29.

Ghulam Akbar, the Superintendent of Police (Special Branch) of the Mirpur Range in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, told an Indian news channel that the strikes took place in many sectors in the early hours of September 29.

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The news channel said on Wednesday that one of its journalists posed as Inspector General of Police Mushtaq while speaking to Akbar over the telephone.

The channel aired excerpts of the conversation, quoting Akbar as saying that he personally knew about the strikes.

Also read: Pakistan is rattled, and that's evidence of India's surgical strike



The Indian operation, he said, occurred at Samana in Bhimber, Hazira in Poonch, Dudhniyal in Neelam and Kayani in Hathian Bala, the border sectors on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control (LoC).

Akbar said the Pakistan Army cordoned off all these areas immediately after the Indian operation.

TIMING OF THE STRIKE



"Sir, that was night... you can say roughly 3-4 hours... between 2 a.m. and 4 or 5 a.m... The attack continued between that time.

"There were attacks on separate places... Several places were attacked... They also met (with) resistance," Akbar said.

Also read: I'm sad it took constable Nitin Kumar's life for media to honour BSF



The news channel said Akbar stated that the Pakistan Army was caught unawares by the Indian attack and lost five soldiers. The channel said it had the names of the slain Pakistani soldiers but didn't reveal them.

TERRORISTS' BODIES REMOVED BY PAK ARMY



The Mirpur police officer also claimed that the bodies of unknown number of terrorists were quickly removed by the Pakistani military and taken away in ambulances.

He said the bodies many have been buried in villages.

Also read: Pakistan's denial of surgical strikes exposes Kejriwal's colonial hangover



Akbar also revealed that the Pakistani Army facilitates the movement of terrorists in forward areas and arranges for their crossing over to India, the channel said.

"The army brings them, sir... it is in their hands," Akbar said.

He said, "I don't know exactly how many terrorists were killed because the Pakistan Army protects the jihadi infrastructure from even the local authorities and police."

COP NAILS PAKISTAN'S LIE



The admission by the senior police officer comes even as Pakistan has repeatedly trashed India's claims that its commandos crossed the LoC and destroyed seven terror launch pads and killed several militants.

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Pakistan even took a group of local and foreign journalists to some areas near the LoC to claim that the surgical strikes never happened.

Also read: Stop talking: PM Modi gags his ministers on surgical strikes, Pakistan



The Indian Army carried out the operation to avenge the September 18 killing of 19 Indian soldiers in a terror attack on a military base in Jammu and Kashmir.

India said the suicide attackers were from the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and had infiltrated from Pakistan.

Also read: Stop asking for evidence of surgical strikes: Put India above politics

Also read: Also read: Evacuation of Punjab border towns post Uri has become a battle for votes





--- ENDS ---
By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Sweden today said partnering India in the energy space would be a "win-win situation" and also offered its expertise for setting up smart grids in the country.

The government had earlier advocated the need for India to adopt smart grids and concepts to improve energy access for ensuring that power reaches all in the country. "Smart Grid presents a very good opportunity here. It is an area where we wish to have good cooperation with India. "... Waste management will be a huge issue, waste to power is an area where we could have very good cooperation. We have been making biogas from waste, making electricity from waste. There are a lot of things there where I think we could have cooperation," Cv Ibrahim Baylan, Minister for Policy Coordination and Energy, Sweden told PTI.

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Baylan said he had a "very good and productive meeting" with Minister for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines Piyush Goyal yesterday and invited him to Sweden to see what Sweden is doing in the energy space. Sharing his views on the scenario of doing business in India, Baylan said: "Of course there are challenges but we are very optimistic because we are seeing regulatory changes. The GST reform is very welcome. We want to become a long-term partner for India. We believe that would create a win-win situation especially in the area of energy".

On terrorism impacting efforts to attain energy security in South Asia, the Minister said: "The scourge of terrorism is plaguing all of us and I think there isnt any reason for us to hesitate whatsover. It has to be combated. There is no if or buts.

"This is something that is totally unacceptable and I think one of the ways to do it is to continue the path to make energy systems more cleaner more sustainable and by that also independent than the previous energy systems". PTI RSN MKJ

--- ENDS ---
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/10/2016 (2216 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MANITOBA is the king of consistency, according to the latest economic forecast from the Bank of Montreal.

In its BMO Blue Book report to be released today, the bank predicts the province will finish the year with real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2.4 per cent.

It predicts that will be the third-best performance among the provinces, with only British Columbia and Ontario expected to do better with growth of 3.0 and 2.6 per cent, respectively.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS BMO Bank of Montreal forcasts Manitoba will finish the year with real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2.4 per cent.

The bank also expects the Manitoba economy to grow at twice the pace of the national economy this year. The report predicts Canada will finish with real GDP growth of only 1.2 per cent.

Manitobas growth is maintaining momentum yet again, as the region seems poised to mark seven consecutive years of increases of at least 2.3 per cent, the report states. No other area in the country can claim the same consistency.

Much like the U.S. Federal Reserves Beige Book, the BMO Blue Book combines the expertise of BMOs economists with information about current business conditions local businesspeople have provided to its commercial bankers.

The bank said two major contributors to Manitobas high economic standing are its low GDP stake in oil production and its strong manufacturing and transportation sectors.

Manufacturing output has had a solid run since 2010 despite dipping last year and should continue to benefit from the combination of a weaker Canadian dollar and still-solid U.S. demand, said Robert Kavcic, senior economist for BMO Capital Markets.

Additionally, the transportation sector has been strong in recent years, said Kavcic, with orders rolling in from various municipalities for public transit and U.S. cities with improved fiscal backdrops and higher state spending.

The bank said notable job gains in construction and professional services are helping to keep unemployment comfortably below the national average, even in a soft labour market. This is reflected in the provinces business climate, it added, with construction, in particular, set for a good year based on stable housing demand and the development of new residential and office buildings.

Confidence among Manitoba businesses is on the rise, and a number of sectors are looking forward to a successful year. In particular, were hearing positive feedback from our manufacturing, service and agricultural customers John MacAulay, BMO senior vice-president for the Prairies and central Canada

Confidence among Manitoba businesses is on the rise, and a number of sectors are looking forward to a successful year, said John MacAulay, the banks senior vice-president for the Prairies and central Canada. In particular, were hearing positive feedback from our manufacturing, service and agricultural customers.

MacAulay said agricultural businesses continue to acquire more land, and a successful harvest could help boost farm-equipment sales. He noted the bank has seen a small increase in requests for pre-approvals from producers, which could be a sign of another productive end to the year.

murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/10/2016 (2217 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Start spreading the news  Mayor Brian Bowman says his trip to New York City holds positive signs for the citys credit rating and its best-known intersection.

As Bowman waited for his plane at New Yorks LaGuardia Airport at the end of his three-day visit Wednesday, he said his meetings with bond-rating agencies Moodys and S&P Global were excellent.

They are confident in our management of the public purse, he said. They were pleased to see we are managing our debt. Not only are we balancing our budget, but we have a debt policy. There was no concern about our debt.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Mayor Brian Bowman

I left the meeting feeling that theres confidence in our financial management.

City officials had been worried because, while Moodys hasnt issued an updated credit rating for Winnipeg, S&P Global downgraded the provinces credit rating in July.

That came on the heels of the citys credit-rating drop last summer within days of the provinces rating being downgraded. At the time, the citys close financial ties to the province were blamed for putting it at risk.

Meanwhile, Bowman, who has vowed to open Portage and Main to pedestrians in time for the Canada Summer Games next July, said he toured New Yorks iconic Times Square with Tim Tompkins, president of Times Square Alliance, the non-profit group credited with transforming the once-seedy area.

He said it used to be not the best pedestrian experience, Bowman said. There was a lot of crime, there were not as many pedestrians as today. We walked through Times Square and he showed us the errors they learned. There are lessons in how you engage with the stakeholders.

He said you really need to engage the property owners. We are doing that at Portage and Main.

Bowman said the square has areas for pedestrians to do things such as sit at outdoor cafes while vehicles pass.

FACEBOOK Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman posted this to social media Tuesday, October 4, during his trip to New York with councillor Marty Morantz. Insightful discussion today with Euan Robertson, COO of New York City Economic Development Corporation.

Its not just about taking the barriers down and letting people walk across the street, he said. Portage and Main isnt even in the top three (busiest) intersections in the city that allow pedestrians to cross. Its really what we want to see and to responsibly manage traffic and pedestrian safety.

But we can also create a focal point for Winnipeggers and visitors alike to congregate theres a lot of things possible. I want to make sure that intersection does more for Winnipeg.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/10/2016 (2217 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A new poll that shows Canadian opposition to water exports to the U.S. evaporating is worrisome, a Winnipeg climate change expert says.

We could be fighting wars over water in the future if we sell it off, said Ian Mauro, an environmental scientist, University of Winnipeg geography professor and spokesman for the Prairie Climate Centre.

Probe Researchs national study, A Clear Perspective of Canadians and their Drinking Water, says that 58 per cent of Canadian adults oppose bulk water exports to the U.S. compared to 74 per cent who were opposed in 2006.

POSTMEDIA FILES 58 per cent of Canadian adults oppose bulk water exports to the U.S.

I do find it disconcerting, said Mauro. What worries him is how normalized bottled water has become, and how Canadians relationship with water has been commercialized over the last 10 years.

When we think about the future, water is going to be one of the precious resources in our country, Mauro said. It already is with climate change. What we do with our water now has huge implications for the future. Scientists, he said, have put forward Mad Max scenarios  dry and barren hellscapes where people would literally kill for some water.

Its science fiction that could become a reality, Mauro said. We desperately need to have a conversation.

Probes water survey conducted every two years for the last 10 years  found that most Canadians are opposed to water exports, more are unsure about them and fewer now are gung-ho to sell off Canadas freshwater resource to their American neighbours.

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The number of Canadians who expressed unqualified support for exporting water is also down considerably, to nine per cent from 18 per cent in 2006. The proportion who are now uncertain has quadrupled in the last decade. Now, 33 per cent are unsure compared to only eight per cent in 2006.

Resistance to water exports showed little variation across regions, the survey said, although women (61 per cent versus 55 per cent among men), older Canadians (64 per cent of those over 55) and homeowners (62 per cent versus 50 per cent among renters) were among those most opposed to large-scale water sales into the U.S.

Manitobans (13 per cent) were more in favour of water exports than the national average of just nine per cent. That may have to do with seeing so many floods in this province, Probe president Scott MacKay speculated. The survey shows a trend of less opposition to selling Canadas freshwater, he said. With a five-year drought in California and a drop in world oil prices, water might be Canadas most abundant and valuable resource down the road, he said.

The great export we used to all depend on is not that much of value anymore, he said. The pipelines of the future could be carrying water instead of oil.

A 2014 study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development looked at the water consumption of nine developed nations including the U.S., Canada, Australia and Japan. Canada, with the third-smallest population among the nine, uses the second-highest amount of freshwater per person per year from the environment. As a percentage of its total renewable freshwater resources, Canadas water use rate is the lowest at one per cent, the OECD report said.

In 2001, the right-leaning Frontier Centre for Public Policy think tank theorized that if Manitoba could sell 1.3 trillion gallons of water per year  close to the amount that it says drains from Manitoba rivers into Hudson Bay in 17 hours  at the same price charged for desalinated sea water in California, Manitoba could reap annual profits of close to $4 billion. In 1992, the World Bank estimated that worldwide trade in water could be worth US$1 trillion within the next generation.

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If theres a case to be made for this and economic gains that would help the whole country, this would be the time to start talking about it, said MacKay.

Canada may appear to have lots of water but needs to be extremely cautious before sharing it, said Mauro. Canadians are pretty courteous and generous global citizens, he said. With whats taking place in California with record droughts, theres a level of concern for our southern neighbours, and questions about whether water resources should be made available to our southern neighbours, he said.

We dont want to lose our place as good global citizens, said Mauro. But look at whats happening in California right now  that could be our future. Were responsible to future generations of people who live in this country at present. That stark future is already starting to happen with strange things happening to watersheds and extreme weather. Flash floods, heat waves, wind storms and droughts are becoming the norm. The future is already here, to a certain extent, he said.

MacKay at Probe said that if a referendum on water exports to the U.S. was held now, the Yes side would still lose.

It would be a very hard sell today, said MacKay. Thats a bit of a relief to Mauro at the Prairie Climate Centre, who wants to get people talking about Canadas freshwater resources.

We cant move blindly into selling off water at a time when Canadians may need it most, the scientist said. It has to be a measured response. I dont think theres an adequate dialogue on this.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca

CWWB_0208_pg14-15
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/10/2016 (2216 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The design for the new Waverley underpass is right on track and no one will miss the trains.

Those were the overarching sentiments by residents who live in the area and commuters who travel the route at Thursdays open house hosted by the City of Winnipeg at the Caboto Centre. At least a half dozen city staff as well as project manager Cam Ward were on hand to answer questions and hear ideas from members of the public.

Plans for the $155-million Waverley underpass project were unveiled for the public at the open house which included large scale plans on tables, design boards and video images on a large screen of what the area looks like now and renderings of what it will look like at the completion of the project, in three years from now if all goes as planned.

CITY OF WINNIPEG A detailed map of the project design.

This is my main route to my sons, who lives in River Heights. Its quite amazing how often there is a train, said Meta Eccleston, who has only lived in Winnipeg for three years. What always annoys me is when they have a train going one way and then a train going the other way immediately afterwards. So instead of waiting for five, six minutes, youre there for 12. (It happens) I would say infrequently, but often enough to be a bother.

Construction is expected to start in January 2017, with completion anticipated by October 2019.

She expressed optimism that the new underpass will address those concerns.

If youre going to build an underpass, youd hope so. Otherwise theres no point in doing anything, is there?

The project will include the construction of a roadway underneath the CN Rail line that crosses Waverley Street, the reconstruction of Waverley between Taylor Avenue and Wilkes Avenue/Hurst Way, and the twinning of Taylor between Waverley Street and Lindsay Street.

Transport Canada has deemed the crossing at Waverley Street near Taylor Avenue high risk as there are an average of 33 trains per day at the intersection and 33,665 vehicles crossing over it. It is the busiest crossing in Manitoba and in the top five in Canada, according to Transport Canada data.

wearing suit and name tag, 4th from the left, 2nd from the right BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSCity of Winnipeg project manager Cam Ward answers questions on the Waverley Underpass project. Winnipeggers attended a public open house about the Waverley Underpass project at the Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Avenue. The open house was a opportunity for the public to view the detailed design for the underpass, learn about pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, intersection and road improvements, as well as construction timelines and detours. There was two sessions 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. These photos were shot in the 7-9pm session. Oct. 6, 2016

Doreen and Arnold Kapitz know first-hand how dangerous the area can be. Doreen was involved in a collision at Waverley Street and Taylor Avenue in February 2015 in which she was fortunate to not have been hurt but their car was totalled. The couple has lived in their bungalow condominium at the corner of Waverley and Taylor for 13 years and said they welcome the Waverley underpass.

Its going to be safer. You always see pieces of cars at that intersection, Arnold said. People hurry through that intersection, especially those that have been waiting for a 15-minute train. When the light changes, they just zoom through the orange and the red. A lot.

Vaibhav Banthia said he lives in Richmond West but he came to the open house because Waverley Street is part of his daily commute to work.

Every time, it seems, I have to be at a meeting or on time somewhere, for some reason or another, I encounter a train, said Banthia, noting he has waited up to 10 minutes for a train to cross. Im looking forward to this.

Catherine and Stephen Klassen expressed concerns about accessing businesses in the area, such as La Grotta Mediterranean Market.

CITY OF WINNIPEG A map of the detour plans during construction.

The basic plan is good, there would still have to be a few refinements in it, espcecially insofar as how local businesses are affected and the traffic (to get to them), Stephen said. Even now, its a little awkward to get in and out of there (La Grotta).

Catherine said one solution would be another set of lights at Cambridge.

But I know the concern is that there would be too many lights too close together and it could obstruct the traffic flow, she said. Theres a restaurant there, filling station, dental office, store, theyre going to have to deal with that to make it easily accessible.

Ward said a detour roadway will be built as part of the project. It will be a four-lane detour on Waverley Street to the west of the existing crossing. It will allow two lanes of traffic in each direction on Waverley Street while while the underpass is being constructed.

The broader transportation in the area will be improved as well, its not just an underpass, Ward said, noting there will be significant intersection improvements at Waverley and Wilkes Avenue, Waverley and Taylor Avenue as well as Waverley and Grant Avenue.

A real opportunity on this project was to incorporate pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Were going to have a three metre-wide cycling path as well as a one-and-a-half metre-wide pedestrian pathway, or sidewalk, and thats going to be on both sides of Waverley.

CITY OF WINNIPEG A rendering of the Waverley underpass project.

Ottawa and the provincial government will each contribute $45.9 million, leaving city hall to cover the remaining $63.3 million.

ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/10/2016 (2216 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg police want every school in the city to adopt a new American lockdown program that advises students and staff to try to run and, as a last resort, fight for their lives, say Manitoba school officials.

Its called ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate), and comes from an Akron, Ohio, company that touts its ability to teach customers to move from passive to proactive response strategies becoming the norm for Citizen Preparedness for Active Shooter events.

Manitoba School Boards Association risk manager Darren Thomas said in an interview Wednesday the ALICE program is popular south of the border, where there have been dozens of mass shootings on school grounds and university campuses.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) program is popular south of the border, where there have been dozens of mass shootings on school grounds and university campuses.

Its your life in question here. Youre either sitting ducks, or fight for your life, he said. Youre prepared for the worst; reality tells us this might happen.

Thomas said he has concerns about the fight aspect of the program, and, to be fair, theyre not focused on the counterattack.

Its very much a last resort, and we dont live in Americas gun culture, he said, noting he couldnt recall the last time a school intruder physically harmed students or staff in Manitoba.

Current procedures involve getting all the school doors locked and having everyone in a secure place that can be locked as well, then staying away from doors and windows until the all-clear sounds. There has been considerable controversy over whether classroom doors should be lockable from inside  some fear students could lock out teachers. Now, the practice is for a teacher to step into the hall long enough to lock the door from the outside and close it going back into the classroom. The brief exposure allows teachers to scan for stragglers outside classrooms.

Thomas said no Manitoba students have yet received ALICE training or are likely even aware of it. Police are running the proposal past school boards and have begun training teachers in a few schools, he said.

I think theres great merit in the run and/or hide strategy, he said. I have some trouble with the fight component, especially when it comes to our younger students. Id prefer them to stay in the secure method as long as possible.

Thomas said ALICE teaches students and staff to throw anything they can at the intruder to distract or disable him if their lives are on the line; adults and able-bodied students are instructed to tackle and subdue the assailant.

He said some elementary schools in the U.S. have canned food on hand in classrooms to use for self-defence.

Im not sure we want to do that in Manitoba, he said, but welcomed the ALICE advice to barricade locked classroom doors with chairs and desks.

The program teaches students to flee, given the opportunity. If you have an opportunity to exit, you make a run for it. If youre on the first floor, you can break a window, he said.

The drawback, he said, is during a lockdown, students and staff may not know where the danger is, or what they may encounter if they escape.

The program instructs them to go a meeting point such as a nearby church or community centre, just as they would in a fire evacuation.

In response to gun tragedies in the U.S. and the rare incident in Canada, there have been widespread calls for schools to have metal detectors and armed security guards. Some have suggested allowing teachers to carry guns.

Manitoba has rejected such reaction in favour of greater vigilance and awareness of anyone who doesnt belong in a school. Only the main entrance is open to the outside during school hours, and school public address systems have a code to alert staff to go into lockdown. Visitors can expect an adult to ask them, immediately and politely, their business in the school.

The Winnipeg Police Service has not yet responded to an interview request, and the Manitoba Teachers Society could not be reached Wednesday.

Winnipeg School Division board chairwoman Sherri Rollins said trustees briefly discussed ALICE Monday and will meet further with police.

Its a shift from just locking yourself inside a classroom, Rollins said Wednesday: Stay alert, lockdown, (including piling desks in front of doors), inform, counter (if necessary), evacuate (if and when there is opportunity).

It challenges the assumption that all children/staff will be confined to classrooms. Further discussions with the police service are planned. While we have had an information session with Winnipeg Police Service this past spring, there is more to confirm with them, Rollins said.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/10/2016 (2217 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg T-shirt, a Winnipeg Free Press book and a personal invitation to the Boss to perform in Winnipeg.

These were all part of Diane Geddes plan  which she perfectly executed in Seattle on Oct. 1 at a stop on his autobiographical book tour  to convince music legend Bruce Springsteen to put on a concert in Winnipeg. Hes never had a show in Winnipeg.

Geddes, 61, was able to attend the signed-book event at Elliott Bay Book Company as the guest of her friend Leonardo Coelho of Vancouver after he secured one of the coveted tickets. Each ticket allowed the holder to bring one guest.

FACEBOOK Diane Geddes got to make her pitch for a Winnipeg concert straight to the Boss.

My biggest goal in going (to the book event) was Ive always wanted to meet him, but I thought what a perfect opportunity to actually get Winnipegs name in front of Bruce Springsteen, Geddes said, noting she began her campaign in 2013 to get Springsteen to the city. She has a Facebook page and Twitter account @Springsteen2Winnipeg.

Ive gotten Winnipegs name in front of his management team but never him. I knew Id meet him but I didnt know how long Id have with him so I had to make it count.

She wore a T-shirt that had Winnipeg on it with the quote, Faith will be Rewarded from Springsteens song Land of Hope. She also brought as a gift the book City Beautiful, published in 2014 by the Winnipeg Free Press and written by Randy Turner, and she marked pages with sticky notes that showed the venues at which the Boss could play.

I picked Randys book because it had a beautiful cover and it had great pictures inside the MTS Centre and the Investors Group Field. I flagged those pages, I wrote some quotes from Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings and Neil Young inside the cover and a few notes about Winnipeg and the fans, she said. Its a very glossy, eye-catching book that I anticipate he will see at some point and help deliver that whole Winnipeg message to him.

At the event, copies of Springsteens autobiography were pre-signed so instead of reading a chapter from it, Springsteen met his fans. People lined up for a brief meet-and-greet with The Boss who graciously visited individually with all 1,200 of them and their guests. Geddes said Springsteen was there for about four hours.

Sure enough, as I was walking on the stage, he said, Nice shirt. Winnipeg so it was my golden opportunity. So I said to him, You really need to come play here. And he said, I dont see why we cant do that. It was pretty cool, Geddes said. Mission accomplished. I got Winnipeg in front of him and a few seconds to talk to him. I told him, Theres a lot of people back in Winnipeg that would like to see you, I think I said 5,000 because my brain just went crazy, but I know theres a lot more than that.

After she asked permission, Geddes said the Boss allowed her to give him  a big bear hug and a kiss on his cheek.

She had to leave the City Beautiful book with Springsteens handlers as no one was allowed to hand anything to the Boss for security reasons. But, she didnt see anything else like it in the box of items gifted by fans.

Geddes has seen Springsteen perform more than 50 times in Canada, USA and Europe. She will see him three more times in the new year when she heads Down Under. Geddes will be visiting Australia 2017 where shell see Springsteen and the E Street Band in concert Feb. 11-25 in Hanging Rock, Brisbane and Auckland.

ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/10/2016 (2216 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Pallister Conservatives angrily accused three male New Democrat MLAs Thursday of sexual discrimination against women members of the PC caucus during heated debate in the house.

I was absolutely horrified, Rochelle Squires, the minister responsible for the status of women, told reporters after what was likely the most contentious day in the legislature since the April 19 election.

Tory MLA Sarah Guillemard filed a formal complaint that her privileges as a member had been violated on a vote Thursday morning.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Fort Richmond MLA Sarah Guillemard talks with the media about perceived harassment by NDP members.

The Conservatives defeated an NDP bill to deal with sexual assault on post-secondary campuses, indicating they plan to table their own bill.

Guillemard said that as the Tories voted, New Democrats Andrew Swan, Rob Altermeyer and James Allum shouted Shame! as each of the women members of the PC caucus voted, but were silent as Tory men voted.

By targeting only one gender, the NDP caucus is attacking the ability of female members of this house to stand on the same level as men of this house. The fact that this came from three male members of the other side is even more egregious. -Tory MLA Sarah Guillemard

Guillemard said the New Democrats were trying to establish an atmosphere of intimidation for future votes.

Guillemard demanded an apology, and filed a formal complaint, which Speaker Myrna Driedger is expected to rule on next week.

Let me be clear, Guillemard told the legislature. Only female members were targeted in this verbal attack. Male colleagues of my caucus were not targeted. Every member of this house should be working towards gender equality.

But, instead, the members from the other side (NDP) have quickly established a pattern of sexist, inappropriate behaviour that impedes the privilege of every woman in this house. A member should be free to vote along with his or her conscience and consideration. We should not be forced to vote a certain way simply because of our gender. I would ask that the members, at the very least, withdraw their comments and apologize before this house.

By targeting only one gender, the NDP caucus is attacking the ability of female members of this house to stand on the same level as men of this house. The fact that this came from three male members of the other side is even more egregious.

Sexism not acceptable: NDP leader

The NDP addressed the issue late Thursday evening: The NDP caucus regrets what occurred during a vote on a bill dealing with sexual assault against women and girls in the House on Thursday.

We have a collective responsibility to combat sexism and to ensure all women feel safe and respected in their workplace. Our caucus is committed to that fight and will work with all members of the House to achieve that goal.

Today was a little bit of a heated day. -NDP MLA Nahanni Fontaine

NDP interim leader Flor Marcelino spoke briefly with reporters later.

Misogyny, sexism at this place is not acceptable, she said.

The NDP did not make the three male MLAs available to speak with media and said that it will review the Hansard transcript of the debate and wait for Driedgers ruling.

The NDP absolutely abhors any misogyny, declared MLA Nahanni Fontaine. Today was a little bit of a heated day.

Fontaine said the NDP contends that its caucus members also said Shame when male Tories voted. The PC women were not specifically targeted in any way, shape, or form, Fontaine said.

Squires said it was especially egregious that the New Democrats acted as they did when were addressing sexual harassment and gender discrimination, that they would participate in gender discrimination.

She said that the NDP bill had too many flaws.

Many institutions were not covered off, she said, adding there were no definitions of sexual assault, harassment and violence and the bill did not speak to issues of consent. In addition, the bill didnt address social media, which can be very damaging space, she said.

During question period, Fontaine demanded that Premier Brian Pallister explain why his government has removed indigenous and visible minority women from senior bureaucratic jobs and from key public boards.

Squires responded for the premier by accusing Fontaine of inviting her union friends into the legislature to make misogynistic attacks on the people who work in the building.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/10/2016 (2216 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In a rare case before the courts, a Winnipeg man is demanding answers about the Mounties investigation into the construction of the citys police headquarters and fire-paramedic stations.

Michael Kalo, 48, has taken legal action against Canadas attorney general on behalf of the RCMP. He wants the court to order the national police force to finish its two-year-old investigation of alleged wrongdoing during the construction of the Winnipeg Police Service headquarters at Smith Street and Graham Avenue. In the meantime, he wants the court to order the Mounties to update the public on the investigations progress  taxpayers deserve as much, he said.

Theres a lot of secrecy around it, and I believe in transparency and in the right of the public to know, especially in these circumstances, whereby what is at stake is a lot of taxpayers money, Kalo said in an interview.

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The Winnipeg Police Service has charged one of their own.

The RCMP investigation into the $210-million project began in December 2014 after audits were conducted and documents surfaced alleging doctored police HQ invoices and a payment to a member of city council.

The investigation has taken too long without any word from police on its progress, Kalo argues. He took his concerns to court Thursday, where a lawyer for the RCMP said the national police force will be contesting Kalos motion. A hearing will be set at a later date.

Before adjourning the matter to allow Kalo to file more supporting documents, Court of Queens Bench Justice Sadie Bond noted the rarity of his request, saying its very unusual to ask the court to supervise a police investigation.

If the court has no jurisdiction, who has jurisdiction? Kalo asked. Its about public trust of the system.

Kalo said hes not asking for RCMP to release information that would jeopardize their work, but he believes the police force can safely disclose more than it has up to this point about the state of the investigation.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/10/2016 (2217 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Who are you and what have you done with Brian Pallister?

Most Manitobans know that Manitobas premier is a man with strong opinions about taxes. In short, he thinks taxes here are too high and need to come down. Any suggestion they should be increased is met with sanctimonious contempt.

So, it was with some surprise this week Pallister did not erupt like a small nuclear device when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he was following through with a threat to impose a $10 per tonne federal carbon tax, with a plan to bump it to $50 per tonne by 2022. The new levy  expected to be felt at the gas pump and on heating and electricity bills  would be put into effect in 2018 in any province that has not devised its own carbon-pricing strategy.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Premier Brian Pallister did not seem concerned about meeting the 2018 deadline Trudeau intends to impose.

It was with some surprise, then, that Pallister did not rush to the front steps of the Manitoba legislature, face east and the national capital, and unleash a torrent of angry rhetoric about how this federal levy would devastate a province that, as he loves to say, is the most over-taxed jurisdiction in the country.

At a media briefing held the same day Trudeau announced his plan, Pallister calmly noted he was working on a made-in-Manitoba solution to carbon pricing. He also said his government would not proceed with a cap-and-trade regime as promised by the former NDP government. He didnt offer much in the way of detail about what he would do, but he was conspicuous by his decision not to condemn Trudeau.

The same could not be said for the other provinces.

Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia  all with their own policies on carbon pricing  supported the plan. However, environment ministers from Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador walked out of a federal-provincial climate change summit in Montreal, accusing Ottawa of overstepping its jurisidiction. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, who has devised her own carbon-pricing strategy, offered qualified support but only if Ottawa approved construction of a proposed oilsands pipeline.

However, none of the premiers came close to matching the response of Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, who took to Twitter and Facebook to accuse Trudeau of breaching a previous pledge by forcing a carbon tax on the provinces. The level of disrespect shown by the prime minister and his government today is stunning, Wall said in a statement released Monday.

In many respects, Pallister has more in common with Wall than any other premier. And yet, his response was understated to the point of being downright elegant. So much so that it seemed almost inconsistent with his normal posture towards taxes.

Pallister continues to condemn the former NDP government for increasing the PST to fund infrastructure. He is so opposed to this measure that he has promised to roll the PST back to seven per cent. And its not just provincial taxes that aggravate the premier.

Pallister also condemned a City of Winnipeg plan to impose growth fees on new development. At a late September media availability, Pallister hammered Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman, suggesting bruskly the city owes it to taxpayers to live within its means.

How could a premier that is so offended by a hike in the PST and introduction of growth fees seem so calm in the face of a carbon tax? It appears Pallister is ready to play the long game on carbon taxes.

Built into the federal proposal is an assurance any revenue from the carbon tax will be remitted to the province in which it was collected. And, remarkably, there do not appear to be any strings attached to that revenue.

How could Pallister make use of that money? If he follows the best practices of B.C., the first province to introduce a carbon tax, the revenue was used to lower other forms of taxation. This ensures citizens are still encouraged to reduce consumption of fossil fuels but provides other tax relief to help ease the pain of higher-priced gasoline and natural gas.

There is a tremendous political upside for Pallister if he just sits back and lets the federal government impose its carbon tax. The premier could then take the money remitted from Ottawa and use it to lower taxes here in Manitoba. Given that Manitoba suffers from a slow-growing economy, stagnant revenues and a growing deficit, this might be the best opportunity Pallister gets in the near future to lower taxes.

That is not the only political benefit of endorsing the federal plan.

Tacit acceptance of Trudeaus carbon tax provides protection to the PC government on its left flank, where the environmental lobby waits with its fangs freshly sharpened. As well, by resisting the temptation to engage in political histrionics a la Wall, Pallister has earned some gratitude in Ottawa, always a good thing to have when its time to negotiate federal support for all manner of provincial initiatives.

The good news in both scenarios is Pallister seems willing to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and is willing to at least consider the idea of using taxation to help us get there.

The premier will at some point have to square his position on carbon pricing with his otherwise vehement opposition to all other forms of taxation. But for now, he has positioned himself in a rather unique posture.

Pallister is a conservative premier who is neither flustered, nor flabbergasted, by carbon taxes. And that looks good on him.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca
In the video, a municipal worker is seen getting into a gutter and cleaning it with bare hands. The Nagercoil Municipality is accused of forcing the workers into manual scavenging.

By Pramod Madhav: A shocking video from Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district has surfaced showing the grim reality of municipality workers there.

The video, shot by possibly a common man, shows a municipality man getting into a gutter on a busy street of Nagercoil town. He is seen clearing the blocked drain with bare hands.

Nagercoil Municipality, which falls under the Kanyakumari district, has been accused of forcing its workers into manual scavenging.

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MUNICIPALITY FORCES WORKERS INTO MANUAL SCAVENGING?



V Dhinakaran, the leader of Tamil Nadu Dalit Rights Protection Organization, has approached the Kanyakumari Collector. He has submitted a complaint against the Nagercoil Municipality.

Dhinakaran alleged that the Nagercoil Municipality threatens its workers and pushes them into manual scavenging. He said the workers aren't provided proper gloves or equipment.

"All these central ministers speak about 'Clean India' initiative and unfortunately in the same area where a ruling BJP MP is residing, day labourers are using their bare hands to clean faeces. This is atrocious and against human rights," he said.



MANUAL SCAVENGING IS BANNED



The municipality allegedly threatens its workers to either do the illegal job of manual scavenging or get fired. This is despite Supreme Court's order banning manual scavenging.

The apex court had earlier said that manual scavenging was against human rights. It had banned the practice. In fact, the Supreme Court had said that any one who pushed a worker into manual scavenging would be sent to jail for five years.

Tamil Nadu holds the worst record in the country when it comes to people dying in sewer lines and gutters.





Also Read:

Stinking Delhi: Unheard stories of manual scavengers in national capital, many of whom are educated

Purple classroom: Women manual scavengers are now embroidering their way to change



--- ENDS ---
Editors note: This story originally ran in the Winona Republican Herald on Aug. 27, 1929

In the most spectacular liquor raid in the history of Winona, a squad of 45 federal prohibition agents from St. Paul under the leadership of S. B. Qvale, commissioner for the northwest division, and M. L. Harney, his first assistant, swarmed into the city shortly after 9 oclock last night, raided 15 local soft drink bars, residences, hotels and drinking clubs, arrested 17 men and women and confiscated large quantities of beer, moonshine and alcohol.

The raids, according to Mr. Harney, were the result of a secret campaign waged here during the last two months against liquor conditions by undercover men who obtained sale charges against local bootleggers and then made careful notations as to the locations of the establishments visited and manner in which they were operated.

The prohibition agents arrived in Winona in a large bus and two smaller automobiles. Reaching the city limits they divided into 15 crews of three each and each crew was given a spot to raid. When the large bus stopped on Mankato Avenue, the agents were stoned and showered with brickbats, some of which endangered the occupants of the machine. Windows on the bus were smashed, the tires cut and the body dented from the rocks hurled. Many of the agents had their wives with them so that the bus full of men and women, marked Special would allay suspicion and would give the impression that the group was on a picnic party or on the way to or from a convention.

While most of the federal men left the city about 2:30 a.m. today when all of the arrests had been made, six remained here for the arraignments.

Joseph Kunda was arrested on Mankato Avenue, where a near riot occurred when the agents raided several establishments. Bottles, rocks and bricks were thrown, women wept and crowds surged in all directions. The agents today said that they would request that bail of $7,500 be set for Kunda when he is arraigned.

Several persons who got into arguments with the agents near the establishments raided were arrested and taken to the county jail. They wore later released when the agents learned that they had no connection with the raided establishments, but merely gave vent to their opinions relative to prohibition and federal agents.

Many persons in the places raided were also placed under arrest and taken to the county jail, but when their identity was established they were released. At one time the large bus was loaded with persons arrested and the agents hung on the outside and six sat on top during the trip to the jail.

Traffic was blocked in all directions around the county jail as the crowds followed the agents and their captives, and it was not until after 2 a.m. that the streets were cleared. All of those arrested on liquor charges will be arraigned under the Jones act, which fixes the maximum penalty for sale, manufacture or transportation of liquor at not more than five years in prison or a fine of not more than $10,000 or both, Mr. Harney said.

It was indicated that other arrests were to be made today and the total of those arrested may be as large as it was during two weeks in June, 1928, when 42 Winona bootleggers were arrested in a series of raids. The number arrested last night, however, is the largest in any one single raid.

Any further interference by any persons with government officers while they are making a raid or an arrest will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Mr. Harney said today.

The agents indicated that more arrests might be made if they learned who threw the bricks and stones at the bus. One of the bricks barely missed a woman occupant of the bus, it was said.

None of the places raided, with one exception, had been visited by the agents in June, 1928. At that time padlock orders were placed against 26 establishments and many of them are still locked up. Those who are bound over to United States district court will probably be arraigned at the next session of that tribunal which convenes here the Fourth Tuesday of January 1930.
Is the notoriously litigious Donald Trump afraid of getting sued by ... Donald Trump?

If so, the plaintiff could have a pretty strong case.

This weekend, Americans learned that Trump reported losses in 1995 so yuge that he may not have paid any federal income taxes for 18 years. The Trump campaign has apparently decided that the best defense for this jaw-dropping behavior is a perversion of Judge Learned Hands famous ruling on tax planning. Hand determined that there was no legal obligation to maximize ones payments to Uncle Sam; the Trump campaign is now insisting that its candidate has a legal obligation to minimize his payments to Uncle Sam.

Trump has a fiduciary responsibility to his business, his family and his employees to pay no more tax than legally required, the campaign said in a statement.

Likewise, campaign surrogate and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani explained that Trump faced a serious legal liability had he not minimized his tax liability.

If he didnt do it, hed get sued, Giuliani said on ABCs This Week. He made this claim about Trumps risk of a lawsuit seven times on that show. He made it thrice more on NBCs Meet the Press.

Of course, even if you buy the argument that Trump had a fiduciary duty to investors to minimize the tax obligations of his corporations, partnerships and LLCs, the leaked documents in question were portions of Trumps personal income tax returns, not any corporate or partnership income tax returns. So there were no investors to let down.

Whose wrathful litigiousness, then, compelled Trump to stiff the tax man? Who could have possibly sued Trump for wantonly dispensing too much of his own money to the feds?

Why, it mustve been Trump himself, the only entity whom Trump has ever felt any fiduciary duty to enrich.

Maybe it seems ridiculous to suggest that Donald Trump might sue Donald Trump. How could he play both plaintiff and defendant? But recall that his confidants, and at times even the candidate himself, have argued that there are at least two of him to go around.

Plus, he has already sued or been sued by seemingly every other man, woman, child and corporation on earth, having been embroiled in at least 3,500 federal and state lawsuits. At the rate hes going, hell eventually run out of legal adversaries who are not Donald Trump. Perhaps he knows hes destined to one day sue the only man truly worthy of his legal jujitsu (i.e., himself).

Even without tax-planning shenanigans, mind you, Plaintiff Trump would have a nearly bulletproof case to make against Defendant Trump for breach of fiduciary duty. Defendant Trump is, through his alienating rhetoric, likely irreparably impairing the goodwill value of the gilded Trump name.

Bookings at Trump hotels seem to be down, according to a report from travel site Hipmunk. Foot traffic to Trump businesses appears to have also declined significantly during the presidential campaign, according to data from Foursquare. Trump-branded condo prices have lost the premium they enjoyed last year, according to an analysis from Redfin.

There have also been reports that his children are privately worried about the negative impact his erratic behavior is having on the family business.

Trumps boorishness alone isnt the only way hes endangering his future income streams. His populist policy proposals, if successfully enacted, could also cripple many of the business strategies he has relied on to build his wealth.

Over the past year, Trump has whetted the publics appetite for punishing business leaders who:

Outsource production to factories abroad, as Trump does for shirts, suits, eyeglasses, crystal, vodka and hotel furnishings, among other Trump-branded paraphernalia.

Employ undocumented workers, like those who have worked on Trumps own construction projects.

Donate money to politicians in exchange for favors, as he has boasted he does.

Engage in aggressive tax avoidance, as available tax documents now definitely prove he has engaged in.

Hes also advocated barring Muslim immigrants, some of whom have been known to stay at his own hotels.

If he continues to employ all these behaviors that he so vocally condemns, surely his supporters wont tolerate the hypocrisy. Surely theyll demand that such business practices be put off-limits to everyone, including Trump himself.

And Trump will only have himself to blame. Its only a matter of time before that famous legal counterpuncher can consider himself self-served.
I support Commissioner Greg Olson for the 4th District Winona County board seat.

Greg is honest, listens to all concerns from his constituents, makes thoughtful decisions, and reflects all voices from his district. He is not beholden to a minor group of special interests that support the silica sand mining industry.

Greg is a leader. He listens to everyone! Leadership lately on the county board is a constant 3-2 battle of decision-making between common sense and special interests infecting local county government decisions.

Brian Conner, Olsons opponent, seems to favor a form of racism in his campaign against democracy, including a picture on his Facebook page portraying our current president as a monkey. It's the typical line of the Republican Party and its ongoing platform of racism. I will not stand for racism in out local government! Keep Washington politics out of our county government.

Nicholas Guy,

Winona
Vibrant colors will blaze indoors and out Oct. 14-16 as the Fall Art Tour returns to Baraboo.

In its 23rd year, Wisconsins oldest rural art tour will feature 47 local artists in four communities. During those three days, theyll open their studios to 3,000 visitors.

I think this tour will be during peak color, said fiber artist Char ter beest-Kudla. The weather forecast looks great: Mild, sun-filled days with no rainy touring.

The free tour will be held in Baraboo, Spring Green, Dodgeville and Mineral Point. It allows art lovers to watch artists create their work and ask questions about the process.

We are the art tour many others have crafted their own area tours around, ter beest-Kudla said. We are recognized as being one of the best, most professionally run art tours in our area.

New this year will be Baraboo artist Laura Annis. Shell showcase her paintings and multi-dimensional wood pieces in a studio she and husband John Peruzzi built this summer next to their home.

Annis said the tours regional draw grants artists exposure and an opportunity to sell their work directly. These are people who wouldnt otherwise see my work, she said. People come with their checkbooks in hand specifically to purchase art.

With thousands of visitors descending on Baraboo, the benefits should be widespread. Itll be good for the towns economy all around, Annis said.

She and Peruzzi tore down a garage next to their Lynn Avenue home and replaced it with a 540 square-foot studio. It gives Peruzzi space for carpentry, and Annis room to paint murals, cut wood pieces and weld metal.

On Thursday the couple installed drywall, readying the studio for its public debut. Its going to be so beneficial for my artistic process, Annis said.

Shes looking forward to demonstrating her work and discussing it with visitors. The studios interior wont be complete, but the Fall Art Tour is about showcasing works in progress. Im really excited to have people come see what weve built here, Annis said. Its been challenging, but I think its going to be worth it.

Artists will open their studios from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day of the tour. Brochures with maps will be available at Cornerstone Gallery, which will serve as Baraboo tour headquarters.

Many artists have been on the tour route for many years, but ter beest-Kudla said theres always something new to see. If youve done the tour in the past and think youve seen everything, you might be surprised at how every artisan grows and changes, she said.
As two very different presidential candidates prepare to again square off in front of millions of television viewers Sunday, it might be well to consider the story of someone who isn't around to watch.

Clayton Luther probably got to see John Kennedy go at it with Richard Nixon on that first and still most famous TV debate, in September 1960. However, the 1964 Baraboo High School graduate didnt live long enough to watch any of the subsequent debates in the next decade. On the night of July 28, 1966, PFC Luther stepped on a landmine in South Vietnam and was killed almost instantly.

He died at the age of 19 while being transported to an Army hospital, the first son of Sauk County to be killed in that complicated and tempestuous war. His death reminds us of the terrible price that our country often pays for our liberty.

Had Clayton survived Vietnam, there is a good chance that his family would have gathered to celebrate his 70th birthday today.

In July I had the chance to talk with several of Claytons siblings and his best friend from high school, and the picture that emerges is of a skinny, sandy-haired kid much too young to be sent halfway around the world to fight in a war that neither he nor most adults fully understood.

Kennedy and Nixon might have argued about containment and the domino theory, but Clayton probably had little idea of what either term meant.

When he was drafted in January 1966, Clayton was working at Pierces with Butch Butterfield in the meat department. Best friend Bill Marquardt remembers him as a quiet, good guy who had a 1958 blue Mercury that was his pride and joy. The two had planned to go through Army boot camp together, but fate intervened and Marquardt was routed to the Marine Corps instead.

He was in basic training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina when received the news that his high school buddy had been killed.

Clayton only had been in Vietnam 10 days.

His older sisters Mary (Capener) and Millie (Higgins) remain quizzical about why their younger brother had to die. His death did not establish some eternal truth or set men free. He did not die a hero or come back with a Silver Star.

However, his loss did so shock the community of Baraboo that the city fathers put on a memorial service the likes of which is still vividly remembered. Dubbed Blue Spader Day in honor of Claytons outfit in Vietnam  which used a blue spade as a unit crest  the event was held on Oct. 22, 1966, and the legendary Beryl Newman came back to serve as grand marshal.

Vietnam still unnerves, it still pits hawks against doves in the debate over worthy and attainable foreign policy objectives, but one thing is certain: Clayton Luther served his country every bit as honorably as the men under Washington at Valley Forge or the volunteers of the 20th Maine who defended Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg. His death ranks him the absolute equal of the Marines who clawed their way across Peleliu and Okinawa in World War II.

We tend to think of combat vets as tough guys who belong to a kind of warrior class. They serve in storied outfits that have mottos like Screaming Eagles, Death Before Dishonor, and Hell in a Helmet. They walk tall and nothing scares them because theyve been to hell and back.

What we have to remember about Clayton Luther is that he experienced this hell but did not come back.

His siblings still have trouble seeing him as a GI Joe. Back in July they shared family pictures with me and one of them shows Clayton as a young teen, maybe 12 or 13, nuzzling a playful puppy to his neck while his horse Toby stands faithfully in the background. Tapping the picture, Mary nodded her head approvingly, Thats how we remember him. Another memory was of Clayton in 1962, then just a freshman in high school, cradling their dying mothers head in his lap, weeping uncontrollably. Just a sweet angel, she said. Just a sweet angel.

Clayton, we are the beneficiaries of your bravery and devotion to duty. You are solemnly remembered and still very much missed.
Town board ignored Spruce Road citizens

Does money talk? Its frustrating how easy it is for a company with money to convince a town board chairman to ignore the legitimate pleas for safety of an entire neighborhood.

Ten citizens of the Trenton Hills neighborhood came to the town board with safety concerns. I am not trying to keep companies from earning money, I just know there is a safer way.

Dump trucks picking from the quarry on Spruce Road drive past 18 homes. Most of us living in this area have been almost hit by a dump truck; in our vehicles or walking. 16 of those 18 families must exit their driveway or intersection blindly, because the stopping distance of a fully loaded dump truck (16 tons) is at least 290 feet when traveling only 40 mph. Those trucks simply cannot see them in time to stop.

If trucks left the quarry and turned left instead, they would go down County Highway W to County Highway B. It would save them just a few feet short of a full mile, and take them past corn fields rather than homes. It seems like a shorter, safer, and much better choice.

Weve tried several things to make it safer here, and our last effort has been to approach the town board for help.

Years ago Spruce Road was built up to handle the weight of dump trucks. only if they left the quarry and headed left to Highway W. No reinforcements were built up to the right. Spruce Road and the culvert for the creek that run under it are badly damaged due to the constant weight of the trucks, and will be repaired shortly with half of the cost being paid by the taxpayers.

It was decided at the town meeting Sept. 19 to post weight limit signs on our road to prevent loaded dump trucks from traveling through our neighborhood. After a couple days and one phone call from a truck company, the weight limit signs were pulled. A 40 mph sign was posted instead, continuing the problem. Is the 1-mile difference worth the safety of 18 families, especially when it would be a full mile shorter for trucks to go the other way?

This solves none of our problems, because the stopping distance was calculated at 40 mph, and the weight of the trucks will continue to damage the road. The intersections and driveways remain blind and dangerous and the road will continue to need expensive repairs.

We followed procedures and asked for help from the town board at a meeting. It is sad that one man has the power to leave 18 families in a dangerous situation, when they came to him for help. What is more concerning is that no one from the truck company attended a town board meeting. How is it that one member of the town board has the power to change the law after a decision was reached and promised at a meeting?

Maily Kocinski, town of Trenton
By PTI: Chennai, Oct 5 (PTI) The Tamil Nadu State Election Commission (SEC) today moved an appeal in the Madras High Court against a single judges order quashing the notification for local body elections slated for October 17 and 19 even as the DMK filed a caveat on the matter.

Assailing the order passed yesterday, the SEC contended that as per Article 243 (O) (bar to interference by courts in electoral matters), once the election process was underway, no judicial order or restraint could be placed on the exercise.

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The single judge bench while passing orders on a petition by DMK, which had sought adequate reservation to Scheduled Tribes, had quashed the September 26 poll notification holding that it violated the Tamil Nadu Panchayat Election Rules and directed the SEC to issue a fresh notification for holding the elections and complete the process before December 31.

Besides, the court had also cited certain other anomalies as the reason for setting aside the notification.

In the appeal, SEC Secretary T S R Subramanian submitted that the election process set in motion on September 26 had gone up to the stage of scrutiny of nominations before it came to a standstill in view of the impugned order.

"Due to the order of the single judge, every process is at standstill," he said, adding that as per Article 243K of the Constitution, elections must be conducted for local bodies once in five years. In Tamil Nadu the polls should be completed on or before October 24.

The SEC also pleaded for a stay on all further proceedings till the disposal of the petition.

Earlier, the DMK filed the caveat to pre-empt any orders from being passed by the court on the matter without giving it notice. PTI COR VS ZMN MVV

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Misc.  Tuesday at 7:15 a.m., a man told police he was upset with a flag at a residence in the 400 block of North University Avenue. He said that he felt it was disrespectful to veterans.

Theft  Tuesday at 8:45 a.m., a 63-year-old man told police that someone stole his Trump sign off a fence in the 1300 block of North Spring Street.

Accident  Tuesday at 3:09 p.m., two women were involved in a vehicle accident near the McKinley Street and Walnut Street intersection. One woman was cited for inattentive driving.

Accident  Tuesday at 3:21 p.m., two female drivers were involved in an accident in the 500 block of South Spring Street.

Disorderly conduct  Tuesday at 4:02 p.m., a man and a woman were yelling in the 900 block of North Spring Street.

Vandalism  Tuesday at 4:35 p.m., a man told police that his vehicle was hit with paint balls in the 100 block of Lakecrest Drive.

Break-in  Tuesday at 4:37 p.m., a woman reported that someone tried to break into an apartment in the 100 block of Lakecrest Drive. The door was damaged.

Theft  Tuesday at 5:45 p.m., a man reported the theft of two bikes near Beaver Dam Community Library, 311 N. Spring St.

Disorderly conduct  Tuesday at 5:49 p.m., a woman told police a 40-year-old woman kicked in her apartment door in the 1100 block of North Spring Street. The 40-year-old woman was arrested and was cited with domestic disorderly conduct.

Drugs  Tuesday at 6:49 p.m., someone in the 200 block of Madison Street reported possible drug activity.
Friday

Portage Public Library, 253 W. Edgewater St., Portage, will hold an early release day free movie at 12:30 p.m. Friday. The movie is PG-rated and runs for approximately 94 minutes. Children seven years and younger must have an adult with them during the entire movie. For information, including the movie title, call 742-4959, ext. 211 or the visit the Childrens Department Facebook page.

Saturday

The Central Wisconsin Save the Animals Group/Paradise Horse Fun Show will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday at Paradise Stables, W4368 Long Crossing Road, Rio. The rain date is Sunday. Lunch stand on grounds. Sponsored by the Central Wisconsin Save the Animals Group. Proceeds and donations support the rescue and rehabilitation of horses.

Saturday

A Rendezvous event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters and Garrison School House, 1824 Highway 33 East, Portage, featuring one-room school tours, apple cider press, bow and arrow demonstration, log cabin tours and more. Walking tacos, brats, chips, drinks and caramel apple slices available for purchase. Call 742-2949 for more information.
The Portage Fire and Portage Police departments are hosting their annual open house on Saturday morning, with tours, demonstrations and a chance to catch up on some basic home safety.

The garage doors will be open on West Pleasant Street with the firetrucks and tenders shined up and out on display. Visitors will also get to see them in action as the fire department goes through a dry run for the public.

We have hopefully a lot of people showing up, said Fire Chief Clayton Simonson Jr. Were going to start at 9 a.m. and were going to have three drawings throughout the day for us, well have a demonstration behind the department, the trucks will be all set up, and well be selling hot dogs and brats.

The Fire Department will have two main events, with a fire extinguisher demonstration at 10 a.m. and a rescue from about 11 a.m. to 11:30.

Theyre going to pull a line off a truck, just like they showed up at a fire, then were going to pull a tender up, drop a drop tank with water, said Simonson, and then were going have a guy set up a ladder and well go up the ladder and rescue a dummy.

On the other side, Portage police will be highlighting the event by spiking a car around noon. Blystones Towing is contributing a car that will be driven as an officer shows how to toss spikes across a road to put an end to a police chase.

All the while, with units coming from the Columbia County Sheriffs Office and Wisconsin State Patrol, visitors will be able to get a tour of the facility and some of the equipment that officers carry with them. Refreshments that morning will also be presented courtesy of Triad police volunteers.

The State Patrol will come with its accident simulation device called The Convincer, meant to convince riders of the importance of wearing seat belts.

During the event, Portage police will be taking collections for both charity and safety. Those with coats to donate are encouraged to bring them for the Salvation Army Coats of Many Colors drive. Officers will also have a medication collection on that day, to collect expired and unused medicine to be safely disposed. Officers will also be helping anyone who wants to drop off an expired or damaged child car seat.

On Oct. 29, according to daily shift reports, Officer Peter Warning responded to a disconnected 911 call on West Cook Street, finding the source to be a 6-year-old who wanted to say hello to a policeman.

As much as the sentiment was appreciated, Warning explained the gravity of emergency calls and recommended the young caller come to the open house on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Sauk Prairie boys and girls cross country teams each finished eighth at Saturdays Wisconsin Rapids Invitational at the Ridges Golf Course.

Dylan Herbrand led the boys team, finishing 32nd overall with a time of 17-minutes, 48-seconds. Camden Desroches followed, crossing the line in 17:54 to take 35th overall. Seth Reardon was hot on Desroches heels, taking 36th in 17:54. Noah Wankerl added a 43rd-place finish (18:03), while Tristan Blechinger finished 89th (18:55).

The Sauk Prairie girls placed one runner in the top 30, as Mikayla Lenz used a time of 21:14 to take 27th. Ella Drescher was next, finishing 52nd in a time of 21:46. Maya Frey (54th, 21:49), Sarah Hupp (56th, 21:56) and Maggie Harter (69th, 22:27) rounded out the top five for the Eagles.

Stevens Point took both team titles, running away from the 19-team field.

The Eagles will look to be at their best when they head to the Badger North Conference meet in Waunakee on Saturday.

Girls Swimming

Sauk Prairie picked up a 119-48 win at Lodi in Tuesdays nonconference dual meet.

The Eagles won nine of the 11 events to dispatch the host Blue Devils.

Kaitlyn Miller swam to a pair of first-place finishes, claiming the 200-yard individual medley in 2-minutes, 33.39-seconds and the 100-yard backstroke in 1:07.95. Grace Williams (1:09.82) added a runner-up finish in the 100-yard backstroke, while Summer Acker (1:12.15) took third.

Sydney Rall also won two individual events. The junior showed her all-around strength, finishing first in the 50-yard freestyle (26.42) and the 500-yard freestyle (5:56.88). Both races were sweeps for the Eagles. Molly Schoepp (26.54) and Grace Williams (27.75) finished second and third, respectively, in the 50-yard freestyle. In the 500-yard freestyle, Joey Dunning (7:05.65) took second and Emma Breunig (7:30.27) placed third.

Sauk Prairie also swept the 200-yard freestyle. Mariah Chao paced the field, touching the wall in 2:15.08 to finish first. Ally Dunnum (2:23.96) added a second-place finish, while Acker (2:24.61) took third.

The final individual winners were Dunnum in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:20.05) and Schoepp in the 100-yard freestyle (57.13).

The Eagles also dominated the relays.

The quartet of Williams, Rall, Sarah Ertmer and Caitlin Davis won the 200-yard medley relay in 2:09.69, while the Eagles also took second and third in the event.

Schoepp, Williams, Kedzie McCumber and Abbey McCumber won the 400-yard freestyle in 4:09.45, beating out the second-place team of Rall, Miller, Emily Sauer and Alexa Lins.

Sauk Prairie will visit DeForest on Tuesday for a Badger North Conference dual, then head to the Fort Atkinson Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Volleyball

Sauk Prairie went 0-2 at the Badger North Conference tournament in Mount Horeb on Saturday.

The Eagles opened the tournament with a 23-25, 22-25 loss to Baraboo, then suffered an 18-25, 23-25 loss to DeForest. Taylor Greenheck had 30 assists on the day, while Molly Pistono collected a team-high 13 kills and Ainsley Apel finished with 18 digs.

Sauk Prairie finished the season in a fifth-place tie with Portage in the conference standings. Waunakee and Mount Horeb shared the Badger North title.

The Eagles were swept by Mount Horeb earlier in the week, dropping a 16-25, 27-25, 14-25 match on Thursday. Pistono had six kills, 13 digs and one ace in the loss. Greenheck led the way with 13 assists, while Cally Hoffman chipped in 1.5 blocks.

Sauk Prairie will close out the regular season with a home nonconference match against Oregon on Thursday.
By PTI: Chennai, Oct 6 (PTI) After the arrest of a Tamil Nadu resident for his alleged links with terror group ISIS, the National Investigating Agencys sleuths are questioning suspects in the state.

NIA today said it has arrested Subahani Haja Moideen, a resident of Kadayanallur in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, for allegedly "joining and supporting the activities of the ISIS," a terror outfit banned in the country.

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He was picked up by NIA on October 3 from his residence and after questioning he was arrested yesterday, the NIA said.

NIAs action also follows the arrest of six men in Kerala on October 2, including 29-year-old man Abu Basheer alias Rashid alias Buccha - from Tamil Nadus Coimbatore District.

Abu Basheer was among six persons held for being part of an ISIS inspired module who allegedly conspired to carry out terrorist acts.

Also, 26-year-old Swalih Mohammed T alias Yousuf alias Abu Hasna, a resident of Chennai and native of Kerala, was also among the six men and he was working for a corporate firm here that runs a chain of resorts.

Against this background, NIA is continuing what officials called its "follow up work and questioning."

"NIA officials are holding inquiries based on their inputs. Suspects are being questioned in districts including Coimbatore and Tirunelveli," a senior police official told PTI.

To a question, he said though "inquiries" were made today too "with some men here" by NIA sleuths, it does not appear to be "the probe connected to the ISIS inspired module".

"Searches were made and some questioned in respect of Swalih Mohammed who was residing in Chennai," he said. To another question, the official said, "Nothing can be said as of now on questioning of suspects and others who may be in a position to aid probe as these are all part of routine investigation." He said Tamil Nadu Police was "just supporting NIA" in its probe and will not be able to comment more on the matter. PTI VGN APR DIP

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General Assembly of the University of the Witwatersrand

Here follows the details for the General Assembly to be held on Friday:

All Wits University students, staff and alumni are invited to attend a General Assembly of the University of the Witwatersrand to be held as follows:

Date: Friday, 7 October 2016

Time: 11:00  12:30

Venue: Library Lawns, Braamfontein Campus East

It is exceptionally rare that a General Assembly of the University is called  it is an extraordinary event, convened on only the gravest of occasions. The role of the General Assembly is to adopt resolutions reached by consensus in the University. Wits is holding a General Assembly with the aim to unite all constituencies in a joint stance on an issue of national importance, in this case focusing on access to quality higher education.

A resolution to hold a General Assembly is made by Council. The Chancellor presides over the Assembly whilst the Vice-Chancellor or Registrar issues the notice to convene the Assembly.

Based on previous General Assemblies, the following Constituencies read out their statement:

The Chancellor of the University (Justice Dikgang Moseneke)

The Chairperson of Council

The Chairperson of Senate

The Chairperson of Forum

The President of the Students Representative Council

The President of Convocation

Other representatives may speak at tomorrows event  these details are still being confirmed.

Background

In the history of Wits, there have been only ten congregations. A summarised and tabulated list of such meetings held to date, is included below. Messages are read out, by among others, the leaders of each of the Universitys main governing bodies, including Council, Senate, Convocation, University Forum and the Students Representative Council and such leaders as confirmed by the University.

Most of the former assemblies, aside from the last two, were in protest against apartheid legislation or activities.
Citigroup Inc. is one of the worlds largest financial institutions. It is the 13th largest bank globally by assets and 8th by market cap with operations in consumer and institutional banking. In the US, Citigroup is the 3rd largest bank by assets and one of the Big Four deemed systemically important and too big to fail.

Citigroup Inc. was founded in 1812 as the City Bank of New York. The bank was run by Samuel Osgood who led the company with success for many years, even throughout the War of 1812. The bank was later renamed the National City Bank of New York in 1865 and by 1895 is the largest bank in the US. In 1913 it was the first contributor to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a few years later it began to expand into overseas territories.

The bank became the First National City Bank of New York after another merger in 1955 and then later, the New York part was dropped off as part of the 150th-anniversary celebration. By 1974 the company is known as Citicorp which is still the operational branch of the business and a global banking powerhouse. A merger with Travelers insurance group in 1998 resulted in the name Citigroup but the joint venture did not last. By 2002 Travelers was publicly traded once again but Citigroup retained the new name.

Today, the company is headquartered in New York, New York but boasts more than 200 million customer accounts in 160 countries worldwide. As of mid-2022, it operated 2,649 branches in the United States, Mexico, and Asia. The company reports nearly 725 branches in the US and 1499 in Mexico with the rest scattered throughout its territory. Total annual revenue topped $75 billion in 2022.

Citigroup is a diversified financial services holding company that owns Citicorp among other assets. The companys mission is to serve as a trusted partner providing responsible financial solutions to its clients. Citigroup provides financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions. The company operates in two segments, Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG).

The GCB segment offers traditional banking services including deposit and saving accounts, credit cards, personal loans, home loans, and investment services. This segment operates through local branches and digital means. The ICG segment offers wholesale banking products and services to corporate, institutional, public sector, and high-net-worth clients.
Toyota Motor Corporation designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells passenger vehicles, minivans and commercial vehicles, and related parts and accessories. It operates in Automotive, Financial Services, and All Other segments. The company offers hybrid cars under the Prius name, fuel cell vehicles under the MIRAI name; and conventional engine vehicles, including subcompact and compact cars under the Corolla and Raize names. It also provides mini-vehicles, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and auto parts under the Toyota name; mid-size cars; luxury cars; sports cars under the GR Yaris, Corolla Sport, Corolla Cross, and Supra names; and recreational and sport-utility vehicles under the Highlander name. In addition, the company offers pickup trucks under the Tacoma name; minivans; and trucks and buses. Further, it provides financial services, such as retail financing and leasing, wholesale financing, insurance, and credit cards; and designs, manufactures, and sells prefabricated housing. Additionally, the company operates GAZOO.com, a web portal for automobile information. It operates in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. The company was founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Toyota, Japan.
Thirty-year-old Klass Haytema has been sentenced to three months in prison with hard labour for 'insulting religion'.

By India Today Web Desk: Navratri is here, and with it are loud celebrations, bhajans on loudspeakers and lots of late night dandiya music.

While many enjoy, and even wait, for the loud public revelry, there are others who find it a distressing nuisance.

We had loudspeaker restriction before, have you relaxed it for Navratri too, yesterday Music band went beyond 12 pm, effects my tinnitus, BP https://t.co/atmhaeTAVLrajennair (@rajennair) October 1, 2016

One of the many things #Gurgaon can learn from Mumbai or Pune is curbing loud speakers, esp after 2200hrs. Not so devotional #Navratri here!Praneeth Tammiraju (@praneethtv) October 5, 2016

DAMMIT IM TIRED I WANNA SLEEP BUT IT'S NAVRATRI AND THE MUSIC IS SO LOUDpankti (@ningayshikkaku) October 3, 2016

Request:To stop harassment from loud speakers of ILLEGAL connections during Navratri, please stop current supply after 11 pm. @mpvadodaraPrem (@deshbhakt_prem) October 2, 2016

@thanecityonline Request to cancel licenses given to navratri pandals at Pawar Nagar as they play loud music everyday despite police actionRavi Lagu (@krzy32) October 5, 2016

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And they'll probably say "we feel you" to the Dutch tourist who was sent to jail in Myanmar on Thursday.

Thirty-year-old Klass Haytema was arrested by the Burmese police two weeks ago after he pulled the plug on an amplifier relaying a late-night Buddhist sermon near his hotel in Mandalay. He wanted to sleep... but the noise wasn't letting him.

A Myanmar court left him crying, however, sentencing him to three months prison time with hard labour as the judge found him "clearly guilty" of insulting religion. He was also accused of insulting Buddhism by not taking off his shoes before entering the prayer hall.

Haytema will also pay a fine of 100,000 kyat (approx Rs 5,300) to avoid another three months of jail for violating the terms of his visa, which require tourists to respect local customs.

Local media reports say Haytema had apologised in his previous hearings, saying he did not realise what he was doing and simply wanted to sleep. "Voluntary" disruption of a religious ceremony, however, is a crime in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

Any acts against religion are treated with extreme seriousness by the courts, and Haytema is one of several foreigners who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law.

A Spanish tourist was deported from the country in July after monks complained about a Buddha tattoo on his leg.

Last year a New Zealand bar manager also spent 10 months in jail for "insulting religion" by using a Buddha image to promote a cheap drinks night.

Religion is an important way of daily life in Myanmar which is witnessing a rise in radical Buddhist nationalism in recent years. Mandalay, where monks walk the streets every morning and prayer chants are regularly broadcast on loudspeakers, has been in the centre of the movement.



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This is a current list of the top 250 companies by market capitalization on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Learn more .

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is one of the largest, and most recognizable, stock exchanges in the world. The NYSE is in New York City, New York at 11 Wall Street. The NYSE has been in existence since the earliest days of the United States becoming a nation, in 1792 and is primarily made up of blue-chip companies with large market capitalizations. In fact, many of the stocks that make up the Dow Jones Composite Index (i.e. The Dow) are listed on the NYSE.

This article gives a brief history of the New York Stock Exchange. In addition, it covers topics such as what kind of stocks trade on the exchange, what are the listing requirements, how trading is performed, and what the daily price movement of the NYSE tells investors about investor sentiment.

What Were the Origins of the NYSE?

Today, the New York Stock Exchange is known as the center of the financial universe. However, the exchanges origin is far more humble. On May 17, 1792, 24 stockbrokers signed the Buttonwood Agreement creating a centralized exchange to help provide order to the securities market in what was still a young nation. The "Buttonwood Agreement comes from the tree of the same name under which the founders signed the agreement.

An initial benefit of the exchange was how it removed the need for auctioneers when trading commodities like wheat and tobacco and to set a commission rate. The exchange initially focused on government bonds.

However, the exchange had no formal home. Business was usually conducted informally in the local coffeehouses. In 1817, the exchange changed its name to the New York Stock & Exchange Board which later became the New York Stock Exchange. At this time, the exchange adopted a constitution that set the rules for trading. A group of stockbrokers met twice a day at 40 Wall Street to trade 30 stocks and bonds.

Over time, the exchange moved became the financial hub of the country and moved to its current location in 1865.

What Kind of Stocks Trade on the NYSE?

As of June 2022, the NYSE includes approximately 2,400 companies with a market capitalization of over $28.2 trillion. Although the NYSE trades stocks of all market capitalizations, its best known for trading the stocks of large cap companies. These have the benefit of being mature companies in mature industries. And many of these companies reward shareholders with dividends.

However, that also means that many of these companies are better suited for value investors as opposed to growth investors. In bear markets this stability can be a benefit for investors as these stocks tend to perform less bad than more volatile stocks. But in a bull market, these stocks are not likely to provide investors with the growth that they look for.

An interesting fact about how the NYSE and NASDAQ operate is that the companies with the five largest market caps on the NYSE are also listed on the NASDAQ exchange.

What Are the Listing Requirements For the NYSE?

The NYSE has strict guidelines that govern the types of companies that can list on the exchange. Here are the major requirements that all companies must meet:

The company must have at least 2,200 shareholders

The company must trade over 100,000 shares per month

The company must have a market valuation of over $100 million

The company must generate more than $75 million in annual revenue

However, there is at least one advantage of having such stringent requirements. That is the companies that meet the requirements generally find it easier to get more investors funds when they hold their initial public offering (IPO).

Once a company begins trading on the NYSE, it must continue to meet these requirements. If it doesnt it can be delisted. In addition to these requirements, the stock must continue to trade above $1. If the price of a stock drops below $1 for more than 29 consecutive trading days, the stock receives an Initial Price Violation Notice.

At that point, the company has 10 days to provide the exchange with a plan for bringing their shares above $1.

How are Trades Executed on the NYSE?

For over a century, the floor of the NYSE was the place for investors to be. This meant trades were conducted by traders who ran buy and sell orders across the trading floor looking to broker a deal for their clients. But with the birth of the NASDAQ exchange in 1971, the New York Stock Exchange began conducting electronic trading.

However, the NYSE continues to conduct trades in an auction style. Brokers purchase stocks on behalf of their clients or firms. Every order features a broker who will enter the order electronically and a specialist who serves as the market maker for that stock. The specialist posts bid and ask prices and manages the actual execution of the trades. And there are still a handful of stockbrokers who still traffic buy and sell orders physically on the floor of the exchange.

How Does the NYSE Signal Investor Sentiment?

Like its counterpart, the NASDAQ, the NYSE measures the risk appetite of investors. When the NYSE is moving higher over a length of time, it signals that a risk on environment. Conversely when the NYSE moves lower over a significant period, it signals that investors are moving to a risk off position.

Some Final Thoughts on the NYSE

Financial news networks plan their programming schedule around the opening and closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange. Its still considered a distinguished honor when individuals or groups are invited to ring the opening bell. In fact, Warren Buffett is attributed with saying that in the short term, the stock market acts like a voting machine. A fact that many U.S. presidents will attest to.

The NYSE is the oldest and most recognizable of all the stock exchanges. It also has the most stringent requirements for inclusion. And those requirements must be maintained even after a stock begins publicly trading on the exchange.

Although the NYSE still has a small in-person Trading Floor, much of the trading is done electronically to provide traders with the speed to execute trades.
Robert Half International Inc. provides staffing and risk consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through three segments: Temporary and Consultant Staffing, Permanent Placement Staffing, and Risk Consulting and Internal Audit Services. It places temporary services for accounting, finance, and bookkeeping; temporary and full-time office and administrative personnel consisting of executive and administrative assistants, receptionists, and customer service representatives; full-time accounting, financial, tax, and accounting operations personnel; and information technology contract professionals and full-time employees in the areas of platform systems integration to end-user technical and desktop support, including specialists in application development, networking and cloud, systems integration and deployment, database design and administration, and security and business continuity. The company also offers temporary and full-time employees in attorney, paralegal, legal administrative, and legal secretarial positions; and senior-level project professionals in the accounting and finance fields for financial systems conversions, expansion into new markets, business process re-engineering, business systems performance improvement, and post-merger financial consolidation. It is involved in serving professionals in the areas of creative, design, marketing, advertising, and public relations; and placing various positions, such as creative directors, graphics designers, web designers, media buyers, front end developers, copywriters, digital marketing managers, marketing analytics specialists, brand managers, and public relations specialists. The company provides internal audit, technology consulting, risk and compliance consulting, and business performance services. It serves clients and employment candidates. Robert Half International Inc. was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.
Knoll, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, markets, and sells commercial and residential furniture, accessories, and coverings for the workplace and residential markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Office and Lifestyle segments. It provides systems furniture, including integrated panels or table desks, work surfaces and storage units, power and data systems, and lighting products; office seating products comprising various work chairs; and files and storage products, such as lateral files, mobile pedestals and other storage units, bookcases, and overhead cabinets. The company also offers adjustable tables, as well as meeting, conference, training, dining, and stand-alone and table desks; conference furniture product platforms; height desks, tables, and ergonomic seating and accessories principally for individual home offices and small businesses; technology support accessories, desktop organizational tools, and lighting and storage products; seating and lounge furniture, as well as side, cafA, and dining chairs; conference, training, dining, and occasional tables; and lighting, rugs, textiles, fabrics, felt, leather, upholstery, drapery, and related architectural products. It serves Fortune 1000 companies, governmental agencies, and other medium-to-large sized organizations in various industries, including financial, legal, technology, entertainment, accounting, education, healthcare, and hospitality through its direct sales force and showrooms, distribution partners, and independent dealers and retailers, as well as online. The company was founded in 1938 and is headquartered in East Greenville, Pennsylvania.
The following companies are subsidiares of Ecolab: AO Ecolab, Abednego Environmental Services, Abednego Environmental Services LLC, Abednego Mexico Holdings LLC, Abednego de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Alcide Corp., Anios America S.A., Anios Diffusion SAS, Anios Manufacturing SAS, Aqua Environmental Limited, Bioquell, Bioquell Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Bioquell Global Logistics (Ireland) Ltd., Bioquell Holding SAS, Bioquell Inc., Bioquell Limited, Bioquell SAS, Bioquell Technology (Shenzhen) Ltd., Bioquell Technology Canada Ltd., Bioquell UK Limited, Bro-Tech Limited, CALGON LLC, CID LINES NV, CID Lines, CID Lines Beijing Animal Hygiene Co Ltd., CID Lines France Sarl, CID Lines Iberica SL, CID Lines LLC, CID Lines Mexico S.A. DE C.V., CID Lines R&D NV, CID Lines Sp. z o. o., CORPAK MedSystems, Cascade Water Services, Champion Technologies, Chamtech L.L.C., Chemlawn, Chemstar Corporation, Cirlam BVBA, Copal Holding NV, Copal Invest NV, Cymru Holdings Limited, DERYPOL SA, DMD, E&M Bio-Chemicals LLC, ECOLAB NL 10 B.V., ECOLAB PEST FRANCE SAS, EPN Water Col Ltd., Ecolab (Antigua) Ltd., Ecolab (Aruba) N.V., Ecolab (Barbados) Limited, Ecolab (China) Investment Co. Ltd, Ecolab (Fiji) Pty Limited, Ecolab (GZ) Chemicals Limited, Ecolab (Guam) LLC, Ecolab (Proprietary) Limited, Ecolab (Schweiz) GmbH, Ecolab (St. Lucia) Limited, Ecolab (Taicang) Technology Co. Ltd., Ecolab (Trinidad and Tobago) Unlimited, Ecolab (U.K.) Holdings Limited, Ecolab A.E.B.E., Ecolab AB, Ecolab AU2 Pty Ltd, Ecolab Acquisition LLC, Ecolab ApS, Ecolab Argentina S.R.L., Ecolab Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Ecolab B.V., Ecolab Bahrain S.P.C., Ecolab CDN 2 Co., Ecolab CDN 4 ULC, Ecolab CH 1 GmbH, Ecolab CH 2 GmbH, Ecolab CH 3 GmbH in Liquidation, Ecolab CH 6 GmbH, Ecolab Chemicals Limited, Ecolab Co. Compagnie Ecolab, Ecolab Colombia S. A., Ecolab DE 1 GmbH, Ecolab Deutschland GmbH, Ecolab Digital Center Private Limited, Ecolab EOOD, Ecolab East Africa (Kenya) Limited, Ecolab East Africa (Tanzania) Limited, Ecolab East Africa (Uganda) Limited, Ecolab Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Ecolab Engineering GmbH, Ecolab Europe GmbH, Ecolab Export GmbH, Ecolab FR 1 SAS, Ecolab FR 4 SAS, Ecolab Finance Company Designated Activity Company, Ecolab Food Safety & Hygiene Solutions Private Limited, Ecolab G.K., Ecolab Global Business Services LLC, Ecolab GmbH, Ecolab Gulf FZE, Ecolab HK 1 Limited, Ecolab HK 2 Limited, Ecolab Hispano-Portuguesa S.L., Ecolab Holding Italy S.r.l., Ecolab Holdings (Europe) LLC, Ecolab Holdings Inc., Ecolab Holdings Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., Ecolab Hygiene Kft., Ecolab Hygiene d.o.o., Ecolab International SDN BHD, Ecolab Israel Holdings LLC, Ecolab JVZ Limited, Ecolab Korea Ltd., Ecolab LLC, Ecolab LUX & Co Holdings S.C.A., Ecolab LUX 1 Sarl, Ecolab LUX 2 Sarl, Ecolab LUX 4 Sarl, Ecolab LUX 7 Sarl, Ecolab LUX Sarl, Ecolab Limited, Ecolab Ltd., Ecolab Lux 10 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 12 SCA, Ecolab Lux 13 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 14 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 15 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 16 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 17 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 9 Sarl, Ecolab Lux Partner LLC, Ecolab MT Holdings LLC, Ecolab MT Limited, Ecolab Malta 1 Limited, Ecolab Malta 2 Limited, Ecolab Malta GPS, Ecolab Manufacturing IE Limited, Ecolab Manufacturing Inc., Ecolab Manufacturing UK Limited, Ecolab Maroc Societe a Responsabilite Limitee, Ecolab NL 11 B.V., Ecolab NL 15 BV, Ecolab NL 16 B.V., Ecolab NL 23 B.V., Ecolab NL 3 BV, Ecolab Name Holding Limited, Ecolab New Zealand, Ecolab Peru Holdings S.R.L., Ecolab Pest Deutschland GmbH, Ecolab Philippines Inc., Ecolab Production Belgium B.V., Ecolab Production France SAS, Ecolab Production Italy Srl, Ecolab Production LLC, Ecolab Production Netherlands B.V., Ecolab Production Poland sp. z o.o., Ecolab Pte. Ltd., Ecolab Pty Ltd., Ecolab Quimica Ltda., Ecolab S. de R.L. de C.V., Ecolab S.A., Ecolab S.A. de C.V., Ecolab SAS, Ecolab SIA, Ecolab SNC, Ecolab SRL, Ecolab Sdn Bhd, Ecolab Services Argentina S.R.L., Ecolab Services Malaysia SDN. BHD., Ecolab Services Poland Sp. z o, Ecolab Sociedad Anonima, Ecolab Sp. z o, Ecolab Spain Services S.L.U., Ecolab Temizleme Sistemleri Limited Sirketi, Ecolab U.S. 2 Inc., Ecolab U.S. 6 LLC, Ecolab U.S. 7 LLC, Ecolab US 1 GP, Ecolab USA Inc., Ecolab Viet Nam Company Limited, Ecolab Water Holding LImited, Ecolab a.s., Ecolab d.o.o., Ecolab s.r.l., Ecolab s.r.o., Ecolab y Compania Colectiva de Responsabilidad Limitada, Ecolab-Importacao E. Exportacao Limitada, Ecolabone B.V., Ecolabtwo B.V., Endoclear Equipamentos Medicos Hospitalares Ltda., Enviroflo Engineering Limited, Food Protection Services, GCS Service, Gallay Medical & Scientific Pty Ltd, Gallay Medical & Scientific Pty Ltd., GallayTrac Pty. Ltd., Georgia-Pacific - Paper Chemicals Business, Gibson Chemical Industries, Green Harbour Mainland Holdings Ltd, Henkel-Ecolab, Hicopla SL, Holchem Laboratories, Huntington Laboratories, Hydenet SAS, INTERNATIONAL WATER CONSULTANT B.V., Immobiliare R.E.O.P.A. SRL, Instrunet Hospital SLU, Jianghai Environmental Protection Co., Jianghai Environmental Protection Co. Ltd., KATAYAMA NALCO INC., Kay BV, Kay Chemical Company, LHS (UK) Limited, Laboratoires Anios, Laboratoires Anios S.A.S., Laboratoires Anios-Distribution SAS, Les Produits Chimiques ERPAC Inc., Lobster Ink, Lobster Ink Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Lobster International S.A., MOBOTEC AB LLC, Master Chemicals OOO, Meratech Rus Group LLC, Microtek Dominicana S.A., Microtek Italy S.R.L., Microtek Medical B.V., Microtek Medical Holdings, Microtek Medical Holdings Inc., Microtek Medical Inc., Microtek Medical Malta Holding Limited, Microtek Medical Malta Limited, Midland Research Laboratories, NALCO (SHANGHAI) TRADING CO. LTD., NALCO AB, NALCO ACQUISITION ONE, NALCO ACQUISITION TWO LIMITED, NALCO AFRICA (PTY.) LTD., NALCO ASIA HOLDING COMPANY PTE. LTD., NALCO BELGIUM B.V., NALCO CHINA HOLDINGS LLC, NALCO COMPANY OOO, NALCO DANMARK APS, NALCO DE MEXICO S. de R. L. de C.V., NALCO DELAWARE COMPANY, NALCO DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, NALCO DUTCH HOLDINGS B.V., NALCO EGYPT LTD., NALCO EGYPT TRADING, NALCO ESPANOLA MANUFACTURING S.L.U., NALCO ESPANOLA S.L., NALCO EUROPE B.V., NALCO FINLAND MANUFACTURING OY, NALCO FINLAND OY, NALCO FRANCE SAS, NALCO FRANCE SNC, NALCO GLOBAL HOLDINGS B.V., NALCO GLOBAL HOLDINGS LLC, NALCO HOLDING B.V., NALCO HOLDING COMPANY, NALCO HOLDINGS G.m.b.H., NALCO HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, NALCO HONG KONG LIMITED, NALCO INDUSTRIAL OUTSOURCING COMPANY, NALCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES (NANJING) CO. LTD., NALCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES (SUZHOU) CO. LTD., NALCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES (THAILAND) CO. LTD., NALCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES CHILE LIMITADA, NALCO INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS B.V., NALCO INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC, NALCO INVESTMENTS U.K. LIMITED, NALCO ISRAEL INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD, NALCO ITALIANA HOLDINGS S.R.L., NALCO ITALIANA MANUFACTURING S.R.L., NALCO ITALIANA SrL, NALCO KOREA LIMITED, NALCO LIMITED, NALCO MANUFACTURING BETEILIGUNGS GMBH, NALCO MANUFACTURING LTD., NALCO NETHERLANDS B.V., NALCO OSTERREICH Ges m.b.H., NALCO OVERSEAS HOLDING B.V., NALCO PAKISTAN (PRIVATE) LIMITED, NALCO PHILIPPINES INC., NALCO PORTUGUESA (QUIMICA INDUSTRIAL) UNIPESSOAL LDA, NALCO PWS INC., NALCO SAUDI CO. LTD., NALCO TAIWAN CO. LTD., NALCO TWO INC., NALCO U.S. HOLDINGS LLC, NALCO UNIVERSAL HOLDINGS BV, NALCO WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS LLC, NALTECH INC., NANOSPECIALTIES LLC, NLC PROCESS AND WATER SERVICES SARL, Nalco (BN) SDN BHD, Nalco (China) Environmental Solution Co. Ltd., Nalco Anadolu Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Nalco Canada ULC, Nalco Company LLC (1), Nalco Contract Operations LLC, Nalco Deutschland Manufacturing GmbH, Nalco Japan G.K., Nalco Libya, Nalco Middle East FZE, Nalco Polska Sp. z o. o., Nalco Production LLC, Nalco Real Estate GmbH, Nalco Schweiz GmbH, Nalco US 1 LLC, Nalco Wastewater Contract Operations Inc., Nalco Water India Private Limited, Nalco Water Pretreatment Solutions LLC, Nalco Worldwide Holdings S.a.r.l./B.V., National Wiper Alliance Inc., Nigiko, Nuova Farmec S.r.l., Oksa Kimya Sanayi A.S., Oy Ecolab AB, PT Ecolab International Indonesia, PT Ecolab Technologies and Services, Purate business - AkzoNobel, Purolite, Purolite (China) Co. Ltd., Purolite (Int.) Ltd, Purolite (Pty) Ltd, Purolite AG, Purolite GmbH, Purolite Ileri Kimyasal Ticaret Ltd, Purolite KK, Purolite LLC, Purolite Ltd, Purolite NZ Limited, Purolite Private Limited, Purolite Pte. Ltd., Purolite Pty Ltd, Purolite S. de R.L. de C.V., Purolite SAS, Purolite SRL, Purolite do Brasil Ltda, Purolite s.r.o., Purolite sp. z o.o., Purolite C Corporation, QazSorbent LLP, Quantum Technical Services LLC, Quimicas Ecolab S.A. de C.V., Quimiproductos S.A. de C.V, RP Adam Ltd, Research Fumigation Co., Royal Pest Solutions, Shield Holdings Limited, Shield Medicare Limited, Soluscope International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Soluscope SAS, Swisher Hygiene, TechTex Holdings Limited, Technical Textile Services Limited, Terminix, Ultrafab, VanBaele Hygiene AG, Wabasha Leasing LLC, Zhe Jiang Purosoft Home Appliances Sale Co Ltd, and vanBaerle Hygiene AG.

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National Grid plc transmits and distributes electricity and gas. The company operates through UK Electricity Transmission, UK Electricity Distribution, UK Electricity System Operator, New England, and New York segments. The UK Electricity Transmission segment provides electricity transmission and construction work services in England and Wales. The UK Electricity Distribution segment offers electricity distribution services in Midlands, and South West of England and South Wales. The UK Electricity System Operator segment provides balancing services for supply and demand of electricity on Great Britain's electricity transmission system; and acts as an agent on behalf of transmission operators. The New England segment offers electricity and gas distribution, and electricity transmission services in New England. The New York segment provides electricity and gas distribution, and electricity transmission services in New York. It also engages in the provision of transmission services through electricity interconnectors and LNG importation at the Isle of Grain; sale of renewables projects; and leasing and sale of commercial property, as well as insurance activities in the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
A Delhi court has rejected the anticipatory bail application of Saxena, saying that the actor was not entitled to relief of bail even in the event of his arrrest.

By India Today Web Desk: TV actor Anuj Saxena was on Wednesday directed to surrender before CBI within two days by a special court in a graft case.

A Delhi court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Anuj, the COO of Elder Pharmaceuticals, accused of bribing former Ministry of Corporate Affair official B.K. Bansal, who committed suicide recently.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge Gurdeep Singh, rejecting the bail application of Saxena, said: "I am of the opinion that he (Saxena) is not entitled to relief of bail even in the event of his arrest."

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The court noted that instead of joining investigation, Saxena is moving his bail application one after the other. This was the third bail application of Saxena, which was rejected.

Also read: Exclusive: CBI to register another DA case against jailed bureaucrat BK Bansal

The judge observed that the courts cannot be used to avoid an investigation.

Earlier, referring to the suicide by the Bansals, Saxena's defence counsel had expressed his concern about the fate of his client at the hands of the investigating agency.

The court responded that it hopes and trusts that the CBI would adhere to all the human rights considerations while interrogating the accused.

Saxena had contacted another co-accused Vishwadeep Bansal to negotiate with senior Corporate Affairs Ministry official for not recommending the matter to Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) for investigation against his company -- Elder Pharmaceuticals.

The CBI has alleged that MCA officer Bansal was dealing with the violation by Elder Pharmaceuticals.

The court observed that Saxena's role is direct, as he was the beneficiary from the alleged offence.

Public Prosecutor K.P. Singh has also opposed Saxena's plea seeking relief.

Key accused B.K. Bansal and and his 31-year-old son Yogesh committed suicide on September 27 by hanging themselves at their house in east Delhi. His wife Satyabala, 57, and daughter Neha, 27, committed suicide on July 19.

Bansal, an Additional Secretary-rank Director General in the ministry, was arrested by the CBI on bribery charges on July 16.

Later he was granted bail.

He was accused of receiving Rs 9 lakh from Mumbai-based Elder Pharmaceuticals.



(With inputs from Agencies)



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The following companies are subsidiares of Accenture: 2nd Road, ?What If!, ?What If! China Holdings Limited, ?What If! Holdings Limited, ?What If! Limited, ACN Consulting Co Ltd, AD.Dialeto (Digital Agency acquired by Accenture), AFD.TECH, AGS Business and Technology Services Limited, AIG Shared Services Business Processing Inc, ASM Research Inc., ASM Research LLC, ATAN, Accenture (Botswana) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (China) Co. Ltd., Accenture (Shenzhen) Technology Co. Ltd., Accenture (South Africa) Pty Ltd, Accenture (UK) Limited, Accenture 2 Business Process Services S.A., Accenture 2 LLC, Accenture A/S, Accenture AB, Accenture AG, Accenture AS, Accenture Africa Pty Ltd, Accenture Agencia Interativa Ltda, Accenture Australia Holding B.V., Accenture Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture B.V., Accenture BPM Operations Support Services S.A., Accenture BPM S.C.R.L., Accenture BPS Services S.p. z o.o., Accenture Branch Holdings B.V., Accenture Bulgaria EOOD, Accenture Business Services for Utilities Inc, Accenture Business Services of British Columbia Limited Partnership, Accenture Business and Technology Services LLC, Accenture C.A., Accenture Canada Holdings Inc, Accenture Capital Designated Activity Company, Accenture Capital Inc, Accenture Central Europe B.V., Accenture Chile Asesorias y Servicios Ltda, Accenture Cloud Services GmbH, Accenture Cloud Software Solutions Limited, Accenture Cloud Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions LLC, Accenture Cloud Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd, Accenture Co. Ltd, Accenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd, Accenture Company Ltd, Accenture Consulting Pty Ltd, Accenture Consulting Services Ltd Tanzania, Accenture Consultores de Gestao S.A., Accenture Consultoria de Industria e Consumo Ltda, Accenture Consultoria de Recursos Naturais Ltda, Accenture Credit Services LLC, Accenture Customer Services Distribution SASU, Accenture Customer Services Ltd, Accenture Danismanlik Limited Sirketi, Accenture Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trustees Limited, Accenture Defined Contribution Pension Plan Trustees Limited, Accenture Delivery Poland S.p. z o.o., Accenture Dienstleistungen GmbH, Accenture Digital Holdings GmbH, Accenture East Africa Limited, Accenture Ecuador S.A., Accenture Egypt LLC, Accenture Enterprise Development (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Accenture Federal Services LLC, Accenture Finance II Limited, Accenture Finance Limited, Accenture Finance and Accounting BPO Services S.p.A., Accenture Finance and Accounting Services S.r.l., Accenture Financial Advanced Solution & Technology S.r.l., Accenture Flex LLC, Accenture GP LLC, Accenture Global Capital Designated Activity Company, Accenture Global Engagements Limited, Accenture Global Holdings Limited, Accenture Global Services Limited, Accenture Global Solutions Limited, Accenture GmbH, Accenture HR Services S.p.A., Accenture Healthcare Processing Inc, Accenture Holding Brasil Ltda, Accenture Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Accenture Holdings (Iberia) S.L., Accenture Holdings B.V., Accenture Holdings France SASU, Accenture Hungary Holdings Kft, Accenture Inc, Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company, Accenture Industrial Software Solutions Kft, Accenture Industrial Software Solutions SA, Accenture Insurance Services B.V., Accenture Insurance Services LLC, Accenture International B.V., Accenture International LLC, Accenture International Limited, Accenture Japan Ltd, Accenture Korea B.V., Accenture LLC, Accenture LLP, Accenture Lanka (Private) Ltd, Accenture Limited, Accenture Lithuania UAB, Accenture Ltd, Accenture Ltda, Accenture Maghreb S.a.r.l., Accenture Managed Services SRL, Accenture Management GmbH, Accenture Marketing Services LLC, Accenture Marketing Services Limited, Accenture Middle East B.V., Accenture Minority I B.V., Accenture Mozambique Limitada, Accenture Mzansi Pty Ltd, Accenture NV/SA, Accenture NZ Limited, Accenture Nova Scotia Unlimited Liability Co., Accenture OOO, Accenture Operations GmbH, Accenture Operations S.p. z o.o., Accenture Operations Services Private Limited, Accenture Operations Services Sdn Bhd, Accenture Outsourcing S.r.l., Accenture Outsourcing Services S.A., Accenture Oy, Accenture Panama Inc, Accenture Participations B.V., Accenture Participations II Limited, Accenture Peru SRL, Accenture Post Trade Processing SASU, Accenture Post-Trade Processing Limited, Accenture Process (Mauritius) Ltd, Accenture Pte Ltd, Accenture Puerto Rico LLC, Accenture Qiyun Technology (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd, Accenture S.C., Accenture S.L., Accenture S.R.L., Accenture S.p. z o.o., Accenture S.p.A., Accenture SASU, Accenture SG Services Pte Ltd, Accenture SRL, Accenture Saudi Arabia Limited, Accenture Sdn Bhd, Accenture Service Center SRL, Accenture Services (Mauritius) Ltd, Accenture Services AB, Accenture Services AG, Accenture Services AS, Accenture Services GmbH, Accenture Services Morocco SA, Accenture Services Oy, Accenture Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Services S.p. z o.o., Accenture Services SRL, Accenture Services and Technology S.r.l., Accenture Services s.r.o., Accenture Single Member S.A. Organization Information Technology & Business Development, Accenture Solutions Co. Ltd, Accenture Solutions Private Limited, Accenture Solutions Pte Ltd, Accenture Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Solutions S.p. z o.o, Accenture Solutions Sdn Bhd, Accenture State Healthcare Services LLC, Accenture Sub II Inc, Accenture Sub III Inc, Accenture Sub LLC, Accenture Systems Integration Limited, Accenture Sarl, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Accenture Technology Solutions (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Accenture Technology Solutions (HK) Co. Ltd., Accenture Technology Solutions (Thailand) Co. Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas S.A., Accenture Technology Solutions GmbH, Accenture Technology Solutions Oy, Accenture Technology Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions S.A. de C.V., Accenture Technology Solutions S.r.l., Accenture Technology Solutions SASU, Accenture Technology Solutions SRL, Accenture Technology Solutions Sdn Bhd, Accenture Technology Solutions Slovakia s.r.o., Accenture Technology Ventures B.V., Accenture Technology Ventures SPRL, Accenture Tecnologia Consultoria y Outsourcing S.A., Accenture Uruguay SRL, Accenture Vietnam Co. Limited, Accenture Zambia Limited, Accenture do Brasil Ltda, Accenture plc, Accenture s.r.o., Acceria, Acquity Group, Adaptly LLC, Adaptly UK Limited, AddVal Technology, Adqptly, Advantium Inc., Advoco, Agilex Technologies Inc., Alfa Consulting, Allen International, AlphaBeta Advisors, Altevie Technologies S.r.l., Altima, Altima (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Altima Asia Ltd, Altitude, Altitude LLC, Altius Consulting Limited, Altius Data Solutions Private Limited, Analytics 8 LP, Analytics 8 Pty Ltd, Analytics8, Aorui Advertising (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Apis, Apis Group Pty Ltd, Appaloosa Technology SASU, AppsPro, AppsPro, Arca, Arca Ingenieros y Consultoria S.L., Arca Telecom S.L., Ariba - BPO, Arismore, Artio People (Payroll) Pty Ltd, Artio People Pty Ltd, Aspiro Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Automation Partners Pty Ltd, Avanade (Guangzhou) Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd., Avanade Asia Pte Ltd, Avanade Australia Pty Ltd, Avanade Belgium SPRL, Avanade Canada Inc, Avanade Consulting Poland S.p. z o.o., Avanade Denmark A/S, Avanade Deutschland GmbH, Avanade Europe Holdings Limited, Avanade Europe Services Limited, Avanade Finland Oy, Avanade France SASU, Avanade Holdings LLC, Avanade Hong Kong Ltd, Avanade Inc, Avanade International Corporation, Avanade Ireland Limited, Avanade Italy S.r.l., Avanade Japan KK, Avanade Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avanade Middle East Limited, Avanade Netherlands B.V., Avanade Norway AS, Avanade Poland S.p. z o.o., Avanade Schweiz GmbH, Avanade South Africa Pty Ltd, Avanade Spain S.L., Avanade Sweden AB, Avanade UK Limited, Avanade do Brasil Ltda , Avanade Osterreich GmbH, Avenai, Avieco, Axia Ltd., BABCN LLC, BCS Consulting, BCT Solutions, BCT Solutions Pty Ltd, BENEXT, BPO Servicos Administrativos Ltda, BRIDGE Energy Group, BRIDGEi2i, Beacon Consulting Group Inc., Beijing Genesis Interactive Technology Co. Ltd., Beijing Zhidao Future Consulting Co. Ltd, Benext, Berico Technologies LLC, Bionic, Bionic Solution LLC, Blue Horseshoe, Boomerang Pharmaceutical Communications, Bow & Arrow, Bow & Arrow Limited, Brand Learning, Brand Learning Group Limited, Brightstep AB, Byte Prophecy, Byte Prophecy Private Limited, CAS, CRMWaypoint, CS Technology (Australia) Pty Ltd, CS Technology (UK) Limited, CS Technology Group LLC, CS Technology LLC, CadenceQuest Inc., Callisto Integration Europe B.V., Callisto Integration Europe Limited, Callisto Integration LLC, Callisto Integration Ltd, Capgemini - North American health practice, Capital Consultancy Services Inc, Certus Solutions Consulting Services Limited, Certus Solutions Ltd, ChangeTrack Research Pty Ltd., Chaotic Moon Studios, Chengdu Mensa Advertising Co. Ltd., Cimation, Cirrus Connect Australia Pty Ltd, Cirrus Connect Limited, Cirruseo, Clarity Insights, ClearEdge Partners, Clearhead, Clearhead Group LLC, ClientHouse GmbH, Cloud Sherpas, Cloud Sherpas (GA) LLC, Cloud Sherpas Japan G.K., Cloud Sherpas New Zealand Limited, Cloudeasier SAS, Cloudpoint Limited, Cloudsherpas Inc, Cloudworks, Cloudworks Consulting Services Inc, Cloudworks Technology LLC, Computer Research and Telecommunications LLC, Concrete Desenvolvimento de Sistemas Ltda, Concrete Solutions, Concrete Solutions Ltda, Context Information Security, Context Information Security LLC, Context Information Security Limited, CoreCompete LLC, CoreCompete Limited, CoreCompete Private Limited, Corliant Inc., Creative Drive LLC, Creative Drive US LLC, CreativeDrive, CreativeDrive Digital Content Services (Shenzhen) Co Ltd., CreativeDrive EMEA Limited, CreativeDrive Singapore Pte Ltd, CreativeDrive UK Group Limited, Cutting Edge Solutions Limited, Cygni AB, Cygni Norrsken AB, Cygni Stockholm AB, Cygni Syd AB, Cygni Vast AB, Cygni Ost AB, Cygni Ostersund AB, DAZ Systems Inc, DAZ Systems LLC, DAZSI Systems (India) Pvt. Limited, DI Futures Corporation, Data Essential SARL, Davies Consulting, DayNine Consulting, DayNine Consulting (New Zealand) Limited, DayNine Consulting LLC, Declarative Holdings LLC, Decora Marketplace LLC, Decorado Marketplace Ltda-EPP, Defense Point Security, Deja vu Security, Design Strategy and Research de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Designaffairs LLC, Digiplug S.A.S., Digital Results Group LLC, Double Digit Limitada, Double Digit Pty SA, Droga5, Droga5 LLC, Droga5 Studios LLC, Droga5 UK Limited, Duck Creek Technologies, ESR Labs, ESR Labs AG, EdenOne Solutions Limited, Edenhouse ERP Holdings Limited, Edenhouse Solutions Limited, Enaxis Consulting, Enaxis Consulting LP, End to End Analytics LLC, End-to-End Analytics, Endorphin Medici (M) Sdn Bhd, Energuia Web S.A., Energy Management Brokers Limited, EnergyQuote JHA, Enimbos, Enimbos Global Services S.L., Enkitec, Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions LLC, Enterprise System Partners, Enterprise System Partners B.V., Enterprise System Partners Bilisim Danismanlik Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Enterprise System Partners Global Corporation, Enterprise System Partners Limited, Enthusian Pty Ltd, Entropia, Entropia (M) Sdn Bhd, Entropia Holdings Pte Ltd, Entropia Intercraft Sdn Bhd, Epylon, Ergo, Espedia S.r.l., Ethica Consulting Group, Ethica Consulting S.p.A., Evopro Group, Exactside Limited, Experity, Exton Consulting, Exton Consulting Spain Strategy&Management S.L., Exton Germany GmbH, Exton International SAS, Exton Italia S.r.l., Exton SAS, FGM LLC, Fairway Technologies Inc, Farah BidCo Limited, Farah MidCo Limited, Farah Topco Limited, Filmproduction ApS, First Annapolis Consulting Inc., First Annapolis Consulting LLC, Fjord, Focus Group Europe, Formicary, Founders Intelligence, Fruendo S.r.l., FusionX, Future State Consulting LLC, FutureMove (Beijing) Automotive Technology Co. Ltd., FutureMove Automotive, FutureMove Automotive Co. Ltd., GRA Supply Chain Pty Ltd, Gagel Group S de R.L. de C.V., Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda, Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda., Genfour, George Group Consulting L.P., Gestalt LLC, Gevity, Gren utvikling AS, H.B. Maynard and Co. Inc., HRC Retail Advisory, Hagberg Consulting Group, Hahntel Ltda, Halo Partners LLC, Hamilton Holding Company S.A, Hangzhou Aiyunzhe Technology Co. Ltd., Happen, Happen GP Limited, Happen Limited, Headspring, Hjaltelin Stahl, Hjaltelin Stahl A/S, Hjaltelin Stahl K/S, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting Malaysia Sdn Bhd, IBB Consulting, ICM.S S.r.l., IMJ Corp, IMJ Corporation, INSITUM, IQSP Consulting LLC, IT One Company Limited, ITBS Servicios Bancarios de Tecnologia de la Informacion SL, Icon Integration, Icon Integration (NZ) Limited, Icon Integration Pty Ltd, Imagine Broadband (USA) Limited, Imagine Broadband USA LLC, Imaginea Inc, Imaginea Technologies LLC, Industrie IT (Hong Kong) Ltd, Industrie IT (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Industrie IT Group Pty Ltd, Industrie IT Pty Ltd, Industrie&Co, Infinity Works Consulting Limited, Infinity Works Holdings Limited, Infinity Works Management Limited, Infinity Works Midco Limited, Informatica de Euskadi S.L., Innotec International EAD, Innotec International S.p. z.o.o., Innotec Marketing GmbH, Innotec Marketing International Ireland Limited, Innotec- Marketing Spain S.L, Insitum Consultoria Argentina SRL, Insitum Consultoria S.A. de C.V., International Biometric Group LLC, International Biometric Group UK Limited, Intrepid, Intrepid Futureworks Sdn Bhd, Intrigo Systems Inc, Intrigo Systems India Pvt. Limited, Intrigo Systems LLC, Inventor Technology Ltd, InvestTech, Investtech Systems Consulting LLC, ItSafer Continuity Services S.L., JKD Consulting LLC, Javelin Group, K Comms Group Limited, KSC Studio LLC, Kaper Communications Limited, Karma Communications Debtco Limited, Karma Communications Group Limited, Karma Communications Holdings Limited, Karmarama, Karmarama Comms Limited, Karmarama Limited, King James Group, Knowledge Rules Inc., Knowledgent, Knowledgent Group LLC, Kogentix, Kogentix LLC, Kogentix Limited, Kogentix Singapore Pte Ltd, Kogentix Technologies Private Limited, Kolle Rebbe, Kolle Rebbe GmbH, Kream Comms Limited, Kunstmaan, Kurt Salmon, Kurt Salmon Canada LTD, Kurt Salmon US LLC, LEXTA, LINKBYNET, LINKBYNET Indian Ocean (L.I.O) Ltd, LabAnswer, Lexta GmbH, Lexta UK Limited, Lien par le reseau Inc, Lien par le reseau infrastructures Inc, Lin Bo (Shanghai) Network Technology Co. Ltd., Link By Net SAS, Link By Net SRL, Link By Net Vietnam Company Limited, Linkbynet East Asia Ltd, Linkbynet Singapore Pte Ltd., Loud & Clear Creative Pty Ltd, Lumenup S.A., MAXIM Systems Inc., MCG US Holdings LLC, Mackevision CG Technology and Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Mackevision Japan Co. Ltd., Mackevision Korea Ltd, Mackevision LLC, Mackevision Medien Design, Mackevision Medien Design GmbH, Mackevision Singapore Pte Ltd, Mackevision UK Limited, Maglan, Maglan Information Defense Technologies Research Ltd, Maihiro, Matter, Maud Corp Pty Ltd, Maxamine International, Measuretek LLC, Media Audits Ltd., Media Hive, Mediasenz Pty Ltd., Meredith Specialty LLC, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing LLC, Meridian Informed Purchasing Ltd., Mindtribe, Mistral Wind Operations  Servicos Empresariais Unipessoal Lda., MobGen, Mortgage Cadence LLC, Mortgage Cadence an Accenture Company, Most Champion Ltd, Mudano, Mudano Limited, Myrtle Consulting Group LLC, N3, N3 (Dalian) Business Consulting Co. Ltd., N3 Brazil Consultoria em Marketing Ltda, N3 Germany GmbH, N3 LLC, N3 North America LLC, N3 Results Australia Pty Ltd, N3 Results Ireland Limited, N3 Results Japan G.K., N3 Results Limited, N3 Results Malaysia Sdn Bhd, N3 Results Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., N3 Results S.A.S., N3 Results Singapore Pte Ltd, N3 Results Unipessoal Lda, NYTEC, Nanjing Demeng Advertising Co. Ltd., Nashco Consulting, NaviSys Inc., Nell'Armonia Israel Ltd, Nell'Armonia SAS, Nell'Participation SAS, NellArmonia, Neo Metrics Analytics S.L., Neo Metrics Chile S.A., New Content, New Content Editora e Produtora Ltda, New Energy Group, News Imaging LLC, NewsPage, NewsPage (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, NewsPage Pte Ltd, Northstream, Novetta Holdings LLC, Novetta LLC, Novetta Solutions LLC, Novetta Topco LLC, OCTO Technology, OPS Rules Management Consultants, Octagon Research Solutions Inc., Octo Technology Pty Ltd, Octo Technology SA, Odgaard ApS, Olikka, Olikka Pty Ltd, Olympus Systems Corporation, Openmind, Openmind S.r..l., Openminded, Openminded SAS, Operaciones Accenture S.A. de C.V., OpusLine, Orbium, Orbium AG, Orbium Consulting Limited, Orbium Inc., Orbium Ltd, Orbium Pte Ltd, Orbium Pty Ltd, Origin Digital, PCO Innovation, PLM Systems S.r.l, PRION GmbH, PT Accenture, PT Asta Catur Indra, PT Kogentix Teknologi Indonesia, PacificLink Group, Paja Finanssipalvelut Oy, Parker Fitzgerald Inc, Parker Fitzgerald International Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Limited, Parker Fitzgerald PTY Ltd, Parker Fitzgerald Services Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Solutions Limited, Pecaso Ltd., Pegasus Production A/S, Pegasus Production K/S, Phase One Consulting Group, Pillar Technology, Pollux, Pollux Automation Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pollux Canada Inc, Pollux S.A.S., Pollux USA LLC, Pragsis Bidoop, Pragsis Bidoop UK Limited, Pramati Technologies Europe Limited, Pramati Technologies Private Limited, Presence of IT Workforce Management North America LLC, PrimeQ, PrimeQ Australia Pty Ltd, PrimeQ Ltd, PrimeQ NZ Pty Limited, Procurian Inc., Prof. Homburg GmbH, Proquire LLC, PureApps Ltd., Qi Jie Beijing Information Technologies Co. Ltd., RBCP Fund 1-A Vapor Blocker LLC, RBCP Platform Vapor Blocker I LLC, REPL Consulting LLC, REPL Consulting Limited, REPL Digital Limited, REPL Group K.K., REPL Group Pty Ltd, REPL Group Worldwide Limited, REPL Pte Ltd, REPL Software Limited, REPL Technology Limited, Radiant Services LLC, Random Walk Computing Inc., Reactive Media Pty Ltd., Real Protect, Realworld OO Systems Ltd., Redcore, Redcore (New Zealand) Limited, Redcore Group Holdings Pty Ltd, Redcore Pty Ltd, Revolutionary Security, RiskControl, Root LLC, Rothco, Rothco Limited, S3 TV Technology Ltd., SALT Solutions GmbH, SEC Servizi, SOPIA Corp., Sagacious Consultants, Salt Solutions, Sandbox Studio LLC, Sapling Bidco Limited, Sapling Midco Limited, Sapling Topco Limited, Schlumberger Business Consulting, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace (UK) Limited, Seabury Consulting, Seabury Corporate Advisors LLC, Seabury Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Search Technologies BPO Inc, Search Technologies International LLC, Search Technologies LLC, Search Technologies Limited, Securiview SAS, Sentelis, Sentor Managed Secuirty Services AB, Servicios Tecnicos de Programacion Accenture S.C., Seven Seas Business Ventures LLC, Shackleton, Shackleton Chile S.A., Shackleton S.L.U., Shanghai Baiyue Advertising Co. Ltd., Shun Zhe Technology Development Co. Ltd., SigInt Technologies LLC, Silveo, Silveo Consulting India Private Limited, Simian Pty Ltd, SinnerSchrader, SinnerSchrader AG, SinnerSchrader Content GmbH, SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, SinnerSchrader Praha s.r.o., Sirvart S.A., Sistemes Consulting S.L., Skylink SAS, Soltians Limited, Solutions IQ LLC, SolutionsIQ, SolutionsIQ India Consulting Services Private Limited, Somers Ventures Ireland Limited, Somers Ventures LLC, Spacelink SAS, Storm Digital, Structure Consulting Group LLC, Sutter Mills, Synership LLC, Systor AG, T.A. Cook, TXF LLC, Tambourine, TargetST8, Tech - Avanade Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Tecnilogica Ecosistemas S.A., Tecnilogica, The Brand Learning Partners Limited, The Callisto Integration Corporation, The Monkeys, The Monkeys Pty Ltd, The Myrtle Group, Total Logistics, Tquila, Trivadis, Trivadis AG, Trivadis Austria GmbH, Trivadis Denmark AS, Trivadis Germany GmbH, Trivadis Holding AG, Trivadis Partner AG, Trivadis Services AG, Trivadis Services SRL, Troop Studios Pty Ltd, VanBerlo, Vector Acquisition Company LLC, Vector Topco LLC, Verax Solutions, Vertical Retail Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd, Vertical Retail Consulting Ltd, Vivere Brasil Servicos e Solucoes SA, Vivere Brasil Solucoes De Credito Ltda., Wabion GmbH, WaveStrike LLC, White Cliffs Consulting LLC, Wire Stone, Wire Stone LLC, Wise Partners SAS, Wolox, Wolox Colombia S.A.S, Wolox LLC, Wolox Mexico S.R.L de C.V., Wolox S.A., Wolox SpA, Workforce Insight, Workforce Insight LLC, Yesler, Yesler LLC, Yesler Limited, Yesler Singapore Pte Ltd, Zag, Zag Australia Pty Ltd, Zag Limited, Zag USA LLC, Zebra Worldwide Australia Pty Ltd, Zebra Worldwide Group Limited, Zebra Worldwide Media Pty Ltd, Zenta, Zenta Global Philippines Inc, Zenta Mortgage Services LLC, Zenta Recoveries Inc, Zenta US Holdings Inc, Zestgroup, Zielpuls, Zielpuls (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zielpuls GmbH, avVenta, designaffairs, designaffairs Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., designaffairs GmbH, designaffairs group China Co. Ltd., dgroup, i4C Analytics, iDefense, solid-serVision.com GmbH, and umlaut.

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By India Today Web Desk: While presenting an on-air report about Hurricane Matthew approaching Haiti, a meteorologist with a weather channel in US said that hungry children eat trees in the country.

Jennifer Delgado, the anchor in question, apologised after she received flak from social media users and even Haiti's former prime minister Laurent Lamothe.

A NASA image showing the terrain of Haiti and Dominican Republic was displayed while she was reporting about the impending Category 4 storm. She compared the different landscapes of the two countries and said Haiti was shown using brown colour because the whole area had been deforested.

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"They take all the trees down, they burn the trees, even the kids there they're so hungry they actually eat the trees," Jessica said.

After this statement went viral, a Change.org petition was created demanding that Jessica should be sacked.

"This is a petition to ask Mr David Clark, President of Weather Channel, to get rid of Jennifer Delgado from his organization for her offensive remarks about Haitian children". Meteorologist Jennifer Delgado said that "They take all the trees down, they burn the trees". She went one step further to say that 'Even the kids there, they're so hungry they actually eat the trees.' NO, HAITIANS DO NOT EAT TREES. Get your facts right before you offend 15 million Haitians", read the petition as reported by Global News .

More than 7,000 supporters had signed the petition. The meteorologist has apologised both on air and social media for her "offensive" statement.

"I want to begin by apologizing for a statement I made yesterday that was found inappropriate. My intention is to always inform and educate. I wanted to spotlight the incredibly difficult conditions that many people in Haiti continue to face, particularly in light of the hurricane", she said.

Watch the video here:

--- ENDS ---
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. The company offers general purpose servers for multi-workload computing and workload-optimized servers; HPE ProLiant rack and tower servers; HPE BladeSystem and HPE Synergy; and solutions for secondary workloads and traditional tape, storage networking, and disk products, such as HPE Modular Storage Arrays and HPE XP. It also offers HPE Apollo and Cray products; and HPE Superdome Flex, HPE Nonstop, HPE Integrity, and HPE Edgeline products. In addition, the company provides HPE Aruba product portfolio that includes wired and wireless local area network hardware products, such as Wi-Fi access points, switches, routers, and sensors; HPE Aruba software and services comprising cloud-based management, network management, network access control, analytics and assurance, and location; and professional and support services, as well as as-a-service and consumption models for the intelligent edge portfolio of products. Further, it offers various leasing, financing, IT consumption, and utility programs and asset management services for customers to facilitate technology deployment models and the acquisition of complete IT solutions, including hardware, software, and services from Hewlett Packard Enterprise and others. Additionally, the company invests in communications and media solutions. It has a partnership with Striim, Inc. to offer high performance and mission-critical solutions with real-time analytics. It serves commercial and large enterprise groups, such as business and public sector enterprises; and through various partners comprising resellers, distribution partners, original equipment manufacturers, independent software vendors, systems integrators, and advisory firms. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
BlackRock, Inc. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. It also provides global risk management and advisory services. The firm manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, and balanced portfolios. It also launches and manages open-end and closed-end mutual funds, offshore funds, unit trusts, and alternative investment vehicles including structured funds. The firm launches equity, fixed income, balanced, and real estate mutual funds. It also launches equity, fixed income, balanced, currency, commodity, and multi-asset exchange traded funds. The firm also launches and manages hedge funds. It invests in the public equity, fixed income, real estate, currency, commodity, and alternative markets across the globe. The firm primarily invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, SMID-cap, large-cap, and multi-cap companies. It also invests in dividend-paying equity securities. The firm invests in investment grade municipal securities, government securities including securities issued or guaranteed by a government or a government agency or instrumentality, corporate bonds, and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. It employs fundamental and quantitative analysis with a focus on bottom-up and top-down approach to make its investments. The firm employs liquidity, asset allocation, balanced, real estate, and alternative strategies to make its investments. In real estate sector, it seeks to invest in Poland and Germany. The firm benchmarks the performance of its portfolios against various S&P, Russell, Barclays, MSCI, Citigroup, and Merrill Lynch indices. BlackRock, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in New York City with additional offices in Boston, Massachusetts; London, United Kingdom; Gurgaon, India; Hong Kong; Greenwich, Connecticut; Princeton, New Jersey; Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Sydney, Australia; Taipei, Taiwan; Singapore; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, District of Columbia; Toronto, Canada; Wilmington, Delaware; and San Francisco, California.
Validus Holdings, Ltd. provides reinsurance coverage, insurance coverage, and insurance linked securities management services worldwide. It operates through three segments: Reinsurance, Insurance, and Asset Management. The Reinsurance segment underwrites property reinsurance products on a catastrophe excess of loss, per risk excess of loss and proportional basis; and aerospace and aviation, agriculture, composite, marine, technical lines, terrorism, trade credit, workers' compensation, and other specialty lines, as well as casualty and financial lines. The Insurance segment underwrites property, accident and health, agriculture, aviation, contingency, marine, and political lines insurance products; bankers blanket bond, commercial crime, computer crime, cyber- crime, professional indemnity, and directors' and officers' insurance products for various financial institutions and other companies; and commercial and institutional risks comprising general, professional, and product liability, as well as miscellaneous malpractice insurance products. This segment also underwrites marine and energy liability, and political risk insurance products, as well as insurance products for repair, maintenance, and upkeep of aircrafts and premises for small companies. The Asset Management segment manages capital for third parties through insurance-linked securities, and other property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance investments. Validus Holdings, Ltd. was founded in 2005 and is based in Pembroke, Bermuda.
The following companies are subsidiares of American Tower: 10 Presidential Way Associates LLC, 3267351 Nova Scotia Company, 3286208 Nova Scotia Company, 3298099 Nova Scotia Company, 52 Eighty Partners LLC, 52 Eighty Tower Partners I LLC, ACC Tower Sub LLC, AT Atlantic Holding LLC (1), AT Iberia C.V. (2), AT Kenya C.V., AT Netherlands C.V., AT Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., AT Rhine C.V. (2), AT Sher Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., AT South America C.V., ATC Africa Holding B.V., ATC Africa Shared Services (Pty) Ltd, ATC Antennas Holding LLC, ATC Antennas LLC, ATC Argentina Cooperatief U.A., ATC Argentina Holding LLC, ATC Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., ATC Atlantic C.V. (2), ATC Atlantic I B.V. (2), ATC Atlantic II B.V. (3), ATC Atlantic IV B.V. (2), ATC Backhaul LLC, ATC Brasil  Servicos de Conectividades Ltda., ATC Brazil Holding LLC, ATC Brazil I LLC, ATC Brazil II LLC, ATC Burkina Faso S.A., ATC CSR Foundation India, ATC Chile Holding LLC, ATC Colombia B.V., ATC Colombia Holding I LLC, ATC Colombia Holding LLC, ATC Colombia I LLC, ATC EH GmbH & Co. KG (2), ATC Ecuador Holding LLC, ATC Edge LLC, ATC Ethiopia Infrastructure Development Private Limited Company, ATC Europe B.V. (2), ATC Europe C.V. (1), ATC Europe Cooperatief U.A. (2), ATC Europe LLC, ATC European Holdings Inc., ATC Fibra de Colombia S.A.S., ATC France Holding II SAS, ATC France Holding SAS, ATC France Reseaux SAS, ATC France SNC, ATC France Services SAS, ATC GP GmbH, ATC Germany Holding I B.V. (3), ATC Germany Holding II B.V., ATC Germany Holdings GmbH, ATC Germany Munich GmbH, ATC Germany Services GmbH, ATC Ghana ServiceCo Limited, ATC Global Employment B.V., ATC Green Grass LLC, ATC Heston B.V., ATC Holding Fibra Mexico S. de R.L. DE C.V., ATC IP LLC, ATC Iberia Holding LLC (3), ATC India Infrastructure Private Limited (1), ATC Indoor DAS Holding LLC, ATC Indoor DAS LLC, ATC International Cooperatief U.A., ATC International Financing B.V., ATC International Financing II B.V., ATC International Financing II Holding LLC, ATC International Holding Corp., ATC Iris I LLC, ATC Kenya Operations Limited, ATC Kenya Services Limited, ATC Latin America S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., ATC MIP III REIT Iron Holdings LLC, ATC Managed Sites Holding LLC, ATC Managed Sites LLC, ATC MexHold LLC, ATC Mexico Holding LLC, ATC Niger Wireless Infrastructure S.A., ATC Nigeria Cooperatief U.A., ATC Nigeria Holding LLC, ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited, ATC On Air + LLC, ATC Operations LLC, ATC Outdoor DAS LLC, ATC Paraguay Holding LLC, ATC Paraguay S.R.L., ATC Peru Holding LLC, ATC Polska sp. z o.o., ATC Ponderosa B-I LLC, ATC Ponderosa B-II LLC, ATC Ponderosa K LLC, ATC Ponderosa K-R LLC, ATC Rhine Holding LLC (3), ATC Scala Operations S.L. (3), ATC Scala Spain Holding S.L. (2), ATC Sequoia LLC, ATC Sitios Infraco S.A.S., ATC Sitios de Argentina S.A., ATC Sitios de Chile S.A., ATC Sitios de Colombia S.A.S., ATC Sitios del Peru S.R.L., ATC South Africa Investment Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, ATC South Africa Services Pty Ltd, ATC South Africa Wireless Infrastructure (Pty) Ltd, ATC South America Holding LLC, ATC South LLC, ATC TRS I LLC, ATC TRS II LLC, ATC TRS III LLC, ATC TRS IV LLC, ATC Tanzania Holding LLC, ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited, ATC Tower (Ghana) LTD, ATC Tower Services LLC, ATC Uganda Limited, ATC Uganda ServiceCo (SMC) Limited, ATC Watertown LLC, ATC WiFi LLC, ATS-Needham LLC, ActiveX Telebroadband Services Private Limited, Adquisiciones y Proyectos Inalambricos S. de R. L. de C.V., Agile Airband Ohio LLC, Agile Connect LLC, Agile IWG Holdings LLC, Agile Network Builders LLC, Agile Networks Indiana LLC, Agile Networks Site Development LLC, Agile Towers LLC, Alternative Networking LLC, American Tower Asset Sub II LLC, American Tower Asset Sub LLC, American Tower Charitable Foundation Inc., American Tower Chile I S.A., American Tower Chile II S.A., American Tower Delaware Corporation, American Tower Depositor Sub LLC, American Tower Espana S.L.U. (3), American Tower Guarantor Sub LLC, American Tower Holding Sub II LLC, American Tower Holding Sub LLC, American Tower IB Participacoes Imobiliarias Ltda., American Tower Inmosites S.L.U., American Tower International Holding I LLC, American Tower International Holding II LLC, American Tower International Inc., American Tower Investments LLC, American Tower LLC, American Tower Latam SLU, American Tower Management LLC, American Tower Peru S.A.C., American Tower Servicios Fibra S. de R.L. de C.V., American Tower T. Torres do Brasil Ltda., American Tower Tanzania Operations Limited, American Tower do Brasil - Cessao de Infraestruturas Ltda., American Tower do Brasil  Communicacao Multimidia Ltda., American Towers LLC, Appleseed Holdco LLC, BR Towers, Blue Sky Towers Pty Ltd, Blue Transfer Sociedad Anonima, Broadcast Towers LLC, CNC2 Associates LLC, California Tower Inc., Cell Site NewCo II LLC, Cell Tower Lease Acquisition LLC, Central States Tower Holdings LLC, Colo ATL LLC, Colo Atl, Communications Properties Inc., Comunicaciones y Consumos S.A., Connectivity Infrastructure Services Limited, CoreSite Real Estate 12100 Sunrise Valley Drive L.L.C., CoreSite Real Estate 1656 McCarthy L.P., CoreSite Realty Corporation REIT Qualification Trust, Coresite, DCS Tower Sub LLC, Digital Access Ohio LLC (1), Eaton, Eaton Towers Ghana (M) Limited, Eaton Towers Ghana Limited, Eaton Towers Holdings Limited, Eaton Towers Kenya Limited, Eaton Towers Limited, Eaton Towers Uganda Limited, Essar Telecom Infrastructure, GTP Acquisition Partners I LLC, GTP Acquisition Partners II LLC, GTP Acquisition Partners III LLC, GTP Costa Rica Finance LLC, GTP Infrastructure I LLC, GTP Infrastructure II LLC, GTP Infrastructure III LLC, GTP Investments LLC, GTP LATAM Holdings B.V., GTP LatAm Holdings Cooperatieve U.A., GTP Operations CR S.R.L., GTP South Acquisitions II LLC, GTP Structures I LLC, GTP Structures II LLC, GTP TRS I LLC, GTP Torres CR S.R.L., GTP Towers I LLC, GTP Towers II LLC, GTP Towers III LLC, GTP Towers IV LLC, GTP Towers IX LLC, GTP Towers V LLC, GTP Towers VII LLC, GTP Towers VIII LLC, GTPI HoldCo LLC, Ghana Tower InterCo B.V., Global Tower Assets III LLC, Global Tower Assets LLC, Global Tower Holdings LLC, Global Tower LLC, Global Tower Partners, Global Tower Services LLC, Gondola Tower Holdings LLC, Grain HoldCo LLC, Grain HoldCo Parent LLC, GrainComm I LLC, GrainComm II LLC, GrainComm III LLC, GrainComm LLC, GrainComm Marketing LLC, GrainComm V LLC, Haysville Towers LLC (1), IW Equipment LLC, IWD Equipment LLC, IWG Holdings LLC, IWG II Holdings LLC, IWG II LLC, IWG Towers Assets I LLC, IWG Towers Assets II LLC, IWG-TLA Australia Pty Ltd., IWG-TLA Canada Corp., IWG-TLA Encanto 1 LLC, IWG-TLA Encanto 3 LLC, IWG-TLA Holdings LLC, IWG-TLA Media 2 LLC, IWG-TLA Media LLC, IWG-TLA Telecom LLC, InSite (BCEC) LLC, InSite (MBTA) LLC, InSite Borrower LLC, InSite Co-Issuer Corp., InSite Guarantor LLC, InSite Hawaii LLC, InSite Issuer LLC, InSite Licensing LLC, InSite Tower Services LLC, InSite Towers Development 2 LLC, InSite Towers Development LLC, InSite Towers International 2 LLC, InSite Towers International Development LLC, InSite Towers International LLC, InSite Towers LLC, InSite Towers of Puerto Rico LLC, InSite Wireless Development LLC, InSite Wireless Group, InSite Wireless Group LLC, Invisible IWG Holdings LLC, Invisible Towers LLC, JT Communications LLC, Kirtonkhola Tower Bangladesh Limited (1), LAP Inmobiliaria Limitada, LAP Inmobiliaria S.R.L., LL B Sheet 1 LLC, Lap do Brasil Empreendimentos Imobiliarios Ltda, Lease Advisors-AU PTY LTD, Loxel SAS, MATC Digital S. de R.L. de C.V., MATC Infraestructura S. de R.L. de C.V., MATC Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., MC New Macland Properties LLC, MCSU Properties LLC, MHB Tower Rentals of America LLC, MIP III U.S. Iron LLC, Microwave Inc., Mountain Communications LLC, Municipal Bay LLC, Municipal-Bay Holdings LLC, New Towers LLC, PCS Structures Towers LLC, R-CAL I LLC, RSA Media Inc., Repeater Communications Group I LLC, Repeater Communications Group II LLC, Repeater Communications Group III LLC, Repeater Communications Group IV LLC, Repeater Communications Group LLC, Repeater Communications Group V LLC, Repeater Communications Group VI LLC, Repeater Communications Group of New York LLC, Repeater IWG Holdings LLC, Richland Towers LLC, Signum/IWG Tower Corp., Southeast Network Access Point LLC, SpectraSite Communications, SpectraSite Communications LLC, SpectraSite LLC, T8 Ulysses Site Management LLC, TLA PR-2 LLC, Telecom Lease Advisors Management 2 LLC, Tower Management Inc. (4), Towers of America L.L.L.P., Transcend Infrastructure Holdings Pte. Ltd., Transcend Towers Infrastructure (Philippines) Inc., Turris Sites Development Corp., Turris Sites IWG Corp, Tysons II DAS LLC, U.S. Colo. LLC, UNIsite, Uganda Tower Interco B.V., Ulysses Asset Sub I LLC, Ulysses Asset Sub II LLC, UniSite LLC, UniSite/Omnipoint FL Tower Venture LLC (1), UniSite/Omnipoint NE Tower Venture LLC (1), UniSite/Omnipoint PA Tower Venture LLC (1), and Viom Networks.

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By PTI: From Aditi Khanna

London, Oct 6 (PTI) A 40-year-old UK nurse who was infected with the Ebola virus while working in Sierra Leone in 2014, was today taken to hospital in Glasgow under police escort.

Pauline Cafferkey first became ill from the Ebola virus she contracted while volunteering in Sierra Leone on her return in late December, 2014.

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Police Scotlandconfirmed that they had provided an escort "as a matter of course" for the ambulance taking Cafferkey to Queen Elizabeth University hospital.

A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: "Cafferkey was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University hospital under routine monitoring by the infectious diseases team. She is undergoing further investigations and her condition remains stable."

She flew on from Heathrow to her home in Glasgow, where she was admitted to hospital with a fever later confirmed as Ebola infection.

She was flown to Londons Royal Free hospital, which has a specialist isolation unit for Ebola patients.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Sending my very best wishes to PaulineCafferkey. She has already suffered way too much - & all for trying to help others. Thoughts with her."

Cafferkey had nearly died, but when she was pronounced out of danger in January 2015, it was thought the virus had been cleared from her system.

But that October, she became critically ill once again and was admitted again to the Royal Free.

Her case astonished experts, as the first where the virus had lurked in her brain or spinal cord undetected and then attacked once more, causing meningitis, which nearly killed her.

She has had long-term problems as a result of the second attack, including muscle weakness in a leg, which has meant she cannot run as she used to do.

Last month, Cafferkeywas cleared of misconduct over her return to the UK with the virus. PTI AK UZM

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Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena chief, today said that he would be visiting poll-bound Uttar Pradesh after Dussehra. Interestingly, Prime Minister Modi will be celebrating the festival in Lucknow.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray today announced that he would be visiting UP after Dussehra.

By Mayuresh Ganapatye, Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray today hinted at the possibility of going to the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh and campaigning there.

Thackeray said that he would be visiting Ayodhya and Varansi after Dussehra. With this latest announcement, he has directly challenged Prime Minister Modi as Modi will be soon campaigning in Varanasi.

"I will be visiting UP and will be performing Ganga pooja at Varanasi. I would also like to visit Ayodhya" the Shiv Sena chief said.

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Also Read: UP polls in mind? PM Narendra Modi to celebrate Dussehra in Lucknow



SHIV SENA TO GO AGGRESSIVE IN UP

There have been reports of a clear split between Shiv Sena and BJP. Even though Sena extended their support to the BJP after the latter came to power in Maharashtra, the two parties have been at war often.

While Shiv Sena had never taken state elections other than that of Maharashtra seriously, there has been a clear change in the party's approach.

Even though Sena has previously contested elections in UP, MP and even Gujarat, but the campaigning was never vigorous. However, sources say this time Shiv Sena will be aggressively campaigning in poll-bound UP.

Sources say that Shiv Sena's Hindutva agenda has got a stronghold in the state.

The BJP, on the other hand, is not unhappy with Shiv Sena's decision and is not deterring Uddhav Thackeray to campaign in UP.

BJP state president Rao Saheb Dance said, "Every party has a right to expand its base. Shiv Sena has earlier also contested in UP, MP and Gujarat. We are not affected by this."

SENA KEEN ON EXPANDING BASE, WILL CONTEST GOA POLLS

Shiv Sena will also be expanding itself in Goa and will be contesting elections in the state.

Uddhav Thackeray, along with Sena's Goa state observer Sanjay Raut, will be visitng Goa on October 16 and 17. Thackeray will meet party workers there and guide them.

Also Read:

Uddhav Thackery on Uri attack: Delhi should decide India's answer to Pakistan

Uddhav Thackeray, Sanjay Raut tendered apology due to resignation threat by Shiv Sena leaders: Narayan Rane

UP election: SP, BSP fight to survive; Congress looks for relevance; Modi referendum for BJP



--- ENDS ---




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Mexico is a country with a rich history, many unique traditions, and a diverse multicultural heritage. Mexico borders the United States of America to the north. In terms of land area, Mexico is close to one-fifth of the size of the United States. Mexico consists of different ethnic groups. While the government of Mexico does not keep official statistics on ethnicity, the CIA World Factbook estimates that Mestizo Mexicans represent the largest ethnic group. Mestizo Mexicans are those with a mixture of Amerindian and European heritage.

Mestizo (Amerindian/European)

Mexican Mestizo is the largest ethnic group in Mexico, accounting for around 62% of the national population. Mestizo Mexicans are people of blended descent. Their origin is principally the intermarriage between the indigenous people of Mexico and Europeans, furthermore, to a lesser degree, Africans and Asians. Mestizo culture is diverse, and incorporates some cultural elements of African, Asian, Mexican and European culture.

Mostly Amerindian (Native Americans)

Amerindians, or Native Americans, are the second largest ethnic group in Mexico with around a 21% share of the general population. Amerindians are part of the ethnic group in Mexico that follow the roots of the people that existed in what is now Mexico who preceded the Europeans. The history of Amerindian or Native American are thought to originate from migration people from Eurasia to the Americas that occurred via Beringia, an extension of an area which connected the two continents several centuries ago, over what is currently the Bering Strait. The Natives, who lived in Brazil by 1500, are thought to be direct descendants of the earliest migrants who crossed the Bering land bridge in the last ice age.

Other/White (European) Mexicans

Approximately 10% of the population in Mexico is classified as "other". The majority come from European descent. The history of the European Americans is traced to the descendants of the Spanish who conquered the Aztec Empire in the early 16th Century.

Amerindian

Amerindian (or Indigenous) Mexicans lived in Mexico before the arrival of the Europeans. Indigenous peoples of Mexico lived in complex societies dating back thousands of years. Some of the states with the largest Indigenous populations include Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Veracruz.

Cultural Diversity

Mexico has a diverse culture reflecting the diverse origins of its citizens. The unique culture of Mexico is one of the reasons why the country is one of the most-visited in the world.
Traditionally referred to as Jabal Musa, Mount Sinai is a 2,285-meter-tall mountain that is situated in the south-central part of the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula. While there are several references to Egypt in holy books, Mount Sinai holds significant spiritual importance for several religions. According to the Bible and the Holy Quran, God appeared before Moses on the summit of the biblical Mount Sinai and gave him the Ten Commandments. Jewish tradition also states that Moses received the entire decalogue and corpus of the biblical text on Sinai. While scholars differ in terms of the precise location of the biblical Mount Sinai, the mountain itself is an official pilgrim site for Christians and Jews and the official site of the historical event in Judaism, Islam and Christianity. The worlds oldest inhabited monastery, Saint Catherines monastery, is located at the foot of the mountain. Given its great religious significance, Mount Sinai is also a popular touristic hotspot, attracting thousands of visitors annually to enjoy its beautiful surroundings or to partake in a breath-taking hike to the summit.

Location & Description

Spectacular aerial view of the holy summit of Mount Sinai at sunrise, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt.

Mount Sinai is located about 447 km from the Greater Cairo Area in the city of Saint Catherine, in the south-central part of Sinai Peninsula. The mountain is moderately high compared to the remaining mountains within the same mountain range. Mount Catherine has the highest peak in the range and in Egypt, reaching an elevation of 2,629m. The most common method to reach Mount Sinai is by road given the remote location of the mountain. Major cities that are located close to the mountain include Sharm-el-Sheikh (230 km), Dahab (133 km), and Nuweiba (120 km). On top of the granite mountain is a mosque and a Greek Orthodox chapel - the Chapel of the Holy Trinity. Another remarkable spot below the summit is Elijahs Plateau where it is postulated that the Biblical Prophet Elijah sought Gods presence. Moses cave is also located at the summit; it is said to be the location where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God.

History & religious significance

Saint Catherine Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. It is the oldest working Christian monastery in the world and the most popular tourist attraction on the peninsula.

The area in the vicinity of Mount Sinai was first inhabited by the hermits in the early Christian era. The Saint Catherine Monastery was built in 530 CE, and it is still inhabited by a few monks from the Orthodox Church of Mount Sinai. The mountain was under Israeli rule from 1967 during the Six-Day War. The mountain returned to Egyptian rule again in 1979. The religious context and events associated with Mount Sinai makes it an important pilgrimage site. There are four main sacred mountains in the Judeo-Christian region of the Middle East, one of which is Mount Sinai. Moreover, there is controversy as to the actual name and location of Mount Sinai. Mount Sinai is referred to as Mount Horeb and the Mount of God in the Bible.

Moses, the founder of Judaism, is directly related to the historical and religious context of Mount Sinai. Moses was born as a son of a Hebrew slave in Egypt. In Egypt, the Hebrews were in bondage for four hundred years, but a prophecy by an Egyptian priest stated that the Hebrews will be freed from slavery by a Hebrew child. Upon hearing this prophecy, the Pharoah ordered that every Hebrew child should be killed. To protect Moses, Moses parents set their son adrift in a small basket along the Nile. Ironically, the daughter of the Pharoah found him and raised him as part of the royal family. Moses did not learn about his original peoples bondage to the Egyptians until he was forty years old. This triggered him to assault and kill an Egyptian overseer. Then, he fled into exile in the Sinai Peninsula. Moses then became a Shepherd, grazing his flock at the previously known Mount Horeb. One day, he encountered a voice coming out of a burning bush that was consumed by its flames. This voice instructed Moses to free the Hebrew people from bondage and bring them to the mountain. According to the book Exodus, the second book of the Torah, and the Hebrew Bible, the manifestation of the fire and the voice were God. The book also states that Moses climbed Mount Sinai twice to talk to God, where he spent forty days and forty nights. It was during this time when Moses received two tablets with the Ten Commandments in addition to the dimensions to construct the Arc of the Covenant, a box-like shrine that would carry the tablets. After the box was constructed, Moses and his people left Mount Sinai. There is no archaeological evidence stating that Mount Sinai is the same as Jabal Musa. During the early Christian era, a 4th century Byzantine empress called Helena built the first church in the area of Jabal Musa as a way to confirm the authenticity of the mountain. Remarkably, the church was built at a site where a rare species of Rubus sanctus grows, a shrub that the monks believe is the burning bush that Moses once encountered.

Recreation

Camel guides climb up to Mount Sinai in St. Catherine's district, Egypt. Editorial credit: paul prescott / Shutterstock.com

The religious aspect of Mount Sinai designates it as a touristic hotspot in the Sinai Peninsula. Mount Sinai plays an important role in supporting the Egyptian economy. Tours to the mountain are usually part of bigger tours to the Saint Catherine Monastery, attracting visitors mainly coming from Sharm-El-Sheikh, Dahab or Cairo. The route to the summit is lined with remnants of older chapels and it is called the Path of Moses. The Path of Moses, also known as Siket Sayidna Musa, is the direct route to the summit despite being steep. This route first requires taking the 3,750 steps of penitence that were carved by monks. While the climb via this route is quite strenuous, it offers great views and vantage points. The second route leading to the summit is the Camel Path, also known as Siket El Bashait, which is gentler but longer, requiring approximately 2.5 hours on foot. As the name indicates, camels can be taken through the majority of the route. Both paths lead to Elijahs Hollow, a natural amphitheater 750 steps before the summit. The summit offers spectacular views of the Sinai Peninsula, the nearby Mount Catherine, and a dry, desert landscape.
The Peoples Republic of Bangladesh is one of the South Asian countries, and forms the largest portion of the Eastern-linguistic region of Bengal. The country is surrounded by India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar. Bangladesh ranks 8th most populous country in the world with an average population of 166 million people. Bengali, the official language spoken in the country, is the 7th worlds most spoken language. Bangladesh is a sovereign country with a multiparty parliamentary democracy. The unitary system of government consists of Executive, Legislature, and judiciary. The executive is headed by the president who also appoints the prime minister with the confidence of parliaments majority. The Prime Minister is the head of government and exercises the executive powers. He is also the head of Bangladesh Cabinet. The notable Prime Ministers of Bangladesh through history are looked at below.

Tajuddin Ahmad

Tajuddin Ahmad was the first Prime Minister and the head of the provisional government of Bangladesh during the period of the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. He was a statesman and freedom fighter who is regarded as the most influence in the birth of Bangladesh. During his leadership of the provisional government, he managed to unite the different Bangladesh forces including the military, political class, and cultural forces. Between the 1960s and early 1970 he was the Secretary General of the Awami League where he played a key role in the election of the Leagues majority to parliament in 1970. After the election, he led the negotiations with the then President Yahya Khan for the transfer of power to the National Assembly. He relinquished his position as the prime minister on January 12, 1972. On November 3, 1974, he was killed inside the jail by military officers under the instruction of the then President Khondaker Ahmed.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is considered the founding leader of Bangladesh, and a man who served both as the president and the premier. He served as the Prime Minister from January 12, 1972, to January 24, 1974, during which he was referred to as Bangabandhu meaning friend of Bengal. Rahman also served as the leader of the Awami League and was accredited as one of the key figures in the liberations movement. During his tenure as a prime minister his government enacted laws in the constitution which proclaimed socialism and secular democracy. His government faced several challenges including unemployment, corruption, famine, and poverty. The government was also accused of human rights violations through the security forces. His imposition of one-party rule and political censorship derailed the development in Bangladesh. He was assassinated on August 15, 1975, by army officers when he was serving as the president.

Muhammad Mansur Ali

Muhammad Mansur Ali was a close confidant of his predecessor, Majibur Rahman, who appointed him to the position of Prime Minister of Bangladesh on January 25, 1975. Mansur was a key figure in the six-point movement that was led by Majibur Rahman. He served as the minister of finance in the government that was formed after the Bangladesh Liberation in 1971. As the prime minister, he helped his political friend and then President, Mujib, the Awami League which was the only legalized political party. He was assassinated together with his family on August 15, 1975.

Evolution of the Job

The post of the Prime Minister has been abolished three times in the history of Bangladesh. These periods were from 1975 to 1978, from 1982 until 1984, and again from 1990 to 1991. The incumbent Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, was appointed to the office in 2009. She is the daughter to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was the second Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Cassie Barker and Cheyenne Hyer

By: Feng Qian

(Scroll down for video) Two police officers were placed on leave after a 3-year-old girl died in a patrol car.

Police officer Cassie Barker of Kiln, Mississippi, left her 3-year-old daughter Cheyenne Hyer, in her patrol car while she went to visit her supervisor Clark Ladner.

The two spent four hours together while the girl was dying in the car.

Hyer was pronounced dead at around 3:30 p.m., after she was left unattended in the vehicle. Police said that the car was left running with the air conditioner on for up to four hours.

Investigators said that they are afairly certaina that the little girl died from the heat, but they are waiting for an autopsy and toxicology results.
A young man wanted to make a point about racism in the United States, but his plan backfired when he was exposed for a liar by police. 20-year-old Khalil Cavil of Texas was working at the Saltgrass Steak House in Odessa when he claimed he was discriminated against because of his Muslim name. Cavil took
Tim Horne

By: Wayne Morin

A man was said that he raped a young girl because he was sad that nobody showed up to his barbecue.

Police in New Zealand, arrested the deaf man after he kidnapped and sexually assaulted the 6-year-old girl.

22-year-old Tim Horne, who was born in South Africa and was adopted by a couple in New Zealand, said that he smoked drugs because he was too distraught that no one showed up to his party.

He then walked to a park in Auckland, where he spotted three young girls who were not supervised.

He started playing with the three young girls and gave them candy.

He then grabbed the victim and took her to a secluded area, where he removed her clothes and touched her private parts.

He then pulled down his own pants and pushed the childas head to his groin. The childas mother heard hear screams and came to her rescue.

Horne ran away from the scene before the mother could catch him. However, Horneas adoptive parents turned him in to police.

He pleaded guilty to kidnapping and indecently assaulting a female under the age of 12, and he was sentenced to three years in prison.

The judge also ordered Horne to be deported to South Africa. However, his family appealed the deportation order and they now won the appeal.

The Immigration and Protection Tribunal ruled that the deportation will be suspended for five years.

The tribunal heard that due to his disability, Hornes father would need to relocate to South Africa with him if he were deported, placing significant stress on their family unit.

aThere are exceptional circumstances of a humanitarian nature that would make it unjust or unduly harsh for the appellant to be deported,a the tribunal said in the appeal judgement.

A clinical psychologist told the tribunal that Hornes risk of reoffending was amoderate to low.a
Harold Gray and Anthony Morris

By: Feng Qian

(Scroll down for video) A woman is asking a judge to keep her husband in jail for a long time after he killed her grandson.

The man of Tennessee, was found guilty of killing his wifeas grandson after he came home drunk and was upset that his steak dinner was not ready.

Harold Gray, 65, of Frayser, was convicted of reckless homicide for stabbing 31-year-old Anthony Morris, in front of the victimas 6-year-old son.

Grays wife Mildred, said that for years, she tried to get help for her husband for his issues with drinking. aWhen he is drinking, he is just like a demon,a she said.

Gray told officers that Morris hit him in the face twice, before he retaliated by stabbing him multiple times.

However, Mildred said that there was no fight between her husband and grandson before the stabbing. Her husband was just an angry and drunk, and he took out his anger on her grandson.

Mildred said that her 6-year-old great grandson stood at his fatheras side and refused to move as he bled to death.

According to the grandmother, the young boy became sick and threw up after watching the traumatic incident that took his father away from him.

Mildred wants her husband to arot in jail,a for what he did.

Gray did not testify at his trial before he was found guilty of reckless homicide, but his defense attorney argued that he stabbed Morris in the groin area with no intent to kill.

A sentencing hearing was set for next month before Criminal Court Judge Paula Skahan.
A judge ruled last week that the city will not have to enter arbitration with its public workers union during an ongoing labor grievance, pending further decision.

After hearing oral arguments on Sept. 21, Superior Court Judge Trevor Stephens approved the City and Borough of Wrangell's request for a stay of interest arbitration between it and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1547 on Sept. 28. The union had filed a motion to compel arbitration the preceding week, as part of an ongoing dispute over a new collective bargaining agreement.

According to the court record,...
Council Urged to Put a Stop to Speeding Drivers in Ruabon

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Oct 6th, 2016

Calls have been made for Wrexham Council to tackle speeding drivers hammering through a local village.

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates and local councillor Dana Davies say many residents have raised concerns about motorists routinely ignoring the 30mph limit on the B5605 in Ruabon  a busy main road through the village.

Mr Skates said: A growing number of my constituents are raising concerns about speeding through Ruabon, which has been ongoing for many years and, sadly, shows no sign of slowing down. I know Dana gets a lot of complaints about it, too.

There is a play area not far off the main road, and parents are rightly worried about letting their children cross it because of cars regularly hammering along.

I have asked the council to consider traffic-calming measures to ensure  as far as possible  that vehicles stick to the speed limit, and hope to have a response soon.

Cllr Davies, leader of the Labour group on Wrexham Council, added: This is an issue Ive raised repeatedly and one I get a lot of complaints about. You get cars racing along that main road on a daily basis, and were not just talking about a few miles over limit. Something needs to be done sooner rather than later.

Mr Skates noted he has also asked North Wales Police Chief Constable Mark Polin to consider enforcement action in the village as a deterrent.

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: The council is carrying out a speed limit review of all our roads, which is due to be completed this year. Speeding of cars and enforcement of speed limits are a matter for North Wales Police. As with our council policy, all schools in the county will have 20mph speed limits in place.

*Picture  stock image
The Socialist Equality Party is marking the first anniversary of the exposure of the Flint water crisis with a meeting in the city to provide a genuine political alternative for workers and young people. Details appear below.

One year ago, on October 1, 2015, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder finally admitted a problem in switching the water source of the city of Flint from the Detroit water system to the Flint River. That switch was made in April 2014. For close to 18 months, residents were forced to drink water laced with one health danger after another.

First, high levels of the bacteria E. coli appeared. Then there were erratic spikes in total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), a carcinogenic disinfection by-product resulting from over-chlorination to kill bacteria. After a few months of pumping corrosive Flint River water through the pipes, without anti-corrosion agents, lead began leaching from the damaged pipes into the water of Flint homes and schools.

In spite of the complaints and protests by residents almost immediately after the April 2014 switch, and several boil-water alerts, state and local officials maintained that the water was safe to drink and that it complied with federal safe water standards.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), organizations nominally tasked with protecting the population and the environment, instead conspired to cover up the crisis and hide the dangerous amounts of lead in the water. It was only through the determined efforts of city residents, scientific researchers and local doctors, who refused to back down in the face of official stonewalling and intimidation, that that the poisoning of Flint became widely known.

On September 24, 2015, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a pediatrician at Flints Hurley Childrens Hospital, held a press conference to publicize the results of her study of blood-lead levels of Flint children. Her findings revealed a spike in blood poisoning since the citys water source was switched to the Flint River in 2014. She warned residents not drink tap water or use it to mix baby formula, since infants and young children are particularly susceptible to long-term health effects from lead poisoning. She urged authorities to switch the city back to the treated water piped from Lake Huron by the Detroit water system as soon as possible.

Less than two weeks earlier, Professor Marc Edwards of Virginia Tech University (VT) held a similar press conference outside the Flint City Hall to announce the findings of his team on the lead levels in the tap water of residents. He issued a public warning to residents not to drink or cook with the water without filters certified to remove lead, exhorting them not to trust the statements of public officials who had been telling them the water was perfectly safe to drink. Edwards called the results of earlier testing done by city officials smoke and mirrors, which showed much lower levels of lead in the water than the VT tests.

Both Edwards and Hanna-Attisha were vilified by state and local officials. Brad Wurfel, the spokesman for the MDEQ, stated publicly that Edwards was fanning political flames irresponsibly, calling the VT study pulling that rabbit out of that hat.

Before going public with her data, Hanna-Attisha and her colleagues met with city officials who told her going back to the original water source would bankrupt the city. Immediately after her press conference, Governor Snyder himself accused Hanna-Attisha of splicing and dicing her figures.

Residents had been complaining since the April 2014 switch that the water was brown and carried a strong, acrid smell, but their concerns were repeatedly dismissed by local, state, and federal officials. After her child was diagnosed with lead poisoning, one resident, LeeAnne Walters, contacted Marc Edwards after the EPA refused to take action on high lead readings in her tap water.

Meanwhile, public anger had reached a boiling point. Residents protested throughout the city, demanding the replacement of the lead-based water infrastructure and the criminal prosecution of the Democratic and Republican politicians involved in the affair. After the lies were exposed and enormous damage was done to Flints water infrastructure, Snyder was forced to order the reconnection of the city to its original treated water source.

The establishment goes into damage control

Faced with a mounting political firestorm that was quickly spiraling out of their control, establishment political mouthpieces were dispatched to pacify the population. Media figures such as Rachel Maddow, celebrities such as Michael Moore, and political hucksters such as Jesse Jackson descended on the city to denounce the Republican governor, utterly ignoring or downplaying the role of Democrats, such as the citys mayor and the state treasurer, who helped facilitate the crisis.

The governor, meanwhile, put on a show of false contrition while repeatedly insisting that he had had no knowledge of the crisis until October 2015. E-mail records have shown that high-ranking officials in his administration were discussing the crisis for months prior to this. He appointed a  task force and issued a 75-point plan to create the illusion of action while making clear that the state would not be providing the necessary funds to meet the needs of the population.

Congressional hearings on the issue were largely an excuse for grandstanding and sanctimony, as Democrats and Republicans alike sought to shift the blame onto their political adversaries while casting themselves and their allies as utterly without fault. A criminal investigation into the crisis has produced a handful of indictments for low-level employees of the MDEQ and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, citing the Nuremberg trials as precedent that following orders was not a valid defense. Yet the high-ranking officials who actually issued the orders, including Snyder, EPA Region 5 Administrator Susan Hedman, and MDEQ Director Dan Wyant, have not been formally charged with any crime.

Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders used the city of Flint as a backdrop for a televised debate, offering hollow promises and cheap rhetoric before deserting the city and dropping any mention of it from their campaigns. Current Flint Mayor Karen Weaver was paraded during the Democratic National Convention in a cynical attempt to give Hillary Clintons right-wing platform a humanitarian gloss.

More recently, Republican candidate Donald Trump visited a church in the city as part of his campaign, receiving a hostile response from the residents in attendance. The Clinton campaign, meanwhile, has dispatched Clintons daughter Chelsea to the city to proclaim personal outrage over the lack of federal funding for the crisis. Politicians from both political parties have used Flint residents as convenient props to bolster their electioneering, offering meaningless compassion and tissue-thin promises before retreating back to lavish fundraising events with the millionaires and billionaires whom they serve.

Of a piece with the agendas of all the above political operatives is the campaign to frame the Flint crisis as a racial attack. Clinton herself encouraged this outlook when she proclaimed her so-called outrage at what was done to the city and declared that this would never have happened to a white community in the suburbs. The decisions made in Flint were made on behalf of financial interests who sought to exploit the financial crisis of a deindustrialized city to find new revenue sourcesin other words, this was a crime of capitalism.

Theories of structural racism and racial bias being behind the Flint water crisis are being pushed by the establishment in an attempt to change the subject of the crime against the working class. Flint is a very integrated city, with a racially mixed population. Black Democratic Party politicians were just as responsible as white Republicans. More significantly, it is a city that expresses what has been done to the working class as a whole. GM employed more than 80,000 in Flint in the citys heyday. Today, only 8,000 are employed at the auto giant in Flint.

What has really been done to address the crisis?

Serious and persistent damage has been done to Flints residentsespecially childrenand water infrastructure by the reckless actions carried out on behalf of the financial aristocracy in America. Residents are still without safe water and will be at least until next year.

The Genesee County Health Department issued a recent warning of an outbreak of shigellosis, a bacterial infection that is spread most commonly due to lack of proper hygiene. Because residents fear the water that is coming through their home and school taps, the long-established practice of washing hands has suffered. The health effects, according to the alert, can include gastrointestinal illness which includes mild to severe diarrhea. Other symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and stools containing blood and/or mucus. The number of cases in Genesee County, of which Flint is by far the largest population center, is 85the highest in the state.

Democratic Mayor Karen Weaver, who was elected last November on the pledge of addressing the water crisis, initiated a feeble Fast Start program to begin the replacement of lead service lines in the city. Up to now, only 171 lines have been replaced and researchers have revised estimates drastically upwards to more than double the numberup 25,000of lead service lines will need to be replaced.

Astonishingly, Flint residents pay the highest water rates in the country, for the privilege of being poisoned. And officials envision that they will double in the next two years as the plan to hook up to the KWA pipeline moves forward with millions in new unanticipated costs.

The pitiful federal funding by the Obama administration ended last August, and a funding package is still being debated in Congress that, even if passed, will be a tiny fraction of the funds required for both medical needs and infrastructure repair.

The Socialist Equality Party demands that a massive public works program, with trillions of dollars in funds, be initiated to systematically rebuild Americas infrastructure. Medical care and decent public education must be provided for every member of society.

Niles Niemuth, the Socialist Equalitys candidate for US vice president, will address an important meeting being held this evening, October 6, at 7 p.m. at the University of Michigan, Flint, in the Murchie Sciences Building, Room 109.
This Friday, with the indispensable assistance of the trade unions, Ford will close its two remaining auto plants in Australia, at Broadmeadows and Geelong in Victoria, ending production in the country after 91 years.

To the very end, Ford is seeking to extract every ounce of profit from its workforce. Production will continue up to the last day, when the remaining 487 workers in Broadmeadows and 327 in Geelong will be sacked.

This will be one of the final nails in the coffin of an entire industry, at the hands of the transnational auto companies and the banks and billionaires that increasingly control them.

General Motors (GM) and Toyota plan to follow suit next year, shutting down their plants in Adelaide and Melbourne. That would finish off the countrys auto assembly and related parts industry, resulting in an estimated loss of up to 150,000 jobs nationally.

These closures have not been inevitable. They are part of an ongoing, ruthless restructuring of the global auto industry, enforced by governments and unions, for the benefit of a tiny financial and corporate elite, with devastating consequences for workers internationally.

To add insult to injury, Ford is holding a send-off inside the Broadmeadows plant when the last car comes off the production line tomorrow. For us, its about putting our people first, Ford Australia boss, Graeme Whickman told the media. We are going to treat our staff with dignity and respect and that means we will be holding private events with them to recognise and honour their work over so many years.

What a sham! The car giants are treating their employees as disposable commodities, as they always have. Theirs is a global strategy: to utilise their ability to shift production to exploit ever-cheaper labour, playing workers in one country off against their brothers and sisters in others, thereby lowering wages and destroying the conditions of workers everywhere.

Recent revelations confirm that Ford has planned this closure for years. Twice, in 2005 and 2009, the company rejected subsidies worth millions of dollars offered by governments, both Labor and Liberal-National, to build US police cars in Australia. As far as Ford was concerned, those subsidies would have cut across its closure plans. Nevertheless, the shutdowns of Ford, GM and Toyota are taking place despite the fact that together, the three companies have happily accepted about $7 billion in government handouts since 2001.

Far from being treated with dignity and respect, Ford workers this week told reporters that up to half their colleagues are yet to find work. So much for the claims of a $20 million program of careers advisers and job fairs touted by Ford, the unions and the Victorian state Labor government! These have simply been a means of stifling opposition before the final shutdown.

In May 2013, when Ford first announced the closure, more than 1,200 workers were employed across both sites. Since then, hundreds have been made redundant.

Previous car plant closures have left one-third of the workers jobless, one-third in part-time jobs and one-third in alternative full-time jobs, invariably on lower pay and conditions. Today, with more than 720,000 workers officially unemployed nationally, and high levels of unemployment plaguing working class areas like Broadmeadows and Geelong, the impact of this closure will be even more damaging.

The company has heavily relied upon the unions, and their role as corporate policemen, to carry through the redundancies and the final closure of the companys Australian operations. Ever since Fords announcement, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) has insisted that workers have no choice but to accept the companys decision as a fait accompli.

This week, AMWU official John Herbertson summed up the unions cynical attitude regarding its role in suppressing resistance to the closure among its members. Weve done the best we can to prepare them for future employment, he told the media.

Earlier this year, AMWU national secretary (vehicle division) Dave Smith spoke contemptuously of the social cost being exacted in northern Adelaide, another area of mass unemployment. There, also on Friday, GM will cease production of its Cruze model, eliminating 320 jobs. The other 1,000 workers at the Elizabeth plant will be sacked next year, together with 200 workers at the Port Melbourne engine plant. Honestly, I wouldnt like to be in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, Smith told journalists.

Like their counterparts internationally, the unions in Australia have blocked any struggle by workers against the auto conglomerates. Time after time they have insisted that workers have no alternative but to sacrifice their jobs and conditions to help their national-based employers become globally competitive and attractive to investors.

Youth unemployment in working class areas around Adelaide and Melbourne is already at Depression-levels, ranging from 20 to 40 percent. The car industry closure will drive it far higher, leaving young workers without a future and whole families without work.

Following the 2008 global financial meltdown, Ford, GM and Chrysler, with the support of the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the Obama administration, closed plants across the United States, sacked thousands of workers, slashed retiree pensions and imposed a two-tier wages system, with new employees being paid barely $15 an hour. This onslaught against autoworkers was extended worldwide, with Ford and GM carrying out plant closures in Europe.

Around the world, autoworkers have engaged in bitter struggles against the companies assault, including in China, South Africa, India, Europe, South Korea and the US. Last year, American workers rebelled against the UAWs attempt to push through a sellout contract with Fiat-Chrysler. Rank-and-file workers used social media to organise opposition and circulated the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter, which became the voice of workers who opposed to the contract deal. The UAW, on behalf of the auto companies, was only able to obtain ratification of the contract through the use of lies, intimidation and fraud.

The unions are no longer, in any sense of the term, workers organisations. Under the impact of the globalisation of production, their perspective of seeking concessions within the framework of nationally-protected industries has collapsed, transforming them into industrial police forces, pitting workers against each other, country-by-country, in a never-ending drive to boost the profit rates and share prices of their companies.

The working class in Australia and around the world must take stock of the situation. The global strategies of transnational finance and corporations can be defeated, but only by a global political strategy that corresponds to the interests of workers internationally.

The defence of jobs, working conditions and democratic rights cannot be conducted through the unions or through appeals to national governments, whether National-Liberal or Labor. It can only be developed through the political initiative and collective struggle of the working class itself. New, democratic organisations of struggle must be built, including rank-and-file committees that are completely independent of the unions and the capitalist parties, and that will turn to other sections of workers in Australia and around the world who face similar attacks.

The auto giantsalong with the other large corporations and banksmust be placed under public ownership and the democratic control of the working class. The guiding principle of economic life must be to meet the interests and needs of the vast majority, not to boost the balance sheets of the wealthy bankers and speculators.

The essential prerequisite for such a struggle is the building of a new revolutionary leadership in the working class to advance an internationalist and socialist program. The Socialist Equality Party urges car industry workers to reject the government-corporate-union claims that nothing can be done, and contact us to discuss the development of a unified industrial and political struggle against the Ford, GM and Toyota closures.
Leading German media outlets are responding to the intensification of the Syrian war with calls for more war and militarism. The lead article in Tuesdays edition of the Suddeutsche Zeitung by Hubert Wetzel is a thinly veiled appeal for an intervention by tens of thousands of ground troops in Syria. Wetzel focuses his anger on the alleged retreat carried out by the United States under President Barack Obama.

Obama saw little need to invest American money, blood and prestige in this dusty corner of the world, Wetzel wrote. His persistent retreat from the Middle East had contributed to the creation of a vacuum, and the space was being filled by chaos alone. Among the producers of the chaos Wetzel naturally avoided naming the NATO powers, which have been spreading death and destruction throughout the region for more than 25 years, but instead pointed to Iran and Russia, which in the Middle East are conducting the most brutal type of geopolitics conceivable.

While all of the desperadoes and outlaws, who are fighting from Tunisia to Libya, Egypt, Syria and Iraq [] brought, in the bloodiest sense of the word, their greatest firepower and fire out of all cylinders, the US President, who was once the sheriff in this part of the world, only [has] a pocket knife, Wetzel complained. But this did not provoke respect or fear from anyone. On the contrary: the world power America has nothing more to say in the Middle East and as a result is not taken seriously by its allies, and certainly not by its opponents.

Wetzel and the Suddeutsche Zeitung place chief responsibility for the dark future resulting from this state of affairs on the American population. Obamas employer, the American people, wants the US no longer to be the sheriff, he rages. There is no support worth talking about in the population or Congress for a large intervention in Syria, Libya or Iraq to defend an abstract regional or global order.

In an essay in the latest edition of Der Spiegel, Dirk Kurbjuweit attacks the European population in similar terms. The public in the West is like a jury which decides on intervention. The Germans above all, have had enough of wars for all time, and therefore let their politicians know their view in polls: wed rather not. Kurbjuweit complained that politicians can take decisions against prevailing opinion. But in the case of the Syrian war, Angela Merkel has not done this yet.

What Kurbjuweit is proposing are wars in violation of international law and justified with pseudo-humanitarian arguments. Interventions ended the wars in the Balkans, he wrote. The West sent bombers, without the authorization of the UN in the case of Kosovo. This was a violation of international law. And there was no trial. But the killing is over.

To enforce massive military interventions against the will of the population, Kurbjuweit proposes, in all seriousness, labeling those as war criminals who reject militarism and war. Can failure to act be a war crime? he asked provocatively. A difficult question. But the question how could it happen? is about responsibility. And responsibility on these issues begins at an early stage.

Kurbjuweits cynical programme is thus, Pacifism, yes, but an armed pacifism. For it, the old formula does not apply: war, never again.

Wetzel and Kurbjuweit are part of an entire layer of German journalists with close ties to foreign policy think tanks and government circles, which have been relentlessly propagating the poison of militarism for more than three years, despite the historical crimes of German imperialism.

As early as 2013, Wetzel called in a comment for the firing of a salvo of cruise missiles on the headquarters of Bashar al-Assads army. Kurbjuweit, who has since become deputy editor of Der Spiegel, published his notorious article The transformation of history just days after German government representatives announced the end of the era of military restraint at the Munich Security Conference.

In it, Kurbjuweit attacked Fritz Fischer, who, in his 1961 book Germanys aims in the First World War, demonstrated that the German empire bore considerable responsibility for the outbreak of World War I. Fischers theses were in principal outrageous, he cited the Berlin political scientist Herfried Munkler as proclaiming.

On the Second World War, Kurbjuweit provided a platform for the now dead Nazi apologist Ernst Nolte, who had propagated the notion since the Historikerstreit of the 1980s that fascism was a legitimate response to Bolshevism. Nolte declared in the article, among other things, I am more and more convinced that we should attach more weight to the role played by the Poles and the British [on the question of war guilt] than is usually the case. At the same time, he blamed the Jews for their own part in the gulag, because some Bolsheviks were Jews. Kurbjuweit remarked that this has long been an argument of Jew-haters, only then to add, But this man [Nolte] was not wrong about everything.

Kurbjuweit also cited the Berlin-based historian Jorg Baberowski, an outspoken defender of Nolte, as saying, Hitler was no psychopath, he was not vicious. He did not want the extermination of the Jews to be discussed at his table.

Two-and-a-half years have passed since these despicable statements and it has become ever clearer that the relativising of the historical crimes of German imperialism has served to prepare new wars and crimes. The latest articles from Wetzel and Kurbjuweit provide further evidence of this.
Dining hall workers at Harvard University went on strike early Wednesday after union workers and university representatives failed to reach an agreement over a new contract. The strike by Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) workers is the first since 1983, and the first ever during the academic year.

Striking workers gathered at more than a dozen picket locations at the Harvard campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts Wednesday morning and were joined by some students. Meal service was modified at dining locations, with frozen food, stockpiled by the university in preparation for the strike, overloading dining hall freezers.

The main issues in the strike are health insurance benefits and wages. The prestigious and heavily endowed university is demanding increased health care costs and offering paltry wages to the 750 workers across the Harvard system represented by UNITE HERE Local 26. Workers previous contract expired in June, but had been extended through September 30.

In a prepared statement, Harvard said it had proposed a 10 percent increase in average hourly wages from $21.89 to $24.08 over five years. The majority of HUDS workers are only employedand paidduring the school year.

Nearly half of the workers earn less than $35,000 a year, a salary deemed insufficient to support more than one person in Boston, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. Many HUDS workers have worked for Harvard for decades. The universitys offer to provide summer stipends to employees was rejected by union negotiators.

Harvard is demanding huge increases in both health care premiums and out-of-pocket costs. According to an analysis of Harvards health insurance proposal prepared by members of the Harvard Medical School Class of 2019, most HUDS workers would be better off if they were offered no health coverage from the university and obtained insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector, the states version of Obamacare.

Under Harvards proposal, a worker in a three-member household earning $30,000 would be required to contribute a premium of $233 a month, while the Massachusetts exchange has plans that require no premium at all. Co-pays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximum costs would also be higher under the Harvard proposal.

An analysis by the Harvard Medical School faculty and the World Health Organization has defined any health care spending over 10 percent of annual income as a catastrophic expenditure. The universitys health proposal would place HUDS workers perilously close to qualifying for this designation.

In an opinion piece on the eve of the strike, Harvard Medical School students Micah Johnson and Sanjay Kishore wrote: As physicians in training, we cannot stand by as the worlds richest university forces its most vulnerable employees to choose between dinner and a doctors visit.

Susan Olsen has worked in Harvard dining services for 20 years. Three of her children are also HUDS workers. We actually are trying to get the same benefits as we have right now for health insurance, Olsen told the WSWS. What they have proposed is that we dont have health insurance when were off, which is a least four-and-a-half months a year, when school is not in session.

We would have to pay more money for doctor visits and all that, she said. Now for most people its about $15-20 per copay. Under their proposal it will be up to $100 each copay. And then we wouldnt be covered in the summertime.

Olsen said that workers without coverage in the summer would be in violation of the Obamacare requirement that individuals and families obtain insurance or pay a penalty. And then we would have to pay extra on our taxes, she explained.

As far as I know we are the only working force here that is forced to work only during the school year, Olsen said. Were the basically part-time workers. They say we make $22 an hour, but thats only during the school year.

Theres only about 5 percent of employees that work during the summertime, because they have summer school programs. The other people either have to fend for themselves, use their vacation time, or get another job. Its about their bottom line.

Harvard Universitys endowment is $35.76 billion, the highest in the nation. Distributions from the endowment support 35 percent of the universitys $4.5 billion operating budget. Providing a livable wage and high-quality health insurance coverage to the HUDS workers would constitute a negligible dent in this massive hoard of wealth.
Large sections of Indias elite are urging the countrys virulently rightwing, Hindu communalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government to further escalate military pressure on Pakistan in the wake of last weeks Special Forces strikes inside Azad or Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

The surgical strikes were the first military attacks inside Pakistan that India has publicly admitted to carrying out in more than four decades.

They have pushed South Asias rival nuclear-armed states perilously close to the precipice of war. But Indias political establishment and corporate media have hailed them as proof of Indias growing economic and military prowess and its ability to successfully leverage the shifts in world geo-politics, above all Indias burgeoning military-security partnership with Washington.

According to Tuesdays Economic Times, senior military officers have told the government that the strikes need to be followed up with concerted military action, so as to neutralizei.e. degrade and destroythe Pakistan-based Islamist insurgent groups that oppose Indian rule over the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley.

We have to look at a sustained campaign, said an unnamed top officer. The terror network is on the backfoot, but to really achieve something, we have to look at a medium-term plan, a six-month campaign. A one-off event will not deter them.

Another officer told the Times, We have the opportunity right now. Everyone is geared up and we have a much stronger hold on the Line of Control that divides Indian and Pakistan-held Kashmir) than the other side.

Parallel to the Indian militarys behind the scenes push for escalation, the corporate media has churned out an avalanche of editorials and commentary celebrating the end of Indias so-called strategic restraint. Under this policy New Delhi refrained from publicizing Special Forces operations inside Pakistan for fear of triggering a dynamic of strike and counter-strike that could quickly spiral into all-out war.

The most bellicose factions of the Indian ruling elite, including the BJP when it was in opposition, long contended that strategic restraint made India look weak and left the initiative with its arch-rival Pakistan.

Like Indias top brass, much of the media is now arguing that India must continue to strike out at Pakistan militarily.

C. Raja Mohan, one of Indias best-known geopolitical strategists, has called for cross-border strikes to be institutionalized. In an article titled Breaking Out of the Box and published in Mondays Indian Express, Mohan wrote, After discarding Indias do nothing strategy, Modi must now retain strong control over the inevitable escalation that will unfold, ensure that cross-border military attacks become a regular response to terror attacks from across the LoC (Line of Control), and sustain relentless pressure on (the Pakistanis militarys) political vulnerabilities.

In a column that welcomed the attack across the LoC, Ashok Malik of the Observer Foundation, one of Indias leading think-tanks, argued India must be ready to go further in its long war with Pakistan. The genie is out of the bottle, declared Malik. It will not go back. In fact, sooner or later, that genie will seek to travel even further.

The Hindustan Times has published an editorial, India can no longer have a defence policy of passivity, calling for major hikes in military spending. The editorial argues that if India is to pursue an aggressive policy against Pakistan, stand up to China, and pursue its ambitions to be an Indian Ocean power, it needs to acquire even more lethal weaponry. This, it argues, will require that India raise its military spending significantly above the current 2.5 percent of GDP.

In a particularly bellicose op-ed, Sanjaya Baru, a former press secretary of Indias previous Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, also raised the issue of China, lashing out at Beijing for its close relations with Pakistan. Baju equated Pakistan to North Korea, noting that China is an ally of both Islamabad and Pyongyang, and called for India to treat Pakistan akin to the way Japan and South Korea treats North Korea, i.e. as a belligerent state. Unstated but implicit in Barus argument was that India should become a formal military ally of the US, as are Japan and South Korea.

Business leaders have been conspicuously vocal in their support of the governments aggressive stance against Pakistan. Under the heading With Strikes, Modi Sets New Precedent For India In Dealing With Pakistan, Mohandas Pai, a fund manager and former top executive at the IT consulting firm Infosys, has urged the government to be ready for rapid escalation of the conflict with Pakistan. This strike, wrote Pai in a column for NDTV, changes the balance of power as far as the border is concerned.  if tension increases and if Pakistan resorts to its usual tactic of firing across the border, India should retaliate 10 times more and demonstrate that it will not accept any of these usual tactics and will give it back because the only way to handle a bully is to stand up and hit back very strongly.

Unquestionably, Indias elite is being encouraged in its aggressive stance by the signals coming from Washington.

Although last weeks attack was a flagrant violation of Pakistani sovereignty, Obama administration officials have studiously refused all comment on it. Instead they have urged both governments to eschew escalation, while echoing New Delhis demands that Islamabad prevent terrorist attacks from its territory.

Meanwhile, a host of former officials in the Obama and George W. Bush administrations have unequivocally supported the Indian military strikes and the reactionary war on terror narrative New Delhi has used to justify them.

The Indian ruling elite paints India as the innocent victim of Pakistan and its stratagem of using Islamist groups to advance its military-strategic interests, particularly in Kashmir.

New Delhi points to the September 18 attack on the Uri military based in India-held Kashmir as the justification for its attack on Pakistan, even though it declared Islamabad responsible for the attack prior to any investigation. More fundamentally, the Indian elites self-serving narrative ignores the long series of provocative actions New Delhi has taken against Pakistan under the BJP government, including vehemently opposing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and, through its promotion of the Baluchistan secessionist insurgency, threatening Pakistan with dismemberment.

The conflict between India and Pakistan is rooted in the 1947 communal partition of the subcontinent, into an explicitly Muslim Pakistan and a mainly Hindu Indiaa crime carried out by the nascent Indian and Pakistani bourgeoisies, and their principal parties, the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, in conjunction with British imperialism.

Partition defied economic logic, enshrined communalism in the state structures of South Asia, has facilitated imperialist domination of the region, and gave rise to a reactionary geo-political rivalry that has led to four declared wars and countless war crises that have squandered vast resources.

A huge factor in the heightening of tensions between India and Pakistan is the US drive to make New Delhi a frontline state in its military-strategic offensive against China. For well over a decade, Washington has been showering strategic favours on India, including giving it access to the most advanced US weaponry, all the while ignoring Islamabads increasingly shrill warnings that it is overturning the balance of power, thereby encouraging Indian aggression and fueling a South Asian arms race.

Under Narendra Modis two-and-a-half year-old BJP government, India has dramatically expanded its integration into the USs anti-China Pivot, calculating that it can draw on US support to pursue its own ambitions to be the regional hegemon of South Asia and an Indian Ocean power.

Thus India is denouncing Pakistan as a state sponsor of terror at the same time that in pursuit of its own mercenary interests it cements a military-strategic alliance with the worlds most incendiary power, one that trashes international law at willUS imperialism. Over the past quarter-century Washington has waged one illegal war after another, blowing up whole societies in the Middle East and Africa, and has repeatedly enlisted Islamist terrorists as it proxies in its regime change wars, including in Kosovo, Libya and Syria.
The celebrations of Mondays Day of German Unity, held this year in Dresden, were determined by two events. With a large contingent of police and firm control of the city, security forces had imposed a de facto state of emergency in the capital of the state of Saxony.

Simultaneously, the police encouraged activists from the right-wing Pegida group to demonstrate in front of the main reviewing stands, spewing fascist hate slogans. The police even permitted the neo-fascists to carry a placard with a quote from the Nazi propagandist Josef Goebbels.

As the national dignitaries, led by President Joachim Gauck, Bundestag President Norbert Lammert and Chancellor Angela Merkel, arrived Monday afternoon for an ecumenical service in the Dresden Frauenkirche and a subsequent ceremony in the Semper Opera, they were forced to pass through a mob hurling abuse. Cries of traitors, rabble, Get out and Merkel has to go were among the more harmless tirades.

Although the police had imposed a ban on protests in the immediate vicinity, they allowed Pegida supporters to congregate. They later justified this decision by saying that they did not envisage any threat to the conduct and security of the festivities by Pegida. The extent to which the police supported the right-wing demonstrators was made clear by one police officer who ended his loudspeaker announcement by wishing Pegida supporters a successful day.

The speeches on Monday confirmed that the establishment parties are determined to use the Pegida demonstrations to increasingly shift the political climate further to the right. Saxony's Premier Stanislaw Tillich (CDU) described the protesters as deeply unpatriotic, claiming that true patriots should oppose them.

Bundestag President Lammert (CDU), who gave the keynote speech this year, said it should be acknowledged how well most people in Germany live today. We live in circumstances which are the envy of almost the whole world, he said. Germany is now in better shape than ever before.

Lammert referred to a survey presented earlier this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, in which 16,000 people from around the world, leaders in business, science and management, described Germany in terms of political stability, economic prosperity, social security, education, science and infrastructure as the best country on this earth. Lammert did not go so far as to speak of pride in Germany, but claimed that Germans could and should have a little more self-confidence.

The words of Chancellor Merkel, who described Unity Day as a day to celebrate, rang hollow, and not just because of the right-wing chants and insults. Millions of people are concerned about political developments accompanying the global crisis of capitalism, which 26 years after the reunification of Germany is assuming increasingly dramatic forms.

The crisis at Deutsche Bank makes clear that nothing has been solved since the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008 and the subsequent global financial crisis. The economic and political implications of Britains exit from the European Union remain completely unpredictable. The European Union is in an advanced stage of dissolution. States of emergency prevail in France and Turkey.

As was the case in the thirties, the crisis of capitalism is once again fueling ultra-right and fascist forces. The ultra-right Alternative for Germany, which has won increasing support in a series of state elections, is part of a global development: Donald Trump in the USA, Marine Le Pen in France and Norbert Hofer in Austria, to name just a few.

Three years ago, the German President Joachim Gauck used the Day of German Unity to give his great power speech in which he demanded that Germany in Europe and the world must once again play a role commensurate with its size and influence. In a world full of crises and upheavals, he argued, the country needed an active military and foreign policy.

Since then, a systematic military buildup has been taking place with the German army in the front line as part of the NATO deployment against Russia, and in conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. Defense spending is increasing and the military budget is to be almost doubled, from 1.2 to 2 percent of gross domestic product. An additional 130 billion is spent on weapons and a sophisticated cyber army with 13,500 soldiers.

Parallel to the military buildup, wages and social spending are being cut with one austerity program after the other. Millions of people in Germany live in abject poverty, 26 years after reunification, while a super-rich upper class squanders billions and determines policy. The wealth tax was abolished 20 years ago, to be followed by the reduction of the top rate of tax from 53 to 42 percent, plus myriad other benefits for the wealthy and top earners.

At the same time, the Hartz IV laws imposed new, harsh restrictions and cuts in social and unemployment benefits, creating a huge low-wage sector. More and more people are forced to work in this low-wage environment, unable to make ends meet despite working, and continually forced to beg for alms from the Hartz IV bureaucracy.

The haughty speeches about the beauty of Germany, delivered last weekend, were aimed at masking the fact that under the surface a social storm of enormous proportions is brewing.

The events in Dresden make clear the urgency of building a new party of the working class, which opposes the growing threat of war and the permanent welfare cuts on the basis of an international socialist program.

Otherwise there is a serious risk that right-wing demagogues will be able to divert the widespread anger at the ruling elite and its conformist parties into the arms of the fascists. The extent to which these right-wing demagogues receive support from the police and parts of the security apparatus was very much in evidence in Dresden.
On September 30, the World Socialist Web Site warned: It is evident that the question of whether an escalation of the US intervention in Syria can wait until after the US election of November 8 has become the subject of heated debate within the US ruling establishment.

It has taken barely a week for this assessment to find decisive confirmation. It has been fully established that the Obama administration is holding precisely such a debate.

On Wednesday, the so-called Principals Committee, consisting of the secretaries of defense and state, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the CIA director, as well as top presidential security aides, convened at the White House to consider proposals to attack Syrian government forces with cruise missiles as well as other acts of military aggression.

Both the CIA and the Joint Chiefs of Staff are reportedly in favor of such an escalation, which carries with it the real prospect of a direct armed confrontation between the US and Russia, the worlds two largest nuclear powers.

Reflecting the growing support within sections of the US establishment for a far wider war, key sections of the media, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post, have weighed in on the side of those within the military and intelligence apparatus advocating a new eruption of American militarism.

Among the most explicit examples is an opinion column by John McCain, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, published in Wednesdays Wall Street Journal. McCain indicts the Syrian government and its ally, Russia, for having slaughtered countless civilians through relentless, indiscriminate bombing. This is being written by an individual who was one of the most enthusiastic proponents of the shock and awe war in Iraq that cost over 1 million Iraqi lives.

The Republican senator writes: The US and its coalition partners must issue an ultimatum to [Syrian President] Assad--stop flying or lose your aircraft--and be prepared to follow through. If Russia continues its indiscriminate bombing, we should make clear that we will take steps to hold its aircraft at greater risk.

McCain also calls for the creation of safe zones for Syrian civilians protected by the US military and more robust military assistance to the so-called rebels. He acknowledges that this strategy will undoubtedly entail greater costs, but provides no specific indication as to the nature of these costs or who will pay them. McCain does not even hint at the catastrophic global implications of a military confrontation between Washington and Moscow.

Similarly, in an editorial Wednesday, the Washington Post asserts that Washingtons policy has failed in Syria because the US has refused to use military pressure against the regime of Bashar al-Assad. The newspaper complains that the Obama administrations failure to carry out a more direct military intervention in Syria has resulted in the shrinking of US influence, to Russias gain, and approvingly cites CIA and Pentagon proposals for cruise missile attacks and the provision of more sophisticated weaponry to the rebels.

Finally, the New York Times published a front-page lead article Wednesday warning that Russia was using the period between now and the January 2017 inauguration of the next US president as a window of opportunity to move aggressively in providing military support for the Syrian government. The article favorably reports proposals for US air strikes and goes on to cite unnamed US officials as arguing that Washington could turn Syria into a quagmire for Russia, particularly if the Arab states that support the rebels supply them with antiaircraft weapons and Islamic terrorists decide to retaliate by attacking Russian cities.

This passage echoes an earlier warning from the top US State Department spokesman that the response of Islamist forces to Russias military actions in Syria could include attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities.

The implications are unmistakable. Washington exerts overwhelming operational influence over the Islamist militias that have constituted the principal fighting force in the five-year-old, CIA-orchestrated war for regime change in Syria. Just as it directed them to attack the government in Damascus, it could order them to do the same in Moscow.

The article is supplemented by an opinion piece by Times foreign affairs columnist Thomas Friedman, who writes in his signature bully boy style, Isnt it time we give Putin a dose of his own medicine?

While acknowledging that a military confrontation with Russia poses the direct threat of nuclear war, he declares, But we also cannot just keep turning the other cheek in regard to Putins behavior in Syria and Ukraine. He denounces Russia for mercilessly bombing civilians in Aleppo and twice charges Russian President Vladimir Putin with violating basic civilized norms.

Even from a columnist who has established the gold standard for cynicism and deceit, Friedmans invocation of basic civilized norms leaves one somewhat slack-jawed.

There is not a single war of aggression launched by US imperialism for which he has failed to serve as a fanatical cheerleader. The same man who today laments the Russian bombing of east Aleppo in 1999 wrote in response to the US bombing of Serbia: It should be lights out in Belgrade: every power grid, water pipe, bridge, road and war-related factory has to be targeted [W]e will set your country back by pulverizing you.

Less than four years later he played the same role in relation to Iraq, declaring before the 2003 invasion that he had no problem with a war for oil, and writing afterwards that the US had attacked Iraq for one simple reason: because we could...

Such are the civilized norms observed by the man from the Times.

Underlying the frenzied support for military escalation in Syria is the fact that the various terrorist organizations Washington has used as its proxy forces--including those directly affiliated to Al Qaeda--are on the verge of a complete debacle in Aleppo, threatening a strategic defeat in the five-and-a-half-year war to bring down Assad, an ally of Russia and Iran, and install a US puppet government in Damascus.

Such an outcome would represent a serious reversal for the policy pursued by US imperialism for the last quarter century, in the wake of the Moscow Stalinist bureaucracys dissolution of the Soviet Union. Washington saw this development as opening an unobstructed path to its pursuit of global hegemony. It adopted the policy of exploiting its military supremacy as a means of offsetting the decline in its global economic position.

The element of hysteria in response to Moscows actions in Syria stems from the fact that both Russia and China are beginning to frustrate this policy.

The medias lurid claims of Russian aggression notwithstanding, there is no question that in Syria, as in Ukraine and the South China Sea, it is US imperialism that is the aggressor, provoking defensive reactions from both Russia and China. That, however, does not impart any progressive content to the policies being pursued by the Russian government. If Putin could get a deal with Washington that preserved the interests of both his government and those of US imperialism, he would sign it in a minute.

Unable to do so, and in the face of growing economic crisis and signs of social unrest at home, Putin has resorted to the promotion of Russian nationalism and an increasing reliance on the residual military power he inherited from the Soviet Union.

In the past few days, the Russian government has ordered the deployment of additional surface-to-air missile batteries to Syria and suspended an agreement with Washington for the destruction of weapons-grade plutonium. At the same time, pro-government Russian newspapers have warned of the threat of a third world war and the government has launched a major civil defense exercise in preparation for just such an eventuality.

A policy of national defense by a regime that represents the interests of Russias capitalist oligarchy can only fuel the drive to world war. The masses of Russian working people confront the ultimate consequence of the Stalinist liquidation of the USSR in the form of a growing threat of nuclear holocaust.

The only force that can prevent a new world war is the international working class, organized independently and mobilized in a struggle against capitalism, the source of war. This requires the building of an international socialist leadership, and there is no time to lose.

We urge all of our readers to attend the November 5 emergency conference in Detroit, Socialism vs. Capitalism & War, as a critical step in this fight. Visit the conference web site and register today!
Tensions between Manila and Washington escalated further Tuesday when Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told US President Barack Obama to go to hell in a public speech. Duterte then declared that the European Union (EU) can go to purgatory, because hell is full up.

The statements were the latest in a string of outbursts by Duterte, who has responded angrily to Western criticisms, especially from Washington, of his murderous anti-drug crusade. These criticisms have nothing to do with concern over human rights, but originate rather with Washingtons displeasure with Dutertes attempts to defuse tensions in the South China Sea and to enhance trade and diplomatic relations with Beijing, in opposition to the US war drive against China.

Duterte also stated that he intended to review, and possibly end, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) basing deal, which was signed under his predecessor Benigno Aquino, and which allows for the unlimited basing of US military forces in the country.

Speaking at the Makati City synagogue on Rosh Hashanah, Duterte apologized for positively comparing his anti-drug crusade to the holocaust, and then announced, In my time, I will break up with America. I would rather go to Russia and to China. The same day, in another speech, Duterte stated, The Americans, I dont like them... they are reprimanding me in public. So I say: Screw you, f*ck you.  Better think twice now because I will be asking you to leave the Philippines altogether.

These vulgar and politically unhinged statements from the Philippine president follow what is emerging as an established pattern. After Dutertes public and unscripted vitriol, key figures in his cabinet addressed the press and directly refuted the presidents words.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told the media that Philippines still needed the US military presence, stating that the president is misinformed. Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella told journalists they needed to use their creative imagination when dealing with Dutertes statements, and not be too literal. At the same time, and this captures the volatility of the current situation, while denying that the President was severing ties with Washington, Abella said, Its a possibility that he could, that he might.

None of Dutertes prior statements against Washington has yet been acted on. He publicly stated on September 12 that he was ordering US troops to leave the southern island of Mindanao. His defense secretary and foreign affairs secretary publicly contradicted him and no further action was taken.

Washington itself has made clear that it is not opposed to Dutertes war on drugs, which has racked up a death toll of nearly 4,000 in less than four months. On September 24, the US State Department quietly supplied the Duterte administration with $6.7 million specifically earmarked to fund his drug war. On Wednesday, as Duterte told Obama to go to hell, the US Embassy in Manila released press statements about how Washington was supplying Manila with information crucial to the war on drugs, which they claimed had led to a major drug bust.

The Philippines is currently under a state of national emergency which grants the police and military power to carry out warrantless arrests and place checkpoints throughout the country. Duterte stated in a speech on Sunday that he was tempted to declare martial law.

The Guardian, quoting an unnamed high-ranking police officer, reported that secret police death squads had been organized and were directly responsible for the majority of the vigilante killings of the past months. Dutertes chief of police, Ronald de la Rosa, publicly denounced the Guardians source, drawing a page from his vulgar superior. Youre an official and thats what you do, destroy the organization? he declared. What kind of official are you? You have no balls.

Duterte continues to pursue closer ties with Beijing and Moscow. He is scheduled to travel to Beijing on October 19. The press announced today that he has appointed Chito Sta. Romana, a former leading member of the Maoist Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its front organizations, to serve as Manilas ambassador to China.

Washington will not tolerate Dutertes failure to toe its line against China. They will pursue every avenue from economic measures to coup plots to secure Dutertes support or remove him from office.

The peso has plunged to a seven-year low. The Standard & Poors credit rating agency blamed Dutertes public statements, warning that his behaviour meant they were unlikely to upgrade the countrys credit rating for the next two years.

US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel in a statement to Associated Press issued a veiled but clear threat that Washington would back Dutertes forcible ouster. I think it would be a serious mistake in a democratic country like the Philippines to underestimate the power of the publics affinity for the US. Thats people power, he said. People power is a reference to the military coups, which with mass support, led to the ousters of former presidents Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada. Washington had a hand in both.

In an attempt to shore up his hold on power, Duterte is cultivating two bases of supportthe military and the Maoist CPP. Duterte seems to have won the support of a large portion of the militarys rank-and-file by promising to double their salaries. The top brass, however, including his own defense secretary, who is repeatedly gainsaying Duterte, are deeply loyal to Washington. The ties between the Philippine Armed Forces and the US military date back to the US colonial occupation of the country and have been carefully cultivated by Washington.

As Duterte has announced that he intends to purchase arms from Russia and China, several US-based think tanks have released statements that these weapons systems will not be interoperable with existing US military-supplied hardware, nor will Moscow supply the kind of training which Washington does. These remarks seem calibrated to find an audience in the military brass in the Philippines.

A second round of peace talks between the CPP and the Duterte administration opens this weekend in Oslo. The CPP has been in key positions within Dutertes cabinet and have come to play a key role of support for his government. Over the weekend it released a statement that Dutertes positive remarks about Hitler were tactless. Nonetheless, it asserted, this head of death squads was a progressive figure.

Duterte is vastly out of his depth, a fact which he openly acknowledges. He stated in a speech this week, My personality is only suited for a mayor. Im not ready for the big league. He has repeatedly declared that he does not expect to finish his term in office and anticipates being removed by impeachment, coup or assassination. He claimed over the weekened that the CIA was plotting to assassinate him.

The volatility of Duterte is an expression of the explosive economic and social crisis in the Philippines, which is a product of the global economic crisis of capitalism and, above all, the US drive to war against China, which has destabilized the entire region.

Dutertes conduct bears parallels to the actions of Indonesian President Sukarno in the 1960s. Attempting to balance between Washington and Beijing, in a situation of intense domestic and geopolitical crisis, Sukarno sought support from both the military and the Stalinist Communist Party (PKI).

To secure this support, Sukarno took to making increasingly volatile statements, telling the United Nations to go to hell, and positively comparing himself to Hitler. While Washington worked with his administration, it began plotting his ouster and the suppression of the population. The result, in 1965-66, was the slaughter of over a million members and supporters of the PKI, who were disarmed and betrayed by the Stalinist policies of their leadership.

The Cold War has ended and a new far more dangerous period has opened up. Moreover, Sukarno was a towering figure compared to the vulgar, parochial mayor from the southern Philippines. The parallels, however, carry a warning for the Philippine working class: Washington will stop at nothing to secure its geopolitical interests. The only means to prevent a catastrophe on the scale seen in Indonesia is for the working class to fight for its independent class interests behind the banner of world socialist revolution.
Even as Washington ramps up its war plans in Syria and confrontation with Russia, the South China Sea continues to be a dangerous flashpoint, with a flurry of military exercises by the United States and its allies.

Tensions in the South China Sea have dramatically worsened over the past five years as the Obama administration has encouraged countries like the Philippines and Vietnam to take a more aggressive stance in their territorial disputes with China. The stand-off has only escalated in the wake of a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in July in favour of the US-backed Philippine legal challenge to Chinas maritime claims.

Washington is now exploiting freedom of navigation as the pretext for strengthening military ties with South East Asian countries and pushing its Asian allies to consolidate their own military relations. The South China Sea is critical to the Pentagons AirSea Battle strategy for war against China, which foreshadows a massive aerial and missile bombardment of the Chinese mainland, supplemented by a naval blockade.

The result is a dangerous intensification of military activity in the South China Sea as indicated by the current war games taking place. These include:

* Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore have begun three weeks of joint military exercises, including in the South China Sea. The activities involving troops, warships and military aircraft are taking place under the umbrella of the Five Powers Defence Arrangement signed in 1971 that commits members to consult if Malaysia or Singapore come under attack.

* Indonesia is currently staging its largest ever air force exercise near its Natuna Islands in the South China Sea. More than 2,000 air force personnel are taking part in the exercises, which involve Russian Sukhoi and F-16 fighter jets. While China acknowledges Indonesian sovereignty over the Natunas, its maritime claims intersect with Indonesias exclusive economic zone, resulting in confrontations in June between Chinese fishing vessels and the Indonesian navy.

* Despite rising tensions between Washington and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the two countries are engaged in joint military exercises involving amphibious landing drills. About 1,400 US Marines and sailors are operating with 500 Philippine military personnel to prepare to operate better during a natural disaster or conflict. Duterte has declared that the war games will be the last with the United States, but his remarks were softened by the Philippine Defence Department, which declared that it had received no orders regarding the suspension of future exercises with the US.

* Two US warshipsthe guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain and submarine tender USS Frank Cablevisited Vietnams Cam Ranh Bay on Sunday as part of US efforts to boost military ties with Hanoi. The port call was the first by American naval vessels to the strategic base since relations between the two countries were normalised in 1995. The visit followed the seventh round of joint naval exercises that began last week.

The Chinese response to the US military build-up in the South China Sea and throughout Asia has been on the one hand to boost its own military, while on the other to seek an accommodation with Washington. There is nothing progressive about the actions of the Chinese Communist Party regime, which represents the interests of a super-rich oligarchy, not the working class in China or internationally. All its movesincluding the reclamation of islets and reefs in the South China Sea and joint naval exercises last month with Russiaare seized on by the US to justify its military expansion in Asia, and only heighten the danger of war.

The Pentagons determination to maintain US dominance in the South China Sea was expressed very directly by retired Admiral Dennis Blair, former commander of US Pacific Command and National Security director.

Speaking on Monday on the Australian Broadcasting Corporations Four Corners program, Blair said: If the Chinese had their way and the entire South China Sea were their own territory which they could keep the United States and other armed forces from operating [in], it would be absolutely intolerable for the United States and were not going to allow that to happen.

The US has repeatedly pointed to Chinese reclamation activities in the South China Sea, including the building of docks and runways, as proof that Beijing is militarising its islets to assert its dominance over surrounding waters. Blair, however, was dismissive of the installations military value saying: In serious war fighting neutralising it [the facilities], its probably 10 to 15 minutes worth of work.

Blair made a specific call for Australia to join the US in conducting joint patrols in the South China Sea to show when they need to they will send their armed forces into international airspace and water. The US navy has already conducted three provocative freedom of navigation operations to intrude within the 12-nautical-mile territorial limits claimed by China around its islets.

The admiral also referred to the dangers of war, pointing to a notable inability for the two of us [the US and China] to understand whats going on on the other side and to find compromises thats the kind of relationship that can sort of escalate over time. Asked if this meant conflict, he said: Yes, yeah misunderstanding and then fear and conflict.

Also interviewed on the program, Professor Graham Allison, from the Harvard Kennedy School, warned: I would say in general when a rising power threatens to displace a ruling power youre in a period of severe structural stress in which lots of things can go wrong, not because someone wants a war Who should rule the South China Sea? Xi Jinping thinks China should, and the Americans say no for 70 years weve been there as the predominant power Now can you imagine that leading to a conflict that then escalates to a war that neither wouldve chosen? Unfortunately I can.

The Obama administrations pivot or rebalance to Asia, formally announced in 2011, to ensure Americas continued dominance in Asia includes a military build-up and planning for just such an eventuality. The Pentagon is already committed to dispatching 60 percent of its overseas naval and air force assets to the Asia Pacific by 2020, including its most advanced weaponry. Last week US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter announced the third phase of the military rebalance, including the development of a new range of weapon systems particularly designed for war against China.

With Washington having created a tense standoff in the South China Sea, any incident or accident, involving China and the US or one of its allies, carries the danger of triggering a chain of events that leads to conflict between two nuclear-armed powers.
A document issued by Human Rights Watch Report (HRW) this week contains interviews with two Tunisian men who were tortured and detained by the CIA and US military for 13 years.

The men described torture that surpassed what the 2014 Senate Intelligence Committee report on the CIAs global kidnapping program (or extraordinary rendition) revealed, including the threatened use of an electric chair, daily beatings with rods while their arms were suspended over a metal bar above their heads, having their heads dunked into barrels of water, and other acts of savagery.

The two men, Rudha al-Najjar, 51, and Lotfi al-Arabi El Gherissi, 52, are both citizens of Tunisia and were released and repatriated to their country only last year. They had never been charged with a crime and received no compensation for their 13 years of torture and detention without charge.

Today they are penniless, unable to work, and suffer ongoing mental and physical trauma as a result of their captivity and torture. Their wives have long ago divorced them and they now rely on their families for help.

Although the two men never met one another while in CIA custody, they both described similar conditions and inhuman treatment at the hands of American authorities. Human Rights Watch was able to determine, using the heavily redacted Senate torture report as a guide, that the men were held at the notorious Salt Pit, a converted brick factory in Kabul, Afghanistan, referred to as Detention Site COBALT.

Laura Pitter, national security counsel at HRW told media, These terrifying accounts of previously unreported CIA torture methods show how little the public still knows about the US torture program.

Indeed, the Senate Intelligence Committee could only release in December 2014 a heavily redacted executive summary of the still classified 6,700-page report on the CIAs torture program. The Obama Administration fought tooth and nail to prevent even the summary from becoming public knowledge. Al-Najjar and El Gherissi were but two of the 119 men the US government officially admitted to having held in CIA detention centers, or black sites, around the world.

The two mens statements shed light on the little-known early days of the CIAs torture program which was ostensibly modified after the death of Gul Rahman, an Afghan man, on November 20, 2002. The CIAs report of Rahmans death absolved the agency of any wrongdoing, and told how prisoners would be kept in their cell in diapers. In the agencys own words, This is done solely to humiliate the prisoner.

When the guards ran out of diapers they would improvise with a handcrafted diaper secured with duct tape and If the guards dont have any available diapers, the prisoners are rendered to their cell nude. This cruelty was personally approved by CIA director George Tenet in a 2003 memorandum.

Although the CIA promised new guidelines after the murder of Rahman, the brutality continued unabated.

The Senate Summary says the CIA believed al-Najjar to be a bodyguard of Osama Bin Laden, while El Gherissi said his torturers accused him of being involved with Al-Qaeda or having terrorist contacts. Both men deny the allegations and the US government has provided no proof to the contrary.

Al-Najjar was kidnapped by US and Pakistani forces on May 22, 2002 in Karachi, while El Gherissi was captured in the town of Peshawar, on the border with Afghanistan, on September 24, 2002. The CIA took custody and had them held in several locations in Afghanistan, including COBALT site, which al-Najjar and El Gherissi called the Dark Prison. It was there they suffered the worst abuse. They were eventually given to the US military and languished at Bagram airbase until December 9, 2014, when they were handed over to the Afghan military, who repatriated them back to Tunisia six months later, on June 15, 2015.

During their time in American custody, the two men had no contact with the outside world. Tina Foster, executive director of the International Justice Network, sought a federal court review on the legality of the detention, but the courts denied her request, siding with Obamas Justice Department, which argued that the Bagram airbase was beyond the jurisdiction of US courts. Foster was denied access to speak to either man and the Supreme Court rejected her appeal.

Foster told the Guardian, Even after President Obama was elected and vowed not to continue the torture program, his administration continued to argue that US courts should not review our clients cases and prevent us from speaking with them. As a result, our clients were held incommunicado and their abuse was effectively concealed for more than a decade.

The torture that al-Najjar and El Gherissi describe is enough to make one nauseous. Al-Najjar describes being waterboarded, Until I couldnt breathe anymore. His head was repeatedly dunked to a bucket of water to get him to talk. Al-Najjar was also submerged into a large tub of ice water strapped to a board. He said, They would do this until I couldnt handle it anymore and I was on the verge of completely falling apart.

Even more gruesome, the two were shown a makeshift electric chair, a metal chair with electric wires attached to finger plugs attached to a wall pipe, which their captors threatened to use on them.

Both men were chained to a metal rod above their head for 24-hour periods with their toes barely touching the ground, and sometimes not all. This made it impossible to sleep as they were essentially hanged by their wrists and beaten with rods by American interrogators. For al-Najjar, this continued for roughly three months, while El Gherissi endured it for a month. Loud music was played nonstop for 24 hours and the prisoners were kept in total darkness and complete isolation, only able to hear the screams of other prisoners. Al-Najjar described it as the worst experience in his life.

CIA agents also bent al-Najjar over and inserted an object into his anus. These exams had no medical purpose whatsoever and according to documents from The Intercept were done with excessive force.

Perhaps most disturbing of all was the presence of an American doctor, a modern day Josef Mengele, who oversaw the torture. While al-Najjar was in custody, the doctor would periodically check on him to see if he was still alive and administered injections to reduce the swellings from the beatings. But once the swelling went down, this doctor would give the green light for the torture to begin all over again, al-Najjar said.

The torture only stopped when the doctor told his torturers, if he stays for another week, he will die.

Al Najjar only ate once every three days and told HRW that the food was disgusting, with pebbles, hair, dirt, and one time a cigarette butt. One could only drink the foul water provided if they were on the verge of death and completely dehydrated, but even that was not enough.

CIA cables described al-Najjar as clearly a broken man on the verge of a complete breakdown whose torture became the model for countless other prisoners at the site.

In the video interview released by HRW, El Gherissi says, The damage is on my back. I cant sleep on it. And my eyes, I cant see very well. And my feet  I cant walk for a long distance. Sometimes I wonder what I should do?

The Senate report on CIA torture states that records at COBALT were rudimentary and the full nature of CIA interrogations remains largely unknown. The Senate investigation found that prisoners at the site were subject to multiple periods of sleep deprivation, required standing, loud music, sensory deprivation, extended isolation, reduced quantity of food, nudity and rough treatment. However, the accounts of al-Najjar and El Gherissi are proof that prisoners were subjected to much worse.

John Brennan, a top intelligence official in 2002 who was briefed about al-Najjars torture, is now director of the CIA. He fought viciously to try to stop the release of even the limited revelations of the Senate reports executive summary. The full Senate report on CIA torture remains classified by the Obama administration. Undoubtedly, it contains many more horrors the military-intelligence apparatus does not want the public to know about.
A series of strikes and other workers struggles have erupted in the United States in the run-up to the US presidential elections. The diverse array of public- and private-sector workers involved in these struggles reveals the broad scope of social opposition in the US over deteriorating living standards, attacks on health care and pensions and historic levels of social inequality in the seventh year of Obamas economic recovery.

On Monday, nearly 5,000 nurses in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area of Minnesota overwhelmingly rejected an ultimatum by hospital operator Allina Health and voted to continue their one-month strike. Allina wants to strip nurses of their traditional health care coverage and force them into inferior and more costly corporate-run plans.

The resounding no vote was a rebuke to the Minnesota Nurses Association and National Nurses United, which brought back the same company demands nurses had rejected three times. The nurses are taking a courageous stand against Allina, which cut them off of medical insurance last weekend and has spent $40 million to import 1,000 strikebreakers into the Twin Cities.

Throughout the country, nurses and other caregivers are bearing the cost of Obamas misnamed Affordable Care Act, which has not only shifted health care costs from employers to workers, but has also piled more patients onto the already understaffed hospital workforce. Meanwhile, ACA has boosted the profits of the monopolies that dominate the health care industry, which took in $1.6 trillion in revenue last year.

Everyone is fed up with the way things are going in this country, one veteran nurse from United Hospital in St. Paul said. With all this wealth, these companies are operating global enterprises, and they are using this to pit workers in different countries against each other.

Other sections of workers have also entered significant battles in recent days:

* On Tuesday, 750 food service workers walked out at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts to demand improved wages and full-time positions and to resist higher out-of-pocket health care costs. The walkout by dining hall workers, the first strike at the Ivy League university in 30 years, has won the support of students from the universitys medical, dental and law schools, as well as the Harvard Undergraduate Council.

* On September 30, hundreds of musicians at the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra walked out on strike to oppose demands for a virtual pay freeze and cuts in pensions. The Philadelphia musicians at the world-famous orchestra have still not recovered the concessions they lost during the April 2011 bankruptcy. Musicians are also currently on strike at the Forth Worth Orchestra in Texas.

* Thousands of faculty members from 14 state universities are expected to rally at the state capital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania today after working a year-and-a-half without a new contract. The faculty union has set an October 19 strike deadline for 5,000 professors, researchers and teaching assistants who are opposing salary cuts, higher health care deductibles and co-pays, and demands that they function as teaching machines with workload increases of as much as 20 percent.

* On September 22, Cleveland teachers voted 1,830 to 1,730 to reject a deal reached by the Cleveland Teachers Union and the Cleveland Metropolitan Schools that included an insulting two percent wage increase and the continuation of test-based evaluations to determine pay or fire teachers. In a desperate effort to prevent a strike, the American Federation of Teachers has organized a walk-in today and is promoting a regressive tax hike on residents in one of Americas poorest big cities.

* The Chicago Teachers Union has set an October 11 strike deadline after a 95.6 percent vote to authorize a walkout by 30,000 teachers and staff. Teachers have been working without a new contract for 15 months. They have already defeated an effort by the CTU and Democratic Party Mayor Rahm Emanuel to increase health care costs and impose a seven percent cut in real wages to cover pensions.

* More than 750 workers at a 3M chemical plant in Cottage Grove, Minnesota have authorized strike action as the one-month extension of their three-year contract expires Saturday. The Minnesota-based conglomerate, which produces industrial and consumer adhesives, automotive components and other products, wants to cut weekend pay and implement more flexibile work rules and benefits.

The growth of the class struggle in the US is part of an international process. In every country, the transnational corporations and governments are seeking to make the working class pay for the global economic crisis and ever-increasing military budgets as governments prepare for war.

Ten thousand Canadian autoworkers at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) face an October 10 midnight strike deadline as opposition grows to the pattern contract signed by Uniforthe auto unionwith General Motors Canada. That contract strips new-hires of defined benefit pensions, retains the hated two-tier wage system, and continues the erosion of living standards for current and retired workers. The auto bosses and Unifor are using the threat of plant closings and mass layoffs in an effort to beat back the resistance of workers determined to recoup past concessions now that the auto companies are making record profits.

Recent days have also seen the outbreak of mass protests and clashes with police by students in South Africa demanding free tuition and relief from crushing student loans, and by workers in Poland protesting right-wing laws banning abortions.

The American news media deliberately ignores the signs of growing class conflict while endlessly writing about the supposed unbridgeable divide between black America and white America. But the growing resistance of workersof all races, genders and nationalitiesreveals that the basic division in society is the irrepressible conflict between the two main social classesthe working class and the capitalists.

Like the rebellion of US autoworkers in 2015 and the wildcat strikes by Detroit teachers, these struggles are increasingly coming into direct conflict with the official trade unions, which function as tools of corporate management and are allied with Clinton, Obama and the Democratic Party.

As the World Socialist Web Site noted, the popular support for Bernie Sandersa self-described socialistin the Democratic Party primaries was an expression of growing anti-capitalist sentiment. Sanders is no socialist, and his bogus political revolution has morphed into a campaign for Clinton, a warmonger and tool of the billionaire class. While shilling for Clinton in Minneapolis Tuesday, Sanders did not say a word about the struggle of the Minnesota nurses.

Despite Sanders best efforts, the political radicalization of workers and youth in the US will not be contained within the capitalist two-party system. The strivings by workers to attain the most elemental social rightsfor secure and good-paying jobs, pensions, health care, education and a future for the next generation that is free from poverty and waris bringing masses of working people into a struggle against the corporate and financial elite that controls the entire economic and political system.

Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are committed to escalating the war on the working class at home. They both support US military violence around the world to secure markets, raw materials and profits for US-based transnational corporations and prevent any economic challenges from foreign competitors.

This is underscored by an article in the most recent edition of Foreign Affairs by Mac Thornberry, the Republican Chairman of the House Armed Service Committee, and military strategist Andrew F. Krepinevich. The two call for a vast expansion of military expenditures to prepare for war against Russia and China and praise the bipartisan support for cuts to bedrock social programs like Medicare and Social Security. The countrys financial woes have little to do with military expenditures, the two authors claim, saying the main culprits are the governments rapidly increasing debt and the expanding cost of entitlement programs. Thus, it is on the domestic front where the tough choices will have to be made in order to defend the nations security and economic well-being.

Masses of people are sick of endless wars that have squandered countless lives and an estimated $15 trillion since 2001. Increasingly, workers will come to see that the struggle to defend their living standards is inseparably bound up with a fight against war and the capitalist profit system that produces it.
Web services provider Yahoo has been secretly scanning the emails of all its users on behalf of the US government, according to a report by Reuters Tuesday. According to the news agency, Yahoo executives received a secret directive in May 2015 requiring the web company to craft a custom wire-tapping program with the intent to search hundreds of millions of Yahoo Mail accounts at the behest of the National Security Agency [NSA] or FBI.

This represents the first case to surface of a US Internet company agreeing to an intelligence agencys request by searching all arriving messages, the report continues, noting previous instances of service providers agreeing to scan certain accounts on a limited scale.

According to the Reuters account, US intelligence officials supplied Yahoo with a set of characters to search for in each incoming communication. That could mean a phrase in an email or an attachment, the report states. Reuters did not say what phrases or content the government had been searching for, or whether similar directives had been issued to other internet companies. The Reuters story further reveals the near-seamless collusion of the major web service providers and telecommunications companies with the US intelligence agencies as they conduct mass surveillance of the population.

The revelation of mass data collection lays waste to US officials claims to be respecting US citizens Fourth Amendment rights. Its really staggering in its breadth and seems to go beyond the NSA programs we have known about for awhile, said Andrew Crocker, chief attorney of the Electronic Freedom Foundation to USA Today of the revelations. Its hard to even anticipate what kind of arguments the government could make for the constitutionality or legality of this program, he said.

The wire-tapping led to the June 2015 resignation of the companys chief information security officer, Alex Stamos, whose security team had discovered the program and initially believed it to be the work of hackers.

Yahoo responded feebly to the reports of mass spying, stating, Yahoo is a law abiding company, and complies with the laws of the United States. On Wednesday, the company declared that the Reuters story had been misleading and the mail scanning described in the article does not exist on our systems.

The latest revelation of complicity in the USs surveillance programs against the population has placed Yahoos viability as a brand in question. Last week, the company revealed that nearly 500 million email users had their accounts compromised by hackers, which has led to the companys security protocol being examined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In addition, Yahoos $4.8 billion sell-off of its web media division to telecommunications firm Verizon has been placed in question due to the latest revelation.

While other internet corporations released press statements denying any complicity in similar surveillance practices, a report in the Intercept noted that, rather than being attributed to US officials, the Yahoo story had been sourced to former employees of the company itself. This raised the possibility that similar orders have been issued to other major service providers, though the latter have not come forward yet. Similarly, Joseph Lorenzo Hall of the Center for Democracy and Technology in Washington, DC told USA Today that he would be surprised if other large email providers were not also targeted.

The report Tuesday is not the first time Yahoo and other service providers have been found to be in collusion with US government spying.

The June 2013 revelations of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden showed that internet companies such as Yahoo, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Skype, YouTube and others had long been complicit in the US governments PRISM program. Under PRISM, the US government has the ability to record and store all web-based data hosted by the selected companies. According to the NSA at the time, nearly 91 percent of data collected online by the intelligence agency came by way of the PRISM program.

An October 2014 report by the Intercept revealed that the NSA and the Central Security Service (CSS) had struck secret contractual agreements with specific named US commercial entities to conduct SIGINT [signals intelligence] enabling programs and operations on private communications.

The latest revelation also exposes the fraud of the misnamed USA Freedom Act, enacted by the Obama administration in June 2015 in an effort to head off popular anger at the NSA spying programs. Billed at the time as having sharply curtailed US surveillance, the USA Freedom Act merely placed the task of mass data collection into the hands of private corporations working in close collaboration with the US government, while laying the groundwork for an ever-expanding surveillance of the population.

According to the Guardian, [T]his Yahoo story seems to be an escalation of this type of upstream surveillance, which was once done by the NSA by secretly wiretapping internet cables. The comment continues, [S]ince many email companies have started encrypting their emails The US government now seems to be moving to force internet companies to do this type of mass surveillance for them, on the companies servers, where the data remains accessible.
THOMASVILLE, GA (WTXL) - Police are investigating a robbery after a woman got her car stolen by a group of men.

The Thomasville Police Department said that they were called to a robbery at Archbold Memorial Hospital on Wednesday around 6:30 p.m. Officers said that when they arrived, the victim told them her car had been stolen.

The victim said that she had gotten into her car when three men ran up to her and demanded she get out her car. She was then pulled out of her car, pushed to the ground, and hit by her car door before the men drove away in her car.

The victim was treated for some injuries after the incident. Police said they later found the car in another area of the city.

The Thomasville Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and have asked anyone with information to call (229) 227-3302.
THOMASVILLE, GA (WTXL) - Police in Georgia said they have continued to be flooded by calls reporting creepy clown-sightings as Halloween approaches.

The Thomasville Police Department wrote in a Facebook post that though they have received numerous calls about clown-sightings, they have not seen any of the alleged clowns.

Police also said that no crimes have been reported involving clowns, though they were prepared to make arrests if necessary.

"Outside of a sanctioned event or holiday, it is illegal for someone to wear any mask so as to conceal their identity. Those in violation of this law can and will be charged with a misdemeanor," said the Thomasville Police Department in a Facebook post.

They have asked that the community continue to call police when they spot people wearing clown costumes.

Thomasville police said they don't recommend anyone try to play pranks with clown costumes as Halloween approaches. To report any clown sightings, the Thomasville Police Department has asked citizens to call (229) 226-2101.
Caught by a trail camera this summer, this female fisher appears to be settling in well to the Cascade forests south of Packwood after being released in the area last winter as part of a reintroduction effort. Photo courtesy of Mitchell Parsons, who studies fishers at the University of Washington.
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The Israel Police, along with the IDF and other security forces, has arrested a group of teenagers from the Aida refugee camp near the West Bank city of Bethlehem, on suspicion of planning and conducting terrorist activities.

The group consists of seven teenagers between the ages of 16-17.5, who are suspected of throwing improvised explosive devices and rocks towards the compound of Rachel's Tomb.

The seven appear to have studied basic home-bomb-making on the internet, bought their materials, and conspired to commit bombings. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are said to be likely.
Opposite the home of the Cohen Nov family in Moshav Mazor in the center of Israel stands a huge rock on which the names of fallen soldiers from the area are engraved. On Wednesday, Capt. Ohad Cohen Nov joined the list.

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Ohad, who only one week ago took on the position of deputy commander of the the F-16I 119 Squadronalso known as the Bat Squadronwas returning from conducting reprisal airstrikes in Gaza after after a rocket was launched into the Israeli city of Sderot on Wednesday morning when tragedy struck.

As Ohad was preparing to land the aircraft, a fire broke out. While his navigator managed to ejected himself from the jet, Ohad, who attempted to save it, was killed.

Capt. Ohad Cohen Nov

The 34-year-old pilot is survived by his pregnant wife, Shahar, and a young daughter. Over the last few years, Ohad had been living on the Ramon Airbase in the Negev and was considered by his colleagues to be one of the most respected pilots, passing courses to operate both the F-15 and F-16 jets.

Ohad with his wife Shahar

He was a person of gold. He was happy, funny, and had a good heart. He was always nice and courteous and smiling. He loved challenges and was an excellent pilot. He had everything, said one of his fellow pilots who served with him for many years in Ramon Airbase.

Ohad and his wife Shahar

Dozens of people visited the Cohen Nov familys home to express their condolences to Ohads parents and two older sisters.

He was a wonderful person and I am so upset right now, said one pilot and a close friend of Ohad.
A National Security Agency contractor has been arrested and charged with stealing highly classified information, authorities said on Wednesday, a data breach that could mark a damaging new leak about the US government's surveillance efforts.

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Harold Thomas Martin, 51, who worked for Booz Allen Hamilton, was taken into custody in Maryland in August, said a US official. Booze Allen is the consulting firm that employed Edward Snowden when he revealed the collection of metadata by the NSA in 2013.

Booz Allen said in a statement that when the company "learned of the arrest of one of its employees by the FBI," they immediately fired the employee and offered full cooperation to the FBI.

The NSA

The same month Martin was arrested, some of the NSAs most sophisticated hacking tools were dumped onto public websites by a group calling itself Shadow Brokers.

The companys stock was down 3.7 percent to $30.33 a share, following the report.

The US Justice Department charged Martin, who had top secret national security clearance, with theft of classified government material, according to a criminal complaint unsealed on Wednesday.

Word of the arrest followed a New York Times report that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was investigating whether he stole and disclosed highly classified computer "source code" developed to hack into the networks of Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and other countries.

It was the latest disclosure of details of cyber spying by the US government since Snowden stole and released a vast trove of documents that exposed the reach of the NSA's surveillance programs at home and abroad. It comes at a time of growing concern over the cyberhacking of federal agencies and American political parties.

Edward Snowden

According to the complaint, documents found in Martin's possession contained sensitive intelligence.

"These six documents were produced through sensitive government sources, methods, and capabilities, which are critical to a wide variety of national security issues," the complaint said. It said Martin had the ability to access US government property that was not permitted to leave its authorized location.

Martin's lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Justice Department's chief national security prosecutor, John Carlin, declined to comment on the specifics of the case.

He said, however, that insider threats have long posed a challenge to the government.

"I'm sure the trusted professionals I work with across the community will take a hard look at anything they can learn from this case, whether it's about contractors or other issues to see whether they can better defend our systems from others who might try to steal from them, Carlin said in an interview on CSPAN.

Martin faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted on the most serious charges.

The leak of the NSA hacking tools coincided with US officials saying they had concluded that Russia or its proxies were responsible for hacking political party organizations in the run-up to the Nov. 8 presidential election. The Russian government has denied involvement.
Government talks with the Zionist Union Chairman Isaac Herzog have substantially progressed lately, according to an official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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According to Israel's Channel 10 News, Netanyahu has offered the Knesset Opposition Leader and Zionist Union leader no less than eight ministerial portfolios, including those of the foreign affairs, economics, and culture and sport ministers. If such a deal were to be struck, Minister of Culture and Sport Miri Regev would have to be assigned a different position, possibly minister for intelligence affairswhich would give her a spot in the Security Cabinet.

MK Isaac Herzog. 'The claim about negotiations with Netanyahu is preposterous.' (Photo: Yaron Brener)

Netanyahu has also reportedly agreed to commit to conducting a regional peace conference as part of the potential coalition agreement and is believed to have discussed the ZU's addition with other coalition leaders, in an effort to obtain their prior approval of the move. Bayit Yehudi chair Naftali Bennett, however is reportedly the main cause for concern who could throw a spanner into the works.

The two sides are officially denying the existence of any such negotiations, as they did so in May. The last round of negotiations ended with the Zionist Union remaining in the opposition, and MK Avigdor Lieberman (now minister of defense) and his Yisrael Beytenu party entering the government instead.

Despite the recent breakdown in negotiations, PM Netanyahu remains eager to expand his fragile coalition government as much as possible, so as to remove the constant risk of collapse with the defection of one small party or the other. By gaining Herzog's cooperation, the severity of threats made by coalition members to bring the government down would be greatly reduced.

"The claim about negotiations with Netanyahu is preposterous," Herzog wrote in a Zionist Union Knesset faction members' WhatsApp group, "There has been no progress between me and Netanyahu in the past few weeks, there has been no movement."

MK Itzik Shmuli added that "All the talk of unity is one big spin, intended to distract (people) from the investigations against Netanyahu."
Its been called a flotilla , but even someone like me with no knowledge whatsoever on naval affairs understands that its not the Sixth Fleet. Just a small yacht travelling in the sea for a month on its way to Gaza. A nutshell with 13 women on it, as well as an al-Jazeera reporter who did her best to add a dramatic dimension to the event. The women are prepared for any scenario, she said to the cameras, which caught two-three women on the deck behind her, enjoying the warm Middle Eastern sun.

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In other words, this entire flotilla is nothing but another cap that has been fired as part of the war run by different groups in the worldfrom fanatic Islam to secular leftagainst the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. Its not something that really threatens the Israeli rule and the balance of power, even in light of the rocket fired at Sderot on Wednesday.

Women on the Zaytouna-Oliva yacht. 'The message will remain long after they are gone, against decision makers' interests.'

They will not bring any medicine to Gaza, explained one of the commentators on television in a tired tone of voice. What was not said is that the women knew that. They knew it so well, that they did not even bother to load a single box on the yacht for visibility purposes. Neither a box of medicines nor a sack of rice or a chest of toys for children: just a camera and a microphone in their war over a minute or two at the beginning of the news edition, over half a page in the newspaper, over the hope that their message will resonate in places where decisions are made.

In other words, its not the flotilla, my friends, its Gaza. And Gaza is a strip choked between the Israeli border and the Egyptian border, without any way out through air or by sea, depending on its enemies mercy. How much water it will receive, how much electricity will flow, how much flour and how many matchboxes. If they want, they will give. If they dont want, they will not give.

Israel can soon, if it wants, celebrate a decade since the beginning of the siege, which was declared immediately after Hamas rose to power in legitimate elections. But the Gazans have no cause for celebration. Their unemployment rate is among the highest in the world (yes, its higher in Zimbabwe); six in 10 young people dont work; the average daily wage is around NIS 60 (roughly $16); and even if some 800 trucks a day bring goods from Israel to the strip, the Gazans have no money to buy anything. One third of the family income is used to purchase water. And although the strips residents use about 70 liters a day per capita (one third of the average daily consumption in Israel), international experts believe that within three years there will be no drinkable water there.

On Wednesday, the Israeli Navy took control of the Zaytouna-Oliva yacht, which was towed to Ashdod, and the women on it were taken to the shore and have likely already been transferred to Ben-Gurion Airport to get the hell out of here. But one thing is clear: The message, even if it doesnt make it through its five minutes of fame in the media, will remain long after they are gone, against decision makers interests.

And the message is that Gaza, whether we like it or not, is not a place that will die quietly; that Israel will not be able to forever silence the voices coming both from the east and west at the cheap price of a quick and professional commando operation; that its not enough to load 13 or 14 or 15no ones counting and no one caressemi-delusional and exhausting women on a bus and buy them a one-way ticket to remove the Gaza nuisance from our table.

Such a flotilla is another reminder, an unpleasant and inconvenient one, that we cannot keep talking about tunnels and Qassam rockets as if thats the entire deal, while starving a population and preventing it from leaving the strip through the sea or through the air.

One day thousands of Gazans, women and children, will storm the fence, Gideon Bromberg, the Israeli director of EcoPeace Middle East, an Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian organization which combined environmental aspects with the battle for peace, said about a year ago. And he, how should I put it, has not been on any Zaytouna.
Throughout the centuries, few nations have suffered as much as Jews from stereotypes. This must be one of the reasons even Jewish conservatives recoil from supporting Donald Trump . The Republican candidate, by assailing Mexicans and Muslim immigrants, has earned the general opprobrium of the educated electorate. Trumps statements are indeed deplorable. Unfortunately, they have been deplored for the wrong reason.

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Donald Trump has been lambasted for stating that Mexico sends its criminals and rapists to the USA and that in New Jersey thousands of Muslims cheered 9/11. This reaction is telling. There is no evidence that Mexico pushes its criminal underclass to emigrate and that people in New Jersey celebrated the collapse of the World Trade Center. Yet Trump was assailed for being bigoted, not for lying. In contemporary politics lying is forgivable - addressing painful truths is not.

Anti-Semitic cartoon. The enemies of Israel have replaced the word Jew in their repertoire with the term Zionist and exploited political correctness to advance their destructive ends (archive)

The painful truths that Trumps words addressed are that Mexican-Americans are overrepresented in crime statistics and that much of the Muslim World was not overly saddened by 9/11. Tabling a discussion on how crime rates among minorities in America can be reduced and how anti-American sentiments in the Muslim World can be combatted would have been the constructive reaction to Trumps words. Instead, discussion of these crucial issues was stillborn in the name of political correctness.

Many Jews sincerely believe that any criticism of religions, cultures and their leaders must be muted. After the Holocaust, many Jews are concerned that that such criticism could generate animus which in turn escalates into hatred, persecution and mass murder.

However, it is high-time to admit that the ideology of political correctness is no longer serving society or the Jewish people. The enemies of Israel have replaced the word Jew in their repertoire with the term Zionist and exploited political correctness to advance their destructive ends. Why? If we agree that Zionists are supporters of the right of the Jewish people to have a sovereign state in Israel, we see that Zionists are neither a religion nor a culture. Thus they are deprived of all the privileges to which political correctness entitles minority religions and cultures.

The fact that over 95% of Jews are de facto Zionists makes this situation all the more absurd. To be Jewish in the 21st century is practically synonymous with being Zionist. This renders any distinction between Jew and Zionist an academic sophism. Yet most people in the world pay no price for espousing anti-Zionism and supporting the exile of six million Jews from their homeland.

The Anti-Defamation League routinely monitors anti-Semitic sentiments around the world. According to its survey of 100 countries in 2014, 26% of the worlds population harbors anti-Semitic opinions. As staggering as this number appears, it is an underestimation of actual anti-Semitism. If anti-Zionist opinions were tracked, the percentage of people openly ready to deny Jews the basic human right of a homeland would be much higher.

We need the mainstream media to pluck the courage to call a spade a spade and inform educated readers and viewers that there are religious and cultural milieus which are rife with anti-Semitism. As long as political correctness prevents journalists and politicians from reproaching intellectual, communal and religious leaders for promoting and tolerating anti-Zionist Jew-hatred, Jews will have their hands tied while being exposed to relentless assaults as representatives of Zionism.

We do not need a return to the age when cultural and racial stereotypes were assumed to be infallible. Nevertheless, we do need the mainstream media to engage in honest reporting and promote candid discussions about harmful cultural and religious phenomena  even when political correctness stands in the way of mending them.
Six residents of the village of Ghajar in the Golan Heights were charged on Thursday with receiving explosives from Hezbollah to carry out terror attacks in Haifa.

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The plot was foiled after the main defendant, Diab Kahamuz, had forgotten where he had hidden the explosives, which were later discovered by an Israeli farmer.

Diab Kahamuz, 31, is the son of Saeb Kahamuz, a drug dealer and Hezbollah member who escaped to Lebanon during the 2006 Second Lebanon War. Saeb allegedly contacted his son using encrypted emails, suggesting that Diab used his drug smuggling infrastructure to smuggle explosives from Lebanon into Israel. The senior Kahamuz also told his son how to directly contact Hezbollah operatives.

The six suspects

Among Diab's accomplices are his two brothersJamil Kahamuz, 29, and Yussef Kahamuz, 34, their cousin Mohssan Kahamuz, 21, and two other residents of GhajarAdal Ayunat, 29, and Ibrahim Mamdouh, 21. Ghajar is an Alawite-Arab village on the Hasbani River on the border between Lebanon and the Israeli Golan Heights.

Diab Kahamuz was indicted for aiding the enemy in wartime, espionage, contact with a foreign agent, giving information to the enemy, conspiring to aid the enemy in wartime, weapons offenses, attempt to import weapons, and conspiring to commit a crime.

His brothers were charged with aiding in these offenses, while their cousin was charged with giving information to the enemy among other offenses.

On July 30, a farmer from the northern city of Metula found a bag containing two explosive devices in a grove near Highway 90. Explosives experts who examined the two bombs, which had delay fuses and were found to be very powerful, determined they were made by Hezbollah.

The suspects in court (Photo: Ido Erez)

An investigation by the Israel Police and the Shin Bet found that the explosives were smuggled into Israel from Lebanon in May. Diab, who retrieved the explosives after they were thrown over the border fence, put them in a bag and hid them in the grove.

He was instructed to use the explosives to carry out bombings in crowded places in Haifa.

Diab scouted the locations he was instructed to target but decided they were unsuitable due to the tight security and numerous cameras. Instead, Diab suggested to his father and their handlers to plant the explosives in other areas, including the nearby northern city of Nesher. He allegedly brought his two brothers, Yussef and Jamil, in on the plan, planning to use the latter's help in carrying out the attack.

Diab also suggested to target the Golani Interchange in the lower Galilee, where many soldiers gather every morning.

"While he was driving through the Tur'an Junction, the defendant noticed a bus stop filled with many soldiers," the indictment noted. "The defendant thought this place to be a suitable target for an attackas it would allow harming many soldiersand took photos of the place with his Samsung (cellphone)."

The suspects in court (Photo: Ido Erez)

The indictment goes on to describe how Diab and his brother Yussef drove along the route between the Golani Interchange and the Tur'an Junction, taking photos and filming videos of the road and the bus stop. Diab's other brother, Jamil, aided by sending the photos to their Hezbollah handlers.

Later, Diab went to retrieve the explosives from their hiding place but was unable to locate them.

On September 4, Diab and the other suspects were arrested and taken for interrogation. Investigators seized computers and cellphones belonging to the suspects, where they found photos that were sent to Hezbollah of possible targets for attackincluding military bases and sensitive locations in the village of Ghajar itself.

"Hezbollah and other terror organizations are making great efforts to carry out attacks inside the State of Israel, while working to recruit collaborators from among the citizens of the state. A quick and thorough investigation into several lines of inquiry has led to the arrest of all of the members of the terror cell and prevented a mass-casualty terror bombing," the police said in a statement.
The Israel Police has arrested six family members from the village of Ghajar on the Lebanese border, on suspicion that they collaborated with Lebanese terrorist organization Hezbollah.

The seven allegedly smuggled explosive devices from Lebanon, and planned to perpetrate an attack in Haifa.
IDF tanks fired artillery shells into open space in the eastern Gaza Strip in Bureij Thursday afternoon, according to a Palestinian report. While the military has yet to confirm the reports, the fire comes shortly after a rocket was launched from the Hamas-controlled strip into Israel and landed in open space.

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In response, an IDF tank fired shells at a Hamas outpost east of Al-Bureij in Gaza. Palestinians reported that the outpost belongs to the force responsible for preventing rocket fire.

No injuries or damages were reported from the rocket fire. However, residents were forced, upon hearing the sounding of the Red Alert, to seek shelter for a second time in two consecutive days. Security forces immediately began scouring the area in search for a possble fallen rocket.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza after rocket lands in Sderot (Photo: Reuters)

The siren comes just one day after an explosion was caused by a rocket landing on Wednesday morning in the southern city of Sderot, the residents of which have become well accustomed to running to shelters, repeatedly bearing the brunt of the barrage of Hamas fire.

Shortly after the rocket attack, which the Iron Dome missile defense system failed to intercept, the Israel Air Force retaliated with a bombardment of fresh airstrikes on Hamas targets in the strip, pounding military outposts spread across the enclave.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte continued to apologize for his recent statements which offended the Jewish community by visiting the Beit Yaakov synagogue on Rosh Hashanah in Manila.

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The president caused outrage after saying that he was happy to slaughter three million drug addicts in the same way Hitler was happy to murder Jews. "Hitler massacred 3 million Jews ... there's 3 million drug addicts. There are. I'd be happy to slaughter them."

Shortly after, the president said that he did not mean to cause offense and that he only drew the comparison to ridicule those who have compared him to Nazis.

During the visit to the synagogue, Duterte apologized to the Jewish community leaders and Ambassador Effie (Ephraim) Ben Matityau.

President Rodrigo Duterte visits synagogue in Manila (Photo: AFP)

In a report sent by the ambassador to the Foreign Ministry about the meeting, Matityau wrote that Duterte said that he cherishes the Jewish people and Israel and he rejects racism. Moreover, in an effort to ingratiate himself with the community, he claimed that his wife has a Jewish father.

Duterte added that he views Israel as a loyal friend and had instructed his ministers to acquire security equipment from the country. Please, accept my apology. It wont happen again. We will always be friends, he concluded.

Prior to his visit to the synagogue, the Philippine president said, I would like to apologize and it comes from the heart," adding that in hindsight, he understood that he caused anger among the international Jewish community.

I want to clarify, here and now, that I never intended to insult the memory of the six million who were killed in the Holocaust, Duterte said during a live televised speech. I was talking about myselfthat I, allegedly, am Hitler who killed lots of people.
Every year during the High Holy Days, Hassidic Jews of the Breslov sect fly to Uman, Ukraine, to visit the burial site of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. And almost every year, an unpleasant incident occurs during one of their flights.

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This year's, such a case occurred during a recent Israir flight, during which passengers began to act erratically and fight. Crewmembers had a hard time separating the combatants, and other passengers had to assist them.

A mid-flight altercation between Israelis heading to Uman (   )

X

"If this is what happens between Jews," one of the other passengers could be heard egging them on. "Imagine what would have happened if if this went down with an Arab on board." Another said that "Those people, criminals, give us all a bad name and desecrate God's name."

Kiev Airport during the Israeli commandeering of the PA system

Taking over the PA system

Another strange video shows Breslov followers taking over the PA system at an airport in Kiev. The Israeli passengers began to sing and loudly pray over the PA system, which is normally used for special announcements and security management.

"All sorts of people fly to Uman," said an Israeli awaiting at the terminal. "Some of them arrive drunk or on drugs, embarrassing the rest of us. The local (Uman) police doesn't interfere, because the believers who visit bring in a lot of money, but Israel's reputation is severely damaged. I felt very ashamed while I was waiting to board."

The footage of the raucus caused on the Israir flight was preceded by a different incident of an altercation between Israelis on an El Al flight to Ukraine. In a letter on the events of the flight, the El Al flight's captain warned that "If such occurences continue, the airline is going to lose of its planes."

The pilot continued to describe the flight, saying that "After about an hour (of flying), the flight manager brought to my attention that a large number of passengers occasionally smokes in the bathroom. He informed me that he cannot control them, since every time a passenger is caught smoking, the flight attendant rightfully proceeds to pour water over the the waste basket to prevent it from catching fire, during which time the passenger escapes and a game of 'tag' begins on the plane. The flight attendants also detected the smell of marijuana on board, together with a large number of passengers drank hard liquor out of personal bottles, became inebriated and acted accordingly."
Indian soldiers shot dead seven suspected militants who tried to attack two army bases in northern Kashmir on Thursday, police said, prompting anger from Pakistan as a crisis between the two neighbours over the disputed region grows.

The attacks came after India and Pakistan exchanged more gunfire across the frontier in Kashmir overnight, the Indian army said, despite a 2003 ceasefire. The latest round of tensions started in July when protests erupted after Indian forces killed a separatist leader.

Three suspected militants were shot in an orchard near the army base in Kupwara district near the Line of Control, the de facto border that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan, which both claim the Himalayan, Muslim-majority region. Another four suspected militants were reportedly killed after they fired at the Indian troops in Nowgam sector of North Kashmir.
A bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded on Thursday near a police station in Istanbul, wounding at least 10 people, a senior official said.

Vasip Sahin, the governor for Istanbul, told reporters at the scene in the Yenibosna district that none of the injured was in serious condition, retracting an earlier statement that one person was seriously hurt.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, which could be heard from the city's nearby Ataturk Airport. Sahin said the investigation was ongoing and of the victims Thursday were civilians.
Several institutions affiliated with initiatives of the Islamic Movement in Israel were shut down on Thursday, after the Shin Bet recommended the courts extend a previous declaration made by the Security Cabinet, which found the northern branch of the Islamic Movement to be an unlawful instigator.

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The Shin Bet worked with the Israel Police on the matter, managing to eventually close the QPress, the Supreme Council in Support of al-Quds and al-Aqsa and Kudurat initiatives of the Movement, which reside in Nazareth and Umm al-Fahm. The activities of those heading these branches have also been limited, after being warned not to continue to operate them. The branches' bank accounts, which hold hundreds of thousands of shekels, have been frozen.

The Shin Bet and police raid institution affiliated with the Islamic Movement

The Shin Bet commented on the shutdown, saying, "The Supreme Council in Support of al-Quds and al-Aqsa and Qpress stir up activities that cause tension at Temple Mount and routinely incites peace disturbances that jeopardize those visiting the site and damage Israel's sovereignty over the site."

Removing computer equipment from the headquarters of one of the initiatives

Qpress posted a call to its followers over the last few days, urging them to flock to the Temple Mount with the intention of confronting the security forces stationed there and disturbing the peace. Qpress was also behind a propaganda video that was published last March, in which it claimed that Israel is digging a tunnel under Jerusalem in an attempt to reach Temple Mount. Sheikh Raed Salah, seen in the video accusing Israel of digging illegal tunnels, called to "stop the Israeli aggression on the al-Aqsa mosque," and urged Israeli media to uncover the digging.

Outlawing the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel means that anyone belonging to the branch from here on out will be committing themselves to a federal crime, which could result in jail time and the confiscation of personal property.

Several institutions affiliated with the Islamic Movement in Israel were shut down on Thursday, after the Shin Bet recommended the courts extend a previous declaration made by the Security Cabinet, which found the northern branch of the Islamic Movement to be an unlawful instigator.

The Shin Bet worked with the Israel Police on the matter, managing to eventually close the QPress, the Supreme Council in Support of al-Quds and al-Aqsa and Kudurat branches of the Movement, which reside in Nazareth and Umm al-Fahm. The activities of those heading these branches have also been limited, after being warned of continuing to operate them. The branches' bank accounts, which hold hundreds of thousands of shekels, have been frozen.

The Shin Bet commented on the shutdown, saying, "The Supreme Council is Support of al-Quds and al-Aqsa and Qpress stir up activities that cause tension at Temple Mount and routinely incites peace disturbances that jeopardize those visiting the site and hurt Israel's sovereignty over the site."

Qpress posted a call to its followers over the last few days, urging them to flock to Temple Mount with the intention of confronting the security forces stationed there and disturbing the peace. Qpress was also behind a propaganda video that was published last March, in which it claimed that Israel is digging a tunnel under Jerusalem in an attempt to reach Temple Mount. Sheikh Raed Salah, seen in the video accusing Israel of digging illegal tunnels, called to "stop the Israeli aggression on the al-Aqsa mosque (the Muslim name for Temple Mount)," and urged Israeli media to uncover the digging.

Outlawing the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel means that anyone belonging to the branch from here on out will be committing a felony, which could result in jail time and the confiscation of personal property.
Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman addressed on Thursday night the missiles fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel over the preceding two days. He stated that he had "no intention of launching a military operation."

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He continued, "At the same time, we won't tolerate any firing and any provocation from anyone against citizens of Israel or violating the State of Israel's sovereignty. No shooting and no flotilla ." Lieberman was speaking at an awards ceremony for outstanding officers and non-commissioned officers in the IDF in Tel Aviv.

Avigdor Lieberman Thursday night (Photo: Ministry of Defense)

The minister continued, "Every (missile) fired from the Gaza Strip into the sovereign territory of the State of Israel will receive a powerful response. As the minister of Defense, I can say on behalf of the Israeli government that we are a responsible and prudent leadership. We aren't looking for adventures, and nobody is pushing for an escalation with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, but we are determined to protect the safety of citizens of the State of Israel, and there will be no compromise on this point.

IDF soldiers Thursday (Photo: Roee Idan)

"Hamas rules the strip with a firm hand, and when it wants to attain something or prevent something, it knows how to do that. So on the matter of various rogue elements: They can try harder."

At the beginning of his speech, Lieberman sent his condolences to the family of Capt. Ohad Cohen Nov, the IDF pilot who was killed on Wednesday in a crash, adding that the deputy squadron leader was "an excellent and appreciated officer. Salt of the Earth."
Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism and Women of the Wall filed an amended petition with the High Court of Justice (HCJ) on Thursday to set up a non-gender-specific prayer area at the Western Wall, or Kotel. "This petition is the most painful note we have inserted between the Kotel's walls," said Women of the Wall Chair Anat Hoffman.

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The amendment seeks to review the original petition submitted in 2013, which demanded that the Western Wall Heritage Foundation allow for the representation of non-Orthodox sectors in Judaism and Jewish women before the Kotel. The government accepted the petition several months ago, including the suggested division to different prayer sections, with a separate area for the Women of the Wall (and those who choose to pray with them).

Women at the Wall praying in front of the Western Wall (Photo: EPA)

As such, after 27 years of continued struggle by Women of the Wall, the government passed a reconciliation agreement between the opposing sides on the matter, allowing for the erection of a new, liberal prayer sector on the wall's southern part. While not out-and-out agreeing to this, the ultra-orthodox parties in the government initially did not protest setting up a liberal prayer site. However, they later withdrew from their former stance of non-resistance and demanded that Netanyahu block the move.

The current suggested amendment seeks to either implement the government's acceptance of their 2013 petition or convert the current prayer area into a inclusive one for all those wishing to pray.

"In our petition, we wrote about the inflexibility and aggressiveness of the authorities that manage the Kotel, and that we demand justice and equality," wrote Hoffman in the amendment to the petition. She added that "It's time to release the Kotel and make it a home to all women and men, instead of another state-funded haredi refuge."

Since the ultra-orthodox's renewed resistance, there has been an attempt to reach a new compromise on the matter. The HCJ has already voiced its criticism of the government's foot dragging, which has also caused a rift between Israel and the international Jewish community, as it is mainly comprised of Reform and Conservative Jews, some of whom also took part in reaching the 2013 agreement. For this reason, the liberal movements and organizations involved are once again protesting the government's stalling over the implementation of its decision.

Yair Sheleg, an expert in religion and state at the nonpartisan think tank the Israel Democracy Institute, said the court would likely find in favor of the liberal organizations behind the petition. He speculated that Israeli leaders were shifting responsibility to the court to implement its decision "so they can say the liberal, secular Supreme Court decided this, not the government."

CEO of the Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism in Israel Yizhar Hess commented on this by saying, "It is with great pain that we submit this petition to the HCJ today. This is a moment that the Israeli government should be ashamed of. A country that respects itself should stand by the agreements that its government has officially passed through a legal, majority vote. This government, however, decided to give in to a small and extreme haredi minority that is successfully foiling a historical moment that would have delivered the Kotel to the Jewish people and Jerusalem to the consensus of world Jewry."

"I call upon the government to stop this drift and live up to its word," continued Hess. "The State of Israel claims to be the nation of the Jews, but when the chips are down, it betrays the Jewish people. Absurdly, it is this government, the most right-wing we have had, and which is a supposedly nationalist government, that is carrying out something that is fundamentally anti-Zionist."

Executive Director for the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism Rabbi Gilad Kariv added to the criticism, saying, "The deciding majority of the Jewish public in Israel and abroad supports setting up an inclusive sector in front of the Kotel, and the only thing that prevents this from happening is the government's embarrassing caving to the Haredi parties. I hope the HCJ will instruct the government to return the Kotel to Jewish people in its entirety."
Thursday night, the disbanded musical group Pink Floyd "united" to express their support for the Zaytouna-Oliva flotilla that sought to break the blockade on Gaza and that was stopped by the Israeli Navy on Wednesday.

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In a message posted to their Facebook page on Thursday, the three living members of the band, David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Roger Waters, wrote that they "stand united in support of the Women of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, and deplore their illegal arrest and detention in international waters by the Israeli Defense Force."





Pink Floyd at their last real reunion (Photo: Reuters)

The somewhat misleading header was "Pink Floyd reunites to stand with the Women of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.

Op-ed The intellectual terrorism of Roger Waters and BDS Ben-Dror Yemini If people like the anti-Israel musician and the boycott supporters had their way, Jews would once again be targeted, and left without shelter. The intellectual terrorism of Roger Waters and BDS

Roger Waters is no newcomer to criticizing Israel . In the past, he has called on other artists to join him in a cultural boycott against the Jewish state and refuse to come here to perform. Gilmour and Mason, for their part, tend to avoid directly commenting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

One year ago, Jewish American radio personality Howard Stern delivered a seven-minute rant on a recent broadcast of his show against Walters, asking "What is with Roger Waters and the Jews?"
ISLAMABAD  Despite objections from religious hard-liners, lawmakers Thursday took the first significant move to curb mounting numbers of "honor" killings in Pakistan, stiffening the penalties and closing a loophole that allowed such killers to go free.

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Public outrage has been growing in Pakistan in the wake of a string of particularly gruesome slayings.

More than 1,000 women were killed last year in so-called honor killings in Pakistan, often by fathers, brothers or husbands who believed the victims had tainted the family name by marrying the man of her choice  or even meeting or being seen sitting with a man.

A picture of Tasleem, who was shot by her brother, is seen with records at police headquarters in Lahore (Photo: AP)

The measure passed Thursday imposes a mandatory 25-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of killing in the name of honor and bans family members from forgiving them.

Relatives can only forgive an honor killer who has been condemned to death, in which case the sentence is commuted to prison.

Activists and liberal opposition members who backed the law said it was a step in the right direction, although they said it should have gone further to eliminate forgiveness.

"Remove these clauses which allow the option of forgiveness, otherwise these killings will keep happening," warned Sherry Rehman, an opposition legislator and fierce champion of women's rights in a speech to parliament.

Magazine 'I had to': Inside the mind of an 'honor' killer in Pakistan Associated Press Mubeen Rajhu was teased and taunted because his 18-year-old sister was in a relationship with a Christian man who had converted to Islam, so he killed her. Such honor killings in Pakistan are on the rise, and they're culturally acceptable to the families, though not to the woman who are at their mercy. 'I had to': Inside the mind of an 'honor' killer in Pakistan

"We should be ashamed. We should all be ashamed. You should all be ashamed," she said of the forgiveness provisions. The film prompted Pakistan's conservative Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to promise legislation to end the practice.

Only about a third of the 446 lawmakers attended the session, but debate was raucous, with the loudest opposition coming from hard-line Islamists.

Conservative Sen. Hafiz Hamdullah said parliament should instead address elopements by women, claiming 17,000 had done so since 2014.

"Why don't we see what are the reasons behind such killings? Why are girls eloping from their homes?" he said.

Speaking later to The Associated Press, he echoed a stance taken by many hard-liners that the law is bringing Western-style independence for women.

"They are trying to impose Western culture over here. We will not allow (it)," he said. "We will impose the law that our holy Quran and Sunnah (tradition) say."

Conservatives demanded that the Islamic Ideology Council, a body of conservative Muslim clerics, weigh in on the bill before the vote. Supporters flatly refused, saying the council routinely vetoes legislation aimed at protecting women. The council once ruled it was permissible for a man to "lightly" beat his wife, though recently it did say that honor killings are "un-Islamic."

In the end, a voice vote was held, with a strong "yes" vote and a low mumbling of those opposed.

Government lawmakers, who had pushed the law, said they spent nearly a year negotiating with Pakistan's many political parties to get a draft that had a chance of passing.

Zafarullah Khan, a legal adviser to Sharif, said the bill was a compromise.

"This was the best possible solution," Khan said in an interview. It offered a concession to religious parties, while still ensuring a convicted killer spends 25 years in jail, he said, adding that what needs to change is the "mindset" of fathers and brothers, families and witnesses.

Mubeen Rajhu, who killed his sister Tasneem sits at police headquarters in Lahore (Photo: AP)

"The problem is societal behavior," Khan said. "It has nothing to do with laws."

Honor killings are rooted in traditions by which a family's honor is bound up with a woman's chastity. Such killings often are met with acceptance, even approval, by neighbors and relatives.

A man who killed his sister for marrying without family approval described how his co-workers taunted him relentlessly, even telling him he should kill her.

But public outrage over the practice has also been growing as proliferating TV channels and more access to social media have lifted the secrecy that once surrounded the killings.

In recent months, a social media celebrity, Qandeel Baluch was choked to death by her brother; a mother, with the help of her son, strangled and set fire to her daughter because she married the boy of her dreams; a teenage girl was tied up in a car and set ablaze on orders of tribal leaders because she helped a friend elope.

The legislation was originally introduced nearly a year ago by the opposition People's Party. But because the practice of forgiveness is part of Shariah, Parliament deferred it to a committee to try to build a consensus. The conservative Pakistan Muslim League took up the bill but added the possibility of forgiveness for the death penalty as a concession to religious parties.

"We have to work within certain confines ... but we have taken this step and we have come so far," said Shaista Pervaiz Malik, a government lawmaker.

A second bill was also passed Thursday that sought to make it more likely to get a conviction in the case of rape.

The measure, passed with little debate, allowed medical evidence to be admitted in court as well as the use of DNA, which had been opposed by religious hard-liners. It's not clear what prompted them to suspend their objection.

Previously, medical evidence was not enough for conviction, and instead four witnesses to the rape were necessary under Islamic law. In the past, the culprit simply accused the victim of being a willing partner, which often landed her in jail.
As a homeowner, you probably already know that you should be working to maintain your home. But, chances are, you Read More
Insurance Back Top EIOPA and Insurance Europe representatives are speaking at the Croatian Insurance Days conference

Justin WRAY, Head of policy Unit at EIOPA and William VIDONJA, Head of conduct of business, Insurance Europe are the special guests and keynote speakers of the 2016 edition of the Croatian Insurance Days conference. The event will take place in Opatija, Croatia, on 9- 11 November, with XPRIMM Publications as Media Partner.



The Conference "Croatian Insurance Days" is the traditional insurance business Conference in the Republic of Croatia and has been regularly organised since 2003. By the number of its participants, the quality of the programme and its media presence, the "Croatian Insurance Days" are the central meeting spot and the largest annual insurance gathering in Croatia. The primary aim of the Conference is to present topics and problems that bother the Croatian insurance market to the insurance public, showing the current situation and comparing it to targeted standards.



Participants of the Conference are representatives of the insurance industry in Croatia and from abroad, as well as everybody involved or interested in insurance business (representatives of relevant national and European bodies, business partners, scientists and the like). Last year's Conference, which also took place in Opatija, assembled over 400 participants, including senior executives of all insurance companies in Croatia.



***



Justin WRAY, Head of policy Unit at EIOPA



Justin Wray, a UK national, is head of the policy unit. He is responsible for pensions, insurance, external relations and impact assessment. Prior to joining EIOPA in May 2011, Mr Wray worked at the UK Pensions Regulator in a number of operational and policy roles including as Head of Pensions Administration and Governance. Before that he worked at the UK Treasury on financial services regulation and international debt issues, and at the UK Department for International Development.



William VIDONJA, Head of conduct of business, Insurance Europe



As head of the conduct of business department, William Vidonja contributes to the global and European debates on legal and consumer protection issues, including insurance distribution, data protection, differentiation, contract law, competition issues and financial education. William is also part of the employers' delegation of the Insurance Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee (ISSDC), the only forum at European level in which insurance employer and employee representatives discuss topics of common interest with the support of the European Commission. He joined Insurance Europe as a trainee in 2002. After his traineeship he was hired as deputy manager of the insurance of the person department before moving to the conduct of business department. William is a French national and holds a law degree from the University of Paris XII.





Author: Daniela GHETU on 06.10.2016





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Latest News

Washington, DC - Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that ON Semiconductor Corporations $2.4 billion acquisition of Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc. is likely anticompetitive.

Under the order, first announced in August 2016, the companies are required to sell ONs Ignition IGBT business to Chicago-based manufacturer Littelfuse, Inc. within 10 days of the close of the transaction.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 3-0. (FTC File No. 161 0061; the staff contact is Llewellyn Davis, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-3394)
Bans report highlighted a number of specific issues which should be familiar to anyone who has been watching human rights-related news coming out of Iran in the past several months, including that which has been reported at Iran News Update. In addition to executions, these include floggings and other forms of corporal punishment, political imprisonment, torture, forced confessions, unfair judicial practices, and widespread censorship and repression of dissent.

As one would expect, Bans report coincided with a number of new developments in human rights related stories, some of which were referenced in the report itself. On Monday, it was reported that the former Tehran correspondent for the Washington Post, Jason Rezaiain had filed a lawsuit against the Islamic Republic of Iran over his 18 months of imprisonment on false charges of espionage.

Iran News Update speculated that Rezaians case might help to draw additional attention to the overall plight of Iranian prisoners, particularly political prisoners. Now Bans report might do the same, as might the reports of Iranian officials responses to German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, after he suggested that Iran should change some of its most objectionable behavior to facilitate normalized relations with Western countries.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Ali Larijani had cancelled a planned meeting on the second day of Gabriels two-day trip to Tehran. That visit reportedly already resulted in trade and investment deals between the two countries, but Garbiels suggestions were so objectionable to hardline authorities that Iranian judiciary chief Sadeq Larijani insisted he would never have allowed such a person to visit the Islamic Republic.

It remains to be seen how Gabriel and the rest of the German government will respond to the snub. But it is already the case that opinion is strongly divided over whether it is appropriate to pursue expanded business relations with Iran while it is still subject to condemnation by the UN, and while it still refuses to acknowledge the validity of complaints by Rezaian, Gabriel, and many others.

An editorial in Canadas Times Colonist illustrated this divided opinion with reference to the case of Saeed Malekpour, a Canadian permanent resident who was snatched off a Tehran street while visiting family in the country eight years ago, and has been kept in prison on apparently false charges ever since. Malekpour, a software designer, was accused of distributing porn after a system he had designed was used to upload images considered illegal in Iran. The editorial compares the case against Malekpour to charging the inventor of the typewriter over the contents of a book.

But the main focus of the editorial is on the response of the current Canadian government to repeated inquiries by Malekpours sister. She indicates that Canadian authorities have declared they can do little for Malekpour because he is not a citizen. But Iran famously does not recognize dual citizenship, and Malekpours status would have little bearing on how Tehran responded to pressure from the Canadians.

Recently, the Canadian citizen Homa Hoodfar was released from her captivity in Iran after having been held for five months on charges of attempting to foment a feminist soft revolution. The release was of course widely praised, but it also spurred an editorial by Honest Reporting Canada, alleging that the Canadian government had set the imprisonment of a citizen as a red line, but had shown willingness to look the other way on various other human rights issues.

And certainly, there is no shortage of high profile political prisoners in Iranian jails who are not Western citizens but who have been targeted for alleged connections to Western entities or promotion of Western culture. Two such individuals, Mehdi and Hossein Rajabian, are currently serving three year sentences for running a website to distribute music that was not approved by state censorship authorities.

According to the Human Rights sources in Iran, the two recently began a hunger strike in protest against their having been arbitrarily transferred to separate wards, evidently for no other reason than as an additional, arbitrary punishment. Such hunger strikes are frequent forms of protest against human rights violations in the Islamic Republic, but of course not all of them receive the same levels of international attention.

It remains to be seen how much attention is given to the Rajabian brothers and to others at a time when some Western policymakers are striving to improve relations with Iran even though multiple documents have highlighted Irans ongoing human rights abuses.
New Delhi: An inquiry conducted by the one-man judicial commission has found that 'personal frustration' not discrimination on University of Hyderabad campus drove student Rohith Vemula to commit suicide.

As per the probe, Vemulas decision to commit suicide was completely his own and not abetted by either the university administration or the government, reported The Indian Express.

The Justice (retd) AK Roopanwal Commission was constituted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development on January 28, 2016, to look into the circumstances leading to the death of the 26-year-old Ph.D scholar.

In the 41-page report submitted in August, the commission found out that Rohith Vemula's mother branded herself as Dalit to avail the benefits of reservation.

Another key finding of the commission is that Vemula's mother, V Radhika, claimed to be a Mala (Dalit) to back the caste certificate issued to her son by a person named Uppalapati Danamma, then a corporator, with whom she stayed for one and half years. Radhika's claim that her foster parents told her that her biological parents were SC was improbable and unbelievable, said the probe report. It added that Vemulas caste certificate was issued without any proper inquiry.

The evidence on record shows that she (Radhika) belongs to Vaddera Community and, therefore, the Scheduled Caste certificate issued to Rohith Vemula cannot be said to be a genuine one and he was not a Scheduled Caste person, the report stated.

The report dismissed claims of political pressure behind the expulsion of Vemula and his batchmates. It further rejected the possibility that Vemula could have faced discrimination. The report further gave a clean chit to Bandaru Dattatreya and Smriti Irani. Being the public representative, Shri Ramachandra Rao, MLC, took the issue up with the university authorities, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Minister of State for Labour and Employment wrote the letter to Smt. Smriti Irani, HRD Minister as the MP of Secunderabad Constituency and the letter written by HRD Minister was just to pursue the matter with the university authorities on the letter of Shri Bandaru Dattatreya.

The inquiry pointed out that the universitys decision to suspend Vemula and his batchmates from the hostel could not have been the reason for his suicide.

His suicide note is on the record which shows that Rohith Vemula had his own problems and not happy with the worldly affairs, the probe report says. He was feeling frustrated for reasons best known to him. He wrote that there was no urgency for understanding love, pain, life and death but he was rushing after them. It indicates that he was not happy with the activities going around him. He also wrote that he was all alone from childhood and was an unappreciated manHe did not blame anybody for his suicide. If he would have been angry with the decision of the university certainly either he would have written in the specific words or would have indicated in this regard. But he did not do the same. It shows that the circumstances prevailing in the university at that time were not the reasons for committing suicide. The whole reading of the letter shows that he was not feeling well in this world and under frustration ended his life.

The inquiry did not take into account Vemulas December 18, 2015, letter written to vice-chancellor Appa Rao Podile in which he alleged discrimination. The fact that the suicide happened one month after the letter indicates that the anger did not continue, said the commission.

But I feel that in view of the suicide note the anger shown in this letter cannot be the reason for suicide. It is because of the fact that the suicide was committed after about one month and by this time the expulsion from the hostel had been challenged in the High Court. He did not mention anything in his suicide note which were mentioned in the above-mentioned letter. This shows that if there was any anger that did not continue by the date of suicide otherwise something regarding the anger shown in the letter would have been indicated in the suicide note.

Former Allahabad High Court judge AK Roopanwal was tasked with the inquiry 11 days after Vemula killed himself in his hostel room.
Damascus: At least 20 Ankara-backed rebels were killed in a blast that rocked their position on the Syrian-Turkish border, authorities said on Thursday.

According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the explosion targeted a group of fighters at the Atama crossing between Syria and Turkey under the control of the Free Syrian Army, Xinhua news agency reported.

On August 14, a blast hit the same crossing at Atama, killing 35 rebels and civilians, and injuring 40 others.
The Newsy report cites this park as having attracted the ire of international human rights groups, in part because it recalls attention to Irans use of child soldiers during the 1980 to 1988 Iran-Iraq War. Furthermore, although not mentioned in the report, the videos release closely coincides with IRGC statements objecting to Irans status as a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The hardline paramilitarys statement specifically focused on the issue of the militarization of youth populations, noting that if Iran elected to abide by the convention it would likely have to stop recruiting children into the IRGCs civilian militia, the Basij.

As Al Arabiya reported on Monday, spokespersons for the IRGC believe that Islamic law imposes a duty to fight upon all people over the age of puberty. This age is codified in the Iranian legal system as 15 years old for boys and only nine for girls. Those ages are also considered the benchmarks for legal responsibility, meaning that Iranian citizens can be sentenced to death for crimes committed at these ages.

In addition to rejected international principles prohibiting the use or training of child soldiers, various Iranian officials have also dismissed international condemnation of the ongoing execution of juvenile offenders. In these cases also, Tehran is openly defying international law codified in the Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as other documents. At least one juvenile offender was hanged in September as part of a series of mass executions mostly targeting nonviolent drug offenders.

Legislative initiatives are reportedly underway to make it more difficult to sentence drug offenders to death, according to human rights activists. But similar initiatives have failed in the past and the latest initiatives are unlikely to gain much more traction, especially given the clear opposition to any sorts of reforms from powerful hardline factions including the IRGC. Meanwhile, the reform efforts make no mention of juvenile executions, despite the frequent international condemnation of such cases.

These were of course highlighted in the UN human rights report that was released this week. That report also called attention to a wide range of ongoing human rights abuses, which seem to reflect the absence of expected moderation under the presidency of Hassan Rouhani. The 19-page document authored by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon also made mention of the arbitrary detention of political prisoners, the use of violent punishments like flogging, and the specific persecution of religious minorities.

This latter problem was underscored by a recent report from the National Council of Resistance of Iran, which was picked up by the Christian news source the Christian Times on Wednesday. It points out that at least 25 Christians were arrested in a single series of raids on private residences. It was only one in a series of such actions, as the Iranian authorities apparently step up punishment of such minorities as part of an effort to reaffirm the Islamic Republics fundamentalist Shiite identity.

But the Christian Times goes on to argue that this effort has actually backfired on those authorities, as conversion to Christianity is increasing in spite of the persecution and the fact that such conversion is illegal in the Islamic Republic and potentially punishable by death. The article asserts that the overlap among Irans government authorities and religious authorities has led some Iranians to regard the governments failures as failures of Islam. Similarly, the governments repressive activities and its religious justifications for such things as juvenile executions and child soldiers may contribute to negative perceptions of Islam, even within the overwhelmingly Muslim population of Iran.

If this is true, it arguably reflects a stronger reaction from the Iranian population than from much of the international community, which has been subject to various criticisms regarding alleged willingness to look the other way on some of Irans human rights violations. Although these things have been brought to attention by the UN and by various independent human rights organizations, they have seemingly been absent from actual foreign policy discussions in the West.

Human rights organizations have accused Western nations including the United States of being excessively preoccupied with the Iran nuclear deal and the prospect for increased trade deals with the Islamic Republic, to the extent that they are effectively overlooking human rights issues even when the IRGC publicly defends the training of child soldiers.

An editorial appeared in Ground Report on Wednesday which added to these criticisms. It pointed out that Irans nuclear program and Irans threat to the stability of the Persian Gulf had both been addressed in the first presidential debate, but human rights and Iranian internal policies had not. That commentary can also be extended to the vice presidential debate, which took place on Tuesday evening and similarly skirted human rights issues while addressing Irans impact on national security.

The ground report argues that Irans sponsorship of terrorism and its contributions to international instability cannot be effectively halted until the international community addresses Irans internal human rights abuses and its promotion of a radical extremist interpretation of Islam. Toward this end, the article recommends that the United Nations begin by initiating a formal inquiry into the 1988 massacre of political prisoners, which killed upwards of 30,000 people, mostly members of the opposition Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran, which is also the PMOIs parent organization, has recently uncovered new information regarding that massacre, and has demonstrated that many of the government figures who played leading roles in it are still highly placed within the Iranian regime or government-linked institutions to this day. Some of these, such as Justice Minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi, have openly and proudly acknowledged their role in the massacre. Such casual rejections of criticism are noticeably similar to the IRGCs reactions to outcry against child soldiers and related human rights issues.
Karachi: A judicial commission constituted by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Thursday examined a boat used by 10 LeT terrorists to reach India for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack and recorded the statement of an investigator.

"A Pakistani commission, comprising prosecution and defense lawyers, today inspected Al-Fauz boat (used by Mumbai attack terrorists) in port city of Karachi in the presence of a trial court judge," an official said.

He said the commission also recorded the statement of an official of the Federal Investigation Agency who had collected evidence about Al-Fauz.

"The commission recorded the FIA official statement and received evidence," the official said.

"There will be no further inspection of the boat as the commission will submit its report to the trial court on next hearing on October 19," he said.

The commission was constituted during a hearing into the Mumbai terror attack case by anti-terrorism court (ATC) Islamabad, which held the hearing at the Adiala Jail Rawalpindi last month, and heard that the boat was used by the terrorists in the attacks in which 166 people were killed.

The ATC judge accepted the request by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to send a judicial commission to examine the boat as it was difficult to produce the vessel before the court.

Earlier, the Islamabad High Court had set aside the verdict of a trial court of not allowing to send a commission to Karachi, terming it "flawed and not in accordance with law" and allowed examination of the boat in the port city.

In May, the prosecution had challenged the trial court's decision to reject its plea to form a commission to examine the boat so that the vessel could be made a "case property".

According to the FIA, the attackers used three boats - including Al Fauz - to reach Mumbai from Karachi.

Al-Fauz is in the custody of Pakistani authorities in Karachi, from where 10 militants, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades, had left for India to carry out the Mumbai attack.

A Federal Investigation Agency's report says along with the engine and the boat, a bank and a money exchange company were also traced which were used for the transaction of money.

10 LeT militants had left Karachi on the boat on November 23, 2008. En route to their destination, they hijacked another boat, killing four of its crew.

They forced the vessel's captain to take them close to the Indian shores. The captain was killed when the vessel reached Mumbai's coast.

Mastermind and LeT operations commander Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum are accused of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack.

Lakhvi is living at an undisclosed location after being released from jail on bail a year ago. The other six suspects are in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. The case has been going on in the country since the last six years. 8

NNNN


Karachi: In apparent signs of growing fissures between the Pakistani political leadership and its powerful military, the Nawaz Sharif government has categorically told the country's army to either act against militant groups operating from its soil or risk facing international isolation.

The Pakistan Muslim League- N government has also called for common consensus on several key issues by all major stake holders state.

Leading Pakistani daily, Dawn, reported on Thursday that at least two sets of actions have been agreed as a result of the most recent meeting that was held at an undisclosed location on Monday, a day ahead of the All Parties` Conference.

As per the report, General Rizwan Akhtar Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), accompanied by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nasser Janjua, will travel to each of the four provinces with a message for provincial apex committees and ISI sector commanders.

The Pakistani government has advised, it was reported, the military-led intelligence agencies not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action.

The second set of action is that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed that fresh attempts should be made to conclude the investigation in the Pathankot terror attack and restart the stalled 26/11 Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court.

The decisions, which have been made after an extraordinary verbal confrontation between Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the ISI DG, indicate a "high-stakes" new approach by the PML-N-led Pakistani government.

On Tuesday, at the All Parties` Conference, Pakistan Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry gave an exclusive presentation in the Prime Minister`s Office to a small group of civil and military officials.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Sharif and had the presence of senior cabinet and provincial official.
Karachi: Calling Pakistan a responsible country, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Thursday accused India of distorting facts regarding the recent events along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a passing out parade of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) cadets, General Raheel Sharif urged the world community to condemn the "distortion of facts" by India regarding Kashmir and the Line of Control (LoC).

"We have recently witnessed an unfortunate display of utter desperation playing out inside occupied Kashmir and along the Line of Control through a litany of falsehood and distortion of facts by India."

"We expect the international community to condemn Indian insinuations and fabrications about a nation that has made unparalleled contributions to the global fight against terrorism," the Dawn quoted him, as saying.

The Pakistan Army Chief said that the nation's armed forces were fully prepared to give the "most befitting response" to any internal or external threats directed at the country, adding that Pakistan remains committed to the policy of friendship with all other countries based on equality and mutual respect.

He added that any aggression born out of deliberate intent or even a strategic miscalculation would not be allowed to go unpunished.

The Army Chief`s comments come as relations between India and Pakistan has plunged to a new low in recent times in the wake of Uri terror attack and the subsequent surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army along the LoC.

With ANI inputs
Jakarta: The Indonesian air force today held a major exercise around its islands in the South China Sea where there have been clashes with Chinese vessels in waters claimed by Beijing.

Thousands of personnel as well as F-16, Sukhoi and Hercules planes took part in the drill around the remote Natuna islands in the far northwest of the archipelago, with President Joko Widodo in attendance.

Military spokesman Tatang Sulaiman said the exercise was aimed at making preparations in case of potential threats and to "face challenges".

"We are conducting this exercise so that if there is an operation in this area, we know what to do," he said.

Chinese fishing and coastguard vessels have been embroiled in repeated confrontations with Indonesian patrol boats and navy ships in waters around the Natunas this year, sharply raising tensions between Jakarta and Beijing.

Indonesia is bolstering its defences around the Natunas -- a remote scattering of islands, home to rich fishing grounds -- and plans to deploy extra warships, fighter jets and surface-to-air missiles.

Unlike some of its Southeast Asian neighbours, Jakarta has long maintained it has no maritime disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea and does not contest ownership of reefs or islets there.

But Beijing's expansive claims in the sea overlap Indonesia's exclusive economic zone -- waters where a state has the right to exploit resources -- around the Natunas.

China has defended its incursions into Indonesian waters around the islands, saying its trawlers are operating in "traditional Chinese fishing grounds". But Jakarta disputes this.

Widodo flew to the Natunas early Thursday to watch the air force drill, inspect weapons systems and observe the development of the fishing industry, his second visit to the islands in recent months.

In June he toured the islands on a warship to send a strong message to China to respect Indonesian sovereignty.

Beijing asserts sovereignty over almost the entire, resource-rich South China Sea.

In July a UN-backed tribunal in The Hague ruled against China's claims, finding in favour of a challenge from the Philippines which has long-running territorial disputes with Beijing in the waters.
Beirut: Syria`s army has said that anybody who remains in the city of Aleppo after offering those who wish to leave an opportunity to do so would face their "inevitable fate".

A statement issued late on Wednesday said the army had cut off insurgents` supply lines into the northern city and that it had accurate information about the location of all their positions and arms stores. It urged all fighters there to lay down their arms and leave.

Earlier on Wednesday, the army said it was reducing its air strikes and shelling of rebel-held eastern Aleppo to alleviate the humanitarian situation and allow people to depart for safer areas if they wanted to do so.

The army, backed by Shi`ite militias from Iraq and Lebanon, as well as Russia`s air force, began an offensive against eastern Aleppo on Sept. 19 after the collapse of a week-long truce. The offensive began with one of the war`s most intense bombardments.

The scale of destruction in Aleppo since the offensive began has prompted mounting international concern and caused the United States to break talks with Russia on attempting to renew a ceasefire.

The army and its allies have made some territorial gains in the northern part of Aleppo since the offensive began and have also opened fronts in the city centre and in the south.
Yangon: Four members of Myanmar's human rights commission resigned today, after the body was pilloried for failing to help two girls allegedly tortured for years at a tailor's shop.

The two teenagers said they spent five years as virtual slaves in the shop in the commercial capital Yangon, where they were beaten, stabbed, burnt and deprived of sleep and food.

Their story -- told to AFP in their village outside Yangon -- has sparked outrage in Myanmar, where activists say human rights abuses remain rife as the country recovers from half a century of brutal military rule.

The president has ordered an investigation into how authorities handled the case, after their families said police repeatedly stonewalled their pleas to help them rescue the girls.

Anger has been directed at Myanmar's National Human Right Commission, which negotiated a $4,000 payout for the victims' families but did not push for criminal charges.

Four members of the country's top human rights body have been "allowed to leave... According to their wishes," the president's office said in a statement.

Among them was Zaw Win, who defended the commission's decision-making to angry lawmakers and was heckled by journalists at a press conference after the case came to light.

Six members of the tailor's family appeared in a Yangon court on Thursday on human trafficking charges, but the trial was delayed as three have still not found lawyers.

The girls were aged just 11 and 12 when a friend took them to Yangon with the promise of good jobs as housemaids.

AFP reporters who visited them saw evidence of horrific wounds, including scars from where they say they were stabbed with scissors and branded with a hot iron.

One of the girls showed fingers twisted at strange angles -- a cruel legacy, she says, of the punishments meted out to her.

They are among tens of thousands of children from poor rural areas sent to work as domestic helpers for Myanmar's growing pool of wealthier, urban middle-class households.

Some 1.7 million children are thought to be in work, according to analysis of 2014 census data.

They are often cut off from friends and families and left vulnerable to abuse, according to activists, who accuse the government of doing little to address the issue.

Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party took power in March, pledged to reaffirm "faith in fundamental human rights" in a speech to the United Nations last month.

The 11-member human rights commission includes members who served under the former junta government.
Patna: RJD chief Lalu Prasad came under attack of the BJP after RJD legislator Raj Vallabh Prasad Yadav, accused of raping a minor in February 2016 and suspended from the party, visited him on Thursday, a day before the Supreme Court is to hear the Bihar government's petition challenging the grant of bail to him.

Yadav visited Lalu at his official residence, 10 Circular Road, here in the state capital and was closeted with him for two hours, according to officials.

"Yadav has spent two hours with Lalu discussing in a closed room at his sprawling bungalow," an official posted at Lalu's residence confirmed.

Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar attacked Lalu for meeting the rape accused, who was suspended from the Rashtriya Janata Dal after reports of the rape surfaced in February.

"Lalu meeting a rape accused MLA has sent a wrong message. It has insulted women," Prem Kumar said.

Prem Kumar said it has again vindicated his stand that Lalu has been providing protection to people like Yadav for political purposes.

Yadav is considered to be close to Lalu.

Yadav was released from jail on Saturday after spending nearly six months behind bars. The state government on Monday filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking cancellation of his bail.

Yadav, who represents Nawada constituency in the Bihar assembly, was accused of raping a schoolgirl in Bihar Sharif on February 6.

He was on the run for about a month before he surrendered in a Nalanda civil court.

His bail petitions were repeatedly rejected by the lower court. Following this, he moved the Patna High Court, which freed him on bail on Friday.

According to the victim's police complaint, a woman named Sulekha Devi had taken her to an undisclosed location in Nalanda and forced her to have liquor, after which she was raped by a man, who was later identified as Yadav.

The woman even offered the victim Rs 30,000 after rape.

The local court in Nalanda in June framed charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code against Yadav and all other accused persons.


Bengaluru: The absence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa from the state's political scenario has sparked a number of rumours and commotion.

The AIADMK leader has been admitted in Apollo Hospitals since last month. A number of her supporters gather outside the hospital and organise prayers for the speedy recovery of 'Amma' almost every day.

On the second floor of the hospital, another lady has become the centre of attraction.

She is the one who is credited with running the state administration while Jayalalithaa is recovering from her illness.

Sheela Balakrishnan, the 62-year-old retired IAS officer, hails from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

She retired from service in 2014, but was appointed as the advisor to Jayalalithaa.

Some say that Jayalalithaa's close aide, Sasikala Natrajan, is handling the party affairs, while ministers are reporting to Balakrishnan.

Jayalalithaa has implicit trust in Sheela Balakrishnan, both for her abilities and attitude, which is why she has become the most important person in the state today. Nothing moves without her consent, Hindustan Times has quoted a top official as saying.

Balakrishnan is reportedly calling the shots from a room close to that of Jayalalithaa. Another room on the same floor is occupied by Sasikala.

Albeit Balakrishnan has not taken any major policy decisions, yet she is ensuring the administration runs smoothly in the absence of Jayalalithaa.

The Madras High Court today dismissed the public interest litigation filed by social activist Traffic Ramaswamy seeking information about Jayalalithaa's health condition.

The court dismissed the case as the one filed for seeking publicity.

The 68-year-old Chief Minister was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on September 22 for fever and dehydration.

While Apollo Hospitals initially said Jayalalithaa was cured of fever, later it said she was being treated for infection. She was advised some more days' stay in the hospital.

Meanwhile, according to reports, a three-doctor team from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, will examine Jayalalithaa.
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday again urged the Centre to expose Pakistan internationally, while hailing the media for exposing its false propaganda on surgical strikes.

"So happy that some media exposing Pakistan`s false propaganda. I congratulate them. Urge Indian govt (government) to likewise expose Pakistan internationally," Kejriwal tweeted.

He quoted a report of a news channel which claimed that an officer in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir had accepted that surgical strikes took place.

Kejriwal in a video message on Monday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expose Pakistan`s false propaganda when before a delegation of international media it denied the Indian surgical strikes.

The Chief Minister, in spite of differences with him on other matters, had earlier hailed the Prime Minister`s strict measures against Pakistan.

Following his video message on Monday, Kejriwal faced sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party for allegedly raising questions over the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army on terror launch pads along the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The BJP questioned Kejriwal`s silence over media reports showing "conclusive evidence" of the surgical strikes and dubbed it as "surprising".
As of early September, there had been more than twice as many close encounters between US Navy vessels and the IRGC than during the same period last year. In one such incident, an IRGC patrol boat approached a US warship at a high rate of speed and refused to disengage until warning shots were fired into the water. In other incidents at around the same time, the IRGC vessels ignored multiple visual and audio warnings before departing from the American vessels.

Such provocations were presumably aimed at demonstrating Irans swarm tactics, which some military officers have described as being capable of sinking an American warship in under a minute. These sorts of statements are not generally taken seriously, and American naval forces have taken measures to counteract those tactics, as by equipping ships with attack helicopters capable of engaging fast-moving patrol boats. Nevertheless, the increased number of IRGC provocations highlights the importance of Irans anti-Western propaganda.

Some such propaganda has also focused on Irans missile programs. Last month, the IRGC claimed to have unveiled its most advanced domestically-produced missile, shortly after it had contacted two American Navy jets and threatened to shoot them down with missiles if they strayed out of international territory and into Iranian airspace.

But concurrent with much of this anti-American propaganda, the Islamic Republic has also targeted much of its propaganda against regional rival Saudi Arabia, although these sorts of broadcasts have tended not to be military in nature. Instead, figures like Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have attacked the Saudis over their supposed contributions to sectarian conflict in the region, and also over their stewardship of the central Islamic pilgrimage sites of Mecca and Medina.

For its part, Saudi Arabia has virtually parroted Irans accusations of sectarianism, noting such factors as Irans sponsorship of Shiite paramilitaries like Hezbollah, which several Gulf Arab statements joined in declaring a terrorist organization earlier this year. Many reports have highlighted the mutual condemnations as examples of deteriorating relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, both of which are involved in multiple regional conflicts, on opposite sides.

Despite the proxy wars, direct military provocations have not been prominent between the two countries until now. Saudi Arabia undertook its Gulf Shield naval exercise this week with the declared purpose of preparing to confront any possible aggression. Though the statement did not mention Iran by name, it is understood that that is the perceived source of such possible aggression. Irans support of a rebellion against the government of Yemen was arguably part of a strategy to gain a foothold on the Arabian Peninsula and put additional pressure on the Saudi kingdom. And in January of this year, the Iranian regime apparently encouraged hardline mobs to storm the Saudi embassy and consulate after Saudi Arabias execution of a Shiite dissident cleric. The latter incident led the Saudis to sever diplomatic relations with Iran, after which some Arab partners followed suit by downgrading their own relations with Iran.

Despite the destabilizing nature of these Iranian activities, the IRGC statement on Riyadhs naval exercise declared, The Revolutionary Guards naval forces believe this war game is mainly to create tension and destabilize the Persian Gulf. The statement was accompanied by a warning that threatened to escalate any instability that might result from the exercise.

Outright war between Iran and Saudi Arabia still appears to be only a remote possibility. But it also seems to grow more remote as the proxy war between the two Middle Eastern powers continues to spread. An article appeared in Foreign Affairs on Wednesday which argued that that proxy war  already raging in Yemen and Syria  might soon emerge in Afghanistan, where both Iran and Saudi Arabia have long histories and persistent foreign policy interests.

The article notes that Iran has been looking to Afghani entities including the Taliban as potential allies in the conflict against the Islamic State. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has various incentives to confront Iran over its potential expansion of influence to Afghanistan. For instance, Foreign Affairs notes that the Saudis are concerned by the withdrawal of American power from the region, which has convinced the Arab kingdoms that they must either personally take control of regional policy or expand their own influence and use it as a bargaining chip with the West.

As tensions escalate, Foreign Affairs argues that the US and its NATO partners must take serious measures to counteract the trend by convincing Saudi Arabia and Iran to communicate and compromise. But this might be a hard sell with the Saudis as long as they continue to see Iranian influence as expanding across the region and going essentially unchallenged by the West.

Iranian outreach to the Taliban is one example of this expansion, but there are many others. Irans role in its neighbor to the West, Iraq, has been a particular area of concern, especially given the influence that the Islamic Republic wielded under the government of former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. That government oversaw the consolidation of power into a small number of Shiite hands, reflecting close affinity with Irans Shiite theocracy. This in turn was cited by many foreign policy analysts as a leading factor in the rise of the Islamic State as a Sunni alternative to Malikis rule.

Although Maliki has since been forced to step down in favor of current Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, the question of Iranian influence remains very serious. Many of the forces fighting the Islamic State today are directly linked to Iran and the IRGC, and some have publicly pledged allegiance to the Iranian supreme leader, ahead of the Iraqi government.

Iraqs dependence on such figures helps to blur the political and military boundaries between the two countries. And this trend could continue as Iran and Iraq discuss other forms of mutual cooperation. On Wednesday, Iraq Business News reported that Hassan Qashqavi, Irans Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary and Expatriates Affairs had expressed keen interest in removing visa requirements for visitors traveling from Iran to Iraq, and vice versa.

Although public statements regarding such an arrangement have focused on the benefits for trade and tourism, it would also potentially make it easier for Iran to traffic fighters to Iraqi militias, some of which are internationally recognized as terrorist groups. Even in absence of such an arrangement, Iran has already violated international laws to conduct such trafficking. IRGC Quds Force commander Qassem Suleimani has repeatedly traveled back and forth between the two countries in violation of a travel ban imposed on him over contributions to international terrorism.

In other countries, also, Irans influence has persisted even after being linked to terrorist activity. In Nigeria, this fact was brought to attention by protestors who urged the federal government to prosecute Shiite dissident Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who allegedly has ties to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Last December, a group led by Zakzaky attacked a Nigeria military convoy. According to Nigerias Tribune Online, well as calling for the prosecution of Zakzakys case, the protestors are also seeking the complete severance of relations between Nigeria and Iran  relations that they say have become cancerous and represent an escalating threat of sectarianism.

But at the same time that some entities throughout the Middle East and Africa are pushing back against Irans expanding influence, others are clearly embracing it. This is the case, for instance, with the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose shift toward Iran has coincided with an internal shift toward authoritarianism.

An article published on Wednesday by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies outlined aspects of this shift, which is proceeding in spite of longstanding tensions between Iran and Turkey, especially over their affiliations with different factions in the Syrian Civil War. But the article mainly focuses on charting the different courses that Iran and Turkey have taken through recent history, and using this to explain why it would be in Turkeys interest to avoid further embracing Tehran.

The article argues that Turkey has been the beneficiary of steady economic growth and multi-party mutual protection specifically because it decided to work within international systems throughout the recent decades. Iran, by contrast, has made itself a global pariah and has thrown itself into financial crisis by maintaining an uncompromising rebellion against that system ever since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The persistence of this rebellion can be seen, for instance, in the escalating confrontations in the Persian Gulf even after the conclusion of nuclear negotiations with six world powers last year. The Foundation article thus argues that Turkey will be opening itself up to similar consequences if it opts to join in that rebellion. And this line of argument is one that could be employed by the West to similarly encourage other regional states to shy away from Iran, thus alleviating Saudi anxieties about expanding influence.
New Delhi: NIA has arrested a suspected ISIS operative, who had conspired to carry out terror activities in the country and was planning to collect chemical explosives from cracker manufacturers in Tamil Nadu.

The accused identified as Subahani Haja Moideen, a resident of Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, was arrested by the NIA yesterday in connection with a case related to activities of the banned ISIS in India.

The accused was radicalised and recruited in ISIS through social media platforms. He had left India for Istanbul from Chennai last year on the pretext of performing 'Umrah', the NIA said in a statement today.

After reaching Istanbul, he crossed over along with other people who hailed from Pakistan and Afghanistan to Iraqi territory under control of ISIS.

From there, he was taken to Mosul where he underwent detailed 'religious training' followed by combat training which included a course in automated weapons before being deputed to fight war for almost two weeks.

During the war, he told interrogators that he was paid 100 US dollars per month as an allowance by ISIS besides accommodation and food.

However, he told interrogators that he could not withstand the violence and war misery in Mosul and decided to leave especially after he saw two of his friends getting charred.

He was jailed by ISIS and produced before a Islamic judge who sent him to Syria and claimed that he was allowed to cross over to Turkey from where he contacted his family with the help of the Indian consulate at Istanbul.

He arrived in Mumbai after a gap of six months in September last year on an emergency certificate and returned to his ancestral place where he was staying with his wife and managed to get a job at a jewellery shop at Kadayanallur.

"However, once back and settled, he again got in touch with ISIS handlers over Internet and was planning to collect explosives and precursor chemicals from Sivakasi at their instance.

"He had travelled to Chennai, Coimbatore and other places to meet other local contacts in the conspiracy, collect money and procure explosives for terrorist acts as guided and motivated by ISIS handlers," the NIA said.
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Panaji: The Goa government will ban liquor consumption at a few spots like religious places with the state Excise Department likely to implement the ban from next month, officials said today.

The government's move comes as part of its efforts to project the state as a "family tourist destination".

"Excise department is in the process of implementing the recent amendment to State Excise Act which includes ban on drinking at some public spaces. The ban is most likely to come in force from mid-November this year," Superintendent of Excise Department, Satyawan Bhivshet said.Satyawan Bhivshet said.

He said the ban will curb the nuisance by tourists after consuming alcohol at some public places.

The department will identify and notify the list of places which mostly will include religious structures and heritage spots.

The Goa government in August this year had amended the Excise Duty Act, 1964, to make penal provisions for the people drinking in places identified as 'No Alcohol Consumption Zones'.

The Act has specified penalty ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000 for the violators.

Another excise official, on condition of anonymity, said powers of the department in the Act are described and special squads are being put in place to crackdown on the violators drinking in such zones.

Earlier, the government, while introducing the bill in the Assembly had said, "The government is receiving a number of complaints of consumption of alcohol in open spaces, public spaces, beaches, public roads, state and national highways, mostly by visiting tourists."

Placed before the House by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, the bill further read, "Upon consumption of liquor, the bottles and cans are strewn around causing environmental degradation. Such persons after being in an inebriated state cause nuisance to general public, disturb the peaceful order in the area and cause local tension thereby posing law and order situation on a regular basis."
Ahmedabad: At a time when the security forces are on high alert in the aftermath of the dastardly terror attacks in Uri and Indian Army's counter surgical strikes across LoC last week, intelligence warning of a possible attack on famous Dwarka temple have been received.

A ToI report said on Thursday cited top intelligence sources in claiming that Pakistan's notorious spy agency ISI has sent some operatives to execute a major attack on Dwarka temple.

Consequently, the security in the coastal towns of Dwarka and Mandal has been heightened.

The input regarding possible terror attack on Dwarka Temple was given by the Central Intelligence (CI) cell to Gujarat DGP.

"Around 12 to 15 ISI operatives have either landed or may land on the Gujarat coast. They may also be in a hideout in Dwarka or Mandal," it said.

"Two fishing boats are near the international maritime boundary line (IMBL) and are waiting to infiltrate into Indian waters," it added further.

Following the CI input, security has been beefed up in the entire coastal belt and the Coast Guard, Navy and marine police have been put on high alert.

Importantly, on Saturday last week, Gujarat ATS had arrested Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) operative Hasan Imamuddin, 44, from Aurangabad in Bihar. He was allegedly involved in the terror attack on the American Cultural Centre in Kolkata in January 2002. Gujarat ATS is now trying to ascertain through Hasan's interrogation if there are any sleeper cells within Gujarat or anywhere in neighbouring states.
Chandigarh: The union territory of Chandigarh was put on alert on Thursday following inputs from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) of a possible terrorist strike.

Confirming the development, Chandigarh's Home Secretary Anurag Aggarwal said: "Yes, we have got an alert from IB in this regard (terror strike)."

"We have asked the Chandigarh Police to take appropriate measures. We have sought cooperation from city residents to be alert and inform police about anything suspicious," he said.

Chandigarh is the joint capital of both Punjab and Haryana.

A number of VIPs, including Governors, Chief Ministers, ministers, legislators and top civil and police officials live in the city.

The headquarters of the frontier Western Command are located at Chandimandir, 10 km from here.

With a population of 1.1 million, Chandigarh gets a large number of visitors from neighbouring Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Following last week's surgical strikes by the Indian Army on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), the border states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan have been on high alert.
Srinagar: Army today foiled three infiltration bids assisted by Pakistani posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Three infiltration bids were foiled in two separate sectors on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on the intervening night of October 5-6," an army official said here.

He said while two infiltration bids were foiled in Naugam sector, one such attempt was foiled in Rampur sector.

"The infiltration attempts were assisted by Pakistani posts," the official added.
Sambhal (UP): Mounting a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Azam Khan today asked him to "burn Ravana of Gujarat" ahead of his visit to Lucknow to attend the historic Aishbagh Ramlila on Dussehra next week.

"I want to request him that there is no need to burn Ravana in Lucknow. The capital of India is not Lucknow but New Delhi and after 1947 if massacre of humanity was done somewhere it was in Gujarat. If he (Modi) wants to burn Ravana, he should burn Ravana of Gujarat," he told a meeting here.

"After Gujarat riots, BJP and RSS men said they had also got votes from Muslim localities. But the reality is that they (BJP and RSS) threatened Muslims about what they had done (during riots) to get their votes," he said.

Modi is scheduled to attend the historic Aishbagh Ramlila in Lucknow on Dussehra next week, seen as yet another attempt to connect to the people of poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

On surgical strikes, Khan said that leaders like Arvind Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi and Sanjay Nirupam could not trust Modi due to "his lies" to people.

"They (these leaders) are now termed as traitors by RSS. I am happy that till now only I was in this category and was asked to go to Pakistan. Now they are above me in the list (of traitors)," Khan said.

Mentioning Asaduddin Owaisi, who is trying to make inroads in UP, the SP leader said he "challenged" him to get one legislator elected from the state.
Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation in tensions.

"I urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint so that there's no further escalation of tension  We want the people of South Asia not to suffer," she said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while delivering her 32-minute winding up speech of the 12th session of the 10th Parliament on Thursday evening.

Hasina said her government always desired peace in South Asia.

"We never want to see any conflict and tension created in this region If any such conflict is created, then Bangladesh will also be affected," the Daily Star quoted her as saying.

Tensions between the two countries have grown since a terror attack on an Indian army camp in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 left 19 soldiers dead. India blamed the attack on militants from Pakistan. India launched surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka last week pulled out of the Saarc summit that was to be held in Islamabad in November, leading to its cancellation.
New Delhi: The country's largest prison Tihar has been asked by the Central Information Commission to develop a system of giving compensation to inmates who have been incarcerated for a duration more than their sentence period.

The Commission has also directed the prison authorities to suo moto disclose the process of compensation to such prisoners as part of their obligation under the Right to Information Act.

"Strangely the courts treated the MLA and the common man differently in awarding compensation. A poor prisoner Rudul Shah got Rs 30,000 for 14 years of extra detention, while an MLA Bhim Singh was given Rs 50,000 for one day's false imprisonment. In a recent case, another poor citizen got just Rs 50,000 for 113 days of imprisonment," Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu pointed out in his order.

Deciding the plea of one OP Gandhi who claimed to have spent four day more than the court order in Tihar, Acharyulu said he must be paid token compensation by the prison authorities at the rate of Rs 2500 per day along with an additional Rs 1000 for costs borne by him.

"The State is expected to give people friendly administration. The jail authorities cannot breach the rights of prisoners and refuse any remedy. If this educated and courageous appellant has not brought out this issue of extra detention, it would have been not possible for anyone to know the breach of his constitutional and human rights," he said.

Acharyulu observed that when the order of remission was issued on August 11, 2014, the appellant should have been released on that day itself.

"The authorities knew that the appellant has to be released on that day as per the remission order, yet he was detained till August 15, 2014. He could have been given benefit of four days of remission, if not 15 days. Sanjiv Kumar (Tihar CPIO) contended that, though order was given on August 11, 2014, it would come into operation on August 15, 2014 and hence there was no extra detention," he said.

The Commissioner said the order copy does not disclose any date of its commencement and it specifically stated that it would apply to all convicts who maintained good conduct and not punished during a year preceding up to August 14, 2014.

"Sanjiv Kumar further contended that as order was received on 12th and hence it will operate from 13th. This is highly unreasonable, illogical and against the legal right of the prisoner. It cannot be accepted. Personal liberty can be curtailed only in accordance with the procedure established by law as per Article 21 of the Constitution," he said.

The Commissioner said thousands of prisoners might be languishing in jail for no fault of them beyond their entitled release date, because of miscalculation or negligent calculation of remission.

"Their right to liberty is totally dependent on the officers knowledge/efficiency in calculation. If a being has to lose his precious personal liberty for such silly reasons, can it still be called a good administration.

"No person shall be deprived of life and liberty except in accordance with procedure established by law, is the time tested principle of life and liberty guaranteed by all democratic constitutions in the world and by the Indian Constitution under Article 21, which cannot be violated in the jail. This cannot be breached by mistakes or negligence or red-tape or lethargy or inaction or indecision of the authorities," he said.
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party today said doubts should not be raised over the surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) and asserted that they trust the Army's statement.

"When Army is fighting there with courage and our Jawans are laying down their lives for the country, there should be no doubts. Whatever Army decides or says, we will trust it," SP state president Shivpal Yadav said.

"SP has a clear view against terrorism. When there was Congress government at the Centre, then Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) told the parliament that he was against terrorism and government should take a strict stand against it. Now when BJP is at the Centre, we have the same stand," he said.

"Center should decide and act strongly against to counter terrorism. On this issue, SP is with Centre," he added.

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lucknow visit in which he is also scheduled burn an effigy of the demon king Ravana during Dussehra, Shivpal said, "he (Modi) should first end communalism. He should not let riots happen in the state and country. If this happen, only then can we consider that Ravan is slayed."

Meanhwhile in Etawah, Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav also reacted to queries on the surgical strikes saying that Centre should not end talks with Pakistan.

"Centre has coined new terminology in 'surgical strike'. It is not understood in rural areas here...For strengthening the country and make it secure, talks cannot be ended," he said.
New Delhi: Haryana Congress chief Ashok Tanwar was seriously injured on Thursday after a clash here between his supporters and those of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. He was taken to hospital where doctors said he is out of danger.

Several other workers were also injured in the clash near Bhairon Mandir, a meeting point ahead of Rahul Gandhi's rally at Jantar Mantar as the Congress Vice President reached the capital after his nearly-month-long Kisan Yatra across poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

Tanwar was taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment.

"Tanwar was seriously injured and was vomiting. He has been shifted out of the ICU after initial treatment as he is out of danger," RML Hospital spokesperson V.K. Sinha told IANS.

Tanwar has been kept under observation and will not be discharged yet.

The 12-13 injured Congress workers were given first aid and discharged, Sinha said.

Senior Congress leaders including Gandhi, Kamal Nath and Deepender Singh Hooda visited Tanwar in hospital, but his supporters did not let the senior Hooda visit.

Delhi Police officials told IANS that the rival factions were separated from each other as soon as they began fighting, while no FIR was registered as no one came up with any formal complaint against anybody.

Meanwhile, Tanwar's supporters went to Congress headquarters around past 10 p.m. to tender their resignations in protest against the incident.

Their resignation was rejected by party leadership, while senior leaders like Kamal Nath, Digvijaya Singh, Motilal Vohra and Ghulam Nabi Azad assured them of action against the guilty as a meeting will be held on Friday to discuss the issue.
New Delhi: In a major development in connection with India's demand of ban on terrorist Masood Azhar, the official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Vikas Swarup on Thursday in a press briefing confirmed that the issue of Chinese stand on JeM and Masood Azhar is being taken up with Chinese government.

Addressing the press during weekly media briefing, Vikas Swarup said, "We conveyed to committee (UN) that it's expected to proscribe Masood Azhar as a terrorist; will send a dangerous message if fails to act."

"14 countries were on one side and 1 country on the other," the MEA spokesperson added on China extending hold on move to ban Masood Azhar.

Vikas Swarup futher added that it is expected to proscribe Masood Azhar under the 1267 sanctions regime, on the basis of our submission, which will send a strong signal to all terror groups that international community will not pursue or tolerate selective approach to terrorism.

Vikas Swarup also spoke on other issues as well.

MFN status to Pak

"Promoting prosperity with neighbours has been govts priority but terror can't be the product exported," Vikas Swarup said.

Pak praising Burhan in Parliament

"Pakistan has once again self implicated itself,"said Vikas Swarup Nawaz Sharif hailing Burhan Wani in Pak Parliament.

Surgical strikes

"Truth comes out no matter how hard one tries to conceal it," Vikas Swarup said.

Earlier, on Wednesday, India had strongly criticised an "unresponsive" Security Council for being indecisive on sanctioning leaders of organisations it itself designates as terrorist entities after China extended its "technical hold" on India's bid for a UN ban against JeM chief Masood Azhar.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had told the UN General Assembly that the 15- nation Security Council, the "principal organ" tasked with the maintenance of peace and security, has in a variety of ways become "unresponsive to the needs of our time and ineffective to meeting the challenges it is confronted with".

Without naming China, Akbaruddin referred to its technical hold on India's bid against Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar, saying the Council is a body that "ponders for six months on whether to sanction leaders of organisations it has itself designated as terrorist entities".

"Then, unable to decide, it gives itself three more months to further consider this issue. One has to expectantly wait for nine months before the process is completed to know if Council members have decided on a single issue," he said in the General Assembly debate on the Report of the Secretary General on the Work of the Organisation here.

On March 31 this year, China - a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council - had blocked India's move to put a ban on Azhar under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Council.

China was the sole member in the 15-nation UN organ to put a hold on India's application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhi's bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban.

The Chinese technical hold had lapsed on Monday, and had China not raised further objection, the resolution designating Azhar as a terrorist would have been passed automatically.

However, Beijing on Saturday announced the extension of its "technical hold".

"The extended technical hold on it will allow more time for the Committee to deliberate on the matter and for relevant parties to have further consultations," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang had said in Beijing.

Akbaruddin said in certain instances, the Council does not even begin the nine-month process of identification and listing of publicly announced leaders of listed entities.

"At best, it is now a body that can be described as an interesting and random mix of ad-hocism, scrambling and political paralysis. This global governance architecture now calls for comprehensive reform," the Indian envoy said.
United Nations: India has welcomed the selection of Portugal's former premier Antonio Guterres as the next UN Secretary General to replace Ban Ki-moon at the beginning of next year.

"Congratulations & Best wishes. India welcomes Antonio Manuel de Olivera Guterres as next Secretary General of @UN," India's Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.

Akbaruddin's tweet was accompanied with a picture of Guterres shaking hands with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Guterres had met Swaraj during his visit to New Delhi in July this year.

Guterres, the 67-year-old former head of UN's refugee organisation for 10 years, emerged as a leading candidate in all of the Security Council's straw polls.

The 15-nation Council conducted a sixth straw poll on Wednesday in which Guterres received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes. None of the five veto-wielding permanent members voted against him, clearing the way for Guterres to become the 9th Secretary General of the UN.

"Today after our sixth straw poll we have a clear favourite and his name is Antonio Guterres," Russia's envoy to the UN and President of the Council for October Vitaly Churkin told reporters after the straw poll.

Flanked by the Permanent Representatives of the 14 Council members, Churkin said the Council will meet again to take a formal vote, which is expected to pass by acclamation.

That decision would then be formally submitted to the General Assembly for its consideration.

"We wish Guterres well in discharging his duties as the Secretary General of the UN for the next five years," Churkin said.

Churkin also informed President of the UN General Assembly Peter Thomson that Guterres had emerged as the unanimous choice after the sixth informal and first colour-coded straw poll for the position of Secretary-General.

"The President thanked him for the information and said he wasready to further progress the process of appointing the next Secretary-General in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations," Thomson's office said.

Ban's Deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters at the daily press briefing that the Secretary-General, who is currently in Rome, is aware of the latest developments and will await the official action by the General Assembly on his successor's formal selection.

Guterres was Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and then served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015.

After the UNSC formal vote, Guterres's name will be forwarded to the 193-Member General Assembly for final confirmation.

Ban is the 8thSecretary-General in the organisation's 70-year history. He took office in January 2007 and will be ending his 10-year tenure on December 31, 2016. Guterres's selection for the post of the world's top diplomat slashed hopes for a woman to succeed Ban Ki-moon.
Bhubaneswar: The death toll due to Japanese Encephalitis has reached 38 in Odisha's Malkangiri district while the disease continues to spread its tentacles to other districts.

An 11-year-old boy of Bengama village in Brahmagiri area of Puri district died on Thursday after contracting the vector-borne disease.

"As many as 105 persons have been afflicted by Japanese Encephalitis, out of which 25 persons have been cured," said Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak.

He said: "Some doctors are camping in Malkangiri district, while some paediatricians will visit the affected areas to take stock of the situation."

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Petroleum Dharmendra Pradhan has met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to discuss how to prevent the spread of disease.

"The Health minister has assured to extend all possible support for identifying the causes of the disease and advise the state government regarding the effective steps for combating the clinical fallout of its spread and preventing the mortality associated with it," said Pradhan.

The MoS also urged Nadda to send a high-level fact-finding team to investigate the causes for the outbreak of the disease and suggest preventive measures to contain the same.
New Delhi: While politicians across the country continue to demand proof of Indian Army's recent surgical strikes across LoC, noted Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev has said that India should now set its eyes on terror masterminds Hafiz Saeed and Dawood Ibrahim.

Talking to ToI, Thursday, the yoga guru expressed his full support to Army's surgical strikes, saying this was the first time that India gave a befitting reply to Pakistan.

Strongly supporting the strategic shift in Centre's approach to dealing with terrorism emanating from across the border, Ramdev said talks with Pakistan should be disbanded.

Although diplomatic channels can continue to interact, history and its current conduct show that talking to Pakistan is of little use, he added.

Baba Ramdev even labelled Pakistan as a 'compulsive liar' for their denial of Indian Army's surgical strikes.

If Pakistanis were so honest they should have brought the international press to the spot a day after the strike, not after surreptitiously burying the bodies of terrorists and a shoddy clean-up operation.

Earlier India used to give jawab (response). It is for the first time that India has given a muhtod jawab.

He also rejected growing demands for releasing proof of Indian Army's surgical strikes, saying it is a political and strategic subject which should be left to the wisdom of the government.

When quizzed aout the loudmouth terror bosses operating from across the border, Baba Ramdev said, ''The next targets should be Hafiz Saeed and Dawood Ibrahim. There is no need to bring them alive. These two should be given moksha (salvation). Their death will bring peace in the entire world and Modiji will be remembered forever for doing this.''
Agra: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Thursday, made it clear that the government has no intention to provide proof for the surgical strike carried out Indian Army commandos inside Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on September 29.

Speaking at a BJP function here, Parrikar said there are many 'forces' in India whose patriotism is doubtful.

Without taking names, Parrikar said, There are many people who are not loyal to our country and criticized Indian army, but we dont have to give them any proof. He also mentioned that a Pakistani police officer has admitted that surgical strikes did happen.

Lauding the armed forces, Parrikar said, Our soldiers took revenge for Uri."

We carried out a 100% perfect surgical strike, our nation carries the heart and courage to carry this task out, he said.

Parrikar revealed that during his interactions with soldiers he always urges them to not to sacrifice their lives for the motherland but live to neutralise the terrorists.

Some ex-servicemen wrote to me and said that they are ready to fight on the border if the need arises. I salute them, he said.

The defence minister added that India's borders are safe under the Narendra Modi government.
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): On a day when the army successfully foiled three infiltration bids along the Line of Control (LoC) in which one terrorist was killed in Naugam sector and eliminated three heavily armed terrorists in hinterland, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda visited the frontier area of Uri and reviewed security with the local commanders.

Accompanied by the Chinar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Satish Dua, the Northern Army Commander took stock of all measures taken by the army to beat back any misadventure from across. During his interaction with officers and men on ground, he conveyed his compliments for their high levels of operational preparedness, vigil and morale and exhorted them to remain alert for any eventuality.

Lieutenant General Hooda also complimented the troops operating in hinterland for their professionalism which was amply displayed again in the successful foiling of terrorist attack in Baramulla on October 3, and as well as in today`s operation in Langate, Kupwara in which three Pakistani terrorists have been eliminated.

Later, both senior officers visited Awantipura based Victor Force Headquarters where Lieutenant General Hooda was briefed by the Kilo and Victor Force Commanders on the security situation in Kashmir.

The Northern Army Commander urged all to sustain the pressure on terrorist groups operating in the valley and also to continue with the humanitarian initiatives to help the civil administration in alleviating the problems of the people.
Delhi: In a setback to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, a lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Thursday demanded action against non-state actors, especially Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed.

The Dawn quoted BBC Urdu as reporting that during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, PML-N lawmaker Rana Muhammad Afzal asked, Which eggs is Hafiz Saeed laying for us that we are nurturing him?"

He was further quoted as saying, The efficacy of our foreign policy speaks for itself when we couldnt curtail Hafiz Saeed.

Afzal also said, India has built such a case against us about the JuD chief that during the meeting on Kashmir, foreign delegates mention him (Hafiz Saeed) as the bone of contention between Pakistan and India, as quoted by the Daily.

At the same time the lawmaker pointed out that Saeed was considered a notorious character in international circles.

Afzal reportedly asked whether Saeed was good or bad for the Kashmir cause.

However, the Daily wrote that in an email to Dawn News, Afzal had denied seeking any action against Saeed.

But he did acknowledge saying this to them - His (Hafiz Saeed) optics give India an opportunity to blackmail Pakistan internationally. If he is of no benefit to Pakistan, then why are we allowing his optics to affect loss to Pakistan?

Isolated, Sharif wants action against Jaish, Lashkar

On the other hand, rattled by global isolation after India's diplomatic blitz over Pakistan's pro-terror policy, Sharif has told the country's all-powerful ISI to crack down on terrorists and end the Mumbai attack trial and the probe into the Pathankot strike - New Delhi's two key conditions to resume peace talks with Islamabad.



Sharif's blunt demand came at a high-level meeting of civilian officials with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, General Rizwan Akhtar, IANS quoted Dawn newspaper as reporting.



But the Pakistan government dismissed as "not only speculative but misleading and factually incorrect" the Dawn report about the meeting on security issues.



Dawn reported that Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry told the meeting on Wednesday that Pakistan faced diplomatic isolation and its talking points had been met with indifference in major world capitals.



Even China, Pakistan's closest ally, had questioned the logic of repeatedly putting on technical hold a UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar, Chaudhry said, according to Dawn.



Also, amid worsening India-Pakistan relations, a group of Senators asked Islamabad to resume its back-channel talks with New Delhi.



And on Thursday, PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan denounced the government over its failure to curb non-state actors, leading to the country's diplomatic isolation.



The Wednesday meeting -- where there was an extraordinary verbal clash between the ISI chief and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister's younger brother -- came amid worsening ties with India.



India called for Pakistan's diplomatic isolation after the September 18 attack at an Army camp in Kashmir that left 19 soldiers dead.



India has said that the attackers came from Pakistan and belonged to the Jaish that was also blamed for the January 2016 Pathankot attack on an IAF base that killed seven security personnel.



The Uri attack was followed by the Indian Army's surgical strikes, dismantling at least seven terror launch pads and killing an unknown number of terrorists and their sympathisers across LoC.



Major world countries have supported India's demand to Pakistan to act against terrorist groups patronised by the ISI.

Dawn reported that the government on Wednesday informed the ISI about the "growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the state" to reverse the situation.



The Daily said the government, in a "blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning", asked military-led intelligence agencies "not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action".



"Nawaz Sharif has directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court," the Daily said.



(With IANS inputs)




Islamabad: It seems that Indian Army's surgical strikes have made their impact on Pakistan!

According to an exclusive report by Pakistan's DAWN Newspaper, Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation.

Also, the Pakistani PM had directed to restart the stalled 26/11 Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court.

Pakistan upset over growing international isolation?

According to the exclusive report, "In a blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning, the civilian government has informed the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the state."

Noteworthy, many countries have welcomed India's surgical strikes in Pakistan's territory.

Russia said it welcomes the surgical strike by India as every country has a right to defend itself.

Russia's Ambassador to New Delhi Alexander M Kadakin also said his country had always been with India in fighting cross-border terrorism.

The Obama administration had urged India and Pakistan to continue discussions on the military confrontation between the two sides to avoid escalation, while publicly slamming Pakistan and reiterating its support to India on the terrorism issue.
New Delhi: Four Indian states bordering Pakistan want the international boundary to be completely sealed after the latest terror attacks.

The sealing of the international will be the top agenda of a two-day security meet starting today at the border town of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.

Besides Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, the chief ministers from J&K, Rajasthan and Gujarat, deputy CM from Punjab and top BSF officials will participate.

"It is a meeting of the Union Home Minister with the Home Ministers of the four states. Since the Chief Ministers and the Deputy Chief Minister (of Punjab) are holding the Home portfolio, they are participating in the meeting," PTI quoted a home ministry official as saying.

During the two-day trip, the Home Minister will tour border areas of Rajasthan and will visit Munabao, Border out Post in Barmer and interact with BSF personnel.

Singh will also visit Murar, BoP in Jaisalmer and asses the situation along the Indo-Pak border.

The meeting is being called apparently to bring a synergy among the state police forces and Border Security Force, which guards the Indo-Pak border.

Issues concerning the states are also expected to be discussed in the two-day deliberations, the officials said.

There have been many incidents of infiltration of terrorists through the border in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir and trans-border smuggling of goods, narcotics and fake Indian currency notes in Rajasthan and Gujarat, they said.

Of the 3,323-km-long Indo-Pak border, 1,225 km falls in Jammu and Kashmir (including Line of Control), 553 km in Punjab, 1,037 km in Rajasthan and 508 km in Gujarat.
New Delhi: State Bank of India, one of India's largest pubic sector banks, has invited applications from eligible candidates for 476 posts of Specialist Officers.

The bank has issued a notification in this regard - the details of the same can be obtained from its website: www.sbi.co.in.

As per the notification, eligible candidates are requested to apply for SBI SO Recruitment 2016 through the online format before the last date - October 22, 2016.

All the interested candidates are required to read the complete advertisement to know the complete eligibility criteria, educational qualification, exam pattern, syllabus, how to apply, age limit, pay scale, examination centres, selection procedure and other details.

SBI has offered jobs for 476 Specialist Officers posts including Assistant Manager, Developer, Test Leader, Tester, Manager, Assistant Manager, Technology Relationship Manager, Admin Support Officer, Business Architect, Portal Architect, Network Engineer, IT risk manager, IT security expert, UX designer, WAS administrator.

Online applications start on October 4th, 2016 to October 22nd, 2016.

Educational Qualification: The candidates must possess Graduation degree in relevant field from recognized university along with specialised education required for various posts. The details will be published soon.

Application Fee: The application fee of specialist officer is Rs 600 for general candidates and Rs 100 for other candidates.

Selection Procedure: The selection of the candidates will be done on the basis of performance in written exam and interviews to be conducted by the SBI Group in due course of time.

How to apply:

1. Go to the official website: www.sbi.co.in

2. Clicks on Careers link on the homepage of the website.

3. Then click on the job announcement link

4. Download the advertisement of the Job in Hindi or English and read it carefully

5. Fill the form with the payable amount of 600 rs for General category and 100rs for SC/ST/PW

6. submit the form and download a copy and take a print !!

About SBI

State Bank of India (SBI) is one of the Indian multinational, public sector banking and financial services company. It is a government-owned corporation with its headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra. As of 2014-15, it had assets of 20.480 trillion (US$300 billion) and more than 14,000 branches, including 191 foreign offices spread across 36 countries, making it the largest banking and financial services company in India by assets.

The company is ranked 232nd on the Fortune Global 500 list of the worlds biggest corporations as of 2016.
New Delhi: After being pulled up by the Supreme Court, Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung held a second meeting at Raj Niwas on Thursday with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Health Minister Satyendar Jain and several senior officers to review the situation related to spread of vector-borne diseases in Delhi.

The second meeting was held after the Supreme Court expressed its displeasure at lack of any concrete outcome after the meeting held on Wednesday over the issue.

During the meeting on Thursday, discussion was held on various measures to tackle the problem of dengue, chikungunya and other vector-borne diseases.

The government will formulate an action plan based on the discussions and place it before the Supreme Court, a statement from the LG's office said.

The statement added that the details of the action plan shall be made public in due course of time.

Amicus curiae Colin Gonsalves also attended the meeting and made several suggestions.

"The suggestions made by learned Amicus Curiae Colin Gonsalves were taken up for discussion and largely agreed upon by all present," the statement said.

Earlier in the day, a bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Amitava Roy expressed displeasure over the Wednesday's meeting. A suggestion was put forth that another meeting could be held at 5.30 p.m. on Thursday.

Accepting the suggestion, the bench said the meeting should focus on the steps to deal with the situation.

"We expect the participants to arrive at a time frame within which all necessary steps will be taken and as to who will be responsible for their implementation... We also expect the efforts to be consultative, collaborative and cooperative," the bench added.

The court said the meeting will also discuss the "preventive steps for any contingency that may arise in the near future".

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was present at the first meeting, did not attend the meeting on Thursday citing health reasons.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendra Jain.

Secretary (Health) C.K. Mishra, Chief Secretary S. N. Sahai, New Delhi Municipal Council Chairperson Naresh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Delhi Cantonment Board and DMRC Director were among those present.

The next hearing of the Supreme Court will be on October 17.
United Nations: The "sell-by date" of Pakistan's "anachronistic approach" is long over and the country should "abandon" its "futile quest" for Kashmir, India has said in a strong rebuttal to Islamabad's allegations that New Delhi is escalating the current situation.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin strongly rejected remarks by Pakistan's envoy Maleeha Lodhi, who said during a General Assembly debate on 'Report of the Secretary General on the Work of the Organisation' that India has created conditions that pose a threat to peace and security in the region by its recent "declarations and actions."

Akbaruddin responded sharply by saying that Pakistan's claims in the UN are finding no resonance and it should abandon its quest for Kashmir, which is an integral part of India.

"Our response to Pakistan is consistent. Abandon your futile quest. The state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so," Akbaruddin said asserting that no amount of "misuse" of international platforms by Pakistan will change that reality.

"The sell-by date of Pakistan's anachronistic approach is long over," he said yesterday.

Akbaruddin said claims by Pakistan, a global epicenter of terrorism, on Kashmir find no resonance amongst the international community, with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif raising the Kashmir issue in his General Assembly address also finding no support.

"We have heard one such lone voice again a short while ago, making claims to an integral part of my country. This comes from a country which has established itself as the global epicenter of terrorism. Such claims find no resonance amongst the international community," he said.

The Indian envoy emphasised that during the recently concluded high-level UN General Debate, there was "a singular lack of support" for Sharif's "baseless claims".

"Need one say more," he said.

In a reference to the surgical strikes conducted by India, Lodhi said "in the past few weeks India has engaged in unprovoked shelling across wide territory along the Line of Control. This continues to this day and even as I speak."

Lodhi dwelled at length on Kashmir in her remarks to the General Assembly, saying Pakistan is ready to engage with India in dialogue but it is New Delhi which will have to take the first step as India had "escalated" the current situation.

"Pakistan wants peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes, especially Kashmir, the settlement of which is more urgent today than ever. But it is for India to take the first step because it is India which has escalated the current situation," she said.

Lodhi said India "does not even allow" the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan to 'fully function' according to its mandate and to report to the Security Council.

She said India's "continuing denial" of the right of self-determination to the people of Jammu and Kashmir has sparked "another indigenous and popular uprising" in Kashmir and also led to tensions in the region.

"The UN is obliged play a role in bringing an end to human rights abuses and facilitate a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, through a free and fair plebiscite under its auspices," Lodhi said.

She also reiterated Pakistan's demand for an independent inquiry into the alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir and welcomed the call by the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights for "unfettered and unconditional access to enable impartial monitoring of the human rights situation there."

She also blamed India for continuing to reject the offer of good offices of the Secretary General to resolve "long standing disputes in our region".

Akbaruddin said the international community must address the growing terrorism, which is the most dangerous of scourges faced by nations, yet it looks away.

"We look away as some amongst us stall our collective efforts, as they use terrorists as proxies in their territorial quests," he said in a reference to Pakistan.

Akbaruddin also strongly criticised the world body's inaction to come up with concrete policies and measures to deal with the growing scourge of terrorism.

He said the world's public consciousness is being ravaged daily by incessant acts of terrorism targeting innocent people, civilisational heritage as well as the socio- economic infrastructure of societies, especially in vulnerable developing countries.

"Yet, on the issue of terrorism the UN is yet to come up with a coherent policy let alone take the lead on one of the biggest threats to global peace and security," he said.

The Indian envoy noted that as many as 31 entities within the United Nations deal with some aspect of countering terrorism, saying this is a classic example of too many cooks spoil the broth.

"This is clearly the case as coherence and coordination is missing. It is near impossible to argue the case of relevance of the UN on the issue of terrorism where even adoption of an international norm to 'prosecute or extradite' terrorists evades us despite 20 years of talk," he said, referring to the long-pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

On peacekeeping, Akbaruddin said the "leitmotif" of the UN is under great stress.

"A plethora of tasks and Christmas tree mandates without adequate funding; departure from well-established principles of impartiality; avoidance of the primacy of politics and focus instead on 'band aid' solutions through peace keeping; and an unwillingness to walk away from quagmires into the sunset; are all part of the burgeoning philosophical dilemma facing peace keeping," he said.

He also voiced concern over the "appalling" cases of sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers.

"Peacekeepers turning into predators is our worst nightmare come true," he said.
Ranchi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shatrughan Sinha has ruffled a few feathers within the party yet again.

The BJP MP from Lok Sabha once again became the cause of embarrassment for his party with his remarks praising former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Sinha, a Lok Sabha MP from Patna Sahib, stoked a controversy on Wednesday when he heaped praise on Indira Gandhi, saying he would have in the Congress if the ex-PM was alive.

I joined BJP because of 2-4 people, but, if Indira Gandhi was alive, I would have joined the Congress, Sinha asserted.

The BJP MP made the comments during a book launch in Jharkhand's Jamshedpur. The book 'Anything but 'Khamosh' is based on Sinha's life.

While speaking to the mediapersons ahead of the book release, the BJP leader said Indira Gandhi respected him a lot and he also admired her the most, as she was different from other politicians.

Sinha said the Gandhi's brand of politics was always high on moral values.

The BJP MP also heaped praise on ex-union minister Subodh Kant Sahay saying, the Congress leader taught him everything about politics.

Senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, who was invited for the book launch, stayed away from the event saying he was busy.

Time and again Sinha has embarrassed the party with his remarks.

Here are some of the instances:

The BJP MP had floated the name of Varun Gandhi as the party's face in Uttar Pradesh, where elections are scheduled for next year.

Sinha, had come out in support of JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising anti-national slogans.

He had dismissed BJP's charge of return of 'Jungle Raj' in Bihar over killing of engineers for extortion in the state and had said that performance of a government could not be judged in a short period of time.

Early this year, the BJP MP had asserted he can win elections even if he contests as an independent candidate and admitted he has been getting "feelers" from other parties for long.
New Delhi: As Congress leaders continue to demand proof of the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on the intervening night of September 28-29, the grand old party on Wednesday released three dates on which similar Army operation were conducted during UPA-II regime.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala revealed that during Manmohan Singh's tenure the forces successfully carried out strikes on numerous occasions, particularly on September 1, 2011, July 28, 2013, and January 14, 2014.

In an apparent dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress leader said the then UPA government did not make loud claims in the interest of national security.

In an attempt to take a moral high ground over the BJP, Surjewala said: "In its maturity, wisdom and in the interest of national security, the Congress government avoided making loud claims for the effective response and action of the Indian army, which had the full support of the political leadership."

At the same time Surjewala said party disapproves with Sanjay Nirupam's views on the Army operation along the Line of Control.

The Congress spokesperson asked the BJP to stop exploiting the Army's operation for political benefits. "We urge the government to stop politicising the sacrifices and bravery of Indian soldiers for myopic political gains, he said.

Surjewala's reaction comes amidst demands of some Congress leaders that the Modi government should present proof about the cross-LoC raids to counter the smear campaign by Pakistan.

Congress leaders Sanjay Nirupam, P Chidamabram have asked for the release of video recording of the military action as proof.

Nirupam created an uproar by terming the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army as "fake".

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is understood to have cautioned his Cabinet colleagues yesterday against creating a hysteria over the military action against terror launch pads across the LoC.

The Army conducted surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads along the LoC on the intervening night of September 28 and 29, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from PoK.
New Delhi: Days after India carried out the surgical strike across the LoC to wipe out as many as seven terror launch pads, there have been numerous reports of ceasefire violation by Pakistan across the border.

Terrorists opened fire outside an 30 Rashtriya Rifles Army camp at Langate, Handwara, in Jammu and Kashmir early this morning. Firing has been resumed outside the camp after a 15-minute standoff. No casualties have been reported so far.

"At around 5 am, terrorists opened firing on an army camp at Langate in Kupwara district, which was retaliated by the alert jawans," an Army official said. "The troops were alert and the attack was foiled," the official said, adding that a search operation was going on.

Camp security has not been breached as combing operations are underway, as per Times Now.

Barely, three days ago an army camp in Baramullah was attacked, where one BSF jawan lost his life. As many as three infiltration bids assisted by Pak posts were foiled on intervening night of October 5-6; two bids in Nowgam sector, one bid in Rampur, Army official has been quoted as saying. Initial reports suggest that two terrorists have been killed in the firing at Army camp.

More details are awaited.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: India on Thursday said it will review the Most Favoured Nation status granted to Pakistan by it based on the security and trade interests, asserting that terror cannot be the commodity exported.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said that the speech by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hailing Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani in Parliament shows Pakistan's complicity in terrorism directed against India and was "self-implicating". Sharif had hailed Wani as "son of the Kashmiri soil" while addressing the joint session yesterday.

"Promoting shared prosperity with neighbours has been government's priority but terror cannot be the commodity exported. We will undertake a review based on our security and trade interests," he said when asked if India will review the MFN status given to Pakistan by India, unilaterally.

Asked about the recent conversation between the National Security Advisors of India and Pakistan, he said the Prime Ministers of the two countries had in January agreed that their NSAs will remain in touch and the details should not be made public. "India remains committed not to make it public."

Earlier this week, Pakistan Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz was quoted as saying by Pakistani media that India has agreed to reduce tensions after their NSAs spoke over phone. This was first such contact after the Uri attack and India's retaliatory surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC.

Swarup also refused to react to the reports in Pakistani media that Sharif has asked the powerful military not to shield banned militant groups and directed authorities to conclude the Pathankot terror attack probe and the 2008 Mumbai attack trials.

On the reports that Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), a umbrella group of jihadi and Islamist outfits as Hafiz Saeed's JeM, organising a rally in Pakistan on October 28, he said India has always voiced its concerns at the freedom available to such internationally designated terrorists in Pakistan to conduct and promote anti India activities openly.

"It is up to the government of Pakistan to abide by its assurances that it will deny the use of its territory for such purposes," he added.

Swarup also described as "inflection point" the recent cancelling of SAARC Summit after several countries of the eight-nation grouping pulled out over the cross-border terrorism as till now some were only doing "lip-service" and not doing anything concrete.
New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday called terrorism the "foremost challenge" for the Asean member-countries, adding that there is a need to delegitimise it as an instrument of state policy.

Parrikar said: "Terrorism remains foremost challenge to our (Asean) region. We need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere, delegitimise it as an instrument of state policy, and cooperate unreservedly to locate and destroy terrorist networks."

He was speaking at the 20th Asean Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities meet here.

"The security frameworks in our (Asean) region still does not give enough attention to terrorism. This must change," he added.

The comments came amid continued tension along India-Pakistan border following the attack at an Indian Army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 19 soldiers.

A surgical strike was conducted by the Indian Army in the night between September 28 and 29 on terror launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir that further escalated the tension.

A camp of 30 Rashtriya Rifles was attacked by militants on Thursday as well in Kashmir's Kupwara district. In the gun battle, three terrorists were killed by the army.
New Delhi: In more trouble for controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, a terror group linked to the dreaded global terrorist organisation Islamic State has called him as a major 'source of inspiration'.

A ToI report on Thursday said that Manseed alias Omar al-Hindi, the chief of IS-linked terror module which was recently busted by the NIA, had told the investigators that his men were motivated by his speeches and social media posts.

Manseed had worked for 12 years as part of the intelligence wing of Popular Front India (PFI) and reporting on activities of RSS and its functionaries in Kerala.

According to reports, Manseed and his alleged operatives were planning Nice-like attacks on community events, particularly an all-religion gathering in Kochi.

Manseed and his six men were even provided Rs 38,000 from abroad through Western Union to buy a second-hand heavy vehicle to be driven into the crowd, killing and maiming a large number of people, according to sources.

PFI later expelled Manseed after he married a woman from Philippines, he had told interrogators.

The 30-year-old relocated from Kerala to Qatar around eight years ago and was working as a sales executive in Doha.

Around 12-18 months ago, he started following online jihadi activity and would surf the internet for pro-IS blogs and posts. While interacting with jihad-minded people on social media, he encountered his Afghanistan-based handler Abu Aysha, who helped him put together a Facebook group called 'Ansar-ul-Khilaaf' comprising IS-leaning youth from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The group communicated using telegram and Tutanota encryption and would keep changing names to avoid detection. Abu Aysha would regularly send material against RSS and motivate the group to target Sangh workers.

The module wanted to eliminate three top RSS members of Kerala, two Kerala high court judges with "progressive views on Sharia law", rationalists and activists of the Muslim community and Jews based in Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu.

The group also planned to procure arms and materials for explosives to execute their terror plans.

The group members also travelled to Kodaikanal on September 12 to conduct a recee for a possible attack on Jews there. However, they met with an accident en route and aborted the plan and then scheduled the attack for the first week of October.

The NIA, while scanning electronic devices seized from the accused, found material, including details on procuring material for explosives, making explosives from fireworks powder and bomb-making manuals.

The module led by Manseed was busted after being tracked by intelligence agencies for almost four to five months.
Srinagar: Three militants were killed on Thursday in a gunfight that erupted after they attacked a counter-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles (RR) camp in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

Talking to reporters after the encounter ended, Colonel Rajiv Saharan, the commanding officer of 30 RR, Handwara, said a huge quantity of arms and ammunition and communication devices were recovered from the slain terrorists.

The terrorists were Pakistanis, said Col Rajiv Saharan, adding the medicines recovered from them have 'Made in Pakistan' markings.

"These terrorists were carrying huge quantity of arms and ammunition and other war-like stores, including three AK-47 rifles, two under barrel grenade launchers, large quantity of small arms, ammunition and grenades, GPS radio sets, maps, metric sheets and food and communications stores," he said.

"Our sentries, who were on high alert carried out retaliatory fire to deny terrorists who entered our fencing. Our quick reaction team was activated. They localised the area where the terrorists were spotted, and after that, they carried out sanitisation of the area. Three Pakistani terrorists were eliminated," Colonel Rajiv Saharan added.

The security personnel are still carrying out combing and search operations.

"Operation is still continuing, sanitisation of the area is not yet complete," added the officer.

The militants opened fire on an Army camp at Langate in Kupwara district at around 5 am, which was retaliated by the alert jawans, an Army official said.

After repulsing the attack, the security forces launched a search operation in the area, during which the militants fired upon them, leading to an encounter.

"Three terrorists were killed in the resulting encounter," Colonel Rajesh Kalia, spokesman of the Indian Army's Srinagar-headquartered 15 Corps confirmed to news agency IANS.

"Heavily-armed terrorists dressed in Army fatigues attacked the 30 RR camp situated in Langate town of Kupwara district at 5.10 am today (Thursday).

"The alert guards at the 30 RR camp in Langate located close to a civilian facility foiled the terrorists' attempt to enter the camp by breaching its security periphery," he said.

"The terrorist firing stopped for some time, but it started again at 6.30 am," he added.

"No casualty or injury was suffered by the RR troops".

On October 3 a BSF trooper was killed and another injured when militants attacked the camp of 47 RR in Janbazpora area of Baramulla town.

The militants, however, managed to escape.

(With Agency inputs)
Srinagar: A Pakistani terrorist was gunned down by the security forces, while trying to infiltrate into the Indian territory on Thursday.

The infiltration bid was attempted in Naugam sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

The forces recovered the body while they were conducting the search operation after the gunfire.

The Army today foiled three infiltration bids assisted by Pakistani posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K.

While two infiltration bids were foiled in Naugam sector, one such attempt was foiled in Rampur sector.

An Army official said the infiltration attempts were assisted by Pakistani posts.

In a separate incident, three Pakistani terrorists were killed today in a gunfight that erupted after they attacked a counter-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles (RR) camp in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, an Army officer said.

Huge quantity of arms and ammunition and communication devices were recovered from the slain terrorists.

The infiltration bids have intensified after the Indian Army conducted successful surgical strike across the LoC on the intervening night of September 28-29.

Seven terror launch pads across the LoC were targeted by the Army in a nearly five-hour-long operation during which heliborne and ground forces were deployed.
Srinagar: The Army on Thursday foiled three infiltration bids assisted by Pakistani posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Three infiltration bids were foiled in two separate sectors on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on the intervening night of October 5-6," an Army official said here.

He said while two infiltration bids were foiled in Naugam sector, one such attempt was foiled in Rampur sector.

"The infiltration attempts were assisted by Pakistani posts," the official added.
Gigriyal LoC: A chain of border hamlets along the LoC wear a deserted look with villagers abandoning their houses to escape the shelling and firing from across the border.

Mortar marks on the walls of houses and shutters of shops in the area are a mute testimony to the firing from across the border.

Border dwellers have fled the LoC hamlets of Panjtoot, Channi Dewano, Mogyal Lalo, Somwa, Chapriyal, Gigriyal, Paltan, Mili Di Khae and Jodian in Pallanwala belt.

Pallanwala market town is also shut down for the past three days following heavy shelling.

"Market is closed for the past three days since the firing and shelling", Suresh Kumar, a resident said.

Forced to leave their hamlets and cattle, the border residents want the Narendra Modi government to take strong action against Pakistan so that it does repeat the terror attacks and ceasefire violations along LoC.

"Nobody wants a war but we border people, who have been forced to desert our homes and hamlets every time during ceasefire violations almost annually, want that Pakistan should be taught a lesson so that it does not dare to violate the ceasefire again", Sita Devi, who along with her family has taken shelter in a camp setup at Radha Swami Ashram in Khour, said.

Devi and another border resident Raj Kumar said their hamlet along the LoC has been deserted.

However, some residents have been making trips during the day time to look after their cattle.

"Some of us had gone to provide fodder to animals in the afternoon yesterday, when Pakistani troops started raining mortar shells and heavy firing. We though we are dead", Gigriyal resident Ashok Kumar said.

"We managed to save the lives of our domestic animals and some people, who had vehicles, ferried women and men out of the shelling zone yesterday", he said.

Pakistan troops have repeatedly violated the ceasefire and resorted to heavy mortar shelling and firing on civilian areas in Pallanwala sector of Akhnoor tehsil of Jammu district.

The areas targeted by Pakistani troops include Gigriyal, Platan, Damanu, Channi, Palanwala and Somwa areas of Pallanwala sector of Jammu district.

In the migrant camp at Naiwala, border dwellers have also protested about the scarcity of ration and water.

"We demand food and water supply at the camp,", Santosh Devi Jodian said.

As many as 60 families of Jodian had fled their LoC homes and took shelter in the camp here but authorities told them to go to Khadah Khadi camp but they refused triggering protests.
Jammu: Three students were among four killed and 20 others injured when a vehicle which they were travelling in skidded off the road and rolled down into a deep gorge in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir today.

The matador was on its way to Goldy Burmeen from Udhampur town when driver of the vehicle lost control over it and the vehicle fell into a gorge near Goldy Burmeen in the district around 9:45 AM, a police officer said.

Police and locals have started rescue operation to evacuated the injured from the site of the accident.

A case has been registered.
Srinagar: Some militants on Thursday attacked an Army camp in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, prompting security forces to retaliate.

Two terrorists were killed in the exchange of gunfire.

The 30 Rashtriya Rifles camp in Langate in Handwara region came under the fire, a senior police officer said, adding that "alert guards have prevented the militants from entering the camp".

"Around 5 am, militants opened firing on an Army camp at Langate in Kupwara district, which was retaliated by the alert jawans," an Army official said. He said there was a stand-off firing for about 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, the militants again opened fire at the forces who were conducting the search operation, the Army official said.

According to reports, militants who escaped after a failed attempt to attack an Army camp in north Kashmir's Baramulla town on October 02 were behind the firing in Handwara today.

A massive search operation to hunt down militants was launched soon after a two-hour gunfight outside the camp of counter-insurgency 46 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) in Janbazpora stopped late Sunday night.

The operation lasted for more than six hours.

Border Security Force Constable Nitin Kumar was killed and Constable Parminder injured.
Srinagar: Three militants were killed on Thursday in a gunfight that erupted after they attacked a counter-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles (RR) camp in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

Talking to reporters after the encounter ended, Colonel Rajiv Saharan, the commanding officer of 30 RR, Handwara, said a huge quantity of arms and ammunition and communication devices were recovered from the slain terrorists.

The terrorists were Pakistanis, said Col Rajiv Saharan, adding the medicines recovered from them have 'Made in Pakistan' markings.

"These terrorists were carrying huge quantity of arms and ammunition and other war-like stores, including three AK-47 rifles, two under barrel grenade launchers, large quantity of small arms, ammunition and grenades, GPS radio sets, maps, metric sheets and food and communications stores," he said.

"Our sentries, who were on high alert carried out retaliatory fire to deny terrorists who entered our fencing. Our quick reaction team was activated. They localised the area where the terrorists were spotted, and after that, they carried out sanitisation of the area. Three Pakistani terrorists were eliminated," Colonel Rajiv Saharan added.



The security personnel are still carrying out combing and search operations.



"Operation is still continuing, sanitisation of the area is not yet complete," added the officer.

The militants opened fire on an Army camp at Langate in Kupwara district at around 5 am, which was retaliated by the alert jawans, an Army official said.

After repulsing the attack, the security forces launched a search operation in the area, during which the militants fired upon them, leading to an encounter.

"Three terrorists were killed in the resulting encounter," Colonel Rajesh Kalia, spokesman of the Indian Army's Srinagar-headquartered 15 Corps confirmed to news agency IANS.

"Heavily-armed terrorists dressed in Army fatigues attacked the 30 RR camp situated in Langate town of Kupwara district at 5.10 am today (Thursday).

"The alert guards at the 30 RR camp in Langate located close to a civilian facility foiled the terrorists' attempt to enter the camp by breaching its security periphery," he said.

"The terrorist firing stopped for some time, but it started again at 6.30 am," he added.

"No casualty or injury was suffered by the RR troops".

On October 3 a BSF trooper was killed and another injured when militants attacked the camp of 47 RR in Janbazpora area of Baramulla town.

The militants, however, managed to escape.

(With Agency inputs)
Anantnag: An engineering graduate from restive Anantnag district of South Jammu and Kashmir has cracked the prestigious Services Selection Board (SSB) examination, securing fourth position to join as a commissioned officer in the Indian Army.

Zubair Ahmad Itoo, who lives in a small village near Anantnag district, completed his engineering from the SRM University, Delhi, in May this year.

Zubair had cleared the examination from special selection centre (North) and will now join 49-week long officer training at Officers Training Academy in Chennai.

Following the training at Chennai Academy, Zubair will join the Indian Army as a Lieutenant.

The selection of Zubair into the Indian Army has come at a time when Kashmir is witnessing civil unrest in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.

Zubair, whose district has seen worst violence during the present unrest, believes that "youth can only achieve something through education".
Srinagar: Unrest-hit Kashmir Valley is gradually limping back to normalcy with significant increase in the number of people coming out in the summer capital to resume their day-to-day activities.

There has been an increased movement of private and public transport, except buses, in uptown Srinagar, including in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk, after the authorities lifted curfew from all parts of the city last week, officials said.

Even as the current agitation is showing signs of fatigue, there are no signs of end to the separatist-sponsored strike which has been extended till October 13.

The separatists have called for a march to the local UN office here tomorrow.

The separatists had called for a march in the three districts - Anantnag, Baramulla and Srinagar - of the Valley today.

The authorities have not put restrictions on the movement of people anywhere in Kashmir today, but security forces have been deployed to maintain law and order.

There are no restrictions on the movement of people anywhere in the Valley, the officials said, adding the situation is improving with each passing day.

For the past few days, many street vendors and hand cart vendors have set up their stalls along the TRC Chowk-Batamaloo axis in the summer capital here.

The officials said some shopkeepers also keep open their shops in the civil lines areas of Srinagar and at few areas in the outskirts of the city.

Meanwhile, in some parts of the Valley, including in downtown city and district headquarters and towns, life remained affected for the 90th straight day due to the shutdown call of the separatists.

Most of the shops and business establishments in these areas were shut.

The government educational institutions at most places were open and teachers were attending their duties, the officials said.

The attendance in other government offices and banks has also considerably improved, they said.
Kochi: A Kerala man who was arrested on Wednesday for joining and supporting the activities of the IS, had undergone arms training and fought for the terrorist organisation in Iraq, said the National Investigation Agency on Thursday.

The investigation agency revealed about the activities of Subahani Haja Moideen, 31, in the remand report filed at the NIA court here.

In a statement, the NIA said Subahani, who was residing in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, originally hails from Thodupuzha in Kerala's Idukki district.

"He revealed that he had gone to Iraq on April 6, 2015, to join IS and fight for the organisation. He told his parents and wife that he was going to perform 'Umrah'. He left India for Istanbul from Chennai on a visit visa. After reaching Istanbul, he crossed over along with others, including people from Pakistan and Afghanistan, to IS-held territory in Iraq," the NIA said in the statement.

"He was taken to Mosul in Iraq, where he underwent detailed course in Sharia followed by combat training. On completion of combat training, including training in the automated weapons, he was sent to the war zone in Mosul for security duties in IS-held territory, which he performed for almost two weeks. He was being paid $100 per month as subsistence allowance by the IS," the statement added.

Subahani also revealed to the NIA that he could not withstand the violence and war misery in Mosul and decided to leave the organisation, especially after two of his friends were charred before him in a shell attack.

"On conveying his decision to quit the organisation, he was imprisoned by the IS at Mosul and was subjected to extreme torture. He, along with other foreign fighters, was produced before an IS judge, following which he was again incarcerated at Raqqa in Syria. Later, for reasons yet to be ascertained, he was allowed to leave IS-controlled territory and return to Turkey along with five other foreign nationals," said the statement.

Following this, he stayed illegally in Istanbul for about two weeks, before he approached the Indian Consulate for returning to India.

"He contacted his family and conveyed his decision to return to India, following which they sent him money for flight tickets. After Turkish police issued a clearance certificate, he was issued an emergency certificate by Indian Consulate, by which he returned to India through Mumbai on September 22 in 2015. He returned to Tirunelveli and got a job as a salesman in a gold jewellery shop," added the statement.

After he settled down, he again got in touch with IS handlers over internet and was planning to collect explosives and precursor chemicals from Sivakasi.

Incidentally, his arrest came after the NIA arrested six men on Sunday while they were holding a meeting in Kannur in Kerala.


Kanyakumari: Ten government school students, who had gone on a tour to neighbouring Kerala, from Marthandam in the district, have been reported missing, police said on Thursday.

A complaint had been received in this connection from the parents of the students, who also picketed the school.

The missing students were reportedly part of a group of 42 students, who had gone on an excursion three days ago, they said.

Investigations are on, police said.
Kolkata: West Bengal Police on Thursday said it has issued a general alert for the Durga puja celebrations in the state and sought cooperation from the people for its smooth conduct.

"There is a general alert and we have taken all sorts of bandobast for it. We do not have any specific input on threats," WB Director General of Police Surajit Kar Purkayastha told a joint press conference with city Police Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

"We seek cooperation of the common people and request them not to panic or pay heed to any form of rumours or spread rumours. Instead, in case of any problem they can contact the control room which is open 24x7," he said.

The DGP also said about 22,000 Durga Pujas being held in the districts of the state, consolidated arrangements had been made with around two lakh policemen, besides volunteers, fire brigade personnel, representatives of municipal corporations and disaster management groups.

Purakaysta also rubbished reports of demands for subscriptions for Durga Puja from organisers.

"We have not received any major complaints on subscription demands. We have addressed all complaints we have received and arrested 82. The government has strict policy on this. One can lodge complaints with local police stations or the SP and action will be taken," he said.

Purkayastha said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's 'Safe Drive Save Life' initiative to keep a check on accidents on roads, started around three months ago, was showing positive results and the number accidents in four districts--North and South 24 Parganas, Hooghly and Nadia--have come down to half.

"The average death rate (due to road accidents) in North and South 24 Parganas, Hooghly and Nadia has decreased 50 per cent and that is mostly because of the 'Safe Drive Save Life' initiative of the chief minister," Purakaystha said, adding Puja organisers had been asked to campaign for the initiative.

City Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that around 14,000 policemen and 6,000 volunteers would be deployed in and around the city as part of arrangements made for the festival days.

Stating that road accidents in the city had come down by seven per cent because of the 'Safe Drive Save Life' initiative, Kumar assured that there would be no traffic jam.

Kumar also asked the people to contact Lalbazar control room or 100 in case of requirements.
Imphal: Rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila, who is also known as the 'Iron Lady' of Manipur, will float her political outfit later this month.

The announcement in this regard was made by Sharmila shortly after a court here acquitted her in an attempted suicide case on Wednesday.

Chief Judicial Magistrate of Imphal West Lamkhanpao Tonsing acquitted her of the charges under IPC section 309 (attempt to commit suicide) as she was on an indefinite hunger strike.

Sharmila was on a hunger strike for 16 years, demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Manipur and was force-fed during this period.

The 44-year-old activist was released on bail by the same CJM after she signed a Personal Recognition (PR) Bond on August 9.

She had ended her fast the same day.

After coming out of court on Wednesday, Sharmila told reporters that she would launch her political party this month itself to contest the Manipur Assembly election due for early next year.

She had declared in August that she wanted to become the chief minister so that she could repeal the contentious AFSPA in the state.

With PTI inputs
Udaipur: Rajasthan and Singapore on Thursday signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to jointly market the desert state as a global tourist destination and also provide advanced urban solutions.

Visiting Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Singapore`s Industry Minister S. Iswaran were present on the occasion.

Lee, who came to India on October 3, is on a visit to Udaipur on October 5-6.

"The tourism MOU with Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) will aggregate the city-state`s expertise through tripartite collaboration between the government, tourism institutions and industry partners to strengthen Rajasthan`s knowledge capabilities," a Rajasthan government statement said.

Besides, Rajasthan plans to utilise Singapore`s public and private sector proficiency in tourism development.

The second MoU with International Enterprise (IE) of Singapore focuses on enhancing Rajasthan`s international appeal and connectivity, facilitation of private sector participation to rejuvenate the state`s heritage areas and critical urban and smart solutions.

Singapore will also share its expertise in areas like inter-modal transport integration, waste management solutions and affordable wireless connection.

Later, a Centre of Excellence for Tourism Training (CETT) was inaugurated in Udaipur by Raje in the presence of the Singapore Prime Minister and other state and foreign dignitaries.

CETT, set up by the state government in collaboration with ITE Education Services of Singapore, aims to provide skill and vocational training in services related to travel and tourism.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa is continuing to improve but is currently under observation of a panel of doctors, the latest press release by Apollo Hospitals said on Thursday.

The AIIMS team, comprising Dr G Khilnani, Professor of Department of Pulmunology medicine, Dr Anjanthrika, Professor of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care and Dr Nithish Nayak, Professor of Department of Cardiology had yesterday held detailed deliberations on the treatment protocols provided to Jayalalithaa by the specialist team at the Apollo hospital, the hospital added.

"The expert team from AIIMS examined the Chief Minister and concurred with the present line of treatment being provided to Jayalalithaa," the release from Subbiah Viswanathan, Chief Operating Officer of Apollo hospital said.

"The expert team will be available till tomorrow even as the British specialist Dr Richard John Beale examined the AIADMK chief again today," he further said.

Based on the deliberations and clinical examination, the group of doctors from Apollo hospital have drawn up a detailed medical management plan, keeping in view Jayalalithaa's "known history of diabetes and winter bronchitis in inclement weather," the release said.

It said the present treatment regimen includes continued respiratory support, nebulisation, drugs to decongest the lungs, antibiotics, nutritions, general nursing care and supporting therapy.

She has been undergoing treatment at the hospital here since September 22.

The 68-year-old AIADMK leader was admitted after she complained of fever and dehydration.

Apollo Press Release about Puratchi Thalaivi Amma's health. pic.twitter.com/B5r1f8J1RS  AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) October 6, 2016

Meanwhile, observing that it should not be used for "political purposes", the Madras High Court today dismissed a PIL seeking a detailed report from the government on the health of Jayalalithaa.

When the PIL came up, the first bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul observed, "This forum should not be used for political purposes and it is a publicity interest litigation."

"The hospital is already issuing health bulletins. PIL is dismissed," the court said, as per PTI.

The petitioner "Traffic" Ramaswamy, a social activist, had submitted that the people of Tamil Nadu were eager to know about the health condition of Jayalalithaa.

The PIL also sought releasing of photographs of the meeting Jayalalithaa is said to have had with her cabinet colleagues and officials in the hospital.

On the other hand, people have been offering prayers for the Tamil Nadu CM's well being, outside Apollo Hospital in Chennai.

(Pic Courtesy - ANI - Few days back)
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, admitted at Apollo Hospitals since September 22, will now be examined by a three-member doctors team from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

According to reports, the three-member team -- pulmonologist GC Khilnani, cardiologist Nitish Naik, and anesthetist Anjan Trikha -- will examine the 68-year old AIADMK leader.

However, no such comment has come from the officials of Apollo Hospitals and the state government.

The AIIMS medical team comes after a British doctor Richard Beale, consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at Guy`s and St Thomas Hospital, London examined Jayalalithaa.

According to Apollo Hospitals, the treatment plan was based on detailed discussions with Beale.

The treatment plan included appropriate antibiotics, respiratory support and other allied clinical measures presently being continued to treat the infection.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on September 22 for fever and dehydration.

While Apollo Hospitals initially said Jayalalithaa was cured of fever, later it said she was being treated for infection. She was advised some more days stay in the hospital.

Observing that it should not be used for "political purposes", the Madras High Court today dismissed a PIL seeking a detailed report from the government on the health of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

When the PIL came up, the first bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul observed, "This forum should not be used for political purposes and it is a publicity interest litigation."

"The hospital is already issuing health bulletins. PIL is dismissed," the court said.

The petitioner "Traffic" Ramaswamy, a social activist, had submitted that the people of Tamil Nadu were eager to know about the health condition of Jayalalithaa.

(With Agency inputs)
Chennai: Three doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi are in Chennai to treat chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

As per The Times of India, there was no press release from the hospital or the government, but the news was confirmed by officials in the Union health ministry.

Pulmonologist Dr G C Khilnani, cardiologist Dr Nitish Nayak and anesthesiologist Dr Anjan Trikha are said to be the doctors who have gone to Tamil Nadu.

"Some left on Wednesday evening. We cannot say more at this point," an official was quoted as saying by the Daily.

The Tamil Nadu CM is undergoing treatment since September 22 at the Apollo Hospitals on Greams Road.

Meanwhile, observing that it should not be used for "political purposes", the Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL seeking a detailed report from the government on the health of Jayalalithaa.

When the PIL came up, the first bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul observed, "This forum should not be used for political purposes and it is a publicity interest litigation."

"The hospital is already issuing health bulletins. PIL is dismissed," the court said, as per PTI.

The petitioner "Traffic" Ramaswamy, a social activist, had submitted that the people of Tamil Nadu were eager to know about the health condition of Jayalalithaa.

The PIL also sought releasing of photographs of the meeting the Tamil Nadu CM is said to have had with her Cabinet colleagues and officials in the hospital.

The 68-year-old AIADMK leader was admitted to the Apollo Hospital after she complained of fever and dehydration.

(With Agency inputs)
Chennai: Observing that it should not be used for "political purposes", the Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL seeking a detailed report from the government on the health of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, undergoing treatment at a hospital here since September 22.

When the PIL came up, the first bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul observed, "This forum should not be used for political purposes and it is a publicity interest litigation."

"The hospital is already issuing health bulletins. PIL is dismissed," the court said.

The petitioner "Traffic" Ramaswamy, a social activist, had submitted that the people of Tamil Nadu were eager to know about the health condition of Jayalalithaa.

The PIL also sought to release of photographs of the meeting Jayalalithaa is said to have had with her cabinet colleagues and officials in the hospital.

The 68-year-old AIADMK leader was admitted to the Apollo Hospital after she complained of fever and dehydration.
[October 05, 2016] Ready Partners with The B.C. Restaurant & Food Services Association to Bring Fast Mobile Payments to B.C. Restaurants

VANCOUVER, Oct. 5, 2016 /CNW/ -- Ready App is pleased to announce our partnership with the the B.C. Restaurant & Food Services Association (BCRFA) to bring the mobile self-pay solution to member restaurants. Ready allows guests to view the bill and pay on their phone in 5 seconds or less. The receipt is saved on the phone and server gets notified as soon as the payment is completed  so guests can just walk out  whenever they are ready. In turn restaurants can serve more guests at peak hours due to increased table turnaround. As a result, servers earn more tips, but better yet servers have more time to focus on delighting guests. Win win win. "We are very excited about this partnership," said Zoran Kovacevic, the CEO of Ready. "B.C. is a world-class tourist destination renowned for a great service and a skilled hospitality workforce. Ready is designed to help restaurateurs stay relevant in the age of technology while boosting their profits and staff morale." BCRFA member restaurants that sign up by the end of the year will enjoy an exclusive member-only Ready promo package, which includes no intallation fees, free hardware lease, marketing budget, sponsored events, and more.



"We've evaluated several self-pay solutions and decided that Ready is the one that truly solves the pain point and eliminates the wait," said Ian Tostenson, BCRFA President. "We are confident that the Ready team will add value and provide a great service to our members." About BCRFA

The BCRFA is the largest and most progressive industry organization in British Columbia. We are a collective group of restaurant professionals devoted to the sole purpose of creating the most favourable business environment for our members.

As the voice of B.C. restaurants, we are dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our unique industry partners and restaurant members, providing valuable information and exclusive opportunities. Together, we help to improve business and achieve success. With more than 40 years experience, and with over 3,000 members, we continue to be the foremost resource for our industry. Visit www.bcrfa.com to learn more. About Ready

Ready is a subsidiary of iQmetrix Inc., Vancouver-based leading providers of retail management solutions for the North American retail industry. Founded in 1999, iQmetrix is a privately-held software as a service (SaaS) company with offices in Canada, the U.S. and Australia. Ready app is the smartest way to pay at restaurants. Review the bill on your phone, press pay and cruise on out. Keep all your dining receipts in one place. Skip the wait and enjoy an Uber-like payment experience in your favourite restaurants. Visit www.readytopay.com to learn more. Media Contacts: Lana Chunn

Communications Manager

iQmetrix

Phone: 866.476.3874 ext 8092

Email: [email protected] SOURCE Ready

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Beirut: At least 29 Syrian rebels were killed in a blast at a border crossing with Turkey on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Britain-based monitoring group said it was unclear what caused the blast at the Atme crossing between Turkey and the northern Syrian province of Idlib, adding that around 20 people had also been wounded.

Turkey`s state-run Anatolia news agency confirmed a deadly explosion had hit Atme, adding that it took place during a "change of guard" among Syrian rebels in the area.

The IS-linked Amaq news agency also reported the blast, saying it was a car bomb, without carrying any formal claim of responsibility.

Rebel fighters have been targeted at the crossing before. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a mid-August suicide attack there that killed at least 32.

The rebels killed on Thursday were among those participating in Turkey`s Operation Euphrates Shield in neighbouring Aleppo province.

Ankara began the unprecedented cross-border operation on August 24, saying it was targeting both IS and the Kurdish YPG militia which Turkey considers a "terrorist" group.

The operation has so far captured the IS stronghold of Jarabulus and is pushing towards the jihadist-held towns of Dabiq and Al-Bab.

Dabiq holds symbolic importance for IS because of a Sunni prophecy that states it will be the site of an end-of-times battle between Christian forces and Muslims.
Port-au-Prince: The Haitian authorities have postponed presidential and legislative elections originally set for Sunday because of the havoc caused by Hurricane Matthew, election officials said Wednesday.

The impoverished Caribbean nation`s last elections, in 2015, were canceled amid violence and massive fraud, leaving the country stranded in political limbo ever since.

The president of Haiti`s Provisional Electoral Council, Leopold Berlanger, said a new date for elections would be announced by next Wednesday at the latest, after talks between the various interested parties.

The authorities must first assess the damage caused by Matthew, which struck Haiti on Tuesday as a Category Four hurricane with 230-kilometer (145-mile) an hour winds, he said.

The death toll from the storm stands at 10 people, but a bridge collapse cut off the area hardest hit, making the scope of the disaster still unclear.

"In the southern region, we already know that many buildings have lost their roofs and some of them were going to be voting centers," Berlanger said.

Poll workers may be among the victims or those left homeless by the hurricane, he added.Haiti has been immersed in a political crisis since the first round of presidential elections held on October 25, 2015, drew opposition protests.

The election authorities concluded that there had been massive fraud and canceled the election results.

The two new polling dates had been fixed for October 9 and January 18, 2017.

The Organization of American States on Wednesday expressed support for Haiti`s decision to postpone the first round of voting, vowing to support "the Haitian democratic process."

"The OAS EOM will continue supporting the Haitian democratic process and will redeploy observers when the relevant authorities decide they are ready to hold elections," the chief of the OAS electoral observation mission, Juan Raul Ferreira, said in a statement.

Of the 54 candidates who took part in the presidential vote last year, 27 have confirmed they will participate in the election of a successor to Michel Martelly, who left office in February without a replacement.

Parliament had elected interim president Jocelerme Privert, but his 120-day mandate ended in June, leaving the country in a power vacuum yet again.

Amid the political turmoil, Haitians are grappling with chronic poverty and a number of major public health issues.

The Americas` poorest nation -- home to 11 million people -- has been struggling to recover from a devastating 2010 earthquake that has left thousands still living in tents.

Cholera has killed more than 10,000 people and affected some 700,000 since an outbreak in 2010, with 500 new cases reported every week.

Matthew now looms as another major hurdle to the restoration of constitutional order in Haiti.

"The electoral process is not interrupted," Berlanger said. "We are moving forward and working more intensively to deal with everything that needs to be done and also with these new problems."
Washington: US President Barack Obama on Thursday declared a federal state of emergency in Florida as Hurricane Matthew's powerful winds began to be felt along the state's southeast coast.

He ordered federal aid to supplement state and local efforts to deal with the devastating storm, authorizing the Homeland Security Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate disaster relief efforts.
Port-au-Prince: Hurricane Matthew has left at least 10 dead in Haiti, a toll that may climb as the authorities re-establish contact with regions cut off by the storm, the interior ministry said Wednesday.

The Caribbean`s worst storm in nearly a decade, Matthew pummeled Haiti with heavy rains and devastating winds that caused untold damage to the Americas` poorest nation.

"It`s a very partial toll because we are still receiving information we must take the time to confirm," interior ministry spokesman Guillaume Albert Moleon told AFP, adding that two people have been reported missing.

The tally may rise within hours if the authorities manage to regain contact with the department of Grande Anse after more than 18 hours of silence.

"We are very cautious, but can already see the situation seems very concerning," Moleon said, noting that 25 injuries and eight cases of cholera had also been reported.

Initial helicopter observations over the southwestern city of Jeremie found a number of severely damaged houses, major farmland destruction and intense flooding.

Emergency relief operations were hindered after the collapse of a bridge cut off the only road linking Port-au-Prince to the peninsula that makes up southern Haiti.

Overflowing rivers are complicating efforts to bypass the damage.
Miami: Some three million people on the US southeast coast faced urgent evacuation today as monstrous Hurricane Matthew -- now blamed for more than 100 deaths in Haiti alone -- bore down for a direct hit on Florida.

President Barack Obama declared a federal state of emergency in Florida, as highways there and in neighboring states clogged up with people streaming inland to escape the storm blasting its way through the Caribbean.

Officials warned the Category Four hurricane will be ferocious and dangerous: beach-eroding waves as tall as two story buildings and winds strong enough to snap trees and blow away roofs or entire houses.

Poor and vulnerable Haiti remained essentially cut in half two days after Matthew hit. Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph said at least 108 Haitians have died, with 50 killed in a single town in the south where the coastline was described as wrecked.

In its latest target, the storm slammed the Bahamas today, blowing off roofs, downing trees and knocking out power. Weather forecasters working out of Nassau airport had to flee for their lives.

A hotel employee in Nassau described the whole glass entrance of the building being blown in by fierce 100 mph (160 km) winds.

"You could see the wind was pushing it and pushing it, and it was shaking," said the woman, who asked not to be named. "I screamed out as it shattered in the lobby."

One resident living southeast of Nassau took to Facebook to plead for emergency rescue.

"Help!" Tamico Gilbert posted shortly before noon. "Water over bed now.

"I'm on a chest of drawers. Phone battery low."

Matthew was forecast to be very near or over the east central coast of Florida today night or early Friday.

As US gas stations ran dry, frantic shoppers flocked to stores for essentials.

They snapped up batteries, transistor radios, bread, canned goods, bottled water, ice, pet food, toilet paper and assorted supplies to gird for what Florida Governor Rick Scott warned would be a devastating, killer storm, with winds howling at up to 150 miles per hour (240 kph).

"Evacuate, evacuate, evacuate," Scott told a news conference. "Time is running out."

Matthew has regained strength as it approaches Florida and was upgraded a notch today to Category Four by the National Hurricane Center on its 1-5 scale.

Around 1.5 million coastal dwellers are under an evacuation order in Florida alone. More than a million others in South Carolina and other coastal states were also told to escape the path of the storm, which first made landfall in Haiti Tuesday.

Mandatory evacuations were also ordered in six coastal counties in Georgia that are home to some 520,000 people.
Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte`s popularity has soared during his first three months in office, an independent survey showed Thursday, in an apparent endorsement by Filipinos of his brutal crime war.

Defence ally the United States, the United Nations and the European Union have led global condemnation of Duterte`s unprecedented crime crackdown, which has left more than 3,000 people dead and raised fears of mass extrajudicial killings.

However, 76 percent of Filipinos polled by Social Weather Stations said they were "satisfied" with Duterte`s performance, with just 11 percent reporting being "dissatisfied" and the rest undecided.

"The president seems to be off on a very good start," his spokesman, Ernesto Abella, told reporters as he assessed the survey. "The people trust what he is doing."

The Manila-based polling group surveyed 1,200 adults nationwide from September 24-27, asking them simply about Duterte`s performance as president without reference to the drug war.

It signalled a huge jump in support from the May elections, which he won in what was considered a landslide but still with just 37.6 percent of the votes.

In the Philippines, the presidential election is decided simply by whoever gets the most votes, and his nearest rival secured 22.6 percent.

According to BusinessWorld, which published the Social Weather Stations survey, only one other president has enjoyed higher popularity ratings three months into their presidency since democracy was restored in 1986 following the fall of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

That president was Fidel Ramos, who ruled from 1992-1998 and is now one of Duterte`s chief allies.

Under the constitution that was re-written post-Marcos, presidents are only allowed to serve a single term of six years.Duterte, a provincial politician, stormed to victory largely on his pledge to eradicate crime in six months.

He promised that tens of thousands of people would be killed in his crime crackdown, and that he would pardon himself and police if they were charged with mass murder.

Since taking office on June 30, Duterte has continued his threats and incitements to kill, while unleashing abusive tirades at his critics.

Last week he said he would be "happy to slaughter" three million drug addicts, as he likened his crime war to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler`s efforts to exterminate Jews. Following an international outcry, Duterte apologised to Jewish people for his Hitler reference but insisted he was "emphatic" in his desire to kill all drug addicts.

But Duterte has also said he is not breaking any laws, insisting that police are killing only in self-defence and many of the other deaths are a result of gang violence.

He has rejected international criticism by calling US President Barack Obama a "son of a whore" and telling him to "go to hell", sticking his finger up while saying "fuck you" to the European Union and branding UN chief Ban Ki-moon a "fool".

Duterte has also threatened to break the Philippines` decades-old alliance with the United States, its former colonial ruler, because of Washington`s criticism over the crime war.

Obama has urged Duterte to respect the rule of law and fight crime "the right way".While abusing Obama, he has complained about a lack of respect from his US counterpart and said he now wants to forge much closer ties with China and Russia.

"Even if we do not agree with their ideology, they have respect for the people. Respect is important," Duterte said on Tuesday.

His foreign secretary, Perfecto Yasay, maintained the rage on Thursday with the release of a lengthy statement headlined: "America has failed us".

"The United States held on to invisible chains that reined us in towards dependency and submission as little brown brothers not capable of true independence and freedom," Yasay said.

"The `carrot and stick` policy of the US towards the Philippines has been effectively used all through the long years since our independence to force Filipinos into submission to American demands and interests."

Yasay said breaking the "shackling dependency" on the US to address various security threats was imperative if the Philippines was to end its subservience.
Former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres, nominated Thursday to be the next UN secretary-general, is a self-described man of action who earned his stripes as the world body`s refugee chief, tirelessly pressing rich nations to do more.

An engineer by training and fervent Catholic, Guterres, 67, fought unflaggingly for migrants` rights over a decade as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.

He repeatedly warned that millions of refugees fleeing conflict in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere would turn to Europe if nations such as Turkey and Jordan did not receive more help to cope with their refugee populations.

Wealthy countries had to take in more, he said.

"When people say they cannot receive Syrian refugees because they are Muslims, those that say it are supporting terrorist organisations and allowing them to be much more effective in recruiting people," he said in December just before he stepped down as UN refugee chief.

Guterres` two terms at the helm of the UN agency were also marked by a reform of its internal structures which reduced the number of staff at its Geneva headquarters by a third.

The overhaul boosted the agency`s capacity to respond to international crisis by deploying more staff closer to hotspots.

Former Portuguese president Anibal Cavaco Silva said earlier this year that Guterres had "left a legacy" at the refugee agency "that means today he is a respected voice and all the world listens to him."

Guterres vowed Thursday to serve "the most vulnerable" when he takes up the post, such as "the victims of conflict, of terrorism".Frequently also touted as a possible candidate for president of Portugal, the Socialist Guterres said he has declined to run because he would rather "play ball" than be "a referee".

"I like action, being on the ground, I like things that force me to permanently intervene," he added in an interview with Portuguese public television RTP in January.

Born in Lisbon on April 30, 1949, Guterres joined Portugal`s Socialist party following the country`s 1974 "Carnation revolution" which put an end to nearly five decades of dictatorship.

Elected a lawmaker in 1976 in Portugal`s first democratic election following the revolution, Guterres quickly earned a reputation as a gifted orator.

Fluent in English, French and Spanish in addition to Portuguese, in 1992 he became secretary general of the Socialist party, in opposition at the time.

Guterres, who has greying hair and a discreet smile, led the party to victory in the next general election in 1995, becoming prime minister.

Portugal was undergoing rapid economic growth at the time and enjoying nearly full employment, which allowed Guterres to set up a guaranteed minimum income, one of his government`s flagship measures.

Staunchly pro-EU, Guterres made meeting the criteria for membership in the euro single currency area a priority and Portugal was among the 11 nations that adopted the common currency when it was launched in 1999.

On his watch the Socialists were re-elected in 1999.His detractors blame him for contributing to the victory of the "no" side in a 1998 referendum on a proposal to liberalise Portugal`s strict law against abortion.

Guterres allowed the referendum but publicly opposed the law being changed.

When East Timor, a former Portuguese colony, erupted into violence in 1999 after the territory voted in a referendum in favour of independence from Indonesia, Guterres led diplomatic efforts to convince the United Nations to intervene to restore peace.

His stewardship of Portugal`s turn at the helm of the rotating presidency of the European Union during the first half of 2000 was considered a success.

Lisbon hosted the first EU-Africa summit and the European Commission adopted the so-called Lisbon Agenda which aimed to make the EU the "most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy" by 2010.

His popularity in Portugal, however, waned during this time as the economy slowed.

Guterres resigned after the Socialists took a drubbing in local elections in late 2001, saying he wanted to prevent the country from falling into a "political swamp".

He also abandoned Portuguese politics to focus on a diplomatic career abroad.

Guterres became a widower in 1998. He remarried three years later. He has two children by his first wife.
District of Columbia: The southern US state of Texas on Wednesday executed an inmate sentenced to death for murder, amid a nationwide decline in the use of capital punishment.

The authorities carried out the scheduled execution of Barney Fuller, 58, after he dropped all appeals and asked to be put to death for murdering his neighbors 13 years ago.

"I don`t have anything to say, you can proceed Warden Jones," Fuller said in his last statement before Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials administered a lethal injection -- the state`s first execution in six months.

Fuller was pronounced deceased at 7:01 pm (2401 GMT), becoming the 16th prisoner to be executed in the United States this year. He is the 143rd death-row inmate to "volunteer" for execution since 1977, according to the Death Penalty Information Center website.

Fuller was convicted for the grisly murders of his neighbors, Nathan and Annette Copeland, in May 2003.

Texas has the busiest death chamber in the nation, although the state`s use of capital punishment has also significantly declined.

The United States executed 28 inmates in 2015, the lowest figure in 24 years and far from the high of 98 executed in 1999.

Forty-nine percent of Americans still support capital punishment for people convicted of murder, versus 42 percent who are opposed, according to the Pew Research Center.

But a majority (51 percent) of Americans aged 18 to 29 say they are against the death penalty.

Opponents of capital punishment say it will become even more rare if Democrat Hillary Clinton wins the White House in November and nominates a liberal justice to fill a vacancy on the divided Supreme Court.
District of Columbia: The US Supreme Court on Wednesday appeared receptive to defense arguments that a 53-year-old death row inmate was sentenced to die two decades ago because he is African American.

Incarcerated in Texas, Duane Buck could be executed due to a conviction based in part on a psychologist`s testimony in the 1997 trial that he presented a higher risk of committing violent crimes because he was black.

Buck is appealing the death sentence, although his guilt is not at issue -- he was convicted of the brutal 1995 shooting deaths of his former lover and the man who was with her.

"This is a... very unusual case, and what occurred at the penalty phase of this trial is indefensible," said Samuel Alito, one of the eight Supreme Court justices hearing the case.

Several other justices expressed surprise that the state of Texas continues to refuse Buck`s requests for a new trial.

"Is there some good reason why this person shouldn`t have been able to reopen his case?" said Stephen Breyer, pushing the lawyer representing Texas.

The Supreme Court`s hearing of the case Wednesday comes amid an intense national debate over racism in law enforcement after a wave of police killings of black suspects.

Sentenced in Texas`s Harris County, where nine percent of all US executions occur, a record in the country, Buck has become another symbol of a judicial system seen as tinged with racial bias.Buck`s defense lawyers included Christina Swarns of the NAACP, the nation`s leading black civil-rights group, whose appearance Wednesday before the highest US court was in itself something of an event.

It is rare for an African-American attorney, and a woman at that, to present oral arguments to the justices -- of whom only one is African American.

"It is impossible to un-ring the bell," Swarns said of Buck`s case -- and the "explicit appeal to racial bias" that she said factored into his conviction.

According to Texas law, Swarns noted, a person can only be condemned to die if the prosecutor can prove he or she represents a future danger to society.

The testimony of psychologist Walter Quijano, who claimed that Buck was a high risk for recidivism because he was black, "put the thumb heavily on the death scale," she said.

Her adversary, Texas Solicitor General Scott Keller, focused his arguments on the fact that the psychologist had been presented as a witness by Buck`s defense lawyer himself.

"In the context of a prosecutor offering the testimony and using it as an aggravator, that would be an equal protection and due process violation," Keller said, pointing out the state was not responsible for errors committed by Buck`s attorney.

But Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg took issue with that.

"I don`t know why it should make a difference that the petitioner`s counsel introduced this evidence. This evidence, everyone agrees, should not have -- not have come in," Ginsburg said.

At the time of his conviction, Buck was represented by two court-appointed lawyers. One of them, Jerry Guerinot, had won no acquittals over the course of his career and had no fewer than 20 clients who were sentenced to death.

The Supreme Court`s decision on the Buck appeal will come during its annual session that began Monday and will end in late June 2017.
Beirut: The UN`s Syria envoy Thursday warned east Aleppo faces total destruction, as government forces made their biggest gains in years against rebels inside the opposition-held part of the battleground city.

Staffan de Mistura said eastern Aleppo could be "totally destroyed" by year`s end, and called on the government to halt strikes if jihadist fighters left the city, even offering to escort them out himself.

The envoy said eastern Aleppo risked joining the ranks of the 20th century`s worst tragedies including the Srebrenica massacre and the Rwandan genocide.20th century`s worst tragedies including the Srebrenica massacre and the Rwandan genocide.

His plea comes two weeks into an all-out government assault on opposition parts of Aleppo following the collapse of a short-lived truce negotiated by Russia and the United States.

President Bashar al-Assad, meanwhile, warned rebels in Aleppo that unless they agreed to a deal with the government, his forces would have "no option" but to expel them from the city.

Assad told Danish broadcaster TV2 the "best option" for Aleppo would be "reconciliations (like) in other areas" where rebels had agreed to local truces with the regime.

Loyalists have made significant advances in the Bustan al-Basha district near the centre of Aleppo, divided between government fighters in the west and rebels in the east, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said it was the biggest and most significant advance inside the city since 2013.

The offensive by Assad`s forces has seen rebel-held areas pounded relentlessly with air strikes, barrel bombs and artillery fire that the Observatory says have killed more than 270 people.On Wednesday the army said in a surprise announcement it would reduce its bombardment "to allow civilians who want to leave to reach safe areas".

"Anyone who does not take advantage of the opportunity to lay down their arms or leave will meet their inevitable fate," it said.

The Observatory reported fewer air strikes but heavy clashes on several fronts including Bustan al-Basha on Thursday, with the army now controlling key vantage points and half the neighbourhood.

Regime forces also seized buildings on the edges of the nearby Sakhur district, it added.

State news agency SANA said at least eight people were killed and dozens wounded in rebel rocket fire on the government-controlled district of Al-Jamiliyah.

Analysts dismissed the army announcement.

"The regime and its allies have made a decision to conquer as much of eastern Aleppo as possible and they`re moving ahead on that," said Emile Hokayem, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

"I think such announcements are actually marginal. They are a PR gimmick."

Syria expert Thomas Pierret said the move could be intended to undercut growing international pressure for action over the plight of civilians in east Aleppo.

The bombardment has damaged or destroyed several hospitals, including the largest facility serving the more than 250,000 remaining residents, who have been under near-continuous siege since mid-July.

"A temporary halt or reduction of bombings could prevent interventionists from gaining further influence," said Pierret, a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. Washington said this week it was suspending talks with Moscow on Syria over Russia`s involvement in the Aleppo assault.

But the US acknowledged Secretary of State John Kerry had called his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss Syria despite the announcement.

Moscow blames Washington for the truce`s collapse and has shown no signs of easing its support for Assad.

Speaking in Geneva, De Mistura warned the ongoing assault would have dire consequences.

"In maximum two months, two-and-a-half months the city of eastern Aleppo may be totally destroyed", he told reporters.

He urged fighters from the former Al-Nusra Front, now known as Fateh al-Sham Front after breaking with Al-Qaeda, to leave Aleppo under a deal to halt the regime`s attack on the city.

"If you decide to leave with dignity... I am personally ready to physically accompany you," said the envoy.

Russia said it was "ready to work" on a French-drafted UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Aleppo.

Officials and diplomats said President Barack Obama was considering fresh sanctions that could claw deeper into the regime and target its Russian backers.

More than 300,000 people have been killed since the conflict began with fierce repression of anti-government protests in March 2011.

It has since evolved into a complex multi-front war that has drawn in regional and international forces including, most recently, Turkey.

Ankara launched an offensive on August 24, saying its forces and allied rebels would fight both the Islamic State group and Kurdish militia in northern Syria.

Thursday, at least 29 rebels involved in Ankara`s operation were killed in a blast claimed by IS at the Atme border crossing with Turkey, the Observatory said.
[October 05, 2016] Hurricane Matthew Devastates Haiti; Red Cross Gets Ready for Massive Relief Operation along East Coast

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As predicted, Hurricane Matthew devastated the entire southern region of Haiti overnight with wind damage, flooding, houses which have been destroyed or washed away, landslides, power outages, and crop losses. While the southern edge of the storm is still in Haiti, affecting the northern part of the country, the 200-strong in-country American Red Cross staff and its Haitian partners are conducting initial damage assessments today to begin emergency response efforts and distributions. IT/Telecommunications equipment is being mobilized to further support overall communication and coordination in country, and emergency relief supplies, including hygiene kits, kitchen kits, and cholera kits are being delivered to vulnerable locations in the north and south. In the United States, the American Red Cross is preparing a large multi-state response to help people in the path of Hurricane Matthew as the storm heads toward the southeast coast. The Red Cross has shelters, more than 500 disaster workers and 90 response vehicles standing by in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. In Florida, the Red Cross is prepared to open or support as many as 100 evacuation shelters and has more than 30 emergency response vehicles standing by. In South Carolina, the Red Cross plans to open or support 19 evacuation shelters today, and dozens of additional shelters are ready to open in Georgia and North Carolina, as needed. The Red Cross has also prepositioned 30 trailer loads of sheltering supplies, ready-to-eat meals as well as clean-up kits and comfort kits containing personal hygiene items. "We're preparing for a large response across several states, opening dozens of shelters to make sure people have a safe place to stay and food to eat as Hurricane Matthew marches northward," said Brad Kieserman, vice president, Disaster Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. "This is a dangerous storm, the most powerful Atlantic hurricane since Felix in 2007. As the Red Cross gets ready, we urge people who may live in the path of this storm to make their own preparations now. It's critical that coastal residents pay close attention to the forecast and listen to their local authorities, as even a small shift in the storm could have a significant impact." The Red Cross is also working in close collaboration with government officials and community partners to coordinate preparedness activities and potential response efforts. DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP Everyone should download the Red Cross Emergency App to have safety information available on their mobile device, including emergency weather alerts, safety information and shelter locations. Red Cross apps are available in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps. HAVE A DISASTER KIT Include a gallon of water per person - enough for three days, a three-day supply of non-perishable food, family and emergency contact information, copies of important papers and a map of the area. More details on what to include are available here.



HURRICANE SAFETY People living in the path of the hurricane should listen to local officials and obey any evacuation orders. Other safety steps include: Know your evacuation route.

Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind.

Close doors, windows and hurricane shutters. If someone doesn't have shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.

Fill the car's gas tank.

Avoid flooded roads and bridges. Turn around, don't drown. PLEASE GIVE BLOOD Hurricane Matthew has already forced the cancellation of about a dozen Red Cross blood drives in South Carolina resulting in approximately 570 donations going uncollected. Dozens more blood drive cancellations are possible along the East Coast depending on the path and impact of the storm.

In addition to blood drive cancellations, the Red Cross is also at risk of being unable to collect more than 100 platelet donations if donation centers are forced to close over the next few days. Platelets, a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, must be transfused within five days of donation and, therefore, are always in demand. The Red Cross has sent additional blood products to areas likely to be impacted by the storm and will send more as needed to ensure patient needs continue to be met. The Red Cross encourages eligible donors in parts of the country unaffected by the storm to please give blood or platelets to help ensure we have a readily available blood supply for patients in need. Even before the threat of Hurricane Matthew, there was an urgent need for donors of all blood types, especially type O. Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). MAKE A DONATION The work of the American Red Cross starts long before a hurricane makes landfall in the United States. For example, we have warehouses stocked with disaster relief supplies, thousands of trained workers, and more than 320 mobile response vehicles on standby year-round to be ready to help people in need. If we didn't maintain these resources 24/7, we couldn't get help to people in a timely fashionbut we depend on donations from the American public to be ready. Help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, floods and countless other crises by making a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small across the United States. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. CORPORATIONS HELP The generous donations from members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) and the Disaster Responder Program enable the American Red Cross to prepare communities for disasters big and small, respond whenever and wherever disasters occur and help families during the recovery process. ADGP $1 Million members are: American Airlines; Anheuser-Busch Foundation; Anthem Foundation; Boise Paper; Caterpillar Foundation; Costco Wholesale; Delta Air Lines; Disney; Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation; FedEx; The Home Depot Foundation; Humble Bundle; LDS Charities; Lowe's Companies, Inc.; Mazda North American Operations; Merck Foundation; Nationwide Foundation; State Farm; Target; UPS; VSP? Vision care for life; Walmart and the Walmart Foundation; and The Wawa Foundation. ADGP $500,000 members are: 3M; Altria Group; American Express; Aon; Bank of America; Capital One; Cisco Foundation; Citi Foundation; Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation; Discover; Edison International; Farmers Insurance; Ford Motor Company; Grainger; John Deere Foundation; Johnson Controls; Medtronic; Meijer; Mondelez International Foundation; National Grid; PepsiCo Foundation; Procter & Gamble Company; Prudential Foundation; Ryder; Southwest Airlines; Sprint; Sunoco; The TJX Companies, Inc.; United Airlines; United Technologies Corporation; Visa; and Wells Fargo. Disaster Responder Program members are: Alcoa; Almost Family; Astellas USA Foundation; AT&T; AvalonBay Communities, Inc.; AXA; Ball Foundation; BNY Mellon; CarMax; The Clorox Company; Cox Automotive; DTE Energy Foundation; Duke Energy; Entergy Corporation; General Motors Foundation; Harbor Freight Tools; Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation; Hi-Rez Studios; HP Foundation; IBM Corporation; IKEA; Ingersoll Rand Foundation; Interstate All Battery Center; Land O'Lakes, Inc.; MetLife Foundation; Morgan Stanley; Neiman Marcus Group; New Balance Foundation; Northrop Grumman Corporation; Northwestern Mutual and the Northwestern Mutual Foundation; PSEG Foundation; PuroClean Disaster Recovery; Red Heart Yarns; SC Johnson; ScriptRelief; Sealed Air; SERVPRO; Southeastern Grocers Home of BI-LO Harveys Winn Dixie; T O Y O T A; The USAA Foundation; U.S. Bank; and U-Haul International. About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090108/RedCrossLOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hurricane-matthew-devastates-haiti-red-cross-gets-ready-for-massive-relief-operation-along-east-coast-300340013.html SOURCE American Red Cross

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Geneva: The UN`s Syria envoy on Thursday made an impassioned appeal to save eastern Aleppo, warning the city faced total destruction and urging Islamist fighters to leave so civilians can get aid.

"In maximum two months, two and half months the city of eastern Aleppo may be totally destroyed", Staffan de Mistura told reporters in Geneva.

The rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo has been hammered by a Russian-backed government offensive, including multiple attacks on hospitals.

De Mistura noted that the presence of Al-Nusra fighters in the city has been used as a justification by Moscow and Damascus for the continued assault.

The former Al-Nusra Front has recently changed its name to Fateh al-Sham Front following a break with Al-Qaeda, but many still see the two groups as tied.

"Can you please look at my eyes", de Mistura said in a direct appeal to Nusra leaders, before pleading with them to quit Aleppo.

"If you decide to leave with dignity... I am personally ready to physically accompany you," the UN envoy said.

The UN estimates that 275,000 civilians are under siege in east Aleppo, with aid deliveries all but impossible since government forces seized the last supply route in July.
United Nations: The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Friday on Syria after a UN envoy warned that eastern Aleppo may be totally destroyed in the next few months by the Russian and Syrian air campaign.

Russia requested the meeting to hear from UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, who will brief the council via videoconference from Geneva at 1400 GMT, diplomats said.

De Mistura earlier took aim at Russia, suggesting that Moscow was indiscriminately bombing a city with hundreds of thousands of civilians to flush out just a few hundred jihadists.

"We are talking about 900 people, basically, who are becoming the main reason for which there is 275,000 people actually being attacked," said de Mistura.

Would this, he asked, be the excuse for "the destruction of the city?"

"In maximum two months, two-and-a-half months, the city of eastern Aleppo may be totally destroyed," he told reporters.

The envoy urged fighters from the former Al-Nusra Front -- which renamed itself Fateh al-Sham Front after breaking with Al-Qaeda -- to leave Aleppo under a deal to halt the regime's attacks on the city.

"If you decide to leave with dignity... I am personally ready to physically accompany you," he said.

Security Council members were discussing a French-drafted UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Aleppo.

After holding talks in Moscow on the proposal, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault will head to Washington on Friday to discuss the measure, which calls for ending all flights over Aleppo.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters that "we have a strong determination to go to a vote" on the draft resolution, which could lead Russia to use its veto power as a permanent member of the council.
[October 05, 2016] Fitch Affirms Advocate Health Care's (IL) Short-Term Rating at 'F1+'

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the Short-Term Ratings at 'F1+' on the following Illinois Finance Authority bonds based upon self-liquidity provided by Advocate: --$21.975 million put bonds series 2008C-3B; --$70 million variable rate demand bonds (windows mode) series 2011B. In addition, Fitch has withdrawn the 'F1+' rating on the following Illinois Health Facilities Authority bonds as they have been remarketed to maturity: --$17.4 million put bonds series 2003A; --$16.7 million put bonds series 2003C. KEY RATING DRIVERS SOLID CREDIT PROFILE: Fitch rates Advocate's long-term obligations at 'AA'/Stable Outlook. The Long-Term Rating reflects Advocate's light debt burden, ample liquidity solid market position, and strong clinical integration. The organization's coverage continues to be strong due to its moderate debt burden. LIQUID RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR UNREMARKETED PUTS: The 'F1+' rating reflects the adequacy of Advocate's eligible cash, investments, and dedicated lines of credit to fund any un-remarketed puts on its variable rate demand bonds. Such resources include cash; highly liquid, highly rated investments; and dedicated bank liquidity facilities. Investments are discounted based on Fitch's criteria. At June 30, 2016 Advocate maintained highly liquid resources to cover maximum mandatory put exposure on any given date in excess of Fitch's criteria of 1.25x. RATING SENSITIVITIES MAINTENANCE OF ADEQUATE LIQUIDITY: Fitch expects Advocate to maintain adequate internal liquid resources to cover its total put exposure in excess of 1.25x to maintain the Short-Term 'F1+' Rating. CREDIT PROFILE Advocate is an integrated health care system serving the Chicago metropolitan area and central Illinois. The system includes 12 acute care hospitals and a children's hospital (totaling approximately 3,600 licensed beds), several large physician groups, primary and specialty physician services, home health, hospice care, and outpatient centers serving the Chicago metropolitan area and central Illinois. Total revenues in fiscal 2015 (Dec. 31 fiscal year end) were $5.4 billion. Fitch's analysis is based on the consolidated system. The obligated group consists of Advocate Health Care Network Corp, Advocate Health and Hospitals, Advocate North Side Health Network, Advocate Condell Medical Center, and Advocate Sherman Hospital. As of Dec. 31, 2015 the obligated group represented approximately 92% of consolidated assets and 94% of total operating revenues of the consolidated system. Advocate and NorthShore University Health System (not rated by Fitch) signed a definitive affiliation agreement in Sept. 2014 to merge, which Fitch views positively as the merger would likely support further operating efficiencies across the organization. Fitch will assess any rating impact if and when the transaction finalizes. 'F1+' SHORT-TERM LIQUIDITY RATING The 'F1+' rating reflects the adequacy of Advocate's eligible cash, investments, and dedicated lines of credit to fund any un-remarketed puts on the $92 million of variable rate demand bonds supported by self-liquidity. Advocate's eligible liquid resources available to its maximum tender exposure in any given week exceeds Fitch's 'F1+' threshold of 1.25x. Fitch received a written internal procedures letter from the organization, which outlines internal policies to meet any funding requirements. For more information on Advocate Health Care, see Fitch's press release 'Fitch Rates Advocate Health Care's (IL) Series 2015B Revs 'AA'; Outlook Stable' dated Oct. 9, 2015 available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. Applicable Criteria Rating U.S. Public Finance Short-Term Debt (pub. 17 Nov 2015) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/873508 Revenue-Supported Rating Criteria (pub. 16 Jun 2014) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/750012



U.S. Nonprofit Hospitals and Health Systems Rating Criteria (pub. 09 Jun 2015) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/866807

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[October 06, 2016] Black Hat Europe 2016 Releases Full Schedule and Robust Demo Lineup for Upcoming Event in London



Register for the World's Leading Information Security Event by October 28 and Save 200 on Briefings Pass

More than 30 Live Tools and Demos Open to Attendees  Largest Lineup to Date SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Today, Black Hat, the world's leading family of information security events, highlights the full schedule for Black Hat Europe 2016. The week will kick off with nine deeply technical and hands-on Trainings, followed by more than 40 unique Briefings on stage covering the very latest attack and defense research pulled from around the globe. Attendees will also have access to more than 30 live tools and demos from the open source community, as well as a packed Business Hall featuring the industry's top solution providers and start-ups. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415737 Black Hat Europe 2016 will run November 1-4 at the Business Design Centre, in London, England. For more information and to start building your onsite schedule, please visit blackhat.com/eu-16/. Can't Miss Highlights Onsite: Black Hat Trainings (Tuesday and Wednesday, November 1-2 ) : Kicking off the week, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in any of the nine deeply technical and hands-on Training sessions offered at Black Hat Europe 2016. These separate Trainings cover everything from offensive and defensive enterprise hacking tactics to infrastructure and SCADA system exploits, incident response and even a beginners course for those new to the field  to name a few! For more information and to save 300 on your selected course(s) by October 28 , visit: blackhat.com/eu-16/training/index.html

Kicking off the week, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in any of the nine deeply technical and hands-on Training sessions offered at Black Hat Europe 2016. These separate Trainings cover everything from offensive and defensive enterprise hacking tactics to infrastructure and SCADA system exploits, incident response and even a beginners course for those new to the field  to name a few! Black Hat Briefings (Thursday and Friday, November 3-4 ) : The infamous Black Hat Briefings  the main talks - are packed with the very latest InfoSec research the industry has to offer. This year, the brightest regional and international minds will expose vulnerabilities and remediation techniques on everything from mobile and popular operating systems, to smart grid and SCADA, Internet of Things and even automobiles. To see the full lineup of Briefings announced so far, visit: blackhat.com/eu-16/briefings/schedule/index.html .

The infamous Black Hat Briefings  the main talks - are packed with the very latest InfoSec research the industry has to offer. This year, the brightest regional and international minds will expose vulnerabilities and remediation techniques on everything from mobile and popular operating systems, to smart grid and SCADA, Internet of Things and even automobiles. Black Hat Locknote ( Friday, November 4 ): At the close of this year's conference, join Black Hat Founder Jeff Moss and members of the esteemed Black Hat Review Board for an insightful conversation on the most pressing issues facing the InfoSec community. This Locknote will feature a candid discussion on the key takeaways coming out of Black Hat Europe and how these trends will impact future InfoSec strategies.

At the close of this year's conference, join Black Hat Founder and members of the esteemed Black Hat Review Board for an insightful conversation on the most pressing issues facing the InfoSec community. This Locknote will feature a candid discussion on the key takeaways coming out of Black Hat Europe and how these trends will impact future InfoSec strategies. Black Hat Arsenal (Thursday and Friday, November 3-4 ): Headed to London with the largest lineup to date, this open source tool and demo area in the Business Hall boasts a solid list of researchers ready to show off their latest works live. From crypto ransomware attacks and iOS penetration testing, to complete exploit packs and Android malware  the Arsenal is packed with live tools of all kinds. For the full demo lineup, visit: blackhat.com/eu-16/arsenal.html .

Headed to with the largest lineup to date, this open source tool and demo area in the Business Hall boasts a solid list of researchers ready to show off their latest works live. From crypto ransomware attacks and iOS penetration testing, to complete exploit packs and Android malware  the Arsenal is packed with live tools of all kinds. Expanded Black Hat Business Hall (Thursday and Friday, November 3-4 ): This year, the Black Hat Europe Business Hall will feature more of the industry's top solution providers than ever before, showcasing their latest technologies and innovative products. Attendees will have access to expanded learning, career and networking opportunities for 2016. Additionally, back by popular demand, renowned security site, Dark Reading, will be presenting two separate tracks of content for attendees including: Current Threats and Careers. For more information on the happenings of the Business Hall and Black Europe 2016 sponsors, visit: blackhat.com/eu-16/business-hall.html.



Top Sponsors of Black Hat Europe 2016 include : Diamond Sponsors: Cylance, Navigant, Qualys and Raytheon Foreground Security; Platinum Sponsors: BooleBox, iboss Cybersecurity, NCC Group, Palo Alto Networks, SentinelOne, and Tenable Network Security, For more information on sponsorship opportunities as well as the full list of exhibiting companies, visit: blackhat.com/eu-16/business-hall.html. Future Black Hat Dates and Events

Black Hat Europe 2016, Business Design Centre, London, England, November 1-4, 2016

Business Design Centre, London, England, November 1-4, 2016 Black Hat Asia 2017, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, March 28-31, 2017

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, March 28-31, 2017 Black Hat USA 2017, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV , July 22-27, 2017 About Black Hat

For more than 19 years, Black Hat has provided attendees with the very latest in information security research, development, and trends. These high-profile global events and trainings are driven by the needs of the security community, striving to bring together the best minds in the industry. Black Hat inspires professionals at all career levels, encouraging growth and collaboration among academia, world-class researchers, and leaders in the public and private sectors. Black Hat Briefings and Trainings are held annually in the United States, Europe and Asia. More information is available at: blackhat.com. Black Hat is organized by UBM Americas, a part of UBM plc (UBM.L), an Events First marketing and communications services business. For more information, visit ubmamericas.com.



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As the next agricultural revolution unfolds, an increasing number of investors are stepping up to fund it. As recently as six years ago, only three investment funds were dedicated to investing in agriculture technology innovation. Today, there are 13 dedicated to the sector and many more investing as part of a broader portfolio. Here is a deep dive into how the key players emerged, the broader investor base, and what needs to happen from a funding standpoint to continue to grow successful agtech companies.

Entrepreneurs from a wide range of disciplines are innovating at a pace never seen before in the industry. The last time the agriculture industry took strides like this was the green revolution of the 1930s to 1960s, which followed the advent of machinery on the farm in the mid-1880s.

Today, a wide swath of technologies like robotics, mobile, imagery, and sensors are emerging at the same time as breakthrough science in genetics and microbes, all hoping to disrupt the status quo, and bring agriculture into a new age.

As in any industry, innovation is expensive and there is an ecosystem of investors coming together to support the startup businesses that are bringing these new technologies to the market.

These investors can be split into a few categories: agritech-focused funds, strategic venture arms, sovereign wealth funds, impact investors, mainstream tech VCs, high net worth individuals, and early-stage resources such as accelerators.

The number of unique investors supporting the industry has continued to accelerate. During the first half of 2016, 425 individual investors took part in agtech venture rounds, a 52% increase on the first half of 2015, according to AgFunder data.

Its promising that the industry is attracting new capital, but there is still some way to go for the ecosystem to be self-sustaining. Heres a look at the evolution of the funding landscape and some ideas on the next best moves for the funding industry to take to support the next agricultural revolution.

Agritech venture capital: a brief history

The first main wave of agritech funds launched in 2006 and by our count, today there are now 13 core firms that have raised funds totaling $1 billion. Even in such a small group, they are spread across Canada, US, Europe, Israel and India, and not all of the funds to-date have focused exclusively on food and agriculture, some have emerged from life sciences or healthcare funds.

The first agriculture venture capital funds focused on biotech, with agriculture as one of the sectors served. These were Canada-based Avrio Capital, which raised a $75 million fund, and California-based Finistere Ventures, which raised a smaller fund of $32 million.

One of the only other agritech funds to launch before 2011 was Cultivian Ventures, started by ex-Dow AgroSciences veteran Ron Meeusen and life science veteran Andy Ziolkowski, which closed a $34m fund in 2008. It was pretty lonely out there for a while, says Cultivians Ron Meeusen.

Then change happened. Between 2011 and 2015, seven new firms entered the space globally and three firms raised follow-on funds, including Cultivians Fund II, which closed on $114 million. So far in 2016 alone, there has been a wave of fundraising activity, with three firms announcing fund closures: Anterra Capital closed its first fund on $125 million, which is the largest agritech fund on record (alongside S2G Ventures); Avrios third fund closed on $110 million, and alternative protein-focused New Crop Capital closed on $25 million. In addition, Pontifax Food and Agriculture Technology Fund (Pontifax AgTech) announced the first close of its growth fund targeting $200 million; Finistere held the first close on its second fund; and we at AgFunder are launching a new agritech fund, initially targeting $20m.

Outside of the US, China-based Tsing Capital announced plans to raise a $500 million food and agritech fund focused on Australia, and India-based Omnivore Partners is raising its second fund later this year targeting $70 million. There are others on the US agritech scene that are focused on food but have an overlap with ag, such as the newly-launched Powerplant Ventures.

In addition to the increasing number of dedicated, agritech-focused investors in recent months, weve witnessed the launch of at least 12 new accelerator programs with a focus on the sector.

All of this excludes funding activity by governments, corporates and corporate venture arms, private-public partnerships, and smaller regional funds.

Who is backing agritech VC funds?

The funds investors  their limited partners (LPs)  are largely from the agriculture industry, and including large agribusinesses looking to augment their research & development departments via venture capital. Families with links to agriculture and those with impact and sustainability agendas have also invested.

Two of the earliest agritech firms  Cultivian Ventures and Finistere Ventures  were backed by Monsanto and Bayer, respectively, as those agribusinesses first forays into the startup space. Anterra Capitals LPs are Rabobank and Eight Roads  part of the Fidelity Group  and Middleland Capital and Closed Loop Capital are both backed by family offices.

Some of these large strategics went ahead and created their own in-house corporate venturing arms, straddling the line between corporate and VC and creating another investor category for the next agriculture revolution (see below).

To date, few of the agritech funds have raised funding from the more mainstream pension funds and large institutional LPs that are still on the sidelines looking in. These larger LPs are typically more conservative in nature and often dont invest in new or emerging managers, or new sectors.

Strategic players are investing in the agricultural revolution

Syngenta was the first to launch a corporate venturing arm, dating back to 2006, with Monsanto joining in 2011 with the creation of Monsanto Growth Ventures (MGV). MGV and Syngenta Ventures are by far the most active, but their peers BASF, DuPont, and Bayer have started agritech investing initiatives too.

Smaller agriculture companies are also joining the ecosystem either by making investments into these managed funds, through their own dedicated corporate venture arms or through direct investments. The Andersons, for example, created Maumee Ventures in 2015 and ag-retail firm Wilbur-Ellis is now creating a corporate venturing arm called Cavallo Ventures. Food companies are also joining the fray, such as Campbells Soup, which recently invested in Acre Venture Partners as its sole LP. The motivation and priorities of these corporate venturing arms often differ from independent venture firms, not least in the time frame they have to hold investments and their thematic focus.

Impact investors have large potential

Some impact investors have played a role in funding the sector, namely the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which last year invested in AgBiome but is also partnering with the biological inputs company on further research. Some of the agritech VCs call themselves impact funds, such as Closed Loop Capital and Omnivore Partners. There are new impact-focused food and agritech funds launching in the near future as there is clear potential for agriculture technology to positively impact environmental issues  such as water and soil degradation  and also have a social benefit particularly in developing nations where agriculture employs a much larger portion of the workforce. There is big potential for impact investors to play a larger role in supporting the next agricultural revolution, and we expect to see this part of the investor universe grow.

Mainstream investors are some of agritechs most established investors

Mainstream investors have supported the agritech sector through direct investment from the beginning. This support can be sporadic, however, which casts some concern on how reliable a funding source they are.

In 2010, the Wall Street Journal reported 11 agritech deals closed in 2009 up from 5 in 2000, giving the sector an average of 6 deals per year over that time frame. With very few agritech VCs in the market, it was a broader array of investors funding these deals, from venture capital funds, to family offices and other financial investors. A few of the more traditional tech venture capital firms, namely Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB), Khosla Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz were funding more of the tech-centric plays, while some of the life science VCs backed agricultural biotech deals, but overall it was mostly opportunistic investors funding the space.

Fast forward to today and that has continued; there is now a long tail of investors who are placing tangential bets on agritech by making investments in drones, sensors, satellite imagery and more.

Early stage ecosystem is growing

Theres been a particular surge of interest in the earlier stages of agritech innovation. With new technologies that are now economically viable for the sector and a large amount of scientific research not commercialized, many folks around the world see that they have unique assets to contribute.

In the first half of this year, at least 12 new agritech startup accelerator programs have launched globally and thats just part of the 70-plus startup resources that are dedicated to agritech  from venture development organizations and incubators to grants and business competitions.

Universities and research institutions are still struggling to get up-to-date with tech transfer to help their graduates commercialize their discoveries, but some of these new resources are hoping to change that, such as the Ag Innovation Development Group out of Tennessee, AgTech Accelerator at Research Triangle Park and AgStart near UC Davis.

Even generalist accelerators, or those from other industries, have stepped in to bridge the early stage funding gap with some playing a vital role. During the first half of this year, the self-dubbed Accelerator VC SOSV invested in 26 agritech startups through its IndieBio and Food-X accelerators in San Francisco, Ireland, and New York. This one VC represented 16% of seed stage deal activity.

Its still unclear how all of this will play out among early stage agritech participants or how impactful these resources will be, but its recognized that agricultures unique and complicated characteristics merit help at the earlier stages.

How will this play out?

The future of the agritech funding market is unclear. There are still gaps in funding, particularly at the later stages of an agritech startups development. There are a few dedicated agritech growth stage funds that are launching, but more often the mainstream VCs are stepping in to lead rounds beyond Series B stage.

This is both good and bad. On the one hand, at a later stage, the value of specific agricultural domain knowledge may be less important, and the value of tech specific knowledge and name brands and their networks are valuable. Once a company gets revenues, an investor can look at spreadsheets, cash flows and cap tables, which can tell you much more of the story, says Cultivians Ziolkowski. And, while they might not have the market adoption understanding, they will know how to evaluate parts of the technology.

However, this may leave agritech startups exposed given that generalist VCs are not always reliable. Khosla Ventures, for example, invested in 10 funding rounds for eight different companies in 2014, but in 2015 it made just three agritech investments, and so far in 2016, its made one. Kleiner Perkins was another top 5 active investor in 2014 with five agritech investments, but this year has just re-upped on existing portfolio company Farmers Edge.

This pullback from these funds doesnt mean agritech is out of favor with them, but reflects the fact that fund priorities ebb and flow along with innovation and industry development.

While the agriculture sector is poised for incredible change in the coming decade, resulting from converging technology and consumer trends, the reality is that there will likely be a limited number of large winners, Brook Porter, partner at KPCB tells us. Some of our early bets are still playing out, while other industry trends have yet to mature to the point where we feel compelled to invest  but the long-term opportunity is still very compelling.

The industry will likely always have mainstream VCs participating, and that funding is important right now to help spur agtech development and help with the capital to increase return profiles.

We still need more capital and investors coming into agritech, particularly investors from around the globe. Agriculture is a global industry, so a globally diverse investor base will be key to help agritech companies scale.

What do you think? Are you funding the next agricultural revolution? We want to hear from you! Email Media@AgFunderNews.com.

A version of this article originally appeared on Forbes.com.
Six years of negotiations culminated in what International Civil Aviation Organization president Azharuddin Abdul Rahman called a "historic" deal at the ICAO's plenary session to cap carbon-dioxide emissions

The airline industry agreed Thursday on a framework for reducing its carbon footprint at a UN meeting in Montreal, the first time a commercial sector has voluntarily tackled climate change.

Six years of negotiations culminated in the agreement at the International Civil Aviation Organization's plenary session.

Malaysia's aviation chief Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, who chaired the session, called it a "historic" deal to cap carbon-dioxide emissions at 2020 levels, by 2035.

It "makes air transport the very first major industry sector to take action at the global level on international emissions," said ICAO secretary general Fang Liu, describing the measures as "balanced, pragmatic, and a very positive development."

"You have given the industry the ultimate tools to fight against the climate change," added International Air Transport Association (IATA) director Paul Steele.

The agreement comes a day after record-fast country ratifications of last year's landmark Paris global climate accord curbing greenhouse gases from burning coal, oil and gas met the threshold for it to take effect.

The aviation sector deal was reached by consensus despite reservations by India and Russia, and to a lesser extent China.

It covers a segment of CO2 emissions not dealt with by the Paris accord, which comes into force on November 4: Carbon pollution from jetliners, which total about two percent of global emissions.

Although the number of airline passengers are forecast to double during the long implementation of the agreement, the industry is betting it can reach its stated goal through the purchase of credits to offset the sector's CO2 emissions.

The ICAO also is encouraging greater use of fuel-efficient engines running on biofuels and lighter aircraft materials, and route optimization.

So far, 64 countries representing 80 percent of global air traffic -- including all European nations, the United States, Canada, China and Japan -- have agreed to participate in the so-called Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, or CORSIA.

Story continues

- 2027 target -

The pact will be rolled out in two phases, first on a voluntary trial basis starting in five years, followed by full implementation and mandatory participation in 2027.

At this point, even the agreement's detractors such as India and Russia will be required to adhere to the new rules established under CORSIA.

Only the world's poorest nations, small island states and countries with a small volume of global passenger travel (less than 0.5 percent) will be exempted.

Throughout, key assumptions will be tested and adjustments will be made to the scheme, as needed.

Only international flights are to be counted in the sector's emissions tally, and airlines will be able to buy carbon credits from other sectors.

Immediately following its adoption, praise and criticism poured in.

The Russian delegation at the ICAO meeting said the cap was "unrealistic," adding that Russia was not ready to join the framework.

Aircraft builders, environmental activists and others, meanwhile, joined a chorus of voices praising the accord as a positive step.

"This deal is a decisive step towards the carbon neutral growth of aviation," commented European Transportation Commissioner Violeta Bulc.

US Secretary of State John Kerry called it a "significant" and "historic step." "This measure addresses a growing source of global emissions," he said.

"We are far from the finish line in curbing carbon pollution from international aviation," commented Lou Leonard of the World Wildlife Fund.

"But this is the starting block. It's a foundation we must build on over time," he said.

The ICAO agreed. Its president Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu told a news conference at the close of the plenary session Thursday that "there's a lot of work left to do."
[October 06, 2016] Democracy Live Launches LiveBallot, the First App That Delivers Personalized Ballots and Information to Over 200 Million U.S. Voters

SEATTLE, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Democracy Live, the nation's leading cloud-balloting technology firm, today launched its LiveBallot app and website to provide every U.S. voter with access to his/her ballot, untethering the voting experience from the polling place. With LiveBallot, voters can access and interact with their ballots ahead of Election Day to research, save and even share their ballot choices. Democracy Live is ushering a new way to vote through the first-ever social balloting technology. Voters can get a virtual replica of their ballot and share their choices on social media, direct from their online ballot. Through LiveBallot, voters can click on any of the candidates appearing on their ballot to read, watch or discuss each candidate and mark their choices. "LiveBallot is the only app that delivers a customized ballot to each of the 200 million voters in the U.S.," said Bryan Finney, president and CEO of Democracy Live. "Rather than relying on yard signs and sound bites, voters can use LiveBallot to help be a more informed and impactful voter. LiveBallot has the potential to reduce disenfranchisement, by making voting more efficient and less time consuming for voters. For the first time in election history, voters will have a virtual replica of their ballots on their personal devices, computers and in their hands ahead of Election Day." LiveBallot is powered through Democracy Live's proprietary national balloting datbase. The app and website are updated in real time and include information about the candidates' experience, endorsements and funding, as well as a voter's state and local ballot measures and polling place information.



"We can do almost anything on our smartphones, from checking our bank statements to buying groceries. It only makes sense that we can now add providing voting information and accessing our ballots to that list of capabilities," said Joe Brotherton, chairman of Democracy Live. "Ensuring that data-driven information is easily available to voters will enable and encourage them to vote. This is the future of voting." To increase voter participation, the app also alerts users of upcoming elections and ballot availability. Additionally, Democracy Live partners with organizations on both sides of the political aisle to share their endorsements with likely voters via LiveBallot. With one click, voters can mark their ballots to align with organizations they support.

LiveBallot joins Democracy Live's existing suite of voting technologies for public elections. As a leader in the voting technology space since its founding in 2007, Democracy Live has been selected by the U.S. Department of Defense to enable Americans to vote abroad with ease. The company has revolutionized voting for U.S. military members overseas, citizens living abroad and voters with disabilities. With LiveBallot, Democracy Live is now extending that core technology to make voting easier for every voter for every election. LiveBallot is available for iOS in the App Store for free and at LiveBallot.com. Democracy Live is not affiliated with any political group or interest group. About Democracy Live

Democracy Live is a voter information and technology company dedicated to providing voters with personalized information to make knowledgeable decisions when voting. Through its LiveBallot technology, Democracy Live enables U.S. citizens, domestically or abroad, to access critical information needed to thoughtfully and actively participate in the voting process. Founded in 2007 and based in Seattle, Democracy Live has been funded in part by the U.S. Department of Defense, Intel and Microsoft. For more information, please visit www.democracylive.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/democracy-live-launches-liveballot-the-first-app-that-delivers-personalized-ballots-and-information-to-over-200-million-us-voters-300340084.html SOURCE COMMUNIQUE PR

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[A visitor descends from Austria into Switzerland while hiking from the Tilisunahuette to the Carschinahuette mountain huts in the Raetikon mountain range on August 3, 2016 near St. Antoenien, Switzerland. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)]

Backpacking in your youth has become a bit of a cliche, with university-age travelers from around the world voyaging off to distant countries in attempts to find themselves.

But the European Union is hoping to tap into this wanderlust for different reasons: to combat the regions staggeringly high youth unemployment and its deepening divisions along national and political borders, especially in light of Britains recent decision to leave the union.

Thats why Brussels is proposing giving away free one-month InterRail passes, which allow European residents unlimited travel in 30 countries across the continent, to teens on their 18th birthday.

According to Quartz, the proposal was discussed at the European Parliaments session in Strasbourg on Tuesday.

Manfred Weber, a centre-right member of European Parliament who brought the issue up for debate at the plenary session, said the free pass could become a true lighthouse project for the development of a common European identity in diversity.

Transport commissioner Violeta Bulc voiced her support of the excellent idea, saying she would explore it further.

Giving away free InterRail passes was first proposed by two German campaigners who hoped to repair some of the continents growing fissures in identity by fostering international relations and cultural exchange, and strengthening a unified European community.

The E.U. has seen a rise in skepticism towards the union among its citizens, with 47 per cent having unfavourable views and a further 42 per cent saying some powers should be returned to national governments, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center, prior to Brexit.

There has also been a resurgence of ultra-nationalist, right-wing populist parties, which often have strong anti-immigrant and Euroskeptic views, across the continent.

In Denmark, Switzerland, Hungary and Austria these types of parties received more than 20 per cent of votes, with the latters Freedom Party leading the pack with 35.1 per cent.

The free InterRail initiative is also designed to tackle the Eurozones floundering economy, in particular, the lingering issue of youth unemployment.

In countries such as Greece and Spain about 50 per cent of citizens under 25 are out of a job, while Italys youth are in similarly dire straits with 40 per cent of them being unemployed.
About 20 demonstrators waving anti-Trump signs gathered outside the Trump Tower in downtown Vancouver on Wednesday. They were organized by the group Avaaz in an effort to encourage Americans living abroad to vote in the upcoming U.S. election.

"We think that a candidate like Donald Trump is quite dangerous. We think it would be a terrible choice for the U.S., but [also] for Canada and the World," said Avaaz organizer Joseph Huff-Hannon, who lives in Washington, D.C.

"We think that most Americans in Canada, if they vote, are probably not going to vote for Donald Trump," he said.

The activists who showed up appeared to be mostly Canadian, and it's unclear how many Americans in the neighbourhood were motivated to register at the group's faux voter booth where an iPad was set up to help them sign up.

"I feel more concerned about this than any election in the U.S. before," said Heather Hay, an activist holding an Avaaz sign and wearing her bicycle helmet. "Every time you speak up, it makes a difference."

"I think that his racist policies and stance are extremely dangerous in the world," she said. "Those things are heavily contributing to war, to xenophobia and his lack of understanding about how important thinking about climate change is, because that's a major threat to the world no matter where you live."

Another Canadian, Hardy Scott, held a sign reading "Canada & U.S., United to Stop Trump."

"What may be more disturbing than Trump is that near 50 per cent of the U.S. voters think that he's hot shit," he said, adding that he's highly critical of U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump's business management history.

Huff-Hannon estimates that there are as many as a million Americans living in Canada.

"They're all eligible to vote. We want to make sure they do vote in this election. In elections past they haven't," he said.

Story continues

"It will just take a few minutes of your time. Let's make sure that Donald Trump sticks to the hotel business and never makes it to the White House."

Meanwhile, behind Huff-Hannon and the demonstrators, workers carried on with construction of the Trump Hotel. The huge chrome Trump sign was covered in a blue shroud to protect it from granite and marble dust.

The hotel's general manager Philipp Posch carried on with his work inside to get the place open for business. The enterprise, which is actually owned by the Holborn Group, and only has a branding deal with Trump's business, was expected to open in September, but that has been delayed until the new year.

Posch says the timing has nothing to do with the U.S. election, and he tried to steer clear of the politics going on outside on the sidewalk.

"I mean, going through a hotel opening, there's so much to do that we just keep our heads down and we focus on the task at hand, which is on-boarding the employees, getting everybody up to speed, getting them up to speed with the Trump standard and the Trump culture," he said.

"Sure we're aware of what's going on with the campaign, absolutely, but we just really don't get involved. It's in a different country, obviously it has to do with Mr. Trump, which is the name that's on the building but we can't  it's not our job to steer people's opinions one way or the other."

Posch said the banquet hall is now open and held its first wedding late last month.

Outside, Huff-Hannon drew honks from motorists passing by on Georgia Street.

"It's Trump Tower, I'm sure it's a beautiful hotel, but Trump is running to run the most powerful government in the world," he said.

"He's good at branding of hotels, that does not make him a good world leader."

Follow Rafferty Baker on Twitter: @raffertybaker
[Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced a new carbon pricing plan in the House of Commons this week but his government has yet to ratify the Paris climate accord. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press]



The Paris climate agreement passed the threshold to come into force when the European Union ratified the deal this week, but Canada isnt involved just yet.



The clock is now ticking for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government to follow suit to ensure Canada a seat at the table when the world meets for the next round of climate negotiations this November in Morocco.

The United States, India and China have already ratified the agreement. Canada will have to do likewise by Nov. 8, when the meeting in Marrakech begins, if the Canadian delegation is to take part.

Keith Stewart, the head of Greenpeace Canadas energy campaign, says she believes Canada will almost certainly ratify the deal in time.

The Paris agreement will be in force so that meeting will actually have more legal status than anyone expected it would. No one really thought it would happen this quickly, Stewart tells Yahoo Canada News.

The failed Kyoto accord, for example, was negotiated in 1997 but didnt come into force until 2003.

This has taken 10 months, Stewart says. Thats a very positive sign. It does show there is this global push and the fact that you had China and India and Brazil stepping up early to take action undercuts a lot of the argument weve heard from Conservatives and others saying Canada cant afford to act alone.

Everyone else is acting, too.

A big step for the world



Trudeau has made climate action a key plank of his governments goals in the first year in office.

Under parliamentary rules, his government does not need approval from the House of Commons to ratify the Paris deal.

The agreement is up for debate this week in Ottawa and is expected to be ratified by Oct. 7  well in time for Canadian officials to take part in negotiating the rules around how the Paris deal will be implemented.

Story continues

The EU ratification means the deal has surpassed the necessary requirement  55 countries representing 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions  to bring it into force. That will happen 30 days after the EU submits its documents.

The move by the EU means 68 of the 191 signatory nations have now ratified the agreement, representing 57 per cent of global emissions.

When Canada ratifies, that will add another 2 per cent of global emissions to the tally.



Its a big step for the world, in terms of its approach to climate change, says Anthony Heyes, a University of Ottawa economics professor and Canada Research Chair in Environmental Economics.

The accord aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degree Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures.



As a signatory, Canada has committed to cut carbon dioxide emissions to ensure the country is 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

With ratification still pending, the Liberal government did reveal this week details of the crux of its climate change plan with the surprise announcement this week of a carbon pricing plan.

The timing is not coincidental, Heyes tells Yahoo Canada News.

Its an extremely aggressive plan that will deliver Canadas Paris accord commitments with a carbon price that will reach $50 per tonne by 2022.

This is a critical week, he says.
The dire nature of B.C.'s fentanyl crisis has led a Vancouver Island judge to give a tougher-than-usual sentence to a 23-year-old who sold the drug to support his heroin addiction.

Tylor Michael James Derycke's case fits into a growing body of jurisprudence reflecting a question facing judges as an opioid epidemic kills at an alarming rate: does the presence of fentanyl warrant harsher sentencing?

Campbell River provincial court Judge Barbara Flewelling decided it does.

"Courts across the country have made references over the years to the 'scourge' of hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine and the human cost and devastation that those drugs cause," Flewelling wrote in her decision.

"In determining where in the range of a fit sentence Mr. Derycke would fall, I am entitled to consider the dramatic rise in fentanyl-related overdose deaths and the public health emergency that has been declared in British Columbia and in other provinces."

Campbell River: 'This town makes money'

Flewelling gave Derycke a sentence of 12 months for possession of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

Since it was his first drug offence, and Derycke has struggled with heroin addiction since the age of 14, his lawyer argued a sentence of six months would be more appropriate.

Beyond the legal issues, the details of the case also shine a light on the spread of fentanyl into smaller communities like Campbell River, where Derycke was caught and Grande Prairie, Alta. where he lives.

He was arrested by RCMP on May 20, 2016 after a routine traffic violation. A police office saw him throw three plastic baggies out the window; they were later found to contain heroin, fentanyl and cocaine resin.

Police seized Derycke's phone, which was clearly part of a dial-a-dope operation. One of the callers asked if he could "spare a single of fentanyl for $20."

A search of the hotel room where Derycke was staying with his girlfriend turned up more drugs, along with a naloxone kit to be used in the event of an opioid overdose.

Story continues

Derycke is described as a low-level dealer. He told police he was paid to come from Grande Prairie to Campbell River because "this town makes money."

"The drug business in Campbell River is apparently very lucrative," Flewelling wrote.

"Derycke told the police that he made $20,000 a week. He also described the drug trade as a growing market in which the drug addict needs bigger and more frequent 'hits.' As he said: 'All you got to do is get them to do it once ... they're sick for it. It's a f--king vicious f--king cycle."

Special consequences for fentanyl?

B.C.'s chief coroner recently announced that according to the latest figures available, there had been 488 apparent illicit drug overdose deaths in B.C. from January to August 2016.

By comparison, the number of overdose deaths for all of 2015 was 505.

The majority of overdose deaths in 2016 have involved fentanyl, often mixed with cocaine. The coroner says many of the dead may not have realized they were even taking fentanyl.

Last month, a federal Crown prosecutor called for "an incredibly high and harsh" 18-year jail sentence for Walter James McCormick, a high-level fentanyl trafficker caught in a Vancouver police investigation.

In making his case, Oren Bick argued that dealers like Walter James McCormick "bear personal significant responsibility for hundreds of fentanyl-detected deaths in British Columbia."

But other judges have resisted singling out fentanyl for special treatment in sentencing.

This summer, a Kelowna B.C. Supreme Court judge said the law doesn't see fentanyl differently to other Schedule 1 drugs like cocaine and heroin. Justice Hope Hyslop said it was up to legislators to draw distinctions.

Flewelling appears to have rejected that logic.

"While I accept that there is not a higher sentence prescribed by Parliament for selling fentanyl or drugs containing fentanyl, this court can consider the consequences of selling fentanyl or drugs containing fentanyl," she wrote.

"This is simply part of the contextualized assessment that a sentencing judge must embark on to determine a fit and appropriate sentence."

Flewelling said she also wasn't convinced Derycke was remorseful, despite his guilty plea. He was given credit of 189 days for time spent in custody since last spring.

He still has 176 days to serve.
By Scott Malone and Gabriel Stargardter ORLANDO/MIAMI, Fla. (Reuters) - Matthew, the first major hurricane threatening a direct hit on the United States in more than 10 years, blasted the Bahamas on Thursday as it headed for Florida after killing at least 140 people in the Caribbean, mostly in Haiti. Matthew, carrying winds of 140 mph (220 kph), pounded the northwestern part of the island chain en route to Florida's Atlantic coast, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. The storm was likely to remain a Category 4 on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane intensity as it approached the United States, where it could either take direct aim at Florida or tear along the state's coast through Friday night, the center said, warning of "potentially disastrous impacts." Hurricane conditions were expected in parts of Florida later on Thursday and a dangerous storm surge is expected to reach up to 11 feet (3.35 meters) along the Florida coast, Ed Rappaport, deputy director of the Miami-based NHC, said on CNN. "What we know is that most of the lives lost in hurricanes is due to storm surge," he said. Some 136 people were killed in Haiti, local officials said, and thousands were displaced after the storm flattened homes, uprooted trees and inundated neighborhoods earlier in the week. Four people were killed in the Dominican Republic, which neighbors Haiti. As the storm passed near the Bahamas capital of Nassau, howling gusts of wind brought down palms and other trees and ripped shingles off the rooftops of many houses. The eye of the hurricane was later poised to move over or near Freeport in the Bahamas. It was too soon to predict where Matthew might do the most of its damage in the United States, but the NHC's hurricane warning extended up the Atlantic coast from southern Florida through Georgia and into South Carolina. More than 12 million people in the United States were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel. The last major hurricane, classified as a storm bearing sustained winds of more than 110 mph (177 kph), to make landfall on U.S. shores was Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Jeff Masters, a veteran hurricane expert, said on his Weather Underground website (www.wunderground.com) that Matthew's wind threat was especially serious at Cape Canaveral, which juts into the Atlantic off central Florida. "If Matthew does make landfall along the Florida coast, this would be the most likely spot for it. Billions of dollars of facilities and equipment are at risk at Kennedy Space Center and nearby bases, which have never before experienced a major hurricane," Masters wrote. NASA and the U.S. Air Force, which operate the nations primary space launch site at Cape Canaveral, have already taken steps to safeguard personnel and equipment. A team of 116 employees were bunkered down inside Kennedy Space Center's Launch Control Center to ride out the hurricane. We've had some close calls, but as far as I know it's the first time we've had the threat of a direct hit, NASA spokesman George Diller said by email from the hurricane bunker. ROADS FILLED WITH EVACUEES Roads in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed, and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as the storm approached. Florida Governor Rick Scott warned there could be "catastrophic" damage if Matthew slammed directly into the state and urged some 1.5 million people there to evacuate. "If you're reluctant to evacuate, just think about all the people... already killed, Scott said at a news conference. "Time is running out. This is clearly either going to have a direct hit or come right along the coast." Scott, who activated several thousand National Guard troops to help deal with the storm, warned that millions of people were likely to be left without power. Florida, Georgia and South Carolina opened shelters for evacuees. As of Thursday morning, more than 3,000 people were being housed in 60 shelters in Florida, Scott said. Those three states as well as North Carolina declared states of emergency, empowering their governors to mobilize the National Guard. President Barack Obama called the governors of the four states on Thursday to discuss preparations for the storm. He declared a state of emergency in Florida and South Carolina, a move that authorized federal agencies to coordinate disaster relief efforts. A White House statement said he was "committed to providing necessary federal resources to help the states respond." Hundreds of passenger flights were canceled in south Florida, and cancellations were expected to spread north in coming days along the storm's path, airlines including American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines [UALCO.UL] said. At about 5 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT), Matthew was about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Florida's West Palm Beach, the hurricane center said. It was heading northwest at about 13 mph (20 kph) and was expected to continue on this track through Thursday. On Tuesday and Wednesday Matthew, the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck Central America in 2007, whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mph (225 kph) winds and torrential rain, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes. In Florida, fuel stations on Thursday posted "out of gas" signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up. At a Subco gas station in Orlando, the pumps ran dry on Wednesday afternoon. The shop was a stopping point for coastal residents seeking shelter inland. Among them was Jonas Sylvan, 44, of Melbourne, Florida, who planned to hole up in a hotel with his wife, two daughters and dog. "We're just trying to get away from the coast," he said. "It's safer here." Bumper-to-bumper traffic extended for more than 10 miles (16 km) on the main highway leading west to Orlando from the coast. In the central Florida coastal city of Jupiter, people scrambled to make preparations. "Our house is wood construction, so who knows what will happen," said Libby Valentine, 75, of Jupiter. "The whole idea is to stay safe and hope you have the grace to deal with the aftermath because you might not have a house." (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee, Neil Hartnell in Nassau, Rich McKay in Atlanta, Nick Carey in Chicago, Harriet McLeod in Charleston, S.C., Doina Chiacu in Washington, Joseph Guyler Delva in Haiti, Irene Klotz and Laila Kearney; Writing by Frances Kerry and Tom Brown; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
People

Internet2 President & CEO to Step Down

The Board of Trustees for Internet2, a higher education technology community, announced the organizations president and chief executive officer will retire from full-time professional activities next year.

Dave Lambert led Internet2 for the last six years, where he established a solid financial foundation and growth plan and worked to implement community governance and processes that were inclusive of community needs and input, the board wrote. Prior to Internet2, Lambert had more than 25 years of experience in technology leadership, serving as vice president and chief information officer for Cornell University and Georgetown University.

Lambert was at the helm of implementing the federal stimulus funding grant from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, which helped grow Internet2s advanced research and education network infrastructure, increasing its bandwidth and footprint. In addition, Lambert helped foster collaboration among global national R&E networks, establishing a trust and identity framework for InCommon, a group operated by Internet2 that provides a secure trust fabric for research and higher ed institutions. The framework set the stage for Trust and Identity in Education and Research (TIER), a program that aims to simplify campus processes and advance collaboration and research.

Lambert will step down on June 30, 2017. The board is now looking for a new president and CEO for Internet2. During the transition period, Lambert and Internet2s leadership will continue to work on priority initiatives, focusing on advanced networking and trust and identity services, according to the board.
The logo of Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) is pictured on their headquarters in Vienna, Austria, September 15, 2016. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria's Raiffeisen Bank International and its parent Raiffeisen Zentralbank left open on Thursday the issue of who will lead them if their planned merger is completed, and said talks on the deal price would probably drag on for months.

The banks said on Wednesday they had decided to go ahead with their proposed merger, aimed primarily at boosting the capital buffers of Raiffeisen Zentralbank (RZB), after they came third-last in a stress test of major European lenders.

Addressing widespread media and market speculation that Heinrich Schaller who heads Raiffeisenlandesbank Oberoesterreich, would become head of the merged entity, RZB chief Walter Rothensteiner told a news conference that no decision had been taken on who would be in charge.

Under the plan, unlisted RZB will be merged into Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), in exchange for which RZB shareholders will receive shares in RBI. But talks on exactly how many shares will change hands appear to be more difficult than expected, and the two sides have only agreed on a range so far.

"It will be a relatively long road until we get there," RBI Chief Executive Karl Sevelda told the same news conference, adding that the talks on both companies' valuations had been "intensive".

RBI's shares rose on Thursday morning after the banks gave the go-ahead for the merger plan and were up 2 percent at 14.28 euros at 0858 GMT. Rothensteiner said a price would be announced on or close to a Dec. 23 deadline.

The valuation of RBI's Polish unit Polbank was one of the reasons the talks on the price were dragging on, Sevelda said. RBI is in exclusive talks with Poland's Alior Bank on selling Polbank's core assets.

(Reporting by Francois Murphy. Editing by Jane Merriman and Susan Fenton)
[October 06, 2016] BRIDGEi2i Analytics Solutions Appoints John Ward as Vice President for its BI & Big Data Solutions

FREMONT, California, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BRIDGEi2i, one of the front-runner enterprise analytics firms, announced today that it has appointed John Ward, as Vice President - Business Intelligence (BI) and Big Data Solutions. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160601/808354 )

In his new role, John will be based out of Chicago and will engage with client executives to support strategic BI and Big Data initiatives. Furthermore, he will be responsible for strengthening key partnerships in this space and expediting BRIDGEi2i's expansion in the US enterprise market. BRIDGEi2i has strong expertise in the rapidly evolving enterprise BI and Big Data Analytics space. Its unique approach enables customers to build data architecture at scale and bring together user persona-driven design thinking with embedded machine learning and predictive algorithms, theeby making BI dashboards more actionable.



John brings with him over 25 years of leadership experience in BI Managed Services and Analytics domain. Prior to his appointment at BRIDGEi2i, John played an instrumental role in building and leading HP Enterprise's BI Managed Services offering and Global Delivery Centres for the Analytics and Data Management division. John joined Hewlett Packard (HP) in late 2006 when HP acquired Knightsbridge, the leading business intelligence consultancy in the U.S. "John has an impressive track record of empowering enterprises and deriving strong and sustainable ROI from their data assets. His command and expertise in architecting and scaling up BI and Big Data solutions make him an excellent addition to the BRIDGEi2i leadership team as we unswervingly serve our vision to monetize value through data," said Prithvijit Roy, CEO and Co-founder, BRIDGEi2i

About BRIDGEi2i: BRIDGEi2i partners with global enterprises to drive sustainable return on investment from analytics by embedding decision engines into business processes and systems, leveraging its proprietary personalization and optimization algorithms. It offers analytics and decision support Solutions across marketing, sales, supply chain, pricing and risk management functions. The company has offices in Bangalore, India and multiple locations across the U.S. To know more, visit http://www.BRIDGEi2i.com. BRIDGEi2i Analytics Solutions Contact:

Sandip Saha

Director

Phone: +91-80-67422100 (India), +1-650-666-0005 (USA)

Email: [email protected]



SOURCE BRIDGEi2i Analytics Solutions

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[October 06, 2016] Cradlepoint Provides First Responders with Simple, Secure, Software-Defined Transition to FirstNet

Cradlepoint, the global leader in cloud-based network solutions for connecting people, places, and things over wired and wireless broadband, announced today that emergency responders will now be able to seamlessly transition to the First Responder Network Authority's (FirstNet) Band 14 National Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). Cradlepoint's new MC400L2 modem is the first solution with a full range of applications for coordinated response efforts across public and private first responder networks. It is also the first Band 14 solution that-when integrated with the AER product family-features full Unified Threat Management (UTM) security. Emergency personnel and first responders now have a flexible, cost-effective option to support Band 14 migrations, while ensuring reliable, secure connectivity at all times. The Band 14 frequency supports all emergency communications services, as well as new public safety applications and devices, like laptops, tablets, body and dash cameras, and evidence collection devices. Traditional approaches to connecting Band 14 networks include completely new architectures that can put a strain on the IT department, but Cradlepoint simplifies the move to Band 14 with its modular MC400L2 modem that seamlessly works with any existing Cradlepoint router in the network. This capability reduces complexity and cost when transitioning to Band 14 because it enables the IT department to deploy Band 14 immediately or later with field upgrades. To ensure first responders are always connected and protected, these routers are deployed, secured, and managed by Cradlepoint NetCloud-the first network platform to bring the simplicity and security of cloud management, Software-Defined Networks (SDN), and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) to FirstNet. Public safety agencies and first responders now have a flexible, secure, and rapidly-deployable option to support their Band 14 migration programs. Cradlepoint has also partnered with Panasonic (News - Alert), an industry leder in exceptionally reliable and innovative mobile computers, to deliver an integrated mobile computing and connectivity "vehicle area network" solution. The partnership combines Panasonic's rugged Toughbook devices with Cradlepoint's Band 14 routers to provide reliable and secure connectivity to the entire emergency response network, from computers to cameras and sensors.



"It is critical that first responders are able to access the devices and data that keep them and their communities safe, whenever and wherever duty calls. Panasonic is the leader in durable, reliable, high-performance computing devices and our partnership with Cradlepoint ensures these devices feature dependable connectivity," said Victoria Obenshain, vice president of wireless strategy, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. "The addition of Band 14 support to our integrated solutions provides extreme value to first responders. Regardless of whether the NPSBN is already deployed in their cities or coming soon, our customers can deploy a solution that meets current connectivity needs now and supports public safety applications of the future." "Everyday Cradlepoint leverages its LTE (News - Alert) and mobile networking expertise and solutions to help public safety organizations keep their people, places, and things always connected and protected. For the public safety vertical, that means ensuring reliability and security for some of the most critical emergency communication systems and networks in the world, like FirstNet's National Public Safety Broadband Network," said Ian Pennell, chief marketing officer, Cradlepoint. "Our support for Band 14 encompasses every application of the public safety organization to ensure first responders have the connectivity they need wherever and whenever they need it. We are pleased to be a solution partner to Panasonic as they provide first responders with the technology they need for the increasing coordination, automation and regulation challenges they face."

Cradlepoint's new MC400L2 Band 14 modem is compatible with a full range of Cradlepoint routing platforms for emergency vehicles, fire and police stations, mobile command posts, machine-to-machine and failover applications. Each integrated solution features WAN diversity to include wired Ethernet, wireless LTE, and the upcoming Band 14 connectivity on a single, cloud-managed platform. The full Unified Threat Management (UTM) security capabilities include a firewall, visibility of which applications are being used, and Intrusion (News - Alert) Detection System/Intrusion Prevention System (IDS/IPS) support. To learn more about Cradlepoint's FirstNet Band 14 solutions, please visit cradlepoint.com/whatsnew. About Cradlepoint Cradlepoint is the global leader in cloud-based network solutions for connecting people, places, and things over wired and wireless broadband. Cradlepoint NetCloud is a software and services platform that extends the company's 4G LTE-enabled multi-function routers and ruggedized M2M/IoT gateways with cloud-based management and software-defined network services. With Cradlepoint, customers can leverage the speed and economics of wired and wireless Internet broadband for branch, failover, mobile, and IoT networks while maintaining end-to-end visibility, security, and control. Over 15,000 enterprise and government organizations around the world-including 75 percent of the world's top retailers, 50 percent of the Fortune 100, and 25 of the largest U.S. cities-rely on Cradlepoint to keep critical sites, workforces, vehicles, and devices always connected and protected. Major service providers use Cradlepoint network solutions as the foundation for innovative managed service offerings. Founded in 2006, Cradlepoint is a privately held company headquartered in Boise, Idaho, with development centers in Silicon Valley and Kelowna, Canada, and offices in the UK, Australia, and Japan. Learn more at cradlepoint.com or follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @cradlepoint. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161006005102/en/

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Fujitsu Launches Deployment, Support for Cisco Retail Technology Solutions in N. America

Strengthened Gold Partner alliance to deliver transformation of the in-store customer experience with Ciscos latest retail store infrastructure portfolio solutions

Sunnyvale, CA, October 3, 2016  Fujitsu today launched its Cisco retail technology resale, deployment and support program. As first announcedearlier this year at the National Retail Federation (NRF) BIG Show on January 19, 2016, Fujitsu has expanded its Gold Partnership with Cisco providing a targeted set of in-store technology solutions to retailers across North America.

This expanded partnership enables Fujitsu Americas to source, deploy and support Cisco in-store retail technology solutions including:

Aironet and Meraki wireless LAN infrastructure

Catalyst LAN switching and Integrated Service Routing (ISR) technologies

Unified Retail Platform (URP) computing solutions

These three in-store technologies enable retailers to provide a wider range products and services to customers in retail locations. Whether the customers goal is public Wi-Fi, highly secure private networking driving new business functionality on mobile devices, digital media or traditional core applications, Fujitsu will now be able to provide turn-key, end-to-end sourcing, deployment and support services for these Cisco technology solutions.

Since the aforementioned announcement in January, Fujitsu has been preparing with Cisco for the launch of this new program by training and certifying solution architects and field engineering teams, building training and support labs and gearing up to provide services such as wireless site surveys, advanced staging, consolidation and support programs.

By purchasing Cisco solutions directly through Fujitsu, retailers are provided with the advantage of having a one-stop-shop for sourcing, staging, installation and ongoing support, said Marc Janssens, executive vice president of retail at Fujitsu America, Inc. This streamlined process allows new Cisco assets to be tracked from order to installation at each site through Fujitsu. Once installed, Fujitsu can deliver warranty support on-site or through depot advance exchange service depending on the asset and retailers needs.

Innovative new solutions like Fujitsu Retail Engagement Analytics (REA) depend on the sophistication of Ciscos latest Aironet and Meraki wireless solutions to deliver accurate Wi-Fi data. REA is a new Wi-Fi analytics solution that can provide valuable customer behavior insight, help drive employee interaction with customers and improve visual merchandising in the store.

Advanced in-store switching, routing and compute solutions from Cisco will be critical for new Fog or Edge computing strategies as well as hybrid cloud routing needs. Pushing as much of the data transport and computes to the edge of the enterprise will be key to optimizing cost and performance by conserving computes at the core of retailers networks, data centers and cloud service providers. As IoT and analytics rapidly expand across most retailers enterprises, the ability to exploit their in-store infrastructure by weaving a routing and computing fabric will mirror operational and inventory ecosystems needed to compete in new areas such as buy on- line and pick up, deliver or ship from store, direct fulfillment distribution centers or direct from supplier and expediters.

Cisco and Fujitsu have a long heritage of collaboration, explains Ed Jimenez, Retail and Hospitality Practice Director at Cisco. Since 2004, when Cisco and Fujitsu first announced our strategic alliance, we have worked together to co-develop, brand and deliver a range of award-winning computing and routing solutions across North America. With so many changes taking place across the retail landscape, this is a natural and exciting extension of our collaboration.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 156,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.7 trillion yen (US$41 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.



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How to Choose the Best SSL/TLS Certificate for Your Online Presence

Buying an Organization-Validated (OV) or Extended Validation (EV) SSL/TLS Certificate will enhance your websites reputation, give customers the assurance they need to complete secure transactions with confidence, decrease cart abandonment rates, and build long-term customer loyalty.

More and more people are spending money online than ever before, and online accounts are a major customer touchpoint, so as your business grows, you might be considering an e-commerce storefront. However, some potential customers may be concerned about the security of their credit card data. As a result, they are likely to abandon their purchasesits estimated that over 50% of consumers regularly abandon their shopping carts, and that is lost revenue.

Establishing trust is mission critical. Consumers need to trust you in order for them to transact business confidently with you. An SSL/TLS certificate provides the most basic level of trustthe padlock icon in the address bar of your customers browser. Hence, SSL/TLS certificates are a critical building block for secure electronic commerce. Because of the security that they provide, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) also require you to have an SSL/TLS certificate for online checkout (or whenever youre transmitting cardholder data). SSL/TLS certificates are sold by Certification Authorities that verify that the owner of the domain has a cryptographic key.

Not all SSL/TLS certificates are the same. Different kinds of certificates display different information. Some only show the domain name while others show more information about the company.

The most basic type of SSL/TLS Certificate is the Domain-Validated (DV) certificate. While a DV Certificate allows for encryption to take place between the browser and the server, a DV certificate does not contain any identification information other than the domain name. These SSL/TLS Certificates are considered lower assurance because they dont verify the identity of the domain owner. The only check control of the domain (owner information in WHOIS), which can be anonymous. Because DV certificates do not contain any identification information, you cannot be sure its really the merchant you think it is. Companies using weakly validated certificates risk losing the trust of customers who rely on SSL/TLS certificates to reassure them about the company behind the website. Without such reassurance, customers will go elsewhere to conduct their business.

There are two other types of SSL/TLS certificatesOrganization-Validated (OV) and Extended Validation (EV). Both types of certificate CAs are required to exercise diligence to ensure that information in the OV/EV certificate is accurate. (OV Certificates are generally less expensive than EV Certificates because there are fewer requirements that accompany the issuance of them.) In these types of certificates, attributes such as business name, location, address, incorporation or registration information have been checked by the CA. The same is not true for DV certificates. OV/EV certificates involve a two-step validation processfirst, verification that the applicant owns, or has legal right to use, the domain name, and second, verification that the applicant is an accountable, validly existing entity. DV certificates skip the second, business-identity-validation step.

Because they involve an extra step, OV/EV Certificates not only create an encrypted connection between a customers browser and your server, but also verify that a CA has authenticated your organizations identity. With OV/EV, company information is presented in the certificate details. OV/EV certificates enhance the security of electronic commerce and fight against phishing scams, providing much broader protection than is available with a DV Certificate.

Consumers browsing unfamiliar retail sites can use information in OV/EV Certificates to obtain more assurance about the legitimacy of the site. If its an OV/EV Certificate more details about the merchant will be in the certificate because the CA has validated those items. For example, because EV Certificates undergo a more rigorous validation process, they subsequently display special browser cues in addition to the padlock and https:// at the beginning of the websites address. With an EV certificate installed on your website, browsers show the color green and the company name in the address bar. This special display means that the CA has validated the existence of the business and its right to use the domain name and that the EV SSL Certificate was appropriately obtained. Because of the additional visual cues that EV certificates provide, users are more comfortable that they are on an authentic website. The color green in the address bar assures visitors to the web site that they are visiting a safe and secure domain. EV is also a good choice for any size business. An EV certificate protects your brand against phishing scams and shows suspecting consumers that you are legitimate and serious about protecting their data. And, if your websites identity authentication can be prominently displayed while a competitors site cannot, you will have a competitive advantage by appearing to be more trusted. This competitive advantage translates into fewer cart abandonments, more conversions, improved lifetime customer value, and more revenue.

The snapshot below shows an example of the extended details of the organization in an EV certificate, further enhancing the legitimacy of the business in the eyes of the consumer. (Also, most CAs provide a trust seal, which may be displayed on websites, thus providing visitors to the website additional indication that the website has been authenticated.)

Finally, just as important as the type of certificate you buy is the CA you choose. Who should you buy from when you desire trust, security, service, quality and reliability? Your CA should check your certificate to ensure that it does not have a compromised private key, that it meets minimum key size, and that the certificate has the proper algorithms and other characteristics. Members of the CA Security Council (CASC) follow best industry practices. These CAs operate pursuant to security policies and conformance requirements of browsers and operating system vendors. These requirements include the CA/Browser Forum Baseline Requirements and the Forums Extended Validation (EV) Guidelines. Current CASC Members are DigiCert, Symantec, GoDaddy, Entrust, GlobalSign, Comodo and Trustwave. These are the leading global Certification Authorities that are committed to the adoption and promotion of best practices to advance trusted SSL/TLS deployment and CA operations as well as the security of the internet in general.

In conclusion, an OV/EV certificate issued by one of the CASC Members above will enhance your websites reputation, give customers the assurance they need to complete secure transactions with confidence, decrease cart abandonment rates, and build long-term customer loyalty.

Ben Wilson is Vice President of Industry Relations and Compliance at DigiCert, a globally recognized Certification Authority. For over 20 years he has advised clients on information security, identity and authentication, privacy, public key infrastructures, and e-signatures. He is a past chair of both the ABAs Information Security Committee and the Utah State Bars Cyberlaw Section and previously served as rapporteur of the ABAs Public Key Infrastructure Assessment Guidelines. Currently he also serves in leadership positions of the CA Security Council, CA/Browser Forum, ABA, Online Trust Alliance, and Identity Ecosystem Steering Group.



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MARTINSVILLE -- Students at Martinsville Elementary School have more opportunities to be active this year with the addition of new outdoor and indoor fitness equipment designed to teach the importance of health and exercise.

Selected as Sarah Bush Lincolns Project Fit America recipient for the 2016-2017 school year, the fitness equipment was installed over the summer and the school is ready to launch the fitness program at Martinsville Elementary.

Parents and community members are invited to the fitness launch set for 2 p.m., Tuesday, at Martinsville Elementary. The event will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather.

It is the fifth area school to win a Project Fit America grant funded by Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation.

We are all very excited to receive this grant. We had applied for it in the past and feel fortunate to have been selected. The kids are very excited too. At the start of the school year, they ran directly to the outdoor equipment at recess. It provides them with a new way to exercise while having fun, Victoria Norton, Martinsville Elementary School principal said.

Teachers have been trained on its use and plan to incorporate it into the classroom.

Community members will also benefit from the outdoor equipment, as it is available for their use while school is not in session, Norton said. She asks that community members using the equipment be respectful and to help keep the area clean and safe for the school children.

Project Fit America provides physical fitness equipment along with a broad-based exercise curriculum designed to increase physical activity and reduce obesity. Project Fit America, a nationwide program recognized by the General Surgeon, is located in hundreds of schools across the United States.

While Kansas, Ill. was the charter Project Fit America school in this region, other schools receiving the equipment include Neoga Middle School, Casey-Westfield Jr. High and Lake Crest Elementary School in Oakland.

Included in the Project Fit America program are activities to address students self-esteem, smoking intervention, fitness as fun and exercise among others. The goal for students is to take personal responsibility for their health. In addition, the program helps teachers diffuse restless behavior in children. Physical activity provided during the school day helps children to be more inclined to sit, listen and learn in the classroom. Schools receive support from Project Fit for two-years with training sessions offered on site.

We know that by promoting healthy habits with our youth, we can make a lifelong difference in the health of our communities, Laura Bollan, SBL Healthy Communities Director said. She added SBL is invested in changing the statistics that include approximately 9,000 children in its service area who are classified as overweight or obese.

For more information on Project Fit America, contact the SBL Healthy Communities office at 217-345-6827.
News

New Update Model for Windows 7/8.1 Coming Next Week

The first monthly cumulative updates to Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will arrive on Oct. 11, signaling a sea change in how Microsoft delivers its patches and OS updates.

Microsoft announced this coming monthly "update rollup" model back in August, indicating that it will begin delivering updates to Windows 7/8.1 in a way that's similar to the update model of Windows 10. The monthly updates to Windows 7/8.1 will arrive on the second Tuesday of every month, known as "patch Tuesdays."

Software patching can be tricky, especially when organizations run multiple home-grown applications and commercial software from different vendors. On a practical basis, IT pros can sometimes see when something went wrong after a Windows update has been installed, and it's been the case that removing an individual patch has often worked to set things straight.

However, in a follow-up to its announcement of the new update process for Windows 7/8.1, Microsoft blamed this sporadic application of patches as the cause of IT woes, not its salvation. It's the fully patched Windows computing environments that don't have such problems, Microsoft suggested. And after Oct. 11, if there are patch problems for Windows 7/8.1 users, then blame should be cast toward Microsoft's software vendor partners, Microsoft contended.

For an overview of Microsoft's "Windows 10 as a service" model, see this Microsoft TechNet article. It also floats the idea that partially patched systems are the cause of organizational problems. The concept is illustrated in this figure from the article:

[Click on image for larger view.] The problem of fragmented patching. (Source: Microsoft TechNet document.)

Doubtless, such claims are cold comfort for IT pros. The idea of avoiding the Windows 10 update model by sticking with an earlier Windows OS will just go away after Oct. 11. Going forward, if an update causes problems, IT pros will have to roll back to the previous month's update rollup to avoid what might be a problematic patch.

Windows 10 Update Model

Microsoft hasn't exactly been clear if all of its rather complex update schemes associated with Windows 10 exactly will apply to Windows 7/8.1 after Oct. 11.

In a nutshell, Windows 10 has three update types, as pointed out by Stephen Kleynhans, vice president of the Mobile and Client Computing Group at Gartner Inc. The OS has monthly security fixes, monthly quality updates (that are also delivered as needed) and feature updates that get released once or twice a year.

Microsoft has so-called branch releases ("current branch" and current branch for business") for Windows 10. However, they only apply to the feature update releases, Kleynhans noted via e-mail on Monday.

"The CB and CBB phases only apply to Feature Updates and don't play into the discussion of Security fixes and Quality updates," he stated.

Michael Niehaus, a Microsoft senior product marketing manager for Windows, has pointed out in a Patchmanagement.org list-serve post that CB releases are designed so that organizations can test Windows 10 releases about four months before a CBB gets released. It's the CBB release that should get deployed in a production environment, according to this scheme.

That's the recommended process for Windows 10 patching. But sometimes Microsoft's Windows 10 patch releases had have had problems, even though they are vetted in advance by a Windows Insider testing program.

Windows 7/8.1 Patch Prospects

So what about the Windows 7/8.1 patch process after Oct. 11? Will it be a patch apocalypse for IT pros? Kleynhans expressed some doubts on that score. However, IT pros used to doing things the old way will have to roll up their sleeves a bit. And they'll have just four weeks to get patch problems addressed after a Windows 7/8.1 update rollup release.

"I think the risks with Windows 7 are pretty low," Kleynhans said. "At this point, Windows 7 is pretty worn in and it's unlikely fixes will bring too many surprises. Customers who are concerned can defer updates for up to 4 weeks to give the marketplace a chance to sort though and identify glitches. The key will be that enterprises need to set up ongoing processes that are continually assessing and validating new updates, and when an issue is encountered, have well-defined escalation processes with vendors or developers. Skipping patches isn't a great alternative."

This point of view is outlined in a September Gartner report by Kleynhans and Michael A. Silver called "Update Windows 10 Migration Plans to Reflect Changes That Occurred in the First Year of Release." The report suggested that IT pros should do advance testing and become more process oriented to deal with Microsoft's patch release cycles.

It's get-with-the-program kind of advice. However, Windows 7/8.1 holdouts won't have many alternatives after Oct. 11.

Kleynhans wasn't unsympathetic to IT pro dilemmas under the circumstances, especially given the quality of recent Windows 10 releases.

"There have been some rough spots in the last few months and Microsoft can certainly do better," he noted, regarding Microsoft's Windows 10 update releases. He suggested that organizations could get proactive by participating in Windows 10 preview programs as a sort of early warning approach.

"Microsoft is previewing security and quality fixes in the month prior to them being included in the cumulative update so enterprises can get some early access, and companies should have that as part of their process," Kleynhans said.

It's still a bit early at this point. The Windows 7/8.1 update process could see some adjustments, Kleynhans suggested. "But cumulative updates solve more problems than they create for the majority of users," he contended.

Windows 7/8.1 Sales Going Away

One other limitation noted in Gartner's report is that sales of new PCs with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 preinstalled by original equipment manufacturers will be going away next month. OEM sales will end on Oct. 31, 2016, according to Microsoft's lifecycle fact sheet.

It's still possible for volume licensing purchasers to use downgrade rights on new Windows 10 hardware, though, since Microsoft recently reinstated Windows 10 support for Intel Skylake machines. However, machines with newer processors will only be supported on Windows 10, going forward.
AFP News

Ukraine's maritime grain exports were halted Sunday after Russia suspended its participation in a landmark agreement that allowed the vital shipments, blaming drone attacks on its ships in Crimea. The July deal to unlock grain exports signed between Russia and Ukraine and brokered by Turkey and the UN, is critical to easing the global food crisis caused by the conflict. The agreement had already allowed more than nine million tonnes of Ukrainian grain to be exported and was due to be renewed on November 19. On Saturday, Russia said it was halting its participation after its army accused Kyiv of a "massive" drone attack on its Black Sea fleet, which Ukraine labelled a "false pretext". US President Joe Biden called the move "purely outrageous" while Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Moscow was "weaponising food". The centre coordinating the logistics of the deal said in a statement that no traffic was planned for Sunday. "A joint agreement has not been reached at the JCC for the movement of inbound and outbound vessels on 30 October," it said. "There are more than ten vessels both outbound and inbound waiting to enter the corridor." Ukraine and the UN have urged that the agreement remains in force. "I call on all states to demand that Russia stop its hunger games and recommit to fulfilling its obligations," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the Russian move "an absolutely transparent intention of Russia to return the threat of large-scale famine to Africa and Asia". "Just today, more than two million tons of food are in the sea. This means that access to food has actually worsened for more than seven million consumers," he said in his nightly address. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said: "It is vital that all parties refrain from any action that would imperil the Black Sea Grain Initiative which is a critical humanitarian effort". - 'Peddling false claims' - Sevastopol in Moscow-annexed Crimea has been targeted several times in recent months and serves as the headquarters for the Black Sea fleet and a logistical hub for operations in Ukraine. The Russian army claimed to have "destroyed" nine aerial drones and seven maritime ones in an attack on the port early Saturday. "In light of the terrorist act carried out by the Kyiv regime with the participation of British experts against ships of the Black Sea fleet and civilian vessels involved in the security of grain corridors, Russia suspends its participation in the implementation of the agreement on the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports," the Russian defence ministry said on Telegram. Moscow's forces alleged British "specialists", whom they said were based in the southern Ukrainian city of Ochakiv, had helped prepare and train Kyiv to carry out the strike. In a further singling out of the UK -- which Moscow sees as one of the most unfriendly Western countries -- Russia said the same British unit was involved in explosions on the Nord Stream gas pipelines last month. Britain strongly rebutted both claims, saying "the Russian Ministry of Defence is resorting to peddling false claims of an epic scale". Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Saturday Moscow would raise the blasts and the alleged drone attack at the UN Security Council. Moscow's military said ships targeted at their Crimean base were involved in the grain deal. The United Nations Coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Amir Abdulla, reported that Russia had notified him earlier Saturday of "its concerns about the safety of movements of merchant vessels" under the agreement. Russia had recently criticised the deal, saying its own grain exports have suffered due to Western sanctions. - 'Massive' attack - Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol, said Saturday's drone attack was the "most massive" the peninsula had seen. City authorities said the harbour was "temporarily" closed to boats and ferries and urged people "not to panic". Attacks on Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, have increased in recent weeks, as Kyiv presses a counter-offensive in the south to retake territory held by Moscow for months. Moscow-installed authorities in Kherson, just north of Crimea, have vowed to turn the city into a fortress, preparing for an inevitable assault. In early October, Moscow's bridge linking Crimea to the Russian mainland -- personally inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin in 2018 -- was damaged by a blast that Putin blamed on Ukraine. The Russian fleet stationed in the port had also been attacked by a drone in August. Russia's allegations Saturday came as the Ukrainian army reported fighting in the Lugansk and Donetsk regions in the east, including near Bakhmut -- the only area where Moscow's forces have advanced in recent weeks. Pro-Russian separatists fighting alongside Moscow also announced a new prisoner exchange with Kyiv, saying 50 will return home from each side. bur-gw/bfm/caw/mca-yad/dva
Hurricane Matthew pummeled Haiti and moved on to Cuba after killing seven people, unleashing floods and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee the Caribbean's worst storm in nearly a decade. Far to the north, the first evacuations were ordered in the United States as coastal dwellers prepared to flee the approaching monster storm, expected off the East Coast later this week. The death toll stood at seven -- three in Haiti and four in the Dominican Republic -- but was certain to rise as dangerous Matthew bruised its way north. The full scope of the damage, both human and material, remained unclear. Civil protection officials in Haiti said they were struggling to communicate with the south after Matthew's furious wind and rain blew down telephone lines. The collapse of a bridge cut off the only road linking Port-au-Prince to the peninsula that makes up southern Haiti. "It's going to be difficult to find an alternative route," civil protection spokesman Edgar Celestin told AFP. Next in line, Cuba was hit late in the afternoon on its eastern tip. The storm's eye made landfall around 0000 GMT, moving toward the north near 15 kilometers (nine miles) per hour, the US National Hurricane Center said. Americans girded for a taste of nature's fury. South Carolina said it would start evacuating 1.1 million people from its coast starting Wednesday and try to get them at least 160 kilometers inland. Georgia declared a state of emergency in 13 counties. "It's not going to be a fast evacuation. It could take up to several hours," South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said. "If you can leave early, do that." - 'Extremely dangerous' - Matthew made landfall in Haiti shortly after daybreak as an "extremely dangerous" Category Four storm -- the maximum is five -- near the southwestern town of Les Anglais, packing top winds of around 230 kilometers per hour, the US National Hurricane Center said. It marked the first time in 52 years that a Category Four storm made landfall in Haiti. Even before making landfall along the southern edge of a jagged peninsula on Hispaniola -- the island that Haiti shares with the Dominican Republic -- Matthew was blamed for at least three deaths in Haiti, with fears that the toll could climb. Four more deaths were reported later in the Dominican Republic, where officials said 200 homes were damaged. After Cuba, the storm is expected to hit the Bahamas late Tuesday or Wednesday. It was forecast to dump 38 to 63 centimeters (15 to 25 inches) of rain over southern Haiti with up to a meter possible in isolated areas, and has been blamed for triggering mudslides. The key port of Les Cayes, the country's third city is "very seriously damaged," said Hervil Cherubin, Haiti director for the aid group Heifer International. "Most roofs of houses, shops, gas stations are all gone." "Businesses near the ocean have totally disappeared, washed away," he added, with farms "disappeared" and livestock killed. The country is home to almost 11 million people, many living in fragile housing. Thousands are still living in tents in Haiti after the country's massive earthquake in 2010. Erosion is especially dangerous because of high mountains and a lack of trees and bushes in areas where they have been cut for fuel. More than 9,000 Haitians were evacuated to temporary shelters at area schools and churches, the Interior Ministry said. But civil protection forces have struggled with locals who refused to leave some of the most vulnerable areas, where residents face serious flooding risks. Schools will remain closed until Monday, but the authorities have not said whether long-delayed presidential and legislative elections scheduled for Sunday will still take place. - First deluge, then mudslides - Matthew already holds the longevity record for a Category Four and Five hurricane in the Caribbean, according to meteorologist Philip Klotzbach of the Colorado State University. It is expected to move past Cuba during the night. Officials reported significant flooding and waves up to five meters (16 feet) in coastal villages in the east -- but no casualties so far. The authorities evacuated some 1.3 million people. One stalwart who stayed, 63-year-old Roberto Gates, ventured out to buy rum. "I have food for today and tomorrow, and then we'll see," he said. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) dispatched an elite disaster response team to the Bahamas, Haiti and Jamaica. It is also sending some $400,000 in assistance to aid groups in Haiti and Jamaica and emergency relief supplies including blankets, plastic sheeting and water containers. The Pentagon said 700 family members were evacuated over the weekend to Florida from the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, on Cuba's eastern tip. Forecasters predict the hurricane could hit the US East Coast around midweek. Florida, South Carolina and parts of North Carolina have also declared states of emergency. President Barack Obama postponed a trip to South Florida, where he had planned to attend a campaign event in support of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. "If #Matthew directly impacts FL there will be massive destruction that we haven't seen in years," Florida Governor Rick Scott said on Twitter.
Some three million people on the US southeast coast faced urgent evacuation Thursday as monstrous Hurricane Matthew -- now blamed for more than 100 deaths in Haiti alone -- bore down for a direct hit on Florida. Highways in Florida and neighboring states clogged up with people streaming inland to escape the storm blasting in from the Caribbean, as officials warned people tempted to ride it out they may be risking their lives. President Barack Obama declared a federal state of emergency in Florida as it braced for the ferocious Category Four hurricane, expected to bring beach-eroding waves as tall as two-story buildings and winds strong enough to snap trees and blow away roofs or entire houses. Poor and vulnerable Haiti remained essentially cut in half two days after Matthew hit. Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph said at least 108 Haitians have died, with 50 killed in a single town and reports of "complete destruction" in the island's south. In its latest target, the storm slammed the Bahamas Thursday, blowing off roofs, downing trees and knocking out power. Weather forecasters working out of Nassau airport had to flee for their lives. According to the forecast track, the hurricane could make landfall in the United States near Cape Canaveral, where NASA's Kennedy Space Center is located, by Friday morning. As US gas stations ran dry, frantic shoppers flocked to stores for essentials. They snapped up batteries, transistor radios, bread, canned goods, bottled water, ice and pet food to gird for what Florida Governor Rick Scott warned would be a devastating, killer storm, with winds howling at up to 150 miles (240 kilometers) per hour. "Evacuate, evacuate, evacuate," he told a news conference. "Time is running out." The region's strongest storm in years, Matthew regained power as it swirled toward the US coast, upgraded a notch to Category Four Thursday by the National Hurricane Center on its 1-5 scale. - 'Body bags' - In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the normally bustling resort turned into a ghost town as tourists loaded up cars, cut short vacations and fled north. "It was packed with people here yesterday and then we came today and it was like 'Oh my God there is nobody here,'" Kelly Allmendinger, a 26-year-old bartender whose family was one of only two left on the eerily deserted beach. Despite the mass flight, officials warned a worrying number of people were not heeding the evacuation order. "People do not seem to get it and are not leaving," Sheriff William D. Snyder from Martin County, Florida, told NBC News. "I'm not saying this to be theatrical... I asked my captain of detectives if he had body bags, because if we get 140 mile-per-hour winds in mobile home parks, we are going to have fatalities." The fire service in St Augustine, northern Florida, issued a video message on Facebook warning that damage to the city was expected to be "catastrophic" and urging all holdouts to leave. "We as a city are evacuating," said Fire Chief Carlos Aviles. "I cannot emphasize enough: we are encouraging you to leave." "If you are choosing to stay in St Augustine, you are choosing to do so at your own risk. There will be no public safety personnel to assist you." - 18-foot waves - Some 1.5 million coastal dwellers are under an evacuation order in Florida alone. More than a million others in South Carolina and other coastal states were also told to escape the path of the storm, which first made landfall in Haiti Tuesday. Mandatory evacuations were also ordered in six coastal counties in Georgia that are home to some 520,000 people. Some 6,000 US Marine recruits were evacuated from a base at Parris Island, South Carolina. Miami International Airport canceled 90 percent of its incoming and outgoing flights on Thursday and Walt Disney World -- in Orlando, 35 miles inland from the Atlantic -- was to close early on Thursday and stay shut Friday. President Obama's emergency decree frees up resources to help Florida and authorizes the federal government to coordinate relief efforts. Obama spoke with the governors of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, pledging to provide them with all necessary federal resources to cope with the storm. Both presidential candidates sent out messages of support to those affected, with Republican Donald Trump saying "Please stay safe" while Democrat Hillary Clinton urged people to heed evacuation orders, tweeting: "Stay safe Florida." The National Hurricane Center said waves whipped up by the hurricane could reach as high as 18 feet (5.5 meters) -- nearly as tall as a two-story building. Debris tossed into the air will be capable of blasting through buildings and cars, the NHC said in a bulletin. Scott said the forecast is for storm surges of five to nine feet (1.5 to 2.7 meters), not counting the waves on top of that. Power outages, possibly lengthy, are a near certainty. - 'Running out of food' - As Matthew barreled northwest, Caribbean nations continued the grim task of assessing damage and fatalities, with four dead in the Dominican Republic in addition to the surging toll in Haiti. In Cuba, where some 1.3 million people were evacuated, there were no reported fatalities, but four cities in the east were cut off because roads were blocked by large chunks of rock hurled by the storm. Haiti postponed a presidential election scheduled for Sunday as it reels from the strongest storm to make landfall there in half-a-century. In one southern department alone, 29,000 homes were destroyed, the interior minister said. In Haiti's southern city of Jeremie, "about 80 percent of the buildings are gone," tweeted Jean-Michel Vigreux, country director for the CARE relief agency. "All phone lines and electricity are gone. Access is completely cut off, and everyone is running out of food and money." Further south in Les Cayes -- home to a major port -- an AFP reporter found the cathedral's roof completely blown off. The town of Roche-a-Bateau, where at least 50 died, was also devastated, local lawmaker Ostin Pierre-Louis told AFP. "No one's house is left standing."
By Scott Malone and Gabriel Stargardter ORLANDO/MIAMI, Fla. (Reuters) - Matthew, the first major hurricane threatening a direct hit on the United States in more than 10 years, blasted the Bahamas on Thursday as it headed for Florida after killing at least 140 people in the Caribbean, mostly in Haiti. Matthew, carrying winds of 140 mph (220 kph), pounded the northwestern part of the island chain en route to Florida's Atlantic coast, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. The storm was likely to remain a Category 4 on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane intensity as it approached the United States, where it could either take direct aim at Florida or tear along the state's coast through Friday night, the centre said, warning of "potentially disastrous impacts." Hurricane conditions were expected in parts of Florida later on Thursday and a dangerous storm surge is expected to reach up to 11 feet (3.35 meters) along the Florida coast, Ed Rappaport, deputy director of the Miami-based NHC, said on CNN. "What we know is that most of the lives lost in hurricanes is due to storm surge," he said. Some 136 people were killed in Haiti, local officials said, and thousands were displaced after the storm flattened homes, uprooted trees and inundated neighbourhoods earlier in the week. Four people were killed in the Dominican Republic, which neighbours Haiti. As the storm passed near the Bahamas capital of Nassau, howling gusts of wind brought down palms and other trees and ripped shingles off the rooftops of many houses. The eye of the hurricane was later poised to move over or near Freeport in the Bahamas. It was too soon to predict where Matthew might do the most of its damage in the United States, but the NHC's hurricane warning extended up the Atlantic coast from southern Florida through Georgia and into South Carolina. More than 12 million people in the United States were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel. The last major hurricane, classified as a storm bearing sustained winds of more than 110 mph (177 kph), to make landfall on U.S. shores was Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Jeff Masters, a veteran hurricane expert, said on his Weather Underground website (www.wunderground.com) that Matthew's wind threat was especially serious at Cape Canaveral, which juts into the Atlantic off central Florida. "If Matthew does make landfall along the Florida coast, this would be the most likely spot for it. Billions of dollars of facilities and equipment are at risk at Kennedy Space Center and nearby bases, which have never before experienced a major hurricane," Masters wrote. NASA and the U.S. Air Force, which operate the nations primary space launch site at Cape Canaveral, have already taken steps to safeguard personnel and equipment. A team of 116 employees were bunkered down inside Kennedy Space Center's Launch Control Center to ride out the hurricane. We've had some close calls, but as far as I know it's the first time we've had the threat of a direct hit, NASA spokesman George Diller said by email from the hurricane bunker. ROADS FILLED WITH EVACUEES Roads in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed, and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as the storm approached. Florida Governor Rick Scott warned there could be "catastrophic" damage if Matthew slammed directly into the state and urged some 1.5 million people there to evacuate. "If you're reluctant to evacuate, just think about all the people... already killed, Scott said at a news conference. "Time is running out. This is clearly either going to have a direct hit or come right along the coast." Scott, who activated several thousand National Guard troops to help deal with the storm, warned that millions of people were likely to be left without power. Florida, Georgia and South Carolina opened shelters for evacuees. As of Thursday morning, more than 3,000 people were being housed in 60 shelters in Florida, Scott said. Those three states as well as North Carolina declared states of emergency, empowering their governors to mobilise the National Guard. President Barack Obama called the governors of the four states on Thursday to discuss preparations for the storm. He declared a state of emergency in Florida and South Carolina, a move that authorized federal agencies to coordinate disaster relief efforts. A White House statement said he was "committed to providing necessary federal resources to help the states respond." Hundreds of passenger flights were cancelled in south Florida, and cancellations were expected to spread north in coming days along the storm's path, airlines including American Airlines , Delta Airlines and United Airlines [UALCO.UL] said. At about 5 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT), Matthew was about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Florida's West Palm Beach, the hurricane centre said. It was heading northwest at about 13 mph (20 kph) and was expected to continue on this track through Thursday. On Tuesday and Wednesday Matthew, the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck Central America in 2007, whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mph (225 kph) winds and torrential rain, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes. In Florida, fuel stations on Thursday posted "out of gas" signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up. At a Subco gas station in Orlando, the pumps ran dry on Wednesday afternoon. The shop was a stopping point for coastal residents seeking shelter inland. Among them was Jonas Sylvan, 44, of Melbourne, Florida, who planned to hole up in a hotel with his wife, two daughters and dog. "We're just trying to get away from the coast," he said. "It's safer here." Bumper-to-bumper traffic extended for more than 10 miles (16 km) on the main highway leading west to Orlando from the coast. In the central Florida coastal city of Jupiter, people scrambled to make preparations. "Our house is wood construction, so who knows what will happen," said Libby Valentine, 75, of Jupiter. "The whole idea is to stay safe and hope you have the grace to deal with the aftermath because you might not have a house." (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee, Neil Hartnell in Nassau, Rich McKay in Atlanta, Nick Carey in Chicago, Harriet McLeod in Charleston, S.C., Doina Chiacu in Washington, Joseph Guyler Delva in Haiti, Irene Klotz and Laila Kearney; Writing by Frances Kerry and Tom Brown; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
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Youve just loaded up your shopping cart with must-haves for your business. And youre about to complete an online order that you believe is saving your company a bundle if youd gone to a brick-and-mortar store (or stores) for everything.

The total looks good and youre about to hit the button to send a payment. But wait! That box asking for a coupon or promo code is empty. And there could be a simple code you can enter that could save you and your company considerable cash.

And all it takes to find one of these codes is a quick Web search.

Before you hit that payment button, open a new browser tab and run a quick search for coupon or promo codes for the site youre shopping. Its likely youll get some results. Whether those codes you get in the search results work is another matter. But taking those few extra minutes before checkout is worth it.

This strategy works for many online purchases. And there are some sites on the Web dedicated to collecting these discount codes. Here are a few proven sites that have valid codes as well as other coupons and discounts for small business that could save your business considerable money in the future.

Coupons and Discounts for Small Business

RetailMeNot

RetailMeNot.com has a large collection of coupons and codes you can use for your business. For example, at the moment its Office Depot coupon codes include a one-day offer of $20 off an order of $50 or more. The promo codes have a user success rate posted, so you can see which ones are more likely to work.

The sidebar on the left side of the page allows you to add more criteria to your search. For example, you can locate just printable coupons, in case youll be shopping locally rather than online.

Coupons.com

At Coupons.com you can go to the categories tab and click on office and electronics to find business-related coupons deals. Be warned however, the selection is usually slim. Youll find more if you click through to the coupon code section and use the search box to locate codes for specific vendors.

ValPak

Val Pak has been sending out coupon booklets by mail since 1968, so you might still get these from time to time. Now you can also go to ValPak and click on Local Coupons near the top of the page to find printable coupons for places near you.

Many of these are for consumer-oriented retailers and service companies, but there are usually a few that are relevant for small businesses.

Groupon

On Groupon you can click Local on the navigation bar at the top of the page to find nearby deals, and then pick through the categories.

But it may be more efficient to use the search box, by entering office supplies, advertising or whatever search phrase best describes what youre looking for.

Cash Back Websites

These websites rebate part of the affiliate commission they make. In other words, they get paid by retailers for bringing you to them, and then give most of that money back to you. The cash you earn is typically paid via PayPal or in the form of a gift card.

The savings at these sites can be substantial, and setting up an account is almost always free.

For example, with TopCashBack, you can shop online at Walmart and get 4 percent cash back on most purchases. Purchases from Office Max earn you a 6 percent rebate, and some services (advertising, web design) will get you 15 percent cash back. Here are some other cash-back websites:

Be Frugal

Coupon Cactus

E-bates

Extrabux

Fat Wallet

Hotel Business Clubs

If you find yourself using the same hotel chains when traveling on business, check for a membership program that offers discounts. For example, Best Western Business Advantage members get perks including a rewards program, plus 10 percent off the best available rate.

Also, when your employees use the membership, as the company owner you get 10 percent of all their points to use at your discretion.

The Choice Business Program gives members preferred corporate rates at more than 5,000 hotels around the world. The 11 hotel chains in the plan include Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, and Econo Lodge. Here are a few other hotel memberships that can give you either immediate discounts or points toward discounts and free rooms:

La Quinta Returns

IHG Rewards Club

Marriott Rewards

Hyatt Gold Passport

Hotel Coupons

Some of the best discounts for hotel rooms are still found in highway coupon books. Look for these in gas stations near freeway exits. Pay attention to the fine print, though. Sometimes the coupons are good only for certain days.

Automobile Club of America

AAA is known for its roadside assistance program, but also for the many places that give discounts for members. A typical hotel discount is 10 percent for AAA members. You can also get a discount at many restaurants, including Dennys and the Hard Rock cafe.

Americas Best Companies

As an ABC member you can get discounts on insurance, office supplies, health care, shipping, technology, utilities, financial services and more, according to its website.

For example, they have arranged discounts of up to 28 percent on UPS overnight shipping, up to 40 percent off many Staples products, and 20 percent off ADP payroll processing services.

Membership costs $35 per month or $420 per year, so check to see if the discounts you anticipate will justify that cost.

Credit Card Discounts

If you choose a good business credit card, you may get a signup bonus and points for purchases. According to TurboTax the cash back you receive is considered a discount by the IRS, and is not taxable as income.

On the other hand, you are supposed to adjust the expense amounts claimed to account for the cash you earn, so cash-back credit cards can complicate accounting for tax purposes.

Trade Terms

One of the simplest ways to get discounts for your small business is to check any invoices you regularly receive. Many vendors, including insurance providers, offer a discount for early payment. Check all of your vendor contracts for these trade terms as well.

Discounted Gift Cards

Most small business owners wouldnt think of buying discounted gift cards to save money. And it may not be worth the trouble unless someone in the office is very organized and efficient in handling the details. But its an interesting way to save up to 10 percent on regular purchases. Lets look at how this strategy works.

Gift cards are issued by all of the major office supply chains and most of the restaurants where you might eat business meals. When people cant or dont want to use the cards they sell them to websites like Gift Card Zen and Gift Card Rescue, which resell the cards at a discount from the remaining balance. The shipping is free.

For example, at the moment, among the numerous gift cards listed on Gift Card Rescue there is a $250 gift card for Speedway gas stations that is selling for $238.75, a 4.5 percent discount. Some office supply gift cards have discounts of up to 12 percent.

There are physical cards that you can have sent to you and electronic gift cards that can be used for online shopping, too.

This strategy might be too time-consuming to use with many vendors. Instead, identify the few places from which you regularly buy that have discounted gift cards regularly for sale online. Then buy cards with large balances, and buy several at a time. If you get a routine going you might spend only a few minutes to save a lot of money.

Stacking Your Discounts

Stack your discounts  its a powerful strategy to save money on small business expenditures. For example, if youre buying basic office supplies online, you might find a coupon code good for a 10 percent discount, then shop through a cash-back website to get 6 percent back, and finally, pay with a credit card that gives you 2 percent cash back. Your total savings would be about 17 percent.

In the case of business meals you could combine a coupon with the use of a cash-back business credit card. For gasoline discounts you might buy discounted gift cards using that cash-back credit card, and maybe also combine that with something like the Shell fuel rewards program. For any given expenditure look for all potential coupons, discounts, and cash-back options, and use as many coupons and discounts for small business as you can at the same time.
Google is constantly testing and releasing new features in AdWords. Last year alone, we gained access to hundreds of new features, many that werent even announced! Of course, some of these changes have greater potential for impact than others, but how do you prioritize which bandwagon to jump on first?

To save you time, I compiled a list of the new Google AdWords features you need to be using and started by asking participants, How do you feel about all these new features in Google AdWords?

Not surprisingly, about 50 percent of our webinar audience felt overwhelmed, while 20 percent were pretty excited about all the changes. The remainder were pretty indifferent and likely felt a mixture of both.

In this article, youll find my countdown of the new Google AdWords features you should check out and test.

No, I didnt just pick my own personal favorites here. I crowdsourced the question on Twitter, asking my smart PPC nerd friends which new AdWords features are most impactful, and got about 50 responses. Erin Sagin, one of the customer service managers at WordStream, compiled the results from those people on Twitter and Im happy to share with you the findings today.

Getting ahead of the curve and being a first-adopter with these impactful new Google AdWords features can give you the competitive edge you need to outperform your competitors.

7. Ad Customizers

What the heck are ad customizers and why should you care about them?

Ad customizers are a new AdWords technology that enables you to adapt the text in your text ads, based on the users search query.

Creating Urgency with Limited Time Offers

For example, youll see an ad customizer in a countdown. Imagine youre a retailer using a limited time offer to create a sense of urgency to convert. You want your ads to say something like, Hurry, the sale ends in x days, where x equals the difference between today and whenever the sale ends.

It used to be tedious and difficult to create these limited time offers in AdWords. You actually had to go into AdWords everyday and update the ad copy of your ads. Even that didnt work all that well, because your customers may be in different time zones. It was a total mess.

In came ad customizers, a new dynamic ad parameter.

In writing the ad in the screen shot above, I just entered that curly brace and then equals, enabling me to enter some syntax around when I want to end this sale. Then, the actual value of that text will be automatically inserted by the AdWords platform, depending when the person does the search.

We did some research internally with these ad customizers for a small group of WordStream clients. What we found was that the conversion rates of the ads increase the closer you get to the end of a sale. Intuitively, that makes sense, because people feel more urgency to buy when they have that fear of missing out on something that is ending soon.

We actually saw a pretty sizable difference  up to a 30 percent increase  in conversion rates as you get towards the end of that sale date. As a result, a few of my clients are testing out the notion of a perpetual sale, where you set up your ads to have some kind of a sale that always ends next Friday, and then it starts again next Monday. Whenever you visit GoDaddys site, for example, theres always a sale on domain names. Always! Its the same product, but they keep doing that to create a sense of urgency to convert.

Advanced Ad Customizer Tactic: Bulk Uploads for Multi-Product Sales

Now lets look at a bit more advanced usage of this ad customizer. What if you are a retailer with 10,000 products and some of the products have variable discounts, such as 5 percent off of trainers and 10 percent off of boots?

Can you imagine how hard that would be to manually go in and change the copy of all those ads to make them more compelling and urgent?

If youre a Google Shopping retailer, you can upload a list of products with the applicable discounts and sale end dates for your ad customizers.

What it will do is it will suck in the correct values and display them. This is much easier to manage than having to do this on your own.

6. Callout Extensions

What are callout extensions? This new ad extension is a bit tricky, but well worth getting to know.

Check out this search on car insurance:

Notice how theres a difference between the GEICO ad and the Allstate ad. The GEICO ad has two lines of text: 15 minutes Could Mean $500 Savings. (Full stop.) Get a Free Car Insurance Quote Now! Those are actually two lines of text that have been truncated into one line; theyre basically the description line one and description line two.

Allstate, on the other hand, has, Safe Drivers Can Save 45% or More! Find a Plan that Fits your Budget. Consider that the first and second lines of the ad. However, they also have these two additional lines of text. The first line has a bunch of benefits, but theyre not clickable. See: Switch and save $498 per year. Many discount offerings. Multiply policy discount. Those are called callout extensions.

Callout Extensions vs. Sitelink Extensions

Theyre very similar to site link extensions, with the one big difference: there is no link. You cant click on those things to navigate to some page. Site link extensions are not new. They are the call-to-action, clickable callouts in an ad. These newer callout extensions are the additional line of descriptive text that you can use to play up your offerings, in terms of the features and benefits of the product that youre selling.

Like Allstate, you can make smart use of this by combining it with sitelink extensions. As you can see, it makes the ad almost twice the height of the GEICO ad, with those two additional lines of offer text. It helps crowd out the competitors and bring more attention to that particular ad.

Just to reiterate, when should you use either sitelink extensions or callout extensions?

Essentially if your text  the piece of text that you want to highlight in your ad  is a thing or a call to action, such as buy now or mens shoes, then youd want to use site links. They are navigational elements a user could click through on to find those mens shoes or buy now.

If your text is more descriptive in nature, like describing the offering, Free shipping over $25. No contract required, then use the callout extension. Essentially, youre just adding additional attributes around the main offer.

Remember, you dont have to choose just one. Use both callout extensions and sitelinks to make your ads roughly 20 percent taller by adding an additional line of text to your ads. Callout extensions will appear in both desktop and mobile, but on desktop will only display in the top three positions. In mobile, there are only two positions. Youll need good ad rank  a good combination of quality score and bid  to be eligible.

5. Call Tracking

This year was huge for mobile and it now accounts for about half of all the searches that happen on Google. Last year, we were just getting on to this notion of call tracking with website call conversions, which Google had implemented in 2013.

Basically, when someone clicked on that click-to-call button previously, Google allowed you to see some information about how long the call lasted and where did the call come from, etc. However, you were not able to track calls if they did not click on your click-to-call extension.

There was a problem with the call tracking. What if someone was to find you through a search with a click on your ad, but then call your business using the phone number on the website, as opposed to calling straight through from the call extension in your ad? That wasnt trackable.

Google AdWords Website Call Conversions

That changed in the last year with Googles release of Website Call Conversions. Now, when people land on your website from search ads, the number on your website dynamically becomes a forwarding number so you can track how many of the calls that came through to your business were referred by AdWords.

How do you set this up in AdWords? Its a little bit complicated. Start by going into the conversion tracking tools in AdWords and when you set up a new conversion type, specify a Google forwarding number on your website:

Youll get a piece of JavaScript code to insert in your webpages wherever you want your business number replaced for ad-driven visitors.

This will switch the number out for a trackable number, allowing you to determine whether or not your ad campaigns are providing return investment from mobile. It lets you understand those calls from mobile searches and connect your online efforts to the conversions happening offline through phone calls. Another cool thing about this feature is that you have the ability to then view those call conversions in AdWords.

AdWords keeps track of the call details in terms of the number of phone impressions and phone calls, the phone-through rates, PTR, the cost per phone, CPP, and other metrics. You can load those into AdWords and see that information, enabling you to better optimize your account.

These call tracking forwarding numbers work for both desktop and mobile users.

Call Tracking with Context

Shameless plug: WordStream also offers a call tracking solution and I happen to think its even better than what AdWords is offering. One of our unique features is the ability to record your calls.

With AdWords, you still dont know exactly what happened with those calls. Were they good calls? Was one of them a wrong number? Did they buy something? WordStreams call tracking gives your call insights much-needed context. Check it out.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

4. App Promotion Ads

Apps are a big deal. In 2014, people spent more time in apps than they did on desktop computers.

If you dont yet have an app for your business, it might be worth thinking about it now. Google is seeing these trends, as well, so they decided to roll out a lot of nice marketing tools for companies who have their own apps.

The first one is pretty obvious and has to do with this notion of a Google search app install ad. Thats where a user searches on something and rather than just getting a click to some website ad, it says, Click to install.

I can install the Expedia Hotel app or the Hotel Tonight app just by clicking those buttons in the search result. Its a pretty nice way to give your customers a richer shopping experience and to get your software on their phones. These app promotion ads are not just in Google search, either  you can get them on display ads as well. They can show up in YouTube or anywhere else on the Google Display Network.

There is one other cool feature that hasnt been yet released, but its in public beta right now. Its called the app reengagement ad and its built to address the fact that stats on app engagement are pretty dismal overall. The vast majority of people use an app once or twice and then never use it again.

An app reengagement ad allows you to deep-link into an app. Instead of sending your mobile traffic to a landing page on your website, you can use the app reengagement ad to send traffic to a specific page within your app.

3. Demographic Targeting Ads

When I think about Google, I dont think of it as really a demographic targeting ad platform. Facebook and Twitter are for targeting people with certain demographics, like parental status or age or income. Theyre better suited for marketing to specific segments of people whereas with Google, youre going after keywords.

But in 2014, Google started to blend this notion of keyword search and display ads with demographic targeting ads. So whats this all about?

This is only working in the Google Display Network and basically, it gives you insights into who was actually clicking on or viewing your ads. You can view the breakdown of your ad engagement in terms of gender, age, and parental status.

Its not really that sophisticated at this point. If I were to compare this to Facebook, with its 1,000 demographic targeting options or so, Google wouldnt even really compare as it only has three.

However, its kind of a new beginning for them; its a new angle for ad targeting that has a lot of promise. This is a feature to watch.

Driving Ad Optimizations with Demographics

This allows you to understand the demographics of the people who are engaging with your ads, but is also a bit of an optimization tool. You can then use this data and say, I would only like to show this set of ads to parents.

Or, maybe youre selling bifocals and your target market is seniors. Then youd say, I want to set the bids higher for the 65-year-old age demographics, because thats my target market.

There are so many types of businesses out there where you can identify a target market in terms of peoples characteristics. Dont I know this well  I just had a kid! Its a never-ending parade of baby stuff and I have all of these baby companies marketing to me these days. Those types of businesses are very interested in parental status and other demographic information.

2. Revamped Google Web Designer for HTML5 Ads

Google has a new tool that will allow you to create these nice, rich, interactive, animated ads in HTML5. Think of how people used to create ads in Adobe Flash  except no one really does that anymore, because Flash is not supported on mobile browsers.

But HTML5 is.

You can create the same kind of animated image ads on HTML5, optimized for both desktop and mobile.

Google created a real cool editor to help you do this. So why should you care about HTML5 in your display ads on the Google Display Network?

More Engaging, Higher Quality Ads Cost You Less

Quality Score matters on the Google Display Network; they dont talk about it much, but its there. Through our own independent analysis, we can tell that the higher the click-through rate of your display ads, the lower your cost per click.

Conversely the lower the click-through rates of your display ads, the higher the cost per click.

In fact, for every 0.1 percent increase or decrease in click-through rates, your costs go up or down by 20 percent, on average.

When youre doing display advertising, you really want to have high click-through rates. Sure, youre going to pay for more clicks, but those clicks that you do pay for will be much, much cheaper. So how do you get these higher click-through rates on your display ads? The answer is easy.

Average ad quality on the Google Display Network is terrible. Over 67 percent of display ads on the GDN arent actually images! Theyre just text ads kind of masquerading as image ads, like these ads here:

These ads do very badly and have much lower click-through rates than image ads. Interestingly, theres also no text limit on image ads on the GDN. In text ads, of course, youre constrained 120 characters total, or so. Also, in Facebook advertising, theres a limit that says you cant have more than 20 percent text on your ads, but theres no such limitation on the Google Display Network.

In short, if youre going to do display or remarketing, do it well with really compelling ads to get high click-through rates, so that you end up paying much less.

Here are some examples for one of the accounts I was working on the other day. The text image ads were paying over $2 per click, whereas the image ads were 48 cents per click.

Another great way to make those click-through rates on your image ads even higher is to animate those images. Rather than have static images, have a galloping horse or a plane flying by.

Use Google Web Designer to create these interactive HTML5-based designs and motion graphics.

Im not an awesome designer, but I was able to muck around with this thing and do a little bit of stuff. If I spend more time on this, Im sure I could really master it. I just thought it was a really cool tool to be able to create HTML5 animated ads, supported in the GDN, without having to know code!

1. Google AdWords Editor

I saved the best for last here  the feature that got the most votes for 2014 was the desktop Google AdWords Editor. I was starting to wonder if Google was retiring this thing, since they hadnt updated it in so long. In December, however, they rolled out a massive AdWords Editor update  the biggest one since 2006.

Now, why would you want to do editing on a PC rather than in the cloud these days? Why wouldnt you just do the edits online? The answer is: speed.

Bulk Edits and Optimizations with Google AdWords Editor 11

Im sure youve noticed when youre doing edits on the web-based AdWords, sometimes its a little bit slow and clunky. AdWords Editor allows you to download all of your campaigns in bulk  even across multiple accounts.

I have literally thousands of accounts and I wanted to download them all at the same time, rather than going one by one in AdWords. I can download them all.

Then, you just launch them and use this speedy editor. It looks very similar to the AdWords youre used to online, but its the desktop version and I would say its about three to five times faster.

Another cool thing is that when youre done, you can post the changes and then just open up your other accounts.

This is great for agencies or marketers dealing with multiple accounts, as opposed to individual advertisers where theres typically only one account involved.

There is one other cool thing I wanted to bring your attention to here on the bottom left side of this particular screen:

The new AdWords Editor had a navigation makeover. You used to have to navigate from campaigns to AdWords to keywords and other objects through the tabs on the right, but theyve pulled those out of the tabs into this left-hand navigation where you can just click everything directly.

The old navigation was created 15 years ago, when there were only three or four types of objects, like keywords, AdWords, AdText and campaigns. Now, youve got literally dozens of different campaign objects like site links, managed placements, etc. There are so many different types of objects, it was hard to navigate to them quickly. Thats solved now, as theyre pulled into their own explorer window.

I expect the same change to happen on the Google AdWords interface sometime this year, so watch for it!

Conclusion

There you go  you didnt have to spend all year checking the AdWords blog and scouring the Web for information on Google AdWords features that Google hasnt covered very well.

If you have any experience whatsoever in AdWords, you know that search is fiercely competitive. Its a zero-sum game, where only one person can be on the top.

Theres a huge advantage in terms of your competitiveness as an advertiser if you are willing to do the legwork to adopt the latest features and functions fastest. If youre the only advertiser who has a nice animated HTML ad, youre going to get more clicks than everyone else! And if your callout extensions and sitelinks cause your ad to dominate the available ad space in the SERPs, youre going to stand out that much more to prospective buyers.

First-mover advantage is a serious edge in AdWords and I hope this introduction to these Google AdWords features gets you off on the right foot.
Thinking about starting your own coffee shop? Youre not alone. Coffee shops are already incredibly popular. A variety of coffee franchises to challenge industry leader Starbucks are already available, but theres no need to spend a huge amount of money on a franchise. You can launch your own independent coffee shop or cafe as well. Just take a look at the list of essential tips below.

10 Steps to Open a Coffee Shop

Secure the Right Equipment

Start by considering the kinds of products you want to offer for sale. The type of coffee you sell will determine the equipment that you need to have on hand. That list can include a cappuccino machine, drip coffee machines, press pots or French presses. Depending on your space and resources, you might even secure a variety of different items so that you can offer a larger variety of coffee beverages for sale when you open a coffee shop.

Choose a Space

Then youll need to find the right space to open a coffee shop. This can range from a full brick and mortar location to a small cart or truck. The smaller the space you have to work with, the less variety of beverages and food items you can realistically offer to customers. But if you have a full shop space, you can offer a full menu of different selections.

Find the Right Location

The location of your space can also play a major part in the success of your coffee shop. If youre opting for a brick and mortar space, choosing one thats in a downtown area or along a major thoroughfare can really increase your foot traffic. If youre going with a cart or truck, you might choose to set up at local fairs or farmers markets. Or you could even set up a coffee space within a college, hospital, shopping center or office building.

Adhere to All Local Regulations

Different states and local governments have different regulations when it comes to zoning and local health department mandates. Youll need to check in with your state and local governments to find what they require of coffee shops in the area where you want to open a coffee shop.

Research the Competition

Youll also need to take a look at the other businesses that sell coffee in the area. Dont just look at actual coffee shops, but also consider diners, carts and any other business that might compete with you. Then look at the prices and offerings to see if its an environment where youll be able to compete. That doesnt necessarily mean that your products need to be cheaper than everyone elses, but if your products are much more expensive you should at least offer something that customers cant get on every other corner when you open a coffee shop.

Hire Some Staff

Depending on the size and offerings of your business, you may need to hire some staff to help you serve customers and run the day-to-day operations. The amount of staff youll need will depend on your budget, the area where you want to set up, the amount of products you plan to serve and your hours. If youre running a small cart with just regular old coffee, you may be able to do it yourself. But if youre starting a shop with a full line of coffee products and other food items in a high traffic area, youll likely need a larger team.

Source Specialty Items

You may be able to get away with selling regular old wholesale coffee to some customers. But more and more people are becoming aware of the differences in quality among coffee suppliers. That means theyre getting picky about where their coffee comes from. So it can be beneficial to find a specialty blend or reputable roaster that more sophisticated coffee buyers will appreciate. You can even create your own signature blends to help your products really stand out from the competition.

Think About Food Items

Its not a necessity, but a lot of coffee shops find it beneficial to sell some sweets or other food items to go along with the coffee. If thats a part of your business plan, youll need to also consider the equipment that youll need to make those food items. You also may need to adhere to some additional regulations in order to serve food to customers safely.

Furnish Your Space

If you have the space, you can also set up some places for your customers to sit and relax in your coffee shop. Invest in some couches, chairs and tables to make it a comfortable environment for people. And maybe even offer free WiFi to attract connected customers.

Market Your New Business

Once you have all the essentials in place, its time to market your new coffee shop. Even if youve set up shop in a high traffic area, your business could benefit from some additional marketing activities. At the very least, you can set up a website and social media presence to make it easy for online customers to find and communicate with your business. You might also consider local ads or sponsoring local events.
MATTOON -- The Lake Land Board of Trustees is scheduled Monday to consider a recommendation to not increase tuition and fees for spring semester 2017.

Vice President for Business Services Bryan Gleckler wrote in his report that based on current information available from the various funding sources from which Lake Land receives revenue, he has recommended maintaining the tuition and fee structure as is for the upcoming spring semester.

The current tuition structure is $102.50 per credit hour for in-district students, $229.96 for out of district, and $423.36 for out of state. The activity fee is $2.50 per credit hour and the service fee is $21.30 per credit hour. This structure resulted from a tuition increase for fall semester 2016.

Tuition and fees combined would continue to be $126.30 per credit hour for in-district students, or about $1,900 a semester for a full-time student taking 15 credit hours in spring 2016.

"Lake Land College continues to be very cost effective for the students it serves based on these tuition and fee rates," Gleckler said. "The college remains well below the state average for community colleges for both in-district and out-of-district per credit hour cost totals."

Gleckler said Lake Land did receive its portion of state funding allocated as part of the stop gap budget, which was consistent with the 50 percent funding anticipated by the college in its fiscal year 2017 budget projections.

"However, there still remains substantial uncertainty over state funding levels over the long term," Gleckler said.

The board is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Monday in Webb Hall 081 on the main campus in Mattoon.

In other matters, the board will hear a report on the dual credit program with various high schools in the district and an update on the new Career Academy program. The Career Academy offers automotive, construction, manufacturing and information technology courses for high school students.

The board also will consider accepting a $10,000 dual credit enhancement grant from the Illinois Community College Board.

Emily Ramage, director of grant development, wrote in her report that the grant will enable Lake Land to expand upon dual credit offerings to include a computer troubleshooting certificate and a computer technician certificate in the Career Academy.

"Grant monies will fund materials and supplies, instructor training, and other activities required to support the program's expansion," Ramage said.
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More and more terms like customer engagement and customer experience are being used in todays business lexicon. And more and more you see them being used interchangeably. On top of that customer service and customer experience are used the same way. And if that werent confusing enough, in many conversations all these phrases are sometimes being used interchangeably with customer relationship management (CRM).

At this years ExCom 2016 event, Paul Greenberg, author of seminal CRM at the Speed of Light series and the upcoming Harvard Press book The Commonwealth of Self-Interest: Customer Engagement, Business Benefit, broke down these terms and how they differ, and how they are related and work together to implement modern customer engagement strategy.

Check out video of Greenbergs presentation here:

Below is an edited transcript of a short conversation with Paul, and embedded below are the audio of our full discussion, and the video of Pauls presentation from ExCom 2016. He starts the discussion by talking about customer experience vs. customer engagement.

Customer Engagement and Customer Experience Arent One in the Same

Paul Greenberg: Theyre different. When you look at customer experience theres actually two ways to looking at. On a broad scale its how a customer feels about a company over time. And again you know its an evolving/changing/shifting kind of feeling  but its a feeling. You cant enable it via technology because you cant enable human feelings. It doesnt work that way.

With that said, in order for a customer to change how they feel over time they have to interact with the company in some fashion. When it comes to customer engagement my definition is the ongoing interaction between company and customer offered by the company, chosen by the customer. Now theres two ways to look at that. One is in order for a customer to be engaged with a company at some level the customer has to want to continuously interact, meaning if its one interaction and they stop, its not engagement its just a singular interaction. They want to have an ongoing relationship and ongoing dialogue or communication between the company and the customer.

But what the customer is expecting in that is a highly personalized interaction; highly personalized communication from the company that has an impact in two ways. One it gives the customer something that they want. And on the other hand the customers themselves recognizes the company knows enough about me to care enough about my cares, knows enough about me to give me something I want. The problem with all of that is that if your company is scaling to a larger scope its not that easy to meet those customer desires because theyre all unique and independent.

So if you have a million customers and a million different requests from those customers the company has to figure out what are the same things that I can offer customers that will satisfy the largest group of those customers, who at the same time will still feel as if they have had an interaction or any independently personalized experience with the company. But at the same time we wouldnt go bankrupt; I offer a basket full of products/services/tools, or what I call consumable experiences, then the customer gets to choose from that array of offerings. And the key there is the company doesnt go bankrupt because theyve chosen the offering theyre going to provide to the customer that make sense for the most part for a group of customers. And is felt by the customer to be individually and personally for them.

Secondly the customer gets to pick which ones they want, which make the customer feel in control of the interaction which is very important. And it gives the company data on their customer to help refine the offerings the next time. So thats customer engagement right.

Small Business Trends: What is CRMs role in customer engagement?

Paul Greenberg: If CRM was what me and you and others really wanted it to be when we first started out we wouldnt be talking about any distinction really; it would have been all those things. We looked at it philosophically and strategically but it ended up being technologies and systems; in other words enablement.

What CRM does for marketing, sales and customer service, when it boils down to it, is that it enables the operational systems that companies are using to increase their chances of closing a deal. More successful marketing, making customer service case management a lot easier when its operational; its come down to that.

It doesnt mean that no components for communication/social are in CRM technologies; the fact is its pretty much standard now where those communications are designed to impact and enable the the effectiveness of customer engagement, which then improves the overall customer experience. CRM, in effect, becomes an operational technological core for engagement, and for ultimately a great customer experience. But its still distinct from it.

Small Business Trends: Esteban Kolsky, customer service expert, said customer service as we know it will be nonexistent by 2025. What do you think?

Paul Greenberg: I think hes right. We are seeing that kind of transition. Think back a few years the first metric everybody used to look at was first call resolution. How quaint is that. What they find out over time, because of the rise of new forms of communication with customers, call resolution was the most expensive form of resolution.

The reality is what were seeing now because of these new communications channels, and more effective processes, is innovative practices and more effective CRM systems. And now as were starting to see the evolution of more effective AI (artificial intelligence) and more effective user-generated successful resolution to customer service cases; and see customers use things like self-service channels in a lot more effective manner.

More and more people will be using self-service as a form of solution, or at least as the first form of resolution. If you get an answer without dealing with another human being by just going online and finding it by utilizing tools, that makes it easy for you because youre looking for the path of least resistance when youre trying to solve a problem or just answer a query.

So Estebans estimation of another eight or so years is probably about right. What hes saying  because we still have my generation (Baby Boomers) continues to retire and step away from things and when Gen Xers and Gen Yers and Gen Zers begin to move forward its just going to become standard operating procedure that they use the means to solve problems by themselves before they use contact a representative.

Its just going to happen.

Listen to the audio here:

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This is part of the One-on-One Interview series with thought leaders. The transcript has been edited for publication. If it's an audio or video interview, click on the embedded player above, or subscribe via iTunes or via Stitcher.
When Lifesize, an HD video collaboration platform, was spun-out from computer peripheral maker Logitech, it had to make a massive shift of its product offering to a subscription-based cloud service. Which also meant they needed to make a massive shift to becoming a company highly aligned with rapidly changing customer needs and expectations, or else risk losing them almost as fast as theyre able to bring them on.

Amy Downs, Chief Customer Success and Happiness Officer Lifesize, shares with us how the key to the companys transformation to a subscription business model was changing the corporate culture to be customer-first. And how that change raised their net promoter score (NPS) from negative four to over seventy, increased customer retention rates, and created a customer support team that finally understood their value to the business.

* * * * *

Small Business Trends: Before we jump in there maybe you can give us a little of your personal background.

Amy Downs: Absolutely. Ive been in the tech space for many years. I started as a coding software as a software engineer early in my career and realized very quickly that I missed working with people and customers and so over time Ive just really enjoyed creating experiences and working with them with employees happy employees  happy customers and so on. So really have spent the last few years of my career focused in on both. Both growing startups and also this SAP what weve done here at Lifesize which is really a bit of a turnaround. And so  really helping companies to understand the importance that customer obsession has to add to the overall bottom line.

Small Business Trends: So tell us about what you guys do over at Lifesize?

Amy Downs: We were the very first creators of HD video conferencing many moons ago. We started as a hardware company and we were acquired. Craig Malloys our CEO and started a company manufacturing amazing video conferencing end points and we were acquired by Logitech in 2009 for about $405 million. Then in 2012 the market really started to shift. The on-premises infrastructure videoconferencing market was really declining and at the same time with consumer apps like Facebook and Skype people started to get used to this concept of talking with each other on video. So we noticed a shift in the market where B2B video conferencing was just taking off like crazy and we had to make a decision. Either we rode that trend line down by staying with our on premises solution or we made the shift and take our on premises solution and put that in the cloud and thats what we did. So we did a complete overhaul of our product offering to a cloud based service.

We completely changed the entire structure of the organization and we knew as a cloud service provider that its so easy for customers in a cloud based world to just switch and Lifesize didnt have a huge focus on customers.

Small Business Trends: Why did they bring you in as Chief Customer Success and Happiness Officer?

Amy Downs: We were a manufacturer of hardware devices in a three tier distribution model so we were very far separated from customers and so we really needed to bring in  what I call slow customer service DNA into the company. And Craig Malloy knew that. So I joined Lifesize back in May of 2014 because like you said there was a little bit of a challenge when it came to customer service.

Small Business Trends: What exactly was the main challenge?

Amy Downs: When we rolled out our on premises infrastructure solution I remember interviewing with Craig and he said we had a few product problems but nothing you cant solve. And were also making this shift to a cloud based solution. And he says we really need a full focus on customer obsession.

Im a huge believer that customer services does not just sit with customer support. It is a company based initiative. And so  we needed a culture of customer obsession in order to win in this market. And the reason I joined was because he understood the link between a very strong culture and being able to create customers for life.

One of the first things I asked was do we get feedback from our customers, do we have any voice of the customer program here at Lifesize. They said we actually sent out the support surveys. I said, what do we do with them, and they were like, oh really nothing.

So I remember looking through all the surveys and I was like, oh boy. What it really told me was that there were three pillars I think to really fixing any problem, you know. It all starts with the people and usually those folks just need to know a direction; whats important. They need to know how the work they do connects with the customer, and how important that is to our business. And then they really need processes and systems to be successful.

And so really there were just a couple of what I would say simple things that we did. I needed everyone at Lifesize to know that Craig was like behind us right. That this was what we were building and the changing of our culture was a CEO driven initiative. And I had his full sponsorship and so we educated the entire company.

We brought in net promoter and we educated everybody on the importance of our customers. During our first town hall I asked who pays our paychecks. We got all these different answers from our employees, and no one said our customers. And I said, no, thats who pays our paychecks. That is who is putting food on our table and thats who allows us to drive, you know, good cars and have  homes  and go do fun things and so, you know, I said, its our jobs and our commitment back to that community and back to our customers.

To do the right thing by them, and every single person at Lifesize plays a role in that. And so we started to put our net promoter program in place and gather that feedback. One of the challenge areas as I mentioned was our customer support department. So we made some really minor adjustments.

We put a couple of tools in place that helped that team to see when help tickets were coming in and how they were aging. We basically educated them on the philosophy and vision for what we wanted customer obsession to look like and ultimately really just built that team up. I would say they were shoved off in a corner and really very disconnected from the business. So my job was really to help them to understand how important they were and what a critical role they played in the success of our company and give them a couple of tools that they needed to be really successful.

And so we actually were recognized by winning a gold Stevie award for customer service team of the year for making the transformation. When we started as I mentioned our net promoter score was a negative four and today it is over 70.

If you set that vision and give the systems and processes they need to be successful  and just believe in them and let them know that theyre making a difference  thats all it takes. Thats really it. That was the biggest piece of what we did.

Small Business Trends: What kind of impact has the rise in NPS had on retention rates or even revenue?

Amy Downs: We launched our cloud service as I mentioned really in late May of 2014. We are approaching 4,000 new customers. Our retention rates are fantastic. We actually measure customers on all sorts of factors and industry benchmarks on churn and ultimately what we call net positive ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue). And a lot of that again is just changing the culture of our company, not just with the customer support team but with the entire company. And bringing that voice of the customer program so that we continually drive change over time.

That change has helped us with reference customers. We see that 50 percent of the customers we ask to be references on our net promoter surveys say they are absolutely willing to be a reference and do case studies. So  lots of advocates and promoters out there and we actually are approaching 350 percent growth in all of our individual registered users making calls on the system, and 204 percent growth in our minutes call volumes year over year.

Small Business Trends: It sounds like as the business model has changed to being a cloud based subscription, the service model has become central to the overall business model.

Amy Downs: Its such an important point because it is critical that its done in advance. Ive been in this space for almost 10 years now and what Ive noticed is I dont think companies realize that until theyre in year two or three and they start to have a churn problem; and theyre like, oh, my gosh, we have to go address the three things to build a great customer service team or we need to add a customer success function and we need to build out the journey.

And so its a super point because if you start with the end in mind you have to build a great experience that should be part of the product offering. And I think if companies think that way and really put a focus on how do we deliver great value and great service. And how do we promote that to our customers.

And ultimately from a customer standpoint if theyre making an investment in a product they want to know that  not only does that product serve their needs but how are you going to ensure that they are getting the value for the money that they spent and that youre going to take care of them. And continually are providing information on new updates, new features, new things that we think will help our customers reach the goals they had when they first bought, or may provide them with additional value down the road that they werent even thinking of.

This is part of the One-on-One Interview series with thought leaders. The transcript has been edited for publication. If it's an audio or video interview, click on the embedded player above, or subscribe via iTunes or via Stitcher.
The predicament unfolding at Wells Fargo where 5,300 employees were fired due to phony bank accounts opened to boost their sales figures and make more money is not new in the financial world.

Unscrupulous practices have occurred for years in varying degrees.

In 1985, a just-fired employee at a New York-based commercial bank stood in front of his former co-workers to explain how he siphoned money from several bank accounts to which he had access.

The explanation was not to teach other employees how to do the same, but rather, done while the former employee was flanked on either side by his former supervisor and a security guard, it was a warning to workers that such theft would not go unpunished.

Working alongside those employees as a management assistant gave me front-seat access to a situation I did not know was possible until hearing the details.

Wells Fargos dilemma provides small business owners with vital lessons to keep financial accounts secure and relationships with clients strong.

Financial Fraud Protection Tips and Tricks

For You

1. Make time each month to reconcile your financial accounts. Even if an accountant is privy to your records, its imperative that you personally review statements in a timely manner.

2. Access your credit report every year through the free service, AnnualCreditReport.com or through another preference. Such review wont help you detect fraud that occurs between yearly audits. However, you will still see details that may negatively impact finances.

3. Set up alerts through mobile banking, and that includes a password on your cellphone that prohibits access to financial records if your phone is lost, misplaced or scanned.

4. Install Dasheroo on your cellphone to know whats coming in and going out of your bank accounts. Most apps are accessible on your computer and tablet so theres no excuse for not taking action at a moments notice.

For Clients

1. Send a letter of assurance by mail and email whenever mismanagement occurs in your industry. Youll receive praise for reaching out in times of crisis whether its stated verbally or acknowledged silently. Send the notice in both formats to ensure notification.

2. Call clients by phone to back up mail and email notices as additional security to strengthen client trust and value in your service.

3. Save notifications that you receive from other industries to re-structure alerts sent to clients. This is helpful if you have difficulty writing copy and do not have staff or an on-call writer to create the content.

4. Become an ally by notifying clients each time disruptions come to light in industries that impact them. For example, if you are not in the financial industry, notification about Wells Fargo and pointing clients to an online article that helps them detect fraud positions you as a valuable and reliable connection.

Which of these internal checks and client-based services will you pursue tomorrow?
Running a business is hard. So staying positive as an entrepreneur isnt always easy. But there are some things you can do to improve your mindset and stay positive while running a business. Here are 30 simple tips.

How to Stay Positive at Work as an Entrepreneur

Remember Your Purpose

When you get negative thoughts as an entrepreneur, they tend to distract you from your main purpose. So if you can really focus back on that purpose, it can help you put things in perspective and realize that some of those concerns or issues arent as devastating as you previously thought.

Change Your Focus

Or you could take a different approach and simply shift your focus for a short time. If a certain task or direction just isnt working for you, try a new one and it could improve your outlook.

Look at Your Goals

You can also get some of your focus back and improve your outlook by simply looking back at some of your main goals for your business. So keep them written down somewhere and bring them out when you need an extra boost.

Talk to a Mentor

Having a business mentor who has been through tough times and knows how to get through them can be invaluable during your inevitable business struggles.

Take a Break from Social Media

Social media can be a great tool. But it can also lead some entrepreneurs into the comparison trap. So if you find yourself constantly using social media to compare your progress to that of other businesses, you may need to take a break from it.

See Others as Motivational

Or you could use the opportunity to see the success of other entrepreneurs as a motivating factor instead. Look at their success and see that it is possible and then use that to push your business to the next level.

Look Back at Your Progress

Looking back at your own business on occasion can also be a motivating factor. If youre able to see how far youve come, it can change your mindset going forward.

Move On from Failure

However, its not always a great idea to dwell on the past. When you experience failure, which is inevitable, you need to find a way to move onto the next task quickly instead of letting the failure ruin your mindset.

Write Down What You Learned

One easy way you can put failure in perspective is to write down some lessons you learned from the experience. This can show you that even though you failed, you did gain something. And it can also help you continue moving forward.

Spend Time with Loved Ones

Starting a business can take up a lot of time and energy. But its a good idea to regularly step back and remember the reasons you started in the first place. So spend time with your family and other loved ones regularly to improve your mindset and stay positive.

Talk to Your Team

Your team members can also help you potentially break out of a negative funk. Talk to them about ideas for the business along with their personal and professional goals.

Talk to Your Customers

You can also reach out to your customers from time to time to see how theyve been affected by your business and remind yourself why you do what you do.

Do the Hardest Work First

If your negative outlook can be attributed to overwhelm, then sometimes the best thing you can do is just get the work done. Focus on the most difficult tasks first so that you can get them out of the way and reduce your overwhelm quickly.

Appreciate Your Freedom

Being an entrepreneur means that youre the boss. That doesnt mean you can necessarily do whatever you want all the time. But you do get some freedom. So realizing that can really help you stay positive during difficult times.

Make a Plan

Negativity and overwhelm can sometimes also be attributed to a lack of direction. If this is the case for you, then you need to sit down and actually map out a plan for the next few months or years of your business. Having even a general idea where youre going can really be a benefit.

Take a Break

Or you might just need to step back for a little bit to refocus. Take a short vacation or just simply unplug for a long weekend.

Reward Yourself

When you do get things accomplished in your business, its important to celebrate that in some way. Map out a small rewards system for yourself to stay motivated and positive during the daily grind.

Reward Your Team

You can also apply a similar awards system to your team. Keeping them motivated and happy can improve the overall mood around your office and keep everyone at your business more positive.

Make a Game of It

You can even appy some gaming theory to getting things done. Create a points system for larger tasks or spur some friendly competition between coworkers to keep everyone motivated and engaged.

See Also: Why Trump Might Keep the International Entrepreneur Rule

Get Some Exercise

Regular exercise gives you endorphins, which can help you stay positive on a daily basis. So even short bursts of exercise a few times a week can make a big difference.

Connect with Other Entrepreneurs

Sharing the struggles of entrepreneurship can be a good way to clear your mind and move forward. But talking to your family and friends about those struggles might not have the same effect as talking to someone who can really relate. So find some other entrepreneurs to connect with, either in your local community or online.

Write Down What Youre Thankful For

Along with the struggles, there are plenty of great things to be thankful for when it comes to running a business. So instead of just forgetting those positives and dwelling on what needs to be done, take a moment out of your day and write down some things you have to be thankful for.

Thank Others

You can also show that gratitude to others by simply saying thank you or writing short thank you notes.

Try Out Meditation

Meditation can be another way to sort of clear your mind and stay focused on the positives throughout your day.

Use Daily Affirmations

Or you can try a more vocal approach like daily affirmations. State positive things about yourself, and the positive attitude could follow.

Seek Out Inspiration

If youre feeling uninspired in your business, just waiting around for inspiration to strike can seem like a lifetime. So seek out some inspiration through reading, going outdoors or even browsing sites like Pinterest.

Get Some Hobbies

Having some hobbies outside of work can also help you stay positive and inspired on a regular basis.

Educate Yourself

You can also choose to expand your mind through regular training or education programs, which can lead to new ideas and motivation.

Remind Yourself What Make You Happy

No matter how many great habits you build around your business, there are going to be times when you feel a little down. So it can be a good idea to have a folder on your computer or even a physical list or scrapbook that you can pull out during those tough times to remind yourself of what makes you happy.

Visualize Your Goals

You can also regularly remind yourself of your main goals by keeping them visible in your workspace. Create a list or post them on a board in your office so youre constantly reminded why youre doing what you do.
Local SEO is a great way to get your business in front of the people that matter the most  those around you. If you are a local business, you dont really have a need to be reaching people all across the globe. If you are an attorney in Atlanta, you probably dont have a need to reach into San Francisco or Chicago. Instead, you want to reach people in your local area.

But how do you do this when you have a company that does have many locations? Well, you have to optimize for it. Ranking with local SEO is very different from organic search. It is highly specific and must be locally targeted with strong signals. There are many ways that you can do so, but, unfortunately, there are also a lot of penalties if you do it the wrong way. Here is how you can get all locations of your business out there with local SEO.

How to Target Local SEO For Multiple Locations

The first thing that you need to do when targeting multiple locations is create unique URLs for each location. Make sure that you also include the URLs on your site map. After your location has a URL, you want to focus on creating content for the page that is local and highly optimized.

When creating your SEO-friendly landing pages, there are four things that you want to make sure you optimize for: title tag, meta description, H1, and your content. All of this needs to be optimized for the local keyword phrase. Your title tag should include the local keyword phrase in front, the title of the article, and then some sort of branding  maybe your company name. Your meta description should also include the target location keyword phrase. You might also want to consider including your phone number as a local signal. You can also count this as a point of conversion. Having the keyword phrase in your meta description doesnt help with your rankings, but it will help prove a local relevance.

Your H1 also needs to have the local keyword phrase, but you want to make sure it doesnt come off as spammy. Instead, it should be short and catchy. Since each location has its own URL and landing page, you also want to make sure that the content on the pages is unique for each location. You cant use the same content on every page. The content must be suited for the location that you are talking about, and it needs to be quality work. Generally, longer is better  at least 400 words.

If you dont already have a Google My Business account, you need to get this setup as soon as possible. This is crucial so that your business information will be shown in other Google channels like maps, search, and Google+. You want to make sure that your name in Google My Business is the actual name of your business. Do not include a location or a keyword. For example, Visiture has two locations, one in Charleston and one in Atlanta; however, for GMB, we would just list our name as Visiture, not Visiture Charleston.

Your address should also be as accurate as possible. One thing to take into consideration is consistency. If your address has NE in it other places on the web, then you want to make sure that is included in your address. One other point you want to make sure you include in your account is your phone number. This should be a local number that goes directly to your company. Each location should have their own number, and all of this should be the same information that is found on your website.

Social media can greatly help your SEO efforts and can improve your businesss local search results. Google crawls social media sites just like it does any other web page. It will look at the number of Facebook likes, shares, and posts that include your website; Twitter followers and tweets; and more. The more engagement that you have on social media, the more you look better in Googles eyes, and this will help you go up in the SERPs.

Social media is something that every business should be incorporating into their marketing strategy. Make sure that you are putting your content on your social sites and promoting it to your audience. If you have multiple locations, it is important to create separate pages for each location so that you can get more authority for each. This will also help you to be more visible and help people who are searching to find the correct location. With Facebook Locations, you can easily set up and manage multiple pages for all of your locations.

In todays SEO world, directory listings are not as popular as they once were, but they are still very important, especially when it comes to local SEO. These directories can help you get links and rankings for your locations without too much effort. Lets say that one of your keywords is extremely competitive, and youre having a hard time ranking for it. However, you notice that Yelp ranks for that keyword. You might not be able to rank for the keyword, but you can appear in the local directory. Also, more links that you build and more mentions of your business will help you in the rankings.

You also want to make sure that you are not just listed in these directories, but that you are being reviewed on them. 90% of customers say that they are influenced in some way by reviews. Also, Google reviews and other large sites are known to show up in search results very predictably, so they can help you with visibility. Start out with asking your current customers to review you  maybe even offer them some sort of incentive for doing so. Make it easy for them, and tell them step by step how to review you. People dont want to do more work than they have to.

Local SEO should be a vital part of your digital marketing strategy, especially if you are a brick and mortar location. You need the people around you to know about your products and services. However, you must remember that local SEO is very different from average SEO, and you have to optimize it accordingly, start thinking about your next google maps marketing strategy.. With these tips, you should be set to get your business ranking in the local SERPs.
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Shopify (NYSE:SHOP), a cloud-based, multi-channel commerce platform, announced September 20 that it has partnered with trade finance and insurance solutions agency Export Development Canada (EDC) to insure the merchant cash advances offered by Shopify Capital.

Shopify Capital is the new service the ecommerce platform launched in April this year to help small business owners and entrepreneurs secure financing and accelerate their business growth. The service seeks to tailor cash advances to each merchants needs, based on data processed through the Shopify platform, in order to help them grow their business.

For many merchants, securing capital is a frustrating and time-consuming process, said Saad Atieque, Product Manager at Shopify in an earlier press release announcing the launch of Shopify Capital. With Shopify Capital, were giving entrepreneurs a simple, fast, and convenient way to secure financing to invest in their business. Similar to our payments and shipping solutions, Shopify Capital represents one more way Shopify can help entrepreneurs strengthen their business operations.

As part of the new partnership, EDC will insure the small business, merchant cash advances offered by the service. Shopify claims obtaining this financing is designed to be as simple as a few clicks, with money in the merchants account within a few days of acceptance. As of June 30, the company said it had advanced over $5 million to participating merchants since the programs inception.

Our partnership with EDC supports the continued growth of Shopify Capital, stated Brett OGrady, Head of Treasury and Risk for Shopify.
Kaley Foster is a green business entrepreneur who runs an all-natural beeswax candle company, Urban Buzz, from her home in Akron, Ohio.

Like many in her generation, Foster, a Millennial, age 29, shares grave concerns about climate change and its impact on the environment.

When I founded my candle company, I focused on using beeswax, which is more environmentally-friendly than other types, Foster told Small Business Trends in a telephone interview. Im not the greenest person in the world but had the idea of sustainability in the back of my mind. My choice of wax brought it to the forefront and, from there, things began to snowball.

Foster combined her entrepreneurial talents and passion for sustainability to crowdsource the Akron Sustainer Project to teach area residents, small business owners and non-profit organizations about the many uses of environmentally-friendly construction. And shes doing it from inside a shipping container!

Foster recently started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money and awareness for the project, which utilizes an 8 by 20 shipping container built from reused and repurposed materials, to act as an educational hub where she and others conduct workshops and teach courses on sustainability and green practices. Her goal is to raise $10,000.

The idea for the project sprang from an experience Foster had using a shipping container to sell her products.

She had participated in a project run by The Better Block Foundation, which promotes the revitalization of blighted urban areas.

In this case, the foundation had invited local business owners and entrepreneurs to set up shop in one such neighborhood. Another participant moved a shipping container to an empty lot, from which Foster and others sold their wares.

I had heard of people turning shipping containers into homes, restaurants, art installations  all sorts of crazy things, Foster said. After conducting more research on their use, I applied for and received a grant from Torchbearers, a local activism organization I belong to, which enabled me to start.

Work began on the shipping container in January of this year. Since its completion, Foster, in concert with other organizations, has been able to educate more than 10,000 visitors on sustainability, as well as on the shipping container movement that promotes the reuse of recyclable materials.

Through the project, which is now in phase two, Foster plans to feature eco-friendly materials such as solar panels, vegetative roofs, rain barrels and rainwater catchment systems, to name a few.

She is also inviting other organizations to make use of the space, taking it over for a month at a time.

Visit Fosters GoFundMe page to learn more about the project or to donate.
So you have been hearing about social media for years. You spent money and time getting more likes, followers, etc.

But, likes dont equal cash, and Mark Zuckerberg owns those likes. Not you.

Social media was the craze 3-4 years ago, but now people have millions of likes, followers etc. and nothing to show for it. Having lots of fans and followers does not mean that all of them can be termed as leads.

Dont focus on those numbers that are not really helping you. You need to focus on getting leads, and not a social following. Remember that social networks keep coming and going, and for your business to be sustainable, the focus should be on lead generation.

How exactly do you generate leads?

Social Media Lead Generation Tips

Integrate Email Marketing Into Your Lead Generation Strategy

Studies show that email marketing conversion rates are 300 percent higher than social media. Therefore, it is imperative to have this as your main lead conversion strategy.

Instead of giving away all your valuable content, simply ask them to fill out a simple form to get access to your best information.

You can then use an email marketing software such as GetResponse to convert your leads. This will enable you to send them both informative and marketing emails. When done well, email marketing will help you make repeat sales to specific leads who have warmed up to your content.

To get people to sign up, you need to have a strong lead magnet. This is a piece of content that convinces your leads to enter their name, email address, and more details. This enables them to access that content. Studies show that courses perform better as lead magnets than eBooks. However, be it a course, a journey, an eBook, an event, a webinar, a video, etc., get a lead magnet that can work great with your audience.

Once your leads sign up, you can slowly nurture them so that you can eventually convert them into sales. This can be done through a series of automated emails (known as an autoresponder series) or well-prepared broadcast emails.

Use a Lead Generation Tool

As stated before, email marketing is currently one of the most powerful forms of marketing known to man. However, how do you get people to sign up faster? Thats where a lead generation tool, such as OptinMonster comes in.

This will help you design beautiful forms that you can place on different parts of your site where they can deliver the highest conversion rates. You can also measure the effectiveness of each form and perfect it further. Most marketers advocate for the use of multiple forms on a site to boost conversions.

Apart from just creating the beautiful forms, you can have different types of pop-ups on your site. These include:

Page takeover: These are forms that fill the whole web page. Once your social media leads click on a link to your site, the whole page is blocked, and they get a form where they can give an email in exchange for your lead magnet. Some people will simply close the takeover form. However, many will sign up to your mailing list where you can then warm them up for conversion.

Exit pop-up: Averagely, 70-96 percent of visitors who leave a website never come back. You can use an exit popup to get them to subscribe before leaving. This is a pop-up that only shows up when a visitor is going to click on the close tab button. It, therefore, does not interfere with the content such as the page takeover. It can get you lots of conversions from people who would never have returned to your website again.

Sidebar form: This is a form that rests on your websites sidebar. A lead generation tool will help you design one that is so catchy that leads would just want to sign up and see whats in store for them.

Header form: The header form is usually placed on a websites header.

These are some of the forms that you can place on your site with the help of a professional lead generation tool.

Expand Your Reach

Numbers dont lie. Therefore, you need to always measure the impact of your campaigns. Each audience reacts differently to the content it receives. You need to take note of what your audience loves, improve your strategy and ultimately increase your reach.

You can use a tool such as Start a Fire to expand your reach. This tool adds a branded badge to whatever content you recommend. For example, if you share a wonderful news post with your audience, as they read that news piece, theyll see a branded badge showing other posts that you recommend from your blog. Therefore, with every share, youll increase chances of people clicking back to your blog. When people re-share those links, theyll enable you to reach new audiences.

See Also: Beef Up Customer Experience with These 4 Tips

Remember that at the end of the day, you dont want to just get a lot of likes, loves, shares, follows etc, you want to expand the reach of your brand. This way, even if your favorite social platform dies out, your brand remains.

Beyond the Leads

A total of 94 percent of B2B buyers say they conduct some form of online research before they buy a business product. Therefore, if you are a B2B business, you want to go beyond the leads. You want to know your leads.

Leadfeeder is one of those tools that can help you know your leads. It shows you what exactly your users are reading on your website. It shows you which businesses are reading from you and gives more detailed information about those businesses. You can then segment your leads according to their behavior.

Conclusion

Social media used to be awesome and sensational. Its still where many people nowadays go to relax and connect with their close family, friends and the brands they love. However, you should never depend on it for your business. Trends change every day. Focus on lead generation and your business will experience great success for the longest time.
Washington state has created a Small Business Retirement Savings Marketplace where small businesses can go to get affordable retirement plans to offer their employees. The marketplace is expected to open in January, ahead of an expected mandate in the state.

There are already some states where a mandate is in place, and even some cities are exploring the possibility.

Two states  Oregon and Illinois  are starting marketplaces in June 2017, and more are on the waiting list.

In all, eight states have passed legislation to establish retirement programs for private sector employees. These include Washington, Illinois, Oregon, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey.

Difference Between State Mandatory Retirement Plans

There is no one-size-fits-all plan. Each state has its contingencies and requirements. Here are a few examples:

California

Californias plan, called Secure Choice, will require that retirement plans be in place for companies with five or more employees and will offer a five percent Roth IRA contribution. The plan would provide coverage to nearly seven million small-business employees in the state who lack access to workplace programs.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, employers are subject to the mandate if they hired at least five employees on October 1st of the preceding year, and paid each employee at least $5,000 in the prior year, according to ADP.

Illinois

Illinois, which also refers to its plan as Secure Choice, will automatically enroll employees in a Roth IRA-like savings account. It will deduct a default three percent from an employees paycheck and move the money into a state-run investment pool.

Oregon

Oregon will automatically enroll employees in a pooled plan. Workers will have the opportunity to opt-out should they choose.

Washington

Washington will have plans for businesses with less than 100 employees, including solo entrepreneurs. Participation in the marketplace is voluntary for employers and staff. Also, accounts are portable. When employees switch jobs, they can take their plans with them.

(Visit the Pension Rights Center website to see a full list of states that have either enacted legislation to provide retirement plans or are considering doing so.)

State of Retirement Savings in the U.S.

Studies show that more than half of workers  some 60 million nationwide  lack workplace retirement plans, especially those employed by small businesses and freelancers, said Time magazine. It added that 90 percent of employees who work for companies with pension plans take advantage of the benefits versus 20 percent who work for companies with no retirement savings plan.

According to Capital Ones Spark Business Barometer, as reported by Small Business Trends, the number of small businesses offering their employees a retirement plan has dropped by almost 50 percent. Now, a mere 13 percent of small business owners provide such programs.

The Future of Retirement: A New Reality, a report from HSBC, states that those currently approaching state pension age could experience a significant drop in their standard of living during the final seven years of retirement. The average length of retirement in the U.S. is approximately 21 years while the typical citizens savings are likely to last for just 14 years at present, the report said.

A recent AARP Washington survey found that 25 percent of adults ages 45 to 64 have saved $25,000 or less for retirement.

People save more when they have a workplace savings option, but many small businesses have been unable to provide retirement plans to their employees due to high costs and administrative burdens, said AARP, which advocates the use of retirement marketplaces like the one in Washington state.

This statement, from the New York Times Editorial Board, is perhaps the most telling of all:

At any given moment, about half of the private-sector employees in the United States  some 60 million people  do not have any type of employer-sponsored retirement plan. The result is a growing American underclass, in which a third of current retirees live almost entirely on Social Security and fully half of future retirees will face reduced standards of living. Worse, the coverage gap has long proved intractable, with Congress and the financial industry unable or unwilling to design or support truly simple and low-cost retirement savings plans.

Mandates Add to Small Business Burden

Small businesses in some states already face heavy employment burdens. For instance, New Yorks paid family leave act requires that companies offer their full-time and part-time employees up to 12 weeks of paid time off to care for family members.

New York, California and several other states have passed legislation guaranteeing a $15 an hour minimum wage. And, unless Congress intervenes, significant pay increases for exempt employees making under $23,660 will go into effect on December 1, 2016, thanks to the Department of Labors new overtime rules.

Ray Keating, chief economist, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, a Washington D.C.-based small business advocacy organization, in a phone conversation with Small Business Trends, said, If you are looking for an example of politicians at the state and local level being quite activist, this is certainly one. Retirement options are already there in the marketplace for people who want to take advantage of them.

See Also: Coin is Coming

According to Keating, the bottom line is what mandates will cost the business owner.

Small business owners try to offer the best package they can to attract the most qualified people, he said. But the reality is that many businesses cant afford to provide the level of benefits to make them competitive against larger companies. Throwing a mandate like this onto a small business is not going to change that reality.

He asserted that the position of SBE Council would be to oppose any such mandate due to the financial burdens placed on businesses.

Another small business advocacy group, Main Street Alliance, takes an opposing stance and supports the state-run retirement model.

Generally, we support the state-run retirement model as one that allows small businesses to match the offerings of their larger competitors and create a workplace that encourages employees to stay with the business, ultimately increasing retention and reducing turnover and training costs, said Steve Rouzer, communications manager for the organization, in an email to Small Business Trends.

Retirement Plan Benefits

The issue of mandates aside, retirement plans are one of the most attractive benefits a business can offer. Packages that include retirement saving make companies more competitive with their larger counterparts.

Other reasons to provide a retirement savings plan include:

Take advantage of tax savings. Businesses can receive significant tax benefits when retirement plans are in place;

Improved employee recruiting. If an employee has the choice of working for one company that offers a retirement plan versus one that does not, its likely the benefit will sway his decision for the former;

Reduced employee turnover. Retirement plans can contribute to reducing turnover. Nearly 40 percent of small-business employees say they would leave their current job for one that provides a 401(k), says Plan Adviser magazine as reported by Intuit.

Conclusion

If, as Keating suggests, activist politicians have their way, more states will join the retirement savings mandate movement. So its best to prepare in advance by offering a plan before proposed legislation takes effect.

Many types of plans are available, which small business owners can implement. These include the popular 401(k) and Roth 401(k) as well as profit-sharing plans, SIMPLE IRAs, Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and Keogh plans.
As a small business entrepreneur, its your responsibility to deal with employees when they arent meeting your professional standards and when they arent following the rules. Things get even more complicated when theyre in suspected violation of both.

Most businesses have some kind of policy on substance abuse, whether its the strict prohibition of illegal substance abuse or a simple policy to come to work sober. When you suspect that an employee may be violating these rules, its often difficult to tell with certainty, and even more difficult to broach the subject in a tactful, productive, and fair way.

Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your actions are appropriate and beneficial to everyone involved.

Make Your Substance Abuse Policy Clear

Your first job is to make sure your companys substance abuse policies are crystal clear. In your employment manuals, this should be explicitly stated, and the consequences for violating these policies should also be outlined. There are some mandatory stipulations, as covered by the Drug Free Workplace Act, such as the prohibition of manufacture or distribution of controlled substances in the workplace, but other policies are up to your discretion.

Know the Signs

Your employee may not stagger into work belligerently drunk, but you may notice signs of a recreational substance abuse problem interfering with his/her performance. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) publishes a fantastic list of signs and symptoms to watch for, some of the most important of which are recapped here:

Coming to work with headaches, nausea or other unpleasant symptoms

Experiencing mood swings

Coming in early, leaving early, or exhibiting frequent symptoms of tiredness and exhaustion

Redness of eyes or difficulty concentrating

Trembling hands or flushness in the face

Patterns of secrecy and/or deception

You may also directly witness or overhear evidence that the employee is engaging in repeated substance abuse in or outside of work, especially in a small business environment.

Establish a Dialogue

Depending on the employees history and performance, you may wish to open a dialogue about the behaviors youre observing. Have a closed-door meeting with the employee and warn them that their performance is slipping. The more specific and formal you can be here, the better, such as citing a pattern of lateness with an explicitly written warning.

You can also open yourself to them on a personal level, if you so choose, offering to help them with their personal struggles by offering time off, helping them find the resources they need to recover, or even just having a candid conversation about what theyre going through.

Also, according to American Addiction Centers, its important to address the individual as a whole, and look at how lifestyle, environmental health, and potential co-occurring mental health disorders could be playing a role in their issues.

Taking this step can help correct the employees behavior without escalating the situation any further, especially if you write out a list of actions that need to happen for the employment to remain satisfactory.

Testing and Investigation

If your conversational efforts dont lead to a formal action plan or other resolution, and the pattern of behavior continues, you may be forced to investigate the situation in more detail. Searching company property for illegal substances may be necessary to prevent certain types of violations. Drug testing is also legal in most workplaces in the United States, especially if it poses an environmental or safety hazard to your other employees. Even if you cant find direct evidence of drug or substance abuse, a lagging work performance is grounds for disciplinary action  which is your next step in this process.

Disciplinary Action

Assuming you havent made any progress with your conversation and warnings, and you have some formal evidence that your employee is not performing up to your standards and policies, your next step is to take disciplinary action. This should be dependent on whats stated in your policies and the severity of the infringement; stick to the rules you set as much as possible, and consider whether this is their first offense. Unpaid leave, benefit removal, basic write-ups, and termination are all possibilities here, so consider your options carefully.

Ongoing Support

Its up to you whether you want to reveal the cause for this disciplinary action, but either way, this is a good opportunity to remind the rest of your employees what your policies on substance abuse are. If you choose to keep your employee onboard with lighter disciplinary actions, you can consider investing in an employee wellness program, or going out of your way to help them through the recovery process  it all depends on your business philosophy, your HR budget, and how invested the employee is within your organization.

In the future, the best thing you can do is be as clear and upfront about your substance abuse policy as possible, and be proactive when you notice signs of abuse.
CHARLESTON -- For Erica Grant, the few moments it took to put her 8-month-old daughter to bed were short.

I was gone maybe five seconds, she said.

But on that trip from the living room to the bedroom at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 13, Grant, of Charleston, heard a crash, which to her sounded like a slew of pots and pans crashing to the floor, and a scream.

She rushed to see what had happened, and Grant found her 2-year daughter Vanessa standing among big shards of glass shattered from their circular glass coffee table with a large shard, about a foot wide, in her stomach.

She lost so much blood, Grant said. It was the worst sight a parent could ever see.

From what Grant could tell, Vanessa had gotten on top of the table at one point and the table shattered.

After a call for an ambulance, she said she did all she could to keep her daughter from bleeding.

It was the longest 20 minutes of my life, she said.

For the next seven hours, the Grant familys time would be spent waiting in hospitals, praying.

I don't think any parent should have to hear 'I can't tell you if your kid is going to live' when you ask that question," she said.

Vanessa was taken to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon and then to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, where she had to undergo a three-hour surgery.

Sherfield Dawson, the Carle surgeon who operated on Vanessa, said the wounds were dramatic, especially on such a young girl.

Vanessa had sustained a large and deep cut from her lower chest to just below her stomach -- a cut deep enough that her intestines were visible at the time of the accident. Her intestines have some damage.

Dawson said even in his line of work, it was not something you see every day.

It was a disconcerting view, he said.

Grant said she was told with the amount of glass that surrounded Vanessa and the cut she sustained, it was a miracle there was no glass in her stomach.

A couple of days later, Vanessa was stable and relatively recovered from the accident. Dawson said it was remarkable how quickly she recovered.

Honestly I didnt think she was gonna (live), but we prayed for her, Grant said. That girl had probably so many people praying for her, and I truly believe that is the only reason she is here right now  I thank God for every day I get with her ... You are not guaranteed another day with your kids.

Vanessa is not the only child to sustain these kinds of injuries from these kinds of glass tables and other similar glass furniture, though.

The table that shattered beneath the 2-year-old had annealed glass, also known as plate glass. Unlike tempered glass -- a more safe glass that breaks in smaller, fine chunks -- often seen on showers and doors, plate glass, when shattered, breaks into large slabs of glass, said Leah Jenkins, general manager for Glass Doctor of East Central Illinois.

Jenkins said annealed glass, which is a more cost-efficient glass for manufacturers than tempered, can be dangerous for not only the young and the elderly, but anyone. If someone falls or trips on the plate glass furniture, it can deliver the same effect as something like a guillotine," she said.

Jenkins said when worried about safety, people should make sure when they are buying glass furniture that it is tempered. Some, but not all, manufactured tempered glass has a very small stamp on it signifying it is tempered.

Grant wants other parents to be aware of the dangers.

I can tell you we will never own another glass table, Grant said.

As of Wednesday, Vanessa is still in the hospital. Grant said she was able to return home a little while after the accident but had to return because of some complications.
Small business owners are trying just about everything to try to recruit new talent these days from flexible hours to 401 Ks. But what about offering something just a little less conventional.

Well, an established small business, the Farmers Daughter Country Market, located on the tiny Canadian island of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, late last month posted a Facebook advertisement seeking to recruit employees. The Farmers Daughter job advert promised successful applicants would get not only a job, but also a free two acre piece of land with the deal. Yep, free land!

Free Land Fringe Benefit

New trends in job recruitment have been emerging again lately with Generation Z, for example, being more attracted to careers that offer generous pay and better benefits  much like their parents generation. By comparison, Millennials are more attracted to trendy office perks like free gym memberships and Friday cocktails then just a good salary.

But against the backdrop of these trends, the Farmers Daughter Country Market is offering something truly unique.

The Canadian small business, which has been operating in the area for nearly 25 years, says it can offer job applicants not only free land.

We cant give you big money, but we can give you an awesome life, says the ad for the market located in the little village of Whycocomagh. Apparently, this is an area surrounded by beautiful mountains and the shining Bras dOr Lake where kayaks and canoes outnumber motorboats.

The company notes on its Facebook ad that it is rich in jobs, land and potential. The ad further explains that the market is looking to recruit anyone who wants to live a simpler life, close to nature, in an area that still believes in community meals and weekly jam sessions.

We are looking for people who are environmentally conscious, want to be part of a community and will see our business not as you work for us, but we all work together to create something to be proud of. If you take pride in being friendly, helpful and positive, and have skills in the food industry or customer service, then you are who we are looking for, the job ad explained.

But Theres a Catch

If you are someone looking to escape the rat race, this might just be the job for you. But theres a catch. Apart from the wages being low, the Farmers Daughter says the job applicant will need to stay in the job for five years before they officially own the land.

If you decide this opportunity might fit your dreams and goals for a close to nature and community focused life, then we are willing to offer you two acres of woodland where you can immediately set up your tiny house or quaint cabin, reads the ad. Plus give you access to our farmland and other resources we have available. If you are still working with us after five years and we all still like each other after that time, then the land is yours for the cost of migrating it out and putting it in your name.

Despite these preconditions, lots of folks seem ready to drop everything and relocate to rural Nova Scotia for the opportunity. The markets owners Sandee Maclean and Heather Coulombe told CBC News, Canada theyve been overwhelmed by the response to the advert. More than 3,000 people from around the world have contacted them about the job. The pair explained they decided to advertise the job on Facebook because they had already hired all the locals qualified and in need of work.

After choosing the first three hires earlier this month, Coulombe says shes happy to be welcoming the first family, a young couple  Kerry and Brett Walkins  and their two young children. The two other families include a single mom and her 10-year-old daughter, and another young couple who plan to use their land to grow organic produce to sell at the market.

Im really excited theyre here. Its new beginnings for us, and growth for us and the community, Coulombe said.

It goes to show that offering truly unique job perks a bit different an out off the ordinary can have a tremendous impact on your businesss recruitment success. And it also may be instrumental in attracting the employees you truly want ti fill positions at your company.
As a small business owner, it is imperative to retain the customers you have as attracting new customers costs nearly seven times the amount it does to retain an existing one. In addition, your existing customers are fourteen times more likely to buy from you than a new customer.

Here are the facts:

86 percent of consumers say loyalty is primarily driven by likability and 83 percent of consumers say trust. (Rare) 47 percent of customers would take their business to a competitor within a day of experiencing poor customer service. (CMO Council) The estimated cost of customers switching due to poor service is $1.6 trillion. (Accenture) 60 percent of mobile coupon users say they will gladly switch brands to use a coupon (GfK) 27 percent of small business owners estimate that 11-20 percent of first time customers dont return to their business (Belly) 32 percent of executives say retaining existing customers is a priority (Forbes) 66 percent of companies that saw a decrease in customer loyalty over the past year do not have a mobile app (Apptentive)

Business is a numbers game. So how do you get and keep more customers at lower costs? The trick is to focus less on advertising and more on customer retention, leveraging your existing customers to bring in new ones. Mobile apps can be one of the best investments you can make when it comes to customer loyalty and retention.

Surveys show that 73 percent of satisfied customers will recommend your service to others, and positive testimonials from existing customers are far more likely to influence people than a brands own marketing messaging. In other words, your existing customers are a goldmine. They require less investment, they buy more, and they bring new customers with them. With a mobile app, you can even ask for reviews from customers and what is so great about this strategy is that customers who download your app will generally write a positive review since they are loyal customers.

Why You Should Be Using Apps to Build Customer Loyalty

Here are a few more mobile app tips for customer retention:

Use a Mobile App Retention Tool

Apps help you keep a pulse on your customers through advanced analytics. Track in-app activity to see the type of content thats drawing users most. View demographic info that helps you refine your sales and marketing efforts. And most of all, use features like geofenced push notifications, mobile newsletters and loyalty programs to keep your customer base thriving.

Adapt or Die

Dont sit on your data  adapt and evolve according to the trends you uncover. Do you know why Richard Branson, the billionaire owner of Virgin Atlantic Inc., lost to the venture capitalists in the Silicon Valley when he tried to go head-to-head with Uber? One simple reason: Uber was backed by an algorithm, by data. Analytics turned Google from good to great and Uber from an audacious venture to the peer-driven giant in transportation. The companies introduced their service, gathered the data, then used it to refine based on customers needs.

Long story short, dont fall behind your competitors when it comes to your investments in new technology such as building a mobile app for your small business. Data shows that customers want to download and use mobile apps from their favorite small businesses. Dont ignore the data that is right in front of you!

Focus on Customer Service

Ninety-seven percent of customers see customer service as the most important factor when choosing a brand. And after signing up, customer service weighs most heavily on customer satisfaction and net promoter score  or the likelihood that theyll recommend your brand to someone else. On average, a user contacts customer service about 65 times per year, and 62 percent would leave their provider because of poor customer service. Companies can avoid that fate by making their customer service experience overly simple. Apps with quick contact buttons and sites with digestible help centers reduce customer effort, reflecting positively on your brand as a whole.

A mobile app is a great way for customers to be in touch with your business 24/7. Whether thats for general business information or to ask you a question about your business. In addition, great customer service can come as a surprise. For example, mobile apps give you the ability to offer in-app only sales and updates on events which customers really appreciate.

Does Retaining Customers Matter in the App Industry?

Absolutely. If you create a mobile app, you may wonder how beneficial user retention really is to your bottom line. After all, deleting an app is easier than installing one  it requires little to no effort to part ways. But as it turns out, app users are far more likely to return back to your business if the right features and incentives are in place. In some ways, its a winner-takes-all market, and you need to stay ahead of the curve with your competition. With a mobile app you give your customers an outlet to share their experiences across Facebook, Twitter, and with their friends. Also, you just cant ignore the facts anymore regarding how mobile apps can help grow a small business.

The more you up your retention, the wider your potential user base grows.
Advancing your business success can be a tricky process. But there are plenty of methods and tools you can use to get your business to the next level. Here are some top tips and secret weapons you can use to advance your business from members of our small business community.

Find the Accelerator or Incubator Thats Right for Your Startup

Startup accelerators and incubators can provide a big boos to early stage startups. But there is a difference between the two types, and understanding that difference can make a big difference in your chances of success. Ivan Widjaya explains more in this Funding Note post.

Run Every Project Perfectly with These Project Management Steps

Project management can encompass so many different things. But if you dont have a process that works for your team and your business, youre likely to let disorganization derail all of your most important projects. Thats why the steps listed in this Process Street post by Ben Mulholland are so important.

Listen to These Affiliate Marketing Podcasts

Podcasts can be great resources for entrepreneurs to obtain information. So if youre involved with affiliate marketing, you might want to check out the podcasts listed in this post on the Affiliate Marketing Blog by Geno Prussakov. Then you can see what BizSugar members had to say here.

Find Your Best Users

Great customers or users can be absolutely essential to any successful business. But in order to get those users, you first need to know where and how to find them. Here, Jeremy Smith shares some tips for finding your businesss best customers in this Marketing Land post.

Use These Disney Strategies to Create Freakishly Loyal Customers

If you want to increase customer loyalty, you need to learn from the best. And whos better at customer loyalty than Disney? In this post on the Kissmetrics blog, D Bnonn Tennant outlines some of the powerful strategies Disney uses to create customer loyalty so you can learn from the best.

Learn How to Make Money Online

There are so many different tools and platforms you can use to build and promote your business online. But you need to always keep your bottom line in mind when you come up with those strategies. This Web Blogging Tips post by Erik Emanuelli details some ways you can make money online. And BizSugar members shared thoughts on the post here.

Defend Your WordPress Website from Hackers

Its not always enough just to find the right tools and secret weapons for your business. You also need to be able to protect those important assets  and that includes your website. This post by Mike Gingerich includes some methods you can use to defend your WordPress website from hackers.

Raise Social Media Views for Your Startup

Social media is certainly a powerful tool for startups. But you need viewers in order for your efforts to really have an impact. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to gain more social media viewers for your startup, as Divya Shree outlines in this Techlofy post.

Try This Smart Twitter Content Strategy

Twitter is one social media platform that a lot of businesses find useful. It might seem straightforward, but you still need a strategy in place in order to be successful, like this one from Diana Adams on the Rebekah Radice blog. You can also see comments from the BizSugar community about the post here.

Use These Sales Tools for Boosting Results and Productivity

When it comes to making sales, there are plenty of tools out there designed to help. But you need to understand the potential benefits of sales tools in order to choose the right ones for your business. This post by Neil Patel includes explanations about some popular sales tools that can boost results, productivity and more.

If youd like to suggest your favorite small business content to be considered for an upcoming community roundup, please send your news tips to: sbtips@gmail.com
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is discussing a plan that could cut oil production by almost 700,000 barrels a day, but experts note this production decrease isnt likely to see gas prices rise in the near future.

Gas Price Prediction

While the 700,000 barrel per day reduction is sizable, oil experts dont think it is drastic enough nor expedient enough to bring the oil market back to equilibrium, the Wall Street Journal reports.

OPEC released a statement Wednesday about the current state of affairs in the market for oil over the past two years following its Sept. 28 meeting in Algiers, Algeria. The Organization stated: In the last two years, the global oil market has witnessed many challenges, originating mainly from the supply side. As a result, prices have more than halved, while volatility has increased. Oil-exporting countries and oil companies revenues have dramatically declined, putting strains on their fiscal position and hindering their economic growth.

There are some other factors that OPEC should also note. Namely, the rise in non-OPEC U.S. oil drillers. Daniel Yergin, vice chairman of IHS Market, told WSJ that U.S. drillers were quick, able, and entrepreneurial enough to produce oil while OPEC stumbled. As a result, theres a lot more oil that is not OPEC oil.

In order to balance the oil market, OPEC decided to have a target ranging between 32.5 and 33.0 mb/d (million barrels per day), in order to accelerate the ongoing drawdown of the stock overhang and bring the rebalancing forward.

For now, at least, it appears Americans will keep experiencing lower gas prices as a result of the OPEC oil glut.

Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.

Republished by permission. Original here.
Social medias potential impact for small businesses cannot be understated. But if youve been using social media for awhile, then you probably already know a lot of the standard tips. However, there are plenty of other things you can do on social media aside from just posting product photos and responding to customer inquiries. Here are some social media marketing tips that you dont hear every day.

How to Use Social Media For Marketing Creatively

Post Product Creation Videos

You already know that you can, and should, post information about your products on social media. But not many businesses actually give customers a behind the scenes look at what goes into making their products. You can do this easily through quick videos on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or even Snapchat.

Start a Hashtag for Testimonials

Testimonials can also be great content for businesses to share on social media. But finding testimonials that can be boiled down enough to fit into a tweet or social media post can be a challenge. So consider creating a hashtag specifically for that purpose and then encourage your customers to share their testimonials in that format. You can then repost their thoughts directly to your followers.

Honor an Employee of the Week

Social media is a great outlet for sharing behind-the-scenes looks at your business. And your employees can be a big part of that. So you can start an employee of the week or month program and share a bit about your best team members on social media channels.

Share a Photo an Hour

You can also share behind-the-scenes looks at your company through regular photos. A few times a year, designate a day where you share a photo each hour, or at least a few times a day, to give people a realistic view of what goes on over the course of a day.

Share Tutorials That Use Your Products

Aside from just sharing information or photos of your products, you can use social media to give people cool ideas for how to actually use them. So you can create and share quick tutorials that highlight some of those unique uses or ideas.

Make Stop-Motion Videos on Instagram

Stop motion videos can be a great way to showcase some of those tutorials or unique ideas. Or you can even use them to tell stories quickly and in a unique and fun format.

Share Boomerang Images of Products in Use

Boomerang is an Instagram app that lets you create really quick gif-like videos. Theyre not long enough to tell a story or share a bunch of steps, but they are sufficient to show some movement. So you can use them to demonstrate simple features of products in some cases.

Start a Group Pinterest Board

You already know that Pinterest can be a great outlet for sharing content. But it can also be a great way to interact with your audience through group boards. Start a board where customers can share images of your products in use or just posts related to your industry. And add your own content as well.

Partner with Other Companies to Share Product Ideas

You can actually amplify the reach of some of your posts by working with other companies to create social media campaigns. Consider showing off your product in use with another companys product and both of you can share it on your channels. This can be especially useful for posts like recipes or DIY projects.

Have Employees Take Over Your Accounts

Having the same people run your social media accounts every day can mean that it starts to get repetitive after awhile. But you can change it up a bit by having different employees take over your accounts on occasion to share a different view of your company.

Have Customers Take Over Your Accounts

You might also host a contest or promotion where you choose a customer or follower to take over your accounts for a day to share some of their favorite content, including how they use your products or services.

Recommend Other Accounts for People to Follow

Most of your social media followers also follow other brands that are somewhat related to your industry. So you can add some value for them by suggesting some other accounts that you think they might find useful.

Add Personality with GIFs

On Twitter and other social platforms, you have the opportunity to add GIF images to your posts, which can inject some personality and movement into your posts.

Create a Recurring Character

If your company has a mascot, logo or even a pet or office decoration that really represents your company, you can use that as a sort of recurring character in your social media posts that your followers can easily recognize and interact with.

Ask for Photo Submissions

The content you share on your social media channels doesnt always have to come directly from you. You can ask your customers regularly to share their photos of your products or anything related to your industry and then share those photos.

Have a Caption This Contest

You might also share some photos that your followers can have some fun with. Share a funny photo of your team or even one related to pop culture and ask followers for caption ideas, then share the best ones.

Create Your Own Meme

It might sound silly, but memes also give you the opportunity to share some fun content with your social media audience. If theres a popular meme that could somehow fit with your business or industry, create your own caption and share it with your followers.

Host a Q&A on Snapchat

Social media can be a great way to answer customer questions. But you can go even deeper than that and host a question and answer session where followers can ask you anything on Snapchat, then answer those questions in quick clips on the app.

Ask Trivia Questions

Another way to spur some engagement with your audience is to ask some trivia questions about your company or your industry. You might even offer some kind of prize to a follower who answers correctly.

Celebrate Your Companys History on #tbt

Throwback Thursday, or #tbt, is a weekly hashtag on Twitter and Instagram where people post throwback photos. You can get your business involved and share some history by posting old photos on Thursdays each week or even just on occasion.

Start a Weekly Series

You can also create your own weekly theme for social media posts like #tbt. Come up with something that fits with your industry and keep it up every week. You can even encourage your followers to participate as well.

Interview Customers

Interviews make for great online content. You can create a short video or text interview with some of your customers and share it on social to get even more people involved.

Celebrate Odd Holidays

Holiday promotions are commonplace on social media. But you dont have to wait for the major ones. Even weird holidays like talk like a pirate day can make for interesting content.

Compile a List of Industry Updates

Each week or month, put together a list of updates that are relevant to your followers or your industry and tag related accounts.

Host a Regular Hangout

Google+, Periscope, Facebook and other social platforms allow you broadcast live. So you can announce a weekly or monthly hangout with your audience. Keep a set schedule so people know when youll be broadcasting.

Post Sneak Peeks

You can also post some sneak peeks of new products or offerings where you only give a partial view to followers. Then you can even ask customers to guess what they think will be released in order to get them more involved.

Support a Charity or Cause

Customers love a socially conscious business. So you can use social media to spread the word about important causes or share information about different charity organizations.

Live Tweet Events

When you attend events for your business, or even if theres a televised event that has something to do with your industry, you can tweet or post throughout the whole thing to get followers involved.

Repost Instagram Photos from a Dedicated Hashtag

On Instagram, you can start a dedicated hashtag for your customers or followers to use for images related to your company or industry. Then you can browse through those tags and find images to repost to your own account  with permission, of course!

Have Influencers Take Over Your Account

Influencers are often other social media users that have significant followings and influence in a particular niche or industry. So if you can find influencers that fit with your business, you can have them take over your account for a day to get some fresh content and increase your reach.

Co-host a Twitter Chat

You might also connect with those influencers to host chats on Twitter. Twitter chats have long been considered one of the best ways to increase engagament on the platform. But by working with other influencers in your industry, you can increase your reach even more.

Share Comic Strips

Images are popular on social media. And images that tell stories can be particularly effective. So you can share or even create your own comic strips to share on social media.

Ask Customers for Predictions

There are plenty of ways for businesses to get customers engaged in conversations on social media. But asking for predictions about the future of your industry or other relevant topics can be a particularly good way to get those conversations started.

Play This or That

You can also ask questions of your audience. If you give them just a couple of choices, it makes it easy for people to respond and might even spur some friendly debate.

Share Book or Movie Recommendations

It can also be beneficial to post things on social media that dont relate directly to your business from time to time. Things like books and movies are topics that interest the majority of consumers on some level. So you might consider sharing thoughts or recommendations on things that you think might interest your social media followers.

Have Birthday Sales

Everyone loves birthdays. So you might use social media as a way to really make a big deal about your companys birthday or even the birthdays of your team members.

Post Staff Recommendations

To go even further, you can have your team members pick some of their favorite products or pieces of content to share on social media. You can offer discounts on those items on each team members birthday or just round up some employee favorites in a few social media posts.

Share Playlists

Music streaming services like Spotify allow you to create online playlists that you can easily share with others on social media. So it could be fun to create playlists for specific occasions or situations and share them with your followers.

Post Time Lapse Videos

Videos are great for telling stories online. But if you want to really show some change over time, you might consider doing a time lapse video rather than a traditional one. You can post quick time lapses on platforms like Instagram or even more advanced ones on YouTube.

Host Weekly Challenges for Followers

Challenges and contests can be really beneficial for building engagement online. You can start a simple challenge like a photography contest or scavenger hunt and repeat it each week to really get customers involved.

Create Joke Products

To inject some humor into your social media content, you might consider creating some joke products, or at least visual depictions of those joke products, that are similar to your offerings, but with a ridiculous twist.

Have a Sale Directly on Social Media

Want to increase sales on social media really quickly? You can have a quick sale of clearance products directly on platforms like Instagram, rather than trying to get people to visit your website or physical location.

Use Instagram Direct Messaging to Send Exclusive Promotions

Also on Instagram, you have the opportunity to reach out to customers directly through the direct messaging feature. So you can send exclusive offers to your best customers or followers. Just dont abuse the feature and send out mass messages all the time with this feature.

Put the Spotlight on Partners

The focus doesnt always have to be on your business when it comes to social media. You can also highlight some other businesses youve partnered with to nurture that relationship and potentially increase your social reach through those connections.

Ask for Content Requests

And finally, you should always keep your followers input in mind when creating content for social media. You might even occasionally ask people if they have any requests, just to be sure youre keeping your content fresh and interesting.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The militants were killed about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Somalias capital Mogadishu on Tuesday night, the minister said on Wednesday.

The African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) also announced on Wednesday that its troops had killed seven militants of the al-Shabaab group, wounding a dozen others.

Somalia has been experiencing violence since the country devolved into civil war in the early 1990s. The states collapse provided a breeding ground for warlords, pirates and the al-Qaeda affiliated al-Shabaab group. The AMISOM was deployed in the country in 2007.
Can emerging economies in northern Africa cope with an increasing jihadist threat? Can the powerful economies and militaries of the Northern Hemisphere counter a religious fundamentalist culture whose members are not afraid to die for their cause?

It appears that Russia, wisely, is unlikely to participate in the Lybian mess, and, as such, there will likely be no Cold War-style proxy war, and, so, no modern well-equipped army to inhibit a jihadist advance. Europe, however, could face terrorist actions on an unprecedented scale, with constant waves of attacks from various points beyond the Mediterranean Sea.

Destroying a force capable of inflicting damage on a continental scale would require a military coalition of a size not seen since World War II. Considering the past fifty years of US warmongering, anyone in the country seeking to make a quick profit might find the idea of battling extremists attractive. Stockholders and others who seek positive returns on their military-industrial investments should be careful what they ask for.
There were a total of 33 people at the plot at the time of the attack in the early hours of Thursday, according to Kenyas The Standard newspaper. Twenty five of them have been rescued.

According to The Standard, the attack was likely carried out by militants of the al-Qaeda affiliated al-Shabaab group.
According to the new bill, introduced into Danish parliament earlier this week, zero tolerance policy should be replaced with a "stepladder" model, in which the penalty for driving intoxicated shall depend on how much marijuana can be traced in the driver's blood. The current rules, which many consider too harsh, say that cannabis-intoxicated drivers are punishable by a fine and a suspended driver's license for three years.

"You can actually drive pretty well, even after having smoked hash. There is obviously a limit to how much, but we believe a minimum threshold should be introduced now," Jan E. Jrgensen of the Liberal Party told the Danish tabloid newspaper Ekstra Bladet. "The problem is that we have punished a lot of people who have not been of any danger to traffic at all, simply because they might have smoked marijuana a fortnight ago, and it still could be measured in the blood," Jrgensen explained.

According to Jrgensen, the war against cannabis should be waged in other areas than the Road Traffic Act.
After several bureaucratic difficulties, standoff with locals and a long conversation with the police, the newcomers managed to find the treasure in Lubomierz, Lower Silesia.

According to reports, the two young Germans arrived from Hamburg. They said that their grandfather once lived in Lubomierz and buried treasure in this area.

"On Saturday, two Germans came to the town. They had a sheet of paper with a hand drawn map on it made in 1952," the town's mayor Wieslaw Ziolkovsky told the web portal Onet.
The train ride from one end to another takes about a week but the group made several stops along the way to look at some cities.

The main route of the railway connects the European part of Russia, with its Far Eastern regions. However, the editor took the Trans-Mongolian train journey in order to see Mongolia and China as well.

This train passes through the same route as the Trans-Siberian Railway, goes on to Ulan-Ude [on the coast of Lake Baikal], then crosses through Mongolia and on to China.

Across Russia

On the Trans-Siberian Railway, as well as in any Russian train, one can choose between different types of carriages.

The most commonly used are either the second class reserved seats or coupe. Although the ride in the coupe is more comfortable, the reserved seats are a lot more fun, as it allows communicating with local residents and other passengers.

During the long hours spent in the Russian trains, one will experience anything but boredom: while some sleep or read, others talk, joke or play games. In the second-class carriages, many wanted to converse with the traveling group.

They met some memorable people along the way. A typical Russian grandmother, who offered them sweets and biscuits; a former soldier who played war songs on his guitar; a woman who taught the girls to plait braids; and finally, a man [they swear it actually happened], who kept offering them to drink vodka several times!
"The erosion of sovereign immunity will have a negative impact on all nations, including the United States," the kingdom said in a statement, adding that it hoped the US would work "to avoid the serious unintended consequences that may ensue."

The law could also have the reverse effect, allowing foreign nationals to sue the US government for its own actions abroad  the basis for President Obamas objections to it.

The lobbying group Arab Project in Iraq sees their opportunity to ask for compensation from the United States over violations by the US forces following the US invasion that saw the toppling of late President Saddam Hussein in 2003, the Al-Arabiya news channel reported earlier this month.

"It urged for a full-fledged investigation over the killing of civilian targets, loss of properties and individuals who suffered torture and other mistreatment on the hand of US forces."
NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  Russia would deliver hydroelectricity to Pakistan from October to April, when the other members of CASA-1000, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, produce less, Pakistani newspaper The News International reported Thursday.

According to the newspaper, Russia and Pakistan have also agreed to start talks on Russian investment in the 600MW gas fired power plant at Jamshoro in the course of the Islamabad meeting between Water and Power Ministry Secretary Mohammad Younus Dagha and Russian Deputy Energy Minister Yuri Sentyurin.
Warsaw is currently engaged in consultations over the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The agreement is expected to come into force within several months, said President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, the main lobbyist of the deal in the bloc.

Juncker expressed hope that during an EU-Canada summit in October a final agreement on the CETA will be reached. Nevertheless, only national parliaments can make the final decision on the deal.

To a certain extent, the CETA is an analogue to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) deal between Brussels and Washington. Once positioned as one the most ambitious projects by Barack Obamas administration, the TTIP has recently been losing support across the EU.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The Turkish side is expected to prepare a list of companies and regions that are ready to export their vegetables to Russia and could prove quality and safety of their production, he added.

"Our specialists would leave for Turkey in 10 days The results of the inspection  whether the Turkish entities are allowed to deliver food products [to Russia] or not  would be known within weeks," Alexey Alexeyenko told RIA Novosti

Russia has imposed a number of restrictive measures, including a ban on certain food imports, on Turkey in response to the downing of a Russian military aircraft by a Turkish fighter jet in Syria on November 24, 2015. In June, following Turkey's apology to Russia for the November 2015 incident, the sides began a reconciliation process.
The largest fuel distribution chain in Brazil, the company operates 7,500 gas stations across the country and works with a number of industrial companies, thermal power plants and airlines.

The deal is expected to be completed in 2017 and is estimated at $6 billion. Major global players have already shown interest in buying the distributor, including Frances Total and the worlds biggest oil trader Vitol Group.

It is expected that the privatization will be fiercely opposed by labor unions, public organizations and industry workers.
Samsung Electronics, in 2012, disclosed an annual revenue of over US$ 183 billion, a figure exceeding the GDP of countries such as Cambodia and Honduras.

The company's chairman Lee Kun-hee, who has been in a coma since May 2014, is estimated to be worth of US$12.6 billion.

Sputnik spoke to Sharan Burrow, general secretary at the ITUC about the consequences Samsung should face following the revelations.

"From denying justice to the families of former employees who died from cancers that were caused by unsafe workplaces, to dodging tax and engaging in price-fixing cartels, one thing is constant: Samsung's corporate culture is ruthlessly geared towards maximizing profit to the detriment of the everyday lives of its workers," Ms. Burrow told Sputnik.

"We will shine a spotlight on these practices and expose the scandal of Samsung, the scandal of corporate greed."

The worker safety group known as SHARPS (Supporters for the Health and Rights of People in the Semiconductor Industry) is planning a rally at Samsung's Seoul headquarters on October 7, World Day for Decent Work.

However the question has been asked as to why they have been able to get away with this for so long.

"Samsung represents the worst of the exploitative practices of the now dominant model of trade  global supply chains. Poor wages, insecure and often unsafe work for a workforce that is a hidden workforce because global corporations have simply outsourced production and therefore employment responsibility," Ms. Burrow said.

"It's time for a global rule of law to guarantee globalization with fair working conditions, with rights, minimum wages on which people can live with dignity and safe and secure work."

However according to the ITUC, since the documents were released Samsung have been silent.

"The global supply chain model is broken and must be reformed. The core of corporate responsibility and the center piece of the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights is 'due diligence.' Companies must know their supply chains, do their due diligence regularly and provide grievance procedures and remedy and there must be legislation that holds multinational corporates to account cross borders," Ms. Burrow added.
However, there are certain difficulties to cooperate with Japan, an expert said.

"Probably, it would be easy to work with Japan if it could act more independently from the United States, Tokyos biggest trade partner. I dont think that the removal of anti-Russian sanctions could facilitate Russian-Japanese economic cooperation," Alexei Repik, head of the Russian-Japanese Business Council, told Sputnik.

According to him, until recently Russian and Japanese companies have not paid much attention to building business ties. Focus was usually put on mega-projects, first of all in energy, while non-energy fields were downplayed.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  "[T]he government of Canada has set aside up to $3 million as an initial humanitarian response for those in Haiti and other countries in the region affected by Hurricane Matthew," the release stated.

The release noted the funds will be used for water, sanitation, shelter and basic health services.

A Canadian Disaster Relief Team (CDAT) was deployed to rapidly assess the situation on the ground in Jamaica and Haiti, the release added.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Sources in the know told The Times newspaper last night that leaders of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, were actively working on plans to attack the United Kingdom and other targets across Europe after Daesh, another major terror group in Syria, suffered a series of setbacks on the ground.

UK Defense Secretary Michael Fallon has described the al-Qaeda offshoot as a "very direct threat" to the United Kingdom and the region, according to the British outlet.

Russia and the US-led coalition have been separately fighting Daesh in Syria. Russia has also been conducting airstrikes against Jabhat Fateh al-Sham positions, while accusing the United States of sparing the militant group. Both Daesh and Nusra are considered terrorist organizations by the United Nations.
MADRID (Sputnik)  After a detainee called for medical help on Wednesday night pretending to feel sick, medical staff and police officers were attacked by a number of the center's inmates wielding knives and fire extinguishers, the media outlet said.

Soon after the escape, police apprehended 37 runaways, while 30 fugitives are reportedly still at large.
According to the observer, in schools, where the polls were organized, students even performed songs and dances. "Everyone was also treated with typical soldier's food from the field kitchen  buckwheat with meat and tea," he added.

"Many of these schools have been destroyed in bombings, but have since been restored by the city residents," said Bertolasi.

For Donetsk these elections, despite being local, were of great importance, the journalist believes.

"They showed the world that the new republic, though still not having fully recovered, was able to organize and conduct the elections in accordance with international safety and transparency standards," Bertolasi concluded.

Kiev launched a special military operation in Ukraine's southeast in April 2014, after local residents refused to recognize the new Ukrainian authorities, which came to power as a result of a coup.

In February 2015, Kiev forces and eastern Ukraine's militia signed a peace agreement in the Belarusian capital of Minsk. The deal stipulates a full ceasefire, weapons withdrawal from the line of contact in eastern Ukraine, as well as constitutional reforms that would give a special status to the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics.

Despite the agreement, the ceasefire regime is regularly violated, with both sides accusing each other of multiple breaches, undermining the terms of the accord.
Under the deal, "irregular migrants"  those refused asylum in Greece  are to be relocated back to Turkish refugee camps in return  on a one-for-one basis  for Syrian refugees being relocated from Turkish camps to EU member states.

As part of the deal, Turkish accession into the EU would be speeded up and its citizens be granted visa-free access into the Schengen area of the EU. However, this has hit the buffers over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's refusal to make changes to anti-terror laws that critics say are being used to crack down on opposition and the media.

Juncker hit out at member states in a recent interview with France 24 and Radio France International, saying:

"It's not the EU that's failing, some member states are failing. That's the difference. The European Commission  back in May [2015]  proposed a way to deal with the refugee crisis. The parliament backed that proposal. The Council of Ministers adopted that proposal, but some member states disagree."

Lack of Transparency

He has also some in for personal criticism over investigations into the LuxLeaks scandal, which uncovered a series of sweetheart deals with hundreds of companies to pass profits via Luxembourg in an effort to reduce tax liabilities in member states. Juncker was prime minister of the grand duchy from 1995 to 2013, during which time he also served as finance minister. He has denied having any role in the special tax arrangements.
European integration has always been a project directed by political elites. After the EU failed to adopt a common constitution Brussels began closed inter-governmental talks that resulted in the Lisbon Treaty.

Since the document came into force, Europe has seen a number of plagues, including economic shocks, a drop in growth in certain countries, the eurozone crisis and, finally, an unprecedented influx of refugees from the Middle East and North Africa.

The most recent blow to the European project came from Britain, after the British people at a referendum in June voted in favor of the countrys withdrawal from the bloc. Despite the fact that London always had "exclusive rights" within the bloc, Brexit brought to light the issue of the advantages and disadvantages that EU membership brings.

"Currently, Germany, the strongest economy in the bloc, cements the integration. But for France, Italy and Spain the benefits of the EU are getting less and less obvious," the expert noted.

Despite the colossal inner momentum, the European Union is facing the risk of degradation, he suggested.

According to Bordachev, the main reason is that the EU lacks real democratic procedures and decentralization, crucial for tackling the current challenges.

"The EU has turned into a heavy-duty bureaucratic machine annihilating national differences within the bloc. Of course, centralized institutions are important, but they should not replace real-life politics. Europe should make the decision-making process radically democratic," the expert pointed out.

"No one wants the European project to end. We need more Europe as a source of new ideas and perpetual values. But this doesnt mean that Europe and its partners need more of the European Union they have seen over the last two decades," he concluded.
Throughout her reign, which spans over four decades, 76-year-old Margrethe II has seldom given interviews and has made a point of not discussing politics. All the more reason why her interview with German magazine Der Spiegel ahead of her weekend trip to attend the renovated Castle Church in the town of Wittenberg, where Martin Luther proclaimed the start of the Protestant reformation, drew Danes' attention.

"I would not say we are a multicultural country, but more people with different roots live here now who have different roots, backgrounds and religions, more than 30 years ago," Margrethe II told Der Spiegel. "This also applies to religions. Under the constitution, as the Danish queen I am bound to the Lutheran faith, but that does not exclude people of other faiths. On the contrary, I believe that the fact that I am religious brings me closer to anyone with a different faith. Besides, I represent all people who are citizens of the Danish nation," she continued.

The Queen of Denmark also voiced skepticism about the emergence of a pan-European identity.
Fracking involves blasting rocks underground with powerful injections of water, sand and chemicals. This fractures the rock in the shale strata, which releases a gas that can be collected from the head of a well.

In 2011, it emerged that fracking tests near Lancashire in the north west of England were the likely cause of earthquakes in the area. Energy firm Cuadrilla said that shale has test drilling had triggered the earth tremors, which didn't go down well with people living in Blackpool.

In July, 2015, a heavily redacted report into the impact of fracking in the UK was released after the UKs Information Officer ordered the British government to publish it. DEFRA [Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] was accused of deliberately withholding the information and should "disclose an unredacted copy of the report" or face court action.

The report said people living near fracking sites could suffer poor health, financial hardship and pollution. The redacted report also cited concerns raised in the UK arising from noise, light noise and health concerns for residents and animals living near drilling operations. David Cameron, Prime Minister at the time said he hoped fracking would happen: "Whether in Lancashire or elsewhere."

The British government has always maintained that fracking is the future of Britain's energy.

David Cameron has said UK is going "all out for shale". But fracking may not be compatible with our climate targets. https://t.co/5SJnbN9yFO  Neha Tyagi (@TheNehaTyagi) July 8, 2016

Environmentalists and local anti-fracking groups who have tirelessly campaigned and protested against the exploration of shale gas have reacted angrily to the government's approval, suggesting it's a denial of democracy.

@sajidjavid has overturned Lancashire's #fracking democracy. Preston New Road site now has planning permission.  Preston New Road (@NoFrackLancs) October 6, 2016

Many of the social media posts and tweets tell of the impending doom looming over an area in the north west of England where central government in London has rejected Lancashire County Council decision to ban fracking.

So much for listening to the ordinary people #TeresaMay  what's the point in democracy anymore?!  #fracking disgrace pic.twitter.com/NzQ5emMI4x  Hannah Goulbourne (@HannahGoulb) October 6, 2016

A government decision that many say spells the death knell for local democracy in Britain.

"This decision to allow Cuadrilla to drill in our area is an undemocratic, environmental and economically unsustainable disgrace," Gordon Marsdon, Labour MP for Blackpool South said.

"This new Tory Government has ridden roughshod over local democracy in the planning process, over the decision of Lancashire's elected county council, the views of the communities affected and the interests and concerns of Blackpool," Mr. Marsdon added.

Tory Govt's decision on #fracking an undemocratic, environmental and economically unsustainable disgrace  https://t.co/HrLAcOypes  Gordon Marsden MP (@GordonMarsden) October 6, 2016

"At a time when oil and gas prices are at historic lows, her [Theresa May's] Government is giving a green light to a process which is a financial and ecological dead end in our fight for a cleaner world and against destructive climate change."

'Disgusted'

Residents Action On Flyde Fracking, has offered its "heartfelt sympathies" to people living in Flyde.

"They have suffered months of mental and physical stresses, which have impacted on their health and wellbeing," they said.

"What was once a rural community will now become industrialized zones.

"We will continue to fight this dirty, unwanted and unneeded industry," adding that among other things, they are "disgusted" that democracy has been over-ruled and that the government has "ignored" many academic and peer reviewed research papers and that they are "disgusted the Flyde residents are being used as guinea pigs for the rest of the country."

However the disgust isn't shared by everyone, Lancashire for Shale said it was "excellent news for Lancashire's businesses and our future prosperity."

"We believe today's decision means that Lancashire is now back on track for the future investment and employment opportunities that would flow from a successful shale gas industry in the country," they said.

Environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth, on the other hand, say the "fight continues" against the UK's shale gas industry.
"The Tsipras government is playing with fire. Reforms have been only half-heartedly implemented. And Tsipras is playing a blame game. The next tranche of money from the creditors should only be released if substantial progress is made in a number of areas, including in particular the energy sector. The labor market also needs structural reforms," said Burkhard Balz MEP, EPP Group Spokesman in the European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

Georgios Kyrtsos, Spokesman for Greek EPP MEPs in the same Committee, denounced the "double dealing" by the current government: "The bad news is that the government is not consistent and effective in pursuing the agreed policies. As a result, the social cost of government policies is going up without producing any tangible economic results. Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos agreed in Brussels on an ambitious privatization program, but in Athens he reassured left-wing SYRIZA supporters that as long as he remains Minister of Finance no privatization will take place. The international community should be aware of that political double dealing."

'Virtually Bankrupt'

Meanwhile, the professor for economics and MEP Bernd Lucke criticized the European Commission's evaluation of the economic reforms in Greece saying a debt sustainability analysis of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) showed that Greece was virtually bankrupt. The IMF did not take part in the third bailout, which it says is "unsustainable."

"The commission is misleading the European public by pretending Greece was on its way to recovery. The IMF has clearly shown the hopelessness of Greece's situation. That is also why the IMF is refusing to take part in another aid package," said Mr. Lucke.
VIENNA (Sputnik)  The transfer of the peninsula to Ukraine took place in 1954.

"If I look back, Khrushchev had made a mistake quite a number of years back and as far as I [am] concerned, the Crimean peninsula is the Russian territory, it is a part of Russia and it would be curious to see if other politicians in Austria would also have the courage to voice their opinion on this issue as I do," Hofer, who is participating Austria's presidential elections rerun in December, said.

He added he supported the idea of people deciding themselves the future of their region.
It adds: "To be then threatened with violence by two G4S staff and to be denied access to our fringe when we are there to inform people about anti-Muslim hatred, does not bode well."

Tell MAMA was set up with UK government backing in 2012. It's mission statement says that it is "to ensure that anti-Muslim incidents and attacks in the UK are mapped, measured and recorded, and support provided for victims."

A report by the group into anti-Muslim hatred documented a 200% rise in racist attacks in 2015. It warned that Britain could "quickly become extremely unpleasant" for minorities.

In its statement about the incident at the Conservative Party conference the group says that its work "forms a central plank of the Hate Crime Strategy of this Government."

Statement from Tell MAMA on the Conservative Party Conference https://t.co/p4aIHxRR9k pic.twitter.com/uc8HhNa57q  TellMAMAUK (@TellMamaUK) October 5, 2016

G4S refused to comment on the incident when contacted for a statement.

Last week, the High Court refused permission for a judicial review of a decision to award a key government equality helpline contract to the security giant.

The challenge to the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) contract was supported by an alliance of organizations, one of which was Tell MAMA.
VIENNA (Sputnik)  Austrian right-wing presidential candidate Norbert Hofer told Sputnik he respected womens right to cover their body when it comes to burkinis, controversially banned from some French beaches, but he supported a ban on burkas in Austria, calling the face-covering Islamic garment a form of violence against women.

"I am not against burkinis but against burkas. I believe that such facial coverage is a violent action against women. It does not allow women to communicate openly and does not give them a lot of freedom. Women should be able to decide for themselves whether to cover themselves when it comes to burkini. Burkas, however, should be banned in public places in Austria," Hofer said.

In August, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere proposed a ban on wearing burkas in public. A YouGov poll same month revealed that the majority of UK residents, 57 percent, would support burka ban in the country.
The German Chancellor's popularity rapidly decreased amid the growing influx of migrants. In the regional election last month, Angela Merkel's CDU party came in third place with 19 percent, overtaken by the populist right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which won 20.8 percent of the vote.

Nevertheless, in an interview with German newspaper Die Zeit, the Chancellor once again stressed that the crisis can be solved only with involvement of all European countries.

"I do not believe that we can make this problem disappear through maximum ignorance, distance and disunity. I am a realist, and that is a reality," she said.

The Chancellor also once again expressed her criticism of the closure of the Balkan route, which took place in March following Austria's decision to limit the number of migrants crossing its border, which led to many Balkan states following suit and introducing their own temporary border controls.
VIENNA (Sputnik)  He called on EU politicians not to "close doors" to negotiations with Britain on UK-EU post-Brexit relations.

"I am quite saddened by the UK leaving the EU because the UK was always a critical partner with correcting abilities, however, we should accept that the people of the UK had a democratic vote and should respect the results," Hofer said.

"We need to have positive negotiations to establish the grounds to have the UK on board as a strong economic partner," Hofer stated.
Now Sweden has threatened Hungary with legal action for refusing to take back migrants, under the Dublin Rules, which say migrants may be returned to the country in which they first entered the Schengen zone. Hungary is refusing to take back migrants from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway  all of whom have condemned the Budapest Government.

The migrant crisis has divided the EU, with many countries erecting border controls  including razor wire fences  to stem the flow of migrants flooding into Europe from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, neighboring refugee camps in the Middle East, as well as Africa.
Verhofstadt  who will lead the negotiations over Brexit for the European Parliament  said that, as a precondition, Britain would not be able to trade with the remaining EU, unless it agreed to uphold the four freedoms of the union: the freedom of movement of people, goods, services and capital.

The central issue ahead of the British referendum on its membership of the EU was immigration, with critics of the EU demanding that Britain retain powers to control immigration  and not Brussels. Many felt too many EU migrant workers were flooding into Britain.

My reaction to Amber Rudd going against UK values: https://t.co/XrAwLmLtQ1

The EU will defend the rights of her citizens wherever they are  Guy Verhofstadt (@GuyVerhofstadt) October 6, 2016

During a debate in the European Parliament about the upcoming European Summit, Verhofstadt laid out the conditions required to make the Brexit negotiations a success for all parties, saying:
The proposal which originated as a citizens' initiative collected 450,000 signatures and more than 100,000 people went on strike in the country on Monday, October 3, against the bill.

Solidarity to Polish women who are on strike today over proposals to ban abortions. A terrifying policy. All strength to #CzarnyProtest. pic.twitter.com/s7EVE4cItH  Shelly Asquith (@ShellyAsquith) October 3, 2016

But ahead of the vote in Poland's parliament on Thursday, October 6, the #CzarnyProtest started trending on Twitter as women gathered across European cities wearing black to pledge their solidarity with the fight to stop Poland's abortions laws becoming even stricter.

A lovely picture of yesterday's Black Monday protest in Warsaw #CzarnyProtest pic.twitter.com/fssasX1wBK  Ola Cichowlas (@olacicho) October 4, 2016

Subsequently, parliament voted to reject the proposal, in what appears to be in response to the mass protests.

YEEESSSS! Absolute abortion ban in Poland has been rejected. Thanks to the amazing work of so many brave women! #CzarnyProtest  Terry Reintke (@TerryReintke) October 6, 2016

The attempts to make Poland's sexual and reproductive health laws even more restricted also prompted a fierce debate in the European Parliament.

The debate began with a statement from EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Vera Jourova, who declared that European Union had no power to interfere in member states' policies or legislate on abortion.

Nevertheless, MEPs agreed that it should be able to debate any issue that is considered relevant to political and human rights concerns.

Those MEPs who agreed, argued that the proposed bill before the Polish parliament was a blow against women's rights, which should never be taken for granted.

MEP Gianni Pitella, head of the Social Democratic group, said the bill was "pro-death," while Vera Jourova wore black in solidarity with Polish women, as did many other female MEPs  along with hundreds and thousands of protesters across Europe.

However, their fight might not be over just yet.
KIEV (Sputnik)  She added that the Canadian experts would hold training courses in Ukraine's largest cities to last till November 20.

"Together with our Canadian partners, we start a new large-scale project to train Ukrainian police and patrol officers as well as other departments," Dekanoidze told journalists.

Earlier in the month, Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion said that Ottawa would provide Kiev with police reform funding worth $8.1 million.
"Today is a milestone in the history of European border management."@Avramopoulos at #EUBorderGuard launch pic.twitter.com/pHZn8a9uew  European Commission (@EU_Commission) October 6, 2016

The new European Border and Coast Guard Agency will have 1,500 border guard officers, who will be able to deploy to any part of the EU's border, which is witnessing a sharp increase in immigration.

There's also the serious issue of security. The specter of the numerous terrorist attacks in France, Belgium and Germany over the last year, has yet to fade.

In several of the attacks, the perpetrators were found to have been able to move in and out of the EU unchallenged with relative ease, despite having been flagged by intelligence agencies.

The agency's staff will now be able to access the Schengen Information System: a database covering suspected terrorists, stolen passports and license plates and criminals on the run.

Previously, the system was only available to authorities in Greece, Hungary, Slovenia and Austria.

"The establishment of the agency is a symbol of the EU, of a Europe that is able to deliver, that is proving its efficiency in addressing the migration and security challenges we are faced with," Dimitris Avramopoulos said.

But as is the case for the EU project as a whole, the border agency's success is largely dependant on what contributions national governments are willing to make.

A sluggish hesitancy within individual member states to take the lead in providing resources and support plagued the new agency's predecessor, Frontex.

Dimitris Avramopoulos appealed to each EU member at the launch.

"Everyone must join in and implement is as soon as possible. We have no time to lose."

Yet Mr. Avramopoulos' comments may do little to soothe the frustration of some EU countries.

Hungary, in particular, has taken a hardline stance against migrants and asylum seekers. At the Hungary-Serbia border, Hungarian troops and police have been forcibly pushing back many migrants attempting to cross. It's a policy that has been denounced by the UN's Refugee Agency, UNHCR.

Undeterred, Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban has repeatedly, and angrily, criticized the EU for not implementing a southern defense earlier, to prevent migrants from entering the EU in the first place.

Speaking last month, Prime Minister Orban insisted that the "defense against uncontrolled migration must be moved south as far as possible."

However, some of the northern EU nations are adamant that Hungary's anti-immigrant stance is part of the problem.

With #EUBorderGuard we are now better equipped than before to face migration and security challenges. pic.twitter.com/YRBtjvB0e2  DimitrisAvramopoulos (@Avramopoulos) October 6, 2016

Indeed, the EU has been in disarray about how to handle where to settle all the new arrivals since the migrant crisis began in early 2015.

So far, the status quo seems to be a policy of "NIMBYism"  a not-in-my-backyard mentality.

Also on Thursday, October 6, Sweden became the latest country, after Austria, to threaten to sue Hungary for not taking back migrants that have moved into EU nations further north. Sweden's legal threat is based on a EU rule called the Dublin Regulation, which states that asylum seekers are meant to seek asylum in the first European Union state in which they set foot. However, it's a mandate that has been widely ignored, a fact that has led to widespread condemnation of the EU's inability to enforce it's own migration legislation.

The EU has also added more resources to it's existing naval coast guard, which is currently active off the coast of Italy and Greece. It engages in search and rescue missions at sea.

"Right now we have more than 550 officers and 18 vessels deployed in Italy. The new mandate will help us beef up existing support," the new agency's chief, Fabrice Leggeri, said.

This cannot come a moment too soon.
"The same applies to the level of confidence in political parties and the government. We see that the two graphics showing the dynamics of the level of confidence in the old and new federal states differ from each other by approximately 20 percent. Both of them fluctuate up and down, but the gap between them doesn't decrease," he added.

Patzelt noted that after the initial euphoria that followed the reunification of Germany, many Eastern Germans started to perceive the political system of Western Germany and its residents as something that deprives them of their own identity. Western Germans came to eastern regions and occupied many leading positions in political, social and economic spheres, feeling superior toward their eastern co-nationals and considering themselves better, smarter and more progressive.

This conflict, the expert said, still exists nowadays. Western regions feel a certain moral superiority ' in the sense that they had already hosted some 20% of migrants and that they have less prejudices about the liberalization of immigration policy." The fact that Western Germany considers itself a "bright Germany", and eastern regions  a "dark Germany"  hurts so many East Germans that they prefer to support "Alternative for Germany (AfD)" and other non-ruling parties.


ANKARA (Sputnik)  Ankara expects that the European Union will transfer3 billion ($3.3 billion) stipulated in the refugee accord without further delays, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.

"We have signed three interrelated agreements with the European Union. Three billion euros must be transferred without delays. We are waiting for the response from the European Union," Cavusoglu said at a press conference in Ankara, calling for the implementation of the agreements.

Earlier in the day, Norbert Hofer, a presidential candidate of the Austrian right-wing Freedom Party (FPO), told Sputnik in an exclusive interview, that the agreement between Turkey and the European Union on refugees was unlikely to work.
Celebrity Solstice is the lead ship of the Solstice-class of cruise ships operated by Celebrity Cruises. (We learn from Wikipedia).Built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, she was floated out on August 10, 2008, and christened by ocean scientist Professor Sharon L. Smith at a ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, on November 14, 2008. The first post-Panamax vessel in the Celebrity fleet, she features innovative interior design and onboard amenities, including an ocean-going live grass lawn, a glassblowing studio, and a 12 deck-high atrium. 121,878 tonnes, 314.86 metres long, 36.88 metres wide, 8.23 metres draft, 2,850 passengers, 1,500 crew, 24 knots. Here she is visiting Auckland (again, she's been a few times before).

The passengers were a friendly lot - waving to us ferry commuters on the Kea.

Couldn't see anywhere how high the ship's top cabins are above the water.But you can see here - beside the ship - Princes Wharf, and its top floor, top shelf apartments. Residens there might be staying inside. Maybe just as well Ovation of the Seas (150,000 tonnes, longer and higher) can't berth here.





I think Greg McKeown is right about many Port things. He reckons that rather than build a dolphin off the end of Queens Wharf, better to remove the rump of Marsden Wharf and allow very large cruise ships to berth alongside Bledisloe Wharf.
MEXICO CITY (Sputnik)  Uribe told reporters as quoted by El Universo on Wednesday, after meeting with Colombian President Jose Manuel Santos, that "adjustments to initial proposals" will be made in order "to seek a new peace agreement binding on all Colombians." Santos said in his turn that peace in Colombia is "close."

On Wednesday, Santos announced an extension of the ceasefire regime with the FARC until the end of October.

On Tuesday, the Colombian president announced the start of a new national peace dialogue with the FARC.
Returning from its strike mission over Gaza, one of the F-16I fighter jets was en route to Ramon Air Base southwest of Beersheba. The pilot and navigator operated normally when, around 5 pm, "for some reason, they felt the need to eject."

According to the Jerusalem Post, the jet caught fire shortly before the pilots ejected.

"We have no specifics yet to offer," said Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, an Israeli military spokesman, according to Defense One.

"It happened while they were landing. An inquiry is ongoing to review the circumstances."
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Members of the Jabhat Fatah al Sham (also known as al-Nusra Front, or Jabhat al-Nusra) extremist group in Syria used the recent US-Russia peace agreement to regroup near the city of Aleppo, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

"In the time that was supposed to be used to implement the agreements, Nusra regrouped, replenished its supplies, including weapons, changed its disposition," Zakharova said in a Wednesday interview with the Rossiya 1 TV channel.

The spokeswoman explained that the US-Russia peace agreement on Syria reached in September was supposed to ensure that none of the conflicting sides in Syria use humanitarian corridors for weapons supplies.
, Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Sherif Fathy said.

"In what concerns the Russian plane, I have to admit that some measures were supposed to be taken faster than what was actually done," Fathy told CBC Extra TV.

The minister added that a final conclusion on the cause of the accident has not been made yet, but work on the analysis of plane fragments has been accelerated.
PRAGUE (Sputnik)  The Czech Republic will send a group of military trainers and medical specialists to Iraq as a form of support in the fight against Islamic State (ISIL, also known as Daesh) extremists, Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said.

"The Czech Republic will send to Iraq a team of surgeons and army trainers in support of the fight against ISIS.This is another form of our active participation in the fight against terrorism," Sobotka wrote on Twitter.

The decision was approved by the Czech government on Wednesday.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  A Russian military transport jet has airlifted some 40 metric tons of essentials from Armenia to people in need in war-torn Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.

"A second batch of food and clothes has been delivered to Syria from Armenia as part of a humanitarian assistance effort. An Il-76 military airlifter of Russias Aerospace Forces brought 40 tonnes of preserves, vegetables, fruits, flour, sugar and other essentials to the Hmeymin airbase," the ministrys statement read.

The first batch of supplies from Armenia, a small ex-Soviet nation in the Caucasus mountains, is already being shared out among worst-hit Syrian towns.
The minister reiterated that "during the operation the Aerospace Forces conducted airstrikes on militant groups and their infrastructure, delivered humanitarian cargo to Syrian citizens and carried out other important tasks".

The minister noted the value of Russian weapons displaying reliability and efficiency in desert terrain, pointing to high-precision long-range weapons on ships and submarines in the Caspian Sea and the Mediterranean, as well as the use of new air-launched missiles by strategic aircraft.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The Anadolu news agency cited Antalya Chief Prosecutor Ramazan Solmaz as saying that the evacuation was a standard procedure under the circumstances.

Police have reportedly cordoned off the area and a bomb squad is working at the site.

Turkey has been on edge after a series of terrorist attacks this year shocked the nation. Most recently, a bombing of an outdoor wedding party killed at least 22 and injured almost a hundred in the southern city of Gaziantep in August.
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ANKARA (Sputnik)  According to Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency, the bomb exploded during the guard changes, claiming lives of more than 20 people. Eyewitnesses said that a suicide bomber was behind the blast.

People with light injuries were taken to nearby field hospitals while those severely injured were sent to hospitals in Turkey.

The Daesh jihadist group claimed responsibility for the attack via social networks.
One hypothesis is that a major factor, especially in the 2010 elections, was disillusionment in the wake of Icelands economic collapse in 2008 and the subsequent crisis of public confidence in parliament. Another hypothesis is that the size of municipalities has to be taken into account. As elsewhere, political participation in Iceland is stronger in smaller municipalities. It is only in the bigger municipalities in Iceland that nationwide political parties in Iceland are active, and it is also there that voter turnout has dropped the most and voters have given the most support to newly formed political parties.

Looking as far back as data has been collected, voter participation in Icelandic local government elections always fluctuated between a maximum of 87.8 percent and a minimum of 81.9 percent  until the 2006 elections, when it dropped below 80 percent for the very first time, to 78.7 percent. In the 2010 local elections voter turnout reached a new record low of 73.4 percent.

Here it is important to mention that, since 1993, many municipalities in Iceland have amalgamated. Two general local referenda on amalgamations were held in 1993 and 2005, and other amalgamations have taken place separately. The number of municipalities has fallen from 196 (in 1993) to 105 (in 2002) to 76 (in 2010).

In an arena in which the actions of local government can affect citizens in profound ways (for example, in public safety, infrastructure, and land-use decisions), there is a very real possibility that elected officials and the policies they enact will tend to serve only a small segment of the population (Hajnal and Hills 2002).

One of the more recent and pronounced trends in local governance is a move toward contracting out and other outsourcing of city services. In an effort to provide more efficient services, many cities have contracted with private firms to carry out services. Others have turned to special district governments or have contracted with nearby governments, particularly the county, to deliver services (Miller 1981; Foster 1997). Whether such service delivery alternatives ultimately reduce costs and improve city services can be debated. There is little doubt, however, that such service arrangements reduce the influence of municipal officials to some degree; at the very least, they have fewer jobs to control. The reduced role for local bureaucrats and elected officials may have the unintended consequences of reducing interest in local politics and depressing turnout.

This post starts with local commentary on voting patterns, summarises in depth research (Nordic and US experience), and concludes that Council voting decline anticipates a steady decline in economic activity reliant upon a thriving local democracy.There's a very good piece in the NBR on voting entitled: who's to blame for a record low voter turnout? It doesn't really have a thesis, part perhaps from suggesting that youth don't vote because they don't see themselves among the candidates, and which offers suggestions including that there should be more prty politics in local government. It is a good read and has some great links to blogs which contain photos of billboard displays across the country, including this one which is highly recommended.As the NBR article notes, the problem of declining voting/participation has been occurring for a while across the western world - at both national and local levels, and there is a lot of useful and informative analysis about why, in other countries, that we could look at and consider in New Zealand. I look at two pieces of research in this posting.One of these countries is Iceland. You might recall that Iceland was hit particularly hard by the GFC. Various banks took a major hit in 2008, leading to economic collapse, and in turn to a huge drop in public confidence in its parliament. In 2010 there was a sharp drop in local government voting numbers, which led to internal soul-searching which is reported in various research papers. In one of these (; By Gretar or Eyorsson, Marcin Kowalczyk), dated 2013, the introduction comments:The paper draws on research conducted in Iceland and in Norway to show that in the past decade or so, there has been increasing involvement of political parties (or partisan groupings) in local government elections, and that this factor is a contributor to declining voter participation and interest. The research oberves that local government election turnout in small communities (eg less than 2000), where candidates are "non-partisan" (ie not affiliated with any particular persuasion or party), routinely get turnouts above 80%. The article also notes that the emergence of new political parties (as happened in Iceland after the 2008 crash) has led to those new parties seeking profile and representation at local government level - presumably as part of a build up toward national elections.Here's an extract from the paper about Icelandic voter turnout which is a bit of an eye-opener:In its examination of possible reasons for the decline in voting, the paper notes that after 1993, the number of local government municipalities in Iceland has been reduced, so that the population or size of munipalities has increased....The writers consider, and reject, two factors for the change in voter turnout. The first is the increasing role of political parties, the second is the reduction in voter age to 18 (NB: dropping the voting age to 18 brings a whole new demographic into the voting population - one argument that is used here is that young people may not be interested in, or aware of, what local government does.) In any case, while these arguments might be applicable in considering what's happening here in NZ, they were discounted in the Iceland study.The rationale for declining voter participation in Iceland, post 2008, is summarised like this:The researchers then turned their attention to the role of population in voter turnout. They argue: "...More recent findings also support the hypothesis that democracy weakens with increasing population size...". They cite a number of studies about this, and summarise these findings: "a number of other studies have concluded that(Morlan, 1984; Goldsmith and Rose, 2000; Sundberg, 2000; Frandsen, 2002; Frandsen, 2003)...."The second piece of research was done in the USA nd is dated 2003. MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND VOTER TURNOUT IN LOCAL ELECTIONS; ZOLTAN L. HAJNAL University of California, San Diego, PAUL G. LEWIS; Public Policy Institute of California. The summary of this research states:This research summarises other findings which consider the imnplications of low voter turnout. This explores the issue of low turnout among minority groupings, and examines problematic outcomes associated with low voter turnout which resonate in Auckland....The focus of this research is the nature of institutional arrangements, and their effect on voter turnout and participation. The research explores these areas: (1) election timing, (2) service delivery arrangements, (3) direct democracy, (4) term limits, and (5) mayoral authority. I won't go into all of these here - you can find the paper yourself. For example, in terms of timing, various researchers believe that local voter turnout would increase if elections were held at the same time as national elections. In terms of service delivery, the research summarises its own literature search:The research paper goes on to describe its own methodology and investigation - the main results of which are summarised above.Communities in New Zealand in general, and in Auckland in particular, appear to be experiencing similar issues with their local government arrangements and institutions as have been investigated in Europe and the USA, with similar consequences - ie low and reducing voter turnout.Any analysis of why Auckland's local government vote is low needs to go further than what has been offered so far in the mainstream media. In my opinion, well functioning local government institutions are critical in urban environments that are experiencing high growth rates and development pressures. Auckland in particular can expect increasing resistance from communities to intensification programs which do not provide for mutual benefit outcomes that can only be achieved by effective - and trusted - local government institutional arrangements. Perhaps the existing arrangements deliver GDP growth benefits to some stakeholders now, but long term programs and mutual benefit will require institutional change.(NB: The level of public confidence in Auckland Council decision-making is dropping.This measure has been steadily falling since amalgamation (see this posting about other quality of life survey measures last year).
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency, the bomb exploded during a Free Syrian Armys (FSA) guard changes on Thursday, claiming the lives of more than 20 people. Eyewitnesses said that the blast had been staged by a suicide bomber.

People with light injuries were taken to nearby field hospitals while those severely injured were sent to hospitals in Turkey.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition groups, as well as terrorist formations, such as Daesh and Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly known as al-Nusra Front), both outlawed in Russia.
ANKARA (Sputnik)  On Tuesday, the Iraqi parliament adopted a resolution voicing protest against Turkish military presence in Bashiqa, located about 19 miles northeast of Mosul. The lawmakers demand its government to take the necessary legal and diplomatic measures, including a review of the economic relations between the two countries. Ankara has condemned the resolution.

"There are soldiers from 63 countries in Iraq. Claims toward Turkey about its military presence there are an unfriendly step. Turkey will maintain its presence in Iraq," Yildirim said at a meeting with businesspersons in Ankara.

Turkey's deployment of troops and tanks to reportedly to help national forces reclaim the city of Mosul from Daesh jihadists on December 4, 2015, has caused a rift with Iraq.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Iraq's Foreign Ministry said Thursday it had requested the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to discuss presence of Turkish troops in northern Iraq, seen by Baghdad as violation of the country's sovereignty.

"The Foreign Ministry has submitted a request for an emergency session for the United Nation's Security Council to discuss the Turkish violations on Iraqi territories and interference in its internal affairs," Iraq's Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Jamal said as quoted in a statement.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Moscow and Washington are co-chairing a ceasefire task force with the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), an international body that was set up as a contact group of over 20 countries on the Syrian conflict.

"What has happened the other day, when two co-chairs who have been working hardon a possible cessation of hostilities based on the September 9 [accord] decided unfortunately and sadly to suspend their own bilateral discussions on the cessation of hostilities  was and has been a serious setback," de Mistura said.

"The ISSGis still there and needs to be there  and everybody agrees. The fact that Russia and America [made] their own decision to suspend the current bilateral negotiations should not and will not affect the existence of ISSG," de Mistura vowed.
ANKARA (Sputnik)  Turkey's parliament voted last week to extend its military presence in Iraq for a year to confront terrorist organizations. Baghdad responded on Tuesday night by condemning the vote and calling for Turkey to pull its estimated 2,000 troops out of areas across northern Iraq, saying Ankara should not intervene in Iraqi affairs.

"First of all, we dont regard the statement of the Iraqi Parliament about the annually renewed motion in the Turkish parliament as well-intentioned. We very well know that this does not reflect the thinking of all of the Iraqi people," Cavusoglu said at a press conference with his Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic Wednesday.
These include the Mavi Marmara, which sailed in 2010 before coming under attack from the Israeli Navy. Ten of the activists aboard were killed.

The Zaytouna-Oliva is believed to have been taken to a port in Ashdod.

Israeli Prison Service spokesman Assaf Librati, told Palestinian News Agency Ma'an that 11 of the women were being held in the Givon prison in central Israel but that he was not sure of the whereabouts of the other two crew members.

The Israeli Navy said the boat had been redirected in order to prevent a "breach of the lawful maritime blockade" of the Gaza Strip.

However, speaking to Sputnik, Mr. Murray disputed that the blockade of the Palestinian enclave is legal.

"If Israel were in a state of war it would arguably have the authority to enforce a blockade under the San Remo convention. But Israel in general, doesn't accept it's in a state of war," Mr. Murray told Sputnik.

"In any event, even if you were to accept Israel was at war, the San Remo convention does not allow you to blockade food and essential supplies from the civilian population. This particular ship wasn't carrying any cargo at all. So really, there is absolutely no blockade argument for preventing it passing.

"Plainly this was just an act of illegal aggression on the high seas," Mr. Murray added.

Hamas, who control the Gaza Strip, criticized the seizure of the ship as an act of "state terrorism."
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On October 3, US State Department deputy spokesman John Kirby announced that Washington was cutting off participation in bilateral channels with Russia on sustaining a ceasefire agreement in Syria.

"We regret it, but we knew in advance that it wouldnt work, because the agreement, its not only about the talks between the two great powers, its not about what theyre going to sign or agree upon; its about the will, and we already knew, we had already known that the Americans didnt have the will to reach any agreement," Assad said in an interview.

At the same time, the Syrian army will continue fighting militants until they leave Aleppo, and will not accept that terrorists are controlling any part of the country, Syrian President Bashar Assad said.
Yesterday, the coalition aircraft struck officially armed militia, who are fighting under the national flag of Iraq. This happened in broad daylight. The militia was fighting against a small Daesh unit, among which there were high ranking officers as well, Al-Badawi said.

According to him, Daesh was transporting arms from the city of Mosul to the south of Nineveh. It was at that precise moment that the Peoples Militia surrounded the terrorists. The fight went on for more than three hours.

After that the coalition planes attacked the militia who were holding Iraqi flags, but did not attack Daesh militants who had black flags, the head of the press center told Sputnik Arabic.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The United States is still considering military options in Syria despite Russias warning against such actions, US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby said in a briefing on Thursday.

"I have seen the comments out of Moscow  those comments notwithstanding, that conversation inside the US government continues," Kirby stated when asked about US discussions on military options.

Earlier, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov warned the US-led coalition against attacking Syrias army.
Sitting on opposite sides of the Gulf, Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shiite-dominated Iran cut off bilateral communication earlier this year.

"[The IRGC] will take proportionate and immediate action against any kind of movement, attempt or action to disrupt the peace and security of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman," the statement said.

Iran has also had a number of encounters with US Navy vessels in the Persian Gulf in recent months. While the Pentagon has described Tehrans actions as "unsafe," Command of the IRGC Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari has urged the US to end provocative operations in the waterway.

"We tell the Americans that they had better stop wasting the American peoples assets and wealth by malicious and harmful presence in the Persian Gulf," Jafari said last month, according to Tasnim news agency.
 And He shall reign for ever and ever  Joel Kontinen Praising God has been an essential part of Christmas since a group of shepherds...
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Issues relating to air traffic safety in the Baltic region will be brought up at the meeting, Brussels told Izvestia in a statement, also stressing that the NATO-Russia dialogue "must me broader" than that.

Meanwhile a Russian diplomatic source told the newspaper that the NATO-Russia Council meeting will not be held unless issues, such as the build-up of NATO forces along Russias borders, are put on the agenda.

The NATO-Russia Council last convened in the Belgian capital of Brussels on July 13. The agenda of the meeting included the crisis in Ukraine, mutual transparency, risk reduction and the outcome of the NATO summit in Warsaw held just days before.
"I understand this is a naval war college, but our goal is to really examine the broad scope of Russian maritime issues including Navy issues, shipbuilding, maritime law, coast guard issues, the Arctic, you name it," he added.

Russias Navy in recent years has made significant progress in how it uses technology and trains personnel, and that has earned it respect, Petersen said.

"But, I do think that some of their naval platforms are probably too expensive for the Russian defense budget to sustain," he asserted. "The Severodvinsk-class submarine is astronomically expensive and they are still dealing with problems with the Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missile, and it still has problems in procurement of gas turbines because of the Ukraine issue."

The RMSI is housed within the Naval War College, located in the US state of Rhode Island.
"I'd love to have replacement programs today for the Abrams and Bradley and lay in plans to go do that," Major General David Bassett, the US Army's program executive officer for ground combat systems, told reporters at the Association of the US Army (AUSA) annual conference. "But it doesn't fit in this portfolio in this budget environment."

Developed in the 1970s, the M1 Abrams third-generation main battle tank has been in services with the US military since 1980. The current version of the Abrams, the M1A2, was rolled out in 1992. The Pentagon is currently working on the M1A3 upgrade that will include a lighter 120 mm gun, more durable track, lighter armor, long-range precision armaments, etc.
SEVASTOPOL (Sputnik)  The Kalibr cruise missile-equipped Serpukhov and Zeleny Dol corvettes are planned to join the Russian Navy's permanent task force as part of an off-shore maritime zone rotation in the Mediterranean.

"The third Black Sea Fleet small missile ship, The Mirazh [Project 1234], has left Sevastopol heading to the Mediterranean Sea," a source in the Crimean security agencies told RIA Novosti said, noting that the vessel is equipped with the Malakhit anti-ship missile.

Russia's Black Sea Fleet confirmed that its third small missile ship has embarked on a voyage from Sevastopol, Crimea, to the Mediterranean.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  In August, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier wrote in an op-ed that a new Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) would help avoid an arms race between Russia and NATO and would contribute to "transparency, risk prevention and confidence building." He pointed out Moscow's repeated calls for new discussions on the issue.

"It is good that Mr. Steinmeier has put forward the idea to revive dialogue on arms control. I recently admitted a representative of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who brought some of the initiatives, but there are no specifics and it is not very clear what to do," Andrei Kelin said at the second young diplomats' European forum.

"If NATO countries do create this new concept and it will be worked out and presented to us, we are ready to consider it. So far, we only have the famous article of the German foreign minister, in which he mentioned only a few ideas," Kelin stressed.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia's state defense procurement is still carried out at a high level and properly funded, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday.

"The state defense procurement is executed at a high level, funded in prescribed amounts. It is a lot of money, so we have to ensure strict control over spending efficiency," Medvedev said at a government session.

He added that the government planned to introduce criminal liability for abuse of the defense procurement program.
The KN-14 was shorter and its warhead had a different shape, Khrustalev said, adding that the missile on display most likely had two stages instead of three.

In March 2016, the world managed to take a sneak peek of North Korea's missile program when Pyongyang published several photos of Kim Jong-un meeting with experts on nuclear weapons and their methods of delivery. The images showed a mockup of a nuclear weapon, the dissembled KN-08 and KN-14, as well as elements of their engine systems.

Later that month, Pyongyang reported that it successfully tested heat insulation for the warhead of an ICBM under development. This, according to Khrustalev, is one of the key issues when it comes to building battle-ready long-range missiles. In April, the North announced that it successfully tested the engine for the new ICBM.

"Combined with successful tests of the single stage Hwaseong-10, which is technologically quite similar to the Soviet R-27 Zyb (structural materials, fuel, engines), this indicates that North Korea is developing a multistage ICBM using same technologies," the analyst said.

Khrustalev noted that although no information is available on the exact composition of the KN-08 and KN-14, experts agree that Pyongyang is capable of developing a multistage ICBM on these platforms using Hwaseong-10's technological base.
In late September, the Finnish Defense Ministry signed an agreement on intent with the Rauma Marine Constructions ( RMC ), which owns a shipyard in the town of Rauma in western Finland. The shipyard, which specializes in ferries and cruise ships, has six months to prove that it is able to execute the order, otherwise the tender for construction of future offshore patrol vessels, which are expected to displace about 2,500 tons, will be reorganized.

The main problem is that the Arctech Helsinki Shipyard, which ranks among Finland's largest, is partly owned by the Russian United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) and is no longer eligible to operate Finnish military orders.

The Perno Shipyard in Turku, which is operated by the German Meyer Werft company, was another likely contender, despite its orientation towards cruise ships and passenger ferries, but proved to be fully booked with orders until the end of the 2020s.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  "A Russian Su-27 combat plane on October 6, 2016, carried out a training flight over neutral waters of the Bay of Finland," the ministry said in a statement.

"The plane did not deviate from the established route, which is confirmed by means of objective monitoring," the statement said.

Finland's Yle television reported earlier on Thursday, citing border guards services, that a Russian Su-27 stayed in the Finnish airspace for about a minute after crossing the border near the town of Porvoo some 30 miles east of capital Helsinki.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The airborne troops of Russia and Belarus are starting joint tactical drills on Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a press statement.

"Divisions of Russian Airborne Troops have arrived on the territory of the Republic of Belarus to take part in a joint bilateral tactical exercise. Joint Belarusian-Russian drills will be held in three stages at one of the military sites near Brest in the period from October 7 until October 20," the statement says.

Over 700 servicemen and about 60 units of military equipment will be involved in the drills.
On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ...
Yasay said that 70 years after the only US colony in Asia won independence US leaders and policy shapers were still treating it as "little brown brothers not capable of true independence."

He accused Washington of trying to hinder the ongoing war on drugs, launched several months ago, by false claims of human rights violations and failing the nation in its standoff with China over Beijings South China Sea claims.

"We have serious concerns and challenges with the Chinese as we try to engage them in bilateral talks towards peacefully settling our disputes We will never allow China or any other nation to bully us or deal with Philippine interests under another carrot and stick policy," Yasay vowed.

In July, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines after it challenged China's claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea. Both countries claim rights over the Spratly Islands, believed to be rich in oil and gas.
KIEV (Sputnik)  Ukraine's largest political party, the Petro Poroshenko Bloc "Solidarnost," will not vote in favor of scrapping a visa-free regime with Russia, the party's deputy leader said Thursday.

"Our faction had decided at the meeting not to vote for a resolution on the introduction a visa regime with Russia," Oleksiy Goncharenko said as quoted by the party website.

Andriy Parubiy, the speaker of Ukraine's parliament, said this week he wanted to renew debate on introducing the visa regime with Russia.
This added bonus is due to the psychological effect of a cutting-edge weapon present in the region.

"High-tech and purely defensive anti-ballistic missile systems contribute to decreased activity and psychologically reduce risks," Krutikov asserted. "The S-300VM's sheer presence in Tartus psychologically limits capabilities of the US Air Force."

The journalist maintained that the Pentagon is "pathologically afraid" of any losses, particularly high tech losses. If there is even a minimal risk of losing a warplane, the US military will most likely chose not to send it on a mission.
On Wednesday, the Russian government announced its decision to suspend the US-Russia agreement on nuclear and energy-related research and development work, signed in Vienna on September 16, 2013.

"We regret that we have to do it. But in fact this document has not worked because of US decisions, so there are no new elements," Peskov told reporters.

"The fact is that when the events took place in Crimea, the US de-facto stopped implementing this agreement, so yesterday our side simply formalized a de-facto situation created by our US colleagues," he stressed.
BRUSSELS (Sputnik)  Borissov added that the conflict could only be resolved with the active participation of Russia and the United States.

"Let's call upon Mr. Kerry and and Mr. Lavrov to sit together and to try and work out even the worst of peaces so that all those people can go back there," Borissov said at the official launch of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency set to protect the European countries' borders from the influx of illegal migrants.

On October 3, US State Department deputy spokesman John Kirby announced that Washington was cutting off participation in bilateral channels with Russia on sustaining a ceasefire agreement in Syria.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  At the second European Forum of Young Diplomats in Moscow, Kelin said:

"I do not see any specific obstacles for cooperation, in particular, in research area, climate. We need look into what is possible and what meets the interests of the Arctic states."
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Albert II and Putin visited an exhibition titled "Romanovs  Grimaldi. Three Centuries of History" in the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.

"I am very glad that we began your visit with a milestone event  with opening an exhibition devoted to the ties between Monaco and Russia. We saw at first hand how long and how constructive relations between Russia and Monaco have been developing," Putin said during the meeting with the prince after visiting the exhibition.

Putin also expressed satisfaction with current positive development of bilateral relations.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said Thursday that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov maintains near-daily talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry on Syria.

"No one has canceled it and no one has exited these agreements. The contacts are constant. Lavrov speaks with John Kerry almost daily," Bogdanov said.

Acknowledging that Washington had "suspended" military dialogue with Moscow, the diplomat maintained that contacts "must continue, they have no alternative."
ROME (Sputnik)  According to Valdegamberi, the main purpose of the trip will be to ensure conditions for cooperation in economic, cultural and other spheres. The delegation comprises 18 deputies from different regions of Italy.

"We will have two very busy days, visiting Simferopol and Sevastopol. Our visit is a kind of a political gesture against the sanction policy. Thus we want to confirm what have been said by our regional councils, when we were adopting resolutions against anti-Russian sanctions and resolutions for the right of the Crimean people to self-determination," Stefano Valdegamberi told RIA Novosti.

The lawmaker added that an agreement on establishing sister city relations between Simferopol and Padua would be discussed during the visit.
VIENNA (Sputnik)  On October 1, Austrian Agriculture Minister Andrae Rupprechter said the European Union should work out a strategy to lift the sanctions imposed against Russia as the situation became "critical."

"Austria and especially me personally are very much in favor of discontinuing these sanctions because they have done a lot harm to the economy, a lot of jobs were lost and in my opinion it is time for this blockage to be stopped. It is very difficult to make prognosis on human reasoning, however, with all due respect, one should really consider lifting these sanctions during the course of the next year," Hofer said.

In 2014, relations between Russia and the West deteriorated amid the crisis in Ukraine. Brussels, Washington and their allies imposed several rounds of sanctions on Russia over Crimea's secession from Ukraine and Moscow's alleged meddling in the Ukrainian conflict. Russia has repeatedly refuted the accusations, and warned that the sanctions are counterproductive and undermine regional and global stability.
VIENNA (Sputnik)  Talks on the deal resumed on Monday amid speculation that the November US presidential election could disrupt the process or possibly derail Washingtons involvement altogether.

"The Federal President signs laws and with his signature he approves that these laws are in line with the Austrian constitution. TTIP is a state contract and can be signed only after citizens of Austria have been asked in a form of referendum. I have said quite clearly during my campaign that I am against TTIP and, therefore, I would keep my promise and would only sign a state contract concerning TTIP if such a referendum has been held and the population has decided in favor of TTIP," Hofer said.

The TTIP seeks to establish a free trade zone between the United States and the European Union. The US government started discussions on the draft deal with the bloc in 2013. The details of the deal, including specific rules of market access, have not been released to the public.
VIENNA (Sputnik)  He warned that Turkey's integration into the European Union would quickly spark cultural conflicts in the member states.

"If you look at the history you would see that conflicts among states were always caused by different cultures being brought together. As far as I [am] concerned, Turkey is a huge country with entirely different cultural values and integrating such a country into the EU would not be a good idea," Hofer said.

"I do want to see Turkey as a privileged partner with the EU, however, integrating such a big country as Turkey into the EU would most probably create conflicts," Hofer, who is set to partake in Austria's December 4 presidential elections rerun, said.
Washington has failed to separate so-called moderate rebels from terrorists in Syria; furthermore, the US leadership has repeatedly tried to divert public attention from the fact that "moderates" have been spotted cooperating with designated foreign terrorist organizations including al-Qaeda affiliates and Daesh (ISIS/ISIL), Bangkok-based geopolitical researcher and writer Tony Cartalucci noted in his article for New Eastern Outlook.

Instead, Washington has shifted the focus of its narrative to the humanitarian crisis unfolding amid final operations to restore security to the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, Cartalucci stressed.

"The operation however, headed by Syrian forces [the Syrian Arab Army] and supported by its allies including Russia, aims to bring the last remaining districts of the city under government control. Already, the vast majority of Aleppo's remaining 2 million residents live in government controlled territory, with less than a quarter of a million trapped in terrorist held sections of the city," the geopolitical analyst emphasized.
"When WikiLeaks unmasked how the Democratic National Committee tilted toward her in the primaries against Bernard Sanders, she knew just who to blame: Mr. Putin," they wrote for the Washington Times.

The former first lady used the same strategy time and again.

"When former Secretary of State Colin Powell's private emails skewering Bill and Hillary were hacked, the Clinton forces again pointed the finger at Mr. Putin. Now they're even claiming that the Russian president's minions may be preparing to hack into ballot machines on Election Day to steal votes," the analysts detailed.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The United States does not rule out imposing sanctions on Russia over the current situation in Syria outside the United Nations (UN) auspices, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters on Thursday.

I wouldnt rule out multilateral efforts outside of the UN to impose costs on Syria or Russia or others with regard to the situation inside of Syria, Earnest stated, when asked if Washington would be willing to pursue sanctions with Europe and other allies outside the framework of the UN.

Earnest continued, Weve done that in the past, and I wouldnt take it off the table in terms of the options the president may consider in the situation.
In June, Ankara restricted a delegation of German lawmakers' access to the airbase after the German parliament adopted a resolution recognizing the early 20th century massacre of ethnic Armenians by the Ottoman Empire as genocide.

Earlier, a representative of the Turkish parliamentary committee on defense warned members of the German Bundestag against raising the Armenian issue again, a statement that clearly sounded as a kind of a threat, the politician noted.

"None of us came back to this subject, because we had a number of other issues to do []. But this statement clearly sounded like a certain threat. In any case, Turkey strongly opposed Germany's involvement in the Armenian issue," Neu said.

According to the politician, the German side was too cautious during its visit to Turkey. It didn't focus on the human rights violations in the country and was more attuned to reaching a consensus rather than sharing its arguments.

"They wanted to achieve a thaw first, and then see how further debate develops. In my view, such position is too defensive. The Turkish side, by contrast, did not hesitate to very clearly formulate its views," Neu said.

Many experts believe that Germany and the EU, have made themselves dependent on the goodwill of Turkey. In Spring 2016, the EU and Ankara signed a joint action plan on refugees providing, inter alia, that Turkey would receive three billion euros in return for supplying Syrian refugees and ensuring that none of them come to Europe. Ankara repeatedly threatened to break the deal if the EU doesn't fulfill its obligations, including the negotiations on Turkey's possible accession to the EU.
Moreover, the US has failed to separate the so-called "moderate opposition" from radical Islamists in Syria. The expert called attention to the fact that the US-Russia brokered ceasefire agreement became de facto one sided after the US-backed rebels refused to meet the accord's requirements.

For its part, Russia managed to persuade Damascus and Iran to suspend military actions, Kortunov underscored.

"The collapse of the US-Russian agreement does not mean that, while choosing between Russia and Daesh, Washington has taken the side of terrorists [in Syria]," he continued.

However, it is obvious, the expert noted, that Daesh does not pose an existential threat to Washington and the Pentagon sees no need in establishing closer relations with Russia to tackle the terror threat.

Kortunov highlighted, however, that the Syrian Arab Army's advance on Aleppo continues to trigger serious concerns among the US national security establishment.

Actually, Washington fears that Bashar al-Assad will eventually restore control over the city.

"The CIA and the Joint Staff have said that the fall of Aleppo would undermine America's counterterrorism goals in Syria," as an unnamed senior US administration official told the Washington Post.
As prime minister, Guterres was active in international efforts to end the crisis in East Timor, including a UN-backed agreement with Indonesia that put the islands independence to a popular vote.

Guterres briefly led the European Council in 2000, where he championed the adoption of the so-called Lisbon Agenda and was co-chairman of the first EU-Africa Summit.

For many years, Guterres was an active member of the social democratic organization Socialist International. He served as the groups vice president from 1992 to 1999 and as president from 1999 until mid-2005.

In 2005, the UN General Assembly elected Guterres to head the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). During his two extended terms, he oversaw budget and structural reforms at the agency and strengthened its emergency-response capacity.

Under Guterres, the UNHCR responded to the largest displacement of people since World War II, marked by wars in Syria and Iraq as well as ongoing violence in the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Yemen. During his decade at the agency, the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide increased from 21 million in 2005 to nearly 64 million by the end of 2015.

In addition to holding political office, Guterres founded the Portuguese Council for Refugees and the Portuguese Association for Consumer Protection, and he served as president of the Centro de Acao Social Universitario, a social development organization active in poor neighborhoods of Lisbon.

Guterres is fluent in Portuguese and three UN languages  English, French and Spanish. He is married and has two children.
UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik)  The UN Security Council will convene a meeting on the situation in the Syrian city of Aleppo at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, the Russian permanent mission to the United Nations told RIA Novosti.

According to the Russian mission, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura will brief the Security Council remotely from Geneva.
Vice Presidential nominee Mike Pence is receiving high marks after his debate performance Tuesday night, which means he was quite effective at suppressing his own Trump-like extremism.

The Justice Department drops charges against a guy who had been accused of selling arms to Libyan Rebels. Do as I say, not as I doamirite? Well be talking about it in a Classified Session.

Also, there may be a chance for humanity to survive after all. This week the Paris Climate Agreement was ratified in enough countries for it to formally kick into effect. The news comes just as a new report dropped showing just how expensive runaway global warming will be to deal with. It makes the 2008 financial crisis look like pocket change.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  If the proposal is accepted, black boxes could be installed in cars as soon as in 2020, the newspaper said on Thursday, citing a document released after relevant consultations with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.

The ERA-GLONASS system would provide basic infrastructure for the proposed project. ERA-GLONASS must be mandatory installed in all cars starting from 2020.

Glonass JSC is the operator of the ERA-GLONASS system, providing data to emergency responders via Russia's Global Navigation Satellite System. It is designed to reduce emergency service arrival times by quickly pin-pointing incident sites. The system calls an emergency service number automatically if the on-board transponder signals an accident.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Russia has operated in the Arctic according to rules governing the region, but the United States and NATO should pay more attention to the buildup of force levels and capabilities there, US Naval War College Russian Maritime Studies Institute founding director Michael Petersen, told Sputnik.

"Russia has actually, to my mind, and this is a contested point among observers, mostly played by the rules in the Arctic and they have demonstrated a level of cooperation on Arctic issues that is useful," Petersen said on Wednesday.

However, Russias expanding military presence in the Arctic warrants some caution on the part of the United States and NATO, Petersen warned.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  It is necessary for religious communities to consolidate their efforts and boost their cooperation with state and social structures as it may help in the fight against terrorism, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

I would like to point out that all world religions are based on fundamental humanistic values that have persistent universal importance. The clerics are calling on the faithful to express mercy, justice, tolerance, to teach the younger generation the high ideals of goodness and mutual respect every day. That is why consolidation of religious communities efforts, their cooperation with state and social structures is an inherent prerequisite for ensuring peace and harmony on our planet, Putin said in a statement read out at the international conference Religious Against Terrorism in Moscow Thursday.

Russia's Federation Council speaker Valentina Matvienko also addressed participants of the conference saying that terrorism has turned into one of the main challenges nowadays, so that was extremely important to consolidate international efforts to fight that evil.
On October 4, the Chechen capital Grozny held a mixed martial arts tournament on the eve of Ramzan Kadyrov's birthday. The event, which was attended by the head of Chechnya, featured "demonstration fights" between children among the bouts of professional fighters. Three of the children were Kadyrov's sons: 10-year-old Akhmad, 9-year-old Zelimkhan and 8-year-old Adam.

President of Russian MMA Federation and legendary fighter Fedor Emelianenko harshly criticized the event and called it a violation of all the rules of mixed martial arts.

"Fights involving children were declared as demonstration ones but in fact, viewers saw an actual combat. According to the official rules of this sport, athletes under 21 must enter the ring wearing a helmet and protectors, and the ones under 12 years need a rashguard or a T-shirt. Children under 12 years are not permitted to fight, according to the MMA rules at all. What happened at the tournament in Grozny, was unacceptable, and it cannot be justified," Emelianenko commented in an official message of the organization which he heads.
Not a single New York City police officer is currently wearing a body camera while on duty, despite a three-year-old citywide ruling that requires the device. While wearing body cameras has become common practice in other areas of the US, the NYPD is refusing to obey the court.

On September 20, Keith Lamont Scott, a 46-year old black man, was shot by a black police officer in Charlotte, North Carolina. Footage from two cameras, one a body camera, did not allow experts to determine whether Scott had a gun, as police reports claim he did. This ambiguity sparked protests in Charlotte that turned violent on September 23.

In this particular case, body cameras were not used as intended: The officer who fired the shots was not wearing a camera. His colleague wore the body camera, but it was turned off at the moment of shooting. Due to its design, the camera kept 30 seconds of the video that followed when it was turned on, but with no audio. This raises a number of questions.
Welding is complete on the largest cryogenic fuel tank for a rocket in the world that will help power #NASASLS: https://t.co/z2aJQcxRjm pic.twitter.com/xIEctRJbYK  NASA_SLS (@NASA_SLS) September 30, 2016

If an egotistical Star Wars style rivalry was to ensue between Space X and Boeing, it could certainly be seen as healthy corporate competition. After all, both company CEOs are well-versed on the dynamics of commercial competition, breeding excellence on the ground, thus something similar in outer space simply makes it that much more exciting for everyone else watching.

So who will be Darth Vader and who is Luke Skywalker?

First development tank for Mars ship pic.twitter.com/dF5tZkldUb  SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 27, 2016

Well Boeing is certainly closer to the archetype father figure of space exploration alongside their partnership with NASA's billion dollar plus funding pot. This leaves Elon Musk's SpaceX as the new maverick on the block and so equivalent to the self-made, estranged son, much like the Luke Skywalker of space commerce.

A Million Humans Could Live on Mars By the 2060s https://t.co/d0nlk1xfOl via @NatGeo  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 27, 2016

SpaceX will be likely to welcome any healthy competition to their recently unveiled plans and it may make Elon Musk's revelations on Twitter that much more exciting too.

Whatever happens, with such heavyweight commercial competition focused on the next frontier of space travel, it's sure to make the strides to Mars that much more greater for mankind.
Scientists found this hidden water when in 2014 they noticed Enceladus, another one of the ringed planets moons, wobbling as it spun. They also noticed that the moon had strange gravitational fluctuations  all of which could be explained by the presence of water, deep under the rocky cold surface. Then they found that the rock spits cold, massive geysers of water from its south pole, confirming the presence of water under its crust and raising speculations that conditions there could harbor life.

Now, it appears that Diones gravity has similar eccentricities, though less dramatic than those on Enceladus, as the new data shows that Enceladuss ocean is much closer to the surface than Diones. But Dione may wobble as well, though the Cassini probe is not sensitive enough to detect it. Diones smashed-up surface suggests that it, too, may have a wild side, and that its underground water also escapes occasionally.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to the TVN24 broadcaster, 352 lawmakers voted against tightening the current legislation regulating the abortions, while 58 voted to support such change of the country's laws.

In late September, the parliament voted to consider the proposal to impose a ban abortion sparkling large-scale protests in Poland and abroad.
According to police, these call centers employed personnel who would use the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) to impersonate officials of the US Internal Revenue Services and threaten US citizens to either pay up a particular sum of money as settlement of tax debt or face legal consequences. Unsuspecting US citizens immediately paid the "overdue taxes" to avoid legal action via the mode of payment suggested by the fake taxman only to later realize that they had been duped.

The tele-callers employed by the call centers were trained to imitate an American accent and have duped more than 6,000 US citizens so far. They provided a fake IRS telephone number which flashed as Internal Revenue Service when an American citizen received a call. Sources said the call centers earned at least USD 0.15 mln every day through this scheme.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  A group of German lawmakers visited German servicemen deployed at the Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey on Wednesday. The delegation was headed by Deputy Chairman of the Defense Committee of the German Parliament Karl Lamers and included Alexander Neu, among others.

"I cannot say that situation here [at the Incirlik Air Base] is tense the relations [between German and Turkish servicemen] at good professional level. And policy does not seem to play any role here," German lawmaker Alexander Neu told Sputnik.

Neu said that "the most acute phase of the Ice Age is over", although time is yet needed for the relations between Germany and Turkey to turn back to normal.
Gore has been largely quiet during the campaign and passed on attending the Democratic convention, but announced in July that he would vote for the former US Secretary of State.

"I will be voting for Hillary Clinton," Gore tweeted. "Given her qualifications and experience  and given the significant challenges facing our nation and the world, including, especially, the global climate crisis, I encourage everyone else to do the same."

Clintons team may also be hoping that the specter of Gore will remind young voters of the 2000 campaign, which some pundits still blame on Ralph The Spoiler Nader. After all, with Decision 2016 offering US voters the two most disliked candidates in history, third parties have again come to the fore, and Clinton will be keen to scare voters back to the Democratic fold.

Clinton has been dogged by the Millennial Problem since the 2008 campaign, which she lost decisively to Barack Obama. This has not changed, and as huge numbers of millennials are thinking more seriously about third-party candidates, the Clinton campaign has been actively courting them, bringing on some of her rivals former campaign aides to mobilize voters under 35, and reaching out to college campuses and in swing states.
Incidences in which the direction of treatment varied most were on hot-button partisan issues such as abortion, drugs and guns. For example, a Democratic-leaning doctor would be more likely to urge patients to not keep a gun in their home, while a Republican-leaning doctor would be more inclined to ask whether they are stored safely.

In addition to the ones about abortion and guns, the researchers found a partisan difference in responses to a patient who said he used marijuana recreationally about three times a week. Compared with Democrats, Republicans were more likely to urge the patient to cut back on his habit, citing both health and legal concerns, the Los Angeles Times reported.

As far as abortions, a Republican doctor is more likely to urge a patient to consider the mental health consequences of the procedure than a Democratic doctor.
The Halloween Express site features 72 different clown masks that range "from cute and whimsical to gruesome and hideous," helping to assemble costumes, "suitable for the big top or something far more sinister."

Butler added, "In the top ten, eight of them are 'evil' clown masks this season whereas last year, five of the top ten were 'evil.'"
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps triumph over Democrat Hillary Clinton would be a disaster for the United States, Clintons rival-turned-supporter Bernie Sanders said Thursday.

"I think that Donald Trump would be a disaster for this countrythere is no question on my mind that Clinton is far in the way the superior candidate," he told RT in Iowa.
Guzman Castro, a Ph.D. student in International Relations at University of Pennsylvania, told Sputnik that both presidential candidates have been off to a rough start when it comes to fostering ties with Latin America.

"The best that could happen to Latin America is if the next US president pays no attention to the region," he said. "Hillary's record with regard to Latin America, like Trump's rhetoric bodes ill" for the region.

The analyst from Uruguay pointed out that Trump's actual policies remain unclear.
The morning of March 30, 2015, Abu-Jamal was rushed to intensive care after going into diabetic shock and losing consciousness. He had a glucose level of 600. He said that, after being released, prison medical staff did not take "any steps to investigate whether the hepatitis C may be the cause of the rash and/or other medical issues."

A grievance submitted in April protesting poor medical treatment was denied, and Abu-Jamal was subsequently hospitalized in May. Even after constant requests and blood work revealing that his hepatitis was chronic, the writer was still denied treatment.

According to the complaint, "On several occasions between late July 2015 and September 2015, plaintiff requested from his treating physicians that his hepatitis C be treated with either Harvoni or Sovaldi, the two antiviral medications. The physicians told him that the matter was out of their hands, that the DOC was not treating anyone with the antivirals because of the medications' cost."

In August, a federal judge denied an injunction request from Abu-Jamal that would have forced the PDOC to supply him with Harvoni, which costs roughly $90,000 for the full-treatment regimen. However, the court found that denying treatment "prolong[s] the suffering of those who have been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C and allow[s] the progression of the disease to accelerate so that it presents a greater threat of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma [i.e. liver cancer], and death of the inmate with such disease' in violation of the Eighth Amendment," according to the Abolitionist Law Center.
In the Manhattan subway incident, a clown was blocking people from entering a subway train on Wednesday afternoon. A 16-year-old boy getting off a train caught the attention of the not-so-merry prankster, who took off after the teen. The boy bolted through a turnstile and up a flight of stairs, an NBC affiliate reported.

Since the first reports rolled in several months ago many sightings or threats from these grim creepers have been found to be fake. Gags, a clown who terrorized Green Bay, Wisconsin, by prowling the streets carrying black balloons, was revealed to be a marketing stunt.

But the fear is real. In Utah, where two schools recently closed amid threats of clown activity, law enforcement officials addressed a question posed by a resident who asked, "Can I shoot or take action against someone that is dressed up like a clown"? When it came again at a White House news briefing October 4, Press Secretary Josh Earnest said local law enforcement should carefully and thoroughly review any perceived threats to community safety.

Best-selling author Stephen King, who is probably to blame for half the countrys cases of coulrophobia for creating the murderous Pennywise clown in his 1986 horror novel, It, tweeted that people should stay calm.

 Stephen King (@StephenKing) October 3, 2016

The clowns are not taking this lying down. An Arizona woman who goes by Nikki Sinn online attracted media attention for advertising an October 15 Clown Lives Matter march in Tucson via Facebook and fliers posted around the town.

"This is a peaceful walk to show clowns are not psycho killers. We want the public to feel safe and not be afraid. So come out, bring the family, meet a clown and get a hug!" according to her Facebook page. Attendees should feel free to wear full clown makeup or masks, the ads say.

Black Lives Matter representatives have suggested that the naming of the Arizona clown march is insensitive.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Six US Army soldiers and two civilians have been charged with stealing and selling restricted military equipment to buyers in other nations, including in Russia, China, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, the US Department of Justice said in a press release on Thursday.

"The soldiers charged stole more than $1 million worth of sensitive military equipment from the US Army installation at Fort Campbell and sold it to others who then re-sold the equipment on eBay," the release stated.

The equipment included sniper telescopes and rifle accessories, machine gun parts and accessories, grenade launcher sights, flight helmets, communication headsets, body armor and medical supplies, according to the release.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  President Barack Obama commuted the prison sentences of 102 people convicted of drug crimes, the White House said in a press release on Thursday.

"Today, the President granted commutation of sentence to 102 individuals," the release stated.

Most of the inmates were convicted of non-violent drug crimes and sentenced to more than a decade in prison. Twenty-three individuals were sentenced to life terms.
When Emmylou Harris calls to ask you to play some shows, there is only one answer.

You say 'yes,' even if you dont know what it is, said the Milk Carton Kids Joey Ryan. Luckily, it turned out be be a great thing, because wed follow her off the cliff.

It is Lampedusa: Concerts for Refugees, an 11-city tour to raise awareness of the worldwide refugee crisis and raise funds for the Jesuit Refugee Services Global Education Initiative.

Country legend Harris is a longtime activist, having previously organized a series of shows aimed at eliminating landmines around the world and running an animal rescue operation out of her Nashville, Tennessee, home.

She learned of the JRS work during a trip to Ethiopia this spring and decided to put together a tour to raise funds for its programs to educate displaced people in 45 countries around the globe.

So Harris got on the phone and rounded up friends Steve Earle and Patty Griffin, frequent collaborator Buddy Miller and folk duo the Milk Carton Kids to join her on the tour that takes its name from an island off the coast of Sicily that has become the major staging area for refugees escaping the war-ravaged Middle East for Europe.

The tour begins Friday in Boulder, Colorado, goes to Kansas City, Missouri, Saturday and will stop at the Rococo Theatre Sunday.

All of the artists will be on stage throughout the show, playing acoustic instruments and singing a few of their songs.

Its a guitar pull, all of us sitting around the stage, the way we did the landmine tour, Earle said. Anything can happen.

Well be sitting around singing, telling stories and raising some money, Ryan said. Then, hopefully, well chime in with some harmonies or instrumentals, accompanying who else is on stage, too. You cant be on stage with Emmylou Harris and not rope her into singing some three-part harmonies together. Thats going to happen.

When Earle called in from Telluride, Colorado, on Tuesday, he hadnt figured out what songs hes going to bring out during the shows.

I cant promise I wont play a Woody Guthrie song in this particular situation, but most of them will be my songs, he said. Ill know more about what Im going to play when I get to Boulder tomorrow. Thats when well talk about what were going to do. Itll turn into something really cool.

But Earle, who has been designated as the tours primary spokesman, and Ryan had plenty to say about the refugee crisis, American politics and musical activism.

The global refugee crisis is staggering in its scale -- one in every 122 people is a refugee, more than half are women and children and at least 30 million are under the age of 18.

The main thing I didnt know is the average time of displacement of a refugee is 17 years, Ryan said. Thats kind of the point of this. We have to think about shifting away from thinking about the refugee crisis as an emergency -- food, water, shelter -- thing to a long-term thing that lasts for almost two decades. That requires other things, like education, which is the JRS mission.

And Ryan pointed out that the refugee crisis isnt just in Europe, the Middle East or Africa. Its in Southern California where he and Kenneth Pattengale, the other Milk Carton Kids, live.

We see a particular side of the refugee crisis here -- refugees from Guatemala and El Salvador, that are appropriately being called refugees as their counties have been overrun by gangs are coming in," Ryan said in a phone interview last week. "Weve had some bad situations in towns where roads were blocked and busloads of kids were turned away. Were on the front line of that particular front, but its all over the world.

The blockades have occurred, Earle said, largely because refugees have been demonized by Republicans, particularly GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Its becoming a political issue for all the wrong reasons, Earle said. People think its about their jobs and its not. Its about women and children, people displaced from their homelands because its become so violent, so bad they cant live there.

For that reason and many others, Earle said, theres only one choice in the presidential election -- and it isnt Trump or Gary Johnson or Jill Stein.

Weve never had a clearer choice in an election, ever, Earle said.  Nobodys more left wing than me. Lefties who think theyre preserving their pure white liberal souls by not voting for Hillary (Clinton) are helping Trump. Its choosing between what little is left of our democracy and fascism. So register, vote and dont f*** up.

Those, Earle recognized, are fightin words. But hes not worried about any blowback, especially at the shows -- For the most part, we dont get a lot of people out to see any of us that watch Fox.

Like Harris, Earles a longtime, outspoken activist -- a part of Farm Aid since its beginning who has worked against the death penalty and has a handful of political songs and albums. That, he said, is natural for him -- and for Harris.

I grew up at a time when you didnt separate issues and music, Earle said. You didnt even think about that. Most of my songs are still about girls, but I can do it and I will do it. ... I think you convince people if you sing it more than if you just talk I come from the '60s man ... music did help change the world. Some of it stuck, some of it didnt. Emmylous a little older than me. We come from that.

The Milk Carton Kids are much younger, having come together just five years ago. But Ryan said the duo wants to be in the activist tradition that has been part of folk music since Woody Guthrie rode the rails in the 1930s.

Like-minded people, people who have played music like this have been very socially conscious over time, Ryan said. Were just getting started in our career. We think thats a tradition that should continue.

That in part is why the Milk Carton Kids are on the Lampedusa tour. The other reason -- Emmylou called and asked.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has allocated funds for the northern and southern combatant commands to provide assistance to Caribbean nations and US communities in the path of Hurricane Matthew, Department of Defense spokesman Peter Cook said in a briefing on Thursday.

"The secretary approved the release of $11 million in funds for SOUTHCOM [Southern Command] to support Hurricane Matthew's relief efforts in Haiti and other countries of the Caribbean," Cook told reporters.

Cook explained that Carter is receiving regular briefings on preparation efforts concerning Hurricane Matthew and "decisions will be made on what and where the greatest needs are."
This is the first time a judge has allowed a lawsuit regarding the program to proceed.

In the October 2015 filing, the ACLU accused James Elmer Mitchell and John "Bruce" Jessen of torture, cruel and degrading punishment, war crimes and conducting an "experimental torture program," as part of a "joint criminal enterprise" with the nation's top intelligence agency. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of three victims of the torture program, one of whom died in custody.

"This ruling is a critical step towards accountability, and it charts a way forward for torture victims to get their day in court," said Dror Ladin, an ACLU attorney.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  President Barack Obama signed an emergency declaration for the US state of South Carolina in anticipation of Hurricane Matthew making landfall in the United States on Thursday night, the White House said in a press release.

"The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of South Carolina and ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Matthew," the release stated on Thursday.

The order authorizes the US Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts and makes federal funds available for emergency purposes.
Over the course of several months, 19-year old Saudi-YouTuber Abu Sin chatted animatedly with American vlogger Christina Crockett, although he hardly spoke any English and she does not understand Arabic.

Abu Sin's vibrant personality compensated for a lack of verbal interaction, and the two seemed to be on the same charming wavelength. The language barrier that pushed them to find alternative ways of communication only added to the fun, and goofy videos of their "conversations" went viral as soon as they were uploaded on YouTube.

The couple immediately gained thousands of followers, but Abu Sin's fame came back to bite him. As he became popular, Saudi police claimed to receive complaints from vigilant citizens in the kingdom who, apparently, have nothing better to do than watch Americans and Saudis talk on YouTube. On Sunday, the teen was taken into custody in Riyadh. His arrest was recorded on camera.
ROME (Sputnik)  The deputy prime minister also said that the Egyptian side still had a number of security systems to install, which they had ordered and were waiting to receive.

"I hope so. At least, the situation in the airport of Cairo has improved," Dvorkovich replied when asked if the flights between Russia and Egypt would resume this year.

Dvorkovich added that "it would be hard to say if they [Egyptian side] can do it this month or not" when asked if the air travel could resume this October.
BRUSSELS (Sputnik)  On Wednesday, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica said that the participants of the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan had pledged to disburse $15.2 billion to Afghanistan over the next four years.

"As far as I know an unspoken arrangement on repatriating dozens of thousands of Afghans in exchange for financial aid has been reached," the source said.

Another source in the EU institutions dismissed the allegations, citing the statement of EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini who said that there had never been any connections between EU aid to Afghanistan and efforts to tackle migration.
RHODES/MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Fallout from the rising social tensions in the United States can have a fallout effect on the rest of the world, Vladimir Yakunin, a senior executive at Berlin-based Dialogue of Civilizations (DOC) Research Institute said.

"The stability of the US political system affects political stability around the world. And based on the US presidential race to date, it seems clear that societal tensions are increasing," Yakunin, the chair of DOCs Supervisory Board told RIA Novosti.
"With the establishment of a German military airbase in Niamey in support of the MINUSMA mission in Mali, which Niger has supported since the beginning, a new chapter in our cooperation has begun," von Munchow-Pohl said. MINUSMA is the acronym for the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali.

Von Munchow-Pohl stated that Germany is "ready to engage more in the Sahel region [and] assume even more responsibility," the ambassador said, calling Niger "a central partner" for Germany and "a key country in the fight against terrorism and illegal migration."
As of February 2016, the Agreement was essentially implemented and the feasibility studies of the conversion of reactors were completed. There are no plans to sign new contracts to conduct further studies. No meetings of the Russian-US working group, established to coordinate the work under the Agreement, have been held since 2014.

On October 4, 2016, under Paragraph 6 Article 37 of Federal Law 101-FZ On International Treaties of the Russian Federation (June 15, 1995), the Government adopted the decision to suspend the Agreement.

The Cabinet of Ministers reference to the directive suspending the Agreement notes that the US actions involving the introduction of sanctions against Russia directly affected areas of cooperation under the Agreement. In particular, the United States imposed restrictions on high-tech cooperation with Russia. In April 2014, the Rosatom State Corporation received a letter from the US Department of Energy Bureau at the US Embassy in Moscow citing directives from Washington and announcing the suspension of nuclear energy cooperation in connection with the events in Ukraine.

"Under these circumstances, further cooperation with the US, which envisions access for US citizens to Russian nuclear facilities and direct collaboration between Russian and US institutes, as well as exchanges of information and documentation between them, is inexpedient," the Cabinet said.
Machine Intelligence

Google's G Suite For Education Offers 4 New Features

Google has changed the name of its popular service Google Apps for Education to G Suite for Education.

With this change comes several new features that have been added to some of the apps included in G Suite. These features use machine intelligence to facilitate and add more functionalities to Google Apps, according to Googles education blog.

Explore in Google Sheets is a new feature added to Google Sheets to allow students to create smarter spreadsheets. Explore is designed to make it easy for students to summarize spreadsheet data with automated charts and insights. Students who cant write formulas can now use Explore to instantly convert questions into formulas.

According to Google, Students can simply enter a question using natural language and Explore in Google Sheets will use natural language processing to translate the question into a formula and offer an instant answer.

Explore has also been added to Google Docs, bringing with it a number of features, such as the ability to search and find related documents from Drive. One can also obtain automatic recommended topics to learn about, and for educators, the ability to conduct image searches and get results limited to those that comply with SafeSearch and are approved to use with Creative Commons, according to Google.

Explore in Google Slides brings new features designed to help students create polished presentations. Explore offers a number of layout suggestions to help students better format their slides.

Google Calendar uses machine intelligence to help you easily find a time when invitees are free, and it also suggests available rooms based on your previous bookings. And, when the list of invitees grows long and no times are available, Calendar will suggest times across the group where the conflicts are easiest to resolve, such as recurring one-on-one meetings.

To learn more about G Suite for Education and its new features, visit Googles blog discussing the new suite.
An Omaha senator is asking the state auditor's office to investigate the attempt by the Department of Correctional Services to acquire lethal injection drugs from a foreign broker.

Sen. Burke Harr is asking questions about a contract with Chris Harris, salesman and owner of HarrisPharma, which as of last year had sold or tried to sell execution drugs to four or five states, and Nebraska.

"I'd sure like an audit to see why we didn't receive the drugs and if we didn't, why we didn't receive our money back," Harr said.

He's a step behind Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers.

Auditor Charlie Janssen said inquiries on the Harris contract, and other questions asked of the Corrections Department and Harris, are already in progress after Chambers made the request several months ago.

"We take it seriously and we're going to find out, hopefully, all the answers to the questions the senators have," he said Thursday afternoon.

Harr said in his letter to Janssen that the incomplete acquisition of drugs that can't legally be imported into this country raises questions about the contract.

If there's a contract, and Harris isn't able to fulfill his end, he asked, why isn't the state suing to get the money back?

"Do we just walk away? Is that normal for the state just to walk away when the other side breaches a contract?" asked Harr. "I don't think we want to set a precedent of allowing people to breach contracts and know that we won't go after them."

Nebraska ordered sodium thiopental and pancuronium bromide and paid $54,400 for them, but never received the drugs.

In an execution by lethal injection, sodium thiopental renders the inmate unconscious and pancuronium bromide, a muscle relaxant, stops breathing. A third drug, potassium chloride, stops the heart.

Corrections Director Scott Frakes sent a letter to Harris Jan. 6 asking for reimbursement of $26,700 paid by the state in April for 1,000 vials of sodium thiopental. Harris responded on Jan. 28, saying the refund was not possible and that the failure to deliver wasn't the company's fault.

Harr also wants to know how Nebraska found Harris.

The Corrections Department has emails that show Harris made contact in April 2015, asking if the state would be interested in ordering sodium thiopental.

Other questions concern what kind of vetting process took place before Nebraska signed the contract and whether there actually was a signed contract.

Supporters of Retain a Just Nebraska said Thursday at a news conference that Nebraska is unlikely to ever execute someone even if voters bring back the death penalty.

Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash and University of Nebraska law professor Eric Berger represent the anti-death penalty side of a question that will be on the Nov. 8 ballot asking voters to decide whether to retain a law passed in 2015 that abolished the death penalty in Nebraska, or to repeal that law.

Even if the state could get the drugs, Berger said, it would be only a short-term fix. They expire, and the state would need to be able to buy them over and over. It's already difficult to find sellers, he said, because pharmaceutical companies are saying they don't want their drugs used in that way.

"It's a problem that's not going away," he said. "If anything, it's a problem that's probably going to get harder and harder for the state."

Chris Peterson, spokesman for Nebraskans for the Death Penalty, pointed to the planned resumption of executions in Ohio with a new protocol and new drug cocktail similar to Oklahoma's. The protocol has been found not to violate the U.S. Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

According to National Public Radio, Ohio's protocol calls for the drugs midazolam, rocuronium bromide and potassium chloride. They are FDA-approved, as far as the integrity of the drugs, and they do not come from a compounding pharmacy.

Berger said Ohio still could have trouble getting the drugs needed, especially on a sustained basis. This particular protocol is dangerous, he said, because there's a risk an inmate will suffer extreme pain from potassium chloride if he or she is not anesthetized. Midazolam, he said, is not an anesthetic but is used to calm patients before an anesthetic is used for surgery.

Bob Evnen, a co-founder of Nebraskans for the Death Penalty, said Nebraska can have a successful drug protocol. Its current protocol was adopted because it was the protocol of the federal government.

"It is a shame that death penalty opponents are trying to politicize this issue and confuse Nebraskans at a time when ballots have been mailed to early voters and we are less than five weeks before Election Day," Evnen said.

Coash said the problem that really needs solving in the state is not where to get death penalty drugs, but how to reform the prison system and restore safety for corrections officers.

"I would much rather spend that money supporting (the officers)," he said.

Frakes is a competent leader, Coash said.

"(He) does not need to be running on a fool's errand to find drugs we know he can't get. He needs all hands on deck protecting and supporting his officers."
Common Core

U Michigan to Lead $5 Million Common Core Study

Researchers from the University of Michigan, Brown University and Stanford University have landed a grant worth nearly $5 million from the Spencer Foundation and the William T. Grant Foundation for the first phase of a five year study on the effects of the Common Core State Standards on teaching and learning.

The project "Under Construction: The Rise, Spread and Consequences of the Common Core State Standards Initiative in the U.S. Educational Sector," will examine the response of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to the Common Core, and how it is affecting "classroom instruction and social disparities in academic achievement in school systems across the country," according to a news release.

Researchers will review video records of classroom teaching from approximately 240 teachers in six urban school districts that participated in the Measures of Effective Teaching project, which was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. They will also examine a Stanford University database that tracks longitudinal student achievement trends in all 50 states.

"This study will help us understand how trends in achievement levels and achievement gaps may be related to patterns of adoption and implementation of Common Core," said Adam Gamoran, president of the William T. Grant Foundation, in a prepared statement. "In doing so it will also help us to understand the limits and possibilities of large-scale standards-based reform to achieve greater equity in educational outcomes."

The research project is based at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research and is led by Brian Rowan, a research professor at the institute and at U-M's School of Education. Co-principal investigators on the project include David K. Cohen, a professor at the U-M School of Education; Susan L. Moffitt, associate professor of political science and international and public affairs at Brown University; and Sean F. Reardon, professor of poverty and inequality in education at the Stanford University.

The Spencer Foundation is contributing nearly $4.4 million to the project, and the William T. Grant Foundation is contributing the remainder. The foundations will base further funding of the project on the progress made during phase one.
"A little fill here and there may seem to be nothing to become excited about. But one fill, though comparatively inconsequential, may lead to another, and another, and before long a great body may be eaten away until it may no longer exist.

Our navigable waters are a precious natural heritage, once gone, they disappear forever," wrote the Wisconsin Supreme Court in its 1960 opinion resolving Hixon v. PSC and buttressing The Public Trust Doctrine, Article IX of the Wisconsin State Constitution.
Londons Glamorous Ritz Casino Posts 12 Million Loss

October 06 2016 Matthew Pitt Editor

Londons Ritz club reported losses of 12.7 million compared to a 5.2 million profit last year citing gaming debts for its turn in fortunes.

The high-end casino, which is a favourite haunt for mega-rich middle eastern and Asian businessmen, said although its Gross Gaming Revenue fell from 67 million to 38 million, the casino would still have made a 2.4 million profit had it not being for some large debts run up by high roller customers.

Roger Marris, Chief Executive of Ritz Club, said: We do have slow payers, which is normal for our business, he explained. We cater to an international audience who play at a very high level. Its very much about the personal relationship. We talk to them regularly and they are paying us back. We do pursue them.

It is not the first time the Ritz Club has found itself owed money from its high roller customers. In 2015, the casinos management sued 10 gamblers after reporting a loss of almost 12.5 million the previous year, with a large percentage of those losses filed under significant non-recoverable gaming debts.

A year earlier, the now ex-wife of Omanai Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Homood Al-Busaidi, Nora Al-Daher, attempted to sue the casino after losing 2 million in a single evening at the Punto Banco table, failing to honour some of the cheques shed handed over the night.

A judge later ruled that Al-Daher was gambling within her means due to enjoying unimaginable wealth and ordered her to pay 1 million plus interest to the casino.

The Ritz Club is own by the [Removed:293] brothers, Sir David Rowat [Removed:293] and Sir Frederick Hugh [Removed:293], who have an estimated wealth in the region of 6.5 billion. Other well-known companies and brand owned by the identical twins include the Littlewood retail business, delivery company Yodel, and several newspapers including The Telegraph Media Group which itself lost 131.3 million.
For more than three decades, Stewart Calvin Stevens Sr. cleaned the windows, the doors and the chandeliers at the White House  and often a lot more.

I cleaned everything . . . except the dishes, said Stevens. I cleaned all of the doors . . . the china cabinets, the wall sconces. . . . I cleaned everything glass at the White House except for what the president ate out of. 

And when he was done cleaning, Stewart would occasionally slip out of his blue work clothes and into a tuxedo to check coats for those attending state dinners.

Stevens retired in 2002, but his mementos and his memories serve as a reminder of how much of the nations history was made by ordinary men and women whose lives intersected with extraordinary events.

The basement of Stevens home in Upper Marlboro, a Maryland suburb about 45 minutes from downtown Washington, houses a collection of photos, letters and artifacts from some of the presidents he served. He also has menus  gold-trimmed  marking the seven state dinners he witnessed. Stevens, who is black, said his collection tells not just his story but that of change.

I enjoyed checking coats at the state dinners because I got a chance to meet people like Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Aretha Franklin and many others, Stevens said. My favorite was Sylvester Stallone, Rocky. He walked in the White House wearing a tailor-made tuxedo. I told him, Mr. Stallone, you look wonderful, and he said Thank you sir. 

Stevens, 74, has captured his recollections in a self-published book he co-wrote with his daughter, Lynetta Stevens Wright, titled The White House Chandeliers: My Experience While Working for Seven U.S. Presidents.

One recent afternoon, Stevens reflected on his days at the White House and his regret that he retired before he could see the nations first black president, Barack Obama, reside in the building.

Stevens was one of 13 children  seven girls and six boys  raised in Washington. He made it to the seventh grade but had to drop out of school to find work to help his family.

In 1954, he joined the National Guard. (He had to get permission from his parents because he was underage.) He ended up being trained as a military police officer, advancing to the rank of corporal. But when he returned to the United States from Germany, where he had been stationed, he was unable to get a job as a police officer or a firefighter, Stevens said.

I had taken a test for the fire department and the police department and passed both tests, Stevens writes in his book, noting that there was a lot of racial discrimination in Washington at the time.

Stevens said it was critical to find work because he had just married. He and his wife would go on to have six children. His solution was to join one of his brothers in starting a window-washing service.

The two were able to get contracts with several companies in the area, and that helped them land a job one day cleaning the windows and doors at the Executive Office Building.

Their work got noticed, and Stevens got a temporary pass to work at the White House.

He had been there about six months when he spotted two chandeliers in Cross Hall, the broad hallway on the first floor of the White House. They looked pretty dirty, so he asked the building supervisor if he might clean them.

Besides, there werent enough windows and doors to clean to keep busy. I wanted to do more, and I really cared about how the White House looked, Stevens said.

I mixed up my cleaning solution, and I worked on the chandeliers for about eight hours, polishing each crystal, Stevens said. When I finished and got down off the scaffold . . . and everybody else saw how the chandeliers sparkled like diamonds, the word got around.

That was 1969. He would soon be a full-time employee of the White House.

His days began at 6 a.m. and often ran into late nights and weekends. It was the early-morning hours, cleaning the glass doors between the White House residence and the West Wing, however, that allowed him to interact with several presidents.

Most of the presidents were early risers, he said, and a brief Good morning, Mr. President is what he would offer them as they made their start.

He never interacted with President Richard Nixon  he came to the office a bit later than the others  but Stevens was there to greet presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and both George H.W. and George W. Bush. And they would all greet him by name. (It probably didnt hurt that each day he wore a belt buckle with an abbreviated version of his last name: Steve.)

Stevens received many notes from the men who sat in the Oval Office, thanking him for his service. There are also many treasured memories, such as President Clinton offering him words of comfort when Stevens mother died.

There were lighter moments, too, such as when President Carter offered Stevens and a group working at Camp David glasses of wine. Friends questioned him as to how he could drink the presidents wine. I said, Because he offered it to me, and you cant refuse the president,  Stevens said.

Stevens career at the White House ended in 2002 after he missed a few rungs on a 12-foot-ladder while washing windows and tore a tendon in his left knee.

Despite rehabilitation and an offer to work in another capacity at the White House, Stevens decided to retire.

He is proud that, in all his years cleaning the chandeliers, not one crystal was broken. He said the most challenging chandelier was in the East Room. It has more than 6,000 pieces of Bohemian cut glass, he said.

glasscleaner
HENDERSON, Nev.  Presidential candidate Donald Trumps visit to a private Christian academy and church in Las Vegas on Wednesday drew criticism from a liberal advocacy group that said the school discriminates against the disabled and people of other faiths.

Annette Magnus-Marquart, an official with the group Battle Born Progress, pointed to a section of a handbook for the International Christian Academy that says admission can be denied to any individual whose family or personal lifestyle is not consistent with the philosophy or purpose of the school.

Magnus-Marquart said: Theyre making discriminatory policies. Thats a huge problem.

If it doesnt fit what they deem to be their academic standard, their philosophy or their religion, then they can discriminate. We should not be tolerating that.

The leader of the academy and International Church of Las Vegas responded that his school, with just 300 students in pre-kindergarten to 9th grade, needs to restrict admission to children who administrators think will benefit the most.

Were just trying to be honest, Pastor Paul Marc Goulet said.

He said his school can serve students in wheelchairs. But applicants with emotional or behavioral problems, or learning disabilities such as impaired vision or hearing, may be referred to other schools.

Were saying that were not able to help every student, Goulet told The Associated Press. We dont have a million resources, and were not equipped to handle some of the issues that may be out there.

Goulet denied that admission is restricted on the basis of physical ability, background, race, gender, religion or sexual preference.

The academys handbook says it respects the religious background of every student but reserves the right to teach on the basis of the schools biblical statement of faith. It also says the school can turn away employee applicants on the basis of religious or spiritual convictions.

Trump praised the school during a visit to a first-grade class, where he joined a Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.

We need more schools like this all over the country, the candidate said. If we had, we wouldnt be having the problems we have right now. You can see it in the students faces: they are learning and they are happy.

The Republican nominee also joined Goulet in prayer at the church

During his campaign swing through southern Nevada, Trump also visited with Hispanic business leaders at a Mexican restaurant and spoke to a large crowd at a concert venue in suburban Henderson before he headed to northern Nevada and an afternoon rally at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

____

Associated Press writer Jonathan Lemire contributed to this report.
Copyright  2016 Albuquerque Journal

WASHINGTON  Its not just the economy, stupid. Its also terrorism, health care and national security that New Mexico voters consider to be somewhat or very serious problems facing the United States as the November elections draw near, according to a new Journal Poll.

And New Mexicans are less concerned about immigration as a national problem, although more than two-thirds still consider it a somewhat or very serious problem.

The survey of 501 likely New Mexico voters taken last week asked about each of the five issues and whether the poll respondents viewed them as no problem, a minor problem, a somewhat serious problem or a very serious problem.

Voters surveyed were most concerned about the economy, with 89 percent saying it was either a somewhat serious or very serious problem. Bill Clinton campaign guru James Carville coined the famous phrase, the economy, stupid in Clintons successful 1992 campaign against George H.W. Bush. Health care and terrorism came in at 88 percent in the Journal Poll, while 83 percent of New Mexico voters surveyed cited national security as a somewhat or very serious problem.

On the immigration issue, 67 percent of New Mexicans viewed it as a somewhat or very serious problem. Republicans were more than twice as likely  58 percent to 27 percent  as Democrats to put it in the top category of very serious.

Donald Trump and other Republican leaders have been critical of how President Obama and Hillary Clinton have handled issues relating to national security and terrorism, so it is not surprising that Republican voters are more likely to consider these matters as a very serious problems compared to Democrats, said Brian Sanderoff, president of Research & Polling Inc., which conducted the poll.

Hispanics were more likely than Anglos to view immigration as a very serious problem. Forty-two percent of New Mexico Hispanics surveyed cited it as a very serious problem, compared with 36 percent of Anglos.

Many Hispanics in New Mexico were born here and proudly trace their lineage here back hundreds of years, Sanderoff said.

About half of poll respondents residing in the southwestern and eastern regions of New Mexico, which include areas that border Mexico, were more concerned about immigration, with 49 and 51 percent of respondents in those areas, respectively, citing it as a very serious problem.

But in the Albuquerque area, in the center of the state, only 31 percent put immigration in that category.

When the subject changed to national security and terrorism, the starkest differences among likely New Mexico voters were between Republicans and Democrats. Eighty percent of Republicans versus 56 of percent of Democrats viewed terrorism as a very serious problem.

Party plays a big role in influencing opinion on this, Sanderoff said.

On the subject of the national economy, New Mexicans living in oil- and gas-producing areas of the state  in northwestern and eastern New Mexico  were most likely to be worried. Oil prices have sagged dramatically in recent years, leading to job losses and slashed tax revenues in New Mexico.

Eighty-four percent of those in northwestern New Mexico cited the economy as a very serious problem, while 79 percent on the states east side did so. Only 54 percent of likely voters in the Albuquerque area viewed the economy as a very serious problem.

There was little statistical variation among groups of New Mexicans who deemed health care a very serious problem. In total, 88 percent of New Mexicans said they considered health care to be a somewhat or very serious problem. Sixty-five percent of Republicans cited health care as a very serious problem, compared with 55 percent of Democrats.

The Journal Poll was conducted Sept. 27-29. The poll, conducted by live interviewers, surveyed New Mexico likely voters by cellphone and landline and contained a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.
State Auditor Tim Keller is going over state contracts worth more than $60,000 with a fine-toothed comb, looking for how much money goes to out-of-state businesses instead of to New Mexico companies.

From a preliminary review, Keller estimates more than a half billion dollars is at stake and calls the practice one of the states structural job killers.

While its a good idea to keep track of such transactions and inform the public about the results, it should be understood that just identifying where the money is going doesnt necessarily mean it can be redirected to local contractors.

In some cases, the services or goods arent available from local sources and, in others, it would cost state taxpayers more money for state and local governments to buy locally, even considering preferences available to local businesses in the procurement code.

State law gives local companies a break  called in-state preference  on contract bids. Local resident businesses get a 5 percent preference on bids and local resident business owned by a military veteran get 10 percent.

Sectors where money is most likely to go to out-of-state firms are information technology, health and medical, and food services. More than half of contracts in those areas goes out of state.

Local vendors that fare best in winning public contracts are construction, architecture and engineering.

Keller told those attending an Economic Forum meeting recently that among agencies, Central New Mexico Community College does the best job of keeping procurement jobs in New Mexico.

While it certainly is preferable for governments to buy locally whenever they can, if the cost is prohibitive or the expertise isnt there, officials still have a duty to get the best deal possible for the taxpayers  even if means buying across state lines.

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.
A former teacher, who was the subject of a $750,000 settlement for inappropriately touching a 13-year-old special education student, has been charged with 10 criminal counts, including possessing or manufacturing child pornography.

Kenneth Jehle was indicted Sept. 30 for his conduct with the student, known as M.F. in court documents, and a female relative, known as C.J.

He could face decades in prison. Arraignment is set for 10 a.m. on Oct. 14 in 2nd Judicial District Court.

C.J.s mother told the Journal she feels relieved and vindicated, but the indictment was a long time coming.

Jehle allegedly began abusing the girl in 2011, when she was 12 years old, and continued through 2014. My daughters life has been harmed in such an awful, unconscionable way, C.J.s mother said. Its hard for me.  I just wish someone would have listened to me sooner.

Laura Ives, an attorney representing the two girls, noted that Jehle was the subject of complaints from teachers and students at three Albuquerque schools dating back to 2002.

He still holds a valid New Mexico teaching license, but the state Public Education Department has opened an investigation, according to spokesman Robert McEntyre.

Once the criminal proceedings have concluded, we will take the strongest possible action allowed under the law, he said in an emailed statement.

Ives thinks PED needs to do more.

The governor has advocated for increased criminal penalties, Ives said. She should first direct her agencies to pursue the processes already in place to ensure known offenders are not in a position to offend again and adequately fund district attorney offices statewide so as to aid expeditious criminal prosecutions.

Jehle has moved out of state, and Ives did not know if he has access to children. His attorney could not be reached for comment.

Ives said she admires M.F. for coming forward with the abuse allegations and forcing Jehle out of Taft Middle School in 2014.

A lawsuit the girls family filed in District Court describes many instances of disturbing conduct in the teachers sixth-grade English classroom.

Jehle reportedly gave female students stripper names, discussed marrying a young bride in Thailand and employed a cuddle chair to help kids calm down.

He allegedly paid special attention to M.J., escalating from commenting about her appearance to inappropriately touching her legs, bottom and genitals.

In November 2015, Albuquerque Public Schools paid M.J.s family $750,000 and spent $104,616 on legal fees.

Jehle previously worked at Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School, a high-performing charter, during the 2012-2013 school year, but his contract was not renewed.

He spent over a decade at Harrison Middle School, where two employees filed sexual harassment lawsuits against him and APS.

Music teacher Juli Palladino, who first met Jehle in 1999, called him offensive from the start.

She and a school secretary, Judith Rivera, reported that he demanded dates, leered at them, made inappropriate comments, and invaded their personal space.

The district settled both lawsuits. Rivera could not be located for comment, and APS did not have any documents related to her case.

Palladino didnt ask for money, but she pushed APS to require better sexual harassment training.

Charges against ex-teacher
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A state district judge this week dismissed the remainder of a lawsuit that alleged Albuquerque police mishandled the investigation into the death of Mary Han, a prominent civil-rights attorney who had often sued APD.

District Judge Carl Butkus on Monday dismissed the latest version of the complaint and refused to grant the plaintiffs permission to file an amended version.

He outlined his reasoning in an 18-page order. The proposed counts in a new version of the lawsuit, he said, fail to state any claim upon which relief may be granted, so the motion to amend the lawsuit must denied as futile.

The Han lawsuit was filed in 2012, alleging the city inadequately investigated her death and spoiled evidence that would have shed light on why she died in late 2010.

Medical investigators ruled it a suicide. The Han family still has a court case seeking to change that ruling.

A federal lawsuit against the city, meanwhile, was dismissed earlier, but claims in state District Court remained.

Butkus decision, in any case, can be appealed.

Rosario Vega Lynn, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said Wednesday that the Han family has always questioned why so many unnecessary high-ranking individuals were at her home and why they decided within minutes that it was suicide without an investigation. To this day, no one has conducted an investigation into the circumstances of Ms. Hans death.

She didnt say whether theyd appeal, but noted that the judge certified the matter for a direct appeal so the court probably sees this as an important case with significant implications for public safety.

City officials said they couldnt immediately comment because they were still reviewing the judges order.
Judge Elizabeth Whitefield, the bright spirit at the helm of the Family Court Division, is retiring after nearly a decade as a District Court judge and three decades as a family law attorney.

When then-Gov. Bill Richardson appointed her to the position in 2007, he said she had been called one of the best family law attorneys in America. But its not Whitefields lengthy resume that Chief Judge Nan Nash said the courthouse will miss most.

Its not really the experience, Nash said. Its just like a really bright spirit.

The University of New Mexico alumna and Pennsylvania native brought unwavering enthusiasm, dedication and cheer to the court, Nash said. She worked tirelessly as the presiding judge to ensure that the division functioned effectively and innovatively.

Though her retirement went into effect last Saturday, Whitefield still hopes to spend time in the Downtown courthouse as a pro tem judge, helping to ease the heavy workload her colleagues face. Each judge in the division balances around 1,300 cases at a time and signs about 5,000 orders per year.

While her days as a judge were filled with conflict  divorces, custody battles, property divisions  Whitefield said she will miss the opportunity to help guide people through emotional and traumatic moments.

You get a chance to protect the children as much as you can, if the parents are truly dysfunctional, Whitefield said. If the parents are functional people but just going through a bad time, its an opportunity to educate them and kind of show them the right way to do things. Because whether we like it or not, most marriages end up in divorce.

In an interview on her last day in office, Whitefield said her retirement was a happy, sad event. She said she was grateful for nine years working with talented people who are dedicated to family court.

Its time for new blood, Whitefield said of her decision to retire. Theres some fine younger family law lawyers that are out there, with lots of energy.

Applications for appointment to the now vacant position will be accepted though Oct. 20, and the Judicial Nominating Commission will meet Oct. 31 to evaluate the candidates.

There will be big shoes to fill, Nash said, and I hope we have strong applicants.
SANTA FE  The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear the case of former Rio Arriba County Sheriff Tommy Rodella, who is serving a 10-year, one-month prison sentence for roughing up a motorist in 2014 in what prosecutors described as a road-rage incident.

The Supreme Court, in a list of orders issued Monday, denied certiorari, meaning it has rejected arguments from Rodellas lawyer to take up the case.

In November 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Denver affirmed Rodellas conviction on federal criminal civil rights and firearms charges, concluding that the evidence of Rodellas guilt was overwhelming.

Rodella  who wasnt in uniform and was traveling in his personal vehicle with his son  was accused of tailgating and then pursuing motorist Michael Tafoya, who eventually got stuck in a driveway. Rodella brandished a gun and pulled Tafoya from his car.

Tafoya testified he had no idea that Rodella was a law enforcement officer and said he feared for his life.

He testified that Rodella eventually stuck his badge in Tafoyas face and cursed him. Tafoya was arrested but the charges were dropped.

Rodella, now 54, was convicted of violating Tafoyas civil rights via unreasonable seizure while acting under color of law and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. He is serving time in a Texas prison.

At the federal appeals court level, several arguments from Rodellas side were rejected, including the contention that there wasnt sufficient evidence to prove illegal arrest or excessive force by Rodella. The decision cited the testimony of a jogger who saw part of the incident and was generally supportive of Tafoyas account. During the vehicle chase, Tafoya rolled down his car window and yelled for the jogger to call police.

The Denver appeals court also said the Albuquerque trial judge did not err in allowing the testimony of three other motorists who said they had been subjected to aggressive behavior by Rodella at traffic stops.

One said Rodella threw his badge at him when he asked for identification.

Rodella lawyer John Cline argued these accounts were prejudicial and not relevant to what happened with Tafoya.
The historic buildings of Denvers Larimer Square were slated for demolition in the 1960s, to be replaced by high-rises and skyscrapers. Then an investor group bought several of the old warehouses, hotels and other architectural gems and began renovating.

Today, Larimer Square features lofts, restaurants, chic local shops, office buildings, and breweries. It is a destination for tourists and locals. It is an exciting, livable, walkable neighborhood in the shadow of towering office buildings.

Other nearby Denver neighborhoods caught the restoration bug so that irreplaceable housing and beautiful buildings today help define the citys core.

Albuquerque went a different direction around the same time. We had interesting warehouses, banks, hotels and storefronts, too. Most of them were demolished and replaced with new buildings that range from boring to ghastly.

Urban planners tried to create a heart for this new version of Albuquerque and largely failed. The original Convention Center was poorly designed and inadequate to meet the demands of large conventions. Civic Plaza was not only hideous; it was impossible to survive a hot summer afternoon out there. It was designed for throngs of people, not for the friendly encounters that are still possible at Old Town Plaza or on a stroll in Nob Hill.

Former Mayor David Rusk, who recently told my colleague Ollie Reed that Albuquerque has long been a collection of suburbs in search of a city, made a good effort to use Civic Plaza with his Saturday night summer parties. The city still stages Shakespeare performances, shows movies, and presents concerts on the plaza.

The city has tried and, to some extent, has succeeded in bringing shade to the space, and it commissioned a study to find ways to improve the use of the plaza. But its ugliness, vastness and sun-baked concrete mean it will never be Albuquerques heart.

Some gems were rescued. The old Albuquerque High School was converted into lofts and helped revive the Huning Highland neighborhood east of Downtown. The First National Bank building was saved, though efforts to convert it to condos have been troubled. You can get an idea of what we lost if you look at the Verge building on Commercial NE and the Wool Warehouse on First Street, two rare survivors of urban renewal.

Albuquerque simply doesnt have a heart, not in the way Santa Fe has its plaza or New York has Central Park. It does, however, have an artery  a string of intriguing neighborhoods along what John Steinbeck called the Mother Road: Route 66.

None of those neighborhoods by itself has the buzz, scale or diversity to be Albuquerques heart, but each is fun and fascinating in its own way, and most could benefit from some investment in infrastructure. Atrisco on the west side of the Rio Grande is a cluster of undiscovered eateries and stores that might make you think youre in Mexico.

The International District hosts people from Central America, Asia and Cuba, among other places. Nob Hill has the cool shops and great pubs. The university area is always alive.

The challenge is helping people, both locals and tourists, find and experience these great places while, at the same time, increasing their appeal. Atrisco is dominated by huge, underused parking lots and strip malls. Long stretches of Route 66 are ugly and treeless. Some of them are dangerous.

The proposed Albuquerque Rapid Transit bus line is supposed to help meet that challenge. If it can be a mechanism to link these great, unique neighborhoods, collectively they could become Albuquerques heart.

Let us stipulate right here that there is no guarantee ART will succeed and that merchants who fear it will cost them their businesses may well be right.

At the same time, it is important to grasp that ART is not simply a replacement bus line. People whose sole objection to ART is that they cant imagine anyone would want to ride a city bus are missing the point.

ART is an infrastructure improvement project that is supposed to make these Mother Road neighborhoods more attractive, more walkable, more welcoming. The hope is that public investment, much of it federal money, will encourage private investment of the type that found its way to Larimer Square.

We are seeing some of this investment right now. Jay Rembe is reviving what was a mostly dead zone between Downtown and Old Town. The Silverman family has built new retail space and housing on Silver Avenue and Fifth Street. The Bricklight project turned Harvard Drive near the university into a destination.

Its hard to know whether ART will spur a revival, but since we passed on our chance to create our own Larimer Square, we have no choice but to find Albuquerques heart elsewhere, maybe even a heart that stretches for miles along the Mother Road.

UpFront is a daily front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Winthrop Quigley at 823-3896 or wquigley@abqjournal.com. Go to ABQjournal.com/letters/new to submit a letter to the editor.
MIAMI  The Latest on Hurricane Matthew and Tropical Storm Nicole (all times local):

11:15 p.m.

Forecasters say hurricane conditions are expected to reach the Florida warning area in the next few hours.

The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Matthew still has maximum sustained winds near 130 mph (215 kph) but is forecast to weaken to a Category 3 in the next two days, when it moves north into Georgia and South Carolina.

President Barack Obama on Thursday night declared a state of emergency for Georgia. He had already issued states of emergency for Florida and South Carolina.

Matthew is about 125 miles (200 kilometers) southeast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, and moving northwest at 13 mph (20 kph).

Florida Power and Light reports that about 95,000 customers  about 42,000 in Palm Beach County alone  are already without electricity.

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9:30 p.m.

Officials say winds are picking up and thousands are without power in Florida as Hurricane Matthew approaches.

The National Hurricane Center says the eye of Matthew is northwest of Grand Bahama Island, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) east of West Palm Beach, Florida, and a wind gust of 50 mph (80 kph) has been recorded at Palm Beach International Airport.

Florida Power and Light says more than 30,000 customers  about 24,000 in Palm Beach County alone  are already without electricity.

Matthew is still a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (210 kph). It is moving northwest at 13 mph (20 kph).

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9:10 p.m.

The coordinator for Haitis Interior Ministry in the area hit hardest by Hurricane Matthew says the confirmed death toll in that southwestern zone is now 283.

Emmanuel Pierre told The Associated Press late Thursday that he expects the toll to rise as authorities reach remote places that were left isolated by the storm.

The overall death toll in Haiti is not clear. Shortly before Pierre spoke, the headquarters for Haitis Civil Protection Agency had put the number of confirmed deaths for the whole country at 122.

Bodies have started to appear as waters recede in some areas two days after Matthew smashed concrete walls, flattened palm trees and tore roofs off homes.

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8:30 p.m.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott maintains that state and local officials are prepared for Hurricane Matthew, even as he called the storm bearing down on the state a monster.

Matthew is likely to produce devastating impacts, Scott says.

Scott says people in the northeast part of the state still have time to evacuate and residents could still choose to go to a shelter.

Authorities have told roughly 1.5 million people across the state to evacuate. The mass exodus led to crammed highways, full hotels and the need to open dozens of hurricane shelters. The looming storm also has led to gas shortages, though Scott said the state still has five days worth of fuel supplies.

Officials are expecting massive power outages across the region once Hurricane Matthew hits full-force.

Although the state has food and water supplies ready for after the storm, Scott cautioned that people need to be able to take care of themselves for the first three days.

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8:10 p.m.

The National Hurricane Center says the center of Hurricane Matthew is over the western end of the Grand Bahama Island and tropical storm conditions are lashing the east coast of Florida.

At 8 p.m. EDT, the storm had weakened slightly and had 130 mph (210 kph) sustained winds, down from 140 mph (225 kph). Matthew is about 75 miles (120 kilometers) east of West Palm Beach, Florida.

The storm left more than 100 dead in its wake across the Caribbean, and 2 million people across the Southeast have been warned to flee inland.

Its the most powerful storm to threaten the U.S. Atlantic coast in more than a decade.

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7:45 p.m.

Hurricane Matthew prompted two college football postponements, and has the NFL plotting just-in-case scenarios for games scheduled in Tampa and Miami this weekend.

A pair of college games set to be played Saturday  LSU at No. 18 Florida, as well as Charlotte at Florida Atlantic  were postponed.

Saturday nights game that has No. 23 Florida State visiting No. 10 Miami remains on as scheduled, though officials remain somewhat cautious. The fate of Saturdays Georgia at South Carolina football game also remained unclear.

A major issue with games in Florida this weekend isnt the weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday, because those days look to be generally fine around the state. Its whether police, first responders and other key personnel needed at football games that draw massive crowds will be deployed to assist in areas that will take the brunt of Matthews wrath.

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7:30 p.m.

The Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency says authorities have rescued at least 30 people who were trapped in their homes by floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew on the island of New Providence.

There has been extensive flooding across the island but no reports of any deaths or injuries. The island includes the capital, Nassau.

New Providence was drenched by Hurricane Matthew throughout Thursday. Forecasters predicted up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain and storm surge of around 15 feet (5 meters) over normal tide across the most populous island in the Bahamas.

Agency spokeswoman Lindsay Thompson said the government was still conducting a full assessment of damages across the island chain east of Florida and were waiting until the storm was clear of Grand Bahama before declaring the all clear for the country.

__

From Associated Press writer Ben Fox in Miami

6:45 p.m.

President Barack Obama has declared an emergency in South Carolina and has ordered federal aid to help respond to Hurricane Matthew.

Earlier Thursday, Obama made the declaration for Florida. Obamas action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate efforts to protect lives, property and alleviate the suffering caused by the hurricane.

Emergency declarations are designed to help provide emergency services to protect lives and property, and to lessen the threat of a catastrophe.

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6 p.m.

The White House says President Barack Obama has spoken by telephone with each of the governors in states bracing for Hurricane Matthew.

The most powerful storm to threaten the U.S. Atlantic coast in more than a decade is moving toward Florida with winds of 140 mph.

The White House says Obama committed to providing the necessary federal resources to help the states respond to the hurricane.

The calls were with Govs. Nathan Deal of Georgia, Nikki Haley of South Carolina, Pat McCrory of North Carolina and Rick Scott of Florida. All are Republicans.

The White House says people in the path of the hurricane need to take the storm seriously and says Obama has directed his team to be as proactive as possible in its response.

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NASA is bracing for its first hurricane without space shuttles to worry about. Now its SpaceX and Boeing fretting about hurricane-force wind and equally devastating storm surges.

Before the shuttle fleets retirement in 2011, rollbacks from the launch pads were commonplace during hurricane season at Kennedy Space Center. Now both pads are empty, at least for the time being.

NASA is modifying Launch Complex 39B for its still-in-development Space Launch System mega-rockets intended for outer-space travel. SpaceX is leasing the other pad, 39A, from where Apollo astronauts departed for the moon and multiple shuttle flights began.

SpaceX was counting on this historic pad to get its rockets flying again, possibly in November, once modifications were complete. The SpaceX pad at neighboring Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was damaged Sept. 1 when a Falcon rocket exploded during prelaunch testing.

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5:30 p.m.

Police are patrolling St. Augustine, Florida, neighborhoods, announcing through a bullhorn that the area is in a mandatory evacuation zone as Hurricane Matthew approaches the state.

Dana Harrison, who lives on a barrier island across from Anastasia State Park, said she planned to wait out the storm with an out-of-town friend and her cat.

The 57-year-old Harrison says she used to live in St. Thomas and survived Hurricane Hugo in 1989, though the storm destroyed her house. She said she feels more secure in her current home.

About 1.5 million people in Florida have been told to flee inland as the dangerous and life-threatening Category 4 storm makes it way toward the state.

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5 p.m.

Officials in the Florida Keys say the island chain got lucky and did not receive major damage from Hurricane Matthew.

Monroe County spokeswoman Cammy Clark said any schools, libraries, parks and government offices that had closed would be reopened on Friday.

All roads and bridges in the islands are open. The Key West and Marathon airports will open Friday, though flights may be delayed or canceled due to the hurricanes effects elsewhere.

Coastal waters throughout the Keys were expected to rise up to 2 feet above ground, flooding some neighborhood roads but not the narrow Overseas Highway that links the islands with Floridas peninsula.

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4:15 p.m.

South Carolina officials are extending the deadline to register to vote in this falls elections due to Hurricane Matthew.

The South Carolina Election Commission said Thursday that applications postmarked by Tuesday, October 11 will be accepted.

South Carolinas deadline to register to vote by mail had been set for Saturday, October 8. Post offices are closed Monday due to the Columbus Day federal holiday, and thats another reason officials say theyre moving the deadline.

Online, email or fax applications are due by midnight, October 9. Due to Hurricane Matthew, some counter voter registration offices are closed through Saturday.

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4 p.m.

Turns out this wasnt the best week to plan a cruise  at least for those who signed up to float from Baltimore to the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos on the Carnival Cruise lines Carnival Pride.

A total of 1,600 passengers bought tickets for a seven-day trip to Freeport and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, and the island of Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos. The ship was rerouted at the last minute before it set sail Sunday, and instead of going to the Caribbean, headed north to New York.

After it left the Big Apple, the ship was supposed to make a stop in Saint John, New Brunswick, before heading south back to Baltimore. But because of heavy weather conditions, it was forced to enter the Chesapeake Bay. It is now scheduled to arrive back in Baltimore next Sunday.

Annette McKenny Neufeld of Ontario, Canada, is one of the disappointed passengers.

Neufeld had been dreaming about a tropical beach vacation, but after several days aboard the rerouted ship, she says the only thing she wants is to get off and head home.

Neufeld shared her thoughts with The Associated Press through Facebook Messenger on Thursday, while still 478 nautical miles from Baltimores harbor.

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2:45 p.m.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg says that although the city that draws millions of tourists a year is known widely for its hospitality, he wants everyone to leave town as Hurricane Matthew approaches.

City officials warn that the heavy rains and storm surge from Matthew could combine to cause flooding worse than the floods the city saw a year ago.

During a news conference Thursday afternoon, Tecklenburg asked residents to pack up what they need, secure their property and get out of town.

City officials say that the first rains from the storm are expected to move in late Friday and conditions will deteriorate into Saturday.

Police Chief Greg Mullen warns that at the height of the storm, police and emergency personnel will be pulled off the streets and there wont be the usual rapid response to 911 calls.

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2:15 p.m.

The National Weather Service is posting flash-flood watches for the entire South Carolina coast and warning that the combination of storm surge and rains from Hurricane Matthew could cause worse flooding in downtown Charleston than the October storm of a year ago.

During the October 2015 flooding, the city was closed for several days.

Forecasters are posting flash-flood watches on the coast from Friday morning through Saturday night.

An advisory warns that 8 to 14 inches of rain are expected with locally higher amounts. It said residents should be prepared for the possibility of widespread street flooding and property damage on the Charleston peninsula.

Forecasters say the storm could bring severe flooding even though the center of Matthew is expected to stay offshore.

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1:50 p.m.

President Barack Obama has declared an emergency in the state of Florida and has ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal, and local response efforts to Hurricane Matthew.

Obamas action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate efforts to alleviate the suffering caused by the hurricane. The directive applies to more than two dozen counties in Florida.

Emergency declarations are designed to help provide emergency services to protect lives and property, and to lessen the threat of a catastrophe.

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1:45 p.m.

Airlines are canceling hundreds of flights as Hurricane Matthew pelts the Florida coast with high winds and heavy rain.

The Fort Lauderdale airport shut down on Thursday morning, and farther north the Orlando airport expected to do the same by nighttime.

Before 2 p.m. Eastern time, flight-tracking service FlightAware.com reported that 1,500 Thursday flights within the U.S. had been scrapped, with the largest numbers at Fort Lauderdale and Miami. American Airlines, which has a major hub in Miami, was the hardest-hit carrier, followed by Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways.

FlightAware said airlines had already canceled 1,300 more flights scheduled for Friday. Delta Air Lines said cancellations were likely to spread to coastal Georgia and South Carolina on Saturday.

Airlines often cancel flights before storms hit to prevent passengers from being stranded at airports and to keep their planes in position to recover after the bad weather passes.

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1:30 p.m.

With dangerous Hurricane Matthew approaching Floridas coastline, officials at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld say theyll be shutting down until the storm passes.

Disney officials said on the companys website Thursday afternoon that theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, the miniature golf course and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex would close at 5 p.m. The theme park will remain closed through Friday.

Alyson Lundell is director of public relations for Universal Orlando. She said in a statement that Universal Studios Florida, Universals Islands of Adventure and Universal Citywalk would close at 5 p.m. and remain closed on Friday.

Earlier Thursday, SeaWorld announced on its website that the park would close at 2 p.m. and remain closed on Friday.

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1 p.m.

The death toll in Haiti from Hurricane Matthew has risen to at least 108.

Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph announced the figure in the capital on Thursday as authorities and aid workers work to gauge the extent of the deaths and damage in the impoverished country.

Details on the deaths were not immediate available.

Previously, officials said there had been at least 23 deaths from the storm in Haiti. There were also four people killed in the neighboring Dominican Republic, one in Colombia and one in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Hurricane Matthew roared across the tip of the peninsula on Tuesday but authorities have struggled to reach people in the most remote areas including around the town of Jeremie and throughout the Grande Anse area.

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12:30 p.m.

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are warning that large waves pushed by Hurricane Matthew could threaten lives and property hours before the Category 4 storms eye nears the shore.

Jamie Rhome is leader of the storm surge team at the hurricane center in Miami. Rhome says levels were up to a foot higher than normal as far north as Jacksonville on Thursday as a strengthening Matthew tore through the Bahamas toward Florida.

Rhome said parts of Florida, such as the Cape Canaveral area or communities along the St. Johns River, could see waters rise up to 9 feet above ground  a level well overhead for most adults.

Rhome says such levels are life-threatening because they are accompanied by waves and currents and floating debris.

The hurricane center has issued storm surge watches and warnings for life-threatening flooding from Boca Raton in South Florida all the way up the coast north of Charleston, South Carolina.

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12:30 p.m.

Forecasters are warning that Hurricane Matthew could inundate the coast of South Carolina just a year after what was called a 1,000-year flood closed Charleston for several days.

A forecast map issued by the National Weather Service shows that as much as 14 inches of rain could fall in the Charleston and Georgetown areas between Thursday night and Sunday night as the hurricane passes at sea.

It was just a year ago that as much as 2 feet of rain fell in some areas of South Carolina. Streets in Charleston were flooded so badly that police kept people from coming downtown to the peninsula for several days.

A section of Interstate 95 near Orangeburg was also closed for a time. The Matthew forecast predicts between 5 and 8 inches of rain could fall in that area before the weekend is over.

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11:45 a.m.

The White House is imploring Americans in areas affected by Hurricane Matthew to follow any evacuation orders given.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest says the Category 4 storms impact is likely to be quite significant. He says the White House is strongly encouraging people to heed the warnings and instructions given by local officials.

Earnest is also urging people to stay abreast of the latest weather forecasts. He said Thursday was a pivotal day for preparations, as some parts of the Florida coast were expected to experience tropical storm conditions as early as the afternoon.

President Barack Obama received his latest update about hurricane preparations on Thursday morning.

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11:30 a.m.

Gov. Rick Scott is warning Florida residents living in evacuation zones to get out.

Scott was in Stuart on Thursday afternoon to address concerns as powerful Hurricane Matthews barreled toward Florida.

He said anyone living in low-lying areas or on barrier islands should evacuate, evacuate, evacuate. He says tolls have been lifted on all roadways to help make evacuations easier. Scott says more than 1.5 million people are living in evacuation zones.

Remarking that this is game day, Scott warned people to stay off beaches up and down Floridas Atlantic coastline Thursday, adding that no one needs to be on the beach doing anything.

The governor has activated another 1,000 National Guard members, bringing the total to 2,500. He says theyll be available to help with evacuations and getting people to shelters.

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11:30 a.m.

Gov. Nathan Deal has ordered mandatory evacuations along the entire Georgia coast as Hurricane Matthew approaches.

Deal said Thursday that everyone east of Interstate 95 should flee Georgias six coastal counties  Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh, Glynn and Camden. Those counties have a combined population of more than 522,000 people.

The governor had asked coastal residents to evacuate on a voluntary basis Wednesday. He called for mandatory evacuations as the National Hurricane Center placed all 100 miles of coastal Georgia under a hurricane warning Thursday.

Officials say powerful winds and heavy rains from Matthew could begin to arrive in coastal Georgia late Thursday. The storm is forecast to pass Saturday.

The Georgia coast hasnt seen a hurricane evacuation since a near-miss with Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

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11 a.m.

Hurricane Matthew has strengthened to a catastrophic Category 4 storm as it barrels toward the heavily populated coast of Florida.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storms maximum sustained winds had strengthened to 140 mph as of late Thursday morning and were expected to maintain their strength as the storm approaches the Florida coast.

Hurricane conditions were also still affecting the Bahamas. The storm was expected to start affecting Florida by early afternoon Thursday.

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10 a.m.

Gov. Nikki Haley says parts of two counties along South Carolinas northern coast are being evacuated ahead of Hurricane Matthew.

Haley told reporters Thursday morning evacuation orders go into effect at noon Thursday for parts of Horry and Georgetown counties.

Haley warned anyone in an evacuation zone not to take the orders lightly. She says surge from the storm could be as high as 8 feet and affect not only the coast but also areas farther inland.

So far, Haley says 175,000 people have evacuated from the coast. On Wednesday, the state reversed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 26 from Charleston to Columbia, allowing more motorists to move inland at once.

Forecasters say they expect Matthew to strengthen to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall in Florida, turning north and passing just off the South Carolina coast late Friday or early Saturday.

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9:45 a.m.

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory says the latest predictions show that his state will avoid a direct hit from Hurricane Matthew.

But emergency workers are continuing to prepare for high winds, rain and storm surge.

McCrory says North Carolina cities like Jacksonville and Morehead City could still see wind gusts of up to 60 mph beginning Saturday. Widespread power outages are possible. There could be a foot of rain in some areas.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the hurricane is strengthening and called it dangerous and life-threatening. About 1.5 million people in Florida have been ordered to evacuate.

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9:05 a.m.

A motorist shot during an altercation with South Carolina deputies over a Hurricane Matthew evacuation route has died.

Berkeley County Chief Deputy Coroner George Oliver says 35-year-old Lucas M. Felkel of Moncks Corner died shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Sheriff Duane Lewis says it happened about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Moncks Corner when a motorist came to a checkpoint, knocked down some traffic cones and sped off.

The sheriff says when deputies finally caught up with the driver a few miles away he pointed a gun at deputies and started shooting. The sheriff says the deputies shot back, wounding the man who was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

No deputies were wounded, but the sheriff says that four deputies have been placed on administrative leave.

The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating. The coroner says an autopsy is scheduled.

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9 a.m.

Officials at Floridas major airports are monitoring conditions as Hurricane Matthew bears down on Florida.

On its website, Fort Lauderdale International Airport announced plans to close at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Officials advised travelers to check with individual airlines about flight plans.

In Miami, officials at Miami International Airport will continue monitoring the storm and warned of possible flight cancelations. On its website, officials noted that generally airports dont operate in sustained crosswinds that exceed 35 mph.

On Twitter, Miami airport officials said 341 arrivals and 305 departures had been canceled by midmorning Thursday, which is about 90% of our daily flight schedule. Officials also tweeted that its expected by noon most flights will stop flying, but the airport technically remains open and ready for when flights resume.

The Palm Beach International Airport website doesnt say when flights will be suspended, but asked travelers to stay away, noting that the airport is not intended for use as a shelter.

In Orlando airport officials are preparing for hurricane conditions. In a note on its website, officials at Orlando International Airport say they plan to being reducing flights into Orlando and altering schedules starting Thursday, lasting through Friday. They, too, advise travelers to get in contact with individual airlines for flight plans.

The Jacksonville International Airport website also advises travelers to check flight status with the airlines before heading to the airport.

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8:30 a.m.

City officials in Charleston, South Carolina, which weathered Category 4 Hurricane Hugo almost 30 years ago, say the city has run out of sandbags after distributing more than for any other storm.

The city has distributed more than 15,000 sandbags as residents prepare for Hurricane Matthew. There were long lines of motorists waiting to get sandbags at one distribution point on the citys north side late Wednesday.

Charleston is prone to flooding even in summer thunderstorms and if people need to sandbags now, they will have to get them at hardware or home stores.

The upscale community of Kiawah Island southwest of Charleston plans to close at noon Thursday when officials barricade the entrance to the gated community. Fire and emergency equipment will be moved to the mainland.

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8 a.m.

Forecasters say the first outer rain bands from Hurricane Matthew already have begun to approach Florida as the big storm crosses the Bahamas toward the state.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says Matthew is still a Category 3 hurricane as of 8 a.m. Thursday, packing top sustained winds up to 125 mph. Its still expected to become an even more powerful Category 4 storm in coming hours as it approaches Floridas east coast starting Thursday night.

The storm is centered about 215 miles southeast of West Palm Beach, Florida and moving northwest toward the state at 12 mph.

___

7:45 a.m.

Authorities say a motorist in South Carolina was shot and wounded by deputies during an altercation over a Hurricane Matthew evacuation route.

Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis tells local news outlets it happened about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Moncks Corner when a motorist came to a check point, knocked down some traffic cones and sped off.

The sheriff says when deputies finally caught up with the driver a few miles away he pointed a gun at deputies and started shooting. The sheriff says the deputies shot back, wounding the man who was taken to the hospital. His name and condition were not immediately released.

No deputies were wounded, but the sheriff says that four deputies have been placed on administrative leave.

The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating.
LAS CRUCES  Regardless of how much a person might dislike a candidate, resorting to vandalism of political advertising is still a crime, authorities warn.

Complaints about vandalized political signs around Dona Ana County are trickling in, as the campaign season heats up in advance of the Nov. 8 general election.

Perhaps the most high-profile instances so far are tied to two large billboards  one on U.S. Hwy. 70 between Sonoma Ranch Boulevard and Mesa Grande Drive and another on Don Roser Drive near Missouri Avenue  promoting the Donald Trump and Mike Pence campaign. A vandal or vandals spray-painted a billboard that faces the westbound traffic of U.S. Hwy. 70 with derogatory words, including fascist and corrupt, and what appears to be a cross with a crude swastika symbol. Large splotches of black paint deface the second billboard.

The vandalism has been brought to the attention of the Las Cruces Sun-News. But Las Cruces Police Department spokesman Dan Trujillo said late last week the department hasnt responded to a vandalism report in connection to the Trump billboards.

The billboards are owned by Lindmark Outdoor Media, which hasnt logged a complaint. Lindmark declined to be interviewed for this article. A representative for the Trump presidential campaign in New Mexico didnt respond to a request for comment.

Billboard space can be pricey to buy, surpassing $1,000 for setup and a weeks worth of display time, meaning anyone caught vandalizing a billboard could face a felony charge.

Potentially, it could be an arrestable offense, Trujillo said. What we probably would do is issue a criminal citation. Its the same as an arrest without actually going to jail. The punishment  does depend on the value of the sign. Wed have to know what the value of the sign was.

The cost of advertising on a Lindmark billboard in the area where the Trump billboard is on Hwy. 70 is about $700 per week, according to Lindmarks website. If the company also designs, prints and installs the vinyl wrapping, another $2 per square-foot charge is assessed, which would be about $600 for a 12-foot by 25-foot billboard.

Graffiting property is dealt with in its own section of New Mexico criminal statutes. If the value of the damage is:

less than $1,000, the offense is a petty misdemeanor. In addition to possible fines and jail time, a person convicted shall be required to perform a mandatory one hundred hours of community service within a continuous six-month period immediately following his conviction and shall be required to make restitution to the property owner for the cost of damages and restoration, according to statute 30-15-1.1.

greater than $1,000, the crime is a fourth-degree felony. A person convicted, in addition to possible fines and jail time, shall be required to perform a mandatory one hundred sixty hours of community service within a continuous eight-month period immediately following his conviction and shall be required to provide restitution to the property owner for the cost of damages and restoration as a condition of probation or following any term of incarceration as a condition of parole, according to the same law.

According to state law, vandalism regardless of whether graffiti is involved  aka criminal damage to property  also carries a petty misdemeanor or fourth-degree felony penalty, depending on whether the damage is more or less than $1,000.

The maximum penalty for a petty misdemeanor involving vandalism is up to six months in jail, up to a $500 fine or both, according to the 3rd Judicial District Attorneys Office. The maximum penalty for a fourth-degree felony is 18 months in jail, up to a $5,000 fine or both.

Knocking down a campaign sign would be considered an act of vandalism, said Kelly Jameson, spokeswoman for the Dona Ana County Sheriffs Department.

Las Crucen David Adie described to the Sun-News his recent experience of finding a Hillary Clinton-Tim Kaine sign wrapped around a tree. It had been plucked from a neighbors yard and damaged in the process. He notified the neighbor about the sign, but Adie has a larger concern about attempts to stifle public discourse. The destroyed sign borders on intimidation, he said.

It seems to me that one should be entitled to express their support for a particular candidate or position without having their right to free expression violated, he wrote to the Sun-News. We all know this has been a very polarizing election season, but when we cross a line by trying to mute the voices of one side in the debate, we are no longer debating. We are shouting.

Continued Adie: I hope we all remember one of the slogans that was printed on a bumper sticker after 9/11: United we stand, divided we fall. Only by working together can we make our country a better place.

Jameson said DASO has fielded a complaint from a Mesquite resident on Sept. 13 who reported his handmade Trump sign had been spray-painted with vulgar words.

If a sign is stolen outright, thats larceny, the penalties for which also range from a petty misdemeanor to a second-degree felony, based on the value of the object stolen, according to New Mexico statutes.

While illegal, campaign sign vandalism is difficult to prosecute  unless someone sees a vandal in the act or has other evidence, Trujillo said.

Its hard to determine who does this, he said.

Anyone wanting to report a crime in Dona Ana County can call the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority. The emergency number is 911; the non-emergency number is 575-526-0795.

Diana Alba Soular may be reached at 575-541-5443, dalba@lcsun-news.com or @AlbaSoular on Twitter.

MORE: Political signs are also being vandalized in Carlsbad.



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

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ALAMOGORDO  An Otero County grand jury has indicted the sister of Joseph Diablo Moreno for allegedly making threatening telephone calls to a New Mexico State Police investigator during the investigation of the Sept. 2 Alamogordo Police Department officer involved fatal shooting, according to a press release from 12th Judicial District Attorney John P. Sugg.

In the press release Sugg wrote an Otero County grand jury indicted Irene A. Moreno also known as Irene Gonzales on two counts of felony bribery or intimidation of a witness (threats) (false testimony) and one count of misdemeanor use of a telephone to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy or offend.

Irene A. Moreno was jailed in lieu of a $10,000 cash or surety bond pending her appearance in court.

In the release Sugg stated 12th Judicial District Attorney investigators allege that Irene A. Moreno made two threatening telephone calls to a New Mexico State Police sergeant who is supervising the investigation related to the fatal shooting of Alamogordo police officer Clint Corvinus and Irenes brother, Joseph Diablo Moreno.

Irenes brother Joseph was killed during a shootout with Alamogordo Police Department officers on Sept. 2, Sugg wrote in the release.

In the release he stated APD officer Clint Corvinus, a 4 1/2 year veteran with the department, was fatally shot while attempting to arrest Joseph Moreno on outstanding warrants.

The NMSP investigators continue their investigation of the Sept. 2 fatal shooting incident, Sugg wrote.

In the release Sugg stated that in one of the telephone recordings Irene Moreno allegedly can be heard saying: Todays the day baby, todays the day. Joseph Moreno, we will see him. Thank you so much for doing the investigation so sloppy, you know the cop killed him, you know the cop killed the other cop, you know it was murder. Murderers, liars. Diablos here to take you. Watch your children, watch your mothers, watch your fathers, because when we come, may the Lord please have mercy on your souls and may the devil take you to his resting place.

Sugg stated in the release that in an interview with DA investigators, Irene Moreno allegedly admitted to making the threatening telephone calls.

We remain committed to ensuring that the investigation into the murder of Clint Corvinus is free from intimidation, Sugg stated in the release.

In the release he wrote that Irene Moreno is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Sugg also stated that if convicted of all the charges, Irene Moreno could face a maximum of up to 4 years in prison.



2016 the Alamogordo Daily News (Alamogordo, N.M.)

Visit the Alamogordo Daily News (Alamogordo, N.M.) at www.alamogordonews.com

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ALAMOGORDO  Independent members of the local law enforcement dispatch family, with the help of community members, have organized a Memorial Motorcycle Fun Run and Benefit for fallen Alamogordo Police Department officer Clint Corvinus on Saturday, Oct. 8.

Corvinus was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 2. Corvinus is survived by his parents, Tom and Cindy Corvinus; his 14-year-old daughter Jessica Corvinus; sister April Sanchez; and Corvinus girlfriend Amber Anderson.

Clint was a brother of ours, said Jason Luzano, Alamogordo Police Department dispatcher and co-organizer. His family is our family and we just want to make sure theyre taken care of. He was family to all of us  we saw him daily and he meant a lot to us. This is how we give back. We also want to let our officers know they mean a lot to us  we are family.

Registration for the motorcycle run starts at Our Country Kitchen, 1201 N. New York Ave., at 8 a.m. Tickets are $20 per bike and $10 per passenger. The first 100 participants will receive a memorial T-shirt. The run will start at 9 a.m. from Liberty Cycles parking lot, 820 U.S. Highway 70, and the run will end at the Eagles Club, 471 24th St. The run will follow a route through Alamogordo, Cloudcroft, Mescalero, Tularosa and La Luz.

The benefit will begin at noon at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. There will be cosplay characters, a bouncy house for children, food and door prizes. Tickets for the benefit are $5 per person or five tickets for $20. Door prizes include a riffle, a television and gift certificates from two tattoo parlors in town.

All proceeds we get from this are going directly to his family to help them out, Luzano said. Theres a lot of negatives things going on out there but our town is close-knit and the officers here care about this town  Corvinus was one of them. He was trying to do things to help this community, he was trying to start a K-9 unit.

Luzano said its important for the Alamogordo community to attend this benefit so they can show the law enforcement community how much they support them.

Theyve been doing a lot of that, Luzano said. We hope this event will let law enforcement see that even members of dispatch and people who arent directly law enforcement, but support law enforcement, care.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call Luzano at 491-8902, Chyenne Bunker at 446-2907 or Rebecca Gomez at 430-3414. More information can also be found on the Facebook invitation for the event.



2016 the Alamogordo Daily News (Alamogordo, N.M.)

Visit the Alamogordo Daily News (Alamogordo, N.M.) at www.alamogordonews.com

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CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas  The former mayor pro tem of a small South Texas town has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting an illegal gambling operation.

A federal judge in Corpus Christi also ordered Leticia Hernandez Garza on Wednesday to serve three years of supervised released. The former mayor pro tem of Falfurrias (fal-FYER-ree-yuhs) had pleaded guilty on June 6 to aiding and abetting an illegal gambling business in the town from January 2009 through May 2015.

The business operated for more than 30 days and brought in gross revenue of more than $2,000 a day.

Garza could have gotten up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

Falfurrias, a town of about 5,000 residents, is 60 miles southwest of Corpus Christi.
When Mike Pence was selected as Donald Trumps running mate, the descriptions followed a familiar pattern: a sober, conservative legislator (The Atlantic), a seasoned politician who could help bring together disparate blocs of the Republican coalition (The Washington Post) and the best choice Trump could have made (the political blog FiveThirtyEight).

On Tuesday, after the vice-presidential debate, the pattern continued: The National Review deemed him more serious, more mature, more knowledgeable, more his own man, more presidential than his opponent, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia. On MSNBC, Chris Matthews said that Pence came across as a grown-up. Overseas, the French newspaper Le Monde ran the headline that Pence rekindled the Republican flame.

With a candidate like Trump at the helm of their party, its no wonder Republicans are in a hurry to cast Pence as the sober counterpart to wild and unpredictable Donald, a kind of check on his running mates propensity for immaturity and bombast. The problem is simply that Pence is an inane man  not just silly, but a little bit empty, too; something that Business Insider journalist Josh Barro and Republican strategist Steve Schmidt both picked up on. Pence isnt so much a balance for Trumps frenzied, aimless energy as he is a translator for it, someone who can lend the veneer of seriousness to the patently absurd, but only briefly, and with very little to add of his own.

Consider: Pence is a man who opposed the 2008 bailout (and, for those who might be coming into political consciousness now, lets make this clear: The world financial economy really was on the verge of collapse in 2008); who claimed that  in his words, even though 1 in 3 people die from smoking  no one dies from smoking; that the movie Mulan was liberal propaganda. Pence signed a law that required funerals for fetuses, once claimed a law that would allow businesses to refuse service to gay people wasnt about discrimination (it led to discrimination within a week of its signing), and once said that money shouldnt be given to AIDS groups that celebrate and encourage the types of behaviors that facilitate the spreading of the HIV virus  as if people were perhaps attempting to fight against HIV by spreading it, as if this were the reason the U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was created.

By way of substance in the transcript of the debate, Pence was thick on platitudes and low on tangible plans: We are going to meet obligations to our seniors. Really restore law and order. Talking about institutional racism really has got to stop. He cited Trumps Arizona speech as Trumps immigration plan. He advanced the canard of false equivalence that to be a Syrian refugee is to be a terrorist. He criticized Obama for not getting a status of forces agreement in Iraq, though theres no guarantee that a perpetual U.S. soldier presence would have made the situation in Iraq any better. He spoke about the need to demilitarize North Korea. He also repeated the false claim that ICE endorsed Trump, which did not happen. Pence also claimed Trump had never uttered a series of insults he most definitely did, many in the past several months, some on camera.

That sort of rhetorical paucity was on display when I went to see Pence speak last month on an exceptionally rainy night in colonial Williamsburg, Va. On the fringes of his small crowd, I wondered what sort of man decides that he will be the vice-presidential pick for Trump.

But Pences presentation provided nothing by way of reply: Indeed, it didnt provide much of anything at all. He was a sleepy version of Pappy ODaniel from O Brother Where Art Thou, telling the crowd how great it was, and how hed be call[ing] the man that was Trump on the phone after the rally was over and finished to tell him what a great crowd the great crowd was, letting the tautological loop carry itself off into the great unknown. It was a solid Trumpism, yet another sign that the potential VP is only quieter than his running mate, but not much more substantive.

In his 2005 essay Host  about John Ziegler, who hosted an eponymic talk show in Los Angeles from 2004 to 2007  David Foster Wallace considered the strange climate wherein passionate disquisitions on O.J. Simpson were de rigueur (with Ziegler assuring a black caller at one point that the last thing I am is racist on this), and observed that its unlikely that any middle-aged man could really go around this upset all the time and not drop dead. Its a persona, in other words, not exactly fabricated but certainly exaggerated . . . and of course its also demagoguery of the most classic and unabashed sort. This is the role of a talk radio host: To channel the anger and discontent of his listeners and to translate it into some language that sounds at once respectable and valid and provocatively familiar.

And thats where it hit me: if  as its most reductive  Trump is the man from reality TV, then Pence is the man from talk radio.

He is a host.

 Fleischer is a writer-at-large in Boston.

pence-comment
A Nebraska State Penitentiary staff member was assaulted in the prison yard about 8 Wednesday evening.

Two inmates used homemade weapons to strike a staff member multiple times, Nebraska Department of Correctional Services spokeswoman Dawn-Renee Smith said in a news release.

Prison staff used chemical agents to stop the assault and gain control of the inmates. The staff member who was attacked was taken to a local medical facility and released after treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Inmates were going to and from dinner at the time, and Smith said she doesn't know how many were on the yard.

As a result of the assault, the penitentiary was placed on modified lockdown.

Last week, former Sen. Steve Lathrop, counsel to the Nebraska Legislature's special committee that is investigating problems in the prison system, called the recent increase in staff assaults systemwide alarming. He said it can be tied to staff shortages and an absence of programming.

As of August, at least 142 staff assaults have occurred this year, 10 with serious injuries. The number includes more minor incidents, such as inmates throwing bodily fluids at officers. In all of 2015, the department recorded 143 assaults, five with serious injuries. In 2014, the number was 78.
Gov. Larry Hogan continues to earn high marks from Marylanders, including for hisoutspoken disavowal of GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, according to a new Washington Post-University of Maryland poll. But Hogans party is viewed more negatively than it was a year ago in the heavily Democratic state, where Trump is overwhelmingly unpopular.

Hogans 71 percent approval rating  up five points since this spring and 10 points from a year ago  is a record for the first-term Republican, who continues to enjoy wide backing among the white Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents who were key to his surprise 2014 victory.

The Post-U-Md. poll finds that 75 percent of Marylanders approve of Hogans rejection of Trump, including 3 out of 4 political independents and more than 9 in 10 Democrats. Republicans are split on the question, with 43 percent approving and 47 percent disapproving of Hogans decision not to vote for or endorse his partys nominee.

Dominic Dixon, 25, a registered Libertarian who leans Democratic, said that he is a big fan of Hogan because he gets stuff done but that he would have lost total respect for the governor if he had backed Trump.

Donald Trump is a joke, said Dixon, 25, who lives in Baltimore County and plans to vote for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

The poll finds that 63 percent of Marylanders have an unfavorable impression of the Republican Party, a number that has climbed from 51 percent last fall. Democrats have a net positive image statewide, with 51 percent of residents seeing the party favorably and 37 percent unfavorably, similar to 2015.

Michael Hanmer, an associate professor at the University of Maryland and research director of its Center for American Politics and Citizenship, which co-sponsored the survey, said that by distancing himself from Trump, Hogan continued the theme of his 2014 campaign as an outsider who was willing to stand for his own positions, a stance, he said, that plays well in the blue state.

Hogans popularity has soared from 48 percent to 66 percent in the past year among Marylanders who have an unfavorable view of the Republican Party overall, the poll finds.

And while less than half of Republicans approve of Hogans refusal to support Trump, more than 6 in 10 say their partys leaders should speak out against the real estate mogul when they disagree with him.

The issue has done little to damage Hogans reputation among fellow partisans, with nearly 9 in 10 Republicans approving of his performance as governor, little changed from a poll earlier this year.

Crystal Ellis, a Republican from Baltimore county who supports Hogan and Trump, said they are apples and oranges; you cant compare the two. She said everyone has the right to their opinions, including Hogan in deciding not to vote for the GOP nominee.

Sandy Tyree, 67, a Democratic-leaning independent from Dundalk in Baltimore County, said she likes the way Hogan confronts problems and takes action, and she was impressed by his decision to shut down the troubled mens facility at the Baltimore jail.

Everybody ignored it; he shut it down, Tyree said. He caught my attention with that one action, and then he went through cancer treatment. I really respect that man.

Tyree said she was a registered Republican until about 2000. Now, she says, because of Trump and others, she is ashamed that I was ever associated with the Republican Party.

But she said that Hogan is different from the rest of his party and that he has her support until he screws up.

The governors popularity does not appear to be helping the candidate he endorsed for Marylands open U.S. Senate seat, Del. Kathy Szeliga, R-Baltimore County. Szeliga, the House minority whip, trails the Democratic nominee, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D),by a 2-to-1 margin among likely voters, 58 to 29 percent.

Stella Rouse, an associate professor and director of U.-Md.s Center for American Politics and Citizenship, said Van Hollen is benefiting from his widespread name recognition, popularity and the fact that hes a Democrat in a state where registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans by a 2-to-1 margin.

The poll finds evidence that a significant share of Republicans in Maryland have reservations about Trump. While 71 percent of likely Republican voters support Trump, over 1 in 6 support Clinton, compared with just 1 in 20 Democrats who cross party lines to support Trump. Eight percent of Republicans peel off to support Libertarian Gary Johnson, compared with 1 percent of Democrats.

Overall, Clinton has a lead over Trump, 63 percent to 27 percent, among likely voters, substantially larger than President Obamas 26-point advantage over Republican Mitt Romney in Maryland four years ago.

Jeff Jordan, a 33-year-old Republican from Baltimore County, said he is considering voting for a third-party candidate, even though he would prefer to have a Republican president.

I just cant have that on my conscience, voting for [Clinton] or Trump, he said.

Although Hogan is popular now and a clear favorite in a reelection bid, the poll shows that many of his fans are not committed to voting for him for a second term.

A 46 percent plurality of registered voters say they would support Hogan if he ran for reelection, a figure much lower than his job-approval rating. A significantly smaller 30 percent say they would favor whoever becomes the Democratic nominee, and 22 percent have no opinion.

Former governor Robert Ehrlich Jr. (R) held a 55 percent approval rating with likely voters just two weeks before losing his 2006 reelection bid to then-Baltimore Mayor Martin OMalley (D).

Dale White, a Prince Georges County resident who usually votes Democratic, said she has been impressed with Hogan, even though he is a Republican, but would prefer to vote for a Democrat in 2018.

The poll finds that Hogans potential Democratic challengers are widely unknown across the state. More than 7 in 10 Maryland residents offer no opinion of Prince Georges County Executive Rushern Baker III, U.S. Rep. John Delaney and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, all considered possible Democratic gubernatorial candidates. More than 6 in 10 have no opinion of state Comptroller Peter Franchot, whose name has also been mentioned.

Kourosh Farshadfar, 51, of Gaithersburg noted that while he supports what Hogan has done so far, the gubernatorial election is still two years away.

It depends who it is and how much Hogan has done for the state, the Democratic-leaning independent said when asked whether he would support the Democratic nominee or knew any of the Democrats considering challenging Hogan. At the end of the day, what he does speaks for him. But he has the upper hand; hes the incumbent.

The Washington Post-University of Maryland poll was conducted Sept. 27 to 30 among a random sample of 906 Maryland adults reached on cellular and landline phones, conducted in partnership with U-Md.s Center for American Politics and Citizenship. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for overall results.

  

Washington Post staff writers Josh Hicks and Emily Guskin contributed to this report.

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte recently admitted what has been plain since he took office and the killings started: Hes committing genocide. Hitler massacred 3 million Jews, he said. (The actual number is 6 million). Now . . . theres 3 million drug addicts . . . Id be happy to slaughter them, to finish the problem of my country and save the next generation from perdition.

Nearly 3,000 people have already been gunned down, either by police or vigilante death squads, encouraged by Duterte, who has promised immunity. About 600,000 have also turned themselves in, many now caged in hideously crowded prisons that already look like concentration camps.

But most of the world has remained silent. President Obama has not publicly condemned these actions, and the United States actually pledged $32 million in aid to support Philippine law enforcement  and not only for the usual political reasons. Instead, this genocide is being ignored because, for too long, the dehumanization of people who use drugs and calls for their death have been an acceptable part of the drug war.

Indeed, while human rights organizations have condemned Duterte, many felt the need to explicitly reject any connection between Dutertes victims and Hitlers. The comparison of drug users and dealers to Holocaust victims is inappropriate and deeply offensive, Todd Gutnick, the communications director for the Anti-Defamation League, told Reuters.

I disagree. I am both a child of a Holocaust survivor and a person who has struggled with addiction. I do not believe anyone deserves to be murdered either for their religion or because they have a substance that governments have declared illegal coursing through their veins. Until we recognize that killing people for taking drugs we dislike is no more acceptable than murdering them for blasphemy, practicing the wrong religion or witchcraft, we will not have decent  let alone effective  drug policy.

The reasons become clear when the history of world drug policy is understood. The United States has long been a shameful leader in this area. In the New York Times, for example, a 1914 article written by a doctor was headlined Negro Cocaine Fiends Are a New Southern Menace. It claimed that cocaine made black people more resistant to bullets and turned them into better marksmen, producing a race menace. That is the kind of logic that supported the first state laws prohibiting the drug  and then federal prohibition.

In fact, our drug laws  with the exception of those involved in the creation of the Food and Drug Administration  were passed on the basis of racist myths related to fears about minority groups, not accurate health data. The first anti-opium laws were pushed with stories of police finding white women and Chinamen side by side under the effects of the drug  a humiliating sight to anyone who has anything left of manhood, according to a source cited in one respected history.

Alcohol prohibition was heavily favored by the Ku Klux Klan  and also linked to fears about German and Irish immigrant drinkers. Marijuana, according to Harry Anslinger, the man who promoted and secured its prohibition, needed to be stopped because it makes darkies think theyre as good as white men.

Drug criminalization has never been about protecting people from the ill effects of substances  there is no medical reason as to why marijuana is illegal while tobacco is legal. There is only this racist history. Instead, the purpose is to suppress feared minorities. Or as Nixon aide John Ehrlichman told reporter Dan Baum in a 1992 interview, By getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them. . . . Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did.

And unfortunately, the dehumanization of drug users is not just a thing of the distant past. In the 1980s and 90s, crack-cocaine users were routinely described as fiends  and police described routing users and dealers as a way to sanitize a community. In 1990, Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates, the founder of the DARE anti-drug program, said that users should be taken out and shot. Crack was said to destroy the core of what it is to be human.

Even today, language used in drug stories itself is stigmatizing and dehumanizing, rarely using the person first wording that is now typically used to describe people with other psychiatric disorders and often describing formerly addicted people as clean, which implies that active users are dirty. Indeed, just this summer, the New York Timess public editor had to mediate a controversy over an article about the overdose antidote naloxone, which originally bore a headline that implied that saving the lives of people with opioid addictions had negative consequences  a headline that is hard to imagine regarding any other group of people.

Dutertes genocide is the logical conclusion of the brutal rhetoric of the drug war. And history shows that such dehumanization doesnt stop crime or drug use  it simply enables it.

 Szalavitz is a journalist and author, most recently of the forthcoming Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addictions.

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Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has abandoned a proposal he pushed through the Senate that would knock out a key advantage for veterans applying for federal jobs, following pressure from the powerful veterans lobby.

The senator, locked in his toughest reelection fight in two decades in a state filled with former service members, told the American Legion late Tuesday that he will remove language from a military policy bill that would have taken away a veterans right to go to the head of the federal hiring queue not once but twice.

Veterans get preference over civilian applicants not just when they are applying for their first positions  but also when they move between agencies or seek promotion. The leg up the second time around will now stay in place.

The about-face from the Senate Armed Services Committee chairman concerned one of the most sensitive issues facing the federal government as it seeks to replace a wave of retirees. It came after a three-month campaign by leading service organizations to stop the change, which was under negotiation with the House as part of the vast defense bill. The House version did not include changes to veterans preference.

Given your [The American Legion] and others concerns, I will ensure that this provision, which is not included in the House bill, is not included in the NDAA conference report, McCain wrote in a letter to the Legion, referring to the National Defense Authorization Act.

McCain is the solid favorite to beat Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D, in November. But veterans care has been a prominent issue in the race, and GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump has criticized McCain for not doing enough to help veterans. In that environment, a change to hiring laws appeared politically toxic.

McCain, who spent five-and-a-half years in a North Vietnamese prison cell during the Vietnam War, is a longtime champion for veterans but has at times been at odds with their advocacy organizations on issues concerning government benefits. He has been sensitive to concerns about a five-year-old Obama administration policy that is boosting the hiring of veterans across government.

Top Defense Department officials had urged the senator and his colleagues to weaken the preference policy. They argued that bumping veterans to the top of the hiring list for some specialized and hard-to-fill jobs was making it impossible for qualified non-veterans to get hired. The change would have applied government-wide.

In June, McCain told the Post, We must balance the goals of rewarding those who are eligible for a federal hiring advantage with the needs of the federal government. . . and hire the best talent for a variety of important national security jobs.

He said the defense bill achieves this balance by ensuring veterans still have the ability to get a foot in the door for federal civilian employment, after which they stand on merit.

A lot of politicians throw things on the wall to see if theyll stick, said Joe Davis, a spokesman for Veterans of Foreign Wars. Obviously, this particular suggestion did not stick.

The VFW, working with the Legion and other groups, energized its base with a letter-writing campaign to members of Congress to oppose the change, which had flown under the radar even after it passed the Senate. The letters opposed eroding any benefit for former service members who lost valuable time developing their civilian careers while they served their country.

We appreciate Sen. McCains stalwart defense of an important benefit for all veterans whove served and sacrificed for their country, American Legion National Commander Charles Schmidt said in a statement.

The Legion said that research conducted by VetAdvisor and Syracuse Universitys Institute for Veterans and Military Families shows that approximately two-thirds of veterans are likely to change jobs in the first two years of employment.

Almost 1 in 2 people hired to permanent, non-seasonal federal jobs in fiscal 2014 were veterans, with former service members making up 47.4 percent of new hires to full-time positions.

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A multi-million dollar greenhouse. Health drinks distributed from remotely-controlled kiosks. A crowd of foreign investors eager to back a project in rural New Mexico.

Acoma and the Grants-based Bright Green Group of Companies said in a press release Thursday they have partnered to create a $160 million greenhouse and research facility for medicinal plants on 150 acres of Acoma Pueblo land. While the announcement mentions that the project is bankrolled with foreign investment through a special immigration program, less obvious is the fact that the project has paved the way for 125 wealthy foreign investors, mostly from China, to come to the United States.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services program known as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows foreign investors to get a green card if they invest at least $500,000 in a U.S. business through a federally-certified regional development center. The money must lead to the employment, either directly or indirectly, of 10 people over two years in an economically depressed area.

John Stockwell, Bright Greens CEO, said 125 EB-5 investors, primarily from China, funded the project by purchasing shares of his company for $800,000 per investor.

Its easy to build a hotel in Miami or a sports field in Indianapolis, but to do it where jobs are needed is another issue, said Stockwell. This is a great opportunity for the Acoma Pueblo and New Mexico.

He said the research portion of the project will focus on using a gene-splicing method to enhance the medicinal purposes of the plants. The companys core product will be pharmaceutical-grade oil extracted from the altered plants. Bright Greens website says the company is also developing a line of health and enjoyment drinks distributed through remotely controlled kiosks.

Construction is expected to begin after leases are signed by the pueblo.

Stockwell also owns a greenhouse in Grants that is currently closed. His previous company, Sunnyland Farms Inc., went bankrupt after a fire destroyed its greenhouse in Estancia. He said the Grants greenhouse would be folded into the new operation and become another location for the medicinal plants to grow.

He said the EB-5 investors have not yet received their visas. He said his company is in the process of filing for a special status from the federal agency that will allow the EB-5 applications to be processed more quickly.

The project will include water, gas, and electric utilities that will be made available to the tribe. The greenhouse, which will be fully automated, will have the capacity to grow 40 million plants per year.

Although the company said in its press release it is in the process of licensing federal government patents related to marijuana, Newhouse said Bright Green plans to focus on other medicinal plants until federal laws change.
SANTA FE  A special legislative session to address a massive budget deficit ended Thursday with agreement on a $371 million solvency package but no accord on three crime bills sought by Gov. Susana Martinez.

The contentious session, which it was hoped would be brief, stretched to seven days and  with the general election only a month away  was laced with partisan political wrangling.

The Republican-controlled House worked through the night Wednesday, finishing up its budget-balancing bills and then voting after five hours of debate to reinstate the death penalty  although it was clear the Democratic-controlled Senate was not going to touch the issue.

In the end, the House and Senate agreed on, and sent to the governor, a plan to plug holes in the current and just-ended budget years. The House passed the death penalty legislation and two other crime bills, which the Senate did not vote on.

Were all tired, but were pleased with the outcome, House Majority Leader Nate Gentry, R-Albuquerque, told reporters shortly before both chambers adjourned. It was time well-spent.

The state Democratic Party countered that the GOP played political games and lengthened the session, which ended up costing $264,000.

The solvency package, a mix of spending cuts and one-time fixes, will generate an estimated $370.8 million in savings for the current fiscal year and will allow for a deficit in the budget year that ended in June to be backfilled. But it appears to not be enough to fully solve the states financial woes, as New Mexico is facing a projected $458 million shortfall for the budget year that started in July.

I think were going to have more work to do, said Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. You cannot cut your way to prosperity.

Smith said he was still concerned that New Mexicos bond rating could be downgraded. And he was sharply critical of Martinez, saying she would not permit the tools necessary to increase the reserves, a reference to her refusal to consider any tax measures.

The final solvency package sent to the governors desk did not include any tax increases.

It also did not include a proposal by House Republicans to trim state spending for one year on a popular film incentive program, after GOP leaders did not bring the bill up for a vote on the House floor.

And while the University of New Mexico and other higher-education institutions face 5 percent funding reductions under a budget-cutting bill passed by the Legislature, the universities were spared from even deeper cuts  as high as 8 percent in UNMs case  that had been on the table.

The governor said in a statement that she was pleased that legislators chose not to raise taxes, strip our job creation programs, or peel back vital improvements to our tax code and business friendliness.

Instead, we tightened our belts so that our families dont have to, Martinez said.

She also said the budget bills fall short and continue to leave behind a significant projected shortfall for both this year and next.

And she attacked the Senate  and its Democratic majority leader, Michael Sanchez of Belen  calling it the place where victims and their families are often left voiceless, discouraged and disrespected by those who are supposed to represent them.

To not even grant a hearing or a vote on these crime bills reeks of arrogance and cowardice, the Republican governor said in a statement.

The Senates minority Republicans also complained before the Senate adjourned that the crime bills hadnt been voted on.

The people of the state of New Mexico spoke very clearly about the need to reinstate the death penalty for certain crimes, said Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle, R-Portales.

The House didnt take up the death penalty bill until after midnight, and after rancorous debate finally approved it on a 36-30 party-line vote shortly before 6 a.m. Republicans voted for the proposal, while Democrats opposed it.

At a news conference later Thursday at the state Capitol, Archbishop of Santa Fe John C. Wester called the House vote on the death penalty proposal an abuse of the legislative process, claiming it was driven by election-year politics.

I find it personally offensive that now were trying to reinstate the death penalty in the dark of the night, Wester also said.

But leaders of the GOP-controlled House defended their actions, saying there were two previous public hearings on the bill during the session.

New Mexico abolished its death penalty in 2009, after more then a decade of repeal efforts.

Rep. Monica Youngblood, R-Albuquerque, said she sponsored the death penalty reinstatement bill because of lives that have been lost, because of the senseless crime in our communities, including the deaths of five law enforcement officers in the past 18 months.

She said the bill was narrowly drawn  applying only to the murderers of police officers, corrections officers and children  and that it would be an option for prosecutors, not a requirement.

The current maximum penalty, life in prison without the possibility of parole, is not justice for those children who have lost their lives, she said.

Opponents of House Bill 7 said the death penalty is a long, drawn-out, expensive process that poses the risk of executing innocent people and wouldnt deter crime. They said that over the four decades before the death penalty was abolished, there were more than 200 death penalty cases, 15 people sentenced to death and one person executed.

Minority Democrats were outraged by the last-minute addition of the death penalty legislation to the voting agenda, which they said violated House rules and effectively kept the public out of the process.

The first two hours of debate focused on whether the death penalty repeal bill should be considered at all.

Its a travesty that were doing this in the middle of the night, said Rep. Bill McCamley, D-Mesilla Park.

The House had previously passed bills to expand the states three strikes law for repeat violent offenders and to expand a law that mandates life in prison for intentional child abuse resulting in death.
Former APD officers Keith Sandy, left, and Dominique Perez, right, listen to Perez's attorney Luis Robles after the jury started deliberations, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque, N.M. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal) Former APD officer Keith Sandy, third from left, waits with attorneys. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal) Former APD officer Dominique Perez is seen in this file photo waiting for closing arguments in his second degree murder trial to begin in October. The jury deadlocked. On Monday, Special Prosecutor Randi McGinn dropped charges against Perez. JOURNAL Dominique Perez, center, listens to closing arguments, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, during his and Keith Sandy's trial the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque, N.M. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal) Sam Bregman, Keith Sandy's attorney, makes closing arguments on Oct. 6, 2016, in the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque, N.M. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal) Prosecutor Randi McGinn indicates one of the places where James Boyd was shot during closing arguments, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque, N.M. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal) Luis Robles, Dominique Perez's attorney, makes closing arguments, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque, N.M. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal) District Judge Alisa Hadfield listens to closing arguments during the Sandy, Perez trial, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque, N.M. The jury has gone into deliberations. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal) Prev 1 of 8 Next

A state District Court jury is about to make New Mexico history, continuing deliberations today in the first criminal prosecution of Albuquerque police officers in 50 years for an on-duty shooting of a citizen.

But both the prosecution and the defense told jurors Thursday in closing arguments that there was even more at stake when they decide whether former APD officers Keith Sandy and Dominique Perez are guilty of second-degree murder in the March 16, 2014, fatal shooting of homeless camper James Boyd in the Sandia foothills.

The verdict will send a message that could affect police relations, police recruitment, the treatment of the mentally ill and police practices, the attorneys predicted in closing arguments.

You are the most powerful people in Albuquerque, attorney Sam Bregman told jurors. We all know the government sometimes gets it wrong. Its time to send a message that we dont prosecute police officers who are just doing their jobs.

Defense attorneys contend the fatal shooting was a justifiable homicide under state law because the two officers fired at Boyd to prevent him from attacking a police K-9 handler who moved too close to Boyd during the confrontation. Boyd at the time had just drawn his knives after police used a flash-bang device, fired a Taser shotgun and released a police dog to bite him. None of those tactics was effective in subduing him.

Special prosecutor Randi McGinn countered that Sandy and Perez fired upon Boyd when he hadnt made any physical advances toward them. Boyd had earlier brandished knives and threatened officers lives during a near three-hour standoff at his makeshift camp on a hillside.

McGinn argued, Its not enough that somebodys threatening you. Its not enough that they have a knife.  Its that they have to come toward you.

We are asking you to hold them accountable  for stepping over the line. They violated their own rules. Its a dangerous place to draw the line. If thats where they draw the line, then nobodys safe.

McGinn agreed to become special prosecutor on the case after District Attorney Kari Brandenburg was disqualified because of conflict raised by defense attorneys.

Brandenburg filed a criminal information in the case in January 2015, and a district court judge last August found probable cause to bind the two former officers over for trial. Meanwhile, the city of Albuquerque settled a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Boyds family for $5 million.

APD in recent years has come under attack for its use of deadly force, and the Boyd shooting was mentioned in a highly critical U.S. Justice Department investigation that led to reforms. The DOJ investigation criticized APD for its treatment of the mentally ill and those in crisis.

That information wasnt presented to the jury during the two-and-a-half week trial.

What does justice look like? It should be justice for Mr. Boyd. The decision you make is going to be watched, by the police community, McGinn said. And, she added, by those in the mental health field. Boyd, 38, suffered from schizophrenia for at least a decade, testimony revealed.

Perezs attorney, Luis Robles, told the jury that even the prosecutions police expert testified that society had made police officers into social workers and mental health workers of last resort. Robles said police officers like Sandy and Perez essentially have to suffer the consequences made by elected officials, who havent provided the resources for the mentally ill.

Added Bregman, Who would ever want to be a police officer when the same state that trains you to use deadly force then prosecutes you. Well never have another police officer.

Sandy testified at trial that he fired as Boyd took a defensive stance and turned to his left. Perez testified he believed Boyd was about to attack the K-9 officer Scott Weimerskirch and said he didnt see Boyd turn around before he fired three more gunshots, one which hit Boyd in the lower back. Boyd died the next morning.

Bregman said Sandy, who also faces a lesser aggravated battery charge, was made out to be a cowboy cop by the prosecution, which he said was far from being true.

It was his duty, his duty to ensure his fellow officer doesnt become another statistic, Bregman said. Since Boyds death, five police officers in New Mexico have been killed in the line of duty.

Moreover, Bregman said there was no evidence presented that Boyd was surrendering.

The government will have you believe that two officers who never spoke to each other at the very same split second decided to become murderers. Seriously? Really? Bregman said.

Both sides pointed to the well-circulated APD video of the shooting as proof of Boyds threatening movements, or the lack of them.

McGinn told jurors the video footage shows that Perez and Sandy fired the fatal shots at Boyd while he was surrendering.

The most important evidence in this case is the video. When they tell you something, check the video, she said.

Robles advised jurors to review the same video, taken by Perezs helmet camera, in making his case that the shooting was justified under the law.

There was a real step (Boyd took toward the officers) and its here in the video, Robles told the jury.
BANGOR, Maine  The Libertarian Partys vice presidential candidate William Weld is coming to Bangor to hold a town hall meeting with residents.

Weld, a former governor of Massachusetts, will appear at Spectacular Events Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday night. He is running with former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson on the Libertarian ticket this year.

Johnson and Weld also made a campaign appearance in Maine in late August. The two made stops in Portland and Lewiston.

The pair fell short of their goal to reach the polling threshold to appear in debates with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump.
LAS CRUCES, N.M.  A man who pleaded guilty to robbing banks in Colorado and New Mexico has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison.

Prosecutors say 55-year-old John Allen Pierceall of Denver received a 77-month prison term Thursday.

Pierceall was accused of robbing the Vectra Bank Colorado in Denver twice in a three-month span in 2014 and a US Bank branch in Las Cruces in August 2015.

Authorities say Pierceall was arrested the same day as the New Mexico robbery.

Pierceall allegedly robbed all three banks by giving a teller a note stating he was armed and would shoot if his demand for cash wasnt met.

He pleaded guilty last December to three counts of bank robbery and waived his right to have the Denver crimes prosecuted in Colorado.
BEIJING  Nine days had passed since Jeff Gillis, at home in Houston, Texas, had last heard from his wife. During that phone call, she told Gillis she was extending her business trip in China, but he grew anxious. He filed a missing persons report with U.S. consular officials whose response left him flabbergasted: His wife, a business consultant, had been detained by Chinese state security agents almost two weeks earlier.

Now, 18 months later, Phan Phan-Gillis is still detained, charged with spying and awaiting trial in China, consigned to an unknown fate in a highly opaque and impenetrable legal system in which even the charges brought against her remain cloudy. Gillis says that his wife appears to have been accused of spying against China two decades ago, although even her Chinese lawyer says he has been barred by Chinese law from providing details.

Despite the scant information, Gillis has set about trying to prove his 56-year-old wifes innocence. He hopes documents he has uncovered will help free Phan-Gillis, known as Sandy to friends. Her lawyer says her trial has been postponed indefinitely from its original Sept. 19 court date.

The case speaks to both rising suspicion between Beijing and Washington and Chinas drive to pursue those accused of crimes occurring outside its borders. Gillis says part of the charge relates to alleged spying carried out within the United States.

China probably is now more aggressive in pursuing anyone who can be regarded as harming Chinas interests, said Fu Hualing, a law professor at the University of Hong Kong.

If they think theres a violation of Chinese criminal law and the impact is felt within China they are willing to pursue that and they think that they probably have the capacity to do that now, he said. Imagine: The case happened in the 90s. Its not like it happened recently.

___

Phan-Gillis lawyer, Shang Baojun, said the American is charged with spying, but that he could not provide details because the case involves state secrets. The maximum sentence for spying is the death penalty.

The court in Nanning, a city in southern China near the Vietnamese border, also refused to release specifics about the case.

It is a closed trial because it involves state secrets, so it is inappropriate for us to release information  including the date of the trial, said Tang Xingzhong, administrative head at the Nanning Intermediate Peoples Court. Calls to the prosecutor in charge of the case rang unanswered.

Jeff Gillis, 54, said the charge relates to beyond ridiculous allegations that Phan-Gillis went on a spy mission to Nanning in 1996, then returned to the U.S. and recruited Chinese citizens to work for a foreign spy organization within the United States in 1997 and 1998. He says the foreign spy organization is alleged to be the FBI. The bureaus press office declined to comment.

Nanning is the capital of Guangxi, a poor farming region neighboring Guangdong province, where Phan-Gillis family has its roots. Ethnically Chinese, Phan-Gillis was born in Vietnam and left that country as a teenager after the end of the Vietnam War, ending up via a harrowing boat journey in a refugee camp in Malaysia. She became an American citizen, met Gillis in 2001 and married him a year later.

Gillis said his wife, a consultant who matched investors with projects, traveled to China numerous times on business and as a volunteer to promote cultural and business exchanges and better health care. Most of her trips have been to the southern business centers of Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Gillis said he had never heard his wife mention Guangxi until she brought it up in a phone call during her detention  his first clue in his quest to free her.

Phan-Gillis was detained in March 2015; that September, Gillis took a leave of absence from his job as a U.S. production services manager for an oilfield services company to focus full time on freeing her. He remains in Houston; lawyers told him he should not come to China for the trial.

Gillis started reading up on how Chinese cases work, and knew that he and the lawyers would only have a short window to prepare a defense once charges were filed and revealed to them.

Lawyer Shang said they could read Phan-Gillis case file only in early September  more than six weeks after she was indicted. Her legal team is not allowed to photocopy or take photos of the hundreds of pages.

We can only copy it by hand, Shang said.

___

Gillis knew virtually nothing about why his wife was in custody before he received an unexpected phone call about a year ago. At the time, Chinese President Xi Jinping was in the U.S. meeting President Barack Obama, and Gillis had just started a media campaign to coincide with Xis visit.

It was his wife. She frantically asked him to stop.

She was pretty much begging me to tell the people who were on the phone in the room with her that I was going to stop the media campaign, Gillis said by phone from Houston. But she was also allowed to tell him that the case involved some people who she had known from Guangxi over 20 years ago.

Soon, he was digging through his wifes old files, sorting them by year. When he learned more about the accusations he went straight to the boxes labeled 1996, 1997 and 1998.

The house still looks like a warehouse. I have boxes stacked everywhere, he said.

Gillis is thankful for his wifes tendency to hoard, because she left behind documents that show she couldnt have been present for the offenses he says she is accused of committing.

I have the passport that shows that she didnt even have a visa in 96, no entries or exits. I have her pay stubs that show that she was not off on extended leave.

He has found old receipts and a newspaper article with a photograph of Phan-Gillis attending a horse event in Houston when she is alleged to have been in China. He has submitted the documents to his wifes lawyers, and has pressed politicians to write letters on her behalf.

U.S. consular officials are allowed to visit Phan-Gillis once a month. Gillis said she told them that threats and relentless interrogation sessions caused her to suffer a heart attack.

Hearing how they had treated her, it made me cry, he said. He said that, together with the knowledge that Chinese authorities have charged his wife with spying, and with allegations that were easily provable to be false, is why he has decided to publicly discuss her case.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said that China continues to withhold many details of the case.

We remain deeply concerned about Ms. Phan-Gillis welfare and continue to monitor her case closely, he said in a statement.
A U.S. District judge has denied Gage Countys request for a stay in paying the $28.1 million judgment awarded to six people wrongfully convicted of a 1985 Beatrice rape and murder.

The county filed the request Wednesday. On Thursday, Judge Richard Kopf said he found no grounds to grant the stay, leaving the decision up to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

I am especially sensitive to the years and years of imprisonment suffered by (the six), the long litigation history of these cases, and the fact that (Gage County has) had about eight years in this court alone to plan for the eventuality, Kopf wrote.

He previously has denied requests from Gage County for a new trial and to reduce the amount of the award granted.

With respect, the time of reckoning has long since passed," Kopf wrote.

In July, a federal jury awarded the money to Joseph White, Ada JoAnn Taylor, Thomas Winslow, Kathy Gonzalez, James Dean and Deborah Shelden, who together spent 75 years locked up for the rape and murder of Helen Wilson.

In 2008, DNA testing sought by White from behind bars tied another man  Bruce Allen Smith  to the crime.

The state released the three who remained in prison, granting pardons to five of them and dropping the charges in the case of White, who died in a workplace accident a couple of years after his release from prison. Smith died in an Oklahoma prison in 1992.

The six sued, saying a reckless cold-case investigation launched by Gage County Sheriff's Deputy Burt Searcey violated their civil rights.

Attorney Jennifer Tomka, writing on behalf of Gage County in its plea for a stay, said the county does not have the ability to pay the $28.1 million and that it's not clear if the county has insurance coverage or how much.

Two companies with which the county had insurance coverage from 1989 to 2010 told Gage County officials in 2009 they would not cover the cost of attorneys or any judgment in a civil court.

The county has asked both companies to reconsider, and if that fails, it could ask a judge to interpret the policies in question.

It has limited options to pay the judgment, which includes $1.7 million in attorneys fees, because it is restricted in how much it can increase both its spending and tax collecting in a single year under Nebraska law.

Should the county get a bond to pay the judgment, it would take years to pay back and would thus be a hardship for the county and its residents, the county argued.

Last week, the Gage County Board of Supervisors met with attorneys to begin looking at the process of filing Chapter 9 bankruptcy to structure payments to pay the judgment while also maintaining county services.

Board Chairman Myron Dorn said Thursday the county likely will continue those discussions next week.

In her brief filed Wednesday, Tomka said Gage County would be exempt under state law should the six try to place a lien on county property, one option they would have to collect on the judgment.

Even before attorneys for the six had a chance to respond to her assertion, Kopf said in his Thursday ruling that he does not find merit in the argument because they have not filed a lien against Gage County.

The quick answer to (Gage County's) argument is that the (six) may not wish to utilize the provisions of (the law)," Kopf wrote. "Indeed, I can think of tactical reasons why they would not do so."

To date, no lien documents have been filed, so the law does not apply, he added.

The county filed its request for a stay with both Kopf and the 8th Circuit Court, which has not yet said if it will hear the matter.
The Federal Council

Bern, 06.10.2016 - Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer as Head of the Swiss delegation and Thomas Jordan, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the joint Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C., from 7 to 9 October 2016. Prior to these meetings, they will also represent Switzerland at the meeting of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors.

The IMF remains somewhat pessimistic in its half-yearly forecast of global economic growth of just over 3% for 2016. The most significant risks it identifies are the impact of Brexit, the incomplete adjustments in the EU banking system, the asynchronous monetary policy and the persistently high level of lending in China. Even in the medium term (2019-2021), the IMF expects modest growth of 1.5% on average in advanced economies, which is approximately 1% below the historical average. Against this backdrop, the central topic of discussion at the IMF annual meetings will be low potential growth due to weak investment, low productivity growth and unfavourable demographic changes. The size and structure of the global financial safety net will also be discussed.

From Switzerland's perspective, the reforms in the past few years have significantly strengthened the global financial and economic system. The implementation of a budget policy that is credible for the medium term is particularly important. The IMF must address this in its economic policy monitoring by underscoring the importance of effective budget rules. Switzerland supports the IMF's work on globalisation, which above all demonstrates the long-term significance of the free movement of capital and open markets for growth and development.

Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer will also represent Switzerland in the World Bank Group. The discussions will focus on the role of the World Bank Group in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the question of how the bank should develop further and orient itself in the medium term. The central bank governors will also talk about the level of financial resources. The member countries increasingly expect the World Bank Group to commit itself even more to solving transnational and global problems (climate change, refugee crises and pandemics).

Furthermore, the question of the voting weights of the member countries in the World Bank will be discussed. Here, economic influence and financial contributions to the International Development Association (IDA) will serve as the main criteria for calculating the voting weights. Switzerland is committed to attaching great importance to the IDA components in determining the voting weights so as to create incentives for high IDA contributions.

In Washington, Switzerland will also sign three programmes amounting to CHF 16.5 million with the IMF to strengthen the mobilisation of domestic resources and to improve macroeconomic management in developing countries. These programmes are part of the SECO contribution for economic cooperation and development.

Address for enquiries

Peter Minder, Head of FDF Communications

tel. +41 79 437 73 61, peter.minder@gs-efd.adfmin.ch



Daniel Birchmeier, Head of Multilateral Cooperation, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO

tel. +41 58 464 08 19, daniel.birchmeier@seco.admin.ch



Nicole Ruder, Head of the Global Institutions Division, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC

tel. +41 58 462 00 77, nicole.ruder@deza.admin.ch

Publisher

The Federal Council

https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html



Federal Department of Finance

https://www.efd.admin.ch/efd/en/home.html



State Secretariat for Economic Affairs

http://www.seco.admin.ch



Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html




Ares Management is reportedly seeking to raise more than $45bn for its latest batch of funds.
San Francisco-based Headlands Capital has raised more than $232m for its second secondary fund, AltAssets can reveal.
A Nevada man who stole a Nebraska State Patrol cruiser following a traffic stop has pleaded guilty to a federal drug charge after authorities found a pound of methamphetamine in his car.

Jacob Barrickman, of Henderson, was pulled over April 30, 2015, in Lincoln County on Interstate 80 for going 112 mph in a 75 mph zone, a state trooper said in court documents.

The trooper became suspicious of Barrickman and his passenger, Brianna Hampton, and Barrickman told the trooper he had marijuana in the car, an affidavit for his arrest said.

The trooper handcuffed them and placed them in his cruiser, but Barrickman freed one of his hands and drove off with the cruiser, the affidavit said.

Authorities chased them for 50 miles before stopping the stolen cruiser by spiking its tires near Cozad.

In Barrickman's car, investigators found a pound of marijuana as well as a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

He pleaded guilty to possessing between 350 and 500 grams of meth Monday.

Hampton, an Arizona resident, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possession of meth with intent to deliver.

Barrickman faces 5 to 40 years in federal prison at his sentencing in January.

He is already serving 3 to 6 years in state prison for stealing the cruiser and fleeing the cops.
A coalition of business groups, agricultural interests and politicians on Thursday announced its opposition to Southeast Community Colleges proposed $369 million bond issue that will appear on the general election ballot in 15 Nebraska counties next month.

Joined by the Lincoln Independent Business Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Soybean Association, current and former lawmakers said SCCs proposal for renovating its campuses is Too Much. Too Long. Too Risky.

If voters approve the plan, the bond issue would add roughly $39 to the annual tax payment of a property owner living in a $100,000 home over the next three decades -- a 3.9 cent increase to its current tax levy.

About $127 million of the $369 million bond issue would pay for improvements to SCCs Beatrice campus, $88 million at Milford and the remainder would renovate or build new facilities in Lincoln.

One of those projects may include construction of a new $120 million campus in downtown Lincoln near the Telegraph District at 21st Street and Capitol Parkway.

Tim Hruza, LIBAs legal counsel, called SCC a valuable resource for the counties in its service area, but said a property tax crisis makes approving the bond a risk for taxpayers.

The fact of the matter is, this proposal will cost taxpayers more than half a billion dollars in new taxes once the interest is factored in, Hruza said. That debt will be included on each property tax bill from now until possibly 2047.

Former Gov. Dave Heineman said a sluggish Nebraska economy, low commodity and cattle prices and high property taxes were his reason for opposing the bond.

Southeast Community College is a good school, but now is not the time for a $369 million increase in property taxes on Nebraskas farmers, ranchers, small business owners and homeowners, Heineman said in a statement read by Hruza.

Sen. Laura Ebke of Crete, a former student and adjunct professor of political science at SCC in Beatrice and Lincoln, said all government entities with taxing authority need to examine ways to provide property tax relief.

This is not an anti-SCC effort, she said. Nobody here undervalues the role our community colleges play. However, I think it is bordering on tone deaf not to understand the concerns we have with respect to property taxes today.

Sens. Jerry Johnson of Wahoo and Dan Watermeier of Syracuse also joined the coalition to oppose the bond.

Earlier this year, the Legislature considered removing a 2-cent levy authority community colleges can use for facility improvements or construction, but ultimately kept it in as Gov. Pete Ricketts tax plan -- which included some property tax relief -- advanced.

SCC uses 1.05 cents of its 2-cent levy to pay for learning centers in six locations across its district.

The coalition said SCC would still be able to levy an additional 2 cents on top of the bond issue levy without voter approval -- an option Ebke said she continues to oppose.

Im of the opinion that any bonding ought to be voted on, Ebke said. Some of these add-ons -- the capital improvement add-ons and things like that that are sort of discretionary -- thats a way around the voter and this is a bad time to look for a way around the voter.

Representatives from three major ag interests in the state also said they appreciate the work SCC does in educating students from across the area, particularly in fields tied to agriculture and vocational trades, but cited the high burden of property taxes on producers as the reason they opposed the bond.

Terry Keebler, who serves on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors, said property taxes now rival other costs of production like seed and fertilizer on his farm near Sterling.

This bond does not recognize or account for the needs of taxpayers in the district, including farmers, Keebler said, adding an average-sized farm in the SCC district would pay roughly $38,000 in new taxes over the life of the bond.

On average, landowners in the 15 counties served by SCC would see a tax increase of $1.52 per acre if the bond is successful, said Farm Bureau Vice President Craig Head.

Keebler likened the bond issue to a Christmas wish list rather than a targeted, detailed, needs-based ask.

Taxpayers just cant afford to be Santa Claus, he said.

The Nebraska Cattleman recognizes the need for infrastructure improvements to SCCs campuses, said Dick Hollman, a member of the groups board of directors and a rancher from Hallam, but the $369 million bond issue is too much to ask from taxpayers.

Our children and grandchildren should not have to carry the weight of paying back $369 million plus interest, he said. A more clearly defined plan is necessary before a request of this size should be adopted.

Hollman said the system for evaluating and collecting property taxes hasnt changed much over the last century, adding the process needs to change to reflect current times.

And Dennis Fujan, president of the Nebraska Soybean Association, said the proposal should be concerning to all taxpayers, not just ag producers.

The proposal needs to look at their current taxing authority and prioritize their projects and look at other avenues for raising the funds, he said.
Modified On Oct 06, 2016 06:44 PM By Raunak

The 2019 Grand Wagoneer will be Jeeps flagship SUV and it will be pitched against the big ones such as the Range Rover, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLS Class, and others.

Jeep is reportedly reviving the Grand Wagoneer nameplate and it will be the range-topping SUV for the brand, sitting above the Grand Cherokee. The Grand Wagoneer was discontinued in the late 90s. The all-new version of the SUV will be rivaling primarily against the Land Rover Range Rover, along with other SUVs such as the Porsche Cayenne, the BMW X5, the Audi Q7, among others. The Grand Wagoneer is most likely to come in 2018 as a 2019 year model.

Jeep has officially entered the Indian market with the introduction of the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler Unlimited in August 2016. As the American automaker will introduce more models in coming years, we can expect Jeep to retail the Grand Wagoneer in India too, since almost all of its rivals are on sale in the country.

Jeeps head honcho, Mike Manly, revealed the arrival of the Grand Wagoneer while speaking to a European publication at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Mike Manly speculated that the range-topping SUV could be priced between $130,000 and $140,000 (nearly Rs 1 crore).

Information about the Grand Wagoneer, which is still in development phase, is scarce at the moment. But speculations are running rife that the Grand Wagoneer will be sharing its platform with the next-generation Grand Cherokee (due next year), while it might use powertrains from Jeeps Italian partner, Fiats Maserati brand.

Source
Modified On Oct 07, 2016 12:37 PM By Alshaar for Maruti Vitara Brezza 2016-2020

Its been a month of new milestones for Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL). After registering record sales in the month gone by, the countrys largest carmaker also closed in on a remarkable 50 per cent market share. Whats more? The company also witnessed its Baleno hatchback breach the 1 lakh sales mark and the Vitara Brezza has now added the icing on the cake by selling half a lakh units.

Most notably, it took Marutis first sub-4 metre SUV only seven months since its launch in March earlier this year, to achieve this feat. The car has already been booked more than a lakh times despite the absence of a petrol variant in its lineup. But the downside of this popularity is the ever-swelling waiting period for the Vitara Brezza that currently stands at even six months in some cities.

"We have to create capacity so that this kind of mismatch doesn't happen to this extent in the future," MSIL chairman, RC Bhargava had sadi at the companys annual general meeting last month. And a major part of the solution to this problem is expected to be the companys upcoming plant in Gujarat, which will be able to manufacture around 15 lakh cars a year.

We had recently reported that the Baleno will be the first car to be manufactured in Marutis latest production facility. But given the increasing demand, and in turn the waiting period, for the Vitara Brezza, its only a matter of time that it would also be assembled in the companys Gujarat quarters.

Currently, the Vitara Brezza comes powered by a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine that makes 90PS of peak power and 200Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Moreover, the compact SUV is also set to come in a petrol avatar in the near future.

Read More on : Maruti Vitara Brezza
Published On Oct 06, 2016 04:08 PM By Alshaar

Buoyed by its recent success in the Indian market, Nissan is now looking to widen its portfolio in the country by launching as many as eight new products by 2021, informed a company official on Thursday. The Japanese carmaker is also keen on making India a base to export cars.

Nissan also plans to develop some of its future Datsun cars in India, the company's chairman for Africa, Middle East and India region, Christian Mardrus, told Reuters on a visit to New Delhi.

Like Renault, its alliance partner, Nissan is also eyeing the small car route to success as it introduced the Datsun redi-GO earlier this year. The car might not be as big a success as its Kwid cousin yet, but it sure has imparted a boost to the companys sales for the month of September. Last month, it sold 5,151 units, registering profits of almost 97 per cent in the domestic car market.

As a result of this feat, the company might consider bringing in another small car, in the form of the new Nissan Micra, to India. The fifth-gen hatchback was recently unveiled at the ongoing Paris Motor Show 2016 and will hit the European markets by around March 2017. Expect it to arrive on Indian shores soon thereafter.

At the Porte de Versailles pavilions, Renault boss, Carlos Ghosn also confirmed that the Renault-Nissan alliance will develop sub-Duster SUVs, in partnership with the recently acquired Mitsubishi. If thats any sign of things to come, expect both Nissan and Renault to jump into the sub-compact territories in the coming years.

Among the eight new cars in Nissans plans, could also be the Nissan Kicks SUV that made its global debut at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics earlier this year. Among other new cars, could also be the future Nissan GT-Rs, the 2017 iteration of which is set to be launched in India soon.

The Alliance is also working on a collaboration with Microsoft to to bring in next-gen technologies for connected driving in cars. Though it's still time for this merger to have an impact on the Indian market. For now, one has to be content with the Terrano AMT that the company teased recently. Check it out here!
I have a confession. Ive been a customer of Bank of America for longer than I can remember. Yes, I have credit union accounts, but BofA has been my PFI for many years. So when I left Jack Henry two years ago to strike out on my own, I took the path of least resistance and opened my business accounts at BofA, too. The customer experience has been, in a word, exceptional, but more on that later.

Fast-forward to this past July when Heather Anderson and I formed OmniChannel Communications. We talked about it and agreed to open our business account at a credit union. After all, I thought to myself, how different could it be from BofA? Sadly, its been very different.

From the get-go, BofA made me feel special as a business customer. When I opened my account, I spoke with a person dedicated to business accounts. The next time I logged on to online banking, the branding had changed to a special business customer color scheme and look, with access to both my business and personal accounts. And whereas my personal accounts had a $10K monthly limit for mobile deposits, my new business accounts had a $50K limit. Like I said, I felt special.

I am, however, willing to forego that special feeling if my credit union can provide me with the same level of service. Apparently it cant  or at least wont.

For starters, Heather and I have to share online banking credentials at the credit union. Dont get me wrong, our trust in each other is absolute. But Ive been friends with Jim Stickley long enough to know this just aint right.

Heres something else that isnt right: My credit union requires a second login for business billpay. Thats inconvenient, frustrating and just plain dumb.

Remember my $50K monthly limit for mobile deposits at BofA? At my credit union, the limit is a measly $5K per day. That means if we receive two checks totaling more than $5K, I either have to mobile-deposit them on different days or go to the branch. Heaven forbid we should get a single check larger than $5K; thats a mandatory trip to the branch. And what really rubs salt in the wound is that my business account has the same mobile-deposit limits as Uncle Guidos personal checking account.

Speaking of deposits, BofA never put a hold on a single check. I received next-day availability for mobile deposits and instant availability for branch deposits. Once on a road trip through Texas, I picked up a $27K check from a client in Austin and deposited it at a BofA branch in Boerne. I had immediate availability for the entire $27K. I was stunned  in a very good way.

If I dont have a current balance in my credit union account thats twice the amount of my deposit, a two-day hold is placed on that check, just like when Uncle Guido deposits a big check from  well, you really dont wanna know. Im just another brick in the wall, baby (and probably part 3, at that).

Oh, and dont even get me going about business debit cards.

Small businesses drive the economy. They are special. Credit unions should treat them specially, if not for their contributions to the local economy, then just because they offer a significant revenue opportunity for the credit union. Any credit union that thinks it can slap BUSINESS on a personal checking account and call it a commercial account is delusional.
BEER-SHEVA, Israel...October 6, 2016 - Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers are a step closer to understanding the genetic basis of autism, which they hope will lead to earlier diagnosis of what is rapidly becoming the most prevalent developmental disorder worldwide.

In the study published in Behavior Genetics, the researchers examined the sequences of more than 650 genes associated with autism and discovered characteristics that distinguish them from other brain-specific genes and genes of other diseases.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 50 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder which can severely impair communication and social skills. These figures have skyrocketed since the 1980s, when only one in 5,000 were diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

"We are now a step closer to understanding the genes associated with autism and understanding the biological process involved in the disease," says Dr. Idan Menashe, who along with his colleagues, Erez Tsur and Prof. Michael Friger, is a member of the BGU Department of Public Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Dr. Menashe and Tsur are also members of BGU's Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience.

"This study gives us a tool to help identify additional autism genes using the genetic signature we found. From there, we hope to be able to diagnose autism earlier," the researchers say.

One particularly distinct characteristic of autism genes the researchers found is their exceptional genomic length, which is longer than other brain-expressed genes of closely related diseases such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.

Additionally, when the researchers studied families that have a child diagnosed with ASD, they found a unique genomic signature shaped by negative selection, an evolutionary process that purifies and removes disruptive mutations from genes and prevents them from replicating over generations.

Dr. Menashe and his colleagues also searched for evidence of positive selection in these genes, which would cause an increase in frequency until they are a factor in the population. "While this kind of mechanism could explain the prevalence of autism in the human population, we found no indications of positive selection acting on autism genes," he says. "Thus, while autism susceptibility mutations are in the human genome, they only present as an autism disorder when combined with other genetic, non-genetic or environmental factors.

"Our findings suggest that ASD genes have evolved under complex evolutionary forces, which have left a unique signature that can be used to identify new ASD candidate genes," the researchers add.

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DOI: 10.1007/s10519-016-9804-4

About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more.

AABGU, which is headquartered in Manhattan, has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.aabgu.org.
This news release was issued on 14-Sept-2016

In recent years, consumers have increasingly been looking for "natural" ingredients in their food products. But when it comes to one of the world's most popular flavors, vanilla, meeting that demand has been difficult. So food scientists are scrambling for new ways to produce vanillin -- the main vanilla flavor molecule -- without losing the natural label, according to an article in Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society.

Melody M. Bomgardner, a senior editor at C&EN, notes that less than 1 percent of vanilla flavor comes from vanilla orchids. Some of the rest has been made from pine bark, clove oil, rice bran and lignin. And the vast majority -- about 85 percent -- is synthesized from guaiacol, a petrochemical. This ratio poses a problem as consumers demand more natural products. Responding to the shift, major food company Nestle announced it would eliminate artificial additives, which would include vanillin, from its chocolates for the U.S. market. How they and others in the industry will make the change is unclear, but potential solutions are in the works.

Some companies could turn to vanilla made from various plant extracts that could still be labeled natural. To boost its production from the purest source, companies are setting up grower programs in Madagascar, where the vanilla is known for its rummy taste and sweet aroma. And, in parallel, researchers are using genetics to coax yeast, plants, even the vanilla orchid itself, to produce more of the cherished flavor.

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The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. With nearly 157,000 members, ACS is the world's largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

To automatically receive news releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org.

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Researchers at Tel Aviv University have revealed how microalgae produce hydrogen, a clean fuel of the future, and suggest a possible mechanism to jumpstart mass production of this environmentally-friendly energy source. Their results have been published in back-to-back studies in Plant Physiology and Biotechnology for Biofuels.

The research was led by Dr. Iftach Yacoby, head of TAU's renewable energy laboratory, and Rinat Semyatich, Haviva Eisenberg, Iddo Weiner and Oded Liran, his students at the School of Plant Sciences and Food Security at TAU's Faculty of Life Sciences.

Researchers in the past believed that algae only produce hydrogen in the course of a single microburst at dawn lasting just a few minutes. But Dr. Yacoby and his team used highly sensitive technology to discover that algae produce hydrogen from photosynthesis all day long. Armed with this discovery, the team harnessed genetic engineering to increase algae's production of this clean energy source 400 percent.

Increasing algae's output of hydrogen

Laboratory tests revealed that algae create hydrogen with the assistance of the enzyme hydrogenase, which breaks down when oxygen is present. The researchers discovered effective mechanisms to remove oxygen so hydrogenase can keep producing hydrogen.

"The discovery of the mechanisms makes it clear that algae have a huge underutilized potential for the production of hydrogen fuel," said Dr. Yacoby. "The next question is how to beef up production for industrial purposes -- to get the algae to overproduce the enzyme."

Some 99% of the hydrogen produced in the US comes from natural gas. But the methods used to draw hydrogen from natural gas are toxic -- and wasteful.

Answering the need for clean energy

"I grew up on a farm, dreaming of hydrogen," said Dr. Yacoby. "Since the beginning of time, we have been using agriculture to make our own food. But when it comes to energy, we are still hunter-gatherers. Cultivating energy from agriculture is really the next revolution. There may be other ways to produce hydrogen, but this is the greenest and the only agricultural one.

"The world burns in just one year energy it took the earth over a million years to produce," Dr. Yacoby continued. "We must stop being hunters and gatherers of energy. We must start producing clean energy -- for our children and for our children's children."

Dr. Yacoby is now researching synthetic enzymes capable of increasing hydrogen production from microalgae to industrial levels.

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Tel Aviv University (TAU) is inherently linked to the cultural, scientific and entrepreneurial mecca it represents. It is one of the world's most dynamic research centers and Israel's most distinguished learning environment. Its unique-in-Israel multidisciplinary environment is highly coveted by young researchers and scholars returning to Israel from post-docs and junior faculty positions in the US.

American Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) enthusiastically and industriously pursues the advancement of TAU in the US, raising money, awareness and influence through international alliances that are vital to the future of this already impressive institution.
Chris Woodford, Ron Cowen, David Macaulay and Jennifer Lauren Lee win awards for excellence in bringing clarity -- and even comedy -- to complex scientific concepts

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 6, 2016 -- The American Institute of Physics announced today the winners of its 2016 Science Writing Awards for Books, Articles, Writing for Children, and Broadcast and New Media.

Awarded every year since 1968, AIP's awards give to each winner a $3,000 prize, an engraved Windsor chair and a certificate of recognition. The 2016 winners are

Chris Woodford for Atoms Under the Floorboards (Bloomsbury Sigma)

Ron Cowen for "The quantum source of space-time" (Nature)

David Macaulay for How Machines Work: Zoo Break!, (Dorling Kindersley Limited); and

Jennifer Lauren Lee for "How to Build Your NIST D.I.Y. Watt Balance," by the NIST Physical Measurement Laboratory.

"It certainly wasn't an easy decision, but ultimately the selection committees recommended excellent works and we are thrilled to award each winner. Each author found their own way to bring these fascinating but complex topics to a broad audience through familiar ideas and even humorous styles," said Catherine O'Riordan, AIP's Chief Operating Officer.

BOOK WINNER: SCIENCE WHERE THE HEART IS

The Books prize was awarded to Chris Woodford for Atoms Under the Floorboards: The Surprising Science Hidden in Your Home, published March 12, 2015 by Bloomsbury Sigma.

The judges enjoyed its "accessible, eloquent discussion of a variety of science topics using phenomena of our homes or everyday lives," and describe it as an "excellent example of science writing for the public."

Woodford chose to explore writing about environmental topics because "communication about the environment is a major failure -- possibly the biggest and most disastrous for the scientific community," he said.

Woodford has written, co-written, and edited dozens of science education books, including the best-selling "Cool Stuff" books, which have sold nearly 4 million copies worldwide. He has also created a science education website: http://www.explainthatstuff.com/.

"Running a science and technology website, I get a wonderful barrage of questions from people wanting to know how and why things work or don't work in the way they expect," Woodford said. "After replying to quite a few of these, I realized there was a common thread: many people don't understand the science of 'everyday stuff,' and there was a need for an accessible introduction."

He is a freelance science writer, based in Swanage, Dorset, U.K.

ARTICLE WINNER: TANGLED UP IN QUANTUM BLUE

The Articles prize goes to Ron Cowen for "The quantum source of space-time," published November 16, 2015 in Nature.

The judges were impressed by Cowen's "captivating, lucid article," in which he tackles two of the greatest puzzles within the field of physics: entanglement of fundamental particles and the weird possibility of wormholes taking shortcuts through space-time via blackholes.

Cowen "skillfully navigates the complex and still-evolving understanding of the rich relationships between quantum mechanics and relativity," according to the judges. "His clarity regarding complex theories, as well as the use of enhanced graphics, contributes to the general public's understanding." The article's timing is also perfect -- coinciding with the 100-year anniversary of Einstein's theory of general relativity.

"I've always been fascinated about the origin of space-time and its deep connection with gravity as described by Einstein in his masterpiece general relativity theory," Cowen said. "The idea that the weirdest part of quantum theory -- entanglement, which Einstein disliked -- might give birth geometry and gravity was an irresistible topic to write about."

Cowen is a freelance science writer who specializes in physics and astronomy. Before freelancing, he wrote for Science News for 21 years. His freelance articles have appeared in Nature, Scientific American, The New York Times, Science, National Geographic, and U.S. News & World Report. He and his family are based in Silver Spring, Maryland.

CHILDREN'S BOOK WINNER: HANDS-ON SCIENCE

The Writing for Children prize was won by David Macaulay and the DK team of Steven Carton, Stefan Podhorodecki, Jemma Westing, Charlie Galbraith and Linda Esposito for How Machines Work: Zoo Break!, published October 27, 2015 by Dorling Kindersley Limited.

The book was selected for its "compelling storyline that holds the attention of all ages," according to the judges. "Readers interact with the characters and the different types of simple machines. We especially liked the pop-up and removable interactive components in this book, which can be used to introduce children to basic physics and engineering principles or to introduce inquiry science lessons involving simple machines."

The "effectiveness of the fold-outs and pop-ups for making this type of material more engaging was a very pleasant surprise," Macaulay noted.

Carton, who worked with Macaulay on the book, explained how Macaulay got started on the project, sketching out the ideas of machines and animals (including sengi using pulleys to bring food to a sloth), then worked further with the team to develop the story and interactive elements incorporated into the book.

Macaulay, who has authored many works, is perhaps best known for The Way Things Work, which he describes as "an exhaustively researched compendium of how and why nearly everything functions." He and his family reside in Vermont.

BROADCAST/NEW MEDIA WINNER: DO-IT-YOURSELF KILOGRAM, REDEFINED

The Broadcast and New Media prize goes to Jennifer Lauren Lee for "How to Build Your NIST D.I.Y. Watt Balance," published August 17, 2015 by NIST Physical Measurement Laboratory.

Her video's comedic telling of redefining the kilogram won over the judges, who describe it as "an entertaining video infomercial that presents step-by-step instructions to build a watt balance using LEGO bricks and low-cost electronics." They applaud Lee's creativity because "redefining the world's basic unit of mass is no easy task, and translating the concept into something playful and educational is worthy of an award."

"The great thing about infomercials is that you can cram a lot of information into a small space, and it's entertaining because the format is ridiculous," Lee said. "Everything is designed to keep your attention -- every moment should be even more exciting than the last! Also, it was an organic fit: we really needed disclaimers about safety in a couple of places, and an 'expert testimony' section let us provide context about why watt balances are important right now."

Lee is currently a science writer and video producer for NIST's Physical Measurement Laboratory, and in the past has worked for Fermilab, the American Institute of Physics, Science News, and CERN. She resides in North Bethesda, Maryland.

*Note: Lee is a former employee at AIP, but left AIP in June 2014. Her entry was not earmarked in any way as belonging to a former AIP employee.

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ABOUT THE AIP SCIENCE COMMUNICATION AWARDS

The Science Communication Awards of the American Institute of Physics were established to recognize the best science writing in books; magazines and newspapers; works intended for children; and new media in order to improve the general public's appreciation of the physical sciences, astronomy, math, and related science fields. Entries are judged by a committee of scientists and journalists, and winning authors receive a prize of $3,000, an engraved Windsor chair, and a certificate of recognition. For more information, contact <writing@aip.org> or visit https://www.aip.org/aip/awards/science-communication.

ABOUT AIP

The American Institute of Physics is a federation of scientific societies in the physical sciences, representing scientists, engineers, educators, and students. AIP offers authoritative information, services, and expertise in physics education and student programs, science communication, government relations, career services, statistical research in physics employment and education, industrial outreach, and history of the physical sciences. AIP publishes Physics Today, the most closely followed magazine of the physical sciences community, and is also home to the Society of Physics Students and the Niels Bohr Library and Archives. AIP owns AIP Publishing LLC, a scholarly publisher in the physical and related sciences. http://www.aip.org
Gage County has appealed a $28.1 million civil judgment granted to six people who went to prison for a Beatrice woman's 1985 brutal rape and murder, a crime later tied by DNA evidence to another man.

In court filings Wednesday, Lincoln attorney Jennifer Tomka also asked the court to stay the award until the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals resolves the case, a move that could buy the county much needed time to come up with the money should the case be affirmed.

"The defendants (Gage County and two sheriff's deputies involved in the investigation) are not in a financial position to easily pay a judgment if the judgment is affirmed on appeal," she wrote. "Nor are the defendants in a position to obtain a bond in this case pending appeal."

On July 6, a federal jury in Lincoln awarded Joseph White, Ada JoAnn Taylor, Thomas Winslow, Kathy Gonzalez, James Dean and Deborah Shelden $28.1 million in damages, giving each $1,000 per day they had served in prison.

Together, the six spent 75 years locked up before White got DNA testing that tied Bruce Allen Smith to the crime in 2008. By then, Smith had died in an Oklahoma prison.

The six sued Gage County, the sheriff and deputies, calling the cold-case investigation so reckless it violated their civil rights.

In a brief filed Wednesday, Tomka said the county's insurers have denied coverage for the case since 2009, the year the Beatrice 6 sued, but the county is currently asking them to reconsider the denials.

At best, the two insurance carriers could cover $7 million, according to court documents.

She said Gage County has limited funds and is restricted by Nebraska law as to how much it can collect from taxpayers per year.

"It is simply not possible for Gage County to easily pay a judgment in this case. An increase of 1 cent levy in Gage County will raise $322,815.83," Tomka wrote in the brief.

She said the county has looked into what would be required to get what's called a supersedeas bond (essentially an assurance from a third party that the county will pay) for the $30 million needed to cover the award, plus $1.7 million in attorney fees and costs. But the county doesn't have enough collateral, and it would take years to pay the bonding company back if the judgment was affirmed, Tomka said.

"It would indeed affect Gage County's ability to operate if there was no stay," she wrote.

If attorneys for the six were allowed to try to collect the award now, she said, Gage County would be forced to file for Chapter 9 bankruptcy so that the county government can continue to operate, which would put the county's creditors in a "precarious position."

Tomka pointed to a Nebraska Supreme Court case to argue that, if the case were in state court, the county would be exempt from the surety bond required in other civil cases.

She anticipates attorneys for the six to argue the exception doesn't apply in this case because the judgment isn't a lien on property.

Attorneys for the six will get to state their case before U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf rules on the stay. Should he turn down the request, the 8th Circuit will take up the motion.
NEW RESEARCH* has found that working night shifts has little or no effect on a woman's breast cancer risk despite a review in 2007 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifying shift work disrupting the 'body clock' as a probable cause of cancer.

At the time of the 2007 classification there was limited evidence about breast cancer risk in humans so the classification was mainly based on a combination of animal and lab studies.

The new research, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute today (Thursday) and funded by the UK Health and Safety Executive, Cancer Research UK and the UK Medical Research Council, examined whether night shift work increased women's breast cancer risk by following 1.4 million women in ten studies and seeing if they developed breast cancer.

It combined new results from three large studies, studying 800,000 women from the Million Women Study, EPIC-Oxford and UK Biobank cohorts, with data from seven already published studies from the USA, China, Sweden and the Netherlands.

Compared with women who had never worked night shifts, those who had ever done night work - including those who had worked nights for 20 or 30 years - had no increased risk of breast cancer.

Dr Ruth Travis, lead author and a Cancer Research UK-funded scientist at the Cancer Epidemiology Unit at the University of Oxford, said: "We found that women who had worked night shifts, including long-term night shifts, were not more likely to develop breast cancer, either in the three new UK studies or when we combined results from all 10 studies that had published relevant data."

The researchers found that the incidence of breast cancer was essentially the same whether someone did no night shift work at all or did night shift work for several decades - the combined relative risks taking all 10 studies together were 0.99 for any night shift work, 1.01 for 20 or more years of night shift work, and 1.00 for 30 or more years night shift work.

On average one in seven (14 per cent) women in the UK have ever worked nights and one in 50 (two per cent) have worked nights for 20 or more years.

Each year in the UK around 53,300 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and around 11,500 die from the disease.

Professor Andrew Curran, chief scientific adviser for the the HSE, which commissioned the study, said: "Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women so it was vital for us to fund work in this area to establish if there is a link to night work.

"In Great Britain, there are 2 million women, about one in six female workers, who are currently working in some types of shift work, and over half million of them are working in shifts that involves night work.

"This study has shown that night shift work, including long-term shift work, has little or no effect on breast cancer incidence in women. However, there are a number of other known risks with shift work that employers must take into consideration when protecting their workers' health and safety."

Professor Cathie Sudlow, chief scientist at the UK Biobank, said: "The work demonstrates the power of very large, well-designed studies to answer important questions where previous evidence has been unclear. This study is also a landmark for UK Biobank, since it is the first time that associations between potential risk factors (in this case working nights) and new cases of cancer developing during follow-up, have been published using UK Biobank data. We expect many further findings to emerge from UK Biobank alone as well as from combining its data with other major studies, such as the Million Women Study and EPIC. Collaborative efforts like this will advance our understanding of a wide range of diseases more quickly and help find new ways to prevent and treat them."

Sarah Williams, Cancer Research UK's health information manager, said: "This study is the largest of its kind and has found no link between breast cancer and working night shifts. Research over the past years suggesting there was a link has made big headlines, and we hope that today's news reassures women who work night shifts.

"Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and research to fully understand the different risk factors is vital so that we can give women clear health advice. Women can reduce their risk of breast cancer by keeping a healthy weight, drinking less alcohol and being active."

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For media enquiries contact Emily Head in the Cancer Research UK press office on 020 3469 6189 or, out of hours, on 07050 264 059. Notes to editor:

* Travis et al. Night shift work and breast cancer incidence: three prospective studies and meta-analysis of published studies. JNCI (2016). doi: 10.1093/jnci/djw169

More information about the EPIC study here: http://epic.iarc.fr/ and the Million Women study here: http://www.millionwomenstudy.org/introduction/ About the Medical Research Council

The Medical Research Council is at the forefront of scientific discovery to improve human health. Founded in 1913 to tackle tuberculosis, the MRC now invests taxpayers' money in some of the best medical research in the world across every area of health. Thirty-one MRC-funded researchers have won Nobel prizes in a wide range of disciplines, and MRC scientists have been behind such diverse discoveries as vitamins, the structure of DNA and the link between smoking and cancer, as well as achievements such as pioneering the use of randomised controlled trials, the invention of MRI scanning, and the development of a group of antibodies used in the making of some of the most successful drugs ever developed. Today, MRC-funded scientists tackle some of the greatest health problems facing humanity in the 21st century, from the rising tide of chronic diseases associated with ageing to the threats posed by rapidly mutating micro-organisms. http://www.mrc.ac.uk About the HSE

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. http://www.hse.gov.uk

About Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK is the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research.

Cancer Research UK's pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.

Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its life-saving research. Every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on every pound donated.

Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last forty years.

Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK's ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years.

Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.

Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1022 or visit http://www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Human nerve cells are interconnected in a network that extends to all parts of the body. In this way control signals are transmitted from head to toe, while sensory inputs flow in the opposite direction. For this to happen, impulses are passed from neuron to neuron, not unlike a relay race. Damages to this wiring system can have drastic consequences - particularly if they affect the brain or the spinal cord. This is because the cells of the central nervous system are connected by long projections. When severed, these projections, which are called "axons", are unable to regrow.

Reawakening a lost talent

Neural pathways that have been injured can only regenerate if new connections arise between the affected cells. In a sense, the neurons have to stretch out their arms, i.e. the axons have to grow. In fact, this happens in the early stages of embryonic development. However, this ability disappears in the adult. Can it be reactivated? This was the question Professor Bradke and co-workers asked themselves. "We started from the hypothesis that neurons actively down-regulate their growth program once they have reached other cells, so that they don't overshoot the mark. This means, there should be a braking mechanism that is triggered as soon as a neuron connects to others," says Dr. Andrea Tedeschi, a member of the Bradke Lab and first author of the current publication.

Searching through the genome

In mice and cell cultures, the scientists started an extensive search for genes that regulate the growth of neurons. "That was like looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. There are hundreds of active genes in every nerve cell, depending on its stage of development. To analyze the large data set we heavily relied on bioinformatics. To this end, we cooperated closely with colleagues at the University of Bonn," says Bradke. "Ultimately, we were able to identify a promising candidate. This gene, known as Cacna2d2, plays an important role in synapse formation and function, in other words in bridging the final gap between nerve cells." During further experiments, the researchers modified the gene's activity, e.g. by deactivating it. In this way, they were able to prove that Cacna2d2 does actually influence axonal growth and the regeneration of nerve fibers.

Pregabalin triggered neuronal growth

Cacna2d2 encodes the blueprint of a protein that is part of a larger molecular complex. The protein anchors ion channels in the cell membrane that regulate the flow of calcium particles into the cell. Calcium levels affect cellular processes such as the release of neurotransmitters. These ion channels are therefore essential for the communication between neurons.

In further investigations, the researchers used Pregabalin (PGB), a drug that had long been known to bind to the molecular anchors of calcium channels. Over a period of several weeks, they administered PGB to mice with spinal cord injuries. As it turned out, this treatment caused new nerve connections to grow.

"Our study shows that synapse formation acts as a powerful switch that restrains axonal growth. A clinically-relevant drug can manipulate this effect," says Bradke. In fact, PGB is already being used to treat lesions of the spinal cord, albeit it is applied as a pain killer and relatively late after the injury has occurred. "PGB might have a regenerative effect in patients, if it is given soon enough. In the long term this could lead to a new treatment approach. However, we don't know yet."

A new mechanism?

In previous studies, the DZNE researchers showed that certain cancer drugs can also cause damaged nerve connections to regrow. The main protagonists in this process are the "microtubules", long protein complexes that stabilize the cell body. When the microtubules grow, axons do as well. Is there a connection between the different findings? "We don't know whether these mechanisms are independent or whether they are somehow related," says Bradke. "This is something we want to examine more closely in the future."

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Original Publication

The Calcium Channel Subunit Alpha2delta2 Suppresses Axon Regeneration in the Adult CNS", Andrea Tedeschi, Sebastian Dupraz, Claudia J. Laskowski, Jia Xue, Thomas Ulas, Marc Beyer, Joachim L. Schultze, Frank Bradke, Neuron, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.09.026

The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) investigates the causes of diseases of the nervous system and develops strategies for prevention, treatment and care. It is an institution within the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres with nine sites across Germany (Berlin, Bonn, Dresden, Gottingen, Magdeburg, Munich, Rostock/Greifswald, Tubingen and Witten). The DZNE cooperates closely with universities, their clinics and other research facilities.

Web: http://www.dzne.de/en | Twitter: @dzne_en | Facebook: http://www.dzne.de/facebook
For more than a decade, engineers have been eyeing the finish line in the race to shrink the size of components in integrated circuits. They knew that the laws of physics had set a 5-nanometer threshold on the size of transistor gates among conventional semiconductors, about one-quarter the size of high-end 20-nanometer-gate transistors now on the market.

Some laws are made to be broken, or at least challenged.

A research team led by faculty scientist Ali Javey at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has done just that by creating a transistor with a working 1-nanometer gate. For comparison, a strand of human hair is about 50,000 nanometers thick.

"We made the smallest transistor reported to date," said Javey, a lead principal investigator of the Electronic Materials program in Berkeley Lab's Materials Science Division. "The gate length is considered a defining dimension of the transistor. We demonstrated a 1-nanometer-gate transistor, showing that with the choice of proper materials, there is a lot more room to shrink our electronics."

The key was to use carbon nanotubes and molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), an engine lubricant commonly sold in auto parts shops. MoS 2 is part of a family of materials with immense potential for applications in LEDs, lasers, nanoscale transistors, solar cells, and more.

The findings will appear in the Oct. 7 issue of the journal Science. Other investigators on this paper include Jeff Bokor, a faculty senior scientist at Berkeley Lab and a professor at UC Berkeley; Chenming Hu, a professor at UC Berkeley; Moon Kim, a professor at the University of Texas at Dallas; and H.S. Philip Wong, a professor at Stanford University.

The development could be key to keeping alive Intel co-founder Gordon Moore's prediction that the density of transistors on integrated circuits would double every two years, enabling the increased performance of our laptops, mobile phones, televisions, and other electronics.

"The semiconductor industry has long assumed that any gate below 5 nanometers wouldn't work, so anything below that was not even considered," said study lead author Sujay Desai, a graduate student in Javey's lab. "This research shows that sub-5-nanometer gates should not be discounted. Industry has been squeezing every last bit of capability out of silicon. By changing the material from silicon to MoS 2 , we can make a transistor with a gate that is just 1 nanometer in length, and operate it like a switch."

When 'electrons are out of control'

Transistors consist of three terminals: a source, a drain, and a gate. Current flows from the source to the drain, and that flow is controlled by the gate, which switches on and off in response to the voltage applied.

Both silicon and MoS 2 have a crystalline lattice structure, but electrons flowing through silicon are lighter and encounter less resistance compared with MoS 2 . That is a boon when the gate is 5 nanometers or longer. But below that length, a quantum mechanical phenomenon called tunneling kicks in, and the gate barrier is no longer able to keep the electrons from barging through from the source to the drain terminals.

"This means we can't turn off the transistors," said Desai. "The electrons are out of control."

Because electrons flowing through MoS 2 are heavier, their flow can be controlled with smaller gate lengths. MoS 2 can also be scaled down to atomically thin sheets, about 0.65 nanometers thick, with a lower dielectric constant, a measure reflecting the ability of a material to store energy in an electric field. Both of these properties, in addition to the mass of the electron, help improve the control of the flow of current inside the transistor when the gate length is reduced to 1 nanometer.

Once they settled on MoS 2 as the semiconductor material, it was time to construct the gate. Making a 1-nanometer structure, it turns out, is no small feat. Conventional lithography techniques don't work well at that scale, so the researchers turned to carbon nanotubes, hollow cylindrical tubes with diameters as small as 1 nanometer.

They then measured the electrical properties of the devices to show that the MoS 2 transistor with the carbon nanotube gate effectively controlled the flow of electrons.

"This work demonstrated the shortest transistor ever," said Javey, who is also a UC Berkeley professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences. "However, it's a proof of concept. We have not yet packed these transistors onto a chip, and we haven't done this billions of times over. We also have not developed self-aligned fabrication schemes for reducing parasitic resistances in the device. But this work is important to show that we are no longer limited to a 5-nanometer gate for our transistors. Moore's Law can continue a while longer by proper engineering of the semiconductor material and device architecture."

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The work at Berkeley Lab was primarily funded by the Department of Energy's Basic Energy Sciences program.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. For more, visit http://www.lbl.gov.

DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov.
New app shows intimate ties between volcanoes and earthquakes and gives open access to 50+ years of data on quakes, eruptions, and related emissions

Sniffing volcano breath may improve forecasts of eruptions

New tools measure volcanic carbon dioxide added to atmosphere

On average, 40 volcanoes on land erupt into the atmosphere each month, while scores of others on the seafloor erupt into the ocean. A new time-lapse animation uniting volcanoes, earthquakes, and gaseous emissions reveals unforgettably the large, rigid plates that make the outermost shell of Earth and suggests the immense heat and energy beneath them seeking to escape.

With one click, visitors can see the last 50 years of "Eruptions, Earthquakes, and Emissions." Called E3, the app allows the viewer to select and learn about individual eruptions, emissions, and earthquakes as well as their collective impact. Visualizing these huge global datasets together for the first time, users can speed or slow or stop the passage of time. They can observe flat maps or globes, and watch gas clouds circle the planet. Data from Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) feed into the app, and the datasets are available for free download. The app will update continuously, accumulating new events and additional historical information as it becomes available.

"Have you had a 'eureka!' moment where you suddenly see order in what appeared chaotic? This app abounds in such moments," said Elizabeth Cottrell, head of the Global Volcanism Program of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. "As geologic events accumulate over time, Earth's tectonic plates appear before your eyes. What took geologists more than 200 years to learn, a viewer learns in seconds. We wanted to share the excitement with as big an audience as possible. This is the first time we're able to present these datasets together for the public."

She added, "This app is interesting not only for educators and the public, but also will help scientists understand global eruption patterns and linkages between Earth's inner workings and the air we breathe."

A team of experts developed the app with support from the Smithsonian Institution and the Deep Carbon Observatory, an international multidisciplinary research program exploring the quantities, movements, forms, and origins of carbon deep inside Earth. Deep Carbon Observatory scientists are studying volcanic emissions as part of this mission, and will more than triple the number of permanent volcano gas monitoring stations from 2012-2019.

Tracking volcanic emissions to avoid disaster

Hundreds of millions of people around the world live on the flanks of active volcanoes, and eruptions can cause massive economic damage even when few people live nearby. In 2010, Eyafjallajokull erupted in Iceland, spewing massive ash clouds, disrupting air travel for millions of people and costing the airline industry nearly USD 2 billion. Better anticipation of eruptions could lower the human and economic toll of these natural phenomena.

Recent discoveries by Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) scientists in the Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative are laying the foundation for improved volcanic eruption forecasts. These hard-won advances required expensive, dangerous expeditions to sniff gas emissions for clues.

"We are deploying automated monitoring stations at volcanoes around the world to measure the gases they emit," said Tobias Fischer, a volcanologist at the University of New Mexico, USA, and leader of DECADE. "We measure carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and water vapor (steam), the major gases emitted by all volcanoes on the planet. In the hours before an eruption, we see consistent changes in the amount of carbon dioxide emitted relative to sulfur dioxide. Keeping an eye on the ratios globally via satellites and on-site monitoring helps us learn the precursors of volcanic eruptions. Monitoring these volcanic gas variations also helps us come up with a more accurate estimate of total volcanic carbon dioxide emissions on Earth - a major goal of DCO."

"Our goal of tripling the number of volcanoes monitored around the world by 2019 is no small task," added Fischer. "Installing instruments on top of volcanoes is dangerous work in extremely hard-to-reach places."

"Sometimes our monitoring stations become victims of eruptions they are trying to measure, as happened recently on Villarrica volcano in Chile. At least our instruments recorded gas composition changes right up until the eruption destroyed them," Fischer noted.

By 2019, DECADE scientists hope to have gas monitoring stations on 15 of the world's 150 most active volcanoes. This will add to the eight stations currently operated by other entities such as the USGS and the University of Palermo (Italy). Data collected at these monitoring stations are feeding a new database of volcanic carbon emissions, making potentially life-saving information available to many more scientists around the world.

Advancing knowledge and forecasting potential from land

DCO volcanologists are also advancing basic knowledge about how different volcanoes work, which is further advancing eruption forecasting.

Maarten de Moor and his team at the National University in Costa Rica, for example, using DECADE monitoring stations, have measured gas emissions at Poas and Turrialba volcanoes in Costa Rica over several years. De Moor and colleagues have observed remarkable changes in gas compositions before eruptions at these volcanoes, both of which have a huge impact on local society. Turrialba, for example, deposited ash on the capital city of San Jose over the last few weeks, affecting about 3 million people and closing the international airport.

"We're getting more and more confident that changes in the carbon to sulfur ratio precede eruptions," said de Moor. "Potentially, we can now see an eruption coming just by looking at gas emissions. What is truly fascinating is how dynamic these volcanoes are in their degassing and eruptive behavior. To understand the big picture of Earth degassing, we also need to understand the processes driving temporal variations in volcanic emissions."

Historically, volcanologists have measured emissions of smelly sulfur dioxide much more easily than colorless, odorless carbon dioxide emissions. But DCO scientists at Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Universite de Lorraine in France are designing new geochemical tools to detect and monitor large-scale emissions of volcanic carbon dioxide. Tools include a new high-precision method for measuring excess airborne amounts of a rare form of helium found in magma, high-temperature fluids from below Earth's crust that come out of volcanoes in the form of lava and gases.

"Our helium data suggest that even when they are not erupting, volcanoes constantly release carbon dioxide and other gases through the crust, from magma chambers deep underground," said Bernard Marty, leader of the CNRS group. "We see low level release of carbon dioxide over large areas surrounding Mt. Etna volcano in Sicily and Erta Ale volcano in Afar, Ethiopia, which tells us this might be happening at sites around the world."

Eyes in space add to the toolkit

To assess volcanic activity and gas release on a global scale, DCO researchers at the University of Cambridge, UK, are taking yet another approach; measuring volcanic gases from space using satellites.

"While water vapor and carbon dioxide are much more abundant volcanic gases, sulfur dioxide is easier to measure because Earth's atmosphere contains very little sulfur dioxide," said Marie Edmonds, co-Chair of DCO's Reservoirs and Fluxes Science Community. "With satellites, we have been able to measure sulfur dioxide emissions for years and the technology keeps getting better. An exciting new aspect of DCO's research combines the satellite data with ground-based measurements of carbon to sulfur ratios provided by DECADE. This powerful combination allows us to better define global volcanic emissions, or degassing, of carbon dioxide."

"DECADE's volcano-based instruments make it possible for us to ground-truth our satellite observations and obtain much more frequent measurements" added Edmonds. "Eventually we hope we'll get as accurate measurements from space as we do from the ground. When this happens, we can monitor volcanoes in remote parts of the world for a fraction of the cost and without risking scientists' lives." As the data accumulate, they too will stream into and through the E3 app.

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The Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) is an international network of nearly 900 multi-disciplinary scientists committed to investigating the quantities, movements, forms, and origins of carbon in deep Earth. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation (New York) provides core support for the DCO.

DCO launched the Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative in 2012 to refine global estimates of carbon fluxes out of volcanoes. Involving more than two dozen researchers from 11 nations, DECADE aims to install carbon dioxide monitoring networks on 15 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes and undertake related studies to investigate direct degassing of deep carbon to Earth's surface.

The National Museum of Natural History is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's preeminent museum and research complex. The Museum is dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through its unparalleled research, collections, exhibitions, and education outreach programs.

The mission of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program (GVP) is to document, understand, and disseminate information about global volcanic activity through four core functions: reporting, archiving, research, and outreach. The data systems that lie at the program's core have been in development since 1968 when GVP began documenting the eruptive histories of volcanoes. More information:

E3 web app

Deep Carbon Observatory

National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program

DECADE
A new study from Drexel University College of Medicine suggests all organ transplant recipients, regardless of race, should receive routine, total-body screenings for skin cancer.

Out of 259 nonwhite transplant recipients who were evaluated in the study, 19 skin cancer lesions were identified in 6 percent of the patients. The research was published recently in JAMA Dermatology.

Further, the study shows risk factors for nonwhite transplant recipients likely differ between races/ethnicities -- which represents an important shift in how dermatologists approach minority patients. Doctors should keep these unique characteristics in mind when examining and counseling nonwhite patients about prevention strategies, said Christina Lee Chung, MD, associate professor of dermatology in the College of Medicine and director of the Drexel Dermatology Center for Transplant Patients.

"Once physicians began to realize there was a significant number of transplant patients dying from skin cancer, there was a push to prevent it. But much of the field has focused on trying to decrease the morbidity of the Caucasian transplant population, which is more susceptible to skin cancer overall," said Chung, the study's principal investigator. "This is the first research of its kind to look at a diverse population of nonwhite transplant recipients and how skin cancer affects them."

Squamous-cell carcinoma of the skin is 65- to 250-times more frequent in patients who have received an organ transplant, due to the side effects of the anti-rejection medications they are prescribed. Skin cancers in transplant patients also tend to be more aggressive and more deadly.

There are currently no guidelines that require transplant patients to be screened for skin cancer pre- and post-operation. At some centers, Chung said, fair-skinned patients are encouraged to receive a full-body evaluation from a dermatologist. While black transplant patients, on the other hand, may only be sent to a specialist if a suspicious lesion is identified. And while a white patient may be screened yearly, a black patient is likelier to either never or only be evaluated one time post-transplant.

"Overall, people tend to believe that dark-skinned patients can't get skin cancer," Chung said. "But they are taking the same immunosuppressant drugs as their white counterparts."

The Drexel Dermatology Center for Transplant Patients -- which opened in 2011 -- is uniquely positioned to track the rates of skin cancer in nonwhite patients. As one of the only models of its kind, the center provides coordinated, post-transplant dermatological care to every single patient who receives a transplant at Hahnemann University Hospital or who is managed by the Drexel transplant program. That means each patient, regardless of race, is screened annually for skin cancer.

With a large African-American, Asian and Hispanic patient population, Drexel researchers were able to perform a retrospective medical record review of 259 nonwhite transplant recipients who had visited the center between 2011 and 2016.

They found six black patients, five Asian patients and four Hispanic patients presented with 19 different cancerous lesions. Interestingly, the predominant type of skin cancer diagnosed within the group was in the "in situ" stage, which means it was caught in its earliest form. No black patients were diagnosed with a late-stage skin cancer.

This suggests that screening for skin cancer early and often can prevent it from becoming more aggressive, which touts the Drexel Dermatology Center for Transplant Patients as a successful model that Chung hopes can be replicated throughout the country.

Finally, the researchers found that the majority of skin cancers in black transplant patients were found in the groin-genital area, and most of those lesions tested positive for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). For the Asian population, sun exposure appeared to be the most significant risk factor for skin cancer.

The potential association between HPV and squamous-cell carcinoma warrants careful examination of the groin, genitalia and perianal area in search of early lesions, the study authors write. The finding also suggests there may be significant differences in risk factors pertaining to the development of skin cancer between white and black organ transplant recipients.

"If you're spending all of your time counseling your black patients about sunscreen, you're probably missing more important aspects of skin cancer prevention," Chung said.

Instead, she added, consideration should be given to administering the HPV vaccine to all patients prior to transplantation. In addition, black patients, and especially those with a history of HPV, should be taught how to identify potential cancerous lesions in their groin areas.

"The ultimate takeaway is that though people of color are at decreased risk for skin cancer, but they're not not at risk. And those people have different risk factors," Chung said. "So when you see a person of color who is a transplant patient, you need to approach them differently, depending on their skin type and tone, where they are from and their medical history."

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AMES, Iowa -Iowa State University researchers have created a new way to design and fabricate microfibers that support cell growth and could be useful tools for reconnecting nerves and regenerating other damaged tissues.

"Neural stem cells on our polymer fibers could survive, differentiate and grow," said Nastaran Hashemi, an Iowa State assistant professor of mechanical engineering and leader of an Iowa State team producing microfibers with the help of microfluidics, the study of fluids moving through channels just a millionth of a meter wide.

"These new fibrous platforms could also be used for cell alignment which is important in applications such as guiding nerve cell growth, engineered neurobiological systems and regenerating blood vessels, tendons and muscle tissue," Hashemi said.

The research team's findings were recently published in Biomacromolecules, a journal of the American Chemical Society. In addition to Hashemi, co-authors are Donald Sakaguchi, a professor of genetics, development and cell biology; Reza Montazami, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering; first author Farrokh Sharifi, a doctoral student in mechanical engineering; Bhavika Patel, a doctoral student in genetics, development and cell biology; and Adam Dziulko, a graduate who earned a 2015 bachelor's degree in genetics.

The project has been supported by a two-year, $202,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research. The early stage of the project was supported by the Iowa State Presidential Initiative for Interdisciplinary Research and the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.

Hashemi said the Office of Naval Research is supporting the project because it wants to learn more about traumatic brain injury.

"We are interested in understanding how shock waves created by blows to the head can create microbubbles that collapse near the nerve cells, or neurons in the brain, and damage them," Hashemi said.

The Iowa State researchers are working to build a microfiber scaffold to support the cells and allow them to survive for the Navy's studies of brain injuries. One day, the scaffold technology could help repair nerves or tissues damaged by injuries or disease.

"Our approach to fiber fabrication is unique," Hashemi said. "There is no high voltage, high pressure or high temperatures. And so one day I think we can encapsulate cells within our fibers without damaging them."

The Iowa State researchers have developed an approach that uses microfluidic fabrication methods to pump polycaprolactone (PCL) through tiny channels to produce microfibers. The fibers are 2.6 to 36.5 millionths of a meter in diameter. Their shapes can be controlled. So can their surface patterns. They're also flexible, biocompatible and biodegradable.

"The novelty here is the fabrication method," Hashemi said. "We employ hydrodynamic forces to influence the orientation of molecules for the fabrication of these fiber structures that have different properties along different directions."

The Iowa State researchers demonstrated that neural stem cells were able to attach and align on the microfiber scaffold.

"In this study, cell death was minimal, and cell proliferation was affected by changing the features of the fibrous scaffold," the researchers reported in their paper.

That finding has the researchers thinking their technology could be a tool that helps tissue engineers find ways to regenerate nerve cells and other tissues:

"By mimicking the microenvironment of the nervous system, regeneration can be enhanced due to biological and chemical cues in the environment," the researchers wrote in their paper. "In addition, the PCL fibers can be applied in regeneration of other tissues such as muscle, tendons and blood vessels."

###
Whether for use in safe data encryption, ultrafast calculation of huge data volumes or so-called quantum simulation of highly complex systems: Optical quantum computers are a source of hope for tomorrow's computer technology. For the first time, scientists now have succeeded in placing a complete quantum optical structure on a chip, as outlined in the "Nature Photonics" journal. This fulfills one condition for the use of photonic circuits in optical quantum computers. (DOI: 10.1038/nphoton.2016.178)

"Experiments investigating the applicability of optical quantum technology so far have often claimed whole laboratory spaces," explains Professor Ralph Krupke of the KIT. "However, if this technology is to be employed meaningfully, it must be accommodated on a minimum of space." Participants in the study were scientists from Germany, Poland, and Russia under the leadership of Professors Wolfram Pernice of the Westphalian Wilhelm University of Munster (WWU) and Ralph Krupke, Manfred Kappes, and Carsten Rockstuhl of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

The light source for the quantum photonic circuit used by the scientists for the first time were special nanotubes made of carbon. They have a diameter 100,000 times smaller than a human hair, and they emit single light particles when excited by laser light. Light particles (photons) are also referred to as light quanta. Hence the term "quantum photonics."

That carbon tubes emit single photons makes them attractive as ultracompact light sources for optical quantum computers. "However, it is not easily possible to accommodate the laser technology on a scalable chip," admits physicist Wolfram Pernice. The scalability of a system, i.e. the possibility to miniaturize components so as to be able to increase their number, is a precondition for this technology to be used in powerful computers up to an optical quantum computer.

As all elements on the chip now developed are triggered electrically, no additional laser systems are required any more, which is a marked simplification over the optical excitation normally used. "The development of a scalable chip on which a single-photon source, detector, and waveguide are combined, is an important step for research," emphasizes Ralph Krupke, who conducts research at the KIT Institute for Nanotechnology and the Institute of Materials Science of the Darmstadt Technical University. "As we were able to show that single photons can be emitted also by electric excitation of the carbon nanotubes, we have overcome a limiting factor so far preventing potential applicability."

About the methodology: The scientists studied whether the flow of electricity through carbon nanotubes caused single light quanta to be emitted. For this purpose, they used carbon nanotubes as single-photon sources, superconducting nanowires as detectors, and nanophotonic waveguides. One single-photon source and two detectors each were connected with one waveguide. The structure was cooled with liquid helium to allow single light quanta to be counted. The chips were produced in an electron beam scribing device.

The scientists' work is fundamental research. It is not yet clear whether and when it will lead to practical applications. Wolfram Pernice and the first author, Svetlana Khasminskaya, were supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft, Ralph Krupke was funded by the Volkswagen Foundation.

###

Original publication:

Khasminskaya S. et al. (2016): Fully integrated quantum photonic circuit with an electrically driven light source. Nature Photonics; DOI10.1038/nphoton.2016.178

For further information, please contact: Dr. Christina Heimken, Pressestelle Westfalische Wilhelms-Universitat, Phone: +49 (0)251 / 83 22115, E-mail: christina.heimken @uni-muenster.de

Kosta Schinarakis, PKM - Science Scout, Phone: +49 721 608 41956, Fax: +49 721 608 43658, E-mail: schinarakis@kit.edu

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) pools its three core tasks of research, higher education, and innovation in a mission. With about 9,300 employees and 25,000 students, KIT is one of the big institutions of research and higher education in natural sciences and engineering in Europe.

KIT - The Research University in the Helmholtz Association

Since 2010, the KIT has been certified as a family-friendly university.

This press release is available on the internet at http://www.kit.edu.
Lake Victoria in East Africa will become a hotspot for hazardous thunderstorms due to climate change. This is shown by an international study led by KU Leuven (University of Leuven, Belgium). The findings were published in Nature Communications.

Lake Victoria is divided among Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. With a surface close to 70,000 km2, it is the biggest lake in Africa. The lake is also a notoriously dangerous place for the 200,000 people who go fishing there at night. The International Red Cross estimates that between 3,000 and 5,000 fishermen per year lose their lives in violent storms on the lake.

That Lake Victoria can be so stormy at night is related to the circulation in the atmosphere above the enormous water surface, explains climate scientist Wim Thiery, who is affiliated with both KU Leuven and ETH Zurich.

"During the day, a breeze develops that flows from the cool water towards the warm land. At night, we see the opposite: the land breeze flows away from the cooling land towards the warmer lake. As the lake is shaped like a circle, these land breezes from all directions converge above the lake. Add evaporation to this cocktail and you get a lot of storms, rain, wind, and waves."

Thiery was able to provide scientific evidence for this pattern in collaboration with American space agency NASA: "Thanks to new NASA satellite products we were able to map the number of hazardous thunderstorms and their locations in East Africa - every 15 minutes for a period ranging from 2005 to 2013. During the day, most storms rage over the surrounding land, especially the typical afternoon thunderstorms that are caused by local upsurges of warm air. At night, these storms concentrate above Lake Victoria."

To predict the impact of climate change on this process, Thiery also ran climate simulations using an advanced computer model: "If we start from a business-as-usual scenario, whereby the emission of greenhouse gases continues to increase, the extreme amounts of rainfall over Lake Victoria will increase by twice as much as the rainfall over the surrounding land. As a result, the lake will become a hotspot for night-time storms. Superstorms that occur only once every 15 years today will occur almost every year by the end of the century."

The scientists plan to do further research to optimize existing warning systems for local fishermen: "Our results make it possible to better predict extreme storms over the lake and to reduce the vulnerability of the local fishermen. In the meantime, we have already developed a prototype of a new warning system."

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It was believed that efficient operation of organic solar cells requires a large driving force, which limits the efficiency of organic solar cells. Now, a large group of researchers led by Feng Gao, lecturer at IFM at LiU, He Yan at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Kenan Gundogdu at the North Carolina State University have developed efficient organic solar cells with very low driving force.

This implies that the intrinsic limitations of organic solar cells are no greater than those of other photovoltaic technologies, bringing them a step closer to commercialisation.

When photons emitted by the sun are absorbed by organic semiconductors, strongly bound excitons (rather than free carriers) are generated. The driving force is, to put it simply, a measure of the energy that is used to split the excitons into free carriers. The driving force results in the loss of the photovoltage, a key parameter for the solar cell. The lower the driving force, the higher the photovoltage.

Traditionally, efficient organic solar cells are usually composed of semiconducting polymers and carbon balls known as 'fullerene'. In that case, a large driving force over 0.3 eV is usually needed for efficient charge generation. In the present work, the researchers have replaced fullerene with a semiconducting small molecule, and found that that a low driving force is needed for efficient operation of the devices. In addition, organic solar cells based on polymer: small molecule combinations are more stable, as shown in another work also led by Feng Gao and his collaborators in Beijing, published in Advanced Materials.

"We have developed a system with a huge potential to increase the power conversion efficiency in organic solar cells," says Feng Gao.

Feng Gao, together with his LiU colleagues, including Professor Olle Inganas, Professor Fengling Zhang, postdoc Jonas Bergqvist and PhD student Deping Qian, describes in the article solar cells with an energy efficiency of 9.5%, which means that 9.5% of the energy in the sunlight is converted to electricity.

The results have been published in Nature Energy.

###

Fast charge separation in a non-fullerene organic solar cell with a small driving force. Jing Liu, Shangshang Chen, Deping Qian, Bhoj Gautam, Guofang Yang, Jingbo Zhao, Jonas Bergqvist, Fengling Zhang, Wei Ma, Harald Ade, Olle Inganas, Kenan Gundogdu, Feng Gao & He Yan. Nature Energy 1, Article number: 16089 (2016)

DOI: 10.1038/nenergy.2016.89

Advancad Materials, DOI: 10.1002/adma.201600281

Contact: Feng Gao, feng.gao@liu.se, +46 13 28 68 82
A new GenForward survey released today reveals how young people feel about a wide range of key economic issues and provides comprehensive data on young people's perceptions of their economic future. The GenForward September 2016 survey is from the Black Youth Project at the University of Chicago with The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

The survey finds young African Americans and Latino/as are the most economically vulnerable and that young people have differing experiences with racial discrimination in the workplace.

"These data indicate that young adults face a number of unique economic challenges and that young adults of color often face what we call an economic opportunity gap," said Cathy Cohen, a professor of political science and founder of the Black Youth Project and GenForward survey at the University of Chicago. "However, young people--particularly young adults of color--also exhibit a surprising amount of optimism about their economic future."

Three issues are generally at the top of young adults' list of economic concerns across all racial and ethnic groups: reducing student debt, increasing wages, and reducing income inequality. Forty-one percent of African Americans, 35 percent of Asian Americans, 32 percent of Latino/as, and 30 percent of whites identify reducing student debt as one of the most important economic issues for the next president.

The latest GenForward survey also found that Hillary Clinton continues to receive more support from young people of color than Donald Trump, while whites are split between the candidates. Few young people plan to vote for third-party candidates, with Gary Johnson receiving support from 15 percent of whites, 8 percent of Latino/as, 6 percent of Asian Americans, and 4 percent of African Americans, while Jill Stein received less than 5 percent support from all racial and ethnic groups.

Some of the key findings from the nationally representative survey of young people age 18-30:

Young people of all races and ethnicities say reducing student debt, increasing wages, and reducing income inequality are the key economic issues for the next president to address.

Young people of color, especially African Americans, report experiencing more work-related discrimination than whites and believe their race makes it more difficult for them to succeed economically.

Young women across racial and ethnic groups are more likely than men to have experienced economic discrimination. African American men also report high rates of gender discrimination.

Few young people have a positive view of their household's financial situation, and young African Americans and Latino/as are the most economically vulnerable.

Although most young people have negative perceptions of the economy, many are very optimistic about their economic futures. Among young people, whites tend to be less positive about their future than people of color.

Young people of color continue to favor Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump for president, while whites remain split between the candidates. Third-party candidates have limited appeal to young people, especially young adults of color.

"While we continue to see splits in how young whites, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latino/as view critical issues, there are significant exceptions," said Trevor Tompson, director of The AP-NORC Center. "Although many young people of all races and ethnicities do not have a very positive view of the current economy, most are optimistic about their personal future and believe they will do better than their parents."

###

About the Survey

Data come from GenForward, a survey of the Black Youth Project at the University of Chicago with The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, with a nationally representative sample of 1,851 adults age 18-30 years old. Interviews were completed online and using landlines and cell phones from September 1-14, 2016. Results have a margin of sampling error of +/- 3.8 percentage points. More information about the survey and reports can be found at http://www.GenForwardSurvey.com.

The proper description of the survey's authorship is as follows: GenForward is a survey of the Black Youth Project at the University of Chicago with The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

About the Black Youth Project

The Black Youth Project (BYP) began as a national survey research project led by Dr. Cathy Cohen in 2005, and has since grown into an organization committed to: 1) producing research about the ideas, attitudes, decision-making, and lived experiences of youth and young adults, especially from communities of color, 2) amplifying the perspectives of young people daily without censorship or control via the BYP website, and 3) providing resources to encourage civic engagement and media literacy among youth and young adults.

BYP has both developed and fielded new national surveys that provide insight into the concerns of young Americans, detailing their policy preferences, participatory practices, and views about their communities and the country. Recent media citations include MSNBC, Politico, CNN, National Public Radio, The New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, The Associated Press, and Reuters. http://blackyouthproject.com

About The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research

The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research taps into the power of social science research and the highest-quality journalism to bring key information to people across the nation and throughout the world.

http://www.apnorc.org

The Associated Press (AP) is the essential global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. Founded in 1846, AP today is the most trusted source of independent news and information. On any given day, more than half the world's population sees news from AP.

http://www.ap.org

NORC at the University of Chicago is an independent research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, NORC has conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with NORC to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge.

http://www.norc.org

The two organizations have established The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research to conduct, analyze, and distribute social science research in the public interest on newsworthy topics, and to use the power of journalism to tell the stories that research reveals.
Mayor Chris Beutler has scheduled a special City Council meeting for 1 p.m. Friday to vote on the citys property tax rate.

Lancaster County District Court Judge Robert Otte has ordered the council to approve the property tax rate that would fund Beutlers budget -- 33.366 cents per $100 in valuation.

But the Friday meeting may not be the end of the budget battle between the Democratic mayor and the Republican majority on the council.

Councilman Roy Christensen said the Republican members of the council have received advice from their attorney, do not have a consensus and have set a 10 a.m. Friday deadline to make a decision on what route to take.

The three options are to vote for the levy as instructed by the judge, to not vote for the levy and face contempt charges, or to appeal the decision, which would put a stay or hold on the judges writ of mandamus, said Christensen, who had been coordinating the work on the lawsuit with Dave Bargen, the attorney appointed to represent the council.

Three council members will not be in Lincoln for the Friday meeting. Democrat Carl Eskridge is attending the funeral of his mother in North Carolina, Democrat Leirion Gaylor Baird is at a niece's wedding out of state, and Republican Jon Camp is on a previously planned vacation trip.

Because of the absences, all three of the remaining three Republicans would have to vote for the higher tax rate that corresponds to the Beutler budget at the Friday meeting in order to get the four votes needed for approval.

The council members expected to attend that meeting are Jane Raybould, Democrat; and Christensen, Cyndi Lamm and Trent Fellers, Republicans.

Time is a critical factor in this ongoing dispute, with deadlines looming next week.

The city has until Oct. 13 to submit a new property tax rate to the county clerk. The county has until Oct. 15 to submit tax rates for governmental units to the state, said Kerry Eagan, chief administrative officer for the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners.

The Lancaster County Board of Equalization has set a meeting Tuesday to act on the property tax rates for county subdivisions and hopes to have the citys new tax rate by then.

The Republican council members and Beutler disagreed over which budget was the legal city budget and whether the council had discretion in setting the city property tax rate in a lawsuit filed in Lancaster County District Court.

Judge Otte ruled on Thursday that Beutlers budget plan is the legal city budget and the council must set a tax rate that supports that budget.

Based on that decision, Beutler vetoed the lower tax rate resolution, approved on a 4-3 partisan vote of the council at a Tuesday special meeting.

This is the second veto of that tax rate, the one which would fund the budget favored by the Republican majority on the council.

In his veto message, Beutler said the proposed tax levy "is lower than needed to fund the city's legally adopted budget. It is therefore not a legal action in the eyes of the court. I cannot sign into law a resolution in direct conflict with the decision of the Lancaster County District Court."
The survey also highlights significant racial and ethnic differences in young people's experiences with the police and their attitudes toward Black Lives Matter

A new survey released today highlights how race and ethnicity shape the opinions of America's young people by exploring critical issues such as the 2016 presidential race, experiences with police, and immigration. The GenForward survey is from the Black Youth Project at the University of Chicago with The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Data from the most recent GenForward survey shows that young whites tend to believe Trump would better deal with undocumented immigrants while African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latino/as are more likely to say Clinton would better handle such immigrants.

In contrast to this race/ethnicity split, majorities of all racial and ethnic groups support policies that provide opportunities for immigrants to become citizens and oppose deporting all illegal immigrants and building a wall along the Mexican border.

There is mixed support for temporarily banning immigrants from areas of the world with a history of terrorism from the entering the U.S.

"Young people are supportive of a number of pro-immigration policies," said Cathy Cohen, a professor of political science and founder of the Black Youth Project and GenForward survey at the University of Chicago. "At least 7 in 10 young people of all races and ethnicities support a range of policies to help immigrants stay in the country legally. But there are real differences by race and ethnicity when it comes to other policies like employer verification of citizenship status or increasing spending on border patrol."

The new GenForward survey also explores attitudes toward policing and finds significant racial and ethnic differences in young people's experiences with the police. While being stopped by police at similar rates to young whites, African Americans, and Latino/as are more likely to report being arrested or harassed.

The survey finds that African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latino/as are all more likely to believe Clinton would better handle both police violence against African Americans and attacks against police. Whites are split, and are more likely to believe Hillary Clinton will better handle police violence against African Americans but Trump will better handle attacks against police.

Some of the key findings from the nationally representative survey of young people age 18-30 taken August 1-14, include:

Most young people of all races and ethnicities favor policies that provide opportunities for immigrants to become citizens. At the same time, about half of young whites and African Americans support a plan to temporarily ban immigrants from areas of the world with a history of terrorism from entering the United States.

Although young whites and African Americans report being stopped by the police at similar rates, African Americans are more likely to report having been arrested or harassed by the police. Whites are less likely than other young adults to think the killing of black Americans by the police is part of a larger pattern or a very serious problem for the country.

African Americans are less likely than other young people to trust the police to do what is right or believe the police in their neighborhood are there to protect them. Many young people of all races and ethnicities believe policy changes such as requiring on-duty police officers to wear video cameras would be very effective in preventing police violence against civilians.

Young African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latino/as continue to favor Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump while young whites are divided between the candidates. However, many young people, especially Latino/as, are uncertain if they will vote in November.

"In our third survey, while we continue to see splits in how young Whites, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latino/as view critical issues, there are exceptions," said Trevor Tompson, director of The AP-NORC Center. "Many young people of all races and ethnicities support options for illegal immigrants to become citizens and believe policy changes such as requiring on-duty police officers to wear video cameras would be effective in preventing police violence against civilians."

###

About the Survey

Data come from GenForward, a survey of the Black Youth Project at the University of Chicago with The AP-NORC Center, with a nationally representative sample of 1,958 adults age 18-30 years old. Interviews were completed online and using landlines and cell phones from August 1-14, 2016. Results have a margin of sampling error of +/- 3.9 percentage points. More information about the survey and reports can be found at http://www.GenForwardSurvey.com.

The proper description of the survey's authorship is as follows: GenForward is a survey of the Black Youth Project at the University of Chicago with The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

About the Black Youth Project

The Black Youth Project (BYP) began as a national survey research project led by Dr. Cathy Cohen in 2005, and has since grown into an organization committed to: 1) producing research about the ideas, attitudes, decision-making, and lived experiences of youth and young adults, especially from communities of color, 2) amplifying the perspectives of young people daily without censorship or control via the BYP website, and 3) providing resources to encourage civic engagement and media literacy among youth and young adults.

BYP has both developed and fielded new national surveys that provide insight into the concerns of young Americans, detailing their policy preferences, participatory practices, and views about their communities and the country. Recent media citations include MSNBC, Politico, CNN, National Public Radio, The New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, The Associated Press, and Reuters. http://blackyouthproject.com

About The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research

The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research taps into the power of social science research and the highest-quality journalism to bring key information to people across the nation and throughout the world.

http://www.apnorc.org

The Associated Press (AP) is the essential global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. Founded in 1846, AP today is the most trusted source of independent news and information. On any given day, more than half the world's population sees news from AP.

http://www.ap.org

NORC at the University of Chicago is an independent research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, NORC has conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with NORC to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge.

http://www.norc.org

The two organizations have established The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research to conduct, analyze, and distribute social science research in the public interest on newsworthy topics, and to use the power of journalism to tell the stories that research reveals.

Contact: For more information, contact Mark Peters at petersm@uchicago.edu or (773) 702-8356; Eric Young for NORC at young-eric@norc.org or (703) 217-6814 (cell); or Paul Colford for AP at pcolford@ap.org.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a high voltage and high frequency silicon carbide (SiC) power switch that could cost much less than similarly rated SiC power switches. The findings could lead to early applications in the power industry, especially in power converters like medium voltage drives, solid state transformers and high voltage transmissions and circuit breakers.

Wide bandgap semiconductors, such as SiC, show tremendous potential for use in medium- and high-voltage power devices because of their capability to work more efficiently at higher voltages. Currently though, their high cost impedes their widespread adoption over the prevailing workhorse and industry standard - insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) made from silicon - which generally work well but incur large energy losses when they are turned on and off.

The new SiC power switch, however, could cost approximately one-half the estimated cost of conventional high voltage SiC solutions, say Alex Huang and Xiaoqing Song, researchers at NC State's FREEDM Systems Center, a National Science Foundation-funded engineering research center. Besides the lower cost, the high-power switch maintains the SiC device's high efficiency and high switching speed characteristics. In other words, it doesn't lose as much energy when it is turned on or off.

The power switch, called the FREEDM Super-Cascode, combines 12 smaller SiC power devices in series to reach a power rating of 15 kilovolts (kV) and 40 amps (A). It requires only one gate signal to turn it on and off, making it simple to implement and less complicated than IGBT series connection-based solutions. The power switch is also able to operate over a wide range of temperatures and frequencies due to its proficiency in heat dissipation, a critical factor in power devices.

"Today, there is no high voltage SiC device commercially available at voltage higher than 1.7 kV," said Huang, Progress Energy Distinguished Professor and the founding director of the FREEDM Systems Center. "The FREEDM Super-Cascode solution paves the way for power switches to be developed in large quantities with breakdown voltages from 2.4 kV to 15 kV."

The FREEDM Super-Cascode switch was presented by Xiaoqing Song, a Ph.D. candidate at the FREEDM Systems Center under Huang's supervision, at the IEEE Energy Conversion Congress & Exposition (ECCE 2016) held in Milwaukee from Sept. 18-22, 2016.

###

Note to editors: An abstract of the presentation follows.

"15kV/40A FREEDM Super-Cascode: A Cost Effective SiC High Voltage and High Frequency Power Switch"

Authors: Xiaoqing Song, Alex Huang, Liqi Zhang, Pengkun Liu, North Carolina State University; Xijun Ni, Nanjing Institute of Technology

Presented: Sept. 18-22, 2016, at the IEEE Energy Conversion Congress & Exposition in Milwaukee

Abstract: High voltage wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices like the 15kV SiC MOSFET have attracted great attentions because of its potential applications in high voltage and high frequency power converters. However, these devices are not commercially available at the moment and their high cost due to expensive material growth and fabrication may limit their widespread adoption in the future. In this paper, a 15kV/40A three terminal power switch, the FREEDM Super-Cascode, is reported for the first time which is based on series connection of 1.2kV SiC power devices. The design and operation principle of the FREEDM Super-Cascode are introduced and the performance including the static blocking capability, conduction characteristics over a wide range of temperatures, and dynamic switching performances are analyzed. In addition, the thermal resistance of the FREEDM Super-Cascode is measured and the power dissipation capability is projected. The FREEDM Super-Cascode costs only one third of the estimated high voltage SiC MOSFETs, and will facilitate early applications of SiC in very high voltage and high frequency power converters.
Great balls of fire! NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has detected superhot blobs of gas, each twice as massive as the planet Mars, being ejected near a dying star. The plasma balls are zooming so fast through space it would take only 30 minutes for them to travel from Earth to the moon. This stellar "cannon fire" has continued once every 8.5 years for at least the past 400 years, astronomers estimate.

The fireballs present a puzzle to astronomers, because the ejected material could not have been shot out by the host star, called V Hydrae. The star is a bloated red giant, residing 1,200 light-years away, which has probably shed at least half of its mass into space during its death throes. Red giants are dying stars in the late stages of life that are exhausting their nuclear fuel that makes them shine. They have expanded in size and are shedding their outer layers into space.

The current best explanation suggests the plasma balls were launched by an unseen companion star. According to this theory, the companion would have to be in an elliptical orbit that carries it close to the red giant's puffed-up atmosphere every 8.5 years. As the companion enters the bloated star's outer atmosphere, it gobbles up material. This material then settles into a disk around the companion, and serves as the launching pad for blobs of plasma, which travel at roughly a half-million miles per hour.

This star system could be the archetype to explain a dazzling variety of glowing shapes uncovered by Hubble that are seen around dying stars, called planetary nebulae, researchers say. A planetary nebula is an expanding shell of glowing gas expelled by a star late in its life.

"We knew this object had a high-speed outflow from previous data, but this is the first time we are seeing this process in action," said Raghvendra Sahai of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, lead author of the study. "We suggest that these gaseous blobs produced during this late phase of a star's life help make the structures seen in planetary nebulae."

Hubble observations over the past two decades have revealed an enormous complexity and diversity of structure in planetary nebulae. The telescope's high resolution captured knots of material in the glowing gas clouds surrounding the dying stars. Astronomers speculated that these knots were actually jets ejected by disks of material around companion stars that were not visible in the Hubble images. Most stars in our Milky Way galaxy are members of binary systems. But the details of how these jets were produced remained a mystery.

"We want to identify the process that causes these amazing transformations from a puffed-up red giant to a beautiful, glowing planetary nebula," Sahai said. "These dramatic changes occur over roughly 200 to 1,000 years, which is the blink of an eye in cosmic time."

Sahai's team used Hubble's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) to conduct observations of V Hydrae and its surrounding region over an 11-year period, first from 2002 to 2004, and then from 2011 to 2013. Spectroscopy decodes light from an object, revealing information on its velocity, temperature, location, and motion.

The data showed a string of monstrous, super-hot blobs, each with a temperature of more than 17,000 degrees Fahrenheit - almost twice as hot as the surface of the sun.

The researchers compiled a detailed map of the blobs' location, allowing them to trace the first behemoth clumps back to 1986. "The observations show the blobs moving over time," Sahai said. "The STIS data show blobs that have just been ejected, blobs that have moved a little farther away, and blobs that are even farther away." STIS detected the giant structures as far away as 37 billion miles away from V Hydrae, more than eight times farther away than the Kuiper Belt of icy debris at the edge of our solar system is from the sun.

The blobs expand and cool as they move farther away, and are then not detectable in visible light. But observations taken at longer sub-millimeter wavelengths in 2004, by the Submillimeter Array in Hawaii, revealed fuzzy, knotty structures that may be blobs launched 400 years ago, the researchers said.

Based on the observations, Sahai and his colleagues Mark Morris of the University of California, Los Angeles, and Samantha Scibelli of the State University of New York at Stony Brook developed a model of a companion star with an accretion disk to explain the ejection process.

"This model provides the most plausible explanation because we know that the engines that produce jets are accretion disks," Sahai explained. "Red giants don't have accretion disks, but many most likely have companion stars, which presumably have lower masses because they are evolving more slowly. The model we propose can help explain the presence of bipolar planetary nebulae, the presence of knotty jet-like structures in many of these objects, and even multipolar planetary nebulae. We think this model has very wide applicability."

A surprise from the STIS observation was that the disk does not fire the monster clumps in exactly the same direction every 8.5 years. The direction flip-flops slightly from side-to-side to back-and-forth due to a possible wobble in the accretion disk. "This discovery was quite surprising, but it is very pleasing as well because it helped explain some other mysterious things that had been observed about this star by others," Sahai said.

Astronomers have noted that V Hydrae is obscured every 17 years, as if something is blocking its light. Sahai and his colleagues suggest that due to the back-and-forth wobble of the jet direction, the blobs alternate between passing behind and in front of V Hydrae. When a blob passes in front of V Hydrae, it shields the red giant from view.

"This accretion disk engine is very stable because it has been able to launch these structures for hundreds of years without falling apart," Sahai said. "In many of these systems, the gravitational attraction can cause the companion to actually spiral into the core of the red giant star. Eventually, though, the orbit of V Hydrae's companion will continue to decay because it is losing energy in this frictional interaction. However, we do not know the ultimate fate of this companion."

The team hopes to use Hubble to conduct further observations of the V Hydrae system, including the most recent blob ejected in 2011. The astronomers also plan to use the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile to study blobs launched over the past few hundred years that are now too cool to be detected with Hubble.

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The team's results appeared in the August 20, 2016, issue of The Astrophysical Journal.

The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between NASA and the European Space Agency. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt,

Maryland, manages the telescope. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, conducts Hubble science operations. STScI is operated for NASA by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy in Washington, D.C.

For images and more information about V Hydrae and Hubble, visit:

http://hubblesite.org/news/2016/34

http://www.nasa.gov/hubble

For additional information, contact:

Felicia Chou

NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

felicia.chou@nasa.gov

202-358-0257

Donna Weaver / Ray Villard

Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Maryland

410-338-4493 / 410-338-4514

dweaver@stsci.edu / villard@stsci.edu

Elizabeth Landau

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

elizabeth.r.landau@jpl.nasa.gov

818-354-6425
The data are being shared with the wider biological research community to help in the development of new therapies for diseases like cancer

Toronto (October 6, 2016) - The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), the New York University School of Medicine and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) today announced a major milestone in the Reactome project: the annotation and release of its 10,000th human protein, making it the most comprehensive open access pathway knowledgebase available to the scientific community.

Reactome relates human genes, proteins and other biomolecules to the biological pathways and processes in which they participate. It is a key resource for the biomedical research community, and is widely used by scientists around the world to interpret high-throughput experiments in genetics, genomics and proteomics.

The human genome contains roughly 20,000 protein-coding genes in total, so the annotation of the 10,000th protein means that Reactome now covers half of the protein-coding portion of the genome.

"We are pleased to reach this milestone and to share the results with the research community," said Dr. Lincoln Stein, Interim Scientific Director of OICR, Director of OICR's Informatics and Bio-computing Program and a Principal Investigator on the Reactome project. "Today's release, which is the result of over a decade of hard work and collaboration, will help researchers in their effort to better understand how genomic variation leads to diseases like cancer, to develop methods to detect those diseases at an earlier stage and to treat patients more effectively."

Henning Hermjakob at EMBL-EBI and Peter D'Eustachio at the New York University School of Medicine are also Principal Investigators on the project.

By relating genes and proteins to normal and abnormal biological pathways, Reactome provides sophisticated tools for identifying patterns in large datasets. For example, researchers can explore an experiment in Reactome that identifies thousands of genes involved in a disease, and reduce the data to a more targeted set of pathways for further study. By combining the resulting dataset with other resources, they are well placed to identify drugs and protein targets that might reverse undesirable pathway alterations, or discover ways to diagnose the disease at an early stage.

Via its website, online tools, and specialized visualization and analysis applications, Reactome has been incorporated into more than 400 third-party genome analysis tools, and has been cited more than 4,000 times in the scientific literature.

"Congratulations to the Reactome team on this major milestone," said Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation and Science. "Through international collaborations such as this, Ontario researchers are making great strides in fighting disease on a global scale and I look forward to witnessing ongoing success with transformative discoveries that impact the lives of Ontarians every day."

Reactome has been in continuous operation since 2004, and is an international collaboration between the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research in Canada, New York University School of Medicine in the United States, and EMBL-EBI in the United Kingdom. It is staffed by expert biological curators, bioinformaticians and computer scientists. Much of the content in Reactome is provided by community authors and peer reviewers, who are assisted by curatorial staff. Reactome content, including pathway data and the software infrastructure, is available to everyone, free of charge, under a Creative Commons open access license.

Reactome is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health in the U.S., the Ontario Research Fund, the University of Toronto, OpenTargets, Genome Canada, and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).

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About the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR)

OICR is an innovative cancer research and development institute dedicated to prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The Institute is an independent, not-for-profit corporation, supported by the Government of Ontario. OICR's research supports more than 1,700 investigators, clinician scientists, research staff and trainees located at its headquarters and in research institutes and academia across the Province of Ontario. OICR has key research efforts underway in small molecules, biologics, stem cells, imaging, genomics, informatics and bio-computing. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.oicr.on.ca.
Jing Zhang, engineering faculty member at Rochester Institute of Technology, received a $305,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to acquire a new etching system for photonic, electronic and bio-device fabrication. The system strengthens RIT's fabrication capability in its Semiconductor & Microsystems Fabrication Laboratory to support new and existing multidisciplinary research in science and engineering, to enable educational curriculum development, and be used for workforce development and training activities led by RIT's engineering college.

The ICP-RIE system--an inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching system--is equipment used to create specific structural patterns, or to expose different conductive layers, on the integrated circuits found in electronic devices, said Zhang.

"If we want to fabricate a wafer into a device, we needed to have this type of etcher," said Zhang, the Kate Gleason Endowed Assistant Professor in the electrical and microelectronic engineering department in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering. "There is no equipment like this close by so there was a huge need, and it will help with collaborations we have with other university and corporate researchers."

Traditional semiconductor research has focused on silicon-based materials. Zhang is working on compound semiconductors, and gallium nitride is an emerging material being applied. Gallium nitride-based semiconductors are being integrated into optoelectronics, such as LEDs, to power electronics for smart grid applications and power management for electric vehicles, solar applications to harvest solar energy and transfer it into electrical energy. New research in ultraviolet wavelength sensors is an emerging area, she explained.

"The instrument is essential to enable research and education on III-Nitride-based light emitting diodes and lasers, and other semiconductor devices. We are studying every aspect of this material, from understanding the physics to the realization of novel devices. This equipment will help with that process," said Zhang, who has been at RIT since 2014 and is part of a growing and accomplished group of semiconductor materials and photonics device researchers at the university. She has expertise in the area of ultraviolet and visible light emitting diodes, also referred to as LEDs, and in developing semiconductors for optoelectronic and electronic devices.

Plasma reactive-ion etching systems incorporate several steps to the integrated circuit fabrication process. Reactive plasm, deposited onto the wafer, removes and refines excess material to "etch" or form patterns into the layers of the integrated circuit. These etched micro-nanostructures are the foundation for complex semiconductor devices. The ICP-RIE system provides dry etching capability for various material systems such as compound semiconductors, dielectric materials and metals with fast etching rate, well-controlled selectivity and uniformity.

With the emphasis on workforce development in the area of photonics, having the new equipment also provides a key educational opportunity for training. RIT's microelectronic engineering department provides short courses in semiconductor fabrication for area high school and community college teachers and for regional company employees looking to advance knowledge in this area.

In the past year, RIT also acquired a metal organic vapor-phase epitaxy system, also referred to as an MOVPE, which grows III-V single crystal materials. The state-of-the-art tool gives researchers the ability to build high-performance optical and electronic devices and will be a key learning and training resource. This capability was once an outsourced to research laboratory partners such as NASA. Today, the in-house functionality provided by this equipment, combined with the ICP-RIE system, is available to RIT researchers as well as the regional Rochester photonics community, including partners in AIM Photonics, Zhang added.

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The October 2016 issue of The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, features the article "Consumer Rankings and Health Care: Toward Validation and Transparency" by Bala Hota, MD, MPH, and co-authors, Rush University Medical Center (RUMC), Chicago. After RUMC received a lower than expected ranking for patient safety in the 2015-16 U.S. News & World Report's (USNWR) "Best Hospitals" rankings, the authors compared the data that USNWR used for their hospital to their own internal data.

The authors found that the USNWR data showed many more patient safety events, such as pressure ulcers, almost all of which had actually been present at the patient's admission. Suspecting a broader problem, Hota et al. analyzed data on a sample of hospitals and found that RUMC was not the only organization with discrepancies in data. False-positive event rates were common among high-transfer and high-volume hospitals.

The authors conclude more transparency and validation is needed for consumer-based benchmarking methods. In response to these findings and concerns raised by others, USNWR made changes to its methodology and data sources in 2016.

In an accompanying editorial, "The Quality Measurement Crisis: An Urgent Need for Methodological Standards and Transparency," David M. Shahian, MD, Elizabeth Mort, MD, MPH, and Peter J. Pronovost, MD, PhD, reflect on the Hota et al. article to conclude, "Just as health care providers have ethical and moral responsibilities to the public they serve, rating organizations and journalists that grade providers have similar obligations--in their case, to ensure measure validity and methodological transparency."

RUMC further explored the importance of rating organization's validity and methodological transparency in the following essay, "Hospital Rankings Have Room for Improvement

Hospital Rankings Have Room for Improvement

Hospitals that care for sickest of sick found to be unfairly ranked

When consumers make what can be life-or-death decisions about where to seek health care, they often look to the numerous online hospital rating services that are available, including the government-sponsored Hospital Compare, Consumer Reports, and Leapfrog.

Rating hospital quality is not as simple as rating the quality of a car, though. One reason is that patients vary in terms of how sick they are when they arrive at the hospital or undergo surgery. Older patients with multiple health problems or advanced diseases are more likely to develop an infection or complication than younger, healthier patients -- even though they receive the same quality of care.

The best hospital rating systems try to account for severity of illness. However, a Rush data expert's recent analysis of U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals" rankings shows that these rating systems often are dependent on faulty data sets and performance metrics.

Something didn't add up

Rush University Medical Center consistently has scored high on patient safety measures, according to most rankings. In fact, Rush University Medical Center has received nine consecutive "A" grades for safety from the Leapfrog Group, putting it among fewer than 100 hospitals in the country that have received the highest possible grade each time since Leapfrog began issuing the semi-annual ratings in 2012.

But last year U.S. News "Best Hospitals" issue gave Rush the publication's lowest ranking for patient safety (one out of five). To learn what was behind the discrepancy, Rush's quality team - Tom Webb, Bala Hota, MD, MPH, and Omar Lateef, DO - dug into the U.S. News data and methodology.

"When we compared the data that U.S. News used for our hospital to our own internal data, we found big differences," says Hota, Rush's chief research informatics officer. "U.S. News showed many more patient safety events than our actual rates."

For example, U.S. News data showed that 25 patients at Rush had developed pressure ulcers, or bed sores, over a particular time period. In fact, only one patient had developed a pressure ulcer while at Rush.

Suspecting a broader problem, they analyzed data on a sample of hospitals and found that Rush was not the only organization inaccurately unfairly ranked. Hota reported the results of his study in the October issue of the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety.

High demand for hospitals' services skew safety scores down

Two hospital characteristics tended to negatively skew U.S. News patient safety scores: Taking care of large numbers of patients (i.e., high volumes) or admitting a high percentage of patients transferred from other hospitals.

Webb, Hota and Lateef found that the U.S. News data set was missing key information, such as whether patients with pressure ulcers had these sores when they were admitted to Rush. If conditions were present prior to arrival, Rush should not have been penalized.

Large referral hospitals such as Rush, which provide highly specialized care for the sickest patients and most complex conditions, also tend to have high volumes and high transfer rates. "Rush is the biggest transfer center in Illinois," Hota says. "If somebody is sick in a community hospital and not getting better, that hospital knows Rush is a reliable place to transfer the patient to."

'Data is not perfect'

Rush notified U.S. News about the Rush findings in 2015and U.S. News made some revisions to its data methodology. As a result, Rush's patient safety score increased to four out of a possible five in the 2016-2017 U.S. News ratings released in August.

"U.S. News was very responsive to our findings, and the Rush community should take pride in the fact that we take care of very sick patients very well," says Lateef, Rush's chief medical officer. "When you adjust for patient acuity (severity of patients' conditions), our outcomes data are among the best in the country."

The Rush analysis of the U.S. News ratings confirms what many experts have suspected. "People have argued and theorized that if you take care of a lot of very sick people or have a lot of transfers, then the data could be biased," Hota says. "This study proves that. It shows that data is not perfect, and misunderstandings in the data can negatively portray a hospital."

Acknowledging that hospital rankings have room for improvement, U.S. News is convening a panel of experts in November to discuss how to better evaluate hospital quality, safety and performance, according to a press release.

Transparency Is a Two-Way Street

Lateef and Hota, and the quality team believe that right now the rules used by hospital rating systems are too complex for most consumers to navigate. That's why they are urging U.S. News and other hospital rating systems to be more transparent about how they rate hospital quality, so that individual hospitals can validate the accuracy of their scores and work with the rating organization to adjust the scores as appropriate.

"The companies that are producing these ratings have to be more transparent," Hota says. "Their methodology should be reproducible and easily understood."

In the meantime, Rush will continue to measure, track, and share patient safety data rigorously, and use that date to drive improvements to make Rush's care even safer. "We consider quality to be the most important part of patient care," Lateef says. "We believe in being transparent about quality so we can continue marching towards improvement."

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POPs are a group of chemical contaminants that humans can barely excrete and that degrade very slowly, therefore accumulating in our bodies and environment. Most POPs have been used as pesticides or are industrial residues; most POPs contaminate animal and human food webs.

Normally, the 'internal contamination' (within a person's body) by these chemicals is evaluated by checking for each pollutant separately, without analysing the mixture or 'cocktail' of POPs that is always found in a person. And when you look at each pollutant separately it is clear that the vast majority of the population has low concentrations of the POP, while only a small minority of the population has high concentrations of the pollutant. This is, when each POP is studied individually.

However, Miquel Porta, Jose Pumarega and colleagues at IMIM realised that nobody was looking at all POPs combined in the body of each individual person and, therefore, no-one had checked the assumption that the vast majority of the population had low levels of all POPs. The assumption turned out to be untrue.

The 'simple change' made by the researchers (which turned out to be quite radical) was to stop focusing on each POP separately and to focus on all POPs detected in each individual. And they thus discovered that the majority of individuals had at least one POP at high concentrations: specifically, 67% of participants in the study had one or more POPs at concentrations above the 90th. percentile (the 'top 10' or highest 10%).

They also discovered that a significant minority had several POPs each at high concentrations. In fact, 13% of the US population has 10 or more POPs at high concentrations; i.e., each POP is in a 'top 10' concentration (that is, at a concentration above the 90th. percentile).

The study analysed POP levels in 4,739 people included in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). They calculated the number of POPs whose blood concentrations were greater than certain levels considered to be high.

"This pattern of many POPs at high concentrations is nine times more common in black people and four times less common in Mexican Americans than in the non-Hispanic whites. Therefore, the number of POPs at high concentrations is related to race (or ethnicity). We also found that the poorest people have more POPs at high levels, and such number of POPs at high concentrations also increases with age and the body mass index", explain Jose Pumarega, researcher at IMIM and at CIBER de Epidemiologia y Salud Publica (CIBERESP) and Miquel Porta, head of the Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology of Cancer research group and Professor of Public Health at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB) and main authors of the article, published in the journal PLoS One.

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UC Riverside-led astrobiology team discovers that methane, a potent greenhouse gas, was not the climate savior once imagined for the mysterious middle chapter of Earth history

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- For at least a billion years of the distant past, planet Earth should have been frozen over but wasn't. Scientists thought they knew why, but a new modeling study from the Alternative Earths team of the NASA Astrobiology Institute has fired the lead actor in that long-accepted scenario.

Humans worry about greenhouse gases, but between 1.8 billion and 800 million years ago, microscopic ocean dwellers really needed them. The sun was 10 to 15 percent dimmer than it is today--too weak to warm the planet on its own. Earth required a potent mix of heat-trapping gases to keep the oceans liquid and livable.

For decades, atmospheric scientists cast methane in the leading role. The thinking was that methane, with 34 times the heat-trapping capacity of carbon dioxide, could have reigned supreme for most of the first 3.5 billion years of Earth history, when oxygen was absent initially and little more than a whiff later on. (Nowadays oxygen is one-fifth of the air we breathe, and it destroys methane in a matter of years.)

"A proper accounting of biogeochemical cycles in the oceans reveals that methane has a much more powerful foe than oxygen," said Stephanie Olson, a graduate student at the University of California, Riverside, a member of the Alternative Earths team and lead author of the new study published September 26 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "You can't get significant methane out of the ocean once there is sulfate."

Sulfate wasn't a factor until oxygen appeared in the atmosphere and triggered oxidative weathering of rocks on land. The breakdown of minerals such as pyrite produces sulfate, which then flows down rivers to the oceans. Less oxygen means less sulfate, but even 1 percent of the modern abundance is sufficient to kill methane, Olson said.

Olson and her Alternative Earths coauthors, Chris Reinhard, an assistant professor of earth and atmospheric sciences at Georgia Tech University, and Timothy Lyons, a distinguished professor of biogeochemistry at UC Riverside, assert that during the billion years they assessed, sulfate in the ocean limited atmospheric methane to only 1 to 10 parts per million--a tiny fraction of the copious 300 parts per million touted by some previous models.

The fatal flaw of those past climate models and their predictions for atmospheric composition, Olson said, is that they ignore what happens in the oceans, where most methane originates as specialized bacteria decompose organic matter.

Seawater sulfate is a problem for methane in two ways: Sulfate destroys methane directly, which limits how much of the gas can escape the oceans and accumulate in the atmosphere. Sulfate also limits the production of methane. Life can extract more energy by reducing sulfate than it can by making methane, so sulfate consumption dominates over methane production in nearly all marine environments.

The numerical model used in this study calculated sulfate reduction, methane production, and a broad array of other biogeochemical cycles in the ocean for the billion years between 1.8 billion and 800 million years ago. This model, which divides the ocean into nearly 15,000 three-dimensional regions and calculates the cycles for each region, is by far the highest resolution model ever applied to the ancient Earth. By comparison, other biogeochemical models divide the entire ocean into a two-dimensional grid of no more than five regions.

"There really aren't any comparable models," says Reinhard, who was lead author on a related paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that described the fate of oxygen during the same model runs that revealed sulfate's deadly relationship with methane.

Reinhard notes that oxygen dealt methane an additional blow, based on independent evidence published recently by the Alternative Earths team in the journals Science and Geology. These papers describe geochemical signatures in the rock record that track extremely low oxygen levels in the atmosphere, perhaps much less than 1 percent of modern values, up until about 800 million years ago, when they spiked dramatically.

Less oxygen seems like a good thing for methane, since they are incompatible gases, but with oxygen at such extremely low levels, another problem arises.

"Free oxygen [O 2 ] in the atmosphere is required to form a protective layer of ozone [O 3 ], which can shield methane from photochemical destruction," Reinhard said. When the researchers ran their model with the lower oxygen estimates, the ozone shield never formed, leaving the modest puffs of methane that escaped the oceans at the mercy of destructive photochemistry.

With methane demoted, scientists face a serious new challenge to determine the greenhouse cocktail that explains our planet's climate and life story, including a billion years devoid of glaciers, Lyons said. Knowing the right combination other warming agents, such as water vapor, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide, will also help us assess habitability of the hundreds of billions of other Earth-like planets estimated to reside in our galaxy.

"If we detect methane on an exoplanet, it is one of our best candidates as a biosignature, and methane dominates many conversations in the search for life on Mars," Lyons said. "Yet methane almost certainly would not have been detected by an alien civilization looking at our planet a billion years ago--despite the likelihood of its biological production over most of Earth history."

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URBANA, Ill. - Soybean cyst nematode is the number one soybean pest worldwide, accounting for estimated annual losses of nearly $1.3 billion in the United States. Some soybean varieties have resistance to the tiny parasitic worms through conventional breeding of naturally occurring resistance genes, but the current level of resistance is becoming less reliable.

"Our interest is in finding new sources of resistance, because the sources that people have been using are breaking down. Nematodes are becoming better at overcoming the resistance we have in current cultivars. We are also, interested in improving our understanding of how this resistance works so we can do a better job of selecting for it," says University of Illinois plant breeder, Brian Diers.

In 2012, U of I geneticist Matthew Hudson, Diers, and Andrew Bent, a collaborator at the University of Wisconsin, discovered the naturally occurring genetic locus (region on a chromosome) that is critical in controlling resistance to soybean cyst nematode, but that was only the beginning.

"It turns out that at this locus, there's a repeat of four genes," Diers explains. "Different diverse soybean types that are resistant have different numbers of repeats. For example, in PI 88788, which is the original source of SCN resistance for most soybean varieties in the Midwest, there are nine repeats of those four genes. In the susceptible varieties, there's only one copy of those four genes. Another source of resistance, Peking, has three copies of those repeats."

This difference in repeat number is known as copy number variation, and is more common than previously thought. But before now, there was no easy or cost-effective way to quantify the number of gene repeats. Using a method recently developed in Hudson's laboratory, the number of gene repeats can be accurately monitored by measuring the ratio between two genes.

Although the researchers suspected that having more copies of the gene sequence might confer a greater degree of resistance, they had no way of testing their suspicions before the new assay was developed. After getting the new assay, the team set to work again.

"We grew soybean plants in a greenhouse, inoculated them with nematodes, and then used the assay to determine how many repeats each plant had. As predicted, we found that the more repeats a plant had, the more resistant it was," Diers explained. "This proved that the number of repeats is important."

Armed with this information, the researchers plan to look at the number of repeats present in existing nematode-resistant soybean varieties in an attempt to explain why some display better resistance than others in field settings. They also plan to improve breeding programs by ensuring parental lines have the maximum number of repeats available in a given genotype, and to select for new variants with additional copies that may show superior resistance.

"Ultimately," Diers adds, "if we can select for more copies, that could benefit farmers because we could get stronger resistance. Breeders will now have better tools to select for and verify resistance."

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The research described here is published in two articles. "An efficient method for measuring copy number variation applied to improvement of nematode resistance" is published in The Plant Journal. Lead author Tong Geon Lee is now at the University of Florida. Diers and Hudson, from U of I, are co-authors. "Impact of Rhg1 copy number, type, and interaction with Rhg4 on resistance to Heterodera glycines in soybean" is published in Theoretical and Applied Genetics. Lead author Neil Yu is now at Monsanto, and co-author Daniele Rosa is at the Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil. Lee, Hudson, and Diers are additional co-authors. Both studies were supported by the United Soybean Board.
The elusive and complex components of creativity have been identified by computer experts at the University of Kent

The elusive and complex components of creativity have been identified by computer experts at the University of Kent.

Dr Anna Jordanous, lecturer in the School of Computing, worked with language expert Dr Bill Keller (University of Sussex) on how to define the language people use when talking about creativity, known in the field as computational creativity. With that knowledge it becomes possible to make computer programs use this language too.

Dr Jordanous and Dr Keller looked at what people say when they talk about "what is creativity" in academic discussions, from various disciplines - psychology, arts, business, and computational creativity.

In an article entitled Modelling Creativity: Identifying key components through a corpus-based approach, published by PLOS ONE, they describe a unique approach to developing a suitable model of how creative behaviour emerges that is based on the words people use to describe it. Computational creativity is a relatively new field of research into computer systems that exhibit creative behaviours.

Using language-analysis software they identified the creative words and grouped them into clusters. These are considered to be 14 components of creativity. These clusters have been used to evaluate the creativity of computational systems, and are expected to be a useful resource for other researchers in computational creativity, as well as forming a basis for the automated evaluation of creative systems.

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For further information or interview requests contact Sandy Fleming at the University of Kent Press Office.

Tel: 01227 823581/01634 888879

Email: S.Fleming@kent.ac.uk

News releases can also be found at http://www.kent.ac.uk/news

University of Kent on Twitter: http://twitter.com/UniKent Note to editors

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0162959

For further information on Dr Jordanous' work, you may watch

Established in 1965, the University of Kent - the UK's European university - now has almost 20,000 students across campuses or study centres at Canterbury, Medway, Tonbridge, Brussels, Paris, Athens and Rome.

It has been ranked: 23rd in the Guardian University Guide 2016; 23rd in the Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2016; and 22nd in the Complete University Guide 2015.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2015-16, Kent is in the top 10% of the world's leading universities for international outlook and 66th in its table of the most international universities in the world. The THE also ranked the University as 20th in its 'Table of Tables' 2016.

Kent is ranked 17th in the UK for research intensity (REF 2014). It has world-leading research in all subjects and 97% of its research is deemed by the REF to be of international quality.

In the National Student Survey 2016, Kent achieved the fourth highest score for overall student satisfaction, out of all publicly funded, multi-faculty universities.

Along with the universities of East Anglia and Essex, Kent is a member of the Eastern Arc Research Consortium (http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/partnerships/eastern-arc.html).

The University is worth 0.7 billion to the economy of the south east and supports more than 7,800 jobs in the region. Student off-campus spend contributes 293.3m and 2,532 full-time-equivalent jobs to those totals.

In 2014, Kent received its second Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.
Fears of possible violations of Nebraska open meetings laws led the Lancaster County Board on Thursday to scrap a long-standing item from its weekly staff meeting agenda.

Usually one of the top items, the Additions to Agenda line let commissioners or staff bring last-minute issues to the board.

It was meant to let the board handle administrative issues and give department heads guidance on short notice.

The problem, Deputy County Attorney David Derbin said, is the difficulty in determining when administrative guidance crosses a line into setting policy and spending money.

Its basically just inviting violations of the Open Meetings Act, Derbin said.

State law says the meeting agenda cant be altered less than 24 hours before the meeting unless there is an emergency. Also, agenda items have to be descriptive enough to let the general public know what theyre about.

Commissioners still will be able to address issues in case of emergency such as flooding or the need to close dangerous bridges; state statute allows an exception for that.

It has always kind of bothered me that we were getting too much into policy discussions even though we usually didnt make a decision unless it was something that was mutually agreed on, said Commissioner Larry Hudkins.

He did not cite specific instances.

The board voted 4-0 to banish the agenda item to become a historical footnote.

Commissioner Deb Schorr was not present Thursday.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are all characterized by clumped, misfolded proteins and inflammation in the brain. In more than 90 percent of cases, physicians and scientists do not know what causes these processes to occur.

Robert P. Friedland, M.D., the Mason C. and Mary D. Rudd Endowed Chair and Professor of Neurology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, and a team of researchers have discovered that these processes may be triggered by proteins made by our gut bacteria (the microbiota). Their research has revealed that exposure to bacterial proteins called amyloid that have structural similarity to brain proteins leads to an increase in clumping of the protein alpha-synuclein in the brain. Aggregates, or clumps, of misfolded alpha-synuclein and related amyloid proteins are seen in the brains of patients with the neurodegenerative diseases AD, PD and ALS.

Alpha-synuclein (AS) is a protein normally produced by neurons in the brain. In both PD and AD, alpha-synuclein is aggregated in a clumped form called amyloid, causing damage to neurons. Friedland has hypothesized that similarly clumped proteins produced by bacteria in the gut cause brain proteins to misfold via a mechanism called cross-seeding, leading to the deposition of aggregated brain proteins. He also proposed that amyloid proteins produced by the microbiota cause priming of immune cells in the gut, resulting in enhanced inflammation in the brain.

The research, which was supported by The Michael J. Fox Foundation, involved the administration of bacterial strains of E. coli that produce the bacterial amyloid protein curli to rats. Control animals were given identical bacteria that lacked the ability to make the bacterial amyloid protein. The rats fed the curli-producing organisms showed increased levels of AS in the intestines and the brain and increased cerebral AS aggregation, compared with rats who were exposed to E. coli that did not produce the bacterial amyloid protein. The curli-exposed rats also showed enhanced cerebral inflammation.

Similar findings were noted in a related experiment in which nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) that were fed curli-producing E. coli also showed increased levels of AS aggregates, compared with nematodes not exposed to the bacterial amyloid. A research group led by neuroscientist Shu G. Chen, Ph.D., of Case Western Reserve University, performed this collaborative study.

This new understanding of the potential role of gut bacteria in neurodegeneration could bring researchers closer to uncovering the factors responsible for initiating these diseases and ultimately developing preventive and therapeutic measures.

"These new studies in two different animals show that proteins made by bacteria harbored in the gut may be an initiating factor in the disease process of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and ALS," Friedland said. "This is important because most cases of these diseases are not caused by genes, and the gut is our most important environmental exposure. In addition, we have many potential therapeutic options to influence the bacterial populations in the nose, mouth and gut."

Friedland is the corresponding author of the article, Exposure to the functional bacterial amyloid protein curli enhances alpha-synuclein aggregation in aged Fischer 344 rats and Caenorhabditis elegans, published online Oct. 6 in Scientific Reports, a journal of the Nature Publishing Group. UofL researchers involved in the publication in addition to Friedland include Vilius Stribinskis, Ph.D., Madhavi J. Rane, Ph.D., Donald Demuth, Ph.D., Evelyne Gozal, Ph.D., Andrew M. Roberts, Ph.D., Rekha Jagadapillai, Ruolan Liu, M.D., Ph.D., and Richard Kerber, Ph.D. Additional contributors on the publication include Eliezer Masliah, M.D., Ph.D. of the University of California San Diego.

This work supports recent studies indicating that the microbiota may have a role in disease processes in age-related brain degenerations. It is part of Friedland's ongoing research on the relationship between the microbiota and age-related brain disorders, which involves collaborations with researchers in Ireland and Japan.

"We are pursuing studies in humans and animals to further evaluate the mechanisms of the effects we have observed and are exploring the potential for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies," Friedland said.

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About The Michael J. Fox Foundation

As the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding more than $600 million in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders, increases the flow of participants into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder, promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach, and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world. For more information, visit us on the Web, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Over 200 suicide deaths per year now occur in patients under mental health crisis teams, three times as many as in in-patients, according to a report by The University of Manchester's National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness (NCISH).

One third of patients under crisis resolution/home treatment (CRHT) who died by suicide had been using the service for less than a week, and a third had been discharged from hospital in the previous two weeks. The report questions whether CRHT was the most suitable setting for their care, and raises concerns that crisis teams are increasingly used due to pressure on other acute services, particularly in-patient beds.

Professor Louis Appleby, Director of NCISH, said: "This year's report reflects the increasing reliance on crisis teams in response to the strains felt by acute mental health services. Our findings suggest that we are accepting too much risk in the home treatment these teams offer, and that the crisis team is now the priority for suicide prevention in mental health."

The authors also found that over half the 1700 mental health patients per year who died by suicide across the UK had a history of alcohol or drug misuse. However, only a small proportion had received specialist substance misuse treatment, suggesting a need for these services to be more widely available, working more closely with mainstream mental health care.

Professor Appleby said "The report looks at the growing impact of economic adversity. More patients who died by suicide were reported as having been unemployed or homeless, and 13% had experienced serious financial difficulties in the previous 3 months. We also identified a rising incidence of suicides by patients who had been in the UK for less than 5 years who may be less well connected to services that could support them."

The team reviewed 20 years of evidence from National Confidential Inquiry research, and found a changing pattern of risk factors facing mental health patients, with higher rates of isolation, recent self-harm, alcohol and drug misuse and economic adversity in those who died by suicide. They also found improvements in some aspects of suicide prevention, such as ward safety and acceptance of medication.

Professor Nav Kapur, Head of Suicide Research at NCISH said "The 20 year review has helped us to identify ways in which mental health care is safer for patients. We now know what services can do to reduce suicide risk, for example care planning and early follow-up on discharge from hospital, personalised risk management without routine checklists, and implementing guidance on depression and self-harm".

NCISH also report on homicide by people who have been in contact with mental health services. The figures show a fall in patient homicides overall but a possible increase by patients with schizophrenia In England since 2009.

Professor Jenny Shaw, Head of Homicide Research, said "The numbers are small, so it is difficult to confirm a clear pattern, but it may be that homicides in this group have risen. Services can help by addressing drug and alcohol misuse and ensuring that contact is maintained for those patients who are likely to disengage from mental health care".

The Mental Health Clinical Review Outcome Programme, delivered by NCISH, is commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) on behalf of NHS England, NHS Wales, the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate, the Northern Ireland Department of Health, the States of Guernsey and the States of Jersey.

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Notes to editors

Interviews with Professor Louis Appleby and the team can be arranged by contacting James Bates on the numbers/email below. They are available prior to and post embargo period (any interviews prior to the embargo date are subject to the provisions of the embargo).
Complication-related costs for common operations run two to three times higher at some hospitals - which also tend to have higher complication rates

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Having major surgery comes with many risks, including problems that can crop up hours, days or even weeks after the patient leaves the operating room. Called complications, they can be deadly, or require far more care in the hospital and beyond before the patient recovers.

A new study shows just how much that care can cost, in the hospital and beyond, and how widely hospitals can vary in their ability to keep patients from suffering, or dying from, the same complications.

For the first time, it shows that hospitals vary widely - as much as two- or three-fold -- in what they get paid for caring for patients with the same complications from the same operation.

It also finds that the hospitals with the highest costs for such care also tend to be the ones where patients suffer the most complications in the first place.

In a new paper published online in JAMA Surgery, a team from the University of Michigan Medical School and Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation reports on their analysis of Medicare records from more than 576,000 people over age 65 who had four common operations. All of them had a hip replaced, an aortic aneurysm repaired, or a section of lung or intestine removed on an elective basis over a four-year period ending in 2012.

More than one in every 10 patients who had an aorta, lung or intestinal operation suffered one of the eight major complications the team studied, including infections, blood clots, serious bleeding, pneumonia, heart attack and lung or kidney failure. Just over 1 in 50 of the hip replacement patients did too.

Not surprisingly, but for the first time, the researchers show that Medicare paid more for the care of patients who suffered a major complication - and that it paid more for the care of a patient who survived a major complication than one who didn't.

But, says senior author and U-M surgeon Hari Nathan, M.D., Ph.D., the real surprises came when the authors standardized prices for hospitals across the country, and started comparing hospitals to one another.

"We can see substantial variation in care, and cost, after a major complication occurs, even when we account for the type of complication and other factors," says Nathan.

"This represents a real opportunity for hospitals to be more efficient in how they prevent and manage complications, for how Medicare incentivizes better care at lower costs."

Costly rescues

Nathan and first author Jason Pradarelli, M.D., M.S., used data from the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review system, which gives a broad view of care and costs including outpatient and post-acute care such as in skilled nursing facilities. They took into account patients' other underlying health issues, age and other factors. Pradarelli led the analysis while he trained at U-M before leaving for his surgical residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

The ability of hospitals to "rescue" patients from death when a major complication erupts is a growing area of focus for researchers. But until now no study has been able to show what the cost is for patients who were rescued versus those who were not, and died.

"Failure to rescue", the term for a death from a complication, occurred in 3.4 percent of elective hip replacement patients, and nearly 18 percent of those who had a section of intestine or lung removed - operations called colectomy and pulmonary resection, respectively.

The researchers then looked more closely at the costs of care for patients who were rescued from a complication, and divided hospitals into groups.

Those with the highest cost of rescue had higher rates of all complications, and of major complications. But they weren't more likely than lower-cost hospitals to actually save someone's life from a major complication, nor to give patients a better shot at surviving the first month after their operation.

Medicare payments for patients who were rescued at the highest cost-of-rescue hospitals were two- to three-fold higher than at the lowest cost-of-rescue hospitals. The cost of an aortic aneurysm repair, for instance, ranged from $60,456 down to $23,261; a colectomy ran $56,787 down to $22,853; a pulmonary resection varied from $63?117 down to $21?325; and a total hip replacement ranged from $41?354 down to $19?028.

Future work by Nathan and his colleagues will look more closely at exactly what kinds of variation in care actually occurs at different hospitals. Factors such as standard protocols, availability of intensive care beds or high-level overnight staffing on general hospital units, and much more may play key roles, he says.

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JAMA Surg. Published online October 05, 2016. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2016.3340 http://archsurg.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2559968

In addition to Pradarelli and Nathan, the study's authors are Mark A. Healy, M.D., M.S.; Nicholas H. Osborne, M.D., M.S.; Amir A. Ghaferi, M.D., M.S.; and Justin B. Dimick, M.D., M.P.H. All except Pradarelli are members of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, and the U-M Medical School Department of Surgery and Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy.

The study was mainly supported by the National Institutes of Health training grant that funds the U-M Masters of Science in Clinical Research program, which Pradarelli completed while at U-M.
MIAMI, October 6, 2016 -- A study published today by researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine describes that certain proteins playing a role in cancer progression and metastasis are stored as amyloid bodies in dormant cancer cells. Once the amyloid bodies disaggregate, the cancer cells become active again. The findings were published in the journal Developmental Cell today.

Amyloid bodies are known to play a role in the development of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease but their contributions to the progression of cancer have been largely unknown. This discovery points to a new avenue for the treatment of various types of cancers by applying knowledge we have gained from neuroscience to tumor biology.

"The amyloid state of protein organization is typically associated with debilitating human neuropathies and rarely observed in physiology," said Stephen Lee, Ph.D., director of the Tumor Biology Program at Sylvester, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Miller School, and corresponding author of the study. "Yet, we found that a large number of proteins are stored as amyloid bodies in cancer cells that are dormant. The heat shock chaperone pathway can disaggregate the amyloid bodies and turn the dormant cancer cells into active, progressing cancer cells."

The team of researchers found that ribosomal intergenic noncoding RNA regulates the process of amyloid formation in cancer cells, making it a target for drug discovery and development. "If we can stop the amyloid bodies from disaggregating in cancer cells, the hope is that they will remain dormant indefinitely," said Lee. "In addition, we may also be able to turn active cancer cells into dormant ones by encouraging them to store the proteins as amyloid bodies."

Amyloidogenesis enables cells to remain viable during prolonged periods of extracellular stress, highlighting the non-toxic and protective nature of the process, not just in cancer cells.

"Following this approach, we wouldn't necessarily rid the body of cancer cells, but we would keep them inactive - shut off, if you will - and not allow them to become active again," said Lee. "I am optimistic this could become a novel way of treating cancer. There are already drugs on the market, and others are being studied, that target the ribosomal intergenic noncoding RNA as well as the heat shock chaperone pathway."

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This research was supported by grants from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (R01GM115342) and the National Cancer Institute (R01CA200676) of the National Institutes of Health, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

About Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth - the University of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is among the nation's leading cancer centers and South Florida's only Cancer Center of Excellence. A 2015 study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that cancer patients treated at Sylvester have a 10 percent higher chance of survival than those treated at nearly any other cancer center in the nation. With the combined strength of more than 120 cancer researchers and 130 cancer specialists, Sylvester discovers, develops and delivers more targeted therapies, providing the next generation of cancer clinical care - precision cancer medicine - to each patient. Our comprehensive diagnostics, coupled with teams of scientific and clinical experts who specialize in just one type of cancer, enable us to better understand each patient's individual cancer and develop treatments that target the cells and genes driving the cancer's growth and survival, leading to better outcomes. At Sylvester, patients have access to more treatment options and more cancer clinical trials than most hospitals in the southeastern United States. To better serve current and future patients, Sylvester has a network of conveniently located outpatient treatment facilities in Miami, Kendall, Hollywood, Plantation, Deerfield Beach and Coral Springs, with plans to open in Coral Gables in 2016. For more information, visit sylvester.org.
Baltimore, October 4, 2016--A staggeringly high proportion -- 43 percent or 250 million -- of children under age five and living in low- and middle-income countries may not reach their developmental potential due to poverty and chronic under nutrition, according to the latest series on early child development, Advancing Early Childhood Development, published today in The Lancet.

"New evidence presented in this Series underscores how influential the early years of life, especially for children under three, are on subsequent health and development," says the lead author of the first paper in the Series and steering committee member Maureen Black, PhD, the John A. Scholl, MD and Mary Louise Scholl, MD Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UM SOM). "Not just for individual children, but for their children and subsequent generations."

The power of early childhood development on global health, economic development, and sustainability has been recognized by international agencies, including the World Bank Group, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization. Leaders of those organizations will speak at the launch of the new Series in Washington on October 5.

Advancing Early Childhood Development: from Science to Scale is the third in a series of landmark studies, articles and commentaries on early childhood development published by The Lancet. The papers in this Series strengthen and extend the conclusions and recommendations from the 2007 and 2011 Series that poverty and adverse childhood experiences have long-term physiological and epigenetic effects on brain development and cognition, thereby negatively impacting adult health and well-being. The 2016 Series updates the science and focuses on strategies to implement effective early child development programs at scale.

The series concluded that policies and programs based on Nurturing Care can reduce early disparities among young children, with beneficial effects that extend through life, impacting health, well-being, and wage-earning. Nurturing care - defined as responsive caregiving in a stable environment that is free from threats, sensitive to children's health and nutrition, with ample opportunities for early learning - takes place in the context of families and communities, with support from multiple sectors - including health, nutrition, education, child and social protection.

Key findings

Researchers set out to examine current commitments to childhood development and propose strategies to implement effective programs that take into account new scientific evidence for interventions. One such finding is that access to high quality childhood development opportunities have a positive effect on future earning potential. Disadvantaged children who do not receive nurturing care from conception through the first few years of life may forfeit a quarter of their earning capacity as adults.

The study also found that providing early, nurturing care has lifelong benefits. Failure to implement programs that help families and caregivers provide nurturing care threatens to undermine sustainable development goals. The call to action in the Series urges policymakers to look beyond the prevention and treatment of disease as a public health concern, and add nurturing care for young children as a critical factor in the overall health of all children.

Additional key findings include:

The accumulation of adversities, beginning prior to conception and continuing throughout prenatal and early life, can disrupt brain development, attachment, and early learning. Development delays are evident in the first year, worsening during early childhood and continue throughout life.

Coordination, monitoring, and evaluation are needed across sectors to ensure that high quality early childhood development services are available throughout early childhood and primary school.

Action at global, national, and local levels is needed to increase political commitment to and investment in early childhood development.

"The research shows that interventions attenuate the detrimental effects of extreme poverty and other disadvantages facing millions of young children throughout the world, including Baltimore," adds Dr. Black. "Poverty and early adversities, such as violence exposure, can disrupt early brain development, resulting in lifelong disparities through academic and behavioral problems, even extending to chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular problems. Ensuring the health and development of young children is a wise investment that reduces disparities, promotes lifelong development, and strengthens nations."

Although since the year 2000 substantially more research has been published on childhood development and investments in childhood development programs have increased, services remain uncoordinated and of unequal quality.

"Despite an increase in focus on early childhood development, barriers remain," says Black. "Because childhood development reaches across multiple government sectors - health, education, welfare - there is limited accountability and consistency in services. Moving forward, the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations endorse early child development and hold stakeholders accountable for childhood development outcomes."

Dr. Black is also the Director of the Division of Growth and Nutrition in the Department of Pediatrics at UM SOM and Director of the interdisciplinary Growth and Nutrition Practice at the University of Maryland Children's Hospital (UMCH).

"Dr. Black's years-long contributions to these Lancet Series are testament to her advocacy for children and passion to use research for global change," says UM SOM Dean E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, who is also vice president for medical affairs at the University of Maryland and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor. "We commend her as she works with leaders around the world to make a difference."

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About the University of Maryland School of Medicine

The University of Maryland School of Medicine, chartered in 1807 as the first public medical school in the United States, continues today as a leader in accelerating innovation and discovery in medicine. The School of Medicine is the founding school of the University of Maryland, and is an integral part of the 11-campus University System of Maryland. Located on the University of Maryland's Baltimore campus, the School of Medicine works closely with the University of Maryland Medical Center and Medical System to provide a research-intensive, academic and clinically based education. With 43 academic departments, centers and institutes and a faculty of more than 3,000 physicians and research scientists, plus more than $400 million in extramural funding, the School is regarded as one of the leading biomedical research institutions in the U.S.A., with top-tier faculty and programs in vaccine development, cancer, brain science, surgery and transplantation, trauma and emergency medicine, and human genomics, among other centers of excellence. The School is not only concerned with the health of the citizens of Maryland and the U.S.A., but also has a global presence, with research and treatment facilities in more than 35 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://medschool.umaryland.edu.

About the University of Maryland Children's Hospital

The University of Maryland Children's Hospital is recognized throughout Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region as a resource for critically and chronically ill children. UMCH physicians and staff excel in combining state-of-the-art medicine with family-centered care. More than 100 physicians specialize in understanding how to treat conditions and diseases in children, including congenital heart conditions, asthma, epilepsy and gastrointestinal disorders. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides the highest level of care to the tiniest newborns. To learn more about the University of Maryland Children's Hospital, please visit http://umm.edu/programs/childrens.
Chemists at The University of Texas at Arlington have been the first to demonstrate that an organic semiconductor polymer called polyaniline is a promising photocathode material for the conversion of carbon dioxide into alcohol fuels without the need for a co-catalyst.

"This opens up a new field of research into new applications for inexpensive, readily available organic semiconducting polymers within solar fuel cells," said principal researcher Krishnan Rajeshwar, UTA distinguished professor of chemistry and biochemistry and co-Director of UTA's Center for Renewable Energy, Science & Technology.

"These organic semiconducting polymers also demonstrate several technical advantages, including that they do not need a co-catalyst to sustain the conversion to alcohol products and the conversion can take place at lower temperatures and use less energy, which would further reduce costs," Rajeshwar added.

Rajeshwar and his co-author Csaba Janaky, professor in the Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science at the University of Szeged, recently published their findings in The Royal Society of Chemistry journal ChemComm as "Polyaniline films photoelectrochemically reduce CO 2 to alcohols."

In this proof-of-concept study, the researchers provide insights into the unique behavior of polyaniline obtained from photoelectrochemical measurements and adsorption studies, together with spectroscopic data. They also compared the behavior of several conducting polymers.

The stationary currents recorded after two hours during testing suggests that the polyaniline layer maintained its photoelectrochemical efficacy for the studied time period. While in the gas phase, only hydrogen was detected, but potential fuels such as methanol and ethanol were both detected in the solution for carbon dioxide-saturated samples.

"Apart from these technical qualities, as a polymer, polyaniline can also be easily made into fabrics and films that adapt to roofs or curved surfaces to create the large surface areas needed for photoelectrochemical reduction, eliminating the need for expensive and dangerous solar concentrators," Rajeshwar added. Frederick MacDonnell, chair of UTA's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, underlined the importance of this research in the context of UTA's focus on global environmental impact within the Strategic Plan 2020: Bold Solutions|Global Impact.

"Dr. Rajeshwar's ongoing leadership in research around new materials for solar fuel generation is vital in a world where we all recognize the need to reduce the impact of carbon dioxide emissions," MacDonnell said. "Finding an inexpensive, readily-available photocathode material could open up new options to create cheaper, more energy-effective solar fuel cells."

Rajeshwar joined the College of Science in 1983 and is a charter member of the UTA Academy of Distinguished Scholars. He is the newly appointed president of the Electrochemical Society, an organization representing the nation's premier researchers dedicated to advancing solid state, electrochemical science and technology.

He is an expert in photoelectrochemistry, nanocomposites, electrochemistry and conducting polymers, and has received numerous awards, including the Wilfred T. Doherty Award from the American Chemical Society and the Energy Technology Division Research Award of the Electrochemical Society. Rajeshwar earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, India, and completed his post-doctoral training in Colorado State University.

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About The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Arlington is a Carnegie Research-1 "highest research activity" institution of about 55,000 students in campus-based and online degree programs and is the second-largest institution in The University of Texas System. U.S. News & World Report ranks UTA fifth in the nation for undergraduate diversity. The University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is ranked as the top four-year college in Texas for veterans on Military Times' 2016 Best for Vets list. Visit http://www.uta.edu to learn more, and find UTA rankings and recognition at http://www.uta.edu/uta/about/rankings.php. For more on the Strategic Plan, see Strategic Plan 2020: Bold Solutions | Global Impact.
Biologists of all stripes attest to evolution, but have debated its details since Darwin's day. Since changes arise and take hold slowly over many generations, it is daunting to track this process in real time for long-lived creatures.

"We know that evolution occurs -- that species change," said Dee Boersma, a University of Washington professor of biology. "But to see this process in long-lived animals you have to look at generations of individuals, track how traits are inherited and detect selection at work."

Boersma studies one particularly intriguing long-lived species, the Magellanic penguins of South America. She has spent 34 years gathering information about their lifespan, reproduction and behavior at Punta Tombo, a stretch of Argentine coast that serves as their largest breeding site. Boersma and her colleagues combed through 28 years' worth of penguin data to search for signs that natural selection -- one of the main drivers of evolution -- may be acting on certain penguin traits. As they report in a paper published Sept. 21 in The Auk: Ornithological Advances, selection is indeed at work at Punta Tombo.

"This is the first decades-long study to measure selection in penguins, and only the second one for birds overall," said lead author Laura Koehn, a graduate student in the UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences who worked with Boersma as an undergraduate.

Like all penguins, the Magellanic variety are natural swimmers, where they feed on the bounty of the oceans. But once a year they return to the Argentine and Chilean coasts to mate and molt. Their "serial monogamy" -- fidelity to one partner per breeding season -- as well as a nagging preference to breed in the same general location each year make it possible to track individual birds over time, Koehn said. Boersma began the project, which is ongoing, in 1982.

To keep track of individuals amid a colony that at its height held 500,000 birds, Boersma and her team attached unique metal bands to the flipper of each penguin they studied. Each breeding season, the scientists would search for tagged penguins that made it back to Punta Tombo, measure basic physical characteristics and tag new chicks to add to their tracking duties.

"We chose characteristics that might be important to the success of individual penguins, like body size and bill depth," said Boersma. "And once we had generations of trackable data for individuals and their descendants, we could ask: do these traits change over time?"

Through natural selection, individuals with traits that allow them to adapt and thrive in their environment can pass their favorable traits to their offspring.

"Our question was simple: for these traits, do offspring resemble their parents?" said Koehn.

By measuring an entire population -- like the Magellanic penguins at Punta Tombo -- Boersma's team could see if individuals with certain characteristics, for example a large body, were more successful at breeding over the years.

Koehn and co-authors searched for signs of selection across 28 years of Boersma's data.

She could detect selection in seven of the 28 years for both males and females. Selection is likely acting on these traits every year, but the highly variable conditions at Punta Tombo mean that the "direction" of selection on each trait may fluctuate too much to see over just 28 years, said Boersma. As the study continues, researchers may divine signatures of natural selection over additional years.

For the seven years the researchers could detect natural selection in males, there was a clear trend. Larger males held an edge in lean years when resources are fewer. In females, they detected selection acting on traits such as foot size, bill depth and body size. But unlike males, they saw no clear trend on how selection was shaping the females of the species over time.

"Those traits appear to be important for survival," said Boersma. "But if environmental conditions change rapidly then selection also constantly changes, and it's harder to see a clear trend over time."

This is only the second time natural selection has been observed over 20 years or more for a bird species. Evolutionary biologists Peter and Rosemary Grant spent more than 20 years cataloguing traits in seed-eating finches on the Galapagos island of Daphne Major. These are some of the same Galapagos finches that inspired a young Darwin to come up with his theory of evolution by natural selection in the 19th century. The Grants detected signatures of natural selection at work on this island, correlating the changes with the influence of El Nino conditions.

"Now we've been able to track natural selection in a second bird species thanks to these decades of observations at Punta Tombo," said Boersma.

Encouraged by her team's findings with Magellanic penguins, Boersma intends to continue collecting data -- tracking traits and survival for even more generations and repeating this analysis.

"This is only the beginning," she concluded.

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Co-authors include Jeffrey Hard with the Northwest Fisheries Science Center and Elaine Akst with Montgomery College.

The study is funded by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation, the ExxonMobil Foundation, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, the National Geographic Society, the Wadsworth Endowed Chair in Conservation Science at the University of Washington and Friends of the Penguins -- as well as the Chase, Cunningham, CGMK, Offield, Peach, Thorne, Tortuga and Kellogg foundations.

For more information, contact Koehn at 206-616-2791 or laura.koehn216@gmail.com. Boersma is currently abroad and unreachable.
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.

 Marcel Proust

I think Ive done more research on Cuba than I have for any topic Ive written about in my ag career. And yet I still dont have a clue.

Oh, I know whats on the exterior, what the history books say and current experts proclaim. I know what I saw on my short trip there last month, what I heard and wrote down. But what I dont know that I got a true picture of what the average Cuban faces. I dont know is whats real.

For almost 60 years, the government has dictated life in Cuba  where you worked, how much you got paid, what food was available, where and if you could travel.

If you were a farmer, you were basically just a farm worker, until recent years when reforms allowed individuals to get a long-term lease on a small plot of land. But even if small landowners banded together in a cooperative for either production or marketing, inputs were limited and you planted what you were given, not what you wanted to plant.

For those walking that new tightrope of self-employment and entrepreneurship, its almost like the freedom of choice is dangled over their heads, just out of reach. See what you can do when you work hard? And so they work.

One source told us an average government salary is about $25/months, but you need $250/month just to meet basic necessities for a family of three in Havana. Its not easy, he said.

Obamas visit seemed to light a spark, kindle a hope, that the Cuban people can be empowered to determine their own future.

 the Cuban and American people share common values in their own lives, President Obama said during his March visit. A sense of patriotism and a sense of pride  a lot of pride. A profound love of family.

Creo en el pueblo Cubano. Obama added. I believe in the Cuban people.

This is not just a policy of normalizing relations with the Cuban government. The United States of America is normalizing relations with the Cuban people.

Look to the future with hope, he said, not a false promise or blind optimism, but hope that is rooted in the future that you can choose and that you can shape, and that you can build for your country.

Our Cuban guide Meylin got tears in her eyes when she talked about listening to Obamas speech. She was on the phone with her aunt, translating the speech, and her aunt got emotional as well.

He is just a great communicator, she said, unable to put her emotions into words, but it was clear she internalized that message of hope.

Visiting a country for five days doesnt make me an expert. And, after visiting and researching Cuba, I am convinced of only one thing: Its complicated.

Heres the reality: Were just 90 miles from Cuba. 90 miles. Its a lot cheaper and easier to ship goods from the U.S. to Cuba, than from Europe or Asia, so it makes sense that opening our doors could increase U.S. exports. And the U.S. ag community has been looking here with fondness for a long time, as one U.S. ag official put it.

Will it ever be a major export market? No, probably not. But I think wed rather be trading with Cuba, and fostering communication and relationships, than have them craft those relationships with Iran or China.

Still, Cuba needs to demonstrate it has a real desire to engage in dialogue or exchange of information. We need to know whats going on in Cuba when it comes to animal and plant diseases. We need to know more about their technical needs, and conservation efforts.

And, quite frankly, we need more transparency when it comes to what is still be subsidized by the Cuban government, which was the murkiest of territories on our trip. The U.S. needs to understand how Cuban agricultural markets work, and the true role of the central government.

El futuro de Cuba tiene que estar en las manos del pueblo Cubano, Obama said. The future of Cuba must be in the hands of the Cuban people.

We dont want to control, we want to connect. Now it depends on what they want.
New pesticide rules will be introduced once the UK leaves the EU, Defra minister George Eustice has revealed.

But authorisation may still involve working with other EU countries, he added.

When we leave the European Union, we will put in place our own authorisation procedures, Mr Eustice told an NFU fringe meeting at the Conservative Party conference.

See also: Glyphosate given last minute stay of execution

That may still involve some kind of joint working at a technical level  technical scientific groups with other European countries and indeed with other countries around the world.

This work would help set standards through international bodies such as Codex Alimentarius, said Mr Eustice during the fringe meeting at the Birmingham Rep Theatre on Monday (3 October).

Increasing concern

It remains to be seen whether this will ease farmers frustrations over the tightening of pesticide restrictions.

The EUs withdrawal of pesticide authorisations for an increasing number of agrochemical active ingredients remains of ongoing and increasing concern to many UK growers.

But Defras own stance towards authorisations has itself sometimes appeared contradictory.

Earlier this year, Mr Eustice called on Brussels to reauthorise the widely used weedkiller glyphosate despite claims by some scientists it could cause cancer.

Mr Eustice highlighted a European Food Safety Authority assessment which concluded glyphosate was unlikely to be carcinogenic and did not pose a risk to human health.

The European Commission eventually decided to extend the licence enabling farmers to continue using glyphosate  although for 18 months rather than the hoped for 15 years.

Emergency permission

But just weeks later, Defra refused to grant UK growers emergency permission to use neonicotinoid seed treatments on oilseed rape, despite having the power to do so.

Neonicotinoid seed treatments have been banned by the EU on rape amid concern the chemicals could be damaging to bees and other pollinators.

But individual EU member states can grant temporary exemptions for their growers to use neonicotinoids and other countries have done so, although the UK has not.

Mr Eustice said the UK government would continue to maintain what he described as a science-based approach to pesticide authorisation decisions.

It would be an evidence-based approach with a precautionary principle but one based on an assessment of risk, rather than being based on a theoretical hazard, he added.
The Philippines, whose economy was once primarily agricultural, has recently experienced a significant industrialization. In 1980, over 37% of exports were agricultural products; in 2015 they accounted for no more than 7%, while industrial products accounted for over 70% of exports (electronic products alone represented 44% of exports).

Classified in the category of newly industrialized countries, the Philippines ranks among what bourgeois economists call the Tigers who, in the wake of the Dragons (South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan) are integrated into the capitalist world market thanks to offshore relocations attracted by a cheap labor-force. In 2015, the country experienced the highest growth rate after China.The Philippines specializes in shipbuilding, automotive equipment, electronics, computers, chemistry and call centers. Mining with copper, gold, silver and nickel is also booming. The country also benefits largely from remittances from the very numerous Filipino emigration.Over the last thirty years, the working class has largely developed; the number active in the manufacturing industry has more than doubled to 15%.CAPITALIST DEVELOPMENT AND PROLETARIAN MISERYThis development, touted by international institutions conceals severe economic backwardness and poverty. About 30% of the workforce is still employed in agriculture but, despite this, the country is not self-sufficient; it must import rice (it is one of the world's biggest importers) to feed its rapidly growing population (75 million Filipinos in 2000, 100 million today). The country is heavily in debt and corruption is endemic.The majority of the population still lives in miserable conditions. According to official statistics, a quarter of the population lives on less than a dollar a day and according to the IBON Foundation, almost three-quarters live on less than two dollars. While according to the government, unemployment is around 7%, it is actually more than 25% if we take into account imposed part-time work below the living wage. Finally, a large part of the urban population lives in slums. Some estimate that six of the twelve million inhabitants of the capital Manila live in these shantytowns. They live amidst mountains of garbage that pollute the air, water and soil, and face expulsion policies pursued by the public authorities (as in Quezon City in 2014).Like many capitalist countries, the Philippines has been implementing neoliberal measures of privatization and deregulation. Among measures implemented within this framework, there is the contractualization system, nicknamed Endo (end of contract), which prevents workers from obtaining guaranteed employee status by recruiting them to contracts (often successive) of less than five months. In the special economic zones (SEZs) that have multiplied, workers are deprived of almost every right and are subject to severe corporate despotism; in addition, international organizations have regularly denounced the use of forced labor in small enterprises and in agriculture (especially in sugar cane plantations)The Philippines is also one of the main sources of emigration in the world: there are on average 6000 departures per day. Eleven million Filipinos live abroad, including three million in the United States, two million in Saudi Arabia, and some 700,000 in Canada. Moreover 300,000 Filipino seafarers are plying the oceans on merchant ships.The integration of the Philippines in the capitalist world economy was facilitated by the close links of the country with its former colonial power, the United States.The Philippines, formerly a Spanish colony, was conquered by US imperialism in a bloody war between 1899 and 1902. The US military devastated the country, leading real extermination campaigns and the internment of civilians in concentration camps, all accompanied by a racist discourse to celebrate the superiority of the Americans, descendants of Aryan ancestors. This colonial genocide was responsible for the murder of 250-750,000 civilians (Robert Gerwarth and Stephan Malinowski The anteroom of the Holocaust, Twentieth Century. History Review, No. 99, 2008).The country was a US colony until the end of World War II before becoming formally independent only to be run by a succession of pro-American leaders -- the most famous and the most ferocious being the dictator Ferdinand Marcos who ruled the country with an iron fist from 1965 to 1986.PRESIDENT DUTERTE: VICTORY OF LAW AND ORDERIn early May, Rodrigo Duterte was elected president with nearly 40% of the votes in the second round. He won a clear victory by six million votes in a poll with a high degree of participation.Duterte conducted a demagogic campaign centered around issues of security, based on his record as mayor of Davao. In this city, he brought order by setting up death squads, the Alsa Masa militia composed of former soldiers and thugs, and the Davao Death Squad. These groups are accused of murdering over a thousand people, including street children, in the 1990s, in the name of the war against drugs.By early September, this terror policy had been widely implemented on a national level and nearly 2,500 people had been executed by the joint attacks of the murderers from the police and those of the death squads.Although sometimes claiming to be left-wing, Duterte said during his campaign that his political model was the dictator Marcos who was overthrown in the so-called popular revolution of 1986 resulting in a democratization that broke the hegemony of his clan on power, but in favor of other bourgeois forces. Misogynist through and through, he glorifies rape, declaring jokingly that he would participate in the gang rape of an Australian nun, or in saying that he had 2 wives and 2 mistresses...It is not by chance that this reactionary demagogue has been dubbed Dirty Duterte by the media in reference to Dirty Harry, the cop using expeditious methods, played by Clint Eastwood, and The Punisher in reference to a Marvel super-hero using ultra-violence against criminals.Economically and socially, he made promises to the poor and the workers, denouncing in particular the system of contracts as anti-popular (while refusing to make a written commitment). During his election campaign he received the support of the trade union confederations TUCP (Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, the largest confederation) KMU (Kilusang Mayo Uno, Union of May, supposedly more combative, linked to the Maoist PCP) etc, while others were taking no position. In his government he appointed Joel Maglunsod Mindanao, the vice president of the KMU, as Undersecretary of State for Labor and Employment.But this social image of defender of the poor and the support given him by the union bureaucrats, cannot hide his decades-long support for neoliberal policies. He proposed to develop public-private partnerships to fund infrastructure spending, to increase the competitiveness of the economy to attract foreign investment, to remove protectionist measures...His real feeling about the proletariat was proven when, at a meeting in February, he warned the KMU not try to organize to organize EPZ workers: We are one in ideology. [But] do not do that [organize the workers] because you will destroy my administration. If you do that, I will kill you all. ( Http://www.equaltimes.org/what-can-workers-in-the?lang=en#.V-L0MBJUXs1 ).KMU bureaucrats have complied, but the threat has already been realized elsewhere. On September 17, Orlando Abangan, a trade union activist of the Partido Manggagawa (PM), was murdered (PM Condemns vigilante-style killing of a leader, partidongmanggagawa2001.blogspot.fr) keeping with the entrenched tradition of the Phillipines ruling class of repression of the proletariat. The most brutal anti-union practices remain common; as of today the promises made by Duarte to the workers have not been adhered to, and when a trade union delegation went to remind Maglunsod of the promise to end the Endo system, the under-secretary was only able to answer that he would forward the demand to the Minister..Duterte is therefore a totally bourgeois politician even if he occasionally presents himself as a socialist. This does not prevent him from receiving more or less open support from multiple parties claiming to be communist.THE MAOIST PC OFFERS ITS SERVICES TO DUARTE  WHO ACCEPTS THEM...The pseudo-radical face of Duterte gave a pretext to the Maoist Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to prostrate themselves before him in the name of the democratic revolution. The CPP has championed an alliance" with Duterte because his election opens up prospects for meaningful change (Struggle and alliance under the Duterte regime, Bayan, English edition, June 7, 2016). This alliance is justified in the name of nationalism: Duterte, not fully subject to US imperialism would be the only opportunity of ending 70 years of government under the United States. The Maoists have a totally bourgeois and reactionary program of national unity, peace and development that is to say unity behind the bourgeoisie, social peace and development of the national capitalist economy (Prospects under Dutertes presidency, Bayan, English edition, 15 May 2016). The exiled leader of the party said during the campaign, that he hopes Duterte will actually serve the Filipino people in their fight for national liberation, democracy, social justice, development; he is willing to support all the patriotic and progressive policies and acts of the Duterte presidency. ( http://josemariasison.org/interview-with-prof-jose-maria-sison-on-the-election-of-duterte-as-president/ May 11, 2016).The CPP will quickly be rewarded for its support. Duterte offers a cease-fire to the New People's Army (NPA), a guerilla organization which has several thousand fighters and which had been carrying out a peoples war since 1969. The new president also appoints three representatives of the National Democratic Front, i.e. the union of the mass organizations of the CPP (3 NDFP nominees to sit in new cabinet, Bayan, English edition, June 7, 2016). The Maoists get the ministries of Agrarian Reform and Labour and Employment, for the leaders of their peasant union the KMP and of the KMU.It is true that the CPP has distanced itself from the bloody police terror initiated by the new president (No more cooperation with Dutertes undemocratic and anti-people drug war, cpp.ph, communique of 12 August 2016). It also accuses his of being a reactionary regime which betrays its promises, which capitulates to big business, the US, the military and capitalist bureaucrats while defending a tactical alliance with him (Duterte is Undermining the opportunity for change and peace, cpp.ph, communique of August 7).So it remains a partisan (barely critical) of this reactionary demagogue: the CPP greeted his peaceful and independent foreign policy when Duterte denounced the US military presence on Philippine soil (Positive significance of Duterte's avowal to uphold an independent foreign policy cpp.ph, communique of 11 September 2016). It calls on Duterte to make the Philippines an independent and non-aligned country (All US military forces in entire country must go home, cpp.ph, statement of 13 September 2016) which should conclude trade agreements with Venezuela, Iran, Cuba, Russia, North Korea and China (Positive significance of Duterte's avowal ...).While it may seem radical by its use of violence and its pseudo-Marxist references, the CPP is a bourgeois force that defends an independent capitalist development as part of a union of patriotic forces, which is precisely an inter-class alliance that chains the workers to the interests of the bourgeoisie.THE FAR LEFT OFFERS CRITCAL SUPPORTBesides the CPP, there are other pseudo-revolutionary parties.On the one hand there is the former pro-Soviet party  the PKP-1930 (Partido Komunista ng Pilipanas-1930, Communist Party of the Philippines since 1930). The PKP sharply criticized the candidate Duterte considered as reactionary a candidate as the others (Prospects for the Philippines in the wake of the May 9 general elections, solidnet.org). But less than a month later, the party congratulated President Duterte! The PKP  like its enemy brothers of the CPP offered its services: we support all efforts of your administration to fulfill your campaign promise to fight against crime. The bloodthirsty work of the death squads probably satisfied these false communists. All this is, once again, justified by a completely bourgeois program to build a prosperous country in peace, national sovereignty, democracy and social justice (Open letter to President elect Rodrigo R. Duterte pkp1930 .org). This turnaround was justified by the fact that his electoral victory reflects the hope of many voters....There are also forces from splits from the PKP from the early 90s. These splits were made on the question of the nature of the revolution in the Philippines. For the rejectionists, especially represented by Filemon Lagman, the Philippines is not a semi-colonial and semi-feudal capitalist country but a country in which a workers revolution must take power.Despite this tactical change, these forces  the Partido Lakas ng Masas (PLM Party of the Laboring Masses) and the Partido Manggagwa (PM, Labor Party)  are equally as alien to classist proletarian positions as the PKP.The PLM estimates that the political situation [is] extremely interesting and challenging and responds positively to the advances of the Maoists for a government of national unity, peace and development defending a struggle for a national program against the dominance of the neoliberal elite (Philippines left facing a Duterte-CPP coalition government, masa.ph, May 28, 2016).PM does not provide open political support to the government or to the PCP but asked Duterte to wage war against contractualization as vigorous as the war against drugs (Group Asks Duterte for big names of endo lords in the country, August 2, 2016, partidongmanggagawa2001.blogspot.fr). It also demands that union activists be officially given the role of labor inspectors (PM wants union officers deputized as labor inspector for endo campaign, August 5, 2016). It would not be too difficult to find a stronger critique of Duterte government!For its part, the Trotskyist Fourth International (Usec) has managed to build a section in the Philippines from a split in the CPP: the Revolutionary Workers Party of Mindanao (RPM-M). This party has responded favorably to the advances of the leaders of the CPP, which it called comrades in struggle for the liberation of the oppressed. RPM believes it has a difference of method with the Maoists but common  bourgeois!  objectives: democratic reforms put forward without losing sight of the elimination of the oppression of the masses (16 June 2016 rpm-m.org Response to Jose Ma Sison's Call for Dialogue). It's the old program of social democracy: reforms today and socialism in an indeterminate time!All these pseudo-revolutionary currents, completely reformist in reality, are only gadflies buzzing around the PCP itself prostrated before the Philippine bourgeoisie and its current head Duterte; they are, like the PCP obstacles to the proletarian struggle.But there exists in the country a group that claims to represent the Communist Left, Internatyonalismo. Is there a class alternative to this pro-bourgeois far left?INTERNATYONALISMO: ROAD TO NOWHERESince 2009, in fact, the International Communist Current (ICC) has had a section in the Philippines. Under the title The Duterte regime in the Philippines, appeal to the strong man and weakness of the working class, the ICC website published in June an article from its Philippine section on the presidential election, also including positions taken earlier.Far from putting forward a real classist perspective, all Internatyonalismo has to offer its readers is whining about the impotence [the] despair, [the] lack of perspective [and] loss of confidence in the unity of the working class and the struggles of the laboring masses.One negative effect of decadent capitalism in its decomposing stage is the rise of desperation and hopelessness among the poverty-stricken masses. One indication is the lumpenisation of parts of the toiling masses, increasing number of suicides, rotten culture among the young and gangsterism. All of these are manifestations of the increasing discontentment of the masses in the current system but they dont know what to do and what to replace it with. In other words, increasing discontent but no perspective for the future. Thats why the mentality of everyone for himself and each against all strongly influences a significant portion of the working class.Internatyonalismo condemns the Duterte regime as a rabid defender of national capitalism and a government of the capitalist class for the capitalist class; but faced with this bourgeois power, what is the perspective? For us, what is important is to analyse and understand as communists why significant numbers of the population are ready to accept Duterte as dictator and Godfather initially. And then, persevere with theoretical clarification, organisational strengthening and militant interventions to prepare for the future struggles at the international level. Wait and see...Added to this there are the caricatures of struggle which the ICC section provides as an example to the proletarians: solidarity movements (anti-CPE movement in France [student struggle], the Indignados in Spain, the class struggle in Greece, the Occupy movement in the United States).The logic behind this is that the Philippines is not ripe for the proletarian revolution. This is what was explained by the ICC in an article hailing the creation of the section (Salut to the new sections of the ICC in the Philippines and Turkey, 5 March 2009). In it the ICC reaffirmed its position on the dominated countries enunciated in 1982 (The proletariat of Western Europe at the center of the generalization of the class struggle, International Review 31):Only by attacking its heart and head will the proletariat be able to defeat the capitalist beast. For centuries, history has placed the heart and head of the capitalist world in Western Europe. The world revolution will take its first steps where capitalism took its first steps. It's here that the conditions for the revolution, enumerated above, can be found in the most developed form. (...) It is thus only in Western Europe, where the proletariat has the longest experience of struggle, where it has already been confronted for decades with all the working class mystifications of the most elaborate kind, that there can be a full development of the political consciousness which is indispensable in its struggle for revolution.For the ICC, the revolution will be European or it will not be! The proletarians of the young capitalist countries but also of the United States or Japan, have to be patient and wait for the conscious European proletariat to resume the fight. So the only prospect remaining in the Philippines is the development of struggles on the bourgeois democratic terrain (such as the Indignados, Occupy, or Podemos which is its legitimate offspring) or reformist (such as the class struggle in Greece that was made  and was defeated  under the leadership of Syriza and the KKE).It is clear that ultimately Internatyonalismo is unable to offer a class perspective to the Filipino proletariat, a truly communist perspective.FOR A PROLETARIAN PERSPECTIVEFor communists, it is neither the horizon of bourgeois revolution (even radical) nor the impotent waiting for the reawakening of the European proletariat which are on the agenda. Today, all regions of the world have been thrown into turmoil by the capitalist mode of production. Imperialism has caused capitalism to penetrate into every pore of Philippine society.The proletarian revolution has long been maturing in this eastern Asia plowed in every direction by the irresistible movement of capitalist expansion. It means, as elsewhere, the destruction of all mercantile and wage relations, and all states erected to defend them.Wherever it erupts and whatever the greater or lesser importance of the residues left by the limits of the capitalist transformation of societies, this revolution will find in the violent shock with the capillary network of imperialism  as celebrated by bourgeois hacks under the name of globalization  the material conditions of a rapid dissemination, which will eventually have to lay siege to and destroy the strongholds of the counter-revolution in North America and Europe.This longer perspective that is ours, the one based on materialism, implies the rebirth of the class party, faithful to authentic Marxism and enjoying a strong influence among the ranks of the proletariat. This party will be able to lead the working class in the Philippines as elsewhere toward the assault against capitalism, only on the base of the exclusive defense of the interests of the proletariat and the exploited masses, in opposition to all democratic, reformist and interclassist illusions conveyed by the false defenders of socialism.International Communist Party
CHICAGO - Coeur Mining, Inc. (the "Company" or "Coeur") (NYSE:CDE) today announced third quarter production of 3.5 million ounces of silver and 84,871 ounces of gold, or 8.6 million silver equivalent1 ounces. Coeur is raising its 2016 production guidance to 34.4 - 37.0 million silver equivalent1 ounces from 33.8 - 36.8 million silver equivalent1 ounces.

Third quarter production highlights for each of Coeur's operations are provided below.

Palmarejo, Mexico 3Q 2016 2Q 2016 1Q 2016 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 Underground Operations: Tons mined 253,681 283,971 215,642 189,383 190,399 Average silver grade (oz/t) 3.96 5.40 4.21 3.96 4.11 Average gold grade (oz/t) 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.10 Surface Operations: Tons mined  1,695 35,211 102,018 247,071 Average silver grade (oz/t)  7.77 4.18 3.86 3.56 Average gold grade (oz/t)  0.07 0.04 0.03 0.03 Processing: Total tons milled 274,644 270,142 246,533 301,274 427,635 Average recovery rate  Ag 85.5% 89.5% 89.1% 95.4% 87.9% Average recovery rate  Au 77.7% 86.4% 92.1% 88.8% 84.7% Silver production ounces (000's) 933 1,307 933 1,126 1,422 Gold production ounces 16,608 18,731 14,668 14,326 22,974 Silver-equivalent1 production ounces (000's) 1,930 2,431 1,813 1,985 2,800

Transition to lower-tonnage, higher-grade, higher-margin underground operations is progressing on schedule with Guadalupe mining nearly 2,300 tons per day during the quarter, surpassing its target mining rate of 2,200 tons per day

Development of Independencia remains on-track to achieve a mining rate of 1,000 tons per day by year-end

Silver and gold production decreased as a result of the installation of a new Merrill Crowe processing circuit during the quarter. Recovery rates and grades are expected to increase in the fourth quarter

Limited mining of the legacy underground area has extended into the fourth quarter

Increasing full-year 2016 production guidance to 4.1 - 4.6 million silver ounces from 3.9 - 4.4 million silver ounces and 70,000 - 75,000 gold ounces from 67,000 - 72,000 gold ounces

Rochester, Nevada 3Q 2016 2Q 2016 1Q 2016 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 Tons placed 4,901,039 6,402,013 4,374,459 4,411,590 4,128,868 Average silver grade (oz/t) 0.54 0.54 0.64 0.60 0.59 Average gold grade (oz/t) 0.003 0.003 0.004 0.003 0.003 Silver production ounces (000's) 1,161 1,197 929 1,107 1,086 Gold production ounces 12,120 13,940 10,460 11,564 10,892 Silver equivalent1 production ounces (000's) 1,888 2,033 1,557 1,800 1,740

Silver equivalent 1 production decreased 7% quarter-over-quarter due to longer-than-expected recovery time from the Stage III leach pad

production decreased 7% quarter-over-quarter due to longer-than-expected recovery time from the Stage III leach pad Crushing rates remained strong while tons placed moderated in the third quarter as a result of a lower portion of run-of-mine material placed

Construction of the Stage IV leach pad expansion commenced in July 2016 and is expected to be complete in mid-2017

Revising full-year 2016 silver production guidance to 4.5 - 5.0 million ounces from 4.8 - 5.3 million ounces and maintaining gold production guidance of 48,000 - 55,000 ounces

Kensington, Alaska 3Q 2016 2Q 2016 1Q 2016 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 Tons milled 140,322 157,117 159,360 159,666 165,198 Average gold grade (oz/t) 0.20 0.22 0.21 0.22 0.19 Average recovery rate 94.8% 94.1% 95.8% 96.0% 93.9% Gold production ounces 26,459 32,210 31,974 33,713 28,799

Gold production decreased 18% quarter-over-quarter due to mill downtime at the end of the quarter relating to a blocked tailings line. The blockage has been cleared and the mill has resumed operations at full capacity

Development of the Jualin decline continues to advance with initial production expected in the second half of 2017

Raising the low-end of full-year 2016 production guidance to 120,000 - 125,000 gold ounces from 115,000 - 125,000 gold ounces

Wharf, South Dakota 3Q 2016 2Q 2016 1Q 2016 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 Tons placed 1,199,008 915,631 974,663 1,147,130 1,149,744 Average gold grade (oz/t) 0.033 0.037 0.031 0.032 0.035 Average plant recovery rate - Au 95.5% 89.6% 96.6% 97.3% 92.8% Gold production ounces 29,684 27,846 20,970 31,947 23,104 Silver production ounces (000's) 25 35 13 18 19 Gold equivalent1 production ounces 30,106 28,433 21,186 32,231 23,427

Gold equivalent 1 production remained strong during the third quarter, increasing 6% over the second quarter largely due to a 31% increase in tons placed as well as a return to higher plant recovery rates

production remained strong during the third quarter, increasing 6% over the second quarter largely due to a 31% increase in tons placed as well as a return to higher plant recovery rates Increasing full-year 2016 production guidance to 95,000 - 100,000 gold ounces from 90,000 - 95,000 gold ounces

San Bartolome, Bolivia 3Q 2016 2Q 2016 1Q 2016 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 Tons milled 450,409 440,441 407,806 475,695 373,201 Average silver grade (oz/t) 3.43 3.79 3.64 3.84 3.76 Average recovery rate 88.7% 87.4% 93.1% 84.9% 84.0% Silver production ounces (000's) 1,370 1,458 1,382 1,550 1,178

Silver production decreased 6% quarter-over-quarter. While civil unrest in Bolivia during the quarter did not impact mining operations, it hindered shipments of purchased ore to San Bartolome's processing facilities. This led to a lower contribution of 27% of purchased ore to total production, down from approximately one-third in the second quarter

Revising full-year 2016 production guidance to 5.5 - 5.8 million silver ounces from 5.8 - 6.1 million silver ounces

Coeur Capital, Inc.

Endeavor, Australia 3Q 2016 2Q 2016 1Q 2016 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 Silver production ounces (000's) 56 33 115 171 121

Silver production received from the Company's silver stream on the Endeavor mine in Australia remained at decreased levels following a curtailment of production by the operator earlier this year due to lower lead and zinc prices

Coeur is increasing its revised 2016 production guidance for Endeavor to 215,000 - 235,000 silver ounces from 175,000 - 200,000 silver ounces

2016 Production Outlook

Coeur's 2016 silver and gold production guidance has been revised as shown below.

(silver and silver equivalent ounces in thousands) Silver Gold Silver Equivalent1 Palmarejo 4,100 - 4,600 70,000 - 75,000 8,300 - 9,100 Rochester 4,500 - 5,000 48,000 - 55,000 7,380 - 8,300 San Bartolome 5,500 - 5,800  5,500 - 5,800 Endeavor 215 - 235  215 - 235 Kensington  120,000 - 125,000 7,200 - 7,500 Wharf 80 - 100 95,000 - 100,000 5,780 - 6,100 Total 14,395 - 15,735 333,000 - 355,000 34,375 - 37,035

Financial Results and Conference Call

Coeur will report its full operational and financial results for third quarter 2016 on October 26, 2016 after the New York Stock Exchange closes for trading. There will be a conference call on October 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time.

Dial-In Numbers: (855) 560-2581 (US) (855) 669-9657 (Canada) (412) 542-4166 (International) Conference ID: Coeur Mining

The conference call and presentation will also be webcast on the Companys website www.coeur.com. Hosting the call will be Mitchell J. Krebs, President and Chief Executive Officer of Coeur, who will be joined by Peter C. Mitchell, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Frank L. Hanagarne, Jr., Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Hans Rasmussen, Senior Vice President of Exploration, and other members of management. A replay of the call will be available through November 10, 2016.

Replay numbers: (877) 344-7529 (US) (855) 669-9658 (Canada) (412) 317-0088 (International) Conference ID: 100 94 273

About Coeur

Coeur Mining is a well-diversified, growing precious metals producer with five precious metals mines in the Americas employing approximately 2,000 people. Coeur produces from its wholly owned operations: the Palmarejo silver-gold complex in Mexico, the Rochester silver-gold mine in Nevada, the Kensington gold mine in Alaska, the Wharf gold mine in South Dakota, and the San Bartolome silver mine in Bolivia. The Company also has a non-operating interest in the Endeavor mine in Australia as well as a royalty interest in Ecuador. In addition, the Company has two silver-gold exploration stage projects - the La Preciosa project in Mexico and the Joaquin project in Argentina. Coeur conducts ongoing exploration activities in Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota and Mexico.

Cautionary Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation in the United States and Canada, including statements regarding anticipated production, operations at the Palmarejo complex, mining rates, recovery rates, grades, expansion at Rochester, development efforts at Kensington and crushing rates. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause Coeur's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risk that anticipated production levels are not attained, the risks and hazards inherent in the mining business (including risks inherent in developing large-scale mining projects, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, weather or geologically related conditions), changes in the market prices of gold and silver and a sustained lower price environment, the uncertainties inherent in Coeur's production, exploratory and developmental activities, including risks relating to permitting and regulatory delays, ground conditions, grade variability, any future labor disputes or work stoppages, the uncertainties inherent in the estimation of gold and silver reserves, changes that could result from Coeur's future acquisition of new mining properties or businesses, reliance on third parties to operate certain mines where Coeur owns silver production and reserves and the absence of control over mining operations in which Coeur or its subsidiaries hold royalty or streaming interests and risks related to these mining operations including results of mining and exploration activities, environmental, economic and political risks of the jurisdiction in which the mining operations are located, the loss of any third-party smelter to which Coeur markets silver and gold, the effects of environmental and other governmental regulations, the risks inherent in the ownership or operation of or investment in mining properties or businesses in foreign countries, Coeur's ability to raise additional financing necessary to conduct its business, make payments or refinance its debt, as well as other uncertainties and risk factors set out in filings made from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Canadian securities regulators, including, without limitation, Coeur's most recent report on Form 10-K. Actual results, developments and timetables could vary significantly from the estimates presented. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Coeur disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, Coeur undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of Coeur, its financial or operating results or its securities.

Dana Willis, Coeur's Director, Resource Geology and a qualified person under Canadian National Instrument 43-101, approved the scientific and technical information concerning Coeur's mineral projects in this news release. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves and resources, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant factors, Canadian investors should refer to the Technical Reports for each of Coeur's properties as filed on SEDAR at sedar.com.

Notes

1. Silver and gold equivalence calculated using a 60:1 silver to gold ratio.
TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - October 06, 2016) - Primero Mining Corp. ("Primero" or the "Company") (TSX: P) (NYSE: PPP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Damien Marantelli as Chief Operating Officer effective October 6, 2016.

Mr. Marantelli brings over 35 years of international experience in the mining industry, including senior management positions with First Quantum, Inmet and WMC Resources. Mr. Marantelli has successfully managed development, construction and operations across a variety of commodities and is an experienced mining engineer. Previously, Mr. Marantelli held the role of General Manager of the Sentinel copper mine in development by First Quantum Minerals, where he was responsible for leading approximately 3,500 employees through the final stages of commissioning and ramp-up of open pit operations. He was also the Managing Director of First Quantum's (previously Inmet's) Las Cruces copper mine and the Managing Director of the Cayeli underground copper and zinc mine. Prior to his experiences with First Quantum/Inmet, Mr. Marantelli was the General Manager of BHP Billiton's (previously WMC Resources) Mount Keith operations and oversaw the expansion of annual capacity from 18 million to 40 million bank cubic metres per year over a two year period.

"I am very pleased to welcome Damien to the Primero team," said Ernest Mast, President & Chief Executive Officer. "He brings to Primero strong international mining experience and a hands-on approach in the areas of health and safety, business improvement and strategic planning. He has a robust background in operations and a track record of increasing productivity in challenging operational environments. I look forward to working with him to achieve our goal of building Primero into a leading mid-tier gold producer."

Mr. Marantelli received a Diploma of Engineering (Mining) from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and a Diploma of Business (Frontline Management) from Excel Consulting Australia. He is a long standing member of the Australian Institute of Mining & Metallurgical Engineers.

About Primero

Primero Mining Corp. is a Canadian-based precious metals producer that owns 100% of the San Dimas gold-silver mine and the Cerro del Gallo gold-silver-copper development project in Mexico and 100% of the Black Fox mine and adjoining properties in the Township of Black RiverMatheson near Timmins, Ontario, Canada. Primero offers immediate exposure to un-hedged, below average cash cost gold production with a substantial resource base in politically stable jurisdictions. The Company is focused on becoming a leading intermediate gold producer by building a portfolio of high quality, low cost precious metals assets in the Americas.

Primero's website is www.primeromining.com.
VANCOUVER, Oct. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - AZARGA METALS CORP. ("Azarga Metals" or the "Company") (TSX-V:AZR) announces additional assay results from deeper sections in previously reported diamond core drill-hole AM-001 together with assay results for hole AM-011 at its Unkur Silver-Copper Project in the Zabaikalsky administrative region of eastern Russia.

The Company's President and CEO Dorian (Dusty) Nicol said, "The assays from the remainder of AM-001 raise the intriguing possibility of additional horizons of significant mineralization that had not been identified in historical works at Unkur. In addition to continuing to explore the recognized mineralized zone, we will look to test the 'multiple mineralization horizon' idea across the deposit because confirmation of such could lead to a substantial increase in our views of the potential scale of any deposit at Unkur."

ADDITIONAL ASSAYS FROM DRILL-HOLE AM-001

At 401 meters in length, Drill-hole AM-001 is the longest hole drilled by Azarga Metals to date at Unkur. Assays from the upper sections of the hole were made public in the Company's news release on 19 September 2016. The main intersection announced was 40 meters at 65.9g/t silver and 0.74% copper from 82.5 meters to 122.5 meters together with two higher grade subsections (refer Table 2 in the Drilling Update Section of this news release).

Azarga Metals has now received assays from the remainder of drill-hole AM-001, including a second intersection of significant mineralization, being: 18 meters at 70.0 g/t silver and 0.81% copper (ie, 137.6g/t silver equivalent or 1.65% copper equivalent using US$17.83/oz silver price and US$2.17/lb copper price and assuming 100% recoveries) from 314.5 meters to 332.5 meters. That intersection includes seven meters at 137.7g/t silver and 1.51% copper (ie, 263.7g/t silver equivalent or 3.16% copper equivalent using US$17.83/oz silver price and US$2.17/lb copper price and assuming 100% recoveries) from 320.5 meters to 327.5 meters. In addition, a third intersection of highly anomalous, though lower grade, mineralization was identified, being: five meters at 49.2g/t silver and 0.32% copper (ie, 75.9g/t silver equivalent or 0.91% copper equivalent using US$17.83/oz silver price and US$2.17/lb copper price and assuming 100% recoveries) from 339.5 meters to 344.5 meters.

AM-001 is the first hole from Azarga Metals' first phase exploration program at Unkur to establish multiple distinct horizons of significant mineralization. Such a feature was not observed in the shorter drill holes that have returned assays to date nor from historical exploration records. The Company plans to test for the presence of multiple layers of significant mineralization at other locations at Unkur.

ASSAYS FROM DRILL-HOLE AM-011

Assays have also been received from drill-hole AM-011. This hole, which was drilled to a total length of 179 meters, contained one significant intersection, being: 13.7 meters at 38.7g/t silver and 0.59% copper (ie, 87.9g/t silver equivalent or 1.05% copper equivalent using US$17.83/oz silver price and US$2.17/lb copper price and assuming 100% recoveries) from 140.2 meters to 153.9 meters, including 5.9 meters at 86.4g/t silver and 1.25% copper (ie, 190.7g/t silver equivalent or 2.29% copper equivalent using US$17.83/oz silver price and US$2.17/lb copper price and assuming 100% recoveries) from 148.0 meters to 153.9 meters.

Drill-hole AM-011 extends strike length approximately 600 meters to the south east of previously reported drill-hole AM-007.

Note: Drill intercepts are reported as drilled and may not be representative of true widths. Drill holes have been sited to attempt to intersect mineralization as close to perpendicular as possible, but there is not sufficient information about geometry of the mineralization at this time to estimate true widths. A Quality Assurance / Quality Control program is part of the sampling program at Unkur. This program includes chain of custody protocols as well as systematic submittals of standards, duplicates and blank samples into the flow of samples produced by the sampling including check assays of approximately 10% of the samples by another certified laboratory. Samples were analyzed at SGS Vostok Limited in Chita, Russia. Check assays will be analyzed at ALS Geochemistry in Chita, Russia.

DRILLING UPDATE

Azarga Metals has now completed ten holes and has drilled approximately 2,400 cumulative linear meters (of a planned 5,000 meters, recently expanded from the original 3,000 meters) at its Unkur Silver-Copper Project as per the table below.

Table 1: Location details for Unkur phase one drilling program completed holes to date Hole ID East

(UTM) North

(UTM) RL Dip Azimuth

(magnetic) Hole

type EOH Recovery AM-001 56.84 118.57 929m 70 253 DD 401m 95% AM-003 56.84 118.57 931m 70 254 DD 96m 95% AM-004 56.84 118.57 931m 70 244 DD 383m 95% AM-005 56.84 118.57 930m 70 242 DD 160m 95% AM-007 56.83 118.58 928m 70 239 DD 80m 95% AM-009 56.82 118.58 976m 70 236 DD 225m 95% AM-011 56.82 118.59 960m 70 234 DD 179m 95% AM-013 56.82 118.59 1,000m 70 231 DD 100m 95% AM-015 56.82 118.60 1,044m 70 230 DD 196m 95% AM-017 56.83 118.78 913m 70 242 DD 278m 95%

Drill Holes AM-008 and AM-016 are currently being drilled.

Table 2: Unkur phase one drilling program assays reported to date (incl. this report) Hole ID Intersection From To Silver

grade Copper

grade AM-001 (IS 1) 40m 82.5m 122.5m 65.9g/t 0.74% - AM-001 sub-section 22m 82.5m 103.5m 111.9g/t 1.13% - AM-001 sub-section 7m 85.5m 92.5m 244.1g/t 1.95% AM-001 (IS 2) 18m 314.5m 322.5m 70.0g/t 0.81% - AM-001 sub-section 7m 320.5m 327.5m 137.7g/t 1.51% AM-001 (IS 3) 5m 339.5m 344.5m 49.2g/t 0.32% AM-003 16m 56.5m 72.5m 84.0g/t 0.79% - AM-003 sub-section 5m 59.5m 64.5m 200.4g/t 1.39% AM-007 10m 49.0m 59.0m 20.2g/t 0.29% AM-011 13.7m 140.2m 153.9m 38.6g/t 0.5% - AM-011 sub-section 5.9m 148.0m 153.9m 100.7g/t 1.35% Notes: n = full reported intersection and n = sub-section contained within the relevant full reported intersection.

UNKUR SILVER-COPPER PROJECT

Azarga Metals owns 60% of the Unkur Silver-Copper Project along with the right to acquire the remaining 40% in the future.

Sediment-hosted copper and silver mineralization has been identified across the 5,390 hectare project license area, in outcrops, trenches and by historical diamond drilling. The prior exploration outlined a large area of high-grade shallow stratiform sediment hosted copper-silver 20 to 50 meters thick over an area four to six kilometers long.

Further details concerning Unkur Silver-Copper Project are contained in a technical report filed by the Company as per its news release of 5 April 2016.

Qualified Person

The Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, Dorian L. (Dusty) Nicol, B.Sc. Geo, MA Geo, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the exploration information disclosures contained in this Press Release.

About Azarga Metals Corp.

Azarga Metals is a mineral exploration and development company that owns 60% of the Unkur Silver-Copper Project in the Zabaikalsky province in eastern Russia.

AZARGA METALS CORP.

"Dusty Nicol"

Dorian L. (Dusty) Nicol, President and CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement:

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Corporation's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the actual results of current planned exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans to continue to be refined; possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; and fluctuations in metal prices. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Corporation disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

SOURCE Azarga Metals Corp.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 6, 2016) - Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX:DML)(NYSE MKT:DNN) is pleased to report the completion of a safe and highly successful summer 2016 drilling program on the Company's 60% owned Wheeler River project, located in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region in northern Saskatchewan. The summer program included 37 drill holes for a total of 23,622 metres, which were focused on expanding the mineralization in the vicinity of the Gryphon deposit and completing an initial set of infill and delineation holes. The program's objectives were exceeded, demonstrating the Gryphon deposit is part of a large and robust mineralizing system that remains open in numerous directions. Key highlights for the program include:

Continued expansion of the D series lenses along strike in both directions (see Denison's Press Release dated September 7, 2016). The D series lenses are not included in the current NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate for the Gryphon deposit;

Discovery of additional high-grade mineralization down-dip and up-dip of the A and B series lenses (see Denison's Press Release dated September 22, 2016). These results are also located outside of the current NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate for the Gryphon deposit;

Discovery of basement-hosted mineralization on the K-West conductive trend, located approximately 500 metres west of the Gryphon deposit (see Denison's Press Release dated August 4, 2016), which presents a compelling target for the discovery of a new basement-hosted deposit in close proximity to the Gryphon deposit; and

Completion of an initial set of infill and delineation holes on the Gryphon deposit, which reinforce the high-grade nature of the deposit and included highlight results of: 1.5% eU 3 O 8 over 14.4 metres (including 2.3% eU 3 O 8 over 7.9 metres and 1.5% eU 3 O 8 over 1.0 metre) in drill hole WR-668D2, and 0.93% eU 3 O 8 over 14.1 metres (including 2.1% eU 3 O 8 over 3.7 metres and 1.4% eU 3 O 8 over 1.3 metres) and 2.4% eU 3 O 8 over 7.3 meters (including 3.7% eU 3 O 8 over 4.5 metres) in drill hole WR-668 (reported previously, see Denison's Press Release dated July 19, 2016).



Grade results in this Press Release are reported as radiometric equivalent U 3 O 8 ("eU 3 O 8 ") from a calibrated total gamma down-hole probe. Radiometric equivalent U 3 O 8 results are preliminary in nature and all mineralized intervals will be sampled and submitted for chemical U 3 O 8 assay. The infill and delineation holes reported herein were drilled at a high angle to mineralization to allow for better evaluation of true thicknesses which are expected to be approximately 75% of the intersection lengths.

Denison's President and CEO, David Cates, commented, "The summer drilling program at Wheeler River was highlighted by the sheer number of mineralized results. The large majority of holes drilled returned potentially meaningful mineralization and have left us in the enviable position of having several target areas, on the D lenses and at the main Gryphon deposit, that remain open in multiple directions and will require follow-up in 2017. Our Saskatoon based exploration team continues to deliver results as we focus our attention on increasing the resource base at or around Gryphon. Quite simply, we are using the drill bit to improve what are already compelling economics at Wheeler River - which include an estimated cash operating cost of just over US$14 for the Gryphon deposit, according to the Preliminary Economic Assessment or 'PEA' filed for the project earlier this year."

Further Exploration Drilling Results

Denison completed a further four exploration drill holes in the vicinity of the Gryphon deposit subsequent to the Company's Press Release dated September 22, 2016:

Drill hole WR-675D1 was drilled approximately 40 metres up-dip of drill hole WR-675 on Section 5000 GP, which intersected 1.36% eU 3 O 8 over 1.0 metre (see Denison's Press Release dated September 22, 2016). The hole was designed to test for continuation of the A and B series lenses on the up-dip, up-plunge area of the Gryphon deposit and evaluate for D lens mineralization deeper into the stratigraphy (lower footwall). The hole intersected 0.12% eU 3 O 8 over 1.2 metres and 0.43% eU 3 O 8 over 3.1 metres indicating expansion of the A and B lenses in the up-dip direction (see Figure 3) where mineralization remains open. Weak fracture-hosted D series lens mineralization was intersected further down-hole at approximately 696 metres associated with strong clay alteration and hydrothermal hematite. Additional drill testing for D series lens mineralization is warranted up-dip of this intersection in a target area considered more optimal for D series lens mineralization.

Exploration drill hole WR-679 was drilled on the up-plunge area of the Gryphon deposit to test for continuation of A and B series lenses approximately 40 metres down-dip of WR-584B on Section 4800 GP (see Figure 3). No significant mineralization was intersected, however weak bleaching and clay replacement was present.

Two further drill holes were completed at K-West, approximately 500 metres west of the Gryphon deposit, to follow-up on the basement-hosted mineralization intersected in previous drill hole WR-663. This hole intersected 0.039% eU 3 O 8 over 1.1 metres, 0.04% eU 3 O 8 over 2.0 metres and 0.021% eU 3 O 8 over 5.2 metres including an extensive alteration zone with an estimated true thickness of approximately 50 metres (see Denison's Press Release dated August 4, 2016). Follow-up drill holes WR-676 and WR-663D1 were drilled approximately 50 metres up-dip and down-dip of WR-663 respectively (see Figure 4). No significant mineralization was intersected in either hole however a similar extensive alteration zone was encountered indicating continued potential for higher grades. The zone is open along strike within the basement and, given the proximity to Gryphon and similar favorable geological setting, additional follow-up is warranted.

Infill and Delineation Drilling Results

On July 19, 2016 Denison announced the initiation of a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the Wheeler River project. An important step in completing the PFS involves increasing the level of confidence of the previously released inferred resources estimated for the Gryphon deposit to an indicated level. An infill drilling program was designed to achieve this objective by increasing the previous 50 x 50 metre drill spacing to an approximate 25 x 25 metre spacing across the A, B and C series lenses of the Gryphon deposit. The program, which is expected to require approximately 40 drill holes, includes delineation holes designed to potentially close-off areas where mineralization is still open. The program is designed with drill holes oriented steeply toward the northwest in order to intersect the geology and mineralized lenses at high angles which will provide for an accurate evaluation of the true thickness of the mineralization and optimal information for geological modelling and mineral resource estimation.

To reduce drilling costs, drill time to mineralization and improve drilling accuracy, a directional drilling method was employed, which involves drilling of a single parent hole from surface with multiple "daughter holes" drilled from part way down the parent hole. The daughter holes are steered to their respective targets using specialized drilling equipment. A total of five initial infill and delineation drill holes, totaling 2,620 metres, have been completed as part of the summer 2016 program including single parent hole WR-668 and subsequent daughter holes WR-668D1 to WR-668D4. The holes pierced their respective targets within 6 metres or less of the planned location and cost savings were realized owing to the lesser amount of drill metres required (a total of 2,620 metres drilled in comparison to 4,247 metres if the holes were drilled from surface). Due to the operational success of the initial set of directional holes, continued infill and delineation drilling was deferred to 2017 to allow for additional exploration holes during the summer 2016 program. Results for the initial five infill and delineation drill holes are provided in Table 1 and drill hole locations are shown in Figures 2 and 3. The results confirmed high grade results previously reported for the Gryphon deposit and, on initial evaluation, are consistent with A and B series lens interpretations and inferred block model grades for this area of the Gryphon deposit.

Table 1: Mineralized intersections from infill and delineation drill holes completed during summer 2016

Section Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m)5 eU 3 O 8 (%)1,2 Lens Series Designation 5025 GP WR-668D13 763.5 768.6 5.1 0.33 A WR-668D33 738.6 739.6 1.0 0.12 A 5050 GP WR-6683,6 754.7 768.8 14.1 0.93 A (including)4,6 756.1 759.8 3.7 2.1 A (including)4,6 765.5 766.8 1.3 1.4 A (and)3,6 772.6 779.9 7.3 2.4 B (including)4,6 773.8 778.3 4.5 3.7 B WR-668D23 768.9 783.3 14.4 1.5 A (including)4 772.0 779.9 7.9 2.3 A (including)4 781.7 782.7 1.0 1.5 A WR-668D43 795.4 796.4 1.0 0.20 A

Notes:

eU 3 O 8 is radiometric equivalent U 3 O 8 from a calibrated total gamma down-hole probe. eU 3 O 8 results are preliminary in nature and all mineralized intervals will be sampled and submitted for chemical U 3 O 8 assay. Composites are compiled using 1.0 metre minimum mineralization thickness and 2.0 metres maximum waste Intersection interval is composited above a cut-off grade of 0.1% eU 3 O 8. Intersection interval is composited above a cut-off grade of 1% eU 3 O 8. As the drill holes are oriented steeply toward the northwest and the basement mineralization is interpreted to dip moderately to the southeast, the true thickness of the mineralization is expected to be approximately 75% of the intersection lengths. Results reported previously.

Illustrative Figures & Further Details

A property location and basement geology map is provided in Figure 1. A plan map of the northeast plunging Gryphon deposit mineralized lenses, projected up to the simplified basement geology at the sub-Athabasca unconformity, is provided in Figure 2. The plan map shows the location of the D series lenses interpreted from winter 2016 drilling results, the previously reported summer mineralized intercepts as yellow stars (see Denison's Press Releases dated September 7, 2016 and September 22, 2016) and the location of intersections from the A and B series lenses reported herein as light blue stars. Figure 3 shows an inclined longitudinal section of the Gryphon deposit A series lenses. Shown on the section are drill hole pierce points of the A series plane indicating which holes intersected A and/or B series lens mineralization. Drill hole pierce points in the upper right of the section relate to drill holes that were targeting the D series lenses, which are located footwall to the A series lenses (further into the page) and are therefore not visible in this section. Similarly, the B and C series lenses occur footwall to (behind) the A series lenses and are therefore also not visible in the section. Figure 4 shows a cross-section along section line 5050 GP highlighting the intersection of mineralization and alteration at K-West in drill hole WR-663. Follow-up drill holes WR-676 and WR-663D1, drilled approximately 50 meters up-dip and down-dip respectively, are shown.

Further details regarding the Gryphon deposit and the current mineral resource estimates are provided in the NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Wheeler River project titled "Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wheeler River Uranium Project, Saskatchewan, Canada" dated April 8, 2016 with an effective date of March 31, 2016. A copy of this report is available on Denison's website and under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

Qualified Persons

The disclosure of a scientific or technical nature contained in this news release was prepared by Dale Verran, MSc, Pr.Sci.Nat., Denison's Vice President, Exploration, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101. For a description of the assay procedures and the quality assurance program and quality control measures applied by Denison, please see Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 24, 2016 filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

About Wheeler River

The Wheeler River property is a joint venture between Denison (60% and operator), Cameco Corp. (30%), and JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Limited (10%), and is host to the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix uranium deposits discovered by Denison in 2014 and 2008, respectively. The Gryphon deposit is hosted in basement rock and is currently estimated to contain inferred resources of 43.0 million pounds U3O8 (above a cut-off grade of 0.2% U3O8) based on 834,000 tonnes of mineralization at an average grade of 2.3% U3O8. The Phoenix unconformity deposit is located approximately 3 kilometres to the southeast of Gryphon and is estimated to include indicated resources of 70.2 million pounds U3O8 (above a cut-off grade of 0.8% U3O8) based on 166,000 tonnes of mineralization at an average grade of 19.1% U3O8, and is the highest grade undeveloped uranium deposit in the world.

On April 4th, 2016, Denison announced the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Wheeler River Project, which considers the potential economic merit of co-developing the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix deposits as a single underground mining operation. The PEA returned a base case pre-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 20.4% based on the current long term contract price of uranium (US$44.00 per pound U 3 O 8 ), and Denison's share of estimated initial capital expenditures ("CAPEX") of CAD$336M (CAD$560M on 100% ownership basis). Exploration results from the winter and summer 2016 drilling program have not been incorporated into the resource estimate or the PEA. The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. On July 19th, 2016 Denison announced the initiation of a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the Wheeler River property and the complimentary commencement of an infill drilling program at the Gryphon deposit to bring the inferred resources to an indicated level of confidence.

About Denison

Denison is a uranium exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan. Including its 60% owned Wheeler River project, which hosts the high grade Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits, Denison's exploration portfolio consists of numerous projects covering over 350,000 hectares in the infrastructure rich eastern Athabasca Basin. Denison's interests in Saskatchewan also include a 22.5% ownership interest in the McClean Lake joint venture, which includes several uranium deposits and the McClean Lake uranium mill, which is currently processing ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement, plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest deposit and a 63.01% interest in the J Zone deposit on the Waterbury Lake property. Both the Midwest and J Zone deposits are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill.

Denison is also engaged in mine decommissioning and environmental services through its Denison Environmental Services division and is the manager of Uranium Participation Corp., a publicly traded company which invests in uranium oxide and uranium hexafluoride.

Follow Denison on Twitter @DenisonMinesCo

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Denison. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or the negatives and/or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the following: exploration (including drilling) and evaluation activities, plans and objectives; potential mineralization of drill targets; the estimates of Denison's mineral resources and the results of its PEA.

Forward looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Denison to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Denison believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable but there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and may differ materially from those anticipated in this forward looking information. For a discussion in respect of risks and other factors that could influence forward-looking events, please refer to the "Risk Factors" in Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 24, 2016 available under its profile at www.sedar.com and in its Form 40-F available at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. These factors are not, and should not be construed as being, exhaustive.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Denison does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this press release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in its expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources: This press release may use the terms "measured", "indicated" and "inferred" mineral resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

Figure 1: Wheeler River property location and geology



Figure 2: Plan map, Gryphon deposit



Figure 3: Inclined longitudinal section, Gryphon deposit A series lenses



Figure 4: Section 5050 GP Gryphon deposit


Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX-V: BAY) (Aston Bay or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company has completed the summer exploration program at the Storm Property, Somerset Island, Nunavut and is providing a preliminary update. Further updates will be provided as results are received.

During the 2016 exploration season, the Company drilled 1,951.1 metres (m) of core in 12 drill holes and collected 2,005 soil samples over an area of approximately 120 km north-south and 20 to 40 km east-west on the property. Exploration drilling was conducted at a number of specific geophysical and structural targets in the vicinity of the 4100N Zone, the 2750N Zone, and at the Tornado and Hurricane target areas.

Assays for much of the drill core and soil samples are pending. The Company encountered visual copper mineralization in three of the 12 holes; results for these three holes have been received and a summary of the assays is provided in Table 1, below. All three of these holes intersected copper mineralization, potentially extending the 4100N Zone up to 225 m east and 100 m north of its known extent, with a best intersection of 16 m of 3.07% copper (Cu) and 12.26 grams per tonne (g/t) silver (Ag) in hole STOR1601D, starting at a downhole depth of 93 m. The drill hole intersection contains a higher grade zone of 8 m of 5.45% Cu and 22.73 g/t Ag (Table 1). The true widths of the intersected zones are unknown but are estimated to be approximately 75 to 100% of the core width intersected.

Table 1. Preliminary Results from the 2016 Drilling Program

Hole ID Prospect From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Ag (g/t) Cu (%) STOR1601D 4100N Zone East 93.00 109.00 16.00 12.26 3.07 Includes 93.00 101.00 8.00 22.73 5.45 STOR1602D 4100N Zone East 72.00 76.00 4.00 4.04 1.17 STOR1608D 4100N Zone East 86.00 106.00 20.00 1.69 0.44 Includes 104.00 106.00 2.00 3.94 0.97

Assays for the remaining core and soil samples are pending, with results expected within the next six to eight weeks. In addition, borehole electromagnetic (EM) surveys were conducted on several of the holes, and 60 core samples from the current program and historic core were taken for geophysical properties measurements.

The significance of these mineralized intersections is greater than just a potential increase in the extent of the 4100N Zone, stated Thomas Ullrich, COO and EVP Exploration for Aston Bay. The drill program interrogated the historic geophysical database and successfully identified copper mineralization associated with an untested geophysical target. The knowledge gained from this, together with the borehole EM surveys and geophysical properties measurements, greatly increases our ability to effectively guide potential geophysical surveys and intelligent drill hole targeting for future programs at Storm.

Further to Aston Bays news release dated May 31, 2016, the field season was funded pursuant to the Companys Option Agreement with BHP Billiton (the Option Agreement).

Qualified Person

As per National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Michael Dufresne, M.Sc, P.Geol., P.Geo., a Director and a consultant to Aston Bay, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting its exploration activities on the Storm Project.

Quality Assurance - Quality Control

Once received from the drill and processed, all drill core samples are sawn in half, labelled and bagged. The remaining drill core is stored in Yellowknife at a secure facility. Numbered security tags are applied to lab shipments for chain of custody requirements. The Company inserts quality control (QC) samples at regular intervals in the sample stream, including duplicate samples, blanks and reference materials with all sample shipments to monitor laboratory performance. The QAQC program was designed and approved by Michael Dufresne, the Qualified Person.

Drill core samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistry's analytical facility in Yellowknife where the samples are initially prepped and then sent to North Vancouver, British Columbia for additional preparation and analysis. The ALS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for precious and base metal assays and all analytical methods include quality control materials at set frequencies with established data acceptance criteria. The entire sample is coarse crushed with approximately 250 grams extracted and pulverized. Samples are initially analyzed using a 48 multi-elemental geochemical package by a 4-acid digestion, followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS).

About Aston Bay Holdings Ltd.

Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX-V: BAY) is a publicly traded mineral exploration company focused on the 976,066-acre (395,000-hectare) Aston Bay Property located on northwest Somerset Island, Nunavut. The Aston Bay Property hosts the Storm Copper project and has been optioned by BHP Billiton. Historical drilling has confirmed the presence of sediment-hosted copper and zinc mineralization on the property.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Benjamin Cox, Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: (360) 262-6969

For further information about Aston Bay Holdings Ltd or this news release, please visit our website at www.astonbayholdings.com.

About BHP Billiton Ltd.

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: bhpbilliton.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made. In the event that managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

We seek Safe Harbor.

THIS PRESS RELEASE, REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE CANADIAN LAWS, IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IN THE UNITED STATES. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED OR EXEMPT THEREFROM.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Oct. 6, 2016) - Glen Eagle Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:GER) ("Glen Eagle" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Cobra Oro, a wholly owned subsidiary of Glen Eagle, has purchased 15 000 square meters of land in Choluteka, Honduras. Based on the transaction, Cobra Oro acquires its own free trade zone which will reinforce its past exemption to pay a minimum 25% flat tax on profits, 25% duty tax on imports, reduce from 6% to 3% the sales tax on export and cancelled $8 000 in monthly rent as a tenant. The acquisition will further secure Cobra Oro's ongoing expansion project supported at its core by an asset strategically located in one of the fastest economic growth area of all Honduras due in part to its low criminality rate among other factors.

The transaction was finalized after several months of negotiations for approximately $350 000 Canadian dollars and represents 20% discount over the municipal evaluation. Cobra Oro's gold processing plant is strategically located next to Pepsi Cola bottling plant and the Chamber of Commerce Headquarters for southern Honduras. Furthermore, the plant is enclaved in a larger free trade zone encompassing over 600 000 square meters within one kilometer from the Pan American Highway. Cobra Oro's gold processing plant will also border with three crossroads giving access to the larger zoning area of the industrial park from the main entrance.

The investment was based on the confidence that Cobra Oro's project could expand threefold in the near future and generate substantial cashflow for the Company.

Gilles Laverdiere, P.Geo., a qualified person under NI 43-101 has approved the content presented herein.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Oct. 5, 2016) - BACANORA MINERALS LTD. ("Bacanora" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:BCN)(AIM:BCN), the Canadian and London listed lithium exploration and development company focused on Mexico, is pleased to provide an update regarding the operational progress made at the Sonora Lithium Project in Mexico ("Sonora" or the "Project"). A Feasibility Study ("FS") at the Project, led by its experienced lithium team, is on track to be delivered in late Q1 2017 in line with Bacanora's strategy to independently develop Sonora into a world class lithium carbonate operation, with previously announced attractive production economics.

Recent Developments:

Successfully completed a 4,000 metre infill drilling programme focused on upgrading a portion of the current Mineral Resource from the Indicated to Measured category, in conjunction with geotechnical and hydrological drilling for the FS Sonora currently has a large Indicated Resource currently comprised of 259 Mt averaging 3,200 ppm Li for 4.5 Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent ("LCE 1 ")

SRK Exploration has started to update the resource model and an updated Resource is anticipated to be published in Q4 2016 sequential with the commencement of mine planning and open pit designs for the FS

Ongoing refinement and optimisation of the lithium carbonate flow sheet, developed at the pilot plant operations in Hermosillo, will continue over the next 18 months Benefits Bacanora by ensuring that operator training programmes are maintained during the construction of the full scale plant, thereby minimizing potential delays during project commissioning

Battery grade lithium carbonate samples from the pilot plant have been distributed to Japan for preliminary appraisal and testing by potential end-users Facilitates a positive dialogue between customers and Bacanora's technical team during the ongoing lithium carbonate flow sheet optimisation process Continued strategic focus on the larger lithium carbonate supply chain in Asia, rather than the smaller lithium hydroxide market



1 LCE is the industry standard terminology for, and is equivalent to, Li 2 CO 3 . 1 ppm Li metal is equivalent to 5.32 ppm LCE / Li 2 CO 3. . Use of LCE is to provide data comparable with industry reports and assumes complete conversion of lithium in clays with no recovery or process losses.

Bacanora CEO Peter Secker said, "The Sonora Lithium Project has demonstrated its potential to deliver high grade lithium carbonate to the market with operating costs which could position it very favorably in comparison to its peers. The team continues to prove that it has the lithium operations and mine development expertise to attain key milestones and incrementally build project and shareholder value, something recognised by the Company's institutional backing."

"We have demonstrated our ability to produce battery grade lithium carbonate at our wholly-owned pilot plant in Hermosillo, Mexico and also confirmed that the deposit is both long life and scalable, positioning it to supply the rapidly growing market for lithium carbonate, at a comparatively low cost, for over 20 years. The continued growth of the electric vehicle, combined with the commercial developments being made in delivering large-scale renewable energy storage capacity makes the lithium carbonate market a compelling place to do business. Accordingly, our in-house operations, both current and future, are dedicated to ensuring that we secure the right development path to deliver the best possible product at the lowest possible price."

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.

ABOUT BACANORA:

Bacanora is a Canadian and London listed minerals explorer (TSX-V: BCN and AIM: BCN). The Company explores and develops industrial mineral projects, with a primary focus on lithium. The Sonora Lithium Project, which consists of ten mining concession areas covering approximately 100 thousand hectares in the northeast of Sonora State. The Company, through drilling and exploration work to date, has established an Indicated Mineral Resource (in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101")) of 4.5 million tonnes (lithium carbonate equivalent) and 2.7 million tonnes Inferred. A Pre-Feasibility Study completed in Q1 2016 demonstrated the positive economics associated with becoming a 35,000 tpa lithium carbonate and 50,000 tpa SOP producer in Mexico. The Company is led by a team with lithium expertise which have proven mine development, construction and operational experience.

Reader Advisory

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: commodity price volatility; general economic conditions in Canada, the United States, Mexico and globally; industry conditions, governmental regulation, including environmental regulation; unanticipated operating events or performance; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, capital, skilled personnel and supplies; changes in tax laws; and the other risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
TORONTO, Oct. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Seabridge Gold Inc. (TSX:SEA) (NYSE:SA) announced today the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (the PEA) for its 100%-owned KSM project located in northern British Columbia, Canada. Unlike the updated Preliminary Feasibility Study (the 2016 PFS) announced on September 19, 2016, the PEA takes a different approach to developing the KSM Project by incorporating the Deep Kerr Zone and the Iron Cap Lower Zone into a conceptual project design.

The PEA was prepared by Amec Foster Wheeler. An NI 43-101 Technical Report summarizing the results of the PEA, as well as the 2016 PFS, will be filed at www.sedar.com.

The 2016 PFS incorporated KSMs Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources into mine plans generating Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 2.2 billion tonnes grading 0.55 grams per tonne gold, 0.21% copper and 2.6 grams per tonne silver (38.8 million ounces of gold, 10.2 billion pounds of copper and 183 million ounces of silver). (For details see http://seabridgegold.net/News/Article/626/) The 2016 PFS could not include the higher grade resources delineated at Deep Kerr and the Iron Cap Lower Zone as they are in the Inferred Mineral Resources category which cannot be considered as Mineral Reserves required for inclusion in a PFS.

The PEA was undertaken to evaluate a different approach to developing the KSM Project by emphasizing low cost block cave mining and reducing the number and size of the open pits, which significantly reduces the surface disturbances in the re-designed project. The PEA assesses the potential impacts of incorporating these inferred resources into project design, capital and operating cost estimates and projected economics. The results of the 2016 PFS remain valid and represent a viable option for developing the KSM project, with the PEA assessing an alternative development option at a conceptual level. The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Seabridge Gold Chairman and CEO Rudi Fronk noted that the PEA demonstrates the potential for significant project improvements over the 2016 PFS. It is important to acknowledge that the PEA includes Inferred Mineral Resources and is more conceptual, not having the same amount of engineering work involved in a PFS. The results are therefore not directly comparable. However, the PEA should help our shareholders understand the potential value of the exploration discoveries we have made at Deep Kerr and Lower Iron Cap these past three years at considerable expense. I would also note that we have had great success at KSM upgrading inferred resources to higher categories and we therefore believe that the improvements suggested by the PEA could be realized.

The PEA under direction of Amec Foster Wheeler, uses some of the 2016 PFS consulting team members. Notable changes in the PEA include:

In the PEA, open pits would account for only 22% of total production compared to 70% in the 2016 PFS. In the PEA, the Kerr Deposit would be mined exclusively as a large underground block cave along with the Deep Kerr deposit below (together Kerr). The PEA mine plans in total would reduce the amount of waste rock by 81% (by approximately 2.4 billion tonnes) compared to the PFS, substantially shrinking the projects foot print and its environmental impact and reducing water treatment costs.

By including Deep Kerr, annual average maximum throughput of 130,000 tonnes per day envisioned in the 2016 PFS has been increased to 170,000 tonnes per day in the PEA without significant redesign of facilities. Increased throughput would increase metal production, reducing payback periods and improving estimated projected internal rates of returns and net present values.

In the PEA, estimated Base Case initial capital costs including pre-production mining costs are about 9.7% higher than the 2016 PFS due primarily to increased throughput. Base Case total cost per ounce of gold produced in the PEA is estimated at US$358 compared to US$673 per ounce in the 2016 PFS. The change in Base Case total cost is due to higher by-product credits from significantly higher copper production more than offsetting higher sustaining capital for expanded underground development in the PEA. (see Projected Economics table at end of release for breakdown of copper and silver credits)

As a result of approximately 77% more copper that would be produced over the projected life, Base Case life of mine operating costs in the PEA are estimated at negative US$179 per ounce of gold produced, compared to the positive US$277 per ounce in the 2016 PFS . (see Projected Economics table at end of release for breakdown of copper and silver credits)

Commenting on the changes in the PEA, Fronk concluded that we are very excited by the sizeable potential economic impact from including Deep Kerr in the project design as well as the very significant environmental improvements that could be realized. In our view, the PEA approach is likely to be an attractive alternative for prospective partners.

The PEA envisages a combined open-pit/underground block caving mining operation that is planned to operate for 51 years. Over the entire 51-year mine life, mineralized material would be fed to a copper and gold extraction mill. The flotation plant would produce a gold/copper/silver concentrate for transport by truck to a nearby sea port at Stewart, B.C. for shipment to Pacific Rim smelters. Metallurgical testing indicates that KSM can produce a clean concentrate with an average copper grade of 25% with a high gold and silver content, making it readily saleable. Separate gold-silver dore would be produced at the KSM processing facility.

Mineral Resources

The PEA is based on the same Mineral Resources estimates that were used in the 2016 PFS. Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources at KSM are estimated at 2.9 billion tonnes grading 0.54 grams per tonne gold, 0.21% copper and 2.7 grams per tonne silver (49.8 million ounces of gold, 13.6 billion pounds of copper and 253 million ounces of silver). An additional 2.7 billion tonnes are estimated in the Inferred Resource category grading 0.35 grams per tonne gold, 0.32% copper and 2.0 grams per tonne silver (30.8 million ounces of gold, 19.2 billion pounds of copper and 178 million ounces of silver). A detailed breakdown of KSMs Mineral Resources can be found at the end of this news release.

Mine Design

The PEA utilizes Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources in mine planning. Material that is mined in the PEA is based on open pit mining and underground block caving for the Mitchell deposit, open pit mining for the Sulphurets deposit and underground block caving for the Kerr and Iron Cap deposits. Approximately 22% of the mill feed would come from open pit operations and 78% from underground block caving. Waste to mill feed cut-offs were determined using a Net Smelter Return (NSR) for each block in the model. NSR is calculated using prices and process recoveries for each metal accounting for all off-site losses, transportation, smelting and refining charges. Metal prices of US$1,200 per ounce gold, US$2.70 per pound copper, and US$17.50 per ounce silver are used in the NSR calculations.

Lerchs-Grossman (LG) pit shell optimizations were used to define open pit mine plans in the PEA. The pit limits of the PEA are contained inside the pit limits of the 2016 PFS. The mine design for the PEA focuses on reducing waste and selecting higher block value. As a result the PEA mine plan contains 2.4 billion tonnes less waste in the open pit mine plan.

The underground block caving mine designs for Mitchell, Iron Cap, and Kerr are based on modeling using GEOVIAs Footprint Finder (FF) and PCBC software. The ramp-up and maximum yearly mine production rates were established based on the rate at which the drawpoints are constructed, and the initial and maximum production rates at which individual drawpoints can be mucked. The values chosen for these inputs were based on industry averages adjusted to suit the anticipated conditions.

Mitchell is estimated to have a production ramp-up period of 5 years, steady state production at 21.9 million tonnes per year for 28 years, and then ramp-down production for another 3 years. Iron Cap is estimated to have a production ramp-up period of 3 years, steady state production at 14.6 million tonnes per year for 11 years, and then ramp-down production for another 4 years. Kerr is estimated to have a production ramp-up period of 6 years, steady state production at 25.5 million tonnes per year for 38 years with some variations during years where the operation transitions from first to second lift and second to third lift. Ramp down lasts 4 years. The underground pre-production period is 5 years for Mitchell and Iron Cap and 3 years for Kerr. The first underground mill feed production from Mitchell, Iron Cap and Kerr comes in years 9, 10 and 4, respectively. The mining NSR shut-off is Cdn$20 per tonne for the Mitchell underground mine, Cdn$23 per tonne for the Iron Cap underground mine and Cdn$22 per tonne for Kerr.

Mineral Resources contained in the mine plans for the 2016 PEA are stated as follows.

Mineral Resources in the PEA Mine Plan Zone Mining Method Classification Tonnes (millions) Average Grades Contained Metal Gold (gpt) Copper (%) Silver (gpt) Gold (million ounces) Copper (million pounds) Silver (million ounces) Mitchell Open Pit Measured 223.7 0.79 0.20 3.0 5.7 966 21.9 Indicated 194.6 0.75 0.19 2.8 4.7 817 17.7 Inferred 11.6 0.47 0.20 5.2 0.2 50 1.9 Block Cave Measured 244.9 0.68 0.21 4.2 5.4 1134 33.1 Indicated 361.0 0.65 0.20 4.1 7.5 1592 47.6 Inferred 87.5 0.40 0.13 3.1 1.1 259 8.7 Iron Cap Block Cave Indicated 121.5 0.64 0.24 4.1 2.5 643 15.8 Inferred 77.4 0.46 0.22 3.5 1.1 384 8.7 Sulphurets Open Pit Indicated 91.8 0.70 0.29 0.6 2.1 584 1.7 Inferred 11.1 0.59 0.25 0.8 0.2 60 0.3 Kerr Block Cave Indicated 24.4 0.26 0.54 1.1 0.2 290 0.8 Inferred 931.5 0.31 0.49 1.7 9.3 9,962 52.0 Total Open Pit M+I 510.1 0.76 0.21 2.5 12.4 2,367 41.2 Inferred 22.7 0.53 0.22 3.1 0.4 111 2.2 Total Block Cave M+I 751.8 0.64 0.22 4.0 15.6 3,659 97.3 Inferred 1,096.4 0.33 0.44 2.0 11.6 10,605 69.3 Total Material Mined M+I 1,261.8 0.69 0.22 3.4 28.0 6,026 138.6 Inferred 1,119.1 0.33 0.43 2.0 12.0 10,716 71.6

Production

The mine production plan starts in lower-cost open pit areas using conventional large scale equipment before transitioning into block cave underground bulk mining later in the mine life. Starter pits have been selected in higher grade areas and cutoff grade strategy optimizes revenues to minimize the payback duration.

After initial ramp-up the throughput averages of 170,000 tonnes per day (tpd) for the first 20 years, after the rate is reduced to 130,000 tpd for the following 15 years and then is further reduced to around 77,000 tpd for 12 years; during the remaining 3 years of production, throughput averages 28,000 tpd. In the PEA, KSMs mine life is estimated at approximately 51 years. Production starts from open pits at Mitchell and Sulphurets and lasts until years 8 and 5 of production, respectively. During that period the Kerr block cave is developed and first mill feed is produced in year 4 of production. In year 9 and 10 Mitchell and Iron Cap caves enter into production. Underground production ends first at Iron Cap in year 27, then at Mitchell in year 44 and finally at Kerr in year 51 of production.

At Mitchell, a near-surface higher grade gold zone outcrops allowing for gold production in the first seven years that is substantially above the mine life average grade. The mine plan is specifically designed for mining highest gold grade first to facilitate an early capital investment payback. The projects post-tax payback period is approximately 6.3 years for the Base Case or less than 12% of mine life. A payback period representing less than 20% of mine life is considered highly favorable. Metal production for the first seven years, compared to life of mine average production, is estimated as follows:

Average Annual Metal Production (metal recovered) Years 1-7

Average Life of Mine

Average Average Grades: Gold (grams per tonne) 0.78 0.52 Copper (%) 0.26 0.32 Silver (grams per tonne) 2.7 2.7 Annual Production: Gold (000 ounces) 1,150 592 Copper (000 pounds) 306,603 286,217 Silver (000 ounces) 3,290 2,761

Capital Costs

Initial capital costs (including contingency of US$927 million and preproduction mining costs) are estimated at US$5.5 billion, approximately 9.7% higher than the initial capital estimate in the 2016 PFS. Most of the cost increase in initial capital is related to the higher throughput that required a bigger mining fleet at the start of production, larger size of equipment at the mill and changes in the tailing management facility due to a higher mill rate. Also, contingency is higher to reflect the lower level of cost accuracy of the PEA compared to the 2016 PFS.

Sustaining capital over the 51 year mine life is estimated at US$10.0 billion and is dominated by capitalizing the underground mine expansions at Kerr, Mitchell and Iron Cap block caves. In addition to sustaining capital, a further US$540 million has been charged against the project including US$454 million set aside in a sinking fund during the production period to pay for estimated water treatment obligations which continue after closure and US$86 million for physical reclamation and other uses after mining operations have ceased.

Initial capital and sustaining capital estimates for the PEA are summarized as follows:

Capital Costs (US$ million) Direct Costs: Mine Site 1,272 Process 1,447 Tailing Management Facility 509 Environmental 15 On-site Infrastructure 23 Off-site Infrastructure 120 Permanent Electrical Power Supply and Energy Recovery 167 Total Direct Costs 3,553 Total Indirect Costs 848 Owners Cost 161 Contingency 927 TOTAL INITIAL CAPITAL 5,489 TOTAL LIFE OF MINE SUSTAINING CAPITAL 10,018

Operating Costs

Average mine, process and G&A operating costs over the PEA projects life (including waste mining and on-site power credits, excluding off-site shipping and smelting costs) are estimated at US$11.61 per tonne milled (before base metal credits). Estimated unit operating costs decreased 6% from the 2016 PFS primarily due to reduction in process and G&A cost associated with higher throughput. A breakdown of estimated unit operating costs is as follows:

LOM Average Unit Operating Costs (US$ Per Tonne Milled) Mining 4.47 Process 5.19 G&A 0.86 Others 1.09 Total Operating Costs 11.61 *excluding pre-production cost of both open pit and underground mining

Economic Analysis

To compare the economic projections, the PEA incorporates the same three case analyses that were presented in the 2016 PFS. A Base Case economic evaluation was undertaken incorporating historical three-year trailing averages for metal prices as of July 31, 2016. This approach adheres to National Instrument 43-101 and is consistent with industry practice. Two alternate cases were constructed: (i) a Recent Spot Case incorporating recent spot prices for gold, copper, silver and the US$/Cdn$ exchange rate; and (ii) an Alternate Case that incorporates higher metal prices to demonstrate the projects sensitivity to rising prices. The pre-tax and post-tax estimated economic results in U.S. dollars for all three cases compared to the results of the 2016 PFS are as follows:

Projected Economic Results (US$) Base Case Recent Spot Alternate 2016 PEA 2016 PFS 2016 PEA 2016 PFS 2016 PEA 2016 PFS Metal Prices: Gold ($/ounce) 1,230 1,350 1,500 Copper ($/pound) 2.75 2.20 3.00 Silver ($/ounce) 17.75 20.00 25.00 US$/Cdn$ Exchange Rate: 0.80 0.77 0.80 Cost Summary: Operating Costs Per Oz of Gold (life of mine) -$ 179 $ 277 $ 32 $ 404 -$ 319 $ 183 Total Cost Per Ounce of Gold Produced $ 358 $ 673 $ 553 $ 787 $ 218 $ 580 Copper Credits Per Oz Gold Included in Costs -$ 1,328 -$ 795 -$ 1,104 -$ 636 -$ 1,449 -$ 868 Silver Credits per Oz Gold Included in Costs -$ 83 -$ 71 -$ 97 -$ 80 -$ 117 -$ 100 Initial Capital (includes pre-production mining) $5.5 billion $5.0 billion $5.3 billion $4.8 billion $5.5 billion $5.0 billion Sustaining Capital $10.0 billion $5.5 billion $9.7 billion $5.3 billion $10.0 billion $5.5 billion Unit Operating Cost On-site (US$/tonne) $ 11.61 $ 12.36 $ 11.17 $ 12.09 $ 11.61 $ 12.36 Pre-Tax Results: Net Cash Flow $26.3 billion $15.9 billion $24.1 billion $16.1 billion $38.7 billion $26.3 billion NPV @ 5% Discount Rate $6.1 billion $3.3 billion $5.7 billion $3.5 billion $10.2 billion $6.5 billion Internal Rate of Return 12.7 % 10.4 % 12.9 % 11.1 % 16.9 % 14.6 % Payback Period (years) 5.6 6.0 5.3 5.6 3.9 4.1 Post-Tax Results: Net Cash Flow $16.7 billion $10.0 billion $15.3 billion $10.1 billion $24.7 billion $16.7 billion NPV @ 5% Discount Rate $3.4 billion $1.5 billion $3.2 billion $1.7 billion $6.0 billion $3.7 billion Internal Rate of Return 10.0 % 8.0 % 10.1 % 8.5 % 13.4 % 11.4 % Payback Period (years) 6.4 6.8 6.1 6.4 4.7 4.9

Note: Operating and total cost per ounce of gold are after copper and silver credits. Total cost per ounce include all start-up capital, sustaining capital and reclamation/closure costs. The post-tax results include the B.C. Mineral Tax and corporate provincial and federal taxes.

The NI 43-101 Technical Report will include sensitivity analyses illustrating the impact on project economics from positive and negative changes to metal prices, capital costs and operating costs.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure The 2016 KSM PEA was prepared by Amec Foster Wheeler, and incorporates the work of a number of industry-leading consulting firms. These firms and their Qualified Persons (as defined under National Instrument 43-101) are independent of Seabridge and have reviewed and approved this news release. The principal consultants who contributed to the 2016 PEA, and their Qualified Persons are listed below along with their areas of responsibility:

Amec Foster Wheeler. under the direction of Simon Allard P.Eng., Mark Ramirez RM SME and Tony Lipiec P.Eng (Underground and open pit design , RSF design, process design and capital and operating costs).

Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd. under the direction of Graham Parkinson P. Geo. (Design of surface water diversion, diversion tunnels and seepage collection ponds, tailing dam, water storage dam and tunnel geotechnical). Graham Parkinson has been to the site.

Resource Modeling Inc. under the direction of Michael Lechner P.Geo (Mineral Resources). Michael Lechner has been to site.

Golder Associates Inc. under the direction of Ross Hammett P. Eng (Block caving assessments). Ross Hammett has been to the site.

Seabridge Gold holds a 100% interest in several North American gold resource projects. The Companys principal assets are the KSM property located near Stewart, British Columbia, Canada and the Courageous Lake gold project located in Canadas Northwest Territories. For a breakdown of Seabridge Golds mineral reserves and resources by project and category please visit the Companys website at http://www.seabridgegold.net/resources.php.

All Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resources estimates reported by the Corporation were estimated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Definition Standards. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

This document contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information and these statements, referred to herein as forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: (i) the estimated amount and grade of Mineral Resources and mineral reserves; (ii) that both the PFS and the PEA represent viable development options for the Project and that the PEA is likely an attractive alternative for prospective partners; (iii) estimates of the capital costs of constructing mine facilities and bringing a mine into production, of sustaining capital and the duration of financing payback periods; (iv) the estimated amount of future production, both produced and metal recovered; and (v) estimates of operating costs and total costs, net cash flow, net present value and economic returns from an operating mine; and (vi) the expected positive impact on project economics of the Deep Kerr and Iron Cap Lower Zone. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as expects, anticipates, plans, projects, estimates, envisages, assumes, intends, strategy, goals, objectives or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements are based on Seabridge's or its consultants' current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. The most significant assumptions are set forth above, but generally these assumptions include: (i) the presence of and continuity of metals at the Project at estimated grades; (ii) the geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock conforming to sampled results; including the quantities of water and the quality of the water that must be diverted or treated during mining operations; (iii) the capacities and durability of various machinery and equipment, including the rates at which drawpoints can be established and mucked; (iv) the availability of personnel, machinery and equipment at estimated prices and within the estimated delivery times; (v) currency exchange rates; (vi) metals sales prices and exchange rate assumed; (vii) appropriate discount rates applied to the cash flows in the economic analysis; (viii) tax rates and royalty rates applicable to the proposed mining operation; (ix) the availability of acceptable financing under assumed structure and costs; (ix) anticipated mining losses and dilution; (x) metallurgical performance; (xi) reasonable contingency requirements; (xii) success in realizing proposed operations; (xiii) receipt of permits and other regulatory approvals on acceptable terms; and (xiv) the negotiation of satisfactory terms with impacted Treaty and First Nations groups. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Many forward-looking statements are made assuming the correctness of other forward looking statements, such as statements of net present value and internal rates of return, which are based on most of the other forward-looking statements and assumptions herein. The cost information is also prepared using current values, but the time for incurring the costs will be in the future and it is assumed costs will remain stable over the relevant period.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be generally stated as the risk that the assumptions and estimates expressed above do not occur as forecast, but specifically include, without limitation: risks relating to variations in the mineral content within the material identified as Mineral Resources from that predicted; variations in rates of recovery and extraction; the geotechnical characteristics of the rock mined or through which infrastructure is built differing from that predicted, the quantity of water that will need to be diverted or treated during mining operations being different from what is expected to be encountered during mining operations or post closure, or the rate of flow of the water being different; developments in world metals markets; risks relating to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar; increases in the estimated capital and operating costs or unanticipated costs; difficulties attracting the necessary work force; increases in financing costs or adverse changes to the terms of available financing, if any; tax rates or royalties being greater than assumed; changes in development or mining plans due to changes in logistical, technical or other factors; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; risks relating to receipt of regulatory approvals or settlement of an agreement with impacted First Nations groups; changes in regulations applying to the development, operation, and closure of mining operations from what currently exists; the effects of competition in the markets in which Seabridge operates; operational and infrastructure risks and the additional risks described in Seabridge's Annual Information Form filed with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com) for the year ended December 31, 2015 and in the Corporations Annual Report Form 40-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR (available at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml). Seabridge cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive.

When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Seabridge, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Seabridge does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Seabridge or on our behalf, except as required by law.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Rudi Fronk"

President & C.E.O.

For further information, please contact:

Rudi P. Fronk, President and C.E.O.

Tel: (416) 367-9292  Fax: (416) 367-2711

KSM Mineral Resources as of May 31, 2016 Zone Type of

Constraint NSR

Cut-off

(Cdn$/t) Tonnes

(000 t) Grades Contained Metal Au

(g/t) Cu

(%) Ag

(g/t) Mo

(ppm) Au

(000 oz) Cu

(Mlb) Ag

(000 oz) Mo

(Mlb) Measured Mineral Resources Mitchell Conceptual LG Pit 9 698,800 0.63 0.17 3.1 59 14,154 2,618 69,647 91 Conceptual Block Cave 16 51,300 0.59 0.20 4.7 41 973 226 7,752 5 Total Mitchell Measured n/a 750,100 0.63 0.17 3.2 58 15,127 2,844 77,399 96 Total Measured n/a n/a 750,100 0.63 0.17 3.2 58 15,127 2,844 77,399 96 Indicated Mineral Resources Kerr Conceptual LG Pit 9 355,000 0.22 0.41 1.1 4 2,511 3,208 12,555 3 Conceptual Block Cave 16 24,400 0.24 0.48 2.0 14 188 258 1,569 1 Total Kerr Indicated n/a 379,400 0.22 0.41 1.2 5 2,699 3,466 14,124 4 Sulphurets Conceptual LG Pit 9 381,600 0.58 0.21 0.8 48 7,116 1,766 9,815 40 Mitchell Conceptual LG Pit 9 919,900 0.57 0.16 2.8 61 16,858 3,244 82,811 124 Conceptual Block Cave 16 124,700 0.58 0.20 4.7 38 2,325 550 18,843 10 Total Mitchell Indicated n/a 1,044,600 0.57 0.16 3.0 58 19,183 3,794 101,654 134 Iron Cap Conceptual Block Cave 16 346,800 0.51 0.23 4.5 14 5,686 1,758 50,174 11 Total Indicated n/a n/a 2,152,400 0.50 0.23 2.5 40 34,684 10,784 175,767 189 Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources Kerr Conceptual LG Pit 9 355,000 0.22 0.41 1.1 4 2,511 3,208 12,555 3 Conceptual Block Cave 16 24,400 0.24 0.48 2.0 14 188 258 1,569 1 Total Kerr M+I n/a 379,400 0.22 0.41 1.2 5 2,699 3,466 14,124 4 Sulphurets Conceptual LG Pit 9 381,600 0.58 0.21 0.8 48 7,116 1,766 9,815 40 Mitchell Conceptual LG Pit 9 1,618,700 0.60 0.16 2.9 60 31,012 5,862 152,458 215 Conceptual Block Cave 16 176,000 0.58 0.20 4.7 39 3,298 776 26,595 15 Total Mitchell M+I n/a 1,794,700 0.60 0.16 3.1 58 34,310 6,638 179,053 230 Iron Cap Conceptual Block Cave 16 346,800 0.51 0.23 4.5 14 5,686 1,758 50,174 11 Total M + I n/a n/a 2,902,500 0.54 0.21 2.7 44 49,811 13,628 253,166 285 Inferred Mineral Resources Kerr Conceptual LG Pit 9 80,200 0.27 0.21 1.1 6 696 371 2,836 1 Conceptual Block Cave 16 1,609,000 0.31 0.43 1.8 25 16,036 15,249 93,115 89 Total Kerr Inferred n/a 1,689,200 0.31 0.42 1.8 24 16,732 15,620 95,951 90 Sulphurets Conceptual LG Pit 9 182,300 0.46 0.14 1.3 28 2,696 563 7,619 11 Mitchell Conceptual LG Pit 9 317,900 0.37 0.09 3.0 56 3,782 631 30,662 39 Conceptual Block Cave 16 160,500 0.51 0.17 3.5 44 2,632 601 18,061 16 Total Mitchell Inferred n/a 478,400 0.38 0.10 3.0 55 6,414 1,232 48,723 55 Iron Cap Conceptual Block Cave 16 369,300 0.42 0.22 2.2 21 4,987 1,791 26,121 17 Total Inferred n/a n/a 2,719,200 0.35 0.32 2.0 29 30,829 19,206 178,414 173

Note: Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of the Mineral Resources that were converted to Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
The most important thing about the vice presidential debate was what didnt happen.

Neither Indiana Gov. Mike Pence nor Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine was pressed at all on his qualifications for the job, or on his readiness to become president if necessary. Nor was either candidate required to answer for any personal scandal. And, with minor exceptions, neither candidate had to defend his record in public office, or what he has said on the campaign trail.

Thats because both of them are widely perceived as well-qualified, scandal-free and relatively noncontroversial. (The biggest vulnerability either of them has is probably Pences fairly extreme record on social issues, but its not much of an electoral issue because hes effectively aligned with his party.)

If do no harm is the first campaign requirement for a running mate  and it is  its worth stepping back a moment to credit both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump for making first-rate choices.

As far as what did happen on Tuesday night, there was nothing of electoral importance. Its hard to believe that any significant number of votes will be moved by this debate  that would be consistent with the history of these vice presidential contests.

Was there a winner? Ill quote two pundits who I think were on to something.

National Reviews Rich Lowry said: Kaine strategy  lose debate but quote Trump a lot; Pence strategy  win debate but dont defend Trump. Kaine came ready to attack, and Pence came ready to reassure anyone watching that the Trump-Pence ticket was far more disciplined and in control than it seemed when Trump was on the debate stage.

Which leads to Voxs Ezra Klein, who tweeted: It sort of works in the debate, but Pence shaking head, saying no he hasn't is going to look bad in ads next to Trump saying those things.

Pence repeatedly dealt with accusations about what Trump has said or done by denying them, shrugging them off, or accusing the Clinton campaign of being overly negative. Its true that Clinton has run a negative campaign. But, of course, its untrue that she has tossed off anywhere close to the number of insults Trump has, since no mainstream politician in the history of the republic has come anywhere close to the reality-show star on that.

But overall, neither the win the debate nor the land attacks on the candidate strategy is likely to change what any voter decides to do.

Other than that, the debate was for the most part uninspiring, with both candidates well-prepared with forgettable attack lines and zingers that had little zing.

Pence was a bit more polished as a debater, perhaps, but he also produced the closest thing to a gaffe  complaining, after Kaine quoted one of Trumps bigoted remarks for the fourth or fifth time, that Kaine had whipped out that Mexican thing again.

Moderator Elaine Quijano started off slowly, asking a couple of useless questions about what the polls are saying about Clinton and Trump and then posing an absolutely terrible question about the national debt. (This implied 1. that the national debt is the most important factor in the economy and 2. that it is neutral and nonpartisan to make that claim.) But she also asked some pretty good questions, pushing the candidates, for example, to talk about North Korea (which neither seemed interested in doing), and then actually producing a fascinating debate over abortion law.

At least with the presidential debates theres a good defense of the exercise because it pushes candidates to make promises  an essential part of democratic representation. The vice-presidential debates dont have that going for them. Would anyone miss these events if we got rid of them?
The sarcastic Internet meme of saying Thanks, Obama to blame the president of all of lifes travails ran its course years ago.

Except in Congress.

In that venue the president still gets blamed for everything, minus the sarcasm.

Members took the practice to a new low when they blamed Barack Obama for passage of the bill that allows 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia and other foreign countries.

Yes, they blamed the president even after they overrode his veto, handing him his the first such defeat of his presidency.

"I think it was just a ball dropped," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "I wish the president -- I hate to blame everything on him and I don't -- but it would have been helpful had he, we, had a discussion about this much earlier than last week. . . .

"Everybody was aware of who the potential beneficiaries were, but nobody really focused on the potential downsides in terms of our international relationships."

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, echoed McConnells comments. "I'd like to think that there's a way we could fix [it] so that our service members do not have legal problems overseas, while still protecting the rights of the 9/11 victims."

How on earth do they think they can blame the president when he vetoed the bill.

Dont members of Congress take responsibility for their own actions?

To be clear, this is not just another a partisan slip-up.

The bill to allow 9/11 victims had major bipartisan support. The Senate voted 97-1 to override the veto. The House voted to override 348-77. Every member of Nebraskas congressional delegation voted to override the veto.

But within a day Republican leaders were voicing regret that they had not considered the potential ramifications of the legislation.

Now they are worried that it opens the door for other countries to sue the United States. As a Vietnam combat veteran, I could almost certainly be sued by the Vietnamese government of a Vietnamese citizen, said former Sen. Larry Pressler. We Vietnam veterans will be raw targets if Americans an sue Saudi Arabia.

There is no evidence that the Saudi government directed or financed the 9/11 attacks. But some family members of victims believe the country played a role.

The bill passed by Congress expanded the legal exception to the doctrine of sovereign immunity that protects foreign governments from lawsuits in the United States.

Theres no doubt that it was feel-good legislation that many members were loath to publicly oppose.

But theres no excuse for Congress not doing its job. Neither the House or the Senate even held a hearing on the bill, Sen. Bob Corker pointed out.

And now congressional leaders are blaming President Barack Obama? When are voters going to put a stop to this nonsense?
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An easy budget solution for the city awaits ("Council plans another special budget meeting," Oct. 1). Rather than burdening the landfill, Council members could sell cardboard on Saturdays in the City-County parking lot.

Please quit killing time, money and potential cooperation. Bury this unproductive spat. Get back to work on the citys real business, building a better Lincoln.

If the Council agrees that a new charter is needed, submit a revision for a future election.

Please quit emulating Congress.

Lavon Sumption, Lincoln
State Auditor Charlie Janssen and his staff are at it again, this time checking up on Project Extra Mile ("Project Extra Mile disputes audit," Sept. 22). I'm not for or against the project but I have to believe fellow Nebraska tax payers appreciate the work of Mr. Janssen and his staff. Please continue your audits. Unfortunately these audits are not designed to evaluate if a given program or agency is worthwhile, effective and efficiently meets their stated mission. $397,310 in government grants or rather tax payers money is a small amount of our multi-million dollar state budget but all should be scrutinized regardless of size. Keep up the good work!
The artists won't be at Indigo Bridge Books to talk about their work displayed at the First Friday Art Walk this week.

But their stories will be told anyway, in the 16 pieces of "Captive Creativity: Dispatches from Tecumseh," an exhibit featuring the work of inmates at the maximum security prison.

Becca Ross of Lincoln helped organize the display of work by nine inmates who offered 16 pieces of visual and written pieces. About half of them will be for sale, she said, with sales directly supporting the artists.

In addition, donations will be collected for a books-to-prisoners project.

Ross, who has a passion for social justice and social equality issues, started corresponding with a few Tecumseh State Correctional Institution inmates after the 2015 Mother's Day riot there to get their perspective on what was happening.

Prisons represent the intersection of all social problems and inequality, she said.

"I wanted to see if they needed outside support in any way," Ross said. "So many times, the story is only told from one perspective, (because) it's hard to communicate with prisoners."

The art show grew out of that correspondence, she said, to give them a way to show their inventiveness and imagination.

"This exhibition is evidence of the life and creativity that refuses to disappear or be diminished, despite the most repressive circumstances," Ross said. "It forces those of us on the outside to remember the humanity of those on the inside."

She also saw it as a way to help raise money for a books-to-prisoners program in Nebraska.

"There isn't really an efficient program for prisoners in Nebraska to get books if their family can't send them," Ross said.

Prison libraries are limited, she said.

The requests she's heard most often are for dictionaries and thesauruses, but they also want books that cover a variety of topics. Inmates generally do not have access to the internet.

The works will be on display through Oct. 31 at Indigo Bridge, 701 P St.

The artists are Chadrick Fitzgerald, James Hiskett, RayShawn Abram, Ozzy Tilden, Gary Brunzo, Terrell Thorpe, Trevor Lickliter, Russell Wardlow and Chris Garza.

Garza works as a drafter at Cornhusker State Industries, according to a biographical sketch that will accompany his art at the exhibit.

To be able to paint like I do is a gift from the Creator," he said. "As with all of the gifts I have been given, I take it very seriously and am thankful.

Abram said emotional turmoil is a common theme in his work. His poems are portraits of the emotional battles he's encountered during his confinement.

"However, instead of allowing the adverse circumstances to consume me, Ive adopted poetry as a method to release negative energy from my system," he said.
- Some unknown gunmen have reportedly attacked a high school in Lagos

- The gunmen are said to have kidnapped students and officials of the school

- Two of the students have regain their freedom

File photo: Gunmen attack school, abduct teachers and students.

There is panic within the Lagos metropolis, following an attack on as secondary school, by some unknown gunmen.

READ ALSO: Breaking! Kidnappers release ex-minister, her husband for RANSOM

The gunmen who are yet to be identified, reportedly kidnapped students and teachers of the Government Model College, Igbonla, Epe, on Thursday, October 6.

Following the ugly development, the House of Representatives has called on the security agencies in the country to intensify rescue efforts for high school students and teachers kidnapped.

The call came just as police confirmed to newsmen that two of the students have regained freedom while search continues for the others, including the school principal.

Premium Times reports that the Houses resolution followed a motion by Wale Raji, a lawmaker from the state, under matters of urgent national importance.

The House heard from Mr Raji how some suspected kidnappers attacked Government Model College, Igbonla, Epe, on Thursday morning just as students were observing early morning prayers in the assembly.

Raji said he was told about the development shortly after the House resumed plenary today and he was compelled to bring it to the attention of the House and, by extension, the country.

READ ALSO: Controversy: How we kidnapped Mrs Emefiele by mistake

I am just learning that a group of kidnappers struck today in my constituency where they kidnapped students and principals, Raji said.

The police spokesperson in Lagos state, Bisi Kolawole, told newsmen two of the students have been rescued, leaving two more students, a teacher and the school principal.

Were still on their trail to rescue the others who include the principal, a teacher and two students, Ms Kolawole, an assistant commissioner of police, said.

Source: Legit.ng
Faridun Isokov knew he wanted a better life for his kids, so he took a chance and it paid off.

Isokov, known as "Freddy" to his colleagues at Greens Furnace & Plumbing, recently became a United States citizen  five years after arriving in Lincoln with his wife and children to start a new life.

Seeking a better life

The family is from Tajikistan, but Isokov knew his children would have a better life in the United States. A cousin told him about the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Diversity Visa program, which each year provides 55,000 non-Americans with Green Cards, allowing for legal residency in the United States.

Isokov registered for the program in 2009 and was among 100,000 people selected for an interview. Following the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan, he was selected among the 55,000.

It was shocking, he said. My wife was screaming and jumping up and down.

He and his wife Nigora were excited yet a little nervous about leaving their homeland and going to a different country, but the future of their children -- a 5-year-old son, a 3-year-old daughter and a newborn daughter  was foremost in their minds.

Started in New York

They arrived in the United States July 3, 2011, and immediately went to New York City. After spending some time in the nations largest city, they realized that was not the place they wanted to live. Isokov had a friend who had attended Bellevue College and was planning on settling in Lincoln, so the family followed the friend and arrived in Lincoln Sept. 15, 2011.

Isokov, who had worked in the banking industry and in the court system in Tajikistan, found a job as a general laborer, then later moved to a heating and air conditioning company, where he learned on the job how to install HVAC equipment. Two months ago he started at Green's as an installer.

I kept seeing the Greens trucks everywhere and remembered the phone number, he said.

Peggy Green, president and owner, said she was excited to hire Isokov.

I thought with what he was able to accomplish on his own that he would have a great future here, she said.

After five years in the United States, Isokov and his wife took a formal exam on Aug. 9 to become U.S. citizens and passed it. That same day they went through a ceremony at the CIS office in Omaha to become citizens.

Recognition ceremony

On Sept. 29, several members of Greens staff recognized him with a ceremony of their own at their plant at 4200 N. 48th St., where the company moved after a 2003 fire destroyed its previous building. Isokov was presented a mini flag and some other gifts, cupcakes were served and questions about his journey were asked and answered.

We wanted to show our respect for Freddys love for our country, Green said. We need to show gratitude for people who want to become U.S. citizens.

Isokov calls Lincoln an awesome place, and he is still surprised to be where he is at. He has a father, mother and two brothers still back in his native land. His wife is studying to become a nurse and the two, who now have four children, have purchased a house.

I was shocked when learning of his chance to come to the United States, he said. I still wonder how and why me?

Greens grandfather started the family business in 1921, and it currently has 48 employees.
(Rob Thomas will host a post-show chat after the 7 p.m. Tuesday screening of "The Birth of a Nation" at Sundance Cinemas, 430 N. Midvale Blvd.)

The Birth of a Nation  the title alone is meant to provoke. By appropriating the name of one of cinemas best-known and most openly racist early films, writer-director-star Nate Parker aims to inspire todays Black Lives Matter activists. And give the basket of deplorables in America a good hard shake.

In this, he does right by his subject, Nat Turner, a slave who led a murderous revolt against his white oppressors in 1831 Virginia  and by oppressors, he includes every white person in his path. Whatever else Birth of a Nation does, it does not sugarcoat Turners righteous fury and the short but severe swath of destruction he caused.

Turner was meant to be somebody  as a baby, the slaves who practiced their African religion in sequence see the three birthmarks lined up in the middle of his chest and declared them holy marks. As a boy, the matriarch at his plantation (Penelope Ann Miller) senses his intelligence and teaches him to read  but only from the Holy Bible. The rest of the library was for white folks only.

When the plantation master fears Nat is getting above his station, he has him cast out of the library and the white church and back into the fields. But once you tell a child hes special, youll have a hard time convincing him that hes worthless again. Nat steals books and reads in secret, educating himself with the word of the Lord.

As a young man, Nat preaches gospel to the slaves inside a makeshift barn, a cross of old wood nailed upon the wall. His owner (Armie Hammer) is tolerant at first, and then sees an opportunity. Drought and hard economic times are causing hardship on the plantations, hardships borne first on the scarred backs of the slaves. The owners of those hard-up plantations will pay good money for Nat to come and preach to their slaves, to use the Bible to keep them placid, keep them focused on the next world rather than this one. As one owner puts it, Even the meanest n----- is afraid of the gospel.

At first, Nat complies, and preaches panaceas to congregations of starving, diseased and injured slaves, his face pained by the horrors he sees. But the word of God is a great equalizer, and Nats standing as a man of God  even an African-American man  gives him some standing. When he agrees to baptize a white criminal, the sight of a black man dipping a white man into the waters is a powerful and provocative image.

And it's a dangerous one. Nat is beaten and whipped mercilessly, but as he hangs from the stocks and stares into the night sky, he sees an angel before him. Now he has been baptized too  in blood. He emerges from his torment not as a man of peace, but ready for war.

As both filmmaker and star, Parker has so thoroughly won us over to Turners view of his world by this point that what happens next feels like vindication rather than atrocities. Preaching from the parts of the Bible they dont let us read, Turner pulls together a band of slaves and calls for holy fire to rain down on the white slave owners.

At first, the camera seems to look away as the machetes and clubs rain down. We worry that Parker might be pulling his punches a little. But then the blood flows, and not seeing enough is the last thing we have to worry about.

This is a harsh, honest movie, and if at times it feels like the sheer scope and ambition of the project gets away from Parker, his conviction sees it through. Toward the end, theres a confrontation at an armory between Turners army and gun-toting whites, and Parker shoots it too much like an action-movie catharsis, an antebellum Braveheart. I understand he is mythmaking here, giving a new generation an African-American freedom fighter they might not have known about, but the danger is to risk trivializing what really happened.

Overshadowing the film has been controversy about Parkers past. The actor was accused of raping a fellow classmate in 1999 while a student at Penn State. He was later acquitted, but his college roommate, Jean Celestin, who co-wrote Birth, was initially found guilty before his verdict was overturned on appeal. Some have called for a boycott of the film.

The text at the end of the film tells us that, after he died, Turners body was ripped apart and desecrated by whites, in the hopes that he would not leave a legacy for future generations of African-Americans.

For its faults, the most important thing The Birth of a Nation does is ensure that will never happen. Nobody who sees this movie will forget the name Nat Turner.
October 6, 2016Patrick M. Kenney, 2520728-2250 ext. 3014

Harkers Island, NC Effective immediately (October 6, 2016), until further notice, Cape Lookout National Seashore is closed to the public based on the potential threat of Hurricane Matthew (in accordance with 36CFR 1.5). This decision is to ensure the safety and protection of the public, park staff, and facilities. However, the park's visitor centers and administrative office on Harkers Island and in Beaufort will remain open through today.

The latest storm model depicts a consensus of keeping Matthew off of our coast, but confidence remains low in the exact forecast track. Right now, the potential for tropical storm force winds is primarily along the immediate southern outer banks coastline. The latest forecast indicates that Eastern North Carolina could experience 4 to 8 inches of rainfall, beginning Friday evening. The rainfall combined with already high water levels and storm surge could result in flooding in coastal areas.The National Weather Service still urges continued vigilance and preparations for the potential of Matthew to track much closer to the coast and bring more significant impacts.

A small craft advisory remains in effect for the area, due to strong northeast winds and seas of 7 to 10 feet in the near term.Marine conditions will deteriorate rapidly moving into the weekend.As Matthew approaches, seas will build 10 to 15 feet in the coastal waters and 20 feet or greater in the western offshore waters.There is also a high threat of rip currents across the entire area, and very rough surf.

The park has worked with Recreation.gov to correct the reservation issues that occurred. Anyone with questions or concerns related to these reservations should contact Recreation.gov.Reservations at Great Island and Long Point Cabins are currently canceled through Sunday night (10/9/16). Reservations beyond Sunday night are on hold pending a decision on reopening the park. Visitors with reservations should be monitoring the weather conditions. Reservations canceled due to weather will be issued a full refund at www.recreation.gov, or call (877) 444-6777.

According to Superintendent Pat Kenney, "We would like to thank our park partners, especially the ferry services for their cooperation in efficiently evacuating park visitors and their vehicles from the islands to ensure public safety." National Park Service staff will be following ongoing developments with Hurricane Matthew and will post updates as needed on the park website at www.nps.gov/calo and via Facebook and Twitter at twitter.com/CapeLookoutNPS.
Following his inability to name the leader of North Korea, which followed hot on the heels of his inability to name any world leader, which followed hot on the heels of his utter bafflement when presented with the word Aleppo, we started to believe that Gary Johnson doesnt actually know much at all.

Working from that theory, we sent Pastes best undercover investigators to follow Johnson around for a week, witnessing his interactions with the world and peppering him with questions when possible. Their reports are in, and we can now present a totally factual, absolutely definitive list of 20 other things Gary Johnson cannot name.

1. The current president of the United States

2. Any individual state in the United States, including the one where he served as governor

3. A single type of tree or flower

4. Any of the three individual components of a triathlon, an event in which he competes regularly

5. The names of his two children

6. The tallest mountain in the world, which he climbed in 2003

7. The first name of any male from House Lannister in the Song of Ice and Fire universe

8. A single animal (Note: He said, the crawl-y one, which may have been a reference to worms, but when asked to be more specific, he just began to hum and stare at the floor)

9. The root word of libertarianism, even after it was pronounced very slowly

10. Another Johnson, anywhere in America (Note: He began giggling uncontrollably at this question)

11. Another Gary, anywhere in America (Note: Still apparently distracted by the previous question, he just smiled and whispered the word penis)

12. A book (he became irritable when told that Bazooka Joe comics dont count)

13. Any tune, except for Dont Stop Believin, which he attributed to The cast of the television show Glee

14. A TV show besides Glee

15. A day of the week (he calls them either Goodday or Badday, depending on whether it rains)

16. Any of the four Beatles (Note: Embarrassingly, he retroactively attempted to use beatle as the answer to the tree or flower question)

17. The sun

18. His favorite part of the Constitution (he kept shouting the cannons! in apparent reference to the USS Constitution, even after we explained that we were referring to the document)

19. Any character in the bible, despite professing to be a devout Lutheran. And yes, we would have accepted God

20. The name of the next president of the United States (he kept saying Gary Johnson)

(Final note: When asked to name a single strain of medicinal marijuana, which he used for four years as pain medication following a paragliding accident, he immediately reeled off over 600 varieties, then asked, did you want sativa too, or are the indica strains good enough?)
RACINE  The second floor of the former Lincoln Lutheran headquarters, 2000 Domanik Drive, the building that is home to the United Way of Racine County, will likely house a temporary homeless shelter for the winter of 2016-17, County Executive Jonathan Delagrave announced Wednesday.

Delagrave has requested that the County Board approve a $40,000 grant for Segue Inc., the local organization that has dedicated itself to finding a location for a short-term shelter since early 2016.

Segue will enter into a five-month lease with 2000 Lincoln Center, LLC, the owner of the property, at a rate of $8,000 per month, according to a letter from Delagrave to Supervisor Q.A. Shakoor II, chairman of the countys Finance and Human Resources Committee.

The countys role is to support the community and to help those in need when possible, Delagrave said in a release. With the discontinuation of hotel vouchers, tight funding, and few options for suitable sites at this late date, we decided to take the lead and make this temporary site happen for this winter.

The funding for the grant, according to the letter, would come from the countys contingency fund.

County supervisors signaled their support at a Finance and Human Resources Committee meeting Wednesday, unanimously recommending the full County Board approve the $40,000 measure at the Oct. 20 board meeting.

We know that this is a need and Nov. 1 is coming very fast, said Supervisor Bob Miller of Mount Pleasant. I commend all the parties for working on it.

The low-barrier shelter would serve those who have alcohol- and drug-related issues and do not meet the requirements of the Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization, the citys principal homeless shelter at 2000 DeKoven Ave.

The temporary shelter at Lincoln Lutheran would be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Nov. 1 through March 31.

Segues co-founders, Pastor Warren Williams and Pastor Holly Anderle, shared their thoughts on the location in the release.

This is a viable spot for a temporary low-barrier shelter; this buildings first use was the A-Center, an addiction treatment facility, Williams said. Now Segue plans to help those experiencing temporary homelessness transition from the streets back to a place they can call home.

Added Anderle: We are working to educate and inform the neighborhood and concerned citizens of our mission and most importantly, our rules and security surrounding this temporary shelter. Of course, the safety of the public and the people we serve is our priority.

The release called Racine Alderman Sandy Weidner, whose district the building is in, instrumental in helping inform her constituents of this project. Weidner said the community members she spoke with were in favor of the shelter, especially since it will offer mental health services in addition to a bed and hot meal.

Theyre used to that building being used for similar services so they didnt have a problem with it,Weidner said.

According to the release, Segue representatives, including Anderle, will be available to answer any questions at the Neighborhood Watch meeting on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Prospect Heights Community Living Center, 2015 Prospect Street.

Filling the shelter gap

A shelter gap has existed in Racine since February 2015, when the Hospitality Center, 614 Main St., had to stop hosting patrons overnight because of issues with its conditional use permit. Since then, the city has relied on motel vouchers while members of Racines Continuum of Care have worked to find a new location for a short-term shelter.

In April, Segue announced that it had acquired a property at 961 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive that it intended to open as a shelter in mid-summer. Those plans were scrapped after widespread complaints from the community, chiefly about the buildings proximity to Julian Thomas Elementary School.

The Domanik Drive site will likely only be used for this upcoming winter. According to the release, discussions between Delagrave, HALO, the Continuum of Care, Segue, the city of Racine and United Way will continue until a permanent location is found.
Show attendees can enter for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to Hawaii in 2017.

By: Maui Jim Sunglasses

Contact

Eric Linder

***@mauijim.com

1.800.614.6790 Eric Linder1.800.614.6790

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-- Once again, the meeting and incentive industry's gifting leader, The World's Most Memorable Gift Experience by Maui Jim Sunglasses, is offering IMEX America attendees the chance to win an all-expense-paid trip for two (2) to Hawaii."The level of excitement that was generated last year was unprecedented. We knew we had to do it again," said Brett Hatch, Global Senior Director of Corporate Gifts at Maui Jim. "Last year's winner is only a few weeks away from their Hawaiian trip and we hope to share their experience with IMEX followers this year to continue the enthusiasm. Our goal last year was to demonstrate how Maui Jim continues to be thoroughly committed to this industry, and that goal continues this year as well.'"To be entered for a chance to win, IMEX America attendees need to simply stop by booth #1659 to complete the entry form at the reception desk. The winner will receive airfare (from the US), hotel accommodations, car rental, and tickets to the Maui Jim Maui Invitational tournament, for themselves and a guest. The winner will be announced in June 2017, for the trip to the Maui Jim Maui Invitational in November 2017.Pioneers of the corporate onsite gift experience, Maui Jim is the answer for groups looking to reward, inspire, or incentivize their people. The World's Most Memorable Gift Experience is available anywhere in the world, to groups as private as 25 or impressive as 5,000, and is always staffed with Maui Jim employees to ensure a true brand experience. Now the fastest growing premium polarized sunglass maker in the world, Maui Jim got its start in 1980 as a small company selling sunglasses on the beach in Lahaina, Hawaii. With 15 international distribution centers, Maui Jim now has sales in over 100 countries with 450 unique styles. Learn more at www.mauijim.com IMEX America sets the pace for doing business on an international scale. Increasing in size and scope annually, this event features the largest Hosted Buyer Program in North America and attracts thousands of buyers and exhibitors from the U.S. and around the world. Backed by the experience and resources of the IMEX Group of exhibitions, which also delivers the award-winning IMEX in Frankfurt exhibition, IMEX America demonstrates the IMEX Group's commitment to providing outstanding business opportunities for exhibitors and buyers alike. Learn more at www.imexamerica.com
Get the updated technology on the lights to suit your lifestyle

By: Malumiere LED

Media Contact

Malumiere LED

info@malumiereled.be

+32 4 275 36 02 Malumiere LED+32 4 275 36 02

End

-- Malumiereled is a Belgium based company that aims at delivering high quality lights with LED technique. With the recent inclination of the people towards technology, every firm in the market have tried to incorporate potential technology with the product. LEDs are high on the rise and have gained the customers attention by the benefits they serve. At Malumiereled, the portal displays indoor and outdoor lights as well as some of the crucial lighting appliances that are often needed during emergencies.The website is attractive as the products are displayed uniformly under the categories making it easier for the people to search their appropriate lights.The designs are fabulous and with a contemporary touch it has surpassed the other lights available in the market.The lights with LED technology are the one that has made Malumiereled marked their presence over the market. The bright and clear the lights are, the more useful it proves for interior and exterior use.Trnsformers, chargers, convertors, motion detectors, remote controls, switches, and more options that are available under this roof.Theare alkaline in nature and can be placed inside the lights to make them run for extended hours.The portal has plenty of lighting equipment like headlamps, flashlights, bike lights, and more to make your adventure smooth and enjoyable.Malumiereled has become a prestigious name over the marketplace as it has entered the market with their new products inbuilt with technology. Apart from LEDs, the lights have the capability to generate Wifi, making it easier for the people in having a quick access to the internet. The products that are generally sold focuses on adding advantages in a customer's life as well as decorate the home in the best way possible. The designs are carved on the products by keeping in mind the modern lifestyle of the people. Indoor and outdoor lights are available at an affordable price, with numerous other equipment displayed for sale. Keeping all the competitors behind, Malumiereled has succeeded in gaining people's attention. Have a check on the site and pick an appropriate LED light of your choice.For any sort of information about the products and services, call the executives at +32 4 275 36 02 or drop an email at info@malumiereled.be. If you plan to have a personal discussion, come down at the office address given here Rue Fabricienne n9, 4130 Esneux (Belgium).Rue Fabricienne n9, 4130 Esneux (Belgium).+32 4 275 36 02info@malumiereled.be
By: Voith Industrial Services GmbH

Contact

Melanie Klagmann

Communications Specialist

***@voith.com Melanie KlagmannCommunications Specialist

End

-- Voith Industrial Services Brazil was honored by Mercedes-Benz with the Service Excellence Award for services rendered in 2015. The award ceremony took place during Brasil's 60anniversary celebration party at the customer site in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, in May 2016. At the ceremony, thirteen suppliers received awards in different categories. Voith Industrial Services was the only technical service provider to receive an award in the above-mentioned category."It is good to know that our customer trusts our services and appreciates the cooperation. We are very proud to have received this award", said Roberto Leme, President of Voith Industrial Services in Brazil.The Voith Industrial Services team in Brazil provides the following four services at different sites of the customer: facility maintenance, utilities maintenance, janitorial cleaning and waste management. Additionally, it has provided welding fixture maintenance, repair services of parts and technical cleaning at the site in Sao Bernardo do Campo since 2004. At the customer's site in Juiz de Fora, the team has been responsible for the above four services as well as for landscaping and technical cleaning since 1998. In Campinas it has provided the same services as in Juiz de Fora plus warehouse services since 2007. Voith Industrial Services is constantly improving their services to offer the greatest value to the customer.Voith Industrial Services is one of the leading providers of technical services for key industries such as the automotive, rail, energy, chemical and petrochemical industries. In 2014/2015, the company generated sales of 1.0 billion with about 17,200 employees at approx. 200 locations worldwide.For further information on Voith Industrial Services, please see www.voithindustrialservices.com
International money transfer system, Tempo Money Transfer issued the results for the period July - September of 2016. The remittances provider said in a statement that the number of agent locations soared to more than 180 in Germany and France

By: Tempo Money Transfer

End

-- International money transfer system, Tempo Money Transfer issued the results for the period July - September of 2016.The Paris-headquartered remittances provider said in a statement that the number of agent locations soared to more than 180 in Germany and France.The company's main focus of activity, is sending money from these two countries to the rest of the world, which makes the indicator very important for its operations, said the president of Tempo, Mr. Jeffrey Phaneuf.He went on to say that the total number of locations where services are available, increased to reach 195,000 while the number of countries has almost reached 120.The spectrum of services includes traditional cash payout, account-crediting, home delivery, cell phone topping up and remote bill payments in various countries.Mr. Phaneuf said that by the end of Q3, the system has achieved a new operational level.Within July-September, the company successfully stepped up its international network, particularly in Africa.For example, the France and Germany - based remittances provider, which already holds a solid presence in Africa, and has rolled out its pay-out networks in Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal, Gambia, Mauritania, Sierra Leone and Comoros, launched a project in some of the Central African and West Africa nations including  Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, Congo, Gabon, and Rwanda. The completion of the project provides the customer with more than 400 pay-out locations."As a company specialized in outbound transactions from one of the most vibrant EU markets, (France and Germany) , we pay special attention to the developments in Africa and Asia. The demand for services is coming mostly from working migrants. We can clearly see the increasing trend in the number of African and Asian nationals settling in European countries. Hence the demand for low cost and quality services is growing," Mr. Phaneuf said.Phaneuf said that in 2016, the company diligently follows its main goals and principles, looking at increasing financial indicators in each project."We continue to place emphasis on low transaction costs. This makes for an effective decrease in the black market and brings money transfers into the open, regulated sphere. This benefits the host country's economy and our customers."
By: Howard Stein Hudson

Jacqueline Davis

End

-- Howard Stein Hudson, HSH (www.hshassoc.com), a firm delivering engineering and transportation planning solutions for clients in Boston and throughout the region since 1987, has named Jacqueline Davis of Marshfield, Massachusetts, a Civil Engineer, to the position of Associate.Davis joined HSH in 2010, upon receiving her Master's degree in Engineering Management from Syracuse University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Syracuse, as well.As an Associate/Civil Engineer Davis develops design plans, technical specifications and estimates for bid documents. Her responsibilities also include cost estimating, sub-consultation management and coordination, and the supervision and development of junior staff members.Davis is active in professional development organizations in Boston, in particular the Boston Chapter of WTS (Advancing Women in Transportation)where she is co-chair of the Professional Development Committee.For the past several years she has been proud to volunteer with Mass Fallen Heroes, an organization whose mission it is to memorialize the fallen and provide advocacy services for veterans and families of those who gave their lives while serving "in the Global War on Terrorism since 9-11-01." This endeavor is of special importance to Davis who has four cousins presently serving our country in the Marines, Army and Navy.Davis resides in Marshfield, Massachusetts with her husband John, who she met while a freshman at Syracuse University.Thomas Stokes, Chief Executive Officer at HSH said, "Delivering projects is at the core of what we do at HSH, and Jackie's knowledge of the elements of roadway design ensures that projects are built and advanced. She is highly regarded by clients and colleagues and never fails to go the extra mile."Founded in 1987, Howard Stein Hudson looks forward to celebrating 30 years of developed planning and engineering solutions that have transformed the face of Boston and beyond. Our collaborative spirit and experience provide the foundation for successful implementation of modern, cost-effective, and sustainable projects. Our expertise helps clients realize big ideas. The company is located at 11 Beacon Street, Suite 1010, Boston MA and at 114 Turnpike Road, Chelmsford MA. For more information please visit www.hshassoc.com or call 617-482-7080.
Echo Investment signed a preliminary agreement to sell to Echo Polska Properties its seven office buildings with almost 112,000 sqm of total gross leasing area (GLA). Total value of the properties as at the agreement amounts to almost 264 million.The sold properties are: O3 Business Campus in Cracow (phase I,

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Michael Bjorklund has been appointed as the new Business Unit President of Bonava in St. Petersburg and will join Bonavas Executive Management.

Michael Bjorklund has worked at Bonava since 2011 and his positions have included Head of Marketing in St. Petersburg, Business Unit President of Bonava...

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Rosetta's mission is over: After the last signal at 13:20, the spacecraft was crash-landed on comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko, with the ROSINA instrument from Bern taking measurements right until the very end. At the University of Bern, hundreds of people watched with interest as they followed the end of one of the most successful missions of the European Space Agency (ESA) live.

Rosetta's mission took twelve years including notable firsts like the first orbit of a comet (and for 2 years no less) and, for the first time placing a lander on a comet surface. The Rosetta spacecraft has already made history.

The spectacular mission has now come to an end, with Rosetta undergoing a controlled crash on "its" comet. As the comet moves away from the sun, the energy available to the solar-powered spacecraft was decreasing. Consequently, ESA decided to crash-land the spacecraft on the comet. Rosetta therefore followed its landing probe "Philae" and now still circles the sun in its "final resting place."

The successful conclusion was also celebrated and followed in Bern -- with a live broadcast of the "Rosetta Finale" from the ESA Operations Centre in Darmstadt (Germany), with a look back at the highlights of the mission and a competition. Vice-Rectors Bruno Moretti and Daniel Candinas were present for the occasion, joining those involved in the project -- including those from the very first hours -- and guests from the government and industry, plus numerous "Rosetta fans."

ROSINA worked until the very end

The performance of the Bern measuring instrument ROSINA, which provided crucial information about the comet with its two mass spectrometers and pressure sensor, was also celebrated. ROSINA's objective was to find out whether comets contain the basic elements of life, such as organic molecules and water. The yield was enormous: "ROSINA has discovered over 60 molecules, 34 of which had never been found before on a comet," said Andre Bieler from the Center for Space and Habitability (CSH) of the University of Bern. Back in 2014, ROSINA was already answering key questions by, for instance, establishing that the water on Earth was probably not brought here by comets.

The instrument also brought some surprises to light -- for example, that comets contain oxygen and the amino acid glycine, a basic building block of life. Bern researchers, under the supervision of Nicolas Thomas of the CSH, also examined images of the OSIRIS camera system and mapped the surfaces of the comet in detail. They were able to define over 25 distinct regions with different morphologies; these include steep slopes, large depressions, and small cavities from which material seems to flow, and flat-looking areas that display similar features to sand dunes.

During the 14-hour descent, ROSINA sent uninterrupted data, until the last signal was received from Rosetta at 13:20. The ROSINA principal investigator, Kathrin Altwegg, stayed at the official celebration at the European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt and was connected live to Bern. She had been involved in the project since 1994, so it was a definitive moment for her: "I feel a little melancholic. But it is a colossal end!"

Work is yet to be done for several years

The end of the Rosetta mission does not mean the end of the analysis -- far from it: "So far, only around five per cent of the ROSINA data has been analysed, so there is still a lot to be done," said Martin Rubin from the Physics Institute, Space Research and Planetology division. The ROSINA team will be busy carrying out analyses for around six years under Martin Rubin, Senior Team member. According to the researchers, many more discoveries are to be expected. The last uninterrupted ROSINA measurements alone, recorded over 20 kilometres up until the impact, will provide an unprecedented plethora of data about the cloud of gas and dust surrounding the comet.
Washington State University researchers say the world's reservoirs are an underappreciated source of greenhouse gases, producing the equivalent of roughly 1 gigaton of carbon dioxide a year, or 1.3 percent of all greenhouse gases produced by humans.

That's more greenhouse gas production than all of Canada.

Writing in next week's journal BioScience, the WSU researchers say reservoirs are a particularly important source of methane, a greenhouse gas that is 34 times more potent than carbon dioxide over the course of a century. Reservoir methane production is comparable to rice paddies or biomass burning, both of which are included in emission estimates of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the leading international authority on the subject.

John Harrison, co-author and associate professor in the WSU Vancouver School of the Environment, last month attended a meeting in Minsk, Belarus, to discuss including reservoir emissions in a planned 2019 IPCC update of how countries report their greenhouse gas inventories.

Methane accounts for 80 percent

"We had a sense that methane might be pretty important but we were surprised that it was as important as it was," said Bridget Deemer, WSU research associate and lead author. "It's contributing right around 80 percent of the total global warming impact of all those gases from reservoirs. It's a pretty important piece of the budget."

The BioScience analysis, which drew on scores of other studies, is the largest and most comprehensive look to date at the link between reservoirs and greenhouse gases, Harrison said.

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"Not only does it incorporate the largest number of studies," he said. "It also looks at more types of greenhouse gases than past studies."

Acre per acre, reservoirs emit 25 percent more methane than previously thought, he said.

The researchers acknowledge that reservoirs provide important services like electrical power, flood control, navigation and water. But reservoirs have also altered the dynamics of river ecosystems, impacting fish and other life forms. Only lately have researchers started to look at reservoirs' impact on greenhouse gases.

"While reservoirs are often thought of as 'green' or carbon neutral sources of energy, a growing body of work has documented their role as greenhouse gas sources," Deemer, Harrison and their colleagues write.

Gases from decomposing organic matter

Unlike natural water bodies, reservoirs tend to have flooded large amounts of organic matter that produce carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide as they decompose. Reservoirs also receive a lot of organic matter and "nutrients" like nitrogen and phosphorus from upstream rivers, which can further stimulate greenhouse gas production.

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In 2000, BioScience published one of the first papers to assert that reservoir greenhouse gases contribute substantially to global warming. Since then, there has been a nine-fold increase in studies of reservoirs and greenhouse gases. Where earlier studies tended to be confined to reservoirs behind power stations, the newer studies also looked at reservoirs used for flood control, water storage, navigation and irrigation.

The WSU researchers are the first to consider methane bubbling in models of reservoir greenhouse gas emissions. Also, while previous papers have found that young, tropical reservoirs emit more methane than older, more northern systems, this study finds that the total global warming effect of a reservoir is best predicted by how biologically productive it is, with more algae and nutrient rich systems producing more methane.

The authors also report higher per-area rates of methane emission from reservoirs than have been reported previously. This means that acre-for-acre the net effect of new reservoirs on atmospheric greenhouse gases will be greater than previously thought. Reservoir construction around the globe is expected to proceed rapidly in coming decades.

Largest study of reservoir greenhouse gas emissions

"There's been a growing sense in the literature that methane bubbles are a really important component of the total emissions from lake and reservoir ecosystems," said Deemer. "This study revisited the literature to try and synthesize what we know about the magnitude and control on methane emissions and other greenhouse gases -- carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide."

The result is that, in addition to being the largest study of reservoir greenhouse gas emissions to date, it is the first to comprehensively look at the flow of all three major greenhouse gases -- carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide -- from reservoirs to the atmosphere.
Girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are at higher risk than girls without ADHD for multiple mental disorders that often lead to cascading problems such as abusive relationships, teenage pregnancies, poor grades and drug abuse, UCLA psychologists report in the journal Pediatrics.

The researchers, who conducted by far the most comprehensive analysis of girls and ADHD, report:

37.7 percent of girls with ADHD met criteria for an anxiety disorder, compared with only 13.9 percent of girls without ADHD.

10.3 percent of girls with ADHD were diagnosed with depression compared with only 2.9 percent without ADHD.

42 percent of girls with ADHD were diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, compared with just 5 percent of girls without it. Oppositional defiant disorder is characterized by angry, hostile, irritable, defiant behavior. To meet the diagnosis for oppositional defiant disorder, a child must display at least four of eight symptoms for at least six months that result in significant academic, social and family problems.

12.8 percent of girls with ADHD were diagnosed with conduct disorder compared with only 0.8 percent without ADHD. Conduct disorder is similar to oppositional defiant disorder, but with more severe behavioral problems, such as committing violent acts, setting fires and hurting animals.

"We knew the girls with ADHD would have more problems than the girls without ADHD, but we were surprised that conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder were at the top of the list, not depression or anxiety," said Steve Lee, a UCLA associate professor of psychology and senior author of the study. "These conduct disorders, more than anxiety and depression, predict severe adult impairments, such as risky sexual behavior, abusive relationships, drug abuse and crime."

Symptoms of ADHD include being easily distracted, fidgeting, being unable to complete a single task and being easily bored. The disorder occurs in approximately 5 percent to 10 percent of children in the United States, and figures in many other industrialized countries with compulsory education are comparable, Lee said. ADHD can begin in pre-school kids and can persist into high school and into adulthood, especially when it's accompanied by oppositional conduct disorder.

The psychologists analyzed 18 studies of 1,997 girls, about 40 percent (796) of whom had ADHD. Most of the girls were between ages 8 and 13. Most ADHD studies focused on boys, or compared girls with ADHD to boys with ADHD -- not to girls without ADHD.

ADHD is often harder to detect in girls than in boys because girls with the disorder may appear disengaged, forgetful or disorganized, and perceived as "spacey" and stay "under the radar" without being referred for assessment and treatment, said lead author Irene Tung, a UCLA graduate student in psychology and National Science Foundation graduate research fellow.

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What should concerned parents do?

If a child's negative behavior lasts for months and is adversely affecting her or his social relationships and school performance, then it's worth having your child evaluated by a psychologist or psychiatrist for ADHD and other mental disorders.

Parents of girls with ADHD should carefully monitor signs of disruptive behavior, anxiety and depression, Tung said. "Early management of ADHD and related symptoms will be critical in helping young girls function successfully at school and socially, and feel confident," she said.

"People tend to think of girls as having higher risk for depression and anxiety disorders, and boys as being more likely to exhibit conduct disorders, but we found that ADHD for girls substantially increases their risk for these conduct disorders," Tung said. "In many cases, the school can provide support, including an evaluation by a school psychologist."

Approximately five to seven percent of elementary school students have oppositional defiant disorder and approximately one to two percent of elementary school students have conduct disorder, Lee said. Fewer girls than boys have these disorders.

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The good news, the psychologists said, is that there are effective treatments -- some involving pharmaceuticals, and others that involve seeing a therapist, as well as effective parenting strategies to manage the behavior.

"Kids with ADHD need structure and consistency, more than the average child; they need to know the rules and the rules need to be applied consistently," Lee said.

Lee and Tung recommend that parents provide positive reinforcement for good behavior; this does not have to be monetary.

"For some of these kids, getting negative attention may be their only way of getting attention," Tung said.

"Catch your child being good, and reward that," Lee said. Children will sometimes react negatively to rewards in the beginning, and parents at that point will often stop, but should continue, he added. "The child's behavior will often get worse before it gets better."

Children with ADHD are two to three times more likely than children without the disorder to develop serious substance abuse problems in adolescence and adulthood, Lee and colleagues reported in 2011.

To receive a diagnosis of ADHD by a child psychologist or psychiatrist, a child must have at least six of nine symptoms of either hyperactivity or inattention, the child's behavior must be causing problems in his or her life, and the symptoms must not be explainable by any medical condition or any other mental disorder.

In addition, the symptoms must have started before age 12, must be present in multiple settings -- at home and school, for example -- and must be adversely affecting functioning.

Many more children meet the criteria for ADHD than are being treated for it, and many children may benefit from treatment who are not receiving it, Lee said.
MOUNT PLEASANT  Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Democrat Andy Mitchell sparred on education, redistricting, transportation, open records and other issues at a forum Wednesday at Case High School.

The two are running for the 63rd Assembly District in the Nov. 8 election. The district includes the City of Burlington, Rochester, Yorkville, Dover, Union Grove and Sturtevant, and most of the Town of Burlington and Village of Mount Pleasant.

Vos, R-Rochester, said he has kept his promise to keep Racine Countys interests at the forefront and touted his tenure as speaker as a success, saying more than 90 percent of legislation passed has been bipartisan.

Mitchell, of Burlington, criticized education funding cuts and proposed public records changes and hit Vos for outside business interests, pledging to be more committed to the district.

Education funding

A Horlick High School teacher, Mitchell accused Vos and other legislators of using education as a piggybank to fund other projects. He pointed to cuts to the University of Wisconsin System and technical colleges, in addition to K-12 funding.

Many school districts have been forced to hold referendums to adequately fund their schools, Mitchell said.

Vos, though, defended the Legislatures approach on education funding. He pointed to numbers from the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau showing state funds to Racine Unified increased by $10 million in the last state budget.

Vos said he also led the charge to restore $200 million in school funding that Gov. Scott Walker proposed to cut in the last state budget.

The candidates also split on transportation. Vos said all options should be on the table to close a nearly $1 billion transportation shortfall, while Mitchell supported raising registration fees and keeping a focus on public transportation.

On redistricting, Mitchell said the process to shape legislative districts should be done in a nonpartisan way, arguing the GOP-crafted Wisconsin maps helped keep Republicans in power.

Vos said many districts held by Republicans are actually split fairly evenly demographically, saying the party wins because they field better candidates.

Public records

Mitchell also criticized Vos for his role in a controversial attempt last year to curb access to public records.

I think you probably know that what youre doing is wrong when you launch the attack on July 3rd, Mitchell said, referring to the Fourth of July weekend attempt to change the law. If theres a need for change, lets do it the way its supposed to be done, where you have open hearings and people have a chance to voice their concerns.

Vos said he still supports restricting access to constituent emails that contain personal information but said the proposed changes should have been rolled out differently.

We should have done it in a more transparent way. We should have done it in a much more open process, Vos said. I fully take responsibility for that.
Experiments described in a new study reveal that our sense of what we know about something is increased when we learn that others around us understand it. The findings are consistent with the idea of a "community of knowledge" in which people implicitly rely on others to harbor needed expertise. Otherwise everyone would have to be omniscient to get by.

"We think collaboratively," said lead author Steven Sloman, professor of cognitive, linguistic and psychological sciences at Brown University. "It implies that people have to live in communities in order to succeed, in order to really make use of our mental capabilities. We just can't do it all as individuals."

In four web-based experiments involving a total of nearly 700 volunteers, Sloman and corresponding author Nathaniel Rabb of Boston College presented several fake but plausible scientific phenomena with only cursory descriptions and no explanation.

Across several different experimental conditions, volunteers proved more likely to give a higher rating of their understanding of how the phenomena worked if they were told that "scientists" understood it.

A small, but consistent effect

To be clear, with no actual explanation to go on, most experimental volunteers did not feel like they fully understood the phenomena, which included some new kind of glowing rock or the existence of a rare weather system with helium rain. But what the study in the journal Psychological Science showed over its different iterations is that assurance that others understood elevated their sense of understanding to a measurable degree.

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"Understanding judgments were generally low, but consistently higher when the only individuals who could conceivably understand the phenomena do understand them," wrote Sloman and Rabb, a Brown alumnus, in the journal. "The results suggest that the existence of a community of knowledge creates the impression of understanding in oneself."

The first experiment captured that fundamental idea. Sixty-nine participants read about phenomena and were either told that scientists understood it or did not understand it. On a scale of 1 to 7 to rate degree of understanding, those who read that scientists understood the phenomena averaged 2.42 while those who were told that scientists didn't understand averaged a 1.79.

In the second experiment, Sloman and Rabb added a twist for its106 new participants, adding a novel condition: Sometimes scientists couldn't share their knowledge because it was a government secret. The goal here was to determine whether the knowledge of others has to be accessible to bolster one's own sense of understanding, or whether merely knowing that someone else understands is all that's required.

Access mattered. The understanding people reported remained highest when scientists understood and weren't restricted (1.93) but was notably lower when scientists didn't understand (1.63) or when they understood but couldn't share (1.77). It's not quite a community of knowledge, the results imply, if knowledge can't be communicated.

In experiment three, Sloman and Rabb investigated alternative explanations for their results. Could it be, for instance, that people simply feel implicit social pressure to say they understand when they perceive that others do? When asked to describe how well they understand the phenomenon, might they instead be confusedly rating how understandable the phenomenon is?

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This time, 244 people participated. Some were cued that phenomena of the kind they were seeing were easy to understand, while others were cued that they were hard to understand. When it came time to rate their understanding, they were also asked to rate how understandable the phenomena were. When the phenomena were described as complex, the researchers reasoned, people should feel less social pressure to claim they understood than if they were described as simple. And if people were actually judging understandability, their judgments of understanding should reflect this complexity.

But that's not what happened. The results showed that whether something was easy to understand or not had no effect on whether people tethered their stated degree of understanding to the perceived understanding of others. For allegedly complex or simple phenomena, whether they were cued that it was hard or easy to grasp, the data showed people remained just as likely to feel they understood it better when they were told that scientists did.

Finally, in experiment four, another 257 volunteers produced further insight. To ensure that people weren't just mistaking the cursory descriptions for explanations, the researchers made that point explicit by both reducing the degree of description and by reminding readers that description is not explanation.

Nevertheless, even with the most overt clue yet that they weren't actually being informed, people still conveyed a significantly greater degree of understanding (1.67 vs. 1.43) when they were assured that scientists were on top of things.

Living in a community of knowledge

To Sloman, the real scientific phenomenon in evidence -- that people depend in part on others' expertise for their own sense of understanding -- is a corollary of a division of cognitive labor already in evidence across society: Some people are lawyers, but others are carpenters and still others can troubleshoot a car transmission.

The new discovery in the paper is the apparent fact that we're so dependent on the community of knowledge that it can even lead us to believe we understand something a little better when we don't understand it at all. Sloman explores this and other surprising aspects of cognition in the upcoming book, "The Knowledge Illusion: Why We Never Think Alone," co-authored with his colleague and former student, Brown alumnus Philip Fernbach, now at the University of Colorado.

In the book they grapple with the implications of the community of knowledge for societal issues such as education and politics. Sloman posits, for example, that teaching should embrace the community of knowledge rather than assuming each child should harbor all the needed knowledge entirely within the self. Methods that ask students to gain and share knowledge through group interactions, for example, might improve learning.

In politics, meanwhile, it's probably unrealistic to expect voters to be comprehensively informed. But to the extent that they depend on the community of knowledge to feel like they understand issues, Sloman said, it's especially crucial that they know which members of a community they should rely upon. Scientists with no financial conflicts, for example, might be a better choice than industry groups as influencers on issues such as environmental degradation.
After being on the losing side of a fight, men seek out other allies with a look of rugged dominance about them to ensure a backup in case of future fights. Women in similar situations however, prefer to seek solace from allies whose faces suggest they can provide emotional support. There is an evolutionary root to the differences in how men and women seek out allies and it is driven by the need for social survival in the long run. This is according to UK researchers Christopher Watkins of Abertay University and Benedict Jones of the University of Glasgow, in Springer's journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology.

Alliance formation refers to the tendency among people to team up in pursuit of a common goal. It is an important facet of social intelligence among humans and other species. Not much is known however about the cognitive processes that come into play when people choose allies within different social settings -- and whether 'minimal information', such as snap judgments made about someone based on how their face looks, is used in our assessments of suitable allies.

Watkins and Jones tested how people associate specific facial cues with suitability as an ally in the aftermath of specific social experiences. To find out if there are specific gender differences to this, the researchers analyzed the responses of 246 young adults who completed an online experiment. Participants were first asked to visualize themselves either winning or losing one of two situations: a physical fight or a contest for promotion with a same-sex rival. They were then shown 20 pairs of male and female faces. These photographs were manipulated using computer graphic methods so that each pair consisted of a masculine and a feminine version of the same individual. On each trial, participants had to choose who they judge to be the better ally from looking at their facial characteristics alone.

In general men preferred masculine men as allies, in contrast to women who did not prefer masculine or feminine-looking faces when judging men as possible allies. However, feminine-looking women were preferred as allies by both men and women. According to Watkins and Jones, these general social preferences may have an evolutionary basis. Alliances with dominant men might benefitted ancestral males when competing against rival groups and improved the social rank of the male who selected a dominant ally.

"Our results suggest that there are sex-specific responses to facial characteristics which are flexible and change in light of a recent experience of confrontation," says Watkins. While men's preferences for dominant-looking allies were stronger after a loss compared to a win in a violent confrontation with another male, women's preferences for dominant-looking allies were weaker after a loss compared to a win in a violent confrontation with another female.

"These findings suggest that intra-sexual selection, in part, has shaped the evolution of social intelligence in humans as revealed by flexibility in social preferences for allies," say Watkins and Jones.
It was while working in the Kent Laboratory building in the 1940s that Prof. Willard Libby and his UChicago associates developed radiocarbon dating -- an innovative method to measure the age of organic materials. Scientists soon used the technique on materials ranging from the dung of a giant sloth from a Nevada cave; seaweed and algae from Monte Verde, Chile, the oldest archaeological site in the Western Hemisphere; the Shroud of Turin; and the meteorite that created the Henbury Craters in northern Australia.

Now the American Chemical Society has designated the discovery of radiocarbon dating as a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The society will officially recognize the achievement at 4 p.m. Oct. 10, with the unveiling of a plaque in the foyer of the Kent Chemical Laboratory building at 1020 E. 58th St.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Libby's first publication on radiocarbon dating, which appeared in the June 1, 1946 issue of Physical Review. The work earned Libby the 1960 Nobel Prize in chemistry "for determinations in archaeology, geology, geophysics and other branches of science."

The technique, which measures materials' content of carbon-14, quickly made an impact on archaeology and geology. Archaeologists testing the ages of artifacts from multiple sites across the Eastern and Western hemispheres found that civilization originated simultaneously around the world rather than in Europe. And Libby himself, when he analyzed wood samples from trees once buried beneath glacial ice, documented that North America's last Ice Age ended approximately 11,000 years ago -- not 25,000 years ago as previously believed.

"This radiocarbon dating method was a transformative advance to archaeology and historical studies, allowing the determination of the age of archeological sites and objects without reliance on a knowledge of local customs and history," said Viresh Rawal, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry.

Transformative research

The designation of UChicago as a National Historic Chemical Landmark joins the University's 2006 designation by the American Physical Society as an historic physics site to commemorate the work of Robert Millikan, who received the 1923 Nobel Prize in physics for experiments conducted at the Ryerson Physical Laboratory building, 1100 E. 58th St. A plaque commemorating that work hangs in the first-floor lobby of the Kersten Physics Teaching Center, 5720 S. Ellis Ave.

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Two scientists working at the University of California Radiation Laboratory in Berkeley discovered carbon-14 in 1940. The only previously known radioactive carbon isotope at the time was carbon-11, which had a half-life of only 21 minutes (half the isotope's radioactivity will decay in that time).

Radiocarbon dating depended upon the discovery cosmic rays, which constantly bombard Earth and turn some carbon atoms in living tissue into radioactive isotope carbon-14. The isotope has a half-life of approximately 5,600 years, which means that during this period, half the number of radioactive carbon atoms in any once-living substance will convert to nitrogen. By this means, scientists may date objects as much as 50,000 years old.

Minute radioactivity levels

With his first graduate student, Ernest Anderson, and others, Libby determined that the expected minute level of radioactivity in organic material actually existed. This work enabled Libby and postdoctoral associate James Arnold to publish a carbon-14 atomic calendar in the Dec. 23, 1949 issue of the journal Science. They documented the viability of the technique with this article, which compared the ages of samples of known age with the ages as determined by their radiocarbon content.

The University announced Libby's results in a news release issued in connection with the Science article. Libby collaborated extensively with Oriental Institute archaeologist Robert Braidwood in conducting C-14 tests on artifacts of known age from Mesopotamia and Western Asia, including wood from an Egyptian mummy's casket.

Other tested samples included part of the deck of a funeral ship placed in the tomb of Sesostris III of Egypt, the heartwood of one of the largest redwood trees ever cut, and the linen wrapping one of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The second edition of Libby's Radiocarbon Dating, published by the University of Chicago Press in 1955, lists 27 pages of objects for which he had obtained radiocarbon dates before the fall of 1954.

"Libby's method remained the only way to measure carbon-14 in samples for several decades and was long considered the most accurate means of dating by carbon decay," said David Mazziotti, a UChicago chemistry professor who submitted the formal nomination of the site as a historic chemical landmark to the American Chemical Society. "Within 10 years of Libby's 1949 Science paper, there were 20 radiocarbon dating laboratories around the world."
Satellites from NASA and NOAA have been tracking and analyzing powerful Hurricane Matthew since its birth just east of the Leeward Islands on Sept. 28.

On October 4, 2016, Hurricane Matthew made landfall on southwestern Haiti as a category-4 storm -- the strongest storm to hit the Caribbean nation in more than 50 years. Just hours after landfall, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Terra satellite acquired a natural-color image that showed the western extent over the eastern tip of Cuba and the eastern-most extent over Puerto Rico.

At NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland the NASA/NOAA GOES Project combined infrared and visible imagery from NOAA's GOES-East satellite into an animation of Matthew. The animation of imagery from Oct. 3 to Oct. 5 shows Hurricane Matthew making landfall in Haiti and eastern Cuba then move toward the Bahamas.

On Oct. 5, there were many warnings and watches in effect on Oct. 5 from Cuba to the Bahamas to Florida.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Cuban provinces of Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Granma and Las Tunas; the Southeastern Bahamas, including the Inaguas, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, and Ragged Island; the Central Bahamas, including Long Island, Exuma, Rum Cay, San Salvador, and Cat Island; the Northwestern Bahamas, including the Abacos, Andros Island, Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Island, and New Providence. In Florida a Hurricane Warning is in effect from north of Golden Beach to the Flagler/Volusia county line and Lake Okeechobee.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Cuban province of Camaguey and north of the Flagler/Volusia county line to Fernandina Beach. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Haiti, Turks and Caicos Islands. In Florida a Hurricane Watch is in effect for Chokoloskee to Golden Beach, the Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge eastward, and Florida Bay.

At 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Matthew was located near 21.8 degrees north latitude and 75.2 degrees west longitude. That's about 55 miles (90 km) north-northwest of Cabo Lucrecia, Cuba and about 105 miles (165 km) south of Long Island, Bahamas.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said "Matthew is moving toward the northwest near 12 mph (19 kph), and this motion is expected to continue during the next 24 to 48 hours. On this track, Matthew will be moving across the Bahamas through Thursday, and is expected to be very near the east coast of Florida by Thursday evening, Oct. 6.

Maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph (195 kph) with higher gusts. Matthew is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Matthew is expected to remain at category 3 or stronger while it moves through the Bahamas and approaches the east coast of Florida. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles (280 km)."

The minimum central pressure reported by both Hurricane Hunter planes was 962 millibars.

An unconfirmed wind gust of 155 mph (250 kph) was reported in Baracoa, Cuba, on the night of Oct. 4 as the eye of Matthew passed nearby.

For storm specifics on rainfall, wind and storm surge, visit the NHC website: www.nhc.noaa.gov.
Great balls of fire! NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has detected superhot blobs of gas, each twice as massive as the planet Mars, being ejected near a dying star. The plasma balls are zooming so fast through space it would take only 30 minutes for them to travel from Earth to the moon. This stellar "cannon fire" has continued once every 8.5 years for at least the past 400 years, astronomers estimate.

The fireballs present a puzzle to astronomers, because the ejected material could not have been shot out by the host star, called V Hydrae. The star is a bloated red giant, residing 1,200 light-years away, which has probably shed at least half of its mass into space during its death throes. Red giants are dying stars in the late stages of life that are exhausting the nuclear fuel that makes them shine. They have expanded in size and are shedding their outer layers into space.

The current best explanation suggests the plasma balls were launched by an unseen companion star. According to this theory, the companion would have to be in an elliptical orbit that carries it close to the red giant's puffed-up atmosphere every 8.5 years. As the companion enters the bloated star's outer atmosphere, it gobbles up material. This material then settles into a disk around the companion, and serves as the launching pad for blobs of plasma, which travel at roughly a half-million miles per hour.

This star system could be the archetype to explain a dazzling variety of glowing shapes uncovered by Hubble that are seen around dying stars, called planetary nebulae, researchers say. A planetary nebula is an expanding shell of glowing gas expelled by a star late in its life.

"We knew this object had a high-speed outflow from previous data, but this is the first time we are seeing this process in action," said Raghvendra Sahai of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, lead author of the study. "We suggest that these gaseous blobs produced during this late phase of a star's life help make the structures seen in planetary nebulae."

Hubble observations over the past two decades have revealed an enormous complexity and diversity of structure in planetary nebulae. The telescope's high resolution captured knots of material in the glowing gas clouds surrounding the dying stars. Astronomers speculated that these knots were actually jets ejected by disks of material around companion stars that were not visible in the Hubble images. Most stars in our Milky Way galaxy are members of binary systems. But the details of how these jets were produced remained a mystery.

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"We want to identify the process that causes these amazing transformations from a puffed-up red giant to a beautiful, glowing planetary nebula," Sahai said. "These dramatic changes occur over roughly 200 to 1,000 years, which is the blink of an eye in cosmic time."

Sahai's team used Hubble's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) to conduct observations of V Hydrae and its surrounding region over an 11-year period, first from 2002 to 2004, and then from 2011 to 2013. Spectroscopy decodes light from an object, revealing information on its velocity, temperature, location and motion.

The data showed a string of monstrous, superhot blobs, each with a temperature of more than 17,000 degrees Fahrenheit (9,400 degrees Celsius) -- almost twice as hot as the surface of the sun. The researchers compiled a detailed map of the blobs' locations, allowing them to trace the first behemoth clumps back to 1986. "The observations show the blobs moving over time," Sahai said. "The STIS data show blobs that have just been ejected, blobs that have moved a little farther away, and blobs that are even farther away." STIS detected the giant structures as far away as 37 billion miles (60 million kilometers) away from V Hydrae, more than eight times farther away than the Kuiper Belt of icy debris at the edge of our solar system is from the sun.

The blobs expand and cool as they move farther away, and are then not detectable in visible light. But observations taken at longer, sub-millimeter wavelengths in 2004, by the Submillimeter Array in Hawaii, revealed fuzzy, knotty structures that may be blobs launched 400 years ago, the researchers said.

Based on the observations, Sahai and his colleagues Mark Morris of the University of California, Los Angeles, and Samantha Scibelli of the State University of New York at Stony Brook developed a model of a companion star with an accretion disk to explain the ejection process.

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"This model provides the most plausible explanation because we know that the engines that produce jets are accretion disks," Sahai explained. "Red giants don't have accretion disks, but many most likely have companion stars, which presumably have lower masses because they are evolving more slowly. The model we propose can help explain the presence of bipolar planetary nebulae, the presence of knotty jet-like structures in many of these objects, and even multipolar planetary nebulae. We think this model has very wide applicability."

A surprise from the STIS observation was that the disk does not fire the monster clumps in exactly the same direction every 8.5 years. The direction flip-flops slightly, from side-to-side to back-and-forth, due to a possible wobble in the accretion disk. "This discovery was quite surprising, but it is very pleasing as well because it helped explain some other mysterious things that had been observed about this star by others," Sahai said.

Astronomers have noted that V Hydrae is obscured every 17 years, as if something is blocking its light. Sahai and his colleagues suggest that due to the back-and-forth wobble of the jet direction, the blobs alternate between passing behind and in front of V Hydrae. When a blob passes in front of V Hydrae, it shields the red giant from view.

"This accretion disk engine is very stable because it has been able to launch these structures for hundreds of years without falling apart," Sahai said. "In many of these systems, the gravitational attraction can cause the companion to actually spiral into the core of the red giant star. Eventually, though, the orbit of V Hydrae's companion will continue to decay because it is losing energy in this frictional interaction. However, we do not know the ultimate fate of this companion."

The team hopes to use Hubble to conduct further observations of the V Hydrae system, including the most recent blob ejected in 2011. The astronomers also plan to use the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile to study blobs launched over the past few hundred years that are now too cool to be detected with Hubble.

The team's results appeared in the August 20, 2016, issue of The Astrophysical Journal.

The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between NASA and the European Space Agency. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the telescope. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, conducts Hubble science operations. STScI is operated for NASA by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy in Washington, D.C.
A few years ago, Cane's owner chained him to a tree on property in North Carolina belonging to a relative. There the pit bull stayed, ever since. Cane got food and water, and had a dog house - provided by animal lover Jamie Spencer, who did her best for Cane and deeply cared for this dog, but couldn't take him into her own home. His situation was, obviously, never good. Then it got dire. In July, the person who owned the property where Cane was tethered died. The new owners said Cane had to go, said "you'd better do something about him," Spencer tells The Dodo. Without knowing how she'd do it, Spencer vowed to Cane that she would make sure he'd be OK. "It's gonna get better," she said to him. "I promise you."

Spencer reached out to Kari Newton with the nonprofit Animal Adoption League, who'd previously helped Spencer take care of a kitten. Newton rallied the animal rescue troops, searching for folks to help pay for Cane's veterinary care, for a foster home, for people who'd get Cane from the yard where he was tethered to the foster home. None of this would be easy. Cane had bad anxiety from being outside alone for so long; he had serious medical problems for the same reason. But he was a good dog, deserving of a good life. "Cane has never lived a normal pet life," Newton tells The Dodo. "The most heartbreaking issue at hand was that Cane was in a lot of pain and loved humans."

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Right at the end of September, the various pieces fell into place. A foster home was found, in Virginia. Volunteers stepped up to get Cane there (and gave him a bath along the way). Newton posted the news to Facebook: "A collaborative effort between two rescues: Dogs Deserve Better and Operation Save a Shelter Dog out of Virginia Beach have come together to rescue Cane and bring him to Virginia for rehabilitation and vetting. We are beyond excited for him. Everyone is working on getting him transported this weekend." Cane was finally unchained.

Cane got a new name. "I personally believe when you name a dog, it becomes a part of their personality," says Newton. He got called Charlie, at first, said to mean "free man." But that then got changed again, to Chance, "because he is getting his second chance at life," Kristina Cuce, one of the many people involved with the dog's rescue, tells The Dodo.

Chance has a period ahead of getting fixed up. His fur and skin are a mess, from living outside so long. He is heartworm positive, and will need to be neutered, and assuredly has other veterinary procedures ahead as well. This link is to an online fundraiser to help pay these expenses. This is on top of learning how to be around people and other animals; how to be a pet. At some point, when he's well enough, Chance will go up for adoption. Now, he's in a foster home in Virginia, where so far "he is adjusting great," says foster mom Alissa Campbell. "The tail just keeps wagging, and it looks as though he is smiling," she says. "He just wants love, they all do."
<p><a href="http://www.daktaribushschool.org/" target="_blank">Daktari Bush School</a><span></span></p>

A woman noticed a baby antelope cowering underneath a bush. At first, she left him alone, thinking his mother would come back. Lions roared nearby, and the woman worried the baby wouldn't last long.

She decided to contact Daktari, a wildlife orphanage run by Michele and Ian Merrifield in Hoedspruit, South Africa. The Merrifields advised the woman to watch the antelope for one more day, just in case the mother did return. Antelope moms often hide their young while they feed, but they usually come back. By the end of the next day, however, the mother still hadn't returned - she'd probably been eaten by lions. "He was very weak when we got there," Ian told The Dodo. "We made the decision to catch him, and it was very easy - he didn't even struggle."

The baby antelope was actually a nyala, an ungulate with white vertical stripes and spots on its flanks. According to Ian, nyalas are very shy, and they can be difficult to feed, so they worried about the baby's chances of surviving.

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To feed a baby nyala, you need to make a special formula that combines cow's milk, egg yolk, cream and a digestive bacteria called protexin. Then the nyala needs to weighed and fed exactly twenty percent of his bodyweight in formula. To make matters more complicated, the formula needs to be exactly 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, the nyala's sensitive digestive system will reject the formula, and it could end up in the rumen, the nyala's first stomach that isn't functional yet. Inside the undeveloped rumen, the formula could ferment and ultimately kill the nyala. Besides needing formula at exactly the right temperature, the baby also has to be fed every three hours, even throughout the night. The nyala - whom the Merrifields named Chancy - turned out to be an excellent eater, and he grew strong and healthy. After a few days, Michele and Ian allowed the other animals at Daktari to interact with Chancy. Turns out, everyone wanted to be Chancy's friend.

Nikita the Rottweiller was the first to fall in love with Chancy. She thought he was so fun to chase ...

... and she clearly adored him.

Nikita also took on a motherly role by licking Chancy's backside, which is what Chancy's mother would have done in the wild to remind him to "do his business."

The Merrifields' three white maltese poodles, Candy, Bouba and Gucci, also loved Chancy. They lay outside Chancy's feeding enclosure until Michele started letting them in.

But it was the marmosets, Thor and Leila, who adored Chancy the most. The Merrifields had rescued the marmosets from an elderly lady who had kept them as pets and had recently passed away. Marmosets actually originate from Central and South America, a long way from South Africa where they now live. The Merrifieldscertainly don't condone keeping wildlife as pets, but keeping the marmosets at Daktari was the best solution they could find for an unfortunate situation. "The marmosets would visit Chancy in his feeding cage and watch what Michele was doing," Ian said. "I think they were curious, and they didn't seem afraid of him."

Then one day, Michele and Ian saw the marmosets on Chancy's back! "Chancy really didn't seem to care, and possibly even liked them tickling his fur when they sat there," Ian said.

When Leila died, Thor became even more attached to Chancy. In fact, he became - and still is - Chancy's constant companion.

After about five months, Chancy was weaned and started eating solid food, and the Merrifields started allowing him to come and go as he pleased. "He formed a bond with a female bushbuck we had also raised," said Ian. "The bushbuck kept coming back to camp for food, as we've been through a prolonged drought and life is tough out in the bush. Chancy accompanied her wherever she went."

Chancy is nearly grown up now, but he still visits Daktari every day ... although he doesn't always say hello to his old friends. "He's greeted by the dogs and he doesn't mind at all, but he actually ignores them now," said Ian. "It think Chancy believes he's higher up in the order of life and is a bit aloof!" Chancy hasn't even paid attention to Daktari's latest rescue - a young female nyala - but Ian thinks this will change when Chancy realizes how pretty she is. Thor, on the other hand, will still leap on Chancy's back for old time's sake ...

... and Chancy seems to love spending time with his friend.
With a single, surprise stroke of legislation, Romania has eliminated one of the biggest threats to its wildlife population: humans. Specifically, trophy hunters, who for years have used the country as a private stalking ground to catch, kill and selfie its large carnivores. On Tuesday, the government announced a ban on trophy hunting - an industry that sees thousands of animals killed for little more than thrills and souvenirs - giving Europe's biggest population of brown bears, lynx, wolves and wildcats a welcome reprieve.

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Since Romania joined the European Union in 2007, trophy hunting has been a massive windfall for the country's private tour operators. Sport hunters pay as much as 10,000 euros, or $11,000, to haul a brown bear carcass home as a trophy, the Guardian reports. But criticism from conservation groups like the World Wildlife Fund Romania and the Association for the Conservation of Biological Diversity (ACDB) may have led the government to reverse course.

Even the most optimistic animal lover couldn't have seen this coming. For decades, Romania had been sending all the opposite signals, steadily ratcheting up its allowable quota for brown bear kills in the country. As recently as 2014, the government actually raised the number of bears that could be killed to 550 annually - two-thirds more than the previous year. By 2016, Romania's annual kill allowance stood at 550 bears, 600 wolves and 500 big cats. Or, as the journal ZME Science puts it, "That's equivalent to killing the entire brown bear population in Slovenia, the population of wolves living in France, Norway, and Sweden, and four Poland-worths of lynxes - in one country, in a single year."

Much of the rising quota was fuelled by complaints, especially in rural areas, that the animals damaged property and killed livestock - although some suggested the damages were inflated by tour operators to fuel the sport hunting industry. In any case, the complaints allowed Romania to circumvent a European Union directive that protects large carnivores - unless the animals are deemed a threat to people and property. "Hunting for money was already illegal, but it was given a green light anyway," Romania's environment minister, Cristiana Pasca-Palmer, told the Guardian.

It's a loophole that won't be entirely closed under the ban. While hunting bears, wolves and wildlife is now illegal, a newly minted agency called Wildlife Emergency Service will be able to kill animals deemed a threat. But it's a vital step in the right direction - and one other countries, like South Africa, which hosts 9,000 trophy hunters every year, could take a lesson from.
A rift is growing between Ford workers at the Oakville assembly plant and the rest of the union after a local union official warned the recently ratified GM deal isnt good enough.

In a rare and unusually public move, Dave Thomas, president of Unifor Local 707, posted a message to his 5,000 members, saying company executives and top union officials have been warned that his members wont accept the contract reached with GM last month.

His comments raise questions about whether pattern bargaining  a long tradition where one contract is reached with an automaker and it becomes the template for deals at the other automakers  could be broken.

Pattern bargaining ensures uniform hourly wages, benefits and pensions  so no company has an advantage.

Unifor national president Jerry Dias wouldnt say whether pattern bargaining could be in jeopardy, saying only well see what happens.

He added: If we dont have an agreement that is satisfactory to Local 707 then well have a strike with Ford.

Thomas, who did not respond to several requests for comment, said in his letter that he wont bring a deal to members for a vote that he knows cant be ratified.

Investment in Canada was the number 1 priority when we opened up bargaining but we all agreed that it would not be at the expense of the rest of the membership, Thomas wrote.

This year, Unifor made GM the target  but focused on winning new product commitments for Oshawa and more work at its engine plant in St. Catharines. As such, it agreed to go to a defined contribution plan for all new hires  which does not have a guaranteed payout.

GM workers ratified the contract by 64.7 per cent, and now the union is negotiating with Fiat Chrysler, with a strike deadline early Tuesday. Talks with Ford will begin after a contract is ratified at Fiat Chrysler.

Tony Faria, director of the Office of Automotive and Vehicle Research at the University of Windsor, questioned whether its time to end pattern bargaining altogether.

He noted that back in the 1980s, when Chrysler was on the verge of bankruptcy, the pattern had to be different.

What GM can afford in a new labour deal is a lot more than Fiat Chrysler can afford, Faria said, noting Fiat Chrysler is much smaller, and carrying a larger debt load.

Trying to continue with an arrangement where the labour financial burden is the same, between companies that are in significantly different financial situation, does not seem overly reasonable, Faria said.

But you could make a better case if you wanted to limit the pattern to just the hourly pay rate, and then vary other parts of the contract, he said.

Dias argues that in bargaining, unions must take a long view.

Sometimes you are the top of the hill, sometimes you are the bottom of the hill, Dias said. Four years ago, Ford Oakville was in the same position that GM in Oshawa was in . . . in desperate need of investment.

Dias noted those complaining about this years deal were the same people who put together an agreement that introduced a 10-year period for new hires to get to full pay, but that grid brought in $700 million in investment from Ford.

It worked. Ford hired about 2,200 people, he said, noting they were the first hires in 15 years. Guess what? You cant have short memories in this business.

But grumbling from Oakvilles workers, who make the popular Flex and Edge vehicles along with other Lincoln products, suggests the union may have a tough time getting a contract that will satisfy members who are looking for monetary gains now that Ford is earning record profits.

They want to see the time it takes to get paid at the top rate shortened from the current 10-year period.

But its members in Windsor, who work at Fords two engine plants and a parts plant, are desperate to win new investment dollars from Ford, so their goals are different.

In Windsor, we have been dying a death of a thousand cuts. We had six plants at one time, now were down to three, said Chris Taylor, president of Unifor Local 200 and chair of the unions master bargaining committee.

We are fighting for our survival, Taylor said. We understand fully the importance of pattern bargaining, we understand what it means for the industry, not just ourselves.

He added that it took successive rounds of bargaining, and sacrifices from all Ford workers at all locals to ensure Oakville is in its current position.

However, the Oakville membership at 5,000 far now outnumbers the membership in Windsor with 1,700 members, so they can sway any ratification vote, or force a strike.

Well see how this thing unfolds. Ultimately, if our members want a strike for more, Im right with them, Dias said.

Dias acknowledged that he understands the frustrations of some members, but argued that the deal reached with GM is a good one, so good that both Ford and Fiat Chrysler are pushing back.

He pointed to a 2 per cent wage increase after ratification and another 2 per cent in 2019, plus $12,000 in lump sum payments.

Its not nickels and dimes. Its a lot of money, Dias said, noting at the end of the four-year deal, a production worker will be earning about $36 an hour, while a skilled trades worker will be making more than $42 an hour.

When you compare us to the United States, we will still be $5 an hour higher. We dont live on an island, so we need to be conscious of that, Dias said. We could have blown our brains out here, but the price would have been significant.

Mark Petro, an industry analyst in Windsor, believes discord among Ford workers could put further investment in jeopardy.

It would leave (the company) scratching their head a little bit, and questioning why they should put in further investment if they are getting pushback from a plant that is moderately successful, Petro said.

He added any attempt to break pattern bargaining could create other problems.

My concern that if the workers in Oakville are feeling what was negotiated at GM Oshawa doesnt apply to them, and they want something different or more, it becomes very nettlesome for the leadership, he said.

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Samsung's woes continued this week with reports of a replacement Galaxy Note 7 smartphone catching fire and causing the evacuation of a Southwest Airlines flight, leading some analysts to question the future of the device.

U.S. technology publication, The Verge, spoke with Brian Green, the owner of the phone, who says he had received a replacement Note 7 on Sept. 21. When he powered down the phone on Wednesday, it began emitting a "thick grey-green angry smoke" and eventually burned through the carpet and scorched the plane's floor.

Samsung said it could not confirm the latest incident until it retrieved the offending device: Once we have examined the device we will have more information to share."

The latest report could not have come at a worse time for Samsung. The company's global recall of the first batch of 2.5 million Note 7s has been going since last month, with a majority of them having been recovered in many major markets. In Canada, the company sold just under 22,000 phones, and had recalled 17,000 by mid-September. When asked, the company did not give an update on the remaining 5,000 in Canada.

Two weeks ago, Paul Brannen, COO and executive vice-president of Samsung Electronics Canada, said the company hoped to replace all of the devices here, which would be an important step in rebuilding consumer confidence. He also said that once that was done, he planned to speak to airlines about the safety of the product.

"A flight attendant is instructed to give out information, and we'll go work with Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, all the Canadian airlines to help them understand what we've done," said Brannen.

With this weeks report that a replacement phone may suffer from the same issues, that plan is likely going to take a hit.

Nor did it likely help that images from the Applied Energy Hub battery laboratory in Singapore showing a Note 7 bursting into flames went viral this week. Reportedly the lab applied pressure to the Note 7 and it burst into flames, although it was unknown whether it was an original or replacement phone.

With the original issue reportedly blamed on one of the company's two battery suppliers, Samsung had shifted all production to Amperex Technology Limited, the Chinese manufacturer, which until now, had not had problems with its batteries.

While the recall is ongoing, the company has started to resuscitate marketing efforts and restarted selling the phone in certain markets, including South Korea. In Canada, the company was considering relaunching the phone at the end of October, but its not known whether this will affect those plans.

"We will give Note 7 all the support we were going to give it in the first place," said David Lowes, Samsung's chief marketing officer in Europe in an interview with Reuters. "There is no backing away from it.

Some experts have already said the damage is likely done, and perhaps the company should cut bait and move on from the troubled Note 7.

"If the new version of the Note 7 does indeed have the same problems, this will be nothing short of a complete embarrassment for Samsung, said Daniel Gleeson, senior analyst, consumer technology at Ovum, a U.K.-based research firm. It will have to do another recall, though I suspect most customers will no longer be interested in yet another Note 7 device.

Gleeson cautioned that the Southwest Airlines incident could prove to be an outlier. Nonetheless, a second recall would be a large blow to Samsung financially and an even larger blow to its reputation," he added.

Bill Kreher, a technology sector analyst at Edward Jones, said he thinks consumers will see the battery woes as confined just to one make.

This is an issue that is very specific to Samsung, and one that the company will think carefully about as they rebuild consumer confidence," said Kreher. "This type of news is a positive for Apple, because consumers will likely think twice about purchasing devices that may explode.

I mean, it's that simple."

According to the initial Health Canada recall, Samsung had received 92 reports of the batteries overheating in the U.S., including 26 reports of burns and 55 reports of property damage, including fires in cars and a garage. In September, Brannen had said there was one unconfirmed incident in Canada.

But the Note 7 is not the only issue facing the South Korean company.

Last week, Samsung and Health Canada also issued a recall for some of the company's top-loading washing machines, because of defect where the top of the washers might fly off while cleaning bulky items on certain settings.

While Samsung had reportedly lost $26 billion (U.S.) in value when the initial news of the Note 7's problems broke, the company is now facing more potential financial turmoil. Elliot Management, an activist investor, has called on the company radically restructure itself, including and paying out a one-time $27 billion dividend to shareholders, from its reported $70 billion cash reserve.

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The Birth of a Nation

Starring Nate Parker, Aja Naomi King, Armie Hammer, Jackie Earle Haley, Gabrielle Union and Penelope Ann Miller. Written and directed by Nate Parker. Opens Friday at major theatres. 120 minutes. 14A

Can we forget the past even while being summoned to remember it?

Thats the conundrum of The Birth of a Nation, Nate Parkers provocative drama of Americas bloodiest slave rebellion, which the actor and filmmaker directed, co-wrote and stars in, and which sold for a record $17.5 million (U.S.) following its ecstatic Sundance premiere.

Parker wants the world to recall a man and a story ill-served by history books: Nat Turner, an American-born slave turned Baptist preacher, who led an 1831 Virginia uprising that left 60 slave owners and 200 slaves dead through violent confrontation and retribution. Its a message and memory the film capably and viscerally honours.

Yet the first-time filmmaker doesnt want any rekindling of the collective conscience regarding his own disturbing past. In 1999, Parker and his Penn State University roommate Jean Celestin (later his screenplay co-writer) were charged with raping an intoxicated and unconscious fellow student.

Parker was acquitted at trial and Celestin was convicted (it was overturned on appeal), but the 18-year-old complainant always felt shed been denied justice. She committed suicide at age 30 in 2012.

The rape allegation has stuck to Parker and The Birth of a Nation since the 1999 story broke wide in late August. Parker hasnt helped his situation or that of his movie by steadfastly refusing to apologize for his actions, which he puts down to youthful indiscretion and false accusation.

He and Celestin have also made rape a central part of The Birth of a Nation, as Parkers Turner is galvanized to lead the anti-slavery rebellion after his wife (Aja Naomi King) is sexually assaulted by slave owners led by a vile redneck (Jackie Earle Haley). Another rape  both happen off-camera  involves a character played by Gabrielle Union.

The Birth of a Nation is a film for alert minds, even those that cant  and shouldnt  forget the past and present behaviour of its maker.

Parker commands the frame as Turner, taught as a child to read the Bible by a kindly matriarch (Penelope Ann Miller), who put humanity slightly ahead of human ownership.

Young Nate grew up almost as a member of her family, befriending the womans son Samuel (played by Armie Hammer as an adult) while still being obliged to work as an indentured field hand.

Nate discovers he has oratorical skills to complement his literacy and Bible knowledge. Samuel starts hiring him out as an itinerant preacher to neighbouring slave owners, who hope his hellfire-and-damnation speeches will quell rumbles of rebellion. The opposite occurs, once Nate is fully apprised of the horrors visited upon his fellow slaves.

The film bears obvious comparisons to 12 Years a Slave. But The Birth of a Nation is an even rougher and more intense experience than its Oscar-winning predecessor. One scene depicts the force-feeding of a slave on a hunger strike, who first has his teeth knocked out by a hammer.

Another grim scene has the camera moving backwards through a forest of dead slaves hanged as punishment for challenging their white masters. Nina Simones haunting version of Strange Fruit plays on the soundtrack.

After three viewings, the most significant thing for me about The Birth of a Nation is its depiction of Nat Turners transformation from a docile slave into a righteous rebel and free man.

His conscience was moved by what he learned and he took action to right a wrong. The same might not be said about Parker, but his film is worth seeing regardless.

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GERMANY-So many Christmas markets  2,500 to be precise  and so little time. Advent is only a month long, so how do you narrow down which German Christmas markets to visit?

Consider the markets in East Germany. Largely unexplored by North Americans, the states of Saxony and Thuringia offer a cornucopia of Christmas markets that harken back to medieval days, when peasants started selling handmade crafts so they could purchase food to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Leipzig

Leipzig Christmas Markets heritage dates back to 1458, when the first Advent market had been recorded. Now, the several Christmas markets across the city cater to all age groups. Leipzig Christmas Market is the citys most family-oriented market, and it includes a Fairy Tale Forest in front of the Opera House. This attraction is popular with children, who have to find four mistakes in various Grimms Fairy Tales displays. Details: Leipzig.travel; runs Nov. 22 to Dec. 23.

Freiberg

This small city of 42,000 inhabitants in Saxonys Ore Mountains carries an 800-year silver-mining tradition that once made Freiberg a wealthy city. Mining heritage is held in high regard here, and the most popular event during the Freiburg Christmas Market is the torch-lit Miners Parade. Actors dress in historical mining costumes, each based on the type of mineral mined, and parade through the city on the second Saturday of Advent (Dec. 3 this year). The event causes hotels in the area to sell out a year in advance. Details: freiberg-service.de/en/ ; runs Nov. 22 to Dec. 22.

Annaberg-Buchholz

Like Freiberg, Annaberg-Buchholz has one Christmas market that comes alive with local traditions during Advent. The entire town turns into a Christmas mountain that includes an oversized wooden Christmas pyramid and enormous Christmas tree. The Annaberg Christmas Market features handmade gifts, elf services for children, miner and traditional Advent events, and regional treats reminiscent of food straight from grandmas oven. It all lends a special flair to the event. Details: www.annaberg-buchholz.de/weihnachtsmarkt/en/ ; runs Nov. 25-Dec. 23.

Wartburg Castle in Eisenach

Martin Luther, who sparked the Protestant Reformation in 1517, not only lived in Eisenach, he translated the New Testament into German in the nearby Wartburg Castle. Today, the castle hosts the Wartburg Castle Christmas Market, which is open on the four Advent weekends. Only local vendors who offer quality, handmade gifts are permitted to sell their wares at the market, which is perched high on a mountain in a magical and medieval setting. Details: visit-thuringia.com; runs Nov. 26-27, Dec. 3-4, Dec. 10-11, Dec. 17-18.

Weimar

Home to world-renowned writers Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller, the Weimar Republic, the Bauhaus movement and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Weimar is the base of many historical episodes and persons. Its also home to the Weimar Christmas Market, where kindergarten-age children squirm and squeal in anticipation as St. Nicholas lowers a bag of presents from the old town hall, turned into an Advent calendar. Its simply heartwarming. Details: weimar.de/en/ ; runs Nov. 22-Jan. 6

Joseph Freys trip was sponsored by the German National Tourist Office, which didnt review or approve this story.

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Community members gathered outside the University of Torontos Sidney Smith Hall Wednesday to protest a professors online lecture they say was offensive towards to the trans and non-binary people, but the professor at the centre of the controversy says the demonstrators are missing the point.

In a Sept. 27 YouTube video entitled, Professor against political correctness: Part I, University of Toronto psychology Jordan Peterson rails against Bill C-16, among other things, which aims to amend the Canadian Human Right Act and Criminal Code to include protection for gender identity or expression.

Peterson drew the ire of some for criticizing the Ontario Human Rights Commissions definition of gender identity, which is described as a persons sense of being a woman, a man, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum.

I dont know what neither means, Peterson says in the video, because I dont know what the options are if youre not a man or a woman. Its not obvious to me how you can be both because those are, by definition, binary categories.

Theres an idea that theres a gender spectrum but I dont think thats a valid idea, I dont think theres any evidence for it, he continues, adding that the idea that gender is independent from biological sex is a politically motivated and ill-informed opinion.

Later in the video, he talks about a hypothetical situation where he would reject a non-binary students request to use gender-neutral pronouns, saying, I dont recognize another persons right to determine what pronouns I use to address them. I wont do it.

Riven Thorne, an attendee at Wednesdays rally, told the Star that it was shocking that someone (who) literally does not believe in your gender and in your pronouns is teaching and is able to educate other people when they need, themselves, to be educated. Thorne isnt a U of T student but said felt compelled to attend the community-organized event anyway, the Star was told.

Another attendee, Arden Chow, agreed.

People dont seem to understand what a big effect refusing to use someones pronouns has on them, it can really mess them up, Chow said, adding that, in high school, they felt unsafe and ultimately left the school because teachers and other students did not address them by their preferred gender.

Along with speeches decrying Petersons video, protesters also handed out leaflets to passersby with titles like Whose gender is it anyway? that explained gender spectrum and trans, intersex and non-binary identities.

Rally co-organizer Cassandra Williams said education was an important part of the event.

Obviously, theres just a lot of people who arent very well-informed about these things but Peterson is spreading misinformation to people to just dont know any better . . . . We wanted to correct a lot of the information, she said. The rally was also calling out U of T, she added, for supporting and enabling individuals who have caused tremendous harm to the trans community.

Peterson told the Star Wednesday he didnt say that trans and non-binary people dont exist  instead, he was critiquing what he sees and incoherent and poorly written legislation.

One of the reasons for the (rally) was the claim that I said transgender people dont exist, and I never said that . . . and I dont believe that, so it kind of invalidates the utility of the rally, at least insofar as its directed at me, he said in a phone interview.

Peterson also said he wasnt backing down from stance on pronouns.

Im not going to use pronouns that arent part of the standard English language corpus, and Im not going to be compelled to do that, he said.

You could say . . . Cant you just use the pronoun so you wont hurt someones feelings? Its like, not hurting peoples feelings is not actually my paramount concern . . . . My primary ethical concern is to say what I think and to do that very carefully, and thats partly because, lots of times, peoples feelings are hurt in the short run by all sorts of things that are good in the medium and long run.

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About 200 Canadians have received help killing themselves since legislation authorizing medically assisted suicide came into force in June, new figures obtained by The Canadian Press show, but those numbers do not paint the whole picture.

To date, 87 people have taken advantage of the law in Ontario, while the total in British Columbia is 66, the provinces coroners offices reported Thursday. Alberta has tracked at least 23 deaths, Manitoba has had 12, while Saskatchewan has had fewer than five cases. Figures from elsewhere were not immediately available.

But if an outline is beginning to emerge of demand across Canada for help in dying, a dearth of even basic information still exists.

For example, there are little data on how many people have requested help but have been refused, the medical conditions prompting such requests, those who have made requests but changed their minds, and the number of people who have died before the request could be granted.

Even statistics on gender, age and where the deaths have occurred are elusive.

Shanaaz Gokool, CEO of Dying with Dignity Canada, said its impossible to discern clearly whats happening across the country, or how the legislation is being applied.

Its very difficult to assess what is going on, Gokool said. No ones doing this in a very systematic way. The numbers dont tell us enough.

In Manitoba, more than 60 people have requested assisted death, a spokeswoman for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said. Most were turned down, although it was not clear why. The latest Alberta figures show 23 people have been refused for reasons including a mental-health diagnosis or death not reasonably foreseeable.

Kerry Williamson, with Alberta Health Services, said the most cited health conditions were cancer, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with the average age being 67.

In June, the federal government brought in a law allowing assisted suicide for those suffering from an incurable condition and for those facing a reasonably foreseeable natural death, a definition critics have argued is open to too much interpretation.

Andrew MacKendrick, a spokesman for Health Minister Jane Philpott, said Thursday the legislation calls for regulations on data collection and monitoring to be in place by next June.

That gives the minister of health a period of time to set that system up so we can actively monitor it and understand it better, MacKendrick said.

One key issue, Gokool said, is how publicly funded faith-based hospitals opposed to assisted suicide are dealing with the issue. In some cases, she said, it appears the hospitals are delaying approval until the person has already died or transferring them elsewhere.

Alberta Health Services, which has so far been the most forthcoming with information, said two patients had been transferred from Covenant Health, the countrys largest Catholic health care provider, to another facility for medical assistance in dying.

The Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories produced a set of guidelines late last month directing priests to refuse funerals for some people who choose assisted suicide. The bishops called physician-assisted death a grave sin, saying it contradicted the teachings of the Catholic Church.

In Ontario at least, the official cause of death is clearly noted on death certificates.

We are classifying them as suicides with reference to the underlying disease process, said Cheryl Mahyr, a spokeswoman for Ontarios chief coroner.

To date, Mahyr said, no autopsies have been required and no difficulties have arisen with regard to the death investigations.

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada acknowledged the various views among doctors on helping patients die but said it was too early to comment on how the system was working. Quebecs physician body said it had no relevant data.

Last week, Alberta Health Services reported that demand for assisted death had been higher than expected, but the body that regulates Ontarios doctors said it was difficult to know how demand has aligned with expectations.

This is a new service for patients, Kathryn Clarke said. The picture will come into focus over time concerning uptake.

Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins said Thursday the system was working well but added that the province planned legislation to complement the federal law, with part of it related to reporting.

Health Canada said it was working with provinces and territories to identify what data would be collected and how before developing reporting regulations.

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Margueret Lewis has lots to say about an exotic animal bylaw in Ottawa that bans servals  small cheetah-like cats  but most of its obscene. She lives on a large rural property within the citys limits with two servals, in direct contravention of the ban.

Servals are listed on the citys prohibited animal list because the city says they are dangerous, according to Christine Hartig, a policy analyst who wrote the bylaw.

Lewis disagrees vehemently and wants the bylaw changed.

Theyre not tigers or lions  they will not eat you. You could not get near one if they got loose. Try to catch up with one. You wont catch them, trust me, says Lewis, 55, who has several tattoos of servals.

Lewis, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, loves her cats  Hunter, a seven-year-old male from a sanctuary in Florida, and Koshi, a 16-month-old female from a breeder in British Columbia. She says they fit in well with her other animals: three dogs, three Savannah cats (a serval/domestic cat mix), two horses, a macaw and a tortoise.

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Hunter weighs about 20 kilograms while Koshi weighs about half that. Lewis says her love of animals helps her deal with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Her love for wildlife began as a young girl, she says, when she was raised with wolves, bears and lynx that her father kept on the property. Then she fell in love with dogs.

Im a former German shepherd dog breeder, she says. But Ive actually been shunned by the German Shepherd Dog Club of Canada.

But she bounced back. About 10 years ago, she fell in love with servals, which have been bred as pets in Canada for years.

Now shes speaking out with the hopes of getting the bylaw changed.

The city says that will never happen.

When you raise them as cubs, theyre different, Lewis says, adding that it costs her about $1,600 a month to feed the cats raw elk, bison, deer and chicken.

They bond hard and once they bond with a family, they bond for life. And I want to tell you, these guys have saved my life, they really have.

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Crown prosecutors withdrew two charges against a Toronto police officer on Wednesday in relation to his involvement in a mans suicide in High Park last winter.

The Special Investigations Unit announced in June that Const. Kyle Upjohn had been charged with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessaries of life. The Crown withdrew those two charges Wednesday, but stated it was proceeding to trial on a charge of breach of trust.

The SIU said police were contacted around 2 p.m. on Feb. 2 regarding a suicide attempt by a 19-year-old man inside the west-end park. The man, named in court documents as Alexandre Boucher, was pronounced dead around 3:30 p.m. that day.

The SIU added an additional charge of breach of trust by a public officer in August. The provincial watchdog investigates incidents across the province where a civilian is seriously injured, hurt, or sexually assaulted during an interaction with police.

Speaking to Newstalk 1010 outside Torontos courthouse, Upjohns lawyer Gary Clewley said the charges of ought not to have been laid.

There was no evidence that the conduct alleged against the officer had anything to do with the death, Clewley said.

A trial date is scheduled for Jan. 20, and April 24 and 25, of next year.

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In a rare public plea, the church of a Canadian pastor whos serving a life sentence in a North Korean prison is urging the federal government to secure his release.

The congregation of Rev. Hyeon Soo Lim is looking for the same effort on behalf of the 61-year-old, who was imprisoned more than two years ago, as those which resulted in freedom for fellow Canadians Homa Hoodfar (jailed for months in Iran) and Kevin Garratt (held for two years in China).

In a statement on Wednesday, Mississaugas Light Presbyterian Church urged the Canadian government to take steps to bring Lim home, just as it did with the other Canadian detainees.

We know that in both cases the highest level of government officials, including Prime Minister Trudeau himself, were instrumental in securing the release of these fellow Canadians, the statement read. We urge the Canadian government to demonstrate the same attention and determination when engaging in diplomatic talks with the North Korean officials.

The federal government is concerned for Lims rights and well-being, Global Affairs spokesperson Kristine Racicot stated in an email.

We have been fully engaged on this case since it began, Racicot said. Minister (Stephane) Dion has met with Pastor Lims son and consular officials are providing assistance to Mr. Lim and his family.

In the interest of Mr. Lims case, no further information can be shared, she added.

When asked if officials from the Canadian or North Korean government have contacted the family, Lisa Pak, a spokesperson for Lims family said the Canadian government has been in touch with the family but no details were provided.

We dont know what information was shared.

There has been no contact with the North Korean government, she added.

The last time that the family saw Lim was on television, in January, when CNN broadcast an exclusive interview with him, Pak said.

At that time, there were concerns about his health, she said. At this point, we are very concerned that his health may have declined and those concerns are heightened precisely because we have no information.

Pak said, while there has no contact with Lim, letters were previously exchanged between him and his family, but the content of the letters had not been made public for privacy reasons.

It has been a long ordeal for the family, Pak said. This will be the second holiday season without Lim for the family, and its a reminder of how long hes been away, she said.

While Lims family  his wife, Geum Young Lim, and son, Sung (James) Lim, declined a request for an interview, Pak said, the recent news of the release of Garratt and Hoodfar has been encouraging.

Lim travelled to North Korea on Jan. 31, 2014, on a regular humanitarian mission where he supports an orphanage, a nursing home and a nursery. Earlier reports said that Lim made more than 100 trips to North Korea, and his trips were apolitical and intended to help people.

He was arrested in February 2015 and charged with harming the dignity of the supreme leadership. He was sentenced to life in prison and hard labor.

Should the government be unable to secure his release next year, Feb. 16, 2017, will be Lims third birthday spent in detention.

We would love to see him home as soon as possible, Pak said.

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President Obama, Democrat, has made a record new U.S. military aid deal with Israel. It will be signed Sept. 14 and consists of at least $38 billion dollars in a 10-year package called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

It is the biggest pledge of U.S. military aid to any country and will consist of $3.8 billion per year. The last 10-year MOU was $3.1 billion per year signed by President Bush, Republican.

I guess Obama forgot about the three Israeli massacres of Palestinians since 2008, or that the violent Israeli occupation of Palestine is illegal by international law. According to our own U.S. Foreign Assistance Act, it is illegal to give military aid to countries involved in consistent patterns of violations of human rights.

Further, aid to Israel is not a loan, it is a gift. The Obama administration gives these gifts forgetting that we have needs at home. This is what happens when we vote for the "lesser of two evils." The "lesser" becomes less "lesser."

Perhaps it is time to explore third parties that are for indigenous rights, prison reform and the environment, and against war, police brutality and racism. Check out the Green Party with Jill Stein and Ajamu Baraka that has ballots in 44 states, including Wisconsin. Vote for a party you can work in to make the United States a country for all of us and one that respects human rights.

Elaine Marie Kinch

Racine
As they wrapped up the school day and went outside Wednesday afternoon, children at Pope Francis Catholic School on Ossington Ave. near College St. were terrified as a creepy clown began running towards them.

There were two boys, one dressed in a clown costume, and they were, in a threatening manner, chasing, yelling and screaming with both arms flailing in the air towards the kids that were exiting the elementary school, said Toronto Police Const. Jenifferjit Sidhu.

Parents quickly contacted Toronto Police, who arrived on scene and located the two boys, ages 15 and 16. Police said they questioned the suspects, who were former students and said they were filming a video. They were released into parental custody and no charges were laid.

There appears to be a bizarre, and, for many, unnerving phenomenon sweeping North America, of creepy clowns haunting people across Canada and the United States.

It raises the question: Are people just clowning around, or is something more sinister going on?

Its certainly not the first time people have dressed as clowns to give people a scare, said Benjamin Radford, the author of Bad Clowns, a book looking at the history and cultural phenomenon of scary clowns.

Radford said reports of scary clowns date back to 1981, when school children in Brookline, Mass. reported seeing them lurking in a white van.

Since then, he says, reports of scary clowns have come and gone in clusters every few years.

Frank McAndrew, a psychology professor at Knox College in Illinois, said clowns are a perfect storm of freaky things.

They are mischevious and unpredictable. You cannot tell who they really are or what they are feeling and they have an association with serial killers in real life and in the movies, he said via email.

One also has to wonder: if a person is willing to flout the conventions of society by dressing and acting as they do, what other rules are they willing to break?

Not everyone is impressed with the pranksters.

These people are not clowns, said Stacey Laureyssens, the president of Clowns Canada, a clown organization with about 150 members. She said clowns are part of a specific art form, where communicating with an audience and establishing eye contact with people in it is extremely important.

These people are wearing costumes. Id much prefer them to be called costumed pranksters.

If they were dressed as doctors, we wouldnt be calling them doctors.

Parents and guardians of students at Pope Francis Catholic School received a note on Wednesday, urging them to contact the school if children express fears or concerns regarding the clown incident. John Yan, a spokesperson for the Toronto Catholic School Board, blamed technology.

Unfortunately, its one of the negative consequences of social media, which encourages this type of behaviour, he said.

Yan said there have been several clown-related threats on social media against eight high schools in the TCDSB and Toronto Police have been notified.

Const. Sidhu said police are aware of the circumstances, but, that, at this time, there are no public safety concerns.

Thats a point Radford stresses.

There are not, in fact, bands of evildoers dressed as clowns trying to lure children or harm anyone, he said. You have occasional pranksters, but there hasnt been anyone seriously injured or anything like that. Im more concerned about the public overreacting to these rumours than I am about any evil clowns walking around.

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Daniel Roy sat hunched over on the southeast corner of Bloor St. and St. George last week, legs outstretched, his head sinking to the ground between his knees.

In front of him was a sign that read: Retired military. Sick and homeless. Please help.

Wearing a dark green military jacket decorated with insignia and a maroon beret, he thanked strangers that dropped coins into his small tin or stopped to bring him food, and gave the sign of the cross when a man handed him a $20-bill.

Roy, 49, was arrested and charged with unlawfully wearing a uniform of the Canadian Forces on Tuesday morning.

Toronto Police were notified of Roys actions after a veteran suspected his uniform was not legitimate.

Police spokesperson Meghan Gray said he was arrested and charged for unlawfully wearing a military uniform of the Canadian Forces, namely the uniform of a Captain in the Canadian Army, contrary to Section 419 (a) of the Criminal Code.

He was released on a promise to appear in court.

Roy had told the Star last week he had served with the Canadian Airborne Regiment in Somalia during the 1990s. He provided information about his military background, including a service number, date of birth, and location of birth, but the Star was unable to confirm that he served in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Roy said he is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and was collecting money to purchase pain medication to help treat his stomach cancer.

The Department of National Defence could not confirm or deny that Roy served with the Canadian Armed Forces based on the information he had provided to the Star. Rob Prouse, a veteran of the Airborne Regiment, was unable to find a record of a man under the name in the nominal roll that listed those deployed to Somalia in the early 1990s.

Prouse listed many issues with the uniform Roy was seen wearing: the badge above the medal ribbons would not be worn on a Canadian uniform; the badge on the maroon cap is not from any unit that was authorized to wear the beret in Canada; the jump wings arent Canadian, and the flags on the lapels should be unit insignia.

A volunteer from Veterans Emergency Transition Services (VETS) Canada, an organization that works with helping homeless and at-risk veterans, was planning on reaching out to Roy, said co-founder Debbie Louther.

Louther said over the past six years, the organization has dealt with one person a year on average that has lied about having served for the country.

Her primary concern in such circumstances is over the safety and well-being of that person.

There are a lot of veterans out there, not necessarily homeless veterans, but people who take the stolen-valour thing to a whole other level, she said.

Were all human beings. Some have served in the military. Some of us didnt. In a situation where, if you know someone was wearing a uniform for some reason and they werent in the military, the first thing that would come to my mind would be mental illness. People that live on the streets are humans, regardless of what they are wearing.

Last year, a Quebec man pleaded guilty to unlawfully wearing a uniform and medals during the 2014 national Remembrance Day ceremony. Franck Gervais, of Cantley, Que., was sentenced to probation and community service.

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Efforts to roll out Presto fare-card readers on the TTCs bus fleet are being hampered by the devices malfunctioning in high numbers, the Star has learned.

Since May, the TTC has been outfitting its buses with the readers, which allow customers to pay their fare with a tap of a prepaid card. So far, about two-thirds of the transit commissions 1,900 buses have the devices.

According to numbers provided to the Star by Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency that owns the Presto system, an audit conducted last week found that more than 12 per cent of the readers on the buses werent working.

Each bus has either two or three readers, depending on the model of vehicle, and the spot check discovered that five per cent of buses had no working readers at all.

The failure rate was higher than that reported for Presto devices on streetcars. The TTC said last month that between five and six per cent of readers on the rail vehicles werent working.

Darryl Browne, Metrolinxs vice-president of operations and deployment for Presto, acknowledged that a 12-per-cent failure rate is not a great number for us.

But he pointed out that the fare-card system isnt fully installed on the TTC yet. While all streetcars have had Presto devices since the end of last year and Presto fare gates have been erected at some subway stations, the entire network wont be equipped to take the fare card until the end of this year. The TTC plans to phase out all other forms of payment in the second half of 2017.

Browne said that if such a high number of readers are still failing by the end of next year it would be a catastrophe. But he said he had every confidence that well be ready to handle the TTCs 1.8 million daily riders by the time the transition is complete.

Asked why readers on buses would be more prone to failure than those on streetcars, Browne explained that each vehicle type presents its own technical challenges, including different electrical systems. The vehicles power source can affect the readers, which are connected to the central Presto network by a cellular system.

Browne suggested the problems with the readers were easily fixed and asserted that they dont represent a systemic issue.

A lot of times (the reader is) just disconnected from the network. It just requires a reset, he said. Metrolinx plans to do a vehicle sweep of buses this week to get all the devices up and running.

The TTC is spending $47 million to install Presto, with the rest of the cost shouldered by the province. The project was estimated at between $250 million and $300 million in 2011 when the TTC agreed to adopt the fare card, but on Wednesday Metrolinx declined to provide an updated figure.

TTC workers, responsible for first-line maintenance of the Presto system, performed the audit on Sept. 29, checking 512 readers on 243 buses and finding that 62 of the 512 readers werent working. That was a much higher rate of failure than was showing up in Prestos back-end system, which is supposed to detect when readers go offline.

Only five devices had been showing as out of service, according to Chris Upfold, chief customer officer for the TTC.

I think its disappointing that the numbers are that high, said Upfold, adding that once Presto is fully implemented the reliability is going to have to be much better.

But he, too, expressed confidence that the problems would be resolved before the TTC fully embraces Presto, and said that the technical issues wouldnt delay plans to install readers on all buses by the end of the year.

In an interview with the Star, David Quarmby, a transit expert and former board member of Transport for London, said the British capital had no equivalent problems when it introduced its famous Oyster fare card 13 years ago. But he doubted that Prestos current woes were anything other than very initial teething trouble.

However, he cautioned that it would be wise to address the glitches as soon as possible.

People will often be tolerant of a short period of not performing technically properly, he said. If it lasts longer than a few weeks, then that is going to undermine confidence in the system.

Eleven transit systems across the GTA and in Ottawa use the Presto system, but payments with the fare-card account for less than 6 per cent of journeys on the TTC.

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Public health officials say theres no reason to worry about the discovery of four mosquitoes with the potential to transmit the Zika virus in the Windsor area.

We conclude there is no risk, Dr. Gary Kirk, medical officer of health and CEO of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, told a press conference on Thursday.

Kirk said health professionals went public about their discovery from a wish to be transparent.

Four Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, also known as Asian tiger mosquitoes, were found last month in a local mosquito trap during routine monitoring and surveillance for West Nile virus, Kirk said.

All four of the mosquitoes tested negative for Zika virus, Kirk said.

The virus is usually carried by bites from a different strain of mosquito, called Aedes aegypti. It can also be transmitted sexually.

Kirk said theres no cause for concern for Ontario residents unless theyre travelling to a Zika-infected area or are in close contact with someone coming back from a Zika infected-area, such as Brazil or Colombia.

We dont believe there will be any Zika transmission at all, based on all the information we have, Kirk said.

Its not clear how the mosquitoes got into Ontario, but Kirk said its suspected that they came from the U.S. in shipping containers or in other traffic across the border.

Extremely hot weather last summer would have enabled them to survive in Windsor.

The same strain of mosquito was found in the GTA and Ottawa in 2005 and in Windsor-Essex County in 2005.

Aedes albopictus mosquitoes do not tolerate the cold and dont fly well, Kirk said.

They also only bite once.

There is one confirmed case of a Windsor-area resident being infected with the Zika virus, but thats travel-related, the news conference heard.

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Dante Paoletti is feeling wistful, now that the Pizza War is over.

Resentment and anger have been tossed aside, like overdone dough, and the taste of victory  while sweet  cant delight the palate any more than his conviction that the good guy, the little guy, won the fight. Its like hes in one of those Frank Capra movies, he explained Wednesday; an old black-and-white one like Its a Wonderful Life, where life, in some unlikely turn, really does end up being wonderful.

The little guy can either get beat down or stand up with what hes created, which is his product and his hard work, said Paoletti, 63, in proletarian fashion.

I think this is the best justice of all.

The Pizza War, for the uninitiated, is shorthand for a delectable tete-a-tete that broke out more than two years ago on a stretch of Dufferin St. just north of Hwy. 407. Back then, Paoletti worked at the restaurant that he and his four brothers  Marcello, Diego, Tony and Rico  started in 1976, which was bought by investors from the CDDC Hospitality Group after it went into receivership in 2006. With the backing of the investors, Dantes Pizza Pasta Vino reopened at its new location in a brick strip mall off Dufferin St. in 2009, and Paoletti  the Dante whose name was on the banner outside  was hired as manager.

Tensions bubbled over in late winter 2014, when Paoletti was turfed from his gig at a restaurant that bore his name, an ouster he characterized as betrayal. (A spokesperson for CDDC told the Star at the time that it was simply a welcome change in management.) Paoletti vowed to return with a new restaurant situated as close as possible to Dantes. True to his word, Paolettis Pizzeria opened across the street the following December, and for almost two years, the competing eateries have battled  in a sense  over the stomachs and tastebuds of hungry customers along Torontos northern fringe.

It basically took away our livelihood. It took away years of our lives. And it took away our future, he said of the loss of the original restaurant.

The row spilled into the courts as well. Paolettis lawyer, Lou Klug, said Wednesday that the CDDC group submitted an injunction in Superior Court in December 2014. He said they were concerned Paoletti would use the Dantes brand or something similar in an effort to take their customers. Klug said the case was put off after he and Paoletti agreed in court not to use any similar branding or mention the name Dante on any of their promotional material.

Paoletti said his new business was picking up by mid-2015, and that the intensity of the pizza brouhaha dwindled in the months after that. So he was shocked when a customer came in a few weeks ago and told him that he saw someone changing the locks at Dantes across the street.

From the parking lot Wednesday, the banner above the restaurant still bore Dantes name. Approach the doors, though, and youll peer into shadow; just tables stacked and signs from the parking lot that were used to reserve spots for delivery drivers that had been dragged inside the front entrance. A notice was taped to the door, indicating the landlord had taken position of the premises and changed the locks.

Phone calls and emails to the CDDC group went unanswered Wednesday. The administrator of the tenant company listed on the restaurant door did not return a request for comment either. The CDDC groups lawyer, Stephen Schwartz, said he was unaware of the situation at the restaurant and declined to discuss the matter.

Paoletti, who sat at a wooden table at his pizzeria across the street, said he didnt know exactly why the business closed. But he could guess. We sell a wonderfully unique product, he said, name-checking their milk-fed veal sandwiches, pizza with mussels and clams and the Meat Supreme special named for his brother Diego, a kindly, grey-bearded man who works the front register and jokes about not eating enough vegetables.

What they didnt understand is that there is no recipe, Paoletti continued, describing how they learned to cook by hand and sight from their late and beloved mother, Loretta.

The recipe is us, he said. We are the recipe.

But it doesnt matter much to Paoletti anymore, the chronicle of the Pizza War. He said hes just left with the sadness of what happened  that the memories attached with the old restaurant will have to be remade and relived in association with the new one. Thats his focus now.

And maybe a trip to Italy, long overdue.

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Ottawa will need to raise its annual immigration level by one-third to 407,000 by 2030 to sustain its economic growth amid an aging population, says a new report on Canadas demographic trends.

Currently, Canadians 65 and over account for 16 per cent of the total population, but the ratio is expected to rise to 24 per cent in the next two decades, according to the report by the Conference Board of Canada, released Thursday.

With a birth rate hovering around 1.55 children per woman and a longer life expectancy, researchers examined five scenarios of population targets between now and the year 2100, and their impact on labour force growth and government expenditures for health care and old age security benefits.

The aging of Canadas population will have a significant impact on Canadas potential economic growth. Weaker labour force growth will have a negative impact on household spending, while a more slowly expanding economy will engender less investment spending, warns the 54-page report.

Weaker economic growth over the long term will limit the amount of revenue that governments in Canada collect over the forecast period at a time when the aging of Canadas population will require significantly more expenditures. . . Higher immigration can increase the growth of Canadas labour force over the long term and generate higher economic growth.

The call for a higher immigration level came just as a new Angus Reid Institute poll this week found 68 per cent of Canadians said they prefer minorities to do more to fit in with mainstream Canada  and a drop in public support for multiculturalism.

While Immigration Minister John McCallum has hinted the Liberal governments intent to increase the number of immigrants substantially, the Conservative partys leadership race has sparked a debate over the needs to test would-be immigrants on Canadian values.

According to the conference board report, Canadas natural rate of increase currently adds about 120,000 people to the population each year, but will drop progressively in the coming years as the number of deaths rises steadily and births decrease.

With the current annual immigration level at 260,000 (or less than 1 per cent of the 35 million population) and birth rate, Canadas economic growth would slow from the current 2 per cent to around 1.6 per cent by 2050.

By reaching the 100 million population target in 2100, the report said Canada would need to increase its annual immigration levels to 407,000 a year by 2030.

From 2030 to 2050, it said, the immigration growth must be raised annually to 2.1 per cent of the population in order to improve Canadas economic growth to 2.3 per cent by the middle of the century from the current projection of 2 per cent.

The impact of growing to 100 million people in 2100 can reduce old age security spending from 12 per cent to below 10 per cent of government revenues, as well as cutting the provincial health costs from 34.5 per cent to 29.2 per cent of provincial spending.

At that population growth rate, the number of new houses built would rise to 432,000 rather than 268,000 under the status-quo projection of 53.7 million population in 2100. Spending growth will also spread to durable goods and in investment, said the study.

Higher immigration and fertility rates soften the significant cost strains on the Canadian system in the long term, the report noted. However, over the next 25 years, Canada must also look to other solutions to address the impact of an aging population . . . Growth in the population is one level that can be part of the mix.

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Ontarios budget watchdog is wagging his tail after Premier Kathleen Wynne ordered all ministries to unleash documents and data.

Financial Accountability Officer Stephen LeClair, who had complained in July that he was being stonewalled in his quest for information from provincial departments, on Thursday praised the cabinet for passing an order in council forcing bureaucrats to co-operate.

Cabinets consent should significantly improve the FAOs access to information and make it considerably easier for the FAO to provide the Legislative Assembly with timely and relevant economic and financial analysis, LeClair said in a statement.

When he tabled his annual report last summer, he bemoaned the fact that ministries have refused to share figures needed to fulfil his mandate of overseeing the provinces finances.

At the time, LeClair expressed frustration because government departments overused an exemption for cabinet records.

After he went public with his concerns, he entered into talks with officials, who blamed skittish bureaucrats for the roadblocks more than secretive political aides.

The discussions were extremely successful. Cabinet has consented to the FAO having access to information contained in certain cabinet records.

Finance Minister Charles Sousa said the order in council will grant LeClair access to financial, economic or other information protected by the Cabinet Records Exemption of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

This order in council reflects the governments commitment to ensuring that the FAO has access to information needed to fulfil the statutory mandate, said Sousa.

Our government values the important role and contribution of the FAO in providing independent analysis on the state of the provinces finances to members of the Legislative Assembly, the treasurer said.

We strongly believe in openness and transparency, which is why Ontario was the first and remains the only province in the country to establish this role, he said.

The premier and I have met with the financial accountability officer several times and communicated our commitment to working with his office to ensure he can access information to effectively support his work.

At the same time as the government is pledging to work more closely with the FAO, there is an ongoing dispute with another independent legislative overseer.

The Liberals and Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk are at odds over an accounting change that  on paper  has cost the provincial treasury $10.7 billion.

Lysyk recently surprised the Wynne government by saying it should no longer be allowed to book its share of two co-sponsored pension funds as assets  even though successive administrations have done so since 2001.

That means the deficit for last year was $5 billion instead of $3.5 billion and the provinces net debt is $305.2 billion instead of $294.5 billion.

Provincial bureaucrats and the Liberals disagree and Treasury Board President Liz Sandals is seeking actuarial advice from third-party experts in the coming weeks to resolve the situation.

Lysyk now believes any government cash in the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Pension Plan or the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan assets should not be counted as an asset on the provinces bottom line.

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CANBERRA, AUSTRALIANine Australian friends who have spent four nights in Malaysian police detention will appear in a court for the first time on Thursday after stripping down to their briefs and drinking beer from shoes at the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix, an official said.

The nine have been detained since they stripped down to Budgy Smuggler-brand swimsuits decorated with the Malaysian flag in full view of thousands of spectators at the Sepang track Sunday after Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo won the race.

Police say the men were being investigated for intentionally causing insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and public indecency. They face up to two years in jail, a fine or both if they are found guilty.

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade First Assistant Secretary Jon Philp said he did not know what would happen in court today.

Something could happen quickly, but its entirely up to the magistrate and the legal authorities, Philp told Nine Network television.

Wed like to think that theyll be home soon, but its up to the Malaysian authorities to decide what to do now, he added.

The men, mostly Sydney University graduates, could be charged or police could ask the magistrate for their detention to be extended while they continue their investigation.

Ricciardo, the driver whose success inspired the Australians beer-fuelled revelry, described the incident as pretty harmless.

I respect the laws of Malaysia, but beyond that I dont think they deserve any further punishment, Ricciardo told Sydneys The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

In Australia, its a bit different, but Im very sure they didnt intend to offend anyone, he added.

The Australian media has dubbed the men the Budgie Nine, using a spelling variation of the abbreviated name of the budgerigar, a small Australian parrot. The name plays on nine Australians arrested in Indonesia for heroin trafficking in 2005 who became known as the Bali Nine.

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MANDALAY, MYANMARA Myanmar court sentenced a Dutch citizen to three months in prison Thursday for interfering with a religious observance by unplugging an amplifier blasting a late-night Buddhist sermon near his hotel in Mandalay, the countrys cultural capital.

Klaas Haytema, 30, in handcuffs, wept with his girlfriend before he left for jail.

He had been arrested in late September after a crowd gathered around his hotel in protest when the loudspeakers at a nearby religious hall were turned off.

The man who was reciting the sermon pressed charges against Haytema.

Local media reported that he apologized and said he hadnt known the loudspeakers were broadcasting religious content.

Haytema was also fined 100,000 kyats (about $100) for violating visa regulations requiring him to respect the culture.

He could have been sentenced to up to two years in prison for insulting religion in the predominantly Buddhist country, but the judge said he opted to find him guilty of a lesser charge to show mercy.

It was unclear if Haytema would file an appeal.

Mandalay, a major tourist attraction in central Myanmar, is the countrys cultural capital and the former seat of Burmese kings. It is culturally and religiously conservative.

In early 2015, a Myanmar court sentenced a New Zealand bar manager, Phil Blackwood, to two years in prison after he posted an image of Buddha wearing headphones on the bars official Facebook page in late 2014. Blackwood was released in an amnesty earlier this year.

It is common for Buddhist groups to broadcast sermons by loudspeaker at very high volumes. One local government reportedly has proposed noise-control rules. Supporters quoted by local media said the proposal was meant to alleviate stress caused to the elderly and the ill.

A community leader involved in Haytemas case, Chit San, said he called police when tempers flared after Haytema acted.

We could not negotiate peacefully because people were angry, so we called the police to control the situation, Chit San said. We actually didnt want him to get arrested.

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OTTAWAA group of Iranian Canadians is calling on the government to add a tough new element to its annual United Nations resolution on Irans dubious human rights record  an international call for a war crimes investigation.

The group, which calls itself Canadian Friends for a Democratic Iran, will make the request later today at a press conference on Parliament Hill.

The group will present what it says is new evidence that shows complicity in a mass killing of political prisoners by senior Iranian government officials in 1988 at the end of the Iran-Iraq War.

An audio recording from the era surfaced in August that implicates high-level members of the current Iranian regime, including the countrys current justice minister, said Shahram Golestaneh, the groups director.

Canada has taken the lead each year since 2003 in sponsoring a resolution at the UN condemning Irans human rights record.

That was the year that Iranian-born Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi was tortured and killed in a Tehran prison after she was arrested for photographing a demonstration.

Now, Golestanehs group wants the government to up the ante by asking the UN to launch an investigation into the event as part of that annual resolution.

Shahin Gobadi, a Paris-based dissident with the National Council of Resistance of Iran, acknowledged that any such call would likely fall on deaf ears in Tehran and be turned away by the countrys leaders.

But he said: It would also send a strong message internationally that one cannot get away with crimes against humanity.

It is the second day in a row that the Trudeau government has faced calls to use its new embrace of the United Nations to take a tough stand on human rights.

On Wednesday, an all-party delegation led by former Liberal MP Irwin Cotler called on the government to oppose the membership of Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Russia and China in the upcoming voting for United Nations Human Rights Council.

Canada will announce its decision in due time, but what I can say is that the strong voice of Canadians speaking for human rights is something we also consider, especially when you have a champion like Irwin Cotler, Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion said Wednesday.

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIANine Australians who spent four nights in police detention after stripping down to skimpy swimsuits printed with the Malaysian flag at that nations Formula One Grand Prix walked free Thursday without a conviction after pleading guilty to causing a public nuisance and apologizing.

The nine were detained since Sunday after they partied in their swimwear and drank beer from shoes in full view of thousands of spectators at the Sepang track after Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo won the race.

Australian media dubbed them the Budgie Nine. A budgerigar is an Australian parrot that is a popular household pet and the Australians swimwear is colloquially known as budgie smugglers.

The name plays on nine Australians arrested in Indonesia for heroin trafficking in 2005 who became known as the Bali Nine.

Their Australian families flew to Malaysia as the police warned the friends faced potential two-year prison sentences.

Defence lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the court accepted his argument that it was a trivial offence and that the nine, mostly dressed in suits in the court, were ignorant of the local culture and remorseful. He said one of them read out an apology to the court, admitting to an error of judgment.

Shafee said their actions were not illegal in most countries, including Australia.

We are sensitive about it, but they didnt know. They sincerely thought it was a respect and a celebration with Malaysians, Shafee said.

The court accepted my mitigation that this was a trivial offence and under extenuating circumstances because they misunderstood the local culture. They have been admonished by the court and released without conviction, he added.

He said one of the men fainted in court briefly due to dehydration.

The nine, mostly Sydney University graduates in their 20s, left the court without speaking to reporters. The men included Jack Walker, an adviser to Australian Defence Industry Minister Chris Pyne.

His father John Walker said they were very thankful.

Theres no charge, theres no fine and the boys apologized. They recognized what they did was unacceptable but they have been completely cleared and are free to travel and resume their lives, he said.

Ricciardo, the driver whose success inspired the Australians beer-fuelled revelry, described the incident as pretty harmless.

I respect the laws of Malaysia, but beyond that I dont think they deserve any further punishment, Ricciardo told Sydneys The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

In Australia, its a bit different, but Im very sure they didnt intend to offend anyone, he said.

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WASHINGTONA Pentagon investigation has concluded that Defence Secretary Ash Carters former senior military aide used his government credit card at strip clubs or gentlemens clubs in Rome and Seoul, drank in excess and had improper interactions with women, The Associated Press has learned.

The report by the Defence Departments inspector general says Maj. Gen. Ron Lewis improperly used his credit card, lied to a bank to get charges removed and, more broadly, said he was guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer, according to people familiar with the report.

Lewis, who was fired nearly a year ago by Carter, submitted a written rebuttal slamming the IG investigation. He asserted that it had built an inaccurate and inflammatory case on innuendo and failed to find the truth. In the rebuttal, which was obtained by the AP, Lewis denies that the bar in Rome was a strip club and also denies he went to a strip or gentlemans club in Seoul, South Korea, in an area of the city the IG report calls Hooker Hill.

The IG report has been completed, but has not yet been made public. It is expected to be released Thursday.

Army spokesman Col. Pat Seiber issued a statement saying, The Army only recently received the DoD IG investigation regarding Maj. Gen. Lewis, and is currently evaluating the investigation to determine what administrative or disciplinary actions may be appropriate. The Army takes allegations of misconduct seriously and demands all senior leaders, regardless of rank, uphold the highest standards of moral character and competence.

Lewis, in his rebuttal, takes responsibility for several inappropriate actions, including charging nearly $1,800 ($2,378 Cdn.) on his government credit card at what he called a dance club in Rome. In an embarrassing set of circumstances, Lewis relates that he tried to use his personal debit card at the club, but it didnt work, so he had to walk back to his hotel with a female employee of the club, and wake up a Defence Department staff member to get his government card to pay the bill. He said he paid back the charges when he returned to the U.S.

The IG report identifies the club as Cica Cica Boom, but Lewis said he did not go to that strip club. He said he went to a high-end establishment with a respectable clientele that had a DJ, a bar area and a dance floor where couples were dancing. A photo of Cica Cica Boom shows a sign above the doorway that also advertises lap dances there.

Lewis has been serving as a special assistant to Lt. Gen. James McConville, the Armys deputy chief of staff for personnel matters. He was a lieutenant-general while in his most recent job working for Carter, but because he has been out of his three-star job for some time, his rank automatically reverted to two stars, as required by military regulations.

Lewis had shot up the promotional ladder, and his job with Carter stemmed from their close professional relationship. He had served as an aide for Carter when he was the deputy defence secretary.

In Korea, the IG report said Lewis went to a gentlemans club called the Candy Bar. Lewis said he did not go there, but did go to a commercial area of Seoul. He said that when he returned to Washington and saw two charges on his credit card totally about $1,100, he called the bank to have them removed and the bank agreed.

Investigators presented him with two receipts from the club bearing the name Candy. Both receipts show only a short pen mark in the signature area, and do not show his written name.

The IG report says investigators, after getting his rebuttal, went back and checked their information, and said they stand by their findings.

The report paints a broad picture of a senior officer who often went out alone on overseas trips, and who drank in excess in some instances. The report also describes a night in Hawaii last November  just days before Lewis was fired  when he went to dinner and later went back to his room with a lower-ranking enlisted service member. The report says she told investigators that Lewis approached her and appeared to want to kiss her, but she stopped him and left.

Lewis said there was another staff member in the hotel room for much of the time, and that even when he was alone with the enlisted service member our discussions remained the type of conversation a command team would engage in. He said he has known the service member for several years.

The report also includes a description of Lewis sharing a cigar with a female Defence Department staff member during drinks in Malaysia with a large number of other staff and members of the media. It says others there said they were uncomfortable with Lewis actions and said he was sitting too close to the staff member.

The report does not suggest that Lewis had an extramarital affair or that he had sex with any of the other women. And Lewis, in his rebuttal, criticizes the report for relying on insinuations and statements from people who may have distorted the facts or didnt actually see what happened.

According to officials with knowledge of the matter, the allegations of misconduct, which first surfaced after the November overseas trip with Carter, stunned the secretary and sent shock waves through the Pentagon.

The IG report will now go to Army leaders who will determine what, if any, punishment is required and at what rank Lewis would be able to retire.

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Tomorrow is World Day for Decent Work, a good occasion to ask how Canadian workers are fairing in terms of their opportunities for work that is rewarding and productive and delivers a fair income. The answer suggests there is significant room for improvements that could help workers, the businesses that employ them, and the investors that provide them with capital.

Most of us have heard of the often-poor working conditions that exist in clothing manufacturing factories and in agricultural supply chains around the world. But unfortunately poor working conditions are not just a problem for those making our clothes and growing our food  they are also a reality for many workers who sell those clothes and stock the shelves in our local clothing and grocery stores.

The retail industry is the largest employer in Canada. But many retail jobs are poorly compensated and offer little opportunity for advancement and in some cases Canadian retailers are failing to meet even basic employment standard requirements.

For example, employment standards inspections conducted by the Ontario provincial government in 2013 found that approximately 80 per cent of the retail workplaces inspected had violations of the Employment Standards Act.

Low wages, insecure employment, lack of benefits, on-call shifts and working poverty are a grim reality for those retail workers who are faced with it.

But they should also be a concern for investors.

Increased poverty and the growing disparity between the very rich and middle- and lower-income earners weakens economies and can have a harmful effect on long-term economic growth. Stagnant growth and weak economies drag down investment performance across the board. At the same time, companies with poor labour practices often experience problems, such as high turnover and lower productivity, with negative impacts for levels of service, customer satisfaction and sales.

The old-school investor and corporate management view that workers are just a cost to the business and therefore a drag on profits needs to go. This perspective leads to approaches to doing business that seek to drive costs out of the company and to outcomes that are harmful to shareholders, workers and wider society. Smart, long-term investors recognize that workers actually belong on the other side of the ledger  as a key asset of the business.

These investors recognize that companies genuinely committed to decent work can provide stable returns and create long-term, sustainable value.

However, investors have run into a major information barrier. Beyond the usual cliche that our people are our most important asset most companies provide very little valuable information that allow investors to truly gauge how they are doing.

And Canadian companies are providing less information than their global peers.

A new report from the Shareholder Association for Research & Education, Valuing Decent Work: How Do Canadian Retail Companies Measure Up, shows Canadian retail companies do not provide the same level of transparency regarding their approaches to decent work as their global peers.

This means we have work to do in Canada to mobilize investors voices for better quality information from companies about their approaches to decent work. If we dont ask, they wont tell.

If companies truly believe workers are their most important asset, then investors should receive the same level of detailed reporting they have come to expect for other important aspects of the business. Companies owe it to their investors to demonstrate how they are protecting, investing in and cultivating this crucial asset  their workers.

Shannon Rohan is the director of responsible investment at the Shareholder Association for Research and Education (www.share.ca ). She is leading a joint initiative of SHARE and the Atkinson Foundation called Valuing Decent Work, which is mobilizing Canadian investors to advocate for robust decent work practices by Canadian companies.

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What can help fix Torontos affordable housing crisis?

Philanthropy.

In fact, like no other pillar in the citys poverty reduction strategy, our creaking, in-high-demand stock of affordable housing is ripe for Torontos new philanthropic leaders.

At Toronto Foundation we call them city-building philanthropists. Its part of the New Philanthropy, a trend community foundations are watching and leading. Its driven by needs, not accolades, is eager to respond quickly, and is ready to sit at the tables previously occupied solely by people from government and non-profit.

This weeks release of the 15th Torontos Vital Signs report lays bare the glaring issue of poverty in our great city. Today, for more than 64,000 Torontonians poverty is their lived experience. In fact, five of the 15 federal ridings (2013) with the highest rates of child poverty are in Toronto. One measure of hunger is food bank visits. Last year food bank use continued to shift out of the downtown core to the inner suburbs where it has grown by close to 50 per cent.

Even worse, the incidence of child poverty has hovered between 27 per cent and 32 per cent for close to 20 years. Think about that: one in four Toronto kids is brought up in poverty. That should be concerning anywhere. In a region that ranks fifth out of 24 global metropolitan areas on prosperity, its completely unacceptable.

On the housing front, our waiting list for social housing continues to grow. Yet fewer families are being housed. In 2014, 3,100 applicants were housed and one year later the number dropped to 2,500. This cant continue.

But the city alone cannot solve the complex issue of poverty  simply because its so complex. Being able to live in a home you can afford is one of the most powerful levers to move people out of poverty. For low income Torontonians in a city whose housing prices now worry even the International Monetary Fund, housing as a proportion of personal expenses is alarmingly high. Beyond the huge issue of money, stable, affordable housing brings what every city needs: dignity, confidence and well-being to families who have to struggle to meet basic needs.

Theres no easy answer to this. But there is one answer at hand.

At Toronto Foundation we have started to bring the power of community philanthropy to the challenge. Earlier this year our board of directors approved a $6-million pilot project in social impact investing. Community foundations across Canada are sitting on endowment assets worth $8 billion.

Traditionally, these investments have been made in market instruments that generate the greatest financial returns. This is because a foundations very structure depends on a permanent source of capital. From this we can generate interest each year to forever support the communitys ongoing charitable needs. But weve also learned that the capital can  on its own  generate very real social returns as well as financial ones. By partnering with Habitat for Humanity GTA, Toronto Foundation has made a $1.5 million loan to jump-start its largest residential property ever, providing new homes for 50 families.

Social impact investing like this is just one way community philanthropy can help create more affordable housing. There are many more creative solutions when all of us rise to the challenge.

Should we act someday on this? No. Should we act soon? No. We need to act now.

In my first 30 days on the job, I sat at a table of philanthropic leaders convened by Mayor John Tory. We began a conversation about the most pressing needs in our city and the opportunities for philanthropy to play a bigger role in addressing them. For inspiration and direction, Toronto already has a growing set of case studies where philanthropy is working hand-in-hand with government on an urban parks agenda.

But we cant stop at the start.

Poverty is too big and too complex to leave to government alone to solve. For our part, we will continue to use Torontos Vital Signs to keep a strong light on this issue. And later this month we will be releasing a first-time companion report to Torontos Vital Signs on the implications for philanthropy. Our aim is to create the conditions for the New Philanthropy to emerge, one that is driven by data, motivated to partner and keen to accelerate the pace of change.

Sharon Avery is president and CEO of the Toronto Foundation.

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Re: Let the people decide, Oct. 1

Let the people decide, Oct. 1

Your editorial made the key point that just because it was an election promise (one of many) is not sufficient reason to rush through a major overhaul of our electoral system. Do we even need an overhaul? I am a supporter of first-past-the-post for two main reasons: its simple and practical, and it has generally resulted in a stable, effective government.

Detractors may say that only 68 per cent of eligible voters cast ballots last October, and the Liberal government got only 40 per cent of those. True enough, but was the mood in the country the next day one of what have we done? No, it was one of general delight with the result and, to a large extent, it still is. The 68 per cent who voted did a fine job.

Introducing a more complicated voting system, whether with ranked ballots or proportional representation, is unlikely to encourage a larger voter turnout.

Andrew Thomas, Kingston

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Editors' pick: Originally published Oct. 6.

As Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton grapple for votes among an increasingly polarized electorate, Facebook (FB) , Alphabet (GOOGL) , Twitter (TWTR) and others are devising new tools to help candidates build lists of email addresses, raise funds, persuade voters to change their minds on an issue or a candidate and to get out the vote.

As social media helps candidates target and persuade voters, it is taking a greater proportion of political advertising spending.

In the beginning stages of the campaign, Twitter head of political ad sales Jenna Golden said, the candidates used social media ads to acquire data or dollars. "How can they use our advertising to target people who will submit an email address or will donate?" she said.

But the emphasis has shifted in the last month or two, she said, with the candidates using their social media ads to try to persuade voters on issues. "They are focused on bigger opportunities like video and rally changing somebody's mind in the midst of a debate for example," Golden said.

Social media makes up a relatively small but growing piece of the roughly $11.7 billion in political advertising that Borrell Associates expects for the current cycle. Borrell forecasts $573 million in social media advertising in this campaign, out of total digital spending of $1.2 billion. Political advertising on social media has risen about 10 fold since 2012, when spending totaled about $54 million.

Borrell Executive Vice President of Research Kip Cassino says he expects to raise his firm's social media spending projection when it reports its latest estimates next week, as advertisers increasingly see the appeal of targeting their messages.

The largest players are Facebook and Google, but the campaigns use a broad social media palette. Pro-Clinton PAC Priorities USA, for instance, aims to spend $35 million on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Spotify, Snapchat, pre-roll ads across the internet that appear before videos, and other outlets, according to the PAC. Most of the PAC's total ad budget of $160 million, will go to TV.

Facebook has many advantages compared to Google when it comes to political advertising, argue Jim Cramer and Jack Mohr, the manager and research director for the Action Alerts PLUS portfolio, which owns both FB and GOOGL.

"Facebook's share of the ever-expanding digital ad budget should outpace Google's given the engaged nature of its social media community and more importantly its sophisticated targeting capabilities that allows not only presidential but local (Senatorial and Congressional) campaign spend to be efficiently and precisely segmented, allocated and tracked with proven [return on investment]," they said.

A shift from mass media to more targeted advertising has begun in this election and will become more pronounced, Borrell's Cassino said.

"Folks are gradually turning away from the idea that you have to speak to a mass of people and turning towards the concept that you want to speak to and energize the people who are going to vote for you," Cassino said.

Borrell forecasts that political advertising spending on social media will increase from $573 million in 2016 to nearly $2.1 billion in 2020.

The shift in advertising trends could cost TV station owners more than $1 billion in four years. Borrell sees political advertising on television dropping from nearly $5.9 billion in the current cycle to $4.7 billion in 2020.

"We believe that in the 2020 cycle you're going to see less mass media and more targeted," he added, which should play well for Facebook, Google and other social networks. "The most targeted you can get is social media right now," Cassino said.

Here's a look at what the major social and digital networks are doing with political advertising:

Facebook

Facebook has introduced new forms of advertising that have appealed to campaigns. Former Republican hopeful Ted Cruz used Facebook's accelerated ad delivery feature to rile up voters opposed to Planned Parenthood during Republican primary debates.

Facebook excels in what Mark Jablonowski, the Chief Technology Officer for Washington digital ad network DSPolitical, described as direct response acquisition advertising.

"Anything from donations to email acquisitions to taking an action like filing a petition" fall into this category, Jablonowski explained. "They are able to deliver a very high return on investment when you are bringing new supporters into the fold."

Facebook's curation of advertising on news feeds makes the network less useful in ad campaigns designed to persuade or mobilize voters, though -- areas where DSPollitical specializes, Jablonowski said.

"They don't allow an advertiser to come in and flood their wall with vote-for-me messages or issue-based messages where you're trying to get in front of a user repeatedly to get that message really ingrained in their mind," he said.

DSPolitics' ad network uses Facebook and YouTube, but also places ads on web sites like ESPN.com and NYTimes.com and web sites for local TV news stations. Jablonowski likens the approach to strategies that online retailers deploy. "You go to Amazon (AMZN) and look at buying a pair of shoes," he said. "The next thing you know those shoes follow you wherever you go online."

Alphabet

While Google's YouTube is a mainstay for posting campaign videos, the company has also introduced new video advertising tricks that are gaining traction with candidates.

Hillary for America used Google's Lightbox ads to livestream her speech at the Democratic National Convention and other events. When a user scrolled over the ad, they could watch a video without going to a new page.

Borrowing from the playbook of publishers such as the Los Angeles Times, Google has begun selling ad space on YouTube's masthead. Donald Trump bought one of the splashy ads in late September.

Like Facebook and other social and digital companies, Google did not disclose political advertising numbers. However, a source familiar with the matter said most campaigns run search ads, and many have added YouTube advertising.

Twitter

While Facebook and Google have larger audiences and thus greater scale, Twitter gets increased play during real-time events such as the campaigns.

The Trump campaign bought a promoted tweet during the first presidential debate that featured Twitter's polling feature, asking respondents to vote for Hillary's biggest lie.

Embedding video into tweets is also gaining favor among candidates and PACs during the debates and other events. "We didn't even have video on Twitter in 2012," Twitter political ad sales head Golden said.

Snapchat

While Hillary Clinton has used Snapchat to troll Donald Trump, the millennial-friendly app's value as a political advertising vehicle is evolving.

"Snapchat is a fantastic platform for earned media," said DSPolitics' Jablonowski, referring to free stories, posts or publicity that a fan or follower creates without being paid. However, he added that the ability to target ads on the app is still in development.

"We really look forward to the day when that is there, because they have access to a very desirable audience," Jablonowski said.
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Twitter (TWTR) were sliding in after-hours trading on Wednesday as the company is planning to conclude sale negotiations by the time it reports 2016 fiscal third-quarter results on Oct. 27, Reuters reports, citing sources.

The company is expected to field takeover bids this week. Salesforce.com (CRM), Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google and Walt Disney Co. (DIS) have all expressed interest in buying the social media company.

Final acquisition offers are due in the next two weeks, sources said, according to Reuters.

Twitter's expedited timeline for a deal demonstrates CEO Jack Dorsey's focus on providing transparency to shareholders and employees about the company's future, Reuters adds.

The company has recently fallen behind competitors like Facebook's (FB) Instagram and Snapchat.

Separately, TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author.

TheStreet Ratings team rates Twitter as a Sell with a ratings score of D+. Among the areas the team feels are negative, one of the most important has been a generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: TWTR



TWTR

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KLA-Tencor (KLAC) and Lam Research (LRCX) late Wednesday terminated their planned $10.6 billion merger due to snags securing antitrust approval from the U.S. Department of Justice.

"The parties decided it was not in the best interests of their respective stakeholders to continue pursuing the merger after the U.S. Department of Justice advised KLA-Tencor and Lam Research that it would not continue with a consent decree that the parties had been negotiating," the companies said in a prepared statement.

No termination fees will be payable by either KLA-Tencor or Lam Research.

The companies' ability to secure DOJ approval had been in doubt since August, when they warned that the merger wasn't likely to secure needed regulatory approvals before the Oct. 20 termination date contained in their merger agreement.

The August announcement sparked selloffs in both companies but Wednesday's cancellation caught the market by surprise anyway. KLA-Tencor shares had been rising since the end of September, climbing from $68.77 at the close of Sept. 29 to $71.21 Wednesday. The termination was announced after the market had closed. When announced Oct. 21, 2015 the deal valued KLA-Tencor at $67.02 per share. In late trading KLA-Tencor shares are down nearly 3% while Lam's are off less than 1%.

Lam supplies wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry and KLA-Tencor is a leading provider of inspection and measurement technologies. Although the companies had insisted they provide complementary services to semiconductor manufacturers and do not compete, there was concern among regulators because the combined company would serve 42% of the wafer fabrication market. Mergers between companies with complementary products often prompt antitrust enforcers to demand that the firms commit not to favor one customer over another.

The DOJ issued a statement on its reservations about the merger, which the agency said would have combined a leading supplier of semiconductor fabrication equipment with a leading supplier of metrology and inspection equipment, two technology segments that "are growing increasingly important to the successful development of semiconductor fabrication equipment and process technology."

According to Acting Assistant Attorney General Renata Hesse of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division, "The proposed transaction presented concerns about the ability of the merged firm to foreclose competitors' development of leading edge fabrication tools and process technology on a timely basis."

The DOJ said that acquiring KLA-Tencor's leading position in several metrology and inspection markets "could have created the potential for Lam Research to foreclose its competitors by reducing their timely access to key KLA-Tencor equipment and related services."

The DOJ said it cooperated with the Korean Fair Trade Commission, the Japanese Fair Trade Commission and China's Ministry of Commerce during its investigation.

The DOJ issued a second request for information extending its review of the deal in May but until the August announcement, Lam CEO Martin Brian Anstice had played down the antitrust threat to the deal.

During the company's July 27 fourth-quarter earnings call he continued to predict that the deal could close in mid-October and that the companies were well on their way to establishing the ground rules that the merged company will have to follow. "We are . . . codifying kind of the behavior that will be relevant to the company with the consent decree conversation," he said. "One part of that obviously is describing our commitment to the entire semiconductor ecosystem relative to availability, supply and support kind of [KLA-Tencor] products," he said.
The controversial data sharing between Facebook (FB) and WhatsApp is being investigated by Spain's data protection agency to establish if it is lawful.

The two companies announced in August that messaging service WhatsApp, which Facebook bought for $22 billion in 2014, will begin handing over personal data to the social networking site. Facebook would use the data to help generate ads.

The Spanish regulator said it will study what user information is collected from WhatsApp and sent to Facebook, how the information is used, how long it is kept and if users are given the option to opt out of the data sharing.

Spain will work with data protection agencies in Germany, Italy and the U.K.

The European Court of Justice has suggested that multinational companies must comply with national data laws if data is processed in that country. And in June European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager pledged to pay close attention for how international companies are using big data.

The German watchdog in September said the data sharing between Facebook and WhatsApp was against the law. The order "prohibits Facebook with immediate effect to collect and store data of German WhatsApp users", the watchdog said at the time. "Facebook is also ordered to delete all data that has already been forwarded by WhatsApp," it said.

Data sharing in Germany is only allowed if both companies establish a legal basis to do it, the regulator said.

The U.K.'s Information Commissioner is also investigating how the data is shared. In a statement in August Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said, "Our role is to pull back the curtain on things like this, ensuring that companies are being transparent with the public about how their personal data is being shared and protecting consumers by making sure the law is being followed."

A company can be fined up to 500,000 ($631,942) if it breaks the Data Protection Act.

Facebook shares have fallen 0.09% in pre-market trading after closing at $128.47 on Wednesday.

(Facebook is a core holding of Jim Cramer's charitable trust Action Alerts PLUS. See all of his holding with a free trialhere.)
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The pound lurched to fresh 31-year lows against the U.S. dollar Thursday and U.K. government bond yields rose sharply as investors continue to count the cost of the country's looming exit from the European Union.

Traders marked sterling as low as 1.2635 against the U.S. dollar in the afternoon session in London, taking the single-day decline to just under 1% and pegging the currency at the lowest level against the greenback since 1985. At the same time, benchmark 10-year UK government bonds, known as Gilts, saw sharp decrease in price, lifting yields to around 0.915% following, a 10 basis point climb in just over one hour of trading.

Perhaps even more troubling for Prime Minister Theresa May and her Conservative government, however, is the fact that UK stocks haven't used the weaker sterling levels to rally from Wednesday's close. The benchmark FTSE 100 index was trading around 15 points lower by mid-afternoon Thursday, down around 0.2% on the session but still up around 1.6% since the beginning of the week.

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde, speaking with Bloomberg Television in Washington, said that while there was no "magic point" she was looking for in terms of exchange rates in connection with Britain's Brexit plans, she suggested the current declines might be overdone.

"We welcome the certainty of timing," she said. "But the terms under which (Britain) will trade with EU aren't certain at this point. I would simply observe that if Brexit is under a mild and not an adverse (economic) scenario, sterling is certainly taking a hit at this stage."

Earlier Thursday, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel told an industry lobby event in Berlin that she would not support any attempt by Britain to retain membership of the European single market without also allow for the free movement of people within it, suggesting she was in favor of a so-called "Hard Brexit" that would see Britain exit the EU in its entirety.

"If we don't insist that full access to the single market is tied to complete acceptance of the four basic freedoms, then a process will spread across Europe whereby everyone does and is allowed what they want," she said.

Britain's new Chancellor of the Exchequer, however, also speaking with Bloomberg television, dismissed suggestions that Brexit negotiations would be so neatly defined.

"I don't accept that it will be 'either/or' with respect to single market access and freedom of movement," he said. "There will be a discussion and a solution that will have to involve give-and-take on both sides. Europe runs a very large balance of payments surplus with the UK, so there is a strong interest in maintaining access to our markets, but we know that it has to be a win-win solution for both sides in order to work."

When asked if he was concerned with the pound's dramatic decline, however, Hammond was largely non-committal.

"We don't target an exchange rate level and the market will make its judgement at any given time, and history tells us that judgement can move at any given time," he said. "The market determines the appropriate level for sterling and we're very committed to a free-float exchange rate system."
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Transocean (RIG) were increasing in midday trading on Thursday as oil prices traded in the green.

Crude oil (WTI) was gaining 1% to $50.33 per barrel and Brent crude was rising 1.18% to $52.47 per barrel this afternoon.

Oil prices reached four-month highs today amid increasing expectations for top producers to agree to reduce supply, Reuters reports.

Several OPEC oil ministers and Russia's energy minister are expected to meet together informally at an energy conference in Istanbul. They likely will not make any new decisions, OPEC sources told Reuters.

Oil prices were also lifted by an unexpected decline in oil inventory levels yesterday.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) said crude stockpiles dropped by 3 million barrels last week. Analysts were projecting an increase of 2.6 million barrels.

Transocean is a Swiss provider of offshore contract drilling services.

Separately, TheStreet Ratings Team has a "Hold" rating with a score of C- on the stock.

The primary factors that have impacted the rating are mixed. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, reasonable valuation levels and expanding profit margins.

But the team also finds weaknesses including weak operating cash flow, a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself and feeble growth in the company's earnings per share.

Recently, TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: RIG
As Hurricane Matthew approaches the United States, airlines have cancelled most Friday flights involving airports in Florida and coastal Georgia and South Carolina.

Most notably, American (AAL) and Delta (DAL) , the two biggest U.S. airlines, have cancelled all flights involving the three South Florida airports: Miami International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International and Palm Beach International.

American has also cancelled all flights involving Orlando Melbourne International Airport, Daytona Beach International Airport and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, with flights involving Orlando International Airport scheduled to be cancelled after 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Flights involving coastal airports in Jacksonville and to the north are scheduled to be cancelled on Friday. Delta said additional cancellations are expected for flights Saturday to coastal Georgia and South Carolina airports.

American said it would begin to resume Miami arrivals at 10 a.m. Friday, with full operations anticipated by 4 p.m. Friday. The carrier said it plans to resume flights to Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach International at noon on Friday.

Carriers are waiving restrictions for passengers who wish to cancel or reschedule travel during the storm.

In general, "You will not be able to reliably fly into or out of most of Florida anytime over the weekend," said Joe Brancatelli, publisher of the JoeSentMe.com website, in an email to followers.

"Even when you can fly, expect serious road flooding, major property damage and power outages," Brancatelli wrote. "If you must get to Florida in the next few days, your best airport options are Gulf Coast facilities such as Tampa, Sarasota and Fort Myers. The Florida panhandle looks relatively safe, but flight schedules there are sporadic in the best of times."

Shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday, FlightAware.com said airlines have cancelled 1,768 flights on Thursday as well as 1,574 flights that had been scheduled for Friday.

Additionally, 4,444 Thursday flights had been delayed, Flight Aware said.

At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Thursday, the last flight out was a Southwest jet to Baltimore, which just beat the 10:30 a.m. curtain, the Associated Press reported.

This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) were rising on heavy trading volume late Thursday afternoon as the company nears a sale to Qualcomm (QCOM), sources told Bloomberg.

Qualcomm and NXP are currently in talks about valuation. NXP is looking to sell near $120 per share while Qualcomm is arguing for a $110 per share deal, sources said, Bloomberg notes.

NXP is working with investment bank Qatalyst to negotiate a deal and would prefer an all-cash offer. But Qualcomm is considering a 75% cash, 25% stock agreement, sources told Bloomberg.

The talks are still in early stages as Qualcomm explores its options.

Other bidders like Intel (INTC) and Texas Instruments (TXN) recently backed out of talks to buy the Netherlands-based chipmaker, sources said.

More than 9.33 million shares of NXP have traded so far today vs. the 30-day average volume of 4.59 million shares.

Qualcomm shares were gaining in late afternoon trading on Thursday.

(NXP Semiconductors is held in Jim Cramer's charitable trust Action Alerts PLUS. See all of Cramer's holdings with a free trial.)

(Qualcomm is held in David Peltier's Dividend Stock Advisor portfolio. See all of his holdings with a free trial.)

Separately, TheStreet Ratings objectively rated NXP stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author.

TheStreet Ratings rated this stock as a "buy" with a ratings score of B-.

The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, reasonable valuation levels, good cash flow from operations, expanding profit margins and solid stock price performance. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: NXPI
A federal contractor suspected in the leak of powerful National Security Agency hacking tools has been arrested and charged with stealing classified information from the U.S. government, according to court records and U.S. officials familiar with the case. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

A federal contractor suspected in the leak of powerful National Security Agency hacking tools has been arrested and charged with stealing classified information from the U.S. government, according to court records and U.S. officials familiar with the case. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

The arrest of a National Security Agency contractor charged with stealing highly classified material is yet the latest example of a trend that officials say can be every bit as dangerous as an outside hacker: the insider threat.

The federal government has been increasingly concerned about the ability of its own employees and contractors to use their positions to walk away with troves of sensitive information. And it has tried to implement new safeguards to not only better secure important data but also monitor the people with access to it.

Fears over insider threats intensified after the breach by former Army Pfc Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden, an NSA contractor working for Booz Allen Hamilton. But with the revelation that Harold Thomas Martin III was arrested in August and charged with theft of government property and unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials, there will be even greater scrutiny of how the nation protects its secrets, officials said.

[The criminal complaint against Harold Thomas Martin III]

The allegations against Martin, 51, of Glen Burnie, Md., suggest that our counterintelligence abilities are still inadequate, said Steven Aftergood, the director of the Project on Government Secrecy for the Federation of American Scientists. And that the kinds of precautions that would be necessary to prevent removal of highly classified material are not in place . . . It simply should not be possible to remove information from a classified system without supervision by somebody else. And evidently that kind of supervision was lacking here.

Strings of code were released to the Internet by a group calling themselves "the Shadow Brokers." They claim the code is a tool that can be used to hack into any computer. (Jhaan Elker/The Washington Post)

Martins federal public defenders said in a statement that the charges against him were mere allegations. There is no evidence that Hal Martin intended to betray his country, the attorneys said.

Rep. Adam B. Schiff (Calif.), the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement that the case makes it painfully clear that the intelligence community still has much to do to institutionalize reforms designed to protect in advance the nations sources and methods from insider threats.

In response to the Manning WikiLeaks leak, President Obama in 2011 issued an executive order that established a National Insider Threat Task Force and required all federal agencies that handle classified material to institute programs to seek out saboteurs and spies.

Agencies began monitoring their computer networks with renewed scrutiny and tracking employee behavior for signs of problems. Even workers with the highest clearances face additional surveillance.

The Pentagons Defense Security Service announced this year that contractors will be required to implement programs that are designed to detect, deter and mitigate insider threats. Contractors will be required to designate a senior insider threat official to oversee the program and provide training on how best to implement it.

While many details of the Martin case are not yet known, it is clear that it is not good for Booz Allen to have a second employee charged with stealing secrets from one of its most important customers, officials said.

When a government employee does something like this, it is a scandal of one sort or another, said Loren Thompson, a defense industry consultant who also serves at the Lexington Institute. But when a contractor is involved, its potentially a business-threatening situation.

Booz Allens share price dropped nearly 5 percent on the news Wednesday.

In an SEC filing, Booz Allen said that we immediately reached out to the authorities to offer our total cooperation in their investigation, and we fired the employee. We continue to cooperate fully with the government on its investigation into this serious matter.

It added that there have been no material changes to our client engagements as a result of this matter.

After the Snowden scandal, Booz Allen vowed to strengthen its security procedures. And critics have blasted the nations intelligence community for loose controls, especially over contractors. But contractors remain a vital component to the United States national security and intelligence establishments, so much so that the system would not function without them, Aftergood said.

Chris Taylor, a longtime defense industry executive who teaches a class on the business of national security at Georgetown University, said that the threats the country faces are very complex and moving so fast that it makes sense to tap outside expertise.

Any bureaucracy has an optimum speed at which they can operate, he said. And if theyre wise enough to realize those constraints keep them behind the power curve, they look outside for capacity to help them get ahead.

Several top defense firms have developed technologies designed to root out insider threats for government agencies and corporations. Lockheed Martin provides a service called Wisdom, which it says acts as your eyes and ears on the Web. On its website, the company says that insider threat losses are escalating at an alarming rate, with trade secrets and [intellectual property] theft projected to double in 2017.

Booz Allen, which came under intense scrutiny after Snowden walked off with some of the NSAs most closely guarded secrets, also helps organizations root out rogue employees. Last year, it announced a partnership with Raytheon, which offers a service that can give organizations the ability to digitally record the activity on their employees computer screens and play it back  even in slow motion.

Organizations are paying more attention to protecting their enterprises against the growing cyberthreats, and as a result, they are putting more personnel, IT and consulting resources toward managing this risk, Brad Medairy, a Booz Allen senior vice president, said at the time. While managing the outside risk is critical, equally as important is the threat from within.

The detection programs use artificial intelligence and machine learning to create profiles of employees based on their activity, vacuuming up reams of data: every time an employee swipes their badge to get into the building, every time they log on to their computer, the phone calls they make, the amount of email sent and received, the files they access, the data they upload.

All these things generate a breadcrumb trail of your activities, said Chris Kauffman, the chief executive of Personam, a Northern Virginia company that focuses on insider threats. Then its up to the machine learning algorithms to sift through the data to establish patterns.

It tracks anomalies such as off-hour entries into the building or when large files are downloaded. Kauffman said his companys system caught rogue attorneys who were surreptitiously making electronic copies of case files.

Even so, insider threats pose a delicate and difficult challenge and can be hard to detect, especially since large amounts of data can be downloaded quickly and stored on tiny devices.

The problem with insider threats is that theyre not trying to infiltrate the place, Thompson said. They are already there, and they know most of the procedures guarding information. When you know those procedures, you can develop better ways of working around them.
Irene Bergman, a Stralem & Co. financial adviser and the longest-working woman on Wall Street, who began her career in 1942 after arriving as a refugee from Europe, died Sept. 29 at her home in Manhattan. She was 101.

Hirschel B. Abelson, chairman of Stralem, a New York-based asset-management firm, confirmed the death. No cause was reported.

As a senior vice president, Ms. Bergman helped oversee about $1 billion and managed accounts for U.S. and international clients. She joined the company in 1973 from Loeb, Rhoades & Co., where she worked for six years as an investment manager in the international department. She previously had spent a decade as an assistant manager in Hallgarten & Co.s foreign department, working on merger arbitrage and writing a weekly market letter.

Ms. Bergman began her career as a banker shortly after arriving in New York from a war-torn Europe. Her starting pay was $35 a week. In 1942, that was a fortune, she said in a biography on Stralems website.

I had never seen the inside of an office, she said. . . . Everything I know about investments, I learned there.

Ms. Bergmans career was a realization of aspirations she had as a teenager in Germany. She grew up amid luxury, the daughter of a prominent private banker who worked on the Berlin Stock Exchange. Her dream, she wrote in an essay at the time, was to become the first female banker at the exchange.

The rise of the Nazis put an end to that. Her Jewish family first fled to the Netherlands, then to Portugal and finally to the United States, sponsored by a family friend in New York.

Women on Wall Street were not very popular, she told Bloomberg in 2015. It was not until she joined Stralem that she was treated as an equal, she said.

The skills she brought to the firm included fluency in German and Dutch. Ms. Bergman stopped going to the office in December 2014 and worked from home until her death.

Irene Bergman was born in Berlin on Aug. 2, 1915. The family lived in Charlottenburg, a luxurious part of Berlin and still home to one of Germanys largest palaces.

She graduated from high school in 1934. Two years later, the family moved to the Netherlands. Ms. Bergman spent her time there competing in dressage shows. Horses remained a passion, and she rode until age 80.

The German invasion of the Netherlands in 1940 forced the family to flee again, ultimately to New York. Ms. Bergmans grandmother, who remained behind, was sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp and never seen again by the family.

Ms. Bergman learned about finance and investing on the job. It took her a decade to recover her familys wealth, which had been frozen by Dutch and U.S. authorities.

In 2015, she told Bloomberg News that the stock market was overvalued. The longer youre in the business, the more pessimistic you get, she said. Still, Im able to get bullish, because when I look at a stock, I can imagine where it was 40 years ago.

Ms. Bergman never married.

 Bloomberg News
A missed opportunity

Regional cooperation holds the key to lasting peace and prosperity in South Asia
Detectives Edward Burek and Gwen Tietjen analyze .40-caliber shell casings recovered from a homicide under a microscope at the New Jersey Major Crime Bureau on Sept. 1 in Hamilton, N.J. (Mark Makela/For The Washington Post)

On a humid day in April 2009, the sound of gunfire drew police to a suburban home in Jefferson Parish, La. Officers found no shooters or victims  just an empty back yard littered with shell casings. In an area with the nations highest gun-death rate, the incident seemed pretty minor. Garden-variety case is how one detective described it.

Still, the casings were taken to the crime lab and entered into a huge federal database run by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The next morning, just blocks away, men broke into an apartment intending to rob a drug dealer. Instead, they killed a toddler, his 19-year-old mother and a 6-year-old boy. An 11-year-old girl was wounded, and her two friends survived by playing dead. Scattered amid the carnage were eight shell casings. Those went into the database, too.

The database, called the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), contains high-resolution images of almost 3 million casings police have collected from crime scenes or test-fired from guns used in crimes nationwide since 1999. The software reads unique markings that guns leave on shell casings and then flags potential matches, signaling when the same gun may have been used in more than one shooting.

NIBIN revealed links between four guns used in the Jefferson Parish triple homicide, the backyard incident and five other shootings. The evidence led investigators to a witness who helped convict their main suspect in the triple homicide, one of dozens of highly publicized cases solved nationwide with the technologys help. In cases such as this, NIBIN has been an invaluable tool for police, linking seemingly unconnected crimes and helping to catch criminals who might otherwise go free.

A cache of firearms is stored for reference at the New Jersey Major Crime Bureau. Ballistics gathered from crime scenes is entered into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. (Mark Makela/For The Washington Post)

But ATFs ambitions for NIBIN far outstrip its accomplishments.

Since the program began two decades ago, more than $300 million has been invested in it. Yet only a few hundred of the nations 18,000 police departments use the database. Eleven states have no NIBIN terminal, where images of the casings are loaded into the database and matched. Nineteen states, plus Washington, D.C., have only one or two terminals.

Even among departments that use the system, only a handful have been using it the way ATF intends. NIBIN has been hobbled by years of inattention inside ATF, according to more than two dozen current and former NIBIN officials and law enforcement agents, some of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk about it. Because the technology requires a considerable commitment of personnel and money, many departments have adopted it in a scattershot way: They enter shell casings inconsistently and fail to follow up on leads.

John Risenhoover, the former NIBIN national coordinator for ATF, retired last year after 26 years at the agency, in part, he said, because the agencys commitment to the program has been inconsistent. If you initiate it and operate it in a real-time manner, its phenomenal, he said. But NIBIN to this point was a huge waste of cash.

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), an influential Washington policing think tank, is studying NIBIN programs in Denver, Milwaukee and Chicago, among the most widely lauded. The research  the first of its kind in the programs life span  was intended to show other departments how to set up successful NIBIN operations. But the findings have been far from clear. Most departments, including those we are working with, have not comprehensively implemented the model, PERF told the Marshall Project in a statement.

The problems date back years. A 2005 audit by the Justice Departments inspector general found that few law enforcement agencies participated in the program, and those that did had a significant backlog of evidence that had not been entered into NIBIN, primarily because of staffing shortages and other priorities.

Now, as ATF is in the third year of a new push to persuade local law enforcement agencies to embrace a NIBIN-centered gun crime strategy, the program is at a crossroads. Spending is set to grow to $36 million in fiscal year 2017 from $13 million in 2013. The bureau recently opened a national command center where departments can outsource one of the more time-consuming aspects of NIBIN to get more cities on board. And ATF has begun aggressively promoting the database as a powerful tool that can prevent gun crime by identifying the small number of people behind a disproportionate number of shootings.

A Gun's Fingerprints When fired, a gun will leave dents, pings and grooves on an ejected shell casing. Firearms examiners say these marks are like fingerprints, unique to the gun that made them. 1

2

3

4

Next When an empty casing is found, the NIBIN program attempts to match it with casings from other shootings. a Firing Pin The firing pin strikes the primer, leaving a mark on the base of the cartridge case. b Breechface The recoil of the explosion slams the cartridge case backward against the back wall of the gun, called the breechface. c Ejector The base of the cartridge case hits the ejector, which expels it up and out of the gun. (Anna Flagg for Marshall/The Washington Post)

James Ferguson, chief of the Firearms Operations Division at ATF, acknowledged in an interview that few police departments nationwide are using NIBIN the way the agency intends. But he said that ATFs new approach will lead departments to fully embrace NIBIN once they see the potential for long-term benefits.

Meanwhile, is it more beneficial for them to do it halfheartedly versus not at all? I would argue that it is, Ferguson said. If they are getting some leads out of the system, is that better than no leads?

***

For NIBIN to work as a preventive strategy, police must investigate shots fired at stop signs as aggressively as they chase killers, said current and former top ATF officials. My goal isnt to solve a murder, Risenhoover said, but to catch these guys before they commit a murder.

In Denver last year, for example, police responded to an alert from ShotSpotter  a system of sensors that alert police to the sound of gunfire  to find shell casings on an empty sidewalk. Entered into NIBIN, those casings revealed a link between two shootings committed earlier that week. In one, a burglar shot at a woman who confronted him as he broke into her home. In the other, someone shot a familys dog during a break-in.

Witness descriptions from the ShotSpotter call led police to a man, who ultimately pleaded guilty to charges related to all three incidents. If police had not quickly entered the casings from the seemingly low-priority shooting, the shooter would have continued his crime spree and actually killed somebody, Jeffrey Russell, program manager of ATFs NIBIN branch, told law enforcement agents in a webinar in May.

ATF calls this approach to gathering gunshot evidence comprehensive collection, and the agency says it is critical for NIBINs success. If youre picking and choosing what youre putting into NIBIN, youre not getting a clear picture and youre going to limit your effectiveness, Russell said.

Another critical step is timely turnaround: getting the casings into the system, and the leads back out again, within 24 to 48 hours.

In the past several years, ATF has been pushing local law enforcement to adopt this new wraparound approach to gun crime through local Crime Gun Intelligence Centers.

Denver police, with help from ATF, opened the first center in 2013, and similar programs followed in Phoenix, Chicago, New Orleans, Milwaukee and elsewhere.

But police departments using NIBIN rarely treat every shooting as a potential homicide.

Comprehensive collection and timely turnaround requires buy-in from everyone involved. Multiple sources from inside ATF and law enforcement around the country said that few departments have even come close. Police officials in Denver and Chicago declined to be interviewed. In at least a dozen cities, officials said one of the main obstacles to using NIBIN as ATF envisions is manpower.

We have way too much gun violence, and theres only so many police officers, said Milwaukee police Capt. David Salazar, who oversees that citys crime gun intelligence efforts.

The impact of NIBIN on violent crime over the past two decades is unclear: ATF does not formally track it.

The primary NIBIN metric that ATF makes publicly available is the 75,000 hits  or confirmed matches  the system has generated nationwide since it began. The bureau does not track how many hits end in arrests or convictions or whether the number of shootings or violent crime rates have gone down in places that use NIBIN.

***

The theory underlying NIBIN  that every gun leaves its own fingerprint  has never been scientifically proven. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has a long-term research project underway to answer that question. But most experts think the basis for NIBIN is sound, a belief borne out by the tens of thousands of confirmed matches the system has identified over the years.

Before NIBIN, firearms examiners looked for matches by tacking Polaroids of casings to the wall, grouped by caliber, and comparing them when new photos arrived. NIBINs predecessor programs  Drugfire compared casings at the FBI, Ceasefire compared bullets at ATF  automated the process and linked it with other departments.

Today, NIBIN searches millions of high-resolution 2-D and 3-D images from machines in multiple states for comparison. It takes about 10 minutes for a technician to enter a casing into the system. Several hours later, the computer spits out a list of up to 200 potential matches.

A technician then reviews each image to look for more exact matches. This year ATF opened a centralized clearinghouse where departments can outsource this step. It takes about 15 minutes.

Until recently, once NIBIN identified a potential hit, a firearms examiner had to confirm the match by comparing the original casings under a microscope. If the original casing was in another city or state, someone had to drive or fly to pick it up and bring it back to be compared and then peer-reviewed  a labor-intensive process that could take months.

This made the technology essentially useless in solving typical gun crimes, where trails go cold in a matter of days.

For years, police departments tended to use the system only for homicides, cold cases and other rare high-profile crimes. The problem created a catch-22: NIBIN needs police to regularly enter casings to be effective, but police did not want to use it because they did not see the payoff.

In 2011, ATF began slashing the programs budget and pulling machines from sites not generating enough hits. The program went from a high of about 230 sites in 2005 to a low of about 140 in 2012. As of last month, there were 161 sites.

This number is not likely to change much in the future: Each machine costs upward of $150,000, including maintenance and other costs. Although ATF used to fund the machines, local law enforcement now has to pick up the cost.

John DeVito, deputy chief of firearms at ATF, said in an interview that the agencys money is better spent providing education and support to the cities that already have NIBIN machines.

We want to first ensure that the machines that are out there are being used in the most efficient way possible, DeVito said.

In 2013, a National Institute of Justice report concluded the system was hobbled by chronic underfunding and a limited vision of its true capacity. The researchers noted that by focusing too much on NIBIN as a tool to solve individual crimes, ATF missed the chance to prevent new ones.

The report jolted ATF, which decided to experiment with a new way of using NIBIN, several officials said. Instead of waiting for a firearms examiner to confirm a match, the system would push out potential leads to investigators while they were still hot.

A 10-month-old NIBIN hit is no good to anybody, says Lt. Jack Donegan of the New Jersey State Police, which recently streamlined its processes to slash wait times on NIBIN leads. A 24-hour NIBIN hit means the world to the detectives that are out on the street.

***

Even Milwaukee, which has made a big commitment to the Crime Gun Intelligence Center it launched in 2014, struggles to meet ATFs NIBIN benchmarks. As part of its new comprehensive gun crime strategy, Milwaukee began using ShotSpotter, revealing that residents in some high-crime neighborhoods were so used to the sound of gunfire or so wary of police that they rarely called 911 when shots were fired.

To follow ATFs new tenets, police had to respond to many more incidents, and collect and input hundreds of additional casings into NIBIN. Even with a combined force of five police employees and ATF agents, it can take several days, or longer, for casings to be entered and potential hits to go out.

In the majority of sites, the NIBIN machine is still located in the crime lab, where firearms examiners  at times, reluctant to cede control over what has long been their turf  resist sending out unconfirmed leads, according to ATF and law enforcement officials in cities that have tried to implement the crime gun intelligence model. The biggest roadblocks at the beginning were cultural, and were primarily with the prosecutors office and the crime lab, Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said.

In Washington, D.C., the Metropolitan Police Department works closely with ATFs new regional crime gun intelligence center, located in Greenbelt, Md. District police Cmdr. Robert Alder says NIBIN is invaluable to police in solving crimes and identifying hot spots in conflict areas. But limited resources force them to prioritize: Not every shooting gets assigned a detective, and not every lead is run down, according to Alder and Christie Weidner, ATFs Crime Gun Intelligence group supervisor.

If you tried to vet 100 percent of the information, the line detectives and the line agents will be overwhelmed. They will get discouraged, said Rich Marianos, who retired as head of ATFs Washington field division in 2014.

Other cities have not made the same level of commitment to NIBIN.

The Los Angeles Police Department  which was a NIBIN trailblazer in some ways, pushing out unconfirmed leads as early as 2003  requires the detective on a case to personally bring shell casings to the lab, said Doreen Hudson, the commanding officer at the departments forensics division. This often means only the high-priority crimes get entered quickly, if they are entered at all.

Other officials at the department declined to comment on why the agency does not use NIBIN more widely.

In San Antonio, ATF pulled the police departments NIBIN machine because the city was not using it enough, despite having a firearm death rate on par with Washington, D.C. One county official there said he did not think comprehensive collection was a worthwhile goal. There are just so many guns out there. That attitude is, Wouldnt it really be important to look through every haystack just because theres a needle in there?

Whether using NIBIN feels worth the effort depends, in part, on how many leads it generates. In Milwaukee last year, 38 percent of entries resulted in a potential lead, according to data provided by ATF. Milwaukees rate was the nations highest. The average rate nationwide last year was 10 percent, and it was in single digits the previous four years, ATF data shows. In New Jersey, its 14 percent. Most of our guns that we process, turns out, we dont need to even process them, says Maj. Geoffrey Noble with the State Police. But we dont know that until we do it.

But most departments using NIBIN have trouble keeping up with the leads.

In Chicago, where police take more than 6,500 guns off the street each year  more than one for every two-hour period  36 ATF agents and Chicago police detectives are dedicated solely to following up NIBIN leads. Is that enough to run down every lead? Absolutely not. Theres too many, says Jim Needles, who recently retired from ATFs Chicago field division.

Instead, the team identifies which leads provide the most readily actionable information, and which are associated with the most serious crimes.

That approach frustrates those who see the potential of NIBIN.

If you dont address these kids who shoot up a house, you see an escalation of violence, Risenhoover said. How many shootings have you committed before your aim was accurate enough to kill somebody?

This investigation was written by Beth Schwartzapfel for the Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization that covers the U.S. criminal justice system.
Republican nominee Donald Trump, shown meeting with Latino business leaders Wednesday in Las Vegas, claimed $916 million in losses in 1995, according to a report by the New York Times. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

The revelation that Donald Trump claimed a $916 million loss on his personal income taxes in 1995 has touched off a scramble this week among tax law experts seeking to understand exactly how he did it.

The experts have offered an array of arcane theories about the mechanisms Trump might have used to avoid paying taxes. A leading theory is that Trump was able to double dip by using the tax code to avoid paying taxes on huge loans that he did not have to pay back and at the same time deduct massive losses from businesses that were financed by the loans.

No one knows for sure what provisions his accountants used because Trump  unlike every other major presidential nominee over the last four decades  has refused to release his tax returns.

The controversy has dominated the presidential campaign in recent days. After Clinton accused Trump of taking unfair advantage of the tax code, Trump said at a campaign rally on Tuesday, She complains about how Ive used tax laws of this country to my benefit. Then I ask a simple question: Why didnt she ever try to change those laws so I couldnt use them?

She did. After the Supreme Court in an 8-to-1 vote upheld the double dip loophole in 2001, Congress the next year voted to disallow it. Then-Sen. Clinton was among those who voted it down.

The tax code allows real estate developers or managers to use special tax breaks and benefits that the rest of us cant. Heres how that works. (Daron Taylor/The Washington Post)

Trump also took credit for his aggressive use of the nations tax laws and other measures to engineer his reemergence in the mid-1990s from the near-collapse of his real estate and casino empire.

I mean, honestly, I have brilliantly  I have brilliantly used those laws, Trump said at a campaign event on Monday in Pueblo, Colo. I was able to use the tax laws of this country, and my business acumen, to dig out of the real estate mess  you would call it a depression  when few others were able to do what I did.

The dispute has reinforced an image of Trump as a bold risk-taker who left a trail of wreckage while serving his own interests.

Voters are being asked to reconcile two diametrically opposed views of Trump: his own narrative that he is a financial wizard who simply used the laws of the country to protect himself, and Hillary Clintons contention that he is a rapacious and unrestrained capitalist who abuses his power and games the system.

There is no question that Trump emerged from his financial cataclysm in 1995 through tough negotiation with dozens of creditors and the aggressive use of complex and rarefied federal tax rules, according to interviews with a dozen tax experts, company filings and regulatory documents.

The tax law experts interviewed by The Washington Post largely agree that the deductions Trump claimed were probably legal under the tax laws in effect at the time, even though the size of his claims was extraordinary.

Douglas Baird, a law professor at the University of Chicago, said theres nothing inherently illegitimate about using every tax break available.

In 1990, Donald Trump opened the largest and most lavish casino-hotel complex in Atlantic City. Unlike any other casino in America, the Trump Taj Mahal was expected to break every record in the books. But just several months later, it all fell apart. (Alice Li/The Washington Post)

Thats the magic that he or his lawyers worked, Baird said. I can guarantee you its a billion times more complicated than we can imagine.

Jack Mitnick, the accountant who prepared Trumps taxes, told The Post that the provisions and loopholes that Trump relied on were routinely exploited by large real estate developers at the time. He declined to provide details.

More voluminous, not more complex, Mitnick said, describing the documents that Trumps organization made available to him in 1995. It was not an unusual thing.

But Mitnick played down Trumps role in formulating the tax strategy.

He had nothing to do with it, Mitnick said.

***

For two decades, Donald Trump has underscored 1995 as a pivotal point in his resurgence following the implosion of his real estate and gambling empire, a debacle that included four bankruptcies and left him nearly $1 billion in the hole.

Back in 1987, Donald Trump was soaring. He had built the glittering Trump Tower on Manhattans Fifth Avenue, named two casinos in Atlantic City after himself and was about to achieve his first $1 billion ranking on the Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans. He was widely considered to be the epitome of the go-go 1980s.

But his fortunes were about to be undone  by his own bad bets.

Trump wanted a third casino  his grandest yet  and he made a move on the hulking, unfinished Taj Mahal. Analysts had warned that Atlantic Citys gaming market was cooling. Too many casino owners had taken on too much debt.

But Trump charged ahead. Contrary to a stark promise he made to regulators under oath in early 1988 to win approval for the project, he financed the Taj project with $675 million in junk bonds, documents show.

The 1,250-room Taj opened in 1990 as the largest casino-hotel in the world. But by then, Trumps real estate and gambling empire already faced ruin because of the extensive debt he was carrying  some $3.4 billion.

A confidential report produced by accountants in June 1990 for the Trump Organization showed that only three of its 22 assets were profitable. The report made a startling claim about Trumps net worth, saying it had plunged to negative $295 million.

He was hemorrhaging money, said Rob McSween, a former Citibank managing director who was familiar with Trumps finances at the time.

Facing the possibility of personal bankruptcy, Trump turned his attention to a $100 million line of credit he had with Bankers Trust. That line of credit would be key to Trumps ability to survive in the coming years.

In an interview for Trump Revealed, the biography produced by The Post this year, Trump said he drained the account while his bankers were on vacation and could not block such a large transaction.

I said, Draw it down,  Trump said. I took everything out of the bank.

When the bankers found out what had happened, they went absolutely berserk.

Trump viewed it as an ingenious move.

Late in 1990, he failed to make the first payment on the Taj junk bonds and his corporate and personal finances went into a tailspin, as lenders demanded repayment.

The first bankruptcy came in 1991, when the Taj sought protection to reorganize. In March 1992, Trumps Castle and Plaza casinos also filed for bankruptcy. Later that year, the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan also filed for bankruptcy.

In all four cases, Trump settled by giving up nearly half of his equity shares to lenders. Documents prepared for Trumps organization, along with estimates of the cost of the Taj at the time, show that the casino holdings alone were worth more than $2 billion.

Trump managed to persuade lenders not to hold him accountable for personal guarantees on $832 million of the loans, through at least 1995.

But Trumps empire was in tatters. [T]he media was, in fact, gleefully predicting my collapse, Trump wrote in Trump: The Art of The Comeback in 1997.

***

Amid the gloom, Trump and a small group of executives were taking new steps to set the stage for his revival.

In June 1993, the Trump Organization restructured a significant portion of the debts relating to the casinos, according to a report by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

That same year, Trump took out new loans and began amassing anew the accoutrements expected of a mogul.

He bought a small jet that designer Lockheed Martin described as Luxury Among the Clouds. He also arranged a lease-purchase agreement for the Boeing 727 airplane he had sold during his financial meltdown. He also took out a mortgage for waterfront property in Palm Beach, Fla.

There was no way to deny that things were going really great. Trump wrote.

My personal debt of $975 million had been reduced to $115 million, and I had two years to finish cleaning it up.

In 1995, as part of his revival campaign, Trump launched Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts, his first publicly traded company. He billed it as the first chance for ordinary people to buy stock in a Trump enterprise. But it was also a way to cleanse himself of lingering debts.

From the outset, Trump planned to consolidate $1.7 billion in old casino debts inside the company, thus transferring responsibilities to his investors, documents show. Among other things, he was using it to satisfy the indebtedness of Taj Associates under its loan agreement with one bank and to make payments to obtain releases of liens and guarantees with another bank.

The new company bought all three of his casinos. It paid about $100 million more for the Castle than analysts said the casino was worth, guaranteeing Trump $880,000 in cash bonuses.

During Trumps 14 years as chairman, the company lost more than $1 billion. Shares plunged from $35 to a low of 17 cents.

In a recent interview with The Post, Trump defended his stewardship of the company.

All I can say is I wasnt representing the country, he said. I wasnt representing the banks. I wasnt representing anybody but myself.

Also in 1995, Trump claimed on tax forms filed in New York that he had lost $916 million.

Trump has acknowledged the loss claim was part of his effort to minimize or erase the taxes he owed to the federal government. But no one knows the mechanisms that Mitnick, Trumps accountant, used.

Theories have been flying across the Internet among experts and appearing in news reports for days. One of them put forth on Tax Notes, a website devoted to the nuances of tax law, holds that the move made by Trumps accountant was likely to have to do with debt forgiveness and S corporation rules, under the federal tax code.

Under this scenario, Trump would have received a complex cascade of tax benefits related to the cancellation of his debts and net operating losses from his businesses.

Tax Notes said that such a maneuver enabled entrepreneurs to make a double dip, because they were able to avoid paying income tax on debts that had been forgiven and at the same time claim deductions for earlier losses.

Another theory is that Trump proclaimed his insolvency at a time when he was obligated to repay loans and other debts. Theoretically, that would have made him eligible under a related federal tax provision to minimize income taxes.

Some have suggested that Trump might have used the new public company to shed the tax liability.

Karen Burke, a law professor at the University of Florida, said these and other possibilities are entirely legal if properly invoked. But when too many clever tricks are stacked up to avoid paying taxes, it can create ethical and legal risks.

Sometimes when you put all the perfectly normal things together, you create a real monster, she said.

Michael Kranish, Amy Goldstein, Jerry Markon and researcher Alice Crites contributed to this report.
A man carries a woman across a river where a bridge collapsed near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, during Hurricane Matthew. The storm is headed for the U.S. East Coast. (Hector Retamal/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

Rescue workers in Haiti struggled to reach cutoff towns and learn the full extent of the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew as the storm battered the Bahamas on Wednesday and triggered large-scale evacuations along the U.S. East Coast.

At least 11 deaths were blamed on the powerful storm during its weeklong march across the Caribbean, five of them in Haiti. But with a key bridge washed out, roads impassable and phone communications down, the western tip of Haiti was isolated and there was no full accounting of the dead and injured in Matthews wake.

After moving past Haiti, Matthew rolled across a corner of Cuba and then began pounding the southern Bahamas with winds of 120 miles per hour and heavy rain on a course expected to take it near the capital city of Nassau.

Forecasters said the storm could hit Florida  or come dangerously close  Thursday evening and then sideswipe the East Coast all the way up to the Carolinas over the weekend. Matthew could become the first major hurricane to blow ashore in the United States since Wilma slashed across Florida in 2005, killing five people.

At least a half-million people along the lower East Coast were urged to evacuate their homes.

If youre able to go early, leave now, Florida Governor Rick Scott warned.

On Tuesday, Matthew swept across a remote area of Haiti with 145 mile per hour winds, wrecking homes and swamping roads. But government leaders in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere said they werent close to fully gauging the effect in the flood-prone nation where less powerful storms have killed thousands.

What we know is that many, many houses have been damaged. Some lost rooftops and theyll have to be replaced, while others were totally destroyed, Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph said.

Mourad Wahba, the United Nations secretary-generals deputy special representative for Haiti, said at least 10,000 people were in shelters and hospitals were overflowing. He called the hurricane the biggest humanitarian crisis in Haiti since the devastating earthquake of 2010.

Theres absolutely nothing we can do to protect ourselves here, said motorcycle taxi driver Joseph Paul as he watched torrents of brown water wash over a road and deluge his low-lying neighborhood in Leogane. This storm was too much for us, and we are at its mercy.

The U.S. government said it sent experts to Haiti to assess the damage and is providing $1.5 million in food and other disaster assistance.

At 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Matthew was centered about 205 miles south-southeast of Nassau in the eastern Bahamas.

Along the East Coast, people boarded up beach homes, some schools closed and residents began clearing out.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley announced plans to evacuate a quarter-million people from the coast, not counting tourists, starting Wednesday afternoon. Floridas Broward County, which includes Fort Lauderdale, asked some 150,000 residents in low-lying areas or mobile homes to move to safety.
I am lurking on a blog called Lost at E Minor, which describes itself as a global culture site for creative people. Specifically, I am reading an essay making fun of all those dopey baristas at Starbucks who misspell your name when they write it on the cup. Heres Allison spelled as Allerson and Mark as Mog. Also, Penelope was rendered thus: Panellipie. Ho-ho! What doofuses!

The only problem is that the big headline for this withering denunciation of misspellings misspells misspell mispell.

You probably know that I often prowl the Web for evidence of how language is being degraded now that everyone with access to an electronic device fancies himself a professional writer. Well, I recently got an email from reader Laura Morrow suggesting that I am picking the low-hanging fruit. Sure, any moron might write firstable instead of first of all, or right from the gecko instead of get go, or lack toast intolerance or hammy down clothing, or other such sillinesses I have found and catalogued in the past. And yes, on the Web you can find a chicken seizure salad and ladies rejoicing in the lingering scent of their husbands colon on the pillow. But wheres the challenge in finding those? What I need to do, Lauras email suggested, is look for the particularly satisfying boneheaded mistakes, the cluelessly ironic ones. She started me out with a tip: Check out scholorships.

Yes, indeed! Many scholorships are being awarded by prestigious institutions of higher education! Thats when I found the misspelled Starbucks critique. And more.

The purest form of comically misplaced condescension is the simple sentence I am a genious, of which there are 51,000 examples. You are probably thinking that most of these are being used with deliberate self-deprecation, and so did I until I started reading through them. Many are jokes, but so many are not that I stopped counting at 20. Similarly you are ignorent returns 7,000 hits, the vast majority of which contain no intended irony.

(Illustration by Eric Shansby)

I found solemn scientific articles on artificial intelligance. A fund to raise money to educate iliterate children in Nigeria, and a list that tut-tuts about the five countries with the highest iliteracy rates.

Indeed, illiteracy is a particularly fruitful field for the ironic arts because many people who are righteously indignant at the shocking prevalence of illiteracy in America express their indignation roughly the way one self-appointed Twitter language cop did in August. He tweeted this, reacting to something on the Web he found less than perfectly expressed: Is this for real!!!! My God, the #iliteracy in our country is its greatest demise. Theres no cure for stupid!

In fewer than 140 characters, I count one error in punctuation, one in spelling, one in grammar and one in word usage. And yes, there is also the hashtag #iliteracy, which has been non-ironically cited by others thousands of times.

Here is Word Doctor, a company that proudly offers editing and profreading services.

And finally, here is an idiot who wrote a newspaper column in 2013 sneering at people who habitually misspell famous names. He wrote that Mahatma Gandhis name had appeared misspelled on the Web more than 44 million times, more often than the correct spellings of Picasso, Kierkegaard and Liebniz combined. Unfortunately, he misspelled Leibniz.

Wait. Oh, crap. That was me.

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Dear Amy: A group of three girls and I have been close friends since junior high.

As we attended different colleges in different nearby cities, the four of us did not have as much time to spend together. Everyone understood this was normal, except for Jenny. She grew increasingly frustrated that we were not responsive enough and often critical about how we conducted the friendship.

Any time we hung out, she would blame us for not staying in closer contact. She would plan ridiculously complicated outings or events and then complain that whatever we ended up doing wasnt good enough.

Jenny will ask if were home and then just show up, even when we tell her we are out/at school/sick/or have a family dinner thats been planned for weeks. Then shell be angry that we didnt make time for her.

If we bring this up with her, she calls us bad friends.

We all walk on eggshells with Jenny when shes like this in order to avoid fights. I no longer believe that this is healthy.

Wed like to have some sort of intervention, but how can we approach her in a way that doesnt seem threatening or critical?

We are all easy-going people. Where do boundaries start, and how can we stick to them without alienating Jenny?

Upset Friend

Upset Friend: You start building a healthy boundary brick by brick, and you do this by reacting proportionally  not walking on eggshells  when someone bullies or manipulates you.

Some of the behavior you describe sounds outside the norm. Showing up at your house when youve said youre otherwise engaged and then blaming you for not being available is irrational.

Before resorting to a group intervention, you should start by responding naturally to any given situation. If she rails at you and calls you a bad friend, you say, Im not a bad friend. But I cant be the kind of friend you want me to be. Resolve to take back some of your power by staying calm and always reacting honestly.

If your friends behavior grows more pronounced, it would be appropriate for your group to tell her, Were worried about you. You seem very unhappy and angry. Urge her to see a counselor. Offer to do some research to help her find one, if she will let you.

Dear Amy: Recently, I took an elderly relative to have a cancerous growth removed from her face. I was grateful that the doctor allowed me to be with my relative during the procedure, but I was appalled that the doctor and his staff chatted to one another throughout the procedure.

Occasionally, they would tell my aunt what they were doing, but by far most of their conversation was about their weekends and other ordinary details of their lives.

My aunt was fully conscious the whole time, and after the procedure she told me that this made her uncomfortable.

I thought it was incredibly disrespectful for medical professionals to treat their patient almost as if she wasnt there, even while they undertook the procedure, but I didnt say anything.

Whats the best way for patients  and patients advocates  to remind medical professionals to keep their conversations professional and to keep their focus on their patients?

Appalled

Appalled: I shared your question with Patricia McTiernan, a spokesperson for the National Patient Safety Foundation in Boston.

Here is her response:

Many people find it hard to speak up during encounters with health professionals, but it is especially important to speak up if you think something is wrong or if you are uncomfortable.

In this situation, the family member could have said: I know that you all do this every day, but this is a new experience for us. Would you mind if we limit conversation to my aunts care?

Alternatively, the relative could have asked to speak privately with a member of the health-care team, who could then convey the message to the others.

It is vitally important for patient safety that patients and family members be engaged in their care and are recognized as members of the team.

Dear Amy: Upset in Upland was a husband looking for a solution to his wife cooking dinner every night for his grown stepdaughter and two grandchildren.

What are the grandchildren (ages 20 and 15) doing to help out?

Perhaps Upsets wife should be including them in the cooking process. Its about time someone in that family learned how to cook!

Been There

Been There: Many readers thought I had left these capable young people out of the equation, and I agree.
Ava DuVernays documentary 13th lands with unsettling, unstoppable force, delivering a long-buried lesson on race, history, criminal justice and political cynicism with such swift concision that viewers may emerge feeling wiser, but still not knowing what hit them.

Named for the 13th Amendment, which declared slavery illegal except as a punishment for criminality, DuVernays film expertly threads the audience through the myriad ways that loophole has been used to control, suppress and decimate communities of color: through mass arrests and imprisonment after the Civil War (when black mens free labor was used to help rebuild a ravaged South); through the criminalization of activism during the civil rights era; and through draconian law-and-order policies that started with the Nixon administration and continued through the Clinton and Bush years. As the film argues, politicians and a compliant media have stoked and exploited an irrational fear of African Americans  especially young African American men  initially to secure white votes, and more recently to feed a profit-driven private prison system.

DuVernay creates a cogent, compelling argument in 13th, which balances attractively filmed talking-head interviews with alternately heartbreaking and infuriating archival footage. Although 13th largely makes its points unchallenged (there are only one or two opposing views), DuVernay has found an impressive range of scholars and policymakers to make the case against mass incarceration. It might not be surprising to hear the likes of Van Jones, Bryan Stevenson, Michelle Alexander and Angela Davis describing how structural racism within the criminal justice system has done grievous damage to black and brown communities. But viewers may do a double take when Newt Gingrich observes that if youre white in America, you have no idea what its like to be black.

As a polemic at its most persuasive and potentially galvanizing, 13th is undeniably effective; its also shrewdly designed, with DuVernay using on-screen text to underline and clarify the dizzying number of data points she connects. The word criminal flashes on screen every time one of her sources says the word, the motif accentuating how language has been manipulated and politically repackaged over centuries.

As informative as 13th is, though, it turns into something far more emotional and distressing during its final moments, when the filmmaker replays video footage of black men being shot and beaten by police, then intercuts footage of black activists being roughed up at a Donald Trump rally with uncannily similar images of people being hosed and set upon by dogs in the 1960s. DuVernay ends 13th on a healing note, correcting the toxic messages shes just unpacked with photographs of African American life at its warmest, happiest and most quotidian. How to reconcile that reality with the dehumanizing myths that have been promulgated for decades, she leaves up to us.

The 13th, 100 minutes, will begin streaming Friday on Netflix.


Donald Trump, shown here in July on the campaign trail in Colorado, is the father figure or strict dad America needs, in the words of some of his supporters. (Evan Vucci/AP)

A question that should be asked at the next presidential debate: Does America have daddy issues?

Donald Trump is the strict dad that America needs, said a 56-year-old emergency-room nurse last week at a rally in Melbourne, Fla.

Hes the kind of man you would want to be your dad, a Los Angeles Trump supporter, whose son was killed by an undocumented immigrant, said in July.

Hes the father figure I always wanted, a hairstylist told the Boston Globe in December. I feel like hes protecting me.

Trump reminds me so much of my father, Jerry Falwell Jr. told Fox News.

Put aside the Oedipal stuff, the queasy sexual undertones of father complex  our emotional hang-ups, the whiff of fetish. Americas daddy issues might stem from the fact that our first experience with governance is our family unit. A parent is in charge, and traditionally, its Dad. Our politicians worship the Founding Fathers, the ur-daddies, the bigwigs in wigs. We cant make any decisions, as a nation, without asking ourselves, What would our Founding Fathers think?

Theyve been dead for 200 years. Were still trying to please them.

[Who gave Trumps taxes to the Times? The mystery behind a bombshell story.]

The hyper-partisanship of today  and the campaign of Donald Trump  might be understood through two kinds of family forms: the nurturant parent family (liberal) and the strict father family (conservative), according to George Lakoff, a professor of cognitive science and linguistics at the University of California at Berkeley.

In the strict-father worldview, Lakoff says, there is a moral hierarchy led by dominant forces: God above man, man above nature, rich above poor, adults above children, our country over other countries.

Trump is the ultimate strict father, Lakoff says. Its in everything he does. Its in his body language. Conservatives tend to think in terms of direct causation: Build a wall, throw them out, use the bomb. Direct causation everywhere.

Maybe this is too academic. Certainly some Trump supporters like him because they like his policy positions. But maybe some of Trumps supporters secretly like him because hes seven inches taller than Hillary Clinton and a man. On CNN in April, Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams, who has opined extensively about the Trump mystique this year, predicted the general election would be about Mom vs. Dad.

The thing about Dad is that Dad is kind of an a-hole, but if you need Dad to take care of some trouble, hes going to be the one you call, you know, Adams said. If theres a noise downstairs, youre probably not going to call Mom, even if shes awesome. Youre probably going to call the biggest person in the room.

[The mind behind Dilbert explains why Trump will win in a landslide]

Dads puts food on the table and insecurities in our brains. Barack Obama didnt really know his dad, so he wrote a whole book about him. George W. Bushs dad was president first, which is a lot to live up to. Bill Clintons was married four times and died in a car wreck while the future president was in utero. (Im still waiting, Clinton wrote in his memoir, hoping there will be one more human connection to my father.) Hillary Clintons dad was a tough guy who withheld praise and berated her mother. (Hillary was a daddys girl, brother Hugh once said.) Fred Trumps life was business, says Donald, who turned out much the same.

Donald Trumps employees view him as a patriarch more than a boss, Trump Organization Executive Vice President Michael Cohen told the Jewish Chronicle Online.

And yet the Trump children and Chelsea Clinton are routinely deployed to remind voters that their parents are, in fact, parents. Yes, Donald Trump is my father, the Trumplings imply as they praise him, and he can be yours, too.

Same goes with Chelsea.

My earliest memory is my mom picking me up after Id fallen down, giving me a big hug and reading me Goodnight Moon,  Chelsea said before introducing Hillary at the Democratic National Convention.

Dont worry. Mom and Dad are here. But you gotta pick one.

#DaddyWillSaveUs: Thats the name of a pro-Trump art show supposedly opening Saturday in New York, according to Breitbart.

[This is what it feels like at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia]

Campaign 2016 seems like an exercise in infantilization. Or like a reenactment of Kramer vs. Kramer, with Trump setting the kitchen on fire as he tries to cook breakfast and Clinton defending her maternalism from the witness stand. Or like a CBS sitcom starring Kevin James: When Tim Kaine and Mike Pence faced off in their only debate, social media jokingly compared them in the context of gee-whiz fatherhood.

Kaine is the Boy Scout troop leader asking whether you want cheese on your burger.

Pence is the youth minister whos disappointed by your chalk drawings outside the entrance to church.

Clinton conspiracy theorists attempt to humiliate her with claims that her husband fathered children out of wedlock. Trumps critics attempt to emasculate him by highlighting his patrimony.

He was born with an inheritance but lost his daddys wealth, Democrat Harry Reid said on the Senate floor in September. He wants everyone to think hes this big, rich, rich man.

And many people do. Stern and resolute, Trump has promised to make everything better if elected. The Apprentice established his reputation as a hard-to-please disciplinarian, which he cemented on the campaign trail. His moral hierarchy is stone cold.

But what was the final sentence of his law-and-order acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention?

I love you.

Tough love. A strict fathers greatest gift.
Actor Rachel Weisz, left, and author Deborah E. Lipstadt on the set of the film Denial, based on Lipstadts memoir History on Trial: My Day in Court With a Holocaust Denier. (Liam Daniel/Bleecker Street)

In 1996, British writer David Irving sued author Deborah Lipstadt and her publisher, Penguin Books, for libel after the American historian portrayed him as a Holocaust denier in her book Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory. After four years and roughly $3 million in legal fees, a verdict in a British court  where, in contrast to our legal system, the burden of proof falls on the defendant, not the plaintiff  vindicated

Lipstadt, leading to her memoir, History on Trail: My Day in Court With a Holocaust Denier.



Rachel Weisz and Deborah E. Lipstadt on the set of DeniL. (Liam Daniel/Bleecker Street)

That memoir has now been made into the movie Denial, featuring Rachel Weisz as Lipstadt, Timothy Spall as Irving, and Tom Wilkinson and Andrew Scott as Lipstadts legal team: barrister Richard Rampton and solicitor Anthony Julius. Lipstadt sat down for a chat about the new film  and the surprisingly timely reverberations of the old case.

Q: Is there anything in the zeitgeist today  perhaps as it relates to some of the more outlandish things that are being said by a certain presidential candidate  that might explain why we are seeing a movie about this 16-year-old case?

A: I think there is something in the zeitgeist, but its something totally fortuitous, in the sense of by chance. When we first knew that the film would be shot last year, no one thought it would have any relevance. By late December, early January, it was clear that it did. But its not just about Trump.

Q: Yet you wrote an opinion piece this summer titled Is Donald Trumps Inadvertent Anti-Semitism Worse Than the Real Thing?

A:What I want to say about this, because Ive been asked about this by a lot of people, is that it would be a mistake to see the timeliness of this film strictly in terms of the American presidential election. Think about the 9/11 conspiracy theories  that there were bombs planted in the World Trade Center; that it was an inside job; that 3,000 Jews were called the night before and told to stay home from work. Or Brexit. Michael Gove, [former] minister of education in [former U.K. prime minister David] Camerons cabinet and a great supporter of Brexit, when asked to name an economist who supported Brexit, said, I think people in this country have had enough of experts. Sandy Hook was a hoax. Vaccines cause autism.

Q: Are people simply getting more credulous?

A: I dont know. I couldnt function without the Internet. Its my research, my keeping up with contemporary affairs. But people who have a crazy idea over here and a crazy idea over there can now find each other. And they can be very active and seem like theyre many. The other thing is the postmodern idea that there are two sides to every issue. There are not two sides to every issue. You can argue why the Holocaust happened, but not that it happened.

Q: As Daniel Patrick Moynihan said, You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts. Does that explain it?

A: You have facts, opinions and lies. What you have in Holocaust denial  in Sandy Hook, 9/11, vaccines, Brexit  is lies being presented as opinion, and then migrating over to facts. Its racism, anti-Semitism, birtherism presenting themselves as legitimate ideas. Birthers say, We want to know where he was born. How come nobody asks that of George W. Bush or Bill Clinton? Its racism. Its those -isms being mainstreamed.

Q: In the film, Irvings Achilles heel is shown to be his inflated ego, which your legal team exploits in order to get him to agree to a trial by judge, because of the cases complexity. Was he really that narcissistic?

A: We knew that Irving had a massive ego, and we played to that ego to get him to agree to a single judge. Not that we were afraid of going to a jury, but we wanted a judge whose intellect we could depend on.

Q: The film highlights the differences between the United States and Britain, both in law and temperament. Rachel Weiszs portrayal comes across as a person trying hard not to explode. Was it hard to go along with the buttoned-up approach of your legal team?

A: In my family, the lore is that my first sentence was Me do it. Im an academic. I decide what I want to teach. I decide what Im going to write about. I work by myself in my study. The movie is very accurate in its depiction of my frustration.

Q: What was at stake here, besides money?

A: If Irving had won, he could have declared damages to his reputation. And because the British and American legal systems are so close, American courts are often willing to enforce British legal decisions. But there was a bigger issue. Had he won, he could have said, Deborah Lipstadt called me a Holocaust denier. I am not a Holocaust denier. Ipso facto, my version of the Holocaust is correct. That would have been a devastating defeat  for history.

Q: Would the outcome have been the same if you had simply not defended yourself against these ridiculous charges? Could he have won by default?

A: Thats exactly right. If that had happened, the thought of looking a survivor in the eye was personally devastating. But back to the forensic Deborah and the emotional Deborah, Im not always so emotional, but I started feeling very alone and threatened. Anthony and Richard  both of whom felt about this case tremendously  started from forensics. I sort of moved to understand their perspective by the end. They were right. And it isnt that they came to understand the emotion but that they became much more willing to express that emotion. The night of the verdict, Richard went to dinner with a couple of the other people involved in the case. As they were standing on the street after dinner, he broke into tears. He wept.

Q: Where is that emotion in the film? On screen, we only see him refuse to shake Irvings hand after the verdict.

A: That actually happened. It was an expression of contempt. Contempt for what this man did to history, contempt for his duplicitousness, contempt for his anti-Semitism.

Q: Did you ever think it was an open-and-shut case?

A: I never thought it would be simple, because I had worked on deniers. But I thought Ill bring a couple of quotes that hes made, and well show them to the judge. Anthony, whos a meticulous lawyer and a meticulous intellect, said, No, were not going to do that. Were not going to depend on the court to recognize the significance of such statements as Im going to sink the battleship Auschwitz and More women died on the back seat of Edward Kennedys car at Chappaquiddick than ever died in a gas chamber in Auschwitz. Were going to follow the footnotes. It was an exercise in historical investigation.

Q: Isnt that a very granular approach?

A: Yes, but on a granular level, where the grains had huge implications. We werent looking for Oh, you made a little mistake here and there. Irving said he had a document that says Hitler woke up on Kristallnacht  woke up in the middle of the night  and found out what happened and said, Stop the madness. Irving cited a telex that went out. If you look at the telex, what the telex said was Arson against Jewish shops and the like is to be halted. The reason that order went out is that they were setting fire to Jewish shops, to synagogues, Jewish old age homes, etc., and whole city blocks of non-Jewish institutions were being destroyed. Fire doesnt know where to stop.

Q: How has Holocaust denial changed since the 2000 trial?

A: I describe the kind of Holocaust denial we had to fight as hardcore denial. That kind of denial has diminished, except perhaps in the Muslim world. In terms of the Western world, what you have more of now is what I call softcore denial. Not denial of the facts, but someone saying, Im so tired of hearing about the Holocaust.

Q: Is that more or less pernicious than the other kind?

A: Its more pernicious. Ill use a very high-class, academic word: Its squishier. Its harder to pin down. There are no footnotes you can follow. The anti-politically correct movement, the I-can-say-whatever-I-want attitude of today  I think it all ties together.

Q: Whats the takeaway or message of the film?

A: Good films dont have messages. Thats a documentary  or a bad film. The takeaway, for me, is that there are facts, there are opinions and there are lies. And they are different things. We live in a world of post-factualism. You cant fight every battle, but there are certain battles that you cant turn away from.

Denial (PG-13, 110 minutes). At area theaters.
In its first two years, D.C.-based record label 1432 R has stood out for its ethos and its ear, but also for a more curious reason. Even though 1432 R takes its name from a District street address, its catalogue is dominated by music from more than 7,000 miles away  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Launched in summer 2014, 1432 R has released nine records, almost all featuring Addis Ababa-based producers Mikael Seifu and Endeguena Mulu; one is by Ethiopian American co-founder Dawit Eklund. Their music seamlessly brings together house music grooves, the stutter of U.K. garage, an uneasy electronic ambience, and  perhaps most notably  Ethiopian folk music.

Ethiopian music is super distinct, Eklund, 26, says. There are only four or five musical scales that they play in; each has its own meaning and attitude and mood. What has caught the attention of listeners around the world is how they are drawing from this classical and traditional sound and coupling it with electronic sounds, crafting music that is unique, inventive and emotionally resonant.

The music also explores the flip side of a decades-old issue: the musical exchange between Africa and the West. Electronic music sampling African sounds was nothing new, Eklund says. Techno and house for the longest time have been sampling West African music because its drum-based, but sampling the melodies of traditional Ethiopian music is much less common.

Almost as old as Western appropriation are critiques of such appropriation, often made by Westerners. At a certain point, being African, its kind of frustrating that thats always the case, Eklund laments. On top of that, the Western media are covering that aspect of [sampling indigenous cultures], and its almost doubly embarrassing: Somebody is taking from you, and defending your case for you.

Mulu agrees. I think there are a lot of misconceptions still about music that comes out of Africa in general, the 29-year-old says, via Skype, from Addis Ababa. I dont know how exactly people listen to my music, but I would most certainly love it if it was organic without any stereotypical thoughts in the back of their minds.

Turning the tables, Seifu and Mulu offer an African perspective on the electronic dance music of the West. With a new and modern Africa, this sort of exchange levels the playing field: You can take from us, and we can take from you, were all on the same planet, Eklund says. Its not this charity thing  we need to protect tribal peoples  its definitely a pride point, it feels really good.

Its more of a give-and-take than just a take, 1432 R co-founder Sami Yenigun says.

That give-and-take is key to 1432 Rs entire operation. Co-run by D.C. residents Eklund, Yenigun and Joyce Lim, 1432 R is a passion project for the three music obsessives.

At the beginning of the joint venture, Eklund, the son of an Ethiopian mother and an American father, reached out to Seifu, with whom he had bonded over music-making while attending high school in Addis Ababa.

Seifus music was so impressive that the three knew they were on to something new and exciting, and it reinforced their decision to start a label; 1432 R had suddenly uncovered a pipeline to a world of Ethiopian electronic music that no one was paying attention to, Lim, 27, says, and we couldnt find a single sound in the entire world that sounded close to it.

This is a specific sound that I havent encountered before, says Andrew Field-Pickering, co-founder of D.C. label Future Times, who advised the 1432 R principals to launch a label. [There is a] pretty high wow factor when listening to these records.

In delivering that sound to a global audience, the label has tried to keep the connection between artist and listener as pure as possible. They have provided minimal touches when it comes to the music, limiting their input to the technical (how many songs fit on each side of the record) and the business-minded (helping assemble cohesive records). Everything weve put out so far, weve given zero [musical] feedback, Yenigun, 28, maintains. We will talk with the artist about ordering, but not like up the drums or anything.

Seifu, 29, describes working with 1432 R as a brilliant experience.

I couldnt have asked for a better environment as an up-and-coming artist, he says. They are so supportive, and they really let me go all out with what I was doing; thats really commendable.

The principals of 1432 R have grown as artists, as well. As the labels in-house designer, Lim finds herself using her art history degree in a way she didnt expect. Her black-and-white, organic-meets-inorganic cover art reimagines Ethiopian folk art as digital geometry. With every single piece Ive done, Ive started with the musician first, and asked what they want this to say, and then move backwards from there, Lim explains.

The artwork is truly striking on the labels vinyl records (the music is also available digitally). We want to reach people everywhere that they are; we want this music heard by as many people as possible. There is a world that only pays attention to vinyl, Yenigun says. We knew that if it was in physical record stores it would reach a target audience that would connect with this music.

The fact that Seifu and Mulus music is unlike anything on the market will also appeal to a certain audience. Ethiopian music has sort of been this dead relic or whatever since Ethiopian jazz sort of ended, Eklund says. Its a record people will want to have, especially for collectors, because Ethiopian jazz has already been in vogue, and this picks up and continues that.

Connecting Ethiopian musics past and present is especially interesting in the District, which boasts the largest Ethiopian population in the United States. When Im on Ninth and U Street, hanging out with my Ethiopian friends, theyve all heard this stuff, and they love it, Eklund says. A lot of the great Ethiopian jazz musicians came here in the 70s and 80s and became cabdrivers.

On the other side of the world, Seifu and Mulu are the leading edge of an Ethiopian electronic scene in Addis Ababa. Last year, online music portal Beatport described the city as ready to rule dance music. The designation might be premature  Seifu describes the scene as a work in progress, and Mulu doesnt know if the city is a destination quite yet. Theres a lot more work to be done: the infrastructure is not there yet, the culture is not here just yet. I find the nightlife very limited, but its getting better.

As for electronic dance music in Washington, the 1432 R crew is at the center of their own scene. All of a sudden there are a bunch of people into really good records [and] open about what the boundaries can be, Yenigun says. There are really open ears and open minds for what can work on the dance floor.

I always hear people complain [that] D.C. is not cool and I feel like it always says way more about them than it does about D.C., Yenigun says. Youre not paying attention: Its happening, you just have to know where to look for it.
China starts repairing Kerung road

Chinese authority has been closing the Rasuwgadhi-Kerung road 12 hours daily for maintenance.
The Stop Online Booking Scams Act of 2016 would require third-party booking sites to prominently notify users that they arent associated with a hotels website before charging their credit cards. (iStock)

The hotel industry is celebrating a big win after the recent introduction of the Stop Online Booking Scams Act of 2016 in the Senate.

Its a good bill, says Rosanna Maietta, a spokeswoman for the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), which has been pushing for the legislation. Shes right. Its a good bill  especially for the hotel industry.

The proposed law requires third-party booking sites to prominently notify users that they arent associated with a hotels website before charging their credit cards. A House version of the same bill was introduced earlier this year.

Third-party booking sites often provide legitimate reservation services, and selling a hotel stay through one is not against the law, but hotels dont like it because they lose money on reservations that arent made directly through the hotel. Complicating the issue, some third-party booking sites intentionally mimic hotel websites to charge prices higher than those charged by the actual hotel. And a small percentage of third-party booking sites have committed flat-out fraud, posing as hotels to sell consumers nonexistent reservations. Hotels claim that these practices affect some 15 million hotel bookings a year, creating $1.3 billion worth of what AHLA terms bad bookings  involving some flaw, as a result of which hotel guests are dissatisfied or inconvenienced.

[A pending bill would prohibit retribution for negative TripAdvisor and Yelp reviews]

Just one small problem: I havent received any recent complaints about fraudulent third-party bookings, and neither have any other advocates I know. But its no secret that hotels want to capture more market share through direct bookings.

Recent surveys by the social polling company Winq suggest that consumers worry about an entirely different set of issues  ones that the hotel industry seems to be uninterested in addressing legislatively. For example, almost 7 in 10 people surveyed said they believe that hotel resort fees should be illegal.

Even Consumer Watchdog, an advocacy organization based in Santa Monica, Calif., and one of the only consumer groups to support the Stop Online Booking Scams Act, says other issues are more important to hotel guests.

Id like to see something that does away with these outrageous resort fees, says John Simpson, the groups privacy project director. For consumers, thats a much more important issue.

Mandatory resort fees, which normally cover amenities that were previously included in the prices of hotel rooms, such as the use of an exercise facility or business center, have been a long-standing irritant for hotel guests. The average resort fee is $19.66 per night, up about 8 percent from the beginning of the year, according to the website Resortfeechecker.com. Since the beginning of 2016, the number of hotels charging a mandatory fee of $30 or more has ballooned from 142 properties to 172.

The Truth in Hotel Advertising Act of 2016, introduced earlier this year by Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), would prohibit hotels from advertising room rates that dont include all mandatory fees. The bill also gives the Federal Trade Commission the authority to enforce the prohibition, and state attorneys general the power to bring a civil action in federal court against violators. But faced with the opposition of powerful lodging industry interests that benefit from charging these fees, the fate of that legislation remains uncertain.

[There may be an end in sight for controversial  and often invisible  resort fees]

Of course, the issue of price disclosure is not limited to the hotel industry. In the airline industry, for example, legislators are pushing for clearer disclosure of all taxes, fees and extras. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) recently asked the administration to clarify existing regulations and compel airlines to make the comparison process easier. Some airlines, they note, appear to be taking steps to restrict consumer access to fare and schedule information.

Travelers who shop online for hotels face similar obstacles and routinely complain about prices that arent fully disclosed until the final booking screen. There is no legislative effort underway to force transparency on the hotel industry, although guests would certainly benefit from it.

Winq surveys also indicate that 89 percent of users want the hotel industry to have a 24-hour refund rule, similar to the one that the Transportation Department mandated for airlines. Andy Abramson, a frequent traveler who runs a communication company in Los Angeles, thinks too many hotel guests find themselves trapped in reservations jail after booking a cheap rate online, only to learn that its nonrefundable. When they cancel, the hotel gets to keep their money, he says.

Abramson and other travelers who have contacted me to complain about this issue say the system could be fairer, offering an immediate refund within 24 hours of a reservation, a partial refund after that and a full refund if the room is resold. Theres no planned legislation on lodging-reservation refunds, but I receive plenty of complaints about refund policies that favor the hotel.

[Hotels are happy to accommodate guest requests  up to a point]

Bills that would kill resort fees, force properties to disclose all their fees upfront or offer no-questions-asked refunds within 24 hours of making a reservation are unlikely to sail through Congress, as they would cost the hotel industry real money. And so we have the Stop Online Booking Scams Act.

Maietta, the AHLA spokeswoman, says the law will do more good than Im giving it credit for. It would stop the consumer guessing game of if a hotel site is legitimate, she says.

If the bill passes, it will be a necessary first step in cleaning up the online hotel-reservation business . But theres more work to be done  much more.

Elliott is a consumer advocate, journalist and co-founder of the advocacy group Travelers United. Email him at chris@elliott.org.


The delectable offerings at Yom Tov Deli in Tel Avivs Levinsky Market have an old-school touch. (Sylvie Bigar)

Thats all youre eating, cherie? You crazy? shrieks Julie Ozen, bracelets dangling, gray hair high in a tight bun. Shes not my grandma, but she might as well be. On my plate, todays specials include artichoke hearts and figs stuffed with beef in a lemon and mint sauce, whole beets cradling a mix of rice, lentils and nuts, and plump fish balls  a sampling of the Egyptian dishes her mother taught her back in Cairo. A few streets away, the seductive tangy aroma of hawayej, a Yemenite spice mix used to jazz up soup and pastries, woos diners into a simple eatery. Across the alley, local hipsters line up for a stool at an outdoor Venezuelan arepa bar.

In Tel Aviv visiting my sister Brigitte, I am at the Carmel Market, stunned by this place where languages, cultures and culinary specialties coexist within steps of each other.





Tel Aviv is the secular center of Israel, said Gil Hovav, a consultant on Israels Top 100 Ethnic Restaurants, a free e-book published by the nonprofit organization World Jewish Heritage Fund. That may be the most surprising feature for first-time travelers who expect to find what they call Jewish food, meaning kosher Eastern European cuisine.

Indeed, there was nothing remotely kosher in the flaky pastry called kouign amann, which was dripping with salted butter when we savored it during Passover at Da Da & Da, the new French brasserie on the first floor of the Institut Francais.

Its even tough to find a great chicken soup, said World Jewish Heritage Fund founder Jack Gottlieb. People come to Tel Aviv for fusion and creativity.

Both were in evidence at Oasis, an eatery built around a 200-year-old olive tree, where California native Rima Olvera darts around her small open kitchen, molding whatever ingredients had landed in the kitchen that day into dishes she files under destinations. One evening, she took me to Rome via a zucchini carpaccio drizzled with truffle oil; to Hong Kong with fried chilies stuffed with shrimp and ground pork served with Lapsang Souchong tea jam and sticky rice; and to Brussels through dark cocoa fettuccine.

Israelis have no roots, no tomorrow, theyre completely free, said Eyal Shani, the Israeli celebrity chef who runs nine restaurants, including pita temples in Vienna and Paris. I cant import food culture, I can only forge my own based on the best local ingredients. He reveres tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, olive oil, fresh fish and lamb, adhering easily to the common currency of the Mediterranean diet.

But some of the best food I tasted in Tel Aviv was rooted in tradition: moist grape leaves delicately wrapped by Yom Tov Levi, 93, who learned his craft in Istanbul in the 1940s before moving to Israel and relocating his Yom Tov Deli to the Levinsky Market near the Central Bus Station. Curious about the tanginess of the green olives, I begged the current owners, Levis grandsons Eitan and Yomi, for the pickling recipe, but all I got was, Its an old one, a very old one.

The brothers dont live in the past, though.

They recently opened Gela, Israels first all-vegan ice cream shop. (Nearly 5 percent of Israelis are vegan.)



The 12-salad appetizer is a specialty of restaurant Haj Kahil, which is situated near the sea. (Sylvie Bigar)

Julie Ozen is the chef-owner of Julies, an Egyptian restaurant in the Carmel Market. (Sylvie Bigar)

Trends seem to rise and fade quickly in Tel Aviv. French bistros have sprouted everywhere, Georgian cuisine has become a thing and many chefs choose the pop-up route to test new concepts.

While I was there, Yuval Fachler had moored his Californian-Mediterranean cuisine at Salva Vida in the Brown Hotel while Eran Zino anchored his eight-day pop-up restaurant in Jaffa, where his gluten-free fare sold out in a matter of minutes, perhaps thanks to the best gluten-free schnitzel I have ever tasted.

Its the age of specialization, said Jonathan Borowitz, chef at M25, the meat-centric restaurant owned by the crew behind the new Meat Market. I will probably crave the grass-fed beef I gnawed there for the rest of my life, but Borowitzs talent goes way beyond grilling. A green salad reminded me of the work of French chef Michel Bras. With mixed greens, you have to imagine youre a rabbit and make the kind of salad you want to jump into, Borowitz said, laughing.

A server shows off the gluten-free schnitzel at Eran Zino's pop-up restaurant in Jaffa. (Sylvie Bigar)

I strolled on the boardwalk along the crowded beach to the arrhythmic beat of matkot, the paddleball game that has taken over Israels beaches. Turning my back on the gleaming skyscrapers, I headed to Jaffa, the ancient walled town where the city originated.

Seems everyone in Israel harbors a favorite hummus joint, but there was consensus that Jaffas Ali Caravan (a.k.a. Abu Hassan) was a sure bet. It took a while to walk there from the water , and even longer to get a table, but the chickpea puree was smooth, nutty and deeply satisfying.

Back near the sea, I was reminded of Morocco at Haj Kahil, with its Arab cuisine with a Galilee touch, and the 12 different salads served as an appetizer. The carrots were more tangy, the labne (strained yogurt) a tad more sour and the baba ghanouj more fluffy than any I had tried.

Among the champions of the new Israeli cuisine, Meir Adoni, of Moroccan descent, seemed to epitomize yet another trend: After traveling the world and coming back to Israel, he has found inspiration from his roots  both at his casual eateries and at his fine dining restaurants. I think of my grandmothers culinary heritage and build on it as the base for my creativity, he said.

At Mizlala, his casual eatery near the Great Synagogue, a croissant revealed fried calf brains and eggplant stew, a delicious combination.

Tel Aviv may be the secular center of Israel, where so much takes place in the street (art, food, social life) but on Friday night, even hipsters and food maniacs go home to Moms for a traditional Shabbat dinner. The town shut down suddenly, so I headed to the elegant Montefiore Hotel, where a happy buzz accompanied creative cocktails and Vietnamese- accented French cuisine.

But that night, I craved a different kind of fare. I walked through the empty streets to my sisters apartment, where she was hosting a potluck dinner. On my plate later, I savored falafel, friendship and family. And that was the taste of home.

Bigar, who is on Twitter as @frenchiefoodie, is a food and travel writer based in New York.

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Walk With Me: The Trials of Damon J. Keith tells the story of the federal judge, who was first appointed to the U.S. District Court in Detroit in 1967 and whose rulings made him an icon of the civil rights movement. (Overseas Cowboy Films, Ford Motor Company, DTE Energy)

Walk With Me: The Trials of Damon J. Keith tells the story of the federal judge, who was first appointed to the U.S. District Court in Detroit in 1967 and whose rulings made him an icon of the civil rights movement. (Overseas Cowboy Films, Ford Motor Company, DTE Energy)

Long before federal judge Damon Keith became known as a crusader for justice, he was a new Howard University School of Law graduate working as a janitor while he studied for the bar exam.

It was 1949, and Keith cleaned the bathrooms at the Detroit News, his hometown newspaper. One day, Keith recalled, he was leaning against a wall in the mens room with a law dictionary in his hands when he was interrupted.

What are you reading? a white reporter asked him.

Keith, the grandson of slaves and a World War II veteran, told the reporter he was studying the law dictionary to prepare for the bar exam.

What for? the man asked.

At 94, Damon Keith still serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. Last month, he attended a screening of a new documentary about his life at Howard University School of Law. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

Im going to be a lawyer, Keith responded.

The reporter laughed.

A black lawyer? he asked incredulously. You better keep on mopping.

Keith, now 94 and still serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit in Detroit, recounted that story two weeks ago in a Howard University moot courtroom, where students, lawyers, his former clerks and a Supreme Court nominee gathered to watch a new documentary about his life, Walk With Me: The Trials of Damon J. Keith.

The following day, the legendary judge sat in the front row as President Obama and black luminaries from across the country celebrated the opening of the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Keith, one of the oldest federal jurists in the country, has been handing down important rulings on racial discrimination, presidential power and other contentious legal issues for nearly 50 years. And he shows no signs of retiring. Hes at his chambers each day by 9 a.m., where the first thing he does is read his Bible, he said. He works until about 5:30 pm.

Last month, he issued a scathing 38-page dissent in an Ohio voting rights case, accusing two colleagues on the 6th Circuit Court of turning their backs on African American voters likely to be affected by restrictions on early and absentee voting. He included photos and biographies of 36 people who died during the long struggle for civil rights and equal protection, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Emmett Till.

Damon Keith and his legal mentor Thurgood Marshall in an undated family photo. Marshall, the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court, was Keiths professor at Howard law school. (Family photo)

By denying the most vulnerable the right to vote, he wrote, the Majority shuts minorities out of our political process. Rather than honor the men and women whose murdered lives opened the doors of our democracy and secured our right to vote, the Majority has abandoned this courts standard of review in order to conceal the votes of the most defenseless behind the dangerous veneers of factual findings lacking support and legal standards lacking precedent.

He also warned, The unfettered right to vote is the bedrock of a free and democratic society  without it, such a society cannot stand.

Then he created even more of a stir by giving an interview to Slate lamenting the racist attitude of the majority and mentioning his two colleagues on the panel, John Rogers and Danny Boggs.

He doesnt apologize for calling them out by name.

I thought the panels decision was racist, he told The Washington Post. He noted that his grandparents couldnt vote in Georgia. His fellow judges, he said, dont know what weve gone through. They dont know what Ive gone through.

Keith learned the power of the law  and of dissent  when he was a student at Howard, where future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall was one of his professors.

[Thurgood Marshalls interracial love: I dont care what people think. Im marrying you]

Thurgood would say, When you finish Howard Law, I want you to use the law as a means for social change,  Keith recalled. He used to tell us in class, Equal justice under the law was written by white men.  Marshall urged his students to make the country live up to its words.

That is what Ive tried to do in my lifetime, said Keith, who was appointed to the federal bench in 1967 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and promoted to the appeals court by President Jimmy Carter about a decade later.

In 1970, Keith ordered citywide busing in Pontiac, Mich., to help integrate the citys schools  a ruling that prompted death threats against him and intense resistance by some white parents. In August 1971, 10 school buses in Pontiac were firebombed by members of the Ku Klux Klan.

But Keith refused to back down. I dont scare easily, he said.

A year after the busing decision, Keith issued a ruling in a housing discrimination case against the city of Hamtramck, ordering officials to rebuild houses of black people that it had demolished. (The city called the demolishment program urban renewal, one of the residents said in the documentary, adding, We called it Negro removal.)

Although Hamtramck appealed, the judges order eventually prevailed, and the houses were rebuilt.

One of Keiths most famous rulings came in 1971, when he told President Richard Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell that the administration could not wiretap telephones of citizens without a warrant. That ruling, United States v. Sinclair, became known as the Keith Decision. In response, Nixon sued Keith personally.

I had to hire my own lawyer, Keith remembered. President Nixon and Mitchell fought that all the way to the Supreme Court. They lost.

Keith faced down another presidential administration in 2002. In the case of Detroit Free Press v. Ashcroft, the appeals court ruled that President George W. Bush could not conduct deportation hearings of terrorism suspects in secret.

Democracies die behind closed doors, Keith wrote in the courts opinion.

Keith grew up in Detroit, where his father worked at the Ford Motor Co. for $5 a day. The pay was good, but the conditions were brutal. No union. No sick days. No vacation days, Keith said. I used to see my father coming home with scars on his face from the heat.

[He tried to check out a Robert E. Lee book from the library. He got jailed instead.]

He said his father told him: I never want you to work in a factory like I have to. I want you to get an education. We want you to make something of yourself and finish college.

He did and married a woman, Rachel Boone, who was just as accomplished as he was. She was completing her medical residency at a Detroit hospital when they met, and she worked as a doctor while they raised three daughters. The couple were married for 53 years before her death in 2007.

The 90-minute documentary about Keith, directed by Jesse Nesser, chronicles his life and landmark rulings. Among those who watched the film at Howard: Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, the chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The moot courtroom where it was screened will be named in Keiths honor, said one of his former clerks, Claude Bailey, who called the judge a crusader for justice.

Many of Keiths clerks went on to prominent positions themselves, including Harvard Law School professor Lani Guinier; Judge Eric L. Clay, who now serves on the 6th Circuit with Keith; former Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm (D); and Rashad Hussain, who serves as Obamas special envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Keith reminded his audience at Howard that racism and discrimination remain a stubborn part of the American landscape.

He recalled an incident that occurred in Williamsburg, Va., the site of an annual judicial conference. More than 350 federal judges had gathered at the College of William & Mary. It was the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Keith had been appointed by then-Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist as national chairman of the bicentennial celebration.

During a break in the conference, Keith walked outside.

A white man drove up, he remembered, and said, Boy, park my car. 

Keith paused. More than 40 years had passed since a white reporter in a restroom laughed at Keiths aspirations to be a lawyer.

Despite all of his accomplishments, the judge said, this man saw a black face and assumed he was a parking attendant. Why could he not see my face and say, This is a man who discovered the cure for cancer? It is an incident that takes place all the time. But you dont become bitter. I always tell people, One person can make a difference. 

His life proves it.
Gov. Larry Hogan continues to earn high marks from Marylanders, including for his outspoken disavowal of GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, according to a new Washington Post-University of Maryland poll. But Hogans party is viewed more negatively than it was a year ago in the heavily Democratic state, where Trump is overwhelmingly unpopular.

Hogans 71 percent approval rating  up five points since this spring and 10 points from a year ago  is a record for the first-term Republican, who continues to enjoy wide backing among the white Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents who were key to his surprise 2014 victory.

The Post-U-Md. poll finds that 75 percent of Marylanders approve of Hogans rejection of Trump, including 3 out of 4 political independents and more than 9 in 10 Democrats. Republicans are split on the question, with 43 percent approving and 47 percent disapproving of Hogans decision not to vote for or endorse his partys nominee.

[The conventions in Cleveland, but Hogans eating crabs on the Eastern Shore]

Dominic Dixon, 25, a registered Libertarian Party member who leans Democratic, said that he is a big fan of Hogan because he gets stuff done but that he would have lost total respect for the governor if he had backed Trump.





Donald Trump is a joke, said Dixon, 25, who lives in Baltimore County and plans to vote for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

The poll finds that 63 percent of Marylanders have an unfavorable impression of the Republican Party, a number that has climbed from 51 percent last fall. Democrats have a net positive image statewide, with 51 percent of residents seeing the party favorably and 37 percent unfavorably, similar to 2015.

Michael Hanmer, an associate professor at the University of Maryland and research director of its Center for American Politics and Citizenship, which co-sponsored the survey, said that by distancing himself from Trump, Hogan continued the theme of his 2014 campaign as an outsider who was willing to stand for his own positions, a stance, he said, that plays well in the blue state.

Hogans popularity has soared from 48 percent to 66 percent in the past year among Marylanders who have an unfavorable view of the Republican Party overall, the poll finds.

And while less than half of Republicans approve of Hogans refusal to support Trump, more than 6 in 10 say their partys leaders should speak out against the real estate mogul when they disagree with him.

[Read full results of The Washington Post-University of Maryland poll]

The issue has done little to damage Hogans reputation among fellow partisans, with nearly 9 in 10 Republicans approving of his performance as governor, little changed from a poll earlier this year.





Crystal Ellis, a Republican from Baltimore County who supports Hogan and Trump, said they are apples and oranges; you cant compare the two. She said everyone has the right to their opinions, including Hogan in deciding not to vote for the GOP nominee.

Sandy Tyree, 67, a Democratic-leaning independent from Dundalk in Baltimore County, said she likes the way Hogan confronts problems and takes action, and she was impressed by his decision to shut down the troubled mens facility at the Baltimore jail.

Everybody ignored it; he shut it down, Tyree said. He caught my attention with that one action, and then he went through cancer treatment. I really respect that man.

Tyree said she was a registered Republican until about 2000. Now, she says, because of Trump and others, she is ashamed that I was ever associated with the Republican Party.

But she said that Hogan is different from the rest of his party and that he has her support until he screws up.

The governors popularity does not appear to be helping the candidate he endorsed for Marylands open U.S. Senate seat, Del. Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County). Szeliga, the House minority whip, trails the Democratic nominee, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D), by a 2-to-1 margin among likely voters, 58 to 29 percent.

[In lopsided race, Szeliga tries to put Van Hollen on defense]

Stella Rouse, an associate professor and director of U-Md.s Center for American Politics and Citizenship, said Van Hollen is benefiting from his widespread name recognition, popularity and the fact that hes a Democrat in a state where registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans by a 2-to-1 margin.

The poll finds evidence that a significant share of Republicans in Maryland have reservations about Trump. While 71 percent of likely Republican voters support Trump, over 1 in 6 support Clinton, compared with just 1 in 20 Democrats who cross party lines to support Trump. Eight percent of Republicans peel off to support Libertarian Gary Johnson, compared with 1 percent of Democrats.

Overall, Clinton has a lead over Trump, 63 percent to 27 percent, among likely voters, substantially larger than President Obamas 26-point advantage over Republican Mitt Romney in Maryland four years ago.

Jeff Jordan, a 33-year-old Republican from Baltimore County, said he is considering voting for a third-party candidate, even though he would prefer to have a Republican president.

I just cant have that on my conscience, voting for [Clinton] or Trump, he said.

Although Hogan is popular now and a clear favorite in a reelection bid, the poll shows that many of his fans are not committed to voting for him for a second term.

A 46 percent plurality of registered voters say they would support Hogan if he ran for reelection, a figure much lower than his job-approval rating. A significantly smaller 30 percent say they would favor whoever becomes the Democratic nominee, and 22 percent have no opinion.

Former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) held a 55 percent approval rating with likely voters just two weeks before losing his 2006 reelection bid to then-Baltimore Mayor Martin OMalley (D).

Dale White, a Prince Georges County resident who usually votes Democratic, said she has been impressed with Hogan, even though he is a Republican, but would prefer to vote for a Democrat in 2018.

The poll finds that Hogans potential Democratic challengers are widely unknown across the state. More than 7 in 10 Maryland residents offer no opinion of Prince Georges County Executive Rushern Baker III, U.S. Rep. John Delaney and Baltimore County Executive Kevin B. Kamenetz, all considered possible Democratic gubernatorial candidates. More than 6 in 10 have no opinion of state Comptroller Peter Franchot, whose name has also been mentioned.

Kourosh Farshadfar, 51, of Gaithersburg noted that while he supports what Hogan has done so far, the gubernatorial election is still two years away.

It depends who it is and how much Hogan has done for the state, the Democratic-leaning independent said when asked whether he would support the Democratic nominee or knew any of the Democrats considering challenging Hogan. At the end of the day, what he does speaks for him. But he has the upper hand; hes the incumbent.

The Washington Post-University of Maryland poll was conducted Sept. 27 to Sept. 30 among a random sample of 906 Maryland adults reached on cellular and landline phones, conducted in partnership with the universitys Center for American Politics and Citizenship. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for overall results.

Josh Hicks and Emily Guskin contributed to this report.


Clay Tumey is pictured near his home in Forney, Texas. (Dylan Hollingsworth/For The Washington Post)

Clay Tumey visited his Texas bank to make a withdrawal, but he left with a discovery that convinced him of one thing: He could rob banks and probably get away with it.

The flash came a decade ago after he glimpsed blurry photos of himself captured by the branchs surveillance system. He figured that no stranger would be able to identify him from such poor images.

Tumey was no criminal at that time, but the insight started him on a path to carrying out a string of bank robberies. Yet, asked whether he would commit the same crimes today, Tumey was unequivocal. In short, he said the crime no longer pays.

Social media scares the hell out of me, Tumey said. I just dont want to have a security camera shot of my face all over social media. Its too easy to get caught. Theres a lot of easier ways to make the same amount of money.

Bank robbery may be the quintessential American crime, immortalized in screaming headlines and Hollywood movies, but it is fading like those grainy old newsreels of Bonnie and Clyde and John Dillinger.

Bank heists have fallen about as fast as any other crime, dropping almost 60 percent in the past quarter century, according to FBI statistics. And robbers are getting away with less and less loot.





FBI numbers show the average take has dwindled by nearly half over the past 10 years to just $6,500. Thats more like trading in a used VW Jetta than scoring a payday that might fund an extended stay on a tropical island.

When you factor in the FBIs calculation that bank robbers are caught in greater numbers than any other criminals except killers, experts say smart thieves are coming to the conclusion that the risks now outweigh the rewards.

Gone are the days when bank robbers were the aristocrats of the underworld, when many became household names, and some were even celebrated in song as Robin Hood-like folk heroes for bold and daring heists.

Bank robbery is now largely a crime of the desperate, said Gerald C. Clark, a former FBI agent and now an assistant professor of criminal justice at Gannon University in Erie, Pa. Todays bank robber is the person who needs money now or the drug user looking to get that instant high, he said.

The story of the decline of a crime that has gripped the public imagination like no other mirrors Tumeys own career as a robber  a brash beginning, a pivotal moment and an ignominious end.

A surge in robberies

Tumeys life was unraveling.

The year was 2005. He was depressed. His marriage was failing. And he was angry with his family for opposing his dreams of becoming a professional poker player, so he lashed out.

Tumey decided to withdraw a $26,000 certificate of deposit that was in his and his mothers names without telling his parents. When they noticed it was gone, Tumey hinted to them that someone had stolen his identity and withdrawn the money.

That ruse quickly collapsed when the bank pulled up surveillance images of the withdrawals. Although his parents recognized him in the grainy photos, he was convinced that few others would have picked him out.

The observation would tug at the back of his mind for months.

Tumey was hardly the first to discover holes in bank security. For many years, experts said the banking industry had a secret: Despite billions of dollars sitting in vaults, security was often not as good as it might be.

Experts said there was a simple reason: cost.

Many banks calculated that it was cheaper to absorb the losses from a few heists every year than to outfit tens, hundreds or even thousands of branches with costly security measures, said Bill Rehder, a retired FBI agent who worked on bank robberies for three decades when he was with the agency.

But that calculation began to change in the mid-1990s, Rehder said. The nation was in the grips of the largest surge in bank robberies in decades, and Los Angeles, where Rehder worked, was ground zero. Rehder recalled that on one day alone, the metropolitan area had 28 bank robberies. Some were violent.

Spooked employees were leaving banks, and customers injured in heists were suing, Rehder said. Suddenly, robberies were costing banks much more. Rehder said the FBI and bank officials in the Los Angeles area met and determined that something had to be done.



Security camera footage captures a man wearing a Santa-style beard as he fired shots and robbed a PNC bank in Laurel, Md., on Dec. 21, 2013. (Laurel Police Department)

This undated security camera photo released by the FBI shows a serial bank robber whom authorities called the "Dreaded Bandit" because of the wig he used. (AP)

The banks put millions of dollars into security at their local branches, Rehder said. This spread across the country and became the industry standard.

The measures include the bulletproof bandit barriers for tellers that are common today, metal detectors at entrances and even mantraps, vestibules that can trap robbers until the police arrive. Experts said the security devices helped thwart robberies and limited the thieves hauls.

Tumey would begin his life of crime as this new era was taking hold.

All $50s and $100s

After the CD debacle, Tumey said he became obsessed with the idea of robbing banks. As a modern, aspiring criminal, he turned to Google, researching for months how bank robberies had failed.

One afternoon in April 2006, he was finally ready.

Tumey said he nodded at the receptionist as he walked into a branch of Chase Bank outside Dallas and got in line like any other customer. When it was his turn, he exchanged pleasantries with the teller and handed her an envelope.

On it, he had scrawled: Put all $50s and $100s in this envelope.

Tumey, who carried no weapon, said he saw one of the tellers hands move slightly to hit a panic button before she passed him an envelope filled with nearly $3,000 in cash. Tumey was worried, but said his research told him he would most likely be gone before anyone showed up.

Tumey walked calmly out of the bank, telling the same receptionist he saw on the way in to have a great day.

I had a 30-minute window when I was paranoid, Tumey said. I was looking for a news helicopter in the sky. I turned on local news. It wasnt even on the local news. Once I realized it was that easy to do, it was a big rush.



Clay Tumey poses in front of American National Bank in Rockwall, Texas. He robbed it in 2006. (Dylan Hollingsworth/For The Washington Post)

Tumey said he replaced a friends stolen car stereo and paid anothers bills with the cash. After a week or two, the money was gone. He would soon hit another bank, he said, trying to fill the void in his life with that rush.

Law enforcement did not catch Tumey, but its ability to catch the crooks was becoming better on a number of fronts, said Stephen Richardson, assistant director of the Criminal Investigative Division of the FBI, in a statement.

Law enforcement deterrents include the investigative use of technology and advancement in forensic science to successfully arrest and prosecute bank robbers, as well as the strong partnerships formed with local police departments, the statement read. This recipe has proven valuable in the combined efforts to thwart bank robberies.

Sharper images from improved security cameras have made it possible for law enforcement to put out better photos of perpetrators, and social media has given them greater reach to put those images in front of the public. Last month, the FBI released an app that allows users to scroll through photos and information about wanted bank robbers across the nation.

Experts said old-fashioned bank robbery is also declining because thieves are finding more-profitable and less-risky ventures. Some are targeting ATMs, and others are turning to cybercrime, committing virtual heists from the comfort of their basements.

A 2015 IBM report listed the financial-services industry as the third most-targeted for cybercrime. The Internet security company Kaspersky Lab reported last year that a single hacker collective was able to steal about $1 billion from dozens of banks around the world, even ordering ATMs to spit out cash at set times to be collected by mules employed by the gang.

That one attack easily dwarfed the $26.3 million the FBI says was taken during the more-than 4,000 bank robberies in the United States in 2015. The proceeds from bank robbery are now so low that British economists calculated that the average robber is earning little more than the minimum wage.

The return on an average bank robbery is, frankly, rubbish, authors Barry Reilly, Neil Rickman and Robert Witt wrote in their study. A single bank raid, even a successful one, is not going to keep our would-be robber in a life of luxury. It is not going to keep him long in a life of any kind.

Tumey was thinking something similar around the time of his final robberies at the end of 2006. He just managed to escape one bank before employees locked the doors in an effort to trap him. Then he narrowly missed an officer who happened to be conducting a traffic stop nearby. The rush was gone.

Months after his last heist, Tumey turned himself in to authorities. He said he had just had a son and didnt want the threat of going to jail hanging over his head as his son aged.

Tumey pleaded guilty in federal court to three heists and served about three years in prison.

Robbing banks may no longer be as profitable, but Tumey has now found a new angle: Lecturing about robbing banks. He speaks to audiences about how he turned his life around, and he wrote a book. He said he regrets his crimes and wants others to learn from his mistakes.

I strongly discourage anyone from robbing a bank, Tumey said. If you want a thrill, go sky diving.
Authorities said they are reviewing procedures after a D.C. police supervisor did not send officers to accompany firefighters Tuesday en route to a woman who they believed posed a threat because she had been armed with a knife on a previous call.

Police immediately went to the womans house in Northeast Washington after firefighters arrived about 2:45 a.m. for a medical call and reported that she was again armed with a knife or pair of scissors. No one was injured; the woman was arrested and charged with assaulting a firefighter.

The incident was first reported by WRC-TV, which broadcast audio of the conversation between a firefighter on Engine 30 and the dispatcher, who said she was relying on instructions from a police supervisor.

A D.C. police spokeswoman, Margarita Mikhaylova, said that there was a miscommunication and that the police supervisor did not know the firefighter had referenced a possible weapon in the call he made while en route. She said that had the supervisor been aware of a possible weapon, it is most likely that police would have responded earlier.

Interim D.C. police chief Peter Newsham took to Twitter on Thursday to assure firefighters that backup requests will be answered. To our brothers and sisters of @dcfireems, we stand by to assist whenever you call, he wrote.

A spokesman for the D.C. fire department declined to comment. Officials at the Office of Unified Communications referred all questions to D.C. police. The president of the labor union representing firefighters did not return calls seeking comment.

According to the audio posted by WRC-TV and confirmed by District officials, a firefighter, while heading to the womans house, told a dispatcher: Can you start MPD en route . . . please? This is like our sixth run. Two runs ago she had a knife. Wed like to have them there. The dispatcher says to stand-by, then tells the firefighter: Affirmative, Engine 30. MPD is en route, okay?

A few minutes later, the firefighter asks when police might arrive. The dispatcher answers: No they dont have an ETA, Engine 30, okay? One should be there soon, okay?

Later, the firefighter, now on the scene of the call, again asks the dispatcher, Did you have any luck contacting MPD?

The dispatcher advises him to stand by, and the firefighter shouts, We need them here now!

The supervisor answers, They said officials advise theyre not coming back to that location.

The firefighter says: Okay, well, tell the supervisor she has a knife. . . . Shes threatened to kill us and herself. He then broadcast a 10-33 emergency alert over the radio, requesting urgent help from police, who quickly responded.

Police said in a statement that the woman had called 911 about a dozen times in 24 hours and each time had refused assistance from police and firefighters.

During the call for service in question, the individual sought [fire] assistance for a medical issue; there was no initial report of any weapon or threats, the police statement says. Once MPD was informed that the individual was making threats and possessed a weapon, MPD units arrived on scene within two minutes.
Federal prosecutors said a Potomac ophthalmologist engaged in wire fraud, took some investor money for his personal use, and lied to shareholders, potential buyers and the Internal Revenue Service about his struggling health-care technology business.

Sreedhar Potarazu, who runs McLean-based VitalSpring, is perhaps best known as a major donor to the Democratic National Committee. He also has a column on Fox Newss website.

Potarazu has given $167,000 to the DNC since 2015, according to Federal Election Commission data, as well as $26,000 to a joint fundraising committee for President Obama and the DNC. He also donated $2,700 to Hillary Clintons presidential campaign.

According to emails sent among DNC staffers that were leaked earlier this year, Potarazus family has contributed $332,250 to the Democratic Party.

In those emails, national finance director Jordan Kaplan argued that Potarazus spot next to Obama at a planned DNC event should instead go to New York philanthropist Philip Munger. Mid-Atlantic finance director Alexandra Shapiro pushed back.

Potarazu also gave $4,700 to Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio and $8,000 to political action groups supporting the Florida GOP senator. In his column on the Fox News site, Potarazu has repeatedly criticized the Affordable Care Act.

Potarazu appeared in U.S. District Court in Alexandria on Thursday afternoon, where U.S. Magistrate Judge Theresa C. Buchanan ordered him held until a detention hearing Friday. An attorney for Potarazu declined to comment.

[Gingrich, Daschle join VitalSpring advisory board]

VitalSpring aggregates and analyzes patient data from various sources. At one point, both former Senate majority leader Thomas A. Daschle (D-S.D.) and former House speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) were on its advisory board. From 2007 to at least 2013, according to court filings, the company operated at a loss. However, prosecutors said, Potarazu claimed to shareholders that the companys revenue was growing and that it had millions of dollars in cash reserves.

Potarazu also failed to pay more than $6 million in employment taxes and denied knowing about those liabilities when interviewed by IRS agents. He hid those tax liabilities from shareholders, according to the affidavit filed in federal court in Alexandria.

Authorities said Potarazu gave both shareholders and prospective buyers false financial records. He also lied to shareholders by telling them the company would soon be bought by a larger firm as a way of soliciting more investments, authorities said. And he used those investments to pay personal expenses, according to court documents.

One shareholder told the FBI he had invested $16 million in the company based on those false claims, authorities said.
A man was fatally shot Wednesday night in Northeast Washington in the Fort Lincoln area near the Maryland border, according to D.C. police.

The shooting occurred about 11:50 p.m. in the 3100 block of Berry Road NE, just off Bladensburg Road. Police said the victim, Timothy Lassister, 37, of Northeast, died at a hospital.

No arrests have been made, and police have not commented on a possible motive.
EC against revising draft bills for polls

The Election Commission has taken serious exception to the governments decision to revise various provisions in the three election-related bills that have been tabled in Parliament.
LANSDOWNE, VA - OCTOBER 6: LuAnn Bennett (D), L, and Northern Virginia Representative Barbara Comstock (R), R, greet one another following their first debate in the race for the Virginia 10th Congressional District hosted by the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce at the National Conference Center on Thursday, October, 6, 2016 in Lansdowne, VA. (photo by Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post) (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

During the first debate with her Democratic challenger Thursday, Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.) called herself an independent advocate for Northern Virginia in the Republican-controlled House, and never once uttered the name Donald Trump.

But Democrat LuAnn Bennett could not stop talking about Trump, hoping the GOP presidential candidate will sink down-ballot Republicans like Comstock and turn the 10th Congressional District seat blue for the first time in a generation.

Bennett, 63, worked Trump into her answers on the economy, climate change and immigration  a strategy that sometimes elicited chuckles from the crowd at the debate, which was hosted by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce.

Comstock, 57, who has neither endorsed nor repudiated Trump, prioritized transportation funding, defense spending and tax cuts, and she seized on former president Bill Clintons recent critique of the Affordable Care Act as the craziest thing in the world before he walked it back.

The 10th District includes all of Loudoun County as well as Manassas and Manassas Park and parts of Fairfax and Prince William counties. In recent years, the district has seen an influx of professionals  many of them women and minorities  who polls show are cool to Trumps candidacy. Both parties are pouring millions of advertising dollars into the district, which they consider among the most competitive this year.

In seeking a second term, Comstock has focused on constituent services and issues that she says are important to Northern Virginia, while Bennett has tried to paint the congresswoman as out of step with the districts moderate voters on national concerns.

On immigration, Comstock said she favors policies for which consensus already exists, such as visas for highly skilled workers, as opposed to wading into the more contentious effort to pass comprehensive reform.

Some people want to have an issue instead of a solution. Lets get what we can, come together and compromise on today, she said.

In response, Bennett asked why the visa issue is unsettled if there is agreement and said that neither Comstock nor Trump can solve the problem.

Donald Trump wants to build a wall and then convince you someone else is going to pay for it, she said.

Bennett again linked Comstock to Trump on the environment, saying Republicans will not acknowledge that climate change is real.

Comstock said that the Earth is warming but that the Obama administrations Clean Power Plan, the subject of federal litigation, would hurt the economy, especially local data centers that rely on plentiful, cheap energy.

On transportation  a key issue in the congested Washington suburbs  Bennett noted that as a state delegate Comstock voted against then-Gov. Robert F. McDonnells tax-laden 2013 transportation bill, which provided funding to expand Metros Silver line.

It was a vote taken because of ideological extremism, Bennett said. She had signed Grover Norquists no-tax pledge, and, because of that, it forced her to take a bad vote.

Comstock countered that she has gone to bat for the region even when it put her at odds with her caucus, and she took credit for restoring $75 million in Metro funding.

When my own Republican Party tried to take it out, I worked with my Democratic colleagues to do that, she said.

Later in the debate, Comstock noted that she broke with House Republicans to prevent sequestration cuts from taking effect. The across-the-board federal budget cuts have been particularly harmful to Virginias military-dependent economy, data show.

And she said she joined Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), the vice-presidential nominee, and Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) in fighting attempts to tinker with decades-old rules that limit flights at Reagan National Airport while benefiting Dulles International Airport.

On health care, Comstock said she agreed with Clintons criticism of Obamacare and said the landmark law should be repealed and replaced.

Bennett said the Affordable Care Act, although imperfect, made health care more affordable  drawing laughter from the crowd  and said Virginia should expand Medicaid, an action that the GOP-controlled General Assembly has blocked.

Comstock responded: Affordable clearly it is not. Thats exactly what Bill Clinton was talking about.

The congresswoman also targeted one of the main themes of Bennetts campaign  pay equity for women  saying her rival pays female employees of her real estate development firm and campaign less than men.

I have women running my office and campaign, Comstock said. I pay women on average more than men. LuAnn does not.

Asked after the debate about Comstocks claim, a Bennett spokesman said the 10th Congressional District has the highest pay disparity in the state.

This is nothing more than an attempt by Barbara Comstock to paper over how she repeatedly voted against equal pay laws and believes that those of us fighting for equal pay are part of a left wing agenda,  spokesman Robert Howard said in a statement.

Comstock twice voted no on procedural votes that would have allowed consideration of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would have made it illegal for employers to retaliate against a worker who discloses their pay as part of an inquiry.

Elizabeth H. Mitchell, a former college administrator, said she supports Bennett  and Hillary Clinton for president  and rejected Comstocks argument that a region that is otherwise represented by Democrats needs an advocate from the party in power.

I dont think saying, The House isnt going to turn over, therefore vote with the majority is a reason to vote for a candidate, she said.

Scott K. York, a consultant and former chairman of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, said he expects voters who cant support Trump will still vote for Comstock based on her record.

If they feel that Congresswoman Comstock  as I believe she has  has done a wonderful job, theyre going to pull the lever for her, he said.

The next debate is Oct. 19 in Fairfax County.
MISSOURI

Police ofcer, 33, killed in point-blank shooting

A St. Louis County police officer was shot and killed Thursday, moments after responding to an early-hour disturbance call in a normally quiet, middle-class neighborhood.

Officer Blake Snyder, 33, was shot point-blank after encountering the man accused of causing the disturbance, Police Chief Jon Belmar said. The 18-year-old man who shot Snyder was inside a car, and a second officer who arrived moments later fired at the suspect, hitting him several times, Belmar said.

The suspect, Trenton Forster, was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Forster, who is white, was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The white officer who shot him was not hurt.

Police were called shortly after 5 a.m. about a disturbance in Green Park, Mo., in south St. Louis County. Belmar said Forster was banging on the door of a house, demanding to be let in. Police spokesman Shawn McGuire said the suspect had a relationship with a young woman who was inside the house.

Snyder and a second officer were dispatched in separate cars, with Snyder arriving first. Belmar said Snyder saw the suspect in the car and demanded that he show his hands. The suspect then shot Snyder once with a pistol, which was found at the scene, the chief said.

Snyder was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

The circumstances that led to the shooting remain under investigation, but Belmar said Forster was the subject of an earlier drug case in which Snyder was an investigator. Snyder and the other officer were not wearing body cameras and St. Louis County police vehicles do not have dashboard cameras, Belmar said.

 Associated Press

MILITARY

Soldiers charged in sale of Army equipment

Federal prosecutors have charged six soldiers from Fort Campbell, Ky., with conspiring to steal sensitive Army equipment including sniper telescopes and rifle accessories, machine-gun parts, grenade launcher sights, flight helmets, and night-vision helmet mounts.

U.S. Attorney David Rivera announced Thursday that more than $1 million worth of restricted equipment was ultimately sold and shipped, mostly to anonymous eBay bidders, including some in Russia, China and other foreign nations.

A news release said five of the soldiers were arrested and one other is still being sought, along with the two civilians in nearby Clarksville, Tenn., who are accused of buying the equipment.

Each defendant faces up to five years in prison if convicted of conspiracy. The two civilians face charges including wire fraud.

 Associated Press

IOWA

Chinese seed stealer sentenced to 5 years

A businessman from China caught rummaging through a cornfield in Iowa has been sentenced to three years in prison for stealing trade secrets from U.S. seed corn companies.

Mo Hailong, 46, became the subject of an investigation by state and federal authorities in 2011 after DuPont Pioneer security guards found him and other Chinese men digging in a cornfield where test plots of new seed corn varieties were growing in central Iowa. Mo was arrested in 2013, but five other men with whom he was working fled the United States before they could be arrested.

Prosecutors said Mo traveled the Midwest working for Kings Nower Seed, a subsidiary of Chinese conglomerate Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co., to take corn seed and ship it to China so scientists could try to reproduce its genetic traits.

Mo, who was the only person prosecuted for the conspiracy, was sentenced Wednesday. Mo was born in China but settled in the United States in 1989, and he later became a naturalized citizen. He lived in Florida with his wife and two children. He pleaded guilty in January.

In the plea agreement, Mo admitted to conspiring to steal trade secrets from DuPont Pioneer and agribusiness firm Monsanto. He asked for probation and community service. Prosecutors sought a five-year sentence.

 Associated Press
Fair disbursement

Govt needs to make sure quake victims can access aid even without political connections
PAKISTAN

Penalty toughened for honor killings

Pakistani lawmakers passed a law Thursday that stiffens the penalty for convicted honor killers and closed a loophole that often allowed them to go free.

The bill was passed after a raucous debate that lasted nearly four hours, with some of the loudest opposition coming from hard-line Islamist lawmakers. They wanted the Islamic Ideology Council, a body of conservative Muslim clerics, to weigh in on the measure before it became law.

Supporters of the bill flatly refused, saying the council, which once ruled that it was permissible for a man to lightly beat his wife, routinely vetoes legislation aimed at protecting women.

Honor killings are a cancer in our society. This law is being presented against this cancer, said Naveed Qamar, a member of the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party, a left-of-center party.

The measure imposes a mandatory 25-year prison sentence for anyone who kills in the name of honor and bans relatives from forgiving them and effectively commuting the sentence. Relatives can only forgive a killer who has been given death, in which case the sentence is commuted to prison.

More than 1,000 women were killed last year in honor killings in Pakistan, often by fathers, brothers or husbands. The killings are bound up with traditions that hold a womans chastity vital to a familys honor.

 Associated Press

POLAND

Women claim victory as abortion ban loses

Polish women are declaring victory in a dramatic showdown that pitted them against an antiabortion group and the conservative government this week. Three days after women donned black and staged giant street protests, lawmakers on Thursday voted overwhelmingly against a complete ban on abortion  a proposal they had supported just two weeks earlier.

The victory merely maintains the status quo, which is one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe, but feminists hope they have gained the momentum to attack that next. The feeling on the street was revolutionary, said Agnieszka Graff, a prominent feminist commentator.

Members of the ruling Law and Justice party voted two weeks ago to consider the proposal  offered by an antiabortion group  sending it to a parliamentary panel for further consideration. At the same time, they voted to refuse to consider a separate proposal to liberalize the law.

In a complete reversal, lawmakers voted 352-58 on Thursday to reject the proposal. Law and Justice leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski warned that further restrictions risked bringing the exact opposite effect.

 Associated Press

ZAMBIA

Opposition leader charged with sedition

A Zambian opposition leader and presidential candidate who recently protested the incumbents election win was released on bail Thursday after being charged with sedition and unlawful assembly.

United Party for National Development leader Hakainde Hichilema, who lost the August election to President Edgar Lungu, was arrested this week and accused of addressing a crowd without a police permit. Hichilema reportedly urged people not to recognize Lungus reelection. Also arrested and released on the same charges was Hichilemas deputy, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba. The men were arrested in Luanshya, about 310 miles from the capital, Lusaka.

Police used tear gas to disperse party supporters who protested the arrests and then arrested more than 20 of them.

 Associated Press

Bomb attack in Istanbul: A bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded near a police station in Istanbul, wounding at least 10 people, a senior official said. Vasip Sahin, the governor for Istanbul, told reporters that none of the injured were in serious condition. There was no immediate assertion of responsibility for the blast, which could be heard from the nearby Ataturk Airport. The private Dogan News Agency said police were searching for a person spotted leaving the scene carrying a motorcycle helmet.

Man charged in attack on Brussels police: Belgian prosecutors have charged a 43-year-old Belgian national in a stabbing attack that injured two Brussels police officers Wednesday. In a statement, the federal prosecutors office said Hicham D. was charged with attempted murder in a terrorist context and participating in the activities of a terrorist group. His younger brother, identified as Aboubaker D., has been detained, officials said.

 From news services
THE DECADES since the end of the Cold War have seen strong and widely shared economic growth, on a global scale. The portion of the worlds population living on $1.25 per day or less fell from 44 percent to 23 percent. Some 200 million Chinese, 90 million Indians and 30 million people each in Indonesia, Egypt and Brazil moved into the global middle class. This progress had many causes, but a major one was the United States hard work, under presidents of both major parties, to promote the free flow of goods and capital, within a robust legal framework, among nations.

These policies benefited the American people, too  though by no means all of them, a fact that has caused understandable concern, especially in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Seizing on this backlash, and dissenting radically from the long-standing bipartisan consensus, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks of bringing back American jobs by repudiating international trade agreements and resorting instead to pressure tactics, such as threatening tariffs against China and other trading partners.

The United States needs to ensure that more of its own middle class shares in the benefits of globalization. Mr. Trumps policies, however, could trigger a trade war, or wars, thus threatening the achievements of the past three decades without helping Americans who need it most.

And he would have considerable uncheckable power, as president, to keep his dangerous promises. Could he immediately renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, and pull out of it if Canada and Mexico dont go along? Yes: NAFTAs Article 2205 says any party may withdraw after giving six months notice, and nothing in U.S. law requires the president to get congressional approval to do so. A similar argument applies to Mr. Trumps threat to pull out of the World Trade Organization, a multilateral consortium the United States and its allies painstakingly constructed to support economic freedom and the rule of law in the postwar world.

A 45 percent tariff on China (or any country) imposed as punishment for manipulating its currency to the United States detriment? That, too, could well be legal, at least temporarily, under any of several statutes whereby Congress has broadly delegated the president power to raise tariffs to meet a national emergency or protect national security. As lawyer-economist Gary Hufbauer of the Peterson Institute for International Economics has argued, Congress could not stop Mr. Trump without an unlikely veto-proof two-thirds majority; court challenges would take months even in the unlikely event they succeeded. To be sure, Mr. Trumps team has recently cast his threats as negotiating positions  examples of how he, unlike previous presidents, would play hardball in defense of U.S. workers and businesses. This is hardly reassuring: He seems to have no response prepared for trading partners inevitable pushback.

At a rally in Detroit Aug. 8, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump outlined what he would do as president to take the U.S. economy to "amazing new heights." (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

U.S. leadership of the global trading system has helped stabilize an area of international life that had bred conflict, even war, for centuries. To abdicate in favor of Mr. Trumps zero-sum mind-set not only would undo the work of generations and lower the United States standing among the nations; it also would license other nations to conduct themselves just as selfishly. The disruption to market confidence could breed economic damage in excess of any transitory benefits. His approach would be a historic error, which, as president, he would be free to commit.
Samer Attar, a surgeon with Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, is a volunteer with the Syrian American Medical Society and the Aleppo City Medical Council.

Aleppo is a resilient city, rich in history, older than New York, Paris and London. It is not a city of terrorists. It is a city full of ordinary people living everyday lives, people who want to put food on the table, send their kids to school and keep their families safe, just as anyone else in the world would want for their family. But its streets are literally flowing with blood.

How can the world sit idle as the Syrian government, aided by Russia and Iran, brutalizes the people of Aleppo?

I saw this carnage for myself when I volunteered in an Aleppo field hospital in July. I was the last American to leave before Syrian government forces encircled and besieged the city.

On my first day, I saw a young mother newly paralyzed when a barrel bomb landed on her home. Her family pulled her from the rubble and brought her to the hospital. They were covered in blood and dust. As a last-ditch effort, Aleppos only neurosurgeon attempted to open her spinal canal to relieve pressure on her spinal cord, but it didnt work. She would never walk again.

Next to her was another young mother on life support. A barrel bomb struck her home as well, killing her son and daughter. She had been pregnant, and the blast also killed her fetus. Her husband was working at his shop across the street. When he ran home after the first bombing, a helicopter dropped a second bomb that sent shrapnel into his head. Both father and mother survived, left only with scars and dead children.

On it went. The next two weeks were darker and more brutal. I saw human bodies dismembered, burned, crushed, ripped open, cut in half.

By my last day, I was doing one surgery per hour. Then a driver risked his life to transport a few of us out on the Castello Road, the last supply route into Aleppo. Syrian government forces later permanently cut the road and besieged eastern Aleppo.

Since then, unbelievably, things have gotten worse.

Aleppo has been pummeled with barrel bombs, chlorine gas bombs, cluster bombs, bunker-busting missiles and even napalm. The hospital where I worked was so severely damaged by bombardment this past week that it is now out of service.

In one day, we received 180 wounded civilians, including 72 children and 36 women. Many of them were critically injured, Mohamed Abu Rajab, a nurse with the Syrian American Medical Society, reported in September. We had people dying in the ERs. Someone died because we couldnt get to him in time to save his life. The floor was overflowing with injured and blood.

The U.S., British and French air forces are already over Syria. Why do they do nothing to stop the governments attacks on homes, schools and hospitals? In their inaction, they have essentially green-lighted the war crimes of the Syrian government and its allies.

With every war crime, the Assad government grows emboldened to do worse. The Syrian and Russian governments actions are as much of a threat to world peace and security as the Islamic State. The bombs they drop kill innocent civilians and are radicalizing rebel forces.

President Obama and Secretary of State John F. Kerry speak of pleas and diplomacy. Why has it been so hard for them to see that they have been negotiating with thugs who laugh at their fecklessness? Since when does the United States plead with war criminals?

How will Obama and the leaders of the worlds powers explain themselves 10 years from now, when they look back and say that they did nothing?

Experts who have never set foot inside Syria say nothing can be done. I welcome them to spend one day volunteering in any Syrian field hospital amputating childrens limbs. I encourage them to spend one day with the White Helmet rescue workers digging with bare hands through the rubble for survivors as helicopters drop bombs on them. Then see if they still say nothing can be done.

This is not a call for a U.S.-led invasion of Syria. It is simply a call to protect civilians and the medics who are trying to save them from Bashar al-Assads air force. With or without Russia, the United States and its allies must enforce U.N. Security Council resolutions  by grounding the Syrian air force, destroying runways and airfields if necessary, demanding an end to humanitarian sieges and implementing a global response if the Syrian government refuses. There can be no meaningful cease-fire or political solution as long as Syrian jets and helicopters rain hell from the skies.

The Holocaust, Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Syria. The genocide of our time keeps getting shoved out of sight and out of mind, but enough is enough.

President Obama still has a chance to stand up for the Syrian people.
The vulgarity is missing, as is the celebrity glitz. There arent any candidates ranting about sex tapes and adultery; there are no hacked emails. But even without the drama that only a U.S. election can provide, the crisis is similar: On both ends of the spectrum, the two major British political parties are suddenly suffering from the same kinds of identity crises as their distant American cousins  and with the same kinds of costs for British democracy.

For most of the past three decades, ever since Margaret Thatcher dragged it out of the shires and onto the international stage, the British Conservative Party has touted itself as the outward-looking, globally trading cheerleader for a country that punched above its weight. The party pushed privatization, lower taxes, lower spending, a smaller state. Some of that language is still there: In her speech at the partys annual conference this week, Prime Minister Theresa May told her colleagues that the Britain we build after Brexit is going to be a Global Britain.

But almost in the next breath, she implied that her country would be severing its links with the European Union in a manner that may well result in the construction of new tariff walls and will certainly require prolonged trade negotiations. Later, she threw a few bones to xenophobes, hinting she would like to kick out the tens of thousands of foreign-born doctors who keep the vast British health service functioning and updating the old rootless cosmopolitan slur for a new audience: If you believe you are a citizen of the world, she declared, you are a citizen of nowhere.

One of her cabinet colleagues then spoke of forcing companies to publish lists of foreign workers  presumably this would include the multinational companies and banks that have made London their headquarters; another described the E.U. nationals living in Britain as an important bargaining chip in future negotiations  apparently forgetting that Europe, if it wants to, might treat the 1.2 million Britons who live elsewhere in Europe as bargaining chips, too.

After occupying space formerly controlled by the UK Independence Party, Britains far right, the Tories moved to occupy the center-left, too. The idea of the small state has also been summarily scrapped, replaced by the prime ministers declaration that the state exists to provide what individual people, communities and markets cannot. While this is probably what most Britons think, it wasnt what the Tory party thought until this week. Offering a softer version of the nationalist populism promised by the far right elsewhere in Europe, May declared that the Tories would become the party of the National Health Service and the party of public servants. Shes also scrapping balanced budgets until further notice and will borrow as much as she can as long as she needs to.

Anyone uncomfortable with any part of this message  anyone who doesnt like the encrypted xenophobia, anyone still attached to the Thatcherite ideals of the small state or worried about government borrowing, or indeed any member of the 48 percent who voted to keep Britain part of the European Union  is out of luck. Because the opposition Labour Party, transformed under Tony Blair into a centrist party that won three straight general elections, has now been captured by an extremist fringe that is so far outside the center its leaders no longer seem interested in parliamentary politics at all. Consumed by infighting, tarred by accusations of anti-Semitism, the party and its strangely detached leader, Jeremy Corbyn, are more interested in fighting Western democracy than authoritarianism, more interested in toeing extremist lines than winning elections.

Ironically, the European referendum  a poll that was intended, in the words of its proponent, to make Britains Parliament sovereign again  has made British legislators almost irrelevant. May has declared she will not allow a parliamentary vote on the timing or nature of the British break with the European Union. She will not allow the governments of Scotland and Northern Ireland, where voters opposed the changes, to have any voice in the process. From now on, the only important political debates in Britain will be the ones that take place within the ruling party. And if that ruling party suddenly seems unrecognizable  too bad.

Read more from Anne Applebaums archive, follow her on Twitter or subscribe to her updates on Facebook.
Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) has tried for months to walk a high wire on the vexing subject of Donald Trump. This week, she fell off.

Her tumble, on what most of us would see as an easy question about whether Trump should be regarded as a role model, came during a debate Monday night with Gov. Maggie Hassan, her Democratic opponent. They are locked in an excruciatingly close Senate race.

Close, and crucial: The Democrats chances of taking control of the Senate are likely to hang on winning three states  New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Indiana. This assumes they also maintain their current leads in Wisconsin and Illinois. The Democrats have longer shots at holding Nevada or taking North Carolina and Missouri.

Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) skirted around a question about if Donald Trump is a "role model" for children during a NECN debate with Gov. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) on Oct. 3, eventually saying he "absolutely" is. Ayotte later said she misspoke. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Ever since she was first elected six years ago, Ayotte has been a generally well-liked figure, partly because of her mastery of appearing conservative to conservatives and moderate to moderates. That skill is especially important this year because 2016 is very different from 2010, when the tea party was on the march and the midterm turnout falloff created a more Republican electorate. This is a presidential year, which means higher and broader participation. It is also the year of Trump, about whom Ayotte has adopted a stance of strategic ambiguity.

[A President Trump could destroy the world economy]

In the spring, she was widely mocked in the national media  and sent many scurrying for a dictionary or a thesaurus  when she insisted that while she would support Trump, she would not endorse him.

Her fine distinction was aimed at avoiding offense to Trump supporters, whose votes she certainly needs, while also reassuring his many detractors in this moderate state that she fully understands why they dislike a man given to misogyny, racism, Putin love and dyspeptic 3:20 a.m. tweets.

Senator Ayotte has done as good a job as one can about being separate from Trump, said Fergus Cullen, a former Republican state chairman who is in his partys Never Trump camp. She has never appeared at any of his events. She has called him out six or seven times.

But the problem with a position based on pure calculation is that it leaves you with no firm ground to stand on. When a surprise question comes your way, you lack sure instincts to guide you.

And thats what happened when Ayotte was asked during Mondays debate whether she thought Trump was a role model for children. Here, the support-but-not-endorse formulation wouldnt do, so she initially tried to duck the question. Then came this exchange between Ayotte and local radio host Chris Ryan:

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.

Ryan: But would you, would you, and again, to the question, would you tell them to be like Donald Trump? Would you point to him as a role model?

Ayotte: I think that, certainly, there are many role models that we have. And I believe he can serve as president and so absolutely I would do that.

The social-media response was instant and devastating. Ayottes campaign, quickly realizing she had blundered badly, executed a role-model flip-flop. It issued a statement declaring she misspoke, and on Tuesday, she told reporters that neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton have set a good example.

[Trump just said he wont attack Bill Clintons affairs. Heres why.]

But that absolutely is likely to be the Hassan campaigns favorite word between now and Nov. 8. Ayottes abrupt reversal reinforces the Democrats overall campaign theme. Hassan underscored this when I interviewed her at a campaign event here Tuesday evening.

What has been true about my opponents campaign is she seems to want to have it both ways, Hassan said. She votes one way in Washington and then speaks a different way in New Hampshire. And I think that thats what you saw from her last night. She said absolutely. Nothing can walk you back from absolutely, no matter how much she tries.

And here is where the Ayotte episode fits neatly with Indiana Gov. Mike Pences performance at the vice-presidential debate on Tuesday. He won style points for being smooth, but staying smooth meant ignoring or denying most of what Trump has said and inventing a statesmanlike Trump who doesnt actually exist.

So to Trumps many ill effects on our politics, add another: the intellectual and moral corruption of the Republican Party. Too many Republicans outside the Never Trump ranks have to deceive themselves about who Trump is or deceive the public about how they really feel about him. Or they just try to slide by, day to day, hoping not to blurt out the word absolutely where this man is concerned.

Read more from E.J. Dionnes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Regarding Chris Cillizzas Oct. 3 Monday Fix column, Trump supporters have fallen heart over head in love:

I take deep exception to Chris Matthewss characterization, as quoted by Mr. Cillizza, of Donald Trump supporters motivation as patriotic. . . . They believe in their country . . . [and] have a deep sense that their country is being taken away and betrayed. I would not dispute the idea that many of the people who are attracted to Mr. Trumps candidacy believe they are motivated by patriotism.

But are we really to believe that people are, in fact, patriots if they follow a leader who denigrates a significant percentage of their fellow citizens, advocates violence against those who disagree with him, seemingly contributes none of his own wealth to support the public good and proclaims his intention of eliminating the very attributes of our constitutional system of government that have truly made our country exceptional? Are we to believe that their sense of patriotism is deeper than that of the many millions of Americans who see clearly what Mr. Trump represents and are determined to reject it and eliminate it from our body politic? Whether we call them racist or tribalist or white nationalist, or whether we consider them merely misguided, these are all debatable propositions. But please dont suggest that they have some special call on love of our country.

Gerald M. Feierstein, Washington

The writer was U.S. ambassador to Yemen

from 2010 to 2013.

In endorsing the view s of Chris Matthews, Chris Cillizza provided tepid rationalization of Donald Trumps enduring appeal. Mr. Matthews attributed it to patriotic feelings and a sense of being let down by bicoastal elite leaders on issues such as immigration, trade regulation and stupid wars. If that were the case, why arent African Americans and other disadvantaged minorities sharing this angst with working-class whites who appear to form the base of Mr. Trumps support?

The easy answer Mr. Cillizza describes  racism  happens to be the right answer, in that working-class insecurity resulting from a partial redistribution of wealth to poorer countries has reignited racial animus and regressive prejudice. As Mr. Trump rages against jobs and wealth lost to China and Mexico and wants to extract concessions from them for unfair trade deals, scant attention is paid to the argument that vast populations in these countries remain far more economically disadvantaged in comparison with the First World and working-class Americans. Why else would a wall even be necessary?

Dilip Ramchandani, Washington
THE U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia announced Friday it had concluded its investigation into the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old man at Union Station by an off-duty Baltimore County police officer, with the determination there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges. There is no reason to question the finding; indeed it appears the officer may well have saved lives in stopping the man, who was armed with a butcher knife and had already slashed a womans face. Why, though, did investigation of this shooting  which took place Nov. 14, 2015, with the man dying from his injuries on Dec. 22  take so long?

Given the heightened concerns about policeinvolved shootings that have gripped the nation, it is a question that takes on some urgency and needs to be addressed by the federal and local officials who investigate and prosecute these highly charged cases. That the public demands  and is entitled to  timely information has been underscored by the controversy surrounding the recent shooting of motorcyclist Terrence Sterling by a D.C. police officer. The city did well in releasing video and the name of the officer involved in the Sept. 11 shooting, but there is still much more that needs to be known.

Federal prosecutors, who review all policeinvolved shootings in the District to determine whether there are violations of either federal civil rights or D.C. criminal laws, stress the need for thorough examination, pointing out there are often complexities involved. The incident involving the off-duty officer at Union Station, according to the office, included interviews of law enforcement and civilian witnesses and assessment of photographs, video footage, diagrams, physical evidence, recorded radio communications and the autopsy report.

There is no question investigators should take the time to get it right. A rush to judgment serves no one. Nonetheless, the pace of investigations in the city has been a matter of some concern. We previously wrote about a case that took more than two years to resolve; the D.C. auditor in a January report critiqued the inordinate amount of time (on average 19 months between 2009 and 2014) required to close out these cases; and then-Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier complained about a process that often leaves officers and family members of victims waiting for months for answers. For example, it has been 11 months since 27-year-old Alonzo Smith died under mysterious circumstances after being taken into custody by special police at a Southeast apartment building, and there has been no resolution.

Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) and D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine last week announced a partnership with the U.S. Attorneys Office in which city funds will be used to increase the number of prosecutors. Lets hope that added firepower results in more efficient review of cases that strike at the heart of trust between the community and law enforcement.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton face off in the first 2016 presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton face off in the first 2016 presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton face off in the first 2016 presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.

Donald Trump and his allies signaled Thursday that he is ready to move past the controversies that have dominated the 10 days since the first presidential debate and that he will try to stay focused on policy, not attacks, at the second debate on Sunday.

The Republican presidential nominee appeared more controlled on the campaign trail on Wednesday and Thursday than he was last week, sticking with scripted speeches, mostly avoiding interviews and sending tweets that appeared to have been closely edited, if not entirely composed, by his staff. He denounced interruptions during debates, announced plans to campaign with House Speaker Paul D. Ryan in Wisconsin on Saturday and said he would avoid mentioning Bill Clintons affairs during Sundays town hall with Hillary Clinton in St. Louis.

In the moments that Trump went off-script, stumbles returned. At a rally in Reno, Nev., on Wednesday night, Trump bragged about being able to properly pronounce the states name and proceeded to mispronounce it. In an interview with a local television station, he seemed unfamiliar with a pivotal state issue  the storage of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain  and said that if China and the United States became engaged in a trade war that hurt Trumps hotel in Las Vegas and other tourism businesses, he would cut off relationships with China.

[As Clinton gains, Trump supporters seem to hate her more than ever]

Clintons campaign manager, Robby Mook, told reporters Thursday that he expects Trump to be much better prepared on Sunday and not use the kind of personal and harsh attacks that he has been threatening.

Here are the key moments from the first 2016 presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump on Sept. 26. NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt moderated the debate at Hofstra University in New York. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

We expect a more focused, more prepared Trump at this debate, Mook said. What were enthusiastic about is that this will be a town hall, that the candidates will be taking questions from voters. . . . And so the real question for us is: Will Donald Trump come with any specific plans? Will he have a command of the issues such that he can really address peoples questions and really explain to them how he will in fact make any difference.

Trump was off the campaign trail for most of Thursday, but he returned to stoke existing feuds and spark new ones at what was billed by his campaign as a town hall event in New Hampshire on Thursday evening. The event was staged before a friendly audience.

He attacked Clinton, alleging with no evidence that when she says she is preparing for debates she is actually resting. He went after Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), who does not support him. He knocked journalists John Harwood and John King, as well as the media in general and even the Commission on Presidential Debates.

Trump also denied that he was using the event to prepare for Sunday nights debate in St. Louis, which will operate under a similar format.

This isnt practice. This has nothing to do with Sunday, Trump said. Without any substantiation, he said that what Clinton does is not debate prep  shes resting.

Later, he said: She wants to build up her energy for Sunday night.

Trumps first debate performance Sept. 26 was widely viewed as a damaging flop, and even many of his supporters have said they hope he is better prepared for the St. Louis town hall. His running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, provided a stark contrast at the vice-presidential debate Tuesday night, where many declared him the clear winner.

Donald Trumps campaign praised him for not bringing up former president Bill Clintons past scandals during the first presidential debate against Hillary Clinton. (Video: Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post;Photo/Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

I watched  he won. He won on the issues, Trump said of Pence at a campaign stop in Las Vegas on Wednesday, an apparent hint on where his own focus might be Sunday. He won on  somebody said he won on style. The style doesnt matter. The issues, the policy matters.

[The task in the next debates town-hall setting: Connecting with voters]

Trump also told the New York Posts Page Six that he does not plan to bring up Bill Clintons sexual history during the debate, something he had threatened to do if Hillary Clinton continues to bring up the disparaging comments he has made about women over the years.

I want to win this election on my policies for the future, not Bill Clintons past, Trump said in an email to the gossip column. Jobs, trade, ending illegal immigration, veteran care and strengthening our military is what I really want to be talking about.

In another move typical for an ordinary campaign but not for his, Trump issued a somber statement Thursday urging those in the path of Hurricane Matthew to follow local evacuation orders because nothing is more important than the safety of your family. He left it to the Republican National Committee to attack Hillary Clintons campaign for running commercials on the Weather Channel during the storms buildup.

Meanwhile, Trumps oldest daughter, Ivanka, campaigned for her father in southwest Ohio on Thursday, touring a manufacturing plant in the steel-mill town of Middletown and meeting with local female business owners.

Trump avoided national television interviews this week, allowing Pence to appear instead on Fox News on Wednesday night and several morning talk shows on Thursday. Pence didnt stir up any controversy, as Trump is known to do, and he insisted Trump has abandoned several of his most controversial positions.

[As news of Trumps taxes breaks, he goes off script at a rally in Pennsylvania]

During an interview Thursday on CNNs New Day, for example, anchor Chris Cuomo asked Pence about two Trump positions that Pence had previously condemned: A temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States and Trumps assertion that an Indiana-born judge whose parents were from Mexico couldnt fairly rule in a federal fraud case involving Trump University.

You condemned those comments, Cuomo said. Why do you not condemn them now?

Well, Pence said, because its not Donald Trumps position now.

On MSNBCs Morning Joe the same morning, host Joe Scarborough asked Pence point-blank if the campaign still wants a ban on all Muslims, and Pence replied: Of course not.

Pence is one of numerous Trump surrogates to repeatedly say Trump no longer wants a religion-based ban and would instead focus on halting immigration from unidentified countries compromised by terrorism, many of which have large Muslim populations.

But Trump has yet to formally drop his call for a temporary ban on allowing most foreign Muslims into the United States, and his campaign website still contains a statement on preventing Muslim immigration that calls for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our countrys representatives can figure out what is going on.

Anne Gearan and Sean Sullivan contributed to this report.
Here are key moments from the face-off between Republican vice-presidential candidate Mike Pence and Democratic rival Tim Kaine at Longwood University in Farmville, Va. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

Here are key moments from the face-off between Republican vice-presidential candidate Mike Pence and Democratic rival Tim Kaine at Longwood University in Farmville, Va. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

Sen. Tim Kaine may have awakened Wednesday to poor reviews after the first and only vice-presidential debate, but his acerbic performance in Farmville, Va., revealed that the Clinton campaigns strategy for these debates extends far beyond the stage.

Armed with pre-planned Web videos, television ads and tweets, the campaign has used key debate moments this week and last as a cudgel against the Republican ticket, showing a level of discipline and organization largely absent from Donald Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Pences campaign.

Kaine had a very clear and simple plan for the debate: remind a national televised audience of all of the offensive things Trump has said and done in this campaign, said Dan Pfeiffer, a former senior adviser to President Obama. The Clinton campaign was smart enough to know that who wins or loses the VP debate doesnt move votes. Instead its an opportunity to communicate a message to a very large audience.

I dont see a single thing that Pence did that moved the needle for Trump in any way, he added.

Both Hillary Clinton and her running mate showed up on their respective debate nights well rehearsed. At moments, they seemed over-rehearsed. At one point Tuesday, Pence shot back at Kaine: Did you work on that one a long time? Because that had a lot of really creative lines in it.

1 of 16 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Memorable quotes from Pence and Kaine during the vice-presidential debate View Photos Here are some memorable quotes from the debate at Longwood University in Farmville, Va. Caption Here are some memorable quotes from the debate at Longwood University in Farmville, Va. Wait 1 second to continue.

But Clinton and Kaine had a larger goal in mind than winning the debates themselves: to create a series of compelling sound bites that they planned to weaponize for the reminder of the campaign. They logged scores of hours of preparation. They recited laundry lists of Trumps faults. Their clear objective: to record him and his running mate embracing, denying or evading controversial positions that Trump has taken in recorded speeches.

That pattern is likely to continue Sunday at the next presidential debate, Democrats said.

[Pence] claimed over and over and over again  he claimed, He never said those things!  exclaimed conservative radio host Glenn Beck on Wednesday. Were not living in the 1800s. We can go back to the clips on YouTube.

And thats exactly what the Clinton campaign did. Shortly after the debate Tuesday, the Clinton campaign tweeted out a glossy new site at hillaryclinton.com/literallytrump. The site highlighted dozens of moments mentioned at the debate, most of them by Kaine, with citations to back them up and the share button never too far away.

By Wednesday morning, a new video was blasted: a 90-second super-cut of Pences denials.

At the VP debate, Mike Pence seemed to discover he was Donald Trumps running mate, the video said.

It is a pattern that first emerged after Clintons presidential debate against Trump at Hofstra University.

View Graphic Schedule: When Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will debate

By the next morning, the Clinton campaign was armed with a similar compilation of Trumps denials of things he claimed he never said.

Clinton had memorized Trumps past statements down to his very language: He even said: Well, if there were nuclear war in East Asia, well thats fine. Have a good time, folks. 

Wrong, Trump interjected. Its lies.

Then rolled the clip from a rally earlier in the year where Trump said, Good luck, folks, enjoy yourself.

For virtually all of the 90-minute debate Tuesday night at Longwood University, Kaine served as an encyclopedia of Trumps most damaging comments, rattling them off one by one and even interrupting Pence to interject with clarifications.

Hes got kind of a personal Mount Rushmore  Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, Moammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein, Kaine said at the debate, highlighting Trumps praise of strongmen.

Critics described Kaines zingers as dad jokes and Kaine as a one-liner robot.

He came across as a little bit manic, said Republican strategist Rick Wilson, who has been sharply critical of Trump. Youre looking for poise. Youre looking for steady.

Pences background in broadcasting really came across there, he added, a reference to the Indiana governors past career as a radio personality.

Yet, while Kaines at times hyperactive effort may have rubbed viewers the wrong way, it created a made-for-television highlight reel of all the times that Pence avoided defending his running mate or claimed that Trump never said things he has been documented as saying.

The Republican National Committee fired back with a video Wednesday that featured the 72 times that Kaine interrupted Pence, which became the Trump campaigns No. 1 line of attack against Kaine following the debate. Trump, known for his own interrupting, tweeted Wednesday morning: The constant interruptions last night by Tim Kaine should not have been allowed. Mike Pence won big!

The Clinton campaigns plan for debates has been to take it in isolation and put it in an ad, according to Jim Manley, a former adviser to Sen. Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.). Its just the gift that keeps on giving.



Given her debate performance and given the campaigns recent aggressiveness and Tim Kaines performance last night, they are really determined to go hard against Trump, Manley added.

Clinton spent the day after Kaines debate hitting the books again, preparing for the next debate with a policy-focused session attended by policy advisers Sara Solow and Kristina Costa; her director of research, Tony Carrk, who has been a part of her debate prep team; and several other close aides.

Asked after an exhaustive session with Clinton at her home in Washington on Wednesday how the day went, her adviser Ron Klain replied simply, Five hours.



Clinton plans to spend the next three days continuing her preparation for the town-hall-style event Sunday at Washington University in St. Louis.

Hillary did a lot of town-hall debates and a lot of town halls during the course of the primaries and into the general. Shes very used to the format. She likes it, said Clinton campaign manager John Podesta. She likes answering questions from individual citizens, and she listens hard and relates to people.

Thats a format that Donald Trump isnt as used to, so well see, he added.

In attacking Kaine, Trumps campaign seemed to repurpose some of the attacks that Trump faced during the first presidential debate and in the tumultuous days that followed. Unhinged was a word frequently used by aides and surrogates in television interviews and on Twitter, borrowing a word Clinton used last week to describe Trump.

I think youre seeing the Clinton-Kaine campaign completely unhinged this morning, Trump spokesman Jason Miller said on CNN.

When asked what he meant by unhinged, Miller replied: Well, I think the 70-plus interruptions from Senator Kaine went to that, and Senator Kaine had a very tough time standing up and defending their ideas.

Jenna Johnson contributed to this report.
Govt begins restoring important heritage sites

The government has started rebuilding important archaeological and cultural heritage sites damaged by Gorkha Earthquake, especially the ones located inside Kathmandu Valley.
Chinese tourists gather in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of Chinas Tibet Autonomous Region, on Sept. 9. (Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images)

The original Tibetan village here was bulldozed five years ago. What has replaced it is Lulang Folk Village, a postcard-ready replica, a Disney-esque version of an age-old settlement in the high forest.

Grand, ornate buildings in Tibetan style, built by Chinese real estate developers but still vacant, are here, and an empty primary school, and a brand-new luxury hotel offering rooms for $150 to $1,000 a night. Soon Chinese restaurant owners will move in, and Chinese tour groups will follow.

Lulang is paradise on earth, located on the roof of the world, said community volunteer He Yilin. This is Tibet sanitized for tourists from the rest of China, complete with Mandarin-speaking guides, Chinese food and a whitewashed view of Chinese rule.

While foreign tourists still face restrictions on travel to Tibet, domestic tourists are arriving in extraordinary numbers. The government is investing heavily and eagerly promoting tourism as a pillar of the economy.

Tourism is the new engine for development in Tibet, Penpa Tashi, vice chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region, told reporters shortly before the glitzy opening ceremony of the Third China Tibet Tourism and Culture Expo in the capital city, Lhasa, this September.

China is bolstering the tourism infrastructure in Tibet as an estimated 24 million Chinese tourists will visit the region next year. But critics say domestic tourism is being used to bind Tibet more closely to China, trivializing its culture, marginalizing its people and polluting its pristine environment. (Simon Denyer,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

[Chinas Tibet tourism statistics just dont add up]

The aim, he said, is to create the tourism infrastructure and services that will turn Tibet into a world-class tourism destination.

Yet critics say domestic tourism is being used in another way, as part of a grand economic and strategic plan to bind Tibet ever more tightly into Chinas embrace  in the process trivializing its culture, marginalizing its people and polluting its pristine environment.

It is very similar to how the United States treated its developing West 100 years ago, said P. Christiaan Klieger, a cultural anthropologist, historian and author. They are commodifying the native people and bringing them out as an ethnic display for the consumption of people back east.

Elliot Sperling, an Indiana University professor, says China has a narrow, materialist view of development as the solution to all Tibets problems, and warned that tourism risks turning parts of Tibet into a Lama Disneyland where locals are outnumbered by Han Chinese.

Chinese troops moved into Tibet in 1951, two years after the Communist Party rose to power in Beijing. Many Tibetans, who say their land was largely independent from China, still fiercely resent that takeover and complain of religious, cultural and linguistic repression, as well as economic and social discrimination. Others, including Tibets spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, have fled into exile abroad.

These days, large parts of Lhasa feel increasingly like any modern Chinese city, with hundreds of old buildings knocked down to make way for shopping malls and apartment houses for immigrants, drawn from Chinas ethnic Han majority.

Now Tibetans have to adjust to a new flood of arrivals, after China opened a train route across the high-altitude Tibetan plateau, from Xining to Lhasa, in 2006.

Chinese tourism statistics on Tibet are opaque and confusing, but one count suggests that around 8 million tourists will come this year. Thats a roughly 12-fold rise since the first train arrived. Officials predict a further rise, of 50 percent, by 2020.

That will dwarf the permanent population of just over 3 million people, and attract even more immigrants from elsewhere in China to build infrastructure and support the tourism industry, experts say.

The government has already started to build another major train route, from the major western city of Chengdu to Lhasa, an ambitious project traversing 1,000 miles across some of the worlds most mountainous terrain.

Multinational companies are arriving fast, too: Lhasa already boasts an imposing Intercontinental Hotel, as well as a Sheraton, a St. Regis and a Shangri-La. Officials predict 10 more luxury hotels there by 2020.

Foreign visitors are less welcome: They have to obtain special permits and visit on organized tours, and currently make up just over 1 percent of arrivals.

Penpa Tashi said the central government had ordered that Tibet should be open to the world, and promised that restrictions on foreign visitors would be eased as soon as the region had upgraded its tourist infrastructure.

What he didnt say: Backpackers have been blamed by China for supporting the cause of Tibetan nationalism, and for informing the world about Tibetan uprisings in the late 1980s. Foreign journalists are completely barred, except on rare government tours.

The real reason for the restrictions, says the Tibetan government-in-exile in the Indian town of Dharamsala, is to hide the actual reality in Tibet.

By contrast, domestic visitors are a much safer bet.

Some are inspired by a sense of patriotic duty, others by a renewed interest in Buddhism or increasingly by a growing fascination with an exotic people living in a timeless Shangri-La.

I am not Buddhist, but we have Buddha in our heart, said Zhu Chunhua, a young Chinese woman from the eastern province of Jiangsu, photographing a friend after turning prayer wheels outside a small temple in Lhasa. The local people are very simple and pure.

Already, Tibetan Buddhisms holiest site, the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, is bursting at the seams with Han tourists, who flock through its darkened shrine in droves before emerging onto the roof and into the light in a flurry of selfies. In the process, some of the temples magic seems to dissipate.

Some are respectful of what they are seeing, but Tibetans on social media complain of cameras thrust in pilgrims faces and of sacred prayer flags trampled underfoot.

On a recent visit, one tour guide committed a grave breach of religious etiquette by walking the wrong way around a statue of Buddha.

At the landmark Potala Palace, a tourist stood beside a sign banning photographs, taking a photo, while a Tibetan tour guide expressed exasperation at how little Han tourists knew or understood.

Lhasa has been turned from a holy place of pilgrimage into a tourist site, said Tibetan writer Woeser, who last visited the city three years ago. Most tourist shops in the Tibetan old town are owned by Han Chinese, she said, and many supposedly Tibetan artifacts are manufactured in other parts of China.

So is Tibetan culture being swamped?

Wang Songping, deputy director of the Tibet Tourism Development Commission, says tourism has both positive and negative effects everywhere in the world. But the influx of money will encourage people to protect their intangible cultural heritage, he argues, and help transform the economy in places like Lulang from cutting down trees to watching trees.

Tourism accounts for a fifth of the local economy and provides 320,000 jobs in Tibet, Wang said, with some 97,000 herders and farmers now involved in the industry. Hundreds of residents have been given government grants to convert their houses for tourist homestays.

Some Tibetans do benefit from tourism, and there is a growing number of small tour agencies offering responsible, eco-friendly travel for foreigners and better-educated domestic tourists.

But mostly, critics say, Tibetans are neither consulted nor empowered as their land is transformed. The top jobs and most of the profits are being cornered by companies and people from elsewhere in China  fueling the kind of inequality and resentment that contributed to riots in Tibet in 2008.

One young man, who looked over his shoulder to check he was not being watched before speaking to a small group of reporters in Lhasa, said tourism was good for the economy  but then complained that Han Chinese visitors did not always respect sacred mountains and holy sites. Many tourists move rocks and run anywhere inside temples, he said. Its not good.

Lulang Folk Village sits at 12,000 feet above sea level in what officials have designated the Switzerland of the East, a region of forested mountains in southeastern Tibet near the Indian border.

It has been built by some of Chinas biggest real estate companies, with help from the southern provincial government of Guangdong, ostensibly as part of efforts to spread the nations wealth to its poorer hinterlands.

Yet Han Chinese construction workers have done most of the building. Local Tibetans, one worker claimed, simply do not have the skills.

Tibetans who lost their homes in the original village of Zhaxigang will be given new accommodation here, officials said, but their opportunities to make money may be limited. Restaurants in a nearby site are overwhelmingly run by Han Chinese.

Some shops will be run by people from inland, but some will be run by local people, said Tu Hang, a Foreign Ministry official from Nyingchi prefecture, told reporters on a guided tour, adding,

with unconscious condescension about Tibetans: They will have shops to sell small things like biscuits and sweet tea.

But those modest opportunities may be scant consolation for many Tibetans, who worry that their land is drowning in the influx from the east.

There are two problems with the Han Chinese, one Tibetan said. The first one is theyre always brainwashing us. Always, he said. And the second problem is they just keep coming here, more and more.

Congcong Zhang, Gu Jinglu and Jin Xin contributed to this report.

Read more

In Tibet, the door cracks open for foreign media  and then slams shut

A womans gruesome hanging shocked Tibet  but police have silenced all questions

Himalayan Viagra: Tibets gold rush may be coming to an end

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
The deputy ambassador at the North Korean Embassy in London, Thae Yong Ho, defected this year, and more diplomats have reportedly followed this week. (Katie Schubauer/AFP via Getty Images)

 Is Kim Jong Uns regime crumbling? Its a perennial question that gets asked every time theres a report of another defection from North Koreas upper ranks.

The latest reports, published this week in the South Korean press, suggest that two senior officials and their families have defected from North Koreas huge embassy in Beijing. The daily newspaper JoongAng Ilbo reported that one was a Health Ministry representative who was responsible for procuring medical supplies for Kim.

This follows the escape of Thae Yong Ho, North Koreas deputy ambassador to Britain, to South Korea with his family in August, as well as reports of North Korean money men fleeing their posts in Russia and Southeast Asia, taking bags of cash and valuable information with them to Seoul.

This year also saw the highly publicized mass defection of 13 North Korean restaurant workers employed in China and the announcement  months after the event  that a colonel from North Koreas spy agency had made his way to the South.

For advocates of change in North Korea, it is all too tempting to see these defections as evidence of a crumbling of the political order, brought about  the theory goes  by unbearably painful direct and multilateral sanctions.

We see that defections by North Korean elite are clear signs of cracks in the North Korean regime, an official from South Koreas Unification Ministry, responsible for relations with the North, told reporters Thursday in Seoul.

But it remains to be seen if it could work as a trigger for the regimes collapse, the unidentified official said, according to a report from the Souths Yonhap News Agency.

This follows an exhortation from South Korean President Park Geun-hye, who has taken an increasingly strident approach to the North following this years nuclear tests, encouraging North Koreans to defect.

[North Koreas deputy ambassador to Britain defects from London]

We are well aware of the gruesome realities you face, Park said Saturday in a message to North Koreans on South Koreas Armed Forces Day. We will keep the road open for you to find hope and live a new life. Please come to the bosom of freedom in the South whenever you want.

North Korea responded by calling Park, in the Rodong Sinmun state newspaper, a barefaced and impudent b----.

Parks address came a day after a rare defection by a North Korean soldier across the 2.5-mile-wide demilitarized zone that divides the peninsula.

The South Korean government, once loath to confirm such events, has this year been boasting about high-level defections from the North as it ramps up its own propaganda campaign against Pyongyang. The Unification Ministry official said the number of defections by high-ranking officials in the North Korean regime has risen over the past year compared with the 12 months before, but he did not disclose figures.

Analysts cautioned against reading too much into the latest reports, given that the North Korean regime has remained intact through three generations of leaders named Kim.

The conventional wisdom says not to overestimate these defections, that the regime is much stronger than we think, said Euan Graham, a former British diplomat in Pyongyang who now works at the Lowy Institute for International Policy in Sydney.

In fact, more high-level defections should be expected after Thaes dramatic departure from London, he said. It would be strange if there was not a clampdown on diplomats at foreign embassies and an order to send their families home to Pyongyang, Graham said.

[N. Korea inches closer to being able to send a nuclear missile to the U.S.]

North Koreans working abroad used to have to leave one family member, usually a child, in the country as a kind of insurance against defecting. But in recent years, these rules seem to have been relaxed, with an increasing number of trusted officials allowed to take their whole nuclear families overseas with them.

Thaes defection, reportedly with his wife and two grown sons, could have led Pyongyang to recall families, Graham said. Some, perhaps those concerned about being split up or families with children who dont want to go back to the relative isolation of North Korea, might defect instead.

Christopher Green, who analyzes North Korea at Leiden University in the Netherlands, also warned against overblowing the latest report.

If the entire North Korean diplomatic corps and all the other North Koreans who work abroad all defected simultaneously, that would in principle have a deleterious effect on the regime, Green said. But people outside the country are generally not viewed as a threat, given what we know about dictators and their tendency to ship people overseas.

Even the reported defections from Office 39, the main moneymaking organization for the Kim leadership, would not have much impact on the regime, he said. Even for a poor country like North Korea, losing $10 million isnt going to make a significant dent, Green said, referring to reports of North Korean businessmen defecting with bags of cash.

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The death toll from Hurricane Matthew neared 300 Thursday as the scope of the devastation in Haiti became clearer, officials said. Aid workers found vast numbers of damaged homes, as well as uprooted palm trees, toppled cellphone towers and downed power lines.

Two days after the hurricane slammed into the Western Hemispheres poorest nation with winds reaching 145 miles per hour, thousands of Haitians remained without power, communications or clean water. Aid groups warned that cholera could spread quickly, adding to the humanitarian crisis.

According to a Ministry of Interior spreadsheet available at a hurricane response coordinating meeting at the United Nations compound in Les Cayes, there have been at least 299 deaths just in parts of southern Haiti. Haitis interior minister, Francois Anick Joseph, had earlier said that at least 108 deaths were caused by the storm. At least four more deaths were reported in the neighboring Dominican Republic.

The town with the highest death toll on the document was Chantal, with 106 deaths, followed by Les Anglais, with 85. More than 35,000 people had taken refuge in shelters in the south, according to the document.

Other towns that were reportedly hard hit but which have been hard to reach, such as Jeremie, on the north side of the southern penninsula, had yet to be counted.

1 of 83 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Hurricane Matthew takes aim at Florida, southeast U.S. View Photos The strongest storm system to threaten the U.S. in a decade roared toward landfall in Florida. More than 2.5 million people were under evacuation orders from Florida to South Carolina. Caption The strongest hurricane to menace the United States in a decade is continuing its trek north as it rumbles near the coastline. Oct. 8, 2016 Storm surge and rainwater burst the banks of Colonial Lake and partially submerging park benches after Hurricane Matthew hit Charleston, S.C. Jonathan Drake/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue.

Thats just the south, and thats just what they know about, said Conor Shapiro,35, who runs the St.Boniface Hospital in Fond des Blancs, the largest hospital on the southern peninsula.

Shapiro said that very few patients had been able to get to his hospital since the storm because roads are blocked and a key bridge washed out. He hoped to see more of an international rescue effort soon.

Maybe the surge will come, he said. But this feels like a forgotten disaster.

The hurricane, the most powerful Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, took aim at Florida on Thursday after carving a punishing path through the region, also striking Cuba and the Bahamas.

[Watch: Matthew roars through the Bahamas]

A helicopter tour Thursday of Les Cayes, a port city on Haitis southwestern coast, showed extensive damage, with cinder-block buildings knocked to the ground and metal roofs peeled back like tin can lids. Everywhere, trees were flattened, and the main river that runs through town was swollen to the top of its banks and running the color of milk chocolate.

Aid workers rushing to the scene to assess the damage feared that some towns were still cut off from the outside world, since bridges have been swept away and trees have fallen across rural roads. Thousands of people have been displaced.





Flying over, we were able to see quite a lot of destruction. Storm surges, downed trees, crop damage, farm damage, said Margaret Traub, head of global initiatives for International Medical Corps, who landed in Les Cayes with two colleagues and a journalist Thursday afternoon. If I had to estimate, I would say at least 80 percent of buildings saw damage. Many of them were destroyed.

Meanwhile, other alarming signs were emerging.

At least three cases of cholera were reported in Jeremie, on the tip of Haitis southwestern peninsula, said Holly Frew, a spokeswoman for the aid group CARE in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. At a central hospital in Les Cayes, two people with cholera had shown up Thursday, but the hospital staff didnt have the intravenous fluids or antibiotics to treat the disease.

Cholera, a potentially deadly disease spread by contaminated water, is a main concern for relief agencies struggling with how to bring clean water and emergency sanitation systems to areas now accessible only by air.

This is a very great danger for the city, said Tony Guillaume, an orthopedic surgeon in the hospital in Les Cayes. They can contaminate others.

Only one nurse was available to treat the crowd that showed up in one of the muddy hospital waiting rooms. Some sat waiting with broken limbs. A young man vomited on the floor. Some residents had cuts from metal roofing that blew off in the storm and sliced into people.

Doctors said they hoped to soon reopen the cholera ward, which had closed before the storm swept in, dumping waist-high water around the hospital.

[Matthew churns toward U.S. landfall]

Aerial images provided by the U.S. Coast Guard showed scenes of near-total damage in some areas: wooden homes now just scattered timbers, roofs sheared off and palm groves leveled by the Category 4 storm. In some areas of Haiti, people have been living in makeshift structures since a major earthquake six years ago that killed 200,000 people.

Haitian officials said 38 of the hurricane deaths occurred in the department of Grand Anse in the southwest of the country, which was especially hard hit.

About 80 percent of the buildings were destroyed in Jeremie, said Frew, the CARE spokeswoman.

The U.N. deputy special representative for Haiti, Mourad Wahba, has described the hurricane as the countrys worst humanitarian crisis since the earthquake in 2010.

Matthew slammed eastern Cuba before churning Thursday over the Bahamas, where residents were urged to move to high ground and the capital, Nassau, was battened down for the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck in 2007.

[Gallery: Hurricane Matthews destruction]

In Les Cayes, white United Nations trucks drove through the streets Thursday afternoon carrying heavy machinery, such as bulldozers and earthmovers, to serve the rescue and rebuilding efforts. Residents were out clearing away debris and beginning their repairs. Many roads were flooded, but some main thoroughfares were passable.

Across the hurricane-hit region, many Haitians sought shelter in schools where votes were meant to be cast on Sunday. Haitis electoral council on Wednesday postponed a presidential election that has already been delayed several times. Authorities said the situation would be evaluated over the next week before a new date was announced.

The U.S. Navy has sent three ships to Haiti, including an aircraft carrier and a hospital ship. About 300 Marines were aboard the USS Mesa Verde, an amphibious transport vessel.

The Haitian Embassy in Washington described the next few days as critical to the recovery process and urged governments, organizations and private individuals to coordinate their aid efforts to avoid overlap and waste.

It is expected that many will want to engage and take initiatives toward recovery and relief efforts, the statement said. The state of Haiti strongly encourages all individuals who are in the process of organizing specific responses and action plans, to work with the local organizations and institutions in Haiti.

Murphy reported from Washington. Paul Schemm in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, contributed to this report.

Read more:

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East Coast on high alert after Matthew strikes Haiti as strongest hurricane in 52 years

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Govt deposits instrument of ratification for Paris pact on climate change

The government deposited the instrument of ratification for the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, through the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York, with the UN Secretary-General on Wednesday.
Computer-savvy criminals posing as Internal Revenue Service officers at call centers in India may have bilked unsuspecting Americans out of millions, police in India said Thursday.

Police conducted a dramatic midnight raid at a call center in the countrys commercial capital of Mumbai on Tuesday and detained 770 employees for questioning. Seventy were later charged with fraud, wrongful impersonation and violating the countrys Internet safety law.

The call centers were making more than $150,000 a day through scams that took place for a little over a year, police said.

The callers told their American victims they were conducting a tax revision or that they had defaulted on payments to the IRS and would then obtain their personal financial information and withdraw money from their bank accounts, according to Param Bir Singh, a senior police officer in Mumbai who led the raid.

It was one of the largest such raids in recent memory, he added.

These are the people who bring a bad name to Indias IT industry, and it is very important to weed them out, Singh said.

In Washington, the Internal Revenue Service declined to comment on the arrests.

More than 200 police officers descended on a tall, glass-fronted office building where the nine call centers were operating during Tuesdays midnight raid after being tipped off by neighbors.

It looked like a regular office building and employed a lot of young people who spoke English and had a good knowledge of computers, Singh said. It was a very sophisticated operation they were running.

Meanwhile, in another call center in a suburb of New Delhi, workers allegedly duped thousands of American citizens by offering to remove a virus from their computers, police said. On Sunday, police in Noida arrested six people for running a call center that sold insurance to Indians by day, but allegedly tricked American consumers by night with fake offers of tech support to correct malware and viruses.

It was not the first time that fraudulent call centers targeting U.S. citizens have been raided in India.

As more and more American businesses outsourced their back-end operations to India in the past two decades, a thriving IT industry arose here, employing millions of English-speaking software professionals. But some have also taken advantage of the trend and found ways to access data of U.S. customers and defraud them.

Call center crimes targeting Indian customers have also become a big nuisance for Indians, said Raj Kumar Mishra, deputy superintendent of police in Noidas special task force. In the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh, for example, such crimes have increased 4,300 percent in the last five years.

Most of the complaints are about online bank frauds and callers who try to access customers ATM identification numbers, he said. Nearly 300 people involved in such crimes were arrested in the state last year.

There are leakages from unscrupulous bank staff who are selling the customer data illegally. That is a hole we have to plug, Mishra said.

The state is now setting up two police stations that will handle cases of call center and online fraud exclusively.

Earlier this year, another operation was busted here that ran illegal Internet-calling exchanges in New York and Noida and offered cheap rates for callers, Mishra said.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission reported to the Senate Judiciary Committee in June that Indian call centers, much like similar fraud operations in Jamaica, are emerging as a source of concern. The FTC said it took part this summer in a law-enforcement training program in India, aimed at developing Indian law enforcements capacity to arrest and prosecute India-based individuals who perpetrate these frauds.

Jonnelle Marte in Washington contributed to this report.

Read more:

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New housing units in the Jewish settlement of Shilo in the West Bank. Israel has approved the construction of settler homes and an industrial park nearby. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP/Getty Images)

The Israeli government pushed back Thursday against the latest U.S. condemnation of its settlement enterprise as commentators called it another sign of fraying relations between the Jewish state and its most steadfast ally.

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement reacting to the unusually sharp language in the State Departments strong condemnation of Israeli plans to build new settler housing deep in the West Bank, closer to Jordan than Israel. The Foreign Ministry said the 98 housing units approved for the Shilo area do not constitute a new settlement.

Ayelet Shaked, Israelis justice minister and a member of the pro-settler Jewish Home party, said Washington should train its condemnation on Syria rather than criticizing where Israel builds houses.

Education Minister Naftali Bennett said Thursday that we must give our lives for the cause of annexing the West Bank to Israel.

The Israeli governments ire was piqued by statements Wednesday from the White House and State Department that further ratcheted up the Obama administrations criticism of Israels settlement policy.

The tone began changing late last year, when Secretary of State John F. Kerry told a gathering at the B rookings Institutions S aban Forum that Israels settlement expansion was closing off possibilities for a two-state solution. He said Israel would not be able to maintain itself as a Jewish and democratic state if the trend continued.

Since then, in what seems a deliberate calibration, the State Department has spoken out strongly almost every time Israel has announced new housing, not only in the West Bank but also in East Jerusalem, where Palestinians hope to have the capital of an independent state. In July, the State Department called Israeli construction over the Green Line, Israels pre-1967 border, provocative and counterproductive. In August, the White House said significant settlement expansion poses a serious and growing threat to the viability of a two state solution.

[The spread of Israeli settlements in the West Bank]

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition fear that between the presidential election in November and Inauguration Day, President Obama could seek a way to try to enshrine U.S. parameters for a future peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.

Far worse in Netanyahus mind would be U.S. support for a resolution along those lines in the United Nations.

There is no doubt in Israel that Obama wants to leave a legacy, said former Israel diplomat Jacob Dayan, who was chief of staff to two foreign ministers. A legacy is created in two ways  a comprehensive speech on the issue, which I am sure Israel will accept because speeches are nice and memorable, but not more than that, or an American U.N. Security Council Resolution on the issue. . . . That is Israels biggest fear.

The latest censure was sparked by the Israeli governments approval of housing units for residents of Amona, a settlement built on private Palestinian land that even Israel considers illegal.

Israels Supreme Court ordered that Amona be demolished by the end of the year, though members of the 40 Jewish families who live there have threatened to confront Israeli bulldozers. The Israeli government wants the Amona residents to move into the new houses they want to build in the West Bank settlement of Shvut Rachel.

Shvut Rachel itself was also an unauthorized settlement before it was legalized by Israel in 2012. The settlement was founded in 1991 in memory of Rachela Druk of Shilo, who was killed in a Palestinian attack. On the night of her funeral, young yeshiva students occupied the site. They first brought tents, then caravans.

Avi Roeh, chairman of the Yesha Council, which represents the Jewish settlements in the West Bank, told Israel Radio: We saw how you managed matters in Egypt and Syria. The Americans have nothing to teach us in this regard.

The Israeli settlements  with a population now of 400,000 Jews  are on land in the West Bank that the Palestinians want for a future state.

Netanyahu often says that Israel has not built a new settlement in 20 years  that the growth is only of new neighborhoods built beside existing settlements.

Critics of Israels settlement project say this is a ruse  that over and over, illegal outposts slowly but steadily become authorized settlements.

All this is done in a very strategic way to remove Palestinians from the land and replace them with Israeli settlements, said Sarit Michaeli of the human rights group BTselem.

On Wednesday, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said the timing of the latest construction announcement was particularly troubling, coming weeks after the administration agreed in a memo of understanding to give Israel a record $38 billion in military aid over a decade and after Obama traveled to Israel to attend the funeral of Shimon Peres.

Critics of Israeli settlement policy, in Washington and Jerusalem, said the administration has not gone far enough. They contend that the Obama administration has done little to slow the building, land confiscations and demolitions of Palestinian structures.

Strong words backed by zip, tweeted Sarah Leah Whitson, an executive director at Human Rights Watch.

Morello reported form Washington. Ruth Eglash in Jerusalem contributed to this report.

Read more:

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The Justice Department is significantly reducing the number of federal observers stationed inside polling places in next months election at the same time that voters will face strict new election laws in more than a dozen states.

These laws, including requirements to present certain kinds of photo identification, are expected to lead to disputes at the polls. Adding to the potential for confusion, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has called for his supporters to police the polls themselves for fraud.

For the past five decades, the Justice Department has sent hundreds of observers and poll monitors across the country to ensure that voters are not intimidated or discriminated against when they cast their ballots. But U.S. officials say that a 2013 Supreme Court decision now limits the federal governments role inside polling places on Election Day.

In the past, we have . . . relied heavily on election observers, specially trained individuals who are authorized to enter polling locations and monitor the process to ensure that it lives up to its legal obligations, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch told a Latino civil rights group over the summer. Our ability to deploy them has been severely curtailed.

In recent months, the Justice Department and civil rights groups have successfully sued to block a number of states, such as North Carolina, that have put in place new voter restrictions that critics say target minority voters. But advocates are worried that these courtroom victories might not be enough to protect voters if the federal government is not able to enforce the law on Election Day.

At a rally in Reno, Nev., Oct. 5, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump told his supporters that he was a reflection of them as he concluded his speech. (The Washington Post)

[Find out what you need to know to vote in your state]

In the 2012 presidential election, the last before the court ruling, the Justice Department sent more than 780 observers and other personnel to polling places in 51 jurisdictions in 23 states to watch for unlawful activity and write up reports about possible civil rights violations. The observers were specially trained by the Office of Personnel Management and were required to be inside polling places.

Justice Department officials say this year they are sending observers to fewer than five states  and to those locations only because the oversight has been ordered by judges in specific cases. Five weeks out from the election, officials said they would not specify the exact number of observers.

There are 14 states where poll workers are being asked to implement new laws, including voter ID requirements, for the first time in a presidential election. Federal observers will not be sent inside polling places in those states.

Its a game-changer, said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Historically, the federal observer program has been a valuable and necessary tool to help prevent intimidation and harassment of minority voters.

Without those protections, were bracing for the worst, Clarke said. All of this unfolds at a moment when we have a presidential candidate who has called for law enforcement and untrained individuals to monitor activity at the polls.

Trump is encouraging his supporters to sign up on his website to be a Trump election observer. He has told supporters in Pennsylvania to be vigilant for voter fraud at the polls, saying that cheating is the only thing that will stop him from defeating Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in that battleground state.

Youve got to get every one of your friends. Youve got to get every one of your family. Youve got to get everybody to go out and watch and go out and vote, Trump said in August at a rally in Ohio. And when I say watch, you know what Im talking about. Right? You know what Im talking about. I think youve got to go out and youve got to watch.

Justice Department officials said they had no choice but to cut the number of observers. The Supreme Courts 2013 Shelby County v. Holder ruling on the Voting Rights Act curtailed our ability to deploy observers to states that used to need federal approval before making changes to election or voting laws, said Vanita Gupta, head of the departments civil rights division.

The Supreme Courts ruling immediately opened the door for laws with new voting restrictions. Less well known was the effect it had on the Justice Departments efforts to monitor elections. The government had relied on a key section of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that was invalidated by the Supreme Court for its authority to send observers to states with a history of discrimination.

The court said Congress has to come up with a new formula based on current data to determine which states should be subject to federal oversight. Congress has not yet acted.

Shelby County significantly impacted the departments ability to watch for problems while elections are taking place, according to a Justice Department fact sheet.

The Justice Department in the past has sent two types of lawyers to the polls: observers and monitors. Observers work inside polling places. Monitors, by contrast, are not allowed to go inside polling places unless state officials give them permission.

Despite the court ruling, officials say they can send monitors across the country.

We will still be able to send out a robust team of monitors this November, Gupta said.

But J. Gerald Hebert, the executive director of the Campaign Legal Center, said it is critical to have federal observers who can actually go inside the polling places in the same way that candidates and political parties in most states can designate someone to be inside as a poll watcher.

You have to distinguish between sending a lawyer to a state who sits down at the U.S. attorneys office and waits for people to call in, said Hebert, an official in the Justice Departments voting section for 20 years who went to several states on Election Day to monitor elections. Theyre not in the polling place, and theyre not even at the polling places, Hebert said of the monitors. Theyre usually downtown at a hotel or a U.S. attorneys office. Thats a lot different by a long shot than federal observers inside the polling place, because discrimination at the polls doesnt take place outside.

Without federal observers, theres nobody watching the [other poll] watchers who can intimidate or challenge voters or slow down the process and, for example, contribute to long lines at lunchtime when voters have limited time to vote and get back to work, Hebert said.

The Justice Department said it will release a phone number and email address for voters to contact if they experience intimidation or harassment.

We watch carefully, meticulously documenting the voting process with an eye for potential violations of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, Gupta said. And we often find that the simple fact of our presence in the jurisdiction helps defuse tension and avoid problems.

Some voting rights advocates say that the Justice Department did not need to reduce its election observers, because the Supreme Courts ruling did not specifically mention federal observers. Regardless, advocates have questioned why Lynch revealed over the summer the departments plans to cut the observers when she spoke to a civil rights group.

There was no need to announce that its open season on voters at the polls because there wont be any federal observers there inside, Hebert said.

Read more:

Getting a photo ID to vote is easy. Unless youre poor, black, Latino or elderly.

More than 30 states offer online voting, but experts warn it isnt secure

Inside the Republican creation of the N.C. voting bill dubbed the monster law
US President Barack Obama, alongside Charles Samuels (R), former Bureau of Prisons Director, and Ronald Warlick (L), a correctional officer, tours a cell block at the El Reno Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno, Oklahoma, July 16, 2015. (SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

President Obama granted clemency to another 102 inmates Thursday as he continued to release federal inmates serving long prison terms for nonviolent drug offenses.

Obama has now commuted the sentences of 774 federal inmates, more than the previous 11 presidents combined. With 590 commutations this year, he has commuted the most individuals sentences in one year in U.S. history, White House officials said.

They said Obama will continue granting commutations to federal drug offenders through the remainder of his time in office.

[Here are the names of the 102 inmates who were granted clemency]

Beyond the statistics, though, are stories of individuals who have overcome the longest of odds to earn this second chance, White House Counsel W. Neil Eggleston said. The individuals receiving commutation today are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and in some cases grandparents. Today, they and their loved ones share the joy of knowing that they will soon be reunited.

One of the inmates granted clemency was Ricky Minor, 53, who has been serving a mandatory sentence of life without parole since 2001 for attempting to manufacture methamphetamine.

Ricky Minor was supposed to die in prison because he committed a nonviolent drug offense  a punishment far too harsh for the crime, said Emma Andersson, a staff lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union Criminal Law Reform Project who was Minors attorney. More than 15 years after Ricky was sent to prison forever, President Obama has given him a chance to rejoin his family and rebuild a life ravaged by the failed war on drugs.

While in prison, Minor earned his GED and took classes in computer skills, business, real estate and accounting.

Thanks to President Obama, I now have the chance to make my family proud of me, earn pride in myself, and be a person in society who is helpful and useful, Minor said. I have felt my life wasting away inside of this place, and I know Im capable of more. I havent been able to hug my daughter as a free man since she was 7 years old. Shes an adult now, and I am overcome with happiness that I wont miss any more of her life.

Over the past three months, Obama has significantly increased the number of commutations granted under an initiative launched in April 2014 to provide relief to drug offenders who were not convicted of violent crimes and who would be sentenced to far less time under todays drug laws.

Sentencing reform advocates have urged the Justice Department to move more quickly to review the thousands of clemency requests that have poured in from individual prisoners and from Clemency Project 2014, a large group of lawyers across the country working pro bono to represent the inmates and help them prepare petitions.

Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates said Thursday that the Justice Department has made great progress reviewing applications.

Officials, including Robert Zauzmer, who was named U.S. pardon attorney in February, have credited the increased pace of petitions being sent to the White House partly to a new, streamlined process of prioritizing and reviewing each petition.

Kevin Ring, vice president of Families Against Mandatory Minimums, a group that has pushed for sentencing reform and clemency for drug offenders for more than 20 years, praised Obama for doing the right thing.

Weve known for quite a while that too many low-level offenders were getting absurdly long sentences, Ring said. To see some finally getting fairer sentences is exciting.

But he and other prison reform advocates called on Congress to pass legislation to undo laws that allow mandatory sentencing to continue.

President Obama has the power to fix past mistakes, but only Congress can prevent future ones, Ring said.

Several criminal justice reforms bill with bipartisan support have been introduced in Congress, but none has passed.

Read more:

One year out: The lives of those who have received clemency
Staffan de Mistura, the U.N. envoy for Syria, said Thursday that he would physically accompany to safety jihadist fighters who can be persuaded to leave Aleppo to remove what he said is an easy alibi being used by Russia and the Syrian government to bomb the city.

With some apparent desperation in his voice, de Mistura said that rebel-occupied eastern Aleppo may face total destruction by the end of the year if the fighting is not stopped.

He appealed to what he said were about 900 members of the Front for the Conquest of Syria, the al-Qaeda group formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, to stop holding an estimated 250,000 civilians hostage.

If you decide to leave with dignity, and with your weapons, to Idlib or anywhere you wanted to go, I personally am ready physically to accompany you, de Mistura said.

If the bombing continues, thousands of Syrian civilians, not terrorists, will be killed and many of them wounded, he said, adding that history will judge the actions of Russia and Syria.

In one drone video, government-held west Aleppo appears verdant and bustling. Another shows rebel-held east Aleppo as a pock-marked wasteland. (Jason Aldag,Ishaan Tharoor/The Washington Post)

[U.S. abandons efforts to work with Russia on Syria]

Those two countries have continued a relentless bombing campaign over the eastern part of the city, where U.S.-backed opposition forces are mixed with the militants, saying that they are striking only Nusra terrorists.

The bombing began within days after a U.S.-Russia brokered cease-fire took effect on Sept. 12. Russia has charged that the United States has not complied with its obligations under the deal to separate opposition fighters from the jihadists. The United States has said that a cessation of all bombing was supposed to be the first step in the agreement, along with the safe and sustained delivery of food and medical supplies to the besieged civilians.

De Mistura said that the total number of opposition fighters in Aleppo is about 8,000, less than a tenth of whom are members of the Front. U.N. humanitarian coordinator Jan Egeland said that at least 376 people have been killed there over the past two weeks, and that the Syrian government had not supplied permits for the safe passage of any humanitarian aid in the country.

Syria canceled the cease-fire a week after it began. Last week, the United States said it was suspending bilateral cooperation with Russia over Syria because it had not stopped the bombing or allowed humanitarian aid to get to Aleppo and other parts of the country.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday that he had not seen the details of de Misturas suggestion and was not ready to respond. He spoke at a news conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, who was in Moscow seeking support for a proposed U.N. Security Council resolution to stop the bombing and allow the distribution of humanitarian assistance. Ayrault said he expected to bring the same plea to Washington on Friday.

Lavrov said Russia had made some proposals on the resolution, but insisted that the separation of forces in Aleppo was a prerequisite to a cease-fire.

1 of 41 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Scenes from Aleppo View Photos The Syrian government has dropped two chlorine bombs in the past month on the besieged, rebel-held city. Caption Images from inside the Syrian city. Dec. 19, 2016 Syrians evacuated from Fuaa and Kafraya, two Shiite villages under rebel siege, are welcomed by pro-government forces as they arrive in Jibrin, on the eastern outskirts of Aleppo. George Ourfalian/AFP/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue.

Asked about reports in Washington that the Obama administration was considering military intervention to stop Syrian air force bombing, Lavrov said he asked Secretary of State John F. Kerry in a telephone conversation Wednesday, How true are the reports of certain American media that Washington is considering the options of delivering cruise missile strikes on the airports used by the Syrian air forces?

Without indicating Kerrys response, Lavrov said that the Americans already gave hints to [Syrian President Bashar al-]Assad by bombing positions of the Syrian army in Deir al-Zour . . . that was a unilateral military action by the U.S. The bombing, which he said had killed 80 Syrian soldiers, took place in eastern Syria in an area where the Islamic State is active. The Pentagon has said the strike was a mistake, has apologized and said it was investigating.

[After an apparent errant strike in Syria, confusion and competing claims]

You can make your own conclusions, Lavrov said. I discussed it with Kerry. He told me with absolute confidence this airstrike had been a mistake and we should just turn the page and forget it . . . and not regard it as some kind of tip by the Americans.

But we are hearing that some people in Washington are in favor of using force in Syria. We hope their opinion will not prevail.

Lavrov also said that, as the cease-fire began to fall apart, the Americans had proposed that Russian troops defend a humanitarian route into eastern Syria from the north where the government and opposition forces were fighting.

We said, We dont want to provide security there on our own . . . lets do it jointly.  The Americans, Lavrov said, told us, Oh, no, thats too dangerous. And that was our humanitarian exchange, he said.

Ayrault said that Lavrov had stated his position on a possible resolution but that there are some issues that are getting in the way.

The situation is extremely grave, he said. Thats why I insisted on a face-to-face with Lavrov . . . to look him in the eyes and sincerely say that no one can accept this situation. . . . With these blind bombardments of the civilian population in Aleppo, the Syrian regime is only feeding radicalization. . . . These brutal blind bombings are creating new jihadists and must be stopped.

Read more:

10 new wars that could be unleashed as a result of the one against ISIS

U.S accuses Russia of barbarism and war crimes in Syria

How the attack on an aid convoy near Aleppo unfolded
Former Colombian president and current Sen. Alvaro Uribe comments after a meeting with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on Wednesday to discuss the fate of a peace deal with FARC rebels that was rejected in a referendum. (Guillermo Legaria/AFP/Getty Images)

The Obama administration on Wednesday sent its special envoy to Colombias peace process back to Havana, where representatives from the Colombian government and the FARC rebels met to determine whether it was possible to salvage the agreement rejected last weekend by that countrys voters.

Both the government and the FARC  the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia  said they would continue to abide by the cease-fire currently in effect and to implement parts of the peace deal, including removing land mines, implementing crop substitution programs for narcotics cultivation, recovering the remains of Colombians who have disappeared over the years, and releasing child soldiers.

But the real negotiations over whether the agreement can survive in some form were taking place in Bogota, where President Juan Manuel Santos, who has staked his political career on the deal, met for much of the day with his archrival and the leader of the rejectionists, former president Alvaro Uribe, who said he could not accept what he called impunity for guerrilla leaders.

[Colombias president scrambles to save peace accord with FARC rebels.]

While a majority of those who voted rejected the negotiated terms for peace, nobody in the plebiscite voted for resuming the war, a senior State Department official said. Obviously its up to Colombians to come to some new consensus that will allow the peace process to become finalized. The United States stands ready to help that effort.

On Sunday, Oct. 2, Colombian voters will decide whether to accept a peace deal with the FARC, whose members have waged the longest-running insurgency in the Western hHemisphere. The rebels met last week to discuss the accord and figure out their future after 52 years at war. (Nick Miroff,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under State Department rules, said there have been no discussions at this point within the administration on President Obamas $450 million aid request for Colombia, which was made on the assumption that the deal would be approved in last Sundays referendum.

Its not worth speculating on, the official said. The hope is that it will go forward, while the United States continues to support those parts of the agreement that have already been implemented.

So far, the official said, the FARC has made some constructive statements about maintaining the cease-fire and continuing to use words, not weapons. . . . They made it clear that they want the peace process to continue and want to negotiate a settlement to the war.

In a telephone call to Santos on Tuesday, Secretary of State John F. Kerry reinforced continued U.S. partnership with Colombia, the State Department said in a statement. Kerry, it said, voiced his support for President Santos call for unity of effort in the inclusive dialogue with Uribe and others as the next step. . . . He acknowledged that difficult decisions lie ahead for Colombia and welcomed statements by Uribe and FARC leader Rodrigo Londono, known as Timochenko, reaffirming their openness to a dialogue.

The statement said that Bernie Aronson, the U.S. envoy to the peace talks, held in Havana under the auspices of the Cuban and Norwegian governments, would return there at the request of the peace negotiators.

Defying most polls and predictions of overwhelming victory in the referendum  which Santos had promised would be binding  the deal was narrowly defeated just days after Kerry and other world leaders attended a formal signing in the Colombian city of Cartagena.

The agreement lost by only 51,000 votes amid a turnout of only 37 percent.

Uribe, backed by another former president, Andres Pastrana, led the no campaign, which was based on objections to what they said was impunity for FARC leaders in the civil war that has lasted more than a half-century and taken hundreds of thousands of lives.

The accord, as written, provides for transitional justice that would allow FARC leaders to avoid prison if they fully confess their crimes and make reparations to victims of decades of bombings, kidnappings, murders and drug trafficking. Opponents also objected to provisions that would have granted the FARC 10 seats in Colombias Congress and made expensive new investments in rural development in areas where the guerrillas have been ensconced.

Immediately after the referendum, Uribe said he was willing to discuss revisions to the deal, and his coalition of opponents met early Wednesday to agree on a new negotiating position with Santos. Were going to reiterate to the government our concerns, so that, hopefully, there can be corrections. We have a road map, he said, according to an online report by Colombias El Espectador newspaper.

After an hours-long meeting with Santos, Uribe emerged to tell reporters that he had reiterated the need for the FARC to end all criminal activities and his concerns about impunity for those responsible for crimes against humanity, kidnappings and the recruitment of children.

Read more:

Here are the details of Colombias peace agreement with the FARC

Plan Colombia: How Washington learned to love Latin American intervention again

Do you know what its like to spend 20 years at war?
Minister Joshi, US Ambassador Teplitz hold meeting

Minister for Population and Environment Jaydev Joshi and the US Ambassador for Nepal Alaina Teplitz held a meeting on Thursday.
(Photo: Getty Images)





French consumer group Que Choisir sent 150 samples of fruit to a laboratory to be tested for more than 500 molecules that are linked to pesticide use, Food and Drink Europe detailed. 10 Foods with the Highest Pesticide Residue Levels Slideshow

Eighty percent of the fruit tested contained residue from at least one chemical, and the tests found 85 different chemicals on the samples. All of the fruit that was pesticide-free was organic, with only one exception.

The samples for the study consisted of seasonal fruit grown in France, as well as imported produce.

Each sample had an average of five to seven chemical molecules; grapes were the worst offenders, as one sample contained 15 different molecules.

Though the study identified 85 different chemicals, all the fruit conformed with regulation on pesticide limits.

Check out our slideshow on the 10 foods with the highest pesticide residue.
Are you suffering from election stress disorder? (Photo: Stocksy)



Theres an elephant  or donkey  in the room that needs to be addressed.



This just might be the most erratic, unpredictable, and volatile election of our time. Between the name calling, the negative commercials, and the 24-hour news cycle, not to mention the ongoing arguments on social media  between the candidates themselves, as well as between your friends and co-workers  there just doesnt seem to be an escape from politics.



In fact, a prominent psychologist has recently coined the term election stress disorder, which he is experiencing himself, both as a therapist and as an individual.



Im seeing the stress everywhere, even with all of my patients, Joe Taravella, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in marital and family therapy at NYU Langone Medical Centers Rusk Rehabilitation in New York City, tells Yahoo Beauty. I dont remember in my lifetime where people have been so passionate about a presidential election, with such opposing viewpoints and choices for candidates.



He mentions the newly named syndrome and concurs that numerous people are feeling extremely anxious over what may or may not happen on Nov. 8. Maybe not to the extent of a disorder, which tends to be clinical and very significant, but certainly these conversations are invading their home, their work, their time in restaurants, in Starbucks, and on social media as well, says Taravella.



And as the clock ticks and the accusations continue to be hurled across party lines, dinner tables, and cubicles, the pressure continues to mount.



This political process has been going on for the better part of one and a half to two years, so weve really become accustomed to hearing about it and dealing with it, continues Taravella. And now were really in the homestretch, so its getting even more difficult for people to separate from it.

Stress Erases the Benefits of Eating Healthy Fats, Study Says



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So before you send off a nasty email, here are five strategies on how to keep your nerves calm and from becoming unhinged:



Limit your exposure to the noise. My No. 1 recommendation is that you have to disengage part time from this process, emphasizes Taravella. In other words, turn off the cable news stations and stop checking what the candidates, their campaign members, and your politically minded uncle are tweeting every hour. Its just too much  its constant overload  and youre getting more anxious about what youre hearing, he says. So you have to separate and fill up that time with other things.



And if you have such strong feelings about this election, consider spending your nights more wisely than having a texting war with a friend. I tell people to make phone calls, volunteer, donate money  do whatever it is that you feel is going to help the country.

Burn off  or melt away  your stress. All the time, I tell everyone to exercise  and I know you hear that a lot, but it really does help with your mood and your energy level throughout the day, says Taravella. You might not reach that level nine or 10 of emotion, because it does calm you down and level you out a bit.



The Anxiety and Depression Association of America agrees and states on its website that exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins  chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers  and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.



Taravella adds that science has shown both aerobic exercises and yoga to be very effective, which is why he suggests each person choose the workout that suits his or her needs. For example, Im a runner, so I love to run, but some people absolutely love yoga and it is a wonderful stress release for them.



And if youre looking for a Zen moment, he suggests taking a quick meditation break.



Take five minutes a day to meditate and just zone in  to be in the present and not think about anything else, he states. It can bring down that physiological response several levels, which can be very helpful.



You Need to Read This Brilliant List of 101 Ways to Cope With Stress



Adjust your tone. If you want to have a healthy debate about the election, change the intent of your conversation, advises Taravella. Elevate what youre going to say, use more of a positive tone with a positive voice, and refrain from being so critical and judgmental.



In other words, do not act like a child who needs to get in the last word. It should be about sharing information rather than going into a conversation like an adolescent does  only seeing your viewpoint, and it being the only viewpoint and the right viewpoint. Remember, not everything is black and white  you have to look at that middle ground continuously, especially during the most heated times.



Also, put the blame game to rest. Thats what we see a lot of the political figures doing, and youre just jumping into the pool with them.



Look inward. If discussing Hillarys health or Donalds taxes sends you into a rage, Taravella suggests taking a step back to analyze your intense reaction.

A good dose of self-reflection and introspection may shed some light on your own personal issues, he states. I have patients who are so angry, and Ill ask them, Are you angry about the opponent? Are you angry at the people voting for that person? Or is all of your anger coming out and its a good place to displace it on this election? This may give you a new perspective on how to handle it better.



Keep in mind that your reaction may actually be a positive personal breakthrough.

The election has actually been a good topic to interject into the therapeutic session because I tend to see a lot of emotion from people who might otherwise be a little middle of the road or not so emotional about things, adds Taravella.



Take a moment to be in agreement. One of the four agreements from Don Miguel Ruiz [author of The Four Agreements]  and I love this  is Dont take anything personally, says Taravella. Its one of the most challenging things for all of us, and it can be really, really hard, especially when we have a close relative or a friend who might completely disagree with you. But as the agreement says, try not to take anything personally.



After all, we are who we are. I tell people all the time  before you get into the conversation of politics and religion, keep in mind theyre not gong to change your mind, so you arent going to change theirs.



Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - Eleven people were killed and 14 remain missing after clashes in the Central African Republic earlier this week triggered by the murder of an army officer, the UN said Thursday.

The violence in the capital Bangui Tuesday erupted after the slaying of army commander Marcel Mombeka in the city's predominantly Muslim PK5 neighbourhood by an armed militia.

"We condemn the 11 deaths, 14 disappearances and 14 people injured. The UN forces moved on Tuesday and Wednesday to separate groups seeking to create problems," Herve Verhoosel, communications director of the UN's MINUSCA force in the country, said on Thursday.

"The situation in Bangui is now calm," he said, adding that the UN and CAR officials had called on the public to refrain from violence.

CAR, one of the world's poorest countries, was plunged into chaos by the March 2013 ousting of long-serving president Francois Bozize, a Christian, by the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel alliance.

The coup sparked revenge attacks involving Muslim forces and Christian vigilante groups known as "anti-balaka" (anti-machete) militias.

Thousands were slaughtered in the spiral of atrocities that displaced about a tenth of the population of 4.8 million.

Fears of a bloodbath led to a military intervention by former colonial power France and the deployment of UN peacekeepers.
From Road & Track

How the mighty have fallen! The last time I was at Summit Point's Shenandoah road course, in the middle of June, I had the whole place to myself and a brand-new McLaren 570S to rip around it. This time, I was sharing the course with over one hundred fellow drivers, and I was behind the wheel of a relatively humble 2017 Subaru BRZ. My best time at Shenandoah with the McLaren was about 1:36. This time, in the BR-Z, I turned a 1:51. Around a racetrack, fifteen seconds is an eternity.

Luckily for me, numbers don't tell the whole story. This past weekend's event was run by my friends at TrackDAZE, and it was actually a lot more fun to hang out with them than it was to be all alone at the track four months ago. And that BRZ? It might be fifteen seconds slower than the McLaren, but it's also more than $170,000 cheaper. That's more than ten grand a second, you know. It's also a hell of a lot of a fun. Come with me as I talk you through Shenandoah and the changes made for 2017 to one of the all-time great entry-level trackday cars.

Note: TrackDAZE uses the configuration of Shenandoah shown above, including the straight-line segments in green bypassing the Bus Stop and the chicanes on the Back Straight and Stone House Straight, as well as the Old Ram bypass that cuts out Turns 21, 22, 1 and 2.

The start/finish line at Shenandoah is on what I always think of as the "back straight". There's another start/finish line next to the paddock, but TrackDAZE doesn't use that configuration of the course. So we'll start on the back straight. This year, manual-transmission versions of the BRZ have five more horsepower, for a total of 205. I can't say that I noticed. They also have lower gearing, with a final drive ratio of 4.3:1 instead of 4.1:1. It doesn't exactly make the little coupe a rocket ship. Still, by the time we hit the brakes for Turn 20, we're doing over 105 mph. With the old car, you could hold it in fourth, but now we grab fifth.

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One great thing about the BRZ: The brakes are really up to par, even with stock pads. Yes, you can fade them if you want to, but just by dialing the aggression back a tiny bit it's possible to get through a day without changing fluid or pads. There's an upgraded brake package coming later this year, but if I bought a BRZ I'd be satisfied with some race pads and 600-degree fluid.

Turn 20 is a long left-hand hairpin. For 2017, the BRZ gets revised damping, new springs, and a bigger rear sway bar. I think the net effect of the changes is to bring the car closer to the hilarious tossability of its Scion FR-S-sorry, Toyota 86-platform mate. I've always recommended that my friends buy the Scion FR-S over the BRZ; I can now stop doing that. During some time on Summit Point's wet skidpad, the BRZ proved to me that it can hang the tail out with the best of them.

Unfortunately, there still isn't enough power to drift on throttle alone. The "Old Ram" turn at Shenandoah is off-camber, however, so you can exit it in proper tofu-delivery fashion and hustle the Subaru down through the "Cave Esses" to "The Hammer," a 120-degree left-hander. The BRZ now comes with a instrument-panel display that can show you how much g-force you're generating, how much power the engine is putting out, and so on. But it's a pretty small screen, and at Shenandoah there's not a lot of time between turns to look at it.

After Stone House Straight it's time to go up through a climbing left-hand turn that then drops sharply, Laguna-Seca-style, onto the Range Straight. The BRZ is very easy to steer with the throttle here. I've compared it in the past to a trainer jet aircraft; it behaves like a Corvette or Ferrari F12, but everything happens a lot slower. It still has those Primacy tires, standard issue on such notable performance cars as the Toyota Prius-but that's a good thing, because they have a very wide limit. You can really push yourself in each corner, knowing that you'll get plenty of warning courtesy of the squealing rubber.

Turn 11 is a long right-hander that leads to the Bridge Straight. It showcases how well the BRZ turns in, even on those Primacys. You'll catch a lot of more expensive hardware in Turn 11. The problem is that you'll have to yield to them again up the Bridge Straight. A C7 Corvette Z51 can hit the "ski jump" at 114 mph or so, and the McLaren 570S does it at 124, but the BRZ is hard-pressed to exceed 100 here. So it's pretty low-stress. You still need to get it right, though, because the front wheels will get light in a hurry.

The old "Sport" ESC mode is now called "Track," because it's had the reins loosened a bit. For the Carousel, with its bumpy concrete plates, you'll need to go to Track mode. Otherwise ESC will panic and stop the car. The BRZ is one of those cars I feel good about turning ESC off in almost immediately. But when it rains, as it did on Day One of my weekend, I'll start with it on, and it's actually pretty non-intrusive.

You'll catch a lot of more expensive hardware in Turn 11.

Going up the hill from the Carousel, you'll probably see that tiny red light on the dashboard flashing. That's the rev-limit warning. In factory trim, the BRZ is so quiet, and it revs so smoothly, that you'd better keep an eye out for the light because you'll never shift it just based on the sound. Turns 17 and 18 are good places to try your hand at drifting a tiny bit, because they're off-camber. At the very least you can spin the back tires; the BRZ keeps its Torsen diff for 2017 so you'll be spinning both. If you have to throw in a lot of correction, you might find yourself accidentally activating your phone via the new infotainment buttons on the steering wheel. I don't like 'em.

Our final turn is 19, "Big Bend." I like to grab fourth gear right after the apex. You'll be on the limit of the tires, so the shift will squeak 'em a bit. Not to worry. Few cars are as easy to drive on the absolute edge as the BRZ. It's really the complete package; everything in balance. You could spend your first five years with it, or your first fifty days on-track as a driver, refining your capabilities to match your own.

We used the BRZ for a total of nine 30-minute sessions at Shenandoah; two with me driving and seven with R&T's Deputy Online Editor Bob Sorokanich behind the wheel. The car never got hot, never faded the brakes, never complained. It would bump and squeak a bit in the Carousel, but so did the McLaren. If you're new to the trackday game and you want a hardtop coupe that will both teach you how to drive and continue to reward you after you've become proficient, the BRZ is still a good choice. The 2017 changes don't manifestly alter the character of the car, but they are almost all positive ones. And look at it this way; compared to a supercar, you'll save ten thousand dollars a second. How can you be unhappy about that?

Born in Brooklyn but banished to Ohio, Jack Baruth has won races on four different kinds of bicycles and in seven different kinds of cars. Everything he writes should probably come with a trigger warning. His column, Avoidable Contact, runs twice a week.

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First, Marianne's partner criticized how she ironed her clothes. Then, she critiqued her cooking. She even trapped Marianne in their apartment before Marianne gathered the courage to call her therapist. "My therapist said, 'leave now,'" recalls Marianne, a San Francisco resident whose last name is concealed to honor the guidelines of Codependents Anonymous, a 12-step program to which she belongs. "I didn't have the self-esteem to know that I could leave."

[See: How to Find the Right Mental Health Professional for You.]

Marianne's experience in a codependent relationship -- or when someone's identity is almost entirely tied up in someone else's identity -- is extreme, and also qualifies as abuse. But many -- even most -- people experience some degree of codependency at some point in their lives, whether it's with a substance (like alcohol), a place (like work) or a person (like a romantic partner), says DeAnna Jordan, a marriage and family therapist and clinical director of New Method Wellness, a substance abuse treatment center in Orange County, California.

"If you watch any Nicholas Sparks movie, you will see that codependency is really deemed heroic in a sense," she says. "It's very, very common." So where do you draw the line between true love and codependency? For Marianne, who is now happily married with three children, it comes down to intention: Agreeing to go to your girlfriend's favorite restaurant because you're craving its famed burger is a fine reason; doing so because you're afraid she'll leave you if you don't is not. "Am I being true to myself or am I doing it to achieve a different outcome?" Marianne learned to ask herself.

As Aaron Cooper, a Chicago-based clinical psychologist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, puts it, "It's striking a balance, and we can only answer the question, 'Am I in balance?' if we understand what it is we're weighing and measuring." Consider these common marriage vows as examples:

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1. "You're my other half."

The concept of two souls being incomplete without each other doesn't sit well with Jordan, who prefers the adage, "You can't love someone until you love yourself." "A healthy relationship is one in which there's two individuals who both love and take care of themselves," she says. "They meet in the middle and they both contribute the same amount to the relationship."

Finding such a partnership isn't easy for people with codependent tendencies, since they're usually rooted in childhood experiences that taught them to protect themselves by focusing their attention on others, Cooper says. "Instead of the radar of children being focused on the child's own world, it's excessively focused on the adult world," he explains. In adulthood, that can translate to being drawn to narcissistic personalities. "If I've been trained to aim my radar at you and make it all about you, then I'm going to be great at finding people who want others to make it all about them," he explains.

[See: Hoarding, ADHD, Narcissism: Inside the Minds of History's Great Personalities.]

2. "I embrace your flaws as my own."

Merging your partner's identity with your own isn't always a bad thing. In fact, couples who have "high inclusion" -- think those starry-eyed folks who say "we" more than "me" -- have greater potential to learn and grow from one another, says Gary Lewandowski, a professor and chair of the department of psychology at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, who studies relationships and identity. "We view this as a good thing," he says.

But there are caveats -- namely, when you adopt your partner's negative qualities, be they behaviors like smoking or emotions like anger -- as well. Lewandowski and colleagues call this "self-adulteration." "Everyone deserves a great relationship and so when you're including your partner in yourself, it should be predominately positive things," he says. "Taking on negative things isn't a sign of true love or a positive relationship."

3. "What makes you happy makes me happy."

Consider the time your significant other bailed on plans to see your favorite band, so you stayed home, too. "That's a perfect example of codependency -- you're putting the other person's wants and their desires above your own, despite the fact that you were really excited," Jordan says. Or the time you sat under an icy vent at a restaurant but didn't request to move tables because you'd rather be cold than a "difficult" customer or friend. "I'm abandoning ... my own wish to feel more comfortable [in order to satisfy] my desire for relationship harmony with the waitress or with my companions," Cooper says you might think.

When such thoughts and behaviors are chronic, they can become dangerous, Jordan says. "People start physically deteriorating and then it becomes one person completely dominating the relationship and the other person is just there for the ride -- not making any decisions on their own and not taking care of what they want and who they are as an individual," she says.

But with willpower, time and support, people can learn to break codependent relationship patterns, experts say. Marianne, for one, found inspiration in Codependents Anonymous meetings, where people shared how they gained the confidence to leave unhealthy relationships. "They did it and the world didn't end and maybe I can do that," Marianne thought. "There's a lot to be said for going through the same thing."

Jordan also recommends seeking individual therapy, during which codependent people can learn how to notice -- and ultimately change -- their self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. In addition to meditation and breathing exercises (codepedency and anxiety often go hand in hand), she often advises patients to keep a list of the activities that make them happy, even if it begins as a single, small item like painting their nails. Then, she encourages them to do something on the list every day.

[See: 14 Ways Caregivers Can Care for Themselves.]

"Doing things you enjoy is the least selfish thing you can do," she says, since self-care is necessary for health -- and healthy relationships. "Nine times out of 10, you end up in this amazing relationship in which it's two individuals," Jordan says. "You don't have to lose anything to get yourself."
It is a well known fact that the airline sector is going through tough times, thanks to the plethora of headwinds faced by carriers. The issues hurting these companies include declining unit revenues, plunging ticket prices, technological glitches, feuds with worker unions, reduced air travel demand due to the surge in terror attacks and Brexit-induced uncertainty. The struggles are reflected by the bearish Zacks Industry Rank of 201 (among more than 260 groups) carried by the Transportation-Airline segment.



The latest challenge for carriers is Hurricane Matthew. The storm is likely to hit Florida soon and has caused severe devastation across Haiti apart from affecting the entire Caribbean region with heavy rainfall and strong winds. The severity of the storm has apparently resulted in some causalities in the areas. Hurricane Matthew has prompted many carriers including American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL), JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU) and Alaska Air Group (ALK) to cancel flights/offer refunds owing to safety-related concerns.



Will Unit Revenue Issues Ease?



Although, unit revenues issues have been plaguing airline stocks for quite some time there have been a few favorable developments which suggest that problems on that front might be easing. In its September traffic report, Delta Air Lines (DAL) stated that its passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM: a measure of unit revenue) declined only 3% in the month. The reading compared favorably to those in July and August where PRASM had declined 7% and 9.5%, respectively. In fact, Delta expects to be the first network carrier to return to positive unit revenue growth.



Moreover, last month JetBlue predicted a decline of only 34% for its revenue per available seat mile (RASM) the third quarter of 2016. This indicates an improvement from the 8.2% decline in the second quarter.



Oil Prices Remain Low



Cheap oil has been the biggest tailwind for carriers in recent times. Low oil prices resulted in huge profits for carriers with their bottom line improving significantly through huge savings. This has strengthened the balance sheet of these carriers, which in turn, enabled them to increase investments to enhance flying experience of passengers. A stronger balance sheet also facilitated dividend hikes and share buybacks along with profit sharing payments.



Although oil prices have been weak for quite some time (since mid-2014) and consequently have been priced in, this major tailwind continues to be the main factor behind the considerable year-over-year earnings growth of carriers. Currently, oil prices are hovering around the $50 a barrel mark, a long way off the above $100 a barrel mark witnessed two years ago. Despite the recent OPEC action, oil prices are unlikely to touch the highs of mid-2014 anytime soon. This factor will continue to aid these carriers bottom line, going forward.



The bullish forecast by the International Air Transport Association for the airlines industry for 2016 is also based on the assumption of oil prices remaining weak.



Havana Approval: A Positive



We are optimistic about the decision by the U.S. Transportation Department (DOT), announced in August this year, to grant final approval to eight U.S.-based carriers to initiate commercial flights to the Cuban capital of Havana. Once operational, the top line of the carriers should be benefitted immensely as Havana is a favorite tourist spot.



We note that U.S. carriers have already started operating commercial flights to other Cuban cities. The first commercial flight to Cuba from the U.S. touched ground on Aug 31, 2016, after more than 50 years. The flight was operated by JetBlue.



Q3 Round the corner



The Q3 earnings season will commence in the next few days for the airline industry. Given the turbulent times the sector is passing through, the third-quarter performance of carriers is expected to be lackluster in spite of the positives highlighted above.



The bearish projection for the transportation sector according to our latest Earnings Trends report, of which airlines are a part, also highlights the fact that airlines stocks are not likely to fly very high in Q3. The report suggests that the bottom line in the transportation space is likely to contract 21.8% in Q3.



How to Pick Likely Q3 Winners?



Despite the overall gloomy scenario, the aforesaid factors clearly suggest that all is not lost for airline stocks. There exist few hidden gems in the space that investors can unearth. The stocks have the potential to generate handsome returns.



However, given the vastness of the airline space and the issues that it is currently, it is by no means an easy task to identify the attractive picks. This is where our proprietary model comes to the rescue. According to our model, stocks that have a favorable Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) and a positive Earnings ESP are likely to outperform. More often than not, a positive earnings surprise delivered by a company leads to stock price appreciation.



Earnings ESP is our proprietary methodology for identifying stocks that have high chances of surprising with their upcoming earnings announcement. It shows the percentage difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Our research shows that for stocks with this combination, the chance of a positive earnings surprise is as high as 70%.





Our choices



With the aid of the above methodology, we have zeroed in on four airline stocks that are likely to beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in Q3.



Based in Long Island City, NY, JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU) is a low cost passenger airline that operates primarily on point-to-point routes. It operates an average of 825 daily flights and carries more than 30 million customers a year to 86 cities in the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America. The carrier has a Zacks Rank #2 and an Earnings ESP of +1.70%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q3 has increased by 7 cents over the last three months to 59 cents per share. The carrier is expected to unveil its Q3 results on Oct 25. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



Hawaiian Holdings Inc. (HA), a holding company of Hawaiian Airlines, is involved in transporting passengers as well as cargo. The carrier makes it to our list of likely outperformers in Q3 by virtue of its Zacks Rank #3 and Earnings ESP of +2.79%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q3 has risen by 20 cents over the last three months to $1.79 per share. The carrier is scheduled to unveil its Q3 results on Oct 18.



Our next choice is Alaska Air Group (ALK), the parent company of Alaska Airlines. The Seattle, WA-based company carries a Zacks Rank #3 and has an Earnings ESP of +0.98%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q3 has increased by 3 cents over the last month to $2.04 per share. The carrier is expected to unveil its Q3 results on Oct 27.



Las Vegas, NV-based Allegiant Travel Company (ALGT) also features in our current list of favorites owing its Zacks Rank #3 and an Earnings ESP of +3.03%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q3 rose by 14 cents over the last month to $2.31 per share.



The parent company of Allegiant Airlines, which focuses on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations, is expected to reveal its Q3 results on Oct 19.



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NC holds intraparty discussions on elections-related bills

A meeting of the executive committee of Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party today discussed about the elections-related bills earlier presented in the House.
If you havent caught The 9th Life of Louis Drax in theatres yet, you should - its a gripping mystery that delves into the power of ones subconscious mind and the sixth sense.

Psychologist Dr Allan Pascal (played by 50 Shades of Grey star, Jamie Dornan) investigates the bizarre circumstances behind a 9-year-old boys near-fatal fall.

The movie is a work of fiction, but strange incidents like what it depicts are hardly isolated to film and television. Here are four bizarre mysteries from right here at home in Asia, which have yet to be solved till this very day.

SS Ourang Medan

(Photo: Epoch Times)

In February 1948, ships along the Straits of Malacca picked up a disturbing distress call, which said, All officers including captain are dead, lying in chartroom and bridge. Possibly whole crew dead.

This was followed by a series of illegible Morse code, before a final chilling message came through.

I die, the last message said.

Ships nearby immediately responded to the call, pinpointing the vessel as a Dutch steam freighter, the SS Ourang Medan, and a boarding party was assembled to reach the vessel.

What they saw aboard the SS Ourang Medan would be etched in their memories forever - the entire crew, from the captain to the communications officer, were already dead.

But that wasnt all. Each and every single one of the corpses bore petrified, wide-eyed expressions, with arms spread apart as if they were clutching at thin air. The boarding party decided that they would haul the ship back to the nearest port.

Almost right after tethering the ship to their own using a tow line, however, the SS Ourang Medan exploded with frightening force, breaking the line and sinking swiftly to the bottom of the ocean.

And we havent even gotten to the strangest part yet: while there were several written reports of the distress call as well as eyewitness accounts, researchers, on the other hand, were never able to trace the origins, owners, or official records for the SS Ourang Medan.

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There have been many theories surrounding this curious case, ranging from botched shipments of hazardous materials, UFO encounters, or even ghost pirate ships attacking the ship.

However, we may never find out what really caused the ship and its crew to fall to their watery graves on that fateful day in 1948. Some, however, believe the entire story to be a hoax.



Geylang Bahru Murders

(File photo: Yahoo Singapore)

Husband Tan Kuen Chai and his wife Lee Mei Ying ran a school bus service in Singapore during the 1970s.

The couple would leave their Geylang Bahru apartment at the crack of dawn every morning.

Lee would then ring the home telephone everyday at 7am to wake her four children (aged between five to ten years old) up.

However, this would all change on one eventful morning in January 1979. On that day, Lee made repeated phone calls, but no one at home picked up and she grew anxious.

Fearing that her children would be late for school, Lee asked a neighbour to knock on her door in order to wake the kids up.

There was still no response from within the household.

Tan and Lee hurriedly returned home around 10am that morning, but it was too late - they discovered the grisly, mutilated remains of their children, slashed across the face and the arms, and stacked neatly on top of each other in the bathroom.

Investigations were launched and almost 100 people were interviewed in relation to the case, but the killer(s) were never apprehended.

The couple even received a Chinese New Year greeting card a few weeks after the murders. The card wrote, Now you can have no more offspring, ha-ha-ha, in Mandarin, and was disturbingly signed off as the murderer.

Decades may have passed since the onslaught of these gruesome, brutal murders, but the mystery still continues to fascinate and terrify the nation.



The Amomongo



Artists impression of the Amomongo. Photo: Cryptidz Wikia

In 2008, reports surfaced about sightings of a strange creature in La Castellana, a municipality in the Negros Occidental province of the Philippines.

The creature was described as ape-like with long talons, hairy, and as tall as a man.

It reportedly attacked two residents, aggressively scratching their faces, backs, and hands.

It also disemboweled and ate over 50 farm animals in the area.

News outlets dismissively reported the creature to be a mere wild monkey, but the locals believed it to be something much greater.

They referred to it as the Amomongo, a cryptid in Philippine mythology, and surmise that the reclusive creature lived in one of the many caves within the surrounding mountains.

Could the Amomongo be a distant cousin of the Sasquatch or Big Foot of the west, and the Yetis from the frigid mountains?

The creature has not been officially identified, as the 2008 incident was the one and only time the Amomongo was supposedly seen by eye witnesses.

No photographs were taken at the time either, so no one really knows what the creature truly is or if it truly exists.



Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

File photo of MH 370. (Photo: The Malay Mail)

This is a tale that has been repeated hundreds of times over for the past two years, and which has inspired tons of conspiracy theories, investigations, and documentaries.

In the wee hours of 8 March, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 took off from Kuala Lumpur on a scheduled flight towards Beijing Capital International Airport.

All seemed fine, until the aircraft stopped responding to air traffic control less than an hour later.

Minutes after voice contact was lost, the aircraft also disappeared visually from the controllers radars.

Military radar, however, continued tracking the plane for at least another hour. Their records revealed that the flight had mysteriously deviated hundreds of kilometres away westward, towards the Southern Indian Ocean.

That was also where the aircrafts signal was last detected, and a total of 239 passengers from 15 different nations vanished from the face of the earth.

Plane parts and objects have washed up on several coasts around the suspected crash area.

Some of these are still under examination, while others are confirmed to have been from the ill-fated plane.

There are many theories as to what caused such a tragedy - some experts argued that only a crash landing would have made sense, while other conspiracy nuts discussed the possibility of an insurance scam, a hijacking, or even a rogue pilot.



But for now, the world and the grieving families have not been given any explanation for what happened.
During the Columbus Day weekend, you'll be unlikely to spot Santa Clauses, candy eggs or bright-green shamrocks.

You will, however, have no trouble finding excellent sales at your favorite retailers. Over the weekend, you may stumble upon mattresses for as much as 60 percent off and shoes at half price. You'll encounter solid deals on electronics and appliances, as well as racks of designer clothing at deep discounts.

[See: 12 Shopping Tricks to Keep You Under Budget.]

To steer you through the wealth of sales, we've created a guide to some of the year's best. Before hitting the stores this weekend, check out our list of the top six Columbus Day sales for 2016.

1. Macy's Columbus Day Sale

Date: Oct. 5 through Oct. 10

As it does with virtually every major holiday, Macy's has launched a spectacular Columbus Day sale. Head to Macy's to catch limited-time deals, including:

-- An extra 20 percent off storewide. -- An extra 25 percent off clearance items.

-- Free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

-- 40 percent off select women's shoes when you purchase three or more.

-- 30 percent off select men's shoes when you purchase three or more.

-- 30 percent off women's suits when you purchase three or more.

-- Buy one bra, get another for $10.

-- 25 percent to 40 percent off handbags.

-- A free Clinique seven-piece gift set with any $27 Clinique purchase.

Expect to see deals on apparel and accessories from popular designers, such as Calvin Klein, Levi's and Guess. You'll also find a wide selection of brand-name furniture and home goods.

2. Sears Columbus Day Sale

Dates: Oct. 2 through Oct. 16

Like Macy's, Sears rarely gives up the opportunity to run a terrific holiday sale. This year, Sears is celebrating Columbus Day with a variety of attractive offers, including:

-- Up to 40 percent off refrigerators, washer-dryer sets, dishwashers and other appliances. -- Up to 30 percent off vacuums and floor care.

-- Up to 60 percent off top-brand mattresses.

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At the sale, you can save on appliances from respected names, such as Kenmore and KitchenAid, plus mattresses from Serta, Sealy and Tempur-Pedic.

[See: Your Month-to-Month Guide to Savings.]

3. Home Depot Columbus Day Sale

Dates: TBA

This Columbus Day, Home Depot has promised to feature the lowest prices of all its competitors. Visit Home Depot over the weekend to browse appliance deals, including:

-- Up to 30 percent off refrigerators. -- Up to 30 percent off washer-dryer sets.

-- Up to 25 percent off cooking appliances.

-- Up to 25 percent off microwaves.

-- Up to 25 percent off dishwashers.

-- Up to 30 percent off laundry pairs.

-- Up to 30 percent off vacuums and floor care.

-- Up to 30 percent off kitchen packages.

At the store, you can explore appliances from brands, such as LG, Samsung and Whirlpool.

[See: 11 Ways to Save Time and Money.]

4. Toys R Us Columbus Day Sale

Dates: Oct. 6 through Oct. 10

Early Christmas shoppers can trim down their lists at Toys R Us over Columbus Day weekend. Highlights from the sale include:

-- Buy one, get one action figures, preschool/learning and other toys. -- Free shipping on all orders.

Check out the sale to browse popular toys, such as "Star Wars" action figures and educational games.

5. Barnes & Noble Columbus Day Sale

Dates: Oct. 8 through Oct. 10

Barnes & Noble will host a Columbus Day sale over the weekend. During the event, you can score 30 percent off toys and games. Stock up for the upcoming holiday with Legos, stuffed animals and electronic toys.

6. Hhgregg

Dates: Oct. 4 through Oct. 8

Hhgregg's sale begins and ends early this Columbus Day, with many offers expiring the Friday before the holiday. Act quickly, and you can score the following deals at the online electronics retailer:

-- Up to 30 percent off major appliances, TVs and furniture. -- Up to 50 percent off seating, occasional, media and accent cabinets.

-- Up to 25 percent off Safavieh furniture and decor.

-- Up to $2,500 off select HDTVs.

You can click your way through the many pages of the Hhgregg Columbus Day sale to hunt down appliances from GE Appliances, Frigidaire freezers and Bosch. You'll also spy 4K Ultra and Super Ultra HDTVs at some of the lowest prices until Black Friday. In the furniture section, you can shop top-grain leather seating, dining sets and mattresses.

Maria Lalonde honed her deal-hunting skills while traveling through South America and Southeast Asia, combing colorful local markets for unique finds. Her love of blogging and thirst for deals brought her to Offers.com, where she blogs about savings tips.
Teaming up to bring attention to the exploding opioid epidemic, MTV Docs brought together Macklemore and President Obama for a documentary about what's now known as the worst epidemic of addiction in American history. Airing Tuesday (Oct. 4) on MTV, Prescription for Change: Ending America's Opioid Crisis focuses on recovery methods, the history of opioids in America, and personal stories, including Macklemore's own.

Macklemore himself is no stranger to sharing his struggles with addiction. The rapper, who released his latest album This Unruly Mess I Made this past February, has consistently used his star power to shine a light on (and fight against) the stigma of addiction. By linking up with the recently rebooted documentary division of MTV, he filmed a chat with President Obama in front of the White House in honor of late September's Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week.

The hour-long doc was filmed in both Washington, D.C. and Macklemore's home state of Washington, and had its world premiere this past Monday at South by South Lawn, President Obama's White House-hosted spin on music-and-art festivals. Here are seven revealing takeaways from Prescription for Change, ranging from stunning facts about America's epidemic, to why President Obama agreed to take part in the first place.

#1. It's clear that the America's drug epidemic has been quickly spiraling out of control, with President Obama noting that "Incidents of people dying of overdoses is actually spiking. In 2014, we saw more people die of drug overdoses than car accidents, and the majority of those [deaths are from] opioids."

#2. Macklemore, who explains that he first got sober in 2008, is frank about his own struggles with addiction. "I was on Percocet, and all of the sudden I'm doing them every day, to the point where I have this dependency," he tells Obama of his addiction's origins. "I remember one day, the guy where I was getting it from didn't have any more, but he said he had this other thing -- it's called Oxycontin. Within a week, I was isolated in my room doing this drug, just to stay alive, in a way."

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#3. Obama himself shared his own personal background when it comes to drug abuse. "When I was a teenager, I used drugs and drank and pretty much tried whatever was out there, but I was in Hawaii, and it was a pretty relaxed place," he notes, adding "I was lucky I did not get addicted -- except to cigarettes, which took me a long time to kick."

#4. For Obama, participating in the documentary and tackling the drug epidemic is a personal quest. "I think that anyone who's grown up in America has known people who's struggled with it. I've had a lot of close friends who ended up going through the recovery process." Later, Obama stressed: "I wanted to send a message that seeking help is the strong thing to do."

#5. When Macklemore finally did get help, he notes that there was a stigma that surrounded the whole ordeal. "When I got out of treatment, I didn't know how to be honest about something I was shameful of," he explains. "I didn't know there was such a stigma around admitting that you have a problem, and addiction is real."

#6. What finally worked for Macklemore? A rehab facility, which he is well aware that many others don't get a chance to afford. "If it wasn't for my parents being able to help me out with treatment, and afford this expensive rehab facility, then I wouldn't be here right now talking to you."

#7. However bleak things may be, perceptions and plans are finally beginning to chip away at the epidemic's grasp. Drug addiction, once treated solely by law enforcement, is now being regarded more as a disease, while a better system of tracking prescriptions is being put in place, and recovery methods are becoming easier to access. "I do have hope," notes Macklemore by Prescription for Change's end. "I think there is a shift in consciousness."
The Daily Beast

Patrick Pleul/AFP via GettyJust days after he promised advertisers that Twitter would not become a free-for-all hellscape, Elon Musk used the platform he now owns to amplify a baseless conspiracy theory about the hammer attack on Nancy Pelosis husband by an intruder.There is a tiny possibility there might be more to this story than meets the eye, Musk tweeted Sunday morning in reply to a tweet by Hillary Clinton blasting the Republican Party for creating a toxic environment that lays the gr
NOC urges IOC to reduce surcharges

Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), the state-owned petroleum monopoly, has asked Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to revise surcharges being imposed on petroleum products being dispatched to Nepal, in a move that could reduce fuel prices in the country.
It doesnt take as long as you might think to burn yourself alive. Shock and asphyxiation begin to set in almost immediately. Third-degree burns scorch your nerve endings. Soon after, your body shuts down.

But as 39-year-old Husseini Kalai will tell you, not everyone who sets himself on fire dies.

The only thing worse than death is being alive when you want to be dead, he says. Husseinis hands are now permanently clenched fists, so tight he can hardly use them. His face is a charred patchwork of scars, his ears barely more than tiny disfigured lobes. Especially when nothing has changedespecially when the country is still sleeping.

It was nearly five years ago, shortly after 24-year-old street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi lit himself on fire in Tunisia and ignited what would become known as the Arab Spring, that Husseini, then 34, doused himself in gasoline in front of a police-officer who had been harassing him in his hometown of Kasserine. He struck a match and woke up seven months later in the hospital.

At the onset of the uprising, self-immolation became the modus operandi for anguished and hopeless youth hoping to demonstrate just as much as self-destruct. Around Kasserine, a hub of dissent well before the countrys protests reverberated across the region, Husseini is known as the real Bouazizi, whose role many Tunisians say was overhyped by Western media. Husseini never received the same international attention, but his immolation on January 7, 2011 sparked pivotal protests in Kasserine. A week later, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was forced to flee Tunisia after 23 years in power.

Read More: Tunisia Holds the Key to Defeating ISIS

Five years later, now covered in burn scars, Husseini cant sleep without seeing blades of fires. He doesnt own a mirror. When he walks down the street, people stare and point. Children often scream. The braver approach him to offer an awkward gratitudeor to ask for selfies from the man who got Ben Ali out, as some call him.

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Yet Husseini feels no pride. He says Tunisia gained nothing from his and other protesters self-destructive defiance. He says he would take it all back if he could. I was naive, I guess, Husseini muses, walking the empty halls of a rehabilitation center where he lives outside Tunis. I was naive to think that I or any one person can make a dent or change a tradition of injustice.

But whats even more painful than realizing he has lost himself and a countrys fight for dignity is the reality that his younger brother, Saber, has followed in his footsteps. Last October, almost five years after the dawn of the Arab Spring, 33-year-old Saber lost his job at a local hospital and began spiraling into a deep depression. On October 15 last year, he took one of his cigarettes and lit himself on fire in his neighborhoods small park where he and Husseini used to play games when they were little. A gaggle of children playing nearby watched him die.

Almost five years of struggle had left the family with nothing but ashes.

My sons were revolutionaries. Where did it all go wrong? asks Husseinis mother, 64-year-old Zeina Sehee, as she cries in her living room, clenching Sabers last carton of cigarettes. You tell meis this a revolution?

********

Tunisia is held up as an Arab Spring success storyperhaps the only success. In 2014, it adopted a new constitution and held parliamentary and presidential elections. A year ago this month, a quartet of Tunisian civil society groups even received the Nobel Peace Prize for the successful mediation between Islamist and secular groups that kept the countrys democratic process on track. Last fall, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the country was a shining example to those who claim that democracy is not possible in this part of the world. Stationery stores sell postcards celebrating the revolution, and streets have been named after Bouazizi.

Read More: Why the Arab Spring Has Not Led to Disaster in Tunisia

But few Tunisians who took to the streets to protest in 2011 believe that things have really changed. The governmentnow led by an octogenarian ally of the deposed president Ben Alihas largely failed to usher in the economic reforms at the heart of Tunisias uprising. Red tape, cronyism and corruption still plague the country. A poll released by The International Republican Institute in January 2016 revealed that 83 percent of respondents believe Tunisia is headed in the wrong direction, with concerns regarding the economy at its highest point since the 2011 uprising.

In a rare exercise of democratic maturity, Prime Minister Habib Essid was ousted in late July after overwhelmingly losing a vote of confidence in parliament. Essids opponents say he failed to tackle the countrys mounting economic and security problems while in power for a year and a half. Shortly after, new President Beji Caid Essebsi named a technocrat, Youssef Chahed, as prime minister. Opposition parties quickly criticized the appointment, questioning his experience and calling Chahed a mere loyalist of the president, whom he is related by marriage.

The different governments since the uprising have had difficulties in prioritizing social justice, a key demand of the revolution, says Laryssa Chomiak, a political scientist and director of the Centre dEtudes Maghrebines, a research center in Tunis. Ben Alis political project to exclude people from economic opportunities, especially from the countrys interior, is still largely standing.

The anger burns particularly hot in interior cities like Husseinis hometown of Kasserine. During Ben Alis 23-year rule, Tunisia focused nearly all of its investment projects on the coastal regions, leaving the interior disproportionately underdeveloped. According to the International Monetary Fund, unemployment and poverty rates in the interior are three times that of the coastal areas. Whats more, the countrys youththe intended beneficiaries of the revolutionface an unemployment rate hovering around 40 percent .The rate is lower even in Egypt where post-uprising conditions are significantly worse than they were under ousted president Hosni Mubarak.

Youth ask me all the time what they should do, says Husseini, letting out a nervous laugh in between a perma-cough. I just tell them to look at me, to not do what I did I cant tell them to stay hopeful because Im not even hopeful.

Husseini spent most of his youth in the streets, protesting against corruption and meeting with municipal leaders in an effort to effect change. From a young age, he was inspired by the countrys Bread Riots of 1984. Under an IMF-imposed austerity program, bread prices doubled and thousands took to the streets to protest. The government declared a state of emergency and demonstrations were brutally quashed, leaving more than 80 dead.

Read More: The Arab Spring Turns Five

It was a remindera warning to us, Husseinis mother Zeina recalls. Speaking out comes at a price.

Husseini eventually moved to Sousse, a coastal resort city on the Mediterranean Sea, where he worked as a security guard at a hotel and nightclub. Every time he returned home to visit Kasserine, he was reminded of his countrys dark mosaic of desperation and exhaustion. A day before he lit himself on fire, he said a police officer had been harassing him and others, calling them names and going so far as kicking them. When he went to complain to municipal authorities, they ignored him.

I was just planning to visit my mother that week and maybe go to a protest, but the fuse broke, says Husseini. And when it breaks, you cant go back.

******

Two nights before Husseinis younger brother killed himself, Saber called him to plan a visit to his rehabilitation center in Tunis. For the past five years, Saber had been a diligent caregiver, visiting regularly and helping his older brother bathe. Husseini could sense that his brother was low in spirits, but then again, so was nearly everyone. He never imagined that history would repeat itself. In Arabic, Saber means patiencesomething so many Tunisians had lost since the heady days of the Arab Spring.

Do you ever think its our destiny is to be forgotten? Saber asked Husseini before he hung up the phone.

All the time, Husseini answered.

That would be the last time theyd talk.

Adnan Haji, a leftist parliamentarian known as the Che Guevera of the south from the interior city of Gafsa says if conditions dont improve, another uprising is likely. Theres still no dignity, the economy is worse and the old guys are still around. Injustice is still prevalentpeople wont wait much longer.

Last January, protests broke out once again in Kasserine when 28-year-old Ridha Yahyaoui electrocuted himself on top of a power pole near the governors office. His name had been removed from a list of potential recruits for coveted public sector jobs. In response to the demonstrations, President Essebsi  the oldest head of state in the Middle Eastpromised to employ more than 6,000 youth in Kasserine and start construction projects. But young people in Kasserineand throughout Tunisiaare still waiting.

Human rights stalwarts like Sihem Bensedrine, head of Tunisias Truth and Dignity Commission, which is tasked with bringing those who profited under an authoritarian regime to justice, fear that anger will only build among the countrys young. Its time to bring change and weve reached a plateau, she says. Unfortunately, the window is only narrowing. There are a lot of landmines in Tunisia. And if we dont get rid of them, theyll explode.

For Radha Manai, the explosion already happened.

Like Zeina, she sits crying over the death of her 24-year-son in her small one-room home in Gaafour, a hardscrabble town in northern Tunisia. On her daughters phone is a video she took of her son Seifeddine at a relatives wedding two years ago. Tall, thin, and handsome, he break-dances across a blue strobe-lit dance floor to applause from an enthralled crowd that has circled around him.

On June 26, 2015, almost a year after the wedding, the whole countryand most of the worldmet her son through another image: Seifeddine walking down a beach with an AK-47, after single-handedly killing 38 in a terrorist attack at a beach resort in Sousse. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack and the president called for a war on terrorism. The government also declared a state of emergency (conferring Tunisian authorities special power to forbid public gatherings and control the press) which it lifted last October, only to reinstate again in November when a suicide attack in downtown Tunis killed 12 members of the presidential guard. It has yet to be lifted. Over the last year, tourism  which accounts for 8 percent of Tunisias gross domestic product  has plunged, with the lowest tourist arrivals in decades.

The Tunisian government says that Seifeddine trained with the Islamic State in Libya the year before the attack. His mother and sister claim he was brainwashed, that the brightest engineer in his college class would never do such a thing, would never join such a group. But friends say Seifeddine was easily radicalized  hopeless and defeated by the prospect of finding love or a job in a country where poverty is a near death sentence.

Though Tunisia is faring better than its fellow Arab Spring neighbors, more than 6,000 Tunisians are thought to have traveled to Iraq and Syria to fight as jihadists, more than any other country in the world, despite Tunisias small population of 11 million people. Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, the 31-year-old deliveryman who ran over and killed 85 people in Nice, France on July 14, was a native of Tunisia. Such has become the soured legacy of the Arab Spring.

Its a tide thats hard to stop, says Mohammed Iqbal, a telecommunications worker and founder of an organization that helps Tunisian families whose relatives have left to fight in Syria. In 2013, Iqbals own teenage brother was radicalized in a local mosque and soon left to fight alongside ISIS in Syria. He returned after a few weeks, though Iqbal refuses to disclose any details of what happened to his brother in Syria, or why he returned.

Not a day goes by, Iqbal says, that he doesnt receive a frantic call from a family who wants their son back. But he understands the sense of desperation that drives them. If I were 10 years younger maybe Id be in Syria, too, says Iqbal.

Under Tunisian Presidents Habib Bourguiba and Ben Ali, who reigned for 31 and 23 years, respectively, religious education was marginalized in a practice of forced secularization, and tight security controls were placed on mosques. After the fall of the regime, radical religious imams were able to fill the vacuum and recruit disenfranchised youth. Its in that environment that friends say Seifeddine was radicalized while studying electrical engineering at a technical college in Kairouan, a holy city in Tunisia considered to be a stronghold of ultraconservative Islamists known as Salafis.

When Husseini heard the news of the Sousse attack, a hotel not far from where he once worked, he felt a strange shock of recognition. In a way, its like I opened the door for people like Seifeddine, he says. Five years ago, we would have probably stood in the same square, protesting Ben Ali. Now look at where we are.

Both he and Seifeddine, he says, were drawn to deaths that screamed a purpose greater than themselves. Both wanted a way out of a country they felt failed by  a country where they couldnt find a place.

Zeina, Husseinis mother, hesitates to compare her son to an Islamic State militant but soon nods. Youre both victims of the state, she says. Youre sons of desperation.

*****

At a cafe near Seiffedines family home in Gaafour, scores of young men were lazing the day away, all dressed up in knock-off designer jeans and pleather jackets with nowhere to go. Cafes have become a sort of waiting room for Tunisias unemployed. In dusty towns like Gaafour with little infrastructure and few public spaces, theres little else to do.

Its scary because you look at someone like Seifeddine and you realize, youre not so different, says a 23-year-old college graduate, afraid to disclose his name for fear of being questioned by local officials. No one wants to talk about Seiffedine, much less compare himself to the terrorist. The graduates friend, blanketed in scars even worse than Husseinis, sat across from him nodding along. When asked how he was burned, he says it was an accident. His friend laughs.

You see a lot of burn marks on young people now, he explains, alluding that his friend had self-immolated like Husseini and Saber. Around here you either stay asleep or you try to fight. But the revolution now means turning into Bouazizi or joining the Islamic State.

Back in Kasserine, Husseini visits his mother and takes an evening stroll past the small bus station where he fell to the ground in flames five years ago. A group of young graffiti artists spray paint the words Welcome to Kasserine on a nearby wall, blaring Mos Def through their phones.

When they see Husseini, they get excited and drop their cans. We figured it was the guy who got Ben Ali out, says 26-year-old Rahmouni Mohammed. He reaches out to give Husseini a handshake, until he realizes the older mans hands are immobile. They laugh awkwardly and fist-bump instead.

Im not sure if I am that guy, Husseini says, shaking his head. Ill let history decide if Im a revolutionary.

He tightened his skullcap to cover his scarred head and soon walked back to his mothers house. When he reached the park where Saber had burned himself alive, a group of children looked over in his direction. He quickly turned the corner before they could see his face, still visibly mutilated even in the darkness.

Lauren Bohn is The GroundTruth Projects Middle East correspondent and editor at large based in Istanbul
Oct 6 (Reuters) - Agrium Inc and Potash Corp of Saskatchewan shareholders will hold separate meetings next month to vote on a merger agreement between the two fertilizer companies, they said in a filing on Thursday.

The all-stock deal would combine Potash's crop nutrient production capacity, the world's largest, with Agrium's farm retail network, North America's biggest.

Agrium shareholders will meet in Calgary, Alberta on Nov. 3, while Potash investors meet the same day in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Potash shareholders would own 52 percent of the new company.

The deal, which requires two-thirds approval by shareholders of each company, is expected to be completed by mid-2017, pending regulator review.

The companies began discussing in March 2015, ways to combine phosphate fertilizer assets, but they eventually broadened discussions into a merger in February, 2016, according to the filing.

(Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Editing by Sandra Maler)
(Adds details of disruption for cruise ship lines, retailers)

By Nick Carey

CHICAGO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Hundreds of flights have been canceled, Florida airports are being shuttered, train services suspended and cruise ships diverted as Hurricane Matthew heads toward the U.S. southeastern coast, with passengers and goods likely to be stranded or delayed through Saturday.

Atlanta-based Delta Airlines said 130 flights were canceled on Thursday after the airline halted operations at southern Florida airports including Miami. A further 150 will be canceled on Friday as Florida airports further north such as Orlando are affected. Additional cancellations are expected for Georgia and South Carolina on Saturday, the airline said.

A spokeswoman for Chicago-based United Airlines said the company canceled 180 flights from Wednesday through Saturday affecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Jacksonville.

"We are ready to change and cancel more flights as needed," she said.

American Airlines canceled flights in southern Florida starting Thursday afternoon, which should resume by midday Friday. The airline said Orlando flights would cease late Thursday afternoon, with reduced service resuming Saturday morning. Jacksonville flights will cease on Friday morning and will resume on Saturday.

Southwest Airlines Co said it had canceled 60 flights for Thursday due to the hurricane.

Cruise ships were also affected. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd said it had diverted a cruise ship away from the Bahamas. Carnival Cruise Line, a unit of Carnival Corp , said it would manage route adjustments as needed and had only essential personnel at its Miami headquarters.

A FedEx spokeswoman said the package delivery company is implementing contingency plans but warned of potential service disruptions.

"Contingency plans are being implemented to ensure that shipments arrive at their final destinations as quickly as conditions permit," said Glenn Zaccara, a spokesman for rival United Parcel Service Inc.

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Operations on No. 3 U.S. railroad CSX Corp's main Florida line from Auburndale into Jacksonville would cease late on Thursday afternoon, spokeswoman Melanie Cost said.

Services from Florida into Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina would be curtailed until after the storm passes, she added.

No. 4 U.S. railroad Norfolk Southern Corp is moving equipment away from Southeast coastal areas and transferring shipments inland to secured rail yards. Traffic en route to affected regions is being held at yards throughout the Norfolk Southern system to alleviate congestion in those areas.

Miami-based trucking and logistics company Ryder System Inc will close its headquarters during the storm, spokesman David Bruce said. But he added that Ryder is "repositioning rental trucks to the affected areas and working to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply for our customers in the days after the storm passes."

RETAILERS CLOSE SOME STORES

Retailers were likewise shutting up shop in southeast Florida on Thursday. Nordstrom Inc said it had closed 15 locations.

A spokesman for Costco said the company was closing some stores and has seen an increase in purchases of emergency items in the region such as food, water, fuel, batteries, flashlights and generators.

Dollar General Corp said 500 coastal stores received extra emergency supplies this week ahead of the storm and would close stores based on evacuation orders.

(Reporting By Nick Carey, additional reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram and Sruthi Ramakrishnan in Bengaluru; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
By Nick Carey

CHICAGO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Hundreds of flights have been canceled, Florida airports are being shuttered and train services suspended as Hurricane Matthew heads toward the U.S. southeastern coast, with passengers and goods likely to be stranded or delayed through Saturday.

Atlanta-based Delta Airlines said 130 flights were canceled on Thursday after the airline halted operations at southern Florida airports including Miami. A further 150 will be canceled on Friday as Florida airports further north such as Orlando are affected. Additional cancellations are expected for Georgia and South Carolina on Saturday, the airline said.

A spokeswoman for Chicago-based United Airlines said the company canceled 180 flights from Wednesday through Saturday affecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Jacksonville.

"This is a very fluid situation, so we are ready to change and cancel more flights as needed," she said.

American Airlines has canceled flights in southern Florida starting Thursday afternoon, which should resume by midday on Friday. The airline said Orlando flights will cease late on Thursday afternoon, with a reduced service resuming Saturday morning. Jacksonville flights will cease on Friday morning and reduced service will resume on Saturday.

Southwest Airlines Co said it had canceled 60 flights for Thursday due to the hurricane.

A FedEx spokeswoman said the package delivery company is implementing unspecified contingency plans but warned of potential service delays or disruptions.

"Contingency plans are being implemented to ensure that shipments arrive at their final destinations as quickly as conditions permit," said Glenn Zaccara, a spokesman for rival United Parcel Service Inc.

Operations on No. 3 U.S. railroad CSX Corp's main Florida line from Auburndale into Jacksonville would cease late on Thursday afternoon, spokeswoman Melanie Cost said.

Services from Florida into Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina would be curtailed until after the storm passes, she added.

No. 4 U.S. railroad Norfolk Southern Corp is moving equipment away from Southeast coastal areas and transferring shipments inland to secured rail yards. Traffic en route to affected regions is being held at yards throughout the Norfolk Southern system to alleviate congestion in those areas.

Miami-based trucking and logistics company Ryder System Inc will close its headquarters during the storm, spokesman David Bruce said. But he added that Ryder is "repositioning rental trucks to the affected areas and working to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply for our customers in the days after the storm passes." (Reporting By Nick Carey; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
The airline industry agreed Thursday on a framework for reducing its carbon footprint at a UN meeting in Montreal, the first commercial sector on its own to tackle climate change.

Six years of negotiations culminated in what International Civil Aviation Organization president Azharuddin Abdul Rahman called a "historic" deal at the ICAO's plenary session to cap carbon-dioxide emissions by 2035 at 2020 levels.

The agreement was reached despite reservations by China, India and Russia.

It covers a segment of CO2 emissions not dealt with by the landmark Paris climate accord, which comes into force in less than a month: Carbon pollution from jetliners totals about two percent of global emissions.

Although the number of airline passengers are forecast to double during the implementation of the accord, the industry is betting it can reach its stated goal through the purchase of credits to offset the sector's CO2 emissions.

As well the ICAO is encouraging greater use of fuel-efficient engines running on biofuels and lighter aircraft materials, and route optimization.

So far, some 64 countries have agreed to participate in the so-called Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, or CORSIA, which will be rolled out in two phases, first on a voluntary basis followed by full implementation and mandatory participation in 2027.

Only the world's poorest nations, small island states and countries with a small volume of global passenger travel (less than 0.5 percent) will be exempted.
Amid Akshays powerful message about prioritizing rehabilitating the families of martyrs over talking war and banning Pak actors, Ajay Devgn has come out and has made a strong comment in favour of banning Pak actors

During an interview, the 47-year-old actor said, You cant clap with one hand. Talks have been going on. You keep talking to people but then they come kill you. How can you still continue a dialogue? I want to see you getting into a fight with somebody and after he gives you a tight slap on your face, lets have a talk. What will your reaction beinstantly to retaliate or talk?

On being asked if he would not share the screen space with a Pak actors, Ajay bluntly replied, Not at the moment.

Recommended Read: Ajay Devgn on his friendship with Salman Khan: I dont interfere in anybodys life; nor do other people in mine

The actor was heard saying, Country comes before money if the country breaks into mess what will we do with the money.

Meanwhile, it is only a few days back that Ajays publicist claimed that no Pakistani actor is a part of Shivaay.

In the fallout of Uri attack, Ajay has become the first big star to deny having any professional relationship.
A brutal murder. A sensational trial. Exhaustive TV coverage of the headline- making case of an American in Italy convicted of killing one of her roommates and later acquitted by a higher court. Those are the broad strokes of the new Netflix documentary Amanda Knox, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. The film is about the highly publicized case of the student from

Seattle who, in 2007, was tried and found guilty of murder.

But visuals tell only part of this dramatic story. Sound design and music do a lot of the heavy lifting.

The big challenge in both the design and mix was giving emphasis to all the case material and the details, recalls audio post producer and re-recording mixer Tom Paul, of New York audio house Gigantic Post. Theres a lot of text and graphics, and we had to find the sweet spot between over-melodramatic, cheesy swishes and being right on point. We did that using the right amount of reverb and levels. We also wanted to make all the archival footage, which is intercut with interviews, feel very present.

A key consideration: the parts where the prosecutor visits the crime scene.

We added specific broken-glass sounds and foley footsteps so that its like a movie, says Paul, and very experiential and emotional.

Paul was brought onto the project through writer and editor Matthew Hamachek. When Hamachek had to leave for a prior commitment, Paul in turn enlisted supervising sound editor and re-recording mixer Chris Stangroom of New Yorks Hobo Audio, with whom he has collaborated on many jobs over the years.

Stangroom received all the audio elements from Hamachek and directors Rod Blackhurst and Brian McGinn, and, with his team, dug into the job at hand.

We went through all the dialogue, cleaned it up to ensure it was audible and usable, and then tackled the sound effects, he says.

Stangroom says there were big challenges on a number of levels. We had to deal with footage from news outlets, police footage, home video, and archival, he says. Those different sources were not focused on the audio quality.

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Stangroom worked at re-creating audio tracks for scenes in the Italian town of Perugia, where the crime took place, and Seattle, Knoxs hometown. He then focused on what he calls the emotional sound design.

We got the music pretty early on and created some drone-y sound effects to keep the tension up, he says. That was a big note from the directors  give it an eeriness without straying into horror-film territory, and to underscore the intensity of the events.

Adds Hobo CEO Howard Bowler, Compared with all the other documentaries weve done, this was very exacting work to come up with the right sonic direction.

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The new Netlflix film Amanda Knox hasnt captivated viewers the way the Amanda Knox case did, according to a media research firm with a unique way of tracking whos watching what.

Netflix famously refuses to release ratings. So Symphony Advanced Media uses its own panel of viewers, and tracks what they watch using cell phone audio recognition technology. The panelists cell phones, in other words, keep track of what they watch.

According to data provided by Symphony to TheWrap, Knox has earned a 0.3 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic and 382,000 viewers since its Sept. 30 premiere in live-plus-five ratings. That put it far behind Symphonys numbers for Making a Murderer, which averaged a 0.8 rating and 1.1 million viewers in Symphonys live-plus-five numbers.

Also Read: 'Luke Cage' Earns Far More Media Mentions Than 'Westworld,' 'Amanda Knox,' Firm Says

What does Netflix say about this? Nothing, of course. Since it does not release ratings for its shows, it declined TheWraps request for comment.

Viewers cant binge-watch Amanda Knox because it is a single, 90-minute documentary, whereas shows like Making a Murderer feature multiple episodes. It currently has a very strong 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

Twice convicted and twice acquitted by Italian courts of the brutal killing of her British roommate Meredith Kercher, Knox became the subject of global speculation as around-the-clock media attention fed the publics fascination through every twist and turn of the near-decade-long case.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Critics Love Netflix's 'Amanda Knox': 7 Glowing Reviews of 'Outstanding Documentary'

'Amanda Knox' Review: Gripping True-Crime Doc Separates Facts From Hype

Netflix Drops 2 Trailers for Amanda Knox Doc: 'Believe Her' and 'Suspect Her' (Videos)
LONDON (Reuters) - Online retailer Amazon said on Thursday it would create over 300 new jobs next year when it opens a distribution center in central England, maintaining a wave of investment in Britain. Plans for the center in Daventry follow announcements in August that the firm will open fulfillment facilities in Tilbury, south east England, and Doncaster, northern England in 2017, creating 2,000 jobs. The new jobs in Daventry, Tilbury and Doncaster are in addition to the 3,500 it expects to create in Britain in 2016, spanning head office, research and development centers, customer service centers, a fashion photography studio, Amazon Web Services and distribution centers. Those jobs will take Amazon's total full-time permanent UK employees to over 15,500 by the end of 2016. Amazon is increasing the size of its UK distribution network to meet customer demand, driven in part by the 40 percent growth last year in the number of independent businesses selling on Amazon and using its fulfillment services. Amazon's new UK manager Doug Gurr said in July Britain's decision to leave the European Union had not affected its investment plans for the country. The firm said it has invested more than 4.6 billion in the UK since 2010. (Reporting by James Davey, Editing by Paul Sandle)
Why are people still producing these offensive costumes? (Photo: Amazon)

Were not sure how many times my culture is not your costume needs to be said for people to get it, but apparently the folks at Amazon are in need of a reminder. The e-tailer has ruffled a few feathers with some of its Halloween costume options, which include Fun Fashion Sexy Muslim Islamic Women Black Burka Costume and Smiffys Mens Arab Costume With Long Tunic and Headdress. On top of that, the models used for both costumes appear to be white, with the man wearing makeup to darken his face.

Reviews of the burka costume, which was removed from the site shortly following widespread outcry, pointed out just how problematic its existence is. I thought wearing this costume would boil down an entire culture into a racist stereotype. Turns out, I was right! This costume is representing the culture in an inaccurate and very unflattering way! If Amazon cared about more than just money, they would take this product down! one person wrote. Im giving this costume one star because Halloween is all about having fun and enjoying ourselves  but it doesnt have to be at the expense of cultures, histories and entire traditions, another critic pointed out.

A spokesperson for Amazon said that the product is no longer available and noted that the product was being sold from a third party, adding that all Marketplace sellers must follow our selling guidelines and those who dont will be subject to action including potential removal of their account.

Were still doing this? Seriously? (Photo: Amazon)

On the mens Arab costume, which is still available for purchase, there was similar outrage. Theres much more wrong with this costume besides the low quality material. Its racist, degrading, and supporting inaccurate stereotypes. I figured that by 2016 wed be smarter than to wear and sell offensive costumes like this, but you have clearly proved me wrong. This costume should be taken down!

Its not like the information as to why these kinds of costumes are lame isnt out there: For starters, in 2011, students at Ohio State University started a campaign reminding people were a culture, not a costume, to raise awareness that culturally or racially based costumes at Halloween are extremely offensive and problematic. One of the images of the campaign featured a young Arab fellow, holding up a photo of a white man dressed in a costume strikingly similar to the one thats now on Amazon.

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The costumes are particularly ill-timed in the face of raging anti-Muslim sentiments: In France, for example, burkinis have been banned in some municipalities; here in the States, Donald Trump has proposed a ban of all Muslims from entering the country. And these types of costumes, while always offensive, add insult to injury.

The costumes are being sold through Amazons Marketplace, and as a spokesperson told the Mirror, All Marketplace sellers must follow our selling guidelines, and those who dont will be subject to action including potential removal of their account. While Amazon claims to have taken down the costumes from its U.K. site, they are still available on the U.S. website.

Still confused about why these costumes are so deplorable? Check out how one reviewer brilliantly summed it up regarding an Mens Arab Sheik Costume: The best news: I wore the costume on Halloween to be funny. Then the next day I took it off, and I was just me again. Isnt it awesome that I didnt have to deal with the racism or oppression some people actually experience on a daily basis? Best Halloween ever!

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
On 1950 Treaty, ball in Indias court: Members

With the Nepali side formally presenting clause-wise position on amendment to the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Nepal and India on the first day of the second meeting of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on Tuesday, the ball now is in Indias court, members said on Wednesday.
In struggling for some explanation for the inexplicable events of this election season  in particular, the fact that someone as unqualified and ignorant as Donald Trump is as close as he is to the most powerful post in the world  I keep coming back to a conversation that a friend had with her trainer at a posh gym in Manhattan. The New York City trainer is a bright and personable woman in her 20s. But when my friend casually referred to Hillary Clintons hearings on Benghazi, Libya, she was befuddled. Not just because she had never heard of the Benghazi controversy  but because she had never heard of the secretary of state, the State Department, or of U.S. ambassadors. She was just as blissfully unaware of the existence of the two houses of Congress, with each appointing committees to focus on matters of national concern.

This trainer is not a high school dropout or a recent immigrant. She is a native-born American who graduated from a four-year college that I had heard of. And yet somehow in 16 years of education she failed to learn the most elementary facts about our government.

For years, Ive been more sanguine than most about the state of the American education system. Sure, surveys showed that our schoolkids were falling behind the rest of the world, especially in math and science; but, I liked to point out, our economy was doing great. How bad could our schools be if we continued to lead the world in high-tech innovation?

I now realize that I was being Pollyannaish. (For you recent graduates, that means excessively optimistic.) The longer this election season goes on, the more evidence we are seeing of the cost of the shocking ignorance inculcated by our system of schooling. Late-night comedians have made a running joke out of this civic illiteracy with their man on the street interviews with people who cannot, for example, identify pictures of John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, or Jimmy Carter. Surveys show that such ignorance is not out of the norm.

As Sol Stern of the Manhattan Institute notes in the Daily Beast: By the end of the 1990s, two thirds of high school seniors were unable to identify the 50-year period in which the Civil War was fought; half didnt know in which half century World War I took place. More than half could not name the three branches of government. A majority had no idea what the Gettysburg address was all about. Fifty two percent chose Germany, Japan or Italy as U.S. allies in World War II. It gets worse: Several years ago Newsweek asked a sample of 1000 voters to take the same test that new immigrants applying for U.S. citizenship must pass. One third of the respondents couldnt name the vice president and half didnt know that the first 10 amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. Only one third knew that the Constitution is considered the nations highest law.

What are the results of this dismaying lack of knowledge? The most obvious consequence is the extent to which Trump and Bernie Sanders  the fascist and the socialist  have transfixed the electorate this year in spite of their complete absence of workable policy proposals. Both have engaged in wish fulfillment, essentially promising, as Trump explicitly said, to make every dream you ever dreamed for your country come true. Although Sanders and Trump differ a bit in the content of their dreams, they both promise to spend trillions of dollars for new programs without offering any realistic method of paying for their promises: Sanders proposed a tax on Wall Street speculation and Trump to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, both ideas that experienced policy analysts will recognize as pie-in-the-sky. (How does speculation differ from needed investment? And where is the line item in the federal budget for waste, fraud, and abuse?)

When it comes to foreign policy, both preach essentially isolationism, with blithe indifference or unawareness of how terribly the United States and the world suffered when those policies were implemented in the past. Both have also turned their backs on free trade, which pretty much all economists agree is a good thing.

Trump has gone even further by promising that he alone can somehow destroy the Islamic State, end terrorism, return lost manufacturing jobs, stop illegal immigration by building a wall that Mexico will pay for, deport 11 million undocumented immigrants, end trade deficits, make all of Americas streets safe, and accomplish a host of other miracles. His inability to spell out any way to get from here to there has not been an insurmountable impediment to his electoral success, at least not so far.

A surprisingly large number of people are all too willing to swallow these grandiose and unbelievable promises while professing themselves not to be troubled by Trumps lack of basic knowledge about governance. This is a candidate, after all, who thinks that judges issue bills and who has no idea what the nuclear triad is or what the difference is between the Kurds and the Quds Force.

Yet Trump looks almost well-informed compared to the Libertarian Party candidate, Gary Johnson, who apparently has never heard of the Syrian city of Aleppo and could not in a television interview identify a single, favorite world leader. The isolationist Johnson actually brags that his lack of knowledge is an advantage because he cant invade countries he has never heard of.

Johnson is nevertheless attracting a substantial share of millennial votes  and many of those voters are oblivious to the danger of throwing the election to Donald Trump. When a New York Times reporter asked one college student if he wasnt worried about repeating the 2000 scenario when Ralph Nader siphoned critical votes from Al Gore in Florida, this young scholar replied: Ralph who?

(Note that Trumps support comes not from college students or college graduates but from white men with a high school education or less. So presumably they know even less than this prospective Johnson voter.)

Whatever happens on Nov. 8, recent events should underline the urgent necessity of revitalizing civics education  of making sure that current and future voters know basic information about government, history, geography, international affairs, and economics to make well-informed choices. That will require, for a start, devoting more resources to civics education.

Federal funding for civics teaching was zeroed out in 2011, forcing educators to rely on private donations for curriculum development, teacher training, and other important functions. But private donors give less than $41 million a year to this subject, which is less than the $45 million the Intel Foundation alone gives annually to support STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, and Intel is just one of hundreds of private foundations supporting STEM. The 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act restored some funding for civics education but no more than $6.6 million a year  still far less than the $170 million the federal government devotes to supporting STEM. Sure, its important to produce students who know math and science, but its even more important to produce students who can exercise the obligations of citizenship.

But the problem extends beyond funding. A 2010 survey of civics teachers by the American Enterprise Institute found that only 36 percent thought it was essential to teach students to know facts (e.g., location of the fifty states) and dates (e.g., Pearl Harbor). Its hardly surprising that so many people dont know the basic facts about our country or the world if the educators who are supposed to teach them dont think those facts are important. But they are.

This lack of basic knowledge about national and world affairs poses a real danger to the future of our democracy. Elections presuppose that voters have some intellectual apparatus to distinguish between the choices they are offered. If thats no longer the case, American democracy will fall prey to demagogues  and if not to Trump, then to someone else. This is precisely what our Founding Fathers feared. As Federalist No. 10 warned: Men of factious tempers, of local prejudices, or of sinister designs, may, by intrigue, by corruption, or by other means, first obtain the suffrages, and then betray the interests, of the people. (For the benefit of todays voters, the Federalist Papers are a series of 85 essays published in 1787-1788 by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay promoting the Constitution. You may have heard of Hamilton  hes a rapper with a Broadway show.)

If we dont revitalize civics education, we will be entrusting our future to people who cannot name all three branches of government  a feat that only one-third of respondents in one recent survey could pull off. Such abysmal ignorance is no obstacle to training clients at a gym or performing myriad other jobs, but it is a deal-breaker in making informed decisions at the ballot box. The way we are going, one of these days a Bernie Sanders or, heaven help us, a Donald Trump will not just be a candidate for president. He will actually become president.

Photo credit: Sean Rayford/Getty Images
At a recent White House meeting, President Barack Obama assembled an eclectic cast of characters: the CEO of IBM, one of the largest corporations in the world; a trio of serving politicians from both parties comprising the mayor of Atlanta and governors of Louisiana and Ohio; a former secretary of the Treasury; a recent mayor of New York City, and the dean of a graduate school of international relations and former supreme allied commander (thats me). Despite wildly divergent backgrounds and political affiliations, everyone in the room agreed on one thing: the value of free trade globally, with particular urgency on the need for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

The president was measured, analytical, and pragmatic. In describing his recent trip to Asia, he kept reflecting on the constant refrain from our allies, friends, and partners: The United States was absolutely needed in the region. Washington has spent seven years negotiating this massive agreement (some 6,000 pages and 30 chapters) signed in February that would level the playing field in terms of trade, working conditions, and the flow of goods among a dozen nations  all good allies and partners to the United States. China, he said, was seen increasingly as a bully, using a combination of economic statecraft, hard-power moves in the volatile South China Sea, and territorial claims around the region to coerce behavior.

The deal on the table has one last chance of passing  the lame-duck congressional session after the November election. With both presidential candidates vowing to either reject or completely renegotiate the agreement over domestic competitiveness concerns, the moment is shaping up to be the American version of a Brexit from the Pacific region. Indeed, its impossible to not hear echoes of this summers surprise popular referendum, in which the United Kingdom decided to walk away from the vast European free-market trading zone over a combination of immigration concerns, fairness arguments about protected domestic industries, and irritation over imposed regulatory regimes. It was a serious geopolitical mistake for Britain to walk away from the European Union, and it would be equally serious for the United States to leave the TPP on the table and effectively walk away from a leadership position in Asia.

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The case for the TPP is economically strong, but the geopolitical logic is even more compelling. The deal is one that China will have great difficulty accepting, as it would put Beijing outside a virtuous circle of allies, partners, and friends on both sides of the Pacific. Frankly, that is a good place to keep China from the perspective of the United States, and the treaty thus brings together not only Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other Asian partners, but also Chile, Mexico, Canada, and Peru. The obvious missing member from Asia is South Korea, but indications are clear that over time South Koreans will want to be part of the agreement. This will be relatively easy to facilitate as South Korea already has a robust bilateral trade agreement with the United States.

The free-trade debate will continue to be part of the presidential election cycle as both candidates disavow the pact and seek to maximize votes in states that have been hit by job losses. While most economists point to the broader economic good engendered by free trade generally, the individual pockets of pain caused by heightened overseas competition become strong drivers in an election season. But in time, free trade grows the entire economy and creates a net increase in employment. The answer for individual segments of society that are disadvantaged is additional education and training that allows a pivot into new jobs. Broadly speaking, that has been the trajectory of previous trade agreements both here in the United States and abroad.

What is particularly compelling about the TPP, however, is the geopolitical argument in its favor. Three key points are especially salient:

China is on the march in Asia. Beijing intends to claim essentially the entire South China Sea as its territorial waters, based on preposterous historical arguments soundly rejected by international courts. It continues to build artificial islands, destroy reefs, and practice hybrid maritime warfare with unmarked sailors in fishing boats intruding aggressively into Japanese, Philippine, and Vietnamese waters. China clearly intends to be the dominant actor in East Asia, and absent a strong U.S. presence, it will succeed. An Asia dominated by China does not serve U.S. interests for a host of reasons, especially given the economic vitality of the region.

This is a moment of real vulnerability for many Asian nations. The unpredictable Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is watching this potential U.S. Brexit from Asia and already talking about increasing military ties with China. Vietnam, historically wary of its massive neighbor to the north, frequently discusses its vulnerability with U.S. leaders. Japan is rattled by Chinese activity around the Senkaku Islands, and even South Korea  which maintains strong ties with China  is worried about Beijings seeming reluctance to rein in the behavior of its client state, North Korea. A U.S. failure to maintain a strong economic presence in the region  highlighted by the TPP  will have significant negative effects on our political and diplomatic position over time.

Sending U.S. aircraft carriers is not enough. Some would argue that the United States can exert all the influence it needs to by simply sending enough Carrier Strike Groups sailing through the western Pacific. That kind of simplistic show the flag argument doesnt work in the 21st century; we are more than 100 years on from Teddy Roosevelts Great White Fleet. A nations influence is the composition of its military, cultural, political, and  above all  economic influence. As the leader of what would be the largest free-trade zone in the world, the United States would continue to exert real leadership in this crucial region.

While China is outside the TPP, membership in this exclusive club will only increase in value over the coming decade. Although China may bridle initially were the deal to come to fruition, the incentive to be included should have an ameliorating effect on its behavior over time, and provide a path to build a bridge to what will soon be the largest single-nation economy in the world.

Over 2,500 years ago, during the Zhou dynasty, the philosopher-warrior Sun Tzu wrote the compelling study of conflict The Art of War. There is much wisdom in that slim volume, including this quote: The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. The United States can avoid conflict best in East Asia by using a robust combination of national tools  with the TPP at the top of the list. Looking across the Atlantic to the Brexit debacle, we must avoid repeating the mistake in the Pacific.

The clear winner if the United States rejects the Trans-Pacific Partnership will be China, and an increasingly authoritarian and regionally dominant President Xi Jinping will be cheering the loudest.

Photo credit: OLIVIER DOULIERY/Getty Images
By one measure, the U.S. presidential campaign will be 597 days old on Election Day in November. Thats 14,328 hours, for those accustomed to CNNs Countdown Clock. Parents who were rocking a newborn when Ted Cruz declared his candidacy are now running after a toddler. In this timeframe, Emma Roller reckons in The New York Times, we could have instead hosted approximately four Mexican elections, seven Canadian elections, 14 British elections, 14 Australian elections or 41 French elections.

Its difficult to say definitively that the United States has the longest election process in the world. Some countries have legally defined campaign periodstypically several weeks or monthswhile others do not. In parliamentary democracies such as Canada and the United Kingdom, the prime minister can call early elections, shaking up the timeline. And even in those nations with a fixed period for the official campaign, there is frequently an extended unofficial campaign. Yes, in the time that elapsed between Cruz announcing his presidential bid and Cruz endorsing Donald Trump, France technically could have elected 39 presidents. But thats comparing pommes to oranges. France has a specified campaign length while the United States doesnt. And in France, the unofficial campaign starts well before the two-week official campaign, especially now that French political parties are experimenting with U.S.-style primary elections.

Still, Americas presidential race is certainly among the worlds longest political campaigns. And many Americans arent happy about it. For years, at least half the country has been telling pollsters the campaign is too long. A popular bumper sticker this cycle captures the mood: Giant Meteor 2016Just End It Already. So why do Americans keep doing this to themselves? What is the upside?

The downsides are pretty clear. Nearly 60 percent of Americans say theyre exhausted by the glut of election coverage, even as heightened interest in the 2016 race drives that coverage. The length of the campaign, moreover, is one reason billions of dollars are poured into U.S. presidential contests, when mere millions are spent on elections in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom. The steep cost of running for president, in turn, only makes the campaign longer; candidates need time to fundraise.

Recommended: Bill O'Reilly's Ugly Carnival of Prejudice

Americas combination of a relatively short presidential term and an unusually long election process also obstructs the work of U.S. policymakers, particularly those focused on foreign relations, Stephen Walt wrote in Foreign Policy in 2012. For at least a quarter of each presidential term, politics eclipses policy in government and in public discourse. The longer the campaign, Walt argued, the more time foreign leaders have to take advantage of a vulnerable, distracted, crisis-averse U.S. president. This week, for example, The New York Times reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin is rushing to strengthen the Assad regimes position in Syrias civil war while the Obama administration is constrained by the U.S. election.

But there are also positive aspects of the U.S. process that may be difficult to spot at the conclusion of an often-ugly, seemingly endless campaign. Primary elections, which have been a fixture in U.S. presidential campaigns since the 1970s, drag out the race. But they also afford American voters more say in who their partys presidential nominee is than they had when party leaders chose the standard-bearersa positive development for those who favor more direct forms of democracy.

From my experience in more than 65 countries around the world, in those [parliamentary] systems in which elections can be called on short notice, it reinforces the control over the candidatures by parties and incumbents, said Patrick Merloe, the director of electoral programs at the National Democratic Institute, which among other things monitors elections around the world. In those circumstances where there is a more open and extended political competition, the potential for [political] outsiders to marshal support is increased.

In presidential elections, the attributes and policies of candidates often are not known until later in the election cycle.

Perhaps most importantly, as the political scientists Will Jennings and Christopher Wlezien found in analyzing more than 26,000 polls in 45 countries since 1942, voter preferences for a particular candidate or party take longer to form in presidential elections than in parliamentary ones. Peoples preferences crystallize, and it takes time for them to crystallize when theyre focused on particular candidates by comparison with parties, Wlezien told me.

The graph below plots polls from presidential and parliamentary campaigns beginning 200 days before the election. Root mean squared error on the Y-axis is a measure of how predictive these polls were of the elections outcome; the lower the root mean squared error, the more predictive the polling was. The data indicates that early polls are significantly more predictive of the final result in parliamentary elections than in presidential elections. But within 50 days of the election, as voter preferences harden, these differences largely disappear.

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Accuracy of Polls in Presidential vs. Parliamentary Systems, Over Time

Jennings and Wlezien, The Timeline of Elections: A Comparative Perspective

In explaining the discrepancy, Jennings and Wlezien cite a fundamental distinction between parliamentary and presidential systems: Parliamentary elections are primarily contests among political parties, while presidential elections are primarily contests among individual candidates. Voters may simply need more time to choose between, say, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton than they do between the British Conservative and Labour parties, especially in an election when Trump has had such a topsy-turvy relationship with the Republican Party he supposedly represents. As Jennings and Wlezien put it:

[I]n presidential elections voters select an individual to represent the country, whereas in parliamentary elections they select a legislature, which in turn produces a government. In presidential elections, there often is greater uncertainty over the identity of the candidates. Even to the extent the candidates are known, information about their attributes and policies often is not known until later still in the election cycle. By contrast, in parliamentary systems, parties tend to dominate. This is important because dispositions toward parties, while not fixed, are more durable than those toward candidates. Even to the extent party leaders are important to voters in parliamentary systems, their identities typically are known well in advance, earlier than presidential candidates.

No surprise, then, that the United States is home to one of the worlds longest political campaigns, Wlezien said: The U.S. is a presidential system. It doesnt have a formal campaignwe dont call elections, theyre predetermined. [The presidential race involves] a lot of money, a lot of powerits a big job. A lot of people want the job. The United States is also a big country with a free and vigorous press. Add up all these factors, and you have a campaign that began way back when America was debating the true colors of The Dress.

Shorter campaigns may produce happier voters, but they may also produce less enlightened voters.

Its an open question whether voters emerge from long campaigns with a superior understanding of candidates and policy issues than voters in short campaigns. But after studying 113 elections in 13 countries, the political scientists Randolph Stevenson and Lynn Vavreck concluded that voters may have a better grasp of economic conditions in their country when campaigns are long enougha threshold they defined as at least six weeks.

In any election cycle, misinformation and disinformation vie with factual information, Stevenson and Vavreck note. But over the course of an extended, competitive campaign, factual information tends to win out. Shorter campaigns may produce happier voters, in the sense that they do not watch leaders attacking each other for so long, they write, but shorter campaigns may also produce less enlightened voters who dont know as much about the candidates and issues facing them.

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The challenge for the media is to embrace the upsides of Americas long election rather than the downsidesto focus less on who won the week, whos up or down in the latest polls, and who just said what about whom, and more on the evidence that has accumulated over the last year and a half regarding the key issues in the campaign, the candidates experience, and their policy proposals. Americans, after all, have 500 days worth of clues about how their would-be leaders would actually lead the country. U.S. presidential elections generate a lot of useless noise, but they also convey a powerful signal about those applying for the most powerful job on the planet.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
By Dan Whitcomb

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The California university researcher killed in Ethiopia protests was a brilliant scientist with an infectious smile who was studying the effects of climate change at the time of her death, the colleague who was traveling with her said on Thursday.

Sharon Gray, a 31-year-old postdoctoral scientist at the University of California, Davis, was riding through Addis Ababa with her co-researcher Siobahn Brady when their car was attacked by demonstrators hurling rocks.

Brady was not hurt in the incident and was returning to the United States, according to the university. The U.S. State Department was assisting in bringing Gray's body home.

"She had an infectious smile and giggle, a calm and patient nature and she was truly committed to helping people through her studies of plant biology. I and her colleagues and friends in my lab will miss her intensely," Brady said in a written statement.

"These last hours of her life and the past day have been incredibly difficult and we ask for your respect for the privacy of my lab group, our project members and her colleagues while we mourn," she said.

The two women were the lead researchers on study to understand the response of plants to climate change with the Netherlands Institute of Ecology and were in Addis Ababa for a "kick off meeting," Brady said, calling Gray a future leader in her field.

On her Twitter page Sharon Gray described herself as an "outdoor adventurer, traveler, foodie" as well as a postdoctoral fellow. A memorial page posted by the university was filled with photos of her in fields of crops, rock-climbing and hiking, surrounded by friends.

Originally from the Chicago area, Gray earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois-Champaign.

State Department spokesman John Kirby confirmed that an American citizen had died in Ethiopia on Tuesday but declined to provide further details.

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"We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and to the loved ones. We are providing all possible consular assistance. Out of respect for the family, we must decline further comment," he said.

Asked if the United States believed that protesters had targeted Americans, Kirby replied: "As for the situation itself, thats really for the local authorities to speak to in terms of the investigation and how they are looking into it."

The U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia has said that an American woman was killed on Tuesday when stones were hurled at her vehicle on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Residents there have described crowds attacking vehicles since a stampede at a weekend protest killed at least 55 people.

That stampede began when police fired teargas and shots in the air to disperse anti-government demonstrations during a festival in the Oromiya region, south of the capital, which has been a focus for demonstrations by locals who say land has been seized to build factories and housing blocks.Protests have also increasingly turned to broader issues of political freedom. Amnesty International has demanded an investigation into how security forces handled the weekend protest.

(Reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammaed in Washington, D.C., and Asli Kandemir in Istanbul; Editing by Leslie Adler, Bernard Orr)
The Supreme Courts second day of hearings in its new term moved the Justices directly into some of the most significant controversies they will face in coming months, and it was plain that the outcomes are hardly going to be bold. In a case of huge significance for those who buy and sell stocks, and in a case that highlights how racial bias can infect justice, the Court reached openly for narrow consensus.

The facade of the United States Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.

The facade of the United States Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.

It has become commonplace, among those who watch the Court closely, to view the fact that there are only eight Justices instead of nine as a major influence on how cases get decided  less daringly, and with more tightly controlled impact.

In the big case growing out of a $5.2 million scandal of insider trading based on secret corporation information, the Court steered a course midway between a Wall Street lawyers plea to let a lot more trading get done with such information, and a government lawyers suggestion to tighten the controls more stringently. That was how it went in Salman v. United States, the first case heard Wednesday.

And in the Texas murder case involving an explicit prediction during the trial that black people are likely to be more dangerous because they are black, the Court showed a willingness to treat that case almost as one of a kind that probably will mean that one individual will get a new chance to challenge his death sentence, but an unwillingness to speak more expansively on the deeply sensitive cultural question of how to deal with racial fears in the courtroom. That was the way it went in Buck v. Davis, the second case of the day.

Both of the cases had reached the Court with the potential to bring profound change in the areas of the law at stake.

In the Salman insider trading case, the Court actually had been asked to rule unconstitutional the long-standing punishment for exploiting corporate secrets by trading on it in the stock market for personal gain. If the Court found that too daunting, it was urged at least to require the government to prove that the trading actually resulted in making money, not some other, intangible benefit. That was what New York corporate lawyer Alexandra A. E. Shapiro sought.

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On the governments side of that case, the lawyer, Deputy U.S. Solicitor General Michael R. Dreeben, wanted the Court to free securities prosecutors to go after anyone who derived a personal benefit  even if not in the form of money  by betraying loyalty to the corporation whose information was used for trading. At times, the Justices did not seem to fully understand what Dreeben was really seeking, but, whatever it was, it seemed like too much.

From the opening question in that hearing from Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg through the final question by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the Court pressed both lawyers to spell out the full implications of their positions, and it kept asking for ways to resolve the dispute. A flurry of hypothetical variations on who was liable inside a corporation to who would be liable as a stock market participant showed that the Justices were deeply hesitant either to ease up or crack down on insider trading.

In fact, most of them seemed to be of the view that the Court pretty well settled the scope of insider-trading law in a 1983 decision, in the case of Dirks v. Securities and Exchange Commission. Several of the Justices seemed to have the text of that decision before them on the bench, as they quoted freely from it.

Dreeben did draw a somewhat encouraging comment from Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr., who told the government lawyer that his approach at least was more consistent with the Dirks opinion than Shapiros had been. As if the Court as a whole had written off both of the broad arguments by the two lawyers, Justice Stephen G. Breyer commented that what concerned him was not the specifics of the Salman case but the task of line-drawing to clear up insider-trading law.

The fact that none of the Justices looked up or said anything while Shapiro was doing a four-minute rebuttal suggested that her plea had missed its mark.

The death penalty case of Duane Edward Buck had reached the Court with a potential to make significant new law on two issues: how to correct for explicitly racist comments made during a sentencing phase of a murder trial. and when to allow federal courts to reopen a closed case to deal with the consequences of a death sentence that may well have been traced to racial fears.

Bucks lawyer, New York attorney Christina A. Swarns, sought to give the case even more weight as she repeatedly talked of the prospect that a murder case provides an almost ideal situation to arouse racial fears when the individual on trial is a black, and that is assessed as a reason for the fears.

But midway through her argument, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., commented that this was really a unique case, and thus was an odd platform to make any general rules about when a closed case could be reopened for an inquiry into racial prejudice at a trial.

Roberts seemed genuinely disturbed that state officials had not come to Bucks aid as they had done in several other murder cases where similar racist comments had been made at the trials of other blacks.

One of the standards that the federal courts use for reopening a closed case is whether the individual involved can show extraordinary circumstances. It was plain, at many points during Wednesdays argument, that most of the Justices asking questions were fully persuaded that Bucks case easily cleared that hurdle.

Justice Breyer flatly accused Texas officials of having acted arbitrarily in dealing with Bucks complaint about the racist testimony.

Texas sent its Solicitor General, Scott A. Keller, to try to defend keeping the courthouse doors closed to Bucks challenge. Keller sought to show how grievous were the murders for which Buck had received the death sentence, and he argued that the evidence simply overwhelmed any impact that the racial comments might have had. Virtually all of the questions put to him showed a skepticism about Texass stance, and the unusual way that Buck had been treated compared to those involved in similar cases tried at about the same time in Texas.

Legendary journalist Lyle Denniston is Constitution Dailys Supreme Court correspondent. Denniston has written for us as a contributor since June 2011. Denniston has covered the Supreme Court since 1958. His work also appears on lyldenlawnews.com, where this story first appeared.

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NEWS BRIEF The Chicago City Council announced Wednesday that it was suspending business with Wells Fargo for a yearthe latest action taken against the bank for its scandal involving fake bank accounts.

The ban will suspend a number of services the bank has previously provided to the city, including underwriting, brokerage, and trustee services, which have earned the bank more than $19 million since 2005.

I hope this action by the city of Chicago will echo around the nation and make it clear to other institutions this conduct is unacceptable, Alderman Edward Burke, chair of the citys finance committee, said.

Wells Fargo responded in a statement expressing its disappointment with the citys decision, which it said was made at a time when the city needs access to dependable financial partners.

Chicagos decision may soon be seen across Illinois. Bruce Rauner, the Illinois governor, announced Sunday the state would not be using the bank for debt deals until further notice. Michael Frerichs, the state treasurer, announced Monday the suspension of state investment activity with the bank totaling $30 billion.

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The state of California issued a similar suspension against the bank last week in an unprecedented move that is expected to cost Wells Fargo millions of dollars.

Both decisions follow mounting national pressure on Wells Fargo, which was discovered last month to have created millions of phony bank and credit-card accounts over the past five years in an effort to hit sales targets. Federal regulators slapped the bank with a $185 million finethe largest to be issued since the Consumer Finance Protection Bureaus founding in 2011. Since then, the bank has fired 5,300 employees said to have been involved in the scandal, but that hasnt placated lawmakers in Congress who have sharply questioned John Stumpf, the banks CEO.

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Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
UFC

With Jon Jones off handling his latest adventure in self-sabotage for the time being, the list of potential matchups for light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier is currently about as enticing as a bowl of sh*t soup, pardon my French.

The second-ranked Alexander Gustafsson  who arguably gave Cormier the toughest fight of his career at UFC 192  cant stay healthy long enough to mount anything resembling a comeback. The fourth-ranked Ryan Bader has just been booked against Lil Nog in Gustys absence (and also happens to be Ryan Bader). The fifth-ranked Ovince St. Preux lost an uninspired match against Jones in his last performance and Rashad Evans is currently ranked seventh in the division despite dropping down to middleweight for his upcoming fight and not scoring a win since 2013.

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So with its options extremely limited, the UFC has been all but forced to book its champion against the only man in the top 10 who has actually been winning the majority of his fights. Hint: Its the guy with murder balls for fists who sent Glover Teixeiras teeth flying into the rafters in his last performance.

Yes, Daniel Cormier and Anthony Rumble Johnson are going to do the damn thing again. According MMAFighting, the fight has been booked for the UFCs return to Canada at UFC 206. Said Cormier of the fight:

The city of Toronto is still buzzing after the Blue Jays walk-off home run last night. The only thing more exciting than that is that I am defending the undisputed UFC light heavyweight title in the Six on December 10 at UFC 206, only on pay-per-view. Down will go Rumble  again.

Interesting phrasing, DC.

In case youve recently been struck in the head by a large object, the fight will serve as a rematch of the UFC 187 main event, which transpired just over a year ago when, you guessed it, Jon Jones did something stupid and forced that resulted in him being pulled from the event. After surviving an early onslaught, Cormier went on to dominate Johnson for two and half rounds before submitting him in the third round with a rear-naked choke.

All things considered, DC vs. Rumble II is honestly about the best fight that the UFC could book. While Cormier should obviously emerge as a heavy favorite given his performance in the first fight, Johnsons dynamite fists always leave open the possibility for an upset. With champions dropping like flies these days, could Johnson emerge as the next light heavyweight champion? Only time will tell, but all I can say for sure is that Dana White would secretly love it if that happened.
Arab Fashion Week opens Thursday with hopes of establishing Dubai as a top destination for the "ready couture" genre and as a major fashion capital.

It is the first time that a fashion week has been dedicated to the form, described by organisers as a blend of haute couture and ready-to-wear or pret-a-porter.

"In Milan, we celebrate high-end ready-to-wear. In Paris, we celebrate high-end haute couture," said Jacob Abrian, the head of the Dubai-based Arab Fashion Council (AFC).

In Dubai and the Arab world, "we want to be innovative", he said, with off-the-rack clothing that is tailored to haute couture standards and can be customised.

For the first time in the region, the five-day show will also present a unisex collection signed by Rad Hourani, a Canadian-Jordanian designer known for his genderless creations.

The fashion week will open with "ready couture" for women from Emirati designer Lamya Abedin in the first of more than 20 Spring-Summer 2017 collections from more than 10 countries.

Now in its third edition, Arab Fashion Week aims to attract women from the Gulf who tend to dress up every day, as well as luxury-orientated buyers from Russia and China.

The AFC, founded in 2014 to represent the fashion industry in the 22 countries of the Arab League, introduced "ready couture" after an in-depth study of the market, Abrian said.

The form follows in the footsteps of limited ready-to-wear collections that can be customised, from famous fashion houses Roberto Cavalli and Dolce & Gabbana, he said.

- 'Peace through fashion' -

AFC spokeswoman Daline Eluar said the group "aims to strengthen the role of the UAE, through Dubai, to become the fifth international fashion capital alongside New York, London, Paris and Milan".

The fashion week seeks to show the world that the Arab region is not just "war and conflicts" but also "creativity, art and beauty", she said.

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The Gulf city state is a growing tourist destination, a magnet for investors and home to one of the world's largest shopping malls.

It has been spared the wave of unrest that has rocked other Arab countries since 2011.

Abrian said the AFC wants to "tailor peace through fashion" by promoting Arab designers and attracting Western brands to manufacture in the region.

At the fashion show, the council will promote a Jordan-based initiative to set up the Arab world's first factory able to manufacture garments to international standards, he said.

The initiative is part of a drive towards setting up a creative economy based on the region's art and culture within 10 years, he added.

But much remains to be done, Abrian said, as customers still trust Western designers over their Arab peers.

"Everything that comes from Paris, from Milan is more appreciated," he said.

The AFC hopes to counter this by promoting brands that are "made in Arabia".

Islamic fashion will be on display throughout the event with brands from Malaysia and Indonesia, at a time of growing controversy in the West over Muslim women's clothing.

"We believe that Islamic wear is very important and international brands are targeting" it, said Abrian, adding that Muslim spending on fashion could reach $500 billion by 2019.
Thanks to a double arm transplant surgery, a former Marine sergeant who lost both arms while serving in Afghanistan in 2010 can hold hands with his fiancee once again. (Photo: Getty Images)

A former Marine sergeant who had a double arm transplant is happy that he can now hold his fiancees hand. John Peck, 31, received his new arms from a deceased organ donor during a 13-hour surgery at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston.



Peck said in a press conference Wednesday that hes grateful to the family of the deceased man who donated his arms. Your loved ones death will not be for nothing, he said. Every day that I look down at our new arms, I will drive onand I will never give up. I will remember his selflessness and his gift until the day I die.

Peck became a triple amputee after he stepped on a homemade bomb in Afghanistan in 2010. He later lost his other arm due an infection.

During the surgery, the right donor arm was attached to Pecks right arm just above the elbow, and the left arm was attached below Pecks left elbow. Peck says his new arms feel good, but they dont feel like his yet. They will, he added, noting that he has a slight sensation in them, which doctors say should improve over time.

Brigham and Womens Hospital released an animated video explaining how the complicated transplant was completed, which involved connecting veins, nerves, muscles, and bones with precision instruments.

More surgeries like Pecks may be on the horizon. There have been 28 known bilateral arm transplants worldwide, and we do anticipate that number will grow as awareness about the effectiveness of the procedure is proven and the science behind immune suppression (anti-rejection) medication continues to evolve, Erin McDonough, chief communication officer for Brigham and Womens Hospital, tells Yahoo Beauty.

Peck says the first time he held his fiancee Jessica Pakers hand after the surgery, he couldnt feel it, but it meant so much to him. That truly is a special gift, he said.

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Double arm transplant recipient John Peck with his fiancee Jessica Paker. (Photo: Getty Images)

Simon Rego, chief psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, tells Yahoo Beauty that the benefit of human touch is invaluable. The data that we have at this time suggest that touch can play an important role in our early development and communication, and that therapeutic touch can have a positive impact on various conditions including pain, depression, and immune function, he says.

Clinical psychologist John Mayer, Ph.D., author of Family Fit: Find Your Balance in Life, agrees, calling touch the neglected stepchild of the senses. We often take for granted the role it plays in love and affection as it is overpowered by sight and smell, but touch is vitally important to human relationships, he tells Yahoo Beauty.

Touch causes the release of a bevy of chemicals in the brain and body including dopamine, testosterone (which increases arousal), adrenalin (which increases heart rate and excitement), pain-blocking and pleasure-increasing phenethylamine, endorphins, and the love hormone oxytocin, Mayer explains.

Peck says he plans to use his new arms to live out his dream of becoming a chef.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Pvt sector bemoans policy inconsistency, insecurity

Industry Minister Nabindra Raj Joshi has called upon all line ministries to work in a proactive manner to improve business and investment climate in the country and address problems faced by the private sector.
Oliver Queen is burning the candle at both ends, as The CWs Arrow let fly with Season 5 on Wednesday night.

RELATEDArrow Season 5 Preview: Oliver Flies Solo, Felicitys in Limbo

In his role as Mayor Handsome, Ollie has been sleepwalking (as Thea puts it), late for meetings and appearances. And when he does show up, his thoughts arent always politically correct (such as when he lambasts the SCPDs rampant corruption in front of the SCPD). As Oliver explains to his sis, the office of mayor allows him access to actionable intel to employ in his other job. And if hes slacking as a politico, its in part because Green Arrow has been going it alone even since Dig and Thea hit the bricks, in the wake of Laurels murder.

Felicity has been riding Oliver hard to bring in some new recruits  namely, Wild Dog, Evelyn Sharp (fka Wannabe Canary) and Mr. Ski Goggles (shes still workshopping the name). But Oliver says nyet to the idea, holding onto the hope that he can get the old band back together. When Oliver gets word that Quentin Lance has slipped back into town, he finds the formerly top cop off the wagon, Donna-less (a fate we wish on no man) and morose. (A drunk needs a reason to stay sober, Lance notes, and Im fresh out, my friend.)

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While Oliver juggles his two worlds, a new criminal emerges  Tobias Church, a street tough who has left Hub City and Bludhaven in his ruthless wake. He quickly lays down the law with SCPDs dirty cops, before launching his plan to make his mark and take down the biggest guy in the yard, meaning Green Arrow. And to that end, his men crash the Black Canary statue dedication to take hostages, Mayor Queen included.

How Oliver extricates himself from that situation ties into the first of this seasons flashbacks, where Oliver has gone to Russia to make good on his promise to Taiana, to kill Constantine Kovar. Running afoul of a local gangster along the way, Olivers bacon is saved by Anatoly Knyazev, by way of a first painful lesson on how to dislocate ones thumbs to free tied-up hands. Anatoly questions Olivers extremely circuitous path back home, sensing that he is avoiding his future by perpetuating the past. Anatoly cites a Russian saying, that a shark that doesnt swim drowns. Meaning, Oliver needs to move forward (or Always forward, as Luke Cage might say) at some point  by the end of Season 5s flashbacks, ideally! Anatoly warns Oliver that his mission against Kovar is a suicidal one, but the Bratva brotherhood can help him  if Oliver survives the punchy, kicky, stabby initiation.

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Back in present-day Star City, Oliver uses Anatolys trick to escape his zip ties and  gulp  snap the neck of Churchs guard, in the name of protecting his secret. Thea, having begrudgingly suited up as Speedy, arrives on the scene to assist with his exfil, but they cant grab the hostages yet due to explosive trip wires surrounding them, so they bolt. Back at the lair, Thea rips her brother for putting killing back on the table. Oliver counters that Malcolm was right all along, that Green Arrow must do whats necessary or not be out there at all. (After all, had Oliver killed Damien Darhk when he had the chance, Laurel would still be alive.) Speaking of Laurel, Felicity reminds Oliver of the promise her made on her deathbed, and in flashback we see that she beseeched him, Please dont let me be the last Canary. That way, a part of me will always be out there with you. Out by the Canary statue, Oliver unsuccessfully tries to reach Dig in Chechnya, before Lance arrives to offer a handful of cops Green Arrow can trust to help in whatever way we can.

Oliver coordinates with said cops to infiltrate where Church has the hostages, and the mission is largely successful  though Church gets away. Oliver is determined to stop the new baddie, so he leaps out a window and shoots a rappelling arrow into the getaway chopper. Climbing inside the bird, Green Arrow and Church slug it out, until the archer gets pushed out the open door. Luckily, Oliver has a nifty parachute arrow (!) to ease his landing.

Back at the lair, Oliver becomes amenable to the idea of adding new vigilantes  as well as Curtis, who took a beating while tracking Wild Dog  to the team. After, he finally connects via Skype with Dig, who agrees its a good idea to rebuild the team. When Dig asks if Oliver has any notion of back to normal with Felicity, the hero shrugs while we see his ex-fiancee return to the loft at the end of a long day, to receive a welcome shoulder massage from new boyfriend Detective Billy Malone.

Then, in a final tag, we meet the other new adversary on tap for Season 5: the dark archer to be dubbed Prometheus, who takes out one of Lances good cops.

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* Owners seeking to push rates higher, close to year-long highs

* Dry bulk sector to see greater consolidation - BIMCO

By Keith Wallis

SINGAPORE, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Freight rates for large capesize dry cargo ships on key Asian routes are likely to remain steady next week even as owners try to push rates up close to year-highs, ship brokers said.

That came as charter rates stayed firm despite China's week-long National Day holiday which ends at the weekend.

"Owners were asking around $6.10 per tonne from Western Australia to China on Thursday and $13 per tonne from Brazil to China," a Singapore-based capesize broker said on Thursday.

Freight rates are climbing towards the year-highs touched on Sept. 22.

"The market has been rising on the back of operators chartering vessels to move iron ore, but all the miners are in the market today. The market has been pretty busy today," the broker added.

The operators included ship owners such as Germany's Oldendorff and commodity traders Cargill and Hong Kong's Caravel, chartering data on the Reuters Eikon terminal showed.

"I think the market will level out and take another breather. Everyone is now more bullish about the market. The capesize market is looking good for the next month to six weeks," the broker said.

A short-term shortage of capesize ships in the Atlantic Ocean to transport iron ore from Brazil has resulted in stronger rates, Norwegian ship broker Fearnley said in a note on Wednesday.

Capesize rates rose this week after slipping at the end of last week.

Charter rates for the Western Australia-China route were at $5.65 per tonne on Wednesday compared with $5.86 per tonne the same day last week.

Freight rates from Brazil to China were at $12.14 per tonne on Wednesday compared with $12.35 per tonne last week.

That came as shipping lobby group BIMCO said the dry bulk sector can only return to profitability in 2019 "if shipowners deliver zero supply side growth, year-on-year".

The comments, made in a report published on Thursday, reiterated those the body first made in May.

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"The fragmented ownership of the dry bulk fleet cannot be sustained over the length of the downturn and we will see greater consolidation, meaning fewer and bigger companies," the BIMCO report added.

Charter rates for smaller panamax vessels for a north Pacific round-trip voyage fell to $5,769 per day on Wednesday from $6,327 per day last week.

Chartering activity was muted leaving the Pacific panamax market to slowly loose steam due to Asian holidays, the Fearnley note said.

For smaller supramax vessels, freight rates in the Far East fell to around $6,000-$6,500 per day this week on subdued chartering activity compared with around $7,500 per day last week, brokers said.

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell to 869 on Wednesday from 912 a week earlier.

(Reporting by Keith Wallis; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)
By Ellen Francis and Tom Miles BEIRUT/GENEVA (Reuters) - Rebels holed up in Aleppo can leave with their families if they lay down their arms, President Bashar al-Assad said on Thursday, vowing to press on with the assault on Syria's largest city and recapture full control of the country. The offer of amnesty follows two weeks of the heaviest bombardment of the five-and-a-half-year civil war, which has killed hundreds of people trapped inside Aleppo's rebel-held eastern sector and torpedoed a U.S.-backed peace initiative. Fighters have accepted similar government amnesty offers in other besieged areas in recent months, notably in Daraya, a suburb of Damascus that was under siege for years until rebels surrendered it in August. However, rebels said they had no plan to evacuate Aleppo, the last major urban area they control, and denounced the amnesty offer as a deception. "It's impossible for the rebel groups to leave Aleppo because this would be a trick by the regime," Zakaria Malahifji, a Turkey-based official for the Fastaqim group which is present in Aleppo, told Reuters. "Aleppo is not like other areas, it's not possible for them to surrender." Washington was also sceptical of government motives: "For them to suggest that somehow they're now looking out for the interests of civilians is outrageous," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, citing the heavy civilian toll from air strikes and bombardment. The army announced a reduction in shelling and air strikes on Wednesday to allow people to leave. It backed that up with an ultimatum: "All those who do not take advantage of the provided opportunity to lay down their arms or to leave will face their inevitable fate." The government also sent text messages to the mobile phones of some of those people trapped in the besieged sector, telling them to repudiate fighters in their midst. More than 250,000 people are believed to be trapped inside rebel-held eastern Aleppo, facing dire shortages of food and medicine. Speaking to Danish television, Assad said he would "continue the fight with the rebels until they leave Aleppo. They have to. There's no other option." He said that he wanted rebels to accept a deal to leave the city along with their families and travel to other rebel-held areas, as in Daraya. Neither Assad nor his generals gave a timeline for rebels to accept their offer. Washington accuses Moscow and Damascus of war crimes for intentionally targeting civilians, aid deliveries and hospitals to break the will of those trapped in the besieged city. Russia and Syria accuse the United States of supporting terrorists by backing rebel groups. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the relentless Russian and Syrian bombardments could result in the fall of rebel-held eastern Aleppo within "weeks if not days". "Its unclear how long they will last, but considering the destruction of infrastructure that supports life, they are hanging by a thread," the U.S. official said. "There is only so much they can endure. The war has already killed hundreds of thousands, made half of Syrians homeless, dragged in global and regional powers and left swathes of the country in the hands of jihadists from Islamic State who have carried out attacks around the globe. The United States and Russia are both fighting against Islamic State but are on opposite sides in the wider civil war, with Moscow fighting to protect Assad and Washington supporting rebels against him. Storming Aleppo's rebel-held zone, which includes big parts of the densely populated Old City, could take months and cause a bloodbath, the U.N. Syria envoy warned on Thursday. "The bottom line is in a maximum of two months, two and a half months, the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate may be totally destroyed," said Staffan de Mistura, invoking the 1990s atrocities of the Rwandan genocide and Yugoslavia's civil war. LIGHTER BOMBARDMENT Residents of eastern Aleppo said the aerial bombardment was significantly lighter overnight and on Thursday after the government's statement, but they said heavy fighting continued on the frontlines and people were afraid. The army and its allies, Iran's Revolutionary Guards and Shi'ite militias from Iraq and Lebanon backed by Russian air power, seized half of the Bustan al-Basha quarter of Aleppo, north of the Old City on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, reported. "The bombardment decreased a lot in the eastern districts, but there's a sense of foreboding ... people are still scared. And because there's still the siege, there's nothing at all in the shops," said Ibrahim Abu al-Laith, a Civil Defence official in eastern Aleppo. Amir, a resident of the rebel-held district who did not want to be identified with his family name, said it was true that air strikes had diminished, but that he had not yet seen any way for civilians to leave the area. "It's not true that there are safe crossings," he said. Residents in eastern Aleppo forwarded to Reuters text messages they said had been sent by their telecom provider carrying a government warning urging them to distance themselves from rebels and to depart. "Our people in Aleppo: save your lives by rejecting the terrorists and isolating them from you," read one message. "Our dear people in the eastern districts of Aleppo! Come out to meet your brothers and sisters," read another. Meanwhile, rebels continued the shelling of residential areas of government-held western Aleppo, where dozens of people have also been killed since the end of a ceasefire two weeks ago. The Observatory said 10 people were killed 52 wounded in government-held areas of Aleppo city by rebels on Thursday. The government-held western districts of the city are still home to more than 1.5 million civilians who face far less daily danger than in rebel-held areas. Video footage obtained by Reuters showed people in the city enjoying a night club in the Seryan district, while war rages in the east. MILITANT GROUP Russia says it is targeting the Nusra Front, al Qaeda's Syrian branch which changed its name in July and says it broke ties with the network founded by Osama bin Laden. The U.N. envoy De Mistura on Thursday urged Moscow and Damascus to accept a deal under which the fighters of that group would leave the city, while other insurgents and civilians would be allowed to remain. He said there were fewer than 1,000 members of the hardline Islamist group inside Aleppo, part of a contingent of around 8,000 rebel fighters, and offered to lead them out of the city himself to guarantee their safety. Russian presidential envoy Mikhail Bogdanov said it was "high time" such an offer was made, but it was not immediately clear if Moscow was also willing to stop the bombing. A U.S. State Department official said he could not confirm De Misturas estimate of less than 1,000 Nusra fighters in Aleppo, though he said Washington believed the groups adherents were a minority of the opposition fighters in the city. "Were not able to verify that that's accurate," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. Asked if De Mistura actually carried out his proposal to escort the fighters out of Aleppo it might simply make it easier for Syrian forces to take the city because some of their most effective opponents would have been removed, the official replied: "potentially." Distinguishing between fighters from the former Nusra Front and other groups has been difficult in the past, including during the week-long ceasefire which collapsed last month when the army launched its offensive. Russia accused the United States of failing to ensure that other rebels separated themselves from Nusra, which Moscow and Washington both regard as a terrorist group excluded from the ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Paris on Oct. 19 to discuss Syria with his French counterpart Francois Hollande, the only diplomatic track still active over efforts to bring peace to the country. In his Danish TV interview, Assad accused Washington of using Nusra as a proxy, and said this was why the ceasefire had collapsed. "It's an American card. Without al-Nusra, the Americans cannot have any real, let's say, concrete and effective card in the Syrian arena," he said. (Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed, Jonathan Landay and Doina Chiacu in Washington, John Irish in Paris and Dmitry Solovyov in Moscow; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Peter Graff and James Dalgleish)
By Ellen Francis and Tom Miles BEIRUT/GENEVA (Reuters) - Rebels holed up in Aleppo can leave with their families if they lay down their arms, President Bashar al-Assad said on Thursday, vowing to press on with the assault on Syria's largest city and recapture full control of the country. The offer of amnesty follows two weeks of the heaviest bombardment of the five-and-a-half-year civil war, which has killed hundreds of people trapped inside Aleppo's rebel-held eastern sector and torpedoed a U.S.-backed peace initiative. Fighters have accepted similar government amnesty offers in other besieged areas in recent months, notably in Daraya, a suburb of Damascus that was under siege for years until rebels surrendered it in August. However, rebels said they had no plan to evacuate Aleppo, the last major urban area they control, and denounced the amnesty offer as a deception. "It's impossible for the rebel groups to leave Aleppo because this would be a trick by the regime," Zakaria Malahifji, a Turkey-based official for the Fastaqim group which is present in Aleppo, told Reuters. "Aleppo is not like other areas, it's not possible for them to surrender." Washington was also skeptical of government motives: "For them to suggest that somehow they're now looking out for the interests of civilians is outrageous," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, citing the heavy civilian toll from air strikes and bombardment. The army announced a reduction in shelling and air strikes on Wednesday to allow people to leave. It backed that up with an ultimatum: "All those who do not take advantage of the provided opportunity to lay down their arms or to leave will face their inevitable fate." The government also sent text messages to the mobile phones of some of those people trapped in the besieged sector, telling them to repudiate fighters in their midst. More than 250,000 people are believed to be trapped inside rebel-held eastern Aleppo, facing dire shortages of food and medicine. Speaking to Danish television, Assad said he would "continue the fight with the rebels until they leave Aleppo. They have to. There's no other option." He said that he wanted rebels to accept a deal to leave the city along with their families and travel to other rebel-held areas, as in Daraya. Neither Assad nor his generals gave a timeline for rebels to accept their offer. Washington accuses Moscow and Damascus of war crimes for intentionally targeting civilians, aid deliveries and hospitals to break the will of those trapped in the besieged city. Russia and Syria accuse the United States of supporting terrorists by backing rebel groups. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the relentless Russian and Syrian bombardments could result in the fall of rebel-held eastern Aleppo within "weeks if not days". "Its unclear how long they will last, but considering the destruction of infrastructure that supports life, they are hanging by a thread," the U.S. official said. "There is only so much they can endure. The war has already killed hundreds of thousands, made half of Syrians homeless, dragged in global and regional powers and left swathes of the country in the hands of jihadists from Islamic State who have carried out attacks around the globe. The United States and Russia are both fighting against Islamic State but are on opposite sides in the wider civil war, with Moscow fighting to protect Assad and Washington supporting rebels against him. Storming Aleppo's rebel-held zone, which includes big parts of the densely populated Old City, could take months and cause a bloodbath, the U.N. Syria envoy warned on Thursday. "The bottom line is in a maximum of two months, two and a half months, the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate may be totally destroyed," said Staffan de Mistura, invoking the 1990s atrocities of the Rwandan genocide and Yugoslavia's civil war. LIGHTER BOMBARDMENT Residents of eastern Aleppo said the aerial bombardment was significantly lighter overnight and on Thursday after the government's statement, but they said heavy fighting continued on the frontlines and people were afraid. The army and its allies, Iran's Revolutionary Guards and Shi'ite militias from Iraq and Lebanon backed by Russian air power, seized half of the Bustan al-Basha quarter of Aleppo, north of the Old City on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, reported. "The bombardment decreased a lot in the eastern districts, but there's a sense of foreboding ... people are still scared. And because there's still the siege, there's nothing at all in the shops," said Ibrahim Abu al-Laith, a Civil Defence official in eastern Aleppo. Amir, a resident of the rebel-held district who did not want to be identified with his family name, said it was true that air strikes had diminished, but that he had not yet seen any way for civilians to leave the area. "It's not true that there are safe crossings," he said. Residents in eastern Aleppo forwarded to Reuters text messages they said had been sent by their telecom provider carrying a government warning urging them to distance themselves from rebels and to depart. "Our people in Aleppo: save your lives by rejecting the terrorists and isolating them from you," read one message. "Our dear people in the eastern districts of Aleppo! Come out to meet your brothers and sisters," read another. Meanwhile, rebels continued the shelling of residential areas of government-held western Aleppo, where dozens of people have also been killed since the end of a ceasefire two weeks ago. The Observatory said 10 people were killed 52 wounded in government-held areas of Aleppo city by rebels on Thursday. The government-held western districts of the city are still home to more than 1.5 million civilians who face far less daily danger than in rebel-held areas. Video footage obtained by Reuters showed people in the city enjoying a night club in the Seryan district, while war rages in the east. MILITANT GROUP Russia says it is targeting the Nusra Front, al Qaeda's Syrian branch which changed its name in July and says it broke ties with the network founded by Osama bin Laden. The U.N. envoy De Mistura on Thursday urged Moscow and Damascus to accept a deal under which the fighters of that group would leave the city, while other insurgents and civilians would be allowed to remain. He said there were fewer than 1,000 members of the hardline Islamist group inside Aleppo, part of a contingent of around 8,000 rebel fighters, and offered to lead them out of the city himself to guarantee their safety. Russian presidential envoy Mikhail Bogdanov said it was "high time" such an offer was made, but it was not immediately clear if Moscow was also willing to stop the bombing. A U.S. State Department official said he could not confirm De Misturas estimate of less than 1,000 Nusra fighters in Aleppo, though he said Washington believed the groups adherents were a minority of the opposition fighters in the city. "Were not able to verify that that's accurate," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. Asked if De Mistura actually carried out his proposal to escort the fighters out of Aleppo it might simply make it easier for Syrian forces to take the city because some of their most effective opponents would have been removed, the official replied: "potentially." Distinguishing between fighters from the former Nusra Front and other groups has been difficult in the past, including during the week-long ceasefire which collapsed last month when the army launched its offensive. Russia accused the United States of failing to ensure that other rebels separated themselves from Nusra, which Moscow and Washington both regard as a terrorist group excluded from the ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Paris on Oct. 19 to discuss Syria with his French counterpart Francois Hollande, the only diplomatic track still active over efforts to bring peace to the country. In his Danish TV interview, Assad accused Washington of using Nusra as a proxy, and said this was why the ceasefire had collapsed. "It's an American card. Without al-Nusra, the Americans cannot have any real, let's say, concrete and effective card in the Syrian arena," he said. (Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed, Jonathan Landay and Doina Chiacu in Washington, John Irish in Paris and Dmitry Solovyov in Moscow; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Peter Graff and James Dalgleish)
Today in 5 Lines

President Obama urged residents in the path of Hurricane Matthew to follow evacuation orders following a briefing at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Obama also hailed the Paris climate agreement, which will take effect in November, as a potential turning point for our planet. Former Vice President Al Gore will reportedly campaign on behalf of Hillary Clinton. Federal prosecutors said a National Security Agency contractor was arrested in August for allegedly stealing classified information. And Donald Trump said hes getting a lot of credit for Mike Pences strong debate performance on Tuesday night.

Today on The Atlantic

A Word From the Editors: In 1860, The Atlantic endorsed Abraham Lincoln. In 1964, the magazine endorsed Lyndon B. Johnson. And today, for the third time in its 159-year history, The Atlantic has endorsed a candidate for president: Hillary Clinton.

Falling Out of Line: During Tuesdays vice-presidential debate, Mike Pence deviated from Trumps message on foreign policy and trade and in doing so, ignored the choices GOP voters made in their primaries. (Peter Beinart)

Keeping the Faith: Mike Pence brought up abortion during Tuesdays debate, saying: What I cannot understand is Hillary Clintonhow she can support a process like partial-birth abortion. He also acknowledged Kaines pro-life views. The comments underscore why religion and conscience are important in this election. (Emma Green)

Follow stories throughout the day with our Politics & Policy portal.

Recommended: Against Donald Trump

Snapshot

Donald Trump prays with pastors during a campaign visit to the International Church of Las Vegas and the International Christian Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mike Segar / Reuters

What Were Reading

The Fab Five: The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee reportedly canceled ad times in three states, leaving the focus on five states, all of which are likely to decide whether Democrats or Republicans will control the Senate next year. The Washington Posts Chris Cillizza explains what elections to watch out for ahead of Election Day.

Story continues

Recommended: She Had a 'Grapefruit-Sized Tumor' on Her Shoulder. Her Mom Chose Prayer Over the E.R.

96 Hours in Charlotte: The fatal shooting of Keith Lamont Scott has brought the twin issues of police brutality and racial injustice to a boiling point in the Queen City, and locals are disappointed in athletes Cam Newton and Michael Jordan for not joining in their citys protests. (Tyler Tynes, SB Nation)

Under the Shadow of Trump: Senator Tim Kaine and Governor Mike Pence had brief moments of spirited, substantive discussion during Tuesdays vice-presidential debate, but mostly, the conversation, like so many conversations in 2016, kept drifting toward Trump. (Michael Grunwald, Politico)

Muslims and National Security: Janis Shinwari is an Afghan interpreter for the U.S. military and a Muslim refugee who saved an American soldiers life. Here is the story of his fight to move to the United States and his challenges navigating life in the era of Trump. (Anna Mulrine Grobe, The Christian Science Monitor)

The Ugly American: Vanity Fairs editor Graydon Carter recaps his 30-year history encountering and observing Donald Trump. The relationship, Carter writes, was never strong, and progressively went sour.

Visualized

The Truth About Your Vote: An investigative documentary and interactive web series by Fusion explores how well-connected pols water down the votes of minorities, young people, and progressives for their own personal benefit.

Question of the Week

SCOTUS is back in session and ready to rock and rule after the summer break. If the Court was to weigh in on one apolitical, pop-culture quandaryKanye West v. Taylor Swift, Star Wars v. Star Trek, Daniel Craig v. Pierce Brosnan, for examplewhat would it be, and why?

Send your answers to hello@theatlantic.com, and our favorites will be featured in Fridays Politics & Policy Daily.

-Written by Elaine Godfrey (@elainejgodfrey) and Candice Norwood (@cjnorwoodwrites)

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Austin Kalish, the legendary sitcom writer who, in partnership with his wife Irma was an instrumental force in the changes sweeping television in the 1970s penning scripts for shows like All in the Family and Maude and whose credits include some of the most famous sitcoms of all time has died. He was 95, and died Wednesday in a Woodland Hills, California retirement home.

Born in New York City, Austin attended New York University and served in the U.S. Army in World War II. After the war he began his writing career penning jokes for stand up comics. He and Irma married in 1948 and in 1950 the couple moved to Los Angeles to write for The Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis Show, following it when the comedy team moved to television.

From there began a long and impacting career on the small screen, with their credits going on to include shows such as The Bob Cummings Show, My Favorite Martian, My Three Sons, and I Dream of Jeannie. The couple also co-wrote the pilot for Gilligans Island with Elroy Schwartz, brother of the shows creator Sherwood Schwartz. Among their contributions, they came up with the shows characters and gave them, and the shows damaged boat S.S. Minnow, their names. In later years, Kalish would disclose that they were denied rightful ownership of the series and lost out on millions.

In 1972, the Kalishes pitched Maudes Dilemma for CBS Maude. The episode saw the title character opt to terminate an unexpected pregnancy at age 47. Aired just months before Roe v. Wade, it remains one of the decades essential episodes of television, particularly that it was one of the first times the topic was discussed openly on American TV.

The Kalishes continued to bring real world concerns into sitcoms, writing the All In The Family episode Gloria the Victim which saw the character played by Sally Struthers survive a rape attempt, and contributing to the shows cancer-focused episode, Ediths Christmas Story, in 1973. Both Maude and All In The Family were Norman Lear productions, and the Kalishes continued working with him, executive producing and writing for Good Times.

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Also producing 22 episodes of the CBS series Family Affair, producing and writing for the ABC series Too Close For Comfort, their other credits included The Bob Newhart Show and The Facts of Life among others. Kalish is survived by Irma, their son, TV producer Bruce Kalish, their daughter Nancy, and children and great grandchildren.

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2016 / Austral Gold Limited (AAM.V) (AGD.AX) ('Austral' or the 'Company'), is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Diego Guido to the office of Vice-President of Exploration. Austral is also pleased to provide a summary of results from preliminary greenfield exploration activities on its Amancaya property, which appear to show the property hosts an extensive, mostly covered, vein field.

Dr Guido joins Austral Gold, effective October 1, 2016, as Vice-President of Exploration. He has worked as an independent advisor to mining and exploration companies in Argentina since 2002, and from 2006 to 2016 he was Chief Technical Advisor to Argentex Mining. He is Professor of Ore Deposits at La Plata University in Buenos Aires, a post he has held since 2009. Dr Guido supervises researchers, post-doctoral, PhD, masters and undergraduate students in Argentina and New Zealand universities and has published numerous scientific articles and technical reports.

The Company has doubled the strike length of the vein field at Amancaya from approximately 20 kilometres to at least 40 kilometres of known and inferred veins. The current high grade gold and silver Mineral Resource estimate for the advanced Amancaya project is hosted on just two veins as outlined in the NI 43-101 compliant amended and restated technical report titled 'Guanaco Gold Project, Antofagasta Province, Region II, Chile', dated June 30 2016, which has been filed on the Company's SEDAR profile www.sedar.com.

"I am very happy to announce the appointment of Dr Diego Guido as Vice-President of Exploration. Dr Guido is a recognised expert in epithermal systems, in particular in the prolific Massif Deseado in Santa Cruz, Argentina, and his academic and industry experience promises to add significant depth in our ongoing exploration of precious metal epithermal projects in Latin America," stated Stabro Kasaneva, CEO of Austral Gold. "The doubling of the known veins at Amancaya and its upgrade to a vein field are direct results of the exploration program he supervised as a consultant, and we are looking forward to similar success at our other projects."

Amancaya Exploration Update

Recent exploration activities at Amancaya have consisted of geological field mapping and quartz float train delineation in areas that are partially covered in alluvial material. The geological mapping has defined post-mineralisation units that are potentially covering parts of the vein system (see Figure 1). The exploration program has identified a number of previously unidentified potential structures through quartz float lineation coincident with geophysical features identified in preliminary geophysical surveys. Inferred and known structures have increased from a strike length of approximately 20 kilometres to a total of approximately 42 kilometres. Grab sampling results from these floats have returned anomalous mineralisation, with several samples grading over 2 g/t Au (see Figure 2) and Comp http://www.accesswire.com/uploads/22902_a1475725987981111.jpg any's website for full geochemical results: (see Table 1: Grab sample geochemistry- Amancaya).

Figure 2 Float Grab Sample Geochemistry: Amancaya Project



Cannot view this image? Please visit [http://www.accesswire.com/uploads/22902_a1475725987981.jpg] to view this image



A trenching program using a backhoe is currently underway in an effort to upgrade the Company's knowledge of the presence and nature of the inferred veins, concentrating on covered areas where grab samples from the float returned anomalous mineralisation. Sampling of the trenches will depend on success of trenches reaching outcrop. Detailed geophysics is being planned to help identify structures and narrow down on prospective structural settings coincident with geochemical anomalies. Subject to completion of the geophysical surveys and trench sampling results, the Company is hoping to commence first pass drilling in 2017.

Quality Assurance

Rock samples were collected and bagged and sent to the Actlabs laboratory in Coquimbo, Chile. There they were crushed and prepared. Gold assays were done using 1A2-30 code FA-AAS procedure on a 30g sample. Base metal assaying was done by multi-element 5AAS-07 AR-AAS 2g/100ml ICP-MS analysis. Samples over limit in silver, lead, zinc, and/or copper are reanalysed by a high detection limit ICP-ES analysis (7AR procedure). Activation Laboratories Ltd.is an ISO 17025 certified full-service commercial laboratory, with its head office located in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada.

Competent/Qualified Person's Statement

The exploration results were prepared in accordance with the standards set out in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' ("JORC Code") and in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101"). The JORC Code is the accepted reporting standard for the Australian Stock Exchange Limited ("ASX").

Information relating to Amancaya exploration results in this document has been verified by, is based on and fairly represents information compiled by or prepared under the supervision of Michael Brown, a Geologist and member of Australian Institute of GeoScientists and an employee of Austral Gold Limited. Mr Brown is a "qualified person" for the purposes of NI 43-101 and has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a "competent person" as defined in the JORC Code. For further scientific and technical information (including disclosure regarding Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves) relating to the Amancaya Project please refer to the NI 43-101 compliant technical report available at www.sedar.com under the Company's name.

About Austral Gold

Austral Gold Limited is a growing precious metals mining, development and exploration company building a portfolio of quality assets in Chile and Argentina. The Company's flagship Guanaco project in Chile is a low-cost gold and silver producing mine with further exploration upside. The company is also operator of the underground silver-gold Casposo mine in San Juan, Argentina. With an experienced local technical team and highly regarded major shareholder, Austral's goal is to continue to strengthen its asset base through acquisition and discovery. Austral Gold Limited is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (AAM.V) and the Australian Securities Exchange (AGD.AX). For more information, please consult the company's website www.australgold.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

On behalf of Austral Gold Limited:

"Stabro Kasaneva"

President and CEO

Further information please contact:

Alison Crealy

info@australgold.com.au

+61 (2) 9380 7233



Mr Mike Brown

VP Corporate Development

mbrown@australgold.com.au

+1 604 568 2496

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import also identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include management's belief that the Amanacaya project hosts an extensive, ostly covered, vein field, that Dr. Guido's academic and industry experience promises to add significant depth in Austral Gold's ongoing exploration of precious metal epithermal projects in Latin America, the Company's expectation that it will see results similar to those at Amancaya at its other properties, the Company's anticipation that the trenching program at Amancaya will help upgrade its knowledge of the inferred veins and its plans to conduct geophysics and a drill program, including the timing of that drill program. All of these forward-looking statements are based on management's assumptions and are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation, uncertainty of production at the Company's other projects, development plans and cost estimates, commodity price fluctuations; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the state of the capital markets, uncertainty in the measurement of mineral reserves and resource estimates, potential labour unrest, reclamation and closure requirements for mineral properties; the general (and unpredictable) risks and hazards related to the development and operation of a mine or mineral property, the availability of capital to fund all of the Company's projects and other risks and uncertainties identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed on SEDAR. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Austral cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Austral's forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and Austral does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Austral Gold Limited
(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia)  Nine Australians charged after stripping down to skimpy swimsuits at the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix walked free Thursday without a conviction after pleading guilty to causing a public nuisance and apologizing.

The nine were detained Sunday after they partied in Budgy Smuggler-brand swimsuits decorated with the Malaysian flag and drank beer from shoes in full view of thousands of spectators at the Sepang track after Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo won the race.

Budgy smuggler is Australian slang for a tight swimsuit worn by men, and the drinking out of a shoe was done to honor Ricciardo, who drinks out of his shoes to celebrate winning.

Defense lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the court accepted his argument that it was a trivial offense and that the nine, dressed in suits in the court, were ignorant of the local culture and remorseful. He said one of them read out an apology to the court, admitting to an error of judgment.

Shafee said their actions were not illegal in most countries, including Australia.

We are sensitive about it but they didnt know. They sincerely thought it was a respect and a celebration with Malaysians, Shafee said.

The court accepted my mitigation that this was a trivial offense and under extenuating circumstances because they misunderstood the local culture. They have been admonished by the court and released without conviction, he added.

He said one of the men fainted in court briefly due to dehydration.

The nine, mostly Sydney University graduates in their 20s, left the court without speaking to reporters. The men included Jack Walker, an adviser to Australian Defense Industry Minister Chris Pyne.

His father John Walker said they were very thankful.

Theres no charge, theres no fine and the boys apologized. They recognized what they did was unacceptable but they have been completely cleared and are free to travel and resume their lives, he said.

Story continues

Ricciardo, the driver whose success inspired the Australians beer-fueled revelry, described the incident as pretty harmless.

I respect the laws of Malaysia, but beyond that I dont think they deserve any further punishment, Ricciardo told Sydneys The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

In Australia, its a bit different, but Im very sure they didnt intend to offend anyone, he said.

Budgy Smuggler, the Sydney-based, family-owned swimsuit manufacturer, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company features on its website and social media photographs of customers wearing its swimwear in public locations, including in front of Westminster Palace in London and the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The Australian media has dubbed the men the Budgie Nine, using a spelling variation of the abbreviated name of the budgerigar, a small Australian parrot. The name plays on nine Australians arrested in Indonesia for heroin trafficking in 2005 who became known as the Bali Nine.
By Jamie Freed

SYDNEY (Reuters) - An Australian parliamentary inquiry into the nation's Big Four banks this week is likely to usher in a slew of consumer-friendly changes - steps the lenders hope will stave off the threat of a wide-ranging investigation into their activities.

The committee of 10 lawmakers indicated recommendations could include the formation of a customer complaints tribunal, measures to make it easier for consumers to switch banks and an easing of requirements for new banks.

The inquiry is the first time the banks' CEOs have been summoned in what is set to be regular testimony at least once a year as politicians responded to public anger over a series of scandals and the lenders' failure to pass on rate cuts to mortgage customers in full.

At pains to take a conciliatory stance, the bank chiefs of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), Westpac and National Australia Bank all agreed to in principle to the proposals as they were questioned for three hours each.

"In recent years it is clear a trust gap has opened up. We are working hard to improve," Westpac Chief Executive Brian Hartzer told the committee on Thursday.

In other moves aimed at deflecting criticism, NAB Chief Executive Andrew Thorburn said the bank had decided in May to stop donating to political parties while ANZ also told the committee earlier it may change its donations policy. Westpac and CBA do not make cash donations to political parties but do pay to attend political events.

The hearings did not placate Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who on Thursday said he would continue to call for a Royal Commission to undertake an investigation into bank activities.

"If all of these bank CEOs keep saying we stuffed up, we got it wrong, we have caused problems for our customers, haven't they just made the final argument in favour of a banking Royal Commission?" he told reporters in Melbourne.

A Royal Commission is the most powerful investigative body in Australia, with the power to recommend prosecutions and new legislation.

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Shorten's calls for a commission, however, have been opposed by the banks and the government which has said it that it doesn't plan to change its mind.

Dr Rob Nicholls, a lecturer at the University of New South Wales Business School, said the bank executives had clearly come to the committee prepared to make concessions.

"Ironically, I think it is the demands for the Royal Commission that have led to the compromises," Nicholls told Reuters in a phone interview.

The banks, which account for 80 percent of lending in Australia, have been under fire for abuse of market power following a series of scandals involving misleading financial advice, insurance fraud and interest-rate rigging.

(Reporting by Jamie Freed; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
SC official carrying court summons for CIAA Chief Karki 'missing'

In what could be a new twist in the case of CIAA Chief Lokman Singh Karki, a Supreme Court (SC) official supposed to visit the house of anti-graft body chief to paste court summmons has gone out of contact.
"It was a slog and it seemed impossible to get made," Casey Affleck says of Kenneth Lonergan's Manchester by the Sea, for which he currently is generating considerable best actor Oscar buzz, as we sit down to record an episode of The Hollywood Reporter's 'Awards Chatter' podcast at the Empire Hotel during the New York Film Festival. "And not only did it get made, but now it's a success [on the festival circuit]. And that also sends a message: that people will go see a 'small drama' with no pyrotechnics, or pyrotechnic-like movie stars. And that's good because it means that other movies like that will get a shot, too."

(Click above to listen to this episode now or here to access all of our 90+ episodes via iTunes. Past guests include Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep, Eddie Murphy, Lady Gaga, Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Louis C.K., Kristen Stewart, Harvey Weinstein, Amy Schumer, Jerry Seinfeld, Jane Fonda, J.J. Abrams, Kate Winslet and Michael Moore.)

Affleck, 41, isn't accustomed to being the center of attention. The kid brother of Ben Affleck, he became a character actor, whereas Ben became a star, and, unlike his older brother who sometimes became a magnet for the tabloids, he has almost always flown under the radar. But even if your average moviegoer can't quite place him - something with which he's more than comfortable - people in the business have been impressed by his chops for more than two decades.

Born in the Boston-area to a janitor and a teacher, Affleck grew up hanging out and causing trouble with his big bro and their neighbor/mutual close friend Matt Damon. When they all were barely out of diapers, Patty Collins, a college classmate of Affleck's mother who became a local casting director, began placing them in extra roles in area productions. But true passion for acting came only after they began taking a high school drama class taught by Gerry Speca, "an inspirational guy" whose belief in the younger Affleck served as encouragement enough for him to move out to Los Angeles, upon graduation, to try his luck.

Once out West, Affleck spent a year crashing with Damon and auditioning for parts, promising himself he would give it all up after a year if he didn't land something major. He beat out the clock when Gus Vant Sant cast him and Joaquin Phoenix as troubled teenagers opposite Nicole Kidman in To Die For, which he now describes as "the best possible first experience." He and Van Sant would work together again often and he and Phoenix became, and remain to this day, best friends. Oh, and one other thing: Affleck passed along to Van Sant a script that Matt and Ben had co-written, in the hope that Van Sant would direct it. The script was Good Will Hunting, Van Sant did and the resulting film, released in 1997 (and featuring Affleck in a small part), made Matt and Ben into household names.

"I didn't even want to do Good Will Hunting because I was gonna have to leave school," says Affleck, who had enrolled in college after To Die For and would do so again, briefly, after Good Will Hunting. But "opportunities kept presenting themselves that were hard for me to turn down," he says, so he dropped out once and for all. Meanwhile, after doing a few films of which he wasn't particularly proud, he changed his outlook. He explains: "I eventually developed a new kind of philosophy: One ought to only do things that they feel like they're really connected to in some way, that kind of speaks to them." That led him to his first collaboration with Lonergan, on the 2002 London stage production of This Is Our Youth, and to him and Damon not only starring in Van Sant's 2003 indie Gerry, but also co-writing it with him.

This independent spirit most visibly manifested itself in 2007, when Affleck appeared in two tremendously acclaimed dramas: Andrew Dominik's The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, a tale of the Old West - and subtextually a cautionary tale about celebrity - in which he played Ford opposite Brad Pitt's James, and for which he went on to receive a best supporting Oscar nomination; and Gone Baby Gone, Ben's directorial debut, in which he played the lead, a Boston-area detective trying to locate a missing child. Few believed his brother could direct before seeing the film, but he did: "Ben's a very smart guy and a really good director, and I felt like I knew him better than anyone else did, especially in the industry. And where people had an opinion of him as being an actor in kind of lousy movies, I had the advantage of knowing that he was actually a very, very, very smart, talented dude."

In the aftermath of those two films, when Affleck arguably was as in-demand as he's ever been, he opted not to cash in or fight for another plum part, but rather to spend the next two years making a mockumentary, I'm Still Here, in which Phoenix appeared to be losing his mind in public. "You can't always make the right decision," he says with a chuckle. "That was the result of a kind of impulsive mind to resist doing what I'm told I should do and do things that interest me." The film was met with angry reactions, many from people who resented being fooled into worrying for Phoenix's well-being. Affleck's response? "If people were so concerned, why were people at the Oscars dressing up like Joaquin Phoenix and mocking him? Ben Stiller came out and presented an Oscar in costume as him. If people actually thought this was a man struggling with addiction or mental illness, this is not how you want the community to support one another."

Affleck says of the film's reception, "It was demoralizing," adding wryly, "but I have developed, over the years, a pretty thick skin, and also this ability to bounce back from crushing demoralization." For the next few years he did minimal work - "My interests had taken on a different focus, I guess, and I just wasn't into it," he says - but he ultimately replenished his love of acting by reuniting with Lonergan on a theatrical production and then working closely, on the gritty drama Out of the Furnace, with Christian Bale. "He's so committed and so great," Affleck says of his co-star, "and it just sort of ignited something in me, I guess, and I remembered: 'Oh, right, you can do all of this as an actor, there are all of these things that you can do, these things that he's doing that are more than hitting your mark and saying your lines to get through a scene."

This all set the scene for Manchester by the Sea, a passion project for Lonergan in which Damon originally was set to star, but ultimately withdrew (remaining as a producer), paving the way for Affleck. The actor was going through a difficult time in his personal life, having just separated from his wife of 10 years, only to be thrust into the skin of a largely non-verbal character overflowing with sadness and self-hatred, which he had to inhabit for months in the freezing cold Northeast. "I think back on that period as being a very depressing and sad time in my life," Affleck acknowledges - but he realizes that without that confluence of circumstances, his performance wouldn't have been what it was. Affleck feels he can always count on something like that with Lonergan: "It'll always be a 'yes' with Kenny because I have a unique relationship with him whereby I know that I will be better than I would be if I were left to my own devices."
Dubai (AFP) - A Bahraini court Thursday postponed until October 31 its verdict in the trial of prominent activist Nabeel Rajab, charged with spreading false information and posting online insults, a judicial source said.

The criminal court, with Rajab present behind bars, was scheduled to give its verdict at Thursday's hearing.

The Shiite human rights activist, who had been pardoned for health reasons last year, was re-arrested in June and is on trial on a list of charges, including insulting a state institution and Saudi Arabia in online postings.

He is also accused of "spreading false news and rumours and inciting propaganda during wartime which could undermine the war operations by the Bahraini armed forces and weaken the nation", state news agency BNA reported Thursday.

Bahrain is part of a Saudi-led coalition battling Shiite Huthi rebels in Yemen.

The court had repeatedly ordered that Rajab, 51, remain in custody throughout the trial, despite recurring health problems for which he was briefly hospitalised in late June.

His detention has drawn wide condemnation from human rights groups.

Last month, 22 NGOs including Human rights Watch and Amnesty International wrote a letter urging 50 governments to "speak out on Bahrain's continued misuse of the judicial system to harass and silence human rights defenders", and specifically called for Rajab's release.

Amnesty says that if convicted, the activist could face up to 13 years in prison.

Rajab has been repeatedly detained for organising protests and publishing tweets deemed insulting to Bahrain's Sunni authorities.

He previously served two years in jail on charges of taking part in unauthorised protests in the Shiite-majority kingdom.

Home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, Bahrain has been rocked by unrest since security forces crushed Shiite-led protests in 2011 demanding a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister.
By Dan Freed and Elizabeth Dilts

(Reuters) - Andy Sieg will be the next head of Bank of America Corp's <BAC.N> wealth management unit at the end of the year, when John Thiel steps down, the bank said on Thursday.

Sieg, 49, is currently head of global wealth and retirement solutions and is a 20-year veteran of the Charlotte, N.C.-based bank's Merrill Lynch business.

He also manages the chief investment office team for the bank's global wealth and investment management business, alongside Keith Banks, a role Sieg will maintain in the near term.

Thiel, who has been at Merrill for 26 years, will take on the role of vice chairman of global wealth and investment management beginning Jan. 1.

The change comes as the industry faces a new regulation, called the fiduciary rule, that addresses conflicts of interest when clients are advised on retirement.

Implementing the rule, handed down by the U.S. Department of Labor, is expected to be costly and complicated for large brokerages.

Wealth managers are also dealing with increased competition from traditional rivals, as well as startups offering low-cost, robo options for customers.

Thiel, 56, had approached Terry Laughlin, Bank of America's vice chairman and head of global wealth and investment management, about a year ago with his decision to step down, a source with knowledge of the transition said.

Laughlin asked Thiel to stay on as vice chairman to oversee the wealth business's transition to comply with the Labor Department's rule, the source said.

Thiel took over the wealth business from Sallie Krawcheck in 2011. During his tenure, he launched Merrill Lynch One, an investment platform that charges clients a single fee for all services they receive, as opposed to fees for each transaction.

Widely seen as the bank's answer to complying with the fiduciary rule, 61 percent of advisers have at least half of their client assets on the platform as of this month, the bank said.

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Thiel's tenure was also defined by the cultural shift following the bank's 2009 acquisition of Merrill Lynch, where the firm changed from Wall Street's "thundering herd" to a small slice of a big commercial bank. Some brokers chafed as Bank of America raised new client account minimums to $250,000 worth of assets and prodded them to refer business to other parts of the bank.

Thiel's personal focus on wellness also bled into the broader firm, with health gurus leading brokers in aerobics exercises and urging healthy eating.

Bank of America Chief Executive Brian Moynihan has praised Thiel's leadership of Merrill Lynch in quarterly earnings calls, as the global wealth and investment management business's pre-tax profit margins rose from 9.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 to 26 percent in the second quarter this year.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Dilts and Dan Freed in New York; Additional reporting by Diptendu Lahiri in Bengaluru; Editing by Lauren Tara LaCapra, Bernadette Baum and Meredith Mazzilli)
TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Bank Hapoalim (POLI.TA), Israel's largest bank, said on Thursday it would make a further provision estimated at $70 million for settling a U.S. tax evasion investigation which could have "a significant impact" on its third-quarter results.

The $70 million would be in addition to $50 million Hapoalim has already set aside for this matter, in which U.S. authorities are investigating whether it helped American clients evade U.S. taxes at its Swiss unit.

The provision follows a meeting Hapoalim representatives had with members of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sept. 30 regarding a possible settlement between the two sides.

The bank said the provision did not relate to a separate investigation being carried out by the New York Department of Financial Services.

Hapoalim has denied the allegations.

Its main domestic rival Leumi (LUMI.TA) paid $400 million in fines in late 2014 to settle two investigations into whether it helped U.S. clients evade taxes.

Barclays analyst Tavy Rosner said the final amount Hapoalim might have to pay to the DOJ could be significantly higher.

Noting that this announcement could weigh on Hapoalim's share price, Rosner said that assuming the $70 million provision is not tax-deductable, his quarterly net profit estimate would need to be revised down to 629 million shekels ($167 million).

The U.S. investigations have weighed on Hapoalim's shares and are the main justification for Barclays' "underweight" rating, Rosner said.

"Todays announcement shows that the bank is now having face-to-face conversations with the U.S. authorities, which could pave the way for a settlement in the coming months, in our view," he said.

(Reporting by Tova Cohen and Steven Scheer; Editing by Greg Mahlich)
Hes friend not foe!

Netflix is now confirming what we reported last month: Westworld actor Ben Barnes is joining Marvels The Punisher as a series regular, although he will not be playing an antagonist to Jon Bernthals titular vigilante (aka Frank Castle), as we speculated. Rather, the English actor has been cast as Billy Russo, Franks best friend from his days in the Special Forces. Billy runs a successful private military corporation called Anvil.

RELATEDMarvels Iron Fist Gets Premiere Date

Viewers got their first look at Bernthals gun-toting antihero in Season 2 of Daredevil, which dropped last March. Netflix formally pulled the trigger on a Punisher-centric series one month later (although the project was unofficially greenlit back in January). Hannibal scribe Steve Lightfoot will serve as showrunner.

For those keeping track at home, The Punisher marks Netflixs sixth Marvel series, following Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and the upcoming Iron Fist and The Defenders.

The Punisher is slated to bow in 2017.

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Olivier Nsengimana cant imagine what his native Rwanda would be like without the Gray Crowned Cranes he is trying to save from extinction. Not only would it mean the end of an iconic symbol of wealth and longevity in Rwandan culture, he says, it would also mark the beginning of the end of us. Having the cranes disappear means there is something wrong, a balance that has not been maintained, says the 32-year-old wildlife veterinarian. Conservation is about saving humans as well. If we protect animals in their habitats, we are protecting ourselves. If we fail, we are endangering our children.

Nsengimana fell in love with Rwandas only crane species as a young child assigned the afternoon task of fetching water from the river. Mesmerized by their elaborate courtship dances, he often lingered past sunset, incurring his mothers wrath. Once plentiful, there are less than 500 cranes in the wild, according to a 2012 census. It is the birds very symbolism that has lead to its downfall. The cranes are poached from the wild to play the role of living lawn ornaments for the nations wealthy, but the delicate, meter-tall birds, with their striking plumage and tufted golden crowns, wont breed in captivity, and many die.

Though Nsengimana trained as a livestock veterinarian, he felt the pull of Rwandas wild animals from early on, signing up with the Gorilla Doctors conservation team upon graduation. It was a dream coming true, helping critically endangered species, he says of his five years with the Rwanda-based American NGO. But he was disturbed by accounts of the cranes decline. The gorillas had a foundation, and the cranes had nothing. I thought, rather than work with gorillas, who already had help, if I could use my efforts to work on the cranes, I could make a huge difference.

And he has. Over the past two years Nsengimana has embarked on a nation-wide awareness program that uses radio and comic books to educate Rwandans about the birds, and why they should stay in the wild. He has set up a crane registry to tag those kept as pets, and worked with the government to establish an amnesty program to return any illegally kept birds to his newly founded rehabilitation center in Rwandas Akagera National Park. Once the amnesty is over, anyone caught with an unregistered bird will be fined $7000. So far, Nsengimana has been able to return 98 birds to the wild. Several have already borne chicks.

In the two-and-a-half decades since Nsengimana got lectured for lingering too long with the cranes, Rwandas rapid growth has resulted in far fewer wetlands. At the same time, there are more national parks. Nsengimana is making sure that they are full of the birds that symbolize Rwandas natural wealth as well as its environmental longevity.
Sumar provides updates on US-funded projects

The US governments Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Regional Deputy Vice President for Compact Operations, Fatema Sumar, has provided updates to the Nepal government on feasibility studies of projects recently launched by MCC, an independent US government agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth.
LONDON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - BlackRock's head of global bonds said on Thursday that the Bank of England could hold off easing monetary policy further on the strength of recent economic data.

The world's largest asset manager has previously warned that Britain could fall into recession over the coming year after the country's vote to leave the European Union in June.

"On the current data, the BoE could pause its current easing cycle," said Scott Thiel at an event in London, adding that the BoE had a "tough call" to make on the economy following Brexit.

Thiel added that he "favoured long positions" on the Japanese currency and government bonds after the Bank of Japan's recent policy actions suggested "a new era of cooperation between fiscal and monetary policy".

(Reporting by Dhara Ranasinghe; Writing by John Geddie; Editing by Nigel Stephenson)
New York (AFP) - Boeing delivered fewer commercial planes in the third quarter compared with the year-ago period, according to figures released Thursday by the US aerospace giant.

Boeing delivered 188 planes during the July-September period, down 5.5 percent from the same stretch in 2015.

Deliveries of the 737 family of aircraft fell 4.8 percent, to 120 planes. The company delivered 22 of the long-range 777, five fewer than a year ago, and 36 of the 787 Dreamliner, down one.

The benchmark is closely monitored by Wall Street because aerospace companies book revenues when deliveries are made.

Through the third quarter, Boeing delivered 563 planes in all, suggesting it will meet its full-year target to deliver 740-745 planes for 2016.

Shares of Dow member Boeing dipped 0.2 percent in mid-afternoon trade to $134.46.
first humans mars astronaut glove shutterstock_341700152

Less than a week after SpaceX founder Elon Musk detailed his vision to get people to Mars, a rival aerospace company has intimated that it plans to beat Musk (and everyone else) to the punch.

However, Musk is probably OK with that.

Dennis Muilenburg, the CEO of Boeing (one of SpaceX's biggest competitors) casually loosed the remark during a session of The Atlantic's "What's Next?" conference.

"I'm convinced that the first person to step foot on Mars will arrive there riding on a Boeing rocket," Muilenburg said during the recorded event.

Boeing has good ground to stand on with its claim, not the least of which includes some moon dust.

After all, it was the company that helped build the ultra-powerful Saturn V rocket, which blasted Apollo-era equipment and astronauts to the moon and back. NASA also contracted Boeing to build its similarly huge Space Launch System (SLS), which should eventually be capable of sending up to 20 metric tons  roughly five large, fully grown elephants' worth of mass  to Mars after its scheduled debut in 2018.

Meanwhile, SpaceX plans to debut its most powerful rocket yet, the Falcon Heavy, in early 2017, despite a recent launchpad explosion and ongoing investigation. That rocket should be able to lift about 13 metric tons to Mars.

space launch system sls vs falcon heavy rocket spacex nasa

If the sweeping vision that Musk laid out last week during a keynote speech at the 67th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Guadalajara, Mexico, is to be believed, SpaceX could start sending uncrewed Dragon capsules to Mars as soon as 2018 and 2020, then later land the first people on the red planet in 2022.

But Musk may not mind if Boeing uses SLS to beat SpaceX.

"I really don't have any other motivation for personally accumulating assets, except to be able to make the biggest contribution I can to making life multiplanetary," Musk said during his talk.

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Further, when someone in the IAC conference's audience asked the billionaire if would be the first person on Mars, Musk expressed some ambivalence.

"I think it's good for there to be multiple paths to Mars ... to have multiple irons in the fire," he said.

Musk went on:

"I think it's actually much better for the world if there are multiple companies or organizations building these interplanetary spacecraft. You know, the more the better. Anything, I think, that improves the probability of the future is good. And so multiple companies doing it, I think, would be great. So I wanted to come describe the architecture actually in the hopes that this would encourage companies and organizations around the world to perhaps do something like this."

Whether or not Boeing, SpaceX, or both companies reach Mars, however, NASA is perhaps best-poised to benefit. With multiple potential options to get to the red planet, the agency may be able to more rapidly advance the world's understanding of that world.

In a statement responding to news about Musk's vision, the space agency wrote:

"NASA applauds all those who want to take the next giant leap  and advance the journey to Mars. We are very pleased that the global community is working to meet the challenges of a sustainable human presence on Mars. This journey will require the best and the brightest minds from government and industry, and the fact that Mars is a major topic of discussion is very encouraging.

"At NASA, weve worked hard over the past several years to develop a sustainable Mars exploration plan, and to build a coalition of international and private sector partners to support this vision. And we've made extraordinary progress implementing this plan, working with a number of international and private sector partners."

We contacted Boeing representatives for further clarification on Muilenburg's remark, and Daniel Curran, a company spokesperson, only told Business Insider in an email that they're "going to let Dennis' comments this week speak for themselves."

NOW WATCH: Elon Musk on going to Mars  The probability of death is quite high'





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BEIRUT/AMMAN (Reuters) - A bomb claimed by Islamic State at a Syria-Turkey border crossing killed at least 25 people, most of them foreign-backed Syrian rebels, and wounded dozens more on Thursday, witnesses said. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group put the death toll at least 21. The attack targeted rebels from factions which have been battling the jihadist group with Turkish military support along another stretch of border further to the northeast, the witnesses and the Observatory said. It took place on the Syrian side of the Atmeh crossing, west of Aleppo. A photo sent by a witness in the area, purportedly of its aftermath, showed the bloodied corpses lying on the ground. Islamic State claimed the attack in an online statement. The witness said most of the rebels were from the Failaq al-Sham group, which has been fighting alongside other Turkish-backed factions in Ankara's offensive, dubbed "Euphrates Shield". That operation, taking place along the border northeast of Aleppo, has also targeted Kurdish militants. The rebels use the Atmeh crossing to move between Idlib province, through Turkey, to the areas where anti-Islamic State operations are taking place, the Observatory said. Residents told Reuters they also use it to evacuate wounded fighters. Among the dead from the Atmeh blast were the head of the top civil judicial body in rebel-held eastern Aleppo, Sheikh Khaled al-Sayyed, and a judge who worked with him, a witness and a rebel official said. Syria's Idlib province, where Atmeh is located, is a bastion of the Turkey-backed opposition to President Bashar al-Assad's rule. A multi-sided civil war has raged in Syria for more than five years. Islamic State is fighting against all sides, including the Syrian government, foreign-backed rebels and other U.S.-backed fighters. Aleppo, further to the east, has been divided for years between government- and rebel-held areas. The opposition have set up their own administrative bodies in the east. Government forces have encircled eastern Aleppo in recent weeks in a battle separate to that with Islamic State, and seek to completely recapture the city, Syria's largest before the war. (Reporting by John Davison in Beirut, Suleiman Al-Khalidi in Amman and Mostafa Hashem in Cairo; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky and Alison Williams)
Los Angeles (AFP) - A person killed by Los Angeles police over the weekend has been identified as a 16-year-old Latino boy who police said was carrying a realistic-looking replica of a pistol, the coroner's office confirmed Thursday to AFP.

The death Sunday of Daniel Henrique Perez was the city's second at police hands during the weekend.

An 18-year-old African-American, Carnell Snell, was killed the previous night following a foot pursuit. Police released body-camera footage that appeared to show him holding a firearm.

Los Angeles police chief Charlie Beck said Perez was holding a replica gun with its telltale orange tip covered by black paint when police approached him.

Beck released a security video he said "clearly refutes" reports that Perez was shot while on the ground, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Amid rising concern over police-involved deaths, two black men in their 30s were killed earlier last week in Southern California: Reginald Thomas, who died after being hit by a police Taser in Pasadena, and Alfred Olango, shot by San Diego police while holding an electronic cigarette that police mistook for a weapon.

The incidents, like many before them, touched off days of protests, some of them violent, adding to already sore racial tensions across the country.
Love amid war takes center stage in Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard's new romantic thriller, Allied.

Pitt and Cotillard steam up the screen, while showing off their shooting skills, in the film's new trailer which debuted on Wednesday.

EXCLUSIVE: Angelina Jolie Taking Super Aggressive Approach to Custody Battle With Brad Pitt, Sources Says

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Allied tells the true story of assassins who fall in love after meeting on a kill mission in North Africa in 1942. Pitt plays Max Vatan, an intelligence officer, while Cotillard portrays French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour.

The WWII love story gets complicated after Pitt's character learns that his wife may be a German spy. He's faced with trying to prove her innocence (without arousing suspicion), and potentially disobeying orders to "execute" the love of his life.

MORE: Melissa Ethridge Defends Brad Pitt Says She 'Lost a Friend' When He Married Angelina Jolie

There's no denying that Allied gives off some Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes, but the chemistry between Pitt, 52, and Cotillard, 41, is strictly for the cameras. The French actress refuted rumors that she caused the split between Pitt and Angelina Jolie, on Instagram last month.

"This is going to be my first and only reaction to the whirlwind news that broke 24 hours ago and that I was swept into," Cotillard wrote in a post announcing her pregnancy. "I am not used to commenting on things like this nor taking them seriously but as this situation is spiraling and affecting people I love, I have to speak up."

"Firstly, many years ago, I met the man of my life, father of our son and of the baby we are expecting," she said of longtime love Guillaume Canet, and their 5-year-old son, Marcel. "He is my love, my best friend, the only one that I need."

See Canet's reaction to the romance rumors about Cotillard and Pitt in the video below.

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SAO PAULO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - A former chief executive of Braskem SA is working with investigators in Brazil to establish the petrochemical company's responsibility in a political graft scandal involving its shareholders, according to a newspaper report on Thursday.

Brazilian daily Valor Economico reported, without saying how it obtained the information, that former Chief Executive Carlos Fadigas was collaborating in the hopes of striking a plea deal.

Braskem representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment and Fadigas, who stepped down in May after running the company for five years, could not be reached.

Braskem said in May that he would continue to help the company's efforts to expand internationally.

Valor did not say how the collaboration by Fadigas would affect Braskem's negotiations with the U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission, which the company said on Monday were aimed at reaching a formal accord and possible financial sanctions.

The formal talks with U.S. authorities underscored Braskem's effort to move past a bribery scandal that has upended Brazil's politics and entangled its two main shareholders, state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA and engineering conglomerate Odebrecht SA.

($1 = 3.22 reais) (Reporting by Brad Haynes; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
(Updates with comments from Lula's lawyers)

SAO PAULO, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Brazil's federal police have requested formal corruption charges against former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a case involving contracts obtained by building and engineering conglomerate Odebrecht in Angola, a source said on Wednesday.

The source, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the information, said that Lula was among 10 people that police have requested be charged in a document sent by police to prosecutors.

Under Brazilian law, only prosecutors can formally charge someone after a police investigation and those charges must then be approved by a judge.

Lula has already been charged twice in connection to a massive anti-corruption investigation centered on state oil company Petrobras and will stand trial before anti-corruption judge Sergio Moro. The trial date has not been set.

In an emailed statement, lawyers representing Lula "repudiated" on Wednesday that the police document was leaked.

They said they asked police for a copy of the document, but were told it was already in the hands of federal prosecutors. The lawyers said their request to see the document was denied by the prosecutors.

"It's strange, to say the least, that the day after the police inquiry was referred to prosecutors, the press obtained it first ... and at the same time it is denied to the defense," read the statement from the Sao Paulo-based Teixeira, Martins & Advogados firm that represents the Lula family.

Prosecutors did not immediately respond to after-hours requests for comment.

(Reporting by Eduardo Simoes; Writing by Bruno Federowski and Brad Brooks; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Lisa Shumaker)
(Adds media reports on negotiations, federal auditing court decision)

SAO PAULO, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Oi SA, Brazil's No. 4 wireless carrier, said in a securities filing on Wednesday that talks with U.S. activist hedge fund Elliott Management about an investment in the company took place but no firm proposal materialized.

Oi said in the filing that it was unaware of any further talks currently underway between the fund and the company.

Oi is in discussions with creditors to restructure 65.4 billion reais ($20.3 billion) of bank, bond and regulatory liabilities after filing for bankruptcy in June.

Wednesday's statement was a response to media reports saying the carrier had entered negotiations to receive investments of up to 10 billion reais from the U.S. hedge fund.

Rio de Janeiro-based Oi owes industry regulator Anatel and state lenders Banco do Brasil SA, Caixa Economica Federal SA and BNDES a combined 20 billion reais, making the government its second-biggest creditor after bondholders.

On Wednesday evening, the federal auditing court (TCU) in Brasilia made a preliminary ruling preventing Oi from entering into an agreement with telecoms regulator Anatel to convert about 10 billion reais of fines into investment commitments.

A representative for Oi had no immediate comment on the court ruling.

($1 = 3.2191 reais) (Reporting by Ana Mano; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Lisa Shumaker)
Syria conflict: Bombing 'kills 20' at Turkey border crossing

At least 20 people, most of them rebel fighters, have been killed and dozens injured in a bombing near Syria's border with Turkey, activists say.
This photo is proof of my love for her and the sacrifice Im willing to make to keep her happy. Even on a day as important as my wedding day, says Emma Coleman. (Photo: Courtesy of bfmamatalk via Facebook)

In an ethereal shot posted to social media, a young bride is seen wearing a floral crown around her head and cradling her 8-month-old baby in her arms. One strap of her wedding dress is pulled down so her dolled-up daughter can breastfeed during moms wedding day.

Im a young mom (19) from Seattle this was on my wedding day (Sep. 24th, 2016) and its one of my favorite pictures from that day. Being young I know the added pressure to do right by your child and Im glad I stuck with it. Even on my wedding day I found a way to make it work, reads the caption that accompanies the sweet, strong image.

Photo: Courtesy of bfmamatalk via Facebook

The woman in the photo is 19-year-old Emma Coleman, and the baby is her daughter, Catalaya. People tend to judge my parenting skills, Coleman told the Huffington Post. This photo is proof of my love for her and the sacrifice Im willing to make to keep her happy. Even on a day as important as my wedding day, she adds.

Related: This 9-Week-Old Baby Has More Hair Than Most Adults

Since she is particularly fond of this snapshot, which was taken by photographer Hannah Malhan, Coleman decided to submit the photo to Facebook group Breastfeeding Mama Talk, and it has now gone viral. The pic currently has 12,000 likes, 257 shares, and 227 comments  some supportive, others judgmental (its the Internet, after all).

One commenter in the latter camp wrote, How can one have kid before wedding day ? Bit confused. Wondering and its beautiful to see that she doesnt give up breast feeding at any cost. Others stepped in to defend the bride, with one explaining the obvious: Some people have sex before marriage, adding, I was married the same day as her and have an 8 month old child. Another Facebook user wrote, I personally felt that the kids are blessed to get such type of parents because these peoples does not give up their love at any situation and bold enough to have baby before wedding .. astonishing to see such type of couples.

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Some fellow moms showed solidarity by sharing breastfeeding photos taken on their wedding day. One captioned her pic, I hear you momma. feel I had to share this also. [Nursing] is part of life, normal yet still magical and beautiful. Just like a wedding. Another wrote, Same story with me, I got married and my younger daughter was just 2 months old, so I also had to find time to breastfeed her on that day !

Related: Dad Was Forced to Pay $39.35 to Hold His Baby After Wifes C-section

Except for a few negative statements, the comment section for the post is largely flooded with a word clouds worth of supportive terms, including gorgeous, love, beautiful, proud, amazing, and rockin.

Coleman, whose wedding to her now-husband Adrian Hernandez took place in a friends backyard in Tukwila, Wash., said she felt it was a blessing to have her daughter present to celebrate her union to Hernandez and be part of the lifelong memories of her big day.

When I was younger, I never imagined getting married this young or having a child before getting married. But I wouldnt change a thing about my life, she told the Huffington Post. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and a beautiful daughter who means everything to us and our family.

As for breastfeeding itself, the new mom admits that it wasnt always easy for her. At the beginning, it was hard and extremely demanding, she told the publication, adding that it still is at times. Breastfeeding is literally a full-time job! she said.

Coleman hopes that people will continue to be inspired by the special bond that is captured in the photo. When you look at the picture, you can feel the love that I have for her, she said.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
London (AFP) - Britain on Thursday approved a shale gas fracking project in the northwest of England, overruling a local council's decision to prevent the controversial scheme which is also opposed by environmentalists.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid gave the green light for the drilling of up to four wells by energy group Cuadrilla at the Preston New Road site.

However he has yet to decide on a second site, also in the county of Lancashire, a government statement said.

The government said permission had been granted for "construction and operation of a site for drilling up to four exploratory wells".

Phil Foster, managing director of broker Love Energy, described the decision as "a big step".

He added: "The government, faced with a growing energy crisis in the UK, probably felt that it had no choice. However, the decision rides rough-shod over the feelings of people in Lancashire, and could now open the floodgates for other projects across the UK."

It follows the green light earlier this year for a shale gas fracking project in nearby Yorkshire -- the first such approval in Britain since 2011.

Locals and environmentalists argue that fracking damages tourism, contaminates water supplies, hurts wildlife, causes earthquakes and contributes to global climate change.

In December 2015 Britain's industry regulator granted 93 onshore licences to allow for exploration for shale oil or gas.

Lawmakers have approved fracking also beneath national parks.

Cuadrilla chief executive Francis Egan insisted the country needs access to new gas supplies.

"The country is running out of gas, and without some form of energy development, we're going to end up importing all of our fuel from overseas," he told ITV television.

"We've seen... the ridiculous situation where Scotland is importing shale gas from America, which frankly is crazy," he said.

A tanker carrying the first shipment of shale gas from the United States last week arrived in Britain, where North Sea gas supplies are dwindling amid a fierce public opposition to fracking.
LONDON (Reuters) - Scottish nurse Pauline Cafferkey, who contracted Ebola in 2014 while caring for patients in Sierra Leone, was taken back to hospital on Thursday with a police escort, the Press Association (PA) reported. Cafferkey, 40, who was infected during an outbreak of the highly contagious disease that killed more than 11,300 people in three West African countries, was taken to a hospital in Glasgow, PA said citing sources. On her return to Britain in 2014, the nurse was treated at a special isolation unit in a London, but has continued to suffer from ill health linked to the consequences of her Ebola infection and has required further hospital treatment on two previous occasions. Last month, she was cleared of allegations she had put the public at risk by hiding the fact she had a raised temperature when she first returned to Britain from Sierra Leone. (Reporting by Michael Holden; editing by Stephen Addison)
Brussels (AFP) - Belgian prosecutors charged a suspect with attempted murder Thursday over the stabbing of two police officers in a "terrorist attack" in Brussels, the latest such incident in a city still reeling from deadly bombings in March.

The suspect in Wednesday's attack, named as 43-year-old Hicham Diop has been "charged with attempted murder in a terrorist context and participation in the activities of a terrorist group," a statement from the prosecutor's office said.

His brother, Aboubaker D, had also been taken into custody "in the framework of the terrorist attack against two police officers" in Brussels, it said. The brother was born in 1970 and both men have Belgian nationality.

"The investigating judge, specialising in terrorism, will decide tomorrow on the possible extension of his detention," the statement added.

Police shot the attacker in the leg after he used a knife to attack the two officers, one female and one male, in the Schaerbeek area of the Belgian capital before breaking the nose of a third officer.

The first two officers, who suffered wounds to the stomach and neck, have been released from hospital, local mayor Bernard Clerfayt.

Media reports said the attacker was a former soldier who had served until 2009 and who had ties to jihadists who had gone to fight in Syria.

Further information investigators have unearthed on Hicham Diop includes that he stood in regional elections in 2004 for the pro-Islamist Party of Citizenship and Prosperity (PCP).

It is alleged that the kick-boxing fan was approached some years ago by radical Muslims at the now closed Muslim Centre in Molenbeek, founded by French-Syrian sheikh Bassam Ayachi and which became a recruitment hub for radicals.

Broadcaster RTL quoted Hicham Diop as explaining the motive behind the attack as "revenge on the police" for a 2011 incident which he says saw a police vehicle run him over.

His attempts to take legal action proved fruitless and left him "shocked," he said, according to RTL.

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Belgian Interior Minister Jan Jambon meanwhile told parliament that intelligence services had exchanged classified information on him on September 19.

According to the mayor of Schaerbeek, this information did not reach local police.

Jambon indicated he had called for an explanation into the apparent lack of communication.

Previous attacks in Brussels and in Paris have shown up a similar lack of coordination between Belgian authorities.

Wednesday's incident came shortly after one of the main train stations in Brussels and the city's prosecutor's office were shut by a bomb scare which later turned out to be a false alarm.

The stabbing comes two months after two policewomen were wounded in the southern Belgian city of Charleroi by a machete-wielding man who shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest).

Belgium remains on its second highest terror alert level following the March 22 Islamic State suicide bombings targeting the Brussels metro and airport in which 32 people were killed.
Sofia (AFP) - Bulgarian opposition parties called Thursday for the prime minister to resign after neither of the country's two candidates running for UN secretary general ended up getting the job.

Kornelia Ninova, head of the opposition Socialists, said that Prime Minister Boyko Borisov had "betrayed the national interest".

"The failure of the two candidates constitutes the most resounding failure in Bulgarian foreign policy" since communism, said Solomon Passy, a former foreign minister.

Bulgaria's initial candidate was Irina Bokova but last week Borisov abruptly dumped the UNESCO head in favour of EU commissioner Kristalina Georgieva.

But despite both candidates being eastern Europe and women, seen as two important criteria this time, 13 of the UN Security Council's 15 members backed former Portuguese premier Antonio Guterres on Wednesday.

The appointment of Guterres as Ban Ki-moon's replacement from January 1 was expected to be endorsed by the UN Security Council in New York later on Thursday.

All three opposition parties called on the centre-right Borisov to resign and the Socialists were expected to table a no-confidence motion. But such a motion is unlikely to succeed.

Borisov rejected the calls to quit, instead accusing Bokova of "insolence" for refusing to quit the race even after he had switched his support to Georgieva.
London cops are asking for the publics help in identifying a bungling burglar who crashed into a day care center.

Read: Family Returns From Vacation to Find Burglar Living in Their Home, Wearing Their Clothes

Surveillance video shows the man, wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants dangling from the ceiling before plummeting to the floor, where he appears to writhe in pain, clutching his leg.

He allegedly made off with three Apple iPads after managing to get back on his feet, Metropolitan Police said in a statement posted to Twitter, along with the grainy footage.

Read: Burglar Forced to Call 911 After Getting Stuck in Elevator

The break-in occurred in April at the Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery in Lewisham, police said.

Watch: Brave Woman Fires Gun at Three Armed Burglars Who Entered Her Home

Related Articles:
Busan Asian Film School (AFiS), a year round pan-Asian film institute, will offically open next year, with the Busan Film Commission as the operating org.

Recently constructed in Busans Suyeong district, the schools three-story building is equipped with a studio, a sound editing suite, classrooms and a student dormitory. The school will recruit five Korean students and one or two from each Asian country, every year, beginning in 2017.

While leading film institutes in South Korea such as the Korean Academy of Film Arts and production house Myung Films Institute train students in various disciplines including directing, screenwriting, producing, shooting and editing, the AFiS is strictly for experienced producers.

There are already enough programs for people in the creative side of filmmaking, says Choi Yoon, director of the Busan Film Commission. Co-production is definitely a trend in Asia. Our goal, as a school for global film business leaders, is to retrain producers to initiate and lead the entire process of future pan-Asian co-productions.

Also, unlike the KAFA or the Myung Films Institute where students graduate with feature films of their own, showcase them through school screenings and local film festivals and find distributors, the AFiS does not offer an actual production course.

Instead of actual feature films, our students will have projects that are suitable for international co-productions in their hands when they graduate, Choi says. The schools six-month course will include classes about project development, pitching, investment, distribution, and marketing as well as actual project development sessions.

We plan to help our students pitch those projects to potential production partners during the BIFF where many industry professionals visit the city from overseas, says Choi when asked how the school would help the students tap into the industry.

Teaching the course will be Kim Young, the independent producer of Korean director Kim Jee-woons A Tale of Two Sisters, and producer-director Han Sun-hee, who has produced multiple documentaries including Park Chan-kyongs Manshin: Ten Thousand Spirits.

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It was previously discussed that the BIFFs 11-year-old filmmaking workshop, Asian Film Academy, and the BFCs Film Leaders Incubator workshop for young filmmakers from South Korea and Southeast Asia could be integrated into the AFiS. Choi, however, says that the AFiS would only support and co-operate with the two existing workshops, instead of operating them directly.

Set to open in March, the school still has some challenges and issues to overcome.

When discussions for the school were initiated in 2013, a member of the National Assembly for Busan pitched it to the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, and secured $2.22 million from the Korean Film Councils film development fund (raised from a 3% levy on cinema tickets). Then the city of Busan added $950,700, with which the school is obligated to confer benefit to its citizens. As a result, the school will give two slots to Busan-based candidates when recruiting the five Korean students, and operate a film education course for the Busan community. The film industry has expressed concerns over using the fund for a school that directly benefits a specific city.

Well separate the budget and use the citys funding for programs for the Busan citizens, says Choi.

Still problematic is the fact that the budget is insufficient for a year-round school. The regular operation cost has not yet been secured, and has to be raised each year. The BFC is expecting to earn an annual funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Korea-ASEAN cooperation fund for the next five years.

We may charge the students for the education after five years, said Choi. Plans have yet to be made.

The AFiS opened on Oct. 4 and is hosting a briefing session during the BIFF.

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It is not just size, but the element of surprise that makes the Busan Intl. Film Festival, which runs Oct. 6-15, a mecca for film buffs. A festival whose reputation is founded on discovering and nurturing new talents, picking which films to watch here is akin to blind-tasting. This is especially true for New Currents, the festivals main competition showcasing debut or sophomore Asian directors. Like trying out a new grape variety or wine from lesser-known regions, the best thing to do is to trust your instincts and take many sips.

Since most overseas film pros come to Busan to scout Asian films, the World Cinema and Flash Forward sections sometimes fall under their radar. Nevertheless, the programmers of Flash Forward fish for non-Asian indie films that may have slipped through the net in major festivals.

Bonfire, a debut by Dmitry Davydov, is set in Sakhia Republic, the little-known federal subject of Russia, where two Yakutian fathers who lost their sons are locked in a tormenting cycle of revenge against a pristine snowy landscape. In Night of a 1000 Hours, ancestral ghosts of an upper-crust family gate crash a posh dinner. With bone-dry humor and riveting suspense, Austrian director Virgil Widrich reveals how phantoms of the Nazi past hide in many families closets.

In Bad Girl, a teenager discovers that her BFF is a Brutal Fiendish Foe out to bring deadly harm to her family. Australian Fin Edquist concocts a nerve-jangling thriller in the outback, starring Samara Weaving, niece of Hugo.

The enduring vibrancy of Korean cinema in both festival and commercial arenas means that everyone is on the look out for the next breakout talent, and the Vision section is practically swimming with them. Yeon Sang-ho, whose Train to Busan has received rave reviews around the world, made his debut at Busan with the dark, adult-oriented animation King of Pigs.

Among the young filmmakers using the festival as a launchpad, several stand out for their attempts to break down the wall of Korean machismo by exploring attitudes to homosexuality and male stereotypes. Lost to Shame by emergent actor Nam Yeon-woo (Fatal premiered at Busan) reveals the irony of an actors unresolved homophobia despite an outward display of open-mindedness. Son Tae-gyums Baby Beside Me depicts the bittersweet experience of single-fatherhood  even if the toddler is not the protagonists son.

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Lee Dong-euns In Between Seasons centers on a mother who, discovering her son is gay, tries to understand him anew by engaging with his lover. Lim Dae-hyungs Merry Christmas, Mr. Mo delves into the heart of an aging patriarch to chart his awkward yet moving attempt to open up to his filmmaker son by casting himself in his film  a tender drama enhanced by stylish homage to Chaplin and the silent era. Both titles are New Currents contestants.

On the top of this reviewers list is Come Together, which depicts the unnerving implosion of a bourgeois nuclear family derailed by all-round competitiveness of Korean society. Director Shin Dong-il, who made three of my favorite Korean independent films, Host and Guest, My Friend and His Wife and Bandholbi (all three premiered at Busan), always cuts to the bone in his dissection of Korean class tensions and human hypocrisy. This is his first feature in

seven years.

For the past few years, the Indian subcontinent has been making significant inroads into the program. An area that annually produces a huge films, their cultural diversity can be gleaned from 16 films from India, three from Nepal, two from Bhutan and one from Sri Lanka. Check out Chronicles of Hari by Ananya Kasaravalli, A Death in the Gunj by Konkona Sensharma, Revelations by Vijay Jayapal and Honeygiver Among the Dogs by Bhutanese director Dechen Roder  all focus on gender roles and female-centric themes. I am most excited about A Billion Color Story, Padmakumar Narasimhamurthys penetrating intellectual analysis of religious fundamentalism in India through a Hindu-Muslim couples confrontation with bigotry in film production.

As the hub of Asian Cinema, Busan not only helps talents spin their imaginative yarns, but is also a huge reservoir of real-life stories that testify to and question social, political and cultural contexts around the world. Wide Angle, an umbrella section that covers documentaries, animation, childrens films and shorts, boasts a first-rate documentary selection often overlooked amid the sea of fiction features. Im excited to see the world premiere of A Whale of a Tale, Japanese filmmaker Megumi Sasakis contrarian answer to The Cove. Under the humane, egalitarian lens of Oh Hyun-jin and Ko Du-hyun, a group of factory workers from Myanmar are invested with the ordinariness, and dignity of individuals rather than foreign workers in a factory in Korean documentary Burmese on the Roof.

The rate at which Philippine filmmakers are cranking out original, challenging, often masterful work is nothing short of astounding. While celeb-maverick Lav Diaz (A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery) and young guns like Bradley Liew (Singing in Graveyards) have been lapping up overseas coverage, Pinoy documentarians are quietly pushing boundaries with works like Sunday Beauty Queen by Babyruth Villarama Gutierrez and Sheron Dayocs The Crescent Rising. Filmed guerrilla-style in Hong Kong for well over a year, Villarama Gutierrez (whose Jazz in Love also launched at Busan) celebrates overseas domestic helpers joie de vivre and self-empowerment through beauty pageants, offering a new angle on the old feminist dialogue on these pursuits of vanity. When Dayocs Halaw: Ways of the Sea competed in New Currents six years ago, it shook me to the core with its heartrending depiction of Mindanao migrants taking to the dangerous high seas in search of work. Going back to his hometown again, he offers a rare, knowledgeable study of the grievances and ideals of the Muslim community, often portrayed as violent insurgents in skewed popular media.

The one thing I wouldnt miss for the world is the revival of Nikkatsu Studios Roman Porno, a mind-blowing genre of erotica in the 1970s that became the springboard of some of Japans best directors. Busan is presenting three of the five in a Midnight Passion triple bill: Aroused by Gymnopedies (Isao Yukisada), Wet Woman in the Wind (Akihiko Shiota), and White Lillies (Hideo Nakata).

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'Quiet Dream' Director Zhang Lu Returns to Busan to Pay His Dues

Blockbuster 'Train to Busan' Opens Doors to More Asian Zombie Pics
Transitional Justice: Amendment bill proposes removal of statute of limitations

In what could be a major step towards ensuring justice to conflict victims, an amendment bill on the Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act has proposed removal of the statute of limitations on conflict-era cases.
SOFIA (Reuters) - Canada will introduce a visa waiver entry for some Bulgarians as of next May and will work to allow visa-free travel for all by the end of next year, the Bulgarian government press office said late on Thursday. The arrangement is likely to ease Bulgarian concerns about a contentious European Union free trade deal with Canada, which Brussels hopes EU governments would agree to this month. In May, Bulgaria and Romania expressed reluctance to back the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) if Canada does not apply its visa-waiver entry system to their citizens. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to lift entry visas for business representatives, prior visitors to Canada and for Bulgarians who hold U.S. visas as of May 1, 2017 in a telephone call to Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov. "The Canadian government will make efforts that all other Bulgarians can travel without visas by the end of 2017," the government press office said in a statement. The timeline for the full visa-free travel introduction can be extended until May 2018 at the latest if there are technical obstacles in rearranging the entry systems, the press office said. On Wednesday, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that bloc needed to ensure that a deal agreed with Canada two years ago entered into force within months. Some EU countries, notably Austria, have baulked at accepting the deal after mass demonstrations by labor unions and protest groups who say it will spark a "race to the bottom" in standards and allow big business to challenge governments across Europe. (Reporting by Tsvetelia Tsolova; Editing by Chris Reese)
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2016 / Canadian Zeolite Corp. (the "Company") (CNZ.V) (CNZCF) (ZEON.F) is pleased to welcome Dr. Gerardo Rodriguez-Fuentes as an Advisor to the CNZ team. Dr. Rodriguez-Fuentes is one of the world's leading experts in the application of natural zeolite and is a Doctor in Science at the Zeolite Engineering Laboratory, Material Science and Technology Institute, University of Havana, Cuba. Throughout his impressive 40 year career he has designed and developed new zeolitic materials for the medical, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries and for troubleshooting environmental pollution.

Mr. Ray Paquette CEO states, "Dr. Rodrigues-Fuentes' expertise will be invaluable in mentoring the Company as it moves forward in developing new green technologies for its natural zeolite. He will be a great addition to our accomplished group of Advisors to the Canadian Zeolite Board."

Canadian Zeolite was pleased to sponsor Dr. Rodrigues-Fuentes recently delivered scientific lecture at the University of Northern British Columbia titled "The Environmental Applications of Zeolites." In his lecture he discussed how products based on natural zeolites are applied in many environmental fields.

To view Dr. Rodriguez-Fuentes' patents, publications, awards and Curriculum Vitae please visit: http://www.fq.uh.cu/descargas/CV-Gerardo Rdguez Fuentes.pdf

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Ray Paquette"

President & CEO

604.684.3301

www.canadianzeolite.com

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future expenditures. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, among others, the ability to complete contemplated work programs and the timing and amount of expenditures. Canadian Zeolite does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

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Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Canadian Zeolite Corp.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2016 / CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQB: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7N), ("CanAlaska" or the "Company") wishes to announce the grant of incentive stock options to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,510,000 common shares of the Company pursuant to the Company's share option plan. The options are exercisable for a period of two years at a price of $0.41/share.

About CanAlaska Uranium

CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQB: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7N) holds interests in approximately 500,000 hectares (1.2 million acres), one of the largest land positions in Canada's Athabasca Basin region - the "Saudi Arabia of Uranium." CanAlaska's strategic holdings have attracted major international mining companies Cameco, Denison, KORES, KEPCO, and the De Beers Group of Companies. CanAlaska is a project generator and is positioned for discovery success in the world's richest uranium district. For further information visit www.canalaska.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Peter Dasler"

Peter Dasler, M.Sc., P.Geo.

President & CEO

CanAlaska Uranium Ltd.

Contacts:

Peter Dasler

President

Tel: +1.604.688.3211 x 138

Email: info@canalaska.com

John Gomez

Corporate Development

Tel: +1.604.484.7118

Email: jgomez@canalaska.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking information

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.

SOURCE: CanAlaska Uranium Ltd.
From Esquire

FARMVILLE, VIRGINIA-Back in the 1990s, in the great state of Indiana, a local talk radio host got into the business of writing essays about the important issues of our time. For example, he was brave enough to stand alone against the tidal surge of liberal propaganda in Disney cartoon movies. From BuzzFeed:

When Indiana Congressman Steve Buyer was appointed to investigate the Aberdeen mess, he shocked the public with the revelation that young, nubile, 18 year old men and women were actually being HOUSED together during basic training. Whatever bone head came up with this idea should be run out of this man's Army before sundown. Housing, in close quarters, young men and women (in some cases married to non-military personnel) at the height of their physical and sexual potential is the height of stupidity. It is instructive that even in the Disney film, young Ms. Mulan falls in love with her superior officer! Me thinks the politically correct Disney types completely missed the irony of this part of the story. They likely added it because it added realism with which the viewer could identify with the characters. You see, now stay with me on this, many young men find many young women to be attractive sexually. Many young women find many young men to be attractive sexually. Put them together, in close quarters, for long periods of time, and things will get interesting. Just like they eventually did for young Mulan. Moral of story: women in military, bad idea.

Or, for example, he was not afraid to stand with the embattled entrepreneurs of the tobacco industry. Via BuzzFeed:

Time for a quick reality check. Despite the hysteria from the political class and the media, smoking doesn't kill. In fact, 2 out of every three smokers does not die from a smoking related illness and 9 out of ten smokers do not contract lung cancer.

Or, finally, he had the broad-shouldered manly grit to sail the good ship HMS Metaphor swiftly and boldly through the dangerous ice-field of common sense. From Nuvo:

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We stand on the decks of our own modern sophistication and wave goodbye to the old fashioned virtues of faith in God, marital fidelity and the sanctity of life, even though our very prosperity was built upon them. Like the passengers of the Titanic who gave no thought to the strength of the Irishmen who built their vessel at the Harland & Wolf shipyards in Belfast, so do we give no thought to the virtues of those who built our ship of state. And we, like they, do so at our peril. We love this movie because we still love truth. The truth of 1912 and the truth about our own time. There are icebergs ahead and we know it.

It was deep thoughts like this that drove this brave fellow to run for Congress, where he appealed with considerable courage for a sensible approach to the AIDS crisis. From BuzzFeed:

Congress should support the reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act only after completion of an audit to ensure that federal dollars were no longer being given to organizations that celebrate and encourage the types of behaviors that facilitate the spreading of the HIV virus. Resources should be directed toward those institutions which provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behavior.

Once elected, he spent 12 years once again girding his loins for the never-ending battle against 19th century science.

The truth is it always was a theory, Mr. Speaker. And now that we have recognized evolution as a theory, I would simply and humbly ask, can we teach it as such and can we also consider teaching other theories of the origin of species? Like the theory that was believed in by every signer of the Declaration of Independence. Every signer of the Declaration of Independence believed that men and women were created and were endowed by that same Creator with certain unalienable rights. The Bible tells us that God created man in his own image, male and female. He created them. And I believe that, Mr. Speaker. I believe that God created the known universe, the Earth and everything in it, including man. And I also believe that some day scientists will come to see that only the theory of intelligent design provides even a remotely rational explanation for the known universe. But until that day comes, and I have no fear of science, I believe that the more we study the science, the more the truth of faith will become apparent.

And then he became governor, and in that capacity, he famously (and in his usual manly way) nearly blew up his state's entire business environment because he was staunchly-and one might even say luridly-obsessed with the naughty bits of his constituents and what they might be doing with them without his permission. He made a calm and reasoned mess out of the whole situation and ended up intrepidly botching the whole situation and audaciously pissing nearly everybody off.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mike Pence, the "winner" of Tuesday night's vice-presidential debate and a fellow who, this morning, is being cited as the future of American conservatism if and when Donald Trump flies his campaign into the ground next month.

And I will grant you that, about halfway through Tuesday night's extravaganza, it seemed that Pence had announced a third-party run for president this year. (My favorite moment came when Pence said that a critical part of the Trump-Pence foreign policy would be to "de-nuclearize" the Korean peninsula even though El Caudillo del Mar-A-Lago has said he thinks South Korea should have nukes of its own. Unless someone moved South Korea to the Philippines without my noticing, I think they should let Pence debate the other two candidates on Sunday night in St. Louis so we can clear this all up.) But those people already shining up the PENCE 2020 buttons should keep in mind that the future of conservatism lies with a creationist sexual bigot who believes gayness is a condition that can be cured and that Disney cartoons are weakening the U.S. military.

Party of ideas!

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All vice-presidential candidates find themselves re-defined by the office they seek and by the candidate who chose them. On Tuesday night, Pence seemed to be doing his damnedest to resist this inexorable transformation. He flatly denied that his running mate said things that have been captured on video. He waved away the very real business relationships that his running mate has cultivated with the Russian oligarchs who exist entirely at the whim of Vladimir Putin. He did some gaslighting of the television audience by repeatedly (and hilariously) accusing the Democratic ticket of running the truly "insult-ridden" campaign. And he did so with the smooth delivery of a professional broadcaster, which Pence once was.

He must've been good at it. I would buy auto-glass from this man.

And I get the criticism of Kaine's performance. He had a bad case of the yips over the first 30 minutes and he was rather over-amped throughout. But, at the very least, and this is the lowest bar possible for a vice-presidential candidate, Kaine at least demonstrated that he and his running mate are on the same page as regards most of the issues. By halfway through the debate, you began to wonder whether or not on Inauguration Day, Mike Pence would have to be introduced formally to the president-elect.

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But I came away most intrigued by the look into the future that this debate gave us. Assuming Trump loses, and assuming, as we must, that the Republican plan going forward is to pretend that Trump's rise is an aberration in modern conservatism rather than its obvious culmination, Pence gave us a vivid peek at how an important chunk of the party plans to regroup. This is where the talk radio, Fox News base is going to go.

Of course, this will guarantee that the prion disease continues to worsen, guaranteeing another Trump (or another dozen Trumps) will rise somewhere down the line. Trump's great beautiful wall is no more (or less) nutty than intelligent design or gay conversion therapy. If the Republicans try to remake themselves by distancing themselves from the former and not the latter, they're sucking around for the same reaction Pence got when he tap-danced away from his anti-gay law in Indiana-incoherence that makes everybody angry.

Otherwise, what we got Tuesday night was also a good view of what got the Republicans where they are. Mike Pence was the talk radio host, able to get his audience to swallow whatever codswollop he's selling because it was delivered so smoothly. The problem is that Donald Trump, who wants to be president, is the caller, fuming on hold in his car while waiting in traffic somewhere outside Indianapolis.

[contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related%20Story" customtitles="Here's%20the%20Thing%20About%20That%20VP%20Abortion%20Exchange" customimages="" content="article.49268"]

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(Reuters) - Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla would be happy to sign a new contract with Arsenal despite local media linking him with a move to La Liga side Atletico Madrid. The 31-year-old, who extended his contract with the Gunners in July last year, has scored 25 goals under manager Arsene Wenger since joining from Malaga in 2012. "I am happy here. I am trusted by the manager and my team-mates. I am feeling important here, and if they'll offer me a new contract, I'll sign it because I am very happy with this great club," Cazorla told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser. Cazorla has scored twice in seven Premier League appearances this season. The London club, who are third in the standings, host Swansea City on Oct. 15. (Reporting by Ian Rodricks in Bengaluru; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
These celebrities are supporting Hilary Clinton, explain why theyre #WithHer

Hillary Clinton has been a divisive presidential candidate, to be sure. Shes had a tough time winning over young voters and some of her antics (*ahem* hot sauce) have not gone over quite as well as hoped.

However! If theres one thing thats true about Hillz, its that she has the support of Hollywoods best and brightest. In fact, the only list more star-studded than Hillarys roster of celebrity endorsements is (probably) the invite list for the Academy Awards.

So, even though we know you dont make your political judgments based on what celebrities think, we wanted to let you know whos said theyre #WithHer  and why. Read on then tell us what you think!

1. Beyonce

While Queen Bey hasnt officially endorsed a candidate, she did attend a fundraiser for Hillary earlier this and also spent her recent birthday chilling with the Clintons.

2. Lena Dunham

Y'all watching those dem debates? I predict major slayage from a certain someone... WATCH, get informed about the issues that matter to YOU and your COMMUNITY and then VOTE (sorry for all the CAPS, pretty worked up) #Debates2016 A photo posted by Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) on Sep 26, 2016 at 3:00pm PDT

Lena Dunham has been one of Hillarys most vocal  and visible  celebrity supporters, hosting campaign events across the country and regularly posting about the candidate on social media.

At a July rally she said, I am a pro-choice, feminist sexual assault survivor with a chronic reproductive illness. Donald Trump and his party think I should be punished for exercising my constitutional rights. His rhetoric about women takes us back to a time when we were meant to be beautiful and silent. Meanwhile, 22 years ago, Hillary Clinton declared that womens rights are human rights.

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3. Kerry Washington

#imwithher A photo posted by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on Feb 22, 2016 at 10:27pm PST

Endorsing Hillary Clinton in a video alongside fellow Shondaland-ers Ellen Pompeo and Shonda Rhimes, Washington proclaimed that Clinton is a champion for all of us.

4. Connie Britton

Pretty excited to be with Hillary today in Denver. #imwithher A photo posted by connie britton (@conniebritton) on Jun 28, 2016 at 2:06pm PDT

Its no secret that Connie Britton is a fierce feminist, but her commitment to electing the nations first woman president is pretty admirable. In an Instagram post from earlier this year, Britton wrote, I heard Hillary speak yesterday and was absolutely blown away by her passion, intelligence, depth of experience and profound competence. And then I got to sit down and talk with her, and felt her humanity as a mother and working woman, and, most importantly, a woman who is genuinely dedicated to the ideals and values of the people of this country.

5. Demi Lovato

Endorsing Clinton at a July rally, Demi Lovato opened up about living with mental illness and said she supports Clinton because shes the only candidate who will fight for those living with mental health conditions.

And at a previous rally in January, Lovato said of Clinton, I am voting for her because of her beliefs, her strength and the fact that she completely embodies the concept of womens empowerment.

6. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen

We hung out with the next president too A photo posted by John Legend (@johnlegend) on Jun 8, 2016 at 12:54am PDT

John and Chrissy are taking #RelationshipGoals to the next level. This pair is not only adorable with their baby and sweet to each other, they also campaign together. They were stumping for Hillary in Nevada this week, and even though they only had a cardboard cutout of the candidate, they offered some strong words about why they support her.

Said Teigen, Why we personally love Hillary is that she is far and away the most qualified candidate for the job. Shes ready to see this office again. Shes seen it before. Were really supportive of her and weve loved her for a long time.

7. Kendall Jenner

Shirt by @themarcjacobs. History by @hillaryclinton. #MadeForHistory #ImWithHer @voguemagazine A photo posted by Kendall (@kendalljenner) on Feb 18, 2016 at 9:38am PST

The t-shirt that Kendall Jenner is wearing in this IG pic says it all: History by Hillary Clinton. The young model has used her star power to encourage young voters to register, and to remind her fans that women havent always had the vote  so its critical that we use it.

8. Pharrell

A photo posted by Pharrell Williams (@pharrell) on Feb 11, 2015 at 7:40am PST

A self-proclaimed feminist, Pharrell threw his weight behind Hillary Clinton early on in the presidential campaign.

In an October 2015 interview with Ellen DeGeneres he said, Its time for a woman to be in there. Because you know what? Women think about things in a holistic way  its not just so individual. He continued, If we had somebody looking after our country that thought about things as a whole, I just feel like it would be different.

9. Emma Roberts

Love my @HillaryClinton @TanyaTaylor campaign tee #MadeForHistory #ImWithHer A photo posted by Emma Roberts (@emmaroberts) on Jul 21, 2016 at 10:59am PDT

The Scream Queens star has long been a Clinton fan. Back in 2013, she tweeted this Hillary quote in the name of giving great advice: Take criticism seriously, but not personally.

11. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

I got my selfie!!! I really loved hearing her speak & hearing her goals for our country! #HillaryForPresident A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Aug 6, 2015 at 8:40pm PDT

Kimye snapped this selfie with HRC back in August 2015 and have since gone on to praise Clinton and support her campaign. (Kanye is reportedly one of her biggest donors!)

12. Gina Rodriguez

A photo posted by Gina Rodriguez (@hereisgina) on Jan 29, 2016 at 8:34am PST

In a video supporting HRC, Rodriguez explained why shes #WithHer: Shes fighting for immigration reform, and fighting to keep our families together.

13. Jesse Tyler Ferguson

.@HillaryClinton is a champion for LGBT equality. That's why #ImWithHer. Text PRIDE to 47246 if you are too! pic.twitter.com/8k0SHzrfqi  Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) June 26, 2016

In a video supporting HRC, Jesse Tyler Ferguson shared some of Hillarys top accomplishments for the LGBTQ community. She was the first First Lady to march in a pride parade, and as Senator Clinton, she championed hate crimes legislation, he said.

14. America Ferrera

#DNCLive interview with @ryanpierswilliams to premiere the videos we made on the incredible Innovator's Challenge winners! Head to votolatino.org/VLInnovators to watch their incredible stories! @votolatino A photo posted by America Ferrera (@americaferrera) on Jul 26, 2016 at 4:49pm PDT

Not only did she speak in support of Hillary at the Democratic National Convention, America Ferrera has been campaigning on Clintons behalf for months and even wrote a powerful essay on Medium about why she stands behind the candidate.

Even before the Latino vote was crucial to elections, Hillary held the first ever White House convening on Hispanic youth as First Lady, Ferrera wrote. Shes fought for early childhood education so that a kid like me, growing up in the public school system, doesnt fall behind before she even gets the chance to begin.

Plus, she added, Id like to literally stream Netflix and chill with Hillary. Seriously, Id be down to snuggle in onesies with a pint of mint chocolate chip and do a Gilmore Girls binge with Secretary Clinton.

#Adorbz.

Now that your minds on the upcoming election, if you havent yet registered to vote, we highly recommend that you do.

Plus, you can use the following to help you check this task off your to-do list:

The post These celebrities are supporting Hilary Clinton, explain why theyre #WithHer appeared first on HelloGiggles.
TUTH resident docs to urge Dr KC to reconsider hunger strike

Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital resident doctors have urged senior orthopedician Dr Govinda KC, who is on a hunger-strike since the past 11 days, to reconsider his fast-unto-death.
Child-free zones on planes could become an actuality [Photo: Getty/Yahoo Style UK]

It was a flight to Majorca. The twins were about 15-months, theyd just learnt to toddle and were into EVERYTHING. Just before take-off girl twin decided to kick-start the mother of all tantrums. At first people nearby just shuffled awkwardly in their seats hoping (read: praying) it might stop, but after twenty minutes of ear-splitting screams the shuffling progressed to eye rolling, tsking and finally out and out under-the-breath grumbling. At this point boy twin decided to join his sister at the paddy party and no amount of biscuit bribery or desperate begging would silence the dastardly duo. In the end, they wore themselves out with the effort of it all and passed out for the rest of the journey, while hubby and me chugged back the booze to try and calm our frazzled nerves and avoided eye contact with our fellow passengers.

It was a memorable experience for all the wrong reasons. So hearing the news that Indian budget airline IndiGo were to ban passengers under the age of 12 from certain sections of their planes, my ears automatically pricked up.

Keeping in mind the comfort and convenience of all passengers, a statement from the airline read, row numbers one to four and 11 to 14 are generally kept as a Quiet Zone on IndiGo flights. These zones have been created for business travellers who prefer to use the quiet time to do their work.

Would you opt for a child-free zone if you could? [Photo: Getty]

And IndiGo arent the only ones to introduce paediatric prohibition on their airplanes, Malaysian airlines, Thai airways, Air Asia and the Singapore based Scoot all have some kind of kid-free zone.

So how do we feel about it? Im sure if you asked the passengers who witnessed two mini Majorca-bound meltdowns about banning babies from certain parts of the plane, theyd have cracked open the bubbly. And they certainly wouldnt be alone.

According to a survey by LateDeals.co.uk, almost seven in ten Brits dislike flying with babies so much that they would like to see child-free areas introduced on planes. 39% believe that no-kid zones should be compulsory on long-haul flights and nearly a third would go further and bring in such silent spaces on ALL flights to ensure stress-free travel for non-parents. Our dislike of travelling with children clearly runs deep with more than a third of us admitting wed happily pay extra to travel without a small child kicking the back of their seat.

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A straw poll of my mum friends reveals a mixed bag of opinions about the tot-free plans. Like the many parents who have taken to social media to express their dismay at this latest discriminatory treatment of child travellers, one friend felt the move was an indication of the wider wrinkled-nosed attitude towards children in general.

I think it shows us to be pretty bizarre child-haters if we cant cope with children around us on flights, she said. We were ourselves all children once. Have we forgotten so easily? It would probably do stressed business people good to take a note from children in the air and have a bit of fun.

That didnt mean she was actively against the idea though. Pragmatically given the fact we live in child-unfriendly times and flying is a stressful business, I guess it seems reasonable to set aside quiet areas where grumpy travellers can huddle together and sit in joyless silence.

Worrying that your child is annoying other passengers is not a nice feeling [Photo: Getty]

Others actively embraced the idea. Id welcome it, one mum explained. It would be arguably easier for parents when other kids are around  a) because it offers a distraction and b) its less stressy when your own kid is screaming. Its a bit like 5pm at Pizza Express, you dont have to worry about offending others so much and can relax a bit more.

Another mum raised an interesting point about the futility of the kiddie-free zones. Anyone old enough to remember the smoking zones of planes will appreciate that open-plan planes are not that easy to segregate. Just as the smoke drifted into the non-smoking sections, so too will the noise of a tantrum-ing child, no?

I dont see how it will be effectively enforced unless the seats are in a separate area to the rest of the seats. Will they police the planes by not allowing parents to walk the toddlers up and down the aisles? Unless properly enforced, these kid-free zones will just end up being overpriced, slightly further away from kid noise seats.

As for whether the move is discriminatory, another friend felt it was more about having a choice.

I appreciate those who wish to have a peaceful flight and know many parents who have avoided flying for years because of the innate fear of their children disturbing other passengers! I would probably be totally more relaxed if I knew I there was a child friendly zone. If my kids kicked off and anyone complained I would feel confident in telling them they could have chosen to sit somewhere else!

So, could child-free zones be a good idea? [Photo: Getty]

But whether you have the choice to segregate or not, theres no doubt being near a hollering child, particularly someone elses, is so not fun. Indeed, the human body is hard-wired to find it stressful. According to a neurological study from the University of Oxford, a babys cry stimulates areas of the brain that trigger an immediate fight or flight response, in a way that an adult crying does not. And that makes it difficult to ignore. When you hear a baby on a plane, youre immediately alert, even if you dont want to hear it, explains Christine Parsons, one of the researchers behind the study.

As for me, the mere thought of THAT flight (and several others since) can bring me out in a cold sweat, so as a parent I can certainly see the appeal of knowing that if my kids kick-off theyre likely amongst friends.

The fact is kids will be kids  on planes, in restaurants, on the school run. And given that, aside from sedating them or tying them to the seat, there isnt an awful lot you can do about it, its entirely understandable that some passengers want to travel in peace. Indeed on a rare trip without the kids Id be tempted to book into the child-free zone myself.

Its likely that the seemingly growing passenger demand for the measure will mean that other airlines will follow IndiGos lead and jump on the baby ban bandwagon and who knows it may even lead to the introduction of entirely adult-only flights.

Now, a kid-free airplane, that sounds like bliss

What do you think about child-free zones on flights? Join the debate @YahooStyleUK

Parents are being warned not to let babies sleep in car seats for long periods of time

This is how long it takes to get the hang of parenting
BEIJING (Reuters) - China hopes to see progress at next month's summit in Peru of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) bloc in pushing ahead with a Chinese-backed trade liberalization framework, China's foreign minister said while on a trip to Lima.

At an APEC summit in Beijing two years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged members to speed up talks on the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) being pushed by Beijing.

APEC approved work towards the establishment of FTAAP, which Xi said then was a "historic step".

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said a feasibility study on FTAAP had been basically completed and China hoped to present it at this APEC summit, his ministry said in a statement.

China "hopes it's approved by the meeting and that the next steps can be jointly agreed on upon this basis", the ministry cited Wang as saying.

"China hopes that the negotiations process for FTAAP can start in due course."

APEC needs to send a positive signal against a tide of rising protectionism and anti-globalization and so China would like APEC to reach consensus on FTAAP, Wang said.

Some see FTAAP as a way to divert attention from the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement backed by the United States.

China is not part of the TPP and has not been enthusiastic about it.

China fears the TPP is being used by the United States to either force it to open markets by signing up or else isolate it from other regional economies as trade is diverted to TPP signatories.

The TPP is seen as the economic backbone of U.S. President Barack Obama's "pivot" to Asia, which some experts view as an attempt to balance China's rise by establishing a larger U.S. presence in the region.

Wang said the various trade proposals on the table should be "open, not closed, and inclusive, not exclusionary".

China is also keen on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which groups the 10 members of the Association of South East Asian Nations plus China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.

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"No matter whether it's TPP or RCEP, they all lead to the path of FTAAP," Wang said. "The rules of international trade should be decided via equal consultations of all parties, not just one or two parties having the final say."

Trade rules should not be politicized or have some political aim, he added.

"This neither helps the normal development of international trade nor accords with the joint interests of the various economies."

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Robert Birsel)
Chinese iron ore production forecasted to decline by 10%.

China's metal imports will decelerate over the years due to weakened demand from the country's slowing economy, says BMI Research.

In H116 imports were strong as government stimulus in the housing sector boosted demand for metals used in construction.

The housing stimulus measures were a combination of easing credit conditions, lower down payments and tax cuts. As a result, positive sentiment surrounding the property market and China's economy, and improving domestic housing data led to increased steel demand, which translated into a sharp rally in steel prices.

Apart from steel, positive sentiment and speculation surrounding the Chinese economy also led to rallies in prices of most industrial metals in general. The rally in prices supported a strong growth in steel production, which led to an increase in net steel exports from China. In H116, Chinese net steel exports grew by 12.1% y-o-y, which has slowed to a y-o-y growth of 5.6% and -9.3% in July and August 2016, respectively. Aluminium production also accelerated, as well as bauxite imports.

However, as the impact of government stimulus measures have started to fade and strict steel capacity cuts are being enforced, BMI expects net steel exports to decelerate over the coming months, peaking in 2016.

Likewise, it expects iron ore import growth to decelerate with the slowdown in steel production.

Nevertheless, it believes iron ore import growth will remain positive as domestic ore production will contract faster than the slowdown of steel production.

"We forecast Chinese iron ore production to decline by 10.0% in 2016, whereas steel output will only contract by 1.0%. Similarly, we expect bauxite import growth to decelerate as aluminium production slows, but a shortage of domestic ores will ensure the deceleration is not too pronounced," said BMI.

According to BMI, China will account for only 22.8% of global bauxite output, compared to an estimated 55.7% and 53.4% of global refined aluminium production and consumption respectively in 2016.

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Over the coming years, BMI said that Chinese aluminium production cuts will begin to relieve global market oversupply, as the country remains the key driver of both global supply and consumption.

"We expect China's aluminium exports to peak in 2016 on the back of announced output cuts. China's aluminium surplus will narrow considerably, falling from 2.2 million tonnes (mnt) in 2016 to 1.0mnt by 2020," said BMI.





More From Singapore Business Review


For more than a century, U.S. law schools have typically taught students using the Socratic method, which involves professors interrogating students and demonstrating how to analyze court cases, and they have typically graded students through make-or-break final exams. But law schools are evolving to respond to changes in the legal marketplace, experts say.

Many law schools, for instance, have eliminated high-stakes finals and replaced them with a series of exams, and most schools now offer students opportunities to learn through mentoring opportunities, where they do legal projects alongside experienced attorneys who provide guidance.

Both law professors and practicing attorneys say prospective law students should vet law schools based on the way they teach. Here are seven ways to evaluate a law school's teaching methods.

1. Visit the law school, and see the teaching for yourself: If you are choosing among several law schools, observe classes at each school to determine which you like best.

"There are schools that emphasize teaching more than other schools," says Andrew Strauss, dean of the University of Dayton School of Law.

He says some law schools prioritize research so much that they pay little regard to the classroom experience.

[Evaluate professors to find a law school with engaging classes.]

2. Make sure the Socratic method is used to its full potential: Scott Greenfield, a criminal defense attorney in New York City with 35 years of litigation experience, says the Socratic method can be difficult for students to understand at first. The technique, which is used in some form at nearly all U.S. law schools, requires professors to ask a series of rhetorical questions in order to make their point rather that directly stating their opinion.

Greenfield says it is sometimes used poorly, but that when the Socratic method is used well, it provides crucial lessons for law students on how to respond intelligently and quickly to tough questions. Greenfield says although most people squirm when they are questioned in Socratic law courses, students should welcome the challenge and seek law schools with talented practitioners of the Socratic method.

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"What the Socratic method does is it forces you to think quickly and accurately to address the most difficult aspect of being a lawyer," he says. "We work under pressure. We're required to think well but quickly. An objection too late is worthless."

Greenfield says when he defends clients, he relies on the toughness he cultivated through the Socratic method. "There's no saying you're sorry after they execute your client," he says.

3. Investigate success rates: Alison Monahan, an alumna of the Law School at Columbia University and the founder of several legal advice blogs, says the best way to judge the effectiveness of a law school's teaching approach is to look at its bar passage rates.

"If students are graduating and they can't pass the bar, that's a big problem," she says.

Monahan says it also helps to ask current students and recent graduates about how engaged they were in class. "You really ought to talk to a couple of students, and if those students are totally disengaged, then that's a red flag," she says.

[Choose a law school that suits your learning style.]

4. Scan professors' resumes: Adama Wiltshire, an associate with Littler Mendelsohn law firm and an alumna of the School of Law at Washington University in St. Louis, says prospective law students should seek law schools whose professors have legal experience outside academia.

"Their experience will inform the way they teach," she says.

5. Consider your personal learning preferences: Monahan says a pressure-cooker environment is not ideal for every law student, and that some students do not perform well on high-stakes finals.

"One thing I would look for is opportunities to get feedback throughout the semester," she says.

Monahan says law school clinics are generally exceptional learning experiences because they immerse students in the practice of law.

Paul Bateman, a professor at Southwestern Law School, says cramming does not work in law school, and students benefit from frequent feedback, which can serve as a wake-up call when they are off track. "Going to law school is more akin to studying a foreign language or using a musical instrument," he says. "You have to practice everyday."



[Seek a law school with hands-on learning opportunities.]

6. Favor schools that provide intensive training on how to read, write and speak like a lawyer: Strauss says communication skills are the foundation of the legal profession.

"Law is a social discipline," he says. "You have to be able to communicate with other people orally and in writing and say precisely what you mean."

Law schools that take rhetoric seriously offer an abundance of writing seminars, encourage participation in moot court competitions, require all students to regularly practice writing skills and do oral presentations, Strauss says.

Strauss says many big law firms complain about first-year associates who lack writing skills, and solid writing abilities make law school graduates more competitive in the job market than their less articulate peers. He says reading comprehension is also essential, and law students must learn how to parse convoluted legal language and interpret complex legal arguments.

7. Choose a school with various teaching approaches: "I think the Socratic method can be overdone," says Orin Kerr, a professor with the Law School at George Washington University. "If you've got a law school where everyone defaults to the Socratic method, that's not good. It shouldn't be that everyone does that because it's the thing to do."

For instance, Kerr teaches his students how to advocate for clients by moderating pro-con debates, and many law professors have distinctive teaching styles. Kerr says the best way to judge the skill of a law professor is to witness his or her class.

Searching for a law school? Get our complete rankings of Best Law Schools.

Ilana Kowarski covers graduate schools for U.S. News. You can reach her via email at ikowarski@usnews.com.
Paris (AFP) - The historic Paris climate pact dashed across the ratification finish line Wednesday to diplomatic cheers.

"A turning point for the planet," said US President Barack Obama.

"A defining moment for the global economy," enthused Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever and Chairman of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

But the cold, hard reality of what is needed to fulfil the Paris Agreement's pledges will soon bite, experts warned.

Its accelerated entry into force was driven by many things, including the prospect of Republican Party candidate Donald Trump -- who has described global warming as a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese -- sitting in the White House.

The rapid, joint ratification by China and the United States also set an example hard to ignore.

But the main impetus for locking in the deal was clearly the growing sense of urgency about the looming threat of climate change.

"Time is absolutely of the essence," said Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director of Greenpeace International. "The question is not 'whether', it is 'how fast'."

Almost daily, global warming red flags are popping up.

Every month so far this year has set a temperature record, and 2016 is on track to supplant 2015 as the hottest year ever registered.

Scientists have recently forecast that average global temperatures -- already one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) above the pre-industrial era benchmark -- could sail past 1.5 C (2.7 F) within a decade, and 2.0 C (3.6 F) by mid-century.

A maelstrom of superstorms fuelled by rising seas, deadly floods, and drought prompted the world's nations to lower the threshold for dangerous warming in the Paris pact to "well below" 2.0 C.

Reaching that target will require a breakneck, wholesale shift across the globe away from fossil fuels towards clean sources of energy.

Even that will not be enough: we will have to learn how to suck carbon out of the air, say scientists.

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- North star -

The Paris accord's early validation comes just in time to take centre stage at high-level UN talks in Marrakesh next month tasked with translating its planet-saving vision into policy.

It could also accelerate the process.

"This shifts the focus to implementation and strengthening the commitments under the agreement," said Alden Meyer, a veteran climate analyst at the Washington-based Union for Concerned Scientists.

Countries have informally set a 2018 target for hammering out more than 100 concrete rules and procedures embedded in the climate pact -- some of them highly contentious.

Originally, the agreement left open a four-year window for that process.

"Many details need to be ironed out before implementation can begin," said Harjeet Singh, head of climate change for ActionAid.

They include rules for reporting and verification of emissions cuts, how to disburse hundreds of billions of dollars to climate-vulnerable developing nations, and the establishment of new market mechanisms.

Even more important, 2018 is shaping up to be a crucial "political moment" when countries will feel pressure to revise and deepen voluntary pledges for slashing carbon pollution.

At their current level, these so-called "nationally determined contributions" -- which don't kick in until 2020 -- fall woefully short of the target, and would result in an unlivable 3.0 C (5.4 F) planet by century's end.

Bolstered by a special report from the UN's climate science panel, to be completed by mid-2018, the world's major greenhouse gas emitters will also be expected to deliver detailed national plans, or "pathways", for economic transformation through 2050.

"If you are going to achieve the objectives in Paris, you need a north star that gives you the direction of travel," said Meyer, adding that the United States, Germany and Canada have taken the lead on this.

That north star will likewise be a visible to corporations and business leaders, who realise that they ignore it at their peril.

The new treaty "sends an unmistakable signal to business and investors that the global transition to a low-carbon economy is urgent, inevitable, and accelerating faster than we ever believed possible," Unilever's Polman said in a statement.
Bogota (AFP) - Colombia's second-largest rebel group, the ELN, on Thursday released a former mayor it was holding hostage, as the country struggles to salvage a troubled peace process.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said leftist guerrillas from the National Liberation Army (ELN) had handed over the hostage in the remote city of Saravena, near the Venezuelan border.

The Colombian government's rights ombudsman later identified the man as former mayor Fabio Leon Ardila of the northeastern town of Charala. He was kidnapped on June 30 during a business trip to Saravena.

The Red Cross said Ardila, who was mayor from 2012 to 2015, was being transported to a reunion with family members.

The news came as the government sought to save a peace deal with a larger rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), that was narrowly rejected by voters in a referendum Sunday.

The shock vote result has left the government scrambling to save the deal, the product of nearly four years of negotiations.

The ELN hostage release will come as welcome news in what has been a terrible week for President Juan Manuel Santos, who has staked his legacy on making peace.

The ELN agreed in March to hold peace talks with the government, but Santos has said negotiations cannot begin until the group stops seizing hostages.

A source close to the guerrillas told AFP the release was negotiated in talks between ELN leaders and government officials in the Venezuelan capital Caracas, with a view to opening peace talks "soon."

"This type of action is partly the fruit of mutually respectful conversations (between the government and ELN), of a desire not to involve civilians in the conflict and prepare for a public phase" of negotiations, said political scientist Victor de Currea, an expert on the ELN.

It is unclear how many hostages the ELN is now holding, but official sources say there are at least two.

The Red Cross has facilitated the release of 13 rebel-held hostages so far this year.

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The Colombia conflict has killed more than 260,000 people and left 45,000 missing over five decades, drawing in several leftist guerrilla groups, right-wing paramilitaries and drug gangs.

The ELN, which was launched in 1964 to wage a Cuban Revolution-style uprising, today has an estimated 1,500 fighters.

The FARC, a Marxist guerrilla group launched the same year, has 5,765 fighters, it revealed as part of the peace process.
WB: Improve NEAs organisation structure

The World Bank (WB) has urged the government to improve the organisation structure of state-owned Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for the development of the power sector.
colombia cocaine

On Sunday, Colombia's peace plan to end a 52-year war between leftist rebels and the state was voted down, with Colombians casting about 54,000 more "no" votes than "yes" votes, out of more than 13 million ballots cast.

The failure of the peace plan has sent both sides scrambling to figure if the deal negotiated over four long years can be saved or modified.

The longer the situation lasts, the more likely it is that Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), who were set to disarm a week ago, slip back into one of their most lucrative enterprises: cocaine production.

FARC rebels have been a mainstay in Colombia's production of coca, the precursor ingredient for cocaine, for the last few decades, controlling as much as 70% of the country's production and therefore about 40% of the world's supply of the drug.

A central part of the rejected peace deal was the rebel group's extrication from the cocaine trade and the eradication of coca crops around the country.

Colombia FARC rebels peace deal cocaine production

"Colombia laid out in the peace accords a new strategy that was going to be based on communities voluntarily eradicating coca, with the FARC actually helping to eradicate," Adam Isacson, senior associate for regional security at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), said during a conference call the day after the voting.

"There is a pilot project for this new strategy being launched in a part of northwestern Colombia that involved active-duty FARC members and military and others beginning" to remove coca crops and replace them with legal crops, such as bananas and coffee. The program, among others, is likely to be "on hold," Isacson added.

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Colombia cocaine production

Whether those programs can go forward depends on if FARC leadership, the Colombian government, and the Colombian opposition find a way to salvage the deal.

If the "political limbo" lasts two to three weeks, the FARC won't revert back to the drug trade and other criminal enterprises, said, Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli, WOLA's senior associate for the Andes, said during the call. "But over time, if they don't have the means to be able to sustain themselves and their forces they will very much regress back to extortion rackets and to being part of that trade."

The timeline that has developed already suggests FARC rebels will fall back on their old activities.

According to Insight Crime, Colombian Congress President Mauricio Lizcano has estimated that forming a new commission to negotiate with Colombia's opposition over potential modifications to the deal will take at least a month.

Colombia cocaine paste food

Such a timeline not only means that

FARC rebels will have to find a way to finance their presence in encampments around the country; it also will likely go past the October 31 date to which President Juan Manuel Santos has extended the bilateral cease-fire in effect since August. (Santos has since said that deadline can be extended indefinitely.)

Some factions of the FARC rejected the negotiations and have continued criminal activities. Reports cited by Insight Crime indicate some FARC elements have already left the group form new criminal groups.

As time passes, the potential grows for FARC rebels who complied with the peace process to join their more recalcitrant compatriots, which would almost certainly mean the recent spikes in coca production in Colombia will only continue.

"Colombia for the moment is without a real strategy in place for getting rid of coca, because what they have on paper can't be implemented," Isacson said.

NOW WATCH: Colombian authorities seized 3 tons of cocaine bound for the US hidden in a 'narco-submarine'





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The District of Columbia is full of history -- and we're not just talking about the dozens of landmarks and monuments dotting the landscape. Much of the area's history is reflected in its real estate, attracting buyers with an eye for charming row houses and Victorians, and a yen for preservation. These types of buyers "look at themselves as stewards of history in some ways," says Nate Guggenheim of Washington Fine Properties, LLC. They are likely to value character and unique architecture as well as authenticity in a home.

If you loosely define a "historic home" as a residence that predates 1920, you can find properties all over the District of Columbia region. The two most notable historic areas are Georgetown in the District, and Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia. Both were once important port towns. Georgetown's port "was as far North as ships could go up the Potomac River from the sea," Guggenheim explains. "These two areas developed around trade."

Other places where buyers can find historic homes include Logan Circle and Capitol Hill. Meanwhile, Kalorama and Kalorama Triangle Historic District near Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan, "have beautiful Victorian row houses dating between 1910 and 1915," says Carlos Garcia, a Realtor with Eng Garcia Properties, LLC at Keller Williams Capital Properties.

Once you find a potential home in a historic area, top District real estate agents identified by OpenHouse Realty, a real estate data company (and a U.S. News partner), advise taking the following steps to ensure the home is right for you -- and vice versa.

[Read: A First-Time Buyer's Guide to Washington, D.C.]

Do your research. Guggenheim, who owns a home in Georgetown originally built in the 1860s, says it's helpful to know a home's history before purchasing it. "That way you know what you're getting," he explains. "If you're aware of what's been done by each of the previous owners, you have a better idea of what the house was like, originally."

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Prospective buyers should ask how many owners the home has had, "if and when any known renovations were done and if there are any stories about the home that are of note," Guggenheim adds.

Don't try to change everything. You're not dealing with McMansion-sized living rooms, open floor plans or a finished basement with historic homes. Instead, brace yourself for awkward layouts, smaller rooms and fewer bathrooms. "Houses built in the 1850s were not designed for today's manner of living," Guggenheim emphasizes.

For this reason, charm, character, authenticity, architectural details and pride in history need to outweigh all of the idiosyncrasies of living in a historic home. For example, you might have to settle for smaller windows and less light than what you'd typically find in more modern properties, because for those living in the Victorian era, a dark home made sense.

"Today, we have so many ways of correcting for the elements," Guggenheim explains. "If it's hot there's air conditioning. A long time ago, you couldn't have too many windows in a house because it would get too hot in the summertime and too cold in the wintertime."

While some renovations are possible, Guggenheim advises that buyers shouldn't expect to make huge modifications that conform to the way people live today. An adaptation of an historic home "can lead to an overrun in presumed cost and potential frustration," he cautions.

"While there are those who strip older homes of their originality for something more contemporary, I feel that originality is something to be both cherished and preserved, such that the historic fabrics of these homes and neighborhoods remain genuine," Guggenheim explains.

[Read: 10 Up-and-Coming Washington, D.C., Neighborhoods to Buy a Home.]

Approach renovations judiciously. If you do intend to make alterations to a historic home, "Find someone who already knows the neighborhood like the back of his or her hand" and is comfortable with and knowledgeable about doing renovations on historic homes, advises Keri Shull, founder of the Keri Shull Team at Optime Realty in Arlington, Virginia.

Opportunities do exist to renovate in a manner that compliments the attributes of a historic home. But before you set your heart on making changes, get an estimate from the contractor, as the costs associated with renovating a historic home are likely to be more substantial than they would be for a more modern home.

Get familiar with the approvals process. The District area's historic neighborhoods generally have an approval process for any type of exterior modification. Even a basic upgrade like replacing the siding would likely have to go through the approval process. Georgetown is one of the hardest places in the country to make these types of alterations, Guggenheim says. "You have to deal with the Old Georgetown Board, which is governed by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts."

You won't just have to answer to local authorities, either. Even more vigilant are the neighbors living next to you. People who live in historic districts often serve as the local enforcement authority because they care so much about preserving these homes, Garcia says.

You can get a tax break. This is a major perk to owning a historic home. If you buy a property in a historic district, you can participate in a facade easement program developed by the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Department of the Interior. This where you grant a private entity, such as a historic preservation trust, the right to enforce local historic preservation laws against your property. "The reason for doing this is you get a huge tax break, which can add up to tens of thousands of dollars," Garcia says.

[Read: D.C., Maryland or Virginia -- Where Should You Live?]

Prepare for high listing prices. Charm comes at a cost. Historic homes in the District of Columbia metro area are generally quite expensive, especially if the neighborhood is historically significant. In some places like Rockville, Maryland, or Fairfax, Virginia, prices may start around $750,000. Most historic homes in the District will be closer to $1 million, Garcia says.

"In Georgetown, homes are expensive because each house is a little piece of art," Guggenheim says. The question you should ask yourself is: Is it worth spending $1 million-plus to invest in that piece of art?

Some believe it is. "What attracts me to Georgetown is my house is one piece of a greater fabric that makes it so beautiful," Guggenheim says. "There are so few neighborhoods like it in the country."

While it's true that homeowners need to jump through some hoops to make any changes, "it is truly exceptional that there are so many people whose vocations are devoted to preservation of historic neighborhoods, and for that we should be grateful," he adds.

It's also a great opportunity to step back in time and own something with a high level of quality and craftsmanship, Garcia contends. These structures "will probably outlive us, so on some on level it's a privilege to care for such a property."

It underscores the old saying, "they don't build them like they used to," Garcia says.

Looking for a real estate agent in Washington, D.C.? Our Find an Agent tool can match you with the person who's most qualified for the job.





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Oct 6 (Reuters) - A Canadian court ruled on Thursday that a lawsuit against Nevsun Resources Ltd by Eritreans who say they were forced to work at the company's Bisha mine can proceed in British Columbia, but not as a single case, according to a copy of the judgment seen by Reuters.

The Vancouver-based miner argued that the case should be dismissed and that any lawsuit should be heard in Eritrea, not Canada, an argument the court rejected.

But the judge granted an application by Nevsun asking the court to find that the case could not continue as a representative action, similar to a class action, noting that the six workers named in the case made slightly different allegations. The Eritreans will need to file separate lawsuits, which could make the case more complex and expensive.

Joe Fiorante, one of the lawyers representing the workers, said he was not concerned about that part of the decision.

"We're reviewing that aspect of the decision but the case will certainly go forward," he said. "This is a big win for us."

Nevsun said it is studying the ruling and considering an appeal of the decision that the action can proceed at all.

If Nevsun loses at trial, the company could be forced to pay compensation for "severe physical and mental pain and suffering."

Nevsun says its mine is a model development. In legal filings, it said the Eritrean military never provided labor to the mine. Even if it did, the company argues, Nevsun was not directly responsible for employing the workers.

In affidavits filed with the court, six men, who have since left Eritrea, said they were forced to work at Bisha from 2008 to 2012 and that they endured harsh conditions at the Eritrean gold, copper and zinc mine, including hunger, illness and physical punishment at the hands of military commanders.

They said they were conscripts in the country's national service system when they worked at Bisha, working not for Nevsun directly but for government-owned construction firms subcontracted to build the mine.

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Some workers backed up the company in affidavits, saying they worked at the mine voluntarily and never experienced mistreatment.

The United Nations has said Eritrea's national service program is "similar to slavery in its effects" - an allegation the government rejects. Eritrea, ruled by a former Marxist guerrilla leader since its independence from Ethiopia, sees conscription as crucial to its security.

(Reporting by Allison Martell in Toronto; Editing by Peter Cooney and Grant McCool)
In the latest creepy clown sighting, subway riders in New York City got a scare Wednesday when a person dressed as a clown tried to prevent them from exiting a train car and then chased a teenager out of the station with a knife, police said.

The 16-year-old boy was trying to get off a subway train at the 96th Street station on Lexington Avenue around 4 p.m., New York police said, when he encountered a man wearing clown makeup, multicolored clothing and oversized shoes.

The clown stood in the doorway, preventing passengers from getting off the train, according to police. The teenager pushed past the clown, but then the clown chased him as he ran through the turnstile and up the stairs of the subway station, police said.

When the teenager looked back, he saw the clown had a kitchen knife. The boy continued out to the street and was not injured. Police said Thursday that their investigation is ongoing.

The Manhattan clown incident comes as an epidemic of creepy clown sightings has been causing frenzy in recent weeks and has led to more than a dozen arrests around the country. The White House weighed in this week, with White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest saying on Tuesday its a situation that local law enforcement authorities take quite seriously.
U.S. companies are not the only ones subject to data breaches. The problem is global, and to underscore that point, we note that a U.K. telecom company named TalkTalk was fined a record high 400,000 on Wednesday for lax security that led to the theft of personal data for about 157,000 of its customers. The stolen data included bank account numbers, birth dates and addresses.

The attack on TalkTalk ultimately cost the company about 100,000 customers and first-quarter pretax profits dropped from 32 million the same quarter of last year to 14 million.

Elizabeth Denham, head of the U.K.'s Information Commissioner's Office, said of the fine:

TalkTalks failure to implement the most basic cyber security measures allowed hackers to penetrate TalkTalks systems with ease.

Yes, hacking is wrong, but that is not an excuse for companies to abdicate their security obligations.

TalkTalk should and could have done more to safeguard its customer information. It did not and we have taken action.

A British security expert was less impressed according to a report in The Independent:

Even by factoring in the reported numbers of 157,000 personal details and, of those, the 16,000 who had bank details stolen, it still only equates to 2.50 per head or 25 per person who lost banking data. The fine seems to be proportionate to the impact, but shows little regard for the possible risks and lack of due diligence of a company with four million subscribers.

ALSO READ: Analyst Says Keep Buying These 3 Red-Hot Chip Stocks

The latest data breach count from the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reports that there have been 725 data breaches recorded this year through October 4, 2016, and that more than 29 million records have been exposed since the beginning of the year. The total number of reported breaches increased by 13 since ITRC's last report on September 27.

The number of breaches in 2015 totaled 781, just two shy of the record 783 breaches that ITRC tracked in 2014. The 725 data breaches reported so far for 2016 are more than 16% above the number reported (623) for the same period last year. A total of more than 169 million records were exposed in 2015.

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Here's a rundown of the latest ITRC report:

The medical/health care sector leads all sectors in the number of records compromised to date in 2016. The sector has posted 36.6% (265) of all data breaches to date this year. The number of records exposed in these breaches totaled nearly 14 million, or about 47.8% of the total so far in 2016.

The government/military sector has suffered 54 data breaches so far this year, representing about 42.1% of the total number of records exposed and 7.4% of the incidents. More than 12 million records have been compromised in the government/military sector to date in 2016.

The business sector accounts for more than 2.5 million exposed records in 312 incidents. That represents 43% of the incidents and 8.7% of the exposed records.

The number of banking/credit/financial breaches totals 26 for the year to date and involves more than 25,000 records, some 3.6% of the total number of breaches and about 0.1% of the records exposed.

The educational sector has seen 68 data breaches in 2016. The sector accounts for 9.4% of all breaches for the year and more than 400,000 exposed records, about 1.4% of the total so far this year.

Since beginning to track data breaches in 2005, ITRC had counted 6,535 breaches through October 4, 2016, involving more than 880.5 million records.

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Daveed Diggs has become accustomed to rapping rapidly in front of hundreds of people in the Broadway smash Hamilton. But at 7:30 a.m. on a Tuesday in September, hes performing for an audience of one.

Sitting in a coffee shop in the New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights, just north of Harlem, he warns that its too early to do anything, including rap. He has to catch a flight to Los Angeles soona trip he makes with increasing frequency now that hes an in-demand actor, including a six-episode arc on black-ish that began on Sept. 28. Still, Diggs eventually begins singing at his signature clip:

Feeling the weight of a city growing fat off hipster chic/Fusion food, organic beets./ Its a wonder that we still tongue-in-cheek/ When its so much hand-to-mouth in the streets.

He wrote the 2012 song about his hometown of Oakland, Calif., but its sentiments could easily apply to the skyrocketing rents in upper Manhattan, where he now lives.

Ive been sort of gentrification-obsessed. Right before I left Oakland in 2012, I was feeling it. Now I go back sporadically, and the change is drastic, he says. Its also strange that everywhere I go from now on, Im a gentrifier.

Diggs spent the years after he graduated from Brown University in 2004 auditioning for roles in New York. He couch surfed or slept on the subway when he couldnt find a place to crash, and eventually moved back to the Bay Area. He found what he describes as Hollywoods tokenism demoralizing: Sometimes it feels like the project is just trying to get a black person in a role for the sake of it.

In that respect, Hamilton was revolutionary: the cast of the musical about Americas Founding Fathers and Mothers is almost entirely nonwhite. Everybody was like, James Madison is black? Youre going to confuse people,' Diggs says. But Hamilton is an immigrant story, and the cast is what that would look like in a modern context. Turns out, it helps the audience understand the story better.

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Diggs won a Tony in June and left the production in July to try acting onscreen. In his first meeting with his agent, he mentioned black-ish, which, like Hamilton, trains a pop-culture lens on racial issues. Creator Kenya Barris cast him the very next week.

Diggs plays Johan, the brother of the shows matriarch Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross, who, like Diggs, is biracial). Ive always related to [Rainbow] the most because theres something particularly hippie-Bay Area about her upbringing, he says. Diggs describes Johan as post-race and says he comes into conflict with Rainbows husband Dre (Anthony Anderson) over black identity.

Johan doesnt feel the same cultural divide as Dre. He has spent time in Europe and felt comfortable in spaces that are mostly white, he says. I think for Dre there are black-people things and not-black-people things, and Johan doesnt have that.

Diggs admires the way both Hamilton and black-ish strike a balance between the popular and political. In Hamilton, Diggs earned one of the biggest cheers when his Marquis de Lafayette and Lin-Manuel Mirandas Alexander Hamilton croon, Immigrants: we get the job done. And he praises last seasons episode of black-ish that dealt with police brutality.

Diggs has become increasingly political in his music too. His latest album with experimental hip-hop group clipping., Splendor & Misery, chronicles a slave rebellion in outer space. In the wake of Black Lives Matter, everyone is putting out their most racially and politically charged album, he says. Look at [Beyonces] Lemonade or Kendrick [Lamar]s work. For hip-hop right now, saying nothing isnt an option anymore.

For more Voices, visit time.com/AmericanVoices



This appears in the October 17, 2016 issue of TIME.
The morning after A United Kingdom opened the BFI London Film Festival, its main star David Oyelowo received a standing ovation for an impassioned, and frequently comical, speech about diversity, a topic he freely admitted he was "really tired of talking about."

"That word must be what the words 'James Bond' are for Idris Elba at the moment," he joked as he opened the Black Star Symposium, a major debate about diversity on screen, particularly focusing on issues facing black talent in the U.K.

Oyelowo said he frequently watched interviews with his favorite actors, including Daniel Day Lewis and Michael Fassbender, to hear the questions they're asked.

"They get to talk about their movie, what it's like working with a certain director, funny anecdotes on set  but with me, at some point, I get 'David, we need to talk about diversity'."

But talk about diversity he did, explaining what led him to relocate to the U.S. in order to seek better roles and stories that better reflected society.

After making a name for himself on British TV in the spy series Spooks, Oyelowo said that, having for years watched and enjoyed period dramas - "endless adaptations of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens" - and never have got to see "anybody like me" in them, he decided to find a story in order to "erode the excuses for me not to be in that kind of narrative."

Read more: London Film Festival Opens With 'A United Kingdom' European Premiere

Eventually, he came across a character called Bill Richmond, a bare-knuckle boxer in the early 19th century, possibly one of the first black sporting superstars, in 2004 writing a 20-page treatment that he sent to various production houses. "And then something formative happened to me," he said.

Among the responses he got back was a letter that praised the story for its charismatic and sympathetic characters and the potential for a visually-stunning production. But it concluded that although the proposal was "fabulous," there was a concern that it didn't offer the necessary "treat" for viewers. "Either a familiar title, or a piece of history which is ripe for a revisit."

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These concepts of "treat" and "revisit" were the subject of Oyelowo's ire. "When we talk about bias, the story of Bill Richmond  that's a treat for me," he said. "The word treat is subjective. But if you are the person legislating, deciding, enabling the possibility of what the entire country gets to see, and what you deem to be a treat is what dictates that, that's a lot of power."

But it was "revisit" that Oyelowo said was a more dangerous concept.

"If my history, my indisputable British history, has never been visited, where does that put me? If we are only going to look at things that need a revisit, you are wiping me out of this country's history," he said. "That's unacceptable to me."

This response sowed a seed in Oyelowo that told him that his story would never get told in the U.K.

Echoing an argument that he, and many others, have put forward numerous times before, Oyelowo asserted that the solution lies in altering the make up of the companies producing the films and making the decisions.

"If you look at your companies and half of your staff are not female and a decent percentage of them are not people of color, then you are part of the problem, because you need people working for you and you need people in positions of leadership who can exercise their bias, who can exercise their perspective," he said. "That is the only way this thing is going to change."

Oyelowo also dismissed the "odd token, the odd bone" offered up as examples of diversity. "Don't pat yourself on the back because you made that black drama. Bully for you!" he said. "That's not diversity, my friend. It's got to be baked into the foundation of where the ideas flow from."

He pointed to Queen of Katwe - his other film screening at the London Film Festival - arguing that the only reason it existed was because Disney's creative exec Tendo Nagenda, of Ugandan descent, "walked this story up and down the halls of Disney for years before it got made."

Oyelowo said that he felt compelled to leave the U.K. to make these sorts of films, to "be in the bedrock, at the decision level."

"I now live in America, I'm gone, folks," he said, but underlined there were still many talented filmmakers still in the U.K. "Please stop this talent drain. You have to change the demographics of the people making the decisions. You are the curators of culture, you are those who are going to shape the minds of those coming up. If I had seen a film like A United Kingdom when I was leaving drama school, I don't think I'd be living in America now."

But Oyelowo concluded his 30-minute speech by commending companies, such as A United Kingdom's Pathe and Film4 and the BFI.

"Pathe made Selma, they made Pride, they made Suffragette, they made Mandela," he said. "They are doing diversity. I as an individual I am doing diversity. Over to you."

Read more: British Film Institute Launches U.K.'s Biggest Ever Celebration of Black Screen Actors
Selma and A United Kingdom actor David Oyelowo gave an impassioned speech at the BFI London Film Festivals Black Star Symposium on Thursday where he blamed the lack of diversity amongst the UK film industrys top decision-makers as the catalyst for the countrys exodus of black talent.

If you are not part of the solution trust me, my friend, you are part of the problem, he told a packed audience at the BFI Southbank the day after his film A United Kingdom, directed by Amma Asante, opened the London Film Festival.

If you look at your companies and half of your staff are not female and a decent percentage of them are not people of color, then you are part of the problem because you need people working for you and you need people in positions of leadership who can exercise their bias and who can exercise their perspective, he said. That is the only way this thing is going to change.

He called on key decision-makers not to rest on their laurels for making an odd token, or one-off black film. Dont pat yourself on the back because you made that black drama, he said. Bully for you! Thats not diversity, my friend. Its got to be baked into the foundation of where the ideas flow from.

Oyelowo, who is increasingly becoming known as a passionate advocate for diversity in the acting community, even admitted he was really tired of talking about the issue.

That word [diversity] is to me what I think the words James Bond must be to Idris Elba, he quipped, adding that while peers such as Daniel Day Lewis and Michael Fassbender were able to freely talk about their movie and funny anecdotes when being interviewed, he was inevitably asked about the issue of diversity which, he said, was becoming tiresome.

He slammed the UK film business for being leagues behind its American cousins when it came to offering up protagonist roles for people of diverse backgrounds and said the limited roles for black actors are what ultimately lead him to relocate to the US in order to find more parts that, he felt, were reflective of himself.

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Growing up, the Spooks actor said he most identified with Brit actors such as Lennie James and Adrian Lester on screen but to really see the zenith of achievements in terms of acting, I had to cross the Atlantic.

It was characters played by the likes of Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington and Will Smith, who really showed him how expansive roles could be for him as an actor. Oyelowo cited seeing Lester in the 1998 film Primary Colors, as a game changer for him.

That blew my mind, he said. Id never seen that before. And a seed was sown. Id seen Adrian do great work here in the UK but I didnt get to see him fully express his potential, in my opinion, until Primary Colors, when he was in a role with John Travolta and Emma Thompson and he was front and center and the protagonist.

He added: It became a North Star for me at that point.

A huge fan of the English period drama genre, Oyelowo noted that he was never exposed to anybody like me in those stories on screen. So, when he had made a name for himself in the UK television landscape with Spooks, he decided to search for a tale that would erode the excuses for me not to be in that kind of narrative.

When he found the story of Bill Richmond, a black, British bare-knuckle boxer who was arguably the countrys first black sporting sensation, an unnamed cultural decision maker rejected the pitch, citing lack of opportunity for costume dramas and the cost. Reading out a rejection letter from 2004, Oyelowo said this particular captain of the industry told him: We feel that although the story is fabulous, if we are going to do fewer stories it has to have the element of treat surrounding them and often that means the viewer must have a sense of what it is they are to get. Either a familiar title, or a piece of history ripe for a revisit.

This attitude, he said, was a fundamental problem within the UK film industry.

If my history, my indisputable British history, has never been visited, where does that put me?, he asked. If we are only going to look at things that need a revisit, you are wiping me out of this countrys history. That is unacceptable to me.

He added that at that point, he felt he had to leave the UK. If I had seen A United Kingdom when I came out of drama school, I dont think I would be living in America now.

But he implored top execs in the business to please stop this talent drain.

You have to change the demographics of the people making the decisions.

Related stories

Fox Searchlight Bringing 'A United Kingdom' To North America

'Queen Of Katwe' Review: Disney Family Movie Makes All The Right Moves

David Oyelowo & Amma Asante On 'A United Kingdom' And Its Modern Relevance - Toronto Studio
(Reuters) - Dutch insurer Delta Lloyd NV (DLL.AS) is planning to reject an unsolicited takeover offer from its larger rival NN Group NV (NN.AS), Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Delta Lloyd could announce the rejection of the 2.4 billion euros ($2.7 billion) offer on Friday, according to the report.

No final decision has been made and plans could still change, Bloomberg said.

Delta Lloyd and NN Group declined to comment.

NN Group said on Wednesday it was offering to pay 5.30 euros per Delta share, a 29 percent premium over the stock's closing price on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
The San Francisco Giants had a lot to celebrate on Wednesday night. Not only did they beat the New York Mets in the NL wild-card game, but they did it on a three-run home run and a complete game shutout from Madison Bumgarner. When the final out was gotten, the champagne and beer was flowing in the clubhouse. And some of it flowed right down Denard Spans pants.

It didnt happen by accident. (I mean, how could it?) It was a celebration joke authored by pitcher Matt Moore. He snuck up behind Span during a TV interview and poured an ice cold beer down the back of his pants.

Spans reaction is delightful and absolutely perfect. He shrieked and started jumping around, trying to get away from the cold liquid streaming down his back. Sadly, theres no getting away from it if someone has poured it down your pants.

Span looked like he had a good laugh over it, though. Its all part of the celebration! And with all the beer and champagne flying around that clubhouse, the chance of anything being dry when they were done was slim-to-none. (Though Span probably thought his underwear was safe.)

Celebration time for the San Francisco Giants, who are going to the NLDS. (Getty Images)

The Giants need three wins against the Chicago Cubs before they can celebrate like this again. If their even-year magic strikes again, every Giants player should watch their backs when celebrating around Matt Moore. When hes got a beer in his hand, no ones pants are safe.

More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:

     

Liz Roscher is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at lizroscher@yahoo.com or follow her on twitter! Follow @lizroscher
This week on ABCs Designated Survivor, President Tom Kirkman dealt with assorted blindsides, while the discovery of a congressman alive amid the rubble raised new questions.

RELATEDDesignated Survivor, Speechless Snag Full-Season Pickups at ABC

When last we tuned in, Tom demanded of General Cochrane and the FBI 100-percent certainty that Al-Sakar was behind the bombing. And this week he (seeeeemingly) got it, though through a most unusual channel, when during the course of preparing to eulogize the fallen President Richmond the White House computer system got hacked. And all the perpetrators left behind was a video deposited onto Kirkmans computer, of the Al-Sakar leader boasting of being responsible for the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Tom and his staff agreed to keep the hack under wraps, lest the American people see it as another attack. And Chiefs of Staff Aaron and Emily even tried to keep it a secret from Congresswoman Hookstraten aka the Republican designated survivor. But everyone feared the worst when, during Toms first televised sit-down, Elizabeth Vargas went to confront the freshly minted POTUS with some damning intel  about, no, not the hack, but the fact that he had been basically fired by Richmond the day of the attack. Which, if you buy into it, could suggest he has no business inhabiting the Oval Office.

After excusing himself for a quick consult with Aaron (who recommends skirting the accusation) and Emily (who suggests honesty), Tom proceeds to confirm that Richmond had offered him an ambassadorship  albeit an unwanted one. That sets pundits tongues a-wagging, and even prompts Richmonds son Tyler to unceremoniously forbid Kirkman from delivering the eulogy at the funeral. Worse, Hookstraten is instead tapped to speak  and speak she does, delivering a rousing oratory that makes people further second-guess Kirkmans holding of the highest office in the land.

RELATEDDesignated Survivor: Kiefer Sutherland on Toms Introduction to the Republicans Own Designated Survivor

Story continues

Luckily for Tom, the news cycle is agitated anew when the Al-Sakar video, whose authenticity Kirkman questioned in front an ever-irked Cochrane, is leaked to the press. By giving America an enemy face to unite against, the heat is taken off the new President. Tom at first accuses Kimble of leaking the vid, but she claims to be innocent  though she does have eyes on running against him the very first chance she gets. Tom later takes Aaron aside to share his deduction that the wannabe Chief of Staff orchestrated the leak, which he in fact did, and for the very reasons that bore themselves out. As a result, Tom eventually taps Aaron to be his Chief of Staff, being someone who doesnt think like me, while Emily is offered a special advisor role with full access and the freedom to oppose Aarons ideas.

Little does Tom know that Aaron later meets up with a P.I., who turns over what could be damaging intel on his new boss.

RELATEDDVR Ratings: Designated Survivor Enjoys Premiere Weeks Biggest Gain

Elsewhere in the hour:

* A survivor, Congressman McLeish, is found amid the rubble. Hannah is quite curious how this guy managed to survive, when hundreds of others  including the senator she was having an affair with  did not. Scrutinizing video of the State of the Union, Hannah notices a 34-second gap between when the feed cuts out and the actual blast happened. After coaxing a colleague to break laws by hacking into the cloud account of an attendee who was seen taking pictures just before the blast, Hannah discovers that McLeish actually wasnt in his seat at the time of the blasts.

* Tom invited Tyler Richmond back to the Oval, not to seek out an apology for the funeral affront, but to share with the lad an anecdote about how his father  whom he apparently hadnt spoken to for years  secretly slipped into one of his recent classical music concerts. Tom then gives Tyler one of the programs the proud dad handed out to Cabinet members, leaving that sad storyline on a happy note.

* First Son Leos drug-dealing habit is unwittingly uncovered by kid sister Penny. Alex rips into him until she needs to rush off to the funeral, then later tracks Leo down at their old home, where he claims actually, Im fuzzy on his lame defense. Feel free to fill in the blanks. At episodes end, though Tom is wayyyy late due to the video leak crisis, the First Family  including Leo, who opted not to stay over at a friends  sits down for dinner (or at least Corn Puffs) together.

What did you think of The Confession?

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FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany's financial watchdog has found no evidence to date that Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE) violated money laundering rules in Russia, people close to matter said on Thursday, possibly relieving one headache for the country's biggest bank.

The Russian case is just one of many regulatory investigations that have combined to push Deutsche Bank into the most damaging crisis in the 146-year old bank's recent history.

Last month, a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) demand for up to $14 billion to settle claims that Deutsche Bank mis-sold U.S. mortgage-backed securities before the financial crisis sent the bank's shares to their lowest ever levels.

Even if Bafin, which oversees Deutsche Bank in its home market, does give the bank the all-clear over its Russian business, regulators in Russia, Europe and the United States are also investigating it over so-called "mirror trades".

These may have allowed clients to move money from one country to another in 2014 without alerting authorities, potentially enabling them to breach Western sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine conflict.

German regulator Bafin is nearing the end of its investigations and may impose no demands other than requiring Deutsche Bank to improve its risk management, the sources said, confirming a Sueddeutsche Zeitung report. Deutsche Bank, whose shares were 1.2 percent higher at 0930 GMT, declined to comment.

Bafin, which also declined to comment on its investigation, focused on whether Deutsche Bank's systems were up to speed in identifying dubious trades being carried out on its platforms.

LEGAL BILL LOOMS

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority as well as the DOJ and the Department of Financial Services have each launched investigations into whether any European or U.S. sanctions against Russian individuals were violated.

Although the view of these authorities is not yet known, investors fear that Deutsche Bank may have to put aside more money to cover its legal bills.

Story continues

Earlier this year the bank raised its provisions for a potential settlement in the Russia case, which has prompted the it to partially pull back from the country.

"We reckon that the bank's 5.5 billion euros in provisions may be insufficient to cover all ongoing litigation cases," Scope Ratings said in note on Thursday.

Investors have been focused on the potential damage from the U.S. mis-selling case in recent weeks, although German companies have rallied behind the lender, which plays a key role in financing their international operations and domestic needs.

Berlin is pursuing discreet talks with U.S. authorities to help Deutsche Bank secure a swift settlement and put the bank back on a firmer footing, sources told Reuters.

Germany's influential industry association BDI said that as an export-oriented economy Germany needs strong internationally competitive lenders, while Union Investment, one of its major investors, also backed the bank on Wednesday, saying that the sell-off in its shares was overdone.

"To us, Deutsche Bank is not a bank in crisis," Frank Engels, head of fixed income at Union, said.

(Additional reporting by Rene Wagner; Editing by Alexander Smith)
As per media reports, The Walt Disney Companys DIS new Shanghai Disney Resort, which opened its gates on Jun 16 has surpassed the companys expectations.

The companys parks and resorts division chairman Bob Chapek said the company not only outpaced the financial results during the first 100+ days of operation but also received positive feedbacks from the guests. Further, Bob Iger, Disney Chief Executive Officer added that the park is doing exceptionally well and he is quite confident that the company will do well in China .

However, as per the South China Morning Post, the resort is attracting 20,000 guests per day or approximately 7.3 million annually, which is only half of the numbers analysts had estimated.

The $5.5 billion Shanghai Disney Resort is the companys second largest theme park and its first in Mainland China. The Hong Kong Disneyland, inaugurated in 2005, was Disneys first foray into China.

DISNEY WALT Price

DISNEY WALT Price | DISNEY WALT Quote

Robust performance by the Parks & Resorts division continues to impress investors. The segments revenues grew 6% to $4,379 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, while operating income jumped 8% to $994 million.

Notably, the companys operating income increased year over year for the 21st straight quarter. Increase in operating income at its domestic operations was due to rise in guest spending and decline in costs, marginally overshadowed by lower volumes.

Disney is focused on deploying its capital toward expansion of the Parks and Resorts business, thereby, increasing its market share and creating long-term growth opportunities. The company has high hopes for the Shanghai resort.

Disney currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Stocks to Consider

Better-ranked stocks worth considering include Cable ONE, Inc. CABO, Media General, Inc. MEG and Sirius XM Holdings Inc. SIRI. All these stocks carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

Story continues

Dick's Sporting Goods shares have gained more than 33% year-to-date.

Sirius XM Holdings has long-term earnings growth rate of 25.5%.

Media General shares have gained nearly 26% in the past one year.



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On Thursday, the White House launched a last-ditch, three-pronged effort to get Congress to pass the Trans Pacific Partnership before President Barack Obama leaves office. For now, its looks like it will remain a quixotic quest.

First, speaking in New Delhi, Fred Hochberg, chairman of the ExportImport Bank of the U.S., said on Thursday morning China was ready to pounce if the United States doesnt finalize the deal with 11 other Pacific nations that would encompass two-fifths of the worlds economic output. He stressed the world was moving ahead with trade deals without the United States, saying there are 600 such pacts already in force.

We really cant afford to sit on the sidelines and lose out, Hochberg said while attending the India Economic Summit of the World Economic Forum. If we dont do TPP, China is ready to engage with them.

Hes referring to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a trade deal between the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and regional trading partners, including Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. Beijing is a key driver behind this agreement, which excludes the United States.

Hours later, the Economist magazine published an op-ed by Obama, outlining areas of economic policy where work remains to be done. One of them, unsurprisingly, was international trade.

How has a country that has benefited  perhaps more than any other  from immigration, trade, and technological innovation suddenly developed a strain of anti-immigrant, anti-innovation protectionism? the president asked. Why have some on the far left and, even more, on the far right embraced a crude populism that promises a return to a past that is not possible to restore  and that, for most Americans, never existed at all?

Later in the op-ed, Obama called for not just the passage of TPP, but also the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the EU. The latter deal is also in doubt, with German officials recently declaring current talks dead.

Story continues

While some communities have suffered from foreign competition, trade has helped our economy much more than it has hurt, Obama wrote, arguing for both deals.

Then, on Thursday morning, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew went to the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington to make the case that Congress could pass TPP during the lame duck session after the presidential election in November. He said the end of the campaign would allow more discussion over the benefits of the deal. Both Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton have said they would scrap the deal if elected.

Having worked on trade legislation over the course of four decades, its never been easy, Lew said. Its always been contentious, and I think in the current economic environment we should and did anticipate it was going to be hard.

Lew added, We have an economic and geopolitical imperative here thats very strong.

For now, congressional leadership doesnt agree. Both House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell continue to insist that TPP is dead in the water. Obamas push, for now, appears to be a wasted effort.

Photo credit: MANDEL NGAN/Getty Images
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f238186%2f9766977293954900846703be446f6454

The Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida, is shutting down because of the approaching Hurricane Matthew  only the fourth time in its history it's been forced to close for an entire day.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Matthew could render areas 'uninhabitable for weeks'

Disney posted the below message on its website late Thursday afternoon, stating its various theme parks in the area would close effective at 5 p.m. ET and be closed through at least Friday.

There's a full information page for specifics on the different parks and what pass-holders should do.

Heres the latest on Walt Disney Worlds operating schedule due to Hurricane Matthew: https://t.co/PlrgFc4uNZ  Walt Disney World (@WaltDisneyWorld) October 6, 2016

According to a 2011 report from the Austin Statesman, the park has closed for a full day on three other times in its history, all for hurricanes: Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, both in September 2004.

(The park opened per usual on Sept. 11, 2001, but was evacuated and closed for the remainder of the day following the terrorist attacks in Washington, D.C., and New York.)

#BREAKING: Walt Disney World closed today; the 4th time in it's 45 year history. Previous closures were all weather-related. #Matthew  Ryan Sloane (@RyanFSloane) October 6, 2016

Other Orlando theme parks, including Universal Studios and Sea World, have also been forced to shutter because of the impending storm, which could bring catastrophic conditions with winds in excess of 140 miles per hour and a deadly storm surge.

.
To close observers of the horrific conflict unfolding in Iraq and Syria, the story of Nadia Murad has come to exemplify the brutal treatment of civilians, and specifically minorities, by the Islamic State. A 21-year-old farm girl from the Yazidi village of Kocho in northern Iraq, Murad was kidnapped in August 2014 and held captive by a series of Islamic State commanders as a sex slave and potential convert. On the day she was taken, her six brothers were brutally murdered in front of her. Her aunts, nieces, and sisters remain either missing  likely dead or still in captivity  or in refugee camps along the Jordanian border that she describes as unbearable. She eventually escaped to a refugee camp and later, through a refugee resettlement program, to Germany, where she now lives when shes not traveling the world, speaking about her ordeal to heads of state, the U.S. Congress, parliamentarians, and journalists. She came into the public eye through the Yazda organization, which initially brought her to testify before the U.N. Security Council and has facilitated her campaign, including a new post as a U.N. goodwill ambassador.

Murads advocacy has earned her widespread attention from the international community and recently persuaded human rights barrister Amal Clooney to serve as legal counsel in her as well as the Yazidi communitys attempt to compel the International Criminal Court to pursue a case of genocide against the Islamic State. Earlier this year, the Iraqi government announced that it would nominate Murad for the Nobel Peace Prize for her role as a spokesperson for a generation of Yazidis decimated by the Islamic State, and specifically for Yazidi women who are being held as sex slaves in Mosul and other Islamic State strongholds.

Despite all the publicity, which has veered into tabloids and photo shoots since Clooneys involvement, Murad is keeping her potential accolades in perspective.

During a Skype interview with Murad and her translator, Murad Ismael, shortly after the nomination, she told me: If I receive this prize, there will still be thousands of children  Yazidis, Christians, and Muslims  who remain without parents that I would like to take care of. I have seen so many scenes  whether in my imagination or in reality  that I would like to do something about. While the Nobel would clearly be an enormous honor, as well as a platform to spread awareness of both her horrifying story of enslavement, gang rape, and eventual escape and the larger movement to hold the Islamic State accountable for these deeds, she knows that renown is no substitute for action.

Whats less clear is whether the international community will complement its celebration of Murads strong protest for greater international action against the Islamic State by preventing the same crime from being continuously visited upon those she left behind, including her own family. U.N. officials, government leaders, and the media are well-versed in venerating those who bear witness to injustice and atrocity, including 2014 Nobel-winners Malala Yousefzai, who suffered near-fatal retribution for challenging the Talibans ban on female education, and Kailash Satyarthi, who fought against child labor and exploitation in India.

Preventing or, harder yet, rectifying the wrongdoing is a far more challenging  and less comfortable  prospect for the international community. Whenever the subject of a wider humanitarian intervention against the Islamic State is raised, the Obama administration and its allies cite a litany of strategic considerations, from the possibility of sparking an all-out conflagration with Russia over Syria, to a similar fault line with Iran in Iraq, to a gut-level (and entirely understandable) aversion to another ground war in the Middle East. But in the face of mounting atrocities, these arguments are wearing thin. The horrific treatment of the Yazidis is only a single chapter in the unspeakable volumes of suffering endured by Iraqis and Syrians since the Islamic State began its rampage in 2013. While international leaders must continue to heed strategic red flags, their unwillingness to consider a middle ground has left a large number of potentially powerful tools  like limited military action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and increased assistance to rebel groups not affiliated with the Islamic State  off the table.

The exact nature of these tools is even more controversial and poorly articulated than whether or not they should be used. Bearing responsibility for greater U.S. involvement in a ground war in the Middle East, and particularly one whose end-state is uncertain and likely unpalatable at best, is a mantle very few are willing to take on, either within or outside government.

Fortunately, both Murad and Ismael, who quit a lucrative job in the Texas oil industry to devote his life to the Yazidi cause after seeing the devastation being wrought on their community, have some ideas about what greater international involvement in the crisis should entail.

The airstrikes are not a solution, Murad says. A lot of the Yazidis who have been held captive have been killed in airstrikes. The best solution is a ground force that will recapture the areas and clean and secure them. By doing that, you will reduce the areas where IS is in control and free these women and kids in areas that are being liberated. As she points out, Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces have tried to recapture areas dominated by the Islamic State for the past two years, with little success. Some external, international force must be used to defeat IS and to recapture these areas, she adds. The military has not only been unable to recapture these areas but did not defend us. We were not defended when the Islamic State came and our areas all fell one after the other.

Looking at the flip side of the conflict, Ismael speaks passionately about the plight of Yazidi refugees, who in many cases have been unable to find new homes outside of Iraq. The world has been irresponsive to the Yazidi genocide. No country in the world has taken a single Yazidi refugee because of the genocide [or] because of the persecution, he says. They are treated as everyone else, as the Syrians, as the Iraqis, as everyone in the region, Afghans. The Yazidis have not received any special treatment. This program that Germany has created for 1,000 women, he said, referring to a program designed by the German government to take in women traumatized by the Islamic State and provide them with psychological treatment, is a very small program compared with a genocide that basically wiped a half-million people from their homeland.

Murad and Ismaels solutions are unlikely to serve as a framework for U.S. action, and of course the U.S. government has its own objectives beyond the plight of civilians persecuted and tortured by the Islamic State. There are also limitations on the extent to which the United States and its allies can begin to follow their prescriptions. It certainly wouldnt be easy to implement either an expanded international ground force to fight the Islamic State or a resettlement program on behalf of Yazidis and others persecuted by the Islamic State. Nor are these surefire ways of resolving the underlying problem that Yazidis face. (Current events on the ground in Fallujah and elsewhere suggest military ground operations  at least those executed by Shiite militias and a hodgepodge of Iraqi forces  will continue to be extremely tricky and potentially counterproductive.) But the international community can and should take steps to bring what Murad and Ismael are advocating closer to reality.

At the very least, Washington should put more political pressure on the Iraqi government to speed up its planned operation to free Mosul  where Murad was held  from the control of the Islamic State. The United States and its allies should also consider providing more military support, including training and equipment to the Iraqi military, Kurdish forces, and others aligned against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. In addition, creating political refugee programs for minorities is incumbent upon the United States, which has accepted a measly 10,000 Syrian refugees since the beginning of the conflict in their country

A Nobel Peace Prize would be a fantastic victory for Murad, but without commensurate action on the ground, such an award would be little more than an empty gesture for the millions of civilians  Yazidi and Muslim, Sunni and Shiite  who continue to suffer at the hands of the Islamic State.

Photo credit: MARK WILSON/Getty Images
Thousands are bracing for impact as Hurricane Matthew barrels toward the U.S., including presidential hopeful Donald Trump, whose landmark estate may be in harms way.

Mar-a-Lago, Trumps 20-acre private club, is directly in the path of Matthew, which has the potential to become a Category 5 storm by the time it hits Floridas east coast, authorities said.

The palatial estate has withstood a number of hurricanes that have struck the property since its completion in 1927, in big part due to its steel and concrete infrastructure, as well as its 3-foot thick walls.

This place will not move, Trumps former butler, Tony Senecal, told the Palm Beach Post in 2005. Thats why, during a hurricane, youll always see me here. If it goes, Ill go with it.

Read: 'This Storm Will Kill You': Florida Governor Warns Residents to Evacuate as Hurricane Matthew Strengthens

The Republican nominee offered up words of advice for those in the area, writing on Twitter: Praying for everyone in Florida. Hoping the hurricane dissipates, but in any event, please be careful.

Others do not seem nearly as concerned, despite the potential for destruction Matthew brings.

This hurricane is serious and coming right at me, Vanilla Ice tweeted.

Read: American Horror Stormy: Creepy Satellite Image of Hurricane Matthew Is the Stuff of Nightmares

The rapper just returned to his home in Palm Beach after he was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars, but apparently he has no intention of evacuating.

I'm going to ride out the storm, he wrote. I'll keep you updated.

The National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida, urged residents to leave the area, saying Matthew would likely be stronger than any other hurricane Florida has seen in recent years.

Airborne debris lofted by extreme winds will be capable of breaching structures, unprotected windows and vehicles, NWS-Melbourne said in a statement. Effects such as these, ranging from the coast to well inland, have not been experienced in central Florida in decades.

Story continues

Watch: Simulator Shows What Happens in a Category Five Hurricane

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samantha bee election rigged trump full frontal tbs

Donald Trump reprised his fear-stoking about a potentially "rigged" election this week at a rally in Pennsylvania. In response, Samantha Bee sent some "Full Frontal" staffers to rallies to see how Trump supporters feel about the threat of election rigging.

"I think you get the subtext here," the host said on Wednesday's show. "Trump and his supporters are absolutely terrorized of 'riggers.'"

After playing a clip of Trump telling his supporters at the Pennsylvania rally on Saturday that they had to monitor "certain areas" of the state for election rigging, Bee sussed out what she considers the meaning of the speech.

"He's talking about areas historically teeming with 'riggers,'" she said.

Two "Full Frontal" staffers went out to the campaign trail to find out how Trump supporters understood the Republican candidate's warning.

One man wearing a National Rifle Association shirt said he feels the election is "definitely rigged." (Another puts it this way: "Of course it's rigged!") But when asked whether Trump was setting up an argument in case he loses in November, the man with the NRA shirt said Trump won't lose. Pressed further on the logic of a rigged election that would still result in a Trump win, the man couldn't answer.

samantha bee trump voter

When asked the same question, another male Trump supporter answered, "Oh, it's not going to be rigged in his favor."

When asked if that means it would be rigged only if Hillary Clinton won, the man said, "Exactly."

The show's research found that voter fraud is so minimal that it doesn't affect the outcomes of elections. A Bee staffer told a Trump supporter that there were only 31 instances of voter fraud in 1 billion votes. He didn't seem to believe her.

"So that's what the media is saying then," he responded.

One man complained that the news channels favor Clinton so much, they don't hammer her on topics like Benghazi or her emails. But when asked how he knows so much about the topics, he answered, "I watch the news."

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One woman brought up that George Soros, a prominent businessman and Democrat, owns a company that builds voting machines, and that's one way an election could be rigged. But when asked why the Democrats didn't use that to their advantage to help them in congressional races in 2010 that they lost, the woman suggested, "Maybe to throw us off."

In other words, Trump supporters, or at least the ones Bee's staffers talked to, don't seem to have an issue with the logic that our voting system is rigged  unless Trump comes out on top.

Watch the segment:

NOW WATCH: TRUMP BIOGRAPHER: 'Aggressively' pursuing tax loopholes is a long-standing Trump family tradition





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6 Oct - Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary, Wanda Teo has denied rumours that Philippines is not going to host the Miss Universe 2016 pageant.



As reported on Coconuts Manila, Teo has assured the media at a press conference held earlier this week that the country is still hosting the pageant which will be held in January next year, and that they are still arranging all the details.



Teo also revealed that aside from having the coronation night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, several other pre-pageant activities will also be held outside Metro Manila.



"[The Miss Universe Organisation] were telling us that apparently one candidate can bring in as many as 1,500 supporters and we're looking at almost 100. That's why they're planning for other auxiliary events so that they can see the girls from there," said Undersecretary, Kat De Castro.



Rumours of cancellation sparked earlier after it was revealed that the Miss Universe Organisation has yet to officially announce the Philippines as the venue of its 65th Miss Universe Pageant.



At the same time, Pia Wurtzbach, the current Miss Universe and third Filipina to win it after Gloria Diaz and Margarita Moran, expressed that they are working hard to make it happen.



(Photo source: instagram.com/piawurtzbach)
With rising premiums and major insurers pulling out of the state-based exchanges, the future of Obamacare has been front and center this election season.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump says if elected he will repeal it, while Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton defends it and says under her presidency the priority would be to strengthen and improve it.

Meanwhile, Bill Clinton told voters Monday that he thinks that the plan is the craziest thing in the world. He walked those comments back on Tuesday, saying "Look, the Affordable Health Care Act did a world of good, and the 50-something efforts to repeal it that the Republicans have staged were a terrible mistake.

But, are they all missing the bigger threat that is sickening the country?

Health is an American problem, its not a partisan problem, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the host of The Dr. Oz Show tells FOXBusiness.com.

He says the Affordable Care Act (ACA) wasnt designed as a one-size-fits-all fix, but rather to make sure everyone was inside the tent, with access to quality healthcare. To have any real chance of curing the U.S. healthcare system, he argues, we must first tackle obesity.

If we dont address obesity in America, no healthcare plan is going to work. If we do address it, then every healthcare plan will work, he says.

Today, more than one-third (36.5%) of U.S. adults and 17% of youth are obese in the U.S, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The estimated annual medical cost of obesity was $147 billion in 2008, with medical costs for people who are obese to be $1,429 higher than those of normal weight.

The biggest issue in America is that we have made it easy to do the wrong thing. We have high calorie foods that are readily available and inexpensive but are not nutrient dense, says Dr. Oz.

I think Obamacare was a very brave effort to include more Americans in the healthcare system. The problem with it though is that there was compromise required to get it passed, which limited its ability to address the quality of care and more importantly the cost of care.

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Despite a nagging ankle injury, Drake has been able to perform almost nightly for his Summer Sixteen Tour, until now.

In a message posted to his blog on Wednesday, the 29-year-old rapper explained that he is postponing upcoming shows in Toronto, Philadelphia and Newark in order to give his ankle time to heal.

EXCLUSIVE: Rihanna and Drake Are Officially Dating, Decided to Stop Hiding it From Everyone

We are over 50 shows in and I have done everything to power through my recent ankle injury and leave it all out there on the stage every night, Drake wrote. I hate to be told I cant do something, but under doctors orders to allow me time to recuperate, I am being forced to postpone the intense three shows in a row in cities which have only ever shown my unconditional support.

Toronto (my hometown) and Philadelphia (a city that was one of the loudest and showed so much love) are two of the intense three in a row show cycle that will be postponed. I was asked to postpone both Newark shows, but I have yet to perform there and so we compromised at one.

"I am crushed to even be typing this announcement because I feel like I am letting my fans in these cities down. I only want to give you the best show you deserve, I promise  I will make it up to you. Thank you for your understanding and I cant wait to see you all again with new music and a stronger ankle.

PICS: Drake Goes to Drake University and Its Honestly Incredible

This announcement comes following Drakes tour stop to Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday, where he visited Drake University. The special visit was the culmination of a years-long #BringDraketoDrake campaign by the student body.

IOWA I WILL BE BACK EVERY TOUR A photo posted by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Oct 5, 2016 at 12:39am PDT

Iowa, I will be back every tour, Drake posted to Instagram along with a photo of himself on stage in a Drake University varsity jacket.

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told all his critics to "go to hell" on Thursday as he renewed his threats to kill, after a poll showed Filipinos overwhelmingly endorsed his deadly war on crime.

Duterte's unprecedented crime crackdown has raised fears of mass extrajudicial killings with more than 3,000 people killed since he took office on June 30, prompting global condemnation led by the United States, the United Nations and the European Union.

However 76 percent of Filipinos are "satisfied" with Duterte's performance, according to a poll by Social Weather Stations released on Thursday. Just 11 percent of people surveyed said they were "dissatisfied" and the rest were undecided.

"I would like to just give an advice to all the human rights (critics) shouting now, local or international, I said you can all go to hell for it is never wrong for a president and the police and the military to protect its citizens," Duterte said.

Duterte was speaking at ceremony where he announced rewards of up to $5,100 each for "best performing" police officers in his crime crackdown, which is officially called "Double Barrel".

The Social Weather Stations survey signalled a huge jump in support from the May elections, which Duterte won in what was considered a landslide but still with just 37.6 percent of the votes.

In the Philippines, the presidential election is decided simply by whoever gets the most votes, and his nearest rival secured 22.6 percent.

- Near-record popularity -

Only one other president has enjoyed higher popularity ratings three months into their presidency since democracy was restored in 1986 following the fall of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

That president was Fidel Ramos, who ruled from 1992-1998 and is now one of Duterte's chief allies.

Under the constitution that was re-written post-Marcos, presidents are only allowed to serve a single term of six years.

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Duterte, a provincial politician, stormed to victory largely on his pledge to eradicate crime in six months.

He promised that tens of thousands of people would be killed in his crime crackdown, and that he would pardon himself and police if they were charged with mass murder.

Since taking office on June 30, Duterte has continued his threats and incitements to kill, while unleashing abusive tirades at his critics.

Last week he said he would be "happy to slaughter" three million drug addicts, as he likened his crime war to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's efforts to exterminate Jews.

Following an international outcry, Duterte apologised to Jewish people for his Hitler reference but insisted he was "emphatic" in his desire to kill all drug addicts.

Duterte insisted on Thursday that threatening to kill people did not break any laws.

"There is no crime at all when I say do not destroy the youth of this land because I will kill you," he said.

Duterte also repeated that police were killing only in self-defence. He has previously said many of the other unexplained deaths are a result of gang violence, and are not by state-sponsored death squads as alleged by some rights groups.

- Anti-US rage -

Duterte has rejected international criticism by calling US President Barack Obama a "son of a whore" and telling him to "go to hell", sticking his finger up to the European Union and branding UN chief Ban Ki-moon a "fool".

Duterte has also threatened to break the Philippines' decades-old alliance with the United States, its former colonial ruler, because of Washington's criticism over the crime war.

Obama has urged Duterte to respect the rule of law and fight crime "the right way".

While abusing Obama, he has complained about a lack of respect from his US counterpart and said he now wants to forge much closer ties with China and Russia.

His foreign secretary, Perfecto Yasay, maintained the rage on Thursday with the release of a lengthy statement headlined: "America has failed us".

"The United States held on to invisible chains that reined us in towards dependency and submission as little brown brothers not capable of true independence and freedom," Yasay said.
USA TODAY Sports

During the impasse with Dwyane Wades contract negotiations in Miami this summer, there were a lot of whispers about him possibly teaming back up with LeBron James in Cleveland. That didnt happen, of course, and the three-time champ ultimately ended up with his hometown team in Chicago.

But it was definitely a scenario Wade considered, however briefly, before making his final decision. Heres how he explained it to Leo Sepkowitz of SLAM:

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For me, its as simple as, I got a deal in Miami for $41 million, I got a deal in Chicago for $47 million, Wade said. It didnt come down to the money. I thought about Cleveland, but I didnt fit there. You dont just do something because, Oh, I could win the ring there. I have three rings. I dont need to chase the ring. This is what I wanted to do. I couldnt fight it. If you fight it, youre gonna always be like, You shoulda, or, What couldveI dont like to live my life like that.

Of course, with J.R. Smiths uncertain status in Cleveland going forward, there might very well have been an opportunity for him to slide right in at shooting guard, but nobody could foresee exactly how that situation would play out at the time, and theres a big difference between J.R. jacking threes and Wade slashing into the lane. With the way the Bulls are currently constructed, its obvious his move wasnt about ring-chasing, but he could certainly revisit that idea when his current contract is up in two years.

(SLAM; h/t SI.com)
Kim Kardashian West's robbery at gunpoint earlier this week continues to make waves.

E! has halted production on Keeping Up With the Kardashians in the wake of the incident in Paris, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

"Kim's well-being is our core focus right now. No decision has been made as to when production will resume," a network spokesperson tells THR.

Read more: Kim Kardashian OK After Being Held at Gunpoint in Paris

Kardashian West was robbed at gunpoint in the early morning hours of Oct. 3 when five thieves dressed as police officers broke into her Paris hotel room. They tied up the reality star and stole nearly $11 million worth of jewelry. At the time, her rep said she was "badly shaken" by the robbery.

Since the incident, which is still being investigated, Kardashian West has rescheduled a Dubai makeup class and her husband, Kanye West, has rescheduled several dates on his current Saint Pablo tour to be with his wife. There also has not been any new activity on her social media accounts since the robbery.

Keeping Up With the Kardashians is currently in its 12th season, with the reality show slated to return on Oct. 23. Season 13 was picked up back in 2015 as part of a three-season pact for the series, which is expected to keep it on the air through 2018. E! also is currently airing the spinoff series Rob & Chyna, which wraps its first season on Oct. 23.
CRANBROOK, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2016 / Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:"EPL") and Silver Standard Resources Inc. (T:"SSO") have recently signed an agreement whereby Silver Standard may earn up to an 80% interest in Eagle Plains' 100% owned Fisher Project, located approximately 125km east of La Ronge, Saskatchewan. The Fisher project is located adjacent to and directly south of Silver Standard's existing Seabee/Santoy mining operations.

See: Fisher Project Location Map

To earn a 60% interest over four years, Silver Standard has agreed to complete $4,000,000 in exploration expenditures, make an initial cash payment to Eagle Plains of $100,000 and make annual cash payments of $75,000. SSO has also agreed fund the ongoing $400,000 2016 exploration program currently underway by Eagle Plains (see news releases July 18th, September 12th, 2016 ), which will be included in the $4,000,000 exploration expenditures. Once the 60% earn-in has been completed, Silver Standard has a 90-day, one-time option to earn an additional 20% interest (for a total of 80%) by making a cash payment of $3,000,000 to Eagle Plains, at which time an 80/20 joint-venture will be formed to further advance the property. Eagle Plains will retain a 2.5% Net Smelter Return ("NSR"), subject to reduction on certain claims by underlying NSR agreements. Eagle Plains' NSR may be reduced by 1% at any time upon payment of $1,000,000 by the joint venture. In addition, Eagle Plains will receive advance royalty payments of $100,000 annually from the joint venture until commencement of commercial production.

About the Fisher Project:

The 34,000 ha Fisher project was originally acquired by staking and augmented through three separate deals with third-party vendors. It lies adjacent both northerly and southerly to claims hosting the Seabee and Santoy deposits. The Seabee gold operation has been in continuous production since 1991 and has produced 1.2M ounces of gold from the Seabee and the Santoy deposits. Ore geology at Seabee/Santoy consists of structurally-controlled, high-grade vein mineralization associated with volcanic and mafic intrusive rocks which may be traced southward from Seabee/Santoy property boundaries over 30km within Eagle Plains' tenures. The Tabbernor Fault is a 1500 km-long regional structure which is present in both existing Silver Standard and Eagle Plains tenures and continues both northward and southward into North and South Dakota within the Homestake District. Importantly, rocks which host the 40M oz Homestake gold deposit are similar in age and composition as those found at Seabee/Santoy and will form the focus for Eagle Plains' ongoing exploration of the area. Management cautions that past results or discoveries on proximate land are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the subject properties.

The Seabee/Santoy Mine Complex and Fisher Projects overlie the Pine Lake greenstone belt. Mineralization at Seabee/Santoy is affiliated with the more westerly-oriented Laonil Lake shear zone which is a splay of the north-trending Tabbernor Fault. Field and underground observations at Seabee indicate that shear structures nucleated at contacts between felsic intrusive and mafic intrusive lithologies, with high-grade zones forming at fault intersections.

Additional Eagle Plains Projects in the Area

The Orchid and Chico projects are well-situated and straddle both the Tabbernor Fault and upper and lower sequences of the Pine Lake greenstone belt. Furthermore, several westerly-trending splay faults have been identified in the Fisher tenures, some of which are associated with known and under-evaluated gold occurrences.

About Eagle Plains Resources

Based in Cranbrook, B.C., Eagle Plains continues to conduct research, acquire and explore mineral projects throughout western Canada. The Company is committed to steadily enhancing shareholder value by advancing our diverse portfolio of projects toward discovery through collaborative partnerships and the development of a highly-experienced technical team. Managements' current focus is to preserve its treasury while advancing its most promising exploration projects. In addition, Eagle Plains continues to seek out and secure high-quality, unencumbered projects through research, staking and strategic acquisitions. Since 2012, Eagle Plains has added to its portfolio a number of new projects exceeding 130,000 ha targeting mainly gold, uranium and base-metals in Saskatchewan, a highly-prospective mining jurisdiction. Throughout the exploration process, our mission is to help maintain prosperous communities by exploring for and discovering resource opportunities while building lasting relationships through honest and respectful business practices.

Expenditures from 2011-2015 on Eagle Plains-related projects were approximately $15.5M, which was funded by Eagle Plains and for the most part, by third-party partners. This exploration work resulted in approximately 15,000 m of diamond-drilling and extensive ground-based exploration work facilitating the advancement of numerous projects at various stages of development.

Technical aspects of this news release have been reviewed by Jarrod Brown, P.Geo..

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Tim J. Termuende"

President and CEO

For further information on EPL, please contact Mike Labach at

1 866 HUNT ORE (486 8673)

Email: mgl@eagleplains.com or visit our website at http://www.eagleplains.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

SOURCE: Eagle Plains Resources Ltd.
The United Nations envoy to Syria warned Thursday that rebel-held eastern Aleppo could undergo total destruction by the end of the year.

Staffan de Mistura, UN special envoy for Syria, told reporters that thousands of lives could be lost, and he urged Syria and Russia to not destroy the eastern part of the city in their forceful offensive against opposition fighters. The UN estimates that 275,000 civilians are trapped in eastern Aleppo, the BBC reports.

The bottom line is, in a maximum of two months the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate may be totally destroyed, de Mistura said in Geneva. He said he was willing to escort the roughly 900 remaining Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (formerly al-Nusra front) fighters from the city himself if they decide to leave.

Read More: The White Helmets of Syria

Thousands of Syrian civilians, not terrorists, will be killed and many of them wounded, de Mistura said. This is what you, we, the world will be seeing when we will be trying to celebrate Christmas, or the end of the year, if this continues at this rate, unimpeded.

[BBC]
London (AFP) - British low cost airline EasyJet warned Thursday that annual profits would slump by almost a third, hit by a Brexit-driven tumble in the pound, terror attacks and industrial action.

EasyJet forecast annual pre-tax profits would dive by about 28 percent to between A490 million and A495 million ($624-$630 million, 556-562 million euros).

The news sent the company's share price sliding almost 6.5 percent in early morning deals on the London stock market.

"We have been disproportionately affected by extraordinary events this year but our excellent network, cost control and revenue initiatives and our strong balance sheet underpin our confidence in the business," said chief executive Carolyn McCall in a trading update.

On a brighter note, EasyJet also announced it had carried a record 22 million passengers in the three months to the end of September, despite what it described as "major external shocks" for the sector.

"EasyJet has performed strongly in a difficult operating environment for all European airlines and in the three month period has been affected by major disruption, exchange rate fluctuations impacting holiday travel costs, the impact on demand from terrorist events and the low cost of fuel continuing to drive increased market capacity," it said.

The airline, which is based in Luton airport north of London, forecast that the slumping pound would hit earnings this year to the tune of A90 million. That was more than double the previous guidance of A40 million.

Sterling tumbled following Britain's shock June 23 vote in favour of leaving the European Union.

The currency slid even further this week to fresh 31-year dollar lows after Prime Minister Theresa May vowed to kick off the Brexit process by the end of next March.

The collapsing value of the pound weighs on EasyJet's performance because it makes dollar-priced jet fuel more expensive, ramping up the cost of running aircraft.

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In morning deals, EasyJet shares slid 6.38 percent to 939 pence to top the fallers' board on the London FTSE 100 index, which was down 0.1 percent at 7,023.78 points.

aEasyJet is facing challenging times on a number of fronts, and it's one of the worst performing stocks in the FTSE 100 since the EU referendum," noted equity analyst George Salmon at stockbroker Hargreaves Lansdown.

The airline will publish its annual results on November 15 for the group's fiscal year, which runs to September 30.
Discovery Channel has renewed Edge of Alaska for a second season.

The show centers on the Alaskan town of McCarthy, with a population of 42, that's accessible only by bush plane or treacherous dirt road. Many of its residents have chosen to live in McCarthy to escape modern society, but local resident Neil Darish is hoping to capitalize on the town's scenic landscape and tourism opportunities, posing a threat to the community's way of life. The end of the first season saw the town's residents divided on its future.

The second season, which explores themes of good vs. evil and old vs. new, finds Darish overbudget and behind schedule in his ambitious project to open the old Motherlode copper mine to tourism, thanks to some impulsive decisions. As a result, a mysterious silent investor pays him a tense visit.

Meanwhile, farmsteader Jeremy Keller, who came to McCarthy to raise his family off the grid, has always opposed Darish's plans to profit and modernize. But now, with the threat of an outsider dangerously close to taking over McCarthy, Keller and his family will face what may be the biggest challenge of their lives.

Season 2 is set to premiere at 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23.

Edge of Alaska is produced by Twofour America. Bernie Schaeffer, Roger Roddy, Melanie Leach and Andrew Mackenzie are executive producers. For Discovery Channel, Mitchell Rosenbaum is executive producer and Lisbeth Lozano is coordinating producer.

Watch an exclusive preview below.

Read more: Discovery Launches Virtual Reality Online Network
harry reid

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid asserted Thursday that one of the most frequently cited outlets for state and national polling numbers is "the worst."

During a conference call with reporters Thursday, RealClearPolitics reporter James Arkin asked the senator to respond to polls that showed former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Mastro trailing in the race to replace the retiring Reid in the Senate.

"All of them are wrong," Reid responded, referring to polls RCP includes in its aggregator. "Rather than doing your own stuff, all you do is average out all these bad polls."

He added that "RealClearPolitics is totally unimpressive to me" and called the site "one of the worst."

But if RealClearPolitics Executive Editor Carl Cannon was particularly bothered by Reid's comment, he didn't express it publicly.

In an email to Business Insider, Cannon noted Reid's often outspoken nature and lauded his candor.

"Im reminded of Harry Reids own description of his approach to public discourse, which he once explained to a beleaguered aide this way: 'My mouth works faster than my brain. And it just comes out.' I think that explains why many of us in the media will miss Sen. Reid when he retires. At least hes colorful," Cannon said.

While Reid argued that many public polls underestimated his chances at winning his 2010 reelection, Canon pointed out that RCP was far from the only outlet whose data did not correctly predict the results of that particular race.

"As to the merits of his point about the polling in 2010 Senate race, its true that most pollsters got that race wrong. But not all. In the interest of giving credit where its due, the polling outfit that got it right was the Suffolk University Political Research Center," Cannon said.

RealClearPolitics was the subject of Reid's ire on Thursday, but the outlet is far from the only target of Reid's scorn this election cycle.

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Last month, the majority leader lashed out at CNN reporter Manu Raju after he asked Reid why Hillary Clinton appeared to be slipping in many state and national polls.

"You keep going back to your numbers. They're not fair, they're not reliable," Reid said.

"I don't buy your silliness, with your $500 polls you go out and buy overnight," he added. "I don't believe them, they're not right, they're incorrect. You only do it to generate some news."

NOW WATCH: Donald Trump is under fire for his comments about the Iraq War





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Mohamed El-Erian

Deutsche Bank's current troubles will not turn into a "Lehman moment," a

ccording to Allianz's chief economic adviser, Mohamed El-Erian.

El-Erian on Thursday told Bloomberg TV that the German lender's current turmoil will not lead to "a sudden stop to the global economy," like the one that followed Lehman Brothers' 2008 failure.

For one thing, he said, the global banking system is stronger than it was in the years leading up to the financial crisis. And, unlike Lehman, Deutsche Bank "actually has liquidity," he added.

US authorities have fined Deutsche Bank for as much as $14 billion for alleged improprieties involving mortgage-backed securities  a fine almost as large as the firm's market value. That stoked rumors that Germany may need to bail the bank out  something authorities denied.

The firm's shares have suffered since news of the fine broke, but are currently in recovery mode following a report that the German government is pursuing talks with US authorities to help settle the fine quickly.

"It is a warning that European banks are still under pressure," El-Erian said on Thursday.

"It is a warning that if we're not careful, that is going to create an extra headwind to European growth. And it is a warning that Deutsche Bank needs a new business model."

Deutsche Bank on Thursday announced it would cut another 1,000 jobs in Germany, in addition to the 3,000 already announced in 2015.

Here's the Bloomberg TV interview:

NOW WATCH: The Bank of England just released the new 5 note  here's how it compares to the old one





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Photo: Stocksy

Most parents send their children to school trusting that their sons and daughters are in good hands and not in the care of a teacher who would use them as props to make racist jokes on social media. But the latter is exactly what happened at Deer Park Elementary School in Baltimore County, Md., where teacher Kelly Forostiak is facing disciplinary action for making some very poor decisions involving her fifth-grade students, according to the Baltimore Sun.

In pictures now deleted from Forostiaks Instagram (but obtained by Atlanta Black Star thanks to an anonymous tipster), the kids are captured and ridiculed using mean-spirited comments for the amusement of the teacher and her followers. One particularly heartbreaking shot shows a young black boy wearing a sombrero and a fake mustache as he stares wide-eyed into the camera. This is an African American Mexican. #HappyHalloween, the teacher labels the photo, in a sad attempt at humor at the expense of an innocent child.

Another image of an adorable, grinning little girl is captioned with the meme-like line, When all the kids and staff are questioning your lipstick but you just flash the Bitch Im cute AF face. Clearly, Forostiak is projecting her own insecurities with that one  and obviously, she has stepped far beyond the lines of professionalism, maturity, and decorum. And at first, she wasnt even sorry.

Related: This 9-Week-Old Has More Hair Than Most Adults

In yet a third, a group of students are huddled together on a lawn, hamming it up for their teachers camera. Forostiak decided to caption the fun photo, Field day with my little ***holes that I somehow still love #5thgradeswag. The sass fell flat for one reader, who confronted the woman in the comments section of her private Instagram about the distastefulness of her post, writing I dont think as a teacher youre supposed to call your students little ***holes on social media, lightening up the comment with a laughing emoji.

Story continues

Forostiak  still unable to sense the gravity of her behavior and the irony of the fact that she is, by default, one of her students biggest moral influences  justified her actions, writing back, It is okay they are 11 going on 18 hahaha.

Now (that shes in trouble), though, shes sorry. Per a statement from the county schools spokesman Mychael Dickerson, Kelly Forostiak regrets posting the image and making the comments, according to the Baltimore Sun, which added that Dickerson could not elaborate on the discipline Forostiak might face in the wake of the scandal because it is a personnel matter.

Social media reactions to Forostiaks actions were divided. According to Atlanta Black Star, some condemned the misguided social media humor (exploitation?) when it was shared on Facebook. One user wrote, Its absolutely not okay. Our children deserve better and we need to protect them and make sure they get it. Another said, There are certain occupations that you take that have a higher moral code than others, being a teacher is one of them. A third wrote, Its just inappropriate for teachers to do certain things.

Related: Girl, 14, Faces Charges for Exploiting Herself With Pics

But there were others who felt everyone should just lighten up  its the age of social media, anyway, where everyones a comedian and anything can be made into a meme. Harmless, right? My kid can be an ***hole and I still love him. Why cant she feel the same way. Our kids are with their teachers more than they are with us during the day. If she was black would it be more exceptable? [sic], one person commented.

Another added, Yea, we are over reacting  if she had said lil slaves or future strippers or drug dealers. OK fire her ***. But this is innocent and over reacting to me, demonstrating that we all set the bar of decency at different levels.

A teacher in Forostiaks school district, according to Atlanta Black Star, even chimed in to defend her, commenting, And she probably the best teacher. The kids probably love her. I work for Baltimore county and half of the teachers talk like this, the woman wrote.

Its an extremely poor choice of words, overstated Emory Young, president of the Baltimore County Parent Teacher Association Council, in a statement obtained by the Baltimore Sun. She should have used something more positive and uplifting. As of the time of this articles publication, Forostiak is still employed with the school system, says the publication, and the school district is declining further comment.

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BANGUI (Reuters) - Eleven people were killed in clashes in Central African Republic's capital this week set off by the murder of an army officer, the country's United Nation's peacekeeping mission said on Thursday. Fighting erupted in Bangui's PK5 neighborhood, a Muslim enclave in the majority Christian nation's capital, after Commander Marcel Mombeka, a former aide to ex-President Catherine Samba-Panza, was shot dead there in his car on Tuesday. Central African Republic has been plagued by inter-religious violence since 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka fighters seized power, prompting reprisals from Christian militias, known as anti-balaka. "At this stage we think (the victims) are all civilians," said U.N. mission spokesman Herve Verhoosel, excluding the army officer who was killed first. Fourteen people are still missing and another 14 were wounded. Fighting between armed groups also killed at least six civilians in a north-western province last week, where unidentified assailants fired on U.N. peacekeepers, injuring one of them, Verhoosel said. Despite a February election widely touted as a step toward reconciliation, rebels and militia fighters still stalk most of the country outside the capital, and clashes are frequent. This week's fighting is a setback for the PK5 neighborhood, which has been mostly peaceful since Pope Francis visited in November and urged an end to the cycle of violence. Previously, anti-balaka fighters had laid siege to the area and prevented Muslims from leaving. (Reporting by Crispin Dembassa-Kette; Writing by Nellie Peyton; Editing by Joe Bavier and Raissa Kasolowsky)
SAO PAULO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Brazil's Embraer SA, the world's third-largest commercial planemaker, said on Thursday that leasing company AerCap Holdings NV had placed five of its next-generation E-Jets with Turkish carrier Borajet Airlines.

Deliveries will begin in 2018 on the long-term leases for three E190-E2s and two E195-E2s, with geared turbofan engines offering improved fuel efficiency, Embraer said in a statement issued jointly with Aercap and Borajet during the Istanbul Airshow.

Those are the first E-Jets placed by AerCap, the launch lessor for the E2 program, with 50 firm orders already in Embraer's backlog.

Borajet Chairman Fatih Akol said in the joint statement that his carrier, which flies current-generation E190 and E195 aircraft to more than 80 cities, plans to add more E2 aircraft in the future. He said the airline plans to invest $1.5 billion.

(Reporting by Brad Haynes; Editing by Daniel Flynn and W Simon)
The cast of the hit show Empire voiced their support for Hillary Clinton Wednesday in a video endorsing the Democratic presidential nominee.

The minute-long spot finds the actors, all of whom are African-American, pondering the stakes of the 2016 election before offering Clinton their approval.

Theres only one person in this race who said Black Lives Matter, says actor Bryshere Gray who plays Hakeem Lyon on the show.

The TV and digital spot comes after the Clinton campaign said it was spending $30 million on digital advertising, in an effort to connect with younger voters.

The ad was directed by Empire creator Lee Daniels, who spoke highly of Clinton during a speech at Julys Democratic National Convention, calling on young voters to turn out at the polls for the most important election of our lifetime.

Daniels again urged voters to go out and vote in Wednesdays ad. So many women and men died for us to have the right to vote, he said. Every time we sit out, we dishonor their sacrifices.

Other members of the Empire cast appearing in the ad include Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett, Tasha Smith, Gabourey Sidibe, Trai Byers and Grace Byers.
Theres only one person in this race who said Black Lives Matter, Empires Bryshere Gray says in a new pro-Hillary Clinton ad directed by Lee Daniels. Coming just one day after Clinton running mate Tim Kaine and GOP No. 2 contender Mike Pence debate, the one-minute ad from the co-creator of the hit Fox hip-hop drama  which aired during tonights episode  lists off Trayvon Martin and other victims of gun violence and makes a plea for the former New York senator as the candidate of tolerance. With passing but direct reference to GOP nominee Donald Trump, the millennial-targeted ad urges young Americans to get out and vote.

Along with Gray and Daniels, the spot also features Empire matriarch Taraji P. Henson and her co-stars Trai Byers, Jussie Smollett, Tasha Smith, Gabourey Sidibe and Grace Byers. Empire patriarch Terrence Howard is not featured in the ad.

The ad further solidifies Daniels support for Clinton and raisies issues concerning the African-American issues that he has expressed throughout this campaign. The Oscar-nominated director was a speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Like President Barack Obama, the former Secretary of State has been a massive beneficiary of Hollywood support both on the campaign trail and in the coffers. In the final weeks of the campaign, Team Hillary is making a distinct and focused effort to infuse young voters who helped put Obama in office in 2008 and 2012  using the cast of the biggest scripted show on the Big 4 certainly is a move in that direction, they hope.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoLgsEMu1Y4&w=605&h=340]

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Brussels (AFP) - The EU said Thursday it has launched a new ethics probe after revelations that former competition commissioner Neelie Kroes failed to declare an interest in a Bahamas-based firm when in office.

It comes just weeks after the European Commission announced an investigation into former chief Jose Manuel Barroso after he accepted a high-profile job with US investment bank Goldman Sachs.

"I can confirm that the ad hoc ethics committee is looking at both situations, concerning the one of former prime minister Barroso and former commissioner Kroes," Alexander Winterstein, a commission spokesman, told a press conference in Brussels.

Barroso, a former prime minister of Portugal, served as chief of the European Commission, the EU executive, from 2004 until 2014, when Kroes served under him as the anti-trust commissioner.

Winterstein said he could not elaborate about the committee's probe into Kroes nor say when Barroso might appear before the body because it acts independently of the commission.

The Commission said Kroes has already responded to a letter Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker sent to her last month following revelations that showed she had been a director of Mint Holdings Ltd in the Bahamas between 2000 and 2009.

The commission said it would not elaborate on what the letters said for legal reasons.

Mint Holdings was set up by a United Arab Emirates private equity investor as a vehicle to potentially buy half the international assets of energy giant Enron, shortly before its collapse, but the $7 billion (6.3 billion euros) deal fell through.

Lawyers for Kroes said the issue was the result of an "administrative fault" and that she had always acted in good faith and in accordance with EU rules.

Kroes was recruited solely to help negotiate the Enron deal but when it fell through, she had no further role in a company she believed had been wound up in 2002, the lawyers' statement said.

A firestorm of criticism erupted over the summer when Barroso took a high-profile job with Goldman Sachs, widely blamed in Brussels for its role in the 2008 global crash and eurozone debt crisis.

The commission said at the time that Barroso had satisfied the 18-month "cooling-off" period between jobs but opened the probe after European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly asked Juncker to scrutinise the appointment further.
By Angel Krasimirov KAPITAN ANDREEVO, Bulgaria (Reuters) - The European Union launched its common border guard on Thursday, hoping it will help keep people away from a bloc that is still struggling with political aftershocks from an uncontrolled influx of refugees and migrants last year. Overwhelmed by the arrival of some 1.3 million people last year, the EU has increasingly focused on sealing its external borders. The new force is designed as a rapid reaction force to be deployed in any place seeing a sharp increase in immigration. "The establishment of the agency is a symbol of the EU, of a Europe that is able to deliver, that is proving its efficiency in addressing the migration and security challenges we are faced with," EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said at the opening ceremony held on the Turkish-Bulgarian border. The influx triggered bitter disputes among EU states and, to discourage more arrivals, the bloc has taken an increasingly tough stance on labor migrants and people who cross into Europe irregularly, saying they will be sent back. "The door is open for the ones who are eligible for international protection. And closed to the ones who want to cross our borders illegally," Avramopoulos said. "We have to focus on returns policy." While people who reach Europe via Greece from Turkey are mostly Syrians fleeing a war and hence are eligible for asylum in Europe, most of those who get to Italy from the Libyan coast are seeking better living conditions than in their impoverished African countries. They come from Nigeria, Eritrea, Guinea, Gambia, Sudan, Ivory Coast or Somalia. The EU wants to send the vast majority of these back since they are not considered to be in fear of their lives. The new body, built on the basis of the bloc's current Frontex border agency, will have 1,000 staff, will be able to purchase its own equipment and deploy at short notice. It is supposed to have a reserve pool of 1,500 border guards designated by member states for that, though in the past EU capitals have often been slow in responding to Frontex calls. Arrivals in Greece, the main gateway to Europe last year, have dropped sharply now. But figures for Italy are the same as in 2015 and smaller groups also seek their way through the land border between Turkey and Bulgaria. The new agency will have some 120 coast guard officers at the Bulgarian-Turkish border, where Sofia has built a fence that has cut the arrivals by a third this year to 12,500 people. Brussels pledged 160 million euros ($179.02 million) to Sofia to help the Balkan country protect its border with Turkey. ($1 = 0.8937 euros) (Editing by Gabriela Baczynska and Richard Balmforth)
Kapitan-Andreevo (Bulgaria) (AFP) - The EU launched its beefed-up border force Thursday in a rare show of unity by the squabbling bloc as it seeks to tackle its worst migration crisis since World War II.

European Union officials inaugurated the new task force at the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint on the Bulgarian-Turkish border, the main land frontier for migrants seeking to enter the bloc and avoid the dangerous Mediterranean sea crossing.

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (EBCG) will have at its disposal some 1,500 officers from 19 member states who can be swiftly mobilised in case of an emergency, like a sudden surge of migrants.

Brussels hopes the revamped agency will not just increase security, but also help heal the huge rifts that have emerged between member states clashing over the EU's refugee policies.

The long-term goal is to lift border controls inside the bloc and fully restore the passport-free Schengen Zone.

"The new agency is stronger and better equipped to tackle migration and security challenges," EBCG director Fabrice Leggeri said at the launch.

The force will also conduct stress tests at the bloc's external borders to "identify vulnerabilities before a crisis hits", he added.

EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos hailed the launch as a "historical day for the European Union".

"From now onwards, the external EU border of one member state is the external border of all member states - both legally and operationally," he said.

"Countries like Bulgaria, Greece and Italy are still under pressure, but they are not alone."

As part of its expanded mandate, the EBCG will be involved in the repatriation of migrants who have their asylum claims rejected or are considered a security threat.

Its new coast guard unit will also "play a key role at Europe's maritime borders", Leggeri said.

A growing number of desperate people attempt the treacherous sea journey from North Africa to Italy, after the so-called Balkan migrant trail was shut earlier this year.

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More than 3,500 migrants have drowned in the Mediterranean so far this year, latest figures show.

- Caught off guard -

All 28 member states agreed on the creation of the new border agency earlier this year.

The boosted force is an expansion of Frontex, founded in 2004 to help coordinate Europe-wide efforts to combat people smuggling and illegal migration.

But the Warsaw-based agency proved inefficient last year when it was caught off guard by the hundreds of thousands of people who began trekking up from Greece across the western Balkans towards northern Europe.

With limited staffing and powers, Frontex was unable to effectively patrol the EU's external borders, including those of frontline countries Greece and Italy where most migrants enter. The relaunched agency will have an annual budget of 320 million euros ($358 million).

The uncontrolled arrival of well over one million people, many fleeing war in Syria, triggered chaos on the continent, prompting key transit nations along the migrant trail to seal their borders with fences.

The influx also heightened tensions inside the bloc, with eastern and central European nations lambasting Germany's "open-door" policy which they say allowed Islamist radicals to pose as refugees and help to carry out attacks inside Europe.

- 'Buffer state' -

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov warned Thursday that the EU had become "an assortment of jumbled fences".

"We do not want turn Europe into a fortress, but we want to turn it into a well regulated system," he said.

Bulgaria has built up a barbed wire fence that will soon cover most of its 259-kilometre (160-mile) border with Turkey.

Just 13,000 migrants remain stranded inside Bulgaria compared to the 60,000 stuck in Greece and the 140,000 who have crossed the Mediterranean to Italy so far this year.

But with Bulgaria's migrant centres overflowing, the EU's poorest member is still worried it will become a "buffer state" if a shaky EU deal with Ankara breaks down after the July coup attempt.

Turkey is home to three million migrants who have fled the devastating war in neighbouring Syria.

"Turkey has to remain a strategic partner for us. No other country can deal with this number of migrants," Borisov said.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The European banking sector is working well and developing in the right direction despite issues at individual institutions in Germany or Italy, European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said on Thursday.

Speaking at an event at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, Dombrovskis said some "pockets of weakness" remained in the European banking system, mainly linked to non-performing loans, but that the system as a whole was sound.

Asked if the system was working and if EU banks were adhering to the rules of the EU's banking union, Dombrovskis said: "That is certainly our view and, overall, the banking sector seems to be heading in the right direction."

He refused to comment on individual banks, like Germany's Deutsche Bank AG (DBKGn.DE) or Italy's Monte Paschi (BMPS.MI).

(Reporting by Jan Strupczewski; Editing by Paul Simao)
(Adds details, background)

By Michael Flaherty

Oct 6 (Reuters) - A former partner at Pershing Square Capital Management is preparing to launch a new fund, according to a U.S. regulatory filing.

Paul Hilal, who left Pershing Square in January, is launching Mantle Ridge LP, a New York-based investment fund, the filing said.

Hilal was a close lieutenant of Pershing's founder, William Ackman, and was a driving force behind the activist fund's investment in railroad operator Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd . After leading a proxy fight against the company that Pershing Square won, Hilal joined CP's board. He stepped down from that post in January.

Hilal did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

Hilal, who roomed with Ackman at Harvard University, was a Pershing Square consultant in 2006 before joining full-time the following year.

When he left the firm, it was widely expected throughout the activist investor community that he would launch his own activist hedge fund.

The regulatory filing does not detail the precise approach he will take with Mantle Ridge.

Mantle Ridge has a staff of four, according to the July 15 filing.

Hedge Fund Intelligence, an industry news publication and data provider, was the first to report the filing.

(Reporting by Michael Flaherty in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Steve Orlofsky)
Dwight Caines, the recently departed president of domestic marketing at Sony, told a packed house at the Walter Maciel Gallery in Los Angeles that theres still a tug of war between who controls film-marketing spend at the major studios, but digital marketing is gaining ground.

Caines, a 20-year marketing veteran, chatted with Varietys Andrew Wallenstein about the evolution of digital campaigns during a chat at Hollywood In Pixels second annual Silver Pixel Awards Wednesday evening.

Hollywood in Pixels is a non-profit organization that saves and protects digital marketing film campaigns from deletion and celebrates those campaigns as a part of Hollywoods history. The Silver Pixel Awards honor the pioneering campaigns and creators that broke the mold for digital marketing.

Caines led the creation of many of those early studio digital campaigns. The problems he faced early in his career are the problems he believes digital marketing execs deal with today: pushback from studio heads.

Many of the executives who are very senior are less digital savvy than youd think. I liken them to climate-change denialists, Caines joked. Execs accustomed to seeing a campaign in front of them in the form of a billboard or commercials can find it difficult to get behind digital efforts that are invisible to those outside targeted, younger audience segments, Caines explained.

However, in the battle between traditional and digital marketing, digital will eventually come out on top. If were going to rely upon TV spots to open movies, were going to fade away, Caines warned. Now that the budget share exists, the battle is  how much. [Digitals] gotta be baked into the campaign.

Theres no magic equation to determine how much of a marketing campaign should be digital. Intent drives percent, Caines explained. To lay out a campaign, it all starts with a premise, a thesis. Figure out what you want to do. How much does it cost, and then drive the percentage out of it. Everything is not cheap. Your data scientists, your content creators, none of that is cheap.

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Caines explained data is still something studios struggle with interpreting. Those who only count views or streams often forget theres an actual person on the other side of the data point, Caines explained, emphasizing the need for quality experiences with a consumer in mind. There has to be a human touch, he stressed.

Towards the end of the chat, Wallenstein asked Caines about his thoughts on virtual and augmented reality  two highly touted technologies.

I love [virtual reality] as an experience  its tough as a marketing device, Caines replied. To produce high-quality VR costs money. And it was always launching two minutes before the movie went out. And it was hard to scale. Since most people have mobile devices, Caines said augmented reality has a lot less friction in terms of distribution and implementation.

Over the course of his career, hes overseen marketing for nearly 300 films. His proudest? The campaign for 2003s The DaVinci Code, created in partnership with a Google.

It was a book that was considered to be targeting to older consumers, but we targeted the campaign at college-plus [age group], Caines explained of the strategy. It was tech-driven, puzzle-driven. It was not the easiest thing in the world to [create] but Google built it custom for us. The project team was 50 people. It was very exciting.

After the chat, Hollywood in Pixels founder Bettina Sherick presented the First Silver Pixel Award to Gordon Paddison for his work on The Lord of the Rings campaign. Marian Thomas accepted on his behalf. Showtime CMO Don Buckley presents Second Silver Pixel Award to John Hegeman for The Blair Witch Project.

Variety, Trigger and Facebook were presenting sponsors of the event.

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Christine Birch Replacing Dwight Caines as Sony Pictures Marketing President (EXCLUSIVE)

TV Execs Talk Breaking Barriers in the Digital Age at Variety's TV Summit
The story of Prince is beautifully told through his Paisley Park home.

ET's Kevin Frazier sat down on Facebook Live to describe his emotional tour through the late music legend's estate in Chanhassen, Minnesota, which is getting ready to be open to the public.

One part of the home that will not be on the tour, however, is the elevator where Prince was found dead at age 57 this past April.

EXCLUSIVE: Inside Prince's Paisley Park as the Recording Compound Becomes a Fan Museum

"While we were there, they were actually boarding up the elevator," Frazier shared, noting that when he witnessed the place where the iconic musician died, "It hurt my heart."

And while visitors will not be shown the elevator, Frazier did see what they've put up in front of the entrance.

"When you go on the tour ... look for a poster that has all the tickets from the Musicology tour," he said. "That poster covers the opening to the elevator."

EXCLUSIVE: Sheila E. Opens Up About Prince's 'Somber' Memorial

"And then right around the corner," Frazier continued, "that's where the other side of the opening to the elevator was."

"In a sense, it hurt my heart because I am such a Prince fan, and I knew him," he explained, sharing that, ultimately, "I'm glad that they're closing it off."

Meanwhile, the lion's share of the tour exists to be a celebration of Prince's life, from the Purple Rain room, which features "a script from the movie, the Oscar that Prince won for Purple Rain, and also that guitar... That iconic guitar," Frazier revealed.

WATCH: 7 Times Prince Proved He Was the Coolest Human Being on the Planet

Not to mention, a piano that Prince loved to stand on and dance.

"The first thing you'll notice, the purple leather on the piano is scratched, because Prince would dance on the piano so much," Frazier said.

"Playing inside the Purple Rain room is a constant loop of the movie," he added. "A seven-minute loop of some of the music from Purple Rain."

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EXCLUSIVE: Prince's Sister Tyka Nelson Says She Knew His Death Was Coming

Elsewhere, you'll find the studio where Prince recorded his music.

"He would go in there all hours of the night," said Frazier. "He would dream up and write this beautiful music, and then he would leave the stuff for the engineers in the day."

"For me, going into that studio was kinda like walking into the Holy Grail," he added.

WATCH: Inside Prince's Paisley Park: Friends and Fans Remember the Late Singer's Enigmatic Estate

Meanwhile, though Prince's death shocked the world, his sister, Tyka Nelson, recently told ET that she expected it and had been "preparing for two years."

"He said it a couple of years ago: 'I've done everything that I've come to do,'" she remembered. "I was crushed for about two years."

Watch the video below for more of what she had to say.

Related Articles
Kim Kardashian West's terrifying robbery in Paris will have some major lasting consequences for the 35-year-old reality superstar, a source close to Kim tells ET.

Kim's already taken a noticeable step back from social media since the incident on Sunday, and has yet to break her silence. And as for some people's criticism that she's been too public in the past when it comes to displaying her wealth -- such as from Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld -- the source says Kim is definitely paying attention.

"This really shook her and gave her a major reality check," the source says about the robbery. "Does she blame what happened on showing off her jewelry on social media? Not fully. Kim has always been a hard worker and no one can hate on her for that. But does she recognize now that showing all her diamonds and money off on social MAY have been a factor? Yes."

WATCH: EXCLUSIVE -- Kim Kardashian 'Absolutely Traumatized' After Paris Robbery, Not 'Fully Able to Comprehend What Happened'

"Looking back, she realizes she maybe shouldn't have flaunted it so much," the source adds. "And you will definitely see a difference with that in the future."

Kim is taking some time off after the scary incident, the source says, canceling meetings and work commitments for this week. On Wednesday, she canceled a makeup class appearance in Dubai scheduled for Oct. 14.

"She needs a break from everything," the source says. "Working and posting anything on social media is the last thing on her mind right now."

"She still gets emotional thinking about the incident," the source adds. "I don't think the flashbacks will go away anytime soon."

Interestingly enough, the rest of the Kardashian-Jenner family has also noticeably stayed quiet about the incident on social media. On Wednesday, Kylie Jenner posted a throwback swimsuit pic on Instagram, though made no mention of her big sister's robbery. Kendall Jenner also Instagrammed a fashion snap of herself wearing a giant red fur coat shaped in a heart on Thursday morning, again, not addressing Kim's robbery.

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WATCH: Caitlyn Jenner Breaks Silence on Kim Kardashian's Paris Robbery -- 'Love My Girl'

However, Kourtney Kardashian -- who was at a party in Paris at the time of the incident -- seems to have alluded to it on Thursday, tweeting a photo of a Bible passage with a prayer hands emoji. The verse was about having strength in tough times.

On Tuesday, police in Paris seemed to have obtained surveillance video of the robbers around the scene of the crime. Watch the video below for more on the robbery investigation.

Related Articles
By Carol Zhong and Anshuman Daga

HONG KONG/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - McDonald's Corp is set to agree a deal to sell 20-year franchise rights for its Singapore and Malaysia outlets to Saudi Arabia's Reza group for up to $400 million (313.96 million pounds), as part of a re-jig of its Asian business, people familiar with the matter said.

Reza Food Services Co. Ltd, which owns and operates McDonald's restaurants in the western and southern region of Saudi Arabia, has tapped Malaysian bank CIMB to finance the transaction, said two of the sources, who declined to be identified as the deal has not been publicly announced.

The move is in line with McDonald's plans to bring in partners as it switches to a less capital-intensive franchise model in Asia.

One person familiar with the Southeast Asian deal said McDonald's was keen to tie up with regional family-owned groups and local tycoons as it sought out long-term partners rather than buyout firms, which usually cash out of a business after a few years.

Basic terms of the agreement had been finalised and the deal was expected to be completed by the year-end, the person said.

CIMB declined to comment, while there was no immediate response from McDonald's. Reuters was not immediately able to reach Reza for a comment.

Sources said CIMB would provide the bulk of the term loan to back the deal, and the financing would be denominated in both Malaysian ringgit and Singapore dollars.

In July, McDonald's had said it was seeking franchise partners for its restaurants in Singapore and Malaysia and was negotiating with parties, but did not provide any details or a timeline.

McDonald's has about 120 restaurants in Singapore and about 260 in Malaysia.

Citing sources, Reuters reported last month that McDonald's had received final bids from at least three groups for its China and Hong Kong outlets.

(Reporting by Anshuman Daga in SINGAPORE and Carol Zhong and Chien Mi Wong of LPC in HONG KONG; Editing by Alex Richardson)
By Carol Zhong and Anshuman Daga HONG KONG/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - McDonald's Corp is set to agree a deal to sell 20-year franchise rights for its Singapore and Malaysia outlets to Saudi Arabia's Reza group for up to $400 million, as part of a re-jig of its Asian business, people familiar with the matter said. Reza Food Services Co. Ltd, which owns and operates McDonald's restaurants in the western and southern region of Saudi Arabia, has tapped Malaysian bank CIMB to finance the transaction, said two of the sources, who declined to be identified as the deal has not been publicly announced. The move is in line with McDonald's plans to bring in partners as it switches to a less capital-intensive franchise model in Asia. One person familiar with the Southeast Asian deal said McDonald's was keen to tie up with regional family-owned groups and local tycoons as it sought out long-term partners rather than buyout firms, which usually cash out of a business after a few years. Basic terms of the agreement had been finalised and the deal was expected to be completed by the year-end, the person said. CIMB declined to comment, while there was no immediate response from McDonald's. Reuters was not immediately able to reach Reza for a comment. Sources said CIMB would provide the bulk of the term loan to back the deal, and the financing would be denominated in both Malaysian ringgit and Singapore dollars. In July, McDonald's had said it was seeking franchise partners for its restaurants in Singapore and Malaysia and was negotiating with parties, but did not provide any details or a timeline. McDonald's has about 120 restaurants in Singapore and about 260 in Malaysia. Citing sources, Reuters reported last month that McDonald's had received final bids from at least three groups for its China and Hong Kong outlets. (Reporting by Anshuman Daga in SINGAPORE and Carol Zhong and Chien Mi Wong of LPC in HONG KONG; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Previous research has shown that a short night's sleep tends to make people eat more and choose foods that are higher in fat and sugar. A recent study from researchers in Sweden suggests that despite feeling tired and lacking motivation, exercise could be a means of warding off junk food cravings after a few short nights' sleep.

Sleep plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight. In fact, it's an often overlooked factor in weight loss plans, and wrongly so. Previous studies have linked chronic lack of sleep to an increased risk of being overweight or obese. Sleep deprivation (less than seven hours per night), causes people to be less active and snack more, particularly on foods that are high in sugar or fat.

This latest study, from researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden, suggests that physical exercise could counteract the effects of chronic lack of sleep on the increased risk of becoming overweight or obese.

The scientists selected a group of participants of normal weights and in good physical health to study the behavior and levels of endocannabinoids, a group of chemical substances produced by the brain, which activate the neurological receptors present in the human body. These are usually elevated by short sleep duration and are responsible for compulsive behavior towards food, particularly junk food.

In a sleep laboratory, volunteers were studied after three consecutive nights of "normal" sleep (8 hours), then after three nights with just four hours' sleep. Meal and activity patterns were kept the same during both sessions. Blood samples were taken repeatedly to monitor endocannabinoid levels. Blood samples were also taken on the last day, both before and after a short bout of intensive exercise.

The results showed a spike in the levels of "2-arachidonoylglycerol," the most abundant endocannabinoid in the brain, climbing about 80% higher after the nights of reduced sleep.

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However, after intense 35-minute sessions of physical exercise, the study showed that this excess of endocannabinoids was halved and in some cases returned to the normal level.

This biological phenomenon is accompanied by the added stress-busting benefits of sport, which help promote sleep. In fact, even in cases of chronic sleep loss, exercise could be a means of regaining "neurological balance."

The study is published in the journal "Psychoneuroendocrinology" and is available here: http://www.psyneuen-journal.com/article/S0306-4530(16)30715-6/abstract
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A bomb attached to a motorbike exploded near a police station in southwest Istanbul on Thursday wounding 10 people, the provincial governor said. The blast occurred in the Yenibosna neighborhood, several kilometers from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, the country's largest. Television footage showed damaged vehicles, shattered glass and broken windows in the residential area. Governor Vasip Sahin said all of the wounded were civilians and that investigations into who might be responsible were ongoing. There were no immediate claims of responsibility on Thursday. Kurdish, leftist and Islamic State militants have all carried out bomb attacks across Turkey in the past. The last blast in Istanbul was in June, a month before an attempted coup to overthrow President Tayyip Erdogan's government, when 45 people were killed in a triple suicide bombing at the airport. That attack was blamed on Islamic State. There have been other attacks in the east of the country, including the bombing of a wedding party near the city of Gaziantep in August, when more than 50 people were killed. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Osman Orsal; Writing by Luke Baker; Editing by Daren Butler and Dominic Evans)
An explosion was heard near a police station in the Yenibosna district of western Istanbul on October 6. According to preliminary reports, the explosion was believed to have been caused by a car bomb. Five people were reportedly injured.

This video shows crowds gathering at the scene just behind the police station in Istanbuls Yenibosna district. Credit: Facebook/Baris Teker
Istanbul (AFP) - At least 10 people were wounded Thursday when a bomb concealed in a motorbike exploded near a police station in Istanbul, in the latest attack to strike Turkey's increasingly tense largest city over the last year.

The explosion rocked the district of Yenibosna on the European side of Istanbul, close to the city's main Ataturk International Airport.

Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin said the attack was caused by a bomb attached to a motorbike by an assailant who reportedly later fled, adding that all the injured were civilians.

With the city hit by attacks blamed both on jihadists and Kurdish militants over the last year, he said work was under way to determine if a militant organisation was behind the bombing.

"Work is continuing to find out if it is linked to a group," he told reporters after visiting the scene. "Camera images are being examined in a detailed way."

Turkish media reported that police had launched a manhunt for one suspect, wearing a black coat, who fled the scene after the attack.

Many ambulances were dispatched to the scene, CNN-Turk television reported. Television pictures showed several cars wrecked and broken glass littering the ground after the blast.

Witnesses told CNN-Turk that they heard a powerful explosion as well as gunshots. Turkish police sealed off the area fearing a possible second blast and Turkey's broadcast watchdog slapped a ban on images of the bombing.

- 'Dust everywhere' -

The force of the blast blew out the windows of the police station.

"It was a serious trauma. I cannot describe in words," one witness Metin Alev told CNN-Turk, who was a few dozen metres from the scene. "There's dust everywhere."

Turkey has suffered a bloody year of militant attacks in its two biggest cities, leaving dozens of people dead and putting the country on a high security alert.

Kurdish militants have twice struck in Ankara in deadly attacks, while suspected Islamic State (IS) suicide bombers have hit Istanbul on three occasions.

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In June, 47 people were killed in a triple suicide bombing and gun attack at Istanbul's Ataturk airport, with authorities pointing the finger at IS.

Fifty-seven people, 34 of them children, were killed in August in a suicide attack carried out by a bomber linked to IS jihadists at a Kurdish wedding in the southeastern city of Gaziantep.

The country is also still reeling from a failed July 15 coup blamed on the US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen that has been followed by a relentless purge of his supporters from all state institutions.

The strike is the first bombing attack that has been reported in Istanbul since the failed coup.

The same police station at Yenibosna came under an attack in 2012 blamed on the far-left Revolutionary People's Liberation Front.

There was no immediate indication who could be behind the latest blast.

The Turkish military has stepped up operations against Kurdish militants after the rupture in 2015 of a fragile ceasefire and there has been a dramatic surge in violence that so far shows no sign of ending.

The outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), designated as a terror group by Turkey and its Western allies, generally concentrates its attacks in the southeast of the country.

However its activists have on occasion carried out small-scale attacks in Istanbul.

A splinter group of the PKK, the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), claimed a June car bombing in the centre of Istanbul that killed seven police and four civilians.
N'DJAMENA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - ExxonMobil said on Thursday it disagreed with a court decision in Chad that fined a consortium led by the U.S. oil major over 44 trillion CFA francs ($75 billion) - nearly four times BP's record Deepwater Horizon settlement - over unpaid royalties.

The decision would see the central African nation awarded the equivalent of nearly seven times its annual gross domestic product.

"We disagree with the Chadian court's ruling and are evaluating next steps," Exxon media advisor Todd Spitler said in an emailed response to a Reuters request for comment.

Malaysian state oil firm Petronas and Chadian oil company SNT, the two other consortium members, were not immediately reachable for comment.

The court judgment released on Wednesday found that the companies owed nearly 484 billion CFA francs in royalties to the Chadian government. It did not explain why the penalties amounted to more than 90 times that amount.

The court document also stated that the companies were required to pay roughly $670 million pending any eventual appeal or redress they might choose to pursue.

Officials from Chad's finance ministry and customs office declined to comment on the court decision, which resulted from a complaint brought by the ministry.

Sources in the finance ministry have previously said that the unpaid royalties stem from a dispute over fees.

The finance ministry, they said, is seeking a 2 percent royalty fee from the consortium, a rate the defendants have said is higher than the agreed level.

"This dispute relates to disagreement over commitments made by the government to the consortium, not the government's ability to impose taxes," Exxon's Spitler said.

"It is vital for all parties to honour the terms of a contract and abide by applicable law in order to achieve the desired long-term benefits envisioned when projects begin," he said.

Chad became an oil producer in 2003 and produces around 120,000 barrels per day that it exports via pipeline through Cameroon.

Like many oil-dependent African nations, Chad has been hit hard by a drop in crude prices. Its economy is expected to contract by 1.1 percent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. ($1 = 587.6700 CFA francs) (Reporting by Madjiasra Nako; Additional reporting and writing by Joe Bavier in Abidjan, editing by David Evans)
mark zuckerberg oculus VR connect

The baby-faced 24-year-old who founded Oculus VR, the virtual reality company that Facebook bought for $2 billion two years ago, was nowhere to be seen at his company's biggest annual event.

Palmer Luckey disappeared from social media after a Daily Beast report outed his financial support of an alt-right political group named Nimble America. That was on September 22  he posted an apology letter to his Facebook account on September 23, but has otherwise not said a peep.

No interviews, no social media, no Reddit posts (he used to be an active Redditor).

And no appearance at his own company's big event, Oculus Connect, it looks like. It's an annual event focused on software developers who are making stuff for the Oculus Rift, and it's happening this week. On Thursday, the big keynote took place at 10:00 a.m. PT.

The company rolled out expected players to start: CEO Brendan Iribe, VP of Product Nate Mitchell, and then...?

Another baby-faced billionaire: Mark Zuckerberg. But not the baby-faced millionaire. No Palmer.

mark zuckerberg oculus VR connect

Zuck spoke to the past, present, and future of Oculus, and even showed off two new products:

It's easy to see how this dual-announcement might've been divided had Luckey not gotten into so much hot water. So, what happened?

palmer luckey time magazine cover

Luckey reportedly contributed $10,000 to a group named Nimble America (a claim he confirms).

The group, Nimble America, is against Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Its plan to combat her and elect Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is to use internet memes in real life.

As a member of Nimble America said on Reddit: "We've proven that s--tposting is powerful and meme magic is real." Here's one of the groups billboards:

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Nimble America anti-Hillary Clinton ad

Nimble America has roots in a Reddit group named "/r/The_Donald," a subreddit that's associated with the alt-right  a movement known for white nationalism, anti-Semitism, conspiracy theorists, and Gamergate supporters (for starters).

While that's unfortunate unto itself, Luckey also said things on the record in the original report on The Daily Beast that he later denies; email evidence seems to counter Luckey's denial. As a result, he's frustrated both loyal fans (who are angered by him seemingly lying) and folks who find his political views troubling.

Understandably, Facebook's pulled him from his usual spot on-stage  before the report in September, Luckey was the main figurehead of Oculus VR. He was featured on the cover of Time Magazine and Wired, and he was notorious for showing up on stage in sandals or barefoot. Reports on the ground at Oculus Connect are that he's not even in attendance, nor is he hosting the usual press demos.

oculus touch

While Luckey's sudden disappearance is understandable, it's a bizarre hole left during a very visible moment for Facebook's VR company. Luckey didn't respond to request for comment, and Facebook responded to say it had no statement.

Update: In an interview with UploadVR, Oculus content head Jason Rubin said that Luckey voluntarily skipped the event altogether, because he "did not want to be a distraction." Rubin added that Luckey is still an employee at Oculus.

NOW WATCH: Mark Zuckerberg just got on stage and raved about the future of virtual reality





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(Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has pledged to raise taxes on the wealthy, preserve the Dodd-Frank financial reform law and provide a path to citizenship for undocumented workers. Here are the proposals the former secretary of state has made as part of her argument that she is best qualified to occupy the Oval Office. (For a Factbox on Republican opponent Donald Trump's proposals, please see) ECONOMIC POLICY Clinton has said the rich, not the middle class, would see their taxes go up. She supports billionaire investor Warren Buffetts eponymous tax proposal calling for those making more than $1 million a year to pay an effective tax rate of 30 percent. Clinton has also called for an additional 4 percent tax on those making more than $5 million annually. Clinton has pledged to raise the estate tax levied on property transferred from a deceased person to their heirs. She also supports a tiered inheritance tax structure, with a top rate of 65 percent on the wealthiest estates of more than $500 million for a single person or $1 billion for a couple. Clinton has pledged to unveil a plan to rebuild U.S. infrastructure during her first 100 days, saying this would create new jobs. She would use some of the revenue generated from her tax plan to pay for making community colleges tuition-free and ensuring students can graduate from public colleges and universities without incurring debt. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group that independently scored Clintons proposals in their totality, estimated her policies would cost $1.8 trillion over the next decade and would be offset by $1.6 trillion, mostly generated by taxing high earners. The group said the remaining $200 billion could be covered by $275 billion in corporate tax revenue the Clinton campaign has called for but not yet spelled out in sufficient detail for them to credit as an offset at this time. IMMIGRATION Clinton has promised to propose broad legislation within her first 100 days in office to overhaul the immigration system and establish a process for undocumented workers to become citizens. Clinton has said she will defend executive actions taken by Democratic President Barack Obama to defer deportations of children brought illegally to the United States and the parents of children who are citizens or legal residents. She has said if Congress does not pass comprehensive immigration reform, she will similarly use executive action to defer deportations in sympathetic cases. A federal court has ruled that Obama did not have the authority to issue his executive orders on immigration, known as DACA and DAPA. The U.S. Supreme Court, currently short one member, split 4-to-4 on whether to hear the administrations appeal, leaving the lower courts ruling in place for the time being. WALL STREET REGULATION Clinton has promised to preserve the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law enacted after the financial crisis, and to pursue further measures to toughen Wall Street regulations. She has proposed a fee for large financial institutions based on their size and the level of risk they pose. She would also give regulators additional authority to force institutions that pose high risks to break apart or reorganize. Clinton has also urged strengthening the Volcker Rule, which restricts proprietary trading by commercial banks. She has called for a new tax on high-frequency trading and for stricter oversight of hedge funds, private equity firms and other players in the so-called shadow-banking system. She has promised stiffer policies on people who commit financial crimes, including an extension of the statute of limitations on such crimes and a requirement for bank executives to return bonuses if their institutions suffer major losses. Changes to Dodd-Frank have stalled in the Republican-controlled Congress, and it is unclear whether Clinton could get congressional backing to strengthen the law, unless Democrats win control of one or both chambers in the Nov. 8 election. ISLAMIC STATE Clinton has pledged to defeat Islamic State and has said the first step to fighting the militant group is to eliminate its strongholds in Iraq and Syria. In a departure from the Obama administration, she supports the establishment of a no-fly zone over Syria and has called for an intensified air campaign by the U.S.-led coalition. Clinton has said she would send additional American special forces to help Arab and Kurdish forces already on the ground. She opposes sending additional U.S. ground troops to the region. Clinton has said the United States and European allies must share intelligence more effectively in order to thwart potential attacks. She has urged Silicon Valley companies to work with the government to track militant recruitment tactics on the internet. RUSSIA Current and former Obama administration officials have told Reuters they believe Clinton would take a harder line on Russia than either Obama or Trump. Clinton has said she believes Russian hackers are behind the breach of Democratic Party systems in an attempt to influence the U.S. presidential election. Clinton has said Russia should play a role in fighting Islamic State in Syria, and her foreign policy adviser has said she would consider arming government forces in Ukraine, one of Russias neighbours, in a move to combat Russian "aggression in Europe." Russia has backed ethnic Russian separatists in Ukraine. CHINA Clinton was a key player in Obamas pivot to Asia when she served as his secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. Clinton has said she will "aggressively pursue trade cases and impose consequences" against China when it commits trade abuses. She opposes granting China market-economy status, which China will be seeking when a World Trade Organization clause expires in December, and has said she would make sure a newly installed trade prosecutor would ensure that China is playing by the rules. Clinton has said she would treat cyber attacks from countries such as Russia and China like any other attack and that the United States will be ready with serious political, economic and military responses. (Compiled by Amanda Becker; Editing by Caren Bohan and Jonathan Oatis)
(Reuters) - U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump wants to build a wall on the border with Mexico, boost spending on the military and slap trade tariffs on China. Here are those positions and others the New York businessman, who has never held elective office, has put forward to convince the American people that he should be the next U.S. chief executive. (For a Factbox on Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton's proposals, please see) ECONOMIC POLICY Trump has proposed collapsing the current seven income tax brackets to three with rates of 12 percent, 25 percent and 33 percent. The current top rate is 39.6 percent. He also would eliminate the estate tax, and slash the corporate rate to 15 percent from 35 percent. Trump has proposed increasing spending on the U.S. military and infrastructure but says he would reduce spending on other categories by 1 percent each year. However, the Social Security and Medicare programs for the elderly would be exempt from cuts. His plan would allow families to deduct childcare costs from income taxes and offer further support through an existing tax credit for lower-income people. He would also provide six weeks of paid maternity leave for new mothers through temporary unemployment insurance. He has proposed paying for it by cracking down on fraud in the unemployment insurance program and through other changes to the system. Some economists questioned whether Trump's ideas for reducing spending would be enough to make up for major tax cuts, particularly since many Republicans believe Medicare and Social Security must be revamped to control government outlays. IMMIGRATION Trump launched his presidential campaign with his vow to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border and has said he would insist that the United States' southern neighbour pay for it. He has promised to triple the number of immigration enforcement officers, hire more Border Patrol agents and boost penalties for overstaying visas. Trump has said he would prioritise the deportation of people in the United States illegally who have committed crimes and of those who have arrived recently or overstayed visas. He would require people seeking legal status to leave and reapply. Trump said that after his immigration goals are achieved, he would determine what to do about people still in the country illegally. Trump has proposed ideological screening, or "extreme vetting," of people coming to the United States to determine whether they share American values. He has proposed a ban on immigration from countries where vetting would be difficult. Initially, he proposed a temporary ban on all Muslims from entering the United States. Critics, including some of Trump's defeated rivals for the Republican presidential nomination, said that policy would be discriminatory and likely violate the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of freedom of religion. Others have since said his extreme vetting idea might not be feasible. WALL STREET REGULATION Trump has promised a "dismantling" of the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law enacted following the financial crisis, but has given few details. The Republican Party's platform calls for reinstating Glass-Steagall, the 1930s-era law that forced the separation of investment banks from deposit-taking institutions. Trump's former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, said in July that his campaign backed this change. Republican lawmakers have so far been unable to undo many of their most-despised pieces of the Dodd-Frank law, and many in their ranks oppose a return to Glass-Steagall. ISLAMIC STATE Trump has offered few details about his plans to fight Islamic State but has said he would "knock the hell out of" the militant group. He says he is keeping the details of strategy a secret so as not to disclose them to the enemy. Trump has said if he wins, he would give U.S. generals 30 days after he takes office on Jan. 20, 2017 to propose their own plans. Trump has said he opposes accepting refugees fleeing violence in Syria, and instead has said he would create "safe zones" there, which he says would be funded by Gulf states. President Barack Obama has said a safe zone in Syria would require a large U.S. military commitment, something that could prove to be unpopular with Americans weary of lengthy wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. RUSSIA Trump has said he would have a "very, very good" relationship with Russia. He has said he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin was a better leader than Obama. Trump has said could work with Russia to combat Islamic State. He also said he would look into recognising Crimea, seized from Ukraine in 2014, as Russian territory and lifting sanctions on Russia imposed by Western nations for what they called an illegal land grab. Trump has criticized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, saying some U.S. allies have not met their defence commitments. In July, he said if Russia attacked a NATO member, he would consider whether the country has paid up before providing defence. NATO leaders say the sanctions against Russia are key to persuading it to change that country's behaviour in Ukraine, where it has backed ethnic Russian separatists, and that the alliance has long been focused on fighting international terrorism. CHINA Trump has made criticism of China's trade practices a central campaign theme. He has vowed to formally label China a currency manipulator, impose tariffs on Chinese imports and bring unfair trade cases as punishment for what he believes are improper subsidies. Trump has called for a stronger U.S. military presence in the South China Sea. He has said he would pull the United States out of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP. Though the trade agreement does not include China, Trump has said he is concerned it could try to enter it through the "back door." TPP supporters, including Obama, have said China hoped to reach its own deal that would make it the leader in Asian trade. They have said the pact would enable the United States to take a leadership role in the region instead of China. (Compiled by Emily Stephenson; Editing by Caren Bohan and Jonathan Oatis)
(Reuters) - U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump wants to build a wall on the border with Mexico, boost spending on the military and slap trade tariffs on China. Here are those positions and others the New York businessman, who has never held elective office, has put forward to convince the American people that he should be the next U.S. chief executive. (For a Factbox on Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton's proposals, please see) ECONOMIC POLICY Trump has proposed collapsing the current seven income tax brackets to three with rates of 12 percent, 25 percent and 33 percent. The current top rate is 39.6 percent. He also would eliminate the estate tax, and slash the corporate rate to 15 percent from 35 percent. Trump has proposed increasing spending on the U.S. military and infrastructure but says he would reduce spending on other categories by 1 percent each year. However, the Social Security and Medicare programs for the elderly would be exempt from cuts. His plan would allow families to deduct childcare costs from income taxes and offer further support through an existing tax credit for lower-income people. He would also provide six weeks of paid maternity leave for new mothers through temporary unemployment insurance. He has proposed paying for it by cracking down on fraud in the unemployment insurance program and through other changes to the system. Some economists questioned whether Trump's ideas for reducing spending would be enough to make up for major tax cuts, particularly since many Republicans believe Medicare and Social Security must be revamped to control government outlays. IMMIGRATION Trump launched his presidential campaign with his vow to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border and has said he would insist that the United States' southern neighbor pay for it. He has promised to triple the number of immigration enforcement officers, hire more Border Patrol agents and boost penalties for overstaying visas. Trump has said he would prioritize the deportation of people in the United States illegally who have committed crimes and of those who have arrived recently or overstayed visas. He would require people seeking legal status to leave and reapply. Trump said that after his immigration goals are achieved, he would determine what to do about people still in the country illegally. Trump has proposed ideological screening, or "extreme vetting," of people coming to the United States to determine whether they share American values. He has proposed a ban on immigration from countries where vetting would be difficult. Initially, he proposed a temporary ban on all Muslims from entering the United States. Critics, including some of Trump's defeated rivals for the Republican presidential nomination, said that policy would be discriminatory and likely violate the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of freedom of religion. Others have since said his extreme vetting idea might not be feasible. WALL STREET REGULATION Trump has promised a "dismantling" of the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law enacted following the financial crisis, but has given few details. The Republican Party's platform calls for reinstating Glass-Steagall, the 1930s-era law that forced the separation of investment banks from deposit-taking institutions. Trump's former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, said in July that his campaign backed this change. Republican lawmakers have so far been unable to undo many of their most-despised pieces of the Dodd-Frank law, and many in their ranks oppose a return to Glass-Steagall. ISLAMIC STATE Trump has offered few details about his plans to fight Islamic State but has said he would "knock the hell out of" the militant group. He says he is keeping the details of strategy a secret so as not to disclose them to the enemy. Trump has said if he wins, he would give U.S. generals 30 days after he takes office on Jan. 20, 2017 to propose their own plans. Trump has said he opposes accepting refugees fleeing violence in Syria, and instead has said he would create "safe zones" there, which he says would be funded by Gulf states. President Barack Obama has said a safe zone in Syria would require a large U.S. military commitment, something that could prove to be unpopular with Americans weary of lengthy wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. RUSSIA Trump has said he would have a "very, very good" relationship with Russia. He has said he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin was a better leader than Obama. Trump has said could work with Russia to combat Islamic State. He also said he would look into recognizing Crimea, seized from Ukraine in 2014, as Russian territory and lifting sanctions on Russia imposed by Western nations for what they called an illegal land grab. Trump has criticized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, saying some U.S. allies have not met their defense commitments. In July, he said if Russia attacked a NATO member, he would consider whether the country has paid up before providing defense. NATO leaders say the sanctions against Russia are key to persuading it to change that country's behavior in Ukraine, where it has backed ethnic Russian separatists, and that the alliance has long been focused on fighting international terrorism. CHINA Trump has made criticism of China's trade practices a central campaign theme. He has vowed to formally label China a currency manipulator, impose tariffs on Chinese imports and bring unfair trade cases as punishment for what he believes are improper subsidies. Trump has called for a stronger U.S. military presence in the South China Sea. He has said he would pull the United States out of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP. Though the trade agreement does not include China, Trump has said he is concerned it could try to enter it through the "back door." TPP supporters, including Obama, have said China hoped to reach its own deal that would make it the leader in Asian trade. They have said the pact would enable the United States to take a leadership role in the region instead of China. (Compiled by Emily Stephenson; Editing by Caren Bohan and Jonathan Oatis)
Prolific comedy writer Austin Kalish, who with his wife Irma wrote landmark episodes of Maude and All in the Family, as well as the pilot for Gilligans Island, died early Wednesday. He was 95.

Kalishs son, writer-producer Bruce Kalish, confirmed his death in a Facebook post Thursday. He squeezed every bit of life he had out of his 95 years here on this planet, Bruce Kalish wrote. You may not have known him but you watched his shows.

Austin Rocky Kalish and Irma Kalish wrote one of the most talked-about episodes of comedy in primetime history, the 1973 Maudes Choice episode of the Bea Arthur comedy in which the titular character wrestles with the decision to have an abortion after an unexpected pregnancy. Airing in the same year that the Supreme Court issued its Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, the episode brought the polarizing issue squarely into Americas living rooms.

The couple penned four episodes of All in the Family, of which Maude was a spinoff. The pair were in demand throughout the 1960s and 70s, working on such as shows as My Favorite Martian, My Three Sons, Family Affair, F Troop, I Dream of Jeannie, Good Times, Too Close for Comfort, and The Facts of Life. The couple co-wrote the pilot for Gilligans Island with Elroy Schwartz, brother of series producer Sherwood Schwartz, according to the Archive of American Television.

Married in 1948, Austin and Irma Kalish were collaborators for a half-century, starting out in radio and penning scripts for The Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis Hour. The Kalishs followed Martin and Lewis to television, which set them on course to prosper along with the new medium.

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By Timothy Mclaughlin

(Reuters) - A stabbing attack at a Minnesota mall last month that wounded 10 was premeditated and the attacker, who was fatally shot by an off-duty police officer, showed signs of radicalization, authorities said on Thursday.

Dahir Adan, who hailed from a Somali family that had settled in the United States, grew increasingly interested in Islam and withdrew socially before he stabbed 10 people at Crossroads Mall in St. Cloud, Minnesota, on Sept. 17, the FBI said.

The officer who shot and killed Adan will not be charged, authorities said.

"One could reasonably conclude his actions were consistent with the philosophies of violent radical Islamic groups," FBI special agent Rich Thornton said at a press conference in St. Cloud on Thursday where video footage of Adan's attack was released.

In addition, Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall said Jason Falconer, the off-duty police officer who fatally shot Adan, was justified in his use of force and will not face charges.

Falconer was shopping at the mall when he was approached by Adan, who asked Falconer if he was a Muslim, according to Kendall. Falconer said that he was not and pursued Adan after he saw the man was carrying two kitchen knives.

Falconer chased Adan into a Macy's store where he shot and killed him after Adan repeatedly lunged at him.

Thornton said the Federal Bureau of Investigation is still investigating Adan's activities and wants access to his cell phone.

"Dahir Adan's iPhone is locked and we are in the process of assessing our legal and technical options to gain access to this device and the data it may contain," Thornton said.

Apple Inc, the maker of the iPhone, earlier this year opposed the FBI's efforts to break into an iPhone recovered from a mass shooter in San Bernardino, California, sparking a fierce debate over privacy and national security.

The FBI was able to unlock the phone with the help of an outside contractor.

Story continues

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

Following Adan's attack, Amaq, the news agency affiliated with the Islamic State militant group, issued a statement that called Adan a "soldier of the Islamic State," but FBI Director James Comey said last week in Washington at a House Judiciary Committee hearing that this was not definitive proof of a connection between Adan and the group.

"They claimed responsibility," he said. "That isn't dispositive for us because they'll claim responsibility for any savagery they can get their name on."

(Reporting by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
Zoe Kravitz, Tessa Thompson and Naomi Scott are in the running for the female lead of the upcoming Han Solo spin-off.

According to industry sources like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, the trio of actresses were in London this week to audition for the mysterious female role.

It's the second round of auditions and a decision could be made in the coming weeks.

Filmmakers are also auditioning for the role of Lando Calrissian, the suave gambler played in the original trilogy by Billy Dee Williams.

Thompson is best known for her role on "Creed" while Kravitz appeared in "Divergent" and Scott in the upcoming "Power Rangers" movie.

The casting for Han Solo, meanwhile, was one of the longest-running searches before Alden Ehrenreich scored the coveted role originally portrayed by Harrison Ford.

The film is set to open May 25, 2018.
This Immigrant Doctor Is Reimagining Health in the American City

A new battlefront opened this week in the long-running fight to secure better pay and better working conditions for the more than 3.5 million fast-food workers in America. Workers from across the country have slapped McDonalds, the nations largest fast-food chain, with 15 separate complaints of sexual harassment. The claims, all of which were filed with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, detail an obnoxious and repugnant level of abuse, typically directed at women working as cooks or cashiers and perpetrated by men in supervisory positions. They provide vivid examples of the type of harassment that, according to the results of a poll also released this week, it seems far too many women in the industry face.

In the federal claims filed against McDonalds this week, the group of women allege a litany of forms of sexual harassment, ranging from verbal taunts to unwanted physical advances. One employee said her supervisor harassed her on a daily basis, including grabbing her and rubbing his genitals against her. Another said she faced similar abuse and that her supervisor sent her a text message offering to pay $1,000 for oral sex. Both women, as well as others who filed complaints, maintained that when they tried to report their supervisors behavior to a store manager or higher authorityincluding McDonalds corporate officeeither nothing was done or, even worse, the woman was retaliated against.

McDonalds monitors everything we dofrom how fast the drive-thru is moving to how we fold our customers bags, Cycei Monae, one of the complaintants, who used to work at a McDonalds in Flint, Michigan, said in a statement released by the worker advocacy group Fight for $15. Yet when I filed a complaint against my shift manager for regularly sexually harassing mewhich included him showing me a photo of his genitalsMcDonalds had no response. Monae quit her job to avoid further abuse. I really needed that job and money, and I considered remaining silent, she said. But I believe McDonalds had my back and would be horrified by the way I was treated. I was wrong.

In an emailed statement provided to Bloomberg News, a spokesperson said the company is reviewing the complaints but that there is no place for harassment and discrimination of any kind in McDonalds restaurants or in any workplace. We take any concerns seriously.

Yet if recent battles are any indication, the company is going to fight tooth and nail to dodge any responsibility for the womens claims. Not simply because thats de rigueur for most major corporations facing such allegations but specifically because McDonalds has racked up enormous legal billsand tied up the federal regulatory system for the past few yearsarguing that it cant possibly be held accountable for what goes on at the stores its franchisees operate. Worker advocates claim that is far from the case and point to the kind of micromanagement of restaurant employees that Monaes statement details as proof. In 2014, the National Labor Relations Board issued a ruling that more or less agreed with groups like Fight for $15 and said that the company is a joint employer of franchise workers.

It would be a mistake to think that this kind of abhorrent sexual harassment is limited to these 15 womenor limited to McDonalds. A new poll sponsored by a coalition of womens advocacy groups finds a staggering 40 percent of female fast-food workers have experienced sexual harassment on the job, a rate that is 60 percent higher than for women in the American workforce at large. One in five who said they were assulted reported the harassment only to suffer some sort of retaliation, such as having her hours cut or being fired. One in eight women working on the front lines of the industry says she faces extensive sexual harassment but feels trapped and unable to leave.

Its clearly an epidemic that workers' rights advocates hope to counter by targeting the nations biggest burger chain. Kendall Fells, organizing director of Fight for $15, said in a statement, As the countrys second-largest employer, McDonalds has a responsibility to set standards in both the fast-food industry and the economy overall.

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Original article from TakePart
By Jussi Rosendahl and Tuomas Forsell HELSINKI (Reuters) - Finland's euroskeptic foreign minister believes other states might follow Britain's lead and quit the European Union if authorities in Brussels press on with efforts to integrate member states more deeply. But Timo Soini, whose diehard opposition to the bloc's sovereign bailouts spooked financial markets in 2011, says Finland will not be among the leavers and admits that June's Brexit vote has for now boosted support for EU membership within the bloc. "I don't expect a wave of referendums. In the short term, the support for the EU has increased in Europe," Soini told Reuters in an interview. He remains critical of EU institutions and his Finns party, which describes itself as nationalist, was a prime mover in tightening the country's immigration controls last year. But having in the past dismissed rescue packages for Greece and Portugal as "pyramid schemes" and the EU as "a Soviet Union for rich people", Soini now views careful cooperation rather than confrontation with Brussels as the best way forward. "This government will not organize such a referendum. But of course this can be discussed in society," he said. "In the end, we need some kind of structure for cooperation in Europe... I've said lots of things about the EU along the way but I'm not in favor of an uncontrollable collapse, that wouldn't be good for anybody." Rather that adopting a "revenge mentality" against Britain, the lesson for Europe - with far-right or anti-EU parties riding high in polls in France, the Netherlands and Austria while a new anti-immigrant party makes waves in Germany - was to drop all ideas of closer political or fiscal union. "The EU must stick to basic things, such as jobs, economy and security. "If it can't do that, the justification for the whole thing will crumble," and other states might also vote to leave, he said. Then known as True Finns, Soini's party and his anti-EU rhetoric struck a chord among Finland's working class at the 2011 election, winning 19 percent of the vote. Until 2014, it belonged to the same populist grouping in the European Parliament as Britain's pro-Brexit UKIP party. Soini then moved the Finns to the ECR bloc, which includes Britain's Conservatives and, a year later following parliamentary elections in which it won 18 percent, entered government for the first time in a three-party coalition. BUMPY TRANSITION That transition towards the political mainstream has been bumpy, however, and Soini declined to confirm he would seek a further term as party leader next year. Support for the Finns fell to 9.6 percent in the latest opinion poll in September as many of its core voters bridled at compromises that Soini has taken as part of an austerity-focused government that has cut workers' benefits while catering for an influx of migrants. "Of the three coalition partners, we have been the one to pay the cost," Soini said. "Some of our supporters are miffed. Many ... think that our line and rhetoric are not tough enough at the moment... But Finland needs a strong majority government, and no one can say anymore that we wouldn't be up to the task." The coalition, which also includes the Centre Party and the conservative NCP, almost collapsed last year over hotly debated health care reforms, but Soini said it would battle on to try to fix a troubled domestic economy. "We disagree on some issues, but ...we have been able to come up with solutions so far." Asked whether he would like to continue into a third decade as leader after the party's congress next summer, the 54-year-old Soini was non-committal. "This is an interesting job... but then again, 20 years is a long time," he said. (editing by John Stonestreet)
LA GOULETTE (Tunisia) (AFP) - A celebrator band played as a cruise liner docked Thursday in the port of Tunis for the first time since a March 2015 jihadist attack killed 21 tourists in the capital.

The German-operated MS Europa motored into La Goulette with some 310 passengers on board for a one-day stopover.

The tourists, cameras at the ready, were greeted by a band of soldiers playing trumpets and drums, as well as camels and North African dancing, and shopkeepers garlanded them with jasmine necklaces as they disembarked.

"It's huge for me to be reopening my shop and it warms my heart to see life return to the village," said 39-year-old Haifa Dargouth.

Tunisian authorities, who ordered high security for the visit, hope to lure back the big cruise operators who have abandoned the country for the past 18 months since the gun attack on the capital's Bardo National Museum.

"The arrival of the liner Europa does not in itself signal the resumption of cruise liner activities in Tunisia," said Malek Ghanemi, head of La Goulette's cruise liner terminal.

"But it's very important because it sends out a positive and reassuring message," he told AFP.

Salah Issa, a camel owner in his 40s who has been in tourism since he was 12 years old, was delighted to be back at work.

"This atmosphere is doing wonders for my morale," said Issa, as he welcomed tourists and let them sit on his camel's multicoloured saddle for free.

"I was rotting away in unemployment" after the Bardo attack. "My camels were going hungry."

Gabriella, a tourist from Berlin, was all smiles as she headed off for Tunis medina, or old city, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.

"I'm not scared at all," she said.

Tourism Minister Selma Rekik Elloumi attended a special ceremony later Thursday, underlining the significance of the ship's stopover for a key sector of the Tunisian economy.

Story continues

A Switzerland-based company is also planning a stop in Tunisia in January, she told AFP.

Many of the tourists who died in the March 18, 2015 attack claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group that also killed a policeman were on cruise stopovers.

- Sigh of relief -

Tunisia's tourism sector has been in crisis ever since the revolution of 2011 which led to the overthrow of longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

The industry used to contribute around seven percent of GDP and supported 400,000 jobs.

Dozens of hotels were forced to close last winter following the Bardo attack and another in June 2015 around a beach hotel in Sousse that killed 38 foreign holidaymakers including 30 Britons.

Britain continues to advise its citizens against all but essential travel to most of Tunisia.

As incense filled the air around him, businessman Maher Lassoued breathed a sigh of relief.

"The Bardo attack completely destroyed me," said the 49-year-old, who returned to Tunisia to do business after the 2011 uprising, renting five shops in La Goulette.

"For the first time in my life, I was unemployed for more than a year and unable to pay what I owed."

But he said the cruise ship docking in Tunis gave him renewed hope. "I'm breathing with both lungs again," he said.
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Nothing can shield Donald Trump from the brutal honesty of children.

Jennifer Jacobs, Bloomberg's national political reporter, captured the moment the Republican presidential nominee met a classroom full of first graders at International Christian Academy in Las Vegas.

SEE ALSO: An exhaustive video of the worst Donald Trump insults

1st graders at International Christian Academy react to Trump walking into their class. pic.twitter.com/5ZQr7Ep98G  Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) October 5, 2016

One child at this Las Vegas school kept saying "I'm nervous! I'm nervous!" Another said "I want to touch his hair because it's orange." https://t.co/eMaV4uQE8D  Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) October 5, 2016

"See Anna?" one little girl brags to a classmate. "I told you that his hair wasn't orange."

An astute observation, indeed.
(The following statement was released by the rating agency) SINGAPORE, October 05 (Fitch) Fitch Ratings has assigned an expected rating of 'A-(EXP)' to Export Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad's (MEXIM) proposed US dollar-denominated senior notes, which will be issued under its USD3bn multi-currency medium-term note programme. The final rating is subject to the receipt of final documentation conforming to information already received. KEY RATING DRIVERS The notes are rated at the same level as MEXIM's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR). This is because the notes will constitute direct and unsecured obligations of the bank, and hence rank equally with all its other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. RATING SENSITIVITIES Any change in MEXIM's IDR will have a corresponding effect on the rating on the notes. For further information on MEXIM's ratings and credit profile, see the rating action commentary www.fitchratings.com/site/pr/1010555 ">Fitch Affirms Two Malaysian Banks; Upgrades HLBB, dated 19 August 2016 at www.fitchratings.com.">www.fitchratings.com. MEXIM was established in 1995 and is 99.9%-owned by Malaysia's Minister of Finance (Incorporated). The Federal Lands Commissioner holds one ordinary share. MEXIM's other ratings are as follows: - Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR 'A-'; Outlook Stable - Support Rating '1' - Support Rating Floor 'A-' Contact: Primary Analyst Elaine Koh Director +65 6796 7239 Fitch Ratings Singapore Pte Ltd 6 Temasek Boulevard #35-05 Suntec Tower Four Singapore 038986 Secondary Analyst Tamma Febrian Associate Director +65 6796 7237 Committee Chairperson Grace Wu Senior Director +852 2263 9919 Date of the Relevant Rating Committee: 18 August 2016 Media Relations: Leslie Tan, Singapore, Tel: +65 67 96 7234, Email: leslie.tan@fitchratings.com. 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Respect for human-rights and rule of law have deteriorated markedly during the term of Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a new U.S. government report, which blames an ideological tightening within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as a slowing economy brings the legitimacy of its rule into focus.

The almost 80,000-word bipartisan U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) 2016 report, released Thursday morning, raises long-festering issues such as repression of ethnic minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang, as well as the erosion of autonomy in the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.

However, the CECC notes a broader corrosion of freedoms, encompassing a social and political reinforcement of the supremacy of the CCP under Xis leadership, with deleterious consequences for civil society, media freedom, labor rights and judicial due process.

Xi has overseen a deterioration in human-rights and rule of law conditions in China marked by greater consolidation of his own power  leading some analysts to draw comparisons to Mao Zedong  through forced ideological conformity and the systematic persecution of human rights lawyers and defenders, says the CECC report.

Here are five areas the CECC deems to be of particular concern.

1. Rule of Law

When China joined the World Trade Organization 15 years ago, it made commitments regarding enshrining financial fair play and judicial independence. However, the CECC report says that China has failed to implement substantive legal reforms, and instead of rule of law has become rule by law  that is, using the law as a means to expand control over Chinese society while disregarding the law when it does not accommodate Party imperatives or advance Party objectives.

Late last year, the U.N. Committee against Torture concluded that China had failed to eliminate torture, enforced disappearances, deaths in custody, and numerous other forms of ill-treatment in detention. The CECC says the Chinese authorities continue to use black jails and other forms extrajudicial detention to suppress individuals such as petitioners, rights activists and members of the banned socio-religious group Falun Gong.

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Xis tigers and flies anti-corruption campaign has also seen accusations of torture and coerced confessions and even a spate of suicides by those in line for CCP disciplinary investigations.

Xi is also looking to promote allies ahead of a major leadership transition next year, Meredith Sumpter, Asia director of Eurasia Group think-tank, tells TIME. His efforts to ensure that he will be able to fill the five available positions on the Politburo Standing Committee have included making political rivals targets of anti-graft probes.

2. Civil Society

Rule by law has also increasingly been used to quash civil society, and groups and individuals working in what were previously acceptable areas are finding that they are under siege.

Much of this stems from Document No. 9, the internal CCP directive issued just as Xi came to power, which pointed to Chinas flourishing civil society as a risk to the Partys hold over society. Advocates of civil society want to squeeze the Party out of leadership of the masses at the local level, even setting the Party against the masses, to the point that their advocacy is becoming a serious form of political opposition, says the document.

To cite just one, sadly typical example, the Beijing Zhongze Womens Legal Counseling and Service Center was shuttered in February 2016, despite more than two decades advocating for anti-domestic violence litigation and the protection of land rights for rural women.

The party is determined to clamp down on any civil society that they deem to be a threat, says William Nee, Hong Kong researcher for Amnesty International. But what they consider to be a threat is really open to interpretation.

Chinas new foreign NGO and domestic Charity Laws are designed to interpret that threat pretty broadly, drastically limiting the ability for civil society to operate outside government sponsorship.

3. Labor Rights

Over the last three decades, CCP legitimacy has been inextricably linked to economic growth and raising the living standards of the Chinese people. But that legitimacy is facing unprecedented challenges as economic growth slows to the weakest annual rate in 25 years and economic liberalization flounders. Although the official urban unemployment rate at the years end was a mite over 4%, economists caution that the true unemployment rate was most likely higher.

The Hong Kong-based China Labour Bulletin (CLB) recorded 2,773 strikes and protests in China in 2015, more than twice that of a year earlier. The CECC also documented growing labor unrest, especially in the construction and manufacturing industries, as well as a government crackdown on labor advocacy.

Labor NGOs have long been subjected to various forms of harassment, often when their actions chaff with the interests of venal individuals connected to the CCP, but labor rights advocates have reported a comprehensive upping of pressure from late 2014.

One such advocate He Xiaobo, of the Nan Fei Yan Social Work Services Center, was previously feted and even received government funding for his work assisting migrant laborers. However, in December 2015 authorities detained He and charged him with embezzlement. He is now free on bail.

More than a dozen other labor rights advocates have been similarly targeted, including the government award-winning Zeng Feiyang, director of Panyu Migrant Workers Center, who last week received a suspended sentence for disturbing public order. This was despite court records showing that government officials had approved of the collective bargaining agreement that was the spur for the charges.

With the economy slowing down, the government is nervous, as workers have shown their ability to not just organize, but organize and win, says CLB researcher Keegan Elmer. The NGOs are a crucial part of the broader worker struggles in the country, and this ruling and crackdown were directed just as much at their struggles as they were at civil society and international labor rights.

4. Media

Freedom of the press has, of course, never been a strong point since the birth of the Peoples Republic. This year, China ranked 176 out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, and was the worlds worst jailer of the press for the second year in a row, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

In addition, for the first time since 2012, a foreign journalist, French reporter Ursula Gauthier, was effectively expelled from China, owing to her critical coverage of the governments ethnic policies in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.

According to analysis by Washington-based advocacy group Freedom House, of government directives in 2015, prohibited topic areas were far broader than mere criticism of the regime, dissident activities, or perennially censored issues  (typically Taiwan, the personal wealth of CCP bigwigs, Tibet and the Falun Gong).

In November 2015, a Criminal Law amendment came into force that placed journalists at risk of criminally charges for fabricating false reports when covering hazards, epidemics, disasters, and situations involving police.

Information on public health and safety, economic policy, official malfeasance, media censorship, civil society crackdowns, and the Partys reputation are also increasingly forbidden, reports the CECC.

While attempting to report Augusts stock market tumble, for example, Caijing Magazine journalist Wang Xiaolu was arrested for suspected violations of colluding with others and fabricating and spreading fake information on securities and futures market, according to state news wire Xinhua.

Sumpter says Xi has reigned in the growing autonomy that the media was enjoying under his predecessors, who allowed Chinese citizens  albeit with many restrictions  to connect with each other, access information and express views over the Internet.

Xi thus came to power genuinely concerned about the legitimacy and long-term viability of the Party, says Sumpter. His primary pursuit as Chinas leader has been to reform the Party and re-exert its influence and control over all aspects of the state.

5. Nationalism

Increasingly, CCP directives exhibit a nationalist bent. The 13th Five-Year Plan, adopted this year, explicitly cites an intention to spur a great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in line with the Chinese dream.

Authorities in Tibetan and Xinjiang autonomous areas continue with policies that further threaten indigenous culture, religion and language, even labeling ordinary religious activities by Uighur Muslims as extremism and terrorism. Self-immolation protests in Tibetan communities have slowed  perhaps, the CECC speculates, due to the authorities imposing collective punishment on the family members of self-immolators.

Outside of restive regions, there has been a clampdown on religious organizations deemed to be not under state control. An estimated 1,500 crosses from the steeples of churches have been removed, even though the churches were state-sanctioned. Some 20 churches have been completely demolished. In the Kaifeng municipality of Henan province, the local Jewish community has reportedly begun to experience government restrictions on religious activity.

According to Nee, the Beijing authorities are drafting ever more laws with a national security focus: It seems to be the default position of the government that the penetration of foreign forces can have a negative effect on China.

The Chinese government has not yet commented on the CECC report, but has previously defended its own human-rights record while criticizing the U.S. The U.S. is notorious for prison abuse at Guantanamo prison, its gun violence is rampant, racism is its deep-rooted malaise, Chinese diplomat Fu Cong told the U.N. Human Rights Council in March.

On Sept. 29, Chinas State Council released an action plan on human-rights. Law-based governance shall be advanced, judicial protection of human rights strengthened and orderly civil participation in political affairs expanded to effectively protect the peoples civil and political rights, the action plan said, according to state news wire Xinhua.
Hurricane Matthew weakened to a Category 3 storm overnight on Friday, but the National Hurricane Center (NHC) insisted that it remained "extremely dangerous" as it moved closer to the east coast of Florida.

It came after President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency for Florida , Georgia and South Carolina on Thursday, and Florida Gov. Rick Scott , begged residents to flee from the predicted landfall.

Hurricane Matthew packed gusts of 100 miles per hour (160 kph) as it tracked north-northwest along Florida's east coast, the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory. The storm's eye was 25 miles (40 km) east of Cape Canaveral, home to the nation's chief space launch site.

The NHC added that the center of the hurricane was expected to move "near or over" the East Coast of the Florida peninsula overnight on Friday and reach the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina on Saturday. The maximum sustained winds are forecast to be 120 miles an hour.

Matthew's winds had dropped on Thursday night and into Friday morning, downgrading it to a Category 3 on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane intensity, where it could either plow inland or tear along the Atlantic coast through Friday night, the Miami-based center said.



Few storms with winds as powerful as Matthew's have struck Florida, and the NHC warned of "potentially disastrous impacts."

The U.S. National Weather Service said the storm could be the most powerful to strike northeast Florida in 118 years.

Around 1.5 million people have fled Atlantic coastal areas as the storm nears land.



About 300,000 Florida households were without power, local media reported. In West Palm Beach, once lit street lights and houses went dark and Interstate 95 was empty as the storm rolled through the community of 100,000 people.

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency in all 100 counties in the state.

The declaration allows the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency to aid state and local responses to Matthew, which could cause tens of billions of dollars of damage to coastal areas.

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Obama committed to providing necessary federal resources to help states respond to the hurricane in separate phone calls with the governors of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Florida. The president also asked those in affected areas to follow the guidance of emergency response officials.

Scott emphasized in a Thursday news conference the need to flee the storm, telling residents and visitors that "this is not something you should take a chance with, time is running out" and that "there are no excuses" for staying in an evacuation zone.

"You need to leave now," he implored. "Evacuate, evacuate, evacuate."

Scott reiterated those pleas later Thursday, saying "no one should be taking a chance." He urged people to evacuate to a storm shelter.

"Your safety, not comfort, is the most important thing," Scott said.

The governor said his state was expecting up to 8 inches of rain and wind of about 125 mph. Some eastern coastal areas can expect storm surge of 5 to 9 feet above ground level  with large waves towering above that level. Scott said about 1.5 million people are under evacuation orders.

Evacuations were under way in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina after Matthew, which hammered Haiti and Cuba, began battering the Bahamas.

The number of people killed by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti rose to at least 478 people on Friday, as information trickled in from remote areas previously cut off by the storm, officials said.

With the numbers rising quickly, different government agencies and committees differed on the total death toll. A Reuters tally of deaths reported by civil protection officials at a local level confirmed 478 had died.

Haiti's central civil protection agency, which takes longer to collate numbers, said 271 people died because of the storm. Some 61,500 remain in shelters, the agency said.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal encouraged residents to take heed of the mandatory evacuation.



"Well, we are not going to go drag anybody out of their houses against their will, but the mandatory evacuation designation is significant," he said in a news conference, explaining it is the highest warning the state can give for voluntary evacuations.

"I want everyone to understand we are being cautious, but we don't want anyone to panic," Deal said.

Scott said he was activating an additional 1,000 members of the Florida National Guard to help with evacuations, bringing the total to 2,500 active members. He also tweeted that he is asking Obama for additional resources to deal with possible power outages and flooding in the aftermath of the storm.



Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine told CNBC that while the area does not have an evacuation order yet, it has closed schools and beaches and is "fully prepared" for the storm.

"We're there making sure everybody understands this is very, very serious," Levine said.

He urged residents to stay inside as the weather worsened later Thursday.

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the name of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

NBC News and Reuters contributed to this report.





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Flosstradamus is the undeniable leader in trap-dance dynamics. It was Floss' remix of Diplo's "Original Don" that sparked the whole movement. It is that Chicago-bred duo that takes the sound and puts it on its back, and it is Floss that Billboard Dance turned to when compiling the 21 best trap songs of all time, but it hasn't always been an easy path.

The 21 Best Trap Music Songs Ever

Before the HDYNATION went worldwide, there was just Flosstradamus and a club full of dancers trying to make something happen. Floss was always too hood for the house heads and too electro for the hip-hoppers. The duo had to create their own night where trance and trap could co-mingle in beautiful peace.

The Chicago duo takes us down that path to success in its latest video, "Came Up," featuring FKi1st and graves on production, as well as vocals from Post Malone and Key! It's a real jam, with Malone's dreamy vocals setting the story. It's been a wild ride, and it ain't over yet. Check the video below.
noaa hurricane hunter jet giv p3 gulfstream

A lot of meteorologists sit behind computers to crank out hurricane forecasts and warnings.

Others, however, fly straight into the terrifying storms.

Their goal is to figure out where hurricanes are headed and help people on the ground stay safe.

That's precisely why a small fleet of "hurricane hunter" jets and turboprop planes fly through storms.

Unless someone is out in a storm measuring crucial meteorological data that's difficult for satellites to get, we can't reliably classify a storm like Hurricane Matthew or know its true power and behavior.

Master Sgt. Brian Lamar of the US Air Force Reserve, who flies such missions, told Business Insider in a previous story that these missions run in eight- to 12-hour shifts until a storm "fizzles out in the ocean, and it's no longer a threat to land, or it makes landfall."

Jim Van Fleet, a meteorologist at CBS Tampa (WTSP 10) is currently on a hurricane hunter flight through Matthew and is tweeting his experience.

This is Van Fleet's view outside the window:

And here's a look at the plane's data instrument panel:

But what do hurricane hunters do, exactly, while flying through one of nature's scariest phenomena?

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Shirley Murillo is a NOAA meteorologist who's also flown on such missions, which record hurricane wind speed, temperature, humidity, air pressure, rainfall, and other variables that are tricky for satellites in space to measure in detail.

Some of the planes deploy disposable probes, called dropwindsondes, to get this data:

Lamar said missions fly in a figure-eight pattern, "puncturing" into and out of the eyewall  the powerful band of clouds around the storm's eye or center  several times while dropping the probes.

This helps researchers figure out a hurricane's larger structure and movement:

All of the information is critical to issuing accurate warnings for millions of people who live in areas prone to one of nature's most destructive forces.

Here's the kind of picture  literally  that hurricane hunters can help paint as a team:

First pass through Hurricane #Matthews eye by hurricane hunter plane in hours shows central pressure has dropped a bit = growing stronger. pic.twitter.com/YgDeAXZ35L  Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) October 6, 2016

Murillo previously told Business Insider by email what hurricane hunting is like:

shirley murillo noaa hurricane hunter

"Most of my colleagues and myself fly in the WP-3 Orion airplane. NOAA has two of them. It's our work horse! The P3 flies inside the hurricane at about 8-10,000 feet above sea level. Our flights are about 8 hours long as we collect data in all quadrants of the storm."

"All storms are different therefore the flights all feel different. Some flights are bumpy. They feel like if you were going on a regular commercial airline through some turbulence. Some flights can get extra bumpy especially when we get close to the storm's center (the eye)."

"In order to reach the eye we have to cross the eyewall. A hurricane's eyewall tends to have the strongest winds and updrafts so the plane can get jostled while we cross it."

"A lot of people think it's dangerous but we are very safe. Safety is key in what we do. The pilots are highly trained and know how to fly in extreme weather conditions like hurricanes."

"NOAA flies every hurricane season. NOAA's Hurricane Research Division drives the science that is conducted on the aircraft. We fly different types of flight patterns depending on what type of data we are collecting. We also launch instruments in the storm that gives us measurements of how the storm is evolving."

"We have a Doppler radar mounted on the tail of the aircraft that provides information on the structure of the storm. All the data that we collect is transmitted in real-time to the National Hurricane Center for the forecasters and it also goes to our computer models that take the data that aids in improving our forecasts."

NOW WATCH: This drone flies inside hurricanes to gather data that could save your life





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MTV veteran Andy Schuon has teamed with a number of longtime television, radio and digital-media executives to form Every Day Networks. Backed co-founder and board chairman Gary Veloric, Every Day Networks is a vertically integrated media company focused on over-the-top digital brands.

The company, headquartered in Los Angeles and with offices in Europe, launches with an initial portfolio of channel brands that includes Fuel TV, which was recently acquired from Fox, as well as PlanesTrains+Automobiles and Business Rockstars.

We believe Every Day Networks is what a successful media company looks like in the 21st century, said Schuon, co-founder and CEO. Were set up with great brands and a great team to follow the audience as they migrate to new viewing platforms that enable an entirely new commercial model for our industry.

Schuon previously served as president of CBS Radio and as head of programming at MTV and VH1. He most recently collaborated with Sean Combs on the launch of cable channel Revolt.

Among Schuons initial executive team are former Tribune Company chief digital officer Don Meek, who will serve as chief operating officer; Fuel TV founder CJ Olivares as chief content officer; and former Fox Networks Group executive Austin Wignall as head of audience development.

The breadth of experience of Andy Schuon and his team is a perfect match to create a transformational business model in this new era of television, said Veloric, co-founder of specialty finance company JG Wentworth. Every Day Networks plans to expand distribution of its initial brands globally through OTT expansion, while seeking out additional brands for acquisition.
Angers (France) (AFP) - Dusty and somewhat faded, as befits its onetime use as insulation for horse stables, a priceless piece of medieval artistic heritage, France's Apocalypse Tapestry, is getting a welcome clean-up.

As the French culture minstry says, it's high time "to see what state this old lady of upwards of 600 years of age is in."

In truth, she is a little frayed at the edges, her once gloriously vivid red, blue, green and yellow threads less eye-catching than when the 104-metre (340 feet) oeuvre of wool and silk, showing the Apocalypse according to the Revelation of Saint John, was first crafted at the behest of Louis I, duke of Anjou, in 1373.

This feast of dragons, angels and seven-headed beasts depicting in gory style John's vision of the last days, was done about three centuries later than the better known Norman conquest era Bayeux Tapestry embroidered cloth -- but it is larger.

The work, which purports to be the longest tapestry in the world, originally stood 5.8 metres high compared with its current 4.6 metres, and was around 40 metres longer but it has lost some 20 panels and part of its border over time.

Surviving sections of the 14th century masterpiece, state property since 1905, are now showing multiple signs of wear and tear as well as the effects of gallery lighting after having been on permanent display since the mid-1950s at Angers Chateau, about 300 kilometres (190 miles) southwest of Paris.

The culture ministry has been busy collecting data for "an autopsy to decide what we do in terms of restoration and guarantee its long-term public showing," says castle administrator Herve Yannou.

As the deep clean progresses, the gallery has been plunged into virtual darkness with scaffolding erected to permit miniscule, "square centimetre by square centimetre," scrutiny of the huge work.

It involves identifying, then quantifying all kinds of deterioration, say restorers Suzanne Bouret and Montaine Bongrand from the Loire region cultural affairs department (DRAC).

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- Delving into pictorial past -

The inspectors have to probe deeply and carefully. Is the tapestry dustier at the end on display at the entrance or the exit of the gallery? Is there greater deterioration towards the top or the bottom?

They must also take into account temperature and humidity levels, grime, warping or tension in the fabric linked to hanging. Everything gets measured.

Four sections out of a total of some 70 surviving scenes have been taken down. The rest remain on display while those removed from the work which, highly unusually, is reversible, undergo examination and cleaning.

Yannou points out a section depicting medical examiners on the reverse side of a scene called the Harvest of the Chosen Ones and the Sleep of the Just panel showing seven men sharing two beds.

Such scenes offer those who gaze upon them "a stunning smorgasbord of colour," says Yannou, marvelling that time has been kind to the colour rendition of the section.

"The reverse side not only tells a story of the beauty of its colour hue but also the different interventions which have taken place" over the centuries.

"Here, part has been rewoven. There, one can see retouching techniques with new wool and threads going off in all directions," says Bouret, hunched over one section as a colleague vacuums away to suck up dust before weighing a tapestry that has endured being moved several times.

- 'Like an X-ray' -

After a century in the keep of the dukes of Anjou, Rene of Anjou bequeathed the artwork in the late 15th century to Angers Cathedral.

Some 200 years later, the bishopric was faced with what to do with the tapestry when the political climate conspired to see Church art fall victim to the chaotic aftermath of the French Revolution.

That period saw various works destroyed and the tapestry was cut up and used variously as floor mats, stable insulation and anti-frost covers for fruit.

The work, which had fallen into "a thousand fragments," was rescued in 1850 by a church canon, who took a first stab at restoration, says DRAC curator Clementine Mathurin.

"On the reverse side you see a mass of things which were designed to stay hidden. It's like an X-ray... you're really inside the skeleton of the tapestry," says Bongrand, who hopes that counting up the number of threads and weaves will tease out details of the technique used to produce it.

"We hope to unearth the secrets of this artistic and historic masterpiece from the Hundred Years War (between England and France, 1337 to 1453), created in just seven years," says Yannou.

"Where was it woven and in how many workshops? How many people were involved? It's a mystery..."

For Yannou, although it's largely unknown to the general public even in France, the Apocalypse Tapestry is Angers' very own answer to the Sistine Chapel, which it predates by fully a century.
Paris (AFP) - France's far-right National Front (FN) party and two of its senior officials have been ordered to stand trial for alleged election campaign spending fraud, sources close to the case told AFP Thursday.

Investigating magistrates have accused the FN and its treasurer Wallerand de Saint-Just and one of its vice-presidents, Jean-Francois Jalkh, of fraud, abuse of trust and misuse of assets.

The party's leader Marine Le Pen was questioned by investigators but has not been charged.

The case concerns the alleged abuse of millions of euros of government money paid to reimburse campaign spending in both the 2012 legislative and presidential elections.

Investigators suspect the party exaggerated its expenses to claim more than it was due.

The party and both officials deny any wrongdoing.

Le Pen is tipped to reach the second-round runoff in next year's presidential election.

Her 88-year-old father and the FN's founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen, returned to court on Wednesday in the latest round of his battle to overturn his exclusion from the party ordered by his daughter, Marine.

She had him kicked out last year over a string of inflammatory comments that were undermining her efforts to make the anti-immigration party more palatable to the public.
Washington (AFP) - French Finance Minister Michel Sapin on Thursday called on the Group of 20 to prevent the use of so-called "free ports" in the sale of stolen art to fund terrorism.

"We have to fight the trade in works of art as part of the fight against terrorist financing," he said before a meeting of G20 finance ministers, held in conjunction with annual meetings in Washington of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

In countering terrorist financing, "there is a weak link, which is the existence of free ports," he said, places where works of art stolen in Iraq or Syria could be sold to support the Islamic State group.

He was referring to the special economic areas like those near international airports that allow the duty-free import, storage and re-export of goods, never passing through customs.

Among the best known, the Geneva Free Port operates as a warehouse complex outside the Swiss city, and some of its clients include art investors and traders who store expensive pieces there.

"These free ports exist in certain countries. I am referring in particular to Switzerland but not only there," said Sapin, calling the areas "opaque" because works of art may be stored there without notice to local authorities.

"I would like rules for transparency to be put in place," added Sapin. He has previously called for tax havens to be blacklisted, a measure adopted at this year's G20 summit in China.
By Bernie Woodall

MORAINE, Ohio (Reuters) - Chinese auto supplier Fuyao Glass Industry Group will complete a total of $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing investments by the end 2017, including about $500 million it has put into an automotive glass plant in Ohio, the company's chairman told Reuters.

Ahead of the ceremonial opening of the Moraine, Ohio plant on Friday, Fuyao Chairman Cho Tak Wong said Fuyao has started renovating an industrial building in Plymouth, Michigan, outside of Detroit. Cho said Fuyao will invest about $100 million there and employ "at least 1,000 people." That plant is set to open by the end of 2017, Cho said.

"Once the Plymouth plant is complete we will have invested $1 billion in North America, Cho said.

On Friday, Cho plans to lead the celebration of the $500 million investment in the old GM plant, which now employs more than 2,000 workers and will have as many as 2,500 by the end of next year.

Fuyao's ceremony comes at a time when the loss of U.S. factory jobs to China and other countries is a major issue in the presidential election.

Cho said his company's decision to establish factories in the United States was driven by executives at General Motors Co (GM.N) and other automakers urging him to locate glass production near their U.S. vehicle assembly factories.

"For our customers, they had the expectations that you will be located close to them for supply chain stability, Cho said. "If you ship from China, it is subject to all sorts of disruptions such as weather or shipping company delays."

Production at the Moraine plant, near Dayton, will allow Fuyao to double its current 12 percent share of the U.S. automotive glass market, said John Gauthier, president of Fuyao Glass America.

Fuyao bought the old GM plant for $15 million, got more than $10 million in tax credits and infrastructure enhancements from the state of Ohio, and was able to cut costs and speed the start of production, compared to building a plant from scratch.

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"It probably reduced the costs by half and the timing by half," said Gauthier, the company's highest-ranking U.S. executive.

Fuyao holds 20 percent of the global market, making it among the two leaders, in large part because it commands 70 percent of the world's biggest new vehicle market in China.

Fuyao also has invested about $250 million in a float glass plant in Illinois that employs about 250 workers.

Cho, 70, maintains an office at the Ohio plant with a large walnut desk imported from China and a painted portrait of the chairman as a younger man. His main office is at Fuyao's headquarters in Fuqing on China's southern coast.

The Moraine building Fuyao is using once was a GM assembly plant that at one time employed more than 6,000 people.

(Reporting by Bernie Woodall; Editing by David Gregorio)
By Bernie Woodall MORAINE, Ohio (Reuters) - Chinese auto supplier Fuyao Glass Industry Group <600660.SS> will complete a total of $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing investments by the end 2017, including about $500 million it has put into an automotive glass plant in Ohio, the company's chairman told Reuters. Ahead of the ceremonial opening of the Moraine, Ohio plant on Friday, Fuyao Chairman Cho Tak Wong said Fuyao has started renovating an industrial building in Plymouth, Michigan, outside of Detroit. Cho said Fuyao will invest about $100 million there and employ "at least 1,000 people." That plant is set to open by the end of 2017, Cho said. "Once the Plymouth plant is complete we will have invested $1 billion in North America, Cho said. On Friday, Cho plans to lead the celebration of the $500 million investment in the old GM plant, which now employs more than 2,000 workers and will have as many as 2,500 by the end of next year. Fuyao's ceremony comes at a time when the loss of U.S. factory jobs to China and other countries is a major issue in the presidential election. Cho said his company's decision to establish factories in the United States was driven by executives at General Motors Co and other automakers urging him to locate glass production near their U.S. vehicle assembly factories. "For our customers, they had the expectations that you will be located close to them for supply chain stability, Cho said. "If you ship from China, it is subject to all sorts of disruptions such as weather or shipping company delays." Production at the Moraine plant, near Dayton, will allow Fuyao to double its current 12 percent share of the U.S. automotive glass market, said John Gauthier, president of Fuyao Glass America. Fuyao bought the old GM plant for $15 million, got more than $10 million in tax credits and infrastructure enhancements from the state of Ohio, and was able to cut costs and speed the start of production, compared to building a plant from scratch. "It probably reduced the costs by half and the timing by half," said Gauthier, the company's highest-ranking U.S. executive. Fuyao holds 20 percent of the global market, making it among the two leaders, in large part because it commands 70 percent of the world's biggest new vehicle market in China. Fuyao also has invested about $250 million in a float glass plant in Illinois that employs about 250 workers. Cho, 70, maintains an office at the Ohio plant with a large walnut desk imported from China and a painted portrait of the chairman as a younger man. His main office is at Fuyao's headquarters in Fuqing on China's southern coast. The Moraine building Fuyao is using once was a GM assembly plant that at one time employed more than 6,000 people. (Reporting by Bernie Woodall; Editing by David Gregorio)
While the on-screen events of Game of Thrones are pretty grotesque, we now know the off-camera conditions aren't a breeze either.

Star Emilia Clarke shared an Instagram video from Belfast, Ireland on Wednesday, in which the wind is blowing so hard it eventually overpowered the Emmy-nominated actress.

And then I fell over. Or rather a brisk 50mph N.Irish wind caught me unawares.... #gameofhowtostanduprightinagaleforcewind #atleasttheviewmsdeitallworthiteh? #bitoftailwinddoesnicleyonadragonridethough.... A video posted by @emilia_clarke on Oct 5, 2016 at 1:10pm PDT

"And then I fell over," Clarke wrote. "Or rather a brisk 50mph N. Irish wind caught me unawares... #gameofhowtostanduprightinagaleforcewind #atleasttheviewmsdeitallworthiteh? #bitoftailwinddoesnicleyonadragonridethough"

Clarke gave off some serious Khaleesi vibes when she spoke to ET on the 2016 Emmy Awards red carpet last month.

WATCH: Emilia Clarke and Sophie Turner Slay at Emmys, Talk 'Game of Thrones' Tattoos

The 29-year-old actress stunned in a curve-hugging Atelier Versace gown that she paired with killer dragon heels.

"I'm like the biggest fan of the show. It's ridiculous," Clarke told ET, explaining that she can't wait to get her GoT scripts. "I have to read everything, obsessively, like, as soon as they come in."

Season 7 of Game of Thrones returns to HBO in summer 2017.

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Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson said he is comfortable with his decision to run even if he turns out to take votes from Democrat Hillary Clinton  securing a victory for Republican Donald Trump.

Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric asked the former New Mexico governor to address a concern among some voters that most third-party candidates hear on the campaign trail: the possibility that his presence on the ballot would result in a spoiler effect.

If, in fact, your candidacy helps Donald Trump become president of the United States, are you comfortable with that? Couric asked.

Johnson, who is extremely critical of the nations two-party system, did not immediately talk about the possibility of a Trump victory. Instead, he brought up how hes giving independents another option.

Heres what Im comfortable with, he said, is that right now I am leading among independents and right now 50 percent of Americans who are going to register to vote are registering as independents. 50 percent! Thats amazing. Wheres their representation? Well, right now, Im leading in that category.

He also said hes tied with Clinton among millennials and predicted that he may even surpass her for youth support by Nov. 8. But Couric returned to her initial concern about being a spoiler candidate.

If that doesnt happen, governor, though, she said, and lets just say you are siphoning votes primarily from Hillary Clinton and you help put Donald Trump over the finish line, will you feel comfortable with that?

Im feeling really comfortable about offering people their first vote, he responded.

Couric beseeched Johnson to answer her question, and he insisted that he was. He started to say that its irrelevant whether or not his campaign inadvertently helps Trump, before finally acquiescing.

Absolutely, Katie. Absolutely. Im going to sleep well at night. I could[nt] care less about Democrats and Republicans. I think theyve lost touch with America.

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He contended he was polling ahead of Clinton and Trump among active military personnel  likely referencing a poll conducted by Doctrine Man  and believes that this is based upon his ideas, particularly regarding the use of the U.S. military.

I feel great about my life. I feel great about my life. I feel great about this endeavor, he said.

No matter the outcome, Johnson said, his team is going to continue to address the issues that need to be talked about in the United States. He accused Clinton and Trump of ignoring the need to reduce military spending and to reform Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

Johnson suggested that everything is not just rosy in the U.S. with the regular two parties running things.

Its not an option to do nothing when so many issues are facing this country.
Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson makes a point during a news conference before a rally in Parker, Colo., Oct. 3, 2016. (Photo: David Zalubowski/AP)

After several foreign affairs gaffes, Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson sidestepped an opportunity to somewhat redeem himself and demonstrate that hes knowledgeable about the world.

In an interview on Wednesday, the New York Times asked Johnson, a former governor of New Mexico, if he knew the name of North Koreas leader.

I do, the third-party candidate replied.

You want me to name the person, he continued, before adding, Really. Johnson ultimately declined to provide a name.

The current supreme leader of North Korea is Kim Jong Un, who succeeded his father, Kim Jong Il, in 2011.

Johnsons inability or refusal to name Kim follows several slip-ups when pressed on knowledge of international relations.

In early September, Johnson was widely ridiculed after drawing a blank on Morning Joe when asked about Aleppo, the most populous city in Syria and the epicenter of the ongoing refugee crisis.

Johnson recently failed to provide the name of a foreign leader whom he admires during an appearance on MSNBC. He subsequently attributed this to the shortcomings of the worlds leaders.

Its been almost 24 hoursand I still cant come up with a foreign leader I look up to.  Gov. Gary Johnson (@GovGaryJohnson) September 29, 2016

Undeterred, Johnson has insisted that an extensive knowledge of geography or world leaders is not a prerequisite to being a successful commander in chief. In fact, he has suggested that his ignorance could actually be a boon to the Oval Office.

In his Times interview, Johnson said Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton bears a burden of responsibility for some of the bloodshed in Syria and that her expertise about the world does not reduce this.

Because Hillary Clinton can dot the is and cross the ts on geographic leaders, of the names of foreign leaders, he said, the underlying fact that hundreds of thousands of people have died in Syria goes by the wayside.

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Despite these embarrassing moments, Johnson has attracted a good deal of attention in the current White House race. Several major newspapers, such as the Chicago Tribune and the Richmond Times-Dispatch, have endorsed Johnson as a sound alternative to Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump.

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Microsoft has revealed plans to release a film adaptation on the third-person shooter game with Universal Pictures.





The news comes in advance of the upcoming release of "Gears of War 4" which drops October 11.

According to Variety, it's unclear if the film will be a straight adaptation of the original story arc which follows soldier Marcus Fenix in the battle against an invasive threat called the Locust, or if the silver screen version will be based on a new plot line altogether.

Producers Scott Stuber ("Ted") and Dylan Clark ("Rise of the Planet of the Apes") have signed on to the project.
* Concardis owners eye complete or partial sale - sources

* Investor sought for investments in new technologies - sources

* Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank expected to sell stakes - sources (Adds names of potential bidders)

By Arno Schuetze and Alexander Hubner

FRANKFURT, Oct 6 (Reuters) - German banks are putting jointly-held payments group Concardis up for sale, with the group seeking a partner for investments in new technologies, people close to the matter said on Thursday.

Concardis offers card payment terminals as well as payment technology for e-commerce groups and may appeal to peers as well as to private equity companies, the people said.

It posted core earnings of 33.9 million euros ($37.9 million) and a net profit of 24.2 million euros on sales of 480 million euros last year. It said in its annual report that core earnings were expected to rise 7 percent this year.

If valued in line with listed peers, which trade at 10-15 times their expected core earnings, Concardis may fetch 360-550 million euros.

German savings banks and privately-held banks each own 39 percent of Concardis. Another 20 percent is held by cooperative banks.

Shareholders including Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank and Unicredit have signaled they want to sell out, while some of the other lenders may stay partially invested, one of the sources said.

Concardis has already received a number of expressions of interest from buyout groups as well as other payment systems suppliers. It is currently preparing data for potential bidders and is expecting to receive first offers by early November, the source said.

Private equity groups with expertise in financial assets such as Advent and Bain - the former owners of Worldpay - as well as Permira and Warburg Pincus are expected to bid for Concardis, the sources said.

It may also appeal to peers such as France's Ingenico and Atos, U.S.-based First Data or Germany's B+S.

Concardis, which is working with KPMG and Deloitte but without the help of an investment bank, declined to comment, as did its owners.

($1 = 0.8950 euros) (Reporting by Arno Schuetze and Alexander Huebner; Editing by Mark Potter)
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's federal and state governments will in future decide together whether to ban the cultivation of crops with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that are allowed in the European Union, a draft law showed, ending a long dispute. An EU law in March 2015 cleared the way for the approval of new GMO crops after years of deadlock. But it also gave individual countries the right to ban GMO crops even after they have been approved as safe by the European Commission. In Sept. 2015, Germany told the EU it would not permit the cultivation of GMO crops but there has been disagreement whether this ban should be undertaken by federal or state authorities. Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt had previously wanted the states to implement the ban, but the states thought it should be up to the federal government. Justifying a ban is seen as legally tricky and so could be contestable. Government sources said all German ministries had agreed on the draft law, seen by Reuters, and it would now be discussed with the states and industry associations before it is likely to go to cabinet in early November. (Reporting by Hans-Edzard Busemann; Writing by Michelle Martin. Editing by Jane Merriman)
Berlin (AFP) - Germany's trial of a 96-year-old former Nazi medical orderly at the Auschwitz death camp has collapsed, a court spokesman said Thursday.

No date for a retrial of Hubert Zafke has yet been set after the proceedings were derailed by complaints that the judges were biased.

"When this will happen we cannot say yet," Carl Friedrich Deutsch, a spokesman for the court, said in a statement.

Zafke had faced charges of at least 3,681 counts of being an accessory to murder in the concentration camp in Nazi-occupied Poland.

But concerns over his mental and physical health had led to repeated postponements of the trial in the northeastern lakeside town of Neubrandenburg.

Over the last few hearings, a parade of doctors have been quizzed about Zafke's mental health, reaching contradictory conclusions.

Prosecutors, and civil plaintiffs, had in turn launched motions of bias against the judges, charging that they were unwilling to try wheelchair-bound Zafke.

Deutsch said the prosecutors had asked three judges to recuse themselves. There was insufficient time to decide whether to grant or reject these requests before the next scheduled hearing next Monday.

The spokesman added bluntly that he couldn't understand why prosecutors would employ a legal tactic that left them open to charges they had "torpedoed the proceedings which they themselves had launched".

- Anne Frank in Auschwitz -

The charges against Zafke focus on a one-month period in 1944 when 14 trains carrying prisoners -- including the teenage diarist Anne Frank -- arrived at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Frank, who arrived in Auschwitz with her parents and sister, was later transferred to another camp, Bergen-Belsen, where she died in March 1945, just two months before the Nazis were defeated.

Thursday's announcement marked the end of a case that had been marred by five delays and at times deteriorated into farce, increasingly frustrating victims' lawyers.

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The International Auschwitz Committee, which represents Holocaust survivors, had sharply attacked Germany's handling of the case, saying the court was hurtling "between sloppy ignorance and complete disinterest" in a resolution.

Some 1.1 million people, most of them European Jews, perished between 1940 and 1945 in Auschwitz before it was liberated by Soviet forces.

More than 70 years after the prosecution of top Nazis began in Nuremberg, Germany has been racing against time to try the last Third Reich criminals.

Zafke was the fourth former concentration camp worker in the dock in the latest series of trials, following John Demjanjuk in 2011, Oskar Groening in 2015 and Reinhold Hanning this May -- all convicted of complicity in mass murder.

Those cases were hailed for providing a degree of catharsis for aged survivors, even if they shed little new light on the Holocaust.
Ghana has said it will remove a statue of Mahatma Gandhi from a university campus in the nations capital where it had sparked protests over the leaders allegedly racist attitudes.

The statue, which was unveiled by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee during his visit to Ghana in June, was meant to symbolize friendship between the two countries, according to Ghanas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But professors and students at the University of Ghana called the statue a slap in the face because of Gandhis racist identity. They started an online petition calling for the statues removal.

The petition, which had more than 1,700 supporters on Thursday, cited letters Gandhi wrote during his time in South Africa as evidence that he advocated for the superiority of Indians over black Africans. It also took issue with his use of the derogatory term kaffir to refer to native Africans and criticized the lack of statues of African heroes and heroines on campus.

In light of the petition and protests on social media, Ghanas government wants to relocate the statue to ensure its safety and to avoid the controversy, the countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday.

Gandhi is known for peacefully leading Indias independence movement, but a biography published last year also explored the darker side of his time in Africa.
Paris (AFP) - Life expectancy worldwide has jumped by a decade since 1980, rising in 2015 to 69 years for men and nearly 75 for women, according to a comprehensive overview of global health released Thursday.

These extra years came in large measure thanks to a sharp drop in deaths from communicable diseases, especially over the last decade, said the Global Burden of Disease report, published in The Lancet.

Despite population increases, combined mortality from HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis -- both major killers -- fell by more than a quarter, from 3.1 million in 2005 to 2.3 million in 2015.

Over this period, annual deaths due to diarrhoeal diseases decreased by 20 percent.

And malaria mortality plummeted by more than a third, from 1.2 million in 2005 to 730,000 last year.

During that decade, life expectancy went up in 188 of 195 countries and territories.

At the same time, however, non-communicable diseases of all kinds -- ranging from cancers to heart disease and stroke -- claimed more lives, with the death toll rising from 35 million in 2005 to 39 million in 2015.

"As we live longer, the burden of non-communicable diseases is rising -- along with the attendant costs of treatment," Kevin Watkins, head of Save the Children UK, noted in a comment, also in The Lancet.

Many of the diseases on the rise are associated with ageing: cancers, coronary artery disease, cirrhosis of the liver and Alzheimer's, among others.

The paradox is that even as lifespans grow, more people are spending more time in ill health of living with disabilities, the 100-page study found.

Centralising the expertise of nearly 1,900 experts, the report -- coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle -- comes at the juncture between two major UN health initiatives.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), set in 2000, set hard targets for reducing child and maternal mortality, and combatting key communicable diseases, by 2015.

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A 15-year clock on a new set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) -- several of them health related -- began running last year.

The report is intended as a benchmark for this new effort.

There have been other major health gains over the last quarter century.

The number of deaths of children under five, for example, dropped by more than 50 percent from 1990 to 2015, to 5.8 million.

- National score cards -

But that was still well short of the MDG calling for under-five mortality to be slashed by two-thirds.

Had that target been met, another 14 million children would have survived to see their fifth birthday.

There were exceptions to the generally positive trends, many stemming from conflict.

Since 2011, global deaths from war have risen massively due in large part to fighting in Syria, Yemen and Libya.

Male life expectancy in Syria has dropped more than 11 years since the civil war there began.

In 2015, the number of people displaced by armed conflict and disasters reached a record 65 million. Over half of the world's refugees are children.

The report also "graded" countries, indicating whether mortality levels from specific causes were lower or higher than expected, taking into account each nation's income and education levels, as well as fertility rates.

The United States, for example, scored very poorly on coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and drug abuse.

Many Eastern European countries scored poorly on these, as well as alcohol abuse and stroke.

Western European and East Asian countries, generally speaking, scored highest.
(Reuters) - Earnings at U.S. automakers are expected to decline in the next two years as negative pricing and lower production weigh on North America results, Goldman Sachs said, downgrading the sector to "cautious" from "neutral".

Major automakers posted September U.S. sales that were slightly lower than a year ago, despite big consumer discounts, as pickup truck volumes fell for both General Motors Co <GM.N> and Ford Motor Co <F.N>.

"The US auto cycle peaked in 2015 and is currently being held at a plateaued level by increasing OEM incentives," analysts David Tamberrino and Mariel Kennedy wrote in a note.

The analysts said they expected seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) to hold steady from current levels into next year, followed by a gradual decline.

The brokerage downgraded Tesla Motors Inc <TSLA.O> to "neutral" from "buy" and cut its price target to $185 from $240.

The analysts said any delay in the timeline for the launch of the electric carmaker's much-hyped Model 3 would hurt shares. They also cited Tesla's deal to buy SolarCity Corp <SCTY.O> as a concern.

"Combination of Tesla and SolarCity  two high growth, high cash burn businesses, creates a higher risk entity," the analysts wrote.

Tesla's shares were down 2.65 percent at $202.93 in premarket trading on Thursday.

The analysts were neutral on Detroit carmakers Ford and GM, saying dividend yields are a cushion and not at risk over the next 12 months.

Shares of both companies were untraded premarket.

The brokerage downgraded auto part suppliers Lear Corp <LEA.N> and BorgWarner Inc <BWA.N>. Lear's rating was cut to "sell" from "neutral", while BorgWarner was downgraded to "neutral" from "buy".

However, the brokerage said suppliers who had more international profit exposure could see earnings hold up longer, maintaining a "buy" rating on Lear's rival Delphi Automotive Plc <DLPH.N>.

(Reporting by Shashwat Awasthi in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
Among the many achievements of Mike Pences strong performance in Tuesdays vice-presidential debate was that for long stretches he made it unusually possible to envision how Republicans might effectively govern if Donald Trump wins the presidency. But the very manner of Pences success hinted at the tension and division that would more likely ensue if Trump overcomes his deficit against Hillary Clinton.

Pence performed so well because he systematically linked Trump to mainstream conservative thinking on economic, social, and foreign-policy issues. The Indiana governor, a former leader of House conservatives, made the classic Ronald Reagan small-government argument for lower taxes and less regulation more crisply and confidently than Trump has ever done. Donald Trump and I, Pence insisted, have a plan to get this economy moving again just the way that it worked in the 1980s. In the debates final moments, Pence offered an impassioned affirmation of the social conservative case against abortion rights. And on foreign policy he again portrayed Trump as a return to Reagans vision, promising the nominee would deliver peace through strength. In all, Pence situated Trump squarely in the mainstream of ideas that most Republican office-holders have championed for years.

Recommended: Against Donald Trump

But, as many commentators quickly noted, Pence managed that only by strenuously ignoring much of what Trump has actually said during his mercurial career. In the process, Pence also wished away the disruptive and discontented forces in the GOP coalition that powered Trumps nomination.

Repeatedly, Pence softened what Trump has said, ignored it, or, when cornered, simply denied it. Though Pence forcefully prosecuted the case for change, the cumulative impression he left was that he did not defend so much of what Trump has said because he too considered it indefensible.

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In fact, on that front, the evening could have been even tougher for Pence. Tim Kaine pressed Pence primarily about Trumps praise of Russian leader Vladimir Putin and his derogatory comments about women and undocumented Mexican immigrants. Kaine repeatedly tied Pence in knots simply by asking him to defend Trumps own declarations on issues such as NATOs future role and the advisability of more nations, like Saudi Arabia and Japan, obtaining nuclear weapons. That allowed Kaine to frequently take the offense, despite his lackluster defense of President Obamas record and Clintons agenda.

Pences frequent inability or unwillingness to defend his running mates plain words on Putin or nuclear proliferation foreshadowed how difficult it would be for congressional Republicans to follow Trump down those roads if he wins. Yet all of that only scratched the surface of issues that would divide a President Trump, and the heavily blue-collar voters who elevated him, from most congressional Republicans and the GOPs key business supporters.

Recommended: She Had a 'Grapefruit-Sized Tumor' on Her Shoulder. Her Mom Chose Prayer Over the E.R.

For a more complete list, a good place to start is my conversation with House Speaker Paul Ryan last week at the Washington Ideas Forum co-sponsored by the Aspen Institute and The Atlantic. In the interview, Ryan did his best, as throughout the campaign, to avoid discussing Trump while highlighting the Better Way agenda that House Republicans have crafted. And Ryan made a genuine plea for voters to provide Republicans unified control of Congress and the White House.

But when I asked Ryan about Trumps threat to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement if Mexico and Canada do not substantially renegotiate it, he crisply demurred: Let's work on improving and not talk about withdrawing [from] it. When I asked if Ryan would drop his plan to convert Medicare into a premium support system or to reform Social Security because Trump has repeatedly said he opposes any changes in the programs, the speaker made clear he would not. If we blow another presidency and don't fix these entitlement problems and then get around to it after the boomers are well under retirement, it will be ugly reforms that pull the rug out from under people after they're retired, he said.

Ryan was equally dismissive of Trumps promises to spend even more on infrastructure than the $275 billion plan Clinton has proposed. That's not in the Better Way agenda, he said, laughing. As throughout the campaign, Ryan rejected Trumps plan to accelerate deportation of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants: I think there is a way to deal with the undocumented population that doesn't involve mass deportation. And though Ryan wasnt familiar with Trumps call to limit legal immigration to restrict the total share of the U.S. population born abroad, the speakers initial reaction was skepticism: Ive never looked at it like that. While Trump has stressed law and order, Ryan reaffirmed his support for criminal-justice reform.

Recommended: For Young Voters, 'Hope and Change' Is Dead

In that litany, Ryan opposed most key components in the bristling insular populism that Trump used to build a winning primary coalition centered on working-class whites. Trumps enthusiasm for entitlement and infrastructure spending, his hostility to international trade and foreign alliances, and his provocative positions on immigration and crime, all reflect priorities of the partys growing blue-collar wing. Yet to Ryan, many other Republican legislators, and much of the partys business leadership, those positions are economically irresponsible, racially indefensible, and politically suicidal.

If Trump won and attempted to implement his agenda, the fractures in the GOP would be much more jagged than Mike Pence allowed in the airbrushed portrait of unity he painted Tuesday night. That prospect is one key reason so many GOP leaders are privately debating whether the party would face greater long-term risk from a Trump defeator victory.

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This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
By Karolina Tagaris LESBOS, Greece (Reuters) - For months Greek fisherman Stratis Valamios would steer his boat out to sea, only instead of fish, he pulled out people. Day after day, rubber boats packed with refugees and migrants would attempt the short but dangerous crossing to Greece from Turkey, even as winter set in and the seas turned rough and winds grew violent. "It was like a war zone," Valamios, now a co-nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, said of his tiny seaside village of Skala Sikamnias on Lesbos, the island where more than 800,000 people escaping war and conflict in the Middle East and beyond arrived in 2015. "You had the wounded, the dead," he said matter-of-factly. "We brought in many babies out here on the concrete, on the tables, and they died in our arms." No one knows how many people Valamios and other locals saved from drowning, but it is believed to be in the hundreds. Together with other islanders, Valamios has been nominated by Greek academics and the Hellenic Olympic Committee for the Nobel Peace Prize. They have been chosen symbolically to represent all Greeks and volunteers who helped refugees. The award will be announced in Oslo on Friday. Far to the south, Lesbos, Greece's third-biggest island and just over four miles from the Turkish coast, was the frontline of Europe's refugee crisis last year. At its peak, as many as 3,000 people were arriving on its shores a day. The dinghies often collapsed under the weight of three times as many people as they were designed to hold, crammed in by smugglers eager to make an easy profit by charging some $1,500 per head. Hundreds drowned and many bodies are still missing. "Imagine being here and seeing drowned children on the beach, or saving a father whose baby has drowned, or saving a baby whose mother and father have drowned," Valamios said. The headless body of a baby washed ashore on a nearby beach earlier this year. One mother lost two of her children, he said. One washed up in Greece, the other in Turkey. Some days, Valamios would fit 20 people in his 3-metre (less than 10 foot) long motorboat. Its railing is still broken and wobbly from when one Syrian man tried to desperately cling onto it, he said. 'DID THE RIGHT THING' Those days are gone, and since March, when the European Union and Turkey agreed a deal to close off that route, only a handful of refugees arrive each week. So life in the picturesque harbor has resumed its sleepy pace. Its cobbled square, once heaving with Greek and foreign volunteers, is filled only with just the sound of seagulls squawking and waves crashing on the rocks. The shoreline was once bright orange from hundreds of discarded life jackets, but they have since been cleared, as have the dozens of deflated dinghies which littered it. Even so, each time Valamios and other fishermen head out to see, they can't help but be on the look out for vessels in distress, he said. "The island deserves it," said 63-year-old Thanasis Marmarinos, referring to the prize, as he repaired his fishing nets in the port. But on a personal level, it wasn't so important. "I am morally satisfied with what I did, that I helped these people. Everything else, including the Nobel, is not important." Down the road, fellow Nobel nominee Emilia Kamvisi, an 86-year-old grandmother and the daughter of Greek refugees who fled Turkey in 1922, said she never expected tragedy to hit home but felt compelled to help, having heard stories of her own family. "In this old age I will die with a clear conscience," she said. If they win, the $930,000 prize will go towards struggling Greek island hospitals, the nominating committee has said. For Valamios, Kamvisi and Marmarinos and others in the village, little will change. "On Friday, when they give the Nobel, bombs will still fall and people will still get killed," Valamios said, referring to Syria, torn apart by five years of war. "I will feel neither happy nor sad. I just know I did the right thing," he said. (Editing by Jeremy Gaunt.)
By Alister Doyle OSLO (Reuters) - Global spending on infrastructure will total $90 trillion in the next 15 years and is the key to greener economic growth after the Paris agreement on climate change won a formal go-ahead, a study said on Thursday. A global commission, including former heads of government, business leaders and economists, said resilient infrastructure from the design of roads to rural water supplies could limit both global warming and pollution and ensure economic growth. "Investing in sustainable infrastructure is the wisest decision we can take for our future," former Mexican President Felipe Calderon, head of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, said in a statement. On Wednesday, the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change passed a key threshold of support needed to enter into force in what President Obama hailed as a historic day for protecting the planet. "We have agreed a global climate agenda, now we should act on it," Calderon said. The study took a broad view of infrastructure saying it encompassed energy supplies, public transport, buildings, water and sanitation as well as what it called the "natural infrastructure" of forests and wetlands. Overall, it projected infrastructure investments from now until 2030 of around $90 trillion, roughly double recent levels and mostly in developing nations and cities. Investment needs will rise partly because of a rising global population. A billion more people will live in urban areas by 2030, roughly the equivalent of building a city the size of Washington every month, Calderon told Reuters. The projected investments in the period to 2030 are slightly bigger than the World Bank's estimate of global gross domestic product of $73 trillion for 2015. The report called for a rapid phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies, which it estimated at $550 billion in 2014, to help greener investments, and wider pricing of emissions of carbon dioxide, the main man-made greenhouse gas. Nicholas Stern, of the London School of Economics and a co-chair of the commission, said governments and investors needed to adopt new policies for investments in the next two or three years, given long lead times. He said the world economy had been weak since the financial crisis around 2008, despite government attempts to spur growth. "Many things have been tried, but what hasn't been tried properly ... is strong investment in sustainable infrastructure," he told an online news conference. (Reporting by Alister Doyle; Editing by Catherine Evans)
A hungry baby doesn't stop for anything  even if a Disney princess was asking for her photo while breastfeeding.

Read: Mom With Breast Cancer Breastfeeds Her Son For The Last Time Before She Has A Mastectomy

Mari Villaluna, a single mother from San Francisco, said she was looking forward to taking her baby to Disneyland when her sister came to visit last April.

They sat down at a restaurant when suddenly, little Ami Chinni, who was only 2 month old at the time, began crying.

"When I say crying, I mean it sounds like screaming," Villaluna joked.

She then began to nurse her baby  at the same moment her sister had beckoned Belle from Beauty and the Beast to their table, and pulled out a camera.

"They said, 'Smile'," Villaluna said, "I didn't want [my baby] to miss out on the opportunity."

A photo posted by Mari's Baby (@amichinni) on Oct 2, 2016 at 8:02am PDT

Before she knew it, her sister had snapped a photo of her nursing her baby next to a Disney princess.

She shrugged it off, and had continued to breastfeed when Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog strolled over. Again, her sister snapped a picture.

A photo posted by Mari's Baby (@amichinni) on Oct 5, 2016 at 5:28pm PDT

Read: Girl, 5, Gets Happily Ever After When Disney Princesses Surprise Her at Adoption Court Hearing

"It looks like a big thing to do, but really it was normal. I don't know if they noticed or they didn't notice," Villaluna told InsideEdition.com. "The only person that recognized was Princess Cinderella. She just came back later."

Watch: Fairy Godmother Gives Comfort to Grieving Mom Carrying Her Daughter's Ashes in Teddy Bear

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By Peter Hobson LONDON (Reuters) - More than half the money donated to groups campaigning in Britain's EU membership referendum was given by 10 individuals or companies, according to research published on Friday, raising questions over the outsize influence of the wealthy on politics. Anti-corruption campaign group Transparency International UK also said 95 percent of donations to the 'Leave' and 'Remain' campaigns in the run-up to the June 23 Brexit vote were made by only 100 donors. "The debate around the biggest question we have faced in a generation was financed by an astonishingly small group of exceptionally wealthy donors. That's a dangerous place for any democracy," said Duncan Hames, Transparency International UK's director of policy. "It illustrates the general dependency of our country's political parties on a millionaires club of some 50 donors, many of whom also sit in the House of Lords," he added in a statement, referring to parliament's upper chamber. Transparency International said public trust in politics was falling, with 76 percent of respondents to a poll run by the group saying wealthy individuals were using influence on government to benefit their own interests and 28 percent saying most or all members of parliament were involved in corruption. It said the two largest donors in the Brexit vote were David Sainsbury, the former chairman of the supermarket Sainsbury's, who donated 4.2 million pounds ($5.32 million) to Remain between January and June, and stockbroker Peter Hargreaves, who gave 3.2 million to the Leave campaign. The third-largest donor, a group called Better for the Country which donated 2.1 million pounds to Leave, had not declared the source of its income, Transparency International said. Britons voted to leave the EU by 52 percent to 48 percent, launching the country into its biggest constitutional shift since World War Two and resulting in downgrades to its economic outlook. Transparency International recommended a cap on political donations of 10,000 pounds per donor per year, as well as tighter rules over declaring and companies donating. It said one-sixth of reported donations to political parties since 2001, or 125 million pounds, were made by companies. Current rules do not limit the size of donations but require political parties to declare large sums. Britain was rocked in 2006-07 by a "cash for honours" scandal when police investigated allegations that the then ruling Labour Party had rewarded some donors with appointments to the House of Lords. No charges were brought. (Reporting by Peter Hobson; editing by Stephen Addison)
LONDON (Reuters) - London's Heathrow airport could build a third runway without breaking European pollution laws, according to research published before a British government decision on airport expansion, the BBC reported on Thursday. Europe's busiest airport is battling Gatwick, London's number two airport, for government approval to build an extra runway, with a final decision due in the next few weeks after more than two decades of deliberations due to local protests about noise and pollution. Heathrow, Britain's biggest port which handles a third of the country's non-EU exports, says it can build more routes with trading nations but has faced greater scrutiny over its environmental impact. Gatwick says it can build a new runway at a lower cost and with less harm to the environment. In a potential boost to Heathrow, research from the University of Cambridge showed that any increased levels of poisonous nitrogen oxide from a new runway would be offset by lower pollution from traffic nearby as cleaner car models become more common, the BBC said. The research, with no formal links to the airport or the government, used small sensors dotted around the airport to pick up changes in air quality more comprehensively. "There will be more pollution (from the projected runway at Heathrow) but it will be against a background of reduced pollution from the wider area, and so the general pollution level will drop, we think below the critical level we now have for health impacts," Professor Rod Jones told the BBC. However Cait Hewitt, deputy director of Britain's Aviation Environment Federation, told the BBC that basing a decision on the assumption car emissions would decline was "irresponsible in the extreme" because there was no supporting evidence. Heathrow has said it will comply with an extended ban on night flights and meet European air quality rules if the project gets the green light. It has also said it will meet 11 conditions set out by Britain's Airports Commission, including a requirement on air quality which states that new flights will only be permitted if air quality does not breach EU limits. The University of Cambridge said the results of the research have not yet been published. (Writing by Elisabeth O'Leary; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Adrian Croft)
Womens Health 4x3

On Tuesday, November 8, Americans will have the chance to go to the polls and elect the next president of the US.

Women's health is usually a particularly divisive issue between Democrats and Republicans, but presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump actually agree on a few issues.

There are others that they split on completely, however.

Here's how the two compare on key issues, based on positions outlined on their campaign websites and public statements.

Women's Health

Abortion

Clinton has come out strongly in support of reproductive rights and a woman's right to choose.

She secured the endorsement of Planned Parenthood during the primaries and has continued to gain the support of a slew of reproductive-rights groups, like NARAL, which is heavily involved in repealing anti-choice laws on the books and Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers or TRAP laws. TRAP laws have been criticized by pro-choice groups for imposing undue legal burdens on doctors and medical facilities that provide abortions.

hillary clinton women's rights are human rights un

Clinton has criticized Republicans for attempting to defund Planned Parenthood, noting that it "would restrict millions of womens access to critical health care services, like cancer screenings, contraception, and safe, legal abortion," according to her official campaign website.

"I am not only against defunding Planned Parenthood, but I would like to see Planned Parenthood even get more funding," Clinton told Fusion in January.

She has also promised to work to repeal the Hyde amendment, which pro-choice activists criticize for restricting access to abortion for lower-income women.

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And she expressed strong support for President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act, which, among other things, "bans insurance companies from discriminating against women and guarantees more than 55 million women access to preventive care."

Trump has expressed a strong opposition to abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, and when the mother's health is endangered.

At a Republican presidential debate in February, Trump acknowledged that Planned Parenthood "helps millions and millions of women" who go for services like breast and cervical-cancer screenings. However, he also said that he would defund it because a portion of its services go toward providing abortions.

The businessman has vacillated on his position on abortion in the past.

In 1999, he told NBC's Tim Russert that he was "very pro-choice," and said he would not ban late-term abortions if he were president. In 2000, he said he changed his mind and would support a ban on late-term abortions. In 2010, he told ABC's George Stephanopoulos that Stephanopoulos would "be very surprised" by his position on abortion; he did not elaborate.

In 2011, Trump came out as pro-life. In 2015, he said he was pro-life, with certain exceptions  in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother was at risk. In July of that year, he said he supported a 20-week ban. In March 2016, he told MSNBC's Chris Matthews that women who have abortions should face some sort of legal punishment, but quickly walked that claim back after facing backlash.

The vice presidential candidates discussed abortion at length during the debate Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican Mike Pence had on October 4.

Kaine is personally pro-life, but said he would uphold the constitutional right women have to make their own choice to get an abortion if they need or want one.

"I think you should live your moral values. But the last thing, the very last thing that government should do is have laws that would punish women who make reproductive choices," Kaine said at the debate. "And that is the fundamental difference between a Clinton-Kaine ticket and a Trump-Pence ticket that wants to punish women who make that choice."

Pence insisted that Trump did not want to punish women for having abortions, chalking it up to the fact that he's not a "polished politician" like Clinton. But he did reiterate their pro-life platform.

"A society can be judged by how it deals with its most vulnerable, the aged, the infirm, the disabled, and the unborn. I believe it with all my heart," Pence said at the debate. "And I couldn't be more proud to be standing with a pro-life candidate in Donald Trump."

Sexual assault

Military sexual assault

In the US, one out of five women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. For women in the military, 85% of those assaults go unreported.

Clinton has proposed a number of ways to curb sexual assault, which include providing "comprehensive" support to survivors of sexual assault, like counseling and healthcare  both of which should remain confidential and cooperative. She has proposed reforming the criminal-justice system and reporting systems across college campuses to ensure that the process is smooth, transparent, and fair to victims of assault.

She also supports increasing sexual-violence-prevention programs across high schools and colleges to train students to identify and prevent sexual assault. Clinton has pointed to her previous work in curbing this issue, such as her support for the creation of the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women, her cosponsoring of the Violence Against Women Act in 2005, and her leadership on a UN resolution "that established guidelines for an international response to sexual assault in war-torn areas."

Trump has not issued an official campaign statement on sexual abuse, but he has made a number of public remarks on the subject. In 2013, after the prevalence of sexual assault in the US military became a topic in the media, Trump issued a tweet that said, "26,000 unreported sexual assaults in the military-only 238 convictions. What did these geniuses expect when they put men & women together?"

NBC host Matt Lauer brought up the tweet at the Commander-in-Chief Forum September 7, and asked Trump if the only solution is to take women out of the military.

"It is a correct tweet. There are many people that think that that's absolutely correct," Trump said. "Not to kick them out, but something has to happen. Right now, part of the problem is nobody gets prosecuted."

Paid family leave

donald trump ivanka paid maternity family leave

The US is the only developed country that doesn't guarantee paid family leave, and both candidates want to change that. Trump even mentioned their consensus on the issue at the first presidential debate.

"As far as child care is concerned and so many other things, I think Hillary and I agree on that," Trump said. "We probably disagree a little bit as to numbers and amounts and what we're going to do, but perhaps we'll be talking about that later."

Clinton wants the federal government to require 12 weeks of family leave  for both mothers and fathers  to care for a new child or a sick family member, or to recover from a personal severe injury or illness. She plans to pay for the change by raising taxes on the very wealthy.

"It's clear that there are so many challenges facing young families today that we have to come to grips with, and we have to work together to try to find the best menu of options," Clinton said at a campaign event in July. "Because there is just no 'one-size-fits-all.' People have different needs."

Trump proposes six weeks of guaranteed paid leave only for mothers who have just given birth. Women would get the same amount of money they would get if they were on unemployment benefits, which is less than their full salary. He wants to pay for it by eliminating fraud in unemployment insurance.

"Government policies are stuck in the past, and make already difficult choices regarding care arrangements even more difficult," Trump's campaign site reads."Outdated policies in many cases cause women to make choices that are not the best for either their families or the economy."

NOW WATCH: 'Is abortion murder?'  Watch Trump's latest garbled response





More From Business Insider


Fiscal surplus to steady at 1% of GDP from 2016-2019.

Ongoing efforts to improve Singapore's CPF system highlight the government's continued efforts to minimise its welfare spending as the population ages and this will be positive for the government's fiscal position, said BMI Research.

The research firm forecasts the government to maintain a small fiscal surplus averaging 1.0% of GDP from 2016-2019.

The PAP government has stated that it will review the CPFIS in a bid to ensure a higher rate of return for investors. Being set up to offer Central Provident Fund (CPF) members a way to earn higher returns on their savings by investing in various financial instruments, Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam noted that the CPFIS had failed to achieve its primary objective as members would have been better off leaving their money in the Ordinary Account, which earns a guaranteed 2.5% each year. It was observed that the CPFIS had not worked out due to high fees and behavioural biases, where investors were quick to withdraw their funds from the CPFIS if they were able to obtain higher returns elsewhere.

Established in 1953, CPF is a compulsory savings plan to enable working Singaporeans and permanent residents to fund their retirement, healthcare, and housing needs. It is an employment-based savings scheme, with employers and employees contributing a mandated amount to the Fund and often functions as the main form of retirement savings for many Singaporeans

"In our view, the government's willingness to address and tweak the issues with CPF in order to enable the scheme to continue achieving its objectives are positive for the Singapore government's fiscal position, and indicate that the government remains committed to ensuring the best for its citizens," said BMI.

In response to the feedback from an advisory panel, the government has stated that it will look into how best to introduce a simple, aggregated, low-cost investment option, and will announce its findings in 12 months. This should include incentives for individuals to keep their money in one account for the longterm (instead of switching from one investment to another) since this is how superior long-term returns are earned.

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At the same time, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will be reviewing the CPFIS system to enable it to achieve its purpose while keeping fees low.

As such, BMI noted that these efforts to ensure that the majority of the population has a basic level of savings required for retirement will enable the government to keep a tight grip on welfare spending even as the population ages rapidly.

"The government's spending on welfare and retirement remains small, coming in at approximately 7% of total expenditure in 2014 (latest available data from Singstat) and we expect this to remain fairly constant, keeping in line with the government's prudent policy. Therefore, we expect the changes to the CPF system to be positive for the government's fiscal position, and forecast the fiscal account to remain in surplus through the end of our forecast period in 2025," it explained.







More From Singapore Business Review


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One student really mixed things up at his school's spirit week.

While most classmates dressed up in traditional costumes representing different cultural backgrounds for Culture Day, Josh Welch dressed up as a thief  representing white people stealing other cultures.

SEE ALSO: Disney pulls 'Moana' costume after critics lambast it as 'Polyface'

Welch, a high school senior in Maryland, shared a photo of his costume on Twitter.

dressed like a thief for culture day bc white people steal everyone else's culture pic.twitter.com/XnY4juY9fh  welch's grape juice (@jotswa_welch) October 5, 2016

"Dressed like a thief for culture day bc white people steal everyone else's culture," Welch captioned the photo.

"I got the idea browsing the internet looking for a comedic outfit for a costume, and the idea just hit me," Welch wrote to Mashable.

Stop by the table outside of the cafeteria and donate food for our food drive!! Looks like the Seniors are winning right now  pic.twitter.com/bt33AgLXxQ  Springbrook SGA (@SpringbrookSGA) October 4, 2016

A lot of people on Twitter thought Welch's idea was genius.

He's also received a bout of criticism on Twitter from people arguing that white people do have a culture to be proud of.

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@jotswa_welch

"white ppl have no culture."

that's because you refuse to acknowledge ethnic backgrounds: pic.twitter.com/BAEMpT5du7  princess (@kuzasix) October 5, 2016

@jotswa_welch

You mean white culture like medicine, science, technology, antibiotics, the Internet, computers and transport?  Ty Snowdon (@TyLikesSalad) October 5, 2016

Welch's claim that white people have a history of appropriating other cultures does not mean he's denying that white people have their own cultures to be proud of. The two are not mutually exclusive.

"I've been taken aback by the criticism but the positive response has outweighed the negative," Welch said.

"I'm a huge activist against social injustice and was shocked and glad my tweet had such a huge response!"
Even presidential candidates make time to watch Saturday Night Live.

With 2016's wild campaign season heading into its final stretch, Hillary Clinton still managed to fit in an appointment with her television to check out the premiere of SNL's 42nd season on Saturday. The episode opened with Kate McKinnon reprising her role as the Democratic nominee as she squared off against Alec Baldwin's Donald Trump in a spoof of the first presidential debate, which occurred the previous Monday.

"When McKinnon came out with the walker, I thought I was going to fall off my chair," Clinton told A.J. Calloway of Extra.

She went on to praise McKinnon's theatrics, saying, "I wish I could do the jumps, the splits, the somersault." The 68-year-old presidential nominee then promised that she was "working on it." As for the next debate? "Cartwheels," Clinton joked.

Read more: Style Notes: Hillary Clinton's Response to 15-Year-Old's Body Image Question; J. Crew's New Balance Collab

It wasn't just McKinnon's portrayal that garnered Clinton's praise; she called Baldwin's take on Trump "perfect." She said it looked as if Baldwin had been "shadowing Trump," complimenting his "scowling" and "muttering." She continued: "I'm not sure who's going to show up at my next debate Sunday night."

When asked if she would consider coming back to SNL, as she did in a skit from last season's premiere in which McKinnon, playing Clinton, was surprised by the secretary of state pouring her shots behind a bar, Clinton said, "I'd have to think about it. There's a lot of ground to cover in the next 35 days, but I'm always up for standing around at a bar."

Read more: Alec Baldwin Talks Playing Donald Trump on 'SNL', How Debate "Crippled" GOP Candidate

Clinton also took time to comment on the recent Kim Kardashian robbery that occurred in Paris on Sunday. "I felt really bad for her," Clinton said. "It's horrible. I'm just glad no one was hurt."

The next presidential debate will take place this Sunday and will be co-moderated by CNN's Anderson Cooper and ABC's Martha Raddatz.

Watch Clinton's interview below.
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Hillary Clinton has commented on Kim Kardashian West's traumatic robbery.

The presidential candidate told Extra host A.J. Calloway that she feels "really bad" for Kardashian West, who was bound, gagged and robbed at gunpoint inside her Paris hotel room last Sunday.

SEE ALSO: Hey NRA: Kim Kardashian's terrifying robbery isnt a joke

"She's home now, right?" Clinton asked. "And her husband [Kanye West], he was in the middle of a concert and he just ran offstage, bless his heart."

"I'm just glad no one was hurt," she added.

Clinton's earnest reaction is likely a welcome respite from the numerous and unfunny jokes Kim K has been subjected to since the robbery, proving for perhaps the millionth time that not every news story should be fodder for jokes.

Kardashian West endorsed Clinton for president last month.

[H/T: The Cut]
Guantanamo (Cuba) (AFP) - Cuban fisherman Heneydis Suarez probably saved his and his family's lives by seeking shelter in a neighbor's house as Hurricane Matthew pummeled the island Tuesday.

But that does not make it any easier to contemplate the empty plot that used to be his own home, a small house of boards and thatch that was ripped apart by the wind.

"We came back to find this wreck. It's terrible," said the 41-year-old fisherman, who lives in Carbonera, a small fishing village near the eastern tip of Cuba that found itself in the path of the Category Four storm.

Cubans are used to hurricanes, and people with solidly built houses often welcome their less fortunate neighbors to shelter with them in a storm.

Suarez, his wife and their two children decided to do just that as Matthew arrived after pummeling Haiti and the Dominican Republic with death and destruction.

But like many of his neighbors, he returned home to find almost nothing left.

"It's difficult," he said.

"We're poor families. We don't have the means to get by. And now we don't even have water or food."

He gathered together what remained to take with him to his brother's house: two rickety fans, a box of clothes, some shoes and a few soaking-wet toys.

- Picking through ruins -

So far Cuba has not registered any casualties from the storm.

But it is only just beginning to tally the damages.

The historic town of Baracoa, the first Spanish settlement on the island, was reduced to "debris and remains," resident Quirenia Perez told AFP.

Images from the town show dejected residents picking through the ruins.

The town is one of four that have been cut off from the rest of the communist island by large rocks hurled onto the roads by the hurricane.

Few fishermen in Suarez's village were in the mood to talk as they surveyed the damage left by the storm.

One lucky man who only lost his roof worked to patch together what was left of it.

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Others, like Suarez, gathered up what possessions remained and began heading toward the homes of relatives, carrying their belongings on bicycles or their backs.

Asisley Perez, 31, was headed in the other direction. She and several neighbors were riding on an oxcart to see what had become of their homes.

"Some of us know what to expect, others are going to find out what happened to our houses when we arrive. But in the end what matters is that we're alive," she said.

Yudier Borges, the cart's 22-year-old driver, described the destruction they had seen along the way.

"Some houses lost their roofs. But I don't think there's any damage that can't be fixed with hard work -- which is what we do here from the day we're born," he said.




Source: Flickr.com

By Alan Valdes, director of floor operations at Silverbear

First up: Deconstructing the jobs numbers

Well, were at that time of the month when we get the most important government statistics that traders look to for guidance on the health of the US economy: the monthly non-farm payroll report.

Wednesdays ADP report shows slowing growth in payrolls of 154,000 vs 166,000 expected. Thats the slowest pace in six months. Unfortunately, 151,000 of all those jobs were in the service sector. I say unfortunately because those jobs are mostly low paying. The higher paying jobs in the goods-producing sectors lost 3,000 jobs. Manufacturing shed 6,000 jobs.

The unemployment rate will probably remain at 4.9%, but how accurate is that number? Lets first take a look at how the government arrives at that number. First, it uses a method introduced in 1940 called the current population survey (CPS). This survey canvases 60,000 households (representing roughly 100,000 people) to see if they were working in the last month. (Maybe its just me, but 60,000 out of a population of 3.3 million people seems a bit low.)

This survey is conducted by phone using land lines only. There are two problems with this old and inaccurate method. First, 41% of Americans use only wireless phones. For millennials, its 82%. The other problem is the labor participation rate. That rate is currently at 62.6%. Many analysts believe the headline unemployment statistic is understated because of this. Adjusting for the distortions caused by the labor participation rate would add another 6.5 million to ranks of the unemployed, bringing the unemployment rate up to 6.3%

Long-term problems with retail sales

What the team at focusedstocktrader.com and I are concerned about is the downward trend in retail sales. My colleague Seth Golden notes in his institutional report that, besides the April 1.2% outlier, sales have been anything but inspiring.

September retail sales came in at a lackluster -0.3% month-to-month. And look no further than todays guidance from Walmart (WMT), projecting a lackluster profit outlook into 2018. Even more troubling is the amount of big box stores closing hundreds of locations: Macys (M), Kmart, Sears (SHLD), and Walmart. Yes, people are using online shopping more and more, but the closing of so many stores tells us the consumer is starting to have a more difficult timeand maybe the jobs number Wall Street looks at is not showing us the real picture of Main Street.

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And then theres Hurricane Matthew

Hurricane Matthew is bearing down on Florida and the Southeast Coast of the US, and it has already caused death and destruction in the Caribbean. Traders are keeping a close eye on this major event. We are hoping everyone in the path of this category four hurricane heeds the advice of Florida Governor Rick Scott and evacuates the areas most likely to feel the impact of this killer.

Wall Street is also looking at the possible financial impact of the storm. Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast in 2005, cost the country $105 billion. Its biggest impact was felt in New Orleans. Hurricane Matthew has the potential to hit population centers from Miami up the coast to South Carolina. If Matthew remains a category four and travels up the East Coast, some analysts predict it could be a $200 billion event.

This could deliver a blow to the bottom line of insurance companies, banks (they have huge holdings in insurance companies), Disney World (DIS), cruise lines, airlines and others. On the up-side, companies such as Home Depot (HD), Lowes (LOW), and major construction companies could see a bump in this quarters numbers.

Of course, what matters most is life. President Barack Obama said it best, You can rebuild homes, but you cant rebuild a life. Stay safe.
Port-au-Prince (AFP) - The Haitian authorities have postponed presidential and legislative elections originally set for Sunday because of the havoc caused by Hurricane Matthew, election officials said Wednesday.

The impoverished Caribbean nation's last elections, in 2015, were canceled amid violence and massive fraud, leaving the country stranded in political limbo ever since.

The president of Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council, Leopold Berlanger, said a new date for elections would be announced by next Wednesday at the latest, after talks between the various interested parties.

The authorities must first assess the damage caused by Matthew, which struck Haiti on Tuesday as a Category Four hurricane with 230-kilometer (145-mile) an hour winds, he said.

The death toll from the storm stands at 10 people, but a bridge collapse cut off the area hardest hit, making the scope of the disaster still unclear.

"In the southern region, we already know that many buildings have lost their roofs and some of them were going to be voting centers," Berlanger said.

Poll workers may be among the victims or those left homeless by the hurricane, he added.

- A new hurdle -

Haiti has been immersed in a political crisis since the first round of presidential elections held on October 25, 2015, drew opposition protests.

The election authorities concluded that there had been massive fraud and canceled the election results.

The two new polling dates had been fixed for October 9 and January 18, 2017.

The Organization of American States on Wednesday expressed support for Haiti's decision to postpone the first round of voting, vowing to support "the Haitian democratic process."

"The OAS EOM will continue supporting the Haitian democratic process and will redeploy observers when the relevant authorities decide they are ready to hold elections," the chief of the OAS electoral observation mission, Juan Raul Ferreira, said in a statement.

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Of the 54 candidates who took part in the presidential vote last year, 27 have confirmed they will participate in the election of a successor to Michel Martelly, who left office in February without a replacement.

Parliament had elected interim president Jocelerme Privert, but his 120-day mandate ended in June, leaving the country in a power vacuum yet again.

Amid the political turmoil, Haitians are grappling with chronic poverty and a number of major public health issues.

The Americas' poorest nation -- home to 11 million people -- has been struggling to recover from a devastating 2010 earthquake that has left thousands still living in tents.

Cholera has killed more than 10,000 people and affected some 700,000 since an outbreak in 2010, with 500 new cases reported every week.

Matthew now looms as another major hurdle to the restoration of constitutional order in Haiti.

"The electoral process is not interrupted," Berlanger said. "We are moving forward and working more intensively to deal with everything that needs to be done and also with these new problems."
Residents buy wooden boards at a store in anticipation of Hurricane Matthew, in Coral Springs, Florida, U.S. October 5, 2016. REUTERS/Henry Romero

As Hurricane Matthew surges toward Florida Thursday, officials aren't mincing words in warning people to prepare or get out of the way.

Florida governor Rick Scott has warned coastal residents that "this is going to kill people." Evacuations of millions of people have been underway as far north as South Carolina. The National Weather Service has warned that the storm could render some areas uninhabitable for "weeks or months." It's shaping up to be one of the most devastating storms the US has seen in a long time.

There are a few simple reasons for this:

Florida has had an unusually long run without hurricanes.

Hurricane Matthew is an unusually powerful storm.

It's projected to move along the coastline, delivering sustained wind, rain, and storm surge along an unusually wide area.

The first point is fairly simple to understand. Florida has had a bizarre stretch of luck since the very active 2005 hurricane season, with not a single hurricane making landfall in the state until Hermine earlier this year.

Matthew is strengthening as it moves through the warm water of the Atlantic Ocean. You can see how intense it's eyewall is in this video of it pounding Nassau in the Bahamas:

Matthew returned to Category 4 strength Thursday morning. It also has an unusually low internal pressure, which is a proxy for its energy. Only six storms with sub-940 millibar pressure readings have struck Florida in recorded history.

6 hurricanes on record have made FL landfall at #Matthew pic.twitter.com/uqExKbQwAi  Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) October 6, 2016

Further, Matthew isn't going to move out over land after its first landfall, which can limit a storm's impact and force it to weaken. Instead, it will move up the coast, potentially making landfall several times and delivering significant surges.

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This will lead to very severe flooding, including in usually-dry areas according to the National Hurricane Center. Rainfall will also likely be very intense.

6 hurricanes on record have made FL landfall at #Matthew pic.twitter.com/uqExKbQwAi  Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) October 6, 2016

Matthew is expected to reach Florida early Friday, and move up the coast over the course of the weekend. People in impacted areas should follow local warnings.

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From Esquire

There is going to be no news at all for the next couple days except for whatever Hurricane Matthew does to Florida and the southeastern coast of the United States. The presidential campaign is going to go under in the media storm surge, as very likely will the second presidential debate Sunday night in St. Louis. It's been almost 4000 days since a major hurricane made landfall in the United States and so the cable news people have had that much time to devise new logos and scary theme music.

The storm already is freakish in its ability to re-energize itself. It is a very lucky storm, as this report from Decodedscience.org makes clear.

As the steering currents weakened, Matthew eyed his chance to slam the United States. The mountains of Haiti and Cuba, often lethal to a hurricane, stood in the way, but Matthew spotted an opening, the Windward Passage. And his luck held out as he threaded the needle between Haiti and Cuba and emerged only minimally disrupted into the warm waters of the Bahamas. Yes, the Bahamas are land, but so low that these islands don't disrupt the circulation of a mature hurricane. There's enough warm water around the islands to feed the hungry beast, which lives off latent heat of evaporation. So that's where we are now. Matthew is a mature storm, diminished to category three by its interaction with Cuba and Haiti but still very dangerous, spinning across the Bahamas, heading for the U.S.  Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

One of the more ominous reports out of Florida is that NASA has shut down the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral pending the arrival of the storm. If the prediction models hold, Matthew will be the worst storm to hit the facility since it opened in 1962. (Talk about pushing your luck.) It's been brushed by smaller storms in the past; Hurricane Frances, a category-2 event, caused about $100 million in damage back in 2004. But it never has experienced a direct hit from a Category 4 hurricane. Most of its more iconic buildings are tall and completely exposed to the weather; the massive Vehicle Assembly Building is built to tolerate only a category-3 storm.

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And, as anybody who's been there will testify, the facility is built on a marshy sea-island that's already taking a regular beating from climate change-related ocean activity. As this Gizmodo summary points out, the whole event could be dangerously unprecedented.

Here's the thing about Matthew: Space Coast has never dealt with anything like it. Not in launch history; not in meteorological records dating back to 1851. The storm is projected to pass perilously close to Florida's entire eastern seaboard beginning later today, with a Category 3 or 4 eye passing directly over Kennedy Space Center on Friday, according to Weather Underground meteorologist Jeff Masters. "We're talking about a storm that's basically hitting dead-on," Masters told Gizmodo. "I'd expect at least 90 mile per hour winds."

The technology of the place is as open to the weather as the gantry cranes are and, not to be entirely an alarmist, but if the KSC were to be destroyed by this storm, that would leave Russia essentially with the keys to space travel for quite some time. This does not fill me with confidence.

And then there's the Zika virus. The largest concentration of Zika cases in the United States is in and around Dade County, which may be spared the direct impact of the storm, but a huge rain event like Matthew quite obviously would leave massive amounts of standing water within which Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that carried the virus, could breed and thrive.

(A large part of the hot zone is at an elevation of nine feet above sea level. Some predictions have the area being inundated by a 12-foot storm surge.)

And it is not just puddles, either. Think about how water can pool in piles of debris, and in scattered wreckage. Think about endless heaps of worthless household junk. Think about thousands of evacuees leaving the current hot zones in and around Miami. Now think about all the crews coming from all over the country to help with the recovery effort over the next several months, walking amid the debris, turning it over in the heat that always follows a hurricane. Now think about all those crews going back to Iowa or Maine.

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The most direct precedent probably is the experience of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. A 2008 report from the Centers for Disease Control demonstrated how the mosquito-borne West Nile virus spiked in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

The immediate increase in cases may be attributed to increased human exposure to mosquitoes. Tens of thousands of persons in the hurricane-affected region were living in damaged housing or were waiting outside for days to be evacuated. The sudden decrease in WNND cases in the hurricane-affected areas 3 weeks after landfall could be attributed to reduced human exposure caused by eventual evacuation and aerial application of insecticides. The increase in WNND incidence in 2006 might also be due to increased human-mosquito exposure as a result of mosquito larval habitat creation (root ball voids from fallen trees, and flooded abandoned swimming pools), continued substandard living conditions, and increased outdoor reconstruction activities.

One of the abiding principles of the environmental movement always has been that the natural world-which includes human beings-is an interlocking series of systems, each dependent on the other. In the ludicrous pushback against the reality of the climate crisis, this regularly gets mocked by people who are well paid to be stupid. But the fact is that climate scientists have been warning us about the dangers of warmer oceans, which cause more intense and long-lasting storms, which can break down the space program and unleash a tropical disease.

None of these things can happen without the other things happening. That's the way this thing works, for good or ill.

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MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Hurricane Matthew has killed at least 69 people, the death toll in struggling Haiti alone rising to 65, local officials said, as the storm headed northward on Thursday battering the Bahamas en route to Florida. Haitis civil protection service put the toll in the impoverished Caribbean nation at 23 dead, many killed by falling trees, flying debris and swollen rivers. The interior ministry, a local mayor and other local delegates confirmed 42 other deaths to Reuters across Haiti. That included a group of 24 people killed in the coastal town of Roche-a-Bateau. "I've never seen anything like this," said the town's delegate Louis Paul Raphael. Four people were killed earlier in neighboring Dominican Republic. (Reporting by Joseph Guyler Delva; Writing by Simon Gardner)
Leogane (Haiti) (AFP) - A minivan plowed into a river-swamped road under the anxious gaze of bystanders keeping their distance.

It was just one instance in which Haitians braved danger to try to reunite with their families after Hurricane Matthew.

At Leogane, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the capital Port-au-Prince, all rivers have breached their banks.

Still, people are pushing across them to get to the southern tip of the impoverished country, the area hit hardest by the Caribbean's worst storm in nearly a decade.

Matthew made landfall on the southern coast of Haiti shortly after daybreak Tuesday as an "extremely dangerous" Category Four storm on a scale of one to five.

George Irel, whose family lives in the city of Les Cayes on the southern coast, was set to go.

"Even before the real arrival of the storm there, I saw the situation there was already terrible and so I was waiting for things to calm down before rejoining them," he said.

Pausing as a strong current churned the floodwaters, the 19-year-old is reassured because he knows they are alive.

"I couldn't reach them by telephone throughout the hurricane, but connections are back up since this morning," Irel said.

"I was so happy, I can't even explain, when I heard the voices of my mother and my father," he said, his eyes brimming with tears.

But this first flooded river is just one of many obstacles separating him from his relatives. Twenty kilometers away, a key bridge collapsed Monday and the raging waters around it are impassable by vehicle.

In Leogane, a Brazilian unit of UN peacekeepers are powerless to stop Haitians wanting to continue their trip south at any cost.

- Advice not taken -

Wading through water up to his shoulders, Sam Jean Paul, 30, barely crossed the torrent on foot, using a tree branch to brace each step.

"I'm determined because I want to go to see some people, some relatives in the city to learn what's happening," he explained.

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On Wednesday afternoon, the Haitian authorities lifted the red alert launched Sunday as the powerful hurricane approached.

But civil protection officials were still warning about the high risks of flooding and mudslides. Radio programs regularly broadcast advice, including which precautions to take after a hurricane.

But Paul is beyond listening.

"It's true that the advice is the opposite of what I'm going to do, but I saw some people managed to cross it, and so I can, too," he said.

But when the rain suddenly intensified, Paul pulled away from the crowd that was closely watching the daring come and go across the river.

He does not know when he finally will be able to rest and put on dry clothes. Another river that overflowed flooded his house on Tuesday.
Miami (AFP) - Hurricane Matthew was downgraded to a Category Two Friday as it churned northward up Florida's east coast after leaving a trail of destruction in Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

Here's what we know about this deadly, dangerous storm:

- HAITI -

The storm killed more than 400 people in Haiti, according to a senator from the hard-hit south of the country, which is the poorest in the Americas. The final toll is expected to be higher.

Matthew caused catastrophic damage, crushing bridges, forcing rivers to overflow and blowing roofs apart, officials said.

More than 29,000 homes were destroyed in the Sud department alone, and more than 20,000 people have been displaced, local authorities said.

Haiti's southern city of Jeremie suffered "complete destruction," with 80 percent of the buildings leveled, relief agencies said.

One million people are in need of assistance, according to CARE France, a humanitarian group.

- CUBA -

More than 1.3 million people were evacuated in Cuba, where Matthew made landfall Tuesday night.

No casualties were reported, but officials described severe damage to the historic town of Baracoa, the first Spanish settlement on the island (founded in 1511).

Authorities restored contact Friday with two eastern towns, Maisi and Imias, which had been cut off in the storm's aftermath. Both suffered power outages and serious damage but no fatalities.

- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC -

The hurricane killed at least four people -- three of them children -- and injured one in the Dominican Republic.

Some 28 people were rescued from rooftops or trees.

More than 36,500 people were evacuated, and 3,000 homes destroyed, flooded or damaged.

- BAHAMAS -

Matthew's eye moved over Freeport on Thursday, battering the islands with winds of 140 miles (220 kilometers) per hour.

Witnesses said roads were littered with fallen palm trees and smashed fences. Utility lines were down as heavy rains doused business districts and windows shattered in some coastal hotels.

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New Providence, the most populous island and home to the capital Nassau, was spared the worst of the storm, suffering downed trees and power lines, as well as structural damage to a number of commercial buildings and residences.

- UNITED STATES -

Four people died in Florida on Friday as Matthew lashed the state's southeastern coast.

The storm blocked first responders from reaching two people with medical emergencies, while two others died when hit by a falling tree.

Matthew was downgraded Friday around 5:00 pm (2100 GMT) to a Category Two storm on a five-point scale as it pummelled the northeast coast of Florida.

While no longer considered a "major" hurricane, the storm was still producing maximum sustained winds of 110 miles (175 kilometers) per hour as it traveled about 55 miles east-northeast of Jacksonville at 0000 GMT Saturday.

It remained unclear if Matthew would make landfall, and a turn to the northeast was forecast for Saturday.

A hurricane warning was in effect north of the Flagler/Volusia county line to Surf City, North Carolina.

Dusk-to-dawn curfews were in place in half a dozen South Carolina counties, as well as in Georgia's Chatham County, of which Savannah is the seat.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley urged people in coastal areas to evacuate to avoid major storm surges, fallen trees and high winds.

She said 310,000 people in the state had already evacuated.

According to forecasters, Matthew could bring destructive winds and storm surges as high as nine feet (2.7 meters) in some areas, with eight to 15 inches of rain.

Across Florida, 1.1 million people were left without power -- about 11 percent of customers -- as of late Friday.

Some 3,500 National Guard troops were activated to assist with shelters and evacuation orders.

NASA's Kennedy Space Center sustained some damage to roofs at the launch pad complex, but not to rocket hardware. Popular theme parks, including Disney World, were closed Friday.
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f237143%2fgettyimages-97212030

Mar-a-Lago, the country club in West Palm Beach that is one of Donald Trump's marquee pieces of real estate, is at risk of sustaining damage due to Hurricane Matthew.

The storm will soon bear down on the east coast of Florida, with the National Hurricane Center issuing a serious warning about Matthew's potential impact. The warning indicates the "potential for devastating damage across coastal Palm Beach County," which is where Mar-a-Lago sits.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Matthew could render areas 'uninhabitable for weeks'

In addition to seeing hurricane force winds of greater than 74 miles per hour, West Palm Beach, which is along the state's east coast, where Mar-a-Lago sits, could receive more than three feet of standing water from the hurricane's storm surge, according to a projection from the National Hurricane Center.

The experimental storm surge inundation map below shows West Palm Beach with an arrow to the rough location of Mar-a-Lago.The inundation levels refer to a reasonable worst-case scenario for the flooding of normally dry land. There is about a 1-in-10 chance that storm surge flooding at any particular location, including the area where Mar-a-Lago is, could be higher than the values shown on the map.

Storm surge inundation graphic as of Thursday morning Oct. 6, 2016.

Image: NOAA NHC

The Palm Beach Daily News reported that the estate has weathered numerous hurricanes since it was constructed in 1927.

The main building was constructed to withstand major weather events, with its structure attached to the coral reef that sits below the complex as well as many walls that a three feet thick.

Mar-a-Lago, then Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton's home in Palm Beach, Florida, in January 1928.

Image: Bettmann Archive/getty images

Trump purchased the estate in 1985 for $5 million (and a few million more for the furnishing and antiques inside), turning it into a private club as well as retaining part of it for a private family residence.

Since then, the property has been among Trump's most renowned and, at times, controversial properties. Trump sometimes ran afoul his new neighbors in the affluent but quiet Palm Beach for breaking the community's local rules.

Trump used the estate to host major events featuring well-known celebrities. Trump also held his wedding to Melania Trump at the estate, resulting in the now-iconic picture featuring The Donald, Melania and Bill and Hillary Clinton.
By Gabriel Stargardter and Harriet McLeod MIAMI/CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - People along the southeast U.S. coast fled inland, stocked up on groceries and queued for gasoline on Wednesday as President Barack Obama and state governors urged millions to evacuate or brace for a potentially devastating Hurricane Matthew. Matthew pummeled the Bahamas and took aim at the United States as the fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, appearing likely to hit Florida with powerful winds, storm surges and heavy rain on Thursday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. "I want to emphasize to the public - this is a serious storm," Obama said after a briefing with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "If there is an evacuation order in your community, you need to take it seriously." Federal emergency response teams had arrived in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, and were coordinating with state officials and stockpiling supplies, Obama said. Governors in those states have declared states of emergency, enabling them to mobilize the National Guard. Matthew, a major Category 3 storm, had sustained winds of about 115 miles per hour (185 km per hour) on Wednesday night, the Miami-based hurricane center said, adding that it was too soon to predict where Matthew was likely to do the most damage. South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has ordered an evacuation of more than a million people in coastal areas, about a quarter of whom were expected to comply. In Georgia, Governor Nathan Deal expanded a state of emergency declaration to include 17 additional counties in the southeastern part of the state, bringing the total to 30 counties, his office said late on Wednesday. Florida Governor Rick Scott urged those in vulnerable areas to evacuate early, even if orders had not yet been issued, and to use state shelters. Scott requested that Obama declare a pre-landfall emergency for Florida, which would bring federal resources such as food, water and tarps, and added an additional 1,500 National Guard members to an already active force of 1,500. Evacuations, some of them mandatory, were underway in about a dozen of Florida's coastal counties, and at least four hospitals were being cleared, Scott said. More than 1.5 million Florida residents reside in evacuation zones, Scott's office said. "If it turns at the last minute, you are not going to have time to get ready," Scott said. "You are going to put your life and your family's life at risk." In South Carolina, where the effects of the storm were expected on Saturday morning, drivers reported gridlock and long delays. The city of Charleston handed out sandbags and shovels. Some gasoline stations posted "out of gas" signs but state officials said they were unaware of any significant shortages. Lynn Pagliaro, 76, was filling up extra cans of gasoline and loading them into his sport utility vehicle in Charleston, saying he had no choice but to head inland. "I live at (a retirement community) and they're shutting off the power," he said. "I like to get out of town anyway and take the burden off local resources. I was here for Hurricane Hugo. It made a last-minute turn." Hugo, a more powerful Category 4 hurricane, slammed into Charleston in September 1989, killing 21 people and causing $7 billion worth of damage on the U.S. mainland, the hurricane center said. In Miami, the owner of an Exxon gas station in the Brickell district set up cones to form an orderly line of cars that at times stretched an entire block. "Everybody is filling up. Were about to run out of gas," said Jesus Ramirez, 56. At a nearby Publix supermarket, staff said trade was brisk with customers buying water and canned goods, concerned they might be stuck at home for days. "It's chaos," said one employee, who was not authorized to speak to reporters. Floridians on social media said they were stocking up on groceries and preparing their homes with hurricane shutters. "The grocery store shelves are practically empty," said Facebook user Sonja Smith of Boca Raton, Florida. American Airlines said it was canceling Thursday flights at three south Florida airports and all Friday afternoon flights in and out of Jacksonville. (Additional reporting by Letitia Stein and Amy Tennery; Editing by Daniel Trotta, Tom Brown and Lisa Shumaker)
Baby Nora, a polar bear that has touched hearts across the nation, will finally have all the bear necessities she truly deserves, starting with this pool filled with ice.

The baby polar cub was raised and taken in by officials from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio back in November. Nora required extra attention, as she was rejected by her mother shortly after her birth.

Read: Polar Bear Cub Captures Hearts of Zoo Goers During First Public Appearance

But in order to thrive with fellow polar bears, the zoo made the heartbreaking decision to send the playful, happy bear to the Oregon Zoo, and has been thriving ever since.

Recently, Devon Sabo, a zookeeper at the Columbus Zoo who has stuck by the fur balls side, decided to fly back from Portland to say goodbye.

The 10-month-old will be in quarantine for 30 days, the required practice for animal health at the Oregon Zoo. Already, it seems like Nora is enjoying her chill out time.

Zookeepers recently filled up a pool full of ice, royal treatment for a polar bear.

Read: Zoo Is Hand-Rearing an Adorable Polar Bear Cub After Mother Rejected Her

Nora's elation as she burrows into the ice just show's her youthful spirit.

The zoo is currently seeking volunteers to help shape the zoos polar bear habitat and Nora's new home, Polar Passage. In addition, officials are looking for feedback from local residents about polar bears overall.

"This is a great time for our community to tell us what's important to them and at this stage, we've determined some of the basic design features of Polar Passage, but we're still exploring a lot of interesting ideas. In addition to providing the best possible habitat for the bears, we want this space to reflect the desires of the community that will be visiting it."

The young polar bear will meet her new furry companion, 31-year-old Tasul, later in October.

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In the meantime, the Oregon Zoo website will keep Nora fans updated on how she is progressing.

WATCH: Adorable Polar Bear Baby Doesn't Stop Trying to Get Mom's Attention

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ICYMI: The 4 most important issues actually discussed during the VP debate

The Vice Presidential debate Tuesday night was expected to be more balanced and civilized than the free-for-all presidential debate last week. But, unfortunately, the conversation between Democratic candidate Tim Kaine and Republican Mike Pence was just as full of interruptions, side eye and bizarre references as the earlier battle between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

giphy

Ridiculousness aside, though, the veep candidates  both seasoned politicians  did answer some questions directly about where they stand on campaign issues, and they offered insight into what theyd be like as second-from-the-top dogs.

So what were the important issues actually discussed last night (when Pence wasnt gaslighting the nation and Kaine wasnt speaking over everyone and anyone in the room)?

1. How to stop police violence against people of color.

The Clinton-Kaine ticket has said throughout the campaign that community policing is the most effective method we have to repair the relationship between non-white Americans and law enforcement, a point Kaine reiterated last night. And while Pence agreed with that sentiment, saying that criminal justice reform is necessary, the candidates disagreed sharply on the use of tactics like stop-and-frisk (Kaine is against it, Pence appears to be in favor of it, as is Trump) and whether or not implicit bias is an issue that affects police judgment.

Kaine made the point that implicit bias  the prejudicial, unconscious beliefs about certain racial groups that many people hold  is a problem we have to talk about if we ever plan to solve it. But Pence disagreed, insisting that the phrase implicit bias is just a way to unduly shame and blame law enforcement.

Enough of this seeking every opportunity to demean law enforcement broadly by making the accusation of implicit bias every time tragedy occurs, said Pence. What Donald Trump and I are saying is lets not have the reflex of assuming the worst of men and women in law enforcement. We truly do believe that law enforcement is not a force for racism or division in our country.

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2. Whether or not women should have access to abortion.

Things really heated up in the last third of the debate when moderator Elaine Quijano asked the candidates to describe a moment when their Christian faith conflicted with their duties as public servants.

After Kaine explained that he felt conflicted about Virginias death-penalty policy when he was governor of that state (hes opposed to capital punishment), Pence jumped right in to say that he has sought to stand with great compassion for the sanctity of life as a political leader.

Pence then went on to insist that he is proud of the work hes done in Indiana to expand alternatives in health care counseling for women, non-abortion alternatives (including mandating funerals for fetuses and slashing funding for Planned Parenthood) and said that he couldnt be more proud to be standing with Donald Trump, whos standing for the right to life.

Though Pence said many times that Kaine is pro-life, Kaine himself said that he supports Roe v. Wade and the constitutional right of American women to consult their own conscience, their own supportive partner, their own minister, but then make their own decision about pregnancy.

He added,

Thats something we trust American women to do.

giphy

3. The candidates stances on Russia and President Vladimir V. Putin.

While Kaine affirmed the Clinton campaigns promise to meet Russian aggression with military force, if necessary, Pence diverged sharply from his running mate  Trump  in calling the Russian president a small and bullying leader and insisting that weve just got to have American [military] strength on the world stage. Trump, for his part, has repeatedly praised Putin and has even encouraged Russian intelligence officials to hack into Clintons email (a serious national security risk).

Do you think Putin will be going to The Miss Universe Pageant in November in Moscow - if so, will he become my new best friend?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2013

A difference of opinion that big definitely calls into question the strength of the Republican ticket.

4. Treatment of immigrants.

Its widely known that Trump wants to build a wall across the U.S.-Mexico border  and make Mexico pay for it, no less  and Pence concurred with many of Trumps views about undocumented Latino immigrants and Muslims during last nights debate.

In addition to repeatedly calling undocumented immigrants criminal aliens, Pence hammered on Trumps plan to institute mass deportations, saying Trumps administration would remove criminal aliens, remove people that have overstayed their visas  [and] then well deal with those that remain.

Kaine was massively critical of that Trump-Kaine plan, painting a picture of a deportation force going house to house, school to school, business to business and kick[ing] out 16 million people.

*Shudder*

Thats it for Vice Presidential debates, but you can catch the next presidential battle on Sunday night.

The post ICYMI: The 4 most important issues actually discussed during the VP debate appeared first on HelloGiggles.
SELLERS: Simon and Natalie Fuller

LOCATION: Beverly Hills, CA

PRICE: $14,600,000

SIZE: (approx.) 8,000 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 5 full and 3 half bathrooms

YOUR MAMAS NOTES: After 2.5 years on the market and a handful of price chops, Simon Fuller has at long last sold his former Beverly Hills mansion for $14.6 million. The recorded sale price is well above the $8.5 million the English Idol franchise creator paid for the place in July 2005 but it is also substantially below its last official asking price of $15.9 million and a far cry from the fruitlessly optimistic $21.5 million the estate was saddled with when it first came up for sale in May 2014.

Secreted behind a tall wall and an even taller row of trees on a discrete cul-de-sac due north of the L.A. Country Club and directly south of David Geffens 10-acre estate, the approximately 8,000-square-foot three-story mansion, a mixture of old world glamour and modern sophistication per listing details, has five bedrooms and five full and three half bathrooms. The stately, traditional exterior of the house belies decidedly minimalist but still richly opulent interiors conceived and executed, we presume, by Mister Fullers interior designer wife Natalie (Swanston) Fuller. The stylish and sophisticated tone for the house is set straight away in the foyer with its ebonized wood floors and spectacularly sculptural floating circular staircase. There are ample formal living and dining rooms that open through banks of French doors to the outdoors as well as an office/library and an all-white marble-countered gourmet kitchen thats open to a family room that also has multiple sets of French doors. Other features of note called out in marketing materials include a screening room/media lounge with wet bar, a temperature controlled wine cellar/tasting room, a complete fitness center, and a detached guesthouse. A broad terrace along the rear of the residence has open views over a simply but lushly landscaped backyard and swimming pool designed by celebrated architecture and design firm Marmol Radziner.

In 2010 it was reported Mister and Missus Fuller maintained an impressive and no-doubt brutally expensive to maintain international property portfolio that, on top of their Los Angeles home, included sumptuous residences in London and Sussex, England; Punta del Este in Uruguay; the South of France; and Nashville. Our research indicates the Fullers sold a luxury condo in Nashville in November 2013 for $2.035 million and its not known, at least to this property gossip, if they purchased another Music City pied-a-terre. However, we do know that back in June 2014, just about a month after the Beverly Hills home they just sold first came up for sale, Mister Fuller, who has managed a slew of to celebs including David and Victoria Beckham, Amy Winehouse, and Annie Lennox, shelled out $24 million for a 12,435-square-foot Bel Air mansion he bought from 9th grade drop-out turned multi-billionaire international businessman David H. Murdock, the same fellow who once owned and sold just about the entire Hawaiian island of Lanai in 2012 for somewhere around $300 million to mega-rich software tycoon and trophy property collector Larry Ellison.

Listing photos: Hilton & Hyland

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Gaming the System

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Washington (AFP) - IMF chief Christine Lagarde said Thursday that Deutsche Bank would be better off reaching a deal with the United States over its sale of toxic mortgage bonds than fighting it in court.

With the German financial giant now negotiating to lower the Justice Department's proposed $14 billion payout to settle the case -- a sum which would cut deeply into the bank's relatively weak capital foundations -- Lagarde said a compromise sooner is better than protracted litigation.

"I'm a lawyer by background. So I think that a bad settlement is always better than a good trial," the International Monetary Fund's managing director told Bloomberg Television.

"We're not in a trial mode clearly in the case of Deutsche Bank," she said.

"But a settlement would certainly be welcome because it would deliver some certainty as to what weight the bank will have to carry and whether it matches with its provisions or not. So the sooner, the better."

Deutsche Bank had put aside 5.5 billion euros ($6.1 billion) for its pending legal costs. The main one is US charges that it knowingly sold high-risk housing loan securities as low-risk investments before the 2008 financial crisis.

The bank was shocked by the Justice Department's $14 billion initial proposal, and strongly rejected it. Last week sources close to the matter told AFP that discussions were focused around a $5.4 billion figure.

Lagarde was speaking during the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in Washington.
* Vodafone buys $3 bln-plus worth of spectrum -source

* Bharti spends $2.13 bln, Jio spends $2.05 bln, Idea $1.92 bln

* Govt to get $4.8 bln upfront; $84 bln on offer dwarfs proceeds (Adds Vodafone, details on auction, background)

By Rupam Jain and Promit Mukherjee

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Vodafone Group Plc was the biggest spender in an Indian mobile phone spectrum auction that raised a total $9.9 billion for the government, as carriers competed to boost subscribers in the world's fastest-growing internet services market.

The proceeds of the auction, which ended on Thursday after five days of bidding, helped India raise about 658 billion rupees ($9.87 billion).

That figure was well below the $84 billion worth of spectrum on offer however, as carriers shunned the priciest category of airwaves, snapping up less than half of the total on offer.

Yet given the vast volume available, no one had expected the priciest spectrum - that offers deeper reach - to be bought now, as data demand in India is still in its infancy and data costs in the ultra-competitive market are falling, making it harder for carriers to justify big cash outlays.

JPMorgan earlier on Thursday had projected the auction would generate between $8 billion and $12 billion.

The government had budgeted for 646 billion rupees ($9.7 billion) as revenue from the auction in the current fiscal year ending March. It will receive some 320 billion rupees upfront, as carriers are allowed to make payments in instalments.

Vodafone, which in recent months injected $7.2 billion in its Indian unit, the market's No.2, bought spectrum worth more than $3 billion, according to a source with knowledge of the matter.

Market leader Bharti Airtel bought $2.13 billion worth, while No. 3 player Idea Cellular spent $1.92 billion at the auction.

The three rivals, which together hold more than 60 percent of the Indian market of a billion-plus mobile subscriptions, are being challenged by new entrant Reliance Jio Infocomm, backed by India's richest man Mukesh Ambani.

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Reliance Jio, which has the most 4G airwaves across India's 22 telecoms zones, last month launched services with free voice calls and cut-rate data prices, triggering a price war. It bought spectrum worth $2.05 billion.

Although among India's top three, Vodafone and Idea lag Bharti and Jio in terms of 4G presence, and were seen beefing up their high-speed data networks by aggressively bidding in the latest spectrum sale.

Idea said on Thursday it had been able to complete its mobile broadband footprint in all 22 service areas after the latest auction. Vodafone was yet to give details.

The government found no takers for the best-quality and the priciest 700 megahertz airwaves, offered for the first time.

Carriers instead purchased spectrum in the 1800 and 2300 bands that can also handle 4G traffic.

All seven carriers including Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices that participated in the auction bought some spectrum, Telecoms Minister Manoj Sinha told reporters on Thursday.

The auction was India's largest by spectrum volume.

($1 = 66.6839 Indian rupees) (Writing and additional reporting by Devidutta Tripathy; Editing by Alexandra Hudson and Elaine Hardcastle)
Tucked inside a restored colonial residence in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, is the Dce 18 Concept House. Here visitors will findhigh-end galleries,bespoke millinery, and, perhaps most special of all, asix-seat tequila bar known as Casa Dragones Tasting Room. Its the smallest tequila bar on Earth, though theres nothing diminutive about the design or the liquor served inside.

Considered by many to be the finest sipping tequila, Casa Dragones is known for its hand-numbered and signed bottles of small batch sipping tequilas. The original Joven blend (100 percent blue agave silver and extra aged tequila that can cost $300) is designed exclusively for sipping neatyou wont find it polluted by cheap margarita mix.

But as of this week, Casa Dragones is also a reservations-only tequila bar.

Design firm Meyer Davis wastasked with creating the intimate space. To do so, they traveled to the agave fields in Tequila, Jalisco, where Casa Dragones produces their tequila. Massive obsidian stones were collected from the volcanic belt, and interior designer Gloria Cortinareimagined them as no less than 4,000 glittering black tiles.

Casa Dragones Tasting Room will take visitors on a journey, the brands CEO and co-founder, Bertha Gonzlez Nieves, told Travel + Leisure. She described it not as a bar, but as a one-of-a-kind destination, where tequila aficionados will be able to truly experience the liquors craftsmanship.

In addition to the official tastings of Casa Dragones Joven Sipping Tequila and the Casa Dragones Blanco, guests will be able to order signature cocktails from a rotating roster of mixologists. Renowned bar masters (Mexico Citys Isaac Martinez, Dave Arnold of New York Citys Booker & Dax) will be among the first to helm the bar at Casa Dragones Tasting Room. Reservations to visit must be made in advance at Concierge@CasaDragones.com.

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florida hurricane matthew evacuation

Shares of a variety of publicly-traded property and causality companies are taking it on the chin on Thursday as Hurricane Matthew bears down on the Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina coasts.

The biggest loser of the group is Universal Insurance Holding Corp., a Florida-based insurer, that has fallen more than 15% on the day. The firm holds licenses to operate in nearly every state the hurricane is expected to impact.

Here's a few other firms with large Florida businesses that are also seeking their stocks get hit:

Heritage Insurance, another Florida-focused insurers, is down roughly 13%.

Federated National Insurance, has fallen just over 8%.

United Insurance Holding Corp has sunk just over 8%.

Even larger insurance companies that are more diversified are seeing their stock slide before Matthew hits. Toronto-based insurer Fairfax Holdings was down a little over 3% in trading. The rest of the market is about even for the day.

Investors may be anticipating large pay outs from the insurers to policyholders in the impacted areas. Large pay outs can hurt the bottom lines of the firms.

Hurricane Matthew is expected to make landfall Thursday night just North of Miami. The intensity of the storm has increased over the past few days to a Category 4 hurricane and it is expected to bring a storm surge of 5 to 9 feet and sustained winds last measured at 140 miles per hour.

Florida Governor Rick Scott warned residents of impacted areas that "this storm will kill you." The storm previously killed an estimated 20 people in Haiti. There are 2 million people living in the areas of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina that are being evacuated.

hurricane matthew

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Nairobi (AFP) - The international community on Thursday hit out at a call from South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar for renewed war with the government, raising concerns about heavy fighting in recent weeks.

Machar, the former vice president, last month urged "a popular armed resistance" against his rival Salva Kiir's government, in a statement from Khartoum where he is in exile.

In a joint statement, the European Union, Norway, the United States and the United Kingdom, together with Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda, condemned "calls by opposition leaders for a renewal of armed conflict".

"Further fighting will not solve South Sudan's pressing political and economic challenges. It will only increase the suffering of South Sudan's people, worsen a grave humanitarian crisis, and further inflame ethnic tensions."

South Sudan plunged into conflict in 2013 -- two years after attaining a hard-won independence -- when Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Machar of plotting a coup d'etat.

A patchily implemented August 2015 peace deal saw Machar return to the capital earlier this year to resume his role in government, but fresh fighting between his forces and soldiers loyal to Kiir erupted in July.

Machar fled to Khartoum, and his former ally Taban Deng Gai took up his position as vice-president, although it is unclear whether Machar's armed rebels have also switched sides.

- 100,000 people trapped -

Violence has continued in parts of the country, and the United Nations said last week that around 100,000 people were trapped in Yei, 150 kilometres (93 miles) southwest of Juba, near the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Government forces surrounding the town suspect residents of siding with opposition forces, according to the UN refugee agency.

"We are deeply concerned by heavy fighting around the country in recent weeks, including near Yei, Wau, Bentiu, and Nassir," read the joint statement, citing reports of widespread violence against civilians.

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The fresh violence in July sent tens of thousands fleeing the country, pushing the number of refugees from the war-scarred nation past the one million mark.

The UN Security Council voted in August to send a 4,000-strong regional protection force to Juba.

Kiir's government initially opposed the plan, and while it publicly committed to it in September, stands accused of dragging its feet over allowing the deployment.

The Security Council has threatened to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan if the government blocks the regional force or impedes the work of UN peacekeepers.
The internet is feeling so many feelings about this girl wearing a shoelace as a choker

So it appears one of our beloved 90s trends  aka the choker necklace  has made a comeback in a really unique way. When trendsetter and college student Katie Rosebrook wanted to rock a fresh look for barhopping last Saturday night, she decided to DIY a chic black choker. And she did that by taking a black Nike shoelace and wrapped it multiple times around her neck. Of course now the internet has all kinds of feelings about it.

this choker trend is wild y'all i wore a shoelace to the bars last night & i've never gotten so many compliments thanks @Nike just do it lol pic.twitter.com/K49fJmAXNe  Katie Rosebrook (@katierosebrook) October 2, 2016

this choker trend is wild yall i wore a shoelace to the bars last night & Ive never gotten so many compliments thanks @Nike just do it lol

Most of the commenters were totally supportive, if not on board with the whole shoelace thing themselves. Some either proclaimed to try the style out for themselves or already have, posting pictures as proof.





@katierosebrook @Nike i'm screaming because i actually love this look  Megan (@chegan_) October 3, 2016





@katierosebrook yeah bc I bought one from forever 21 and it deadass looks like a shoelace pic.twitter.com/OJB4ObGdX2  syd (@badgyalsyd) October 3, 2016





@katierosebrook @Nike hey I got you fam. Pulled this slick look off a month ago. Got shit for it but I'll take the L. pic.twitter.com/3udsgKhEUW  Carolyn (@DickeyCarolyn) October 4, 2016





@angelic_emoji brb unlacing all my shoes  hanna (@_b4by) October 4, 2016





@liaa_haddad I literally cut up a piece of tshirt and tied it around my neck the other night  katie (@simssaid) October 3, 2016

And of course, because its the internet, not everyone was excited about the shoelace choker

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By the overwhelming amount of positive comments, the verdict is in and its pretty clear if youre into wearing choker necklaces, you may as well save yourself the money and snag a lace from your shoe. It looks similar enough while being a stand-out all at once. Props to Katie for taking the fashion world by storm, however accidental! Keep doing you, girl!

The post The internet is feeling so many feelings about this girl wearing a shoelace as a choker appeared first on HelloGiggles.
U.S. infrastructure may get a boost after the presidential election as both candidates pledged they would seek to increase government spending on improving the nation's network of roads, bridges and other structures.

Areas that receive government cash infusions can do well for investors, too, and equity analysts that watch infrastructure say that there's been some early bet-placing in a few companies that infrastructure will get a cash infusion no matter who is president.

"This play has been going for a couple of weeks now, with a few names at 52-week highs. What I'm looking for is what is the time frame for a lot of these projects," says Gavin Maguire, senior analyst for special situations at Chicago-based independent research firm Briefing.com.

[See: 20 Awesome Dividend Stocks for Guaranteed Income.]

Analysts say investors who want their portfolios to follow the government money should keep in mind a few facts before committing their own cash.

Infrastructure spending is low. Dan Heckman, national investment consultant for U.S. Bank Wealth Management in Kansas City, Missouri, says government spending on infrastructure has declined over the past several years, and now the U.S. spends less than 2 percent of overall gross domestic product on infrastructure.

Maguire says don't expect shovel-ready projects to occur right after a new president takes office.

"It's not like one gets sworn in Jan. 21 and is breaking ground on Jan. 22," he says.

It also depends on the makeup of Congress, too. If Democratic Hillary Clinton is elected president, but Congress stays in Republican hands, it could mean the same gridlock seen under President Barack Obama. Even if Republican Donald Trump is elected and Congress stays Republican, Trump may not get all his wishes done because he is much more of an outsider, Maguire says.

Still, both analysts say there's a good chance to see some sort of increased infrastructure spending with a new political administration.

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Candidate plans. On her campaign website, Clinton announced a $275 billion, five-year plan to improve U.S. infrastructure, focusing on roads, public transportation, broadband access and renewable energy among her top priorities. She plans to fund it with an infrastructure bank and by issuing Build America Bonds, which are a type of municipal bond.

In an interview, Trump said he would spend $500 billion in infrastructure developments, but offered few details on how to finance it.

In a research note, Deutsche Bank strategists David Bianco, Ju Wang and Winnie Nip say neither candidate has brought any specific project proposals nor priorities, which would "bring more substance to this debate, better differentiate the candidates and hopefully lead to more productive spending."

Maguire and Heckman say focusing on transportation could be one area for investors to consider, such as railways, bridges and airport improvements, in addition to road construction.

"We think there's a lot of interest to increase spending in that area. I think a lot of city and state municipalities are waiting and hoping the Feds will have some kind of matching program or mechanism to fund projects that are on the drawing board. We think there's a greater chance of that happening," Heckman says.

Maguire says under Clinton, renewable energy is likely to get a boost, while Trump will likely focus on crude oil, natural gas and coal developments.

[See: Oil ETFs: 8 Ways to Invest in Black Gold.]

The Deutsche Bank analysts say considering the last domestic investment boom was led by energy and transportation, this round of spending may favor different priorities.

"This time, we think infrastructure investment will be led by electric transmission/efficiency, green power, (and) water systems. State and local governments do about 75 percent of public infrastructure spending and will likely implement this spending via establishing authorities and utility companies. More federal subsidies are likely, perhaps from public/private investment partnerships or channeled from a higher federal gasoline tax or carbon related taxes if Democrats take the leadership," they say.

How to play it. Maguire says investors should keep a longer time frame in mind. The recent price run up in some stocks may be premature as even if some projects get approved, actual groundbreaking might not be for another year or two.

"The fundamentals might not support the valuations until later in 2018, when we see a lot of these projects and these orders and a pickup in government spending taking place," he says.

Under a Trump presidency, Maguire says companies involved in defense, like Northrop Grumman Corp. (ticker: NOC), and fossil-fuel production like Halliburton Co. (HAL) and Duke Energy Corp. (DUK) might do well.

Under Clinton, a fixed-income play could be buying the BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust, which holds a significant portion of the Build American Bonds, Maguire says.

"It's recently pulled back, which makes it more attractive," he says. "It's a very safe fixed income investment for people."

Motion and control technology maker Parker Hannifin Corp. (PH) makes parts for companies like Deere & Co. (DE), Cummins (CMI) and Caterpillar (CAT), and Parker could benefit before the larger equipment makers do, he says.

Two renewable energy names Maguire likes are Argan (AGX), which does engineering and consulting services in the power generation and renewable energy space, and doesn't have the valuations that other infrastructure firms do now. He also likes solar-panel maker First Solar (FSLR). First Solar is "the best-run solar company out there," he says, and the stock is suffering from a supply glut in the industry. However, for someone with a longer-term horizon, it could do well.

Both Maguire and the Deutsche Bank analysts like AECOM (ACM), which is involved with government infrastructure projects worldwide. Deutsche Bank says the firm has low oil exposure but "high exposure to rebounding public infrastructure spending and underappreciated operating leverage and cash flow story."

[See: 10 Energy ETFs That Will Clear Your Conscience.]

Deutsche Bank analysts like Quanta (PWR), which offers infrastructure services in the U.S. energy industry. They call it a growth call. It would be the "primary beneficiary of utilities shifting capex priorities to T&D (transmission and distribution equipment) spending and bigger projects plays into PWR's sweet spot."

Debbie Carlson has more than 20 years experience as a journalist and has had bylines in Barron's, The Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune, The Guardian, and other publications. Follow her on Twitter at @debbiecarlson1.
Tehran (AFP) - Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards warned regional rival Saudi Arabia to stay away from Iranian waters during its military exercises in the Gulf.

"The naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps believe this military exercise is a clear instance of creating tensions and undermining the stable security of the Persian Gulf," it said in a statement published by Iranian newspapers on Thursday.

"None of the naval vessels participating in this drill are permitted to trespass into Iranian waters and under no circumstances should they approach Iranian territorial waters," it added.

"Any such trespassing will not be considered a harmless aberration."

Saudi Arabia began live-fire drills in the Gulf on Tuesday, with manoeuvres also taking place in the Sea of Oman and the narrow Strait of Hormuz that links the two -- the primary route for oil exports from the region.

The Guards' naval forces "will take proportionate and immediate action against any kind of movement, attempt or action to disrupt the peace and security of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman," the statement added.

Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran -- which lie on opposite sides of the Gulf -- severed diplomatic relations earlier this year and back opposing sides in the civil wars in Syria and Yemen.

In the past, Iran has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz during periods of tension with Saudi Arabia and its Gulf Arab allies.

In recent months, Washington has repeatedly accused Tehran of dangerous encounters with US naval forces in and around the strategic waterway.
Hanoi (AFP) - Vietnam and Iran pledged Thursday to boost future trade to $2 billion, as Tehran seeks to jump-start its sputtering economy after crippling international sanctions were lifted this year.

Iran's moderate President Hassan Rouhani, in Vietnam on a three-country swing through Southeast Asia, has come under fire from conservative critics who say the nuclear deal signed with world powers has failed to bring a hoped-for economic boom.

Rouhani, who was elected on a promise to normalise relations with the outside world, praised ties with Vietnam Thursday after both sides signed several deals.

"The two sides agreed to increase bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion," the Iranian president told reporters in Hanoi.

Trade between Iran and Vietnam hit $350 million last year, according to Iran's official IRNA news agency.

"In economics, cooperation opportunities are still large... but the scale of cooperation and bilateral trade are still modest," Vietnam's President Tran Dai Quang said.

The landmark nuclear deal -- which was reached in July 2015 and came into force in January -- saw sanctions against Iran lifted in exchange for curbing Tehran's nuclear programme, opening up one of the world's last untapped markets for global business.

Analysts say Hanoi and Tehran, which have both had strained relations with the United States in the past, are keen to bolster alliances beyond regional diplomatic spheres.

For Rouhani, the visit marks a "turning to the East, seeing what's there, caucusing, carving out some strong economic relations, which Iran needs," said Vanessa Newby, international relations research fellow at ANU's College of Asia-Pacific Affairs.

For mineral-rich Vietnam, Iran offers a key partnership in the oil and gas industry and for health and technology exchanges.

Closer ties to Iran also offers the communist nation a powerful alliance in the Middle East.

"Being under Iran's auspices is prestigious, they're an important country and because of the sanctions they've been punching way below their weight," Newby added.

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"You can expect to see Iran really coming to the fore, they want a seat at the top table internationally and they've got the resources and frankly the workforce to get one."

Vietnam and Iran established diplomatic relations in 1973 and two Iranian presidents have previously visited Vietnam -- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2012 and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in 1995.

After Vietnam, Rouhani heads to Malaysia and Thailand before returning home, Iranian state media said.
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq has requested an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to discuss Turkey's military presence on its soil, state television said on Thursday, as a dispute with Ankara over the troops escalated. Turkey's parliament voted last week to extend the deployment of an estimated 2,000 troops across northern Iraq by a year to combat "terrorist organizations" - a likely reference to Kurdish rebels as well as Islamic State. Iraq condemned the vote, and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned Turkey risked triggering a regional war. On Wednesday, Ankara and Baghdad summoned the other's ambassadors in protest at remarks from the other's camp. In a statement cited by state television on Thursday, Iraqi foreign ministry called the troops' presence a "violation". Turkey says its military is in Iraq at the invitation of Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdish regional government, with which Ankara maintains solid ties. Baghdad says no such invitation was ever issued. Most of the Turkish troops are at a base in Bashiqa, north of Mosul and close to Turkey's border, where they are helping to train Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga and Sunni fighters. (Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
DUBLIN, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Ireland's central bank said on Thursday it had cut its economic growth forecast for the second quarter in a row, citing weakness in exports and domestic demand.

It said risks were clearly tilted to the downside due to the uncertain impact of Britain's exit from the European Union.

The Irish economy will grow by 4.5 percent in 2016, down from a forecast three months ago of 4.9 percent, the bank said in its quarterly report. Ireland's finance ministry on Tuesday cut its 2016 forecast to 4.2 percent.

At that pace, Ireland will still probably be the EU's best-performing economy. But the country's focus on exports and its trade ties to Britain make it especially vulnerable to the effects of Brexit.

The Central Bank said it had refrained from cutting its forecast of 3.6 percent GDP growth in 2017 as the impact of Brexit remained so unclear. The finance ministry is forecasting growth of 3.5 percent.

"The initial fears in relation to the impact of Brexit on the UK economy have given way to a less pessimistic assessment in recent months," Central Bank Chief Economist Gabriel Fagan said in a statement.

But "the potential for adverse macroeconomic, financial and currency market effects to quickly re-emerge remains," he added. "In such circumstances, risks to the latest forecasts remain clearly tilted to the downside."

The central bank said the cut to the 2016 growth forecast largely reflected a reduced contribution from exports, with growth of 5.6 percent seen rather than 6.4 percent, with some moderation also seen in domestic demand growth.

"A wide range of domestic spending and activity indicators suggest that Irish economic activity continues to expand at a healthy pace, though growth momentum may have slowed slightly over the first half of the year," Fagan said.

(Reporting by Conor Humphries)
Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel has charged seven residents of a village in the occupied Golan Heights of spying for Lebanon's Shiite militant group Hezbollah, police said Thursday.

The seven suspects were arrested last month after a bag containing explosive devices was discovered near the town of Metulla in northern Israel, police said.

They were accused of spying for Hezbollah, contact with foreign agents and trafficking weapons and drugs, spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.

Israel considers Hezbollah and its ally Iran the country's main enemies and deems the Lebanese group a terrorist organisation.

Public radio said a Hezbollah member had allegedly ordered the suspects to carry out bomb attacks in the northern Israeli city of Haifa.

After an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, the United Nations drew up a blue line in the disputed border region between the two countries.

The line divided the village of Ghajar, with its northern part falling inside Lebanon and the south becoming part of the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

Ghajar's residents are Alawite Muslims of Syrian origin.
ROME (Reuters) - Italian police said on Wednesday they had captured a fugitive Calabrian mafia boss hiding in a secret room in his own home five years after he escaped the clutches of the law during a hospital visit. The 54-year-old boss, Antonio Pelle, was on the Interior Ministry's list of the country's most dangerous fugitives. He faces a 20-year sentence for drug and arms smuggling, and for being a member of a mafia clan. A police video of the arrest showed Pelle's head peak out from the top of a large wardrobe in his home in Benestare, a small town on the toe of Italy's geographical boot. As he talks to police, he climbs down and is handcuffed. "Fifty of us searched the two-storey villa where Pelle had always lived (prior to becoming a fugitive), but it took a very attentive eye to discover his hiding place," police commander Francesco Ratta said in comments broadcast on TV. Pelle had been silently lying in a niche built behind the wardrobe during the police search until he was discovered, police said. The room contained a mattress, a fan, some bottles of water and cash, the video showed. First arrested and jailed in 2008, Pelle slipped away from captivity three years later when he was sent to hospital for urgent medical treatment. Prosecutors said he was the acting head of the Pelle-Vottari crime family, of which six members were murdered in Duisburg, Germany, in 2007 as part of an ongoing feud with a rival clan from the Calabrian town of San Luca. Over the past two decades the Calabrian mafia, known as the 'Ndrangheta, has become Italy's most powerful and wealthy organized crime group thanks to its role as one of Europe's biggest importers of South American cocaine, investigators say. (Reporting by Steve Scherer; editing by Mark Heinrich)
ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara called on parliament on Wednesday to approve a new constitution that he says will draw a line under years of turmoil and war but which the opposition calls a backward step for democracy. Ouattara promised during his re-election campaign last year to remove the constitution's requirement for presidential candidates to have parents who are both natural-born Ivorian citizens, a sore point in a country that has long attracted immigrants from neighbouring countries. Nationality was at the heart of a crisis that began with a 1999 coup and included a 2002-2003 civil war that split the West African nation in two for eight years. The draft constitution submitted to parliament by Ouattara softens the clause, which had been used by his opponents to bar him from elections and was a symbol of exclusion, particularly of northerners like him, whose family ties often straddle borders. "This is the occasion to definitively turn the page on the successive crises our country has known, to write new pages in our history by proposing a new social pact," Ouattara told lawmakers at the National Assembly. Ouattara finally won election in 2010, although his victory sparked a second war that killed more than 3,000 people after then president Laurent Gbagbo refused to accept defeat. Gbagbo is now on trial at the International Criminal Court accused of crimes against humanity. "Today, the time has come for us to define together what kind of nation we want to build. The time has come to decide what we want to leave behind for our children," Ouattara said. Parliament has until Oct. 15 to approve the text in order to submit it to the public in a referendum on Oct. 30. Other revisions include removing a maximum age of 75 for presidential candidates and making it easier to change the constitution in future. Opposition politicians and some civil society groups have criticised the drafting process as lacking consensus and transparency. Pascal Affi N'Guessan, the head of Gbagbo's FPI party, now the main opposition, criticised the proposed creation of the post of vice-president and a senate, a third of whose members would be appointed by the president, among other changes. He said they would allow Ouattara to entrench the political coalition between his RDR and the other main party, the PDCI. "These are changes that take us backward, that offer no solutions to the problems that the country has known but allow one clan to take the state hostage," he told Reuters. (Reporting by Joe Bavier and Loucoumane Coulibaly; Writing by Joe Bavier; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
TOKYO (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan's decision to set a target for 10-year government bond yields is a good start but it would like to see the yield curve steepen a bit more and boost profits and returns for investors, Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance said on Thursday.

Aioi Nissay Dowa, which has about three trillion yen (22.81 billion pounds) in assets, is the non-life insurance arm of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc, Japan's biggest property and casualty insurance group.

"We have a positive view of the latest BOJ policy change as it considers the fact that long-term yields had fallen excessively low. But we would like to see the yield curve steepen a little further," Naoki Fujiwara, general manager at its investment planning department, told Reuters in an interview.

The 10-year Japanese government bond yield fell to a record low of minus 0.300 percent early in July, ironing the yield curve flat.

It has moved between 0.005 percent and minus 0.090 percent since the BOJ introduced measures to control the yield curve on Sept. 21. The BOJ said it would aim to keep the 10-year yield at around zero percent.

The BOJ says that by directly targeting short- and long-term rates, it can more efficiently reduce borrowing costs while allowing for a rise in super-long yields, which would help firms like insurers give pensioners better investment returns.

Aioi Nissay said it holds about 30 percent of its assets in domestic stocks and 60 percent in yen bonds.

"We will keep yen bonds at the core of our assets. But as they don't yield very much, we have been spreading out into foreign bonds and alternative instruments," Fujiwara said.

"As for foreign bonds, it has become harder to make currency hedged investments. We have reduced the ratio of our hedged foreign bond investments."

The insurer will retain G7 government debt, notably U.S. Treasuries, as its main foreign bond investments in the second half of fiscal 2016.

Hedging dollar-denominated investments have become more expensive as U.S. and Japanese monetary policies are seen moving in opposite directions, increasing the cost of compensating for the expected divergence in returns.

Strong demand from Japanese investors for foreign assets has also increased currency hedging costs.

(Reporting by Shinichi Saoshiro and Takefumi Ito; Editing by Kim Coghill)
On Thursday (Oct. 6), Spike TV president Kevin Kay, film studio executive Harvey Weinstein and Shawn "Jay Z" Carter hosted a press conference in New York for the forthcoming series TIME: The Kalief Browder Story. The six-part "television event" tackles the story of the 22-year-old African-American man named Kalief Browder who was arrested at 16 years old in May 2010, after being accused of stealing a backpack, and awaited trial for three years at Rikers Island. He wasn't convicted, and the case was ultimately dismissed, but the damage to his mental well-being had been done. Browder had spent two of those years in solitary confinement, and several months after his release from jail, he took his own life.

"I look at Kalief Browder as a modern-day prophet," Jay Z told a crowd of journalists. "Our prophets come in many different shapes, forms and mediums. This young man, just by the fact that he brought all of us here today, lets you know how powerful of a soul he was." Kay added, "Anyone who has followed Kalief's journey realized that something has to be done about our current criminal justice system. It's time for change, and it's time to tell Kalief's story."

Weinstein, whose company has helmed films like the 2004 documentary Farenheit 9/11 on the state of America post-September 11, and 2014's Citizenfour about Edward Snowden, also said: "I know what the power of a movie can do." He admitted he didn't know Browder's story until Jay Z had brought the project to the Weinstein Company. "I'm gonna be honest. I didn't even know who Kalief was until Shawn showed us footage and talked to us about the project, and now I want to make sure everybody knows."

Jay Z also recalled how he met Browder after the current president of Roc Nation, Chaka Pilgrim, ran into Browder's lawyer at an event. "I just wanted to give him words of encouragement, that I saw his story and I'm proud of him for making it through, and to keep pushing." Once he heard that Browder, who was enrolled in classes at Bronx Community College, had committed suicide, he was "thrown." He offered, "That's now how the story goes -- not in movies, not in real life." Soon after, Obama spoke about wanting to end solitary confinement for minors. "I know that was Kalief," said Jay Z, adding: "He's done more in 19 years than most do in a lifetime."

Also present was Kalief's mother, Venida Browder, who acknowledged the Stop Solitary for Kids organization, which aims to end solitary confinement for youth in juvenile and adult facilities across the nation. (She and Browder's lawyer, Paul Prestia, serve as board members of the organization.) "I'm very thankful that this series is aligning itself with the work of the organization," she said. "It's unfortunately too late for my son, Kalief, but it will definitely benefit other youths, so that they won't have to endure what my son did."

A nearly two-and-a-half-minute clip was shown, featuring unnerving footage that director Jenner Furst procured of Browder getting assaulted by officers while in prison. Part of Browder's 2013 interview with the Huffington Post also played, as he explained why he wouldn't cop to committing a crime he didn't do, and spoke of the conditions of inmates at Rikers Island. "If I say I did it, nothing would be done," he explained at the time. "I didn't do it. No justice would be served. Nobody here is nothing at all. I had to fight."

Jay Z then fielded questions from reporters. The Brooklyn-bred rap mogul, who has logged production credits in movies like Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby and Chris Rock's Top Five, producing for film and television is the same as telling stories through his music. "I think, with artists in general, we have a sensitivity to telling stories, and the medium doesn't matter. Whether we're recording in the studio, shooting a video, or producing film, it all has that same line of telling stories. So when you really tap into it, and you're doing it for the right reasons, you'll be successful at it, 'cause it's all really just storytelling."

Weinstein also revealed that Jay Z would also be a producer on the upcoming Richard Pryor film, which was initially slated to be directed by Lee Daniels. ("There's nothing more commercial than Richard Pryor. His story is an American story," added Jay Z. "You'll understand how many lives he's touched, from every single comedian to rappers like Biggie Smalls.")

With many unarmed black people making headlines for being killed at the hands of police officers, TIME shines a light on the criminal justice system in America, at a time where protestors continue to demand justice. When asked by a reporter for the answer to stopping police brutality, Jay Z said, "Compassion for someone's life, things that they go through. Judgment is the enemy of compassion."

He also said that the use of body cameras on cops creates more distrust between police officers and the communities they are hired to protect. "If we have to have an exchange and it has to be recorded, something's wrong there. Something's broken. A camera can't fix the relationship between a person that's hired to protect and serve, and society. It has to be a relationship. It has to be respect on both sides."

When asked by another journalist if there was a presidential candidate he felt would continue President Barack Obama's work in wanting to end mass incarceration, Hov focused on optimism. "We have hopes. You have hopes that we're all moving forward as a society 'cause it's not a political issue -- it's a human issue," he said. "[Kalief's] a story of compassion and empathy, and in order for us to move forward, this conversation needs to move forward."

He continued: "Just imagine the metaphor of going down the road, and the sign says 'End of the road: 15 feet.' And you take your car, and you just barrel past it. You know at some point you gon' go off a cliff -- that's just the way the world works. We need to keep pushing the conversation forward. I would hope that any human being would know that's the right thing to do."

TIME: The Kalief Browder Story is slated to premiere on Spike in January 2017.
On Thursday (Oct. 6), Spike TV president Kevin Kay, film studio executive Harvey Weinstein and Shawn "Jay Z" Carter hosted a press conference in New York for the forthcoming series TIME: The Kalief Browder Story. The six-part "television event" tackles the story of the 22-year-old African-American man named Kalief Browder who was arrested at 16 years old in May 2010, after being accused of stealing a backpack, and awaited trial for three years at Rikers Island. He wasn't convicted, and the case was ultimately dismissed, but the damage to his mental well-being had been done. Browder had spent two of those years in solitary confinement, and several months after his release from jail, he took his own life.

"I look at Kalief Browder as a modern-day prophet," Jay Ztold a crowd of journalists. "Our prophets come in many different shapes, forms and mediums. This young man, just by the fact that he brought all of us here today, lets you know how powerful of a soul he was." Kay added, "Anyone who has followed Kalief's journey realized that something has to be done about our current criminal justice system. It's time for change, and it's time to tell Kalief's story."

Weinstein, whose company has helmed films like the 2004 documentary Farenheit 9/11 on the state of America post-September 11, and 2014's Citizenfour about Edward Snowden, also said: "I know what the power of a movie can do." He admitted he didn't know Browder's story until Jay Z had brought the project to the Weinstein Company. "I'm gonna be honest. I didn't even know who Kalief was until Shawn showed us footage and talked to us about the project, and now I want to make sure everybody knows."

Jay Z also recalled how he met Browder after the current president of Roc Nation, Chaka Pilgrim, ran into Browder's lawyer at an event. "I just wanted to give him words of encouragement, that I saw his story and I'm proud of him for making it through, and to keep pushing." Once he heard that Browder, who was enrolled in classes at Bronx Community College, had committed suicide, he was "thrown." He offered, "That's now how the story goes -- not in movies, not in real life." Soon after, Obama spoke about wanting to end solitary confinement for minors. "I know that was Kalief," said Jay Z, adding: "He's done more in 19 years than most do in a lifetime."

Also present was Kalief's mother, Venida Browder, who acknowledged the Stop Solitary for Kids organization, which aims to end solitary confinement for youth in juvenile and adult facilities across the nation. (She and Browder's lawyer, Paul Prestia, serve as board members of the organization.) "I'm very thankful that this series is aligning itself with the work of the organization," she said. "It's unfortunately too late for my son, Kalief, but it will definitely benefit other youths, so that they won't have to endure what my son did."

A nearly two-and-a-half-minute clip was shown, featuring unnerving footage that director Jenner Furst procured of Browder getting assaulted by officers while in prison. Part of Browder's 2013 interview with the Huffington Post also played, as he explained why he wouldn't cop to committing a crime he didn't do, and spoke of the conditions of inmates at Rikers Island. "If I say I did it, nothing would be done," he explained at the time. "I didn't do it. No justice would be served. Nobody here is nothing at all. I had to fight."

Jay Z, who has logged production credits in movies like Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby and Chris Rock's Top Five, says producing for film and television is the same as telling stories through his music. "I think, with artists in general, we have a sensitivity to telling stories, and the medium doesn't matter. Whether we're recording in the studio, shooting a video, or producing film, it all has that same line of telling stories. So when you really tap into it, and you're doing it for the right reasons, you'll be successful at it, 'cause it's all really just storytelling."

Weinstein also revealed that Jay Z would also be a producer on the upcoming Richard Pryor film, which was initially slated to be directed by Lee Daniels. ("There's nothing more commercial than Richard Pryor. His story is an American story," added Jay Z. "You'll understand how many lives he's touched, from every single comedian to rappers like Biggie Smalls.")

With many unarmed black people making headlines for being killed at the hands of police officers, TIME shines a light on the criminal justice system in America, at a time where protestors continue to demand justice. When asked for the answer to stopping police brutality, Jay Z said, "Compassion for someone's life, things that they go through. Judgment is the enemy of compassion."

He also said that the use of body cameras on cops creates more distrust between police officers and the communities they are hired to protect. "If we have to have an exchange and it has to be recorded, something's wrong there. Something's broken. A camera can't fix the relationship between a person that's hired to protect and serve, and society. It has to be a relationship. It has to be respect on both sides."

When asked if there was a presidential candidate he felt would continue President Barack Obama's work in wanting to end mass incarceration, Hov focused on optimism. "We have hopes. You have hopes that we're all moving forward as a society 'cause it's not a political issue -- it's a human issue," he said. "[Kalief's] a story of compassion and empathy, and in order for us to move forward, this conversation needs to move forward."

He continued: "Just imagine the metaphor of going down the road, and the sign says 'End of the road: 15 feet.' And you take your car, and you just barrel past it. You know at some point you gon' go off a cliff -- that's just the way the world works. We need to keep pushing the conversation forward. I would hope that any human being would know that's the right thing to do."

TIME: The Kalief Browder Story is slated to premiere on Spike in January 2017.
Spike is teaming with Shawn "Jay Z" Carter and the Weinstein Co. for a docuseries examining the criminal justice system.

The Viacom-owned cable network has greenlit Time: The Kalief Browder Story, a six-part docuseries that tells the story of Browder, a young African-American student who spent three years on Rikers Island without ever being convicted. The series will debut in January on Spike and feature first-person accounts, archival footage, re-creations as well as interviews with a range of those connected to the story, including politicians, friends and family members as well as social reformers.

Jenner Furst will direct via his Brooklyn-based company The Cinemart. Exec producers include Jay Z, Harvey Weinstein, David Glassner, Furst, Nick Sandow, Julia Willoughby Nason as well as Michasel Gasparro. Spike exec vp original series Sharon Levy and senior vp originals Chachi Senior will oversee for the cabler.

Browder was a 16-year-old high school student from the Bronx walking home from a party when he was arrested for allegedly stealing a backpack. He spent three years in jail awaiting trial; two in solitary confinement. The case never went to trial and the chargers were ultimately dropped. After his release from Rikers Island, he took his own life. Spike notes that his story and the challenges it poses to the understanding of American freedoms are at the heart of the event series.

"Kalief Browder is a modern-day prophet; his story a failure of the judicial process," Jay Z said. "A young man, and I emphasize young man, who lost his life because of a broken system. His tragedy has brought atrocities to light and now we must confront the issues and events that occurred so other young men can have a chance at justice."

The docuseries comes as true-crime-themed fare continues to remain in high demand among broadcast, streaming, premium and basic cable outlets following the breakout success of series including HBO's The Jinx, Netflix's Making a Murderer and FX's People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Multiple projects are examining the JonBenet Ramsey case as its 20th anniversary approaches; NBC is examining the Menendez brothers trial with a Law & Order anthology; Netflix is making additional Making a Murderer episodes; and HBO and History are both exploring the Jonestown cult, among other projects in various stages of development. For its part, the Weinstein Co. is developing Waco, a limited series exploring the Branch Davidians with Taylor Kitsch, Michael Shannon and Ludacris attached.

"Jay Z, Kevin Kay, Sharon Levy and the entire team at Spike have been incredible partners on this project. What happened to Kalief is heartbreaking, but sadly, in reality, not the first of its kind," TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein said. "This series will take an important look at why Kalief's life was cut so short, the flaws in our justice system and hopefully will continue some powerful conversations and movements for some much needed reform."

This article originally appeared on The Hollywood Reporter.
Rapper Shawn Jay Z Carter and Weinstein Television are partnering with Spike TV for TIME: The Kalief Browder Story, a six-part docuseries set to premiere in January that will examine deep inequality in the criminal justice system through the life and tragic death of Kalief Browder.

While still a 16-year old high school student, Browder was arrested in 2010 for allegedly stealing a backpack, and would spend more than three years in Rikers Island prison  two of them in solitary confinement  while awaiting trial. After 31 hearings and numerous postponements, the charges against Browder were dismissed in 2013 and he was released without ever having been tried. But the damage to his psyche was significant: Browder attempted suicide 5 times while in solitary confinement and, having never recovered from the ordeal, eventually succeeded in taking his own life in 2015, nearly two years to the day after his release. He has since become a symbol of efforts to reform the New York criminal justice system, and of opposition to abusive use of solitary confinement.

attends the 2015 Spike TV Upfront on March 3, 2015 in New York City.

Kalief Browder is a modern day prophet; his story a failure of the judicial process, said Carter. A young man, and I emphasize young man, who lost his life because of a broken system. His tragedy has brought atrocities to light and now we must confront the issues and events that occurred so other young men can have a chance at justice.

TIME: The Kalief Browder Story will look comprehensively at Browders story through first-person accounts, archival footage, and cinematic recreations of key moments in Browders life. The series will feature exclusive interviews from a range of people connected to the story, including friends and family, politicians, and social reformers.

Jay Z, Kevin Kay, Sharon Levy and the entire team at Spike have been incredible partners on this project. What happened to Kalief is heartbreaking, but sadly, in reality, not the first of its kind, said TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein. This series will take an important look at why Kaliefs life was cut so short, the flaws in our justice system and hopefully will continue some powerful conversations and movements for some much needed reform.

Story continues

Kaliefs story should endure and inspire much-needed change in the criminal justice system, said Sharon Levy, Spikes Executive Vice President, Original Series. When Weinstein Television brought us this project, we immediately knew it was a story that had to be told.

Directed by Jenner Furst of Brooklyn-based company The Cinemart, TIME: The Kalief Browder Story is executive produced by Carter, Weinstein, Furst, David Glasser, Nick Sandow, Julia Willoughby Nason, and Michael Gasparro. Levy, along with Senior Vice President of Original Series for Spike Chachi Senior will oversee the documentary series for the network.

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Shawn Jay Z Carter and Weinstein Television have partnered with Spike TV for an event series called TIME: The Kalief Browder Story.

The six-part documentary tells the story of Kalief Browder, a young African-American student who spent three years on Rikers Island without being convicted of a crime. He was 16, walking home from a party in the Bronx when he was arrested for allegedly stealing a backpack. Two of his three years at Rikers were spent in solitary confinement. The case never went to trial and the charges were eventually dropped. However, he took his own life after his release.

The series is set to debut on Spike in January, and will use Browders first-person accounts, archival footage, and cinematic recreations of key scenes from his life. The documentary will also feature exclusive interviews from those connected to the story, including family members and politicians.

Also Read: Jay Z Signs Overall TV, Film Deal With Weinstein Company

Kalief Browder is a modern day prophet; his story a failure of the judicial process, said Carter. A young man, and I emphasize young man, who lost his life because of a broken system. His tragedy has brought atrocities to light and now we must confront the issues and events that occurred so other young men can have a chance at justice.

Kaliefs story should endure and inspire much-needed change in the criminal justice system, added Sharon Levy, Spikes executive vice president, original series. When Weinstein Television brought us this project, we immediately knew it was a story that had to be told.

See Video: Jay Z Calls War on Drugs an 'Epic Fail' in New York Times Op-Ed

Carter, Harvey Weinstein, David Glasser, Jenner Furst, Nick Sandow, Julia Willoughby Nason and Michael Gasparro serve as executive producers on TIME: The Kalief Browder Story. Levy and Chachi Senior, senior vice president of original series for Spike, will oversee the series for the network.

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Spike Lee Sets 'She's Gotta Have It' Series at Netflix
On Thursday, Jay Z and The Weinstein Company held a press conference to announce their upcoming television documentary series set to air in January on Spike TV. The series is about Kalief Browder, a 16-year-old who was imprisoned for three years at Rikers Island without conviction or a set date for trial.

Two years after his 2013 release, Browder took his own life. The six-part documentary series will chronicle Browder's time at Riker's Island and experience in solitary confinement while also examining America's broken criminal justice system.

During the press conference, Jay Z responded to questions about criminal justice reform and police brutality in addition to inquiries about the new series.

According to Fader, a CNN reporter asked for Jay's opinion on how to "[stop] police brutality against African-American men." Jay Z responded by calling for "trust on both sides" and compassion. He also shared his view on body cameras, stating that "having the camera on someone creates more distrust."

When you have compassion for what someone goes throughwe're all looking for a short embrace at time. Judgment is the enemy of compassion. When you are able to identify thatwere all not perfect, we may make mistakes... When you have compassion for what someones going through and their plight, my personal belief, having the camera on someone creates more distrust. When we have an exchange and it has to be recorded, somethings wrong there, somethings broken. A camera cant fix a relationship between a person thats hired to protect and serve and society... There has to be respect on both sides.

Later in the conference, Jay was asked which presidential candidate he felt would most effectively continue President Obama's criminal justice reforms. He chose not to endorse either candidate by name, stressing that "it's not a political issue. It's a human issue."

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UPDATED with more details: New York Citys Mayor Bill de Blasio has weighed in on Jesse Watters visit to Chinatown segment for Fox News Channels The OReilly Factor:

The vile, racist behavior of Foxs Jesse Watters in Chinatown has no place in our city. @FoxNews  keep this guy off TV.  Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) October 6, 2016

Previous, October 5, 4 PM: Jesse Watters finally issued a statement via Twitter when the hue and cry got loud enough today over an OReilly Factor segment he did earlier this week in which he visited New Yorks Chinatown. In the segment (watch it above), Watters asked people their thoughts on the election; if hes supposed to bow when he addresses them; if the watches theyre selling are hot; if, in China, they called Chinese food just food'; etc. He also confused his Chinese stereotypes with his Japanese stereotypes, and explained he was foisting himself on Chinatown because Donald Trump has made attacking China a centerpiece of his campaign.

My man-on-the-street interviews are meant to be taken as tongue-in-cheek and I regret if anyone found offense.  Jesse Watters (@jessebwatters) October 5, 2016

As a political humorist, the Chinatown segment was intended to be a light piece, as all Watters World segments are.  Jesse Watters (@jessebwatters) October 5, 2016

After the segment aired, host Bill OReilly spoke to Watters, on camera, and said of the segment it appeared most of the people knew what was going on. That surprised Watters, who apparently was going for something else. But the two men agreed the segment was gentle fun, aka all in good fun. And yet, OReilly predicted, Were going to get letters; its inevitable.

He was correct.

Among those weighing in:

And, New Yorks Sen. Daniel Squadron issued a statement saying: Under the guise of asking residents of Manhattans Chinatown their thoughts on Donald Trump, OReilly Factor correspondent Jesse Watters brought the kind of disrespect to my constituents that has been all too common this election cycle: stereotyping, mockery and a thinly veiled disdain for immigrants. Unfortunately, one of the real costs of Trumps divisiveness is the climate of racism and disrespect its made commonplace in our national discourse. Thats unacceptable in Chinatown, unacceptable in New York, and must be unacceptable on Fox News.

The senator concluded by adding, And to Jesse Watters: welcome to my district  hope you dont come back.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJmnLzw8NA4&w=620&h=340]

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Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f23550%2fuk-jetpack.mp4.00_01_56_00.still001

LONDON  By 2019, travel by jetpack could become a reality for the general population.

What would that look like in London?

On Wednesday, the capital got a sight of future flight with a seriously cool demonstration at Royal Victoria Dock.

SEE ALSO: First ever public jetpack company zooms onto Australian Stock Exchange

Australian David Mayman piloted a turbine jet engine-powered JB-10 jetpack at a height of 30m for 4 minutes over east London.

Incredible morning with @jeffseedrs,@Seedrs and Jetpack aviation watching the founder fly over London. Humans are awesome! #thefutureisnow pic.twitter.com/xaCzBPMseM  Lindsay Levkoff Lynn (@Ltothe3rd) October 5, 2016

The former commercial pilot hopes to raise the funds to develop a turbine-powered jetpack to be made available for consumers by 2019  for a mere 200,000.

The jetpack modelled here has a flight time of up to 10 minutes at speeds approaching 60mph.

Image: Ap / Yui Mok

The London flight marks the launch of a crowdfunding initiative to raise 300,000 in support of the project.

The jetpack is light enough to be carried by one person and small enough to fit in a car.

Image: AP / Hannah McKay

In a BBC article, Lucy Sharp from Seedrs Investment, the online platform hosting the crowdfunding effort, said of Mayman: "He's in talks with the U.S. Navy to give it a use beyond commercial flights.

"He's done over 400 test flights and they've all gone smoothly, but it is jet fuel on his back, so it can be dangerous."

This was the jetpack's maiden flight in the UK.

Image: AP / Chris Radburn

Sign. Us. Up.
Keanu Reeves is suiting up in the tease for the John Wick: Chapter 2 trailer, which drops Sunday at New York Comic Con.

"Is this a formal event or a social affair?" the titular character is asked in the 17-second preview.

Upon getting fitted for the evening's social event - and gearing up with his preferred weaponry - he is then told, "Mr. Wick, do enjoy your party."

John Wick: Chapter 2 sees Reeves return to star as the hitman brought out of retirement following the killing of his dog, which was a gift from his late wife.

The sequel is being directed by Chad Stahelski, who was also at the helm of the 2014 original. Ian McShane is returning as Winston, the owner of the boutique hotel catering to hitpersons, with Common joining the cast as a chief antagonist.

Lionsgate will release John Wick: Chapter 2 in theaters on Feb. 10, 2017.

Watch the trailer tease below.

The social event of the year. #JohnWick2 teaser trailer. This Saturday. #NYCC #JohnWick2NYCC pic.twitter.com/9HUc8ZL1bF

- John Wick: Chapter 2 (@JohnWickMovie) October 6, 2016

Read more: Keanu Reeves Suits Up in First Poster for 'John Wick: Chapter 2'
burke ramsey dr. phil werner spitz cbs

Burke Ramsey is suing Dr. Werner Spitz, one of the investigators from CBS's recent JonBenet Ramsey documentary special, for defamation.

According to court papers obtained by Business Insider, Burke is suing Spitz for stating that Burke killed his younger sister, JonBenet, during a radio interview with CBS Detroit  not for his participation in the televised CBS special.

In the complaint  filed in the third circuit court for the County of Wayne, Michigan, on Thursday  Spitz is accused of being a "publicity seeker," who on the 20th anniversary of JonBenet's murder has "once again interjected himself into a high-profile case to make unsupported, false, and sensational statements and accusations."

It details that during the radio interview, Spitz "claims Burke, age nine at the time of his sister's death, bludgeoned her to death. Defendant Spitz made this accusation without ever examining JonBenet's body, without viewing the crime scene, and without consulting with the pathologist who performed the autopsy on JonBenet."

The complaint calls for a jury trial and requests no less than $150 million in damages, a retraction, and no further defamatory accusations against Burke.

A representative for Spitz said he had no comment on the lawsuit.

Last month, Burke's attorney said he would be suing CBS over the findings in its special, "The Case of: JonBenet Ramsey." The special's investigators landed on the theory that nine-year-old Burke Ramsey allegedly killed his younger sister by accident in a fit of anger. According to their theory, his parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, then allegedly created the scenario of an intruder who killed their daughter in order to protect their son.

Burke's attorney, L. Lin Wood, told Business Insider in an email that the "CBS complaint will be filed at end of October to allow statutory time for correction to expire."

Story continues

In response to the proposed suit, a network representative previously told Business Insider, "CBS stands by the broadcast and will do so in court."

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(Adds details from hearing, background on case)

By Dan Levine

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge expressed skepticism toward a bid by Airbnb to halt a San Francisco law that imposes fines on home rental companies for processing bookings by hosts not registered with the city.

The case pits San Francisco leaders against Airbnb and other allies in the tech industry in the midst of a housing crisis in the city. Local officials want to maximize tax collection on rental units, while tech advocates say internet firms should not be hamstrung by myriad local rules on what they can publish.

At a hearing in San Francisco federal court on Thursday, U.S. District Judge James Donato said he was "concerned" with Airbnb's position because the San Francisco statute targets only bookings processed by Airbnb, not what the company publishes on its website.

"I'm just struggling with understanding how this ordinance inherently requires me as a district court to treat your client as a publisher," Donato said.

The San Francisco ordinance requires Airbnb and similar services to verify that people booking short-term rentals on their sites have registered with the city. The services would face fines of $1,000 each time they process a booking from an unregistered host.

Airbnb attorney Jonathan Blavin said even though the statute deals with bookings, it would still force Airbnb to screen the listings it publishes.

In its lawsuit, Airbnb said it was protected by the federal Communications Decency Act and cannot be held responsible for ensuring hosts have complied with the city's rules. Airbnb has asked for a court injunction prohibiting the ordinance from taking effect.

The Communications Decency Act, passed in 1996, was intended to protect free speech online and has since become a favorite shield for social media and e-commerce sites against a variety of lawsuits. Recently, however, some judges have pushed back on broad interpretations of the law.

Story continues

Donato expressed concern about how Airbnb could comply with the ordinance without disrupting its business, and asked an attorney for San Francisco if the city would be willing to delay the ordinance until it developed an automated system for Airbnb to verify host registrations quickly.

City attorney Sara Eisenberg said she was not authorized to agree to such a delay. She suggested that Airbnb could adopt a system similar to Uber, which requires its drivers to upload a copy of their drivers license before being allowed to operate on the ride hailing platform.

(Editing by Matthew Lewis)
We just learned *another* new Lorelai quote from Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

Have you recovered from yesterdays all-day Gilmore Girls celebration yet? October 5th marked the 16th anniversary of the show premiering on The WB almost two decades ago, and we celebrated with lots of coffee, Luke himself, and an overload of our favorite Gilmore Girls things.

Everything magically came together with the Lukes Diner pop-ups across the country, where FREE coffee was handed out. Each cup had a *perfect* Lorelai coffee quote on the back, and they all really spoke to our soul. But, turns out, of these quotes we hadnt heard before, because its actually from the upcoming A Year in the Life.

In all the Gilmore Girls hullabaloo, we almost completely missed this. The quote reads:

Everything in my life has something to do with coffee. I believe in a former life I was coffee.

While all the other quotes specific what season and episode theyre from, this one just says, A Year in the Life. So is it, Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall??

Whenever it happens, and whenever we hear it, its another *perfect* coffee quote. If Gilmore Girls is looking for some sort of prequel spin-off after A Year in the Life is done, following Lorelais past life as a hot cup of coffee sounds like something we would totally binge  and yeah, itd be a little bit weird, but well take whatever Gilmore Girls we can get.

The post We just learned *another* new Lorelai quote from Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids is the Jonathan Demme-directed concert film of the performer's final stop on his 20/20 Experience World Tour in Las Vegas. Justin Timberlake, 35, sat down with Billboard during the Toronto International Film Festival (it's out Oct. 12 on Netflix) with Demme sitting by his side, to talk about the experience of being onstage with his musical family of two years, recruiting the maker of the legendary Talking Heads doc, Stop Making Sense, and what almost moved him to tears during "Mirrors."

Justin Timberlake Discusses Tennessee Roots in New William Rast Promo Video

The film captures the final stop on your 20/20 Experience Tour (in January 2015 in Las Vegas). Why that show?

When you spend two years with people, there's good and bad scar tissue, right? More texture, more wrinkles and more heart because of all that shared experience. I'm glad we did it this way.

So you had one shot. If your pants had split, that's what you'd get.

We shot it over two nights, so we got two shots. But one thing that you did [to Demme] that I thought was a simple thing, it's genius, was say, "Hey, we've got two nights so I'm going to take all these cameras and put them on one side one night, and the next night take the same angles from the other side."

Do you ever watch and critique your own performances?

I used to do that a lot when I was younger, but I stopped when I realized that nothing's perfect. (Laughs.) And that the imperfections are probably the most beautiful part. I've also been doing this long enough that I know what my strengths -- you know that some nights you're not going to have those strengths on full tilt. So you become a little more experienced at going, "This is the bandwidth that I have available."

In the film, during "Mirrors," you get a little emotional. What was going through your mind?

I'm a softie. It happens some nights because you're only one man standing up there, and you're getting all of this. I feel like I look out in the crowd and see all these different walks of life, ages, sexes, races, and it makes me wonder, "What are they going through? What is their life like?" We think we go to concerts so we can check out from life, but the truth is we want to relate; we want to connect. You say, "Oh, I need a night out," and you think you're going away from your life. But you show up there and sing these lyrics, and even though they remind you of your life, you're thinking somewhere in the back of your mind, "Five years from now, I'm gonna remember this moment." There's all that energy: the synchronized clapping, the lyrics you wrote in a box of a room being sung back to you with such joy -- it's a lot to take in.

This article originally appeared in the Oct. 15 issue of Billboard.
John Wick: Chapter 2 will have a big presence at this weeks New York Comic Con, where its first full-length trailer is expected to debut. Ahead of that premiere, we now have a first look at that first look: The micro-teaser (watch it above) is only about 10 seconds long, which turns out to be more than enough time to show that the sequel has the spirit of its predecessor.

Related: N.Y. Comic Con 2016 Preview: A Batman Throwback, Harley Quinn, The Great Wall, and More Must-See Movie-Related Panels

We learn that Keanu Reevess dragged-out-of-retirement assassin will be in Rome (reportedly to fight some rival killers) and that hell at some point get himself fitted for a brand-new designer suit to wear at a social event. After being told by a weapons salesman (Guardians of the Galaxys Peter Serafinowicz) to enjoy his party, he is seen arming himself to the teeth for what undoubtedly will be a less-than-casual evening affair.

Related: Movie Micro-Teasers: A Short History of Trailers to Promote  Longer Trailers

And  well, thats all folks, for now. No doubt the forthcoming full promo, scheduled to debut on Saturday afternoon at NYCC, will offer quite a bit more from the film itself, as well as give some further clues about the plot of John Wick: Chapter 2, which co-stars Common, Bridget Moynahan, Ian McShane, John Leguizamo, Lance Reddick, and Laurence Fishburne, and is directed by Chad Stahelski (without his original co-director, David Leitch). It blasts into theaters on Feb. 10, 2017.

Watch Keanu Reeves show off his John Wick Gun skills:
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Keeping Up With the Kardashians' days may be numbered.

According to Us Weekly, filming for the show is on "indefinite hiatus" following Kim Kardashian West's horrifying experience being held up at gunpoint and robbed on Sunday night. KUWTK was not filming at the time of the crime and has not filmed the family's reactions to the traumatic incident.

SEE ALSO: When Kim Kardashian returns to social media, it will be very different

The family is slowly breaking their social media silence, but Kardashian West herself has not made any posts or publicly commented on the attack. When the news broke, a spokesperson for the reality star told Mashable, "She is badly shaken but physically unharmed."

Kardashian West and her children recently returned to their home in Los Angeles after reuniting with Kanye West in New York City immediately after the attack and she has been communicating with authorities in Paris remotely.

"She has canceled everything for the next several weeks and will not be working," a source told Us Weekly. "She feels safer in L.A. and wants to be home with her family."

Keeping Up With the Kardashians is currently in its 12th season  the midseason finale of the show aired on Sept. 3.

Should the show go on hiatus, it's possible that the family would remain on the air through its numerous spinoffs. Rob & Chyna is currently in the middle of its first season, but has not been renewed. I Am Cait was recently canceled after two seasons. It's most likely that E! would focus on a show chronicling two of the sisters, like previous series Kourtney & Khloe Take the Hamptons or Kourtney & Kim Take New York.

Update, October 6, 4:50 p.m. ET:

A spokesperson for E! said told Mashable in a statement, "Kims well-being is our core focus right now. No decision has been made as to when production will resume."
Though Kendall Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian have not addressed the traumatic robbery their sister Kim Kardashian went through on Sunday, the 20-year-old supermodel and the mom of three did break their social media silence early Thursday morning.

Kendall posted a photo of herself wearing a giant red fur coat in the shape of a heart with thick glasses, she captioned the Instagram, "Low key look."

low key look A photo posted by Kendall (@kendalljenner) on Oct 6, 2016 at 3:55am PDT

In the photo, Kenny is laughing while in the standout ensemble. Rihanna wore the same statement coat in September, stepping out in NYC with the bold look.

WATCH: Kim Kardashian Robbery Investigation Continues: Police Obtain Security Camera Footage, Concierge Details Emerge

On Wednesday night, Kourtney also posted her first pic, tweeting a photo of a Bible passage with a prayer hands emoji. The verse was about having strength in tough times.

Apart from sister Kylie Jenner's recently throwback swimsuit pic, the Kardashian-Jenner clan has remained silent on social media until now, following Kim's terrifying incident.

The mother of two was held at gunpoint as several robbers stole millions in jewels from her Paris apartment. Kim has since returned to NYC to be with her husband, Kanye West, and their children, North and Saint.

WATCH: Kardashian Family Goes Quiet on Social Media Following Kim Kardashian's Robbery

The investigation into the robbery remains ongoing as the attackers have not yet been caught.

Both Kourtney and Kendall were in the City of Light at the same time as their sister but not in the apartment at the time of the incident. Kim's bodyguard was with her sisters at the time of her attack.

For more on Kim's robbery, watch the video below.

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Russian fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov is fed up with the way the UFC has treated him, and he's ready to show that promotional superstar Conor McGregor isn't the only one that can throw his weight around.

Nurmagomedov, the UFC's No. 1 ranked lightweight contender, feels mistreated when it comes to the current title situation.

After having signed not one, but two separate bout agreements to challenge Eddie Alvarez for the belt, Nurmagomedov was disregarded in favor of a fight between Alvarez and McGregor, ignoring the bout agreements issued to the undefeated Russian. McGregor will hang on to his UFC featherweight title, while getting a shot at Alvarez's belt in the UFC 205 main event on Nov. 12 in New York.

Needless to say, that did not sit well with Nurmagomedov.

I understand money fight, but first of all this is sport and you have to fight somebody who is number-one ranked, he said during an interview on The Luke Thomas Show on Sirius XM.

TRENDING > Ronda Rousey is the UFCs Biggest Star, Opened the Floodgates for Women

After explaining that, if it were him with the title in hand, he would have made McGregor earn his shot at the belt by forcing him to fight other ranked lightweights, Nurmagomedov said that he felt like UFC president Dana White used him to get the Alvarez vs. McGregor bout signed.

Dana a little bit play games and use my name. I never forget this, said Nurmagomedov, who faces No. 6 ranked Michael Johnson at UFC 205.

If he defeats Johnson, Nurmagomedov had better get the next title shot. If not, he said that he would never fight for the UFC again and would use his power in his homeland to block the promotion from ever promoting events there.

After this fight, I have to fight for the title. If I don't fight after this fight for the title, I never fight in UFC and UFC never, ever go to Russia, said Nurmagomedov.

After this fight, if I win, I deserve my title shot. And, if I don't fight after this fight for the title, I never fight in the UFC no more because I deserve this. I am undefeated. I never lose.

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McGregor admittedly has a lot of clout in the UFC and gets a lengthy rope when he wants things to go his way. Nurmagomedov does not command the same star power as McGregor, but in his mind, he has the power to impede the UFC's plans for Russia.

If I don't fight, I am gonna show how I have power in Russia. I don't fight in UFC never and UFC never go to Russia, he continued. Because UFC think Conor have power? I have power, too. I have power, too. This is not all about pay-per-view. I have power, too. I am gonna show this power.

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From Harper's BAZAAR

Days before her terrifying robbery, Kim Kardashian was reportedly followed by two men in Paris, members of the paparazzi told People. The suspects disguised themselves among the crowd of photographers who were designated to follow the reality star. Some of the paparazzi present believe the impostors could have been part of the group of five men that robbed Kardashian on Sunday night.

"I'm sure of it. There were these two guys. One was in a car and the other on a scooter. They were French, and they were just strange," one paparazzo told People. Another photographer said the two men noticeably stuck out because the same 15 to 17 paparazzi follow Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.

"We know each other. We know the bodyguards, they know us. These guys weren't photographers, weren't fans. So when we got to the restaurant we talked to them," a photographer said. "One guy told different stories, said he was from the neighborhood. Then he said he was a cop. This was so not right - we pointed them out to Kanye's security."

Photo credit: Getty

The strange men joined the paparazzi outside the Balmain show (which Kardashian attended) on Thursday and followed the reality star to Ferdi restaurant, several photographers told the site. One man was on a scooter and another drove a Fiat and was "trying to drive with [the photographers] like he was [on] a scooter," one paparazzo said. "It was dangerous, really reckless."

As they left dinner, the address of Kardashian's hotel was overheard, photographers said. They didn't see the two men again after their encounter, but have been providing Parisian police with pictures and evidence they might have for the investigation.

Kim Kardashian is now back in the United States since being tied up, gagged and robbed at gunpoint in her Paris hotel on Sunday. Approximately $11 million worth of jewelry was stolen. She returned to her New York City apartment on Monday morning with her husband Kanye West and has since been laying low from making appearances in public or on social media.

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Photo credit: Startracks

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Paris police are searching for a mysterious limo seen circling the area of the Pourtales building, where Kim Kardashian was held at gunpoint and robbed of $11 million (10 million) in jewelry in the wee hours between Sunday night and Monday morning.

The surveillance footage was recovered from a shoe store across rue Tronchet from the private hotel building, known as the No Address Hotel, where Kardashian had been staying during Paris Fashion Week.

The mysterious black car with blacked-out windows is seen passing the building three times in the footage, first at 2:34 a.m., again at 2:45 a.m. and finally at 2:54 a.m.

Kardashian called her bodyguard at 2:56 a.m.

Up to five men involved in the theft left with her 20-carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond engagement ring, worth $4 million, and a box full of jewels worth upwards of $6 million.

The CCTV video marks the first break in the case and may be a clue as to how the thieves escaped. Initial reports had them leaving the scene by bicycle.

Obtaining surveillance footage has been a challenge. Few shops or restaurants in the area have CCTV, and most streets in Paris do not maintain public surveillance cameras, as city government has fought to balance privacy and security concerns. Paris has roughly 1,300 cameras to London's 75,000.

After Kardashian's robbery ignited a political war of words between Mayor Anne Hidalgo and her former opponent Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet over public safety, the Paris police said that they believed Kardashian was targeted because of her social media postings showing the $4 million ring, and that the robbery was not the result of a general public-safety threat.

Read more: Kim Kardashian Robbery: Inside Paris' "No Address Hotel"
Kim Kardashian in Paris last week with her bodyguard Pascal Duvier. (Photo: Splash News)

French police are investigating a suspicious black car that was seen in the early hours of Monday morning circling the No Address Hotel, where Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint by five masked men dressed as police officers after being tailed by shady men for several days.



The vehicle was caught on surveillance video from the Carel shop  located directly across from the hotel at 4 Rue Tronchet. A spokesperson from the business confirmed to PEOPLE that they turned the CCTV footage over to authorities on Monday.

The police were there at 10 a.m. Monday morning, waiting for the employees to come open the shop, the employee at the firms headquarters said. They were canvassing the street and went directly in a backroom and viewed the tapes. We gave them over.

The Carel staffer also confirmed to PEOPLE that images of the footage obtained by British tabloids are accurate. They show the vehicle driving slowly past the hotel at 2:34 a.m., 2:45 a.m. and again at 2:54 a.m..

Kardashian reportedly made a distress call for help from the balcony of her hotel and on the phone to her bodyguard Pascal Duvier at 2:56 a.m. The robbers stole two cellphones and approximately $10 million worth of jewelry, including a $4 million ring.

The 35-year-old Keeping Up with the Kardashians star had finished FaceTiming with brother Rob Kardashian and his fiancee, Blac Chyna, to congratulate them on their baby shower around about 2:30 a.m. local time  minutes before armed robbers broke into her hotel room.

At the time, Kourtney Kardashian, 37, was partying at Paris nightclub LArc with sister Kendall Jenner, 20  accompanied by Duvier. They were photographed at they left The Peninsula Paris with Hailey Baldwin and Kims assistant and BFF Stephanie Sheppard, among others.

A source previously told PEOPLE it was perfectly routine that Duvier was with her sisters at the time.

It wouldnt be that strange for Pascal to be dispatched to be with Kourtney or the other family members once Kim was safely in her residence, a source close to the family said. And he regularly provides security for the whole family  not just Kim.
Kinross Gold Corporation KGC said that it has reached a three-year collective labor agreement (CLA) with unionized employees at its Tasiast mine in Mauritania.



As stated earlier in its second-quarter 2016 earnings release, Kinross and the Government of Mauritania have agreed to a "Mauritanization" plan to increase the number of local workers at Tasiast, a requirement under Mauritanian law. Kinross resolved the expatriate work-permit issue with the Government of Mauritania and resumed normal operations at Tasiast in Aug 2016. The new CLA and Mauritanization plan underscore the strong partnership that Kinross has developed with the Government of Mauritania as well as its employees.



Kinrosss shares rose 1.4% to close at $3.63 on Oct 5.

KINROSS GOLD Price

KINROSS GOLD Price | KINROSS GOLD Quote

During second-quarter 2016, Kinross reported a net loss of $25 million or 2 cents per share, narrower than a net loss of $83.2 million or 7 cents per share in the year-ago quarter. The loss was mainly due to a $69.4 million tax expense.

Adjusted loss (excluding one-time items) was $9.8 million or a penny per share, compared with adjusted loss of $13.6 million or a penny per share recorded in the year-ago quarter. Analysts polled by Zacks were expecting earnings of a penny per share on an average.

Revenues of $876.4 million in the quarter surged around 16% from $755.2 million in the year-ago quarter mainly due to increases in gold equivalent ounces sold and the average realized gold price. Revenues also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $862 million.

For 2016, Kinross has reaffirmed its previously-outlined production guidance. The company anticipates producing about 2.72.9 million gold equivalent ounces this year. The overall production cost of sales is expected to be in the range of $675$735 per gold equivalent ounce while all-in sustaining cost (AISC) is estimated to be $890$990 per gold equivalent ounce.

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Kinross currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Stocks to Consider

Some better-ranked companies in the mining space include AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. AU, New Gold Inc. NGD and Barrick Gold Corporation ABX all sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

AngloGold Ashanti has an expected earnings growth of 368% for the current year.

New Gold has an expected earnings growth of 491.7% for the current year.

Barrick has an expected earnings growth of 118.8% for the current year.

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Moscow (AFP) - More than a year after it launched a bombing campaign in Syria, Russia is bolstering its firepower in the country as tensions with the United States rise over the war.

Here is an overview of the weaponry Moscow has in the region as diplomatic attempts to resolve the five-year conflict have hit the buffers:

- Personnel -

Russia's military has not released the exact number of servicemen it has deployed to Syria but recent voting figures during elections last month suggested there could be up to 4,300 personnel based there.

They range from pilots and marine commandos to cooks and support staff living for the most part at the Hmeimim airbase in government-held territory close to the coastal city of Latakia.

Russia insists its troops are not fighting on the frontline in Syria but it admits deploying military "advisors" to assist the Syrian army and special forces to help target air strikes.

Officially some 20 serviceman have been killed in action since the start of the campaign, including a pilot killed when a Turkish F-16 downed his jet in November.

Russian opposition media has also carried reports of mercenaries from the country fighting, and dying, on the side of regime forces.

The defence ministry has drawn up a draft law that would allow Russians to sign short-term contracts to fight in overseas operations against "international terrorism", a move that could boost Moscow's ability to get servicemen to Syria.

- Planes -

Moscow's Syria mission is thought to have several dozen warplanes at its Hmeimim base -- including Su-24, Su-25, Su-30 and the latest Su-35 jets -- the tip of the spear of its operation.

Russia also has attack helicopters in Syria that have been used to back up offensives by government forces. The pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestiya newspaper reported recently that it has dispatched more Su-25 ground attack military jets.

Moscow has also used aircraft based outside Syria to bomb targets there. Long-range Tupolev bombers have struck the war-ravaged country after taking off from bases in Russia, firing missiles including the new X-101 that has a range of 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles).

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Russia briefly used a base in western Iran to fly bombing sorties over Syria in August but that was halted after several days following an apparent diplomatic spat.

- Air defence and navy -

Russia on Monday confirmed it had delivered the S-300 air defence system to its naval facility at Tartus to bolster its capacities in Syria as relations have soured with the United States.

Moscow had already sent the newer S-400 system to Hmeimim in the wake of Ankara's downing of its warplane in November.

The deployment of the high-tech air defence systems is a clear warning to the West not to meddle with Moscow as rebel and jihadist groups do not posses planes or missiles capable of shooting down Russian jets.

Defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov warned the United States Thursday that the reach of the Russian systems could "provide a surprise for any unrecognised aircraft".

The Kremlin's forces on land are also backed up by a Russian naval deployment off the coast in the eastern Mediterranean.

Over the past few days Russia has dispatched three more corvettes equipped with modern missile systems to join the deployment, which has up until now numbered about 10 warships and support vessels. It is also due to send its lone aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in the coming weeks.

Russia has previously also fired missiles at Syria from submarines in the Mediterranean and warships in the Caspian Sea.
WWE Network

For months, ever since the first time he popped up on WWE television, Kota Ibushi has seemed destined to be a big star in WWE, and a talent that the company desperately wants to have on their roster. He looked WWE-bound since he first left Japan, and when he was announced for the acclaimed CWC, he looked like the overwhelming favorite to win it all. Then he failed to sign with the company. Now, despite still being on NXT television and entering the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, Ibushi has said there is zero chance he will sign a contract with WWE.

On Thursday, Ibushi elaborated on his comments with a longer statement about his situation.

Want another Ibushi statement about WWE? Here is another one. Of them. # https://t.co/a3ZS2sbpGX

chris charlton (@reasonjp) October 06, 2016

We met in a hotel. They offered a full time contract, which I declined, and then went in all sorts of different directions and contract suggestions, all of which I declined. It was a case of them just going Well, ok, how about this? over and over. I just said look, I came here to say no, and they kind of said well, I guess were done for today. Why no contract? At the end of the day, its a matter of would this decision make me happy? Or make me satisfied?. Thing is, doing the CWC, what I did learn was that I have no problem flying out to places to wrestle. I thought itd suck, it didnt. But i thought is wrestling in that kind of circumstance, that environment really best for me? And it isnt. Maybe for other people, not me. I really dont wrestle for the money, anyway.

Its been a very long time that anyone has played hardball with WWE like this  only, hes not playing hardball; hes just not interested. A while back, our sources told us that Ibushi had been offered at least six figures to sign with WWE, but he just continually turned them down. At this point, its abundantly clear that hes simply not interested  and that hes definitely not in it for the money.
Kristen Stewart & her friend walk around NY in matching mini skirts and the slayage is real

Kristen Stewart stepped out in New York City on Tuesday and slayed the mini skirt game with her friend, and Cara Delevingnes ex, St. Vincent.

Stewart was in New York to promote and attend the premiere of her newest movie, Certain Women, at the New York Film Festival earlier in the week. When she was spotted on the streets of NYC on Tuesday, its her matching style with her friend St. Vincent, whose real name is Annie Clark, that got us really talking.

The 26-year-old actress rocked a black mini skirt with a tied-up black tee with a white checkered pattern on it. She topped off her casual ensemble with classic lace-up Vans and a bright orange hoodie.

NEW pictures of Kristen Stewart with St. Vincent in NYC! pic.twitter.com/PDsRCoYt5Y  Diario Twilight (@DiarioTwilight) October 5, 2016

St. Vincent sported a similar look to Stewart as the duo enjoyed a fall day in the city. She also wore a black mini skirt, but opted for a vintage David Bowie T-shirt and bomber jacket with a unique eagle design. The 34-year-old musician added a pair of black loafers and blue neck scarf for the perfect retro look.

This isnt the first look from the Cafe Society actress that weve been in awe of during her week in New York. On Monday, Stewart showed off her ability to perfectly embody menswear style in a gorgeous red pantsuit. The Twilight alum finished her look for the Certain Woman premiere at the festival with black loafers and no top under her blazer. Plus, her red lip added just the right pop to the overall look.

Seriously, she looked so fierce on the red carpet that we can barely handle it. #StyleGoals.

Which of Stewarts looks to do you like best?

The post Kristen Stewart & her friend walk around NY in matching mini skirts and the slayage is real appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Kurt Russell spent Wednesday evening looking back at one of his all-time classics.

Director John Carpenters Big Trouble in Little China has become a cult classic in the 30 years since its original theatrical release. Hollywood festival BeyondFest screened the movie Wednesday night to an audience that knew the film by heart, cheering and laughing the whole way through. Russell, who played bumbling hero Jack Burton in the film, said reactions were different when studio executives watched the film for the first time in 1986.

It was just too cool for school. It was literally terminally hip, said Russell in a Q&A after the screening, moderated by James Gunn, who directed the actor in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Its just great to see it, because, man, they did not get it.

In the film, Russells macho truck-driver Burton arrives in San Franciscos Chinatown and gets involved in a mythical battle between ancient spirits after his friend Wang Chis wife is mysteriously kidnapped. Burton and Wang, played by Dennis Dun, set out to save her and battle monsters, Chinese street gangs and sorcerers along the way.

Gunn and Russell credited the movie with introducing Hong Kong cinema to American audiences. Russell was one of the few white actors in the film, alongside Kim Cattrall and Scandals Kate Burton, and he defended early criticism of how the film portrays the racial divide.

It was a tribute to it! It was John bringing it to America, he said. I always saw Wang sort of as the lead. And I thought that could be fun, because then we could have the guy whos usually the sidekick really doing all the things that the lead does, but what really makes it fun is that the lead doesnt know that.

When asked about a potential remake of the film - with his Fast 8 costar Dwayne Johnson in the role of Burton - Russell said they had not discussed the character on set, but predicted a remake could be successful if the director had the right vision.

Story continues

I dont think theres anything too precious to make a remake of. However, you have to have a pretty good reason for making it, said Russell. I think theres a lot more of a challenge on the director than on the actor. There was a lot of innovation here. There was a lot of firsts, and again, all John Carpenter.

Russell reminisced about his career working with Carpenter on films like Elvis, Escape from New York and The Thing. He said the director gave him the freedom to create characters that have become classic to audiences like the one at BeyondFest.

I cant tell you how much fun it is to watch that movie with this audience! I hope John Carpenter does that sometime because - I havent seen John for a while - but its just all John, said Russell. If you like that movie and if you have as much fun as you did, thats all John.
Kylie Jenner is flaunting a new hair color! The 19-year-old makeup maven ditched her platinum blonde look for rose gold locks on Thursday.

WATCH: Kylie Jenner Buys Her Fourth Home, a $12 Million Mansion -- See the Palatial Pics

The reality star gave a few different views of her latest hair color on Instagram, while posing by the pool in a white fur coat.

A photo posted by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Oct 6, 2016 at 11:26am PDT

Rose Gold A photo posted by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Oct 6, 2016 at 10:05am PDT

Kylie also shared another look at her hair in a selfie-video with The Weeknd's "Starboy" single playing in the background.

A video posted by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Oct 6, 2016 at 1:30pm PDT

MORE: Kylie Jenner Gushes Over 'So Funny' Boyfriend Tyga, Talks Babies in Impromptu Snapchat Q&A

The teen switches up her hair pretty often but her new 'do could be a show of solidarity after sister Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in Paris last Sunday.

While the family went silent on social media immediately after Kim's frightening incident, Kylie returned briefly to Instagram on Wednesday with a throwback pic from her birthday vacay in Turks & Caicos.

Looking back at Turks A photo posted by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Oct 4, 2016 at 12:47pm PDT

Meanwhile, Kim is understandably still shaken up, and will be changing her approach to social media. See more in the video below.

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Semiconductor equipment maker Lam Research LRCX, on Wednesday, terminated its proposed acquisition of California-based KLA-Tencor KLAC, following antitrust objections from the Justice Department.



The Justice Departments antitrust division said cited serious concerns overthe deal because the combined company might restrict competition. The deal would further reduce the number of suppliers in the semiconductor industry, leading to higher prices and hurting innovation.



However, merger-termination fees will not be paid by either of the company.



The deal was announced last October, when KLA-Tencor had agreed to be acquired by Lam in a cash and stock deal worth $10.6 billion. This August, the companies said they were still in talks with the Justice Department and a regulatory clearance for the deal may not be obtained.



Had the deal turned out successful, the companies would have realized $250 million in annual ongoing pre-tax cost synergies within 1.52 years and $600 million by 2020.The merger would create an equipment powerhouse with a huge range of products, customer breadth and scale.



The deal cancellation caught the market by surprise and reflected in the share prices of both the companies. Share price of Lam Research and KLA-Tencor fell 1.22% and 3.67%, respectively, in the after-hours trading.



Notably, KLA-Tencor, the leading manufacturer of process control equipment, has announced its decision to hike quarterly dividend by 2 cents to 54 cents per share. This translates into a 4% increase from the prior dividend of 52 cents. This strength of KLAs business model is reflected in its strong cash generation capabilities and commitment to return value to its shareholders.

LAM RESEARCH Price

LAM RESEARCH Price | LAM RESEARCH Quote

Zacks Rank

Currently, KLA-Tencor carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and Lam Research carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Stocks worth considering in the industry include Applied Materials, Inc. AMAT and LinkedIn Corporation LNKD, carrying a Zacks Rank #1 each. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

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Applied Materials, Inc. witnessed a 1.11% gain in its last days stock price. On average, the company delivered a positive earnings surprise 5.05% in the trailing four quarters.

LinkedIn delivered a positive earnings surprise of 115.2%, on average, in the trailing four quarters.

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From Country Living

With so many Black Friday shoppers eager to save big on holiday gifts, many sales in recent years have been starting early on Thanksgiving Day. But this year, America's largest mall is stepping back from the increasingly popular practice, making a statement to retailers and shoppers everywhere.

The Mall of America, located in Bloomington, Minnesota, has announced that, for the first time since 2012, bargain hunters will have to hold out until 5 a.m. on Black Friday because the mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. For the first time ever, the mall's movie theater and amusement park will also be closed.

In a statement to the Associated Press, the retail giant said they "want to give this day back" to loved ones. "We think Thanksgiving is a day for families and for people we care about," said Jill Renslow, the mall's senior vice president of marketing.

But for the most eager of Black Friday shoppers, all hope is not lost. The Bloomington megamall, which is home to over 500 stores and employs over 15,000 people, has given its individual stores the option to remain open on Turkey Day. While officials don't expect many to do so, some still might.

In any case, the Mall of America is doing its part to put a stop to the Black Friday creep, and giving Thanksgiving Day the family focus it deserves. Here's hoping other major retailers are taking notice!

(h/t Fortune)

Download the free Country Living Now app to stay up-to-date on the latest country decor, craft ideas, comfort food recipes, and more.

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Taraji P. Henson, Bryshere Gray, Trai Byers, Jussie Smollett, Tasha Smith, Gabourey Sidibe, and Grace Byers appear in a new ad for Hillary Clintons campaign directed by Lee Daniels.

The new ad is called What Will You Say, and highlights whats at stake for the African American community in this election, the Clinton campaign said in a statement announcing the spot. It will run on TV and online in battleground states.

What will I tell my son? asks Henson in the spot. What will you tell your daughter? What will we tell the future generation? The video ends with each star declaring their declaration to vote for Clinton.

Daniels spoke at the Democratic National Convention in July.

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TOKYO (Reuters) - China's Lenovo Group Ltd is in talks to bring Fujitsu Ltd's personal computer business under its control, allowing the Japanese company to focus on IT services and other businesses, a source with direct knowledge of the talks said.

The two companies aim to reach a deal this month, with some 2,000 Fujitsu workers likely move to Lenovo, the Nikkei business daily said on Thursday, without saying where it got the information.

The deal, if realized, will make Fujitsu the second Japanese PC assembler after NEC Corp to seek the help of the world's largest PC maker to stay competitive in the thin margin market. Lenovo and NEC set up a PC joint venture in 2011.

Fujitsu's shares gained 7 percent in early trade to hit their highest level since January, compared with a 0.6 percent gain for the broader market. Lenovo shares were up 2 percent.

Fujitsu may transfer its design, development and manufacturing operations to a joint venture led by Lenovo or Lenovo may opt to buy a majority stake in the Japanese company's PC unit, the Nikkei said. It did not mention potential financial terms.

Fujitsu said in a statement it was considering various options for the PC unit but had not yet made a decision on its future. Lenovo declined to comment.

Fujitsu had initially negotiated with Toshiba Corp and unlisted Vaio Corp, which was spun off from Sony Corp, for a three-way merger of their PC businesses. But the talks fell through earlier this year as the companies were unable to agree on the details.

Global demand for PCs has been squeezed by sales of smartphones and tablet computers. Smaller makers less able to benefit from large scale production face an uncertain future.

In the second quarter of this year, worldwide shipments of PCs were stronger than expected, but nonetheless shrank 4.5 percent from a year earlier to 62.4 million units, according to technology research company IDC.

Lenovo accounted for 21.2 percent of those shipments, followed by HP Inc with 20.8 percent, and Dell Inc with 16 percent. Asustek computers Inc had a 7.2 percent share while Apple Inc held 7.1 percent.

Fujitsu shipped 4 million units in the year ended in March, mostly for the Japanese market, the company said. It did not appear in IDC's top five rankings.

(Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim, Tim Kelly and Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Edwina Gibbs and Christian Schmollinger)
johnson aleppo

Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson seems to have drawn a blank again.

In an interview with The New York Times published on Wednesday, Johnson skirted around a question about whether he could name North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un.

When asked whether he knew the name of the volatile leader, Johnson said, "I do."

When The Times pressed him further to identify the North Korean leader, Johnson appeared incredulous.

"You want me to name the person," Johnson responded, according to The Times. "Really."

Johnson may have been skittish about answering to avoid another gaffe, after two recent occasions in which he flubbed answers to foreign-policy questions.

During an MSNBC interview last week, Johnson struggled to name a foreign leader he admired.

And last month, he asked "What is Aleppo?" in an interview in which he appeared unfamiliar with the epicenter of the Syrian civil war.

NOW WATCH: Clinton opens up a massive lead against Trump, with lopsided support from a key voting demographic





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Kim Kardashian Wests terrifying encounter with masked men who made off with more than $10 million worth of jewels unfolded at the Hotel de Pourtales, a Parisian locale so exclusive, it doesnt have an address.

The hotels lack of a geographical footprint is not unique, as one California community caters to those seeking the maximum amount of privacy for the discretion-seeking elites.

Read: Cryotherapy Is the Coolest New Celebrity Health Craze

Searching for the aptly-named Hidden Hills online will get a person nowhere, because as far as Google Maps is concerned, it doesnt exist.

Angelina Jolie moved into the gated cluster of mansions after filing for divorce from Brad Pitt, settling in a home owned by Denise Richards, about a mile and a half away from Kardashian and Kanye Wests own mansion.

All 550 homes in Hidden Hills are considered invisible since they are unable to be viewed on Googles street view, as the search engine giants high tech street cars that photograph homes are banned from entering.

Such amenities are a dream come true for "people who have a lot of money and dont want to be found," realtor Jade Mills told Inside Edition.

Read: Inside the $5 Million Mansion Where the Obamas Will Live After White House

This is double gated and celebrity loves this. You have to ring to get into the first gate, said Mills, who is selling an invisible six-bedroom mansion on a private road in Beverly Hills for a jaw-dropping $20 million.

The extra layer of security, which is included in the whopping price, plays a big part in keeping burglars  and celebrity-crazed fans  away.

No one even knows this house is here, she said. So for a celeb or for someone who wants to [be] private, this place is perfect.

Watch: What Could Happen With Kim Kardashian's Stolen $4M Diamond Engagement Ring

Story continues

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With Lil Yachty at the center of the current debate over whether new rappers should know their hip-hop history or not, his father Shannon McCollum sat down in a recent interview with Hip-Hop Wired to share his thoughts on the matter. An Atlanta-based professional photographer known for shooting artists like Outkast and John Legend, McCollum knows his hip-hop history, but understand why his son might not.

"He wasn't raised on Biggie or Tupac. Growing up we played a lot of music. By the time he got to be five or six, I really was playing Miles Davis, because I was so into Miles Davis, and that's where his name comes from. That's what he first heard."

Explaining that Yachty was born after artists like Biggie and Tupac had already passed away, McCollumn says that Yachty grew up in a house that was dominated by artists like Coldplay, Bilal, Outkast, A Tribe Called Quest, Kanye West, Steely Dan, and The Beatles. Understanding that hip-hop evolves each generation, he had a message for older fans who are upset with his son's lack of hip-hop history knowledge and don't like the music.

You know what I would say to the older cats  because Im an older cat, he says. I would say its not for you! He calls himself the King of the Teens, not the King of the Old Heads. Its for your kids, let your kids rock with it.

McCollumn continues, "You have to realize that he just graduated high school last year. He's a teenager. A kid. Look at our own kids. I would like to ask some of these cats to ask their own kids without going to Google, 'Can you name five Tupac songs? Can you name five A Tribe Called Quest songs?'"

Watch clips from the interview above and below.

Related links:



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Mick Jagger and the boys are back: the Rolling Stones announced a new album, called Blue and Lonesome, to be released on December 2. It will be the first new studio album from the iconic British rock band since 2005s A Bigger Bang.

The new 12-track album is a series of covers that will be, appropriately, blues-based; the first snippet of Just Your Fool opens with rollicking harmonica before segueing into some easy sing-along lyrics. Its an immediate foot-tapper with their signature rock n roll spin, so you can bet that the rest of the album will make anyone who grew up with the Stones very happy indeed to see Mick, Keith, Charlie, and Ronnie back in full form.

The famous foursome may not have been making albums in the last decade, but they havent rested on their laurels, either; consummate performers, they spent 2012 on an international tour to celebrate their 50th anniversary as a band, and have played major festivals like Glastonbury and a concert in Cuba.

This album is manifest testament to the purity of their love for making music, and the blues is, for the Stones, the fountainhead of everything they do, an album co-producer, Don Was, told The Guardian. They recorded it in a minimal three days, and it will feature another classic rock great: Eric Clapton. It will be their 25th studio album.
After the news that the digital download for "Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare" weighs in at a considerable 130GB, for the PlayStation 4's Special Edition at least -- including 40GB for "Modern Warfare: Remastered" -- what better time to compile a playlist of songs tangentially related to the blockbuster video game franchise?

"Welcome to Lunar Industries"

Moon OST, Clint Mansell

Once best known as the frontman for British band Pop Will Eat Itself, half of whose song title "Get The Girl! Kill The Baddies!" is "Call of Duty" summed up three words, Mansell moved to the USA and is now a high profile soundtrack composer. Aronofsky's "Pi," "Requiem for a Dream," and "Black Swan" are among his achievements, and he was widely praised for Duncan Jones' "Moon." "Call of Duty" fans will also know Moon as one of the more unusual levels from 2010's "Black Ops."

youtu.be/SPNke7g20js

"Passchendaele"

Goodbooks

Not only does this track slip the phrase "Call of Duty" into its first verse, but the bittersweet lyrics cover both World War II, which the video game franchise has its roots in, as well as World War I, which some fans would have liked to have seen explored in this year's game (as is the case with October's "Battlefield 1") rather than adopting a sci-fi setting.

youtu.be/n-5cApzDUXQ

"Mile High"

Moss

Named after Denver, Colorado -- the Mile High City -- rather than the last level from "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare," this up-tempo, melodic hip hop track is lifted from Moss's 2011 cut "It's Like I'm Famous"; new album "Automatic" is underway.

youtu.be/N6KbFlsaabc

"Brace"

Birds of Tokyo

Australian band Birds of Tokyo accidentally namechecks the space warship from "Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare," Retribution, in the title track from fifth studio album "Brace." Both "Call of Duty" and Birds of Tokyo have weathered fan criticism for changes in creative direction and, coincidentally, "Brace" is due the same day as "Infinite Warfare," on November 4.

youtu.be/rkjvv4edFEQ

"Magic Fly"

Space

French band Space first broke through with electro epic "Magic Fly," and those not familiar with the track might be surprised to learn it was released in 1977. Trends come and go, and Space's most famous work might well be ripe for a comeback. The music video's novelty of having Space members' faces masked is also reminiscent of a more recent famous french EDM export, Daft Punk.

youtu.be/P_ukfGAd8T4
London's mayor Sadiq Khan on Thursday said that the city is exploring plans to build what could be the British capital's largest film studio facility, based in Dagenham, a suburb of East London, amid continued high demand for production space.

Amid debate about the future of production in London following the Brexit vote in June, the mayor has teamed with Film London, the London Local Enterprise Panel and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham to commission a feasibility study into creating the capital's first new TV and film production studios in 25 years at Dagenham East. The process will be led by Film London in consultation with the film and television industries.

The space under consideration is 17 acres large. Pinewood Group and Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden are among the studio facilities in and around London that have remained busy thanks to ongoing film and TV production activity and Britain's incentives program.

Approximately three-quarters of the U.K.'s film industry is based in and around London, and last year 1 billion ($1.27 billion) was attracted to the city in investment from international film production, according to Film London. Overall, London is considered the third busiest city for film production behind Los Angeles and New York.

"New studio space will help meet increasing demand and ensure many more multi-million-pound productions come to London, showing the world that, following the EU referendum, the capital remains open to business, talent and creativity," FIlm London said.

The potential site for the new studio at Dagenham East is located next to an industrial park and was picked because of its size. The area is well connected with the District Line subway and Crossrail services, allowing quick access to central London.

Read more: Warner Bros. Opens Leavesden Studio Near London for Business

"The biggest U.S. studio-backed productions can bring in over 100 million ($127 million) in U.K. spend and new Dagenham studios would enable London to bid successfully for more overseas film productions, benefiting not just the capital but the rest of the U.K.," Film London said.

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Khan has committed to sustaining London's future as a creative capital, as well as reimagining the city's cultural infrastructure. The creative industries account for one in six jobs in London, or 800,000 overall, and are a key contributor to economic growth, according to Film London.

"From James Bond and Star Wars to Harry Potter and Bridget Jones's Baby, London has a vibrant production history and some of the best studios in the world," said Khan. "To sustain and grow this success story, it is critical that the capital gets significantly more studio and production capacity to maximize the opportunities for filmmaking. London is open to the best creative and cultural minds and I am looking forward to exploring whether a new film studio in Dagenham could help the capital's film industry thrive for years to come."

The mayor made the announcement as he visited Barking and Dagenham, which has attracted a number of big-budget films, including Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron and Doctor Strange.



Said Adrian Wootton, CEO of Film London and the British Film Commission: "London is one of the world's busiest destinations for the film industry, with international filmmakers making a beeline for our city because they know it offers the very best by way of facilities, expertise and creative talent. Our global reputation means demand for studio space is incredibly high, and unlocking new studio space in east London would help maintain the capital's competitive edge. If realized, this major new infrastructure project would mean a tremendous economic boost for Barking and Dagenham, the capital's film and TV industries and the U.K. as a whole."

Read more: Pinewood Completes Sale to Real Estate Investment Fund
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has backed a plan to look into building what could become the citys largest film and TV studios. The production facility, which would be based in Dagenham, on the eastern edge of the city, would be the first studios to be built for 25 years in London, which is the worlds third-busiest city for film production.

The mayor has teamed up with production support agency Film London, the London Local Enterprise Panel, and the borough of Barking and Dagenham to commission a feasibility study into creating the studios. The process will be led by Film London in consultation with the film and television industries.

About three-quarters of the British film industry is based in and around London, and last year 1 billion ($1.27 billion) was attracted to the city in inward investment from international film production, according to Film London. Only Los Angeles and New York attract more film production. Londons world-class crews, varied locations, talent and 25% tax relief for film and TV projects have sustained Londons position, which has meant high demand for studio space.

The potential site for the studios in Dagenham is located at the LondonEast Industrial Park and has been scoped out because of its large size. Train links with Central London are good.

The London Local Enterprise Partnership and Barking and Dagenham Borough Council will invest up to 80,000 ($101,000) to develop a business case for the proposed new studios. This will look in close detail at the demand for such a facility and the economic benefit that it could bring to East London and the city as a whole, according to a statement.

Khan said: From James Bond and Star Wars to Harry Potter and Bridget Joness Baby, London has a vibrant production history and some of the best studios in the world. To sustain and grow this success story, it is critical that the capital gets significantly more studio and production capacity to maximize the opportunities for film-making. London is open to the best creative and cultural minds, and I am looking forward to exploring whether a new film studio in Dagenham could help the capitals film industry thrive for years to come.

Story continues

The Film Office in the borough of Barking and Dagenham has attracted a number of big-budget films, such as Marvels Avengers: Age of Ultron and Doctor Strange, and TV dramas including the BBCs Undercover and Channel 4 sci-fi thriller Humans.



Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: London is one of the worlds busiest destinations for the film industry, with international filmmakers making a beeline for our city because they know it offers the very best by way of facilities, expertise and creative talent. Our global reputation means demand for studio space is incredibly high, and unlocking new studio space in East London would help maintain the capitals competitive edge.

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6 Oct  Mahershala Ali, who currently can be seen in the Marvel Netflix series, "Luke Cage", as the villain Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes, is in talks to star in a bigger project.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 42-year-old actor is in talks to star in the James Cameron-produced "Alita: Battle Angel".

Should he agree to sign on the dotted line, he will be joining cast members Christoph Waltz ("The Legend Of Tarzan"), Rosa Salazar ("Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials"), Jackie Earle Haley ("London Has Fallen", TV's "Preacher") and Ed Skrein ("Deadpool").

Based on the 1990 Japanese manga series created by Yukito Kishiro, "Alita: Battle Angel" is originally scheduled to be James Cameron's next directorial project. His long commitment over his own "Avatar" sequels later prompted him to drop out, though he remained as one of the producers alongside Jon Landau.

The upcoming manga adaptation will be handled by "Desperado" and "Sin City" director Robert Rodriguez.

Set in the 26th century, "Alita: Battle Angel" revolves around a female cyborg hunter (Rosa Salazar) who is found in a scrapyard and brought back to life by a scientist (Christoph Waltz). Ali is slated to play a villain named Vector who organises matches in a gladiator-style tournament known as Motorball.

Apart from "Luke Cage", Ali also previously starred in "Free State Of Jones" alongside Matthew McConaughey, TV's "House Of Cards", and "Hunger Games: Mockingjay  Part 1" as well as its sequel.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2016 / Lupaka Gold Corp (LPK.V) (LQP.F) ("Lupaka Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update regarding its three development projects, as follows:

Invicta Gold Project ("Invicta")

Invicta continues to move forward and we anticipate start-up of on-site work shortly. Although the Pre-Paid Forward Gold Purchase Agreement with PLI Huaura Holdings LP was signed on June 30, 2016, the actual receipt of funding has experienced some significant delays due to a number of items such as clarification of tax issues, re-structuring of pre-existing royalty agreements on the Invicta property and the very slow process of formally registering the liens and mortgages required under the financing agreement.

As soon as funding is received, the Company intends to ramp-up to a 350 tonnes per day ("tpd") production rate as soon as reasonable while processing all mineralized material on a contract basis. Once a steady-state 350 tpd production rate is established, expansion potential and a timetable for the construction of Invicta's own processing facility will be developed.

Please also see "Cautionary Note Regarding the Invicta Production Decision" below.

Josnitoro Gold Project ("Josnitoro")

Lupaka Gold is also moving forward with its Josnitoro project, a joint venture with Hochschild Mining.

Company geologists have visited the Josnitoro site and confirmed historical geologic mapping and conducted a limited confirmation sampling program. Company geologists sampled the disseminated gold halo zone, obtaining values of 9 grams gold per tonne ("g/t") at surface, and sampled the central copper skarn zone receiving values of 1.76% copper and 1.2 g/t gold.

Please see the Company's news release dated November 26, 2013 for further information on Josnitoro and the Hochshild Joint Venture.

The Company is now focusing on the core copper/gold skarn zone where the former Josnitoro owner, Minerales del Suroeste S.A., reported high-grade sampling results for copper (of 3 to 9 percent) from samples taken in 2008 from existing mining works and from the sacks of mineral rock accumulated by artisanal miners from a four km long corridor. Currently this area is being mined by local artisanal miners on a small scale of a few hundred tonnes per day. Processors and off-takers for the artisanal miners' mineralized rock report consistent high-grade (of 2 to 5 percent) copper with gold being delivered to two different plants that are processing material from the copper skarn.

Story continues

Readers are cautioned that the historical sample results and the related reported grades and the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the historical sample results and reported grades have not been verified by the Company. Further, the samples were selectively collected and may not have been subjected to modern quality assurance and quality control measures, and therefore the results may not be representative or reliable.

The Company will be stepping up its exploration of the property after the rainy season ends in early 2017.

Crucero Gold Project ("Crucero")

Crucero contains a pit constrained indicated/inferred resource estimate which is reported below. Geochem and rock samples indicate that additional gold anomalies may be present along strike both north and south of the main zone. Lupaka Gold is currently entertaining joint venture proposals for the Crucero property.

Gordon Ellis, President and CEO commented, "The Company has three good properties, each of which has either a defined resource or ongoing small-scale mining over potentially large deposits." Mr. Ellis further commented that, "After a number of years of challenging market conditions to find sufficient funding, we look forward to further exploring and developing these assets at a much accelerated rate in today's improving metals markets."

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this news release.

About Lupaka Gold

Lupaka Gold is a Peru-focused gold explorer and developer with geographic diversification and balance through its interest in asset-based resource projects spread across three regions of Peru.

Invicta Gold Project - the Company's 100%-owned Invicta Gold Project is a well-developed, poly-metallic gold-copper underground deposit located approximately 120 kilometres by road north of Lima. Management expects to commence production in 2016 by using third-party mining contractors and utilizing the adit and workings completed by previous owners.

Mining operations would be focused on accessing Invicta's Measured and Indicated resource estimates, which are comprised of:

Measured - 131,000 tonnes grading 6.65 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold equivalent for 28,000 contained ounces ("ozs") gold equivalent, from: 18,000 ozs Au grading at 4.29 g/t, 133,000 ozs Ag grading at 31.71 g/t, 2,119k lbs Cu grading at 0.73%, 1,110k lbs Pb grading at 0.39% and 1,105k lbs of Zn grading at 0.38%.

Indicated - 8,513,000 tonnes grading 3.43 g/t gold equivalent for 939,000 contained ozs gold equivalent, from: 573,000 ozs Au grading at 2.09 g/t, 4,285,000 ozs Ag grading at 15.65 g/t, 79,048k lbs Cu grading at 0.42%, 45,171k lbs Pb grading at 0.24% and 53,482k lbs of Zn grading at 0.21%.

Inferred - 2,534,000 tonnes grading 2.90 g/t gold equivalent for 236,000 contained ozs gold equivalent, from: 131,000 ozs Au grading an average of 1.61 g/t, 979,000 ozs Ag grading at 12.02 g/t, 25,879k lbs Cu grading at 0.46%, 14,891k lbs Pb grading at 0.27% and 9,854k lbs of Zn grading at 0.18%.

The resources are stated at a 1.30 g/t gold equivalent cut-off contained within potentially economically mineable mineralized solids. Metal prices assumed for the gold equivalent calculation are US$1,500/oz for gold, US$32.50/oz for silver, US$3.90/lb for copper, US$1.05/lb for lead and US$1.00/lb for zinc. The gold equivalent calculation assumes 100% metallurgical recovery, and does not account for any smelting, transportation or refining charges.

Invicta's approved EIA allows for mine production at 1,000 tpd although the current mining plan is limited to 400 tpd.

Josnitoro Gold Project - the Company holds an option to earn a 65% interest on this project from Hochschild Mining PLC. The project is located approximately 600 kilometres by road southeast of Lima in the Department of Apurimac, southern Peru, within which lies the La Arena mine (Tahoe Resources) and the Constancia mine (HudBay Minerals). Historical work on the disseminated gold zones includes over 170 shallow drill holes and extensive surface trenching, as well as artisanal mining.

Crucero Gold Project - the Company holds a 100% interest in the Crucero Gold Project, a 5,500 hectare gold property located in southern Peru. Crucero has an Indicated mineral resource estimate of 1,003,041 ozs Au contained in 30,919,873 tonnes at 1.02 g/t gold (capped) and an Inferred mineral resource estimate of 1,027,806 ozs Au contained in 31,201,648 tonnes at 1.03 g/t gold (capped). These mineral resource estimates have been constrained by a conceptual pit shell in order to confirm reasonable prospects of economic extraction as set out in the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and NI 43-101.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Lupaka Gold Corp.

Investor Relations

+1 (604) 681-5900

or visit the Company's profile at www.sedar.com or its website at www.lupakagold.com

Qualified Person

The technical information in this document has been reviewed and approved by Julio Castaneda Mondragon, MAIG, the President of Lupaka Gold Peru S.A.C., a Peruvian subsidiary of the Company, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Other than the scientific and technical information regarding Josnitoro which has not been verified as discussed above, Mr. Castaneda has verified the scientific and technical information, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information or opinions contained in this news release.

The Invicta Gold Project resource estimates referred to in this news release are disclosed in the technical report dated April 16, 2012, titled "Technical Report on Resources, Invicta Gold Project, Huaura Province, Peru", and prepared by SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc., which is available at www.sedar.com under Lupaka Gold Corp's profile.

The Crucero A-1 mineral resource estimates referred to in this news release are disclosed in the technical report with effective date January 17, 2013, amended and re-stated October 22, 2013, titled "Technical Report for the Crucero Property, Carabaya Province, Peru", and prepared by Tetra Tech WEI Inc. and SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. The Technical Report is available at www.sedar.com under Lupaka Gold's profile.

Cautionary Note Regarding the Invicta Production Decision

The decision to commence production at the Invicta Gold Project and the Company's plans for a mining operation as referenced herein (the "Production Decision and Plans") were based on economic models prepared by the Company in conjunction with management's knowledge of the property and the existing preliminary estimate of measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources on the property. The Production Decision and Plans were not based on a preliminary economic assessment, a pre-feasibility study or a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. Accordingly, there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with the Production Decision and Plans, in particular the risk that mineral grades will be lower than expected, the risk that construction or ongoing mining operations are more difficult or more expensive than expected, the risk that the Company will not be able to transport or sell the mineralized rock it produces to local custom toll mills on the terms it expects, or at all; production and economic variables may vary considerably, due to the absence of a detailed economic and technical analysis according to and in accordance with NI 43-101.

Quality Control and Assurance

The analysis for Lupaka Gold's assays of surface samples from the Josnitoro Gold Project was carried out by ALS Chemex Laboratories in Lima, Peru, exercising a thorough Quality Assurance and Quality Control program (QA/QC). As part of QA/QC protocol, duplicates, standards and blanks are inserted into the sample processing stream. The sample locations were photographed for reference and logged with field notes and GPS locations. The samples were broken in half, with half kept for hand specimens and half submitted for assay. The assay samples were bagged, sealed and delivered from Lupaka Gold's Lima office to ALS Chemex Laboratory location in Lima, Peru. The remaining hand specimens are kept at the Company's Lima office for reference. Gold was assayed by a 50 gram nominal weight fire assay and the other 41 elements were assayed by ICP-MS methods with aqua regia digestion. ALS Chemex is an accredited laboratory, ISO 9000 registered.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

All statements, trend analysis and other information contained in this press release relative to anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to the receipt of and anticipated use of proceeds of the PLI Financing, the Company's plans and intentions for Invicta, a Company owned processing facility, potential mineralization on the properties in which the Company has an interest, the Company's exploration and development plans and mineral resource estimates, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made that the Company believes are reasonable, including: that the PLI Financing is consummated on the anticipated terms and the stated timing, that the supplies, equipment, personnel, permits, and local community approvals required to conduct the Company's planned pre-production and development activities will be available on reasonable terms, that the Company will be able to comply with the delivery and other obligations in the Agreement, that the contemplated Company owned processing facility will, if acquired or constructed, achieve the expected benefits, that results of exploration activities will be consistent with management's expectations; that the Company will not experience any material accident, labour dispute, or failure of equipment and with respect to the planned mining operations at Invicta; that pre-production mine development can be completed in the time and for the cost projected; that the Company will be able to obtain funding for planned production expenses; that mineralization on the Invicta project will be of the grades and in the locations expected; that the Company will be able to extract and transport mineralized rock efficiently and sell the mineralized rock at the prices and in the manner and quantities expected; that permits will be received on the terms and timeline expected and that other regulatory or permitting issues will not arise; that mining methods can be employed in the manner and at the costs expected and that such methods yield the results the Company expects them to. However, forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: all of the risks described in this news release; failure of the PLI Financing to complete on the proposed terms or at all, including due to the Company's inability to complete the conditions precedent, the risk that the contemplated Company owned processing facility will not be completed or will not achieve the expected benefits, the risk that actual results of exploration and development activities will be different than anticipated; that the Company will not be able to comply with the delivery or other obligations in the Agreement and the risk that PLI Huaura Holdings LP will enforce its security over the Company's assets, including its mineral properties; that cost of labour, equipment or materials will increase more than expected; that the future price of gold will decline; that the Canadian dollar will strengthen against the U.S. dollar; that mineral resources are not as estimated; unexpected variations in mineral resources, grade or recovery rates; risks related to shipping mineralized rock; the risk that local mills cannot or will not buy or process mineralized rock from the planned production for the prices expected or at all; risk of accidents, labour disputes and other risks generally associated with mineral exploration; unanticipated delays in obtaining or failure to obtain community, governmental or regulatory approvals or financing; and all of the risks generally associated with the development of mining facilities and the operation of a producing mine, as well as the risks described in the Company's annual information form, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Lupaka Gold does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Lupaka Gold Corp
Its no secret that Kenyan actress/style-icon Lupita Nyongo pretty much slays every time she walks out the door, but the look she debuted on Wednesday elevated her to goddess status. While celebrating the premiere of her latest film, Queen of Katwe, in Johannesburg, South Africa, the 33-year-old stepped out in a multicolored crocheted halter dress (the woman loves to wear color), black head wrap, and gold hoop earrings.

 & MU by @dilokritbarose, crowned by @vernonfrancois. @lancomeofficial A photo posted by Lupita Nyong'o (@lupitanyongo) on Oct 6, 2016 at 2:22am PDT

But it was her seriously on-point makeup look that stole the show and stunned fans on Instagram, where she shared several photos of her devastating style. We may not have a video tutorial just yet, but we do have a description from Nyongos makeup artist, Nick Barose, who did the genius job. On his Instagram, Barose describes the dramatic eyes and lips with a touch of gold details that he gave the star for her red-carpet outing.

Considering Balmain A photo posted by Lupita Nyong'o (@lupitanyongo) on Oct 5, 2016 at 5:18pm PDT

Barose used a Lancome palette to achieve the look, including the brands Color Design Lipstick in the deep burgundy hue Fashion Forward for the actresss jewel-toned pout, which is echoed on the apples of her plum-colored cheeks.

Its Official! Brick Red Lipstick Is Back and Better.

For her high-impact eyes, Barose applied Color Design eyeshadow in It List to saturate the actress lids up to the brow line in shimmery purple. Then he accentuated the drama by dotting the outer arches of her brows using metallic gold pigment from Lancomes Color Design 5 Pan eyeshadow palette in Kissed by Gold.

For extra high shine metallic highlight, Barose wet the pigment using Mehron Makeups Mixing Liquid before applying the eye makeup. Add a touch of metallic gold highlight on inner corners of eyes, center of lips, and [above] brows, he advises in his Instagram caption.

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Burberrys Glitter Is the Definition of Glam

The look  which echoes festival beauty weve seen on celebs like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Vanessa Hudgens  is reminiscent of Bengali bridal makeup, and is more than likely a nod to the Indian-American director of Queen of Katwe, Mira Nair. Barose notes that he also did makeup for Nair; her lips were covered in LAbsolu Rouge in Rouge Absolute by Lancome. Nairs look was topped off with traditional Indian jewelry: a tikka, which is a head chain with pendant.

Nyongo captioned one of her full-body photos Considering Balmain, a reference to the designer of her rainbow dream of a dress. On its Instagram, the French fashion house  led by creative director Olivier Rousteing  shows a model wearing the dress strutting down the runway as part of the labels Balmain Resort 2017 Collection. The designer is clearly proud to have Nyongo rock the look; Balmains Instagram also features pictures of the actress at the premiere.

Instagrammers were stunned by the actresss striking look, with one commenting, Youre a work of art, sister, and another adding, Im just gonna stop trying and bow down to our rightful Queen. Of the dress, one fan wrote, Wearing the hell out of it  better than the runway model.

Aside from her earrings and metallic makeup, Nyongo went relatively jewelry-free at the event. Because when youre giving face this good, do you really need baubles too?

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
The International Documentary Association has selected Lyn and Norman Lear, Stanley Nelson, Ally Derks and Nanfu Wang as honorees for its 32nd Annual Documentary Awards.

The ceremony will be held on Dec. 9 at the Paramount Studios Backlot with awards given for best feature documentary, best short documentary, David L. Wolper student documentary award and best limited series. Nominees will be announced in early November.

Lyn and Norman Lear will receive the Amicus award and Nelson will receive the Career Achievement award. Derks will receive the Pioneer award; and Wang will receive the Emerging documentary filmmaker.

The IDA noted that the Lears are social and political activists, philanthropists, and founders of the Lear Family Foundation which supports a wide variety of projects that address issues such as civil liberties, the environment, health, youth and civic activism.

Lyn and I are proud to accept IDAs Amicus Award because we believe that documentary film can, and has, made so much change, especially in the areas of climate change, civil liberties, and civil rights, Norman Lear said. As strong supporters of the documentary film community we believe no other institution serves documentarians in the way IDA does, particularly when it comes to advocacy, educational opportunities, and introducing new audiences to the craft.

Norman Lears latest documentary venture, America Divided, is currently airing on Epix.

Nelsons credits include The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, Freedom Riders, Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple and The Murder of Emmett Till. He is also the founder of Firelight Media.

Derks founded the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam in 1988 and became the director in 1989. The event has become the largest documentary festival and market in the world.

Wang is known for her work featuring the stories of marginalized or mistreated people. Her feature debut Hooligan Sparrow has so far received support from Sundance Institute, IFP, IDA and Britdoc, and has played at several film festivals.

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan is eyeing the possibility of a new film and TV studio being built in the capital. Hes teamed with Film London, the London Local Enterprise Panel and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham to commission a feasibility study into creating the citys first new studio in 25 years.

A new facility would be a boon to the local production market which has been booming for several years. Hollywood studios increasingly look to shoot big-bugdet pics here at Pinewood, Shepperton and Warner Bros Leavesden facility. The lucrative high-end TV tax introduced in 2013 has also created a glut on soundstages with warehouses often fit out to accommodate visiting productions. Whats more, the pounds post-Brexit freefall has made it suddenly very economical to film in Britain.

New studio space, Film London says, will help meet increasing demand and ensure many more multi-million-pound productions come to town, showing the world that, following the EU referendum, the capital remains open to business, talent and creativity. A new facility would join Ealing, Elstree, 3 Mills, Twickenham, ILM and Framestore in London. To keep up with demand already, Pinewood is expanding and Extraordinary Studios has embarked on plans for a facility in Bournemouth on the south coast of England in Dorset. Scotland has vied for a studio for years and is awaiting word on the Pentland proposal.

In the announcement today of the London study, Film London noted that three-quarters of the UKs film industry is based in and around the city. Last year, it attracted 1B of inward investment from international film production and is the third busiest city for film production in the world after Los Angeles and New York.

The potential site for new studios at Dagenham East is located in front of London-east industrial park and has been scoped out because of its significantly large size upon which to build a bespoke facility. The area is well connected with the tubes District Line and Crossrail services into Central London.

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Khan said, From James Bond and Star Wars to Harry Potter and Bridget Joness Baby, London has a vibrant production history and some of the best studios in the world. To sustain and grow this success story, it is critical that the capital gets significantly more studio and production capacity to maximize the opportunities for filmmaking. London is open to the best creative and cultural minds and I am looking forward to exploring whether a new film studio in Dagenham could help the capitals film industry thrive for years to come.

Already having shot some in Barking and Dagenham are Marvel features Avengers: Age Of Ultron and Doctor Strange, as well as TV dramas including Channel 4/AMCs Humans.

The London Local Enterprise Partnership and Barking and Dagenham Council will invest up to 80K to develop a business case for the proposed studios. No timeline has been indicated.

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Forget About Summer & Sequelitis: Will Fall's Crowded Pipeline Cannibalize B.O.? - Box Office

UK's Extraordinary Eyeing Major Dorset Studio Facility; Is 3rd Time The Charm?
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's attorney-general's office said on Thursday it had yet to receive any request for additional assistance from Switzerland in probing state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). The office said in a short statement that it remained committed to international cooperation and "will appropriately consider" such a request once received through diplomatic channels and in line with local laws. Switzerland's Office of the Attorney General said on Wednesday it was seeking further help from Malaysia in its investigation. (Reporting by Joseph Sipalan; Editing by Nick Macfie)
By Alex Dobuzinskis LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A 16-year-old boy killed in a weekend police shooting in Los Angeles that generated protests left a farewell note and confronted police with a replica handgun to end his own life, the city's police chief said on Thursday. The Hispanic teenager, who died on Sunday in an encounter on a street in South Los Angeles, was initially described by police as an adult man. He has since been identified as Daniel Perez, Los Angeles County Coroner's Office Lieutenant David Smith said in a phone interview. Perez died of multiple gunshot wounds, Smith said. The shooting of Perez came the day after the police shooting in Los Angeles of an 18-year-old black man, Carnell Snell Jr., who police said was armed with a loaded handgun. Both shootings generated protests in Los Angeles. They followed a number of police shootings of black men that have touched off larger demonstrations and intensified a national debate over racial bias and excessive force in U.S. law enforcement. Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said Perez called an emergency dispatcher on Sunday to report a man with a gun and gave a description that matched himself. He also left a farewell note for his family, Beck told a news conference. Perez later confronted an officer who arrived at the scene, the police chief said. "We believe that this officer-involved shooting was a result of his desire to end his own life," Beck told reporters. "We are deeply saddened by these events and my heart goes out to his family as well as to the officer involved in the shooting," Beck added. Beck said earlier in the week that Perez aimed the replica handgun at the officer, according to local media reports at the time. The replica handgun was made to look more real, because its orange tip was painted black, Los Angeles police spokeswoman Norma Eisenman said earlier this week. Federal law requires imitation firearms to have an orange tip to distinguish them from real guns. California lawmakers in 2014, following the shooting death by police of another teenager with an imitation firearm, passed a law to require even more visible markings for certain replica guns. The officer who shot Perez to death had a body-worn camera and the footage confirmed the officer's version of the encounter, Beck said. But he said he would not release the video. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis; Editing by Peter Cooney)
Investor sentiment is often swayed by breaking news and headlines, keeping the stock market in its thrall. One stock which has gained despite the economic volatility is ManpowerGroup MAN. Its shares have surged more than 22% in the past three months.

If you havent taken advantage of the share price appreciation yet, this might be the right time for you to add the stock as ManpowerGroup looks promising and is poised to carry the momentum ahead. Additionally, the stock carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with an impressive long-term earnings growth rate of 10.3% and a VGM Score of B.

ManpowerGroup has been delivering better than expected bottom-line results for nearly seven years. Its impressive earnings performance and the strategic progress it made in 2015, reflects the efficiency of its management team. Despite volatile macroeconomic conditions, the company remains optimistic about its future performance on the back of its strategic initiatives.

The company is focusing on acquisition and partnership which is driving its shares higher. Recently, ManpowerGroup has entered into an agreement with Ciber, Inc. CBR, a major global information technology consulting, services and outsourcing firm, to purchase its Norway operations. The acquisition of Ciber business in Norway will help the ManpowerGroup's Experis in meeting the increasing demand in the IT sector.

In Jun 2016, Professional Diversity Network entered into a partnership with ManpowerGroup Solutions, one of the major brands of ManpowerGroup. This alliance has been formed with the purpose to provide diversified human skills to different organizations across the U.S. Professional Diversity Network provides job opportunities to various professionals through its online networks. This partnership will consequently enable ManpowerGroup Solutions to gain quick access to over 12 million candidates.

MANPOWER INC WI Price

MANPOWER INC WI Price | MANPOWER INC WI Quote

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ManpowerGroups wide range of services makes the company a true global staffing firm. It provides services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment, employee assessment as well as selection, training, outplacement, outsourcing and consulting. The companys brand value and strong global network provide it a competitive advantage and reinforces its dominant position in the market.

Other Stocks to Consider

Stocks which warrant a look in this sector include Gee Group Inc. JOB and Tarena International, Inc. TEDU. Both these stocks holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

Gee Group shares have gained more than 15% in the past three months.

Tarena International shares have gained more than 47% in the past three months.



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DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 5, 2016 / For prominent real estate developer Marcus Hiles, environmental stewardship is a driving factor of his long-term plan for success. Since founding Western Rim Properties more than thirty years ago, Hiles continues to advocate for initiatives that support conservation, reduce waste and decrease pollution. With a reputation for responsible construction practices that utilize sustainable materials, energy-efficiency is a cornerstone of all Hiles homes, townhomes and apartments. Through careful planning, the many exquisitely designed communities seamlessly incorporate the landscape's unsoiled beauty while expanding the green spaces of the surrounding areas. In an ongoing effort to ensure that the company builds following a plan that surpasses government standards, Hiles' proactive steps to reduce carbon emissions result in increased cost savings for those enjoying the upscale amenities that make his residences so special.

Marcus Hiles is proud to protect the native foliage in the designs of his developments. "Creating communities that work in harmony with nature and lessen humanity's carbon footprint is a responsibility I embrace," says Hiles. His commitment is evident; extensive walking/jogging paths and private, on-site parks define exclusive locations nestled alongside expanses of countryside, undisturbed ponds and pristine streams. At the Estates Woodland in Magnolia, the century-old oaks and pines of the W.G. Jones State Forest border the property, providing access to leafy trails and scenic lakes. In San Antonio, the Mansions at Briggs Ranch boast rich, indigenous flora of the Hill Country, such as historic mountain laurels, are beneficial for removing excess carbon dioxide. Trees are a prominent component in Hiles's ecological objectives: through his company's ongoing program to enlarge the canopy of shade trees, 2,500 trees are installed annually. Over the last decade, the 30,000 have been planted, improving the air quality of the Lone Star state by sequestering more than approximately 75 tons of carbon dioxide each year; the strategy promotes a viable synergy between endemic scenery preservation and the luxury living Hiles's developments are known to offer.

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Other vital elements of Marcus Hiles' ecologically minded development process are the eco-friendly choices seen throughout his upmarket homes. Extra-tall, dual pane windows containing a layer of argon gas minimalize cooling requirements during summer, while highly effectual weather stripping maintains tight seals as well as temperatures set by energy-efficient, programmable thermostats and 16 SEER HVAC systems. In kitchens and baths, water-conserving irrigation systems use resources economically, and attics are lined with reflective TechShield radiant barrier sheathing that redirects the sun's intense rays to block as much as 97 percent of its produced warmth. These many upgraded features throughout the deluxe rental units reduce power consumption and pollution, and aid in the principal goal of protecting the environment. Of no less importance is the installation of elegant stainless steel, ENERGY STAR-certified appliances within all of Western Rim Properties' Estates, Towers and Mansions brand units. Since the program's launch by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 24 years ago, carbon dioxide emissions have been cut by more than 283.2 million metric tons by Americans who have utilized the products.

Founder and CEO of Western Rim Property Services, Marcus Hiles Fort Worth real estate authority is a dedicated philanthropist who underwrites a variety of ecological and educational causes. Hiles has personally contributed more than 59 acres of parkland to the state of Texas for local wildlife conservation and the preservation of public use green space. The Pepperdine and Rice Universities graduate has generously donated more than $2.5 million to public and private K-12 school programs.

Marcus Hiles - Chairman & CEO of Western Rim Property Services: http://www.MarcusHiles-News.com

NewPort Classic homes By Marcus D Hiles- newportclassichomes.com: http://www.marcushilesrealestatenews.com/

Marcus Hiles Fort Worth Real Estate Expert on the Rise of Rentership in the U.S.: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/marcus-hiles-fort-worth-real-042258754.html

Marcus Hiles - Western Rim Properties - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-0OBq1LCu8

Contact Information

ICMediaDirect.com

TEL: 1.800.595.0821

www.ICMediaDirect.com

pr@icmediadirect.com

SOURCE: Marcus Hiles
By Jonathan Stempel and Gayathree Ganesan

(Reuters) - The candy maker Mars Inc on Thursday said it would take full control of its Wrigley chewing gum business, acquiring the minority stake held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N).

Mars plans to combine Wrigley with its chocolate business, putting M&Ms, Snickers, Starburst fruit chews, Doublemint and Extra gum, and Altoids mints under one roof.

In 2008, Berkshire invested in Wrigley when it acquired $2.1 billion of preferred stock and $4.4 billion of bonds in connection with privately held Mars' $23 billion purchase of the chewing gum maker.

The bonds were repurchased in 2013, and Berkshire expected Mars to redeem half of the preferred stock, which carries a 5 percent dividend, by early January. Mars will instead redeem all of it. Terms were not disclosed.

"I have enjoyed all of Berkshire's experiences with the Mars family and management and wish them the very best," Buffett said in a statement. "Both Mars and Berkshire have profited from our investment and that's the way it should be."

The global confectionery business, worth $183 billion last year according to Euromonitor International, has struggled as more consumers move toward healthier foods, prompting some retailers to reduce shelf space for processed and sugary snacks.

"We are grateful for the strong and productive partnership we have with Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway," Mars Chief Executive Grant Reid said in a statement. "Sole ownership of Wrigley provides us with an opportunity to rethink how we simplify our chocolate and Wrigley businesses."

Mars, the world's largest candy maker ahead of rivals such as Mondelez International Inc (MDLZ.O) and Hershey Co (HSY.N), expects to combine its chocolate and Wrigley businesses during 2017 into Mars Wrigley Confectionery, with about 30,000 employees.

The combined business will be based in Chicago, Wrigley's longtime home, and led by Martin Radvan, Wrigley's president and a 30-year veteran of Mars. Mars is based in McLean, Virginia.

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Known for his taste in less-than-healthy food, Buffett has made Berkshire the largest shareholder of Coca-Cola Co (KO.N), and helped Brazil's 3G Capital take over Kraft Heinz Co (KHC.O) and Restaurant Brands International Inc (QSR.TO), which owns Burger King and Tim Hortons. Berkshire also owns See's Candies.

But unwinding the Mars stake will deprive Berkshire of a $105 million annual income stream from the preferred stock.

The investment was one of several that Buffett's Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate made during and soon after the financial crisis in brand name companies seeking to shore up their finances, and win the billionaire's imprimatur.

From 2008 to 2011, Berkshire invested well over $20 billion in high-yielding securities from Bank of America Corp (BAC.N), Dow Chemical Co (DOW.N), General Electric Co (GE.N), Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS.N), Swiss Re AG (SRENH.S) and Wrigley.

But many have been repurchased, forcing Buffett to find other ways to invest Berkshire's $72.7 billion of cash.

He lost $720 million of annual income in June when Kraft Heinz, in which Berkshire still owns a 26.8 percent stake, redeemed preferred stock. The Wrigley notes had thrown off an 11.45 percent coupon.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel and Chris Prentice in New York and Gayathree Ganesan in Bengaluru; Editing by Ted Kerr, Bernard Orr)
The Marshall Islands  home to Bikini Atoll, where the first postwar U.S. nuclear test was conducted in 1946 has been told by a top international court that its lawsuit against three nuclear powers over their alleged failure to stop nuclear proliferation cannot proceed.

Agence France-Presse reports that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) upholds the objection to jurisdiction by the U.K., India and Pakistan, ruling that it cannot proceed to the merits of the case as there was no evidence the Pacific island nation ever had disputes or sought to negotiate with any of these countries over the nuclear issue.

The Marshall Islands alleged that these countries had violated the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, ratified in 1968. AFP reports that, in a March hearing, the court heard how several islandswere vaporized and many others rendered uninhabitable for centuries by the 67 U.S. nuclear tests conducted between 1946 and 1958.

Read More: Anatomy of an A-Bomb Test, 1946

It also attempted to sue all other known nuclear powers and Israel, which has never confirmed or denied having these weapons, on the same grounds. However, the ICJ did not hear those cases as those countries do not recognize the authority of the court.

Nevertheless, one judge noted that the Marshall Islands, by virtue of the suffering which its people endured from nuclear testing, had reasons to be particularly concerned by this issue.

A lawyer representing the island nation called the result very disappointing, according to AFP, and said that the dispute is clear to all of the world except for the judges here.
BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday she was confident that the European Union would complete its Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada. "(Being an) open society also means being open for global trade .. we have made good progress on CETA now and in the European context you can expect that we will get the signing and ratification," Merkel told an industry event in Berlin. (Reporting by Michael Nienaber and Joseph Nasr; Writing by Madeline Chambers)
MONTERREY, Mexico, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Embattled Mexican construction firm ICA on Thursday presented a proposal to build the foundation of a terminal building at Mexico City's new airport, a tender sought by 15 other companies and consortia, Mexico's government airport operator said.

The bid was made by ICA, which is currently trying to restructure its debt, through several of its subsidiaries for about 7.5 billion pesos ($390 million).

The Airport Group of Mexico City (GACM) was set to tentatively release the results of the tender on Oct. 21 after reviewing proposals.

ICA, whose shares fell 0.73 percent on the local bourse Thursday, participated unsuccessfully in tenders for the construction of two runways at the airport in a consortium with Portugal's Mota Engil in August.

ICA, which has struggled under a high dollar-denominated debt load and a dwindling stream of projects, said its consolidated debt burden at the end of the latest quarter was 64.6 billion pesos, down 4.53 percent from Dec. 31, 2015.

A consortium formed by Isolux de Mexico and Corsan-Corviam has submitted the lowest bid to build the terminal foundation, for approximately 4.9 billion pesos, while Gami Engineering and Facilities has submitted the highest bid for around 8.4 billion pesos.

($1 = 19.2252 Mexican pesos) (Reporting by Gabriela Lopez; Writing by Natalie Schachar; Editing by Sandra Maler)
* Saudi trading volume shrinks despite market's rise

* Banks rebound after loan rescheduling worries

* National Petrochemical continues rising after upgrades

* Zain Saudi, consumer stocks pull back

* Dubai's DFM falls; VTB thinks may be excluded from MSCI index

By Andrew Torchia

DUBAI, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market continued rebounding on Thursday, led by bank and petrochemical shares, but most markets in the region weakened.

The Saudi index rose 0.8 percent, although trading volume shrank to a modest level, suggesting many investors were staying out of the market.

The banking index, beaten down in past days by news that banks would have to reschedule consumer loans and housing mortgages as government austerity steps cut their customers' incomes, rose 1.1 percent.

Some petrochemical shares were also strong after Brent oil futures rose as high as $52.09 per barrel overnight, the highest since early June.

National Petrochemical, which had surged 8.2 percent on Wednesday, climbed a further 3.0 percent to 15.60 riyals; NCB Capital and SICO upgraded their views of the stock this week, with targets of 17.30 and 19.00 riyals respectively.

National Industrialisation (Tasnee), which has petrochemical assets, gained 4.0 percent.

But telecommunications firm Zain Saudi pulled back 3.9 percent after rising in the previous two days on hopes it would benefit from deregulation. Many stocks directly exposed to consumer demand continued to slide because of the austerity policies; retailer Al Hokair also fell 3.9 percent.

There was massive trade in Takween's rights on their last day of trade; the rights sank 37.6 percent as the underlying stock rose 6.4 percent.

Dubai's index slipped 0.2 percent as shares in Dubai Financial Market fell 2.4 percent. VTB Capital said MSCI might exclude the stock from its MXAE index in its November review, to be announced on Nov. 14, because of its low capitalisation; in order to remain in the index, the stock will have to rise 8 percent by late October, VTB calculated.

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Abu Dhabi's index edged down 0.1 percent while Qatar fell by the same amount. Egypt's market was closed for a national holiday.

THURSDAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

SAUDI ARABIA

* The index rose 0.8 percent to 5,631 points.

DUBAI

* The index fell 0.2 percent to 3,355 points.

ABU DHABI

* The index edged down 0.1 percent to 4,390 points.

QATAR

* The index edged down 0.1 percent to 10,357 points.

KUWAIT

* The index dropped 0.7 percent to 5,320 points.

OMAN

* The index edged down 0.1 percent to 5,610 points.

BAHRAIN

* The index fell 0.2 percent to 1,137 points.

(Editing by Larry King)
New York Marine and General Insurance Company is looking to disclaim any payment responsibility for what happened on Feb. 20, 2014, when during the shooting of the Gregg Allman biopic Midnight Rider in Georgia, a train collision killed camera assistant Sarah Jones and left other crewmembers injured. On Wednesday, the insurer filed a summary judgment motion that argues that it doesn't have to cover losses resulting from criminal acts.

Film Allman LLC, the Midnight Rider production company, has brought a lawsuit against New York Marine for allegedly breaching contract and good faith. Although Midnight Rider director Randall Miller pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter, the film company alleges the insurer "sabotaged" the film. According to the complaint, the insurance company refused its request for its own lawyers in the separate wrongful death lawsuit brought by Jones' family, made a $5 million settlement there without consultation and later told producers that the settlement exhausted the limits on their policies. There's also talk in the court papers of how producers aimed to restart production on Midnight Rider before the parties began quarreling over insurance coverage.

Now, the insurance dispute is possibly getting closer to trial, but New York Marine aims to have a judge rule in its favor as a matter of law.

"It is a crime in the state of Georgia to enter upon the property of another after receiving notice from the owner that such entry is forbidden," opens the summary judgment brief. "On February 20, 2014, Plaintiff's film production crew did exactly that. They entered upon railroad property, placed a hospital bed across the track, and filmed a movie scene after the railroad had twice denied them permission to access its property in Wayne County, Georgia."

New York Marine says that the insurance policy in question expressly states that it will not pay for losses resulting from criminal acts and that California has held that such exclusions are "clear, unambiguous, and enforceable."

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The insurer points to Miller's guilty plea in March 2015 and his sentence of 10 years, with two years' imprisonment in a county jail and the remainder on probation. The insurer further nods to how assistant director Hillary Schwartz was tried and found guilty and how line producer Jay Sedrish was found guilty after taking an Alford plea. The plaintiff says the three also admitted in proceedings at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration they entered railroad property after being told they could not.

Deposition testimony given last month from Miller, released Wednesday, also speaks of what occurred.

"We shot a number of close-ups on the side of the track, we shot close-ups of [Gregg Allman's character] in the bed on the track," testified Miller. "We shot various wide angles, and we were shooting a wider shot and in the distance, there was a light in the distance and someone yelled 'Train.'... A few of the crew ran on to try to - to get the bed off. As they were carrying the bed off, it fell apart. I reached to try and help get the bed off as the two other guys who were carrying it ran away."

Miller said at his deposition that he lost his balance, fell down, was pinned by the bed and blacked out.

"The still photographer who had been videotaping the whole time I came to find out pulled me off - off the track and I ended up on the side of the metal piece of the walkway looking up at the undercarriage of the train as it was going over."

Miller says that after he got up, he turned back, and dazed, he saw a body.

"I didn't know who it was, and I said, 'Oh, my God. Someone's dead."

In March, Miller was released from jail after completing just over half of his sentence. The plea agreement he reached was found to have been improper. Under Georgia's "first offender" statute, there's the possibility of later exoneration and the potential his record will be expunged, but New York Marine tells a judge Wednesday that any hopeful speculation is a "red herring."

"Also, Miller's recent assertion that he did not intend to commit a crime does not create a triable issue," the insurer continues. "First, it does not change the fact that Sedrish and Schwartz admitted they knew they were trespassing, which alone establishes that the loss was caused by criminal acts of Plaintiff's employees. Second, it ignores Miller's own admission, under oath, that he actually did commit the act constituting the crime."

A hearing to consider summary judgment arguments is scheduled for Nov. 7.

Meanwhile, according to Miller's Sept. 8 deposition, Rayonier - the timber company that was landowner of the tracks where the accident happened - has filed claims to try to get back money they paid to the Jones family. He reports that a couple of the detectives and the district attorney have recently testified.

"We have been deposing various people to try and determine if we can figure out the truth of what happened," said Miller.

Miller also said that his company still holds rights to the Gregg Allman biopic and that there's been no discussion of selling those.

This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.
From Esquire

Before Republicans all get together and decide to ignore the sage advice of Mr. Winston Wolf, here's another tale of Mike Pence, the Grown Up In The Room. The Evansville Courier and Press has some words of advice to the Christian, conservative, and Republican, in that order.

Rather than issuing the much-deserved pardon that's supported by a former Elkhart County deputy prosecutor, the Indiana Parole Board and the victims in the crime, Pence, through his general counsel, said in a letter that Keith Cooper must first seek post-conviction relief in court before a pardon is considered. Cooper, 49, was convicted and sentenced to 40 years for an October 1996 armed robbery in the apartment complex where he lived, during which a 17-year-old was shot in the stomach. After the Indiana Court of Appeals overturned his co-defendant's conviction in 2005, Cooper was given the choice of being set free with the felony conviction on his record or facing a new trial before the same judge. He chose to go home to his wife and three children - who were homeless at times during his wrongful incarceration.

There aren't any doubts about Cooper's innocence, as The Chicago Tribune points out.

DNA evidence points to another man as the shooter, and the victims and former Elkhart County prosecutor who helped convict him now say Cooper is innocent. Still, in a Sept. 20 letter, the governor's general counsel told Cooper's attorney they first must pursue all possible judicial options before the governor will act on the pardon request. The move essentially allowed the Republican vice presidential candidate to avoid ruling on the Country Club Hills man's claim of innocence until a new Indiana governor takes over in January. Attorney Elliot Slosar, who represents Cooper, described the move as a delay tactic. He filed the petition Monday in Elkhart County, but Slosar said all the delays may hurt their chances as prosecutors may argue the newly discovered evidence is too old to meet the requirement of being considered actually new.

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This is not conservative. This is not Christian. But making Cooper go through another trial when you know he's innocent and because it will fob an easy decision off on your successor is sure as hell Republican. Mike Pence is demonstrably both cruel and cowardly. He's perfect.

Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page.

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Former Presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye has today revealed his areas of focus and discussion with Ugandans in the diaspora during his recent visit.

In his address to the media today, Besigye said during has engagements he reiterated calls for a transition of government and urged Ugandans to aid this process.

He said he also emphasized the need for a constitutional review to enable citizens negotiate how to coexist.

Besigye has been addressing a press conference at his home in Kasangati.

Besigye has been away in the US and the UK for more than a month.

Besigye cited insecurity as a breeding environment for terrorists, blaming the government for creating a politically hostile environment.
Chicago (AFP) - The Somali immigrant who stabbed 10 people at a Minnesota mall before he was fatally shot by an off-duty police officer was "radicalized," the US authorities said Thursday.

They released graphic videos of the September 17 attack, showing parts of 20-year-old Dahir Ahmed Adan's rampage through the Crossroads Center mall, and his fatal confrontation with off-duty officer Jason Falconer.

All 10 people survived their injuries. Falconer shot Adan six times as he repeatedly tried to attack the officer, the authorities said.

Soon after the rampage, the Islamic State group said it was carried out by an IS "soldier," appearing to claim credit. However, the federal authorities on Thursday said they are still investigating Adan's motives and life.

The immigrant Somali community where he lived in St. Cloud described him as a high-achieving college student.

"He went from being an excellent student with a high GPA to flunking out of college almost overnight," FBI Special Agent Rick Thornton told a news conference.

The FBI is sifting through digital, social media and other data, and trying to access Adan's locked iPhone, he added.

Adan had shown "an increased interest in Islam" in the last several months that he had not expressed before, Thornton said.

"His actions were consistent with the philosophies of violent Islamic groups," Thornton said, adding that Adan was "radicalized either with the influence of others or on his own."

Falconer, who has been hailed as a hero, identified himself as police officer and repeatedly asked Adan to drop his two knives, according to Janelle Kendall, the Stearns County Attorney charged with evaluating the officer's conduct.

His actions were "justified and lawful," she said, announcing the close of her investigation, while the federal probe continues.

The authorities have pieced together a detailed account of Adan's movements and statements prior to the rampage they say show his actions were premeditated.

He remained in his security guard uniform after he came home from work, having told his boss he wouldn't return for his next shift, Thornton said.

Minutes before arriving at the mall, when a clerk at a convenience store Adan frequented told him "see you later," he responded "you won't be seeing me again."
Caracas (AFP) - The newly crowned Miss Venezuela took issue Thursday with Donald Trump's attacks on her predecessor Alicia Machado, who says the US presidential candidate "fat-shamed" her when she was Miss Universe.

"I don't share this gentleman's opinions, but we have to be tolerant and respect everyone's opinion," Keysi Sayago, 23, told a press conference in Caracas a day after being crowned Miss Venezuela 2016.

Machado, who was Miss Venezuela in 1995 and Miss Universe the following year, has surged into the spotlight of the US election since Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton named her as an example of her Republican rival's mistreatment of women.

During their first debate last week, Clinton lashed out at Trump for publicly humiliating Machado after she gained weight following her beauty pageant win.

Machado accuses Trump, who formerly owned the Miss Universe pageant, of verbally abusing her during her reign.

She says the billionaire real estate magnate called her "Miss Piggy" over her weight and "Miss Housekeeping" because she is Latina.

The polemic later escalated into a late-night Twitter tirade by Trump, who trashed Machado as "disgusting" and urged voters to "check out (her) sex tape and past."

Pressed by reporters, Sayago avoided wading into the dispute, but repeated: "I don't share (Trump's opinion), but I respect it."

Sayago, who was crowned in a far less lavish ceremony than usual in recession-racked Venezuela, also spoke about the economic crisis gripping the country.

Venezuela, a major oil exporter, has been hit by severe shortages of food and basic goods as global oil prices have plunged since 2014.

"It affects all of us. We haven't been spared. But we've tried to keep ourselves in a bubble, because at the end of the day this is a beauty pageant," she said.

"We couldn't let ourselves get swept up in all the bad things. This gave the country a reason to smile."

Beauty pageant-obsessed Venezuela has won the Miss Universe crown seven times, second only to the United States, with eight.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has done his countrymen, his co-religionists, and the world a favor with his recent speech on the 63rd anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People. During what is normally an annual event unlikely to garner much attention outside the kingdom or the region, the king took a risk by articulating in no uncertain terms what he thought of jihadists who use Islam as a pretext for murder and terrorism. It is a shame the speech has received little attention in the Western media.

The king opened his remarks with what one might expect from the ruler of a former European colony still struggling to develop. He talked much of the importance of Africa and his nations concern for its neighbors, and he places the blame for Africas problems on the misdeeds of the colonial powers.

But the colonial rulers have been gone for decades and were followed by indigenous rulers equally uninterested in the development of the people they ruled, ruling usually as dictators and very often as kleptocrats and human rights abusers. The king does not acknowledge this fact, but because he is a reformer himself and has accomplished more than most in the region to bring development to his country, Mohammed VI gets a little leeway for placing most of the blame for the backwardness of the region on Europe.

What is most striking in the speech is the kings attention to the conflicts roiling the Middle East and the refugee flows causing turmoil in Europe, problems that are being exploited, he says, by radical jihadists using Islam to justify their deeds. He spends almost a third of his remarks rebuking and condemning the jihadists, and warning Muslims the world over that the path of the terrorists leads directly to Hell  a point her repeats over and over in his speech.

He speaks specifically to Muslims living in Europe, encouraging them to adhere to the value of peaceful coexistence and to eschew the ideology and crimes of those who destroy peace and harm the image of Islam as a religion that one can adhere to and at the same time live in peace with people who follow other faiths. He says, Terrorists and extremists use all means to convince young people to join them in order to attack societies profoundly committed to the ideals of freedom, openness and tolerance. The king lashes out at terrorists for duping young Muslims in Europe, and for taking advantage of their ignorance of the Arabic language to confuse them. He excoriates murderers for making up fantasies about virgins in paradise for terrorists, and for killing people for listening to popular music.

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He takes specific aim at the murders of innocents and people of other religions. In a reference to the Islamic States killing of a French priest in a rural parish, he says, Killing a priest is forbidden by religion; murdering him inside a church is unforgivable madness, for he is a human being and a religious maneven if he is not a Muslim. Islam commands us to take good care of the people of the Book. In condemning the attack in Rouen, France, he is saying that those who do these things or support them are not Muslims and have no right to use Islam to justify their terror. And then he calls on all Christians, Jews, and Muslims to join together to tackle all forms of extremism, hatred and reclusiveness. He refers to the countless examples, in human civilization, of success stories which show that religious interaction and coexistence produce open societies in which love, harmony and prosperity prevail.

I am not scholar of Islam; I can offer no textual criticism or attempt to judge the exegetical accuracy of the kings comments. But I can, as an observer who wishes to see a peaceful understanding of Islam be the dominant understanding of Islam among its followers, applaud the kings words.

Finally, and perhaps most significantly for a ruler of a Muslim country, Mohammed argues that now is a time for choosing between what he considers true Islam and the false version put out by those who attack innocent people. Noting his own pedigree as a descendent of the Prophet Mohammed versus men who simply claim to be caliphs and leaders, King Mohammed VI says those who agree with him should understand that they will be targets just as he is.

The king calls on Muslims to make a choice just as he has made a choice. It is well nigh time that someone of his stature and influence did that. It is also time for Western leaders to applaud him loudly and encourage him, and to encourage other Muslim leaders to speak out as Mohammed has done. Countless Christians and Jews are more than ready to respond positively to a Muslim kings call for unity against terrorists, and they are most encouraged by an Islamic leader not only arguing that Islam can be at peace with other faiths but also boldly demanding that of his co-religionists.

Photo credit: ALEXANDER SCHIPPERS/AFP/Getty Images
From Good Housekeeping

Virginia mom Wendy Mueller went through five hours of hell - and lost $9,100 - after she received a phone call last week saying her daughter was kidnapped. Like any parent, she feared for her 23-year-old child's life, obeying the unfamiliar voice's instructions as she sent multiple ransom payments. That is, until her daughter casually texted about a class project.

Mueller's account of the virtual kidnapping, which appeared in the Washington Post, describes the common but harrowing scam that preys on people's basic instincts. Callers dig up enough online information to convince people their loved ones are in danger, asking for wire transfers to guarantee their safety. But despite the convincing instructions, the criminals aren't holding anyone physically captive at all.

Photo credit: Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images

In this case, the scammers told Mueller to jump in her car, directing her to various stores where she could wire money to a name and address in Mexico. While on the phone, she heard screaming and what sounded like her daughter's voice, so the panicked mom didn't second-guess the scenario for a second. "They told me they wouldn't hesitate to kill her," she said afterwards.

Eventually, Mueller received a text from her daughter and quickly learned she was safe at her college hundreds of miles away. But the damage was already done. The scammers had received the money, and thoroughly shook Mueller to her core. "It was just this sense of relief and horror that I had just been put through this," she told Fox 5.

Virtual kidnapping occurs across the country, but criminals frequently target affluent areas. If you receive a similar phone call, ask to speak to the victim directly or for a description of them, advises the Prince William County Police. While on the line, try to contact the victim through texts or social media. If you believe your loved one really was kidnapped, call 911 right away.

The Virginia police department also issued tips to help others avoid this terrifying experience. Some indicators of a virtual scam include:

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Calls do not come from the alleged kidnapped person's phone.

Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone while demanding ransom.

Ransom money is only accepted via wire transfer.

You can read more tips here.

[h/t Washington Post]

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Tokyo (AFP) - French second seed Gael Monfils advanced to the Japan Open quarter-finals with a victory over compatriot Gilles Simon on Thursday in a field blighted by injury.

The world number eight nailed seven aces to oust Simon 6-1, 6-4 in one hour and 16 minutes.

The triumph was 30-year-old Monfils' second victory against Simon, ranked 30th in the world, in their eight ATP meetings.

Monfils, who has made it to the semi-final in the US Open but fell to Novak Djokovic, was a runner-up at the Japan Open's 2010 edition, when Rafael Nadal triumphed.

In the quarter-finals Friday, the Frenchman will face Croatian seventh seed Ivo Karlovic (CRO), who tiptoed past Serb Janko Tipsarevic 7-6 (11/9), 7-6 (7/5).

Gilles Muller of Luxembourg beat Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus 6-3, 6-4, and will be pitted against Australian Nick Kyrgios, who received a pass after Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic retired due to a back problem.

The tournament has seen major players pull out through injury.

Defending champion and US Open winner Stan Wawrinka did not take part in the Tokyo event over back trouble, while local favourite Kei Nishikori, winner in 2014 and 2012, could not finish his second-round match Wednesday because of muscle strain.

He now plans to skip next week's Shanghai Masters, but is slated to return to the court at the Swiss Indoors Basel meet later this month.

Eight seed Feliciano Lopez of Spain retired with injury Tuesday.

Injuries also forced Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro, Japan Open winner in 2013, to skip the tournament after receiving an invitation to join as a wildcard.
Buddhist monks opened an emotionally charged commemoration Thursday on the 40th anniversary of a massacre of student protesters in Bangkok, as survivors reflected on a battle for democracy that appears lost in junta-run Thailand.

The killings of October 6, 1976 marked a nadir in the kingdom's blood-splattered recent history.

At least 46 student protesters were shot, beaten to death or hung from trees as they massed at Thammasat University against the return from forced exile of hated military dictator Thanom Kittikachorn.

Survivors say the true toll was at least twice as high, with thousands more arrested or forced into hiding.

Fearing a leftist rebellion in a region where many countries had turned communist, security forces -- flanked by royalist armed militias -- ruthlessly cracked down on the students.

No state apology has ever been issued and no officials have been held to account for the deaths -- a reflection, critics say, of a culture of impunity for the military that endures to this day.

At dawn on Thursday survivors gathered under heavy drizzle around a permanent memorial at the university's entrance where the assault began.

Some held candles, others wore T-shirts with the slogan "I think therefore I am dead" featuring a hanged man -- a reference to the lynching of students who were strung from trees near the campus.

"There were many killed and injured on that day," Sinsawat Yodbangtoey, 63, who was an art student at a nearby college when he joined the Thammasat protests.

"Even though I wasn't injured... my heart is wounded."

The October 6 crackdown ended a brief three-year flirtation with democracy and ushered in another 16 years of military-led rule.

- Forgetting history -

Thailand is once again under military rule, with the kingdom's democracy movement hemmed in by repressive laws.

The last coup in 2014 -- the army's twelfth successful power grab since 1932 -- came four years after soldiers once more opened fire on pro-democracy protesters on Bangkok's streets.

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Many newspapers nonetheless used the rare space provided by Thursday's anniversary to recall dark chapters from the military's past, while graphic photos of student hangings were widely shared on Thai social media.

Sirawith Seritiwat, a 24-year-old Thammasat student and one of a handful of activists protesting against the current junta, said remembering the past is vital in a country with a proclivity for collective amnesia over difficult events.

"There was an effort by many people, (Thai) governments and leaders, to forget history," he told AFP.

"They want reality to be hidden."

Thailand military says its partnership with the monarchy is the only way to ensure stability in a politically fraught country.

The royal palace's role in the tragic events of October 1976 remains under-explored -- partly because Thailand's strict royal defamation law makes such discussion impossible.

In a rare interview aired in 1979 King Bhumibol denied "playing politics" with the Thammasat protests which resulted in a coup he later validated.

Four decades on, survivors are determined to remember their fallen friends.

Prommin Lertsuridej, 62, who fled to the jungle for four years to avoid arrest after the protest, said October 6 was a "hugely important" moment in modern Thai history.

"We gather every year to show we were not people who destroyed the country -- but we are the ones who want to create fair society," he added.
Danaka Porter was always interested in supply chain management. So when her friend recommended the master's program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she considered applying.

But the Vancouver, Canada, resident wanted to test the waters before diving right in.

Porter audited a lecture for free in a massive open online course, or MOOC, hosted by MIT in partnership with the online course provider edX. MOOCs are generally available at no charge to anybody around the world with an internet connection, though paying usually provides features such as virtually proctored exams and teacher assistance.



[Explore four features you can now get by paying for MOOCs.]

After auditing, Porter enrolled in the online MITx MicroMasters in Supply Chain Management. Costing about $1,300 total, the program requires students to complete five MOOCs with graded assignments along with a capstone exam. Students receive a certificate after each MOOC, building their way up to what the company calls a MicroMasters.

"You have a few weeks where you can take the course and see if it's the right fit for you prior to officially signing up for it," the 30-year-old says.

Students who earn the MicroMasters can, if admitted, apply their credential to MIT's supply chain management master's program. They finish the curriculum on campus, getting a full degree and saving money. Porter is in the process of completing her application, she says.

For students considering a credential -- or even an affordable online degree -- from a respectable university, a MOOC-based option might be the way to go. After piloting the concept at MIT this year, edX announced partnerships with 14 additional universities around the world last month for 19 new MicroMasters programs exploring in-demand fields ranging from artificial intelligence to entrepreneurship.

Students earn a MicroMasters by completing the equivalent of a quarter's to a semester's worth of a master's degree, usually through four to five MOOCs and a capstone component, says Anant Agarwal, CEO of edX. They can then apply to finish the curriculum at the school in person and earn the graduate degree.

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Because the MicroMasters are "stackable" in nature, students can learn as much or little as they want, Agarwal says. They might still be able to advance their careers, for example, from the certificates earned through individual MOOCs.



[Discover why "stackable" credential options are rising in online education.]

Coursera, another major MOOC provider, currently offers two similar MOOC-based options in conjunction with the University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign: an iMBA, which can be completed in 23 to 36 months, and a Master of Computer Science in data science, which can take as little as a year.

Discussions with universities are in the works to announce several new Coursera MOOC-based degrees, likely within the next few months, says Nikhil Sinha, chief business officer at Coursera.

"Learners get the opportunity to actually experience the content that they would be taking within the degree program before deciding whether or not they want to commit to that program," Sinha says.

Coursera's programs also allow students to build up to an actual online degree if the school admits them. They must complete a hands-on, university-led online component in addition to several MOOC specializations, or course series, Sinha says.

In both Coursera and edX's programs, the MOOC-based portions are open admission, meaning anyone can enroll if they pay and meet the verification security requirements. The university-led components, however, require separate admissions processes.

What school officials hope make these programs attractive to prospective students is their affordability. A MicroMasters costs around $1,000, Agarwal says, which ultimately saves students a chunk of money on tuition. Coursera's current MOOC-based degrees, says Sinha, both cost around $20,000 total.

These low-cost edX and Coursera programs are comparable with the Georgia Institute of Technology's online master's in computer science, announced in 2013 in collaboration with Udacity, a company that offers affordable programming and technology online courses, and AT&T. Students in Georgia Tech's program can audit for free, but pay roughly $7,000 for the degree, says Zvi Galil, dean of computing at the school.



[Learn how to choose the right online IT training.]

Experts say with the development of the edX and Coursera programs, universities can base admissions decisions off of more than just test scores and GPAs; they get a better sense of how applicants handled coursework for the MicroMasters, says James Hilton, vice provost for academic innovation at the University of Michigan--Ann Arbor. The school recently launched three MicroMasters programs with edX.

Before enrolling in a MOOC-based degree program, experts say students should be aware that required courses might have set start and end dates for those who pay.

Fiona Hollands, associate director and senior researcher at Columbia University's Teacher College, says the new credentials' success will largely be determined by how employers view them, Hollands says.

"I'd be very surprised if employers don't value the MicroMasters, if they know for sure that it's the student who has the credential that did all the work for it," Hollands says.

Trying to fund your online education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News Paying for Online Education center.

Jordan Friedman is an online education editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at jfriedman@usnews.com.


This Immigrant Doctor Is Reimagining Health in the American City

As Nov. 8 inches closer, many U.S. voters complain of election fatigue. Campaign ads, constant mudslinging, and the inescapable chatter of talking heads are wearing out their welcome. Cant we just cast our votes and move on with our lives? More than 6 million Americans will never get that degree of closure, according to a report published Thursday, because of state laws that bar people with current or past felony convictions from voting.

The last several years have seen a steady shift toward relaxing laws that bar ex-felons from voting or restoring the rights of people with past convictions. Both Maryland and Virginia passed legislation this year to restore voting rights for citizens with felony records, and Alabamas legislature approved a bill that aims to speed up the voting rights restoration process. Of the 6.1 million people barred from voting, 4.7 million are no longer incarcerated.

Its disturbing that in an election as critical as this one, we have 6 million people who will not be participatingnot because theyre not interested in the outcome but because we have these antiquated laws, Marc Mauer, executive director of The Sentencing Project, told TakePart. The criminal justice reform organization led by Mauer commissioned the report.

In spite of changes taking place at the state level and the incremental decline in state and federal prison populations, the reports authors found that recent progress has largely been offset by states that permanently bar former felons from voting, such as Florida and Iowa.

Florida is home to the largest disenfranchised voting population in the country1.7 million people. It also is a key battleground state in the election, making the question of who is prevented from voting even more critical.

In 2000, we had a national election decided in Florida by a difference of 537 votes, said Mauer. On the day of the election, there were 600,000 people in the state who had completed their sentences but were ineligible to vote. They couldve decided the election.

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Racial disparities that pervade the criminal justice system are also reflected in the disenfranchised voter population, according to the report. Nationally, one in every 13 black adults cant vote because of a felony conviction.

Disenfranchisement really does reshape the electorate in critical ways, Christopher Uggen, regents professor of sociology at the University of Minnesota and the reports lead author, told TakePart. It weakens the collective impact of the black vote.

Uggen, who has studied the disenfranchisement of people with felony convictions since the 1990s, observed that the disqualification of voters with criminal records tends to disadvantage the Democratic Party.

On Wednesday, California joined the growing number of states that are moving toward more lenient voting policies for people with felony convictions. Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that will allow thousands of people serving jail time for felonies to vote while incarcerated starting next year. The campaign supporting the measure leaned heavily on the notion that permitting people to vote while incarcerated could reduce recidivism by helping them maintain a connection to their communities.

That notion resonates strongly with Mauer. Its in everyones interest that we encourage [incarcerated people] to stay connected with developments in their community, he said. Its not only important in terms of democratic participation but for public safety.

Take the Pledge: Dont Be Silent: Take the Pledge to Be an Ally for Racial Justice

Related stories on TakePart:





 Former Felons in Maryland Regain Voting Rights

 Many Ex-Cons Cant Vote, but Heres Howand WhyThats Changing

 Iowa Bucks National Trend Toward Letting Ex-Cons Vote

Original article from TakePart
Moscow (AFP) - Moscow's year-long bombing campaign in Syria has showcased the "reliability" of Russian weaponry, as the Kremlin has helped stabilise the war-ravaged country, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Thursday.

"In that period we have managed to stabilise the situation in the country (and) liberate a significant part of the territory from armed international terrorist groups," Shoigu told a conference.

"Many types of modern weapons produced in our country were tested in difficult desert conditions and generally have shown their reliability and effectiveness."

The comments come as international anger grows over Moscow's air support for a ferocious regime assault on eastern Aleppo that has prompted accusations of potential war crimes.

The United States on Monday suspended talks with Russia on a ceasefire in Syria in protest at Moscow stepping up its bombing campaign.

Russia launched its military operation in Syria last September to back up long-time ally Bashar al-Assad to Western ire, helping to shore up the regime's embattled forces.

Russia's military has denied repeated accusations that it has struck civilian targets in the country during its year-long bombing campaign.

Moscow has used Syria as a testing-ground for a range of new weaponry including long-range missiles fired from ships, submarines and warplanes.

Those include the X-101 rocket that has a range of 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles) and was fired from bombers that took off from bases in Russia, Shoigu said.

Built on the foundations of its Soviet-era predecessor, Russia's arms industry is a key source of income for the country and brought in some $14.5 billion (13 billion euros) in 2015.
By Abhishek Takle SUZUKA, Japan, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Honda, engine suppliers to former world champions McLaren, are expecting a happier homecoming than last year in Sunday's Japanese Formula One Grand Prix. Last year's race at the Honda-owned Suzuka circuit was arguably the low point of a bruising season for the Japanese manufacturer, marred by unreliability and a lack of performance from their engines. With Honda management watching, Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button were easy pickings for rivals -- prompting the Spaniard to criticise the engine in a radio transmission broadcast live across the world. "I was not in the team in the Suzuka situation so I didn't know the actual situation," Honda's Formula One head Yusuke Hasegawa, who replaced Yasuhisa Arai in the role early this year, told Reuters. "From the outside point of view, of course, it was a very tough moment. "But it was a moment we had to experience, I think. Because of Fernando's comment and also the very tough result, we tried harder in the last year." Honda returned to Formula One in 2015, having last fielded a works outfit in 2008, but their renewed partnership with McLaren has struggled to get up to speed. McLaren finished ninth in the constructors standings last year, above only backmarkers Manor. They scored points in only five of the 19 races, and suffered 12 retirements, including four occasions when neither car failed to cross the line. But Honda has worked to iron out the problems and McLaren, who last won a race in 2012, have made steady progress up the field this season. They are currently sixth and, with Honda providing a stream of engine updates, consistent points finishers even if that still falls far short of the expectations of the sport's second most successful team. The improvement gives Honda hope and genuine optimism within the outfit of putting on a strong showing in front of the enthusiastic Japanese fans. "I think so," said Hasegawa, when asked if there was a stark contrast in mood within the Honda ranks compared to last year. "Because of our steady results, although it is not fantastic, but we can expect some level of the results in Suzuka,. "For this year it is very important for us to show we can prove some of our progress." Hasegawa, who has previous experience in Formula One from Honda's time with BAR and Jordan in the 1990s and 2000s, has played his part in helping steady the ship. Alonso, Button and Stoffel Vandoorne - who scored the team's first point this year standing in for the injured Spaniard in Bahrain - have raced to 13 points finishes. Three races have seen both cars in the top 10. The team had exceeded its 2015 total haul by as early as Austria, the ninth race, leading to a growing belief that McLaren could be 'dark horses' next season when engine development is freed up. Work on next year's power unit is already well underway. Hasegawa is optimistic that McLaren, who last finished in the top-three in the 2014 season-opener in Australia when still using Mercedes engines, can return to the podium next year. "It is not a commitment, but (we would) like to get some podiums," he said. "I think the target we have set is at a good level. But the question is can we achieve that level of performance or not." (Editing by Alan Baldwin)
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has asked local manufacturing industries to produce products which match with the international market standards.

President Museveni made the remarks while officiating at the opening the 24th Uganda manufacturers association annual trade fair exhibition at Lugogo.

He says the local manufacturing industries must produce products targeting free international markets.

He says all local traders who have been exporting to Sudan market must now target the international free markets.

He also asked the 750 local entrepreneurs currently operating business in the country to attract foreign investors to invest in the country.

About 1350 exhibitors from 27 countries are exhibiting their products at the trade fair and out of those 850 are local exhibitors.

Museveni also retaliated his call for the country to stop importing products which are made locally here in Uganda. .
Viacom's Viacom International Media Networks unit on Thursday unveiled format deals for three MTV reality hits, Ex on the Beach, Are You The One? and Guy Code.

The company has in recent years focused on pushing localized versions of hit formats to add local flavor under its "glocal" strategy that mixes global and local content. VIMN executives have lauded the strategy for boosting ratings on the company's own networks and making added revenue from adaptations for other companies.

The strategy has come into focus at a time when companies look to own more of their content and exploit it across platforms. Observers have also said that the approach allows for more efficient production as multiple versions can be shot simultaneously.

Dating series Ex on the Beach, which has been an MTV ratings hit in the U.K., will get a Russian version under a deal with Friday TV and production firm Friends Productions, which is making 16 episodes of 90 minutes each. The deal marks the first time that an MTV format will be locally adapted by a third party in Russia, the partners said. The show will debut in November.

The series will mark the fifth local version of the format, which was previously adapted for Discovery Kanal 5 in Sweden, SUB TV in Finland, NRJ12 in France and MTV in the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, dating show Are You the One?, which has aired for four seasons in the U.S., is being adapted for France by Adventure Line Productions for NT1. The network will air 50 episodes in 2017 under the title 10 Couples Parfaits. It will mark the first time that the format has been adapted to air five nights a week.

VIMN recently announced that it will locally adapt the series for MTV Latin America, where it will air across Mexico, Colombia and Argentina, including on Televisa's Canal 5 in Mexico. The new versions follow previous adaptation deals in Denmark and Brazil.

The company also unveiled the first-ever local adaptation of MTV2's "how-to" comedy-reality format Guy Code in Canada, where 21 half-hour episodes will air under the title Code G in early 2017 on French-language network VRAK.

Read more: Viacom U.K. Networks Unit Set for Viewer Share, Revenue Records
Yangon (AFP) - Four members of Myanmar's human rights commission resigned Thursday, after the body was pilloried for failing to help two girls allegedly tortured for years at a tailor's shop.

The two teenagers said they spent five years as virtual slaves in the shop in the commercial capital Yangon, where they were beaten, stabbed, burnt and deprived of sleep and food.

Their story -- told to AFP in their village outside Yangon -- has sparked outrage in Myanmar, where activists say human rights abuses remain rife as the country recovers from half a century of brutal military rule.

The president has ordered an investigation into how authorities handled the case, after their families said police repeatedly stonewalled their pleas to help them rescue the girls.

Anger has been directed at Myanmar's National Human Right Commission, which negotiated a $4,000 payout for the victims' families but did not push for criminal charges.

Four members of the country's top human rights body have been "allowed to leave... according to their wishes," the president's office said in a statement.

Among them was Zaw Win, who defended the commission's decision-making to angry lawmakers and was heckled by journalists at a press conference after the case came to light.

Six members of the tailor's family appeared in a Yangon court on Thursday on human trafficking charges, but the trial was delayed as three have still not found lawyers.

The girls were aged just 11 and 12 when a friend took them to Yangon with the promise of good jobs as housemaids.

AFP reporters who visited them saw evidence of horrific wounds, including scars from where they say they were stabbed with scissors and branded with a hot iron.

One of the girls showed fingers twisted at strange angles -- a cruel legacy, she says, of the punishments meted out to her.

They are among tens of thousands of children from poor rural areas sent to work as domestic helpers for Myanmar's growing pool of wealthier, urban middle-class households.

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Some 1.7 million children are thought to be in work, according to analysis of 2014 census data.

They are often cut off from friends and families and left vulnerable to abuse, according to activists, who accuse the government of doing little to address the issue.

Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party took power in March, pledged to reaffirm "faith in fundamental human rights" in a speech to the United Nations last month.

The 11-member human rights commission includes members who served under the former junta government.
Mandalay (Myanmar) (AFP) - A Myanmar court on Thursday jailed a Dutch tourist for three months with hard labour for insulting religion after he unplugged an amplifier relaying a late-night Buddhist sermon.

Klass Haytema, 30, was arrested two weeks ago after he pulled the plug on the Buddhist service held near his hotel in the northern city of Mandalay, complaining about the noise.

Slights against religion are treated with extreme seriousness by the courts and a pious public in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

Delivering the ruling, a judge on Thursday said Haytema was "clearly guilty" of insulting religion and was "sentenced to three months imprisonment with hard labour".

The Dutchman, who cried while the sentence was read, also opted to pay a fine of 100,000 kyat ($80) rather than serve another three months for violating the terms of his visa, which requires tourists to respect local customs.

Haytema apologised during previous hearings, according to local media, saying he did not realise what he was doing and simply wanted to sleep.

He was also accused of insulting Buddhism by not taking off his shoes when he entered the prayer hall.

Haytema is one of several foreigners to recently fall foul of the law, which criminalises "voluntary" disruption of a religious ceremony.

In July, a Spanish tourist was deported after monks complained about a tattoo of Buddha on his leg.

Last year a New Zealand bar manager also spent 10 months in jail for "insulting religion" by using a Buddha image to promote a cheap drinks night.

Religion is an important part of daily life for many across the devout country, where crimson-robed monks walk the streets every morning and prayer halls regularly blast hypnotic chants on loudspeakers late into the evening.

The nation has also battled a rising tide of radical Buddhist nationalism in recent years, with Mandalay a stronghold of the monk-led movement.

The clash of cultures has become a growing problem as the former junta-run country sees a surge in tourism under a new civilian government, the first in half a century.

Other countries in the region have also chafed at irreverent portrayals of the Buddha.

In neighbouring Thailand, posters in airports warn arriving visitors not to buy figurines or get tattoos of the holy figure.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Dusty Baker expects injured second baseman Daniel Murphy to play for the Nationals in Game 1 of the NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but Washington's manager still won't announce his Game 2 starter.

After Thursday's workout, a little more than 24 hours before the series opens, Baker explained Murphy ''says he's ready, so therefore we think he's ready.''

Murphy hasn't started a game since Sept. 17 because of a strained glute muscle. Murphy said he is confident he will play after working out Thursday.

''It was good to hit the bases, cut, and I felt really good out there,'' Murphy said. ''I'm going to try everything I can to be in there tomorrow. These guys, my teammates, have really grinded and it's been fun to watch while I'm out. I want to be in there and be in the fire with them.''

Rosters don't need to be set until Friday, when Washington hosts Game 1. Baker revealed a little, saying backup infielder Wilmer Difo will be among his 25 players, Pedro Severino will start at catcher and that the Nationals will carry three lefty relievers, but he wouldn't say which ones.

Sammy Solis, Marc Rzepczynski, Oliver Perez and Sean Burnett are the lefties available.

With All-Star Wilson Ramos out because of a torn ACL in his right knee, Severino got the nod at catcher because Baker said Jose Lobaton was a little injured.

Max Scherzer pitches for Washington against Clayton Kershaw on Friday, and Rich Hill will start for Los Angeles in Game 2 on Saturday. Baker said Thursday the Nationals haven't decided who will start the second game.

It's expected to be either righty Tanner Roark or lefty Gio Gonzalez because Stephen Strasburg is out with a strained flexor mass in his right elbow.

''We are a little bit banged up in our pitching staff,'' Baker said. ''It would be very easy if we had Strasburg, I can tell you that right now.''

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Andrew Toles is healthy after dealing with a left wrist injury and will start in left field in Game 1.
By Arshad Mohammed and Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Confronted by Russia in Syria, Ukraine and cyberspace, the next U.S. president will be the fourth to face Vladimir Putin and the challenge of deterring a Kremlin often more willing than the White House to take risk and project power. Over the last four years, the Russian president has annexed Crimea and destabilized eastern Ukraine, stymied U.S. hopes to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and mounted cyber attacks that U.S. officials blame on hackers commanded or orchestrated by Russian intelligence agencies. In his latest gambit, Putin this week suspended a treaty with Washington on cleaning up weapons-grade plutonium. While the United States has imposed economic sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine, these have yet to force it to calm tensions in eastern Ukraine, let alone surrender Crimea. Some current and former U.S. officials argue the White House has failed to understand Putin's bitterness about the decade after the Soviet Union collapsed, at a time the Russian leader feels the West took advantage of Russia when it was down. Further, they say the United States has little influence over the course of democracy in Russia, or on its willingness to use force in Syria, Ukraine or elsewhere to achieve its ends. The result, critics say, could be that Syria festers, Ukraine stays off balance and unable to draw closer to Europe, and that even areas such as arms control and nonproliferation, pillars of cooperation during the Cold War, could deteriorate. "For Putin and most of the Russian leadership, its a zero-sum world," said Andrew Weiss of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank. Weiss argued the Russian leader was unlikely to change his stripes before Russia's 2018 presidential election "in an atmosphere where Putins own domestic political fortunes depend on having this external enemy, namely the United States". NO RESISTANCE SO FAR A U.S. official suggested Putin, who has yet to tip his hand but is expected to run again, is willing to use force to get his way while the White House, scarred by the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, is not. "The administration never understood how bruised Putin and many, many Russians feel about the 1990s, or how determined they are to regain what they consider Russias rightful place in the world, much less what Putin is willing to do to get there," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "He will keep pushing until he meets serious resistance, and so far he hasnt," the official added. In the eyes of many current and former U.S. officials, Syria is a case in point. The United States this week announced it was suspending talks with Russia on a ceasefire, all but saying the Russian and Syrian assault on Aleppo had made a mockery of the peace effort. "Where they make a desert, they call it peace," Secretary of State John Kerry said, quoting the Roman historian Tacitus. Analysts believe Aleppo is likely to fall but the war, now in its sixth year, will grind on with Assad surviving atop a shrunken, broken and fragmented country enduring the world's worst refugee crisis since World War Two. U.S. officials say the White House has yet to decide what to do next on Syria but few expect Obama to shift strategy in his waning months in office. It is not considering imposing further sanctions on Russia for now, two U.S. officials said. 'RUSSIAN WEAKNESS IS REAL' On Monday, Putin suspended a treaty with Washington on cleaning up weapons-grade plutonium, signaling he is willing to use nuclear disarmament as a new bargaining chip in disputes with the United States. "If the relationship worsens, either side could be looking to exert leverage or score points in the nuclear arms control realm," said Daryl Kimball of the Arms Control Association. Another area where the United States is weighing its options is the stealthy war in cyberspace that is already under way with Russia and could escalate as relations worsen. U.S. officials anonymously say Russian intelligence services have interfered in the U.S. election process by launching cyber intrusions into the presidential campaign of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, and other U.S. political organizations and state election offices. The Kremlin denies the allegations. The White House has refrained from publicly accusing Russia. If hard evidence of Russia's involvement emerges, Washington has a dilemma in fashioning a response because, by going public, it could tip Moscow to its own intrusions, prompting retaliation. Two U.S. officials suggested critics are taking too short term a view, arguing it can take years to achieve an objective, such as the liberation of the Baltic states from Soviet rule. Cold War-like policies, such as using economic sanctions to weaken Russia's economy or deploying NATO troops to the Baltics and Poland in January to deter Russia, may work over time. "There's no quick fix with the Russians," said one official. (Additional reporting by John Walcott, Yara Bayoumy and Yeganeh Torbati in Washington, Samia Nakhoul in Beirut and Andrew Osborne in Moscow; Editing by James Dalgleish)
The presidential advisory committee on budget has been given up to end of November to finalize its work on next financial years budget.

The deadline was given by the Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda while addressing the committees inaugural meeting in Kampala this afternoon.

Rugunda has urged the team to ensure it beats the deadline as set in the public finance act expressing governments commitment to deliver the country to middle income status and meet the vision 2040.

He further challenges the committee to work strategically and ensure priorities of the budget are in line with the presidents 23 set guidelines, NDP2 and NRM manifesto.

He says focus should be put on prioritization on improvement of primary education, health services and improved service delivery among others

The committee is to help align the budget to key priorities in the NDP2, Vision 2040 and the NRM manifesto.
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During Tuesday night's vice presidential debate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine spent much of his time slamming Indiana Gov. Mike Pence for his ticket's treatment of marginalized groups, all while forgetting one crucial demographic: LGBTQ folks.

For many, Kaine's seeming unwillingness to address these issues came as a shock. Pence's national recognition grew after he signed a religious freedom law in Indiana that permitted LGBTQ discrimination, and only after criticism did he sign an amendment to tighten up that part of the law. His running mate Donald Trump was nominated on one of the most pointedly anti-trans and anti-queer platforms in GOP history, according to the Log Cabin Republicans. Pundits, media outlets, and Twitter junkies were ready to watch Kaine pounce on Pence over this  only to discover a disappointingly familiar silence.

SEE ALSO: Saying goodbye to AfterEllen, and a generation of queer women's media

After the Supreme Court voted in favor of same-sex marriage in June 2015, some declared that the fight was "finally over" for lesbian and gay Americans. But the past year has been dominated by emotional, predictably uninformed, conversations about the rights of the larger LGBTQ community, and whether people who, on the basis of their religion, have a legal right to discriminate against them. Americans banded together to prevent transgender students from using the school bathroom of their choice, and progressive trolls worked together to (unsuccessfully) shut down a small town anti-gay Indiana pizza joint.

A gender neutral bathroom sign posted in Durham, North Carolina after the state passed HB2.

Image: sara davis/Getty Images

Given the heat, it's surprising to see how little attention has been paid to queer and trans issues on the national stage. In the past two presidential debates, only one reference was made to the LGBTQ community (after Kaine argued that Putin "persecutes LGBT folks"). Clinton's advertising has primarily centered on Trump's anti-women, anti-immigrant language and agenda.

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So Mike Pence makes an entire career out of demonizing LGBT people and it's not worth mentioning even once during the debate? #VPDebate  JuanPa (@jpbrammer) October 5, 2016

Is Pence really going to get out of this debate without having to address his ridiculously anti-abortion, anti-LGBT record? #VPDebate  Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) October 5, 2016

But just because Trump's campaign hasn't advertised his anti-LGBTQ views doesn't mean they don't exist. Trump, for one, has said he would consider appointing Supreme Court judges who would overturn the same-sex marriage decision and leave it to the states. One of his potential picks, William Pryor, filed a 2003 legal brief on behalf of Texas' anti-sodomy laws, comparing the practice to "polygamy, incest, pedophilia, prostitution, and adultery," and argued that states should be legally able to prosecute gay people as criminals.

Recently, the Trump campaign released a statement announcing that the candidate would sign the notorious First Amendment Defense Act, which allows employers and businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ citizens on the basis of their religious views. After some wavering, Trump now supports HB2, North Carolina's notorious anti-trans bathroom bill law.

Additionally, Pence had previously labelled those who received HIV treatment as "needy" and campaigned for the government to fund gay conversion therapy.

This version of hate is harder to hear.

It's a lot to swallow. But part of the Clinton campaign's reticence has to do with the Trump campaign's own competing noise. Next to Trump's plan to set up a deportation police force, or to build a wall against Mexican rapists, or to take down "fat pig Rosie O'Donnell," Trump's anti-LGBTQ rhetoric seemed minuscule in proportion. It gets complicated to try and take down a candidate who has supported anti-LGBTQ policy, and then, at his convention, taken a different tack. In Cleveland, he promised that, "As your president, I will do everything in my power to protect LGBTQ citizens," and then subsequently commended his audience for their unexpected applause. ("I must say, as a Republican its so nice to hear you cheering for what I just said.)

Trump's anti-LGBTQ rhetoric can't quite be captured in a Twitter embed, a Facebook video or a viral GIF. The candidate doesn't explicitly advocate vigilante justice against queer and trans Americans the way he has against immigrants. This version of hate is harder to hear.

It's further possible the Clinton campaign doesn't feel compelled to dredge up this material because it's not needed. A recent NBC News/SurveyMonkey poll found that, in a two-way matchup, 72 percent of LGBTQ voters supported Hillary Clinton, as compared to just 20 percent for Trump. Meanwhile, 82 percent of the roughly 1,700 LGBTQ voters polled had an unfavorable view of Trump, even those that were voting for him.

Still, those in the movement wonder if Clinton's campaign is missing an important opportunity. While there's little chance at this point in the election that Trump could attract LGBTQ voters, Clinton could potentially energize millennials in her base by holding the candidate accountable for his views. If there's one thing the 2016 election has taught us, it's that next to the economy, nothing quite motivates voters like identity politics and emotion.

Part of the reason the Clinton campaign has hounded Trump so doggedly on race, for example, isn't just because she hopes to attract and energize more voters of color (or, ahem, do the right thing). It's to appeal those white voters who are considering a vote for Trump, but are afraid that in doing so, they'll be branded a racist.

It's possible Clinton could make a similar association with the LGBTQ community. While Trump has little chance of attracting more LGBTQ voters, Clinton could potentially alienate straight voters from his campaign who are scared of being labeled homophobic or transphobic. A 2016 Pew Research poll found that 55% of Americans support same sex marriage, as compared to just 37% who oppose it. A plurality of Americans now believe that transgender people should be able to use the bathroom of their choice.

The GIFS and gaffes may be hard to find. Clinton may have to explain, yet again, why she was so late to supporting same-sex marriage, even after it had moved into the mainstream. The campaign will have to dig deeper to find Trump's anti-gay rhetoric, policies and allies, especially since the candidate was once known for his moderation.

On this issue, the party is keeping its hate where it traditionally hides it: in neatly layered text on its campaign page.

Election day is just over a month away, and there are two presidential debates left, leaving Clinton just enough time to set the trap. Whether Trump steps into it is one question, how effective it'll be is another.

Still, Democrats cheered as Kaine made his last minute pro-choice pitch at the end of a whiney 90-minute debate. And leaders in the LGBTQ community grieved on Twitter that Kaine and Pence failed to reach out to them. Emotion sells and identity, matters.

During the debate, @mike_pence said he sees "dignity, value & worth in every human life." What about LGBT's? Why does he marginalize us?  Chip Coffey (@chipcoffey) October 5, 2016

Americans need a candidate who doesn't just promise LGBTQ support on their campaign page, but says it out loud, over and over and over again, until it no longer needs to be said.
BERLIN (Reuters) - Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz predicted in a interview out on Wednesday that Italy and other countries would leave the euro zone in coming years, and he blamed the euro and German austerity policies for Europe's economic problems.

Europe lacks the decisiveness to undertake needed reforms such as the creation of a banking union involving joint bank deposit guarantees, and also lacks solidarity across national boundaries, Stiglitz was quoted as saying by Die Welt newspaper.

"There will still be a euro zone in 10 years, but the question is, what will it look like? It's very unlikely that it will still have 19 members. It's difficult to say who will still belong," the paper quoted Stiglitz as saying.

"The people in Italy are increasingly disappointed in the euro," Stiglitz was quoted as saying. "Italians are starting to realise that Italy doesn't work in the euro," he added.

He said Germany had already accepted that Greece would leave the euro zone, noting that he had advised both Greece and Portugal in the past to exit the single currency.

Concerns about the euro zone have escalated in Germany in recent months amid growing concern about a shift away from austerity in southern Europe, the loose money policies of the European Central Bank and the rise of the right-wing Alternative for Germany party.

Stiglitz told the paper the euro and austerity policies in Germany were at fault for Europe's economic malaise. The break-up of the single currency or the division into a north euro and a south euro were the only realistic options for reviving Europe's stalled economy, the paper quoted him as saying.

The former chief economist of the World Bank said Europe and the United States had similar economies, resources and labour pools, but the U.S. economy had recovered from the global financial crisis while the European economy had not.

"The big difference is the euro," he said, noting that the single currency was weighing on the overall European economy.

The euro reached a three-week high against the yen on Wednesday, a day after a Bloomberg article cited sources as saying the European Central Bank would probably wind down its bond buying gradually before ending quantitative easing.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
The Nobel Prize has a woman problem.

A total of 203 people have won the Nobel Prize in physics, but only two were women (Marie Curie in 1903 and Maria Goeppert-Mayer in 1963). Many scientists say those numbers point to a fundamental problem with the prizes and how they are awarded.

Science writer and physicist Matthew Francis wrote on his blog, Galileo's Pendulum, that the prize favors men of European descent, and European and American researchers in general. That bias, he said, is part of a larger problem of excluding women and minorities for consideration.

"The difficulty may ultimately lie in the fact that it's nearly impossible to honor the science without tripping up on which scientists to assign that honor to," Francis wrote in an email to Live Science. [Nobel Prize 2016: Here Are the Winners (and What They Achieved)]

Women in science

"I do think that, increasingly, the Nobels have a public relations problem," said Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, a theoretical astrophysicist at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Prescod-Weinstein and many others noted on Twitter (with the hashtag #NobelforVeraRubin) the example of Vera Rubin. Rubin discovered the anomalies in the way galaxies rotate that provided evidence for the existence of dark matter, one of the universe's greatest scientific mysteries. This accomplishment was not awarded a Nobel Prize, although many scientists (and nonscientists) say it deserved the honor.

Searching #NobelforVeraRubin yields many people calling for Rubin to be recognized. Nobel prizes can't be awarded posthumously, and Rubin is 88 years old  so there's a sense of urgency. As science writer Rachel Feltman of The Washington Post tweeted, "Vera Rubin deserves a Nobel. She probably won't get one in time."

Emily Levesque, an assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Washington, tweeted, "yet another year has now passed without the # NobelPrize recognizing the groundbreaking detection of dark matter by Vera Rubin..." and "Dark matter utterly revolutionized our concept of the universe; it's basically spawned entire subfields within physics at this point." [Female Firsts: 7 Women Who Broke Barriers in Science and Tech]

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Physics isn't the only field with a dearth of female Nobel laureates. According to the Nobel Committee website, 171 people have won the Nobel Prize in chemistry, and only four have been women: Marie Curie (1911), her daughter Irene Joliot-Curie (1935), Dorothy Hodgkin (1964) and Ada Yonath (2009).

Women have fared a bit better in medicine and literature. Out of the 211 total recipients of the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine, 12 have been women. And of the 112 total recipients of the Nobel Prize in literature, 15 have been women. Women have picked up 16 Nobel Peace Prizes of the 129 that have been awarded to either individuals or organizations. The Nobel Prize in economics, which has existed only since 1969, has honored only one woman of the 76 laureates.

It isn't as though women haven't been nominated, though the numbers are still small. Lise Meitner was nominated no less than 48 times by different people between 1937 and 1965 for prizes in physics and chemistry. (She died in 1968, having never been awarded a Nobel.) Astrophysicist Margaret Burbidge was nominated in 1964 for the Nobel in physics; that year the Nobel laureates in physics were Charles Hard Townes, Nicolay Gennadiyevich Basov and Aleksandr Mikhailovich Prokhorov for work in electronics that allowed for new kinds of transistors.

Award structure

The way Nobel Prizes are awarded could partly explain why women are underrepresented, some researchers say. First, it can take time to measure the impact of scientific work. Sometimes, the prize for a particular scientific accomplishment is not awarded until decades after the initial research is done, though that's not always the case. [What's Missing From the Nobel Prizes? Scientists Weigh In]

Another major problem, many scientists say, is that no more than three people can share a prize  but that doesn't reflect how science is actually done. Most research, especially in physics, involves many people  there can be up to hundreds of authors listed on a typical particle-physics paper, for example. (In fact, in physics, authors are often listed in alphabetical order for this very reason). A recent article in Science noted that if the physics Nobel had been awarded to the LIGO team, for the observation of gravitational waves, a contender might be Barry Barrish, who was instrumental in building the interferometer.

"I definitely think it should be possible to award the prize to teams," said Prescod-Weinstein. For example, in 2011, three men won the Noble Prize for the discovery that the universe's expansion is speeding up  an idea known as cosmic acceleration.

"The cosmic acceleration discovery was definitely a team effort, including making sure the data was correctly interpreted when they first started looking at it," Prescod-Weinstein said.

Maria von Konow, communications manager for Nobel Media, noted that Alfred Nobel's will and the Swedish Academy of Sciences set the criteria for nominations. The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to organizations, but the rules that were set up to award the physics prize were different. It's possible for the rules to change  the Nobel Foundation statutes have a procedure for doing so. But so far there's been no action on that front, at least not publicly.

Francis added that an entirely different award structure might be a good idea. "Ideally, there should be a range of prizes, whether called Nobels or not, to honor both discoverers and pioneers, but also to adequately honor collaborations (instead of just their leaders, who tend to be white guys because they get promotions denied to others) and recent work, rather than primarily decades-old research," he said in a an email to Livescience.

Righting past omissions would also help, Prescod-Weinstein said. For example, in 1974, the Nobel prize in physics was awarded to two recipients  Antony Hewish and Martin Ryle  for the 1967 discovery of pulsars, a type of star that pulses rapidly. Yet the actual discovery made by poring over the data from radio telescopes, was the work of Jocelyn Bell.

"Tthe prize should be able to retroactively correct errors, such as Jocelyn Bell not receiving the prize for her own discovery, with her advisor getting it instead," Prescod-Weinstein said.

Can the Nobels be fixed? Prescod-Weinstein said the committee could be more open to changes in how it awards the prizes.

"Eventually, it becomes hard to take the selections seriously, because we have no idea what factors are taken into consideration, except that somehow, it ends with only white and Asian men receiving the prize," Prescod-Weinstein said. (Sir William Arthur Lewis is the sole black Nobel laureate in the sciences [economics, 1979], and there are six science laureates who are Latino.)

The nominations for the prizes, and the deliberations that went into the awards, are kept secret for 50 years. So it's hard to know whether more women were nominated in the 1970s and 1980s, and we won't know for another decade. It's possible Rubin, for example, was nominated, and passed over.

Some, like Francis, say it might be time to retire the Nobels. "They're fundamentally about something that's not an adequate reflection of real science, and they reinforce the worst aspects of the culture of science," he said. "Maybe we should dump 'em and start over."

Original article on Live Science.

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The Hague (AFP) - The Dutch state on Thursday appealed against a court ruling which found it liable for the deaths of over 300 Bosnians during the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, saying nobody could have foreseen the massacre.

"Nobody would have thought that a genocide could possibly take place in Europe in 1995," government lawyer Bert-Jan Houtzagers told an appeals court in The Hague.

Relatives of the victims, who first initiated the case, are also appealing the 2014 ruling, calling for the Dutch state to be held liable for the deaths of all 8,000 Muslim men and boys killed at the UN-protected enclave in eastern Bosnia during the bloody 1992-95 civil war.

Munira Subasic, president of the Mothers of Srebrenica victims group, who lost 22 members of her extended family, said: "We have nothing against the Dutch people."

"But we feel the soldiers and particularly the commanders had an absolute duty to protect us," she told AFP speaking through an interpreter.

In 2014, a court in The Hague ruled the Dutch peacekeepers should not have expelled 300 Bosnian Muslims on July 30 1995 from their UN base at Potocari near Srebrenica after it was overrun by Bosnian Serb forces.

The Dutch state was therefore held liable for their deaths.

But arguing the Dutch were responsible for all the almost 8,000 deaths, the families' lawyer Marco Gerritsen said the Dutch troops had "placed their safety above everything else."

"They did not carry out United Nations instructions to protect citizens and fight back," Gerritsen told the court on Thursday.

"Instead they knowingly handed men and boys over to their killers," on July 13, 1995, said another lawyer for the families, Simon van der Sluijs.

The court in The Hague said it would rule on both appeals on March 14 next year.

Events around Srebrenica have cast a long shadow in The Netherlands, forcing a cabinet resignation in 2002 ,and were seen as a major failure on the part of the United Nations.

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But the Dutch state has squarely placed the blame for Europe's worst post-World War II massacre on the shoulders of Bosnian Serb troops.

"It was a situation in which the Bosnian Serbs had the upper hand, and the Dutchbat (Dutch UN battalion) only could steer the situation as best they could," Houtzagers said.

More than 100,000 people died and some 2.2 million others were uprooted in the bitter 1992-95 conflict triggered by the break-up of the former Yugoslavia.

About 100 former Dutchbat soldiers, as they are known, have also said they may sue the government, after the defence ministry admitted they had been sent on a "mission impossible."
When it comes to running the estate of her son, The Notorious B.I.G., Voletta Wallace has a simple formula. "If I see something that's going to belittle his integrity or his memory, I won't do it," she says of posthumous projects involving the rapper (real name: Christopher Wallace, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in March 1997, just 16 days before the release of his second album, Life After Death, which has sold 5.3 million copies, according to Nielsen Music). "It has to do with principles, morality and honesty."

Those criteria have helped Wallace, 63, keep her son's legacy alive and avoid much of the exploitation and over-saturation common with celebrity estates -- particularly one as valuable as Big's. Commonly referenced as one of the greatest rappers of all time, Big died at age 24, just six months after the murder of onetime friend-turned-rap-rival Tupac Shakur.

But Ms. Wallace hasn't done it alone; her team includes Big's widow, Faith Evans; his former manager, Wayne Barrow; her attorney, Julian Petty of Nixon Peabody; and merchandising manager Rick Barlowe, who previously worked with Shakur's estate. In the past, the team has partnered with Mezco Toyz for an action figure; with Zingy to create a mobile game; with Sprite to license his lyrics for an ad campaign; and with Taco Bell for a commercial that remixed his hit "Big Poppa." The estate's clothing line, available in retailers from H&M to WalMart to Forever 21, does "major numbers," Barlowe says, declining to give specifics. (An audacious proposal for a Biggie-themed online poker casino was scrapped some years ago.) But the estate's biggest achievement to date, according to those who run it, was the 2009 film Notorious, which told the life story of the rapper from Brooklyn who became an icon before his 25th birthday.

"You can get more from the film than from the clothing line, or a one-off deal with Pepsi, or a deal with a big brand," says Barrow, who managed Big throughout his short career. "Those are about The Notorious B.I.G. The film was about Christopher Wallace."

Now, as the 20th anniversary of Big's death approaches, Wallace and her team are teeing up projects. They include a documentary created by Evans and featuring footage of Big in the studio and at home, along with a companion album called The King & I consisting of duets with Evans, remixes and unreleased verses (both are scheduled for March 2017); an animated series, Think B.I.G., produced by Mass Appeal and airing on TBS, which will focus on his life as told through his own lyrics (says Barrow: "It's King of the Hill meets Fat Albert"); and a hologram, developed in conjunction with ARHT Media.

But there have been challenges along the way as well, not least from unlicensed merchandise bearing Biggie's likeness flooding the merch market, the litigation for which Petty likens to "whack-a-mole." The hologram was supposed to be part of this summer's Bad Boy reunion tour but never materialized. Meanwhile, some fans criticized holograms of deceased icons such as Shakur and Michael Jackson as being more eerie than thrilling. "I remember when my son passed away, as a mother I heard horrible things," Ms. Wallace says. "But you just have to focus on the positive. That's why the hologram came about -- because I believe there are people out there that want to see it."

For now, the hologram is set to be part of the first video Evans releases from The King & I, and could be used in a live setup as well. But its practical applications go even further. "Hypothetically, if a brand wanted to use it in a commercial, to sponsor a tour or an idea, if it was something in the neighborhood where he grew up or in a venue that was familiar to people or his lyrics -- we're thinking from that perspective," Barrow says. "We have the opportunity to take him to places that he's never been before, but where he's revered nonetheless: Japan, China, London."

Still, Ms. Wallace and her team try to keep the focus on one thing: maintaining Big's legacy, for him and for the sake of his two kids, T'yanna, 23, and CJ, 19. But there's one thing she still wants to accomplish that has remained out of reach. "There is a petition in Brooklyn to rename St. James Place to Christopher Wallace Way," she says, referencing the street where she raised her son. "There's a lot of politics behind it, but there is also a lot of love behind it, and from what I gather the people are behind it. I would like to see that done."

A version of this article originally appeared in the Oct. 15 issue of Billboard.
Count New York Citys Mayor Bill de Blasio among those offended by Fox News latest Watters World segment, which was filled with Asian stereotypes as correspondent Jesse Watters descended on Chinatown to get residents thoughts on the election.

The vile, racist behavior of Foxs Jesse Watters in Chinatown has no place in our city. @FoxNews  keep this guy off TV.  Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) October 6, 2016

The segment was similar to every Watters World segment, where he interviews people who dont necessarily understand political or current events and playfully pokes fun at their responses to obvious questions. But this time, the segment was greeted with instant backlash after viewers were appalled by Watters riffing off of one Asian stereotype after another, from some peoples inability to speak English to learning karate and getting a foot massage.

Also Read: 'O'Reilly Factor' Blasted for 'Disgusting,' 'Racist' Chinatown Segment

Mayor de Blasio also retweeted similar sentiments from San Francisco mayor Ed Lee.

Our country was founded & built by immigrant communities. Let us not have their positive impact on the US be diminished by bigotry.  Mayor Ed Lee (@mayoredlee) October 6, 2016

Also Read: Colin Kaepernick Slams Both Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump as 'Racist,' 'Proven Liars'

Watters, a Bill OReilly protege, issued an apology on Twitter in response to the backlash.

As a political humorist, the Chinatown segment was intended to be a light piece, as all Watters World segments are.  Jesse Watters (@jessebwatters) October 5, 2016

My man-on-the-street interviews are meant to be taken as tongue-in-cheek and I regret if anyone found offense.  Jesse Watters (@jessebwatters) October 5, 2016

Related stories from TheWrap:

Donald Trump Is Same Guy Off Camera As He Is On, Reveals Fox News Host Jesse Watters

Bill O'Reilly Protege Jesse Watters Talks Correspondents Dinner Scuffle, His Rise From PA to On-Air Host

Fox News' Bill O'Reilly Defends Jesse Watters, Calls HuffPost Reporter 'Far-Left Zealot'
Hurricane Matthew Jacksonville

US President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency in Florida as predictions for Hurricane Matthew's impact on the state grew more severe on Thursday afternoon.

The declaration was extended to South Carolina a short time later, The Associated Press reported.

Meteorologists are predicting a "catastrophic" storm impact "unlike any hurricane in the modern era," with widespread severe flooding.

In a Thursday-afternoon press conference, Gov. Rick Scott pointed evacuating Floridians to FL511 for updates on evacuation routes and traffic.

Matthew was already poised to be a historic, dangerous storm. Then, at 2 p.m., the National Hurricane Center bulletin upgraded the storm surge warning for parts of the state to 7 to 11 feet. That is an extremely rare, high, and powerful wall of water headed for Florida's coasts and rivers.

This map, released earlier today when predictions topped out at 6 to 9 feet, shows areas in danger of flooding  with water deep enough to crest above Shaquille O'Neal's head:

Potential flooding on St. John's River in Florida is a reminder that surge is not just a coastal event. #HurricaneMatthew pic.twitter.com/dnSShded0C  NHC_Surge (@NHC_Surge) October 6, 2016

Here's a look at the storm from the National Hurricane Center's latest update (updated at 5 p.m. ET):

matthew 5 pm thursday

Tropical storm warnings now extend north up to the North Carolina coastline. Hurricane warnings are in place throughout much of Florida's, Georgia's, and South Carolina's coastlines.

A visualization of storm movement between Thursday evening and Friday morning:

A massive Category 4 hurricane is barreling toward Florida coastline -- no fizzling. #Matthew pic.twitter.com/V35dk606cm  Ryan Maue (@RyanMaue) October 6, 2016

("No fizzling" refers to the fact that Matthew does not appear likely to significantly weaken.)

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Obama's declaration will release federal aid to local, state, and tribal response efforts to the storm, which should make landfall as a Category 4 or Category 5 monster. Wind speeds are currently 140 mph, far beyond what many structures are built to withstand.

Matthew is so dangerous because it threatens to deliver that kind of power, unprecedented in central Florida's recorded history, over a period of several hours as it moves up the coast Friday and Saturday. Georgia and South Carolina also face severe wind and flooding threats.

Truly dire warning from @NWSMelbourne ahead of Matthew: If a direct landfall occurs this will be unlike any hurricane in the modern era(!) pic.twitter.com/t67xIOHEIc  Jon Passantino (@passantino) October 6, 2016

"Simply put: If Florida's disaster preparedness officials wanted to script a worst-case scenario for the state, it would look a lot like Hurricane Matthew," meteorologist Eric Holthaus wrote for Pacific Standard. "This is a nightmare hurricane."

There's also good reason to believe that NASA's $11 billion Kennedy Space Center complex, which is not built to withstand Matthew-intensity winds, could face severe damage.

Hard to overstate implications of catastrophic damage at @NASAKennedy



SLS ground systems

2 SpaceX pads

ULA pads

Commerical crew

Blue Origin  Eric Berger (@SciGuySpace) October 6, 2016

Much of Florida is under an evacuation order, and Scott has urged residents in some areas to flee.

This article was updated with new maps and extended warnings at 5 p.m. ET.

NOW WATCH: President Obama declares a state of emergency in Florida as Hurricane Matthew upgrades to a Category 4 storm





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I began my first round of chemotherapy almost twelve months ago. I had arrived back in Doha to be with my family after having surgery in Australia, knowing that the real fun was about to start. When it comes to cancer people change their language completely, it somehow becomes brutal and harsh. Everyones fighting a war, referring to themselves as warriors, and becoming survivors. Friends send you messages of support with a #fuckcancer at the end. I really dislike that hashtag, I get it that youre angry and hey, you go ahead and use it, shout it from the rooftops,but for me, its so redundant, it gives me nothing  while youre getting angry, Ive still got cancer.

When Id watched a cancer diagnosis from afar Id always assumed there was some immediate life changing moment. That families and loved ones were instantly bonded and engulfed with a love that only comes in a time of crisis.

But there I was, the most disconnected I have ever felt from my family and I guess, from life itself.

Weird, huh. It wasnt like the movies at all. There was no huge realisation of what was important. My life didnt suddenly became clear and lived with purpose.

In fact nothing could have been further from the reality.

My life at that time was a complete shit show. A new job, a child who was on a count down to leaving home to head to school in another country, and a chaotic schedule that now needed to accommodate a day in hospital every few weeks and the occasional chemo sick day in between. Cancer was above all else, a major freaking inconvenience for everyone.

In amongst all of this was my newly acquired cancer identity. Id written a couple of articles and shared my diagnosis online. I chose to do this because I wanted to avoid the one on one conversation, I wanted people to have time to digest the news before I saw them.

I had become the cancer girl of the month. I was asked to join dragon boat groups (its kind of a breast cancer thing), speak at events, and write about my experience. And while I understood that dragon boat racing was going to be great for my mental and physical health I couldnt quite get my head around why breast cancer would make me jump onboard (pardon the pun). Id never been a dragon boat girl? Was it compulsory? Was this part of the gig?

Two Fat Expats held a breast cancer awareness morning at my home with the Shangri-La Doha as our hosts. The Shangri-La had very kindly offered to take care of everything. My house was completely covered in pink, pretty pretty pink. Pretty pink food, pretty pink ribbon and pretty pink icing. But I was far from feeling pretty. I was 13 days post chemo and on the morning of the event noticed that my hair had just begun to fall out.

Part of the fabulousness of the morning, and it really was fabulous, was that two of the spa therapists came to the house and set up chairs for head and shoulder massages. This was when I noticed chemo had begun messing with my brain, they call it the chemo fog. In a house crowded with women, I must have lost my phone over twenty times that morning. Each time Id go to take a shot of someone getting a massage or testing out a pink praline Id realise I couldnt remember where Id put my phone down, again, and again. And it was somewhere in between the panic of wiping the hair from my shoulders and worrying about the ability to be sharp enough to do my new job, that the lovely Elvira from the Shangri-La offered me a head massage.

I dont think I can I said as discreetly as possible.

She titled her head to the side and gently urged me to relax and take a seat.

Could we just do shoulders today? I didnt want to tell her why. That she was likely to end up with handfuls of hair. #Awkward.

As I sat in the room surrounded by new friends and people who genuinely cared enough to come along, my mind raced with what was ahead of me. How were the children going to cope. Please dont touch my head. How would my husband deal with it all. Please dont touch my head. How was I going to hold on to this job? Is she about to touch my head? Please dont touch my head. How would we get home for Christmas in amongst the chemo, and radiation. Please dont touch my head. Would we still purchase the block of land wed dreamed of or was that now irresponsible?

I was present, but distracted.

Which kind of sums up my last year. I was here but not here. There was too much noise, a constant voice. The job, the kids, the podcast, the blog, the cancer.

A year on and Im now back to working for myself. I cook my kids breakfast each morning, and open my laptop once theyre out the door for school. I go for a walk with my husband each night. My moments of clarity, those big moments that I thought would come when I was diagnosed, are arriving now. Im clear on what makes my family happy, what works for us. Im clear on what I want to do for the next few years. As a family were now thriving again.

This week Ive had my daughter home with me, shes returned from school in Australia. You should bring your daughter in to the spa messaged Ruweida (who has now become a friend) from the Shangri-La. It seemed outrageous, until I thought about the year and how far wed both come. As we walked past the candles and the soothing music into the darkness of the spa, a figure came to great me, it was Elvira. And then for an hour I lay side by side with my daughter; relaxed, healthy, with a clear mind and a smile on my face as Elvira gave me the best massage I have ever had  finishing off with my head.

It will never be over, cancer will always be in the background, but its quieter now. I feel like my revelations and moments of clarity are coming now, now that the scheduled appointments, tests and doctors visits have slowed. Cancer works differently for all of us, we use a different language, attack it in a different way. Some are warriors, some retreat. Which is something to remember for breast cancer awareness month. We dont all come in a pretty pink bow.

Sign up for the best bits here Your favourite posts from the group as well as the gems from the podcast. We'll send it straight to your inbox to save you searching Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.
Washington (AFP) - With diplomacy faltering and Aleppo under siege, President Barack Obama is considering fresh Syria sanctions that could claw deeper into the regime and target its Russian backers.

Officials and diplomats said the strategy is still being thrashed out, but initial efforts could focus on passing UN sanctions against those implicated in chemical weapons attacks.

A UN-backed panel is expected in the next few weeks to present new findings about deadly chemical attacks in 2014 and 2015.

The panel -- formed by the United Nations and the independent Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons -- has already pinned the blame on the Syrian Air Force.

But the latest report, due before October 27, is expected to go into more detail about who is responsible, paving the way for targeted sanctions.

Supporters say the sanctions would send a signal that despite years of fighting, innumerable atrocities and at least 300,000 deaths, some small measure of accountability in Syria remains.

And while most of President Bashar al-Assad's inner circle and top military aides are already the subjects of US travel bans and assets freezes, officials believe that targeting lower-level military officers would have a chilling effect on Syrian military morale.

But the greatest impact may be diplomatic.

A demand for sanctions would put Russia in the uncomfortable position of defending chemical weapons use by its ally, and could force Moscow to wield its veto in the UN Security Council.

The report had earlier been delayed, partly to provide space for US and Russian efforts to broker a ceasefire.

Those have now failed, heaping pressure on Obama to act to stop the carnage in Syria.

"What we are doing now is a different type of diplomacy -- one which might be more robust -- it could be resolutions which are designed to put pressure on them," a Security Council diplomat said.

"The strategy that we are on is to try to change Russian behavior and let's face it we have not been very successful at that in the year that they have been militarily supporting Assad," the diplomat added.

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"There is already work going on a draft resolution to take forward the 3rd and further 4th report in terms of what we do about it."

- Gaining leverage -

If the UN route fails, attention is likely to turn to sanctions agreed by the United States, the European Union and other allies.

Officials indicated the scope could be broad, covering not only Syrians but also Russian firms that provided the means to carry out the bombing of civilian areas.

That would be intended as a strong signal to Moscow that it is not immune and continued support for the regime would come at a price.

"I wouldn't rule out multilateral efforts outside of the UN to impose costs on Syria or Russia or others with regard to the situation inside of Syria," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

"I wouldn't take that off the table in terms of options that the president may consider."

The sanctions would be targeted at specific firms -- aircraft parts suppliers or chemicals producers -- to overcome opposition in European capitals to broad sanctions against Russia, a major trading partner.

But with Russia and Syria dropping bombs on besieged Aleppo and a humanitarian crisis of historic proportions looming, key hurdles to action have fallen away.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, eying the carnage in Aleppo and the severity of the refugee crisis that has rocked Europe, is reportedly taking a tougher line.

After a call with Obama last week, the two leaders decried "barbarous Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes against eastern Aleppo," saying in unusually strong language that Moscow and Damascus bear a special responsibility to stop the fighting.

But none of the sanctions options under consideration is likely to directly end fighting in Aleppo.

Several officials poured cold water on the idea that Obama would reverse years of opposition to military action against the regime by approving air or cruise missile strikes against airfields or other targets.

"There are significant consequences for using US military force against the Assad regime," Earnest said. "I'd say the most important of those consequences that we should be mindful of is dragging the United States into another ground war in the Middle East."

Sending in troops "would have grave consequences for our national security," he added. "It would be expensive, it would put at risk more American lives and it's unclear how a conflict like that would end."

Obama was elected with a mandate to draw down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He has sent around 300 troops to Syria, focused on the battle against the Islamic State group, but has refused to plunge them into a civil war that is not deemed in America's strategic interest.

He has backed diplomacy instead as the only way out of the crisis.

But with just months left in office, the siege and bombardment of Syria's second city has put his reluctance to use force in Syria back under the spotlight, exposing deep unease within his administration.
Damascus (AFP) - In a traditional cafe in the heart of Damascus, young Syrians linger at an art exhibition evoking the despair and loss of their country's war. The only thing missing? The artists themselves.

Instead of standing proudly by their works, the artists in the exhibition "And They Left" are scattered across Europe, having fled Syria's brutal five-year conflict in search of safety abroad.

They entrusted their pieces to Bernar Jomaa, 39, who curated the exhibition of works coloured by sorrow and nostalgia.

After arranging the last of a series of carved sculptures, Jomaa logs into Skype to show artist Sara Khatib, now living in Denmark, her section of the display.

Khatib, 29, begins to cry as she sees her work -- including a stone figure of a woman hugging herself -- displayed in her homeland, thousands of miles (kilometres) away.

"I was really moved by the idea of the exhibit. I couldn't hold back my tears when I saw my work next to an old Damascene wall," said Khatib, who claimed asylum in Denmark in 2012.

"I couldn't bring them with me to Denmark, but I didn't want that anyway -- I wanted to leave a part of myself back in Damascus," Khatib told AFP.

"My art pieces are like my children... I'll come back one day to brush the dust off them, to see how much they've grown and what they've become."

Syria's war has displaced half its pre-war population of about 23 million, with many displaced internally and nearly five million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries or Europe.

- 'Forgotten works' in Damascus -

The exhibition at Ziryab, a popular stone coffeehouse in the Old City of Damascus, features nearly two dozen works by 15 different Syrian artists who are now abroad.

Their work is displayed under stone archways fitted with stained glass windows and on rustic wooden tables.

"There are many pieces I've accumulated over the years from artists who have fled Syria without their art. I took all of these forgotten works and curated an exhibit by those who have fled," said Jomaa.

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Twenty-three-year old Yazan Kelesh pauses at a photograph of eight children, strained smiles shining through on their war-weary faces.

"Usually, artists are present at an exhibit to explain more about their work. But their absence today says everything about the amount of suffering and pain caused by so many young people leaving, including so many artists," he says.

The works emit a sort of tired, worn sadness: faceless blue-and-green creatures embracing next to sketches of a bald man with an anxious, furrowed brow.

They are also nostalgic: One photograph shows the historic Bab Touma square in Damascus "before it was filled with checkpoints", says visitor Mayss, 31.

"Most of the works here are sad, whether in their colours, the photography angle, or the way they were sculpted. The artists clearly are very sensitive to recent events."

On a typical afternoon in Ziryab, a dozen Syrians sip cups of bitter coffee or puff on water pipes during chats about what become typical subjects of high prices, mortar shells and military conscription.

- Too 'dangerous' for art -

Although Damascus has been spared much of the violence of other major cities like Aleppo, young people in the capital have been hit by skyrocketing prices and unemployment.

One corner of the coffeehouse is dominated by a large monochrome snapshot of a weary woman leaning against a wooden plank, her eyes closed and her head in her hands.

The photographer, Rami Skeif, is among thousands of Syrians who made the perilous journey to reach Europe by boat, travelling with his wife and young daughter in late 2015.

"We had to ride in a small boat for part of the journey, and we couldn't bring anything other than the essentials," 40-year-old Skeif wrote to AFP from Sweden.

"I couldn't bring my works with me on a journey full of obstacles and danger, by land and sea, so I left them behind in Syria with my friend Bernard."

Skeif says he hopes to return to Syria one day "to participate in an exhibition depicting a happy woman, expressing the joy we have demanded for my country".

One visitor in a long black coat scrutinises the artwork very intently.

"This exhibit is for artists who have left. Meanwhile, I'm still here, but my paintings are all gone," says the young man, who declined to give his name.

He left his paintings behind in an eastern suburb of Damascus as rebels advanced several years ago, "and they were all stolen".

"I visit all these exhibits, examining the paintings carefully, looking for my own the way a mother searches for her sons."
From Cosmopolitan

When Hillary Clinton was declared the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in June, she acknowledged the historic nature of that moment. Tonights victory is not about one person, she said in a speech in Brooklyn. It belongs to generations of women and men who struggled and sacrificed and made this moment possible. Though the fight for gender equality is hardly over, within the past 100 years, women have successfully fought for the right to vote, to own property, to access safe and legal abortions, and to have protections against workplace harassment and discrimination.



In Clinton, many women of her generation and older, especially, see a mirror of the struggles they faced and the progress that society has made in gender equality. Over the past few months, Cosmopolitan.com reached out to 10 women across America over the age of 75 who are ardent Clinton supporters and asked them to share their perspectives on the election. Six female photographers shot portraits of the women in their homes.

[As a child, I remember when] it was coming out that the women were going to get the right to vote. I was in the barn with the hired man, and [he] and Dad were talking, Oh, its going to be the end of the world ... They dont know what theyre doing. I can remember when I wanted to get a credit card, I couldnt, because I had to get it in my husbands name or in my fathers name, so a loan company refused me. I wanted to buy a piece of land where I could make some money, but I couldnt get a mortgage because I was a woman. The young people dont even realize that women couldnt vote, they couldnt get a credit card, because everybody has one now! I followed [Hillary Clinton] from the beginning since she was first lady. They would ridicule her because she couldnt make cookies, she was going to make something different, and I thought, Good thing, shes going someplace. [If Hillary is elected,] I think well see more women in office. I think Hillarys going to be very considerate of all races and colors and denominations. Therell be more health care for women - [women] should make up their own minds if they should have an abortion or not, or if they want to space [out] their children. And many of these old Republican men, they just cant stand having a woman being superior than them.

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Katherine: My first mentor was Jill Ker Conway, the president of Smith College. She hired me as the dean of the School for Social Work. I probably wouldve had a reasonable shot of being the president of Smith College if I hadnt been known as being a lesbian. I felt that I hit the glass ceiling in relation to being an out lesbian more so than in being a woman. [Earlier in my career,] when I moved out to Arizona, I was chosen to be the superintendent of a new facility for juveniles. I did not come out publicly in Arizona because they were on a witch hunt about me out there to begin with, with people trying to figure out whether or not I was a lesbian and therefore should be fired from the institution I was running. [Hillary] and Bill were in the same law school at Yale as [Nancy Bekavac], who was the president of Scripps College, and so I saw them some through that social acquaintance. That was when Hillary was first lady. But she always maintained her own work ethic and interests, and was tied to a fascinating group of women through all that time, some who were lesbians and some who werent. Shes gone through some extraordinarily difficult times in her life, and been battered and bruised and knocked around by them both personally and politically, and she has stood there, and maintained her sanity and her reason and her dedication in spite of all of the odds.

Eunice: My mother was a traditional housewife and my father learned how to be an upholsterer. He escaped from Russia during the time of a great deal of anti-Semitic activity. I remember wanting to trek across the country when I was 14 and my mother told me I couldnt do that because I was a girl. I think really my whole life was rebelling against limitations on what I could and could not do. And that carried through as dean of the Graduate School of Social Work [at the University of Utah], where they had no woman deans there before me. I was never out as a lesbian. So I was there as a woman who normally should not have been there rather than as a lesbian. I have the cover of the children - that helped me - but I simply went about my life partnering with women, and if people knew about, they knew about it, and if they didnt, they didnt. [I support Hillary Clinton because] first and foremost, she shouldnt be doing what shes doing. Shes doing something that was male territory, and she is moving into it in a beautiful and very exciting way. She has always been involved in making life better for children, in families, in issues of poverty, in justice. It has been something that she has done all her life, and when she was working in child welfare and I was in social work, it was just natural to know that she was there and what she was doing, and she has never stopped.

I was born in China and when I was 10 years old, with my 6-year-old sister, we left when the Japanese were invading. I was able to get a scholarship to study art at the Art Institute. When I first started out [to] work, I was faced with both sex and race discrimination. They gave me the worst assignment and sometimes no assignment at all. One guy told me I was taking away a job from a man who needed to take care of his family. Later on, I was hired by a woman at the Dallas Morning News, an amazing art director and trailblazer. [My husband and I] moved and I started to work for the Washington Post as an advertising artist. The Washington Post was also headed by a woman: Katharine Graham. She gave opportunities to the best and the brightest. I was fortunate to work at places led by a woman. Hillary not only understands the issues facing our country but those of everyday women, who are struggling to support our families. I feel so lucky to live and see an African American president. One of the best presidents weve ever had. Now I want to be able to help elect an outstanding woman like Hillary.

I was born in Southern Minnesota. We all grew up as small kids during the Depression, then the war came and the possibilities for everything kind of dimmed out. An awful lot of [the men] had been in the service, and the idea was now they were home, and you shouldnt take a job that they did just as well or better than you did, and your place was in the home taking care of the children. My first exposure to knowing that other women had probably felt like I had and would have liked to have done something professional was when I finally read Betty Friedans book. I had had 2 1/2 years of college before I was married, which was fairly unusual in those days. Then, 20 years later, after wed had three children, we lived only about two miles from a liberal arts college, and I went back to school. I began teaching fifth grade the very summer I finished college, and then I taught for 19 years. I feel [Hillary is] probably the most knowledgeable person thats probably ever ran for president, if she would only get credit for being such a hard worker and just such a super-bright person. But I have found it, frankly, just unbelievable that all women dont support her. I dont think they have really explored her life or what a devoted person shes been her whole life to the causes of children and women, and not just in the U.S. but all over the world.

Translated from Farsi by Effats daughter, Navid Rezvani.



Gol: I had an older sister that played violin, which was unheard of in those days, and there was no objection from my father. He wanted us to go to school and study, and education was important, because he didnt have education himself, so he believed that girls and boys are equal, and we were raised that way. I came here to be with my children and near them, so my husband and I migrated 32 years ago. I always liked [Hillary Clinton] when Bill Clinton was the president. What I think she will do for the country is, as a woman, she will provide more opportunities for women. I think its time for things to change here. In other countries, they do have women prime ministers, so we just want, in my country here, to have a woman as the president.



Effat: I was born in a very large family where we had lots of boys and girls, and my father really told us that as a girl, we can get to wherever we want to get to if we tried our best. But there wasnt as much freedom [in Iran] and I couldnt really continue my education beyond the point that I would really like to. My children were here after the revolution in Iran, and I was able to come here for freedom of speech and to make sure that I have a voice here. I became a citizen in 2007. I started to really lean toward Hillary Clinton when I started to look at some of the ads on TV. Also, when I heard her opponent really put Muslims and other people, and especially Iranians, down. I have daughters, I have granddaughters, and I want to be able to tell them, You too can be the president of the United States.

I dont remember ever being not disabled. It started, like, when I was 2 1/2 years old, and I stopped walking when I was about 4 1/2. My mother would take me places and they would not allow me in because they said I would be a fire hazard. When I went to business school, it was, not, Whos going to hire me? What kind of job? I had to worry about "Is the entrance accessible? Can I use the restroom? Is there a lunchroom, a cafeteria, in the building? When I moved [to New York City], it opened up a whole new life for me. I met other disabled people because I was, in my [old] neighborhood, the only [disabled] kid in the block. I said, Well, I cant cry anymore. I have to put this energy and anger to good use. I have been with ADAPT, a disability rights activist group. I have been arrested. We have - oh my god, how many times? - blocked the doorways, blocked the elevators, but not let people come in, not let them out. Also, we have chained ourselves to the fences at the White House. As far as disabled people go, if [Hillary Clinton] hasnt made a law, she has put her comments on a law that involves us. Also now, on her website, she includes disabled people. I dont know anybody else whos ever done that. [Donald Trump] is disgusting. Did you see how he insulted a person with a disability? If anybody whos disabled sees that and votes for him, they should be out of their minds. Hillary Clinton has been in politics a long time. She is steady. She is sturdy. What she says about the country and her plans make sense. Im so happy in my lifetime that theres a woman running for the presidency.

In 1945, segregation had the doors locked, and I was 180 miles from the only black college around for miles and miles around. My parents couldnt afford it. But I educated myself along the way by attending educational sessions, and I attended a couple universities, and I attended a college in West Virginia. I just attended, I didnt complete. Theres been a lot of barriers broken, but theres still segregation in America. [I noticed Hillary Clinton] when she and Bill were first in the White House. I saw then that she was an organizer and a leader. I want her to do what she promised to do, to find jobs. These kids need jobs, we need to get them off the street. And we dont need to fill any more jails; we need to build schools. As a senior, I feel that she has a lot of experience, that I have lived through some of what she has come through. It will mean the world to me to see [her elected president], because it will be a giant step for us women in America. We have come a long way, and its all because we put a fight for everything we earned, and she will prove to us that we can, that we will.

I was born in a little town called Huandacareo in Mexico. I got married at the age of 19 [and] moved to Chicago in 1951. I didnt have a very good life because [my husband] was not a good person and not a great father. So I had to go through all the things that a single mother does with five children. I was on welfare. I remarried later and moved back to Houston, Texas. And its when I found out the disparity between men and women on the job. I raised my children going to secretary work, and then at night, I had to go and clean houses. I listened to both candidates, and I know that I want Hillary Clinton to win. Hillary Clinton has been a mother, and she has been discriminated [against] and all that. I think she will do something for all women that are not having the same treatment as men. I think [Trump] is saying things that dont make any sense and he contradicts himself. Like he went to Mexico to visit [Mexican president Enrique] Pena Nieto, and then he comes back and starts the same thing all over again. No, no, no. I will never vote for him.



Correction: An earlier version of this post misspelled Doris Harper Allens surname. Her last name is Allen," not Allan."

Election Day is Nov. 8. If you havent registered to vote yet, you can do so here.

Follow Prachi and Kathleen on Twitter.

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Google car

One of Google's self-driving cars got into a nasty collision last month  so nasty, it sent the car's human driver to the hospital.

While no injuries were reported at the scene of the accident, Google notes in its monthly report on self-driving car accidents that the driver voluntarily checked himself into the hospital and was evaluated by medical staff and released.

The accident was reported by some news media at the time, but the new Google report provides a more detailed account of the incident, which occurred on September 23 in Google's hometown of Mountain View, California.

According to the report, one of Google's Lexus-model self-driving cars was going through a green light at an intersection on Phyllis Ave. in Mountain View when the car's autonomous technology sensed another vehicle coming towards it that seemed as if it was going to run through its red light. The Google car began applying the brakes on its own, then the driver switched the car into manual mode and took over  but maybe not quickly enough.

What happened next sounds like it was probably very frightening for its human driver: The other vehicle came into the intersection at 30 miles per hour, running a red light and hitting the Google car's right side, effectively t-boning the car. Google said its car was traveling at 22 miles per hour at the time of the collision. Both the Google car and the other vehicle "sustained substantial damage," the report says.



A witness at the time told 9to5Google that the Google employee looked "dazed" while waiting for a tow truck to arrive.

The driver of the vehicle was mostly unharmed after the accident, but complained of neck pain and was encouraged to go to the hospital. He was evaluated and immediately released by medical staff.

The accident is the most serious to date involving a Google self-driving car prototype, which Google has been testing for several years. While the accident appears to have been caused by the other driver, the incident is sure to raise further questions about how safely self-driving cars can be integrated into real-world traffic situations.

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In this instance, the Google car sensed it was at risk of getting hit by another car. But it's unclear if Google's self-driving technology currently has the capability to then take steps to avoid a collision rather than requiring a human driver to take over.

Google has said it believes its self-driving car technology will help reduce the thousands of driving accidents and deaths that occur every year.

NOW WATCH: Here are all the radars, sensors and cameras Uber's self-driving cars use to get around





More From Business Insider


hurricane matthew space earth copyright eumetsat labeled

Hurricane Matthew is about to barrel into southeastern United States as a monster category 4 storm.

The cyclone is so powerful that meteorologist Eric Holthaus, in a post for the Pacific Standard, has said "Matthew is a storm unlike any yet seen" in some parts of Florida.

"Since weather records began in 1851, no hurricane of Matthew's predicted strength (Category 4, with sustained winds of at least 135 mph that the National Hurricane Center labels as 'catastrophic') has ever made landfall in Florida north of West Palm Beach," Holthaus said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hurricane hunters who are flying through the storm, and an international fleet of satellites are keeping close tabs on the situation.

The above image is a composite of several images taken by EUMETSAT weather satellites around 2 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, October 4, 2016. Because it was taken in the dark, it's 100% not true-to-life: It's infrared weather data layered on top of NASA's "blue marble" satellite images.

The following image is a composite made in daylight by NOAA satellites on Wednesday, October 5. The large size of Matthew compared to nearby landmasses is clear:

hurricane matthew space earth nasa noaa labeled2

NOAA and NASA also provided this close-up image:

hurricane matthew space satellite image oct 6 cat4 nasa

And this is an animated sequence showing Matthew's path from October 5-6:

Astronauts and cosmonauts also have a clear view of the storm right now from the International Space Station, as they fly about 200 miles above it every 90 minutes:

hurricane matthew space station nasa

Hurricane hunters who are flying through Patricia are reporting sustained winds of 140 mph and even stronger gusts.

Patricia is tracking about 100 miles off Florida's eastern coast and headed for a destructive spree up the shoreline at a speed of about 14 mph, with NOAA expecting the storm's powerful core to reach the state Friday evening, local time.

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Some models even suggest the storm could assault the US southeast, go out to sea, and loop back  and pummel Florida again with whatever remnants are left.

However, NOAA has also issued a hurricane warning for Georgia's and much of South Carolina's coasts:

hurricane matthew storm path prediction 5pm oct6 2016 noaa

In its latest public advisory, NOAA said the storm could have "potentially disastrous impacts for Florida." Areas that bear the brunt of the storm can expect torrential rain, incredibly damaging winds, powerful storm surges, and flooding.

If you live in or around the warning or watch regions highlighted in this map, it is time to evacuate or find safe shelter.

You can keep track of Hurricane Matthew by visiting NOAA's National Hurricane Center website.

NOW WATCH: Nate Silver explains why meteorologists get the weather forecast so wrong





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DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (Reuters) - A 15-year-old Syrian boy was killed and two men were wounded when Turkish soldiers opened fire on them as they tried to cross the border into Turkey, security sources said on Thursday. Turkish soldiers fired on the three Syrians on Wednesday evening after issuing several warnings as they crossed the border near the Syrian town of ad Darbasiyah into the Kiziltepe district of Turkey's Mardin province, the sources said. The incident occurred as Turkey tightens security at the border. It aims to completely seal off the 911-km (566-mile) frontier by next spring with the construction of a concrete wall topped with razor wire. Officials have said the wall aims to stop illegal migration from Syria into Turkey, which already hosts nearly 3 million Syrian refugees who have fled the conflict there. (Writing by Ece Toksabay; Editing by Daren Butler and Ralph Boulton)
Ruben Doblas Gundersen may be one of the most famous people youve never heard of. The man known to his fans as El Rubius is the Spanish-speaking superstar of YouTube, whose 20.9 million subscribers outnumber those of Beyonce and Lady Gagas channels combined.

Like PewDiePie and the Californian duo behind Smosh, Doblas Gundersen is part of the original wave of YouTubers, known for their high-energy, personality-driven vlogs (video blogs). Today, hes the sites eighth most popular user.

Yet beyond his hardcore fanbase, Doblas Gundersen is a relative unknown outside Spanish-speaking areas. This interview, held in his minimalist Madrid apartment, is his first with an English-language publication.

Doblas Gundersen began recording his video games aged 16 to amuse friends, and sharing the footage, with humorous commentary, on an up-and-coming website called YouTube. Thrilled with 400 monthly views, he was shocked when a gameplay of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim racked up 600,000 hits in a week. His fanbase rocketed and by 21, he realized YouTubing could become his career.

Doblas Gundersens subscribers are mainly 14 to 22-year-old males, with females comprising 30% of his views. His fans mostly live in Mexico, Spain and Argentina, but he keeps a close eye on analytics and says he knows an 80-year-old Chinese woman who watches every upload religiously. He began to be aware of the extent of his fame when he visited Argentina two years ago. Three thousand people were waiting at the airport. We hadnt organized much security  everyone was screaming and grabbing at me.

Aware of his profile especially among young males, Doblas Gundersen vows never to drink or smoke in his vlogs, and has begin to advocate for better behavior online. He doesnt believe social media platforms do enough to protect users from bullying, and voiced his sympathy for Leslie Jones, the Ghostbusters actress who was inundated with racist tweets. Being on the internet gives people the ability to say what they want without much thought. He recently attended a vloggers conference hosted by YouTube in New York, where he joined others asking the platform to explore new ways to prevent trolling. They said theyd look into it, but I havent seen any changes yet, he says.

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Doblas Gundersen has worked with big corporate names including Pepsi and McDonalds, but hes adamant hell never let advertising influence his content. He recently released an anti-censorship video to reassure his fans. Some U.S. YouTubers have had their revenue cut because of things like swearing. I wanted my subscribers to know Ill never change my tone  even if I dont get the money.

Despite his newfound celebrity, Doblas Gundersen remains humble about his job. I was doing this when I was getting 400 views  getting four million is just a bonus. Above all he wants his fans to know he is still just a regular Internet user like them. If I am a leader, then Im the leader of the weirdoes, he says. My videos say its okay to be different; I think they make people feel less alone.
ALGIERS (Reuters) - OPEC could cut production at its late-November meeting in Vienna by another 1 percent more than the amount agreed in Algiers last month if producers reckon it is needed, Algerian Energy Minister Nouredine Bouterfa told local Ennahar TV.

He also told Ennahar that OPEC and non-OPEC members would hold an informal meeting in Istanbul on Oct. 8-13 to discuss how to implement the Algiers deal, though he did not give details about who would attend.

OPEC producers agreed in Algiers in September to reduce output by around 700,000 barrels per day to a range of 32.5 million to 33.0 million barrels per day, its first cut since 2008. OPEC estimates its current output at 33.24 million bpd.

"We will evaluate the market in Vienna by the end of November and if 700,000 barrels are not enough, we will go up. Now that OPEC is unified and speaks in one voice everything is much easier and if we need to cut by 1 percent, we will cut by 1 percent," Bouterfa told Ennahar in an interview to be broadcast later on Thursday.

Algeria is one of OPEC's price hawks, and this was the first suggestion of a possible further decrease in output. Before the Algiers meeting Bouterfa had been pressing for a 1 million bpd OPEC production cut to stabilize prices.

Venezuela's Oil Ministry said on Thursday that oil ministers from Algeria, Gabon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia would participate, as would the South American country's oil chief, Eulogio Del Pino.

(Reporting by Lamine Chikhi; Additional reporting by Alexandra Ulmer in Caracas; Writing by Patrick Markey; Editing by Jane Merriman and Jeffrey Benkoe)
ALGIERS (Reuters) - OPEC could cut production at its late-November meeting in Vienna by another 1 percent more than the amount agreed in Algiers last month if producers reckon it is needed, Algerian Energy Minister Nouredine Bouterfa told local Ennahar TV. He also told Ennahar that OPEC and non-OPEC members would hold an informal meeting in Istanbul on Oct. 8-13 to discuss how to implement the Algiers deal, though he did not give details about who would attend. OPEC producers agreed in Algiers in September to reduce output by around 700,000 barrels per day to a range of 32.5 million to 33.0 million barrels per day, its first cut since 2008. OPEC estimates its current output at 33.24 million bpd. "We will evaluate the market in Vienna by the end of November and if 700,000 barrels are not enough, we will go up. Now that OPEC is unified and speaks in one voice everything is much easier and if we need to cut by 1 percent, we will cut by 1 percent," Bouterfa told Ennahar in an interview to be broadcast later on Thursday. Algeria is one of OPEC's price hawks, and this was the first suggestion of a possible further decrease in output. Before the Algiers meeting Bouterfa had been pressing for a 1 million bpd OPEC production cut to stabilize prices. Venezuela's Oil Ministry said on Thursday that oil ministers from Algeria, Gabon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia would participate, as would the South American country's oil chief, Eulogio Del Pino. (Reporting by Lamine Chikhi; Additional reporting by Alexandra Ulmer in Caracas; Writing by Patrick Markey; Editing by Jane Merriman and Jeffrey Benkoe)
By Rania El Gamal

DUBAI (Reuters) - Energy ministers from Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq will be among representatives of key OPEC producers meeting Russian officials for informal talks on oil output in Istanbul next week, OPEC sources and the Russian energy minister said on Thursday.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries last week agreed a deal to limit crude production and is looking to secure the cooperation of non-OPEC members such as Russia to help to support oil prices.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday that he planned to meet OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo in Istanbul, RIA news agency reported, adding that the minister said he planned to discuss OPEC's output deal with ministers of other oil-producing countries.

Other energy ministers who will be present in the Turkish city as it hosts the World Energy Congress include those of the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Venezuela and Qatar, which holds the OPEC presidency.

No decision is expected to be taken in Istanbul, the sources said, but the meeting will be a chance for the officials to discuss the next step after last week's Algiers meeting.

The agreement reached in Algiers is expected to be implemented this year and OPEC ministers will meet next in Vienna on Nov. 30 to set the group's supply policy.

(Additional reporting by Alexander Winning in Moscow; Editing by David Goodman)
Nouakchott (AFP) - Mauritania's opposition has lashed out at suggestions that the country's constitution be changed to let President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz run for a third term.

Jemil Ould Mansour, leader of the Islamist Tewassoul party, said late Wednesday his party would "not take part in a charade in which the idea of changes to presidential mandates could be mooted".

His comments, referring to ongoing talks about constitutional changes, came a day after Khalil Ould Tiyeb of Aziz's Union for the Republic (UPR), said age and term limits should be "unlocked" for the presidency.

Aziz came to power in a 2008 coup, before being elected in 2009 and re-elected in 2014 promising to respect the two-term limit, saying he would "in no way" attempt to alter it.

In March a government spokesman said "the majority of Mauritanians" believed Aziz deserved a "third, fourth, or fifth term," after similar statements by the justice minister.

Following months of denials he was seeking a third stint in power, the president -- whose second term comes to an end in 2019 -- said last week that constitutional changes would be put to a referendum.

The north African nation is currently engaged in a week of "national dialogue" among political parties -- although Tewassoul is boycotting the talks.

But even parties taking part such as the moderate Popular Progressive Alliance (APP) labelled Tiyeb's suggestion a "manoeuvre" that "was not on the agreed agenda".

Many African countries have moved to overturn presidential term limits, sometimes with violent consequences.

Burundi descended into chaos in 2015 after President Pierre Nkurunziza stood in elections for a third term.

In the Republic of Congo, President Denis Sassou Nguesso pushed through plans to change the law and give himself another term in office, while Rwandan President Paul Kagame is expected to extend his rule after citizens voted to scrap a two-term limit.

Meanwhile in DR Congo, anti-government protesters continue to rail against a scheme by President Joseph Kabila that critics say is aimed at extending his stay in power into a third term.
By Mehreen Zahra-Malik ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan's parliament unanimously passed legislation against "honour killings" on Thursday, three months after the murder of outspoken social media star Qandeel Baloch. A joint session of the lower and upper houses of parliament, broadcast live on television, approved the new anti-honour killing law, removing a loophole in existing law that allows killers to walk free after being pardoned by family members. "Laws are supposed to guide better behaviour, not allow destructive behaviour to continue with impunity," said former senator Sughra Imam, who initially put forward the bill. Some 500 women are killed each year in Pakistan at the hands of family members over perceived damage to "honour" that can involve eloping, fraternising with men or any other infraction against conservative values relating to women. In most cases, the victim is a woman and the killer is a relative who escapes punishment by seeking forgiveness for the crime from family members. Under the new law, relatives can forgive convicts in the case of a death sentence, but they would still have to face a mandatory life sentence. An anti-rape law, which makes it mandatory that a perpetrator gets 25 years in jail, was also passed in the same parliamentary session. "These bills are hugely important for Pakistani women, where rape conviction rates were almost non-existent, due in large part to various technical obstacles to accessing justice," said Yasmeen Hassan, Global Executive Director at Equality Now. "We hope that these new laws will help generate a cultural shift in Pakistani society and that women will be able to live their lives in safety," Hassan told Reuters. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, whose documentary on honour killings won an Oscar this year, posted on Twitter: "Thank you to PM Nawaz Sharif for keeping his promise". The government of Prime Minister Sharif has faced mounting pressure to pass the law after the brother of Baloch was arrested in connection with her strangling death. The brother said he was incensed by her often risque posts on social media. (Writing by Mehreen Zahra-Malik; Editing by Ralph Boulton and Dominic Evans)
The U.N. Security Council (UNSC) is considering ways to cover the "loopholes" in its sanctions imposed on North Korea by reducing exemptions which were aimed at safeguarding the livelihood of its people, a diplomatic source said Thursday.



The UNSC is working on a fresh resolution to punish the North for conducting its fifth nuclear test earlier last month. Washington and Beijing have been leading the negotiations with the new resolution expected to focus mostly on covering the loopholes through which the North is suspected of getting its hands on money needed for its nuclear program.



Under the previous resolution adopted in March following the North's fourth nuclear test, trade whose disruption could affect the livelihood of its people has been exempted from restrictions.



"Completely blocking the trade with the North is hard in reality (given China's objection) so the talks are under way in a way that the trade can be restricted," the source said, without elaborating further.



By narrowing the definition of "livelihood-related trade," the UNSC can make it hard for the North to abuse the exemptions, experts said, adding that imposing a quota on the amount of such trade might also be among the ways being discussed.



Demand for tackling the loopholes found in the March resolution has been growing as Pyongyang is suspected of taking advantage of them to earn necessary money through trade with China.



Industry data showed that the North exported 2.46 million tons of coal to China in August, up 35 percent from a year earlier. The coal exports marked the largest ever since related data published in 1998. (Yonhap)




Pakistan passed long-awaited legislation Thursday closing a loophole that allowed people who killed for "honour" to walk free, three months after the murder of a social media star by her brother sparked international revulsion.

The legislation, passed unanimously by the National Assembly, mandates life imprisonment even if the victim's relatives forgive the murderer.

The assembly also passed a bill increasing the punishments for some rape offences, mandating DNA testing and making the rape of a minor or the disabled punishable by life imprisonment or death.

Women have long fought for their rights in Pakistan, and so-called "honour" killings claim the lives of hundreds each year.

Rape conviction rates are close to zero percent, largely due to the law's reliance on circumstantial evidence and a lack of forensic testing.

Rights groups and politicians have for years called for tougher laws to tackle perpetrators of violence against women in the country.

The gruesome murder of Facebook star Qandeel Baloch in July catapulted the issue into the international spotlight.

"This is a step in the right direction," women's activist and columnist Aisha Sarwari told AFP.

"We should take our little wins where we get them and proceed forward and not retreat."

But rights activist Farzana Bari was more cautious, saying the bill still allowed a judge to decide whether a murder qualified as an "honour killing" or not.

Marvi Sirmed, feminist and rights activist, called the bill "very good news", but echoed Bari's concern, saying: "The challenge now is, how the honour crimes be defined."

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif later issued a statement hailing the passage of the bill and vowed police and courts would implement it.

"We will make... sure to fully enforce this legislation across the country," a statement issued by his office said.

"Women are the most essential part of our society and I believe in their empowerment, protection and emancipation."

Story continues

- 'Epidemic' -

The perpetrators of honour killings -- in which the victim, normally a woman, is killed by a relative on the pretext of defending family "honour" -- often walk free because they can seek forgiveness for the crime from another family member.

A 2005 amendment to the law pertaining to honour killings prevented men who kill female relatives pardoning themselves as an "heir" of the victim.

But punishment was left to a judge's discretion when other relatives of the victim forgive the killer -- a loophole which critics say had been exploited.

The amendments passed Thursday and published on the National Assembly website mandate judges to sentence someone who kills in the name of "honour" to life imprisonment, even if they have been forgiven and thereby avoid the death penalty, said senior opposition lawmaker Farhatullah Babar.

"Even if the close family members pardon the murderer, the court is bound to send him to jail for 25 years," Babar told AFP.

The amendments regarding rape, in addition to calling for DNA tests and toughening the punishment in some cases, also protect a victim's identity and mandate that cases be brought to court within three months.

Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy won an Oscar earlier this year for a documentary on honour killings that was hailed by Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who promised to push through the legislation in February.

But no action was taken, despite a slew of further high-profile killings.

The death of social media star Baloch, judged by many in the country as infamous for selfies and videos that by Western standards would appear tame, reignited polarising calls for action after her brother admitted killing her.

"I am not embarrassed at all over what I did," he told media at a defiant press conference in July.

"Whatever was the case, it (his sister's behaviour) was completely intolerable."

Obaid-Chinoy slammed Baloch's murder as symptomatic of an "epidemic" of violence against women in Pakistan.
(ISLAMABAD)  Pakistans military on Wednesday accused India of another unprovoked attack in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, saying it befittingly responded by returning fire, a sign of increasing tension between the two nuclear-armed archrivals.

In a statement, the military said Pakistani and Indian troops were still exchanging fire in Kashmir.

An Indian army officer said Pakistani troops fired small arms and mortars at Indian military positions at three places along the Line of Control. The officer, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the reporters, said Indian soldiers befittingly responded to unprovoked cease-fire violations.

No casualties were reported.

The latest fighting took place as Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended a joint sitting of the Senate and the National Assembly convened to discuss the Kashmir situation.

In a televised speech, Sharif criticized India for a Sept. 28 attack that killed two Pakistani soldiers. New Delhi said it was a surgical strike against militants, which Pakistan denied. Sharif said India had broken the cease-fire agreement, and the Pakistani military had responded effectively by returning fire.

Pakistan would respond strongly to any threat to its sovereignty, Sharif said. He blamed India for the rising tensions between the two countries but said he wanted to resolve the Kashmir dispute through talks.

We are against war, we want durable peace in the region, he said.

Sharif told lawmakers that Islamabad will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to the freedom movement in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Several lawmakers also made speeches condemning what they described as human rights violations in Indian-controlled Kashmir, where security forces have killed dozens of protesters at anti-India rallies in recent months.

Also Wednesday, Hafiz Saeed, founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group, attended a meeting of religious parties to express support for the Kashmiri people. The meeting vowed to hold a rally against India near the border between the two countries, known as the Line of Control, on Oct. 27.

Kashmir is split between Pakistan and India and is claimed by both. Many in the Indian-controlled portion favor independence or a merger with Pakistan.
Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas was hospitalised on Thursday for a heart test and later discharged, with the 81-year-old's health reported to be normal, officials said.

"We have carried out all necessary tests, including a cardiac catheterisation, and the results are all normal," Said Sarahneh, director of the Istishari Hospital in the West Bank city of Ramallah, told AFP.

Catheterisation involves the insertion of a thin tube into blood vessels.

Abbas was later seen leaving the hospital and thanked waiting reporters. "I am leaving hospital and I am well," he said.

Palestine Liberation Organisation secretary general Saeb Erekat said the test confirmed that Abbas was in good health.

The longtime Palestinian leader last week attended the funeral of Israeli ex-president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres.

Abbas had negotiated with Peres, who died at 93, and signed the Oslo peace accords of the 1990s along with him.

There has been no Palestinian presidential election since 2005, and Abbas has remained in office despite the expiry of his term.

He has not spoken publicly of a preferred successor.
Donald Trump rocketed to the Republican presidential nomination in no small part due to his tough stance on Muslim refugees; he said he would temporarily ban them from entering the country. Now, his running mate is singing a completely different tune.

On Thursday, in a series of interviews, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said Trump no longer supports the temporary restriction. Pence, who opposed the idea before signing on as Trumps vice president, said the notion was dead, even though it is still Trumps stated position which remains on his campaign Web site.

When asked on CNN why he would not condemn Trumps policy now, Pence said, Because thats not Donald Trumps position now. Below is a video of the exchange.

Why isn't Mike Pence condemning Trump's past call for a Muslim ban? "Because it's not Donald Trump's position now" https://t.co/9fAIpGXCd4  New Day (@NewDay) October 6, 2016

Since declaring the ban last year, Trump has been all over the map on what he would actually do if he became president. Hes called for extreme vetting of immigrants from countries where terrorists are active. Its not clear whether that would expand the prohibition or shrink its mandate, and Trump, never one for details, has yet to clarify where he actually stands.

This makes Pences comments all the more remarkable. Hes apparently declaring a cornerstone of the campaign, and one of the signature issues for the man at the top of the ticket, to be a dead letter. Perhaps theres a finger in the wind: recent polls show Republicans are split on the ban, while 57 percent of the broader electorate opposes it.

Pences statements Thursday simply continue a trend he started during Tuesdays debate with Tim Kaine, Hillary Clintons choice for vice president. When confronted by Kaine with Trumps past statements praising Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling Mexican immigrants criminals and rapists, encouraging nuclear proliferation in east Asia, punishing women for seeking abortions, and promising to release his tax returns, Pence simply lied, and repeatedly denied Trump had ever said such things.

He was at it again Thursday. When asked on Morning Joe if there would be a ban on all Muslim from entering the country, Pence said Of course not.

Photo credit: CHIP SOMODEVILLA/Getty Image
Mike Pence hit the morning talk show circuit on Thursday, two days after his steady performance in the vice presidential debate. And just as he did during his face-off with his Democratic rival, Tim Kaine, the Indiana governor deflected questions about Donald Trumps controversial policies and inflammatory statements.

On MSNBCs Morning Joe, Pence was asked to clarify his running mates plan to create a deportation force and his proposal to temporarily bar all Muslims entering the United States.

Well, Donald Trumps already clarified them, Pence said. We have a deportation force in America. Its called Immigration and Customs Enforcement. And when Donald Trump laid out that plan to end illegal immigration in Arizona, he said, Look, were going to build a wall. Were going to secure the border. Were going to expand our Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, give them the resources and tools to do the job the law requires them to do. Were going to get criminal aliens out of the country first. Were going to get people to leave the country who were supposed to have left because their visas were overstayed. And then were going to reform the immigration system.

.@mike_pence: Trump has already clarified statements on the deportation force and the Muslim ban https://t.co/qT2Jj5d9Pr  Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) October 6, 2016

Regarding Trumps proposed Muslim ban, Pence said, the Republican nominee has clarified that repeatedly. Trump has actually muddled his policy position from barring all Muslims from entering the U.S. to barring entrants from countries affected by terrorism. Trump has also described his new position as an expansion of his earlier ban proposal.

In the interest of the safety and security of the people of the United States, we are going to suspend immigration from countries that have been compromised by terrorism, Pence said. Countries and regions of the world like Syria, that have literally been overrun by terrorist influence.

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So, not a ban on all Muslims? MSNBCs Joe Scarborough asked.

Of course not, Pence replied. Were talking about areas of the world and territories of the world and specifically countries that have been so compromised by terrorism that we cant know for certain who those people are.

In December, after Trump called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States, Pence called the proposal offensive and unconstitutional.

When pressed by CNNs Chris Cuomo on Thursday about why he no longer speaks out against Trumps ban, Pence said, Well, because its not Donald Trumps position now.

Donald Trump has said in this campaign he has regretted the times he didnt choose his words well, particularly where its created personal pain for people, Pence argued. Im honored to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him.

At a rally in Nevada on Wednesday, Trump praised Pences debate performance, and suggested hes getting a lot of credit because he picked the Indiana governor to join him on the Republican presidential ticket.

Mike Pence won the debate, and Im getting a lot of credit, Trump declared. Last night, America got a chance to look at my judgment.  That was my first hire!

I honestly do believe @realdonaldtrump did win the debate. It was [his] vision that I was describing. @mike_pence https://t.co/TVrYbBgetq  TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 6, 2016

On the Today show, Pence said the real winner of the vice presidential debate was Donald Trump.

I honestly do believe Donald Trump did win the debate, Pence said. It was [his] vision that I was describing.

Republican leaders are hoping that Trump, who had trouble doing that himself during the first presidential debate against Hillary Clinton, will be able to take a page from Pence during the second one on Sunday.

But on Fox and Friends, Pence said he doesnt think Trump should change a thing.

Id encourage Donald Trump to do what he did in his first debate, and that is be himself, he said. Speak from his mind and speak from his heart, and I know hes going to do that.

The Indiana governor said Sunday nights town hall format will help the real estate mogul connect better with voters than he did during the first debate.

He really does a great job, particularly in a town hall setting. I think the reason why you see these enormous crowds rallying around Donald Trump, enormous crowds yesterday out West, is because hes made a real connection with everyday Americans, Pence said. And so my advice for him for Sunday night is what it was before the last debate, and that is, go out, be yourself and share that vision for how were going to make America great again. He will have a great night.
Washington (AFP) - A US Army general who was Defense Secretary Ashton Carter's top military advisor used government credit cards at strip clubs, drank to excess and engaged in behavior unbecoming an officer, says a probe released Thursday.

Carter abruptly fired Major General Ron Lewis from his prestigious post following a tour of Asia in November 2015, after allegations emerged about events on that and other trips.

The probe, carried out by the Inspector General for the Department of Defense, documented a series of incidents dating back to April 2015, shortly after Carter was named as President Barack Obama's fourth defense chief.

Lewis is the latest US general to be fired for his conduct -- two others lost their jobs this year for alleged improprieties.

On a trip to Seoul, Lewis racked up $1,121 on his government credit card at "Candy Bar," a strip joint in the "Hooker Hill" area of Seoul's Itaewon district, the report states.

The club was off-limits to US military personnel because of its association with illicit activities, investigators wrote, noting Lewis had "received some form of services or benefits from those (credit card) transactions."

Lewis later said the charges were fraudulently put on his card, but investigators disputed those claims and said Lewis had made a false official written statement.

On a subsequent trip to Rome, Lewis visited the "Cica Cica Boom" club, drank to "more than moderation" for three hours, then brought a female club worker to a swish hotel -- the same one Carter was staying at.

There, Lewis woke up a subordinate and told him to give him his government credit card to pay a $1,755 bill from the club, after his personal debit card didn't work. He then went back to the club with the woman.

Investigators describe a series of other incidents, including a night in Hawaii in November at the end of the Asia trip.

Lewis allegedly drank alcohol with an enlisted service member and "backed her into a wall and caused her to believe he wanted some kind of physical contact."

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The report notes that Lewis, who was not reachable for comment, denied several of the allegations.

The Inspector General has turned the investigation over to the Army, which will decide on whether disciplinary actions and what rank Lewis will hold when he leaves the service.

Lewis, a former attack helicopter pilot, served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was briefly a three-star general while he worked with Carter.

Because he'd not held that rank for long, he dropped back to two stars after he was fired.

"I expect the highest possible standards of conduct from the men and women in this department, particularly from those serving in the most senior positions," Carter said in a statement.

"There is no exception."
(Reuters) - Pfizer Inc, the largest U.S. drugmaker, said on Thursday it aims to sell its world headquarters buildings in midtown Manhattan by the end of 2017 and begin moving into more modern facilities in Manhattan no sooner than the first half of 2019.

"This move is being driven by the significant investment that would be required to bring the buildings to modern standards," Pfizer said in a statement.

Pfizer spokeswoman Joan Campion said the company notified employees of the plans on Wednesday. The drugmaker intends to lease rather than buy a new headquarters, she told Reuters.

Pfizer's headquarters include two buildings in midtown Manhattan with about 1 million square feet of space. Pfizer began occupying the buildings at 235 and 219 East 42nd Street in 1961. A newer complex would have more work space and room for collaboration, Campion said.

Pfizer, founded in 1849 in New York City's borough of Brooklyn, said it has not yet chosen the new location.

A large majority of headquarters-based employees will move to the more modern facility, Pfizer said. Some could be reassigned to other sites in the metropolitan area.

Pfizer's plans follow its decision in April to abandon its proposed $160 billion purchase of Botox-maker Allergan Plc. The deal would have moved the company's tax address to Dublin, thereby sharply lowering its effective tax rate.

Pfizer terminated the deal after the U.S. Treasury proposed new regulations that would have removed many of the tax advantages.

(Reporting by Ransdell Pierson; Editing by Richard Chang and Leslie Adler)
(Adds Pfizer to lease new building)

Oct 6 (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc, the largest U.S. drugmaker, said on Thursday it aims to sell its world headquarters buildings in midtown Manhattan by the end of 2017 and begin moving into more modern facilities in Manhattan no sooner than the first half of 2019.

"This move is being driven by the significant investment that would be required to bring the buildings to modern standards," Pfizer said in a statement.

Pfizer spokeswoman Joan Campion said the company notified employees of the plans on Wednesday. The drugmaker intends to lease rather than buy a new headquarters, she told Reuters.

Pfizer's headquarters include two buildings in midtown Manhattan with about 1 million square feet of space. Pfizer began occupying the buildings at 235 and 219 East 42nd Street in 1961. A newer complex would have more work space and room for collaboration, Campion said.

Pfizer, founded in 1849 in New York City's borough of Brooklyn, said it has not yet chosen the new location.

A large majority of headquarters-based employees will move to the more modern facility, Pfizer said. Some could be reassigned to other sites in the metropolitan area.

Pfizer's plans follow its decision in April to abandon its proposed $160 billion purchase of Botox-maker Allergan Plc . The deal would have moved the company's tax address to Dublin, thereby sharply lowering its effective tax rate.

Pfizer terminated the deal after the U.S. Treasury proposed new regulations that would have removed many of the tax advantages.

(Reporting by Ransdell Pierson; Editing by Richard Chang and Leslie Adler)
Once again, acquisitions and deals were in focus in the pharma sector with Lilly LLY announcing a deal to boost its animal health segment and Allergan AGN and AstraZeneca AZN announcing licensing agreements. Meanwhile, companies like Johnson & Johnson JNJ and Novartis NVS presented data at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress.



Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories



Lilly Signs Deal to Boost Animal Health Segment: Lillys animal health division, Elanco, will be buying Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.'s U.S. feline, canine and rabies vaccines portfolio as well as a fully integrated manufacturing and R&D site. Lilly will shell out $885 million for the deal, slated to close by early 2017. With this acquisition, Elanco is looking to diversify its companion animal portfolio by complementing its offerings for dogs and cats. Lilly expects the deal to be earnings accretive in 2018.



Allergan Continues Deal-Signing Spree: Allergan continues to pursue deals to expand its portfolio. The company, which announced a slew of acquisition deals last month, announced an in-licensing agreement with AstraZeneca under which it will acquire global rights to AstraZenecas MEDI2070. With this deal, Allergan is looking to strengthen its position in gastroenterology. MEDI2070, an anti-IL-23 monoclonal antibody, is currently in phase IIb development for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease and is phase II ready for ulcerative colitis and other related conditions. Expectations are that targeting just IL-23 may allow for a broader therapeutic window compared to IL12/23 targeting therapies and may translate into better efficacy.



The deal will see Allergan making an upfront payment of $250 million plus up to $1.27 billion, payable over a period of up to 15 years  this includes launch milestone payments of up to $435 million and sales-based milestone payments of $725 million. AstraZeneca will also get tiered royalties on product sales (Read more: Allergan Buys Rights to AstraZeneca's Crohn's Disease Drug).



AstraZenecas Brilinta Disappoints in PAD Study: AstraZenecas efforts to expand Brilintas label suffered a setback with the blood-thinning drug failing to meet the primary endpoint in a study conducted in a symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) patient population. Brilinta failed to show a benefit over Plavix (clopidogrel). We note that earlier this year, Brilinta had missed the primary endpoint in another study as well  this one being in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (Read more: AstraZeneca Heart Drug Brilinta Fails a Study; Shares Down).



AstraZeneca also announced a licensing agreement with Insmed under which the latter will get global exclusive rights to AZD7986, an oral DPP1 inhibitor. AstraZeneca will get $30 million upfront and could get up to $120 million on the achievement of clinical, regulatory, and sales-related milestones as well as tiered royalties.



Meanwhile, NICE recommended the use of AstraZenecas Tagrisso (osimertinib) for use in patients with a particularly aggressive form of lung cancer.



Boxed Warning for J&J, Merck & Bristol-Myers HCV Drugs: The FDA has issued a warning about the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) becoming an active infection again in any patient who has or had HBV and is being treated with certain direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medicines for hepatitis C virus (HCV). With some of the HBV reactivation cases leading to serious liver problems or death, the FDA is requiring the addition of a Boxed Warning to the labels of 9 DAA medicines including Bristol-Myers BMY Daklinza, J&Js Olysio and Mercks MRK Zepatier. J&J, Merck and Bristol-Myers are all Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stocks. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



Teva to Divest Certain Assets in the UK and Ireland: Teva will be selling assets and operations of Actavis Generics in the UK and Ireland to Accord Healthcare Limited for GBP 603 million. The divestment is being done to meet the requirements of the European Commission related to Tevas acquisition of Actavis Generics earlier this year.



Meanwhile, Teva completed its acquisition of Anda, Inc., a leading distributor of generic pharmaceuticals in the U.S., from Allergan.



J&J, Novartis Present Psoriasis Data at EADV: J&J presented data on its experimental psoriasis treatment, guselkumab, at the EADV Congress. Results showed high rates of skin clearance in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis receiving guselkumab, with the responses being durable and maintained through week 48. Moreover, guselkumab showed superior efficacy compared with AbbVies Humira (Read more: J&J's Psoriasis Drug Shows Superior Efficacy Over Humira).



Swiss drugmaker Novartis was also at EADV with new data showing that its psoriasis treatment, Cosentyx, delivers high and long-lasting skin clearance in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis out to 4 years of treatment.



Performance

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Large Cap Pharmaceuticals Industry Price Index

Large Cap Pharmaceuticals Industry Price Index

Almost all major pharma stocks were up over the last five trading days with the NYSE ARCA Pharmaceutical Index gaining 1.1%. Lilly gained 2.5% during this period while AstraZeneca was down 1.4%. Over the last six months, Bristol-Myers declined 17.7% while Merck was up 12.9% (See the last pharma stock roundup here: Allergan Acquisitions in Focus, J&J to Buy Abbott's AMO).





What's Next in the Pharma World?



Watch out for the usual pipeline and regulatory updates as well as deals and collaborations. Several companies will be presenting data at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress from Oct 711.



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Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Rain likely. High 62F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 48F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Manila (AFP) - A Canadian man has been jailed for life in the Philippines for selling 160 tablets of ecstasy, with his swift prosecution part of President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war, police said Thursday.

Jeremy Eaton, 34, was also ordered to pay a fine of 500,000 pesos ($10,000), after he was arrested in a raid in June in the financial district of Makati, police said.

They said Eaton's prosecution, done in just three months, was part of Duterte's aggressive campaign against illegal drugs. The crackdown has left more than 3,000 people dead and sparked global condemnation for alleged extrajudicial killings.

"The judiciary has expedited the prosecution of drug cases, and police are now more active so drug cases are really resolved quickly," Enrico Rigor, legal head of the national police's anti-illegal drugs group, told AFP.

Drug cases in the Philippines usually take several years to resolve, Rigor added.

Duterte, 71, won May elections in a landslide on a promise to eradicate the drug menace by killing tens of thousands of criminals to prevent the Philippines from becoming a narco-state.

He also vowed to restore the death penalty in the mainly Catholic nation.

Eaton had insisted on his innocence.

"I walked into the building, I was jumped from behind, told I'm arrested," he told reporters shortly after his arrest.

"I was searched. I had nothing on my body. I never had anything. I think I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."

The court decision, dated August 31, said his denial could "easily be concocted and is a common and standard defense ploy".

Eaton was arrested along with Australian Damian Berg, who also denied selling ecstasy but whose case is ongoing.

Eaton's conviction was announced in the same week police arrested two local celebrities for allegedly possessing and selling drugs.
Peru is a country of contrasts. High deserts, glacier-covered peaks and colorful, bustling cities vie for your attention. In a single vacation, it's possible to hike in the Andes, climb 250 steps to the top of an Incan temple and explore a vibrant city marketplace filled with grains, spices, fruits and vegetables. But you don't need to be an avid outdoor enthusiast or an adrenaline junkie to enjoy Peru's natural wonders. You only need a sense of adventure, an open mind and a desire to explore as the Andean people have before you. Whether you want to absorb the local culture, check out Machu Picchu's famed ruins or explore the Inca Empire's capital city, here are six tricks for mapping out successful soft adventure activities on your next trip to Peru.

[See: 10 Bucket-List Destinations That Don't Cost a Fortune.]



Choose Your Tour Guide Carefully

Who you decide to travel with in Peru can make or break your vacation. Most travelers don't want to drive themselves in Peru (that's an entirely different sort of adventure), and most use a cultural guide. For a soft adventure vacation that is equal part exploration and cultural immersion, rely on a reputable outfitter like Vantage Adventures. This travel operator requires that all guests be able to actively explore their surroundings, and contains an itinerary packed with hikes, city excursions and rural adventures. However, Vantage also puts an emphasis on visiting artisans, breaking bread with local community members and getting to know the real people of the place you're visiting. This translates to everything from talking to children at a local school as a part of Vantage Cares (Vantage's foundation giving back to the community), meeting a 12-year-old boy who works for a living in addition to attending school, communicating with a young woman who has been taught the art of Andean weaving from her mother and grandmother and more opportunities for cultural exchanges. In addition to hiking Machu Picchu and admiring its beauty, you can get enlightened on the local perspective, along with unique architectural and historical details with a knowledgeable guide.

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Remember: Soft Adventure Trips Offer a Mix of Activity and Culture

Soft adventure isn't just about engaging in stimulating and safe adventures. It's also about meeting the people of the country you're visiting, and gaining an understanding of their culture and history. While soft adventure may not inspire you to push your physical limits with risky activities, it does offer plenty of opportunitities to embrace exciting new perspectives and landscapes and break out of your comfort zone.

[See: 6 Family-Friendly Adventure Trips You Can Afford.]

Take the Altitude Seriously

Cusco and Machu Picchu are notorious for their high altitudes, at 11,000 feet (in Cusco) and 8,000 feet (in Machu Picchu), respectively. While it's daunting to fly to high elevations, it's possible to make the journey without any issues. Be sure to take it easy on your arrival day. Do as the locals do, and drink coca tea and rest if you're suffering headaches or nausea. Also make sure to drink plenty of water.

Give Yourself Multiple Days to Experience the Wonders of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the wonders of the world, and for good reason. Machu Picchu is magical, historical, mystical and often shrouded in clouds. By planning to visit for two days instead of one, you can better your chances of seeing its grandeur without fog or rain. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance to beat the crowds at the ticket booth, and book Inca Rail tickets at least six months ahead of your trip. Soft adventurers will want to check out a portion of the trail, which can be accessed from the Machu Picchu historic site. Follow the signage to the Sun Gate: you'll walk a one mile portion of the historic trail, which is about 2 miles round-trip, in a difficult but rewarding trek to the temple overlooking Machu Picchu. The hike is worth the effort for the views and photo opportunities alone.

Explore Other Ancient Ruins

Machu Picchu isn't the only show in town. The Sacred Valley has additional wonders perfect for a leisurely half-day adventure. In Ollantaytambo, a small village in the Sacred Valley, make sure to climb the more than 250 steps to the Sun Temple. Once you've seen how the ancient Inca lived, check out the modern town surrounding the historic site, where you can barter for goods and enjoy a chicha (a fermented corn drink). In nearby Chinchero, walking along the narrow streets and checking out the many weaving operations or practicing your Spanish in this isolated town can be its own kind of unique adventure.

[See: Best Trips for Adventure Junkies.]

Carve Out Some Time for Cusco

Soft adventures can be as much about soaking up your surroundings and unfamiliar cultures and perspectives as it is about embracing the outdoors. Head to Cusco's San Pedro Market at sunrise to interact with locals selling everything from quinoa flour to bouquets of roses to roasted coy (guinea pig). A friendly hello and a smile will likely yield an explanation of each vendor's booth and wares. And make sure to see the Temple of the Sun, where Spanish architecture and Catholicism collide peacefully with Incan construction and worship. Afterward, head to the hillsides outside town to climb among the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, where you can see an Incan fortress at its best, and take photos with local llamas.

Consider your soft adventure trip to Peru to be equal parts outdoor activity and cultural immersion, and you'll come home well satisfied.

Amy Whitley is an outdoors and family travel writer based in Southern Oregon. She's the founder of travel site Pit Stops for Kids and pens the monthly column NWKids at OutdoorsNW magazine. You can follow her on Twitter @pitstopsforkids, connect with her on Instagram or Pinterest.
On an unseasonably warm September afternoon, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez stood before supporters on a momentous day. Martinez, 16, and his co-plaintiffs were opening a lawsuit against the federal government over what they describe as inaction on climate change that threatens their right to life and liberty. We are standing here to fight and protect everything that we lovefrom our land to our waters to the mountains to the rivers and forests, he told supporters gathered in Eugene, Ore. This is the moment where we decide what kind of legacy we are going to leave behind for future generations.

To many those future generations might include Martinez, who is yet to reach adulthood. But its just the latest battle in his decade-long fight to push for action on climate change. Martinez saw Leonardo DiCaprios climate change documentary The 11th Hour as six year old and from then on was devoted to the issue. His conservation messagerooted in his Native American indigenous heritageand his talent as a hip-hop performer made him a phenomenon among climate activists. Within a few years of taking up the cause he began traveling the world to speak and perform. He has performed for local school children, the United Nations and everyone in between. He always focuses on trying to inspire young people to take action themselves, he says. For me being a leader is being able to take this voice that I have and share it with people all around the world who are just like me, he says. They also have the ability to use their voice and passion.

But he knows that activism is about more than just rousing speeches. At home in Boulder, Colo. Martinez has successfully convinced local authorities to charge fees on plastic bags, and end the spraying of pesticides in public spaces. Now, he has turned his attention to a statewide ban on fracking. And, if you ask him how he plans to achieve what seems like such a difficult goal, he knows how to delve into the nuts and bolts of the issue. In Colorado, he is asking for restrictions on fracking near schools and hospitals that significantly limit the scope of the industry.

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Its easy for activists to march in the streets and say ban fracking, but straight out asking for a ban on fracking is not plausible, he says. Instead, he asks, How can we implement real solutions?

Next is the biggest battle of all, against the federal government. It has already made waves in the world of climate activism, leading some to wonder whether the courts might offer a viable way to address the issue. The federal judge overseeing the case has hinted she plans to rule in Martinezs favor in a preliminary hearing, but it could be bound up in the courts for years. He, at least, has many years to wait. The planet may not.
This week, We the People continues its series on The Candidates and the Constitution, in which the statements and proposals of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are compared to the text and history of the Constitution.

We turn now to Article III, which establishes the structure and powers of the judiciary. It begins: The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.

The future of the judiciary, and especially the Supreme Court, may well depend on the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. Both major presidential candidates have addressed the Justices they may appoint.

But the changes may not stop with a replacement for the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Areas of law ranging from campaign finance to privacy to criminal justice and more could be radically reshaped by a Trump or Clinton Court.

Joining We the People to discuss Article III, the Supreme Court, and the future of constitutional law are two leading constitutional scholars.



Daniel Farber is the Sho Sato Professor of Law, and the Co-Director of the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment here at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

Barry McDonald is Professor of Law at the Pepperdine University School of Law.

This conversation was recorded at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, in partnership with the student chapters of the American Constitution Society and the Federalist Society.

This show was engineered by Jason Gregory and produced by Nicandro Iannacci. Research was provided by Lana Ulrich and Tom Donnelly. The host of We the People is Jeffrey Rosen. Special thanks to Matt Stanford and Joe Spence at the University of California, Berkeley, for arranging this event.

Get the latest constitutional news, and continue the conversation, on Facebook and Twitter.

We want to know what you think of the podcast! Email us at editor@constitutioncenter.org.

Story continues

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We the People is a member of Slates Panoply network. Check out the full roster at Panoply.fm.

Despite our congressional charter, the National Constitution Center is a private nonprofit; we receive little government support, and we rely on the generosity of people around the country who are inspired by our nonpartisan mission of constitutional debate and education. Please consider becoming a member to support our work, including this podcast. Visit constitutioncenter.org to learn more.

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Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps rhetoric about immigration and the dangers of trade have resonated with his core supporters. A new poll released Thursday shows that message doesnt have a whole lot of traction beyond them.

According to the 2016 Chicago Council Survey, conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Trump has tapped into fears about immigration and the global economy that have lurked within Republican voters for decades to propel himself to the GOP presidential ticket. But its hardly a widespread sentiment.

Only 43 percent of Americans see immigration as a critical threat to the United States, while just less than half  48 percent  favor expanding the border wall with Mexico. A majority of Americans  58 percent  said that illegal immigrants working in the United States should be allowed to stay here and continue working.

Whats more, the poll found that theres broad support for globalization. Sixty-five percent of Americans said that globalization is mostly good for the United States  including 59 percent of Republicans  while 60 percent back the Trans Pacific Partnership, a massive trade deal between the United States and 11 other Pacific nations that would encompass two-fifths of the worlds economic output. Both Trump and his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton have denounced the trade deal.

It also seems as if Trumps isolationist message plays well only with his base  and even then is muddled. The poll determined that 89 percent of the American public believes existing alliances help achieve American foreign policy goals. Even 60 percent of core Trump supporters back maintaining or expanding U.S. commitments to NATO, which the candidate has repeatedly denigrated.

However, if Clinton is looking to change the minds of Trump supporters, the poll shows shes likely out of luck. Eighty percent of Trump supporters believe immigration is a critical threat to the United States; a majority of Republicans have viewed it that way since 1998. Some 92 percent of his backers want the border wall with Mexico expanded. Only 9 percent of Trump supporters want to resettle Syrian refugees.

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Although the Trump campaign has been able to mobilize many of those who are most concerned about the effects of trade on our economy and jobs and about the changing demographics of the United States, these motivating concerns are not new, according to our polling, Ambassador Ivo H. Daalder, president of the Council on Global Affairs, said in a statement Thursday.

In other words, this tally shows what the campaign has had on full display: deep polarization of the American public, but along fault lines that have existed for quite a while. The good news for those who want to undergird the current state of affairs: those who want to tear those pillars down are in a distinct  and hard-to-grow  minority.

Photo credit: ETHAN MILLER/Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS  The Indiana State Bar Association says a poll of its members shows strong support for Indiana Court of Appeals Judges Terry A. Crone, James S. Kirsch, Edward W. Najam Jr. and Patricia A. Riley, all seeking retention on the Nov. 8 Election Day ballot.

While by no means a scientific survey, the lawyers who responded spoke strongly in favor of the retention of all four jurists. There should be no doubt that each deserves to remain on the bench, said association President Mitchell R. Heppenheimer of South Bend,

Bar Association members were electronically surveyed four times from Sept. 13 through Sept. 29. Of the 10,530 members polled, 1,491 cast ballots.

Armed with these results and the valuable information at the Indiana Courts retention website, courts.in.gov/retention, the citizens of Indiana can and will make an informed decision on Election Day, Heppenheimer said.

In the poll, yes/no retention results of the judges were:

 Judge Terry A. Crone: Yes  85 percent; No  15 percent; 1,369 votes cast;

 Judge James S. Kirsch: Yes  88 percent; No  12 percent; 1,413 votes cast;

 Judge Edward W. Najam Jr.: Yes  87 percent; No  13 percent; 1,431 votes cast;

 Judge Patricia A. Riley: Yes  82 percent; N0  18 percent; 1,428 votes cast.

Appellate court judges face an approval vote in the first general election that occurs at least two years after their appointment and every 10 years thereafter.
Oct 6 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories from selected Canadian newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

THE GLOBE AND MAIL

** Amaya Inc's former CEO David Baazov played loose with the company's corporate disclosure policies ahead of its acquisition of Cryptologic Ltd in 2011, Quebec's securities watchdog told a hearing considering insider trading allegations on Wednesday. http://bit.ly/2dxcPix

** Precious metals investors cheered after a U.S. district judge ruled that two lawsuits accusing a number of major banks, including Bank of Nova Scotia of fixing gold and silver prices for about a decade, can proceed. http://bit.ly/2dxdQHh

** The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is set to announce a major settlement of hundreds of complaints of sexual harassment at a cost of more than C$10 million ($7.58 million), sources said. http://bit.ly/2dxdS22

** Canada must publicly declare that it will not vote human-rights abusers such as China onto the United Nations Human Rights Council, and it should pressure other democracies to make the same pledge, former Liberal justice minister Irwin Cotler and an all-party alliance of MPs say. http://bit.ly/2dxdXme

NATIONAL POST

** Canada's dependence on housing appears to be as stretched as it was in the U.S. back in 2005, and the degree to which new mortgages rely on risky borrowers is equally as troubling, a new report warns. http://bit.ly/2dxeDIf

** Home sales could fall back as much as 8 percent in the next year, department of finance officials reported in a technical briefing this week to detail how changes to mortgage rules could affect the housing market, according to sources. http://bit.ly/2dxeYuK ($1 = 1.3194 Canadian dollars) (Compiled by Shalini Nagarajan in Bengaluru)
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Every bite of a Pringles chip is now an act of betrayal. The salty potato chip has apparently done gone and shrunk on us without warning.

The average length of a Pringles chip has reduced by 9.7 percent, according to the consumer advocacy group Choice. The chip shrunk from 62 millimetres to only 56 millimetres, it said, and what's worse, the reduction wasn't even accompanied by a drop in price.

SEE ALSO: Marriage equality haters made a 'data-mining' app that tracks you

For its trouble, the junk food won one of Choice's annual Shonky Awards, which aims to "name and shame" the products taking Australians for the biggest rides.

A Pringles spokesperson told Mashable the decision to put prices up wasn't made lightly. "As the cost of making them was going up, we unfortunately needed to build in a small price increase with the new cans to help cover some of these costs," he said.

Although the Pringles shrinkage was devastating, it was by no means the only offender in 2016. Samsung got tapped for its over-heating phone battery debacle, but Camel Milk Victoria more than deserves its turn in the spotlight.

First, it's camel milk. But the product also makes some, ah, pretty incredible health claims, including suggesting it can "improve the immune system by fighting off bacteria and infections and aid those who have autism, diabetes, tuberculosis, cancer, stomach ulcers and more."

According to Choice, none of these benefits are permissible health claims under food health regulation.

Also winning a Shonky Award was Green and Clean  literally a bottle of air, ostensibly gathered in the wilds of the Blue Mountains and Tasmania.

The air is sucked into the bottle with a specially-built machine, Green and Clean founder John Dickinson told Mashable in May. "It sounds easy  get fresh air into a can  but it isn't actually that easy at all. We had mechanical engineer working with us for several months to actually crack the code of how to physically do it," he said.

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Image: Green and clean

You'll pay a lot for the privilege of breathing their air for a lifetime, as Choice pointed out:

"A pack of 12 cans sells for just $246.24, each offering 'upward of 255 breaths.' So let's model that forward. At rest, an adult takes up to about 14 breaths per minute. That's 20,160 a day, over 7.3 million a year. An 18-year-old today can expect to live for another 60 years, taking at least 441 million breaths.

"That's 1,732,584 bottles of air, valued at a mere $35,552,623.68, excluding postage and handling."

In response, Green and Clean told Mashable Choice's calculation was "ludicrous."

"They stated '12 cans setting you back $246.26, and offering upward of 255 breaths.' Note that each of our standard canisters holds 130 inhalations, with our larger canisters holding 225 inhalations. We also offer discounted prices for larger orders so their numbers are way off."

Check out Choice's site for a who's who of the "shonkiest" around. Guys, get it together.

Samsung has been approached by Mashable for comment. Camel Milk's website appeared to be down as of Thursday local time.
(Reuters) - A South Carolina prosecutor on Thursday sought to charge a 14-year-old boy as an adult on two charges of murder and three charges of attempted murder following a schoolyard shooting last month that convulsed the community of Townville.

Officials have accused the boy of shooting his father dead and then driving to Townville Elementary School and opening fire on the playground before he was tackled by a volunteer fire fighter and taken into custody by police.

A teacher and three students were shot in the Sept. 28 rampage. One of the students, a 6-year-old boy, died three days later.

Solicitor Chrissy Adams of South Carolina's 10th Judicial Circuit announced that her office had filed a motion to try Jesse Dewitt Osborne as an adult.

Adams said in a statement that first the Office of Juvenile Justice would conduct an evaluation of the boy and a hearing would be set in Family Court.

A defense lawyer for Osborne did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Defense attorney Frank Eppes previously released a statement from the Osborne family expressing mourning and praising first responders and the "courageous teacher who was wounded while rescuing the children."

It was the latest in a series of shootings at U.S. schools that have fueled debate over the extent of gun regulations in the United States.

The boy's father, Jeffrey Osborne, 47, was killed while watching television at their home about 2 miles (3 km) from the school.

Besides the murder and attempted murder charges, Osborne also faces five charges of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Toni Reinhold)
Washington (AFP) - Protectionism's rise in Europe and the United States is pushing the world's economic leaders toward a delicate balancing act: defending globalization but acknowledging the pain that sometimes comes with it.

With the US presidential elections a month away, the annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund kicked off this week in Washington with a stern warning: For the world to turn its back on trade now would only worsen the ills of a flagging global economy.

"Increasing pressure for inward-looking policies are a particular threat to the global outlook," the IMF said in downgrading growth forecasts for advanced economies, pushing concerns about Deutsche Bank's stability and China's commercial debt binge into the background.

The president of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, urged world governments to banish "the storm clouds of isolationism and protectionism," saying that open borders had lifted a billion people out of poverty in over a quarter century.

- Unreceptive audience -

Long bandied about by the major international financial institutions, this message faces an increasingly unreceptive audience.

In the United States, long a bastion of trade liberalization, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has rallied supporters by promising a trade war with China and retaliatory import duties on Mexico.

Across the Atlantic, the British vote to secede from the European Union threatens to spur other countries to roll back economic integration in Europe. The free-trade pact currently under negotiation with the United States, known as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, faces stiff resistance in Europe.

Bit by bit, globalization finds itself accused of depressing wages, causing industrial decline and keeping low-skilled workers unemployed.

Against a backdrop of sluggish global trade, these accusations extend far beyond the insular clique of activist NGOs and are starting to threaten established dogma.

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But Germany says it will hold the line.

"We are committed to build an open world economy, reject protectionism, promote global trade and investment," German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble said in a statement published Wednesday on the IMF's web site.

And for now, only a few countries, such as Poland, have gone so far as to enact protectionist measures.

- A reckoning -

But the possibility of a re-set, or at least a rhetorical one, is setting in amongst the world's financial centers, which fear they risk encouraging populist movements by remaining deaf to the rising grievances about globalization.

The IMF and its managing director Christine Lagarde have been foremost in this reckoning, conceding that global growth benefits too few and globalization's losers should receive dedicated support.

In an opinion piece published Wednesday in The Wall Street Journal and co-authored with the heads of the World Bank and World Trade Organization, Lagarde also said global trade should benefit everyone.

"Despite the tremendous benefits of trade, too many people feel it has left them behind," the co-authors said. "Transforming trade into an engine of growth for all... requires reinvigorating trade integration, not rolling it back."

There is no telling, however, whether this will suffice to weaken the appeal of protectionism, which is fed not only by economic malaise but also by a rejection of economic elites, which are epitomized by the World Bank and IMF.

The rise of protectionism is a sign of "a fundamental distrust of the financial elites," said Paulo Nogueira Batista, vice president at the New Development Bank.

"The problems that arose in the banking sectors, the multiple instances of fraud, misconduct, the failure of the organizations in Washington to face up to the challenges... this all created a mixture of resentment, a feeling that this system doesn't represent the people," he told AFP.
Beijing (AFP) - Home hero Zhang Shuai cruised past Simona Halep to book a quarter final place at the China Open on Thursday in rain-hit Beijing.

Zhang overpowered fifth-ranked Halep in less than a hour, beating her 6-0, 6-3 to delight the home crowd in the Chinese capital.

It was a day of upsets as Elina Svitolina ousted top seed Angelique Kerber, scuppering her plans of a 12th quarter-final this season, and intermittent rain interrupted -- and then suspended -- play on the open-air outer courts.

It was the Ukrainian's second win this year over a world number one after she denied Serena Williams a fifth Olympic gold medal with a straight set win in the third round in Rio.

In the roofed National Stadium, the home fans' cheers carried Zhang into the quarter finals for the first time in seven attempts, dropping just three games en route.

The 27-year-old began the year with a first-round upset of Halep at the Australian Open -- her first win in a Grand Slam main draw, which left her in tears.

But there were no tears on Thursday -- just huge smiles and an ecstatic audience.

Meanwhile, 19th-ranked Svitolina beat Kerber -- who ascended to the top of the rankings at the US Open, the same week she also claimed her second Grand Slam crown -- with a 6-3, 7-5 win.

"When they announce (the names at the start of the march) you have this weird feeling because you realise you're playing against world number one", Svitolina said after the match.

"I try to really don't think about it. If I think too much, I lose my way," she added.

- 'Nothing for free' -

Kerber, who had her right thigh taped during the match, had a break lead in each set but appeared glued to the baseline and was unable to take control.

"I know that I have to move very well when I play my game, and I couldn't play my game like I play," Kerber told reporters.

The German still plans to play in Hong Kong next week as she chases points to end the year atop the rankings -- but her right leg may alter her plans.

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"Still it's in my schedule to play Hong Kong. It's right after the match, so I don't know exactly with my leg or whatever. But it's still in my schedule," she said.

Briton Johanna Konta scored her first ever win over US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova in a three set tie break, 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7/2).

With a victory over the sixth-ranked Czech, Konta -- currently at number 14 -- moves closer to breaking into the top ten for the first time.

The win also moves the 25-year-old into tenth position in the race for the eight-player WTA Final in Singapore, meaning she could play if one of the eight dropped out.

But if fellow quarter-finalist Petra Kvitova, currently 12th in the race, continues her stellar Asian run, the Briton could be nudged out.

Agnieszka Radwanska put friendship aside to secure her second consecutive win over former number one Caroline Wozniacki in the pair's third meeting in as many weeks.

Third-ranked Radwanska booked her quarter-final spot on the third match point with a dash to the net to return a drop shot from the Dane.

Wozniacki lobbed the return, but the Pole made it to that one as well to take the match 6-3, 6-1.

"I knew nothing's going to come for free. I was really trying to be aggressive from the first point and also from the return," Radwanska told reporters.

"We know each other for 17 years. Practising together as well almost every tournament, playing some matches against each other. I think we know about each other everything," she added.
Drivers should stay alert as deer become more active in fall months on Indianas roadways, the Indiana Department of Transportation, the Indiana State Police and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources said.

Nearly 50 percent of all vehicle crashes involving deer occur between October and December. Deer are generally more active during mating season in late October into early November. With many farmers harvesting crops, deer could be on the move at any time, encountering roads more frequently and increasing the potential for collisions.

More than 15,000 deer-related collisions occurred across the state in 2015, including vehicles crashing while attempting to avoid striking a deer.

With the increased number of deer heading toward the roads, deer-vehicle crashes will happen, but drivers can take measures to keep collisions to a minimum, police said. Knowing when deer are most active and practicing defensive driving will help reduce the chances of a collision:

 Deer are most active between sunset and sunrise, especially in rural areas.

 Deer often travel in groups. If one is seen, others are likely nearby.

 Drivers should pay special attention in areas where they have seen deer before and in areas near deer crossing warning signs.

 Motorists should exercise caution along woodlot edges, at hills and blind turns.

 Drivers should use high-beam headlights at night when there is no opposing traffic.

 Scanning for illuminated eyes and dark silhouettes near the side of or on the roadway can help prevent a collision.

 A driver who sees a deer should reduce speed drastically, even if the deer is far away.

 Never swerve to avoid hitting a deer, police advise. More serious crashes occur when drivers try to miss a deer but hit something else.

 Police urge motorists to buckle up.

Studies have shown that novelties such deer whistles are ineffective in deterring deer, police said. The best way to avoid an accident is to be alert.

Even when practicing safe driving, sometimes hitting a deer is inevitable, police said. If a driver hits a deer, it is important to remain calm and do not touch the deer or approach it. Wounded deer are unpredictable and can be dangerous. Drivers should pull off the road, remain in the vehicle and make sure everyone is safe. Motorists involved in a collision are required to call the police and report a crash with at least $1,000 in property damage or if someone is injured.

To report a deer carcass on an interstate, U.S. highway or state road, contact one of INDOTs six districts to report it.INDOT district contact information is at indot.in.gov.

More information about white-tailed deer in Indiana, including what to do with orphaned or injured deer, is at in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3359.htm.
A candlelight silent sit-in is planned for a Thursday night screening of Nate Parker's The Birth of a Nation.

The protest will be put on by the group F**k Rape Culture - made up of artists, filmmakers and women in Hollywood - and will take place at ArcLight Cinemas' Hollywood location at a 7 p.m. showing of the historical biopic.

Birth of a Nation has been surrounded by controversy following the reemergence of Parker's 1999 rape trial from when he was a 19 year-old student athlete at Pennsylvania State University. Parker was ultimately acquitted. It was later reported that his accuser committed suicided in 2012.

On the Facebook events page for the silent protest, there is an invitation for "Los Angeles women, gender non conforming, LGBTQ people and their allies" to join in the vigil.

Read more: 'Birth of a Nation' Skywriting Over Hollywood Touts "Nat Turner Lives"

A statement from the group reads: "We recognize the need to hold space for those celebrating the advancement of people of color in Hollywood while continuing to fight for the victims of sexual assault and rape around the world."

The Women's Law Project, who represented Parker's accuser in her complaint against how the university handled her harassment after the trial, said that they would not support a boycott of Parker's movie.

"While we have compassion for sexual-assault survivors and advocates who choose to not see the film, we do not personally support a boycott of Birth of a Nation," said Carol E. Tracy, executive director of the Women's Law Project.

In the run-up to the film's release, Parker has done several interviews, including a sit-down on 60 Minutes and an appearance on Steve Harvey.

During his interview with Harvey, the writer-director-star said, "It was devastating to hear that I, at any point, had a connection with someone that felt like it was time for them to take their own life." Parker went on to criticize the media for the coverage of the trial, asking, "Are we in the business of headlines or are we in the business of healing?"

The Birth of a Nation opens in theaters nationwide this weekend.

Read more: Box Office: Nate Parker's 'Birth of a Nation' Tracking for $7M-$8M Debut
Revolutionary real estate specific search optimization company announces launch of new web site; The Real Estate SEO company helps realtors rank in leading search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing

VICTORIA, CANADA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2016 / After months of planning, market research and construction, The Real Estate SEO proudly announces the deployment of their new web site.

The Real Estate SEO is a leading Canadian-based search optimization and lead generation consulting company exclusive to realtors.

With head offices in Victoria, British Columbia, the company intends on filling a void in SEO for realtors in Canada.

"Many so-called SEOs make big bold claims yet sadly, they often are unable to deliver. We are a team of technical SEO professionals with an exclusive focus on helping realtors elevate their game and set themselves apart." said Don Halbert, CEO of The Real Estate SEO.

With over 15 years experience working within the real estate vertical, The Real Estate SEO has developed exclusive online marketing and lead generation strategies that provide impressive results to their clients.

The use of landing pages and lead capture funnels is a relatively nascent subject to realtors. Our team of marketing professionals are all certified inbound marketing professionals that understand the value in sustainable solutions.

"These days sustainability is increasingly seen as an important component of any online marketing. The fact that we speak to this need, identifies our level of service, and as such, has been equated with a particular level of quality realtors expect from us." Halbert went on to explain.

There is a wise quote that says,"Quality is relative to talent while quantity is relative to marketing."

The Real Estate SEO focuses on quality and quantity while making it all sustainable. The result for our clients is an experience in knowing they are working with professionals.

About The Real Estate SEO:

The Real Estate SEO is a revolutionary online marketing and lead generation company that exclusively focuses on the real estate vertical. We are licensed inbound marketing educators with over 15 years experience generating lead capture funnels for realtors around the world.

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For more information, please visit http://therealestateseo.com

Contact Info:

Name: Kelly Bryan

Email: kelly@therealestateseo.com

Organization: The Real Estate SEO

Address: 1588 Sonria Place, Victoria, BC, Canada

Phone: 250-213-1181

Video URL: https://youtu.be/RKcY-atsH6Y

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/the-real-estate-seo-company-announces-new-web-design/136458

SOURCE: The Real Estate SEO
By Steve Bittenbender

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Reuters) - A replacement model of the fire-prone Samsung Note 7 smartphone began smoking inside a U.S. plane on Wednesday, the family that owns it said, prompting fresh investigations by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration.

A problem with the replacement for the Note 7 model would create a new, embarrassing and potentially costly chapter to a global scandal which has hurt Samsung's reputation. It also could add new dangers for consumers.

Indiana passenger Brian Green's phone began emitting smoke inside a Southwest Airlines Co flight to Baltimore from Louisville, Kentucky, his wife Sarah told Reuters after speaking with her husband. She said that Green had replaced the original phone about two weeks ago after getting a text message from Samsung.

Samsung Electronics Co said in a statement it was working to recover the device and to understand the cause. Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note 7," the South Korean company said.

The world's largest smartphone maker announced a global recall of at least 2.5 million of its flagship Note 7 smartphones in 10 markets last month due to faulty batteries causing some phones to catch fire.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is in touch with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Samsung and the phone's owner to gather facts, Chairman Elliot Kaye said in a statement, reminding consumers that they could get refunds for the troubled model.

The FAA said in a statement that it had confirmed a Samsung phone caused the smoke on the Southwest flight and that it was investigating the incident.

Technology news site The Verge, which earlier reported the incident, quoted Brian Green as saying the phone was a replacement, and it posted a picture taken by him of the packaging. The picture showed an identifying label with a black box, which Samsung has described as the indicator of a replacement phone. A spokeswoman declined to comment on the picture.

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Samsung customers in China have reported problems with phones that have the same battery as the global replacement model, but Samsung has said it examined the Chinese phones and found the batteries were not at fault.

Green picked up the new phone at an AT&T Inc store on September 21, the Verge said.

Southwest said the plane was evacuated after a customer reported smoke from a Samsung device. All passengers and crew exited the plane and no injuries were reported, a Southwest Airlines spokesperson said.
(Add comments from ATL COO)

By Steve Bittenbender

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct 5 (Reuters) - A replacement model of the fire-prone Samsung Note 7 smartphone began smoking inside a U.S. plane on Wednesday, the family that owns it said, prompting fresh investigations by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration.

A problem with the replacement for the Note 7 model would create a new, embarrassing and potentially costly chapter to a global scandal which has hurt Samsung's reputation. It also could add new dangers for consumers.

Indiana passenger Brian Green's phone began emitting smoke inside a Southwest Airlines Co flight to Baltimore from Louisville, Kentucky, his wife Sarah told Reuters after speaking with her husband. She said that Green had replaced the original phone about two weeks ago after getting a text message from Samsung.

Samsung Electronics Co said in a statement it was working to recover the device and to understand the cause. "Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note 7," the South Korean company said.

The world's largest smartphone maker announced a global recall of at least 2.5 million of its flagship Note 7 smartphones in 10 markets last month due to faulty batteries causing some phones to catch fire.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is in touch with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Samsung and the phone's owner to gather facts, Chairman Elliot Kaye said in a statement, reminding consumers that they could get refunds for the troubled model.

The FAA said in a statement that it had confirmed a Samsung phone caused the smoke on the Southwest flight and that it was investigating the incident.

Technology news site The Verge, which earlier reported the incident, quoted Brian Green as saying the phone was a replacement, and it posted a picture taken by him of the packaging. The picture showed an identifying label with a black box, which Samsung has described as the indicator of a replacement phone. A spokeswoman declined to comment on the picture.

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Samsung customers in China have reported problems with phones that have the same battery as the global replacement model, but Samsung has said it examined the Chinese phones and found the batteries were not at fault.

Joe Kit Chu Lam, chief operating officer at battery maker Amperex Technology Limited (ATL) said: "We have not been contacted by any government agency or been asked to assist any investigation. We will cooperate if required." Reuters reported last month that China's ATL would become the main supplier of batteries for Note 7 phones after the phone recall.

Green picked up the new phone at an AT&T Inc store on Sept. 21, the Verge said. (http://bit.ly/2dL2kLL)

Southwest said the plane was evacuated after a customer reported smoke from a Samsung device. All passengers and crew exited the plane and no injuries were reported, a Southwest Airlines spokesperson said.

(Reporting by Steve Bittenbender in Louisville, Deborah Todd in San Francisco, Narottam Medhora in Bengaluru and Diane Bartz in Washington, D.C.; Additional reporting by Sijia Jiang in Hong Kong and Hyunjoo Jin in Seoul; Editing by Peter Henderson, Bill Rigby and Bernard Orr)
This Republican senator had the *most* awkward response when asked if Trump is a good role model

Weve all heard good and bad about Donald Trump. People have mixed feelings, to put it extremely lightly, especially considering that hes said Hillary Clinton doesnt look presidential, called a pre-teen Paris Hilton hot (and said hed date his own daughter if, you know, he wasnt her dad), and said that Mexicans are rapists. This has caused a whole lotta tension this election season, and other politicians arent freed from the mess surrounding Trumps less-socially acceptable statements.

So, according to Business Insider, when this Republican senator was asked if shed tell a child to aspire to be like Donald Trump, she appeared to be avoiding any real answer.

Upon being asked this question during a debate, Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire said,

I would tell a child to absolutely aspire, certainly, to be their best, and to be president, to seek to run for the presidency, absolutely, she said.

legally blonde giphy awkward welp

The moderator repeated the question, saying,

Would you tell them to be like Donald Trump  would you point to him as a role model?

Finally, she gave in, saying,

I think that, certainly, there are many role models that we have, and I believe he can serve as president, and so, absolutely, I would do that.

She clarified her statement following the debate on Twitter.

My statement on tonight's debate: pic.twitter.com/BxNE0NQn6m  Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) October 4, 2016

The post This Republican senator had the *most* awkward response when asked if Trump is a good role model appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Ever wondered what people really want to know about the UK?

Well, new research by online analytics consultancy Search Laboratory has revealed some of the most popular questions people around Europe ask about our home country - and its not all complimentary.

Search Laboratory used Googles autocomplete feature to find out what some of our European neighbours were asking about the UK.

Research - Search Laboratory used Googles autocomplete function to carry out its research (Picture: Rex)

Some of the questions were factual or historical, like: Why has England got two flags from Sweden, or: Why do English judges wear wigs? from Denmark.

Other countries were keener to get to the bottom of cultural differences, like Hungary who asked: Why do the English put milk in their tea or Poland where the top question was: Why is British flour so strange. And the French wanted to know where their nickname rosbif for the English had come from.

MORE: You will never live to be 150, scientists say - heres why

MORE: Watch: James Bond-style jetpack rider takes off over London

But some countries queries were definitely on the more offensive end of the scale.

They included Germanys query: Why are the British so stupid?, The Netherlands Why are the British so ugly? and Italys Why are the British dirty?.

Searches - the top questions about the UK from other European countries (Picture: Search Laboratory)

On the other side of the coin, Search Laboratory also looked at what people in the UK are searching for when it comes to other European countries.

Romance seemed high on the agenda, with popular questions including: what do French men like as well as the phrase Italian men in bed.

Other popular search terms included: The German stare, The Spanish lisp and Sephardic Jews Spanish citizenship, according to Search Laboratory.

The company said the biggest search story of the year in the UK was undoubtedly Brexit, with users from all over the continent making hundreds of thousands of searches since February.

It said search numbers peaked in June - the month of the referendum - with 12,472,560 searches but interest had stayed high, with 1,290,250 searches in July.

(Top picture: Rex)
Sydney (AFP) - Formula One ace Daniel Ricciardo Thursday threw his support behind nine fellow Australians facing court after stripping off at the Malaysian Grand Prix, calling their celebrations "harmless".

The men, including a staffer of Australian Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne, stripped down to tight-fitting swimming briefs emblazoned with the Malaysian flag and quaffed beer from their shoes after Ricciardo won the race on Sunday.

They were arrested for "intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace" and public indecency, state news agency Bernama quoted police as saying, and have been held since with a court appearance expected Thursday.

Reports in Australia said they could be jailed for up to two years, but Ricciardo called on authorities to send them home.

"It sounds like they have learnt their lesson and I don't think they will be doing that again any time soon in Malaysia," the Red Bull driver told Sydney's Daily Telegraph.

"I see it as pretty harmless. I respect the laws in Malaysia but beyond that I don't think they deserve any further punishment.

"In Australia it's a bit different but I'm very sure they didn't intend to offend anyone."

The tabloid Telegraph also got behind the men, aged between 25 and 29, writing: "To our recalcitrant, humourless Malaysian friends... Free the Budgie Nine."

Budgie smugglers is the colloquial term Australians use for Speedo-style swimwear.

Photos of the men flaunting the country's national colours went viral in Malaysia following the race, provoking angry comments from some social media users who accused them of insulting the country.

Displays of public indecency are not tolerated by authorities in Muslim-majority Malaysia, with foreign offenders typically slapped with a fine before being deported.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the men were being offered consular support but warned there were limits to what Canberra could do.

"They are facing certain charges and what might be seen as a foolish prank or Aussie blokey behaviour in Australia can be seen very differently in another country," she told Channel Nine.

"You have to respect the laws of the country you are visiting."
Obama and Putin

The Russian Embassy to the US tweeted on Wednesday mocking Pentagon spokesman Josh Earnest for questioning Russia's motives for deploying the advanced SA-23 missile defense system to Syria.

"This equipment contradicts President Putin's own claims that their efforts in Syria are focused on extremists. I'm not aware that ISIL or al Qaeda in Syria is operating aircraft there ... So I do think it raises genuine questions about Russia's credibility and Russia's intentions inside of Syria," said Earnest, suggesting that the only reason for advanced air defenses in Syria would be to challenge the air forces of the US and other nations in the coalition to fight ISIS.

In response, the Russian Embassy the following:

All jokes aside, #Russia will take every defensive measure necessary to protect its personnel stationed in #Syria from terrorist threat. pic.twitter.com/6vc4X9lGyT  Russian Embassy, USA (@RusEmbUSA) October 5, 2016

The tweet appears to mock Earnest and taunt the US to intervene militarily in Syria, and that doing so would be assisting terrorists. For its part, Russia has repeatedly denied the existence of moderate opposition to Assad, routinely characterizing all who oppose the regime as terrorists in equal measure.

Meanwhile, the US has vetted and backs a number of moderate groups without ties to terrorist groups like al-Qaeda while leading an international coalition in an air campaign against ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

However, military intervention in Syria against the Assad regime by the US has been repeatedly suggested by top military officials and political leaders as Assad, with Russian backing, shows little regard for international law or civilian life.

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In June, a leaked memo showed that 51 State Department officers called for "targeted military strikes" against the Assad regime.

On Wednesday, Senator John McCain wrote an editorial in the Wall Street Journal urging the president to act against Assad, writing "As bad as this conflict is now, it can get much worse  and likely will," should the US military continue to ignore the Assad regime's transgressions.

Russian S-300 anti-missile rocket system move along a central street during a rehearsal for a military parade in Moscow May 4, 2009. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin

Even Barack Obama himself declared a "red line" in Syria, and said that should Assad use chemical weapons, the US would intervene against him in 2013. However, Assad did cross that line, with multiple, and well documented cases where chemical weapons have been used, and the Obama administration refused to make good on their promise.

Now, with the deployment of yet another advanced missile defense system in Syria, the US's options have been further limited.

Analysts say the S-300 can intercept "any" US cruise missile, meaning a bombardment from US Navy ships in Mediterranean is off the table.

NOW WATCH: International investigation: MH17 was struck by a Russian-made missile





More From Business Insider


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Defence Ministry said on Thursday the United States should carefully consider the consequences of strikes on Syrian army positions because such strikes would obviously threaten Russian servicemen. Commenting on Russia's S-300 air defense complexes recently deployed to Syria, the ministry said in a statement that their crews would hardly have time to detect the exact flight paths of missiles or from what direction they were launched. The ministry also mentioned a more sophisticated air defense system, the S-400, which safeguards Russia's Hmeymim air base in Syria. The Syrian army also has at its disposal efficient air defense systems, including the S-200 and Buk, the Defence Ministry said, adding that their combat readiness has been restored over the past year. (Reporting by Alexander Winning; Writing by Dmitry Solovyov)
Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) prepares to throw as Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman (77) pursues during the fourth quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints may have one their first game against the San Diego Chargers just days ago. But the celebration as they enter their bye week has to be short.

Make no mistake, theyre not a playoff team in 2016. This team should not be focused on going 7-2 down the stretch to make the playoffs. They should be evaluating their roster and decide who is going to be a Saint in 2017. For example, Jairus Byrd has had enough chances and now Vonn Bell has earned the time to start. If Bell succeeds, Byrd should not be a Saint in 2017.

Drew Brees will undoubtedly stay here in 2017. He signed a long-term extension. Ditto for Terron Armstead and Max Unger. Brandin Cooks, Mark Ingram, Coby Fleener and Willie Snead are going nowhere, either.

But nobody on the defense is an untouchable. Nick Fairley and James Laurinaitis will need to play like their old selves if they want to play in more black and gold next season. Delvin Breaux may not be around if he returns and struggles, either.

Kenny Vaccaro will probably stay, as hes been the lone standout on defense. Cameron Jordan has started slowly, but chances are he gets another shot in 2017 to prove he should be part of the long-term future. Sheldon Rankins is a rookie, so hes got plenty of time to step up.

But this Saints team has had so many disastrous contracts over the years that theyve had to unload: Brandon Browner, Jahri Evans and C.J. Spiller. 2017 should be about saving cap space and rebuilding. So for the final 12 games, they need to decide whos worth keeping. And whos worth letting go.

The post Saints need to focus on evaluation for rest of 2016 appeared first on Cover32.
Eight years ago, Sarah Palin arrived at Washington University in Saint Louis wearing red heels and a skirt suit for the vice presidential debate against Joe Biden, where the pair stood at podiums for the duration of the historic 90-minute face-off, which resulted in the highest ratings of all time for a vp debate. But that's not why Palin decided to bring attention to the event.

Read more: PFW Rewind: The '90s Stars That Could Have Inspired the Spring 2017 Collections

Following Tuesday's showdown between Gov. Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Kaine, Palin posted a photo collage on Facebook showing the seating arrangements (and lack thereof) from past vice presidential debates in 2000 (Dick Cheney vs. Joe Lieberman), 2004 (Dick Cheney vs. John Edwards), 2008 (Joe Biden vs. Palin), 2012 (Biden vs. Paul Ryan) and 2016 (Pence vs. Kaine).

The glaring difference? Palin and Biden were made to stand for their debate, while all the other aforementioned male candidates were seated. There is no explanation for the arrangement, but it could be based on the venue - none of the other debates were held at Washington University in Saint Louis. It should be noted that vice presidential candidates in 1988 and 1992 were also made to stand. However, Palin's point does raise some eyebrows.

"How is it that the dudes lucked out and got chairs over the last 20 years of vp debates minus one?" she wrote. "Want a real test - try standing in [heels] for 90 mins #heelsonglovesoff"

Touche, Palin. Touche.
By Ingrid Melander PARIS (Reuters) - He is rousing crowds at campaign rallies with fiery speeches warning of the dangers of immigration while losing ground in opinion polls - Nicolas Sarkozy's law-and-order platform pleases core supporters but is backfiring with French voters. The combative former president began a re-election bid in late August, stealing much of the limelight from rivals as he tapped into voters' concerns over Islamist attacks and Europe's refugee crisis. Six weeks later, and with six weeks to go before the primaries that will decide who gets the conservatives' ticket for the April 2017 presidential election, opinion polls show him losing support with voters overall and among supporters of his Les Republicains party. "It's paradoxical because his strategy of veering to the right is in line with how French society is evolving and it should work, but it doesn't," said Francois Miquet-Marty of Viavoice pollsters. There are two main reasons. One is the law-and-order strategy itself, which alienates moderates without necessarily convincing hardliners tempted by far-right National Front (FN) chief Marine Le Pen. The other is the 61-year-old's abrasive personality, the fact that he has been in power before and the judicial investigations targeting him. French presidential candidates often first adopt partisan positions aimed at binding in grass roots supporters before moving to more middle of the road positions later on. But several polls show this time Sarkozy is losing ground even among party sympathizers, who favor the more moderate former prime minister Alain Juppe. NOT THE FN "He is at risk of losing on both fronts: on one side by strengthening his main opponent in the primaries (Juppe) who is perceived as more moderate, and on the other with a huge credibility issue," said political analyst Jean-Yves Camus. "His discourse is getting close to that of the FN but it's like Canada Dry: although the taste is similar, voters know it's not the same. And all the more so because Sarkozy used to be in power - why would he do now what he didn't do before?" Security and warnings that France's identity is under threat are at the heart of Sarkozy's campaign, issues at the forefront of French politics after a series of Islamist militant attacks that have killed more than 200 people since January 2015 and rising concerns about mass immigration as people flee war and poverty in the Middle East and North Africa. Sarkozy's campaign pledges include locking up all those signaled by intelligence services as posing a possible threat, suspending the right of migrants to have their families join them and scrapping medical aid for illegal immigrants. Many of his proposals echo those of Le Pen, whose speeches also focus on security and French identity. Sarkozy seized on a heated debate on the full-body burkini swimwear this summer to propose a national ban, something only the FN also called for. There are differences. The FN would scrap migrant family reunification while Sarkozy would suspend it while European Union open border agreements are re-negotiated. Sarkozy does not propose leaving the euro zone and does not support the FN's "national preference" policy of reserving many rights for the French. But his proposals have brought him the poisoned chalice of being praised by FN founder Jean-Marie Le Pen, at odds with his daughter Marine, whom he says is too moderate. "He is occupying the ground that Marine Le Pen is leaving as she veers towards the center," Le Pen senior told Le Parisien daily. POLARIZING Sarkozy's camp say they are nothing like the FN, but stress the law-and-order line chimes with voters' concerns. "The French want us to speak about those issues. For too long the Right has avoided them and left the field to the FN," said Daniel Fasquelle, a lawmaker close to Sarkozy. But opinion polls show Juppe remains favorite to win the primary, and the presidential election, while Sarkozy has lost ground. President in 2007-2012 before losing a first re-election bid to Socialist President Francois Hollande, Sarkozy mocks the soft-spoken Juppe's plan to target centrists and left-wingers disappointed with Hollande, and to build a "happy identity" for France. Much will depend on turnout in the two-round Nov 20/27 primaries. A low turnout in which only core party members turn up is seen favoring Sarkozy. But Juppe benefits from the fact that, for the first time, anyone willing to pay 2 euros and sign a document saying they share the values of the right and center can take part in the primaries, widening the constituency. Scores of left-wing voters are telling pollsters they could take part to block Sarkozy, but the impact of this is hard to gauge, given this is the first time the primaries have taken place under those rules. Hollande is deeply unpopular and opposition to Le Pen still strong so the winner of the conservative primaries has a strong chance of becoming France's next president. Sarkozy has another problem. A string of judicial investigations, including on financing of his previous election bids, are also dogging his campaign. He denies any wrongdoing. "His capacity to be in tune with voters' concerns is damaged by those cases," Miquet-Marty said. "No matter how polarizing his increasingly right-wing line is, he could otherwise have built momentum on it." (Reporting by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Barely over a quarter of Americans know that almost all climate scientists agree that climate change is happening and that humans are to blame, a new Pew Research Center survey finds.

The survey also reveals a strong split between political liberals and political conservatives on the issue. While 55 percent of liberal Democrats say climate scientists are trustworthy, only 15 percent of conservative Republicans say the same.

The findings are in line with the results of other surveys of the politics of climate change, said Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. Leiserowitz was not involved in the Pew study, but he and his colleagues conduct their own surveys on climate attitudes. [The Reality of Climate Change: 10 Myths Busted]

"The overwhelming finding that they see here is that there's a strong partisan divide on climate change, and that is a pattern we first saw emerge in 1997," Leiserowitz told Live Science.

The partisan gap isn't necessarily set in stone, however, Leiserowitz said. It's actually been narrowing recently  but it remains to be seen how the result of this year's presidential election may affect the divide. [The Reality of Climate Change: 10 Myths Busted]

Trending climate beliefs

Prior to 1997, the two major parties held similar beliefs on the occurrence of human-caused climate change, Leiserowitz said. Right around that time, then-President Bill Clinton and then-Vice President Al Gore took on the issue and pushed for the Kyoto Protocol, an international climate treaty meant to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"That's the moment when they come back and say, 'This is a global problem, and the U.S. needs to be part of the solution,' that the two parties begin to diverge," Leiserowitz said.

Since then, the American public's belief that climate change is real has fluctuated. Belief that climate change exists and that it's human-caused began to rise around 2004 and hit a peak around 2007, driven by media coverage of California's climate initiatives under Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Hollywood film "The Day After Tomorrow," released in 2004. (Really: Leiserowitz's research found that Americans who saw the blockbuster were moved to think climate change is a problem. Al Gore's film "An Inconvenient Truth" was released in 2006 but was seen by far fewer people, Leiserowitz said.)

Story continues

Research has shown that Americans who saw the 2004 blockbuster "The Day After Tomorrow" were moved to agree that climate change is a real issue. 2004 Twentieth Century Fox

These numbers waned during the 2008 recession, when the media abruptly stopped talking about climate change and the conservative tea-party wing of the Republican Party gained more power, Leiserowitz said. Belief in man-made climate change bottomed out in 2010 and 2011 but has been creeping upward since then, he said. [6 Unexpected Effects of Climate Change]

"That uptick is not coming from Democrats," he said. "Democrats have not really changed much at all. Independents  their belief that global warming is happening  has increased. But the real shift is happening among Republicans, and most interesting, the biggest shift  19 percentage points  is among conservative Republicans."

Climate consensus?

But even with those increases, because the percentage of conservative Americans who believed in man-made climate change was so small, the overall proportion of conservatives who believe climate change is caused by human activity is still small. The new Pew survey, conducted between May 10 and June 6, 2016, found that 48 percent of Americans overall believe that the Earth is warming mostly because of human activity. Seventy-nine percent of liberal Democrats held that belief, compared with 63 percent of moderate Democrats, 34 percent of moderate Republicans and 15 percent of conservative Republicans.

Climate scientists have the trust of far more people on the left side of the political spectrum than the right. Only 9 percent of conservative Republicans believe that climate scientists' findings are usually influenced by the best available evidence, compared with 55 percent of liberal Democrats. Only 7 percent of conservative Republicans and 15 percent of moderate Republicans think climate scientists are motivated by concern for the public's best interest, compared with 31 percent of moderate Democrats and 41 percent of liberal Democrats.

Still, up until last spring, the trends were "moving in a more science-aligned direction," Leiserowitz said. Even members of the Republican establishment had been willing to discuss climate change as a problem, Leiserowitz said, citing former presidential candidate John McCain, who had sponsored and supported climate legislation in the U.S. Senate.

"Then, along comes Donald Trump, and he basically flips over all the card tables," Leiserowitz said. The candidate has called climate change a hoax on multiple occasions and once tweeted that "the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive." Trump has also been consistent in calling for less regulation of fossil fuel emissions. [Election Day 2016: A Guide to the When, Why, What and How]

"It's not clear where he has taken the Republican base," Leiserowitz said. The outcome of the election alone won't be enough to determine what kind of collateral damage climate opinion will accrue. Should Trump lose, Leiserowitz said, the Republican Party will have to decide whether to move even more rightward or whether to take a more centrist tack.

However, Americans' views aren't quite as extreme as the political class would make it seem, Leiserowitz said. Yale's surveys found that about 17 percent of Americans are alarmed about climate change, and 10 percent are entirely dismissive. The other 63 percent believe in, and are worried about, climate change to differing degrees.

"Most Americans are actually in the middle, and more of those people in the middle are leaning pretty well toward the scientific consensus," Leiserowitz said.

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
CBS News said its evening-news anchor, Scott Pelley, would lead the broadcast from Florida in order to provide on-the-ground perspective on the effects of Hurricane Matthew, a signal that the storm and potential damage resulting from it are likely to take more command of an already busy news cycle.

Pelley will anchor his Thursday-night broadcast from West Palm Beach. The hurricane is expected to be one of the most powerful in a decade.

A team of correspondents will contribute to CBS News coverage from across the Southeast, the Atlantic Coast and the Caribbean. CBS News Correspondents Manuel Bojorquez and Mark Strassmann are reporting from Florida. Omar Villafranca is in the Bahamas. Errol Barnett is in Georgia, and Jericka Duncan is in South Carolina. Kris Van Cleave will cover the storms impact on travel, and WBZ Chief Meteorologist Eric Fisher is tracking the storm.

CBS News will have coverage of the storm all day on CBSN.

Other TV-news outlets are also gearing up to cover the severe weather. FOX News Channel said it expected to offer continuous live coverage of the impact of Hurricane Matthew as it makes it way towards the east coast of the United States. Correspondents Phil Keating and Jonathan Serrie will report live Thursday from Deerfield Beach, FL and Folly Beach, S.C., respectively. Starting Friday morning, Steve Harrigan and Bryan Llenas will provide live reports from locations in Florida. Meteorologists Janice Dean and Rick Reichmuth will contribute to coverage from New York City throughout the week. As the hurricane approaches the United States, more correspondents may be dispatched to various locations, the network said.

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EDINBURGH (Reuters) - British nurse Pauline Cafferkey, who contracted Ebola in 2014 while caring for patients in Sierra Leone, has been readmitted to hospital in Scotland for monitoring and is in stable condition, Glasgow's health service said on Thursday. "Ms Cafferkey was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital under routine monitoring by the Infectious Diseases Team," NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said in a statement. "She is undergoing further investigations and her condition remains stable." Cafferkey, 40, was infected during an outbreak of the highly contagious disease that killed more than 11,300 people in three West African countries. On her return to Britain in 2014, she was treated at a special isolation unit in London but has continued to suffer from ill health linked to the consequences of her Ebola infection. Last month, she was cleared of allegations that she had put the public at risk by hiding the fact she had a raised temperature when she first returned from Sierra Leone. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Sending my very best wishes to Pauline Cafferkey. She has already suffered way too much - and all for trying to help others. Thoughts with her." (Reporting by Elisabeth O'Leary; editing by Stephen Addison)
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2016 / The following statement is being issued by Levi & Korsinsky, LLP:

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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.

Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities lawsuits and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. For more information, please feel free to contact any of the attorneys listed below. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

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SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
A few short months ago, 62-year-old Brian Youngs, a resident of Bangor and a maintenance worker for the Sparta School District, retired after 15 years of service.

The talented woodworkers finely cut works adorn the walls of his garage, each the product of hours of meticulous work bent over a scroll saw.

Youngs was ready to move on and enjoy life, but only a few years earlier, he wasnt sure how much longer he was going to have.

In 2012, Youngs, then 58, went in for a colonoscopy. The prognosis wasnt good. The doctors had found a tumor in his colon.

Youngs had colon cancer.

When youre told you have cancer, its like a kick in the guts, Youngs said.

In January of the following year, Youngs began treatment for the disease. The first treatment began with weeks of radiation and chemotherapy drugs, which shrunk and killed off the cancerous cells running through his body.

You cant be negative, you have to be positive, he said.

For Youngs, staying positive wasnt too difficult as he began treatment, but after a few weeks, things started to change.

For the first two or three weeks, everything was fine, he said. Then it hit.

After the first course of chemotherapy and radiation, the doctors were able to remove his tumor.

My youngest daughter was living with me at the time and we both had to grow up that year, he said.

Youngs said the doctors had told his daughter she would have to change his dressings twice a day following the surgery. This wasnt an easy task for someone squeamish around blood.

He said when it came time to change his dressings, she always was ready.

Its amazing how something like this brings you together, Youngs said.

With the tumor removed, Youngs was officially cancer free, but he wasnt out of the woods yet. His doctors couldnt be sure his cancer wouldnt return, so they started him on a rigorous four-month long course of chemotherapy drugs that poisoned his body and left him cold and numb all summer long.

Those were some powerful drugs, he said.

Youngs said he couldnt make it to the end of his short driveway because he was so weakened by those drugs.

That was the sickest Ive ever been, he said.

He said if he had gone in for a colonoscopy earlier, he might have avoided all of this.

I recommend everyone go in at the age of 50, he said. I was lucky.

Youngs was a quiet individual, the father of three and grandfather of just as many kept a few close friends, but was by no means a socialite. When he first contracted cancer, he had never heard of Sunshine on the Trail or any of the other cancer support groups in the area.

Based out of Bangor, Sunshine on the Trail works with cancer patients and their families get the support they need during these trying times. For some, its financial support, while for others, its someone to talk to.

Youngs' first introduction to the organization came as a knock on the door.

I had no idea Sunshine on the Trail even existed, Youngs said, recounting his first introduction to the organization.

He said, somehow, they found out and wanted to help.

They offered rides, gift cards, flowers and then theyd just come to sit and talk, he said. I just never knew there were people out there like this.

Youngs said at first, he refused any financial support.

They brought me flowers and gift cards. At first, I told them 'no.' he said. They won that battle.

It wasnt just Sunshine on the Trail, either. Youngs was introduced to the Sparta Area Cancer Support group. At his benefit following his surgery, Youngs said people he hadnt seen in more than 20 years made the trip to see him.

He said the support was overwhelming.

After nine months unable to work, Youngs was able to return to his position at the Sparta School District. He described it as an all-to-welcome return to regular life, but while he was cancer free, he would never truly be free of cancer.

Youngs said his experience with cancer changed his perspective on life. He began donating his time and energy to help others afflicted with the disease.

To give back to Sunshine on the Trail, Youngs put his love of woodworking to work crafting a Wisconsin-themed patio chair for pressure-treated wood.

He said hes made dozens of these, many of which he has given away or donated to people in need. He said he can never fully pay off his debt to all those who helped him.

Now in his retirement and with a few more years than he might have had, had his illness gone unchecked, Youngs wants to travel.

I want to see the Rocky Mountains, he said.
PARIS/NANTES, France (Reuters) - Shots were fired at a planned migrant center in the French seaside resort town of Saint Brevin overnight, an attack the housing minister called "an act of extreme racism". Bullets smashed windows in the building on France's western coast, one of a number of properties across the country where the government is planning to rehouse people moved out of the crowded "Jungle" refugee camp in Calais, officials said. Shots were also fired on Wednesday night at a building in Saint-Hilaire-du-Rosier in southeastern France where migrants are also due to be housed, according to a police source. In another sign of resistance to the rehousing plan, the mayor of the southern village of Allex sought to hold a local referendum on whether to accept its government-imposed quota of 50 migrants. Regional officials blocked the vote in court. As record numbers of people flee war and strife in countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Sudan, public concern over a big influx of migrants has intensified in several European countries including France. With presidential and legislative elections in the second quarter of 2017, the Socialist government is under pressure to strike a balance between humanitarian duties and voter concern. The main conservative opposition party, Les Republicains, has launched a petition against a plan that it says will merely shut the Calais camp and replace it with dozens of mini-Calais sites nationwide. Housing Minister Emmanuelle Cosse condemned the shooting in Saint Brevin. "We can't just stand by and leave these people in the street and the mud when it is a matter of the right to asylum," she told Europe 1 radio. A local group campaigning against the planned migrant residence condemned the shooting, but also attacked the central government's decision to bypass local authorities on the rehousing project. "Imposing the migrants on this area without any form of consultation ... is also a form of violence that must be condemned," said the group, which is planning a street protest on Oct. 8. (Reporting by Guillaume Frouin and Brian Love; Editing by Andrew Callus and Andrew Heavens)
The two fights for Mosul. Baghdad and the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq are readying themselves for two fights in the Islamic State-held city of Mosul in the coming months. First is what promises to be a relatively conventional push to evict the dug-in extremists from their positions. Second comes a counterinsurgency campaign to beat back what is expected to be a guerrilla-style push after the insurgents melt into the population.

The fall of Mosul doesnt mean ISIS is done in northern Iraq, Canadian Army Brig. Gen. Dave Anderson told reporters at the Pentagon Wednesday. It just means its defeated in its current format.

Anderson oversees the training of Iraqi troops for the coalition, and said he expects ISIS fighters to go underground in and around Mosul, much as its done around Ramadi and other cities that the Iraqi army has retaken. So its definitely not over once the city falls, Anderson said. If anything, its gonna be more difficult.

Training after retraining. Once the major fighting is over, Iraqi troops will be pulled out of the city and sent for four weeks of counterinsurgency training, while about 30,000 to 45,000 Iraqi security forces will surge into the city to hold it, including local police, Anderson added.

Cant quit you. Secretary of State John Kerry discussed the situation in Syria with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday, less than 48 hours after the State Department announced a suspension in bilateral channels with Russia related to reducing the violence in Syria, FPs John Hudson tells us. The Wednesday phone call between the two diplomats, first disclosed by the Russian Foreign Ministry, raised immediate questions about whether the United States was already backtracking on its threat to cut off ties with Moscow, he writes. French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault is traveling to Washington and Moscow this week as part of a French bid to kickstart the peace process, which fell apart earlier this month.

Story continues

Russian navy ups its game in the Med. Moscow continues to ramp up its military footprint in and around Syria. Three missile corvettes from Russias Black Sea Fleet left their base in Sevastopol earlier this week and will join other Russian warships in the Mediterranean off the Syrian coast. All three ships  The Serpukhov, The Zelyony Dol, and The Mirazh, are equipped with Kalibr and Malakhit cruise missiles. The ships are expected to be joined next month by Moscows sole aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, as FP reported earlier this month.

The missile ships will likely help in reducing the city of Aleppo to rubble, as part of the strategy of driving anti-Assad rebels and civilians out of the city, extending the governments footprint, and putting Russia in a stronger position for political talks with Washington. If the rebel-controlled eastern Aleppo falls to government forces, along with its Hezbollah, Iranian, Iraqi Shiite militia allies, the regime in Damascus would then control the countrys major population centers of Damascus, Homs, Hama, Aleppo and Latakia.

The stakes. Taking Aleppo is possible but it is only possible by razing it to the ground, Alexei Arbatov, a Russian political analyst recently said.

Steel ceiling. Antonio Guterres, a former Portuguese prime minister who is all but certain to become the next U.N. secretary-general, was welcomed by U.N. insiders with a degree of elation not seen since one of their own, Kofi Annan, rose through the ranks to become the worlds top diplomat, FPs Colum Lynch reports from New York. But his victory was bittersweet for many in the U.N. bubble, who had held out hopes that 2016 would see the first woman elected to be secretary-general. The slate of hopefuls for the top spot included seven women with impressive resumes, including at least one former prime minister, several foreign ministers, and various top U.N. officials.

The next Snowden? Or grad school project? There are lots of questions over what NSA contractor Harold T. Martin III was doing with highly classified documents in his home and car, and despite an affidavit released by the government Wednesday, theres little publicly available information about the Booz Allen Hamilton contractor, who worked for the same company which employed Edward Snowden.

Martin worked on a project with NSA hackers called the Tailored Access Operations unit and if source code left NSAs facilities, it will raise questions about whether hacking tools have been compromised and potentially rendered ineffective, FPs Elias Groll writes. Hacking tools developed by the NSA would be of great interest to both criminal hacking groups and national intelligence agencies, both of whom would likely shell out large sums of money to acquire such code. But the Daily Beast adds that some former intel analysts speculate that the materials Martin brought may have been to help him with his PhD work at the University of Maryland.

Good morning and as always, if you have any thoughts, announcements, tips, or national security-related events to share, please pass them along to SitRep HQ. Best way is to send them to: paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or on Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley

Ukraine

Alexander Khodakovsky, the former State Security Minister in Ukraines breakaway Donetsk Peoples Republic, says Russian money calls the shots within the countrys rebel enclaves. In an interview with Reuters, Khodakovsky said that Russia is footing the bill for pensions and budgets in Donetsk and Luhansk. How much money that amounts to, he didnt say, but rebels have estimated that the cost of social security and welfare to be around $750 million since March 2015.

Syria

Nearly a thousand Iraqi Shia fighters have left the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq in order to fight on behalf of the Assad regime against Syrian rebels in Aleppo since September, part of a 5,000-strong force of sectarian militiamen the Wall Street Journal reports. The bulk of Iraqi forces arrayed against the city come from Harakat al-Nujaba, whose leader, Hashem al-Mosawwi, casts all Sunni rebel groups fighting the Assad regime as part of a jihadi conspiracy funded by America and Saudi Arabia. Iraqs Badr Organization also says it may fight on behalf of the Assad regime once Mosul is liberated from the Islamic State.

Angela Merkels government in Germany is considering whether to push for new European Union sanctions on Russia in the wake of its assault on civilian areas of Aleppo. Merkel will have to get more than her own party on board if EU sanctions are going to take hold, however. Merkel would have to win over her center-left coalition allies over as well as other European countries. Meanwhile, diplomats from other European countries say they dont see much enthusiasm for taking on Russia.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia kicked off new naval drills, dubbed Exercise Gulf Shield 1 in the Sea of Oman, the National reports. The exercise comes at a particularly tense time, following a missile strike against a United Arab Emirates-leased high speed vessel by Houthi forces in Yemen. Though the munition used in the strike and its origin remain unclear, many have speculated that the ship could have been hit by an Iranian-supplied C-802 anti-ship missile. It also comes amid a string of provocative encounters in the Persian Gulf between U.S. Navy ships and Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Navy. The live-fire Saudi drills have drawn the ire of Iran  itself, a frequent source of naval exercises in the Gulf  which warned Saudi ships to steer clear of Iranian waters.

Army

War is hell, as the saying goes, but Army chief Gen. Mark Milleys vision of future conflicts looks like a especially unpleasant corner of it. Speaking at the Association of the U.S. Army earlier this week, Milley laid out what he thinks upcoming ground warfare will look like. As Breaking Defense reports, Milley deployed grim showstopper lines like being seriously miserable every single minute of every day will have to become a way of life in order to drive the point across. Future wars, he said, will have no static bases, clear battle lines or lines of communication, with constant movement required in order to escape enemy drones, sensors, and weapons.

Business of defense

American arms sales took a $10 billion haircut in 2016, according to the head of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), down from last years record-setting $46.6 billion. Nonetheless, Defense News reports that DSCA chief Vice Adm. Joseph Rixey didnt have a singular explanation for the drop, offering instead that a variety of different factors could be behind the year-over-year loss. One factor could be scheduling. Rixey said that if the recently-announced fighter jet sales to Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain had gone through sooner, they would have made 2016s figure more impressive.

Torture

Two former senior CIA officials will be questioned by lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in a lawsuit on behalf of three detainees held by the Agency. Former CIA Counterterrorism Center director Jose Rodriguez and Agency general counsel John Rizzo will answer questions as part of a lawsuit against the two contractors who designed the CIAs post-9/11 torture techniques. The deposition of such high-ranking intelligence officials in civil court is unprecedented, according to Justice Department officials.

Photo credit: STR/AFP/Getty Images
Nairobi (AFP) - Somalia's Islamist Shabaab militants on Thursday claimed an attack on a residential compound in the restive northeastern Kenyan town of Mandera that left six "Christians" dead, according to their Telegram account.

The statement said the attack in the early hours of Thursday was "planned... and killed Christians" in the Kenyan region which is mainly inhabited by ethnic Somali Muslims.

The attack targeted a gated residential building which mainly housed non-locals, less than a kilometre (0.6 miles) from the volatile Somalia border town of Beled Hawa.

"We have suffered yet another attack in Mandera and sadly we have lost six people," Governor Ali Roba said in a statement.

Police chief Joseph Boinnet told AFP that there were 33 people inside the compound when the attack took place. The others escaped unharmed.

Security official Mohamud Ali Saleh said the attackers used explosives to gain access to the fortified building.

"We highly suspect the attackers are members of the Shabaab insurgent group, who have sneaked across the porous border," he said.

"These criminal gangs are desperate to hurt innocent Kenyans since they were defeated badly and routed out of all their hideouts in the neighbouring country."

Saleh said that security officers who were carrying out regular patrols of the border heard gunshots and explosions and quickly responded.

Several attacks in the region have seen Shabaab militants target Christians.

In November 2014 gunmen flagged down a commuter bus, separated passengers by religion and executed 28 non-Muslims.

And in a deadly attack that killed 148 people at Garissa University in northeastern Kenya in 2015, the gunmen lined up non-Muslim students for execution.

The Shabaab has fought to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu since 2007, but turned its sights on Kenya when the army was sent into Somalia in 2011 to fight the Islamic insurgents.

Since then the militants have targeted civilians in different parts of Kenya, including a dramatic assault on Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall in which at least 67 people were killed.
putin manhattan bridge banner

A massive banner bearing Russian President Vladimir Putin's image, the Russian flag, the Syrian flag, and the word "peacemaker" was seen billowing off the side of the Manhattan bridge in New York City on Thursday.

At least two people unfurled the giant banner around 1:45 p.m., the New York Post reports.

The incident coincides with the US and Russia suspending bilateral talks on the Syrian civil war and Russian officials threatening to shoot down US planes flying over Syria without warning.

Someone just hung up a Vladimir #Putin poster at the Manhattan Bridge in #NYC. pic.twitter.com/TrRVsqiblx  Silver Surfer (@RobPulseNews) October 6, 2016

Far from making peace in Syria, Russia has been accused by many in the international community of bombing hospitals and UN humanitarian convoys in Syria.

Gothamist writer Rebecca Fishbein notes that a pop-up shop selling Putin-themed trinkets in New York's Gamercy neighborhood in 2014 went by the name "Peacemaker." Still, it's unclear where the flag was made and who unfurled it.

The Banner has since been removed by police.

Here's a time lapse video of the banner hanging on the bridge:

(Photo courtesy of Gothamist)

NOW WATCH: International investigation: MH17 was struck by a Russian-made missile





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Madrid (AFP) - A row between Madrid and Gibraltar stepped up a notch Thursday as the overseas British territory furiously rejected claims by Spain's foreign minister that he would hoist his country's flag on the Rock.

The tiny rocky outcrop on Spain's southern tip has long been the subject of an acrimonious sovereignty row between London and Madrid, which wants Gibraltar back after it was ceded to Britain in 1713.

Since Britain's shock June vote to leave the European Union, Madrid has upped its rhetoric, arguing that Gibraltar should come back under the Spanish fold -- at least partially -- to continue enjoying much-needed EU benefits.

On Tuesday at the United Nations, Spain put forward a proposal for joint sovereignty with Britain of the Rock -- an offer angrily rejected by Gibraltar chief Fabian Picardo.

"It is simple: 'no way, Jose!'. You will never get your hands on our Rock. Never," he told a UN committee.

Then on Wednesday evening, Spain's outspoken Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo fanned the flames.

"The hands, no, I will hoist the flag. And way before Picardo thinks," he told Spanish television.

Furious, Picardo called a press conference back in Gibraltar.

"Neither in four years or in 4,000 or any other longer time, the Spanish flag will never fly over Gibraltar," he said, according to a statement.

"It's 'No way, Jose', so get used to it!."

Gibraltar's flourishing economy, which is based on the financial services sector, tourism and online gaming, depends in large part on its access to the EU's single market.

Spain, an EU member, argues that with joint sovereignty, the Rock would be able to remain British and in the European Union at the same time.

Under the plan, it says, Gibraltarians would be able to keep their British nationality, and would also be able to gain Spanish citizenship.

The idea of joint sovereignty is not new, and such a proposal was etched out between Britain and Spain in 2001 and 2002. But it was binned after Gibraltarians rejected it in a November 2002 referendum.
By Nidhi Verma

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Sri Lanka will build a second refinery with a capacity of at least 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) in a tie-up with Indian Oil Corp, a top Sri Lankan official said on Thursday, a move that strengthens New Delhi's engagement with Colombo.

India has been vying for major projects in the island nation where China has secured multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects including a $1.4 billion high-end property development and others ranging from a coal plant to ports.

T.G. Jayasinghe, the head of state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corp (CPC) said the new refinery will be built at the eastern port city of Trincomalee with the aim of exporting fuel.

"Usually it takes four years to build a refinery," he told Reuters adding that oil tanks for storage were already in place.

IOC's local subsidiary, Lanka IOC operates 15 oil tanks out of the total 99 tanks there. Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year pledged to establish a petroleum hub in Trincomalee near the world's second deepest natural harbour.

Lanka IOC was given control of the Trincomalee oil tank farm in 2001 under a 30-year deal and the government has asked the company to jointly develop and operate the unused 84 tanks.

The nation's sole oil refinery, state-run CPC's decades-old 50,000 bpd plant, was originally configured to run on Iranian crude and Sri Lanka had to import more refined oil products after U.S. sanctions caused it to stop imports from Iran.

Oil Minister Chandima Weerakkody said Sri Lanka will refurbish the existing refinery to refine "a variety of crudes" and will award the contract through competitive bidding.

Weerakkody said the cost of the second refinery had yet to be determined. In August he told Reuters China and U.S. had also expressed an interest in building refineries.

He also said his New Delhi counterpart Dharmendra Pradhan had indicated on Thursday that the Indian government had agreed to convert a 500 megawatt coal power plant in Sampur in Trincomalee to natural gas.

Story continues

The coal project has already been given to Indian state-run utility firm NTPC. However, residents in Sampur have opposed the project, citing environmental concerns.

"It will definitely be an Indian company that will convert Sampur (plant) into gas," Weerakkody told Reuters.

India's oil minister said India will help Sri Lanka increase its use of the cleaner fuel.

Petronet LNG Chief Executive Prabhat Singh, who met the Sri Lankan delegation told Reuters India is offering Sri Lanka an integrated plan to build an LNG import terminal, gas pipeline, distribution, and retail outlets with the participation of Petronet, IOC and GAIL India Ltd.

(Reporting by Nidhi Verma; Writing by Shihar Aneez, editing by David Evans)
STMicroelectronicsNV STM, which designs, develops, manufactures, and markets semiconductor products, and subsystems and modules, could be an interesting play for investors. That is because, not only does the stock have decent short-term momentum, but it is seeing solid activity on the earnings estimate revision front as well.

These positive earnings estimate revisions suggest that analysts are becoming more optimistic on STMs earnings for the coming quarter and year. In fact, consensus estimates have moved sharply higher for both of these time frames over the past four weeks, suggesting that STMicroelectronics could be a solid choice for investors.

Current Quarter Estimates for STM

In the past 30 days, 1 estimate has gone higher for STMicroelectronics while none have gone lower in the same time period. The trend has been pretty favorable too, with estimates increasing from 9 cents a share 30 days ago, to 10 cents today, a move of 11%.

Current Year Estimates for STM

Meanwhile, STMicroelectronics current year figures are also looking quite promising, with 1 estimate moving higher in the past month, compared to none lower. The consensus estimate trend has also seen a boost for this time frame, increasing from 23 cents per share 30 days ago to 24 cents per share today, an increase of 4.3%.

STMICROELECTRON Price and Consensus

STMICROELECTRON Price and Consensus | STMICROELECTRON Quote

Bottom Line

The stock has also started to move higher lately, adding 7.5% over the past four weeks, suggesting that investors are starting to take note of this impressive story. So investors may definitely want to consider this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock to profit in the near future. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here .

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Hurricane Matthew has decimated parts of Haiti and went on to slam the Bahamas on Thursday as it makes its way toward what appears to be an inevitable landfall on Florida's east coast.

As Matthew strengthened into a Category 4 storm Thursday morning, Florida Governor Rick Scott did not mince words with his state's vulnerable citizens.

Read: American Horror Stormy: Creepy Satellite Image of Hurricane Matthew Is the Stuff of Nightmares

"This is a dangerous storm," Scott said Thursday morning at a press conference. "The storm has already killed people... This storm will kill you. Time is running out."

Scott warned residents that, after Thursday morning, it would be all but too late to take heed of the mandatory evacuation.

"If you're in an evacuation zone, you need to leave now," he said. "If you wait, that's when lines happen. That's when we have problems with fuel."

The governor warned of a possible storm surge between 5 to 9 feet above the ground, a possibility that would inundate low lying areas stretching hundreds of miles.

The West Palm Beach area can expect wind speeds in excess of 100 to 150mph, Scott said.

Matthew's projected path puts millions of people in line for what will be an indirect hit, at best.

Watch: Cruise Passengers Return After Ship Was Battered by Storm: 'It Was Hell!'

States of emergency have been declared in Florida, parts of Georgia and North Carolina and in all of South Carolina, where Gov. Nikki Haley ordered more than a million people to move inland.

In Haiti, 65 people were killed after Matthew bashed the nation. U.S. experts are currently assessing the damage and the government is providing $1.5 million in food and other disaster assistance.

Watch: Simulator Shows What Happens in a Category 5 Hurricane

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A La Crosse man serving a life sentence for the 1981 murder of an Onalaska woman wants a state appellate court to overturn his convictions and order him a new trial.

Terrance Shaw, 67, argues in a new appeal that he suffered from undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder triggered by his military service when Susan Erickson was raped, strangled and stabbed.

Shaw, who wasnt examined for competency, claims he was denied the right to argue he was not guilty by mental disease or defect, according to his brief filed with the District 4 Court of Appeals.

This is shocking under the circumstances that all parties were aware that Shaw was an honorably discharged Vietnam veteran with no criminal history, wrote Shaw, who is representing himself. Mr. Shaw did not have the propensity to commit such violent crime(s) on a sunny afternoon under his normal, unimpeded state-of-mind.

A babysitter and a friend discovered 29-year-old Ericksons body on April 14 in her Onalaska home. A piece of a fingernail was under her body.

Police arrested Shaw about one year later after they caught him prowling a neighborhood in Onalaska.

An out-of-county jury in December 1982 convicted Shaw of rape and murder after a forensics expert testified that Shaws thumbnail matched the nail found under Ericksons body.

Shaw is serving a life sentence, plus 20 years.

The District 4 Court of Appeals upheld the convictions in 1985.

Shaw writes he wasnt diagnosed with PTSD until 1989, although the American Psychiatric Association identified it as a diagnosis in 1980.

It is a shame that Shaws Vietnam PTSD went unnoticed before, during and especially at the trial stage by all parties, according to his appeal.

Shaw in 2010 asked La Crosse County Circuit Judge Ramona Gonzalez to modify his sentence and run the terms concurrently based on his uncovered diagnosis. She denied the request.
Miami (AFP) - Researchers have found more evidence linking the mosquito-borne Zika virus to a neurological disorder known as Guillain-Barre syndrome, but proof of cause-and-effect remains elusive, a study said Wednesday.

The findings in the New England Journal of Medicine were based on research at six different hospitals in Colombia, involving 68 people with Guillain-Barre syndrome, most of whom had previous symptoms of Zika infection including rash, fever, headache and red eyes.

After a close analysis of these cases, researchers at Johns Hopkins University reported "the strongest evidence to date" of an association with Guillain-Barre, a rare disorder of the nervous system that can result in paralysis.

Nearly half of those in the study "complained of neurologic symptoms within four days of the onset of Zika symptoms," said the study, noting this response was unusually fast compared with those who develop Guillain-Barre symptoms after other viral infections, such as influenza or herpes.

A total of 46 patients were confirmed to have Guillain-Barre by electrodiagnostic neurological tests, and most had a specific variant in which the infection attacks protective cells known as myelin, which insulate the surface of the nerve fibers.

Guillain-Barre occurs in about one in 100,000 people, and usually appears days to weeks after infection with viruses or bacteria.

When Guillain-Barre strikes, a person's own immune system "attacks the myelin sheaths that protect the body's nerve cells, often resulting in muscle weakness, pain, sensory deficiencies and, in very acute cases, paralysis," explained the study.

Experts still do not know why it strikes some people but not others.

In order to prove whether or not Zika causes Guillain-Barre syndrome, or to understand the biological mechanisms at play, more research is needed.

Researchers have previously shown that Zika can cause brain defects such as microcephaly, or unusually small heads, in infants born to infected pregnant women.
Khartoum (AFP) - Doctors at Sudanese government hospitals held a nationwide strike on Thursday to demand better facilities, higher wages and protection from security forces.

The Federal Committee of Doctors said medics at government hospitals were handling only emergency cases following the start of the walkout on Thursday morning.

"Reports indicate that the strike is nationwide," the committee said in a statement.

An AFP correspondent saw doctors protesting at several government hospitals in Khartoum, and similar reports came from West Darfur, North Darfur, Jazira and Sennar states.

"Our strike is for the good of patients," and "We want to feel secure while working," were among the slogans on banners carried by doctors in the capital.

In recent weeks, Sudanese media have reported several attacks on doctors by relatives of patients as well as policemen angry about alleged delays in the treatment of fellow officers.

Thursday's action was also in protest at low wages and deteriorating services.

"We are complaining because there is no proper equipment at hospitals," Wafa Ali, a doctor at a south Khartoum hospital, told AFP.

"The hospitals are not properly maintained ... even the emergency rooms are not clean."

Another doctor, Osama Ahmed, said that medical staff had come under increasing pressure in recent years.

"We have been complaining for a long time about the work atmosphere in hospitals," he said.

"We want to feel secure when we work ... Patients too are suffering because there is no proper equipment and that puts pressure on us."

Distressed patients in several hospitals complained as doctors refused to examine non-emergency cases.

"My son has fever from yesterday but doctors are refusing to check him," said Hana Babiker, who had come to a government hospital in an impoverished neighbourhood of south Khartoum.

"Now I have no choice but to go to a private hospital which is very expensive," she said, holding her three-year-old son Mohamed on her arm.

The failings of Sudan's public health system have led to a boom in the private sector, which now counts more than 1,400 hospitals nationwide.
Suzuka (Japan) (AFP) - Lewis Hamilton cut a surly figure in Suzuka on Thursday, fiddling with his phone during a news conference and complaining a higher power caused his dramatic engine fire in Malaysia.

As his Sepang victory hopes went up in smoke last weekend, the world champion appeared to point to a Mercedes conspiracy against him in a furious rant, fuming: "Someone doesn't want me to win this year."

The Briton, who has seen Mercedes rival Nico Rosberg open a 23-point lead with five races left this season, has since gone to great lengths to deny any suggestion of skullduggery, posting several photos on social media praising his "awesome car crew".

By Thursday, Hamilton was blaming God for his mechanical issues -- claiming that was what he meant all along.

"It hasn't changed, nothing's changed," he sniffed.

"It appears currently the 'guy above' doesn't really want me to win right now. But I've made a point on my Instagram so I don't really have much more to say about it."

A distracted Hamilton played with his phone throughout the press conference. He took a selfie and photos of fellow drivers on mobile app Snapchat, giving himself bunny ears and Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz a "Bambi" face.

When asked by reporters what he was up to, Hamilton gave a withering look, at first pretending not to hear the question.

"It's just some snaps of us drivers, it's quite funny," he sighed.

"Hey man, we've been doing this a long, long time and it's the same each time. We've got to keep adding new things to it."

- Charm offensive -

Hamilton then elaborated on his sudden charm offensive since rowing back on Sunday's outburst.

"I've been planning to do it for a while, so it just turned out to be the appropriate time," he insisted.

Whether or not he had been instructed by team chief Toto Wolff to distance himself from his remarks, Hamilton did not look a happy camper.

Story continues

As the dust settled last weekend, Hamilton posted on his Instagram account: "I have 100 percent faith in my team. It's not how we fall, it's how we get up."

And that was his default setting after arriving in Japan, where he will be going for a hat-trick of Suzuka victories.

Fans who felt Hamilton had been hard done by after his engine conked out in Malaysia "can just go on my Instagram," he shrugged. "I put all my feelings on there.

"They have the right to their own opinions," he added. "But as you've seen from my post, you've seen how passionate I am about this team and about my guys."

Meanwhile, Mercedes discovered the cause of Hamilton's engine failure following exhaustive investigations, revealing that a big-end bearing failure in the crankshaft led to the blow-out and sabotaged a race he was dominating.

It was Hamilton's third power unit failure of the year and he will revert to the engine he used in Singapore this weekend. Rosberg will use the same one he ran in Malaysia.
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian government forces seized around half of a key opposition-held neighborhood in Aleppo on Thursday in a new advance against rebels, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. The British-based Observatory said fighting had been raging in the residential Bustan al-Basha quarter near the city center, one of the frontlines in Aleppo which has been divided for years between government and opposition areas of control. The Syrian military also said in a statement that its forces had advanced in Bustan al-Basha - though an official in an Aleppo-based rebel group denied there had been a government advance in the area. Government forces have encircled Aleppo's rebel-held eastern sector in recent weeks with the use of heavy aerial bombardment and are seeking to recapture the whole city. (Reporting by John Davison; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
BEIRUT (Reuters) - President Bashar al-Assad said his forces would recapture all of Syria, including Aleppo, in a television interview on Thursday but added he would prefer to do so using local deals and amnesties that would allow rebels to leave for other areas. According to the transcript of an interview with Denmark's TV 2, he said there were no moderate rebels and that the United States was using the Nusra Front, which changed its name in July and broke allegiance to al Qaeda, as "a card" in Syria's war. Syria's government, backed by militias from Lebanon and Iraq and by Russia, has already agreed amnesties with rebel fighters in some other areas after long sieges accompanied by intense bombardment, a model some analysts say may be used in Aleppo. On Wednesday the army said it was reducing air strikes and shelling in Aleppo to alleviate the humanitarian situation. But it also called on all fighters and their families to leave rebel-held parts of the city or face "their inevitable fate". The intense bombardment of Aleppo during an army offensive that began two weeks ago has included several strikes on hospitals, residents and medical workers there have said, but Assad denied in the interview any knowledge of such attacks. "We don't have a policy to destroy hospitals or schools or any such facility," he said. "If there's such an attack from the army, it could be by mistake". He said the United States did not have the will to reach a peace agreement that would involve allowing air strikes against Nusra Front, now called Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, because the group was its only "concrete and effective card in the Syrian arena". The United States has classified Nusra Front as a terrorist organisation and repeatedly warned other rebel groups not to work with it. Washington blamed the collapse of last month's truce on the Syrian government and Russia. (Reporting By Ellen Francis and Angus McDowall; Editing by Dominic Evans and Angus MacSwan)
TAIPEI (Reuters) - Leading Taiwanese chip designer MediaTek Inc, said on Thursday it will triple its workforce in India within three years to 1,500 from more than 500 as it expands research and software development as well as customer service operations.

The projection compared with MediaTek's current staff of around 12,000 worldwide, and came as chairman M.K. Tsai said the company will host 50 Indian engineers before the end of the year in Taiwan as part of a collaborative government training program on smartphone design.

"MediaTek is committed to Make in India," Tsai said at a seminar discussing opportunities between Taiwan and India in the technology sector, referring to the Indian government's push to attract foreign investment. He estimated MediaTek's market share in Indian-brand smartphones grew to around 70 percent by 2014 from 35 percent in 2007.

Taiwanese tech firms have identified India as the next major market outside of China that is capable of boosting business in an increasingly saturated smartphone market.

Taiwan's Foxconn signed a pact last year with India's Maharashtra state to invest $5 billion over five years in a new electronics manufacturing facility as part of a broad plan to set up 10 to 12 facilities, both manufacturing and data centres, by 2020.

Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, is the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer and assembler of Apple Inc's iPhones.

MediaTek's latest announcement comes after the firm invested $60 million in late August in India's One97 Communications, which operates under the trade name PayTM, to aid expansion at the payment services and e-commerce firm.

Tsai said MediaTek's investment in India totals $350 million to date, after setting up a subsidiary in Noida city in 2004 and expanding its operation with a research and development centre in Bengaluru in 2014.

(Reporting by J.R. Wu; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - Tanzania has secured $1.6 billion in loans and grants from the World Bank which it said it will use to help end chronic power shortages, rebuild its railways and develop its farming. East Africa's second-biggest economy is revamping its power generation and hopes to use some of its estimated 57 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves to cut its reliance on oil-fired and hydro power plants. Tanzania's finance ministry said in a statement on Thursday that it had secured the loans ahead of the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in Washington, D.C. this week. "The financial package will help the government to improve various infrastructure and speed up the development of the manufacturing sector, while at the same time improving the business environment for the private sector," central bank governor Benno Ndulu said in the statement. The World Bank funding will also include a $200 million loan for Tanzania's state-run power utility, Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), to help it clear its arrears of about $250 million which it has said it plans to pay off by the end of 2016 by switching to cheaper, domestic gas-fired plants. TANESCO's debts are with private power and fuel suppliers, and have climbed over the years after dry spells hurt hydropower output and the government filled the gap by building fuel oil or diesel plants. (Reporting by Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala; Editing by George Obulutsa and Alexander Smith)
TOWN OF HOLLAND  Almost 100 of La Crosses Lincoln Middle School students spent their morning Sept. 27 picking seeds, watching birds and bugs and getting surprised by mice and corn snakes.

The students, all seventh-graders in the schools life sciences classes, were participating in the Mississippi Valley Conservancys Acorns to Oaks program, which receives funding from the La Crosse Community Foundations Myrick Hixon Ecopark Fund. During their field experience last week at the New Amsterdam Grasslands, students collected seeds that will be used to regenerate the prairie and also studied the sand prairies wildlife, which includes birds and bugs.

This is a particularly good time to work with them, MVC Executive Director Carol Abrahamzon said. We can get them away from their screens, and its important to impress upon them the importance of the outdoors and learn about the habitat they live in.

The grasslands are 300 acres of some of the last of the sand prairies left in the region, Abrahamzon said, and are a unique feature of the Driftless Area. Because of the sandy soil, the prairie provides good drainage and is home to many unique varieties of grasses and flowers that use large root systems to survive in the dry soil.

The Acorns to Oaks program is in its third year of funding with a $41,240 grant from the community foundation. The conservancy also partners with WisCorps on the classroom component of the field trip. The field trip is part of the required field experiences in the seventh-grade science curriculum, teacher Tim Sprain said, which focuses on life sciences and also blends in reading, mathematics and other components.

Students at the middle school will do 20 field experiences as part of their classwork, Sprain said, to help create context for what they are learning in the classroom.

It is important to get them out in the natural world, he said, to better appreciate a natural ecosystem they dont get to experience living in the City of La Crosse.

We want them to touch, feel and see what a prairie is, Sprain said. We want them to develop feelings, emotions and beliefs.

Sprains group of students started their morning at the grassland looking for wildlife, such as chickadees, a species that can weather a Wisconsin winter without having to fly south. Kolter Borge, one of the students, said the group spotted a couple of the birds during their exploration of the grassland and thought the calls and sounds they make were pretty interesting.

Both Kolter and his classmate Haley Edwards thought it was cool how tall the prairie plants could grow, as well as the different kinds of flowers that were still blooming into the fall. Sophie Hannum said it was her first time in a prairie.

It is cool how all the plants come together to make a grassland, she said.
Every time that Spotify's Troy Carter meets with a label marketer, he hears the same thing: "How can I get No. 1 on Today's Top Hits?" He has to explain, calmly, how songs are placed on the service's most popular playlist, which has 11 million followers and is meticulously curated by senior content editor Mike Biggane based on a combination of songs' popularity on other playlists and his own instincts. In other words, the old rules don't really apply.

"When you look at radio, when you look at retail, we've pretty much been working records the same way for decades," says Carter, the former Lady Gaga and Meghan Trainor manager who was hired as the streaming giant's head of creator services in June. "A lot of partners were trying to treat Spotify like a traditional retail account. It's not. It's its own thing."

Carter -- like Apple Music's Jimmy Iovine and Larry Jackson, the Roc Nation team that largely runs Tidal and, as of the last week of September, YouTube's new global music head Lyor Cohen -- is well situated to translate streaming services to people who speak only music industry. During the past few years, the music business has turned into a battleground between rival streaming giants and record labels, with skirmishes breaking out over exclusives (like when Frank Ocean used Apple Music to break his label deal with Def Jam/Universal in August) and copyright infringement (YouTube has been fighting with artists and labels over how stringently it polices unauthorized songs).

Streaming companies crave effective, articulate diplomats to deal with these kinds of issues -- "The technology companies have been forced to admit they don't know how to deal with talent," says Dixie Chicks manager Simon Renshaw. But are people like Cohen and Carter right for the job? The hard-charging Cohen, formerly head of Def Jam and Warner Music, has been such a cutthroat presence in the music business that his former boss, Edgar Bronfman Jr., said in Fred Goodman's 2010 book Fortune's Fool: "In the best way, Lyor's an animal." And his hiring may not exactly soothe those music executives who have worked with him.

"YouTube has never had relationships with anybody in the music business," says a source who worked at a major label. "Then they hire Lyor, and the one thing that's on Lyor's mind is how to take out the guy he's reporting to, because that's his history. I don't think he's there to help the music industry at all." Counters another insider: "YouTube just changed its entire complexion ... from predictable to anything is possible." (Cohen and YouTube declined Billboard's requests for comment.)

"We are looking at a shift in the consolidation of the business," says one former label exec. "You have Jimmy, Lyor and Troy, who are radio-oriented people. Apple has made moves with Beats 1 to a radio-centric kind of model, and Troy has made promotions-oriented changes on the content team. What that signals is that the streaming business has matured, so I think you're going to see more radio people coming over to the streaming services. And since eventually there won't be any CDs or downloads to sell, labels' sales and promotion departments will consolidate -- with the potential for promotion teams to become the power bases at labels."

Of all the streaming companies, YouTube has the rockiest relationship with artists and labels. In open letters in 2016, top artists and managers from Taylor Swift to Paul McCartney to Irving Azoff have complained that the service pays insufficient royalties and could be much more effective at removing unauthorized content. In their responses, YouTube executives often have come across as standoffish, if not belligerent -- qualities that some hope Cohen changes. "It's clear to me that YouTube really doesn't understand our business, so now maybe they'll learn," says Dina LaPolt, attorney for Fifth Harmony and Deadmau5. "The music and technology communities need to speak each other's languages, and to have both sets of people at these companies really helps. So bring it, Lyor!"

But skeptics are quick to remind that it wasn't so long ago that Iovine and Cohen were two of the world's most powerful record executives when the music business said "Hell no" to Napster and file-sharing, going down a self-destructive path of dwindling CD sales and eventually giving away the download business to Apple's iTunes. Many in the industry wonder: Are these really the best people to usher in the future of the music business?

Electronic Frontier Foundation legal director Corynne McSherry provides a brighter outlook. "The way the music industry responded to Napster was profoundly mistaken -- they just went to the lawyers instead of talking to the business development people. Smart music executives may be slow to learn, but they can see the future. They may have made mistakes, but they're not stupid."

Additional reporting by Ed Christman.

This article first appeared in the Oct. 15 issue of Billboard.
Ted Cruz stopped by the Republican Party headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, on Wednesday, working the phones to encourage potential GOP voters to come out and vote in next months presidential election  and defending his surprise endorsement of Donald Trump.

Ive made the decision that on Election Day Im going to vote for the Republican nominee, the Texas senator told reporters at the event. Like a whole lot of voters here in Texas and across the country, this was not an easy decision for me to arrive on.

During the Republican primary, Trump frequently referred to Cruz as Lyin Ted, insulted his wife and suggested that Cruzs father was involved in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. At the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Cruz was booed when he gave a speech while declining to endorse his partys nominee.

But Cruz, who ultimately endorsed Trump last month, insisted his endorsement has more to do with his commitment to the party  and to taking down Trumps opponent  than anything else.

A year ago, I stood onstage and promised to support the Republican nominee, whoever that was, and I am honoring my word, Cruz said. Although I have long had significant concerns with Donald, by any measure, Hillary Clinton would be an absolute disaster as president.

Im working hard to keep Texas red, to defeat Hillary Clinton and also, critically, maintain the Republican majority in the Senate, he continued. That is my commitment, to do everything I can to keep a Republican majority in the Senate.

In his phone calls to potential GOP voters, Cruz did not mention Trump by name. On social media, some mocked the footage of his phone-banking calls as another blow to Cruzs pride.

Sen. Ted Cruz stopped by Tarrant Cty GOP headquarters to work the phones for a bit and meet constituents. #TedCruz #GOP #Republican pic.twitter.com/pYDIPQ4tD1  G.J. McCarthy (@gjmccarthy) October 5, 2016

Hi, this is Ted Cruz calling, he said while leaving a voicemail with one potential voter. Im encouraging you to come out and vote on Election Day. This election is critical for the direction of our country. And I urge you to come out and support freedom, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. You can vote by absentee ballot, and if you need help getting an application for an absentee ballot, the Republican Party of Texas can help you with that. Or you can vote in person. I just wanted to encourage you to come out and vote. Thank you, and God bless you.

Story continues

Cruz, who is not up for reelection until 2018, is throwing his support behind six GOP senators, including incumbents facing reelection.

Im encouraging conservatives to come out and vote  and vote for Republicans up and down the ticket, he said. Turnout matters. If turnout falls by a certain percentage among conservatives, that could wreak real damage.
Last week wasnt a favorable one for the telecom sector. Most of the major telecom stocks lost value mirroring the broader market (the S&P 500) movement attributable to renewed concerns over Brexit. Nevertheless, this did not keep the telecom sector from witnessing its usual slew of activities.

U.S. telecom regulator Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has postponed the final voting on the revised rules for Unlock the Box NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) proposed by its Chairman, Tom Wheeler. In Feb 2016, the FCC voted 3-2 to advance the Unlock the Box NPRM for news rules concerning the set top box. The final voting was scheduled to take place on Sep. 29, 2016. Notably, major U.S. pay-TV operators have been vehemently opposing the NPRM.

Leading wireless chipset manufacturer Qualcomm Inc. QCOM is gearing up for another acquisition and is reportedly in talks to buy the Netherlands-based semi-conductor company, NXP Semiconductors NV NXPI. According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, the transaction is expected to be valued at around $30 billion or more and should be completed within the next two to three months.

Moreover, Qualcomm has teamed up with SK Telecom Co. Ltd. SKM to evaluate the over-the-air technology of eLAA (Enhanced Licensed Assisted Access) and LAA (Licensed Assisted Access) that utilizes both licensed and unlicensed spectrum.

Meanwhile, U.S. telecom behemoth AT&T Inc. T has reached an agreement with Communication Workers of America (CWA) covering the formers DIRECTV employees in its Midwest, Southeast and Southwest regions. The agreement will deal with multiple issues like health care, pension and wages and collectively cover about 2050 employees of the company. Notably, AT&T had taken over DIRECTV in 2015.

In a separate development, AT&T has decided to rename its Network Functions on Demand platform as FlexWare. The new brand will provide a small device option, enhanced feature functionality for security and expanded global availability. Moreover, the company recently declared a multi-year deal with Taylor Swift for DirecTV's Super Saturday Night event and a carriage deal with Viacom Inc. VIAB for its upcoming DirecTV Now platform.

Story continues

Other developments worth mentioning include Level 3 Communications Inc.s LVLT recent Issuer Default Rating (IDR) upgrade to 'BB' from 'BB-' by credit rating agency Fitch Ratings. The rating agency has cited ongoing revenue growth of the companys enterprise division as the main reason for the upgrade.

Leading cable MSO (multi service operator) Comcast Corp. CMCSA has entered into a share warrant deal with Harmonic Inc. HLIT. The warrant will allow Comcast to purchase up to a 10% stake in Harmonic at a fixed rate of $4.76 per share, contingent upon the performance of certain operational metrics like product milestones and sales target. Comcast currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Outside the U.S., Spanish telecom behemoth Telefonica SA TEF was forced to abandon the initial public offering (IPO) of its infrastructure division Telxius due to weak market demand. The company may now be looking forward to an IPO of its U.K. wireless unit, O2 UK. The Telxius IPO failed to generate interest among investors due to its high valuation. Earlier this year, the European Union telecom regulator blocked the proposed sale of its O2 unit in the U.K. to 3UK of Hutchison Whampoa.

Read the last Telecom Stock Roundup for Sep 29, 2016.

Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories

1. Per the FCC, the set-top box market, dominated by pay-TV operators, is currently valued at about $20 billion annually. Meanwhile, lack of competition has resulted in higher rental fees for consumers. At present, an average consumer spends around $231 per annum to lease set-top boxes. According to a recent study by the FCC, the cost of cable set-top boxes has risen 185% while the price of computers, televisions and mobile phones has dropped 90% since 1994. (read more: FCC Defers Voting on Set Top Box Rules for Pay-TV Industry.)

2. The proposed deal with NXP Semiconductors will place Qualcomm in the second position after Intel Corp. INTC in terms of sales. The deal will also help Qualcomm fortify its hold in the Internet of Things (IoT) industry. It should also help Qualcomm transform its business model and shift from the low-margin, low-growth smartphone market to high-margin, high-growth, automotive market with secure devices, connectivity and payment procedures. (read more: Is Qualcomm Eyeing NXP Semiconductors Buyout?)

3. AT&T has been pursuing negotiations regarding new contracts covering over 16,000 wireline employees in three of its operating states. However, the company is confident about striking a fair deal with the association soon. Also, in June this year, around 40,000 AT&T wireless workers, represented by the CWA, rejected a contract proposed by AT&T related to several benefits. (read more: AT&T Inks Contract with Communication Workers of America.)

4. Level 3 Communications is gradually converting itself from a retail customer centric service provider to a predominantly enterprise-focused entity. Management has taken three strategic decisions in this regard. These are, increasing enterprise customer sales, deployment of a sizeable metro fiber network and developing a strong IP-based product portfolio. (read more: A Boon for Level 3 Communications - Fitch Raises Rating.)

5. Recently, a Reuters report stated that Telefonica is moving ahead with a proposed IPO of its UK wireless division in Dec 2016, which may be delayed if the underlying macroeconomic conditions remain volatile. Such conditions could hurt valuations, and getting the proper assessment for its O2 unit is of utmost importance for Telefonica, as it looks to cut a massive debt from its balance sheet. (read more: Telefonica May Look at O2 UK for IPO after Telxuis Setback.)

Price Performance

The following table shows the price movement of the major telecom players over the past week and the last six months.

Company Last Week Last 6 Months VZ -3.19% -6.07% T -4.19% 1.35% S -1.91% 85.52% TMUS -1.16% 17.83% VOD -1.79% -7.15% CHL 1.84% 14.50% AMX -0.34% -23.52% CMCSA -0.50% 5.79% DISH 2.67% 25.23%

Over the last five trading sessions, share price movement of most of the major telecom stocks was negative. AT&T (4.19%) and Verizon (3.19%) lost significant value in the last five trading sessions. On the contrary, over the last six months, the price performance of most telecom stocks was predominantly positive. Among the stocks that gained considerably were Sprint (85.52%), DISH (25.23%), T-Mobile US (17.83%) and China Mobile (14.50%). However, America Movil lost 23.52% over the same time frame.

Whats Next in the Telecom Sector?

We do not foresee any significant changes in the telecom industry or overall global economic factors that can affect the industry in the coming week. Therefore, we expect stocks to trade in line with the broader market movement.

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Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. TEVA announced that it has agreed to divest the UK and Ireland assets of Actavis Generics to Accord Healthcare, a subsidiary of Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd, subject to a final approval from the European Commission (EC).



The deal has been settled with Accord Healthcare for an agreed value of 603 million.



Teva acquired Actavis Generics from Allergan plc AGN in August. The divestment was part of an undertaking that Teva had made to the EC to get approval for its takeover of Actavis Generics. The transaction is expected to close within the next three months.



The divestment will include the sale of a portfolio of generic medicines, plus a manufacturing plant in Barnstaple, England. However, Teva has retained several Actavis products like non-overlapping generic products, specialty medicines, and OTC (over-the-counter) products.



Earlier this week, Teva completed the acquisition of Allergans U.S. generic distribution business, Anda, Inc., the fourth largest distributor of generic pharmaceuticals in the country.



Acquisitions have been an integral component of Tevas expansion strategy. Over the past few years, the company has completed several major acquisitions. The companys growth-by-acquisition strategy has enhanced its operational expertise and manufacturing capabilities substantially, provided support to its long-term investment in generics business, and aided expansion in emerging markets.

TEVA PHARM ADR Price

TEVA PHARM ADR Price | TEVA PHARM ADR Quote

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Teva currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A couple of better-ranked stocks in health care sector include Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. AMPH and Anika Therapeutics Inc. ANIK. Both these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Amphastar Pharmaceuticals witnessed an increase of 340% and 12.7% in its earnings estimates for 2016 and 2017, respectively, over the last 60 days. It has beaten earnings estimates in all of the last four quarters, bringing the average beat to 456.2%. The companys stock price has rallied 45% year to date.



Anika Therapeutics has seen its earnings estimates for 2016 and 2017 rise 9.4% and 11.5%, respectively, over the last 60 days. The company recorded a positive earnings surprise in each of the last four quarters, with an average beat of 42.19%. Its share price has jumped 25.6% year to date.

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AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - Texas executed a man on Wednesday who pleaded guilty to spraying a neighboring home with gunfire, kicking in the door and killing the married couple who lived there in 2003.

Barney Fuller Jr., 58, was pronounced dead at 7:01 p.m. CDT (12:01 a.m. GMT on Thursday) at the state's death chamber in Huntsville after waiving his final appeals.

It was the seventh this year in Texas and the 16th in the United States.

Fuller was sentenced to death after pleading guilty to capital murder in July 2004. A federal judge earlier this year ruled that he was competent to decide to forgo further appeals in his case.

The shooting rampage followed simmering disputes escalated between Fuller and his neighbors in rural East Texas, according to court documents.

Neighbors Nathan and Annette Copeland had complained to police that Fuller had shot their dog, fired at their house and fired at an electrical transformer for the residence.

The clashes escalated after Fuller told Annette Copeland "Happy New Year, I'm going to kill you" over the phone and was charged with making a terroristic threat, according to court documents.

As his trial date was nearing in May 2003, Fuller went to the Copeland home and opened fire with an AR-15 rifle, the documents said.

After entering the home, Fuller shot and killed Annette, 39, and Nathan Copeland, 43, and wounded their teenage son, Cody. A 10-year-old daughter avoided injury, the documents said.

A few hours after the shootings, Fuller called 911 and confessed to the crime, according to the Texas attorney general's office.

In lieu of a final statement, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice quoted Fuller as saying: "I don't have anything to say. You can proceed Warden Jones."

(Reporting by Jon Herskovitz in Austin and Lisa Maria Garza in Dallas; Editing by Eric M. Johnson and Sandra Maler)
Hong Kong political activist Joshua Wong was deported from Thailand on Wednesday after being detained in Bangkok for several hours when Thai officials refused to grant him entry.

The 19-year-old, who made international headlines in 2014 for his leadership during Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests , arrived at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport just before midnight on Tuesday but was held in airport custody until Wednesday afternoon, Wong's political party Demosisto revealed in a statement.

Thai student-activist Netiwit Chotipatpaisal, who was expected to meet Wong, notified Demosisto of the detention around 4am on Wednesday.

Thai authorities had previously received a letter from the Chinese government regarding Wong's visit, according to Chotipatpaisal, whose request to see Wong was declined.

Wong later boarded a Hong Kong Airlines flight and arrived back in the city around 3:45 pm local time, Demosisto said. The center-left party has condemned the Thai government for unreasonably limiting Wong's freedom and right to entry.

Wong and Nathan Law, a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council and fellow independence campaigner, later discussed the case in greater length at a press conference.



"If Thai authorities held Mr. Wong at Beijing's request, then this episode strongly suggests that China remains deeply suspicious of political activism in Hong Kong," Chong Ja Ian, assistant professor at the National University of Singapore, told CNBC.



Wong and the Demosisto party that he co-founded with Law are fierce advocates of Hong Kong's independence from mainland China. In recent years, Wong and other pro-democracy activists have ramped up their protests against increasing Chinese interference in the island's politics .

Hong Kong is considered a special administrative region of China and operates on a principle known as 'One Country, Two Systems' that grants the city high levels of autonomy from the mainland. Still, Beijing maintains the right to select candidates for the post of Hong Kong chief executives, as well as for the legislative council. Under Hong Kong's constitution, universal suffrage is an "ultimate aim" but it remains out of reach after Beijing ruled out open nominations .

Story continues

Last month, Hong Kong held its first major election since the 2014 Umbrella Movement, with record turnout. Pro-democracy politicians secured 54.8 percent of the vote, while the pro-Beijing camp took 40.3 percent. But ahead of the polls, the Hong Kong government had banned six pro-independence candidates from running.



The strong pro-democracy result reportedly spooked Beijing, with multiple Chinese officials insisting afterward that Hong Kong could never be independent of China.





Last year, five people connected to a Hong Kong publisher that specialized in books critical of Chinese Community Party elites were reported missing, triggering widespread speculation that mainland officials had spirited them across the border as a silencing mechanism .

That episode, alongside Wednesday's developments, indicated that the 'One Country, Two Systems' idea was fast eroding, remarked Curtis S. Chin, Asia fellow at the Milken Institute.

Thailand's alleged co-operation with China could also reflect that the crackdown on free speech in the world's number two economy was spreading to other countries.

"China's restrictions has spread not just to Hong Kong but also seemingly now to countries with which it has significant economic and investment ties," Chin noted. "We also saw the power of China's influence when Cambodiaa recipient of significant Chinese assistance and investmentblocked efforts by other Southeast Asian nations to have ASEAN speak up on the issue of China's assertiveness in the South China Sea."

Thailand certainly has its own worries about democracy . The Southeast Asian country is currently under military rule and pro-establishment lawmakers intend to ensure that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former army chief, keeps his post during general elections next year, according to reports this week.

Permission for Wong to enter Thailand involved various factors, Reuters said, citing a statement from the Thai Foreign Ministry. Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry said it respected Thailand's exercise of immigration control according to the law, Reuters added.



"This [Wong's detention] seems to be a broader pattern of Beijing going after who they deem threatening to their hold on power," Chong echoed.

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Oct. 6, 1976, is a date that still haunts the government and people of Thailand. On it, state forces massacred scores of student activists on the lawn of Bangkoks Thammasat University.

The campus had been occupied by leftist student demonstrators who opposed the return to Thailand of a former dictator. The military and arch royalists accused them of being antimonarchical communists, and the military, police and right-wing paramilitary forces had Thammasat surrounded.

With thousands of students under siege, authorities opened fire onto the campus with M-16s, recoilless rifles and grenades. For several hours, these forces  later joined by vigilantes  shot, beat, raped and murdered unarmed students, some as they tried to either flee or surrender. The chaos was used to justify a military coup later that same day.

Official figures put the death toll at 46, with 167 wounded and more than 3,000 students arrested. The death toll is disputed to this day, with survivors putting it at more like 100.

Decades later, no one has been held accountable for the atrocity, and the countrys current junta  which assumed power in a coup in 2014  has shown that it is still highly sensitive to discussion of it.

Read More: Thailand: Coups That Helped Shape the Land of Coups

Joshua Wong, a slight and bespectacled 19-year-old from Hong Kong, may not appear to pose much of a threat to Thailands military regime, but the young activist is known internationally for helping to lead 79 days of well-organized and politically disruptive pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Wong was detained and deported shortly after he landed in Thailand on Wednesday, a day before he was due to address Thai students and activists at an event commemorating the massacre at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.

He came on the invitation of Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, a 20-year-old student of political science who earned notoriety earlier this year for refusing to prostrate himself in front of a statue of Thailands former Kings.

Story continues

While the news of Wongs expulsion prompted speculation that the Chinese government had asked Thai authorities to deny him entry, Paul Quaglia, a security expert for PQA Associates in Bangkok, says Thailand may have had its own reasons to prevent him from coming in to stir up talk about democracy among Thai youth.

This is clearly a confluence of interests at the least, Quaglia tells TIME. The Thai government has no interest in a foreign student democracy leader coming here to speak to Thai students on the anniversary of the 1976 student massacre.

Read More: Activist Joshua Wong Has Returned to Hong Kong After Being Denied Entry to Thailand

I think its a combination, Netiwit, the Thai activist, tells TIME. The Chinese intervene in Thailand, and also, Thailand doesnt want Joshua Wong to come. He says Wong plans to address the conference via Skype, and on Thursday morning he was confident that authorities wouldnt intervene.

As of Thursday morning local time, all was peaceful in Bangkok as monks, students and bystanders held vigils in several parts of the city. The event at Chulalongkorn University, which was partly organized by Netiwit, is set to feature a series of talks by student activists and survivors to commemorate the massacre.

In the weeks leading up to that October morning, thousands of students had gathered to protest the return to Thailand of former dictator Thanom Kittikachorn, who had re-emerged from exile amid a tense political situation fueled by fears that communism would soon spread to the Southeast Asian nation from its neighbors, Laos and Vietnam. Several people had already been killed during the series of demonstrations in the capital, but the crowds continued to swell.

The brutality that ensued is well documented. In fact, if youve ever handled a record from punk rock band the Dead Kennedys, you have probably seen the horror of the Bangkok massacre. Despite its name, the cover art for the album Holiday in Cambodia is actually from Thammasat, and consists of a Pulitzer-winning photograph of a hanged corpse, in the split-second before a man brings a folding chair down on a lifeless head while a crowd watches.

The image, captured by Associated Press photographer Neal Ulevich, has become iconic of the brutality unleashed by a paranoid military that fostered distrust and encouraged mob violence. But while the picture is recognizable around the globe, many in Thailand dont know much about the events leading up to that horrific moment.

In general, you can commemorate, but in textbooks, in schools, they dont want you to know, Netiwit claims. They dont want you to know about the sixth of October.

This years anniversary is significant. Not only does it mark four decades since the incident, which is referred to in Thailand as the Oct. 6 Event, but it also serves as a grim reminder of Thailands record of impunity.

As no state official has even been held accountable for the massacre at Thammasat University, Kingsley Abbott, a legal adviser with the International Commission of Jurists, tells TIME, the incident has become emblematic of the culture of impunity that continues to plague Thailand to the detriment of real reconciliation within society.

 With reporting by Charlie Campbell / Beijing
(Reuters) - Theranos Inc said it will lay off about 340 workers, or about 43 percent of its full-time employees, as it closes its clinical labs and Theranos Wellness Centers, signaling a withdrawal from the consumer blood-testing business. The move impacts workers in Arizona, California, and Pennsylvania, Theranos Chief Executive Elizabeth Holmes said in a letter published on the company's website on Wednesday. (http://bit.ly/2dLDEP5) Theranos, which employs around 790 people full time, had earlier withdrawn a request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency clearance of its Zika virus blood test. Theranos ran into trouble after the Wall Street Journal published a series of articles beginning last October suggesting its blood-testing devices were flawed and inaccurate. [nL1N1AI1Q6] (Reporting by Gaurika Juneja in Bengaluru; Editing by Bill Rigby)
With the deer archery season started and gun deer season only a few weeks away, Wisconsin Lions will be collecting deer hides again. This will give our sportsman another chance to support an excellent camp which helps individuals with handicaps. Each client enjoys one week of fun at no charge. These collected deer hides are sold in a large lot to obtain money to help operate this camp.

This project of collecting deer hides in order to support the Wisconsin Lions Camp was dreamed up by one of our most enthusiastic and dedicated Lions. As years pass, it has grown and become a vital part of sustaining a camping experience for more than 1,300 young people every year who have a disability to cope with. It also provides an experience for counselors who want to work in this field. The donation of your deer hides to a local Lions Club helps so many youth compared to the hunter, who gets $2 -$4 per hide or maybe a pair of gloves or two.

The Wisconsin Lions camp is located near Rosholt. It is situated on 440 acres with a 40-acre private lake. Being a wildlife refuge, it is safe for camping with many hiking and backpacking trails. The camp consists of nine duplex cabins and the Pine Wood Lodge. They are fully handicap-accessible, air-conditioned and winterized with modern bathroom facilities. The duplex cabins sleep 20 campers in two separate cabins with counselors that stay with them 24 hours a day. The Pine Wood Lodge sleeps 48 campers in six separate cabins and also has large meeting rooms.

The camp also has a large dining area and a health center staffed with nurses providing all medical needs around the clock. Activities range from crafts to water sports, such as swimming, fishing, sailing, canoeing and paddle boats; from performing arts to the mud pits and climbing wall; from overnight camp out and cook outs to environmental education.

The Lions Camp operating budget is around $950,000, supported mainly by individual and Lion Clubs annual donations, providing a great camping experience for each camper at no cost for them. In past years, the donated hide collection has raised from $75,000 to $95,000 each year for the camp.

The Lions camping season is 12 weeks long  one week for blind or visually impaired, two weeks for the deaf or hard of hearing, three weeks for those with mild cognitive disabilities, two weeks are for individuals with diabetes, and three weeks for adults with each week being related to their disability. The first and most important week goes to training all of the counselors so they can handle each week with confidence and in the campers best interest.

The Wisconsin Lions consists of 10 districts. Each district has an environmental chairperson who leads in the campaign of getting Lion Clubs to collect deer hides. Join the other 10,000-plus hunters in donating your deer hides to your local Lions Clubs. To obtain more information and the location of our collection sites, go to the Wisconsin Lions website at wisconsinlions.org.Virgil Thompson is the environmental chairman for the 27D2 Lions District, which includes Holmen and Brice Prairie.
From Esquire

The presidential campaign of Donald Trump is most remarkable for the forces it has unleashed in the country, forces that we all thought long dead or, at the very least, tamed to the extent that polite political society never would indulge them again. For an example of how wrong we all were, and for an example of what 40 years of conservative politics have wrought on the country by believing that they could flirt with those forces without being consumed by them, you need only look down to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, where Governor Matt Bevin is counseling his state's clergy to violate federal law, as The Lexington Herald-Leader tells us.

Bevin called the federal law a "paper tiger" during an address to preachers at the governor's mansion last month. A group called Kentuckians Against Matt Bevin posted video captured by someone at the gathering. Bevin says no church has ever been punished under the law. The governor calls the law "an absolute paper tiger and there is no reason to fear it, there is no reason to be silent."

This is exactly the same argument that drug kingpins make to their crews regarding the federal narcotics statutes. But, whatever, it also demonstrates that, having swallowed up the remnants of American apartheid in the 1960s, the Republican party, and the conservative movement that is its only life force, never has given up on nullification, interposition, and the radical Tenther interpretation of the Constitution that lost so badly at Appomattox.

Matt Bevin is a pure product of that.

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Tomohiro Ohsumi/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Anyone who has tossed a hat into the U.S. home-buying fray lately has most likely been forced to deal with a stark reality: There are simply too few homes on the market. Its one of the prime reasons that closing on the home of your dreams is a costlier prospect than ever before.

But if you think its bad here, try finding a place in Shanghai.

In case you havent heard, the Chinese real estate market is on fire. U.S. buyers can take (slim) solace in the fact that prices arent rising like they are in the Chinese cities of Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Nanjingthe three markets with the fastest-growing home prices on Earth.

Annual prices increased 47.4%, 33.8%, and 31.5% respectively in those metros in the second quarter of the year, according to a recent report from global real estate consulting firm Knight Frank. The report ranked the 150 international metros that experienced the highest annual price hikes. In all, six Chinese metros made the top 10.

Where does the U.S. fit on this list? Despite all the (well-founded) hand-wringing over rising prices, an American city doesnt appear on the price growth list until the 20th spotPortland, OR. Prices in the Pacific Northwest metro jumped 12.6% annually, according to the report. The next American city was Seattle, which came in 25th, with an 11.1% hike. Denver earned the 38th spot, with a 9.3% increase.

So whats driving up the costs in Chinese cities, far beyond their international brethren?

Youve got a large amount of wealth being created in China by a burgeoning middle class, says report author Kate Everett-Allen, a partner in the international residential research team at Knight Frank. [And] there is still a strong demand fueling price growth.

Prices have risen to mind-boggling heights in Shenzhen, because its very close to Hong Kong and its a growing tech hub. In addition to its growing wealth, China is seeing more buyers in its home cities due to its government installing new regulations to make it more difficult for its citizens to make major investmentslike real estateabroad. And construction isnt happening fast enough to satiate eager buyers.

Story continues

If you rewind 20 years, there was hardly anything [in Shenzhen], Everett-Allen says. But now massive demand for a lack of homes is pushing up prices.

That meteoric price growth might actually be slowing down. Local governments in China are doing their part to ease the pain by adjusting the size of down payments buyers are required to put down, tweaking loan-to-value ratios, and restricting the size of homes buyers can buy based on the size of their families, Everett-Allen says. Regulations vary throughout the country.

China wasnt the only international market with fast-growing real estate prices.

Budapest had the fourth-highest-rising annual home prices at 23.6% due to its strong economy, says Everett-Allen. Next up was Vancouver, at 23.4%, which scored the fifth spot on the ranking.

They were followed by the Chinese cities of Beijing, at 22.3%; Guangzhou, at 19.4%; and Hangzhou, at 17.4%. Istanbul, at 17.2%, and Haifa, Israel, at 16.3%, rounded out the top 10.

Back in the U.S.: Two of the markets world-renowned for sky-high real estate prices barely made the list at all. San Francisco and New York City, where prices are already so high that theres not much room for additional growth, came in 58th and 98th respectively.

Portland, Seattle, and Denver are so hot because there arent enough existing homes, and the amount of new construction is not keeping up with population growth, says realtor.coms chief economist, Jonathan Smoke.

But what goes up, must come downor at least stabilize.

The growth cant continue at that pace, because either the new construction will grow and help address that gap, he says. Or demand will slow down  because of the growing unaffordability of housing.

Prices have been rising in Portland as the citys population has spiked in the past few years. The new city dwellers are usually attracted to the mild weather, do-it-yourself and outdoorsy culture, and tech jobs in the city, says local Realtor Dawn Barry-Griffin of Portlandia Properties.

The rents have gone up so much that it makes sense to buy, she says of the increases over the past few years. Thats really a big reason why a lot of people who have been here for the last five years are buying.

Despite the influx of new residents, home prices are now beginning to softenparticularly in the $500,000-and-up range, Barry-Griffin says.

Shes still seeing multiple offers on more affordable properties under $350,000. However, over the past two months, bids are only typically 1% to 2% over the list prices compared with higher percentages just a few months ago.

Median prices in Denver are also starting to come down. They were up 12.99% in September compared with the same time a year ago, but were down 0.57% from a month earlier, according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors.

It always slows down this time of year until February, says Denver Realtor Leo Rowen of Re/Max of Cherry Creek, who typically sees fewer multiple bids in the fall and winter. People are dealing with holidays. The kids are in school.

Global Residential Cities Index Knight Frank Research

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Thousands of Afghan civilians have fled the northern city of Kunduz to escape days of fighting between the Taliban and government forces, with dozens arriving daily in Kabul with little more than the clothes on their backs, recounting stories of horror.

The insurgents launched an assault on Kunduz on Monday, triggering intense fighting with Afghan forces backed by NATO and sending frightened residents fleeing to other cities including the capital.

Those who arrive in Kabul after a journey in an overcrowded taxi head for the lawn outside parliament, where their children were shivering in the dark late Thursday after their hasty departure.

Abdullah paid 10,000 afghanis (more than $150), a sum equivalent to the monthly salary of a senior police officer, for a taxi to ferry his family to Kabul.

He had left Kunduz in September 2015 after a previous attack on the strategic northern city close to the border with Tajikistan.

Mohammed also arrived with seven relatives. "The situation is terrible. We couldn't even take clothes. There was a barrage of rockets, shelling," he said.

Up to 10,000 civilians have fled Kunduz, the UN said Thursday, to escape fighting which was ongoing despite government claims that Afghan forces had retaken the city on Monday night.

The government on Monday said Afghan forces had repelled the assault but Taliban reinforcements had apparently arrived and fighting flared up even in the city centre, according to Mohammed, who managed to leave on Wednesday morning.

Like the other men around him, he received hourly calls from relatives still in Kunduz who reported continuing rocket attacks in the streets of the city centre.

- 'Taliban burning everything' -

"Kunduz is on fire!," said one young woman in a burqa, Parmin, her voice shaking with indignation.

"The Taliban are there destroying and burning everything. There is a barrage of rockets and prices (of food) are rising. It's total chaos," she said.

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"Everyone in town is trying to flee. The Taliban warned: 'If you leave your home you will be shot'. They burned the homes of those who refused them shelter."

A new convoy arrived as the night wore on. On the lawn outside parliament they are welcomed by Kunduz lawmaker Fatima Aziz.

Mobile phone in hand, she takes hundreds of call from her constituents and negotiates a little support from compassionate businessmen to find shelter for the night and some food.

"It gets worse and worse every minute," she said.

"The Taliban are taking up positions in every house, every street.

"People are still trapped there and suffering a food shortage, but there is not enough transportation, even when the people can afford to pay up to 15,000 afghanis, a life's savings."

Aziz sought help from the minister for refugees, "but he was in Brussels," she says, for a conference where international donors pledged $15.2 billion to Afghanistan for the next four years, hoping for peace in exchange.

But the country is struggling to manage the flow of displaced people fleeing the proliferation of conflict across the country from north to south and in the east, and the insecurity that results.

A total of more than 1.2 million displaced people, including 270,000 just since the beginning of the year, swell the basic population of major cities including Kabul.

The OCHA said Thursday it was "deeply concerned about large scale displacements as a result of the recent fighting in Kunduz city," which has been attacked by the Taliban for the second time in a year.

Amnesty International also said "the Afghan government and Taliban forces should urgently facilitate swift and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief into Kunduz, where thousands of civilians are trapped in increasingly dire conditions".

It said the civilian hospital had run out of medical supplies and sustained rocket and gunfire attacks on Wednesday.

The same hospital, then run by Medecins Sans Frontieres, was hit by a US air strike during the fighting in October last year, killing 42 people.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. citizen and two Russian nationals were arrested on Thursday on charges relating to the alleged illegal export of sensitive military technology from the United States to Russia, the Justice Department said.

The department said Alexey Barysheff of Brooklyn, New York - a naturalized U.S. citizen - was arrested for illegally exporting controlled technology. Russian nationals Dmitrii Aleksandrovich Karpenko and Alexey Krutilin, were simultaneously arrested on charges of conspiring with Barysheff, it said.

All three were scheduled to appear in court on Thursday afternoon.

In its complaint, the government alleged the defendants had engaged in a conspiracy to obtain microelectronics from manufacturers and suppliers in the United States and export them to Russia while evading government controls on high-tech exports.

The United States restricts the export of items it believes could make a significant contribution to the military potential and weapons proliferation of other nations and undermine U.S. national security.

The Justice Department said the microelectronics allegedly shipped to Russia included digital-to-analog converters and integrated circuits frequently used in a wide range of military systems, including radar and missile guidance systems.

It said Barysheff had registered two companies in New York that were used as front companies to purchase and export the controlled technology, while concealing from their suppliers the intended final destination.

If convicted of the charges, the defendants face up to 25 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

(Reporting by Timothy Ahmann; Editing by James Dalgleish)
Cotonou (AFP) - At least three people were killed Thursday when a building under construction collapsed in Degakon, a bustling area in Benin's economic hub of Cotonou, local authorities said.

Residents said the collapse happened early in the morning as workers were pouring the concrete of the third floor of the four-story building.

"This is a building site and as you now see we are looking for people still in the rubble," Arlette Saizonou, a local mayor, told AFP.

"We already have three dead bodies out of the rubble and two wounded," she added.

Building collapses happen frequently in West Africa where poor workmanship and materials coupled with a lack of official oversight often result in accidents.

One of the most notorious collapses in the region happened in 2014, when a building owned by Nigerian pastor TB Joshua collapsed and killed more than one hundred people, most of them South Africans.

A Nigerian coroner found that the six-story guesthouse had more floors than the foundation could hold, but the pastor said a mysterious "hovering" aircraft seen over the building before the collapse was to blame for the accident.
In Inferno, Tom Hanks suits up once again as Robert Langdon, the genius symbologist who must use clues from Dante's epic Divine Comedy to fight a new global threat: a plague against overpopulation meant to wipe out half the planet.

But for the two-time Oscar winner, the real "inferno" today is ignorance, which he described as a chaos overtaking the planet. He spoke to the press Thursday in Florence, Italy, where the film will have its world premiere Saturday.

"Ignorance is one of our greatest threats: the idea of being able to solve complex issues with simplistic solutions. Just think about what happened in the Middle East. Or about the decision that we Americans find ourselves having to take every four years," Hanks said, calling on voters to educate themselves properly and ask the right questions before entering the polls.

The new film from Ron Howard was shot in Florence and Venice, and on greenscreens representing Turkey. Felicity Jones plays Dr. Sienna Brooks, Langdon's partner in solving the mystery, and Ben Foster portrays Bertrand Zobrist, the villain scientist. Omar Sy and Irrfan Khan co-star.

Hanks described the film's approach to adapting the best-selling book from Dan Brown. "It's this very concept of hell as created on Earth. Dante describes a very specific place that you go," said the actor. "The Zobrist in our film, with the idea of overpopulation, really puts forward the idea that we are creating our own version of Dante's 'Inferno' here in the real world.

"There are any number of places you could go on the planet Earth and the environment is hellacious and the people are held in slavery and there's any number of degrees of misery that are in fact created by ourselves one way or another," continued Hanks. "So the concept of 'Inferno,' to me, is one that can be avoided, but only if everybody understands what the problem is and works to avoid it."

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Hanks also spoke of the appeal in reviving his role of Langdon, after previously capturing the character in The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons. "This gives me the greatest opportunity on the planet, for somebody like myself, because I get to play the smartest guy in the room," said Hanks.

"Now I can fake that. You give me the right amount of verbiage and just enough time to do the right amount of research, and I can convince you that I may be the smartest man in the room," he continued. "The gift that Dan Brown gave me an actor is to play a guy who is always curious, who is always opinionated and is always searching for an answer, whether he has or does not have it."

For Howard, the joy of the experience was in shooting in the Renaissance city. "As a director, you could not hope for a more beautiful city than Florence," he said. "There's no possibility of a bad shot here."

The helmer also was greatly inspired by the visual power and long-lasting relevance of Dante's epic poem. "The way those ideas have survived to this day surprises me," said Howard. "My personal idea of 'Inferno'? Not realizing the full potential of every minute."

Read more: Tom Hanks to Get Rome Film Fest Honor
Audrey A. Kotnour, 96, of La Crosse passed away Monday, Oct. 3, 2016.

She was born June 24, 1920, in Arcadia, to Leo and Teckla (Kreibech) Bischof. Audrey had great faith in God and the Catholic tradition. Her deep love of family and friends was one of the base values in her life. Education and hard work were qualities she possessed but she also knew how to have fun and was always the hostess with the mostess. Audrey believed in giving back to the community, especially children, providing a beautiful example for her children and grandchildren to live by.

After graduating in 1938 from Arcadia High School, she attended St. Francis School of Nursing, graduating in 1941. Her nursing career included positions at La Crosse Rubber Mills, St. Francis Hospital, and Hillview Nursing Home. She joined the Army Nurse Corp during World War II, serving in the South Pacific tending to returning American servicemen who were held as POWs in Japanese camps.

Aug. 26, 1946, she married Joseph W. Kotnour and started their adventure in life. Joe passed away in 2001 in their 55th year of marriage, and Audrey missed him terribly. They were hard workers, owning Kotnour s Grocery store in their early years of marriage. Next they purchased two A&W Root Beer Stands in Rockford, Ill., and operated them for over 10 years. At the end of the school year, Audrey would transport the kids and cat to join Joe who was already running the root beer stand. She maintained a home for her family while working hard in the root beer stand. On Labor Day, she would pack the kids and cat to return to La Crosse for the beginning of the school year with Joe coming home a month later. A&W awarded them the Pacesetter Award based on sales and only five percent of restaurants in the country received it.

Audrey had a strong faith and would attend Mass on a regular basis. Catholic education was also important, and her children graduated from St. Thomas More Grade school, Aquinas High School, and Viterbo University. Audrey and Joe loved to travel and encouraged their children and grandchildren to travel. Their travels took them around the world and generated many great stories.

She loved the Mississippi River so it was natural to have pontoons and houseboats to enjoy it. Audrey and Joe had many boat friends over the years, and she enjoyed these friendships right up to the end. During the cold Wisconsin winters, Audrey and Joe would go to Cocoa Beach, Fla., for a few weeks to soak up the sun.

Audrey was the ultimate party planner, she used any occasion to gather family and friends to celebrate. Her parties included Badgers tailgating. Audrey would dress up as a cheerleader and lead the group on to fun. River soirees included corn boils on the sandbars, camping, and the annual Oktoberfest parties. Her greatest joys were family gatherings and Christmas Eve was the most important of all. Her family was her life, and she loved them dearly.

Audrey believed in giving back, volunteering at St. Thomas More Grade School, Hillview Nursing Home, and Mayo Franciscan Health Care. She was a life time member of Catholic Daughters of America, serving as regent for several years.

She is survived by her children, Debra (Samuel) Siebenaler, Joseph (Ann) Kotnour, and Mary (Mike) Muller all of La Crosse; grandchildren, John Siebenaler, Mike Muller, Averi (Chris) Nelson, and Margaret Kotnour all of La Crosse, Kristen Muller of Chicago, Jessica Kotnour of Seward, Ala., Joe Kotnour of Clinton, Miss., Jenna (Luke) Strub of Dubuque, Iowa, Jaclyn (Jared) Miller of Chesterfield, Mo.; great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Carson Miller; and sister-in-law, June Bischof of Livonia, Mich.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph W. Kotnour; infant sister, Marion Bischof; infant brothers, Paul and Alfred; sister, Loraine (Robert) Albrecht; and brother, Eugene Bischof.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Mary Mother of the Church Parish, 2006 Weston St. The Rev. Brian D. Konopa will officiate, with burial in the Catholic cemetery. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. South, La Crosse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Riverfront Inc., Mary Mother of the Church, or Franciscan Skemp Foundation.

The family would like to thank the wonderful care givers at Brookdale Clare Bridge Cottage for their love and friendship shown to Audrey.

Online condolences may be made at blaschkeschneider.com.
BERLIN, Oct 6 (Reuters) - The chief executives of several German blue-chip companies have discussed Deutsche Bank's problems and are ready to offer a capital injection if needed to shore up Germany's largest lender, newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Thursday.

In a source-based report, the German newspaper said that under an emergency plan the participating companies would purchase Deutsche Bank stock to help its reserves.

The capital injection which has been discussed is in the low, single-digit billion euro range, the paper said.

"Market support for Deutsche Bank is in any case better than the use of state money," it quoted a source familiar with the discussions as saying

Deutsche Bank declined to comment on the report.

(Additional reporting by Arno Schuetze; Writing by Paul Carrel)
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Hello, everyone, and welcome to the very first With Spandex recap ever of Total Bellas, the show about the Bellas and their fellas. The conceit of this Total Divas spinoff is that when Nikki Bell had her very serious, career-threatening neck surgery, she wanted to have her beloved family members around her as she recuperated. So she invited her sister Brie, Bries husband Daniel Bryan, their brother JJ and his fiancee, and their mother and HER fiancee, John Laurinaitis, to live in her and John Cenas house (read: John Cenas house) for the duration of her three-month rehabilitation.

Basically, its The Real World, but instead of strangers, its the Bellas accompanied by their respective fellows. I dont know how theyll manage to repeat the concept for a potential second season, but allow me to suggest that the cast live together in John Cenas fallout shelter during the post-apocalyptic hellscape of Trumps America. Just spitballing here.

Anyway, on to the show! Lets dig into the scrumptious morsel that is the debut episode of Total Bellas, my and your new favorite television program.



The show opens (following a delectable teaser of a cold open), as you would expect, following the fifth season of Total Divas, where Nikki got the diagnosis of her career-ending neck injury and Cenas own injury that put him on shelf for three months. Nikki and Brie get the Total Divas viewers caught up to speed with Bryans attempted WWE being cut short by his retirement.

Then we get Nikki going in for surgery, accompanied by her whole support group  basically the whole cast of this show. This is accompanied by the first testimonials from JJ and Mother Bella, whose name is apparently Kathy! Huh! Who knew? They hammer home the risks of INVASIVE NECK SURGERY and we get footage of mid-surgery removal of a massive herniation of the spinal cord, accompanied by live commentary by the doctor performing the procedure.

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herniation Nikki Bella

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Gross!

Brie talks about how things have gotten hard, which makes Nikki immediately think of boners. Oh no, now Brie is thinking of boners! Quick, think of a cold shower! And eight in a half minutes into the show, we hit the opening credits. Always toss to the open after boners.

The assorted Bellas and/or fellas begin making the move to Tampa to be with Nikki, as per the conceit of the show. DOG ON AN ESCALATOR ALERT.

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For the first time, we get a real good look at the whole lay of Cenas McMansion, which is even more McMansion-y than I originally thought.

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OH THANK GOD ITS JOHNNY ACE.

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The Mother of Bellas talks about the very special man in her life, Johnny Ace, and then I sh*t you not, we get some Dynamic Dudes footage. New name, still the best show. Kathy speaks lovingly about the attractiveness of the TRUE Big Match John, which is accurate. Kathy says John also happens to live close to Cena. Thats probably because hes a pro wrestler who lives in Tampa. Brian Knobs lives close to John Cena.

Everyone shows up to move in and Brie talks about how different she and Bryan are from Nikki and John. The two dogs, Josie and Winston, get to know each other. I sense we are going to get a lot of dog friends shots this season.

Bryan asks, since theyre there to help Nicole, what can they actually do to help her. Nikki reveals shell need a chauffeur, and someone to pick up things for her, and someone to mind the dog. Bryan quickly takes stock of this and turns to Brie to say, Were clowns. Oh, come now, Bryan. I prefer to think of you at least as The Help.

Nikki reveals that John is insisting on having a family dinner with the houses occupants once a week. It seems were about to get to the sizzle on this steak. Cena says its almost time for dinner, so Nikki tells Brie to change her clothes and put on makeup. I LIKE WHERE THIS IS GOING.

A short time later, Bryan and JJ are in suits. Bryan asks whether he should tuck his pant legs into his socks in possibly his most endearing moment ever.

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We get an extremely Downton Abbey-esque montage of the formal dinner finery in the mansion, complete with Downton theme soundalike playing in the background. The others descend the grand staircase and Nikki immediately clocks that Brie and Bryan are not wearing shoes, which is a bit of a no-no for a formal dinner. John and Nikki are going to be awesome when they have kids. Rutherford, weve told you and told you: no opening Christmas presents until youve put on a fresh cravat.

During the opening pour of red wine, a droplet gets onto the linen tablecloth and Cena immediately springs into action.

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Cenas insistence that he must act on this bit of housekeeping at this moment, and his deadpan delivery of Its Wine-Out is so perfect and precious, you dont even know. You gotta get it out immediately. You gotta get it out immediately. Im looking forward to finicky fusspot John Cena one million percent.

Case in point: before their initial dinner toast, Cena launches into the house rules, which he says are very simple. An edited version of this opens the episode, because it is bonkers wonderful, but we get the entire thing in full here, and its so glorious Im surprised Bobby Roodes theme isnt playing under it. The entire spiel is delivered in an uninterrupted monologue, intercut with his houseguests disbelieving expressions as they down their wine and pray for it to come to an end.

For your enjoyment, a verbatim transcript of John Cenas Simple House Rules:

Formal dinner once every week, usually on Wednesday. Shoes are encouraged for formal dinner, so [were] good [for] tonight by obeying the rules, but wear a clean set of shoes. Respect the house as if it was your own. And if your own habits are leaving your towels on the floor, not attending to your laundry, not making your bed every day, then change your habits and respect ours. Every evening after formal dinner is over, the ladies will retreat to the drawing room, which is upstairs. The men will retreat to the cigar room. Every morning we will have morning coffee together. We will have an evening fire outside. Trash. Trash is picked up every Monday. There are four 62-gallon trash cans. Dont flush anything but toilet paper down the toilet. Dont try your luck. The doors. [Gets up to demonstrate the door handles.] To shut: Shut. Lift. This place is on three lakes. There are gators. If you walk towards one, you get what you f*cking deserve. If you guys are going to be up late, please text me or tell me. Because this is a shoot-first state, and I have a lot of guns.

Nikki agrees that Cena has a lot of rules, as she knows all too well, since she did have to sign a contract to live there with her boyfriend. She says that the house is literally his baby, which explains a lot. Brie asks about what to do with her dogs poop and the answer is similarly lengthy. She immediately regrets agreeing to live there.

They go over the rules again, because there are questions, and then we finally get to toast. To family!



And now that dinner is finally over, the women do indeed retire to the drawing room for port and the men do indeed retire to the cigar room, as per their instructions. In the cigar room, Cena says that he got bottled water, just for Bryan. What a nice g wait, were you drinking Tampa tap water this whole time, my dude? You just warned people about the gators.



Cena asks Bryan about his transition following his retirement and Cena correctly states that the man has such a brilliant mind for wrestling, so why wouldnt he want to do something behind the scenes or in a different capacity? Bryan admits hes still getting used to his new life and without wrestling, hes left with an empty feeling.

After Cigar Room Times, Bryan checks on Brie, who is hanging out with Josie downstairs because she couldnt handle Josie crying about being in a strange new place with all these rules. Bryan cuddles Josie and gets a very prolonged nostril-licking from her.

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The next morning, Bryan leaves for a comic convention in New Orleans, so he gets an immediate reprieve from The Rules. I bet hes going to leave towels on the floor of his hotel room like a motherf*cker. Meanwhile, Nikki, Brie, JJ and Kathy go to meet Cena for Nikkis first happy hour since her surgery. Its the milestones that keep you going.

They meet Cena at the restaurant, and hes easy to spot, because hes dressed like Cesar Romero with less restraint.

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Cena is being such a gentleman that he only gets HALFWAY through a thats what she said joke. Its difficult for him though, because not only does Nikki say John came, but she also says I wanna be a seaman. John basically shoots steam out of his ears because he wants to scream LOL JIZZ so bad, but he allows Brie to do the dirty work for him this time.



Brie orders a side of pickles to go with their next round, so Nikki asks if Brie is pregnant. Brie spills the beans (Brie-ns) that she has to have sex to get pregnant, which isnt happening right now. JJ refers to sex as Boom-boom, which appropriately makes everyone stop mid-conversation. Nikki says its been hard for her and Cena as well lately, because they havent had sex two nights in a row now. A new low for their turgid, throbbing relationship. Nikki clarifies that yes, she currently has to keep the neck brace on during sex. Adjust your creepy fanfic accordingly.

Kathy excuses herself from the table for a phone call while the Bellas (and two fellas) talk about the intricacies of their sex lives. Brie says she and Bryan stop whenever the dog wants to cuddle, that Bryan doesnt know what a quickie is, and the words hand job are bandied about. Basically, Brie is frustrated because sex with Bryan is always an intimate, considerate and prolonged affair. As Cena says, intimacy is intimacy. I really just cant do this scene justice. Please seek it out for yourselves.

Cena departs and the Bellas retire to a different restaurant for post-happy hour drinks and champagne. Kathy wonders why they all invited her out, and Brie immediately starts talking to Nikki about the kama sutra. Kathy clarifies that she doesnt want every conversation to be about how her daughters bone, so Brie asks when was the last time their mom did the nasty. Kathy responds Last night with a waggle of her head and a sh*t-eating grin.

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Thats right, JJ, talk about your sisters boom-boom all you want, but your mother revealing herself as a sexual being is a bridge too far. Before they drop the subject, Brie asks Kathy whether it was a quickie. After a pause, Kathy says, It doesnt take him an hour to get off, I can tell you that. Adjust your Johnny Ace fanfic accordingly.



The next day, its pool time at the old Cena place!

Josie is going kind of crazy because of the air pump Cena is using to blow up pool toys. When he goes inside to get something, Josie runs up and bites him on the thigh. THE EVIDENCE:

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Cena says it cant happen again. Everyone is stunned Josie would do that. Cena suggests Nikki call Animal Control and they come to take Josie away. JJ calls Bryan to tell him what happened. Later, JJ, Kathy and Nikki are driving around and they agree that Josie needs training.

While theyre talking, they see Florida animal control capturing an alligator on the side of the road, so JJ immediately pulls the car over and hops out to take an up-close picture. I guess SOMEBODY didnt remember the rules.

JJ alligator Total Bellas

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Kathy is concerned that they had just walked Josie along this same stretch of road. She asks animal control about that and theyre wonderfully blase about the realities of living in Florida.

alligator animal control Total Bellas

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Apparently Cena wasnt kidding and his neighborhood is just crawlin with gators.



Bryan finally returns to the house and he and Cena have an uncomfortable situation about what to do about the Josie situation. Bryan says that he and Brie can generally tell when Josie gets wound up and they take her away from the situation. Cena again makes it clear that this simply cannot happen again.

Currently, Josie has to remain on leash and is confined to the guest house, so JJ, Brie and Bryan head out to the yard to build a dog run without asking permission first. HEY, DONT BUILD A DOG RUN WASNT ON JOHN CENAS LIST OF RULES, BACK OFF.

Nikki comes out to see what theyre doing and the Bella twins are immediately mortified that theyve accidentally worn essentially the same outfit.

Nikki Brie Total Bellas

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Its okay, Brie; Nikki is still wearing a hat of sorts.

Nikki clarifies that they shouldnt have started doing this without asking. Brie snaps at Nikki and Nikki says, Dont ever raise your voice at me. Then she goes inside and mentions that she has to leave in 15 minutes and someone will have to drive her.

Brie and Bryan are at their breaking point re: the house and the rules and theyre ready to just beat feet and head back to Scottsdale.



At the next formal dinner, Bryan is wearing shoes! Hes also hanging out timidly in the foyer like a kid who is waiting for church service to start and is already on thin ice, mister.

Daniel Bryan suit shoes

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Brie puts it on Bryan to be the one to tell Cena that theyre heading back to Arizona. Bryan doesnt want to do it and says she has to. He points out hes her because of her, and if they leave, hes leaving because of her.

At dinner, Nikki spills the beans about the dog run incident and it sort of escalates from there until Nikki reveals that everyone is terrified of John and his rules. John is blindsided.

John Cena wtf Total Bellas

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Brie says she walks on eggshells around him because hes so stern and serious all the time and there are so many rules. Cena suggests he should talk in a cartoon voice.

He then gets real and starts over. Hi, my names John. Im extremely difficult to leave with. Nicole knows this. He offers a mea culpa for being so over-the-top and Nikki hilariously takes a moment to throw shade at Cena because she still isnt f*cking engaged.

John Cena Nikki Bella no ring on it

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Cena says hell try to be more open and that they shouldnt be afraid to talk to him about things, and theyll work stuff out. He says there will be ups and downs during their stay, but theyll get through it together. Brie and Bryan dont seem entirely convinced.

And thats the show! We get a this season on Total Bellas montage, and it looks like there are some really good things in store.

John Cena Nikki Bella tongue

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REALLY good things.
This Immigrant Doctor Is Reimagining Health in the American City

The lead contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan, brought fresh scrutiny to the presence of the metal in school drinking fountains coast to coast. But another set of toxic industrial chemicals may be lurking in Americas schoolsand as with lead, federal law doesnt require schools to test for them.

A report released Wednesday shows that nearly 14 million children nationwide30 percent of the school-age populationmay be exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls, commonly known as PCBs, when they go to school. The chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, learning deficits, decreased thyroid hormone function, and neurological damage, may be in as many as 26,000 K12 schools, according to the report, which was produced by the Environmental Working Group, a Washington, D.C.based research organization, and the office of Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey.

That number comes by looking back at those periods of time where public schools were most extensively built. About 60 percent of the schools were built from 1950 to the early 80s, the time when PCBs were most commonly used in building materials, Robert Herrick, a researcher at Harvard School of Public Health, said Wednesday during a conference call with reporters. Its a reasonable estimate. Theres never been a national survey.

Manufactured by Monsanto from the 1920s to the 1970s, the chemicals were widely used in building materialsincluding paints, caulks, and fluorescent light fixturesbefore being banned by the EPA in 1979. As those materials age, PCBs leak out of them, resulting in human exposure through breathing contaminated air or touching contaminated dust.

RELATED: The Toxic Schools of Malibuand New Yorkand Lexington, Mass.,and Maybe Your Town Too

A group of citizens filed a lawsuit against the Santa MonicaMalibu Unified School District in Los Angeles County in 2015 after PCBs were discovered in a high school and an elementary school in Malibu three years ago. In early September, a federal judge ruled that the district must remove all PCBs from the two schools by the end of 2019.

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Schools do not test for PCB hazards and are not required to do so. When it is found, no one has to report it to the EPA, Markey said during the conference call. Many of the cases the EPA provided to my office were found by chance after concerns were raised by parents or after a group of individuals experienced similar health problems. This was the case in Malibu.

To put it plainly, we have no real idea how many students are being exposed to PCBs in their classroom each and every day, Markey said. There is inconsistent record keeping of PCB hazards at the EPA.

According to the report, over the past decade 286 schools in 20 states have reported the presence of PCBs on campus to the EPA. Even if schools know their buildings contain the chemicals, districts nationwide continue to struggle financially, and most lack the funds necessary to do anything about it.

The report calls on Congress to provide federal funding for dealing with the contaminant in schools nationwide. It could cost as much as $52 billion to pay for nationwide mandatory testing and replacement of building materials that contain PCBs, Markey said. Other recommendations include developing a consistent record keeping system within the EPA, developing guidelines for notifying parents of contaminated schools, and surveying schools across the country to get a firmer number on how many are affected.

At the rate of current enforcement, and inspection activities by states and the EPA, it would take 32 years to inspect schools that may have PCB containing caulk and even longer to inspect for all PCBs, Markey said. Its time to finally reckon with this PCB legacy that we are left with and to do so in a way that protects the health of kids across our country.

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Original article from TakePart
The trial of a Briton in Kenya, accused of bringing $5.7 million worth of cocaine into the country, is to be adjourned for a month, because a proper analysis of the substance he allegedly smuggled is not ready.

The Independent reports that a court in Nairobi heard the revelation this week, when Jack Marrian, a 31-year-old member of British aristocracy, was due to face charges. He is now scheduled to appear in court again on Nov. 9.

Marrian, who grew up in Kenya, was arrested in July when 99.7 kg of what was originally thought to be cocaine was found in a container on its way to his commodities business in Mombasa.

Prosecutors have now told the court that a final government report determining what the huge consignment actually consisted of was not ready and would have to take some time, according to the Independent.

Marrians family insists that he is innocent, claiming that the trial has been both rushed and politically motivated. They say that what Kenyan police found was a tainted shipment of sugar.

According to an investigative report by the Times of London, the ship carrying the container destined for Marian had far more cocaine when it first left Santos, Brazil, and at least two containers of sugar laced with the drug had been removed en route.

The Independent reports that both Spanish police, which found the drugs in Valencia, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, whose tip-off led to the Kenyan drug bust, believe that Marrian was unaware of the drug haul on the boat.
By Emily Stephenson HENDERSON, Nev. (Reuters) - U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump backed off from praising Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, saying he was unsure of his relationship with the Russian president who he has described as a better leader than President Barack Obama. The day after running mate Mike Pence appeared to break ranks with Trump during a vice presidential debate and called Putin "a small and bullying leader," Trump adjusted his own previously warm rhetoric toward the Russian. "I don't love (Putin), I don't hate. We'll see how it works. We'll see," Trump told supporters during a campaign stop in the swing state of Nevada. "Maybe well have a good relationship. Maybe well have a horrible relationship. Maybe well have a relationship right in the middle." Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has criticized Trump, who often praises Putin, as being too cozy with the Russian leader and questioned the Republican's business interests in Russia. Those charges were repeated by her vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine during a debate with Pence on Tuesday. In response, Pence denounced Putin for his interference in Syria's civil war and support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. "The small and bullying leader of Russia is now dictating terms to the United States, Pence said. "The greatest nation on earth just withdraws from talks about a ceasefire, while Vladimir Putin puts a missile defense system in Syria." The vice presidential encounter set the table for a second presidential debate on Sunday in St. Louis between Clinton and Trump, who needs to rebound from a rocky performance in his first debate, one that gave Clinton a boost in national opinion polls with the Nov. 8 Election Day only five weeks away. In Nevada, Trump suggested Russia could be a valuable ally in the fight against Islamic State, also known by the acronym ISIS. "I will say if we get along with Russia and Russia went out with us and knocked the hell out of ISIS, thats okay with me, folks, he said. Trump celebrated a strong debate performance by Pence, the governor of Indiana, and said his running mate had won on style and on the issues. "He's getting tremendous reviews from me and everybody," Trump told a group of pastors and leaders gathered at a Christian academy in Las Vegas. DEBATE ATTACKS The encounter between Pence and Kaine, a U.S. senator from Virginia, was the only such debate between the vice presidential contenders, and the two spent most of their time attacking each other's running mates. For more than 90 minutes at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, Pence sought to project an image as a reassuring presence, in contrast with the bombastic Trump, while Kaine tried to frighten voters away from Trump and make Clinton seem more trustworthy. A CNN/ORC snap poll declared Pence the winner with 48 percent support, compared with 42 percent for Kaine, who frequently interrupted his opponent. The television audience for the debate was 35.6 million viewers, according to preliminary data, about half the number who watched the first encounter between Trump and Clinton. Republican strategists said Pence's strong debate performance could provide lessons for Trump on how to approach the second debate - if he was willing or able to learn. "Trump should hopefully learn a lesson - don't get angry, don't lose your cool, answer the question you want to answer," Republican strategist John Feehery said. "The biggest thing is to not get rattled and be able to smile when you are attacked." Clinton met with advisers at her Washington, D.C., home on Wednesday and did not appear on the campaign trail. An aide said she spoke by phone with Kaine and congratulated him on his debate performance. "Mike Pence didn't want to defend Donald Trump, and as Senator Kaine said, if you can't defend the person at the top of the ticket, how can you ask people to vote for you," Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta told reporters outside her house. (This story corrects quote in 3rd paragraph to put Putin in parentheses) (Additional reporting by Amanda Becker; Writing by John Whitesides; Editing by Alistair Bell)
(Corrects this Oct. 5 story's headline to conform with quote from professor that a Trump defeat would upset the verdict of history.) (Reuters) - The forces influencing the U.S. presidential election favor Republican nominee Donald Trump to win the popular vote - but even proven prediction models face "the most difficult election by far to predict accurately," a political forecaster with a three-decade winning streak said on Wednesday. History Professor Allan Lichtman of American University in Washington has accurately predicted the popular result in presidential elections since Republican President Ronald Reagan defeated Democratic challenger Walter Mondale in 1984. Although the number of ballots cast by voters for each candidate counts, it does not ultimately determine who takes the White House. In a process known as the Electoral College, the candidate who wins a majority of 538 electoral votes is the victor. Each state and the District of Columbia is allocated a certain number of those votes, and the candidates have to amass them state-by-state on Election Day. While Lichtman's "Keys to the White House" analysis predicts a popular victory by Trump, some other models, such as FiveThirtyEight's and The New York Times', have given Democratic rival Hillary Clinton a large probability of victory. Lichtman joined Reuters Global Markets Forum to discuss his take on Campaign 2016. What follows are excerpts from that conversation. Question: Why is Trump your favorite to win? Answer: With respect to my prediction, my "Keys" system is based on 13 true/false questions where an answer of "true" favors re-election of the White House party - the Democrats. They have exactly six "false" keys against them, just enough to predict their defeat. However, I also noted that Donald Trump is such a dangerously precedent-breaking candidate that he could upset the verdict of history and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. The two candidates have been repeatedly fact-checked by independent sources, and his lies vastly outnumber hers. Q: How big is the immigration issue in deciding the election? A: I think immigration is a very important issue. America is a nation of immigrants and immigrants have been demeaned for more than two centuries, the French, the Irish, the Jews, the Asians, the Mexicans, and now the Muslims. The two candidates have fundamentally different approaches to dealing with the issue. Q: What is your expectation for the next two debates? A: Trump has got to convince voters that he has the temperament, knowledge, and background to be a dependable and effective leader. He can try to do that without losing his base, which will never abandon him. The first debate was definitely a lost opportunity (for Trump), which may be hard to regain for him. Obama lost the first debate (against Mitt Romney) in 2012, but voters still did not have as many doubts about him as they do about Trump. In terms of temperament, he could take a lesson from Pence, but Trump has a great deal of difficulty preparing for a debate or keeping himself under control. (Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Donald Trump has backed away from a total ban on Muslims entering the United States, vice presidential running mate Mike Pence said on Thursday, a shift from one of the Republican presidential candidate's most provocative proposals. Trump's call last December for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States" followed an Islamic State-inspired mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, by a husband-and-wife team. Critics have called the proposed ban discriminatory and probably a violation of the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of freedom of religion, and Democrats have used Trump's policy to declare him a bigot. In recent months, Trump has said he would suspend immigration from countries where Islamist militants are active but has left vague as to whether this amounted to a narrowing or an expansion of his original policy position.Pence said in a round of television interviews that if elected on Nov. 8, Trump would suspend immigration from "countries that have been compromised by terrorism." Asked if this amounted to a ban on Muslims, Pence said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" show: "Of course not." On CNN's "New Day," Pence was asked why, given that he had been against the ban before becoming Trump's running mate, he was not opposing it now." "Well, because it's not Donald Trump's position now," replied Pence. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Alistair Bell)
On many evenings after work, Lotfullah Najafizada, the head of TOLOnews, Afghanistans largest 24-hour news station, sleeps in the channels compound in the Afghan capital Kabul. I spend most of my time in the compound. I dont want to take the risks I face [as a journalist here] to my home, the 28-year-old says. Its not just about my safety, its also my familys safety.

A decade and a half after a U.S. led invasion displaced the Taliban regime from Kabul, ensuring his own safety and the safety of his 100-plus staff has become an increasingly critical concern for Najafizada. He started out in journalism as a designer on a small newspaper in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif. I was still a student. It was a new Afghanistan [after 2001], and we all felt we had to do something to make things better for our families, our society, he recalls. Design soon led to writing and reporting, and then a job in the online department at Kabul-based media group MOBY, the force behind TOLO TV, the countrys most popular television station. I was in the online department when this idea came up to start Afghanistans first 24-hour news channel [in 2010], and it was decided that I was the person who should run it, he says.

From the start, the project was a risky one. You cannot operate in a volatile environment like Afghanistan without risks, he explains. But the nature of the threats against Najafizada and his colleagues began to change when the Taliban briefly captured the city of Kunduz in late September 2015. Najafizadas journalists were on the scene and reported on claims of female students being raped at a university hostel after Kunduz was overrun by the insurgents. The story put TOLOnews in the crosshairs of the Talibans brutal military wing. We had two sources and we had a denial from the Taliban But for the Taliban it was too much, Najafizada says. It was a new kind of threat.

What happened next has left a lasting scar on TOLO and the wider journalistic community in the country. On Jan. 20, Najafizada was in a meeting in the TOLO compound when one of his colleagues rushed in to report that a Kabul minibus had been attacked by a Taliban suicide bomber. We actually ran that story, saying a bus was hit, recalls Najafizada. And then five minutes later we realized that it was our bus.

Seven of Najafizadas colleagues perished in the attack, which came as Afghanistan struggles to maintain security following the departure of most foreign troops from the country at the end of 2014. Civilian casualties have climbed to record highs, and estimates suggest that the Taliban now controls a larger swathe of Afghan land than at any time since the 2001 invasion. After the attack, we had to decide: are we going to shut down, or are we going to stay and cover the story of our country objectively and truthfully? If you want to go to 100% safety, you have shut it down and go to your homes.

Led by Najafizada, TOLO has decided to stay. It was a unanimous decision. We said we are going to remain objective, were going to remain critical. The concerns are always there, but our resolve is stronger.
One of the most interesting things about public transit, according to award-winning author Rachel Simon, is how inclusive it is.

People of all ages, abilities and races ride the bus together every day, Simon, who will speak Friday at La Crosses Black River Beach Community Center, told the Tribune this week.

Its just a very interesting aspect of this whole thing, Simon said. The transit world had to adjust way before other industries.

Simon is something of a reluctant lecturer on transit and inclusivity after riding the bus all day, every day for a year along with her sister Beth, who has special needs. Simon published her memoir Riding the Bus with My Sister in 2002 and the book was made into a movie starring Rosie ODonnell and Andie McDowell, as Beth and Simon, respectively, in 2005.

When the book came out, I had never done public speaking and I just started getting flooded with requests from all over the country, Simon said. I suddenly started a second career as a speaker.

While growing up with a sister who has special needs and spending a year taking the bus 12 hours a day gave her a good foundation in the day-to-day experience of people with disabilities riding the bus, her speaking requests for the book and movie further opened her eyes to the challenges faced by those in the business of public transportation.

With all the speaking Id been doing, Id become much more in tune with what was going on in the transit industry and all the things that were happening on the federal level, Simon said.

Simon has become an advocate for public transit, in addition to a prolific author.

Its an essential component of any independent life, Simon said, particularly for those who either are unable to drive or cant afford a car.

Shes appalled by people who claim theres no need to invest in public transportation because not many people depend on it.

Uh, no. There is no place where everyone drives, because there are people like my sister everywhere, Simon said.

One of her stops on her speaking tour when the movie released was the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she shared the lessons she learned as a serial bus rider along with her sister in late March 2005, but she didnt get the chance to speak to the Municipal Transit Utility, something both she and MTU manager Keith Lee regret.

She is really a proponent of transit and understanding that there are a lot of people that need transportation options, Lee said.

There are so many people who need transit to get to work, go shopping and enjoy life, he added.

In Rachels book, she talks about how important it is that drivers start the passengers day by making them feel welcome, Lee said.

As a lifelong bus guy, Lee was gratified to read her perspective on public transit and the way drivers sensitivity to their customers needs creates a positive environment.

Lee cant wait to share La Crosses MTU with Simon.

Im going to spend part of Friday afternoon showing her La Crosse, and our bus service and everything that makes La Crosse beautiful, Lee said.

Her talk Friday evening addresses most of the issues about riding the bus that would be of interest to anyone who loves somebody or knows somebody with a disability who uses transit, Simon said.

Simon also plans to share some anecdotes about having her work adapted to film, particularly when it came to the differences between her lived experiences and the movie adaptation.

Her sister isnt quick to anger and shes not the cold, detached character played by Andie McDowell.

My character in the movie is forced to ride the bus due to her fathers death. This is a total invention. My father is still alive and doing fine, Simon said.

He didnt mind the movie writers killing him off, although he was worried about how that would affect the possibility of a sequel.

After the talk, Simon will stick around to sign copies of her books.

There probably wont be enough books for everybody, but we will find some way to do some giveaways to some lucky lovers of literature and wheels, Simon said.
The fact that a drama about espionage is premiering on Epix is more likely to prompt the question: What is Epix? than it is to inspire excitement.

The little-known premium cable channel is trying to become less obscure by using an old strategy: Its cooking up original series it hopes will create the kind of buzz that will prompt viewers to seek out the network. The good news is, even in a marketplace flooded with content, that strategy may work, given the extraordinary caliber of the cast in its first drama, Berlin Station.

The show doesnt reinvent the spy drama for the modern era, nor does it rise to the level of some of the most captivating secret-agent thrillers of recent years (e.g., London Spy, Deutschland 83, and The Americans, the last two of which flash back to the fraught Cold War of the 80s). But Berlin Station, a contemporary serial set among CIA and German operatives in that European city, is a credible option for those who enjoy Homeland, and appreciate its character-driven moments enough to patiently ride out the inconsistencies of the Showtime dramas most recent seasons.

Speaking of obscurity, at times, Berlin Station recalls the little-known but fondly remembered AMC drama Rubicon, which depicted the pressure-cooker environment that spies, intelligence bureaucrats, and analysts contend with on a daily basis, and the self-destructive tendencies and elaborate coping strategies they often develop as a result. Berlin Station is not quite as cerebral as The Americans or Rubicon, and it occasionally cuts corners in its rush to create narrative momentum, but the Epix series has an outstanding cast that takes its reasonably solid storytelling and raises it a few notches through sheer talent and charisma.

The action kicks off when well-regarded CIA analyst Daniel Miller (Richard Armitage) decides to become a field agent and is assigned to Berlin. Its a turbulent time for agency employees in Europe, given that an Edward Snowden-like figure has been leaking some of the CIAs juiciest secrets to the press, and a number of those revelations have caused problems for Berlin-based spies in particular. As was the case in the fifth season of Homeland, Berlin Station gets a great deal of mileage out of shooting in the citys ragged neighborhoods and pulsing nightclubs, and the versatile Armitage, who supplies some of the coiled intensity he brought to Hannibal, looks at home in both.

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The pilot for Berlin Station has a careening energy and is overly packed with convoluted set-up (at one point, several characters become agitated over the fate of a man named Gerald, and its not ideal that, among the thicket of rapidly introduced characters, Gerald hadnt made much of an impression). But once the show gets beyond that bumpy first installment, it generally settles into a pleasing groove, one that often allows the stellar cast to do its captivating work.

Richard Jenkins plays Steven Frost, the head of the CIA station, and its fascinating to watch Frost work through several tricky situations, and along the way, ponder just how cutthroat hes willing to be in pursuit of a promotion. The series skillfully depicts the ways in which friendships, affairs, and spycraft are impossible to untangle inside any intelligence service, and a scene from Frosts personal life allows Jenkins to deliver one of the best monologues youll see this year. His performance is all the more impressive given that hes playing a character who is often reactive and watchful, qualities that can be difficult to illuminate and sustain. But making Frost magnetic is easy for the intensely gifted Jenkins.

As Valerie Edwards, a steely subordinate of Frosts, Michelle Forbes almost unparalleled ability to play characters who are intelligent, driven and quietly compassionate is used to good effect. Edwards is often at odds with another ambitious CIA employee, the brusque Robert Kirsch (Leland Orser), who often seems more worried about his career goals than Americas intelligence agenda. Then again, that doesnt make Kirsch an exception among the CIA employees depicted in this drama, in which spies and spy agencies are shown as viciously competitive, and generally dismissive of the journalists and civilians who are distrustful of them.

But social and political commentary take a back seat in Berlin Station, which is much more concerned with the meat-and-potatoes of TV espionage: The 10-part drama is full of dead drops, grainy surveillance footage, illicit affairs, ratty apartments, and faltering relationships poisoned by secrets. Not being able to tell people what they do all day and what keeps them up at night are reasons these spies drink on the job  and off it.

The most reliable staple of spy fiction, of course, is the burnt-out, cynical operative who has seen far too much. Here, that type is personified by longtime CIA field agent Hector DeJean (Rhys Ifans). Hector is a dissolute rogue who feels as though he could have been plucked from one of Graham Greenes best novels. It doesnt diminish the strong work of the other actors to state that the real reason to seek out Berlin Station is to witness Ifans a spectacular performance.

Daniel and Hector are old friends, but it emerges that each man has good reason to be at least a little suspicious of the other. The strange pas de deux between them grows in importance over the course of the first four episodes, and as complications arise, the acerbic and charming Hector provides the program with an irresistible gravitational force.

The secret at the heart of the series is that Hector, a man whos done many questionable and indefensible things, provides this murky world with the remnants of a moral compass. As much as he would rather let his conscience die, underneath his hard-partying exterior, he still cares about doing the right thing. Ifans brings such depth, barely contained anger and wounded yearning to the role that Hector quickly emerges one of the most memorable new characters of the year. Even if hes utterly untrustworthy, hes reliably captivating.

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No one could fault David E. Kelley for investigating the brave new realm of streaming networks, which offers a more enticing array of storytelling options than the more staid broadcast networks that aired most of his hits. Amazons Goliath is the product of the merging of Kelleys savvy commercial instincts and the possibilities of the streaming arena, and as hybrids go, this entertaining drama has quite a bit to offer.

Goliath is essentially a combination of two stalwart TV forms  the law drama and the antihero serial  but Kelley and star Billy Bob Thornton imbue the proceedings with a great deal of texture, specificity, and energy. If you like an enjoyably combative courtroom scene or testy depositions in which prickly, smart people spar, Goliath has a number of moments that recall the most bracing episodes of The Good Wife.

At other times, the show displays a distinctly film noir vibe. One scene in the sixth episode reads as an homage to classic Los Angeles noir: Thorntons character walks through deserted, rain-slicked streets of Chinatown toward a confrontation the show has built toward for much of its eight-episode season. That showdown does not disappoint, and its setting  inside a tired-looking Chinese restaurant  is of a piece with the battered and bruised aesthetic of the rest of the series, which unfolds in an array of seedy but brightly lit apartments and sun-baked parking lots in the Valley and on the scruffy edges of Santa Monica.

Contrast arrives by way of a slick and enormous law firm, where the color scheme is black and white, and appropriately enough, theres little doubt regarding who the audience should root for. Goliath respects the ambiguities and regrets its characters live with, but its sympathies are tilted toward the collection of weirdos and outcasts who gather around William McBride (Thornton), who is down but not yet out.

McBride is a disgraced lawyer who takes on one last big legal battle, and hes partly motivated by the desire to get revenge on his former firm, which is defending a deep-pocketed defense contractor. Thornton is stellar in the role, and much of Goliath might feel more conventional were the actor not doing such detailed and enthralling work. McBride has an unparalleled ability to sweet-talk people into doing his bidding, and he pretends to be laid back, but his pose of calm, drunken cynicism appears to cover up a deep well of shame and seething. Thornton is highly entertaining in a number of legal scenes, but there are almost endless layers to the character. McBride is tender with his sometimes estranged teenager daughter, tart and sarcastic with his super-lawyer ex-wife (Maria Bello), and he goes very still when hes angry. His glare can be formidable, and McBride knows how to use it.

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TV may be Thorntons most fruitful metier, and, as he was in the first season of Fargo, the actor is at the top of his form in this series. He clearly conveys the doubts McBride has about using the full array of despicable tactics he learned while building up his legal career: Dont make me stoop to what Im capable of he warns one character. One of the best parts of Goliath is the way it wrestles with the question of whether McBrides underhanded and intimidating strategies are truly justifiable. Sometimes theyre clever, but at times he appears to be playing games with peoples lives.

Given the odds against McBride and his rag-tag team, which includes Nina Arianda as a spitfire lawyer who scrounges for clients from above a taco restaurant, risky strategic moves are unavoidable; the team is underfunded and lacks connections. Meanwhile, McBrides former partner Donald Cooperman (William Hurt), a deeply eccentric power player with a megalomaniacal tendencies, treats his corporate clients like hired hands. He can afford to do so, because the damaging secrets he hoards about these companies and the people who run them give him enormous clout, in the corporate world and beyond.

Cooperman is unable to intimidate the flinty McBride, whose case revolves around the mysterious death of a man who worked for an influential defense contractor, and the low-rent lawyer shows a great deal of ingenuity in battling the slick, smart team hes up against. It soon becomes clear that Cooperman and his minions will stop at nothing to bury the case, and this only makes McBride angrier and more vicious in his reprisals. Do McBrides ends justify his means? He drowns himself in alcohol nightly, in part, one assumes, to forestall answering that very question.

Though the first season of Goliath is comparatively short and doesnt often meander, one could quibble about the pacing of the scenes set in the shadowy domain of the somewhat tediously self-absorbed Cooperman. Tonally, some melodramatic scenes involving that controlling character feel a bit too overwrought and dont quite mesh with the rest of the drama. Both of these very damaged men assemble teams of mostly women to help them fight their titanic legal battle, and it would have been nice had the development of characters played by Bello, Molly Parker and Olivia Thirlby revolved less around the interoffice sniping among them.

That said, those women and the rest of the cast supply an embarrassment of riches. Arianda is a pure delight as McBrides argumentative but ferociously loyal colleague, Kevin Weisman is terrific as an oddball witness, and Harold Perrineau makes a major impression as an impatient, ambitious judge.

Unlike many streaming dramas, each episode of Goliath has a satisfying internal structure, and the series exudes exudes a notable sense of forward movement. This allows the stellar cast to wring evocative moments of intensity, pathos, and sly humor from the solid spine constructed by Kelley and his writers. As McBride, Thornton is capable of seamlessly transitioning from quiet sadness and empathy to petulant rage, and even though hes at the end of his tether, the mans tenacity is something to behold.

People keep underestimating him, and watching them make that mistake may be the one pure enjoyment McBride has left.

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Twitter shares plummeted more than 16% in pre-market trading following reports from Recode that rumored potential suitors Disney and Google will not bid for the social network company.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey sits on Disneys board. But the entertainment giant, which considered going in, has dropped the idea, the tech site says.

Separately, it reported that Google and Apple would not seek to acquire Twitter. The stories cited unnamed sources familiar with the companies.

That would appear to leave the field clear for Salesforce.com, which has acknowledged its potential interest.

Its in our interest to look at everything, CEO Marc Benioff told CNBC yesterday. We have to go deep on everything. We have to understand what is possible for our shareholders and what isnt. But in the scheme of things, if you look back at my track record as a CEO, I think youll find that while I look at a lot of things, I actually pass on most.

If theres a deal to be done, Twitter is eager to wrap it up by October 27, when it announces its Q3 earnings.

Twitter has a market value of $17.4 billion and is said to be looking for about $30 billion.. Were Disney to have gone ahead with that kind of deal, it would have made Twitter at least twice as expensive as its combined deals for Pixar ($6 billion), Marvel ($4 billion), and Lucasfilm ($4 billion).

Analysts are divided, but several consider such a big bet on Twitter to be too risky. Disney CEO Bob Iger declined at a Boston College event yesterday to confirm or deny that he had hired a banker to investigate a possible bid.

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SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Shares of Twitter (TWTR.N) slumped 9 percent late on Wednesday after Recode reported that Google, owned by Alphabet (GOOGL.O), would not move forward with a bid to acquire the social network.

Citing sources it did not identify, Recode also said that Apple (AAPL.O) was unlikely to be one of the possible suitors.

Twitter has told potential buyers it wants to conclude negotiations about selling itself by the time it reports third-quarter earnings on Oct. 27, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Salesforce.com Inc (CRM.N) is in the running, while Alphabet and Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) have also contemplated bids, the people told Reuters.

Twitter's stock was last down 9.21 percent in after-hours trade at $22.58.

The company has struggled to generate revenue growth and profit, despite having some 313 million average monthly active users and a growing presence as a source of news.

(Reporting by Noel Randewich; Editing by Sandra Maler)
(Repeats to additional subscribers)

* Marshall Wace, Discovery Capital cut "short positions"

* Signals confidence Deutsche share price has stabilised

* Market data shows overall short positions have fallen

* Graphic on Deutsche's problems: http://tmsnrt.rs/2dcqb49

By Maiya Keidan and Svea Herbst-Bayliss

LONDON/NEW YORK Oct 6 (Reuters) - Two leading hedge funds which made big bets on Deutsche Bank shares falling are now reducing their "short" positions, in a sign of confidence in the stability of the lender.

Germany's biggest bank has been in turmoil since mid-September when it said U.S. authorities were demanding up to $14 billion to settle claims that it missold U.S. mortgage-backed securities before the financial crisis.

Hedge funds can take bets against companies - known as short positions - by borrowing the stock in the hope it will lose value and they can repay the loan for less, pocketing the difference.

Marshall Wace, a $25 billion hedge fund co-founded by British financier Paul Marshall and U.S. billionaire Robert Citrone's Discovery Capital Management had been among the funds with the biggest short Deutsche positions, dating from before the crisis erupted three weeks ago.

However official filings by the funds to German authorities show both have been unwinding their short positions over the past week, indicating that they believe the bank's share price has bottomed-out. The stock dropped to a record low on Sept. 30 but has since rebounded slightly.

London-based Marshall Wace and Connecticut-based Discovery Capital both declined to comment on the reasons for their transactions.

Data indicates the reductions could reflect a wider trend in the "short interest" market, which is dominated by hedge funds.

The total amount of short positions in Deutsche dropped to 5.34 percent of the bank's stock on Wednesday, having peaked at 6.39 percent a day earlier following a rapid rise from below 2 percent in mid-September, according to data from Markit.

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Marshall Wace, which had borrowed 1.03 percent of Deutsche's total share capital, began to unwind its short on Sept. 29, reducing its position to 0.94, the filings show. It has since cut it further, to 0.88 percent.

Discovery Capital Management, which had 0.61 percent, cut its bet to 0.51 percent on Sept. 30 and has since gone down to 0.1 percent.

European law requires short investors to declare their positions if they borrow more than 0.5 percent of a company's shares. This makes it possible to chart their activity.

It is not clear if the transactions of Marshall Wace and Discovery Capital represent a wider hedge fund trend, given the Markit data offers only a snapshot, and some other big funds have not reduced their short positions in Deutsche.

Highfields Capital Management retains the 0.74 percent position it had before September, while fellow U.S. fund AQR Capital Management took a 0.5 percent position on Sept. 28 and still has it, filings show.

Both funds declined to comment.

(Additional reporting by Jonathan Gould and Arno Schuetze in Frankfurt, and Alasdair Pal in London; Editing by Pravin Char)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Eight people, including six soldiers, have been charged with stealing more than $1 million worth of sensitive U.S. Army equipment and selling the gear on eBay to buyers in Russia, China and other countries, the Justice Department said on Thursday.

The soldiers, based in Fort Campbell in Tennessee and Kentucky, were indicted with the two others by a federal grand jury and charged on Wednesday. The equipment included night vision helmet mounts, which were sold to eBay (EBAY.O) customers in Russia, China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Lithuania, Moldova, Malaysia, Romania and Mexico, the department said in a statement.

(Reporting by Mohammad Zargham; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)
A special agent from the Department of Justice entered Semeon Nakhwats cell looking for the address of a suspect he wanted to apprehend. Nakhwat, who had been detained solely for questioning, had never met or even heard of the perp. That was the wrong answer.

The agent struck him twice with his fist, and Nakhwat fell hard from a blow to the jaw. The agent then kicked Nakhwat until he fell unconscious. The 33-year-old machinist was a Russian immigrant, but he was no anarchist, socialist or Bolshevik  in 1919, those labels would have made him fit for deportation. Yet it was five months before he was released, and after that, he was unable to secure employment.

The government sacrifices the liberties of foreigners for the security of citizens. David Cole, Georgetown University

Nakhwat was not alone: In 1919, the U.S. government rounded up somewhere between 4,000 and 10,000 Russians in more than 30 cities. Today the number of arrests, declared Utahs Ogden Standard, has risen to the highest figure of any similar raid in the history of the country. All of those arrested were aliens, according to the New-York Tribune, and all were suspected of supporting communism, charged with advocating the overthrow of the United States government. Many were taken in without a warrant and interrogated without counsel. If they admitted political ties, they were sent back to Mother Russia.

The man behind the raids, which launched on November 7  a day after a law change made it easier to hold detainees without a lawyer  was also their namesake: A. Mitchell Palmer. The architect of the Palmer Raids was a Democrat  and a Quaker  who had been appointed attorney general under President Woodrow Wilson. Alongside J. Edgar Hoover, Palmers primary mission became a crusade against the Reds.

The raids, says David Cole, author of The New McCarthyism: Repeating History in the War on Terrorism and a Georgetown law professor, were illustrative of a very common pattern in American responses to security crises. The government sacrifices the liberties of foreigners for the security of citizens. Certainly, there were threats in 1919 to national security, and fear was a great motivator. Palmer, similar to other officials, like Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., and business magnate John D. Rockefeller, found himself the target of a bombing. While he emerged intact, others were not so lucky: A Georgia senator was sent a bomb that blew his housekeepers hands off and injured his wife.

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Gettyimages 3089761

The first port of call for millions of immigrants to the United States.

Source Getty

Palmer and his colleagues cast a wider net, rounding up members of the Communist Party, the Communist Labor Party and the Union of Russian Workers. Tensions were running high after the 1917 Russian Revolution, which fed excitement about communism both in Russia and abroad. It was thought that ideologies like anarchism and communism threatened American capitalism and democracy. In the name of national security, the freedoms of speech, press and assembly were curtailed, especially in scenarios where there was a clear and present danger, according to the Supreme Court.

Initially, there was very little pushback. One Washington Post reporter, in fact, wrote that the U.S. government was entitled to apprehend the Reds, and Palmers popularity was such that it looked like he might run for president in 1920. But within the Cabinet there was one critic who spoke up. Acting Secretary of Labor Louis Post decried Palmers actions, referring to the force of the delirium turned in the direction of a deportations crusade with the spontaneity of water flowing along the course of least resistance and calling Palmer out in a Cabinet meeting. Then came an ACLU report detailing the experiences of Semeon Nakhwat and others.

Alexander mitchell palmer

A. Mitchell Palmer

Source Public Domain

In the end, Palmer was able to deport more than 500 people. Most of the detainees, though, just sat in jail  sometimes for months  until their release. In Connecticut, Nakhwat and a dozen others were packed like sardines into tiny rooms. Heat radiated through the concrete floors from the boiler room directly below. A day and a half to three days would pass and then the detainees would be released back into solitary cells that they were allowed to leave for a few minutes each day to wash their faces and bodies.

When it came time for the 1920 presidential election, Palmer lost the Democratic nomination; in 1921, the Senate launched a probe into his raids. Palmer was never punished, and the law remained on his side: He claimed to have had the publics best interests at heart. But public and expert opinion worsened: The danger from anarchistic doctrines seems remote and almost visionary, a law school professor at the time testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which might have become the prevailing wisdom  until the second Red Scare three decades later.

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By Bill Berkrot

Oct 5 (Reuters) - U.S. government health plans spent more than $1 billion on Mylan NV's EpiPen emergency allergic reaction treatment between 2011 and 2015, according to figures released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Wednesday.

Mylan is under scrutiny for raising prices on the lifesaving EpiPen sixfold in less than a decade, making the devices unaffordable for a growing number of families. U.S. lawmakers and prosecutors are also investigating what impact Mylan's EpiPen pricing has had on government-funded health programs.

CMS, in response to a request from U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, said in a letter that the Medicaid plan for the poor spent $797 million on EpiPen in the five-year period, including rebates provided by Mylan, or $960 million before rebates. Costs for the Medicare Part D program for the elderly was nearly $335 million, a figure that does not reflect rebates.

Klobuchar and other lawmakers contend that Mylan underpaid rebates to state Medicaid programs by misclassifying EpiPen as a generic instead of a branded drug. The Medicaid rebate for a generic is 13 percent compared with a minimum 23.1 percent for a branded drug.

CMS said it could not determine how much the government is owed for EpiPens, but reiterated its view that Mylan had misclassified the product.

"CMS has, on multiple occasions, provided guidance to the industry and Mylan on the proper classification of drugs and has expressly told Mylan that the product is incorrectly classified," the agency said.

Mylan has said it complied with CMS rules. On Wednesday, it noted that the classification of EpiPen for Medicaid rebates had been made in 1997, a decade before it acquired the product.

New CMS rules that took effect this year allow companies to clarify any classification issues for a product like EpiPen, with companies asked to submit their requests by April 1, 2017.

"It would be premature to comment further on this issue until the CMS process has concluded," Mylan said.

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Klobuchar in a statement called for "clear answers on how deep this misclassification goes, how much it has cost taxpayers across the country, how many other drugs may be misclassified, and how we get that money back."

Mylan Chief Executive Heather Bresch was blasted by lawmakers during a congressional hearing last month for raising the list price for a pair of EpiPens to more than $600 this year. It cost about $100 in 2007, when Mylan acquired the product.

Mylan has said the list price does not reflect its true earnings on EpiPen once its discounts to payers, development costs and other expenses are taken into account.

It has sought to address the criticism by offering discounts more widely to consumers and plans to make available a generic version for about $300.

(Reporting by Bill Berkrot; Editing by Michele Gershberg and Richard Chang)
VIROQUA  More than half a dozen emergency management specialists came up with a plan Thursday morning to tour some areas of Vernon County hardest hit by the September flood.

Vernon County Emergency Management Director Chad Buros led Federal Emergency Management Agency representative Craig Ceschi through a map of five townships in the county.

Flooding caused $21 million in damage on Sept. 22 and afterward. Officials are touring the state to determine whether public and private entities will be eligible for federal and state flood aid.

Vernon County will be the hardest country weve seen hit, said Wisconsin Emergency Management public information officer Tod Pritchard.

Remnants of the two-week-old flood are everywhere in Vernon County. Along Hwys. 14/61 between Viroqua to Readstown, debris can still be seen threaded through tops of trees along Reads Creek.

Officials from Vernon County, FEMA, WEM and various public offices planned to visit sites such as the Yttri-Primmer dam. Buros said the dam showed new leaking at its base after the Sept. 22 flood. Other planned stops included the Hwy. JJ bridge, which is out, Lister Road, the village of Readstown, the town of Franklin, the town of Sterling and the town of Wheatland.

Were not going to spend a lot of time at each site  were just going to go, take photographs, witness it and move on, Ceschi said. Thats all we can do today.

The tour planned to check out only public property damage, though county officials had a long list of damage to homes, outbuildings, culverts, bridges and other private property.

Vernon County Highway Commissioner Phil Hewitt planned to lead the tour because he had the best knowledge of county roads. There are still about 40 closed roads in Vernon County due to flood damage.

Ceschi said the biggest issue for both public and private property owners with losses in the Sept. 22 flood is navigating the red tape of their own insurance and cleaning up their own debris.

State Assembly Rep. Lee Nerison, R-Westby, said he has toured his district continually since the flood occurred. He has urged farmers to turn reports in to crop insurance agents and said that areas south and southwest of Viroqua look as though theyve sustained damage greater than in the floods of 2007 and 2008.

Nerison has been in office through five natural disasters, including the Viola tornado of 2005, which also hit a farmland near Esofea, and floods in 2007, 2008, 2012 and on Sept. 22.

Nerison said the total property damage amount was key to see what aid the state qualified to receive.

Pritchard said information from the team in Vernon County and two other teams in the state would be forwarded to the office of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who would then decide whether the state would seek federal disaster aid.


By Jacqueline Lopour

Best Defense Council of the Former Enlisted



A six-year-old boy from New York named Alex recently wrote a letter to President Obama, offering to open his home and family to the boy who was picked up by the ambulance in Syria. Alex asked the president to please go get him and bring him to his home, promising to welcome him with balloons, introduce him to friends at school, share his toys, teach him to ride a bike, and give him a family.

In Canada, Alexs family could do exactly that. Canadas model allows average citizens and community groups to take a personal hand in saving refugee families fleeing crises, conflict, or persecution. In this model, community organizations or small groups of citizens take financial and social responsibility for individual refugees or families during their first year in Canada. Sponsors greet their refugees at the airport, help them find housing and jobs, and provide them with emotional and social support as they integrate into Canadian society.

The U.S. government does not have a formal private sponsorship program in place  but it should. The State Department reportedly is considering a pilot program for 2017, but U.S. leaders need to make widespread implementation an immediate priority.

If such a program existed in the United States, families like Alexs would have the power to do more than merely express outrage online over heartbreaking photos of innocent victims of war. Instead, they could take personal responsibility for resettling a refugee family and help them obtain the skills they need to successfully integrate with their new American community. Private sponsors also would help to shoulder responsibility for some of the financial costs associated with resettling refugees.

In the United States, potential sponsors  as they do in Canada  could either request to sponsor specific refugees or refugee families or, alternatively, offer to sponsor a family identified by the government or the U.N. Refugee Agency from a pool of applicants who have been carefully screened and vetted. In Canada, this process has helped private citizens take initiative for addressing the refugee crisis while safely and responsibly addressing legitimate concerns about terrorism.

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The Canadian program has yielded benefits that would help address many of the problems the United States struggles with, such as domestic racism and xenophobia. Private sponsorship allows Canadians to see refugees as individuals and valuable additions to their communities, instead of a nameless group of potential threats hiding terrorists-in-waiting. The program is in Canadas own self interest. Canadians are seeing firsthand how refugees are adding talent to Canadas workforce, becoming entrepreneurs, and helping to grow the economy by creating jobs, not taking them. In addition, the program has bolstered Canada and Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus reputation on the worlds stage.

The program is wildly popular among everyday Canadians, with public demand to sponsor refugees outstripping the governments ability to process new arrivals. As the letter from young Alex demonstrates, there are many in the United States who would also be eager to participate. The advocacy group Amnesty International recently conducted a survey that revealed that 71 percent of Americans would welcome refugees in America, with a whopping 42 percent willing to accept refugees into their homes and neighborhoods. Thats a potential private sponsorship pool of over 136 million people.

Such a program should have broad, bipartisan appeal. Not only do large swaths of the population support welcoming refugees, but there is precedent for both liberals and conservatives coming together in the United States to support this kind of program. During the Reagan administration, non-profit organizations helped shoulder the costs of resettling thousands of refugees, mostly from Cuba. Faith-based organizations have long played an informal role in helping refugees integrate into their new communities, and a private refugee sponsorship program would allow them and other organizations to step up to make a difference in this crisis in a way that still mitigates concerns about terrorism.

The United States often tries to portray itself as the worlds leading champion of human rights, but we are allowing fear to paralyze us in the face of unprecedented crises affecting millions of innocent people. Canadas system shows that there is a better way. It is time for our dysfunctional political system to get out of the way of Americans like six-year-old Alex and his family, and provide a formal mechanism that allows him and others like him to adopt refugee families into their homes and communities.



Jacqueline Lopour spent 10 years at the Central Intelligence Agency, specializing in South Asia and the Middle East. She currently works at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, an non-partisan think tank in Waterloo, Ontario, where she focuses on the global refugee crisis. She holds the CIA chair in the Best Defense Council of the Former Enlisted.

Image credit: Whitehouse.gov
By Tom Miles and Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - The U.N. Special Envoy for Syria offered on Thursday to go to eastern Aleppo and escort up to 1,000 Islamist fighters out of the city to try to bring an end to bombardment by Russian and Syrian forces. Staffan de Mistura said history would judge Syria and Russia if they used the presence of about 900 former Nusra Front fighters as an "easy alibi" for destroying the rebel-held area where 275,000 residents, 100,000 of them children, are besieged. "The bottom line is in a maximum of two months, two and a half months, the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate may be totally destroyed," de Mistura told a news conference in Geneva. Since the aerial bombing intensified on September 23rd, 376 people have been killed, one third of them children. De Mistura said there were a maximum of 8,000 rebels in eastern Aleppo. Many ex-Nusra fighters left before the area was encircled and no more than 900 remain, he said, before addressing them directly. "If you did decide to leave, in dignity with your weapons, to Idlib or anywhere you wanted to go, I personally am ready, physically ready, to accompany you," he said. "I cant guarantee more than my own personality and body." This year the United Nations has overseen an attempt to negotiate peace in Syria using U.S. and Russian pressure to bring the two sides together. It began fitfully, stalled, and collapsed this week with Washington's suspension of cooperation with Moscow, prompted by Russia's bombing in eastern Aleppo. Russia says it is targeting banned terrorists in eastern Aleppo and blames the United States for not separating former Nusra fighters, now renamed Jabhat Fateh al Sham, in an apparent attempt to sever its links with al Qaeda, from other rebels. De Mistura's offer to escort fighters out of eastern Aleppo was quickly backed by Russian presidential envoy Mikhail Bogdanov. "It's high time," TASS news agency quoted him as saying in response to de Mistura's proposal. It was not immediately clear if Russia was also willing to stop its bombing, which has enabled Syrian government forces to make advances. President Bashar al-Assad, whose government has described all armed groups seeking his overthrow as terrorists, said in an interview with Danish television that his forces would recapture all of Syria. But he said he would prefer to do so using local deals and amnesties that allow rebels to leave for other areas. De Mistura said the choice was between destroying the whole city of eastern Aleppo, home to 275,000 people, for the sake of eliminating about 1,000 Nusra fighters, or letting the Nusra fighters leave and halting the bombing. The latter option would leave the local administration in place and enable humanitarian and medical aid to reach the population, including at least 200 wounded civilians who need medical evacuation to save their lives. (Reporting by Tom Miles and Stephanie Nebehay; additional reporting by Alexander Winning in Moscow; Editing by Dominic Evans)
From Popular Mechanics

The U.S. Navy has prepared a naval task force to assist countries impacted by Hurricane Matthew. The aircraft carrier George Washington, amphibious transport Mesa Verde, and hospital ship Comfort could provide food, water, and medical care to tens of thousands in the path of the Hurricane currently barreling through the Caribbean.

According to the Virginian-Pilot, the George Washington and Mesa Verde left Norfolk Naval Station on Monday, while the Comfort left Tuesday. The ships will likely head east, away from the hurricane, until the Pentagon can assess which countries need assistance. Disaster relief planners are particularly concerned about Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, where thousands of people still live in temporary housing six years after a devastating earthquake killed 230,000 people.

Currently off the north coast of Cuba, Matthew is moving northwest at 11 miles an hour, with wind gusts up to 145 miles an hour. The storm is now projected to miss most of the United States, turning east after it reaches northeast Florida.

Humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HADR) is an increasingly high-profile mission for the U.S. Armed Forces, which provided assistance after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, 2010 Haitian earthquake, and 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami. After all, who besides the military is better equipped to bring medical and logistical know-how to war zone-like conditions in faraway places.

The three-ship flotilla will have considerable medical power at its disposal. An aircraft carrier like the George Washington has 60 medical personnel-including a ship's surgeon-and five dental personnel. The ship has one operating room, three intensive care unit beds, 52 ward beds, a laboratory, X-ray services, and anesthesia services. The Mesa Verde has two operating rooms and 24 ward beds.

A converted oil tanker, the Comfort is a huge ship with 2 operating rooms, 100 intensive care unit beds, 400 intermediate care beds, and 500 "minimal care" beds. It also has a lab, X-ray station, CT scanner, and blood storage. Total medical personnel at full staffing is close to 1,000, but the ship is rarely fully manned.

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The ships can also provide fresh water, a vital resources in disaster zones where local water supplies may have been contaminated. Together, George Washington and Comfort can churn out 700,000 gallons of drinking water a day. Ships headed for disaster zones also typically stock thousands or even tens of thousands of military rations as emergency food.

The breakdown of emergency services in a disaster zone will also make transportation important. The task force will also be able to rescue people from the disaster zone and ferry them to and from Navy ships with embarked Navy and Marine Corps helicopters and V-22 Osprey tiltrotors. Landing Craft, Utility transports and LCAC hovercraft can evacuate people from devastated areas, taking them from one part of the country to another, or even to the fleet waiting offshore.

Beyond actually helping people, HA/DR missions are useful for the military. The spontaneous nature of natural disasters hones short-notice deployment skills. Ships and other equipment must be kept in good condition at all times in order to be able to respond, as well as individual skills. In many ways responding to an earthquake is really not all that different than responding to an overseas military crisis-except for what happens at the destination.

SourcE: Virginian-Pilot

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Russia is warning the United States that any attacks on Syrian-government held territory would be tantamount to an attack on Russian servicemen, heightening tensions between Washington and Moscow that have already reached post-Cold war highs, and coming just a week after the collapse of a ceasefire in the Syrian carnage.

Responding to press reports that the Obama administration was again considering striking Syrian military targets in reprisal for the indiscriminate bombing of hospitals and civilian apartment blocks in Aleppo, Russian Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov warned about the consequences of any attacks on Syrian forces.

Any missile or air strikes on the territory controlled by the Syrian government will create a clear threat to Russian servicemen, he said, adding that his troops might use freshly-deployed, advanced air-defense systems to strike out at objects in the sky that they cant identify.

Russian air defense crews manning the S-300 and S-400 systems are unlikely to have time to determinethe exact flight paths of missiles and then who the warheads belong to, he warned. And all the illusions of amateurs about the existence of invisible jets will face a disappointing reality, he said, in apparent reference to the stealthy characteristics of U.S. aircraft.

He also grimly advised U.S. generals and what he called hotheads in Washington to make a thorough calculation of the possible consequences of such plans to fly near Syrian or Russian forces.

The Russians and Syrian government have insisted that a Sept. 17 airstrike near Deir Ezzor that killed dozens of Syrian troops is proof that Washington supported the Islamic State and Islamist rebels, despite American claims that they had simply hit the wrong target on a crowded battlefield, and that the Syrians may not have been wearing uniforms.

Konashenkov referenced the strike, saying we took all necessary measures to exclude any similar accidents happening to Russian forces in Syria.

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U.S. Central Command spokesman Col. John J. Thomas told FP Thursday that he wouldnt comment specifically on the latest statements from Moscow, but we look at actions, were interested in why theyre moving some of these system in, theres not really an air force there to defend against other than aircraft from the U.S.-led coalition.

Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook told reporters Thursday that the hotline between U.S. and Russian officials to ensure their aircraft dont run into one another over Syria remains open, and Thomas added that the coalition and the Russians are looking into what the possibilities are for expanding how the two communicate.

Earlier this week, Russian officials confirmed the deployment of the S-300 anti-aircraft system to protect its naval base at Tartus. The system has a range of about 150 miles, which gives the battery good coverage of government-held territory well inland.

Moscow has also recently bolstered the number attack planes and bombers at its air base in Latakia, and this week sent three missile corvettes from its Black Sea Fleet to join other Russian warships in the Mediterranean off the Syrian coast. All three ships  The Serpukhov, The Zelyony Dol, and The Mirazh, are equipped with Kalibr and Malakhit cruise missiles which can be launched to hit targets on land well within Syrias borders. The ships are expected to be joined next month by Moscows sole aircraft carrier.

Photo credit: PAUL GYPTEAU/AFP/Getty Images
By Dan Whitcomb LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The California university researcher killed in Ethiopia protests was a brilliant scientist with an infectious smile who was studying the effects of climate change at the time of her death, the colleague who was travelling with her said on Thursday. Sharon Gray, a 31-year-old postdoctoral scientist at the University of California, Davis, was riding through Addis Ababa with her co-researcher Siobahn Brady when their car was attacked by demonstrators hurling rocks. Brady was not hurt in the incident and was returning to the United States, according to the university. The U.S. State Department was assisting in bringing Gray's body home. "She had an infectious smile and giggle, a calm and patient nature and she was truly committed to helping people through her studies of plant biology. I and her colleagues and friends in my lab will miss her intensely," Brady, said in a written statement. "These last hours of her life and the past day have been incredibly difficult and we ask for your respect for the privacy of my lab group, our project members and her colleagues while we mourn," she said. The two women were the lead researchers on study to understand the response of plants to climate change with the Netherlands Institute of Ecology and were in Addis Ababa for a "kick off meeting," Brady said, calling Gray a future leader in her field. On her Twitter page Sharon Gray described herself as an "outdoor adventurer, traveller, foodie" as well as a postdoctoral fellow. A memorial page posted by the university was filled with photos of her in fields of crops, rock-climbing and hiking, surrounded by friends. Originally from the Chicago area, Gray earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois-Champaign. State Department spokesman John Kirby confirmed that an American citizen had died in Ethiopia on Tuesday but declined to provide further details. "We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and to the loved ones. We are providing all possible consular assistance. Out of respect for the family, we must decline further comment," he said. Asked if the United States believed that protesters had targeted Americans, Kirby replied: "As for the situation itself, thats really for the local authorities to speak to in terms of the investigation and how they are looking into it." The U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia has said that an American woman was killed on Tuesday when stones were hurled at her vehicle on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Residents there have described crowds attacking vehicles since a stampede at a weekend protest killed at least 55 people. That stampede began when police fired teargas and shots in the air to disperse anti-government demonstrations during a festival in the Oromiya region, south of the capital, which has been a focus for demonstrations by locals who say land has been seized to build factories and housing blocks.Protests have also increasingly turned to broader issues of political freedom. Amnesty International has demanded an investigation into how security forces handled the weekend protest. (Reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammaed in Washington, D.C., and Asli Kandemir in Istanbul; Editing by Leslie Adler, Bernard Orr)
Hurricane Matthew, the category 4 storm that barrelled through the Caribbean with 145-mile-per-hour winds and left at least 108 Haitians dead over the past two days, is now headed for the southeastern coast of the United States.

The whole southern coast of Haiti, from the town of Les Cayes to Tiburon, is devastated, Pierre-Louis Ostin told Agence-France Presse on Thursday.

Matthew marks the most significant and destructive storm to hit the Caribbean in a decade, and the worst to hit the eastern coast of the United States since Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

The storm will give the U.S. military a chance to stretch its muscles in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, which is becoming an increasingly core mission for navies around the world due to the impacts of climate change.

The United States deployed the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, hospital ship USS Comfort, and USS Mesa Verde, along with 300 Marines, to Haiti, to help deal with the aftermath.

And the Pentagon also set up Joint Task Force Matthew, headed by Rear Adm. Cedric Pringle, who arrived in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday. The United States is also prepping nine helicopters in Honduras to assist with emergency response, and a Pentagon spokesman said in a press conference on Thursday that the United States is prepared to spend some $11 million on disaster relief in the Caribbean.

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At home, some 1.5 million people have already been ordered to evacuate in Florida. The storm is expected to hit there on Thursday evening, and 4,500 guardsmen have also been activated between there, Georgia, and North and South Carolina.

On Thursday, the National Weather Service in Jacksonville warned that catastrophic coastal damage [is] expected and that the storm will likely cause far worse damage than Sandy did in New Jersey four years ago. It said that significant loss of life is a possibility.

Still, the damage in Haiti will likely be far worse. Already poor infrastructure there only worsened after a 2010 earthquake killed more than 300,000 people, and Haiti has also been dealing with a recent cholera outbreak. Already, the only bridge connecting the northern and southern parts of Haiti has been destroyed, prompting fears about how disaster relief will reach the worst-hit parts of the island nation.

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Photo credit: HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images
The Obama administration is heatedly debating whether to trigger harsh sanctions against North Korea that would target Chinese companies doing business with the hermit regime, in a crackdown like the one that crippled Irans economy, Foreign Policy has learned.

But some White House officials worry that the tough economic penalties, which have already been approved though not deployed, would cause a serious rift with Beijing.

Officials told FP that the approach would be similar to the sweeping secondary sanctions that were slapped on global banks handling transactions with Iran. Those sanctions are widely credited with bringing Irans economy to its knees in 2013 and forcing Tehran to the negotiating table over its nuclear program.

But a decision to go after Chinese banks and trading companies that deal with Pyongyang could rupture Washingtons relations with Beijing, which bristles at any unilateral sanctions imposed on its companies or drastic action that could cause instability in neighboring North Korea.

The push for possible tougher action in U.S. policy stems from growing alarm over North Koreas bid to build more capable ballistic missiles and potent nuclear weapons, as illustrated by last months fifth nuclear test by Kim Jong Uns regime  its largest to date. Some experts believe North Korea already has succeeded in building nuclear warheads that could be placed on a missile, and a series of test launches demonstrates that the North has developed medium-range missiles that could strike Japan or Guam. U.S. intelligence officials believe it is only a matter of time before Kims regime produces a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach the United States.

In the past two or so years, theres a general appreciation that the situation has become worse and that we, the United States and the responsible nations of the world, need to up our game, said a senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

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As a result, the administration is looking at a more active and more aggressive use of the authorities for sanctions, the official told FP.

The political calendar in the United States also is shaping the internal discussions, with some officials arguing that President Barack Obama would be better placed to order the move in his final months in office, rather than leaving it to a new administration to enter into a heated dispute with China.

Looking at the calendar, all the players on North Korean policy are acutely aware that there is a need, and we have a chance to solidify this robust policy so that the next administration is working on a higher platform, the senior official said.

Alarmed by Pyongyangs relentless pursuit of a nuclear-armed missile arsenal, South Korea and Japan also are pressing for a more aggressive approach to the North. U.S. lawmakers from both parties have urged the White House to embrace hard-hitting sanctions.

U.N. resolutions and new legislation adopted by Congress in February give the administration far-reaching legal authorities to block assets, file criminal charges, and cancel visas for individuals or organizations violating sanctions rules on North Korea. But so far, the administration has yet to wield those authorities in a decisive manner, taking action in a relatively small number of cases while it seeks to persuade China to take a more assertive role.

With China as North Koreas only economic partner of consequence, any sanctions strategy aimed at squeezing Pyongyang will involve punitive measures against Chinese companies and banks. And Washington would much rather have Beijing lead the effort against those companies instead of taking unilateral action that would almost certainly touch a raw nerve in the Chinese leadership.

China has repeatedly voiced support for U.N. Security Council resolutions barring any commercial backing or supplies for North Koreas nuclear weapons or missile projects. But Beijing also has made clear that it opposes unilateral sanctions by other governments, and Chinese officials are wary of any penalties that would create a food shortage or energy crisis that triggers upheaval in its impoverished neighbor.

Were willing to cooperate with relevant countries under the condition of mutual respect and on equal footing, but at the same time oppose any countrys so-called long-arm management of Chinese entities or individuals according to its internal laws, the foreign ministry said in a statement to Bloomberg News this week.

In a move welcomed in Washington as a potential sign that China was ready to clamp down on companies linked to North Korea, Beijing authorities last month announced a criminal investigation against Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co. and its owner. The company had maintained deep ties to North Korea, conducting $500 million in business over five years, and even had alleged commercial links to a Kim regime group that hacked Sony Pictures. The U.S. Treasury Department last week announced criminal charges against the company and several individuals, accusing the company of links to a notorious North Korean bank, Kwangson Banking, and alleging that it had set up shell companies and offshore tax havens to hide its illegal activity.

Its unclear if Chinas criminal inquiry against Dandong Hongxiang represents a more aggressive tack by Beijing against companies flouting U.N. sanctions, or is merely an isolated event. But experts say China has not changed its fundamental calculus on Pyongyang  that stability on the Korean peninsula must be preserved at all costs.

U.S. diplomats are in discussions with China at the U.N. Security Council on a new resolution that would possibly close remaining loopholes in the international sanctions against North Korea. A Security Council resolution adopted in March  two months after a nuclear test by Pyongyang  included a livelihood exception that allows Chinese companies to buy coal and other items from North Korea as long as the proceeds are not used for prohibited weapons programs. The resolution also allows China and other states to maintain financial accounts or bank offices inside North Korea unless there is credible information showing the business relationship is being used for illicit activity.

U.S. officials hope the talks with China will produce a stricter sanctions resolution to ensure Beijings cooperation and pile pressure on North Korea by choking off its access to hard currency through coal, iron ore, and other exports. But the talks are moving at a glacial pace, and it remains unclear if Beijing is ready to alter its approach. Without U.N. backing, Washington will face a difficult choice.

Pursuing Iran-style sanctions would almost certainly ratchet up tensions with China, with potentially damaging economic and other unpredictable consequences.

Yet no change in course would mean tolerating North Korea eventually building a stockpile of sophisticated nuclear missiles aimed at the United States, enabling Pyongyang to engage in nuclear blackmail on an unprecedented scale.

It could become the defining issue in the U.S.-China relationship. It could push Beijing and Washington into a very unhappy place, said Evan Medeiros, who served as Obamas top advisor on Asia affairs at the White House National Security Council until last year.

Pursuing Iran-like sanctions against North Korea would mean hardcore secondary sanctions in ways that the Chinese arent going to like, he said.

But the U.S. is simply going to have to be willing to countenance friction in the U.S.-Chinese relationship that the U.S. hasnt been willing to accept to date, because the North Korean threat is becoming too serious, said Medeiros, now at the Eurasia Group since leaving the White House.

Obama has tended to avoid confrontation with China on most issues, including over the South China Sea and economic disputes. The administration, however, did take a forceful stance against Beijing-backed cyberhacking in the United States.

They have placed a premium on trying to manage the relationship with China in a constructive way and to contain areas of friction or competition, said a congressional staffer.

No decision has been taken on whether to trigger the harsher sanctions, and the administration may in the end opt to take a more incremental approach, avoiding a major clash with China. But as North Korea continues to advance toward its goal of building nuclear-tipped, long-range ballistic missiles, pressure will inevitably build on the next American president to back a tougher line on sanctions despite resistance in Beijing.

Since approving new sanctions legislation in February, U.S. lawmakers from both parties have complained that relatively few companies or individuals have been blacklisted and charged.

You have sanctioned no Chinese banks at the end of the day, and they are probably the major financial institutions for North Korea, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) said at a hearing last week with top State Department officials.

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, speaking at the same hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, accused the administration of timidity when it comes to sanctions that could antagonize the Chinese government.

We know who these companies are. We havent moved fast enough on it. Theres no reason not to have moved faster. Theres plenty of targets of opportunity and plenty of information out there about them, Rubio said.

Asked about future sanctions enforcement against North Korea, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters Wednesday that we dont want to telegraph our intentions.

If the United States decided to turn the screws against large numbers of Chinese companies trading with North Korean state enterprises, experts in and outside the government disagree as to whether the case of Iran sanctions can be applied successfully to Pyongyang.

There are some tempting parallels, but there are very distinct differences, said John Park of the Harvard Kennedy School, who co-wrote a recent study of North Koreas sanction-busting methods.

Unlike North Korea, Iran is heavily dependent on the international oil market and has to rely on the international financial system, including the SWIFT financial transaction network, to sell its oil. They were vulnerable. You could block these type of activities outside of Iran, Park said.

But North Korea operates in a gray zone of illicit companies and trade, and almost all of its business is done inside Chinas economy.

Beijing is wary of any international measure that would usurp its authority on its territory. If Washington pressed ahead with secondary sanctions, it would hit the wall of sovereignty right away, Park said.

About 70 percent of North Koreas trade runs through China, including most of its food supplies.

North Korea has adapted its tactics over the years and proved savvy at circumventing sanctions. It pays lucrative fees for skilled Chinese middlemen who handle finances and logistics while concealing Pyongyangs involvement in transactions, said Park, who cited accounts from North Korean defectors. Instead of adopting cloak-and-dagger methods, managers from the Kim regimes enterprises operate openly, integrating themselves in the expatriate business community in China in provinces near North Korea while exploiting consulates to buy prohibited or dual-use goods for weapons programs.

Apart from coal and iron ore, North Korea profits from the export of small arms and cheap labor. North Korean workers are sent to factories in China and the timber and construction industries in Russia. The wages are transported back to Pyongyang, with the North Korean workers reportedly receiving only about 10 percent of the money.

Unlike Washington, Beijing promotes trade with North Korea as a way of preventing instability, even as it criticizes Pyongyangs pursuit of nuclear weapons.

About a year ago, China and North Korea launched a cargo and container shipping route to bolster the Norths coal exports to China. The project appears to have paid off. North Korean coal exports to China hit a record monthly high of about 2.46 million tons in August, according to the Korea International Trade Association. Coal exports to China generate more than $1 billion in income for the regime annually and roughly a third of North Koreas export income, U.S. officials said.

When coal and other commodity prices spiked between 2007 and 2010, North Korea secured large sums of cash from its coal exports and probably still has funds left over from the boom, Park said.

Theyre living off of the proceeds from a hit record from years ago, he said.

Photo credit: KCNA/AFP/Getty Images
IMG_3110.JPG

The mass transit I took to Brooklyn the other night came in the form of a gray Toyota minivan.

It sure didn't feel like mass transit: My colleague and I filled the middle row, and for most of the rush-hour journey crawling over torn-up Greenwich Village streets and then coasting across the Manhattan Bridge, it was just the two of us with the driver and four empty seats.

Comfortable, but hardly efficient.

I was in an UberPool, the ride-hailing company's service that picks up passengers heading in the same direction, adding extra pickups and drop-offs  and generally some small talk  but saving each passenger money. It felt like a fancy way to get to part of a city well served by subways.

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But here's what made it remarkable: I had managed to pay for this ride using pretax deductions from my paycheck, just as someone taking the subway or bus might.

This tax break, which Uber has been offering riders for just over a month, saved me about $5 on this $18 ride. But in a city teeming with buses and subways and cars and taxis, I wondered how it was possible that the Internal Revenue Service was happy with my paying for an Uber as a kind of deduction, especially when taxis and other cars don't get the same treatment.

The answer has a lot to do with what the IRS considers "transit," and it explains why I rode in such a big vehicle with so many empty seats. And it's the story of Uber finding a way to gain another edge over the city's traditional taxis, this time by taking advantage of a law written before the internet.

How is this allowed?

Taxi riders don't get tax breaks. Nor do people who drive to work, except for their parking.

Regular carpools also get no break.

But workers have for years been able to use pretax dollars to pay for subways and buses, and to save on bicycles  and starting August 30, UberPool riders in New York City have been able to do the same.

Story continues

It came through a deal between Uber and WageWorks, a company that administers transit benefits for employers (including Business Insider).

The government allows workers to set aside up to $255 each month to pay commuting costs, and New Yorkers using a WageWorks debit card can use those dollars to pay for trains and mass-transit passes.

A few months back, Uber and WageWorks started talking about ways to let WageWorks customers pay for Uber rides. They realized that through a quirk in the law they might be able to call UberPool a "transit pass," comparable to a MetroCard used by New York subway riders. But there was a problem. Uber drivers use lots of different kinds of vehicles, but only some qualify as "transit."

IRS rules  for reasons that long predate anything like Uber  mandate that pretax dollars be used only in vehicles that can seat at least six passengers. Not all Uber vehicles are big enough.

"They can't just take their regular Uber fleet and any of those cars for UberPool," Dan Neuberger, WageWorks' president of commuter services, told Business Insider.

IMG_3121.JPG

So Uber worked out a complicated back-end solution. If you hail an UberPool ride with a smartphone, the app checks what kind of credit card you're using. If it's a regular card, Uber will send whichever vehicle is closest. But if you use a WageWorks card, it will send only a vehicle with at least six passenger seats, even though it's unlikely Uber will fill them.

That's why I ended up in such a big vehicle with so many empty seats.

The Uber 'loophole'

When UberPool first offered shared rides in 2014, the company promised that no ride would ever seat more than four passengers at a time.

As recently as Wednesday, the UberPool website promoted the four-passenger maximum, suggesting that at least two seats would always be empty on rides with passengers using pretax dollars.

By Thursday, a day after I asked Uber about this, the company had removed the reference to "4 co-riders total" from the UberPool site.

Screen Shot 2016 10 05 at 12.40.43 PM

A spokesman said the company meant to remove that promise in May when it started marketing UberPool as a good option during commuting hours. He said UberPool rides may now have up to six passengers but that it would happen "somewhat infrequently."

Indeed, some rides will have just one rider: not exactly a "pool," or mass transit.

Uber can do this because the law is vague on this point.

"They just found a loophole," Jason Pavluchuk, the government affairs director at the Association for Commuter Transportation, which advocates carpooling and mass transit, told Business Insider.

There's no rule governing how many people must be in the car at any one time to qualify. There's no rule saying it even has to be used for commuting to work, even though that's clearly the intent of the law. It's perfectly legal to use UberPool pretax coming home drunk from a bar on the weekend, just as it is with an unlimited subway pass. All Uber has to do is make sure the car it sends has at least six seats.

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"The intent of the law is commuting to and from work, but there's nothing illegal about using their transit passes in other ways," Pavluchuk said.

Uber says that it's providing a convenient way for people going in the same direction to share a journey and that the pretax commuter benefits will make it more affordable.

"We are opening up carpooling to more people, which is what these provisions of the tax code were written to encourage," said Matt Wing, Uber's New York-based spokesman.

Traditional carpooling, however  say four coworkers cramming into a station wagon  gets no tax breaks.

"UberPool is kind of implying it's like a carpool, but really it's being declared as a transit pass," Phil Winters, a director at the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida, told Business Insider.

The big question is why the transit-pass rule is so broad and "whether it's an oversight for not including the other part of the commuter highway vehicle requirements," Winters said. "On purpose or an omission?"

That's a real question because, strangely, the IRS rules talk about van commuting in two different places. To use pretax dollars for a "vanpool," meaning you transport workers to and from an office, you have to meet a lot of requirements. The van, which the government calls a "commuter highway vehicle," must be used for commuting at least 80% of the time, and at least half the seats must be filled.

But if you pay for the van using a "transit pass," nothing matters other than the number of seats. That's what applies to Uber and WageWorks.

It was originally for 'transit'

new york subway crowded

Ironically, the tax law benefiting Uber was originally written to get cars off the road.

Long before Uber, and years before even dial-up internet, Larry Filler was on a mission to make mass transit competitive with driving. In the 1980s, as the head of TransitCenter, he became the father of TransitChek, the program that provides tax-free fare cards to workers. Before TransitChek, the only people who got a tax break were those who paid for parking at work.

His "focus originally was on transit, pure and simple," Filler told Business Insider. "And then it became very well used in New York and it was felt that it should be part of the tax code."

Inspired by his work in New York, Congress in 1992 passed a bill allowing workers to use tax-free dollars on mass transit, parking, and also vanpools. (Later, it added biking.)

"The primary purpose was to try to equalize the incentive between parking and driving and using transit," Filler said. "But we did add vanpooling because we saw that as another alternative to driving alone."

The idea was that vans would be used in cities where there werent many other options. Seattle, for instance, is particularly into vanpools. But back then, no one anticipated anything like Uber.

Who benefits?

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For most of my UberPool ride, it seemed as if we'd be the only passengers. But once we crossed into Brooklyn, the driver took a turn in the wrong direction and we picked up Cassie Magzamen near the Brooklyn Navy Yard. It's a neighborhood with only one subway: the dreaded G train, New York's only line that avoids Manhattan.

So to make up the transit gap, Magzamen uses UberPool about three times a week.

She never thought of it as mass transit like a subway but, after considering the idea, realized "it's becoming mass transit for me, unfortunately."

Magzamen is a freelancer. She didn't know about the tax break, and she doesn't qualify for it. And after a few moments, her views changed. In her mind, it's not in the same category as the subway. She was unsure whether workers should be able to deduct it from their wages. "Is that moral?" she said. "I don't think so."

"I think they're a direct challenge to our public transportation system," Lucius Riccio, a transportation expert at Columbia University, told Business Insider. He was referring to Uber, as well as competitors like Lyft and another carpool service called Via. "I do think they're adding more big vehicles to an already congested area."

Riccio's argument is that while it can benefit riders in fringe areas like Magzamen's, they're often used heavily in areas that are already have public-transit alternatives.

UberPool, for instance, offers $5 rides within most parts of Manhattan during commuting hours. Add in the tax break, and it becomes only marginally more expensive than taking the subway in that area. (The company said it targeted riders on the congested 4-5-6 line for cheap rides.) It's a lot more expensive to use UberPool in the outer boroughs, as my $18 fare brought home.

But commuting is not a zero-sum game. Some riders could use UberPool just to travel to a closer subway stop, for instance. That could be a boon to some.

Sarah Kaufman, the assistant director for technology programming at the NYU Rudin Center for Transportation, calls services like UberPool, Lyft, and Via "the next generation of public transit," because they're more dynamic and customizable than, say, buses.

And there's a class question here. While UberPool tends to transport wealthier smartphone-toting New Yorkers, she said so-called dollar vans already transport 100,000 New Yorkers a day. They're a kind of shadow transit system operating in neighborhoods not well served by public transit. Riders pay $2 cash and often use them to get to better subway stops. But even though these vans meet the same IRS criteria as UberPool, these passengers are unlikely to get the tax break.

"Dollar vans can't take credit cards," she said. "Theres no receipt." Its a gray market.

She said the people who need these kinds of options  and the tax break  are most often the New Yorkers with the lowest incomes.

What's next?

IMG_3132.JPG

For now, only WageWorks customers in New York can use pretax dollars to pay for UberPools.

Neuberger of WageWorks said the company hoped to expand the UberPool benefit across the country "once all the kinks are worked out." Interest in the program has been "significant," he said, though he declined to provide specific figures.

And he said the company would be happy to work with any other ride-sharing company, such as Lyft, if it can prove it can comply with the law and send big-enough vehicles.

Adrian Durbin, a spokesman for Lyft, declined to comment on UberPool or whether Lyft was planning a similar pretax service.

(Via, another carpool service, which transports 3-6 people per ride, also allows passengers to pay with a commuter benefit.)

Of course, taking advantage of this tax break is the kind of savvy that has helped Uber become the world's richest tech startup, now valued at about $66 billion.

For a city like New York, the question is whether services like UberPool will improve commutes for everyone  perhaps helping people get to a transit stop, or reducing subway crowding  or whether it will create another class of transportation that continues to clog streets.

Uber is pitching pretax pooled rides as a kind of solution.

"This furthers our goal of getting more people in fewer cars, while making New Yorkers' daily commute more affordable and efficient," Wing, the spokesman, said.

But if it turns out that the service is competing with subways and buses, transportation advocates could lobby Congress to rewrite the IRS rules.

As for my ride, it took 45 minutes to get from Manhattan to Brooklyn, a few minutes longer than I'd expect from the subway. For me at least, it's not about to replace my crowded ride underground.

Correction: An earlier version of this article implied the service Via is not yet available using pretax dollars. Its customers have been able to use commuter benefits since late 2014.

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didi dirver

Didi Chuxing,

Uber's former fierce rival in China, wants to build a self-driving car.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Didi founder and CEO Cheng Wei said he is hunting for data scientists in Silicon Valley to develop a self-driving car. Didi Chuxing bought Uber China in a $35 billion deal over the summer.

Cheng added that he's also been in talks with Gansha Wu, the former director of Intel Labs who also founded UiSee Technology, a Beijing-based self-driving car company.

Uber is advancing its self-driving car efforts on its own. The ride-hailing service recently launched a pilot in Pittsburgh where select Uber riders can hail a self-driving car.

Didi will also have competition in China with Baidu, which has been testing its self-driving cars in China and was recently cleared for testing in California.

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Unlike most, UBS (Swiss Exchange: UBSG-CH) Chief Executive Sergio Ermotti does not consider Deutsche Bank (XETRA: DBK-DE) to be a serious threat to the stability of European banks.

Ermotti told CNBC's " Squawk on the Street " on Thursday that he "wouldn't look at one idiosyncratic situation as being a good proxy for the entire banking industry" in Europe, noting that the sector is actually quite sound and has made huge progress over the last seven or eight years in terms of addressing banks' capital positions and improving their business models. He was speaking on the sidelines of the World Bank/ International Monetary Fund meeting in Washington.

The CEO acknowledged that the sector has been subject to some suffering, but mostly because of macroeconomic conditions in Europe like an overall lack of growth and over-capacitated industries.

If only the banking sector takes a hit, the problem is solvable, Ermotti contended, so long as potential collateral damage is kept under control. He cited possible negative effects of a situation like Deutsche Bank's, which just led to worldwide job cuts at the lender. Ermotti said the impact could result in falling consumer confidence and potential stock market bubbles.

It's time, Ermotti insisted, to find a resolution and "create a better framework" to address problems like Deutsche Bank's. Talking about the problem without finding an effective solution will only create more uncertainty, he said.

"Central banks, on their own, cannot address the structural problems we are facing, particularly in Europe," Ermotti said. "Central banks can only help transition it from one place to the other. It's not the only medicine available to address the issues we have," he said.

A more concerning issue than Deutsche Bank (and one not exclusive to the banking sector) is the presence of low and negative rates in Europe, the CEO said. "I am more concerned about the savings and social system being put under pressure" by declining rates, he added.

Story continues

Regarding Brexit, Ermotti is focused on the question of access to London, which he said will remain a "very important financial center"  at least for now.

"I can't imagine London keeping the same status as they have today if there is no passport into Europe," Ermotti said, adding that negotiations are still underway and maintaining the British capital's reputation as a global business center likely remains a top priority.

















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UBS (NYSE:UBS) and the International Monetary Fund have opposing views when it comes to embattled German lender Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) which is facing a possible $14 billion fine from the U.S. Department of Justice.

This week the IMF warned that the bank poses a risk to the global financial system, however UBS Chairman Axel Weber said that Deutsche Banks issues are not indicative as another Lehman Brothers moment.

Regulators and banks have spent enormous amount of time for making the system safer, making each of the banks safer by raising massive amounts of capital. If you look at pre-crisis, you could run a global bank on one or two percent of core tier one capital. Now most of the banks are well above 10%, he said during an interview on FOX Business Network's Mornings With Maria.

Worries over the banks stability have shaved more than 50% off the stock price over the past 12-months on reports the U.S. government is seeking a massive settlement tied to a mortgage securities investigation. German Chancellor Angela Merkels government also denied a report in a German newspaper that officials were considering a bailout.

While Weber, who served as the former president of German Bundesbank, said while some global banks have more exposure to investment banking and derivatives markets, as a whole, the system is more stable, and those individual exposures can hedge for risk.

There is no unorderly developments in the markets, and I dont really think there is a chance or a risk of seeing unorderly developments at this stage, he said.

While Weber didnt speculate about whether Deutsche Bank would eventually find itself in need of a bailout, he said its situation is similar to one UBS found itself in during the 2008 financial crisis.

We rebuilt the bank, we basically reestablished our market leadership in Switzerland. Were now at a totally different place at the bank. I think its very important that everyone does their homework and focuses on capital, liquidity, that you focus on resolution. And its each banks job to get in a better place relative to where we were. And I think all of us are doing that, including Deutsche, he said.

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The UFCs return to Manila took a major hit earlier this week when it was revealed that BJ Penn had been forced out of his main event scrap with Ricardo Lamas due to injury (ironically saving Penns head from what would likely be a litany of major hits in the process). After scrambling to find a last minute replacement and coming up short, it turns out that the loss of Penn from an otherwise local promotion-level card was simply too big of a hit for the UFC to take.

Just moments ago, the UFC announced via their website that Fight Night 97 had been rescheduled  or cancelled, being that no reschedule date has been given  following Penns withdrawal from the event. The promotions official statement is below.

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UFC announced today that it will reschedule its UFC Fight Night event planned for Oct. 15 in Manila, Philippines due to the loss of the main event. Former UFC champion BJ Penn was forced to withdraw from the main event bout with Ricardo Lamas due to injury. I suffered a rib injury in training and I apologize to the fans in Manila who were expecting to watch me compete, Penn said. I hope to be back in the Octagon soon. Athletes scheduled to compete on the Oct. 15 card will be rebooked at upcoming UFC events in the near future. Each athlete set to compete on Oct. 15 will also receive compensation due to the card being rescheduled. With its 2016 calendar finalized, UFC officials will discuss future dates for the event.

Youd like to think that cancelling an entire event after losing one fight would make the UFC reconsider putting on 70-odd fight cards a year, but yeah, no one will learn anything from this. Of course, theres also a pretty nasty rumor floating around the Twittersphere which could be a factor in the UFCs decision to cancel (er, reschedule) the event outright.
BELFAST (Reuters) - Six people are under criminal investigation in connection with the sale by Ireland's state-run "bad bank" of a multi-billion-pound portfolio of Northern Irish loans, the head of Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) was quoted as saying on Thursday.

The NCA opened an inquiry last year into the National Asset Management Agency's (NAMA) 1.3 billion pound sale in 2014 of its entire portfolio of loans belonging to Northern Ireland-based debtors to U.S. private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management.

The investigation began after an independent member of the Irish parliament raised concerns about the portfolio, alleging that a 7 million-pound fee had been "earmarked" for a Northern Ireland politician. The NCA arrested two men earlier this year.

"We have interviewed over 40 witnesses, we have searched eight properties, we have achieved a number of court orders both for private properties and for public locations, and our inquiries continue," NCA director general Lynne Owens told the BBC.

Possible offences being investigated include bribery, fraud and corruption, she added.

NAMA, which became one of the largest property groups in the world in 2009 when it paid 32 billion euros to purge local banks of risky loans worth over double that amount, has said the investigation is in no way concerned with its side of the sale.

Cerberus has said that no improper or illegal fees were paid by it or on its behalf.

The U.S. Department of Justice and parliamentary committees in both the Irish and Northern Irish parliament are also investigating the deal.

Dublin this week ordered a statutory investigation into the transaction after the state's audit body said last month that NAMA set too low a minimum price for the sale. NAMA rejected that the loan book, dubbed Project Eagle, had been mis-priced.

(Reporting by Amanda Ferguson; editing Padraic Halpin and Ralph Boulton)
By David Milliken

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's economic productivity - the key driver of living standards - has finally clawed back the ground it lost during and after the financial crisis, but remains almost a fifth below where it might have been had the crisis never happened.

Official figures on Thursday highlight the challenge Britain faces as it prepares to leave the European Union, something the Bank of England expects will make firms think twice about costly investment projects to lift long-run efficiency.

British workers' hourly output in the three months to June eked out growth of 0.4 percent compared with a year earlier to match the historic high seen at the tail end of 2007.

"Productivity on this metric has now returned to its pre-downturn level and has slightly exceeded it for the first time since 2008," the Office for National Statistics said.

Britain's solid economic recovery since the financial crisis has been largely driven by higher employment - including more foreign migrants - in contrast to the decline in the share of people in work seen in countries such as the United States.

But Britain's productivity - which lagged other rich countries even before the crisis - has weakened in relative terms over the period.

The ONS estimated productivity was 17 percent below where it would have been if Britain had been able to maintain its pre-crisis growth rate - compared with a 9 percent shortfall in other major advanced economies. This has contributed to weak per capita growth in gross domestic product and living standards.

A post-crisis lack of lending to new businesses, and the low-quality nature of some of the jobs created in the years after, are among the factors economists blame for weak productivity growth. But the exact causes are unclear, and politicians have struggled to solve the problem.

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Britain's new prime minister, Theresa May, told her Conservative party's annual conference on Wednesday that there needed to be more house-building and long-term investment to boost productivity.

Story continues

With Britain set to leave the European Union by the end of 2019, and May committed to controlling the number of migrants, future growth will not be able to rely on a rapidly expanding workforce which increased by 9 percent in the past decade.

Howard Archer, chief UK economist at IHS Markit, saw some positive signs in the latest data, which shows two successive quarters of solid growth after a dip at the end of 2015.

Output per hour grew at a quarterly rate of 0.6 percent in the second quarter and 0.5 percent in the first, after a 0.9 percent drop at the end of 2015.

Unit labour costs - a gauge of medium-term inflation pressures monitored by the BoE - also jumped to an annual growth rate of 1.9 percent in the second quarter from 0.8 percent in the first three months of the year. They rose 1.2 percent in the three months to June alone, the fastest pace in three years.

But Archer said it was unclear that leaving the EU would significantly reduce productivity-sapping regulation in the way in which some of its supporters said it would.

"The downside risk is that prolonged uncertainty and concerns over the UK's economic outlook weighs down heavily on business investment and damages productivity," he said.

"This could be compounded if foreign companies markedly reduce their investment in the UK and this dilutes any beneficial spill-over of skills and knowledge," he added.

(Reporting by David Milliken; Editing by Andy Bruce and Toby Chopra)
By Allison Lampert

MONTREAL (Reuters) - A United Nations agency approved a landmark accord on Thursday to curb aviation pollution amid criticism the deal, which will cost the industry billions of dollars, fails to trim emissions enough on international flights.

The International Civil Aviation Organization's global carbon offseting system, the first such scheme for a single industry, is expected to slow the growth of emissions from commercial flights, costing the industry less than 2 percent of revenues. Governments from individual countries must still act on their own to put the agreement's limits into effect.

The system will be voluntary from 2021 to 2026 and mandatory from 2027 for states with larger aviation industries. Airlines will have to buy carbon credits from designated environmental projects around the world to offset growth in emissions.

"It's a document arising from compromises and consensus," said Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, president of ICAO's governing council at a press conference.

Aliu said objections by a small number of countries would not derail the plan. With 65 countries covering more than 80 percent of aviation activity in the voluntary first phases, participation surpassed the agency's expectations, he said, and will continue growing.

Tensions were centred around developed nations, responsible for most greenhouse gas emissions in the past, and emerging and developing countries that fear added costs could curb growth.

Russia and India have said they will not participate in the voluntary phases, and said Thursday the deal puts an unfair burden on emerging countries. China has said it plans to join the voluntary phase.

Brazil, which had previously expressed concerns, voiced support for the deal, but did not say whether it would join the first phases.

Citing ICAO figures, industry estimates the deal will cost airlines between $1.5 billion and $6.2 billion in 2025, depending on future carbon prices, and no more than 1.8 percent of industry revenues by 2035.

Story continues

Airlines' margins are slim and the average for the past decade was 4 percent, according to figures from the International Air Transport Association, an industry trade group. However, IATA has said the deal is far less costly than a patchwork of national and regional climate deals.

"Even though it's a cost and the industry doesn't like additional costs, we believe it's a manageable cost," said Paul Steele, an IATA vice president.

The U.S. Department of State, which long pushed for a deal, said it "puts the industry on a path toward sustainable, carbon-neutral growth."

But because of the voluntary phase and exceptions protecting smaller markets, environmentalists argued the scheme would not meet its own goals.

The International Council on Clean Transportation estimated the agreement would require airlines to offset only about three-quarters of growth after 2021, or one-quarter of total international traffic.

Others were critical of the deal's reliance on offsets.

"Taking a plane is the fastest and cheapest way to fry the planet and this deal won't reduce demand for jet fuel one drop," said Transport and Environment director Bill Hemmings.

Talks will now continue on the technical details of the deal, especially what types of offset credits will be considered acceptable.

A Montreal assembly of ICAO's 191 member states approved the deal, which will apply to international passenger and cargo flights, and business jets that generate more than 10,000 tonnes of emissions annually.

Previous negotiations came close to provoking a trade war ahead of the 2013 ICAO assembly as the European Union, which was frustrated with slow progress, ordered foreign airlines to buy credits under its scheme. China and other countries said that violated their sovereignty.

The deal comes a day after the Paris accord to fight climate change entered into force. Aviation was excluded from that accord, though the industry produces about 2 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, an amount larger than generated by some industrialized nations.

With industry expecting passenger numbers to double to 7 billion by 2034, rising aircraft pollution must be curbed to achieve Paris's temperature targets, said Lou Leonard, a World Wildlife Fund vice president.

(Additional writing by Allison Martell; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Alan Crosby)
Beirut (AFP) - The UN's Syria envoy Thursday warned east Aleppo faces total destruction, as government forces made their biggest gains in years against rebels inside the opposition-held part of the battleground city.

Staffan de Mistura said eastern Aleppo could be "totally destroyed" by year's end, and called on the government to halt strikes if jihadist fighters left the city, even offering to escort them out himself.

The envoy said eastern Aleppo risked joining the ranks of the 20th century's worst tragedies including the Srebrenica massacre and the Rwandan genocide.

His plea comes two weeks into an all-out government assault on opposition parts of Aleppo following the collapse of a short-lived truce negotiated by Russia and the United States.

Diplomats said the UN Security Council would hold an emergency meeting on Syria Friday, at the request of Russia, with De Mistura expected to brief the council via videoconference from Geneva at 1400 GMT.

President Bashar al-Assad, meanwhile, warned rebels in Aleppo that unless they agreed to a deal with the government, his forces would have "no option" but to expel them from the city.

Loyalists have made significant advances in the Bustan al-Basha district near the centre of Aleppo, divided between government fighters in the west and rebels in the east, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said it was the biggest and most significant advance inside the city since 2013.

The offensive by Assad's forces has seen rebel-held areas pounded relentlessly with air strikes, barrel bombs and artillery fire that the Observatory says have killed more than 270 people.

- Army 'gimmick' -

On Wednesday, the army said in a surprise announcement it would reduce its bombardment "to allow civilians who want to leave to reach safe areas".

"Anyone who does not take advantage of the opportunity to lay down their arms or leave will meet their inevitable fate," it said.

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The Observatory reported fewer air strikes but heavy clashes on several fronts including Bustan al-Basha on Thursday, with the army now controlling key vantage points and half the neighbourhood.

Regime forces also seized buildings on the edges of the nearby Sakhur district, it added.

And 11 people were killed in rebel rocket fire on the government-controlled district of Al-Jamiliyeh, the Observatory said.

State news agency SANA earlier said at least eight people were killed and dozens wounded there.

Analysts dismissed the army announcement.

"The regime and its allies have made a decision to conquer as much of eastern Aleppo as possible and they're moving ahead on that," said Emile Hokayem of the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

"I think such announcements are actually marginal. They are a PR gimmick."

Syria expert Thomas Pierret said the move could be intended to undercut growing international pressure for action over the plight of civilians in east Aleppo.

The bombardment has damaged or destroyed several hospitals, including the largest facility serving the more than 250,000 remaining residents, who have been under near-continuous siege since mid-July.

"A temporary halt or reduction of bombings could prevent interventionists from gaining further influence," said Pierret, a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh.

- French-drafted UN resolution -

Washington said this week it was suspending talks with Moscow on Syria over Russia's involvement in the Aleppo assault.

But the US acknowledged Secretary of State John Kerry had called his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss Syria despite the announcement.

Moscow blames Washington for the truce's collapse and has shown no signs of easing its support for Assad.

De Mistura warned the ongoing assault would have dire consequences: "In maximum two months, two-and-a-half months the city of eastern Aleppo may be totally destroyed."

He urged fighters from the former Al-Nusra Front, now known as Fateh al-Sham Front after breaking with Al-Qaeda, to leave Aleppo under a deal to halt the regime's attack on the city.

"If you decide to leave with dignity... I am personally ready to physically accompany you," said the envoy.

Russia said it was "ready to work" on a French-drafted UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Aleppo.

More than 300,000 people have been killed since the conflict began with fierce repression of anti-government protests in March 2011.

It has since evolved into a complex multi-front war that has drawn in regional and international forces including, most recently, Turkey.

Ankara launched an offensive on August 24, saying its forces and allied rebels would fight both the Islamic State group and Kurdish militia in northern Syria.

Thursday, at least 29 rebels involved in Ankara's operation were killed in a blast claimed by IS at the Atme border crossing with Turkey, the Observatory said.
WINONA, Minn.  The La Crosse man who shot Adam Fort has confessed.

Thursday morning, under oath and in open court, Lonnie Lavonte Keymone Hudson, 24, responded to questions put to him by his attorney:

When you went to Adam Forts apartment you had a gun with you?

Yes.

The gun was loaded?

Yes.

When you had that gun pointed at Adam Fort you pulled the trigger?

Yes.

You shot Adam Fort one time?

Yes.

Adam Fort died as a result of being shot?

Yes.

As a result of Hudsons testimony, Winona District Court Judge Mary Leahy accepted Hudsons guilty plea to one count of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree assault.

Hudson was scheduled to go on trial later this month, indicted for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, aggravated robbery, second-degree assault and illegal possession of a firearm. Thursdays plea was the result of an agreement between Hudson and his attorneys and Winona County Attorney Karin Sonneman with the support of Forts family.

If convicted of the first-degree murder, Hudson faced a mandatory sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole in 30 years. Second-degree murder carries a maximum prison sentence of 40 years. According to the terms of the agreement, Hudson will be sentenced to a 30-year prison term, and eligible for parole only after spending 20 years behind bars.

In the early afternoon of Oct. 18, 2015, Hudson and three others went to Forts apartment supposedly to buy marijuana in a deal set up by Hudsons uncle. After they arrived, the drug buy turned into an armed robbery when Hudson produced a handgun and demanded all the money youve got. When Fort and his girlfriend did not immediately comply, Hudson fired a single shot that pierced Forts arm, traveled through his chest, through and out his other arm, hitting a major artery as it passed through his body, resulting in his death.

Hudson and an accomplice, Reginald Alexander Burnett Jr., 19, filled bags with money and belongings and then fled.

Hudson and the driver of the getaway car would be arrested four days later. Burnett was arrested in Rockdale, Ill., on Oct. 24.

Eventually seven people, four men and three women, would be indicted for their participation in events before, during and after the killing.

Reginald Burnett pleaded guilty July 14 to aiding and abetting second-degree murder and two counts of aiding and abetting second degree assault. He will be sentenced on Oct. 20.

Kayla Mae Clay, 19, driver of the get away car, pleaded guilty to a single count of aiding an offender, accomplice after the fact. She was sentenced to five years probation.

Richard Gordon Deppe, 24, the man who arranged the drug deal and gained admittance to Forts apartment for Hudson and Burnett, pleaded guilty to a single count of aiding an offender, accomplice after the fact. He was sentenced to 20 years probation.

Cornelius Dunnigan, 22, the uncle who was behind the planned marijuana purchase, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell marijuana and was sentenced to two years, six months probation.

Ashleigh Ann Bye, 22, pleaded guilty to perjury for giving false testimony to the grand jury. She is on probation for five years, with a stay of adjudication.

Tyesha L. Williams, 24, was indicted on three counts of aiding an offender, accomplice after the fact, but all charges were dismissed since the alleged offenses all occurred in Wisconsin, outside the jurisdiction of Minnesota courts.

Sentencing for Lonnie Hudson is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Nov. 17.
trump trump trump trump

In March this year, Donald Trump broached his willingness to let Japan and South Korea develop their own nuclear weapons in lieu of relying on US nuclear protection.

In that same interview, he said he would be willing to remove US troops from both of those countries if they didn't do more to cover the costs of keeping those troops there  Not happily, but the answer is yes, Trump said.

Those answers related only to two countries in Asia, but Trump's stances on foreign policy  which he has characterized as "America first"  appear to have influenced US relationships in the region, and cleavages within the American electorate that Trump has exposed suggest that the US's long-time commitment to engagement in Asia may be weaken.

"His position is causing anxiety, especially in East Asia," a senior lawmaker in Japan's ruling coalition told Reuters in May. Trump has flagged changes to cost-sharing deals with other US allies in the region, saying that countries like Japan and South Korea should pay more for their own defense.

"It is a serious concern, and may lead to Chinese pre-eminence in Asia far sooner than expected," Dhruva Jaishankar, a specialist on India-US ties at Brookings India, told Reuters.

china navy

Trump has characterized the US defense commitment to Japan specifically as unfair, and that country has already upped defense spending and reinterpreted its constitution to allow it to render military aid to other countries even if Japan is not directly attacked.

Trump has also committed to push South Korea to pay for "the full cost of the security guarantees provided by the US," though it's possible that, like many of his suggestions, is an opening bid for negotiations.

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In any case, Trump's stated proposals would introduce greater economic and geopolitical risk to the Korean Peninsula.

General Atomics MQ-1 Predator Drone

More recently, in the face of a potential Trump-led US pullback from Asia, India appears eager to wrap up defense deals with the US prior to the departure of Barack Obama, who as president has mounted a pivot to Asia that has had mixed success.

India requested 22 Predator drones in June, and Reuters reports that deal is in the advanced stages, with both countries hoping to leave only administrative details for the next administration to conclude.

The US and India have also cooperated on the latter country's first aircraft carrier, with the US offering to share technology being used in its own flattops, which could allow the Asian nation to jump ahead technologically by a generation.

"They have already started helping us on our first indigenous carrier, in terms of certification, quality testing," an Indian government official told Reuters. "The challenge will be to sustain the momentum over the next decade."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi set up a research group this summer to study ways to work with Trump, and Indian groups in the US have tried to engage with both presidential campaigns.

U.S. President Barack Obama (R) extends a hand to shake with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their remarks to reporters following a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. June 7, 2016. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Some Indians with ties to Modi's party have expressed more comfort with Hillary Clinton, and the closeness of the presidential race, coupled with Trump's wide-ranging rhetoric on US foreign policy, stirs unease in Asia as Election Day approaches.

"On the one hand, he says he values business relations with India, but then mimics Indian call-center workers and disregards the competitiveness that a partnership with India could provide the US," Manoj Ladwa, a London-based political strategist who served as communications director for Modi's 2014 campaign, told Reuters.

"His unpredictability is worrisome in a world that requires steady and mature statesmanship."

NOW WATCH: Biden: Trump may be the most 'dangerously uninformed' candidate in the history of US politics





More From Business Insider


United Nations (United States) (AFP) - US Ambassador Samantha Power on Thursday was traveling to Japan and South Korea for talks with the two US allies as negotiations at the United Nations on new sanctions against North Korea gathered pace.

Power will discuss "ongoing efforts to respond effectively to the serious threats to security and stability in the region posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programs," the US mission said in a statement.

The US envoy, who will be in the region until Tuesday, will also meet with defectors from North Korea to highlight Pyongyang's dismal rights record, it added.

The United States is leading negotiations on a new sanctions resolution that the Security Council agreed last month to pursue after Pyongyang carried out its fifth nuclear test.

North Korea has been hit by five sets of UN sanctions since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006.

British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said this week that the council was "moving fast" to agree on imposing new sanctions, but a draft text has yet to be presented to the full 15 members.

After Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test, the council in March adopted the toughest sanctions resolution to date targeting North Korea's trade in minerals and tightening banking restrictions.
Washington (AFP) - With Barack Obama's presidency coming to a close and US policy for Syria at an impasse, Vladimir Putin's Russia has stepped up efforts to secure its ally Bashar al-Assad in power.

US officials fear the Kremlin is racing to consolidate its gains in Syria before a new, possibly tougher administration takes charge, but there is little sign of a clear new policy emerging.

On Tuesday, Republican flag-bearer Donald Trump's vice-presidential running mate Mike Pence split from his candidate's admittedly vague position by calling for air strikes against Assad's forces.

"The small and bullying leader of Russia is now dictating terms to the United States," he complained. "I just have to tell you that the provocations by Russia need to be met with American strength."

And if Russia continues to support "this barbaric attack on civilians in Aleppo," he added, "the United States of America should be prepared to use force to strike military targets of the Assad regime."

Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton has also called for stronger action, suggesting the US military enforce a no-fly zone, but it is far from clear how one would work in practice.

For his part, Trump has sent confused signals, suggesting at one moment that Putin could be a friend of the United States and at another, that Obama was weak not to confront him.

"I don't love Putin, I don't hate. We'll see how it works. We'll see," Trump told supporters Wednesday in Nevada.

"Maybe we'll have a good relationship. Maybe we'll have a horrible relationship. Maybe we'll have a relationship right in the middle."

Fighting erupted in Syria more than five years ago, when Assad brutally suppressed a civilian uprising and triggered a civil war, creating a power vacuum that allowed jihadists to seize territory.

Confidently predicting that Assad would fall to his own people, Obama concentrated US action on building a coalition to fight one of the factions, the would-be global Islamic State (IS) jihadist group.

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Assad clung on, however, and last year Putin sent warplanes and troops to back up his ally, ensuring a bloody conflict that has already killed 300,000 people will continue.

The refugee flows created by the war have threatened to overwhelm Syria's neighbors and fear of migrants has created a populist backlash threatening governments in Europe's democracies.

- Massive assault -

But Obama, who came to office vowing to shun the type of "dumb war" his predecessor started in Iraq, was reluctant to get involved and even declined to bomb Assad after chemical weapons strikes in 2013.

Washington's response was diplomatic, with US Secretary of State John Kerry working with Moscow to persuade Assad and the moderate opposition to declare a truce and launch political talks.

A ceasefire declared last month lasted barely a week, with Moscow and Washington blaming each other after it broke down and Assad launched a massive assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

The Kremlin insists it is still willing to talk, but US officials now assume Moscow intends to secure Aleppo for Assad before approaching any dialogue with the next White House from a position of strength.

So in four months' time, what kind of reception will they get from a President Clinton or a President Trump?

Most observers expect Clinton to be more hawkish than Obama, having seen the failure of her attempt to "press the reset button" on ties with Moscow during her time as secretary of state.

Clinton's successor in the job was caught on tape last month lamenting that he had "lost the argument" for punitive action against Assad within Obama's cabinet.

Trump's position is less clear. He has staked out the case for an aggressive strategy, with up to 30,000 US troops, to destroy the IS group threat in Iraq and Syria.

But he has an ambiguous position on Assad and has stressed his willingness to work with Putin, while suggesting the US distance itself from its allies and stop being a world policeman.

"I think we have to get rid of ISIS before we get rid of Assad," he told the New York Times in July, using an alternate acronym for the jihadist group.

"Look, Assad hates ISIS. ISIS hates Assad. They are fighting each other. We are supposed to go and fight them both?"

And, campaigning in July, Trump said: "Wouldn't it be nice if we got along with Russia? Wouldn't it be nice if we got together with Russia and knocked the hell out of ISIS?"

For Danielle Pletka of the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think-tank, neither candidate has a coherent strategy and both Russia and China are ready to take advantage.

"I don't think we can trust either of them," she said.

"If the last eight years have emboldened Putin and Beijing, I don't think there's any question that this instability, this indecisiveness, this waffling will embolden them even further."
Out of four uterus transplants that were recently performed at a U.S. hospital, three were not successful, doctors announced today. What makes uterus transplants so challenging, and why might they fail?

In mid-September, doctors at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas performed four uterus transplants on women who were born without the organ, according to a statement from the university today (Oct. 5). The uteruses came from living donors, marking the first time such transplants have been performed in the United States. In February, doctors at the Cleveland Clinic performed the country's first uterus transplant, but the organ came from a deceased donor.

However, three of the women who received the transplants at Baylor needed to have their uteruses removed after follow-up tests showed that in all three cases, the organ was not receiving proper blood flow, the statement said. The patient at the Cleveland Clinic who received the first transplanted uterus also needed to have the organ removed, because of a yeast infection that had developed and caused complications. [The 9 Most Interesting Transplants]

So far, there have been 16 uterus transplants in the world that have been reported, and eight were not successful.

The main challenge for uterus transplants is that the surgery is very new, so it will take time to perfect.

"It's not so much more difficult [than other transplants]; it's just that it's a brand-new surgery, so the learning curve is steep figuring out how to actually do it," Dr. Alexander Maskin, an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), told Live Science in an interview in March. Maskin was not involved with the Baylor or Cleveland Clinic cases, but he is helping plan a uterus transplant program at UNMC.

Three decades ago, kidney transplants took 6 to 10 hours to complete, but can now be done in an hour and a half, Maskin said.

Indeed, doctors at both Baylor and Cleveland Clinic said that the unsuccessful surgeries will likely result in changes to the surgery protocols, in the hope of improving future outcomes.

Story continues

The doctors at Baylor "believe the valuable learnings from the cases will result in recommendations to change the current protocols in operative and post-operative management of uterine transplant patients, with specific attention to the thickness of the uterine veins," the medical center's statement said.

Another challenge is that uterus transplants are slightly more complex than other organ transplants. "The uterus lies deep inside the pelvis and [so] it's difficult to access," Dr. Andreas Tzakis, who led the Cleveland Clinic uterus transplant surgery, said at a news conference in March. "And the [blood] vessels are all deep inside the pelvis as well. So it's a little bit more difficult," than other transplants, Tzakis said.

Uterus transplants can fail for the same general reasons that any organ transplant fails, Maskin said.

The main reasons for failure include organ rejection, which is when the patient's immune system attacks the organ; an infection of the organ (as happened in the Cleveland case); or problems with the organ's blood supply (as happened in the Baylor cases).

In 2014, doctors in Sweden performed nine uterus transplants using organs from living donors. In two of those cases, the transplanted organs had to be removed after the surgery. But five of the Swedish women were able to become pregnant and give birth.

Members of that Swedish team assisted in the Baylor surgeries. One patient from Baylor still has her transplanted uterus, and there are currently no signs of rejection, the statement said.

"We are cautiously optimistic that she could ultimately become the first uterine transplant recipient in the U.S. to make it to the milestone of uterine functionality," the statement said.

The plan is for that patient to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) in six to 12 months, according to Time. Baylor is planning a total of 10 uterus transplants before the end of the year, but doctors will assess the results from the first four surgeries before continuing with the other six, Time said.

Original article on Live Science.

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Vanilla Ice is riding out the storm.

Despite Florida officials urge for evacuation amid Hurricane Matthews impending arrival, the 43-year-old rapper is staying put, announcing on Twitter that hell be sitting out the category four storm from inside his Palm Beach, Florida, home.

WATCH: EXCLUSIVE: Vanilla Ice Talks Possibly Performing to Ice Ice Baby on 'Dancing With the Stars

This hurricane is serious and coming right at me. Im going to ride out the storm, he wrote on Thursday morning, promising to keep fans updated amid Florida Governor Rick Scotts warning that This storm will kill you.

This hurricane is serious and coming right at me. Im going to ride out the storm. Ill keep you updated pic.twitter.com/LQGzAFY9O8  Vanilla Ice (@vanillaice) October 6, 2016

Right now things are pretty calm, but you know what that means, the calm before the storm, Vanilla Ice, still inside his home, tweeted an hour later.

Right now things are pretty calm, but you know what that means, the calm before the storm. The entire Florida Georgia and Carolina Coast  Vanilla Ice (@vanillaice) October 6, 2016

Riders on the storm, he followed up as the storm neared. I am right on the ocean in Palm Beach looking at evil darkness sky coming with the hurricane.

Riders on the storm. I am right on the ocean in Palm Beach looking at evil darkness sky coming with the hurricane  Vanilla Ice (@vanillaice) October 6, 2016

Judging by his tweets, Vanilla Ice cearly doesnt seem scared by the impending storm. Meanwhile, other stars took to the social media site to express their condolences to those affected in Haiti  where Hurricane Matthew has left over 108 dead  and others still in its path.

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Thinking of la those affected by #HurricaneMatthew in #Haiti. Hoping all in Florida stay safe.  Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) October 6, 2016

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those in Haiti affected by #HurricaneMatthew. For those in its path, please stay safe.  Eve (@TheRealEve) October 6, 2016

Prayers for everyone being affected by #HurricaneMatthew  Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) October 6, 2016

Crew and I just touched down in Orlando. About to caravan to the coast. Anchoring @NBCNightlyNews from Florida tonight. #HurricaneMatthew pic.twitter.com/3PW5OwiU92  Lester Holt (@LesterHoltNBC) October 6, 2016

Praying for everyone who is enduring #HurricaneMatthew

Incredibly sad the lives already lost. Please stay safe everyone!  LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) October 6, 2016

All my #Floridians, please say safe. My family just scrambled up North to avoid the eye. Find a shelter and hunker down. #HurricaneMatthew  Josh Gad (@joshgad) October 6, 2016

My prayers go out to all of those effected by #HurricaneMatthew Praying for safety  Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) October 6, 2016

Sending all my love to everyone being affected by #HurricaneMatthew  NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) October 6, 2016

WATCH: Katrina 10 Years Later: How Brad Pitts Foundation Gave One Family a Second Chance

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2016 / Vendetta Mining Corp. (VTT.V) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Doug Flegg and Mr. David Baker to the Company's Board of Directors.

Mr. Doug Flegg, MBA, CFA

Mr. Flegg is a geologist with over 30 years Mining and Mining Finance experience including the last 10 years as the Managing Director of Global Mining Sales at BMO Capital Markets ("BMO"), where he was involved in over 200 mining financings exceeding $25 billion in value. While at BMO, Mr. Flegg also provided advice to senior mining management teams on strategic issues involving Capital Markets, Financing, and Corporate Development.

Prior to BMO, Mr. Flegg spent 11 years as a Mining Portfolio Manager with UBS Global Asset Management and Predecessor Companies.

As a Geologist, MBA and CFA, Mr. Flegg brings an invaluable skill set to the Board of Vendetta Mining. Mr. Flegg is currently the Managing Partner (Mining) for Cairn Merchant Partners, a Merchant Banking and Capital Advisory firm based in Toronto.

Mr. David Baker, MBA, CA

Mr. Baker has over 20 years of experience in major mine operations, project development and Government relations. Mr. Baker spent 15 years with the Ivanhoe Mines Group of Companies in several capacities including Project Controller, Manager Corporate Development and Finance, and Vice President Treasurer.

On Ivanhoe Mines' world class Oyu Tolgoi Copper-Gold project Mr. Baker managed the pre-feasibility study and directed the economic modeling for the negotiation of the Investment Agreement with the Government of Mongolia. In addition he led the Oyu Tolgoi financing due diligence program involving eight international banks in a $4 billion debt finance facility.

Mr. Baker is currently a Consultant whose clients include private and publicly listed mining companies, and government agencies. Recent major projects include advisory roles for the Government of Rwanda and the UK Government encompassing mining policy review, analysis and developing extractive industry improvement programs.

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Mr. Jeff Sundar will be stepping down from the Board to create the necessary Board space for the new appointees. The Company would like to thank Mr. Sundar for his contributions to the development of Vendetta since the Company's inception.

About Pegmont

The Pegmont lead-zinc-silver deposit is located in North West Queensland Mineral Province, 175 km south-east of the major mining center of Mount Isa, 25 km west of South32's world class Cannington silver-lead-zinc operation and 28 km north of Chinova Resources' Osborne and Kulthor copper-gold operations. It is proximate to infrastructure including roads, rail, and natural gas for power generation.

Pegmont is a multiple lens, stratiform Broken Hill style deposit that outcrops with an overall shallow dip to the south east and is hosted in a magnetite rich, banded iron formation within high metamorphic grade rocks. The project consists of three granted mining leases and two exploration permits that cover an area of approximately 3,468 ha.

Since the February 2014 NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate on Zones 1 to 4 there has been over 13,500 m of drilling, primarily in the Zone 5 underground target and the Burke Hinge Zone open pit target. Highlights of the Companies drill results from Burke Hinge Zone and Zone 5 are presented in Table 1 below, the Company plans to update the resource estimate in the near future.

Table 1. Highlights of the 2014 - 2016 Burke Hinge Zone and Zone 5 Drilling^

Bore

Hole Dip /

Azimuth From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) True

Thickness*

(m) Grade Pb+Zn

% Pb

% Zn

% Ag

g/t Burke Hinge Zone - Open Pit Target PVR018 -60/205 81.0 87.0 6.0 5.4 7.30 4.90 2.41 7.0 PVR019 -60/205 62.0 69.0 7.0 6.7 11.52 7.79 3.72 12.4 PVR021 -60/205 57.0 70.0 13.0 13.0 7.34 4.29 3.04 6.6 and

81.0 87.0 6.0 6.0 10.11 6.98 3.13 12.5 PVRD023 -60/205 40.64 46.64 6.00 6.0 9.48 6.08 3.40 17.8 PVRD026 -60/025 69.65 75.65 6.00 3.7 10.41 5.94 4.47 10.4 PVRD027 -60/205 34.16 37.16 3.00 3.0 11.48 7.55 3.93 27.9 PVRD041 -60/205 31.0 36.0 5.0 4.9 9.15 5.99 3.16 9.1 PVRD042 -60/205 42.5 46.45 4.00 3.9 16.83 12.28 4.55 19.9 Zone 5 - Underground Target PVRD030 -68/330 290.85 299.15 8.30 7.9 10.73 5.82 4.91 6.8 and 317.25 323.00 5.75 4.8 11.01 5.85 5.16 9.0 PVRD032 -70/350 253.28 260.28 7.00 6.2 9.55 6.40 3.15 8.0 PVRD033 -70/350 276.63 281.63 5.00 4.6 9.72 5.77 3.95 8.0 PVRD037 -88/240 297.38 303.38 6.00 5.5 9.72 4.53 5.19 6.2 PMR283 -90 276.0 285.0 9.0 9.0 13.23 6.35 6.88 7.7 PVRD017 -56/153 260.60 265.16 4.56 4.2 15.60 5.45 10.15 6.1

^Note: For full details about the above drill results please see the Company's previous news releases dated the 7th September 2016 and 21st September 2016.

About Vendetta Mining Corp.

Vendetta Mining Corp. is a Canadian junior exploration company engaged in acquiring, exploring, and developing mineral properties with an emphasis on lead and zinc. It is currently focused on advanced stage exploration projects in Australia, the first of which is the recently optioned Pegmont Lead Zinc project. Additional information on the Company can be found at www.vendettaminingcorp.com.

Qualified Person

Peter Voulgaris, MAusIMM, MAIG, a Director of Vendetta, is a non-independent qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Voulgaris has reviewed the technical content of this press release, and consents to the information provided in the form and context in which it appears.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Michael Williams"

Michael Williams

President & CEO

(604) 484-7855

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain statements within this news release, other than statements of historical fact relating to Vendetta Mining Corp., are to be considered forward-looking statements with respect to the Company's intentions for its Pegmont project in Queensland, Australia. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, are reliant on future events or conditions, or include words such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "believes", "considers", "significant", "intends", "targets", "estimates", "seeks", attempts", "assumes", and other similar expressions.

The forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which, while considered reasonable by Vendetta Mining Corp., are, by their nature, subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include: the interpretation of current results from the 2016 drilling program mentioned in this news release, further results from the 2016 drilling program, the accuracy of exploration results, the accuracy of Mineral Resource Estimates, the anticipated results of future exploration, the forgoing ability to finance further exploration, delays in the completion of exploration, delays in the completion of the updated Mineral Resource Estimate, the future prices of lead, zinc, and other metals, and general economic, market and/or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements and assumptions will prove accurate and, therefore, readers of this news release are advised to rely on their own evaluation of the information contained within. In addition to the assumptions herein, these assumptions include the assumptions described in Vendetta Mining Corp.'s Management's Discussion and Analysis for the nine months ended, February 29th, 2016.

Although Vendetta Mining Corp. has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual performance, achievements, actions, events, results or conditions to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements, there may be other risks, uncertainties and other factors that cause future performance to differ from what is anticipated, estimated or intended. Unless otherwise indicated, forward-looking statements contained herein are as of the date hereof and Vendetta Mining Corp. does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date on which such statements were made, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE: Vendetta Mining Corp.
I normally dont check Kates tech trails  partly out of respect for her privacy and partly because I know shell tell me to shut up and listen when she wants to read something she deems as must-know information for me.

But the other day, when Kate left her iPad on the couch and before it went to sleep I noticed  inadvertently, accidentally, unwittingly and involuntarily  that she had been trolling for Im with stupid T-shirts.

I guess thats better than searching for hot young guys who want to hook up with mature women, but it still was hurtful.

I asked Kate about her search trail.

How did you find that out? she challenged, obviously putting me on the defensive for apparently not trusting her and suspecting a gotcha move.

That sounded eerily like Donald Trumps response to Hillary Clintons allegation during the presidential debate last week that he had berated a Miss Universe for gaining weight.

Where did you hear that? the candidate had demanded.

Except, in Kates case, she hit me with the brutal truth: Honey, youre pretty stupid to have paid more federal income taxes than Donald Trump.

OMG, she was right. I was a Trump Chump, having funneled thousands, upon thousands, and thousands of dollars into federal coffers to provide goods and services  and armed services  for us all.

Well, I guess I cant argue with Kates assessment, especially when Donald replied That makes me smart when Hillary intimated that maybe he hadnt paid federal income taxes, even before The New York Times reported that, indeed, he had not.

I guess that makes me stupid, so bring on the T-shirt.

***

Enough about politics, in which I treasure my neutral reputation  my topic du jour is Oktoberfest.

Having moved to La Crosse less than five years ago, I didnt know what to expect when I attended my first Maple Leaf Parade. But that first exposure to the biggest festival in La Crosse was rather off-putting, experiencing the seedy underbelly from a vantage point obscured with dozens and dozens of collegians who had started out drunk and proceeded to become more so.

Suffice it to say, between the beer cans and empty bottles of cheap Andre Cold Duck they left scattered all over and some boorish behavior on their part left a sour taste. Some pathetic scenes on downtown streets added to the negatives, and I didnt get wrapped up in the festivities.

After I landed a job at the Tribune, in the shadow of the South Side Festgrounds, I did Oktoberfest stories as assigned but generally didnt join the revelry because of that lingering first impression.

I confess to being impressed last year when Oktoberfest USA touted a study crediting the festival with an annual economic impact of $15 million, providing more than 200 jobs for people who would turn around and spend their money locally, toting up $1.17 million in tax payments to various levels of government, per-attendee spending of $202 in the community, etc.

Another study, courtesy of West Salem High Schools DECA Club, probed attitudes, finding overwhelmingly positive responses from residents and visitors.

Still a third survey, by economics students at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, found that Oktoberfest ranked second only to Rotary Lights as the most valuable community event of its type.

All that is well and good, I thought, but so much of Oktoberfest  the Royal Family and all the get-ups and such  seemed a bit self-aggrandizing, cliquish and, well, maybe a tad high-schoolish.

Until the most recent fest when, assigned to cover the fest, I chose total immersion  not in the beer that results in a bad rap in many cases but rather, with the people in and behind Oktoberfest. I even decked myself out in an Alpine hat with a fancy feather and a bunch of buttons (I included a Green Bay Packers helmet pin because I didnt know any better) and donned a new pair of bundhosen.

What a revelation it was as I rubbed elbows with festmasters and fraus and Lady Os and Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfests and special festers and grenadiers and the whole shebang  as well as some visiting dignitaries  and discovered that the seamy underbelly I had seen at first blurred the community-mindedness, the generosity, the fundraising for good causes and, well, the overall gemutlichkeit.

Holy Toledo, I was gobsmacked that my first impression had been about as far off base as folks who always said the Cubs would never win another World Series, and fans would be stuck with that 108-year-old victory. (They are gonna win again, arent they? In just a few weeks?)

Far from being self-centered, members of the Royal Family are civic-minded servants who commit themselves to hundreds upon hundreds of hours of visits to schools, nursing homes, community events and other activities that promote La Crosses finest features  in addition to the hundreds of miles they travel as La Crosse ambassadors throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Instead of being cliquish, as I had imagined, the festmasters and fraus and Mrs. Os, etc., who have preceded them are welcoming, helpful and generous to a fault.

Pay no attention to the raucousness that often accompanies the festival  the true picture is one of La Crosse putting its best feet forward.

And, I discovered, they proved that first impressions can be as deceitful as Pinocchios false front as a German/Austrian, when hes actually Italian.

I recant my first impression and tip my Tyrolean hat to Oktoberfest and its organizers. Prost!
Photograph by Tom Craig, courtesy of The EDIT, NET-A-PORTER.com

If youre Victoria Beckham, too much salmon is never enough, and not even the threat of mercury poisoning will change that. Why? Because when youre a celebrity on the pursuit of perfect skin, anything goes. And for Beckham, that means a healthy daily dose of Omega 3s in the form of fresh salmon  no excuses.

I see a dermatologist in LA, called Dr Harold Lancer, who is incredible, Beckham tells The EDIT of the secret behind her porcelain visage. Ive known him for years  he sorted my skin out. I used to have really problematic skin and he said to me, You have to eat salmon every single day. I said, Really, every day? And he said, Yes; breakfast, lunch or dinner, you have to eat it every single day.

So why is she sharing what seems to be one of the best kept skin secrets in Hollywood? Because she wants women to have as much knowledge as she does about beauty.

For more celebrity videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS.

RELATED PHOTOS: 11 Celebs Share Their Biggest Beauty Regrets

There are two types of women out there: theres the kind of woman who finds something nice and likes to keep it to herself, and then theres the other type, which is me, who wants to share. I have worked with the best makeup artists, hairdressers and stylists, and Ive learned so much, she shares. I havent always got it right, but when Ive got it wrong, Ive actually learned an enormous amount from that, too. And I want to share everything I know.

//players.brightcove.net/416418724/rJSWQ1RE_default/index.min.js

But beauty isnt the only area in which shes gone wrong. Beckham shares that as far as her fashion mistakes are concerned, theyre funny, and she isnt ashamed of them. Case in point: Her former devotion to 8-inch heels, or some of those infamously sexy outfits during her Posh Spice days.

At some point I thought it was OK to wear a PVC cat suit, she says, adding, When I was pregnant with Romeo, I walked around Disneyland in Christian Louboutin heels, literally at nine months pregnant!

Story continues

For more from Beckham, see the full story on The Edit. And tell us: What do you think of Beckhams skin trick?






It can be difficult to know where Heloise Letissier ends and her on-stage persona Christine and the Queens begins. Shes happy to clarify. Its really the same thing, she says. Christine is just me, Heloise, without the boundaries.

The Nantes-born performer, 28, is part of a new genre of musicians eschewing the explicit femininity often associated with pop music and instead embracing fluid notions of gender through performance, lyrics and attire; Letissiers go-to outfit is an androgynous two-piece tailored suit.

The release of her catchy synth-pop debut album Chaleur Humaine (Human Warmth) has made her a star in Europe, where she has performed alongside such luminaries as Madonna and Elton John. In October she begins her first, much-anticipated U.S. headline tour, accompanied by male dancers, her Queens.

Its a lot of attention for someone who says she was a loner as a child. Letissier remembers unsuccessfully trying to fit in with her peers, being far more comfortable reading than socialising. She was bullied, but found solace in a love of words. Because I was always writing, people would ask me to help them write love letters, like Cyrano de Bergerac.

It wasnt until she reached the age of 22 that the character of Christine was born. My whole life had always felt queer, she says. I was never sure of how to be a man or a woman; even wearing dresses felt parodic. She became obsessed with subverting gender boundaries and dreamt up Christine in a London burlesque club. Because I felt that being a woman was an obstacle, I wanted to become gender-neutral. It became my way of tricking the system.

Through her powerful LGBTQ-anthems and proud pansexual identity, Letissier has become an inspiration to others who feel they dont fit into cultural or social norms. Its a beautiful thing when people tell me they relate to Christine and it makes them feel stronger.

The persona makes her feel stronger, too. Although youd never guess it from her wild, un-self-conscious performances, Letissier is fearful of meeting her fans and shies away from selfies. Christine is my superhero costume and when people see Heloise its like meeting Peter Parker. Even so, shes optimistic about others of her generation. I believe in the energy, the fire of young people, she says. We need them to find solutions.
By Nandita Bose

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N) said it plans to focus heavily on its e-commerce operations on Thursday and warned investors that the cost of the long-term plan would weigh on earnings over the next two years.

The strategy by the world's biggest bricks-and-mortar retailer, which includes slowing the pace of new store openings, is centered on cracking the dominance of Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) in online retailing and face off against other rivals like Target (TGT.N).

Wal-Mart's shares were down 2.9 percent in afternoon trading at $69.59.

"This company over time will look like an e-commerce company," Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon told investors gathered at Wal-Mart's headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Wal-Mart's plan includes doubling the number of its large warehouses focused on e-commerce sales to 10 in 2016, Reuters reported. It now has the ability to ship to most of the United States in one day.

The company spent more than $3 billion in August to buy e-commerce startup Jet.com, which attracts millennial shoppers, and could help boost sales.

Wal-Mart is looking for online sales growth of 20 percent to 30 percent in the second half of this year, excluding the recent sale of Chinese website Yihaodian, and for even faster growth in the next few years.

Online sales currently account for about 3 percent of total sales.

Wal-Mart reined in its profit expectations as a result of its investments in e-commerce, now forecasting flat earnings for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2018, down from a previous forecast of profit growth. It estimated capital expenses at about $11 billion, similar to this year.

Fiscal 2019 earnings-per-share growth is now likely to be at the low end of its previous forecast of 5 percent to 10 percent.

While the investments in online growth will be a challenge to margins, they are "essential for future-proofing the business for the long run", Cowen & Co analysts said in a research note.

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The company has accelerated investments in e-commerce and digital from about $300 million in 2013 to $1.1 billion this year for a total of about $3 billion, excluding acquisitions, according to public filings and earnings reports.

Chief Financial Officer Brett Biggs said only about 20 percent of capital spending would go to store openings. Now the company plans to increase revenue from existing stores and its online business instead of new locations, which generated the bulk of growth in the past four years, he added.

In fiscal 2018, Wal-Mart plans to build 35 supercenters compared to 69 last year. It will only open 20 neighborhood markets from 161 last year.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose in Chicago; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn, Bernard Orr)
Oct 6 (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc rebuffed a proposal by U.S. prosecutors to pay at least $600 million to settle a corruption probe into the company's practices in markets including Mexico, India and China, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Prosecutors have now gone back to seek more evidence about the company's alleged bribery in Mexico to put pressure on the retailer to settle, Bloomberg reported. (http://bloom.bg/2e5W54p)

Some of Wal-Mart's actions in Mexico may be too old to prosecute, the report said.

Wal-Mart did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
(Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N) rebuffed a proposal by U.S. prosecutors to pay at least $600 million to settle a corruption probe into the company's practices in markets including Mexico, India and China, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Prosecutors have now gone back to seek more evidence about the company's alleged bribery in Mexico to put pressure on the retailer to settle, Bloomberg reported. (http://bloom.bg/2e5W54p)

Some of Wal-Mart's actions in Mexico may be too old to prosecute, the report said.

Officials are working to strike a deal with the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company before a new U.S. administration takes over in January, according to the Bloomberg report.

Wal-Mart is cooperating fully with the government and compliance with the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other anti-corruption laws is a key priority, company spokesman Greg Hitt said.

The U.S. Department of Justice has been conducting a long-running investigation into potential misconduct by Wal-Mart, including violations of FCPA, in some overseas markets, including China, Brazil, India and Mexico.

Wal-Mart is also facing a class-action lawsuit filed by its shareholders including a Michigan pension fund, accusing it of defrauding shareholders by concealing suspected bribery to help it expand faster in Mexico.

(Reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram and Gayathree Ganesan in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
(Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc rebuffed a proposal by U.S. prosecutors to pay at least $600 million to settle a corruption probe into the company's practices in markets including Mexico, India and China, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Prosecutors have now gone back to seek more evidence about the company's alleged bribery in Mexico to put pressure on the retailer to settle, Bloomberg reported. (http://bloom.bg/2e5W54p) Some of Wal-Mart's actions in Mexico may be too old to prosecute, the report said. Officials are working to strike a deal with the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company before a new U.S. administration takes over in January, according to the Bloomberg report. Wal-Mart is cooperating fully with the government and compliance with the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other anti-corruption laws is a key priority, company spokesman Greg Hitt said. The U.S. Department of Justice has been conducting a long-running investigation into potential misconduct by Wal-Mart, including violations of FCPA, in some overseas markets, including China, Brazil, India and Mexico. Wal-Mart is also facing a class-action lawsuit filed by its shareholders including a Michigan pension fund, accusing it of defrauding shareholders by concealing suspected bribery to help it expand faster in Mexico. (Reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram and Gayathree Ganesan in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
2 million Americans have been urged to evacuate along the U.S. Southeast coast as Hurricane Matthew barrels to Florida. The storm, which is gaining strength, is expected to hit Southern Florida later today and move up the east coast to the Carolinas over the next few days. Twitter (TWTR) shares are falling today after a Recode report that Google (GOOG) will not bud to buy the company. Apple (AAPL) is also said to probably not submit a bid to buy Twitter either. Disney, which also reportedly considered making an offer, is not going to do so according to sources who spoke with Recode. That leaves Salesforce as the most likely potential suitor although the CEO has yet to issue a firm commitment they are interested in buying the social media site. A smoking Samsung Note 7 phone has prompted an evacuation of a Southwest (LUV) plane in Louisivlle. This is one of the replacement phones, not an original.
Walmart

Walmart has been aggressively investing in ecommerce to catch up to rival Amazon.

The retailer is cutting back on store growth over the next several years as it invests in digital, the company said Thursday.

"This company over time is going to look like more of an ecommerce company," Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said at the company's annual investor day in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Walmart will open 130 US stores this year, down slightly from the 135 to 155 stores it had originally projected, and also down from the 230 stores that were opened last year.

Next year, it will open just 55 US stores, half of which will be its smaller-format Neighborhood Market stores.

In the meantime, Walmart has doubled its online fulfillment warehouses in the last year to 10, Reuters reports. Industry experts had expected Walmart to have just eight warehouses by the end of 2018.

The company says it's now capable of shipping packages to 70% of America within one day, according to Reuters. But it can't do so profitably, so it hasn't rolled out the service or advertised it to customers just yet.

Amazon currently offers two-day delivery to members of its Prime program, who pay $99 annually for the service.

Walmart has been ramping up investments in ecommerce as it tries to catch up to Amazon, which had $107 billion in online sales last year, compared to Walmart's $13.7 billion in online sales in the period.

As part of its bid to take on Amazon, Walmart recently purchased online retailer Jet.com. The company has said it expects Jet.com to accelerate its ecommerce growth.

"We are encouraged by the progress were seeing across our business and were moving with speed to position the company to win the future of retail," Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a statement Thursday. "Our customers want us to run great stores, provide a great e-commerce experience and find ways to save them money and time seamlessly - so thats what were doing."

Story continues

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Since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Wesley United Methodist Church in La Crosse plans to exhibit that most genuine form in historical fashion Sunday, celebrating its 130th anniversary.

The congregation of 150 souls will replicate Wesley Uniteds very first service, complete with the hymns sung at the inaugural gathering, at 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the church at Eighth and King streets.

Amid the hoopla of period clothing and other archaic accessories, the Rev. Anna-Lisa Hunter knows where to draw the line: She vows that her sermon will be 15 to 17 minutes, instead of the 1-hour discourse delivered at the church dedication on Aug. 15, 1886.

Congregation and community members who attend and wonder about a lad carrying a stick and a feather might be witnessing two of the handiest props from that era, said Hunter, who will wear a Victorian dress from the late 1800s.

Spotters signaled such sentinels to use a stick to poke any male congregants who were so cockapert  to use an Elizabethan term  as to sleep during a sermon, and a feather for a gentler touch to awaken any fair ladies who might have nodded off.

Female pastors in general were rare in the 1800s and, although none existed in the United Methodist Church, a few had been ordained in one of its brethren churches, said the 46-year-old Hunter, who is in her first assignment and has been at Wesley for two months.

1922 fire damaged organ, building

Hunter credits Wesley United organist Trevor DuPey and congregation member Jacqueline Vaver with providing the historical backdrop for the celebration, spending a year chronicling the churchs history. They pinned down facts about incidents such as the 1922 fire that damaged the building and its organ. They founder the original order of service for that first worship service in the process.

As was done at the first service, the congregation will sing the Battle Hymn of the Republic and Amazing Grace, Hunter said. Scriptures of the day will come from the King James version of the Bible, with modern translations available for worshipers in the pews.

Asked whether she might accept live chickens for offerings in the spirit of the homage to history, Hunter laughed and said, Well, I wouldnt mind a chicken. Thats what they did then.

Standing nearby, congregant Jim Allman smiled mischievously and said, I wonder where a guy could get a live chicken?

When Hunter mentioned she was thinking more of a rotisserie-style chicken from a store, Allman looked toward the heavens, as if seeking an answer to a prayer for a live one.

Hunter and Allman kidded each other good-naturedly, but they are as serious as a John Wesley sermon about ensuring that Wesley United continues to be a positive symbol downtown.

Instead of an old church trying to keep going, the new pastor says we should be an old church making a new start, Allman said. More young people are showing up, and things are looking up.

Part of that may be the result of Hunters role as a half-time minister at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. While she aims to complete services at Wesley United in less than an hour, she said worship for the collegians often runs 1 hours, with no objection from the younger set.

Hunters husband, Martin, is pastor of Onalaska United Methodist Church, and they have three children  two in college and one attending Central High School.

Their children have taught the gen-Xer a thing or two, she acknowledged, saying, My emojis are all wrong, and my kids say I should just quit trying.

The Minnesota native has had a varied career, including being a city manager, an accountant and a stay-at-home mom before making the natural leap into the ministry pool.

Ive always been really active in church, and my moms side of the family has 14 pastors and ministers. I have sisters in Colorado and Hong Kong who are ministers, Hunter said.

Connect, make a difference

Hunters objectives dovetail with those of Wesley United.

This is a spunky congregation, she said. Its the first congregation in all of La Crosse and has stayed through thick and thin. We want to connect with the community and make a difference.

Downtown ministry has been Wesley Uniteds focal point in recent years, Allman said, noting that it welcomed homeless and unsheltered people to camp on its grounds until that ran afoul of city ordinances. The church also opened its basement as an emergency overnight shelter during a brutally cold winter two years ago.

Now the congregation sponsors Sacred Grounds, an area of the church where homeless can gather for coffee and companionship during the service gap between 8 or 9 a.m., when many overnight guests leave the Salvation Army, and 11:30 a.m., when the Franciscan Hospitality House opens for the day, he said.

Its not a problem when weather is nice like today, but its a big deal in the wintertime, Allman said.

The next project will be Capes for Kids, an endeavor in which members will make capes for kids battling the villain of chronic diseases, she said. Its a great way to connect with local families and demonstrate care for their challenges.

An even longer history

Wesley United actually dates to 1847, when missionary R.R. Wood from Black River Falls also served La Crosse in connection with his volunteering to pick up mail here at the only post office in the region.

The church had an itinerant pastor by 1852, and the Prairie La Crosse Circuit was established a year later.

The La Crosse Democrat reported on July 19, 1853, that construction had begun on the first Methodist church in La Crosse on South Fourth Street  a small structure completed that fall at a cost of $500 and serving 11 members.

The present church, built at a cost of $17,000, except for frescoes and an organ, was paid for before the first service.

When completed, the church of 166 members was valued at $22,000 and could seat 458 in the pews and 485 in the Sunday school room and upper gallery, according to DuPey and Vavers research.

The churchs Moller Organ was delivered in 1966 in two, 36-foot moving vans that held 15 tons of pipes and materials. The 2,046 pipes range in size from one as small as a matchstick to an 18-footer that weighs 150 pounds.

Some interesting factoids about the building:

The sloping, theater-style arrangement of pews allows visibility from all angles.

Replacing bulbs in the hanging light fixtures, installed in 1923, requires someone to climb into the attic and lower the lamps to someone below.

The church was declared a La Crosse historical landmark in 1988, and the Wisconsin Historical Society describes it as one of the four most architecturally significant 19th century structures in La Crosse.

Members of the public can learn dozens more facts about the church during public tours Saturday as part of Downtown La Crosse Historic Day. After the tours, at noon and 2 p.m., will be root beer float socials. Also available will be special coloring books featuring the churchs stained-glass windows.
By Chris Arsenault RIO DE JANEIRO (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Giving indigenous people land title deeds is one of the most cost-effective ways to preserve South America's endangered rainforest, a research group said on Thursday. Deforestation rates in Brazil on land formally owned by indigenous groups were 2.5 times lower than on other comparable territories, said a report from the World Resources Institute (WRI), a Washington, D.C.-based group. Similar figures hold true for forests in Bolivia and Colombia, said the report, which drew its conclusions from World Bank data, official statistics and research from Brazilian universities. As governments across South America struggle to balance their budgets following a crash in commodities prices, the report said giving formal title deeds to people who have lived on the land for generations is one of the cheapest ways to protect forests and combat climate change. This is because indigenous communities who own the territory are more likely to conserve the forest than other land users, the report said, echoing other studies on forest protection. The Amazon, the world's largest tropical rainforest, plays a key role in sucking climate-changing carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, acting as a bulwark against global warming. "There is a sound economic argument for meeting climate mitigation targets by securing indigenous land rights," WRI researcher Peter Veit told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "There is still a significant amount of land that needs to be formally recognized," he said. About 13 percent of Brazil's territory, mostly in the Amazon rainforest, has been demarcated for the country's indigenous people, according to government data. But a considerable portion of this land has not been formally titled to specific tribes or communities, which means that many indigenous residents do not have secure ownership over the territory. Formally recognizing specific tracts of indigenous territory costs about $5.50 per hectare, the report said, as government officials need to travel to remote areas to conduct surveys and consult residents to determine who should receive land titles. The report's conclusions on the benefits of formal land ownership in South America apply to other large developing countries where most of the world's tropical forests are located, Veit said. More than 30 percent of the world's land is held informally by indigenous people and local communities under customary tenure agreements, he said. If more of this land was formally recognized and residents had title deeds to the territory, communities would have an easier time protecting forests, the WRI said. "This huge amount of land is vulnerable to being acquired in unwelcome ways," Veit told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. (Reporting By Chris Arsenault, Editing by Jo Griffin; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking and climate change. Visit news.trust.org)
Samsung washing machine

Back in January, I bought a shiny, brand-new Samsung washing machine. It was more expensive than most other options, but hey, we had just bought a house and wanted something that would last for the long haul.

It was great. But just over a week ago, it came out that Samsung is dealing with a class-action lawsuit alleging that some of its top-loading washing machines can actually explode.

And, thanks to a website that Samsung put up following that news, I found out that my prized new washing machine is one of the machines affected.

Awesome. Cool.

Samsung won't confirm my machine might explode, but does warn owners like me in a statement that there's a "risk of personal injury or property damage" for wash cycles with "bedding, bulky or water-resistant items."

I signed up for updates from Samsung. But even a week on, Samsung has stayed frustratingly vague. I got this "update" from the company on Wednesday:

We know that you are interested in learning how to address reported issues with certain Samsung top-load washing machines, so we wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with an update. Samsung and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) continue active discussions to address the reported issue.

As a reminder, until you receive further information from Samsung, please continue to use the delicate cycle for bedding and mattress covers, water proof items, and bulky items. Your safety is important to us and we apologize again for this inconvenience.

So, to boil that down, Samsung won't say why, or even if, my washing machine might explode, only that it's still in discussions over what to do about all of this. When reached for comment, Samsung only pointed me at its existing statement. Two days ago, Samsung Canada issued a recall for certain models.

Between this and the ongoing fiasco around exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones  and how long it took for Samsung to issue an official recall for those phones  this is probably enough to put me off buying Samsung products for a long time to come.

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Hurricane Matthew evacuate

Bryan Norcross, a Weather Channel hurricane specialist, went on the air Thursday afternoon to urge viewers in Hurricane Matthew's path not to ignore warnings about the storm.

"This is like no storm in the record books," he said. "We are concerned about reports of people deciding to stay in areas under mandatory evacuation orders. This is a mistake. This is not hype. This is not hyperbole, and I am not kidding. I cannot overstate the danger of this storm."

Hurricane Matthew is poised to become a historic, dangerous, worst-case-scenario storm for Florida, which has only seen one hurricane since 2005, Hermine, which struck in early September.

No hurricane similar in scale to Matthew has struck central Florida in living memory. President Barack Obama has declared a state of emergency in the state, as flood warnings grow more catastrophic. People in areas under mandatory evacuation orders in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina must leave for their own safety.

Watch Norcross deliver his dire warning:

The @WeatherChannel just aired this unusual message from @TWCBryan, urging evacuations. "This is not hyperbole, and I am not kidding..." pic.twitter.com/tUYYM32hXX  Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) October 6, 2016

In a Thursday afternoon press conference, Florida Gov. Rick Scott pointed evacuating Floridians to FL511 for updates on evacuation routes and traffic.

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Weather forecasters expect Hurricane Matthew to drop nearly a foot of of water in some places with winds hitting 140 mph. Those are frightening numbers to be sure, but many weather experts say the wind and rain do not represent the greatest threat to life and property in the coastal region from Florida to South Carolina.

Instead, meteorologists say a phenomenon known as storm surge may be responsible for the most damage in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Storm surge occurs during hurricanes when storm-related weather temporarily elevates seawater levels and winds push that water onto land. This phenomenon can drive sea levels higher by several feet or more, causing devastating coastal flooding.

Read More: U.S. Flood Risk Could Be Worse Than We Thought

Some places along the Florida coast can expect as much as nine feet of storm surge, particularly during high tide, according to weather forecasters. High tide is expected just after midnight Friday morning and again early Friday afternoon when the storm is along the northern part of the Florida coast. And, unlike the heaviest rainfall, storm surge will begin to occur before locals expect it. Youre going to get storm surge before the storm gets there, says Sean Sublette, a meteorologist at Climate Central.

Storm surge has worsened the damage in a a number of especially devastating storms in the past, including Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy where storm surge reached heights of 25 and nine feet, respectively, according to a National Hurricane Center report.

The precise effects of climate change on hurricanes remains a topic of debate but scientists say rising sea levels due to global warming has increased the threat of storm surge in recent years. Sea levels have risen 1.2 inches per decade since 1992 and could rise by more than 4 feet by the end of the century, if not more. That may not sound significant on the surface, but it makes a significant difference when combined with the storm surge caused by a major hurricane.

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Read More: This Factor Predicts What People Think About Climate Change

There is not uncertainty about sea level rise, RAND researcher Jordan Fischbach told TIME last year. As we get more sea level rise, these large storm events will with certainty damage to assets and people.
Norah Jones releases her first straight-up ajazz album, Day Breaks, this week. (Photo by Douglas Mason/Getty Images)

Everyone knows vinyl has made a vigorous comeback, enjoying double-digit advances in sales nearly every year of the last decade. But more recently, a barely acknowledged, and even less likely, revival has taken place: for jazz.

Long viewed as difficult to listen to and poisonous to market, jazz has stealthily inched its way back up the charts, aided in key part by both star power and some clever acts of genre-blending.

The spike began back in September 2014, when Tony Bennett hitched his brand to Lady Gagas for their joint album Cheek to Cheek. Their tandem collection of snazzy standards opened in the premiere spot on the Billboard 200, and went on to sell more than 1million copies. Six months later, Kendrick Lamar issued To Pimp a Butterfly, an unprecedented blend of avant-jazz, rap, and funk which echoed Bennett and Gagas cheeky #1 debut. It went on to become, perhaps, the most critically acclaimed album of its year.

Fast-forward 10 months to David Bowies final work, Blackstar. Partially inspired by Lamars Pimp, the album forged a new fusion of jazz and rock with key help from the band led by saxophonist Donny McCaslin. In January, Blackstar likewise debuted at #1.

According to the most recent industry market report from Nielsen/SoundScan, jazz-tinged albums accounted for three of top-selling vinyl albums in the first half of this year. They include Blackstar at #1, Pimp at #6, and Miles Daviss classic Kind of Blue (the top-selling jazz work of all time) at #9. Beyond the vinyl niche, Blackstar ranks as the eighth-biggest-selling album of 2016.

Next week, jazz has yet another shot at a lofty chart perch. Norah Joness new album, Day Breaks, her first stone-cold jazz effort, will hit the charts with a presumed bang. Four of Joness five previous albums have entered in the top five, three of them starting at #1. Laced with contributions by saxophonist Wayne Shorter and keyboardist Lonnie Smith, Day Breaks rates as Joness most compelling album since her blockbuster debut.

Story continues

The jazz parade will likely continue later in October, when Michael Buble issues his first album in three years. It stresses jazz standards in the Tony Bennett mold. Bubles last four albums have each scaled the charts peak.

I see a real opportunity for jazz right now, Donny McCaslin told me last week. These successes show that jazz still has the opportunity to reach a large audience.

I know what youre thinking. Many of the artists mentioned here arent real jazz stars. I call to the stand Bowie and Lamar. In fact, the grand majority of stars considered strictly jazz players still sell poorly, making the genre, overall, the second-lowest-selling sound around, tied with classical music and just a notch above childrens music. More, some of the releases mentioned here arrived under special circumstances, most dramatically Bowies. He died two days after Blackstar came out, greatly incentivizing sales.

Point taken on that last issue. But the first one begs a question which actually gets to the heart of the genres continued creative strength: What, exactly, constitutes jazz?

Its hard to say, actually. Jazz has changed its sound, and style, so many times since its start in the late 1800s, any firm definition would be folly. Its so diffuse, Wikipedia lists over 50 subgenres amid its curious, and adaptive, history. For many decades, those wily advancements made jazz highly commercial. Ragtime, in the late 19th century, had the hit-appeal of pop. So did the various iterations of swing from the 20s through the 40s. Jazz didnt start losing its connection to pop until the rise of rock n roll in the mid-to-late 50s. By the British invasion of the mid-60s, the genre found itself almost entirely ghettoized, cordoned off either to the snotty realm of the avant-garde or the greying dustbin of nostalgia. Pop fans became either bored or intimidated by jazz, robbing it of any claim on youth.

The late-60s/early-70s witnessed a valiant attempt to inject new blood, via the fusion boom. Miles Davis kicked the movement off with creatively brilliant, and cannily marketed, albums like 1969s opus Bitches Brew. Its success inspired the formation of formidable bands led by Miles collaborators, from John McLaughlin, with Mahavishnu Orchestra, to Chick Corea, via Return to Forever.

By the late 70s, however, fusion found itself slaughtered in the same carnage that took prog-rock, both obliterated by the pith and catchiness of punk and new wave. Joni Mitchell articulated the consequences of any association with the genre at that time: Jazz killed my career stone dead, she told The Guardian of her commercially ruinous 1979 album, Mingus. It was eclectic and difficult and radio didnt want to know.

It wasnt until the 90s that musicians found a (temporary) mouth-to-mouth solution. It came in the form of hip-hop jazz, forged by highly creative acts like A Tribe Called Quest, Gang Starr, and Digable Planets. They breathed new life into the rhythms and chord changes of jazz, filtering them through the cut-and-paste beats of hip-hop and the verbal derring-do of rap.

While that eventually receded, as all trends must, it has found a new voice with Kendrick Lamars jazz-rap update on Pimp. Ghostface Killah provided a parallel with an adventurous release last year, Sour Soul, which mixed rap with live tracks from the Canadian jazz band BADBADNOTGOOD. In a parallel way, Bowies Blackstar provided a 21st century answer to 70s fusion, just as Norah Joness new collaboration with Wayne Shorter has recast Shorters old mind-meld with Joni Mitchell for a fresh generation. Earlier this year, Esperanza Spalding offered her own take on Jonis jazz with Emilys D+Evolution. (It was produced by the same man who oversaw Blackstar, longtime Bowie conspirator Tony Visconti).

Jazz hasnt only upped its recent profile in the world of music. It has also done so in the realm of film. In 2014, the acclaimed movie Whiplash captured the fierce beats of jazz drumming while, this past March, Miles Daviss got a fresh PR boost thanks to Don Cheadles flick Miles Ahead. Simultaneously, the legacy of the late Nina Simone gained far wider exposure than before through the Oscar-nominated film, and Netflix hit, What Happened, Miss Simone?

Keyboardist Robert Glasper has played a key part in this revival and expansion. He both oversaw the Miles Ahead soundtrack and made key contributions to Lamars Pimp. In the last month, Glasper released a new album of his own, ArtScience, which, like much of his work, idealizes jazzs latest iteration. It cocks an ear toward hip-hop, funk, and fusion while maintaining an allegiance to classic jazz principals. As Glasper told me last year, jazz, in general, has a problem with not being seen as relevant. But how can you complain when you arent doing anything to make yourself relevant?

Thankfully, more and more artists are doing so  and prospering handsomely in the process.
By Ross Kerber

BOSTON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Union pension fund adviser CtW Investment Group on Thursday called on boards of large U.S. banks to review their employment practices in light of the scandal over fake customer accounts at Wells Fargo & Co, and said it likely would not support the re-election of directors who failed to comply.

The letters come amid a renewed round of scrutiny on whether big lenders' sales practices have grown too aggressive. Massachusetts' top securities regulator on Monday charged Morgan Stanley with "dishonest and unethical conduct" for having pushed its brokers to sell loans to clients.

CtW, which says it works with union pension funds managing more than $250 billion, said it sent letters to directors at banks including JPMorgan Chase & Co, Bank of America, and Citigroup calling for them to review areas such as whether workers' pay incentives encourage unethical behavior, or whether employees might face retaliation for raising concerns.

In its letters CtW said the Wells Fargo case "evinces the significant risks that inappropriate and poorly designed human capital management practices may pose to a bank's operations, reputation, and regulatory standing."

On Sept. 8, San Francisco-based Wells Fargo reached a $190 million settlement regulators over accusations that it opened up to 2 million accounts without customers' permission. Other authorities have since begun probes while Chief Executive Officer John Stumpf faces political pressure and calls to resign.

CtW's efforts in the past have helped bring about changes such as the departure of directors from JPMorgan after the so-called "London Whale" trading debacle. It has also called on Wells Fargo to take actions such as adding two new directors with human capital expertise.

Other activists meanwhile have filed shareholder resolutions calling on Wells Fargo to study a breakup and to split the roles of chairman and CEO.

Spokespeople for JPMorgan, Bank of America Corp and Citigroup Inc each declined to comment.

(Reporting by Ross Kerber; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
By Ross Kerber BOSTON (Reuters) - Union pension fund adviser CtW Investment Group on Thursday called on boards of large U.S. banks to review their employment practices in light of the scandal over fake customer accounts at Wells Fargo & Co, and said it likely would not support the re-election of directors who failed to comply. The letters come amid a renewed round of scrutiny on whether big lenders' sales practices have grown too aggressive. Massachusetts' top securities regulator on Monday charged Morgan Stanley with "dishonest and unethical conduct" for having pushed its brokers to sell loans to clients. CtW, which says it works with union pension funds managing more than $250 billion, said it sent letters to directors at banks including JPMorgan Chase & Co, Bank of America, and Citigroup calling for them to review areas such as whether workers' pay incentives encourage unethical behavior, or whether employees might face retaliation for raising concerns. In its letters CtW said the Wells Fargo case "evinces the significant risks that inappropriate and poorly designed human capital management practices may pose to a bank's operations, reputation, and regulatory standing." On Sept. 8, San Francisco-based Wells Fargo reached a $190 million settlement regulators over accusations that it opened up to 2 million accounts without customers' permission. Other authorities have since begun probes while Chief Executive Officer John Stumpf faces political pressure and calls to resign. CtW's efforts in the past have helped bring about changes such as the departure of directors from JPMorgan after the so-called "London Whale" trading debacle. It has also called on Wells Fargo to take actions such as adding two new directors with human capital expertise. Other activists meanwhile have filed shareholder resolutions calling on Wells Fargo to study a breakup and to split the roles of chairman and CEO. Spokespeople for JPMorgan, Bank of America Corp and Citigroup Inc each declined to comment. (Reporting by Ross Kerber; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Bill Clinton managed to get himself into hot water this week by stating the obvious about outcomes for many enrollees of the Affordable Care Act. Its the craziest thing in the world, the former president told a Flint, Michigan audience at a rally for his wife, who plans to keep and expand Obamacare.

People in the government-controlled individual markets gained access to health insurance Clinton said, but wind up with their premiums doubled and their coverage cut in half. Many of them, he noted, are small business people and individuals who make just a little too much to get any of these subsidies.

Related: Will Bill Kill Hills Chances? No, but He Should Shut Up Anyway

That just covers the premiums, which will skyrocket again in 2017. Clinton neglected to mention the other part of the equation that squeezes everyone regardless of whether they qualify for premium subsidies or not  deductibles. Except for an annual wellness check, any health care provided to consumers has to come out of pocket until the annual deductible has been met. In 2016, the average bronze plan deductible was $5,731 for individuals and $11,601 for families.

For a 40-year-old individual in 2016, the cost of this care would be $3,479 in premiums plus the deductible before the first benefit could be covered  a total of $9,210 out of pocket. Even if subsidies pared premiums all the way down to Barack Obamas promised $75 per month, it would still require the consumer to spend over $6600 for anything but a basic wellness check, a service that would cost a few hundred dollars at most, before having the first benefit covered. And that situation will only get worse in 2017, as insurers use increases in deductibles to buffer the premium hikes that have already been signaled.

In an attempt to escape this craziest system, some consumers  especially lower-income workers  had tried a workaround authorized by Congress and exempted from insurance-coverage requirements more than a decade before Obamacare appeared on the horizon. Insurers have offered fixed-benefit indemnity plans for twenty years, which pay out set amounts for various events regardless of the actual costs incurred.

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Related: How Obamacare Execs Broke the Law and Cost Taxpayers Billions

Rather than act as third-party payers that get between the consumer and the provider and therefore hinder price signals, fixed-benefit plans act as financial backstops for consumers who then negotiate on price with the providers directly. A day in the hospital might get $200 coverage, for instance, or a clinic visits $100.

Best of all for consumers with tight budgets, the premiums run around $1000 a year and have no deductibles or coinsurance requirements. That premium pricing is nearly the same as an Obamacare plan with full subsidies on the exchange, and unlike a bronze plan, would pay out immediately rather than wait for the consumer to cough up the first $5731. Younger, healthier, and less financially secure consumers can choose sufficient coverage and pay the mandate tax fee rather than get roped into high deductibles and high premiums, or perhaps use one in tandem with other coverage. Millions of consumers use that option in one form or another to this day.

That has the Obama administration seeing red. In 2014, Health and Human Services issued a rule forbidding the sale of fixed-benefit plans unless used as supplemental insurance for insurance with approved, comprehensive coverage. In essence, the rule stole a lower-cost option from those who could least afford it while allowing wealthier Americans the ability to buffer the skyrocketing deductibles in the ACA exchanges.

There was a big problem with this rule, however  Congress had explicitly authorized fixed-benefit plans in 1996 by statute, and nothing in the Affordable Care Act repealed that law. In July of this year, a federal appeals court struck down the rule, rejecting the Obama administrations argument that the existence of such plans confused consumers.

Related: Employers Use High Deductibles to Hold Down Health Insurance Premiums

The ruling upheld the original district courts decision, which castigated HHS for promulgating a rule that has no basis in the statutory text it purports to interpret and plainly exceeds the scope of the statute. The appeals court rebuked the administration, writing, Disagreeing with Congresss expressly codified policy choices isnt a luxury administrative agencies enjoy.

The White House hasnt quite gotten that memo. HHS has floated a new attempt to drive fixed-benefit plans out of the market, this time by forcing insurers to pay the exact same dollar amount for any payable event. In other words, whatever payment the insurer provides for a day in the hospital would have to equal what they pay for a doctor visit, and vice-versa.

Not only is this irrational, but it also has no precedent in insurance or any other form of commerce. Rather than make fixed-benefit plans less confusing  the ostensible rationale for the Obama administrations hostility toward such offerings  it makes them almost incomprehensible and completely unmanageable.

This move is a measure of the administrations desperation with their signature legislative achievement. The White House wants to force consumers to abandon these plans so that they will have no choice but to get plans approved by bureaucrats in Washington DC, but especially those younger and healthier consumers who have every reason and financial incentive to use fixed-benefit plans. Forcing them to pay the higher premiums into the ACA risk pools with their low utilization rates might  might  slow down the rapid increases in premiums that have plagued Obamacare since its first year.

Congress approved these plans as solutions for consumers who dont require comprehensive insurance but who do need a rational, low-cost backstop for a moderate level of use. That was a step in the right direction.The White Houses heavy-handed attempt to force everyone into their failing Obamacare system is several steps in the wrong direction.

In fact, to quote Bill Clinton on the ACA and its irrational approach: Its not like life insurance, its not like casualty, its not like predicting floods  it doesnt work.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
The Center for Public Integrity is investigating who is trying to influence the 2016 elections through television advertising, part of an ongoing effort to consider the sources behind political power in this country.

What is the Center tracking?

For its third consecutive year, the Center for Public Integrity has created an app to track spending on political TV advertising for state elections around the country. That includes broadcast TV ads for all statewide elective offices  such as governors, attorneys general and supreme court justices  plus legislative races. The numbers are helpful barometers of how actively a candidate or group has been using television advertising to shape the races.

Why should I care about the amounts spent on political television advertising?

Television advertising remains one of the most popular and most expensive ways to reach voters. Tracking it provides one of the most current and comparable pictures available of campaign spending across the states. Money doesnt always win races, but it often helps push a candidate or ballot measure to victory  or defeat. Tracking these ads helps identify who is trying to influence voters and change the outcome of elections. The ads also provide one of the most comprehensive and comparable pictures available of campaign spending across states.

How can I use this?

This information can help you see who is paying to influence your vote in the 2016 elections.

The opening view of the State Ad Wars Tracker shows at a glance where the biggest expenditures on TV ads have been this election cycle. Scroll below the map to see how state races stack up against each other. Or click on a state to see who sponsored the ads for state-level races there and browse timelines to see when the most ads aired. Get key numbers and compare the size of ad buys between candidates, groups and political parties.

Related story: Tracking TV ads in the 2016 state races

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.

Who is paying for these ads?

Airtime for political advertising is purchased by candidate committees, political parties and independent groups.

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Whats the difference between candidate committees, political parties and independent groups?

Political parties and independent groups are more likely to run negative ads that attack a candidate, allowing the candidate supported by the group to appear above the fray. Independent groups typically can accept money from corporations and unions, which candidates running for office cannot do in some states. Such independent groups often dont have to disclose the same information about the sources of their funding as candidates or parties. A growing share of political ads have come from such groups in recent elections, according to the Center for Public Integritys analysis.

Where does this information come from?

The Center for Public Integrity analyzes data from Kantar Media/CMAG  CMAG stands for Campaign Media Analysis Group  which monitors television signals for political advertising nationwide. The companycounts ads each time they run. Then, using a proprietary formula, it estimates how much it costs to run each ad. These may not match up exactly with the true costs of placing an ad. Think of the cost estimates as a well-informed guess, which can provide useful points of comparison. Additionally, the estimates cover only the cost of purchasing airtime, not the cost of making the ads.

What period does this information cover?

The information covers political television advertising that ran starting Jan. 1, 2015, geared toward the 2016 elections. To find spending on 2014 and 2015 races, visit our 2014 Ad Wars tracker and our 2015 Ad Wars tracker.

How often are these numbers updated?

Starting Oct. 6, the trackers will be updated weekly on Thursdays through the Nov. 8 election and the Center for Public Integrity will be writing stories about what we find.

Which ads are included?

Kantar Media/CMAG monitors television ads that run on local broadcast TV in 211 media markets, as well as national network and national cable TV, but it doesnt monitor local cable stations. So if a local ad runs on a cable channel, as some are expected to in the 2016 elections, it won't be counted here. Examples of those are the hyper-local ads that viewers might see on ESPN, TNT or Comedy Central.

Does this include digital ads, such as those on YouTube? Ads from radio?

No, these numbers only reflect the ads that ran on television. Kantar Media/CMAG monitors most TV stations, but not local cable stations, websites or the radio. It also does not include print advertisements.

How does this compare to what is available from government sources?

The estimates only cover television ads, not other kinds of political messages, such as ads that appear on radio or online. The estimates also only include how much money a candidate or organization spent to place the ad, not to make it. And it only counts the ads once they air. Records filed at the Federal Communications Commission, for example, can show TV airtime that groups pay to reserve for the future. The ad tracker also includes all ads containing overt candidate advocacy as well as issue ads that mention a candidate but dont overtly call for the candidates election or defeat.

Why are the spending estimates different from other sources?

These numbers represent actual television ads that have already run. It doesnt include the cost of producing the ads. It also doesnt include ads that run on local cable, online or radio. It doesnt include ads booked to run in the future. It does include ads that dont expressly advocate for election or defeat of a candidate. And its based on estimates. Counts from other sources are often different in one or more of these ways.

Want to know when we publish a story?

Sign up for our email newsletter.

Have more questions about these numbers? Want to interview one of our reporters for an article?

Email state politics team leader Kytja Weir or call our statehouse reporters hotline at 202-750-0686. Reporters should include what state and race they are writing about and their deadlines.

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.
The eatery at the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is more than a restaurant. Its a place to rediscover heritage, according to executive chef Jerome Grant.

Youre being welcomed into our home, to where theres going to be things youre going to be able to identify with: Theres different smells, different flavors, he told Travel + Leisure. Youll be able to identify with something and thats how we really want to make it for our guests to come in.

The sense of community and multiculturalism reinforce each other at Sweet Home Cafe, honoring African-American cuisine from the agricultural South, the Creole coast, the Northern states, and the Western range.

The 400-seat cafeteria-style restaurant has welcomed large crowds since its opening Sept. 24. Grant and his team have been working non-stop, and he estimated they had already served several thousand meals in the first week.

It reminds me of growing up as a kid: smelling the heavy hints of allspice, cinnamon and clove, and the heartiness of the oxtail itself, Grant said of one of his personal favorite dishes, the oxtail pepperpot.

In tandem with the museum, Sweet Home Cafe looks to honor African-American history and culture while educating the public. From northeastern staples like oyster pan roast to creole poboys, the menu serves as a veritable tour of the cuisines and histories of black culture throughout the country.

Food tells the story of a people. And you can definitely see it through the various cuisines of African-Americans, Adrian Miller, an award-winning food historian and author of the book Soul Food, told T+L. When you have food and you talk about food culture, you can trace the movement of a people.

Executive chef Grants own story began in his hometown of Fort Washington, Maryland, 15 minutes from where the museum sits on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C. Working in food services was not a really glamorous job when he first began his career, he said, and his work at the Smithsonian has elevated cooking to something closer to cultural reverence.

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When he became executive chef at Mitsitam at the Museum of the American Indian he created an ambitious seasonal menu, with staples including buffalo brisket and blue cornbread. Faithful to the culture, Grant hosted festivals from local tribes and went out to visit their reservations, bringing many of their traditional cooking methods back to the restaurant with him.

You could tell the sense of community through food, Grant told T+L. Everybody had their part that they played: you have your hunters, your gatherers, you had the ladies that prepared the items for the tribes, so it was just about trying to duplicate that in a more modern day sense.

Some of the recipes date back to colonial times, including Sobaheg stew, which the Wampanoag tribe shared with the pilgrims when they first arrived in Massachusetts. The hearty fall recipe is made by simmering a variety of pumpkins, nuts or grits, and meat over a period of several hours.

One simple version from Epicurious calls to for most of the ingredients to be cooked in one pot together for two hours before adding the squash for another 30 minutes. Grant has swapped the venison for duck and pine nuts, slowly simmering the ingredients in the fat of the poultry to create a rich autumnal flavor.

The restaurant at the National Museum of African American History and Culture went one step further than Mitsitam, partnering with curators at the museum to educate visitors about some of the notable meals throughout history.

Washington D.C. Newest Museum Cafe

One such tale is that of Thomas Downing, an African American who was born a freeman in the 19th century to abolitionist parents in the North. He went on to open his own restaurant in New York City, at the corner of Wall and Broad Streets, called Thomas Downing's Oyster House.

Businessmen, politicians and visitors to the city would line up around the block for his famous oyster pan roast, a creamy soup native to the northeast. But Downings Oyster House was known for more than its fresh and delicious seafood.

From the 1830s through the 1860s, the New York staple was also a stop on the Underground Railroad. As the restaurant bustled at all hours, Downing and his son would lead escaped slaves into the basement and feed them a meal before they continued on their journey to freedom.

To me it kind of identifies with the fact that something as simple as sitting at a dinner table can really bring you so much virtue, Grant said of Downings pan roast.

Im sure once they landed at his tavern, it was the meal that was waiting for them. It was a conversation about: Where are you going to go now? he said. To me, a lot of these cool stories circle around the dinner table, they circle around the table and the meal.

The Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture opened Saturday Sept. 24, following an inauguration by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The museum hosts a variety of precious historical and cultural artifacts that display the narratives of African-American history, from the time of slavery to the Civil Rights movement to the present.
To succeed in todays transparent marketplace, businesses need to focus on trust in order to produce big profits, even if its costly in the short term, thats according to Martha Rogers, author of Extreme Trust: Turning proactive honesty and flawless execution into long-term profits.

We cant just rely on what we say about our company, because what we think about our company doesnt matter nearly as much as what customers say to each other about our company, Rogers told Yahoo Finances Seana Smith in the video above. That means relationships really matter. It means that the value of customers really matter, and we raise that when we can engage in a trusting relationship with them.

Right now, there are several companies that could benefit from Rogers advice. Wells Fargo (WFC) is in the midst of trying to win back trust after being fined $185 million for using customers personal information to create millions of fake accounts. And Wells Fargo is not the only company in hot water. Do you remember the big scandal that engulfed Volkswagen (VLKAY) last year? The German automaker is still clawing its way back after damaging its credibility when it was discovered that it had cheated on emission tests.

So what should business executives and employees do when they find their company in positions similar to Wells Fargo and Volkswagen? Rogers says its important to put the customer first by acknowledging you let them down and reassure them that youre going to make up for it. All focus should be placed on building back lost trust, and Rogers says the best way to do that is by focusing on three major elements: do things right, do the right thing and be proactive.

First, theres the whole idea of competence. The idea of doing things right is so we dont waste [customers] time, said Rogers. Next, do the right thing, means you have to look out for the best interest of your customers, which may mean aligning a business strategy so that what is good for you is good for the customers. And finally, because we live in real time and in a transparent world, we have to think in terms of how we can be proactive.

While Volkswagen has tried to contain the fallout from its year-old scandal, sales are still down as the company continues to feel the effects. The pressure is now on Wells Fargo to act fast and work to regain customers trust. In the past week, Illinois announced that it has suspended $30 billion in state investment activity with Wells Fargo while California declared a 12-month sanction against the bank.
The September jobs report comes out on Friday, with an expected 175,000 jobs to have been added to the US economy. But we already have a snapshot of an area experiencing explosive growth  freelancing.

The number of people who identify as freelancers grew from 53 million in 2014 to 55 million in 2016, which is about 35% of the US workforce, according to a new comprehensive study of 6,000 US working adults conducted by Upwork and the Freelancers Union.

Work: redefined

The freelance workforce is the fastest-growing component of the economy. Figuring out where it is going is the most pressing question of our digital age, said Louis Hyman, director of the Institute for Workplace Studies at Cornells School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Some of the fastest-growing freelance positions include content marketers, user experience designers, electrical engineers and writers, among others.

But when it comes to freelancing, how many actually choose to be a part of the so-called gig economy? According to the new study, 63% of freelancers started doing so more by choice than by necessity. That is up 10 percentage points (from 53%) since the survey started in 2014. The majority of freelancers said they feel more secure having a diversified portfolio than having a single employer.

Whats driving changing tastes?

Beyond security, people find plenty of upside in the freelance lifestyle. According to the survey, the top three reasons people said they choose to freelance is to be their own boss, to have work schedule flexibility and to have work location flexibility. Actually, 79% of freelancers said they view their gigs as better than traditional jobs.

Of course, technology makes it possible for many freelancers to work from home or odd hours. Seventy-three percent of freelancers said technological advances have made it easier to find freelance work. And 66% of freelancers said the amount of work they found online increased over the past year, according to the survey. Not only is it easier for freelancers to find gigs, but it has also become easier for prospective clients to quickly connect with workers online.

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Additionally, since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the self-employed population has insurance options beyond absurdly high premiums or not having health insurance at all. Among other developments, Obamacare introduced new public insurance exchanges and expanded the ways that individuals could be eligible for health care. Now, under the law, individuals who make less than $56,680 or families of four that make $95,400 are eligible for a government subsidy if they dont have employer-sponsored health insurance.

Still, despite the introduction of Obamacare, 20% of full-time freelancers lack insurance and 34% dont know where to find information about benefits, said Sara Horowitz, the founder and executive director of Freelancers Union.

National health reform has been a key support for come freelancers who qualify for subsidies. However, our research shows that freelancers who are working class of moderate means who purchase insurance in the individual market still struggle with affordability and finding benefits that meet their needs, she said.

Despite the many benefits of the gig economy, freelancers still face difficult hurdles like being paid a fair rate, unpredictable income and a lack of benefits. Because independent contractors are now more than a third of the US workforce, they expect to hear political candidates address the reality and the aforementioned concerns.

According to the study, 85% of freelancers said they are likely to vote  45% said they would vote for Hillary Clinton and 33% said theyd vote for Donald Trump.

As freelancers continue to gain more market share of the US workforce, so too will their voices. Without a boss to complain to, many self-employed individuals will inevitably expect the government to bear the responsibility of providing benefits and a sustained livelihood.

Melody Hahm is a writer at Yahoo Finance, covering entrepreneurship, technology and real estate. Follow her on Twitter @melodyhahm.

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On Oct 5, leading exchange carrier in the U.S., Windstream Holdings Inc. WIN, was downgraded by a notch to a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). The downgrade was a result of losses in the wireless industry, wholesale business and carrier transport business of the company along with intense competition.

Competition

The dynamics of the communication industry is significantly governed by technology innovation. Hence, leading national carriers continue to introduce networking technologies and next-generation products and services. Top-tier carriers such as AT&T Inc. T, Verizon Communications Inc. VZ and Sprint Corp. S have deployed 4G LTE networks across most of their coverage markets. Availability of these new technologies may result in intensified competition for Windstreams broadband Internet business. To remain competitive, the company needs to invest significantly in technology and network upgrades, or experience greater subscriber churn to larger competitors.

Windstream can also utilize the higher speed copper-based VDSL2 service to overcome tough competition from cable multi-service operators (MSOs)  Comcast Corp. CMCSA and Charter Communications  as the two continue to expand their small, medium and large businesses.

Other Risks

Windstream has been grappling with losses in the wireless industry, wholesale business and carrier transport business. Wireless competition has resulted in reduction in the companys access lines and has led to pricing pressure in the industry. The wholesale business is dealing with diminishing access lines, lower switched access rates and fewer minutes of usage. Windstreams carrier transport business is also affected as telecom operators demand smaller amount of copper-based dedicated circuits for the transfer of data between different points within their network.

Windstream is also subject to stringent regulatory measures set by the telecom regulatory authority in the U.S.  Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

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Despite managements efforts to modify its financial profile, we are concerned about Windstreams highly leveraged balance sheet. The companys ongoing collaborations and investment plans to expand its coverage markets and subscriber count will likely increase its expenditure and strain its balance sheet, as the company is predominantly funding most of these activities through debt.

Recent Developments

Windstream is well poised for long-term growth based on its investments in fiber-to-the tower, broadband networks and cost management initiatives. Windstreams new cloud-to-cloud disaster recovery management solutions replicate mission-critical virtual servers and data to provide an alternative system for cloud-based disaster recovery system to customers. The company strengthened its existing tie-up with Cologix through the construction of 2 new PoPs in Dallas, TX and Columbus, OH. Also, the recent expansion of its metro fibre network business in Atlanta, Minneapolis and Chicago and plans of ramping up the deployment of G.fast technologies to deliver speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) over traditional copper telephone wires should bode well.

Meanwhile, the company announced that its $250 million Project Excel program, launched in 2015, is on track. The project will enhance the network provision of the company by upgrading its fiber-fed DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) infrastructure to VDSL2-(Very-high-bit-rate digital subscriber line 2) network equipment, to deliver higher speeds of 50-100 Mbps (Mega bits per second) and a better durable backhaul network. Windstream expects to complete the project by the end of 2016.

WINDSTREAM HLDG Price and Consensus

WINDSTREAM HLDG Price and Consensus | WINDSTREAM HLDG Quote

Stock to Consider

A better-ranked telecommunication stock is NTT DOCOMO, Inc. DCM, with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The current year earnings estimates for NTT DOCOMO have improved 7.27%, over the last 60 days.

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Kerry Leikin came into the world with congenital heart disease, a malady that necessitates constant, costly medical care.

The 27-year-old preschool teacher and her 26-year-old fiance recently postponed their wedding because health care bills had eaten away at their finances, leaving them with no money for a ceremony.

Read: These Disney Fans Recreated Iconic '101 Dalmatians' Scene for Their Engagement Photos

But then a magical oppurtunity arose at Disneyland, the enchanted kingdom the Los Angeles couple loved to visit to take their minds off Kerrys health difficulties.

After several conversations with Kleenex and Disneys Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons, Ben was told he and Kerry were recipients of a wedding ceremony they would never forget, complete with Cinderellas carriage and footmen.

Ben didnt want to spill the beans just yet, so he said to Kerry, Im not cheating on you, but I got to do a lot of work on my phone, he told InsideEdition.com Wednesday night.

He eventually broke the news by going to her preschool, dressed in something in he rarely wears  a suit and a tie  and interrupted a staff meeting.

He got down on one knee and handed over a piece of paper that said he and Kerry were going to have a fairy tale wedding in the California theme park dedicated to fairy tales.

I was shocked  I was like Youre interrupting my day! Im at work! Kerry said.

And so it was that Kerry, wearing a wedding dress supplied by a designer who makes Disney-themed gowns, walked down the aisle at Disneyland at 7 a.m., long before it opened.

It was very special, she said. Being in the park before its open, the music was softly playing, the sun is coming up, all the lights were twinkling, it was very magical, she said.

Read: Girl, 5, Gets Happily Ever After When Disney Princesses Surprise Her at Adoption Court Hearing

The two had gotten engaged at Disneyland. It just became a special place for us. We looked at it as a safe haven, where we could feel normal. We didnt have to think of anything serious, she said.

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And on their wedding day, August 31, we had it all to ourselves, said Ben.

They havent yet gone on a honeymoon. That will come later, they said. For now they are thankful that Kerrys health is being managed, though someday she may need a transplant.

I was kind of afraid when I surprised her that [it] would affect her heart, Ben said.

But the wedding was everything they dreamed of.

Magical, magical, said Ben. From the beginning to the end.

Watch: Disney Princess Belle Breaks Character, Crying at Children's Choir Performance

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Jerusalem (AFP) - A group of women activists who tried to break Israel's decade-long blockade of the Gaza Strip were being held Thursday pending deportation after the Israeli navy intercepted their boat.

Thirteen women, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Maguire, were detained on Wednesday evening after their sailboat was stopped around 35 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza.

The Israeli navy said it stopped them to prevent a "breach of the lawful maritime blockade" of the Palestinian enclave.

Ministry of Interior spokeswoman Sabin Haddad said two of the women, both journalists, had already left prison for the airport but the others were being held in the Givon prison in central Israel for up to four days before being deported.

"During these 96 hours they can see a judge to appeal their detention," she added.

The Zaytouna-Oliva set sail from Barcelona in September with women of various nationalities aboard including Maguire, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1976 for her peace efforts in Northern Ireland.

Dubbed "Women's Boat to Gaza", the boat was part of the wider Freedom Flotilla Coalition that consists of pro-Palestinian boats that regularly seek to go to Gaza to try to break the blockade.

One such operation turned to tragedy in 2010 when Israeli commandos killed 10 Turkish activists in a raid on a flotilla.

Organisers said among the other women detained were New Zealand lawmaker Marama Davidson, Algerian MP Samira Douaifia, Swedish politician Jeannette Escanilla and Ann Wright, a former US Army colonel and State Department official who resigned over the 2003 Iraq war.

Others came from Australia, Malaysia, Norway, Russia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden and Britain.

"We are very disappointed for Gazans who were waiting for us, but we will continue. As long as there is a blockade, there will be flotillas," Claude Leostic, spokeswoman for the flotilla movement who herself attempted to sail to Gaza in 2011, told AFP.

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She said they had had no contact with the women since the boat was stopped, "but when I myself was arrested in 2011, we were placed in detention centres and interrogated by intelligence services."

Gaza-based organiser Adham Abu Salmiyeh said in a statement he wanted the women to visit "Gaza to brief them on the deteriorating humanitarian situation after 10 years of blockade and collective punishment."

But he said they were confident they had sent a message to the world.

- Air strikes -

The Israeli navy said it had intercepted the sailboat after advising it "numerous times to change course prior to the action".

It said its forces had boarded and searched the sailboat, describing the operation as "uneventful".

The vessel was then taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of Gaza.

Saeb Erekat, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, condemned the interception of the boat, while Islamist movement Hamas -- which runs Gaza -- called it "state terrorism."

"We strongly condemn the Israeli aggression against the international flotilla that tried to break the illegal siege imposed by Israel on 1.8 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip," Erekat said in a statement calling for their release.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008.

Israel maintains a blockade to keep material it believes could be used for military purposes from entering the enclave.

UN officials have called for the blockade to be lifted, saying conditions are deteriorating in impoverished Gaza.

Hamas is considered a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States and the European Union.

Also on Wednesday, Israel's military struck several Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip after a rocket launched from the Palestinian enclave hit the nearby Israeli city of Sderot, with no casualties reported on either side.

A small Salafist group -- followers of an ultra-conservative brand of Sunni Islam who oppose Hamas -- claimed responsibility for the attack.

Israel holds Hamas responsible for all such rocket fire and often responds with air and tank strikes, but recent responses have been stronger than in the past.
Indian police have arrested 70 people in relation to an alleged call center scam in the city of Mumbai, accusing them of being part of a scheme that conned more than $100,000 a day from U.S. citizens.

Some 200 officers raided the reportedly bogus call centers on Tuesday after an anonymous tip about an international phone scam, reports the Guardian.

Police claim the scam operated for more than a year and employed more than 750 people.

According to the Hindu, alleged scammers duped Americans into giving out their bank details by pretending to be IRS officers. They would tell their targets that there were irregularities in their tax payments and that they could face up to three months in prison. When the victims believed them, they would be duped into paying fines.

After an amount agreeable to both parties was reached, the targets would be asked to pay via international gift cards or iTunes, Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh told the Hindu.

A Mumbai police spokesperson told the Guardian that U.S. authorities were not involved in the case.
(Adds details, background)

By Elias Biryabarema

KAMPALA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - The World Bank cut its 2016/2017 growth forecast for Uganda on Thursday to 5.5 percent from 5.9 percent, citing the impact of South Sudan's conflict on its exports and sluggish investments due to slower economic activity globally.

South Sudan is one of Uganda's major export markets but roads between the two countries have been unsafe since an eruption of violence in South Sudan in July.

"The current economic forecast ... is ... mainly because the economy has responded less strongly to the post-election monetary easing, as investments remain sluggish under a slower global economy and the negative impact of the South Sudanese conflict on Uganda's exports," the bank said.

However, a rebound in activity in the construction sector, driven by aggressive public infrastructure investments will offset the effects of a "weak external sector" and return growth to above 6 percent in the 2017/2018 July to June fiscal year, the bank said in an emailed response to Reuters questions.

Ugandan officials have said a quicker pace in oil-related investments as the country prepared to start crude oil production in 2020 will also help accelerate growth.

Crude oil was discovered in Uganda 10 years ago but commercial production has been repeatedly delayed by spats over taxation and disagreements over development strategy.

This year the government has given out new exploration licences and also production licenses to operators including Total, Tullow Oil and China's CNOOC

The World Bank said those steps will "accelerate foreign direct investment flows, infrastructure development, employment and local industry".

It warned of higher risks of debt distress if revenue collection did not pick up, or if the infrastructure projects failed to lift economic growth.

"Continued failure to collect revenue in the context of a rapid fiscal expansion could increase the risk of debt distress," it said.

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"Moreover, if the investments in infrastructure do not result in an improved rate of growth, or if they are delayed significantly ... this could also result in rapid increases to the debt-to-GDP ratio, most likely to a level in excess of the threshold of 50 percent of GDP."

Last month the World Bank said it had decided to suspend the release of outstanding funds to Uganda while it reviewed performance on previous loans.

The bank has not disclosed how much funding was frozen.

Uganda relies heavily on aid - both grants and subsidised credit - for its public spending and the World Bank is one of its major sources.

Funds from the multilateral lender have been vital in financing major projects in sectors such as energy and transportation infrastructure but also an important source of foreign exchange in a country whose export sector is still relatively small.

Embezzlement and wasted aid is common in Uganda and the World Bank and other donors, including the European Union have previously suspended aid on similar grounds.

(Editing by George Obulutsa and Louise Ireland)
From Popular Mechanics

Three scientists won the Nobel Prize in chemistry on Wednesday for developing the world's smallest machines, 1,000 times thinner than a human hair but with the potential to revolutionize computer and energy systems.

Frenchman Jean-Pierre Sauvage, British-born Fraser Stoddart and Dutch scientist Bernard "Ben" Feringa share the 8 million kronor ($930,000) prize for the "design and synthesis of molecular machines," the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said.

Machines at the molecular level have taken chemistry to a new dimension and "will most likely be used in the development of things such as new materials, sensors and energy storage systems," the academy said.

Practical applications are still far away - the academy said molecular motors are at the same stage electrical motors were in the first half of the 19th century - but the potential is huge.

Stoddart, 74, a chemistry professor at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, has already developed a molecule-based computer chip with 20 kB memory. Researchers believe chips so small may revolutionize computertechnology the way silicon-based transistors once did.

Feringa, a professor of organic chemistry at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, leads a research group that in 2011 built a "nanocar," a minuscule vehicle with four molecular motors as wheels.

Sauvage is professor emeritus at the University of Strasbourg and director of research emeritus at France's National Center for Scientific Research.

The academy said the laureates' work has inspired other researchers to build increasingly advanced molecular machinery, including a robot that can grasp and connect amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Researchers are also hoping to develop a new kind of battery using this technology.

"I feel a little bit like the Wright brothers, who were flying 100 years ago for the first time and then people were saying 'why do we need a flying machine?'" Feringa, 65, told reporters in Stockholm by phone. "And now we have a Boeing 747 and an Airbus. So that is a bit how I feel."

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Speaking to French TV channel itele, Sauvage, 71, called the news a memorable moment and a big surprise.

"I have won many prizes, but the Nobel Prize is something very special. It's the most prestigious prize, the one most scientists don't even dare to dream of in their wildest dreams," he said.

Stoddart's daughter Alison said he was "absolutely ecstatic" at the honor.

Molecular machines are molecules with controllable movements, which can perform a task when energy is added, the academy said.

It said Sauvage made the first breakthrough in 1983 when he linked two ring-shaped molecules together to form a chain. Stoddart took the next step in 1991 by threading a molecular ring onto a molecular axle, while Feringa was the first to develop a molecular motor in 1999 when he got a molecular rotor blade to spin continuously in the same direction.

The academy said the "miniaturization of machines" is just in its initial phase, with potentially "thrilling" developments ahead.

"The molecular motor is at the same stage as the electric motor was in the 1830s, when scientists displayed various spinning cranks and wheels, unaware that they would lead to electric trains, washing machines, fans and food processors," the academy said.

Donna Nelson, president of the American Chemical Society, said the winners met the challenge of not only making the machines, but also demonstrating that they worked as they were supposed to. Since they were operating on such a tiny scale, it's "a truly remarkable feat," she said.

The award "will generate a lot of interest in this field," Nelson said. And given the topic, "children are going to love it. ... They're the scientists of tomorrow."

The chemistry prize was the last of this year's science awards. The medicine prize went to a Japanese biologist who discovered the process by which a cell breaks down and recycles content. The physics prize was shared by three British-born scientists for theoretical discoveries that shed light on strange states of matter.

The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday, and the economics and literature awards will be announced next week.

The Nobel Prizes will be handed out at ceremonies in Stockholm and Oslo on Dec. 10, the anniversary of prize founder Alfred Nobel's death in 1896.

Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, wanted his awards to honor achievements that delivered the "greatest benefit to mankind."

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Jodi Jacobson/iStock

At last, the day has arrived for renovations to begin on your home. However, before you sit back and hand the contractor your house keys, you might want to immerse yourself in a few homeowner vs. handyman horror stories.

No, were not trying to scare you (Halloweens still three weeks away!), and we certainly dont advocate living in a broken-down pit. Were simply saying it never hurts to check references and make sure that your oh-so-friendly handyman is fully legit.

Read on, brave homeowner (and check out specifics on how to vet a contractor at the end of this article).

A hole no one can fill

In January, Harry Flint paid contracting company Tejano Works $18,500 to begin an addition on his home in Abilene, TX. However, what Flint got instead was more like a subtractionin the form of a crater in his backyard.

The contractor disappeared after excavating Flints backyard, leaving him in the hole both financially and literally. Flint filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, which earned the contractor a C- ratingthough isnt an F more fitting?

Still, theres no word on whether this contractor cares what grade he got, because he still hasnt reappeared.

Over budgetjust a bit

Most people know that renovations nearly always end up costing more than the original estimate. Still, married homeowners Jay Timmons and Rick Olson of McLean, VA, ended up in particularly bad circumstances when what was supposed to be a one-year remodeling project turned into a three-year nightmare costing 70% more than the original contract price.

When the couple detailed 300 incomplete itemssuch as no toilet in the master bathroomthe contractor handed back a $100,000 bill in overage charges. And that was before the renovation was finished! The builder eventually abandoned the project, forcing Timmons and Olsen to sue.

Oddly, this contractor had proven reliable in the past, Timmons told the Saskatoon Star Phoenix. When remodeling their first floor, hed done an excellent job. Unfortunately, when we hired him again to redo our upper level and add a garage and bonus room, the experience turned into an absolute nightmare.

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The storm is over, but

Natural disasters can bring out the best in people; good Samaritans from around the nation appear with food, water, and a helping hand. Unfortunately, emergencies are also a siren call to contractor scammers known as storm chasers.

Eric Park of Houston had a roof that sustained major damage in a hailstorm when contractors showed up at his door. These storm chasers told Park they would cover his insurance deductible in order to book the job of repairing his roof. Thinking he was getting a deal, Park happily signed over his $4,800 insurance checkthe last he saw of the contractors and his cash. Park ended up taking out a $10,000 loan to repair his roof by a reputable company.

Giving the finger to the man upstairs

Apparently Lisa Loven and Jeffery Scott have no fear of being struck down by divine retribution, but they should.

Loven and Scott decided to cheat a Baptist church out of $14,000 for renovations they never even started, much less completed. This sketchy duo invoiced the churchs insurance company for this not-so-saintly sum, claiming thats what theyd need to rent a crane and remove the damaged church steeple. But when the crane never arrived and the steeple stayed put, church administrators eventually started asking questions. By then, Loven and Scott had moved on to doing faux renovations for an elderly widow to the tune of $17,000.

Someone upstairs must have been watching after all, as Loven and Scott were eventually caught and charged with fraud.

Remodeling with a dash of burglary

Perhaps Platinum Touch Contracting of Long Island, NY, should be renamed Filching Contracting.

According to police reports, the companys owner, Nicholas Anastasio, helped himself to a computer, a shotgun, and jewelry from several homes he was working on. His wife then allegedly pawned the items. Erm, perhaps they saw this as a form of payment? While they been charged with burglary, theres no word on the quality of his home repair.

How to avoid a nightmare renovation in your own home

Business attorney Rich Trimber has managed home construction companies and offers these essential tips to keep homeowners from getting ripped off:

Check the contractors references. Also, confirm you are speaking with a real customer and not their sister, says Trimber. And make sure you physically see a contractors license and certificate of insurance.

Peruse websites for good and bad reviews. There will be both, says Trimber. If theyre all good or all bad, its a red flag. All good reviews means [the contractors] are paying for them. When theres a bad review, see if the contractor offers an explanation thats reasonable or blames the customer: If its the latter, expect the same treatment.

Once you decide on a contractor, build performance metrics into the contract to ensure that the work will be done according to a schedule. Perhaps most important, never pay all the fees upfront.

To combat insurance fraud, dont permit a contractor to negotiate or settle your insurance claim. Also beware of companies with 800 numbers or trucks with out-of-state plates.



Watch: Do You Need to Remodel Before You Sell?

The post Worst Renovations of All Timeand How to Avoid the Same Fate appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com.
NEW YORK, NY and WUHAN, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2016 / Yangtze River Development Ltd., (OTC: YERR) (the "Company"), an infrastructural development company with a focus on the development of a large-scale port in Wuhan, China, today announced that the Company has secured financing of US$1 billion for the completion of the port project with Armada Enterprises GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Armada"). In addition, the Company will engage an Armada subsidiary, Wight International Construction LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Wight"), as its construction partner to complete the Wuhan port project.

"Securing the funding and a construction partner for the completion of the Wuhan Newport Project is a significant milestone for our Company," said Xiangyao Liu, CEO of Yangtze River Development Ltd. "With the funds in place from a respected partner, we can now continue to advance and execute on our plans."

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company agreed to issue to Wight, a convertible promissory note in the amount of US$500 million that may be convertible into 50 million shares of the Company's common stock. The Company also agreed to contribute 60 million shares of the Company's common stock, valued at $8.33 per share, to Armada, 50 million of which will be issued upon closing (the "Contribution Shares"). The remaining 10 million shares will be reserved with Company's transfer agent (the "Reserve Shares") and will be issued subject to Armada's fulfillment of its obligation to procure $1 billion in construction financing for the Wuhan Project. As a result of this Agreement, the Company may issue up to 110 million shares of Common Stock at an average price of $9.09 per share.

In consideration of the Company's convertible promissory note, Contribution Shares and Reserve Shares, Wight has agreed to issue the Company 100 million membership units in Wight, valued at a minimum of $10 per unit, for an aggregate value of $1 billion. The membership units would convert to limited partnership units in Armada Enterprise LP, upon Armada's contribution of Wight to Armada LP. Armada has also agreed to pay the Company a non-refundable $2 million fee to be held by the Company in escrow as a break-up fee in the event that Armada does not obtain a minimum of US$50 million financing. The Break-up Fee will become a working capital fund for the Company and the Wuhan Project if Armada obtains the minimum financing.

To date the Company has invested over $300 million into the Wuhan Newport infrastructure project, and has completed over 140,000 square meters of footprint of commercial buildings. Wuhan Newport is a large infrastructure development project implemented under China's latest "One Belt One Road" initiative and is believed to be strategically positioned in the anticipated "Free Trade Zone" of the Wuhan Port, a crucial trading window between China, the Middle East and Europe. The project will include commercial buildings, professional logistic supply chain centers, direct access to the Yangtze River, Wuhan-Xinjiang-Europe Railway and ground transportation, storage and processing centers, and IT supporting services, among others.

ABOUT YANGTZE RIVER DEVELOPMENT LTD.:

Yangtze River Development Limited primarily engages in the business of real estate development with a port logistic project located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Wuhan Newport is a large infrastructure development project implemented under China's latest "One Belt One Road" initiative and is believed to be strategically positioned in the anticipated "Free Trade Zone" of the Wuhan Port, a crucial trading window between China, the Middle East and Europe. To be fully developed upon completion of three phases, within the logistics center, there will be six operating zones, including port operation area, warehouse and distribution area, cold chain logistics area, rail cargo loading area, exhibition area and residential community. The logistics center is also expected to provide a number of shipping berths for cargo ships of various sizes. Wuhan Newport is expected to provide domestic and foreign businesses a direct access to the anticipated Free Trade Zone in Wuhan. The project will include commercial buildings, professional logistic supply chain centers, direct access to the Yangtze River, Wuhan-Xinjiang-Europe Railway and ground transportation, storage and processing centers, IT supporting services, among others.

For additional information please go to: http://www.yerr.com.cn.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This document includes "forward-looking" statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding Company's expectations, beliefs, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future. Among other things, these forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the change of Company's plan of operation, future opportunities as a result of the matter referenced in the above statements; and any other statements regarding Company's future beliefs, expectations, plans, intentions, financial condition or performance. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expects," "should," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," or other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, our financial and business prospects, our capital requirements, our financing prospects, our relationships with employees, and our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of such transaction, and those disclosed as risks in other reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those described in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent amendment on Form 10-K/A, current report on Form 8-K, and other filings with the SEC.

We caution readers that any such statements are based on currently available operational, financial and competitive information, and they should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's opinion only as of the date on which they were made. Except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation to review or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances as they occur.

CONTACT:

James Coleman

Executive Director

jcoleman@yerr.com.cn

646-861-3315

SOURCE: Yangtze River Development Ltd.
Agra (India) (AFP) - Scaffolding will cover the Taj Mahal's main dome next year while a "mud pack" is applied to its yellowing marble, authorities said Thursday as they battle the effects of smog on the country's top tourist attraction.

The famed monument to love, which attracts millions of visitors, has for years been acquiring a yellow tinge despite a ban on coal-powered industries in the area.

Authorities have been applying "mud packs" around the side walls and towers since last year to draw the impurities out of the stone, but have not yet touched the main central dome.

"This is a part of the cleaning process through mud-pack therapy and is presently being undertaken at (the) eastern wall of main mausoleum of Taj," said Bhuvan Vikram of the Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI), a state body.

"This would be followed by cleaning of other three walls (and) thereafter it would be the turn of the (main) dome of Taj Mahal."

The mud-pack therapy involves covering the surface with fuller's earth and leaving it to dry before removing it with soft brushes and distilled water.

The Times of India said the scaffolding could be up for around six months.

ASI official M.K. Bhatnagar said the scaffold would go up around the main dome some time next year, but would not say how long it would be there.

"The time for cleaning cannot be ascertained in advance as it depends on work required on the dome," he said.

"It (the therapy) would take time but we will make all efforts to minimise it."

The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth in 1631.

It has attracted world leaders and royalty including former US President Bill Clinton. Diana, the late British princess, was famously photographed alone on a marble seat there in 1992.

In May, authorities had ordered an investigation after green-tinged patches began appearing on the back wall of the monument, which stands on the banks of the heavily polluted Yamuna river.

India has some of the world's worst pollution and is the third biggest carbon emitter.
Its been 22 years since director Steve James released Hoop Dreams, and though none of his other films has had anything approaching that impact, in his quiet way hes become a brand-name documentarian with a signature way of seeing. The captivating Roger Ebert biography Life Itself was an exception, but in general the qualities of a Steve James film are that it has a highly visible and passionate social conscience; it tracks its subject over time with empathy and skill; and theres a fly-on-the-wall Zen plainness to his approach that recalls the work of Fred Wiseman. His new movie, Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, falls in line with previous James efforts like At the Death House Door (about a Texas execution chaplain who became an anti-death penalty crusader) or The Interrupters (about the attempt to steer troubled Chicago youths away from violence). In this case, the angle is more overtly political: Abacus tells the story of a family-owned bank in New Yorks Chinatown that became the one and only bank in the U.S. to be prosecuted for mortgage fraud in the wake of the 2008 financial meltdown. The movie is urgently made, and its tempting to offer a standard liberal-advocacy review of it. Yet that review wouldnt tell the whole story.

In 1984, the Abacus Federal Savings Bank was founded by Thomas Sung, a Shanghai-born lawyer who wanted to give something back to the Chinatown community. The movie opens with the courtly and dapper Sung, now 80, and his wife watching Its a Wonderful Life on television, as Sung explains his powerful identification with James Stewarts George Bailey, the savings-and-loan purveyor who saved his own town from the clutches of greed. Sung, just like George Bailey, created a community hub. He provided seed money to businesses and mortgages to local residents, but in 2010 his managers spotted irregularities on the mortgage books, and traced them to a single employee  Ken Yu, who turned out to be taking bribes.

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In 2012, the Manhattan District Attorneys Office indicted the bank and 19 of its employees, accusing Abacus of conspiracy. The key issue was: Did Sung, or any of his managers, know about the criminal activity? Abacus tells us that if the answer is no (slight spoiler alert: this is not a movie about how the Chinese-American George Bailey turns out to be Mr. Potter), that means that the bank was being scapegoated. Instead of going after the big guys  Lehman brothers, Bear Stearns  the government bailed the big guys out. And the little guy got blamed.

At least, thats the thesis of Abacus. The movie is diligent and, to a degree, absorbing  a legal/business saga thats also the story of a family in crisis. The Sungs, including three adult daughters who were executives at the bank, fought the charges for five years. It cost them stress, heartache, status, and $10 million. Yet if Abacus seems straightforward enough, it is also a slightly strange movie, because it seems to be wrestling with a monumental subject  the issue of our governments insular relationship to corporate banks  by grabbing hold of the tip of the subjects tail, squeezing it tight, whipping that tail to and fro, but never letting us see more than the tail. If the film is, in fact, about a real-life George Bailey, the forces arrayed against him remain hidden behind a curtain. We have to guess about the nuts and bolts that are driving the central scandal.

The key unanswered question is: What actually happened? How and why did the District Attorney decide to indict Abacus? Eight of the banks employees wound up pleading guilty to the charge of fraud by falsifying documents, and the incomes and job credentials of many of the borrowers had been inflated. Since the banks default rate was notably low (0.3 percent), this raises a question: Were the fraudulent documents a smoking gun, or were they a form of benign corner-cutting related to how business was routinely done in Chinatown? From what were shown, its hard to say; the notion that the government had some reason to consider indicting Abacus doesnt seem out of the question. Yet the movie asks the audience to simply extrapolate that the bank was being held up as some sort of example. These days, there are many who would be quick to point a finger and say, That sounds just like what our scoundrel government would do! But the point is that watching Abacus, the audience has to do a great deal of guesswork. Cyrus Vance Jr., the New York County District Attorney, sits down for an interview and says nothing of substance, and the whole arena of evidence  what the prosecution thought it had and why  remains frustratingly vague.

By the end of Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, the Sungs have been put through the wringer, but theyve been redeemed. James portrait of them is engaging as far as it goes, though the Sungs dont exactly open up their inner lives to the camera. Abacas turns into a domestic courtroom drama in which there is never a great deal of suspense. Yet theres a question that hovers in the air with a kind of moral reckoning: Was the Abacus Federal Savings Bank dragged through a legal morass for five years because it was being treated, in effect, as a surrogate for the bigger banks that got bailed out? The movie wants us to raise our fists and shout, Yes, thats what happened. And its an outrage! Instead, you may feel like raising your hand and asking Is that really what happened? If so, its an outrage! Now please show us some evidence.

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New York (AFP) - The 4.3 million annual visitors to the Statue of Liberty -- that most recognizable symbol of American freedom -- will be greeted by a modern multimedia museum in future, New York officials said Thursday.

The celebrated statue, designed by sculptor Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel -- donated by France on the 1876 centenary of US independence and inaugurated on Liberty Island in 1886 -- has not had a museum worthy of the name since 2001.

Stringent security regulations put in place after the September 11 attacks had reduced the capacity of the exhibit space inside the monument, so that only 20 percent of visitors to Liberty Island could enter, said the National Park Service, which manages the site.

The private foundation that raises funds for Liberty Island and nearby Ellis Island -- and which has already renovated the immigration museum on Ellis Island -- broke ground on the new museum Thursday. Enclosed in floor-to-ceiling picture windows, the building will cost an estimated $70 million.

When it opens in 2019, the museum will offer a stunning view of Manhattan as well as a "multisensory experience" and a chance to "reflect on the very notion of liberty," according to its creators.

While the current museum is situated in the pedestal of the statue, the new Statue of Liberty Museum will be located on the opposite point of the small island. Its grass-covered roof will include a large terrace offering sweeping views of New York Harbor.

At a time when Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has been sharply critical of uncontrolled immigration, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio -- himself descended from Italian immigrants -- said his hope was that "this museum will be one of the bridges that helps us finally come to peace with who we are."

Officials in New York, which welcomes some 60 million visitors a year, also hope the new museum will boost tourism to Liberty and Ellis islands, which can be reached on the same ferry boat from the southern tip of Manhattan.

Several of New York's and America's most prominent philanthropists will help finance the museum, including the designer Diane von Furstenberg, an early backer of the project; Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon; and Michael Bloomberg, the businessman and former New York mayor.
(Adds executive comment, details on protests)

By Lisa Baertlein

Oct 6 (Reuters) - Yum Brands Inc, owner of KFC and Pizza Hut, blamed tensions over the South China Sea for an unexpected dip in quarterly sales at its established restaurants in China.

The company, which will spin off its China business on Oct. 31, said the last quarter started well there, but its restaurants there were hit by anti-U.S. protests after an international court rejected China's claim to historic rights in the South China Sea.

"If not for this event, we believe the China Division would have delivered its fifth consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales growth," Chief Executive Officer Greg Creed said.

Sales at Yum China restaurants open at least one year fell 1 percent during the third quarter ended on Sept. 3. The protests reduced the measure by as much as 500 basis points, but the impact has largely eased, executives said on a conference call on Thursday.

Analysts polled by research firm Consensus Metrix had expected a 4.1 percent sales gain for the China unit, which is Yum's top profit generator.

An international tribunal in the Hague said in July it found no legal basis for China's claim to most of the South China Sea. This prompted local media to call the court a "puppet" of external forces and accuse the United States of turning the Philippines, which filed the case, against China.

Several brands were caught up in short-lived anti-U.S. protests and calls for a boycott, including Apple Inc and KFC, which has more than 5,000 restaurants across China.

Some analysts questioned the extent of the impact of the sporadic protests in China, where Yum is also battling tough competition, lingering effects of food safety missteps and a weak economy.

"We estimate sales dropped 15 to 25 percent in some of the cities because a lot of the protestors were looking for a big American brand to attack, to protest against," said Shaun Rein, managing director of Shanghai-based China Market Research Group. "So they did have to shut a lot of stores in Northeast China.

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"The big challenge for them is, will there be lingering anti-American sentiment?"

Yum's China business will begin trading as a separate company on Nov. 1 on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol YUMC.

Chinese investment firm Primavera Capital and an affiliate of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd said in September they would buy a stake in Yum China for $460 million.

(Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Donny Kwok in Hong Kong; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Lisa Von Ahn)
By Lisa Baertlein

LOS ANGELES, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Yum Brands Inc said on Thursday its KFC and Pizza Hut businesses in China suffered no lasting brand damage after political tensions over the South China Sea caused an unexpected third-quarter sales drop in that country.

The company, which will spin off its China business on Oct. 31, said the last quarter started well there, but its restaurants were hit by anti-U.S. protests after an international court in July rejected China's claim to historic rights in the South China Sea.

Yum Brands on Wednesday reported a surprise 1 percent drop in third-quarter sales at China restaurants open at least one year. The protests reduced the measure by as much as 500 basis points, but the impact has largely eased, executives said on a conference call on Thursday.

Analysts polled by research firm Consensus Metrix had expected a 4.1 percent sales gain for the China unit, which is Yum's top profit generator.

For the China unit's current quarter that started on Sept. 1, same-store sales so far are down "modestly" but are expected to be positive for the balance of the quarter, Yum Brands Chief Executive Greg Creed said.

Company research indicated that the protests inflicted "no damage whatsoever to the brand," Micky Pant, CEO of Yum Restaurants China, said.

An international tribunal in the Hague said in July it found no legal basis for China's claim to most of the South China Sea. This prompted local media to call the court a "puppet" of external forces and accuse the United States of turning the Philippines, which filed the case, against China.

Several brands became lightning rods for short-lived anti-U.S. protests and boycott calls, including Apple Inc and KFC, which has more than 5,000 restaurants across China.

Some analysts questioned the extent of the impact of the sporadic protests in China, where Yum is also battling tough competition, lingering effects of food safety missteps and a weak economy.

Story continues

"We estimate sales dropped 15 to 25 percent in some of the cities because a lot of the protesters were looking for a big American brand to attack, to protest against," said Shaun Rein, managing director of Shanghai-based China Market Research Group. "So they did have to shut a lot of stores in Northeast China.

"The big challenge for them is, will there be lingering anti-American sentiment?"

Yum's China business will begin trading as a separate company on Nov. 1 on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "YUMC."

Chinese investment firm Primavera Capital and Ant Financial, an affiliate of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, said in September they would buy a stake in Yum China for $460 million.

Creed said Yum China's strategic partnership with Primavera and Ant Financial will give the newly independent company a competitive advantage.

"Both are well-respected China institutions that are ideal partners for Yum China as a standalone public company operating in China," Creed said.

Yum shares were down 1.6 percent at $87.22 on Thursday afternoon on the New York Stock Exchange.

(Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  October 06, 2016  Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses the REITs, Part 1, including CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc. (NYSE:CORR -Free Report),InfraREIT, Inc. (NYSE:HIFR -Free Report),Care Capital Properties, Inc. (NYSE:CCP -Free Report) andWashington Prime Group Inc. (NYSE:WPG - Free Report).

Industry: REITs, Part 1

Link: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/92410/reit-industry-stock-outlook---october-2016

The real estate investment trust (REIT) industry managed to outpace the broader market in the first nine months of the year. This outperformance primarily suggests a growing appetite of investors for REIT stocks amid lingering rate issues.

In fact, despite the hiccups that resulted from rate hike speculation in the recent month and supply growth issues in some of the asset categories, for the year through Sep 30, the FTSE/NAREIT All REIT Index managed to record a total return of 12.6% compared with the 7.8% increase logged by the S&P 500 Index. On the other hand, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note declined 0.7% over this time frame.

Further, a number of events have occurred in recent times and these events are expected to substantially shape the REIT industrys outlook. The most notable among these is the promotion of Equity REITs, together with other real estate companies, to its own headline sector under the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS), following the close of trading on Sep 16.

The move not only reflects the importance that real estate is gaining in the global economy, but is also expected to draw in billions into REITs as investment managers realign their portfolio strategies to bet more on this sector. So valuations are expected to get a push.

Second, the Federal Reserve decided to keep the rates unchanged in its September policy meeting. Obviously, the move relieved REIT investors for the time being because this debt-dependent industry will continue to benefit from the low-rate environment which keeps their borrowing costs down. On top of this, their dividend payout (which primarily makes them attractive) ends up being more lucrative than yields on fixed income and money market accounts in such an environment.

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However, the outcome of the two-day meeting came with a grain of salt. The statement revealed Feds growing confidence in domestic economic growth. Yet, the central bank refrained from a rate hike call this time as it is waiting for further evidence of continued progress toward its objectives. Now, since a hike is almost ruled out in the next Fed meeting which is slated in an uncertain period right before the presidential election, a liftoff in December seems to be pretty much on the table.

Nevertheless, the supplementary summary of economic projections this time revealed a pull down in expectations of rate increases in the years ahead. So, even when rates rise, the pace is likely to be modest. REITs are expected to have time to adjust their business accordingly.

In addition to the above issues, the performance of REITs is largely determined by the demand-supply dynamics in individual asset categories. Therefore, as long as rate hikes are backed by an improving economy, REIT investors need not worry much. This is because when economic activity gathers steam, demand for space automatically grows.

Dividends Still Standing Tall



Moreover, dividends are by far the biggest enticement to invest in REIT stocks, especially for income-seeking investors. And encouragingly, as of Aug 31, the dividend yield of the FTSE NAREIT All REITs Index was 3.87%, which handily outpaced the 2.13% dividend yield offered by the S&P 500 as of that date. Over long periods too, REITs have outperformed the broader indexes with respect to dividend yields.

Notably, the U.S. law requires REITs to distribute 90% of their annual taxable income in the form of dividends to shareholders. This unique feature made the industry stand out and gain a solid footing over the past 1520 years.

Capital Access



Further, in recent years, REITs have been proactive in the capital market. They have drawn leverage from the low rate environment and improved their financials. In 2015, a total of $59.3 billion in public capital was raised by stock exchange-listed REITs and in 2016 through Aug 31, REITs collected $52.3 billion in capital offerings.

Moreover, reforms to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) are expected to offer easy access to capital from foreign investors for publicly traded REITs and commercial real estate.

Zacks Industry Rank



Within the Zacks Industry classification, REITs are broadly grouped in the Finance sector (one of the 16 Zacks sectors) and are further sub-divided into four industries at the expanded (aka "X") level: REIT Equity Trust - Retail, REIT Equity Trust - Residential, REIT Equity Trust - Other and REIT Mortgage Trust. The level of sensitivity and exposure to different stages of the economic cycle vary for each industry.



We rank 265 industries in the 16 Zacks sectors based on the earnings outlook and fundamental strength of the constituent companies in each industry.



We put our industries into two groups: the top half (industries with the best average Zacks Rank) and the bottom half (the industries with the worst average Zacks Rank). Over the last 10 years, using a one-week rebalance, the top half beat the bottom half by a factor of more than 2 to 1. (To learn more visit: About Zacks Industry Rank.)



The Zacks Industry Rank is #72 for REIT Mortgage Trust, #77 for REIT Equity Trust - Retail, #80 for REIT Equity Trust - Residential, and #101 for REIT Equity Trust - Other.



Earnings Trends



With the impending Q3 earnings season, its time to look at the estimate revision trends. The broader Finance Sector, of which REITs are part, is currently expected to be up 3.7% from the same period last year on 1.3% higher revenues. This compares favorably to 2016 Q2 earnings reduction of 5.2% despite 1.8% higher revenues. Notably, for the S&P 500 constituents, the extent of negative revisions that Q3 estimates experienced has been lesser than the last few quarters. (Read: Is Earnings Recession Coming to an End?)

For more information about earnings for this sector and others, please read our  Earnings Trends report.

REITs Worth Adding

Investors can consider the following REIT stocks that have solid fundamentals to weather any rate hike. Also, their favorable Zacks Rank and decent dividend yield makes them solid picks.

CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc. (NYSE:CORR - Free Report) is a U.S.-based REIT that seeks to invest primarily in the domestic energy infrastructure sector. With positive estimate revisions over the past two months, a dividend yield of 10.49% and the stock trading at a significant discount to the industry average, CorEnergy Infrastructure can be a solid addition to ones portfolio. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here .

InfraREIT, Inc. (NYSE:HIFR - Free Report) owns rate regulated electricity delivery infrastructure assets primarily in Texas. This Zacks Rank #1 company has a long-term expected growth rate of 10% against the industry average of 5.8%. It has a dividend yield of 5.68% and experienced positive estimate revisions over the past three months.

Care Capital Properties, Inc. (NYSE:CCP - Free Report), based in Chicago, is a REIT engaged in the ownership, acquisition and leasing of skilled nursing facilities and healthcare assets. It has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a dividend yield of 8.28%. With positive estimate revisions for the current year and the stock trading at a significant discount to the industry average, Care Capital Properties remains a preferred pick.

Washington Prime Group Inc. (NYSE:WPG - Free Report) is a retail REIT based in Columbus, OH. It has a dividend yield of 8.41% and a Zacks Rank #2. It is a solid buy pick with positive estimate revisions for the current year and the stock trading at a substantial discount to the industry average.

Confidential from Zacks



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Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News

Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015. Its average gain has been a stellar +26% per year. See these high-potential stocks free >>.

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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.



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For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  October 06, 2016  Zacks Value Investor is a podcast hosted weekly by Zacks Stock Strategist Tracey Ryniec. Every week, Tracey will be joined by guests to discuss the hottest investing topics in stocks, bonds and ETFs and how it impacts your life. To listen to the podcast, click here: ( https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/233648/value-investors-should-love-the-gold-miners )

Welcome to Episode #12 of the Value Investor Podcast.

Every week, Zacks value stock strategist and the Editor of Zacks Value Investor portfolio service, Tracey Ryniec, talks about all things happening in the value stock universe, including her top stock picks.

This week, Tracey looks into industries and sectors.

Energy is the best performing sector year-to-date in the S&P 500 followed by utilities. But you wont find many value stocks in either group.

But theres one industry that has stocks with cheap valuations AND the earnings are on the rise.

What is that lucky industry?

The gold miners.

Tracey has considered the gold miners to be value traps in the past, but in 2016 she has a different take. This might just be the industry where value investors can find some hidden gems.

3 Cheap Gold Mining Stocks to Buy Now

1. Gold Fields (NYSE:GFI  Free Report) : forward P/E of 14.

2. Anglogold Ashanti (NYSE:AU  Free Report) : forward P/E of 13.4

3. Sibanye Gold (NYSE:SBGL  Free Report) : forward P/E of 8.3

Find out why Tracey is digging these gold mining stocks and more on this weeks podcast.

Want more insights from Tracey?

Check out her weekly Value Investor service to receive more in-depth analysis on value companies and see which stocks she thinks are the best bargains now.

Click here to learn more>>

Tracey Ryniec is the Value Stock Strategist for Zacks.com. She is also the Editor of theInsider Trader andValue Investor services. You can follow her on twitter at@TraceyRyniec and she also hosts the Zacks Market Edge Podcast on iTunes.

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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



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SIBANYE GLD-ADR (SBGL): Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Lusaka (AFP) - Zambia's opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema pleaded not guilty Thursday to unlawful assembly and sedition charges and was released on bail after spending a night in custody, his party said.

Hichilema, leader of United Party for National Development (UPND), is scheduled back in court later this month. If convicted he could face up to seven years in jail.

Hichilema was arrested on Wednesday along his vice-president Geoffrey Mwamba in the country's copperbelt region, after they attempted to visit party members detained in various prisons.

"UPND president Hakainde Hichilema and his vice- president Geoffrey Mwamba have not pleaded guilty on two different counts," the party said in a statement.

Luanshya Magistrate Court freed the two leaders on bail, ordering them to appear in court again on October 19.

The alleged unlawful assembly took place on September 26 in the central city of Mpongwe, in the heart of the mineral-rich province.

Earlier on Thursday, Hichilema posted on his Facebook page that the two had been denied food, water and blankets while in the police cells.

Hichilema, a wealthy businessman who has run five times for president, disputed the result of August polls which re-elected President Edgar Lungu.

He accused Lungu, the country's election commission and court judges of all being guilty of fraud over the August 11 election, which Lungu won by barely 100,000 votes.

He and Mwamba had last week been blocked from visiting their supporters in prison and had gone to meet their families instead.
An article about unsafe levels of the known carcinogen chromium-6 in La Crosse and Onalaska drinking water was quite troubling to me (Sept. 22 Tribune).

Only California currently regulates this toxic chemical in its drinking water, the result of the heroic work of consumer advocate Erin Brockovich of movie fame.

The 2000 film "Erin Brockovich" showed one example after another of people developing cancer after exposure to this poisonous chemical in their drinking water. I would say our area citizens should demand something be done to minimize this threat to public health.

Mark Johnson, La Crosse water utility director, suggested that one possible remedy would be to add a chemical to react with the chromium so that it could be filtered out. He suggested that this would likely involve treatment facilities at all of the city's 13 wells.

What was left unsaid was whether anyone is actually calling for this to be done and at what cost to city taxpayers. This is one alarming investigative report that should not be ignored.

I would call upon Mayor Tim Kabat and the La Crosse City Council to look into this matter immediately and offer possible solutions to rid us of this potentially deadly threat to public health.

If you want to know just how dangerous chromium-6 can be, just watch or re-watch the movie about Brockovich's fight to rid Hinkley, Calif., of this menacing chemical. Let's do something about this. The safety of our water supply is nothing to trifle with.

Steven Gores,

La Crosse
Sarah Palin at her VP debate against Joe Biden in 2008. (Photo: Getty Images)

While people tuned into Tuesday nights vice presidential debate between Sen. Tim Kaine and Gov. Mike Pence to learn more about each candidates policies and temperament, some were paying particularly close attention to their appearance, including focusing on the candidates eyebrows  or in Pences case, the lack thereof.

But Gov. Sarah Palin pointed out a detail from the debate that many likely missed: The former vice presidential candidate noted that she stood in high heels for her 90-minute debate against Joe Biden back in 2008, while in other VP debates the male candidates got to sit comfortably around a table. On her Facebook page, Palin posted a photo of herself wearing her Dorothy-like red heels at the podium in 2008, along with images from the vice presidential debates in 2000, 2004, 2012, and 2016.

She captioned the photos: How is it that the dudes lucked out and got chairs over the last 20 years of VP debates minus one? Want a real test  try standing in [emojis for high heels] for 90 mins #heelsonglovesoff.

The post, which has well over 1,100 comments, clearly struck a chord. Many people commented that Palins post is an example that women are made of tougher stuff than men.

Commenter Denise Field seconded Palins sentiment:

And Stacie Bratcher brought up a popular quote to drive the point home:

Several commenters, like Morgan Schwenn, who arent even fans of Palin found themselves agreeing with her:

Of course, not everyone is up for five minutes, let alone 90, in sky-high heels  which may explain why, at least in the U.K., sneaker sales have surpassed those of high heels in the last year.

And, in fact, many commenters suggested that Palin could have worn comfortable flats instead. As Carmen Sbordone simply put it:

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When I look at where computing is headed, its clear to me that were evolving from a mobile-first to an AI-first world. - Sundar Pichai, Google CEO

Im watching the Made by Google launch event and wondering why the Silicon Valley search giant suddenly decided to roll out a bevy of branded devices: Pixel smartphones, Home digital assistant, Chromecast Ultra streaming TV and Daydream virtual reality headset. Theres plenty more to come, Im sure.

Of course, Alphabet chief executive Larry Page and Google CEO Sundar Pichai didnt just wake up one day and say, Lets become an integrated device company. This is clearly part of a long-term strategy, but it is an enormous strategic shift, nevertheless. The question is why?

Then it hit me: This is not an offensive move but a defensive one  an attempt to thwart an existential threat with the potential to blow up the companys business model.

At the event, Pichai said, Its clear to me that were evolving from a mobile-first to an AI-first world. Indeed, AI  more specifically, deep learning AI  is a disruptive core technology capable of transforming the competitive landscape. And Google is more likely to be disrupted than a disruptor in that transformation.

Deep learning is when theres enough data and computers are powerful enough to program themselves. Gone are the algorithms Google uses to power search queries. With deep learning, computers write their own code. They figure it all out for themselves based on enormous amounts of data. And that renders Googles algorithmic-based programming obsolete.

We are currently in the early stages of a transformation from algorithmic to AI-based queries. Lets call the latter Smart Search. The problem is, Google makes 90% of its revenue off search advertising. The question is, what happens to that revenue stream when todays text-based search becomes subsumed under voice-based Smart Search queries? What happens to the ads? Thats right, they disappear, along with the text.

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Granted, you can have voice-based ads, but theyre not nearly as effective as text-based ads because voice is streaming. Since you cant listen to two things at once, you cant see the results and ads simultaneously as you would with text. And nobody wants to sit there listening to an ad while waiting to hear the results of their query.

More important, Googles smart Assistant will compete with the likes of Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Microsoft Cortana, which dont use ads. Thats simply not their business model. Google, on the other hand, is dependent on its dominance in search advertising. Eventually, that dominance will break down  and its beginning to look like eventually is coming sooner than anyone thought.

The deep learning AI revolution is developing very quickly. Microsoft, Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Google are all scooping up startups, hiring talent and starting projects by the thousands. Which means the competitive landscape for Smart Search is up for grabs. And may the best AI platform win.

That will not happen all at once, of course, and its certainly not an all or nothing scenario. Users will still do text-based searches on their devices. But over time, theyll be doing more and more queries verbally, and listening to responses that dont have ads. Which means Googles enormous ad revenues and profits will come under pressure.

There is one more factor, however. Augmented reality is coming, and when it does, all our screens will disappear. Well interact with the computing world in a more human or visual way. Thats when ads will return. In the interim, Google will face an increasingly competitive Smart Search environment made up of at least three or four AI query platforms.

Keep in mind that Googles business interests are not necessarily aligned with those of Samsung, Xiaomi and other Android device-makers. Thats why it needed to develop and brand its own mobile devices which, incidentally, are made by Taiwans HTC.

As for Googles decision to go up against Apples venerable ecosystem, that was an easy call. Facebook dominates in social media. Amazon dominates in retail. Microsoft dominates in corporate. The only viable strategy was to leverage its Android platform and take on Apple in the consumer device space.

Its been a long time coming, but Google and Apple are finally, unquestionably, head-to-head competitors. You have to laugh at the irony.

When the FCC forced then-Google CEO Eric Schmidt off Apples board, he claimed that his company was not an iPhone competitor. That was in 2009, nearly two years after Android magically evolved from a Blackberry-like device with a physical keypad into practically an iPhone clone.

Steve Jobs would later vow to spend every penny of Apple's $40 billion in the bank, to right this wrong, he said in Walter Isaacsons biography. I'm going to destroy Android, because it's a stolen product. I'm willing to go thermonuclear war on this." If he were alive today, I doubt if Jobs would find Googles new strategy the least bit funny.

Related Articles
Apple may excel at many things, but historically speaking, services is not one of them. Thanks to less than stellar roll-outs for services like Apple Maps and Siri, not to mention persistently wonky iCloud issues, iOS users have reluctantly come to accept the fact that Apple often needs a few years before it gets even an elementary handle on a particular service.

Part of the problem is that there have been a few reports of in-fighting across some of Apples services-based engineering teams. Most notably, The Information reported this past April that political infighting between Apples iCloud and Siri engineering teams were preventing the company from addressing serious technical issues affecting both iCloud and iTunes.

DON'T MISS: Under no circumstances should you buy a Galaxy Note 7

Looking to address the issue head-on, Bloomberg reports that Apple is now planning to unify all of its disparate services under one umbrella by moving all of its services-based teams into the companys new Spaceship campus. In short, all of the teams that work on Siri, Apple Maps, iCloud, Apple Pay, Apple News and parts of Apple Music and iTunes will be under the same roof for the first time. As it stands now, many of Apples services-based teams work on technologies independently, typically in off-site locations close to Apples current campus at 1 Infinite Loop.

The current structure contributes to software bugs and slow product development, Bloomberg reports. Bringing the teams together at a single, dedicated campus is designed to improve growth of the services business and fight competition from Google and Amazon, the people added.

All in all, this is welcome, if not long overdue, news that will hopefully bring Apples suite of services up to snuff with its hardware and with its more reliable non-services oriented software products.

Also interesting, in light of Apples concerted efforts to improve the reliability of its services, is that Apple is intent on rolling out its own cloud infrastructure that will reportedly give Apple more control over the backend and will, in turn, help speed up load times.

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Siri, Apple News and the iTunes Store are already on Apples new backend, the report notes, with other services slated to make the migration in the future.

Notably, word of Apples plan to develop its own cloud infrastructure first surfaced earlier this year. Citing a source familiar with Apples plans, VentureBeat this past March reported that Apple was intent on developing a proprietary infrastructure to lessen its reliance on services from the likes Amazon and Microsoft.

Apple isnt happy with the fact AWS is not able to very quickly load photos and videos onto users iOS devices, according to VentureBeats source. Apple has bought land in both China and Hong Kong to build out data centers, the source said. Nearly all of iTunes is currently outsourced to other infrastructure, primarily Azure, according to the source. That said, the company certainly could be using Googles public cloud in addition to Azure and AWS... ... Apple executives believe that building out the companys own infrastructure footprint to cover its cloud computing and storage needs will pay for itself within three years, the source said

This all sounds great, but only time will tell if Apple can, at long last, finally reach a point where its services can compare with other industry leaders as it pertains to performance and reliability.

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By Noel Randewich SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Shares of Apple Inc rose 1 percent on Thursday after German supplier Dialog Semiconductor Plc said its quarterly revenue were higher than expected, adding to recent enthusiasm about demand for the newest iPhone. With global demand for smartphones on the wane, Apple is counting on the iPhone 7 to help wrest market share from rival Samsung Electronics Co Ltd <005930.KS> and limit an expected decline in annual revenue. Apple accounted for about 80 percent of Dialog's revenue last year, making the chipmaker's results a potential indicator of iPhone sales. "We believe this is another confirming data point of stronger than expected iPhone demand, corroborating the U.S. carriers' reports a few weeks ago," wrote Credit Suisse analyst Kulbinder Garcha in a note to clients on Thursday. Dialog reported preliminary third-quarter revenue that was 13 percent above the mid-point of its own outlook range, and up 5 percent year over year. It said orders for its mobile chips were brought forward due to China's National Day holiday. Cupertino, California-based Apple's stock has surged 11 percent since mid-September, when T-Mobile US Inc and Sprint Corp reported strong preorders for the new handsets. With U.S. consumers less eager to replace their devices, global smartphone shipments are likely to grow less than 2 percent in 2016, compared with growth of 10 percent last year, according to market research firm IDC. Shares of Apple were up $1.18 at $114.23. (Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)
Apple's new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are two of the sleekest and most powerful smartphones the world has ever seen. And while we won't have any firm sales numbers from Apple until it reports its September-quarter earnings later this month, we have every indication that the company's latest iPhones are already two of the most popular phones of 2016. Not everyone is happy about the success Apple is seeing with its new phones though, and we're not just talking about Android trolls here.

BGR just issued a strong recommendation against buying Samsung's new Galaxy Note 7 in light of news that a "safe" replacement phone may have exploded aboard an airplane. Meanwhile, some companies are issuing even stronger recommendations against buying a new iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus. In fact, there are companies out there that have gone as far as to threaten to fire employees who purchase a new iPhone.

DON'T MISS: Under no circumstances should you buy a Galaxy Note 7

Patriotism is a big deal in China, and some companies feel that buying a smartphone from a foreign company  specifically Apple  is not patriotic. As a result, they've issued warnings to employees: Buy an iPhone 7 and you'll be fired.

These aren't idle threats made to individuals in passing, either. Instead, companies are issuing formal written warnings against purchasing an iPhone. For example, the BBC found the letter below on Weibo and confirmed its authenticity:

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In the letter, Nanyang Yongkang Medicine Company explicitly told employees that they should not purchase Apple's new iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus. What happens if they decide to ignore the warning and purchase a new iPhone anyway? "If you break this rule, then just come to the office straight way to hand in your resignation," the letter says.

That's not even the worst one. CNET points us to a report from China.org, which discovered that Fuling Xinjiuzhou Gynecology Hospital issued an even more strongly worded warning to its staff.

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"The administrative office of the hospital has decided not to allow any staff members to buy the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 plus," the hospital wrote in a memo to employees. "Anyone who insists on purchasing one will be removed from candidacy for annual rewards of outstanding performances. And those who could not afford an iPhone 7 cell phone but still bought one will be asked to resign."

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(SEOUL)  Tech giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said on Thursday it is acquiring U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) platform developer Viv Labs Inc, a firm run by a co-creator of Apple Incs Siri voice assistant programme.

Samsung said in a statement it plans to integrate the San Jose-based companys AI platform, called Viv, into the Galaxy smartphones and expand voice-assistant services to home appliances and wearable technology devices.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Technology firms are locked in an increasingly heated race to make AI good enough to let consumers interact with their devices more naturally, especially via voice.

Alphabet Incs Google is widely considered to be the leader in AI, but others including Amazon.com, Apple and Microsoft have also launched their own offerings including voice-powered digital assistants.

Samsung, the worlds top smartphone maker, is also hoping to differentiate its devices, from phones to fridges, by incorporating AI.

The acquisition of Viv could help the Korean firm shore up its competitiveness at a time when Googles new Pixel smartphones  armed with the U.S. firms voice-powered digital assistant  threatens Samsung and other smartphone makers who are largely reliant on the Android operating platform.

Viv brings in a very unique technology to allow us to have an open system where any third-party service and content providers (can) add their services to our devices interfaces, Rhee In-jong, Samsungs executive vice president, told Reuters in an interview.

The executive said Samsung needs to really revolutionise how its devices operate, moving towards using voice rather than simply touch. We cant innovate using only in-house technology, Rhee said.

Viv chief executive and co-founder Dag Kittlaus, a Siri co-creator, and other top managers at the firm will continue managing the business independently following the acquisition.

Rhee told Reuters Samsung will continue to look for acquisitions to bolster its AI and other software capabilities, without naming any targets. (Reporting by Se Young Lee; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
As if problems for Samsung Electronics Co Ltd couldn't get any worse: One family says that a replacement Samsung Galaxy Note 7 started to smoke on a Southwest Airlines Co. (ticker: LUV) plane early Thursday morning. The report has now initiated renewed Consumer Product Safety Commission and Federal Aviation Administration investigations, reports Reuters.

The phone in question belongs to Brian Green, who told The Verge he got the phone at an AT&T (T) location last month. The phone box bears a black square symbol, a sign that it's a replacement model of the Note 7. Samsung recalled at least 2.5 million Note 7 smartphones in September across 10 markets on account of dysfunctional batteries leading certain phones to ignite.

Southwest says once the customer called attention to the smoking phone, everyone on the flight was removed. There were no reports of injuries, according to an airline spokesperson.

Samsung wants to obtain the phone to figure out what happened. ""Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note 7," according to the company.

This news follows ever-increasing competition in the smartphone market. Apple Inc. (AAPL) launched its newest iPhone iteration last month (the iPhone 7), and Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) is looking to make more of a dent in the market with Google's Pixel.

Alphabet stock is up 2.32 percent on the year, while Apple stock is up nearly 8 percent.

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David Oliver is Associate Editor, Social Media at U.S. News & World Report. Follow him on Twitter, connect with him on LinkedIn, or send him an email at doliver@usnews.com.
Vulnerable children and aging veterans in Wisconsin need our help. Shocking investigative reports have exposed a range of problems at the King Veteran Home and the Lincoln Hills School for youth. From assaults and infection outbreaks to outdated facilities and financial mismanagement, Gov. Scott Walker and his Republican legislature have failed Wisconsin families.

At the King nursing facility, veterans and family members are concerned about worsening conditions and ongoing staff shortages. For more than a year, workers have complained of urine-soaked carpeting, tainted drinking water and outdated medical equipment.

Instead of approving $18 million in facility repairs and upgrades, Gov. Walker diverted $12 million from the veteran nursing home fund to backfill budget deficits. Republican leaders are set to raid another $18 million from King over the next two years.

Similar problems exist at the Lincoln Hills School in northern Wisconsin. Staff vacancies and inadequate facilities are jeopardizing safety and putting children at risk. Assaults have become all too common and the Department of Justice is currently investigating several reports of child neglect, intimidation of witnesses and tampering with public records.

Families have been left to wonder: Is this really the best we can do? Shouldnt the care and safety of Wisconsin children and veterans be a top priority?

Whats become painfully clear after numerous investigative reports is that these problems didnt pop up overnight. Theyve been allowed to fester for years under an administration that operates in secrecy, discourages transparency and refuses to accept responsibility.

Gov. Walker spent millions of dollars and countless hours traveling across the country in pursuit of his presidential ambitions. Had that same attention been paid to the concerns of children and veterans here in Wisconsin, perhaps we could have avoided the crisis we currently find ourselves in.

But were here now and families deserve solutions. We cant delay action any longer, so lets roll up our sleeves and get to work.

Security upgrades at Lincoln Hills and an overhaul of the tainted drinking water system at the King Veteran Home are badly needed. Rather than delaying infrastructure investments, we should immediately approve shovel-ready projects and rehabilitate outdated facilities.

Staff shortages have worsened as a result of pay cuts, forced overtime and safety concerns. We can reduce staff turnover by fairly compensating employees, improving working conditions and limiting the unsustainable use of forced overtime.

Rather than more tax breaks for multi-millionaires, we should prioritize funding for these facilities, improve services and expand opportunities for residents. And we should immediately block Gov. Walkers plan to raid $18 million from our veteran nursing homes.

Care for our veterans shouldnt suffer as a result of Gov. Walkers fiscal mismanagement.

We need leaders willing to put aside personal ambitions and stand up for those who have been silenced and marginalized for too long.

Legislative Democrats will continue to push for action until Wisconsin families receive the care and attention they deserve.

This election, help us protect Wisconsin children and veterans by voting for leaders who will focus on proven solutions rather than personal ambitions.
Samsungs smoking phone issue may have just gotten worse. The company announced two weeks ago that about half of all recalled Galaxy Note 7 phones in the U.S. had been replacedbut the recall may not have solved the problem, as Reuters reports that a replacement model began smoking inside an airplane on Wednesday.

Southwest Airlines evacuated 75 people from an airplane that was set to fly from Louisville International Airport to Baltimore after a Samsung device overheated and began to smoke, according to the Associated Press. The family that owns the phone said it was a replacement Note 7 model, Reuters reports.

Samsung was unable to confirm whether the phone was a replacement model or one affected by the recall. The company issued the following statement to TIME:

Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note 7. We are working with the authorities and Southwest now to recover the device and confirm the cause. Once we have examined the device we will have more information to share.

Just days earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that customers in the U.S. and South Korea who had received replacement Note 7 devices complained that the phone was too hot to hold near the ear during a phone call. Some users in China also reportedly claimed their Galaxy Note 7 devices caught fire, although Samsung says it uses safe batteries in that region, according to Reuters.

This comes after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a voluntary recall of Note 7 phones sold before Sept. 15. Samsung stopped selling the device in early September after some owners had reported that the phones were overheating and in some cases causing injury or damage.

Dr. Donald R. Sadoway,the John F. Elliott Professor of Materials Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, offered a theory about why the batteries in Samsungs new phones may be experiencing these issues.

Its either a statistical fluke in the manufacturing process where there are some local hotspots or there are perhaps some metal shavings, some kind of a shorting, he said in a previous interview with TIME. But it seems as though, from what Ive been able to read, the fires occurred when the owners are charging the phone. That means that while theyre forcing current through it, somehow there is a side reaction that is very different from just recharging the battery.

Samsung reportedly pushed its suppliers to deliver the Galaxy Note 7 more quickly in an effort to compete with the iPhone, which debuted after the Note 7 in early September, according to Bloomberg.
The most serious storm to hit the East Coast in over a decade is close to making landfall with southern Florida. From there, it's expected to move up the coast, hitting parts of Georgia, South Carolina and possibly North Carolina.

Since developing over a week ago, Matthew has changed paths a number of times. Forecasting hurricanes (and their track) is an imperfect science at best, and the models change several times a day. With the stakes so high -- Florida Gov. Rick Scott warned that "this storm will kill you" earlier today -- it's important to know where the storm is headed. Here's how to track it.

DON'T MISS: Under no circumstances should you buy a Galaxy Note 7

The best resource for tracking Hurricane Matthew is the National Hurricane Center, which labels and tracks all storms that come near the US. The Hurricane Center publishes up-to-date forecasts for the storm, including maps of the predicted path, forecasts and written advisories for areas that are going to be hit.

One of the most useful things published by the Hurricane Center is the 5-day forecast cone and coastal watches. The map shows the predicted path of the storm, with the center of the hurricane represented by the black dots, which show the center at different times.

The white cone spread around is not the area that will be impacted by the hurricane; rather, it's the track forecast uncertainty for days 1-3, and the hashed cone area is the uncertainty for days 4-5. The NOAA explains it:

NHC tropical cyclone forecast tracks can be in error. This forecast uncertainty is conveyed by the track forecast "cone", the solid white and stippled white areas in the graphic. The solid white area depicts the track forecast uncertainty for days 1-3 of the forecast, while the stippled area depicts the uncertainty on days 4-5. Historical data indicate that the entire 5-day path of the center of the tropical cyclone will remain within the cone about 60-70% of the time. To form the cone, a set of imaginary circles are placed along the forecast track at the 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h positions, where the size of each circle is set so that it encloses 67% of the previous five years official forecast errors. The cone is then formed by smoothly connecting the area swept out by the set of circles. It is also important to realize that a tropical cyclone is not a point. Their effects can span many hundreds of miles from the center. The area experiencing hurricane force (one-minute average wind speeds of at least 74 mph) and tropical storm force (one-minute average wind speeds of 39-73 mph) winds can extend well beyond the white areas shown enclosing the most likely track area of the center.

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For tracking the effects of the hurricane, rather than just forecasting the center, it's useful to look at the NOAA's wind speed charts. They're published for tropical storm force and hurricane force winds. The charts show the probability that those winds will hit a particular area. For example, the current hurricane wind probability below shows that there's a mild possibility that hurricane force winds hit the coast of South Carolina in the next five days.

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In addition to tracking the weather, it's also imperative to follow the local warnings issued by the National Hurricane Center. For Matthew, they can be found here. They give an idea of what potential impacts you can expect in a given area and how to prepare.

Local governments have also been ordering residents to evacuate, using local media to spread the message of evacuation orders.

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Local residents take shelter at the Pedro Menendez high school in St. Augustine, Florida, on October 6, 2016, ahead of Hurricane Matthew (AFP Photo/Jewel Samad) (AFP)

Miami (AFP) - From a special storm website created by a US military agency to a state's interactive map of evacuation routes, the authorities are mobilizing digital tools to help millions of people cope with the devastating passage of Hurricane Matthew.

The US Army's National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has created a site dedicated specially to Matthew (http://nga.maps.arcgis.com).

The site says the NGA "will be working directly with federal, state and local organizations to assist" in hurricane response, including "essential information to protect and secure lives and infrastructure." No password is required.

Matthew gained strength early Thursday to become a powerful Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 140 miles (220 kilometers) per hour.

Current forecasts show it pummeling southeast Florida with its full force Thursday night and then moving up the US eastern coast to the Carolinas, before possibly veering back out to sea.

The NGA website will catalog areas of flooding, road and bridge closings, damages to buildings, mudslides, and possible landing areas for rescue helicopters.

In South Carolina, a Transportation Department website (http://www.scdot.org/getting/Matthewresources.aspx) includes an interactive map of evacuation routes, with travel-time estimates, plans to reverse directions on some highways, and road-conditions updates.

The site calls on all travelers to exercise "extreme caution."

More than two million Americans have been urged to evacuate the southeast coast as the hurricane approaches. Matthew has gained strength after its devastating passage over Haiti left at least 108 people dead.
The Associated Press

Man gets life in hatchet slaying of wife: RACINE, Wis.  A Chicago area man was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison for killing his estranged wife with a hatchet after she tried to hide from him in Wisconsin. Racine County Circuit Judge Eugene Gasiorkiewicz sentenced Cristian Loga-Negru, 40, of Arlington Heights, Ill., about three months after rejecting Loga-Negrus argument that he was mentally ill when he killed his wife, The Journal Times of Racine reported. Loga-Negru will be eligible for parole in 30 years. The Romanian immigrant and businessman, pleaded no contest in May to first-degree intentional homicide in the 2014 slaying of his 36-year-old wife, Roxana Abrudan.

UW terminates fraternity over underage drinking: MADISON  The University of Wisconsin-Madison has terminated its Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity chapter amid reports of underage drinking at a party. The university announced Tuesday that its student organizations committee received a report that police responded to a party at the chapters house on July 23 and found underage students drinking. The chapter was on suspension for violating safety policies and illegal drinking when the party occurred.

Attorneys want Making a Murderer convict to stay locked up: MADISON  State attorneys want a federal judge to keep a man convicted in a case profiled in the popular Making a Murderer Netflix series behind bars while they appeal his release. A federal magistrate judge ruled in August that investigators tricked Brendan Dassey into confessing that he helped his uncle, Steven Avery, kill photographer Teresa Halbach in 2005. The judge ordered Dassey freed from prison unless prosecutors appealed. The state Justice Department filed an appeal last month.

Man in prison for nearly 24 years freed: GREEN BAY  A Milwaukee man has been freed from the Green Bay Correctional Institution after spending nearly 24 years in prison for crimes he didnt commit. Daryl Dwayne Holloway had his 1993 convictions for sexual assault and armed burglary vacated with help from the Wisconsin Innocence Project. New DNA testing showed Holloway could not have committed the crimes. The 48-year-old Holloway walked out of prison Wednesday and said he was kind of scared because its a whole new world.Holloway was sentenced to 120 years in prison for the 1993 convictions. A Milwaukee County judge signed an order vacating Holloways 1993 convictions. Holloway says he went through a divorce while he was incarcerated and hopes to build a relationship with his children.

Federal judge orders hearing over voter ID: MADISON  A hearing has been scheduled in federal court less than four weeks before the election to consider a motion calling for suspension of Wisconsins voter ID law. U.S. District Judge James Peterson has scheduled the hearing for Oct. 12 in Madison. Peterson says he will consider a motion filed late Tuesday by the liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Institute calling for suspension of the law. The group argues that the state has not complied with Petersons earlier ruling to ensure that voters missing key documents needed to obtain a voter ID can still get credentials to cast a ballot.

Mom cant get restitution in child porn case: MADISON  A mother doesnt deserve restitution from a man convicted of viewing pornographic photos of her young daughter because she didnt lose income as a result of his actions, a state appeals court ruled Wednesday. David Tarlo pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography in Walworth County in 2013. He got a five-year prison sentence that was stayed in lieu of probation. The mother of a girl in the images sought $60,000 in restitution from Tarlo for lost income. She claimed during a court hearing that she was deprived of that much income support because her husband had been arrested and incarcerated for producing child pornography, including the images of their daughter found on Tarlos computer. State attorneys argued that Tarlo owed the mother restitution because he had viewed and possessed the image.

Trains to get automatic braking technology: ST. CLOUD, Minn.  New safety technology that may have prevented the deadly train crash in New Jersey is being implemented along some rail lines in Minnesota and elsewhere, but is years away from completion. The St. Cloud Times reports that the new safety technology, known as positive train control, is designed to automatically slow or stop a train to prevent accidents such as a collision with another train or a derailment caused by excessive speed.

Health care costs prompt latest special session calls: ST. PAUL  Some Minnesota lawmakers say big health care premium increases call for a special session. Officials from both parties agree the rate increases on the individual market unveiled last week that range from 50 percent to 67 percent hikes are unsustainable. The states top regulator has said the individual market is in a state of emergency, noting many companies had wanted to pull out. But there are few easy answers to get costs or stability under control. Republican Speaker Kurt Daudt calls it a crisis. He called on fellow legislators Wednesday to help come up with a fix. Democratic Minority Leader Paul Thissen agrees but doubts they can find a solution in the coming months. Open enrollment begins Nov. 1 and ends soon after the Legislatures scheduled return early next year.

Army Corps plans to move forward with flood diversion plan: ST. PAUL  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says its moving ahead with a planned flood diversion project to protect the Fargo-Moorhead area, even though Minnesota denied a key permit for the project. The Corps said in a statement Wednesday it anticipates awarding its first contract for the project this month. Itll be for building a diversion inlet in North Dakota. No construction is planned in Minnesota until 2019. The Corps says its committed to working with Minnesota to address its concerns and completing the project.

Police ask to join DOJ program after shooting: ST. ANTHONY, Minn.  City officials say St. Anthony has asked to join a federal program after one of its police officers fatally shot a black man this summer. The St. Paul suburb said Wednesday the Department of Justice is reviewing its application to be included in the Collaborative Reform Initiative. The program aims to help cities improve trust between police and communities they serve. St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez shot Philando Castile during a July 6 traffic stop in nearby Falcon Heights. The shootings aftermath was streamed live on Facebook by Castiles girlfriend. St. Anthony already is taking a closer look at possible racial bias in its police department.

Man gets 15 years for girlfriends murder: MINNEAPOLIS  An Oakdale man will serve 15 years in prison for strangling his girlfriend last year. Toby Nicholas Clarke, 38, was sentenced Tuesday for the murder of Krista Ambers, 36, in her Brooklyn Park home. Clarke pleaded guilty in August to unintentional second-degree murder. In court, Clarke apologized to Ambers family and his own.
Our state unemployment rate is lower than the national average, our labor force participation rate is outpacing the national rate, and the amount of individuals employed in Wisconsin reached a record high in 2016. Employers are expanding their operations in Wisconsin, and our states best-in-class workforce is one significant reason. A vital component of that workforce includes workers with disabilities, and Governor Walker has proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month to recognize the integral role they have in Wisconsins economy.

At the Department of Workforce Development, our Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps thousands of workers with disabilities achieve their employment goals every year. In Federal Fiscal Year 2015, nearly 5,000 individuals with disabilities reached their employment goals. These are individuals who have achieved greater independence and today experience the dignity that comes from work and earning a paycheck. I attend a variety of events across the state and meet DVR consumers, and they clearly love their job, they appreciate how DVR allows them to be more active and involved in their communities, and they love working.

Beyond the traditional DVR services, Wisconsin is one of 11 states taking part in a federal grant-supported project to help youth with disabilities and their families achieve a stronger financial future without the need for Supplemental Security Income assistance. Hundreds of participating youths across the state and their families are receiving DVR services and additional support such as financial literacy, workforce resources and job opportunities and other resources. This program is already changing lives, and we look forward to showcasing some of its success stories in the future.

I am proud of the contributions of our DVR staff, the accomplishments of DVR consumers and the Wisconsin businesses across the state who recognize that an inclusive workforce means a better bottom line not only for the worker, but for their business as well. Statistics show that individuals are more likely to patronize a business if they employ individuals with disabilities, and without these employers stepping up to the plate, DVRs programs and services wouldnt have nearly the impact on Wisconsins economy as they do.

The achievements of individuals with disabilities should be celebrated every day. Lets join Governor Walker in recognizing the hard work and dedication of workers with disabilities throughout the month of October, and if you know someone who may be interested in DVR services, please let them know that DWD stands ready to put them on the path to achieving their dream of independence and attaining gainful employment.

Ray Allen is Wisconsin Secretary of Workforce Development.
More than half-a-dozen emergency management specialists came up with a plan, last Thursday, to tour some areas of Vernon County hardest hit by the Sept. 22 flood.

Vernon County Emergency Management Director Chad Buros guided Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representative Craig Ceschi through a map of vast flood damage in the county.

Flooding to date in 15 counties in Wisconsin is suspected of causing $21 million in damage on Sept. 22 and afterward. Of that amount, $10 million of the damage is in Vernon County  $6 million in public property damage and $4 million in private property damage. The tour was set up to help determine if public and private entities will be eligible for federal and state flood aid.

Vernon County will be the hardest country weve seen hit, said Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) public information officer Tod Pritchard.

Remnants of the two-week-old-flood are closely dispersed in Vernon County. Along Hwys. 14/61 between Viroqua and Readstown, debris can still be seen threaded through the tops of trees along the thoroughly-trashed Reads Creek.

Officials from Vernon County, FEMA, WEM and various public offices visited sites such as the Yttri-Primmer dam. Buros said the dam showed new leaking at its base after the Sept. 22 flood. Other stops included the Co. JJ bridge, which is out; Lister Road; the village of Readstown; the town of Franklin; the town of Sterling; and the town of Wheatland.

Were not going to spend a lot of time at each site  were just going to go, take photographs, witness it and move on, Ceschi said. Thats all we can do...

The tour was focused on visiting only public property damage. No private property damage was listed for this tour, although county officials had a long list of local private property damage to homes, outbuildings, culverts,bridges and other private property items.

Vernon County Highway Commissioner Phil Hewitt led the tour because he had the best knowledge of county roads. There are still about 20 roads that are deemed closed in Vernon County due to flood damage.

Ceschi said the biggest issue for both public and private property owners with losses in the Sept. 22 flood would be navigating the red tape of their own insurance and cleaning up their debris.

Assembly Rep. Lee Nerison (R-Westby) said he has toured his district continually since the flood occurred. Hes urged farmers to turn reports into crop insurance agents and said that areas south and southwest of Viroqua look like theyve been damaged worse than in the floods of 2007 and 2008.

When you go south of Viroqua and see the damage at Second Hand by Nature you can really tell the difference between this flood and those of 2007 and 2008, Nerison said.

Nerison has served in office through five natural disasters, including the Viola tornado of 2005, which also hit a farmland near Esofea; and floods in 2007, 2008, 2012 and on Sept. 22, 2016.

Nerison said the total property damage amount was key to see what aid the state qualified to receive.

Pritchard said information from the team in Vernon County and two other teams in the state would be forwarded to the office of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who would then decide if the state would seek federal disaster aid.
As damage totals grow, Wisconsins federal representatives are asking the president to give the state any help it needs in responding to floods that killed two people and caused more than $21 million in damages last month.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency dispatched teams Wednesday to the 12 affected counties of western Wisconsin to assess damage to roads, bridges and other public infrastructure. Their reports will help Gov. Scott Walker decide whether to seek a federal disaster declaration, the first step in requesting federal assistance.

Under the Public Assistance program, the federal government pays 75 percent of the cost to clean up and repair infrastructure, with the balance split between state and local government. Some nonprofit organizations also are eligible for aid.

Preliminary damage assessments  $14 million public and $7.2 million private  do not meet federal disaster thresholds.

The eight House representatives and two Senators sent a letter Tuesday asking President Barack Obama to promptly approve any requests he might receive from the governor.

Walker declared a state of emergency after a series of storms Sept. 20-22 dumped 3 to 7 inches of rain on parts of the state.

The worst damage reported so far was in Vernon County, which incurred nearly $10 million in damages, including 44 destroyed homes and businesses. Two Vernon County residents died in flood-related incidents.

Mudslides covered roads and washed out bridges, and damage was reported to another 204 private structures.

There was nearly $5 million in damage reported in Crawford County, where raging streams washed out land beneath BNSF railroad tracks, leading to the derailment of a freight train and the Kickapoo River flooded communities of Soldiers Grove and Gays Mills. There were two private structures destroyed and another 67 damaged.

Hwy. 131 remains closed between Readstown and Viola where an embankment below the road collapsed.
Voters in the western state of Colorado will decide next month if they want their state to have a single-payer health care system.

Under such a system, private health insurance companies would no longer operate in the state. The government would pay all health care costs from a new tax.

In some countries, health care workers are government employees. Under the Colorado plan, doctors would still work for themselves or for hospitals or clinics. But the government  not their patients or private health insurance companies  would pay them. That money would come largely from a new 10 percent income tax.

Most older Americans currently get health care from a government-paid system called Medicare. And many poor people in the U.S. get health care from a government-paid system called Medicaid.

However, those who oppose Colorados plan say they do not want the government to become involved in their health care.

The issue

Irene Aguilar is a state senator and a medical doctor. She tried four times over seven years in the state legislature to reform the health care system. She did not succeed.

But she was successful in the effort to gather enough signatures to force the state to permit voters to decide the issue directly.

Americans need to get over the idea that health care can somehow be treated as a commodity. It just can't.

Senator Aguilar says the plan would cost $25 billion every year. But she says the state now spends $30 billion a year on health care.

She says the plan would give health care to 350,000 Coloradans who do not now have health insurance, and to 870,000 who have health insurance that is not very good.

Julie Perla is working full-time to try to convince people to vote for the plan. She knows it will not be easy.

We have such opposition from corporations and billionaires that are opposing this

Opponents of the plan have been paying to put many advertisements on television stations. They say the plan would double the states budget and harm peoples health.

They say patients would be forced to wait for a long time before a doctor could care for them. And, they say it will hurt communities where small-business owners would be affected by the new income tax.

Dr. Erin Sain is one small-business owner who does not want a single-payer system to be put in place. \

She says the small dental practice she opened five years ago in the small mountain town of Silverthorne will be hurt. And she says one statewide system does not have enough power to fight the high cost of healthcare and drugs.

She also says such a system will not have the power that large national insurance companies have to force drug companies to lower their prices.

Dr. Sain has been writing about her opposition to the plan in her local newspaper. She has also been talking to her patients about it.

Most public opinion surveys show that a majority of voters will reject the planned system.

Im Ashley Thompson.

VOA's Katherine Gypson reported this story from Denver, Colorado. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her report for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

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Words in This Story

insurance - n. an agreement in which an individual makes payments to a company and the company promises to pay money if the person dies or is injured

clinic - n. a medical center

income - adj. of or related to money that is earned from work or investments

get over - v. to move on

commodity - n. something that is bought and sold

convince - v. to persuade; to cause someone to believe something

corporation - n. a large business
Recent conflicts in the Middle East are responsible for the worst global refugee crisis in 70 years.

Data from the United Nations showed that more than 1 million migrants escaped to Europe last year. Syrians refugees made up 28% of that number. Refugees from Iraq and Afghanistan were the next largest groups.

William Lacy Swing is the director general of the International Organization of Migration, based in Geneva, Switzerland.

He says that if conflicts in the Middle East and South Asia continue, the flow of refugees into Europe will likely continue as well.

The top priority, he said, "is to get the biggest problem solved, which is Syria."

Syria

Half the population of Syria has fled the country since the civil war started in 2011.

Currently six million Syrians live outside of Syria. One million have escaped to Europe. The majority live in temporary shelters in Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon.

International migration officials hoped the September 12 ceasefire created by the U.S. and Russia would lead to peace and to Syrians returning to their country. But the ceasefire ended suddenly when U.S. airplanes struck Syrian troops, and the Syrian government bombed a U.N. convoy.

William Lacy Swing of the IOM observes that collapse of the ceasefire shows that the causes for migration in Syria have not changed.

Mediterranean migration is down, but deaths are up

The International Organization for Migration released new data last month about migration through the Mediterranean Sea.

The numbers showed that migration to Europe using the Mediterranean Sea has gone down 40% so far this year.

About 300,000 migrants and refugees crossed the Mediterranean into Europe between January 1 and September 25. During the same period last year, about 500,000 entered.

But over the same time, the number of deaths rose 20%.

IOM data showed that 3,501 migrants and refugees died from January 1 through September 25th. That number includes the more than 200 people whose overcrowded boat sank off the coast of Egypt at the end of September. The victims were trying to enter Europe illegally.

The director general of the IOM, William Lacy Swing, told VOA, "This is a tragedy. He said government policies accidentally make the migration situation worse.

Because countries do not offer enough ways for people to get out of dangerous situations safely, refugees are forced to use smugglers and travel in overcrowded boats, such as the one that recently sank.

Resettlement

More than 50 countries and organizations met in September at the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss the refugee problem. They all agreed to double the number of refugees they take in through the UN program.

Together, the countries will take a total of 360,000 refugees next year. But the UN says far more refugees will need to be resettled in 2017. It predicts that at least 1.2 million people will need to find new homes.

IOM director William Lacy Swing is confident all the nations will honor their agreements. But, he said, I do think it is pretty bad ... that we cannot reach a quota of 1 million."

President Barack Obama told the UN General Assembly that the migrant crisis was "a test of our international system where all nations ought to share in our collective responsibilities, because the vast majority of refugees are hosted by just 10 countries."

To persuade other countries to take in refugees, the Obama administration announced a new funding system. The system allows wealthier nations to give money to less developed nations.

The fund will be managed by the IOM and the UNs refugee agency. The U.S. has already contributed $11 million to the fund.

The U.S. has also agreed to increase the number of refugees it takes from 86,000 to 110,000. Immigration critics oppose the increase. They fear increasing the number of refugees in the U.S. will also increase the threat of terrorism.

William Lacy Swing believes their fears are unfounded.

"I think that if you look at the hundreds of thousands of cases that have come in here, up to now they have found virtually none," he said. "More likely is what happened in Europe: If they get here and they're not properly integrated, then they can become a problem.

Im Patrick Merentie.

Masood Farivar reported on this story for VOANews.com. Patrick Merentie adapted the report for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor.

We want to hear from you. How should the international community help these refugees? How has your country responded to this crisis? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

global  adj. involving the entire world

migrant - n. someone who moves from place to place, usually for economic reasons

migration  n. movement of people from one country or place to live or work in another

smuggler(s)  n. a person who moves people or things from one country into another illegally and secretly

confident  adj. certain that something will happen or that something is true

collective  adj. shared or done by a group of people

vast  adj. very great in size, amount, or extent

host(ed)  v. to be cared for or provided with the things one might need

funding  n. the way to provide money for something

unfounded  adj. not based on facts or proof

virtually  adv. almost entirely

integrated  adj. allowing all types of people to participate or be included
A plane was evacuated Wednesday in Louisville, Kentucky, after a passenger reported smoke coming from a Samsung smartphone.

All passengers were safe after getting off the Southwest Airlines plane. The plane was to travel to Baltimore, Maryland.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration confirmed in a statement that a Samsung phone had caused the smoke. The agency did not say which Samsung model was involved and said it is continuing to investigate the incident.

Samsung also did not say which smartphone model caused the emergency. The company said in a statement that it would examine the device.

Samsung issued a recall of its new Galaxy Note 7 device last month after receiving several reports of overheating problems. The company said the overheating was linked to problems with batteries that caused some phones to catch fire. The recall reportedly covered at least 2.5 million phones worldwide.

Sarah Green is the wife of the airplane passenger whose phone overheated. Green told the media that the phone was a new Samsung Galaxy Note 7. She said her husband, Brian, recently got the phone as a replacement following the Samsung recall.

Green told Louisvilles Courier-Journal newspaper that her husband called from someone elses phone to explain what happened.

He told her the phone began making popping noises and started giving off smoke after he turned it off. He took it out of his pocket and threw it on the ground, she told the newspaper. The plane had not yet taken off.

An official with Louisvilles Metro Fire Department confirmed the passenger threw the phone on the ground after it started smoking. The official said the phone caused minor damage to the floor where the device landed.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning to airplane passengers last month about the Samsung phones. It urged passengers not to use Galaxy Note 7 devices during flights. It also urged passengers not to put them in checked baggage.

Flight attendants on many airlines have also added a warning about the Samsung devices during pre-flight safety demonstrations.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Joshua Fatzick reported this story for VOANews.com. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English, with additional information from reports by the Associated Press and Reuters. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

evacuate  v. to remove people from a dangerous place or situation

recall  n.  a request by a company for people to return a product because it has a defect or problem

battery  n. power source placed inside a car or other device to supply it with electricity

replacement  n. a thing that takes the place of something else

baggage  n. cases and bags used when people travel




Particularly during my sojourns in South Africa, it may not be possible for me to perform the moderation function speedily. I regret the necessity of moderation but it has been rendered inevitable by the behaviour of a particular commentator whose contributions will always and without exception be rejected.





No correspondence will be entered into regarding moderation decisions.

Readers are invited to comment on blog posts. All comments require to be pre-moderated by me, and I shall reject all (a) that are not related to the Lockerbie disaster or (b) that fail to meet my -- perhaps idiosyncratic -- standards of courtesy towards other contributors. Comments will not be rejected simply because I disagree with them or because I, or other contributors, find them irritating. But comments will be rejected if they distort or misrepresent the evidence; are defamatory; or if they risk embroiling me, as publisher, in defamation proceedings. I am perfectly relaxed about being sued in respect of material which I personally have posted -- but not in respect of material that others wish to post as comments and which, in any case, I often strongly disagree with.
More than 100 people have died in Haiti as a result of Hurricane Matthew -- and experts say that number is likely to rise.

Venice nonprofit taking donations for Haiti

Agape Flights will soon fly in to Haiti, bring supplies and aid

108 lives were lost in Haiti during Hurricane Matthew



For the past week Agape Flights, a nonprofit Christian aviation ministry, has been collecting essentials to make its first trip to Haiti since the storm.

Based in Venice, Agape's plane can hold up to 3,000 pounds of supplies.

Pilots say they're headed for Jeremie, a small town on the countrys west coast.

"They need tarps, they need generators, they need water purification tablets, they need food," said pilot Jeff Yannucciello.

Agape specializes in delivering cargo, mail and humanitarian aid to their missionary partners throughout the Caribbean -- but this trip is special. Agape Flights founder Allen Speer said theyre ready to get started.

"We have not yet even begun the real work, said Speer. The real work is distribution. Then really encouraging and comforting people who have lost everything.

Their flight will be the first of many to help restore this country. If youd like to donate, visit Agape's website to learn more.
Could films starring Pakistani artistes  such as Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Dear Zindagi and Raees  be refused screens in India?

A report by Catch News suggests that this may be a possibility, with the Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India contemplating a ban on screening films that have Pakistani artistes as part of the cast.

The Times of India stated that members of COEAI will hold a meeting on Friday, October 7, and a decision regarding the ban will be taken then.

TOI quoted Nitin Datar, COEAI's president, as saying, "The members will be meeting on Friday and we'll decide on the matter. But one thing is for certain  the decision will be taken keeping the wishes and the sentiment of the public. We won't go against them."

Just last week, the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association had passed a resolution banning all Pakistani artistes technicians from working in India until bilateral tensions ease. Datar said that he supported IMPPA's action, adding, "They are looking at the bigger picture and taking steps for the future".

Meanwhile, distributors that Catch News spoke with had mixed views on the ban.

Leading exhibitor Akshaye Rathi for instance, said he would support the ban if it was passed by COEAI, although films that had been made before the situation between India and Pakistan escalated, due to the Uri attacks and the subsequent surgical strike across the Line of Control by the Indian Army, should be exempted.

"Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Raees and Dear Zindagi, they started at a time when our Prime Ministers were visiting each other. So to now punish filmmakers retrospectively would be a little unfair," Rathi said, pointing out that IMPPA had also made similar provisions in its resolution, and that its ban on Pakistani artistes applied to new projects, not previously completed/ongoing ones.

Rathi also said that depending on the outcome of Friday's meeting, he would stand by the COEAI's decision. "As a mark of our protest, if our exhibitors and producers decide to impose a ban from here on, I think it is a very fair ban. I will respect that ban and I will stand by it," he told Catch News.

Distributor Harsh Jain, however, said COEAI could not impose a decision on all Indian exhibitors, and that banning film screenings would adversely impact revenues.
Jaipur: Another complaint has been filed against actor Om Puri at Gandhi Nagar police station here for allegedly disrespecting Indian soldiers during a television show.

The complaint was filed by Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) worker Shankar Gora on Wednesday, ASI Subhash Chand said.

The complainant alleged that the actor had insulted the Indian soldiers by passing derogatory remarks and that a case of sedition be filed against him, he said.

We are looking into the complaint, Chand said, adding that no FIR has been registered in this regard.

A complaint was filed against the actor at Andheri police station in Mumbai on 4 October.

A TV channel had called Puri to join a debate about the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association's (IMPPA)

indefinite ban on Pakistani artistes from working in Indian projects after the Uri attack.

As per the complaint, the 65-year-old actor had said, "Who had asked soldiers to join the Army? Who told them to

pick the weapons?"
Muzaffarnagar: A Ram Leela programme featuring actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has been cancelled following opposition by a political group in Muzaffarnagar, police said on Thursday, 6 October.

The actor had been called upon to play the role of Maricha in the programme that was held in his hometown. Maricha is a demon who takes on the form of a deer to lure Ram away from his cottage, so that Ravan cam abduct Sita in her husband's absence.

The Ram Leela programme featuring Nawazuddin at Budhana town was cancelled over opposition by activists, SP (rural) Rakesh Jolly said. ABP News said the activists in question were from the Shiv Sena.

The organisers had to cancel the programme after the activists approached them and expressed their displeasure over Nawazuddin's participation, Jolly added.

ABP reported that the opposition was due to charges of harassment and torture against Nawaz that were recently filed by his sister-in-law. The woman, who wed Nawaz's younger brother Minazuddin this May, alleged that she had been physically tortured by the family for dowry.

However, Nawaz had denied the allegations and said his sister-in-law was influenced by her uncle and had made up the story "for publicity".

 With PTI inputs
The industry tracker GFMS says gold imports during the first nine months of 2016 has registered a dramatic fall of 59 percent in terms of quantity vis-a-vis the previous year, giving rise to the presumption that for the complete year the economy would manage with just 400 tonnes of imports from the earlier dizzying levels of 1000 tonnes per year that was a huge strain on our precious forex resources.

Gold indeed has been the pain in the neck for the policymakers and the government, with gold imports being second only to crude oil imports. India produces zilch with gold reserves under the mother earth drying up long ago. It is not as if it had something to do with the Indian womens penchant to bedeck themselves in jewellery. Rather it is now becoming clear that it had a lot to do with investment of black money in a safe haven. More on this later.

The harried Indian government had tried everything in its bag to discourage the import of this arguably non-essential item. Import duty was hiked to 10 percent. Gold Monetization Scheme, Gold Bond scheme etc were introduced, the first to recycle the estimated huge stock of around 20000 tonnes of gold resting in bank lockers as well as with households and the second to wean away people from physical gold to paper gold. But none of these worked.

What seems to have worked rather serendipitously is the governments relentless fight against black money. To be sure, gold is not the only place to hide black money but the governments resolve to take it head on seems to have paid off. TCS on gold purchases in excess of Rs 2 lakh in cash and the mandate to quote PAN to jewellers seem to have fluttered the dovecots of the black moneyed people. Add to this the mainstreaming of the gold trade through excise of 1 percent and bringing in gold and jewellery into the GST net. The writing on the wall thus was unmistakable. It looks like the black moneyed people are in no mood to tangle with the government.

Some people say with reason that it is a tad premature to rejoice because 2016 happens to be the year when the jewellery traders went into a 6-week long shut down in protest again the governments attempt to mainstream it. It also happened to be the period when the gold prices were bullish and the income levels were down resulting in poor purchasing capacity. But the fact that even after good monsoons and recovery in purchasing power, there is no let up in the declining trend in gold demand which shows that the fascination for yellow metal is petering out.

In years to come therefore the government can disband gold monetization schemes etc which like tax amnesty schemes have simply not worked.

Parenthetically, it must be mentioned that gold is one item that is susceptible to smuggling and who knows with the hiking of import duty, the imports might be taking place through subterranean channels. But then with the mainstreaming of the jewellery trade this option too would become untenable sooner than later. The government however should ensure that the baby is not thrown with the bath water.

After all, gems and jewellery exports account for a substantial part of Indian exports. The industry must be kept going.
E-commerce giant Amazon.in said sales on its platform grew three-fold compared to last year to over 15 million units during its five-day festive sale. Amazon.in's festive sale is from October 1-5. Its rivals, Flipkart and Snapdeal, which started rolling out festive offers from October 2, will end their sale today.

"We have seen a phenomenal growth this year, much bigger from last year. In the five days, we have already shipped 15 million units with a few hours still to go. This is 3X bigger than last year," Amazon India country manager Amit Agarwal told PTI yesterday.

He added there was a five-fold growth in number of new customers with about 70 per cent of these new additions coming from tier II and III towns.

Flipkart, India's largest online retail company, said the company recorded its highest-ever single day sales on Monday and sold products worth Rs 1,400 crore. "Crossing the Rs 1,000-crore mark was a milestone for the company which began life by selling books nine years ago," a ToI report said quoting Flipkart's co-founder and CEO Binny Bansal. Flipkart said it had crossed a "historic first" for an e-commerce in India, crossing Rs 1,400 crore sales on its platform in a single day.

As reported in Firstpost earlier this week, the company claimed to have sold over half a million products within one hour on Day 1 of the sale. "Within the electronics and gadget category, we sold more Apple watches in 10 minutes than the total sale of Apple watches online and offline in a month," Flipkart said in a statement.

Flipkart also said that the number of product units sold in the first 6 hours of sale surpassed the total units sold in a day during the first day of its The Big Billion Days in 2015. It added that some of the biggest categories that contributed to overall sales included smartphones, television and large Home appliances , fashion, electronics, accessories and gadgets.

"Over the last few months, we ensured that our logistics and delivery was well-equipped to handle this surge in volume and we have delivered efficiently," Agarwal said.

Interestingly, the top selling item on the platform was Amazon's Prime membership. Launched in July, Amazon.in charges an annual fee of Rs 499 for Prime, where it offers guaranteed free one-day, two-day and standard delivery on eligible items. "Other top categories were mobile phones, fashion and FMCG, where the average growth was 5X than a normal day," he said.

According to research firm RedSeer Consulting, festive sales are expected to help e-commerce companies register

transactions worth USD 1.5-1.7 billion in the month of October alone.

Snapdeal said while its platform continues to get new users from tier II and III cities, there was heavy repeat

usage from metros.

Going by GMV figures, Indias retail market is around $500 billion while the online share was at $10 billion in 2015 and is expected to be in the reach of $18-20 billion in 2016.
New Delhi: Confident that the next 25 years will belong to India, Hero MotoCorp Chairman Pawan Munjal today said land and labour reforms are "very important" to boost the country's manufacturing sector.

"Land and Labour reforms are very very important for the industry, for manufacturing. Right now, both are inconsistent. For expansion, it is so difficult to get land. For expanding manufacturing, the capacity in labour is extremely important. There are lots of issues...these two are very important," Munjal said at the India Economic Summit, which is jointly organised by WEF and CII, here.

Commending the efforts made by the Narendra Modi-led government for improving the ease of doing business, Munjal, who is also the Managing Director and CEO of the country's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, said the economy is positively changing.

"Going forward, to my mind, the efforts required (by the government) are happening. I'm very confident that the next 25 years are going to be India's years," he noted.

He, however, said the government should come out with a roadmap for the next 5-10 years on infrastructure, employment, etc, which gives a clear view to the industry in stead of depending on the budget announcements every year for such policy directions.

Taking a contrary view, IT major Tech Mahindra's Vice Chairman Vineet Nayyar said the trickle down effect as expected has not happened.

The IT industry saw dramatic growth, but sectors like agriculture have been neglected and growth has been "edgy", he added.

The performance of garments and the textile sector too has gone down. Bangladesh, which is half the size of West Bengal, now exports twice as much garments as India does, Nayyar said.

On the areas to focus for the next 25 years, Professor of Economic at the Harvard University Gita Gopinath said India should continue with its emphasis on reforms.

Another important area is skill development, she said adding the country needs to keep on updating skills of its workforce and keep them in tune with the changing scenario.

CII President Naushad Forbes said India needs to concentrate on reforms in the education and the healthcare sectors to further drive growth.

"I'm worried about these voices coming out from around the world worrying about internationalisation and globalisation," he added.

He said the trend needs to be countered. Sharing similar views, Nayyar said: "We are passing through an inward looking phase in the world and the current candidate for Presidency in the US is no exception... The gap between the rich and poor is increasing."
When stock market wizard Rakesh Jhunjhunwala decided to open his purse strings and make an announcement of giving away Rs 5,000 crore in charity, it made headlines for that it is a rare declaration from Dalal Street in recent times. The announcement was timed with Dana Utsav or Joy of Giving Week that is on for a week from 2-8 October.

The list of who's who share their personal wealth for noble causes and to NGOs in the country are many in Corporate India with the House of Tatas leading the list of donors. In 2014, Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, K Dinesh and SD Shibulals wife sold 32.6 million shares valued at Rs 6,484 crore ($1.05 billion). In 2016, Infosys co-founders S Gopalakrishnan and SD Shibulal, and some of the latter's family members sold 7.5 million equity shares of the company for Rs 862 crore on exchanges to partly aid philanthropic activities.

The recently published Hurun List revealed the top 10 of the countrys richest in India Inc who also figured in the 2015 Hurun India Philanthropy list. Azim Premji, who is sixth on Indias rich list, was at number one position in the 2015 philanthropy list. The others who were on top 10 in the rich list includes Mukesh Ambani, Pallonji Mistry and Shiv Nadar also figure in the Philanthropy list.

How charitable are people on Dalal Street with their eyes locked on the ever changing graph of shares on the bourse? There are a few others, but definitely not on the scale of Jhunjhunwala.

An informal group with representatives from the stock markets, financial wizards and people from other fields set up Caring Friends in 2002, which acts as a bridge between NGOs and donors. It is founded by Ramesh Kacholia, a former entrepreneur and Nimish Sumati, an investor. It has no bank account and the offices of the co-founders function as its office.

Caring Friends is associated with NGOs in 10 states that work on various issues  cares for farmers and the physically challenged, looks after the needs of the tribal population, helps NGOs working on government reforms, besides welfare of children and women. It also has an American chapter -- Arpan Foundation.

"We provide funds sometimes when one of the donors mention it to the group and sometimes NGOs approach us. We do due diligence and then provide funds," said Sumati.

He said that NGOs in India do not have the ability to scale and that makes it difficult to invest large sums of money into any of them. "Any of us who at Caring Friends for a cause share it with others and whoever is interested send cheques directly to the Foundation and NGO," he said. Sumati and Kacholia and the Foundation visit the places that they have given funds to. Caring Friends on an average give Rs 25-27 crore to charity but this year the Marathwada drought has seen donations of Rs 35 crore so far.

I made over two dozen trips to Marathwada where we were focused on aiding drought-hit people. What is important is to not give excess funds at ones disposal but to give time and talent to the NGOs as they largely lack managerial capability," said Sumati.

He said that there are many brokers in the stock market who give money to charity but "none on the scale of Jhunjhunwala yet." However, he said that this donation is too much for any NGO to handle and there are not that many NGOs in India with whom this money can be shared.

Indias rich and NRIs are actively giving away some portions of their wealth largely to three causes: education, health and womens empowerment. Earlier, there was a trend of giving money to the villages or hometowns of the donors. Though that tendency still exists, it is being largely replaced by donors wanting to give their funds towards causes where a family link still exists  like a relative who is suffering from cancer and so the donor wants to help cancer afflicted, etc.

Rajesh Iyer, Head, Advisory Services and Family Office, Kotak Wealth Management, said that the recently released Kotak Top of the Pyramid 2016 report, reveals that India's ultra High Net Individuals (HNI's) with a Rs 25 crore net worth and above reserve 5-6 percent of their total income to charity.

Kotak Wealth Management only accepts customers who have upwards of $1 million in investible surplus as its clients. Iyer said that a new feature being noticed is that e-commerce and baby boomers too have joined the rank of those who want to give a part of their wealth to the needy.

However, compared to the number of people and companies that are doing well on the bourses, the amount spent on charity by the successful firms is actually minuscule, said an analyst.

A senior executive of a leading mutual fund firm said that what he has noticed is that there are a lot of announcements made of giving to charity but in reality, nothing progresses much beyond the announcements. He clarifies that he does not doubt Jhunjhunwalas intentions but, I have seen too many promises that do not materialise and so I am skeptical."

I deal with sharks in the financial world and rarely do I meet people willing to share their wealth with the needy without associating it with the name of the company or their relatives with it. I only hope that Jhunjhunwalas announcement meets its objective and more people on Dalal Street follow his example," the executive said.

(Data support from Kishor Kadam)
New Delhi: Use of technology, transparent processes and ease of doing business will help India pull off 8 per cent growth over the next couple of decades, the government today said.

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said states are also working in concert with the Centre in this regard.

"It (8 percent growth) is achievable and with this commitment, the government is working. And across the states, we find that urge now that they want to get out of the rigmarole and see brighter ways," she said here at the India Economic Summit jointly organised by CII and WEF here. According to the minister, awareness about the issues and difficulties on which the Centre and the states need to work is helping politically too.

"... the kind of issues on which we have to come together and get over the difficulties are actually helping politics. If only you succeed in removing these obstructions and if you are committed to moving forward on using technologies, making sure transparent processes are established, I can see that 8 per cent growth is moving. So, it is achievable," she asserted.

She further said the government is working on three important pillars, including the goods and services tax, JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile) and ease of doing business to promote growth and investments.

The government is using technology to remove corruption and bring in transparency, the minister said, adding that "we need to work harder and we need to take the states on board and we are working together".

In the next 4-5 months, "our attention would be to work together with them, take out all those which are obstructionists and ensure businesses feel far more assured that the ease is actually coming in".

FDI is coming in, "but we have to translate that into meaningful investments and rapidly get them on to translate into job creation... so, these are things on which we are working," Sitharaman said.

"There is a comprehensive agenda of work which is pending, which is ongoing but more to achieve. So, there are going to be an inter-ministerial work assessment and also ensuring work moves fast. The inter-ministerial will also be happening just to ensure this goal is achieved."

She added that South and South-East Asia are going to be the engine of growth for the world.
By Zach Fagenson and Scott Malone

| JUPITER/ORLANDO, Fla.

JUPITER/ORLANDO, Fla. Hurricane Matthew, the fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, strengthened as it barreled toward the southeastern United States on Thursday after killing at least 69 people, mostly in Haiti, on its deadly northward march.As Matthew blew through the northwestern Bahamas on Thursday en route to Florida's Atlantic coast, its winds increased to 140 miles per hour (220 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.That made it an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 hurricane and it was likely to remain so as it approached the United States, where it could either take direct aim at Florida or brush along the state's coast through Friday night, the center said.Some 65 people were killed in Haiti and thousands were displaced after the storm smashed homes and inundated neighborhoods earlier in the week. [nL2N1CC0QT]The National Hurricane Center extended its hurricane warning area farther north into South Carolina and more than 12 million U.S. residents were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel.Roads in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as the storm approached, carrying with it strong storm surges, heavy rain and high winds.Matthew was 180 miles (290 km) southeast of West Palm Beach at about 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT), and 25 miles (40 km) from Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, the hurricane center said. The damage could be "catastrophic" if the hurricane slammed directly into Florida, Governor Rick Scott warned, urging some 1.5 million people in the state to heed evacuation orders.If you're reluctant to evacuate, just think about all the people who have been killed, Scott told a news conference on Thursday. Time is running out. This is clearly either going to have a direct hit or come right along the coast and we're going to have hurricane-force winds." Scott, who activated several thousand National Guard troops to help deal with the storm, warned that millions of people were likely to be left without power.

With an expected storm surge of up to 9 feet (2.7 meters), he said people should stay away from beaches. "Do not go on the beach," he said. "This will kill you."The four U.S. states in the path of the hurricane declared states of emergency, a move empowering their governors to mobilize the National Guard.It was too soon to predict where in the United States Matthew was likely to do the most damage, the Hurricane Center said. Shelters in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina were opened for evacuees. Federal emergency response teams were coordinating with officials in all four states and stockpiling supplies.In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest encouraged residents in the path of the storm to heed warnings from local governments about evacuations and seeking shelter.

CLOSED SCHOOLS, EVACUATED HOSPITALS

Schools and airports across the region were closed on Thursday and some hospitals were evacuated, according to local media. Hundreds of flights were canceled in and out of the Florida cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, industry website Flightaware.com said.Matthew was heading northwest at about 14 mph (22 kph) and was expected to continue on this track on Thursday, turning north-northwest on Thursday night or early on Friday, the hurricane center said. The eye, or center, of the storm was moving between Andros Island and New Providence in the northwestern Bahamas on Thursday.In Nassau, which is on New Providence, it was raining steadily on Thursday morning and high winds were bucking palm trees. Minor damage to roofs was reported but there was no flooding yet or reports of injuries.On Tuesday and Wednesday Matthew, the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck Central America in 2007, had whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mph (225 kph) winds and torrential rain, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes. The devastation in Haiti prompted authorities to postpone a presidential election. [nL2N1CB08K]

The last major hurricane, classified as a storm bearing sustained winds of more than 110 mph (177 kph), to hit the United States was Hurricane Wilma in 2005.In Florida, fuel stations posted "out of gas" signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up.At a Subco gas station in Orlando, the central Florida city that is home to resorts including Walt Disney World , the gas pumps had run dry on Wednesday afternoon. "We were selling 800, 1,000 gallons of gas an hour. That's huge," said Nancy, who was working the counter on Thursday morning and declined to give her last name. The shop was a stopping off point for coastal residents seeking shelter inland from the coast. Among them was Jonas Sylvan, 44, of Melbourne, Florida, who planned to hole up in a hotel with his wife, two daughters and dog. "We're just trying to get away from the coast," he said. "It's safer here."In South Carolina, Tylisia Brooks, 44, who has lived on the barrier island of James Island near Charleston for six years, waited with her 8-year-old son and mother at a closed Walmart early Thursday for a school bus to take them to a hurricane shelter. "We're from New York City," she said. "We've never been through a storm like this where we had to evacuate."It's very scary." (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee, Neil Hartnell in Nassau, Rich McKay in Atlanta, Harriet McLeod in Charleston, S.C., Doina Chiacu in Washington, Joseph Guyler Delva in Haiti and Laila Kearney; Writing by Frances Kerry; Editing by John Stonestreet and Bill Trott)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
New Delhi: The BJP-AAP war of words on cross-LOC surgical strikes on Thursday intensified as the Arvind Kejriwal-led party accused Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar of "demeaning" the armed forces and threatened to file a police complaint against him.

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra called Parrikar "Shah Rangeela", the Mughal Emperor who it is claimed indulged in merrymaking instead of paying attention to his empire, and said while a high alert has been issued across the country, the Defence Minister was busy "celebrating over the corpses of martyred soldiers".

It also lashed out Parrikar for his remarks comparing the army to Hanuman.

On 1 October, at an event in Dehradun, Parrikar had made a reference to the Ramayana in which the monkey god crossed an ocean in a single stride after he was reminded about his extraordinary powers by Jamwant.

"Indian troops were like Hanuman who did not quite know their prowess before the surgical strikes," Parrikar had said.

Addressing a news conference, senior party leader Sanjay Singh said by giving such a statement, Parrikar was insulting the army which has time and again proved itself and did a remarkable job in 1948, 1965, 1971 and Kargil war with Pakistan.

The AAP said it will approach the police to file a compliant against Parrikar in the matter.

Its attack came on a day Parrikar questioned the "loyalty" of those who doubted the Army and sought proof of surgical strikes across the LoC.

BJP had earlier accused AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of seeking proof in the garb of his statement congratulating the PM and army on the surgical strike.

AAP also alleged that BJP was doing politics over surgical strikes and claimed that such a military operation was not carried out for the first time as being "tom-tommed" by the saffron party.

"BJP's GVL Narsimha Rao said that for the first time the army has been made aware of its capability. By saying this, we are demeaning the military and its sacrifice. Such statements are shameful and both Parrikar and Rao should apologise to the armed forces," Sanjay Singh said, adding that in the last 15 years, surgical strikes were carried out nine times.

The AAP leader's criticism came after posters congratulating the Prime Minister came up across Delhi and also in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

Mishra asked whether Parrikar has forgotten that army has been honoured with 21 Param Vir Chakra and 63 Ashok Chakra awards.

"You are not aware of army's strength, which is why the BJP is kneeling before (PDP chief and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister) Mehbooba Mufti.

"Parrikar is not aware of army's strength which is why you invited the ISI to investigate the Pathankot attack. Give army the free hand and then it will show the enemy its place," Kapil Mishra said in his blog post.

On Tuesday, Mishra had publicly taken on Mehbooba at an event here asking her if she considered Burhwan Wani and Afzal Guru as terrorists or not, inviting protests from her entourage. Later he left the venue, saying he does not want to share the dais with her.

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister, Mishra said even Narendra Modi has not applauded the army. "They have made a 56 inch stage and the show is on."
Srinagar: On Thursday the Army foiled three infiltration bids assisted by Pakistani posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Three infiltration bids were foiled in two separate sectors on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on the intervening night of 5-6 October," an army official said.

He said while two infiltration bids were foiled in Naugam sector, one such attempt was foiled in Rampur sector.

"The infiltration attempts were assisted by Pakistani posts," the official added.
Patna: The minor girl, the victim in the alleged rape case in which suspended RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav was released on bail recently, has expressed concern for her and her family's safety even as the Bihar government on Wednesday appealed against the bail order in the Supreme Court.

The girl has expressed her anxiety in a message to reporters, saying she and her family were "living in fear" after the release of Yadav.

"He (Yadav) is out of jail...I am scared and afraid for my family. What will happen to them? I am already dead after what happened to me. I have nothing more to lose," said the Nalanda schoolgirl in a WhatsApp message to reporters.

She said she was scared that her family might be "eliminated", along with her, after the Patna High Court granted bail to Yadav on 30 September.

The girl, who had cleared the matriculation examination earlier this year, was allegedly raped by Yadav, the RJD MLA from Nawada, and has been living in trauma since the sordid event.

She had appeared for the matriculation examination after the state school examination board facilitated her to write the papers at a secluded centre due to fear of humiliation.

She cleared the examination in first division.

Meanwhile, The Nitish Kumar government on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court, challenging the bail granted to Yadav by the Patna High Court.

The apex court is scheduled to hear the matter on 7 October.

Yadav had surrendered before a local court in March in connection with the incident.
A year after meeting each other at a conference in Mexico, former chief election commissioner of India, SY Quraishi (69) and current election commissioner of Nepal, Ila Sharma (49), are reportedly set to tie the knot.

Was it a love at first sight? We can't say for sure, but according to a news report published in The Telegraph, it was nothing sort of a "boy-meets-girl" episode, one where a veteran election officer found more than just politics to share with an election commissioner from a neighbouring country.

An author of several articles and books, including the popular, Social Marketing for Social Change, Quraishi is a popular face in Delhi's social circle. A 1971-batch IAS officer and alumnus of St Stephen's College, Quraishi was earlier married to journalist and columnist Humra Quraishi.

Sharma, on the other hand, has been a champion of election reforms in Nepal for decades. According to her LinkedIn profile, the former journalist holds degrees in law, bio-science as well as Sanskrit. According to The Telegraph, Sharma's husband "Nawaraj Poudel, a police inspector, was killed by Maoists in Western Nepal, 15 years ago, and has two daughters".

"This is a personal bond between us," Quraishi told The Telegraph. Though "reluctant" to speak on the subject, according to the Kolkata-based daily there may be the "possibility of a wedding this week". The report also says that both the bride and groom had faced "mild resistance" from their families about their union.
Bengaluru: India's latest communication satellite GSAT-18 was on Thursday successfully launched by a heavy duty rocket of Arianespace from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana.

The launch was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but deferred by 24 hours owing to unfavourable weather conditions at Kourou, a French territory located in northeastern coast of South America.

GSAT-18, built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), aims at providing telecommunications services for the country by strengthening Isro's current fleet of 14 operational telecommunication satellites.

With the weather being clear on Thursday, the European launcher Ariane-5 VA-231 blasted off at around 2 am (IST) and injected GSAT-18 shortly after orbiting co-passenger Sky Muster II satellite for Australian operator NBN (National Broadband Network) in a flawless flight lasting about 32 minutes.

GSAT-18 that aims at providing telecommunications services for the country by strengthening Isro's current fleet of 14 operational telecom satellites was launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) about 32 minutes after the lift-off.

"GSAT-18 successfully launched by Ariane-5 VA-231 from Kourou, French Guiana," Bengaluru-headquartered ISRO announced after the mission. GSAT-18 is the 20th satellite from ISRO to be launched by the European space agency and the mission is the 280th for Arianespace launcher family.

ISRO, which has been dependent on Ariane-5 rocket for carrying its heavier satellites, is developing GSLV Mk III for this purpose.

Weighing 3,404 kg at lift-off, GSAT-18 carries 48 communication transponders to provide services in Normal C-band, Upper Extended C-band and Ku-bands of the frequency spectrum.

Announcing the successful launch of the satellite, Arianespace CEO Stephane Israel tweeted: "We take great pride in our strong relationship w/ @ISRO! Tonight marks 20 sats. launched for India's space agency & more to come. Congrats!"

We take great pride in our strong relationship w/ @ISRO! Tonight marks 20 sats. launched for Indias space agency & more to come. Congrats! pic.twitter.com/EO9wzZf8lh  Stephane Israel (@arianespaceceo) October 5, 2016

ISRO Chairman AS Kiran Kumar, who watched the launch from the mission control centre, left shortly after lift-off, and his message was read out later by one of his senior colleagues.

"I am really delighted this evening having witnessed another glorious and flawless lift-off of Ariane-5 VA-231 flight that carried GSAT-18 and Sky Muster II successfully. Like on all previous occasions, Arianespace has again provided us a magnificient textbook launch," Kumar said.

Designed to provide continuity of services on operational satellites in these bands, GSAT-18 with a mission life of about 15 years, carries Ku-band beacon as well to help in accurately pointing ground antennas towards the satellite.

With GSAT-18's injection into GTO, Isro's Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka takes control of the satellite and will perform the initial orbit raising manoeuvres using the Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) of the satellite, placing it in a circular Geostationary Orbit.

Following this, the deployment of appendages such as the solar panels and antennas as well as three axis stabilisation of the satellite will be performed, and GSAT-18 will be positioned at 74 deg East longitude and co-located with other operational satellites, ISRO said.

GSAT-18s co-passenger Sky Muster II, built by SSL (Space Systems Loral) in Palo Alto, California, is aimed at bridging the digital divide, especially in the rural and isolated regions of Australia.

Kumar said the next step after the successful launch of GSAT-18 was to carry out a series of manoeuvres before positioning it in its orbital location.

"The necessary preparations have been made and our team back in India is working on mission operations at Master Control Facility, Hassan," he said.

"GSAT 18 is an important satellite for us that will enable the continuity of the vital communication services in our country by replacing the currently ageing satellites," the ISRO chief said.

Television, telecommunication, VSAT and digital satellite news gathering were a few of the services that GSAT 18 will support in coming days, he added.

Pointing out that two more satellites GSAT 17 and GSAT 11 were getting ready for the launch by Arianespace during early next year, Kumar said "realisation of both these satellites is in advanced stage".

"While GSAT 17 is an important satellite for replacing our satellites, GSAT 11 will be the first generation of high-throughput satellite of ISRO. Both of these upcoming launches are crucial for the Indian Space Programme," he added.
United Nations: India on Wednesday hit out at Pakistan  a country that has "established itself as a global epicentre of terrorism", and asked it to abandon its "futile quest" of Kashmir.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin strongly rejected remarks on Kashmir made by Pakistan's envoy Maleeha Lodhi during a UN General Assembly debate on 'Report of the Secretary General on the Work of the Organisation'. He also called for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations' governance architecture.

Roundly attacking Pakistan, he said some countries use terrorists as proxies in their territorial quests. "Just less than 10 days ago the GA Debate witnessed a singular lack of support for Pakistan's baseless claims. Need one say more. Our response to Pakistan is consistent. Abandon your futile quest. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so. No amount of misuse of international fora by Pakistan will change that reality. The sell by date of Pakistan's anachronistic approach is over."

He said the UN has become unresponsive to the needs of our time and ineffective to the meeting the challenges it is confronted with.

Sell by date of Pakistan's anachronistic approach is over - India @UN pic.twitter.com/AiNJARuDXO  Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) October 5, 2016

"It is a body that ponders for 6 months on whether to sanction leaders of organizations it has itself designated as terrorist entities. At best, it is now a body that can be described as an interesting and random mix of Ad-hocism, scrambling and political paralysis. The Global governance architecture now calls for comprehensive reform."

On the issue of terrorism, he said the UN is yet to come up with a coherent policy let alone take the lead on one of the biggest threats to global peace and security. "It is near impossible to argue the case of relevance of the UN on the issue of terrorism where even adoption of an international norm to "prosecute or extradite" terrorists evades us despite 20 years of talk," according to a statement.

Inability to address what is amongst the most dangerous of scourges faced by States and societies collectively since World War II raises questions about the relevance of our Organization to the very lives of the people who we are bound by the Charter to act on behalf of. The choice of relevancy requires a willingness to address what is staring us in the face. Yet we look away, he lamented.

In a reference to the surgical strikes conducted by India, Lodhi said "in the past few weeks India has engaged in unprovoked shelling across wide territory along the Line of Control. This continues to this day and even as I speak."

Lodhi dwelled at length on Kashmir in her remarks to the General Assembly, saying Pakistan is ready to engage with India in dialogue but it is New Delhi which will have to take the first step as India had "escalated" the current situation.

"Pakistan wants peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes, especially Kashmir, the settlement of which is more urgent today than ever. But it is for India to take the first step because it is India which has escalated the current situation," she said.

Lodhi said India "does not even allow" the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan to 'fully function' according to its mandate and to report to the Security Council.

She said India's "continuing denial" of the right of self-determination to the people of Jammu and Kashmir has sparked "another indigenous and popular uprising" in Kashmir and also led to tensions in the region.

"The UN is obliged play a role in bringing an end to human rights abuses and facilitate a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, through a free and fair plebiscite under its auspices," Lodhi said.

She also reiterated Pakistan's demand for an independent inquiry into the alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir and welcomed the call by the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights for "unfettered and unconditional access to enable impartial monitoring of the human rights situation there."

She also blamed India for continuing to reject the offer of good offices of the Secretary General to resolve "longstanding disputes in our region".

Akbaruddin said the international community must address the growing terrorism, which is the most dangerous of scourges faced by nations, yet it looks away.

"We look away as some amongst us stall our collective efforts, as they use terrorists as proxies in their territorial quests," he said in a reference to Pakistan.

On peacekeeping, Akbaruddin said the "leitmotif" of the UN is under great stress.

"A plethora of tasks and Christmas tree mandates without adequate funding; departure from well-established principles of impartiality; avoidance of the primacy of politics and focus instead on 'band aid' solutions through peace keeping; and an unwillingness to walk away from quagmires into the sunset; are all part of the burgeoning philosophical dilemma facing peace keeping," he said.

He also voiced concern over the "appalling" cases of sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers.

"Peacekeepers turning into predators is our worst nightmare come true," he said.

India's approach to name and shame Pakistan at the international forum is part of India's foreign policy. After the Uri attacks on 18 September, India has taken a strong stand against Pakistan and state-sponsored terror. In an effort to institute a form of deterrence to cross-border terror attacks, India carried out the surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) on 29 September.

Indian and Pakistan has often engaged in a verbal war at the United Nations over the Kashmir issue. Last month, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in her speech at UNGA asked Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif to stop dreaming about Kashmir. My firm advice to Pakistan is: abandon this dream. Let me state unequivocally that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will always remain so, she said.

In July 2016, Akbaruddin gave an eloquent speech at the high-level "UN@70 Human Rights at the centre of the global agenda" outrightly pointing out Pakistan's hypocrisy and shaming them for exhorting terrorism.

"The attempt came from Pakistan; a country that covets the territory of others; a country that uses terrorism as state policy towards that misguided end; a country that extols the virtues of terrorists and that provides sanctuary to UN-designated terrorists; and a country that masquerades its efforts as support for human rights and self determination," he said.

Couching the Pakistan issue within the narrative of human rights, Akbaruddin gave India a leg-up in the conversation gaining the world's attentions.

"Pakistan is the same country whose track record has failed to convince the international community to gain membership of the Human Rights Council in this very Session of the UNGA. The international community has long seen through such designs. Cynical attempts, like the one this morning therefore, find no resonance in this forum or elsewhere in the United Nations."

On Tuesday the UNSC (United Nations Security Council) declared that it won't be discussing the matter of India-Pakistan tensions despite Paksitan's repeated attempts at getting the UN to take up the issue of Kashmir and the recent surgical strikes across LoC.

With inputs from agencies
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who was hospitalised recently for fever and dehydration, continues to improve but requires a longer stay at the hospital, even as a team of doctors from AIIMS examined the AIADMK supremo.

The AIIMS team, comprising Dr G Khilnani, Professor of Department of Pulmunology medicine, Dr Anjanthrika, Professor of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care and Dr Nithish Nayak, Professor of Department of Cardiology had on Wednesday held detailed deliberations on the treatment protocols provided to Jayalalithaa by the specialist team at the Apollo hospital, the hospital said in a release on Thursday.

"The expert team from AIIMS examined the Chief Minister and concurred with the present line of treatment being provided to Jayalalithaa," the release from Subbiah Viswanathan, Chief Operating Officer of Apollo hospital said. "The expert team will be available till on Friday even as the British specialist Dr Richard John Beale examined the AIADMK chief again on Thursday," he said.

Based on the deliberations and clinical examination, the group of doctors from Apollo hospital have drawn up a detailed medical management plan, keeping in view Jayalalithaa's "known history of diabetes and winter bronchitis in inclement weather," the release said.

It said the present treatment regimen includes continued respiratory support, nebulisation, drugs to decongest the lungs, antibiotics, nutritions, general nursing care and supporting therapy. "The consensus of opinions of all the experts is that the line of treatment given to the Chief Minister should be continued as she will require a longer stay at the hospital," the release said.

Jayalalithaa's health condition "continues to improve and is making gradual progress," it said. The comprehensive treatment plan, including appropriate antibiotics, respiratory support and other allied clinical measures were being continued, the release said.

"The Chief Minister under observation of a panel of doctors, consisting of intensivists, cardiologists, respiratory physicians, infectious disease specialists and diabetologists," it said, adding that detailed lab and radiology investigations were continuously being carried out by the doctors.
Some Pakistani militants on Thursday attacked an army camp in Handwara in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, prompting security forces to retaliate, army said.

In a press conference, Colonel Rajiv Saharan, the commanding officer of 30 RR, Handwara, said that the sentries, which were on high alert, had spotted three terrorists close to the fence of the camp. These terrorists, he continued, opened indiscriminate fire and so they retailiated. "Our quick reaction team was activated so that they don't escape," he said.

Three Pakistani terrorists were eliminated,and they were carrying huge cache of arms including 3 AK-47 rifles: Col Rajiv Saharan pic.twitter.com/ezIsiQs477  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

The terrorists had started indiscriminate firing,our sentries were on high alert & retaliated instantly& gunned them down: Col Rajiv Saharan pic.twitter.com/H6oYmQX7vm  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

Maps, metric sheets, radio sets, arms and ammunition with Pakistani markings were recovered from the terrorists, along with food and other communication devices.

The maps and metric sheets they used are also being analysed, the medicines recovered have 'made in Pakistan' markings: Col Rajiv Saharan  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

"At around 5 am, militants opened firing on an army camp at Langate in Kupwara district, which was retaliated by the alert jawans," an army official said.

He said there was a stand-off firing for about 15-20 minutes.

According to The Indian Express, two militants have been killed in the attack.

"The troops were alert and the attack was foiled," the official said, adding that a search operation was going on.

Meanwhile, the militants again opened fire at the forces who were conducting the search operation, the army official said.

"There was firing once again on the camp at 6:30 am as the forces were conducting the search operation," the official said.

He said the operation was on and additional forces have been rushed to the area.

On Monday, at least two terrorists and a BSF personnel were killed while one BSF jawan was injured when militants attacked two adjoining camps of the Army and the paramilitary force at Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir.

The heavily-armed terrorists had attacked the two camps belonging to Rashtriya Rifles and Border Security Force late Sunday night, leading to a fierce gunbattle with the security forces.

Following the firefight, two terrorists were killed by the forces while one BSF personnel, who was hit by bullets, succumbed to his injuries later, a Home Ministry spokesperson had said in New Delhi.

The martyred jawan was identified as Constable Nitin while the injured personnel was Constable Pulwinder. Both belong to the 40th battalion of the BSF, officials had said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had discussed the incident and necessary instructions had been given to the forces.

Firing was also reported at a BSF post along the international border with Pakistan in Gurdaspur district of north Punjab early on Monday.

The Border Security Force troopers, according to sources, repulsed an intrusion bid by 8-10 people in the counter offensive at Chakri border outpost (BoP).

These attacks come weeks after terrorists struck at army brigade headquarters at Uri, 102 km from Srinagar, killing 19 soldiers.

Terrorists, suspected to be from Pakistan, had also attacked the frontier Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Pathankot town of Punjab on 2 January this year, leaving seven security personnel dead.

The Pathankot attack was preceded by a terror attack by Pakistani terrorists in Dinanagar town of Gurdaspur district on 27 July last year.

With inputs from agencies
New Delhi: Terming terrorism as the foremost challenge in the region, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said it should be delegitimised as a State policy and urged Asean countries to "cooperate unreservedly" to locate and destroy terror networks.

Security frameworks in Asean region still do not give enough attention to terrorism. This must change, he said at the 20th AseanRegional Forum Heads of Defence Universities Meet in New Delhi.

"Terrorism remains the foremost challenge to our region.

"We need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere, delegitimise it as an instrument of State policy and cooperate unreservedly to locate and destroy terrorist networks," he said

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam as members.

Parrikar's remarks came on a day when terrorists launched another attack on an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir. Three terrorists, believed to be Pakistan backed, were killed in the attack on the army camp north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

19 soliders were killed in a militant attack on an army camp in Uri on 18 September. The Army had launched surgical strikes targeting terror camps located across the LoC on 28 September night.
An extremely significant exclusive news report by Pakistani newspaper Dawn has exposed Pakistan's direct hand in sponsoring terrorism.

According to the report, the Pakistani government has also warned the military leadership of the growing international isolation of the country and has asked the military not to interfere with any action against terrorists.

The report said that on Tuesday, during an all parties conference, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhary gave a presentation in the Prime Minister's Office to a small group of civil and military officials.

It was decided after the meeting that Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) DG General Rizwan Akhtar and National Security Advisor Nasser Janjua would travel to four provinces and tell the provincial apex committees and ISI sector commanders to not interfere if action was taken against terrorist groups which were banned or "considered off-limits for civilian action" till now.

The disturbing fact that the news report casually mentions that there were, in fact, terrorist groups which were "considered off-limits for civilian action" exposes the support which Pakistan gave to terrorism.

The most important evidence showing Pakistan's direct support to terrorism came after Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif complained that whenever action was taken against some terrorist groups, "the security establishment has worked behind the scenes to set the arrested free."

Foreign Secretary Chaudhry in his presentation also revealed that Pakistan has been isolated on the global stage. Chaudhry said that the country's ties with the US were deteriorating and the US was demanding action against Jaish-e-Mohammad and completion of the Pathankot probe.

He went to the extent of admitting that even China had indicated that Pakistan should change its course.

This report by a Pakistani newspaper is of utmost relevance because it comes at a time when Pakistan has repeatedly denied supporting terrorists after escalating tension with India following the Uri terror attack.

Pakistan has also denied so far that it is facing international isolation.

That claim is laughable because the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Summit, which was supposed to be held in Islamabad, collapsed because of the global isolation which Pakistan has been facing.

Five Saarc member-states had sided with India in pulling out of the summit scheduled in Islamabad on 9-10 November. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Myanmar had pulled out of the Saarc Summit.

On 29 September, US NSA Susan Rice had told her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval that US wants Pakistan to "combat and delegitimise" UN-designated terrorist entities, including LeT and JeM.

Rice had called Doval hours before DGMO Let Gen Ranbir Singh held a press conference about the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army against terror launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

This report by a Pakistani newspaper is of utmost relevance because it comes at a time when Pakistan has repeatedly denied supporting terrorists after escalating tension with India following the Uri terror attack

"Ambassador Rice reiterated our expectation that Pakistan take effective action to combat and delegitimise United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and their affiliates," US National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price had said.

She affirmed President (Barack) Obama's commitment to redouble America's efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism throughout the world, Price had said.

"Ambassador Rice discussed our shared commitment with India to pursue regional peace and stability and pledged to deepen collaboration on counter-terrorism matters including on UN terrorist designations," Price had added.

JeM is blamed by India for the Uri attack. Other Pakistan-based terror group LeT has been accused by India of attacking military and civilian targets in the country, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai attack.

India wants UN to impose sanctions on JeM chief Masood Azhar. Hafiz Saeed, a co-founder of LeT and the chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah, carries a bounty of $10 million on his head for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people, including six Americans, were killed.

With inputs from PTI
A belated realisation seems to have dawned upon Pakistan that its state-sponsored policy of exporting terror to India and other parts of the world is giving it diminishing returns globally, on an untold magnitude. Domestically, an unannounced surgical strike by neighbour India has left it badly wounded.

It's overhyped, overawed military is looking for excuses in the form of denial and terror outfits. Terror outfits which, till the other day, were boasting of waging jihad against India. Who have been telling their boys that on being launched, they would go straight to jannat (heaven) to have fun with dozens of hoors (heavenly beauties).

But they, to their surprise, have now discovered that the 'home delivery' of death by the Indian army is a sure shot way to jahannum (hell). The pampered Pakistani diplomats, who walked with a certain swagger till recently, have now found out that they are treated like pariahs by their counterparts abroad and on their missions in Islamabad.

It is not surprising then, that the Dawn was chosen as the publication of choice for leaking this belated realisation  that has now dawned upon the civil and military establishment in Pakistan. The 'exclusive', which the popular Pakistani daily has published, is in fact 'explosive'.

The contents of the report are significant for two reasons. First, the authority with which Cyril Almeida has written the report, about a high level meeting in Islamabad, gives a clear sense that this could not have been written by the author and published by the Dawn had the briefing not come from the topmost civilian authority  narrating their woes vis-a-vis the military establishment and the bitter harvest that they were reaping by nurturing nurseries of terror all across Pakistan. The report itself says that "military officials declined to comment."

The report says that on Monday, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a high level meeting of top civil and military officials. It stated that the Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Rizwan Akhtar, was also present. At this meeting, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry gave a separate presentation on Pakistan's growing global isolation.

The report reads, "the presentation by the foreign secretary summarised the results of the recent diplomatic outreach by Pakistan, the crux being that Pakistan faces diplomatic isolation and that the governments talking points have been met with indifference in major world capitals."

In a way, the Pakistan foreign secretary admitted that the world is convinced of India's position on the surgical strike that occurred on 29 September and of its argument that Pakistan had become the world's nursery of terrorism. It was also an admission that the Indian diplomatic offensive had hit the right buttons against Pakistan.

The report then goes on to confirm what India and the rest of the world has been saying all along  with the confirmation coming from none other than PM Sharif and his brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif: "At that point came the stunning and unexpectedly bold intervention by Shahbaz Sharif addressing Gen Akhtar. The younger Sharif complained that whenever action has been taken against certain groups by civilian authorities, the security establishment has worked behind the scenes to set the arrested free,"

"Astounded onlookers describe a stunned room that was immediately aware of the extraordinary, unprecedented nature of the exchange. To defuse tensions, Sharif himself addressed Akhtar and said that policies pursued in the past were state policies and as such they were the collective responsibility of the state and that the ISI DG was not being accused of complicity in present-day events," the report said.

India's surgical strike has been endorsed by all major powers in the world and also by the immediate neighbourhood countries. Pakistan foreign secretary was candid enough in telling his bosses that their relations with the United States could deteriorate further as the Americans were now demanding action against the Haqqani network. China's friendship too couldn't be taken for granted. What he didn't report, perhaps because it was far too disturbing for them, was Russia's open endorsement of India's surgical strike.

On Wednesday, the German Ambassador in India, Martin Ney, cited the 'right for anyone to defend its country (India) from any form of terrorism'. The line has been adopted by all major powers as well as the argument that 'every country (Pakistan) is legally obliged not to allow terror to emanate from its soil'. The twin arguments are being forwarded in India's favour and against Pakistan. As such, these are worrying signals for Pakistan.

The Pakistan establishment is now also being damned by some of its own senior leaders. Another report by the Dawn said that Pakistan Peoples Party leader Aitzaz Ahsan told a joint session of parliament that Pakistan is isolated because it gives freedom to non-state actors: "The government has been completely unsuccessful in imposing restrictions on non-state actors according to the National Action Plan...You have isolated Pakistan...It is because you have given freedom to non-state actors."

The Pakistani civil and military establishment would be well advised to read a signed article by the vice-president of the European Parliament, Ryszard Czarnecki, published in EP Today, to realise the scale of anger and distrust the nation evokes in the Western world. It is worth noting that this piece was written and published after India conducted the surgical strike across the Line of Control.

"India deserves global support in its fight against terror emanating from Pakistan, for if left unchecked, these individuals and groups would be attacking Europe and the West, soon. It is also important for the European Union to maintain pressure on Pakistan to eliminate the terror networks that operate within its borders," Czarnecki wrote.

Also read: Grounded Pakistani journalist Cyril Almeida has Goan roots
New Delhi: Is it really possible to ban jokes of any variety? And if it is, how do you implement it? This is exactly the question, a Supreme Court bench had asked seven petitioners seeking a ban on Sardar jokes across media platforms, on 3 October. Now, the petitioners have submitted a 800-page response to the apex court on how to implement a ban on Sardar jokes.

Several Sikh bodies like Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee (SGPC), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and lawyer Harvinder Chowdhury (the original petitioner) submitted the response to the apex court on Thursday.

Chowdhury, was the first to file a PIL on 30 October 2015 demanding a ban on websites spreading Sardar jokes.

Speaking to the Firspost, Chowdhury informed that an 800-page petition addressing various issues to be taken up at a multiple-level has been filed. "Weve sought mandamus directing the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (IT) to ban websites portraying Sikhs as fools and to install web filters so as to filter websites which target the Sikh community through objectionable content. Its violation of sections 153A and 153B of the Indian Penal Code, she said.

The guidelines cover awareness development, educating students, action through cyber law, and several other measures.

She added that children (students) need to be educated against bullying students from Sikh and other communities. Punishment isnt a good idea. We have suggested that an awareness programme needs to be developed for teachers, parents and children so that the coming generation don't discriminate against the Sikhs or any other community, and make fun of them, said Chowdhury.

The petitioners have also undertaken a signature campaign and have got support from 46 Sikh associations in India and abroad, including the World Sikh Association.

Hearing a PIL on banning Sardar jokes, on 3 October, the apex court had expressed its concern over enforcement of directives to ban jokes on the Sikh community even though it showed willingness in issuing directions to do so.

Interestingly, it was not the first time, the Supreme Court has been apprehensive towards the case. Earlier too, in February and in July this year, the apex court while showing its willingness to prevent circulation of jokes on Sardars, had expressed apprehension on the implementation of its orders to ban such jokes.

Chowdhury said, A large numbers of jokes aimed at Sikhs (Sardars) are not done innocently. They are a deliberate attempt to project Sardars as unintelligent, stupid, idiot, foolish, naive, inept, and not being well-versed in the English language; a symbol of foolishness and stupidity. The Sikhs are recognised by their attire  turban (headgear). There are websites of jokes on Sardars, which ridicule Sardars wearing turbans as people with low intellect. As a result, several Sikh students are racially-targetted abroad.

Sardars are verbally targetted by juxtaposing a Sardar with 12 Oclock, saying Iske toh 12 baj gaye... 12 baje Sardar pagla jayega (Hes a gone case... at 12 Sardar will go mad). To stop this nuisance, I as a lawyer and petitioner filed this PIL in 2015. Now, weve submitted an outline to the court on how the circulation of these discriminatory jokes can be stopped," she said.

But Sikhs are not the only community targetted with such jokes!

The SC bench observed that besides the Sikh community, people from North East, southern states, Bihar, and Bengal, also face similar discrimination and remarks. A Telugu, Kannadiga, Malayalee or Tamil is often addressed as a Madrasi, the court observed.

Apart from books, now, jokes are exchanged through text messages, WhatsApp, etc. There are thousands of websites on jokes related to these communities. In fact, according to Chowdhury, there are more than 5,000 websites on Sardar jokes. It is common knowledge that jokes directed at Sikhs and other communities form the core of the daily laughter quota of Indians. And with a 'ban' coming in force, this particular variety of jokes is likely to get more traction.

Late author Khushwant Singh, an honourable Sardar and one of the biggest proponents of Sardar (Santa-Banta) jokes, should have been around to give his two bits on this quandary.
New Delhi: India and Sri Lanka have shared concerns over cross-border terrorism in a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe.

"Prime Ministers Modi and Wickremesinghe shared concerns at the spread of cross-border terrorism in the region and reaffirmed that they were of one mind on the need to counter this menace, which was affecting progress in entire South Asia," sources in New Delhi on Wednesday said following the meeting.

India last month pulled out of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Summit that was scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November citing Pakistan's sponsorship of terrorism in the region.

New Delhi's move came after the 18 September cross-border terror attack on an army base at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers.

Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan followed suit citing the same reason, virtually isolating Pakistan in the region.

Sri Lanka expressed the view that the Saarc Summit would not be possible in the absence of India.

According to the sources, Modi and Wickremesinghe reviewed progress in bilateral efforts to forge closer cooperation in economic, defence and security matters.

Both leaders agreed on more active participation by Indian industry in developmental priorities in Sri Lanka

During the course of the day, Wickremesinghe also held meetings with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari and Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan.

"In the ministerial meetings the Sri Lankan Prime Minister discussed ways to build security and defence collaboration between the countries, Indian collaboration in the further development of road and port infrastructure, and development of the power and oil and gas infrastructure in Sri Lanka," the sources said.

In the evening, Wickremesinghe called on President Pranab Mukherjee and both sides reiterated the urgency to counter cross border terrorism through united action, including at the UN through early adoption of the India-initiated Comprehensive Convention on Counter Terrorism and strengthening internal security systems.

Wickremesinghe also shared his vision for the economic and political transformation under way in Sri Lanka and the opportunities for Indian industry in partnering various development projects in the country.
Mumbai: Police in India said they arrested 70 call centre workers on Wednesday on suspicion of tricking American citizens into sending them money by posing as US tax officials.

A total of 772 workers were detained earlier on Wednesday in raids on nine call centres in a Mumbai suburb, a senior police official told Reuters. Seventy were placed under formal arrest, 630 were released pending questioning over the coming days, and 72 were freed without further investigation.

"The motive was earning money," said Parag Manere, a deputy commissioner of police. "They were running an illegal process, posing themselves as officers of the (US) Internal Revenue Service."

The police official did not identify the company where the call centre workers were employed, or any of the main players involved in the alleged scam. He also declined to comment on whether Mumbai police were investigating in conjunction with US authorities, or comment on what prompted the inquiry.

Manere said the alleged scammers asked Americans to buy prepaid cash cards in order to settle outstanding tax debts and also used the threat of arrest against people who did not pay up.

Last year, a Pennsylvania man who helped coordinate a fraud in which India-based callers preyed on vulnerable Americans by pretending to be US government agents was sentenced to 14-1/2 years in prison.

India is home to a vast number of back office operations for North American and European companies. Thousands of call centres in India provide back office services to these firms, processing everything from utility payments to credit card bills.

While such business arrangements help Western companies cut costs, there have been frequent allegations of security breaches and improper trading of consumers' account details and other commercial information for profit.
Chandigarh: On Thursday All India Anti-Terrorist Front Chairman M S Bitta appealed to political parties not to "politicise" the Army's cross-LoC strikes, while stating that the Centre must declare Pakistan a "terrorist state".

"I am not going into what is being said by political leaders from various parties on the issue of surgical strikes. The thing is that this is the time when all of us should speak in one voice and back the government and our Army.

"Those doing politics over the issue are doing disservice to our jawans, who will get demoralised while Pakistan will stand to benefit from this," he told PTI over phone.

Hailing the decisive action taken by the government and the Army, Bitta said, "For the first time after Indira Gandhi, I am seeing anyone take a firm decision and have such clarity in approach. Earlier, our jawans used to get killed, but we used to talk.

"The question is not of Narendra Modi, the question is of nation's security. The government has taken a very clear stand and we must applaud them," he said.

Bitta said those people who were speaking in different voices at this juncture were "insulting those martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of our nation."

"Those politicising the (LoC strike) issue are enemies of the country," he said.

Bitta, who survived a terrorist attack in Delhi in 1993 when he was the chief of the Youth Congress, said India should now take steps to get Pakistan declared as a "terrorist state."

"Our government should approach the United Nations in this regard. We should also take help of friendly countries to combat terror. India should take these countries along and seek their support to get Pakistan declared as a terrorist state," he added.

19 soldiers were killed in a militant attack on an Army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on 18 September. The Army had launched surgical strikes targeting terror camps located across the LoC on 28 September night.
Mumbai: Noted special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam on Thursday said that any demand for proof of army's surgical strikes across the LoC is "illegal and unjustified".

"Such a demand for disclosure of evidence on surgical strikes is not only illegal but also not justified, because if the evidence is disclosed by way of video footage or photographs it would endanger the Indian Army and the security of India."

"This would give an opportunity to the enemy country to adopt counter steps in future by attacking us," Nikam, who was the Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, told PTI.

He was responding to the government's stand that it has the proof but would not disclose it in public.

Nikam said, a similar situation on disclosure of evidence on fight between army and terrorists had occurred during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks trial.

He said the special court wanted to know how National Security Guards (NSG) commandos had fought the terrorists who had come from Pakistan and attacked targets in Mumbai such as hotel Taj, Trident and other places.

The terrorists included Ajmal Kasab, the lone attacker captured alive who was later sentenced to death.

"I was asked by the court to examine NSG commandos as witnesses so as to know how they had countered the terror attack, but I refused to do so," Nikam said.

Eventually, the Maharashtra government and NSG had challenged the order of special court (to examine NSG guards) in Bombay High Court which ruled that such evidence, i.e., strategy adopted by armed guards in fight against terrorists, could not be disclosed in public interest, he said.

The law of the land also prohibits the authorities to disclose the details of surgical strikes launched by India on terrorists camps in Jammu and Kashmir, he further said.

"To ask for the proof of surgical strikes is not only ridiculous but this would help the enemy country as they would benefit by knowing our warfare tactics and might employ counter strategy to defeat India, Nikam said.

"Few persons who have raised a hue and cry by asking for proof of surgical strikes by India are grabbing headlines in Pakistani media. Are they really aware of the implications of what they are demanding?", he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on Monday released a video clip in which he "saluted" PM Narendra Modi for the surgical strikes by Indian Army but also urged the prime minister to clear the air around "Pakistan's false propaganda".

He was later criticised by Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. "It was most painful and unfortunate that the AAP leader was in Pakistani media headlines today as his remarks yesterday gave it a chance to question India Army's claim," the BJP had leader said.
Kolkata: Three people were killed in a fire that broke out on Thursday at a south Kolkata godown, where LPG gas cylinders, oil and other inflammable materials were allegedly stored, police and fire authorities said.

Three dead after fire broke out at Tangra area of Kolkata near China town. pic.twitter.com/IQ6Zxe4Jbk  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

The godown on Christopher road in South Kolkata went ablaze around 1 pm.

"Three persons died in the fire," an official at the fire control headquarters said.

Fire department officials and Topsia police station personnel worked in tandem to control the fire.

Seven fire tenders pressed into service managed to control the blaze after a two-and-a-half hours.

"The shop was completely engulfed by the flames. It could have been a lot worse. But we were able to stop the blaze from spreading. The situation is under control now," a fire official said.

Local Councillor Swarnakamal Saha, who rushed to the spot, said: "It could have been a bigger calamity as the shop is in a slum area. We will look into the issue of the hoaring of inflammable materials in the godown."

The local residents accused the police and the administration of inaction despite repeated complaints.

"The godown owner is doing this illegal business for long. We have complained many times but no one cared to look into the issue," an angry resident said.

With inputs from IANS
Pakistan's days of days of duplicity, it is evident from recent events in Pakistan, are over.

The perennial bad boy of the Indian subcontinent, it is clear, has realised that it now needs to mend its course, denounce terrorism and shut down its jihadist factories and roll back on the seemingly endless support provided to the Masood Azhars and Hafiz Saeeds of the world. The double game Islamabad played is over, its political leadership has realised. According to Dawn, at a recent meeting, "in a blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning, the civilian government has informed the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the State."

But Islamabad should have realised that its days of breeding terrorists were over the very day the Islamic State went berserk in Europe, the US and parts of the Indian subcontinent.

With almost every liberal democracy under attack from jihadists, Pakistan should have read the writing on the wall: The world would soon start abhorring terrorism in every form, and begin to isolate and punish States that patronise jihadists. But, even in the backdrop of a world wary of jihadists waging wars in the name of Islam, Pakistan's deep state continued to pursue its policy of using terrorism as a component of its statecraft and diplomacy.

Pakistan continued to believe that by overtly supporting the US's 'Global War on Terror' and covertly using terrorists on its western and eastern borders, it would be able to strike a delicate balance between its regional and global inspirations, become the good cop for the West and the bad boy for the neighbours.

According to the Dawn report, Sharif has directed the military  particularly the ISI  to back off and not interfere if the government cracks down on jihadists and pursues cases against perpetrators of the 26 November, 2008 attacks on Mumbai. The government has also asked the military leadership to expedite the probe into the Pathankot attack. The new course of action  in many ways unprecedented for Pakistan  was agreed upon after the government talked about its increasing diplomatic isolation and pressure from the US, India and even China to act against the Haqqani Network, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives.

At the meeting, Dawn reported, Sharif's younger brother Shahbaz, chief minister of Punjab, clashed with the ISI director-general and complained that whenever action has been taken against certain groups by civilian authorities, the security establishment has worked behind the scenes to set the arrested free. Several eyewitnesses to the incredible events of Monday believe that the foreign secretarys presentation and the Punjab chief minister's intervention were orchestrated by the prime minister to stir the military to action, leading to the decision to dispatch the ISI director-general on an inter-provincial tour.

Nevertheless, Dawn reported, "Astounded onlookers describe a stunned room that was immediately aware of the extraordinary, unprecedented nature of the exchange."

Pakistan has gone down this road several times in the past.

In the aftermath of Kargil and the attack on the Indian Parliament, the then Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf had announced that he would not allow his country to be the launchpad for terror attacks in the region. That promise  extracted out of him by the US and the threat of an Indian attack  was unfortunately forgotten in a few months. But, the recent bout of self-introspection reported by Dawn may have been induced by rapid geopolitical changes.

Apart from the emerging consensus in the world that terrorism needs a unified global response, Sharif may have also read the signs of the shift in the US stance and China's frustration with Islamabad's inability to act against terrorists lodged in Pakistan. The US is about to wind up its operations in Afghanistan, getting ready to leave governance in the hands of an increasingly anti-Pakistan government in Kabul. Once it leaves the region, the US may have no use left for Pakistan and may dump it like a rotten egg. China, on the other hand, is pumping billions of dollars into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

It obviously wants Pakistan to pursue peace to ensure the investments are not wiped away.

Curiously, although Sharif is seen as a villain outside Pakistan, many in his home country consider their prime minister an India sympathiser  somebody who is soft towards the traditional rival. Within Pakistan, Nawaz is seen as a lame duck with zero impact on foreign policy and national security. As Cyril Almeida argues in Dawn, from RAW agents in Sharif's sugar mills to conspiracies of steel mill monopolies, to the relentless linking of Sharif to Narendra Modi, all of it has worked to put the Pakistani prime minister in a position where he cant even talk about India sensibly anymore.

So, it isn't clear whether Sharif's belated introspection and realisation of the "gradual drift towards isolation" will lead to some real action against jihadists. But, it is clear that recent events have woken Pakistan's civilian leadership out of its nuclear blackmail-induced stupor to see where the country is heading. Pakistan, being Pakistan, may not listen to this belated voice of sanity and continue on its path of self-destruction, and may even soon chuck out Sharif, something Imran Khan is threatening to do post-Moharram.

But the good news is that the civilian leaders have started looking into the mirror and telling their military counterparts about the ugly self-image they see.

Also read: Grounded Pakistani journalist Cyril Almeida has Goan roots
New Delhi: Kovalam Literary Festival, South India's pioneering literary event, will focus on non-fiction writing at its eighth edition in Thiruvananthapuram on 22 October.

"This year's event will be a non-fiction special, with 26-year-old scholar Manu S Pillai's 700-page history of the Travancore royal family leading the list," Binoo K John, founder-director of the festival, told IANS.

"The festival has become an anticipated event in Trivandrum," said John, who launched it in 2008. This year, the event is being held at the VJT Hall in the city.

The Ivory Throne: Chronicles of the House of Travancore, "swirls through Kerala history like a dervish, possessed by the intention of telling a magnificent story and telling it marvelously well", according to one review.

At the festival, Pillai will be in conversation with novelist Shreekumar Varma, who is also a member of the Travancore family.

Other writers who are part of the festival include Raghu Karnad, author of The Farthest Field, a World War I memoir; Rohini Mohan, author of the sensational, best-selling Seasons of Trouble: Life Amid the Ruins of Sri Lanka's Civil War; Bishwanath Ghosh, travel writer and author of Chai Chai; Lekshmy Rajeev, author of Attukal Amma on the famous Thiruvananthapuram temple.

The festival will also feature a lead lecture by Magsaysay Award winner and Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna, who is also the author of the book, A Southern Music.

Well-known novelist M Mukundan will deliver a lecture on the future of the novel.
Shimla: Three Himachal Pradesh cabinet Ministers on Wednesday condemned the resolution passed by the BJP at its conclave at Una against the state government and rejected the same as bundle of lies.

In a joint statement issued in Shimla on Wednesday, the ministers, Vidya Stokes, GS Bali and Mukesh Agnihotri said the Una Conclave of BJP was a futile effort of a dejected and divided house to put up a brave face.

All round development in the state under Congress government has caused panic in the BJP and its leaders were trying desperately to register their presence, they said.

"The utterings of the BJP leaders that they would not allow the rallies of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to take place in Himachal showed its lack of faith in democracy and fascist mindset of the BJP leaders" the leaders said adding that Congress party would hold massive rallies and nobody can stop it.

Dubbing the repeated demand of the BJP for resignation of Chief Minister as ridiculous, the Ministers said that it was unfortunate that the BJP was harping on negative publicity and its leaders needed the name of Virbhadra Singh to draw attention and used the conclave as platform for unleashing malicious propaganda against the government.

Asserting that Singh was one of the most popular Congress leaders in the country and heading a stable Congress government in the state, they said Congress government was committed to development of the state and welfare of its people.

It has brought respite to the people from the misrule of BJP government.

Baffled by the popularity of Congress Government in the State, the frustrated BJP leaders were resorting to malicious and mischievous propaganda, the Ministers said.

Refuting the allegations that no development was taking place in the State, the Ministers said that it seemed that the BJP leaders were unable to digest the unprecedented development going on in the State.

The ministers claimed that the present Congress government would not only complete its full term but also win the next assembly elections.

It was during the BJP regime that there was corruption, and rule of mafia in the state, they alleged.

The BJP leaders should stop day dreaming about returning to power in Himachal as their wishful thinking would never become a reality as the people of the state were well aware of their misdeeds and give them a befitting replay, the Ministers said.
Since the Indian Army announced that it had committed surgical strikes on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control  resulting from the ceasefire of 17 December, 1971 (Line of Control)  on 29 September, 2016, there has been a relentless campaign in the Pakistani media to deny the existence of such strikes.

Based on these responses, Opposition leaders in India such as Congress' Sanjay Nirupam and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kerjriwal have publicly demanded that the government provide proof of such strikes by releasing the photographic and video evidence of the same to the public.

Needless to say, a public release of a video of these strikes, apart from creating the obvious national security concerns, will serve to do nothing but further inflame the situation at the Line of Control. Right now, the Indian government is playing a tactical game by allowing Pakistan to deny the existence of these strikes and enabling the Pakistani government to save face by enabling them to try and make a tactical withdrawal

However, this does not mean that the Opposition does not have the right to demand proof of the strikes. In any right thinking democracy, the Opposition has the right to loyally demand proof of the government's claims. In fact, India's parliamentary democracy has express provisions to ensure that its politicians can be taken into confidence when it concerns matters such as national security.

India has two houses of Parliament. The Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The President is empowered under Article 85 to summon the Parliament on the advice of the Prime Minister. This means Narendra Modi can advise His Excellency Pranab Mukherjee to call for a special session of Parliament to debate the surgical strikes that were recently conducted.

Rule 248 of the Rules of Procedure of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) enables the Lok Sabha to go into a secret sitting if there is a request made by the Leader of the House, in this case the Prime Minister as he is a member of the Lok Sabha. When the Lok Sabha sits in secret, no stranger shall be permitted to sit in the galleries and the house shall sit in camera. No notes or records are also permitted to be kept of a secret sitting of the Lok Sabha. Interestingly though, Rule 248 permits members of the Rajya Sabha to observe the session from the gallery and that other members authorised by the Speaker may be permitted to sit in the Chamber of the House.

The government could use this Rule along with Article 84 to call for a secret session of Parliament to view the video evidence of the strike and confidentially have army officers brief parliamentarians, including Opposition members as to the nature of the surgical strikes that were carried out within the Pakistani sector of the LoC. Further, members of the Parliament can also be briefed on the ongoing situation at the LoC. In fact, if the government so chooses, the Parliament may also be kept in continuous session throughout the ongoing situation with Pakistan and continuous confidential briefings may be given in order to prevent the Opposition from politicising the situation and causing national disunity and discord.

After the briefing, both houses may debate the ongoing situation and pass a resolution in support of the armed forces and/or the government presenting a united front. This way, there will be no further inflaming or politicisation of the situation.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of duping people in terms of the latter's promise to implement IDS (a one-time opportunity to those with hidden income to come clean by making the disclosure and paying 45 percent tax and penalty). Only this time, Rahul's allegations have gone a step further. Speaking from Jantar Mantar in Delhi, he accused Modi of "playing with the blood of soldiers", in reference to the Indian Armys 29 September surgical strikes.

"The country wants justice from Modi and its his responsibility to deliver on his promises. Where is the 15 lakhs that Modi promised," he asked.

After blaming the prime minister for inaction over his promises, he said that Modi has definitely done two things. That he has made India fight with others, and second, he has divided the country.

While referring to the surgical strikes, he said that "humare jawan hai jinhone khoon diya hai, jinhone surgical strikes kiya, unke khoon ke peeche aap (Modi) chuppe huye hai (Our soldiers conducted surgical strikes and gave their blood. Modi is just hiding behind their sacrifices)," he said.

Humare jawan hain jinho ne khoon diya hai,jinho ne #surgicalstrike kiya,unke khoon ke peeche aap(PM) chhupe huye ho: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/ZJnKxqA6Ap  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

"Unki aap dalali kar rahe ho," he added, while telling Modi that the Indian Army has done its work and he should do his. Which is to increase the salaries of the armed forces in the seventh pay commission, he said.

WATCH: You are doing 'Dalali' of their(Jawans) blood: Rahul Gandhi to PM Modi pic.twitter.com/9FyidaF6uj  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

BJP responded to his comment and called it a "blatantly shameless" remark, CNN-News18 reported.

BJP also called his remarks "a new low in Indian politics" and said he was speaking in "frustration" as the Prime Minister was drawing "praise" after he gave nod to the army to carry out the surgical strikes.

"It is most shameful. Such remarks reflect his mental bankruptcy. The army and the Prime Minister are getting praise from everywhere for the surgical strikes. Modi is being praised for his decision and he is unable to digest it. Rahul Gandhi is in frustration," BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

Another party National Secretary Sidharth Nath Singh said, "His statement is a new low in Indian politics. It is not only

condemnable but highly irresponsible coming from the vice president of Congress party which fought for independence... Surgical strikes happened across the LoC but Rahul Gandhi has done surgical strike on his party."

Taking a jibe at Gandhi, Sharma said "dalali" is in his and Congress' nature as he referred to a number of alleged scams, like 2G, CWG, coal, involving the UPA government, which, he added, ran into 12 lakh crore. Gandhi too is on bail in the National Herald scam of Rs 5000 crore, he alleged.

Referring to controversial comments of some Congress leaders including Sanjay Nirupam, Sharma said the Opposition party is confused as they had been attacking Modi after Pathankot and Uri terror attacks and do not know how to react after he ordered the surgical strikes.

Congress and other political parties may be nervous because of courage and will power shown by Modi government in backing armed forces decision to go for surgical strike across LOC. The aim of a responsible govt is to back armed forces which defend the nation and not use them for political gains, Singh said.

Rahul Gandhi is on the last day of his Deoria to Delhi roadshow to kickstart the campaign for the 2017 Uttar Pradesh polls.

With inputs from PTI.
A 67-year-old socialist politician from Portugal is the next secretary general of the United Nations, following a decisive vote by the Security Council on Wednesday.

Antonio Guterres, Portugal's former prime minister, previously led the UN's refugee agency for a decade and won backing in the straw poll from 13 of the 15 council members, while none of the five veto-holding powers blocked his candidacy.

"We have a clear favorite and his name is Antonio Guterres," said Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, who emerged from the council chamber, along with the 14 other ambassadors to declare that Guterres was on course to succeed Ban Ki-moon as the world's diplomat-in-chief.

Once the Security Council formally endorses him, Guterres will be presented to the General Assembly for approval. The new UN chief begins his five-year term on 1 January.

Guterres is the first former head of government to become UN chief, a position that has been held by several foreign ministers, most of whom were chosen during closed-door meetings by the Security Council.

Although Guterres has been considered a frontrunner for the post for sometime now, Vox writes that the selection came as "a bit of a surprise" as many UN diplomats and observers believed that "Moscow would only accept a candidate from Eastern Europe". It adds that the socialist leader is "well-liked" with "a history of challenging powerful countries to do more to help the vulnerable rather than deferring to them".

Who is Guterres?

Born in Lisbon on 30 April, 1949, Guterres joined Portugal's Socialist party following the country's 1974 "Carnation Revolution", which put an end to nearly five decades of dictatorship.

In 1976, he was elected a lawmaker in Portugal's first democratic election, following the revolution. Guterres, an engineer by training, quickly earned a reputation as a gifted orator. In 1992, he became secretary-general of the Socialist party, in opposition at the time. Guterres then led the party to victory in the next general election in 1995, becoming prime minister.

Guterres, who served Portugal as prime minister from 1995 to 2002, is also know as a 'tireless champion' of migrants: A fervent Catholic, he is known to have fought unflaggingly for migrants' rights over a decade as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.

He had repeatedly warned that millions of refugees fleeing Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere would turn to Europe if nations like Turkey and Jordan did not receive more help to cope with their refugee populations.

Wealthy countries had to take in more, he exhorted.

"When people say they cannot receive Syrian refugees because they are Muslims, those that say it are supporting terrorist organisations and allowing them to be much more effective in recruiting people," he said in December just before he stepped down as UN refugee chief.

Guterres had also been touted to become the president of Portugal but he declined reasoning that he'd rather "play ball" than be "a referee".

"I like action, being on the ground, I like things that force me to permanently intervene," he said in an interview with Portuguese public television RTP in January.

Guterres became a widower in 1998. He remarried three years later. He has two children by his first wife.

Guterres is the first former head of government to become UN chief, a position that has been held by several foreign ministers, most of whom were chosen during closed-door meetings by the Security Council

What about his politics?

In 1995, when Guterres became prime minister, Portugal was undergoing rapid economic growth and enjoying nearly full employment, which allowed Guterres to set up a guaranteed minimum income, one of his government's flagship measures.

He is staunchly pro-EU and Guterres made meeting the criteria for membership in the euro single currency area a priority, and Portugal was among the 11 nations that adopted the common currency when it was launched in 1999.

Under his watch, the Socialists were re-elected in 1999, again without an absolute majority in parliament.

As with every politician, he does come with the so-called flaws.

His detractors blame him for contributing to the victory of the "no" side in a 1998 referendum on a proposal to liberalise Portugal's strict law against abortion. Guterres allowed the referendum, but publicly opposed to the abortion law being changed.

Diplomatic efforts

In 1999, when East Timor (a former Portuguese colony) erupted into violence, after the territory voted in a referendum in favour of independence from Indonesia, Guterres led diplomatic efforts to convince the United Nations to intervene to restore peace.

His stewardship of Portugal's turn at the helm of the rotating presidency of the European Union during the first half of 2000 was considered a success.

Lisbon hosted the first EU-Africa summit and the European Commission adopted the so-called Lisbon Agenda which aimed to make the EU the "most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy" by 2010.

His popularity in Portugal, however, waned during this time as the economy slowed.

Guterres resigned after the Socialists took a drubbing in local election at the end of 2001, saying he wanted to prevent the country from falling into a "political swamp".

He also abandoned Portuguese politics to focus on a diplomatic career abroad.

Reactions

India has welcomed the selection of Guterres as the next UN Secretary General. "Congratulations & Best wishes. India welcomes Antonio Manuel de Olivera Guterres as next Secretary General of @UN," India's Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.

Congratulations & Best wishes.

India welcomes Antonio Manuel de Olivera Guterres as next Secretary General of @UN pic.twitter.com/E7pEQWbSBQ  Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) October 6, 2016

France's Ambassador Francois Delattre said the choice of Guterres  who speaks French, English and Spanish as well as Portuguese  was "good news for the United Nations", while British envoy Matthew Rycroft said he will make a "very strong, effective secretary-general".

US Ambassador Samantha Power described Guterres' experience and vision as "compelling" and stressed the need for an effective leader at the UN helm during a time of multiple global crises.

Describing Guterres as "exceptional," Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said the result was "very good for the world, it is very good for the United Nations, it is very good for Portugal."

Human Rights Watch's UN director Louis Charbonneau said Guterres could "strike a radically new tone on human rights at a time of great challenge," but cautioned that he will be judged on his ability to stand up to the veto powers.

With inputs from agencies
BERLIN Politicians across Germany's political spectrum condemned the the leader of the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party after she was reported comparing societies including migrants to compost heaps. Frauke Petry, whose party has made big regional gains this year and is expected to win federal parliamentary seats next year, made the comments in a speech in Stuttgart on Monday, according to the online edition of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.Pouring scorn in the idea that migrants made societies more diverse, she said: "What should we make of the campaign 'Germany is Colourful'? A compost heap is colourful, too," according to the report.No one at Petry's office was available to comment on the quotes or confirm she said them.Conservatives, Social Democrats and Greens - whose parties have all been shaken by the AfD's rise - united to condemn the comments.

"The business model of these people is to scare people," Conservative Thomas Strobl, interior minister of the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, told FAZ.net, calling the comments "revolting"."Frau Petry's verbal baiting has reached a new level. People are systematically demeaned and played off against each other," said Social Democrat Leni Breymaier.

The AfD was created in 2013 as an anti-euro party but Petry ousted the AfD's founder and shifted the party to the right, playing to fears about migration. Since the arrival of about 900,000 refugees in Germany last year, it has made big gains and is now represented in 10 of Germany's 16 states.Most of Merkel's conservatives rule out the possibility of forming an alliance with the AfD. However, a handful have recently backed the idea. Conservative Hermann Winkler told Super Illu magazine the conservatives should contemplate such a coalition to avoid "heading towards a left Republic".

An INSA poll this week showed support for the AfD down half a percentage point from last week at 15 percent but still up around 9 points from a year ago. (Reporting by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Andrew Heavens)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Baghdad: Iraq has requested an emergency UN Security Council session over the presence of Turkish troops in northern Iraq, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday, a development that could further increase tension between the two neighbors.

Turkey-Iraq relations became strained after Ankara late last year sent troops to the region of Bashiqa, northeast of Mosul, to train anti-Islamic State fighters there  a move Baghdad considers a "blatant violation" of its sovereignty. Iraq has demanded Turkish withdrawal but Ankara has ignored the call.

Baghdad is now asking the Security Council for the emergency session to discuss "Turkish violations on the Iraqi soil and the interference in its internal affairs," said the ministry spokesman, Ahmad Jamal.

Jamal said Iraq also asked the council to "shoulder its responsibility and adopt a resolution to end to the Turkish troops' violation of Iraq's sovereignty" and "intensify international support" ahead a major Iraqi military operation to take back Mosul from Islamic State militants.

Earlier this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed Ankara's willingness to join the imminent battle for Mosul. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim later warned that the operation could spark Shiite-Sunni sectarian tensions if the majority Sunni region around Mosul were to be placed under Shiite militia control after the offensive.

Meanwhile, Iraq's parliament adopted a resolution denouncing the extension of Turkish troops' presence, asking the government to consider them as "occupation forces." Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Ankara's insistence on maintaining troops in Iraq could lead to "regional warfare."

Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, is the Islamic State group's last remaining urban stronghold in Iraq. The government is now gearing up for the Mosul offensive and has pledged to recapture the city from IS this year.
Washington: The southern US state of Texas executed an inmate who had dropped all appeals and asked to be put to death for murdering his neighbors 13 years ago.

The authorities carried out the scheduled execution of Barney Fuller, 58, in the state with the nation's busiest death chamber, amid a decline in the use of capital punishment across the country.

"I don't have anything to say, you can proceed Warden Jones," Fuller said in his last statement before Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials administered a lethal injection  the state's first execution in six months.

Fuller was pronounced deceased at 7:01 pm (2401 GMT), becoming the 16th prisoner to be executed in the United States this year.

He was convicted in the grisly murders of his neighbors, Nathan and Annette Copeland, in May 2003.

The couple had filed a complaint after receiving a threatening phone call from Fuller, a weapons enthusiast, the indictment against him read.

Enraged about an order to appear in court, Fuller drank all night before going to their home armed with several guns.

He used a semi-automatic rifle to spray the front of the Copeland home with some 60 bullets, reloading three times.

Fuller then forced his way inside. He shot the husband in the bedroom, and the wife in a bathroom where she was hiding, court documents said.

Just before being shot, Annette Copeland had dialed 911 and the operator clearly heard Fuller say "Party's over, bitch!"

Fuller then twice shot the couple's 14-year-old son, who survived. He was not able to find their 10-year-old daughter because he couldn't locate the light switch in her room.

Fuller gave up all appeals last year, saying the living conditions on death row were unbearable.

He was the 143rd death row inmate to "volunteer" for execution since 1977, according to the Death Penalty Information Center website.

The low number of executions carried out so far this year reflects a combination of factors: a shortage of the drugs used in lethal injections, a decline in the number of capital punishment verdicts and indictments, and an uptick in appeals which raise the final cost of executions.
ISTANBUL A bomb attached to a motorbike exploded near a police station in southwest Istanbul on Thursday wounding 10 people, the provincial governor said.The blast occurred in the Yenibosna neighbourhood, several kilometres from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, the country's largest. Television footage showed damaged vehicles, shattered glass and broken windows in the residential area. Governor Vasip Sahin said all of the wounded were civilians and that investigations into who might be reponsible were ongoing. There were no immediate claims of responsibility on Thursday.

Kurdish, leftist and Islamic State militants have all carired out bomb attacks across Turkey in the past. The last blast in Istanbul was in June, a month before an attempted coup to overthrow President Tayyip Erdogan's government, when 45 people were killed in a triple suicide bombing at the airport. That attack was blamed on Islamic State.

There have been other attacks in the east of the country, including the bombing of a wedding party near the city of Gaziantep in August, when more than 50 people were killed.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Osman Orsal; Writing by Luke Baker; Editing by Daren Butler and Dominic Evans)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Some 3,000 people checked into shelters across Florida, a judge in coastal Georgia suspended a murder trial and deputies in South Carolina fatally shot a motorist during a dispute over an evacuation route as Hurricane Matthew inched closer to the Atlantic coast.

On Wednesday night, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal urged more than 522,000 residents of six coastal counties to voluntarily evacuate with the threat of Hurricane Matthew approaching the region. An evacuation hasn't been seen in coastal Georgia in 17 years.

On Tybee Island, home to Georgia's largest public beach, Loren Kook loaded up his pickup truck with suitcases and a computer late Wednesday afternoon to hit the road to metro Atlanta.

"It seems like a lot of the longtime residents are staying," said Kook, who moved to the coast four years ago. "I've never sat through a Category Whatever. I'll watch it on TV."

Authorities say 35-year-old Lucas M. Felkel of Moncks Corner died shortly after 7 pm on Wednesday after he was shot and wounded by deputies during an altercation on Wednesday afternoon over a Hurricane Matthew evacuation route.

Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis told local news outlets it happened about 5:30 pm Wednesday in Moncks Corner when the man came to a check point, knocked down traffic cones and sped off.

The sheriff said when deputies caught up with the driver a few miles away he pointed a gun at them and started shooting. Lewis said the deputies shot back, wounding the man who was taken to the hospital where he later died.

In the coastal Georgia city of Brunswick, a judge suspended the murder trial for a man charged with leaving his son to die in a hot car until Monday because of the impending storm.

In the Sunshine State, the Florida Division of Emergency Management said 48 shelters set up in schools already are providing for just over 3,000 people, mostly in coastal counties. Another 13 special needs shelters are currently housing 31 people.

These shelters are in areas where evacuations  either mandatory or voluntary  are underway.

Patients are being transferred from two waterfront hospitals and a nursing home near Daytona Beach to centers away from the coast.

Officials at Florida's major airports said Thursday they are monitoring conditions as Matthew bears down on the state and warned of delays or cancellations. On its website, Fort Lauderdale International Airport announced plans to close at 10:30 a.m. Officials advised travelers to check with individual airlines about flight plans.

As Matthew put the US in its sights, about 2 million people were encouraged to head inland ahead of the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade. Matthew killed at least 16 people in the Caribbean as it cut through Haiti, Cuba and the Bahamas.

The storm is forecast to near the Florida coast starting Thursday night, potentially as a Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds. Any slight deviation could mean landfall or it heading farther out to sea. Either way, forecasters say it will come close enough to wreak havoc along the lower part of the East Coast, dumping up to 15 inches in rain in some spots. Storm surge of 5 feet to 8 feet was expected along the coast from central Florida into Georgia.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said tropical storm conditions with rain and wind are first expected in the state later Thursday morning.

John Long, who lives in the town of Cape Canaveral, said he's staying put in spite of the warnings.

"The hype is going to be worse than the actual storm. I feel I can do quite well," said Long, who owns a bike shop and plans to ride out the storm with his cat in his 32-foot recreational vehicle a half-mile from the ocean. He has lived in the Space Coast area for three decades.

"There's always tremendous buildup and then it's no stronger than an afternoon thunderstorm. I'm not anticipating that much damage," he said Wednesday.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has urged people to reconsider.

"This is a dangerous storm," Scott said. "The storm has already killed people. We should expect the same impact in Florida."

Similar warnings were issued in Georgia and the Carolinas, where the storm is expected to arrive by the weekend. The last Category 3 storm or higher to hit the United States was Wilma in October 2005. It made landfall with 120 mph winds in southwest Florida, killing five people as it slashed across the state.

In South Carolina, Gov. Nikki Haley reversed the lanes of Interstate 26 for the first time on Wednesday so that all lanes of traffic were headed west and out of Charleston. Plans to reverse the lanes were put in place after hourslong traffic jams during Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

Haley planned to call for more evacuations Thursday, which would bring the total to about 500,000 people in the state. Florida urged or ordered about 1.5 million to leave the coast, said Jackie Schutz, spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Scott. About 50,000 people were told to go in Georgia.

Early Thursday, Matthew's center was about 215 miles southeast of West Palm Beach, Florida, and slogging ever closer at a clip of 12 mph.
Taking a leaf out of the Donald Trump playbook, the Pakistanis have flown down their talkathon specialists on Kashmir straight into Washington DC to unleash some bluster during Obama's last months in the White House and they got a public dressing down straightaway.

The smackdown came via Senge Sering, Director of the Gilgit-Baltistan National Congress: "You occupy one-third of Kashmir (in Pakistan), and an occupier cannot be a friend of Kashmir on the other side (in India). You have been exploiting resources in Gilgit-Baltistan, without paying royalty or compensation, a single penny for the last 70 years, I call you a thief in Gilgit-Baltistan and a thief in Gilgit-Baltistan cannot be a friend in Jammu and Kashmir," Sering tore into the visiting Pak team.

This is even as Pakistans prime minister Nawaz Sharif accused his military chiefs of leading the country into diplomatic isolation by failing to act against Islamist terror groups.

Nawaz Sharif's special envoy on Kashmir Pakistan senator Mushahid Hussain Syed and Pakistan member of Parliament from Nankana Sahib Dr. Shezra Mansab Khan spoke at an almost 2 hour long session on Kashmir at an Atlantic Council event moderated by Dr Bharath Gopalaswamy.

Both the talking heads kept hammering away that Kashmir is a disputed issue, any talks with India must put Kashmir first, that Kashmiris need "azaadi" and that the Indian army's pellet guns have hurt hundreds of innocents and sidestepped the question of how terrorists like Hafiz Saeed roam the streets of Pakistan. Timing their visit to coincide with the American preoccupation with US Elections, the Pakistan team said Obama got the Pakistan policy all wrong and offered lessons to India's prime minister Modi from across the Atlantic.

"When you talk of peace in Kabul, you have to ensure that Kashmir is not burning," Syed said threatening that Pakistan will not allow Kabul to remain peaceful if the US did not intervene in Kashmir.

The embedded video covers about 50 minutes of the talk.
India signed the Paris Climate treaty last Sunday, on Gandhi Jayanti. Did India do it on its own volition? Was it in national interest to ratify this agreement? If that was so, why was India dragging its feet, all this while earning the opprobrium of the United States of America? Was India browbeaten into signing the accord by President Barack Obama, who wants to go down in history as the architect of the Paris Climate treaty?

Consider the following facts.

The Paris agreement came about last year under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). To be effective, this agreement required the ratification of at least 55 states, representing 55 percent of global emissions. The United States and China, the two biggest polluters, ratified the Paris Treaty during the G-20 summit last month (in early September) and exhorted other nations to follow suit without further delay.

But India had refused to be coerced to accept a deadline. The Prime Ministers sherpa for G-20, Dr Arvind Panagariya, was categorical that India needed a flexible time scale for the ratification of the Paris deal. "We are not quite ready yet in terms of domestic actions that are required to ratify or at least commit to ratify within 2016," he had said last month.

It is an open secret that India has made it clear to the United States and other Western nations that it would be able to meet its emission reduction targets only if it expands its capacity to produce nuclear energy and that would be difficult to achieve without the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had made it clear in a statement on 19 June this year.

Though the US has formally endorsed Indias claim for NSG membership, China has persistently opposed it. India wanted the US to leverage its influence on China to help India succeed in its mission. India was delaying the ratification of the Paris treaty as a bargaining chip. It was not surprising that once the NSG bid failed, on 24 June, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a formal statement: "An early positive decision by the NSG would have allowed us to move forward on the Paris Agreement."

As a matter of fact, the India-US joint statement on climate change issued during Prime Minister Narendra Modis US visit in June this year did not include any commitment to ratify the Paris agreement, latest by the end of 2016. The US insisted on this deadline, but India raised issues of domestic compulsion and deferred the matter.

As late as the first week of September, India had refused to accept the December 2016 deadline, but hardly three weeks later, the Prime Minister announced the decision to ratify the treaty and to submit the documents to the United Nations on 2 October, in just about a weeks time.

What transpired in these three weeks to warrant this change of stance, if not exactly a u-turn, in approving the climate change treaty?

Was it because of the personal intervention of the US president, who considers Paris agreement his legacy and wanted his 'friend' Narendra Modi to support him to make the treaty a reality before he virtually bows out of office in November? And, was it that the Indian prime minister obliged "my friend Barack", and ratified the treaty even if he had to go against the grain?

We need to pause and consider: Doesnt the Paris agreement serve the greater interest of the United States than India? Isnt it that the Paris deal sounded a death knell to Indias war-cry on climate justice? India had insisted in the past that developed countries must share the larger burden to reduce emissions and developing countries must be allowed greater leeway in emissions to fulfill their historical requirement of developmental needs.

The Paris deal, however, did not set any target for the rich nations to aggressively reduce their emissions. It took pride in the fact that it did not discriminate between the nations; that it sought to universalise the effort to reduce emissions. But then this universalisation is in fact inequitous; it negates the fundamental basis of the climate justice campaign  that those who have polluted the environment the most in the past must take the sharpest cut in the emissions now.

Another concomitant of the equity argument that India had espoused for decades was that the rich developed nations must compensate the poor backward countries generously with technological and financial support. The Paris agreement does not even specify what kind of technology support the developed countries would provide to the less developed ones for the latter to embark on a low-carbon growth. There are vague assurances of financial support by the rich to the poor countries, but those remain as mere assurances; they do not translate into concrete, time-bound action plans.

The Paris agreement was masterminded by the rich polluting countries; it contained all provisions to protect the economic interests of these countries. The poor countries were given a raw deal. Still India, which had consistently been the spokesperson for the developing economies for decades, chose to give up its 'spoiler' tag and become a conformist.

Barack Obama cast a spell and Narendra Modi fell for it. India was the clear loser. So also are the developing nations who have been following Indias lead for decades.
United Nations: The Paris Agreement on climate change will enter into force on 4 November as enough countries have signed onto the landmark accord to bring it to the emissions threshold that will trigger its implementation, UN chief Ban Ki-moon has said.

"This is a momentous occasion," Secretary-General said after the deal was ratified by 72 countries accounting for more than 56 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

"Global momentum for the Paris Agreement to enter into force in 2016 has been remarkable. What once seemed unthinkable is now unstoppable. Strong international support for the Paris Agreement entering into force is a testament to the urgency for action, and reflects the consensus of governments that robust global cooperation, grounded in national action, is essential to meet the climate challenge," he added.

India, the world's third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, had ratified the Paris climate agreement on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary on 2 October, becoming the 62nd country to deposit its legal instrument of ratification for the climate pact and bringing the global pact "tantalizingly" close to entering into force.

Ban had "warmly" congratulated India for ratifying and formally joining the Paris Agreement, and had said Indias leadership moves the world an important step closer toward the 55 per cent threshold needed for the historic agreement's entry into force this year.

India accounts for 4.1 per cent of the emissions and after it joined the agreement, the Paris pact had needed slightly more than three percentage points to reach the 55 per cent threshold to enter into force. The requirements for entry into force were satisfied on Wednesday when Austria, Bolivia, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Malta, Nepal, Portugal and Slovakia, as well as the European Union, deposited their instruments of ratification with the Secretary-General.

The Agreement will now enter into force in time for the Climate Conference (COP 22) in Morocco in November, here

countries will convene the first Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement. Countries that have not yet joined may participate as observers.

The UN Chief however cautioned that the work of implementing the agreement still lay ahead. "Now we must move from words to deeds and put Paris into action. We need all hands on deck  every part of society must be mobilised to reduce emissions and help communities adapt to inevitable climate impacts," he stressed.

"I urge all governments and all sectors of society to implement the Paris Agreement in full and to take urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen climate resilience, and support the most vulnerable in adapting to inevitable climate impacts," he said.

Adopted in Paris by the 195 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change at a conference known as COP21 last December, the Agreement calls on countries to combat climate change and to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low-carbon future, as well as to adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change.

Specifically, it seeks to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The pact  which was signed in New York in April by 175 countries at the largest, single-day signing ceremony in history  will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse emissions, deposit their instruments of ratification, acceptance or accession with the Secretary-General

Specifically, the Agreement calls on countries to combat climate change and to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low-carbon future, and to adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change.

It also aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change.

The Agreement calls for appropriate financial flows, a new technology framework and an enhanced capacity-building framework to support action by developing countries and the most vulnerable countries in line with their own national objectives.

Enhanced transparency of action and support through a more robust transparency framework, are also among the key aims.
Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told all his critics to "go to hell" on Thursday as he renewed his threats to kill, after a poll showed Filipinos overwhelmingly endorsed his deadly war on crime.

Duterte's unprecedented crime crackdown has raised fears of mass extrajudicial killings with more than 3,000 people killed since he took office on 30 June, prompting global condemnation led by the United States, the United Nations and the European Union.

However, 76 percent of Filipinos are "satisfied" with Duterte's performance, according to a poll by Social Weather Stations released on Thursday. Just 11 percent of people surveyed said they were "dissatisfied" and the rest were undecided.

"I would like to just give an advice to all the human rights (critics) shouting now, local or international, I said you can all go to hell for it is never wrong for a president and the police and the military to protect its citizens," Duterte said.

Duterte was speaking at a ceremony where he announced rewards of up to $5,100 each for "best performing" police officers in his crime crackdown, which is officially called "Double Barrel".

The Social Weather Stations survey signalled a huge jump in support from the May elections, which Duterte won in what was considered a landslide but still with just 37.6 percent of the votes.

In the Philippines, the presidential election is decided simply by whoever gets the most votes, and his nearest rival secured 22.6 percent.

Near-record popularity

Only one other president has enjoyed higher popularity ratings three months into their presidency since democracy was restored in 1986 following the fall of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

That president was Fidel Ramos, who ruled from 1992-1998 and is now one of Duterte's chief allies.

Under the constitution that was re-written post-Marcos, presidents are only allowed to serve a single term of six years.

Duterte, a provincial politician, stormed to victory largely on his pledge to eradicate crime in six months.

He promised that tens of thousands of people would be killed in his crime crackdown and that he would pardon himself and police if they were charged with mass murder.

Since taking office on 30 June, Duterte has continued his threats and incitements to kill, while unleashing abusive tirades at his critics.

Last week he said he would be "happy to slaughter" three million drug addicts, as he likened his crime war to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's efforts to exterminate Jews.

Following an international outcry, Duterte apologised to Jewish people for his Hitler reference but insisted he was "emphatic" in his desire to kill all drug addicts.

Duterte insisted on Thursday that threatening to kill people did not break any laws.

"There is no crime at all when I say do not destroy the youth of this land because I will kill you," he said.

Duterte also repeated that police were killing only in self-defence. He has previously said many of the other unexplained deaths are a result of gang violence, and are not by state-sponsored death squads as alleged by some rights groups.

Anti-US rage

Duterte has rejected international criticism by calling US President Barack Obama a "son of a whore" and telling him to "go to hell", sticking his finger up while saying "fuck you" to the European Union and branding UN chief Ban Ki-moon a "fool".

Duterte has also threatened to break the Philippines' decades-old alliance with the United States, its former colonial ruler, because of Washington's criticism over the crime war.

Obama has urged Duterte to respect the rule of law and fight crime "the right way".

While abusing Obama, he has complained about a lack of respect from his US counterpart and said he now wants to forge much closer ties with China and Russia.

His foreign secretary, Perfecto Yasay, maintained the rage on Thursday with the release of a lengthy statement headlined: "America has failed us".

"The United States held on to invisible chains that reined us in towards dependency and submission as little brown brothers not capable of true independence and freedom," Yasay said.
Rameswaram: Sri Lankan Naval personnel allegedly attacked Tamil Nadu fishermen with stones besides ramming and sinking a mechanised boat and destroying fishing nets of several other vessels off Dhanushkodi, a Fishermen Association functionary said on Thursday.

The Lankan naval personnel cut fishing nets of about 70 boats and pelted stones and bottles forcing more than 2,000 fishermen to flee and return to the shore here this morning, Tamil Nadu Mechanised Fishermen Association President P Sesuraja told reporters here.

Windscreens of some of the boats suffered damage, he said.

The fishermen from this region had put out to sea in 437 mechanised fishing boats last night and were fishing off Dhanushkodi sea when Lankan Naval personnel allegedly rammed their vessel against one of the boats, Sesuraja said.

Under the impact of the collision, the boat broke into two pieces and sank, he claimed, adding five fishermen on board were left to struggle in the sea till fellow fishermen rescued them.

The latest incident comes a day after five fishermen from Pudukottai district were detained by Sri Lankan Naval personnel along with their boat.

Condemning the incident, Sesuraja said such an attack taking place when Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was on a visit to India and holding talks with his counterpart Narendra Modi caused deep anguish.

"When the Prime Ministers of the two countries are holding talks, the attack on Indian fishermen has taken place. It causes deep anguish. The two leaders should find a permanent solution to the recurring problem," he told PTI.

Stating that the livelihood of the state fishermen was at stake, he said the two countries should hold talks and find a permanent solution to the problem of fishing in the Palk Strait.

An early resolution of the issue was important as more than 100 seized boats of Tamil Nadu fishermen were anchored in Lankan waters and faced the danger of suffering damage in view of the coming North East monsoon, he added.

Meanwhile, several fishermen staged a protest in this town, condemning the attack, and resolved to go on an indefinite strike.

Fishermen here have decided to boycott fishing from today, said General Secretary of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Fishermen Association, MJ Bose.
BEIRUT Syrian government forces seized around half of a key opposition-held neighbourhood in Aleppo on Thursday in a new advance against rebels, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said.The British-based Observatory said fighting had been raging in the residential Bustan al-Basha quarter near the city centre, one of the frontlines in Aleppo which has been divided for years between government and opposition areas of control.The Syrian military also said in a statement that its forces had advanced in Bustan al-Basha - though an official in an Aleppo-based rebel group denied there had been a government advance in the area.

Government forces have encircled Aleppo's rebel-held eastern sector in recent weeks with the use of heavy aerial bombardment and are seeking to recapture the whole city.

(Reporting by John Davison; Editing by Andrew Heavens)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Steve Holland

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON Donald Trump has backed away from a total ban on Muslims entering the United States, vice presidential running mate Mike Pence said on Thursday, a shift from one of the Republican presidential candidate's most provocative proposals.Trump's call last December for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States" followed an Islamic State-inspired mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, by a husband-and-wife team.Critics have called the proposed ban discriminatory and probably a violation of the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of freedom of religion, and Democrats have used Trump's policy to declare him a bigot.

In recent months, Trump has said he would suspend immigration from countries where Islamist militants are active but has left vague as to whether this amounted to a narrowing or an expansion of his original policy position.Pence said in a round of television interviews that if elected on Nov. 8, Trump would suspend immigration from "countries that have been compromised by terrorism."Asked if this amounted to a ban on Muslims, Pence said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" show: "Of course not."

On CNN's "New Day," Pence was asked why, given that he had been against the ban before becoming Trump's running mate, he was not opposing it now."

"Well, because it's not Donald Trump's position now," replied Pence. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Alistair Bell)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Lahore: Two members of the dreaded terror group Islamic State (IS) who were plotting attacks on Pakistan Army's buildings and other security installations have been arrested from the Punjab province in Lahore.

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab Police arrested the IS members on Wednesday from the Lahore Cantonment area where they were planning to target some army buildings, a CTD spokesman said.

"CTD received intelligence reports that some terrorists were planning to attack sensitive government installations in the cantonment area and other parts of the city," he said.

The CTD team raided a house and arrested two suspected terrorists and shifted them to an investigation centre for interrogation.

He said they also recovered a sizable amount of explosives, accessories, including cord, electric circuits, batteries and detonators.

The CTD official said both suspects belonged to banned IS group.

Last month, the CTD had arrested over a dozen members of IS from different parts of the Punjab province.
Rome: Departing UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday hailed his likely successor Antonio Guterres as a "superb choice", ahead of the former Portuguese prime minister's expected backing by the Security Council.

"I know Mr Guterres very well and consider him a superb choice," Ban, who has served as UN chief since January 2007, said in Rome, where he was meeting the Italian president.

"He has experience as PM in Portugal. His wide knowledge of world affairs and his lively intellect will serve him well in leading the UN in a critical period."

The UN Security Council is poised to formally back Guterres later Thursday as the world body's next secretary general.

His path to leading the world body was smoothed in a decisive Security Council vote Wednesday, during which 13 of the 15 members backed his candidacy and none of the five veto-holding powers blocked him.

The Security Council was expected to hold a formal vote on the matter later Thursday.
Geneva: The UN's Syria envoy on Thursday made an impassioned appeal to save eastern Aleppo, warning the city faced total destruction and urging Islamist fighters to leave so civilians can get aid.

"In maximum two months, two and half months the city of eastern Aleppo may be totally destroyed", Staffan de Mistura told reporters in Geneva.

The rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo has been hammered by a Russian-backed government offensive, including multiple attacks on hospitals.

De Mistura noted that the presence of Al-Nusra fighters in the city has been used as a justification by Moscow and Damascus for the continued assault.

The former Al-Nusra Front has recently changed its name to Fateh al-Sham Front following a break with Al-Qaeda, but many still see the two groups as tied.

"Can you please look at my eyes", de Mistura said in a direct appeal to Nusra leaders, before pleading with them to quit Aleppo.

Urgin al-Qaida-linked fighters in the rebel-held eastern parts of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo to leave the area, he said "if you decide to leave with dignity... I am personally ready to physically accompany you".

Staffan de Mistura also asked Russian and Syrian forces if they would immediately stop their "aerial bombing" of Aleppo, provided militants from the Fatah al-Sham Front group leave the city.

He said the militant are in essence holding "hostage" roughly 275,000 people in Aleppo. The UN considers the Nusra Front a terrorist group.

De Mistura says a maximum of 900 Nusra Front fighters would "need some guarantees" that they would be allowed safe passage to Idlib province. He spoke to reporters in Geneva on Thursday.

With inputs from agencies
By Kate Kelland

Officials from the U.S. government's health research agency are to be questioned by a congressional committee about why taxpayers are funding a World Health Organization cancer agency facing criticism over how it classifies carcinogens.An aide to the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform told Reuters that National Institutes of Health officials have agreed to attend a hearing after questions were raised by lawmakers over its grants to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a semi-autonomous part of the WHO based in Lyon, France.The hearing will be in private, with NIH officials answering questions from "committee investigators", the aide said. No date has been set, but the hearing is expected in the coming weeks."We're currently working with NIH to schedule the briefing soon," the aide told Reuters.The hearing comes after the committee's chairman added his voice to growing concerns among some senior U.S. lawmakers about the way IARC reviews and classifies substances.In recent years IARC has caused controversy over whether such things as coffee, mobile phones, processed meat and the weed killer glyphosate cause cancer. In a Sept. 26 letter to NIH director Francis Collins, Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz describes IARC as having "a record of controversy, retractions, and inconsistencies" and asks why the NIH, which has a $33 billion annual budget, continues to fund it. "IARC's standards and determinations for classifying substances as carcinogenic, and therefore cancer-causing, appear inconsistent with other scientific research, and have generated much controversy and alarm," Chaffetz wrote.The NIH did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A WHO spokesperson referred Reuters to IARC for comment. A spokeswoman for IARC told Reuters that Chaffetz's letter contained "misconceptions" which IARC's director, Chris Wild, has sought to address in his own letter to the NIH director.Wild's letter, dated Oct. 5 and copied via email to Reuters on Thursday, rejects Chaffetz's criticisms and says IARC's classifications, known as "monographs", are "widely respected for their scientific rigour, standardized and transparent process and ... freedom from conflicts of interest".Wild also defends IARC's evaluation of coffee and disputed Chaffetz's description of it as a "retraction". IARC's previous assessment of coffee as "possibly carcinogenic" was updated in June this year, when IARC said it had found "no conclusive evidence for a carcinogenic effect"."The (coffee) report in 2016 was not a 'retraction' but a re-evaluation based on an additional 25 years of scientific evidence," Wild said.

FULL DISCLOSURE

Chaffetz, however, asks the NIH to detail its standards for awarding grants and the vetting and oversight of grantees. It also asks for full disclosure of NIH funds to IARC or money spent in relation to IARC's activities.Questions over grants awarded by NIH to IARC could put a significant portion of IARC's funding at risk.IARC's resources are relatively modest. Its 2014 revenue was about 30 million euros ($33 million).In his letter, Chaffetz's cites the NIH's grant database as showing that it has given IARC more than $1.2 million so far this year. The database also shows that since 1992, NIH grants to IARC have totalled some $40 million.

The American Chemistry Council also joined those voicing concern, issuing a statement following Chaffetz's letter accusing IARC of "a long history of passing judgment on substances through a fundamentally-flawed process that yields questionable results"."We welcome the interest of the House Committee ... and hope it will shed light on the close and somewhat opaque relationship between IARC and NIH, including the use of taxpayer dollars and resources to support IARC's activities," it said.IARC is also in dispute with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and United Nations and United States regulators over glyphosate, an ingredient of widely-used weed killers. IARC says glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic", while EFSA and several other regulators say it isn't. This dispute prompted Robert Aderholt, chairman of the U.S. congressional Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, to write in June to NIH's Collins questioning funding of IARC.In that letter, Aderholt says IARC's conclusions "appear to be the result of a significantly flawed process" and adds that "some in academia have raised questions about the quality of the science and the transparency of the process". The glyphosate dispute also held up a decision on whether to relicense the product for use in Europe. ($1 = 0.8941 euros) (Reporting by Kate Kelland; editing by Giles Elgood)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
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Cooler temperatures are here, and we have even seen some snow in the higher elevations. This does tend to help out hunters, as well as the moon phase we have this week.

It has been a very productive week for hunters in southern Idaho. Many new hunts opened this past weekend for elk and antelope, while bowhunters are still wandering the hills in a couple of the southern units.

Antelope: Antelope hunters are still having good success here in our southern regions. The northern part of Unit 46 seems to be quite a hot spot for those with that tag. Unit 54 has limited tags, but some decent trophies are coming out of that unit. Most of the antelope units are open until Oct. 24.

Deer: Several controlled any-weapon hunts opened yesterday, with the rest of the controlled units opening Oct. 10. The horn growth this year is very favorable for those looking for a wall hanger. Units 54, 55 and 47 should produce some great bucks this year. The overall deer numbers are good, so those looking to fill the freezers should have a better than normal chance to bag their trophies.

Elk: Several elk hunts are on right now, with more opening within the next week or so. Hunters in the northern units are reporting the elk are still fairly high in elevation, but as the weather turns it should help bring them down to lower areas. There are a few either-sex elk hunts open, most with short-range weapons, in our area for those who did not draw a controlled tag this year. Please check the regulations for those opportunities.

Please be careful while out in the field, and take a kid hunting if you have the chance. See you next week.
TWIN FALLS  New single-family home starts were up, but new commercial building permits were down from the prior year as the city rounded out its fiscal year in September.

The total number of all permits increased 2.9 percent, according to the citys latest building permit report released Tuesday. The estimated value of work for all permits was down 11.6 percent.

Building official Jarrod Bordi expects to see the momentum continue, as the city has received inquiries for new restaurants and hotels.

New single-family starts are up, which is impressive because last year was a pretty good year, he said.

The city issued 236 permits from October 2015 to September 2016, an increase of six from the previous year. Bordi said the city hasnt seen these numbers since 2007. These permits are for new home starts all over town, wherever lots are available.

The reason behind the housing boom?

I think its folks wanting to move into our community, and theres lots of jobs here, Bordi said.

Houses also appear to be getting bigger, as total valuation of work for new single-family homes issued a permit rose by $1 million to $47.7 million.

On the commercial side, while the city issued only 28 permits for new commercial buildings  compared to 59 the year before  Bordi noted the city issued 98 permits for commercial additions and remodels. At least of these, Sleep Number, was a remodel of shelled space from last year.

Even the commercial we did this year was pretty good, Bordi said.

This past months permits included a new rock climbing facility and wastewater headworks facility, and improvements for McDonalds on Kimberly Road and the Yellow Brick Cafe.

The number of commercial additions and remodels was up 30 percent, with a valuation of $32.2 million that was 40 percent higher than the 2015 fiscal year.

Twin Falls collected nearly $1.2 million in revenues from 3,271 permits with an estimated value of work of $143.2 million.
Volunteers  Idaho Home Health and Hospice needs volunteers who will bring compassion, support and dignity to those facing a serious, life-limiting illness and their families. Volunteers can choose between offering respite to family caregivers or provide support with administrative tasks. Information: Heidi Walker, 208-734-4064 or Heidi.Walker@LHCgroup.com.

Volunteers  Hospice Visions Inc. is looking for volunteers to visit with patients and their families, do minor home modifications such as grab bars, and also volunteer Light Touch Massage therapists, hair dressers, meal assist volunteers, and to play music and games with hospice patients. Volunteers are needed with licensed certified therapy animals to love our hospice patients in their own homes or assisted living centers. Hospice Visions is looking for volunteers interested in doing art projects with patients or filming and creating a Life Legacy Video, or to take someone to the store, run an errand or out for a drive. Veterans can become a Vet-to-Vet Volunteer and visit with other veterans. Volunteers are also needed to assist with fundraising events and provide office assistance. Information: Nora at 208-735-0121 or nwells@hospicevisions.org.

Volunteers  Interlink Volunteer Caregivers (IVC) provides volunteers to help elderly, disabled and chronically ill people to live safely and independently at home. Volunteers are needed in the Mini Cassia area and Magic Valley to help build wheelchair ramps and install grab bars. Volunteers are also needed to help with light housekeeping. Volunteers are reimbursed for mileage and covered with excess auto liability insurance. Commitment is flexible with no minimum hours required. Information: Edie, 208-733-6333 or ivcofmv@gmail.com.

Volunteers  St. Lukes Home Health and Hospice is looking for new volunteers to join its team to share compassion and care and increase the quality of life for patients and their families. The program is designed to offer companionship and socialization to patients as well as respite and support for the caregivers. Information: Marie Sharp, 208-814-7603 or sharpm@slhs.org.

Volunteers  The Senior Companion Program at the CSI Office on Aging needs volunteers, age 55 and older, to assist homebound seniors by providing friendly visits, transportation or other assistance as needed. Senior Companions make positive impacts by helping to improve the mental and emotional status of their clients. Senior Companions receive a stipend per hour of service (to income eligible seniors) and can work between 15 to 40 hours a week. They receive reimbursement for mileage, and training on age-related problems. Information: Dandre, 208-736-2122, or toll free, 800-574-8656.

Volunteers  The Twin Falls County Historical Society is seeking volunteers for various programs and general support. Volunteers are needed to paint, weed, clean or work on docent projects and fundraising. No minimum amount of hours, commitment is flexible. Fill out an application at the Twin Falls County Historical Museum (Union School at Curry), open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Information: 208-736-4675.

Volunteers  St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center is in need of volunteers for a variety of positions from shuttle drivers to care volunteers to gift shop volunteers and more. The medical center is looking for pleasant, and friendly individuals with a sincere interest in voluntary services offered to patients, visitors, employees and guests. Meet new people and learn new experiences and challenges. Information: Kim Patterson at 814-0861 or kimpa@slhs.org, or visit the Volunteer Services Office, lower level at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center; 801 Pole Line Road W., Twin Falls. Applications are available at the Front Information Desk.
BURLEY  A Malta man charged with three felony counts of rape has entered Alford plea on one count of rape as part of a plea agreement.

By using an Alford guilty plea a person does not admit to all the elements of a charge but admits prosecutors have enough evidence to show theyre guilty.

Gabriel Reyes-Villa was charged after police said he raped an 11-year-old girl multiple times.

Under the agreement, the state agrees to dismiss the remaining charges. The state will recommend two to 10 years in prison. If Reyes-Villa is released from jail and breaks the law, the state will not be bound by the agreement. The state may also seek restitution.

Reyes-Villa was originally charged with multiple counts of rape and lewd conduct with a child under 16.

The girl told police that Reyes-Villa raped her several times each week between July 2014 and Aug. 25, 2014 at his home in Malta.

Police said he offered the girl a car and money and gave her dolls in exchange for sex. Reyes-Villa made the girl and a 9-year-old boy watch pornographic movies, at one point telling the boy he needed to get used to it when he covered his eyes.

According to court records he was also convicted of beating a boy with an extension cord.

He is set to be sentenced Dec. 6 in Cassia County District Court.
SHOSHONE  Police increased patrols around schools Wednesday after someone claiming to be a clown sent online messages to children.

The messages said he planned to harm several students, a police statement said.

The threat hasnt been validated, but it frightened some students, Shoshone police chief Rene Rodriguez wrote.

But there are law enforcement officers in and around the school to further ensure the safety and security of all the students, he wrote.

The messages are similar to other hoax messages received across the country. More than a dozen people have been arrested for clown-related hoaxes in the past several weeks.

In Shoshone, some students received a vague clown threat via social media, school district superintendent Rob Waite said. It was something along the lines of were coming to Shoshone.

A student who didnt receive the threat talked with a teacher about it, who then notified the school principal.

I think all this stuff is a hoax, Waite said about the clown messages, adding theres no widespread panic at the school, but some students are legitimately worried about it.

The Shoshone Police Department has received other clown-related calls recently, but none have been legitimate, Rodriguez wrote. This appears to be a scare tactic to rattle our children and their parents.

Two Twin Falls schools  Vera C. OLeary Middle School and Lighthouse Christian School  took extra security precautions Monday after Twin Falls police found a possible scary clown threat.

The creepy clown phenomenon reached the Magic Valley last week.

Someone reported a man dressed as a clown chasing people on South Idaho Street in Wendell on Wednesday, police said. But police never found a suspect.

Then on Thursday, a student at Jerome High School received a text telling him something to the effect of, The Clown is coming to your school.
TWIN FALLS  Wiley Dobbs is sporting pink clothing every day in October as he raises money for breast cancer research.

Dobbs, whos superintendent of the Twin Falls School District, is participating in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign through the American Cancer Society.

Rupert resident Vicki Cole  who works for the Great West division of American Cancer Society  asked Dobbs, a cancer survivor, to participate.

Its the first year for the nationwide challenge, with more than 2,000 men participating.

Here in the Magic Valley, six men are each aiming to raise $2,500. Theyll also wear an item of pink clothing every day throughout October.

Money raised will go to the American Cancer Society for breast cancer education and research programs.

The nonprofit organization wanted a campaign that involves men, Cole said, because theyre also affected by breast cancer and support women in their lives who have the disease.

Its up to the participant how theyll raise the money, using outlets like social media, in-person solicitations and written requests.

This month, Dobbs will participate via his and the Twin Falls School Districts Facebook pages.

Dobbs was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma and received treatment in 1994 including surgery, six months of chemotherapy and two months of radiation.

Around that time, he was introduced to the Twin Falls Relay for Life. In 1995, his team from Vera C. OLeary Junior High School raised about $5,000  the most money of any school team that year.

Since then, Dobbs has been the honorary chairman twice for the event.

While undergoing cancer treatment more than two decades ago, Dobbs was principal at OLeary. The school banned wearing hats, so Dobbs didnt cover up his hair loss.

He said students sometimes told him he looked like Kermit the Frog because he was green and bald.

Dobbs continued working throughout his cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy is pretty rough, he said, especially back then. They almost kill you so you can live.

Dobbs had treatment every two weeks on Fridays. He recalls being out of it over the weekend and then returning to school Tuesday or Wednesday.

He finished cancer treatment in November 1994. Two days later, his youngest son  who is now 22  was born.

Dobbs remembers begging to live long enough to see both of his sons graduate from high school. He accomplished that goal.

Now, he wants to see both of his sons graduate from college. And eventually, he wants to see grandchildren graduate from high school.

Dobbs said: I keep extending that goal.
BOISE  The Idaho Board of Education and a legislative committee are seeking public input about how the states public schools are funded.

Starting Tuesday, an online survey is available for any Idahoan to provide comments.

The Idaho Legislatures public school funding formula interim committee is doing a complete study of the public school funding formula and making recommendations for improvement.

The survey can be accessed online at boardofed.idaho.gov, and all responses are anonymous.

The survey will be open for at least two weeks and results will be publicly reported back to the interim committee.
TWIN FALLS  Elizabeth Montague meant to return to her hometown for only a short time.

Now shes not sure when shell get to leave her hospital bed.

Montague lay in bed Friday at St. Lukes Medical Center in Twin Falls. Four days earlier, she was feeling sick and came to the hospital. The catheter that drains fluid from her lungs had become infected and had to be removed. Hospital stays have become a necessary step toward Montagues goal of getting healthy again.

Montague, 37, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. It was around the same time she was planning to return home to China with her husband, Liang Qi Chen, and their two children.

Montague was in Rupert to help her mother who was suffering from severe arthritis in her hips. As soon as she got better, Montague planned to move back.

But one morning, Montague woke up with a painful lump in her right breast.

I couldnt sleep on my side, she said. It was real painful.

She thought of cancer right away, but when she went to the doctor, she was told it couldnt be cancer. She was too young.

Even if you know there is a problem they blow you off if you are younger than 40, Montague said. They tried to pat me on my head and send me on my way.

A free mammogram at the South Central Public Health District office in Heyburn found the lump. A biopsy confirmed it was cancer.

The results were bittersweet.

Montague now thinks everyone should be screened for cancer, no matter your age.

I already knew, she said. In your heart of hearts you truly know. Your boobs are closer to your heart than your brain is.

Breast cancer is relatively rare in younger women. Fewer than 5 percent of all breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. occur in women younger than 40, and the risk of breast cancer increases with age.

Montague told her husband of her diagnosis through Skype.

It was really hard for him, she said.

Chen is a Chinese national who still lives and works in China. They have two daughters, ages 7 and 8, who live in Rupert with Montagues mother. Montague said her husband visits when he can. Since shes been at the hospital, Montague said, she calls her daughters every night before they go to bed.

Montague and Chen met on a bus when she was working in China teaching English. He was too good looking not to talk to, she said. Theyve been married for 10 years.

Though Montagues cancer is Stage 4  and has moved to her lungs, shoulder blade and back  shes always focusing on the next step to getting better.

How do I get out of this position I am in and get into a better one? she said.

Her treatment started with hormone therapy.

The hormone therapy required her to take a pill every day. It had no side effects but no results either.

Chemotherapy was another story.

Before her first treatment, Montague cut and donated her long blond hair.

Somebody might as well use it because Im not going to use it, she said.

With chemotherapy she experienced nausea, body aches and fatigue.

The chemo was interesting, she said. It does weird stuff to the senses.

It gave her chemo brain, which made her question what was her own memory and what was just a dream.

In December, she had a collapsed lung and was in the hospital for Christmas and New Years. She had a fluid sac around her heart drained twice. Shes been getting painful lesions on the nerves of her spine.

There shouldnt be pain like that, she said.

Melissa Osen, an oncology social worker, helped Montague fill out an insurance application shortly after her diagnosis. Over the past three years, Onsen said, Montagues positive outlook has never wavered.

Shes always really upbeat and outgoing, Osen said. Shes always interested in other people.

Montague finished chemotherapy in August. Her hair has started to come back in fine strands, but the cancer is still there.

They are trying to kill it and hope it lets go, she said. Its so aggressive. When Im in treatment, I can feel it.

The tumor in her breast is clinging to the muscle wall, which makes it difficult to remove.

The next step is radiation treatment. Montague said focusing on the next step is always important.

My trip on this earth might be a short one. At least its a pleasant one, she said. If you keep solving problems, you run out of problems. Just keep going forward.

They are trying to kill it and hope it lets go. Its so aggressive. When Im in treatment, I can feel it. Elizabeth Montague
Thank you for taking time to pick up and read our Pink Edition today, as we bring awareness to breast cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 296,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in an average year. That number means there is a new case every minute and 46 seconds. In the time you will spend reading todays edition, nine new cases will be diagnosed.

Too many of us have faced the harsh reality of breast cancer. And while great strides are being made to cure and prevent cancer, one of the most important factors in beating it is awareness. That is why your paper is pink today.

We hope you will take a few minutes to talk about breast cancer with those you love. Give a hug to those who have survived, or cherish a thought of a loved one who did not. But more important, take time to educate yourself on the risks and the warning signs. Make a commitment that you will visit with your doctor about it at your next checkup. Awareness is the first step.

Since we started our annual Pink Edition, we have donated more than $11,000 to area hospitals and support groups to help in the cause. We were able to help through generous support of our advertisers and readers like you.

Throughout the month of October, we will have pink newspaper sales racks around town to keep this top of mind. Proceeds from the sale of newspapers from the pink boxes will be donated to breast cancer research.

If just one person is helped through our efforts to bring awareness, then it is all worth it.

Please join us in bringing awareness to breast cancer by doing something about it.

We hope you enjoys todays edition.
Two weeks ago, a woman from New Jersey approached me in The Spaniard, a pub and restaurant in Kinsale, Ireland.

You look Irish, she said, but you sound American.

Thats easily explained, I answered.

All eight of my great-grandparents emigrated from Cork and Kerry to the United States during the late 19th century. Over there, Im an ethnic stereotype: a burly fellow with thick white hair wearing a collarless blue shirt from a local shop. Everybody looks like my cousin.

Frankly, wed decided to spend time in Kinsale, a fishing port and resort town on Irelands southern coast, to try it on for size. When wed visited there 10 years ago, Id felt very much at home. If push came to shove, how might it feel to live there?

Pretty good, I think. The Irish remain talkative and warm, eager to hear your story and tell theirs. (Even the pubs name  memorializing the Spanish armys 1601 occupation of Kinsale in a futile effort to support Celtic independence from England  goes a long way to explaining my dark eyes and suntan.)

OK, so it rains more days than not. Its also never hot and rarely cold. Sure, Id be halfway lost without the Boston Red Sox and the Arkansas Razorbacks, but only halfway. A man could certainly do worse than hiking Kinsales harbor trail out to Charles Fort of an afternoon, stopping en route to have Sinead or Fiona serve him a Guinness and a bowl of their ambrosial fish chowder.

Alternatively, a man could wake up to find himself in a country governed by an irascible, egomaniacal bully  a thin-skinned pathological liar and cheat. A race-baiter and serial womanizer who boasts about the friends wives hes seduced, and has even phoned newspapers pretending to be a press agent crowing about all the nookie Donald J. Trump gets.

Donald Trump is the worlds oldest middle school punk, incapable of governing his own big mouth, much less the worlds most indispensable democracy. One minute he brags that paying no income taxes makes me smart. The next he brazenly denies saying it, although 80 million viewers heard him.

I not only wouldnt buy a used car from the guy, I wouldnt trust him to walk my dogs. I wouldnt let him in my front door, nor leave him alone with a 13-year-old girl. Would you if the child were your daughter? No, you wouldnt.

I trust I have made myself clear.

Anyway, the good news is that emigration to Ireland wont be necessary. A Trump presidency is almost certainly never going to happen. When we left the country three weeks ago, some Democrats were beginning to panic over The Donalds seeming climb in the polls. Even somebody as skeptical as I am of the TV networks ratings-driven need to promote the presidential contest as a nip-and-tuck struggle couldnt help but be mildly alarmed.

But only mildly. For all the hugger-mugger, as Kevin Drum keeps calmly pointing out in Mother Jones, Trumps aggregate poll numbers have never topped 43 percent nationally. He trails convincingly in almost every must-win swing state except Ohio.

And then came the first presidential debate. Say anything you like about Hillary Clinton. The mismatch between the former Secretary of States intelligence, self-discipline and command of the issues and Trumps bluster couldnt have been more dramatic. If it had been a prize fight, Trump would have taken several standing eight-counts. Faced with an opponent he couldnt rattle, the GOP nominee appeared helpless: an angry, befuddled old man.

Next came what NBC News Benjy Sarlin and Alex Seitz-Wald described as the Worst Week in Presidential Campaign History. Try to imagine the next president of the United States getting baited into a 3 a.m. Twitter war with a former Miss Universe over her weight problems. Urging his 12 million followers to check out her seemingly non-existent sex tape.

Interestingly, BuzzFeed turned up a softcore Playboy video featuring tuxedoed Manhattan man-about-town Donald J. Trump introducing naked identical twins demonstrating the same kinds of Sapphic entanglements later exhibited by, yes, Melania Trump in a photo shoot you may also have seen.

Who could possibly make this stuff up?

Then, confronted with a New York Times blockbuster documenting that hes evidently paid no income taxes for 20 years, Trump reacted with a bizarre attack upon Hillary Clinton, mimicking her pneumonia-induced stumbling.

I dont even think shes loyal to Bill, you wanna know the truth, he told a Pennsylvania audience. And really folks, really, why should she be, right? Why should she be?

In other words, Salons Amanda Marcotte aptly noted, he hit the Big Six of misogynist slurs: Ugly, slutty, crazy, disloyal, deceitful and weak.

The Trump campaign now promises to hit Hillary hard on the critical Gennifer Flowers/Monica Lewinsky issue. Thatll definitely bring back wavering Republican women, wont it?

Dont kid yourselves: Its all over but the counting.
Morocco is crossing its fingers wishing that Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres will become the UNs next secretary General.

Guterres is set to become the next United Nations secretary-general, after he emerged as a clear favorite among the 15 Security Council members.

The Council members agreed to put his name forward to a formal vote. Afterwards, the decision will be formally submitted to the General Assembly for consideration.

Mr. Guterres, who served as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015, and 12 other candidates were in the running to succeed the current UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, who leaves office at the end of the year.

The secretary-general of the UN is appointed in a two-stage process. A candidate is first recommended by the Security Council, and must then be approved by the 193-member General Assembly.

Guterres, who was head of the UNs refugee agency for 10 years until 2015, emerged as the Security Councils runaway favorite after the latest in a series of straw polls on Wednesday.

For Morocco, the election of Guterres will breakaway with a period of tension with the UN marking the mandate of Ban Ki-moon, whose verbal blunders concerning the Sahara issue and his missteps stirred controversy and casted doubt on the neutrality of the UN on the Sahara issue.
A team from the International Criminal Court (ICC) is expected in the Palestinian territories as well as in Israel to discuss with leaders on both sides and to educate populations on the courts work, two years after the Gaza-Israel war.

The team, not including the courts head, Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, bashed expectations that it would start investigations of the 2014 war between Hamas in Gaza and Israel.

The trip, according to Bensouda, was not linked to her preliminary investigation into the war launched last year.

It is the first time an ICC team visits the conflict zone since the 2014 war, which caused death of more than 2,200 Palestinians including 551 children, and the death of 76 Israelis mostly soldiers.

The team will visit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ramallah but will not travel to Gaza where Israel has been accused of war crimes.

The team will hold talks with both Israeli and Palestinian officials and will organize working sessions to educate people on both sides on the work of Hague-based court.

The delegation will not engage in evidence collection in relation to any alleged crimes, Bensouda pointed out.

Neither will the delegation undertake site visits, or assess the adequacy of the respective legal systems to deal with crimes that fall within ICC jurisdiction.

Last year, Palestinians submitted a demand asking ICC to investigate war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza during the 50-day war. Israel; not a party of the court, lashed out at the Palestinian demand but accepted to cooperate with the court.

Israel also accused Hamas of war crimes for firing rockets on Israeli civilian neighborhood.
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.
South Africas Wits Universitys students clashed with police on Tuesday as they were voicing frustration over the cost of university education.

Police used tear gas, rubber bullets as well as stun grenades to disperse the protesters in order to prevent them from taking the protest action to the streets closest to the university, CNN reported.

The students leader, Mcebo Dlamini, who condemned police brutality was later arrested, CNN said.

The protesting students are demanding free education for all, despite the governments proposal of a tuition hike of up to eight percent.

Demonstrations over the cost of university education, which is prohibitive for many black students, have highlighted frustration at enduring inequalities in Africas most industrialized country more than two decades after the end of Apartheid.

The protests first erupted last year, then subsided as the government froze fee increases and set up a commission to look into the education funding system.

The demonstrations, under the banner #FeesMustFall#, led to the closure of some of the countrys top universities  and President Zuma ordered a freeze on tuition fees for a year.

According to the British broadcaster, The BBC universities in South Africa have three main sources of income: Government subsidies, student fees and private sources.

The number and financial background of students influence individual university subsidies, The BBC said.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the sale of two aircraft in the presidential fleet, in an apparent move to cut down the size of the fleet.

The two presidential aircraft, a Falcon 7x executive jet and Hawker 4000 have been advertised by the federal government on Tuesday.

The advertorial detailed the specification of the planes as well as their performance levels, indicating that they were in good condition.

Interested buyers can inspect the Falcon at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

As a reminder, Garba Shehu, the presidents senior special assistant on media and publicity, hinted in September that the number of aircraft in the fleet would be reduced.

There is a government committee already in place, working to reduce the number of aircraft in the presidential fleet. The move is in line with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari that aircraft in the Presidential air fleet be reduced to cut down on waste, he said on his twitter handle in September.

Shehu added that the exercise in respect of cutting down the fleet was still ongoing. In a response to a question about the remaining jets, he added, Some of the aircrafts will be handed over to the Nigerian Air force to boost their operations.

The call to trim the fleet has heightened in times of economic difficulty.

Africas most populous nation officially entered a state of economic recession for the first time in over 20 years.
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Amyloid plaques as blue dots in cells. Credit: Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

A study published today by researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine describes that certain proteins playing a role in cancer progression and metastasis are stored as amyloid bodies in dormant cancer cells. Once the amyloid bodies disaggregate, the cancer cells become active again. The findings were published in the journal Developmental Cell today.

Amyloid bodies are known to play a role in the development of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease but their contributions to the progression of cancer have been largely unknown. This discovery points to a new avenue for the treatment of various types of cancers by applying knowledge we have gained from neuroscience to tumor biology.

"The amyloid state of protein organization is typically associated with debilitating human neuropathies and rarely observed in physiology," said Stephen Lee, Ph.D., director of the Tumor Biology Program at Sylvester, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Miller School, and corresponding author of the study. "Yet, we found that a large number of proteins are stored as amyloid bodies in cancer cells that are dormant. The heat shock chaperone pathway can disaggregate the amyloid bodies and turn the dormant cancer cells into active, progressing cancer cells."

The team of researchers found that ribosomal intergenic noncoding RNA regulates the process of amyloid formation in cancer cells, making it a target for drug discovery and development. "If we can stop the amyloid bodies from disaggregating in cancer cells, the hope is that they will remain dormant indefinitely," said Lee. "In addition, we may also be able to turn active cancer cells into dormant ones by encouraging them to store the proteins as amyloid bodies."

A high magnification of a nucleus with amyloid plaques (red: congo red staining). Credit: Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Amyloidogenesis enables cells to remain viable during prolonged periods of extracellular stress, highlighting the non-toxic and protective nature of the process, not just in cancer cells.

"Following this approach, we wouldn't necessarily rid the body of cancer cells, but we would keep them inactive - shut off, if you will - and not allow them to become active again," said Lee. "I am optimistic this could become a novel way of treating cancer. There are already drugs on the market, and others are being studied, that target the ribosomal intergenic noncoding RNA as well as the heat shock chaperone pathway."

Explore further Researchers take step toward eliminating cancer recurrence
Early diagnosis of cancer is linked to better survival rates. Unfortunately, participation rates for cancer screening worldwide are low even when screening programmes are free. The ESMO 2016 Congress is showcasing five studies on this important area of cancer management which look at alternative ways to overcome barriers and improve screening rates

Professor J-F Morere who conducted the EDIFICE1 survey, intended to improve insight into participation in screening programmes in France, explains, "Population commitment and physician implication in promoting screening are both necessary criteria for reaching the recommended participation goals. In this Fourth Nationwide Observational Survey, we hypothesized that individual opinions may affect physicians' and laypersons' attitudes toward prescribing or participating in screening; we assessed physicians' and laypersons' opinions, focusing on colorectal (CRC), breast (BC), cervical (CC), prostate (PC) and lung (LC) cancer screening."

"In general, screening was more reassuring than worrying, more so for physicians than for laypersons. The official guidelines for CRC and BC screening are a good setting for GPs' medical practice. The most widely used screening programmes (CRC, BC, CC) enable GPs to make objective prescriptions, regardless of individual opinions. In the absence of guidelines (PC), prescription rates are correlated with physicians' confidence in screening. Reassurance in screening was found to have a positive impact on laypersons' participation rates."

In Australia, a patient-centred approach to improving screening participation rates was the subject of a study2 by Dr Amanda Bobridge at the University of South Australia. She comments, "The aim of this study was to investigate enablers and barriers to cancer screening and how screening participation may be improved. An overwhelming percentage of respondents to our questionnaires would support a combined cancer screening service. Offering a combined, co-located service - a 'one stop cancer screening shop' - has the potential to address barriers to screening (such as time constraints), improve participation rates and maximize utilization of public health resources."

A significant proportion of cancer patients across Europe are diagnosed with their disease as the result of an emergency presentation (EP) to acute secondary care services 3. This route to diagnosis is associated with poorer survival and worse patient experience. Previous work has shown that EP patients usually describe a long history of symptoms (>12 weeks), and that 70% had seen their general practitioner (GP) in the days and weeks prior to presentation. Tackling EP of cancer is important when improving the outcomes of patients across Europe. In the majority of cases there are opportunities for earlier diagnosis and hence prevention of EP. Dr. Tom Newsom-Davis led a one-year pilot of a nurse-led Acute Diagnostic Oncology Clinic (ADOC) in a district general hospital. Based in the oncology department with consultant supervision of every case, the service was targeted at primary care referrals.

Newsom-Davis describes the results of this pilot, "ADOC is a novel, effective and efficient pathway for patients who might otherwise be diagnosed as part of EP. This pilot shows the feasibility of a nurse-led service based in an oncology department, and a high level of user satisfaction. This model of acute diagnostic oncology clinic should be considered as an addition to existing outpatient cancer diagnostic pathways."

Improvement in cancer detection and treatment has led to an important increase of the number of long-term cancer survivors, many of them being at risk of a second cancer. Facing the lack of information on cancer screening practices in this population, second cancer screening among 5-year female cancer survivors was analysed4 by Marc Bendiane in France. He says, "Survivor care plans are needed to increase awareness among patients and physicians of the importance of screening patients for second cancers, which are not a recurrence of the first one. New targeted interventions must be invented to improve the participation of cancer survivors in screening programmes."

This study found an underutilisation of mammography screening in those cancer survivors (non-breast cancer), compared with women in the general population (78% vs 87%). The study concludes that programmes to raise awareness of the risks of second cancers (which are not recurrences of their first cancer) are needed among cancer survivors and physicians.

Professor Virgilio Sacchini of the University of Milan comments, "Breast cancer screening is the most important determinant of quality of life of cancer patients after surgery. Screening decreases the chances of axillary lymph-node involvement, avoiding axillary dissections, the most worrisome sequela of cancer surgery: the arm lymphedema. We know that breast cancer screening will need more personalisation in our era of genetics, but by increasing the awareness and compliance of mammography screening, we can better identify high risk patients to involve in more specific surveillance."

Also in France, a study5 assessed smokers' intentions to take part in a hypothetical lung cancer screening (LCS) programme. Two comprehensive multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed in current and in former cigarette smokers to identify factors associated with the intention to take part in a LCS programme. The study authors conclude that intending to take part in LCS programs is a complex decision; explanatory factors differ between current and former smokers. Among current smokers, intended participation in screening was strongly associated with the intention to quit smoking.

Professor Sacchini concludes, "The studies being presented at the ESMO 2016 Congress should help encourage doctors and patients to respond to screening programmes proposed by national health services. Screening tests may help diagnose cancer at an early stage, before symptoms appear. When cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat or cure. In this particular period of extreme evaluation of cost/effectiveness ratio, screening is still the best investment for the health of our populations."

Explore further More than two-thirds of cervical cancer deaths prevented by screening

More information: 1327P: Opinion on cancer screening: impact on prescription and participation rates. J.-F. Morere et al 1327P: Opinion on cancer screening: impact on prescription and participation rates. J.-F. Morere et al 1325PD: a 'one stop cancer screening shop', a way of improving screening participation rates? A Bobridge et al 1375P: acute diagnostic oncology clinic: tackling emergency presentations of cancer T. Newsom-Davis et al 1367PD: Second cancer screening among 5-years women cancer survivors (French national survey vican5) M.K. Bendiane et al 1381P: current or former smokers: who wants to be screened? S. Couraud et al
Credit: Medical Research Council

Scientists have been able to shed more light on how the Zika virus works, by sequencing the full-length genome of the virus from a patient in Brazil and studying how a molecule derived from the genome fights the host antiviral response.

The research, led by the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, studied a Zika virus isolated from a patient with classic symptoms and shows the full genomic sequence of the virus, including non-coding regions. Importantly, the research also identified a Zika virus-derived molecule that inhibits an important part of the host's immune system, which may be key to understanding how the virus causes disease.

The study, published today in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, was supported by the UK Government and Brazilian partners through the Newton Fund and undertaken in collaboration with a group of international colleges, including in Brazil.

The team compared the genome sequence from this South American Zika virus isolate, which was obtained from a patient in Recife, with other available Zika sequences. They then looked at the non-coding regions of the sequence which are often missing from other sequences, and detected a portion of the viral genome in infected cells called sfRNA. This is also detected in infections by related viruses such as dengue, and the authors described ZIKV sfRNA as having a similar function to those already described as it acts by inhibiting specific parts of the host cell's antiviral response.

They suggest this study highlights the particular importance of studying patient-derived viruses and comparing them to laboratory cultured viruses, which could mutate and therefore not provide as accurate a picture of the current Zika virus epidemic.

Dr Alain Kohl, leader of the Kohl Group at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus research, said: "We have used the information from a Brazilian isolate, which we obtained from our colleagues in Brazil and fully characterised it in collaboration with them, to identify a virus-derived molecule that inhibits a very important part of the host antiviral response system.

"It is particularly important to show this with sequence information as close as possible to the patient-derived virus, as virus strains that are adapted in cell culture may start to mutate. This information is important for understanding the pathogenesis of Zika virus infection but may also be useful for the design of attenuated viruses for vaccine studies in the future."

The authors hope that the full-length sequence of this patient derived Zika virus will support efforts to combatting the virus. They also expect the detection of the immune system inhibiting molecule will be important to further understand the virus and how it interacts with its host.

Dr Claire Donald, the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus research, said: "This work shows that Zika virus acts in a way that is comparable in some respect to what we know about host immune response antagonism for related viruses such as dengue and West Nile viruses.

"Comparing our isolate with other Zika viruses shows that they are very similar to each other at the genetic level. Therefore it is important for us to understand what factors are involved in the development of disease as well as identifying the key differences between the strains. This may allow us to pinpoint potential outbreaks of concern in the future."

Zika virus is a mosquito-transmitted arbovirus. Although previously poorly investigated, the virus has recently caused large scale outbreaks in French Polynesia in 2013, New Caledonia, the Cook Islands and Easter Island in 2014 and the Americas in May 2015, beginning in Brazil.

The outbreaks have also been characterised by an increased prevalence of neurological syndromes, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome and microcephaly. As of April 2016 the WHO announced that 60 countries had reported transmission in the escalating epidemic, which originated in Bahia, Brazil in 2015 and has so far resulted in over 1.5 million suspected cases.

Dr Jonathan Pearce, head of infections and immunity at the MRC, said: "This study demonstrates the unparalleled importance of cross-border working in the face of a global health threat such as Zika.

"With the help of the Newton Fund, our researchers in the UK were able to get to work with colleagues in Brazil well ahead of the virus being declared a global public health emergency. Together they have gained a much deeper understanding of how the infection develops, and in-depth insights like this is exactly what we need if we are to develop successful approaches to combat the disease."

Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said: "This ground breaking research gives us a far greater understanding of the Zika virus and will help protect millions of people in the developing world from the devastating effects of this disease.

"Working closely with Brazilian counterparts, our world leading scientists at the University of Glasgow have demonstrated how the government's 1.5bn investment in the Global Challenges Research Fund brings together the best scientific minds to tackle serious global problems such as the Zika virus."

Explore further Research provides clues to how Zika virus breaches the placental barrier

More information: Marion A. L. Picard et al. Sex-Biased Transcriptome of Schistosoma mansoni: Host-Parasite Interaction, Genetic Determinants and Epigenetic Regulators Are Associated with Sexual Differentiation, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2016). Journal information: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Marion A. L. Picard et al. Sex-Biased Transcriptome of Schistosoma mansoni: Host-Parasite Interaction, Genetic Determinants and Epigenetic Regulators Are Associated with Sexual Differentiation,(2016). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004930
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Life expectancy worldwide has jumped by a decade since 1980, rising in 2015 to 69 years for men and nearly 75 for women, according to a comprehensive overview of global health released Thursday.

These extra years came in large measure thanks to a sharp drop in deaths from communicable diseases, especially over the last decade, said the Global Burden of Disease report, published in The Lancet.

Despite population increases, combined mortality from HIV/AIDS and tuberculosisboth major killersfell by more than a quarter, from 3.1 million in 2005 to 2.3 million in 2015.

Over this period, annual deaths due to diarrhoeal diseases decreased by 20 percent.

And malaria mortality plummeted by more than a third, from 1.2 million in 2005 to 730,000 last year.

During that decade, life expectancy went up in 188 of 195 countries and territories.

At the same time, however, non-communicable diseases of all kindsranging from cancers to heart disease and strokeclaimed more lives, with the death toll rising from 35 million in 2005 to 39 million in 2015.

"As we live longer, the burden of non-communicable diseases is risingalong with the attendant costs of treatment," Kevin Watkins, head of Save the Children UK, noted in a comment, also in The Lancet.

Many of the diseases on the rise are associated with ageing: cancers, coronary artery disease, cirrhosis of the liver and Alzheimer's, among others.

The paradox is that even as lifespans grow, more people are spending more time in ill health of living with disabilities, the 100-page study found.

Centralising the expertise of nearly 1,900 experts, the reportcoordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattlecomes at the juncture between two major UN health initiatives.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), set in 2000, set hard targets for reducing child and maternal mortality, and combatting key communicable diseases, by 2015.

A 15-year clock on a new set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)several of them health relatedbegan running last year.

The report is intended as a benchmark for this new effort.

There have been other major health gains over the last quarter century.

The number of deaths of children under five, for example, dropped by more than 50 percent from 1990 to 2015, to 5.8 million.

National score cards

But that was still well short of the MDG calling for under-five mortality to be slashed by two-thirds.

Had that target been met, another 14 million children would have survived to see their fifth birthday.

There were exceptions to the generally positive trends, many stemming from conflict.

Since 2011, global deaths from war have risen massively due in large part to fighting in Syria, Yemen and Libya.

Male life expectancy in Syria has dropped more than 11 years since the civil war there began.

In 2015, the number of people displaced by armed conflict and disasters reached a record 65 million. Over half of the world's refugees are children.

The report also "graded" countries, indicating whether mortality levels from specific causes were lower or higher than expected, taking into account each nation's income and education levels, as well as fertility rates.

The United States, for example, scored very poorly on coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and drug abuse.

Many Eastern European countries scored poorly on these, as well as alcohol abuse and stroke.

Western European and East Asian countries, generally speaking, scored highest.

Explore further Global Burden of Disease study 2015 assesses the state of the world's health

 2016 AFP
In the developing world, a large portion of health care providers have no formal medical training. Now a new study of rural India, co-authored by an MIT professor, shows that modest levels of medical training can improve the quality of health care furnished by those informal providers.

More specifically, the study, in the form of a novel field experiment conducted in the state of West Bengal, India, shows that informal care providers are more likely to handle cases correctly and compile basic checklists of patient information after undergoing about 150 hours of training over a period of months.

"They do seem to be learning, and they are using this knowledge," says Abhijit Banerjee, the Ford International Professor of Economics at MIT and a co-author of the study.

The experiment analyzed whether unlicensed health care providers could act adequately when faced with information pertaining to three types of illnesschest pain, breathing problems, and diarrheathat require different types of responses. Some cases require referrals to other providers; in other cases the primary-care providers can at least offer advice to help reduce the apparent medical problems at hand.

The low-cost experiment is now being scaled up by the state of West Bengal, to see if this approach can improve care for segments of the population that do not regularly access formal medical providers. About 54 percent of primary-care medical visits in West Bengal occur in these informal settings. That figure ranges as high as 75 percent in some other Indian states.

The paper, "The Impact of Training Informal Healthcare Providers in India: A Randomized Controlled Trial," is being published Friday in the journal Science.

The co-authors are Banerjee; Jishnu Das of the World Bank; Abhijit Chowdhury of the Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research at SSKM Hospitals in Kolkata, India; and Reshmaan Hussam PhD '15, a postdoc at Yale University.

Banerjee is a co-founder of MIT's Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), which focuses on scientifically rigorous field experiments that produce information potentially relevant to poverty alleviation efforts.

Better case management

The study was conducted with the cooperation of 304 informal health care providers in West Bengal; the 150 hours of training the participants received was divided into 72 sessions over a nine-month period. The researchers used "standardized patients" to conduct the studythat is, people playing the role of patients who had symptoms consistent with angina, asthma, and diarrhea.

The results reveal that providers with training increased, by 4.1 percentage points, how often they developed a checklist of medical data relevant to the patients' conditionsa standard medical practice that helps with diagnoses and patient assessments over time.

Similarly, informal providers increased their "correct case management," an overall measure of their decision making in a given situation, by 7.9 percentage points. While trained informal providers still lag formally trained doctors in the region's public clinics in this statistic, the training essentially cuts that gap in half.

To this end, the training course was not specifically focused on just the three illnesses but tried to improve diagnostic medical skills and decision-making more broadly.

"It evaluates your general skill as a health care provider," Banerjee says. In daily medicine, he notes, "We [can't] predict what condition [providers] will have to look at. A doctor deals with whatever occurs."

The training did not have any effect in reducing the overprescription of medicine and antibiotics among informal providers.

Policy implications

As the researchers note, government policies vary globally when it comes to the roles that clinicians without full medical degrees can assume. In 25 of 47 sub-Saharan countries in Africa, as the paper observes, there is an officially sanctioned role for such clinicians.

Since the 1940s, India has discouraged an active role for providers without full medical training. However, such caregivers do exist because of the limited reach of formal medical providers.

Given this reality, the state of West Bengal helped provide funding for the current study, in order to see what impact it might have. The experiment was explicitly designed so that informal providers were not being required to provide immediate doses of medicine to the "standardized patients" they encountered.

"It was a state-government sponsored effort," notes Banerjee. "These people exist, so the question is: What do you do about it?"

Banerjee acknowledges that the project simply represents one study, and thinks more on-the-ground research will be needed. West Bengal's scale-up of the program is being launched this fall.

'They are going to start training everybody," Banerjee says, adding that the state government has "the aim of figuring out if this is a worthwhile investment for them."

Explore further In rural India, children receive wrong treatments for deadly ailments

More information: "The impact of training informal health care providers in India: A randomized controlled trial," Science science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi  1126/science.aaf7384 Journal information: Science "The impact of training informal health care providers in India: A randomized controlled trial,"
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of T.mu in the mouse colon. Credit: Chudnovskiy Merad

While bacteria are often stars of the gut microbiome, emerging research depicts a more complex picture, where microorganisms from different kingdoms of life are actively working together or fighting against one another. In a study published October 6 in Cell, scientists reveal one example: a newly discovered protist that protects its host mice from intestinal bacterial infections.

"This was a serendipitous finding, but an important one," says senior author Miriam Merad, a Professor of Oncological Sciences and of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "This study shows how vital it is to go beyond bacteria when studying the microbiome."

The investigators made the discovery when they realized that mice that had been bred at their own facility had a greater number of immune cells in the gut than mice purchased from an outside vendor. Graduate student Aleksey Chudnovskiy, the study's first author, together with postdoctoral fellow Arthur Mortha, decided to figure out why that was the case. When they performed an intestinal cleanse on the two groups of mice, they were surprised to find that the mice from the Mount Sinai facility had flagellated protozoa living in their guts. DNA sequencing revealed that the microorganism was a new protozoan parasite, which they named Tritrichomonas musculis (T. mu).

Further investigations showed that when this protist was given to the mice that didn't have it, they, too, had an increase in the number of immune cells in their guts and also increased inflammatory cytokines. The researchers set out to discover the underlying mechanism. They found that T. mu activates the inflammasome in the gut epithelial cells of the mice, which in turn led to the activation of cytokines. They also found that dendritic cells were required to induce inflammation.

To determine whether colonization of T. mu in the gut affected the mice's ability to fight off infection, they infected mice with Salmonella and found that the animals that had T. mu as part of their microbiome were very resistant to Salmonella infection. "The protective effect of this species is very striking," Chudnovskiy says.

T. mu was found to be an ortholog of Dientamoeba fragilis, a parasite that's found in the guts of many humans, but the researchers don't know if D. fragilis also has a protective effect. It's something they plan to study. "People from industrialized countries traveling to emerging countries are more susceptible to intestinal infection than the indigenous population," Merad explains. "It's possible that protists, which are known to be common in emerging countries, contribute to the protective effect against intestinal pathogenic infections."

She adds: "The fight against pathogens determined the survival of the human species, and those with stronger immune systems are the ones who survived. It is likely that the microbiome is a big part of the evolutionary process. Thus, identifying those commensals that confer immune strength in exposed communities should help identify novel therapeutics."

Explore further Typhoid toxin increases host survival and promotes asymptomatic infection

More information: Cell, Chudnovskiy et al: "Host-protozoan interactions protect from mucosal infections through activation of the inflammasome" DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.08.076 Journal information: Cell , Chudnovskiy et al: "Host-protozoan interactions protect from mucosal infections through activation of the inflammasome" www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(16)31174-6
One million customers supplied with natural gas in Georgia

Natural gas is now available to one million people in Georgia thanks to the Governments efforts to ensure everyone in the country has reliable access to gas.Today Georgias Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and SOCAR president Rovnag Abdullayev visited a small village in western Adjara to watch as the one millionth client was connected with natural gas.SOCAR is Azerbaijans state oil company that supplies Georgia with natural gas.The family of Mamuka Makharadze, who live in Khutsubani Village in Georgias west, were the one millionth family who is now connected to the gas network.At the Makharadze home, PM Kvirikashvili lit a gas stove and celebrated the occasion.Providing natural gas and a reliable water supply is the top priority of our Government. This is important also for preserving the environment because it means forests will not be cut down, said Kvirikashvili.As of today more than 66,821 families are connected to the gas network in Adjara region. SOCAR Georgia planned to supply a further 9,000 families with natural gas in the region in the future, said the PM.Improving the water supply system in Adjara was another focus of the Government, announced Kvirikashvili today.We have projects designed to develop the water supply systems and aim to equip the whole Adjara region including its high mountainous areas with modern infrastructure. This way we will create a modern, comfortable living environment for each and every Adjarian family, he said.While talking about the regions infrastructural development Kvirikashvili said construction of the Khulo-Adigeni road section would begin "in the nearest future to improve the road quality. He said the new road from Batumi to Khulo will meet top European standards.Meanwhile SOCAR will continue connecting gas to villages and towns all over Georgia.The company planned build a 360km pipeline and supply 8,935 Georgian families with natural gas by the end of 2017.In March this year Georgia and SOCAR signed a deal that stated Georgia would receive an additional 500 million m3 of natural gas from SOCAR until 2030, bringing the amount it received from 800 million to 1.3 billion m3 per year.
By Margo Kissell, university news and communications

Sanya University is located in the southern province of Hainan, an island in the South China Sea.

Miami University will launch the Miami University-Sanya University American Cultural Center at Sanya University in China in May.

The new center will serve as a catalyst for sustainable academic collaboration between the two universities, which have built a strong partnership over the last eight years, said Karla Guinigundo, director of global partnerships for Miamis office of Global Initiatives.

Global Initiatives will administer the center in close collaboration with Sanya, a private university in the southern province of Hainan, located on an island in the South China Sea. Sanya offers 60 undergraduate majors to nearly 20,000 students and is ranked in the top five among 700 private universities in China, Guinigundo said.

Co-principal investigators Thomas Misco and Aimin Wang, along with Guinigundo, applied for and received a $98,662 grant in September from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Beijing that will help fund the new center over the next two years. It will occupy a 753-square-foot space inside Sanyas new library.

Live-streaming lectures from Miami

Karla Guinigundo

Miami faculty will conduct 15 live-streamed lectures from the Oxford campus in 2017 and 2018 on topics pertaining to American culture and society. Misco and Wang, senior faculty members in Miamis College of Education, Health and Society, are leading the effort.

Wang, a Chinese native, is a professor of educational psychology who travels to China regularly for teaching and conference presentations.

Misco, professor of social studies education and the Naus Family Endowed Faculty Scholar in the department of teacher education, will kick off the program with an in-person lecture at Sanya in May titled, "Problems and potentialities of democratic citizenship education in the United States.

Misco said he and Wang will be inviting Miami faculty from different divisions and departments to participate in the live-streamed lectures, offering their expertise on various topics including class, race, religion, gender and sexuality.

Thomas Misco

Rather than taking a traditional approach in terms of promoting the United States in the sense of Here are all the great things we do, it takes a more critical perspective and argues Here are the things we struggle with, he said.

Print and other culturally relevant materials related to each lecture topic will be purchased for the center to be available to Sanya students and faculty as well as K-12 educators and community members in Hainan Province.

Strengthening an eight-year partnership

The Sanya University presidents visit to Miami in 2008 initiated the partnership, which was formalized with the signing of a 2014 memorandum of understanding.

Multiple delegations, including at the president and provost level, have visited each campus. Four academic deans from Sanya have visited Miamis College of Education, Health and Society.

Aimin Wang

Three groups of Miami students also have visited Sanya through their participation in Miami summer study abroad programs, and Sanya students have taken part in a three-week summer program at Miami on the Oxford and Middletown campuses.

Both institutions are committed to sharing costs for the center, estimated to cost Miami $27,745 over the two-year period. Miami will administer the project, equip a Sanya classroom with video conferencing technology and contribute staff time and travel funding.

Misco, Wang and Guinigundo will travel to Sanya in January to finalize infrastructure needs and promote the center in advance of the May launch.
The second annual Montana Film Festival continues through Sunday at the Roxy Theater in Missoula.

Here are some highlights. For more information, go to montanafilmfestival.org.

All-access passes are $150; all-screening passes are $75; student all-access passes are $125; student all-screening passes are $50. Single screening tickets are $10 and a five-movie pass is $35. Both are available in advance at theroxytheater.org. Roxy members can receive discounts.

'CERTAIN WOMEN'

Director Kelly Reichardt's adaptation of Helena native Maile Meloy's short stories will have its home-state premiere after a run of festival screenings that drew praise from national and international critics. The movie was shot in the Livingston and stars local Lily Gladstone, alongside Laura Dern, Michelle Williams and Kristen Stewart.

Friday, 8 p.m.

MORE FEATURES

The feature length films include a variety of genres and idiosyncratic approaches. "Tower" blends documentary with animation to examine the 1966 sniper shootings at the University of Texas. "Always Shine" trains an indie lens on Hollywood jealousy; "First Girl I Loved" is a high-school coming-of-age drama; and "Phantom Boy" takes an artistic approach to magic realism and animation.

For a complete list, go to montanafilmfestival.org.

CHARLES BURNETT

Influential filmmaker Charles Burnett will share two films, including his debut "Killer of Sheep," which was long considered one of the best movies that no one had seen. The 1977 film developed from his thesis project at UCLA, and went on to be included in the Library of Congress' archive of essential films. Burnett's first film with studio financing, "To Sleep With Anger," stars Danny Glover as a vagabond who disrupts a former acquaintance's quiet life, to the chagrin of his family.

"Killer of Sheep": Saturday, 7 p.m. Director in attendance.

"To Sleep with Anger": Friday, 6 p.m. Director in attendance

ANIMATED FAMILY

One of the featured guests, Emily Hubley, grew up in a family of animators who pushed the art-form past its commercial origins. Her father, John, left Disney to pursue independent work, collaborating with his wife, Faith. They recruited their children, Emily and Georgia (of Yo La Tengo fame) to help animate and do voice work. Emily continued with animation, creating works that explore "personal memory and turbulence of emotional life." Her art has been included in both the Museum of Modern Art and on Nickoledeon.

While she's in Missoula, Hubley will present three blocks of shorts:

- Emily Hubley, Saturday 4 p.m.: Emily's own works, dating from 1982 to the present.

- John and Faith, Sunday, 11 a.m.: Works by her parents, spanning 1959 to 1987

- Faith, Sunday, 6 p.m.: Works Faith created, which are non-narrative and often influenced by indigenous art.

SHORT FILMS

This year, the film festival features more shorts blocks than ever. They've been divided up into convenient thematic groups. One block features all the Montana-made films. Another focuses on experimental movies, including work by video artist/festival guests Zlatko Cosic and Julia Oldham. If your Saturday is feeling nihilistic, check out "Doom 'N' Gloom," a selection of pessimistic titles including Jim Cummings' "Thunder Road," which won the Sundance Grand Jury Prize for a short film.

"Experiments," 6:15 p.m. Friday

"Doom 'N' Gloom," 8:15 p.m. Saturday

"Made in MT," 1 p.m. Sunday

"Hoot Shorts: Best of New York International Children's Film Festival," 2:30 p.m. Sunday

"Do it in 72: MCT Film Contest," 5 p.m. Sunday

SCRIPT READ

"Certain Women" star Lily Gladstone and "Blackout" director Alana Waksman and local producer/director Brooke Swaney present a live table read of Waksman's new script, "Cheyenne is Burning."

Saturday, 12 p.m.

'CRITICISM NOW'

A panel of insightful critics discuss the state of their craft, featuring L.A. Times' Kenneth Turan, the Oregonian's Mark Mohan, and the Missoula Independent's Erika Frederickson.

Saturday, 2 p.m.

HIP STRIP BLOCK PARTY

The shops and residents on Missoula's hippest block will show some neighborhood pride at the annual block party, featuring a carnival, mechanical bull, oversized inflatable outdoor screen, and adult beverages for those of legal age.

Saturday, 4 p.m.

INSIDE 'WALKING OUT'

Director Andrew Smith will discuss and share clips from his upcoming film, "Walking Out." He and his brother Alex adapted a story by David Quammen as a followup to "Winter in the Blood."

Sunday, noon.
Laura Katzman of the Flathead Land Trust will be the featured speaker at Flathead Audubons meeting on Monday. Katzman will talk about bird habitat conservation accomplishments on more than 750 acres in the Flathead and Mission valleys completed by Flathead Land Trust and its Flathead River to Lake Initiative partners over the last three years. In addition, she will describe Flathead Land Trusts current efforts to conserve almost 400 acres of crucial sandhill crane habitat in the West Valley.
GREAT FALLS  The final U.S. House debate, the first to feature all three candidates on the ballot, covered topics that ranged from the future of farming to foreign policy.

Incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke and outgoing State Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau, a Democrat, rehashed some familiar campaign attacks about public lands, gun rights and honesty. Rick Breckenridge, a surveyor from Proctor in rural Lake County, joined them on the stage at Great Falls College after begin selected by his party upon the death of fellow Libertarian Mike Fellows. About 300 people arrived to watch the debate sponsored by the Great Falls Tribune and Montana Farmers Union, so many that those who had not arrived early were moved to a nearby overflow room.

The nights first question reflected the debate's location just a few miles from Malmstrom Air Force Base: With the bases nuclear missiles set to become obsolete within 15 years, what would the candidates do to keep it open?

I dont think the missiles are going to go anywhere. We do need to upgrade them, Zinke, a former Navy SEAL, said, also noting that the military had run out of sufficient training space as it closed other bases. Great Falls has great potential to become a training base.

Juneau also said the bases future hinged on upgrades to silos and missile technology. And weve got to work on trying to bring the flying mission back as well.

Breckenridge briefly described his Army deployment to a nuclear base in Germany toward the end of the Cold War before suggesting that Malmstrom nonetheless should have a place in the overall strategy of the U.S. military.

We have to roll with the flow and ride the tide, he said.

Later, Breckenridge railed against executive decisions in recent years to send American troops overseas without first seeking Congressional approval.

Unless there is a national interest that is defined, debated and agreed up on by Congress, no troops at no time on foreign soil, he said, dinging Zinke for a recent interview in which he talked about needing more troops in Iraq.

The Republican defended himself, saying he, too, thinks Congress should have a say in the use of military force. But he said his comments had been about the presidents recent authorization to send 600 more soldiers to Iraq as American forces prepare to take the city of Mosul from the Islamic State.

I dont think (600) is enough, he said.

Juneau acknowledged that sending troops overseas is a really hard decision that must involve collaborating with allies when possible.

Candidates also weighed in on a Monday-night vote by Missoula City Council to require criminal background checks on all private gun sales within city limits.

Heres my concealed carry card and if thats not good enough for you, heres my U.S. constitution, Breckenridge said, pulling a card out of one pocket of his fringed jacket then a small book out of another.

Juneau and Zinke did not directly say what they thought of the ordinance, debating their general gun rights records and becoming focused on a Congressional proposal to ban firearm sales to people on the no-fly list, a part of the nations terror watch list.

I do believe we have enough laws on the books. We need to enforce those laws currently there, Juneau said. There is a bill moving through Congress I support that would keep criminals and terrorists from buying guns. Congress cant even take that step. That strengthens the rights of law-abiding citizens and responsible gun owners.

Zinke fired back.

Whos on the no-fly list and how do you get on it? Its secret. More importantly how do you get off? he said, suggesting that removing citizens rights at all, but especially with so little transparency, was a slippery slope.

Reflecting the debates location at one corner of Montanas Golden Triangle, candidates also talked about how they would help the next generation of farmers and ranchers secure the capital they needed.

Zinke suggested two fixes: End the estate tax and undo recent banking reforms that he said tied the hands of local lenders. Juneau suggested strengthening federal loans available to young families and the safety net provided in the Farm Bill. She also touted her work as superintendent to grow farm-to-school lunch programs.

Breckenridge disagreed with pledges by his two opponents not to sell off public lands and suggested a simple way to combat the challenges of rising land prices is to sell some federal parcels to private owners who have the skills and the knowledge to manage it.

The candidates also were asked how they would help close a 19-year life expectancy gap between American Indian and white Montanans.

Juneau spoke generally about reforming the Indian Health Service, the federal agency tasked with fulfilling treaty promises to provide health care, including pushing for improved primary care. She also celebrated the "other options" provided by the Affordable Care Act.

Zinke disagreed, saying that Obamacare has been a disaster. He also suggested that more power needed to be given to IHS doctors and people on the frontline rather than to bureaucrats.

Breckenridge said American Indian health would best be improved by bringing more care options to reservations than just the Indian Health Service.

Socialized medicine does not work, he said.

In a question from the audience at the end of the night, candidates were asked what they would do protect the rights of LGBT Montanans.

No. 1 get elected, Juneau said, taking the opportunity to list the ways her election would be historic: the first woman to represent Montana in the House since Jeannette Rankin left in 1943, the first ever American Indian woman and the first openly gay member of Congress from Montana. Representation matters.

Welcome to the Libertarian Party, Breckenridge said, arguing no one needed "specialized rights" under the Constitution.

Zinke has said he opposed the Supreme Courts decision to legalize gay marriage last year, citing religious freedom, state rights and his personal belief that a marriage is between one man and one woman, although he said at the time of the ruling that all Americans should be treated with dignity.

He did not directly answer the question. He instead noted his military service fighting to protect the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.

I do support you, he said, looking to Juneau. If you want to be lesbian, if you want to be Muslim, whatever, it doesnt matter to me.
Montanas prisons and jails are over capacity. What changes in statute and/or funding at the state level  if any  do you think are necessary? If no changes, why not?'

I think that we need to find ways to fund a new prison for our worst offenders. We also need to find compassionate ways to manage and treat our mental health issues in our state. We need long-term solutions, residential homes; as well as out patient clinics that are equipped to deal with more than substance abuse. Our state has one of the highest suicide rates in the country and we need to take that more seriously.

Has the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission adequately guided the states hunting and fishing concerns, or does the Legislature need to give the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks more specific direction regarding topics such as land acquisition, wildlife management, predator control, and bison?

Over the past four years, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks has worked closely with the Montana legislature and the EQC to develop comprehensive wildlife management plans and strategies for public access. To my understanding, it's not the Legislature's purpose to micromanage any department, but to provide them with the direction, intent, and support as representatives of the citizenry. It seems that there is currently a good working relationship between FWP and the department. I would also have to stress the importance of public access to our lands and waters and how effective recent legislative changes in wolf harvesting have been.

Many Montanans depend on the extraction of fossil fuels for jobs, yet there is a strong demand for clean and renewable energy in the region, especially since prices for the latter are falling. How do you propose to help workers in the coal, oil and natural gas industries find jobs in this new economic landscape?

I would support any renewable energy plan that would include programs such as: job training opportunities for the current fossil fuel workers, pension transfers for the workers who decide to retrain in the new industries, sound retirement plans for those who decide not to train in the clean energy jobs, and common-sense plans for clean-up of the old minds, etc. We have to take care of our own families or it won't be worth the tradeoff.

According to Montana University System records, as recently as 1992, the state funded 76 percent of the university system. Now, though, state support has fallen to 40 percent, which means tuition funds 60 percent of the system  putting higher education out of reach for some Montana families. Do you as a legislator have a responsibility to help and if so, how? If not, why not?

I would love to see plans come up before the Legislature that could make colleges and universities more affordable for all. It would really depend on the plan, however. I personally don't think that universities fit in the infrastructure bill that was presented during the last session and that that was one of the reasons why it failed. I think that to get more state funding for the university system it would have to be packaged on its own and we would have to see what happens.

What do you regard as the most urgent problem facing Montana, and how do you propose dealing with it?

Personally, I think that the most urgent problem is the "us/them" effect. People being distracted by party lines, what they're "supposed to do," and what someone in church might think instead of what their job is. Their job as a community leader, legislator, etc. is to speak for all of the people in their community (even the ones not like them) and do what the law and the Constitution (actually) says is right. It isn't their job to interrupt what their community wants into something they think feels good on Sunday.
"I went floating down the Clark Fork River at night and got attacked by beavers."

D'oh.

So is this one: "In my junior year of high school, we had a bunch of guests come to my physics class. Many of them were wearing college sweatshirts. Thinking they were in college, I started hitting on a couple of the female guests.

"Turns out, they were 8th graders."

Oops.

This month, the University of Montana's Curry Health Center is putting on a project called "Best Fail Ever" to raise awareness about the importance of failure and resiliency.

Wednesday, wellness director Linda Green and graduate assistant Amy Thompson posted a graffiti board in the Lommasson Center to solicit students' and others' stories of mistakes. The boards are making their way around campus this week.

In a 2016 health assessment, an estimated 61 percent of UM students reported feeling anxiety, and 87 percent reported feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities, according to Curry Health Center.

"Successful students aren't the ones who do everything perfectly," Green said in a statement. "Successful students are the ones who ask for help when they are struggling."

On the board, writers shared experiences about staying in abusive relationships, turning in poorly written homework, and failures on the job.

"I dropped mashed potatoes onto a customer's hair while serving at an expensive restaurant."

Uh-oh.

"My car's radiator literally blew up on a first date ... when she was in the vehicle."

Well, you can kiss that one goodbye.

Tiffany White, a freshman from Minnesota, said early on in the school year, someone kicked her while she was down, and she didn't fight back. She noted the failure on the board as a reminder to herself to stand strong in the future.

"I regret not standing up for myself," said White, in the wildlife biology program.

In exchange for their stories, participants could help themselves to a notebook, stress ball or tissue packets  failure can make you weep, after all.

"A lot of students think they're supposed to do everything right all the time," Green said.

The exhibit gives people a chance to examine what they might gain from experiences that don't go as planned, she said. It also reminds students that counselors at Curry are able to help, as is the Office for Student Success in the Lommasson Center.

"What happens when you fail? What does it do for you?" Green said. "You can quit. You can give up.

"Or you can learn from it."

***

Rhys McKinstry, who shared the story about accidentally flirting with middle school girls when he was an upperclassman in high school, laughed to himself as he read the handwritten stories on the board.

The geography major decided to share his story because he hoped it would fuel others to share theirs as well, and the result would be a large collage of fails for people to peruse.

"It's an embarrassing experience, but it's funny," McKinstry said of his own tale.

The graffiti boards will be set up in the Gallagher Business Building on Thursday. Then, from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, the boards will be part of an art exhibit in the Real Good Art Space with Jack Metcalf and other artists at 1205 Defoe St.

"An essential trait of an artist  or anyone in a creative field  is the ability to cope with rejection," Metcalf said in a statement. "If not, the individual would not have much longevity in their field."

To learn more, go to http://healthnut.umt.edu.
Last month the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes released the second draft of the National Bison Range Transfer and Restoration Act of 2016. The tribes also released a summary of key changes that had been made to the original draft. The revisions that were made came in response to suggestions made during a five-week-long public comment period solicited by the tribes, according to CSKT spokesman Rob McDonald.

There were some other key changes made to the original draft that were not contained in the summary. The original bill draft contained the word transfer or a form of the word transfer 20 times; the final draft has deleted the word transfer and replaced it with the word restore or restoration. Removal of the word transfer from the legislation does not alter the process that would need to be followed before the tribes could assume ownership and management of the National Bison Range. The land is now owned by the federal government and administered as public land by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Ownership of the land, bison, equipment, buildings, etc., would have to be transferred to CSKT, who could then apply to have the land put in federal trust status. The original title of the act, the National Bison Range Transfer and Restoration Act of 2016, accurately described the legislation. The revised title, the National Bison Range Restoration Act, came about because Montanans are overwhelming opposed to the transfer of public lands to private individuals or other entities. The semantics change is clearly an attempt to quiet the argument that the proposed transfer is a giveaway of public land.

There is also a fundamental change in the funding arrangement for management of the NBR. The original draft contained language describing the two-year transition period from management by the Fish and Wildlife Service and how the Secretary of Interior was to cooperate with the tribes in transition activities regarding the management of lands, bison and resources under this Act including, but not limited to transfers to the Tribes of funds. The rewrite states that the secretary shall cooperate by providing funds to the tribes for the first two years of tribal management. In the original funding narrative for the NBR put forth by the tribes in February when the transfer proposal was first floated, McDonald stated to the Missoulian that, The Fish and Wildlife Service made clear that, once it (the National Bison Range) leaves the National Refuge System, there would be no funding coming to operate it, all operating costs would fall upon the tribes. Providing federal funding for operation was not part of the original bill, but is clearly inserted into the new proposal. The current funding level for NBR operation is about $750,000 yearly.

One of the key changes noted in the summary produced by CSKT was that the revised bill had addressed the management of noxious weeds on the NBR if a transfer was to occur. Apparently, the CSKT feel they have adequately addressed the problem by inserting language that they will have a publicly available management plan that will include actions to address management and control of invasive weeds. A management plan is not enough; there must be a clear, quantifiable pledge of money dedicated to noxious weed management. The tribes have released a document that shows they have spent about $110,000 a year for the past five years to combat noxious weeds on the entire reservation. That amount alone could easily be spent on just the NBR. A plan has no credibility without a delegation of resources to carry out the plan.

The new, final bill is still unacceptable and should not be introduced into the United States Congress.
BILLINGS  The Schreiber family's cat Dougal has been climbing bigger and bigger things lately, according to her owner Jodi Schreiber.

But on Tuesday, she graduated from trees and scaled the Rimrocks in Billings, reaching a perch about 15 feet from the top of the rock formation.

That's when Dougal must have had some doubts.

Through a chance encounter with Patrick Riedl, a local arborist who rescues treed cats on the side, Dougal got down safely after a rope rescue Wednesday afternoon.

Dougal and her littermate Tigger were let out of the house Tuesday morning by Jodi Schreiber and her 12-year-old twin sons, Ryan and Kyle.

The cats go out every morning but return to the Lohof Drive neighborhood at around 10 p.m., Jodi Schreiber said.

On Tuesday night, Tigger came home. Dougal was a no-show.

Jodi Schreiber stepped out onto her back porch and peered into the darkness. She heard loud meowing coming from somewhere on the Rims.

Ryan went out with a flashlight and scanned the Rimrocks until the beam caught something bright shining near the top  Dougal's eyes.

The twins and their mother set out the next day in their car for the top of the Rimrocks, hoping to find a way to get Dougal down.

They loaded a basket with some of the cat's favorite treats, tied a rope to its handle and lowered it to Dougal's perch. She wouldn't take the bait.

Jodi Schreiber said her son later pointed out that it's their dog's basket. Dougal and the family dog are not friends.

Though Dougal is a climber, Tigger also has a mischievous side. Last year, the cat hitched a ride on a UPS truck down to the neighbor's house, Ryan Schreiber said.

After the treat basket failed, the family then tried to walk up the Rims below her perch and explore their other options.

On Henry Street nearby, Riedl was working with his partner to fell a beetle-killed Austrian pine.

The cat's meows and the sight of the Schreiber family prompted Riedl to investigate.

Riedl said he's been rescuing cats in trees for decades, and since moving back to Billings seven years ago he's been getting about 20 calls a year.

But Wednesday was the first time he was ever asked to rescue a cat from the Rims.

It was fairly standard nonetheless, Riedl said. He and his partner drove a truck onto the Rimrocks above the spot and tied a 300-foot rope to two trees before he began rappelling down the rock face.

He called out softly to Dougal as he got closer to keep the cat calm, before he grabbed her and continued to the family standing below.

Holding his cat safely in his arms, Kyle admonished the cat gently. "That's enough mountain climbing for one lifetime," he said.
BUTTE  The Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney's office dropped DUI charges against Butte native Rob O'Neill on Wednesday morning  15 minutes before the former Navy SEAL who claims to have killed Osama bin Laden was due to stand trial in city court.

ONeills misdemeanor DUI charge  stemming from an incident in April of this year  was amended to a misdemeanor charge of negligent endangerment. According to the agreement filed between O'Neill and the county attorney's office, prosecution of the amended charge will be deferred for up to 12 months as O'Neill undergoes treatment through the Department of Veteran Affairs for the issues that led to his arrest.

ONeill was not present for Wednesdays proceedings.

"I am pleased that the charge has been dropped and the case dismissed without prejudice. I look forward to putting this matter behind me," O'Neill said in a statement through CRC Public Relations.

If O'Neill violates the terms of the agreement within those 12 months, including breaking any laws or not completing VA treatment, the county attorney has the right to move forward with prosecution. If O'Neill successfully follows the terms of the agreement, the endangerment charge will be dropped.

Although both parties in the agreement state probable cause exists to charge O'Neill, Deputy County Attorney Anne Shea said her office did not have faith they could win a jury trial. Shea did not elaborate why, citing confidentiality and defendant privacy.

Shea said her office had been discussing potential resolution with O'Neill's attorney Mark Parker since June, and finalized the agreement Tuesday.

"We're glad it's over," Parker said.

The parties also agreed that medication prescribed to O'Neill to treat symptoms related to his military service formed the basis for the DUI charge.

Police found O'Neill asleep at the wheel of his running Nissan Sentra at the Town Pump at Montana and Platinum streets at 2:30 a.m. on April 8. Police opened the car door, waking O'Neill, who failed sobriety tests and refused a Breathalyzer test. The police report said O'Neill said he had one drink, then recanted, and that he may have taken Ambien, a prescription sleep aid drug.

O'Neill was arrested and cited for driving under the influence of alcohol, and his license suspended.

"The facts are that I took a prescribed sleep aide to help deal with long-standing severe insomnia. While the timing was bad and I highly regret this decision, I am innocent of the charge and have entered a plea of not guilty," O'Neill said in a press release through his public relations firm on April 8.

O'Neill gained notoriety in 2014 when he came forward to claim credit as the point man of SEAL Team Six who shot Osama bin Laden dead in a May 2, 2011, raid on a compound code-named Operation Neptune Spear in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

"In looking at the facts of the case I feel the agreement that was reached is a reasonable resolution to this matter," Sheriff Ed Lester said in a statement Wednesday.
HELENA - Officials have determined an electric heater sparked a fire that gutted a family's home in the Helena Valley this week.

When crews arrived at the Kraut Lane home around noon Tuesday, the residence was engulfed in flames, said Bob Drake, chief of Tri-Lakes Volunteer Fire Department.

"There's really nothing left of the possessions or the house," Drake said.

The family's three dogs died in the blaze.

No one was home at the time. A neighbor reported the fire after seeing flames.

Tri-Lakes was assisted by crews from East Valley, York and East Gate rural fire departments.
LARAMIE, Wyo.  Two Laramie juveniles have been cited for online "clown" threats that prompted extra security to be put in place at the high school and junior high.

Laramie police Lt. Gwen Smith said officers determined the social media posts came from two local youths and apparently were a hoax. The juveniles were cited for breach of peace, a misdemeanor that carries up to a $750 fine. Their names were not released.

School officials say the Laramie Junior High School principal was notified about a clown-related threat at about 7:15 a.m. Wednesday. School district official Stuart Nelson described it as "a general threat" warning people at the junior high to watch out for clowns.

The schools were placed under lockout until about noon.

Police nationwide have been dealing with hoaxes involving threats or reports of violence by people dressed as clowns.
Katie Mazurek described herself as "uptight" when she was growing up, but when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she saw that medical marijuana allowed her to continue to be a mother to her children and run her law practice.

"I am a little embarrassed that I fell into the stereotype of the fear and shame around it," said Mazurek, of Bozeman.

She first tried medical marijuana on a trip to Washington. She had traveled without her other medication and then remembered she could get marijuana in the state, which made recreational use legal in 2012.

"This is really a drug that allows me to engage with my family," Mazurek said.

And it's not an opioid, which "scares the living daylights out of me."

Wednesday, proponents of medical marijuana held a conference call to share the reasons they are supporting Initiative-182. The patients, significant others of patients, and politicians argued that I-182 will alleviate human suffering and honor the will of Montana voters, who approved a medical marijuana program for the state in 2004 by 62 percent.

Since then, Rep. Ellie Hill said the Montana Legislature adopted SB-423, which is essentially "repeal in disguise"  and evidence of hubris on the part of lawmakers who chose to "defy the will of the people of Montana."

Not only did the original measure pass with 62 percent approval, it won in the vast majority of Montana's 56 counties, she said.

I-182 "will be the responsible solution," said Hill, a Democrat from Missoula.

Proponents of medical marijuana aim to undo the restrictions imposed by SB-423, which limits the number of patients per provider to three. The limit took effect Aug. 31 after a protracted court battle. Soon after, the count of registered medical marijuana patients with no access to a legal provider quadrupled.

This year, Initiative-176, which would have made drugs that are illegal under federal law  such as marijuana  also illegal under Montana law failed to qualify for the ballot.

On Wednesday's conference call, I-182 proponents of the measure argued it allows patients access as voters desire, but it also places sideboards on the medical marijuana program that the Legislature could have put into place itself.

Proponent Jeff Krauss, Bozeman city commissioner, three-time mayor, and former Montana Board of Regents member, said it does the following:

Eliminates the three-patient limit, which "left 11,800 or so patients dangling."

Puts in place a system for product testing to allow for accurate dosages and quality product.

Requires annual inspections by the state.

Mazurek also said the program is run out of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and aims to be cost-neutral to taxpayers.

Big Pharma is a chief opponent of medical marijuana, and former legislator and former Montana Public Service Commissioner John Vincent suspects the reason is the companies want to keep selling patients opioids.

"It's my belief that they're doing that to protect their profits, which doesn't surprise me," Vincent said.
The two government officials familiar with the matter said the digital signature Yahoo was ordered to look for last year was individually approved in an order issued by a judge, who was persuaded that there was probable cause to believe that it was uniquely used by a foreign power.

Investigators had learned that agents of the foreign terrorist organization were communicating using Yahoos email service and with a method that involved a highly unique identifier or signature, but the investigators did not know which specific email accounts those agents were using, the officials said.

The officials description of the unusual surveillance operation carried out at Yahoo shed new light on a report by Reuters that has attracted widespread attention and provoked outrage among privacy and technology specialists.

The Reuters article reported that in response to a broad demand from the government, Yahoo had secretly built a custom software program to search all of its customers incoming emails for specific information provided by U.S. intelligence officials.

What we consider before using anonymous sources. Do the sources know the information? Whats their motivation for telling us? Have they proved reliable in the past? Can we corroborate the information? Even with these questions satisfied, The Times uses anonymous sources as a last resort. The reporter and at least one editor know the identity of the source. Learn more about our process.

According to the government officials, Yahoo was served with an individualized court order to look only for code uniquely used by the foreign terrorist organization. Two sources, including one of the officials, portrayed it as adapting the scanning systems that it already had in place to comply with that order rather than building a brand-new capability. The other official did not comment on the technology. The officials did not name the terrorist organization.

Asked on Wednesday about the information obtained by The New York Times, Suzanne Philion, a Yahoo spokeswoman, said the company had nothing further to say. Earlier in the day, the company said in a statement that the Reuters article was misleading.

We narrowly interpret every government request for user data to minimize disclosure, the Yahoo statement said. The mail scanning described in the article does not exist on our systems.
WASHINGTON  The F.B.I. secretly arrested a former National Security Agency contractor in August and, according to law enforcement officials, is investigating whether he stole and disclosed highly classified computer code developed by the agency to hack into the networks of foreign governments.

The arrest raises the embarrassing prospect that for the second time in three years, a contractor for the consulting company Booz Allen Hamilton managed to steal highly damaging secret information while working for the N.S.A. In 2013, Edward J. Snowden, who was also a Booz Allen contractor, took a vast trove of documents from the agency that were later passed to journalists, exposing surveillance programs in the United States and abroad.

The contractor was identified as Harold T. Martin III of Glen Burnie, Md., according to a criminal complaint filed in late August and unsealed Wednesday. Mr. Martin, who at the time of his arrest was working as a contractor for the Defense Department after leaving the N.S.A., was charged with theft of government property and the unauthorized removal or retention of classified documents.

Mr. Martin, 51, was arrested during an F.B.I. raid on his home on Aug. 27. A neighbor, Murray Bennett, said in a telephone interview on Wednesday that two dozen F.B.I. agents wearing military-style uniforms and armed with long guns stormed the house, and later escorted Mr. Martin out in handcuffs.
Police reports

THEFT

Vincent Campbell, 22, a Walmart employee, was arrested Wednesday after he was seen on video surveillance taking at least $100, police said. He was booked on a misdemeanor charge of theft.

ASSAULT

A 38-year-old Butte woman reported her husband, Brian Chapman, 40, was agitated and struck her face twice with his hand at their home on the 1900 block of Reynolds Street on Wednesday. Police say the victim suffered redness to her face.

THAT'S MINE

Charles Beebe, 64, of Butte allegedly yelled and screamed about a backpack he claimed was his at the Town Pump, 531 S. Montana St., about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Police say the suspect wasnt making sense and was arrested for disorderly conduct. It was determined the backpack belonged to another man.

TRESPASS

James Phillips, 31, of Butte was arrested Wednesday night for criminal trespass to property, a misdemeanor, after he was seen walking on Silver Bow Homes property. Police say he was on the exclusion list.

BURGLARY

A fishing tackle box, hedge trimmer, miscellaneous carving tools, and $50 cash was taken from a garage Wednesday on the 2000 block of Wall Street. Police say the money was inside two vehicles in the garage. The total value of the items is $350. There was no forced entry.
A man shot in the arm by a Butte-Silver Bow police officer during a 2015 incident has filed a federal civil rights suit, alleging he has suffered permanent nerve damage, severe emotional distress and an inability to work at his previous occupation.

Plaintiff Joseph Daniel Feltz filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Butte federal court against Butte-Silver Bow County, the Butte-Silver Bow Police Department and officers Christopher Berger and Jeffrey Williams.

The lawsuit alleges that Berger dragged Feltz out of the vehicle he was driving, then shot him in the right arm, shattering his forearm, in the early morning hours of Feb. 13, 2015 on the 1300 block of Farrell Street in Butte.

Sheriff Ed Lester said Tuesday said he had "no comment" on the suit.

Feltz, 38, has a criminal record including convictions for tampering with witnesses and informants; two counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs; forgery, and burglary. He previously served 60 months in the Montana State Prison.

Officer Berger was later exonerated of any criminal conduct by the Montana Attorney Generals Office. In a two-page letter dated Oct. 8, 2015, Assistant Attorney General Brant Light, after reviewing the case, determined Berger accidentally shot Feltz.

The lawsuit accuses Berger of violating the Butte-Silver Bow Police Department policy that relates to the use of deadly force. It also accuses him of going against police best practices in removing Feltz from the vehicle.

The lawsuit contends Berger forcibly dragged Feltz out of his vehicle, and, spewing obscenities, threatened to shoot him. Berger and Williams wore body cameras that recorded the incident.

Berger had been working a stakeout at the time at the house where Feltz drove after giving two people  a man and a woman  a ride from a Town Pump in Butte. Berger was searching for a wanted felon, Zachary Rogers, in connection with a residential burglary.

The lawsuit contends a man later identified as Rogers jumped into the back seat of Feltzs vehicle and told him to Go, go, go! Feltz started forward.

According to the suit, Berger, who was on foot, allegedly jumped out from the alley with a weapon drawn, shined a flashlight in Feltzs face and screamed, Stop! Stop! Stop! Do not move. Police said Feltz drove toward Berger while attempting to leave the area.

According to the lawsuit, the two exchanged several other obscenities and Berger repeatedly yelled commands at Feltz, who eventually turned off the engine and placed his hands on the ceiling of the vehicle.

Allegedly, Berger threatened Feltz, saying: Driver, you so much as even fing blink, I will drop you, understand?

When the drivers side door opened, Berger thrust his hand into the vehicle, grabbed Feltz by the back of the neck and dragged him to the ground, where he continued to curse at Feltz, Get out of the car, asshole. Get on the ground. Get on the fing ground. You want to fing run me over motherfer.

Berger then allegedly shot Feltz.

Afterward, Berger indicated to Sheriff Ed Lester that the weapon, a .40-caliber handgun, was inadvertently discharged as he attempted to holster it during the struggle with Feltz.

Emergency personnel attended to Feltz, who had surgery the same night.

The lawsuit contends Feltz has substantially lost the use of his dominant arm from nerve damage inflicted by Bergers bullet. He had two more surgeries but according to the suit is still unable to grip a wrench for his auto mechanic job.

Christopher Young, Bozeman attorney for the plaintiff, told The Standard his client has been trying to settle the matter without going to court but the efforts failed. He said the county had assigned the case to the Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority  a group that sometimes represents cities and towns in Montana in legal and insurance matters  and there had been some back-and-forth discussions, but no resolution.

It would seem that the government actors need the encouragement of a federal lawsuit  a civil rights action  to convince them that they need to resolve this, said Young.

According to the lawsuit, Bergers actions were objectively unreasonable. The suit accuses Williams, as the senior officer on the scene, of not preventing Berger from the objectively unreasonable use of deadly force.

The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Sam Haddon.

After the incident, Berger was placed on administrative leave. By September 2015, he had returned to full duty, according to Lester.

The state Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation responded directly to the scene.

Berger has been with the Butte-Silver Bow Police for nine years, said BSB Undersheriff George Skuletich.
Firefighter-turned-rodeo clown Dennis Halstead has the NRA Rodeo Finals over a barrel.

For the sixth year, the Butte Civic Center hosts the finals  and award-winning Halstead is a vital part of the show. Events run Thursday through Friday, but Saturday is the main event, with the awards show and Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign on tap.

We hope Saturday is our big night, said Civic Center Manager Bill Melvin. We hope for somewhere in the 3,000 (fans) mark  just because its very expensive to put this show on.

Stock contractors from around Montana provide livestock to the cream-of-the-crop competitors from all corners of the state.

These are the finals, so you have to qualify to get here and the stock has to qualify, Melvin said. Its the best of the best  the top 10 riders in each event  and also the best stock.

Halstead is in town to help cowboys and cowgirls dodge the feistiest of wired saddle broncs, hard-charging bulls, escaping steers and breaking calves. But he warmed up his clown muscles in front of Whittier Elementary students Wednesday morning.

Im at the top of the world in the work I do, but I wouldnt be much without my school, Halstead told a gym full of young charges, most of whom howled in hysterics over his physical antics.

Besides relaying the stay-in-school message to Butte students, Halstead brings his considerable clown credentials to town opening night on Thursday starting at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. An Alberta resident, he is a four-time Canadian Pro Entertainer of the Year.

On Thursday, the admission is two-for-one: buy a $20 ticket and get one free. The other days, tickets cost $20 for adults and $13 for kids up to age 18.

Events include the usual: bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping and barrel racing.

Two cowgirl luminaries will be in the house, too: Lindsay Garpestad, Miss Rodeo Montana 2016, and Opal Harkins, 2016 National High School Rodeo Queen. Garpestad is from Simms and Harkins is from Billings.

A Junior Rodeo  free to the schools  starts Friday at 10 a.m. Kids can watch their peers take to the arena; free popcorn and pop will be available. The kids rodeo events include goat-roping, barrel racing and even some smaller livestock, said Melvin.

Butte-Silver Bow Road Department crews hauled in 200 loads of dirt into the Civic Center and 100 loads outside from the stockpile in the nearby county maintenance yard. It took at least a dozen workers to build the rodeo corral, so Melvins crew has been busy.

Melvin hopes the rodeo fills the rafters on Friday night and Saturday. Capacity is 3,500 seats. Tickets are available at www.tickets.butteciviccenter.com/

Ushers, ticket-takers, cleaners are also ready to come out of the chutes.

Its taken us all week to get ready, but were ready, said Melvin.
To all persons regarding Eunice E. Van Laarhoven, deceased, who died on or about August 24, 2016. You are hereby notified that Sherry F. Estrada is the trustee of the Eunice E. Van Laarhoven Survivor's Trust, dated April 19, 2004 under a revocable trust agreement executed on April 19, 2004 by Vernon C. Van Laarhoven and Eunice E. Van Laarhoven. That, at this time, no probate administration is contemplated with regard to the above referenced decedent's estate. Any action to contest the validity of the trust must be brought in the District Court of Muscatine County, Iowa, within the later to occur of four (4) months from the date of second publication of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice to all heirs of the decedent, and beneficiaries under the trust whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred. i Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the decedent or the trust are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned trustee and creditors having claims against the trust must mail them to the trustee at the address listed below via certified mail, return receipt requested, and unless so mailed by the later to occur of four (4) months from the second publication of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  Homemade cookies, doll clothes, art, produce, and more was available at Ye Olde Country Store Bazaar at New Era Lutheran Church.

The event drew a wide variety of vendors, lining the walls and filling the center of a large room inside the church, as well as sitting in a row outside under the shade of trees.

Ye Olde Country Store Bazaar has been an annual event for almost 40 years.

Shirley McDaniel, who was handing out tickets with numbers on them, allowing her to allow guests into the dining room in large groups, said she has been part of the organizers in the church for more than 20 years.

She said more than 600 guests were likely to pass through the dining hall on Wednesday.

"One year we even had 800," she said.

Becky Bettis, of the Red Barn Pumpkin Farm, was situated outside with her fall produce, partially shaded by the nearby trees. Bettis said she was raised in the church, and has been a vendor at the event for around eight or nine years.

"It's fun, you get to see a lot of people," she said.

Glenda Brandt, who said she used to belong to the church, had not attended the bazaar for several years, so she brought friends, who had not attended the event, with her to visit the vendors and taste the homemade lunch.

"It's very nice, of course we're going to go eat, and I'm sure the food is good," Brandt said.

Several guests said they often looked forward to the lunch options served in the church during the bazaar.

FloAnn Etringer said she had managed to find two items at the bazaar, and she was enjoying her first time at the event.

"It's been pretty cool," she said.

Germaine Plett, who attended the bazaar for the first time with Etringer and Brandt, said they were enjoying a girls day out, and were excited for lunch.

"Everything's homemade," she said.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  Despite the rising Mississippi River the annual Muscatine CROP Hunger Walk was a great success according to Muscatine CROP Hunger Walk coordinator Judy Brotherton.

We had more walkers than usual, Brotherton said. I figured that we would have fewer because of the river but we had more.

At least 15 Muscatine churches participated in the event which are community-wide events to raise funds to end hunger at home and around the world.

Brotherton said that all of the money has not been turned in as yet but the Muscatine walk is usually one of the biggest in Iowa.

One of the best things about this walk is that we get a match from New Hope Foundation, Brotherton said. Every dollar raised is matched by a dollar from New Hope Foundation.

Two organizations that benefit from the CROP Walk are the Muscatine Community Food Pantry and Bag of Blessings as 25 percent of the money raised from the walk will be returned to Muscatine.

The rising river did cause Brotherton and her committee some concern earlier in the week but she was reassured that there would be no problems by the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department.

We were not sure if we needed an alternate plan or not but after speaking with them we went with our original plan, Brotherton said. And it turned out that the water did not affect the walking area and the weather was perfect.

She remembered walks where the weather wasnt as good including one walk when it sleeted on the participants.

That is unusual for early October here but we still had walkers, Brotherton said. The last couple of years have been great.

Fifteen members of the Muscatine Youth Choir sang before the start of the walk. Pat Church also led stretching exercises. Homemade cookies from the Pilot Club of Muscatine were also served to walkers.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  The Muscatine County Parkinsons Support Group will meet Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Muscatine County Extension Office, 1514 Isett Avenue. A social time will begin at 3:30 p.m. with the informational meeting at 4:00 p.m.

Presenters will review the proceedings of the June, 2016, Iowa Parkinson Disease Conference in West Des Moines.

The support group welcomes anyone whose life is affected by this disease to join them and learn of ways to better cope with its issues.

For more more information, contact Wayne and Pat Corriell at 563-649-2285 or John and Karen Schaub at 563-263-1866.
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 []
MyGaming recently reported on the news that the PlayStation VR and other VR headsets would only be making their way to South Africa some time in 2017.

While it sucks that we wont be able to check out arguably the biggest gaming release of 2016 for ourselves  that may actually be for the better.

It turns out the headsets may not actually be very good for your eyes.

Laser eye surgeon Dr. David Allamby of Londons Focus Clinic is extremely apprehensive about what VR could stir up with eye problems, reports PlayStation Lifestyle.

With virtual reality headsets about to experience a real boom, we are setting up the next generation of gamers for some potentially serious eye problems, said Allamby. Parents and younger people need to know the risks. With VR, were going to potentially see more and more people suffering from a lack of exposure to daylight  something which affects the way our eyes naturally grow and which can lead to short-sightedness, or myopia. And because VR prevents our eyes from naturally focusing at a far distance, this too can speed-up the progression of myopia.

On the bright side, these issues could be found and addressed before the headsets reach South African shores.

If thats not the case, at the very least we will know what were getting ourselves into later next year.

More gaming news

This is how much a 1440p gaming PC costs in South Africa

The next Assassins Creed has been leaked

5 Biggest game releases of October
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CARACAS, Venezuela  It was just a scraped knee. So 3-year-old Ashley Pachecos parents did what parents do: They hugged her, cleaned the wound twice and thought no more of it.

Two weeks later, the little girl writhed screaming in a hospital bed. Her mother stayed day and night in the trauma unit. Her father scoured Caracas for scarce antibiotics.

They had no idea how much worse it was going to get.

If Venezuela has become dangerous for the healthy, it is now deadly for those who fall ill. After years of mismanagement and a plunge in the price of oil, the economy has stalled out. The socialist administration calls the medical crisis an invention peddled by opponents, and has refused to let in humanitarian aid.

Yet the governments own reports say that one in three people admitted to public hospitals last year died. The number of operational hospital beds has fallen by 40 percent since 2014. And the country is running short on 85 percent of medicines.

I really dont know of any other country where things have deteriorated so quickly, to such an incredible extent, said Rafael Perez-Escamilla, a Yale University School of Public Health professor.

A week after her fall in mid-July, Ashley started to run a fever. At the local clinic, doctors said she would soon be on the mend. Yet the fever kept rising, and her knee was swelling.

So Maykol and Oriana Pacheco sat her between them on their motorcycle and tried three other hospitals. None had the medicine or room to take Ashley in.

The next morning, her temperature had spiked to 103 degrees. Desperate, her parents took her to a fourth hospital. When they arrived, she was whisked into emergency care.

University Hospital was filthy. The staff had run out of bleach to clean the floors. Stray dogs wandered the building, and cockroaches scuttled by on the walls. The water in the bathroom sometimes came out black.

In Ashleys room, the sink was broken, and the soap and glove dispensers were empty. Yet with the hospital so crowded that women in labor were sharing beds, her parents felt lucky she had been admitted at all.

Doctors diagnosed Ashley with a staph infection and gave her the last of the hospitals supply of vancomycin, a widely-used antibiotic.

But as night fell, she got worse. Her heart monitor line zigzagged wildly. Her breathing sounded like gasping hiccups. And her chest collapsed inward with each inhalation.

Doctors suspected bacteria had traveled to her lung, but the hospitals last X-ray machine had given out the month before. So an ambulance took Ashley to a private clinic, where the test cost the family a weeks wages.

The X-ray confirmed the doctors fears: Ashleys right lung had collapsed.

Making do with a trick from battlefield medicine, doctors slid a needle into Ashleys chest to let out the trapped air. Then they told her parents that without more antibiotic and a chest drainage machine, she wouldnt live to see the next evening.

The family frantically called around to anyone who might help. After midnight, a friend found the drainage machine at a private clinic. With it, Ashley started to breathe easier. But her leg had turned an ugly purple and swollen to the diameter of a dinner plate.

If doctors could not stop the infection, surgeons would have to amputate.

So Ashleys father joined the thousands of Venezuelans racing against personal clocks, standing in line for hours outside pharmacies.

The antibiotic vancomycin was the hardest to find. Maykol heard that a public hospital across town might have a supply. When he arrived, the pediatric unit had flooded. There was no medicine to spare.

In wet jeans, he rode to another hospital. Nothing. But as he was leaving, a man in a white coat gave him three precious vials.

In addition to medicine, Ashley now needed surgery to drain her infected knee. Only two of the hospitals 27 operating rooms were fully functional, and 150 children were waiting for a spot.

Her doctors pushed until she was booked. Two residents sterilized a used needle and injected her with anesthetic.

But the next week, the fever was inexplicably worse again, 102 degrees. Soon, she was quaking under her Dora the Explorer sheets, with a fever of 106 (41 Celsius).

Red spots spread across her still-swollen skin  the telltale sign of a heart infection. There hadnt been enough antibiotics to stop the staph bacteria from quietly spreading all this time. Without three doses of vancomycin daily for three weeks, it could ruin her heart and spread to her brain.

Maykol spent August crisscrossing Caracas in his quest to find the drug. In the meantime, five other children died on the pediatric surgery ward due to the lack of proper antibiotics.

Finally, nearly a month after she was hospitalized, Ashleys fever subsided. Her heart was scarred, and she would likely eventually need a valve replaced. Exhausted, her mother filed that information away for later.

The day before Ashley was to be released, Oriana left the 9th floor for the first time in two weeks. Doctors would not discharge Ashley until she had an ultrasound test of her leg. But only one public hospital still had a functioning machine, and the clerk there said the first slot was in November, two months away.

Perezs shoulders slumped. This is madness, she said under her breath.

After she returned, a new doctor had more bad news: Ashley had picked up a fungal infection in her lungs. She needed a medicine that was no longer possible to find in Venezuela.

For the first time since Ashley was admitted, Maykol lost his temper.

What do you mean she needs a medicine we cant find here? he said. At least tell me the name, so I can try to find it.

He spent the next days looking for ways to import the non-existent medicine. But in the end, help came from the next room over. A mother donated the medicine to Ashley. Her son had died.

In late September, doctors declared Ashley infection-free. Oriana sold the supplies the family still had to other mothers to pay for an ultrasound at a private clinic and Ashleys future treatment.

We have nothing left, she said.

After years of putting it off, Maykol and Oriana planned to have Ashley baptized. It would be a celebration of her recovery  and a safeguard in case she fell ill again.

As Ashley and her parents left the ward, the residents and nurses shouted after the family.

They called out not goodbye, but good luck.
Its no secret that downtown parking can be tight.

Paul Wagner knows it all too well. He owns Balzac Communications & Marketing and his companys offices are located at the busy corner of Polk and Jefferson streets, across from a former Safeway parking lot.

Wagner said for more than 20 years he had an unofficial agreement allowing his workers to park in a far corner of the downtown lot.

Im guessing that on any given day, three or four of my employees park there, he said. Theres virtually no street parking on Jefferson and limited spaces on Polk, he said.

Safeway didnt mind because the parking lot was never completely full, Wagner said. Besides that, his employees were always regular customers of Safeway  at least until the store closed in 2014 after the earthquake.

The Safeway parking arrangement came to an abrupt halt last week, leaving one employee with a towing bill of more than $300 and frustration on all sides.

Balzac employee Emma Thomas said she was quite surprised to find her car had been towed while she was at work on Sept. 26.

Because Thomas had arrived at the office early that morning while it was still dark outside, she hadnt noticed new no parking signs posted at select spots around the lot.

The towing company, Vine Towing, was asking for $360, cash only, to release her car, Thomas said. She wanted to pay with a credit card, but the owner said his credit card machine was not working, she said.

Thomas was eventually able to pay using a credit card and got her car back, but she questioned both the towing and the loss of parking.

The signage could have been much more clear, Thomas said. To me, it seems it was intentionally done so you could tow the cars and make a bunch of money.

Her Balzac colleague, Tiffany van Gorder, said the business had not been warned of any plans to tow cars.

Not to have any notification whatsoever is just not acceptable, she said. The parking lot is huge. Were not interfering with anybody who needs parking there.

She also wondered about the legalities of towing the cars from the lot. Tires werent marked, she said. There were no chains placed at the entrances.

While visiting Dr. Eric Perezs dental office next door to Balzac Communications, Maria Ramirez parked her car in the lot early that same Monday morning. Her appointment was less than an hour but when she returned to the Safeway lot, she discovered that her car had also been towed.

Ramirez was told shed have to pay $260 in cash to get her car back that same day.

The receptionist at the dental office, Lucy Rodriguez, said someone had called the office that previous Friday to warn them about the towing but Ramirez arrived for her appointment before she could notify patients of the towing.

Translating for Ramirez, Rodriguez said that when Ramirez called the Vine Towing number, the man who answered told her he didnt have time to talk to her and she need to get to the lot immediately to get her car, she said.

The payment was a significant financial burden, said Ramirez. The Napa woman just had surgery and isnt working right now. It was really hard to pay the fee, Ramirez said.

The Vine Tow operator was rude and dismissive when she arrived, recalled Ramirez.

Im just here to get my car, she told him.

Reached by phone on Wednesday, a man named David answered the phone at Vine Towing. David said he was the business owner but declined to give his last name.

David said theres no minimum time requirement for how soon a car can be towed from private property.

The towing amount includes a $200 fee, set by the police department and state of California, he said. David said he also charges a minimum of $60 a day for storage.

Napa police Capt. Jennifer Gonzales said that the police department charges a vehicle-release fee of $184 if a vehicle needs to be towed from a public lot or street. There is no fee related to tows from private property, she said. And the Safeway lot is private property. Shes not sure where David got the $200 fee amount from.

David said his phone lines werent working on that Monday and he couldnt process credit cards, but that was later fixed.

The newer no parking signs were posted more than 96 hours in advance, he said. David said he towed a total of two or three cars from the old Safeway lot.

The property owner contracted with him to remove the vehicles, he said. There had been motor homes, trailers  a bunch of junk parking there.

They are mad, he acknowledged of those whose vehicles had been hauled away. But theyre trespassing on private property, he said. I dont know what to tell them. The owner has to tow everybody.

The lot is not public parking, said property owner Corrine Hagstrom Vasquez. Its private property.

Im sorry people are angry, said Hagstrom Vasquez. It creates bad feelings but thats not our intent. Our intent is public safety.

In addition to newer signs, Hagstrom Vasquez said there have been no parking signs at the lot all along.

Its just that were starting to enforce it because were getting overnight camping and the homeless staying there. Its a liability issue. If someone got hurt in the parking lot or a car got damaged, shes liable, she said.

Its your community and we want to keep it clean and safe, said Hagstrom Vasquez.

Hagstrom Vasquez said she would not consider leasing part of the lot to local employees such as those at Balzac Communications.

The insurance would be too expensive, she said. Plus, she needs to keep the area clear for the remediation process currently underway at the former dry cleaner site at the other end of the parcel.

Hagstrom Vasquez said that she isnt receiving any money from the towing.

Hagstrom Vasquez said she was reluctant to put up a chain at the entrances of the lot.

Im afraid some person would drive into it and cause damage to car or injure themselves.

She doesnt want to fence off the whole lot because thats kind of ugly. I dont even know if the city would allow it.

Thomas said she now walks to work or parks on Polk Street. With the Safeway lot off-limits, Its been a bit more difficult to find street parking.

If people need a place to park, the citys Pearl Street garage is not far from that location, Hagstrom Vasquez said.

Hagstrom Vasquez said she has no news to announce about the future of the property or a new tenant.

Safeway retains an active lease for the majority of the lot, which continues to be a stumbling block for any new use.

Its a very complex issue, she said. Well know more in a couple of months.

I have not heard that anyone is in discussions for that site, Mayor Jill Techel said on Wednesday.
From my standpoint, Napa Valley College is the greatest institution in the Napa Valley. It is an equalizer, which provides thousands of local students with courses and programs to achieve their academic and professional goals. In terms of its student population, NVC is one of the most dynamic and diverse Napa Valley communities.

NVCs mission is to provide educational opportunities for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. Its built on the principle that everyone has potential; all honest voices are relevant; and, no ones interests should be overlooked. My incredible NVC professors supported me and evoked academic drive within me, carrying me through university as I look ahead to graduate school.

I had the privilege of serving on the Associated Students of Napa Valley College as senator of Social Sciences, vice president, and president. I concluded my semester on the Napa Valley College Board of Trustees as student trustee. These were very rewarding experiences, which provided firsthand involvement with the Colleges inner workings. In these positions, I actively participated in NVCs shared governance process to shape policies and advocate for student interests.

This advocacy inspired me to expand my public service beyond campus. For these reasons, I continue to be passionately engaged with NVC; I believe in working with others to strengthen and protect this valuable public institution.

I am concerned about the direction NVC is headed. BestColleges.com ranked Napa Valley College as the No. 1 California community college in 2015. However, that ranking was based on data from 2011. Since then, NVC has struggled with high administrative turnover, a second failed bond attempt, the adoption of two deficient budgets (for 2014-15 and 2015-16), and a disconnect between the college leadership and the broader community.

I recently attended the Napa County League of Women Voters candidates forum for the NVC Board of Trustees race for Area 1. The moderator asked an important question about accreditation the most important responsibility of any educational institutions leadership.

Incumbent Dan Digardi provided incorrect information about NVCs recent accreditation process, stating that the college has full accreditation for the next seven years. Shuffling through his notes, he said that the accreditation team had three areas of concern but downplayed their significance, saying that there is no question about [the colleges] full accreditation and that the College has come out with flying colors.

Challenger Jennifer Baker clarified that according to the accreditation report, NVC had several areas of non-compliance with accreditation standards and that the accreditation team reaffirmed NVCs accreditation for only 18 months. Baker provided additional details on these areas of non-compliance. For example, she explained that the accreditation report stated that NVC must tie planning to budget and that planning should be driven by realistic assessments of the colleges financial resources.

In fact, to maintain its accreditation, NVC must submit a follow-up report, demonstrating that it has corrected all of its Need to Resolve Deficiencies and meets standards by March 15, 2017. If not, the college has another six months to do so, as federal law dictates that higher education institutions cannot be out of compliance with any standard for more than two years, which is known as the Two Year Rule.

To meet standards, the accreditation team recommended that NVC integrate its institutional plans with its financial plans and base its financial plans on realistic assessments of available resources and expenditure needs. The accreditation team also recommended that NVC identify Student Learning Outcomes at the course, program, and degree level and to regularly assess student progress toward achievement of these outcomes.

These are glaring findings within the accreditation report. Centering institutional planning and budgeting on student success is bedrock; after this, lets discuss additional facilities, campus housing, and a beer-making program. Students need courses to satisfy transfer requirements and vocational goals, high-quality faculty, and support services. These needs should drive institutional planning, which should direct budget allocation. When did these basic functionalities become misaligned?

Jennifer Baker is the only candidate with two masters degrees: one in public administration and another in library science. She has served the public for more than 20 years as a librarian, eight as a library director. She is currently a communications specialist for the Napa Valley Unified School District. She has exhibited creative problem-solving and a commitment to excellence throughout her professional life.

Finally, she has had several years experience working on public boards, including serving as chairwoman of the Northnet Library System, representing 41 different public jurisdictions, and currently serving as secretary on the executive board of the California Library Association, to which she was elected by her professional peers.

NVC needs transparent and responsive leadership, open and authentic communication, and critical thinkers at the helm. Baker has the education, practical experience, skills, and personal qualities to help get the college back on track.

Alex Shantz

St. Helena
NATO AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) reconnaissance planes flew their 1000th flight over Eastern Europe on Wednesday (5 October). This milestone sends a strong signal of NATOs solidarity with Allies in the eastern part of the Alliance.

In response to Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in March 2014, NATO started reconnaissance flights over Eastern Europe to monitor the situation in neighboring Ukraine.

These AWACS sorties provide air surveillance and enhanced situational awareness, helping to reassure Allies on NATOs Eastern Flank. The surveillance flights operate in the airspace of NATO member nations and do not cross into Ukrainian or Russian airspace.

NATO's fleet of 16 AWACS aircraft operates from an airbase in Geilenkirchen, Germany. The high-tech aircraft provide the Alliance with essential air and sea surveillance capabilities. They can also conduct command and control functions.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se of the Republic of Korea to NATO Headquarters for the first time on Thursday (6 October 2016). The two leaders discussed how to deepen the Alliances partnership with Seoul, their continued commitment to Afghanistan, and shared concerns over North Korea.

The Secretary General praised the Republic of Koreas political and practical support for Afghanistan, highlighting Seouls major financial contributions to the Afghan forces. He noted that NATO will sustain its Resolute Support Mission beyond 2016 and continue to fund Afghan security forces to 2020. The Secretary General also condemned North Koreas persistent provocations and violations of binding UN Security Council Resolutions, which undermine regional and international security. He pointed to opportunities for deepening the Alliances partnership with Seoul, including in the areas of cyber defence and exercises.

During his visit, Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se also participated in a meeting of the North Atlantic Council, chaired by NATOs Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Alexander Vershbow. The Council discussed the security situation on the Korean peninsula and agreed on the importance of taking forward the Alliances cooperation with Seoul.
The Vardanyan brothers of Armenia, who were detained in Tanzania, are still in custody in this country.

According to our sources, the Tanzanian court has not yet made a decision on whether or not they are guilty.

Artyom, 52, and Eduard, 44, Vardanyan were detained on March 23, at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania.

The Citizen newspaper of this country reported that the brothers had attempted to transport 61 monkeys to Albaniaand then to Armeniawith a cargo plane.

According to the newspaper, even though taking wild animals outside the country is prohibited in Tanzania, the Vardanyan brothers had managed to obtain the respective authorization.

Artyom Vardanyan is the proprietor of a large restaurant in Dzoraghbyur village in Kotayk Province of Armenia, and he keeps numerous exotic animals at this restaurant.
Employee of Karabakh permanent representation in Armenia is charged with high treason

Blinken has phone talks with China's FM

Artsakh strategic issues discussed at We Are Our Mountains agency first meeting

Iranian Foreign Ministry: Presence of foreign forces doesn't contribute to peace in Caucasus

Alen Simonyan, Garo Paylan discuss prospects for reopening of Armenia-Turkey border

Aliyev arrives in Sochi

Iran detains second suicide bomber in Shiraz mausoleum

Iranian and Azerbaijani FMs discuss situation in region

2023 expenses of Armenian defense sector will make AMD 506bln, a growth of 35%

Armenias Pashinyan arrives in Russias Sochi (PHOTOS)

UN agrees with Turkey and Ukraine on transportation of Ukrainian grain

Armenia parliament standing committees kick off joint session, debating on 2023 state budget draft

Lula da Silva wins Brazil presidential election

Oil prices go down

Gold prices show weak growth

Armenia renowned stage director, ex-MP Vahe Shahverdyan dead at 77

Turkey plans to open 100 oil, natural gas wells on land in 2023

Copper falls in price

USAID delegation arriving in Armenia

Japan to establish new unified command to manage operations of land, sea and air forces

French Foreign Minister calls on Russia to reconsider its decision on grain deal

Ferrari unveils 499P hypercar with all-wheel drive

Russian Foreign Ministry hopes that Putin, Pashinyan and Aliyev meeting will help conclude peace treaty

Pashinyan to meet with Putin in Sochi, followed by trilateral meeting of Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani leaders

Reuters: Border Agency building set on fire in Britain

US recognized as most powerful country in world for seventh time

Iran accuses Israel of organizing terrorist attack in Shiraz

Reuters: NATO urged Russia to urgently resume grain deal

Guterres intends to achieve resumption of Russia's participation in grain deal

Resistance Movement calls rally on November 5

La Stampa: Italian farmers fear rising cereal prices due to disruption of grain deal

Beglaryan: About 33% of the entire population of Artsakh gathered at the Renaissance Square in Stepanakert

Sweden's new government is ready to supply Kiev with heavier weapons

Babayan: Any proposal in which Artsakh will be considered part of Azerbaijan will be rejected

Dozens of female students protest in Afghanistan

Biden confuses number of states in U.S.

Peskov: Russia cannot be someone's vassal

Minibus carrying party members overturns in Ankara

Dashnaktsutyun: Any document that will include Artsakh into Azerbaijan must be torn up

Speaker: We hope that no document ignoring the Artsakh issue will be signed in Sochi

Italian MFA comments on Russia's withdrawal from food deal

Economist: High inflation took Western countries by surprise, which were wrong in their forecasts

Artsakh National Assembly issues statement: Artsakh has never been and will never be part of independent Azerbaijan

Parliament of Republic of Artsakh unanimously adopts statements

NA holds extraordinary meeting in Artsakh: Big rally takes place on Renaissance Square (photos)

Lavrov confirms Putin's readiness for negotiations with Ukraine

La Repubblica: Italy supplied Kiev with 20-30 M109L artillery guns and PzH 2000 howitzers

Typhoon in Philippines affects more than 932,000 people

Source: Turkey conducts 'telephone diplomacy' on food deal

Television and partially radio broadcasts will be turned off in Armenia for two hours on October 31

Borrell: The EU urges Russia to revert its decision

Haiti PM Ariel Henry: The leader of a political party was murdered in the republic

Armenia MFA expresses condolences to South Korea over Seoul tragedy

Seoul receives more than 3,700 missing persons reports after crush

Armenian Defense Ministry: Private received fatal gunshot wound

Toivo Klaar: I emphasised the European Unions continued strong engagement in the peace process

Arrested for assaulting Speaker Pelosi's spouse faces charges

Major crush in Seoul: There are victims

Britain needs air defense in connection with war in Ukraine

France to plant 1 billion trees by 2030

Armenian FM meets participants of World Armenian Summit

The Swiss are going to set record for longest passenger train in the world

At least 146 people killed and 150 more injured in Seoul as they were crushed by crowd

Europeans frightened by growth of household appliances exports to Armenia, Kazakhstan

Russia requests UN Security Council meeting in connection with Ukraine's attack on Black Sea Fleet ships

Michel Aoun: Lebanon could slide into constitutional chaos

Zelensky intends to have Patriot SAMs, Abrams tanks and aircraft from US

President discusses latest foreign political developments around Artsakh

Azerbaijan officials considering opening embassy in Israel

Pashinyan receives Youri Djorkaeff

Thierry Breton talks Twitter purchase by Elon Musk: In Europe, the bird will fly by our rules

Armenia PM, EU Special Representative for South Caucasus discuss regional security and peace

Nikol Pashinyan, Garo Paylan exchange views on Armenia-Turkey normalization process

Quake hits Armenia-Turkey border zone

Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Garo Paylyan discuss prospects of normalizing Armenian-Turkish relations

Armenia ruling party adopting new vision regarding Karabakh conflict settlement

Russia MOD: Ukraine carried out terrorist attack on Black Sea Fleet ships, civilian ships in Sevastopol

Premier: CSTO should plan force operation, restore Armenias territorial integrity

BloombergNEF: Gas reserves from the U.S. will not be enough to fill the gaping hole left by Russia in Europe

Armenia PM: All countries consider Karabakh to be part of Azerbaijan

Armenias Pashinyan: CSTO does not exist

Kremlin responds to question on extending mandate of Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh

Armenia premier: We need to know, ultimately, what Russian peacekeepers are doing in Nagorno-Karabakh

Armenia PM: Im ready to sign document, accept that Russian peacekeepers term in Karabakh be extended 10-20 years

Armenias Pashinyan: We are ready to delegate border guard service operation to Russian border guards

Finland, Sweden promise to join NATO together

European Parliament calls on Armenia to consider diversifying its security partnerships

Visiting Armenia MPs brief Canada lawmaker on recent Azerbaijan military aggression

Armenia PM at ruling party congress: We declared repairing states foundation our primary task

UK prime minister may freeze foreign aid for two more years

Karabakh President: Russia leaders statement inspires certain hopes

Armenia ruling party congress kicks off

Man breaks into US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's home, demands to speak with her, beats husband with hammer

EU-Armenia Joint Committee on Research and Innovation first meeting to be held in November

Provincial governor of Armenias Gegharkunik: EU monitoring mission already started

US accuses Russia of disinformation regarding Washington intentions towards Armenia, Azerbaijan

Mexico fully legalizes gay marriage

Newspaper: Azerbaijan not inclined to sign anything with Armenia in Russias Sochi

Armenia ruling party convening closed convention

India's ruling party spokesman sues news portal
YEREVAN.  The people have learned lessons from the war in April, they are inclined toward not permitting further tensions on the line of contact, and the peoples respective mood and attitude is very clear.

Russian diplomat, head of the Russian mediation mission between 1992 and 1996, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group former Russian Co-Chair, and the Russian presidents plenipotentiary representative on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Ambassador Vladimir Kazimirov, told the aforesaid to 168 Zham daily, speaking about his biggest impression from his recent visit to the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh).

According to him, the people of NKR have learned the lesson that the state of things on the negotiating table and the situation at the Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact requires special attention, high alertness, since different types of intrigue, adventuristic plans may continue to be drawn.

So, certainly, high alertness is required not to permit the flaring and start of incidents, moreover, hostilities, at the line of contact, he said, wrote 168 Zham.
STEPANAKERT.  The adversary violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani opposing forces more than 50 times, from late Wednesday night to early Thursday morning.

During this time the Azerbaijani armed forces fired around 850 shots toward the Armenian position-holders, and by way of various caliber weapons, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) Defense Army informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

More intensive ceasefire violations were recorded in an easterly and northeasterly direction of the line of contact, where the adversary fired from long-range sniper rifles.

But the NKR Defense Army vanguard units are command of the operational situation, and they continue confidently carrying out their military watch.
YEREVAN.  Chairman of the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA), Arthur Javadyan, has traveled to Washington D.C., on a working visit.

In the US capital city, Javadyan will participate in the 2016 annual meeting of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank (WB) Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF), CBA informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The CBA chief will also attend the meeting of the countries of the Dutch-Belgian IMF subgroup.

In addition, Arthur Javadyan is scheduled to meet separately with WB and IMF officials as well as the heads of several central banks and financial institutions.
YEREVAN.  A delegation, led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Economic Integration and Reforms of Armenia, Vache Gabrielyan, on Thursday headed for the US, on a working visit.

In the US capital city of Washington D.C., the delegation will participate in a regular meeting of the Armenian-American Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, Press Office of the Government of Armenia informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

In Washington, Gabrielyan will also attend the 2016 annual meeting of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Within the framework of this event, the Armenian official will hold several important talks with a number of senior WBG and IMF officials.

And in New York City, the Armenian delegation will participate in the Armenia investment conference 2016. The objective of this event is to present the investment appeal of Armenia, and show its competitive advantages.
YEREVAN.  State officials in Armenia will hereafter be fined for hindering economic competitiveness.

The respective draft amendments to the Law on Economic Competitiveness were approved at Thursdays Cabinet session.

Accordingly, the officials, who get in the way of a companys activities and back another company, will pay a fine of up to 5 million drams (approx. US$10,550).

Correspondingly, such activities by any business-related government agency will be considered such an offense.

Under the current law, these actions are also punishable as abuse of power. But, from now on, the violations that hinder economic competitiveness will be punished separately in Armenia.
Iraq has required an emergency session of the UN Security Council to discuss the issue of the Turkish troops in the northern part of the country, reports the RIA Novosti.

Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested to convene an urgent meeting of the Security Council to discuss the Turkish violation of the Iraqi territories and the interference in the Iraqi internal affairs. The request also included Iraq's request to the Security Council to assume its responsibilities towards Iraq and adopt a resolution that would bring to an end the current Turkish breach for the Iraqi sovereignty and the lack of respect for the principle of good-neighbourliness via releasing provocative statements," reads the statement of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry.

Iraq's parliament adopted a resolution on Tuesday, which condemned the presence of the Turkish military near Mosul, in Bashiqa.
Armenian Ambassador to Lithuania Tigran Mkrtchyan on Thursday held a meeting with the President of Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LPK), Robertas Dargis.

The sides discussed the process of implementing the previously reached agreements, the press-service of the Armenian MFA reports. They were also satisfied to note that the commodity turnover between the countries has increased as compared to 2015.

According to the Ambassador, Armenia can be economically more attractive for Lithuania, considering that this cooperation can become a link for developing relations with EU, Iran and EAEU. In this context, agreement was reached to hold a business-forum in 2017.
STEPANAKERT. - The information disseminated by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry on the death of a soldier as a result of firing from the Karabakh side doesnt correspond to reality, the statement issued by the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) Defense Ministry reads.

The vanguard units of the Defense Army never act as an aggressor and bindingly observe the ceasefire regime.

Moreover, it should be stressed that in the recent period the Azerbaijani side has strongly activated the cases of ceasefire violation in different sections of the Contact Line, firing not only from small-scale rifle weaponry but also machine-guns and long-range sniper rifles. The most recent example of this is the 50 targeted shots fired from Black Arrow and Istiglal large-scale rifles in the northern direction of the Contact Line last night.

Stemming from this, we advise the Azerbaijani side to remember about its international obligations to observe the ceasefire instead of making warnings. At the same time, we warn the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan that any targeting of Armenian soldiers by the adversary will not remain unpunished, the statement reads.
YEREVAN. - The NGOs receiving over 5 mln AMD state funds annually will have to undergo mandatory audit under the draft amendments to the Law on NGOs and accompanying bills introduced by the Government.

According to Armenian Justice Minister Arpine Hovhannisyan, accountability is needed if state funds are involved. In this case it is necessary to present not only a report, but also an audit conclusion. Of course, the issue of tax deductions in the amount of audit expenses can be considered, she added.

Everything carried out by the funds of the taxpayers should be available to the society. People should know where their money goes, said Chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, Elinar Vardanyan.
Chairman of the Armenian Revival Party Artur Baghdasaryan on Thursday held a meeting with the Chairman of Bright Armenia Party Edmon Marukyan and Krist Manukyan, who tops the party list of the City Council in Vanadzor city.

The meeting addressed issues related to the upcoming election of Vanadzor Mayor.

The results of the meeting were later presented at the extraordinary session of the Council of Armenian Revival Party.

Consequently, a decision was made to support Bright Armenia in electing Vanadzor Mayor through backing the candidacy of Krist Marukyan. This decision will be fixed in an agreement on political cooperation between the two parties.
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Workers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale recently completed pouring a series of concrete pads at a spot near the University Farms in the countryside west of campus that will provide scientists as well as amateur astronomers with firm, level resting spots for their telescopes -- a key requirement for quality viewing and photography. The pads will facilitate observations of the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse. (Photo provided)

Improvements will facilitate star gazing, eclipse viewing

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Celestial observers soon will have an ideal spot from which to view the heavens at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The university recently completed pouring a series of concrete pads at a spot near the University Farms in the countryside west of campus. The pads will provide scientists as well as amateur astronomers with firm, level resting spots for their telescopes, which is a key requirement for quality viewing and photography.

Workers last week completed pouring 10 pads, each of them 100 square feet. Officials expect to start using them this winter during public astronomy events. The project is being funded by private donations.

The pads offer several advantages for sky watchers, said Bob Baer, specialist with Department of Physics, who coordinates public astronomy events and is co-chair of the steering committee planning for the 2017 total solar eclipse.

The pads are level, stable, relatively vibration-free and isolated from each other, Baer said. They're also all-weather, so we can set up scopes on them regardless of whether the ground is wet or dry and have them remain very stable.

All these factors contribute to being able to capture higher-quality images from telescopes at the site during observation sessions and the big day, he said.

Southern Illinois will be the site of the longest duration of the upcoming total solar eclipse, which takes place Aug. 21, 2017. SIU is gearing up to play a major role in the event, which will feature the first total solar eclipse over the mainland United States since 1979. More information on the universitys plans is available at eclipse.siu.edu.

Not only that, but a second such event is due in 2024. The intersection of the two eclipse path centerlines is just south of Carbondale near Cedar Lake. The region offers a unique opportunity to observe these two eclipses from the same ground-based spot.

Because the 2017 event is followed closely by a similar one in 2024, SIU officials are attempting to create a permanent astronomy observation facility during the months leading up to it. The facility, as envisioned by SIU architecture students called upon to submit designs for it, included the concrete telescope pads, interconnecting sidewalks and possibly a small building with a roll-off roof to house larger, more permanent telescopes.

Plans call for the facility to be fully automated, allowing researchers and astronomy enthusiasts to operate some telescopes located at the site remotely from the Neckers Building on campus, where the images and data could be downloaded into computers for study.

Baer said that such a facility could be used to further promote and sustain the many public astronomy events the university already provides each year on the roof of the Neckers Building.

The new facility, if built, would represent a vast improvement over the Neckers Building observation area, which hums with a vibration from the building and makes it difficult to use large telescopes effectively. It also has limited capacity for participants.

The new pads mark a significant addition to the universitys ability to play host to public astronomy events as well as the upcoming eclipse.
Heavily armed terrorists dressed in army fatigues attacked the 30 RR camp situated in Langate town of Kupwara district at 5.10 a.m. on Thursday, but the attack was foiled.

"Our sentries, who were on high alert carried out retaliatory fire to deny terrorists who entered our fencing. Our quick reaction team was activated. They localised the area where the terrorists were spotted, and after that they carried out sanitisation of the area. Three Pakistani terrorists were eliminated," Colonel Rajiv Saharan of 30 RR told the media in Handwara.

The army officer said a huge quantity of arms and ammunition and communication devices were recovered from the slain terrorists.

"These terrorists were carrying huge quantity of arms and ammunition and other war like stores, including three AK 47 rifles, two under barrel grenade launchers, large quantity of small arms, ammunition and grenades, GPS radio sets, maps, metric sheets and food and communications stores," he said.

The security personnel are still carrying out combing and search operations.

"Operation is still continuing, sanitisation of the area is not yet complete," added the officer.

Colonel Rajesh Kalia, spokesman of the Indian Army's Srinagar-headquartered 15 Corps, told IANS earlier that alert guards at the 30 RR camp in Langate located close to a civilian facility foiled the terrorists' attempt to enter the camp by breaching its security periphery.

On October 3, a BSF trooper was killed and another injured when separatist militants attacked the camp of 47 RR in Janbazpora area of Baramulla town.

The guerrillas, however, managed to escape.

--IANS and/am/rn/vt

( 303 Words)

2016-10-06-13:14:09 (IANS)
Pakistan's influential Dawn newspaper, citing unnamed sources, said the civilian government, in a "blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning", asked military-led intelligence agencies "not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action".

"Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court," the newspaper said.

It said that the government has informed the military leadership of "a growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the state".

The government asked spy agency Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) chief Gen. Rizwan Akhtar and National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua to travel to each of the four Pakistani provinces with a message for ISI's sector commanders.

The decisions were taken after an extraordinary verbal confrontation between Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the spy agency chief, the newspaper said.

It said that the account was based on conversations with Dawn of individuals present in crucial meetings Nawaz Sharif held this week.

--IANS sar/sac/vt

( 242 Words)

2016-10-06-13:18:04 (IANS)
The commission, comprising Special Prosecutor Misbah-ul-Hasan Qadri and Defence Counsel Raja Rizwan Abbasi, is also expected to record the testimony of a witness who is believed to have seen the boat, Al-Fouz, being seized at the Karachi shipyard in 2009, Dawn newspaper reported.

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Saturday ordered the panel to travel to Karachi for the investigation because the boat was too large to be brought to the court.

Al-Fouz was allegedly used by the 10 Mumbai attackers to cross into Indian waters and carry out the Mumbai carnage, killing 166 people eight years ago.

The daily, citing sources, said the commission was due to submit its report to the court next week.

The report comes a day after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed fresh attempts to be made to restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials.

The Prime Minister's pressure on the country's military leadership and its spy agencies followed Pakistan's admission that it was facing global isolation over its failure to curb terrorism and action against terrorists including Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar and Lashkar's Haafiz Sayeed.

--IANS sar/mr

( 224 Words)

2016-10-06-16:12:08 (IANS)
In a hard-hitting attack, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of doing "dalali" over the blood shed by Indian soldiers. Gandhi was addressing a rally at the Jantar Mantar here at the end of his Kisan Yatra that took place in election-bound Uttar Pradesh. Modi, he said, was taking political mileage from the surgical strikes the army conducted in Pakistani territory and the sacrifices of soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir. "Unki dalali kar rahe ho," he thundered. "Yeh bilkul galat hai... Hindustan ki sena ne Hindustan ka kaam kiya, aap apna kaam keejiye... (This is totally wrong... The Indian Army did its job for India, you do your work)," the Congress leader said. The Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on the intervening night of September 28/29 against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control in the wake of a terror attack that left 19 soldiers dead in Jammu and Kashmir. An aggressive Gandhi also accused Modi of not fulfilling promises made to the people during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Asking Modi to do justice to the people of the country, he said that the Prime Minister has only tried to divide the country by 'making people fight against each other'. "Modi have been able to do two things - one making two Indians fight between each other and to divide the nation. He made people fight among each other in all states. In Uttar Pradesh, he made the Hindus and the Muslims fight among each other," said Gandhi. He further said: "I want to tell Narendra Modi, to the RSS people, and the BJP that this country wants justice from you, and your responsibility is to give justice." "You asked us what did we do in the past 70 years. I'll tell you today, what we did. We gave justice to the people. We respected the insaaf ka taraju (scales of justice)," he added. Accusing Modi of not fulfilling his promises, Rahul said: "You had promised to give Rs 15 lakh to every Indians, you didn't fulfill the promise. You promised the farmers of best prices and implementation of Swaminathan report, but you didn't fulfill that as well." "You said you'll give employment to 2 crore unemployed youth every year, you didn't do that," he reminded Modi. --IANS aks-sid/pgh/vm ( 400 Words) 2016-10-06-21:56:10 (IANS)
The 30-year-old actress Instagrammed a short video clip of herself flaunting her bold avatar as Serena Unger and flashing three words, 'fearless, reckless, relentless' fading in and out after one another while the fit and hot beauty appears in the background.

Deepika captioned the teaser, "#Serena #xXx: Return of Xander Cage."

'xXx: Return of Xander Cage' features Vin Diesel and Donnie Yen along many other actors from across different nationalities.

The D. J. Caruso directed flick will hit cinemas on January 20. (ANI)
She zoomed through the streets of Bangkok on a superbike with Pierce Brosnan in the James Bond flick "Tomorrow Never Dies", but Hollywood actress Michelle Yeoh mostly doesn't feel the need for speed. Road safety is a key element in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India has a key role in their delivery, says the UNDP Goodwill Ambassdor for SDGs. "You have a great amount of infrastructure that is coming up along with many, many new highways. Also, there is great increase in urbanisation. And on your roads it's many wheels -- four wheels, two wheels and then four legs, two legs," the Malaysian-born Yeoh, who was here for the just-concluded Naropa festival at the famed 17th century Hemis monastery, 40 km from here, told IANS in an interview. "But we are very persistent in ensuring that India will also be a very crucial part of road safety which also counts toward the sustainable development goals of the UNDP," said Yeoh, whose first notable role was as Colonel Wai Lin, a Chinese spy and Bond associate. In this context, she lauded the road signs in Ladakh with messages like "Life is short, but don't make it shorter" and "Don't speed and drive". "These signs remind you to drive sensibly and this is what we are trying to create awareness (about) across the globe. And in India, we are particularly hard because there are really a lot of challenges ahead," said Yeoh, who survived last year's devastating earthquake in Nepal and is equally renowned for her advocacy and philanthropic efforts. Noting that driving on Indian roads means negotiating a host of perils, she said the authorities should give appropriate consideration to road safety and sustainable mobility. "Life is short but don't make its shorter," Yeoh, whose other notable role was in Ang Lee's Oscar-winning martial arts love story "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", reiterated. The action heroine, who believes Buddhism is a philosophy, said the UNDP is working closely with ministries across the globe. "We are advocating that if we build roads safe now, you don't have to come back 10 years later to correct the mistakes and after so many lives have been lost. So we have to work very closely with different departments." After that, educating or generating awareness about road safety is must, she said. "Right now we have all the answers because the developed nations have been working hard on road safety. So we (the developing nations) are lucky; lucky in the sense that they made a lot of mistakes, we can learn from those mistakes." "We have a lot of big models (on road safety) that can be easily replicated. Some of them don't cost anything much," Yeoh said. Advocating stricter road safety laws, she said: "Whether it's the pedestrian crossing or implementing laws that can check speedy, crazy and drunk-driving, make compulsory the use of safety belts or restricting speed limits round schools, so many things can be implemented without much cost." The survivor of the deadly earthquake that struck Nepal while she was visiting the country in April 2015, she recalled being so scared after the disaster that she left the country with a sense of helplessness. "We were so lucky that we were unhurt and able to go back home. I must say at that time I didn't feel that I could do anything for them. I felt as helpless as the other victims." "I was scared with the earth rattling. But when I left the place, I felt guilty. I thought I must go back. So a month after the disaster, I reached there again as the brand ambassador of the 'Live to Love' foundation of His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa (the spiritual head of the 1,000-year-old Drukpa Order based in India)." "Three months back, I was there again as the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador. The UN is working on various projects, including restoring water supply in villages," Yeoh said. The temblor in Nepal killed over 8,000 people, injuring thousands and causing widespread destruction. (Vishal Gulati first met Michelle Yeoh when she visited quake-hit villages on the outskirts of Kathmandu in Nepal in May last year. He was in Leh at the invitation of the Gyalwang Drupka. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) --IANS vg/rb/vm/sac/ky ( 728 Words) 2016-10-06-12:24:04 (IANS)
NEXA marks the first initiative by an automobile company to go beyond selling cars and create a new format of retail experience for the customer.

FDCI's designers Ashish N Soni and Rajesh Pratap Singh are differentiators in the gregarious world of fashion.

Together at the NEXA Menswear show, the two designers will take NEXA's association with Amazon India Fashion Week 2017, a step ahead by setting trends for the fashion world.

R.S. Kalsi, Executive Director, Marketing and Sales of Maruti Suzuki commented, "We are delighted to associate with Amazon India Fashion Week 2016. NEXA is established around the new age Indian consumer who values innovative technology, pampering, services and a global approach in their everyday life. At NEXA we cater beyond the customer's car purchase experience and believe in being a part of their lifestyle thereby providing them with new experiences throughout their journey with us."

He Added, "Our customer is well educated, informed, lives an exclusive lifestyle and is attracted towards high end fashion.

Amazon India Fashion week 2016 bring new trends and style for the discerning new age customers just like NEXA which is at the forefront of bringing innovation on delivering new experiences to our customers."

Speaking on the partnership, Sunil Sethi, President FDCI, said, "We are pleasedwith this association, and NEXA's philosophy of working up the delight element for their audience. Ashish N Soni and Rajesh Pratap Singh, two names that have defined drifts in fashion will be showcasing a power packed collection inspired from the NEXA's color palette which is uniquely minimalistic with defining hues of black, white and chrome." (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister and Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan on Thursday asserted that it would not be wise to public the videos of surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army across the Line of Control (LoC). Khan told ANI, "I don't think making surgical strike video public is a wise idea. Surgical strikes were conducted in the past as well but then also no videos were made public. We don't do publicity of such attacks." Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir yesterday said the army has handed over video clips of the cross Line of Control (LoC) operation to the government as per the laid down procedure. Ahir said there is a process for putting such issues in perspective which was duly followed by the army as well as the government. "The laid down procedure has been followed. The DGMO briefed about the surgical strikes. It was not the Defence Minister nor the Prime Minister and not the Home Minister. It was the DGMO, who briefed the media," he said "There was a time when written documents were submitted. Now, the times have changed. Now, the clips are given and the clips have been given," he told the media here. The Minister of State for Home's statement came amidst the growing chorus for showing proof of the army's surgical strikes on terror launch pads in PoK. A political slugfest over surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC broke out on Tuesday with Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam calling it "fake" and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asking the government to release the proof of the surgical strikes to counter the Pakistani propaganda against the operation. The ruling BJP at the Centre, however, lashed out at the opposition for demeaning the morale of the armed forces by demanding proof of the predawn September 29 surgical strikes. (ANI)
The training programme is being conducted by the Medha Handloom Enterprises (Implementation Agency) under the sponsorship of DIC, Bishnupur Department of Commerce and Industries. Altogether 25 weavers of the Kha-Nachou Handloom Cluster are participating in the programme.

Handloom industry in Manipur has been providing a significant number of educated and un-educated people, particularly belonging to the women folk, a livelihood for running their family, reducing unemployment and providing a booost to the economy of the state.

Out of the 61 clusters across the state, Medha Handloom Enterprises, has been amongst the fifty one clusters which is from the North East Textile Promotion Scheme.

Annually, the state Commerce and Industries department receives about Rs. 50 crores from the Government of India, which are being invested to such handloom clusters so as to bring certain returns and provide and create employment opportunities and promoting the economy of the state.

The state government has also introduced e-monitoring and evaluation system across the 61 clusters. (ANI)
Sabreia, a 19-year-old girl, was leading a normal life back in Afghanistan until security issues came into existence wherein the locals faced a lot of problems because of the Taliban and other militant groups. The sudden disappearance of her father forced her family to migrate to India. Sabreia, who wants to be a social activist is, however, hopeful that peace will return to Afghanistan one day. Living in a rented house in Delhi with her mother, a younger brother and uncle, Sabreia has been going through a tough time ever since she came to India. She was leading a normal life with her family in Afghanistan till her father disappeared suddenly. After waiting for several months in vain, her family was forced to sell off their ancestral property and move to India six months ago. The family has applied for a refugee status in India so that they can get employment. "In India, if you don't have refugee card, you cannot apply for job and that's the major problem because the UNHCR doesn't give the refugee card easily. I knew some Afghani people who have been here for two to three years, they are jobless and they haven't received their refugee card yet. This is the main problem that we don't get the refugee card timely because of which we cannot find job or pursue our higher education," Sabreia told ANI. Her mother, Shukriya, recounts the hard times they had to face in Afghanistan. Shukriya talks about the problems and struggle she faced as a single mother. "There is no safety and security in Afghanistan, especially if a woman is the sole bread winner for the family then the difficulties are more than usual. Living as a single woman parent in Afghanistan is tough," she said. In spite of living in a restrictive nation, the Afghan women are really strong and determined. Sabreia wants to pursue her higher education but she can't in the absence of a refugee card. But she is a confident young woman, who believes in converting her dreams into reality. "Someday I want to build an NGO for the Afghan community, the people can work and volunteer in it and help women and children. I also want to make schools in the far flung places of Afghanistan. I want to do all progressive things for Afghanistan and I am struggling for it. And I hope all my dreams will come true one day," said Sabreia. Sabreia's family, which sold everything back in Afghanistan in order to come to India, is living in financial crunch. Her younger brother is not going to school neither her uncle is working but this young lady is very hopeful and thinks that situation will improve very soon both for her family and her country. (ANI)
Zubair Ahmad Itoo, who lives in a small village near Anantnag district, completed his engineering from the SRM University Delhi, this year in May.

Zubair had cleared the examination from special selection centre (North) and will now join 49-week long officer training at Officers Training Academy in Chennai.

Following the training at Chennai Academy, Zubair will join the Indian Army as a Lieutenant.

The selection of Zubair into the Indian Army has come at a time when Kashmir is witnessing civil unrest in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.

Zubair, whose district has seen worst violence during the present unrest, believes that "youth can only achieve something through education". (ANI)
Defence ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia told UNI that a group of militants attacked 30 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) camp at Langate in North Kashmir district of Kupwara at 0500 hrs. However, alert army personnel guarding the camp immediately retaliated foiling the militant attempt to storm into the camp.

Militants later managed to escape from the area, he said adding additional troops were rushed from nearby camps and entire area was sealed to foil any militant attempt to escape.

He said when the troops were searching the area, militants again opened fire. Troops also retaliated ensuing a fierce encounter in which three militants were so far killed.

Colonel Kalia said operation was going on when the reports last came in.

Three AK rifles and other arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, he said adding our troops did not suffer any casualty.

This was the second attack in north Kashmir on an Army camp since Indian troops carried out surgical strikes on militant launch pads in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Militants attacked a Border Security Force (BSF) and Army camps in north Kashmir district of Baramulla on October 3 in which one jawan was killed and another was injured.

On September 18 a group of four Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) fidayeen stormed into Brigade headquarter at Uri that left 19 soldiers dead and as many injured. All the four militants were later killed by the troops.UNI BAS CJ ADG 1040

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Army today foiled yet another fidayeen attack and killed three heavily armed foreign militants who made an abortive attempt to sneak into a camp under the cover of darkness early this morning in this frontier district of Kupwara, where search operation was going on in the woods. Alert sentry guarding the Langate camp of 30 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) noticed a group of militants near the fencing early this morning at around 0500 hrs in north Kashmir, a senior Army officer told reporters. He said when challenged, militants opened indiscriminate fire with automatic weapons.The militants targeted three sentry posts besides living shelters in the camp, he said adding sentry, who were joined by other troops also, retaliated ensuing a fierce encounter. ''As the militants were engaged in the firing, we quickly activated Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and the entire area was surrounded to foil any attempt by militants to escape,'' the officer said. He said all the three militants, believed to be foreigners, were killed. Besides three AK rifles, two UBGLs, grenades, GPS, wireless sets, maps, Pak made medicines and food packets, communication gadets besides cash and other war like stores were recovered from the slain militants. Operation was going on as it is a very big camp, he said adding army did not suffer any casualty. When asked if there are more militants, he said only three militants were spotted who have been killed. But, he said, ''we do not want to take any chance and search was going on in the area.'' This was the second attack in north Kashmir on an Army camp since Indian troops carried out surgical strikes on militant launch pads in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Militants attacked a Border Security Force (BSF) and Army camps in north Kashmir district of Baramulla on October 3 in which one jawan was killed and another was injured. However, alert security forces did not allow militants to enter the camps. On September 18 a group of four Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) fidayeen stormed into Brigade headquarter at Uri that left 19 soldiers dead and as many injured. All the four militants were later killed by the troops.UNI BAS CJ ADG 1241 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-966421.Xml
Welcoming the participation of the British Royal Air Force's world-renowned aerobatics team, The Red Arrows, in this year's Indian Air Force Day celebrations on October 8, the United Kingdom's High Commissioner, Sir Dominic Asquith, described it as a "tangible and visually exciting example of the historical strength of the defence relationship between his country and India. Addressing a gathering at a reception hosted for "The Red Arrows" at his residence in the national capital on Wednesday evening, High Commissioner Asquith said, "I welcome the Red Arrows. You will remember the Reds I am sure from last year when they painted London's sky in the famous colours of India's Tiranga (Indian flag) in honour of Prime Minister Modi's visit and indeed of the friendship between our two countries." He said that the United Kingdom sees the participation of The Red Arrows in the 84th IAF Day as an immense privilege. "An indeed, you could not find a more visible and a more tangible and visually exciting example of the historical strength of our defence relationship..The Red Arrows also represent a major part of our country's future..the aircraft flown by the Red Arrows is a striking symbol of the great spirit of collaboration between the United Kingdom and India," he added. High Commissioner Asquith further said that, "The United Kingdom has been 'Making in India' for years. The British designed Hawk aircraft being jointly developed in Bengaluru by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and BAE Systems is one of the great examples. A 123 aircrafts have been ordered by the Indian Air Force and the Navy." "The United Kingdom understands and really gets what Make in India is about. It gets it better in my view better that in any other country because Make in India is more than just assembling the parts here. It is British and Indians from companies, from institutes and universities who collaborate across many disciplines and industries and they bring their minds together to innovate, to design, to improve the skills and to develop that cutting edge technology," he added. "That fast breadth of this partnership is going to be on display at the India and UK Tech Summit which takes place in Delhi from 7-9 of November. This tech summit is going to bring together businesses, government and thought leaders, star speakers from both our countries and our determination is to find new exciting opportunities to deliver jobs, to deliver prosperity for people in India and Britain," High Commissioner Asquith said. "We going to have robots, we going to have a Mars Lander, we are going to have cutting edge cars, life changing digital health care apps, we are going to have smart cities zone and we even going to have a little robot from a galaxy long ago and far-far away. The tech summit is going to be like nothing else we have never done in India," he added. Talking specifically about the "Red Arrows, Air Vice Marshal Andrew Turner said that only a small part of the entire team was in New Delhi. "We left the U.K a week ago; we will be going to Shanghai in China. We will be routing through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, eventually Hong Kong, back through Bangkok and back to here through Hyderabad, Bangalore and on into the Middle East, in Muscat, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and then home to United Kingdom by the third of December. It's a very long tour. It will include a huge number of major public events and a global logistic system that the Formula One teams would be truly proud of," he said. "But, we wanted to come here at Delhi, as our very first public performance on this overseas tour of this very first tour to connect with our partnerships with the Indian Air Force, been so strong for many years. The Indian Air Force has been both a cradle and birth place of much of the British Royal Force. It's been a very gallant part of our past . and we will continue to be the key partner in a strategically vital part of the world," Air Vice Marshal Turner added. He informed that a majority of the Red Arrows team has link with India. "I spent a year of my time in DSSC in Wellington Staff College down in Tamil Nadu, as indeed Timona Hans here, as indeed Richard Prattle who is representing Standard Chartered, as indeed Dave Bentley the Air Commodore of flying training, as indeed Marshal Greg Bagwell who headed the Royal Air Force operational department until three or four months ago. The Royal Air Force today, its fighting edge echelons, its leading entities, is made in India and it will continue to be so with the new students coming out of the NDC in Delhi and a rich cohorts of the graduated out of Wellington over the last 10 years, and we will continue to connect with you in that way," he said. He said the tour is not just about the Royal Air Force, but about Great Britain connecting with the world. "This is Britain extending its arms outwards with the best of British. This is great British excellence. This is us projecting ourselves across the world to connect with the important capitals of the globe in today's business community with partnerships that we have struck in the U.K. to help develop our own prosperity and build our nations and partnerships overseas with those people we want to be close to for the next 100 years. India is the first destination in this tour. It will be an enormously important partner for extremely long time," Air Marshal Turner said. "This is great great British excellence at its best, leaning forward to help our partners around the world to make money, be prosperous and make the world a safer place," he said The Red Arrows fly the Hawk aircraft, which is both a British and now Indian success story. India has purchased 123 Hawks to date, 99 of which have been built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, using parts supplied by BAE Systems and engines supplied by Rolls Royce. More than 600 IAF pilots have been trained so far on the Hawk 132 AJT and the first batch of the three Indian women fighter pilots is being trained at present on the Hawk. The Red Arrows will help showcase teamwork, engineering excellence and the best of British in advanced manufacturing and aerospace shortly before the first ever India-UK TECH Summit which takes place in New Delhi from 7-9 November. During their visit to India, the Red Arrows crews will also visit schools and universities to talk about hi-tech education and training opportunities in the UK. The visit to India is part of a major 60-day tour of the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions by the Red Arrows. Upon returning from their Far East part of the tour in November, the Red Arrows are planning to deliver further aerial displays in Hyderabad and Bangalore. It is team's biggest overseas tour in a decade. More than 20 displays and a series of flypasts will be performed by the Red Arrows. The deployment will contribute to the UK government's GREAT campaign. The team - flying British-built aircraft - has displayed to millions of people in more than 55 countries around the world. Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows team consists of nine display pilots and more than 100 support personnel and technicians. One of the world's premier aerobatic teams, the Red Arrows had performed more than 4,700 displays by the start of 2016 - the team's 52nd season. Flying Hawk T1 jets, the team is based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. (ANI)
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) bordering Indo-Nepal border today emphatically denied arrest of any terrorist suspect from the bordering areas in East Champaran district. Responding to media reports on arrest of terrorist suspects from Raxaul in East Champaran district ysterday, SSB Deputy Inspector General (DIG-Muzaffarpur range) Sanjay Kumar told UNI here that the media reports on arrest of terrorist suspects from Raxaul near Indo-Nepal border was a "bundle of lies and totally fabricated". He said the SSB was also considering to file defamation cases against media houses for spreading rumours about the arrest of terrorist suspects from the Indo-Nepal bordering areas. DIG said patrolling on porous Indo-Nepal border had been intensified in the aftermath of surgical strike across PoK. He said that SSB officers and jawans were on full alert and were frisking allpeople coming from Nepal side thoroughly. Meanwhile, police force in all districts bordering with Nepal had also been asked to remain on maximum alert following the surgical strike across PoK. Police Superintendents of bordering districts had asked their subordinates not to leave anything to chance and frisk all suspects thoroughly to frustrate all attempts of subversive elements.MORE UNI DH RL SHS ADG 1346 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-966512.Xml
According to official information, Collector Sanket Bhondwe dismissed RI Sunila Panchal and Badnagar Patwari Badia Bhuria in accordance to the rules of the General Administration Department.

Recently, Judge MS Chandrawat sentenced the duo to one year's rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each, in a case registered against them under the Prevention of Corruption Act while they were posted in Ratlam. UNI XC-PS CJ SHS 1343

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will burn a 125 feet Ravan after worshiping Lord Ram and performing his aarti here at the historic Aishbagh Ramleela ground on the occasion of Dussehra and Vijaydashmi on October 11. Accompanied by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is the local MP, the PM will also witness an act of Ramlilla to be performed by a troupe of Thailand at the Aishbagh Ramilla ground where there would be a capacity crowd of around 25,000 people. The stage " Ram Durbar" where the PM and other dignitaries would sit will be of golden colour with 3D effect. The PM is also likely to address the gathering on the occasion of Dussehra with a message against terrorism and highlighting the importance of the festival with a slogan of ' Win against the evils'. However, PM's brief two hours visit could also be associated with the coming crucial Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh when the BJP leader will send a message to the majority community. The worshiping of Lord Ram at the function by Mr Modi could also give an indication towards the commitment of the BJP on the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya. According to officials, Mr Modi will reach Lucknow at around 1915 hrs and will reach the Aishbagh Ramlilla venue in next 15 minutes time. The PM would stay there for around one hour and there after will leave for New Delhi at around 2115 hours. During the function, which will be conducted by Lucknow Mayor and BJP national vice-president Dinesh Sharma, the PM will be honoured with Ramcharitra Manas, Gadda and bow and arrow to mark the festival after narrating the history of the Aishbagh Ramlila. President and convenor of the Aishbagh Ramlila Committee Harish Chandra Agarwal told UNI here today that in the 156 year old Ramlila, this year, it would be a new chapter in opening, when PM Mr Modi would grace the occasion. "A troupe from Thailand would be performing while the effigy of Ravan would be more bigger this time. There would 3D lighting effect on the stage which would known as Ram Durbar," he stated. This is the first time that any Prime Minister would be attending the Dussehra festival in Lucknow and be present during the Ravan Dahan progamme. But due to the visit of the PM, the Lucknow district authorities have become extra vigilant as the next day is Moharram and as usual, Lucknow , is always sensitive on the day due to sectorial clashes in the past. Besides, on that day there would be heavy rush for immersion of Durga idols in Lucknow for which the district authorities are making additional arrangements. But due to the visit of the PM, the BJP leaders of the state are extra vigilant and as per the direction, the party is arranging big LED screens in different parts of the state for the live telecast of the PM's Dussehra programme. " These LED screens would be put up at important places in the cities including that in Lucknow to relay the PM's programme ," a party leader here confirmed. Meanwhile, district officials are working overtime, to spruce up the security for the PM's visit. regular meetings are being held by district magistrate Satyendra Singh and SSP Manjil Saini with the central security agencies for a fool proof arrangement. Almost all the PMs have attended the Dussehra festival at the Ramlila ground in New Delhi in the past and if Mr Modi comes to Lucknow on the day, then it would be the first time that any PM would be celebrating it outside the national capital. However, political observers think that the visit of the PM is linked with the coming UP elections could be a way to boost the moral of the BJP cadre in the polls. Earlier, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has also celebrated festivals in Lucknow, which was also his constituency.However, Mr Modi's constituency is Varanasi.UNI MB SHS ADG RAI1329 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-966406.Xml
Even as the BSP is holding a massive rally in Lucknow on October 9 to showcase its strength in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, its supremo Mayawati's rival group Bahujan Mukti Party(BMP) is also holding a state level rally on the same day in the state capital on the 10th death anniversary of BJP founder Kanshi Ram. The Bahujan Samaj Nirman rally would be inaugurated by Gujarati youth leader Hardik Patel at the Ramabai Ambedkar ground on October 9. Former BSP leader and UP minister Daddu Prasad, told mediapersons here today that massive turnout would be witnessed in the rally and it will 'show' the BSP their 'real face.' Mr Prasad, who was sacked by Ms Mayawati two years back, said Patel would be the chief guest speaker in the rally while Hazrat Maulana Salman Hussani Nadive, of Ekta Manch would be the special invitee. The BMP was founded on December 6, 2012 and was set up as a political wing of All India Backward (SC, ST, OBC) and Minority Communities Employees' Federation (BAMCEF). The BMP presented Aroon Yadav as its prime ministerial candidate ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha election with contesting around 300 seats, none of which they won. Meanwhile, BMP has announced that the speeches of the leaders in the rally would be relayed live through Real Voice Radio.UNI MB SHS ADG 1401 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-966474.Xml
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today continued his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleging that the Centre has brought the black money disclosure scheme just to save PM's friends. He alleged that the Prime Minister, in order to save the big fish involved in black money row, has brought in the scheme." It is like a fair and lovely cream brought by Mr Modi to save the people and his friends stashing black money in the country and converting them into white," he charged on the last day of his 26-day long ''Deoria se Delhi Kisan Yatra here, which will end in new Delhi this evening. Mr Gandhi said that all the claims of Mr Modi proved false starting from his 56 inches chest, fighting against corruption and seizing the black money." He is just interested in benefitting 15 select industrialists friends and doing nothing for the farmers, workers, youths and other sections of the society," he alleged. " Modi and his 15 friends are 'mast' in this regime , while all others are 'trast'," he further claimed. Addressing series of roadside meetings during his three kilometer long road show in the city, Mr Gandhi said this time, people are aware of the wrong-doings of the BJP and they would not allow 15 people rule Uttar Pradesh or the centre." UP will go for a government which will be represented by every caste and community," he said. Commencing his roadshow after garlanding the statue of late PM Indira Gandhi, his grandmother, the Congress vice- president said asked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to have faith in the Indian Army. The roadshow concluded at Moinuddinpur after being welcomed at more than 25 places. Later, he left for Ghaziabad from where he will go to New Delhi to end his yatra this evening. According to statistics given by team PK, the organisers of his yatra, Mr Gandhi has covered 3,438 kilometers during his 26 days yatra covering 48 districts and 57 Lok Sabha constituencies of UP. The Congress vice-president addressed 26 khat sabhas and went for 26 road shows while addressing more than 700 small road side meetings. Earlier, it was planned that the yatra will cover around 2,500 kms. During the yatra,over 75 lakh farmers also filled up ' Mangpatras' (demand papers) demanding that the Centre waive their agricultural loan, half the electricity bills and hike the MSP of the foodgrains they produce.UNI MB SB AS1536 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-966578.Xml
The increasing role of the Indian PrivateSector in Defence Procurement is amply demonstrated by a mid-sizedcompany here doing niche communication, electro-optic and aeroframes to the Armed forces and also exporting it to Israel and other countries. Started by a three former employees of Bharat Electronics 12years ago, Alpha Design Technologies has emerged a force to reckonwith in defence supplies offering more than 50 products most of themimport substitute and coming under offset policy in defence procurement. With a turnover of Rs 402 crore in last fiscal and expecting abusiness of Rs 450 crore this year, the company over the next threeyears plan to emerge as a major player in the defence sector with ananticipated turnover of Rs 2500 crore. The Company is setting up twomanufacturing units in the city besides an existing one in Hyderabadto meet the growing demand. It has orders worth Rs 2500 crore onhand an another Rs 1000 crore worth orders would be firmed upshortly, Col H S Shankar (retd) Chairman and Managing Director ofthe Company told newsmen here today. Executing a Rs 180 crore annual turnover project for the AirForce, the Company is setting up three simulator centres one for Mig29 Upgrade and two for helicopters. They were coming up at Adhampurin Punjab for the Mig 29 Upgrade, Sasaron near New Delhi andBagdhora for Mi 17 Helicopters. They would be operational from nextyear, Col Shankar said, adding that the company would be maintainingthem over the next 20 years. The Company had recently started executing a multi million dollarcontrat for Elbit systems for the supply of 600 VHF communicationdevices. It would be shortly sold to the Armoured forces of the Company. The company specialises in Opto electronic equipments, electronicwarfare systems, simulators and communication network. He said the company was also in the process of offering thermalimaging fire control systems and also offered sensors to be equippedin helicopters against shoulder carried missile launchers. It hadsuccesfully tested these sensors in Chetah helicopters and for thefirst time the Helicopters of Indian Air Force would be protectedfrom such artillery attacks. Col Shankar, who was part of the industrialists who visited someof the forward areas recently, said a detailed analysis was beingmade to further improve the equipment avilability and enhance thetechnological capabilities to cater for operational requirements. The company is looking forward for an investment of Rs 100 croreover the next one year to enhance its capacity and infrastrure. Theinvestment would come from multiple sources, including an initialpublic offer.UNI CNR MSP CS 1538 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-966740.Xml
This was highlighted by state Energy Minister D K Shivkumarduring his meeting with Israel Consul for Trade and Economic Affair,Shai Moses who called on him today.

Mr Moses invited Mr Shivkumar to attend an internationalconference on Renewable Energy to be held in Israel from November 27.

During their meeting they discussed cooperation between Karnatakaand Israel on various sectors including Solar and Batterytechnology, Grid Integration, Cyber Security for energy systems,Photo Voltaic Technology and roof top solar power projects.

He said he would ask the Energy Department Officials to work outmodalities for partnership with Israel in these areas.

He also invited Mr Moses to visit the construction site of theworld's largest solar park at Pavagada in Tumkur district.UNI CNR MSP CS 1611

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Police said that the rescue personnel removed the body of theworker who was trapped under the debris. Operation is continuing toclear the debris.

One person, a Security personel of neighbouring building, waskilled and 19 others were rescued when a five-storeyed buildingunder construction collapsed due to use of poor quality ofconstruction material.

Bruhut Bengaluru Manahagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner NManjunath, taking strong exception to the officials for allowingpoor quality of construction and that too in violation of the rules,had already annouced suspension of Executive Engineer Raghavendraand Assistant Executive Engineer Kodanda Reddy for derelection of duty.

Minister for Bengaluru Development K J George, who visited thespot yesterday, has announced Rs five lakh compensation to the nextof kin of the killed workers and BBMP will bear the medical expenses ofthe injured.

Sources said the condition of two injured workers, admitted to ahospital here, was still critical. UNI MSP CNR CS 1614

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India is aggressively pursuing trade prospects with Latin American Countries (LAC) as the engagement with these countries have gained further momentum with recent developments that have taken place. India signed an agreement on the expansion of India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) here on September 6, 2016. The expanded PTA will have far greater trade coverage in comparison to the agreement signed earlier in March, 2006 as both sides have offered tariff concessions on a number of lines. According to Commerce Ministry data, in recent years, trade between India and Peru has been growing. India's trade with Peru stood at 1,523.35 million dollar during 2015-16. Among the top ten commodities of India's export to Peru are motor vehicle/cars, products of iron and steel, cotton yarn/ manmade yarn/fabrics, drugs formulations, iron and steel, two and three wheelers, auto tyres and tubes, bulk drugs and RMG cotton including accessories. The top ten commodities of India's import from Peru are bulk minerals and ores (under this copper ore is the top most import commodity), gold (wrought gold), fertilizers crude (under this natural calcium phosphate is the topmost import commodity), zinc and products made of zinc, fresh fruits, inorganic chemicals, cocoa products finished leather and aluminum and aluminum products. According to Commerce Ministry, in order to explore the possibility of a trade agreement with Peru, India has concluded a joint study group report on the feasibility of such a trade agreement during the recent visit of a delegation to Lima, Peru on 26-28 September, 2016. Both sides have agreed to a time frame to carry forward the discussions for negotiating a trade agreement. With the finalization of the report, India will now seek internal approvals of the Government of India for going ahead with the negotiations on a trade agreement which would include trade in goods, trade in services and investment. There is keen interest on the part of Peru also for negotiating a trade agreement at the earliest. Similarly, India is also aggressively engaged in the expansion of its Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with MERCOSUR (a six-country trade block with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay as its original members). During the third meeting of the Joint Administrative Committee (JAC) on the expansion of the India-MERCOSUR PTA held on September 29, 2016 in Brasilia, Brazil, there was expansive discussions on the 'wish lists' which had been exchanged by both sides in July, 2016. "Both sides are expected to hold the next round of negotiations early next year. The existing India MERCOSUR agreement was signed in New Delhi on January 25, 2004 which came into effect from 1st June, 2009. This agreement has a limited coverage and contains only 450 tariff lines. Both sides have now agreed to expand to cover up to 2500 tariff lines," said a Ministry statement. According to ministry trade data, India's bilateral trade with MERCOSUR was 10081.42 million dollar in 2015-16 as compared to 14,240.46 million dollar in 2014-15 which constitute 37.01 per cent and 39.96 per cent of LAC trade during 2014-15 & 2015-16 respectively. With the expansion of the existing PTA, the bilateral trade is expected to be doubled. Brazil is currently the leading trading partner of India in Latin America region. Total Bilateral trade with Brazil stood at 6,690.33 million dollar during 2015-16 and both sides agreed endeavor is to meet a trade target of 15 billion dollar by 2020. India has held bilateral discussions with Brazil under the institutional mechanism i.e India-Brazil Trade Monitoring mechanism, the 4th meeting of which was held in Brasilia on September 30, 2016 after a hiatus of more than four years. Both sides have discussed an array of bilateral issues which impede trade between both the countries. During the meeting India highlighted its concerns on issues relating to market access in agriculture, textiles, pharma and services including high tax on import of services to Brazil. Brazil has responded favorably and has assured to address these issues. Collaboration in areas such as auto, food processing, leather and civil aviation were also discussed. Both sides have agreed for discussions on an agreement on social security. UNI ADP SW SB 1718 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0429-966935.Xml
An engineering graduate from south Kashmir district of Anantnag, which is the worst hit area during the current unrest, is all set to join Army as Commissioned Officer after securing fourth position in Services Selection Board (SSB) examination. Zubair Ahmad Itoo, who had appeared in the hectic SSB examination for being commissioned as an Officer in Army from June 15 to June 20, will now join 49-week long officer training at Officers Training Academy in Chennai. After completing training at Chennai Academy, Zubair, who completed his engineering from the SRM University Delhi this year, will join the Indian Army as a Lieutenant. Zubair said he was inspired by a senior Army officer of 15 Corps to join the Army, where one learn discipline to lead a dignified life. "I went to headquarter in Srinagar as I always wanted to join Army," he said, adding after meeting the officer I decided to prepare for the SSB examination. He said in fact more youths from the Jammu and Kashmir wanted to join Army and other security forces to serve the nation. The news comes at a time when the entire valley in reeling under unrest that has left 85 civilians dead and over 9500 other in security force action since July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander BurhanWani and two other militants were killed in an encounter in Anantnag. Meanwhile, life remained crippled from last three months in entire Kashmir valley due to strike called by separatists against civilians killings and demanding right to self determination.UNI ABS SB AS1633 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-966661.Xml
Urging Prime Ministers of both India and Pakistan to play a pro-active role to de-escalate tension along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Borders, All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) today said it would ultimately lead to peace between the two neighbouring nations. APSCC Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said the people living near the LoC can heave a sigh of relief only if the cross border shelling gets stopped. "Whenever there is tension between India and Pakistan, the people living near the LoC are hit hard. These people suffer on multiple fronts and it is the responsibility of the leadership on both the sides to take the people out of the mess. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharief should order for immediate stoppage of shelling so that there are no further troubles to the people," Mr Raina said. The APSCC chairman said that people living near the LoC on either side are facing huge economic losses due to the cross border shelling going on there. He said the residents are not able to go to their field and as such are suffering huge agricultural losses, adding that they are also not able to attend to their livestock and this too has compounded their problems. "People living near the LoC are very poor and depend entirely upon the agricultural produce. In the present situation they are not able to go to their fields. If the situation remains like this then there are chances that these people may face starvation. As such it is important that there is an end to the cross border shelling so that the people live their life happily without any tension," Mr Raina said.UNI ABS SB AS1643 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-966863.Xml
Mr Ganesan happened to be the sole candidate to submit his nomination papers for the by-election necessitated by the resignation of Najma A Heptulla following her appointment as Manipur Governor.

After expiration of the deadline for withdrawal of candidature, Principal Secretary (Assembly) AP Singh the Returning Officer provided the certificate to Mr Ganesan, a Vidhan Sabha release said.UNI AC SW SB 1855

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The BJP activists today staged a demonstration here against senior Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam over his controversial remarks on the surgical strikes by the special forces of the Indian Army in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) recently, in which at least 40 Pak-sponsored terriorsts were killed and seven launch pads destroyed. The activists, including women, gathered near Gajanan Baba temple in Garkheda area of the city and staged a demonstration against Mr Nirupam for demanding evidence of these strikes from the government. They then allegedly thrashed his effigy with shoes to vent their anger, police said.UNI VKB SS SB PM1832 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0171-967125.Xml
The Karnataka Government will submit amemorandum to the high-level Central technical team headed by Mr G S Jha, Chairman Central Water Commission (CWC) about the present drought situation prevailed in the Cauvery basin in the state,Minister for Water Resources M B Patil said today. Speaking to newsmen after chairing a review meeting on the issue,he said that "the Central study team, during its two days visit inthe Cauvery basin, would be briefed on the poor rainfall in theregion, water level position in all the four reservoirs." "The team which would be accompanied by the representatives ofthe both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu would also make a field visit inthe region and witness the barren lands where farmers could notraise their normal crops and also withering crop due to non releaseof water from the canals." Stating that the storage position in all the four reservoirsincluding at KRS, Kabini and Gorur, are alarmingly low, he remindedthat "farmers could plant in about one third of the total allocatedcropped area of about 18 lakh acres and out of which the standingcrops in about 2 lakh acres, have lost due to monsoon failure." Mr Rakesh Singh, the Principal Secretary, Water Resourcesdepartment, Chikrayappa, MD, Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited andShivakumar, Chief Engineer, KRS division, would accompany the Teamwhich would make a field visit in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, he added. The Karnataka state had successfully argued in the Apex court, tosend an expert team to visit the Cauvery basin for an on-the-handassessment of ground reality in the region.UNI MSP RS CS 1917 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0286-967358.Xml
Speaking to newsmen here, he said that some sections of peoplehave some apprehension over the project, envisaged to supplydrinking water to parched Tumakuru, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, BangaloreRural and Ramanagara districts.

Allaying fears of the people of both the Dakshina Kannada andUdupi districts over the project, he said that "we will invite allthe leaders including Senior Congress leader Janardhana Poojary andothers, who have raised some apprehensions over the project."

Terming the Yettinahole project as one of the flagship programmeof the state government, he said it was intended to find a lastingsolutions to the drinking water problems being faced by the Kolar,Chikkaballapur and other districts. "We will try to convince thepeople who are opposing the project," he added.UNI MSP RS CS 1909

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The Khiamniungan Union of Tuensang (KUT), along with the rest of Khiamniungan community, celebrated its premier Tsokum festival at CKS hall in Tuensang town.According to a statement, issued by KUT General Secretary, S Mudang Shiu stated that Chief Guest of the function Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) Vice-President Y P Chillio emphasised that "we should revive our old age culture and tradition." He appealed to the congregation to maintain peace among ''us'' as well as with the other neighboring communities to ensure peaceful co-existence because peace and unity was the pre-requisite on all fronts. During the celebration, officials from CKS, KTC, Khiamniungan Gazetted Officers Association and many tribal union leaders of Tuensang town attended the festival programme.KUT has also expressed its utmost gratitude and appreciation to the chief guest and all the participants and the general public of the community for making the Tsokum celebration a meaningful and a grand success. UNI AS RN AE 1928 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0311-967318.Xml
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Central Kashmir Range, Ghulam Hassan Bhat, who was on a two day visit to Ladakh region, reviewed the security situation of border town of Kargil and Leh. A police spokesperson here today said that Mr Bhat visited Ladakh region and chaired security review meetings, besides holding darbars and inspected two Police Stations and Police posts. He said on the first day, the DIG visited Leh where he chaired a review meeting to evaluate the security scenario of the district. During the meeting, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Leh T Gyalpo briefed the DIG regarding the security scenario of the border district, besides highlighting the measures taken by the police for the successful conduct of various political, social and religious functions. "The DIG also held darbar with jawans in District Police Line (DPL) Leh which was attended by all the officers of the district," he said, adding that the policemen and officers put forth their grievances with regard to various issues. He said Mr Bhat heard the jawans and ordered redressal of some of the grievances on the spot. The DIG also assured that the issues highlighted will be looked into and redressed on merits. "Mr Bhat also paid a visit to Police Station Khalsi and conducted causal inspection, besides checking the records and reviewing the crime situation of the areas falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station," the spokesperson said. "The DIG, on the second day of his trip, visited Kargil and reviewed the security situation of the district in review meeting. He also received a feedback report about the present security scenario of the district particularly of the border area. Later, the DIG held darbar with jawans in DPL Kargil which was attended by all the officers of the district. "Mr Bhat assured that the grievances put forth will be looked into and redressed on merits. The DIG also paid a visit to Police station Drass and conducted causal inspection. The DIG checked the records and reviewed the crime situation of the areas falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station," he added.UNI ABS SB PM1836 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-967127.Xml
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Convener Gurpreet Singh Waraich (Ghuggi) today sought immediate apology from Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao for belittling the Indian army by claiming in the media that it was after the BJP-led government came to the power at the centre after that the Indian defence forces have woken up to the Pakistan attack. Mr Waraich said by claiming that the Indian army has woken out of slumber only after the BJP-led government came to the centre in 2014 was indeed an insult to the defence forces of the country which has such a glorious past. "Right from the year 1948 to 1962, 1965, 1971 more recently in 1999 during the Kargil operation the Indian defence forces have displayed exemplary valour and sacrifice for the nation. Even during the last few years the Indian armed forces successfully led nearly 9 to 10 surgical strikes into the Pakistan territory to defeat their nefarious design against India", he added. He said that such statements by the Defence Minister and by the BJP spokesperson not only belittle the Indian armed forces but also inflicted insult to their glorious past for which the duo should immediately tender an unconditional apology. Mr Waraich also hailed a national english daily newspaper and a news channel for showing evidence and proofs of the recent surgical strikes to counter the false propaganda unleashed by Pakistan. "All along we have been saying the same thing that the BJP led centre government must come forward to counter the false propaganda unleashed by Pakistan on the international forum. We as a party not even once sought proof or any evidence of the surgical strike as being spread by the BJP all across the country", said Waraich. He said AAP right from the beginning has been saluting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his daring act against Pakistan. "AAP was the first party which passed a resolution in Delhi assembly hailing PM Modi and the surgical strikes for teaching Pakistan a lesson. We never tried to politicize the issue as being propagated by the BJP spokespersons," he added. On the other hand it is Parrikar who is going from Goa to Uttar Pradesh to get honoured by his own party workers which is nothing but politicising the entire issue, the AAP leader said and added that the BJP is even putting up banners and posters all over the country to take credit for the surgical strikes which is nothing but sheer politicisation of the situation.UNI DB SB BL2004 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-967371.Xml
Punjab Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh today demanded that AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal should make an unequivocal apology to the Indian Army after being thoroughly exposed over his blatant lies on the issue of the surgical strikes against Pakistan. The PCC chief said the Indian Army had completely nailed Mr Kejriwal's lies by submitting to the central government conclusive proof of the strikes carried out in the wake of the Uri terror attack. Media reports also extensively cited the evidence shared by the Army to put all doubts over the matter at rest. The former Chief Minister lambasted Mr Kejriwal for challenging the integrity of the armed forces, who were sacrificing their lives on the borders to protect the citizens of the country. In a statement here, Capt Singh said Mr Kejriwal has lost face in the wake of such overwhelming evidence, which had not only left him embarrassed but was also a major setback for his poll plans in Punjab. He said the AAP leader has been exposed once again over his blatant lies based on unauthenticated information. Mr Kejriwal has a habit of putting his foot in his mouth, which has often made him the butt of public ridicule. This was only the latest in a spate of such unverified claims made by him, Capt Singh said, urging the AAP leader to refrain from dragging such august institutions as the defence forces into his political agenda. The strikes, undertaken recently by the Indian Army following the terror attack in Uri, have been at the centre of political controversy, with the AAP openly raising doubts about the veracity of the reported action by the Indian Army. In a video message, Mr Kejriwal had asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to refute Pakistani claims on the surgical strikes. Now that sufficient information on the issue is out in the public domain, why is MrKejriwal maintaining a studied silence, he asked.UNI DB SW SB 1955 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-967513.Xml
A Conservation Motorbike Rally to commemorate Wildlife Week, jointly organised by the Nagaland Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Nagaland Motorcycle Club, which started from Dimapur this morning, arrived in the state today. A simple function was held at the War Cemetery with 23 bikers, where Nagaland Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) I Panger Jamir congratulated the motorcycle riders for their success riding from Dimapur to Kohima. He said climate change has become a reality, where it has been effecting our environment in some or the other ways. Stating that the celebration of Wildlife week is inter-related with all the bio-diversity and climate, he said in such consolidated forms, the issues has to be observed in holistic manner. Mr Jamir also emphasised on the protection and conservation of Amur Falcon migration in Nagaland which interlinks with the crops production in South Africa that has been authenticated. He also said the media are the ambassador for disseminating the awareness on such conservation and protection of Wildlife and Bio-diversity through which the villagers, people and our society would be sensitized on the issue. PCCF later handed over an envelope to the Nagaland Motorcycle Club as a token of appreciation. A representative from the Nagaland Motorcycle Club said, ''many a time we abuse and misuse our discretion of being the land owner however on such occasion it opens our mind to take care of our nature, animal, weather and our environment' and thanked the Forest Department for inviting them'' and further added that the Club was proud to be a part of the occasion. Talking about the club, he informed that the club has around 80 bikers as members from Kohima, Dimapur, Wokha, Mokokchung and Mon. He also shared some activities carried out by the Club such as a ride for disabled people and Orphanage Homes on 15th August 2016, other initiatives in recent years and today with Forest Department in creating awareness on Wildlife protection. He said the club has being so far involved in many important events and further informed that the Club looks forward to associate with any other Departments in future. The Divisional Forest Officer of Kohima Sidramappa MC chairing the programme said the ride from Dimapur to Kohima was organised in commemoration of Wildlife week and targeted the Highway in order to sensitise the people on the protection of wildlife. UNI AS RN AE 1931 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0311-967362.Xml
Bihar BJP today accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of soft peddling the rape case of suspended RJD MLA Rajballabh Yadav under the pressure of party Chief Lalu Prasad.Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi told newspersons here that Mr Prasad`s proximity with Mr Yadav was in full public glare when the RJD chief held a closed-door meeting with his party`s law maker who is an accused of raping a minor for two hours. He said it left nobody in doubt why the state government did not argue the rape case of the RJD MLA in Patna High Court, leading to grant of bail to him."Now, whether Nitish Kumar would depute a senior lawyer to challenge the bail of Mr Yadav in the Supreme Court or whether he would only enact a drama of making so called attempt for cancellation of his bail, just to please RJD Chief," he remarked.Mr Modi said the state government should tell whether it was not a fact that the lady doctor examining the rape victim prepared her report under the influence of RJD Chief Mr Prasad and his son and state Health Minister Rajballabh Yadav."When Nalanda District Magistrate recommended for suspension of the lady doctor for her highly objectionable report, state health department did not act under the pressure of RJD Chief," he commented.Mr Modi said that with an objective to protect Yadav, the lady doctor was forced to write a letter to state health department, accusing the prosecution side of exerting pressure on her to write a report, which served its interest. He said the state government`s lawyer did not expose the conspiracy when the hearing of the case was underway in the court. He said that the state government's lawyer also did not raise the issue of threats to rape victim made by Yadav and his henchmen in the court too.Mr Kumar should tell whether these were not the reasons which led to the grant of bail to Yadav by Patna High Court, Mr Modi added.UNI DH RD SDR AE 2114 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0431-967740.Xml
A local court today transferred the sensational murder case of a senior journalist Rajdeo Ranjan to special CBI court of Muzaffarpur for hearing. Chief Judicial Magistrate Arvind Kumar Singh, accepting the request of CBI, ordered the transfer of Rajdeo Ranjan murder case to CBI special court of Muzaffarpur for hearing. In its petition, the CBI had requested before the court that case was being investigated by the agency so it should be transferred to the special CBI court based at Muzaffarpur. As it is, Rajdeo Ranjan, a senior journalist of a leading Hindi Daily was shot dead by criminals allegedly at the behest of incarcerated RJD strongman Mohammad Shahabuddin on May 13, 2016 on station road in Siwan district. Amid raising demand for CBI inquiry into the case by opposition, various journalists' associations and also wife of slain scribe, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had recommended for CBI probe but the Centre took almost four months to give its nod. Asha Ranjan, wife of slain scribe Rajdeo Ranjan has also moved the apex Court for shifting the case outside Bihar for fair trial. The petition is pending in Supreme Court. A total of five accused were arrested on May 30, 2016 while three others including Laddan Miyan, known to be close to former RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin had surrendered in the court later. Mohammad Kaif, another accused in the case was seen with Mohammad Shahabuddin when he was released from jail after the Patna High Court granted bail to him. After much hue and cry over the photograph of Mohammad Kaif with Mohammad Shahabuddin appearing in media, police swung into action and began conducting raids to arrest him. Following the increased pressure of the local police, Mohammad Kaif had surrendered in a local court. Rohit, one of the accused arrested in the case had confessed during the interrogation that he had opened fire on Rajdeo Ranjan killing him on the spot, on instigation of Laddan Miyan who had given the contract for the murder.UNI XC KKS BM AE PM2136 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-967585.Xml
To commemorate the 350th birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh master Sri Guru Gobind Singh, a two day national seminar on the topic "Yug Chintak Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji" has been organised at SGPC Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib. The national seminar is being organised in collaboration with Government of Punjab. The Chancellor of the University and SGPC President Avtar Singh, who was chief guest of the function for the inaugural session of the seminar described Guru Gobind Singh Ji as a multifaceted personality encompassing attributes of faith, compassion, contentment and self- restraint on one hand and qualities of a great warrior like valour, dynamism, persistence and courage on the other. He thanked Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for taking such an initiative and informed about the various programmes to be organised by SGPC to commemorate the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Sahib. While addressing the gathering of scholars and students, Vice Chancellor of the University Dr Gurmohan Singh Walia said that the main objective of this seminar is to spread awareness about the life and teachings of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji among the masses. He said in the present times it is imperative that we remember the supreme sacrifice made by the Guru and adopt their teachings in our life. Vice-Chancellor praised this novel initiative of Punjab Government and said it is our duty to spread the teachings and message of the tenth Guru to the corners of the World. He said in total 7 seminars in this regard will be organised by the Punjab Government and it is a matter of great pride that the first seminar of the series is being held at World University.UNI XC SDR AE BD2105 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0292-967490.Xml
All India Defense Personnels Welfare Association today demanded that cases of sedation be registered against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress leader Sanjay Nirutam for allegedly demoralising the armed forces by demanding proof of the surgical strikes Indian forces made on militant training camps in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir on September 28, this year. Lt Col Shakti Chand (Retd) President All India Defense Personnels Welfare Association raised the demand at a press conference here today. He said that the entire world has appreciated the action of India against the Pakistan, a terrorist sponsoring country, while some politicians in the country for their political vested interests were demanding proofs of the surgical strike. He described the utterances of both the political leaders as 'unethical and illogical'. He said that Sanjay Nirutam senior Congress leader, went to the extend of describing the surgical strike as fake. He said statements of some Indian politicians have allegedly demoralized the Indian armed forces and hurt the ex-servicemen and members of the All India Defense Personals Welfare Association too. He said that such politicians should realize the conditions in which Indian Armed forces were defending the country on the borders and fighting the terrorism within the country. He said that these politicians should be sent to Siachin Glacier during the winter and in hot summer to the Rajasthan border and then alone they can realize the conditions of armed forces in which theywere working.UNI XC VJ SHK AE BD2154 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0292-967502.Xml
ADC Shakti Singh, SDM Mandeep Kaur and DSP Satish Gautam represented the district administration during the funeral of the Army jawan. An Army contingent, led by Subedar Munshi Ram from Ambala Cantonment, presented guard of honour to the departed jawan.

Sagar(12), son of the deceased, lit the pyre in the presence of large number of villagers and officials.

A pal of gloom descended on the village as the news of untimely death of jawan reached village. Army man Sham Sunder, elder brother of deceased, said Ramesh Kumar was the youngest among four brothers. He had recently visited his village on one month leave and had gone back on duty on October 3.

He suffered an heart attack yesterday and died in hospital in Mumbai.

His daughter Komal (14) and son Sagar are studying in Kendriya Vidyalya Pune and their father had promised to get them transferred in some school in Mumbai soon.

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BJP Himachal Pradesh unit today burnt the effigies of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on a nation wide call of protest over his remarks on the surgical strike on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and LoC recently as effigeis were torched at Shimla, Solan, Bilaspur, Dharmshala and other district by respective units. Party state unit leader Mr Stapal Singh Sati and party legislators joined the protest at Deputy Commissioner office here this afternoon. Mr Sati said the Delhi Chief Minister did not indirectly taken cue toward enemy nation Pakistan but tried to raise question marks on the valors of Indian forces which were fighting bravely on the borders. The BJP has given a nationwide call to target Mr Kejriwal for seeking release of video footage of surgical operation terming that Pakistani government was denying any such attack. Mr Sati said Mr Kejriwal should support Indian forces for surgical attack on the PoK, however some Congress and AAP leaders were trying to raise fingers on this actions. UNI ML AE BD2149 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-967612.Xml
Punjab BJP vice-president Harjit Singh Grewal today lambasted Aam Aadmi Party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for asking a proof of the surgical strikes against terrorists across the LoC. In a statement here, Mr Grewal said Mr Kejriwal had insulted not only the Army but also the other forces which have been selflessly guarding the nation's frontiers. The BJP leader said, "AAP and the Congress were trying to gain political mileage by deriding the action of the Army. After the surgical strikes, the whole nation is rallying behind the Army and besides Pakistan no other country has been crying hoarse. The way Kejriwal has been seeking proof the military action, it just highlights his narrow mindset for the country." Mr Grewal said, "The citizens of the country feel safe in the hands of the Army and it is not good to question each and every move of the Army. We demand that Kejriwal should immediately apologise for hurting the sentiments of the Army and the nation."UNI DB AE BL2131 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-967637.Xml
Briefing newsmen after the cabinet, State Food Supply and Consumer Affairs Minister Sanjaya Das Burma said kharif paddy will be procured from November 2016 to March 2017 and rabi during May and June 2017.

He said paddy will be procured as per the minimum support price declared by the Central Government from the farmers who are registered in the online portal of the food supply and Consumer Affairs Department.

The farmers, the minister said have to provide plot details along with the Aadhar card number for their registration and the plot details will be verified by integration with Bhulekh database maintained by the Revenue Department.

Mr Burma said the minimum support price for common variety rice and Grade A variety has been fixed at Rs.1470 and Rs.1510 per quintal respectively and the paddy to be procured must conform to FAQ, specification declared by the government of India.

The Minister said emphasis would be given for opening of adequate number of Paddy Purchase Centres (mandis) by the societies on behalf of procuring agencies.

He said during the previous KMS 2015-16, as many as 160 high procuring blocks conducted their procurement operation by P PAS App in which all document are system generated.

In 2016-2017 P PAS will be replicated in the remaining 134 blocks in the state.UNI DP BM AE BD2202

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Petitions were submitted to the concerned tehsildars in some tehsils condemning the lathicharge.

The teachers of non-aided schools had taken out a 'morcha' on the meeting of the state Cabinet ministers held at Aurangabad on Tuesday where the 'morcha' turned violent and the police resorted tolathicharge injuring many teachers. Cases were also filed against some of the teachers.

The associations demanded to sanction grant in aid to the non-aided schools in the state.

The petition was signed by the state president of Junior College Teachers Association D B Jambhrunkar, the office-bearer of the Headmasters Association Govindrao Methe and the office-bearer ofTeachers Association R G Jadhav among others.UNI XR SS AE 2341

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The Border Security Force today arrested a drug smuggler with 1300 R-7 tablets worth over Rs one lakh. Boro (25) of Daulpara area in Assam was arrested by special patrol party of BSF deployed from Borsora in South West Khasi hills district. The BSF recovered 1,300 R-7 tablets worth Rs 1,30,000 and a PAN card from his possession. On questioning, he revealed that the seized tablets were to be handed over to unknown Bangladesh national. The smuggler also revealed that he purchased the tablets from Happu (30 ) resident of Mainpur from the house of Dry (40 ) resident of Nongjuri village in South West Khasi hills. The R-7 tablet is a party drug. These orange-coloured pills are bought in bulk at Rs 150 per pills in the border areas. After transferring through several hands, it is sold to end-users in Bangladesh at Taka 500 to 600 per pill. The demand for this type of tablet has spiked in part due to the consumption habits of users in Bangladesh. The apprehended person and seized items handed over to the concern department for further legal action. UNI RRK BM AE BL2321 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-967805.Xml
Terming Islamabad as a "thief in Gilgit-Baltistan", Senge Hasnan Sering, the Director of the Gilgit-Baltistan National Congress, criticised the country's government for helping the Taliban kill American soldiers, and asserted that Pakistan, which occupies a third of Kashmir, can never be a friend of Kashmiris. Participating in an interaction organised by the Atlantic Council, a top American think-tank, Sering took apart Pakistani Senate's Defence Committee chairman Mushahid Hussain's argument by exposing in detail Pakistan' acts of atrocities and discrimination on people of Kashmir. "You occupy one-third of Kashmir, and an occupier cannot be a friend of Kashmir on the other side. You have been exploiting resources in Gilgit-Baltistan. Without paying royalty or compensation, a single penny for the last 70 years, I call you a thief in Gilgit-Baltistan and a thief in Gilgit-Baltistan cannot be a friend in Jammu and Kashmir...The only thing that is good is that the Pakistani Army wants to maintain a status quo because that is a money making machine in Kashmir," he said. He also alleged that Pakistan has been helping Taliban in killing of US soldiers. "Next time, since you are on the defence committee, in front of those mothers and wives who have lost their children and husbands and explain to them why you take money from the United States and then give it to Taliban to kill the US soldiers," said Sering. Terming Syed and Shazra Mansab, the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's special Kashmir envoys, as a proxy of Pakistani military not representing Kashmir, the PoK activist said, "Pakistan has proxies in Indian Kashmir, they have weapons and explosives. You come here as a proxy with sweet talk. Every time when the money dries up here, you show up with blackmail, Russia talk, China talk and Iran." "I request you as to get out of this vicious cycle. Pakistan is not good for any country and it has not done any good for the United States. It is not good for the people of Kashmir," he added. (ANI)
US President Barack Obama warned that hurricane Matthew could have a devastating effect, as residents of the southeastern coastline braced themselves for one of the most powerful storms to hit the region in almost a decade. "This is a serious storm," said Obama on Wednesday after visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters. "Even if you don't get the full force of the hurricane, we are still going to be seeing tropical force winds, the potential for storm surge, and all of that could have a devastating effect," he added. According to the US National Hurricane Center, the deadly Category 3 hurricane was roughly 105 miles, or 169 km, south of Long Island in the Bahamas on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. "We anticipate that by tomorrow (Thursday) morning, it will already begin to have significant effect in Florida, and then ... potential(ly) ... strengthen and move on up the coast ...," said Obama. In its preparation, the US states of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida started evacuation of over two million residents from its coastal areas and urged them to stock food, water and medicine for at least upto three days. --IANS ask/in/vm ( 201 Words) 2016-10-06-11:48:03 (IANS)
"We have confirmed six people have been killed and 13 others rescued. The militants used a grenade to break the entrance before they shot at those who were sleeping in there and later escaped from the scene," Xinhua news agency quoted an official as saying.

The militants, who targeted non-locals, struck at 2 a.m. (local time) and shot the tenants arbitrarily, the official said.

The attackers later hurled another grenade that destroyed a building close to the residential plot, after a group of police reservists responded to the attack, the official added.

The police have launched an investigation into the latest incident that has sparked tension in the region.

Mandera Governor Ali Roba noted that the attack came after a lull pg months in the area as a result of intensified police operations.

Security in Mandera remains fragile as al-Shabaab terrorists had crossed over from Somalia and carried out attacks.

Northern Kenya has borne the brunt of grenade and gun attacks in the last four years since Kenya sent troops to Somalia to fight al-Shabaab.

--IANS ask/

( 220 Words)

2016-10-06-13:26:04 (IANS)
In what may be seen as a growing unease in the civilian establishment over Pakistan's isolation in International community, Nawaz Sharif government has reportedly warned the military leadership that the country will have to act against Masood Azhar and his Jaish-e-Mohmmad; Hafiz Saeed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba; and the Haqqani network. "Blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning" was delivered by Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry, who gave a separate, exclusive presentation in the Prime Minister's Office to a small group of civil and military officials, Pakistan's Dawn group of newspapers said in an exclusive report. The message from the civilian leadership comes days after Indian Army raided terrorists launch pads in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir in surgical strikes that inflicted heavy damage to the terror network and their supporters. Fault lines between civil and military leaders were visible immediately after the surgical operations, which attracted condemnation from the Government while Pakistan military completely denied the strikes. In response to Foreign Secretary Chaudhry's conclusions, ISI DG Gen Rizwan Akhtar understood to have asked what steps could be taken to prevent the drift towards isolation. "Mr Chaudhry's reply was direct and emphatic: the principal international demands are for action against Masood Azhar and the Jaish-i-Mohmmad; Hafiz Saeed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba; and the Haqqani network," the Dawn report said. More UNI MK SHS ADG 1342 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0090-966519.Xml
A bomb blast in northern Syria near the border with Turkey killed at least 16 Turkish-backed rebel fighters and wounded others on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.Two witnesses in the area separately told Reuters the blast killed at least 20 people and wounded many more.The British-based Observatory said it was not clear if the blast near the Atmeh border crossing was from a suicide attack or a bomb placed in the area. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.It targeted rebels who have been backed by Ankara in its operation against both Islamic State and Kurdish militants further to the northeast, along a separate stretch of borderREUTERS CJ RAI1314 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-966461.Xml
For months Greek fisherman Stratis Valamios would steer his boat out to sea, only instead of fish, he pulled out people.Day after day, rubber boats packed with refugees and migrants would attempt the short but dangerous crossing to Greece from Turkey, even as winter set in and the seas turned rough and winds grew violent."It was like a war zone," Valamios, now a co-nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, said of his tiny seaside village of Skala Sikamnias on Lesbos, the island where more than 800,000 people escaping war and conflict in the Middle East and beyond arrived in 2015."You had the wounded, the dead," he said matter-of-factly. "We brought in many babies out here on the concrete, on the tables, and they died in our arms."No one knows how many people Valamios and other locals saved from drowning, but it is believed to be in the hundreds.Together with other islanders, Valamios has been nominated by Greek academics and the Hellenic Olympic Committee for the Nobel Peace Prize. They have been chosen symbolically to represent all Greeks and volunteers who helped refugees.The award will be announced in Oslo on Friday.Far to the south, Lesbos, Greece's third-biggest island and just over four miles from the Turkish coast, was the frontline of Europe's refugee crisis last year. At its peak, as many as 3,000 people were arriving on its shores a day.The dinghies often collapsed under the weight of three times as many people as they were designed to hold, crammed in by smugglers eager to make an easy profit by charging some $1,500 per head. Hundreds drowned and many bodies are still missing."Imagine being here and seeing drowned children on the beach, or saving a father whose baby has drowned, or saving a baby whose mother and father have drowned," Valamios said.The headless body of a baby washed ashore on a nearby beach earlier this year. One mother lost two of her children, he said. One washed up in Greece, the other in Turkey.Some days, Valamios would fit 20 people in his 3-metre (less than 10 foot) long motorboat. Its railing is still broken and wobbly from when one Syrian man tried to desperately cling onto it, he said.'DID THE RIGHT THING'Those days are gone, and since March, when the European Union and Turkey agreed a deal to close off that route, only a handful of refugees arrive each week.So life in the picturesque harbour has resumed its sleepy pace. Its cobbled square, once heaving with Greek and foreign volunteers, is filled only with just the sound of seagulls squawking and waves crashing on the rocks.The shoreline was once bright orange from hundreds of discarded life jackets, but they have since been cleared, as have the dozens of deflated dinghies which littered it.Even so, each time Valamios and other fishermen head out to see, they can't help but be on the look out for vessels in distress, he said."The island deserves it," said 63-year-old Thanasis Marmarinos, referring to the prize, as he repaired his fishing nets in the port. But on a personal level, it wasn't so important. "I am morally satisfied with what I did, that I helped these people. Everything else, including the Nobel, is not important."Down the road, fellow Nobel nominee Emilia Kamvisi, an 86-year-old grandmother and the daughter of Greek refugees who fled Turkey in 1922, said she never expected tragedy to hit home but felt compelled to help, having heard stories of her own family."In this old age I will die with a clear conscience," she said.If they win, the $930,000 prize will go towards struggling Greek island hospitals, the nominating committee has said.For Valamios, Kamvisi and Marmarinos and others in the village, little will change."On Friday, when they give the Nobel, bombs will still fall and people will still get killed," Valamios said, referring to Syria, torn apart by five years of war."I will feel neither happy nor sad. I just know I did the right thing," he said. REUTERS CJ VP1405 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-966582.Xml
Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling was on Thursday honoured with prestigious "Sustainable Development Leadership Award" by President Pranab Mukherjee here. During "World Sustainable Development Summit" (WSDS) organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) at Vigyan Bhavan here, Chamling was recognised for his efforts to convert Sikkim into a fully organic state. "The award was presented to Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in recognition of his vision and leadership in environment and sustainable development leading to the establishment of Sikkim as the first and only organic state in the country," an official statement here said. Sikkim is the only state in India to have attained the official status of fully organic state in January 2016 announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Around 75,000 hectares of land in Sikkim has been converted into certified organic farms and it contributes around 80,000 tonnes of organic production out of total 1.24 million tonnes of organic production recorded in india. "Chamling has taken various green initiatives under which ban on pan masala/gutka was enforced in the entire state in the year 1995, and subsequently in 1997 passed an Act on prohibition of throwing of non-degradable garbage in public drains and sewerage," it said. There is a ban also in the state on smoking at public places. Congratulating Chamling, the President said that Sikkim was smallest but the most progressive state of India. "Sikkim has established harmony between nature and development. Over decades, people of this beautiful land have based their trust in him (Chamling)," the President said. He said that climate change is the real and immediate concern ahead of the whole world today and developing economy are more vulnerable. "As a developing country we should be concerned. India has 18 per cent of the world population but there is only four per cent of water and six per cent of consumption of global energy. Right now, as we speak here over 250 million people have no access of any sort of electricity. We have to work very hard," the President said. Defining prosperity, not in terms of evaluation of gross domestic product (GDP) but the wellbeing and happiness of people, the President said we have to aim to create a society which is not wasteful. "We should not encourage waste to create artificial demand in the market. We have lot of challenges and capacity to deal with them. We should also be concerned with large scale utilisation of resources. We have no right to waste these resources," the President said. Cautioning the world against patterns of unsustainable consumptions, Mukherje said world partnership would be required to achieve sustainable economies. The President praised the Paris climate agreement and sustainable development goals as two crucial stages in the development of world. "Let all the people and countries of the world work for a common future. I hope that next Conference of Parties (CoP 22 to be held in Morocco) will encourage other countries to follow suit," the President added. Saying that India will continue pursuing more such goals, Mukherjee praised the WSDS, hoping that it will conceptualise new solution for innovation and development. --IANS kd-rak/ask/vt ( 532 Words) 2016-10-06-16:22:10 (IANS)
Iraq's reaction to Turkey's military presence at the Bashiqa army base north of Mosul is "incomprehensible" and the soldiers will remain there to ensure the region's demographics do not change, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said today.His comments, in a speech to businessmen, followed Iraqi condemnation of a Turkish decision to extend by a year the deployment of some 2,000 troops in northern Iraq. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned Turkey risked triggering a regional war. REUTERS AKC AS1617 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-966862.Xml
The Kalibr cruise missile-equipped Serpukhov and Zeleny Dol corvettes are planned to join the Russian Navy's permanent task force as part of an off-shore maritime zone rotation in the Mediterranean.

"The third Black Sea Fleet small missile ship, The Mirazh (Project 1234), has left Sevastopol heading to the Mediterranean Sea," a source in the Crimean security agencies told RIA Novosti news agency today.

He said the vessel is equipped with the Malakhit anti-ship missile.

Russia's Black Sea Fleet also confirmed that its third small missile ship has embarked on a voyage from Sevastopol, Crimea, to the Mediterranean.

"It is planned that the Black Sea Fleet small missile ship will pass through the Black Sea straits and enter the Mediterranean Sea tomorrow, where it will join the Navy's permanent task force in accordance with the rotation plan," the Fleet said.UNI XC SW SB 1658

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0101-966957.Xml
Alexander Khrgian quit Moscow for Montenegro in 2008 and immediately felt at home, setting up a law firm that helps the tiny country's outsized Russian diaspora do business, profiting from close ties between the two countries."We liked the climate, the people and conditions for doing business," said the lawyer. "So we stayed."But a parliamentary election due on October 16 could test those ties. The vote, its outome very much in the balance, could be Montenegro's last before joining the Western NATO alliance, an expansion dubbed "irresponsible" by Russia.Attracted by the mountainous country's majestic coastline, some 15,000 Russians flooded into the country after its 2006 split from Serbia, bringing money and Russian influence to the former Yugoslav republic of just 650,000 people.Ushering Montenegro into NATO is a priority for the West, wary of Russian influence in a strategic region that is on the frontlines of the migration crisis facing Europe."We want Montenegro in NATO because we are worried about Russian influence," said a Western diplomat in Serbia's capital Belgrade of a policy that divides the Adriatic country down the middle.Montenegro was bombed by NATO 17 years ago when the alliance intervened to end Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic's campaign of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. At the time, Montenegro was in union with Serbia.Joining the alliance is the central pillar of Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic's campaign ahead of an election in which he is likely to face his toughest test in nearly a quarter of a century of leading the country.Djukanovic, who has been president or prime minister for more than 25 years, with one brief interrpution, is accused by opponents of running the Adriatic country as a corrupt personal fiefdom, letting organised crime flourish.He denies the allegations, but pollsters say NATO membership could act as a wedge issue, boosting support for eurosceptic parties and forcing his Democratic Party of Socialists to seek new coalition partners for the first time since 2006.In one opposition advert, an actor playing the role of Djukanovic is shown having no answers, answering "NATO" every time he is challenged on alleged failings.A poll by the Center for Democracy and Human Rights and the US embassy showed 50.5 per cent would vote in favour of joining the alliance and 49.5 per cent against if a referendum promised by the Democratic Front opposition party were held.RUSSIA OR THE WEST?"Our main mission is to liberate Montenegro from Milo Djukanovic's rule," said Slaven Radunovic, a Democratic Front lawmaker. Djukanovic says opposition parties are Russian-funded, a claim they deny.But Moscow, also concerned about suggestions of NATO expansion into Nordic countries such as Finland, is following events closely. An official from President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party recently urged the opposition to form a united front against Djukanovic.The anti-NATO message has traction.Montenegro's ties to its traditional Orthodox allies are too valuable for it to ignore. Tourism contributes 20 per cent of economic output, and Russia and Serbia accounted for nearly 60 per cent of visitors in 2016.In a sign of strengthening ties between the three nations, volunteers last month set up a Balkan Cossack "army" in a ceremony rich in symbolism that was attended by Russian and Serbian bikers with Orthodox priests officiating.Miladin Jokic, a 44-year old from the capital Podgorica said he opposed Djukanovic's party because NATO membership would expose the country to terrorist attacks."Montenegro has to stay away from it, especially at a time of such a big terrorist threat." he said.The West, for its part, sees integrating the former Yugoslav republics into the EU and NATO as crucial for bringing stability to a region that suffered a decade of wars in the 1990s as Yugoslavia broke up into seven successor states.Croatia and Slovenia, now in the EU, were the first to join NATO. Serbia and Montenegro are in talks over joining the EU, while Bosnia and Macedonia are yet to open talks. Montenegro received its invitation to join NATO in December.In culture, history, religion and economics, links with Russia run deep. But for some, particularly the young, the West has more appeal."Geographically we are part of Europe, and we have to stand by those who are already in that alliance," said Ivan Bozovic, a 24-year old student. REUTERS AKC AS1751 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-967145.Xml
Hurricane Matthew, the fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, strengthened as it barreled toward the southeastern United States today after killing at least 69 people, mostly in Haiti, on its deadly northward march.As Matthew blew through the northwestern Bahamas today en route to Florida's Atlantic coast, its winds increased to 140 miles per hour (220 kph), the US National Hurricane Center said.That made it an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 hurricane and it was likely to remain so as it approached the United States, where it could either take direct aim at Florida or brush along the state's coast through tomorrow night, the center said.Some 65 people were killed in Haiti and thousands were displaced after the storm smashed homes and inundated neighborhoods earlier in the week.The National Hurricane Center extended its hurricane warning area farther north into South Carolina and more than 12 million US residents were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel.Roads in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as the storm approached, carrying with it strong storm surges, heavy rain and high winds.Matthew was 180 miles (290 km) southeast of West Palm Beach at about 11 a.m. EDT , and 25 miles (40 km) from Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, the hurricane center said.The damage could be "catastrophic" if the hurricane slammed directly into Florida, Governor Rick Scott warned, urging some 1.5 million people in the state to heed evacuation orders."If you're reluctant to evacuate, just think about all the people who have been killed," Scott told a news conference today. "Time is running out. This is clearly either going to have a direct hit or come right along the coast and we're going to have hurricane-force winds."Scott, who activated several thousand National Guard troops to help deal with the storm, warned that millions of people were likely to be left without power.With an expected storm surge of up to 9 feet (2.7 meters), he said people should stay away from beaches. "Do not go on the beach," he said. "This will kill you."The four US states in the path of the hurricane declared states of emergency, a move empowering their governors to mobilize the National Guard.It was too soon to predict where in the United States Matthew was likely to do the most damage, the Hurricane Center said.Shelters in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina were opened for evacuees. Federal emergency response teams were coordinating with officials in all four states and stockpiling supplies.In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest encouraged residents in the path of the storm to heed warnings from local governments about evacuations and seeking shelter.CLOSED SCHOOLS, EVACUATED HOSPITALSSchools and airports across the region were closed today and some hospitals were evacuated, according to local media. Hundreds of flights were canceled in and out of the Florida cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, industry website Flightaware.com said.Matthew was heading northwest at about 14 mph (22 kph) and was expected to continue on this track today, turning north-northwest tonight or early on Friday, the hurricane center said. The eye, or center, of the storm was moving between Andros Island and New Providence in the northwestern Bahamas today.In Nassau, which is on New Providence, it was raining steadily today morning and high winds were bucking palm trees. Minor damage to roofs was reported but there was no flooding yet or reports of injuries.On Tuesday and yesterday Matthew, the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck Central America in 2007, had whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mph (225 kph) winds and torrential rain, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes. The devastation in Haiti prompted authorities to postpone a presidential election.The last major hurricane, classified as a storm bearing sustained winds of more than 110 mph (177 kph), to hit the United States was Hurricane Wilma in 2005.In Florida, fuel stations posted "out of gas" signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up.At a Subco gas station in Orlando, the central Florida city that is home to resorts including Walt Disney World, the gas pumps had run dry yesterday afternoon."We were selling 800, 1,000 gallons of gas an hour. That's huge," said Nancy, who was working the counter today morning and declined to give her last name.The shop was a stopping off point for coastal residents seeking shelter inland from the coast. Among them was Jonas Sylvan, 44, of Melbourne, Florida, who planned to hole up in a hotel with his wife, two daughters and dog. "We're just trying to get away from the coast," he said. "It's safer here."In South Carolina, Tylisia Brooks, 44, who has lived on the barrier island of James Island near Charleston for six years, waited with her 8-year-old son and mother at a closed Walmart early today for a school bus to take them to a hurricane shelter."We're from New York City," she said. "We've never been through a storm like this where we had to evacuate."It's very scary."REUTERS SDR BD2110 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-967731.Xml
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas left a West Bank hospital today after undergoing heart function tests which showed normal results, a doctor said.He walked out of the hospital, beaming and waving to reporters, before being whisked away in his presidential motorcade."Thank God everything is fine, I had the surgery, it was easy and I'm leaving now," said Abbas, who spoke briefly to Palestine TV before leaving hospital.Abbas, 81, was taken to the facility without prior public announcement earlier in the day. He has long been reported to be suffering from heart problems but Palestinian political officials have never confirmed this."The president was hospitalised today for routine tests and we performed a (cardiac) catheterization. The results look normal," Saeed Sarahneh, a senior doctor at Istishari Arab Hospital in the West Bank city of Ramallah, told reporters while Abbas was still at the hospital.In the procedure, a thin plastic tube is inserted into an artery or vein, and then advances into the heart chambers to diagnose and clear any blockage.Attending the funeral in Jerusalem tomorrow of Israeli statesman Shimon Peres, Abbas showed no outward sign of ill health. At the ceremony, he briefly chatted and shook hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Abbas became Palestinian president after the death in 2004 of Yasser Arafat. The Western-backed Abbas has pursued peace talks with Israel but the negotiations broke down in 2014. REUTERS SDR BD2116 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-967745.Xml
Iraq has requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the presence of Turkish troops on its territory as a dispute with Ankara escalates.Turkey's parliament voted last week to extend the deployment of an estimated 2,000 troops across northern Iraq by a year to combat "terrorist organisations" - a likely reference to Kurdish rebels as well as Islamic State.Iraq condemned the vote, and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned Turkey risked triggering a regional war. Yesterday, Ankara and Baghdad each summoned the other's ambassador in protest at remarks from the other camp."The Iraqi foreign ministry has presented a request for an emergency meeting of the Security Council to discuss the Turkish violation of Iraq's territory and interference in its internal affairs," said a statement on the ministry's website.Turkey says its military is in Iraq at the invitation of Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdish regional government, with which Ankara maintains solid ties. Baghdad says no such invitation was ever issued.Most of the Turkish troops are at a base in Bashiqa, north of Mosul and close to Turkey's border, where they are helping to train Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga and Sunni fighters.Tensions between Baghdad and Ankara have risen with expectations of an offensive by US-backed Iraqi forces to retake Mosul, the last major Iraqi city under Islamic State control, captured by the militants two years ago.Turkey has said the campaign will send a wave of refugees over its border, and potentially on to Europe.Ankara also worries that Baghdad's Shi'ite Muslim-led forces will destabilise Mosul's largely Sunni population and worsen ethnic strife across the region, where there are also populations of Turkmens, ethnic kin of the Turks.Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim echoed this worry again today, saying the presence of Ankara's troops in Bashiqa will continue to ensure that the demographics of the region will not change. Iraq's hostile reaction is "incomprehensible", he added.However, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu sought to play down the spat over Bashiqa in comments later today."We do not see a serious problem there and we think this problem will be overcome," he told a news conference with his Italian counterpart in Ankara. "Iraq must leave the rhetoric aside so we can assess how to resolve this subject."He said around 3,000 local fighters, Arab, Kurdish and Turkmen, were being trained against Islamic State at the camp and they had so far "neutralised" around 750 of the group's militants in the area. REUTERS SDR BL22011 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-967808.Xml
Italy's referendum on constitutional reform in December is widening splits in Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's Democratic Party (PD), with a vocal minority of its lawmakers refusing to join his campaign in favour of the changes.Today the level of personal acrimony intensified when Renzi's closest aide launched a bitter attack against former PD leader and ex-Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema, one of the most prominent opponents of the reform.Renzi's undersecretary Luca Lotti said D'Alema's opposition to the plan to curb the powers of the Senate and centralise decision-making was motivated by "hatred" towards his leader for overlooking him for a top European Union job.D'Alema had never forgiven Renzi for proposing Federica Mogherini for the post of EU representative for foreign affairs and security in 2014, Lotti said, calling the former premier "blinded by anger" and "consumed by resentment."Renzi has staked everything on the Dec 4 referendum, promising to resign and abandon politics if he loses. The majority of recent opinion polls suggest the reform will be rejected, though a large proportion of voters remain undecided.The problem for Renzi is that D'Alema is not the only prominent PD figure hampering his campaign. Another former party leader, Pier Luigi Bersani, is among several PD politicians who say that, in conjunction with a new electoral law pushed through by Renzi, the reform will give too much power to the prime minister and make Italy less democratic.With all the opposition parties lined up against the proposed changes, the fact that many in Renzi's own party are also not supporting him gives him an arduous task.Renzi is accused by left-wing PD traditionalists of moving the party too far to the right, and even if he wins, the internal hostilities laid bare by the referendum campaign will not be easy to heal. Many commentators forecast that what has so far been a trickle of PD defections could intensify after the vote.This week opposition parties launched a legal appeal to change the wording of the question on the ballot sheet, which cites the more popular aspects of the reform but none of the less popular ones. The Rome court said it would take a decision in a few days.With less than two months to go, the 'Yes' camp, which is advised by US presidential campaign consultant Jim Messina, has the advantage of greater financial resources and has launched a billboard campaign all over Italy.Yesterday, one of its best known supporters, Oscar-winning comedian Roberto Benigni, caused a stir when he said on a popular television show that a win for 'No' would be "worse then Brexit", in reference to Britain's decision to leave the EU. REUTERS SDR BL2235 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-967822.Xml
"These funds come in addition to the 24 million euros ($267 million) previously donated by the European Union to contribute to rebuilding the NBC," Xinhua news agency quoted a statement by the bloc on Thursday.

"We hope that this support will contribute to settling grievances surrounding the 2007 conflict and to provide better protection, shelter and dignity to the lives of many Palestinian refugees in this country," said Christina Lassen, EU's ambassador to Lebanon.

From the funding the camp has so far received, it is estimated that 11,062 people, accounting for 72 per cent of those originally displaced, will return to their homes by mid-2017.

The UNRWA, a relief and human development agency established in 1949, has a specific mandate to assist and protect some 5 million registered Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

--IANS vgu/

( 192 Words)

2016-10-07-03:52:09 (IANS)
MADRID, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- The tourist board on the popular Spanish holiday island of Tenerife has moved quickly to calm suspicions that the island is facing an imminent volcanic eruption.

Part of the volcanic Canary Island archipelago off the west coast of Africa, Tenerife is dominated by the volcano Mount Teide. Its beaches attract holidaymakers all year round.

Recent days have seen a rise in seismic activity with over 100 mini-earthquakes recorded on Sunday, although none of them was powerful enough to be felt by humans.

The seismic activity was ignored in Spain, but became front page news in the British tabloids with stories warning that Mount Teide, which last erupted in 1909, was going to blow and that there was "panic" on the island.

In response, Tenerife Tourist Board issued a statement to allay fears and assure holidaymakers there was no risk of an imminent eruption.

"Due to its volcanic origin, Tenerife is continuously monitored and any seismic activity associated with magma would be detected in very early stages. It is worth pointing out that the last volcanic eruption that took place on the island happened over 100 years ago, causing no personal injuries of any kind," reads the statement.

The statement said there had been no changes as a result of the micro earthquakes, there were no current risks, and assured the situation was "totally safe." Enditem
SOFIA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian authorities have neutralized an organized criminal group responsible for making and distributing counterfeit euro banknotes, officials said on Wednesday.

An illegal printing press and fake 50-euro and 100-euro bills worth over 3 million euros (some 3.363 million U.S. dollars) were found and seized in a warehouse located in the industrial zone of Plovdiv, Bulgarian Ministry of Interior said in a press release.

During the operation held on Tuesday and Wednesday, authorities detained eight people in Sofia and Plovdiv.

It was found that the gang has distributed the counterfeit banknotes in most of the European Union countries, the ministry said.

The investigation is ongoing, the ministry added. Enditem
AMMAN, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Jordanian Prime Minister Hani Mulki said on Wednesday that his country will not allow the entry of Syrian refugees except for humanitarian cases, state-run Petra news agency reported.

"Jordan cannot bear the burden of any additional Syrian refugees anymore," Mulki said at a meeting with German Development Minister Gerd Muller.

The influx of Syrian refugees, who represent about 20 percent of the population, has caused social and economic problems in the country, he said.

However, he added, humanitarian cases will be allowed in and that the country's northern borders are considered a closed military zone.

"The world needs to know that what Jordan tolerated is 10 folds more than what powerful countries with more resources did for refugees," he said.

Mulki voiced appreciation for Germany's decision to support Jordan with 273 million euros this year.

The German official stressed support for Jordan's efforts to help the Syrian refugees, calling for honoring pledges made to provide aid to Jordan. Enditem
JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- As the curtains came down on the 17th Conference of Parties (CoP17) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a conservationist said Wednesday that the gathering was ground breaking.

Ronald Orenstein, a board member of international NGO Species Survival Network (SSN), told Xinhua that the conference's resolutions went beyond the obvious by breaking new ground.

"This has been actually a very good meeting. The meeting made very important decisions from timber, marine species to elephants and rhinos," said Orenstein. "This preserves the crucial role for CITES as a protector against unsustainable use of natural resources."

New aspects decided by the CITES for the first time include a clampdown on corruption in relation with wildlife crime, tackling cybercrime in the area of wildlife, reducing demand for illegally trade in wildlife and encouraging participation of the youth and rural communities.

"For the first time there have been discussions on corruption. Currently there is a lot of fraud in the wildlife trade and this cannot be allowed to continue," said Orenstein.

Most animal rights groups were also happy with decisions taken to protect some of the most endangered animals.

The meeting agreed on stricter regulations to control trophy hunting. Those who came to the meeting with all kind of defence to protest the elephants, rhinos and lions, went back with smiles on their faces.

The ban on ivory and rhino horn trade still remains in place and experts have welcomed this move.

This year's meeting was attended by over 2,500 delegates and all resolutions taken will come into effect 90 days after Tuesday's end of the conference held in Johannesburg since Sept. 24.
THE HAUGE, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese company has sued Dutch retailers Blokker B.V. and Leen Bakker for selling a party tent which might have been copied from the Chinese design.

The court in The Hague had the oral hearing on Wednesday and the judgement will be rendered on Nov. 2 if the two parties cannot come to a settlement by themselves within a week.

"These two Dutch companies sell (or sold, since the summer season is now over) a product, namely a (party) tent or sunscreen which Zhejiang Zhengte believes to be too similar to Zhejiang Zhengte's design right and copyright," said Annemieke Kooy from Vriesendorp & Gaade, the Dutch patent firm that represents the Chinese company.

"At the time the legal proceedings were initiated, Zhejiang Zhengte knew only about Blokker and Leen Bakker selling the sunscreens. Zhejiang Zhengte did not know who the producer is, or if the producer is based in the Netherlands," Kooy told Xinhua.

"It cannot be excluded that Zhejiang Zhengte on the one hand and Leen Bakker and Blokker on the other hand enter into a settlement agreement before that date. We will wait for the judgment, and cannot reveal too much about the case before the judgment will be rendered. Should a settlement be agreed upon, there will be no more need for a judgment," she added.

Leen Bakker and Blokker are both companies which sell household products. Both of them are part of Blokker Holding.

The case involves a party tent with a butterfly-like shape that Zhejiang Zhengte sells worldwide. Blokker and Leen Bakker sold an exact copy, bearing the name Le Sud.

Dutch media said the Chinese company wants Blokker and Leen Bakker to stop selling copied products and destroy the stock. Enditem
JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Drought-ravaged Southern African countries have received pledges of help from various countries, but still need 2.1 billion U.S. dollars to feed the people and manage the effects of El Nino, an official said on Wednesday.

Barbara Lopi of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat told Xinhua that in June 2016, SADC launched their appeal for assistance up to 2.7 billion dollars, but so far the region has just received confirmation of support to the tune of 595 million dollars.

The region has been facing the worst drought in 35 years and had poor harvest in the past two seasons.

The SADC said about 41 million people are affected by drought in the region. The El Nino induced dry conditions mostly affected Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia.

Twelve out of the 15 countries require humanitarian assistance to help 28 million people in need of emergency assistance.

Lopi said that in Botswana, for example, livestock mortality has been around 20 percent over the past two years due to the drought.

She said the region experienced a delayed onset of the 2015/2016 rainfall season, followed by erratic rains.

Analysis of rainfall performance shows that the October to December period last year, which represented the first half of the cropping season, was the driest in more than 35 years in several countries. During the same period, higher than average temperatures were consistently experienced across the region.

Lopi also said that when the situation normalizes, there is a fear that some will not afford to have money for seedlings, stocks and fertilizers.

There is also fear that the next season, which has just started, will be affected by La Nina which can cause floods, Lopi said.

"Awareness and sensitization on the effects of La Nina are part of the current humanitarian response activities. Preparing member states on the effects of the La Nina is a component in the response strategy and plans," she said. Enditem
GENEVA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- In his latest speech to address the current refugee crisis, a senior Chinese diplomat stressed that resources needed to be put to best use to increase efficiency, and it was important to adhere to humanitarian principles and avoid politicizing or abusing refugee protection mechanisms.

Ma Zhaoxu, head of the Chinese mission to the United Nations here, delivered a statement at the general debate of the 67th Session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme Tuesday, elaborating China's position and views on refugee issues.

"The refugee issue constitutes a humanitarian crisis, which tests the conscience of mankind and challenges the capacities of all countries for refugee protection," Ma said.

The Chinese diplomat noticed that developing countries had received the majority of refugees, putting their economic and social development under great strain.

He continued to point out that in some countries and regions, xenophobic sentiments against refugees were increasing, and the protection of the basic rights of refugees was precarious.

He added that states should uphold humanitarianism and strive to provide assistance, increase policy and financial support to address the issues, and effectively protect the basic rights and interests of refugees such as dignity, safety and development.

According to him, targeted solutions should be provided to tackle both the symptoms and root cause of problems, and all countries should settle disputes through dialogue in order to reduce the number of refugees and displaced persons caused by war and instability.

The diplomat also said there should be international cooperation to produce a holistic approach to the issues and implement the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants and the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework at a faster pace.

"The UN refugee agency UNHCR should be allowed to effectively play its coordinating role, and comprehensive solutions should be formulated and implemented," he noted.

Ma added that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the largest developing country, China was committed to upholding world peace, promoting common development, pursuing political solutions to relevant hotspot issues, and making its own contribution to resolving the refugee issue.

"China is ready to continue to strengthen its cooperation with the UNHCR and endeavor with all other countries to promote the international protection of refugees, in order to achieve a comprehensive and durable solution to the global issue of refugees at an early date," he concluded.
NEW YORK, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices posted solid gains Wednesday after official data showed a surprise weekly drawdown in U.S. crude inventories.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in its weekly report on Wednesday that U.S. crude inventories dropped by 3 million barrels to a total of 499.7 barrels in the week through Sept. 30, notching a fifth straight weekly decline.

Analysts polled by S&P Global Platts had forecasted a climb of 2 million barrels in U.S. crude stockpiles for the week.

Oil prices have advanced over 10 percent since the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries reached a deal last Wednesday to cut crude output for the first time in eight years.

The group's oil ministers are expected to hammer out the final details of an agreement at their next official meeting on Nov. 30 in Vienna, Austria.

The West Texas Intermediate for November delivery added 1.14 U.S. dollars to settle at 49.83 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for December delivery increased 0.99 dollar to close at 51.86 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange. Enditem
LUSAKA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Zambian police on Wednesday arrested the country's main opposition leader and his vice, and charged them with sedition.

Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND) and his vice Geoffrey Mwamba were arrested after appearing for questioning in Luanshya town, Copperbelt Province.

The duo was summoned last week for questioning following a visit to the mining town where they had gone to see some of the members who are in prison after being held during the August general elections.

Copperbelt Police Commissioner Charity Katanga confirmed the arrest, saying that they have been arrested for seditious practices and unlawful assembly on Sept. 26.

They will appear in court on Thursday.

Meanwhile, there are reports of riots in the town following the arrest, according to local media. Enditem
GAZA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinians have largely condemned on Wednesday the Israeli naval commandos interception of a female solidarity vessel from reaching the shores of the Gaza Strip.

Adham Abu Selmeya, spokesman of the national movement to defeat the Israeli blockade, told Xinhua that the Israeli naval commandos forces intercepted a solidarity vessel that carried 13 female solidarity movement activists.

The name of the Gaza-bound vessel is called "Zaytoona" or olive, sailed from Europe and aimed at reaching the shores of the Gaza Strip that has been under Israeli blockade since Islamic Hamas violent takeover of the coastal enclave in 2007.

"Contacts with the captain and the crew of Zaytoona were disconnected after the vessel was surrounded by several Israeli naval forces gunship boats when the vessel reached the territorial waters of the Gaza Strip," he said, adding that "then we knew that the vessel was intercepted."

Abu Selmeya strongly condemned the interception of the vessel and using force to prevent it from reaching the shores of the Gaza Strip, adding "the Israeli occupation prevented the ship from bringing its humanitarian message of solidarity with 1.9 million Palestinians living under siege for 10 years."

Israel's military has announced that its forces intercepted the vessel, which started its journey from Spain to France and then to Italy. The vessel stopped for several days in one of the Greek Islands for maintenance and get fuels before carrying on with sailing to the Gaza Strip.

The plan was to send two vessels: one is called Zaytoona and the other is called Amal, or Hope. However, Hope was unable to carry on sailing to Gaza due to technical problems.

Sending the vessels to the Gaza Strip was organized by the Coalition of Liberty Flotilla which includes several non-government organizations, based in Europe and supporting the Palestinian people. The coalition had failed in sending vessels to the Gaza Strip, where Israel always intercept them before reaching Gaza.

In 2010, six ships and vessels called the Freedom Flotilla tired to reach the shores of the Gaza Strip, but were intercepted by the Israeli naval commandos forces.

Nine Turkish activists were killed and dozens were injured and arrested by Israeli naval forces on the board of the vessels which were carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Enditem
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. government contractor who worked for the same company as whistleblower Edward Snowden has been secretly arrested for the alleged theft and disclosure of highly classified computer codes developed to hack foreign government networks, the U.S. Justice Department and media reports said Wednesday.

Harold Thomas Martin III, 51, worked for the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton and was suspected of taking the highly classified "source code" reportedly developed by the National Security Agency (NSA) to break into computer systems of adversaries like Russia, China, Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The New York Times quoted two government officials as saying some of the information Martin is suspected of taking was dated, while the Washington Post reported that investigators are probing whether Martin was responsible for an apparent leak that led to some of the most powerful NSA hacking tools appearing online in August.

Martin was arrested on Aug. 27, during a search of his residence in Glen Burnie, Maryland, where investigators found documents and digital information stored on various devices that contained "highly classified information" belonging to the U.S. government, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Wednesday by the U.S. Justice Department.

Among the materials were "six classified documents obtained from sensitive intelligence and produced by a government agency in 2014," the complaint said. "These documents were produced through sensitive government sources, methods, and capabilities, which are critical to a variety of national security issues. The disclosure of the documents would reveal those sensitive sources, methods, and capabilities."

In addition, investigators found government property valued at more than 1,000 U.S. dollars at Martin's residence or in his vehicle, which he allegedly stole.

Martin voluntarily agreed to be interviewed by investigators, during which he "at first denied, and later when confronted with specific documents, admitted he took documents and digital files from his work assignment to his residence and vehicle that he knew were classified," the complaint said.

The department said Martin had stated that he knew he did not have authorization to retain the materials at his residence or in his vehicle. According to the complaint, he told investigators that "he knew what he had done was wrong and that he should not have done it because he knew it was unauthorized."

Martin appeared in court on Aug. 29 and remained detained. If convicted, he would face a maximum sentence of one year in prison for stealing classified materials, and 10 years in prison for theft of government property, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Maryland said in a statement.

James Wyda, Martin's lawyer, told the Baltimore Sun the charges only represented the first step in the process.

"There's no evidence that ... Martin has betrayed his country," Wyda said. "What we do know is that ... Martin loves his family and his country. He served this nation honorably in the U.S. Navy and he has devoted his entire career to protecting his country."

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said President Barack Obama "takes quite seriously" the alleged theft of materials classified as top secret by a government contractor.

"It is a good reminder for all of us with security clearances about how important it is for us to protect sensitive national security information," Earnest told reporters.

The New York Times said a second insider leaking the NSA's information would be "a devastating blow" to the agency, which "spent two years and hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars repairing the damage done" by Snowden.

In 2013, Snowden copied and leaked classified information from the NSA, exposing the U.S. agency's surveillance programs in the United States and abroad. Enditem
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday hailed the UN announcement that the Paris Agreement will enter into force in 30 days, calling it a "historic day" in the fight against climate change.

"If we follow through on the commitments that this Paris Agreement embodies, history may well judge it as a turning point for our planet," Obama said in remarks at the White House.

Obama noted that the Paris Agreement alone will not solve the climate crisis.

"Even if we meet every target embodied in the agreement, we'll only get to part of where we need to go," he said. "But make no mistake, this agreement will help delay or avoid some of the worst consequences of climate change."

Obama said the agreement will help other nations ratchet down their carbon emissions over time and also "opens up the floodgates for businesses and scientists and engineers to unleash high-tech, low-carbon investment and innovation at a scale that we've never seen before."

"So this gives us the best possible shot to save the one planet we've got," he said.

Early Wednesday, the United Nations announced the Paris Agreement is expected to enter into force in 30 days after it crossed "the second and final threshold" needed for it to take effect.

According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 72 countries including China and the United States have formally ratified the landmark climate deal.
Charles Keter (C), Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, visits Yocean manufacturing transformers factory on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, on Oct. 5, 2016. Kenya's first transfomer-manufacturing plant, set up by Chinese company Yocean Group, opened on Wednesday. Kenya has been relying on transformers from abroad, mostly from India. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Charles Keter, said the plant will ease procurement of transformers and other electrical appliances.(Xinhua/Pan Siwei)

NAIROBI, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's first transfomer-manufacturing plant, set up by a Chinese firm, opened on Wednesday.

A launch ceremony was held in the compound of the plant, which is established by the Kenyan subsidiary of Chinese company Yocean Group on the outskirts of the capital Nairobi.

Attending the ceremony, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Charles Keter, said the establishment of the factory that manufactures and assembles transformers will reduce high import bill and stimulate economic growth in Kenya.

"The opening of the first factory for manufacturing transformers in the Kenyan market is a milestone. It will end importation of electrical equipment that in some way slowed down power connection in the country," Keter said.

Kenya has been relying on transformers from abroad, mostly from India. Keter said the plant will ease procurement of transformers and other electrical appliances.

He said Chinese investment in Kenya's transport and energy sectors has accelerated the country's industrialization.

He also said the Kenyan government had created a friendly policy to attract foreign investment in the energy sector.

Guo Ce, the economic and trade counselor at the Chinese embassy in Kenya, said at the ceremony that China has been encouraging its companies to invest in the East African nation.

He said the establishment of a local transformer-manufacturing plant will rejuvenate Kenya's quest for energy security and socio-economic transformation.

"The factory will not only be providing quality products and services to its clients, but also create jobs for the youth while enhancing skills and technology transfer for local employees," Guo said.

Kenya's power utility has already awarded a three-year contract to Yocean Group to distribute transformers in the country.

Dylan Yu, CEO of Yocean Group, said his firm has the capacity to manufacture made-in-Kenya transformers of international standards.

He added Yocean will in the near future expand its footprint in the regional market.
LISBON, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese politicians have reacted enthusiastically on Wednesday to the news that Antonio Guterres is poised to be the next United Nations secretary general from next year.

Guterres is set to win the race after 15 security council members decided to put his name forward to a formal vote.

Portuguese President Rebelo de Sousa said in an official statement that it was excellent news.

"I received the news of the agreement at the security council to propose Antonio Guterres as the next Secretary General of the United Nations with great happiness and emotion," Rebelo de Sousa said. "It is excellent news for the United Nations, because he is the best candidate for the role, and it is a great news for Portugal, because it is a Portuguese man with great value to occupy the most important place at the most important international organization."

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said he was extremely proud of the decision for Guterres to be appointed.

"As a Portuguese (citizen), it is an enormous pride, and as a citizen of the world, an enormous satisfaction, because everything indicates that we will have the right person in the right place," he told local journalists on Wednesday.

Former President Jorge Sampaio told local broadcaster SIC that the decision was a triumph over last-minute manoeuvres, and said the election meant a new chapter of hope for the organization.

Assuncao Cristas, head of Portuguese conservative party CDS-PP, praised the United Nations for a "transparent and public" princess, and said it was a victory for the organization. "It is a victory for the United Nations, which will have the best possible candidate," she said. "And it is something that honours Portugal very much and enables us to continue to assert ourselves as a nation that builds bridges and consensus and which will continue to work towards world peace," she said.

Leader of the Left Bloc Catarina Martins also said Guterres was the right person to work towards world peace. "The United Nations need a secretary general able to fight for the compliance of the United Nations Charter in what refers to reaching peace, cooperation for development and human rights. Antonio Guterres has the characteristics to embark on that path." she said.
CANBERRA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo believes that the nine Australians arrested in Malaysia for their indecent post-Grand Prix celebrations should be released without further charges.

Ricciardo won the Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit on Sunday, and said the unusual celebration, in which the men stripped down to their tight-fitting swimwear featuring the Malaysian flag, went too far, but was ultimately "pretty harmless".

"They've been arrested, so that already in my books is lesson learned," Ricciardo told News Corp on Thursday.

"I see it as pretty harmless."

Ricciardo said the men will now be aware to be more mindful of foreign customs and laws, and, following in the steps of Australia's prime minister and foreign minister, has urged Australians to be aware of differing customs in countries around the world.

"I guess when they travel next time they will check the laws for where they go but (in my opinion) there is no reason for anything else to happen," Ricciardo said.

"Obviously, Malaysia has their law and whatever will be, but from my side, personally, they were just enjoying the celebration and obviously it just went a step too far for (Malaysia's laws)."

Ricciardo told the Huffington Post that they "could get away with" (those actions)" in Australia, but must "be more careful" when overseas, particularly in conservative nations.

The nine men, including an Australian government staffer, are expected to face a Malaysian court later on Thursday, and face a minimum penalty of a hefty fine and a maximum two year jail spell for indecent exposure and intentional insult.
CANBERRA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government will on Friday hold an urgent meeting with state leaders about the dangers posed by statewide blackouts, the nation's Energy Minister said on Thursday.

Following the power outages which crippled South Australia and left 90 percent of the state's homes without power last week, state leaders will be warned that an over-reliance on renewable energies could make their electricity networks more vulnerable to widespread power failures.

Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg said state leaders would be briefed by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) following a review of the blackouts.

"Events in South Australia do show an urgent need to look at the reliability and stability of the energy system," Frydenberg told News Corp on Thursday.

"The risk of statewide blackouts in other states will be part of the questions ministers will ask of AEMO."

The Energy Minister said the inconsistent nature of renewable energies - such as relying on wind or solar power - meant power grids were unable to cope at times of high stress, and that other forms of energy, such as coal, were needed to keep a consistent output.

"It's undeniable that the growing use of intermittent power has an impact on the system, leaving the states more vulnerable to power outages," Frydenberg said.

"It must also be said that wind and solar don't generate a consistent quality of power like hydro, coal and gas, which are able to help the grid cope with sudden shocks."

The government's announcement comes a day after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said South Australia's Premier Jay Weatherill failed to "keep the lights on" and that he "has to answer for that."

Millions of residents in South Australia - including in the state's capital Adelaide - were left without power on Wednesday evening, while select rural areas only had power restored over the weekend.
MELBOURNE, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -Australia will need 22 million more sheep to keep up with the demand for lamb, one of the country's foremost banks has warned.

With the demand for lamb in Asia and the Middle East growing, Australia's ability to meet demands has been cast into doubt.

Twenty-two million more sheep were needed by 2040 to keep up with demand in the wake of alarming livestock data released in September, Mark Bennett, head of agribusiness for the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, said.

Meat and Livestock Australia revealed last month that a nationwide drought had taken a heavy toll on Australia's sheep population.

Between 2013 and 2015, the number of sheep in West Australia shrank by 20 percent in the state's southwest and 31-41 percent in the north and east.

In the same time period, lamb production in New South Wales and Queensland declined by 41 percent.

Bennett said he believed the necessary growth could be achieved if existing sheep farmers partnered with outside investors.

"Really there's a lot of livestock infrastructure that's been lost to the landscape over the last 20 years to 30 years, like fencing, yards and sheds," Bennett told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Thursday.

"There will be investment from outside the sector, and it's attractive to new investors as well because the capital outlay for sheep farming compared to cattle for example is less, but still has the opportunity to produce a decent return."

But Bennett said the difficulties associated with farming sheep was turning prospective farmers away.

"Sheep are a headache to deal with. A lot of people just don't like dealing with sheep and if they can crop and make money they'll do that instead," he said.

Angus Brown, an analyst for livestock analysis firm Mercado, said lower sheep numbers was being reflected in sale yard prices.

"The lamb supply is definitely tighter than what you'd normally see this time of year, especially compared to last year," Brown told the ABC on Thursday.

Australia currently has 70 million sheep, more than any country except China and India.
MELBOURNE, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- An extremely rare white bird has been spotted in West Australia (WA) for what is believed to be the first time.

Residents of the northern Perth suburb of Mount Lawley were surprised to find the white willie wagtail making its home amongst the suburb's tall trees.

The bird is believed to have a rare condition known as leucism, which causes a partial loss of pigmentation compared to the more common albinism which causes only a loss of the pigment melanin.

Brice Wells, a member of Birdlife WA, said sightings of leucistic birds were rare because they rarely survive.

"It's the first one I've heard of," Wells told the ABC on Thursday.

"Often they don't survive, sometimes because they're not accepted by their peers."

"They become a little more noticeable, so they're often preyed on quite early and often because they're strange looking they find it hard to get a mate."

"So the opportunities for them are very limited."

Annie Barisic, a Mount Lawley resident, said in her 20 years of watching birds in the area she had never seen anything like the wagtail.

"He just didn't look like any other willie wagtail I'd ever seen. I've seen them here for 20 years," Barisic told the ABC on Thursday.

"The experts said he's even rarer than an albino, so this may be the first time Perth's actually able to get photos and get it confirmed what he is."

"In fact, it might even be the first for WA."

WA's wagtail population took a significant hit in the 1970s when efforts to eliminate and invasive Argentinian ant species also affected their food sources but have since recovered.
SEOUL, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed, with five others missing, as typhoon Chaba hit South Korea, the country's public safety ministry said on Thursday.

The tropical storm passed the country's southern part and the southern resort island of Jeju, killing five people and leaving five others unaccounted for as of 6 a.m. on Thursday, according to the Ministry of Public Safety and Security. The typhoon moved to Japan last night.

In the southern port city of Busan, one construction worker was killed for the collapse of a tower crane, with another found dead as he fell from the rooftop of a two-story house. One was killed after falling from a breakwater in an island near Busan, according to local media reports.

A woman was killed as she was swept away by floods at a parking lot in the southeastern city of Ulsan. One person was found dead at a parking lot in the city.

Five people were still accounted for, including one firefighter in Ulsan and one fisherman in Jeju island. One person was missing in Gyeongju city after a car overturn, with one farmer being swept away by floods in the city. Mirayng in South Gyeongsang province also reported a missing person.

A number of property damages were also reported, including the construction of 14 houses in Jeju island and the inundation of 508 houses in the southern part of the country.

Floods caused damages to 22 factories, 150 commercial buildings and 7,747 hectares of farmlands in the country's southern part. About 1,150 vehicles were inundated, including some 900 inundation cases in Ulsan.
KATHMANDU, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Even though it was 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, student Mukesh Kuwar arrived at the main bus park at Gongabu in Kathmandu to get a bus ticket to go home to Dhangadhi in western Nepal, only to find he was at the back of the queue.

Kuwar's home is located 723 km away from the capital city.

Despite the early hour, he was behind throngs of others also queuing up for tickets to return to their hometowns.

All those waiting for tickets had one thing in common: they were all traveling home to meet family and friends to celebrate Dashain, the biggest festival in Nepal.

As the ticket counter opened at 6:00 a.m., Kuwar started to complain at 8:00 a.m. that he should have arrived earlier; perhaps at 3:00 a.m. to guarantee that he could get a ticket home.

"I thought I cam there early enough, but now I'm a bit worried I won't be able to buy a ticket," Kuwar told Xinhua.

Although his family will not be celebrating the festival this year because of a death in the family, Kuwar still want to meet his family members and relatives.

"I am also excited to go home because it has been a whole year since I last saw my relatives," said Kuwar.

Punam Thing, a homemaker, was also worried about whether or not she would get a ticket or not on Thursday, as she queued to book a ticket to travel to the Gorkha district, in central Nepal, to be with relatives at her maternal home.

She arrived at the bus terminal at around 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday and was still queuing three hours later. "They are saying that there are only three buses with vacant seats left and I am worried about all of them running out of seats before my turn comes to get ticket," she said.

The bus station is a hive of activity as hoards of people waiting for bus tickets and then waiting for the buses to depart for their destinations are all in a rush to get back to their hometowns to celebrate the festival, which started on Oct. 1.

The festival is basically celebrated for 10 days and until the 9th day of the festival, Durga, the deity of power, is worshiped. The 10th day is the most important day of the festival, however, when people receive Tika (a mark of vermilion and rice on the forehead) and blessings from elders. The 10th day, known as Tika, is celebrated on Oct. 11 this year.

Kathmandu, the capital city, hosts a large migrant population as they come here from different parts of the country in search of for better work and educational opportunities.

The Dashain Festival period is when the largest numbers of migrants depart the capital city ever year. According to the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, around 1 million people have already departed from the Kathmandu valley and an additional 1 million are expected to move out from the city within the next three to four days as the festival swings into gear.

According to Saroj Sitaula, general secretary of the federation, more than 3,000 passenger vehicles have been departing Kathmandu every day for the last few days, which is triple the number compared to regular days. To deal with the mass exodus of people, some entrepreneurs have secured other vehicles from different parts of the county to offer private services.

Not only from the migrant population within the country, but many from overseas also travel home for the festival. Given the mass movement of people, the Nepal Police said they are prioritizing the safety of people traveling on the buses and other passenger vehicles.

Police Spokesperson DIG Hemanta Malla Thakuri told Xinhua on Wednesday that they have distributed time cards to the passenger vehicles to control the speed of drivers so that the vehicles operate at a safe speed as they head towards their destinations.

There is a tendency among public vehicles here to carry more passengers than their capacity and to drive at higher speeds, but this can lead to fatal accidents.

"The government didn't accept the transport entrepreneurs' demand for permission to carry passengers beyond the existing standard and they were forced to operate their vehicles under the existing rule," said Malla.
by Feng Yingqiu

YANGON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's House of Nationalities (Upper House) approved on Wednesday the bill of new Myanmar Investment Law after it was passed by the House of Representatives (Lower House) last month.

With the passing of the law by both Houses, the new Myanmar Investment Law is expected to take effect in the near future, Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) said.

Although Myanmar enacted Foreign Investment Law in 2012 and Citizens' Investment Law in 2013, there were arguments over the laws and the former government has called for drafting a new one combining the two laws with the support of International Finance Corporation.

According to experts, the existing foreign investment law abounds in weaknesses. For example, it requires permission for every proposal from the MIC, it offers no ways to settle a dispute peacefully before going to arbitration and it lacks legal description on momentary policy in transfer of foreign currency.

Other shortcomings include an abundance of documents to be tendered and attached herewith and the MIC's monopoly of authority.

Apart from that, tax exemption results in great loss in national income. Dual investment laws had led to assumptions on discrimination between local and foreign investors.

The new investment law includes tax breaks which are different from those stipulated under the former government.

Under the new law, tax breaks are only provided to investment in sectors promoted by the new government, said U Aung Naing Oo, secretary of MIC and director general of Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.

The prompt approval of the bill was seen as in response to exuberant foreign investors wishing to invest in the economic sphere in the country.

With the help of Asian Development Bank, Myanmar is also drafting the new Company Act, key to allowing foreign investors in Yangon Stock Exchange, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Myanmar.

Myanmar is devoted to providing guarantee to foreign investors and luring more investment, experts say.

The country's new government has formed a new MIC led by U Kyaw Win, Minister for Planning and Finance in early June.

The new MIC has permitted a total of 38 foreign investment projects worth 383.877 million U.S. dollars during the over five months' period since the new government took office in April.

From late 1988 to August this year, total foreign investment in Myanmar amounted to over 64.4 billion U.S. dollars , according to the MIC.
SYDNEY, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- A new report has found that stillbirth deaths will cost the Aussie economy 681.4 million Australian dollars (518.96 million U.S. dollars) over the next five years.

The report conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and commissioned by Stillbirth Foundation Australia has found the biggest financial burden of stillbirths to be absenteeism in workplaces, which accounts for a third of the total cost to the economy standing at 278.4 million Australian dollars (212.05 million U.S. dollars).

The first of its kind report from 2016 till 2020 found other economic impacts to be lost of productivity from exiting the labor force 70.6 million Australian dollars (53.77 million U.S dollars), hospital fees at 74.5 million Australian dollars (57.43 million U.S. dollars) and cost of counselling at 53.2 million Australian dollars (40.52 million U.S. dollars).

"The fact is that the personal cost of stillbirth can be incalculable, but as of today, the financial cost to the economy is not," Stillbirth Foundation Australia chief executive Victoria Bowring said in a statement on Thursday.

"Stillbirth is a national crisis, which has a devastating impact on families throughout the country and a significant, measureable impact on the Australian economy."

"Too often stillbirth is something that has been dealt with in silence but this is something that we as a nation, and as a workforce, need to be dealing with far better," she said.

Bowring said the report sends a message to state governments throughout Australia that proactive action must be taken to reduce the number of stillbirths.

"We need targeted intervention to reduce the impact on mental health and improved access to counselling services to reduce the effects on families and the economy," said Bowring.

"More broadly, we need more government and corporate investment to direct into research and prevention, and for advertising campaigns to let people know what they can do to reduce risk," she said.

Last year 1,718 babies were stillborn in Australia, at a rate of about five babies per day.

"It's hugely important we continue to shine the spotlight on the most common form of child mortality in the country and its many social, economic and fiscal impacts," PwC chief economist, Jeremy Thorpe said.

"This is also an issue for business, with a third of that figure made up of the indirect economic cost of mental health-related absenteeism, lost worker productivity through absences from work, and presenteeism, lost productivity that occurs when employees come to work but are not fully functioning," he said.

Bowring said a significant funding increase for research into stillbirth and for advertising campaigns is urgently needed to let parents know about the proven preventative measures.

"One third of all stillbirths can be prevented through education and greater awareness," Bowring said.

"Too often families are not warned of the risks, or are not treated properly by the system," she said.
BEIJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to the same China and the mainland's will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity remains rock-solid, a mainland spokesman said Thursday.

Adhering to the 1992 Consensus that stresses the one-China principle, is unshakable, said An Fengshan, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, commenting on Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen's latest remarks made in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

"Our position is steadfast on opposing any 'Taiwan-independence' activities. Any forces and any people do not underestimate the resolution of more than 1.3 billion people on the mainland," An said.
HANOI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Police in Vietnam's northern Thai Binh province have handed over 61 wild pangolins, which belong to the Manis javanica species, to a national non-profit organization Save Vietnam's Wildlife (SVW).

The pangolins were seized by the Thai Binh police while being illegally trafficked on Tuesday, reported Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA on Thursday.

Three of the pangolins were already dead, while one was seriously ill, SVW said in a statement.

Experts from SVW said the pangolins would now be cared for at the rescue center in Vietnam's northern Cuc Phuong National Park before being released back into nature in good health.

According to SVW, 53 pangolins have been returned to the nature in the last two months.

Vietnam has two pangolin species, the Sunda Pangolin, or Manis javanica, and the Chinese Pangolin. Both species are critically endangered, meaning they are in imminent threat of becoming extinct in the wild.

Pangolins are the most illegally traded animals in the world.

Vietnam prohibits the capture and trade of pangolins.
MOSCOW, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday that there is a valid agreement on Syrian conflict prevention between Russia and United States, after the United States unilaterally suspended corresponding talks.

Answering a question about the possibility of direct collision between the Russian and American military forces in Syria, Zakharova said: "We have concluded an agreement with (the) United States on conflict prevention on Syrian territory."

In an interview with the state television channel Rossiya 1, the diplomat said that the situation in Syria is far more complicated because firstly, it is nurturing new terrorists, "who will fill the whole Europe, the United States and other regions."

Secondly, any real prospects for Syrian settlement has been rejected for a long time, the spokeswoman said.

On Monday, the U.S. State Department said Washington was suspending negotiation with Moscow on restoring a cease-fire in Syria, slamming Moscow for its military role in the attacks on the Syrian city of Aleppo.

On Sept. 10, Russia and the United States announced a landmark agreement on a nationwide ceasefire in Syria, which both sides hoped would lead to their countries' military cooperation to end more than five years of bloodshed there.

However, the truce accord has not been strictly observed with both parties trading accusations of failures to implement the deal.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (R) meets with former Colombian president Andres Pastrana at the Narino Palace in Bogota, capital of Colombia, on Oct. 5, 2016. Santos also met with the former president and senator of Colombia Alvaro Uribe on Wednesday morning to discuss how to push the peace process with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) forward, after voters rejected the peace agreement signed by the government and the FARC in Sunday's referendum. A statement from the presidency stated that Santos had invited Uribe and Pastrana, both of who opposed the peace deal, for talks. (Xinhua/COLPRENSA)

BOGOTA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos began talks on Wednesday with leaders opposing the current peace deal with the country's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Former President Alvaro Uribe and other leaders of the opposition party the Democratic Center attended the meeting.

"After the results of the plebiscite, it is my obligation as president to seek ways for the union and reconciliation of the country," Santos said at a press conference after the meeting.

"We should pay much attention to their (the opponents') comments and proposals to find a path that leads to a peace deal with the FARC," he said.

In the plebiscite held on Sunday, the Colombian people voted to reject the agreement with a narrow margin.

The president urged the public to be responsible and realistic in order to achieve a lasting peace.

He also insisted on speed, adding that ignoring the peace deal in the current unrest has many risks.

Santos also mentioned his previous meetings with union and church leaders from both sides. "I have found everyone active and ready to participate in reaching a peace deal. We all want peace," he said.

Both the government and the Democratic Center have named envoys to form a commission to analyze the peace deal. Their first meeting will be held on Oct. 6.

Santos said they will also have discussions with the FARC delegation in Havana.

The conflict between the Colombian government and the FARC started in the 1960s as an uprising for land rights.

On June 22, the government and the FARC announced a deal on a definitive bilateral ceasefire, marking a major step towards ending the half-century conflict. Santos announced this Tuesday the ceasefire will be extended until Oct. 31.

On Sept. 26, the FARC reached an agreement with the government in the northern coastal city of Cartagena on a peace deal to end the 52-year armed conflict.

According to the agreement, the rebel group must hand over weapons to the United Nations within 180 days.
TORONTO, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Canada's main stock market ended a three-day losing slump on Wednesday as crude oil prices reached its highest level in three months.

The Toronto Stock Exchange's benchmark Standard & Poor's/TSX Composite Index rose 89.57 points, or 0.62 percent, to close at 14,610.58 points. Six of the ten sub-sectors in the index advanced on the day.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) surprised the market with crude inventories dropping 3 million barrels last week, compared to the forecasts of a 2.6 million-barrel increase.

Crude oil prices subsequently rose to the highest levels since late June. Brent crude for December delivery rose 0.96 U.S. dollars to 51.78 dollars a barrel in London.

TSX Energy group made the biggest move on the day, gaining 2.35 percent. Calgary-based energy producers Baytex Energy Corp. and Encana Corporation saw shares surge 8.50 percent to 4.45 dollars and 3.74 percent to 10.94 dollars, respectively.

A day after a 3.11-percent dip, gold prices held steady on Wednesday with a 0.06-percent gain to close at 1269.20 dollars an ounce.

Shares of Barrick Gold Corporation, the world's largest gold mining company, spiked 3.33 percent to 15.98 dollars after receiving approval to resume operations in Veladero, one of the largest gold mines in Argentina, after it was shut down for three weeks due to cyanide spillage.

Meanwhile, Kinross Gold Corporation, the fifth largest gold miner in the world, saw shares rise 1.27 percent to 3.39 dollars after reaching a labor agreement with its unionized employees in Mauritania.

On the economic front, Statistics Canada reported that Canadian exports rose 0.6 percent to 32.93 billion dollars, while imports remained unchanged at 34.4 billion dollars. Canadian exports to China rose 5.7 percent to 1.51 billion dollars, while imports from China fell 1.5 percent to 2.31 billion dollars.

The Canadian dollar closed the day at 0.7586 U.S. dollars, compared to Tuesday's closing rate of 0.7579 dollars.
WELLINGTON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's Waikato University announced Thursday that it is the country's first university approved to teach and award degrees in China.

Waikato University, based in the North Island city of Hamilton, would establish in September next year a joint institute with Zhejiang University City College (ZUCC) to allow students to complete their degree studies in China and receive a dual degree from both universities.

Waikato vice-chancellor Professor Neil Quigley said the move complemented other joint programs it had been running in China for the past 20 years.

Institute approvals went through a rigorous process, including vetting by the Provincial Ministry of Education and the Chinese Ministry of Education in Beijing, Quigley said in a statement.

"We're the first university in New Zealand to achieve institute status in China, so we're excited to be able to offer full degree programs there," he said.

The first intake of students would be able to study for degrees in finance, media and creative technologies, and computer graphic design.

Waikato originally partnered with ZUCC, an independent college of Zhejiang University, in 2002.
HARBIN, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- China has imposed a fishing ban on Chinese water areas in the Heilongjiang River or the Amur River, a boundary river between China and Russia.

The fishing ban, formally started on Oct. 1 and part of a 55-day annual ban period, aims to protect fish spawning and breeding.

Fishing along the China stretch of the Wusuli River, a tributary emptying into Heilongjiang, was also banned simultaneously.

A major birthplace of Salmon, Heilongjiang River witnesses the salmon migration in fall, during which flocks of salmon swim back from the Pacific Ocean to their natal river to spawn.

Border police officer Tu Lei with the Tongjiang City of Heilongjiang Province in northeast China said that the number of salmon has increased markedly thanks to improving water quality.

Fishery management officials have been on duty around-the-clock to inspect each vessel and prevent illegal fishing.

As the fishing season is off, local fishery authority will organize the release of salmon fry as ever to boost its reproduction. Last year, 2 million salmon fry were released into the Heilongjiang and Wusuli rivers.

Wang Min, a fisherman in Fuyuan county where the two rivers meet, advocated the fishing ban and fish fry release. "Better ecology and a healthy biologic chain benefit all," he said.

To ensure a constant improvement of the river's water quality, China and Russia have made efforts to jointly tackle water pollution and monitored the river ecology together since 2007.
BEIJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee Zhang Dejiang sent a message on Wednesday to Vyacheslav Volodin to congratulate him on his election as chairman of the Russian State Duma, or the lower house of parliament.

Zhang said cooperation between their two countries' legislatures is an important part of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, which has maintained an active, healthy and steady momentum of development in recent years.

Such cooperation plays an indispensable role in promoting bilateral legislative exchanges, and cementing public support and social foundation for the China-Russia friendship, said the top Chinese legislator.

He also said he is delighted to establish contact with Volodin to maintain communication on China-Russia legislative cooperation, so as to lift such cooperation to a new high.

Volodin, the former first deputy chief of staff of the Russian Presidential Administration, was elected chairman of the State Duma on Wednesday.
MEXICO CITY, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Hurricane Matthew has so far claimed at least 10 lives in the Caribbean, where it hit Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba before heading north towards the Bahamas on Wednesday.

While the full extent of the damage has yet to be determined, "at least 350,000 people need immediate assistance" in Haiti, the United Nations said citing government sources.

Impoverished Haiti, still recovering from a devastating earthquake in 2010, appears to have been the hardest hit by the storm, a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale at the time.

The destruction led the government there to postpone long-delayed presidential elections that were to take place Sunday, as officials decided to deal with the immediate aftermath of the hurricane.

Preliminary reports said six people were killed and another remains missing in Haiti, where the Ministry of Education canceled classes on Wednesday. Most schools are serving as temporary shelters for those displaced by flooding or damaged homes.

South Haiti bore the brunt of the damage. A major bridge linking southern Haiti to the capital Port-au-Prince collapsed, the UN and other sources said.

The mayor of the southern town of Cavaillon, which was devastated by Matthew, told the daily Le Nouvelliste "a mother and her two children, and another nine-year-old child, were swept away by flood waters."

In the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, at least four people have been reported killed, including three minors, and some 36,000 people displaced.

The minors, two of them siblings, were killed in landslides caused on Tuesday by heavy rains. While the fourth victim was a 55-year-old man crushed to death when the wall of his home collapsed.

As Matthew barreled northwards towards the Bahamas and the U.S. state of Florida, the Dominican Center for Emergency Operations said in a press conference that warnings remained in place due to continued rain and coastal flooding.

In Cuba, the three worst-hit towns -- Baracoa, Imias and Maisi -- are all in the southernmost province of Guantanamo, state daily Granma reported.

The towns are "in the first stage of recovering power, water, roadways, communications and more," the daily said, adding officials were still unable to fully assess the damage as communication with the communities was cut off.

In Baracoa at least, the daily said no casualties were reported although brick homes were totally demolished by the storm, thanks largely to Cuba's massive evacuation campaign.

Cuba's disaster prevention system was praised by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who "lauded the preparedness efforts of the Cuban authorities, media and civil society to protect people's lives and economic assets."

Matthew was downgraded to a category 3 hurricane as it bore down on the Bahamas.
BUENOS AIRES/BRASILIA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Argentine Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra and her Brazilian counterpart Jose Serra congratulated former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres for being selected as next UN secretary-general.

UN's Security Council on Wednesday unanimously chose Guterres, also former UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) (2005-2015), as its new head in January.

"I wish him all the best in his position at the head of our UN," Malcorra, who is also one of the candidates for the position, said via her official Twitter account.

Also in South America, the Brazilian government publicly expressed their "great satisfaction" with Guterres' appointment.

Serra highlighted Guterres' possession of "professional qualifications and evident political stature to lead the United Nations."

According to the Brazilian foreign minister, the Portuguese diplomat knows how "to face multiple global challenges, carry out necessary reforms in the organization, including within the Security Council, and the efforts needed to promote peace, sustainable development and human rights."

Serra also expressed Brazil's desire to fully cooperate with the next UN secretary-general.

Guterres, 67, has emerged from six rounds of secret voting and is expected to win in the final formal vote set to take place on Thursday morning by acclamation. UN's current Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's term expires on Dec. 31 this year.
NEW DELHI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- India Thursday successfully launched its heavy communications satellite GSAT-18 into space, using the giant European rocket Ariane 5, from French Guiana.

A top Indian space official said the communications satellite, carrying 48 transponders, took off a little before sunset from Kourou in South America and was successfully placed into the orbit after half an hour.

Immediately after the satellite's separation from the rocket, the state-owned Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) master control facility in the southern state of Karnataka took over the command and control of GSAT-18.

ISRO's chief A.S. Kiran Kumar told media that it was a "flawlessly spectacular and magnificent launch."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated ISRO for the launch. "Congratulations to @isro for successfully launching the communication satellite, GSAT-18. This is another milestone for our space programme," he tweeted.

Weighing 3.4 tonnes, the GSAT-18 satellite will not only boost India's communication capabilities but also banking and television services.
NAIROBI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and one seriously injured in an attack on a residential area in northeast Kenya, the governor of Mandera county said Thursday.
SANTIAGO, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) calls for more private investment in sustainable forestry activities in Latin America, FAO said here Wednesday.

"The forests have great potential for social and economic development," FAO Latin America Chief Forestry Officer Jorge Meza said, adding that they are attractive for investors who can "diversify the financial base for sustainable forest management."

In a press release, the FAO regional office, headquartered in Chile's capital city Santiago, stressed that "forests play a key role in favor of food security, mitigating the effects of climate change and the vulnerability of rural communities when it comes to facing natural disasters."

The UN recommended taking advantage of these benefits "in order to build an economic and institutional fabric that will favor financial innovation."

"The lack of a constant flow of investment resources makes it difficult for projects to be profitable and also to conserve and adequately manage the forests," Meza said.

During a meeting held here on Sept. 22-23, forest experts from the FAO recommended "building a business environment favorable to sustainable development in forests."

They agreed on the need to create financial mechanisms that take into account the size of the venture, the forest products involved and the type of beneficiaries or entrepreneurial organizations.

The experts considered it not enough to manage the native forests and forest plantations merely according to profitability. Investments should be oriented to all value chains to reach the markets, including social and cultural factors.

The government should coordinate with sponsors and beneficiaries to reduce risks in the forest business and should be in charge of overcoming obstacles, said the experts.

An FAO report named "The State of the World's Forests in 2016" stated that the sustainable management of forests and agriculture, as well as their integration into land-use plans are essential for achieving sustainable development, guaranteeing food security and facing climate change.
by Xinhua Writers Yao Yuan and Wang Xiangjiang

ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Zhou Ping had not seen his father for five years when in primary school. Despite the biting solitude, Zhou always displayed his pride for his father -- he was from a glorious "foreign aid family," and his father was building the Tazara Railway in Africa.

Standing on the windy East African plateau, Zhou picked up this childhood sentiment. More than 40 years have passed, and 53-year-old Zhou is now a construction worker for another historic railway connecting the African countries of Ethiopia and Djibouti.

The Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, which officially opened service on Wednesday, is another Chinese-built trans-national rail in Africa following Tazara, which links Tanzania's Dar es Salaam with Zambia's Kapiri Mposhi. Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang hailed it as the "Tazara railway in a new era".

In the time of two generations, Chinese-built railways in Africa have crossed countless technological mountains. What remained unchanged are the devotion of Chinese railway workers on the African continent and their silent promotion of Sino-African ties.

Despite its own economic hardship, China sent 50,000 workers in the 1970s to build the Tazara railway for Africa, which was then swept by an independence movement. More than 60 Chinese experts made the ultimate sacrifice there.

"The climate was very hot, and their living conditions were extremely tough," Zhou told Xinhua. "One trip from China to Tanzania took half a month on the ship, and because of that, he (my father) did not return to China until the construction was finished."

Though building railways in an unfamiliar African country remains a tough job for today's Chinese workers, better technology and equipment applied by Chinese firms have significantly raised their work efficiency and living standards.

"Take bridge building as an example, now a large bridge erection machine can place 12 plates a day, 38 meters each, while back in my father's time, when they could rely on nothing but manual labor, even one plate a day could not be achieved," Zhou said.

The Ethiopia-Djibouti line is the first overseas railway built using complete sets of Chinese standards and equipment. Its builders, China Railway Group (CREC) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), say the plentiful experiences and advanced technologies accrued in China's railway sector have greatly facilitated their overseas projects.

No longer would Zhou need to pen down his love in letters that would be received by his family months later, as he did with his father in Tanzania. He can now chat with his family daily on the Internet and enjoy two free trips a year to China for family reunions.

DEVOTED FATHER, DEVOTED SON

Wen Feng, vice general manager of CREC's Xinyun branch, a contractor of the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, said about 10 percent of their Chinese workers here are from families with two generations of railway workers, and about 4-5 percent from three-generation railway families.

Zhou belongs to the latter category. His son is now also in Ethiopia operating a crane for the railway project.

It was never an easy decision, though.

Zhou's mother strongly opposed his participation in the project. "She thought work in Africa was tough and did not want her son and grandson to endure my father's hardship again."

But Zhou believes his father, who passed away many years ago, would side with him. "He always said building a railway was glorious, and it was also this belief that drove me here."

Zhou is also inheriting the "deep-rooted friendship" with Africans from his father. His team dug wells for villagers and hired many local workers. In return, the local herdsmen treated them cordially and always supported their work.

On Oct. 3, Zhou visited a track-laying center along the line where workers were unloading a train carrying relief food for drought-hit Ethiopia. It was the first mission given to the railway prior to its opening and one that steeped Chinese workers at the site in pride and patriotism.

Zhou has been in Ethiopia for four years, and plans to stay until his retirement in order to exceed his father's five years in Africa. His another wish is to visit Tanzania one day "so I can see the place where my father has once fought."
Chinese train driver Liu Ji (L) and his Ethiopian colleague Geto shake hands before the inauguration ceremony of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Oct. 5, 2016. Ethiopia and Djibouti on Wednesday launched Africa's first modern electrified railway connecting their capitals, with officials hailing the Chinese-built rail as the latest testament to the Sino-African friendship. The 752.7-km Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, also known as Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, was inaugurated in the Ethiopian capital in a grand ceremony. (Xinhua/Li Baishun)

By Xinhua writer Wang Xiangjiang

ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- The inauguration of a Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti railway in Africa is a vivid proof that China is walking the talk, sharing one of the key lessons it has gained following decades of reform and opening up to the outside world.

That is, as the Chinese saying goes, if you want to be rich, build roads first.

For centuries, backward infrastructure has been hampering economic growth on the African continent. Africans' dream to connect their capitals with high-speed railways once appeared unreachable.

But not today. Africa's first modern electrified railway linking Ethiopia and Djibouti's capitals was inaugurated on Wednesday, reducing the journey time from seven days by road to 10 hours.

With its inception, landlocked Ethiopia has more efficient access to the sea. Industrial parks are being established at key cities along the railway, creating jobs, speeding up urbanization, and igniting people's desire to create and prosper. Djibouti has now come closer to realizing its ambition to become a regional shipping and logistics hub.

Other railway projects using Chinese standard gauge are underway in Kenya, Chad, Nigeria, Angola and others.

These projects spark hopes for economic prosperity, more jobs and better lives.

Looking back to 1970s, despite its own difficult economic conditions, China were resolved to support the construction of the Tazara railway at the request of Tanzania and Zambia. The Tazara railway has since become a symbol of China-Africa friendship.

The following decades witnessed the emergence of China as the world's second largest economy, with its ever steadily improving infrastructure providing a powerful driving force.

Over the years, China has been working hard to share its development experience with its African friends. Chinese leaders have promised to help Africa build the Three Major Networks -- railways, roads and regional aviation.

China sincerely hopes that Africa will get rid of the bottleneck of inadequate infrastructure and embark on a path of independent, sustainable development.

As many African countries have been following different gauge standards of Western countries, they are not in a position to form an integrated railway network. Gradually, more and more African countries have found that China's railway standards better fit Africa's reality.

The Ethiopia-Djibouti railway's inauguration has set an even better example for other African countries.

"Too often, we hear that Africa must bridge the gap in infrastructure. Too often, we are told why it can't be done," said Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh at the inauguration ceremony.

It is still remembered that China extended a helping hand when Western powers turned down Tanzania and Zambia's request for funds for the Tazara railway.

Long before the official planning for the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, Western railway experts invited by the Ethiopian government had drawn a conclusion that constructing an electrified railway would be mission impossible in a country with such poor infrastructure.

"However, we can say without doubt that our partner, in this endeavor and in many others, the People's Republic of China, has stood by us and has been instrumental in the infrastructural transformation of Africa," said President Guelleh.

Forty years ago, Chinese constructors built the Tazara railway with sweat, blood and life. Today, a new generation of Chinese railway builders are blazing a path for an even better future for both China and Africa.
Soldiers and volunteers work at the site attacked by al-Shabaab militants in Mandera county, Kenya, Oct. 6, 2016. At least six people were killed and another one seriously injured early Thursday after suspected al-Shabaab militants attacked a residential plot in Kenya's Mandera county on the border with Somalia. (Xinhua/Stephen Ingati)

MANDERA, Kenya, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and another one seriously injured early Thursday after suspected al-Shabaab militants attacked a residential plot in Kenya's Mandera county on the border with Somalia.

"We have confirmed six people have been killed and 13 others rescued. The militants used a grenade to break the entrance before they shot at those who were sleeping in there and later escaped from the scene," said Mandera County Commissioner Fredrick Shisia.

The militants, who targeted non-locals, struck the Bulla public works at 2 a.m. local time (2300 GMT Wednesday) and shot the tenants arbitrarily, Shisia said.

The attackers later hurled another grenade that destroyed a building close to the residential plot, in response to a group of police reservists who had responded to the attack, he said.

Shisia said the police have launched an investigation into the latest incident that has sparked tension in the region.

Mandera Governor Ali Roba noted that the attack came after a lull in the area for the past months as a result of intensified police operations.

Security in Mandera remains fragile as al-Shabaab militants cross over from Somalia and carry out attacks.

Northern Kenya has borne the brunt of grenade and gun attacks in the last four years since Kenya sent troops to Somalia to fight al-Shabaab.


Chinese conductor Ding Jihua (R) trains the Ethiopian attendants at a railway station in suburban Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Oct. 1, 2016.(Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia and Djibouti launched Africa's first modern electrified railway connecting their respective capitals on Wednesday. It also marked the first time that the complete spectrum of an overseas railway industry chain is fully backed by Chinese standards.

The construction of the 752.7-km Ethiopia-Djibouti railway adheres to China's level-two electrified railway standards. It has a designed hourly speed of 120 kilometers and a total investment of 4 billion U.S. dollars.

As many African countries have been following different gauge standards of Western countries, they are not in a position to form an integrated African railway network.

In January 2004, African countries proposed an integrated railway network on the continent. With support from regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community, construction projects at transnational and intra-regional levels have been put on agenda.

Chinese train driver Liu Ji (L) and his Ethiopian colleague Geto shake hands before the inauguration ceremony of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Oct. 5, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Baishun)

Before official planning was set for the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway project, the Ethiopian government, following repeated negotiations with Chinese firms, found that Chinese railway standards are not only by no means inferior to their Western counterparts, but also fit better with its national conditions. The government eventually agreed to build the railway by following Chinese technology standards.

In the early stage of the railway's construction, however, cases of confusion did pop up on the Ethiopian side with regard to understanding and implementing Chinese standards.

"When construction has just started, someone on the Ethiopian side, simply judging from a plain look, made a claim that some reinforcing steel bars inside a pier were substandard," said Wu Xiaoling, a project manager of the China Railway Group (CREC). "But they dropped their unfounded suspicion of Chinese standards and quality after we had presented to them unquestionable proofs."

As construction neared completion, bidding for operation and management right was opened in August 2015. A consortium of the two Chinese contractors, CREC and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), beat their Western rivals to win the bid.

At the end of July this year, the Chinese side was officially awarded the right to operate and manage the railway for six years as it starts service. At that point, a milestone was established in the Chinese railway industry as its technology standards were fully embraced by a foreign market across a complete railway industry chain.

Allen Lee, General Manager of CCECC Ethiopia Construction PLC, recalled that local governments or other foreign rail firms, more often than not, took over the operation and management right after Chinese companies had finished the construction of railway projects in Africa.

"Whenever a problem emerged in operation or maintenance, the Chinese contractors would be made a scapegoat for so-called 'quality issues', and this in turn would discourage African governments from constructing their own railways," Lee said. "Such an unfortunate scenario will be avoided in the case of the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway."

The early completion of the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway and its top-grade quality have boosted the confidence of the Ethiopian and Djibouti governments to develop further the railway industry and set a positive example for neighboring countries.

"The technology standards, engineering quality and the speed at which the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway was constructed will provide valuable references for other African countries in their own railway endeavor," said Lee.
This file photo taken on March 1, 2016 shows an elephant at Samburu National Reserve, Kenya. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

NAIROBI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- There have been disturbing declines in wildlife populations in Kenya in the past three decades, a study released this week revealed.

"Human population growth, increasing livestock numbers, declining rainfall and a striking rise in temperatures are to blame for the decline," Dr. Joseph Ogutu, a researcher and lecturer at Germany's University of Hohenheim that led the study, told Xinhua in an email interview.

Ogutu said that researches from 1977 to 2016 in Kenya's rangelands show "extreme declines" in wildlife populations and increase in livestock numbers.

The study shows that the future of Kenyan wildlife is in serious jeopardy if without urgent, far-reaching and far-sighted changes to the current conservation and management.

"The results show a disturbing loss of wildlife in the same period (1977-2016) averaging 68.1 percent, equivalent to 1.7 percent loss per year," Ogutu said.

The study finds that the numbers of giraffe, lesser kudu, hartebeest, impala, waterbuck, wildebeest, erenuk, Grant's gazelle, warthog, Thomson's gazelle, eland, oryx, topi and Grevy's zebra declined most extremely in the country.

The gravity of the declines is underscored by the facts that by 2013, seven species of large mammals had been classified as critically endangered, including Ader's duiker, the hirola or Hunter's hartebeest, roan and sable antelopes.

"Some 19 species of mammals were rated as endangered, whereas 37 species of mammals were classified as vulnerable in Kenya," Ogutu said.

The researcher suggests that to help restore the situation, some pastoral lands retaining wildlife should be buffered against human activities.

The study calls for a land-use plan to secure wildlife habitats from the impacts of the rapidly expanding human and livestock populations. Such a plan incorporates the biosphere concept of a protected core area enlarged by a multi-use buffer zone with compatible activities, according to him.

It calls for effective implementation of land-use policies and legislations that aim to minimize human-wildlife conflict, habitat degradation, fences, cultivation and annexation of water resources in the rangelands.

The study says the declines raise very grave concerns about the future of Kenya's tourism industry, the country's leading income earner.

The study was carried out by researchers from University of Hohenheim, the International Livestock Research Institute and Kenya's Department of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing.
LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- A Taliban key commander in former Taliban stronghold of the southern Helmand province has been killed, provincial governor Hayatullah Yahat said on Thursday.

"The notorious commander of Taliban rebels in Helmand province Sardar Mohammad alias Mullah Eqdam who was commanding Taliban fighters to capture Helmand has been killed," governor Hayat told Xinhua.

Mullah Eqdam, according to the official, was the mastermind of Taliban attacks on Helmand province over the past couple of years and his death would prove catastrophe to the armed insurgents fighting for the control of the poppy-growing Helmand in the troubled southern region.

"Mullah Eqdam was commanding some 500 fighters to capture Helmand's provincial capital Lashkar Gah when he was killed in clash with government forces early Wednesday," another official told Xinhua but declined to be identified.

Taliban militants who are in control of some districts in Helmand province and have been fighting to overrun provincial capital Lashkar Gah, are yet to make comment on reported death of the commander.
DAMASCUS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 16 Ankara-backed Syrian rebels were killed in a blast that rocked their position on the Syrian-Turkish border, a monitor group reported Thursday.

The explosion targeted a group of fighters at the Atama crossing, which under the control of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), between Syria and Turkey, according to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Observatory says it relies on a network of activists on the ground inside Syria.

On Aug. 14, a blast hit the same crossing at Atama, killing 35 rebels and civilians, and wounding 40 others.
Photo taken on Oct. 5, 2016 shows the damaged bus in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. (Xinhua/Rahmat Alizadah)

KABUL, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Six civilians sustained injuries as a suicide bomber targeted a bus of the Ministry for Mines and Petroleum here in the Afghan capital on Wednesday, a police officer said.

"A terrorist with explosive device on his body blew himself up next to a bus of the employees of the Ministry for Mines and Petroleum at around 05:00 p.m. (local time) today, injuring the driver of the bus and five passersby," the officer told Xinhua, but he declined to be identified, saying an authorized official would talk to the media.

However, he added that the bus was empty because it had already dropped the employees to their houses.

Meanwhile, a senior police officer with Kabul Police, Faridon Abidi, in talks with journalists at the site of the blast, confirmed that the attacker was killed and six civilians were injured.

The official, without giving more details, said that an investigation has been initiated into the incident.

A firefighter washes a road at the site of a suicide attack in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Oct. 5, 2016. (Xinhua/Rahmat Alizadah)
SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Three militants were gunned down in a fierce gunfight with Indian troops on Thursday in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

According to Indian army officials, the militants were trying to storm an army camp at Langate-Handwara in frontier Kupwara district, about 75 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Today at around 5:00 a.m. local time (2330 GMT Wednesday) three militants tried to storm an army camp at Langate in Handwara. However, our alert personnel deployed there immediately retaliated to repulse their attempt and killed them just outside the camp," Indian military spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia told Xinhua. "The militants were wearing army uniforms."

The identity of slain militants was being ascertained. However, officials said prima-facie they appear to be foreigners.

Kalia said Indian army have not suffered any damage in the stand-off and search operation was underway in the area.

"The firing has stopped but search operation is going on in the area," Kalia said. "We have recovered three assault rifles and some ammunition from the slain militants."

On Monday, a border guard belonging to India's Border Security Force (BSF) was killed and another wounded in a similar attack on army camp in neighboring Baramulla town. However, militants escaped following the attack.

Militant groups are engaged in a guerrilla war with Indian troops in the region since 1989. Gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently.

Last month, four militants entered an army base in frontier Uri, killing 19 troopers and wounding over 20 others. The four attackers were also killed.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated because of an ongoing civilian protests in Indian-controlled Kashmir that saw around 90 civilians dead and over 12,000 others injured. However the situation worsened between New Delhi and Islamabad following Uri attack and subsequent claims of Indian military that it carried out "surgical strikes" inside Pakistan-controlled Kashmir inflicting significant casualties on infiltrators and their supporters.

Pakistan, however, rejected Indian claims about "surgical strikes."

Since then, the situation on the Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir has worsened with troops from both countries indulging in ceasefire violations and targeting each others positions.

New Delhi blames Islamabad for fanning Kashmir protests and accuses it of sending armed militants into Indian-controlled Kashmir, an accusation Islamabad strongly rejects. However, Islamabad says it only provides moral and political support to Kashmiris.

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.
BAGHDAD, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Iraq on Thursday demanded that the United Nations Security Council convene an emergency session to discuss the presence of Turkish troops on Iraqi territories near Mosul.

Iraq's permanent representative to the UN has delivered "a formal request to the current president of the Security Council, Vitaly Churkin, demanding that the council convene an emergency session to discuss the incursion and interference of the Turkey side," the Iraqi foreign ministry said in a statement.

The request demanded that the session's agenda include discussion of a decision made earlier in the week by the Turkish parliament that extended the mandate of Turkish forces in northern Iraq for one more year.

The Iraqi move came amid mounting tension between Baghdad and Ankara over the presence of Turkish troops near Mosul and the latest decision by the Turkish parliament to extend mandate of their troops inside Iraq.

The Turkish government said that withdrawing Turkish troops from Iraq is out of the question and that the Turkish soldiers are in Iraq as part of an international mission to train and equip Iraqi forces fighting the Islamic State (IS) group.

Hundreds of Turkish soldiers have been deployed since 2015 in Bashiqa camp, some 30 km northeast of Mosul.

Ankara said that Turkish soldiers were sent to Bashiqa at the request of Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi to train local forces.

Mosul, some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, is the second largest city in Iraq. It has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.

Iraq has urged the international community to increase their support for its war against IS and other terrorist groups and in its efforts to liberate Mosul from IS militants.
by Chenchen Shen

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- A mentally unstable woman holding a sign reading, "It is time to open marijuana" created chaos Wednesday in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles. She attempted to attack passersby and take hostages with a metal object, said the local police. Fortunately no one was hurt.

This was not the first incident concerning the legalization of marijuana in California, a debate that has been underway for years.

On Nov. 8, Californian voters will decide whether to legalize marijuana under the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, or Proposition 64.

California has already permitted medical marijuana use since 1996. This new initiative will move a step further and allow adults aged over 21 to possess, transport, purchase, consume and share up to one ounce (around 28.4 grams) of marijuana and up to eight grams of marijuana concentrate, and allow one household to cultivate as many as six plants out of public view.

"It is time to extend the medical marijuana control out into the recreational users," Charles Kaplan, a professor of drug and social policy at the University of Southern California, said Tuesday at a public forum on legalizing marijuana.

"If we push it underground to the illicit market, then we will have many more problems. So it is better to take the machinery that we have had from the medical marijuana, which is over 20 years of experience in a regulatory system, to recreational use," Kaplan said.

Proposition 64 is supported by many associations and groups, including the California Medical Association and the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA).

"It is expected to raise up to 1 billion U.S. dollars a year when it is fully implemented," California State Director for the DPA Lynne Lyman said at the forum.

Those tax will be distributed to different educational, medical and social programs, she added.

However, Roger Morgan, founder of an opposition organization Stop Pot 2016, argues that the 1 billion dollar projection is "a joke."

"The black market won't go away, and won't pay taxes, nor will home growers," Morgan said.

He also regarded marijuana as a "colossal disaster" to the environment, adding that "50,000 outdoor cultivation sites are illegal, sucking out 6-8 gallon (around 22.7-30.3 litres) water a day per plant. They dry out rivers all over the state."

On the other hand, supporters believe the current environmental damage could be helped by Proposition 64.

Char Miller, a professor of environmental analysis at Pomona College said that the bill would push the reduction of public lands "into a more legal structured and regulated system that you can control."

As to concerns regarding any impact on juveniles, Lyman emphasized that "Proposition 64 prohibits the marketing and advertising of marijuana to minors."

However, Morgan argued that "Proposition 64 would allow any residents in California to have six plants in their homes. If you got it in your house, your kid will have access to it, and their friends will have access to it."

Health experts say marijuana causes learning and memory impairments, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure.

Cognition impairment could result in heavy smokers, said Robert L. Stein, a professor of pharmacy law and ethics at Keck Graduate Institute, although he added that the negative health impacts are largely reversible for adults.

A poll conducted last year by the Public Policy Institute of California showed that 55 percent of likely voters in California support full legalization, according to the Los Angeles Times.

If Proposition 64 becomes law, California will join Colorado, Washington, Alaska and Oregon to allow for the recreational use of marijuana.
DAMASCUS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 Ankara-backed Syrian rebels were killed in a blast that rocked their position on the Syrian-Turkish border, a monitor group reported Thursday.

The explosion targeted a group of fighters at the Atama border crossing, which under the control of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), between Syria and Turkey, according to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Other activists said the blast rocked the Atama refugee camp near the border crossing.

Meanwhile, the Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the bombing, saying a suicide bomber blew up his explosive-laden car at a position of the rebels inside the border crossing, which is located in the northern countryside of Idlib.

On Aug. 14, a blast hit the same crossing at Atama, killing 35 rebels and civilians, and wounding 40 others.
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- A Malaysian judge has ordered the release of nine Australians who had stripped to their "swimming trunks" emblazoned with Malaysian national flag at the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday, after they pleaded guilty and apologized for the behavior.

Harith Sham Mohamed Yasin, judge of the Sepang Sessions Court, invoked Section 173A of the Criminal Procedure Code to not impose any punishment and instead release all nine with a caution, the Star reported on Thursday.

The judge said what the nine did was "totally inappropriate" and has provoked the sensitivity of Malaysians. "The elements in the flag are a symbol of sovereignty and official religion of the country," he said, adding "you must consider that Malaysia has a different culture to yours."

Pictures and videos showing the Australian men stripping down to their underwear and drinking with their shoes at the race track, which was in celebration of Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo's win at the race, caused uproar in the country, with some calling it a "stupidity" and others calling for their arrest.

They were arrested on the same day at circuit and held in remand since then for possible charges.

Defense attorney Shafee Abdullah argued at the court that because their offense was only "trivial" in nature and they have shown "remorse" for their actions, the judge should dismiss the charges.

"On Australia Day, it is common to see individuals in bikinis or swimming trunks with the Australian flag walking down the streets," he said.

In an open apology read by a spokesman, the nine men admitted their behavior was an "error in judgment."

"We apologize sincerely for our actions, which offended the sentiments of people of this beautiful country. We do not have the slightest of intention of undermining this country and its sensitivities," the spokesman said.
United States Secretary of State John Kerry (R), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and United Nations special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura (not pictured) hold a press conference on Syria at the UN headquarters in New York. (Xinhua/File Photo)

MOSCOW, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday that there is a valid agreement on Syrian conflict prevention between Russia and United States, after the United States unilaterally suspended corresponding talks.

Answering a question about the possibility of direct collision between the Russian and American military forces in Syria, Zakharova said: "We have concluded an agreement with (the) United States on conflict prevention on Syrian territory."

In an interview with the state television channel Rossiya 1, the diplomat said that the situation in Syria is far more complicated because firstly, it is nurturing new terrorists, "who will fill the whole Europe, the United States and other regions."

Secondly, any real prospects for Syrian settlement has been rejected for a long time, the spokeswoman said.

On Monday, the U.S. State Department said Washington was suspending negotiation with Moscow on restoring a cease-fire in Syria, slamming Moscow for its military role in the attacks on the Syrian city of Aleppo.

On Sept. 10, Russia and the United States announced a landmark agreement on a nationwide ceasefire in Syria, which both sides hoped would lead to their countries' military cooperation to end more than five years of bloodshed there.

However, the truce accord has not been strictly observed with both parties trading accusations of failures to implement the deal.
BEIJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- China will expand its student nutrition program to cover key rural areas in 2017, Xinhua learned Thursday.

China launched the pilot nutrition improvement program in 2011 for elementary and middle school students in poor areas, allocating three yuan (0.45 U.S. dollars) per day to each student to cover meals.

The next stage of the pilot will see all national-level poverty alleviation development counties benefit from the program.

According to a notice jointly issued by the Ministry of Education, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Finance, the nutrition program is part of a slew of targeted poverty alleviation measures.

School dining halls will also be built or expanded in the next stage of the program, according to the notice.

It also urged local authorities to improve food preparation and supervision, to ensure food is safe as well as nutritious.
DAMASCUS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 40 Ankara-backed Syrian rebels were killed in a blast that rocked their position on the Syrian-Turkish border on Thursday, according to pan-Arab al-Mayadeen TV.

The explosion targeted a group of fighters at the Atama border crossing, which is under the control of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), between Syria and Turkey, according to the report.

The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, saying a suicide bomber blew up his explosive-laden car at a rebel position inside the border crossing, which is located in the northern countryside of Syria's Idlib province.

An earlier report by the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 20 Turkish-backed rebels died in the attack.

Opposition activists said the blast targetted a refugee camp near the border crossing in Atama.

On Aug. 14, a blast hit the same crossing at Atama, killing 35 rebels and civilians, and wounding 40 others.
by Chenchen Shen

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Annie Xiong, an immigrant to Los Angeles from China, recently joined a group on the popular social messaging app WeChat. But chatting isn't what Xiong has on her mind: She uses the group to order authentic cuisine from her hometown Wuhan, such as pot-stewed duck neck and spicy beef noodles, from a cook right in Los Angeles.

"Homemade food is more authentic," Xiong told Xinhua. "This cook on WeChat is from Wuhan, and his food really takes me back home."

Lower prices are another draw. "They cook at home, so they do not pay rent like restaurants do, there is no tax, no delivery fee, no tips, therefore the food is cheaper," Xiong said. "All I have to do is order in the chat group, go out to meet the cook and pay for the food."

WeChat is no doubt the dominant social messaging platform among Chinese at home and abroad. In China, it can be used to pay bills, book hotels, buy movie tickets, pay for parking fees and order food. Chinese living abroad use it to keep in touch with friends and family around the world and join chat groups of common interest.

In the United States, "it is also a very good app for new immigrates and students," said Daniel Deng, a California licensed attorney. "They can get information on almost everything, make friends and ask for help. At the same time, you find people renting cars illegally and carrying out pyramid schemes.

"By using this messaging app, people are doing different kinds of small business on WeChat all the time. It is a grey area, and food is even more special," Deng said.

According to California Homemade Food Act of 2013, the manufacturing and sale of certain homemade food products is legal as long as meat isn't involved.

"Meat is more susceptible to bacterial growth and more likely to cause health problems or even food poisoning," Deng explained, adding that the sale of non-meat food still requires a permit from the County Department of Health.

In other words, amateur cooks on WeChat operating in the state are doing business illegally without the necessary permits. These homemade food businesses also face issues related to illegal work and taxes.

"For those cash-only business, when they file their tax report, basically they can report as little they want for income because no one can really trace the money," a California licensed CPA, who declined to be named, told Xinhua.

"If any illegal income was reported, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will estimate the income based on its own system and fine the business owners," he said.

Xiong is aware that her work is illegal, but she isn't worried since she only takes cash. Furthermore, there is no law prohibiting people from buying food from illegal vendors. So far, there is lack of regulation regarding online-to-offline businesses on WeChat in the United States.

"Although it is illegal, it is very hard for the U.S. government to actually check all this information on WeChat," Deng said.

"Only if something major happened, like food poisoning, the vendor will face criminal prosecution from the government. Otherwise, if someone files a complaint about the illegal vendor, the Health Department will ban the business with a fine of up to 1,500 U.S. dollars, " said Deng.
Liu Yunshan (L), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, meets with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in Budapest, Hungary, Oct. 5, 2016. (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

BUDAPEST, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Liu Yunshan met here Wednesday with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, aiming to lift bilateral ties to a higher level.

Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, arrived in Budapest earlier Wednesday for a two-day official good-will visit to Hungary.

China highly values relations with Hungary and treats the European nation as an important partner, said Liu, adding that the close match between Hungary's Opening to the East policy and the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative has brought about new opportunities for improving bilateral ties.

Liu said China will work with Hungary to enhance exchanges at various levels, increase mutual trust, expand pragmatic cooperation and exchanges in areas such as culture, media, education, sports, and scientific innovation, and further advance China-CEE (Central and Eastern European countries) relations as well as the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the European Union (EU).

Liu told Orban, also chairman of the ruling party Fidesz-Hungarian Civic Alliance, that the ruling parties of both countries should deepen exchange of experience on state governance as they both shoulder the responsibility for fulfilling the task of national reform and economic development.

CPC and Fidesz-Hungarian Civic Alliance should work to promote exchanges and cooperation between companies and localities of both countries under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative and "16+1" mechanism (16 CEE countries and China), Liu said.

Hungary is a member of the "16+1" mechanism, and the first among the European nations to join the Belt and Road initiative that aims at forging a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

Orban appreciated China's support for Hungary in the process of dealing with the debt crisis, saying his country would continue to take the right position on issues concerning China's core interests.

The Hungarian side and the CEE countries would like to see China play a more active role in international arena, and Hungary can be a bridge connecting Europe and China, the Hungarian prime minister said.
TAIYUAN, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- When he arrived in Taiyuan for a vacation, Beijinger Liu Xiaohui was surprised by how green Shanxi was, despite being China's major coal-producing province.

"So many of the city's taxis are electric. Taiyuan is miles ahead of Beijing and Shanghai in this respect," said Liu.

For many people, the province, which has produced about a quarter of China's coal since 1949, is synonymous with dusty, gray skies.

Sources with the Shanxi Provincial Commission of Economy and Information Technology told Xinhua that the province was planning to make Taiyuan, the provincial capital, and the cities of Jinzhong and Jincheng into production bases for electric cars.

Several automobile manufacturers have invested in Shanxi. By 2020, the province's annual electric car output is expected to exceed 120,000 units while electric car ownership will surpass 200,000.

The province will also spend 5.2 billion yuan on the construction of a recharging network, which will include centralized charging stations in all of its 283 cities, 60 intercity fast-charging stations, 190,000 recharging points and an electronic service platform.

By the end of 2016, fast-charging stations will be installed in 38 expressway service areas.

To make Taiyuan the country's first city to only have electric taxis, the local government began to phase out its 8,292 gas-powered taxis at the end of last year.

An electric taxi with a range of 400 km per charge, which should cost309,800 yuan can be bought for 89,000 yuan, thanks to government stipends and deductions.

A taxi driver, surnamed Liu, welcomed the change as it cuts down on fuel expenses.

He said electric car manufacturing would mean cleaner air and a better environment, which would in turn boost tourism and bring in more customers.

With cultural relics dating back some 20,000 years, Shanxi is often called the birthplace of Chinese culture.

A latest report published by the local Tourism Bureau, showed that from Oct. 1 to Oct. 4, the province's 36 major scenic areas have received 3.9 million visitors, up 3.94 percent, and generated an aggregated revenue of 133.8 million yuan, up 11.08 percent from the same period of last year.
MANILA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said on Thursday that the United States has failed the Philippines, forcing President Rodrigo Duterte to break away from Washington.

Yasay made the comments in a statement posted on his Facebook page, saying, "This has compelled him (President Duterte) to realign our foreign policy towards an independent track in pursuing the overriding national interest."

The Philippine foreign secretary stressed the need to put an end to the Philippines' "subservience to the United States' interests."

"It has been 70 years ago since America acknowledged the hard-fought independence of its colony in Asia after it arrogated our victory in the struggle for freedom from 400 years of Spanish domination," he said.

"And yet," he added, "after proclaiming on July 4, 1946 that the Filipinos had been adequately trained for self determination and governance, the U.S. held on to invisible chains that reined us in towards dependency and submission as little brown brothers not capable of true independence and freedom."

Yasay decried what he described as "carrot and stick policy" that the U.S. employs to keep the Philippines' dependence on Washington. This policy "has been effectively used all through the long years since our independence to force Filipinos into submission to American demands and interests," he said.

"This is what (President Duterte) is now trying to liberate us from," Yasay said.

Yasay came out with the statement to clarify Duterte's position on the Philippine-U.S. relations.

Duterte has recently said that the Philippines, a treaty ally of the U.S., wants to "break up" with the U.S. "for failing us." Thus, he said that he is "reconfiguring" the Philippine foreign policy.
SINGAPORE, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 38th meeting of ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) and 16th AMAF plus three meetings were held here on Thursday, which focus on enhancing cooperation in food, agriculture and sustainability.

Singapore's Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister of Transport Khaw Boon Wan graced the opening ceremony of the meetings on Thursday, stressing agriculture will always be a key priority for ASEAN, and AMAF is an ideal platform for regional cooperation and partnerships.

In his opening remarks, Khaw noted the issue of antimicrobial resistance in agriculture which can threaten global public health, impact agriculture, food security and safety, as well as food trade. Khaw also called for cooperation and showed Singapore's commitments for action.

"We will focus on reducing antimicrobial usage in agriculture, building up regional laboratory testing capability and promoting sustainable information exchange among ASEAN Member States," said Khaw.

According to a joint press statement released by ASEAN Secretariat on Thursday, ASEAN ministers were pleased with the successful implementation of the initiatives related to food, agriculture and forestry cooperation in supporting the completion of the Roadmap for the ASEAN Community (2009-2015) and the establishment of the ASEAN Community.

They reiterated commitments to intensify cooperation to contribute to the realization of the ASEAN Community 2025, noting the progress of streamlining structure under AMAF as well as urging senior officials to complete the process and present the outcomes to the AMAF for ad-referendum approval.

The ministers also endorsed several documents to enhance cooperation in food safety and product quality, forestry as well as fishery. The statement also noted the importance of cooperation with ASEAN's dialogue partners and international organizations.
VIENTIANE, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The decision by the Lao government to phase out its tiger farms is a major step in fighting the illegal wildlife trade, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said on Thursday.

The WWF-Laos welcomes the move by the Lao government to close its tiger farms.

"It is high time that the illegal trafficking of wildlife is dealt with for good. WWF-Laos stands ready to provide technical assistance to tackle this task head-on, and is willing to start working with the Lao government on a detailed phase-out plan of all illegal tiger farms in the country," Somphone Bouasavanh, WWF-Laos Country Director, was quoted by Lao state-run news agency KPL as saying.

Laos decided to close its tiger farms during the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP17) held last week in South Africa's Johannesburg. There are an estimated 700 tigers bred in three facilities in Laos.

"This is a great moment for Laos to show regional leadership in the fight against illegal wildlife crime, and that this commitment will translate into a model that can be followed by other countries to close down their tiger farms," Bouasavanh added.

A major concern will be what to do with the tigers in those farms to ensure that they are well cared for in accredited facilities and do not end up in the illegal wildlife trade chain.

"Eventually, this represents a significant opportunity for Laos to return to the prestigious list of tiger-range countries by investigating the potential for releasing some of these tigers in National Biodiversity Conservation Areas, 're-wilding' the forests of Laos," KPL quoted the WWF as saying.
ANKARA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's military presence in Iraq's Bashiqa camp will continue to ensure that demographics of the region is not altered, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Thursday.

He described Iraq's objection to Turkey's extension of the troops' mandate at the camp north of Mosul as "incomprehensible."

Yildirim said Turkish troops will stay on in Iraq to continue the fight against the Islamic State (IS) group.

Iraq on Thursday requested that the United Nations Security Council convene an emergency session to discuss the presence of Turkish troops on Iraqi territories near Mosul.

Iraq's permanent representative to the UN has delivered "a formal request to the current president of the Security Council, Vitaly Churkin, demanding that the council convene an emergency session to discuss the incursion and interference of the Turkey side," the Iraqi foreign ministry said in a statement.

Yildirim, the Turkish prime minister, said that at a time when there are troops from 63 countries in Iraq to fight against terror, concern over the Turkish presence there was "absurd" and had "nothing to do with good intentions."

He said the Iraqi government is exceeding its limits by speaking ill of Turkey, which has always existed in the region, while turning a blind eye to all other countries which have no relevance in the region.

On Tuesday, the Iraqi parliament rejected Turkey's continued military presence in Bashiqa.
GENEVA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan De Mistura on Thursday called the decision of the United States and Russia to break off cooperation as a "serious setback," adding that "one can deny that we are in an emergency mode" regarding the conflict in Syria.

He told reporters during a press conference that the number of al Nusra fighters in eastern Aleppo area is "at maximum 900 people".

"Are we talking about 900 people being the reason for destruction of the city?" he stressed.

He added that UN estimated that in eastern Aleppo there is around 8,000 opposition fighters, while the entire population there is around 275,000, including 100,000 children.

The UN official warned that at this rate, eastern Aleppo may be "totally destroyed" by bombings and attacks in two months, before Christmas.

"I'm telling the armed men of al Nusra that I'm willing to escort them if they wish to leave eastern Aleppo so as to protect the civilians," de Mistura said in an emotional appealing for al Nusra to leave the northern Syrian city.

Also according to the UN envoy, currently there are some 200 wounded people in eastern Aleppo, most of them are civilians, that needed to be evacuated otherwise they might not survive for the lack of trauma support.
RAMALLAH, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was taken to hospital Thursday after complaining of exhaustion, said a source close to his office, but the president's spokesperson said Abbas was hospitalized for regular checkups.

Abbas, who was working at his office, felt "very tired," and a doctor was summoned to check him up.

"After the doctor checked up President Abbas, he recommended that President Abbas has to be taken to the hospital for more checkups," the source said on condition of anonymity. "President Abbas is still at the hospital."

However, Nabil Abu Rdineh, spokesman of the Palestinian Presidency, said in an official statement published by the Palestinian official news agency WAFA that President Abbas went to the hospital for regular medical checkups.

"President Abbas went this morning for medical checkups at the Medical Consulting Hospital in Ramallah," WAFA quoted Abu Rdineh as saying. "The doctors said he was in a totally normal medical situation."

Abbas, 81, succeeded late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in the presidential elections held in the Palestinian territories in 2005. The elections were held after Arafat passed away in November 2004.
LONDON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- British Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, gave the go-ahead Thursday for a shale gas extraction plant at Lancashire in northern England.

The minister's decision is regarded as a landmark ruling for the industry, as it represents the first approval in Britain for a process known as horizontal fracking which is thought to yield more gas. However, fracking technology has also raised concerns about added pollution and earthquakes.

Local people in Lancashire waged a campaign against the plans, with the local planning authority Lancashire County Council refusing to give the go-ahead to gas company Cuadrilla.

The company appealed and the long-awaited ruling by Javid means gas extraction can go ahead at the site in the village of Little Plumpton in Lancashire. Javid has deferred a decision to frack at another site in the north at Roseacre Wood.

Campaigners fear that fracking will cause significant damage to the environment, particularly in areas of northern England where shale gas reserves are thought to be high.

A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said: "The decisions follow extensive consideration of all the evidence, including an independent planning inspector's report and evidence submitted during a two-week public inquiry."

Campaigner Pat Davies, chairwoman of Preston New Road Action Group, reacted angrily to the government decision. She was quoted by local media as saying that "the government neither listens nor can it be trusted to do the right thing for local communities."

Drilling companies believe trillions of cubic feet of shale gas may be recoverable from beneath parts of Britain and more than 200 onshore exploration licenses have been awarded to energy companies.
HANOI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The visiting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said here Thursday that his country is willing to create greater conditions for Vietnamese oil and gas companies to be present in Iran.

Rouhani made the remark at a joint press conference with Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang after bilateral talks in Vietnam's capital Hanoi on Thursday.

According to Rouhani, Iran has much potential in exports of oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and asphalt among others.

The Iranian leader expressed his willingness to work with Vietnam in high technology, new technology, establishment of science-technology centers in Vietnam, construction materials, building roads and bridges, thermal power, student and teacher exchanges, and agricultural production.

Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang, for his part, said at the press conference that in spite of numerous opportunities, the scale of Vietnam-Iran cooperation and bilateral trade revenue remains modest.

Two leaders said the two countries will strive to bring the bilateral trade revenue to over two billion U.S. dollars in the coming time.

Quang and Rouhani also consented to create favorable conditions for two countries' enterprises to invest in such areas as energy, information and communication, agriculture, aquaculture, science and technology, banking, culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.

Prior to the press conference, two leaders had witnessed the signing of an agreement on visa exemption for service passport holders and a memorandum of understanding on information and communication.

On the same day, the visiting Iranian President also met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and paid a courtesy call on General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is paying a state visit to Vietnam from Wednesday to Friday at the invitation of Vietnamese counterpart Tran Dai Quang.
MADRID, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed on Thursday that they saved 1,258 immigrants from the Mediterranean in one of the largest rescues carried out in these waters.

The rescue vessel Rio Segura carried out the operation off the coast of Libya, saving a total of 968 men, 58 women and 232 minors off 11 different dinghies which were attempting to make the hazardous crossing from the north coast of Africa to Europe.

A pregnant women among those rescued had to be urgently evacuated to hospital in Rome after suffering life-threatening spasms, a further two were taken to medical centers and another treated for a broken arm aboard the rescue vessel.

According to the Civil Guard, one of the dinghies was already swamped when they arrived and its 20 occupants would have died had it not been for the rapid intervention of the Rio Segura.

This is the second major rescue involving a Spanish rescue vessel within a week after Sunday night saw the 121 immigrants saved from four dinghies in the Sea of Alboran, midway between Libya and Spain.
DAMASCUS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said that if it wasn't for the public support, he wouldn't still be a president.

In an interview with a Danish TV published Thursday, Assad said his country has been subject to a "campaign of lies" over the past six years, in an apparent reference to Western accusations against the Syrian army and government.

The president denied giving orders to shell hospitals and schools.

"Mistakes always happen in any war," he said. "Claims that we give orders to destroy hospitals and schools or to kill civilians" are "untrue and contradicts our interests."

"If we were killing civilians, or destroying hospitals and committing all these kinds of atrocities, and facing the major powers, how can I still be a president after nearly six years of war?"

"I am not (a) superman. If I wasn't enjoying the public support, I wouldn't be here," he said.

"I am here because we enjoy the support, and protect the Syrians, and our support refutes all these allegations," Assad said. "The outcome speaks for itself."

Major superpowers have recently accused the Syrian military of targeting civilians and destroying hospitals, particularly in the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo city.

The Syrian army denied the accusations and announced on Wednesday that airstrikes on eastern Aleppo would be cut down.




European Council President Donald Tusk (R) meets with Afghani President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadza (C) and Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah during the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 5, 2016. The Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, co-hosted by the European Union (EU) and the government of Afghanistan, kicked off on Tuesday with an event on regional economic cooperation and another on women empowerment in Afghanistan. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)

By Abdul Haleem

KABUL, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The international community in a key meeting on Afghanistan concluded in Brussels on Wednesday pledged a package of 15.2 billion U.S. dollars as a new commitment to support sustainable economic development, strengthening security, improving living conditions and empowering women in the militancy-plagued country, for the next four years beginning 2017.

In the two-day major conference attended by delegates from more than 70 countries and 25 international agencies, the participants recognized Afghanistan's achievements over the past 15 years, but stressed the need for sustainable progress through state building and good governance.

Welcoming the new commitment made in Brussels, Afghan analysts maintained that a new aid package of around 3.5 billion U.S. dollars annually to Afghanistan over the next four years, speaks of the international community's firm support of Afghanistan in the years ahead.

"Certainly, announcing more than 15 billion U.S. dollars to support the state building process and good governance in Afghanistan over the next four years is a strong message to the region that Afghanistan is still a focal point of the global community who will continue to stand alongside Afghans," political analyst General (Rtd) Atiqullah Omarkhil told Xinhua.

The insurgency-plagued and foreign aid-dependent nation is still among the poorest countries in the world, and the Taliban and link-minded extremist groups including al-Qaida and the Islamic State outfit, according to observers, have been fighting to establish their reign here to use the war-torn country as a springboard for destabilizing global order.

More than 4 million Afghans have been living in Pakistan and Iran as refugees waiting for lasting peace to return in their homeland before repatriating, while more than 300,000 others have left their homeland for the developed world, mostly in Europe in search of a better life.

The conflict-ridden Afghanistan's GDP growth, according to recent figures, has dropped from an average of 10 percent between 2002 to 2012, to 1.3 percent in 2014 when the U.S.-led coalition forces ended combat missions here and departed.

In militancy-plagued Afghanistan some 40 percent of its around 30 million population is reportedly living below the poverty and the nation is facing a high unemployment rate and increasing numbers of drug addicts. Afghanistan produced 3,300 tons of opium poppies, the raw material used in manufacturing heroin, to the world in 2015.

According to Afghan observers, the new aid package to Afghanistan announced in Brussels is conditional on the Afghan government fighting against corruption, drug trafficking, instituting electoral reforms, stabilizing security and improving the living conditions of its people.

"It is not a blank cheque for the government. To have the support, it is for the National Unity Government to fight rampant corruption, ensure good governance and improve living conditions of the poor Afghans," Omarkhil told Xinhua in an interview.

The Brussels conference on Afghanistan was held as the Taliban launched a series of offensives in several areas including capturing parts of the strategically important northern Kunduz city along the border with Tajikistan.

Afghan analysts, however, also believe that Afghanistan's dependency on foreign aid for a lengthy period is not the ultimate solution to its problems, advocating that the country should utilize the opportunity to achieve self-reliance and stand on its own feet.

"The new commitment made at Brussels for Afghanistan is a big achievement for the government and a golden opportunity for Afghans to maximize the chance of ensuring good governance, fighting social evils and improving living conditions; otherwise, the global community's interest in Afghanistan will gradually fade," political watcher Haroon Mir told local media.

Earlier in July at a similar conference in Warsaw, NATO member states including the U.S. agreed to provide 4.5 billion U.S. dollars annually for Afghanistan's national security forces through 2020.

"The new aid package pledged in Brussels has raised hope among Afghans for better future," writer Nazifa Mahboubi told Xinhua. However, she warned, "this might be the last chance of receiving global community aid if the government fails to fulfill its commitment in curbing corruption and ensuring good governance in the country."

According to Afghan observers, more than 100 billion U.S. dollars had been injected into Afghanistan between 2002 and 2014 for the rebuilding of the war-torn country, but the vast majority of the aid had been misused due to corruption.

"I think the Brussels conference is an important step in the right direction by the international community in assisting Afghanistan to become self-reliant," George Cunningham, Deputy Head of the European Union's delegation here in Afghanistan, told Xinhua.

"The packaged announced in Brussels virtually guarantees the implementation of the government's programs for the next four years," spokesperson for the Ministry of Rural Development Rehabilitation, Akbar Rustami, maintained.
Models of the SUV Lifan X60 1.8 MT Full Plus of Chinese auto brand Lifan are display at a dealer shop in the city of San Isidro, 30km from Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, on April 26, 2016. (Xinhua/Martin Zabala)

BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese automaker Lifan has recently unveiled its new model X50 in Argentina, where the small-size SUV will sell for 245,000 pesos (about 16,333 U.S. dollars).

"October is Lifan X50 month," the carmaker announced in a press release, saying the compact crossover SUV will be available at "a promotional introductory price" at the company's showrooms in Buenos Aires and three other cities.

"Since we presented the model (at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show) we have had a very good response from the public," said Paula Cavicchioli, general director of Lifan Argentina.

"At first glance, the Lifan X50 draws your attention with its attractive design, and when you take into account how well-equipped it is and the price, people are surprised," she added.

An employee of a dealer shop tries out the model SUV Lifan X60 1.8 MT Full Plus of Chinese auto brand Lifan in the city of San Isidro, 30km from Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, on April 26, 2016. (Xinhua/Martin Zabala)

The vehicle is the third Lifan model unveiled for the Argentine market.

In March, the company launched the Lifan X60, one of the largest SUVs in its class, and in April it presented the Foison Truck, a dual-row mini truck that compared with the same-class competitors "has more room, (and) stronger load bearing capacity and power."

Lifan Argentina has 11 showrooms in the Greater Buenos Aires area and in the cities of Rosario, Ushuaia and Bahia Blanca.

The Lifan X50, a "city SUV," is powered by a 1.5L VVT engine and has front-wheel steering and other features.

Lifan was introduced to Argentina during the Buenos Aires International Auto Show in June 2015 and has accelerated its expansion in this region.


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People visit the Arxan National Forest Park in Arxan City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

SANTIAGO, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) calls for more private investment in sustainable forestry activities in Latin America, FAO said here Wednesday.

"The forests have great potential for social and economic development," FAO Latin America Chief Forestry Officer Jorge Meza said, adding that they are attractive for investors who can "diversify the financial base for sustainable forest management."

In a press release, the FAO regional office, headquartered in Chile's capital city Santiago, stressed that "forests play a key role in favor of food security, mitigating the effects of climate change and the vulnerability of rural communities when it comes to facing natural disasters."

The UN recommended taking advantage of these benefits "in order to build an economic and institutional fabric that will favor financial innovation."

"The lack of a constant flow of investment resources makes it difficult for projects to be profitable and also to conserve and adequately manage the forests," Meza said.

Tourists view the golden birch forest in Urad Front Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 2, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhi Maosheng)

During a meeting held here on Sept. 22-23, forest experts from the FAO recommended "building a business environment favorable to sustainable development in forests."

They agreed on the need to create financial mechanisms that take into account the size of the venture, the forest products involved and the type of beneficiaries or entrepreneurial organizations.

The experts considered it not enough to manage the native forests and forest plantations merely according to profitability. Investments should be oriented to all value chains to reach the markets, including social and cultural factors.

The government should coordinate with sponsors and beneficiaries to reduce risks in the forest business and should be in charge of overcoming obstacles, said the experts.

An FAO report named "The State of the World's Forests in 2016" stated that the sustainable management of forests and agriculture, as well as their integration into land-use plans are essential for achieving sustainable development, guaranteeing food security and facing climate change.
Displaced children play outside their tents in Ghazni Province, east Afghanistan, Sept. 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Sayed Mominzadah)

BRUSSELS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The international donors on Wednesday pledged to provide 15.2 billion U.S. dollars in support of Afghanistan's development priorities for the period 2017-2020 at a two-day Conference on Afghanistan here that ends Wednesday.

The conference was held with the overall aim of generating international support for the Afghan reform and ensuring continued international political and financial support to bolster Afghanistan's economic stability, development and state-building processes over the next four years.

The conference brings together leaders from more than 70 countries worldwide, 20 international organizations and agencies, and a vast range of stakeholders.

According to the joint communique released after the conference, the international donors reaffirmed their commitments to three pillars over the next four years.

Firstly, the international community will assist the government of Afghanistan in state-building and better-governance through a mutual accountability framework.

During the conference, Afghanistan officials submitted a new Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework from 2017, setting out Afghanistan's strategic policy priorities towards achieving self-reliance.

Besides, five new national priority programs, including Citizens' Charter, Women's Economic Empowerment, Urban Development, Comprehensive Agriculture and National Infrastructure, were also presented to the donors.

Secondly, the participants from around the world pledged sustained international support and funding at or near current levels through 2020 with increased aid effectiveness.

However, the international donors said their financial support will remain significant but will be gradually declining, as the Afghan government continues to deliver on its commitments.

Thirdly, the international community said they will provide regional and international support for ending violence to foster economic development and improve regional economic cooperation, and for a political process towards lasting peace and reconciliation.

Afghanistan has seen its rapidly deteriorating economy in recent years.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the war-torn country's GDP growth has declined from an average of 10 percent over the period 2002-2012 to 1.3 percent in 2014.

In 2015 it grew slightly to 1.5 percent. Poverty rates and unemployment have also risen recently, with more than 39 percent of the population now living in poverty and unemployment standing at 39 percent.

This drastic economic decline is mainly the result of the post-2014 international military draw-down and the year of intensified political instability that followed the 2014 election.

Foreign troops once brought hundreds of millions of dollars into the Afghan economy, and their departure deprives the country of what was, after 2002, its largest single source of revenue.

As a least developed country, Afghanistan is hugely dependent on aid.

According to the statement released by the European Union, the Afghan government's own revenues stand at around two billion dollars per year (10 percent of its GDP), while international funding for the security sector remains at five billion dollars per year and development aid at around four billion dollars.
ISTANBUL, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- An explosive-laden motorcycle detonated on Thursday near a police station not far from the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, wounding 10 persons, the Istanbul governor said.

In his initial Twitter account of the bombing, which occurred in Yenibosna, a neighborhood in Bahcelievler district, Governor Vasip Sahin put the number of the injured at five, including one listed in critical condition. He later revised the figure to 10 at the scene, saying they are all Turkish citizens.

Seven vehicles were reportedly damaged in the explosion, with the scene strewn with scattered glass and other debris, as shown by pictures sent by a security expert.

Special operation and bomb disposal teams were dispatched to the scene, and a manhunt has been launched for a suspect, whose motorcycle exploded minutes after he left.

The police station targeted was hit by a terror attack back in 2012.

The security situation in Turkey has deteriorated over the past year, as a series of bombing attacks have hit Istanbul and Ankara, the national capital, and the country survived a military coup attempt on July 15, in which more than 240 people were killed and about 2,200 others injured.

In Istanbul, the last attack happened in late June when three suicide bombers assaulted the Ataturk Airport, leaving 44 dead.

Amid the worsening security, police stations and military camps have come under repeated bombing attacks as well in the metropolis.
MOSCOW, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Russia will use the experience of its military operation in Syria to develop new weapons, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Thursday.

As the military-industrial enterprises are creating advanced weaponry, which will be put into service in the near future, it is important to take into account the Syrian experience in research and development, Shoigu told a weaponry modernization conference here.

The Russian Aerospace Forces started airstrikes against terrorist groups in Syria from Sept. 30, 2015. The campaign was later joined by the country's Navy force.

The minister said many of Russia's modern weapons have been tested in difficult conditions of the desert and have generally shown their reliability and efficiency.

The Russian Armed Forces have gained practical experience of firing long-range precision-guided weapons from surface ships and submarines from the waters of the Caspian Sea and the Mediterranean, Shoigu said.

He added that in Syria Russia used Kh-101 air-to-surface cruise missiles with a range of up to 4,500 km for the first time in a real combat situation.
MANILA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte dared Thursday foreign governments and international bodies, which have been critical of his administration's drug war, to withdraw their aid in the Philippines.

Duterte was referring to the United Nations, United States and the European Union which have raised concern on the human rights violations in the country amid the government's war against the drug menace, and was apparently reacting to some murmurs of possible withdrawal of foreign assistance.

Duterte said in a speech in Butuan City in the southern Philippines that he does not expect U.S. President Barack Obama and the EU to understand his style of nailing suspected illicit drug pushers and users.

"You will never understand the pain that we are suffering for my countrymen. Go away. Bring your money to somewhere else. We will survive as a nation," Duterte said, lamenting the lack of understanding on the part of US and EU on his anti-drugs campaign that killed more than 3,000 so far.

"I do not expect Obama, I do not expect EU to understand me. Do not understand me, and if you think it is high time for you guys to withdraw your assistance, go ahead. We will not beg for it," Duterte said.

He added, "We have a problem here trying to preserve our society and you mess up by human rights-human rights! And then you threaten to us with your assistance!"

"How do you look at us? Mendicants? That we just do what you say because of your aid? We will survive. We will survive as a nation even if it's the hard way. I'll be the first to go hungry and I'll be the first one to go, die of hunger," Duterte said.

No worries, Duterte said, adding that "we will never, never compromise our dignity as a Filipino."

Duterte told Obama "you can go to hell" in a speech on Wednesday, his strongest tirade against the U.S. leader so far, even threatening to "break up with America."

In the same speech Wednesday, Duterte also lashed out at EU, telling the bloc to "better choose purgatory, hell is filled up."

Duterte have also called his critics, including the United Nations and international human rights groups, as "hypocrites" for accusing him of human rights violations and for resorting to extrajudicial killings to curb the drug menace.
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistani military blamed Indian forces for the current cross Line of Control (LoC) tension escalations, and added that Pakistan has prepared its own contingency plan to deal with any situation, according to an army spokesman here on Thursday.

Lt. General Asim Bajwa, director-general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), told Xinhua in an exclusive interview at the ISPR headquarters in Rawalpindi that it was Indian troops who have initiated violation of 2003 ceasefire along the LoC, which divide the nuclear rivals in the disputed Kashmir region.

"The Indian forces violated the Line of Control by fire and then few hours later they made a false claim about surgical strikes' across the Line of Control. We did check everything on ground and we found the claim was absolutely false," the army spokesman said in his first ever formal interview with a foreign media since the tension escalated on early Sept. 29.

He further said Indian forces fired into the Pakistani side everyday since then, adding that the Indian fire came to a maximum on Wednesday as they fired over 25,000 rounds with small arms -- rifles and machine-guns as well as mortars.

"What we see is that there is more intensified firing along the LoC, and of course, when there is more fire, the situation does escalate. The environment also escalates when there is more rhetoric and more statement and more pronouncements" by the Indian side, Bajwa said.

His comments came amid cross LoC firing started in early hours on Sept. 29 in the wake of a deadliest attack on a military base at Uri in the Indian-controlled Kashmir on Sept. 18.

No group has claimed the Uri attack. India said death toll from the attack reached 19 and has blamed Pakistan for the incident. But Islamabad denied the Indian accusation.

At least two Pakistani soldiers have been killed while nine injured in the Indian firing over the past week, the general said, adding that some eight civilians were also injured in the Indian shelling.

Meanwhile, the army spokesman emphasized the importance of resolving current tension through dialogue. He said contacts between Pakistani and Indian armies are maintained, confirming that the Director Generals of the Military Operations have talked over the phone after the start of the cross LoC firing.

"All communication channels including the hotline between the two militaries are open," he said, adding that the UN Military Observer Group in Pakistan and India also monitor the situation and report to its headquarters.

"Pakistan wants peacefully neighborly relations with all countries in the region and that is the policy of the state of Pakistan and that is the policy of the political government and every element of power in the country follows the same policy," said Bajwa.

On Wednesday, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told the parliament that his country wants to resolve disputes with Indian through dialogue. Meanwhile he said that "Pakistan is a responsible state, but its desire of peace should not be considered as its weakness," adding that the armed forces are capable of thwarting any foreign aggression effectively.

As the tensions continued over the past days, New Delhi has refused to attend a regional summit in Islamabad that was to be held in November. The conference has been postponed after India's refusal. Earlier, India also suspended talks with Pakistan after an attack in January on an Indian airbase in Pathankot.
Egyptian navy sailors waves from the deck of the BPC Anwar el Sadate military cruise ship after its flag ceremony on September 16, 2016 in Saint-Nazaire, western France.(AFP Photo)

CAIRO, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The second of two Mistral-class Landing Helicopter Doc (LHD) warships bought from France arrived on Thursday in the coast of Alexandria, Egypt's seaside province, official news agency MENA reported.

The helicopter carrier, the second of its kind in the Egyptian naval forces, is named after Egypt's late leader Anwar al-Sadat.

Its arrival coincides with the country's celebrations of Egypt's Oct. 6, 1973, victory over Israel, under the leadership of president al-Sadat.

The first vessel, which arrived at the coast of Alexandria in June, was named after Sadat's predecessor, Gamal Abdel-Nasser.

The Anwar al-Sadat joined the conclusion early Thursday of a joint Egyptian-French naval training that continued for several days ahead of its arrival, MENA said.

The two helicopter carriers were sold to Egypt after France canceled their sale to Russia over the Ukrainian crisis. Each of the sophisticated LHD vessels is capable of carrying 16 helicopters, four amphibious landing craft, 70 armored vehicles, and 450 soldiers, according to the report.

Egypt hopes to boost its military capabilities amid the turmoil and conflicts gripping much of the region, especially in Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen.

Egypt had already received six new Rafale warplanes and a FREMM multi-mission frigate from France as part of a 5.6-billion-dollar deal signed in February 2015.

A total of 24 Rafale fighter jets is included in the deal.

Egypt is the first Middle East country to own a helicopter carrier.

military experts say the the two carriers are expected to add a strategic advantage to Egypt, boosting security in its Mediterranean and Red Sea shores as well as the vital Suez Canal waterway.
Smoke rises in the city of Aleppo in northern Syria, Sept. 12, 2016.(Xinhua photo)

by Hummam Sheikh Ali

DAMASCUS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army has managed to make a major advance on the rebel-held part in Aleppo, its first important progress over the strategic northern city in three years, a monitor group reported on Thursday.

Government troops captured several buildings and schools in the rebel-held neighborhood of Bustan al-Basha on Thursday, just a day after retaking a sport club and other parts of the neighborhood, "making thus the first progress in those areas since losing them in 2013," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Britain-based watchdog group said the progress by the Syrian army will further tighten the siege on the Slaiman al-Halabi water station, in addition to securing the Raid Division and most of the Midan neighborhood, after government forces wrested control over half of Bustan al-Basha in the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo city.

A military source confirmed to Xinhua that the Syrian army advanced in Bustan al-Basha.

Local TV stations in Syria aired footage showing tanks rolling on rubble-strewn streets in Bustan al-Basha.

The progress in Bustan al-Basha came as part of the Syrian army's new tactic to advance further in rebel-held areas to keep rebels away from the frontlines in government-controlled western Aleppo.

"The advance aims to keep the rebels away from the government-controlled areas and the water pumping stations as well as electricity generators, which were repeatedly targeted by the rebels," he said.

The military source told Xinhua that Aleppo's eastern side is now calm after the military operation on Wednesday and early Thursday.

This came one day after the Syrian army announced that it had cut off all rebel supply routes in eastern Aleppo, and struck all vital sectors the rebels were using in that area.

In a statement, the army also said it would cut shelling and airstrikes on rebel positions in eastern Aleppo to help civilian flee.

"The general command of the army, emanating from its keenness to enhance the humanitarian situation of the civilians, who were taken hostage by the rebels in Aleppo, decides to decrease the airstrikes and artillery shelling on the terrorist positions, so that the civilians who want to leave such areas can do so," state news agency SANA quoted the statement as saying.

It said that the rebels in Aleppo can only surrender, as all of the supply routes to the rebel-held areas have been cut off.

"All the rebels in eastern Aleppo shall not wait for help from anyone as all supply routes are severed," the statement said. "All they can do is to lay down their weapons."

The army said they have "precise information about the whereabouts of the armed men, their warehouses, and positions in eastern Aleppo," warning that rebels who don't seize the chance to surrender will "face his inevitable fate."

The army also renewed a recent pardon, urging the rebels to either surrender in exchange of clearing their records with the government, or to lay down their weapons and leave eastern Aleppo with their families, possibly to other rebel-held areas in northern Syria.

Western countries, mainly the United States, have recently upped their rhetoric against the Syrian government and Russia, demanding a halt to airstrikes against rebel-held areas in Aleppo to reduce the suffering of the people and allow in humanitarian aid.

Out of its declared "frustration," the United States announced earlier this week that it had suspended all formal talks with Russia over the cessation of hospitalities in Syria, particularly in Aleppo.

On Sept. 20, a one-week truce in Aleppo ended without extension as tension rose between Moscow and Washington, which backs what it describes as moderate rebels fighting the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

Late last month, the Syrian military announced a major offensive against rebel-held areas in Aleppo, with government officials and President al-Assad vowing to capture the whole city from rebel hands.

Aleppo, Syria's largest province near the Turkish border and its economic hub before the crisis, is strategically vital to the warring parties.
RAMALLAH, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas left hospital in the West Bank city of Ramallah after being suddenly taken from his office to hospital after he collapsed from exhaustion.

The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that President Abbas carried out medical examinations and was allowed to leave the hospital after spending several hours.

Palestinian Presidential Spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeinah said that "President Abbas went this morning (Thursday) for medical checkups at the Arab Istishari Hospital in Ramallah," after he was check up by his personal doctor in his office

Abbas, 81, had succeeded late President Yasser Arafat in the presidential elections held in the Palestinian territories in 2005.
Russian soldiers distribute aid sent from Moscow to afflicted Syrian families in the town of Maaloula, north of Damascus, capital of Syria, on Oct. 2, 2016. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani)

MOSCOW, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Defense Ministry warned Thursday that it could shoot down U.S. missiles in Syria if they were used against the Syrian government forces.

"One should really be aware that crews of Russian air defense systems are unlikely to have time to clarify via a direct line the accurate flight programs of missiles and who their carriers belong to," the ministry's spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. media reported that Washington is considering plans to launch air strikes against the Syrian government army.

Konashenkov said that the Syrian army now have effective Russian-made S-200, Buk and other air defense missile systems, while the Russian forces have deployed in Syria the advanced S-400 and S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems, "the range of which may come as a surprise to any unidentified flying objects."

He added that any missile strikes against territories controlled by the Syrian government might present a threat to Russian servicemen working for the Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria.

"I would recommend to colleagues in Washington that they carefully calculate possible consequences of such plans," said the spokesman.

On Sept. 10, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced a week-long nationwide ceasefire in Syria, but crossfire resumed in the first hours the truce expired on Sept. 19.

On Sept. 17, the U.S.-led coalition airstrikes killed over 90 Syrian troops in Syria's eastern province of Deir al-Zour, incurring a strong response from Moscow, which accused Washington of violating the ceasefire.

Konashenkov said Russia "had taken all necessary measures to avoid any such 'mistakes' aimed against Russian troops and military targets in Syria."

Earlier this week, the United States suspended negotiations with Russia on restoring ceasefire in Syria, blaming Moscow for its military role in the attack on the Syrian city of Aleppo.
Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, addresses the China-CEE (Central and Eastern European) Countries Political Parties Dialogue in Budapest, Hungary, Oct. 6, 2016. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

BUDAPEST, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Liu Yunshan said on Thursday that Central and Eastern Europe is a key region for building the Belt and Road Initiative and a priority area in China's external exchanges and cooperation.

Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the comment when addressing the opening ceremony of the China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) Political Parties Dialogue, the first of its kind within the China-CEECs cooperation mechanism, dubbed as the 16+1 framework.

"The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and advocated by the Chinese government, is a major move for China's opening-up on all fronts, fits in line with the theme of peace and development, and accords with the internal need of all countries to accelerate development. It will present more development opportunities to the world and open up more space for coordinated development of China and CEECs," Liu said.

Over the past three years, the Belt and Road Initiative has increasingly become a new driver of global economic recovery, a new bond for exchanges between Asian and European civilizations and a new platform for improving global governance, he said.

"It has been proved that jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative helps boost prosperity and regional economic cooperation among countries along the Belt and Road, enhance exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations and promote world peace and development," Liu said.

He called on China and CEECs to respect each other, enhance political mutual trust, maintain close high-level exchanges, implement consultation and dialogue mechanisms and consolidate traditional friendship to lay a solid political groundwork for deepening consultation.

Liu urged both sides to pursue win-win outcomes and synergize development strategies by promoting policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people ties, bringing about a new win-win situation featuring aligned development, mutually reinforcing growth and integrated interests.

He said both sides need to focus on major projects in priority areas of infrastructure connectivity, industrial cooperation, materializing some key projects at a faster pace to bring more tangible benefits to all countries, adding that people-to-people and cultural exchanges and friendship among the people should be strengthened.

Political parties in China and the CEECs enjoy a long history of interaction and it is their shared responsibility to make good use of the "16+1" cooperation platform and advance the Belt and Road Initiative to release the potential for cooperation, Liu said.

Political parties should shoulder the responsibility of strengthening political guidance and consolidating strategic mutual trust, conduct candid dialogue on major issues concerning the Belt and Road Initiative and the "16+1" cooperation and translate the political dialogue outcomes into government policies, Liu said.

"We should build consensus among political parties and coordinate operations, focus on common interests and resolve differences and disputes through dialogue and consultation," Liu said, adding that political parties have the responsibility of increasing understanding between the peoples and translating cooperation vision into tangible benefits to the peoples.

The CEECs leaders, including Viktor Orban, president of Fidesz-Hungarian Civic Alliance and Prime Minister of Hungary, Vojtech Filip, leader of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia and vice president of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, thanked the CPC for creating the dialogue platform for political parties to discuss development strategy, overcoming ideological and geographical differences.

The Belt and Road Initiative is a grand peaceful proposal to promote cooperation and win-win development. The initiative, rooted in China's profound philosophy and culture and love for peace, will guide the Europe-China relations for the coming decades and enable both sides to contribute to world peace, security and development, the CEECs representatives said.

They said political parties in the CEECs were delighted to engage in building the Belt and Road Initiative and are willing to work with the CPC to play a politically guiding role to lead the think tanks, civil organizations and the public to implement the initiative and make efforts for the peace and prosperity of China, the CEECs as well as the world.

Liu arrived in Budapest earlier Wednesday for a two-day official good-will visit to Hungary. Liu is taking on an Asia-Europe tour, which took him to Mongolia and Greece ahead of Budapest.

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LAGOS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Police in Nigeria Thursday said four students of Lagos Model College in Epe area of Lagos state were kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

State Police chief Fatai Owoseni, who confirmed the incident during his weekly press briefing in Lagos, said the school Vice Principal was also abducted.

The college was attacked by suspected gunmen during the morning assembly Thursday, he said, adding that two of the students had been recovered.

"The kidnappers went away with them in their speed boat. As soon as we got the information, crack detectives were sent there. We have been able to recover two of the students," he said.

"The vice principal and two students are still with the kidnappers. Our men have begun searching for them. We are collaborating with the Navy to search the creeks and the waters," he added.

Abduction is common in Nigeria. The abduction of high profile individuals in the country has been on the increase in recent times.

Early on Wednesday the police in Oyo State confirmed the shooting of a former Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan by persons who allegedly attempted to kidnap him. Enditem
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- There is "no more a single hideout of the terrorist" on the Pakistani soil under the military's major offensive operation targeting terrorist and armed groups, a Pakistani army spokesperson said here on Thursday.

Lt Gen. Asim Bajwa, spokesman for the Pakistan army, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview that "we have now cleared all areas in North Waziristan and Khyber tribal region. The security forces have killed nearly 3500 militants and 992 hideouts were destroyed."

While the Pakistan army lost a total of 546 security personnel, while 2285 have been injured during the operation, said the general.

The outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and several other groups had been using North Waziristan as their major base for organizing attacks across the country and also on the Afghan side of the border.

"I can confirm that there is presently no physical hideout of the terrorists on the Pakistani soil," said Bajwa, who serves as the director-general of the Inter-Services Public Relations, adding that areas in North Waziristan including the mountainous "Shawal Valley" near the Afghan border and Tirah Valley in Khyber agency have been cleared.

The military here launched a major offensive codenamed "Zarb-e-Azab" against the Pakistani Taliban and other armed groups in North Waziristan tribal region, the former stronghold of the militants, in June 2014 after peace talks with the Taliban failed.

"The security forces are now engaged in the intelligence based operations (IBO) and combing operations in urban areas to break the network of the terrorists, their sympathizers, facilitators and financiers," the general said.

Giving details, he said that around 22,000 IBOs have been conducted so far by the intelligence agencies along with civilian law enforcement agencies including the police. He also said that hundreds of suspects have also been arrested during these targeted operations.

To a question about the trial of the terrorists in special military courts, he said a total of 166 cases have been finalized by the courts, 107 out of the totality are given death sentences and 12 convicts have been executed after the completion of all legal process.

The special military courts were established after the Taliban attacked an army-run school in Peshawar in December 2014 and killed 140 students and teachers in the notorious terrorist attack.
TEHRAN, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has accused the United States of hampering improvement in relations between Iranian and European banks, semi-official Fars news agency reported on Thursday.

"Unfortunately, after nine months of implementation of the nuclear deal, the Western side has not taken any effective steps to comply with its undertakings," CBI governor Valiollah Seif was quoted as saying.

Seif made the remarks at a meeting in Tehran with visiting German Deputy Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries on Wednesday.

He described the United States as one of the most important impediments to the normalization of relations between Iranian and European banks.

"I believe that ties between Iran and Europe are normalizing and returning to the past levels, but there still remain certain concerns which have been caused mostly by the United States," Seif said.

He said Tehran expects European countries to "pressure the United States to comply with its undertakings" under a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers sealed in July 2015.

On Thursday, semi-official Mehr news agency reported that a delegation from CBI has left for Washington to participate in 2016 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group Washington, October 7-9.

Iran's delegation, headed by Akbar Komeijani, deputy governor of CBI, will meet with other delegations to discuss existing restrictions on Iran's banking and financial sectors.

Komeijani will also meet with the officials from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to address Iran's concerns about the problems concerning its international financial banking transactions, according to the report.

On Monday, Chairman of Iran-Germany Joint Chamber of Commerce Gholam Hossein Shafe'ei said banking problems hampering the expansion of Iran's trade ties with Europe, particularly Germany, should be resolved.

Following the implementation of Iran's nuclear deal in January, Tehran is struggling to restore its ties with European countries which had been affected by the U.S.-led economic and financial sanctions.

The July 2015 deal put an end to the decade-long controversial issue of Iran's nuclear program.
PYONGYANG, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday blasted U.S. President Barack Obama and his administration for stepping up pressure on and sanctions against it.

A spokesman for the DPRK's foreign ministry said in a statement that the "racket" for sanctions against and pressure on the DPRK by the Obama administration "has reached an extreme phase."

The statement, carried by the official news agency KCNA, said the U.S. government is "making desperate efforts to isolate and stifle the DPRK by pressurizing other sovereign countries to sever relations with the DPRK or downgrade the level of ties with it."

"This is nothing but the last-ditch efforts of those who are on a losing streak in the political and military stand-off with the DPRK," the statement added.

The DPRK, in order to defend itself from political, economic pressure and military threat, has bolstered nuclear force both in quality and quantity and has now become a nuclear power with powerful nuclear attack capabilities, said the statement.

On Sept. 9, Pyongyang said it has successfully tested a nuclear warhead, which marked its fifth nuclear test, eight months after it conducted a purported hydrogen bomb test in January. It also launched a long-range rocket on Feb. 7.

In March, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on tougher sanctions against the DPRK to curb the country's nuclear and missile programs. Security Council members also called for an early resumption of the six-party talks.
GENEVA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's Antonio Guterres is poised to become new UN secretary-general amid wide acclaims that he has the vision to steer the UN in the right direction as the world faces unprecedented challenges.

Guterres boasts a long and distinguished career in UN as chief of the refugee agency UNHCR, as well as in Portuguese politics, starting as early as 1974 and culminating in becoming the country's prime minister in 1995, a post he held until 2002.

A long-standing member of the Portuguese socialist party, he then served as the UN high commissioner for refugees between June 2005 and December 2015.

Fluent in English, Spanish and French as well as his native Portuguese, the 67-year-old has notably been cited as saying after 10 years at the helm of the UNHCR that "we are like a nurse who provides an aspirin to the patient: we can alleviate the pain, but not solve the problem."

A man of vision, Guterres himself conceded to Portuguese public television RTP in January that he likes "being on the ground, I like things that force me to intervene."

Cecile Kyenge, Italy's former minister for integration and current member of the European Parliament, also lauded his ability to take concrete steps, writing on social media that he is "a man of action with experience and a vision on migration. A strong partner for EU."

UNHCR senior communications officer Sybella Wilkes said on twitter that the "world wakes up to brighter future" in a clear sign of support from one of the agency's senior staff members.

Endorsements were also voiced by former Portuguese president Anibal Cavaco Silva, Canada's foreign minister Stephane Dion and International Labour Organization Director-General Guy Ryder.

The selection of the next UN secretary-general takes place at a turning point for the world amid protracted crises in Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, humanitarian issues in Africa, global health threats such as Zika and unprecedented levels of displacement.

Guterres is poised to succeed UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Jan. 1, 2017.

The Security Council's decision will be sent to the General Assembly for final approval.
BERLIN, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Thursday for continuing the negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) as long as possible.

Germany has always benefited from free trade and open markets, especially as an export world champion, the Chancellor said at the entrepreneurs day of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA).

The current negotiations on free trade agreements with Canada (CETA) and the United States (TTIP) were far more than just the abolition of tariffs, Merkel said. Rather, the aim of these agreements is also to set standards such as in social and environmental issues.

These aspects would have played no role in free trade agreements just a few years ago, but now there is an historic opportunity, she said.

"We could write globalization history," Merkel said, but admitted the discussion had become more difficult.

Meanwhile, the Chancellor said there would be no exceptions for Britain in the future, saying that full access to the EU's internal market was inextricably linked to the acceptance of the four fundamental freedoms of the EU: the free movement of capital, goods, services, and workers.

Merkel sent a message to entrepreneurs that there would be no preliminary negotiations with the British government.

Irrespective of the Brexit referendum outcome and the weakening world economy, Merkel said she still considered the German economy to be in good shape. "The growth path is solid." she said.

Private consumption remains the driving force behind this development, according to Merkel.

"Due to the policy of the central banks, we also feel that the global economy is not balanced, as we wish it were," declared Merkel. "Monetary policy will certainly not solve the structural problems of the global economy alone."
OTTAWA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Canadian warships departed on Thursday to participate in an international operation against drug trafficking by transnational criminal organizations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean, the Canadian Ministry of National Defence said.

The warships Brandon and Edmonton departed Esquimalt, British Colombia Thursday to participate in Operation CARIBBE in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, while the warship Kingston is to depart Halifax on Friday to conduct operations in the Caribbean area, it said.

This annual operation directly supports the Canadian Armed Forces' mission to defend against threats and security challenges to Canada, North America, and Canada's defence and security partners, it added.

The three warships are expected to build upon the success of Canadian warships, which so far in 2016 have seized a total of some 2,930 kilograms of cocaine and 1,520 kilograms of marijuana in working with the United States Coast Guard.

The ministry said the Canadian Armed Forces have conducted Operation CARIBBE since November 2006 and remained committed to working with Western Hemisphere and European partners to address security challenges in the region and to disrupt illicit trafficking operations.
RAMALLAH, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Saeb Erekat, Secretary General of Palestine Liberation Organization, said on Thursday that the United States must translate its position on Israeli settlement plan into real action.

"Although we welcome the State Department's criticism of Israel's plans to construct a new settlement in the occupied State of Palestine, we expect the United States to translate its statements into real action," Erekat said in an emailed press release.

He also said the U.S. must "implement necessary tools to end Israeli settlements, including through the UN Security Council, end funding to Israel and stop funding settlements through US-based organizations."

Meanwhile, another statement from the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs challenged the U.S. government to "vote for a UN Security Council resolution regarding settlements."

The ministry described the move as a test on the credibility of the superpower state.

The U.S. State Department strongly condemned Israel's plan to build 300 new settlement units in the West Bank.

"We did receive public assurances from the Israeli government that contradict this announcement," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said the 98 new housing units near the Shilo settlement is not a new settlement and will not change the reality on the ground.

Last Saturday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the Palestinian authority is preparing to present the UN Security Council a draft resolution against Israeli settlements.

The Israeli settlement plan is one of the top and most complicated issues in the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations.

The latest round of peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians, brokered by the United States, lasted nine months and broke down in April 2014 with no tangible results.
ROME, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The choice of former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres as nominee for next UN chief would be an "excellent" one, current UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on Thursday.

The UN Security Council on Thursday formally decided to recommend Guterres to head the United Nations for the next five years, starting from Jan. 1, 2017.

Ban made his remarks on the sideline of a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella here.

"I know Guterres very well, and I consider it (is) an excellent choice," Ban told reporters after the meeting.

"He has a large experience as Portuguese prime minister, and a wide knowledge of world affairs, which would serve him well in leading the UN in a crucial period," he added.

Guterres, 67, had been for long the chief of the UN refugee agency UNHCR.

Under the UN Charter, the UN Secretary-General shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. In practice, the Security Council, particularly its five permanent members, will make the final choice and send a single candidate to the General Assembly for approval.

Ban is going to conclude his term at the end of 2016.
NEW DELHI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 38 children died in India's eastern state of Odisha due to Japanese encephalitis in past four weeks, officials said Thursday.

The deaths were reported in tribal-dominated Malkangiri district, about 650 km southwest of Bhubaneswar city, the capital of Odisha.

"With four more deaths of children reported last night, the death toll due to Japanese encephalitis has reached to 38 in less than a month in tribal-dominated Malkangiri district," health officials said.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the most important cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. It is a flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses, and is spread by mosquitoes.

A senior health official Arati Ahuja told media the local government has decided to construct enclosures (pigpens) near affected villages to isolate Japanese encephalitis infected pigs in order to curb the disease, which is mainly spreading through mosquito bites.

The authorities have cancelled the holidays of government employees in the district in wake of the grim situation.

According to WHO, most JEV infections are mild fever and headache or without apparent symptoms. However, severe disease is characterized by rapid onset of high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, seizures, spastic paralysis and ultimately death.

On Tuesday, India's rights panel - National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of the media reports regarding deaths due to Japanese encephalitis in Odhisa's Malkangiri. The panel issued notice to the local government seeking a full report including the steps being taken by it to control the spread of Japanese encephalitis.

Reports said the district authorities have suggested vaccination of the children to control the disease from spreading, which however would be done from next year.

"There is a need to create awareness among the villagers towards the health hazard which is related to their tradition of rearing of pigs. Vaccination of the children to protect them from Japanese encephalitis from the next year will be too late," the rights panel in its statement said.

Last year 52 people died in India's northeastern state of Assam due to Japanese encephalitis. Enditem
SOFIA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The European Border and Coast Guard Agency was officially launched on Thursday at Bulgaria's Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint near the border with Turkey to address migration and security challenges.

"Right here and right now, we officially launch the European Border and Coast Guard, both legally and operationally," European Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos said.

"It is an unprecedented achievement of European political will and union, in times where our unity is tested," Avramopoulos said, adding that the new agency "is a symbol of a Europe that is efficient in addressing the migration and security challenges we are facing in cooperation with our neighbors."

Avramopoulos recalled that thanks to the common work and commitment, the European Border and Coast Guard has become a reality in less than nine months since the European Commission proposed it.

"The European citizens have demanded a tangible European response, and today we deliver it collectively," he said.

By 2020, the agency will include 1,000 staff members, and will also be able to activate a rapid reaction pool of at least 1,500 border guards and other relevant staff, as well as a pool of rapid reaction equipment, Avramopoulos said.

"These two pools will be made available to the agency whenever needed to address urgent situations. With this innovation, we will resolve one of the main weaknesses of the current system," he said.

The new agency will closely monitor the management of the external borders by all EU member states through the deployment of liaison officers and mandatory vulnerability assessments, he said.

Fabrice Leggeri, the agency's executive director, said that it is stronger and better equipped than its predecessor, Frontex (the European Agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the EU), to tackle migration and security challenges at Europe's external borders.

The agency would also be able to offer operational support to neighboring non-EU countries that ask for assistance at their border and share intelligence on cross-border criminal activities with national authorities and European agencies in support of criminal investigations, Leggeri said.

It would have a key role at Europe's maritime borders through its new coast guard functions, Leggeri added.

Rumiana Bachvarova, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, said that through this agency, the EU has launched a more effective and collaborative partnerships for security and management of its external borders.

"We do it in the name of safety and security of all European citizens," she said.

However, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said that Turkey should remain a strategic partner of Europe, along with countries like Jordan and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Europe must focus on stopping the war in Syria to allow refugees to return to their homes, Borissov said. Enditem
GENEVA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The UN Special Envoy for Syria offered Thursday to physically accompany 900 al-Nusra fighters out of east Aleppo in a bid to prevent more civilian bloodshed there.

"I'm telling the armed men of al-Nusra that I'm willing to escort them, if they wish to leave eastern Aleppo, so as to protect the civilians," Staffan de Mistura said in an emotional appeal to the radical group in the east of the city.

"Are we talking about 900 people who are the main reason for which there are 275,000 people being attacked? Is this going to be an easy alibi and the reason for the destruction of the city?" he asked.

Once Syria's economic hub, the UN has estimated that out of the 275,000 civilians trapped in eastern parts of the city, 100,000 are children.

De Mistura said that since Sept. 23, 376 people have been killed in eastern Aleppo, one third of them children. A further 1,266 individuals have been wounded by air strikes and barrel bombs.

The official reminded that western Aleppo, which is under Syrian government control, has also been hit by attacks resulting in casualties.

The ongoing violence is particularly devastating since a landmark truce brokered by the United States and Russia last month had offered a modicum of hope to Syria's desperate population.

Since the ceasefire broke down barely a week after coming into effect on Sept. 12, there has been an upsurge in violence in Syria and especially in Aleppo, a city which could be completely destroyed come Christmas if current levels of violence continue unabated.

"No one can deny that we are in emergency mode," De Mistura warned, adding the U.S. and Russia's decision to break off cooperation was "a setback."

"No conflict can end by conflict in itself. We still maintain there is no military victory," he said.
SKOPJE, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Macedonia has signed the convention of the Council of Europe to prevent violence against women but more should be done and several urgent steps should be taken in order to prevent violence against women, Macedonian Labor and Welfare Minister Frosina Tasevska Remenski said Thursday.

Speaking at a conference on protection of women against gender based violence, the Macedonian minister appealed for more specific measures of prevention of violence, protection of victims and criminal prosecution of perpetrators.

On the other hand, Remenski also called for the ratification of the convention of the Council of Europe.

According to her, by ratifying this convention, Macedonia will be able to access additional funds to develop services and standards set by the convention. Enditem
Suspected Al-Shabaab members raided a residential building in NE Kenya on the morning of Oct. 6, 2016, killing 6.(Xinhua/Stephen Ingati)

MANDERA, Kenya, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has deployed more security officers to its northeastern border with Somalia to pursue suspected Al-Shabaab members, who killed six people in an attack on a residential building early Thursday.

Northeastern regional coordinator Mohamud Saleh told Xinhua the security apparatus were working with the Somali army and authorities in Somalia's Bula Hawa, which borders Kenya, to trace the attackers.

The armed attackers raided the residential building, situated less than one kilometer from the Somali border, in Mandera town at around 02:30 a.m. local time.

Saleh said the attackers used explosives to blast their way into the gated residential area and then shot at people in the building.

"The building was inhabited by 33 non-locals. Five of them died on the spot while the sixth succumbed to the injuries as he was being rushed to hospital," Saleh said.

The attackers fled after security officers responded. A nearby shop was destroyed in a fire caused by a grenade thrown by them. The attack lasted less than ten minutes.

Saleh said the swift response from the security officers, who were on their routine patrol along the volatile border, managed to rescue the other 26 tenants.

The official said "life has come back to normal" in the town and investigations were underway. He appealed to local people to report any information they have regarding the attack.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Saleh said: "We highly suspect the attackers are members of Al-Shabaab insurgent group who have sneaked across the porous border."

The Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabaab has carried out several deadly attacks in Kenya in recent years, including the April 2015 attack on Garissa University College in northeast Kenya, which killed 148 people, mostly students.

Recently, suspected Al-Shabaab attacks have been limited to Kenya's border areas near Somalia.

The northeastern region has remained relatively calm since the Garissa University attack. The last major attack was the killing of 14 quarry workers in July 2015 by suspected Al-Shabaab militants.

Saleh said Al-Shabaab militants had resorted to attacking "soft targets" in hit-and-run tactics.

He attributed the reduced attacks to "concerted efforts by the security apparatus", but people in border areas still fear they could be targeted by Al-Shabaab.
Vitaly Churkin, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations and president of the Security Council of October, speaks to journalists on the Security Council's decision to recommend Antonio Gutterres, the former Portuguese prime minister, to be the next UN Secretary-General, at the UN headquarters in New York, the United States, Oct. 6, 2016. The UN Security Council formally decides to recommend Gutterres to be the next UN chief on Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday formally decided to recommend Antonio Guterres to head the United Nations for the next five years, starting from Jan. 1, 2017.

The 15-nation council has made the decision in a unanimously adopted resolution to recommend Guterres to the General Assembly be appointed as UN secretary-general for a term of office from Jan. 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2021, Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, who is the council president for October, told reporters here after a closed council meeting.

"Mostly importantly, this sign of unity, which I hope will be translated to the General Assembly, shows that Mr. Guterres, (in) the next five years, can rely on very strong support of the Security Council and of the membership of the United Nations," said Churkin.

This screenshot shows UN secretary-general nominee Antonio Guterres delivers a speech at Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon after the UN Security Council formally decided to recommend him as the next UN chief, Oct. 6, 2016. (Xinhua)

Churkin, as the council's president, has presented the resolution to President of General Assembly Peter Thomson for next steps.

Guterres, a 67-year-old diplomat, served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.

Before joining the UN refugee agency, he spent more than 20 years in government and public service. He was the prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002.

Under the UN Charter, the UN Secretary-General shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. In practice, the Security Council, particularly its five permanent members, will make the final choice and send a single candidate to the General Assembly for approval.

The incumbent UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is going to conclude his term at the end of 2016.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry(L) and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attend a joint press conference after they reached a landmark agreement which would see both countries greatly enhance cooperation in a bid to end the five-year-old Syrian conflict, in Geneva, Switzerland, Sept. 10, 2016. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan)

MOSCOW, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Defense Ministry warned Thursday that it could shoot down U.S. missiles in Syria if they were used against the Syrian government forces.

"One should really be aware that crews of Russian air defense systems are unlikely to have time to clarify via a direct line the accurate flight programs of missiles and who their carriers belong to," the ministry's spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. media reported that Washington is considering plans to launch air strikes against the Syrian government army.

Konashenkov said that the Syrian army now have effective Russian-made S-200, Buk and other air defense missile systems, while the Russian forces have deployed in Syria the advanced S-400 and S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems, "the range of which may come as a surprise to any unidentified flying objects."

He added that any missile strikes against territories controlled by the Syrian government might present a threat to Russian servicemen working for the Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria.

"I would recommend to colleagues in Washington that they carefully calculate possible consequences of such plans," said the spokesman.

On Sept. 10, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced a week-long nationwide ceasefire in Syria, but crossfire resumed in the first hours the truce expired on Sept. 19.

On Sept. 17, the U.S.-led coalition airstrikes killed over 90 Syrian troops in Syria's eastern province of Deir al-Zour, incurring a strong response from Moscow, which accused Washington of violating the ceasefire.

Konashenkov said Russia "had taken all necessary measures to avoid any such 'mistakes' aimed against Russian troops and military targets in Syria."

Earlier this week, the United States suspended negotiations with Russia on restoring ceasefire in Syria, blaming Moscow for its military role in the attack on the Syrian city of Aleppo.
Vitaly Churkin, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations and president of the Security Council of October, speaks to journalists on the Security Council's decision to recommend Antonio Gutterres, the former Portuguese prime minister, to be the next UN Secretary-General, at the UN headquarters in New York, the United States, Oct. 6, 2016. The UN Security Council formally decides to recommend Gutterres to be the next UN chief on Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday formally decided to recommend Antonio Guterres to head the United Nations for the next five years, starting from Jan. 1, 2017.

The 15-nation council has made the decision in a unanimously adopted resolution to recommend Guterres to the General Assembly be appointed as UN secretary-general for a term of office from Jan. 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2021, Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, who is the council president for October, told reporters here after a closed council meeting.

"Mostly importantly, this sign of unity, which I hope will be translated to the General Assembly, shows that Mr. Guterres, (in) the next five years, can rely on very strong support of the Security Council and of the membership of the United Nations," said Churkin.

Churkin, as the council's president, has presented the resolution to President of General Assembly Peter Thomson for next steps.

Guterres, a 67-year-old diplomat, served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.

Before joining the UN refugee agency, he spent more than 20 years in government and public service. He was the prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002.

Under the UN Charter, the UN Secretary-General shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. In practice, the Security Council, particularly its five permanent members, will make the final choice and send a single candidate to the General Assembly for approval.

The incumbent UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is going to conclude his term at the end of 2016.
PARIS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- France's leading auto maker PSA and Iranian company of auto production SAIPA signed a joint venture accord to produce and sell Citroen in Tehran, the French group announced on Thursday.

The 50/50 joint venture "will cover the entire value chain, from the design stage right through to vehicle marketing, including purchasing," PSA said.

Under the accord, the two partners will invest more than 300 million euros (334.86 million U.S. dollars) in manufacturing and R&D capacity over the next five years, it added.

Production will start in 2018 at Kashan plant in Iran, according to the statement.

"With more than 50 years of presence in Iran, PSA Group through this new strategic partnership is clearly committed to the deployment of a rich product plan that meets the expectations of Iranian clients," said Carlos Tavares, PSA Chairman. Enditem
MOSCOW, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed here Thursday with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault a Paris-sponsored United Nations Security Council (UNSC) draft resolution on Syria.

At a briefing after their talks, Lavrov said Russia was ready to work on the draft based on the fundamental approaches in the Russia-U.S. ceasefire agreement in Syria reached in September.

Ayrault said their talks about the resolution were "constructive," but he also admitted that there were still obstacles to be removed for its adoption.

The UNSC was expected to discuss the resolution on Thursday, according to the Security Council President for October Vitaly Churkin.

Lavrov hoped that Mocow's amendments and ideas would be taken into account at the United Nations.

The United States announced on Monday it suspended talks with Russia on the ceasefire in Syria, accusing Moscow of violating their truce accord.

In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday that the United States was trying to shift the blame on Russia.

"Washington has simply failed to live up to the key commitment under the agreements -- to facilitate the humanitarian assistance to residents of the Aleppo city...(and) to apply pressure on the armed opposition groups," the ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency.

However, Lavrov voiced at Thursday's briefing Moscow's willingness to continue working with Washington. "We did not want to ensure safety there alone, let us do it together with U.S. servicemen," he said.
Refugees rest at the Transit Center in Pastrogor, Bulgaria, Sept. 29, 2013.(Xinhua/Chen Hang)

SOFIA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The European Border and Coast Guard Agency was officially launched on Thursday at Bulgaria's Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint near the border with Turkey to address migration and security challenges.

"Right here and right now, we officially launch the European Border and Coast Guard, both legally and operationally," European Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos said.

"It is an unprecedented achievement of European political will and union, in times where our unity is tested," Avramopoulos said, adding that the new agency "is a symbol of a Europe that is efficient in addressing the migration and security challenges we are facing in cooperation with our neighbors."

Avramopoulos recalled that thanks to the common work and commitment, the European Border and Coast Guard has become a reality in less than nine months since the European Commission proposed it.

"The European citizens have demanded a tangible European response, and today we deliver it collectively," he said.

By 2020, the agency will include 1,000 staff members, and will also be able to activate a rapid reaction pool of at least 1,500 border guards and other relevant staff, as well as a pool of rapid reaction equipment, Avramopoulos said.

"These two pools will be made available to the agency whenever needed to address urgent situations. With this innovation, we will resolve one of the main weaknesses of the current system," he said.

The new agency will closely monitor the management of the external borders by all EU member states through the deployment of liaison officers and mandatory vulnerability assessments, he said.

Fabrice Leggeri, the agency's executive director, said that it is stronger and better equipped than its predecessor, Frontex (the European Agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the EU), to tackle migration and security challenges at Europe's external borders.

The agency would also be able to offer operational support to neighboring non-EU countries that ask for assistance at their border and share intelligence on cross-border criminal activities with national authorities and European agencies in support of criminal investigations, Leggeri said.

It would have a key role at Europe's maritime borders through its new coast guard functions, Leggeri added.

Rumiana Bachvarova, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, said that through this agency, the EU has launched a more effective and collaborative partnerships for security and management of its external borders.

"We do it in the name of safety and security of all European citizens," she said.

However, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said that Turkey should remain a strategic partner of Europe, along with countries like Jordan and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Europe must focus on stopping the war in Syria to allow refugees to return to their homes, Borissov said.
Supporters of Morocco's Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) pass out campaign leaflets in the Moroccan capital , Rabat on October 5, 2016, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election.(AFP Photo)

RABAT, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Some 15.7 million Moroccans are expected to head to the polls on Friday in decisive elections for the north African nation's political direction.

These elections are the second of their kind after a new constitution in 2011 brought Islamists to power for the first time in the country's history.

The country's new constitution introduced amendments that gave considerable power to the prime minister, and ensured that the prime minister is selected from the party that received the most votes in election.

The reforms also strengthened the power of the parliament, allowing it to launch investigations into officials with the support of just one-fifth of its members or to begin a censure motion against a minister with the backing of a third, rather than needing the unanimous approval demanded by the former constitution.

The ruling Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), which has taken some unpopular policies in the last five years, particularly reforming the pension system and cutting subsidies on several products, faces strong competition from secular opposition.

The main opposition party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), has vowed to oust PJD from power and revise many decisions made by the government.

Therefore, the elections are seen as a test for the popularity of the Islamists and the widely popular leader Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, who said in an interview with a local news site that he would leave politics if his party fails in the polls.

In the local and municipal elections in 2015, the PJD's popularity was not affected, and the party even widened its base in urban areas to win almost all major cities. PAM, however, dominated elections in rural areas and won the elections nationally.

Apart from the PJD-PAM dual, some analysts expect the Istiqlal Party (PI), the oldest party in the country, to do well in this election.

Some 4,000 national and international observers have been accredited to monitor the parliamentary elections in Morocco.

The election campaign, which was kicked off on Sept. 24, will close today at midnight.
Photo taken on Oct. 6, 2016 shows the empty food shelves at a supermarket as Hurricane Matthew is approaching in Orlando, Florida, the United States. Local authorities in Florida on Thursday issued a mandatory evacuation order for some 1.5 million coastal residents in preparation for Hurricane Matthew, one of the most powerful storms to hit the region in a decade.(Xinhua/Huang Zhongchuan)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday declared a state of emergency in Florida as the southern state was embracing itself for Hurricane Matthew, one of the most powerful storms to hit the region in almost a decade.

As a result of the Florida emergency declaration, the Department of Homeland Security and federal Emergency Management Agency are authorized to coordinate all disaster relief efforts.

Meanwhile, local authorities in Florida on Thursday issued a mandatory evacuation order for some 1.5 million coastal residents in preparation for Hurricane Matthew, one of the most powerful storms to hit the region in a decade.

"This storm will kill you," said Florida Governor Rick Scott at a press conference. "Time is running out. We don't have much time left."

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, Hurricane Matthew remained a Category 3 hurricane as of Thursday morning, with maximum sustained winds as strong as 125 mph.

There is still possibility that it would evolve into Category 4 storm in approaching the east coast of Florida, said the center.

Hurricane Matthew has left at least 108 people dead in Haiti, according to the Haitian Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph.
ALGIERS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Energy Minister, Noureddine Bouterfa, announced Thursday that Turkey is due to host an informal meeting between OPEC and non-OPEC producers on Oct. 8, to discuss ways of putting into effect the recommendations of the Algiers meeting last month.

Oil prices are still not stable at global markets, despite the "historic" agreement reached in September in Algiers between members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

"An informal meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC is scheduled on the sidelines of the World Energy Congress in Turkey's Istanbul from Oct. 9 to 13," Bouterfa told Ennahar TV.

The official added that Istanbul's meeting would precede the full summit in Vienna due on Nov. 12, where the cartel's members will aim to reach an agreement to stabilize the market.

He further assumed that "The Algiers meeting has eliminated hurdles as OPEC members agreed to cap outputs, and there is common will to move towards stabilizing the market."

Bouterfa forecast a larger output decline, given that the cut of 700,000 barrels a day would not be enough to stabilize oil prices between 50 and 55 dollars a barrel.

On Sept. 28, the 14 members of OPEC reached an agreement to cap oil output from 33.4 million barrels a day to 32.5 or 33 million barrels a day.

OPEC and non-OPEC producers believe that oil prices at 50 or 60 USD would be favorable for both consumers and producers, as it would help producers to maintain investments and exploration of new fields, and therefore assure the availability of this key energy product in the long term.

However, some experts believe that oil prices would not rise immediately after OPEC members' agreement. Abderrahmane Mebtoul, an expert, said oil prices also depend on other factors, including the global growth rate as well as supply and demand.
LISBON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Antonio Guterres, a former Portuguese prime minister who served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said he felt "gratitude and humility" on Thursday after being tipped as the next United Nations secretary-general.

"To describe what I feel at the present moment, two words are sufficient: gratitude and humility," he said during a press conference at the ministry of foreign affairs here.

"Gratitude, first of all, in relation to the members of the security council for the confidence they expressed, but also to the general assembly and all member states, for having decided in a process of transparency and openness," he said.

He also praised his candidates for their "intelligence" and "competence" and "enormous dedication" that contributed to credibility of the UN.

"I was moved when I saw the security council act in unity and consensus and in a quick way," he said.

He said he felt not only gratitude, but humility to face "dramatic problems in today's dramatic modern world" and "to serve those most vulnerable; the victims of conflict, terrorism, violation of rights, poverty, and injustices of this world."

Guterres, who made his speech in four different languages (Portuguese, English, French and Spanish), said humility was also required "to find inspiration from so many UN workers, doing all they can in the most dangerous places in the world in service of the international community."

Finally, he pointed out that he was not yet secretary general of the UN and appealed to all member states to strongly support the UN's current Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's initiatives.

In his speech directed to the Portuguese, he said he wanted to transmit his "profound gratefulness" to the president of the republic, the government, diplomats, political parties, and social forces for having carried out an "extremely effective campaign."

On Wednesday, Guterres received 13 "encourage" votes and two "no opinion" votes by the UN Security Council, making Guterres a unanimous choice to become the next UN secretary general.

The UN Security Council formally approved Guterres on Thursday. The decision will now be sent to the 193-member General Assembly for final formal approval.
TIRANA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The non-performing loans in the Albanian banking system continue the upward trajectory, hitting a new high level in August 2016, data from the Bank of Albania showed Thursday.

The Bank of Albania's data confirmed that non-performing loans reached at the level of 21.44 percent, the highest level since May of 2015.

The non-performing loans increased by 0.29 percentage points on monthly basis what has raised concerns among the Albanian economy experts.

Some experts said Thursday that such figure is very concerning since the non-performing loans come mostly from the category of businesses which are failing to pay on time their installments.

The central bank of Albania expects the trend of non-performing loans to decline, although there may be fluctuations in their value.

On the other hand, the Albanian Association of Banks said that business climate and the general economic activity have had a negative impact.

The banks on their side express concerns regarding the execution of collateral in cases when the borrowers don't pay off loans.

Lending to the economy continues to grow, but this performance remains sluggish, governor of Bank of Albania said a day before when presenting supervisory council decisions. Enditem
BEIRUT, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The European Union said on Thursday it has provided 12 million euros (13.4 million U.S. dollars) to support the efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to reconstruct the Nahr el-Bared Camp (NBC) in Lebanon.

"These funds come in addition to the 24 million euros previously donated by the European Union to contribute to rebuilding the NBC," the bloc said in a statement.

"We hope that this support will contribute to settling grievances surrounding the 2007 conflict and to provide better protection, shelter and dignity to the lives of many Palestinian refugees in this country," said Christina Lassen, the EU's ambassador to Lebanon.

Given the funding the camp has so far received, it is estimated that 2,670 families, or 11,062 people, accounting for 72 percent of those originally displaced, will return to their homes by mid-2017.

UNRWA is nearly halfway through the reconstruction project, but it still needs 105.9 million U.S. dollars to finish the job.

The UNRWA, a relief and human development agency established in 1949, has a specific mandate to assist and protect some five million registered Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Enditem
Image provided by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) shows people walking near piles of garbage after the arrival of hurricane Matthew, in Port-Au-Prince, capital of Haiti, Oct. 4, 2016. Hurricane Matthew has left at least 108 people dead in Haiti, according to the interior ministry on Thursday. (Xinhua/UNICEF)

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Hurricane Matthew has left at least 108 people dead in Haiti, according to the interior ministry on Thursday.

Reuters has also reported 28 more deaths, quoting local officials, bringing the total up to 136.

However, this number is expected to rise as rescue teams reach badly hit areas.

The strongest hurricane in the Caribbean for years swept through the poverty-stricken country on Tuesday, with winds reaching up to 230 km/h, flooding towns, downing power lines and cutting people off from accessing food and money.

The Miami Herald reported that Interim President Jocelerme Privert said on Thursday that "the situation is catastrophic."

"There are a lot of areas in the country that have been affected, a lot of places that are difficult to access."

The country's civil protection bureau had confirmed 38 dead in the department of Grand'Anse, 34 in Ouest, 26 in Sud, three in Artibonite, three in Nippes, three in Sud-Est and one in Nord-Ouest.

The situation in the towns of Jeremie, Les Cayes, Port-Salut, Petite-Riviere de Nippes and Dame Marie is considered to be particularly critical.

According to CARE Haiti, 80 percent of the buildings in the town of Jeremie were destroyed.

Mercy Corps, a humanitarian NGO, stated that 80 percent of banana crops in the region of Arcahaie were wiped out, leaving around 20,000 families without their livelihoods.

On Thursday, rescue teams and aid began arriving from around the world as the scale of the devastation left in the hurricane's wake became clear.

USAID, the American international development agency, announced it would provide 1.5 million U.S. dollars in immediate aid on Thursday, while one of its disaster assistance response teams is already on the ground.

A report from the UN's Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Wednesday estimated that at least 350,000 people are in need of assistance.

Hurricane Matthew was still a Category 4 storm on Thursday as it approached the coast of Florida. Millions of people are being evacuated in the U.S. as the storm may hit Florida, Georgia and South Carolina as it moves up the Atlantic coast.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew on Thursday said that the Obama administration will continue pushing forward negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) with China so that it would be as close to done as possible before President Barack Obama leaves office.

"We had extensive discussions at our Strategic and Economic Dialogue and on the margins of the G20 meetings. There're ongoing negotiations, there're exchanges of offers," Lew said of BIT talks at an event hosted by the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

"Fundamentally, it has to be a high quality agreement, there're offers of (market) access at both directions in a meaningful way if it's going to come to closure," Lew said.

A total of 28 rounds of BIT talks have been held since China and the United States started negotiations in 2008 to increase mutual investment, which only accounted for a tiny share of their respective overseas investment.

The two sides have recently exchanged the third revised and significantly improved negative list offers of sectors that remain closed to foreign investment, and they committed to further intensify the negotiation with a view to concluding a mutually beneficial and high-standard investment treaty.

Rory MacFarquhar, a visiting fellow at the PIIE and a former special assistant to President Obama for international economics, told Xinhua that there might be "more than one more round" of BIT negotiations before Obama steps down in January 2017.

"I think there's interest on both sides to come as very close as possible to conclude a real agreement that could then at least be considered by the Senate," he said, adding the Chinese side will have to "make a lot of important decisions" to reach a very good treaty with the U.S. and get the U.S. Senate's approval.

"We're obviously looking at the counter. It's getting shorter and shorter. So the time to really put the shoulder into it is now," Lew argued, noting "this is the best time" to continue moving forward the BIT negotiations.

"We're going to continue through the duration of our tenure trying to get it queued up so it's as close to done, if not done, as possible," he said.

The world's two largest economies have become more closely connected over the past few years, as China has become a huge and growing market for U.S. businesses and Chinese investment in the United States has rapidly accelerated.

The investment treaty is expected to continue to expand two-way trade and investment and cement the foundation of China-U.S. economic ties.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde speaks at a press conference on the coming 2016 Annual Meetings of IMF and World Bank Group in Washington D.C., the United States, Oct. 6, 2016. The IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings are scheduled on October 7-9. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank leaders on Thursday called for measures to promote inclusive growth and resist anti-trade sentiments.

"Globalization has worked over the years, that it has delivered great benefits to many people. We do not think that it is time to push against it," IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said at a press conference on Thursday.

Lagarde said that, in the past decades, the growth driven by international trade has helped countries like China and India to pull them out of massive poverty. "Trade has been in the main a great engine for growth,... we need that engine in order to support and accelerate growth," said Lagarde.

At the press conference, World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim also expressed his concern about the slowing global economy hit by falling commodity prices and stagnating global trade.

He said that trade and openness of the economy were the two keys for China to lift seven million people out of poverty in a rapid way. Kim called on all developing countries to embrace trade and open economy in order to end extreme poverty.

Both Lagarde and Kim called for investments in infrastructure and human beings in order to accelerate inclusive and sustainable growth.

In regard to the inclusion of China's Renminbi in the Special Drawing Right (SDR) basket, Lagarde said that it "certainly anchors the Chinese economy in the group of large, international, open economies in the world." She expected China will continue its reforms.

World Bank President also gave much credit to China's poverty reduction. "Without China we'd have no chance to even think about ending extreme poverty," said Kim, adding that China will be a very important partner in the World Bank's effort to end extreme poverty.
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Hurricane Matthew has severely affected southern parts of Haiti, especially the departments of Grand Anse and South, where the wind caused severe damage, a UN spokesman told reporters here Thursday.

The government of Haiti estimates that at least 350,000 people are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance, although it is expected that the number may rise as assessments are carried out, Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, said at a daily news briefing here. "At least five people are reported to have died."

After slicing through Haiti and Cuba, Hurricane Matthew pounded the Bahamas. It is the most powerful Caribbean storm in nearly a decade.

Authorities also report that over 15,600 people were evacuated and nearly 1,900 homes were flooded. Hundreds were damaged or destroyed, he said.

Also on Thursday, the UN Disaster Assessment Coordination (UNDAC) team and the Haitian government hope to conduct a joint assessment with other humanitarian partners, Haq said. "Communication with and access to the worst affected areas remain extremely limited."

The World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), along with non-governmental organization (NGO) partners are all scaling up support for critical shelter, water, sanitation and food assistance, he said.

Meanwhile, the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) is supporting the Haitian authorities in their assessment and reconnaissance efforts, especially towards the most affected areas in the south western tip of Haiti, and the cities of Jeremie and Les Cayes, he said.

"MINUSTAH has deployed assets by air and road, while its police and military components have been helping to clear debris from the roadways," he added.

Hurricane Matthew has left at least 108 people dead in Haiti, reports said, suggesting the death toll could rise because some inaccessible areas have not yet been accounted for.

Hurricane Matthew's strong winds caused serious damage in many parts of the small island country, above all in the South, Southeast, Nippes and Gran Anse departments.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde speaks at a press conference on the coming 2016 Annual Meetings of IMF and World Bank Group in Washington D.C., the United States, Sept. 30, 2016. The IMF and World Bank Annual meetings are scheduled on October 7-9. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank leaders on Thursday called for measures to promote inclusive growth and resist anti-trade sentiments.

"Globalization has worked over the years, that it has delivered great benefits to many people. We do not think that it is time to push against it," IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said at a press conference on Thursday.

Lagarde said that, in the past decades, the growth driven by international trade has helped countries like China and India to pull them out of massive poverty. "Trade has been in the main a great engine for growth,... we need that engine in order to support and accelerate growth," said Lagarde.

Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank Group speaks at a press conference on the coming 2016 Annual Meetings of IMF and World Bank Group in Washington D.C., the United States, Sept. 30, 2016. The IMF and World Bank Annual meetings are scheduled on October 7-9. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

At the press conference, World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim also expressed his concern about the slowing global economy hit by falling commodity prices and stagnating global trade.

He said that trade and openness of the economy were the two keys for China to lift seven million people out of poverty in a rapid way. Kim called on all developing countries to embrace trade and open economy in order to end extreme poverty.

Both Lagarde and Kim called for investments in infrastructure and human beings in order to accelerate inclusive and sustainable growth.

In regard to the inclusion of China's Renminbi in the Special Drawing Right (SDR) basket, Lagarde said that it "certainly anchors the Chinese economy in the group of large, international, open economies in the world." She expected China will continue its reforms.

World Bank President also gave much credit to China's poverty reduction. "Without China we'd have no chance to even think about ending extreme poverty," said Kim, adding that China will be a very important partner in the World Bank's effort to end extreme poverty.
Vehicles belonging to forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi explode after an air strike by coalition forces, along a road betweenBenghazi and Ajdabiyah March 20, 2011. (REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic/File Photo)

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The special representative of the UN secretary-general for Libya, Martin Kobler, on Thursday called for a humanitarian pause in Benghazi's Ganfouda neighborhood, a UN spokesman told reporters here.

"Mr. Kobler said he is deeply disturbed by reports that civilians in that neighborhood continue to be caught in cross-fire and suffer from shortages of food, water and medicines," the deputy UN spokesman, Farhan Haq, said at a daily news briefing here.

"The humanitarian pause would make it possible to reach those in need and create a safe passage to allow civilians who wish to leave to do so in a safe and dignified manner," he said, adding that Kobler stressed that the protection of civilians is the No. 1 priority and that the UN Mission (UNSMIL) is ready to support the evacuation.

Meanwhile, the UN envoy also stressed that the use of civilians as human shields and the carrying out of indiscriminate attacks are prohibited by international humanitarian law, Haq said. "Such violations would constitute war crimes and perpetrators would be held accountable."

Benghazi, the second largest city in Libya, has seen nearly constant fighting since 2014, when troops commanded by Khalifa Haftar in the name of the internationally recognized government have been fighting Islamist militants linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS).

The north African country remains divided politically between two governments and parliaments, despite a UN-brokered peace agreement signed by the country's political rivals in December 2015.
NIAMEY, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 22 Nigerien soldiers were killed Thursday in an attack on a refugee camp in the country's western region of Tassara.

A source told Xinhua that unknown gunmen attacked Nigerien soldiers who were guarding the camp housing Malian refugees, and killed at least 22 soldiers.

The attackers are suspected to be Islamic extremists from northern Mali, according to the source.

There is no official comment on the attack, but according to the source, the Nigerien military has launched an operation to hunt for the attackers.

Niger's national television reported Thursday night that a refugee camp in the country's western region bordering Mali was attacked by armed men. The report said there were heavy casualties but did not reveal the exact number.
File photo taken on April 12, 2016 shows Antonio Guterres of Portugal at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States. Former Portuguese prime minister and former head of the UN refugee agency, Antonio Guterres, was unanimously selected Wednesday by the UN Security Council as the next UN secretary-general, succeeding UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Jan. 1, 2017, Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, who is the council president for October, announced here. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously decided to recommend Antonio Guterres to head the United Nations for the next five years, starting from Jan.1, 2017.

The 15-nation council has delivered its decision to the UN General Assembly to formally appoint Guterres as the ninth secretary-general of the United Nations.

Under the UN Charter, the Secretary-General shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.

In practice, the Security Council will make the final choice and send a single candidate to the General Assembly for approval.

After the Security Council's formal announcement, Guterres expressed his gratitude by making a statement at Portugal's capital Lisbon, while saying he felt humility "to serve those most vulnerable" suffering from conflicts, poverty and injustices.

PROFILE OF ANTONIO GUTERRES

Guterres, a 67-year-old politician, served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.

During his tenure as head of UN refugee agency, known as UNHCR, he has tackled some of the largest displacement crises across the world in decades, particularly conflicts in Syria and Iraq.

Before joining UNHCR, Guterres spent more than 20 years in government and public service. He served as prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002, during which time he was heavily involved in international effort to resolve the crisis in East Timor.

Guterres was active in Socialist International, a worldwide organization of social democratic political parties. He served as the group's vice-president from 1992 to 1999.

Born in Lisbon in 1949, Guterres graduated from the Instituto Superior Tecnico of Portugal with a degree in electrical engineering. He is fluent in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.

Guterres is married.

VISION TO GUIDE THE UNITED NATIONS

Guterres has presented his vision statement on the United Nations in April this year, in which he called the UN as "the institutional expression of the international community," "the cornerstone of the international system" and "the key actor of effective multilateralism."

On addressing conflicts worldwide, Guterres noted that the UN must uphold a commitment to a "culture of prevention" and need a "surge in diplomacy for peace" to ease tensions and facilitate peaceful solutions.

According to the statement, he has proposed that the UN shall increase cooperation and engagement with regional organizations, international financial institutions as well as the civil society and the private sector.

On reform of the UN system, Guterres noted reform is not a one-time action; it is a permanent attitude to make the UN less bureaucratic and more efficient, to simplify processes and avoid extra costs.

EXPECTATIONS FROM THE WORLD

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said Guterres would be an excellent choice for the position of next UN secretary-general.

"He has a large experience as Portuguese prime minister, and a wide knowledge of world affairs, which would serve him well in leading the UN in a crucial period," said Ban.

Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, who is the Security Council president for October, said the council's unanimous decision shows that Guterres would "rely on strong support of the Security Council" in the next five years.

Argentine Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra, also one of the secretary-general candidates, congratulated Guterres for being selected as next UN secretary-general.

"I wish him all the best in his position at the head of our UN," she said via her official Twitter account.
Is GATE really a good bargain?

When Mr Manning made his announcement, the economy of TT was in the midst of what is now known to be one of the most prolific energy booms in the countrys history. Gross Domestic Product was an estimated $12.41 billion and projected to keep on rising. Expected revenue was $34.13 billion while expenditure was projected at $34.12 billion  the budget was in balance  a slight surplus, in fact.

Oil prices then were US$65 per barrel but the budget was based on an oil price of $45 per barrel.

GATE was estimated to cost the government about $100 million but the returns on investment would have been worth it  a highly skilled labour force on track to meet the target a population made up of 60 percent tertiary graduates.

Fast forward a decade later and its questionable whether the country has met those targets, or at least received any return on that investment with value for money. The countrys economy is in its seventh straight quarter of negative economic growth.

The Budget for Fiscal 2017 has projected a deficit with revenue at $47.4 billion and expenditure at $53.5 billion. Expected oil revenue  that allowed us to fund GATE in the first place  has been reduced to a paltry $2.6 billion.

GATE spending has since ballooned to $650 million allocated in Fiscal 2017, but since the programmes introduction, with the oversupply of human capital released into the market, there has been significant wage suppression, economics lecturer at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Dr Daren Conrad, said.

Human capital accumulation is a significant part of development but we have to do it in a scientific way in terms of determining our human capital needs. As a country we do not know our human capital needs. If we have a development plan with targets then we can establish that and work towards developing that as opposed to simply spending on tertiary level education, Dr Conrad, who specialises in education and the economy, said at the UWI Post- Budget Forum on Tuesday.

Its a great thing, he told his audience  mainly economics students  to sit there at no significant cost for tuition, but eventually graduates will fall victim to wage suppression because the country is mass producing highly skilled labour with no real capacity for absorption in the manufacturing and services sector.

Theres no demand really so the system is not generating results. So graduates will find that they are earning the real income of an individual who would have basically had A Levels, he said.

While its good to produce human capital, we can overproduce, which will have a negative impact on the economy in the long run, he added.

Now, labour statistics from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago dont detail the specifics of the labour force, especially demographically by age or sector  not to mention any measure of underemployment  but what they do show is that from 2006 to 2015, while the number of people who had jobs increased, the labour force participation rate actually fell, and from 2012 to 2015 the labour force actually contracted.

(See table) In effect, while TT keeps churning out more highly skilled workers, aside from an employment rate of 3.8 percent  what could be classed as full employment  there doesnt seem to be a concurrent rate of such highly skilled productive output.

Government, for its part, has recognised the need to modify the GATE programme to reflect a change in economic fortunes. The economy is in deficit and oil booms are nowhere on the horizon.

Among the proposals, effective from the academic year 2017- 2018, a means test will determine a students financial eligibility.

Students coming from homes that make less than $10,000 per month will receive 100 percent funding. Households making between $10,000 and $30,000 will pay 25 percent, and students from households over $30,000 will pay 50 percent.

Graduate students will not receive funding unless their programme is in line with the countrys developmental needs. And students over 50 will not receive any funding at all.

These new parameters, the government hopes, will help reduce GATE expenditure from $650 million in 2016 to $600 in 2017 and $500 million in 2018.

Dr Conrad suggested the levels be lowered even more to the original $100 million average.

I personally think the GATE strategy stated by the government will fail, Dr Roger Hosein, another UWI St Augustine lecturer, stated.

Hosein, who was one of the architects of the original GATE strategy, said the government was ignoring all the studies showing falling population dynamics in TT. As the youthful population declines, so too will university enrolment  already evidenced by the 18 percent drop in UWI enrolment from 13,166 in 2011 to 10,761 now.

Its not based on conceptual logic. We need to design a system where in the context of a falling population [new students] remain free but people repay after graduation, via some kind of income contingent arrangement, Dr Hosein said.

Furthermore, GATE policies rarely benefit the primary intended target  low income students.

When we look at how the numbers are crunched we see the low income earners are not the beneficiaries even though we have the excess capacity in the education sector to get these individuals enrolled but yet we have the high income earners entering university and getting the benefits of GATE so where is the equity in that? Dr Conrad questioned.

Dr Hosein agreed, noting that 70 percent of the households in the country earn less than $10,000 per month, so that the modifications wont apply to them  but its the other 30 percent anyway who access university and GATE significantly more.

Means testing, he added, would not necessarily work because people can find ways to manipulate the system.

Tertiary education is mainly a private good and because of that the returns accrue mainly to the individual. I think the strategy should be one in which students receive free education to the point of utilisation but we provide a system where each and every one  providing income surpasses a certain threshold level  repays, he said.
Budget highlights

During the question and answer segment he addressed the issue of diversification and noted that for far too long we have depended almost solely on the energy sector. Given that both price and production have been suppressed for some time now, it is imperative that we stimulate growth and innovation in our economy.

The TT Chamber recognised the well-known risks associated with our dependence on our hydrocarbon resources, while acknowledging the importance of managing those resources to enhance our economic well-being in the short and medium term.

At the same time, the Chamber is aware that we use these very resources to assist in the process of reducing our dependence in the long-term.

This is not in any way contradictory. On the one hand, some may misinterpret the emphasis on reducing the dependence, as a call to pay less attention to the sector. However, there is strong potential within the energy sector for not only funding such transformation, but also for leveraging strategic opportunities for diversification and development within the sector itself.

It was evident from the Budget presentation that the Minister of Finance understood this delicate balance and the TT Chamber was heartened to observe his recognition of the importance of consulting with stakeholders on the implications of government actions on the energy sector, particularly as it impacts production.

With regard to service delivery, more money simply does not mean more value. Successive administrations have yet to prove themselves institutionally capable of effectively providing value for money spent. In the current climate, increasing the allocation to one ministry in the annual budget does not lead to a proportionate increase in value to citizens. This has been proven to be true time and again in the case of national security, health and local government, to name but a few sectors.

Regarding the new 30% tax on individuals and companies, it appears that the easier option was to increase taxes on those already compliant, and at the same time, call upon the business community to invest, expand and become more innovative. It should be noted that investments and the like require capital, and this new tax regime may well restrict the availability of such capital.

The TT Chamber recognises the need to share the burden of adjustment across to those who have the capacity to carry that burden. We appreciate the Finance Ministers reasoning that this tax will apply to persons earning in excess of one million dollars per annum. However, we also believe that the tax on corporations will result ultimately in impacting a much broader pool of entities, and this could restrict capital investment.

Is it that the private sector is far too risk-averse, as the Honourable Minister wondered at the Post- Budget meeting? Or is it that we would like Government to share measurable targets and timeframes for delivering on all that it proposes to deliver upon? In the coming weeks there will be much discourse and debate on the proposed fiscal package for 2017. Following on the heels of our post-budget analysis meeting, the TT Chamber will continue to closely monitor the outcomes, as we seek to represent the interest of our membership in the best way possible.
Correcting budget contradictions

Perhaps the first and most obvious is a budget deficit touted as a tool that will result in economic growth of 1%. Ironically, the budget, which contained such significant cuts in expenditure and major fall off in revenues, was titled a Blue Print for Transformation and Growth. In reality it should have been dubbed Fiscal Consolidation and Stabilization. It tackles the massive fall in government revenues, reduces expenditure and attempts to raise new taxes and increase revenues through one-off measures.

Transformation and growth are indeed not one-year expeditions.

Rather they occur with planning over a medium to long term horizon.

Any consideration of growth is predicated on the rebound of the energy sector, as it is hoped commodity prices recover moderately and new discoveries of oil and gas come on stream to stem the tide of decline. This is not an economic plan: it is a wait and see game, an obvious contradiction.

There are plans for infrastructure development which place major emphasis on road and port development. Does this massive investment actually alleviate the traffic congestion that takes place on the main arteries of the country? It would appear that this will simply increase the volume of traffic on the east-west corridor as well as the north-south corridor: another transformation and growth contradiction.

Port development makes sense if some rationale is presented. Where does the Minister see the new exports coming from? In light of the decline of production in oil and gas, the cessation of operations of ISPAT and CENTRIN, and the reduction in real GDP from the non-energy sector, exactly where will the port demand be coming from? Then there is the issue of debt not exceeding 65% by 2020. With the downward revision of GDP in 2016 to $145 billion, our debt/ GDP now stands at 60.8 percent. There are studies which demonstrate that a 56 percent of debt to GDP ratio is the threshold for the Caribbean, above which increases to accumulated debt and result in a reduction in economic growth. Increasing the size of the finance required to bridge the budget deficit resulting in increased debt that surpasses the threshold thus reduces growth - yet another contradiction.

The FATCA debacle and the drive to attract foreign investment is another glaring contradiction. Which foreign investor will take seriously a jurisdiction that has not at this late stage put its house in order to have a full enforced FATCA agreement? How can this country hope to become an international financial center when finance legislation cannot even be agreed upon? What about other types of investment? What has the pattern been? Isnt the majority of investment focused on the energy sector? How feasible is it to expect that at the low prices of oil and gas there will be investor confidence to take exploratory risk in this country? There is also the obvious contradiction in the argument on online purchases. Very simply goods will either be imported by retailers or consumers. It is questionable what foreign exchange saving will take place. If it is protection of local retailers, what studies have been done to identify the net benefit? How is the Minister compensating the public for the loss of cheaper, possibly better, product and variety? The latter is a conflict.

In such a short space only limited examples can be highlighted but there are so many more, such as recognizing the need for food security but a glaring lack of agricultural incentives.

The Minister has to correct these quickly.
Flying High

I say this in the context of many of us labeled as either Generation X, or Millennial in terms of age grouping, not actually being present to have witnessed our national flag being hoisted as a symbol of our birth as a nation.

I will forever recall the breathtaking sense of national pride experienced at being present for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London with my family, as we stood in the main stadium readying ourselves for the track and field events. Whilst waiting on the relays in particular, we witnessed a small commotion taking place on the javelin field and noted a particular young man, called Keshorn Walcott, advancing through each throw closer to a medal placing.

Words cannot describe the sense of nationhood, my family and I felt on that final throw, confirming his gold medal placing, and the endless flow of tears as we witnessed our symbol of nationhood being hoisted, before a stadium of 70,000 persons, many of whom may not have noticed the colours of Trinidad and Tobago before. Experiences such as these epitomise the value and meaning of what such a symbol represents.

A nations national flag is a symbol or representation of the actual nation. Flag protocol therefore defines the treatment, placement, handling and use of official flags. Many countries have written into their constitution, the guidelines to be used to govern their particular flag protocol, whereas other countries have stated guidelines without general consequences attached.

In Trinidad and Tobago, the use of our national flag is specifically and clearly articulated both in the military context as well as within the state context and can be easily accessed via a Google search on national emblems. In addition to Government ministries, State enterprises and institutions, many private organizations may display the national flag, and must follow the basic guidelines accorded to the stated flag protocol.

The national flag should be quickly hoisted to the top of the staff, with due care being taken to ensure that is occupies the correct position in the halyard (rope used to hoist and lower). The right upper corner of the flag should be at the peak of the staff. The flag should be lowered slowly and with dignity, carefully ensuring that the flag does not touch the ground.

When the national flag is flown with other flags in Trinidad and Tobago, it must be the first to go up, and the last to come down.

It must never be lowered whilst other flags are being hoisted. If the national flag is being used on a rostrum, if displayed in a flat position, behind the speaker and high above their head and above all other d?cor, with the flag occupying the normal position it would when it flies from a staff, that is the upper Dexter (on the right) quarter should be uppermost and from the right side as it faces the audience.

If an organization may be engaging in foreign meetings and negotiations, and perhaps may choose to highlight the visiting delegations symbol, the flag of Trinidad and Tobago should be placed on the left with other national flags placed in alphabetical order in the language of the host country  in our case, Standard English.
TSTT, E-IDCOT partner on ICT investment

Rakesh Goswami TSTTs Executive Vice President Strategic Alliance, Enterprise and Tobago Operations (SET), said TSTT has extensive knowledge and experience in deploying fibre throughout their telecommunications network and for clients, as well as in building and managing data centres. He said, TSTT already has international TIA certification for its Tier 3 level data centre, in addition to 6 high level data rooms, so we have extensive credible experience that is being brought to bear on the Cove project.

Goswami assured that the data centre will have world-class standards and added, We envision the Cove Data Centre to be the ideal solution for Tobago-based organisations, as well as for Trinidad, Caribbean and Latin American customers. As a Tier 3, TIA certified data centre with a guarantee of 99.982% availability, the services provided will cover the full spectrum of the most requested data centre products including storage, back-up, co-location, disaster recovery and business continuity, add-on services and virtual machines, either rental or on-demand computer infrastructure for companies. In addition, the data centre will have redundancy in power and storage, and high security features to eliminate the risks from fire, theft, earthquakes, floods and hurricanes.

To support the data centre, E-IDCOT commissioned the installation of a fibre optic network throughout the Cove Business Park to provide a comprehensive and modern telecommunications infrastructure. This will facilitate high-speed data communications, voice, video streaming, teleconferencing and higher-end ICT applications in a high level security environment to protect the information and products of the parks tenants. Reminding that TSTT was the only locally-owned, full-service telecommunications provider in Trinidad and Tobago, Goswami said, The ICT infrastructure being deployed in the Cove represents an investment of approximately TT$30M and we are very excited about this joint venture of two indigenous companies and for the opportunity to participate in the economic transformation and development of Tobago. The possibilities that can evolve from utilising this data centre are boundless due to the affordable rates that will be offered. Companies can relocate and centralize their data bases there, as well as increase the size of their storage. This will provide synergies which will allow these companies to do more with the massive amount of information they are now capturing, such as additional market research capabilities which can be used to gain a better understanding of their customers and an increase in competiveness.

Bernard Mitchell, E-IDCOTs Chief Executive Officer explained why the planned data centre will have significant economic development opportunities for Tobago. He noted, E-IDCOTs core mandate is to lead the development and diversification of Tobagos economy beyond tourism. Where the ICT sector is concerned there are challenges in terms of the overall value proposition. The data centre is critical because there is no facility like it in Tobago and this needs to be addressed to establish a robust ICT industry. We see the data centre as being pivotal in the exposure of the island, by putting Tobago on the world map with respect to a data centre.

Mitchell continued, But it is also an avenue to propel the growth of the ICT industry in Tobago and increase the number of persons with careers in ICT. We are also developing the animation industry in Tobago with certification training and the establishment of a company that will offer animation services. A critical dimension of this is to have a robust ICT infrastructure, in terms of reliability and redundancy, as well as storage and its support services.

Mitchell welcomed the partnership with TSTT and stated, After going through the tender process, TSTT came out on top. We see TSTT as a strong capable partner and we look forward to working with them to make this a success in Trinidad and Tobago and across the Caribbean. Through this partnership we will ensure that we have the right calibre of managers and technical persons to staff the data centre as a tier 3 facility at international standards.

The tier 3 data centre is scheduled to begin construction in January 2017 and become fully operational by June 2018. Mitchell remarked, We have been building momentum over the last 2 years. The Cove Business Park is already operational with tenants and the data centre and fibre deployment are the next steps which will create a gravitational pull for the development of the ICT sector in Tobago.
Sandals grows business

Hopkin is the owner of the Spice Island Beach Resort which won the 2014 Six Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Science (AAHS).

In an impassioned speech, Hopkin minced few words as he advised Tobago hoteliers, its people and the government of Trinidad and Tobago to embrace the opportunity which was being presented by Sandals to open a Tobago resort.

The Sandals story is easy to be told, Hopkin began, adding, contrary to what a lot of people think and say, because they dont know what they are saying and they dont understand the business, they say Sandals is coming to take your business but what Sandals does is that it grows its business. When Sandals opened [in Grenada], the first year, I only have 64 rooms, my business grew by a TT$20 million increase, why, because you have a Sandals brand in your country, you have a Sandals show, he said.

And with the Grenada Tourism Minister, Dr Clarice Modeste-Curwen, also part of the audience, Hopkin pointed that Sandals marketing thrust of just a few advertisements was more than the annual Tourism Ministry budget.

What they spend in three or four ads is what Madam minister has in her tourism budget to spend for the year, so what happens, someone reads a Sandals ad, Sandals is in Grenada, quite frankly not everybody that sees a Sandals ad is a Sandals client but they see an ad for Grenada, for Tobago, and I know you are having the same kind of discussions down there, Hopkins said. He pointed out that a common misconception was the resort chain was coming to get everything, they go get tax break but what the governments have to do is they have to understand is that tourism is an industry and a main export. Youve got to be prepared to take half of the loaf than get the whole loaf and get nothing out of the loaf, the loaf will grow moss on the fridge and you will have to throw it and that is what has been happening, he said.

He cited Barbados which had between 8,000 and 9,000 hotels rooms just one decade ago and had now fallen to 3,500 rooms but had since rebounded to 4,000 rooms due to the addition of a Sandals resort.

In a lot of the islands, hotels are going under, as they have done in Grenada, this, [LaSource hotel] was a hotel that went under before Sandals came, LaSource went bankrupt, all their employees went home, Sandals comes in and they have over 700 (or) 800 people working here, he said.

He continued: So if they got some concessions to bring in things who wins, Grenada has 28 percent unemployment so they are employing, they open a call centre. They say Sandals imports everything, they only import everything because we cant produce it but Tobago and Trinidad is ideal for it because you not like Antigua, or Barbados which is a coral island, you can grow everything, he said.

So we have to get our act together and not be scared of competition, the government of Tobago if you want to tell investment, check on your big hotels in Tobago, when last have they been renovated, other than the few boutiques, you know why, they cannot afford, and as a result, the product is going down, and some of the people who might be fighting you now are those products that have gone down, and they dont know how to get it up, he added.

When I saw Sandals coming in, you know what I did, I didnt do like some of allyuh fellas in Tobago bawling Sandals coming in, I went to the government and I invested about $5m US to upgrade my hotel, and that has borne the fruits where in that same year, I went up by US$3 million which is about TT$21 million and I now have 64 rooms with 210 employees, he noted.

So it is tourism which is going to drive you in Tobago unless you find the oil and the gas in Tobago, dont fear Sandals, Sandals is going to be an asset, he said.

He recalled that he had been invited to speak at the official opening of the Sandals LaSource and had accepted because I know is Sandals comes in Grenada, its a win/win for all of us. Hopkin also addressed the issue of cruise ship arrivals being a bigger boost to Caribbean countries saying while cruise ship did provide a boost in foreign exchange, this could not be compared to an on island tourist staying at a resort or hotel. We need the cruise ships but bear in mind that today you can buy a cruise for US$599 per person for a week because they are travelling and they have all the incentives, he said.

Regarding the issue of concessions to Sandals, he said Tobagonian hoteliers had to also approach government for its own concessions.

I know in Tobago, like a lot of the naysayers in Grenada, Sandals coming and you giving them concessions which we do not have. We have to try in our own environment to get those concessions to operate, he added.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister, Dr Clarice Modeste-Curwen, noted that the Sandals marketing machine had done a fantastic job in identifying Grenada as a tourist destination.

Sandals does a fantastic job and while their primary objective is to market for Sandals, but they also do market Grenada as a destination and we are pleased with that, she said.

She too addressed the issue of concessions saying while they could be described as great said they could be justified by the increased employment by Sandals.

The concessions have been great but I think the benefits are justified in this regard so do not be afraid, do not be jealous of the concession that Sandals have had, plead you own case, bask in the benefits that Sandals would bring to you and your people, she said.

We need our own other hotels to grow and perform in our environment, I think it is a win/win situation, I think its a good marriage, I think its a great addition to your hotel and tourism stock, she added.

Also addressing the luncheon was Sandals LaSource Resort & Spa, general manager, Peter Fraser, who recalled some of the challenges which had faced the new resort in the opening days of its official opening in 2013 which included a freak storm and mud slides.

Its almost three years, on December 21, 2013, we opened Sandals LaSource. I dont think we will ever forget that date because three days later, on Christmas Eve, we had a freak storm, and the mud came rolling down because the grass had not set, the Christmas tree was full of mud. It was a very trying time, Fraser said, adding, I left here about 4 am, I went to the nearest bar and I said lord it can only get better.

And ladies and gentlemen, it has been almost three years now, the grass has grown, the plants are blooming, the birds are back but the success of Sandals is our team talent, our suppliers, our consistent capital investment, our global marketing and our support from government, he said.
Grenada tourism stakeholders endorse Sandals

Speaking to reporters following a French styled luncheon at Sandals Le Jardinier restaurant, tour operator, Randal Robinson, spoke animatedly of how his operations had gone from seasonal to full time, employing staff members on a yearround basis.

We had set up our company that catered to the cruise ships, so sixseven months of the year you would be employed and after that, well there were local tour companies that would purchase your tours but it was very on and off, Robinson, who provides river tubing, jeep tours and trailblazers bike tours, said.

So Sandals has now stepped into the breach and provided year-round employment and tour opportunities for the company so there is no break in operation at all, he said.

According to Robinson, Sandals did not regard them as simply service providers but as partners who were given encouragement and training opportunities.

Now I have about 20 staff full-time, who used to be seasonal and now they are full time, all from Grenada, he said.

Robinson pointed out that the economic development of the island could be traced using the river tubing side of his operations as most of the staff members came from one particular village.

So you can track the development of the village. Guides have built homes and invest in different things so you can actually see a change in the economic situation of the guys over the last few years, he said.

Regarding Tobago, Robinson, who noted that he had spent several years living and working in Trinidad and Tobago, described Tobago as being similar to Grenada and predicted the same economic growth for Tobago.

Tobago is very much like Grenada, so the similarities between Tobago and Grenada are many and the way Sandals has impacted the Grenadian economy says the same thing will, Tobago is going to be impacted that same way, he said.

It really has impacted us, and I speak as a local person who is in the tourism sector, it has impacted us in a major way, he said.

Meanwhile, Supervisor of Customs, Sharon Rose, boasted that the Spice Island had witnessed an increase in arrivals by both commercial and private aircraft saying this had been a major boost to Grenadas economic fortunes.

Tourism activities has been boosted by the presence of Sandals and the economy is now able to attract potential investors who would generate business opportunities on the island, Rose announced.

Also singing from the same song book was Grenada Tourism Authority, chief executive officer, Rudy Grant, who, in an impassioned address, described Grenadas tourism growth as an exceptional and exhilarating, experience. In 2014, we experienced growth in visitor arrivals in excess of 18 percent and a significant contribution in relation to that was due to the marketing support which we received from Sandals with Sandals marketing dollars, Grant said.

The reality is that an economy such as ours with very limited resources benefitted significantly from a strong internationally known hotel brand such as Sandals coming into Grenada and assisting us with our tourism development, he stated, adding, so we were very, very happy in welcoming Sandals to Grenada. He said the island had also benefited from participating with Sandals through some mega farms as well as the visit of almost 2,500 travel agents coming to Grenada which had been facilitated by Sandals.

And what that allowed was not only for exposure of the Sandals LaSource property, it also facilitate exposure of Grenada as well and the culture of Grenada, the history and the heritage of Grenada and that allowed us to be able to keep Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique top of mind, he observed. And waxing philosophical, he noted that as the rising tide raises all ships said the presence of Sandals here in Grenada has certainly done that for us within the tourism industry because Sandals simply put focuses on only providing the best. Tobago is a tourism destination similar to Grenada, we have a lot of things that are in common, let us also have in common a Sandals property where we can communicate and relate with each other and where we can share our experiences and together we can grow, he concluded.
Bored teens in court

The magistrate issued a summons to the teens father to appear in court and explain why his sons were not in school at the time they were arrested.

The teens, aged 16 and 17, told the magistrate that they have no electricity at home so they cant read their schoolbooks at night and they are generally bored with life. The two were arrested on Tuesday but appeared in court yesterday.

The charges read against them were that they used insulting language to Constable Sam.

The 16-year-old was slapped with an additional charge of resisting arrest.

Court prosecutor Sgt Ian Sylvan said that at 11.30 am on Tuesday, officers on patrol along Pluck Road in La Fortune, Woodland spotted the brothers walking a road in a lonely area.

The officers became suspicious and confronted the minors.

As PC Sam search the 16-yearold, he (the teen) shouted: You eh get nothing...yuh dotish police! That is how allyuh does lose allyuh wuk; allyuh does interfere with the wrong people. Lock me up nah! I eh fraid no magistrate! As PC Sam was arresting the teen, his brother shouted: Allyuh lock up meh brother, I will take lock up too. Allyuh is young police and is not allyuh alone have gun. He continued, the court heard, Allyuh working Sando, yuh go get what allyuh looking for! Pleading with Magistrate Diop to exercise leniency, attorney Frank Gittens said the boys live with their father who is estranged from their mother, who is a senior police officer.

The mother sat in court for the hearing yesterday. Magistrate Diop asked the mother to step forward and she (the mother) said that the 16-year-old is a student of Marabella Senior Secondary while her elder son dropped out from San Fernando Senior Secondary School.

The mother said she is a police officer but explained that while she has been granted custody of her sons, she has a Protection Order against the childrens father and is not allowed to visit them where they live in La Romaine.

The mother admitted that in the house, there is no electricity and therefore her boys sleep in darkness, have no television and no appliances.

The officer added that she lives with her father whose house cannot accommodate the two boys.

Magistrate Diop issued a summons for the boys father to attend court and told the mother to be present in court as well at the next hearing set for November 7.

The boys were released on $5,000 bail after Diop ordered a Probation Officers report.
Vendor charged for exposing himself

John Richards, 23, of Lumsden Street, Gasparillo pleaded guilty to the charges in the San Fernando Magistrates court before Magistrate Natalie Diop. The magistrate also read a fourth charge to Richards that on the same day, he resisted the arrest by Police Constable Lennard Thomas of the San Fernando Police Station.

The magistrate asked Richards if he had ever been medically treated and the accused man, pointing to a finger said, For a cut. She granted him own bail in the sum of $8,000 and informed him that on November 2, when he returns to court, the prosecutor would read the facts of the charges and he would face the courts decision.
2 years jail for stealing phone

Warwood pleaded guilty to larceny of a Samsung S5 cellphone on October 9, from teacher Melissa Lutchmansingh.

Court prosecutor Sgt Ian Sylvan said that at 3.35 pm, Lutchmansingh was walking along Coffee Street in San Fernando when Warwood snatched the phone which the teacher was using. Constable Mohess of San Fernando CID conducted investigations and arrested Warwood, whom the prosecutor said, could not account for the phones whereabouts. Attorney Ainsley Lucky pleaded for leniency, asking the magistrate not to send Warwood to prison, for he was remorseful for the act.

Warwood was given an opportunity to apologise in court to the teacher and he said, Im sorry for what I did and I ask for your forgiveness. Magistrate Diop then asked Warwood, What did you do with the phone? Attorney Lucky replied, Your Worship, he did the most stupid thing and discarded the phone. He is a radiator specialist; the man whom you call when things heat up (in the car engine). Unfortunately though, he works not for himself and therein lies the problem. He is being exploited. Magistrate Diop said the court was not moved to grant leniency to Warwood by way of a fine. She said that due regard and respect for peoples property are a must and according to the Larceny Act, Section 11:12 (15), a maximum sentence of ten years in prison can be imposed on the guilty.

The fact that you got rid of someone elses property, is disturbing, the magistrate said as she ordered the accused to be imprisoned for two years with hard labour. The court heard that the accused was out on bail pending the date for his trial in the High Courts for kidnapping.
Short day in court for dad of drowned boy

Henry spent almost a month in jail due to complications in accessing bail, and was not even allowed to attend his sons funeral. He was finally released from prison on Friday last after his bail was sorted out. When the matter was called yesterday, Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar adjourned the case to November 28, after she was told by court prosecutor Insp Winston Dillon he received no instructions from the police officer who charged Henry.

Supporting Henry at his court hearing were media personality Errol Fabien, Harvey Borris, head of the Centre for Justice and the Black Caucus Movement, and president of the Single Fathers Association, Rhondall Feeles, who called on the public to support the Henry family.

Borris said Henry should never have gone to jail and called on the court to ensure the family is reunited.

Let conscience be your guide, Borris said.

Henrys sister, Joanne, said while the family was happy that Jerome was out of jail, little Josiahs death was still a hard blow for them.

He was the baby. Jo Jo (Josiah) was a darling, she said in a live Facebook video posting, facilitated by Feeles and the Single Fathers Association.

Joanne said her brother was a super hero to his two children, and was adamant that the young father would never hurt them.

They have it bad for him. He would never hurt his children, she said, adding that Jerome was not ready to speak with the media.

Also appearing in the same court yesterday, minutes before Henrys matter was called, was preschool employee Euralia Thomas, 56, who is charged with manslaughter and wilful neglect of a child in the drowning death of Jemimah Agard.

Jemimah, aged six, then a pupil of Sharons Pre-School, Woodbrook, was among a group of children who were taken to the pool at the YMCA in Woodbrook on June 2, 2014, for a swim.

The girl, of East Dry River, Portof- Spain, was later found unresponsive at the bottom of the pool.

Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard, SC, who had given instructions to charge Henry, gave similar instructions to the police in Thomas case, two years after the incident.

Thomas matter was also adjourned to November 28. She is represented by attorney Kelston Pope.
Mac Farlane back in town

Fast track to 2017, however, and Mac Farlane has returned and while his Trinidadian return is short-lived, he intends put a new spin on Carnival...in Tobago. His return to the streets of Port-of-Spain will be in the interest of competition but he will be re-introducing himself and this new concept to Trinidadians looking for something different come Carnival 2018.

His reasons for returning are two-fold. He wants the country to sit up and take notice of TTs heritage spaces and sites. He said in an interview at his design studio, Alfredo Street, Woodbrook: There are two things really. One is as you know all of my bands told a story. Whether politically, environmentally, historically and there was always an underlying message in all of the concepts and presentations. One that was always a sort of a pet-peeve of mine was the lack of concern or respect by many for our heritage sites.

Not just the glorious buildings like the magnificent seven but simple little architectural buildings that might be behind the bridge or in Laventille, Belmont, Woodbrook, Tobago.

Beautiful buildings. I came back, one, for next year to bring recognition to that and two, for 2018, I want to start a whole fresh new concept in the sphere of mas and Carnival but based in Tobago. The band with its shades of whites, and off whites, brown cottons and ivories will pay tribute to one of TTs best known 19th century artist, Michel- Jean Cazabon.

For him, the band pays tribute to an era which he often described as beautiful.

This years band is going to be based around the period of Cazabon a very great TT artist who is world renowned for his pieces of art. That is so beautifully done of sites and architectural buildings here in TT. And the reason I chose that Cazabon era is because it was a perfect time for our country; where fashion was beautiful. The beautiful petticoats and lace dresses and high necks... and the guys with top hats and suspenders. It was just a glorious kind of fashion but it was also a beautiful time for architecture... This will then be used, he said, as a catalyst for what he wants to accomplish in Tobago.

Mac Farlane said that this oneoff Trinidadian band was not about him but rather, I wanted to make it inclusive of other creative people. So I brought on board all of TTs top fashion designers, people like Claudia Pegus, Heather Jones, Sonia Mac, Peter Elias, Dianne Hunt, Fazad Mohammed, Dale Angus, Charu Lochan Dass and Adrian Foster.

What I did was brought on two of young scholars from University Trinidad and Tobago (UTT)...a young lady and young man, who will be my mentees. Mac Farlane has always had a love for Tobago which is why he is taking his art there. I think there is such awesome talent in Tobago.

I think, personally, Trinidad has become a wonderful, fabulous, huge, street party for Carnival. It really has lost the artform and I still think Tobago is kind of a diamond in the rough and I would like to go there and just cultivate. I am not the Pope of Carnival, by any means, but just what I can do in my own little way. I would like to do something in Tobago.

It is nothing more than simple mas we would like to do for the first year. Maybe nothing more than white sailors with powder but decorating the whole of Scarborough with big white flags. It is not going to be a two-day thing but a seven-day package with events that are going to touch on all-aspects. There is going to be a fusion of Caribbean food, of fashion, a fabulous catwalk on the beach. There is going to be an art exhibition...

so it will take you to different sites and places in Tobago and bring all of these wonderful elements together, he explained.

Many Trinidadians were looking for an alternative to the Carnival in TT that had become little more than a huge street party. While away for the past three years, Mac Farlane occupied his time with work in his design studio. Doing some exhibitions among them one in Canada as well. But he admitted to crying like a baby the first year away from Carnival.

While the country seeks to broaden its economic base, Mac Farlane believes that it needs to look no further than its own creative sector.

However, it was not about, take something that is solely ours and birth out of our society and people and package it to be a commodity to sell. I really dont think we could do that. This is something of us. But rather, he said, TT s brand of Carnival became popular and wellknown because of its people and authenticity. For him, TT s Carnival is no longer the greatest show on earth. Instead, the viability of the industry rested, he said, in focusing on its authenticity and craftsmanship.

Mac Farlanes media launch will be held on October 19 to introduce the band to wider TT .

He does not also intend to follow a parade route but instead do a presentation at a yet to be announced venue as an offering to TT free of charge. On October 21, Mac Farlane will open his Rosalino Street, mas camp. Port-of-Spain Mayor Keron Valentine will walk with the band and with keys in hand head to the mas camp where it would be open after three years for the public to enter and view the costumes.
GRANNY ESCAPES

Even as both soldiers were being placed under arrest at the side of the Uriah Butler Highway, a 70-year-old grandmother was thanking the Almighty as she recalled the horror of a volley of gunshots being fired at her home when the ex-soldiers invaded, intent on not only committing murder but also burning down her humble abode.

Facing the possibility of a bullet through her body or dying a slow, agonising death by fire, the woman told Newsday she kept her composure and used a cell phone to contact police when_she observed through a glass door, the intruders dousing her gallery with gasoline and igniting a channa bomb (a crude homemade explosive device). After, the intruders opened fire hitting the womans daughters boyfriend in his upper left leg. I never hear gunshots so in my entire life, a shaken Odessa Constance said as she sat in the very gallery where hours earlier the ex-soldiers stood in Nagee Road, Hindustan, New Grant.

Look at my age. I tell you I hear about 30 shots. All up the road they heard the shots. Is God who saved me this morning. Innocent people could have been dead. The house could have burnt and you would have only found my ashes here this morning. _The homemade bomb left at the bottom of the back stairs failed to explode and as a result, the gas-soaked gallery was not ignited. Constance told Newsday the house, which is 59 years old, would have been destroyed._None of us would have survived. Police reported that Judah Jackson, 32, also called Judah Buchoon, a recent deportee from the United States, was shot in the leg.

He was rushed to Princes Town District Health Facility before being transferred to the San Fernando General Hospital for further treatment. Newsday understands that Jackson has since discharged himself. Police recovered several spent shells in the area.

The two former special forces soldiers, one who held the rank of Corporal and with 18 years service and the other, a Lance Corporal with 14 years service, were arrested in connection with the incident. A Nissan Qashqai SUV was intercepted on the northbound lane of the Uriah Butler Highway near Munroe Road Flyover in Chaguanas. Inside, both ex-soldiers were found and immediately handcuffed and made to sit on the grass off the highway surrounded by heavily armed policemen.

A search of the SUV yielded several semi-automatic pistols, a Mac-11 machine-gun and several rounds of ammunition. Police said that at about 4.45 am yesterday, Constance, her daughter Renee Pixie Dorner, 32, and Jackson were asleep when Jackson heard a noise and went outside to check._ He was confronted by two men and following several loud explosions, was found suffering a gunshot wound to the leg. The men escaped in two vehicles - a Nissan Qashqai and a Lexus.

Police received a report and an All Point Bulletin (APB) was issued at about 6.30 am. PCs Khan and Kissoon of the Highway Patrol who were on static duty in the area, intercepted the vehicle after observing that it fitted the description given. The firearms included a Mac-11 machine-gun with six rounds of 9.9 mm ammunition and three magazines; one Glock .40 calibre pistol with three magazines and 32 rounds of ammunition; one Luger pistol with 20 rounds of .9 mm ammunition and one Springfield XD pistol with 13 rounds of .9 mm ammunition. The number plate PDE 2100, which was observed on the vehicle when they left the scene, was found among others lying on the back seat of the vehicle which has since been impounded..

Also assisting in the operation yesterday were Snr Supt Nanan, Supt Singh, Insp Harry, Sgt Doodnath and Cpl Sooknanan along with officers of the Southern and Central Divisions.

Police are however still looking for the Lexus vehicle. Newsday learnt that a close female friend of one of the ex soldiers, who visited the Chaguanas Police Station yesterday afternoon, was arrested after police searched her and found_seven rounds of ammunition.

_ Constance yesterday pointed to bloodstains on the floor as she said her house was a war zone. In the gallery there was an _empty plastic bottle, which contained the gasoline, stuffed into a plastic bag.

The vinyl on the gallery floor was slippery from gas which was emptied on the floor and cushions which were soaked with gas had to be thrown outside._Constance said she was still in her bed when she observed a shadow in the gallery and raised an alarm.

I see someone come to the front door. I_ see the shadow through the glass door, so I called out to my daughter and told her someone was in the gallery. Constance said she asked Dorner for Jackson and was told that he was in bed with her (Dorner).

I told her someone was in the house and by the time I say that I smelled gas and said someone come to burn down the house. I used my cellular phone which I sleep with to call police.

What I thought at first was fire crackers turned out to be gunshots.

It was gunshots all over the place. Gunshots like I never heard before, she said. Constance said she knew very little of her daughters boyfriend (Jackson) but added he originally lived in Morvant/ Laventille but moved in with her daughter on his return from the United States.
CARICOM reparation call boosted

In the heat of a US presidential election campaign in which racial rhetoric is growing louder, the working group warned that the US has not yet confronted its legacy of racial terrorism and that Americans of African descent were facing a human rights crisis.

In a press statement in Geneva last week, the working group said, this human rights crisis in the US has largely been fuelled by impunity for police officers who have killed a series of black men - many of them unarmed - across the country in recent months. The killings and the trauma they create, were reminiscent of the past racial terror of lynchings, the group said, in a report they presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council. Addressing the deeper causes of Americas racial tensions, the report said, the experts voiced concern over the unresolved legacy of colonial history, enslavement, racial subordination and segregation, racial terrorism and racial inequality.

There has been no real commitment to reparations and to truth and reconciliation for people of African descent, the report said.

The working group visited the several states in the US in January before producing their final report.

The report is expected to be welcomed by CARICOM, which is also pursuing reparations from Britain and other European Union member-states that benefitted from slavery in the Caribbean.
Call to pay blind arrears

In a statement, the union said the backpay is owed for the period of January 2010 to December 2012, in a settlement signed two and a half years ago. Alleging discrimination against the workers, the union said they must be treated as first class citizens.

The union called for the resignation of association head Kenneth Suratt and the management, and added: The union wises to remind the public that despite promises from the executive officer that the payment would have been made by September 30, the workers are still awaiting their just due. The contemptuous, arrogant and insensitive attitude of those in authority towards the physically challenged in our society must cease if we are to develop First World nation status, said the statement. The union said it has placed its members on standby to pursue whatever actions will be deemed necessary to resolve this situation in their interest.
TTARP vexed over cut in GATE for seniors

The organisation said this exclusion of senior citizens from the GATE assistance, in the week when the international day of older persons was celebrated throughout the world, was a clear confirmation of the practice of age discrimination or ageism by this Government.

TTARP is deeply hurt and disappointed by this decision, and also the refusal of the Government to consult with the representative of senior citizens in the first exclusion, and again not even the courtesy of a meeting before this budgetary decision, a release from TTARP stated.

TTARP said it favoured many of the budgetary proposals such as the Savings Bond and other bonds, the electricity subsidy, the Tobago tourism development plans of a new airport and hotel development, and applauded the plans to set up a Revenue Authority and National Statistical Institute.

However, it was disappointed that the plan to set up a National Health Insurance, which was proposed by TTARP for many years and long overdue was bypassed.

The Association is disappointed that no mention was made of the broken public health care system which suffering seniors encounter on a daily basis either by long delays, lack of medication, long years of waiting for critical surgeries and in some cases inhumane treatment, the organisation said.
Hosein launches Haiti relief effort

Trinidad and Tobago has been lucky thus far with regard to natural disasters, he said in a statement.

However, our Caribbean brothers and sisters in Haiti have consistently been affected and we have an obligation to assist. Noting that Haitians are still recovering from the devastating earthquake of 2010, Hosein said Hurricane Matthew reiterates their plight and threatens a recurrence of their past experience. It was the most powerful hurricane in nearly a decade and has once again left thousands of people displaced in Haiti. The mayor and San Fernando City Council (SFCC) have convened a committee to coordinate a relief effort wherein clothing, food, dry goods and supplies will be collected and sent to Haiti to assist in relief efforts.

The council has partnered with the San Fernando Volunteer Network and other NGOs which will be confirmed shortly, to coordinate the collection, storage and delivery of items. Every donation counts and will make a difference in the lives of affected families in Haiti, Hosein said.

In times of need such as this, he said, Caricom members must band together.
New Grant Anglican, a model school

This, he added, as the ministry attempts to provide the best standards for its teachers and students alike. He made the comments yesterday at a special service at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Port-of- Spain, in observance of World Teachers Day.

He said the Anglican Board of Educations secretary, Merle Brathwaite, mentioned to him that it was very appreciative of the ministrys efforts with respect to the New Grant school.

The ministry, he said, worked tirelessly in ensuring that the school was made fit for teachers and students. So much so, Garcia added, that it now seems to be the envy of others schools because they were able to refurbish the school in a short space of time and the conditions are excellent.

Garcia said he, along with Minister of State in the Education Ministry, Dr Lovell Francis and other ministry officials, will visit that school later this term.

We are thinking of using that school as a model for other schools that are in dire need of refurbishment and repair, he said. A former teacher with 39 years service, Garcia said his ministry and the Government were committed to providing the best possible conditions for both students and teachers.

As your Minister of Education I take the opportunity of pledging the support of the ministry and the Government in ensuring that our teachers are properly taken care of.

I want to let you know that one of our major objectives is to ensure that quality education is administered and delivered to our nations children. If you are to ensure that your children receive quality education, we must ensure that our teachers operate under quality conditions, Garcia said.

He told the students from Anglican and other schools around Port-of-Spain, such as St Catherines Girls AC and Christus Rex Boys AC, Teachers are responsible for moulding a nation, through its service.

Through the service that teachers render to our young people they are able to mould a nation to ensure that they are ready and willing to perform. He said one of the Governments major objectives was to ensure the physical conditions under which teachers operate were first class.

Garcia said where some teachers were consistently unpunctual and persistently absent, the ministry was willing to work with the TT Unified Teachers Association on this matter.

After his address, he was questioned by the media on the matter of a dress code for teachers and on absentee teachers.

He said, The Ministry of Education has already established a dress code for teachers.

The last time we met with the Teaching Service Commission, the commission gave us a file of teachers who have been regularly unpunctual or absent on a consistent basis. We are looking at it and we will be working with the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association to see what we can do.
Free Cervical Cancer screening

I am sure that all of us have had our lives affected in some way or the other by cancer, said Singh at the launch of the expo in Gulf Citys atrium yesterday.

His other sister, Patricia Tikasingh, is a cancer survivor and she heads SMARA.

SMARA is a cancer support group whose name, according to Tikasingh, has Sanskrit origins connoting love and rejuvenation. Its partnership with Southex this year hopes to raise funds to provide free cancer screening for 100 men and 100 women through a drive, sponsorship, and booth participation.

And as part of its presence at the Expo, the group will be providing free cervical cancer screening on Friday, as early detection could save lives, especially since the Ministry of Health has identified the disease as a growing health concern in the country.
PETE the Panstick

Minister of Education, Anthony Garcia, said so yesterday at the launch of the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad And Tobagos (TSTT) PETE the Panstick (PETE) programme, in the TSTT Corporate Box at the Queens Park Oval, Port-of-Spain.

Garcia lauded the initiative which aims to teach both primary and secondary students how to play the pan, while teaching them the history of the steel band movement in Trinidad and Tobago.

Garcia said, ...It is important that we recognise a major aspect of our culture.

It is important that we appreciate what we have. And it is important that the Ministry of Education can hold hands and join with TSTT at this very important, exciting, what is referred to as an interactive experience in music education. The Ministry of Education want to register its thanks and approval for this project, and whatever assistance you will need, I give you the assurance that well do everything in our power to ensure that that assistance is forthcoming.

One of the things that interests me this morning, as I heard the various speakers is the fact that we need to teach somewhat of the history of the pan and the history of the steelband movement.

As youre aware, our Prime Minister gave us a mandate, to reform the curricular offerings in both the primary and secondary schools, and a major aspect of this would be the teaching of the history of Trinidad and Tobago.

As we said, so many times when the history is written, it is distorted. On so many occasions when history or when we look at the history books, we see that history is written against a perspective of the author. I remember as a student in school in Form 5 when I was preparing for GCE history was one of the courses that I did. But the history that we were told, that we had to learn from those books, is a totally different history as we know it now...Therefore it is important for us to identify and to know our history. And if we are to be successful in this venture, the history of the steelband movement is of extreme importance, because the steel band is ours. Garcia continued that we must not forget the founding fathers of the steelpan like Winston Spree Simon and Tony Williams.

In fact, he said that given that it was World Teachers Day (yesterday), tribute should be paid to men like Simon and Williams who helped to pioneer and advance the steelpan.

Furthermore, Garcia expressed disappointment at the denominational board of the Sanataan Dharma Maha Sabha refusing to allow the PETE programme in its schools.

He commented that a document which was handed to him during his speech yesterday advised him that all denominational schools were selected for the programme, save for those coming under the remit of the Sanataan Dharma Maha Sabha, because the board does not want pan in its
Podiumgate: How the Clintons rigged the first presidential debate

The Clintons will break all rules and laws to seize White House power. This is amply proven by the manner in which they rigged and stole the first presidential debate.

Article by Larry Chin

The operation appears to have been planned in advance of the September 26, 2016 event, involving the Clintons and their operatives, the debate organizers, the broadcast media (NBC and moderator Lester Holt), the managers of the venue, and the security detail at the facility.

The rig was carried out with near-military precision.

It began with the building of a special podium for Hillary Clinton: one that was smaller than the podium designated for Donald Trump. The smaller podium gave Hillary the illusion of being bigger in physical stature. More importantly, the podium seems to have been built or adapted with some sort of electronic console or teleprompter.

Who oversaw the building and modification of this podium? Why did the Trump people not notice this immediately?

Prior to the debate, tape footage shows how a device meant to be installed into Hillarys podium was smuggled in by the Clintons and their operatives. Also brought in was a stack of documents; perhaps the debate questions obtained in advance from someone inside. The behavior appears highly suspicious; they are clearly up to something.

Photos also lay waste to the lie that Lester Holt was not wired during the debate. He clearly was, and a technician even removed his jacket to install it. Hillary herself might also have been wired. To what, we do not know, but they were both wired.

During the debate, footage shows Hillary Clintons podium lighting up with a computer screen, while Trumps podium stays dark. Hillarys hand appears to be pressing or toggling controls on the podium to scroll through her teleprompter screen. Her motions have been interpreted by some as involuntary tremors from Parkinsons disease, but they appear to be far more deliberate than involuntary.

Analysis shows Hillary apparently giving signals to Lester Holt several times at key moments during the debate. Each time she scratched her nose or touched her face, Holt promptly interrupted, attacked and derailed Trump.

The timing was too systematic to be coincidental. Holt also clearly let Clinton have a free pass to speak ad nauseum without fact checking and without interruptions throughout the debate. This in addition to the inane topicswhich did not include any questions about Clintons track recordwere already a setup that did not favor Trump.

The most damning evidence of the rigging involves what happened after the debate ended. Footage shows the Clintons and their operatives doing a sneaky dance on the stage after the debate to retrieve the device from Hillarys podium while the crowds mill about.

Watch these breakdowns:

Hillary Clintons teleprompter at the debate caught on camera

The main Clinton operativethe white-haired mustached man wearing glasses has been identified as Brady Williamson, a Democratic Party strategist and lawyer, and a man who has worked for the Clintons for decades. Williamson, the Cleaner Man darts around, with two others lurking nearby acting as lookouts. Their movements suggest that they are clearly up to no good. Finally the entire Clinton team, including Bill and Hillary, surround the secret podium to hide the retrieval of the object(s) out of the podium. These items are passed from Williamson to another operative, and then secreted out.

(Were it not for sharp-eyed observers who analyzed this footage and posted it on YouTube, we would not have caught the Clintons pulling this off. This is why the powers that be want to control and shut down the Internet to prevent citizen investigative work such as this.)

A clear difference in criminal experience

Criminal behavior on the part of the Clintons is no surprise. It is how they have always done things, and gotten away with all of it. Criminality, secrecy, and deception are the foundations of their political dynasty. Any seasoned observer expects the dirtiest dirty tricks from them.

What is baffling is that this blatant fraud occurred without the Trump camp noticing, or doing anything about it. Trump agreed to the terms and mechanics of the debate well in advance. What happened to Trumps security detail? How did no one notice how Hillarys podium lit up? Why was the stage controlled only by Clinton operatives? Didnt anyone not aligned to Clinton check the podiums and the stage before the debate began? Why didnt someone confront Williamson or the other suspicious characters? Why didnt Trump cry foul during the fraud, or afterwards?

If the Trump forces are unable to counter or match the dirty tricks and psy-ops of the highly experienced Clinton machine, they will not survive.

Foolishness while the world burns

The world is facing unprecedented crisis. Yet substantive issues are not addressed in these campaign events. If and when any real issues are approached, deception, lies and falsehoods dominate the rhetoric.

As expected, the Clinton faction is trying to reduce matters to the lowest common denominator, focusing attention on gossipy tabloid material, such as rude things that Trump said or tweeted, Trumps fat shaming of women and Miss Universe contestants, and Trumps tax returns. The Clintons have calculated, probably correctly, that the dumbed down American masses care much more about trivial matters than such real issues as world war, nuclear holocaust, collapsing economies and other realities. The low road, familiar to the dirty Clintons, is their key to victory. They view the populace with utter contempt. Their goal is to seize power, and to hell with the rest.

Tragically, instead of turning matters to his advantage, Trump has so far taken the bait, falling into the Clinton trap, by reacting to the Clinton gossip. He has even added more hot air to the mix, blabbering about his own business affairs and matters of irrelevance. He himself is the embodiment of tabloid gossip and a reality show circus, and he has done a poor job changing this impression. Both Clinton and Trump are head cases.

Even when he has been given opportunities to drive the discourse, Trump has failed to articulate how he would be less of a New World Order neocon/war monger/corporatist than Clinton. He and Clinton argue about who is the better anti-terrorist and the tougher adversary against Russia and China, the more aggressive law and order cop.

Yes, Trump has criticized Clinton and Obama for some of their war policies, for disasters such as creating ISIS, etc. But would Trump have ended the wars if he had been at the controls?

Does he intend to end them now? Would he stop the regime change agenda in Syria? Would he make peace with Russia and stop military operations aimed at Russian forces? Would Trump end the criminal reign of the CIA? Would Trump do anything about the decades of crimes of the Clintons and Bushes, for which they deserve severe punishment? Would he prosecute the highest figures of the New World Order? Would Trump dare expose the fact that Bush-Clinton/neoliberal-neocon is a charade thatmasks the united criminal reality that is the New World Order? Unless the answer to all of these questions is yes, then Trump is no hero, either.

Trump will not pull the plug on the machine that put him on the map; the system that made him rich. It would be delusional to think he would.

Not being Clinton is not, by itself, a qualification. If Trump is backed by the Bush faction, and by neocons such as his vice presidential partner Mike Pence, and if Trump pushes ideas that appeal to right-wing extremists and the Religious Right, then he is simply a different path to the same holocaust, with slightly differences in style and timing.

Given her well documented penchant for war crimes and murder, Hillary Clinton is the larger threat to the planet. But a Trump/neocon/Republican administration would likely also result in continued chaos and suffering, and dangers of great magnitude.

The next circus moment

The second debate scheduled for October 9, 2016 promises nothing better for Trump. The last debate saw Hillary Clinton and Lester Holt ganging up on Trump. This next time, it will be three against one.

One of the moderators is CNNs Anderson Cooper, who was a CIA intern, who likely still functions as an intelligence asset.

CNN is so heavily skewed to the Clintons, and dominated by former Clintonites, that it is referred to derisively as the Clinton News Network. Cooper has pushed the lie that Lester Holt was deferential to Trump, when in fact Holt constantly interrupted Trump and bashed him every time Hillary asked him to. Coopers statements suggest that he will attack Trump even more aggressively than Holt.

The other moderator will be ABCs Martha Raddatz, who was White House correspondent in the George W. Bush administration. Raddatz is further proof that the corporate media is a revolving door through which Washington insiders slither and slime back and forth.

As long as the Clinton operatives continue to be allowed to get away with fraud and criminal shenanigans-be it rigged podiums, rigged stage props, hidden teleprompters, hidden transceivers, cheat notes, and collusion with moderatorsand as long as the corporate media continues to conspire with the Clintons without consequences, then Donald Trump will be toast again.

That is what the Clintons are counting on.

Read more at: TheDailySheeple.com

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Liam Gallagher feared being haunted by stoned ghost

United States,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Wed, 05 Oct 2016 IANS

Los Angeles, Oct 6 (IANS) Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher once mistook a prank and thought he was being haunted by a "stoner" ghost.

The 44-year-old said he was freaked out while recording Oasis's debut album "Definitely Maybe" at Monnow Valley studios because of a prank by his bandmate Paul Arthurs and fellow Manchester rockers The Stone Roses, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"Someone had moved all the f*****g mirrors and I'd come in and be like, 'The mirrors have f*****g gone'. And then we had the (Stone) Roses coming over -- because we'd work through the day and they'd come in to record at like 12. I'd wake up and they'd have moved our s**t or f*****g robbed all our little bits of weed.

"I thought the ghost was a f*****g stoner," Gallagher told online publication Little White Lies.

"(And I'd be) stoned watching 'Match of the Day' and someone's attached some fishing wire to the f*****g paper and the pages would start turning. I was very close to losing my s**t."

--IANS

sas/rb
Now, replacement Samsung Note 7 catches fire on US plane

United States,Technology,Business/Economy, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New York/New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Samsung woes over its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone are far from over it appears. Now, a replacement Note 7 device reportedly caught fire on a US flight, leading to cancellation of the flight after evacuation.

According to The Verge, Southwest Airlines flight 994 from Louisville to Baltimore was evacuated on Wednesday during the boarding process after a smoked Note 7 was spotted.

"All passengers and crew exited the plane via the main cabin door and no injuries were reported," the report said, quoting a Southwest Airlines spokesperson.

Brian Green who bought the new Note 7 from an AT&T store on September 21, had turned off his phone after the flight attendant call and all of a sudden, the device began to smoke.

Green immediately dropped the phone to the floor of the cabin.

According to Green, the phone was letting off a "thick grey-green angry smoke." The phone had burnt through the carpet and "scorched the subfloor of the plane".

"A photograph of the box shows the black square symbol that indicates a replacement Note 7 and Green said it had a green battery icon," The Verge reported, adding that Green has now bought an Apple iPhone 7.

According to Green, the phone was at around 80 per cent of battery capacity when the incident occurred.

Samsung later issued a statement: "Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note7. We are working with the authorities and Southwest now to recover the device and confirm the cause. Once we have examined the device we will have more information to share."

Green's Note 7 was now with the Louisville Fire Department for investigation.

India's civil aviation regulator last week lifted the restrictions on in-flight use of the new Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone -- but only those purchased after September 15.

On September 9, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had prohibited the use of the high-end smartphone on-board aircraft.

The DGCA said the usage restrictions have only been lifted for mobile phones purchased after September 15. Restrictions still continue for Note 7s purchased before that date.

The select type of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone allowed to be used on-board have a green battery charge indication on their screen.

A Samsung India spokesperson said: "It is important to note that Samsung has not sold a single unit of Galaxy Note7 in India so far. The 'green battery icon' will apply to all Galaxy Note7 units that will be sold to customers in India when it is launched."

Samsung has recalled its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone over battery overheating issues globally.

--IANS

na/in
Brazil, Argentina greet Guterres as next UN chief

Costa Rica,Politics, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Buenos Aires/Brasilia, Oct 6 (IANS) Argentine Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra and her Brazilian counterpart Jose Serra congratulated former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres on being selected as the next UN Secretary-General.

The UN Security Council on Wednesday unanimously chose Guterres, also former UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) from 2005 to 2015, as its new head in January, Xinhua news agency reported.

"I wish him all the best in his position at the head of our UN," Malcorra said via her official Twitter account.

In South America, the Brazilian government publicly expressed its "great satisfaction" at Guterres' appointment.

Serra highlighted Guterres' possession of "professional qualifications and evident political stature to lead the UN".

According to the Brazilian Foreign Minister, the Portuguese former Prime Minister knows how "to face multiple global challenges, carry out necessary reforms in the organisation, including within the Security Council, and the efforts needed to promote peace, sustainable development and human rights".

Serra also expressed Brazil's desire to fully cooperate with the next UN Secretary-General.

Guterres, 67, has emerged from six rounds of secret voting and is expected to win in the final formal vote set to take place on Thursday morning by acclamation.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's term expires on December 31 this year.

--IANS

ss/vt
Sitharaman urges firms to exploit free trade accord with Japan

Delhi,National,Business/Economy,Diplomacy, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Indian companies should much more utilise the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), or free trade accord, to increase exports to Japan and help bridge the trade deficit, the government said on Thursday.

"There are opportunities for Indian companies to utilise this agreement much more as trade deficit is a matter of concern," Union Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said at a seminar here organised by Research and Information Systems for Developing Countries.

"CEPA between India and Japan came into force on 1st August, 2011, and is one of the most comprehensive agreements concluded by India," she said.

The bilateral CEPA has covered areas such as goods and services, rules of origin, intellectual property, government procurement, and customs procedure, among others.

The minister said bilateral trade pre-CEPA in 2010 was $10.4 billion and currently it stands at $14.5 billion.

"However, trade deficit with respect to Japan was $3.1 billion pre-CEPA, and now it is $5.2 billion," she added.

Sitharaman also said Indian traders and manufacturers must find greater market access in Japan.

"The share of Indian companies in Japanese drug market continues to be low and it is limited only to Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. So more has to be done in that area," she said.

Japan's pharmaceutical sector offers a vast untapped potential for India's medicine companies, she said.

The Japanese government's recent decision "to attain an 80 per cent share of generic medicines by 2018, should naturally provide an opportunity for the internationally acclaimed generic drug industry of India," the minister added.

--IANS

bc/pgh/vt
Hurricane Matthew will be devastating: Obama

United States,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Washington, Oct 6 (IANS) US President Barack Obama warned that hurricane Matthew could have a devastating effect, as residents of the southeastern coastline braced themselves for one of the most powerful storms to hit the region in almost a decade.

"This is a serious storm," said Obama on Wednesday after visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters.

"Even if you don't get the full force of the hurricane, we are still going to be seeing tropical force winds, the potential for storm surge, and all of that could have a devastating effect," he added.

According to the US National Hurricane Center, the deadly Category 3 hurricane was roughly 105 miles, or 169 km, south of Long Island in the Bahamas on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We anticipate that by tomorrow (Thursday) morning, it will already begin to have significant effect in Florida, and then ... potential(ly) ... strengthen and move on up the coast ...," said Obama.

In its preparation, the US states of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida started evacuation of over two million residents from its coastal areas and urged them to stock food, water and medicine for at least upto three days.

--IANS

ask/in/vm
'Miss Peregrine's Home...': Evokes mixed reactions (IANS Review, Rating: ***)

Delhi,Cinema/Showbiz, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Film: "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children"; Director: Tim Burton; Cast: Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Chris O'Dowd, Allison Janney, Rupert Everett, Terence Stamp, Ella Purnell, Judi Dench, Samuel L. Jackson, Kim Dickens, O-Lan Jones, Finlay MacMillan, Lauren McCrostie, Georgia Pemberton, Milo Parker, Pixie Davies, Jack Brody, Hayden Keeler-Stone and Raffiella Chapman; Rating: ***

Director Tim Burton's film, "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children", is truly a peculiar film. With quirky characters set in a cinematic universe that is grudgingly believable, this complex adventure fantasy film is delightfully told and evokes mixed reactions.

Layered with metaphors and allegories that give varied meanings to the narration, on the surface, the film is the adventure of a young boy named Jake (Asa Butterfield), who shuttles in time.

The film begins in Florida, US, where Jake, who shares a close bond with his grandfather Abe (Terrence Stamp) is fed with unbelievable stories about a "home for peculiar children", run by Miss Alma Peregrine, where he had spent time during his younger days.

Jake's parents disapprove of Abe's storytelling sessions.

It is only after Abe's sudden death, that Jake is put into therapy to process his feeling of loss and to get over the fantasy tales he had heard. However, when he receives a birthday present which includes a postcard from Wales that his grandfather had supposedly left for him, before he died, he believes his grandfather's tales to be real.

Jake is resolute and convinces his father to take him to Wales so that he can find some closure.

Once in Wales, Jake discovers the secret "Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children" and the motive of his being, which is the crux of the narration.

The script, written by Jane Goldman, based on a novel written by debutant novelist Ransom Riggs in 2011, adroitly captures the essence of the tale. The ten peculiar children at Miss Peregrine's home are enigmatically unique and interesting and with the entire narrative deliberately rushed, justice is not done to their character arcs.

The hurried pace gives the feeling of a manufactured seriousness and excitement. Also, with tinges of horror, adventure and romance the tone of the narrative fluctuates and is thus inconsistent.

On the performance front, every actor is perfunctory, yet convincing. The peculiar kids are charming and they deliver the best they can offer. Each one of them stands out and have their moments of on-screen glory. Notable among them is Ella Purnell, who is bogged down with a confusedly designed character as Emma Bloom, an aerokinetic teenager who can manipulate air. Nevertheless, she shines as Jake's love interest.

With a fairly wooden face, Asa Butterfield in the lead role as Jake, lacks the charm of a hero.

Eva Green as the shape-changing Miss Peregrine is intriguing, but with limited screen time and with little to do with the actual thrust of the plot, she offers nothing that makes her character memorable.

Judi Drench is wasted in a miniscule role as Esmeralda Avocet, a mistress of another peculiar school.

Terrence Stamp as Abe, Samuel L. Jackson as Mr. Barron, the leader of the monsters called Hollows and Chris O'Dowd as Franklin Portman, Jake's cautious father, are uninteresting and stereotypical.

On the production front, the film is aesthetically mounted and is beautifully captured by cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel. His live action frames seamlessly mesh with the effects of the computer-generated images.

Colleen Atwood's costumes are worth a mention and so are the set pieces in the "Time Loop", which include the British wartime setting. These sets are spectacularly designed by Production Designer Gavin Bocquet.

The 3D effects do not elevate the viewing experience.

Overall, the film leaves you with a mixed feeling of wanting to like the film and its characters, but yet there is something that holds you back from accepting them wholeheartedly.

--IANS

troy/rb/bg
'Indian women becoming more discerning in lingerie choices'

Delhi,Cinema/Showbiz,Lifestyle/Fashion, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) The real joy of lingerie comes when women dont play by any rules, says British fashion brand Marks & Spencer's lingerie, swimwear and activewear design head Soozie Jenkinson, who feels Indian women are waking up to the global trends in the space.

When it comes to picking intimate wear, Indian women are becoming more discerning in their choices and much more demanding, she said.

"Indian women - just like women around the world - are becoming more discerning in their choices and much more demanding as well... Also, Indian women are understanding the importance of a great fitting bra," Jenkinson told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

The London-based designer, who has been associated with the brand since over 16 years, was in the country to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the brand's first bra.

Jenkinson, who also works in collaboration with Rosie Huntington Whiteley on 'Rosie for Autograph' lingerie range which has become one of the brand's most popular lingerie collections, is overwhelmed with the range of choices women have for their innerwear.

She said: "Lingerie market around the world has changed in significant amount with time... I believe the joy of lingerie is when there are no rules. Before the last ten years, there have been great rules on how women chose their lingerie and what goes underneath. I think what really is exciting now is that down to none... There is something for party, and some for the function look."

Jenkinson added that "what is surprising is that around the world there so much to choose from".

Talking about the brand hitting a landmark, Jenkinson said that she feels "honoured and privileged to be a part of the brand's journey".

--IANS

sug/rb/bg
Orient Cement to acquire stake, grinding unit for Rs 1,950 crore

Delhi,Business/Economy, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) The CK Birla Group-owned Orient Cement on Thursday said its board had approved the acquisition of 74 per cent stake in Bhilai Jaypee Cement Limited (BJCL) and the Nigrie cement grinding unit for a total of Rs 1,950 crore.

While the BJCL stake will be acquired from Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL), the Nigrie cement grinding unit would be bought from Jaiprakash Power Ventures Limited (JPVL).

"...considered and accorded its consent to acquire 28,09,66,000 equity shares of Bhilai Jaypee Cement Limited (consisting 74 per cent of the total equity share capital) from Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL) and 752 equity shares of BJCL from the nominee of JAL, for a total enterprise value of Rs 1,450 crore," a company filing said.

The acquisition will provide the company with high quality assets and take its total capacity from 8 mtpa (million tonnes per annum) to 10.2 mtpa and provide entry into the high-growth central and eastern regions.

"It will also benefit from the BJCL's access to limestone reserves and other raw material, including slag," the company statement said.

"The demerger of Orient Cement from Orient Paper and Industries Limited was envisioned to create a pure-play cement company which could grow fast. After establishing the company, we proudly commissioned our greenfield plant at Gulbarga last year, increasing our capacity by 60 per cent to 8 mtpa.

"The current proposal to acquire BJCL from JAL is a significant step towards accomplishing our current mission of reaching a capacity of 15 mtpa by 2020," said company Chairman C.K. Birla.

The acquisition of the Nigrie unit will also provide it with a high quality asset at a strategically well located region.

Nigrie cement grinding unit at Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh with a capacity of 2 mtpa is located close to the end markets in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

"Nigrie grinding unit is good fit for our expansion and market-diversification strategy. Its close proximity to the growing markets, and the availability of power, fly-ash and the infrastructure of the adjoining super thermal power plant of JPVL provides us an opportunity to reach these markets very efficiently," said company's MD and CEO Deepak Khetrapal.

--IANS

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Arrested Kerala IS operative had fought in Iraq: NIA

Kerala,National,Terrorism, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Kochi, Oct 6 (IANS) A Kerala man who was arrested on Wednesday for joining and supporting the activities of the IS, had undergone arms training and fought for the terrorist organisation in Iraq, said the National Investigation Agency on Thursday.

The investigation agency revealed about the activities of Subahani Haja Moideen, 31, in the remand report filed at the NIA court here.

In a statement, the NIA said Subahani, who was residing in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, originally hails from Thodupuzha in Kerala's Idukki district.

"He revealed that he had gone to Iraq on April 6, 2015, to join IS and fight for the organisation. He told his parents and wife that he was going to perform 'Umrah'. He left India for Istanbul from Chennai on a visit visa. After reaching Istanbul, he crossed over along with others, including people from Pakistan and Afghanistan, to IS-held territory in Iraq," the NIA said in the statement.

"He was taken to Mosul in Iraq, where he underwent detailed course in Sharia followed by combat training. On completion of combat training, including training in the automated weapons, he was sent to the war zone in Mosul for security duties in IS-held territory, which he performed for almost two weeks. He was being paid $100 per month as subsistence allowance by the IS," the statement added.

Subahani also revealed to the NIA that he could not withstand the violence and war misery in Mosul and decided to leave the organisation, especially after two of his friends were charred before him in a shell attack.

"On conveying his decision to quit the organisation, he was imprisoned by the IS at Mosul and was subjected to extreme torture. He, along with other foreign fighters, was produced before an IS judge, following which he was again incarcerated at Raqqa in Syria. Later, for reasons yet to be ascertained, he was allowed to leave IS-controlled territory and return to Turkey along with five other foreign nationals," said the statement.

Following this, he stayed illegally in Istanbul for about two weeks, before he approached the Indian Consulate for returning to India.

"He contacted his family and conveyed his decision to return to India, following which they sent him money for flight tickets. After Turkish police issued a clearance certificate, he was issued an emergency certificate by Indian Consulate, by which he returned to India through Mumbai on September 22 in 2015. He returned to Tirunelveli and got a job as a salesman in a gold jewellery shop," added the statement.

After he settled down, he again got in touch with IS handlers over internet and was planning to collect explosives and precursor chemicals from Sivakasi.

Incidentally, his arrest came after the NIA arrested six men on Sunday while they were holding a meeting in Kannur in Kerala.

--IANS

sg/lok/vt
Singapore, Rajasthan sign two MOUs on tourism, urban solutions

Himachal Pradesh,Business/Economy,Politics,Diplomacy, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Udaipur, Oct 6 (IANS) Rajasthan and Singapore on Thursday signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to jointly market the desert state as a global tourist destination and also provide advanced urban solutions.

Visiting Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Singapore's Industry Minister S. Iswaran were present on the occasion.

Lee, who came to India on October 3, is on a visit to Udaipur on October 5-6.

"The tourism MOU with Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) will aggregate the city-state's expertise through tripartite collaboration between the government, tourism institutions and industry partners to strengthen Rajasthan's knowledge capabilities," a Rajasthan government statement said.

Besides, Rajasthan plans to utilise Singapore's public and private sector proficiency in tourism development.

The second MoU with International Enterprise (IE) of Singapore focuses on enhancing Rajasthan's international appeal and connectivity, facilitation of private sector participation to rejuvenate the state's heritage areas and critical urban and smart solutions.

Singapore will also share its expertise in areas like inter-modal transport integration, waste management solutions and affordable wireless connection.

Later, a Centre of Excellence for Tourism Training (CETT) was inaugurated in Udaipur by Raje in the presence of the Singapore Prime Minister and other state and foreign dignitaries.

CETT, set up by the state government in collaboration with ITE Education Services of Singapore, aims to provide skill and vocational training in services related to travel and tourism.

--IANS

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Entitled to be acquitted, Kanimozhi tells 2G court

Delhi,National,Immigration/Law/Rights,Politics, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) DMK Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi, who is facing trial in 2G spectrum allocation case, on Thursday claimed innocence and told a special court here that she is entitled to be acquitted.

Advancing his final arguments, Kanimozhi's defence counsel and senior advocate Amarendar Sharan told Special Judge O.P. Saini that his client was falsely implicated in the case.

"Kanimozhi was not part of any conspiracy.

"Kanimozhi has remained director of Kalaignar TV from June 6 to 20, 2007 but as per prosecution case, the conspiracy took place after September 2007 when she has left the post," said Sharan, adding that she has already resigned from the post and the prosecution knew about this fact.

"Why was she implicated in the case? She was not part of this conspiracy. She was not accidentally nor primarily required for this conspiracy," he said, arguing that the prosecution chargesheeted her without any evidence.

"Accused Kanimozhi is entitled to be acquitted," contended Sharan.

The Central Bureau of Investigation chargesheet alleged that transfer of Rs 200 crore from DB Group to Kalaignar TV was kickbacks for 2G spectrum allocation.

The probe agency said alleged that Kanimozhi was the "active brain" behind the channel Kalaignar TV as she owns 20 percent of it.

Kanimozhi however maintained that she was not involved in the day-to-day affairs of the channel.

The court has fixed October 14 for further hearing in the case.

Former Communications Minister A. Raja and others are facing trial in the 2G spectrum allocation case.

According to the CBI, Raja was biased in allocating 2G mobile airwaves and operating licences to telecom firms, causing huge loss to the exchequer.

The court framed charges against 14 accused and three companies under various provisions of Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act on October 22, 2011.

All accused, including Raja, are out on bail.

--IANS

akk/vd
India to host conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

Delhi,National,Diplomacy,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) India will host the Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) here next month, it was announced on Thursday.

The three-day conference, to held from from November 3, is being organised in collaboration with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), an official statement here said.

"This is the first AMCDRR after the advent of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), adopted at the third UN world conference in Sendai, Japan in March last year. It will set the direction of Sendai Framework implementation in the region," it said.

The conference, which aims at transforming the commitments of governments and stakeholders during the Sendai Conference into national and local action, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It will adopt the Asian Regional Plan for implementation of the Sendai Framework endorsed by the asian countries.

It will also consolidate the political commitment of governments towards preventing and reducing risk as well as strengthening resilience in the form of a political declaration, the statement said.

It added that voluntary statements of action of stakeholder groups towards a shared responsibility approach in implementation of the SFDRR would also be adopted.

Established in 2005, AMCDRR is a biennial conference jointly organised by different asian countries and the UNISDR.

So far, six AMCDRR conferences have been organised. India had also hosted the second AMCDRR in New Delhi in 2007.

--IANS

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Asur tribe to showcase iron smelting skills this Durga Puja

West Bengal,National,Art/Culture/Books, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) Bucking the trend, members of the primitive Asur tribe from Jharkhand will showcase their expertise in iron smelting to the public here during the five-day Durga Puja festival, organisers said on Thursday.

The Asur tribe claim their descent from the buffalo-headed demon Mahishashur and mourn the slaying of their ancestor by Goddess Durga as the rest of the world celebrates the occasion.

At the behest of the organisers of the FE Block, Durga Puja in the satellite-township of Salt Lake will highlight the intricacies of the ancient craft of conversion of ore to iron in live demonstrations at the marquee.

"There are seven Asur tribe members who arrived here to demonstrate their ancient practices. They have brought with them their own equipment," P. Roy of the FE Block Residents' Association told IANS, adding that the documented footage will be played during the celebrations.

"We had gone to their village Sakhuapani in Netarhat to interact with them and recorded a video on the community. They will hold live demonstrations and talk about their trials and tribulations as well," Roy said.

The iron made by the tribe has anti-rust property and the processes are much safer, cheaper and eco-friendly.

"The craft is on the verge of extinction and the idea is to generate awareness about their rich history and debunk myths," the organisers said.

The people from the tribe are now mostly found in Gumla, Latehar, Lohardaga and Palamu district of Jharkand and in Alipurduar in North Bengal.

The tribe holds that Durga had tricked their ancestor and killed him.

"For them, Durga puja is inauspicious and they mark its conclusion as Mahishashur Martyrdom Day. Despite their beliefs, they agreed to come to a Durga Puja pandal, which for them is taking a different route from tradition," Roy said.

Anthropologists say they were among the Proto-Australoid groups inhabiting Jharkhand and western regions of West Bengal.

The Asuras name figures in the Rigveda, Brahamanas, Aranyakas, Upanishadas and epics which comprise the sacred literature of the Hindus.

--IANS

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Rajnath to chair meeting on border security at Jaisalmer

Delhi,National,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics,Defence/Security, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Jaisalmer on Friday on a two-day visit to review the security situation along the India-Pakistan border with Chief Ministers of four states.

According to official sources here, the review meeting will be attended by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Top BSF officers and senior officials of the state governments of Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab will also be present.

Rajnath Singh will also chair a meeting with the Chief Ministers.

The Home Minister will also tour border areas of Rajasthan and the border outposts to assess the situation along the border.

The Home Minister will hold a separate meeting with BSF officials in Barmer on October 8.

--IANS

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We never carried out surgical strikes earlier: former DGMO

Delhi,National,Politics,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Former DGMO Lt. Gen. Vinod Bhatia on Thursday asserted that surgical strikes were never carried out during the erstwhile UPA regime and last week's surgical strikes carried out by the army across the LoC were the first of its kind.

"We never carried out such strikes earlier. They were not strikes, but actions carried out at very very local level. When you are firefighting you may go across the LoC a few meters, but then you cannot call them cross border strikes," Bhatia, who was the Director General of Military Operations from 2012 to 2014, told DD News.

Bhatia's comments come in the wake of Congress claiming that at least three surgical strikes were carried out between 2011 and 2014 under the party-led United Progressive Alliance regime.

"In the past our forces have successfully conducted such surgical strikes on numerous occasions, particularly on September 1, 2011, July 28, 2013 and January 14, 2014, giving a befitting reply to the enemy," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala had said on Tuesday.

Congress leader and former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram too had recently claimed that surgical strikes were carried out in 2013 during the UPA regime.

Bhatia said the September 29 early morning surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the LoC were "perfect", and displayed India's strong political will.

"The current strikes are a class apart, they are perfect. They are a well thought out action done at a national level, with strategic and tactical planning.

"They have yielded the desired results and more importantly, they have displayed India's strategic resolve and strong political will.

"This operation has displayed that India has a strategic resolve to safeguard its national interests in counter-terrorist domain," he said.

Expressing anguish over demands for proof of the military action, Bhatia said special military operations are never publicised.

"Give the credit that is due to the Indian army. There have been questions on whether the (current) DGMO's (Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh) claims of the strikes are correct or not. Please do not question the DGMO or hurt the Army. By doing this you are degrading your own army," said Bhatia.

"No army in the world ever publicises or propagates its tactics or the way it carried out operations, especially covert operations. No one should ask for evidence; that means you are doubting the credibility of your own army and the nation also.

"Special operations are never publicised, no army, no nation ever does that," added Gen. Bhatia.

A section of politicians have been demanding for release of videos of the surgical strikes to expose Pakistan's "false propaganda" on the cross border action by the Indian army.

--IANS

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India offers to help develop regional energy hubwork in Sri Lanka

Delhi,Business/Economy,Diplomacy, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) India on Thursday expressed its commitment to develop a regional energy hubwork at Trincomalee in Sri Lanka and offered to work with the Sri Lankan government in developing gas infrastructure in the island nation, an official statement here said.

The offer was made by Indian Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to the Sri Lankan Minister of Petroleum Resources Development Chandima Weerakkody at a meeting here, a Petroleum Ministry statement here said.

"Assured my Sri Lankan Counterpart of full support & offered to share our expertise in developing Sri Lanka as a regional energy hub," Pradhan tweeted.

"Discussed various proposals from Indian Oil & Gas Public Sector Companies for developing hydrocarbon infrastructure in Sri Lanka," he said in another tweet.

"These includes setting up of an LNG terminal near Colombo, utilisation of Upper Tank Farm through a JV, expansion of Lanka IOC operation etc," he said in a separate tweet.

According to the Indian ministry, Pradhan told his Sri Lankan counterpart that Indian companies had engaged a reputed consultant for assessing liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand and are developing related infrastructure in Sri Lanka, while the report would be shared with Sri Lanka shortly.

Pradhan also discussed Lanka Indian Oil Corp (LIOC) activities in Sri Lanka, including increasing the number of its retail Outlets and bunkering operations and granting license to LIOC for marketing jet fuel and LPG, the statement said.

"Both the sides also discussed refurbishment of Sapugaskanda refinery and possibility of setting up of a refinery in Sri Lanka as a joint venture to address the local needs," it said.

India also offered to assist Sri Lanka in building oil and gas pipeline networks in Sri Lanka, it added.

"Also shared the idea of setting up a Saarc Energy Group and setting up common energy facilities between Saarc Countries," Pradhan tweeted on a proposal made to the Sri Lankan minister.

--IANS

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Haryana Congress chief injured as workers clash, recovering in hospital

Delhi,National,Politics,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Haryana Congress chief Ashok Tanwar was seriously injured on Thursday after a clash here between his supporters and those of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. He was taken to hospital where doctors said he is out of danger.

Several other workers were also injured in the clash near Bhairon Mandir, a meeting point ahead of Rahul Gandhi's rally at Jantar Mantar as the Congress Vice President reached the capital after his nearly-month-long Kisan Yatra across poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

Tanwar was taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment.

"Tanwar was seriously injured and was vomiting. He has been shifted out of the ICU after initial treatment as he is out of danger," RML Hospital spokesperson V.K. Sinha told IANS.

Tanwar has been kept under observation and will not be discharged yet.

The 12-13 injured Congress workers were given first aid and discharged, Sinha said.

Senior Congress leaders including Gandhi, Kamal Nath and Deepender Singh Hooda visited Tanwar in hospital, but his supporters did not let the senior Hooda visit.

Delhi Police officials told IANS that the rival factions were separated from each other as soon as they began fighting, while no FIR was registered as no one came up with any formal complaint against anybody.

Meanwhile, Tanwar's supporters went to Congress headquarters around past 10 p.m. to tender their resignations in protest against the incident.

Their resignation was rejected by party leadership, while senior leaders like Kamal Nath, Digvijaya Singh, Motilal Vohra and Ghulam Nabi Azad assured them of action against the guilty as a meeting will be held on Friday to discuss the issue.

--IANS

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Rahul accuses Modi of 'dalali' over soldiers' sacrifices (Roundup)

Delhi,National,Politics, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a fierce attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over alleged politicisation of Army's surgical strikes, accusing him of doing "dalali" (trade) over the blood shed by Indian soldiers.

Addressing a rally at the Jantar Mantar here at the end of his Kisan Yatra across election-bound Uttar Pradesh, he also accused Modi of not fulfilling his promises to people made during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

But the party's grand show to mark the end of Gandhi's 26-day yatra was overshadowed by factionalism, with the party's Haryana unit chief Ashok Tanwar injured in clash between his supporters and those of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

Tanwar was taken to RML Hospital and initially kept in the ICU. Doctors later said he is out of danger.

Gandhi visited Tanwar in the hospital. General Secretary Kamal Nath, who is incharge of Haryana, also visited the hospital and said legal and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty. He said Congress president Sonia Gandhi had taken a dim view of the clash, which took place near a meeting point on the way to the rally venue at Jantar Mantar.

At the rally, Gandhi made a brief but aggressive speech in which he repeatedly attacked Modi.

Modi, he said, was taking political mileage from the surgical strikes the army conducted in Pakistani territory and the sacrifices of soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Unki dalali kar rahe ho... Yeh bilkul ghalat hai... Hindustan ki sena ne Hindustan ka kaam kiya, aap apna kaam keejiye... (You are trading on them. This is totally wrong... The Indian Army did its job for India, you do your work)," he thundered.

The Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on September 29 against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control in the wake of a terror attack that left 19 soldiers dead in Jammu and Kashmir.

Asking Modi to do justice to the people of the country, Gandhi said that the Prime Minister has only tried to divide the country.

"Modiji has been able to do two things - one making two Indians fight between each other and to divide the nation. He made people fight among each other in all states. In Uttar Pradesh, he made the Hindus and the Muslims fight among each other.

"I want to tell Narendra Modi ji, to the RSS people, and the BJP that this country wants justice from you, and your responsibility is to give justice."

"You asked us what did we do in the past 70 years. I'll tell you today, what we did. We gave justice to the people. We respected the insaaf ka tarazu (scales of justice)," he said.

He said the Bharatiya Janata Party had promised the farmers best prices and implementation of the M.S. Swaminathan report, "but you didn't fulfil that as well."

"You said you'll give employment to 2 crore unemployed youth every year, you didn't do that," said Gandhi, who reached here after starting the last leg of his yatra from Meerut in the morning.

His yatra was planned by the party as a major reach out to farmers of Uttar Pradesh, where the Congress has been out of power for over two decades now, ahead of assembly polls expected to take place early next year.

Gandhi covered around 140 constituencies and addressed 26 khat sabhas (cot assemblies) in his 3,400-km-long tour.

The party, which intends to target both the BJP-led central and the state's Samajwadi Party governments over farmers' plight, plans to hand over nearly two crores petitions from them, making demands including that of loan waivers.

--IANS

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Ban appeals for global solidarity in tackling migrant crisis

Italy,Diplomacy,Immigration/Law/Rights, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Rome, Oct 7 (IANS) United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday praised Italy for its efforts in hosting and rescuing thousands of refugees and migrants, and appealed for global solidarity in tackling migrant crisis.

Ban made his remarks after meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella here.

The outgoing UN secretary general held talks also with president of the Upper House Pietro Grasso, and of the Lower House Laura Boldrini.

Such meetings focused on major international issues, including the war in Syria, the Libyan situation, and the migrant crisis, according to an official statement.

"I commend the generosity of the Italian people and government in hosting and rescuing so many human beings, who are risking their lives on the high seas in search of a better life," Ban told reporters after talks.

"Italy should not be left alone. We need global solidarity to face this unprecedented crisis," he added.

The UN chief also praised the support Italy has been providing to the UN blue-helmet peace operations around the world, in terms of both troops and logistics.

Ban is expected to be replaced by former head of the UN refugee agency UNHCR Antonio Guterres by Jan. 2017.

The Italian authorities acknowledged Ban's achievements during his visit to the country, which was likely to be the last one as UN secretary-general.

"In the last 10 years, under his guide, the UN have achieved historic results in areas key to international co-existence," Mattarella told a press conference.

Mattarella mentioned the crucial fields of development and of governance of the climate change.

"In particular, I am thinking about the adoption of the 2030 Agenda (for Sustainable Development), and the Paris agreement on climate change," he said.

The Paris Agreement just entered into force this week, triggered by the ratification of the parliament of the European Union (EU). "Yet, the list of Ban's achievements is longer than that," Mattarella added.

"I want to mention his crucial commitment on the migrants issue, as a global responsibility of the international community, on the gender equality, and on the fight against discrimination and violence," he said.

--IANS

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6 killed in terrorist attack on Kenyan border

Kenya,Terrorism, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Nairobi, Oct 6 (IANS) At least six persons were killed and one injured on Thursday after suspected al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a residential plot in Kenya's Mandera county on the border with Somalia, a media report said.

"We have confirmed six people have been killed and 13 others rescued. The militants used a grenade to break the entrance before they shot at those who were sleeping in there and later escaped from the scene," Xinhua news agency quoted an official as saying.

The militants, who targeted non-locals, struck at 2 a.m. (local time) and shot the tenants arbitrarily, the official said.

The attackers later hurled another grenade that destroyed a building close to the residential plot, after a group of police reservists responded to the attack, the official added.

The police have launched an investigation into the latest incident that has sparked tension in the region.

Mandera Governor Ali Roba noted that the attack came after a lull pg months in the area as a result of intensified police operations.

Security in Mandera remains fragile as al-Shabaab terrorists had crossed over from Somalia and carried out attacks.

Northern Kenya has borne the brunt of grenade and gun attacks in the last four years since Kenya sent troops to Somalia to fight al-Shabaab.

--IANS

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Colombian President, opposition hold talks on FARC peace deal

Colombia,Politics,Defence/Security, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Bogota, Oct 6 (IANS) Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos opened talks with leaders opposing the current peace deal with the country's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

"After the results of the plebiscite, it is my obligation as the President to seek ways for the union and reconciliation of the country," Xinhua news agency quoted Santos as saying at a press conference after the meeting on Wednesday.

"We should pay much attention to their (the opponents') comments and proposals to find a path that leads to a peace deal with the FARC," he said.

Former President Alvaro Uribe and other leaders of the opposition party, the Democratic Center, attended the meeting.

In the plebiscite held on Sunday, the Colombian people rejected the agreement with a narrow margin.

Santos urged the public to be responsible and realistic in order to achieve a lasting peace.

He also insisted on speed, adding that ignoring the peace deal in the current unrest has many risks.

He also mentioned his previous meetings with union and church leaders from both sides. "I have found everyone active and ready to participate in reaching a peace deal. We all want peace," he said.

Both the government and the Democratic Center have named envoys to form a commission to analyse the peace deal. Their first meeting is being held on October 6.

Santos said they will also have discussions with the FARC delegation in Havana.

The conflict between the Colombian government and the FARC started in the 1960s as an uprising for land rights.

On June 22, the government and the FARC announced a deal on a definitive bilateral ceasefire, marking a major step towards ending the half-century conflict.

Santos announced on Tuesday that the ceasefire that has been in place since August 29 this year will be extended until October 31.

On September 26, the FARC reached an agreement with the government on a peace deal to end the 52-year armed conflict.

According to the agreement, the rebel group must hand over weapons to the UN within 180 days.

--IANS

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How kids' perceptions on truth, lie change with age

Canada,Lifestyle/Fashion, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Toronto, Oct 6 (IANS) Children have no difficulty and can easily distinguish between truth and lies, regardless of age. However, as they age, they get confused around particular kinds of truths and lies, a study has found.

Younger children see things more starkly. For them, truths are good and lies are bad.

But, by the time the children are 10-12 years old, they become more aware that truth and lies are less binary.

"Children get a lot of messages from their parents saying that lying is always bad, but at the same time they see their parents telling 'white' lies to make life easier. Depending on their age, this is likely to be a bit confusing for children," said Victoria Talwar from the McGill University in Quebec, Canada.

As children get older, their moral evaluations of both lies and truths increasingly gets influenced by whether they think this behaviour will cause harm to either others or themselves.

Younger children saw false confessions to help someone else as being more negative than older ones did.

Younger children are less concerned by truth-telling that had negative consequences for someone else, whereas older children were more conflicted about tattling.

"The older they are, the more interested children are in the consequences of these actions. They are also more able to start looking at the intentions behind the speech," added Shanna Mary Williams, doctoral student at the McGill University.

Further, the study showed that both young and old children had different views when it came to the skill of deciding which behaviours to reward or condemn.

While younger children may be reflecting what is taught by parents and caregivers when it comes to tattling (i.e. that honesty in all forms is virtuous), the older children may be less likely to reward tattling because they are concerned with how their peers will perceive this behaviour, the researchers observed.

In both cases, parents and teachers need to have a much more involved conversation about truth-telling or lie-telling with children starting as early as the age six, the researchers suggested.

For the study, the team assessed how a child's moral understanding develops. They studied the behaviour of close to 100 children, aged six to 12.

"Looking at how children see honesty and deceit is a way of gaining insight into different stages of moral and social development," Talwar said.

The study was published in the journal International Review of Pragmatics.

--IANS

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Over 2 mn ordered to evacuate in US ahead of Hurricane Matthew

United States,Crime/Disaster/Accident,Environment/Wildlife, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Washington, Oct 6 (IANS) Over two million persons were ordered to evacuate from the US southeastern coastline ahead of the landing of Hurricane Matthew, with Florida's Governor warning residents to "prepare for a direct hit".

Residents of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida were braced for a possible impact from the storm, stocking up on supplies and boarding up homes, ABC news reported on Wednesday.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley planned to call for more evacuations, as Matthew is expected to be very near Florida's Atlantic coast by Thursday evening.

Florida had urged about one-and-a-half million residents to leave the coast, an official said, while the number in Georgia is around 50,000.

The National Weather Service (NWS) advised that "loss of life" and "immense human suffering" were possible from strong winds for those who did not take heed of the precautions.

"Catastrophic damage" is also a possibility, and the storm could "leave areas uninhabitable for weeks," the NWS announced on Wednesday.

Matthew struck the Bahamas after killing at least 22 persons in Haiti and four in the Dominican Republican on Tuesday. The storm weakened from a Category 4 hurricane after ploughing into Haiti and Cuba, where it left a trail of devastation.

Matthew was a dangerous and life-threatening Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 120 mph (190 kph) as it passed through the Bahamas.

The US military plans to send nine helicopters and 100 personnel to Haiti tomorrow to assist in aid efforts.

"In Haiti, the government reports that a number of persons have lost their lives and estimates that at least 350,000 people need immediate assistance," UN Secretary General Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Some 80 per cent of homes were damaged in Haiti's Sud Department, which has a population of over 700,000, a government official said in a meeting with UN officials. Some 11,000 persons were in shelters in the province, the Telegraph reported.

--IANS

ask/in/sac
LAVA unveils two affordable feature phones

Delhi,Business/Economy,Technology, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Domestic mobile handset maker LAVA on Thursday launched two new feature phones in its affordable "Captain Series" series.

The new devices -- Captain N1 and Captain K1+ -- are priced at Rs 1,150 and Rs 1,250, respectively.

These come with Bluetooth and auto-call recording feature along with 3.5 mm audio jack port and wireless FM.

"LAVA's inclusion of a new series in its portfolio of affordable handsets showcases the brand's continued commitment towards connecting every Indian," said Gaurav Nigam, Product Head, Lava International, in a statement.

Captain N1 comes with in-built support for three Indian languages -- Hindi, Tamil and Telugu -- while Captain K1+ supports Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu and Kannada.

Both the devices are available across retail and multi-brand outlets along with a one-year warranty.

--IANS

vc/na/bg
Sikkim Chief Minister honoured for development leadership

Delhi,National,Environment/Wildlife, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling was on Thursday honoured with prestigious "Sustainable Development Leadership Award" by President Pranab Mukherjee here.

During "World Sustainable Development Summit" organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) at Vigyan Bhavan here, Chamling was recognised for his efforts to convert Sikkim into a fully organic state.

"The award was presented to Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in recognition of his vision and leadership in environment and sustainable development leading to the establishment of Sikkim as the first and only organic state in the country," an official statement released here said.

Sikkim is the only state in India to have attained the official status of fully organic state in January 2016 announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Around 75,000 hectares of land in Sikkim has been converted into certified organic farms and it contributes around 80,000 tonnes of organic production out of total 1.24 million tonnes of organic production recorded in india.

"Chamling has taken various green initiatives under which ban on pan masala/gutka was enforced in the entire state in the year 1995, and subsequently in 1997 passed an Act on prohibition of throwing of non-degradable garbage in public drains and sewerage," it said.

There is a ban also in the state on smoking at public places.

--IANS

ruwa/ask/vt
Kejriwal again urges Centre to expose Pakistan

Delhi,National,Politics,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday again urged the Centre to expose Pakistan internationally, while hailing the media for exposing its false propaganda on surgical strikes.

"So happy that some media exposing Pakistan's false propaganda. I congratulate them. Urge Indian govt (government) to likewise expose Pakistan internationally," Kejriwal tweeted.

He quoted a report of a news channel which claimed that an officer in Pakistan-administered Kashmir had accepted that surgical strikes took place.

Kejriwal in a video message on Monday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expose Pakistan's false propaganda when before a delegation of international media it denied the Indian surgical strikes.

The Chief Minister, in spite of differences with him on other matters, had earlier hailed the Prime Minister's strict measures against Pakistan.

Following his video message on Monday, Kejriwal faced sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party for allegedly raising questions over the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army on terror launch pads across ong the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The BJP questioned Kejriwal's silence over media reports showing "conclusive evidence" of the surgical strikes and dubbed it as "surprising".

--IANS

am/bns/in/vt
Scientists create better blood sugar test for diabetes

United States,Lifestyle/Fashion,Health/Medicine, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Washington, Oct 6 (IANS) US researchers have developed a more precise method for estimating average blood sugar levels that can cut diagnostic errors by more than 50 percent compared to the current widely used but sometimes inaccurate test.

"What we currently deem the gold standard for estimating average blood glucose is nowhere as precise as it should be," Xinhua news agency quoted senior investigator John Higgins at Harvard Medical School and a clinical pathologist at Massachusetts General Hospital as saying.

"Our study not only pinpoints the root of the inaccuracy but also offers a way to get around it."

Findings of the study were described on Wednesday in the US journal Science Translational Medicine, Xinhua said.

Because blood sugar varies by the hour and even by the minute, doctors use the so-called A1C test as a proxy to gauge a person's average blood glucose level over the previous three months.

The A1C test measures the amount of glycated hemoglobin, glucose that sticks to hemoglobin, or oxygen carrier, inside red blood cells, which can live in the body for only three months.

The test, however, is somewhat imprecise. It can lead to identical readings for people with different average blood sugar levels. At the same time, people with similar blood sugar levels can also end up having widely divergent results.

The team found these inaccuracies stemmed entirely from individual variations in the life span of a person's red blood cells.

"Like a water-soaked sponge that's been sitting on the kitchen sink for days, older red blood cells tend to have absorbed more glucose, while newly produced red blood cells have less because they havent been around as long," Higgins explained.

To eliminate the influence of age-related variation, the team developed a formula that factors in the life span of a person's red blood cells and then compared the age-adjusted blood sugar estimates to estimates derived from the standard A1C test and to readouts of glucose levels measured directly by continuous glucose monitors.

The standard A1C test provided notable off-target estimates in about a third of more than 200 patients whose test results were analyzed as part of the research.

By factoring in red blood cell age, however, the team reduced the error rate to one in 10.

Under the new model, patients could wear a glucose monitor for a few weeks to have their blood sugar tracked as a baseline, also allowing physicians to calculate the average age of a person's red blood cells before having the monitor removed, the team said.

"Physicians treating recently diagnosed patients would immediately know what a patient's red blood cell age is," Higgins said.

"The patient's test results can then be adjusted to factor in the red blood cell age and get a result that more accurately reflects the actual levels of blood sugar, allowing them to tailor treatment accordingly."

Currently, diabetes affects more than 422 million people worldwide and knowing accurate blood sugar averages can help them better manage the disease and their risk of diabetes-related complications.

--IANS

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Coast Guard reviews, beefs up coastal security

West Bengal,National,Defence/Security, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) The Coast Guard has increased patrolling in the Bay of Bengal and reviewed the security mechanism in view of the prevailing tension along India's western border, a Defence Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

The review was done at a two-day District Commanders and Works Conference, which concluded here on Thursday.

The conference, organised by the Coast Guard's regional headquarters (North-East), took stock of the coastal security mechanism of West Bengal and Odisha, with the Regional Commander, Inspector General K.R. Nautiyal, directing the district commanders to be "fully alert to respond to any situation that may arise because of the ongoing crisis along India's western border".

The conference decided to increase patrolling through surface and air assets to sanitise the coastline along the two states.

Commanders of Coast Guard district headquarters at Haldia and Paradip, and the Commanding Officers of Coast Guard Air Squadrons at Gopalpur, Frazerganj, Bhubaneshwar and Kolkata attended the conference that deliberated on issues relating to operations, fleet maintenance, personnel and administration.

The spokesperson said the headquarters maintained 1,256 ship days in the last one year, which amounted to patrolling by at least three ships per day.

"The air squadrons at Kolkata and Bhubaneswar clocked 3,243 flying hours for coastal surveillance, which means more than nine hours per day. More than 250 precious lives were saved at sea from stranded fishing boats in the first-ever Indo-Bangla joint search and rescue mission in August 2016," he said.

Two coastal security exercises with the state establishments and other agencies were also carried out over the past one year to keep the coastal security system fully operational.

"A total of 65 community interaction programmes were carried out in all fishing hamlets of West Bengal and Odisha to sensitise fishermen about safety at sea and various laws governing them," he added.

--IANS

ssp/nir/dg
Kovalam Lit Fest to focus on non-fiction

Delhi,National,Art/Culture/Books, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Kovalam Literary Festival, South India's pioneering literary event, will focus on non-fiction writing at its 8th edition in Thiruvananthapuram on October 22.

"This year's event will be a non-fiction special, with 26-year-old scholar Manu Pillai's 700-page history of the Travancore Royal Family leading the list," Binoo K. John, Founder-Director of the festival, told IANS.

"The festival has become an anticipated event in Trivandrum," said John, who launched it in 2008. This year, the event is being held at the VJT Hall in the city.

The "Ivory Throne: Chronicles of the House of Travancore", "swirls through Kerala history like a dervish, possessed by the intention of telling a magnificent story and telling it marvellously well", according to one review.

At the festival, Pillai will be in conversation with novelist Shreekumar Varma, himself a member of the Travancore family.

Other writers in the list released today are Raghu Karnad, author of "The Farthest Field", a World War I memoir; Rohini Mohan, author of the sensational, best-selling "Seasons of Trouble: Life Amid the Ruins of Sri Lanka's Civil War"; Bishwanath Ghosh, travel writer and author of "Chai Chai"; Lekshmy Rajeev, author of "Attukal Amma" on the famous Thiruvananthapuram temple.

The lead lecture will be by Magsaysay Award winner and Carnatic vocalist T.M. Krishna, who is also the author of "A Southern Music".

Well-known novelist M. Mukundan will deliver a lecture on the future of the novel.

--IANS

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Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) Begins Sale In South Korea!

New Delhi, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 NI Wire

We had updated you that South Korean technology giant, Samsung was planning to launch its successor of the Galaxy A8 series in the form of, Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016). The device as known was unveiled in the month of September by its end.

And now the buzz has it that the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) has started pre-orders in South Korea, which happens to be Samsungs home country. The pre-order sale kick started on October 1. And it is now available for users to buy.

As of now, sources report that Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) is an SK Telecom-exclusive which is in South Korea, and comes at a price KRW 649,000 ($583). It's available in blue color only and buzz has it that the other colors - pastel pink and silver color would come later. Sources even shared that users who will pick the 6.5GB data plan, would receive KRW 250,000 (around $225) discount on the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016), the plan is charged KRW 56,100 ($50) per month.

Buzz even states that given Samsungs recent bitter experiences with the highly talked about Galaxy Note 7; the company is being quite cautious. Samsung has now put a hold on the release of Galaxy A8 (2016) in other countries owing to performance-testing.

But it is clear that Samsung will surely release the device soon, and this is the reason it has started the sale in South Korea. This will serve as the ideal platform to test the devices credibility and performance in the market.

Everything You Should Know About Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016)

So far, Samsung has not revealed much about its Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) which is yet to release worldwide. However, from what little we have learnt so far, the device does has some striking features to boast off which are sure to leave you impressed.

As heard so far, Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) comes with full HD (1920x1080p) display and the device Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. Again, the software is said to be backed by Samsung's proprietary- the Exynos 7420 octa-core CPU. Moreover, Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) also has Mali-T760 graphics engine. For storage, the device comes with 3GB RAM and 64GB internal storage.

Talking of camera, which is always a highlight in the Samsung devices; this new device comes with a 8MP primary camera, and for selfies it has 5MP camera. It is remarkable that the aforementioned details of Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) are completely reverse of what was proposed and heard about earlier.

For those unaware, it was stated in the past that the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) brings in 16MP primary sensor and it has 32GB of internal storage. Well, it was rolled out because there were updates about Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) having two models. Of which, one was considered to be a testing device.

However, as one can see, the device is out for sale in South Korea, and its just one model that has made way to the market.

We hope that Samsung will soon release the device in other market, including India. Stay tuned to know all the latest updates on Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016).
Prime Minister of Singapore calls on President of India

New Delhi, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 NI Wire

His Excellency Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, the Prime Minister of Republic of Singapore called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday.

Welcoming Mr. Loong to India, the President conveyed his condolences on the passing away of Founding Father of Singapore Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and former President S.R. Nathan. He said we, in India, admire Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's vision and ideas. His passing was deeply mourned in India.

The President said he was happy to note that Singapore is collaborating with the Government of Assam in developing a skill centre in Assam. The North Eastern part of India is a natural partner of South East Asian nations.

The President expressed happiness that bilateral trade has expanded after the conclusion of CECA. It peaked to US$ 25.2 billion in 2011-12. It has however declined to US$ 15 billion in 2015-16. The President said the two countries need to work together to give trade and investments a boost. Investor confidence in India is at an all time high. It is among the most attractive destinations for investment. Singapore companies have experience in India and are familiar with our investment landscape. We hope to see more Singapore companies investing in India.

The President said both Singapore and India are concerned at growing extremism and terrorism which are a common threat to the whole international community. India has been a victim of cross border terrorist attacks perpetrated by groups which enjoy safe havens in Pakistan. The latest terrorist attack in Uri only underlined the fact that the infrastructure of terrorism in Pakistan remains active. There have been continuous attempts by armed terrorists to cross the LoC and international boundary in order to carry out attacks in India. The President said as strategic partners, the broadest possible range of cooperation on security and terrorism would be to the mutual benefit of India and Singapore. Both countries must focus on enhancing co-operation on combating terrorism and isolating its supporters.

The Prime Minister of Singapore strongly condemned the Uri terrorist attack and conveyed condolences on the demise of many soldiers. He said Singapore also remains on constant vigil against terrorism. It wishes for peace in South Asia and would like to do lots more with India.

Source: PIB
Indian high school students won four silver medals in 10th International Earth Science Olympiad

New Delhi, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 NI Wire

Four Silver Medalists with Team Leader at 10th International Earth Science Olympiad, MIE, Japan

Three Indian high school students who won four silver medals in the 10th International Earth Science Olympiad, MIE Japan, called on the Minister for Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, in New Delhi todaInternational Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) is an annual earth science competition for secondary school students and is conducted each year in a different country. It is an outreach programme and one of the main activities of the International Geoscience Educational Organization (IGEO), affiliated to the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). This programme is aimed at training young minds and fostering earth science education for peace and harmony.

The IESOs mission is also to raise awareness and interest in Earth Sciences amongst school children as well as general public to improve Earth Science learning of students and to single out talented and gifted students in Earth Science. This event gives an opportunity to students to make International friends promoting International co-operation, exchange of ideas and materials about Earth Sciences. This international event acts as a bridge of friendship amongst the young talented students of the participating countries and is looked forward to participation eagerly every year.

Students who are winners of the respective National Competitions are invited to participate in the IESO. There is a written and practical tests and the performances in these tests are awarded gold, silver and bronze medals. Team activities like International Team Field Investigation (ITFI) and Earth System Project (ESP) are unique to IESO programme in addition to the written and practical tests.

The motive behind these activities is co-operation, coming together and working in a team with students from different nationalities, diverse cultures and backgrounds and the main objectives are:

i) building ambassadors responsible for leading our Society towards respecting the Earth and its environment to spread scientific knowledge to tackle problems such as global warming and climate change;

ii) to create and introduce practical methods of reducing greenhouse gas emissions that can be applied in the present and the future;

iii) to develop renewable energy sources and encourage high resolution research and investment for eco-friendly technologies. And its ultimate goal is to convert the thoughts into action by educating the citizens of our planet in the conservation of the environment.

With this background; the Geological Society of India, Bangalore, which also shares similar objectives and as a part of its outreach programme towards popularizing Earth Sciences amongst school students, conducts every year the Indian National Earth Science Olympiad with the support of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, GOI. For this purpose, the selection of the Indian team takes place in two important steps. First an entrance test is conducted in centers for the school students studying in the 9th, 10, 11 and 12th standard. This year a total of nearly 3700 students appeared in the test in 70 centers. Twenty-one students were short listed to undergo summer training at Anna University, Chennai from 13th to 30th May 2016. An intensive training by the faculty members invited from Academia, Universities, Research institutions and Government organizations were imparted. At the end of the training programme, Indian National Earth Science Olympiad was conducted, both written and practical tests. Four students were selected on the basis of the merit out of the 20 students. It may be noted that for this purpose, selections and preparations starts a year ahead in November/ December and ends around July/August the next year. However, the selection for the IESO India team starts from the month of March and concludes in the month of August just before the International event.

A pre-departure refresher training programme was organized by Anna University from 13th August to 18th August 2016 for the four selected students representing the India team. The programme included theory, laboratory techniques and field training. This year the 10th International Earth Science Olympiad (10th IESO) was held from 21th to 27th August 2016 at Mie, Japan. The theme logo of IESO-2016, Japan was Our Future: Earth and Space. This year 26 countries with four students from each country participated in this event (a total of 201 students) barring Malawi (one student only). The Indian team was represented by four students: Aditya pal, (Kolkata), Amarjeet Pandde (Mumbai), Guhan Narayanan (Bangalore) and Divyansh Joshi (Udaipur). Dr. K.Godhavari (Secretary, Geological Society of India, Observer) and Dr. Hema Achyuthan (National Coordinator, Mentor) led the Indian team.

This year a total of 10 gold, 20 silver and 30 bronze medals were distributed to the students; ranked based on the performance in the written and practical tests. Theory marks comprised 70%, while practical marks were 30%. Aditya Pal, Kolkata, Amarjeet Pandde (Mumbai) and Guhan Narayanan (Bangalore) were awarded silver medals. Guhan Narayanan won another silver medal for India in the team event. Under the guidance and stewardship of Dr. Godhavari (observer) and Prof. Hema Achyuthan (National coordinator and mentor) the students performed very well and made India, MoES, and the GSI feel proud of this feat.

Source: PIB
Speedy, safe, sustainable construction needed to meet Housing For All target- Venkaiah Naidu

New Delhi, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 NI Wire

Two lakh houses for Paramilitary forces using prefabricated technologies under consideration

Government departments urged to promote alternative construction technologies

Housing Technology Park showcasing 11 Prefab technologies inaugurated

Alternative technologies are more effective than conventional; user perception need to be changed- HPL Chief

Government departments and agencies and private sector have been urged to promote alternative technologies in place of conventional construction technologies to meet the housing demand besides promoting sustainable construction, by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation.

After inaugurating HPL Housing Technology Park here today, Minister of HUPA Shri M.Venakaiah Naidu said Speedy, Safe and Sustainable construction using prefabricated alternative technologies is the need of the hour to meet the targets under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and programmes of State Governments. Several such technologies validated by official technical agencies are now available and need to be scaled up in use.

Shri Naidu further said that with increase in demand, prefabricated construction technologies would become even more cost effective and they need to be promoted in a big way. He said that about two crore dwelling units are to be built in urban areas and about four crore units in rural areas to enable housing for economically weaker sections and low income groups. He said that government is taking several measures to popularize these technologies. These technologies are now being used in big housing projects and need to be adopted for individual and small scale housing projects, he said.

Minister of State for HUPA Shri Rao Inderjit Singh urged government departments like Defence, Railways and PSU to promote such technologies in a big wary.

Dr.Nandita Chatterjee, Secertary(HUPA) informed that the Ministry of HUPA is in talks with the Ministry of Defence for building two lakh houses with alternative technologies for Paramilitary forces. She also said that construction of 37,500 such houses is being planned in Mumbai after a successful pilot project of 200 houses. Demonstration projects have been executed in different zones of the country and several States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana and Maharashtra have shown keen interest in alternative construction technologies. CPWD has already come out with Schedule of Rates for three such technologies and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) would soon include these technologies in the National Building Code (NBC).

Speaking to media persons, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Prefab Limited Shri Rajesh Goyal said that prefabricated technologies are as good as conventional technologies in terms of strength and durability and even better in several respects like quality and finish, speed of construction and would be more cost effective when production increases. He said that perception of users needs to be changed to make them adopt these technologies. Private sector is now showing considerable interest in these technologies, he stated.

HPL has developed the Housing Technology Park in Jangpura, New Delhi for demonstration and promotion of these technologies. Eleven houses built with different alternative technologies are on show for awareness generation.

Source: PIB
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It's been quite a year. And I make no predictions about the one to come. I do know that it will -- at least where we are -- start ou...
A Moroccan boxer who claimed having been tortured in Morocco was found guilty of libel against the Kings private Secretary Mounir El Majidi.

The Paris Tribunal de Grande Instance, which issued its ruling on Wednesday, fined the boxer Zakaria Moumni to 1,000 in damages for defamation.

Zakaria Moumni, a confirmed liar, had filed a complaint in France against Abdellatif Hammouchi, head of Moroccos General Directorate of National Security (DGST) and Director of the National Intelligence Agency, for alleged torture and claimed that the private secretary of King Mohammed VI was behind his abuse.

Mounir El Majidi lodged a complaint for libel in the same court.

One of Majidis attorneys, Herve Temime, welcomed the courts ruling and said the allegations of Zakaria Moumni () have been recognized as baseless, frivolous and could not be substantiated by one scintilla of evidence.

Two other lawyers of the Kings private secretary, Hicham Naciri and Jean-Yves Dupeux, also welcomed the verdict that cleared their client.

They deemed the decision consistent and logical insofar as all proceedings by Zakaria Moumni have exonerated Mr. El Majidi 
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Poppy Bush and Hillary Clinton could go down in the history books as the end points of their partys presidential winning streaks. Or in Clintons case, maybe not. Photo: Ron Sachs-Pool/Mark Wilson/Getty Images

One of the intangible factors that teases around the edges of this years presidential contest is whether voter fatigue with Democratic control of the White House could produce a small but crucial tilt toward Donald Trump among undecided voters.

Earlier in the cycle, before Donald Trumps ascendance convinced most observers we were not dealing with a normal election year, there was talk of a third-term curse, based on the very small sample size of elections following two-term presidencies after the 22nd Amendment made third terms unconstitutional. Even that limited argument was not totally convincing once you factored in things like Al Gores popular-vote plurality in 2000 (Democrats suffered from a third-term curse that year, all right, but it was located not in the electorate but in the U.S. Supreme Court). Still, some political scientists make long-term incumbency a negative factor for the party in power in election forecasts, so it is worth exploring the issue at some length.

If you disregard the arbitrary 22nd Amendment cutoff (which is only relevant to one president) and go all the way back to the beginning of the modern party system under Andrew Jackson, there are plenty of times one party held the White House more than two consecutive terms. Democrats held it under Jackson and Martin Van Buren for three terms from 1828 through 1836. Then beginning with Lincoln and continuing through James Garfield (succeeded on his assassination by Chester Arthur), Republicans won the presidency six consecutive times from 1860 through 1880. The GOP then won four straight from 1896 through 1908, and three straight from 1920 through 1932. Then came the big Democratic stretch under FDR and Harry Truman: five terms from 1932 through 1948. Yes, theres been a relative dearth of three-term partisan wins since then, with Republicans taking three straight from 1980 through 1988 being the only example.

Richard Nixons self-destruction in the Watergate scandal was a black swan event  even so, Gerald Ford came within an eyelash of winning in 1976. Without Watergate, Republicans might well have won six straight presidential elections, from 1968 through 1988.

But if you look more closely at weird outlier elections, one-party domination looks more normal even fairly recently.

And then there is the aforementioned 2000 election. If you make the plausible argument that had Al Gore been inaugurated in 2001 hed have been a favorite for reelection in 2004 (Democrats nearly won that year anyway), Democrats might have easily posted their own six-term streak from 1992 through 2o12  and still counting.

All in all, you can make just as good a case that parties tend to exert dominance over presidential elections for an extended period of time as you can that theres some natural brief limitation.

As Andrew Gelman wisely argues after conducting a similar exercise:

We can only learn from history if we know what the history was. It can perhaps be frustrating that political scientists speak in terms of percentages and tendencies rather than deterministic rules. But ultimately, the hedging we do is necessary, giving us a better understanding of the many different factors that affect voting decisions.

So feel free to disregard any claims going down the stretch of this election that some rule is going to deliver the White House to anyone in particular.
Photo: Michael B. Thomas/AFP/Getty Images

Should dumb people be allowed to vote? Thats the provocative question posed by Jason Brennan, an associate professor of strategy, economics, ethics, and public policy at Georgetown University and the author of Against Democracy, in an essay published last week on Aeon and on Quartz.

Brennan thinks theres a solid case to be made that no, they shouldnt, and that we should claw back the universal franchise:

Consider an alternative political system called epistocracy. Epistocracies retain the same institutions as representative democracies, including imposing liberal constitutional limits on power, bills of rights, checks and balances, elected representatives and judicial review. But while democracies give every citizen an equal right to vote, epistocracies apportion political power, by law, according to knowledge or competence.



The idea here is not that knowledgeable people deserve to rule  of course they dont  but that the rest of us deserve not to be subjected to incompetently made political decisions. Political decisions are high stakes, and democracies entrust some of these high-stakes decisions to the ignorant and incompetent. Democracies tend to pass laws and policies that appeal to the median voter, yet the median voter would fail Econ, History, Sociology, and Poli Sci 101. Empirical work generally shows that voters would support different policies if they were better informed.

Brennan, who is also the author of Libertarianism: What Everyone Needs to Know, isnt quite calling for an IQ test  more a knowledge-based test in which only those who can answer a high-enough proportion of American-citizenship-testtype questions are granted voting rights. Overall, he seems very open to the idea that we could do better than democracy: At the very least, he writes, which system, warts and all, would work best is an interesting question.

The potentially dire problems with such a proposal are fairly straightforward, and they go beyond gut-level objections to discarding a bedrock principle of the United States identity as a country. Perhaps most obviously, theres a very good chance that an epistocratic system would vastly increase the power wealthy people have in society, even relative to the already-quite-unequal system we currently have. Whatever cutoff point you set for You Must Have This Much Knowledge to Ride the Epistocracy, it would in all likelihood be strikingly easy for rich people to meet that threshold, simply because of how money and privilege and education work, and the vast majority of the people who couldnt get past the sign would probably be poor  and therefore disproportionately nonwhite as well. In the past, of course, knowledge tests and their ilk have been used specifically to exclude nonwhite voters and, in some cases, white ones who were effectively deemed too poor to be entrusted with the responsibility to vote. Its hard not to hear echoes of these (supposedly!) regretted-by-everyone past practices in Brennans proposal, especially given that his proposal would likely disproportionately disenfranchise the same groups.

But setting aside these important issues, overall, Brennan is engaging in a very human form of wishful thinking, which is to bemoan the fact that If only people were more knowledgeable, theyd have better politics. Everyone has a different view of better politics, but this is a fairly common sentiment. To support his particular version of this argument, though, Brennan distorts some political science. Lets go back to his sentence Empirical work generally shows that voters would support different policies if they were better informed. (Its pretty clear, from context, that Brennan is being coy here  he means better policies, not merely different ones, or else how is that sentence supporting the idea that we should flirt with epistocracy?) I emailed Brennan to ask him which research he was referring to, and he sent me a bunch of citations, as well as this paragraph from his recently released book Against Democracy:

Political scientist Scott Althaus also finds, using the American National Election Studies data, that well informed and badly informed citizens have systematically different policy preferences. Althaus finds that poorly informed people have systematically different preferences from well-informed people, even after we correct for the influence of demographic factors, such as race, income, and gender. As people (regardless of their race, income, gender, or other demographic factors) become more informed, they favor overall less government intervention and control of the economy. (Thats not [to] say they become libertarians.) They are more in favor of free trade and less in favor of protectionism. They are more pro-choice. They favor using tax increases to offset the deficit and debt. They favor less punitive and harsh measures on crime. They are less hawkish on military policy, though they favor other forms of intervention. They are more accepting of affirmative action. They are less supportive of prayer in public schools. They are more supportive of market solutions to health care problems. They are less moralistic in law; they dont want government to impose morality on the population. And so on. In contrast, as people become less informed, they become more in favor of protectionism, abortion restrictions, harsh penalties on crime, doing nothing to fix the debt, more hawkish intervention, and so on.

So Althaus, a professor of political science and communication at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, looms large in Brennans research. One of the sources Brennan pointed me to was page 129 of Althauss 2003 book Collective Preferences in Democratic Politics: Opinion Surveys and the Will of the People. If you go there, youll see that the page, which is in a chapter called The Impact of Information Effects, is given over to the following table:

The table is based on statistical simulations of what a more informed populace would prefer, and at first glance it certainly seems to support the paragraph from Brennans book. But according to Althaus himself, Brennan is seriously missing the point of his research, and ignoring several pages of caveats at the end of that very chapter cautioning against exactly the sort of reasoning Brennan is using to prop up his argument. My argument in the book about the value (as well as the limits) of the simulation method runs entirely counter to Brennans proposal, Althaus said in an email. There is no statistical magic that can tell us what the American public would really want if it only knew better. These simulations do not and cannot tell us what the American people really want.

Understanding why Brennans argument misfires involves understanding exactly what these simulations are. Althaus sent me a PDF of the chapter in question, which goes into detail. The simulations rely on the fact that certain surveys which gauge peoples political beliefs and preferences also gauge their current level of political knowledge, allowing researchers to draw correlations between the two. The basic conceit is that if you do the right type of number-crunching, you can take a sample of voters, all with different beliefs, demographic characteristics, levels of knowledge, and so on, and simulate a situation in which you wave a hypothetical magical wand which endows them all with the maximum amount of political knowledge it is possible to possess in the situation in question  while holding all their personal and demographic characteristics constant  and see whether and in what ways this new knowledge would theoretically affect their beliefs.

Althaus writes about a series of such simulations which employ data from American National Election Studies surveys. In each, he takes the actual preferences of voters, does that statistical trick to give them all what he calls fully informed opinion  again, thats imagining that these voters are exactly the same in terms of gender, race, class, and so on, jacking up their level of knowledge to the ANES equivalent of 100 percent, and seeing how the model predicts their beliefs would change as a result  and reporting the results.

Some of those results are interesting: For instance, if you take a bunch of ANES-respondent men and gift them with full political information, it increases their support for full, unrestricted abortion rights just a little. For women, on the other hand, the so-called information effect is fairly huge  the percentage of women who support full abortion rights jumps from 46.4 percent in the real-life ANES sample to 61.9 percent when they are gifted, via simulation, with full knowledge. Elsewhere in the chapter, Althaus reports results showing that, relative to real voters, simulated fully informed voters are more likely to prefer free-market solutions to economic problems as compared to strong-government ones, for instance, and that they are more willing to raise taxes to pay down the deficit. As is true with the abortion results, many of these simulations contain important subtleties and nuances: Sometimes there are really big differentials in the size of the information effects along class or partisan lines, for example, and sometimes ceiling effects constrain the size of the information effect  that is, if 75 percent of a sample already believes something, in other words, information can only have so much of an effect.

Setting aside those nuances, some patterns do emerge from the simulation, and from them Brennan believes we can infer two: (1) these are the policies a more informed populace would prefer; and (2) these policies would be better. He states (1) outright in his Aeon/Quartz article, and he strongly implies (2) by offering these findings as support for an argument that universal voting rights should be reconsidered. (Again, A higher degree of knowledge is correlated with different policies couldnt possibly be an argument against universal voting rights, but A higher degree of knowledge is correlated with better policies could be, if youre into that.)

But if you read just nine pages past the above table, Althaus anticipates both these claims, and unequivocally cautions against making either. He lays out all sorts of different reasons why the simulations should not be used in such a straightforwardly predictive real-world manner. For one thing, models like the ones being used in the simulations have some really serious limitations. Take the hypothetical example of a low-income out-of-work steelworker who has one set of beliefs that he reports during an ANES survey, and that the model report will have those beliefs changed in X or Y direction once the worker is granted full political knowledge. In the model, everything about him is the same except for the knowledge that was magically shot into his skull. In real life, we know that the process of obtaining and integrating knowledge is really complicated, shot through with all sorts of sociological and other influences, and hard to fully understand. The model is an approximation that simply might not apply to real life. For a real-life out-of-work steelworker who suddenly bones up on politics, that new knowledge might filter through him ways the model cant possibly anticipate.

But we dont even need to speculate, because according to Althaus theres already evidence these simulations dont map onto real life. In another excerpt from his book that he sent me, Althaus notes that Simulated measures of fully informed opinion accurately predict when collective policy preferences will remain stable but are decidedly less precise when forecasting that surveyed opinion should change in significant ways, at least in the short term. So Brennan is simply assuming that the results of the simulation mean its easy to predict in which direction a more knowledgeable voter base would go, policywise, but theres no solid reason to believe this is the case.

Finally, and perhaps most obviously, why should we grant such profound weight to what the most enlightened simulated voters want? In real life, enlightened voters can be wrong about stuff  are wrong about stuff  all the time! Tippy-top well-educated elites are afflicted by groupthink and dogma just like everyone else, and are perhaps more susceptible in some cases precisely because they are elites: How could someone as smart and well-educated as they are be wrong about, say, the housing bubble? As Althaus puts it in his book, While statistically modeling a seemingly more informed citizenry can provide important insights into the relationship between opinions and political knowledge, the results of such an exercise should be accorded no greater normative status than the surveyed opinions from which they are derived. In other words: Dont take the preferences of these simulated enlightened voters and assume that, if they were enacted, the world would be better. Which is certainly what Brennan seems to be doing.
Photo: Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images

Donald Trump has had a bad ten days. Before the Republican nominee stepped into every trap Hillary Clinton laid across the first debates stage, he was making blue America sweat. Polls showed him nipping at Clintons heels in Colorado and Pennsylvania, states once thought to be bricks in her Electoral College firewall. And the resilient strength of Gary Johnson and Jill Stein looked like it might solve the problem of Trumps low ceiling  after all, our first president Clinton won with only 43 percent of the vote.

And then the GOP standard-bearer bragged about avoiding taxes and leading the birther movement in front of 84 million people, recommended the sex tape of a woman he had psychologically abused to his Twitter followers at five in the morning, accused Hillary Clinton of being an adulteress, and had his talent for losing epic sums of money splashed across the front page of the New York Times. Meanwhile, Gary Johnson exposed the depths of his own ignorance so thoroughly, hes now trying to rebrand the inability to identify foreign nations as a virtue. This week, the libertarians own running mate all but endorsed Hillary Clinton.



Now Canadas Department of Immigration is probably fielding fewer applications. Trump has fallen behind Clinton in polling averages of Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, and Nevada. Even if the mogul comes from behind to win all four of those states, he would still need to flip at least one state where Clinton currently leads by an average of more than 5 points to win the Oval Office.

The snake is pretty blue today https://t.co/L5AArZlGgy pic.twitter.com/zPiZd8RgtE  Farhad Manjoo (@fmanjoo) October 5, 2016

And Trumps prospects are likely even more dire than such polling averages suggest. The Republican nominee is relying entirely on his party for voter turnout, a perilous strategy for a candidate whose strongest support comes from non-college-educated white voters  a demographic that votes far less reliably than the suburban white women whom Trump has been alienating. Whats more, while the Republican National Committee has an extensive voter file  and should be able to help turn out the partys base  they arent much use for turning out the independent or formerly Democratic voters who make up a portion of Trumps polling support.

Clinton, by contrast, has the best get-out-the-vote operation George Soros can buy. And the Democratic nominee will be able to capitalize on that advantage for much more than one day. Several swing states have lengthy early voting periods. And, according to Politico, Trump is relying entirely on rallies to mobilize his base:

Trumps haphazard campaign, ignoring standard practice, relies largely on mining his boisterous battleground-state rallies to amass his early-vote totals. Clintons effort is more methodical and traditional, hinging on an extensive field organization to drive its advance voting strategy.

And now Mother Nature (and/or the man-made climate change the GOP nominee denies) is conspiring against Trump. Just as Romneys efforts to catch up to Obama were stymied by Hurricane Sandys domination of the news cycle, so Hurricane Matthew threatens to cost Trump free media at a time when his campaign desperately needs it.

Political story no one is talking about right now: Hurricane Matthew could potentially "freeze" the race in place for a week or more  Tucker Martin (@jtuckermartin) October 4, 2016

Beyond all this, Trumps already weak poll numbers may be weaker than they look. Per the New York Times:



Mr. Trump has already slipped perceptibly in public polls, trailing widely this week in Pennsylvania and by smaller margins in Florida and North Carolina  three states he cannot afford to lose.



But private polling by both parties shows an even more precipitous drop, especially among independent voters, moderate Republicans and women, according to a dozen strategists from both parties who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the data was confidential.



Liesl Hickey, a Republican strategist involved in several House races in swing states, said she was dismayed by a sudden exodus of independent voters in more diverse parts of the country. They are really starting to pull away from Trump, said Ms. Hickey, describing his soaring unpopularity with independents as entering uncharted territory.

The paper also reports that many Republican congressional candidates will take another poor debate performance this Sunday as a cue to flee openly from their nominee.

A significant drop in the polls could create a negative feedback loop for Trump, as down-ballot candidates distance themselves from his campaign and the RNC starts shifting resources away from the top of the ticket. As the Washington Posts Philip Bump has noted, Trumps reliance on his party for turnout becomes evermore perilous as his polling strength diminishes:



If the Republican National Committee discovers that he is dragging down its candidates for the Senate and the House, that could shift where and how it focuses on turning people out to the polls. Should the RNC put a heavy emphasis in Georgia, where its Senate seat is relatively safe, just to bolster Trumps chances? If a candidate in a competitive Senate seat is struggling with working-class white men for some reason, why would the RNC want to turn them out?

To get out of the hole hes dug himself, Trump will need a stellar performance at Sundays town-hall debate  a tricky format that disadvantages political novices. Then hell need to pray for some terrible misfortune to befall the Clinton campaign  say, a WikiLeaks document dump that shows the Democratic nominee engaging in explicit corruption, or else literally founding the Islamic State.

There is little reason to think either of these things will happen.
Where it all happened. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

The man running Trump Tower for a decade was an ex-con who allegedly used his place in the company to set up a cash-for-jobs racket, forcing new employees to pay for their positions and threatening to fire them if they did not comply, according to a new report from the Associated Press.



It does not appear that Donald Trump was aware of his ex-employees behavior.

George Gjieli had already been out of federal prison for six years when he was hired as Trump Towers live-in residential superintendent after a face-to-face interview with Trump.

Gjielis new boss was apparently not aware of his criminal past, which included attempts to bribe a U.S. Treasury agent with $100,00 to break his acquaintance out of Michigan state prison, where he was serving time for a triple murder. Gjieli described the bloody crime to the agent using racial slurs for the black victims, saying that the perpetrator shot the f**k out of them. Hes also been described by federal prosecutors as showing an utter disdain for the laws of our country.



Even if Trump had discovered Gjielis past, there is reason to believe he still would have hired him. Trumps longtime associations with criminals and other shady characters is a matter of record.

In his book The Art of the Deal, Trump actually brags about hiring a con man who stole $50,000 from the company, even stealing from the fund the secretaries used to buy funeral flowers, saying that his behavior was worth it because the con man was such a good manager.

More recently, Trump famously hired Felix Sater as a senior adviser, in 2010. At the time, Sater was a mafia-linked executive convicted of stock fraud who eventually turned states witness.

Trump often couches his engagement with ex-cons in terms of giving them a second chance and an opportunity to get their lives back together. That may be so, but Gjieli, at least, did not seem to be reformed when he took up his position at Trump Tower.

Accusations have since emerged that Gjieli used his position to extort bribes in the form of envelopes of cash or even gold jewelry from other Trump Tower employees, making them pay for their positions or threatening to fire them if they did not comply. Elevator operator Ioan Ghilduta described in a 2005 deposition having to pay Gjieli $1,000 in cash and a gold crucifix upon getting the job, a practice he described as commonplace, saying, All the guys pay the money.

Gjieli would even accept cash in his Trump Tower office to set people up with jobs in non-Trump buildings where he wielded influence.

One Trump Tower employee, Ilie Malancea  according to his family  was forced to give Gjieli gifts of gold jewelry upon securing his position and didnt see his situation much improved after Gjieli left in 2001. Gjielis successor would allegedly angrily take Malancea to task for transgressions like telling a resident that a broken elevator was unsafe and being late to work after a doctors appointment following heart surgery.

Gjieli has denied any wrongdoing, using an excuse that would make his old boss proud: blaming immigrants, this time the buildings Romanian staff.

Still, there is no evidence that Trump knew about the nefarious behavior going on in his tower for more than a decade. Taking into account the recommendation letter Trump allegedly wrote Gjieli when he stepped down in 2001, lets hope that he didnt.
Candidate who may or may not know who Kim Jong-un is. Photo: Molly Riley/AFP/Getty Images

It appears that from now until Election Day, every Gary Johnson interview will include a pop quiz on foreign policy. Rather than studying up on the topic, the Libertarian nominee has decided to opt out of the test.

In an interview with the New York Times on Wednesday, Johnson was asked if he knew the name of North Koreas leader. I do, he replied. You want me to name the person, he said, then added, dryly, Really. Johnson never answered the question.

Johnson has had two embarrassing foreign-policy gaffes in recent weeks. First, he failed to recognize Aleppo as a besieged city in Syria, and then he was unable to name a world leader he admired. Hes tried to recover by spinning his lack of detailed foreign-policy knowledge as an asset.

Because Hillary Clinton can dot the is and cross the ts on geographic leaders, of the names of foreign leaders, he told the Times, the underlying fact that hundreds of thousands of people have died in Syria goes by the wayside. He went on to say that Clinton bears responsibility for whats happened, shared responsibility for whats happened in Syria. I would not have put us in that situation from the get-go.

Johnson also equated the targeting of civilians by Syrian government forces with the accidental bombing of noncombatants by U.S.-led coalition forces. When pushed four times on that point, Johnson said sarcastically, Well no, of course not  were so much better than all that  Were so much better when in Afghanistan, we bomb the hospital and 60 people are killed in the hospital.

When asked about the other story distracting from his message  running mate Bill Weld telling the Boston Globe that hes focused on preventing a Donald Trump presidency and discussing the possibility of helping the Republican Party rebuild after the election  Johnson went with the same strategy. He would not say whether Weld warned him about the tactical shift before the interview.

That may be his primary mission, Johnson said. Were not scripted at all. And so I guess my role will be Hillary and his role will be Donald Trump.

Weld repeatedly clarified on Wednesday that his aim in attacking Trump is not to help Hillary Clinton  and hes not abandoning ship. My Libertarian hat is firmly planted on my head, and will remain there, he said in a statement, adding that he believe[s] Gary Johnson to be the best candidate for president.

In fact, he thinks his running mate is a lot like one of our greatest presidents. In an interview with CNNs Jake Tapper on Wednesday, he said of Johnsons gaffes, We would like to have those two sentences back. No question.

Gary is quick to assign blame to himself and to take responsibility. Not always the hallmark of a practicing politician. But he is a very humble guy. He is very ambitious and very strong, but he has tremendous humility, Weld continued. He kind of  dont laugh. He kind of reminds me in many ways of Abraham Lincoln, another great truth-teller of his time.
Photo: Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images

Mike Pence spent much of his vice-presidential debate not defending his running mate, or even attacking Hillary Clinton, but instead indicting the Obama administrations allegedly failed policies. Tim Kaine devoted scant attention to the defense, and Republicans walked away concluding that they had seen a glimpse of an alternate world in which their partys winning course had not been diverted into the ditch by their evil clown nominee. If you had a normal, professional, Republican politician on the stage, prosecuting conservative arguments, who actually knows what hes talking about, said former Republican adviser and staunch Trump critic Dan Senor, we would actually be winning this election. It is not only Republicans who say this; a version of this belief has sunk deeply into the conventional wisdom. (I appeared on the show where Senor said this, and he, Charlie Rose, and Mike Allen all agreed that this was a change election that Republicans were only failing to win because of Trumps unique unfitness for office.)

@SallyAlbright @CNNPolitics Jon, this is a change election when 70% of country believes we are off on wrong track. Just different.  Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd) October 6, 2016

wrong track was high before trump arrived on scene. If Kasich was nominee, GOP would be winning fairly big.  Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd) October 6, 2016

In reality, Kaines lack of interest in defending Obama should not be mistaken for an inability to defend him. The president remains popular among the public  todays CNN poll registering a 55 percent approval rating, the highest of his second term, being the latest evidence. Some conservatives have dismissed Obamas rising popularity as a mere response to Trump, but this is wrong, too  Obamas approval ratings also rose during the 2012 cycle. Elections seem to activate the support of disenchanted partisans. The cyclical fall-off of support among partisan voters does not indicate any real opportunity for Republicans, since those voters naturally return to the fold during an election.

The most ubiquitous piece of data to support the change election narrative is the very high right track/wrong track number, which was cited on the Charlie Rose panel and has become the favorite conservative measure of public opinion since Obamas approval ratings hit 50 percent. But the right track/wrong track number has no predictive value of election outcomes. In the 1970s, when the public grew disenchanted with public institutions in the wake of Vietnam and Watergate, wrong-track numbers structurally rose and have stayed mostly high with few exceptions. Wrong track voters include large numbers of liberal Democrats who support the administration and feel frustrated the Republican Congress has blocked its proposals. As other, closer analysis has found, most Americans think their side is losing the partisan fight, which explains why so many believe the country is on the wrong track, but does not indicate any desire by frustrated liberals to hand the White House to the GOP.

The conviction that America is yearning to change parties in the White House is also undergirded by somewhat more amorphous evidence of working-class discontent  support for Trump among the white working class, generalized despair in rural and Rust Belt areas, and so on. In one of the short exchanges where Kaine defended Obamas record, he cited 15 million new jobs, lower poverty, and rising median income. Pence focused instead on localized depressed areas. You  honestly, senator, you can roll out the numbers and the sunny side, but I got to tell you, people in Scranton know different, he said. People in Fort Wayne, Indiana, know different.

It is true that the long-term decline in manufacturing employment has had devastating impacts on communities in towns like Scranton and Fort Wayne. It is telling that Pence had to rely on localized pain in communities suffering from trends dating back decades. On the whole, American consumer confidence is strong, hitting the highest level since the recession:

It is true that the extraordinary unpopularity of the Republican nominee has made the election much harder than it could have been. But this overlooks another peculiarity of the election, which is the extraordinary unpopularity of the Democratic nominee. One can argue about why Hillary Clinton became the second-most-unpopular major-party nominee in history. (I attribute it to a combination of her and her husbands mistakes, brutal attacks on her character and authenticity during the Democratic primary, and sexism that treats her ambitions as more unusual and contemptuous than those of male politicians.) Whatever the cause, the impact is quite real. Yes, if the Democrats had a highly unpopular nominee and the Republicans didnt, Republicans might be winning. And yes, there are a lot of disparate feelings of unhappiness among the public, many coming from the left. But that doesnt indicate some natural desire by the electorate to give Republicans control of government.

The change election myth will take on lasting power after the election. It will fuel the belief by the party Establishment that its choices were right  the maniacal opposition to everything Obama proposed, the obsession with cutting taxes for the rich, and so on  but their electoral vindication was merely derailed by the flukish nomination of a demagogue. If not for Trump, America was ready to give Republicans a chance to reverse the Obama years. The reality is that the best way to measure public approval for an elected official is to ask people if they approve of that officials job performance. Trump has become a mechanism for Republicans to avoid coming to grips with the fact that the electorate that rebuked their party twice when it elected and reelected Obama has not reconsidered its position.
Youre welcome. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Hillary Clinton currently has a slight lead on Donald Trump in Nevada, but thats about to change. On Wednesday night the Republican nominee did Nevadans a big favor by explaining that they pronounce their states name wrong.

Heroin overdoses are surging. In fact, overdoses in Nevada  Nev-AAH-duh, he said at a rally in Reno. You know what I said? You know what I said? I said when I came out here, I said, Nobody says it the other way, it has to be Nev-AAH-da.

The crowd cheered, and Trump offered an anecdote to drive the lesson home. If you dont say it correctly  and it didnt happen to me but it happened to a friend of mine, he was killed, Trump said.

Unsurprisingly, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, who represents Nevada, didnt appreciate Trumps tip:

If Trump wants to come down from the penthouse his daddy bought him to lecture us on Nevada, he could at least pronounce it correctly.  Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) October 6, 2016

Trump told us we pronounce our state wrong; then he refused to take stance on Yucca.



It's pronounced Nev-AD-a and Yucca Mountain is dead.  Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) October 6, 2016

Some even suggested he was joking:

Heard from a Trump campaign source that he actually was joking in Reno when he said the state's name wrong, that he does know how to say it.  Jon Ralston (@RalstonReports) October 6, 2016

But clearly this source is wrong. Trump would never make a weird joke while talking about something as serious as heroin addiction  particularly in a state where one wrong word could get you killed!
In South Korea, the police are usually so good at crowd control that the countrys protest rallies often look like choreographed events. Tens of thousands of people march down roads chanting protest slogans and even picking up trash behind themselves. Police officers clad in bright yellow-green jackets walk alongside, guiding the protesters and carefully diverting traffic. 





[O]fficials in Seoul said they were caught off guard by the unorganized and spontaneous crowds on Saturday night. Unlike political and labor rallies, which by law must be reported to the authorities in advance, the young people who descend on Itaewon every Halloween gather freely in large numbers, without the restrictions or permits required when hosting large, organized events.
Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Last month, the Obama administration pledged $38 billion in aid to the Israeli military, the largest such aid package in American history. This monumental generosity came despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus attempts to undermine Barack Obamas reelection and nuclear agreement with Iran, as well as the Jewish states ongoing expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Part of the ostensible reasoning behind the agreement was that the United States would be able to influence Israels behavior with carrots instead of sticks. Perhaps this is true. But if so, $38 billion does not buy a sufficient number of carrots.

The Netanyahu government recently announced a new settlement deep in the West Bank. On Wednesday, White House press secretary Josh Earnest expressed indignation.

Well, we did receive public assurances from the Israeli government that contradict this announcement, Earnest told reporters at his daily press briefing. I guess when were talking about how good friends treat one another, thats a source of serious concern as well.

The new settlement would be closer to Jordan than Israel and connect a string of Jewish outposts, thereby dividing the West Bank in half, according to a State Department statement.

The United States has long believed, and we continue to believe, that it is within the clear interest of Israels national security to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a way that allows a democratic and Jewish state of Israel to live side by side in peace and security with a viable and contiguous Palestinian state, Earnest said. And the announcement of these settlements makes that national security priority harder to achieve.

The Israeli foreign minister responded by claiming that the proposed housing units do not constitute a new settlement.

This housing will be built on state land in the existing settlement of Shilo and will not change its municipal boundary or geographic footprint, the ministers statement said. The units are intended to provide a housing solution for the residents of Amona who must leave their homes in accordance with the demolition order issued by Israels High Court of Justice.
Photo: YouTube Emily Cain is a congressional candidate in Maine.

These days, with the rise of the body-positive movement and a cultural shift toward chastising those who pick apart womens bodies, its safe to say that talking about a womans weight is a no-no in politics. (Unless youre Donald Trump  but thats another story.) And yet, in Maine, body-image issues and the self-esteem of young girls is campaign fodder in a congressional seat race.

It started last week, when Republicans released an attack ad against a female Democratic candidate, Emily Cain, accusing her of sponsoring a bill that would have required children to be weighed in school. The women in the attack ad stand alongside young girls while deriding the bill as a violation of our kids privacy and another way to weigh our teenage girls. The message: Look at this bad candidate who sponsored a bill that would have body-shamed our young, susceptible girls.



The only problem, of course, is the attack ad is a little misleading. And Cain wasnt having it. So she released an ad on Wednesday addressing her own body-image struggles. In the ad, she says: Like a lot of women, Ive struggled with my weight. Its hard. Its very personal. So for the special interests backing Bruce Poliquin [Cains opponent] to exploit the insecurities of teenage girls, its just a new low.

Its not the first time that Cain has been called out on the bipartisan bill she sponsored; Republicans went after her in 2014 during her first race, according to The Guardian. To be clear, the mandatory weighing in schools was part of a bill aimed at helping the state combat childhood obesity. While that measure failed, similar legislation was later passed. But the attack ad struck a particular nerve with Cain. The issue of women and girls, and body issues and self-esteem, is a core issue of mine, she told The Guardian. Perhaps thats owing to having grown up with plenty of women. Cain, after all, grew up as the eldest of three sisters and said she wants to be a good role model for women, she told Allure. Speaking up quickly was important because the ad is false and hurtful, Cain said, later adding, We need women from all backgrounds to feel empowered and valued, not demeaned and judged.

Correction: This article misidentified Cains first name. It is is Emily, no Kelly.


The sculptural wall practically demands that you climb in and stay. Photo: Annie Schlechter

Clarina Bezzola didnt get her wish. I would rather have taken something with more charm, the Swiss-born artist says, describing the Brooklyn house she purchased in 2011. I mean, this place had not only zero charm; it had minus charm, mostly owing to a ham-fisted renovation that involved a lot of different kinds of marble. I would rather have bought a decrepit house where an old woman had lived her entire life. But if she had found that lovely fixer-upper, would she have ended up creating the spectacular moonscape wall in her living room?

Besides, the house is around the corner from the studio Bezzola purchased in 2008. (Back then, she was living in an East Village duplex with her now-ex-husband and commuting to Brooklyn for work. Its one of those real-estate-jackpot stories; the couple bought the apartment in 1997 for $80,000, renovated it, and sold it for $960,000 when they split up in 2010.) So there she was, with a minus-charm house that had to be gut-renovated and a handsome carpenter boyfriend who told her he would set up an office in her house and do all the work. After a while I realized, Hes never going to finish, and hes never going to move out! she says, erupting into laughter. She eventually broke up with him and fired him.

So she Googled architects and new york and cold-called the principal of the first firm that came up. Improbably, that happened to be James Ramsey, whose RAAD Studio is now in the news for creating the Lowline, the underground park in Manhattan. But back in 2011, his office was a hole-in-the-wall with two desks. It was the smoothest, most beautiful collaboration ever, Bezzola says, beaming. Collaborating with Clarina was such a treat, Ramsey agrees. Designing and envisioning these architectural versions of her work basically turned the entire building into an experiential art piece.

I really wanted to make a space that felt her,  he continues. Her art is very provocative and biomorphic. But if we went for that vibe for the whole place, it would look like a mess, and would do the work a disservice. So creating a space that was clean-lined enough to highlight the work while actually also having it be a functional artists space was an important balance to strike.

Their collaboration was a rapid-fire exchange of ideas between artist and architect. Bezzola now thinks she was drawing on a favorite book from her childhood, Barbapapa, about sweet creatures that could change shape depending on what they wanted to express. They lived in a house that was like this bubble house, she explains. It was one of my favorite books when I was 6 years old, and it still is! She has also recently discovered the Swiss architect Peter Vetsch, who built earth houses whose similarly curved shapes seem to grow out of the ground. Swiss people   she muses. I dont know how many you have met, but they are so repressed. The society is so tight and structured that everyone kind of swallows everything until, by the time something actually comes out, its really weird. The weirdest people I have met in my life are all from Switzerland.

*This article appears in the Winter 2017 issue of New York Design Hunting.

Photo: Annie Schlechter

In the living room: Artist Clarina Bezzola, seen here, brushed up on the old-fashioned plastering techniques she learned in school to make the white sculptural wall. James Ramsey had designed a speaker console similar to this one for his own apartment. Bezzola saw it and asked, Can you make it bigger?

Photo: Annie Schlechter

Inside the wall: Bezzola created a nook with a flat-screen and built-in shelves. A custom mattress cushions the niche.

Photo: Annie Schlechter

To offset the curvilinear wall, Ramsey designed an L-shaped banquette.

Photo: Annie Schlechter

The open staircase leads to Bezzolas painting studio and bedroom.

Photo: Annie Schlechter

Down the hatch: This porthole leads to the floor below, and to the largest opening in the bubble wall seen on the first slideshow photo. The portrait on the mantel, of Goethe, was painted by Bezzola herself.

Photo: Annie Schlechter

The bathroom: Its an open wet room, with a shower, a drain in the floor, and lots of thriving plants.
A courthouse in Atlanta, Georgia.

On June 9, Cleopatra Harriss boyfriend became angry over dirty dishes left in the sink. According to CBS, he threw her to the floor, grabbed her neck, and punched her. She called the police and reported what had happened; police photographed injuries to her head and neck. But at a court hearing, Harris said she didnt want to press charges, so Columbus judge Michael Cielinski told her shed need to pay a $150 fee for the investigation within one week.

The fee is reportedly standard in the state of Georgia, where anyone who reports domestic violence but declines to press charges can be required to pay at least $50. Sarah Geraghty, one of the Southern Center for Human Rights attorneys who filed a federal lawsuit on Harriss behalf, said the policy sounds like something out of the 19th century; its a holdover from an era in which women were blamed for male violence.

The suit names Cielinski as a defendant, as well as the city of Columbus, Georgia, and several police officers. It also lists three other cases in which Cielinski told victims theyd be charged with a fee for reporting domestic abuse.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiff argues theres no basis in Georgia law for charging an administrative fee, as Harriss report wasnt unfounded, and she was truthful when she reported the alleged abuse in court. An attorney for Cielinski said the judge has yet to be served with the lawsuit and declined to comment.
COPYRIGHT NZCIVAIR

All information and photographs used on this blog are copyright to NZCIVAIR.


The Ohio River -- on it, in it, over it, beside it. No politics.
i still have a hard time recognizing him with hair. And let's be real, everything after season 3 or 4 was messy



Did he not talk about his new show Impastor on TV land. I mean he's obviously didn't breakout again like Julianna M but he does OK. I haven't heard much from anyone from Smallville though. I'd like to see Tom Welling back on my screen. Too bad they didn't cast him as Superman for Supergirl.

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I know Kristin had a show on the CW and apparently she and Allison joined a cult or something for a while.

Erica Durance has a Canadian medical drama, and had a baby.

Tom was in a Nicholas Sparks movie, I think.

Justin has This Is Us.

And the person who played Lex's sister whose name I have forgotten is on Longmire.



The bulk of the cast is Canadian, so they just do Canadian things. lol



Edited at 2016-10-06 12:44 am (UTC)

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I basically watched him in Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane before Smallville so I had to adjust to him without hair.

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Well, he says that he did not care and was gonna take a chance on him, which is way more honest than Colton leaving TW and moving to the CW lol



But take every regular since S1 of Grey's Anatomy. They know they will have a hard time finding another role so they stay in there.

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Colton left because he was having severe anxiety and I think he checked into rehab after because he was ending up in the hospital because of it

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That was before TW and arrow, not during

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Its not about leaving to make it big as much as its just moving and trying something different.

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Well thanks Michael, I happy he did it.

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Edited at 2016-10-06 12:00 am (UTC) Watching him in drag for SORORITY BOYS made me feel very confused sexually.

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oh god I used to watch that on repeat lol. Such a different role from Lex Luthor.

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"I would NEVER fuck me!"

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But that hair is nagl.

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That movie was so iconic and messy from what I can remember back then.



Slightly OT but I'd love to see the remakes of National Lampoon Dorm Daze cos lmao. Actually what happened to the National Lampoon series????

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I wrote a university English paper on Sorority Boys and Shakespeare's Twelfth Night lol It's such a stupid, fun movie :)

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This stupid ass movie



I love it so much :x

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When I think of him in this unjust think of the I HAVE A FAT ASS scene and it cracks me up

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I cannot explain what him in that movie did to little me...

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This is one of the worst movies ever lol

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i love this movie lol

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this movie is so good!! I wish more people knew about it so it could became a cult thing or sth



I love it to death

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I've mentioned this a zillion times, but I saw him once walking to his hotel in Vancouver (back in the Smalleville days when he filmed there) and he winked at me when he caught me staring.

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lol that's cute i would have died

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lol I love this story

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Idt it's weird for an actor to leave a show they've been on forever, like any job it can perhaps become boring and routine, only difference is the paycheck. but since that show will be in syndication for awhile, i'm sure that didn't rly matter. that was RUDE thing for the director to say, even if he did flop.

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Thing is, actors who leave a show they have been for ages, have a hard time finding a new job/role of the same nature. Some actors completely dissapear and you check their IMDB and discover that they are somewhere scratching their tummies with no work at all.

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Smallville had run out of interesting stories long before S7, I could understand why he wanted to leave. I always felt like they didn't use Lex enough, for the main villain he was kinda boring...

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The best part of the show was the very early season bromance between him and Clark.

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Cause the shit is monotonous

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Of course Lex was the main villain and I loved him, but I had no problem with his departure. What they did in S7 with his character felt like the natural step to take, so keeping him and dragging his development for 3 years more would have affected whatever quality the show had.



Introducing Tess was also a nice shake up. Imo, it freshened the show, though S8 to S10 are completely different in tone but I like the route they took with that.



That said, I don't understand why they kill the original lex, why they did not use the baby Lex clone to grow up and become the actual Lex without knowing Clark's identity but having the rest of Lex's memories, why Darkseid was such a flop and only cared about bringing Lex back (like he even cared) and why they erased all of Lex's memories like that making void any character development of 10 years that Lex had and leaving us without an actual reason to believe that he hated Superman.

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Yeah I hated what the finale did, it completely missed the whole point of Clark and Lex having this history together and following Lex's downfall, if they were just going to bring in a clone of original Lex and wipe all his memories

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I'm glad I didn't stick with this show. I hear so much bad shit about the later seasons.



Kind of OT, but I like that we're seeing more "movie actors" in television roles.

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with cable/streaming shows "movie actors" have better roles on TV to choose from, since seasons are usually shorter and allows them to keep making movies

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Very true. I hope we see more get into it.

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Season 8 and 9 were pretty good, tho. I think seasons 1-3 and 6 are the worst (the first ones because they are boring af).

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Season 9 was a HUGE step up. Season 10 was pretty decent.

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Those BTS folks for that show always seemed to be dirty. I remember hearing a story of how after they refused to write for the guy who played Pete and then they screwed him out of a role on Blade III. The director wanted him as one of the skater punks and the producers of Smallville wrote one line for him in an episode so that he couldn't do the movie. Apparently that's what made him leave the show.



Edited at 2016-10-06 12:11 am (UTC)

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he looks so weird with hair

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I'm still trying to get through season one of Smallville but I really like him as Lex.

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i shipped them at one point, too. just kind of rooted for her because Lana kept getting all of the guys and they never had Chloe with anyone. i stopped watching by the time she got with Oliver but i was really happy with that pairing.

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Idk she was still a better choice than Mary sue Lana.

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I never understand why Lana is considered a Mary Sue and Chloe and Lois arent when by definition that term is not only about a girl who everyone around her praises but also does everything and takes up the entire story

The hate for her was dumb as hell

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Lol no she really wasn't. She was worse than Lana in many of those Mary Sue ways, and I never understood people who accepted it from her but not Lana

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I don't think Chloe's an asshole though, like she was a good friend to both Clark and Lana and if I recall never bitched about how Clark "friendzoned" her

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She really was especially season 2. She had a rabid fanbase that attacked the other women so you never really had people copping to why the character kinda took over stuff

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She was. She was the first of CWB's annoying other' type that was somehow to be endearing to the audience

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out of all the ones i've experienced, he's my fave Flash



by far

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Yes! His Flash was the heart of the Justice League. I went to a con and had him sign my JL calendar. I should try to find that.

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ugh bald is such a good look for him tbh.

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I was so conflicted with him as Lex because I hate Lex Luthor but I was so attracted to him wtf

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ugh I loved him

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who is the person in charge of briefing hillary clinton on kanye and kim tho

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MTE. Where can I apply?

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right?! lol. girl i'll school you in all pop culture

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it's not really uncommon for politicians to comment on celebrity news that big though.

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Justice Stephen Breyer



"Even Kardashian's thief, if there is one, believes that all that jewelry is insured. Indeed, over-insured. So it's not theft?" Breyer asked petitioner's attorney Koren Bell, according to a transcript.

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me

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damn sign me up! i'll be ha Secretary of Pop Culture!

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I have no idea but her statement "bless his heart" melted mine for some reason.

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Right? Because it was obviously that sincere church grandma "bless his heart" instead of the shady "bless his (simple) heart" that many US southerners employ.





(Both are southerns things, but you know what I mean.)

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Yeah. I mean when I walk my dog in the neighborhood and we come across a dog that's 12+ I always say, "Oh, bless their heart!" not in the shady southern way (and I lived in the south so I've been on the giving and receiving end of that rhetoric), but basically, "Damn. They old. Good for them and I hope they live even longer!"



I just pray someone in my southern california neighborhood doesn't think I'm being shady to their geriatric dog.

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RIGHT i went to school in arkansas and so easily picked up shady bless their heart

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I loved it. It was so amazing.

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lmaooooooo im dying at her kim/kanye comment and idek why

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It's the "bless his heart." Can never tell if it's shady or sincere unless you hear it out loud.

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I'd love for my job to just be the person that educates a candidate on current pop culture shit. HIRE ME HILLARY!

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"I wish I could do the jumps, the splits, the somersault. Ive been working on it."



idk i'm really liking her dry robotic humour.

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Everyone says that Hillary is super funny in private (and also that she cusses like a sailor lmaooo)

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aw. i like her more and more tbh

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also that she can drink everyone under the table



i would sit on a patio and split a few bottles of pinot with her tbh

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Aww lmao yaaaasss

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when will she release a statement about the clowns tho!!



SNL should've hired Anthony Atamanuik to play Trump



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Omg that guy is good lmaoooo the orange face and white around eyes

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snl will neva hire tony or james and they'll be bitter about it forever tbh

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kate was great as hillary. when she did the fishing and reeling motion, the crying, she killed me lol

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so with the next debate this sunday, do you think clinton will be more prepared then trump and ready to take him down again?



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she just has to show up and talk in complete sentences and she's more prepared than him lbr

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I am hoping Anderson does a much better job at moderating. She shouldn't have had to put up with him interrupting her like that.

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she could show up and say nothing and still take him down

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I don't think it's possible for trump to learn everything he'd need to know about debating in time to really improve over his first performance. if he tries to do personal attacks at a town hall he will crash and burn

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Even if Trump actually did prepare this time around, I don't think that even someone much smarter than him could cram ~25-30 years worth of policy knowledge over two weeks. Not to mention that he's ridiculously thin-skinned and easily baited, ffs people are saying that he's mad at Pence for doing relatively well in the debates because he doesn't like to be outshone...

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the bar is set so low here lmfao

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Seeing as Trump doesn't have the patience to study or prep, it seems impossible that he will be prepared for the debate.

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Definitely. But Trumplethinskin will probably just self-destruct again, not sure he can deal with difficult questions from "commoners". He barely respected the moderator last time.

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I wish I could do the jumps, the splits, the somersault. Ive been working on it.



Don't lie, KILLary. I read today you have Parkinson's because you were shaking your head at a reporter!!11!1

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her laugh is so cute and infectious

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Kate is such a star, I can't deal. Her Hillary was so on point, omg the part when she's crying I was LIVING

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I've been sitting in class watching your icon for a solid 4 minutes

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Hill dawg gotta show support after Kim was kind enough to use her influence with the millennials to endorse ha!

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I want this election to be over so bad. I live in Texas and I am tired of being on pins and needles at work to avoid politics talk bc then I would know who is a Trump supporter and then I have to hate them lmao

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I have the same problem, especially with strangers. The last debate came up in a brief convo with a cashier at CVS (not my doing), and I was just, "There's not enough alcohol in the world!!! LOL" And then just got outta there. I didn't want to get into a long, drawn out debate with a stranger over politics, especially if they're a Trump supporter. And I've gotten to the point where I can't even hide the contempt on my face. /csb

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Laurel Lance to Oliver Queen



Please, please dont let me be the last canary. That way a part of me will always be out there with you.Laurel Lance to Oliver Queen

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Another case of Guggenhack writing something without having a plan for it. He wrote those secret last words last season without knowing what Laurel said much like he wrote the grave scene in last season's premiere without knowing who was in the grave.

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lol right

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I will kill a bitch. That bitch being Marc and Wendy.



Black Canary is a legacy mantle, only Dinah Drake and Dinah Laurel Lance should go by that code name, even Sara only went by 'Canary', not that it mattered to people marginalizing Laurel and propping up Sara as the 'true Canary'. I'm not here for anyone else going by that name, but I swear if Felicity ends up suiting up as the Black Canary...I will kill a bitch. That bitch being Marc and Wendy.Black Canary is a legacy mantle, only Dinah Drake and Dinah Laurel Lance should go by that code name, even Sara only went by 'Canary', not that it mattered to people marginalizing Laurel and propping up Sara as the 'true Canary'.

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-i loved all the callbacks to previous episodes, oliver choking out the dude like in the pilot + thea saving kidnapped oliver like he saved her in 2x01

-WOW THE FLASHBACKS HELD MY ATTENTION?? hasn't happened in two seasons. i've been so excited to reach the bratva part of oliver's time away

-rene's introduction i already know i'm gonna stan him

-smoak n lance is over!!! i thought they were cute but donna mostly annoys me now so the less of her we get the better.

-i'm interested to see lance pull himself out from under this time now that he's "alone"

-that scene between quentin & thea was really good

-stunts were so much better

-bamford's shaky cam was at full capacity tonight

-tobias church...i'm really gonna enjoy chad l coleman as a bad guy

-laurel's last words....yikes. but "last canary" like...sara is still out there lol

-all they did was throw around her name tonight like it was supposed to conjure up emotions that i did not have. they paid her more attention in this episode than they did while she was alive.

-that loft scene w/ felicity and her new boyfriend added NOTHING to the plot



i don't know how i feel about oliver killing again.



aside from all my feelings i actually quite enjoyed the episode.



Edited at 2016-10-06 01:27 am (UTC)

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Boooo arrow sucks.

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So happy this is back.  I'm glad Oliver's killing again, tbh. Hope he keeps it up.

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Me too. I've been so antsy for dctv (mainly arrow & supergirl) to be back lol.



i'm still on the fence about the killing thing tbh

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I prefer The Flash over Supergirl, but I agree. I'm ready for all of it. Excited for Felicity on The Flash next week.



I've never minded the killing. I think more superheroes/vigilantes should kill, tbh. Lol

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Oh me too! I'm not sure why he's going to Felicity specifically about that but I guess we'll find out. Barry & Felicity's friendship is one of my favorite "crossover" things.

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Same

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I hope this shit show drowns with those two idiots at the helm.

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This show has the best action scenes out of all the DC shows. The arrow-chute scene was everything.



Nice episode. I like the idea of creating a new team.

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Why are they still doing flashbacks? They're so pointless now, they need to just do away with them.

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It was the first time since s2 that I found them engaging, imo. But I'm glad they'll be mostly over next season.

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I actually thought this had a very S1-S2 feel and I'm hft. Sooo, who is the new "Arrow" guy at the end? Hmmmm...



Edited at 2016-10-06 03:54 am (UTC)

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I'm so happy that Oliver is killing again, just do it, dooo it.

That sounds weird, but i loved season 1 Oliver so much

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Im still behind on the show, dont know whether or not to watch the new season while watching the old. But fuck it, might have to pull up and do so.

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yeah, i feel like what he said was a step backwards. like, i understand it, and that it'll be necessary sometimes (i.e. if he'd actually killed malcolm so long ago we'd be in a much different place) but it should happen only as an absolute last resort or there's no other option...

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Oliver's such a sociopath.

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I work in a hardware store in south Florida and jfc I've been stuck with 12 hour days all week. And people are so unprepared! Tell me how you live in south Florida and you wait until OCTOBER to figure out you have nothing for hurricane shutters. Every media outlet around here starts harping on about hurricane preparedness in like, May. Get it together.



Ughhhh it's just so frustrating. I have zero sympathy for people who wanna come in and abuse retail employees because they failed at being Floridian.

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Well Florida hasn't had a bad hurricane year since like 2005, so I think people got complacent, plus there's tons of new people who've never experienced it.

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I didn't realize until yesterday that I was missing *some wing nuts for my shutters. :(



And I saw how RIDICULOUS people were being. The nuts/screws/etc aisle was a DISASTER



And then they closed part of the aisle to control the chaos and this dude with his kid in the cart got the biggest attitude about why they closed it. And he's just going off and is all Oh I'll just stay here and wait



So many of us gave him massive eyerolls. I had to go tell those workers thank you and to ignore that douche bc wtf they want to be at home getting their families ready, not abused by you who waited until the 11th hour



*Luckily my uncle had extras and I had prepped everything else from Monday...



Edited at 2016-10-06 04:52 pm (UTC)

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I don't know. After Hugo, I would be a little twitchy every time a hurricane is mentioned near my shores. (My godmom lived near Myrtle Beach during the hurricane.) The Carolinas were flattened, like down to the forests.

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Im in the panhandle and before yesterday I honestly had no idea a hurricane was coming.



Doesn't seem like it hit me. Stay safe ppl.

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It is going to be skirting the east coast, but still keep an eye on it. The models are showing it might make a hard right turn and loop around to make another impact with Florida and then head into the Gulf. I think it was Ivan that did something similar before?

I've been hoping for rain here in Baton Rouge and am now worried in case it does make the loop. After all the flooding, we have had no rain and now we actually need a bit... but nothing like a big storm.

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Aww, BR. I lived there for 7 years. I'm so sorry you guys have been dealing with all that mess.



I have many friends/family who are still out of their homes. :( One of my friends had to get airlifted by a helicopter out of her neighborhood in Denham!

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stay safe ONTD! hurricanes terrify me. Being caught in a natural disaster is one of my biggest irrational (or rational...?) fears. D:

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Hurricanes are the best natural disaster tbh -- you always know they're coming.

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I lived through a cat5 as a kid, but I enjoy storms under a cat 3. I'm a huge weather nerd.

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my family is inland, so they should be ok. i hope everyone on the coast stays safe!

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my sister, her husband and her kids evacuated today. hope everyone and their families are staying safe as well!

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I'm grateful I filled my tank today and got water yesterday. People were already being impatient and shitty, I can't imagine what it's going to be like tomorrow. I'm in orange county so it's not going to be brutal like those on the coast but we're under hurricane warning and could get some damage.

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we managed to get in contact with my aunt who lives in haiti so i'm really thankful. my cousins live in les anglais so i'm a little anxious, but we just lucked out a bit ago and found an almost deserted gas station. hope everyone stays safe!!

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btw op, unless i'm wrong, pretty sure it's a 3 with projections of becoming a 4 by tomorrow morning.

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Oh yeah, the wording is weird. I'm focused on Florida cause I'm here - let me change it.

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Happy for your aunt <3



im a lil confused. are you in a deserted gas station rn?



Sending positive vibes and good thoughts for your cousins. <3

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I hope you can get ahold of your cousins soon, and I'm glad you could get gas. Stay safe!

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closed my shutters today. i already had water, got a few canned foods and bread. thankfully my sis had some extra D batteries cause every damn store was sold out.



hoping for the best.

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my cousin lives in jacksonville , she's works for the jags , she's off work because of the storm but she's going to Atlanta tomorrow.

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Well that's super fucked up.

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demonic

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That's why it's called Matthew. Only a male hurricane can look like a demon

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hehehe

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It's clearly the leader of the clowns come to get us all, before everyone fucks up the election ballots officially

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that is some voodoo shit right here....

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kinda looks like jack skellington.

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full gas tanks. cash. vodka. husband got the BIG package of hard cider... s'mores ingredients, i'd say we're set****



**** hurricanes can be very dangerous and very big deals. we're in north central florida and expect some heavy storms, maybe some power outages but most likely it will be weakened by the time it reaches us. we also have the common sense hurricane kit stuff (batteries, nonparishables, gallons of water for people and pets, etc.). it's been so long since florida's gotten a high category hurricane that it's too easy to make light of them but i know they can be truly devastating.

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So glad you are prepared luv! I have fam in orlando that im reaching out to rn.... as well as fam in Jamaica and Grand Cayman.





Hope you make it through the storm ok/unharmed/undamaged property <3

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thank you, hope your loved ones stay safe and dry!

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have you managed to get in contact with everyone? i hope your fam stays safe!

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t's been so long since florida's gotten a high category hurricane that it's too easy to make light of them but i know they can be truly devastating.



iasm with this.

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yeah, IA. I know when I was a kid we used to be always stocked with water and nonperishables but the lack of hurricane activity the last couple years had made us super lazy. I think people forget too that even a low category storm can spur tornadoes that do a lot of damage so you can't get complacent.

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My grandmothers house that my mom worked practically on till she died has been fully destroyed because fuckboy Matthew just had to fuck with Haiti. Watch he completely misses my shitty house and shitty job.



And don't think I ain't ready for your side piece Nicole either.

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i'm so sorry about your grandmother's house.

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that's awful, i'm sorry

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how devastating :(

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im soooo sorry, i honestly wish i could help.... Haiti cherie :(

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I'm so sorry. I'm in the same boat. Except I work at a school and since no ones allowed in til Monday I don't know if my job is still there yet. Sending you love

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That's horrible. I'm so sorry. :(

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:( I'm so sorry to hear that. Is your fam okay?

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They are. My aunt is staying with other families. It sucks because her house got screwed over by the Earthquake.

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Long ass lines for gas and groceries, bread and water sold out and I'm on the damn west coast. I know a lot of people evacuated over to this side of the state because Matthew looks like a total jerk. I have my fingers crossed for everyone on the east coast.

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I'm in the war zone in FL. I'm super pissed off. Hopefully our power will be restored not too long afterwards and the damage will be minimal :/

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Didn't know Cara and Annie broke up! Aw :(

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yas here for this lesbian drama



I wonder how l chat is reacting over this

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Lol sis, I was reading about it the other day on L Chat and was just like :o reading some of the posts there. They can be OTT and gross a lot of the time, but man they have some of the gay gossip earlier than everyone else.

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so true lol I went to the Kate Mckinnon thread earlier this year and someone posted a picture of her with a possible new gf. in 30 minutes they found out her name, twiter, instagram, etc lol

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apparently abbi from broad city is dating carrie brownstein too, l chat must be losing their god dang minds rn lmao

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I love l chat so much lmao guilty pleasure

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Aw man, I was just about to submit my post on this.



Honestly, I think they cheated on their S.O. with each other - but it seems most likely Kstew cheated on that Alicia chick. Them going to KStew's premiere the other day seems way more than just friendly.

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It's a downgrade imo. Cara can be stupid sometimes, but she honestly seems like a good person whereas KStew is a legit idiot who needs to never talk.

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So this might be the second (?) time Kristen has cheated on Alicia? She first cheated on her with Soko, but then she cheated on Soko with Alicia? Am I getting this right or have I missed something?

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Kristen is such a serial cheater.

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According to Cara and Annie's fans on L'Chat, Annie was caught by the paps sneaking around with Kristen in LA about a month ago. Cara had it out with Annie and dumped her. Now both Cara and Annie's fans over there are not happy with Kristen for breaking up their favs. They're calling the new couple "KrAnnie."



Alicia was still living in Kristen's house at the time all this went down but has since moved out. She's been seen licking her wounds with Ashley Benson. I think this is the second time Kristen cheated on her. First was with Agathe Mougin but then she cheated on Agathe with Soko and on Soko with Alicia (prompting Soko to post a pic saying "I hate cheaters," and a long IG post about how cruel, heartless and unkind Kristen is. Oh the drama. So Alicia's been on both sides of the cheating equation.

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Wait, Kristen and Alicia broke up? I really can't keep up, lol.

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I don't like Stewart but I love her style tbh

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mte. she's really pretty and has great street style but her personality sucks lol.

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I didn't know either couple (Kstew/Alicia & Cara/St.Vincent) had broken up...

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Cara (or Poppy, I can't remember which rn) announced it in a very dramatic post (for fans) of her kissing someone else.

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She calls them sisters, which IDK if that's exactly like "my sister is single" type post. Her friend though, Adwoa Aboah, is cute, Cara should date ha! Are you talking about this? https://www.instagram.com/p/BKHT5qNh_fK/?taken-by=poppydelevingne&hl=en She calls them sisters, which IDK if that's exactly like "my sister is single" type post. Her friend though, Adwoa Aboah, is cute, Cara should date ha!

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lol that post didn't seem dramatic to me at all

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I'm rooting for Cara because out of Carrie, Annie and Kristen she's somehow still the most likeable lol.

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lmaoooooo these messy heauxs. keeping lchat alive, i see.

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Why do people keep dating Kristen? She seems completely incapable of not cheating.

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that coupled with her charisma being the negatives

idgi

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They would make a cute couple!

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God. Kristen is insufferable. I cannot believe she has so many women wanting to date her. Downgrade for sure.

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mte



her game can't be THAT good... can it?

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She probably eats pussy like a goddess

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met

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seriously

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welp, I would. No shame lol not date but I would

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I hate that I'm still so attracted to her...she seems like an awful person. But I totally still would too.

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Lol same

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yeah, i'd for sure fuck her. but idk about date her. she's really hot to me, she always has been :X

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Same lol i find her so hot

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I'd date her she was P hot in the runaways.

But I know part of it would b 4 publicity.

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mfte...she seems like an awful person, idg the appeal.

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Oh my god lmao. Annie looks cute

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If true, Kristen is so damned messy w/ her relationships. I feel so bad for that last girl she was with - she dumped her once before to be with that French singer.

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But what do the robsten truthers think of this??

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poor sweetpea and jellybean!!!

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It must be sad to grow up in the basement with no human contact whatsoever :(

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And what about Rob and twigs? I haven't seen pap shots of them in a long ass time. FKA twigbert were my #1 ship.

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Last I saw they weren't even addressing it. They still don't believe that KStew even came out. They are frightening.

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i cant believe that they been married for almost a year already, its only been two years since they met, dated, got engaged and married.



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Wow, Yoshiki on ontd!



we have mutual friends and I've spoken to him a few times, he is v chill and super nice tbh

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I hope you get the chance! When I say "nice" I don't mean in the way that most people seem to think celebs owe the world. He is actually really cool and asks about other people and is pretty genuine. You can sit with him for literally hours and it's just pleasant and casual.

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I love Yoshiki! It's nice to hear he's cool and all

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that is the most random collection of people

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lmao ik

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I'm so used to Yoshiki, Manson and Gene Simmons being besties, but throw Joe and Sophia in there and my brain melts a bit

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lmao i had to come to this post bc what

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Yoshiki lowkey knows everybody tbh

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mte



bless @ u for being a fellow X fan, have u seen them live? (I've been saving up 4 London)

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So random

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i feel like 6 degrees of yoshiki could be a good companion game to 6 degrees of kevin bacon

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4real



always gave 2 stop & scroll back up for your Atsushi icon 

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i think that's the second time someone has said that about my icon. glad to give ontd some visual interest lol

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Came here to say the same. Atsushi is life. I've been on a BT kick for a month now, it feels autumnal to me.

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lmao for real!

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Lol that's a werid company. I love those kind of photos, my faves are the one with Death Grips, Robert Pattinson and Beyonce, and the one with Dasha Zhukova, Alice from Crystal Castless and Kanye. Aw and Nirvana, Frances Bean and RuPaul

My fav documentaries have been everything on Viceland tbh: Gaycation, Cyberwar, Weediquette, Woman, Vice Does America etc

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My fave is early 90's Yoshiki sitting on a couch next to David Bowie 

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i always forget sofia and joe are married but they are so pretty i feel like they owe it to the world to reproduce

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I've been an X fan for so long. Hopefully I get to see them live one day

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rn London seems like the closest possible option to me :/



http://www.xjapanmusic.com/Tour.html samern London seems like the closest possible option to me :/

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I don't even have a passport so that's a nope for me, but if you make it please have lots of fun :)

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I need to go back in time to 2010. :-)

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That looks interesting

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Marilyn Manson was also there



Lol whhaaaaaaa????

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lol he's a lonngtime friend of the band/their dead guitarist

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I saw Yoshiki and the film at SXSW this year. He honestly made me cry at times cos some of it hit pretty close to home. But he was so sweet and the songs he played afterward were wonderful.

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I already tearrd up @ the trailers so ik I'm gonna be a mess lmao



is the doc uplifting, too?

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omg I just watched the trailer and my heart hurts. I hadn't seen it before, I just immediately signed up as soon as I saw Yoshiki's name on the sxsw schedule haha.



But yeah it's pretty much a roller-coaster of emotions but there are definitely some happy moments from their past and practicing for their MSG concert.

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this is a random group but its a qt pic tho

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joe looks like chris crocker there

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watch Alien the best answer to the question of "why don't they just leave the house/area" because they can't. There in space and there is nowhere to go

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jeepers creepers was directed by a pedophile

skip that

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ew really? i'm switching out that 5 pick. FUCK THAT NOISE

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http://www.vice.com/read/victor-salva-jeepers-creepers-casting-paedophile not only that a convicted pedophile

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yes he was convicted of sexual misconduct with a 12-year-old boy he cast in one of his movies :/ he video taped it too, yet went on to direct the jeepers creepers movies a few years later

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o wow i didn't know that

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ugh good to know.

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Isn't the second one also directed by him. That one was basically lusting after those teenager boys..

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Still haven't seen The Witch!!! maybe this weekend :)

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i liked it but its not for everybody

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Do it. It was perfectly written, acted, shot and scored. You can tell how much work went into it. It isn't big on jump scares, so it alienated that kind of horror audience, but honestly it was so well done.

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i hate jump scares so i think i might enjoy it



can you compare it to another scary movie?

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I agree. This film was very well made, and has me excited to see everything Robert Eggers creates (hoping his Rasputin miniseries is still happening)

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it's really good imo. seconding that it's def not everyone's cup of tea tho.

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It's very atmospheric/creepy but pretty slow so if you're not into that type of film I would skip it

I personally loved it

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Don't bother. I watched it two days ago, hugeeee disappointment.

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I loved it but I'm really into old folklore and shit which is what it derives from. It's more unsettling than scary tbh, especially because of the historical context and the fact that people back then genuinely believed this shit was real.

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I loved it. I remember spending a ridiculous amount of time doing my own ~witch research afterwards. Fascinating stuff.

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I loved it!! But I also was going into it thinking I was gonna hate it.

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Its not what you expect, but not bad.

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absolutely fabulous!!

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like everyone's said, if you're into the super slowburn, atmospheric kind of movies, then go for it. if not, skip it!! i thought the movie was going to have a faster pace so while i did enjoy most of it, i wanted to fast forward through some chunks lol.

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Unlike a whole lot of horror movies, the ending is incredible.

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One of my co-workers teaches at a local university and I recommended The Witch for his course, his students wrote extensively on it from what I hear.

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prepare to feel let down

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It's really good

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the score is 100% scarier than the film itself imo

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it's not scary at all, jsyk. don't believe all these ppl going on about how great it is either...it's just ok.

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do it, it's so well-made & the whole time i was wondering if it was just paranoia, or what

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it's not scary at all and it's meh af. pretty to look at tho

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it slayed me to the point that it's one of my fave horror films ever.

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Just prepare for a beautifully-shot, atmospheric movie that essentially has very little actual plot.

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it was great! not necessarily "scary" (there are parts) but it kept up a creepy and imminent dread atmosphere for the whole screen time. takes a few minutes to get used to the 17th century language

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i wouldn't call it scary but you certainly feel a little "off" afterwards as though you just witnessed something extremely evil. i thought it was very well done.

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The comments have me curious tbh lol.

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THIS MOVIE IS TRAUMATIZING.

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I MADE THE MISTAKE OF WATCHING IT ON A PLANE. I HAD TO TURN IT OFF AND THEN I SAT THERE LIKE 0_0

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yeeees

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it fucked me up so bad

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this movie is fucked up



also Surviving the Game, tho the idea is more creepy than the execution

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The Visit? No way. It was better compared to some of Shyamalan's recent offerings, but good god that one kid...

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I got it from the local library as one of the horror movies to watch this month. I already know the spoiler, but I'm hoping it'll at least be mildly entertaining!



Edited at 2016-10-06 10:28 pm (UTC)

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It's entertaining enough I guess. I just couldn't stand the boy's rapping.

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Lmao the summary for 'it follows' sounds hilarious

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I just saw it for the first time a couple of months ago, and I really, really didn't like it to be honest. I thought it was as stupid as the summary makes it out to be and still don't get its appeal.

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Same. It was just weird and I hated the aesthetic of it.

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it was way too tryhard and fake deep. like, it's a movie about an std demon.

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Still chugging along doing the 31 days of horror challenge . I need to figure out what to show during my annual Halloween party. Unfortunately, I have to censor my selections because one of the attendees is a person who believes watching horror movies that involve ghosts/witchcraft/etc could lead to real stuff happening, so 

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Watch Alien and hopefully they will visit us frfr 

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Lol, I think she has actually seen it. But she is the kind of person that legit thinks that reading Harry Potter spells from the books means they're actual witchcraft and if you watch movies about Satan then he might fuck you up, etc.

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Religious? My mom's like that. I never watched the exorcist because I believed I could become possessed. Lol I watch the show, though. I like it so far.

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I was planning to start the challenge, hopefully tomorrow I can catch up

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I didnt think It Follows was scary at all :/

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neither

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it was more unnerving than scary imo

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ia. i really liked it tho

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it follows is such a 'white people movie.' what scares me usually depends on how i identify with the film. seeing a naked white man on a roof is like "ok?"



Edited at 2016-10-06 10:31 pm (UTC)

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I'm still confused as to why she got in the pool with all the TVs around her. What was the point of that?



It was an interesting concept, but I didn't find it scary either.

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It's scary to me.

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it wasn't scary imo, but it was atmospheric and that 80s synth music got me.

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It was more bleak and depressing to me (I think the fact that it was set and filmed in Detroit helped with that).

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i didn't find it scary either but i still liked it

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the first half was great. but as soon as the evil thing touched her at the beach, it became so gimmicky and not scary at all.

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I wanted to like this movie so bad after hearing all the great reviews, but it's honestly one of the worst movies I've seen this year. It was just awful.

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i found it more unsettling than scary. i was looking over my shoulder for a week after despite not having had sex lmao

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meh, i like it...it was creepy af and left you unsettled for days. that's what a good horror movie is supposed to do.

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it follows sucked and is overrated.

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It scared the shit out of me but I have PTSD and I think that's what made it so traumatising. My husband sat there like...Zzzz...through it.

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It wasn't. I'm always going to be disappointed about that movie. I was so let down.

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There was absolutely nothing scary about The Witch except how much I paid for my ticket.

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i used to have a video tape of jeepers creepers that i recorded off tv and i would always watch up until the part it's revealed that it's a ~monster bc then it stops being scary lmao. but that first 20min of that movie was so good

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100% YES

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Tbh, David Fincher thrillers get me in the Halloween mood. & Carrie.

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to me the most disturbing / creepy horror movie is still the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre tbh

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i feel this way about the exorcist

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The exorcist is fucking HILARIOUS in Spanish

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i saw the exorcist for the first time about 4 years ago and was so let down. my parents begged my sister and i to watch it with them, hyped up how scary and riveting and amazing and intense it was, and we watched it and my sis and i were both like "....k" pretty much. idg the hype.

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honestly bbc threads was disturbing and scary

you'd expect since it was in the 80's there would be some cheese but there isn't

i think it holds up about the utter hopelessness of a world after nuclear war

i'm never gonna get the lady buried under rubble calling for help out of my head

it haunts me



Edited at 2016-10-06 10:41 pm (UTC)

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It's like..you can tell the house smelled bad.





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I agree. This movie terrified me.

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I could not have loved The Witch (excuse me, the vvitch) more. It was perfection.

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its like 5 min





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That sucked.

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that is the stupidest little kid i've ever seen

calling it now the pennywise looking man will be more scary in this short than the entire performance in the it remake

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That wasn't scary at all

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that little girl did not give a single fuck

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idgaf that was disturbing as fuck

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I don't get why ppl hate The Witch so much. Did you at least enjoy the cinematography ;_;

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i hate the witch sfm

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I was PISSED leaving the theater after The Witch. I don't even have anything against slowburn movies but there was so little plot development I wanted to scream. When the final credits came up I was like "......REALLY?"

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The Witch was boring. Plus the way they talked was annoying, I spent half the movie translating in my head what they were saying in old timey speak or whatever.

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I watched it with captions on(because whenever I watch movies with amazon prime the audio is either SUPER LOUD or super quiet) which I think helped a lot with understanding the dialogue

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Russia needs to diversify away from oil and gas, and fast, says the chief executive of the countrys largest lender, Sberbank. According to German Gref, the oil and gas could run out by 2030, so theres no time to waste in shifting towards more sustainable industry drivers of GDP.

Grefs warning is the latest in a string of such comments from analysts and various industry experts, which started some time after the imposition of sanctions from the West and the oil price drop. In fact, talk about a diversification away from energy has been going on for quite a while in Russia, it just seems that efforts in this respect have not been too enthusiastic.

Ironically, the sanctions and the low oil prices have come as a blessing in disguise, spurring Moscow into action. Earlier this year, Deputy Finance Minister Maxim Oreshkin said that agriculture, tourism, food, and chemicals are starting to emerge as new growth drivers. Agriculture, for one, has increased its contribution to the federal budget to 4.4%, which is the highest since 2003, as of May 2016. The IT industry, however, topped all others, registering growth of 28% in 2015.

Last month, Der Spiegel reported that Russias agricultural exports in 2015 overtook exports of arms for the first time. Whats more, in the same year Russia became the worlds largest wheat producer and exporter, and although this has not been enough to compensate for the losses incurred from cheap oil and gas, it is a move in the right direction  away from finite fossil fuels and towards sustainable production.

So, sanctions have done Russia perhaps as much good as bad, but thats just the beginning. There is a whole sprawling oil and gas industry that needs to be convinced that it should reorient itself to other energy sources, if Grefs forecast is to come true. This is bound to be the really hard part in the diversification drive, provided it continues. Related: Can Microwave Technology Compete With Fracking?

Russias oil giants are just that  giants, which makes them slow to act, in this case change, and rather inflexible. Thats actually something pretty common in the energy industry, as seen with Exxons refusal to acknowledge climate change and Shells slow acceptance as well.

Acknowledgement of climate change and the global drive to fight it is a good starting point for diversification into renewables, theoretically. In reality, Russias majors, including Rosneft, Gazprom, and Lukoil are more than ever focused on pumping more oil and gas.

Rosneft is still in growth mode, just a couple of days being admitted back into the race for a stake in smaller sector player Bashneft. Earlier, it finalized deals with Indian companies for the development of the giant Vankor field in eastern Siberia.

Lukoil earlier this year announced it will be selling its downstream operations in Europe to focus more on production. Just last month it indicated it might rethink this plan as oil prices started improving, but its still on the table; and refining is still fossil fuels. The company is also active internationally, and more specifically in Iran, where it is eyeing the development of two fields, to begin next year. Related: Pipeline Outage Could Lead To Another Gasoline Price Spike

Gazprom, meanwhile, is keeping its poker face in Europe, looking for ways to advance its plans for Nord Stream 2 and at the same time working with Turkey on the construction of Turkish Stream. It has also just signed a partnership agreement with Shell on LNG in the Baltic.

It looks like business as usual for the oil majors and its anyones guess how long it will continue to be so. Thinking that they are unaware of the gloomy depletion forecasts about domestic oil and gas would be naive but, then, they might know more about the actual depletion prospects than anyone outside their circles, including Gref, and perhaps this is whats driving Russias Arctic advance.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
A small company just announced that it has made a world-class oil discovery in Alaska, which could be the largest find in the state in years.

Caelus Energy LLC, a small company backed by private equity, says that it has discovered oil on Alaskas northern coast. The field could hold as much as 6 billion barrels of oil, with about 1.8 to 2.4 billion barrels considered to be recoverable. If that is the case, the discovery would instantly raise Alaskas statewide recoverable oil reserve base by about 80 percent.

But producing the oil will not be easy. Drilling must take place in the winter. To drill the field, the tentative plan would be to build manmade islands to drill through. Oil produced in the shallow water of Smith Bay will need to be moved somehow. Caelus will have to build an $800 million pipeline that travels 125 miles, connecting to an existing pipeline system in Prudhoe Bay.

Its a really exciting discovery for us, and we think its really exciting for the state of Alaska, Caelus CEO Jim Musselman said in a phone interview with Bloomberg. They need a shot in the arm now.

It is not going to be easy, but weve had projects like this around the world, Musselman told The Wall Street Journal. He formerly led Kosmos Energy when it recorded a massive oil discovery of the coast of Ghana about a decade ago.

The one thing that Caelus has in its favor is strong support from the state of Alaska. Desperate to halt declining output and cratering state revenues, the Alaskan government has been frantically searching for ways to increase oil production. Output has been falling from Alaskas aging North Slope, with production down below 500,000 barrels per day from a peak in the late 1980s at over 2 million barrels per day. Related: The OPEC Deal Represents A Permanent Shift In Oil Markets

Shrinking output has been squeezing the state for some time, but it could soon become a much more acute problem for state finances if the declines are not reversed. That is because the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System (TAPS), which runs from the North Slope across the state to the south, is threatened by low oil flows. When the system sees oil flows drop below 500,000 bpd, risks to pipeline integrity grow. Water can separate from the oil and freeze, corroding the pipeline. Also, lower flows can lead to lower oil temperatures, again leading to water freezing and corrosion. Lower oil temperatures can also lead to soils surrounding the pipeline to freeze  frost heaves can cause movement in the pipeline itself, leading to damage.

At some point, as these problems grow worse, the pipeline could be forced to shut down, putting North Slope oil production into jeopardy altogether.

As a result, the Alaskan government is keen to see more oil fields come online. In this day and age of technology and regulatory requirements, I am sure it will be done safely, Alaskan Governor Bill Walker said after the Caelus Energy discovery was announced. We look forward to the discovery being turned into oil in the pipeline. Caelus estimates that the field could eventually produce 200,000 barrels per day, which would substantially extend the life of the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline. Related: Oil Hits $50 As OPEC Suggests It Might Deepen Output Cuts

State support does not mean the oil field will necessarily move forward. Caelus has drilled two wells, and needs to drill another in order to learn more about the field. But drilling can only be conducted in winter months when the ground is frozen. The company is not prepared to drill this winter, so it cant proceed with another well until early 2018. Development costs, not to mention the cost to construct the pipeline, will be steep  on the order of $8 to $10 billion. Higher oil prices are probably needed for full-scale development to make sense  as high as $65 per barrel plus certainty on state tax policy and incentives, Musselman told Bloomberg. A lot of the investment decision is going to revolve around what happens within the state from a regulatory standpoint, he said. But if things go according to plan, production could begin in 2022.

It is a massively complex, massively expensive undertaking to get that (oil) to market, Cody Rice, a principal analyst at Wood Mackenzie, told The Wall Street Journal in an interview. But with Royal Dutch Shell and other oil majors abandoning offshore drilling in the Arctic, Caelus shallow-water discovery could be one of Alaskas last best hopes to keep its oil industry alive.

(Click to enlarge)

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

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OPEC may have given Nigeria a pass on the output cuts expected to be divvied out officially at the close of November, but its D-Day for the militancy that has so far decimated the countrys oil production by half and taken some 2.2 million barrels of oil per day out of play.

There has been a slight reprieve in Nigeria since the main militant group therethe Niger Delta Avengers (NDA)agreed to a ceasefire, leaving the playing field to smaller, unrelated groups who have continued to pick only at state-run pipelines to keep the militancy alive.

Right now, all eyes are on Shells Forcados export pipeline, which is due to resume exports after attacks forced it to shut down in February. And by all eyes, we mean allincluding militant. The focus on Forcados is precisely because companies are once againand rather suddenlypurchasing Forcados crude, with a line-up including Royal Dutch Shell, which is buying up 1 million barrels for delivery to refineries between 20 and 25 November, according to Bloomberg.

Forcados was one of the first major attacks launched by the NDA, and it gave us our first glimpse of the groups capabilities: This is a major underwater pipeline feeding the Forcados crude export terminal, and it required diving expertise to execute.

Then there was a ceasefire, which was declared in August, but it is a fragile one indeed. On 24 September, in the middle of the ceasefire, the NDA carried out what they called a warning attack on a major pipeline feeding Shells Bonny export terminal. The NDA said that the government was dragging its feet in starting constructive dialogue. Shell Nigerias Bonny crude exports are now on thin ice, and everyones waiting to see if theyll have to declare force majeure on this as well.

Adding to the Nigerian oil unknowns, a crucial meeting between the Niger Delta stakeholders and the government, which was scheduled for 25 September in Abuja, was cancelled after a line-up of prominent delegates from then region declined to attend.

The governments practice of deploying troops while claiming to seek constructive dialogue has been received with skepticism by the militants, and anger is boiling over as a result of the death of the father of Government Tompolo, one of the two leaders of the 2005-2009 Niger Delta militant coalition (MEND).

Now, Oilprice.com sources on the ground in the Niger Delta say they are concerned about rumors that some groups are planning to hit the Forcados export pipeline soon. The Nigerian military is likely to respond with an iron fist, targeting nearby communitiesan act that will further escalate the tit-for-tat violence.

As for the relaunch of Forcados deliveries (in terms of purchases already made), they will coincide with the end of the rainy season in the Deltaa timeframe that the NDA has suggested would be a prime time for relaunching attacks in full force should the government fail to meet its demands.

Not All Militants are Equal

Aside from the warning attacks on Bonny crude on September 25, the most recent bombings in the Niger Delta were perpetrated by groups other than the NDA. The bombings of state-run pipelines have been orchestrated by a newer group called the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate. This group is not connected in any way to the NDA, and it is bent on continuing the attacks even with the NDA ceasefire. Related: 1.5 Trillion Barrels Of Recoverable U.S. Oil Waiting To Be Tapped

The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate is drawn from the Urhobo ethnic group, which is significant because the majority of Niger Delta militants (including the NDA) are drawn from the majority Ijaw ethnic group. The Urhobo do not have the same local support base that the NDA and other Ijaw groups have.

The Greenland group is specifically targeting NPDC (the state-owned oil grouping) installations because these are the only installations in the area where the Greenland group operates. Shell was previously in this area, but sold off its assets here. Today, there are no major oil operations in this specific area.

NPDC is the oil exploration unit of the state oil company, NNPC. By hitting it, they're directly hitting the government. There is likely no imminent threat to the international oil majors from this group due to tribal nuances and geography.

This means that the recent attacks are not nearly as significant to Nigerias oil production picture as those perpetrated by the NDA. The NDA seems to be maintaining its ceasefire, at least for the most part, and only time will tell what November will bring.

What the NDA Wants

The demands of the NDAnot to be confused with the other, smaller and less consequential militant groups popping up in the Deltais simple: More power for the region to control their natural resources. And specifically, they also want the return of a maritime university that was sidelined (and founded by Tompolo), and they want the charges against Tombolo dropped.

The problem for the government is that it cant really go in and clear out the militants without destroying entire communities and starting an all-out war, from which there will be no return, putting even more oil in jeopardy.

The impact of pipeline sabotage has been devastating for onshore oil operations. Shell, which has sold most of its onshore fields in the past decade to escape the unrest, is considering giving up altogether on land operations in Nigeria to focus on offshore production, with little hope of any substantial respite from the attacks, according to senior company officials. Shell was particularly guided in this decision by the performance of its Obigbo oil field, just outside Port Harcourt. From an average of 100,000 barrels per day output has dropped to 10,000 barrels, with the time of return to full production uncertain, according to an Oilprice source close to the matter.

The NDAs Clinical Approach: What Next?

The NDA has declared its sole objective to cripple Nigerias oil production and bring it to zero, and it purportedly intends to achieve this without killing a single soldier or kidnapping any oil workers.

And what little peace, if any, prevailed after NDAs warning bombing on September 25, it is now out the window, what with the Nigerian Air Forces airstrikes that targeted oil refineries and barges in the Delta and Rivers State on Mondayan act that the NDA had warned against earlier in September, and an act that is sure to spark further unrest. Related: Can Microwave Technology Compete With Fracking?

A multitude of other groups acting outside the influence of the NDA will also continue to be separate fromand a threat toany ceasefire agreement, whether or not the government or NDA decide to uphold their end of the bargain. This is particularly the case with groups that dont belong to the NDAs Ijaw ethnic group, such as the Niger Delta Greenland Justice group and the Bakassi Liberation Front, active near the Cameroon border, and any number of the armed groups active in the Ahoada-Omoku-Elele axis near Port Harcourt. These smaller groups were all created by politicians who armed and used them as thugs during the last elections, and are now trying to use these politicians to kidnap for ransom to fill their war chests.

Tensions are running increasingly high in Warri Southwest, after Tompolos father died the week before last, not having recovered from the aftermath of the military invasion that saw his leg amputated from a severe beating.

If the militants legitimately wanted to give the Buhari government the benefit of doubt to see if dialogue could work, the warning attacks would suggest that their patience has run thin.

Deep distrust runs throughout the Niger Delta for Nigerias government, which is now led by a Muslim northerner, after a long succession of rulers from the north presided over the allocation of oil fields for decades to the detriment of the deltas ethnic minorities. Buharis perception in the Delta as a pro-north leader only interested in furthering the interests of northern Muslims has aggravated this view of the regime in the mainly Christian region.



We havent seen the last of the militants yet, and the OPEC deal can rest assured that even as Libya starts pumping for exports furiously to catch up, militants will continue to hold Nigerias output hostage for the foreseeable future.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Should OPEC members find that the oil market needs more cuts, the cartel could decide to lower production by one percent more than last weeks deal-to-make-a-deal, Algerian Energy Minister Nouredine Bouterfa has said to local Ennahar TV.



Algeria hosted last week a meeting of the OPEC producers, which, against most odds and expectations, managed to reach a deal, to make a deal to cut production in the future by some 700,000 barrels per day to a production band of between 32.5 million bpd and 33 million bpd.

We will evaluate the market in Vienna by the end of November and if 700,000 barrels are not enough, we will go up. Now that OPEC is unified and speaks in one voice everything is much easier and if we need to cut by 1 percent, we will cut by 1 percent, Bouterfa told Ennahar, as reported by Reuters.

Ennahar TV tweeted on Thursday that Bouterfa had also said that OPEC and non-OPEC producers would meet in Istanbul on October 8-13.

On Wednesday, Venezuelas oil ministry website confirmed that Venezuelan oil minister Eulogio Del Pino would attend the Istanbul meeting, alongside ministers from OPEC partners Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Gabon, Qatar and the UAE, plus non-OPEC Russia. The ministers will discuss how to implement the production cut agreed upon last week and how to advance talks to include non-OPEC producers, Del Pino says.



At the meeting in Algiers, OPEC agreed in principal on a range of production limits, with details on whos cutting how much to be decided at the OPEC November 30 meeting in Vienna. In general, Libya and Nigeria  that have seen a lot of civil unrest and violence affecting oil output in recent months  will be exempted from production cuts, as will Iran. However, with Libyas upcoming additional output, and OPECs track record of not sticking firmly to its decisions, the market is still guessing whether a specific deal will be hammered out in November.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Oil workers in an energy-rich region in Kazakhstan ended on Wednesday their six-day strike, after the drilling company employing them agreed to raise salaries and lift opposition to union leader choices.

Around 2,300 workers had started the industrial action in the western town of Zhanaozen on September 30, demanding that private drilling firm Burgylau adopt the salary system of Kazakhstans state company KazMunayGaz, which is also the largest employer in the countrys oil industry. Burgylau has agreed to use a salary review system similar to that of KazMunayGaz, EurasiaNet.org reports.

Previously, Burgylau had said that it could not afford to raise salaries  that were already double the national average - due to the low global crude price.

Drilling for new wells in Kazakhstan is expected to drop by 50 percent this year, deputy energy minister Aset Magauov said in July.

However, Burgylau is expected to get new orders worth the equivalent of US$18 million (6 billion Kazakhstan tenge) to drill 34 oil wells, EurasiaNet.org reports.

The latest industrial action was the second strike of Burgylau workers in Zhanaozen in three months, after some 200 oil employees staged a five-day strike in July to protest against the companys plan to cut working hours and salaries.



The town of Zhanaozen made international headlines in December 2011 when police clashed with striking oil workers in the bloodiest violence in Kazakhstan 20 years after its independence from the Soviet Union. The clashes left at least 10 people dead and more than 100 wounded.

More recently, a Chevron-led consortium of international oil majors approved in July of this year a US$36.8-billion output expansion plan for the giant Tengiz oilfield in Kazakhstan. In addition, the giant, highly expensive and complex Kashagan field in the country is expected to resume production by the end of this year.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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For the 10th straight year, October is Dining Month on OnMilwaukee, presented by the restaurants of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. All month, we're stuffed with restaurant reviews, dining guides, delectable features, chef profiles and unique articles on everything food, as well as voting for your "Best of Dining 2016."

When our readers go all-out for special occasion dining, they've got definite preferences for where they dine. And this year, Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro pushed up through the ranks and edged out Sanford (2015's winner) by a fairly hefty margin.

That said, if you're yearning for French fare with a view, there's no doubt you'll satiate your craving at this Milwaukee restaurant, which opened in 1994. Long revered as one of Milwaukee's best restaurants, Lake Park Bistro is also the restaurant where Bartolotta's Corporate Executive Chef Adam Siegel won his James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest in 2008 .

While you're there, you can can indulge in classic French fare like escargot, foie gras and duck confit, while enjoying a breathtaking bluff-side view of Lake Michigan.

Top competitors for the splurge spot include last year's winning restaurant, Sanford, along with long-time favorite, Eddie Martini's.

Runners up:

2. Sanford

3. Eddie Martini's

4. Carnevor

5. La Merenda

Lori Fredrich's pick: Ardent

If youre splurging, my advice is to go absolutely all the way. Make your reservations, dress up to the nines, and then order up the tasting menu at Ardent. Better yet, buy tickets to one of their fantasti collaborative chef dinners. I dug deep and attended a dinner this past July featuring Chef James Knappett of Kitchen Table and Bubbledogs in London, and it was the sort of experience that you simply can't put a price tag on. Not only was the food innovative and delicious, it challenged me to look at ingredients in an entirely new way. It was intimate and personal. As a diner, I was privileged to be able to interact directly with Knappett, a chef I'd never ordinarily come in contact with (in a place he'd never ordinarily be found). And that alone made it an experience that could never be duplicated. Simply worth every pretty penny I paid. Incidentally, it's also a helluva lot cheaper than flying to London to eat at Kitchen Table!

This year we also asked a variety of prominent Milwaukeeans to weigh in on their pick for specific categories. For this category, we consulted Chris Stolarski, senior communication strategist at Marquette University and MKE foodie.

Stolarski's pick: Ardent

If Im going to spend  really spend  some money on dinner, I want three things:

1) Amazing food. The menu, smartly selected and brought together in a cohesive way, should feature fresh ingredients, cooked masterfully to create dishes thatabove everything elsetaste really damn good.

2) A challenge. If I can get the dish somewhere else, Im not interested. Show me something new, tell me a story and push the boundaries of what I think I know about food.

3) Joy. I want to have fun from the moment I sit and then well past the time I leave.

Justin Carlisles Ardent does all of these things, superbly, every time. After a few hours perched at the counter with my wife, Erica, working our way through a thoughtful tasting menu and wine pairings, with the ever-entertaining antics of Justin [Carlisle], Matt [Haase] and the whole crew, the check is trivial.
Reprinted from Reader Supported News

The room at Drake University on Wednesday would not have been large enough for a Bernie Sanders campaign rally. While the crowd was supportive, the excitement of a Bernie Sanders campaign event was not present. There were no shouts of "Feel the Bern" or even "Bernie, Bernie, Bernie." No, this event was about Hillary Clinton, and it had the feel of every Clinton event I have covered. I'll just leave it at that.

Bernie campaigned on the behalf of the Clinton-Kaine ticket in Des Moines, Iowa, where he discussed his and Hillary Clinton's shared belief that we need an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top.

Sanders also urged Iowans to turn out to vote on November 8, telling the audience, "I ask all of you, in the next five weeks, not only to come out and vote, not only to get your friends to come out and vote, but to do everything that you can to make certain that Hillary Clinton is the next President of the United States."

Bernie did not leave it there, he also encouraged people to join him after the election in an effort to implement the most progressive democratic platform ever. He told the cheering crowd, "Our job is not done just by electing Secretary Clinton. On the day after, we continue the movement. Our job under President Hillary Clinton is to see that that platform is implemented."

When asked how he would hold the Clinton campaign accountable, Sanders replied: "I think it's not just me. There are millions of people who understand that we need to create a government that represents all of us and not just the 1 percent. I think the Democratic platform is a very strong platform and provides a blueprint for moving in that direction. That's what we've got to do. We've got to rally the American people to demand that their government represents all of us and not just the people on top."

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The audience in the nearly full auditorium at Present Tense, a division of the downtown DC think tank New America (not PNAC, don't worry!) didn't have to wait long to receive an answer to the question posed by the title of this event.

No sooner had every attendee "voted" during the brief "happy fifteen minutes" than some antique newsreels entertained us and Andre's Martinez, director of the Bernard L. Schwartz Fellows Program at the New America Foundation, took the stage to comment on how old our ways of voting are. This is no surprise. An ad hoc commission formed by President Obama warned of the antiquated systems to which we would once again entrust our future this November.

But they were talking about the actual machinery, not the methods. Do we need more sameoldsameolds but in better shape? They have been slightly modernized, but that's progress. Optical scanners have counted votes since the 1960s and touchscreen/push-button DREs since the 1970s. And we're already halfway through the second decade of the 2100s.

The answer was next. Matt Adams of the global design firm IDEO outlined L.A. County's gestating new system, expected to be up and running by 2018. This largest county in the United States, with 5 million registered voters, a number greater than that in 42 other states, of hugely diverse backgrounds, will vote on machinery the public owns and operates. They will also count the votes.

The source code will be open, so that anyone who is computer literate can read it, as opposed to proprietary, meaning the code is accessible only to vendor personnel. That's what we have now. It's undemocratic.

In addition, there will be vote centers rather than assigned precincts, so that anyone can vote at any of them as long as they're registered. AND ballots are mailed to voters, who can fill them in at their leisure, educating themselves about the numerous propositions L.A. is famous for, ahead of time, which really helps address the problem of long lines far better than the 2014 Presidential Commission on Election Administration, despite its foray into queology, the psychology of queuing.

With ballots filled out, voters go to the vote center most convenient to them, near home or otherwise, and can feed the ballot into one machine. It displays the choices to the voter, who then finalizes the decisions or corrects them. Our dear old big two, ES&S and Dominion, are bidding along with others to construct these machines. There will be three voting booths: one will be for the general public, the second one will have audio instructions for voters who are deaf or hard of hearing, and the third will accommodate other categories of voter, including those with mobility or cognitive issues. Anyone can access the same machine, which uses a touchscreen interface. Many voters who stay home rather than receiving "special" treatment and machinery will come out to the polls and vote like everyone else.

To conform to local issues that vary by district, Adams predicted that there would be 300 different ballots available in 10 different languages.

$$$? I asked. He said that amount would become public next year.

And so, instead of suspense, we received a possible solution usable nationwide. The next location to trash its half-generation-old systems will be Houston, Texas, seat of the third-largest county in the country, Harris.

Only then did the copious other problems with our electoral system take over the discussion. The five discussants included moderator Mark Schmitt, director of Studies at New America, along with Jamelle Bouie, Slate Magazine's Chief Political Correspondent, Jeremy Epstein, Senior Computer Scientist at SRI International, and popular journalist Dahlia Lithwick of Slate.

Said Bouie, we should vote from home or school. That option would increase voter turnout.

It's nice to talk aspirationally instead of in despair, said Lithwick. We must convince voters that their vote matters--they've lost confidence in our systems. (In this sense, all our publicity about our infinitely corruptible, in every sense of the word, devices, can certainly scare voters away). She called our system "a patchwork of insanity."

Said Epstein, the long hours required of poll workers must be spent efficiently and productively, no matter how old or young we are. There's no use adding Internet voting, which has proved in the past not to increase voter turnout, a result we might expect.

Schmitt pointed out that open-source systems are also antiquated with many points of vulnerability. Epstein spoke about the breadth of the process as a whole, which varies from county to county, one argument why our system as a whole would be hard to hack into. One magnet wouldn't work, nor one hacking formula. But registration lists in two states, Illinois and Arizona, were hacked into from foreign locations last summer. The suspected culprit is Russia.

For optimal election system performance we must all volunteer to be poll workers, said Epstein. Schmitt added that in Brazil this service is required of all citizens, like jury duty in the United States.

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Reprinted from Reader Supported News

California governor Jerry Brown signed a bill into law last week that would prohibit the police from seizing property -- and money -- from individuals without due process. Politicians, bloggers, and others on both the left and the right called the move "historic" and "one of the most important reforms for civil forfeiture in years." Even The New York Times, in its October 2 print edition, called it a rare example of the left and right uniting to "rein in government abuse of civil forfeiture."

The previous California law required a criminal conviction for forfeitures under $25,000. But local police in the state circumvented that by using a much weaker federal law to seize assets. As The New York Times reported, "California police would file state charges against a target, but then outsource the forfeiture to the federal government." The problem there is that the feds don't need any criminal conviction whatsoever to seize anybody's assets. Indeed, federal law enforcement can take any property for themselves if they "suspect it is being used for a crime."

The entire civil forfeiture system, state and federal, is ripe for abuse. And, as you might expect, is it abused all the time.

Tan Nguyen won $50,000 in a Las Vegas casino in 2013. That same night, he was stopped for driving three miles over the speed limit. When the cop saw the $50,000, he confiscated it. Nguyen sued. It took a few years, but he finally got his money back.



A New Jersey man was stopped for a minor traffic violation in Monterey, Tennessee. When the cop found $22,000 in the car, he seized it. The driver proved to the cop that he had active bids on eBay and that he was on his way to purchase a car that he had successfully bid on. The cop submitted his report, but never mentioned anything about eBay or a car purchase. The driver did not get his money back.



Alda Gentile was stopped by police while traveling through Georgia on a house-hunting trip to Florida. The police searched her car for drugs and contraband, but found none. What they did find was $11,530 in cash that Gentile intended to use to buy a house. They seized it. She told a local news outlet, "I didn't know it was illegal to carry cash. They made me feel like a criminal."

And that is the heart of the issue. It isn't illegal to carry cash. Civil forfeiture laws are nothing more than legalized, government-sponsored robbery.

Civil forfeiture laws were conceived and passed in the 1980s and 1990s to be used as a tool against drug smugglers. The idea was that local law enforcement also could use the seized assets to further battle illegal activity. The cops would use the smugglers' own assets against them.

But free money does funny things to people. According to The Washington Post, 2014 federal asset seizures totaled $5 billion. That same year, Americans lost $3.5 billion in burglaries and robberies. And that's just federal law enforcement. Many states don't report statistics, but the 14 that do reported seizing another $250 million in 2013.

The fix is in on this legalized government robbery. But it's not too late to turn things around. If the courts aren't going to declare civil forfeiture without conviction illegal, the state legislatures -- and Congress -- must. California had the courage to do something about it. It's time for the other states to stand up.

Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader Supported News.
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Group including Nobel laureate Mairead Maguire aimed "to highlight the vital role women play not only in the resistance movement, but in the survival of the Palestinian people as a whole"

By Andrea Germanos, staff writer



Map shows the path the boat took through the Mediterranean before it was stopped by the Israeli military.

(Image by (Image: Women's Boat to Gaza)) Details DMCA



The Israeli navy on Wednesday stopped a boat carrying international female activists, preventing them from breaking the blockade of Gaza.

Among the 13 people on board the Women's Boat to Gaza, a mission of the international Freedom Flotilla Coalition, were Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Maguire of Ireland, retired U.S. army colonel Ann Wright, New Zealand politician Marama Davidson, and Malaysian doctor Fauziah Hasan.

"In accordance with government directives and after exhausting all diplomatic channels, the Israeli navy redirected the vessel in order to prevent breach of the lawful maritime blockade," the military said in a statement, according to Agence France-Presse.

"The visit and search of the vessel was uneventful," it stated.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition posted on its Facebook page that the boat was "attacked by Israeli Occupation Forces in International Waters." The U.N. Convention on the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone states that territorial waters can extend out to 12 nautical miles.

The Women's Boat to Gaza tweeted on Wednesday: "Pls contact your Govt to demand their release and an end to the illegal blockade!" The tweet links to another page that encourages supporters to contact the Israeli military and international officials including United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to "Demand that the women and the boat be freed!"

In contrast to Israel's depiction of blockade, U.N. officials have denounced it as illegal.

The female flotilla posted an update earlier on Wednesday that the boat was roughly 100 nautical miles away from Gaza, and that it planned on arriving within 24 hours. The Israeli military reportedly boarded the boat when it was roughly 35 nautical miles from the coast.

The female initiative was undertaken, the organizers' website states, "because we believe that it is essential to highlight the vital role women play not only in the resistance movement, but in the survival of the Palestinian people as a whole. We intend to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle that women in Gaza, in the West Bank, inside the Green Line, and in the diaspora, have waged and continue to wage against the Occupation."

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This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.



Syrian Arab Republic Flag

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Stories from Syrians are conspicuously absent from mainstream propaganda stories. I asked Ammar about life in Syria, and this is what he wrote:

"As everyday morning my sister was going to the university when a bloody Takfiri Salafi Wahhabi suicide bomber blew up bomb car at the bus stop which led to the martyrdom and injury of many civilians and university students who were going to their exams, after 10 minutes another suicide bomber blew up himself at the same place taking advantage of the gathering of people and ambulance teams, usually when a terror attack happens we call all family members and friends to make sure they all are ok but this time no one answered! Then we started looking for her in hospitals ... the shock was in the bloody views there; many burned bodies and human body parts were on the ground , there i saw my sister a body without soul ..."

Almost every new story from the West demonizes Vladimir Putin. Ammar, however, has direct contact with Russian agencies. This is his assessment.

"about Russian aid, I see the biggest humanitarian aid provided by our Russian brothers is fighting the US NATO-founded brutal terrorism and supporting Syrian armed forces against western backed barbarian terrorism as well standing with Syria in International forums furthermore the Russian aid for in need Syrian civilians represented in food like rice, sugar, tea, canned meat and fish and medical aid that includes medicines, emergency medical supplies, antibiotics and medical products for the treatment of a variety of diseases as well they brought a doctors who made physical check up to needy people. these aid were distributed directly by Russians to needy people thanks to American European sanctions against Syrian people and against Syrian economy, prices got so expensive, economical situation became harder, targeting Syrian infra structures by the illegal US-led coalition aircrafts also Looting and theft Syrian industrial plants and then Sold cheaply to Turkey by their mercenaries. All these reasons increased the suffering of Syrian people moreover targeting Syrian central bank and Syrian pound caused to lose a lot of Syrian pound purchasing value."







Vladimir Putin

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The West demonizes the Syrian government, and invariably praises the mercenary terrorists, or confuses the narrative to protect the terrorists. This is Ammar's assessment.

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Reprinted from Consortium News



President George W. Bush announcing the start of his invasion of Iraq on March 19, 2003.

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Not since the eve of the U.S. invasion of Iraq has Official Washington's political/punditry class clamored more single-mindedly -- and openly -- for the U.S. government to commit a gross violation of international law, now urging a major military assault on the government of Syria while also escalating tensions with nuclear-armed Russia.

And, like the frenzied war fever of 2002-2003, today's lawless consensus is operating on a mix of selective, dubious and false information -- while excluding from the public debate voices that might dare challenge the prevailing "group think." It's as if nothing was learned from the previous disaster in Iraq.

Most notably, there are two key facts about Syria that Americans are not being told: one, U.S. regional "allies" have been funding and arming radical jihadist groups, including Al Qaeda terrorists, there almost since the conflict began in 2011 and, two, the claim about "moderate" Syrian rebels is a fraud ; the "moderates" have served essentially as a P.R. cut-out for the U.S. and its "allies" to supply Al Qaeda and its allies with sophisticated weapons while pretending not to.

For Americans who may find those two points hard to believe, they should remember that the United States and Saudi Arabia went in 50/50 with billions of dollars to finance the jihadist mujahedeen in Afghanistan in the 1980s, viewing these religious fanatics as a useful "tip of the spear" to kill Soviet troops who were defending the leftist secular regime then governing in Kabul.

That exercise in U.S.-Saudi realpolitik gave birth to the modern jihadist movement, bringing together a network of foreign jihadists, led by Saudi Arabia's Osama bin Laden (which morphed into Al Qaeda), with Afghan/Pakistani extremists who evolved into the Taliban.

Though U.S. officials eventually came to fear this Frankenstein monster that they had helped create, Saudi intelligence continued to work with Al Qaeda and its affiliates, using them as a kind of international paramilitary force to punish Saudi enemies, particularly Shiite-dominated governments, from Iran to Syria to now Iraq.

The Saudis also began collaborating with Israel , which shared Riyadh's view that Iran and the "Shiite crescent" represented a strategic threat. Between Saudi money and Israeli political clout, the two countries could fend off occasional fits of U.S. anger, even to the point of getting the U.S. government to hide a 29-page chapter about Saudi financing for the 9/11 hijackers from the congressional 9/11 report for a dozen years.

For the past five years, the principal target of this powerful coalition has been Syria, with President Obama occasionally joining in -- as he did in authorizing "covert" CIA and Pentagon programs to arm "moderate" rebels -- and occasionally bowing out -- as he did in resisting pressure to bomb the Syrian military after a mysterious sarin gas attack outside Damascus on Aug. 21, 2013.

In summer 2014, when Al Qaeda's spin-off, the Islamic State, began beheading Western hostages, Obama authorized bombing inside Syria but only against the Islamic State, which also had overrun large sections of Iraq and threatened the Shiite-dominated regime in Baghdad. (Obama's bombing inside Syria was not authorized by the Syrian government so it was illegal under international law but Syria didn't press the point as long as the U.S. coalition was attacking forces regarded as terrorists.)

New U.S. Hysteria

This more complex reality is completely missing in the new round of political/press hysteria in the United States. The neocons and their liberal-hawk sidekicks only talk about stopping the "barbarism" of the Syrian government and its Russian allies as they try to finally wipe out Al Qaeda's jihadists and their "moderate" allies holed up in eastern Aleppo.



New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman

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Many of these calls for a U.S. military intervention against the Syrian government (and the Russians) are coming from the same advocates for war who created the misguided consensus for invading Iraq in 2002-2003, voices such as Sen. John McCain, Washington Post editorial-page editor Fred Hiatt, and New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman. And, much like the Iraq example, these esteemed opinion-leaders pile up their propaganda arguments in a one-sided fashion designed to silence the few voices that dare raise doubts.

This new "group think" has prevented Americans from looking at the Syrian situation with more nuance and objectivity. Indeed, if you mix in some of the other facts, the on-the-ground reality could be seen as the U.S. and its "allies" stoking the fire in Syria for five years and, now, as the Syrian military and Russian air power take drastic measures to finally get the blaze under some control, the U.S. government may bomb the firefighters and destroy their equipment.

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From amongst themselves, the People of the United States have empowered some of their members to enforce their laws and to police their society, but things have gone terribly awry. The police are killing those they are sworn to protect and they themselves are becoming the target of public anger over racial inequality and discrimination. Video images of recent police shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota were followed by the mass murder of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, apparently in response to these shootings

The killing of an unarmed mentally-disturbed man last week by El Cajon, California police officers--and resulting civil disturbances--once again raises the question of the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers. The question involves complicated issues of law and policy, but the decision to shoot must often be made in a nanosecond. With the widespread availability of video cameras, instant playback, and social media, however, the justification for the use of deadly force is being increasingly scrutinized, and the quality of law enforcement policy, training, and discretion is frequently found wanting.

The reasonableness of a police shooting decision is determined by what was known to the officer at the moment of the shooting, and whether that decision complied with policy and law. The decision to pull the trigger is made by an individual officer, but the responsibility for its consequences is shared by the policing agency. Based on experience, professional standards, statutory and constitutional law, and public expectations, police policy and training seeks to minimize the risk of harm to the public while ensuring the right of self defense. There are no easy answers, but it is essential that police administrators learn from these encounters and formulate more effective policy and training to guide their officers and to hold them accountable.

Background. My 45-year career in the justice system began in 1962 when I became a police officer in El Cajon. The new chief of police (who was later elected sheriff of San Diego County) was intent on improving the level of professionalism in the department. Proud to be a part of the "New Breed," I achieved top honors in the San Diego Police Academy and quickly became president of the Police Officer's Association and later president of the San Diego County organization representing all of its law enforcement officers. Although El Cajon was a quiet suburb, police work was not without its risk. One of my supervisors, Sergeant Fred Wilson-- the only El Cajon police officer ever killed in the line of duty--later died of head injuries he sustained breaking up a fight.

Transferring to the Los Angeles Police Department in 1968, I again achieved top honors in the Police Academy and was assigned to South Central LA upon graduation, where policing was more dangerous. My partner and I were once dispatched to a "man with a gun" call from only a block away, and as we turned the corner, we saw the man directly in front of us in the street. He was holding a woman by her hair in one hand and a gun in the other. He shot her in the abdomen, looked up, saw us, and began to run between the houses. I drew my revolver and chased after him. He jumped up on a wall and threw his weapon to the other side, but drew another handgun from his waistband as he came back down. Crouched in a firing stance, I yelled at him to drop the second gun and he did. We arrested him, and his girlfriend was transported to the hospital. Later, my tactics were criticized for not having shot the man. In cop terms, it would have been a "good," or justifiable, shooting, but in my mind he was just trying to get rid of his guns, and I had no cause to shoot him.

I was fortunate that day, but two of my friends were not so lucky. Jerry Maddox, with whom I had carpooled to the Police Academy, was shot to death in 1969 by a gang member in East LA, and Jack Coler was one of the FBI agents ambushed and murdered at Wounded Knee in 1975.

Drafting Policy. Upon completion of my probation, I was transferred to LA police headquarters where I spent two years researching and writing the department Policy Manual. Subsequently, while attending night law school, I was also assigned to work on the Police Task Force of the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals. My job was to write about the role of the police in America and law enforcement policy making. As the author of the LAPD shooting policy, I later testified at the Police Commission hearing into the shooting of Eulia May Love in 1979. When the city attempted to turn off her gas for nonpayment, the recent widow had the payment in her purse as she waved a knife to keep the gas man at bay. Two officers responded and shot her eight times.

The drafting of shooting policy began with the law of justifiable homicide. A police officer can legally kill in three circumstances: self defense, defense of others, and to prevent the escape of a fleeing felon. Although there have been some minor revisions, the Los Angeles Police Department shooting policy remains the same as originally written. The policy does not limit the right of an officer to shoot in self defense. It does, however, require that "Justification for the use of deadly force must be limited to what reasonably appear to be the facts known or perceived by an officer at the time he decides to shoot." Moreover, policy states that a "reverence for the value of human life shall guide officers in considering the use of deadly force," and it imposes a duty on officers to minimize "the risk of death." The shooting of fleeing felons is limited to those who have caused "serious bodily injury or the use of deadly force where there is a substantial risk" that the felon will "cause death or serious bodily injury to others. . . ."

In a section titled "Minimum Use of Force," LAPD officers are told they "should use only the reasonable amount of physical force which is necessary on any particular occasion for achieving a police objective."

These Los Angeles Police Department use-of-force policies generally follow California law, and it may be helpful to consider the known facts of the recent El Cajon police shooting in light of these basic principles. Unlike the Los Angeles Police Department Manual--which is generally available in public libraries--the policies of the El Cajon Police Department are not published. It appears, however, that El Cajon's policies may be based on those of Los Angeles. The ECPD website states that "The Department serves the people of El Cajon by performing in a professional manner; and it is to the people of this community that the Department is ultimately responsible." Except for the city's name, this mission statement is identical with the definition of the LAPD motto, "To Protect and To Serve" I originally wrote in the Policy Manual.

El Cajon Shooting Facts. On September 27, 2016, the sister of Alfred Olango, a 30-year-old refugee from Uganda, called the El Cajon Police Department seeking help with her brother--who was having an emotional breakdown over the death of his best friend. Two other calls to the department reported that a shirtless man was walking in traffic and acting erratically at the same location. Although located less than two miles from police headquarters, it took officers more than an hour to respond.

Richard Gonsalves, a 21-year veteran officer--who had been recently demoted from sergeant for sexually harassing a female officer--was the first to arrive on the scene in the parking lot of a small strip mall. A surveillance camera shows that he immediately drew his weapon and closely confronted Olango, who continued to pace back and forth with his right hand in his pocket. According to the officer, Olango did not obey repeated orders to remove his hand from his pocket. A second officer arrived and drew his taser weapon instead of his firearm. As Olango's sister approached the scene, Olango suddenly withdrew his hand holding an electronic smoking device from his pocket and extended it towards Officer Gonsalves. He was immediately shot four times by Gonsalves and tased by the other officer. The entire encounter lasted less than one minute.

Tactics. Although the El Cajon Police Department has released the surveillance video and another contemporaneous video made with a bystander's cellphone, the calls to the police and the radio dispatch have not been released. It is essential to know exactly what Olango's sister and other callers told the police dispatcher and what the responding officers were told. One standard question asked of most complainants is whether a person is armed. Although a vape pipe might appear to be a small gun, it matters whether the police were originally informed that the person was waving a gun or smoking a vape pipe. There is also a great difference if the responding officers were told that they were dealing with a mental case--or a serious crime such as an armed robbery. Inasmuch as it took more than an hour for the officers to arrive, and the matter was dispatched as a "5150" call regarding a mentally disturbed individual, there is no evidence that a crime of violence was under consideration.

Depending on the information available to Officer Gonsalves, it is questionable whether he should have drawn his gun in the first place. The LAPD shooting policy tells officers they cannot "draw or exhibit a firearm unless the circumstances surrounding the incident create a reasonable belief that it may be necessary to use the firearm" in conformance with written policy. Nor are officers allowed to use deadly force "to protect themselves from assaults which are not likely to have serious results."

Officers are trained to demonstrate "command presence" and to quickly take control of situations. Officers must deliver firm and unambiguous directions--which may in some cases require a loud voice and even profanity. If, however, Officer Gonsalves believed he was dealing with a mental case, he should have been trained as a professional to de-escalate and defuse the situation by speaking in a calm voice and by asking questions, rather than shouting commands. Asking Olango what he had in his pocket, or if he would show his empty hand, is different than a loud order to remove his hand (along with the pocket contents).

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Teachers' aide Jane Wood Allen "has been relieved from duty and is no longer an employee of Forsyth County Schools," the Georgia district announced on October 3. "Racism and discrimination are not tolerated in our school district."

The district's announcement omits specifics ("[a]s this is a personnel matter, the district will provide not further comment"), leaving the casual observer to assume that she must have tried to force a Muslim or Jewish student to eat pork, or perhaps to segregate student water fountains or district busses by race.

In fact, her offense was posting comments on her personal Facebook timeline -- comments that many, myself included, find repulsive. She called First Lady Michelle Obama a "gorilla" and asserted that Muslims "have no business in the USA."

As a libertarian, I'm generally indisposed to defend either government education (I favor complete separation of school and state) or government employees (I favor complete separation of everything else and state as well, which would leave nothing for them to do!).

But the government shouldn't be allowed to punish people for what they say. There's a word for that. That word is "censorship."

The content of Allen's personal, non-work Facebook profile was and is, quite simply, none of the school district's business. Firing her is essentially fining her, in the amount of all future wages and retirement benefits she would otherwise have earned, for the "crime" of having opinions the district's officials disagreed with, and for expressing those opinions on her own time and using her own resources.

In arguing this point with some who disagree, I've been asked if I would want a racist teaching my kids. Well, no, I wouldn't ... but that doesn't mean I get to demand that the government screen job applicants to make sure those applicants agree with me 100%, right down the line, on any and every issue and fire those who don't.

The government shouldn't get to fire someone because they find out that her or she is gay or trans rather than heterosexual and cis-gendered.

The government shouldn't get to fire someone because they find out he or she is an Episcopalian rather than a Baptist.

The government shouldn't get to fire someone because they find out he or she belongs to a political party other than the one in power.

And the government shouldn't get to fire Jane Wood Allen for calling the First Lady a "gorilla."
The Bible orders that children not be forced to pay for their parents' misbehavior, an injunction that has long since been replaced in Washington with guilt by association.



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Ever since Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels stood up against nineteenth century robber barons, socialism has been anathema to America's rulers. After the Russian Revolution of 1917, measures intended to keep socialism at bay culminated in the House un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), chaired by Wisconsin Senator Joseph Mccarthy, that black-listed thousands of Americans accused of supporting the Soviet Union, some of whom committed suicide after losing their jobs.

The USSR imploded in 1991, due to bad management by a series of aging politicians combined with American policies aimed at taking it down. And yet, a quarter of a century after embracing market capitalism, Russia is still the target of US attacks, both metaphorically and literally. When President Obama, castigating Russia's 'behavior' as though he were rebuking a child, for supposedly violating US norms for the 'world community', President Putin replies that one country should not run the world. Together with most leaders, he calls for a multi-polar condominium in which the US would be one of four or five power centers. Unfortunately, Americans continue to be told their country is exceptional and hence must lead the world, while much of it is unhappy with the disastrous impact of US-style modernity on society's economic and mental health.

Once in a while, the MSM accuses Vladimir Putin of calling the West "degenerate", without the slightest attempt to spell out the reasons. Americans are unaware that the former FSB officer is profoundly religious, and that religion is central to his domestic policies. A recent book by a conservative French academic traces these policies to philosophers such as Berdyaev and writers such as Dostoevsky. In "Putin's Russia" Ivan Blot subjects the Russian president's influences to detailed scrutiny, while crafting a definition that is simple and succinct: "When man has ever more 'needs', he becomes their slave, killing fraternity as individuals turn ever more inward."

The Russian president's commitment to Eastern Orthodoxy and its moral teachings explains the support of traditional right-wing European parties, as well as the more elusive 'new right' and 'post-modernists' such as French philosopher Alain de Benoist and Italy's Bepe Grillo, leader of the Five Star Movement, both of whom condemn the social aspects of modernity that are harmful to the soul.

While the thrust of Blot's book is decidedly Catholic and conservative, the fundamental principles he sees in Russia's president dovetail to a remarkable extent with those of secularists around the world who oppose Having to Being, as I suggest in my book 'A Taoist Politics: The Case for Sacredness".

The upcoming American election pits an unpredictable businessman against a professional politician with a long history of deception. The former justifiably provokes fear of fascism, while the latter ratchets up the rhetoric against Russia, implying that its current population should pay for their grandparents' communist experiment.

The current 'lesser of two evils', like the averted gaze of a virgin bride, refuses to acknowledge the reality facing us: If Hillary becomes president, American children will pay for the insane Neocon plan of nuclear war with Russia.
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

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The Age of Decline, Apple Pie, and America's Chosen Suicide Bomber

And Truly, This Is Not About Donald Trump...

By Tom Engelhardt

This is not about Donald Trump. And I mean it.

From the moment the first scribe etched a paean of praise to Nebuchadnezzar into a stone tablet, it's reasonable to conclude that never in history has the media covered a single human being as it has Donald Trump. For more than a year now, unless a terror attack roiled American life, he's been the news cycle, essentially the only one, morning, noon, and night, day after day, week after week, month after month. His every word, phrase, move, insult, passing comment, off-the-cuff remark, claim, boast, brazen lie, shout, or shout-out has been ours as well. In this period, he's praised his secret plan to destroy ISIS and take Iraqi oil. He's thumped that "big, fat, beautiful wall" again and again. He's birthered a campaign that could indeed transport him, improbably enough, into the Oval Office. He's fought it out with 17 political rivals, among others, including "lyin' Ted," "low-energy Jeb," Carly ("Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that?") Fiorini, "crooked Hillary," a Miss Universe ("Miss Piggy"), the "highly overrated" Megyn Kelly's menstrual cycle ("You could see there was blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her wherever"), always Rosie O'Donnell ("a slob [with] a fat, ugly face"), and so many others. He's made veiled assassination threats; lauded the desire to punch someone in the face; talked about shooting "somebody" in "the middle of Fifth Avenue"; defended the size of his hands and his you-know-what; retweeted neo-Nazis and a quote from Mussolini; denounced the outsourcing of American manufacturing jobs and products while outsourcing his own jobs and products; excoriated immigrants and foreign labor while hiring the same; advertised the Trump brand in every way imaginable; had a bromance with Vladimir Putin; threatened to let nuclear weapons proliferate; complained bitterly about a rigged election, rigged debates, a rigged moderator, and a rigged microphone; swore that he and he alone was capable of again making America, and so the world, a place of the sort of greatness only he himself could match, and that's just to begin a list on the subject of The Donald.

In other words, thanks to the media attention he garners incessantly, he is the living embodiment of our American moment. No matter what you think of him, his has been a journey of a sort we've never seen before, a triumph of the first order, whatever happens on November 8th. He's burnished his own brand; opened a new hotel on -- yes -- Pennsylvania Avenue (which he's used his election run to promote and publicize); sold his products mercilessly; promoted his children; funneled dollars to his family and businesses; and in an unspoken alliance (pact, entente, de'tente) of the first order, kept the nightly news and the cable networks rolling in dough and in the spotlight (as long as they kept yakking about him), despite the fact that younger viewers were in flight to the universe of social media, streaming services, and their smartphones. Thanks to the millions, billions, perhaps trillions of words expended on him by nonstop commentators, pundits, talking heads, retired generals and admirals, former intelligence chiefs, ex-Bush administration officials, and god knows who else that have kept the cable channels churning with Trump on a nearly 24/7 basis, he and his remarkable ego, and his now familiar gestures -- that jut-jawed look, that orange hair, that overly tanned face, that eternally raised voice -- have become the wallpaper of our lives, something close to our reality. If he were an action film, some Hollywood studio would be swooning, because never has a single act gotten such nonstop publicity. We've never seen anything like him or it, and yet, strange as the Trump phenomenon may be, if you think about it for a moment, you'll realize that there's also something eerily familiar about him, and not just because of The Apprentice and Celebrity Apprentice.

In a world where so many things deserve our attention and don't get it, rest assured that this is not about Donald Trump. It really isn't.

In terms of any presidential candidate from George Washington to Barack Obama, Trump is little short of a freak of nature. There's really no one to compare him to (other, perhaps, than George Wallace). Sometimes his pitch about America -- and a return to greatness -- has a faintly Reaganesque quality (but without any of Ronald Reagan's sunniness or charm). Otherwise, I dare you to make such a comparison.

Still, don't be fooled. As a phenomenon, Donald Trump couldn't be more American -- as American, in fact, as a piece of McDonald's baked apple pie. What could be more American, after all, than his two major roles: salesman (or pitchman) and con artist? From P.T. Barnum (who, by the way, became the mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut, late in life) to Willy Loman, selling has long been an iconic American way to go. A man who sells his life and brand as the ultimate American life and brand... come on, what's not familiar about that?

As for being a conman, since at least Mark Twain (remember the Duke of Bridgewater and the Dauphin, who join Huck and Jim on their raft?) and Herman Melville (The Confidence Man), the charm of the -- excuse the phrase under the circumstances -- huckster in American life can't be denied. It's something Donald Trump knows in his bones, even if all those pundits and commentators and pollsters (and for that matter Hillary Clinton's advisers) don't: Americans love a conman. Historically, we've often admired, if not identified with, someone intent on playing and successfully beating the system, whether at a confidence game or through criminal activity.

After the first presidential debate, when Trump essentially admitted that in some years he paid no taxes ("that makes me smart") and that he had played the tax system for everything it was worth, there was all that professional tsk-tsking and the suggestion that such an admission would deeply disturb ordinary voters who pay up when the IRS comes knocking. Don't believe it for a second. I guarantee you that Trump senses he's deep in the Mississippi of American politics with such statements and that a surprising number of voters will admire him for it (whether they admit it or not). After all, he beat the system, even if they didn't.

Whenever I see Trump and read accounts of his business dealings, I'm reminded of what 1920s Chicago crime boss Al Capone told British journalist Claud Cockburn: "Listen, don't get the idea I'm one of those goddamn radicals... Don't get the idea I'm knocking the American system. My rackets are run on strictly American lines. Capitalism, call it what you like, gives to each and every one of us a great opportunity if only we seize it with both hands and make the most of it." Trump's "rackets" are similarly "run on strictly American lines." He's the Tony Soprano of casino capitalism and so couldn't be more American.

My father was a salesman. I grew up watching him make his preparations to sell. I existed at the edge of his selling universe and, though I thought I rejected his world, the truth is that, given the chance and under the right circumstances, I still love to sell myself. It's addictive in the most American way. There was as well another aspect of that commonplace world of fathers I once knew and that I now recognize in Trump's overwhelming persona: the bully. That jut-jawed stance, the pugnacious approach to the world, that way of carrying both one's body and face that seems inbuilt and offers the constant possibility of threat -- it was the norm of the world I grew up in. It was what fathers looked like (and must still in so many families). It was, in short, an essential part of the pre-Trumpian world, a manner, a way of being that The Donald has distilled into an iconically brutal version of itself, into not the commonplace bully -- schoolyard variety -- but The Bully. Still, at least to me, and I think to many Americans, it couldn't be more recognizable and, I suspect, for people raised among the bullies, the thought of having such a bully in the Oval Office and speaking for you for once is strangely appealing.

Just in case you were wondering at this point, I'm serious: this is not about Donald Trump.

And yet, don't believe that everything about The Donald is old hat and familiarly American. In this strange election season, there are aspects of his role that are so new they should startle us all. Begin with the fact that he's the first declinist candidate for president of our era. Put another way, he's the only politician in the country who refuses to engage in a ritual -- until now a virtual necessity for American presidential wannabes, candidates, and presidents: affirming repeatedly that the United States is the greatest, most exceptional, most indispensable nation of all time and that it possesses the "finest fighting force in the history of the world."

Undoubtedly, that by-now-kneejerk urge to repeat such formulaic sentiments reflects creeping self-doubts about America's future imperial role. It has the quality of a magic mantra being used to ward off reality. After all, when a great power truly is at its height, as the United States was in my youth, no one feels the need to continually, defensively insist that it's so.

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Joint session held to discuss Indian aggression at LoC 06 October, 2016



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Hand Wash and Toiletries in Pakistan And the Role of DUPAS in Reshaping the Industry

Ways that Players Used to Take Advantage of Slot Sites ISLAMABAD: A joint session of Parliament was held on Wednesday to discuss the Indian aggression at the Line of Control (LoC) as well as the foreign policy matters after India had pledged to "isolate Pakistan".



National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq opened the session by welcoming PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who was present in the speaker gallery. PPP lawmakers greeted the announcement with applause and thumping of desks.



Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was the first to address the lawmakers present in the assembly on the Kashmir issue.



The prime minister opened his speech by talking about the freedom struggle upheld by the youth of Kashmir who were fighting against "Indian aggression and atrocities".



"World powers need to ensure that UN resolutions on Kashmir should be implemented in letter and spirit," he said.



"We have done everything to make India come to the dialogue table, but india did not let it happen. Our efforts were thwarted over and over again. I would like to repeat our stance that we are against war. We want peace in the region. We want to resolve all outstanding disputes through dialogue."



Touching on India's allegations of Pakistan's involvement in the Uri base attack, Nawaz said: "Without carrying out any investigation, India blamed Pakistan within a few hours of the attack. Through this one can see what India's motives are.



"On Sept 28, Indias ceasefire violation resulted in the death of our two soldiers. It was befittingly responded and was conveyed that Pakistan Army is fully capable to respond to any aggression."



In an apparent response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that India and Pakistan should battle to eradicate poverty, Nawaz said: "If they want us to fight with them to end poverty, then they should realise that poverty cannot be eradicated by driving tanks on farmlands."



The premier further said: "If their desire is to challenge us to eradicate poverty, if they desire to take us on to end unemployment, if they want to fight us to see who provides welfare and well-being to its citizens then I want to inform them that it cannot be done with blood and ammunition.



"The fields that are ploughed with explosives do not blossom with the flowers of well-being and employment. "If you really want to see a revolution into the lives of the people of Subcontinent, then you need to act upon your statements."



Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah was the next to speak, he said: "Why does Pakistan feel isolated at the international arena?"



"Why is our foreign policy so weak, why are we lonely?" asked the senior PPP leader. "We have to realise our mistakes and choose better path for the future. Our policies have led to this stage, where Bangladesh is also against us."



Throwing light on the Tashkent Treaty, Shah stated: "Kashmir could have been solved in Tashkent but our weak diplomacy became a noose around our neck."



Shah drew some laughs from lawmakers when he accidentally said "Kulbushan Wani" instead of Kulbushan Jadhav in reference to the Indian spy, who is in the custody of the security forces.



Speaking on the Indian premier's refusal to participate in the Saarc conference in Islamabad next month, Shah said: "They [India] have tried to isolate us diplomatically. The Saarc conference is before you. Five countries refused to attend it. We should have preempted such developments."



Talking about India's unwillingness to resolve the outstanding Kashmir dispute, he added: "We need to tell the world that India cannot run away from what is on the record. Why is the UN not resolving the Kashmir issue? Jawaharlal Nehru admitted this many times that Kashmir dispute should be resolved as per the will of the Kashmiri people.



"We all are united for Kashmir as per PPP's fundamental policy. We have a firm believe that Kashmiris will get their rights. The victory will be of Kashmiris and Pakistan."



There was some jovial back and forth between Shah and Speaker Sadiq when Shah complained mid-speech that he did not have a podium on which to place his speech document.



"You should have arranged for this before," said Shah with a smile, to which Sadiq responded, "You should have asked before."



The house erupted into laughter when Shah made a witty remark signalling to the podium placed in front Nawaz. "Let's switch it around  he [the PM] can come here, and I can go in his place." Much to everyone's amusement, he wondered out loud what his party's political leadership must be thinking of his deal making.



Kashmir Committee Chairman Fazlur Rehman addressed the lawmakers next, and questioned India's attempts to secure condemnations over the attack on Uri base.



"We are asked to condemn the Uri attack, but what about those innocent and helpless Kashmiris who are subject to India's brutality?"



Senior lawmakers of all political parties attended the session, with the exception of PTI lawmakers and their chairman Imran Khan.



Imran stunned both allies and critics when he announced on Tuesday his partys intention to boycott the joint sitting of parliament over what he said is Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's failure to present himself for accountability.



Party insiders had told Dawn that while most PTI parliamentarians wanted to stay put in Parliament House to fight their case, the party chairman  supported by a group of unelected party leaders  decided otherwise.



Earlier this week, the government had sent a summary to the Presidency seeking President Mamnoon Hussains approval for holding a joint session of parliament to discuss the issue of alleged surgical strikes by Indian forces across the Line of Control (LoC).
From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As...
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In the following guest post, Professors Colleen V. Chien (Santa Clara) and Michael Risch (Villanova) follow up on their earlier work calling for patent venue reform. They have written a full article on the topic available on SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2834130.  DC

Earlier this year, we presented some initial results of our study of what might happen if patent venue reform took place. Since then, Senator Flake (R-Az) introduced the VENUE Act of 2016, and last month, petitioners, led by a group including James Dabney and John Duffy, filed a petition for writ of certiori in the TC Heartland case in the Supreme Court. Amicus briefs are due October 17, 2016 and Krafts brief is due on November 16, 2016.

To support these deliberations, we examined the history of the patent venue law and presented some statistics about plaintiff venue preferences for the Eastern District (for even more statistics on this point see the new paper by Brian Love and James Yoon). Additionally, we empirically modeled both reforms by randomly selecting 939 cases from 2015, and making our best guess as to where cases would have been filed under the proposed rules, assuming they would have been filed at all. Since 2015, the overall number of patent cases has declined, about 20% YTD based on data from Lex Machina (4,216 cases by this time last year vs. 3,369 today). The Eastern District of Texas has made a number of changes and its share is also down from 44% in 2015, to 35% 2016 YTD (30% in 1Q, 36% in 2Q, and 38% in 3Q); the next closest district (Delaware) has seen about 9% of filings, based on data from Lex Machina.

In modeling different venue reform choices, we do not purport to claim that any venue reform would be, on balance, welfare enhancing, nor can we know with certainty where or if cases would be filed. However, we do make one thing clear: a patent system in which so much rides on where a lawsuit is filed is deeply flawed, and, as we have said before, we hope that policymakers will take the opportunity to clarify what has been a complicated area of law.

A draft of the complete paper is available here. In brief, however, TC Heartland reform would require cases to be filed either where the defendant is incorporated or where the defendant has a place of business and is infringing. VENUE Act would add the location of the original inventors as well as anywhere the patent owner performed R&D on the patent (patent assertion entities are, by definition, excluded). To model these provisions we gathered relevant case and location information; we also gathered information on industries, plaintiffs, and defendants of different sizes to understand the differential impacts of reform.

In brief, we looked to see the following under the conditions of each reform: 1) could the plaintiff have filed in the district that the case is already in? 2) if not, could the plaintiff have sued in a district in which it has sued in the last two years? 3) if not, could the plaintiff have sued in a district popular among plaintiffs like it in the last five years? 4) if not, we assume that the plaintiff would sue at the defendants primary place of business. Option 1 means no change  the case would stay put. Options 2, 3, and 4 mean, changethe case would have been filed in another district and the model where the suit would end up based on the proposed venue rules. Note that the 2nd and 3rd assumptions bias our model towards the currently concentrated status quo. Patentees might well pick other favorite districts if they can find a basis for venue there.

Applying this methodology, we found a few interesting things.

First, 86% of cases were filed outside the defendants primary place of business,[1] including 80% of cases brought by operating companies and 90% of cases brought by NPEs. When we considered any of defendants place of business, cases were filed outside of where the defendant had a location 83% of the time. This suggests that, in general, permissive venue leads to plaintiffs filing where it is convenient or advantageous, which is usually not where the defendant is located.

Second, we find that if TC Heartland reform had been in effect, 52% of operating companies would have to pick a different district than they had originally chosen. For NPEs, 60% would have to pick a different district. If the VENUE Act were passed, however, the change from the status quo would be a lot less dramatic for operating company plaintiffs  only 18% would have to move their case while the rest could have been filed as is. NPE plaintiffs would have been impacted differently, particularly under the VENUE Act, with PAEs most impacted. The reason for this is relatively straightforward: the VENUE Act allows operating companies (and failed companies or individuals) to sue where they do research and development, but does not allow PAEs to do the same. Furthermore, operating companies are more likely to sue where they do research and development, while NPEs are more likely to sue in the Eastern District of Texas.

Third, we find that cases would be more geographically distributed, but our reported distributions are likely in the eye of the beholder and sensitive to our assumptions particularly about the prioritization of familiar districts by plaintiffs, which might not hold in practice. That said, we believe that one thing is clear: cases would leave the Eastern District of Texas. The following table shows the top 5 districts before and after reform as we modeled it:

Final Districts  OpCo  Final Districts  NPE  District Actual Case Prediction Heartland Prediction VENUE Act Actual Case Prediction Heartland Prediction VENUE Act E.D.Tex. 7.8% 4.6% 5.0% 64.1% 19.0% 19.1% D.Del. 10.0% 18.9% 11.0% 7.3% 25.8% 23.1% D.N.J. 10.3% 12.1% 10.7% 0.9% 2.4% 2.0% C.D.Cal. 7.5% 14.2% 9.6% 2.1% 2.6% 2.4% N.D.Cal. 5.0% 2.8% 3.9% 3.0% 17.3% 16.6%

Fourth, Heartland and VENUE Act reform would affect companies of different sizes differently. In general, Heartland would require suits to be filed where the defendant is located much more often than the VENUE Act (on the order of ~65% to ~45% depending on company size). Smaller defendants would benefit more from TC Heartland venue reform than would larger defendants, because of their relatively smaller footprints.

Fifth, we found that manufacturing and biopharma defendants would benefit the least from venue reform. For biopharma, the result is complicated. Contrary to conventional wisdom, all of the cases are not in New Jersey, though as shown in the table above, many of them are. Instead, because reform allows for suit where parties are incorporated, many cases would remain in Delaware, where they are already located. Industries that would see the most benefit from Heartland reform would be in high tech and consumer/durable goods manufacturing. These are often companies with only one place of business, which limits where they could be sued. High tech, especially, is a sector that is often sued by NPEs, so their cases would be relocated under either Heartland or the VENUE Act. On the other hand, manufacturing industries are often sued by operating companies and thus, they would see much less benefit under VENUE Act reform than they would under Heartland.

Despite its limitations, we believe that this study provides valuable insight into patent venue. Examination of venue by industry, comparison of the differences between the options (including who wins and who loses), and analysis about where cases might wind up will hopefully provide fruitful information for anyone involved in patent practice and policy. The full paper has much, much more analysis, with a representative sample of the types and sizes of companies being sued in addition to detailed discussion of how each reform proposal will affect parties by plaintiff type, geography, and defendant industry and size.

= = = = =

[1] We found that, for a random sample of 99 of our defendants other litigations, 80% were filed outside the defendants primary place of business
The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher,
Of course. You would have to be be barking mad to want to bring this rabble to NZ. But then socialists are mad by definition. It's not as if we don't have...
The Centre of Awareness has disclosed that it has found a potential cure for HIV/AIDS following ten years of research into plant medicines in Ghana.



According to the founder of the centre, Dr Samuel Ato Duncan, the drug named COA has been scientifically tested and seen to be efficacious and safe for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.



Dr Duncan disclosed this at a presentation on the drug at the Physicians and Surgeons auditorium in Accra on Wednesday, 5 October 2016.



HIV is believed to have originated in west-central Africa during the late 19th or early 20th century. AIDS was first recognised by the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1981 and its cause  HIV infection  was identified in the early part of that decade.



Between its discovery and 2014, AIDS has caused an estimated 39 million deaths worldwide.



HIV is spread primarily through unprotected sex (including anal and oral sex), contaminated blood transfusions, hypodermic needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.



There is no cure or vaccine for the disease, however, anti-retroviral treatment can slow the course of the disease and may lead to a near-normal life expectancy.



The Ato Duncans announcement of a potential cure comes two days after The Telegraph reported that a British man could become the first person in the world to be cured of the disease using a new therapy designed by a team of scientists from five UK universities.



The 44-year-old, according to the paper, is one of 50 people currently trialling a treatment which targets the disease even in its dormant state.



Scientists told The Sunday Times that presently the virus is completely undetectable in the mans blood, although that could be a result of regular drugs. However if the dormant cells are also cleared out it could represent the first complete cure. Trial results are expected to be published in 2018.



"This is one of the first serious attempts at a full cure for HIV, said Mark Samuels, managing director of the National Institute for Health Research Office for Clinical Research Infrastructure.



We are exploring the real possibility of curing HIV. This is a huge challenge and it's still early days but the progress has been remarkable."



The trial is being undertaken by researchers from the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London and King's College London.



HIV is so difficult to treat because it targets the immune system, splicing itself into the DNA of T-cells so that they not only ignore the disease, but turn into viral factories which reproduce the virus.



Current treatments, called anti-retroviral therapies (Art), target that process but they cannot spot dormant infected T-cells.



The new therapy works in two stages. Firstly, a vaccine helps the body recognise the HIV-infected cells so it can clear them out. Secondly, a new drug called Vorinostat activates the dormant T-cells so they can be spotted by the immune system.



More than 100,000 people in Britain are living with HIV, around 17 per cent of whom do not know they have the disease, and 37 million are infected worldwide.



Professor Sarah Fidler, a consultant physician at Imperial College London, added: "This therapy is specifically designed to clear the body of all HIV viruses, including dormant ones.



"It has worked in the laboratory and there is good evidence it will work in humans too, but we must stress we are still a long way from any actual therapy.



"We will continue with medical tests for the next five years and at the moment we are not recommending stopping Art but in the future depending on the test results we may explore this."



Only one person has ever been cured of HIV. He is Timothy Brown, also known as The second Berlin Patient, who received a stem cell transplant from a patient with natural immunity to HIV in 2008.



Ian Green, chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, the Aids charity, said: "There is still no cure for HIV and we welcome this ambitious study which looks to eradicate the virus completely from the bodies of people living with HIV, instead of suppressing it."



Philip Christopher Baldwin, an HIV awareness activist said: "I'm really excited by the recent developments regarding a potential cure for the HIV virus.



"The first person to complete an experimental course of treatment has cleared the virus. I was diagnosed with HIV in 2010, when I was 24 years old. It took me a number of years to come to terms with my HIV.



"I am proud that five British universities have been responsible for this pioneering research. It remains to be seen whether the virus will return in the "cured" patient, or if the other people taking part in the medical trial will respond in a similar way.



"The research, though, is great progress and I hope that these early results will be repeated throughout the trial group. This is an important step towards a world free of the fear of HIV."

Source: classfmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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LOS REVOLUCIONARIOS NO TOMAN CACA-COLA No se trata solamente de un capricho, sino de una sana actitud en todos los sentidos. Desde la solidaridad con el pueblo colombiano donde la empresa Caca-Cola ha cometido los mas grandes abusos contra sus trabajadores incluyendo el presunto secuestro y asesinato de los dirigentes del sindicato, hasta la proteccion de la salud de nuestros hijos, enviciados por ese jarabe de cola y azucar, que les produce obesidad prematura. Pensemos tambien los revolucionarios, que ese dinero que gastamos en los refrescos es utilizado por esas empresas para financiar el terrorismo en nuestro pais. Es cierto, no se trata solo de la Caca-Cola, sino tambien de la cerveza, de los cigarrillos y todos esos articulos innecesarios y mas que eso, daninos para nuestra salud. Podriamos incluso pensar en un dia de parada para cada uno de ellos. Es cuestion de irnos organizando. Pero para empezar, que tal si dejamos de comprar Caca-Cola y sus similares?



























Cuando lo extraordinario se vuelve cotidiano...



Discurso del Acto de Grado en Barinas en 12 de Febrero del 2005 Queridos Graduandos:



Mas que un discurso, quiero dirigirles algunas palabras que escribi anoche, despues de visitar en las clinicas, a los estudiantes heridos, a consecuencia de los enfrentamientos con la policia de hace apenas dos dias.



Me ha tocado por razones del destino, ser la persona que les otorgue el titulo que bien merecieron con sus estudios. Y me siento sumamente orgulloso de serlo. Me consta que la Universidad de Los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora, a pesar de lo dicho por los enemigos de esta universidad, es una universidad de primera.



No tendremos la mejor planta fisica, en los salones hace calor. En el comedor hace calor. Pero no es en lo material que las cosas deben valorarse. El mayor capital es el ser humano. Y en eso, nuestra UNELLEZ, lo digo con conocimiento de causa, esta sobrada. Los llaneros venezolanos son nobles, valientes, de coraje.



En la UNELLEZ hacen vida, en este momento, aproximadamente 67000 personas. El 97% de ellas son estudiantes. Jovenes que, como Ustedes hasta el dia de hoy, buscan ese titulo, que constata los anos de dedicacion y de estudio.



Los jovenes son el rio de la vida, ustedes graduados deben ser los capitanes de esos barcos que naveguen por el rio de la vida.



Nuestra Patria atraviesa momentos muy dificiles porque decidio dejar de ser esa matrona de edad vetusta y complaciente, para ser joven, rebelde y altanera. Nuestra imagen ya no es la de una acaudalada ricachona mayamera. En nuestro rostro brilla ahora la sonrisa del Che Guevara, con su diente delantero torcido, su pelo largo y su boina con la estrella.



Entender esto, a mi me ha tomado practicamente toda la vida. Tengo 53 anos, y ya perdi mi oportunidad de derramar sangre joven a causa de un ideal.



Ustedes son jovenes, estan en la flor de la vida. No cometan por favor el error de renunciar a su instinto de rebelion. El Che Guevara fue Ministro de a Economia en Cuba. Los billetes y las monedas se adornaban con su rostro. Nada de eso le importo. Primero fue a Angola donde paso un penoso ano de combate. Despues se fue a Bolivia, donde encontro la muerte. El Che era el ultimo que comia, el que cargaba la mochila mas pesada. Siempre se sacrificaba por los demas en un estoicismo que mas parecia fervor religioso que ideologia marxista.



Si quieren un modelo de vida. Ahi lo tienen.



Dije hace unos momentos que el 97% de la poblacion de la UNELLEZ es estudiante. Se imaginan Ustedes la Universidad que podriamos tener si todos los estudiantes tuvieran la abnegacion, la combatividad del Che?



Los momentos que se avecinan van a requerir de una gran unidad del pueblo venezolano. La alternativa de continuar siendo libres o regresar a la pobreza se nos planteara en los proximos dias de forma enmascarada, o quizas peor, desenmascarada, vestida con uniforme de soldado del Imperio.



Por nuestra parte podemos esperar lo mejor. La macroeconomia no podria ir mejor, la justicia social ha mejorado notablemente. Las misiones ocupan un papel muy importante en el pago de dicha justicia social. Aqui en Barinas ya hemos cumplido con dos de las misiones, la mision Robinson y la mision Sucre. No hay analfabetismo y no hay exclusion en la educacion superior, en estas tierras de Zamora.



Pero ay malhaya! Son precisamente estos exitos los que nos hacen mas antipaticos al Imperio. Para ellos, somos inclusive un mal ejemplo que se esta contagiando al resto del continente y cuidado sino al resto del mundo.



Nunca venceremos al Imperio. Estara siempre ahi, acechando. Por lo menos hasta que el mismo no se autodestruya. Porque, sepanlo senores, el neoliberalismo es canibal. Cuando le ataque el hambre, se devorara a si mismo.



Ustedes, queridos graduandos, a partir de hoy pasan a conformar la elite profesional que debe sostener este pais en los proximos cuarenta o cincuenta anos. Anos decisivos para el logro de nuestra libertad y del rescate de nuestra Soberania.



No se dejen comprar. No se dejen corromper. No se dejen gritar. No se dejen pisar. Que nadie les diga que comer, o que vestirse, o que leer. Sean siempre autenticos, rebeldes, contestatarios. Pero eso si, profundamente patriotas, dignos de ser hijos de Bolivar.



Muchas gracias y que Dios los bendiga.





Alguna duda?



Medio siglo de Holocausto Palestino



Oscar Zanartu Nacio en Caracas en 1960. Ha realizado exposiciones individuales en las galerias Minotauro, Clave y San Francisco, y en salas de Coro, estado Falcon, y Puerto Ordaz, estado Bolivar. En Paris su obra ha sido exhibida en el Centro Cultural Tanagra, en la Exposicion Cite Internationale des Arts, en las galerias De Mars y Arver Space, al igual que en la Galeria Municipal Levallois, en Levallois Perret (Francia). En muestras colectivas, su obra se ha expuesto en Belgica, Francia, Estados Unidos y Venezuela; en Caracas intervino en la exposicion "Del genesis a la memoria", 1995, organizada por la Fundacion La Previsora. En 1982 obtuvo el Premio Nacional Critven y en 1990 la Mencion de Honor Jose Antonio Paez, en la Embajada de Venezuela en Paris. En 1991 se le concedio el primer premio de Pintura Itinerante, en Levallois Perret, Francia.



OZ1



OZ2



OZ3



OZ4



Homenaje a Jason Galarraga



La Victoria de Samotracia



Odalisca



Mas fotos de la nevada del pasado agosto 2008



























La Sierra Nevada de Merida



Nuestro precioso Churum Meru



Homenaje a Picasso



Autoretrato



Sabes lo que bebes en una Coca-Cola?

La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.

Mi profesion?

Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.

Sal en la Coca Cola?

A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.

De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:

Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gusto

Acido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)

azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)

Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantas

Mucha Cafeina

Conservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o Potasio

Dioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebe

Sal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracion

El uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.

Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.

Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.

En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).

Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.

La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.

Bebidas Light?

Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el

Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.



Publicado por loretahur



En realidad, la formula secreta de la Coca-Cola se puede detallar en 18 segundos en cualquier espectrometro optico, y basicamente la conocen hasta los perros. Lo que ocurre es que no se puede fabricar igual, a no ser que uno disponga de unos cuantos millones de dolares para ganarle la demanda que te metera la Coca-Cola ante la justicia (ellos no perderian).La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gustoAcido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantasMucha CafeinaConservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o PotasioDioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebeSal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracionEl uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el aspartamo , despues de tres semanas mojado, pasa a tener gusto de trapo viejo sucio.Para evitar eso, se agregan una infinidad de otros productos quimicos, uno para alargar la vida del aspartamo, otro para neutralizar el color, otro para mantener el tercer quimico en suspension porque sino el fondo de la gaseosa quedaria oscuro, otro para evitar la cristalizacion del aspartamo, otro para realzar el sabor, dar mas intensidad al acido citrico o fosforito que perderia su sabor por el efecto de los cuatro productos quimicos iniciales... y asi sucesivamente.Un consejo final !!Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.Publicado por loretahur

MARGARINA o MANTEQUILLA La margarina fue producida originalmente para engordar a los pavos; cuandolo que hizo en realidad fue matarlos.Las personas que habian puesto el dinero para la investigacion quisieronrecobrarlo asi que empezaron a pensar en una forma de hacerlo.Tenian una sustancia blanca, que no tenia ningun atractivo como comestible,asi que le anadieron el color amarillo, para venderselo a lagente en lugar de la mantequilla.Que tal esa?... Ahora han sacado algunos nuevos sabores para vender mas alos incautos como usted y yo.CONOCE USTED la diferencia entre la margarina y la mantequilla?Siga leyendo hasta el final... porque se pone bastante interesante!Comparacion entre mantequilla y margarina:

1.- Ambas tienen la misma cantidad de calorias.

2.- La mantequilla es ligeramente mas alta en grasas saturadas: 8 gramos,comparada con los 5 gramos que tiene la margarina.

3.- Comer margarina en vez de mantequilla puede aumentar en 53% el riesgo deenfermedades coronarias en las mujeres, de acuerdo con un estudiomedico reciente de la Universidad de Harvard.

4.- Comer mantequilla aumenta la absorcion de gran cantidad de nutrientesque se encuentran en otros alimentos.

5.- La mantequilla provee beneficios nutricionales propios mientras lamargarina tiene solo los que le hayan sido anadidos al fabricarla.

6.- La mantequilla sabe mucho mejor que la margarina y mejora el sabor deotros alimentos.7.- La mantequilla ha existido durante siglos mientras que la margarinatiene menos de 100 anos.

Ahora... sobre la margarina:

1.- Es muy alta en acidos grasos trans. (Si, esos que recien ahora loscientificos descubrieron que son malisimos y los gobiernoscomenzaron a prohibirlos) .

2.- Triple riesgo de enfermedades coronarias.

3.- Aumenta el colesterol total y el LDL (el colesterol malo) y disminuye elHDL (el colesterol bueno).

4.- Aumenta en cinco veces el riesgo de cancer.

5.- Disminuye la calidad de la leche materna.

6.- Disminuye la reaccion inmunologica del organismo.

7.- Disminuye la reaccion a la insulina.

Y he aqui el factor mas inquietante (AQUI ESTA LA PARTE MAS INTERESANTE! ):A la margarina le falta UNA MOLECULA para ser PLASTICO...!!Solo este hecho es suficiente para evitar el uso de la margarina de porvida, y de cualquier otra cosa que sea hidrogenada (esto significaque se le anade hidrogeno, lo cual cambia la estructura molecular de lassubstancias).Usted puede ensayar lo siguiente:Compre un poco de margarina y dejela en el garaje o en un sitio sombreado.Dentro de unos dias notara dos cosas:

* No habra moscas; ni siquiera esos molestos bichos se le acercaran (esto yale debe decir a usted algo).

* No se pudre ni huele mal o diferente porque no tiene valor nutritivo; nadacrece en ella. Ni siquiera los diminutos microorganismos puedencrecer en ella.Por que? Porque es casi plastico!!



No a la guerra, Si a la Paz



Misterios de la ciencia...



Los costos de la guerra



medicos y capitalismo...



Capitalismo...



medicos (2)



Quien educa a nuestros hijos?



Los Medios...



Sin Palabras...



Chistes feministas

- Cual es el problema, Eva?

- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz...

- Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.

- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...

- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.

- Que es un hombre?

- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.

- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.

- Cual es el truco?.

- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.

- Cual?

- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.





Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Un dia, en el Paraiso, Eva llamo a Dios: Tengo un problema.- Cual es el problema, Eva?- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz... - Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.- Que es un hombre?- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.- Cual es el truco?.- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.- Cual?- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Ellas...



Ellas (2)...



Tres venganzas femeninas VENGANZA NUMERO 1

Hoy mi hija cumple 21 anos y estoy muy contento porque es el ultimo pago de pension alimenticia que le doy, asi que llame a mi hijita para que viniera a mi casa y cuando llego le dije:

-Hijita, quiero que lleves este cheque a casa de tu mama y que le digas que: Este es el ultimo maldito cheque que va recibir de mi en todo lo que le queda de su puta vida!!! Quiero que me digas la expresion que pone en su rostro.

Asi que mi hija fue a entregar el cheque. Yo estaba ansioso por saber lo que la bruja tenia que decir y que cara pondria.

Cuando mi hijita entro, le pregunte inmediatamente: -Que fue lo que te dijo tu madre?

-Me dijo que justamente estaba esperando este dia para decirte que no eres mi papa!



VENGANZA NUMERO 2

Un hombre que siempre molestaba a su mujer, paso un dia por la casa de unos amigos para que lo acompanaran al aeropuerto a dejar a su esposa que viajaba a Paris.

A la salida de inmigracion, frente a todo el mundo, el le desea buen viaje y en tono burlon le grita:

- Amor, no te olvides de traerme una hermosa francesita Ja ja ja!!

Ella bajo la cabeza y se embarco muy molesta.

La mujer paso quince dias en Francia.

El marido otra vez pidio a sus amigos que lo acompanasen al aeropuerto a recibirla.

Al verla llegar, lo primero que le grita a toda voz es:

- Y amor me trajiste mi francesita??

- Hice todo lo posible, - contesta ella - ahora solo tenemos que rezar para que nazca nina.



VENGANZA NUMERO 3

El marido, en su lecho de muerte, llama a su mujer. Con voz ronca y ya debil, le dice: - Muy bien, llego mi hora, pero antes quiero hacerte una confesion.

- No, no, tranquilo, tu no debes hacer ningun esfuerzo.

- Pero, mujer, es preciso - insiste el marido - Es preciso morir en paz.

Te quiero confesar algo.

- Esta bien, esta bien. Habla!

- He tenido relaciones con tu hermana, tu mama y tu mejor amiga.

- Lo se, lo se Por eso te envenene, hijo de puta!!!



machismo y cibernetica



Chiste machista La NASA ha enviado al espacio una mision experimental tripulada por dos monos y una mujer.Apenas abandona la atmosfera, se establece comunicacion con Houston.

-Atencion, simio 1, verifique sistemas hidraulicos, controle adecuada presion de los propulsores de arranque. A 60.000 pies disminuya un 25% la velocidad.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, simio 2, nivele al cruzar la estratosfera y active sistemas anticongelantes. No olvide monitorear sistemas de comunicacion e indicadores de presion. Comprendido?.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, Houston llamando a mujer: no se olvide.

-Mujer: Si, si, ya se! -interrumpe enojada- que no me olvide darles de comer a estos monos de mierda y que no se me vaya a ocurrir tocar nada!.



.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti.

Un abogado mantiene un romance con su secretaria.Al poco tiempo, esta queda embarazada y el abogado, que no quiere que su esposa se entere, le da a la secretaria una buena suma de dinero y le pide que se vaya a parir a Italia.Esta pregunta: Y como voy a hacerte saber cuando nazca el bebe ? El abogado responde: Para que mi mujer no se entere, tan solo enviame una postal y escribe por detras: Spaghetti. Y no te preocupes mas, que yo me encargare de todos los gastos.

Pasan los meses y una manana la esposa del abogado lo llama al bufete, algo exaltada: Querido, acabo de recibir el correo y hay una postal muy extrana viene desde Italia. La verdad, no entiendo que significa.El abogado, tratando de ocultar sus nervios, contesta:Espera a que llegue a casa, a ver si yo entiendoCuando el hombre llega a casa y lee la postal, cae al suelo fulminado por un infarto.Llega una ambulancia y se lo lleva. Ya en el hospital, el jefe de cardiologia se queda consolando a la esposa y le pregunta cual ha sido el evento que precipito tan masivo ataque cardiaco.

Entonces la esposa saca la postal y se la muestra diciendole: No me explico, doctor; el solamente leyo esta postal. Vea usted mismo lo que trae escrito.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti."Tres con salchicha y albondigas y dos con almejas



Gol !!!!



Chistes de Borrachos Entra un borracho a su casa todo manchado con lapiz labial por todos lados hecho un desastre, y la mujer le pregunta:-Hombre que te paso?Y el borracho le responde:-No me vas a creer, me pelee con un payaso!



Este es un borracho que entra en un bar y le dice al camarero:-Me da cinco copas de whisky?Al rato:-Me da cuatro?Al rato:-Me da tres copas?Despues:-Me da dos copas?Luego le dice:-Me da una copa?Y le dice al camarero:-Ves? Cuanto menos bebo, mas borracho estoy!


The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event and held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. October 1, 2016 Khun Chadaporn Makchumnum, Assistant Marketing Manager a representative from The Racha donated 1,000 bottles of drinking water to local Chinese Shrines in Phuket to inherit and support the Vegetarian Festival.
Huanglongbing is considered the most destructive citrus disease in the world, present in 17 percent of orange trees in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. A new strategy for combating the vector of the bacterium that causes huanglongbing, also known as greening, has emerged from the discovery that three citrus plants produce an essential oil that repels the insect.

Brazilian researchers affiliated with the Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar) and working under the aegis of the National Institute of Science & Technology for Biorational Control of Insect Pests (INCT-CBIP), funded by the National Council for Scientific & Technological Development (CNPq) and by FAPESP, analyzed the chemical composition of the essential oils produced by 22 species of the genus Citrus, including oranges, limes and tangerines.

Their purpose was to understand the effects of these substances on organisms that interact with the plants, such as Diaphorina citri, a sap-sucking, hemipteran bug in the family Psyllidae. D. citri transmits Candidatus Liberibacter spp, including the bacterium that causes huanglongbing (HLB). The analysis was performed as part of the project "Integrated studies for leaf cutting control," also supported by FAPESP.

D. citri is only 3 mm long. It sucks sap from terminal shoots but does not cause significant direct damage. What destroys the plant is the bacterium transmitted by the insect's eggsa single female lays as many as 800 eggs.

The researchers discovered that the insect prefers to lay eggs on certain citrus species rather than others. Two in particular are unattractive: Citrus reticulata, known as the Murcott mandarin, and the Swingle citrumelo, a hybrid of C. paradisi grapefruit with Poncirus trifoliata, the trifoliate orange.

"The chemical composition of the volatile oils from 22 genotypes of citrus and related genera hasn't been properly explored until now," said Maria Fatima das Gracas Fernandes da Silva, a researcher at UFSCar's Center for Exact Sciences & Technology (CCET) and INCT-CBIP's principal investigator. "We were able to understand these substances in greater depth and explore their ability to attract or repel the psyllid using chemometrics, a set of mathematical and statistical methods for the analysis of chemical data," she added.

Above all, D. citri prefers Murraya paniculata, the orange jasmine, a native of Asia widely cultivated in Brazil as an ornamental plant. Chemical analysis of its essential oils confirmed the plant as the insect's preferred host.

According to Fernandes da Silva, this plant has been eradicated from citrus-producing hubs because of the psyllid's preference for it and its association with contamination of citrus groves.

"We now know the substance produced by the plant responsible for attracting the insect, as well as the oils produced by the citrus genotypes that also attract it, facilitating contamination," she said.

The genotypes that least interest D. citri all share three compounds found only in their essential oils: phytol, (Z)-beta-ocimene and beta-elemene. The researchers concluded that these three compounds may act as repellents, making the plants less attractive to D. citri for ovipositing purposes.

Grafting

Citrus plants in Brazil are mostly grafted rather than grown from seed. Grafting involves attaching a twig (scion) from one tree to the stem of a tree seedling (rootstock). The scion becomes a permanent part of the tree over time. Scion and rootstock are usually different species. Grafting can be used to produce seedlings of plants that are difficult to reproduce or to combine characteristics of two species.

No commercial varieties of citrus scion or rootstock plants are HLB-resistant. Contaminated new plants do not even reach the production stage, and those already in production suffer from massive pre-harvest fruit drop and eventually die. The only effective method available to control the disease has been constant inspection and immediate elimination of plants with symptoms.

HLB originated in Asia and was identified in Brazil in 2004. The disease is present in all citrus-growing regions of Sao Paulo State. It is also found in Minas Gerais and Parana, as well as other major citrus-producing countries, such as Mexico and the US. In Florida, Brazil's leading competitor in orange production, HLB was first detected in 2005 and now affects 80 percent to 90 percent of groves and about 70 percent of trees.

"This disease is a very serious problem for the citrus industry in Brazil and worldwide," said Fernandes da Silva. "Entire groves have to be eliminated if a large percentage of trees are contaminated. Even trees without symptoms have to be destroyed to make sure no sources of contamination are left because they could spread to other trees and groves."

The discovery that certain essential oils are repellent could be important to improve grafting. "In the absence of a plant that strongly resists HLB, it might be possible to produce grafts with plants that we now know to be repellent to its vector," she said.

Explore further Citrus greening disease pathogen has gut-wrenching effect on insect vector

More information: Moacir Andrade et al. Essential Oil Variation from Twenty Two Genotypes of Citrus in BrazilChemometric Approach and Repellency Against Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Molecules (2016). Moacir Andrade et al. Essential Oil Variation from Twenty Two Genotypes of Citrus in BrazilChemometric Approach and Repellency Against Diaphorina citri Kuwayama,(2016). DOI: 10.3390/molecules21060814

Provided by Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo
QUTs Dr Haifei Zhan is leading a global effort to work out how many ways humanity can use a newly-invented material with enormous potential  diamond nanothread (DNT). Credit: Queensland University of Technology

Would you dress in diamond nanothreads? It's not as far-fetched as you might think. And you'll have a Brisbane-based carbon chemist and engineer to thank for it.

QUT's Dr Haifei Zhan is leading a global effort to work out how many ways humanity can use a newly-invented material with enormous potential  diamond nanothread (DNT).

First created by Pennsylvania State University last year, one-dimensional DNT is similar to carbon nanotubes, hollow cylindrical tubes 10,000 times smaller than human hair, stronger than steel  but brittle.

"DNT, by comparison, is even thinner, incorporating kinks of hydrogen in the carbon's hollow structure, called Stone-Wale (SW) transformation defects, which I've discovered reduces brittleness and adds flexibility," said Dr Zhan, from QUT's School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering.

"That structure makes DNT a great candidate for a range of uses. It's possible DNT may become as ubiquitous a plastic in the future, used in everything from clothing to cars.

"I feel very lucky to have this chance to study a new material in depth  blue-sky applied research opportunities like this are rare."

DNT does not look like a rock diamond. Rather, its name refers to the way the carbon atoms are packed together, similar to diamond, giving it its phenomenal strength.

Dr Zhan has been modelling the properties of DNT since it was invented, using large-scale molecular dynamics simulations and high-performance computing.

He was the first to realise the SW defects were the key to DNT's versatility.

"While both carbon nanotubes and DNT have great potential, the more I model DNT properties, the more it looks to be a superior material," Dr Zhan said.

"The SW defects give DNT a flexibility that rigid carbon nanotubes can't replicate  think of it as the difference between sewing with uncooked spaghetti and cooked spaghetti.

"My simulations have shown that the SW defects act like hinges, connecting straight sections of DNT. And by changing the spacing of those defects, we can a change  or tune  the flexibility of the DNT."

That research is published in the peer-reviewed publication Nanoscale.

Dr Zhan has also published a number of other results from his DNT-modelling research:



The thermal conductivity of DNT can be tuned by changing the spacing between the SW defects ( Carbon ).

). SW defects create irregular surfaces on the DNT, allowing it to bond well with polymers. DNT could therefore be used as reinforcement for nanocomposite materials ( Advanced Function Materials ).

). The mechanical properties of DNT vary significantly depending on its exact atomic structure, including tensile behaviour. Temperature also affects the mechanical properties. While DNT likely behaves like a flexible elastic rod, the mechanical properties could be tailored for specific purposes (Carbon).

"Further modelling is needed to fully investigate all the properties of DNT. However, I am excited about the potential range of applications it could be used for, given we've proven we can control its flexibility, conductivity and strength," Dr Zhang said.

"Carbon is the most abundant element on the planet. It's a renewable resource, so the cost of the raw material is extremely low.

"Once the manufacturing costs are viable, DNT would likely be used primarily in mechanical applications, combined with other materials to make ultra-strong, light-weight composites and components  such as plane fuselages.

"I plan to test how DNT performs as a two-dimensional networked structure  a sheet or layer  for potential use in flexible electronics and screens.

"I also want to test is viability as a fibre for textiles or rope, from bullet-proof vests and hard-wearing work gear to a replacement for steel cables in bridge construction.

"There's already talk in the global carbon community of DNT being the best candidate yet for building a space elevator. It would be a real honour if my research contributed to the development of DNTs for that purpose."

Explore further Diamond coupled to carbon nanotube could be used for quantum information processing

More information: Haifei Zhan et al. From brittle to ductile: a structure dependent ductility of diamond nanothread, Nanoscale (2016). Haifei Zhan et al. From brittle to ductile: a structure dependent ductility of diamond nanothread,(2016). DOI: 10.1039/C6NR02414A Haifei Zhan et al. Thermal conductivity of a new carbon nanotube analog: The diamond nanothread, Carbon (2016). DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2015.11.012 Diamond Nanothread as a New Reinforcement for Nanocomposites, DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201600119 Haifei Zhan et al. The morphology and temperature dependent tensile properties of diamond nanothreads, Carbon (2016). DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2016.06.006 Journal information: Carbon , Nanoscale
Research fellow Feng Gao, Linkoping University. Credit: Photo Goran Billeson

Researchers at Linkoping University, together with Chinese and American colleagues, have developed organic solar cells with a significantly lower driving force and faster charge separation than previous cells. The results have been published in Nature Energy.

It was believed that efficient operation of organic solar cells requires a large driving force, which limits the efficiency of organic solar cells. Now, a large group of researchers led by Feng Gao, lecturer at IFM at LiU, He Yan at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Kenan Gundogdu at the North Carolina State University have developed efficient organic solar cells with very low driving force.

This implies that the intrinsic limitations of organic solar cells are no greater than those of other photovoltaic technologies, bringing them a step closer to commercialisation.

When photons emitted by the sun are absorbed by organic semiconductors, strongly bound excitons (rather than free carriers) are generated. The driving force is, to put it simply, a measure of the energy that is used to split the excitons into free carriers. The driving force results in the loss of the photovoltage, a key parameter for the solar cell. The lower the driving force, the higher the photovoltage.

Traditionally, efficient organic solar cells are usually composed of semiconducting polymers and carbon balls known as 'fullerene'. In that case, a large driving force over 0.3 eV is usually needed for efficient charge generation. In the present work, the researchers have replaced fullerene with a semiconducting small molecule, and found that that a low driving force is needed for efficient operation of the devices. In addition, organic solar cells based on polymer: small molecule combinations are more stable, as shown in another work also led by Feng Gao and his collaborators in Beijing, published in Advanced Materials.

"We have developed a system with a huge potential to increase the power conversion efficiency in organic solar cells," says Feng Gao.

Feng Gao, together with his LiU colleagues, including Professor Olle Inganas, Professor Fengling Zhang, postdoc Jonas Bergqvist and PhD student Deping Qian, describes in the article solar cells with an energy efficiency of 9.5%, which means that 9.5% of the energy in the sunlight is converted to electricity.

The results have been published in Nature Energy.

Explore further Driving toward more efficient solar cells

More information: Jing Liu et al, Fast charge separation in a non-fullerene organic solar cell with a small driving force, Nature Energy (2016). Journal information: Advanced Materials , Nature Energy Jing Liu et al, Fast charge separation in a non-fullerene organic solar cell with a small driving force,(2016). DOI: 10.1038/nenergy.2016.89
Volcanologist Tobias Fischer (University of New Mexico, USA) samples gases emitted from a sulfur-caked fumarole on Poas volcano in Costa Rica, one of the 15 volcanoes in DCO's DECADE gas monitoring network. Credit: Raul Mora-Amador & Carlos Ramirez U, University of Costa Rica

Sniffing volcano breath may improve forecasts of eruptions

New tools measure volcanic carbon dioxide added to atmosphere

On average, 40 volcanoes on land erupt into the atmosphere each month, while scores of others on the seafloor erupt into the ocean. A new time-lapse animation uniting volcanoes, earthquakes, and gaseous emissions reveals unforgettably the large, rigid plates that make the outermost shell of Earth and suggests the immense heat and energy beneath them seeking to escape.

With one click, visitors can see the last 50 years of "Eruptions, Earthquakes, and Emissions." Called E3, the app allows the viewer to select and learn about individual eruptions, emissions, and earthquakes as well as their collective impact. Visualizing these huge global datasets together for the first time, users can speed or slow or stop the passage of time. They can observe flat maps or globes, and watch gas clouds circle the planet. Data from Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) feed into the app, and the datasets are available for free download. The app will update continuously, accumulating new events and additional historical information as it becomes available.

"Have you had a 'eureka!' moment where you suddenly see order in what appeared chaotic? This app abounds in such moments," said Elizabeth Cottrell, head of the Global Volcanism Program of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. "As geologic events accumulate over time, Earth's tectonic plates appear before your eyes. What took geologists more than 200 years to learn, a viewer learns in seconds. We wanted to share the excitement with as big an audience as possible. This is the first time we're able to present these datasets together for the public."

She added, "This app is interesting not only for educators and the public, but also will help scientists understand global eruption patterns and linkages between Earth's inner workings and the air we breathe."

A team of experts developed the app with support from the Smithsonian Institution and the Deep Carbon Observatory, an international multidisciplinary research program exploring the quantities, movements, forms, and origins of carbon deep inside Earth. Deep Carbon Observatory scientists are studying volcanic emissions as part of this mission, and will more than triple the number of permanent volcano gas monitoring stations from 2012-2019.

Tracking volcanic emissions to avoid disaster

Hundreds of millions of people around the world live on the flanks of active volcanoes, and eruptions can cause massive economic damage even when few people live nearby. In 2010, Eyafjallajokull erupted in Iceland, spewing massive ash clouds, disrupting air travel for millions of people and costing the airline industry nearly USD 2 billion. Better anticipation of eruptions could lower the human and economic toll of these natural phenomena.

27 seconds showing drone footage over Lastarria that moves in and out to provide a close-up view of fumaroles and gives a sense of the rugged, colorful landscape. Lastarria is a stratovolcano (a volcano built up of alternate layers of lava and ash) on the Argentina/Chile border. The volcano contains 5 nested summit craters. Credit:  Trail by Fire, 2016: Yves Moussallam, Ian Schipper, Aaron Curtis, Talfan Barnie, Philipson Bani, and Nial Peters. Please acknowledge copyright when using video.

Recent discoveries by Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) scientists in the Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative are laying the foundation for improved volcanic eruption forecasts. These hard-won advances required expensive, dangerous expeditions to sniff gas emissions for clues.

"We are deploying automated monitoring stations at volcanoes around the world to measure the gases they emit," said Tobias Fischer, a volcanologist at the University of New Mexico, USA, and leader of DECADE. "We measure carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and water vapor (steam), the major gases emitted by all volcanoes on the planet. In the hours before an eruption, we see consistent changes in the amount of carbon dioxide emitted relative to sulfur dioxide. Keeping an eye on the ratios globally via satellites and on-site monitoring helps us learn the precursors of volcanic eruptions. Monitoring these volcanic gas variations also helps us come up with a more accurate estimate of total volcanic carbon dioxide emissions on Earth - a major goal of DCO."

"Our goal of tripling the number of volcanoes monitored around the world by 2019 is no small task," added Fischer. "Installing instruments on top of volcanoes is dangerous work in extremely hard-to-reach places."

"Sometimes our monitoring stations become victims of eruptions they are trying to measure, as happened recently on Villarrica volcano in Chile. At least our instruments recorded gas composition changes right up until the eruption destroyed them," Fischer noted.

By 2019, DECADE scientists hope to have gas monitoring stations on 15 of the world's 150 most active volcanoes. This will add to the eight stations currently operated by other entities such as the USGS and the University of Palermo (Italy). Data collected at these monitoring stations are feeding a new database of volcanic carbon emissions, making potentially life-saving information available to many more scientists around the world.

Advancing knowledge and forecasting potential from land

DCO volcanologists are also advancing basic knowledge about how different volcanoes work, which is further advancing eruption forecasting.

Maarten de Moor and his team at the National University in Costa Rica, for example, using DECADE monitoring stations, have measured gas emissions at Poas and Turrialba volcanoes in Costa Rica over several years. De Moor and colleagues have observed remarkable changes in gas compositions before eruptions at these volcanoes, both of which have a huge impact on local society. Turrialba, for example, deposited ash on the capital city of San Jose over the last few weeks, affecting about 3 million people and closing the international airport.

Aerial view of the lava lake in Villarrica volcano, taken by an unmanned aerial vehicle looking down into the crater. Credit: Trail by Fire Team.

"We're getting more and more confident that changes in the carbon to sulfur ratio precede eruptions," said de Moor. "Potentially, we can now see an eruption coming just by looking at gas emissions. What is truly fascinating is how dynamic these volcanoes are in their degassing and eruptive behavior. To understand the big picture of Earth degassing, we also need to understand the processes driving temporal variations in volcanic emissions."

Historically, volcanologists have measured emissions of smelly sulfur dioxide much more easily than colorless, odorless carbon dioxide emissions. But DCO scientists at Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Universite de Lorraine in France are designing new geochemical tools to detect and monitor large-scale emissions of volcanic carbon dioxide. Tools include a new high-precision method for measuring excess airborne amounts of a rare form of helium found in magma, high-temperature fluids from below Earth's crust that come out of volcanoes in the form of lava and gases.

"Our helium data suggest that even when they are not erupting, volcanoes constantly release carbon dioxide and other gases through the crust, from magma chambers deep underground," said Bernard Marty, leader of the CNRS group. "We see low level release of carbon dioxide over large areas surrounding Mt. Etna volcano in Sicily and Erta Ale volcano in Afar, Ethiopia, which tells us this might be happening at sites around the world."

Eyes in space add to the toolkit

To assess volcanic activity and gas release on a global scale, DCO researchers at the University of Cambridge, UK, are taking yet another approach; measuring volcanic gases from space using satellites.

"While water vapor and carbon dioxide are much more abundant volcanic gases, sulfur dioxide is easier to measure because Earth's atmosphere contains very little sulfur dioxide," said Marie Edmonds, co-Chair of DCO's Reservoirs and Fluxes Science Community. "With satellites, we have been able to measure sulfur dioxide emissions for years and the technology keeps getting better. An exciting new aspect of DCO's research combines the satellite data with ground-based measurements of carbon to sulfur ratios provided by DECADE. This powerful combination allows us to better define global volcanic emissions, or degassing, of carbon dioxide."

"DECADE's volcano-based instruments make it possible for us to ground-truth our satellite observations and obtain much more frequent measurements" added Edmonds. "Eventually we hope we'll get as accurate measurements from space as we do from the ground. When this happens, we can monitor volcanoes in remote parts of the world for a fraction of the cost and without risking scientists' lives." As the data accumulate, they too will stream into and through the E3 app.

Explore further Scientists inch closer to predicting phreatic volcanic eruptions

More information: J. Maarten de Moor et al, Turmoil at Turrialba Volcano (Costa Rica): Degassing and eruptive processes inferred from high-frequency gas monitoring, Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth (2016). J. Maarten de Moor et al, Turmoil at Turrialba Volcano (Costa Rica): Degassing and eruptive processes inferred from high-frequency gas monitoring,(2016). DOI: 10.1002/2016JB013150

Provided by Deep Carbon Observatory
The elusive and complex components of creativity was identified by computer experts. Credit: Anna Jordanous

The elusive and complex components of creativity have been identified by computer experts at the University of Kent.

Dr Anna Jordanous, lecturer in the School of Computing, worked with language expert Dr Bill Keller (University of Sussex) on how to define the language people use when talking about creativity, known in the field as computational creativity. With that knowledge it becomes possible to make computer programs use this language too.

Dr Jordanous and Dr Keller looked at what people say when they talk about "what is creativity" in academic discussions, from various disciplines - psychology, arts, business, and computational creativity.

In an article entitled Modelling Creativity: Identifying key components through a corpus-based approach, published by PLOS ONE, they describe a unique approach to developing a suitable model of how creative behaviour emerges that is based on the words people use to describe it. Computational creativity is a relatively new field of research into computer systems that exhibit creative behaviours.

Using language-analysis software they identified the creative words and grouped them into clusters. These are considered to be 14 components of creativity. These clusters have been used to evaluate the creativity of computational systems, and are expected to be a useful resource for other researchers in computational creativity, as well as forming a basis for the automated evaluation of creative systems.

Explore further How can we make Britain more creative?

More information: Anna Jordanous et al, Modelling Creativity: Identifying Key Components through a Corpus-Based Approach, PLOS ONE (2016). Journal information: PLoS ONE Anna Jordanous et al, Modelling Creativity: Identifying Key Components through a Corpus-Based Approach,(2016). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162959
This four-panel graphic illustrates how the binary-star system V Hydrae is launching balls of plasma into space. Panel 1 shows the two stars orbiting each other. One of the stars is nearing the end of its life and has swelled in size, becoming a red giant. In panel 2, the smaller star's orbit carries the star into the red giant's expanded atmosphere. As the star moves through the atmosphere, it gobbles up material from the red giant, which settles into a disk around the star. The buildup of material reaches a tipping point and is eventually ejected as blobs of hot plasma along the star's spin axis, shown in panel 3. This ejection process is repeated every eight years, the time it takes for the orbiting star to make another pass through the bloated red giant's envelope, shown in panel 4. Credit: NASA, ESA, and A. Feild (STScI)

Great balls of fire! NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has detected superhot blobs of gas, each twice as massive as the planet Mars, being ejected near a dying star. The plasma balls are zooming so fast through space it would take only 30 minutes for them to travel from Earth to the moon. This stellar "cannon fire" has continued once every 8.5 years for at least the past 400 years, astronomers estimate.

The fireballs present a puzzle to astronomers, because the ejected material could not have been shot out by the host star, called V Hydrae. The star is a bloated red giant, residing 1,200 light-years away, which has probably shed at least half of its mass into space during its death throes. Red giants are dying stars in the late stages of life that are exhausting their nuclear fuel that makes them shine. They have expanded in size and are shedding their outer layers into space.

The current best explanation suggests the plasma balls were launched by an unseen companion star. According to this theory, the companion would have to be in an elliptical orbit that carries it close to the red giant's puffed-up atmosphere every 8.5 years. As the companion enters the bloated star's outer atmosphere, it gobbles up material. This material then settles into a disk around the companion, and serves as the launching pad for blobs of plasma, which travel at roughly a half-million miles per hour.

This star system could be the archetype to explain a dazzling variety of glowing shapes uncovered by Hubble that are seen around dying stars, called planetary nebulae, researchers say. A planetary nebula is an expanding shell of glowing gas expelled by a star late in its life.

"We knew this object had a high-speed outflow from previous data, but this is the first time we are seeing this process in action," said Raghvendra Sahai of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, lead author of the study. "We suggest that these gaseous blobs produced during this late phase of a star's life help make the structures seen in planetary nebulae."

Hubble observations over the past two decades have revealed an enormous complexity and diversity of structure in planetary nebulae. The telescope's high resolution captured knots of material in the glowing gas clouds surrounding the dying stars. Astronomers speculated that these knots were actually jets ejected by disks of material around companion stars that were not visible in the Hubble images. Most stars in our Milky Way galaxy are members of binary systems. But the details of how these jets were produced remained a mystery.

"We want to identify the process that causes these amazing transformations from a puffed-up red giant to a beautiful, glowing planetary nebula," Sahai said. "These dramatic changes occur over roughly 200 to 1,000 years, which is the blink of an eye in cosmic time."

Sahai's team used Hubble's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) to conduct observations of V Hydrae and its surrounding region over an 11-year period, first from 2002 to 2004, and then from 2011 to 2013. Spectroscopy decodes light from an object, revealing information on its velocity, temperature, location, and motion.

The data showed a string of monstrous, super-hot blobs, each with a temperature of more than 17,000 degrees Fahrenheit - almost twice as hot as the surface of the sun.

The researchers compiled a detailed map of the blobs' location, allowing them to trace the first behemoth clumps back to 1986. "The observations show the blobs moving over time," Sahai said. "The STIS data show blobs that have just been ejected, blobs that have moved a little farther away, and blobs that are even farther away." STIS detected the giant structures as far away as 37 billion miles away from V Hydrae, more than eight times farther away than the Kuiper Belt of icy debris at the edge of our solar system is from the sun.

The blobs expand and cool as they move farther away, and are then not detectable in visible light. But observations taken at longer sub-millimeter wavelengths in 2004, by the Submillimeter Array in Hawaii, revealed fuzzy, knotty structures that may be blobs launched 400 years ago, the researchers said.

Based on the observations, Sahai and his colleagues Mark Morris of the University of California, Los Angeles, and Samantha Scibelli of the State University of New York at Stony Brook developed a model of a companion star with an accretion disk to explain the ejection process.

"This model provides the most plausible explanation because we know that the engines that produce jets are accretion disks," Sahai explained. "Red giants don't have accretion disks, but many most likely have companion stars, which presumably have lower masses because they are evolving more slowly. The model we propose can help explain the presence of bipolar planetary nebulae, the presence of knotty jet-like structures in many of these objects, and even multipolar planetary nebulae. We think this model has very wide applicability."

A surprise from the STIS observation was that the disk does not fire the monster clumps in exactly the same direction every 8.5 years. The direction flip-flops slightly from side-to-side to back-and-forth due to a possible wobble in the accretion disk. "This discovery was quite surprising, but it is very pleasing as well because it helped explain some other mysterious things that had been observed about this star by others," Sahai said.

Astronomers have noted that V Hydrae is obscured every 17 years, as if something is blocking its light. Sahai and his colleagues suggest that due to the back-and-forth wobble of the jet direction, the blobs alternate between passing behind and in front of V Hydrae. When a blob passes in front of V Hydrae, it shields the red giant from view.

"This accretion disk engine is very stable because it has been able to launch these structures for hundreds of years without falling apart," Sahai said. "In many of these systems, the gravitational attraction can cause the companion to actually spiral into the core of the red giant star. Eventually, though, the orbit of V Hydrae's companion will continue to decay because it is losing energy in this frictional interaction. However, we do not know the ultimate fate of this companion."

The team hopes to use Hubble to conduct further observations of the V Hydrae system, including the most recent blob ejected in 2011. The astronomers also plan to use the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile to study blobs launched over the past few hundred years that are now too cool to be detected with Hubble.

The team's results appeared in the August 20, 2016, issue of The Astrophysical Journal.

Explore further Hubble views a colorful demise of a sun-like star

More information: R. Sahai et al. HIGH-SPEED BULLET EJECTIONS DURING THE AGB-TO-PLANETARY NEBULA TRANSITION:OBSERVATIONS OF THE CARBON STAR, V HYDRAE, The Astrophysical Journal (2016). DOI: 10.3847/0004-637X/827/2/92
Zydus signs in-licensing deal with Neovii of Switzerland

Details Category: More News Published on Thursday, 06 October 2016 12:39 Hits: 1863

Launches Grafalon, one of the worlds leading transplant-immuno therapies

AHMEDABAD, India I October 6, 2016 I The Ahmedabad headquartered, Zydus group has entered into an in-licensing agreement with Neovii, a Switzerland based global biopharmaceutical company to launch Grafalon ,an immunosuppresant extensively used in solid organ transplants and Stem Cell Transplant, in India. Neovii has been dedicated for over three decades to improve the outcomes in transplantation medicine, hemato-oncological and immune disorders.

The Zydus group will market this therapy through Zydus Trans-immune, a division that offers a range of therapies related to transplant medicine. With the inclusion of Grafalon , Zydus Trans-immune becomes a leading player in transplant-immuno therapy segment and will be able to offer the most comprehensive therapy portfolio in solid organ transplant and stem cell transplant. The market for transplant-immuno therapies is estimated at Rs. 483 crore.(Source IPSOS)

Organ transplantation is the most preferred option for patients with end-stage organ failure since both survival and quality of life are superior as compared to patients who live without transplantation. However, one of the major challenges in organ transplantation is graft rejection. In most cases, transplant rejection occurs when transplanted tissue is rejected by the recipient's immune system, which destroys the transplanted tissue. Likewise, Stem Cell Transplantation remains key treatment option for those suffering from haematological conditions including malignancies. Transplant outcomes can be improved significantly by the use of immunosuppressant drugs like Grafalon  ..

Grafalon (formerly commercialized as ATG Fresenius) is used as a part of immunosuppressive regimens (induction protocol) for the prevention and treatment of rejection in solid organ transplantation, prevention of graft versus host disease in stem cell transplantation.

As an rATG anti-human T-lymphocyte globulin, Grafalon enjoys worldwide recognition among solid organ and stem cell transplant teams and has transformed the way transplant teams manage the care of transplant recipients around the world. More than 200,000 patients till date, in over 50 countries, have been treated with Grafalon 

Currently an estimated 10000 solid organ transplant & stem cell transplants are taking place annually across 200 plus transplant centres in India. Grafalon offers a specific advantage of efficacy and better safety profile through targeted immunosuppression.

SOURCE: Zydus Cadila
The debate over how to classify the state-owned Boreas Ponds area is an interesting one, as familiar foes go back and forth to have their say over what types of recreation should be allowed where in this beautiful section of the central Adirondacks.

The Nature Conservancy has played a vital role in the acquisition of this property, and the organization's local chapter weighed in this week on how it believes this land should be used, which parts should be "wilderness" and which should be "wild forest." A wilderness classification will include more limitations on what can be done on this land.

As TNC points out in the letter, it hasn't taken this sort of stand before.

It's interesting reading, and those of us who hike, bike, fish, hunt, snowmobile, etc. in the region should watch how this unfolds.

-- Don Lehman

Here is the organization's letter to Cuomo:

October 5, 2016

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Executive Chamber New York State Capitol Albany, NY 12224

Re: Classifying Boreas Ponds

Dear Governor Cuomo,

The Nature Conservancy (the Conservancy) in 2007 went out on a limb to purchase the former Finch lands for $110 million. This extraordinary transactionthe largest in the history of The Nature Conservancy in New Yorkwas necessary to protect these lands and secure their tremendous conservation and recreation values for all New Yorkers and the many millions of people who visit the Adirondack Park. Since that time we have dedicated significant resources toward working collaboratively with state agencies, scientists, local governments, recreation and sporting clubs, and other stakeholders to develop and implement a conservation plan for all 161,000 acres. Thanks to your leadership and New York States steadfast commitment to conservation, our plan has resulted in 65,000 acres of new public lands conveyed by the Conservancy to the People of New York State, and 95,000 acres protected by conservation easements that require sustainable timber harvest and allow private recreational leasing.

As outlined in the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan, once new lands have been acquired, the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) Act requires the APA to revise the Master Plan by recommending a classification for the lands and guidelines for their management and use, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and submitting that recommendation after approval by a vote of the APA board to you for final approval.

Between 2012 and 2016, The Nature Conservancy sold 25 parcels to New York State, fulfilling an agreement that allowed the state to purchase lands as Environmental Protection Fund money became available. While we have tracked with interest how new state landsprotected as Forever Wild under the New York State Constitutionare being classified, The Nature Conservancy has not weighed in on classification decisions until now. Given the level of public interest in the classification of the Boreas tract, and the variety of proposals that have been publicly circulated, we wish to express our views with respect to classification of these unique and important lands.

Classification recommendation Boreas Ponds is the largest single tract to transfer from the Conservancy to New York State and also the one the Conservancy owned and managed for the longest time. We therefore respectfully offer an informed recommendation on land classification that combines our global conservation science and land management expertise, our perspective shaped by almost a decade of engagement with a wide universe of stakeholders regarding these lands, and perhaps most important, our hands-on experience as the owner and steward of one of the most important gems of this entire project. We are hopeful this information and perspective will be helpful to the staff and

board at the APA, the DEC, and you as the decision about classification of the Boreas Ponds tract is made.

As indicated on the attached map, The Nature Conservancy recommends that the 20,758-acre parcel be divided into two classifications, as follows (please note that acres derived from GIS for the proposed split do not equal in total the tax map acres reported at the time of conveyance):

 Wilderness - approximately 11,500 acres, including the lands surrounding the ponds, plus the adjoining 1,587-acre Casey Brook tract, to connect to the High Peaks and Dix Mountain Wilderness areas

 Wild Forest - approximately 9,030 acres extending to the Blue Ridge Road to the south and Elk Lake Road to the east.

This balanced, hybrid land classification would advance priorities identified by local communities during the planning process, will expand the largest Wilderness area in the Northeast, and will ensure that Adirondack communities and visitors to the Park all benefit from and share in the multiple values offered by this historic addition to the Forest Preserve.

Our reasoning is as follows:

Collaboration with communities As previously mentioned, the Conservancy is proud of the unprecedented levels of collaboration that went into the conservation plan for the Finch lands. Through previous transactions, for instance, we fulfilled commitments in Newcomb, Long Lake, Indian Lake, Thurman, and Lake Luzerne to secure permanent snowmobile trails, saving the communities a collective $70,000 in annual lease payments, and in Minerva to reserve floatplane access to Pine and First lakes. In addition, through the course of this project we have worked with DEC and the NY Natural Heritage Trust to provide funding for a grant program to seed smart economic development linked to the new state lands.

With respect to the Boreas Ponds property, in North Hudson, we worked with DEC, APA, SUNY-ESF and snowmobile clubs to evaluate the terrain to locate and recommend a suitable route for a snowmobile trail. As reported in a 2009 state snowmobile association newsletter, To date we have made six trips into the woods, with some routes seeming quite passable until we came across physical obstacles such as extremely steep terrain, wetland, boulder fields and other insurmountable areas. Through this process, which included least cost-path computer modeling and field work, a segment of Gulf Brook Road was identified as the most optimal route. A Wild Forest classification as we propose would enable this trail to be realized. It would also provide driving access to within approximately one mile of Boreas Ponds, which are at the epicenter of the propertys most scenic features. We believe that motorized access to that point is important to create a balanced opportunity for public recreation that will draw more people into the area, which is important to community prosperity, without adversely impacting the wilderness experience of visiting the ponds (described below).

Values of nature The ecological justifications for protecting the Finch lands are compelling and the resulting legacy is extraordinary. Not only do the lands represent 12% of the Upper Hudson Watershed and feature 300 lakes and ponds, 415 miles of rivers and streams, 90 mountains, and 15,000 acres of wetlands, but the conservation value of the property is substantially amplified by its position with the Adirondack Park. Thanks to more than a century of conservation action, Adirondack forests today are among the top three most intact contiguous areas of mixed temperate deciduous forest left on Earth. Conserving the Finch lands adds immeasurable value to a connected landscape that ranges from alpine summits to lowland forests, creates pathways for plants and animals to adapt and move in response to a changing climate, and allows forests to store carbon and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, scientists rank the Adirondacks as one of the most climate-change-resilient landscapes in the Eastern United States.

Boreas Ponds, specifically, offers to the world compelling wilderness values. Over the past decade, we have experienced firsthand the transformative power of the propertys beauty, grandeur, and most especially, its unparalleled solitude. We strongly believe that to get a full immersion experience, the most remote parts of the tract, including the Boreas Ponds, need to be discovered. In other words, the classification must take into account that what visitors find is as important as how they arrive. We urge the state to preserve the opportunity for a true wilderness experience without diminishing it with motorized access of any kind to the Boreas Ponds. Our classification recommendation achieves this in a way that would ensure that visitors have a genuine wilderness experience without making it such a difficult place to reach that only a small number of people can experience it.

A new start Acquiring the Boreas Ponds tract affords the state an opportunity to start from scratch and to aim for the highest possible trail and accessibility standards that this NationalPark-quality resource warrants. By removing the structures and power generators near the edge of the ponds, which The Nature Conservancy completed in August, we cleared the path for the state to focus on the tracts ecological, aesthetic, and recreational values without the distraction of non-conforming structures.

Our perspective on wilderness values and access to Boreas Ponds stems from numerous stakeholder meetings over the years, as well as witnessing countless first impressions met with reverence and awe. Under public ownership, we are confident that a Wilderness classification around the ponds and extending to the High Peaks Wilderness, coupled with an accessible trail, would provide the highest quality opportunity for a wide spectrum of users to discover this incredibly special place. An accessible trail that meanders through forests and offers views and discoveries along the way could become the primary access for users of varying abilities (e.g. walking, manual or electric wheelchair). Built to specific width, grade and side-slope, this trail would be the pathway between Wild Forest and Wilderness. It would allow visitors to park in an accessible lot in the vicinity of LaBier flow, leave their vehicles (or bicycles) behind and then progress forward into a natural area, far from any major roads and entirely free of motors. This type of access, paired with enhanced visitor amenities that the Conservancy is helping to support by providing dedicated economic development funding for businesses in host communities, could offer a much-needed alternative access point to the High Peaks Wilderness, which is seeing increased pressure from hikers at the northern and eastern trailheads.

Collective legacy We appreciate and respect the myriad perspectives being offered with regards to classifying the Boreas Ponds tract. They reflect the passion that these important lands inspire, as well as the variety of challenges and opportunities presented in the classification process. During the long journey to protect the former Finch lands, the Conservancy listened hard and learned a lot. We forged new partnerships with forest products industry professionals and tourism promoters, for instance, and made accommodations along the way, such as allowing hunting club leases to continue until September 30, 2018 on parcels conveyed to the state. We are as delighted to hear peoples stories as they hike to OK Slip Falls, paddle the Essex Chain Lakes, hunt for grouse near Ragged Mountain, or fish the Branch River, as we are to see snowmobilers ride new public trails in six towns and for those trails to extend snowmobile opportunities across the region.

In the spirit of the cooperation that went into the conservation plan for the Finch lands, and given the scale of the entire Finch deal and what it collectively offers for outdoor recreation, sustainable forestry, conservation legacy, and economic development, The Nature Conservancy respectfully recommends that the state classify the Boreas Ponds tract as follows: 11,500 acres, including the lands surrounding the ponds, plus the 1,587acre Casey Brook tract, as Wilderness, and 9,030 acres to the south as Wild Forest.

Thank you for your consideration and your continuing leadership in conservation.

Sincerely,

Michael T. Carr Executive Director, Adirondack Chapter

cc: Venetia Lannon, Deputy Secretary for the Environment Terry Martino, Executive Director, Adirondack Park Agency Basil Seggos, Commissioner, NYSDEC Sherman Craig, Chairman, Adirondack Park Agency Kathy Moser, Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources, NYSDEC Rob Davies, Director, Division of Lands and Forests, NYSDEC Robert Stegemann, Director, NYSDEC Region 5
This is the latest in a series of posts about the 1916 presidential election between Democratic incumbent Woodrow Wilson and Republican challenger Charles Evans Hughes, a Glens Falls native.

Part 4 about Hughes campaign stop in Plattsburgh, as reported Sept. 15, 1916 in The Plattsburgh Sentinel.

Hughes opened his speech talking about the importance of National Guard training camps, such as the one at Pattsburgh that he toured earlier in the day.

I admire the patriotic spirit which leads men voluntarily to come forward and submit to discipline in the defense in their country, he said. This is the land of the free and the home of the brave, and if it ceases to be the home of the brave it will soon cease to be the land of the free.

Hughes said military training has civil and social value that is equally important with national security.

It is a training school in democracy. It is a discipline that knits men together in a wholesome comradeship. It is a splendid up building of character, he said. It is a great means of drawing men of all sorts and conditions together in a recognition of a common fellowship and in the delight of wholesome cooperation.

Military preparedness was a major issue in the campaign as U.S. leaders and the general public debated whether to enter World War I.

The Wilson campaign slogan was, He kept us out of war.

Hughes said the military should be prepared to defend the U.S., if necessary.

We must be firm in the maintenance of our rights if we should maintain our international influence, Hughes said. We must be prepared for every emergency if we shall really have our land and our privileges secure. We must have the spirit of sacrifice if we would have the achievement of peaceful progress.

The full Plattsburgh Sentinel report can be read at the New York State Historical Newspapers web site, a project of public libraries.

Click here and here to read about when Hughes son was in training at Plattsburgh.

Click here to read about Hughes role in the National Guard training camp in Jefferson County.

Click here to read the most recent previous post in the series.
The Humane Society Legislative Fund, an animal welfare political action committee, on Thursday endorsed U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, for re-election.

"Elise Stefanik has shown her dedication to animal welfare by supporting a number of critical bills since coming to Congress," said Sara Amundson, the group's executive director.

The group will promote Stefanik's candidacy to media outlets and encourage its members to support Stefanik's campaign, said John Cleveland, the group's spokesman.

The group praised Stefanik for supporting funding to enforce a law that prohibits slaughter of horses for meat to sell domestically, funding for programs that assists pets in natural disasters, and funding to increase veterinarians in rural and inner-city areas where there are shortages.

The group praised Stefanik for co-sponsoring the following bills:

HR 1258 -- To address animals victimized in domestic violence incidents;

HR 2293 -- To make malicious animal cruelty on federal property or in interstate commerce a federal crime;

HR 2858 -- To phase out the testing of cosmetics on live animals;

HR 3268 -- To strengthen federal law to prevent "soring," a technique to induce a high-stepping gait in show horses;

HR 1042 -- To prohibit the slaughter and export of horses for meat in other counties.

Stefanik is running in the 21st District against Democrat Mike Derrick, a retired Army colonel from Peru, in Clinton County, and Green Party candidate Matt Funiciello, a bread company owner and political activist from Hudson Falls.
Gardening on Oct. 5.

That's what I did after work yesterday, tending to our tomato, pepper and beet plants that continue to chug along well into fall. We had a light frost in my part of Queensbury one morning last week, and I didn't cover the plants figuring it was time for the growing season to end.

The frost didn't affect our plants, so yesterday I picked about two dozen cherry tomatoes and a nice red pepper. We still have some bell peppers and smaller varieties that are in good shape. I actually watered them last night because our 15-month dry spell has continued.

The forecast does not show any real chance of frost until Sunday or Monday at the earliest, so the plants will last at least a few more days. We already pulled up our carrots, eggplants, green beans and potatoes, and the bigger tomato varieties have petered out on their own.

But we still have some decent sized green tomatoes, but they never seem to ripen when I pick them green, no matter what trick we try.

It's been a long growing season, as we got our plants in the ground in mid-May when the weather warmed. Our area's corn and hay fields came in well, while others not too far away in Rensselaer County and western New York really struggled.

Many of our streams, though, remain at or near record low levels. This is the second fall in a row where clear, low water undoubtedly is resulting in late-season predation. Residents of Florida and the Carolinas will have more rain than they will know what to do with thanks to Hurricane Matthew, and the Northeast can't get a drop.

-- Don Lehman
GLENS FALLS  A two-time felon from Glens Falls was arrested Tuesday for allegedly selling narcotics during a police investigation, authorities said.

James J. Sennett, 50, of Lawrence Street, was charged with two felony counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and one felony count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, police said.

He was accused of selling unspecified narcotics on two occasions earlier this year, Glens Falls Police Detective Lt. Pete Casertino said.

Sennett was arraigned and sent to Warren County Jail for lack of bail.

He has two prior felony convictions, including one in 2011 for selling prescription painkillers, for which he was sentenced to 4 years in state prison and 3 years on parole. He was released from prison after serving less than 3 years, and was discharged from parole in August 2015, nearly 18 months early.

Glens Falls Police were assisted by State Police and the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Green Party congressional candidate Matt Funiciello is content to be the political engine that almost could.

If I come in second, its amazing forward movement, said Funiciello, who is running in the 21st Congressional District against U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, and Democrat Mike Derrick, a retired Army colonel from Peru, in Clinton County.

Funiciello recently conceded in several media interviews that Stefanik will win the congressional race and he is focused on coming in second.

If we beat a major party, whether its Elise or Mike, thats never been done in a (three-way) congressional race, ever, as far as we know, said Funiciello, a bread company owner and political activist from Hudson Falls.

Im just satisfied to continue making forward movement. It doesnt mean I want to lose, he said.

Several political analysts said Funiciellos tact is a sound political strategy.

It makes sense as a strategy, it makes sense to make that statement, said Chris Mann, a government professor at Skidmore College. And in some ways theres an implicit attack trying to reach out to say, Look, Stefaniks going to win anyway. So vote the way your heart is instead of hold your nose and vote for the Democrat.

Its not the kind of personal attacks weve seen at the presidential level or in any other campaigns. Its more of an ideological attack, if you will, he said.

Mann, a former political strategist, said the 21st Congressional District race leans Republican, but it would be a long shot for Funiciello to come in second.

Mann said its possible, even, that Derrick could win an upset if there is a low Republican voter turnout.

Stefanik has a lot of advantages. The district tilts toward her party. She is an incumbent. She showed last time around she is a good campaigner, he said. But I dont think its out of the question that Derrick could win. He needs a lot of things to go right, to go his way.

David Catalfamo, a Republican political strategist from Albany, said Funiciello has a good chance of coming in second because he has strong name recognition, is charismatic, and is familiar with the district.

Funiciello ran in a three-way race in the 21st District in 2014 and received about 11 percent of the vote.

He has increased his campaign appearances this year, particularly in the western part of the district where he was not well known.

Catalfamo said the low level of political action committee spending, independent of campaigns, in the 21st District is an indication the race is leaning toward Stefanik, the incumbent Republican.

Political action committees had spent $2.4 million in New Yorks 19th District, as of Thursday morning, $1.7 million in the 22nd District, $905,613 in the 24th District, $313,885 in the 3rd District, and $302,600 in the 1st District, but only $106,000 in the 21st District, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

All of the money spent in the 21st District was for advertising supporting Stefanik.

Its feasible a Green Party congressional candidate could come in second, given the unusual political climate, said Hank Sheinkopf, a Democratic political strategist in New York City.

When both (major) parties in the country are in serious trouble, third parties are having a real impact because people dont want to make choices between the two parties, he said. His (Funiciellos) belief is that unacceptability of major party candidates benefits him in this election.

Sheinkopf said its too soon to tell how that sentiment will affect voter turnout.

So its a brave prediction for himself, but it may not come to pass, he said.

Stefanik, through a spokesman, would not comment on this issue.

Derrick, on his campaign Facebook page, criticized Funiciello for conceding the race to Stefanik.

Its disappointing when candidates run for office just to build themselves up, specifically when they very clearly have no intention of winning, Derrick said. I believe in winning now  not two years from now. The stakes are too high.

Funiciello said he is not out to promote himself but to build the Green Party as an alternative party.

We can only affect that agenda if more and more people are aware of the Green Party, if more and more people are aware of our candidacies and our campaigns and our issues, he said.

Funiciello said his conceding the race should not be viewed as support for Stefanik.

Its simply a matter of mathematics if were talking about the horse race, he said.
What happened to POST over at madison.com? It seems to be on life support with only Game On and a couple photobloggers posting frequently w...
Inventory needs to be managed and managed well, or you are going to get in recurring trouble, and lose your credibility and hard-earned conversions, whether 

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Well, Federica, thank you. Thank you very much and thank you for your personal leadership.





President Tusk and President Ghani, Secretary-General Ban, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, Your Highness, Your Excellencies all, and friends all, Im personally really delighted to be here with everybody today. And I want to begin just by thanking our hosts, the combination of the EU and Afghanistan, particularly High Representative Federica Mogherini and Foreign Minister Rabbani for their deep commitment, their close collaboration in organizing todays landmark conference. The European Union has been an absolutely essential partner to the Afghan Government, to the United States, to the broader international community. And we have all worked together. I look around this room, I look at the numbers of flags, the numbers of people here, ministers, the numbers of organizations, and it is genuinely, in the context of the challenges we face in the world today, an extraordinary gathering with enormous potential, and Ill speak about that in a moment.





Like others in the room, I feel very personally invested in this journey in Afghanistan and in Afghanistans future. I have visited many, many times, first as a senator, then as Secretary of State. Ive spent countless hours with President Ghani originally on status of forces and on other issues, as well as now with President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. And I thank them for their personal courage and their personal efforts to put political issues, ambition, other things aside in order to embrace the full measure of the hopes of the Afghan people and the challenges that they face





Despite the many challenges  and weve heard about them from each of the distinguished speakers thus far  I want  I am genuine when I say that I come here with an enormous sense of confidence about the future. And the reason is partly because year by year, our shared effort  one of the largest international coalitions ever assembled and maintained over a sustained period of time  is, in fact, yielding encouraging dividends. And I ask everybody here to measure that. Each speaker has focused on one component or another of the changes in Afghanistan, but I just want to highlight a few others.





Since we joined forces 15 years ago  its hard to believe, 15 years ago  but since 2001, maternal mortality in childbirth in Afghanistan has gone down by 75 percent. Average life expectancy has risen from 42 years to 62 years. Access to basic health care has skyrocketed from 9 percent to 67 percent. In 2001, there was only one television station and it was owned by the government. Now, there are 75 stations and all but two are privately owned. Back then, there were virtually no cell phones, zero. Today, there are 18 million cell phones covering about 90 percent of residential areas connecting Afghans to the world.





Now, everybody here understands the violence that has plagued Afghanistan for decades. And it has left very deep wounds and those wounds will take time to heal, particularly when new attacks by the Taliban and other armed opposition reopen those wounds or simply refuse to let them heal.




The announcement was made by the managing director of the bank, Jim Baiden at a dinner organised by the bank to celebrate its customers.

The announcement comes after the Bank of Ghana disclosed plans to increase the minimum capital requirement for commercial banks operating in the country.

Currently, the Central Banks minimum capital requirement for universal banks is 120 million cedis.

The bank plans to raise that to 300 million cedis according to unconfirmed reports.

The requirements for smaller financial institutions such as microfinance have already been revised upwards. Fidelitys decision to go public would allow it to raise the needed capital to match the imminent rise.
This follows a report by Pulse.com.gh that the statue had been defaced by some unknown individuals who are believed to be behind the Gandhi Must Fall campaign.

But a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on Wednesday [October 5] said the allegations of Gandhi being a racist are unfortunate verbal attacks.

According to the Ministry, government erected the statue on the University of Ghana campus with the consent of the Universitys authorities adding The University was not compelled by government to accept the statue.

It added that While acknowledging that human as he was, Mahatma Gandhi may have had his flaws, we must remember that people evolve. He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

The government would, therefore want to relocate the statue from the University of Ghana to ensure its safety and to avoid the controversy on the Legon Campus being a distraction of our strong ties of friendship that has existed over the years.

To this end, the Ministry is urging Ghanaians to look beyond the comments attributed to Mahatma Gandhi and acknowledge his role as one of the most outstanding personalities of the last century who demonstrated that non-violent, the statement said.

Background

Academics at the University of Ghana are demanding a statue of "racist" Gandhi be pulled down.

The campaign dubbed Ghandi Must Fall and Ghandi for Come Down was started by a number of professors, students, alumni and some Ghanaians with Prof. Akosua Adomako as its leader.

The statue was erected on June 14 this year at the recreational quadrangle. It was donated by India's president Pranab Mukherjee when he visited the campus.

Since then there has been agitation from many students, alumni, and Ghanaians over the statue being on campus.

The online petition has been addressed to the members of the University of Ghana Council and the chairman Mr. Kwamena Ahwoi.
There are laid down procedures that one goes through when such drugs are discovered. We have requested Dr. Duncan to present all documentation to that effect so that government can assess it thoroughly and then forward it to science research institutes in the country for further research.

If these drugs is proven authentic,- that is good news! Government will support it fully to the letter.

The Centre of Awareness has revealed that it has found a potential cure for HIV/AIDS following ten years of research into plant medicines in Ghana.

Dr Samuel Ato Duncan, the founder of the centre said the drug named COA has been scientifically tested and seen to be efficacious and safe for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

He made this known at a presentation on the drug at the Physicians and Surgeons auditorium in Accra on Wednesday, 5 October 2016.

The announcement of a potential cure comes two days after a British man with HIV who is undergoing groundbreaking treatment to cure him has shown "remarkable" progress.

READ ALSO: HIV Cure

The man, 44, who has remained anonymous has showed no signs of the disease following therapy, and clinicians are now hopeful of a breakthrough in one of the first serious attempts at a full cure for HIV, The Sunday Times reported.

He is the first of 50 people to complete a trial using the new treatment which involves combining standard antiretroviral drugs with a drug that reactivates dormant HIV and a vaccine that induces the immune system to destroy the infected cells.

The research is being carried out by scientists from five of Britain's top universities, in conjunction with the National Health Service.

The Times quotes Mark Samuels, managing director of the National Institute for Health Research Office for Clinical Research Infrastructure, saying this was one of the first serious attempts at a full cure for HIV.

"We are exploring the real possibility of curing HIV.

The new treatment aims to trick the virus into emerging from its hiding places and then trigger the body's immune system to recognise it and attack it, an approach that has been labelled "kick and kill", The Guardian reported.

HIV is so difficult to treat because it targets the immune system, splicing itself into the DNA of T-cells so that they not only ignore the disease, but turn into viral factories which reproduce the virus.

Current treatments, called anti-retroviral therapies (Art), target that process but they cannot spot dormant infected T-cells.

There are approximately 37 million people living with HIV worldwide and about 35 million people have died from the virus.

According to UN AIDSs, in 2015 there were around 270 000 people living with HIV in Ghana, In 2015 13 000 people died from AIDS.

This year, Ghana holds the Vice-Chair position on the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) for 2016. In February President John Dramani Mahama, underlined how increased advocacy, partnership and investment in the AIDS response willbring results that go beyond health.

He has said that complacency needs to be addressed by expanding evidence-informed and rights-based initiatives, programmes and services. Scaling up capacity for local production of antiretroviral therapy is one way.

Ghana has made significant strides in its AIDS response through integrated multisectoral HIV responses that provide lessons learned for western Africa.
"Professor Johnbull", played by veteran actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, in the episode entitled Fool's Paradise, speaks of the need to take life's challenges with equanimity without resorting to the escapist alternative of alcoholism.

The new episode will be aired at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday on UTV for the enjoyment of families across the country.

Sponsor of the entertaining sitcom, Glo Mobile, in a press statement issued in Lagos on Monday, explained that "this episode of Professor Johnbull shows that there are more pragmatic ways of solving lifes problems than resorting to drunkenness which adds more sorrow than solve any problem."

The engaging and highly entertaining TV series, which parades various notable stars in Nollywood, made its debut about 3 months ago, and has championed a campaign for a paradigm shift in the moral consciousness of the society.

This, it seeks to achieve on a weekly basis through its didactic episodes. It has explored several soul-searching themes laced with an overdose of humour in the past several weeks, all targeted at exacting attitude change and programmed towards a better society for all. The drama has expectedly generated excitement among the populace which keeps a date with it every week.

Viewers will, in this week's episode, have answers to questions such as: Should a Man give up on life for whatever reason?

Does alcohol provide respite from life's trials and tribulations? Should a man give up on the various challenges of life or confront them to win? How does the lead act, the erudite academic, rationalize his brother's drinking problems? These posers will find answers in the episode on Saturday on UTV at 7.30 pm.
Dawn ODG who nearly gave up his music career due to the problems he faced throughout 2015 has overcome his sad story and now finds it good to thank God for his favours upon his life.

Dawn ODG posted on his newly created Facebook page telling how God has blessed him.

"I thank God for giving me a second chance to the surface. I know without him I would have been lost by now but do to his divine mercies Im back for Good," he said.
A statement released by the Communication Department of the Central Bank yesterday (Wednesday) explained that per the tradition of the Central Bank, they award to staff of the Bank who has served in the institution for thirty years or more.

READ ALSO: Monetary Policy Rate maintained for fourth consecutive month

The statement also added that the procurement process was started before the current governor of the bank took over.

READ ALSO: BoG to renounce its ownership of two banks

Media reports suggest that some documents making the rounds indicate that the Central Bank sent a request to the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to sole source the watches from a Swiss watch Company.
This is because the bank has 'refused' to pay Mike Griffin a $60,000 and GH20, 000 despite a court ruling in July this year.

The two are set to battle it out on October 17, 2016 as the bank has since filed another stay of execution at the court with the case.

Speaking to Pulse.com.gh, Mr Griffin said the situation is worrying.

You see, I didnt know a lot about our legal system until this my case. You know you cant do anything till a court makes a decision. when a court makes a decision, they file what was called stay of execution which was saying that no, we dont want to pay the thing because we want to file an appeal . and then they filed that one, we went to court again, the court said No, they should go ahead and pay. I was expecting them to pay but then they filed a second one, so we are going to court next week...they are just refusing to pay, thats all, he said.

The Commercial Division of the High Court in May 2016 fined Ecobank for failing to exercise due diligence and professionalism in protecting the account of Mike Griffin.

Mr. Griffin sued Ecobank for transferring his lifetime savings in both his local and foreign account into an unknown account without his consent while he was out of the country undergoing a heart surgery.

But Ecobank subsequently filed a motion for stay of execution as it appeals to the court to overturn the earlier ruling.

However, the court which was presided over by Justice Nobel Nkrumah on Friday July 22,2016 denied Ecobank the application for stay of execution.

Mr. Mike Griffin believes that if the bank had abided by the courts ruling, the case would have ended.
READ ALSO:National Best Teacher Mahama attends 2016 National Best Teacher Awards in Brong Ahafo

This move according to him forms part of governments policy to create more jobs and also end the situation where most of the textbooks used by schools are printed by foreign firms.

Members of GPPCA who are enthused about the decision noted that this will provide not less than 1000 jobs in the country.

So far, eight local printers have been shortlisted through a tender process.

The new policy is that all textbooks must be printed locally, enough of the printing of textbooks outside, so, what we have done is to carry out an inspection of the capacity of our local printers and we were really impressed with the capacity that is available in this country; they have some of the modern equipment that youll find anywhere else in this world and so what we have done is to float a tender.

READ MORE:Education Two more Polytechnics to become Universities
The deceased who has been identified as Yenube Didiuk was shot by unknown assailants when he was travelling from Sambiluk to Nakpanduri.

The body is said to have been found at a farmland at the Sayeegu village where the Boukteeb and Tanmung families have been fighting over a parcel of land.

Police Constable Frederick Dadzie was gunned down in April 2016 during a brawl between the two communities.

Police in the area have however confirmed the recent murder adding that the body has since been deposited at a hospital in Bende, awaiting autopsy.
It has emerged that the Bank of Ghana is spending over $500,000 on gold watches as retirement package for the staff of the financial institution.

MUM KILLER GRABBED

Michael Agyare, the 32-year-old unemployed man who allegedly murdered his mother and a teenage house help at Oforikrom in the Suhum Municipality of the Eastern Region, has been arrested at Kumawu in the Ashanti Region.

IMF BLOWS GOVT COVER

An IMF data has revealed that Ghanas economic growth in 2016 will slow down to the lowest rate recorded in more than 20 years.

NDC ZONGO MAN JOINS NPP

RITA OPPONG SHINES; SHE IS BEST TEACHER

A 41-year-old female Visual Arts teacher, Ms Rita Oppong of the Sowah Din Two Memorial School at Adentan in the Greater Accra Region was adjudged the National Best Teacher at the 22 National Best Teacher and second Best School awards held in Sunyani yesterday.

PRESIDENT COMMENTS LESSER KNOWN SCHOOLS

MAHAMA EXPOSED OVER EASTERN CORRIDOR ROADS

Presidential hopeful of the PPP, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, has discounted the claims by the Mahama-led administration that it has constructed a 695-kilometer road from the Tema Roundabout in the Greater Accra Region to Kulungugu in the North-Eastern border with Burkina Faso.

DONT WAST VOTES ON NDC, NPP  MRS NDUOM

Mrs Yvonne Nduom, wife of the 2016 flag-bearer of the PPP yesterday urged the electorate not to waste by retaining either the ruling NDC or voting for the opposition NPP.

ECONOMY TO GROW SLOWEST IN 22 YEARS

Ghanas economy is projected to grow the slowest in more than two months in more than two decades on the back of mounting fiscal challenges, tight monetary policy and disruptions in oil production, the IMF has said in its latest World Economic Outlook report.

GIPC RECORDS 400% INCREASE IN INITIAL TRANSFERS FOR Q2 2016

The second quarter of 2016 has been a good time for foreign direct investments in Ghana in comparison to the same time last year.
Ayariga launched his partys 2016 manifesto on Thursday, 6 October, at the Aviation Social Centre in Accra. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) will be launching its document on Sunday, 9 October.

In a statement, the NPP said "It has been revealed that the APC flagbearer replicated what Melania Trump did to Michelle Obama by copying word-for-word from policy statements outlined by the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

One such policy statement, which Hassan Ayariga, copied from was the speech delivered by Nana Akufo-Addo at the 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ghana Employers Association (GEA), at the International Conference Centre, Accra, on Thursday, September 8, 2016, the NPP statement said.Below is the full statement:AYARIGA COPIES AKUFO-ADDO, BAWUMIA POLICIES WORD-FOR-WORDPresidential candidate of the All Peoples Congress, Hassan Ayariga, launched his manifesto, amidst, pump and pageantry and urged the New Patriotic Party, which launches its manifesto on Sunday, October 9, 2016, to feel free and copy his manifesto.According to Mr. Ayariga, this is a serious manifesto. They can copy it if they want, but they should copy well, much to the approval of his supporters.

However, it has been revealed that the APC flag bearer replicated what Melania Trump did to Michelle Obama by copying word-for-word from policy statements outlined by the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

One such policy statement, which Hassan Ayariga, copied from was the speech delivered by Nana Akufo-Addo at the 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ghana Employers Association (GEA), at the International Conference Centre, Accra, on Thursday, September 8, 2016.

At the event, Nana Akufo-Addo assured the Employers Association that, outlined policy initiatives which would include:

Removing import duties on raw materials and machinery for production within the context of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) Protocol.

Eliminating the Special Import Levy

Abolishing the 17.5% VAT on imported medicines not produced in Ghana.

Abolishing the 17.5% VAT on Financial Services

Abolishing the 17.5% VAT on Real Estate sales

Abolishing the 17.5% VAT on domestic airline ticket

Reducing VAT for micro and small enterprises from the current 17.5% to the 3% Flat Rate VAT introduced by the NPP

Recapitalising and refocusing the operations of the National Investment Bank (NIB) to provide significant financial resources to support industrial development (including retooling and acquisition of new technologies by local industries).

Reorienting the focus of the Ghana Investment Promotion Center to attract investments into selected strategic industries, including large scale anchor industries to serve as growth poles for the Ghanaian economy (Petrochemical, Iron and Steel, Cement, Integrated Aluminum and Bauxite, Industrial Salt, Vehicle Assembly, Manufacturing of Machinery, Equipment and Machine Parts).

These policy measures, it would be recalled, were also reiterated by the Vice Presidential candidate of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on the same day, September 8, 2016, when he delivered his lecture on the State of the Economy, at the National Theatre.

Dr. Ayariga unashamedly read out word-for-word all these policies put out by Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia over a month ago.

Fiscal Responsibility Act

Again, on the 2nd of December 2015, at the headquarters of the NPP, Dr. Bawumia delivered a response on the 2016 budget, and stated on page 54 that the NPP will pass a Fiscal Responsibility Act, which will require governments to declare and commit to a fiscal policy that can be monitored. It will include fiscal rules (including rules governing election year spending), provisions for transparency and sanctions (including sanctions on the Executive). Such a law will be passed by an NPP government.
He, therefore, urged all Ghanaians to vote for Dr Nduom to help transform the country.

The chief was speaking in his palace when Dr Nduom called on him. He said Dr Nduom stands out among his peers and therefore must be considered for the position.

In a brief remark, Dr Nduom said the poor nature of roads in the Volta region would be tackled if becomes President after the December polls.

Earlier he toured and interacted with the people of Tafi Mador also in the Volta Region. He promised the people there that a PPP-led government would serve them diligently. He further promised to provide a lot of jobs in the region if elected President.
He said Ghanaians want to rid the nation of the mismanagement, incompetence and corruption of the John Mahama government.

He made this known on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, whilst campaigning in the Klottey Korle constituency, on day 2 of his 3-day tour of the Greater Accra Region.

Read more:

The NPP flagbearers comments come on the back of remarks made by President Mahama, in the Brong Ahafo Region, to the effect that the NPP flagbearer should stop appealing for the support of Ghanaians. President Mahama also urged Ghanaians not to vote for the NPP flagbearer, stating that we are winning and you want Dede Ayew and Asamoah Gyan to be substituted so a rookie can play, it does not make sense.

Nana Akufo-Addo, on his part, whilst addressing artisans at the Arts Centre in Osu, stressed that I wont stop appealing to Ghanaians for their vote today, neither will I stop doing so tomorrow.

According to him, you (President Mahama), on the other hand, who is destroying this country, want the people of Ghana to maintain you in office for another 4 years? No, that will not happen. That is why elections are held. The people of Ghana are coming to get rid of you (Mahama) and bring in a competent government that can do the work for Ghanaians.

Quoting from the popular Akan adage which says if a game will be entertaining, one can tell from its beginning, Nana Akufo-Addo stated that Ghanaians from all parts of the country are reeling from the effects of mismanagement, incompetence and corruption that has Mahama government, and have come to the conclusion that President Mahama cannot help improve their living conditions.

You have been in high office for 8 solid years, 4-years as Vice President, 4-years as President. Yet, we are unable to tell what you have done for Ghanaians. So are Ghanaians going to entrust their mandate to you for another 4 years? Definitely not, Akufo-Addo said, eliciting spontaneous cheers from the hundreds gathered at the Arts Centre.

He assured the gathering that we are coming into office to fix our broken monetary system, revive the National Health Insurance Scheme which has been collapsed by President Mahama; effectively implement the Free SHS policy; and help create jobs through the 1-District-1-Factory policy, amongst others.
The sale will mean a cut of about 2 billion pounds ($2.55 billion) in Barclays' risk-weighted assets, it said on Tuesday, boosting the bank's core capital ratio by about 0.1 percent.

Barclays did not give a price for the transaction, although sources previously told Reuters they valued the business at around $400 million.

The London-based lender is seeking to sell its African operations as part of a plan by Chief Executive Jes Staley to simplify its structure and improve shareholder returns.

However, attempts to sell the African businesses as one have come up against difficulties, including the disparate nature of the local units, the biggest of which is Barclays Africa Group, mainly made up of former South African bank ABSA.

Barclays successfully sold a 12 percent chunk of its holding in the South African bank in May, but talks to sell a bigger holding in the business have so far not yielded a deal.

Former Barclays Chief Executive Bob Diamond's bid to buy Barclays Africa Group as part of a consortium was dealt a blow by the withdrawal of Carlyle Group earlier this year.

Reuters reported Attijariwafa's interest in March, as the Moroccan lender's general manager told Reuters he planned to expand in Egypt.
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It's being a dramatic week for the couple after the reality TV star was robbed of her second engagement ring, cash and jewelries at gunpoint in Paris over the weekend. Now Hillary Clinton has weighed in on the incident.

ALSO READ: Reality star feared she was going to be raped

The former secretary of state continued, speaking of West, "He was in the middle of the concert and he ran offstage, bless his heart. I'm just glad nobody was hurt."

Recall that the Kardashian publicly endorsed Clinton's candidacy last month.

Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint on Monday, October 3, 2016, at the luxury residence she was staying in for the Paris Fashion Week.

ALSO READ: Reality star unharmed after being held at gunpoint

According to reports, Kim K was bound and gagged as armed gunmen robbed of her valuable jewels worth $11m. The reality TV star was unharmed but "badly shaken up."
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
Top Nigerian designers including Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Ade Bakare, Grey, Fashpa; online fashion retailer turned fashion brand however showcased brilliant collections. As part of the finalists display for the judges they modeled different looks from the designers who had earlier done fittings for them while in bootcamp.

Grey showed off floral, tiered dresses, jumpsuit, cape tops, with ruffles, fringe and tassel details on the looks that were feminine chic and trendy all at the same time. The brand employed rich mix of colours for the different looks and matching sets.

Orange Culture was about the patch work, bold water colour splotches, matching sets, patch work pants, loose fitting top, styled with sash, short set, pyjamas set and more unique details while the male finalists showed off the brand's offerings.

Fashpa made an impressive debut with asymmetric dresses, A-line midis, jumpsuit with thin strap and culottes bottom details, mesh dungaree, patch work dresses, off shoulder fringe detailed pieces and more mesmerizing bits in the collection, hopefully the brand makes Heineken LFDW 2016 debut as it sure has a lot in the offing!

BFyne was all about colour block bikini with cutout details, bodysuit with bold cutout, 2-piece in playing with bold colours and high crotch detail, crop top over bottoms, graphic prints, mismatch colours and more, men in speedos and more sexy designs were on display.

Tokyo James had unconventional suit styles featuring tapered pants and well tailored jackets with some suit paired with graphic t-shirts and athleisure sets in the impressively styled collection.

Ejiro Amos Tafiri was all about the drapes, tassels, sheer kaftans, layered tulle detailed evening dresses, bardot pieces with exaggerated bow details,embellished gowns and more throwing down a show as per usual.

Print suits, solid colours, Ankara tuxedos with matching pants made up Kamsi T. Charles' brilliant presentation on the runway with the finalists making a show of the looks.

The EMLN 2016 winners will go on to represent Nigeria alongside 80 other countries at Elite Model Look International world finals where they stand $150,000 USD , a modeling contract with Elite Model Paris as well as two years modeling contract with Beth Model Management Nigeria.
No doubts, we have gone past the days when selling a car was primarily about parking it on a street corner and placing a bottle of water on it.

There are many cars for sale online than you imagine and increasingly, more people are looking online, especially on marketplaces like Efritin, Nigerias leading marketplace you can buy & sell everything. Efritins verification process among others ensures that only verified dealers are allowed on the site. Presently, there are over 5,000 cars for sale in Lagos listed on the marketplace.

This way, you always find a good car that is within your budget on Efritin. As a seller, you are in good company because people like Itunu Irapada Balogun, a banker sold 7 cars in about less than two weeks on Efritin. According to him:

I would say the traffic flow to Efritin is very good. If you post a car within the next 15 minutes maximum, if your car is of good quality, you should receive like 2 or 3 calls from people who want to buy it.

Below are some varieties of cars you can find on Efritin today.

1. Porsche Carrera S Silver 2013: Valued at presently at NGN37m, this is a silvered coloured foreign used Porsche Carrera S911 convertible coupe, 2013. With 16,000 km mileage, this car is in very good condition with V6 engine, sun roof, electric windows and mirrors, power steering etc. Importantly, this car is custom cleared so you will have no hassles embarking on interstate travels with it.

This is may be the most expensive car on the site presently, but it is not the only Porsche. We also have Porsche Cayenne 2005, Porsche 911 Super Carrera 1980 and Porsche Panamera 2010 among others. Click here to find and buy your favourite brand, from our wide selection of the luxury car, Porsche.

2. Mercedes Benz GL 550 4Matic, 2015: Shall we all observe a moment of wondorous silence for the power of the Mercedes brand. With 12,000km mileage, this car has a navigation system, alloy wheels, power steering roof rack, spoilers, sun roof, electric powered windows and mirrors and is selling for NGN30m

There are other brands of the Mercedes up for sale on Efritin as well including Mercedes ML 350, E350, CLS 550, C250 etc. Click here to select your favourite Mercedes!

3. Of course, there is no variety without Toyota! There are well over 3,000 Toyota cars to choose from on Efritin. Toyota was even the most searched car on Efritin in the month of August, 2016. From Corrolla, to Avenza on to Camry, Avalon, Matrix, Highlander, 4Runner etc, there is a whole lot options to choose from!

4. Or Honda. There are more models of Honda on Efritin including this 2014 Honda Accord for sale in Surulere. It has alloy rims, very good engine, transmission and interiors.

There are more! Visit Efritin today to find and buy more cars for sale.
"There are development projects where we are investing," Jay Ireland, chief executive of General Electric in Africa told the FT Africa Summit in London. GE would also invest in oil and gas industry projects.

Growth in Nigeria - an OPEC member whose economy, the largest in Africa, is in recession for the first time in more than 20 years due to low oil prices - has been stunted for decades by a lack of investment in its road and rail network.

Ireland said the Nigeria investment was part of a plan to spend $2 billion in Africa in coming years.
According to The Nation Newspaper, the gunmen stormed the Igbo Nla Model College in the area this morning, shooting sporadically into the air to scare away the students and residents and made straight to the office of the school head.

The heavily armed men were said to have abducted the man, forced him into a waiting boat and escaped.

In a swift response, the State Police Command has dispatched its men to the area in search of the kidnappers while no ransom demand has been made so far.

In recent times, some riverine communities in the state have come under attack by militants and kidnappers with the police and other security forces doing all they can to bring order to the areas.
Globacom launched Nigerias first nationwide 4G LTE network at its head office in Victoria Island, Lagos on Tuesday. The launch took the advanced mobile technology to the six geo-political zones of the country.

The locations include Lagos- Lekki, Ikoyi, V.I, Ajah and Akoka (South West), Port Harcourt- Aba Road, Trans Amadi, Diobu, Old GRA and UNIPort, Warri, Eket and Benin (South South), Abuja- Maitama, Wuse, Asokoro, Garki/Central Business District and Airport Road and Jos (North Central), Yola  ABTI (North East) and Zaria- ABU (North West). The company said the network which offers the fastest internet speed, will be live in other cities in Nigeria in quick succession.

Globacom, also during the launch made it possible for journalists to experience the superior speed of its 4G LTE network.

The journalists who tried out many websites expressed delight at the speed of the service.

The service enables Globacom to offer its subscribers data intensive applications, and will particularly be great news to individuals who consume huge volumes of data, as well as government and corporate organisations like banks, oil and gas companies, academic institutions and health institutions, which rely exclusively on seamless data transfer for their operations

Many Nigerians have poured encomiums on Globacom for investing massively in the country and making the service available beyond the major commercial cities of Lagos, Port Harcourt and the seat of power, Abuja.
After the accused not guilty plea, the Wuse Chief Magistrate's Court ordered that he remain in prison as more investigations are carried out.

Hamidu, who hails from Gusau, Zamfara State is facing a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and abduction.

Giving the instruction to hold the accused in jail for the time being, Magistrate Ubani Chukwuemeka said, The defendant is to be remanded in Keffi prison to enable the police conclude their investigation as the other culprits are still at large.

The abduction was carried out when a gang of robbers reportedly invaded the residence of one Maimuna Johnson who lives at Plot 3D Layout Mpape, Abuja.

This was confirmed in a statement by Yakubu Dabo, the prosecutor in the case who said the abductors called the family of the boy from one of the phones stolen.

When they called her husband, he spoke to their son who was in their custody and the abductors demanded N10 million ransom before they will release the boy."
This happened on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at Emab Plaza, Abuja, where he reportedly made away with a phone.

This time around, the suspect stole a phone worth the sum of N210, 000.

ALSO READ: 6 elderly men arraigned in Ekiti for damaging fence

Speaking to news men, a source who witnessed the incident said, He was lucky on Monday. He stole the phone and was only noticed after he had gone far from the arena."

Im sure he had a vehicle on standby waiting to pick him up."

Na God save am today, mob for beat am die, but for the intervention of policemen.
Sergeant Lucky Ihiehie, the prosecutor in the case said the matter was reported at Ketu Police Station by Mrs Aderonke Adewole, who is the complainant.

Ijadele who resides at Elebiju in Ketu area is facing a charge of stealing for his crime.

ALSO READ: 6 elderly men arraigned in Ekiti for damaging fence

Stating how the theft occurred, Ihiehie said, The accused had collected money from the students to register them for WAEC examinations and other fees for laboratory."

Some students school fees and some amount meant for the teachers salary which he did not remit to the schools account are also included in the N305, 200.

Having being discovered for his involvement in the crime, the accused reportedly tendered his resignation from the school.
Adeolu, who works at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

These natural products are not drugs you expect a doctor to prescribe as medication for either cough or diarrhea or any disease condition.

Though, these natural products have been observed to have good antimicrobial effects, how they can be incorporated into the orthodox medical outline is still being considered presently.

This does not mean taking these products in their natural form is bad; rather it is good and does not cause any harm to the body.

In fact, taking them has shown to prevent certain diseases from getting into the body.

In the event of any infection or disease, let a medical professional test you and carry out relevant investigation to determine the kind of infection you have and recommend you for treatment, Adeolu advised.

He said that natural sources of antibiotics was still being discussed and deliberated on in the medical world, because the medical field was fast running out of antibiotics to treat disease organisms.

According to him, disease causing organisms are becoming more resistant to the traditional antibiotics.

So, we are being faced with a situation whereby in a couple of years, we may have the super bug.

Adeolu described super bug as a disease causing organism that was totally resistant to any antibiotic ever produced.

He said that if this happened, there would be no medical hope for individual who gets infected by this disease causing organism.

Adeolu said that presently, there was already the multi-drug resistant organism which was resistant to most of the antibiotics produced, except a few.
Aliyu who is also the chairman, state committee on polio immunization programme, said government intensified campaign in the border communities to check possible case of migration of the virus.

Following the report of new cases in Borno state, we have intensified campaign in the border areas.

Tulutulua is the most difficult, hard to reach, desert area in the state, I personally visited the community to mobilize parents to ensure their children are immunized, he said.

The Deputy governor urged Yusufari and Yunusari local government councils and traditional rulers to mobilize every community for immunization of their children.

Aliyu said factors such as difficult terrain and porous borders provided room for polio virus to migrate.

This explains why we have to come here to mobilize the people to ensure that no child is left out.

We must collectively strive and work towards making Nigeria a polio free nation, this is a goal that we must achieve, he said.

ALSO READ: Kaduna health official urges mothers to take their children for Polio immunisation

The Deputy Governor advised parents in Kalghi, Yusufari and Tulutulua to always make their children available for routine immunization and the Immunization Plus days.

Alhaji Umar Suleiman, the Emir of Bade, gave assurance of cooperation of the traditional institutions across the state to mobilize children for immunization.
Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, the Executive Director of UNFPA, disclosed this in a statement issued by Ms Beatrice Mutali, the Deputy Regional Director, West and Central Africa Region.

A copy of the statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, quoted Osotimehin as saying that Nigeria requires between US $12 million and US $16 million for the commodities it requires to go round the country annually.

Osotimehin was in Abuja recently for a three days official visit where he met with various high level stakeholders.

This is a small amount in view of the return on investment, as nobody can place a value to life.

He said UNFPA is going to build on the business case for family planning until such a time that Nigerias budget could carry the responsibility of procuring these commodities.

The executive director said that UNFPA would be glad if Nigeria could reach that stage quickly.

Osotimehin, however, assured that the inability of Nigeria to provide sufficient funds to procure these commodities would not affect UNFPAs contributions to the country.

He said that UNFPAs support has amounted to about US $7 million for commodities and lifesaving drugs in 2015.

Osotimehin expressed happiness with the level of improvement of the wellbeing of girls supported by the Adolescent Girls Initiative of the UNFPA.

Most of the girls could not speak a word of English about two years ago.

It was very encouraging that the UNFPAs provision of language, social and educational skills had got the girls this far, he said.

Mutali also quoted Nigerias Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, confirming during a meeting with Osotimehin the release of 3 million dollars for the procurement of reproductive health and other lifesaving commodities.

According to her, UNFPA would help Nigeria to buy the commodities, as they do for many countries.

This will ensure that Nigeria gets a larger amount of supplies for the resources they put in.
The Senate, on Wednesday, October 5, rejected a bill to that effect which was sponsored by Senator Remi Tinubu.

Ambodes comments were contained in a statement released by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde on Thursday, October 6.

The statement reads:

At a time that our country needs courageous voices that seek solutions that can benefit millions of Nigerians irrespective of where they are from, what the distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu has done is to draw attention to how Lagos State can provide more succour to Nigerians being the home to the largest assemblage of Nigerians.

She has drawn attention to how Lagos deserves to be assisted so that the state can further provide assistance to millions of Nigerians. It is a pity that this import was not seen from that perspective by the majority of her colleagues.

The truth of the matter is that as the most populous Nigerian state and the commercial heart-beat of the entire West Africa; a state that would have been the fifth largest economy in Africa if it were an independent country, Nigeria needs Lagos in order for other parts of the country to continue to benefit from Lagos.

A special status and a special grant are fair requests that would have encouraged and rewarded Lagos State for what it contributes to the federal purse. A yes for the bill would have provided an opportunity to truly reflate the economy and empower Lagos State in serving as home to more than 21 million Nigerians and as hub to the largest volume of businesses and foreign direct investments in Nigeria. But clearly, a spectacular opportunity has been missed by ignoring this important bill.

ALSO READ:Senate rejects bill to recognize Lagos as commercial capital
The group also wanted the government to release some of its jailed members as part of negotiations for the girls release.

These details are contained in the recently launched book, Muhammadu Buhari: The challenges of leadership in Nigeria.

The book was written by Professor John Paden, a Professor of International Studies who has a deep knowledge of Nigeria.

Find excerpts from the book on the Chibok girls issue below:

An additional issue was the status of the Chibok girls. Secret negotiations had been held regarding an exchange of Boko Haram prisoners for the girls. On several occasions, prisoners were taken to Maiduguri to facilitate an exchange. But these negotiations stalled when Boko Haram demanded a ransom of 5billion for the girls.

The dilemma for the DSS, which was handling the negotiations, was that a military assault to rescue the girls would almost certainly result in their deaths at the hands of their Boko Haram captors.

But the Nigerian government was not going to accede to Boko Harams extra-ordinary demand for a vast sum of money which would no doubt be used to fund future attacks.

One or two girls were able to escape their captors in May, but the rest remained captive and the impasse continued

The Chibok girls were not alone in their grim fate. Hundreds if not thousands, of persons had been captured by Boko Haram in the North-East. Buhari would need to continue degrading Boko Haram until he could tighten the noose around its Sambisa hideouts and bring a close end to this painful episode.

ALSO READ: Nigeria Air Force deploys more men to combat Niger Delta militants

Boko Haram, on August 14, released a video demanding the freedom of its jailed members in exchange for the missing girls.
The book, written by Professor John Paden, revealed that Buhari is in possession of implicating letters written by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Jonathan, in the letter, was said to have requested "off-budget funds" - funds not included in the Federal Government budget.

In chapter 20 of the book, titled 'Corruption and law in military procurement,' the author captured how PDP leaders diverted and looted the nation's funds.

According to Paden, the purpose of Buhari's anti-corruption war is not to jail former top government officials but to retrieve the stolen funds.

He said if the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) goes after Jonathan or other former Presidents, or military leaders, the stability of Nigeria's political system would be at stake.

Paden, however, said such former leaders, in exchange for immunity, could help the government identify patterns and sources of corruption.

This is believed to be the reason the EFCC has not gone after Jonathan and other former leaders yet.

ALSO READ: How Buhari chose Osinbajo as VP over Tinubu, Fashola

The anti-graft agency has, since the anti-corruption war took off, limited its drag net to the possible beneficiaries of looted funds - PDP Chieftains and other top officials who served under Jonathan.

The author wrote: "The fact that Buhari was enlisting the help of the international community in the probes lent weight to the seriousness of his effort  and also meant that alleged offenders had nowhere to hide.

"Would the trail lead to former President Jonathan himself? As of the early months of 2016, it appeared that the EFCC was not going after Jonathan. Nor was it going after former President Obasanjo.

"The question of the stability of the entire political system seemed at stake.

"In addition, a number of senior military officers, who had served as Heads of State  from Babangida to Abubakar  seemed off-limits.

"Indeed, rumours swirled that if the probes went after senior officers, they might push back because they had extensive networks in the active military services.

"At the same time, the knowledge such heavyweights possessed could well be traded for immunity and would help to illuminate the patterns and sources of corruption.

"Buhari had letters in his possession showing Jonathans requests for off-budget funds. But Buharis larger purpose was not to put former high-level officials in jail.

"Rather, it was to retrieve stolen funds and to change the political culture of the country."
This followed a motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, sponsored by Rep. Olawale Raji, representing Epe Federal Constituency, Lagos.

Moving the motion, Raji stressed the need to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the act.

The lawmaker said the college was attacked by suspected gunmen during the morning assembly in early hours of Thursday Oct. 6.

He said the Principal of the Junior Secondary School, Mr Oyesola and his counterpart in the Senior Secondary School, Mr Akinrinade were kidnapped alongside with some students.

This unfortunate incident is a setback to the expansion of access to education and determination of parents to ensure that their wards get basic education, he said.

The House condemned the action of the abductors under whatever guise, adding that it was against the tenet of seeking qualitative education.
Owoseni made this known while assuring the parents and families of the victims during a visit to the school premises with the Lagos State Dep Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule.

The Police Commissioner, who solicited for the support of the parents revealed that the rescue operation had already been launched and useful leads are out.

Owoseni solicited the support of the parents saying there was a strong hope of rescuing the victims.

In his words: "All I just want to say for now is that you have to work with us. What we also need from you is your prayers. We will seek your understanding and for now, I will not reveal much because as we speak, there are agents of the kidnappers here and they will reveal whatever we say here to them.

ALSO READ: Gunmen invade Igbonla Model school

"We have a government in Lagos State that is ready to go all out and I can assure you that this will be the shortest rescue operation that we will carry out. We will do everything we need to do to secure the release of the victims," Owoseni said.

Meanwhile, Dr Adebule has assured that the State Government would do everything humanly possible to ensure the rescue of the victims, assuring that a team of security operatives would stay behind in the school to secure the students and teachers.
The protesters, who were camped outside the NASS complex, had their own DJ who was playing the music of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Citizens are demanding that senators should stop stealing through the running cost; they should terminate the running cost. They collect this and citizens are dying, Ibrahim Garba, who spoke on behalf of the group, told The Cable.

We are suffering because we are cowards in our own country. We are here to take back the national assembly. That is why we are here. We are not for the fun of it but because we are representing Nigerians.

When you try to manipulate the budget you put N7.2 billion in your constituency then say its lobby. What kind of lobby is that? We are frustrated because students have no classes, teachers dont have no teaching aides but senators are being paid their allowances. Children are dying in the north east.

Their convoy alone can build factories. Running cost is ruining our lives. EFCC, ICPC and the police should arrest them, they should consider the citizens, we need children to go back to school, he added.

The issue of N10 million being used as running cost was raised by former Chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin who urged lawmakers to either return the money or be exposed.

I hereby demand that if you have illegally taken or stolen any money meant for the running cost of your offices for the entire stay in the house, you should return it within one week to the clerk of the national assembly and for the purpose of clarity, I am referring to about N10 million you collect from tax payers monies monthly, Jibrin said via a statement released on Thursday, September 29.

Jibrin has also accused Speaker, Yakubu Dogara and other senior members of the House of budget padding.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Communications, Senator Gilbert Nnaji, told newsmen on Wednesday, October 5, that the upper chamber will reject any unfair decision of the company to terminate workers' appointments.

According to media reports, MTN Nigeria Limited has recently sacked about over 500 staff.

"As representatives of the people, we cannot fold our arms and watch our constituents oppressed by employers of labour," Nnaji said.

"We cannot in any way tolerate such. At the same time, we shall ensure that our foreign investors are not unduly threatened.

"When my attention was drawn to this ugly development, I immediately contacted the Managing Director of the company."

Going by what he was told by the company, the Senator said that facts were misrepresented in the reports circulating about the recent layoff of MTN staff.

ALSO READ: Why we reduced MTN fine - Minister
The government has said that it might sell off some national assets in order to raise funds to get Nigeria out of the current recession.

The groups comments were contained in a statement released by spokesman, Adebiyi Adekoya on Wednesday, October 5.

The statement reads:

Those behind the campaign believe the sale of important national assets is the quickest way to raise foreign exchange, shore up the value of the naira, and fund the 2016 budget with a view to getting Nigeria out of recession.

We join patriotic Nigerians in strongly opposing any move to walk this path. We state our opposition to assets sale on the following grounds:

The proposal appears to be a grand conspiracy by some connected people in the federal cabinet, the parliament and the private sector to short-change the country. It is curious that billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote first suggested the sale of Nigerias equities in the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited and African Finance Corporation (AFC).

We found it even more curious that barely a week after Dangotes suggestion, Senate President Bukola Saraki, CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, Kano Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, and state governors after a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) separately but publicly supported the call for assets sale. The campaign appears too well- coordinated to be a coincidence; it is too smooth to be for common good.

We remember that previous sale of national assets by previous administrations in the past, to a large extent, did not yield the desired results. Indeed those who bought those assets, mostly party loyalists and their business cronies, resorted to asset stripping. There is nothing to show the renewed campaign to sell national assets would end up with a different result.

We fear that any resort to assets sale could worsen the militancy problem in the Niger Delta, further whittle down our oil revenue, and worsen the decline of the economy.

We fail to see the wisdom in this step and are inclined to liken this to the ill- advised spending of national savings in the recent past. We agree with the informed opinion of knowledgeable professionals, particularly former CBN Governor Charles Soludo, that the idea is derived from a false foundation, akin to chasing pennies while losing pounds.

ALSO READ: Pat Utomi blames Buhari administration for recession
According to a report by Premium Times, the FG through the Federal Ministry of Justice has filed a motion to withdraw the charges.

It was further reported that an affidavit in support of the motion was filed before the High Court of Federal Capital Territory on by Odubu Loveme, a litigation officer from the Ministry.

Though Saraki and Ekweremadu, as well as a former Clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, and a former Deputy clerk, Ben Efeturi, were first arraigned for forgery charges, the newly filed motion will see only Maikasuwa and Efeturi facing porsecution.

In the motion filed on Thursday, Loveme said counsel to the Federal Government on the matter, Aliyu Umar, had studied the case diary and had decided to amend the charge.

Both Maikasuwa and Efeturi are being charged for accepting to do an illegal act of amending the Senate Standing Orders 2015 without the authority of the 7th Senate of the Federal republic of Nigeria.

The two civil servants are accused of fraudulently amending the 2015 Senate Standing Orders without the authority of the 7th Senate  with intention that the Senators elect of the 8th Senate would believe that the said Senate Standing Orders 2015 ( as amended) was made by the authority of the 7th Senate of the Federal republic of Nigeria.

The act is considered as a criminal conspiracy punishable under section 97 (1) Penal Code Act ( Northern States) Federation Provisions Act, 1960, Cap 345, laws of the Federation 1990 as amended.
Adeyeye made the comment during the second reading of a bill seeking the official recognition of Lagos State as Nigerias commercial capital.

We have a governor that banned alcohol, and if my own people consume alcohol, that governor should not enjoy a kobo of value-added-tax (VAT) from my area, he said while arguing in support of the bill.

If it is 13 percent for Bayelsa and Delta, it should be so for Lagos state from VAT. The FCT is a rotten, pampered child. But I withdraw my statement on that. The FCT is being subsidized by the federal government. That must end, he added according to The Cable.

The comment is said to have annoyed many senators with some of them heading for the door in an apparent attempt to walk out of the chambers.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress winner of the election having polled 319,483 votes as against PDP's Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who had 253,173 votes.

The PDP caucus led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, however, rejected the outcome of the election, calling on its members in Edo to remain resilient.

According to the head of PDP publicity division for national publicity secretary, Adm. Chinwe Nnorom, the decision to reject the election outcome was made at a meeting of the party's executives and was unanimous.

Nnorom said: "The National Caucus frowned at the brazen display of avarice and desperation against the Edo electorates and democracy on September 28 and 29, 2016 by the ruling APC in collaboration with INEC and security agencies all in the name of Governorship Election.

"Consequently, the Meeting unanimously rejected the outcome of the charade that took place in Edo State.

"Finally, the National Caucus calls on all our Party members nationwide and in Edo State in particular to remain calm and resilient in the face of this daylight robbery of their mandate to our Candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. We believe that justice will be served."

ALSO READ: Group advises Ize-Iyamu to emulate Jonathan and accept defeat
Oshiomhole said PDP's Osagie Ize-Iyamu "is not worth 50,000 votes," adding that the number was profited from the electoral fraud perpetrated by the PDP.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Godwin Obaseki was declared winner of the September 28 election, but the PDP rejected his victory, claiming it was a case of "daylight robbery."

The state chapter of the PDP had on Monday, October 3, said it will challenge Obaseki's victory at the election petitions tribunal.

While speaking to some APC youths in Benin, Oshiomhole expressed confidence that the PDP will be disgraced in court given the evidence the ruling party has against it.

He said: "We encourage our opponents to go to court. We will be able to lead evidence to show how much they profited from electoral fraud because the Ize-Iyamu that I know is not worth 50,000 votes.

"So, it is like an armed robber rushing to a police station with bullet wounds and claiming that he has been shot, whereas he is the one who opened fire on very innocent people. We will expose them where it matters in our courtrooms."
The forum reached the conclusion during an emergency meeting in Warri, Delta State on Tuesday, October 4, and its comments are contained in a statement released to the media by spokesman, Chief Comewell Derioteidou.

The statement reads:

Our people will not fold our arms and watch the good name of Jonathan destroyed by politicians. We have heard all sorts of amounts being bandied in the media against Jonathans wife and wonder why Abachas wife, YarAduas wife and the others who have universities in their name are not being subjected to the same scrutiny.

Why is Jonathan being picked on? What are they afraid of? Did he not leave them with the power? It portents danger for everyone. Crisis in the Niger Delta at this time of economic downturn is grave crisis for Nigeria. It is high time the attacks are put to an end. Amaechi and his buccaneers must know that they are not unknown to our people.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ilyasu, disclosed this in Abeokuta at a stakeholders meeting organised ahead of the Oct. 8 council polls.

Ilyasu warned that the police would deal decisively with anyone who conducted him or herself in a manner capable of disrupting the election process.

He said the police had identified some flash points in the state and had mapped out effective strategy to ensure adequate security in such areas.

Ilyasu, who described Ogun as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, said the command would ensure that the situation remained unchanged.

He urged representatives of political parties present at the meeting to advise their members to shun violence.

I urge you to speak with your members to conduct themselves in an orderly and peaceful manner.

You need to study the electoral guidelines released by the state electoral agency closely and play by the rules, he said.

The commissioner also warned its men to avoid actions that could soil their hands and tarnish their image.At the meeting, the political parties pledged their support for the electoral body to ensure success of the polls.

Alhaji Akinyemi Ogunwole, Secretary of the state Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), who spoke on behalf of the parties, assured that all shall be well.
He made the comments on Wednesday, October 5, while launching the reconstruction of Bonny Jetty at the Bille/Bonny/Nembe Waterfront in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Anyone planning to steal our mandate will be resisted. Nobody can intimidate us. They will rig themselves into the water, he said according to The Independent.

I hear some persons are celebrating that they will repeat what they did in Edo State here in Rivers State. Somebody who is suffering from malaria can say anything. But nobody will use the police to rig the rerun elections in Rivers State.

If you want to take our mandate by force, you will go by force. All the people of Rivers State must remain vigilant. INEC may want to take us unawares, he added.

Wike is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which has accused INEC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of rigging the Edo elections.

ALSO READ: APC planning to manipulate results at midnight - PDP
According to a report by TheCable, the Governor reportedly said those planning to rig the coming elections in the state will fall inside water.

He further said the election, which are tentatively scheduled for October 2016, will hold without the interference of any 'form of rigging by INEC or its cohorts.'

Speaking at an event in Bille/Bonny/Nembe Waterfront in Port Harcourt, Wike said: The plan of INEC and its cohorts to transplant the Edo state rigging model in Rivers state will fail, the people of the state will resist them, he said.

Anyone planning to steal our mandate will be resisted, nobody can intimidate us, those having such plan will rig themselves into the water, the Governor said.

Continuing, Wike said: They are already celebrating and plotting to repeat what they did in Edo; anybody suffering from malaria can say anything but nobody will use the police to rig here.

If you want to take our mandate by force, you will go by force, our people must remain vigilant because INEC may want to take us unawares, the governor stressed.
A spokesperson for Belgium's foreign ministry said it had limited the maximum visa duration for holders of Congolese diplomatic passports from one year to six months in response to "the overall situation" in Democratic Republic of Congo.

At least 50 people were killed last month in clashes between security forces and protesters angered by what opposition groups say are efforts by President Joseph Kabila to delay a presidential vote in order to cling to power beyond the end of his mandate in December.

The electoral commission said on Saturday that it expects the election, originally scheduled for November, to take place in December 2018.

The country's highest court has ruled that Kabila can remain in office until a new president is elected.

Kabila, who has ruled Africa's top copper producer since his father's assassination in 2001, is barred by the constitution from standing in the next presidential election.

The United States has already sanctioned three members of Kabila's inner circle for allegedly committing human rights abuses and blocking the democratic process. It has threatened further sanctions.

European Union countries have yet to impose formal sanctions, fearing that such a move could be counter-productive and lose them influence with the government.

Some have escalated their rhetoric since last month's clashes, however. On Tuesday, the French foreign ministry said that the EU should consider imposing sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations.
Matthew, carrying winds of 140 mph (220 kph), pounded the northwestern part of the island chain en route to Florida's Atlantic coast, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

The storm was likely to remain a Category 4 on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane intensity as it approached the United States, where it could either take direct aim at Florida or tear along the state's coast through Friday night, the center said, warning of "potentially disastrous impacts."

Hurricane conditions were expected in parts of Florida later on Thursday.

Some 136 people were killed in Haiti, local officials said, and thousands were displaced after the storm flattened homes, uprooted trees and inundated neighborhoods earlier in the week. Four people were killed in the Dominican Republic, which neighbors Haiti.

As the storm passed near the Bahamas capital of Nassau, howling gusts of wind brought down palms and other trees and ripped shingles off the rooftops of many houses. Bahamas Power and Light disconnected much of Nassau as Matthew bore down on the town.

It was too soon to predict where Matthew might do the most of its damage in the United States, but the National Hurricane Center's hurricane warning extended up the Atlantic coast from southern Florida through Georgia and into South Carolina. More than 12 million people in the United States were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel.

The last major hurricane, classified as a storm bearing sustained winds of more than 110 mph (177 kph), to make landfall on U.S. shores was Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

Jeff Masters, a veteran hurricane expert, said on his Weather Underground website (www.wunderground.com) that Matthew's wind threat was especially serious at Cape Canaveral, which juts into the Atlantic off central Florida.

"If Matthew does make landfall along the Florida coast, this would be the most likely spot for it. Billions of dollars of facilities and equipment are at risk at Kennedy Space Center and nearby bases, which have never before experienced a major hurricane," Masters wrote.

NASA and the U.S. Air Force, which operate the nation's primary space launch site at Cape Canaveral, have already taken steps to safeguard personnel and equipment.

A team of 116 employees were bunkered down inside Kennedy Space Center's Launch Control Center to ride out the hurricane.

"We've had some close calls, but as far as I know it's the first time we've had the threat of a direct hit," NASA spokesman George Diller said by email from the hurricane bunker.

ROADS FILLED WITH EVACUEES

Roads in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed, and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as the storm approached with high winds, strong storm surges and drenching rain.

Florida Governor Rick Scott warned there could be "catastrophic" damage if Matthew slammed directly into the state and urged some 1.5 million people there to heed evacuation orders.

"If you're reluctant to evacuate, just think about all the people... already killed," Scott said at a news conference. "Time is running out. This is clearly either going to have a direct hit or come right along the coast, and we're going to have hurricane-force winds."

Scott, who activated several thousand National Guard troops to help deal with the storm, warned that millions of people were likely to be left without power.

Florida, Georgia and South Carolina opened shelters for evacuees. As of Thursday morning, more than 3,000 people were being housed in 60 shelters in Florida, Scott said.

Those three states as well as North Carolina declared states of emergency, empowering their governors to mobilize the National Guard.

President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency in Florida, a move that authorized the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts.

Hundreds of passenger flights were canceled in south Florida, and the cancellations were expected to spread north in coming days along the storm's path, airlines including American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines said. A FedEx spokeswoman also warned of possible disruptions to package services.

At about 5 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT), Matthew was about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Florida's West Palm Beach, the hurricane center said. It was heading northwest at about 13 mph (20 kph) and was expected to continue on this track through Thursday.

On Tuesday and Wednesday Matthew, the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck Central America in 2007, whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mph (225 kph) winds and torrential rain, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes.

In Florida, fuel stations posted "out of gas" signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up. At a Subco gas station in Orlando, the gas pumps ran dry on Wednesday afternoon.

The shop was a stopping off point for coastal residents seeking shelter inland from the coast. Among them was Jonas Sylvan, 44, of Melbourne, Florida, who planned to hole up in a hotel with his wife, two daughters and dog. "We're just trying to get away from the coast," he said. "It's safer here."

Bumper-to-bumper traffic extended for more than 10 miles (16 km) on the main highway leading west to Orlando from the coast.

In the central Florida coastal city of Jupiter, people scrambled to make preparations.
According to reports, news emerging from the White House indicates that President Obama declared the state of emergency as a result of the Hurricane Matthew.

This move is coming shortly after he declared a state of emergency in Floridaafter Hurricane Matthew strengthened and headed for the U.S. South East.

The action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts necessitated by the storm, a Category 4 hurricane packing winds of 140 mph (220 kph).

In Florida, fuel stations posted "out of gas" signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up. At a Subco gas station in Orlando, the gas pumps ran dry on Wednesday afternoon.
"We received information of an attack on the camp in Tassalit. For the moment we are told there are 22 dead, but that is not a total death toll," he said in comments broadcast on state-run television TeleSahel.

"The death toll could increase," the minister stated.

The attack targeted a camp in the village of Tassalit in Niger's Tahoua region, around 525 km (326 miles) northeast of the capital Niamey.

"We received information of an attack on the camp in Tassalit. For the moment we are told there are 22 dead, but that is not a total death toll," he said in comments broadcast on state-run television TeleSahel. "The death toll could increase."

Rafini gave no further information concerning the suspected identities of the attackers or whether any civilians had been killed or wounded.

The camp's residents are Malians who fled to neighbouring Niger after Islamist militants, some with links to al Qaeda, seized Mali's desert north in 2012. A French-led military intervention drove back the insurgents a year later but violence is on the rise across the region's arid Sahel band.

Niger's small army is currently battling Boko Haram militants who launch raids across its southern border from Nigeria while seeking to prevent an overflow of attacks from Mali.
The department said Alexey Barysheff of Brooklyn, New York - a naturalized U.S. citizen - was arrested for illegally exporting controlled technology. Russian nationals Dmitrii Aleksandrovich Karpenko and Alexey Krutilin, were simultaneously arrested on charges of conspiring with Barysheff, it said.

All three were scheduled to appear in court on Thursday afternoon.

In its complaint, the government alleged the defendants had engaged in a conspiracy to obtain microelectronics from manufacturers and suppliers in the United States and export them to Russia while evading government controls on high-tech exports.

The United States restricts the export of items it believes could make a significant contribution to the military potential and weapons proliferation of other nations and undermine U.S. national security.

The Justice Department said the microelectronics allegedly shipped to Russia included digital-to-analog converters and integrated circuits frequently used in a wide range of military systems, including radar and missile guidance systems.

It said Barysheff had registered two companies in New York that were used as front companies to purchase and export the controlled technology, while concealing from their suppliers the intended final destination.
Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg
Court documents unsealed Thursday reveal that a man who police say was shot after he rammed his car into a Davenport police squad car in July also hit a squad car in late June.

Rodricco R. Parks Jr., 19, was arrested by Davenport police just before 10 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of the Walmart on West Kimberly Road, Scott County Sheriffs Lt. Bryce Schmidt said Thursday.

He made his first appearance Thursday in Scott County District Court via close-circuit TV.

He faces charges of assault on a police officer while displaying a weapon and second-degree criminal mischief, both Class D felonies punishable by up to five years in prison, for the incident in July.

He also faces a charge of interference with official acts, a simple misdemeanor, and several traffic violations for the incident in June.

Bond was set at $5,300 cash-only on the charges. He has a preliminary hearing Oct. 12 in first case and a bench trial Nov. 17 in the second case, according to court records.

Parks remained in the Scott County Jail late Thursday afternoon.

Court documents list Parks residence in the 800 block of Brown Street.

About 11:40 p.m. July 18, Davenport police responded to the 1300 block of Ripley Street for a report of shots fired.

That night, a witness provided information on a possible suspect vehicle, which officers saw leaving the area at a high rate of speed, according to police.

Officers tried to stop the vehicle, a Chevy Impala, in the parking lot in the 1600 block of Rockingham Road. Parks was identified as the driver, according to police.

Parks refused to obey officers commands and intentionally drove the car at an officer who was standing outside his marked squad car, according to an arrest affidavit filed by the sheriffs office.

The officer was able to get out of the path of the car, but was placed in fear of immediate contact that could have caused serious injury or death to him, according to the affidavit.

The squad car was intentionally struck by Parks two separate times, according to the affidavit. The car sustained $2,776.67 in damages.

Officers Shawn Sullivan and Andrew Weingart discharged their service weapons at Parks, who drove over the curb and fled west on Rockingham Road.

His vehicle was later found in the 500 block of Pine Street, according to police.

At 12:39 a.m. July 19, officers were called to Genesis Medical Center-West Central Park, Davenport, where Parks was taken by private vehicle for a gunshot wound.

He later was taken to Genesis Medical Center-East Rusholme Street and then to University Hospitals, Iowa City.

In an interview with the Times, Parks said the officers were shooting at him before he unintentionally "sideswiped" the squad car.

No criminal charges were filed against Sullivan and Weingart. Both were placed on administrative leave per the police departments policy.

The incident was investigated by the sheriffs office and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

According to an arrest affidavit filed July 21 by the Davenport Police Department:

At 2:01 a.m. June 28, police initiated a traffic stop on a 2006 Chevrolet Impala in a parking lot in the 300 block of West Locust Street.

Parks, after being told not to by officers, got into the drivers seat of the car after the original driver got out. He then locked the drivers side door and tried to put the car in gear.

Parks was able to get the car in reverse and started backing up as officers told him to stop. He continued to back up until he struck a patrol vehicle.

He then put the vehicle into drive and fled the area, according to the affidavit.

At the time of his arrest Wednesday night, Parks also was wanted for violating his probation in two aggravated misdemeanor cases, according to court documents.

In one of the cases, Parks pleaded guilty to assault while displaying a dangerous weapon after admitting that he intentionally ran his vehicle into the back of another persons vehicle in March. He was given a suspended two-year prison sentence and placed on two years of probation.

Prosecutors filed a motion to revoke his probation in both cases on July 21. A revocation hearing is scheduled for Nov. 10.

If the court finds that Parks violated his probation, he could be sentenced to prison time.

Bond was set Thursday at $2,000 cash-only in both cases.

Parks also was being held on two interstate detainers out of Rock Island County and one intrastate detainer out of Johnson County.
The clown hysteria thats sweeping the nation reached the Quad-Cities this week, and those who sport the red nose, makeup and all to earn a living, dont care much for the hoax.

Craig Bruckman, a professional clown whose character name is Professor Dum-Dum, recently returned to his Orion, Illinois, home from a circus tour in Florida. While the 37-year-old Henry County resident recovers from an emergency appendectomy, he is spreading positive messages about clowning to combat the negativity surrounding his profession.

Were not going to let individuals making poor choices affect what we do, said Bruckman, who called the craze a "conveniently-timed" publicity stunt for clown-related horror movies around Halloween. Our whole mission and goal is to go out and make people smile and laugh.

Despite a recent influx of social media chatter about "creepy clown" sightings in the Quad-Cities, authorities have not substantiated any reports. As of Thursday, police had not made any related arrests.

It appears that its pretty media-driven right now, Rock Island Deputy Police Chief Jason Foy said. We laughed about it because its everywhere; its on every social media outlet.

Several Twitter accounts, including Clown Sightings Iowa, are tracking reported sightings in the Quad-Cities and across the country.

Augustana College Public Safety and Police are investigating multiple complaints made earlier this week about an individual wandering around campus in a clown costume.

According to a campus incident report, students spotted someone late Monday night and early Tuesday morning banging on the exterior windows of two dorms.

At this time, it is believed that this behavior is part of a national trend of clown sightings, intended to heighten social media presence for individuals, the report said.

A Bettendorf High School student drew attention from the public  and his principal  this week when he tweeted a video Tuesday of a clown near TouVelle Stadium.

District spokeswoman Celeste Miller said the stunt since has been ruled a prank.

Students will not be admitted into Friday nights football game against Davenport North if theyre in costume, Miller added.

The Davenport Police Department released a response to the "clown panic" Thursday on its Facebook page, noting multiple reports of clown sightings in the city, but no confirmed threats of physical violence or attempted abductions.

St. Ambrose University students also have reported rumors of possible clown sightings, but campus security has not confirmed any specific cases, Craig DeVrieze, director of public relations, wrote in an email.

"Security has increased patrols on and around campus, however, and students and the campus community have been reminded to immediately contact Campus Security should they see persons acting suspiciously," DeVrieze added.

At Halloween Express, 320 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, manager Carrie Merideth said shes sold seven clown masks this week alone, but stressed that masks usually "fly off the shelves" this time of year.

Moline Police Capt. Trevor Fisk said officers treat all calls about suspicious subjects seriously, and will take appropriate action if warranted.

Bettendorf Police Chief Phil Redingtion said his department has received a handful of calls this week about clown impostors, but none of the reported sightings were verified.

We have not talked to anyone that actually has seen a clown, he said, urging residents to contact police if they notice any suspicious activity. We dont mind the calls, but it seems like people are calling because of things theyre seeing on Twitter.
One way or another, Rock Island County will pay for public safety to avoid any cutbacks to the Rock Island County Sheriffs Department, county board member Kai Swanson said Wednesday during a public information meeting on the half-cent sales tax referendum that is on the Nov. 8 ballot.

If this referendum doesnt pass, Swanson said, and layoffs are indicated a judge could, and I believe Sheriff (Gerry) Bustos should demand it, order us to pay for public safety out of the liability fund. If that is the case, we would have no choice but to raise the county portion of peoples property taxes. And that does not require a referendum. People will be forced to pay it.

Speaking at the first of three public information meetings he is holding to stress the importance that the referendum pass, Bustos said he understands everyone is tired of taxes.

I know that there is a distrust of government, and that there is a feeling that politicians continually take and take and take, he told a crowd of about 25 people made up mostly of county employees. But Im here to tell you, this is different. This is public safety.

Swanson said that indications are that the sales tax could bring in as much as $7 million a year. The budget for the sheriffs department would remain at $14 million but with the general fund out of money, the referendum means the county will not have to borrow to meet payroll and other expenses for the department.

Bustos said the money is needed to replace an aging fleet of squad cars; to purchase body cameras for all deputies; to upgrade its communication center, which is far behind the others in the Quad-Cities, and to provide maintenance on buildings the sheriffs department is responsible for.

During a recent inspection of the jail by the Illinois Department of Corrections, Bustos said he was told to paint the jail.

Theres so much graffiti and paint carved out that its time to repaint, but weve been kicking that can down the road, too, he said.

Bustos said if he were forced to lay off jail staff, he would move all of the inmates to one section and shut down the new jail area built in 2002.

But the sales tax will mean only a nickel for every $10 of taxable purchases, Bustos said. By law the money cant be used for anything but public safety, he added.

Swanson said that is due to some of the changes in the way the county does business, next year the county portion of homeowners property taxes will drop by 12 percent next year.

Passage of the sales tax referendum will continue to keep money going into public safety, and will take a large burden off of property owners, Bustos said.

I pledge upon the passage of this critical public safety issue that I will report each year how much revenue was collected and how much revenue was used down to the last dollar, down to the last dime, down to the last penny, he said.
Phyllis Thede is seeking her fifth term in the Iowa House, challenged this year by Kurt Whalen, who is making his first bid for public office.

It's the House 93 race, a district that includes an area of southeast Davenport and southwest Bettendorf. Thede, a Democrat from Bettendorf, will face Whalen, a Republican from Bettendorf.

Thede retired this summer from the Davenport Community School District, but education remains one of the key reasons she is running for office. She has been married for 42 years and is a grandmother.

Although Democrats do not currently control the House, she sits on the appropriations committee and has input on budget items. Thede enjoys working with other people to foster change in the state.

"You get bit by the bug and just don't want to leave politics," she said in a Sept. 12 meeting with the Quad-City Times editorial board.

"It's a lot of work, but I really like it," she said.

Whalen, 42, was raised in Oneida, Illinois, and is the child of two teachers. He is a computer technician for Nestle-Purina, Davenport, and has been a Republican all his life.

Education is Whalen's top issue, His wife, Rachel, is a teacher in Davenport. The couple has two young sons.

Whalen notes that Iowa used to be first in the U.S. in education and now it is 23rd, or so. The intervening years have brought federal programs such as No Child Left Behind and Common Core, and Whalen takes issue with them in topic areas such as math and history.

"I believe big government is a part of the problem in education," he said during a Sept. 21 discussion with the Times editorial board.

Thede is married to Dave Thede, and the mother of three, grandmother to four. She works to encourage the Legislature to change the funding formula for education, a hot topic for the Davenport district.

Thede has backed a bill to allow districts, including Davenport, to spend existing funds.

"This is money that was never intended to sit in the bank," she said.

She also is active in human trafficking legislation. Thede favors going after the people who pay for prostitution rather than young victims through the criminal justice system and helping the victims with increased counseling as well as other services.

In the mental health arena, Scott County simply wants what the state promised it after the system was reorganized in 2011, she said.

"We never got those 'transition dollars,'" Thede said. She is also keeping an eye on the Medicaid system, which changed to private providers in the past year.

Her goals for the next session: raise the minimum wage; pass supplemental state aid; update the school funding equalization formula; and continue oversight on the Medicaid system and the state's water supply.

Whalen describes himself as a "troubleshooter" and lists his top priorities as education, jobs and the economy, as well as security issues.

Whalen has been knocking on doors in the district, and residents have expressed concern about refugees and security.

"We need to be cautious about letting terrorists in our country," he said.
The number of mechanical engineers educated in the Quad-Cities is expected to grow exponentially with the offering of a new mechanical engineering degree program at Western Illinois University's Quad-Cities campus in Moline.

The announcement was made Wednesday during a news conference in Moline.

Jack Thomas, president of the Macomb and Moline campuses, recalled when the School of Engineering began in 2008 with four students.

The program had grown to 167 students by 2016. "This is an example of the commitment to the region that we serve," Thomas said.

Bill Pratt, head of the engineering school, helped to get the school accredited, through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Inc. The new program will also involve adding one more faculty member.

Kathy Neumann, provost at Western, said the program is 120 semester hours and will be offered on the Moline campus beginning in January.

The demand in the Quad-City region for engineers is very high, with about 10,000 engineers at work in the area and more than 1,000 engineering and manufacturing companies, Pratt said.

In addition, the field is expected to grow 12 percent per year, through 2022.

Pratt credited the support of the John Deere Foundation, the Moline Foundation, Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, Elliott Aviation and others who made the new degree program possible in Moline.

"Seven years ago, the Quad-Cities was the only manufacturing center in the United Stated without a public engineering program," he said.

Most engineers in the country have one of four degrees, such as mechanical or industrial engineering, Pratt said. Some 40-50 percent of engineering jobs call for mechanical engineers.

Junior and senior engineering students work on real projects in local firms, Pratt said, and these may translate to jobs after graduation.

Pratt talked about local opportunities, noting firms like Deere & Co. and Genesis Systems Group, located in Davenport. Robotics programs beuing introduced at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges and partnerships with Black Hawk College also strengthen local opportunities for students.

There are mechanical engineering degrees offered in universities, including Bradley, in Peoria, which has 450 students; Northern Illinois, in DeKalb, with more than 700 students, and University of Iowa, Iowa City, with some 1,000 students.

This area has 10,000 engineers and hundreds of firms to employ them, Pratt said. "This new generation of Quad-City students will attain a great education, help to design and create products for our very bright future."

Moline Mayor Scott Raes noted how the news meshes with existing outreach efforts. "It's exciting. We can not only recruit students to come to our area, and also retain them here for jobs.

"There's a large pot of students in our market that could easily come here to college, but they didn't because we didn't have this program. Now we do," the mayor said.
Brussels, 5 October 2016

Around 100 delegations, more than 70 countries and 20 international organisations, Secretary General of the United Nations [Ban Ki-Moon], all gathered here in Brussels to express continued support to Afghan people, first of all, and Afghan women. We started this two days of meetings yesterday by a conference on empowering women in Afghanistan with the First Lady [Rula Ghani] and the President [Ashraf Ghani], to express full support of international community not only with words but also with our financial support.





I expect today to collect pledges from around the world at the same level, similar level that the international community has mobilised so far. When it comes to the European Union and the Member States, we will pledge 1.2 billion. I would expect similar levels of engagement from our partners.





But this is not only about money, this is also about political support. The financial support I am sure will be there. There will not be any donors' fatigue on Afghanistan, provided that we will work and we will continue to work with our Afghan partners for the Afghan leadership to deliver for their people. But it will be also a matter of political support.





I have organised yesterday night a meeting, a regional dinner with key international players  the Secretary General of the United Nations, US Secretary Kerry - and also key regional players, such as China, India, Pakistan at a ministerial level, to work on a common basis for a regional political support to the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. Yesterday night we found common ground to support this process also with the regional perspective; and the European Union will try to facilitate this as much as possible in the coming months.





Because we see very clearly that security and development go hand-in-hand in Afghanistan. And security and development in Afghanistan is key to the region and also to the international community, including European Union. So today I would expect that we will have a full day of work, a clear commitment, not only international community but also from the regional actors and also from our Afghan friends, showing unity and determination for the benefit of their people. - Read More




The Dewey County Auditor has joined the ranks of those trying to help horses at a South Dakota ranch that are reportedly dying of starvation and other causes.

The horses are at the rural Lantry ranch of the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros, in north-central South Dakota about 110 miles northeast of Rapid City.

A Tuesday evening Facebook post by the Dewey County Sheriff's Office says the Dewey County Auditor has set up an account, the ISPMB Horse Fund, to help feed the horses.

Money can be sent to: Dewey County Auditor, P.O. Box 277, Timber Lake, S.D., 57656, according to the post. People are asked to make checks payable to Dewey County and mark them for the ISPMB Horse Fund.

The post adds that the Dewey and Ziebach county sheriff's offices are making a list of local farmers and ranchers with hay for sale that can be bought for the horses.

If sellers have grass hay available, they can contact Dewey County Sheriff Les Mayer at 605-865-3330 or Ziebach County Sheriff Gary Cudmore at 605-365-5177.

According to a former employee of the sanctuary who went public last week, a lack of control over the ranchs ballooning horse population taxed the organizations pastures and finances to a crisis point.

The former employee, Colleen Burns, said 30 or more horses have died since June for lack of grass, hay and veterinary care. Her photographic evidence shows badly emaciated horses, some dead and some dying, and some with overgrown hooves or grotesque injuries or wounds.

Mayer said last week that he has investigated the ranch and turned over his findings to the two states attorneys. A veterinarian for the state Animal Industry Board has also investigated the alleged neglect of the horses and is advising the state's attorneys.

Several other wild-horse organizations have also stepped in to help, including Hot Springs-based Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary.

Susan Watt, executive director, said donations enabled two truckloads of hay to be dropped off at the Lantry ranch by Monday morning. Given the ranchs estimated population of more than 600 horses, Watt estimated that amounted to only three days of feed.

She encouraged anyone wishing to donate money, hay or pasture space for the ailing horses to contact her at 605-745-7494 or iram@gwtc.net.

Watt said shes willing to accept the donations or put contributors directly in touch with a hay seller. The website also notes that people can send checks to IRAM, Box 998, Hot Springs, S.D., 57747, marked "attention ISPMB Emergency Hay Fund." Online donations can be made in $50 increments at wildmustangs.com/donate.

The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary also has links to the Wild Horse and Burro Sanctuary Alliance, a California-based coalition, to make donations online at wildhorsesanctuaryalliance.org.
A U.S. serviceman who died during WWII will finally be laid to rest in his hometown today.

Marine Sgt. Fae V. Moore, 23, of Chadron, Neb., had been missing ever since his death during 1943 operations in the Pacific.

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, in November of 1943 Moore was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which faced off against the Japanese on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. American troops spent several days locked in combat with the Japanese, eventually securing victory but at a cost. More than 2,000 Marines and sailors were wounded and approximately 1,000 were killed, including Sgt. Fae V. Moore.

Moores remains, as well as those of other servicemen killed in battle, were buried in battlefield cemeteries on the island. The 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company conducted recovery operations in 1946 and 1947 but were unable to locate Moore. In February of 1949 the military review board declared Moores remains unrecoverable.

Moore remained lost to the world until 2015 when the nongovernmental organization, History Flight, Inc. located another burial site on Betio. History Flight, Inc. turned over the remains of what they believed were 35 U.S. Marines who had died in the Betio battle to the DPAA. After extensive DNA testing, dental analysis and anthropological comparison, the DPAA and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory successfully identified the remains of Sgt. Moore.

Moores remains were escorted from the Rapid City Regional Airport to Chamberlin Chapel in Chadron yesterday morning by members of the Black Hills Chapters of the American Legion Riders and local law enforcement. This morning he is scheduled to be laid to rest in Beaver Valley Cemetery after nearly 73 years away from home.
PINE RIDGE | The Oglala Sioux Tribal Council has terminated three tribal judges involved in giving custody of a 2-year-old boy to his mother, who is now accused of killing the child.

The council voted in a special session Oct. 3 to remove tribal court Chief Judge Kimberly Craven and associate judges Dominique Fenton and Arlin Whirlwind Horse. This follows the judges suspension Aug. 30. They were suspended after Angela Shangreaux filed a complaint that her nephew Kylen, whom she considered a son and had helped raise, was taken from her without due process and returned to his birth mother.

Angela, 37, became Kylens guardian, with the consent of his parents James and Katrina Shangreaux, in April of last year when the boy was 16 months old. This past January, Katrina wanted her son back but Angela refused.

She was concerned for the toddlers safety and well-being given her sister-in-laws drug and alcohol abuse and addictions, Angela wrote in a complaint submitted to the council.

Angela and Katrina, both residents of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, took the matter to tribal court. Last May 31, after hearings and paperwork that involved judges Craven, Fenton and Whirlwind Horse, the court ruled that Kylen be given back to Katrina.

The boys father has been detained at the Pennington County Jail since last November, on a case involving the death of a different child.

A video of Kylen's handover on June 1 shows the child crying as he is taken from Angelas arms. I love you, son, she says, kissing him on the cheek. Im sorry.

The next time Angela saw the boy was at a funeral home two months later. His body was covered in bruises. Kylen was beaten so badly we had to have a closed casket for his services, her complaint says.

Katrina P. Shangreaux, 28, faces federal charges of first-degree murder, assault and child abuse in her sons death July 28. The 2-year-old died of blows to the head and abdomen, suffered from intracranial bleeding, brain damage and a torn scrotum, court documents state.

Investigators say Katrina beat the toddler over potty-training issues in their Porcupine home. If found guilty of the murder charge, she will face life in prison.

Katrina is detained at the Pennington County Jail with her mother, Sonya Dubray, who has also been charged with crimes related to the boys death. Dubray, 48, is accused of tampering with evidence by washing the clothes worn by Kylen and cleaning the crime scene.

She is also alleged to have helped Katrina evade authorities, mislead law enforcement and conceal the extent of the childs abuse. If convicted of the charges, she could face up to 43 years in prison.

Angela lodged a complaint against the tribal judges who handled her case, believing they should also be held accountable for Kylens death.

They all have his blood on their hands, Angela said in a phone interview. Each of them, at any time, could have done something differently. They all had the power, they all had the discretion, and they didnt.

Her written complaints included Judge Fenton disregarding Katrinas arrests for driving under the influence, as well as not allowing Angelas witnesses to testify about Katrinas poor parenting skills since they were Angela's relatives and would be biased.

The eight-page long document, read aloud at the start of the council session, also said that despite a court order for a drug test on Katrina, Judge Whirlwind Horse accepted the results of an old blood test and that it was Judge Craven who instructed Whirlwind Horse to return Kylen to Katrina.

At the tribal council session Oct. 3, Angelas family, the judges and their witnesses testified before most of the 19-member council. The discussions, held at the Prairie Wind Casino & Hotel, were kept private since they related to a juvenile case and ongoing criminal cases. Judge Fenton did not attend, instead asking his lawyer to read his resignation letter, which the council rejected.

The council session started at 10:40 a.m. and ended with members voting on the judges fate around 9 p.m. After the tribal council decided to terminate all three judges for violating the Oglala Sioux Tribes Law and Order Code, Angela said she started crying.

I was just crying because regardless of that decision  I cant have Kylen back, she said. Angela has three other children, all boys.

Fenton, in a phone interview a couple of weeks later, said he followed due process in the guardianship dispute as well as the abuse and neglect case against Katrina. Fenton said he allowed Katrina custody of Kylen based on the recommendation of a tribal prosecutor, as well as the findings of a Child Protective Services worker who said the allegations against Katrinas suitability as a parent were unfounded.

Fenton said he did not find out until after the toddlers death that Katrina and the CPS worker were friends and that there was a previous abuse and neglect complaint against Katrina. The system is broken, he said, and the judges were used as scapegoats right before tribal council elections this year.

The judges were the easy targets, Fenton said. Im frustrated that this is whats parading around as justice when in reality, without a functioning Child Protective Services, this is not the last time this is going to happen.

Fenton said he decided to resign because he and his fellow judges were suspended without due process. He was not present at the special council session, Fenton said, since he had left South Dakota after the council session had been cancelled multiple times.

Whirlwind Horse did not respond to a request asking for comment. Craven declined to make a public comment.

The councils decision on the judges termination is final and cannot be appealed, said tribal secretary Rhonda Two Eagle. The tribe is now looking for replacements for the judges.

This is not the first time the council has terminated tribal judges, whom the council also appoints. Since 2010, Two Eagle said, four or five judges have been removed for violating the tribes Law and Order Code, which includes the responsibilities of judges and how hearings should be conducted.

Two Eagle said the council is reviewing the tribes Family Code, a process that happens each time a new set of members take office. The present council members were elected in November of 2014, and their terms will expire this December.

Theyre making amendments, she said. Theyve had several meetings to determine where the flaws were or if there were weaknesses.

Meanwhile, Angela said she will be lobbying tribal and state authorities for additional safeguards in child custody cases. Her victory at the tribal council, she said, was just one step in her quest for justice for Kylen.

This story has been updated to indicate that Angela's complaints against the judges were contained in a written document. This version also contains a statement from Fenton.
Russian court extends detention for defendants in Vostochny Cosmodrome embezzlement case

ST. PETERSBURG, October 6 (RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov)  A court in Khabarovsk has extended detention of defendants in the criminal case over the alleged embezzlement at the Vostochny Cosmodrome till January 12, RAPSI learned from the courts press-service on Thursday.

Defendants in the case are ex-CEO of Dalspetsstroy company, Yuriy Khrizman, head accountant Vladimir Ashihmin, Mikhail Khrizman and former chairman of the Legislative Duma of Khabarovsk Krai Victor Chudov. Defendants, depending on their respective roles, are accused of abuse of office and/or embezzlement crimes.

Hearings are conducted behind closed doors.

The construction of the space center, due to become Russia's main launch site, began in 2012. The facility opened on April 28, 2015.

Dalspetsstroy, the company in charge of the Vostochny Cosmodrome construction, has repeatedly reported that the project was behind schedule at some sites but promised to catch up.

According to investigators, ex-CEO of Dalspetsstroy, Yuriy Khrizman, his son Mikhail and Viktor Chudov, Chairman of the Khabarovsk Krai Duma, embezzled about 106 million rubles ($1.6 million) belonging to the company. However, one criminal episode was uncovered within the investigation into the case over alleged embezzlement at Vostochny Cosmodrome.

Earlier a court in Russias Amur region has found CEO of the Vostochny Cosmodrome construction contractor Stroyindustriya-S, Sergei Terentyev, guilty of embezzlement and sentenced him to 11 years in penal colony.
Next hearing in case of Russian student accused of attempting to join ISIS set for Oct.10

MOSCOW, October 6 (RAPSI, Oleg Sivozhelezov) - The Moscow District Military Court will continue hearing a case against Varvara Karaulova (Alexandra Ivanova), the Moscow State Universitys student, who stands charged with attempting to join the Islamic State militants in Syria, on October 10, RAPSI reported from the courtroom on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the court began hearing of the case on the merits. Today the Moscow State Universitys educators and the defendants group mates were questioned.

As previously reported the second-year student of the Moscow State Universitys Faculty of Philosophy, allegedly decided to join the Islamic State, the organization banned in Russia, and secretly started off for Istanbul on May 27.

On June 4, she was arrested near Turkey's border with Syria along with 13 other Russian citizens when attempting to cross into the territory occupied by Islamic State militants. On June 11, she returned to Russia under escort of Interpol employees.

In October, Karaulova, who had changed her name to Alexandra Ivanova, was again arrested in Moscow and put in jail.

She has been found sane by the psychiatric evaluation.

The student did not plead guilty and stated that she was not going to become a terrorist.

The Islamic State, an organization which is prohibited in Russia, is currently one of the major threats to global security. Over three years, these terrorists have managed to seize large areas of Iraq and Syria. The organization is also attempting to spread its influence to North Africa  particularly, Libya. The area controlled by ISIS covers up to 90,000 square kilometers.
Ex-head of Russias Komi Republic Torlopov put under house arrest

MOSCOW, October 6 (RAPSI, Yevgeniya Sokolova)  Moscows Basmanny District Court on Thursday placed former head of Russias Komi Republic Vladimir Torlopov, charged with creating an organized criminal group and large-scale fraud, under house arrest, RAPSI learnt in the court.

Torlopov was a head of the Komi Republic in 2001-2010 and a senator of Russias Federal Council in 2010-2016. He is charged with organizing a criminal group conspiring with Vyacheslav Gaizer, another former head of Russias Komi Republic who was holding the office in 2010-2015.

According to investigators, damage to the government from Torlopovs actions is estimated at 2.5 billionrubles ($39.6 million).

Investigator said during the hearing on Thursday that Torlopov had pleaded guilty.

Nineteen people are defendants in the large corruption case against Gaizer, including his deputy Alexei Chernov, Igor Kovzel, Chairman of the Republican State Council, and Konstantin Romadanov, Deputy Chairman of the Komi government. This August one of the people related to the case, Anton Faerstein, died in detention.

Gaizer was charged in relation to two counts of bribery and one count of fraud. Earlier, various media have reported that Gazier made a deal with investigators, but his lawyer does not confirm this information.

Earlier, the Investigative Committee reported about thwarting the activity of a criminal group led by the head of the Republic of Komi, Vyacheslav Gaizer.

Gaizer pleads not guilty. Several high-ranking officials have been arrested in the fraud and organized crime case, as well as several business people that the Investigative Committee called finance technologists.

During 80 searches in Komi, St. Petersburg and Moscow, the Investigative Committee and the Federal Security Service confiscated over 60 kg of jewelry, 150 watches worth $30,000 to $1 million each, over 50 stamps and seals from offshore corporations, and financial documents legalizing over 1 billion rubles ($14 mln) in stolen money transferred to the offshore zone.

Investigators have also opened a criminal case on money laundering against Gaizer.

On September 30 of 2015, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to relieve Gaizer of his duties because of loss of trust.
Saturday, Oct. 15, will be the final Hamilton Farmers Market of the 25th season. Stock up your pantry and shop your favorite craftspeople for early holiday gifts.

October is National Cooperative Month. A co-op exits to serve its members  also its owners  in a pure democratic manner. The Hamilton Farmers Market became a cooperative in 2007 and has 130 plus vendor members. It is self-governed by an elected board of directors.

The mission of the markets co-op is to provide Ravalli County farmers and craftspeople an economical place to sell their products and services. In addition the venue acts as a setting where visitors can come together and socialize. The market co-op stimulates the local economy; promotes awareness about food, health and cooperative values; and educates people on benefits of supporting local businesses.

Co-ops serve 120 million people across the U.S. While most co-ops have traditionally been founded in agriculture businesses, there are also retail, arts, utilities, housing, banking, healthcare and childcare co-ops. Local examples are Ravalli County Electric Co-op, Ravalli County Credit Union, Clay Works!, Ravalli County Education Co-op, Cenex, Simple Yoga &Wellness Co-op, and many more.

The latest civic project of the Hamilton Farmers Market Co-op is to help the City of Hamilton replace 10 trees on Bedford and Third Streets that have been or will be cut down. The 100-year-old maple trees shading the Hamilton Farmers Market are dying and the city and county do not have enough funds to replace them. Five have been cut down this year and another five will be removed in 2017. The city plans to apply for a $1,000 grant, but the full cost will be $4,500 (or $450 per tree).

Hamilton Farmers Market Co-op has opened a GoFundMe page  Save Our Shade  so that anyone who appreciates the comfortable environment of the market can help replace the trees. Donate at: www.gofundme.com/saveourshade, at the markets Info Booth on Saturdays, or by mail to HFM, PO Box 844, Hamilton 59840. Remember to also Like our Facebook page (Hamilton Farmers Market Co-op  Hamilton, Montana), and to invite your friends to Like us too.

All of the market vendors spotlighted this week can be found in their booths on the west side of the Bedford/South Third Streets intersection.

Cheryl Kaiser, and her mother Marcia Wines, of M&C Creations, make the most comfy dog and cat beds and covers from soft washable fleece.

This is their fourth year at the market.

Its a really good experience, Kaiser said. Mom and I love meeting new people and pet owners are the nicest customers. We are always improving our product. Our dog and cat beds come in all sizes and the fleece cover fits over a muslin pillow so that it can be removed and washed. This year we began making dog bandanas that slide over a dogs collar. Mom also crochets dish clothes. One man from Arizona comes to us every spring for his new dish cloths.

After the last market, Cheryl and Marcia will be at four local craft shows this fall.

Brent Betz, of Montana Concrete Creations sells carved stone art at the market but earns his living creating decorative concrete with engraving, staining or stamping  including countertops, tables, walkways, driveways, and floors. At the market, Betz sells stone carved deeply in many designs. Stones can be used for landscaping, addresses, names, pet memorials, and so much more. For more information, visit mtconconcretecreations.com.

Ezette Zikan of EZD Ezette Zikan Designs, has been at the market since 2008, selling her delightfully designed jewelry. She explains that it is very fulfilling to see smiles and happiness from her customers as they make their purchases.

I have met so many wonderful people, Zikan said. Each piece I make is like a puppy that you want to find a good home for.

On the final market Saturday, Oct. 15, the Ravalli County Museum will host Zombie Apocalypse Day. Go to ravallimuseum.org and then Events for more information. Costumes at the market are encouraged! Be a living dead or a survivor. Help close out the markets 25th year in zombie style.

Hamilton Farmers Market farmer vendors accept WIC, Senior Food Coupons (from Ravalli County Council on Aging) SNAP tokens and SNAP Healthy Bucks. The Market Information Booth can issue SNAP tokens and swipe credit cards in exchange for market tokens.

The market is open 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on Bedford Street and S. Third Street. The Hamilton Farmers Market Co-op wishes to give a big gracious thanks to all loyal customers and friends for making market the wonderful community success it is. See you all next May!
Former state senator Scott Boulanger recently settled a complaint for violating campaign finance and practice laws in 2014 with the state Office of Political Practices.

Boulanger agreed to pay a civil fine of $2,795 as part of the settlement.

Boulanger was appointed by the Ravalli County Commission to represent the southern end of the Bitterroot Valley in 2012. In a hotly contested race, he lost to fellow Republican, Pat Connell, in the 2014 primary by 34 votes.

Connell filed a complaint with the commissioners office three months after the primary election. The complaint focused on missing financial records for advertisements in the Ravalli Republic and on Facebook.

The commissioners investigator found several other violations.

In a 24-page decision filed in August 2015, Motl said Boulanger broke at least seven campaign laws in his race against Connell.

As part of the settlement, Boulanger acknowledged that he failed to file timely campaign finance reports, failed to deposit all contributions in a campaign account and failed to report all contributions and expenditures.

Boulanger also failed to refund general election contributions to contributors and did not file timely reports after the election was over, according to the settlement.

At the time of the Motls decision in 2015, Boulanger called the charges trivial and said the decision was politically motivated from the governors office.

Boulanger did not return a phone call Wednesday.

Connell faced his own campaign violation complaint in the same year.

In the same month that Motl ruled against Boulanger, the commissioner found that Connell violated Montanas campaign practices law by paying with cash for campaign expenses rather than a check from his campaign bank account and by failing to establish separate accounts for his primary and general election campaigns.

In the decision, Motl said Connell properly reported and disclosed all cash contribution, even those who gave less than $35. Connell wasnt required to file a corrective campaign finance report due to that careful record-keeping, Motl wrote.

Connell was required to pay a $300 fine.
The state of Montana is blessed with an abundance of energy resources.

We have areas of high quality wind and solar opportunities, and we have one of the nations largest reserves of high quality coal, plus new reserves of natural gas.

The recent announcement of the complete shutdown of Colstrip units 1 & 2 was met with a few celebrations in some areas of Montana, but a great deal of concern in the community of Colstrip and the surrounding area. One thing is abundantly clear: energy and economic security in our state remains uncertain.

Consider a few of the fallouts from the closure. It will make the operation of units 3 & 4 more expensive because of the economic rule of efficiency in size. The loss of jobs both in the mining and plant operation, plus the loss of income tax, property taxes and reduction in the coal severance taxes will have significant impact to local revenues, school revenues and the many recipients of the coal-tax trust fund.

The effects do not stop there. The main 500kv transmission line that runs from Colstrip to the West Coast population centers could possibly cease operation when Colstrip 1 & 2 close. If a transmission line does not have a full capacity of electricity available, the line will not work at all. If that happens, one of the causalities could very well be the REC plant in Butte that employs 100-plus well-paid individuals. REC is the largest consumer of Colstrip power in Montana. They produce the raw material used to make solar panels. The closure of REC could very well increase the cost of solar panels and would make solar energy more expensive.

The loss of tax revenue, a core industry and exports to the state economy is difficult to deal with; however, the devastation to the families, the schools and the community of Colstrip is the greatest travesty. Colstrip and the state of Montana lose the most in this battle. If we discover one day that we have the opportunity to host an industry that would employ Montanans, pay strong wages, contribute to our tax base, but could not locate here because of our lack of base load generation, all of Montana would suffer.

Fortunately, Montana has the comfort of a fleet of hydroelectric facilities, along with the Colstrip thermal generation, that provide the base load required to make the intermittent power supplied by the renewables useable. This is imperative, as Montana ratepayers must have reliable and affordable electricity 24/7.

Montana has the greatest opportunity for energy generation in the nation. All we need to accept is that every source of power must be considered. We have large coal, natural gas and oil reserves, an abundant area of wind and solar potential, and a labor force that is ready to go to work. Given the opportunity, our young people are anxious to stay here in Big Sky Country and contribute to the future of Montana.

The bottom line is, we all need to be objective and honest with ourselves. We need all sources of generation to keep costs under control. Montana is far too special of a place to allow personal bias or ideology to limit any source of energy generation. Lower energy costs help our seniors, our less fortunate, our young families, our schools, public buildings and businesses. Together we can continue to live, work and prosper in this amazing state of ours.
A recent spate of political ads on TV this week show the Montana Republican Party blaming potential job losses at Colstrip and a downturn in coal production in Montana on Steve Bullock and the Democratic Party in general. Since we have spent an inordinate amount of time looking at coal issues over the past decade and more, we feel some responsibility to try to respond to this issue so that others will not be misled by blatant coal industry propaganda.

The most basic part of this debate is that the coal industry has been in a slump both domestically and internationally for years. Most of the largest coal companies in the U.S. and most of the major coal companies mining in Wyoming and Montana have had to declare bankruptcy within the last year. The coal port proposals that were going to reinvigorate Montana coal production have all but gone away as Asia, and specifically China, cut back their coal imports as their economic growth slowed. China, like the rest of the industrialized world, is also worried about their greenhouse gas and other toxic emissions associated with coal-fired power generation. The Montana coal industry can no longer look to Asia as a means to offset shrinking domestic U.S. coal markets. This has nothing to do with who will be our next governor or our next congress-person.

In the context of the U.S. electric market, the four coal-fired generators at Colstrip will see limited demand for their electricity going forward. That is partially due to the fact that Colstrip units 1 and 2 are no longer efficient electric generators. Not only are they too costly to retrofit to meet impending pollution control standards, they also produce electricity that is too expensive for the market to want to buy. Add to this an ever-shrinking market for coal-fired electricity now that Washington, Oregon and California no longer want Montana coal-fired electricity, and you again have a market that will not support past production levels of Montana coal and Montana coal-fired electricity.

The U.S. as a whole has been moving toward natural gas and renewable sources of electricity since the turn of the new century. With the decline in the cost of building natural gas fueled electric generators, the increase in their fuel efficiency, and the glut of natural gas that has driven down prices, electric utilities long ago stopped investing in new coal-fired generators, overwhelmingly favoring natural gas over coal. Natural gas has been competitive with coal on a dollar per megawatt hour basis for the last several years, especially when it comes to less efficient coal-fired generators such as Colstrip 1 and 2. This is a market reality and not something that was put together by the Democrats.

The same economic forces that allowed for the creation of Colstrip (Environmental Protection Agency emissions regulations favoring low sulfur Montana coal) are now tightening to favor other, still cleaner sources of electricity. This will lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions (less global warming), cleaner air, longer life expectancy and a much smaller environmental footprint. The Colstrip electrical generators are largely owned by out-of-state companies (Northwestern Energy, headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, owns a minority share of only Colstrip unit 4) that will make rational economic decisions with regard to the future of the Colstrip generators. If their operation is profitable, then they will continue to operate. Colstrip 1 and 2 are slated to be decommissioned by 2022 because the owners (Talen Energy and Puget Sound Energy) decided that the energy costs were too high and the emissions from those units were too great, requiring costly retrofits to operate. Meanwhile units 3 and 4 will continue to operate because they are more efficient and they can compete in the current market.

Unless the Republicans of Montana can force China to start buying Montana coal, or they can put the cheap and abundant natural gas genie back in the bottle, their efforts at election-time political misdirection will do nothing to boost coal-fired generation and coal production in Montana. As major cheerleaders for relying on market forces, assumedly Montana Republicans will enthusiastically embrace the energy market changes that are forcing painful adjustments in the Colstrip area.

Thomas Michael Power is the principal in Power Consulting, Inc. and a research professor and professor emeritus in the Economics Department at the University of Montana, where he has been a researcher, teacher and administrator for over 40 years. Donovan S. Power received his undergraduate degree in Geosciences at UM and his M.S. in Geology from the University of Washington. He has been the principal scientist at Power Consulting, Inc. for the past eight years.
The faith healer and preacher AH Dallimore, who performed before writhing and screaming audiences at the Auckland Town Hall in the 1930s,

church in Otahuhu at the end of the decade. The building was given the same dimensions as some of the inner chambers of the Giza pyramids, because Dallimore, like a lot of British Israelites, believed that those structures had been designed by the ancient Jews, and contained hidden prophecies about the destiny of the British Empire.
America must return to conservative principles of less government,reduced taxes, less spending and a balanced budget! Cut,cap and balance!
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi

KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi has assured that the government would hold local, provincial and federal elections within the scheduled time.

Addressing a special function organised today at the Nepal Police headquarters on the occasion of its 61st establishment day, the Home Minister said holding timely elections was the the the top priority of the government and it was working for the same accordingly.

The Minister, praising the role of Nepal Police in the advancement social security, delivery of social services and infrastructure development, suggested that the organisation should make more efforts to win peoples hearts.

On the occasion, Inspector General of Nepal Police Upendra Kant Aryal said the organisation was doing its best to prove its effective presence in the changed scenario.RSS
Minister for Health Gagan Thapa

KATHMANDU: Minister for Health Gagan Thapa on Thursday urged Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospitals senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC to end the fast-unto-death.

Organising a press conference at the Ministry today, Minister Thapa said, I am the person who says the government must meet demands raised by Dr KC. I had extended support to him in previous strikes, Thapa said, I am in a position to fulfil those demands. All demands are being addressed.

Putting forth various demands related to reforms in Nepals medical education sector, Dr KC has been staging the hunger strike, the ninth in past few years, for last 11 days.

Thapa said a National Medical Education Act had already been tabled at the Parliament in a bid to address Dr KCs concerns.

Meanwhile, doctors attending to Dr KC said the veteran surgeons health was deteriorating.RSS
"I would like to say 'This book is written to the glory of God', but nowadays this would be the trick of a cheat, i.e., it would not be correctly understood."--Ludwig Wittgenstein



"Talk to me about the truth of religion, and I'll listen gladly. Talk to me about the duty of religion and I'll listen submissively. But don't come talking to me about the consolation of religion or I shall suspect that you don't understand."--C.S. Lewis
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Today it was annouced that Benedict Cumberbatch and Marvel Studios are inviting fans to help launch Hero Acts and raise funds for Save the Children. Marvel Studios is planning to donate up to $1 million in recognition of this new charitable initiative.



Actor Benedict Cumberbatch, star of Marvel Studios upcoming film Doctor Strange, announced the launch of Marvel Studios: Hero Acts, a new charitable initiative focused on bringing help and hope to kids around the world in a special video message:

From now until the end of the year, Marvel Studios will donate five dollars ($5) to Save the Children, up to U.S. one million dollars, for every fan who uploads a photo of themselves in their favorite Marvel hero pose.

Marvel Studios is collaborating with Fotition, a new social change platform, to power the experience on a brand-new website MarvelStudiosHeroActs.com. Fans will be able to visit the site to upload their photo and choose from a selection of custom Marvel-themed overlays. They will then be able to post their photo directly to the Hero Acts gallery and to their other social channels using the hashtags #marvelstudios #heroacts.

After the experience of filming portions of Doctor Strange in Nepal, our team was inspired to give back to the kids there and wanted to establish a larger ongoing program in support of children facing extraordinary circumstances, said Kevin Feige, Producer & President, Marvel Studios. For our first Marvel Studios: Hero Acts effort, were thrilled to team up with Save the Children, an organization with decades of experience improving the lives of children around the world.

With fan participation, the donations made through Hero Acts can help Save the Children provide much-needed learning materials for as many as 123,000 kids in Nepal, Haiti, and the United States. Together, Marvel Studios and its fans can help put these children on a path where they can learn, thrive, and strive toward a better future.

Alright friends! This is SO EASY and FUN!! Check out the photo I created!!

Go make yours now: http://marvelstudiosheroacts.com

Doctor Strange is in theaters November 4, 2016.
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Much of Wednesday's testimony during the trial for a Santa Maria teen charged with murder focused on her mental health and childhood in Mexico
Before you decide to get your Volkswagen suspension repair in Dubai, it is important to understand what it is. There are many types of repairs to choose from. Some of Continue Reading
MonsterFest is coming! Prepare yourselves, Melbourne, Australia, for your fill of fantastic film delights at the end of November. The first wave of titles was announced today and there are heaps of goodness coming to Melbs.

Attendees will see Ben Wheatley's Free Fire, Andre vredal's The Autopsy of Jane Doe, and Mattie Do's Dearest Sister. There is a documentary that sounds very intersting, The Bandit, about the friendship between Burt Reynolds and stuntman-turned director Hal Needham during the filming of Smokey and the Bandit.

There is the proverbial lots more in the first wave and still more to come. You will find descriptions of all the titles included so far in festival below. We will keep you posted when the next films are announced.

Australias premier genre film festival Monster Fest returns to Melbourne for its 6th edition Nov 24-27, 2016  and theyve just rolled out their first slate of official selections.

Following on announcements that the official Opening Film will be Julia Ducournaus controversial RAW, with Jim Hoskings THE GREASY STRANGLER as Closing Film and keynote speaker Ted Kotcheff presenting retrospective screenings of his films WAKE IN FRIGHT, FIRST BLOOD, WEEKEND AT BERNIES and a new HD master of cult TV rarity SPLIT IMAGE, Monster Fest is pleased to announce its first wave of new feature film titles, including FREE FIRE, the latest from visionary director Ben Wheatley; TROLL HUNTER director Andre vredals long-awaited English language debut THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE; the new digital restoration of Andrzej Zuawskis sci-fi epic ON THE SILVER GLOBE; Jesse Moss (THE OVERNIGHTERS) newest acclaimed documentary THE BANDIT - about the legendary friendship between Burt Reynolds and stuntman-turned-director Hal Needham - and much more. Brief descriptions of each film follow below.

Monster Fest has come a long way since its inception in 2011, says Festival Director Kier-La Janisse. Originally conceived as a platform for showcasing Monster Pictures own titles, it has since evolved into its own beast, and continues to grow each year into the kind of diverse and inclusive genre festival that we see as key to fueling support for genre film production and exhibition in this country. Its a place for us to come together with both independent filmmakers and our colleagues in the distribution landscape to share the most exciting, challenging and acclaimed genre titles emerging each year - ranging from horror and sci-fi to documentary, animation, crime and even westerns. We wanted to create an event that could be the Australian equivalent of major genre fests like Fantasia, Sitges and Fantastic Fest  and I think weve made huge strides in that direction.

++++

MONSTER FEST 2016 FIRST WAVE:

ALWAYS SHINE  Australian Premiere

Director: Sophia Takal | USA 2016

When two competitive actresses go on a vacation to a cabin in the woods to try to rekindle their damaged friendship, tensions rise and facades crumble, causing an inevitable violent confrontation.

ANTIBIRTH  Victorian Premiere

Director: Danny Perez | Canada/USA 2016

Natasha Lyonne and Chloe Sevigny star in this psychedelic Sundance midnighter about a hard-partying gal who finds herself pregnant with a rapidly growing and increasingly hostile presence after a drug-fueled blackout.

THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE  Australian Premiere

Director: Andre vredal | USA 2016

Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch star as father-son coroners who find themselves enveloped by dark forces when they are called upon to do an urgent forensic analysis of a mysterious corpse. One of the most terrifying films of the year and winner of the Best Horror Feature Award at this years Fantastic Fest. (Tickets for this show on sale now at www.lidocinemas.com.au

THE BANDIT  Australian Premiere

Director: Jesse Moss | USA 2016

Jesse Moss (THE OVERNIGHTERS) latest acclaimed documentary about the legendary friendship between Burt Reynolds and stuntman-turned director Hal Needham and the making of their unlikely box-office smash SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT.

DEAREST SISTER  Australian Premiere

Director: Mattie Do | Laos 2016

Leaving Australian audiences haunted with her 2013 feature debut CHANTHALY, Lao filmmaker Mattie Do returns with another penetrating supernatural tale about families, illness and fracturing identities.

DEAD HANDS DIG DEEP  Victorian Premiere

Director: Jai Love | Australia 2016

19-year old Sydney filmmaker Jai Loves debut feature is the heartfelt and often grim documentary portrait of the reclusive Edwin Borsheim - notorious onstage mutilator, former backyard wrestler and frontman for extreme metal band Kettle Cadaver.

FREE FIRE  Australian Premiere

Director: Ben Wheatley | USA 2016

In his most accessible, action-packed film to date, British visionary Ben Wheatley (KILL LIST, HIGH RISE) places us in the center of a shootout of absurd proportions when an international arms deal goes horribly wrong in a 1978 Boston warehouse. Starring Cillian Murphy, Brie Larsen, Sharlto Copley and Noah Taylor. (Tickets for this show on sale now at www.lidocinemas.com.au

ON THE SILVER GLOBE  New Digital Restoration

Director: Andrzej Zuawski | Poland 1988

An inexhaustibly inventive and absorbing film maudit that quite literally creates a new cinematic world, Andrzej Zuawskis sci-fi epic ON THE SILVER GLOBE is perhaps the grandest expression of his visionary artistry. This rarely screened film returns in a gorgeous new digital restoration that was approved by Zuawski  best known to Monster fans as the director of POSSESSION - only days before passing away earlier this year.

SLASH  Australian Premiere

Director: Clay Liford | USA 2016

In Clay Lifords painfully poignant Cosplay comedy, an introverted high school freshman lies about his age to post his erotic gay fan fiction in an exclusive online forum. But he finds himself at the centre of an emotional shootout when he is invited to a live-read at a nearby Comicon. Featuring an inappropriate Eddie Munster joke.

MONDO YAKUZA  World Premiere

Director: Addison Heath | Australia 2016

Presented in black and white with a grindhouse glaze, this latest from prolific Australian filmmaker Addison Heath comes on like CHOPPER mixed with a Seijun Suzuki crime film of the 60s. This screening also doubles as the book launch party for Aussie genre scribe Michael Helms FATAL VISIONS BOOK 2.

Previously announced:

BEYOND THE GATES  Australian Premiere

Director: Jackson Stewart | USA 2016

After their father goes missing, two brothers (Graham Skipper of ALMOST HUMAN and Chase Williamson of JOHN DIES AT THE END) meet at his video store to liquidate his assets. When they discover a VCR board game and the last video their father viewed, they find that it may actually open a door to a more sinister world. Co-starring genre fave Barbara Crampton.

EYE OF THE DEVIL  50th Anniversary Screening

Director: J. Lee Thompson | UK 1966

The inspiration for this years Monster Fest trailer (which you can see HERE), this proto-WICKER MAN folk horror film stars David Niven as the heir to a mysterious vineyard and Deborah Kerr as his endangered spouse, who is being increasingly terrorized by local priest Donald Pleasence and creepy siblings David Hemmings and Sharon Tate (the latter in her film debut).

THE GREASY STRANGLER  Victorian Premiere

Director: Jim Hosking | UK/USA 2016

Monster Fests Official 2016 Closing Film is this Sundance WTF sensation in which a bizarre father-son duo compete for the affections of a seductive woman they meet on their Disco Walking Tour, while an oily maniac prowls the streets wringing necks. (Tickets for this show now on sale at www.lidocinemas.com.au

MADE FOR TV MAYHEM  World Premiere

The world premiere book launch of ARE YOU IN THE HOUSE ALONE? A TV MOVIE COMPENDIUM 1964-1999 with a clip-and-tell panel featuring the books editor and authors, and a screening of Buzz Kuliks 1974 tele-fright, BAD RONALD. Co-presented with Cinemaniacs Film Society.

RAW  Australian Premiere

Director: Julia Ducournau | France 2016

Monster Fest 2016s official Opening Film is the controversial, stomach-churning tale of a young vegetarian who discovers a dark appetite after she is forced to participate in a carnivorous hazing ritual. (tickets for this show now on sale at www.lidocinemas.com.au

SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL: THE TRUE STORY OF THE PROCESS CHURCH OF THE FINAL JUDGEMENT  Australian Premiere

Director: Neil Edwards | UK 2015

UK Director Neil Edwards will join us in person for his mind-melting doc about the esoteric and oft-misunderstood Process Church, which rose to prominence in the 1960s as a dark counterpart to the eras new wave of spiritual experimentation.
Bruges, Belgium - October 5, 2016 - Celebrating its ninth consecutive edition, the Razor Reel Flanders Film Festival has revealed a full slate of high-caliber movies. True to its roots as a fantastic film festival while unafraid to cover some new ground, the Flemish fest still takes place in the historic city center of Bruges, in the Cinema Liberty. Film fans are welcome to attend from 10-15 November.

Beginning the festivities on Thursday the 10th of November, Razor Reel looks to Belgium-born Johnny Galecki for inspiration by hosting the national premiere of THE MASTER CLEANSE. Following its opening film with another screening at midnight, Razor Reel presents the long-awaited Belgian premiere of THE DEVILS CANDY, Sean Byrnes ode to heavy metal Satanism.

Closing the festival in style on Tuesday the 15th of November is South-Koreas zombie-outbreak horror TRAIN TO BUSAN, which has delighted audiences around the world since its Cannes 2016 premiere.

In between these genre fest regulars Razor Reel opted once more for an eclectic program that brings a mixture of the expected, outre and cutting edge, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. New for 2016 is a thematic spotlight on both creature features and coming of age films with a darker or fantastical twist.

Among other horrors, the first category will experiment on Noomi Rapace in Steven Shainbergs sci-fi abduction thriller RUPTURE, while also unleashing the space bugs of Takashi Miikes TERRA FORMARS and the dark denizens of Justin Seamans monster movie throwback THE BARN. The second thematic focus is aimed at both teens and adults and is intended in part as an illustration of how the label fantastic cinema entails much more than random carnage and senseless bloodshed. Included in this category are Clay Lifords superbly acted sci-fi dramedy SLASH, Stephen Dunns wildly imaginative coming-out tale CLOSET MONSTER (with Isabela Rossellini as a talking hamster!), John Carchiettas thrilling take on high school romance, TEENAGE COCKTAIL, and also THE TRANSFIGURATION, Michael OSheas faux-vampire horror drama. Comfortably straddling the line between supernatural creature feature and dark coming of age thriller is Billy OBriens atmospheric chiller I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER.

In addition to these two themes Razor Reel also celebrates German language film with a double bill of Nikias Chryssoss DER BUNKER and Michael Krummenachers SIBYLLE on Sunday the 13th of November. While the former Belgian premiere is a bizarre comedy all about sheltered underground existence and unconventional teaching, the latter hauntingly recalls classics like The Shining as an atmospheric ghost story with psychological shades. Both directors will attend as guests.

This years Young Blood competition for best directorial debut or sophomore film includes Christophe Deroos SAM WAS HERE, a Twilight Zone-esque mystery about a door-to-door salesman who ends up in a strange and hostile version of California where the word of local radio host Eddy is law. Also featured in competition is Dan Pringles socially poignant, cannibalism horror K-SHOP. Fellow contenders include Geoff Redknaps THE UNSEEN, a novel take on the invisible man mythos, and Adam Tsueis THE TENANTS DOWNSTAIRS, a darkly comedic ode to perversion. Aforementioned titles like THE TRANSFIGURATION, CLOSET MONSTER and TEENAGE COCKTAIL round out the nominees for the international award.

Collected from all corners of the world and completing the 2016 feature film line-up are:

- Vardan Tozijas hard-hitting AMOK, a coming of age crime drama from Macedonia that takes aim at the failings of the social and judicial systems and posits each society is responsible for the creation of its most undesirable subjects.

- Joel Potrykuss THE ALCHEMIST COOKBOOK, a slow-building, expertly sustained exercise in minimalism that gradually encroaches on viewers with a story of a Faustian bargain, madness or both. Arguably one of the most original and captivating horror experiences of 2016.

- Patrick Reas ENCLOSURE, a camping trip nightmare that pits Fiona Dourif against unspecified entities that roam about a midnight forest.

- Stephen Fingletons THE SURVIVALIST, a dystopian thriller that weighs the price of loyalty against the instinct to survive at all costs.

- Seve Schelenzs PEELERS, a midnight delight set in a nightclub that treats moviegoers to a showdown between spunky strippers and infected patrons.

- Jiri Sadeks THE NOONDAY WITCH (POLEDNICE), a metaphoric take on the grieving process that scales back the horror of The Babadook and transposes the story to the lushly captured Czech countryside.

- Carles Torrenss PET, a psychological thriller driven by strong performances from Dominic Monaghan and Ksenia Solo that presents the roles of predator and prey as constantly in flux.

- Andreas Climent and Andre Hedetofs ORIGIN (BIEFFEKTERNA), a Swedish sci-fi that examines the cost of hacking ones own genetic code and anchors its tale of immoral science with emotional resonance.

Other than feature films, Razor Reel 2016 boasts a strong roster of European and international genre shorts. From the Katharine Isabelle-starring, Cube-meets-Groundhog-Day mash-up that is ITERATION 1, to Tim Egans genuinely unnerving CURVE, Quarxxs stellar, Fantasia-winning UN CIEL BLEU PRESQUE PARFAIT and Belgiums own meta-horror homage ICE SCREAM, fans will be treated to some of this years top shorts.

For more information about the feature films, the full short film line-up, the competitions and guests, head on over to the Razor Reel website (click here).

For Twitter updates, check in with @BelgianFilmBuff
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As Tartine prepared this summer to open their Manufactory in the space adjacent to Heath Ceramics at 18th and Alabama, co-owner Elizabeth Prueitt revealed that they had hired Verve Coffee guy Chris Jordan to develop and roast a Tartine-branded line of coffee  which immediately begged the question of how Blue Bottle, which had opened a kiosk in the Heath lobby a couple years back, was going to feel about this competition. It looks like we have the answer, as Blue Bottle announced to Inside Scoop this week that they're shutting down the kiosk at Heath and preparing to open a big new location in the former Jeremy's retail space at 2 South Park, in SoMa.

The space is much larger than most of Blue Bottle's SF locations, and as the Scoop reports, "The increased square footage will not only provide ample room for the coffee retailers food and drink menu, but it will also boast new features, including an iced coffee bar, which will serve zero-proof mixed coffee drinks (drink recipes are still in development)."

They're aiming to have the South Park location open on November 4, and coffee service will end at the Heath kiosk on October 16.

Neither company has commented to this effect, but it doesn't seem like a stretch that Tartine's foray into the coffee business is the source of a bit of tension with Blue Bottle  especially since, less than a year ago, the two companies were very close to a merger. The decision not to go forward with that deal was painted as amicable, with a statement saying they'd "decided that remaining separate companies makes the most sense."

But Prueitt suggested to the Wall Street Journal in July that Tartine's goal is to create a retail coffee line with a shelf life.

And this comes just as Blue Bottle announced the launch of their Perfectly Ground line, promising "hermetically seal[ed]" pre-ground coffee in packets that tastes just as good as if it were freshly ground  i.e. coffee with a shelf life. Those packets, which come in boxes of five single-servings for $17.50, are now available at Blue Bottle locations and online.

Below, the explainer.



Related: Photos: Tartine's Massive Second Location, Tartine Manufactory, Open And Packed
Asked to share her go-to recommendation for maker-folk from out of town, Project Runway star and local designer Emily Payne shouted out Britex Fabrics, describing it to SFist as "a family-run luxury fabric store with four floors of inspiration and crazy creative types EVERYWHERE inside."

Stop by 146 Geary, which Britex has called home since opening in 1952, and you might even see Payne among that basket of "crazy creative types." This hub for is perhaps the last independent business in chain-dominated Union Square, and it's certainly the most iconic, with its bright red sign, miles and miles of eye-catching textiles, and extensive weird button collection. But that could all soon change, although Britex representatives assure SFist that time remains on their lease.

As Socketsite first reported, the property changed hands last year, selling to Acadia Realty Trust and City Center Realty Partners for $38 million. Now, to cash in on San Francisco's valuable office space, the new ownership has submitted an application to convert the building's second through fourth floors from retail to office use. That would mean the end of Britex's tenure, and so that it would meet the needs of [a] new tenant," the Britex sign could be changed, the owners say.





Dina Fayer, a Britex manager, says that the panic which greeted the news may not be called for. "We have no plans to leave our beautiful city," she tells SFist. "We are so proud to do what we do and we're gonna continue doing it. Hearing so many people that have reached out to us, really out of nowhere in the last day, and wanted to know more about this  That has been more reassuring. It makes us know that we're a resource."

So far, nothing has changed. "All conditional uses require a Planning Commission hearing, per the Citys Planning Code Section 303," a representative from Planning tells Hoodline. "The proposed project has not yet been assigned to a planner or [given] a hearing date."

As Halloween approaches, Britex can count on an uptick in customers  just as it can before a run at the ballet or the start of Burning Man, store owner Sharman Spector tells the Chronicle. Its unique. Its quirky, Spector says My parents started it. I grew up in the store and learned the business standing alongside my mother. I love what I do. Im going to continue it.



Related: 160-Year-Old SF Jeweler Shreve & Co. Getting Pushed Out Of Union Square Building That Bears Its Name




The baffling and ultimately ridiculous creepy/violent clown trend may be just a twisted hoax gone viral, but it has come to the Bay Area and it's resulted in at least one creepy clown trying to take a woman's one-year-old daughter from her arms, or so she claims.

Earlier this week we had a report on clown-related threats being made on social media at a school in Fairfield, and that followed on numerous incidents nationwide that seem to have been inspired by a national news segment on NBC in August about reports of scary clowns trying to lure kids into the woods in Greenville, South Carolina. And now even Stephen King is telling people to cool it.

The Chronicle reports that 24-year-old Tiffany Martin was sitting at a bus stop near a Denny's in Concord with her one-year-old daughter Kissanni at 1 p.m. Wednesday afternoon when a man in a blue wig and clown suit  no make-up  came and sat beside her. They were chatting about all the creepy clown sightings on the news, when all of a sudden the man allegedly grabbed at the little girl's arm and gave it a tug. "The clown comes up and sits down, all friendly and smiling, Martin tells the Chronicle. I pay no mind to it until I realized he snatched my daughters arm. He pulls her arm, and I kicked him in the private parts." He then, apparently, ran away, but can we definitely call this an attempted kidnapping? Unclear.'

Also, Concord police told ABC 7 that Martin's initial report was that she kicked the clown in the shin two times.

Reportedly, per KRON 4, "schools in San Mateo, Fairfield, Oakland and Antioch have all [also] been targets of social media clown threats."

AND, in recent days a fake news site called the Daily Finesser has put out a story that spread widely that Congress passed a law authorizing people to shoot suspicious clowns.

Both the Chronicle and KRON 4 call in experts to explain the phenomena, and they each say something a bit different. KRON 4 talks to psychology professor Guarav Suri, who probably sums it up best saying, "Its mostly about attention. The internet also adds sort of steroids to this phenomenon because even if its not being covered on TV it's covered on someones Facebook page and that thing goes viral and all of the sudden that is more of a motivation for someone who is seeking attention to want to dress up in a clown outfit."

The Chronicle's expert is SF State University psychology professor David Matsumoto, who gets a bit more basic about the costuming itself. "[The clown suit] provides de-identification [for the wearer]," he says, saying that anonymity fuels offensive and bad behavior. "Identity is a large part of how society regulates behavior, he says.

King, author of scary clown bible It, the upcoming remake of which has been blamed for inspiring this recent phenomenon, chimed in this week on Twitter.

Hey, guys, time to cool the clown hysteria--most of em are good, cheer up the kiddies, make people laugh.  Stephen King (@StephenKing) October 3, 2016

Also, embarrassingly, as the Chronicle notes, the clown thing came up in a White House press briefing, with press secretary Josh Earnest saying, "Obviously this is a situation that local law enforcement authorities take quite seriously. And they should carefully and thoroughly review perceived threats to the safety of the community."

Can we blame the Juggalos yet?

Update: Unfortunately, an Arizona woman is now starting a Clown Lives Matter movement, to stop the besmirching of good clowns.

Previously: Bizarre Scary Clown Trend Hits Fairfield, Prompts Police Response
Elizabeth Holmes, the embattled CEO of blood testing company Theranos announced last night in a letter to company stakeholders that the startup she founded will abandon its core mission and will no longer test blood. This is the latest, and perhaps most stunning, admission of defeat from a once superstar sitting atop a business previously valued at $9 billion.

"We have decided to close our clinical labs and Theranos Wellness Centers, which will impact approximately 340 employees in Arizona, California, and Pennsylvania," explained Holmes  lightly touching on the lay offs. "We will return our undivided attention to our miniLab platform. Our ultimate goal is to commercialize miniaturized, automated laboratories capable of small-volume sample testing, with an emphasis on vulnerable patient populations, including oncology, pediatrics, and intensive care."

The move away from grand promises of cheap and easy tests requiring just a pin-prick of blood follows a two-year ban issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services which prevents Holmes from owning or operating a blood testing facility. That decision followed reports that the technology touted by Holmes didn't work as advertised.

Consumerist reports that Theranos was forced to void two years worth of lab results in May due to concerns about their accuracy. Shortly thereafter in July, the Business Times informs us that CMS revoked the Theranos lab certificate and ended Medicare and Medicaid payments to the company.

Holmes founded Theranos in 2003 and raised $686 million in capital. Cracks began to show after a deep investigative dive by a Wall Street Journal reporter John Carreyrou called many of the company's claims into question.

"We have a new executive team leading our work toward obtaining FDA clearances, building commercial partnerships, and pursuing publications in scientific journals," explains Holmes of her path forward  marking a huge change for a company notable for its secrecy and FDA avoidance. As the Wall Street Journal reported in October of last year, because Theranos wasn't selling its Edison testing machines to other labs, FDA approval wasn't required.

It is the manufacture of lab-testing hardware like the Edison, reports Consumerist, that Theranos will now focus on.

Last night's announcement from Holmes will, without a doubt, end up as a significant moment in the story of her life  currently being turned into a film starring Jennifer Lawrence.

All previous Theranos coverage on SFist.
The Schleswig Wine and Bier Club will hold its 41st annual Wine and Bier Contest October 15-16 in Ida Grove, Iowa.

The contest is open to all amateur wine and beer makers.

New to the contest will be a competition among among area home brewing clubs. Each entering one stout-style beer to be judged Oct. 15th at 4 p.m.

That will be followed by special judge's seminar during which beers from local commercial breweries will be judged. That competition will take place at 7 p.m. and will be led by chief beer judge Phil Rickert of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

A wine seminar for wine judges and those interested in wine will be conducted at that same time.

Contest entries from amateur wine and beer makers will be accepted on-site starting at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Entries will close at noon and judging is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

Ribbons will be awarded to winners according to points awarded by judges. Grand champion and reserve grand champion honors will be awarded to the top beer and winemakers.

A pot luck dinner will follow the award presentations.

All events will be held at the Ida Grove Golf & County Club, 200 East 2nd Street.

For additional information, contact Schleswig Wine and Bier Club secretary Don Thompson at tommytee@iowatelecom.net.
Silver City is a mining town in southwest New Mexico, population 10,000 or so, a few hours drive from the nearest big city  maybe not the first place youd open a gourmet grocery store selling $200 bottles of balsamic vinegar and 20 different olive oils.

It made no sense in a town that small, admits Rob Connoley, a St. Louis native who with his husband, Tyler, opened the Curious Kumquat in 2004.

Connoleys career in nonprofit management had brought him to Silver City, but he was also a passionate home cook desperate for the international ingredients necessary to prepare the dishes he loved.

The store was a hit. Sometimes, Connoley says, the line to pay snaked out the front door. And this was merely the first step in his unlikely culinary journey, which would transform the little grocery store into a nationally acclaimed restaurant and has led to the publication last month of his first cookbook, Acorns & Cattails: a Modern Foraging Cookbook of Forest, Farm & Field (Skyhorse, 224 pages, $35).

Connoley had no restaurant experience when he started serving lunch at the Curious Kumquat in 2007. A few months later, he added dinner service, but he struggled to find a middle ground between the kind of food he assumed Silver City residents wanted  I gotta give them a big hunk of meat, he remembers thinking  and the ambitious, modernist multi-course meals he wanted to cook.

The solution was not simply a matter of focusing on local produce. He vividly recalls trying a locally grown hothouse tomato. I took a bite of it as if it were a summer tomato, he says. It was flavorless and mealy. Just because its local doesnt mean its good.

Connoleys answer was to find quality local purveyors and, crucially, to forage for less familiar ingredients: nuts, berries and plants. Nor did he avoid the modernist techniques used at such world-renowned restaurants as El Bulli and Alinea.

Thats when things took off, he says. I was totally underestimating what locals wanted.

In December 2012, the influential food magazine Saveur included the Curious Kumquat in its annual Saveur 100 list, and Connoley says, everything changed overnight. In 2014, he was a semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest in the annual James Beard Awards.

For Acorns & Cattails, Connoley wanted to honor his work at the Curious Kumquat but not to the point where the recipes became specific to the Southwest.

I want a book that uses ingredients available all over the country, with recipes that are doable by everyone, he says.

The book also features a primer on foraging. There are practical considerations, of course: Will your stomach ache because (the ingredient) has too much fiber or because the bitterness is too intense? But Connoley also addresses the ethics of foraging, from not harming the area to recognizing that an ingredient may also be a food source for wildlife.

Cant find an ingredient locally? Dont want to go foraging? The recipes in Acorns & Cattails do often suggest substitutions for foraged ingredients and some of Connoleys go-to (but not so commonly found) meats such as elk and javelina.

For hackberry rabbit pate, for example, Connoley recommends dried dates for the hackberries and chicken livers in place of rabbit livers  though, he notes, the chicken livers will impart a stronger flavor.

Recipes dont need to be complicated to be delicious and restaurant-quality, Connoley says.
SIOUX CITY | A chilly, dreary Thursday could dump rain in Siouxland in the afternoon.

Alex Ferguson, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, said a half of an inch to an inch of rain could fall in Siouxland, starting after 1 p.m.

He said precipitation chances are about 85 percent between 1 and 9 p.m. The heaviest rain could fall between 5 and 7 p.m.

Aside from the rain, below average temperatures will chill the air. The forecast high for Thursday is 59 degrees, about 10 degrees below normal this time of year. The low Thursday will drop to 36 degrees. Ferguson said the Sioux City area could see some frost.

After Thursday, no rain is expected in the near future. Towards the end of the weekend, highs will creep back into the 70's.
SIOUX CITY | Six Iowa and Minnesota men have been charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine after more than five pounds of the substance were found last month in a residence associated with the men.

The U.S. District Court in Sioux City reports the men are believed to have conspired with each other and others from October 2015 through September 2016 to distribute methamphetamine to people in Iowa and Minnesota. Authorities say those charged distributed methamphetamine that had been received from Iowa and out-of-state sources.

On Sept. 20, more than five pounds of methamphetamine was seized from a residence in Worthington, Minnesota, associated with those charged.

Those charged were:

Rogelio Magana Garcia Jimenez, 44, of Worthington, Minnesota.

Saul Piceno Valtierra, 34, of Slayton, Minnesota.

Marcus Cervantes Martinez, 34, of Worthington, Minnesota.

Javier Martinez, 50, of Worthington, Minnesota.

Sergio Lopez-Granillo, 24, of Sioux Center, Iowa.

Daniel Perez Heredia, 28, of Worthington, Minnesota.

All six men appeared Oct. 4 in federal court in Sioux City and were held without bond. The next appearance is a trial scheduled Dec. 5.

If convicted, they each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and possible maximum of life in prison, as well as a $10 million fine, $100 special assessment and at least 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment.
SIOUX CITY | Chelsea Clinton told a crowd of 125 people in Sioux City Wednesday that her mother is poised to govern in a way that Republican Donald Trump cannot and urged longtime dissenters to look anew at her mother's record.

Chelsea Clinton spoke at the downtown Orpheum Theatre, where her mother, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, also held an event with more than 500 people in January. Most of the 35-minute event Wednesday was devoted to questions from the audience.

Garie Lewis, of Sioux City, questioned Chelsea about the strong invective people feel against her mother, citing "smear campaigns since 1992." People criticized Hillary Clinton in the 1990s when she helped husband President Bill Clinton in an attempt to reform the health care system and in the 2016 campaign for her use of a private email server when handling official duties as Secretary of State.

"They don't like her, they hate her...How does she break that?" Lewis asked.

Chelsea said her mother is an accomplished defender of working class people. But she acknowledged the vigor of criticisms towards her mother, going back to when she said her mother was besmirched in 1986 when her father was running for governor in Arkansas.

"I don't remember a time in my life when my mom wasn't being attacked," Chelsea. "There has been this massive cognitive disconnect between the caricature of my mom and my lived experience of her as my mom."

Chelsea said her mother is poised to address concerns of climate change, raise the federal hourly minimum wage and defend the 2010 health care reform Affordable Care Act.

"I would just urge the people that you (Lewis) are talking to to look at the record of her life. Look at all the things that she has actually done against all the things that she has been accused of that she hasn't done and there has never been any proof for," Chelsea said.

Trump, a billionaire businessman, and Hillary Clinton are locked in a close contest in the battleground state of Iowa. Chelsea led a continued push for early voting in Iowa, leading up to the Nov. 8 election day.

Chelsea also spoke in the city earlier in the year, when she introduced her mother on Jan. 31, two days before the Iowa caucuses, which Hillary narrowly won over Democratic challenger Bernie Sanders.

Chelsea preceded the city event with one in Dubuque, Iowa. Hillary Clinton's team also had another major surrogate in the state on Wednesday. Sanders was the Democratic candidate who competed with Clinton well into summer primary contests.

Republican National Committee Iowa Communications Director Lindsay Jancek said Clinton's campaign is sputtering in the attempt to land voters.

Hillary Clinton has a millennial problem and is desperate to convince young people to trust her. But why should they after last weeks leaked audio of Hillary mocking Bernie Sanders supporters? Clintons dishonesty and lies have demonstrated she is the wrong person to lead our country," Jancek said.
SIOUX CITY | Beginning Oct. 17, ongoing construction on U.S. Highway 20 will close a portion of the roadway in Ida and Sac counties for about one year.

The Iowa Department of Transportation's District 3 Office reports road construction will cause the roadway to close between Ida County Road M-25 near Galva and U.S. 71 near Early. The closure will begin 6 a.m. Oct. 17 and continue until late fall 2018.

During this time, motorists will be directed by signs along a detour using Ida County Road M-25, Sac County Road D-15 and U.S. 71.

The DOT advises motorists to drive with caution and obey all signs in the area.
SIOUX CITY | Police say a Sioux City man arrested Wednesday sexually abused a male child on multiple occasions four years ago when the child was under the age of 12

According to court documents, between Sept. 25, 2011, and Sept. 30, 2012, James Russell Beyne, now 44, of Sioux City, would sleep in a bed at his residence with the child.

Documents say while in bed, Beyne would pull the juvenile's pajama bottoms and underwear down to about thigh level, and Beyne would use his genitals to make skin-to-skin contact with the male.

The male child told police he would normally move around to resist Beyne, but on one occasion, he did not resist, and Beyne committed a sex act with him in the bed, documents said.

Beyne was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with second-degree sexual abuse. He is being held in the Woodbury County Jail on $10,000 bond.

His next court appearance will be 9 a.m. Oct. 26.
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Your Excellencies, let me begin this morning with a note of thanks on behalf of Dr. Abdullah and myself to the distinguished representatives of the 75 countries and 25 representatives from the international community who are gathered here today with the sole aim of helping Afghanistan. We have come together as a partnership of countries and international organizations united by a common perspective on the value of democracy and human rights, a shared vision of the grave threats to world stability that terrorism poses, the need for leaders to unite in the common cause of respect for international law and sovereignty of states, and the commitment to eradicate poverty and achieve the Social Development Goals.





It is a privilege to express the heartfelt thanks of the Afghan nation. Knowing sorrow that follows from war and the loneliness of displacement, exile and migration has been our condition for four decades. Despite the adversity, resilience is our national characteristic, derived from our long history as a meeting place of cultures and civilization, our abiding Muslim faith, our firm belief that we can overcome the past, and our culture of hospitality and friendship.





You, distinguished leaders of the international community, have been our friends and the font of hope for our people. The international community has offered our people a hand to help lift us out from the years of warfare, poverty, and cruelty. In a country that yearns for its children to be educated, you have built schools. Where lives were filled with trauma, disease, and early deaths you have built clinics and trained our nurses and doctors. Where our fields had been destroyed and filled with landmines that suddenly left innocent children playing their childish games without legs and arms, you helped us clear them of danger and replanted our vines and orchards. Our citizens- boys and girls, men and women, students and teachers, nomadic, rural and urban, young and old --grasped that hand of friendship and today we acknowledge the gratitude of our nation.





Poverty is our enduring challenge, as 39% of our people live below $1.35 a day. That means 1-2 meals a day and low probability of their children ever attending school. Nonetheless, the 61% that live above the poverty line and can eat 3 meals a day and send their children to school owe their changed lives to your assistance  for in 2001after five years of drought and the cruelties of the Taliban we were facing social collapse in the face. I thank you for your generous new pledges on behalf of our poor, as we are going to be relentlessly focusing on reduction and elimination of poverty.





Your commitment, however, has been much more significant than spending of treasure. Your sons and daughters have fought shoulder-to-shoulder with us, making the deepest of sacrifices in the cause of freedom. On behalf of the Afghan people and our security and defense forces, I would like to request a moment of silence in the honor of the fallen heroes from your countries and ours.





We are enormously pleased and proud both of the strategic patience, strategic focus and strategic commitment of the global community as represented today. Thank you President Tusk, Ms. Mogherini, the Secretary General, Mr. Kerry and all other distinguished participants for showing that political will, but the root of the problem is in the region; we, at the national level, are committed to unity, to focused effort, to dialogue. We made the peace deal, the recent peace deal, from within our public consensus, not outside of it. It is based on our constitution; it was negotiated in Kabul, the capital of all Afghans and it took place through an inter-Afghan dialogue. Afghans can make peace. We will make peace. We are committed to constructive politics, not destructive politics. We are committed to a politics of imagination, a politics of inclusion, a politics where every Afghan, as the constitution specifies, is equal to another Afghan. The largest task is the poverty in the region; the political will and focus in the region generated to define poverty and terrorism as our two central challenges. I am confident that we will overcome them. Terrorism is not a short-term phenomenon; unfortunately, if the previous four waves of terrorism are an indicator, it is a medium term phenomenon. We need to join our forces, keep our focus and move together.





Afghans have the ability given our culture of resilience to overcome; we need the friends hands of friendship to believe and conclude that 40 years of suffering of a dignified nation that has never posed a threat to any of its neighbors and has always welcomed the international community with open arms, is enough. Thank you for the statement of support. Thank you for this magnificent gathering. And we shall succeed. - Read More

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SIOUX CITY | The Sioux City man who fled after threatening his fiancee in the parking lot of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City and shooting a casino security guard late Tuesday was apprehended early Wednesday.

Jaret M. Schnee, 25, was charged with willful injury, going armed with intent, intimidation with a dangerous weapon and aggravated domestic assault. He is currently being held in the Woodbury County Jail on $100,000 bond.

The domestic dispute began Sunday after Schnee and his fiancee, who have two children and live together, argued over their plans for Halloween, according to authorities. Schnee then assaulted her, causing bruises to her ears, cheeks, mouth and forehead. She left him without returning calls, according to court documents.

Schnee showed up at the Hard Rock employee parking parking lot to confront his fiancee at the start of her shift. A confrontation ensued in which he brandished a gun and pointed it at her, as well as another Hard Rock employee with her.

Schnee fired one shot into the air and threatened the two workers, then chased them as they began to walk toward the casino, documents say. Hard Rock security guards attempted to disarm Schnee, who then fired two shots, one of which struck one of the guard's Anthony Henderson, 41, in the right upper leg around 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Henderson was transported to Mercy Medical Center -- Sioux City for treatment and was later released, police said.

Police taped off a portion of the Hard Rock parking lot west of the building at 111 3rd St. Tuesday night during their investigation.

Following the shooting, Schnee fled the area in a 2014 Dodge Charger with Iowa plates. Authorities spotted the vehicle headed north on Interstate 29, and South Dakota officials attempted to stop him but lost sight of the vehicle in the Vermillion area.

Sioux City police located Schnee around 5 a.m. Wednesday inside Mercy Medical Center after his vehicle was found by police, Detective John Sanders said. Schnee was not seeking treatment at Mercy, said Sanders, who did not provide a reason for why Schnee was at the downtown hospital.

Sanders said Schnee was licensed to carry a gun, but declined to specify what kind of firearm Schnee used Tuesday night

The incident was the first reported shooting on the premises of the Hard Rock, which opened Aug. 1, 2014 .

"Hard Rock Sioux City is aware of an incident in the property parking lot last night," the business said in a statement Wednesday. "During a domestic dispute, a security officer was injured while coming to the aid of another employee and was taken to Mercy hospital for treatment. He has since been released. Our thoughts are with our employees."

Sanders said the investigation is ongoing as police continue to follow up with witnesses and check evidence.
WASHTA, Iowa | Eugene Ferris tips his hat and tells a visitor his named is spelled just like the big wheel you'd ride in a carnival.

One finds he's nearly as big a "wheel" at the Grand Meadow Heritage Festival each September. The two-day gala is a tip of the hat to agriculture and the way of life decades ago when Grand Meadow High School was a bustling center of education. In a way, that's what this festival remains: A center of education.

"Grab that grease gun," Ferris says to three young men attempting to get a threshing machine in working order. "That came from Bomgaars. It should work."

Autumn is a special time of year for Ferris, a farmer whose energy belies his age, 85. "He's been 85 for the past three years," one of the young men quips.

Ferris walks among the four antique tractors he has on display and talks about the condition of the 2016 soybean crop.

"You look around this year and everything is green," Ferris says. "The river bottom (around the Little Sioux River that cuts and just through Cherokee County), it's all green. You look to the horizon and it'll be green until the trees yellow and the shumach turns red."

And then you know it's about time to dig into the fields, both corn and beans, for another harvest.

"The government has this year's corn crop pegged at 185 bushels," he says. "I farm on what's a reclaimed sandpit and we only have beans. We got 1-inch rains about every week this year. The beans look wonderful. It might set up to be our best bean crop ever."

Ferris ran across a patch of oats not too long ago and, with the Grand Meadow Heritage Festival in mind, he stopped to negotiate with the landowner. He found a willing participant and soon returned to shock the oat crop. After a short period, he returned to pick up the shocks and stored them on the festival grounds that surround the 1922 Grand Meadow School.

"I'll help set up the threshing machine and we'll show folks here how it works," he says.

Ferris has worked around these parts for much of his life, save for a one-year tour of duty with the military in Korea and a three-year stint on a farm south of Lawton, Iowa.

"Otherwise, I've been in Cherokee County my entire life," he says.

Ferris, who raised cattle and hogs for years, is known by most as "Pee Wee," a nickname given to him by a cousin who visited and spent time with his family eight decades ago. He couldn't remember Ferris' given name, Eugene, and kept mixing him up among his six siblings. So, the boy settled on "Pee Wee" and it stuck, as did this Washta resident's love for the farm.

"I remember one year picking corn by hand and my dad ran me up and down the rows for a time to warm me up," says Ferris, a proud resident of the community whose claim to fame is for being "The Coldest Spot in Iowa" thanks to its recording of 47 degrees below zero on Jan. 12, 1912.

There were other bad weather years.

"We picked corn until Christmas in 1941, I think, because of the Armistice Day blizzard that year," he says. "The land I farmed was dried out by drought in 1955, so we changed farms. Turns out 1956 was even drier!"

Through the years, Ferris has filled the end of each growing season with a harvest of oats, corn and soybeans. He also spent three summers on various wheat farms that stretched from Canada to Oklahoma working the wheat harvest.

"I remember running a John Deere 7720 on the wheat harvest," Ferris says, indicating that might have been the biggest combine he ever piloted.

"I've still got a 1969 John Deere combine that we still ran two years ago," he notes.

He also has a number of other Allis-Chalmers and John Deere classics, including a 1928 Deere whose history contradicts a serial number. Farris has the year 1928 painted on the front of the unit. The serial number, however, suggests it is a 1930 vintage.

Whatever the case, the oddity presents a talking point, a detail this lifelong farmer and farm lover is happy to share, standing in the shadow of an old school where he studied in the late 1940s.

"There were 11 of us in our class of 1948 at Grand Meadow," Ferris says. "Seven of us are left."

The one they call "Pee Wee," in his bib overalls and matching cap, like the antique John Deere, is still running strong.
We want to know what you think about the movies. You can Tweet us your reviews @scweekender or share them on Facebook, facebook.com/siouxcityweekender. We'll pick the best comments on Monday before the next Weekender. Here are this week's movies:

Masterminds

Starring: Zach Galifianakis, Kristin Wiig

Story: A gang of idiots try to pull off one of the biggest bank heists in history. The only problem is... they're idiots.

Rated: PG-13 for crude and sexual humor, some language and violence

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Starring: Eva Green, Asa Butterfield

Story: A boy finds an orphanage full of residents with special powers, which may help him uncover a mystery.

Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of fantasy action/violence and peril

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Deepwater Horizon

Starring: Markie Mark, Kate Hudson

Story: The true story of an offshore drilling rig that exploded in 2010 and caused the most devastating oil spill in U.S. history.

Rated: PG-13 for prolonged intense disaster sequences and related disturbing images, and brief strong language

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

The Magnificent Seven

Starring: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt

Story: Seven gunmen are hired by poor villagers in order to fight off a gang of murderous thieves.

Rated: PG-13 for extended and intense sequences of Western violence, historical smoking, some language and suggestive material

Verdict: MagnifSeven lies between popcorn film & more complex Western flicks. Dialect not true to 1870s. Still recommend, rousing. -@SCJBretH

Storks

Starring: Some birds, maybe a baby or two

Story: Storks have stopped delivering babies and decide to deliver packages, but the transition isn't quite that easy.

Rated: PG for mild action and some thematic elements

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Goat

Starring: Mostly humans, no goats

Story: A freshman pledges the same fraternity as his older brother, but the initiations and hazing are testing his willpower and sanity.

Rated: R for disturbing behavior involving hazing, strong sexual content and nudity, pervasive language, violence, alcohol abuse and some drug use

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Snowden

Starring: Joseph Gordon Levitt, Shailene Woodley

Story: The true and personal story of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, who leaked classified information, is revealed.

Rated: R for language and some sexuality/nudity

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Bridget Jones's Baby

Starring: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth

Story: Bridget Jones continues her misadventures as she enters her 40s and the notion of motherhood approaches.

Rated: R for language, sex references and some nudity

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Blair Witch

Starring: No one you know

Story: The "brother" of the chick from the first movie is determined to track down what really happened to his sis.

Rated: Rated R for language, terror and some disturbing images

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender

Sully

Starring: Tom Hanks, Laura Linney

Story: The true story of Chesley Sullenberger, a pilot who safely landed a plane into the Hudson River, saving everyone on board.

Rated: PG-13 for some peril and brief strong language

Verdict: Your movie review could go here. Tweet us @scweekender
More like pubic transit, am I right?

SIOUX CITY | Turns out the man who exposed himself at a Wal-Mart earlier this year sees showing his stuff as more of a hobby than a one-time experiment.

A Sioux City man charged in August for exposing himself to female shoppers at Wal-Mart is facing an additional charge after police say he exposed himself to passengers on a city bus earlier that day.

According to court documents, 50-year-old Douglas John Coney boarded the Southern Hills bus around 5 p.m. Aug. 2. At the time, passengers observed that his pants were undone.

Documents say as he walked to his seat, Coney's pants were caught on a witness's stroller and fell down, exposing his genitals.

Documents say Coney sat near three witnesses, who were accompanied by a 2-year-old child, for the 30-minute bus ride to the downtown MLK station. During the ride, documents say the witnesses observed Coney exposing his genitals and touching them three to five times during the trip. Witnesses told the bus driver, and Coney was kicked off the bus, according to documents.

Coney then proceeded to the Wal-Mart on Floyd Boulevard, where he was arrested around 5:30 p.m. for exposing himself to multiple female customers while riding around the store on an electric scooter. Coney pleaded not guilty last week to that charge.

Coney was charged Monday with an additional indecent exposure charge and is being held in the Woodbury County Jail on $5,000 bond.

Hit and... swim?

LE MARS, Iowa | In tacky spy movies, a super villain activates his vehicle's boat feature just in time to escape. That did not happen here.

Plymouth County law enforcement officials are asking the public for information on a stolen vehicle that was found partially submerged in the Big Sioux River Sunday morning.

The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office reports that deputies, members of the Iowa State Patrol and a dive team arrived at the Big Sioux River around 9:30 a.m. Sunday after reports that a vehicle was partially submerged in the river.

Authorities found a white 2015 Chrysler four-door vehicle in the water. No one was in or near the vehicle.

Around 10 a.m., the vehicle was reported stolen out of Le Mars.

Anyone with information can contact the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office at 712-546-8191 or the Le Mars Police Department at 712-546-4113.

The public can also text the tip to 274637 (CRIMES). To do so, enter 75TXT in the message field with the tip.
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...
BALTIMORE

(Oct. 5, 2016)A criminal complaint has been filed charging Harold Thomas Martin III, age 51, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, with theft of government property and unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials by a government employee or contractor. According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Martin was a contractor with the federal government and had a top secret national security clearance. Martin was arrested late on August 27, 2016. The complaint was filed on August 29, 2016, and unsealed today.The criminal complaint was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin; and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.According to the affidavit, on August 27, 2016, search warrants were executed at Martin's residence in Glen Burnie, including two storage sheds, as well as upon his vehicle and person. During execution of the warrants, investigators located hard copy documents and digital information stored on various devices and removable digital media. A large percentage of the materials recovered from Martin's residence and vehicle bore markings indicating that they were property of the United States and contained highly classified information of the United States, including Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). In addition, investigators located property of the United States with an aggregate value in excess of $1,000, which Martin allegedly stole.The complaint alleges that among the classified documents found in the search were six classified documents obtained from sensitive intelligence and produced by a government agency in 2014. These documents were produced through sensitive government sources, methods, and capabilities, which are critical to a wide variety of national security issues. The disclosure of the documents would reveal those sensitive sources, methods, and capabilities.The documents have been reviewed by a person designated as an original classification authority, and in each instance, the authority has determined that the documents are currently and properly classified as Top Secret, meaning that unauthorized disclosure reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security of the United States.If convicted, Martin faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison for the unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials, and ten years in prison for theft of government property. An initial appearance was held for Martin in U.S. District Court in Baltimore on August 29, 2016. Martin remains detained. A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt.An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked the Maryland State Police for its assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary A. Myers, Harvey E. Eisenberg and Trial Attorney David Aaron of the Justice Department's National Security Division, who are prosecuting the case.The New York Times has the complete story
Anne Hurley, a former Maryland Legal Aid attorney, says regulations on safe and secure patient discharges from nursing homes are vague and difficult to enforce. Vonda Wagner's case, Hurley said, is an example of a long-standing problem in nursing home oversight. (Capital News Service photo by Amanda Eisenberg)

COLLEGE PARK, Md.

(Oct. 5, 2016)A common event that can force someone out of a nursing home involves disputes over money, particularly the finer details of two government health insurance programs for the elderly, Medicare and Medicaid.This difference between the two, consumer advocates say, can give nursing home operators an incentive to discharge patients when the more generous Medicare benefit expires.In a nutshell, Medicare, which primarily serves people 65 and older, offers a more generous benefit but it lasts just 100 days for skilled nursing care.Nationally, Medicare pays about $13,809 a month for such carefar more than the average Maryland Medicaid reimbursement rate of $7,404. When Medicare's nursing home benefit runs out, patients either pay out of their own funds or turn to Medicaid, the state-administered program designed for lower-income people.But navigating the complex application process is so time consuming that patients are often forced to leave the nursing homes while awaiting approval.Nursing home operators and consumer advocates both agree on at least one point: The Medicaid system is overly cumbersome and too slow to provide benefits.This problem illustrates the regulatory and economic complexities of the nation's long-term care system."The Medicaid process itself is broken. It is difficult," said Mark Yost, chief operating officer for NMS Healthcare, which operates five nursing homes in Maryland. Typically, a patient applies for Medicaid at "their sickest moment . You're catching the family at the worst possible moment, and unfortunately you've got to get that process rolling quickly."The disparity in Medicare and Medicaid payments is an issue Maryland Legal Aid attorneys cite in discharge complaints from nursing homes, and they note NMS is among the most active nursing homes in the state discharging patients. A Capital News Service analysis of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data shows NMS discharges 65 percent of nursing home patients, greater than the state average discharge rate of 57 percent.Alice Hedt, former Maryland Long Term Care Ombudsman, part of the Maryland Department of Aging, said the state's process is "extremely slow, and the process needs to be expedited.""In Maryland, getting a person transitioned from Medicare to Medicaid can be a very lengthy process, and it needs to be started very early in the time that the person goes into the nursing home," Hedt said.Time is of the essence: The average wait time for a patient to be approved for Medicaid's long-term care ranged from 52 to 63 days, according a report by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene from July to November 2015. That processing time comes as Medicare only provides 100 days worth of coverage for nursing home stays.Isabella Firth, president of LifeSpan Network, the country's largest trade group for senior care providers, called the state's Medicaid application process "woefully inadequate," citing long delays in informing facilities whether residents are qualified for Medicaid.People "fall through the cracks They languish," Firth said. "I think it creates a fair amount of anxiety and risk for operators and I think it creates anxiety for the customers too.  You're dealing with somebody who is in a very fragile state. The last thing you need to worry about is paying for it."Facilities waiting for Medicaid responses continue to care for patients but "they're kind of in the dark," she said, as they are unsure if the program will cover the resident's care or whether they will be unable to cover their costs.Firth pointed to NMS Healthcare as an organization that is particularly frustrated by these delays, as they work with people who have "very complicated needs."The Medicaid system is a federally funded long-term care program, geared for low-income people and administered jointly by the federal and state governments. Medicaid covers long-term nursing home care and other benefits not covered by Medicare.Patients can generally tap Medicare's "skilled nursing" benefit to finance 100 days of care in a nursing home if they receive specific nursing services as spelled out in the law. After 100 days, the patient is expected to finance all costs through private pay or insurance or to apply for Medicaid.But once a patient's Medicare benefits run out, then it is up to the facility to assist the patient in applying for Medicaid long-term care, said Anne Hurley, former project director for The Long Term Care Assistance Project at Maryland Legal Aid."That process is very onerous," Hurley said.People applying for medical long-term care benefits have to complete a 17-page form and provide verification for any income and benefits as well as assets or property they own. For example, a person applying for Medicaid has to spell out financial details over the past five years to prove whether they transferred a house or other assets at below market value or made large gifts. Asset transfers 60 months prior to the Medicaid application process could be subject to penalties, for example.The Department of Human Resources reviews applications that don't include all necessary verification and requestsfrom the applicant or applicant's family or guardianthe additional documents needed for verification, said Shannon McMahon, deputy secretary for Health Care Financing at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.Single residents might qualify for Medicaid if they make less than about $16,394, whereas a two-family household might qualify if they make less than about $22,108, according to the Medicaid Planning Administration in the state's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.Some applicants might have to work with an attorney to "spend down," a process to legally use non-exempt assets so that they can qualify for Medicaid.Medicaid patients provide nursing homes with a steady, fixed source of income. Yet this comes at a price, as these patients can require a higher level of care. NMS, for example, has a business model that involves accepting patients with more serious conditions and will admit patients who "are not financially qualified as long as there's some initial payer source," Yost said.Most discharges are because of "financial issues," Yost said. He explained a process in which, if a patient hasn't qualified for Medicaidperhaps because the patient's application is still in process or "a patient's not cooperating and telling you what [resources are] out there"and cannot pay otherwise, NMS will discharge the patient.
HYATTSVILLE, Md.

(Oct. 5, 2016)A bottom-line mentality in modern nursing home chains is clashing with a creaky regulatory system, a mixture that can leave vulnerable patients in unlicensed assisted-living facilities that are often inadequate and sometimes dangerous.Consider the stories of Vonda Wagner and Andrew Edwards, who were both discharged from NMS Healthcare facilities in Maryland into unlicensed assisted-living facilities, where they said they were assaulted and robbed, according to court records and interviews. NMS Chief Operating Officer Mark Yost said he felt "horrible" about what happened to Wagner and Edwards but can only control what happens within NMS facilities. The company stopped doing business with the unlicensed assisted-living operator, Sharon Isaac, after it learned of the Wagner and Edwards cases from a Baltimore police investigator, he said.While the charges of assault and robbery are unusual, the business forces behind Wagner's and Edwards' discharges are not. NMS' Yost provided a window into the modern nursing home business in a wide-ranging interview, addressing criticism addressed at his company and the industry in general. He said NMS, which operates five nursing homes in Maryland, commonly discharges patients when they do not have sufficient income to pay. That's because NMS has to "protect" itself because it needs to pay its employees and cannot sustain patients who are not paying, he said."You can look at it and say, 'Well, wow, that's just a horrible nursing home. Look at them, they're discharging people,'" he said. "But, quite frankly, we have a duty here to pay our employees, and in order to pay our employees, we need patients in our beds that are paying. And quite frankly, I can't excuse the Medicaid process. I can't excuse the insurance process. And that's where the problem is. I'm not discharging a patient that's paying."Consumer activists and some regulators say NMS and other nursing homes are discharging patients when their more lucrative but short-term Medicare benefits expire. Nationally, Medicare pays about $13,809 a month, far more than the average Maryland Medicaid reimbursement rate of $7,404. NMS discharges more patients than the average nursing home in Maryland, or even nationwide, a practice consumer advocates say allows the company to boost its revenues but leaves vulnerable patients with few options."Our feelingand I say that nicelyis that they [at NMS] don't want long-term residents," said Eileen Bennett, the Montgomery County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program manager. "They only want to serve people who are turnover, under Medicare. That's our sense of who they want in their nursing home setting."Yost acknowledged the turnover but noted other factors in their decision making process. He said NMS accepts the sick and low-income patients often rejected by other nursing homes. NMS's intake financial screening process is less rigorous, he said, and the company doesn't shy away from residents with high levels of needs, such as ventilator or dialysis care. That is part of the philosophy of the company, founded in 2004 by former social work administrator Matthew Neiswanger, Yost said. Neiswanger, for example, established an HIV/AIDS treatment ward at another nursing facility before starting NMS, according to Yost."He believed that: 'Okay, that's a niche I can fill. I'm not afraid of that level of acuity, or that level of sickness, so let me try to help those patients,'" Yost said. "He brought that philosophy when he started [NMS]."Capital News Service obtained records showing NMS, on a per bed basis, had the most requests for discharge hearings among major nursing home groups in Maryland. A review of Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings data shows NMS patients filed 103 administrative hearing requests in the last five years over nursing home discharge disputes. NMS had 13 requests for hearings per 100 beds, double the rate of the nearest competitor. The rate of NMS patients seeking discharge hearings was six times the state median rate of two hearing requests per 100 beds, according to a CNS analysis.Reacting to the CNS findings, Yost said the number of appeals "is not indicative of any wrongful action by NMS.""In fact, it shows that our residents are utilizing their rights to request hearings in accordance with the law," Yost said in an email. "NMS defends its records and follows the relevant regulations with regards to the discharge of residents."Data on the national level paints a similar trend. An average of 65 percent of NMS patients on Medicare were discharged in 2014 versus a national average of 42 percent, according to a Capital News Service analysis of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data. The Maryland statewide average was 57 percent. Yost did not challenge the Capital News Service findings, except to note that NMS won a vast majority of the discharge hearing appeals.According to Yost, NMS's discharge of numerous nursing home patients is rooted in a more fundamental problem: Maryland's complex Medicaid application process causes lengthy delays in payment to nursing homes."We would not have to discharge anywhere near the number of folks that we do if it weren't for the difficulties with the Maryland Medicaid program and getting approvals," Yost said in an hour-long interview. "I've been involved in long-term care for the last 15 years, and nothing has improved."One industry analyst, Toby Wann of Obsidian Research Group , does not find NMS's behavior unusual."I would say that it is pretty standard practice when somebody exhausts their benefit for days in a skilled nursing facility, that they get discharged," Wann said. "It's the unfortunate underbelly, if you will, of the industry  You can't keep a patient in a facility without getting reimbursed for it because there's costs associated with that."While it may be standard industry practice, some of the discharges have led to serious problems, such as the Wagner and Edwards cases. Both Wagner and Edwards are pursuing criminal assault and theft charges against Isaac, owner of Isaac Supportive Living Service LLC. In March, the Office of Health Care Quality ordered Isaac to produce an assisted-living license for her business or move people out. Isaac, in a February interview, denied the assault and robbery allegations. She described her business as a "supportive living service" operating at two properties in West Baltimore since 2007. She declined later interview requests from Capital News Service to answer regulatory questions about her facilities.Advocates for nursing home residents such as Bennett said NMS's discharge practices are unusual and questioned whether residents are always placed in safe and secure environments after leaving the nursing homes.Wann said skilled nursing is a tough business because "it's not a hugely profitable business from a reimbursement standpoint, and you get a lot of very sick patients that, you know, unfortunately, don't get better." Nationwide, skilled nursing facilities had revenues of $123.5 billion in 2014, and they grew at an annual rate of 4.6 percent in 2014, according to a Plunkett Research Ltd. industry report.Yost maintained that the company's goal is not to have a revolving door for Medicare patients. He said NMS's focus on rehabilitative care, and getting residents out of the nursing home setting as quickly as possible, is beneficial.NMS begins talking with patients about applying for Medicaid at or after the patient is admitted, and has four lawyers who work full-time on the Medicaid approval process, including securing guardianship for patients who are unable to work through the application process themselves because of their health conditions, Yost said."We are aggressive with getting people approved for Medicaid," he said. "We start day one from when they're in here, when they sign the contract for admission, telling them they need to apply for Medicaid."Andrew Applegate, executive director of Asbury Solomons in the southern Maryland community of Solomons, whose facility did not have a complaint or mediation filed against it during the five years of data reviewed by Capital News Service, said his skilled nursing facility begins discussing a discharge plan with patients on their first day that is in line with the patient's long-term goals."We don't want to be starting to talk about discharge and then not be prepared, because there's financial consequences for the resident," he said. Applegate said the only time he could see patients being discharged involuntarily from his facility would be after nonpayment, or failure to even try to apply for Medicaid.The Asbury Solomons facility has the top five-star rating under Medicare's Nursing Home Compare rating system. By contrast, NMS Healthcare of Hyattsville and NMS Healthcare of Annapolis both have four-star ratings. Three of the NMS facilitiesNMS Healthcare of Hagerstown, NMS Healthcare of Silver Spring and NMS Healthcare of Springbrookhave two-star ratings from Medicare.Aside from NMS's discharge practices, the company has an unusual regulatory history.The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid in 2012 declared NMS Healthcare of Hyattsville a "Special Focus Facility," which subjects a nursing home to intensive inspection because they had a "history of serious quality issues." NMS appealed this designation to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and won a retroactive reversal, Yost said."There was never a doubt that this facility shouldn't have been on that list to begin with," Yost said. "The Office of Health Care Quality overstepped their bounds, and it really should have never happened."NMS was removed from the Special Focus Facility list after fulfilling requirements for removal, said Lorraine Ryan, a spokeswoman for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. NMS had no severe deficiencies or complaints for two consecutive inspections, she wrote in an email.Capital News Service reporters Catherine Sheffo, Daniel Trielli and Darcy Costello contributed to this story.
It was a torrent of doughnuts and coffee that kicked off the LGBT-rights movement.

Sure, the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City get all the glory, but ten years earlier there was a small, nearly forgotten uprising to which the movements roots can also be traced: Cooper Donuts in Los Angeles.

Like their New York counterparts, the Los Angeles Police Department often targeted LGBT people through entrapment, intimidation, and violence. Police specifically targeted trans people, arresting those whose perceived gender did not match their drivers license.

Several gay bars, in an attempt to remain inconspicuous and avoid police raids, banned or discouraged transgender people from entering. However, Coopers Donuts, which opened in 1959 in the Skid Row neighborhood, was welcoming to the transgender community. The shop served policemen during the day and, as the patrols dwindled in the evening, opened its doors to trans people and those barred from other establishments.

One evening, two police officers asked for ID cards from some customers at the shop  a typical way for them to harass LGBT people. Those who were picked out of the crowd, including John Rechy, an accomplished gay author who has written about the uprising, were two hustlers, two queens and a young man just cruising.

Something snapped in one of them; enough was enough. He objected to the car being packed with five people and fought back, leading the customers at the donut shop to flood into the streets, throwing coffee cups, trash, spoons, donuts, anything they could get their hands on.

[The officers] fled into their car, Rechy writes, called backups and soon the street was bustling with disobedience. Gay people danced about the cars.

The officers returned with reinforcements, Main Street was closed, and history was made. However, the importance of the Coopers Donuts uprising was not recognized until much later.

Mark Thompson, a social historian who lived in the same neighborhood as Rechy, writes of the events importance: I would not describe it as a riot but more like an isolated patch of local social unrest that had lasting repercussions. I think less in its day, more as a lesson for us today. L.A. is such a huge, sprawling city (even back then) so what happened in one district probably did not register elsewhere  especially when issues of class and race are factored in.

Not too much is known about the uprising at Coopers Donuts, and as time passes, fewer of the storytellers of the time are around to share their experiences. But it is important to remember that the fight for LGBT rights was not limited to one city and one event. The Coopers Donuts uprising, like the Compton Cafeteria riots, the Deweys sit-ins, and the Independence Hall protests, helped pave the way for Stonewall and for all the victories the community has seen since.

Christiana Lilly's foray into journalism began at 11, when she put together a one-page gazette for classmates recounting field trips, announcing the lunch menu and other important news. Today, she's a freelance journalist who covers a plethora of topics, including contributing regularly to South Florida Gay News. There, she covers health, religion, law and activism impacting the LGBT community. She has won multiple awards for her coverage, including stories on conversion therapy and youth homelessness. Christiana grew up in Asia as the daughter of a Foreign Service officer, and now calls Fort Lauderdale home with her fiance.
V Hydrae NASA

Great balls of fire! NASAs Hubble Space Telescope has detected superhot blobs of gas, each twice as massive as the planet Mars, being ejected near a dying star.

The plasma balls are zooming so fast through space it would take only 30 minutes for them to travel from Earth to the moon. This stellar cannon fire has continued once every 8.5 years for at least the past 400 years, astronomers estimate.

The fireballs present a puzzle to astronomers, because the ejected material could not have been shot out by the host star, called V Hydrae. The star is a bloated red giant, residing 1,200 light-years away, which has probably shed at least half of its mass into space during its death throes. Red giants are dying stars in the late stages of life that are exhausting their nuclear fuel that makes them shine. They have expanded in size and are shedding their outer layers into space.

The current best explanation suggests the plasma balls were launched by an unseen companion star. According to this theory, the companion would have to be in an elliptical orbit that carries it close to the red giants puffed-up atmosphere every 8.5 years. As the companion enters the bloated stars outer atmosphere, it gobbles up material. This material then settles into a disk around the companion, and serves as the launching pad for blobs of plasma, which travel at roughly a half-million miles per hour.

This star system could be the archetype to explain a dazzling variety of glowing shapes uncovered by Hubble that are seen around dying stars, called planetary nebulae, researchers say. A planetary nebula is an expanding shell of glowing gas expelled by a star late in its life.

We knew this object had a high-speed outflow from previous data, but this is the first time we are seeing this process in action, said Raghvendra Sahai of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, lead author of the study. We suggest that these gaseous blobs produced during this late phase of a stars life help make the structures seen in planetary nebulae.

Hubble observations over the past two decades have revealed an enormous complexity and diversity of structure in planetary nebulae. The telescopes high resolution captured knots of material in the glowing gas clouds surrounding the dying stars. Astronomers speculated that these knots were actually jets ejected by disks of material around companion stars that were not visible in the Hubble images. Most stars in our Milky Way galaxy are members of binary systems. But the details of how these jets were produced remained a mystery.

We want to identify the process that causes these amazing transformations from a puffed-up red giant to a beautiful, glowing planetary nebula, Sahai said. These dramatic changes occur over roughly 200 to 1,000 years, which is the blink of an eye in cosmic time.

Sahais team used Hubbles Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) to conduct observations of V Hydrae and its surrounding region over an 11-year period, first from 2002 to 2004, and then from 2011 to 2013. Spectroscopy decodes light from an object, revealing information on its velocity, temperature, location, and motion.

The data showed a string of monstrous, super-hot blobs, each with a temperature of more than 17,000 degrees Fahrenheit  almost twice as hot as the surface of the sun.

The researchers compiled a detailed map of the blobs location, allowing them to trace the first behemoth clumps back to 1986. The observations show the blobs moving over time, Sahai said. The STIS data show blobs that have just been ejected, blobs that have moved a little farther away, and blobs that are even farther away. STIS detected the giant structures as far away as 37 billion miles away from V Hydrae, more than eight times farther away than the Kuiper Belt of icy debris at the edge of our solar system is from the sun.

The blobs expand and cool as they move farther away, and are then not detectable in visible light. But observations taken at longer sub-millimeter wavelengths in 2004, by the Submillimeter Array in Hawaii, revealed fuzzy, knotty structures that may be blobs launched 400 years ago, the researchers said.

Based on the observations, Sahai and his colleagues Mark Morris of the University of California, Los Angeles, and Samantha Scibelli of the State University of New York at Stony Brook developed a model of a companion star with an accretion disk to explain the ejection process.

This model provides the most plausible explanation because we know that the engines that produce jets are accretion disks, Sahai explained. Red giants dont have accretion disks, but many most likely have companion stars, which presumably have lower masses because they are evolving more slowly. The model we propose can help explain the presence of bipolar planetary nebulae, the presence of knotty jet-like structures in many of these objects, and even multipolar planetary nebulae. We think this model has very wide applicability.

A surprise from the STIS observation was that the disk does not fire the monster clumps in exactly the same direction every 8.5 years. The direction flip-flops slightly from side-to-side to back-and-forth due to a possible wobble in the accretion disk. This discovery was quite surprising, but it is very pleasing as well because it helped explain some other mysterious things that had been observed about this star by others, Sahai said.

Astronomers have noted that V Hydrae is obscured every 17 years, as if something is blocking its light. Sahai and his colleagues suggest that due to the back-and-forth wobble of the jet direction, the blobs alternate between passing behind and in front of V Hydrae. When a blob passes in front of V Hydrae, it shields the red giant from view.

This accretion disk engine is very stable because it has been able to launch these structures for hundreds of years without falling apart, Sahai said. In many of these systems, the gravitational attraction can cause the companion to actually spiral into the core of the red giant star. Eventually, though, the orbit of V Hydraes companion will continue to decay because it is losing energy in this frictional interaction. However, we do not know the ultimate fate of this companion.

The team hopes to use Hubble to conduct further observations of the V Hydrae system, including the most recent blob ejected in 2011. The astronomers also plan to use the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile to study blobs launched over the past few hundred years that are now too cool to be detected with Hubble.

The teams results appeared in the August 20, 2016, issue of The Astrophysical Journal.

The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between NASA and the European Space Agency. NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt,

Maryland, manages the telescope. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, conducts Hubble science operations. STScI is operated for NASA by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy in Washington, D.C.
Luigi Scatteia, Senior Manager - Space, PwC Paris. ESA

Mr. Luigi Scatteia from PricewaterhouseCoopers, presenting the results of an European Space Agency (ESA) study to assess the socio-economic impact of the International Space Station (ISS), at the Space for inspiration event in London, UK, from 14-15 September 2016.


We all know that Canada does things a little differently from its neighbour to the southlike spelling neighbour with a u, for instance, and celebrating the feast of Thanksgiving more than a month earlier than down in the States. To get into the fall spirit, we asked some of our favorite Canadian coffee roasters for their take on Canadian Thanksgiving, and which of their current crop of coffees theyd be proudest to bring to the table.

Geoff Woodley, Detour Coffee, Burlington, Ontario

What do you like most about Canadian Thanksgiving and is it different to you from American Thanksgiving in any special ways?

Canadian Thanksgiving is in October, closely tied to the traditional harvest. The days are warm enough for a sweater, the nights cool and perfect for jacket. People look dapper, the leaves are colourful and theyre itching to cook a huge meal. Personally, I love it because its the first time in the year my family will get together. Its usually Thanksgiving and Christmas for us. My mom is an incredible cook and always goes above and beyond with dinner. Every year she threatens to not make food and I have to plead and offer bags of coffee to right my world.

Whats your favourite dish?

My moms stuffing is crazy. Its like nothing else Ive had. Its full of dried berries, pine nuts, chicken stock and I wish I knew more. Every year I ask how to make it and she gives me I dont know, I just put stuff in. Typical mom response. As a drink geek, I also freak out over the fresh apple cider. Southern Ontario has incredible farms and the orchards around Hamilton are a must-go during the holidays.

Which of your coffees would you recommend most for someone to serve at their Canadian Thanksgiving feast, and why?

Autumn is my favourite time to drink coffee, both for the coffees in season and the weather. Fresh crop Centrals are all over the place, there are still great lots from Africa and the earliest arrivals from Sulawesi and Papua New Guinea are arriving. Our Gelana Abaya Espresso Roast, brewed as a filter coffee, will turn light citrus and melon notes into a rich, sweet and complex cup of coffee that is flavourful enough for the coffee geeks at the table and traditional enough that someone can add dairy if they prefer. It has hints of baking spices, deep brown sugar sweetness, and dried apricot notesit couldnt be more fitting for a Thanksgiving meal if we tried and yet it comes all the way from Ethiopia.

Sam James, Sam James Coffee Bar/Cut Coffee, Toronto, Ontario

What do you like most about Canadian Thanksgiving and is it different to you from American Thanksgiving in any special ways?

I like that it comes before American Thanksgiving. I get a turkey dinner so many weeks sooner than my American friends, and then I get another one again at American Thanksgiving. Canadian Thanksgiving is just all about getting [redacted] with your family and eating great food.

Whats your favourite dish?

I love the stuffing. Gimme all that and gravy.

Which of your coffees would you recommend most for someone to serve at their Canadian Thanksgiving feast, and why?

We got a new Ethiopia right now. I like when we get fresh coffees in, first couple weeks of em being in, theyre really fresh and exciting. They never last long, but I figure well have that Ethiopia until Canadian Thanksgiving at least.

Laura Perry and Meaghan Potts, 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters, Burnaby, British Columbia

What do you like most about Canadian Thanksgiving and is it different to you from American Thanksgiving in any special ways?

Canadian Thanksgiving is generally a little more low-key than the American Thanksgiving. Its the perfect excuse to spend a little extra time with friends and family and of course, feast. At our cafes, we have an annual Thanksgiving dinner for the staff which is prepared entirely by the man behind Luckys Doughnuts, Colter. It involves a ton of prep work and usually two 1820lb turkeys chilling in a brine in the walk-in fridge for at least 24 hours. This could be a potentially terrifying experience for unsuspecting baristas going to restock on milk, but the brining makes the turkey super moist and flavourful.

Whats your favourite dish?

An ideal plate would be heaping with caramelized brussels sprouts, green beans with pancetta and almonds, wild rice stuffed squash, sweet potatoes and turkey. A special, seasonal treat is the stuffing made from Luckys yeast-raised doughnuts.

Which of your coffees would you recommend most for someone to serve at their Canadian Thanksgiving feast, and why?

Not unlike Canadian Thanksgiving, Honduras El Ocotillo harvest arrived early this year. This is a coffee we get really excited about each year from producer Natividad Benitez, whom we have been working with for half of a decade. For the last couple years, Natividads focus has been on maintaining quality through a period of growth on his farm, with additional Pacas plots coming into full production.

This year, El Ocotillo has flavours that remind us of strawberry, cream and vanilla. Rather than overshadow the awesomeness of this coffee with more sweetness, I would recommend a dish with complementary and contrasting flavours, something like a lemon and curry leaf rice pilaf spiced with cardamom (shout out to Ottolenghi!).

Vanessa Stachiw, Dogwood Coffee Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba

What do you like most about Canadian Thanksgiving and is it different to you from American Thanksgiving in any special ways?

My favourite thing about Thanksgiving is having my whole family out to the lake and walking down to the water, seeing all the trees with coloured leaves, drinking wine, and cuddling up by the wood stove. Also, the smell of turkey in a cabin is really something.

Whats your favourite dish?

My moms pumpkin pie of course! Last year she was coerced by one of my sisters to try a new recipe that differed from the one that we have been eating since childhood which was my late grandmas recipe. There is now controversy in the family over which pie is the pie. I am most definitely in favour of the childhood pie. Do you hear that, Mom?

Which of your coffees would you recommend most for someone to serve at their Canadian Thanksgiving feast, and why?

I have to say Mixtape (Costa Rica Trinidad + Ethiopia Limmu) is the coffee that Ill be bringing to the cabin for Thanksgivingsweet, smooth, caramelly and subtly floral. This coffee will be the perfect thing to drink with that pumpkin pie!

What do you like most about Canadian Thanksgiving and is it different to you from American Thanksgiving in any special ways?

What I like best about Canadian Thanksgivings is that its a day OFF. Apart from that, French Canadians know little about Thanksgiving. In reality, although less of a big thing here than elsewhere, its actually common for families to have a heartwarming dinner that would involve a turkey.

Whats your favourite dish?

Pumpkin pie? Can this be a dish?

Which of your coffees would you recommend most for someone to serve at their Canadian Thanksgiving feast, and why?

Our Kenya Gathaithi for the first cup in the morning (not too early tho, its a day to stay tucked under the blankets!) and our Espresso Colosseo after the pumpkin pie, late at night.

Eric Mahovlich, Pilot Coffee Roasters, Toronto, Ontario

What do you like most about Canadian Thanksgiving and is it different to you from American Thanksgiving in any special ways?

The best thing about Canadian Thanksgiving is that it eludes me year after year. Ask me what date it falls on and Ill just point to October-November and Ill say somewhere in there. I know at some point during the fall season I sit down in front of a carefully prepared feast involving turkey and numerous side dishes, culminating in an indulgent homemade dessert. Im not sure when or why it happens, but Im thankful for it.

Whats your favourite dish?

Sweet potato mash. Its gotta be smooth and the right consistency. Ive had some that are made with too much butter and it ends up being greasy and runny. Added herbs and spices are acceptable when used sparingly. I still want sweet potato to be the dominant flavour. I love spreading it onto each bite of whatever else Im eating. I can have a little taste of the whole meal in every mouthful.

Which of your coffees would you recommend most for someone to serve at their Canadian Thanksgiving feast, and why?

Coffee hasnt usually had a presence at the Thanksgiving dinners Ive been to. However, Ive heard turkey makes you sleepy, so Im sure more than a few people would welcome some caffeine to balance it out. Serving coffee alongside dessert would be my ideal scenario. Intense fruity notes, tart acidity, and dominant heavy sweetness are things I would look for. I would even be into a really funky natural process coffee. Im thinking about those kinds of desserts like bread pudding or a fruitcake matured with brandy or sherry. To me, these are less ordinary than pumpkin pie, so an adventurous coffee pairing could really bring some excitement to the end of the meal. Id go with our Catalan de Las Mercedes Natural for this one. This Guatemalan Bourbon should please any lover of naturals. Notes of grape candy and cacao pod with a syrupy mouthfeel should complement the dried fruit and liquor in a fruitcake.

We give thanks to all who shared their Canadian Thanksgiving recommendations. And rememberno matter where you live, theres no reason you cant celebrate Thanksgiving as many times as you like!

Liz Clayton is Associate Editor of Sprudge and helms the New York City desk. Read more Liz Clayton on Sprudge.
New York, October 04, 2016 (SPS)  Sahrawi Foreign Minister , Mr. Mohamed Ould Salek said that Morocco for over twenty-five years, has systematically reneged on agreements signed, and has hindered all efforts by the international community to secure the decolonization of Western Sahara and the right to self-determination of the Saharawi people during press conference Tuesday in New York.

For over forty years, Morocco has illegally occupied a significant portion of Western Sahara, a Non-Self Governing Territory (NSGT), still awaiting a process of decolonization. And for over twenty-five years, Morocco has systematically reneged on agreements signed, including the OAU/UN Settlement Plan endorsed by the UN Security Council, and has hindered all efforts by the international community to secure the decolonization of Western Sahara and the right to self-determination of the Saharawi people. Sahrawi Foreign Minister underlined

Ould Salek added that Morocco has shown, beyond any doubt, that it is unwilling to choose the peaceful, democratic and viable path to a lasting solution for Western Sahara.

He recalled that Morocco continuously obstructed the referendum process, repressed the Saharawi population in the occupied territories, and denigrated the Secretary-General, Morocco expelled 84 civilians and 3 military MINURSO personnel in March 2016. This action was a challenge to the authority of the Security Council, a brazen attempt to shut down the UNs role in Western Sahara, a direct violation of a number of Moroccos legal obligations related to MINURSOs presence in Western Sahara, a dangerous precedent for the future of UN peacekeeping missions, and a direct threat to regional peace and security.

he pointed out that Morocco violated Military Agreement no.1 signed by the two parties, the Frente POLISARIO and Morocco, when its army crossed into the restricted zone in the El Guerguerat area with the purpose to impose a fait accompli.This action, if not reversed, could undermine the most sensitive pillar that has thus far allowed for maintaining a peaceful situation on the ground, namely the ceasefire agreement.

The Security Council meetings to discuss the situation in El Guerguerat on 26th August, 11 Sept, 26 Sept and 29 Sept has shown its its failure in its responsibility in this regard, emphasizing that France again prevented the Council from taking any action on the situation. Sahrawi FM indicated

He also stated that the fact that Security Council resolution 2285 adopted on 29 April 2016, which emphasizes the urgent need for MINURSO to return to full functionality, and which stresses the need for the parties to continue the negotiation process through UN sponsored talks, is yet to be implemented. SPS

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Bir Lehlu, Western Sahara, October 05, 2016 (SPS) - The Government of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic condemned the resumption of phosphate rock shipments from occupied Western Sahara to Lithuania. A cargo of 75,000 tonnes is due to be received by the Lithuanian fertilizer company AB Lifosa in Klaipeda later this week.

Western Sahara is routinely referred to as Africas last colony. Abandoned by Spain in 1975, some two-thirds of its territory is under the armed control of Morocco, which has built a separation wall known as the berm, dividing the original Saharawi population into those under occupation and those residing in desert refugee camps. The berm is the most heavily fortified infrastructure in the world, with an estimated five million land mines placed along its 2,400 kilometre length and 60,000 Moroccan soldiers stationed there. Phosphate mineral rock is mined by state-owned Moroccan companies at Bu Craa in the occupied part of Western Sahara, and exported by sea to purchasers in developed countries.

For several years AB Lifosa had been part of this trade. It was the last European company to withdraw from it, doing so in 2015. AB Lifosa is wholly owned by Eurochem Group AG. In a February 2016 letter to the Brussels-based NGO Western Sahara Resource Watch, Eurochem noted that:

Likely to be of particular interest to Western Sahara Resource Watch, we can inform you that  the Group does not intend to purchase phosphate rock from Western Sahara in 2016 or at any time over the foreseeable future.







(Letter of Andrey Ilyin, Chief Financial Officer, to Sara Eyckmans, Coordinator, Western Sahara Resource Watch, 12 February 2016)

In a letter to AB Lifosa and Eurochem, the SADR government observed that:

As we have in the past, it is helpful to underscore the reasons why the Saharawi government protests the purchase of phosphate rock from Western Sahara. The reasons have distinct moral, reputational and risk aspects. The nature of a trade conducted by an occupying power with a judicially determined absence of any right, title or claim to the territory of Western Sahara is a starting point. The Saharawi people have, through their government and civil society organizations, asserted their rights to what is a sovereign resource, protesting its taking at every opportunity.

Moreover, international law prohibits the removal of such resource from a territory under armed occupation and by which the facts are clear has been attempted to be annexed illegally by the Kingdom of Morocco.

(Letter of Emhamed Khadad, Member of the Frente POLISARIO leadership

to Mr. Jonas Dastikas, Chief Executive Officer AB Lifosa 4 October 2016)

Mr. Khadad explained that the Moroccan government companies which purport to be able to sell phosphate rock from Western Sahara  OCP SA and Phosphates de Boucraa SA  have no right or title to the commodity. The trade is illegal, whether viewed in terms of the law of pillage under the Fourth Geneva Convention or the right of the Saharawi people under UN General Assembly Resolution 1803 to permanent sovereignty over their resources.

In its October 4 letter to AB Lifosa, the SADR government also explained the particular legal risk of European companies being involved in the export trade of Western Saharas phosphate rock, in light of the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union which quashed a 2012 decision of the European Council to extend the operation of a free trade agreement to Western Sahara:

The Advocate-Generals opinion [issued on 13 September 2016 in the appeal of the case by the European Council] concludes what would be expected on a fundamental issue of international law: Morocco has no legal presence in Western Sahara when it comes to trade with the European Union. Therefore, for the purchase and import to EU countries of goods and resources from occupied Western Sahara, there can be no effective or merchantable ownership that passes in them.

Mr. Khadad noted that September 2016 marked the 25th anniversary of the process for the Saharawi people to have the benefit of a United Nations-administered self-determination referendum. The export of Western Saharas resources by companies such as OCP SA is intended to deepen an illegal annexation. It should be a real concern that, 25 years after a promised self-determination referendum to be administered by the United Nations, gave human rights abuses continue, abuses which are given some legitimacy by companies and countries that would trade in the resources of the territory for their own gain.SPS

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The post positions have been drawn for the 124th renewal of the $431,000 Kentucky Futurity, as a field of 12 is now set to face the gate over the famed red-clay oval at the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky.

Muscle Hill colt Marion Marauder, who will be looking to become the first Trotting Triple Crown winner since Glidemaster in 2006, will start from the trailing Post 11 position.

After a two-year-old season in which he just missed winning the Breeders Crown and William Wellwood Memorial, Marion Marauder has thrust himself into the national spotlight as a three-year-old. Wins in the Hambletonian and the Yonkers Trot have made the colt the talk of the harness racing world as of late, and a win in Sundays Kentucky Futurity would elevate the bay to a special place within the history of the sport.

Marion Marauder has banked $1,681,838 in purses for owners Jean Wellwood, of Stratford, Ont., and Devin Keeling, of Cambridge, Ont. Mike Keeling and Paula Wellwood handle the training duties on the three-year-old that is steered by Oakville, Ont. native Scott Zeron.

Im grateful to just have a horse like him to take me on this kind of trip, Zeron said earlier this week. Hes a pleasure to drive. He makes me confident when Im out there with him. I just have to put him in a spot to have a chance to win the race. Thats really my only job, he does the rest.

The field for the Kentucky Futurity appears below, in post position order.

$431,000 KENTUCKY FUTURITY

(Post  Horse)

1  Love Matters

2  Lagerfeld

3  Winter Harbour

4  Blenheim

5  Southwind Frank

6  Mavens Way

7  Waitlifter K

8  Sutton

9  Milligans School

10  Southern Cross

11  Marion Marauder

12  Bar Hopping

Its not [a great draw], but it should be a great race for the fans, Scott Zeron, Marion Marauders driver, said. I hope I can drive a nice race and have a little luck. I think I have the horse that can win it, I just have to make sure I drive him that way.

I would trade places with literally anyone else, Zeron said jokingly on the draw. [Jimmy] Takters [has the] one, two, and twelve, so not only am I boxed in at the beginning but Im boxed in by the Takter crew, too. Its going to take some nifty-stick handling.

Marion Marauder is the 5-2 morning-line favourite. Southwind Frank, who bested Marion Marauder through most of last season and recently in the $500,000 Colonial Trot, is the 3-1 second choice. Bar Hopping, beating Marion Marauder in the 2016 Canadian Trotting Classic and a recent winner of a $81,250 Bluegrass division, is 4-1. Sutton, off a 1:52 win in an $82,250 Bluegrass division, is 6-1.

The Kentucky Filly Futurity goes as two heats, with two eliminations set for the first heat. Heat two will go for $218,400 and is the final race on the program.

Broadway Donna goes for redemption after breaking in a $62,400 Bluegrass split as the 1-5 favourite. Owned by Fashion Farms LLC and trained by Jim Campbell, the Donato Hanover filly, out of the Broadway Hall mare Broadway Schooner, Broadway Donna starts from post one. She has won 12 of 18 starts, earning $800,894.

Ginny Weasley, the Andover Hall filly out of the Donerail mare Donepunk who won a Bluegrass split in 1:53.1, neighbors Broadway Donna from post two. Ake Svanstedt trains the winner of six races in 19 starts, earning $128,563 for owner Torp Trotting Inc.

Celebrity Eventsy will try to rebound in the second elimination. Finishing fifth as the 2-5 favourite in a $62,400 Bluegrass division, trainer Staffan Lind sends the daughter of Manofmanymissions, from the American Winner mare Little Ms Queenie, from post four for owner Celebrity Farms. A winner of eight in 22 starts, she has earned in excess of $496,000 in her career.

She competes against Side Bet Hanover, by Donato Hanover out of the Muscles Yankee mare Sea Level Hanover, starting from post three. Jonas Czernyson trains for owner Srf Stable. Winning five of 18 starts in her career, she has compiled $175,336 in earnings.

Pacing fillies will congregate for two divisions of the $213,500 Glen Garnsey Memorial.

Off a second-place finish to Darlinonthebeach as the 4-5 favourite in 1:50.2, Pure Country races in the first division. The Jimmy Takter-trained daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, out of the Western Hanover mare Western Montana, has won 17 of 27 starts and earned more than $1.7-million for owner Diamond Creek Racing. She races from post six.

Darlinonthebeach, by Somebeachsomewhere out of the Bettors Delight mare Darlins Delight, races from post seven in the second division for trainer Nancy Johansson. A winner of 11 in 27 starts, she has earned $848,869 for owner White Birch Farm.

From post one, Blue Moon Stride enters the second division off a 1:50.1 win in a $73,000 Bluegrass split. The filly by Rocknroll Hanover, out of the Cams Card Shark mare Classic Star, has won 10 of 26 starts, earning $673,604 for owners Emilio & Maria Rosati. She has finished third to Darlinonthebeach in both the $94,675 Shady Daisy and the $350,000 Valley Forge.

Sophomore pacing colts and geldings were divided into two divisions for the $416,000 Tattersalls Pace.

Division one draws Check Six, Western Fame, and Lindy Beach, all of whom are entering off wins in the Bluegrass. Check Six, by Somebeachsomewhere out of the Artsplace mare Southwind Vanna, won his $57,300 Bluegrass division in 1:50 as the even-money favorite. Winning 12 of 26 starts, he has earned $903,804 for owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, William Switala & Joe Martin. Trainer Ron Burke sends him from post six.

Western Fame, winning a $58,300 Bluegrass division last week as the 2-5 favourite in 1:50.3, starts from post seven. Trained by Jimmy Takter, the colt by Western Ideal, from the Artiscape mare Shyaway, has won five of 22 starts, earning $316,156 for owner Brittany Farms.

Trying for his fifth-straight win this season, Lindy Beach, off a 1:50.3 win in the Bluegrass, races from post nine. By Somebeachsomewhere out of the Real Desire mare Real Appealing, he has won four of 13 starts, earning $71,016 for owners Lindy Farms of Connecticut and Frank Baldassare and trainer Frank Antonacci.

Racing Hill, after scratching from the $276,960 Little Brown Jug, headlines the second division from post seven. Trained by Tony Alagna, the colt by Roll With Joe, from the American Ideal mare Chasing Ideals, finished third in the first heat of the Little Brown Jug in a 1:50.1 mile. With wins in the $500,000 Messenger Pace and $400,000 Adios Pace, he has 10 victories to his credit in 22 starts, earning $1,424,872 for owner Tom Hill.

Tony Alagna also trains American Passport, by American Ideal out of the Four Starzzz Shark mare Star Of The Show. He draws post two after nearly going wire to wire in his Bluegrass split, instead finishing second by three-quarters of a length to Check Six. A winner of five in 25 starts, he has earned $313,501 for owners Brittany Farms, Riverview Racing, Alagna Racing, and Jody Siamis.

The aged racing divisions will also compete in their respective splits of the Allerage Farms stakes.

Older pacing fillies and mares will contest in the $100,000 Allerage Farms Stakes. Division speedster Lady Shadow races from post two off a 1:50 win in the $236,360 Milton Stakes. The mare by Shadow Play, out of the Camluck mare Lady Camella, has won 25 of 51 starts, earning $1,550,162 for owners David Kryway, Carl Atley, Edwin Gold and the BFJ Stable.

The $101,000 Allerage Farms Open Trot attracts Obrigado as he readies for the $1,000,000 International Trot at Yonkers Raceway. Recently winning the $160,000 Dayton Trotting Derby in 1:53.2, Obrigado will start from post three. Trained by Paul Kelley, the gelding by Boy Band, from the Malabar Man mare Malimony, has won 40 of 76 starts, amassing $1,362,019 in earnings for owners Paul Kelley Racing Stable, SRF Stable, Linwood Higgins and Stable 45.

With the announcement that Always B Miki will stand at Diamond Creek Farms in 2017, the all-time world record could be at stake in the $138,000 Allerage Open Pace. By Always A Virgin out of the Artsplace mare Artstopper, Always B Miki, a winner of 26 in 49 starts, has dazzled across the country all season and has demonstrated a talented amount of speed. With a mark of 1:47 at Pocono Downs taken in both the elimination and final of the Ben Franklin and then equaled in the $225,000 Jim Ewart Memorial, Always B Miki has earned $2,338,176 for owners Bluewood Stable, Roll The Dice Stable, and Christina Takter. The five-year-old will start from post three.

First race post time for the final day of the Grand Circuit fortnight at The Red Mile is set for 1:00 p.m.
Chief Justice Moore Files Appeal to COJ Decision

Contact: Liberty Counsel, 800-671-1776, Media@LC.org, Press Kit



MONTGOMERY, Ala., Oct. 6, 2016 /Standard Newswire/ -- Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore has filed an appeal of the decision issued by the Court of the Judiciary (COJ) on September 30 to suspend him for the remainder of his term, which runs through January 2019. A new panel of judges will need to convene to hear the case and all the sitting justices should be recused.

The Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC) previously requested that the Chief Justice be removed from the bench. Under the COJ rules, removal requires a unanimous 9-0 vote by the members of the COJ, which is made up of judges, a lawyer and laypeople. Absent a 9-0 unanimous vote, the COJ cannot remove a judge from the bench. But in an unbelievable violation of the law, the COJ suspended him without pay for the remainder of his term. When his term expires, he will be ineligible to run again for election as judge due to his age. So the suspension until the end of his term is a de facto removal from the bench.

"Liberty Counsel and the Chief Justice have appealed this case to the Alabama Supreme Court. These baseless charges should be dismissed and the Chief Justice should be reinstated," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "To suspend Chief Justice Moore for the duration of his term is a miscarriage of justice and the same as removal. The COJ lacked the unanimous votes to remove the Chief, so the majority instead chose to ignore the law and the rules. We will continue the fight for justice to prevail in this case."

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.
It's Election season and our editor's mailbox is overflowing. Who do your neighbors support? Read about it here.
Room A1 of Kelso High School doesnt look like most classrooms. The student desks dont face the front, instead forming blocks of four seats that face each other. Dozens of college pennant flags hang from the ceiling, and messages are penned on every wall.

You are free to CHOOSE. You are NOT free from the CONSEQUENCE of your choice, reads one, in purple ink.

Another students statement, this time written in blue pen, stands out on the opposite wall.

AVID means a chance at a better future and a spot at a 4-year college. My expectation is to get into college. My biggest issue is procrastination.

For 70 minutes every day, A1 is home to 29 freshmen who make up the first AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination cohort at Kelso High School. The elective course is targeted at middle of the road kidsthose who earn Bs, Cs and even a few Ds  who could earn a spot in a college with just a little extra help. The majority of the kids would be the first in their families to go to college.

Freshman year is all about organization, AVID instructor Lacey DeWeert said. If we can teach them a system for keeping their stuff together for managing their time for being able to take notes, then theyre able to have success.

The third and fourth year of AVID is all about options for post-secondary education, including learning about colleges all over the country, and how prepare for the expense of college by applying for scholarships and financial aid. About 95 percent of Kelsos AVID students are on free and reduced-price lunch.

As class began on a Wednesday morning, DeWeert was teaching meet and greets. Part of the college application process involves introducing oneself to admissions officials, Deweert explained, emphasizing the importance of eye contact and a firm handshake.

For a couple of minutes kids roamed around shaking each others hands. There was was some inevitable goofing around, but DeWeert ended the activity with a pointed question.

What was easy about that? DeWeert asked.

Doing it with your friends, a student answered. Another student asked DeWeert how long she should hold a handshake during an introduction. Thats the million dollar question. How long should I hold that handshake? DeWeert asked the class.

The exercise might have seemed mundane, but it marked the beginning of a journey for many students who want to distinguish themselves from their peers.

While Kelso High Schools graduation rates are at about 86 percent  higher than the state average of 78 percent  only 53 percent go on to either a two- or four-year college. And Cowlitz County has historically had a low percentage of adults with four-year college degrees. In 2014, 15 percent of Cowlitz adults had a bachelors or advanced degree, as opposed to 30 percent nationally and 33 percent statewide, according to state statistics.

AVID, which operates out of San Diego and trains teachers in the program, says about 88 percent of the high school seniors enrolled in the program in 2015 applied to a four-year college, and about 78 percent were accepted.

Eli Keithly heard about the AVID program from his middle school counselor. I thought it would help me because at the time I didnt have the best grades, Eli explained. He said AVID would help me with those.

He would be the first male in his family ever to go. He hopes to earn a degree in theoretical physiology.

Elis classmate, Paydon Jackson, heard about AVID from Longview students. The AVID elective has already been introduced at other schools in the county, including R.A. Long, which had its first AVID group graduate last year.

They talked about their classroom as a family, Paydon said.

I told my mom about (AVID) and she said You should sign up because we dont have any college experience,  Paydon said. She hopes to go to UCLA and become a movie producer or director.

I want to be behind the scenes, where people dont really know about me, but Im very important, Jackson said.

Another classmate, Madison Forsberg, said her parents didnt attend college either.

(My parents) really want me to go, and I, myself, really want to go, Madison said. I was hoping AVID would prepare me for college and help me keep my grades up so I can get scholarships.

Luckily, according to DeWeert, most of the AVID students are also part of Washington states College Bound scholarship program, which promises tuition to a four-year in-state college on two conditions: that the students family is low-income eligible and that the student signs (and later upholds) a pledge in their 8th grade year to graduate from a Washington high school with a 2.0 GPA or higher.

We want to make sure our kids are set up to take advantage of that, DeWeert said. AVID gives students four years to gear up for the next big step.

We have time to do that, DeWeert said. Time is such a luxury in the educational world.

These freshmen are expected to continue in AVID their sophomore, junior and senior years. More students will file in until there is an AVID class for each grade level at Kelso. DeWeert says she hopes the program is life changing.

You can change whole family legacies by getting that next step taken care of, DeWeert said.
Sue Pederson, GOP challenger for the 19th District Senate seat, says Southwest Washington needs fresh eyes in elected office.

In addressing a question about term limits Wednesday at a Longview forum, Pederson said citizens would benefit from fresh blood and new ideas. The Grays Harbor Republican is challenging state Sen. Dean Takko, D-Longview, who has been representing the district since 2005 and was appointed to his Senate seat in October.

I am actually an unlikely candidate. I am not a politician; well, not until now, Pederson said in her opening statement. I would like nothing better than to work for you folks in the district.  Thats why Im in this race, to give you a choice.

At the forum at Canterbury Park, Pederson and Takko agreed on several issues facing the state, from gun control to environmental regulations that businesses face. They both said lack of term limits are more of a problem on the federal level.

They agreed that fees would be a way to discourage unnecessary public records requests; that companies like Millennium Bulk Terminals in Longview face too long a permitting process; and that funding for basic education would benefit from a statewide levy. Takko called the state Supreme Courts McCleary decision mandating the state to boost education spending the 800-pound gorilla in the room.

Although she filed for office as a Republican, Pederson said she is independent and wouldnt be tied to voting the party line if it conflicted with the districts interests. She said Takko would be more likely to vote for a state income tax.

Takko disagreed and said the state income tax would never pass, noting that voters have rejected the idea eight times.

As far as the state income tax goes, the votes are not there, in the House or the Senate, he said. Its off the table. Youre never going to get the votes for that.

Takko and Pederson both oppose Initiative 1491, which would limit high-risk individuals from obtaining firearms, criticizing the measure for a lack of due process and broad definitions of threat.

You dont have to be mentally ill; you just have to be a threat, and the threat portion of it is very, very broad, Takko said. I took an oath to support the Constitution, not just the portion that I agree with.  Just the mere fact that you own a gun can be construed to be an extreme risk.

The 19th District includes all of Pacific and Wahkiakum counties and parts of Cowlitz, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties. It has been a democratic stronghold for decades, and Takko tallied 57.7 percent of the vote in the Aug 2 primary contest to Pedersons 42.4 percent.

Takko has also raised nearly 50 percent more in campaign contributions than Peterson, $93,000 to Pedersons $63,000, according to reports filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission.

But Pederson said she brings valuable experience, both as a fish biologist for decades and working in the PUD in Grays Harbor. She said while Takko wants people to hear about his accomplishments, she wants to listen to voters.

I want to know what you want and what you want me to do for you, Pederson said. Im running basically just to be helpful. Thats the bottom line.

Takko, who was Cowlitz County Assessor before joining the Legislature, said the 19th District is his home and he wants to continue to represent the people there.

I really enjoy the Legislature. Every day its something different, Takko said. Id like to think the one thing I do is protect the values in this district. ... I hope you think Im doing the right thing for the district, and Id really appreciate you sending me back there.
A Woodland High School student faces a second-degree arson charge after police arrested him on suspicion of igniting a trashcan in a school bathroom Tuesday afternoon, police say.

Woodland police and firefighters responded to a call from a school staff member at 12:15 p.m. describing heavy smoke in the hallways and in the bathroom on the south wing of the school, according to the dispatch report.

The fire melted the standard plastic garbage can, Woodland Police Sgt. Robb Lipp said. There were no reported injuries.

The 14-year-old male suspect was arrested and booked into Cowlitz County Juvenile Detention Center at about 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Video footage of the incident will be part of the ongoing investigation, Lipp said.
Signed off

A new political sign has been showing up recently that says Vote Yes Fire in large letters with a red background and below it requests support for our local firefighters. As a new resident, Im not familiar with the issue on the upcoming ballot that prompts displaying these signs. As a result, this letter is not a comment on its merits other than to say that I am certainly in favor of providing adequate resources for firefighters. Given the recent spate of arsons in Kelso, having a big red sign that can be read as voting yes for fire is certainly not appropriate and is in poor taste. Perhaps a different approach to the signage would be a good idea.

James Turpin

Longview

Your decision

In response to Ray Heplers letter entitled Bible belt: Freedom of religion is one of our greatest freedoms. It was paramount in the active principles that founded our wonderful nations Constitution. It was scholarly coupled with freedom of speech.

There are nations where Ray Hepler can go and live and it will be against the law for him to exercise religious beliefs. I personally knew and talked with victims who spent five years each in Romanian prisons because they believed all mankind would be resurrected from death and restored to perfect life and live in perfect harmony with The God and his fellow man. This has been dubbed Gods Restitution Project. It is real and it is coming. In America it is OK if one does not believe it. This is the story contained in that Bible that Ray Hepler wants to avoid and deny access to others.

Boone Mora

Skamokawa

Split votes

I subscribe to splitting Washington states electoral votes, like Maine and Nebraska. Our state is quite diverse and the people of eastern Washington do not get fair representation. These states allocated two electoral votes to the popular vote winner, and one each to the popular vote winner in each congressional district. The Republicans have not gotten an electoral vote in eight elections and wont this time either. Why vote?

Charles L. Klawitter

Kelso

Non compliant

I was just reading the Associated Press article about the noncompliance of Washington state in confirming citizenship or legal residency to get a drivers license.

People do not realize how this lack can affect them personally. I was recently in the Tacoma area with my grandson and wanted to take him to visit my fathers grave at the cemetery on Fort Lewis (JBLM). My dad died in Korea in 1951 and is buried in the cemetery at Fort Lewis. It had been several years since I had visited and imagine my surprise to find out that my drivers license was no longer accepted as I.D. and I could not go to the cemetery. I will need either to buy an enhanced drivers license or a passport to visit my own fathers grave, a man who gave his life in service to his country.

I also understand that if not now, you will soon not be able to board airplanes with your Washington drivers license. Again it seems to be a choice between security and political correctness and our federal government has chosen security and our state political correctness, and its the average citizen like myself who pays the price. I plan on contacting my state representatives asking them to pass the legislation to put Washington state in compliance with the federal law so our drivers licenses can be used as valid identification, and I encourage everyone else to do the same.

Susy Campbell

Kalama
The Daily News published an editorial (Sep. 21) endorsing my opponent  Aberdeen Republican Jim Walsh  in Novembers election to decide who will represent southwest Washingtons citizens in Olympia. Ahead of the August 2 election, TDN had previously endorsed two of my then-primary opponents  the appointed Democratic incumbent and a Republican challenger. After neither advanced to November, the editorial board now has endorsed its third candidate in three months.

With its track record of quickly shifting loyalties, the board has made it clear its highest priority is backing whichever candidate most closely aligns with its far-right conservative political agenda, rather than someone who was born and raised here, understands our issues, and would be an effective legislator for our communities. I was deeply disappointed to see my positions on two key issues misrepresented  and I want to set the record straight.

TDNS editorial concludes  ... if you dont want your taxes increased, if you support the Second Amendmentsupport Jim Walsh.

The clear implication is that my stances on an income tax and the Second Amendment differ from Mr. Walshs. They do not.

My campaign for the 19th District House seat is based on facts  not attacks. Here are the facts:

I OPPOSE A STATE INCOME TAX. PERIOD.

I SUPPORT THE SECOND AMENDMENT. PERIOD.

I have stated my opposition to a state income tax clearly both in print and on video. So clearly in fact that my opponent acknowledged our joint income tax opposition during a candidate forum. Check the video yourself at www.peopleforpurcell.com. The audience had no trouble hearing and understanding my position. And yet the TDN editorial board deliberately muddied the waters and misrepresented me.

As for the Second Amendment, the board provides no facts to back up its baseless claim that I would ...vote to diminish your gun rights. TDN got that wrong, too. I oppose Attorney General Fergusons proposal to ban assault-style weapons/high capacity magazines. I joined 19th District Democratic incumbents Rep. Brian Blake and Sen. Dean Takko in unified opposition to the Ferguson proposal during the Greater Grays Harbor candidate forum. Research does not support the AGs claim that a ban would effectively reduce gun-related deaths.

The question of extreme-risk protection orders regarding guns (I-1491) is a separate and distinct issue. Something must be done to keep us safer. Two small Washington towns have recently endured shooting tragedies and the people are asking for leadership around this issue.

Protection orders are a real-world, results-oriented action we can take together to reduce unnecessary gun-related violence. This is a law that will save lives. Families and law enforcement desperately need a tool to prevent tragedies before they happen. A common thread tying together many mass shootings is prior knowledge of a shooters dangerous mental health crisis.

In arguing against this public safety measure, the board gets its facts wrong, stating Initiative 1491 would allow a judge to permanently take away your Second Amendment Rights ... This is simply not true. Anybody seeking a protection order must present sworn evidence justifying their request to a judge. If granted, the order is in effect for 12 months. The subject of a protection order can petition a judge to suspend the order.

Prevention is the key to saving lives from shootings committed by disturbed individuals making violent threats. Initiative 1491 is written so that only those who are in the best position to spot red flags  family, household members, law enforcement  can file for a protection order. Claims that vengeful ex-girlfriends or angry coworkers can get an order are dishonest scare tactics. I urge readers to research the proven benefits of protection orders and join me in supporting I-1491.

Our District faces a number of difficult challenges; nonetheless, we have great assets, people and passion to work with. I will work to bridge the divides between the parties as well as rural and urban elected officials. I will focus on essential infrastructure investments needed to attract and retain family-wage jobs, sustain our natural resource-based industries, improve our education system, diversify our economy, and protect our quality of place.

I will honor our traditions while seeking new and innovative solutions to bring economic opportunities to our area. I am committed to running a positive, volunteer-driven campaign based on facts  not attacks. I challenge my opposition and the editorial board to do likewise.

Im ready to put my experience, networks, and problem-solving skills to work for you in Olympia.
Science has contributed more the human civilisation than any other disciplines. The development of science has led to many inventions and discoveries which have changed the way we look at the world. The benchmark for excellence in the domain of science is the Nobel Prize which is awarded for innovative ventures in Science and this time no exceptional. Pioneers from different disciplines have awarded with the most honourable grant for their stunning creations and inventions in 2016 on Wednesday.

In the discipline of Chemistry, a trio of scientists won the Nobel Prize for the year 2016, for their revolutionary invention of molecular machines, which are regarded as the smallest machines of the world. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has declared to honour the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2016 to a trio of researchers including Jean-Pierre Sauvage from the University of Strasbourg, France, Sir J. Fraser Stoddart from the Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA, and Bernard L. Feringa, from the University of Groningen, the Netherlands for their ground-breaking design and creation of molecular machines.

Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Sir J. Fraser Stoddart, and Bernard L. Feringa comprehended how to consolidate atoms to make nanoscale machines that can be demonstration like engines, lifts, muscles and even a simple car. Their manifestations are small to the point that theyre around 1,000 times more slender than a human hair. This revolutionary research of the three scientists could escort the world to a congregation of highly advanced innovations and technologies, from nano computers to sophisticated medical treatments and powerful energy-storage frameworks.

Sara Snogerup Linse, The Chairperson of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, said that this award would kick off a new epoch of molecular, with the enriched nanotechnology for different sectors and other disciplines.

Bernard L. Feringa is aged 65 and is working as a professor of organic chemistry at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. On the other hand, Jean-Pierre Sauvage is aged 71 and collaborates as a professor emeritus at the University of Strasbourg and director of research emeritus at Frances National Center for Scientific Research. Sir J. Fraser Stoddart is of 74-aged and is also a professor at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. All three scientists share the $930,000 cash prize with the honourable Nobel Prize for their avant-garde development in the domain of Chemistry.

Apart from the discipline of Chemistry, Japan-born scientist, Yoshinori Ohsumi won the Nobel Medicine Award and David J. Thouless, F. Duncan M. Haldane and J. Michael Kosterlitz were mutually honoured for 2016 Nobel Prize in physics. The Nobel Prize for the discipline of Peace will be declared on Friday, while the awards for Economics and Literature will be publicised in next week. At the ceremonies in Stockholm and Oslo which is slated to hold on 10th December  the anniversary of the founder of Nobel Prize Alfred Nobels death in 1896, the awarded will be handed out to the winners.
The US space agency NASAs Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, SOFIA, has detected the collapse of portions of six interstellar clouds. Whats striking is that these clouds will give birth to a new star much larger than the size of our Sun.

Scientists explained that interstellar clouds are very large and heavy as well which results in very huge gravitational force such that the coulds own gravity forces it to contract and the contraction produces heat friction. Heat friction leads to very high temperatures which further triggers hydrogen fusion reactions necessary for the birth of a star.

Astronomers are excited about this SOFIA research because there have been very few previous direct observations of collapse motion. These SOFIA observations have enabled scientists to confirm theoretical models about how interstellar clouds collapse to become stars and the pace at which they collapse. Actually observing this collapse, called infall, is extremely challenging because it happens relatively quickly in astronomical terms.

Detecting infall in protostars is very difficult to observe, but is critical to confirm our overall understanding of star formation, said Universities Space Research Associations Erick Young, SOFIA Science Mission Operations director.

Using the observatorys GREAT instrument, the German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies, scientists searched for this developmental stage in nine embryonic stars, called protostars, by measuring the motions of the material within them. They found that six of the nine protostars were actively collapsing, adding substantially to the previous list of less than a dozen protostars directly determined to be in this infall stage.

The team of researchers at SOFIA work for several each year from Christchurch, New Zealand, to observe, monitor and discover objects best seen from southern latitudes including the complete center of the Milky Way where many star-forming regions are located. Moving towards southern latitudes in winters has a reason as nights are relatively longer and the percentage of water vapor that blocks infrared rays is very low in the atmosphere which makes ideal observing conditions.

With the Southern Hemisphere deployments of SOFIA, the full inner Milky Way comes into reach for star formation studies. This is crucial for observations of the earliest phases of high-mass star formation, since this is a relatively rapid and rare event, said Friedrich Wyrowski, astronomer at the Max-Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, Germany.

The results were from observations made in the Southern Hemisphere in 2015, and were published in Astronomy and Astrophysics earlier this year. SOFIA spent seven weeks during 2016 observing from Christchurch. The scientific teams involved in the Southern Hemisphere observations are analyzing the acquired data now.

Previously, scientists had pinpointed the amount and location of water vapor around a newly forming star with groundbreaking precision. Using data collected aboard SOFIA, the team determined that most of this young stars water vapor is located in material flowing away from the star, rather than within the disk of matter orbiting around it. This location is unexpected, indicating that if planets formed around this star, they might receive only a small fraction of the water in the system.

SOFIA is a Boeing 747SP jetliner modified to carry a 100-inch diameter telescope. It is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center, DLR. NASAs Ames Research Center in Californias Silicon Valley manages the SOFIA program, science and mission operations in cooperation with the Universities Space Research Association headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, and the German SOFIA Institute (DSI) at the University of Stuttgart. The aircraft is based at NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Centers Hangar 703, in Palmdale, California.
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A replacement model of the fire-prone Samsung Note 7 smartphone began smoking inside a U.S. plane on Wednesday, the family that owns it said, prompting fresh investigations by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration.

A problem with the replacement for the Note 7 model would create a new, embarrassing and potentially costly chapter to a global scandal which has hurt Samsung's reputation. It also could add new dangers for consumers.

Indiana passenger Brian Green's phone began emitting smoke inside a Southwest Airlines Co flight to Baltimore from Louisville, Kentucky, his wife Sarah told Reuters after speaking with her husband. She said that Green had replaced the original phone about two weeks ago after getting a text message from Samsung.

Samsung Electronics Co said in a statement it was working to recover the device and to understand the cause. Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note 7," the South Korean company said.

The world's largest smartphone maker announced a global recall of at least 2.5 million of its flagship Note 7 smartphones in 10 markets last month due to faulty batteries causing some phones to catch fire.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is in touch with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Samsung and the phone's owner to gather facts, Chairman Elliot Kaye said in a statement, reminding consumers that they could get refunds for the troubled model.

The FAA said in a statement that it had confirmed a Samsung phone caused the smoke on the Southwest flight and that it was investigating the incident.

Technology news site The Verge, which earlier reported the incident, quoted Brian Green as saying the phone was a replacement, and it posted a picture taken by him of the packaging. The picture showed an identifying label with a black box, which Samsung has described as the indicator of a replacement phone. A spokeswoman declined to comment on the picture.

Samsung customers in China have reported problems with phones that have the same battery as the global replacement model, but Samsung has said it examined the Chinese phones and found the batteries were not at fault.

Green picked up the new phone at an AT&T Inc store on Sept. 21, the Verge said.

Southwest said the plane was evacuated after a customer reported smoke from a Samsung device. All passengers and crew exited the plane and no injuries were reported, a Southwest Airlines spokesperson said.

Reuters
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The government received cumulative commitments of Rs 63,500 crore from telecom operators at the end of bidding on Wednesday -- Day 4 of India's biggest spectrum auction. While there were no takers for 700 MHz and 900 MHz bands at the auction for the fourth day running, major activity was seen in the 1,800 MHz band, according to data released by the Department of Telecommunications.

There were six fresh rounds of bidding with the total rounds now standing at 23 after four days. Day three had seen Rs 60,969 crore cumulative commitments from telecom operators after 17 rounds of bidding. The additional amount raised on the fourth day was Rs 2,531 crore. "Nearly half of 3G spectrum put up for auction is witnessing traction, though not over any premium. The operators are clearly looking to plug the coverage gap in their 3G footprint," said Prashant Singhal, Global Telecom Leader, EY.

The maximum bids of 112 in the 1,800 MHz band were received for the Jammu & Kashmir circle with a provisional winning amount of Rs 2.60 crore per block. However, 48 blocks were not bid for. The second highest bids (also in same band) -- 81 -- were received for the Assam circle with a provisional winning amount of Rs 8 crore per block. However, this circle also saw 18 blocks without bids.

In 1,800 MHz Mumbai circle saw 25 bids, with no excess bid. Some hectic activity was observed in 2,300 MHz, while 800 MHz, 2,100 MHz and 2,500 MHz saw lukewarm response. According to official sources, 956.8 MHz of total spectrum has been sold so far out of a total 2,354 MHz of spectrum that the government has put up for auctioning. The companies participating in the auction are Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India, Reliance Jio Infocomm, Reliance Communications, Idea Cellular, Aircel and Tata Tele -- who have together furnished a total earnest money of Rs 14,653 crore.

Surprisingly, the 700 MHz band, meant predominantly for 4G (LTE) services which will support broadband data, as well as Internet Protocol telephony such as voice over LTE (Long-Term Evolution) network -- measures that can bring major cost benefits to customers -- went without bids. In the Delhi circle, the reserve price for 700 MHz is pegged at Rs 1,595 crore per MHz -- which is the highest -- and for pan-India, it is Rs 11,485 crore per MHz.

The airwaves on the block for telecom operators are in seven bands -- 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz, 2,300 MHz and 2,500 MHz. The auction now is central to the government realising the revenue target of Rs 98,994.93 crore that has been provided for in the budget against 'other communications services' -- the bulk of which is scheduled from the fee paid for spectrum.

The auction timings are from 9 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., Monday to Saturday. For the auctions -- which will be a Internet-based, online process -- the government has hired the services of mjunction services. The government allots the right to the spectrum through auction for 20 years. The operators will have the choice of both upfront and instalments payment options. The service providers who win airwaves below 1 GHz bandwidth will have to pay 25 per cent upfront, and for those winning above that, the upfront payment will be 50 per cent.

IANS
Sheldon Pinto

Google recently unveiled its Pixel smartphones at its hardware event on 4 October in San Francisco. The new brand is a bold new step forward and also gives Google an opportunity to deliver its all-new Google Assistant AI platform on a device that is most personal to users (apart from being available on Google Home). But the premium price tags saw the new Pixel models being left high and dry with OEMs offering similar lower priced products.

Out here in India, Pixel price tags have beeen confirmed to start from Rs 57,000 which is a long stretch from the earlier Nexus models like the 5X and 6P. With just Daydream on offer (it will arrive on other smartphones as well) and the integrated Assistant, Google had given few reasons for many to upgrade to a Pixel. But now it turns out that there is indeed one more, even though it may not be as impressive as many would like it to be.

Google confirmed to Droid Life that the new Pixel smartphones come with an IP 53 rating for dust and water resistance, which could be another good reason to go in for one. But it is not as impressive as current generation flagships go with a IP67 or an IP68 rating.

As mentioned in my previous article dissecting the iPhone 7, it is hard to understand as to why Google went in for an IP53 rating. Breaking down the Ingress Protection (IP) marking, the 5 stands for "dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment." Wikipedia describes the second '7' marking as "Water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60 from the vertical shall have no harmful effect."

What this means is that the Pixel smartphone can be used in a light drizzle and that it can also withstand a certain amount of dust (not too much). But something to note here is that Google did not explicitly mention this as a feature, meaning that you should read the fineprint on the box before exposing your Pixel to a light rain shower.

The Apple iPhone 7 which was launched recently comes with a much better rating at IP67. With a 6 the iPhone 7 is totally protected against dust and 7 means that it is protected against liquids under immersion between 15 centimeters and 1 meter for a period of a maximum of 30 minutes.

Samsung's recent Galaxy S7 and Note 7 packs in an even better IP68 rating instead, meaning that they can be submerged in water and can be operational (using the touchscreen) down there as well. In comparison, the Sony Xperia Z (2013) which came to markets 3 years ago packed in a better IP57 rating.

While many may have pointed fingers that Google is indeed copying Apple's hardware and software formula, Apple too with its iPhone 6 and 6s did not publicly disclose that they did come with some level of water resistance. Google could be playing it safe like Apple did earlier and has used the IP53 rating as a preventive measure and not as a feature.
hidden

In a massive operation, police busted at least nine call centres in Mira Road town and detained over 770 people for allegedly threatening US and other foreign nationals, police said here on Wednesday. The raids, by a posse of around 200 police personnel, started late on Tuesday and continued till Wednesday.

According to police, the call centre employees reportedly posed as US Tax Department officials, forced the victims, mostly loan defaulters, to part with their confidential bank and financial details, or threatened them with penal action. After the scared victims provided the details, the call centre employees managed to siphon off money from their bank accounts.

As per tentative estimates, the daily turnover from these fraudulent practices is pegged at a whopping Rs 10 million per day (Rs 1 crore daily), even as a probe is on to figure out the exact amounts that may be involved and number of people who have been defrauded. The raids, directed by Crime Branch DCP Parag Manrere were simultaneously conducted in three multi-storied buildings and in the neighbourhood of the middle-class Naya Nagar locality of Mira Road with police collecting telephone and computer records, hard-disks and other evidences.

According to police, many of these call centres, targeting mainly US citizens, besides some other countries, were owned by nine persons and operational since over six months. The database from these call centres contained personal and financial details of several thousands of foreign and even Indian nationals which were utilised to trap their victims. Thane Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh said it is a matter that involves multiple crimes like extortion, forgery and cheating operated internationally.

"The modus operandi of these call centres is identical but their owners are different with the involvement of hundreds of employees. We shall verify the role and antecedents of each and every person engaged in this racket," Singh told media persons. To a query, he said that if any foreign agency approaches, the Thane police would be prepared to share details of the crime with them.

The police is also seeking assistance from the Cyber Crimes Cell, IT experts and internet companies as VOIP was used to make internet voice calls to the victims to avoid tracing back the calling numbers, an official explained. Many of the callers, including many women, were given a short training in phone etiquette and speaking in foreign accents to gain the victims' confidence before trapping them into parting with their personal details. While around 100 employees were questioned and released on Wednesday evening, others were still being interrogated by multiple teams of investigators.

IANS
tech2 News Staff

Samsung is just not able to live down the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco. Replacement devices have only just started reaching customers hands and it looks like theyve already started blowing up.

Brain Green got his Note 7 replaced on 21 September at an AT&T store. The phones box had the black square that marks a replacement, safe, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device and Green also claims that his device showed the green battery icon that is also meant to be an indicator of a safe device.

At the request of flight attendants, Green turned off the device and put it in his pocket when it began to smoke. Green dropped the phone to the floor of the aircraft and flight attendants immediately evacuated the plane.

The Verge and Reuters independently confirmed the story. The Verge also got their hands on images which confirm the presence of the black mark on the packaging. They also verified the phones IMEI number with Samsungs eligibility tracker to confirm that the device was among the safe Note 7s.

Samsungs official response is, Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note 7. We are working with the authorities and Southwest now to recover the device and confirm the cause. Once we have examined the device we will have more information to share.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sent an email to TechnoBuffalo, where they stated that they were expediting the investigation and that they are in touch with the FAA and Samsung. CPSC chairman Elliott F. Kaye also requested that Galaxy Note 7 owners power down their devices and take advantage of the remedies offered by Samsung, which includes getting a full refund.

As far as were aware, this is at least the fifth safe Note 7 device thats caught fire. Four of those devices burnt up in China and Samsung rubbished two of those claims saying that external heat sources were involved. The most recent incident in China involved a phone blowing up and damaging a MacBook Pro. The owner of that device refused to hand it over to Samsung, alleging that they would hush it up.

Whats a safe Note 7?

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7s batteries are provided by at least two different manufacturers, one in Korea and the other in China. The primary battery supplier for Samsung was Samsung SDI, an affiliate company. The Chinese manufacturer is ATL.

All devices sold in China use ATL batteries and those sold elsewhere used SDI batteries. When reports of Samsung Galaxy Note 7s exploding popped up, forcing Samsung to issue a recall, it came to light that only those phones with SDI batteries were affected. Further investigation revealed a manufacturing defect in SDI batteries. This defect would cause the battery to short in certain conditions, resulting in a violent, explosive reaction.

Samsung SDI has since been barred from supplying smartphone batteries for the company.

Samsung issued a recall of all Note 7 phones with SDI batteries and issued replacements with ATL batteries. Samsung also stated that the packaging of all replacement units would be marked with a black box and that the battery status indicators on replacement phones would be green, as opposed to white on the regular Note 7 devices.

As mentioned earlier, the packaging for Greens phone came with a black mark, his phone had a green battery status indicator and its IMEI number suggests that its safe.

Users can also check their Note 7s IMEI code at this site to verify that they have a safe phone. So far, at least 36 phones with SDI batteries have caught fire and/or injured people and caused property damage.

This latest case could be the harbinger of doom for the Note brand as well as a serious blow to Samsungs reputation. As one intrepid internet user points out, hed rather stand in line at an Apple Store than at a hospital.

This news comes on the heels of a Samsung announcement that states that the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will go on sale in India on 28 October, two days before Diwali.

If even the replacement phones are affected by battery issues and youre still thinking of ordering a Note 7, you might not need to bother with fireworks this Diwali.
tech2 News Staff

Samsung announced today that it has agreed to acquire Viv, an artificial intelligence conversational platform. Viv is a voice assistant made by the same team that created Siri.

Siri was available as an App on the iPhone before Apple acquired it and baked the AI into the operating system. The current Viv team left Apple over disagreements on what direction Siri should be developed in, and Viv is what the makers originally intended Siri to be.

The Global Innovation Centre of Samsung was responsible for the acquisition on behalf of Samsung Mobile Communications. Jacopo Lenzi, SVP of Business Development and Strategic Acquisitions said "We see great potential in the Viv AI software and platform, and were excited for Viv to reach our millions of users through Samsungs global presence and distribution." Injong Rhee, CTO of Mobile Communications at Samsung said "Unlike other existing AI-based services, Viv has a sophisticated natural language understanding, machine learning capabilities and strategic partnerships that will enrich a broader service ecosystem." Here is Injong Rhee, speaking about the Viv acquisition.

Viv differs from current intelligent assistants because it uses a virtual network of associated areas and capabilities. It uses a technological breakthrough called dynamic program generation to create programs in under 10 milliseconds, and execute the code on the fly. Viv is meant to be a platform for conversational commerce, which uses a natural language voice interface to book hotel rooms, order supplies from a store, or pay back a loan to a friend. Viv can interpret long and complex sentences, as well as keep track of the context of a conversation.

Viv co-founder and CEO, Dag Kittlaus said "At Viv, were building the simplest way for anyone to talk to devices and services everywhere. We see a future that is decidedly beyond appswhere you can get what you need quickly and easily no matter where you are, or what device you are near. Samsung offers us a unique opportunity to deliver a single conversational interface to the worlds apps and services across a diverse range of products, at global scale."

Viv has a dual focus on both consumers and developers, which is one of the reasons Samsung has agreed to acquire Viv. With the acquisition, Samsung will be able to offer users a conversational, contextual and personalised experience. Facebook and Google had previously shown interest in acquiring the AI startup.
Nimish Sawant

The Twitter acquisition talks are slowly, but surely, picking up momentum. Till a few weeks back, Google, Disney and Salesforce were being considered as strong contenders for the buyout, but according to Recode, Google currently has no plans to make a bid for Twitter. Apple, which was also being speculated to make a bid, is an unlikely candidate now. And there are reports confirming that Disney too is out of the race thereby leaving just Salesforce in the running.

Naturally, Twitter shares have seen a drop by close to 9 percent.

Google which was considered to be a likely candidate to make the bid, had even hired the services of Lazard Ltd, an investment bank, to evaluate the option as well as see how it compared with other potential bidders such as Walt Disney and Salesforce.

Twitter itself hired Goldman Sachs Group Inc and Allen & Co to attract potential buyers after it got feelers from Salesforce.

Twitter sale is happening

Both Recode and Wall Street Journal confirm that the Twitter sale is definitely on the table. In fact WSJ said that Twitter is expected to field bids this week. Reuters reports that Twitter has told its potential acquirers that it is seeking to conclude negotiations by selling itself by its third quarter earning call on 27 October according to its sources.

The timeline is quite ambitious considering Twitter only began a sale consideration last month. According to Reuters, this is Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey's way to providing clarity to its shareholders and employees over the company's future.

Is Benioff on the fence now?

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has been building a case to convince Salesforce investors why it makes sense for the company to buy Twitter. Apart from being a well known consumer brand, Twitter also sits on a pile of data which can be used to advantage by a CRM such as Salesforce.

Benioff considers Twitter to be an 'unpolished jewel' with untapped potential. According to him Twitter hasn't cracked the potential in advertising, e-commerce and other data-rich applications which are important components for future growth.

"Im looking hard at unique data-rich companies and what I can do to make them more powerful and innovative if combined with Salesforce," Benioff had said in a recent interview.

Twitter's data trove can be used by the CRM leader to mine data for artificial intelligence driven analysis as well as let Salesforce offer more services in sales, marketing and e-commerce. Salesforce does integrate Twitter in many of its cloud services for corporate customers.

But according to reports, Benioff is now downplaying his enthusiasm at the company's annual Dreamforce event. According to Business Insider, Benioff said that Salesforce looks at everything and it dosen't buy most things. "We haven't agreed to buy that company... it's an unpolished jewel. I think it's a great brand and I just wish Jack [Dorsey] very well...good on his company, that's how I look at it today," said Benioff.

Salesforce investors not really convinced

However, it seems like Salesforce investors are not yet convinced. There were reports that Salesforce stock had fell by 5.5 percent after CNBC announced that the company along with Google had shown interest in buying Twitter. The Street reports that as of Wednesday, the Salesforce share price is still down by 5 percent after Benioff called Twitter an 'unpolished jewel' and still believed in turning Twitter around after acquiring it.

So it seems like no one wants to buy Twitter at the moment  Salesforce CEO has been flip-flopping on the issue. Since none of the potential buyers or Twitter have issued official statements regarding the purchase, there is no clarity as to whether the sale will even happen. Twitter revenues for the second quarter this year has been around $602mn.
Rehan Hooda

Julian Assange, the editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks announced that the non-profit organisation would release documents related to Google in addition to the upcoming Presidential elections in the United States of America. He further detailed that the company will release the material on a weekly basis for next ten weeks at a particular time adding that "we don't do it a 3 AM" as reported by The Verge.

Julian is currently living in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London after seeking asylum in 2012. He is wanted in Sweden for questioning in an allegation of rape, but he fears that he will be extradited to the United States because of his post as the founder and editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks. WikiLeaks was founded in 2006 in Iceland and its formation the organisation has published hundreds of thousands of documents relating to secret information, classified material and news leaks from anonymous sources all across the work.

The documents leaked by the company have mostly been associated with political parties and larger corporations which function in a complex nexus concealing actions and agendas from the public while twisting the law. This announcement comes after a considerable amount of hype and change of plans in last one week. Earlier Assange planned on addressing today's release from the balcony of Ecuadorian Embassy, but the organisation cancelled his appearance ruling "security concerns," as reported by CBS news.

He has termed this release as "October surprise" and addressed the announcement with a video while speaking on the 10th anniversary of the organisation. Instead of providing details about the release, Assange referred to an extract titled "Google Is Not What It Seems" from his book "When Google Met Wikileaks." In the book, he details that the company is working as a megacorporation adding that " Nobody wants to acknowledge that Google has grown big and bad, But it has. Schmidts tenure as CEO saw Google integrate with the shadiest of U.S. power structures as it expanded into a geographically invasive megacorporation, as reported by recode.

This stance is different and more aggressive from the earlier position that Assange maintained towards Google as detailed in his book. He viewed Google as a stateless political organisation using its power to influence international events covertly in his book. As reported by Venture Beat, Assange's view of the company evolved when Google Chairman Eric Schmidt came to England to visit Assange in 2011 with Lisa Shields, US State Department official and Schmidt's partner and former employee of State Department and director of Google's think-tank department "Google Ideas," Jared Choen. Google Ideas has since morphed into Jigsaw, an incubator dedicated to understanding global challenges

Assange details that he became suspicious of Google's partnership with US government and intimate ties to the foregin policy of the government after carefully scrutinising Cohen's actions. This became serious when it was reported that Google took almost three years to notify WikiLeaks staffers that the company had provided their metadata, email data, search records and other contents to the authorities. Wikileaks blasted the company for not standing up and informing its staffers in a letter sent to Eric Schmidt seeking clarification as reported by Android Headlines.

In the past, the organisation has not released documents directly alleging Google's involvement in anything. Assange did not make any allegations towards the company for being connected in any way to issues like war crimes and other things like human rights violation. The organisation did release emails and diplomatic cables linking Google employees to attempts by State Department official to move Afganistan phone companies inside USA military bases and meetings with Iranian leaders.

Recently the organisation released approximately 19,000 emails for seven top officials in the Democratic National Convention as part of the widely reported DNC server hack. Assange alleged that the documents to be released in coming ten weeks would be related to Google, Presidential Campaign, Oil, arms trading, war and mass surveillance. This comes right after reports emerged detailing Yahoo setting up a tool to scan emails and user data to be sent to FBI and US authorities.
Hasnat, Tahmid cleared of all charges

Court Correspondent :

University of Toronto student Tahmid Hasib Khan was cleared of all charges on Wednesday while Abul Hasnat Karim, a former teacher of North South University implicated as a key accused in the Gulshan terror attack.

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court of Dhaka on Wednesday acquitted Hasnat and Tahmid of the charges brought against them under section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in the case filed for Gulshan terror attack.

Magistrate Nurun Nabi of the court set Tahmid free after hearing but Hasnat will remain behind the bars as he was shown arrested in the case filedHasnat, Tahmid on July 4 with Gulshan Police Station under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Tahmid, who secured bail from a Dhaka court on October 2, was present at the court during the hearing. He is no more an accused Under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). However, Hasnat is in the jail.

A team of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested Hasnat and Tahmid from the capital's Gulshan and Bashundhara areas on August 3 in connection with their suspected link to the attack. They were shown arrested Under Section 54 of the CrPC.

The due were rescued with 11 others during the commando operation at the Holey Artisan Bakery at the city's diplomatic zone Gulshan on July 2 following a 12-hour hostage standoff.

Their family members claimed that they had remained traceless since then. However, law enforcing agencies say they set them free after interrogation over the cafe' attack.

Twenty hostages, including 17 foreign nationals, were killed by militants, while five militants and one suspected associate of the attackers were killed during a commando operation in the cafe on July 2. The hostages, including the foreign citizens and two police officers were killed in the attack of the militants. Five militants and a suspected associate of the attackers were also killed during the commando operation in the cafe on July 2 morning.


Former Portugal PM Antonio Guterres poised to be next UN Secretary-General

Reuters :

Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres is poised to be the next United Nations Secretary-General and is expected to be formally recommended to the 193-member General Assembly for election by the Security Council on Thursday, diplomats have said.



Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, president of the 15-member council for October, said he hoped the council would unanimously recommend Guterres, who was also the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.



Guterres will replace Ban Ki-moon of South Korea, who will step down at the end of 2016 after serving two terms. Guterres was prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002.



"Today after our sixth straw poll we have a clear favorite and his name is Antonio Guterres," Churkin told reporters with his 14 council colleagues standing behind him on Wednesday.



"We wish Mr. Guterres well in discharging his duties as the Secretary-General of the United Nations for the next five years," Churkin said.



The council has been holding informal secret ballots since July in a bid to reach consensus on a candidate. Members had the choices encourage, discourage or no opinion. Guterres has come out on top of all the polls and on Wednesday received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes.



Diplomats said one of the no opinion votes was cast by one of the five veto wielding powers, which are Russia, China, the United States, France and Britain.



The Security Council will adopt a resolution, traditionally behind closed doors, recommending that the General Assembly appoint Guterres for a five-year term from Jan. 1, 2017. The resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes to pass.



"We hope it can be done by acclamation," Churkin said.



Thirteen people were nominated in the race to become the next UN chief, but three had already withdrawn before Wednesday's secret ballot.




Ex-Brig Gen found dead in city

Brig Gen (retired) Wazy Ahmed Chowdhury was found dead at his residence at New DOHS in the city`s Mohakhali area on Wednesday.



Reshad Ahmed Chowdhury, nephew of the deceased, told UNB on Thursday that Fuad Ahmed Chowdhury, younger son of the deceased, spotted the body of Wazy -- the neck, hands and legs tied up with rope -- in their flat at New DOHS around 3.45am.



Fuad took him to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) where doctors declared him dead.



Later, a team of Kafrul Police Station recovered the body from CMH and sent it to Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy around 5.30pm on Wednesday.



Police said Wazy might have been strangled.



Meanwhile, Abdul Ahad, caretaker of Wazy`s house, went into hiding after the incident. -- Dhaka, Oct 6 (UNB)
Syria`s White Helmets says aid centre hit by barrel bomb

A Syrian family leaves the area following a reported airstrike on Friday in rebel-held east Aleppo.

CNN, Damascus :

A barrel bomb struck a center used by Syria's civil defense volunteers, known as the White Helmets, in the country's capital of Damascus, the group said.

The group tweeted that the center and vehicles at the scene were destroyed Wednesday, and some volunteers injured in the attack.

White Helmets members describe themselves as a group of 3,000 volunteers whose goal is to save lives in Syrian communities.

"We rush to the scene of attacks to save the greatest number of lives in the shortest possible time and to minimize further injury to people and damage to property," the group says on its website.

Barrel bomb attacks are becoming more common as the war in Syria drags on in its fifth year.

The explosive-laden barrels are hurled out of helicopters.

When one strikes, it can produce the seismological equivalent of a 7.6 magnitude earthquake, CNN's chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta says.

Some of the most most deadly attacks since the start of the war have targeted the rebel-held areas in the city of Aleppo.

Barrel bombs killed more than 3,000 civilians in Aleppo in 2014, according to a report by Amnesty International.

The human rights organization said barrel bombs are a common tactic of the Syrian government, which has been fighting rebels since the civil war started in 2011. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has denied any use of barrel bombs by his forces.

Meanwhile, at least 20 Syrian rebels were killed in a blast at a border crossing with Turkey on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Britain-based monitoring group said it was unclear what caused the blast at the Atme crossing between Turkey and the northern Syrian province of Idlib, adding that around 20 people had also been wounded.

Turkey's state-run Anatolia news agency confirmed the blast left 20 people dead at Atme, adding that it took place during a "change of guard" among Syrian rebels in the area.

The IS-linked Amaq news agency reported the blast, saying it was a car bomb, without carrying any formal claim of responsibility.

Rebel fighters have been targeted at the crossing before. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a mid-August suicide attack there that killed at least 32.

The rebels killed on Thursday were among those participating in Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield in neighbouring Aleppo province.

Ankara began the unprecedented cross-border operation on August 24, saying it was targeting both IS and the Kurdish YPG militia which Turkey considers a "terrorist" group.




RAJBARI: Zinat Ara, DC, Rajbari speaking at a discussion meeting on creating awareness on drug in Rajbari organised by District Administration and Directorate of Narcotics Control yesterday.
DIU student wins 'Selim Al Deen Jury Award'

Campus Report :

Shahaz Uddin, a 4th semester students of Multimedia and Creative Technology Department of Daffodil International University (DIU) won the 'Selim Al Deen Jury Award' in "Inter University Photography Exhibition: Step Out" organized by Jahangirnagar University Photographic Society (JUPS) held at National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy from 27 September - 30 September.

Participants from 46 public and private universities attend in this photographic competition and exhibition.

Among them Shahaz Uddin was awarded 'Selim Al Deen Jury Award' and 3 others were awarded as best photographers. They are Omar Faruk of Dhaka International University, Sams Ahmed Ayat of East West University and Topon Karmaker of Dhaka Titu mir College.

Shadat Parvez, Senior Photo Journalist of Prothom Alo and Md. Mamun Or Rashid, Assistant Professor of Department of Bengali of Jahangirnagar University were present at the closing ceremony as the guest of honor and distributed prizes among the winners.




Works by Zhao Mengfu, a calligrapher in the Song Dynasty. HUO YAN/CHINA DAILY

In Xi'an, Shaanxi province, the city that served as the capital for thirty dynasties in Chinese history, locals regard the Forest of Stele Museum as a source of their city's spiritual aura.

The museum was built by the central authority in the early Song Dynasty (960-1279) in a Confucian temple. It houses more than 11,000 pieces of cultural relics dating from the Han Dynasty (205 BC-AD 220) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), contributed by imperial courts since the Song Dynasty.

About 3,000 pieces are stone steles, inscribed with ancient calligraphy masters' works, as well as stone sculptures, making the museum China's largest stone carving work museum and a paradise for calligraphy lovers.
IIUC celebrates EEE Day

A rally was brought out by the students of International Islamic University Chittagong celebrates to mark the EEE Day yesterday.

Chittagong Bureau :

The students of International Islamic University Chittagong celebrates the EEE Day yesterday in a befitting manner.

A colourful rally in connection brought out from Science and Engineering Faculty building which terminated at central library premises after parading the campus. Huge numbers of students of Science and Engineering faculty participated the rally. After end of the procession, a short rally infront of the library duly presided by Dean of the faculty Prof. Dr. Monirul Islam . Vice chancellor of the IIUC Prof. Dr. AKM Azharul Islam graced the occasion as chief guest on the occasion.

Among others, Acting Pro-VC Prof. Dr. Md. Delwar Hossain, head of the department of computer science & engineering(CSE) Mehdi Hasan, Chief Engineer of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Abdul Gafur, Co-convenor of International Science confernence'16 Md. Shamsul Alam spoke on the occasion, Teacher of CSE Department and female coordinator Shahnaz Parvin conducted the programmes, a IIUC sources said.
WB secret funding of Rampal Power Project unacceptable

THE news that the World Bank (WB) is indirectly funding the construction of Rampal Coal-fired Power Project at a time when people of Bangladesh are opposing the project as a direct threat to the Sundarbans; has come as a big shock to the nation. The New Nation on Wednesday carried out the report quoting the US based Human Right Group 'Inclusive Development Initiative' (IDI). The report released on Monday said the WB Group through its private sector window the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is funnelling the fund through six Indian banks to dodge its direct involvement to such project.



What appears quite intriguing is the fact that the WB has earlier made it clear that it would not provide fund to any coal-based power plant anywhere and more so when the people of Bangladesh are protesting the Rampal Project located so close to the Sundarbans. Everybody agrees that the Rampal Power Plant is having the potential risk to destroy the forest with air and water pollution, besides destroying the livelihood of several millions of people in the region. Not only the WB, three French banks and some Western pension funds even did not agree to finance the project, because of its potential threat to the world's largest mangrove forest, now a UNESCO heritage that also deserves highest protection.



We wonder why the WB is funding such a destructive project indirectly through private banks in India on the back of its new policy announcement in 2013 ending all such funding to coal-based plants globally. But IFC is continuing funding such projects in some other countries raising question of double standard and ethical issues. It is unfortunate that our government is also ignoring people's protest for reasons not clearly known to the nation while India is equally defiant to local public opinion.



What appears more misleading is the fact that the WB's Country Director in Dhaka on Monday said the multilateral lender is not financing the project. But there is no way out for WB to distance itself from IFC funding of the project located within 14 km periphery of the Sundarbans. We know and the WB also knows that such coal-based plant is illegal so close to reserve forest even by Indian laws and yet the WB Group is involving itself local public opinion and call from local and international environments to protect the forest, not to endanger it.



In our view the WB should follow cohesive policies and must restraint itself from funding such project to save the world's biggest mangrove forest from facing slow death. We can't create another Sundarbans again.
Durga Puja begins today

The Durga Puja, biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, begins with the incarnation (Bodhon) of the Goddess Durga at temples across the country today (Friday).

Preparations for celebrating the greatest festival of the Hindu community in all the pandals have nearly been completed. In separate messages, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conveyed greetings to the members of the country's Hindu community marking the festival.

The five-day festival starts with 'Bodhon' of the Goddess Durga today marking Sashthi while the festival will come to an end with the emersion of the idols of the Goddess Durga in the nearby rivers and water bodies across the country on October 11 (Tuesday). The Mahasaptami puja will be held on Saturday (October 8), Mahashtami, Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja on Sunday (October 9), Mahanabami Puja on Monday (October 10) and Biyoya Dashami on Tuesday (October 11). Centering the festival, devotees and artisans are busy taking last moment preparations and tastefully decorating the temples and pandals across the country.

According to Bangladesh Puja Utjapan Parishad, a total of 29,395 permanent and temporary pandals have been erected across the country including 229 in the capital city this year to celebrate the Durga Puja.

A mood of festivities persists among the devotees irrespective of ages marking the festival while adequate security measures had already been taken in the puja pandals across the country. Throughout the day today to mark the Shashthi, recitation of the verses from the Holy Chandi and blowing of conch shells (Shankha) and beating of dhak- dhols (drums) will be heard in temples and pandals in the city.

Draped in new dresses, a large numbers of devotees irrespective of ages will throng the city pandals, particularly at Dhakeshwari National Temple, and offer prayers before the Goddess Durga seeking divine blessings for peace, prosperity and welfare of the country and its people.Security has been beefed up in the Puja pandals throughout the country including in the capital city with the deployment of additional squads of Ansars, police, RAB and other law enforcers for peaceful celebration of the festival. Apart from offering of prayers before the Goddess, Dhakeshwari National Temple at Lalbag has chalked out other programmes including rendering of devotional songs, distribution of clothes among the poor, distribution of Mohaprosad, Arati completion, voluntary blood donation and bring out a Bijoya Dashami procession in the city from the temple premises.

Preparations have also been completed in the tastefully decorated Puja pandals at Ramkrishna Mission and Math, Ramna Kalimandir O Anandamayee Ashram, Kalabagan, Baradeshwari Kalimata Mandir, Siddheshwari Kalibari, Bholanath Mandir Ashram, Jagannath Hall, Rishipara Gautam Ashram, Gulshan Banani Sarbojonin Puja Parishad, Basabo Balurmath, Bonogram, South Maishundi, Shankhari Bazar, Tanti Bazar, Panitola, Farashganj, North Brook Hall Road, Lalbag and other places in the city.

On the eve of the festival, leaders of Bangladesh Puja Utjapan Parishad, Mohanagar Sarbojonin Puja Committee and Bangladesh Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad conveyed Puja greetings to the members of all communities of the country.
Most of jails become drug centre!

Md Joynal Abedin Khan :

The drug business reportedly continues in the country's 68 jails despite the jail authorities' repeated warning.

The drugs and liquors get into the jails mainly through the inmates who appear in the courts as accused or witnesses, sources said.

Besides, some unscrupulous jail staffs supply drugs to the inmates n exchange of money given by the relatives or the cohorts.

Some drugs enter the jails with the food boxes which the so called relatives send for the inmates. The dishonest employees deliberately overlook these boxes during security checking, they said.

It is said that the number of drug addicts may be half of the total prisoners and the number will rise if stern steps are not tasken.

The illegal trade is spreading inside the jails amid the tight security with the help of different organized gangs centering the some unscrupulous jail staff, the added.

The top terror control the lucrative drug trade and the consumers are mainly the general inmates, according to them.

Mohammad Shimul Mia, a prisoner now in Kashimpur jail, said that the top listed criminals and their followers often force and even threaten those, who come out of jails for attending the courts, to carry back drugs with them.

"A small packet of cannabis, which is sold at Tk 20 outside, sells at Tk 100 inside. A yaba tablet, which is sold at Tk 150 to 200 outside, sells at least Tk1,000 inside , exposing their high demand," he said.

A small packet of heroin, which is sold at Tk 1,200 outside, sells at Tk 2,000 to Tk 3,000 inside the jails, he added.

The Kashimpur jail authority in a recent drive seized a huge stash of Yaba tablets and cannabis from the possession of notorious criminal from Mohammadpur, he said.

Dilip Kumar, a prisoner of the Dhaka Central Jail, told The New Nation on Monday that they had been carrying drugs in various ways - by sticking the packets with the body, especially with the private parts, and putting packets inside their shoes and even inside their mouths.

According to Dhaka Jail sources, besides Sweden Aslam and Arman, Killer Abbas, Pichchi Helal, Tion, Lambu Selim, Habibur Rahman Taz, Shahdat, Emon and Joseph are closely involved with the drug trade inside the jails.

Brigadier General Syed Iftekhar Uddin, Inspector General (prisons) of Police, said, "Some relatives of the criminals try to hide drugs inside the Tiffin boxes. But it is not possible now because we are only allowing food items in after thorough checking."

He also said, "Some criminals have been trying to bring in drugs by attaching packets with their body parts. Now we are trying to identify them and conducting regular raids in their cells."
Ex-Brig Gen found dead at his DOHS flat

Hunt for house caretaker on, case filed

Staff Reporter :

The members of law enforcing agencies are hunting for prime suspect and caretaker of the house of the slain Brigadier General (retd) Wazy Ahmed Chowdhury.

The caretaker of the house Abdul Ahad went into hiding after the murder, said Masud Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner (Mirpur Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

Brig Gen (retired) Wazy Ahmed Chowdhury was found dead at his residence at

New DOHS in the capital's Mohakhali area on Wednesday morning. The deceased's younger son Fuad Ahmed Chowdhury spotted the body of Wazy when his neck, hands and legs were tied up with rope in their flat at New DOHS around 3:45am on Wednesday.

The deceased nephew Rishad Ahmed Chowdhury on Thursday filed a murder case in this connection with the Kafrul Police Station. We are investigating the cease seriously and the killer will be arrested soon, the DC, Mirpur Division, said. According to the case, Abdul Ahad has been mentioned as the prime suspect of the killing of Wazy Ahmed Chowdhury. Ahad was appointed as caretaker about two months ago. He went into hiding with a laptop, mobile phone, several thousand taka in cash and some valuable things.

Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) Forensic Department's Associate Professor Sohel Ahmed said, "The retired army person was suffocated to death. The black injury marks were found in the neck and heel of the right leg."

Rishad Ahmed Chowdhury said, "We recovered the 76-year old Wazy Ahmed Chowdhury with a pool of blood from the under-lock room on the second floor of the five-storied building at DHOS house Road No 4 on Wednesday morning.

"Wazy Ahmed Chowdhury retired from Army in 1992 and hailed from Golapganj upazila of Sylhet district. His wife Atia Chowdhury died six years ago and their elder son Nabid Ahmed Chowdhury has been living in the USA for ten years while the younger son Fuad Ahmed Chowdhury lives with his father," he said.

Wazy Ahmed Chowdhury's body will be taken to his home district Sylhet for burial, said Rashed.

It is to be noted that his son Fuad took him to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) where doctors declared him dead.

A team of police recovered the body from CMH and sent it to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital morgue for autopsy, said Kafrul Police Station Sub-Inspector Mukul Mia.
Syndicate rules rice market, Govt smells rat

Kazi Zahidul Hasan :

A syndicate of unscrupulous rice millers has been blamed for the current volatility in rice market.

The syndicate is raising the prices of the staple grain by creating artificial crisis in the market.

In the last few months, the cartel has allegedly forced the price of course rise to jump to the extent of Tk 500 and fine rice to Tk 300 for per 50 kg sack.

The minimum price of coarse rice per kg was Tk 28 in August, which is Tk 40 now. The price of fine rice was Tk 42-45 in August, which is Tk 52-55 now.

"The current level of rice price is unjustifiable when the farmers reaped a bumper harvest," Food Minister Kamrul Islam told The New Nation yesterday

He said: "It is an abnormal hike and it could not be justified by any means."

The Minister accused a syndicate of dictating the rice price from behind the screen to establish control over the rice market. The syndicate members are engaged in hoarding the rice to make quick money by way of increasing price. The cartel has created volatility in the country's rice market to put pressure on the government, said Kamrul Islam. "The government has increased duty on rice import. The business syndicate created instability in the rice market so that the government withdraws the duty to allow cheaper rice," he added. "We are closely monitoring the situation. We will take actions to curb the hoarders and those involved in 'business syndication' in the rice market," he added. The Food Minister further said the government would take appropriate measures to curb the nexus of such syndicate.

Brushing aside the allegation of 'business syndicate,' Layek Ali, Secretary General of Bangladesh Auto-Rice and Husking Mill Owners Association told The New Nation that they were not involved in market manipulation.

"We did not raise the rice price but the government did. The government's move to procure rice at high rate has transmitted the unrest in the market," he added.

Meanwhile, the government has directed the intelligence agencies to look into the rice market volatility after smelling rat.

They have been asked to detect the syndicate responsible for recent price hike of rice.

The agencies would submit their report to the ministry concerned as soon as possible, sources said.


Butchering of Syrian Muslims when America sleeps will have consequences

After five years of brutal conflict in which half the population has been forced from their homes, there is still no end in sight to the war in Syria. One of the reasons behind this longevity is that Syria has become a post-factual conflict and it is that dynamic that fundamentally undermines any political solution. As we see, the global powers involved in Syrian battleground are not wishful to end the seemingly endless civil war unless destroying all the Syrians or making all of them refugees. Since the civil war begun in 2011 as a Arab Spring shock, hundreds of thousands civilians have died, life expectancy has been set back by two decades, 80 percent people of the country lives in poverty and at least $200bn of damage has been done to the country's infrastructure.



At this moment, Syrian and Russian forces, together with Iranian and Hezbollah militia fighters, are preparing to finish the rebels' siege of Aleppo. The 275,000 people who reportedly remain in the city have been told to flee. The poor souls who remain in Aleppo will suffer a surge in relentless, indiscriminate bombing. And when Assad, Putin and their allies have slaughtered all who stand in their way, they will proclaim peace in the bloody sands of the Syrian desert. Meanwhile, Assad and Putin are creating military facts on the ground in Syria that will enable them to dictate the terms of a peace secured by carnage. They have decimated coalition-backed Syrian groups, slaughtered countless civilians, consolidated the Syrian regime's hold on power, and even struck a United Nations humanitarian-aid convoy. And they have done all of this with no consequences.



France is moving to reach some understanding with Russia to end blocking Syrians in Aleppo which is not going to be meaningful as Russia knows that US President Barack Obama as chief of the Super Power, does not know how to use power. As a result Russia feels free to butcher Syrians to show how duplicitous and discriminatory the West is on human rights or genocide.



The US Secretary of State John Kerry angrily said it is of no use in having happy talk with Russia when no result is to be achieved. That should not mean that Russia will have a happy time bombing in Syria committing genocide ignoring America's Super Power position. President Putin of Russia is treating America as a lame duck.


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.
But their 20-page court filing Wednesday didn't shed any light on why Federal Judge Patricia Minaldi was removed in March.

A south Louisiana sheriff isn't entitled to have his criminal case reassigned to the federal judge who was mysteriously pulled off the high-profile case without explanation, Justice Department prosecutors argued Wednesday.

Last week, a federal appeals court asked prosecutors to respond to Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal's claim that U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi was improperly removed from his civil rights case. Her removal occurred four days after an unusual interruption in Minaldi's courtroom, during a routine hearing related to the Justice Department's case against Ackal and 11 of his subordinates.

Prosecutors urged the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to deny Ackal's petition to have the case transferred back to Minaldi. But their 20-page court filing Wednesday didn't shed any light on why she was removed in March.

Chief Judge Dee Drell, of the Western District of Louisiana, didn't explain in his one-sentence orders why he reassigned the cases against Ackal and his subordinates to U.S. District Judge Donald Walter.

The 5th Circuit also invited Drell to respond to Ackal's petition by Thursday. As of Wednesday afternoon, Drell hadn't submitted his own response.

Four days before Minaldi's removal from the cases, she was in the middle of accepting guilty pleas by two former sheriff's deputies when a prosecutor cut her off mid-sentence and asked to speak to a defense attorney. Then, after a short break and private discussion with the attorneys, Minaldi adjourned the March 7 hearing in Lake Charles without giving a reason on the record.

Those two former deputies pleaded guilty later that day in Lafayette, more than 70 miles away, in front of Drell. At the start of those proceedings, Drell noted that the hearing before Minaldi was "unable to be completed" but didn't specify a reason.

Ackal's attorney, John McLindon, argued Minaldi's removal violated court rules and apparently was done without her consent. McLindon also is challenging Walter's decision to hold Ackal's trial in Shreveport instead of Lafayette, where the case originated.

Prosecutors, however, argued Ackal doesn't have a "clear and indisputable" right to have Minaldi reassigned to the case or to have it tried in Lafayette.
Pre-purchase property inspection is a relatively new thing in the United Kingdom. Its not something that most people have heard about, but it has become increasingly popular over the last few years with the rise in property prices and increased demand for high quality homes.

What are the benefits of pre-purchase building inspection? What can you expect to find out when you pay someone else to inspect your home before you buy it? And what should you look for during an inspection?

Many people want to know if theyre buying a house thats been well maintained or if its had any serious problems. If youve found a place on the market that seems attractive, but then discover some issues after moving in, you may not be as excited about buying it as you thought you were.

Its important to do your due diligence when looking at properties. A lot goes into making a property appealing to potential buyers, from the landscaping to the flooring to the kitchen appliances. The same applies when inspecting a property  there are many things that need checking over to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Here are some of the benefits of performing a pre-purchase inspection:

You get to see exactly what will happen to your money

When you go shopping for a new car, youll probably be shown several different models. You might even be shown one that looks like a great value, but doesnt fit around all of the extra features that you want. When it comes time to actually buy the vehicle, however, you wont have seen how your money will be spent on it once you drive it off the showroom floor.

Likewise, when you shop for a new home, you dont really know what youre getting yourself into until you move in. In order to get a feel for whether the home youre considering is what you want, you normally have to spend quite a bit of time inside it. This allows you to learn more about everything that youre going to be spending your hard-earned cash on.

A pre-purchase building inspection gives you much the same kind of experience without having to spend thousands of dollars. Since youre paying for the service, you can expect to see exactly what youre paying for, instead of just seeing a vague idea of what you might end up with.

You find out about potential major repairs

Some buildings are very expensive to maintain, which means that owners often neglect them for the sake of saving money. While youre paying for a building inspection, youre also paying for a professional who knows how to spot signs of trouble and repair work that needs doing.

If you notice that a particular area of your new home needs fixing right away, you can call in an expert to take care of it quickly. If you find that theres something wrong with your boiler, you wont have to wait weeks for a plumber to come over and fix it. Instead, youll have access to a solution immediately.

You can save hundreds of pounds by finding out about potential problems early on

One of the biggest expenses when you first buy a home is the cost of moving in. Many people dont realize this until its too late. Buying a home involves not only paying for the actual house, but also for moving costs, furniture, and other items that have to be moved along with the home.

Having a good idea ahead of time of what youre likely to encounter can help you avoid these kinds of costs. If you know youll need to replace the plumbing system, for example, youll be able to put together a budget for the expense and plan accordingly.

You can protect your investment by finding out if the homes been well cared for

While there are plenty of people who think that houses always look better when theyre newly built, youd be surprised at how well maintained older residences can still look nice. Sometimes, though, those homes need some additional maintenance to keep them looking their best.

This could involve repairs that arent so noticeable or small improvements that you wouldnt consider otherwise. Even worse, some houses have fallen into disrepair without anyone noticing. This is why having a professional perform a building inspection prior to purchasing a home is such a big benefit.

Not only will it give you insight into the state of the property, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing youre not getting taken advantage of. As long as youre aware of the potential pitfalls, youll have less reason to worry about the state of your new home.

You can use information gathered during a building inspection to negotiate a lower price

If youre worried about buying a home because you suspect that it may need extensive renovation work, you may already have a rough idea of how much work youll need to do to bring it up to scratch. That knowledge can come in handy if you decide to buy the home.

You can use all of the details that you gather during a building inspection to present a realistic picture of what the home is worth to prospective buyers. If a potential buyer thinks that the home is worth more than what you paid for it, you can try negotiating a lower price.

You can sell your home faster and for more money

If you decide to list your home on the market soon after buying it, youll need to price it accurately in order to attract buyers. But if youve already done a thorough building inspection, youll know exactly what work is needed and what the current market conditions are.

In other words, youll be able to make a more accurate estimate of the amount of money youve invested in the home and how much its worth. If you find that youre selling your house for close to its full market value, you can use this information to convince the potential buyer that your home is worth the asking price.

Even if youre planning to stay in the home for a while before you decide to sell, the fact that you did a thorough building inspection will give you more confidence when listing it. Prospective buyers will know exactly what theyre paying for.

Your home will hold its value longer

As mentioned earlier, the value of a home depends heavily upon the condition of the building itself. If your home is in bad shape, potential buyers wont be interested in buying it. On the other hand, if youve performed a thorough building inspection and know what sort of repairs are necessary, you can offer your prospective buyer a compelling reason to invest in your property.

When you buy a home, youre essentially agreeing to have it inspected periodically to ensure that it stays in top shape. Not only does this allow you to avoid expensive repairs down the road, but it can also increase the value of your home.

You can make smart decisions about property investments

Buying real estate isnt as simple as just driving a couple of minutes to pick up a house. There are lots of considerations involved, ranging from location to cost. The same is true when youre investing in property.

If you find a house that meets all of your requirements, youll want to make sure that you have a solid understanding of where it stands with regards to the rest of the market. If you havent spent enough time researching the area, you could inadvertently end up with a bad deal.

There are lots of resources available online that can help you determine the overall level of competition in your area. They can also help you figure out if there are any properties that meet your requirements that you didnt know about.

If you own rental property, you can use the information to identify tenants who might cause damage

If you own rental property and youve noticed that certain tenants consistently cause damage, you can use the results of a building inspection to identify them. You can then contact them directly to let them know that youre watching them closely and that you dont appreciate the problem theyre causing.

They might start taking better care of their homes, which would be good news for everyone. It could also be the case that youll find out that theyre responsible for previous damages that werent caught during a previous visit.

You can make smarter decisions about hiring contractors

If youve hired contractors to build or repair your home, you might want to ask them for references. However, unless you perform a thorough building inspection, you might not know exactly what to look for.

For instance, maybe you only checked the roof for leaks or the walls for cracks. You might not have looked underneath the foundation for anything that could cause a future issue. By performing a building inspection, you can ensure that you hire reputable contractors who will be trustworthy with your money.

You can avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition

Of course, the main benefit of structural inspections perth is that it helps you avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition. Before you make the decision to buy a home, you should do whatever you can to find out about the state of the building.

You can also ask your realtor about what sorts of inspections are typically recommended. Some agents say that its standard practice to check the heating system, the roof, the electrical wiring, and the floors. Others will tell you that they recommend that you check the entire structure.

Either way, if you choose to hire an inspector, youll find out exactly what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost to do so.

As a result, it can be concluded that a pre-purchase building inspection is highly important for the buyers because it provides transparency regarding the current conditions of the structure. Additionally, the building owner is made aware of any upgrades or repairs that are required, which could lead to a fair deal throughout the purchasing and selling process.
President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine. The United States generally imports about 100,000 barrels a day from Russia, only about 5% of Russia's crude oil exports, according to Rystad Energy. Last year, roughly 8% of U.S. imports of oil and petroleum products came from Russia. Gas prices have been rising for weeks due to the conflict and in anticipation of potential sanctions on the Russian energy sector. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA. Should the US ban Russian oil imports over Ukraine war?

You voted:
The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now.

Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market.

In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender.

India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex.

Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted.

But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted?

Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner.

If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems.

I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now.

I want more variation in masturbation

I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own.

If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end.

What is sex toys for Indian?

Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation.

It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms.

They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable.

Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner.

The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner.

It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past.

In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping.

Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order.

In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing.

Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome.

Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own.

But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance.

More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around.

Sextoy situation in India

Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years.

In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India.

Mumbai

Kolkata

Bangalore

Delhi

Chennai

Hyderabad

These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India.

In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well.

If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too.

If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it.

What are Sextoys for beginner?

Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms.

Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy.

I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion.

I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy.

If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma.

Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it.

Advantages of using sextoy for Indians

There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians

You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways.

Can have stimulating sex

Can develop new sexual zones

If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern.

However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways.

You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation.

Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever.

There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure.

This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it.

When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems.

It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms).

For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles

[Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou...

Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India.

Sextoy for beginner men in India

So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners.

For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men!

The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men

Masturbator

Cock rings

Love Doll

Sex Lubricants

Toys for the prostate

Lets check each one in detail.

Masturbator

The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products.

It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands.

Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands.

They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.)

Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much.

Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! !

Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa   SEXToys India PR  (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018

Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood.

If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here

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[For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien...

Cock Ring

A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis.

It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow.

It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber.

In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection.

Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction.

It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it.

Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time.

Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function.

Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy.

You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect.

[Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat...

Love Doll

Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex.

There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women.

Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price.

The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true.

You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste.

There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice.

You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls.

If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here

Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to...

Sex lubricants

Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules.

It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution.

Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse.

There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent.

Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent.

If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here.

What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many...

Toys for the Prostate

Another sextoy for men is prostate toys.

The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line.

Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men.

Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm.

You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus.

By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms.

Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.)

The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation.

Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure.

sextoy for beinner women in India

The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy.

The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy.

Vibrator.

Dildo

Electric Masserger

Lets check out what each one is in detail.

If you want to check out womens toys, click here.

[BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm...

Vibrators

A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator.

Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy.

It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy.

Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women.

For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators.

Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex.

Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself.

This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual.

Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men.

When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons.

Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most...

Dildo

A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis.

It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass.

A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it.

They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well.

It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device.

A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo.

Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands.

For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis.

This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one.

To learn more about dildo, please click here.

What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th...

Electric Masserger

A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores.

It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low.

Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels.

Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation.

It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure.

For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm.

It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out.

If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager?

To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here.

What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th...

How to choose a sextoy for Indian

Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one.

Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points:  Does the size fit you (the partner)?

Does the size fit you (your partner)?

Is the environment able to produce sound without problems?

Price range

First of all, the choice of size is quite important.

Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women.

For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage.

Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems.

Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise.

If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level.

Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it.

Finally, there is the price range.

The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest.

Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy.

Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy?

I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance.

For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics.

If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out.

How to buy sextoys in India

The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping.

For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below.

Sextoy is one of them.

Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping.

SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India.

They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry.

Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card.

To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy.

ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal.

Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on.

Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture.

Cautions for Indians using sextoy

When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind

Keep sex toys clean

Watch out for electrical leakage

Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy

As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone.

Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there.

It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case.

In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness.

Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful.

If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it.

You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly.

Summary

What did you think?

In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India.

The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future.

As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values.

However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health.

If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try?

Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women.

I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it.
The City of Carbondale has announced that Steve Mitchell has been named Economic Development Director, which was effective Oct. 3.

Mitchell was born and raised in Southern Illinois and earned a bachelor's degree in management and a master's degree in business administration from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Before accepting his role with Carbondale, Mitchell served as the technology and communications manager for the Management, Training & Consulting Corporation in Marion, a position he has been in since 1997.

Mitchell will be working in the City Managers office and can be reached at steven.mitchell@explorecarbondale.com.

 The Southern
Early voting began Sept. 29 in Illinois, and county clerks are encouraging voters to get out do their civic duty sooner rather than later.

Jackson County Clerk and Recorder Larry W. Reinhardt said he himself voted at 8 a.m. on Sept. 29, with other county officials in line behind him.

Vote early. The reason we say that is, Jackson County has a very mobile society  not just the students, but faculty and staff, he said. So if someone has moved and forgot to update their registration, its best to find out before Election Day.

"I always recommend voting early just to alleviate any potential problems.

Early voting extends through Nov. 7 and takes place at the offices of County Boards of Elections or Board of Election Commissioners, or at temporary polling locations. After Oct. 24, early voting can also take place at other permanent polling locations.

To vote by mail, voters must request an application in person or by mail from their County Board of Elections or Board of Election Commissioners. Some counties also have online applications.

Reinhardt said in-person early voter turnout has been steady.

Weve had a total of 259 voters so far in person, he said on Wednesday afternoon.

Amanda Barnes, Williamson County Clerk and Recorder, said her office had seen 400 people as of Wednesday afternoon.

Weve had a heavier turnout than we normally have for early voting, Barnes said.

Outside of early voting, voter registration in Illinois lasts through Oct. 11, but there is a grace period registration for people who have changed addresses. That grace period extends through Election Day.

Basically, up until 7 oclock on Election Day, a person can get registered and vote in Illinois, Reinhardt said.

Earlier this week, an appeals court stayed a ruling against same-day voter registration at polling places in Illinois. But the law applies only to counties with populations of 100,000 or more, so it will be possible to register to vote on Election Day in Southern Illinois no matter what.

Possible, but not advisable, according to Barnes.

If you wait until Election Day to change your address, youre going to have a line to go through, Barnes said. Were currently averaging 80 people a day, and that number is only going to go up.

Early voting information

Jackson County

Location: Jackson County Clerks Office, 1001 Walnut St., Murphysboro

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Nov. 7; Saturday, Nov. 5, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Additional locations

Carbondale Civic Center | Oct. 17, 18, 19, 21, 24, 26, 27 and 31 and Nov. 1, during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SIU Student Center | Oct. 20, 25, and 28, during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; also on the dates of Nov. 2, 3 and 4, during the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Williamson County

Location: Williamson County Clerks Office, 407 N. Monroe St, Marion

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Nov. 7; after Oct. 14, extended hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays

Union County

Location: Union County Clerks Office, 309 W. Market St. in Jonesboro.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Nov. 7; Saturday, Nov. 5, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 6, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Franklin County

Location: Franklin County Election Office County Annex Building, 202 W. Main St., Benton

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Nov. 7

Additional locations

Christopher City Hall at 208 N. Thomas St. in Christopher | Saturday, Oct. 29, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Denning Township at 217 S. Horn St. in West Frankfort | Saturday, Oct. 29, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Perry County

Location: Perry County Clerks Office, 3764 State Routes 13-127, Pinckneyville

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Nov. 7; Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Additional locations

Du Quoin City Hall at 28 S. Washington St. in Du Quoin | Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Stage Company will open its 35th season with a two-weekend run of Arthur Millers classic play Death of a Salesman.

The 1949 tragedy, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play, is directed by SIUC alum Eric Billingsley.

Performances will take place at the Varsity Center in Carbondale on Oct. 14, 15, 16, 20, 22 and 23. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances start at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.

The story is told through the mind and memory of Willy Loman, a 63-year-old failing salesman in pursuit of his own version of the American Dream, which involves notoriety and wealth.

Willy is played by Ryan Patrick, who had to age up 20 years for the role, assistant director Jodie Salazar said.

He needs to bring that man at the end of his life feeling  the feeling that hes exhausted and hes kind of washed up  and I think hes doing a very good job of showing that in the way he delivers his lines and his actions and everything, she said.

Staging such a classic and frequently performed play presented its own kind of challenge.

Eric (Billingsley), our director, is a very analytical soul, so he likes to dig into the text and see what he can find, and I tend to be one of those people, too, since I came onto the role of assistant director, Salazar said. Its intimidating because, yes, a lot of people know the characters, and a lot of people know the story. But I think if youre kind of fueling your decisions from somewhere inside of you, youre not going to go wrong.

The actors had to puzzle through some of the plays dated idioms, but Salazar said she thinks the story remains surprisingly relevant today.

Its the story of an American family at a time when things were tough and people dont have jobs. I would say most people, especially in Southern Illinois, with the recessions that weve had the last decade or so, most people can walk in and relate it to somebody thats struggling to keep a job and feeling used up and not able to get ahead, she said.

Willys instability sheds some light on how mental illness was dealt with in the past, Salazar said.

This was a time period when nobody talked about mental illness, and the lead character is very clearly struggling with at the very least dementia, but possibly dissociative disorders, things that just werent talked about at that time, she said.

Nobody said, I have a mental illness  it just didnt happen. And you would watch it destroy entire families over generations for something that today, we would be treating.

The Stage Company recently announced its full 35th season. Upcoming performances include Godspell, directed by John Lipe, slated for December; Miller and the Jabberwock, directed by Elyse Pineau and set to be performed in February; an April run of The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Lee Brackett; and The Red Shoes in July, directed by Catherine Field.
CARBONDALE  Improving the look of downtown Carbondale has long been a focus of the Carbondale City Council, and on Thursday, a former laundromat was demolished to make way for a new medical office.

Demolition of the former Jeffrey Laundromat at 311 W. Main St. commenced Thursday, and Dr. Douglas Gates was on hand to see his new property wiped clean.

Gates will start construction on an OB-GYN clinic  New Horizons OB-GYN. He said the structure will be about 160 feet by 100 feet with the lot next to the structure available for patient parking. The building will occupy about 8,000 square feet with a basement, Gates said.

He said he has been leasing space in the Southern Illinois Healthcare professional building, and it was important for him to stay close to the hospital.

From the perspective of delivering a baby, it is important to get to the hospital quickly so you dont have to go back and forth seeing patients and monitoring labor progress, he said.

Gates said he was also delighted to be part of the revitalization of the area.

It is a slow process sometimes, but little by little, I think downtown Carbondale is looking attractive and we are proud to be a part of that, he said.

John Lenzini, Carbondale's building and neighborhood services director, said the city was glad to see the construction due to the age of the residential portion of the building on the backside. He said it lacked the amenities of newer buildings.

Because of the amenities it lacked, it wasnt as marketable to new renters, he said.

When you are not making money off a property, it reduces the amount of funds you have to improve it and take care of it, Lenzini said.

He said the building was being maintained by the city at the bare minimum.

Continuing with the theme of improving old structures, Lenzini said demolition on the Horizon Inn hotel should start within a couple of months.

Carbondale City Manager Gary Williams said the city is performing asbestos remediation on the building currently.

Additionally, Lenzini said the former Phillips 66 and BP gas station on East Main Street will be demolished and a Caseys gas station will be built in its place. He said the permit has already been issued by the city and the work can begin whenever the company wants.

He said the Caseys at 150 N. Giant City Rd. is also expanding. That permit has also been issued by the city.

Also, the Hilton Home2 Suites in downtown is continuing its construction, Lenzini said.

He said on Thursday the construction crews were beginning to dig footings for the hotel.

Everything is progressing very well, he said.
DU QUOIN  Hands went up across the high school auditorium when Tim Ryan asked the students if they knew of a friend who smokes marijuana, or one who drinks alcohol, or one who takes prescription pain pills, or one who has taken heroin or a friend or family member who has died from a drug overdose.

At a question Ryan asked later, he expressed shock when one or two hands near the back of the auditorium went up: How many of them know what the Good Samaritan Law  the Good Samaritan Overdose Law passed by the state senate in 2012  was. That law, he explained, allows people to call 911 or seek other emergency help for someone suspected of overdosing, typically with no penalty for either of them if they possess less than 5 grams of drugs.

That law was something they needed to know about and that needed to use, in the event someone they knew ever had a negative reaction to their illegal drug use, he said. He told them they also needed to know about Narcan, an opiate antidote that can reverse the effects of a heroin overdose.

Ryan, who created the A Man In Recovery Foundation after being released from a second stint in prison, visited Du Quoin High School as part of a Perry County multi-agency collaboration to educate the community about the impact of heroin and opiate use and abuse. He was also scheduled to speak to youth at Pinckneyville High School later in the day and to the community at a meeting Wednesday night.

Ryan recounted his life as an underachieving high-school student, who was placed in classes for students with special needs. He soon turned to alcohol, before moving on to cocaine and ecstasy and eventually heroin  which he said finished wrecking his life.

He said he started abusing alcohol when he was 14 years old, growing up in Crystal Lake. He said he grew up in a good family, one of four adopted children, whose mother never drank and whose father enjoyed an occasional two or three beers.

I drank to get altered because I liked what it did to me, Ryan said. It took away a lot of these insecurities I had.  But my whole world revolved around drugs and alcohol. I was (insecure) because I wanted to fit in  I wasnt confident in my own skin.

Moving on to college

He graduated from high school with a 1.4 GPA. Though he might not have been considered college material, he said he was a top barefoot water skier, and was accepted into two colleges, because of their open enrollment policies, he said. Ryan said he went to college in Louisiana. He flunked out there, becoming involved in using and selling ecstasy, making as much as $20,000 in weekend drug runs after the drug became illegal, he said.

I was a walking garbage can, and I always needed to be altered, he said.

Though he appeared to be living well, he said he felt empty, something he told the gathering comes with drug abuse.

It takes you to a place of emptiness, and 100 percent to a place of being alone, he said. Many nights, he said he'd do drugs and find himself alone. "I was alone, by myself, coming off drugs and crying and desperate for help and not knowing how to ask for it."

As a 21-year-old, he left Louisiana for Chicago, where he eventually checked himself into a drug-treatment program. Though he was there, he said he never pursued working the steps of the program, saying it was enough for him to get what he needed by association.

I just wanted to quit doing drugs, and I just wanted to know how to drink like a normal person, he said.

The tough road

He moved to Buffalo, New York, where he lived for two years, starting a company marketing cable television door-to-door. He made great money, but also spent great money, he said. His drug addiction also sank that company, destroying the livelihoods of the 60 people who worked for him.

He returned to Crystal Lake, where he went on to work as a headhunter and for a management consulting firm. It was at the consulting firm that he met Shannon, the woman he would marry and have four children with. He continued using cocaine and drinking, even while trying to work.

His drug usage eventually cost him that job and started to lead to problems with the law, including a stint in prison.

After prison, he resolved again to turn his life around.

He was 32 years old when he agreed to drive a friend to Chicago to help him move. While there, the friend's roommate offered him heroin.

That was it, he said. Im a year clean and sober, but I didnt have the tools to live the life of recovery, but I thought, what is one bag of heroin going to do? Its just one bag. That was it. One bag of heroin took me down 12 years to utter hell and destruction.

You thought drinking and the cocaine and all the other stuff I did were issues, he said. This (is) a whole different dinosaur.

His wife had enrolled in nursing school, winning a scholarship; she said she needed to find some way to support her family, because Ryan's livelihood was so unstable.

Then, on Dec. 16, 2010, he said he took money from his wifes purse and traveled to Chicago to get drugs; while he was driving home, he pulled over to snort some heroin. He said the next thing he knew, he was being wheeled into a hospital and a police officer was screaming at him that thats killed two people: He later learned that he hadnt killed anyone, but that he had caused a crash in which four people were injured, including a 9-month-old child. That officer had just lost a son to heroin use, another officer told him.

He spent two weeks in the Cook County Jail, but was facing seven years in the Department of Corrections. He said he fought the charges for 21 months, but ran out of heroin in three months. He said that impact caused him to suffer fits of vomiting and diarrhea.

Then one day when he was battling vomiting and diarrhea, he said his son, Nick, then 17 years old, gave him two bags of heroin, telling him it was his lucky day.

Three months later, Ryan and Nick were doing drug runs together, he said.

He was eventually sentenced to seven years in prison, serving only 13.5 months.

While there, the five-bedroom home hed had built for his wife and family was foreclosed on, and they were forced to move to the two-bedroom home of his wife's parents. Shannon also told him she'd put a package in the mail for him. Divorce papers.

So I lost everything, he said. I promise you, youll cry your (butt) to sleep every night.

After realizing he had to make real changes in his life and endeavoring to turn his life around, Nick, the son who'd shared heroin with him, overdosed. Nick was at a friend's home, where three of his friends were drugging. When Nick overdosed, his friends propped him up on a couch, then put him in a car and drove him around for two hours before taking him for medical treatment, Ryan found out later.

What hes learned is that its all about choices, he said.

Try to be a leader, not a follower, he said. If youre struggling, reach out for help, he said.

He also asked some of the teens what they would do if they had a friend who was using illegal drugs.

Be a friend  say something, do something, he said.

He said his work will come to television soon, as an unscripted docu-series on a major cable network, and hes planning to release his book  From Dope to Hope: A Man In Recovery  in November.

To underscore the seriousness of opiate drug use, he offered the following scenario, with a roomful of people locked up with non-opiate drugs for a week. After the doors were unlocked, he said maybe a row of people would have become addicted to those drugs.

If I lock the door for a week straight and everyone in this auditorium does opiates, every single person in here will be an opiate addict," Ryan said, "every one of you."

"Are you grasping what Im saying here? Thats how quick it takes: And your life will turn into living to use and using to live: That fast. That one bag of heroin. One bag turned into a $500 a day habit for 12 years. I spent over a million and half dollars of my hard-earned money on heroin. It robbed my soul, it robbed from my wife and kids, my mom and dad and everyone near and dear to me, because I destroyed everything in my life.
The St. Louis County police officer killed in Green Park, Missouri Thursday morning was a Metro East St. Louis native who joined the force in his late 20s.

St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar called Blake Snyder a "tremendous police officer" who was seen as extremely dedicated by his supervisors.

Snyder, 33, of Edwardsville, had been with the department about four years and leaves behind a wife and 2-year-old son.

Snyder was a 2001 graduate of Alton High School. He was a soccer player and placekicker on the football team, according to Brad Hasquin, who coached him in football. Hasquin is now an assistant football coach at Granite City High School.

"He was always smiling. That's what I remember the most about him. Just a good kid to be around," Hasquin said. "He was always very helpful, and helping people I guess led him to becoming a cop. We were all very proud of that."

Snyder married into a law-enforcement family. His father-in-law was a Granite City police officer, and his brother-in-law is a member of St. Louis County's tactical operations unit.

Family, friends and fellow officers surrounded Snyder's widow, Elizabeth, when former St. Louis County Chief Ron Battelle and current director of Backstoppers Inc. met with her within hours of her husband's death to explain the role the nonprofit will now play in their lives.

"He doesn't know what's going, but he'll eventually learn," Battelle said of Snyder's son. "I assured the family we'd be there to help raise him because that's what we do."

Battelle said the organization presented Snyder's widow with a $5,000 check to assist with any initial expenses as is customary, but that the all of the family's debt would be eliminated including any outstanding credit card bills, car payments or mortgages. The agency also will pay for Snyder's son's tuition.

"His fellow officers thought highly of him ... and command staff on down spoke highly of him," Battelle said. "He was the prototype county police officer that reflects what's all over this nation."

Snyder's last public Facebook post on June 7 references the death of Memphis Officer Verdell Smith, who was struck and killed by a shooting suspect's car. In the post, Smith is pictured in uniform holding up a sign that reads "I Matter."

Many of Snyder's previous posts include pictures of his son. Among them is a photo of the boy as a newborn surrounded by his father's duty belt, handcuffs, badge and police hat. In another, the baby is wearing a police uniform onesie.

According to his LinkedIn page, Snyder joined the St. Louis County police department in July 2012. Before that, he worked as a freelance graphic designer. He also previously served as as the creative director and graphic designer at Destiny Church and on the board of directors at Riverbend Family Ministries. In the early 2000s, he worked in the parks and recreation department in Godfrey.

Hasquin, the assistant football coach in Granite City, said he and others who knew Snyder are grappling with his death.

"No one's supposed to go like that," Hasquin said. "It's not supposed to end that way."

Granite City's football team will host Alton Friday at 7 p.m., and officials plan a moment of silence beforehand for Snyder. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m.

This story was originally published by stltoday.com, a sister news website of thesouthern.com.
Did you hear about Jacob Hall?

Maybe his name rings a bell for you, maybe not. Jacob was the 6-year old boy who was shot on the playground at Townville Elementary School in South Carolina last Wednesday. Another boy and a teacher were also struck, but survived.

Its a blessing Jacob was denied. Hit in the femoral artery, he suffered massive blood loss and spent his last three days in a hospital fighting to live. He lost that battle Saturday.

Police say his assailant was another boy, 14 years old.

Maybe you heard about it, maybe not. Unless you live near where it happened, it probably didnt lead your local TV news, nor would your favorite cable network have spent much time on it. Donald Trump didnt tweet about it. Stephen Colbert of The Late Show didnt mention it in his Monday night monologue.

But last month, when pressure cooker bombs exploded in New York City and on the Jersey Shore, it led Colberts monologue, Trump tweeted about it and TV news was all over it. No one died, though over two dozen were injured.

Of course, that was terrorism. Jacob died in a schoolyard shooting.

Thats meant to criticize neither Colbert, Trump nor the news media. Nor is it meant to minimize the threat posed by terrorism.

No, its meant only to make the following point:

Without really meaning to, weve evolved a kind of hierarchy of death in which anything thats called terrorism requires wall-to-wall media coverage, reactions from political candidates and somber acknowledgment from late-night talk show hosts. But a 14-year-old shoots a 6-year-old on a playground, and its just Wednesday.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing is that that hierarchy has no basis in reality. Last year, PolitiFact tallied the number of Americans killed in this country by terrorism in the 10 preceding years. It came to 71. The number of us killed by guns in that same time frame? 301,797.

Even if you allow that some of those shootings were in self-defense, the gap between 71 and 301,797 still yawns vaster than oceans. Extrapolating from numbers compiled by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, we can estimate that well over 25,000 of the dead in that decade are teenagers  and children.

So yeah, did you hear about Jacob Hall? Or Justice Burroughs? Or Rodriquez Ferguson? Did you hear about Solomon Jordan Smith, Savier Jones and Melanie Martinez? Did you hear about the 18-month-old in Georgia who was shot in the head? Police arent sure if he did it himself or if it was his brother, who is 3 years old.

Thats a snapshot from the week Jacob died, seven average days in America. For the record, Jacob, at 6, was the oldest of those victims.

Given the disparity between the threats represented by gun violence and terrorism, it is not rational that the latter comes out on top in our hierarchy of death. For some reason, some of us are less alarmed by random violence if it doesnt come from people with funny names acting in service to what is seen as an off-brand faith.

For some reason, some of us find it easier to focus on the threat posed to us by perceived Others than on the threat we pose ourselves.

Some of us need to open their eyes.

We have built an America where a 14-year-old can get his hands on a weapon of mass destruction, use it to kill a 6-year-old and we respond with a national shrug  an America where weve normalized carnage and called it freedom.

Did you hear about Jacob Hall? No, he was not a victim of terrorism.

May that bring you absolutely no comfort at all.
A British filmmaker has teamed up with China's state broadcaster to create a documentary that explores the conflict between the country's economic aspirations and its environment.

The character-driven, five-part series, China: Between Clouds and Dreams, reveals the nation's stunning natural beauty. It was shot over 15 months using ultra-high-definition 4K cameras after two years of planning.

Director Phil Agland, who has previously shot several documentaries in China, collaborated with China Central Television on the project.

"I had wondered for a whilefor the last 20 or 30 yearshow to get under the skin of China's dynamic growth, particularly in relation to the environment," Agland said at a private screening in London.

"There have been quite extraordinary changes in China over the last 30 years. And it just happened by chance, about five years ago, CCTV called me and asked: 'Would you consider being a consultant on our new documentary channel?' And I thought long and hard about it."

He flew to Beijing and suggested the series instead. This enabled CCTV filmmakers to learn alongside him, he said.

China: Between Clouds and Dreams will air on CCTV this autumn. An English-language version will be shown on the broadcaster's satellite channel.

The documentary follows several characters, many of them children, as they learn about environmental concerns and navigate a rapidly changing China. The stars are a group of primary school kids known as the "Four Musketeers".

Their teacher sends them on a journalism assignment to find the spoon-billed sandpiper, an endangered bird that migrates from Russia to the fertile mudflats on the coast of Jiangsu province. Here, the young reporters see firsthand the uncomfortable meeting place of the natural world and industrial activity.

"It's the dilemma that we all have in wanting better things for our children and wanting a better environment. It's a very sensitive subject, and it's a very intimate subject," Agland said.

"It was better that I do it as a Chinese director than as a British director."
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  The Latest on Hurricane Matthew's impacts on South Carolina (all times local):

5:30 p.m.

Authorities say the death toll from Hurricane Matthew in South Carolina is now at three people.

Two people died in Florence County. Sheriff Kenney Boone said in a news release that divers Sunday recovered the body of a man who drove his car into the water at a washed out bridge.

Authorities say the body of a second man in Florence County was found in a vehicle swept off a different bridge.

The coroner has not released the name of either victim.

The third storm death happened in Richland County. The coroner says 66-year-old David Outlaw drowned at a Columbia nursing facility when he got pinned under his electric wheelchair in water after the heavy rains.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  The Latest on Hurricane Matthew, which was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone early Sunday (all times local):

5:00 p.m.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center says that Matthew's winds are diminishing along the North Carolina coast but that water levels will remain elevated.

The center said in its 5 p.m. ET Sunday update that the center of the storm was about 200 miles (320 kilometers) east-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and had maximum sustained winds of near 75 mph (120 kpm).

The center, in what will be its last update on the remnants of Matthew, says life-threatening flooding will continue over portions of eastern North Carolina that have received record rains from Matthew.

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President Barack Obama says his team is working to make sure that states are getting the resources they need from the federal government after Hurricane Matthew pounded the Southeast.

Speaking at a political fundraiser in Chicago, Obama said that he has been in touch with the governors of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. He tells people in those states that the government wants to make sure they know "we've got your back."

Matthew has killed at least 17 people in the U.S., nearly half of them in North Carolina. The Tar Heel state was inundated by torrential rains from the storm.

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A bomb squad is at a South Carolina beach after Hurricane Matthew apparently unearthed old Civil War cannonballs from the sand.

Charleston County Sheriff's spokesman Maj. Eric Watson said in a news release that the cannon balls were found on Folly Beach Sunday afternoon, but bomb squad members couldn't get to it immediately because of the rising tide.

Once the ocean level goes down, Watson says technicians will make it safe. He warned residents might hear a small boom.

The first shots of the Civil War were fired at nearby Fort Sumter in 1861.

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4:20 p.m.

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory says eight people have died after Hurricane Matthew smacked the state with torrential rains and authorities are searching for five people.

McCrory said Sunday afternoon that dangerous flooding will last into next week.

Thousands of people had to be rescued from homes and businesses when Hurricane Matthew's torrential rains triggered severe flooding in North Carolina. Some were plucked from rooftops, others were clinging to trees and one woman and her small child were standing on their car as the rising waters swallowed it.

The death toll in the U.S. climbed to at least 17  nearly half of them in North Carolina. More than 500 were killed by the storm in Haiti.

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Corrects U.S. death toll to 17, not 16.

3:55 p.m.

The rising Tar River is forcing the evacuation of Princeville, North Carolina, a town destroyed in flooding from Hurricane Floyd 17 years ago.

Edgecombe County announced on its Facebook page that a curfew will go into effect at 7 p.m. Sunday and they are bringing in buses to help get out the town's 2,000 residents.

The National Weather Service says the Tar River at nearby Tarboro is already nearly 6 feet above flood stage. It is forecast to crest Monday at nearly 36 feet, well into major flood stage but below the record 41.5-foot mark set in Floyd in 1999.

That flood destroyed nearly every one of the more than 700 homes in Princeville, the oldest town in the nation incorporated by freed slaves back in 1865.

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1 p.m.

A second death related to Hurricane Matthew has been reported in South Carolina.

Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said in a news release Sunday that a man was found outside his nursing home in Columbia, pinned beneath his electric wheelchair and face-down in standing water from the rains of the storm.

Watts said 66-year-old David L. Outlaw was found shortly before 8 a.m. Saturday. Outlaw was taken to Providence Northeast Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His was the second weather-related death in South Carolina. Overall, at least 16 people have died in the U.S. from the effects of Hurricane Matthew.

Watts said an autopsy indicated that Outlaw drowned. Watts said his office and the sheriff's department are investigating.

A woman who answered the phone at the center would not comment Sunday afternoon.

12:05 p.m.

It took rescuers hours to make their way to a vehicle that was swept off a road in Florence County during massive floods caused by Hurricane Matthew

Florence County Emergency Management spokesman Andrew Golden said a witness called 911 after seeing the vehicle disappear around noon Saturday.

Golden says the vehicle was swept a ways downstream. The swift current and heavy rains hampered attempts by rescuers to get to the vehicle for about four hours.

The coroner's office has not released the name or other information about the victim.

Parts of Florence County received more than 10 inches of rain from the hurricane. Golden says numerous roads remain impassible because of flooding and downed trees and there are widespread power outages. Some first responders have said the damage is worse than Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

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10:45 a.m.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley says one person has died in floodwaters from the heavy rains in Hurricane Matthew.

Haley said Sunday that the victim was in a car and was swept away in Florence County. More details were not immediately available.

Otherwise, the governor says the state continues to recover. Officials say all the interstates are reopened and crews are trying to cut down trees blocking about 300 other roads and highways.

Haley says nearly 750,000 customers remain without power in the state, down from the peak of about 850,000.

Haley says she is lifting evacuation orders in Berkeley, Colleton, Charleston and Dorchester counties. She says it will be up to local officials to tell her when to allow coastal residents back into other counties.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge has reopened; SCDOT engineering inspection completed.

6:30 p.m.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley says more than 825,000 homes and businesses remain without power after Hurricane Matthew raked the state.

Haley said at a Saturday evening news conference that she hopes power restoration efforts can begin Sunday as the storm moves out of the state.

Authorities say 15 miles of Interstate 95 south of the North Carolina border remain closed due to flooding.

Another section of I-95 southbound lanes are closed north of Beaufort because of flooding.

Haley says no deaths in South Carolina have been reported but she warned that people searching have not been able to get to some areas.

Haley hopes that local officials can rescind some evacuation orders Sunday.

4:30 p.m.

More than three quarters of a million people in South Carolina are now in the dark after Hurricane Matthew hit the state.

Numbers reported by utilities serving the state show that almost 755,000 electric customers have no power. That number is an increase from 485,000 late this morning.

Matthew is not done with South Carolina yet and rain bands from the storm offshore continue to spin into Horry County and the Pee Dee in the northeastern corner of the state.

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4:10 p.m.

Hurricane Matthew ate away at the beach on Folly Beach but did no major structural damage to homes on the island southwest of Charleston.

Power is out to the Charleston County community that likes to refer to itself as The Edge of America. In some places Matthew pushed waves up to the dunes.

Along oceanfront Arctic Avenue the main evidence of the storm is some water on the road and pieces of palm fronds. A fence by a rental house was blown over and there were some downed trees on the road leading to the mainland.

City police have a checkpoint at the bridge leading to the island and are keeping out sightseers. Only those who live there or who have business there are being allowed in.

And there was good news for islanders late Saturday as the sun tried to peak through the clouds left in the wake of Matthew. Two South Carolina Electric & Gas bucket trucks were driving over the bridge to the island.

3:50 p.m.

The soaring Ravenel Bridge linking Charleston and Mount Pleasant is closed in the wake of Hurricane Matthew so Department of Transportation engineers can inspect the span.

There's no timetable for the reopening, although the DOT says it intends to have the eight-lane, $500 million bridge open as soon as possible.

The bridge opened in 2005, and its design allows for some movement of bridge elements. However, Hurricane Matthew is the first time the bridge has been exposed to sustained high winds.

While the bridge can be monitored with remote sensors, department officials want a closer look after the span's brush with Matthew.

Closing the bridges means those traveling between Charleston and Mount Pleasant must take a 30-mile detour on Interstate 526.

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2:35 p.m.

Beaufort County sheriff's deputies say it may be days before vehicles can get onto some of the county's smaller islands after Hurricane Matthew passed closely by the area.

Sheriff's Capt. Bob Bromage said Saturday the state department of transportation will need to send engineers to check on the bridges to several small islands east of Beaufort. Bromage said the engineers are needed just to be on the safe side.

He also says a dusk to dawn curfew will continue Saturday night and into Sunday. Beaufort County was under an evacuation order before Matthew struck the area.

Gov. Nikki Haley said residents who evacuated should not expect to return home Saturday or Sunday.

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2:20 p.m.

About 10 sailboats were tossed together and washed ashore at the Palmetto Bay Marina on Hilton Head Island by Hurricane Matthew.

The docks at the marina appeared to have broken loose sometime early Saturday as Matthew's surge ran up the Harbor River near the bridge on the Cross Island parkway.

Residents on the island also said that docks may have also come loose at Harbour Town Golf Links, damaging boats. But that part of the island was inaccessible by vehicle Saturday afternoon.

Many of the homes on the resort island appear to have survived without major damage. But trees were down and blocked a number of roads on the island that is home to 40,000 permanent residents.

Matthew moved by the island early Saturday with heavy rains and winds of up to 88 mph.

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12 p.m.

The homes and resorts along the Atlantic Ocean on Hilton Head Island appear to have survived Hurricane Matthew.

Hundreds of trees and limbs littered the beachside road, and a few feet of water washed up from the beach, but the area appears to be mostly unscathed.

At Coligny Beach Park, it was evident the storm surge made it well past the 50 yards of sand that are typically dry even at high tide.

Some of the seawater was left behind and a few residents were cleaning out storm drains to get rid of it.

Matthew passed by Hilton Head Island about 20 miles offshore early Saturday, with winds as high as 88 mph.

11:40 a.m.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg says the city is starting to assess the damage from Hurricane Matthew, which caused about 100 roads and streets in the city to be closed because of high water.

Tecklenburg said the all clear to return for the thousands of people who evacuated will have to come from Gov. Nikki Haley and state officials. Tecklenburg said even when Charleston is cleaned up, there could be problems with roads or flooding in other areas of the state that would prevent people from returning.

Haley said people should not expect to go home Saturday or Sunday.

The mayor spoke just minutes after the hurricane made landfall Saturday morning near McClellan Ville, about 40 miles northeast of Charleston.

Tecklenburg says there is serious street flooding in the hospital district where the Medical University of South Carolina is located.

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11:20 a.m.

Hurricane Matthew has now cut power to almost a half million electric customers in South Carolina.

The latest figures from electric utilities show that about 485,000 customers across the state have been left in the dark by the rains and winds of the hurricane which is passing along the coast, Matthew is expected to move beyond the state by late Saturday.

Most of those outages are in coastal areas, but there are about 44,000 electric customers without power in Richland and Lexington counties.

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11:05 a.m.

The Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach is all but deserted as Hurricane Matthew continues its march up the Eastern Seaboard.

But that didn't stop some of the city's residents from venturing onto the beach Saturday morning to look at the ocean ahead of the storm's arrival.

Julie Patton is riding out Matthew at her home and called the sheriff's department before venturing out. She says they said told her and her husband that it would be OK to be out at that time.

As she watched the breakers hit the pier, the Indiana transplant who recently moved to Myrtle Beach said her family will stay at home and wait it out instead of joining the thousands who evacuated to points further inland.

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10:45 a.m.

Some residents on Hilton Head Island who rode out Hurricane Matthew called the experience "exhilarating," while others said it was the scariest thing they had done.

But residents of Hilton Head Island agreed Sunday morning they were thankful to be alive.

Ellis Clemons rode out his second hurricane on the island. Clemons was on the island for Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and said Matthew was worse. But Clemons says he wouldn't have traded the experience for anything, asking "How many times do you get to do that?"

Russ Johnson felt differently. He moved to Hilton Head Island earlier this year.

Johnson says the wind and pounding rain were frightening enough before the power went out at 4:30 a.m. "Those two hours of darkness were some of my scariest times, " Johnson said.

He said he lost part of the roof of his home but managed to save his boat, which he parked at his property instead of leaving it at the marina.

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10:30 a.m.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is warning South Carolinians that Hurricane Matthew is still a danger across the state.

Haley met with reporters late Saturday morning to urge the state's residents to continue to be careful as the storm moves northeast along the coast.

The governor said no deaths have been attributed to Matthew in South Carolina.

She said those who have evacuated should not expect to go home either Saturday or Sunday while crews check to make sure areas are safe.

The governor said about 437,000 electric customers have lost service across the state.

She said nearly 7,000 people were in shelters.

The governor also said part of Interstate 95 was blocked in southern South Carolina. The state transportation department said the southbound lanes are blocked from near state Highway 462 and the South Carolina-Georgia state line. A number of trees were down in the area.

9:50 a.m.

Emergency officials in South Carolina are reminding people that all evacuation orders are still in effect as Hurricane Matthew moves up the coast.

Matthew the state early Saturday with hurricane and tropical storm force winds, heavy rains and flooding along the coast and in areas well inland.

Derrec Becker with the South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Division said in a statement that forecasters say hazardous conditions will continue to affect the state for at least the next 12 hours.

Becker says people from Hilton Head Island to North Myrtle Beach are asked to stay away from the evacuated areas until conditions improve and the danger passes.

Gov. Nikki Haley was to update the situation across South Carolina late Saturday morning.

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9:15 a.m.

Torrential rains and gusty winds have bent trees and sent broken palmetto fronds skipping along streets in Charleston's historic district as the western edge of the eyewall of Hurricane Matthew spins past the city.

But Charleston seemed to be spared any serious damage Saturday.

The storm ripped down several awnings over stores along the King Street shopping district. Streets were flooded at one end of the popular City Market, one of the favorite spots for the millions of tourists who visit the city each year.

Several cars stood in pools of water up to their bumpers.

Numerous other streets and intersections in the area had standing water.

South Battery was also flooded with water washing over the sidewalk next to the seawall. The street of palatial homes at the point of the Charleston peninsula overlooks the city's White Point Gardens.

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8:50 a.m.

Pine trees have fallen all over Hilton Head Island after the area endured a few hours of hurricane-force gusts overnight from Hurricane Matthew.

The two roads leading onto the island of 40,000 people were blocked by trees early Saturday. At least 1 foot of water covered a number of roads.

Only a few vehicles were driving around Saturday morning sightseeing. One couple was trying to get back to their home after they evacuated but were blocked by downed trees. Chandler Brunson and her fiance had evacuated earlier.

Power appeared to be off throughout the island.

Winds had died down to an occasional stiff breeze and the rains had mostly stopped by dawn. Earlier Saturday, the island reported a wind gust of 88 mph as the storm moved to the northeast.

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8:20 a.m.

Hurricane Matthew has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm as it lashes the South Carolina coast.

The National Hurricane Center said Matthew was 20 miles south-southeast of Charleston at 8 a.m. Saturday. Highest winds had dropped to 85 mph. The storm was moving to the northeast at 12 mph.

The storm is expected to be off the coast of North Carolina by Saturday night. The hurricane center says a wind gust of 76 mph was reported on Folly Beach on Saturday morning. Orangeburg had a wind gust of 55 mph.

Forecasters say the storm surge is ranging from 6 to 9 feet as far north as Edisto Beach. The surge is expected to range from 5 feet to 7 feet from Edisto into southeastern North Carolina.

As much as 1 foot of rain was possible east of Interstate 95.

7:45 a.m.

Charleston photographer Leigh Webber watched the torrential rains early Saturday from the porch of her home in a residential area north of the city's historic district.

Webber said things were not as bad as she expected. She said she thinks there has been less rain than fell in last October's storm. Rains in Oct. 2015 caused what officials called a 1,000-year flood which forced the closing of Charleston for several days.

Webber had no problem with the early calls to get people evacuated. She said conditions would be worse if more people were in the area.

She says she feels badly for businesses that have been closed since Wednesday. Webber said hotels are closed and some weddings have been canceled and that's causing a huge financial loss for some people.

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6:45 a.m.

Hurricane Matthew is expected to move beyond South Carolina by late Saturday, but children in Charleston County will get another day off school Monday. Schools in many districts in the eastern half of the state have been closed since Wednesday as the storm approached.

Charleston County officials say that there will be no classes Monday because many students and teachers evacuated inland and will be returning home during the next several days. The district said that heavy rains may cause water damage in schools and several schools are being used for evacuation shelters and will need to be cleaned.

In Horry County, Monday is a teacher work day so children don't have school. The Beaufort County district website says classes are expected Monday but that families should check the site and local media in case that changes.

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6:30 a.m.

Much of Beaufort County has lost power as the strongest winds and heaviest rains of Hurricane Matthew slam into the county as the eye of the storm passes offshore.

Streets were deserted just before dawn Saturday and nearly every traffic light was out on US 278, the main road to Hilton Head Island.

Similar conditions are reported on roads near Beaufort in the northern part of the county.

Tree limbs and other small debris littered roads and parking lots.

Authorities have told residents who evacuated that officials will need to do damage assessments before allowing people back into the communities.

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6:05 a.m.

Emergency officials in South Carolina are urging people to stay where they are as Hurricane Matthew pounds the state.

Derrec Becker with the South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Division said Saturday morning people need to stay inside and not try to get on the roads.

Becker says roads are flooded and officials have seen "water go where it shouldn't"

More than 215,000 electric customers are without power across the state, most along the coast.

Gov. Nikki Haley is expected to give an update on the situation in South Carolina at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Rain was falling across all but the northwestern corner of the state early Saturday. Hurricane force winds gusts of 81 mph were reported at Hilton Head Island with gusts of 65 mph in the Beaufort area.

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5:45 a.m.

Heavy rains from Hurricane Matthew are bringing some of the highest tides on record along the South Carolina coast. The National Weather Service in Charleston reports that a tide of 8.8 feet above mean low water early Saturday tied the third-highest on record.

A tide of more than 11 feet at Fort Pulaski near Savannah was the second-highest on record.

Streets and intersections in Charleston are flooded and online video shows the rains and winds buffeting the vintage aircraft atop the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum on Charleston Harbor.

Curfews expire at dawn for many communities in the Charleston area but officials are urging people to stay inside because of the flooded roads and downed power lines.

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4:50 a.m.

Hurricane Matthew has cut power to more than 150,000 electric customers in South Carolina as the storm moves its way along the coast. Most of the outages were reported in the Beaufort and the Charleston areas.

About 4:30 a.m. the eye of the storm was near Hilton Head Island as the hurricane lashed the coast with hurricane-force winds.

The National Weather Service in Charleston reported that an 84 mph wind gust was reported on Hilton Head Island while a 94 mph gust was reported on Tybee Island, Georgia.

In the Charleston area dozens of roads and intersections were flooded by rising waters or blocked by downed trees.

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12:55 a.m.

There are now almost 72,000 electric customers without power in South Carolina as Hurricane Matthew lashes the state.

The majority of the outages reported so far are in the Beaufort and Charleston areas, which were the first to feel the impact of the storm.

Matthew, now a Category 2 storm with winds of 105 mph, is expected to track along the South Carolina coast through the day on Saturday.

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12:15 a.m.

Dozens of streets and intersections in the Charleston area are impassable because of flooding and downed trees as a result of rains and winds from Hurricane Matthew.

But the closures aren't causing traffic problems because there is no traffic. Charleston and most nearby communities have curfews in effect until daybreak.

In Charleston and North Charleston alone officials reported more than 35 streets and intersections were flooded.

The streets near the popular Charleston Market were flooded and U.S. 17, the main north-south route along the South Carolina coast, is impassable where it passes through Charleston.
We had bumper-to-bumper traffic this afternoon, said Bamberg Sheriff Ed Darnell on Wednesday.

Both of the main arteries around Denmark  U.S. 321 and U.S. 78  were all but clogged.

There was a lot of traffic coming from Highway 78 and Highway 321, Darnell said. Its been heavy all day.

In Orangeburg County, Holly Hill Police Chief Josh Detter said the same thing about US 176.

Between noon and 4 oclock is when it was the heaviest, then it thinned out, Detter said.

Detter said traffic along U.S. 176 slacked up after the Interstate 26 lane reversal took effect at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Thats when all of the eastbound traffic lanes became temporary westbound lanes to help alleviate traffic congestion as residents and tourists evacuate the Charleston coastal areas.

The lane reversal will remain in effect through Friday morning, said S.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Christy Hall at a Wednesday evening news conference with Gov. Nikki Haley.

Hall said DOT and the S.C. Emergency Management Division officers will reassess the need for the lane reversal of the eastbound I-26 lane at that time.

Were very pleased with how operations are going, Hall said.

In the meantime, I-26 is essentially westbound only between Charleston and Columbia, at least through Friday morning.

If you are getting on a reversed lane, you are going all the way to Columbia, Haley said.

At the 6 p.m. news conference, Haley noted the average travel time between Columbia and Charleston was one hour and 30 minutes after the implementation of the eastbound lane reversal.

While I-26 traffic remained a steady flow in many areas between the LowCountry and the Midlands, there were pockets of bottlenecks, especially as motorists approached the I-26 merging traffic at I-77 just on the edge of Columbia.

Thousands of motorists avoided interstate travel and used evacuation routes through rural areas in The T&D region.

There were tremendous numbers of 18-wheelers on Highways 321 and 78, Darnell said.

They were likely going through Denmark going toward Savannah, he said.

And horse trailers, he said. There were lots of horse trailers taking horses to Aiken.

Darnell said he expects continued heavy traffic through Thursday.

Detter said Holly Hill will likely experience similar traffic levels on U.S. 176, noting that the Holly Hill Police Department did not issue citations to 18-wheelers who did not adhere to the mandatory truck route skirting the town limits.

In the City of Orangeburg, traffic on U.S. 301 remained steady throughout most of Wednesday as motorists headed eastward.

There havent been any significant traffic problems or accidents in The T&D Region since many of the coastal residents began to evacuate on Tuesday.
BAMBERG -- The sky was slightly overcast Thursday morning, but otherwise it gave no hint of the ferocious hurricane that ran Latiesha Brown and her daughter out of Florida and to the emergency shelter at Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School.

Brown was urged by authorities to leave her Atlantic Beach home as Matthew roared toward the Florida coast.

They didnt tell me I had to go, but they said if I didnt leave and I got into trouble or something, they couldnt help me, Brown said.

There were no shelters near her home, she said.

What concerned me the most, I didnt understand why I had to leave Florida to come to Georgia or South Carolina for help, she said.

She began looking for a way to get out of the state, but wasnt able to find a bus that was ready to leave immediately.

So we took the option of taking the train from Jacksonville to Savannah, she said.

Her funds were getting low as she and her daughter, Purity, got on the train Wednesday, Brown said.

Her son, who lives in Missouri, transferred some money to the Walmart in Savannah. But by the time they made it to Savannah, the store was closed. She and Purity got back on the train and went as far as her funds would take her.

We took the train on to the next stop, which was Denmark, Brown said. Once there, they got off the train and sat waiting.

Purity says riding the train was exciting, but sitting at the station and not knowing where they were going was kind of scary.

However, local law enforcement soon picked the two up and took them to the Bamberg emergency shelter because the one in Denmark hadnt opened yet.

Being in a shelter isnt really comfortable. Brown says the volunteers made the difference, particularly Kelly Hovey, a Red Cross volunteer from Aiken.

She was very welcoming. She made us very comfortable. We just felt at home because of her, Brown said.

Purity called her very nice.

Brown said she and Purity are going to sit out the hurricane in Bamberg.

Purity recently wrote to a new pen pal and was waiting for a return letter when they left Florida.

Maybe itll be waiting when she gets home, Purity said. Shell have lots of things to tell her new friend about the train trip.

Though shes a native of Florida and has family there, Brown says shes never been through a hurricane. For a time, she lived in Quebec, where Purity was born.

Were just relocating in Florida, she said.

But Hurricane Matthew hasnt scared her off.

After its over, Im gonna go home! Brown said.

She just needs to get to Savannah to get the money her son sent her.

Janice Steedley is helping coordinate the Bamberg emergency shelter.

We started yesterday afternoon, setting up, getting ready, she said. We went to Freds and bought snacks and water.

The Red Cross provides those things as well as meals for clients and evacuees, she said. However, it does not provide cots and people should bring whatever items they need to make themselves comfortable, Steedley said.

The shelter is located in the school gym at 267 Red Raider Drive. It does not allow pets at the site, but Hovey said some local people have volunteered to house pets for those fleeing the hurricane.

Other emergency shelters in Bamberg County include Denmark-Olar High School at 197 Viking Circle and Ghents Branch Baptist Church at 1974 Gents Branch Road near Denmark.

Shelters in Orangeburg County include the Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School gym at 601 Bruin Parkway, Orangeburg; Bethune-Bowman High School, 4857 Charleston Highway, Rowesville; Hunter-Kinard-Tyler High School at 7066 Norway Road, Neeses and Elloree Elementary School at 200 Warrior Drive, Elloree.
As Hurricane Matthew inches closer to South Carolina, The T&D Region can expect to see gusty winds and periods of heavy rainfall.

"Right now the wind forecast for us is still uncertain," Orangeburg County Emergency Services Director Billy Staley said Wednesday evening. "We are watching it very closely."

The wind is expected to arrive Friday evening and stay into Saturday.

Staley said the storm's nighttime arrival will make it more of a challenge.

"One of our highest problems with high winds is downed trees," Staley said. "At night you don't have as much sight of the distance in front of you."

As Orangeburg County awaited the storms approach, employees were checking equipment. They were also helping with shelters and traffic.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a 70 percent chance of showers Friday for The T&D Region. Showers are expected to increase to 90 percent Friday night tailing off to 70 percent Saturday.

There were no advisories, watches or warnings issued for The T&D Region through late Wednesday morning. A civil emergency message was in effect for the region due to the mandatory evacuations for the coast.

Total rainfall in the Orangeburg area is forecast to be between 2 inches to 3 inches for the duration of the storm.

The eastern part of the county near the Holly Hill area could see rainfall totals of 3 inches to 5 inches, according to the NWS.

The St. Matthews area is forecast to see rainfall closer to 2 inches while the Bamberg area is forecast to see rainfall at about 2.5 inches, the NWS reports.

Winds in the three counties could be around 35 miles per hour, with potential gusts of 40 mph.

The early Wednesday afternoon forecast track had the storm coming close to the South Carolina coastline on Saturday before heading out to sea. There are some forecast models that call for the hurricane to loop around and head back toward the Florida coast by next week.

Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities spokesman Randy Etters said despite the shift in the track, the storm is still dangerously close to the coast.

"Our best guess is wind gusts at 45 mph and 3 inches to 5 inches of rain," Etters said. "We still are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best."

At Hurricane Matthews current track, Etters said it appears local conditions will be similar to Hurricane Hermine but with less rain. That storm hit the area last month with winds reaching 50 mph.

He said all utility departments know their roles and all equipment has been prepped.

"We have a robust system," Etters said. DPU spends more than $1 million a year managing trees to ensure they are away from power lines.

"If the winds get above 40 mph to 45 mph, (limbs) will fly. They travel to the lines, it seems like, he said.

NWS meteorological technician Doug Anderson said the storm's slight shift to the east has been due to a strengthening high pressure system off the coast and a trough digging into the southeast. Anderson noted however that the forecast track can change.

"It could change quite a bit, even if it has shifted further east," he said. "Between Columbia and Orangeburg is still within the cone of uncertainty. Any significant shift of 50 miles to 75 miles west or east of the current track could have an impact. Things are still in flux."

With any tropical system, there is always a threat for isolated tornadoes, Anderson said. The threat is lower the further east the storm shifts.

Calhoun County Emergency Services Director Bill Minikiewicz said county officials spent much of Wednesday morning in meetings with various emergency and response agencies. They are also discussing the possibility of opening up a shelter.

"We are set to go and we are putting up extra manpower," he said.

Under current conditions, "We will get some rain and wind gusts but we are in the 40 mph (wind) zone, Minikiewicz said.

Bamberg County Emergency Services Director Brittany Barnwell said county officials spent Wednesday, preparing and making sure we have all our ducks in a row. When it hits, we are ready for it."

Barnwell said even though the track has changed for the better, the county is not changing its preparation plans.

Cooler and drier, more fall-like weather is forecast for the area upon the departure of Matthew.
NORWAY -- Residents of the Norway area are giving a thumb's up to the town's new Family Dollar Store, including Mayor Ann Johnson.

I was the first customer and spent the first first dollar on Wednesday, Johnson said.

The corner lot beside the Family Dollar is being cleared to offer a better view of the store, she said.

Several residents described the store as spacious, clean and well-stocked with groceries, dairy products, frozen foods and everyday necessities.

Rev. Ben Har said the new business is helping to bring the community together.

People are watching Norway and noticing that the community is working hard to rebuild itself, said Coker Fogle of the Norway Beautification Committee.

Grand opening ceremonies for Norway Family Dollar will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, the mayor said.

Council members were apprised of additional business developments in the town. Friendly Mark's is scheduled to reopen in 2017, and a new 30-seat restaurant is being built next to the laundromat. It is scheduled to open in approximately six months, it was announced.

Also during the meeting, Johnson reported the Norway Police Department had been awarded a police vehicle computer valued at $2,500, a printer valued at $1,000 and two emergency caution lights valued at $800 each, along with road signs for traffic safety stops, a set of flares and a vest. The awards were the result of Police Chief Scott Ward attending various training sessions, the mayor said.

In other business, Johnson reported the town is now accepting sealed bids for its streetscape project and has received seven or eight.

Contractors interested in bidding on the work can contact Norway Town Hall at 803-263-4800.

Councilwoman Bonnie Fogle asked how much of the penny sales tax money is left to use in the streetscape project. The mayor said the exact amount had not yet been calculated, but Coker Fogle estimated the balance is approximately $90,000.

Johnson announced the final inspection of the new Norway Park recreational building will be held Friday. She said the last inspection noted just a few odds and ends that needed attention.

The mayor also reported that she, Ward and the Rev. Har had toured the building last Wednesday and discovered someone had broken into the building through a window and placed a stick in the door lock.

Before the building's appliances are installed, the town will purchase and install bars on the windows, it was decided.

Johnson also noted there is a crack in the cement floor of the park building, which the contractor will repair.

Blake asked what the town's intention is concerning the previous contractor on the project, and the mayor said it is planning to go forward with a lawsuit against him.

Council discussed the fee for using the park building.

In February, we decided to charge a $50 non-refundable fee for use of the building as well as a $25 refundable fee for cleaning the building," Johnson said. "The patron will give the town two checks -- one for $50 that the town will keep and one for $25 that will be returned if the building is left cleaned and ready for the next individual."

Council discussed possibly raising the rates but opted to leave them as they are but revisit the issue if necessary.

Coker Fogle introduced fliers to advertise the upcoming Christmas parade/tree lighting and the Norway Tour of Homes.

The Norway Matrons' Club is sponsoring the Tour of Homes again this year. It is slated to start at the museum and the Veterans' Memorial," he said. "This is scheduled for the weekend of Dec. 3-4, and will be in conjunction with the annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Fogle reported he attended a meeting of the county Tourism Committee in Orangeburg, where the town received $3,000 in grant money to promote these events through radio and other news media. He said after talking with other municipal representatives, he plans next year to ask for funding to install a new HVAC system in the Old Willow School building.

The mayor said if the Tour of Homes includes the Old Willow School, a walk-through of the auditorium could be arranged. She said she and other volunteers would clean the auditorium prior to the tour.

In other business:

Johnson reported there was not enough interest in Norway to participate in the upcoming Orangeburg County Operation Clean Sweep.

I have spoken with Mrs. Bessie Peoples concerning the Girl Scouts, and we will set a town cleanup day closer to the Christmas Parade," she said.

Rev. Johnny Long of Neeses Baptist Church issued an invitation for everyone to attend the church's Fall Festival from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, and to participate in Stand Up for Jesus on Sunday, Oct. 16.

Council's September minutes were corrected to reflect that the Christmas parade will be hosted by the Norway Beautification Committee and not the Norway Matrons' Club.
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By Azernews





By Amina Nazarli

The Taxes Ministry of Taxes revealed 186 Internet users engaged in e-commerce by means of Internet portals and social networks in the first half of 2016 as part of its measures on attracting e-commerce to taxation.

During inspections, the Ministry reported 54 users, who were not registered by fiscal authorities as taxpayers, while 47 users were registered, but have no information about turnover or is very low.

flatun Mammadov, Head of the Main Department on Analysis and Control over Tax Risks of the Ministry told Vergiler newspaper that those who have not been registered in the tax authorities, received notifications, while those who has no trade turnover received relevant requests.

"As a result, the turnover in this category of taxpayers increased by 54.1 percent in the second quarter of 2016, compared to the first quarter, while charges grew by 53.8 percent and revenue raised by 69.1 percent, Mammadov said.

The head of the department said that now the Ministry is considering status of taxpayers, grouping them in relevant categories.

Strengthening control over e-commerce and services provided on Internet are reflected in the approval of The direction of reform, which will be held in the tax field in 2016," undersigned by President Ilham Aliyev on August 4.

E-commerce envisages not only online purchase and sale of certain goods but also online-games, e-exchange, downloading of mobile applications, music, films, through the services like iTunes.

Meanwhile, in January-September 2016 the Ministry of Taxes transferred 4.93 billion manats of tax payments to the state budget, and this is 0.2 percent more than it forecasted.

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) fulfilled forecast on tax revenues by 100.6 percent, while contracts of PSA type the forecast were implemented by 82 percent.

In non-oil sector the Ministry generated some 3.84 billion manats to the state budget, which is up by 1.7 percent than forecast.

Revenues of Azerbaijan's 2016-state budget were approved in the amount of 16.822 billion manats (about $10.879 billion), and expenses in the amount of 18.495 billion manats (about $11.961 billion).
By Azernews





By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan and Iran, the two strategic partners and neighboring countries, are planning to further develop cooperation in trade.

The issue of deepening cooperation between the two countries was high on agenda during the meeting between Azerbaijans Economy Minister Shahin Abdullayev and Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli.

Mustafayev, addressing the meeting, said that trade turnover between the two countries recorded a 65-percent growth in the first eight months of the year, mentioning increased interest of Iranian companies in the economy of Azerbaijan.

The minister invited Iranian companies, especially businessmen from the East Azerbaijan and Gilan provinces, to benefit from favorable conditions created in industrial parks and districts in Azerbaijan.

He also mentioned growing interest of Iranian tourists in the country.

Mustafayev hailed Azerbaijan-Iran ties in the spheres of energy, transport, agriculture and healthcare, mentioning the progress in execution of the joint projects.

Rahmani-Fazli, in turn, hailed relations between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of the growing bilateral trade amidst ongoing negative economic processes in the world. He highlighted cooperation opportunities in tourism, information and communication technologies, transport and other areas.

The two countries are currently engaged in the implementation of a number of joint projects including North-South international transportation corridor, construction of a pharmaceutical factory in Azerbaijan and a joint automobile plant in Neftchala Industrial Site.

The transportation sector is one of the main areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran, as the countries lack a railway link and implement the vast majority of cargo traffic by road transport, which in turn greatly limit the possibilities of development of trade and economic relations and transit potential of the countries.

The North-South railway, which is expected to serve as a bridge to connect the railways of Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia is considered to be of pivotal importance in this regard.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijani delegation will visit Iran in late October to get acquaint with the construction of Rasht-Astara railroad section, which is the main part of the North-South transportation corridor.

Being a part of the North-South Transport Corridor, the Rasht-Astara railway is constructed with a view to integrate the main transportation lines of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia. The railway is expected to facilitate and expedite exchange of good and trade between the countries. The volume of freight which is expected to be initially transported ranges from three to five million tons per year and rise up to 10-12 million tons in the future, according to preliminary estimates.

Also, a groundbreaking ceremony for the Azerbaijani-Iranian car plant was held in Azerbaijans Neftchala industrial district in August 2016. The plant, which is a joint project of Azerbaijans AzEuroCar LLC and Irans giant automaker, Iran Khodro is expected to be constructed by May 2017, while construction operations are being carried out successfully.

Moreover, Iranian companies are planning to build a pharmaceutical plant in Azerbaijans Pirallahi settlement. The Iranian side is currently in talks with Azerbaijans Az?rsun Holding Company.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran amounted to $105.7 million in January-July 2016, more than $77 million of which accounted for imports from Iran, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. Azerbaijan's exports to Iran almost doubled to $14.4 million in the first quarter of 2016, while imports increased from $19.4 million in 2015 to $27 million in 2016.
By Azernews





By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan will soon facilitate the microfinancing service, which stands for the provision of a variety of financial services to low-income individuals or those who lack an access to typical banking services.

Microfinance organizations of the country are currently engaged in the revision of their policy and strategy with a view to facilitate a number of procedures connected with the return of a credit.

Ambassador of Switzerland to Azerbaijan Philipp Stalder, said that reforms aimed at providing cheaper and more innovative products to Azerbaijans population are needed to address the difficulties observed in the financial market of the country.

Stalder made the remark addressing the 8th Azerbaijan Microfinance Conference, which was focused on such issues as improvement of crediting operations, exchange risks of currency loans, use of innovations to meet the needs of small farmers, optimization of pricing policy in the financial sector, financial literacy and others.

Stalder mentioned that special attention is paid to the creation of private credit bureaus and registry of movable property within the framework of structural reforms in Azerbaijans financial and banking system.

Chairman of Azerbaijan Microfinance Association (AMFA) Suleyman Kalyashev addressing the event said that microfinancing organizations are currently implementing certain activities, including restructuring of dollar credits, liquidation of fees for expiration of certain limits.

He mentioned that the volume of credit portfolio of microfinancing organizations currently amounts to $485.15 million.

AMFAs Executive Director Jala Hajiyeva, in turn said foreign investors show high interest in the microfinance market of the country, mentioning particular interest of a group of Islamic Development Bank (IDB), which carries out the study of the local market, as well as businessmen from the former Soviet countries.

The department head at the Financial Market Supervisory Body (FMSB) . Rustam Tahirov, for his part stated that the authority will soon introduce new rules of regulating credit risks, mentioning that the rules will define new frameworks for the management of risks, their identification and assessment.

He said that the changes will mainly cover the sphere of risk management, mentioning that the regulator seeks to bring the regulatory frameworks in compliance with Basel II (facilitated and standardized approach to the risk assessment) and Basel III (new approach) standards.

Addressing the event, AccessBank's CEO Michael Hoffmann said the banking sector of the country, which was seriously affected by a number of unfavorable processes, is now faced with a number of challenges, including mobilization of funds in the sector.

He said that the share of trouble assets (volume currently amounts to 9.5 percent) in the banking sector of the country may reach the level of 40 percent.

Hoffmann believes, that one of the most essential problems for the banking sector is shortage of manat means, as the interest to credits in a foreign currency has already come to nothing. Moreover, the volume of manat deposits in the bank also increased in recent month.

Microfinancing is mostly in demand in the countries with developing economies, as it helps solve many problems of national importance.

Azerbaijan Micro-Finance Association is engaged in strengthening the capacity of microfinance institutions and promotion of effective action in the sphere.
By Trend





Premiere of the Ali and Nino movie was held in the Heydar Aliyev Center on October 5.





Azerbaijans First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, the Foundations Vice-President Leyla Aliyeva, the movies cast and crew, and representatives of the public attended the event.





Ali and Nino is about Azerbaijans fight for independence in early 20th century and love between two young people of different religions.





The film, based on the namesake world bestseller Ali and Nino novel by Gurban Said, was shot in 2015.





After the premier of the movie, its producer Kris Thykier made a speech greeting Azerbaijans First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and the audience.





Madam first lady, thank you for your support and for being here tonight. It has made it a wonderful evening for me and for my colleagues, he said.





Thykier said the movies premiere in Baku was in fact its world premier.





It was appropriate that it [the premiere] should be here in Baku, he said.





This is the first time I have seen the film in the Azerbaijani language, Thykier added. I think it may well be the first major international picture that has been dubbed so beautifully into Azerbaijani.





He also expressed hope that Ali and Nino will have success in Azerbaijan and the world.





The making of this film was a great adventure for me. It was a wonderful experience for me and I have fallen in love with this country, said Thykier.





He further invited the cast and crew of the movie to join him on the stage.





Thykier firstly introduced his producing partner in the making of the movie, the Heydar Aliyev Foundations Vice-President Leyla Aliyeva.





He said that without Leyla Aliyevas passion, creativity and undying support this film would have never happened.





And I am lucky to have been able to work with her, to consider her a friend, he said.





Thykier also thanked the Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center Anar Alakbarov and the team at the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for hosting the movies premier and for the help in filming it.





He also thanked the movies distributors in Azerbaijan, the ministry of culture and tourism, the officials and the residents of the Old City for their help and support.





I would like to thank the people of Azerbaijan, Baku, he said, adding the love, support and outreach from everyone in the city and across the country was amazing.





Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva is the executive producer of the movie.





The movies producer is Kris Thykier and director is BAFTA Award winner Asif Kapadia, while its script was written by the Academy Award winner Christopher Hampton.





The film was shot in various parts of Baku, as well as in the streets of the historical Old City, Gobustan, Khinalig, Ganja and Gadabay.





The movie lasts 104 minutes. Starring in the film are Adam Bakri as Ali and Maria Valverde as Nino. Other actors are Halit Ergenc, Mendy Petinkin, Connie Nielson, Riccardo Skamarchio, Homayon Ershadi, Fakhraddin Manafov, Assaad Bab, Numan Acar and others.





Ali and Nino was first screened on January 27, 2016 at the Sundance film festival.





The film will hit the CinemaPlus cinemas on October 6 in Azerbaijani and English.





"Ali and Nino" will also be screened during the opening ceremony of the Asian World Film Festival, which will kick off on October 24.
By Azertac





Sevirem park complex has opened in Khatai district, Baku.





President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva and vice president of the Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the inauguration ceremony.





President Ilham Aliyev, first lady Mehriban Aliyeva and Leyla Aliyeva cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the park.





Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov informed the head of state of the conditions created at the park. The complex occupies a total area of 3.2 hectares. The park is 288 metres in length and 110 metres in width. The park has three entrances. More than 4,000 trees were planted here. Modern lighting system and surveillance cameras were installed in the park. There are 14 sculptures here that were made by participants of the 1st International Sculpture Symposium Music in Stone, which was organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Baku.





There is also a charging station for electric cars in the complex.





President Ilham Aliyev, first lady Mehriban Aliyeva and Leyla Aliyeva planted a tree in the park.
By Trend





Armenias armed forces have 21 times violated the ceasefire on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops over the past 24 hours, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported on October 6.

Positions of the Azerbaijani army in Gaymagli and Bala Jafarli villages of the Gazakh district underwent fire from the Armenian positions located in Barekamavan village of Armenias Noyemberyan district and Vazashen village of the Ijevan district.

The Azerbaijani army positions also underwent fire from the Armenian positions located near Yusifjanli village, Marzili village of the Aghdam district, Kuropatkino village of the Khojavend district, Mehdili village of the Jabrayil district, as well as from the positions located on nameless heights of Tartar, Goranboy, Jabrayil and Fizuli districts.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
By Azernews





By Gunay Hasanova

The removal of international sanctions, which were earlier imposed on Iran due to its nuclear program, serves as a ground for the country to broaden its cooperation with Asian countries in various spheres.

Iran and Vietnam have today signed agreement on the abolition of visas during the visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Vietnam to attend a session of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Hanoi.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of a meeting between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and President of Vietnam Tran Dai Quang.

Moreover, the parties signed a document on cooperation in the field of ICT. Rouhani and Dai Quang also agreed to raise the value of transactions between the two capitals to more than $2 billion.

An agreement between the central banks of Iran and Vietnam will be reached in the nearest future as well.

Earlier, President Rouhani stressed that Iran is seeking to expand its relations with Vietnam in all areas, export of technical and engineering services in particular.

Addressing a joint press conference after their bilateral meeting, Rouhani expressed hope that his three-day visit to Vietnam will be a turning point for Tehran-Hanoi relations.

He added that there is a very good opportunity available in the field of energy for export of oil, LNG and petrochemicals from Iran to Vietnam and Vietnamese companies are ready to invest in the Iranian oil and gas projects.

Rouhani arrived in Hanoi on October 5, leading a high ranking political and economic delegation on the first leg of his regional tour to South-East Asian countries which will later take him to Malaysia and Thailand respectively.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Minister of Agriculture Mahmoud Hojjati, Minister of Industries, Mine and trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh and the Iranian Central Bank head, Valiollah Seif are accompanying Rouhani.
RakBank, one of the UAE's leading banks, said it has arranged a three-year $10 million medium-term loan facility for DFCC Bank, a leading financial institution in Sri Lanka.



DFCC Bank will be using the funds for general expansion of its offshore banking unit (FCBU), said a statement from RakBank.



The loan deal was recently signed at Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) in the presence of Lakshman Silva, deputy chief executive officer, DFCC Bank, and Peter England, chief executive officer, RakBank.



On the deal, England said: We are pleased to have partnered with DFCC Bank to support their general expansion plan of the offshore banking unit. This medium term financing allows us to diversify our asset book into various geographies while introducing DFCC Bank to the region.



Silva said this is the Lankan bank's first foray into a Middle Eastern market for medium/long term financing.



"We have strong aspirations to grow our offshore banking business and these funds will provide the right momentum to achieve the growth plans and support our expansion strategy," he noted.



Our ability to raise medium term funding on this scale from a reputed overseas financial institution reflects investor confidence in our banks operations and future growth potential." he added.  TradeArabia News Service


The upcoming Istanbul Furniture Fair (Ismob) will present products of more than 1,000 brands to customers in 14 halls, covering an area of 120,000 sq m, said event organisers.



Organised by Tuyap fairs with the cooperation of the Association of Turkish Furniture Manufacturers (Mosder), the event takes place for the 13th time in Tuyap Fair and Convention Center from January 10 to 15.



Ilhan Ersozlu, Tuyap general manager said: "We have commenced a promotional activity to break our previous record and to cover 1.5 billion consumers across the globe. With Ismob being the world's third most important furniture fair and the largest in Eurasia region, we would like to make Ismob the second biggest fair which can challenge with Chinese and Italian dominance in the sector.



During the first eight months of the year, production achieved $6.25 billion. Thanks to promotional activities of Ismob 2017, we aim to increase its current share of 25 per cent within the export figure. The number of foreign participants of 10 per cent during previous years has now risen to 30 per cent."



Mosder Chairman, Ismail Dogan, said that the fair provides 25 per cent of $3 billion export target of the Turkish furniture industry.



"As furniture manufacturers, we have an export target of $10 billion in 2023. This figure, however, can only be achieved by reaching new markets, Dogan added.  TradeArabia News Service
UAE-based Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) displayed its third district cooling plant (BB3) located at Business Bay at the ongoing Wetex exhibition in Dubai, UAE.



Wetex 2016 is held under the umbrella of the third Green Week and coincides with first Dubai Solar Show and third World Green Economy Summit (WGES).



The three-day expo featured the latest technology-related sectors of energy, water, and environment. Ambitious goals were highlighted and mega projects were displayed at this edition, which is the largest in terms of number of exhibitors, display area and expected number of visitors.



Empower CEO Ahmad bin Shafar said: "Wetex represents a global event platform that reflects the keenness of the UAE and its leadership in bringing the latest technological solutions in the field of energy and its support to the global trends in sustainability, energy conservation and optimal use of resources for future generations."



Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the president of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), visited the Empower stand along with Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the managing director and chief executive of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa).



He was later briefed by Shafar on the BB3 model during his tour at Wetex along with Al Tayer.



"The participation of Empower in the exhibition demonstrates its global leadership position as one of the major companies operating in the development and deployment of latest district cooling technologies. It also shows our leading role in developing global strategies to raise the bar of district cooling in the world and help other countries adopt more sustainable and effective solutions in this regard," stated Shafar.



Year after year, Wetex consolidates its position as one of the largest specialised platform in the world at a time when the UAE and Dubai governments continue to launch promising projects to consolidate the green economy march of the country and ensure sustainable development, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
WorleyParsons, a leading global engineering services group, said it has won an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract to develop the first major antimony roaster in Oman.



The contract was awarded by Strategic Precious Metals Processing (SPMP), an Oman registered company, to develop the first major antimony roaster outside China.



The sultanate's sovereign wealth fund Oman Investment Fund (OIF) and Tri-Star Resources each have a 40 per cent equity interest in SPMP, while DNR Industrials holds the remaining 20 per cent stake.



As per the deal, WorleyParsons said its Omani subsidiary, with support from WorleyParsons RSA, will build the Oman Antimony Roaster (OAR) plant.



WorleyParsons Oman Engineering has been operating in the country for over 25 years in multiple business sectors and has two offices in the sultanate that employ over 1 000 people.



The project highlights WorleyParsons ability to leverage off its global network, drawing on engineering, procurement and construction management skills from three of the companys locations around the world, said a senior official.



"WorleyParsons Oman Engineerings in-depth understanding of the challenges of operating in the Omani market and the teams insight and advice to the customer, combined with the wealth of technical expertise from WorleyParsons RSA and Australia, played a key role in securing the contract," remarked Dhirendra Ghoorah, the senior project manager for WorleyParsons RSA.



WorleyParsons RSA, he stated, will execute the engineering and procurement scope from South Africa in conjunction with WorleyParsons in Australia (Adelaide and Perth).



SPMP had already undertaken to select the majority of their vendors from South Africa, so the proposal emphasised our dual presence in South Africa and Oman, as well as our highly skilled resources, vendor engagement experience required on the project and the ability for the client to leverage WorleyParsons system tools and procedures, said Ghoorah.



The Omani company is set to invest $70 million on establishing the 20 000-tonnes-per-annum-capacity antimony and associated products plant at Sohar, located within the free port zone of Oman.



The WorleyParsons Oman Engineering team, which played a key role in pursuing this strategic customer and which provided support and advice to the customer throughout the discussions leading to the award, will be fulfilling the construction management scope with strong support from both WorleyParsons RSA and Australia, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Dubai South, the integrated city being built around the largest airport in the making and home to Expo 2020 Dubai, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Etihad Esco to provide advisory council on energy efficiency and environmental initiatives.



Dubai South said its sustainable strategy is firmly aligned with Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and is on track to becoming a global role model in renewable energy, and green economy technologies.



The MoU will ensure that Etihad Esco provides advisory and implementation services to support Dubai Souths energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability initiatives, as well as implement the adoption of Dubai Green Building Regulations across the city, said Khalifa Al Zaffin, the executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South after signing the deal with Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the managing director and chief executive of Dewa and chairman of Etihad Esco at the ongoing Wetex 2016 in Dubai.



Shaikh Ahmad bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the president of Dubai Civil Aviation and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, also attended the signing ceremony.



Dubai Souths presence at Wetex 2016 reinforces its comprehensive vision for a sustainable future by securing alternative energy sources, using energy efficiently, meeting its environmental and sustainability goals, and ultimately creating the roadmap for clean energy and green economy globally, stated Al Zaffin.



"It is aimed at supporting our vision of becoming a sustainable innovative city. We aim to achieve this through holistic sustainability balancing social, environmental and economic considerations enabling our businesses to thrive, communities to grow and residents to be happy," he said.



"Our ultimate goal is for Dubai South to be a world-class sustainable city that provides residents and workers with the highest quality of life together with the lowest environmental footprint," he added.



Reflecting Dubai Souths commitment to establishing a sustainable model in energy conservation, it has pledged to eventually source over 15 per cent of its total energy demand through renewable sources. In its final phase, it is estimated that Dubai South, including Al Maktoum International Airport, will need over 5 gigawatts watts of power.



Dubai South is also fully committed to implementing renewable energy solutions and strictly adheres to the Green Building Regulation Codes and is set to embark on a robust programme of sustainable projects through the Dubai South Sustainable Committee, said Al Zaffin.



In terms of infrastructure sustainability, Dubai South has been monitoring carbon emissions since 2009 and has established centralised district cooling plants, as well as a self-sustained sewage treatment centre where the effluent water is used for landscaping and irrigation, also all the internal streetlights are LED (light emitting diode) and solar powered, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Jordan-based Arab Center for Engineering Studies (ACES) said its Dubai branch has been awarded the geotechnical investigation for the Hassyan Energy clean coal power plant in the UAE.



The Hassyan plant will be the first coal-based plant in the GCC and is designed to optimise efficiency, output, and adherence to global environmental best practice.



It marks a key step in the UAEs long-term energy strategy of reducing dependence on natural gas and diversifying its fuel mix in line with the objectives set out in the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, said a statement from ACES.



The extensive scope of work, which was awarded to ACES by Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) and Nepti, includes drilling of 135 offshore boreholes with depths up to 20 m below the seabed, drilling of 425 on land boreholes with depths up to 35 m and excavation of trial pits.



Additionally, the investigation included substantial field testing and monitoring including the installation of piezometers, packer permeability testing, falling head permeability testing, pressuremeter testing, as well as down-hole and surficial electrical resistivity geophysical tests, it stated.



The tight project schedule, which had an overall duration of 85 days, was completed in mid-September and required ACES to mobilise a total of 17 rigs and five offshore pontoons.

The required resources were provided entirely by ACES UAE, through a joint effort between the Dubai and Abu Dhabi branches, said the Jordanian firm in its statement.



The strong offshore capabilities and ACES track record played a major role in project award, as the company has completed offshore and onshore geotechnical investigation for some of Dubais most recognisable landmarks including Dubai Blue Water, Burj Khalifa, the Palm Jumeirah and several lines of Dubai Metro.-TradeArabia News Service
UAEs Ministry of Education has signed a seven-year agreement with McGraw-Hill Education, a learning science company, for all K-12 math and science instructional materials in e-book and print formats.



The content for each curricular program was selected based on the most advanced and progressive material developed for US standards and is aligned with the UAE National Standard Framework. All materials were created in Arabic and delivered in August for the 2016/2017 academic year.



The new instructional materials provided by McGraw-Hill Education will help us create the UAE of tomorrow, said Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education for the UAE.



Our economic growth depends on investing in education to build a knowledge-based society, and we have made massive strides for the children, women and men of the UAE. These new instructional materials are one more step on our journey of providing world-class education for our citizens and residents.



It is the leaderships vision to provide students in the UAE with 21st century skills  education is a fundamental element for the development of a nation and the best investment in our youth. The new instructional materials clearly align school curricula with the countrys vision of building a robust knowledge and innovation economy.



Productivity and competitiveness will come to rival the best in the world, as we provide students with the skill set to bridge the gap in industries such as the sciences, medical and aerospace. The Ministry of Educations agreement with McGraw-Hill Education builds upon the decades of experience the company has in the region and reflects its commitment to advancing education and improving outcomes on a global scale, he added.



The UAE is an emerging global education hub, and we are very pleased to be working with the Ministry of Education on this important project, said David Levin, president and chief executive officer of McGraw-Hill Education.



Given its focus on quality and innovation, the UAE is an important market for us and, with this agreement, we plan to expand our presence in Dubai where we have had an office since 2009, said Mark Dorman, president of McGraw-Hill Education International & Professional. We look forward to delivering an outstanding program that will be impactful to educational outcomes in the UAE, in the GCC and the wider world. - TradeArabia News Service
The autumn edition of the Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (Getex), the leading student recruitment platform in the Middle East, co-located with International Student Festival 2016, the UAEs first-ever show for students.



The events will be held from November 24 to 26 at the Meydan Gallery and Convention Centre in Dubai, UAE.



Anselm Godinho, managing director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), the organizer of Getex, said: Getex Autumn was launched in Dubai to address the demand for an event dedicated to helping colleges and universities to achieve the student admission numbers for their spring sessions.



It will be held along with the debuting International Student Festival with intent to take education beyond the classroom. The International Student Festival will be activity based and engage students through demos, sport, edutainment and live displays, making it an annual calendar event for students, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
A leading Swiss diplomat recently visited Shaikh Daij bin Salman bin Daij Al Khalifa, chairman of Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (Asry) to discuss areas of mutual interest and co-operation with the Bahraini companies.



Humbert Vincent Buemi, the Swiss honorary consul general to Bahrain, met Shaikh Daij at his office and reviewed different aspects of co-operation between Asry, Alba and other related Swiss companies,. said a statement from Alba.



The duo also discussed areas of mutual interest between the two companies and Swiss firms in terms of new projects, especially the Line 6 Expansion Project that will open new horizons for Alba, it stated.



During the talks, Buemi stressed on the long and profound trade, investment and economic ties between the two countries. Later he was taken on a tour around Asry and its different facilities.



The Swiss official also visited Alba where he was welcomed by the acting chief operations officer Amin Sultan and other officials, and discussed with them ways of mutual cooperation.



During the overview briefing of the Line 6 Expansion Project, Buemi expressed his excitement for this project. He was later taken around Alba and briefed on its different facilities.  TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabias King Abdullah Port is ranked the fastest growing port in the world in a report issued by Container Management magazine, a British global leader in the maritime industry.



The report pointed out that King Abdullah Ports success in achieving rapid growth comes in light of the challenges faced by the market and a slowing down of global economic growth, with the oil sector the most affected.



Abdullah M Hameedadin, managing director of the Ports Development Company, owner and developer of King Abdullah Port, said: "All thanks to Allah, King Abdullah Port was able to triple its throughput in 2015 to be ranked the fastest growing amongst the top 120 ports worldwide. This in turn enhances the port's status and the Kingdoms strategic commercial role."



Hameedadin also praised the prominent role and outstanding efforts of all the partners in the operating sectors and their support for King Abdullah Ports developmental journey, as well as the proud achievements the port accomplished in record time. He stated that the latter comes with the objective of the Saudi ports playing a leading role in advancing the national economy.



The second fastest-growing port in the world was Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, which increased its throughput noticeably, while throughput at its larger neighbour in Dubai grew by just 2 per cent.



King Abdullah Port was able to significantly enhance its capabilities and is currently moving towards important achievements in terms of the project's development in general and the operations taking place. In 2015, the annual throughput in King Abdullah Port doubled, reaching 1.3 million TEU, while the annual handling capacity increased by 50 per cent, reaching 3 million TEU.



The management of King Abdullah Port expects to finalize the first phase of bulk cargo terminals with a capacity of 3 million tonnes, in addition to the RORO (roll-on/roll-off) terminals with a capacity of 300,000 CEU by the beginning of 2017. This comes specifically after announcing the strategic move of signing an SR2.7 million ($719,000) financial agreement with both SABB and ANB.



Run by the Ports Development Company, King Abdullah Port is the Kingdoms first port to be fully owned, developed and operated by the private sector. With its strategic location and state-of-the-art technologies, all managed by national and global experts who strive to offer the best possible services, King Abdullah Port has earned its place at the heart of the worlds major shipping lines, all within a solid plan that will bring to reality its vision of becoming one of the largest ports in the world.



Strategically located on the Red Sea coast on one of the worlds busiest maritime shipping lanes and with direct access to extensive transportation networks and urban centres, King Abdullah Port is the first fully privately owned, developed and operated commercial port in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.



King Abdullah Port occupies a total area of 16 sq km and enjoys a close proximity to King Abdullah Economic Citys Industrial Valley and the bonded zone. The port makes an increasingly important contribution to the Kingdoms regional and global role in trade, logistics and shipping. Once fully built, King Abdullah Port will be able to handle 20 million containers (TEU), 1.5 million vehicles (CEU) and 15 million tons of clean bulk cargo every year.



With state-of-the-art processing facilities, the worlds deepest 18-meter water berths, expanding roll-on/roll-off operations, and a fully-integrated Port Community System, King Abdullah Port is capable of receiving todays diverse mega cargo ships, fulfilling the growing needs of the young and fast-growing population of the Kingdom and the region.  TradeArabia News Service
Top experts and leaders in the international manufacturing sector are set to discuss the challenges and transformations of the industry at a major industry event to be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, next year.



The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS), which will take place from March 27 to 30, is a world-first gathering of global governments, manufacturing businesses and civil society.



The Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi University, located on Al Reem Island, has been chosen as the venue for GMIS, signifying the important role of young graduates in shaping the future, with manufacturing positioned as a key driver of transformation, said the organisers.



GMIS will be the first global summit ever held for manufacturing, uniting leaders from diverse industries with international government policy-makers, as well as civil society leaders.



The global consulting firm PwC, the events division of international news platform The Economist Group, and market insights and news specialist Thomson Reuters have joined GMIS as strategic partners.



The summit responds directly to the pressing regional need to diversify economies and create sustainable employment for GCC youth.



Bahrains manufacturing sector grew by 4.1 per cent in 2015 compared to 3.8 per cent in 2014, with several landmark projects announced in 2016  including a $3 billion expansion of Aluminium Bahrain, said the event organisers.



The GMIS announcement comes as innovations in the manufacturing sector are set to have a transformational impact on the global economy.



Badr Al Olama, member of the GMIS organising committee, and CEO of Strata Manufacturing, said the event is not just about shaping the future of global manufacturing.



"It is about taking a transformational approach for global manufacturing that enables it to meet the needs of the global economy - and the worlds citizens - over the coming decades," he explained.



Accordingly, the event will reflect the entire spectrum of manufacturing, spanning low-tech and high-tech industries and encompassing both the developed world and fast-emerging economies with nascent manufacturing sectors, stated Olama.



It brings together for the first time the worlds innovators in all sectors of manufacturing - aviation, automotive, technology, food production and healthcare - and from government and civil society to address common themes and seize new opportunities, he added.



The Economist Group, which is developing the GMIS event programme, has designed the events agenda to produce outcomes with practical, real-world application.



Kay Westmoreland, head of Middle East and Africa (MEA) at The Economist Group, said: Globally, economic growth remains sluggish, prompted by recent geopolitical factors, a tightening of the energy market, expectations for collective climate action and the reduction of emissions, and turbulence facing commodity prices.



Over the course of the summit, GMIS will set out a roadmap for the sector as a whole in driving growth in the global economy and addressing pressing global challenges including driving sustainable economic growth, creating skilled employment opportunities, and tackling global resourcing and production challenges, she added.



Nadim Najjar, managing director, Middle East and North Africa, (Mena), Thomson Reuters, said: When we examine world markets, we see lingering issues from the global financial crisis being exacerbated by low oil prices and, most recently, market uncertainty over Brexit.



The counterpoint  and where we can have a sense of economic optimism  is with rising levels of innovation, fuelling productivity and competitiveness gains across the world economy. The small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector is a disruptive force in manufacturing, particularly with regard to the repurposing of goods, and has the potential to make huge contributions to the more established businesses, he said.



With GMIS, we can create a unique stage for stakeholders, large and small, in global manufacturing to share their insights for how we can help companies and countries serve the global good, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people was underway Wednesday in Florida and South Carolina as Hurricane Matthew approached the US coastline after leaving a path of destruction across Haiti, a report said.



Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach parts of the Florida coast by early Thursday, intensifying to hurricane conditions in some areas later that day, reported the USA Today, citing a warning issued by the National Hurricane Center.



Matthew had top sustained winds of 120 mph, a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, Wednesday evening and is forecast to strengthen in coming days, the center said.



"People have less than 24 hours to prepare," Florida Governor Rick Scott was quoted as saying in the report. "Having a plan could be the difference between life and death."
Huawei, a leading global ICT solutions provider, said it is working with Intelligent Security Systems (ISS), a leader in video management and intelligence solutions, to provide safe city surveillance capabilities to law enforcement agencies around the Middle East region.



The collaboration will see improved public safety and security for the region through intelligent surveillance systems that can proactively identify potential threats before they even occur, said a statement from the company.



The ISS will share with Huawei its expertise on the integration of smart video surveillance camera solutions to complement Huaweis innovative cloud-based intelligent surveillance infrastructure. The enhanced surveillance systems will be jointly developed and tested at the Huawei Open-Lab Center in Dubai, UAE, it added.



Richard Cai, director of Open-Lab Middle East, Huawei Enterprise Middle East, said: Our companys partnership with ISS reiterates our commitment to developing industry-specific, customer focused solutions that embrace new ICT through a collaborative ecosystem of partners.



The security companys video solution is matched to our cloud-based intelligent surveillance solution that provides 24/7 high-definition surveillance that uses low bandwidth and supports continuous video recording, he noted.



The joint solution will deliver intelligent surveillance capabilities that will enable law enforcement agencies in the region to receive automated, video-based alerts of potential threats, reduce operational costs and enjoy faster, more efficient response times to emergency situations, he added.



Huaweis video content management software also provides video summary, intelligent searching as well as facial recognition, helping law enforcement authorities to find critical information quickly and easily from huge recording video pools. This software means faster identification of suspected perpetrators that means more efficient ways of preventing further crimes, said a statement.



Mohammed Zaheer, regional director  Middle East and India, ISS, said: We are delighted to be partnering with Huawei to deliver smart video technology and automated solutions for security clients.



We bring to this collaboration the learnings from deploying intelligent video solutions in more than 53 countries worldwide. Our company values Huaweis leadership in the ICT domain and we are honoured to be part of their partner ecosystem, he said.



Huaweis portfolio of public safety solutions includes innovation in high definition video surveillance, broadband trunking, multi-media dispatching and intelligent analytics, which are delivering better situational awareness to emergency service agencies, said a statement.



These solutions split across six central Safe City Solution offerings: convergent command centre, cloud-based intelligent video surveillance, smart road safety, 4G mission-critical broadband trunking, agile communication network and secured cloud data centre solution, it said.



Huawei safe city solutions already provide safety and security to over 400 million people in more than 100 cities across 30 countries. The company is committed to supporting governments across the Middle East region in their vision to create smarter and safer cities for the wellbeing and happiness of citizens, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
The UAE is venturing into the world of Late Night Television with a new English talk show hosted by Dubai-based media entrepreneur Loubo Siois.



Much like the popular shows Saturday Night Live and the Late Night Show, The Dubai Talk Show features celebrity interviews with artists visiting the emirate, comedy segments and topical monologue jokes.



Some of the guests that have attended so far include French cover band Nouvelle Vague, Carla Bruni, Martin Gore from Depeche Mode and Hollywood Producer Jeff Gomez. In the coming weeks, the show will see DJ Armin Van Buuren, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Sunny Leone.



The show is broadcasted on Fox Channel as well as on TV channels in London (Sky channel 182), the Caribbean islands (Caribbean Broadcast Network), Oceania (Oceania TV), Africa (Ben Television), Maldives (National Television), Russia (TMB RU) and adding more networks frequently. Also, it is available for streaming on Youtube and Ooredoo (Qatar), MyHD, Etisalat (UAE) and other VOD platforms.



The programme is being produced at the studios of Dubai Sound TV & Cinema Production (DST) a leading production company of major music video clips for Rotana TV, post-production at Pixelhunters - a company with expertise in visual effects in games such James Bond 007, the show actively supports filming in Dubai and the Dubai Film & TV Commission (DFTC). It is hosted by Siois with executive producers Kasim Raheem and UAE media veteran Mansoor Alfeeli. The team includes American photographer James Quinn and Swedish branding guru Kim Rene Hansen. - TradeArabia News Service
More than 145 plus exhibitors from over 25 nations are taking part in the upcoming Seafex, the regions first professional seafood show in Dubai, UAE.



The event runs from November 7 to 9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).



The exhibitors include sustainability leaders from Europe, the Levant and Mauritius, who all say regional diners are becoming more socially-conscious and demand products for changing lifestyle preferences.



People right now are more driven towards fresh seafood than ever, said Abbas Muntaser, Marketing Executive at European Seafood, which specialises in live seafood and live aquaculture raised fish.



This is not just because of its many beneficial effects on human health, but also as a source of sustainable food that can last for generations to come and provide for better lifestyles.



In its first official Seafex appearance, Enterprise Mauritius (EM), the national trade promotion organisation of the Republic of Mauritius, will go all out to promote sustainability as it moves to gain a foothold into the Mena seafood market now valued at $272 million according to a recent report by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).



Mauritius will mount one of 13 national and industry pavilions at Seafex, which also sees first-time official participation from the Philippines. Mauritius says its show debut will help position the country as a favourable destination for sustainable aquaculture and higher value-added seafood processing.



Seafood processing is now the second most important manufacturing sector in Mauritius, employing 12,000 people and contributing 1.5 per cent to overall gross domestic product. Last year the country exported 337 million ($378 million) worth of seafood which represented 16 per cent of its overall domestic exports, according to Arvind Radhakrishna, CEO, Enterprise Mauritius.



As a specialised sub-sector of the seafood industry, sustainable aquaculture ranks high on the Mauritian Governments agenda and around 22 sites have been earmarked around the island for the setting-up of in-lagoon fish breeding. Farming of high-value and niche products such as cobia, sea cucumber, oyster and oyster pearls, crabs, sea-urchins and other shellfish are being encouraged, said Radhakrishna.



Red Drum and European Seabass are currently cultivated under aquaculture within the sheltered lagoon on the Eastern coast of Mauritius. As well as being an approved and certified Sustainable Aquaculture facility by the organisation Friend of the Sea.



The hatchery and farm production is designed following the principles of sustainable farming practices. All precautions are undertaken to ensure that the farms and their conditions mimic those found naturally. The farm aims to increase its annual production from 800 tonnes in 2015 to 3,000 tonnes by 2018 with the main export destinations including the USA, Italy, South Africa, Spain and the United Arab Emirates, he added.



Three heavyweight Mauritian producers will share the pavilion  Prince Tuna (Mauritius), SAPMER Premium Seaproducts and Ferme Marine de Mahebourg. The trio will promote their preserved and frozen tuna, farmed fresh red drum and seabass, rock lobster and live fish exports. SAPMER says it has detected increasing demand from importers of premium, 100 per cent natural products, as well as sustainable and certified products.



Meanwhile, Siblou, a Middle Eastern sector heavyweight headquartered in Lebanon, says consumers are not only more socially-conscious, they are increasingly health conscious  factors pushing up demand for seafood.



Consumer-driven-demands are shaping the future of the Menas seafood market, according to Andrew Pert, show director, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC, the Seafex organiser.



The UNs Food & Agriculture Organisation has identified consumer interest in sustainability as an emerging trend within the Middle East and this is reflected throughout the Seafex exhibitor profile. With organised information campaigns such as the WWFs Choose Wisely campaign in the UAE, lessons have been taken up by restauranteurs and retailers. In this instance, Seafex is a window to the future of an industry which has the consumer firmly at its core, Pert said.



Seafex 2016 will span 4,500 sq m, up 12.5 per cent on last year, with new exhibitors from the UK, Norway, the USA, UAE and Vietnam helping to grow year-on-year exhibitor figures by 11 per cent.



Seafex is among a trio of conveniently segmented food events which also include the gourmet Specialty Food Festival and Yummex Middle East, the regions leading international trade fair for the confectionery and snacks market.



The trio is co-located alongside Gulfood Manufacturing - the Middle Easts biggest food manufacturing, processing, packaging, logistics and materials handling exhibition - which attracts more than 30,000 attendees looking to allocate their annual, back-end food & beverage budgets.



DWTCs trio of niche food events are open from 10am-5pm from 7-9 November 2016 and are for trade and business professionals only. General public and persons under the age of 21 will not be permitted entry. Registration is available at the show upon proof of trade status.  TradeArabia News Service
For the fifth straight year Nissan has been recognised as one of the worlds most valuable brands according to the Best Global Brands Study by Interbrand, a leading brand consultancy.



This year, Nissan was ranked as the 43rd most valuable brand in the world  an increase over last years ranking of 49th. Nissan now has a brand value of over $11 billion. This years ranking puts Nissan as the 4th fastest growing brand in the world.



Brand Power has been a consistent focus across the company for the last five years and it is very encouraging that all our efforts continue to be recognized by this influential brand ranking, said Roel de Vries, corporate vice president and the global head of marketing and brand strategy for Nissan.



The fact that we remain the fastest growing automotive brand is also further proof that the story around our products and our vision for the future of driving is continuing to resonate.



This recognition reflects Nissans continuing efforts to drive solid business results by increasing brand visibility. Nissan has become more proactive in building excitement for the brand in part by telling the story of the companys Intelligent Mobility blueprint for making driving safer, more exciting, and more sustainable. During the past year, Nissan has also raised brand awareness through several high-profile sponsorships, from the 2016 Rio Olympics to the UEFA Champions League.



The report cited several reasons for this years jump in brand rankings, including:



 Nissans long-term vision for increasing brand awareness through strategic use of digital platforms and technologies;



 Forging new partnerships such as the recent global agreement with Microsoft, focused on vehicle connectivity and connected services;



 Launching innovative new products from the Serena with ProPilot technology to the GT-R NISMO;



 Maintaining a strong commitment to customer satisfaction; and



 Nissans success in creating modern new expressions of the brand, as seen through the recent opening of Nissan Crossing in the Ginza district of Tokyo.



Interbrand's method looks at the ongoing investment and management of the brand as a business asset, taking into account financial performance, the role of brand in the purchase decision process and the strength of the brand.  TradeArabia News Service
President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin will attend the 23rd World Energy Congress which will be held in Istanbul, Turkey between October 9 and 13. Putin will join Middle East energy experts which are confirmed among 270 speakers at the worlds most prestigious energy event, a statement said.

The attendance of Vladimir Putin at the congress is important, as Turkey and Russia are looking at how best to progress the Turkish Stream project, it added.

Commenting, Turkish Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Berat Albayrak said: My personal view is that we will cover a lot of ground for the Turkish Stream project during this congress next week.

Middle East countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Lebanon are also set to play a major role at the 23rd World Energy Congress in Istanbul next week. With more than 270 speakers from 83 countries including 57 ministers confirmed to participate at the World Energy Congress, experts from the region will be key participants in the discussions which aim to find sustainable, long-term solutions to the worlds energy challenges.

The Congress will include 16 speakers from the Middle East who will be debating some of the most urgent global energy challenges under the theme Embracing New Frontiers. The speakers are: Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy, UAE; Matar Al Neyadi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Energy, UAE and vice chair for the Gulf states/Middle East, World Energy Council; Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO and managing director, Dewa; Mohammed Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry, Qatar; Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, Saudi Arabia; Saleh Alawaji, Deputy Minister for Electricity, Saudi Arabia; Qasim M Al-Fahdawi, Minister of Electricity; Ibrahim Saif, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jordan; Amin Nasser, president and CEO, Saudi Aramco; Steven Griffiths, vice president for Research and Interim Associate Provost, Masdar Institute, UAE; Adnan Amin, director general, Irena, UAE; David Hobbs, head of research, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC), Saudi Arabia; Ahmed Ali Al Ebrahim, CEO, GCC Interconnection Authority, Saudi Arabia; Pierre El Khoury, general director and president of the Board, Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC), Lebanon; Adnan Shihab-Eldin, director general, Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), Kuwait and Xiansheng Sun, secretary general, International Energy Forum, Saudi Arabia.

The Congress aims to draw together consensus on how these issues will be addressed in an active, coordinated and sustainable way. Participation of Middle East countries will help to ensure a truly global response to these challenges, while also addressing the energy challenges of each individual Middle East country, the statement said.

Christoph Frei, secretary general of the World Energy Council, said: As preparations for this years Congress near conclusion, Energy has never been higher on the world agenda. The calibre of speakers, participants, guests and exhibitors at the Congress is likewise unparalleled.

We are on the frontier of a massive energy transition. As the industry and governments address the impact of commodity prices, the dynamism in renewables, uncertainty in the CO2 price, the integration of China and India into international energy institutions and a new spirit of innovation, this Congress will not shy away from the difficult decisions. This years event is the perfect platform for the global community to come together and shape the market of the future, and our discussions have never been more crucial.

The contributions from our 3000 member organisations in over 90 member countries will be critical, as they provide the relevant insights and inform the global thinking and consensus building. It is this thinking that will enable us to help to deliver wider access, more robust infrastructure, and more sustainable supplies for generations to come. We are faced with an existential threat, but with the right incentives, solutions can be found to embrace this new frontier.

Over 100 countries are expected to attend the World Energy Congress and more than 250 companies have also confirmed their participation as sponsors, exhibitors or through sending large delegations to the Congress. TradeArabia News Service
Qatars first leisure destination Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort, welcomes guests and families to its exquisite facilities, following a complete renovation.



The resorts transformation includes an additional 18 villas due for completion by the end of 2016.



Owned by Katara Hospitality; Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort is managed by Murwab Hotel Group, Katara Hospitalitys standalone operating division which manages an international collection of boutique upscale hotels and brands offering contemporary hospitality steeped in cultural heritage.



Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla, Katara Hospitality chief executive officer, said: "We have invested large sums in the process of upgrading and refurbishing our services and facilities. Sealine Beach Resort is the most popular resort for Qatari families which also caters to the residents in Qatar, neighboring countries and holiday makers from abroad."



We will continue to offer family style resort accommodation, the best water sport facilities in the Mesaieed area and all of the services and amenities that one would expect from Sealine Beach Resort, added Al-Mulla.



As part of their new phase, Katara Hospitality has appointed Nawaf Ali Al-Obaidly as general manager of Sealine Beach. Al-Obaidly previously held the title of Business Development and Acquisitions Manager at Katara Hospitality, where he guided the organisations strategic expansion in Qatar and other international markets through targeted investments in iconic properties that today, make up Katara Hospitalitys impressive hotel portfolio.



We are pleased to be finally showcasing our meticulously restored resort to visitors and families. Our valued guests now have the chance to experience the distinctive seaside location, lavishly modern furnishing and fixtures, and overhauled facilities, while enjoying our world-class amenities and signature services. said Al Obaidly.



Leisure and dining enthusiasts are in for a treat, with a beach-front food and beverage offering and mouth-watering signature menus that are synonymous with five-star dining, satisfying the most discerning of palettes. A plethora of recreational activities is also awaiting our guests that they can enjoy when they are not relaxing by the poolside or our pristine beaches. We are confident that our newly revamped resort is everything our guests have come to expect from us and more, he added.



The single largest project has witnessed a full refurbishment of all 77 of the resorts existing guest units, villas, and chalets as well as the entire lobby area which feature natural-style furniture and fixtures providing expansive lobby windows, tranquil surroundings and panoramic sea views. Sealine Beach Resort will feature an additional 18 family style villas, alongside the remaining stretch of the resort's beach, due for completion by the end of 2016.



Recognising the history and high-profile community presence of Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort, the new interior design celebrates the resorts roots by blending rustic qualities of wood and marble accents with lighter finishes, luxury furnishings and Qatari-themed details. - TradeArabia News Service
Etihad Airways treasury team has once again been acknowledged for airline treasury management excellence with three key accolades at the 2016 Middle East, African & Islamic Finance Aviation 100 Awards.



The awards were presented by Airline Economics in Dubai this week.



Following a string of successes in recent months with leading awards from various organisations in London, Miami and Dubai, Etihad Airways won further honours with:



- The Middle East & Africa Overall Deal of the Year for Etihad Airways Partners (EAP) bond transactions totalling $1.2 billion



- The Middle East & Africa Treasury Team of the Year



- The Middle East & Africa Treasurer of the Year awarded to Group Treasurer Ricky Thirion



A $700 million five-year landmark finance transaction completed by EAP in November 2015 was followed by a further $500 million issuance in April 2016. The funds were raised to support the requirements of Etihad Airways, its subsidiary Etihad Airport Services, and five of the carriers strategic airline partners  airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia and Jet Airways.



The ground-breaking funding from institutional investors was the airline industrys first ever joint financing in the debt capital markets.



Etihad Airways multi-national treasury team was able to deliver these significant results by bringing together a comprehensive array of skill sets involving cash and liquidity control, risk management and hedging, funding, and relationships with banking partners, investors and rating agencies. The treasury team is also responsible for insurance, direct customer payments, as well as property and infrastructure.



Ricky Thirion, who has led the treasury department since joining the company almost 10 years ago, was honoured for his sterling work and leadership in building a world class treasury organisation.



James Rigney, Etihad Aviation Group chief financial officer, said: Our treasury team under the leadership of Ricky has worked tirelessly to deliver a robust global treasury management capability. Tremendous amount of time, effort and resource has been spent on creating and developing processes, and preparing treasury business plans to take the group to a new level.



James Hogan, Etihad Aviation Group president and CEO, added: Etihad Airways is renowned for delivering excellence and driving innovation across our business. Our unique bond transactions continue to be recognised by the international financial community that demonstrates our equity investment strategy in airlines is forward-thinking and reinforces the level of market confidence in our business model.



Credit to James Rigney and his treasury team led by Ricky Thirion for building a strong treasury department, and creating the framework with our partners for completing two successful bond transactions, particularly in testing times during challenging economic conditions.



Airline Economics, part of the Aviation News stable of aviation publications, is considered among the leading airline industry titles for insightful reporting and analysis. The awards were presented during Airline Economics Growth Frontiers, Dubais premier aviation finance event organised by Airline Economics for owners, investors and operators of commercial aircraft across the aviation industry. - TradeArabia News Service


Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts continues to expand its operational team with the promotion of Christian Clerc to president, Worldwide Hotel Operations and Vince Parrotta to president, Hotel Operations - Americas.



The appointments follow the recent promotions of Simon Casson to president, Hotel Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa and Rainer Stampfer to president, Hotel Operations - Asia Pacific, supporting the next phase of operational leadership and excellence as the company continues to solidify its global leadership position and grow its portfolio of hotels, resorts and private residences.



"With the next generation of operational leadership now in place Four Seasons is ideally positioned to build on its legacy of unwavering dedication to service excellence and the highest standards of quality, said J. Allen Smith, president and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

There is no better complement of leaders to support future growth and guide our world-class operations and hotel teams forward as we continue to deliver the consistently exceptional service that characterises the Four Seasons experience no matter where you are in the world.



Christian Clerc, president, Worldwide Hotel Operations



Clercs distinguished career as a consummate hotelier, including leading the companys flagship hotels in Washington, DC and Paris, has positioned him well to take on the role of president, Worldwide Hotel Operations, in which he now oversees all aspects of operations in the companys growing global portfolio.



With responsibility for ensuring operational excellence at Four Seasons properties worldwide, Clerc will focus on cultivating the companys renowned service culture among its world-class employees and continuing to seek out new ways to evolve and elevate the guest experience.



Born in Switzerland and a graduate of Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne, Clerc has enjoyed an exemplary 16-year career with Four Seasons. He moves into his new role after holding senior executive positions in several regions, including the last two years based in Dubai as president, Hotel Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa. During this time Four Seasons opened several new properties in the region including those in Johannesburg, Casablanca, Moscow and Cap-Ferrat, France, and continued to strengthen its presence in the Middle East with key openings in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where the company now offers guests two distinct luxury experiences.



In his time with Four Seasons, Christian has demonstrated a remarkable track record of success, all aligned with the values and culture of Four Seasons, said Smith. He is an exceptional hotel operator and dedicated leader whose vision for product and service excellence will help lead Four Seasons into the future as we continue to evolve luxury hospitality on the global stage.



In his new role, Clerc will join the companys Executive Leadership team and report directly to Smith.



Vince Parrotta, president, Hotel Operations - Americas



As president, Hotel Operations - Americas, Parrotta will oversee operations for the companys largest region, which currently encompasses close to 50 hotels and resorts, including the just-opened Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown and upcoming openings in Anguilla and Surfside, Florida. Other developments in the region include recently announced resorts in Los Cabos and Napa Valley, a new hotel and private residences in Montreal, a contemporary new hotel in Philadelphia and a property in Sao Paulo, which will mark the companys highly anticipated entry into Brazil.



Vince is the ideal person to lead Four Seasons in the Americas, says Clerc. His career with Four Seasons has been marked by a keen instinct for spotting talent and developing future leaders and complete dedication to the values and culture that define our company.



Parrotta joined Four Seasons in 1999 with more than 15 years of industry experience. During his nearly 20 year tenure with the company, Parrotta has held senior positions at Four Seasons properties throughout the Americas. In 2007 he was promoted to his first general manager appointment in Jackson Hole. From 2009, he was general manager in Scottsdale, where he was also regional vice president, overseeing five additional hotels and resorts.



A native of Sudbury, Canada, Parrotta will be relocating to the company's headquarters in Toronto, Canada in his new position. Parrotta, along with Casson and Stampfer, will report to Clerc. - TradeArabia News Service
The Ascott Limited, the worlds largest serviced residence owner-operator, has scooped three top industry awards at this years World Travel Awards held at the St. Regis Dubai recently.



Beating off fierce regional competition, Ascotts flagship and award-winning marque, The Ascott Limited, was named this years Leading Serviced Apartment Brand for the entire Middle East.



Elsewhere for the company, individual property honours for 2016 went to Somerset West Bay Doha (named Qatars Leading Serviced Apartments); and Ascott Park Place Dubai (which scooped the award for Dubais Leading Serviced Apartments).



Now in its 23rd year, the World Travel Awards recognises the cream of the crop in the global travel industry and celebrates excellence in all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality market.



We are proud to have won in three categories and be acknowledged as the leading name in the Middle Easts serviced residence industry, said Vincent Miccolis, Ascotts area general manager for the GCC.

I dedicate these awards to our staff members who worked tirelessly to ensure the well-being of our guests and provide unique home-away-from-home experiences. These awards inspire us to do more and work even harder in delivering award-winning hospitality and world-class experiences for our guests.



Ascott, along with other regional winners from across Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia etc. will now compete head-to-head in the corresponding world categories to decide who will triumph in the World Travel Awards world awards. Global winners will be announced at the grand finale ceremony held on December 2 in the Maldives.



In the Middle East, Ascotts portfolio comprises of seven operating properties and 10 under development across six countries, including, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Turkey. - TradeArabia News Service
1. The war on coal is the most pressing issue. While there are many factors working against coal, the regulatory aspect is the one we have some control over in the legislature. I voted against implementing the Clean Power Plan in Wyoming while the rule is being challenged in court and will continue to fight back against federal overreach. I also want to facilitate giving my constituents an opportunity to stay in the community as our bedrock industries face an uncertain future by diversifying our economy. I will continue to fight for a safe and effective learning environment in our K-12 system and am willing to make the difficult decisions to chart a sustainable fiscal path for our state government in order to keep our tax burden low.

2. The vast majority of issues we face in the legislature are not the controversial partisan issues most folks here about in the media. I will work with whoever I need to in order to improve the lives of my constituents and chart a responsible path forward for our state. It is important to maintain a sense of civility in our political process, so I will continue to fight for conservative principles in a way which respects everybody who has a voice in the process. Our political culture in Wyoming is based on mutual respect and largely avoids the fear, anger and animosity we see at the national level and I will do my part to maintain that.

3. In these difficult times, its important to elect proven leaders to the legislature. As a nuclear missile crew commander in the Air Force I was given a tremendous responsibility early in my professional life. Commanding a combat ready nuclear force allowed me to grow as a leader and developed my ability to make decisions in a resource constrained environment. As a farmer and rancher I can identify with a wide portion of SD2. My two bachelors degrees in Political Science and Russian from UW and an MBA from the University of Nebraska taught me the importance of a good education. As a sixth generation Wyomingite, I know the strength of Wyoming isnt its government but the people who call it home.
Constituent Priorities: I have had the pleasure of meeting neighbors in HD-13 while going door-to-door this summer and fall. Their priorities are clear: Economic security is our most pressing need. Old and young alike are looking to make Laramie and Wyoming a home where we not only live but thrive. They are looking for smart and realistic use of our fiscal resources. They are looking for investment in our families and communities. They want good jobs to pay the bills, the best schools for our kids, affordable healthcare, and opportunities to succeed. Policy wise this means: investment in job training, K-12, early learning and higher education; acceptance of Medicaid expansion and help for those with mental health/substance abuse problems; and, policies that address nondiscrimination and equal rights, a commitment to some of our most vulnerable populations that makes us stronger economically and morally.

My experience on the Appropriations Committee has taught me that making panicky financial decisions and not investing in the future limits our options and undermines the foundations of economic recovery. Our best solutions are ones that invest in Wyomings working families, not in new buildings or in increased savings while jobs have been lost and services cut. Instead, we must practice good stewardship and diversification of our states enviable economic, energy, and natural resources, while understanding that revenues from the extractive industries are declining. Investing in tourism and maintaining public lands makes good common sense.

Over 13,000 students currently attend UW, and thousands more throughout the state are alums. I have had the pleasure of teaching at UW for 24 years. Academic excellence must be preserved during these challenging times. Drastic and unreflective budget cuts hurt Laramie and all of Wyoming in the long run. The University keeps our state globally competitive, employs hundreds of Laramie residents, and keeps businesses operating. Investment in UW is investment in the future.

Differing Political Ideologies: On issues and legislation, from public safety and anti-human trafficking to the safety of our children, from wildlife management to workplace protections and more, I am proud to have voted with Representatives across the aisle and to have sponsored legislation that my Republican and Democratic colleagues alike have supported. I am also proud to have fought for the values of my constituents even when weve lost those fights. Wyoming has a strong tradition of bipartisanship and across-the-aisle cooperation, and we need to actively preserve this uniquely cooperative character in state politics to endure the challenges of the coming years. But cooperation isnt just about agreement; its also about dialogue. I am willing to have those hard conversations and do that hard work of compromise and problem-solving with those equally committed to our state.

Philosophy: Most Wyomingites, like me, are not hard-line extremists; we are compassionate pragmatists. Our commitments to strong communities, educational excellence, and economic opportunity are universal and bipartisan. I am proud to have served our state, and will continue to do so with honor if re-elected.
1. The biggest question facing the state is how address the dramatic decline in state revenues. I applaud previous legislators for having the foresight to place money in reserve for just such an emergency. Our duty will be to carefully examine ways to cut state spending while still preserving essential services. We may have to tap into reserves to achieve that. If we do, we should do so cautiously and with an eye to the future.

My No.1 priority is to work for the approval of Medicaid Expansion so we stop throwing away hundreds of millions of federal funds simply to make a political point. Those are our dollars and they should be spent on the citizens of Wyoming. Without it, we will see a decline in the quality (and quantity) of health care in our state.

When we do make necessary budget cuts, lets make certain that were not going to end up costing the state more money in the long-run by cutting essential services that actually save money or generate revenues over the years.

One major example is our need to protect our investment in education. Wyoming has a long history of generously funding education at all levels. We need to preserve the quality of education we have achieved or risk losing one of the most effective ways of growing our economy. Frankly, economic diversification will be impossible if we cant attract new businesses to the state. Those businesses, in turn, will bring new people and their families to Wyoming. When anyone considers relocating a family with young children, topping their list of concerns has to be the quality of local schools and higher education. If we cut education, it will cost this state much more than we can ever save.

High my list of priorities is the protection of public lands, be they in the hands of the state or the federal government. We need to preserve access to those lands that make life in Wyoming so very special. Transferring federal lands to state control may ultimately result in their privatization, blocking public access to our most precious resource.

2. Having now served my first term in the House, I have learned the importance of working with members of the other party to achieve goals that will ultimately help the people of Wyoming.

Thankfully, were not like the U.S. Congress. Ive found the Wyoming House to be filled with respectful and responsible members. I enjoy setting aside differences and to seek common ground. Its surprisingly easy.

3. My guiding principle when serving in the Legislature is to always ask how will this help the people of Wyoming?

Each of us has a multitude of reasons for living here. Chief among them is the unmatched quality of life. I want to preserve those things that make Wyoming special; our public lands, the affordability and quality of education and our tradition of promoting a sensible state government that serves the people of Wyoming without intruding on their lives.
Im running for office because I care about Wyomings people and this great place we all love.

Working for decades as a journalist and as an advocate for government accountability, I learned to listen to people about their lives and livelihoods.

The Legislature needs to get real about the issues facing Wyoming families. We need better access to health care. We need to maintain a great education system for our children. We need to protect the wildlife and public lands that make our state special.

The economy:

For too long, Wyomings economy has been a one-legged stool. We need a diverse economy that can last.

Spending cuts in education, health and other critical state services worsen the losses caused by low energy prices. We saved for a rainy day; we should use these funds to navigate the downturn thoughtfully.

We must conserve our open spaces, clean air, good water, and dark night skies. They set Wyoming apart and are the key to building tourism across the state. Long-distance biking trails and acquisition of more stream access points could show visitors Wyoming has attractions beyond the Tetons and Yellowstone. Next summers eclipse is an opportunity to showcase the state.

We should expand Medicaid to bring our federal tax dollars back to Wyoming, create hundreds of badly-needed jobs, and give uninsured Wyomingites access to health care that will help them avoid the emergency room.

We need to act to close the gender pay gap and stop blaming women for its existence. The pay gap hurts everyone.

The doorsteps:

In talking with HD56 voters, it has been no surprise to hear deep concern about the economy and about people suddenly knocked out of seemingly secure lives when jobs disappeared.

But I also heard worries about the safety of relatives moving into nursing homes and questions about who enforces operating rules. Firefighters told me of their concerns about exposure to cancer-causing chemicals when modern materials burn. We need to ensure care for those who have cared for us.

Education:

As a state, we have made far-reaching investments in K-12 education, our community colleges, and the University of Wyoming. We cannot slash this funding and still provide first-rate science and math training, retain qualified teachers and professors or develop economic spinoffs that will provide jobs for our kids.

Public Lands:

As a hunter, angler, and hiker, I have spoken out against privatization of our national forests, park lands, and prairie uplands. We  and our wildlife resources  need these spaces to roam.

The contrast:

My opponent has not made up his mind about Medicaid expansion. He wants to radically change the retirement system that supports thousands who have served us as public employees. He told a Cheyenne group he supports allowing businesses to discriminate against our LGBT friends and relatives.

I offer a different vision. I see an inclusive Wyoming where families of all stripes prosper and retirees thrive in an innovative economy that supports diverse communities. We can do it.
1. I believe the issues most pressing the citizens of Wyoming are lack of economic diversity, slow and unreliable internet, expensive healthcare, and pay inequality.

For years Wyoming has depended upon the minerals industry to supply tax revenues to fund its government. We need to listen to major companies like Walmart, Nike, Johnson & Johnson, Google, and GM who have committed to aggressive renewable energy goals. We need to provide and enhance incentives to renewable energy manufacturers to build plants and bring jobs to Wyoming. Manufacturing brings economic vitality to any community.

When the country was founded there were only 2 services believed to qualify as public goods 1) safe drinking water and 2) fire protection. The world has evolved since then and other services such as access to public education, safety, and affordable healthcare have been added to the list. Technology enables global businesses to be run anywhere in the world, but requires fast and reliable internet service, which depends on a solid communication infrastructure. Smaller towns in WY do not have the customer base to entice private providers to develop this infrastructure. I believe this is tied to economic diversification and should be a public good the state provides to enable economic development and diversification.

The cost of healthcare in WY is extremely high because of our low population, single healthcare provider, and the over $300M in Medicaid assistance that has been refused by the current Legislature. This inaction excludes 20,000 people from healthcare. We must expand Medicaid NOW and work with the Affordable Care Act to allow us to work with our neighboring states to form larger healthcare systems to gain access to a larger market, more providers, and lower costs.

Across the U.S. women are paid an average of 82% of their male counterparts in jobs of equal work. However, in WY women are paid only 69% using the same measure. As the Equality State, Wyoming was first state to include women as voters, but today has a legislature made up of only 13% women. The average across the US is 24.5% and WY ranks dead last out of the 50 states for this metric. I will challenge the status quo and push for legislation and oversight that will close the pay gap for all affected people.

I have chosen WY as my retirement destination and love the beauty and freedom it has to offer. It is these same features that could attract entrepreneurs that wish to operate in a global marketplace while living in a remote, unspoiled wilderness. Lets entice them with economic incentives and a sound, reliable telecom infrastructure upon which to run their businesses and include a promise of equal pay and affordable healthcare.

2. I have been a long time believer that the integration of great ideas during problem solving results in creative and sustainable solutions. Without dialogue between differing viewpoints we often miss out on important facts and may create unintended consequences when implementing actions that have not been well vetted.
1. Our State faces numerous issues. The most pressing issue we have is the diversification of our economy. We need to diversify in order to secure our States future. Our State must attract, retain, and enhance our workforce through effective policy decisions. We lose half of our potential workforce from the University of Wyoming to other states. I will fight to retain that knowledge and provide opportunities to gain experience in Wyoming. Our budget will not fix itself. This is not a bust, this is a strategic shift for how Wyoming will conduct business from this point forward. It is critical that we work to secure our future through innovative policies that will attract new businesses and allow entrepreneurship to flourish in our State.

Our budget is the next biggest issue. There are many ways to look at this situation, but to me it is simple: We need to look at the programs that are statutorily required for funding, and those that we choose to fund. Government can become more efficient, but it is time that we stop solely cutting programs for political reasons. We need to be objective and work together as a body to address the situation.

2. It is absolutely a priority to hear every option that is on the table to alleviate the challenges our State faces over the next 2+ years. I will focus on doing more listening than speaking. It is critical that we elect leaders who are willing to listen to ideas, regardless of their source, and make educated decisions that will affect the way Wyoming conducts business from this point forward.

Without the willingness to listen to other ideologies, we will see further issues arise. We cannot waste time on political ideologies. To me, it is more important to make decisions based upon factual information and sound judgment. We must work together. Our legislature is composed of 90 members that represent over 500,000 people. We need to listen to Wyomings citizens and make sound and rational decisions to move our State forward.

3. As one of the youngest candidates for our State Legislature, I bring a new and fresh perspective to the issues our state is facing. We need leaders who are willing to step out of the box and be willing to try new options. I will work every day to improve government, expand our States business directory, and continue to maximize the return on investments to our education system. It takes a true leader to navigate a budget crisis like what we are experiencing. I will work every day to bring all of Wyomings values to the House floor. I may be elected to represent House District 09, but I will always fight all the people of Wyoming and our future.
Antonio Guterres

The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously backed Antonio Guterres, the former prime minister of Portugal who was the UN's refugee chief for a decade, to be the next secretary-general.

During a closed-door meeting, the 15 council members adopted a resolution formally presenting Guterres as their choice to be the world's diplomat-in-chief to the General Assembly, diplomats at the session told AFP.

Guterres said he wants to be "an honest broker, a bridge-builder and someone who tries to create conditions for consensus".

In an interview with various news media during his campaign for the position, he said that if he got the job his aim would be to work with all countries to help solve myriad problems on the global agenda.

The result disappointed campaigners for a woman or someone from Eastern Europe to be the world's top diplomat for the first time.

Guterres will almost certainly select a woman as deputy secretary-general and he said in the interview that one of the things that is "crucial" at the male-dominated United Nations is "to have gender parity".

He said his 10 years as the UN high commissioner for refugeesa post he left in Decemberprovided "excellent preparation" for a secretary-general who needs to be an honest broker and be seen by countries as independent in order to promote consensus and overcome crises.

"I think we are living in a world where we see a multiplication of new conflicts, and you see an enormous difficulty in solving the conflicts," Guterres said. "There is a clear lack of capacity in the international community to prevent and to solve conflicts."

What's needed, he said, is a new "diplomacy for peace" which requires discreet diplomatic contacts and shuttling among key players in conflicts and disputes. The secretary-general should also engage as much as possible and "act with humility to try to create the conditions for member states that are the crucial actors in any process to be able to come together and overcome their differences", he said.

Guterres said the simple answer to why he wants to be secretary-general can be found in the parable of the talents in the Bible's New Testament, which he said was the central element of his life.

"I think that one in life receives a lot of gifts, one has the responsibility to pay back, and to multiply the gifts that were received," he said.

Guterres said he received a good education and dreamed of being a researcher in physics. He became an assistant professor of physics. He said he thought the place where he could contribute the most was the United Nations, which led to his decision to seek the post of secretary-general.

"If I get it," Guterres said earlier, "I will do my best to be useful and to pay back the talents that I received."
Prosecutors on Wednesday charged the former office manager of the 12-24 Club, which provides resources for people with addictions, with embezzling from the Casper nonprofit.

Authorities suspect Carrie Good spent at least $52,713 on personal expenses using 12-24 Clubs credit and debit cards. The charges included Carrie Underwood tickets and an Apple Watch, according to an affidavit filed in court.

Good was fired on July 11 after an internal investigation. Two days later, 12-24 Club Director Dan Cantine informed police.

According to court documents, Good told police that Cantine knew she used company accounts for personal expenses and she arranged to have the expenses deducted from her paycheck.

Good told police that Cantine forgets a lot and stated she had several witnesses that will say Cantine never remembers anything he talks to anyone about, the affidavit said.

In 2010, Good pleaded guilty to two felony charges for stealing more than $16,000 from Kistler Tent and Awning, where she worked as a bookkeeper, court documents show.

Police interviewed Goods husband, Terry, who said that he was aware of his wifes previous embezzlement conviction and intentionally kept his finances separate from hers. Terry said his wife had told him she was fired for charging a $2,400 chiropractor bill to the company card but that he did not believe her story, according to the affidavit.

Casper Police Detective Shannon Daley wrote in the affidavit that the majority of embezzlement began in January and that Good had intentionally entered false information into the accounting software used by the 12-24 Club.

Good allegedly used the organizations debit card to make personal purchases and also continued to use a club credit card after she was instructed to cancel it.

The majority of alleged credit and debit card charges were at grocery stories but also included purchases at Best Buy, IKEA and Menards. The list of purchases attached to the affidavit show Good received cash back on purchases and sent herself nearly $700 through Paypal.

Goods husband also told police that his wife had bought concert tickets for their group of friends and had the friends pay her in cash.

The 12-24 Club hosts more than 40 meetings a week for a variety of support groups and addiction recovery programs, including 12-step programs. The club has been open every day of the year since its creation in December 1993 and aims to provide a safe space where people with addictions can work toward recovery. The organization serves about 2,500 people a month, according to its website.

Star-Tribune staff writer Elise Schmelzer contributed to this report.
Brian Scott Gamroth, a longtime Casper radio personality who died last month, will be posthumously honored at the Wyoming Republican Partys volunteer of the year fundraiser next week. One-time presidential candidate Carly Fiorina will speak at the event.

The Oct. 13 event in Cheyenne will raise money for Republican candidates in the Nov. 8 general election in Wyoming.

Fiorina is coming to Wyoming for free. She will speak about Republican values and potential problems of a Hillary Clinton presidency, said Matt Micheli, Wyoming GOP chairman.

Shell talk about the importance of electing Republicans at the state and local level, Micheli said.

Fiorina, the former Hewlett-Packard CEO who left the presidential race in February, is in the running to replace Reince Priebus as the next chair of the GOP, according to news reports. Shes visiting a spate of states to help their down ballot candidates before the election, and to woo state officials who are members of the Republican National Committee.

Micheli, Marti Halverson and Richard George are the Republicans from Wyoming who will vote for the new chair.

This year is the second fundraiser honoring a volunteer of the year. Last year, then-White House hopeful Ted Cruz was the special guest at the event.

Republicans at next weeks event will remember Gamroth, who was killed in a motorcycle accident in Montana. He had dedicated countless hours to the party.

He had just been a rock, Micheli said, who described being able to rely on Gamroth to raise money for the party and help when asked.

Gamroth served on a budget and audit committee, pouring over financial books for the party. When the state partys headquarters were in Casper, he recruited volunteers to move the office from one building to another, said Bonnie Foster, Natrona County GOP chairwoman.

He served as a state committeeman since 2011, a position that required him to represent Natrona County to the state committee, Foster said.

He volunteered lots of hours, not to mention the fact that he helped the state party and the county party with marketing and emceeing lots of events, she said.

The fundraiser is at the Cheyenne Radisson, 204 W. Fox Farm Road.

The cost is $50 a person for the general reception that begins at 6 p.m. For $500, people can visit Fiorina and get pictures taken with her at 5:30 p.m., Micheli said.
CHEYENNE  State lawmakers are looking at establishing rules for police body camera footage, with the intention of protecting law enforcement, privacy rights and the public interest.

Last week, members of the Wyoming Legislatures Task Force on Digital Information Privacy decided to move forward with a proposal to address the process for how police body camera video is released.

Currently, state law does not address how those recordings should be handled, and as a result, some agencies are reluctant to use body cameras.

The proposal from the task force would make all body camera footage private by default.

However, the public, media, law enforcement or other entities could ask a court to have the footage released if there is a public interest in doing so.

Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, and a co-chairman of the task force, said the legislation began as a result of conversations nationally about body cameras.

He said he thinks having legislation to protect both law enforcement officers and the public interest will encourage more agencies to use body cameras.

If law enforcement is comfortable with privacy protections, theyll adopt the technology, Rothfuss said. I think its critical we have this. I think it protects our law enforcement, and I think it protects the public.

The concern on the law enforcement side is both privacy and how body camera footage should be treated as a public record, said Byron Oedekoven, the director of the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police.

For example, an officer could be having an everyday conversation with a resident who is not involved, nor a suspect in a crime, but a body camera would record that conversation.

Is that something that should be blatantly public? Oedekoven said.

Further, because state law doesnt address the type of record under which body camera footage falls, it is unknown how long and to what cost such records would need to be kept.

Oedekoven said the proposal discussed by the task force could lead to an answer for that question too.

At the same time, agencies are not against using body cameras. There are just concerns that still exist.

We see (body cameras) as more of an asset for the officer, Oedekoven said.

While the proposal would not leave access to body camera video wide open, Wyoming Press Association Director Jim Angell said he thinks the publics interest would be protected.

Angell compared the proposal to how 9-1-1 calls are treated and said Wyoming courts have historically shown good judgment when something is in the interest of the public.

I have implicit faith in our judges, he said.

Rothfuss agreed.

Our court is sensitive to the public interest relative to transparency, he said.

The proposal will next go to the Legislatures Joint Judiciary Interim Committee, where it will be discussed at the next meeting.

Im hopeful general support for it continues, Rothfuss said.
CHEYENNE  A pipeline company plans to replace portions of a northeast Wyoming natural gas pipeline that has had two recent leaks, including one that shut down a highway for more than two hours, though what caused the problems might not become publicly known.

None of the government agencies that oversee oil and gas pipelines  the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Wyoming Public Service Commission or Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission  have been following up on what happened because they lack jurisdiction over the 60-mile stretch where the leaks occurred.

The 16-inch pipeline is too far removed from where the natural gas came out of the ground for the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to have oversight. PHMSA only regulates pipelines that cross state lines.

The section of pipeline isnt under Wyoming Public Service Commission purview because it is upstream of a gas-processing plant and not close to a populated area, commission attorney Chris Petrie said Wednesday.

If it went through a cluster of houses or other structures meant for human occupation, then it would be, Petrie said.

The much bigger of the two leaks happened 14 miles north of Douglas on Sept. 6 and prompted law enforcement to shut down Wyoming Highway 59 for more than two hours while workers shut off the flow. The leaking natural gas didnt ignite, but could have.

Operating at about two-thirds capacity, the buried pipeline was carrying 40 million cubic feet of gas per day to the Tallgrass natural gas processing plant outside Douglas, said Rosslyn Elliott, spokeswoman for Denver-based DCP Midstream.

It was pretty quickly restored, Elliott said. It wasnt out of service for very long.

On Aug. 30, an inspection with a device called a smart pig that detects leaks, dents and other problems as it travels through a pipeline found a pinhole leak about 40 miles to the north, in Campbell County, Elliott said by email.

The company is still investigating the leaks and has been planning to replace portions of the pipeline based on previous inspections, she said.

DCP Midstream isnt required to release its investigation to the public.

The company did notify the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality of the leaks because they caused air pollution. The Sept. 6 leak vented gas for 3  hours and likely discharged more than 5 tons of volatile organic compounds, according to written notification the company provided to the department.

The Department of Environmental Quality isnt among the agencies in charge of pipeline safety.

PHMSA in March proposed new regulations to expand its inspection and repair rules to include lines in some rural areas and those near oil and gas fields. PHMSA spokespeople declined to comment on the record, saying the pipeline was outside their jurisdiction.

Northeast Wyoming is a major gas-producing area but the DCP Midstream pipeline leaked well downstream of any gas fields. The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission only regulates in-field flowlines and gathering systems, according to spokeswoman Kimberly Mazza.

Once the oil or gas reaches the sales point and custody of the oil or gas transfers from the oil and gas operator to someone else we typically no longer have authority, Mazza said by email.
In the closing days of the Civil War, Robert E. Lee stopped in the tobacco town of Farmville, Virginia, to fortify his bedraggled troops. With Union forces in hot pursuit, Lee abandoned the effort, fled town  and surrendered at nearby Appomattox two days later.

Tuesday night, Mike Pence came to Farmville for the vice presidential debate against Democrat Tim Kaine with a similar mission: trying to halt the retreat, and revive the troops, after last weeks rout of Donald Trump in the first presidential debate.

Pence came prepared with a sound battle plan: He would avoid discussing Trump to the greatest extent possible. And, in executing his plan, he fared rather better than Lee.

Asked why Americans think Trump is too erratic, Pence responded  by talking about Hillary Clinton and her foreign policy.

I do want to get back to the question, moderator Elaine Quijano of CBS News coaxed. When Pence continued on about Clinton, she repeated: In the meantime, the questions. ...

Pence finally mentioned that Trump has extraordinary business acumen and employed tens of thousands  then quickly went back to Clintons trustworthiness.

Quijano asked Pence to talk about Trumps claim that he brilliantly used the tax laws. Pence responded  by talking about the Obama administration.

Governor, Quijano finally interjected, with all due respect, the question was about whether it seems fair to you that Mr. Trump said he brilliantly used the laws to pay as little tax as legally possible.

Stylistically, Pence was strong: calmer than Kaine, interrupting less often, and repeatedly luring Kaine to respond to him. He likely won the debate on points, helped by a canned and sometimes shrill Kaine. But in a broader sense, Pence succeeded by avoiding discussion of Trump and his policies. To the extent he defended Trump at all, he did so by denying Trump had said and done things that Trump had, in fact, said and done.

In that sense, you might consider this the first appearance of Pences 2020 presidential campaign. He didnt turn against his running mate, but he helped himself more than he helped Trump.

Republicans watching Pences strong performance Tuesday night had every reason to kick themselves. Had Republicans chosen a mainstream conservative like Pence there is every reason to believe that candidate would be leading Clinton, who has proved to be a weak general election candidate in this year of change.

Pence hasnt tweeted about a sex tape at 5 a.m. He hasnt shamed a woman publicly for gaining weight. He didnt mock a political opponents pneumonia-induced stumble, nor claim that his opponent is crazy and unfaithful to her husband, nor suggest that returning soldiers with PTSD are weak.

Trump did all that  in the space of a single week since his first-debate flop.

A running mates usual task in a debate, and in a presidential campaign generally, is to assure the public that he or she could take over if the unthinkable occurs. In Pences case, theres no question about his fitness to serve. The question is whether Trump is prepared to serve.

That Pence could be a heartbeat from the presidency makes pulse rates calm. That Trump could be president causes tachycardia.

Kaine, therefore, did all he could to keep the focus on Trump: The thought of Donald Trump as commander in chief scares us to death. ... Donald Trump always puts himself first. ... He has pursued the discredited and really outrageous lie that President Obama wasnt born in the United States.

But Pence had a simple parry: Noun, verb, Clinton. As Kaine hectored him to defend Trumps insult-driven talk of women as slobs and pigs and Mexicans as rapists and criminals, Pence volleyed:

Thats small potatoes compared to Hillary Clinton calling half of Donald Trumps supporters a basket of deplorables.

It didnt much matter what the topic was  North Korea? Police and race?  Pence, deftly, kept turning the conversation back to Clinton. This, occasional jabs at the Obama administration and at Kaines own record, and Pences Trumpian willingness to assert falsehoods with great conviction, kept the Democrat on his heels.

Kaine repeatedly  by his own count, six times  challenged Pence to defend Trump on one point or another.

In all six cases, hes refused, Kaine complained toward the end of the debate.

Dont put words in my mouth, Pence protested. Im very, very happy to defend Donald Trump.

Ah, but sparingly: Not enough to appear overtly disloyal, but not so much that it will harm his future presidential prospects after Trumps Appomattox.
A few fraudulent votes here  100,000 there, whos counting?

Democrats are counting ... on those extra votes from your great-grandfather who crossed into the afterlife in 1970 and the undocumented immigrant who crossed the border last week. Or, maybe even a few canine votes from leftist author Anne Lamott groupies who might take her Good Dogs for Clinton social media campaign too literally.

Democrats are all about handing out handouts to gain votes, unless youre talking about handing out free voter ID cards, then they quickly label that as disenfranchisement. So rather than repairing gaping holes in our election process, they change the subject, telling us that cyber hackers might try to undermine our elections. Homeland Securitys even offered to step in, God bless them.

Research coming from left-leaning organizations tells us that voter fraud is negligible, so we shouldnt care. Even if that was the case, shouldnt every vote count, as it was intended?

Democrats have a long history of tilting elections, and what happened in Chicago back in 1982 shows how easy it is. At the time, the Department of Justice was still in the business of doing its job, uncovering the mother of all voter fraud cases, finding 100,000 or more fraudulent votes were cast in an attempt to steal the Illinois governors race for Democrats.

The grand jury uncovered fraudulent votes from identity theft, dead voters, prisoners, absentee voter impersonation, illegal alien registration, false registrations, buying votes, altering the vote count, fictitious voters and forged ballots for the handicapped and elderly.

Most concerning is the grand jury found a history of similar fraudulent activities occurred long before the election. In an eye-opening Heritage Foundation piece, Where Theres Smoke Theres Fire: 100,000 Stolen Votes in Chicago, former Justice Department official Hans von Spakovsky wrote:

What particularly struck FBI agent Ernest Locker was how routine vote fraud was for the precinct captains, election judges, poll watchers, and political party workers he interviewed. They had been taught how to steal votes (and elections) by their predecessors, who had in turn been taught by their predecessors.

The piece goes on to say that because of his investigation, Locker came to believe the claims, hotly debated among historians, that Mayor Daley threw the 1960 presidential election for John Kennedy with massive ballot stuffing in Chicago.

Fast-forward to 2012 when North Carolinas Board of Elections uncovered not just a few instances but 35,570 incidents of double voting. In addition, officials said 81 North Carolinians cared so much about the outcome of the 2012 election, they apparently returned from the dead to cast their vote. While officials say some had requested absentee ballots prior to their demise, 40 to 50 did not, the National Review reports.

And who can forget all the YouTube videos of the former Ohio poll worker described by the assistant prosecutor of her voter fraud case as an ideologue who was hell bent on stuffing the ballot box with as many Obama votes as possible.

Melowese Richardson got a five-year prison term for voting twice in 2012 and voting three times in 2008, 2011 and 2012  for her sister whod been in a coma since 2003. Despite her 5-year prison term, Richardson was soon released and sentenced to probation. Richardson received a heros welcome at, of all places, an Ohio voting rights rally. To loud applause, local Democrats welcomed home their hero, a felon convicted of voter fraud.

It should be noted that Mitt Romney wouldve won in 2012 had he secured just 333,908 more votes in four swing states. Romney lost in New Hampshire by 40,659; Florida, by 73,858; Ohio, 103,481 and in Virginia by 115,910. Subtract 64 electoral college votes from Obama and add them to Romney and Romney wouldve been our 45th president.

Sure, we should be concerned about imagined cyber-attacks, but its probably more likely the next election will be affected by voter fraud.
Tucson voters may ultimately decide which is worse  paying for an estimated $1.2 billion in infrastructure repairs or continuing to postpone them.

The Tucson City Council will discuss a plan Wednesday, Oct. 5, that would ask voters to approve up to $100 million in general obligation bonds funded through increased secondary property taxes and a half-cent increase in the citys sales tax.

The proposal by City Manager Michael Ortega would not address every issue or fix every street; estimates suggest the proposed tax hikes would generate $350 million over five years, to be spent on public safety equipment, streets, city parks and sidewalks.

Currently, the city has a strategy of fix-it-when-it-breaks, and spent less than $30 million in the last three years on deferred maintenance.

If the council decides to send the proposal to voters, the property tax vote would have to wait to put the item on the ballot in November 2017. State law requires property tax-related items to be approved by voters in a general election, city officials say.

Increasing the sales tax by a half-cent would cost the average taxpayer $2.98 a month, city officials estimate. There is no estimate on how much an increase in the secondary property tax would cost the average homeowner.

The council told Ortega in August to come up with plans to address at least some of the needs of Tucsons aging and crumbling infrastructure.

Under the two-part proposal, the half-cent sales tax would generate an estimated $50 million annually and would end after five years unless voters approved an extension.

A majority of the $250 million generated by the sales tax  $150 million  would go to replacing aging equipment and repairing infrastructure for the Tucson Police and Fire departments.

The new revenue would help pay for repairs and expansion of fire stations and police training facilities as well as replace aging fire trucks, patrol cars and other vehicles, Ortega said in a memo.

Ortegas plan for the sales tax calls for $100 million for road repairs over five years, with 65 percent going toward major roads and 35 percent going to repair neighborhood streets.

Of the other $100 million raised, $80 million would be spent on city parks and $20 million on sidewalk improvements and other connectivity-related improvements.

Councilman Steve Kozachik said he is open to the discussion, but that the city should put more money into road repair. If we listen to people at all we know that is their Number One priority far and away, he said.

He said he would take a hard look at the costs set aside for public safety infrastructure. Are the things theyve identified in there essentials or are they things that would make life easier? he said.
Too bad Chris Young wasnt in town last weekend.

He could have joined Cassadee Pope on stage at the Oro Valley Music Festival to sing the pairs award-winning, chart-topping duet Think of You.

Perhaps he should call Pope and invite her to the AVA at Casino del Sol on Sunday, Oct. 9, when he will play his first Tucson show since he was at Desert Diamond Casino in 2014. She will have been with him in New Mexico for a show in Las Cruces on Friday, and according to her schedule she has Sunday off. And besides, shes expected to hook up with Young for a show in Spokane on Oct. 13 so why not just sneak back into Tucson?

OK, so more than likely thats just wishful thinking. But you can bet you will hear Young sing the ballad at some point Sunday night, probably after his sultry Gettin You Home and his empowering anthem The Man I Want to Be. He might set it close to Tomorrow or maybe Im Comin Over, the name of his current tour that includes several dates with Pope.

More likely than not, hell save it to the end. Thats what the smooth-voiced baritone did at a recent California show. He built up to the suspense with the party anthems and stirring ballads that have been a staple of his 10-year career: You, Sober Saturday Night, Who I Am With You, Save Water, Drink Beer and Voices.

Youngs show Sunday starts at 8 p.m. at the AVA, 5655 W. Valencia Road. There are only a few tickets left in the lawn ($25) and even less in the reserved seats ($40-$65) at tickets.solcasinos.com.
Border Patrol agents were assaulted in two separate incidents while attempting to arrest Mexican nationals last week, authorities said.

In the first incident, an agent suffered a dislocated shoulder, and in the second incident an agent was punched in the throat and torso, according to a Customs and Border Protection news release.

On Sept. 28, agents working in a remote area west of Tucson, encountered two individuals armed with rifles. One ran and when an agent caught up with the person, they struggled and a second agent helped in subduing the person, states the release. One agent dislocated a shoulder during the struggle.

Both individuals were arrested and four weapons were seized.

On Sept. 29, agents stationed in Douglas encountered two people in the country illegally, and while making the arrest one person resisted and punched an agent before being subdued, authorities said.

Both people were taken into custody.
A Sahuarita woman was arrested Wednesday at a Nogales port of entry after an attempt to smuggle methamphetamine into Arizona, authorities said.

The 25-year-old woman was taken into custody at the Mariposa crossing when a drug-sniffing dog alerted to 33 pounds of meth in her car, authorities said in a news release.

The meth was valued at $100,000 and was found under the floor board of a Chevrolet sedan.

The drugs and vehicle were seized and the woman was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.

On Tuesday, a Mexican teen was detained at the Dennis DeConcini pedestrian crossing when he was selected for further questioning, authorities said.

Officers found nearly 1.5 pounds of meth valued at $4,400. It was concealed within the groin area, said officials.

The teen was taken into custody and the meth was seized.
A nasty custody battle led a former Tucson firefighter to kill three women and bury one of them in the desert, a Pima County prosecutor said Wednesday.

The defense attorney for David Watson, who worked in the Tucson Fire Department from 1995 to 2015 and faces three murder charges, said authorities misread the evidence and failed to tie Watson, 47, to the slayings. Instead of Watson, they should have paid more attention to a former boyfriend of one of the women.

The remarks came during the first day of Watsons trial in Pima County Superior Court, where he was charged in April 2015 with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder.

Watson is accused of killing his ex-wife, Linda, 35, in 2000. After she disappeared from her house in the 2600 block of West Curtis Road, sheriffs deputies found a broken coffee cup and blood on a cooler, vacuum cleaner, and the floor.

The couple had been involved in a custody battle over their daughter, age 4 at the time, Deputy County Attorney Jonathan Mosher told the jury Wednesday. As nasty as those things can be, this one was worse, Mosher said.

Fearing he would lose custody of his daughter, the then-firefighter killed Linda Watson and buried her body near Silverbell Mine, Mosher said.

Watson also is accused of shooting and killing Lindas mother Marilyn Cox, 63, and Coxs neighbor Renee Farnsworth, 53, three years later.

Cox had accused Watson of her daughters disappearance, which to put it simply, was a big deal in this town, Mosher said as a photo of a billboard asking for information about the disappearance was displayed on the wall behind him.

Marilyn was going to get to the bottom of what happened to her daughter, Mosher told jurors.

A judge allowed Cox visitation rights to Watsons daughter, Mosher said. On the night of the first unsupervised visitation, in May 2003, Cox and Farnsworth drove back to Coxs house after dropping the daughter off at David Watsons house.

When they got out of the car, a lone gunman stepped out of the oleander shrubs that lined the driveway and shot them both, Mosher said.

This was not a robbery; this was an assassination, Mosher said, noting the two womens purses and phones were left untouched.

The gun used in the 2003 shooting was never found, but Mosher told the jury Watson owned a handgun that matched a model that could have been used in the shooting. Watson told detectives he had sold the gun.

In both Linda Watsons disappearance and the 2003 shooting, David Watsons then-wife, Rosemary, provided him with an alibi, Mosher said.

But after years of carrying the burden of lying on her husbands behalf and a few months after their divorce, Rosemary Watson contacted detectives in 2007  the same year Watson was promoted to captain  and said she wanted to change her story, Mosher said.

She told detectives David Watson left their house in the middle of the night that Linda disappeared in 2000. He returned hours later and she saw him cleaning his truck. Watson told her he had gone for a walk to clear his head, Mosher said.

Rosemary Watson told detectives that on the night of the 2003 shooting, David Watson returned home around the time of the shooting sweating, pale, eyes wide, and panicked, Mosher said. He kissed their daughters goodnight, told Rosemary to wash his clothes, and then took a shower.

Several weeks later, Coxs relative found a gold-colored money clip in the yard of the house. The clip was inscribed with the initials D.D.W., which Mosher said corresponded to David Dwayne Watson.

Hunters found Linda Watsons skull in a desert area in 2003. Eight years later, the remains were identified as hers through DNA testing.

The delay in identifying her remains was due to authorities believing the skull may have belonged to a border crosser who died in the desert west of Tucson and whose remains were sent to the county medical examiner for identification, Mosher said.

Defense attorney Michael Storie accused authorities of focusing on Watson when the evidence was pointing them in a different direction.

Storie said the divorce between David and Linda Watson was not contentious and the couple agreed in court to joint custody of their daughter.

Linda was struggling with a drinking problem and her then-boyfriend asked David and Rosemary Watson to take custody of the daughter, Storie said. An emergency custody hearing was scheduled for four days after Linda Watson disappeared, he said.

Linda Watson and her boyfriend, who Storie described as a jealous man with a temper, were constantly fighting. The boyfriend urged David and Rosemary Watson to take custody of Linda and Davids daughter.

Linda changed the locks on the house and called a lawyer about an order of protection because she was so afraid of her boyfriend, Storie said, adding Marilyn Cox also had an order of protection against him.

Linda told friends she wanted to run away after she lost her job that week, Storie said.

Thats whats going on leading up to the (Aug.) 20th, the last time we see Linda, Storie said.

When Linda disappeared, Marilyn Cox called the boyfriend and accused him of kidnapping her daughter, Storie said.

Storie cast doubt on how a relative could find the money clip in a gravel yard weeks after the night of the 2003 shooting when sheriffs personnel had scoured the yard for evidence.

With regard to Rosemarys account, Storie said David Watson crushed her in 2006 when he said he didnt want to be married to her anymore and he was seeing another woman. They got divorced and soon after she goes to the police and changes her story, he said.

She was never afraid of David. Never, he said.
PHOENIX  State Gaming Director Daniel Bergin said his state-assigned attorney did nothing wrong or illegal in destroying notes of his May 2015 meeting with officials of tribes trying to undermine the Tohono Oodham casino in Glendale.

In legal papers filed in federal court, Bergin said through outside counsel that Roger Banan, an assistant attorney general, took the half page of notes solely to brief him after the meeting. Bergin said it was Banans practice to destroy such notes after the briefing.

Bergin is trying to do more than argue that Banan did not violate the states public records law.

There are implications if U.S. District Court Judge David Campbell rules the notes were intentionally destroyed to keep them from getting into the hands of Oodham attorneys. The tribe contends Bergin was illegally conspiring with other tribes that do not want full-blown gaming at the Desert Diamond West Valley Casino.

Potentially more significant, Campbell could block Bergin from claiming hes legally entitled to block full-scale gambling at the site based on his contention that the tribe committed fraud.

The outcome of the lawsuit could determine the future of the casino.

It opened last year, but only with Class II gaming, which is not regulated by the state. That limits it to games like bingo and machines that look like slots but operate as interconnected instant bingo games.

The tribe wants Class III gaming approval to add real slot machines as well as poker and blackjack, which attract more customers.

It cannot do that, however, until it gets the required certification from Bergins agency, which he has refused. So the tribe filed suit.

Bergin, in seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed, claims the tribe hid the fact that it already was looking for a casino site in the Phoenix area in 2002 even as voters were being told that their approval of a ballot measure would ensure no new casinos in the area.

Banans notes stem from at least one meeting he had with officials and lawyers of other Phoenix-area tribes that are competing for the same gaming business.

Lawyers for the Oodham contend the notes, which they learned about later by questioning Banan, would show Bergin and his agency are illegally conspiring with those other tribes.

But since theyre not available, the Oodham want Campbell to presume thats what they would say.

In the new filings, attorney Matthew Hoffman, representing Bergin, urged the judge to reject that claim.

Mr. Banan had no duty to preserve his notes because he did not believe  and could not reasonably have known  that his brief notes could even potentially be relevant to any future lawsuit, Hoffman told the judge.

He said the notes concerned what Banan construed as suggestions by Donald Pongrace, a lawyer for the Gila River Indian Community, of actions Bergin could take to halt the Oodham casino. Banan said he dismissed Pongraces suggestions out of hand, Hoffman said.

One of Pongraces suggestions, it turns out, was to send letters to companies that provide equipment to legally authorized casinos, warning them they would lose that state-authorized privilege if they sold items to casinos not authorized by the state.

The Oodham contend that was designed to scare off suppliers.

Hoffman said the decision to send those letters was made by the Gaming Department before the May meeting.

But evidence produced by the Oodham show they did not go out until a month later.
The Tucson City Council is betting local residents are willing to pay for better roads and parks and new equipment for police officers and firefighters.

The council directed City Manager Mike Ortega on Wednesday to move forward with a plan to raise at least $350 million in new revenues.

Voters would be asked to approve a half-cent sales tax increase in a special election next May and then, in November 2017, a $100 million bond.

The plan backed by the council is designed to tackle a portion of an estimated $1.2 billion in identified infrastructure needs in the city.

The half-cent sales tax increase would generate $50 million annually and would go to replace aging equipment and repair infrastructure for the Tucson Police and Fire departments as well as to fix city roads.

The council discussed whether to end the sales tax increase after five years as proposed by Ortega, but did not make a decision on whether to amend his proposal. The council will decide this issue, as well as how the funds should be spent, at a future meeting.

An increase in the secondary property tax would be necessary for the proposed $100 million bond and would go to pay for improvements in city parks.

If it passes next year, the average homeowner would pay no more than $9 in additional taxes on a home worth $150,000, the City Managers Office says.

Councilwoman Regina Romero said Tucson lacks the financial capacity in the current city budget to pay for all of its capital needs.

She acknowledged there are concerns that sales taxes are regressive, but said the increase would make Tucsons sales tax comparable to what Marana and Oro Valley residents pay.

It is not too much to ask for the reinvestment we want to do in our community, she said.

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild said he has talked to many in the community who want to see the city invest in core services, and he believes the city has demonstrated the ability to manage its finances.

There is no question in my four and a half years perspective as mayor that the city has made a lot of progress in balancing the budget, he said.

The time has come, he said, where an investment in public safety, parks and roads is needed.

When I look at what a half-cent sales tax means to an average person in Tucson, Rothschild said, it is an investment well worth making.

City officials estimated the average person would pay an additional $3 a month if the half-cent sales tax increase is approved.
"The Bo Street Runners rocked on the roof and the models boog-a-looged on a runway as fashionable Tucsonans got their first look at the mod, mod world of Paraphernalia, a new boutique, " according to the Tucson Citizen coverage of the Feb. 1, 1967 opening in Broadway Village shops.

"Buried in the midwestern snow for six days, the cool new fashions arrived only 30 minutes before showtime," the story continued.

The outfits were from Puritan Fashions Corp. Tucson and L.A. were the only cities west of Chicago to get a first-look.

See a gallery of the mod world at Paraphernalia at tucson.com/retrotucson
PHOENIX  The state agency in charge of enforcing tax laws for thousands of Arizona corporations is now down to four auditors.

The Arizona Capitol Times reports (http://bit.ly/2cWpGId) that the Arizona Department of Revenue, which at one time had 30 corporate auditors, has been dramatically slashed by budget cuts.

Department spokesman Sean Laux said Wednesday that the agency has $7 million less in its budget than last year.

The department cut more than 50 workers last June. Most were auditors and collectors in the education and compliance division.

Georganna Meyer, a former economist at the department, told lawmakers that "there is likely no corporate income tax auditing occurring" with only four auditors to monitor more than 50,000 companies.
Tucson Modernism Week draws to a close this Saturday, but there is still plenty to do between now and then.

On Thursday, a reception is slated at the new Welcome Diner at 6:30 p.m., in the home of the Old Sambo's/Chaffin's at 902 E. Broadway. At the same time, the Sunshine Mile Business Association will be holding a galaxy-themed evening reception down the street at Deco, 2612 E. Broadway.

Attend a lecture and reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at Copenhagen, 3660 E. Fort Lowell Road, revolving around the world of Danish modern furniture.

Or check out Modernism's busy Saturday schedule, with multiple events including a tour of Nogales' midcentury buildings and homes, lectures on Googie architecture and related topics and a closing party at Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium on the University of Arizona campus.

Get the full rundown of events and costs on the Modernism website.
Help India!

By IANS,

Lucknow : A man wanted in over two dozen criminal cases was killed in a shootout with the police in Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur district, an official said Sunday.

Support TwoCircles



The shootout took place late Saturday night when the police spotted Sanjay Pandey in Armapur locality in Kanpur district, about 90 km from here.

He was moving on a bike, along with an aide, when we ordered him to stop. However, he opened fire on us and was killed in a cross fire, Superintendent of Police (Kanpur rural) Lal Bahadur told IANS by phone.

There were over two dozen criminal cases against him in Kanpur and neighbouring districts. The police also claimed that he was a sharp shooter of Atiq Ahmed gang.

Pandey was also wanted in the killing of a policeman in 2004 when he shot dead a Special Task Force constable Dharmendra Singh in Kanpur, Bahadur said.
The 2016 Coffey-Holden Prostate Cancer Academy (CHPCA) Meeting, "Beyond Seed and Soil: Understanding and Targeting Metastatic Prostate Cancer," was held from June 23 to June 26, 2016, in Coronado, California.

For the 4th year in a row, the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) hosted the CHPCA Meeting, a think tank-structured scientific conference, which focuses on a specific topic of critical unmet need on the biology and treatment of advanced prostate cancer. The 2016 CHPCA Meeting was attended by 71 investigators from prostate cancer and other fields, who discussed the biology, study methodologies, treatment strategies, and critical unmet needs concerning metastatic prostate cancer, with the ultimate goal of advancing strategies to treat and eliminate this disease.

The major topics of discussion included: the molecular landscape and molecular heterogeneity of metastatic prostate cancer, the role of the metastatic microenvironment, optimizing immunotherapy in metastatic prostate cancer, learning from exceptional responders and non-responders, targeting DNA repair deficiency in advanced prostate cancer, developing and applying novel biomarkers and imaging techniques, and potential roles for the microbiome in prostate cancer.

This article reviews the topics presented and discussions held at the CHPCA Meeting, with a focus on the unknowns and next steps needed to advance our understanding of the biology and most effective treatment strategies for metastatic prostate cancer. Prostate  2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Prostate. 2016 Sep 28 [Epub ahead of print]

Andrea K Miyahira, Sameek Roychowdhury, Sangeeta Goswami, Joseph E Ippolito, Saul J Priceman, Colin C Pritchard, Karen S Sfanos, Sumit K Subudhi, Jonathan W Simons, Kenneth J Pienta, Howard R Soule

Prostate Cancer Foundation, Santa Monica, California., Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio., Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas., Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri., Departments of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, and Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California., Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington., Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland., Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland., Prostate Cancer Foundation, Santa Monica, California. .

PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27679977
The Creepy Clown threat reports are becoming less of a joke as kids start to fear there might be something to really worry about. As reports of the Clowns spread across the USA, the scary happenings are causing school closures and costing the Police a lot of time and frustration. With Halloween less than a month away, there are more concerns emerging, as there will be more people dressed as Clowns out on the streets.

People are asking about the Clown threat, so hereis a timeline and summary over the past week.

WHAT IS THIS CLOWN THREAT  Dhani (@daniellecoby) September 30, 2016

29 September

The media carried several Creepy Clown stories.

WWNY TV reported that Creepy Clown had made its way to the north country as the St Lawrence Sheriffs office reported they were investigating complaints from the severalhigh schools where children reported getting threats from Facebook Accounts showing clown images. At the time the Police believed these threats were of juvenile origin and did not pose a serious threat.

The same day KTVI reported that Rolla Policeofficers were frustrated with the amount of time and effort involved inthe Creepy Clown reports. Only one was legitimate and that turned out to be a prank. But in Largo, a Tampa Bay Times report said that a school girl told police she was chased by a Clown while whilewaiting for her bus.

Police said parents should talk to their children as it is illegal to wear a mask and threaten someone. Onceagain, indications are that juveniles were involved.

30 September

The 30th saw a rash of news coverage about clowns. Suffolk Police investigated reports ofa group of Clowns jumping in front of cars in Brentwood, and another spotted in North Babylon.

They were not able to confirm any of the reports. Long Island Press reported that on the same day two Long Island school districts initiated lockout procedures after clown-related social media threats that were later unsubstantiated.

Pasco County Sheriffs Office investigated social media threats after the Pasco County School district put their campuses on alert after a Clown threat alert that originated on Twitter.

Classes continued as there was no reason to believe the threat was credible.

Asbury Park Press reported that school officials were dealing with a Creepy Clown threat at Toms River East High School. Superintendent David Healy said,the hoax originated from a group of pranksters in Missouri who reportedly drew inspiration from the 2016 movie Clown.

The Flagler Sheriffs office tweeted that the threats involved violence but werenot thought to be real.

The FCSO warns the public that the rash of clown threats to do violence are not real, but are being taken seriously. https://t.co/18VY3p7RYw  FCSO (@FlaglerSheriff) September 30, 2016

Fox 29 reportedIndian River County experienced a handful of Clown reports.

A woman walking a dog reportedly saw oneand a father reported children chased by person in a mask. Police founda boy chasing his sister while wearing a mask. Again reports were put down to juvenile pranksand Indian River County Sheriff Loar indicated that these incidents involved teenagers.

October

The Clown Threat is growing into a trend and according to CBS, Homeland security is workingto investigate Instagram posts in Philadelphia. In Cincinnati a juvenile was arrested.On 3 October Fox2Now carried a story about St.Louis Countywhich was experiencing threats targetingschools. KHOU reported sightings in San Antonio on the East Coast. Reports have come in across Houston, Chesterfield and Austin.

Police are now getting serious about bringing hoaxers to justice. Gulf News reports that across multiple States Police have arrested twelve people so far. Of those arrested some made false reports, otherswore clown suits to scare people and others made cyber-threats. Pranks are not funny when people start to get hurt and one persons death was reportedly linked to a Clown.

According to Gulf News, psychiatrists attribute the phenomenon toMass Hysteria and many false reports have been made as people tend to want to feel connected to headline events.
Nestle research centers create custom China restaurant products Updated: 2016-10-06 10:26 By Wang Zhuoqiong(China Daily)

A skilled chef is hard to find and hire in China's culinary businesses. Nestle's research team has been working on how to simplify and offer standard cooking procedures for Chinese restaurants that enable chefs, even those with less experience, to perform well in the kitchens.

Chinese restaurants that aim for the mass consumers look for more efficient but less costly operations. High-end and luxury dining-out places have suffered from a sharp slowdown as a result of the government austerity campaign.

Nestle Professional, a business unit in the Nestle Group, focuses on providing products, solutions and services for the out-of-home industry. It sees the industry's challenges as an opportunity and has opened its second customer engagement center in Shanghai recently, after its first one in Beijing. The new facility serves as a milestone for Nestle Professional to further explore China's food and beverage market, said Nestle's executive.

Jeroen Pluijmers, regional business head of Nestle Professional AOA, said these centers have reaffirmed Nestle's commitment to nutrition, health and wellness, in addition to food safety. Nestle plans to open two additional centers in the future, extending its culinary innovation and development facilities to customers in other regions in China.

The Customer Engagement Center is a platform for the Nestle Professional team to engage with the customers and help them bring new food and beverages to the market.

The centers have professional chefs and baristas who will share new cooking skills with their peers in China. Their research team has more than 1,000 consultants and skilled team members.

Pluijmers, who visited the newly launched facility and participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the center, said: "Out-of-home food and beverage consumption is growing each year."

According to statistics from the China Cuisine Association, China's food and beverage market is now valued at 3.2 trillion yuan ($480 billion). With changing consumer demands in terms of variety, quality and health, the demands by customers have grown multifold. Chinese consumers' expectations for premium quality, tastier and healthier food and beverage products are becoming stronger.

Through the creation of Shanghai CEC, Nestle can help customers respond to consumer demands.

The creation of the Nestle Professional Shanghai Customer Engagement Center shows how Nestle Professional continues to be a reliable partner for China's food services companies, Pluijmers said.

The Nestle Professional Shanghai CEC is based in Caohejing Hi-tech Park of Shanghai. As a fast growing business unit, Nestle Professional is a key player in China's market. Many renowned food and beverage restaurants, companies and hotels are loyal customers of Nestle Professional, said the company.
RMB's inclusion in SDR called significant Updated: 2016-10-06 11:27 By Chen Weihua in Washington(China Daily USA)

The inclusion of the Chinese currency into the International Monetary Fund's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket will not only help China's financial reforms but the evolution of the international financial system, according to IMF officials and think tank economists.

Zhang Tao, the new deputy managing director of IMF, said inclusion of the Chinese currency, the renminbi (RMB), makes the composition of the SDR basket more representative of the currencies being traded in the world.

"The RMB's inclusion will make it more attractive as an international currency, contributing to greater risk diversification," Zhang told a forum on Chinese economics on Wednesday at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.

Zhang assumed the current post on Aug 22, replacing Zhu Min, also from China.

A former deputy governor of the People's Bank of China, the central bank, Zhang said the inclusion of the RMB will also strongly support China's continued efforts to reform its monetary, foreign exchange and financial systems. "It will help facilitate the country's increased integration in the global financial community," he said.

He believes the inclusion will help consolidate the process of RMB internationalization, adding that experience shows that currency internationalization can encourage the development of deeper and more liquid financial markets. "It can deliver more predictable macroeconomic outcomes, assist the development of strong and credible institutions, and secure the integrity of the markets," he said.

Zhang noted that while these will be not achieved overnight, they can be crucial for China's continued emergence as a source of economic growth and financial stability.

In November 2015, the IMF Executive Board announced its decision to include RMB into the SDR basket, effective on Oct 1, 2016. The decision makes the yuan a new member in a basket of four other currencies - the US dollar, Euro, British pound and Japanese yen.

Fabrizio Saccomanni, a distinguished visiting fellow at the Peterson Institute, described the inclusion of RMB as an important recognition of China's growing role in the world economy and international monetary system.

"It is an important gesture by the international community in the process of rebalancing the distribution of power in international financial institutions, he said, adding that it has been pursued for some time.

The Italian economist, who had served as deputy governor of the Bank of Italy and as Italys Minister of Economy and Finances from 2013-2014, also described the move as a commitment by China to continue to move toward financial integration and opening its capital markets.

Fred Bergsten, senior fellow and director emeritus of the Peterson Institute, said the US should warmly welcome the accession of RMB into the SDR basket.

This is a historic development. Its a very important part of Chinas overall rise as a global economic power, a reflection of Chinas willingness to accept increased responsibilities as the leader of the international economy and international monetary system. I think its wholly desirable, he said.

Bergsten believes its historic for another reason. Its the first case in which a national currency is becoming a global currency very much at the behest and initiative of the issuing country. He said that the US dollar, pound sterling, Japanese yen and euro all are chosen by the markets, adding that some issuing governments were even reluctant to see their currency playing much of an international role.

So I think China is breaking new territory here in actively seeking various responsibilities in an orderly and timely way in an international role for its currency. I think its historic in that sense he said.

Bergsten warned his Chinese counterparts in the audience to be ready for some unanticipated consequences. Somebody might even start manipulating your currency one of these days as you play the international role, he said.

Bergsten made an institutional proposal for the creation of an SDR Council, or SDR5. He said that people who worry about international governance have thought for many years about how to form a new governing organization that includes many advanced countries but also China. They talk about expanding the G7, but China does not like that. Some G7 dont like that either, he said.

But this is a natural opportunity, he said, adding that the council could be either inside or outside the IMF to work for the evolution of the international monetary system. Its a very important part of Chinas overall rise as a global economic power.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
Yuan is not manipulated: economist Updated: 2016-10-06 11:27 By Chen Weihua in Washington(China Daily USA)

Fred Bergsten of Peterson Institute says fact that intervention not over 2% of GDP is one example

A top US economist has dismissed two US presidential candidates' accusations that China manipulates its currency.

Fred Bergsten, a senior fellow and director emeritus of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, was the champion years ago talking and writing about the gross undervaluation of Chinese currency and currency manipulation in China.

But he told a seminar on Wednesday that "there is no Chinese currency manipulation."

"Indeed, if there is any manipulation, it is what I will call positive manipulation," he told a forum on the Chinese economy at the Peterson Institute.

Bergsten explained that for the last couple of years, China has not intervened to limit the appreciation of its currency, known as renminbi (RMB) or yuan, as it did in some earlier years. Instead, China sold a half trillion dollars of its foreign currency reserves to keep its currency from weakening further.

He said Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump does not have much basis for labeling China a currency manipulator and raising the issue again.

Trump has called China "the single greatest currency manipulator that's ever been on this planet" and he accused China of devaluing its currency in his opening remarks during the first US presidential debate on Sept 26.

Trump is not alone. Democrat presidential nominee Hillary Clinton also vowed repeatedly to confront China on currency manipulation.

Bergsten said Trump is just taking the talking points from 2012 Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney by swearing to label China a currency manipulator on his first day in office.

Fred Bergsten, director emeritus of the Peterson Institute for International Economics

He expressed that President Barack Obama, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew and thoughtful members of Congress are aware of the facts.

"But there is still a lot of politics around this," he said, adding that Clinton and her people also know better about this.

Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers noted months ago that it was a mistake for the US to push for China's exchange-rate liberalization in the hope that the yuan appreciates while market forces are pushing down the currency.

A US Treasury report in April did not accuse China of currency manipulation.

Bergsten, who is serving his second term as a member of the President's Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, described the issue of currency manipulation as "in remission". He warned of any possibility of renewal by China or any other country.

He believes part of the reason for the concern among US lawmakers is that the problem has not been satisfactorily resolved for a long time.

Congress passed legislation on a new currency policy early this year. Under the law, a country will be designated a currency manipulator if it meets three criteria.

The criteria are: a large bilateral surplus with the US, a large global current account surplus and a persistent one-sided intervention in the currency markets.

Bergsten indicated that China may meet the first two criteria but it does not meet the third one of persistent one-sided intervention in the market exceeding 2 percent of the GDP.

"So the situation is now clear. China is now not manipulating," he said.

Bergsten indicated that this is why there is no US-China currency conflict at the moment, but if the problem comes back, the domestic pressure will rise.

"I think we have a clear path forward to avoid new US-China currency conflict. It's now in remission; let's keep it that way," he said.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
Museum celebrates Chinese food - in ceramic Updated: 2016-10-06 11:27 By Hong Xiao in New York(China Daily USA)

Sour, sweet, bitter and spicy as a Chinese idiom refer not only to the delicate balance of flavors that define Chinese cooking but also to the vicissitudes of life.

For Chinese in America, the four tastes still permeate their cuisines, which have been carried on their immigration journeys and in their life experiences.

"Food is at the heart of Chinese culture, and in America, the very definition of Chinese food is constantly contested in home and restaurant kitchens across the country," said Herb Tam, curator and director of exhibitions at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) in New York.

Tam spoke at the press preview of MOCA's fall 2016 exhibition: Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy: Stories of Chinese Food and Identity in America.

He called the exhibition "really an elaborate dinner table conversation with some of our most exciting chefs"

And while you won't get to eat any delectable dishes, you'll be treated to a creative ceramic interpretation of the meals, provided by artists Heidi Lau and Lu Zhang.

Media members browse the fall 2016 exhibition Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy: Stories of Chinese Food and Identity in America at the press preview at the Museum of Chinese in America in New York on Wednesday. Hong Xiao / China Daily

"Because we couldn't have food (for showing), I thought the closest thing that could become food for the exhibition was ceramics. And for the artist, they were able to interpret the regional cuisines, specific chef styles of cooking and the landscape of certain regions," Tam said.

Each chef and 18 different regional cooking styles are represented through the ceramic sculptures on a massive dining table.

The exhibition shows how Chinese food is interpreted through the stories of more than 30 Chinese- and Asian-American chefs, some of whom are Michelin-rated and some who are known for their home cooking.

Pioneering chefs such as Cecilia Chiang, Ken Hom, Anita Lo, Ming Tsai and Martin Yan are featured along with new restaurateurs like Peter Chang, Vivian Ku and Danny Bowien; and longtime home-style cooks like Biying Ni, Yvette Lee and Ho-chin Yang.

Another creative touch of the exhibit is that the menu at each place setting features a participating chef's bio.

Over the past year, MOCA's team of curators went to the chefs' restaurants and homes to gather their stories, watch how they cooked, and of course, to taste their meals.

In the past year, Tam said he wondered what would happen if the chefs were all sitting together at a dinner table and having a conversation.

So in a 90-minute video installation on four walls of the museum's main gallery, the various chefs talk about where they grew up, what kind of food memories they have; what their first taste of American food was like; the challenges they faced and the meaning of authenticity.

"What we want to highlight is, A, food is very personal, and B, food is an occasion for people to have conversations," Tam said.

"Chinese food is a cornerstone of American culture, and it has brought so many different generations and ethnicities together," said MOCA President Nancy Yao Maasbach.

"Since the beginning of Chinese immigration to the US, Chinese eateries have served as the foundation of a new life in a new place. By opening the door to their kitchens, Chinese people became integral parts of their communities," she said. "This groundbreaking exhibit presents all the complexity of Chinese cuisines and Chinese life in America."

The exhibition will be open from Oct 6 through March 26, 2017.

xiaohong@chinadailyusa.com
VP candidates' views on China not widely known Updated: 2016-10-06 07:23 By Chen Weihua in Washington(China Daily)

While US presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have used China as a bogeyman in campaign speeches, their running mates - Republican Mike Pence and Democrat Tim Kaine - are much less known when it comes to views about China.

Pence and Kaine squared off in Virginia on Tuesday night in the only vice-presidential debate of the campaign.

The two governors presented themselves as character witnesses for their running mates while also getting in jabs at the top of each others' tickets that at times overran attempts by the moderator to focus on the questions being asked.

Kaine was the more aggressive debater, repeatedly asking Pence to defend the actions of the Republican presidential nominee. Pence mostly demurred.

A probe of their track records as governors and congressmen shows that neither has adopted a radical position regarding China.

The US China Business Council, an organization that represents US companies investing and trading in China, described Pence's voting record on trade during his 12 years as a congressman as favorable.

Back in 2001, Pence, in his first year as a member of the House of Representatives, spoke in favor of extending China's normal trade relations status an additional year, citing the benefits of trade with China.

In 2010, Pence joined a minority of Republicans who opposed a bill to impose tariffs on countries accused of manipulating their exchange rates for trade advantage. After Pence was selected as Trump's running mate, the US Chamber of Commerce said, "It's hard to find a better advocate for trade than Governor Mike Pence".

Pence, however, has recently moderated his previous support for trade, including questioning the wisdom of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free-trade agreement pending between the US and 11 Pacific Rim nations, excluding China.

In May last year, Pence led a trade mission from his state, Indiana, to China.

In May this year, he called for an investigation into Pittsburgh-based US Steel's allegations of international trade law violations by China. He claimed that unfair trade practices were hurting Indiana's steel industry.

On the Democratic side, the Spanish-speaking Kaine has focused primarily on Latin America and the Middle East. His views on trade have been described by the USCBC report as "consistently positive, although measured". Kaine did not declare a position on the TPP until he announced his opposition after being selected as Clinton's running mate.

His few comments regarding China also have been described by the USCBC report as "balanced, highlighting both the cooperation and tension in the relationship".

In 2015, Kaine listed China as one that needs to be "skillfully challenged" and saying "that sometimes means cooperate, sometimes compete, sometimes confront".

In February, Kaine issued a statement on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in which he said China has the most leverage and should use it.

Bloomberg contributed to this story.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com

(China Daily 10/06/2016 page2)
Security Council agrees on Guterres as next UN chief Updated: 2016-10-06 17:01 (Agencies)

Antonio Guterres greets a Syrian child during a visit to Lebanon in 2014. [Photo by Bilal Hussein/AP]

The Security Council unanimously agreed on Wednesday that Portugal's former prime minister Antonio Guterres should be the next secretary-general of the United Nations.

Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin made the announcement to reporters surrounded by the 14 other council ambassadors after they held a sixth informal poll of the 10 candidates behind closed doors.

Churkin announced that the council will hold a formal vote on Thursday morning to recommend Guterres to the 193-member General Assembly, which must approve a successor to Ban Ki-moon, whose second five-year term ends on Dec 31.

"We wish Mister Guterres well in discharging his duties as the secretary-general of the United Nations in the next five years,"Churkin said.

By tradition, the job of secretary-general has rotated among regions. Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe have all held the post. East European nations, including Russia, argue that they have never had a secretary-general and it was their turn.

There has also never been a woman secretary-general, and more than 50 nations and many others campaigned to elect the first female UN chief.

But Guterres, 67,who served as prime minister from 1995 to 2002 and served as the UN's high commissioner for refugees until December, topped all six polls despite being a man from Western Europe.

For the first time this year, the General Assembly's members held two-hour question-and-answer sessions with all 13 candidates who entered the race, and in the eyes of many diplomats, Guterres performed best.
Palestinian leader Abbas in hospital Updated: 2016-10-06 20:40 (Xinhua)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas gestures as he speaks to the media in the West Bank city of Ramallah January 23, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

RAMALLAH - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was taken to hospital Thursday after complaining of exhaustion, said a source close to his office, but the president's spokesperson said Abbas was hospitalized for regular checkups.

Abbas, who was working at his office, felt "very tired," and a doctor was summoned to check him up.

"After the doctor checked up President Abbas, he recommended that President Abbas has to be taken to the hospital for more checkups," the source said on condition of anonymity. "President Abbas is still at the hospital."

However, Nabil Abu Rdineh, spokesman of the Palestinian Presidency, said in an official statement published by the Palestinian official news agency WAFA that President Abbas went to the hospital for regular medical checkups.

"President Abbas went this morning for medical checkups at the Medical Consulting Hospital in Ramallah," WAFA quoted Abu Rdineh as saying. "The doctors said he was in a totally normal medical situation."

Abbas, 81, succeeded late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in the presidential elections held in the Palestinian territories in 2005. The elections were held after Arafat passed away in November 2004.
Ethiopia Commodity Exchange eyes more traders with regional online centers

The Ethiopia Commodity Exchange (ECX) has announced that its first online commodity trading center outside its headquarters in Addis Ababa as it seeks to reach out to more farmers and traders.

The center which will go live in January 2017 is part pf the ECXs strategy to set up regional centers across the country.

This has seen it put in motion a five-year strategic plan to effectively de-centralise its trading centre, with ten branches spread out across the country. The trading centres will not be established randomly, but based on the areas comparative advantage in producing a certain commodity.

Around 60pc of coffee traded at the ECXs HQ passes through key areas of Hawassa, while Kombolcha is known as a major red kidney hub, Tewodros Assefa, public relations head at the ECX said.

The five-year strategic plan, which targets greater accessibility and is anchored on commodity specialisation in a given area, also includes setting up trading centres in ten cities. To this end, the Exchange has commissioned the construction of four such centres in Jimma, Adama, Gondar and Kombolcha. The ECX has set aside a budget of $154,000 for the construction and operationalisation of these four centres.

This puts the number of nearly completed and commissioned trading centres at seven. The remaining three centres will be introduced next year, Tewodros added.

The trading centres outside the ECXs headquarters will be serviced by its in house built trading engine. The Exchange first implemented the electronic system at its Addis Ababa floor in July 2015.

The new centres, once online, will be connected with each other and the HQ, Tewodros noted.

The establishment of trading centres in different parts of the country is a welcome development, an expert in commodity trade in Ethiopia noted, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Primarily, decentralising the trading centre will boost transparency for traders who can monitor the process in a close proximity.

Moreover, the current sole dependence on Addis Ababas trading floor and its inconvenience will be addressed, he added.

Each trading centre will have 50 member seats, who will be taking part in the transaction process. The seats will be allotted to cooperative unions and individuals who will acquire the right to trade through competitive bids.

Addis Ababas ECX floor currently has 347 seats; cooperative unions have 33 seats and represent no less than five million farmers, Tewodros said.

In total, around 17,000 clients are serviced by members who have seats at the floor. Close to eight billion birrs worth of trade has been transacted since July 2015, according to the PR head.

Despite the benefits that decentralizing the trading centres brings to the market, there are some challenges and shortcomings in promoting the increased benefit for farmers.

Lack of capacity in easily utilizing the electronic trading system was an issue when it was introduced at the Addis Ababa floor, the expert stated. This issue will prove to be a problem, at least during the initial period of its implementation, unless proper training is given.

The ECX previously used the open house cry method to conduct its trading.

The expert, though very appreciative of the effort to spread trading centers closer to clients, fears that the current scheme will not totally ensure the benefit of farmers.

There will still be middlemen, who will take commissions for trading commodities from farmers, he underscored.

The ECX was established in 2008, aiming to ensure the development of an efficient modern trading system that would protect the rights and benefits of sellers, buyers, intermediaries and the general public, according to its establishing Proclamation.

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Visitors walk by a section displaying trucks from Russian manufacturer KAMAZ at the Vietnam Motor Show 2016, which opened in Ha Noi yesterday. Viet Nam Customs report an automobile import increase from Russia this year.  VNS Photo oan Tung

HA NOI  Russian and Belarusian automakers are likely to face significant challenges in Viet Nam, although some of their vehicles will enjoy zero-per-cent tariffs when entering Viet Nam from yesterday, experts said.

Viet Nam lifted duties for some cars imported from Russia and Belarus as part of protocols supporting production of engine-powered transport between Viet Nam and these countries.

The protocols came into force yesterday, the same day a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union  a bloc including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgystan  took effect.

au tu (Vietnam Investment Review) cited a Ministry of Industry and Trade scheme, reporting that about 800 Russian cars will enjoy the preferential tariffs this year. A similar rate will be applied for 850 vehicles next year and 900 vehicles in 2018.

Products of Russian automobile manufacturers such as Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod (GAZ), Kamskiy Avtomobilny Zavod (KAMAZ), Ulyanovsky Avtomobilny Zavod (UAZ) and Sollers will reportedly enjoy the tariff reductions.

For Belarus, the ministry allocated preferential tariffs to 200 units in 2016, 250 units in 2017, and 300 units in 2018. Minsk Automobile Plant will reportedly be among Belarusian automakers given the quotas.

The ministry said automobiles listed for the quotas will include sport utility vehicles (SUVs), trucks, passenger cars with 10 seats or more, and special purpose vehicles.

It said the import tax exemption for completely built units (CBUs) is to test Vietnamese customers demand, while the protocols require Russian and Belarusian automakers to establish joint ventures with local firms to manufacture cars in Viet Nam.

The joint ventures will also enjoy tax exemptions for importing components for car assembly, with quotas, over the next five years before the tariff for spare parts falls to zero per cent in line with the Viet Nam  Eurasian Economic Union trade deal.

First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Igor Ivanovich Shuvalov, told news agency Sputnik that the moves would stimulate Russias automobile exports and open up new markets for its technical equipment, boosting access to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

No massive imports

However, industry insiders said no massive Russian car imports into Viet Nam will occur due to conditions in the protocols.

For example, the joint ventures have to present production plans to authorities, specifying terms related to employee training and technology transfer, and what kinds of vehicle and how much domestic content they project using every year.

By 2025, compulsory domestic content will be 40 per cent for SUVs and special purpose vehicles, 45 per cent for trucks and 50 per cent for passenger cars with 10 seats or more.

The industry and trade ministry will have to sign off on joint ventures meeting various conditions to give them the tax exemption.

No such joint ventures have been established yet, and industry insiders said imports with tax exemptions may not happen this year.

Lam Chi Quang, the former general director of the Viet Nam Engine and Agricultural Machinery Corporation, said it would be hard for Russian and Belarusian automakers to compete with global rivals in Viet Nam.

It would be difficult for their cars to compete with South Korean, Japanese and US vehicles in terms of design and fuel saving, he told au tu.

Further, industry insiders said cars from Southeast Asia will have an edge in terms of price because Viet Nams import duty for CBUs from ASEAN will fall to zero per cent in 2018.

Carmakers such as Toyota, Honda and Ford, whose large-scale factories are located in Thailand and Indonesia are brand names familiar to Vietnamese customers and will have many advantages, they said.

Sources told au tu that the industry and trade ministry had connected Russian automobile firms with HCM City-based Truong Hai Auto Corporation to help them penetrate the local market, but to little avail.

In 2003, KAMAZ collaborated with the Viet Nam National Coal  Mineral Industries Holding Corporation (Vinacomin) to assemble automobiles in Viet Nam. They manufactured about 2,000 vehicles with highest annual sales reaching 500 units, before ceasing production in 2010.

In April 2015, KAMAZ signed a new agreement with Vinacomin, expecting to resume production and business activities in Viet Nam, but little progress has been reported.

Growing sales

The General Department of Customs reported that the quantity of cars imported from Russia was increasing, however.

Viet Nam imported roughly 68,900 cars with a total value of US$1.6 billion from 12 countries in the first eight months of this year.

As many as 1,180 cars worth a combined $66.9 million were imported from Russia in the first eight months of 2016, compared to 300 units in 2015 and 68 units in 2014.

KAMAZ General Director Sergey Kogogin told an international economic forum in Saint Petersburg, Russia last June that his company would sell 1,000 vehicles in Viet Nam this year, out of 7,000 total exports in 2016.

Agreements we have signed and practical actions of Vietnamese distributors allow us to be confident in significant growth of sales in this market, he told international press.

Akhat Urmanov, the deputy general director of business and services at KAMAZ, told local press earlier this year that the company had a long-term strategy and planned to establish assembling, trade and service complexes in Viet Nam.

To inh Lam from Auto K, a distributor of UAZ in Viet Nam, told news website bizlive.vn that the first shipment of UAZ vehicles will arrive in Viet Nam on October 16, and will go on sale a few days later.

Auto K will sell SUVs named UAZ Patriot, UAZ Pickup, and terrain cars called UAZ Hunter. Prices are expected to be VN700-800 million per unit for the first type, and VN500-550 million for the second, while how much the third costs remains unknown.

Organisers of the Vietnam International Motorshow 2016 told a press conference recently that UAZ will display its vehicles at an exhibition in HCM City from October 26-30.  VNS
By Ngoc Bich & Xuan Huong

HA NOI  Back in the 1940s and 1950s, the Japanese government was facing a question it found hard to answer: should it develop the automobile industry?

There was stark division on the issue, with some arguing that if the country could import vehicles from other countries, it did not seem essential to develop the products oneself.

However, thanks to the implementation of several policies supporting the production of auto parts and components, the country is now among the worlds giant auto manufacturers with many well-known brands.

The story could be a very good lesson for Viet Nam, which is also seeking answers to a similar question, Nguyen Thi Xuan Thuy, director of the Integration Policy and Strategy Division under the Institute of Industrial Policies and Strategies (IIPS), said.

There are justifiable reasons to pose this question.

In two years, the tariff on complete-built-in (CBU) units on automobiles imported from ASEAN nations will be zero per cent under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. So consumers will be able to purchase new cars without paying as much money as they currently do.

In particular, the local part supply industry is still underdeveloped, not to mention concerns over environmental problems potentially caused by the industry.

Thuy said Domestic manufacturing and assembling enterprises in the country still have to import automobile spare parts from various sources such as ASEAN, Japan, China, South Korea and Europe.

The import raises the production costs directly due to import tax and indirectly through additional costs such as transportation.

Vu Quang Tam, deputy general director of Honda Viet Nam, once told a Vietnam News Agency correspondent that unlike the production of motorbikes, for which the localisation rate (the percentage of locally-made components used to assemble a bike) reached nearly 97 per cent, the rate of the automobile industry was still very low.

In a recent conference on industry development, the average localisation rate was reported to be much lower than the target of an average 40 per cent set for 2020 and 60 per cent for 2025.

Tam explained that the size of the Vietnamese automobile market is not large enough to attract investors to manufacture auto parts and components.

Thuy agreed, saying The scale of the market is now much smaller than other countries in the region (only equivalent to one-fifth of Thailand or one-sixth of Indonesia).

With such a small scale, we dont have any advantage of scale. Thats why the local production cost of a vehicle is 20 per cent higher than that of other ASEAN countries.

Pham Van Tai, Permanent Deputy Director of Truong Hai Auto Corporation (THACO) admitted "With deeper international integration, especially after 2018, local auto manufacturing and assembling firms like THACO will face severe competition from auto firms in ASEAN member countries."

Despite having high localisation rate (15-20 per cent for passenger cars, 35-45 per cent for trucks and 50-65 per cent for buses), the company still have to find ways to overcome the common difficulties caused by modest market size, Tai said.

Honda Viet Nam leader Tam added that the part supply industry was facing hardship, partly due to the Governments support policies which had not fully worked.

For instance, some part suppliers of the company had to import steel and iron from abroad because most steel and iron products produced domestically were serving the construction industry.

Tran Thanh Van, general director of Dry Cell and Storage Battery Joint Stock Company (PINACO) which supplies batteries to many leading automotive and motorbike makers, said 60-70 per cent of the materials needed for production are imported.

Therefore, policies related to monetary and exchange rates and fluctuations on the international market affect us.

Besides this, there is unfair competition between locally made batteries and imported ones since importers usually declare lower prices to evade tax.

He said While local battery producers are bound by regulations on environment and responsible for used batteries, importers are not bound by such regulations.

Van suggested that the Government create a sound competitive environment in which all businesses have the same responsibilities in terms of tax, environment and other issues.

Thuy from IIPS also said the implementation of tax reduction for spare part imports as committed between Viet Nam and Japan was slower than other regional countries because Viet Nam had signed the economic partnership agreement with Japan later compared with the other nations.

Market potential

According to Thuy, if Viet Nam is not going to continue producing or assembling vehicles, it will not only have a negative effect on auto makers, but also result in lost opportunities to develop other potential related sectors, such as mechanical engineering, rubber, plastics, electronics and magnet wire.

In fact, the automobile market in Viet Nam is considered very prospective.

According to experts, the potential of a countrys automotive market is assessed based on factors such as the size and structure of the population, the per capita income, the number of vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants and the development of infrastructure.

It can be seen that the elements of population, income and infrastructure conditions are favourable for the development of the Vietnamese automotive market in the next 10 years, Thuy said.

Regarding the population, Viet Nam has over 90 million inhabitants and the population of the middle class is growing with per capita income estimated to reach the threshold of US$$3,000 in 2020.

Viet Nams automobile market is expected to enter the stage of motorisation in the 2020-2025 period when automotive consumption rate (motorisation) will reach 50 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants, Thuy said.

Road traffic systems are growing strongly with intercity connection through a network of highways, which will also create more favourable conditions for traveling by private cars, she added.

How to develop

According to Thuy, with the presence of the worlds large manufacturers and automobile assemblers, such as Toyota, Honda, Ford, GM and Mecedes-Benz, it will be unfortunate if Viet Nam cannot take advantage of this opportunity to build an automotive industry and foster the growth of the auto parts sector.

Viet Nam now has a vast network of part suppliers for motorbike production, which is the basic foundation for the development of the auto parts industry, Thuy said.

Without the domestic automotive industry, in the future, when the needs of the Vietnamese people increase, Viet Nam will have to import a large amount of new CBU and even used ones from abroad, which will put pressure on trade balance and raise environmental issues.

Besides this, when the motorbike industry is saturated, if the automotive industry does not grow, suppliers of motorbike parts will not have a chance to continue their operation.

Honda Viet Nam Deputy General Director Tam said auto consumption is an obvious trend. However, to develop the industry, it is necessary to develop co-operation among ministries and agencies to define which market segment should we focus on.

It would make priority policies more focal and effective, he said, adding that related ministries should seek common ground on the issue.

Currently, the Ministry of Industry and Trade wants to increase the scale of the market, while the Ministry of Transport is facing pressure of infrastructure development and the Ministry of Finance tends to limit the purchase of personal cars by imposing more fees.

Thuy suggested that Viet Nam learn by example from the experiences of other regional countries to develop specific and suitable planning for the domestic automobile industry.

Among ASEAN nations, currently there are five countries manufacturing vehicles -- Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Viet Nam.

The four neighbouring countries already have policies and programmes in place to promote the industry with clear incentives for businesses or vehicle segments that meet the conditions set.

Notably, Thailand has developed a programme on eco cars, Indonesia is producing low cost green cars, Malaysia has established a fund to assist domestic car assembly and the Philippines has enacted a new comprehensive strategy to rebuild the automotive industry.

In the future, the Vietnamese automobile industry will need to overcome the pressure of competition after 2018, narrow the gap in production costs, take advantage of FTAs to increase exports of spare parts and participate in the world and regions supplying chains.

Recently, Professor Kobayashi Hideo from Waseda University, an expert in auto industry, shared with Vietnamese local media some policies that helped Japan succeeded in developing the industry. One of them is to grant certificates for qualified auto parts and components to encourage the producers.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Industry and Trade on Wednesday decided to conduct an anti-dumping investigation into H-shaped steel products imported from China (including Hong Kong).

Under Decision 3993/Q-BCT, the steel products under investigation are coded HS 7216.33.00, 7228.70.10 and 7228.70.90.

The dumping period of investigation is from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016, and the damage period of investigation is from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2016, according to the decision.

The investigation was launched after the ministrys Viet Nam Competition Authority (VCA) scrutinised an appeal from domestic steel enterprises in July demanding imposition of anti-dumping measures on H-shaped Chinese steel products.

The purpose of the petition was to prevent the products from being dumped in Viet Nam, which seriously affected local businesses, the enterprises said.

To aid the investigation, the VCA asked petitioners to provide their firms information related to design capacity and output of H-shaped steel in the past three years and during the first half of this year.

Currently, the VCA is carrying out an anti-dumping probe into colour-coated steel sheets imported from China and South Korea.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade this year also decided to impose additional tariffs on imported alloys, non-alloy steel ingots and steel rods to safeguard against cheap imports that were allegedly threatening the domestic industry.  VNS
HA NOI  The traffic department in Ha Nois ong Anh District set up an inspection team yesterday to crack down on trucks overloaded with construction materials and suspected toxic waste mud.

Traffic inspectors have also installed signs to indicate that trucks should not be overloaded - they have been banned from entering the area if they weigh more than 10 tonnes - all along the road to the mudflats of the Red River in Mach Lung Village.

The move was made after local residents alleged that many trucks had been seen carrying waste mud, which might contain toxic substances, and are dumping it in the area, thereby polluting the river water and putting peoples health at risk.

Le Thanh iem, head of traffic inspection team in ong Anh District, said his team had seen waste mud being dumped in the area. The dumping has damaged the dyke road and residents are angry because it stinks, he said.

iem said the inspection team would patrol the key roads to keep a check on overloaded trucks, especially those heading to the mudflats in Mach Lung village.

The dumping of construction materials and waste mud in the area is a recent occurrence. Bui Quang Tuan, vice-chairman of the communal Peoples Committee, said the illegal dumping started six months ago. On Monday afternoon, the reporter observed heaps of scrap along the road to the mudflats in ai Mach Commune.

Since early this year, traffic inspectors in ong Anh District have stopped more than 400 overloaded trucks and collected fines to the tune of VN1 billion ($44,800).  VNS
HA NOI  The Goethe Institute will unveil Vu Dan Tan and The Music, a multi-media exhibition, starting Friday to mark the late artists 70 birth anniversary.

Vu Dan Tan and The Music celebrates the artists multi-facetted paintings, transformed objects, musical performance videos and sound installations.

Tan (1946-2009) was a pioneer of contemporary Vietnamese art. He was born in Ha Noi and began painting while travelling through Russia and Cuba.

He opened the Natasha Salon in Ha Noi in 1990, which was the first private gallery in Ha Noi at that time. Tan worked in very small and very large dimensions, making use of an enormous variety of materials.

The exhibition is being co-hosted by the Goethe-Institute and the Vu Dan Tan Foundation, and it will be accompanied by an illustrated research catalogue. It is a rare chance to explore Tans love for music and how he connected music with his avant-garde visual art.

The exhibition presents artworks which refer to music and some that use musical elements. Most of these pieces have never been exhibited in Viet Nam or any other country. Tans works are on one hand closely related to traditional Vietnamese culture, while on the other hand they also are informed by a significant part of contemporary Asian art which emerged in the 1970s.

The exhibition is curated by Lola Lenzi, an art historian and curator with a focus on South East Asian art. She is also a Vu Dan Tan expert. Lenzi has already curated a large number of institutional exhibitions in Europe and Asia engaging with regional, social, cultural and political systems.

As part of the exhibition, a 10-people ensemble, HanoiBerlin, will perform a concert on October 22 at 8pm. Among other songs, the musicians will play pieces developed specifically for this show, based on Tans compositional drafts. Admission to the concert is free.

The exhibition is on from October 7 to 28 at 56-58 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ha Noi Book Fair 2016 will feature an exhibit introducing the relationship between Ha Noi and Viet Nam with ASEAN countries.

The book fair, hosted by the capitals Department of Information and Communications, kicks off today, themed Books and Integration.

Various publications reflecting the culture and history of ASEAN countries are on display as the book fair celebrates one year of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

The event is a festival for book lovers, an occasion to honour reading culture and a chance for cultural exchange between ASEAN countries.

The organising board worked with embassies of ASEAN countries to arrange booths introducing the culture and publications of each country.

Documentaries introducing the capital will be screened with the theme of Ha Noi in Foreigners Eyes, with English subtitles available.

Books, photos and documents on national sovereignty are displayed at an indoor space entitled Viet Nams Sea and Islands. The exhibition also showcases books and photos on the culture and society of the Truong Sa (Spratlys) Archipelago.

The book fair comprises 170 booths of 46 domestic and 20 foreign publishers. They present books in various genres including childrens books, literature, economy, science, books in foreign languages and e-books.

This is the first time foreign publishing houses will buy and sell copyrights at the book fair through the Ha Noi-based Squirrel Rights Agency. Its expected that many contracts for translating and publishing books between Viet Nam and foreign publishers will be signed at the fair, according to Tuyet Nhung, from the Squirrel Rights Agency.

The book fair gathers famous publishers such as Graph Art Publishing House (Hungary), Glenat Publishing House (France), Kobunsha Publishing Company (Japan) and Pelangi Publishing Group (Malaysia).

Its also a chance for us to introduce publications, e-books and digital products of Viet Nam to foreign partners, said Nhung.

Claudia Kaiser, vice chairwoman of the Frankfurt Book Fair, will exchange with local publishers and talk about the world publishing industry in a workshop.

Beside books for sale, visitors will have a chance to talk with authors and discuss best-sellers.

Remarkable subjects include love stories in The Sound of Colours by Taiwanese illustrator Jimmy Liao; how a father deals with naughty kids in a book by famous director/actor Tran Luc; Young Samurai by Chris Bradford, translated by Hoang Huong Trang; and depictions of the LGBT community in a book series published by Huy Hoang Company.

Children and parents can join painting activities inspired by books of the Kim ong Publishing House.

The book fair runs through next Monday to celebrate the 62nd Liberation Day of Ha Noi (October 10). It is open from 8am to 9pm, at Thang Long Royal Citadel, 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Ha Noi, with entrance free.  VNS
HCM CITY  Dutch artist Marjon Barton will display a collection of her new work at Vin Gallery from October 8 to October 29.

The Eternity exhibition will include ink drawings on paper formed from repetitive connecting representations of the symbol for infinity: .

As I was drawing, fissures appeared serendipitously. They intrigued me and I was curious to see what would appear and where. To challenge myself, I started to create rules: going in one direction only, symbols have touch, size has to alternate, etc, Barton said in a press release.

In addition to their formal concerns, Barton says the works are inspired by a difficult time of personal love and loss.

A private viewing of Eternity will take place from 6 -8pm on October 7. Participants can register for the event at info@vingallery.com.

The venue is at 6 Le Van Mien Street in District 2.  VNS
After an unexpected meeting with the administrator of the Bretagne-Vietnam Association in Hue city, a young French photographer committed to help disadvantaged children in Viet Nam by offering them half of her photo proceeds and sponsoring a child living in Hue city.

by Bach Lien

Smiles can connect people together.

For French photographer Emilia Jacotin, the smiles and generosity of Vietnamese people deeply touched her and kept her connected to Viet Nam much longer than she first planned.

The 21-year-old woman spent one month travelling throughout Viet Nam in March to take photos of local inhabitants and landscapes that deeply amazed her.

One day, when she was visiting a clothes shop in Hue city, she had a chance meeting with Joseph Robino, administrator of Bretagne-Vietnam Association, who came to Viet Nam from France for a mission trip.

To my big surprise, he comes from Louannec, a neighbouring city of Tregastel city where Ive spent my vacation every year since I was born, she recalls with a smile.

Lifeways: A mother brings her daughter home from school in Soc Trang, south Viet Nam.  Photo by Emilia Jacotin

Robino talked to her about the humanitarian projects of the association in central Thua Thien Hue province to help disadvantaged families in Thua Thien Hue province since 1990. The association offers medical and educational support for disabled children and families in need, and contributes to economic development through the support of family agricultural projects.

Following this unexpected meeting, she began to think of contributing to help Viet Nams disadvantaged children.

Back in France, Ive always remembered this encounter. And the idea to help this association with my photos gradually materialised, she said.

Benefactor: The young French photographer Emilia Jacotin.  Photo courtesy of Emilia Jacotin

Exhibition Faces of Viet Nam

Back home in France, she organised a photo exhibition in August showcasing her 25 most beautiful photo portraits of Vietnamese people from among thousands of photos she took during her trip.

The exhibition was held in Tregastel city in the Brittany region of western France. It attracted lot of people. Many were amazed to discover and rediscover Viet Nam.

With this exhibition, I wanted to share my impressions about the trip with the public. The exhibition had a surprising big success. Some of the visitors to the exhibition had already come to Viet Nam previously. Many told me they lived a lot of emotions and memories about the country again on seeing the photos. It was very nice to see my photos evoke such strong emotions, said the young woman who lives in Paris now.

Jacotin then sold her photos and donated half of the proceeds to help the Association Bretagne-Vietnam.

Emilia was touched by our projects, and in particular the projects helping children go to school. We want to thank her deeply for her generosity. It was really kind of her, said Joseph Robino.

It is the first time that an artist has offered our Association part of her photo proceeds, Robino said.

Opening: Emilia Jacotin (third from right) poses with members of her family and of the Bretagne-Vietnam Association at the opening of her photo exhibition Faces of Viet Nam. The opening took place in the Brittany region of France in August.  Photo courtesy of Bretagne-Vietnam Association

To continue to help disadvantaged children in Viet Nam, Jacotin also decided to sponsor a child from Kim Long Ward in Hue city to ensure that he can go to school until the age of 18.

I find it very good. By deciding this, she will keep contact with the Viet Nam that enchanted her. She will be happy to receive news of her godson often. I think this will be a very good reason for her to come back to Viet Nam, said Robino.

Sense of place: A Jacotin photo on display at the exhibit.  Photo by Emilia Jacotin

For Jacotin, Viet Nam has been an unforgettable experience.

This country does not leave me indifferent, because of its beauty but especially because of the beauty of the inhabitants, she said.

The daily life of the Vietnamese is really physically challenging. Many jobs require them to carry very heavy things, while the climate does not facilitate the task because it is hot and wet.

But Vietnamese smiles abound. I discovered their true generosity. I wish I could have stayed there longer.

Lets say that this trip gave me a taste of the discovery of life, she said.  VNS
STRASBOURG, France  The European Union announced yesterday it would suspend a development fund earmarked for Colombia, following a referendum in which voters rejected a peace deal with the FARC rebel group.

The bloc had set aside roughly 600 million euros to help Bogota uphold a historic peace accord that sought to end half a century of conflict with the guerrillas.

"Obviously in the current situation we cannot continue with the launch of this fund," minister Ivan Korcok of Slovakia, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, told the European Parliament.

But he insisted that "EU engagement in the Colombian peace process will carry on," adding that 11 countries had committed to the proposed fund.

The bloc would not row back on its decision to suspend the FARC for six months from its terror list, which it has been on since 2002, Korcok said.

"After the referendum, the FARC did not denounce the peace accord they had signed. In fact they confirmed their desire to continue to search for a peaceful solution," he said.

Colombian voters said "No" to the deal -- the product of nearly four years of talks -- in a shock weekend result.  AFP
HA NOI  Iranian President Hassan Rouhani yesterday started his three-day State-level visit to Viet Nam at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Tran ai Quang.

The visit aims to tighten co-operation between Iran and Viet Nam . During the trip, the two sides will compare notes on measures to boost bilateral collaboration in trade, investment, tourism and agriculture.

They will also discuss regional and international issues of shared concern.

The two countries have seen progress in relations since diplomatic ties were established on August 4, 1973. Iran opened its embassy in Ha Noi in 1991, and the Vietnamese Embassy was established in Tehran in 1997.

In September 2009, the Viet NamIran Friendship Association was founded, aiming to enhance the two peoples friendship and mutual understanding, along enhancing co-operation in economy, trade, science-technology, education-training, and culture.

With a population of over 80 million, Iran is a major Middle Eastern market for Viet Nam , which in turn is a gateway to ASEAN markets for Iran .

Viet Nam s main exports to the Islamic Republic of Iran include aquatic products, rice, tea, coffee, pepper, cashew nuts, bamboo and rattan products, rubber and rubber products, plastic products, machinery, electronic components, and apparel.

Iran mostly ships petrochemical products, metal, wheat, and apparel and footwear materials to Viet Nam .

Despite considerable potential, the countries economic partnership remains modest. Bilateral trade reached US$106.7 million in 2015, including $77.2 million of Vietnamese exports. The figure was $54 million in the first half of 2016, including $35.3 million worth of shipments from Viet Nam .  VNS
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visits Vinh Bao District in the northern port city of Hai Phong yesterday.  Photo VGP

HAI PHONG  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc urged Vinh Bao District in the northern port city of Hai Phong to exert all-out efforts to become a new-style rural district soon.

Vinh Bao should boost high-tech agriculture, encourage businesses to operate in rural areas and pay heed to environmental protection, the PM told locals yesterday ahead of the second sitting of the 14th National Assembly, set to open on October 20.

He asked the districts all-level Party Committees and authorities to promote locals role in socio-economic development and prioritise education and labour reform.

The leader stressed that agricultural and health insurance is of concern to the National Assembly and Government.

The Government had also given the green light to upgrades for major transport infrastructure facilities to spur socio-economic development in Vinh Bao and Hai Phong, he said.

Mentioning food safety, the PM underscored the need to clarify responsibilities, noting that the issue would be under the legislatures supreme supervision.

In 2016, Hai Phong recorded achievements across various fields, he said, praising the city as one of the fastest growing localities, especially in foreign investment attraction.

Hai Phong was the countrys third largest economic centre and a driving force for the norths economy, the PM said.

Briefing residents on the countrys development, PM Phuc emphasised that the Government had set forth policies to deal with issues of public concern and build a sustainable economy.

The Government had not traded the environment for economic development, turned tourism into an economic spearhead, protected the rights and interests of people and businesses, and removed barriers hindering production and business, he said.

At the meeting, people from Vinh Bao suggested the Government offer more tax incentives, continue to encourage investment and streamline administrative procedures, ensure food safety and launch agricultural insurance among farmers to ease losses caused by natural disasters.

They showed their support for efforts to build an upright and active Government that work for businesses and people.

Hi-tech and organic farming

Prime Minister Phuc said yesterday high-technology and organic farming would be crucial for the development of Vietnamese agriculture when touring Vingroups high-technology agricultural project in Tam a Commune, Hai Phong City.

The VN189 billion (US$8.5 million) project is among 12 farms developed by Vingroups subsidiary VinEco across the country growing safe vegetables.

The farm, covering 46ha, including an open-air area of over 28 ha, and a greenhouse area of 10.7ha, became operational early this year, growing 14 species of vegetables using no pesticides with an average output of 250 tonnes per month.

The PM praised the model for increasing labour productivity and supplying the market with safe products.

The leader also lauded co-ordination between the company and local farmers, suggesting that it should be stepped up.

He reminded project insiders to observe their commitments, especially those on food safety, to ensure product quality.

VinEco should provide opportunities for those who were relocated for the project to enable them to earn substantial, stable incomes, the PM noted.

VinEco said it will grow vegetables and plants suitable with conditions in Hai Phong for local consumption and export.  VNS
Deputy Prime Minister Trinh inh Dung (Third from left) and his Lao counterpart Sonsay Siphandone witness a signing ceremony during his visit to Lao yesterday.  VNA/VNS Photo Pham Kien

VIENTIANE  Deputy Prime Minister Trinh inh Dung and his Lao counterpart Sonsay Siphandone agreed to place highest priority on fostering traditional friendship and special solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos at their talks in Vientiane yesterday.

At the talks, held during Deputy PM Dungs visit to Laos from October 5-6, the Vietnamese Deputy PM expressed his belief that the Lao Party, government and people will successfully realise the resolution adopted by the 10th National Party Congress and the five-year socio-economic development plan for 2016-2020.

The two sides agreed to organise grand celebrations of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the Viet Nam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation next year.

They vowed to continue realising the agreements and the outcomes of the 38th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation, the Viet Nam-Laos cooperation agreement for 2016-2020 and the Joint Declaration issued during Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Volachiths visit to Viet Nam.

The two officials reached consensus on making thorough preparations for the upcoming 39th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee on Bilateral Co-operation, adding that the two countries will continue facilitating high-level visits and exchanges, as well as the sharing of experience in socio-economic development in each country.

To further enhance economic links, the two sides will discuss measures to remove difficulties for Vietnamese investment in Laos, while reviewing the implementation of cooperation agreements in the fields of energy, mineral resources and industry, in order to make timely adjustments to those agreements.

Concluding the talks, the host and his guest signed an agreement between the two governments on developing power projects in Laos and electricity purchases until 2030. They also witnessed the signing of four agreements between relevant agencies and localities.

The same day, Deputy PM Dung paid courtesy calls to Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounhang Volachith and Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.

The Lao leaders hailed the two countries ministries, agencies, localities and businesses for carrying out agreements.

They conveyed thanks to the Vietnamese Party, Government and people for their valuable support in Laos national liberation in the past, as well as present national development.VNS
The HCM City administration has instructed competent agencies to provide all assistance to a company undertaking flood prevention works to ensure there are no delays.  Photo tienphong.vn

HCM CITY  The HCM City administration has instructed competent agencies to provide all assistance to a company undertaking flood prevention works to ensure there are no delays.

The projects first phase, which began in June and is expected to be finished in 2018, aims to prevent flooding caused by high tides and climate change on an area of 570sq.km with a population of 6.5 million on the western bank of the Sai Gon River including downtown.

The work is projected to cost nearly VN10 trillion (US$450 million) and is being done by Trung Nam Group in build  transfer mode.

Speaking at a meeting with company executives on Tuesday, city Peoples Committee Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong said relevant districts should immediately relocate households living in the construction area.

They should clear businesses along the bank that hinder the work, he said.

Nguyen Tam Tien, general director of Trung Nam Group, said six tide control sluices each 40 -160 meters wide, two small sluices, and 7.8km of embankments are being built.

However, construction of some the six large sluices has been held up because of land issues, he said.

At the site of the Tan Thuan sluice in Districts 4 and 7, for instance, three households have not moved out while the pavement managed by the Sai Gon Tunnel Management Centre has not been cleared.

In Nha Be District, construction of embankments at two places also faces site clearance obstacles.

Vo Thanh Kha, deputy chairman of the Nha Be District Peoples Committee, said construction of the embankments has affected 200 households and businesses.

Some of the businesses have refused to relocate, he said.

The Sai Gon Tunnel Management Centre has tasked the Oriental Consultants Company Limited with studying and proposing ways to prevent flooding in the Sai Gon River Tunnel.

On September 26 heavy rains caused 10cm of flooding in the tunnel and the centre had to stop motorbikes from entering the tunnel from the District 1 side.  VNS
HCM CITY  Doctors of HCM City Paediatrics Hospital 2 on Tuesday successfully performed a liver transplant operation from a living donor on a 13-month-old patient with cirrhosis of the liver.

The operation, which lasted 10 hours, was the hospitals 10th liver transplant.

Dr Pham Ngoc Thach, the hospitals deputy head, said the patients father had donated his liver for the transplant.

The patient and the donor are in the ICU, recovering well, Thach said, adding that the patient was being watched for rejection and post-surgery infection for one week.

The child was initially diagnosed with a congenital biliary atresia at seven weeks old.

After the atresia diagnosis, doctors performed a Kasai procedure, developed by a Japanese surgeon in 1951, which surgically bypasses ducts that are blocked.

In the operation, surgeons use a small segment of the patients own intestine to replace the ducts at the spot where the bile is expected to drain. This segment not only connects to the liver but also to the rest of the intestine.

However, the baby developed cirrhosis of the liver at five months old.

Tran Thanh Tri, head of the hospitals general surgery ward, said that only a liver transplant could prolong his life.

The team for the liver transplant included 40 doctors and nurses of Paediatrics Hospital 2 and other hospitals in the city as well as from Brussels Saint-Luc University Hospital, which had helped the hospital perform its first paediatric liver transplant in 2005.

Challenges

Dr Tran ong A, the leader of the team, said transplanting a liver from a live donor in a child under two years old was a difficult transplant operation.

The hospitals liver transplant is the same as other advanced countries, A said.

All nine patients that received a liver transplant from a live donor survived for at least one year, which is higher than the rate in the rest of the world, which is about 80 per cent.

Thach said that the hospitals first patient was in 2005, but only 10 children benefited from the transplant because the fees for each transplant were VN500 million (US$22,222), not including other treatments.

The total fees can reach VN1.5 billion ($66,666), he added.

Although the fees are lower than other countries, they are relatively high for most Vietnamese, he said.

A added that a shortage of donated organs in Viet Nam was one of the reasons for the low number of transplant operations. Most living donors in the country are members of a patients family.

Viet Nam has yet to allow organ donations from brain-dead children, although donations are permitted from brain-dead adults.

Thach said there was high demand for liver transplants in the country, especially for children with diseases related to the liver.

The liver is the only organ in the human body able to regenerate, and within two or three months, it can develop around 60-80 per cent of its normal size. VNS
HA NOI  Many apartment buildings have shot up in Ha Noi over the past several years, leading to a huge population increase. However, the construction of basic facilities like schools has been ignored or carried out slowly.

This has concerned parents as they have no choice but to send their children to private schools, often with expensive tuition fees.

Le Hang, resident in HH3B Apartment in Linh am Urban Area, said that she had to send her son to private pre-school as Hoa Huong Duong pre-school, the only public one in the area, was overloaded.

Linh am urban area is quite large with many buildings, but there are few public schools here. I have to send my kid to a private school, she said.

Duong Thi Lien, resident in Rice City Linh am Apartment was luckier. She managed to get child into Hoang Liet Primary School, the only public primary school in the area. However, she was concerned about the high number of students  57 per class affecting her childs education.

The situation is the same in other urban areas like Nam Tu Liem and Hoang Mai districts.

Chairman of Me Tri Wards Peoples Committee in Nam Tu Liem District, ao Tang Quynh, said that more than 4,000 households were living in apartment buildings in the ward, and this number would increase by 3,000 households when three more apartment projects were put into use.

However, no new school has been set up in the last few years. About 60-65 children were crammed into some classrooms and secondary students have to use temporary classrooms, he added.

Nguyen Thi Thai, deputy chairwoman of ai Kim Wards Peoples Committee in Hoang Mai District agreed, saying that there were only two public pre-schools, a primary school and a secondary school.

Students at primary and secondary schools were forced to go to school at weekends due to a shortage of classrooms, she said.

The current population of the ward is currently about 36,000 and will rise when three more apartment buildings were put into use by the end of this year.

Figures from the citys Department of Education and Training showed that there were 252 apartment buildings in the city, and most approved projects included the construction of new schools. But only 56 schools have been built.

Government policy dictates a maximum of 35 students per primary class, but no schools in new urban areas have achieved this target.

Meanwhile, many school construction projects have been implemented slowly.

In Hoang Mai District, 96 school building projects have been approved. Of these, 33 have not been handed to investors and 46 have not carried out site clearance.

The reason was a shortage of land funds. Many projects were located in cemeteries, causing difficulties in clearing sites while investors, mostly private enterprises, faced shortages of investment capital.

To solve the problems, local authorities have examined the delayed projects and proposed city assign local authorities as investors to boost the progress of the projects.

The Peoples Committee of Cau Giay District said they have taken a project for building a secondary and high school back and will build it in Yen Hoa Ward. It has proposed the city build two more schools in the upcoming time.

In Hoang Mai District, the committee has asked the citys permission to build 10 schools with State funds. -- VNS
HA NOI The Ha Noi police have launched an investigation into two Chinese nationals for allegedly illegally appropriating assets in Viet Nam.

Zhao Xiao Mei, 36, and Tan Shi Ren, 32, were found to have colluded with their accomplices to hire some Vietnamese people to open bank accounts.

They later made phone calls to intimidate the Vietnamese victims and ordered them to deposit money into these bank accounts, Captain Nguyen Minh Hoan, an officer of the police division for hi-tech crime prevention at Ha Nois Department of Public Security, said.

Zhao Xiao Mei confessed that in mid-August 2016, Meis elder brother Zhao Wei Zhong, who lives in China, told Mei to find someone to receive money deposited in bank accounts and then withdraw and send the money back to Zhong. Zhong promised to pay Mei two per cent of the sum.

Mei later hired some Vietnamese and promised to give them one per cent of the transferred money. The Vietnamese associates agreed to do what Mei asked even though they knew the transactions were illegal.

On August 24, the bank accounts opened by the Vietnamese accomplices received VN600 million (US$26,900) from a victim in Ha Noi. Mei was arrested when he came to collect the money at the Vietnamese associates house in Ta Lung Town of Phuc Hoa District in the northern province of Cao Bang.

Meanwhile, Tan Shi Ren admitted he was acquainted with a Chinese man named Gang, who asked Ren on August 23 to find some Vietnamese to open bank accounts to receive and withdraw money.

On August 25, Gang informed Ren that VN300 million ($13,400) was sent to the newly-opened bank account. Ren paid the Vietnamese accomplices VN1.5 million ($67) and transferred VN295 million ($13,200) to Gang after getting the money.

After succeeding the first time round, Gang asked Ren to continue the fraud, which involved transactions of VN280 million ($12,500) on August 26 and VN150 million ($6,700) three days later.

The Ha Noi police said they had secured all the money. All the victims were Vietnamese.VNS
UNITED NATIONS, United States  Portugals former prime minister Antonio Guterres is poised to become the next secretary general of the United Nations following a decisive vote by the Security Council yesterday.

Guterres, who led the UNs refugee agency for a decade, won backing in the straw poll from 13 of the 15 council members while none of the five veto-holding powers blocked his candidacy.

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin emerged from the council chamber along with the 14 other ambassadors to declare that Guterres was on course to succeed Ban Ki-moon as the worlds diplomat-in-chief.

"We have a clear favorite and his name is Antonio Guterres," he said.

The council will undertake a formal vote on Thursday to confirm the choice of Guterres, Churkin announced, adding that he expected the selection to be "by acclamation."

"We wish Mister Guterres well in discharging his duties as the secretary general of the United Nations in the next five years," he added.

The 67-year-old socialist politician has pledged to revamp the United Nations to boost its peacemaking efforts and promote human rights.

During the secret ballot, Guterres won four positive votes and one "no opinion" from veto holders, clearing the way for him to become the new UN chief.

Veto powers Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States used color-coded ballots to indicate for the first time whether they intended to block a candidate.

Guterres, who was Portugals prime minister from 1995 to 2002, had held the number-one spot in the previous five informal votes, but the quick consensus decision took many diplomats by surprise.

He will be the first former head of government to become UN chief, a position that has been held by several foreign ministers, most of whom were chosen during closed-door meetings by the Security Council.

This time around, the selection involved a new, more open process that allowed candidates to appear at hearings to make their pitch for the top job before the General Assembly.  AFP
A popular antibiotic called rifampicin, used to treat tuberculosis, leprosy, and Legionnaires disease, is becoming less effective as the bacteria that cause the diseases develop more resistance.

One of the mechanisms leading to rifampicins resistance is the action of the enzyme Rifampicin monooxygenase.

Pablo Sobrado, a professor of biochemistry in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and his team used a special technique called X-ray crystallography to describe the structure of this enzyme. They also reported the biochemical studies that allow them to determine the mechanisms by which the enzyme deactivates this important antibiotic.

The results were published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry and PLOS One, respectively.

In collaboration with Professor Jack Tanner at the University of Missouri and his postdoc, Dr. Li-Kai Liu, we have solved the structure of the enzyme bound to the antibiotic, said Sobrado, who is affiliated with the Fralin Life Science Institute and the Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery. The work by Heba, a visiting graduate student from Egypt, has provided detailed information about the mechanism of action and about the family of enzymes that this enzyme belongs to. This is all-important for drug design.

Heba Adbelwahab, of Damietta, Egypt, a graduate student in Sobrados lab, was a key player in the research and first author of the PLOS One paper.

Antibiotic resistance is one of the major problems in modern medicine, said Adbelwahab. Our studies have shown how this enzyme deactivates rifampicin. We now have a blueprint to inhibit this enzyme and prevent antibiotic resistance.

Rifampicin, also known as Rifampin, has been used to treat bacterial infections for more than 40 years. It works by preventing the bacteria from making RNA, a step necessary for growth.

The enzyme, Rifampicin monooxygenase, is a flavoenzyme  a family of enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions that are essential for microbial survival. These latest findings represent the first detailed biochemical characterization of a flavoenzyme involved in antibiotic resistance, according to the authors.

Tuberculosis, leprosy, and Legionnaires disease are infections caused by different species of bacteria. While treatable, the diseases pose a threat to children, the elderly, people in developing countries without access to adequate health care, and people with compromised immune systems.
Jerry Via, assistant dean of undergraduate instruction in the Virginia Tech College of Science and an instructor in the Department of Biological Sciences, retired earlier this month after 37 years of teaching, mentoring, and making students laugh.

More than 20,000 students took Vias Introduction to Biology class, with records indicating 17,500 students took the course under Via since 1985 when such numbers were first begun. Via joined Virginia Tech in 1979. His class not only catered to students from the College of Science, but from across the university. He joined the deans staff as assistant dean for undergraduate instruction in 1989, starting with the College of Arts and Science and its split through to the current College of Science, formed in 2003.



In many cases, Via was among the first faces that prospective students and their families see as they look for the best college to fit their needs. Jerry has a real knack for making prospective students and their families feel welcome as he talks with them about the college and its programs during small group information session and even large open houses, said Sally C. Morton, dean of the College of Science.



Jerry Via exemplifies the guiding ethos of Virginia Tech -- 'That I May Serve,'" said Wanda Hankins Dean, vice provost for enrollment and degree management. He is that go-to person who will always be willing to talk to a group, a family, or a student about the value of a Virginia Tech education. Through his teaching, his outreach, and his mentoring of students, Jerry demonstrates an overabundance of extending grace and caring to all with whom he interacts. I congratulate him on his retirement.



During his time as an associate dean, Via led scores of orientation sessions for first-year, transfer and international students for the College of Science, using his trademark sense of humor as he did in class. He led students in rounds of the Hokie Pokie. Traditional garb for orientation had him in a white lab coat and an Albert Einstein wig.

Via also constantly met one-on-one with current students and their families, mentoring students through tough times personal or academic. Tomohiro Esckew of Woodbridge, Virginia, and a senior in the Department of Biochemistry, credits Via with helping him adjust to university life. A native of Namazu, Japan, Eskew said he struggled socially and academically until he met with Via. [He gave] me the self-confidence to keep fighting for my dreams and to never give up. He was able to easily relate with me, no matter what the situation, which made speaking to him very comfortable and to easily open up to him.



The things you need to know about Dr. Via is that he cared about everyone he came in contact with, he wanted his advisees to succeed, he knew everyone on campus, and he loved Virginia Tech, said Christopher Bayne, a 2006 Virginia Tech alumnus with a bachelor of science in psychology and bachelor of arts English, and now a pediatric urology fellow at Children's National in Washington, D.C. Sometimes you meet people in life who catapult you to great heights. Dr. Via was that for me -- he knew what I wanted to do, and he helped me do it. He motivated me. In my mind, he's one of the Hokie greats.



Susan Haymore, director of undergraduate advising for the College of Science, said Via always kept faith in students. He has been a super hero to so many at Virginia Tech including me. There have been numerous students ready to throw in the towel and forget about a degree, she said. Like super heros do, he swoops in, picks them up, and provides them with the encouragement and mentorship they need.



Charlotte Parks, a College of Science recruiter and academic adviser, said an international student last year could not afford to return home, nor food when he remained in Blacksburg. Via helped provide the student food. Students come to meet with Jerry when they are dealing with some of the most horrible experiences that anyone could ever endure, she said. Not only does Jerry make them feel at ease, but he truly does everything possible to help those students.



In class, Via would dress up as any assortment of characters every Halloween, recently choosing Hagrid, the gentle gamekeeper human/giant from the Harry Potter book and film series. The costume was more than appropriate. Via holds a doctoral degree in zoology from Virginia Tech, and his research focuses on the ecology and natural history of birds. He also serves as president of the New River Valley Bird Club.



Via also is known for his sense of humor. He regularly carted around fake skeletons around campus, leaving them on benches with cardboard messages of good cheer, or bringing them to class, or using them as decor in the College of Science administration offices at Halloween.



Via said he will volunteer with bird-related projects, as well as Good Samaritan Hospice. I hope to have the time to finish many of my projects inside and outside of the house, he said. Finally I will remain on call for any needs of my College of Science family.
Virginia Tech alumna Heather Leeper, creator and founder of Little Leapers Dance Studio, will be the featured speaker in the Women Influencing the Arts series on Oct. 13, at the Virginia Tech Womens Center. Leeper will speak on the topic of Women Supporting Women: The Importance of Having a Network.

Many women face the challenge of supporting one another in the workplace.

From the time were little girls, were taught to compete, Sophia Nelson, author of The Woman Code, told CNN. I need to be prettier, taller, smarter; my hair needs to be straighter, curlier, whatever it is. I need to get the better-looking guy. I need to always be better than because were taught to come from a place of lack as women."



In her presentation to students and community members, Leeper will be tackling this issue and advocating kindness. She will tell the audience of her own struggle to deal with unkindness and how it almost made her give up everything she had worked to achieve.



While judgment and reaction in the arts are critical to the growing process, when not constructive it can be hurtful, Leeper said. Not only to those creating the art, but to the community in which we are growing and living.



Being kind to one another is something Leeper believes in wholeheartedly and teaches to her students at Little Leapers Dance Studio. Last year, after deciding to turn the negativity in her life into something positive for the community, she created the organization Be Kind Blacksburg.

Every single individual holds value in our community, Leeper said, and for that we must show kindness.



Leepers talk will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Virginia Tech Womens Center, located at 206 Washington St. Parking is limited. Use on-street parking, the Squires parking lot, the Architecture Annex parking lot, or the Kent Square parking garage.



The Women Influencing the Arts speaker series is sponsored by the Virginia Tech Womens Center and the Virginia Tech School of Performing Arts. For more information, visit the website.



All events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Free reservations are available online.



Written by Donna Thompson, of Blacksburg, Virginia, a graduate student studying arts leadership in the School of Performing Arts.


Fourth in a series of stories reprinted from The Courier fall Inclusion magazine highlighting diversity in the community.

WATERLOO  Diversity and inclusion isnt only a nice idea for businesses to embrace.

Its also a solution, according to members of a group created by the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber.

The Cedar Valley Diversity and Inclusion Partnership is a 5-year-old initiative of the Alliance that works with businesses on a range of issues from hiring to marketing their products. Representatives come from large corporations all the way down to very small businesses.

The main thrust is to make sure that our businesses have the talent they need, said Jean Trainor, chairwoman of the partnership. Historically, she noted, some groups of people have been overlooked when it came to hiring decisions by many companies. Among those are people with racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, immigrants and the disabled.

Beyond that, we also want to talk with businesses about the business case, said Trainor. Essentially, they tell employers, youre gong to make more money if youre inclusive.

Some companies are already inclusive and some are just beginning to look at the concept. For others, it may not even be on their radar, she said. Companies are all over the place when it comes to inclusion.

An annual Executive Diversity & Inclusion Summit is one of the ways the partnership strives to educate companies. Trainor said this years event on Oct. 14 at Allen College will include nationally-known speakers in general and breakout sessions.

Danny Laudick, the Alliances director of talent solutions, said the partnership also focuses on promoting inclusion by working with employers on their efforts and providing resources they need for outreach.

Often, the question it helps organizations answer is, How do we make sure we have the skills and talent to continue growing the business? he said. We need to make sure everyone has the training to fill these workforce needs.

Ethnic and racial diversity is not always the only issue, Laudick noted. Sometimes a language barrier, mental capabilities or criminal status may be part of the challenge for a company.

Its easy a lot of times to just focus on the diversity piece of it, said Laudick. In the face of changing demographics, the partnerships work makes sure we are reflective of that and are able to serve all the people in the community.

As the partnership heads into its next five years, members are looking back at what has been accomplished and forward to what still needs doing.

Keyah Levy, a partnership member from Wheaton Franciscan HealthcareIowa, noted, We are in the process of developing some tools to assess how diverse and inclusive organizations are.

Its 2016, she added. We have a community full of diversity, full of different cultures and its important for communities to understand diversity. In order to retain workers, you have to be inclusive.
DES MOINES  A Chinese national who pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to steal trade secrets involving corn seeds produced by DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto was sentenced Wednesday to three years in prison. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Rose ordered Mo Hailong, also known as Robert Mo, 46, to serve 36 months in prison for conspiracy to steal trade secrets, according to Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin and Kevin VanderSchel, U.S. attorney for Iowas southern district. Hailong also was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and was ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined.

In addition, the judge ordered the forfeiture of two farms  in Iowa and Illinois  purchased and utilized by Hailong and others during the course of the conspiracy.

According to court documents, Hailong was employed as the director of International Business of the Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co., commonly referred to as DBN  a Chinese conglomerate with a corn seed subsidiary company, Kings Nower Seed.

According to the plea agreement entered last Jan. 27, 2016, Hailong  a Chinese national who became a lawful permanent U.S. resident  admitted to participating in a long-term conspiracy to steal trade secrets from DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto.

Hailong first was arrested near a Pioneer Hi-Bred facility field near Dysart in Tama County, court records show.

Hailong participated in the theft of inbred corn seeds from fields in the southern district of Iowa and elsewhere for the purpose of transporting the seeds to DBN in China, according to court records. The stolen inbred, or parent, seeds were the valuable trade secrets of DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto. The investigation was initiated when DuPont Pioneer security staff detected suspicious activity and alerted the Federal Bureau of Investigation. DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto were fully cooperative throughout the investigation, according to federal authorities.

Mo Hailong stole valuable proprietary information in the form of seed corn from DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto in an effort to transport such trade secrets to China, VanderSchel said in a statement. Theft of trade secrets is a serious federal crime, as it harms victim companies that have invested millions of dollars and years of work toward the development of propriety technology.

The estimated loss of an inbred line of seed is put at about five to eight years of research and at least $30 million to $40 million, the indictment showed. The indictment, filed against Hailong and six other Chinese nationals, alleges the conspiracy started in April 2011 and continued through December 2012.

Hailong mailed the seeds to Florida and to China, according to the indictment. He also is accused of planting another group of seeds on farmland he purchased.

Hailongs sister, Mo Yun, who is the wife of Shao Genhuo, chairman of Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co., also was charged in the conspiracy, but those charges were dismissed last summer.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Cleanliness, it is said, is next to godliness.

It also can boost voter turnout.

Its not that we went out and got more people to vote, says Lori Moellers, auditor in Fayette County trying to explain why the Northeast Iowa county recorded the highest voter turnout in Iowa in the 2012 general election  84.5 percent.

They key was that our records are probably cleaner than other counties, Moellers says. Thats not a knock on other counties, but if your records are clean, it drives up your percentage.

By removing the names of deceased voters and people who have moved out of the county there are fewer inactive voters who are likely to sit out an election and increases the percentage of active registered voters.

An inactive voter is someone who has not participated in two consecutive general elections and has not responded to mailings confirming they still live at that address, or the mail has been returned undeliverable.

Whatever the reason, Fayette Countys turnout is impressive even in Iowa where 2012 turnout 2012 was 70.2 percent  fifth highest in the nation. Iowa was one of two states that increased the percentage of eligible voters and the number of people who cast ballots in 2012, according to Bipartisan Policy Center 2012 Voter Turnout Report.

Despite an increase of 8 million potential voters and an estimated $6 billion in campaign spending, voter turnout nationally dipped from 62.3 percent in 2008 to 57.5 percent in 2012. That was below the 60.4 level of the 2004 election, but higher than the 54.2 percent turnout in the 2000 election.

Iowas consistently high level of voter participation can be traced to a variety of sources, according to Iowa political science professors. They generally agree the keys are high levels political competitiveness because of the nonpartisan approach to drawing congressional and legislative districts, the ease of voting and a high level of political awareness because of hosting the first-in-the-nation precinct caucuses.

Its hard not to be aware, Cary Covington of the University of Iowa said. Awareness does contribute to higher turnout rates.

Iowa has the sixth-highest ease of voting ranking based allowing voters to register on Election Day, 40 days of early voting and no voter ID law, Covington noted.

Dianne Bystrom of Iowa State Universitys Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics noted Iowa and New Hampshire, which host the nations first presidential primary, routinely rank among the top states in voter turnout.

The attention voters in Iowa and New Hampshire get during the caucus and primary phase as well as the general election campaign increases the likelihood of their citizens to be politically informed and civically engaged in the political process, she said.

The attention heightens Iowa voters political awareness, but Tim Hagle from UI said work to identify less reliable voters and get them to vote increases turnout.

Some of those who vote early would do so anyway, but many are targeted by the campaigns to do so, Hagle said.

He also believes the intense campaigns increase voter awareness among no party voters who have lower participation rates than Democrats and Republicans. The parties allow them to participate in the caucuses if they change their registration  even if only for a night.

That swing-state status means we have more candidate and surrogate visits and see more commercials and other campaign advertising than most other states, Hagle said. That helps to keep people engaged from the caucuses until Election Day.

There may be more to Iowans high rate of voter participation than ease of voting and being showered with attention, according to Chris Larimer at the University of Northern Iowa. He cited the classic political science work of the late Daniel Elazar who classified Iowa as moralistic, with individualistic strain.

In states where those traits dominate, Elazar said, government is viewed as a positive mechanism for producing policy and citizens are engaged with the actions of government.

Moralistic states have been shown to have higher participation rates than other states, particularly those with more traditionalistic cultures such as in the South and Southwest, Larimer said.

For ISUs Steffen Schmidt, small town civic engagement culture is THE biggest reason for high voter turnout.

Protestant ethic and Garrison Keillor-like guilt culture coming out of Lutheranism plays a big role in this, he added.
DES MOINES  Four Cedar Falls firefighters were among 10 officers honored for heroic efforts to save lives in a ceremony Wednesday at the Iowa Capitol.

Among the Sullivan Brothers Award of Valor recipients were Capt. Derek Brown and firefighters Shane Farmer, T.J. Taylor and Troy Purdy. They responded to a trailer fire on Feb. 7 in which a mother and her two children were trapped.

According to state Public Safety Commissioner Roxann Ryan, seven firefighters arrived at the burning residence, and Brown and Farmer entered without a hose and began a search in zero visibility.

Usually were in a team and we stick together, but in this situation we made the decision that time was critical and so we went without a hose line which isnt typical, Brown said. With the assistance of Taylor and Purdy, the firefighters found the two children and their mother and moved them to safety within 90 seconds of arriving.

We understood the danger. Its what you train for, Brown noted.

The award is named for the five Waterloo brothers who died together serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Retired Delaware County deputy sheriff David Elledge was among three individuals honored with the newly created Historic Valor Award.

On Nov. 6, 1981, Elledge and fellow Delaware County sheriffs deputy Duncan Gross responded to a disturbance where an armed suspect had taken refuge in a rural, wooded area. The assailant fired five rounds from his .357 Magnum at Elledge, striking him once in the abdomen and once in the foot.

According to a state Department of Public Safety description on the events, Elledges life was spared in no small measure by the decisive actions taken by Duncan Gross to disarm the suspect and render lifesaving assistance to his fallen comrade.

Both Gross and Elledge survived. Gross eventually retired from law enforcement and has since died. Elledge went on to become a state Department of Natural Resources officer until he retired. Gross widow, Gean, accepted the award from Gov. Terry Branstad.

Its an honor to be honored, Elledge said after the ceremony. I only wish Duncan Gross could have been here, because if it werent for Duncan Gross I wouldnt be alive.

The other 2016 Historic Valor Award recipient was Noel Harlan, a former Keosauqua Fire Chief who was recognized for his heroic actions of saving a man who was on fire near Harlans house in September 2014.

Also honored Wednesday with the Medal of Valor were Lt. Dennis Mernka and officer Nathan Eldredge of the Fort Dodge Police Department and Iowa State Patrol Trooper Matt Eimers who responded Dec. 12 to a call of a distressed man on a bridge over the Des Moines River in Fort Dodge and saved the mans life after he attempted to jump from the bridge.
DES MOINES  An expert on economics and the environment will address an Iowa environmental coalitions annual conference Thursday.

The Iowa Environmental Councils annual conference on the Des Moines Area Community College campus in Ankeny, will explore opportunities to advance policies, programs and practices that offer ecological, economic and societal benefits, according to the council.

The Des Moines-based coalition has advocated for solutions to Iowas water quality issues.

The state has been ordered by the federal government to reduce the level of phosphorous pollutants in its waterways, which are contributing to deadly areas for marine life in the Gulf of Mexico.

And a Des Moines water utility has sued water drainage districts in four northwest Iowa counties over agricultural pollutants, forcing the utility to spend millions of dollars to clean water for its customers, it says.

Among the keynote speakers at Thursdays conference is Jon Erickson, a fellow at the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics in Vermont.

Erickson said during an interview Wednesday Iowas water quality situation is similar to his home state of Vermont, where the state this past month submitted to the federal government a plan to clean phosphorous pollution out of Lake Champlain on the U.S.-Canadian border between New York and Vermont, the sixth-largest lake in the country.

Water quality issues like Iowas and Vermonts are playing out across the country, Erickson said.

This past summer over 20 states issued alerts for toxic green algae blooms, Erickson said. (With) the magnification of that coming with a warming planet, the projections are not good in terms of our failing water systems.

Erickson, who has been published on a variety of environmental topics and has led international research and education programs, believes the desire for economic growth has created an economy that has outgrown the environments ability to sustain it.

He said water pollution is one signal of the stress economic growth is placing on the environment.

I was trained as an economist, and for economics the holy grail has been economic growth, that we grow the economy and we only count the benefits of that growth and we kind of ignore the cost, Erickson said.

So for my profession it really has become a wake-up call to say that the metrics that we use to track human progress are all wrong, the traditional metrics like gross domestic product, size of the economy.
WATERLOO  One man has been injured during a tree removal accident behind the school administrative building.

The accident happened around 10:30 a.m. Thursday on green space that borders an equipment parking lot behind the Waterloo Community School District headquarters at 1516 Washington St. A truck from Nichols Tree Service was on the scene.

Authorities said the man holding a rope that was connected to a limb that was being cut. When the limb dropped, the man was flung into a nearby fence post and suffered broken bones, authorities said.

Paramedics with Waterloo Fire Rescue treated him at the scene and took him to a local hospital. aThe mans condition and identity werent immediately available.

Neighbors said crews have been working on trees behind the building in recent days and had removed a tall tree earlier this week using ropes.
WATERLOO  Fifth-grade students at Becker Elementary finished a one-week service project to raise money for the No Kid Hungry foundation.

Becker partnered with Noodles and Co. to provide 10 meals for hungry children for every dollar raised.

Students set a goal to raise at least $200 to provide more than 2,000 meals for hungry children. Becker raised more than $450 to provide 4,600 meals.

Noodles and Co. offered to cater a free lunch to the class that raised the most money. Other Becker classrooms were provided with coupons that offer a free meal for their next visit to Noodles and Co.
Before weighing in on Tuesday nights vice-presidential debate, lets disabuse ourselves of the notion that it was remotely informative.

It was theater. It was posturing. But mostly, it was a lot of babble.

The people at home cannot understand either one of you when you speak over each other, said moderator Elaine Quijano of CBS News.

And when they werent interrupting each other, the intricacies of public policy were avoided because a) they cant be done in the allotted two minutes, b) the average attention span isnt that long, and c) they arent politically advantageous.

So we got some semblance of a drinking game instead (non-alcoholic version, making sure a restroom was in close proximity). We would have imbibed every time:

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., mentioned Trump and taxes in the same sentence.

Gov. Mike Pence, R-Ind., completely avoided answering Quijanos questions.

Kaine interrupted Pence (doubling Pences interruptions).

Pence denied a Donald Trump quote. (Trump? Insults? Impossible!)

Kaine cited Trump as a threat to world peace (cant start a Twitter war with Miss Universe without shooting himself in the foot).

Pence blamed Hillary Clinton for the rise of ISIS in Iraq.

Pence was more direct, circumventing any shots at Trump as if Kaine had conjured them up, as Pence said, from some alternate reality. It was the political version of Muhammad Alis rope-a-dope  duck, dodge and deflect.

Kaine seemed most eager not to let Clinton down, but Joe Biden he wasnt. His attacks became too repetitive. He missed obvious openings. During an exchange about the Trump Foundation and its checkered history of charitable giving, he quickly let it off the hook with a quick jab, while Pence forcefully tried to link the Clinton Foundation to pay-to-play politics, which Kaine attempted to rebut.

Kaines defense of Clintons handling of emails gave Pence perhaps his best retort, If your son or my son (both Marines) handled classified information the way Hillary Clinton did, theyd be court-martialed.

Pence repeatedly called for a stronger military to stand up to a mischievous Russia.

But by doing so, he attempted to distance Trump from laudatory comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trumps Russias business dealings. According to the Washington Post, Donald Trump Jr. stated at a 2008 New York real estate conference, Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets, adding, We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.

Rather than standing up to Russia, Trump has said the U.S. should act in concert with Russia to fight radical Islam.

You guys love Russia! Kaine interjected at one point. When Pence didnt respond, he added, I must have hit a nerve.

Pence played transparent politics with Appalachian voters by bringing up coal as a national priority at least three times. Coal has fallen as a proportion of U.S. electrical use from 50 percent to 33 percent in the past decade. Not only is it an environmental menace, it isnt economically competitive with natural gas.

Pence made an impassioned pro-life plea  a personal position Kaine shares. Pence advocates overturning Roe v. Wade, which Kaine would uphold because he doesnt want his religious views to intrude on public policy.

Kaine recalled Trumps comments about punishing women who have abortions. Pence dodged the issue, then scolded Kaine as if Trump isnt accountable for his positions, Hes not a polished politician like you and Hillary Clinton. Conversely, Pence had Kaine speechless on partial-birth abortion.

While Pence vigorously boosted Trumps economic plan  glossing over its tax breaks for the wealthy and the tax impact on the middle class  Kaine did little to advance Clintons proposal, which is fuzzy in regard to actual job creation.

In fact, both plans are suspect, but comparative analyses  even by conservative think tanks  indicate Trumps proposal would add significantly more to the deficit.

Rather than hammer away at that, Kaine stuck to his one-note performance reiterating Trumps insults. While Pence repeatedly extolled the Trump theme of Make America Great Again, Kaine barely opened the Democratic playbook regarding the recovery from the Bush era recession and the impact of Bush era tax cuts on deficits.

Kaines most telling blow may have been about Trumps failure to pay taxes in the years immediately following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Young men and women signed up to serve in the military to fight terrorism, he said, adding. Donald Trump was fighting a very different fight, alluding to his failure to pay taxes to help pay for the military.

Public knowledge was not advanced. Pence proved a far more effective one-on-one debater than Trump. Kaine probably didnt hurt Clinton. And a vice presidential debate wont move the needle. Dan Quayle tanked in 1988, but couldnt sink George H.W. Bush.

We just wish this election would end.
If you have opinions about the subject matter of posts on this blog please share them. Do you have a story about how the system affects you at work school or home, or just in general? This is a place to share it.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 05, 2016 | 08:31 PM | HICKMAN, KY

More details have been released in the weekend shooting death of a Hickman man.

According to Kentucky State Police, an autopsy was performed in Louisville Monday on 49-year-old Mark Williams. Police said autopsy results show that Williams suffered three gunshot wounds to the torso.

State Police said 59-year-old William Jamison of Tiptonville, TN got into a fight with Williams Saturday in a field off of KY 94 in Hickman. Troopers said Jamison shot and killed Williams.

Williams was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.



Jamison is lodged in the Fulton County Detention Center on a $1 million bond.
By The Associated Press

By The Associated Press Oct. 06, 2016 | 04:59 AM | FORT CAMPBELL, KY

Fort Campbell soldiers preparing to deploy to Kosovo are having a ceremony in preparation for their departure.

Members of the 101st Airborne Division's 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, known as the "Rakkasans," will host a color-casing ceremony Thursday morning at the post.

The soldiers will be participating in peace support operations in Kosovo.

The Rakkasans' nickname came after World War II from a Japanese translator referring to the paratroopers. The word translates to "falling down umbrella men."

Deploying troops traditionally "case colors" before leaving. The "colors," or flag, represents the unit on the battlefield, and casing it symbolizes the unit is prepared for movement.
[Claire Dixon is one of our talented news writers and our UK correspondent. If you like her work and our daily news service, donate to The Wild Hunt. Each and every day, you will receive original content, both news and commentary, with a focus on Pagans, Heathens and polytheists worldwide.Your support makes it all happen, and every dollar counts. This is your community; TWH is your community news source. Donate today and share our link! Thank you.]

UNITED KINGDOM  A petition has been launched in the UK in the hopes of making Parliament debate the teaching of Paganism in schools. The petition was the brainchild of Paul Sefton, a Pagan from Manchester who set it up last month. He said: We need to change peoples attitudes towards Paganism and it was with that in mind that I thought of the petition. We need to educate the young to give them an overview of Paganism so they can make an informed choice about what religion they may wish to follow, if any at all.

Paganism is having a resurgence in popularity so now is the time to act. Pagans are still looked upon as devil worshippers, which is certainly not the case.

In the UK, Religious Education (RE) currently consists of learning about the big five mainstream religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism. However, the majority of content is given over to Christianity.

Since 2012, the county of Cornwall in South West England, an area long synonymous with Paganism, has included Paganism as part of its religious education provision. This is due to each local county being responsible for its own RE output under the Local Agreed Syllabus framework. Although the UK does have a national curriculum, there can be much regional variation as to what is taught and how.

Sefton notes: This was a huge leap of faith and much thought was needed to bring this to fruition.

The Pagan Federations regional co-ordinator for Cornwall Eve Salthouse, adds: Paganism has been part of the agreed local syllabus for some years. Schools can choose to do this and generally approach the Cornwall Faith Forum (CFF), of which I am trustee. The CFF arranges a time and venue to hold workshops on several different faiths, including Paganism, according to Eve. The general age range begins at seven to eight-year-olds right up to tertiary college, 16 years and over.

The workshops have been a great success apart from the odd spot of bother from some more zealous Christian types, adds Salthouse. Parents can withdraw their child from the workshops but she says it is very rare that they do.

Salthouse says: The CFF is very firm on all faiths or none. If Paganism is refused as a workshop, then the CFF refuse to give any workshops. However, Eve remains ambivalent about the current petition. Wed have to put up with whatever/however it was decided it should be taught  and in an academic way. By holding workshops with people who live/practice each faith, students get a different take on it, not the teacher regurgitating something from a book.

This comes on the back of a wider discussion within RE provision in schools including non-religious world views such as Paganism and Humanism. Paganism falls under this, as some argue, because it does not necessitate a belief in any form of deity.

In November 2015, a ruling at the High Court addressed this very issue. It is first important to note that the High Court is not equivalent of the US Supreme Court, as the UK also has a Supreme Court that has parity with the US version.The High Court, as part of the Senior Courts of England and Wales, is a tier below this. In addition, the UK judiciary does not experience the same domestic acknowledgement as that of the US, partly due to the UK having an unwritten Constitution  meaning the limits of Parliament are less defined and the Supreme Court has less influence over Parliament as a result.

Returning to the November ruling, the High Court determined that the UK Government had acted unlawfully by omitting non-religious worldviews from the General Certificate of Education (GCSE), the basic qualification taken by 16-year-olds. Five core GCSE, including Math, English Language, English Literature, Science and RE, are seen as baseline and roughly equivalent to a US High School Diploma. In Wales and Northern Ireland, the Welsh and Irish languages are also respective core subjects.

The High Court case was brought by three Humanist parents and, as a result of the ruling, the Religious Education Council of England and Wales announced in July that an Independent Commission would be established to overhaul RE in schools.The Commission is due to publish its findings and recommendations in 2018.

Most recently, the Pagan Federation has been involved in contributing to the material for the RE:Online Resource, which is being created for UK religious teachers. However, it can be used globally. It was written by Professor Denise Cush, former Head of Study of Religions at Bath Spa University. In order to ensure that as many Pagan voices as possible were represented, she consulted extensively with the Pagan and Heathen Symposium. Professor Cush is also a member of the commission panel.

Sefton appears to be picking up on this wider demand for change in the way that RE is defined and taught in the UK in hopes of it better reflecting modern needs. As Sefton says: Since publishing it has caused much debate in the online Pagan community, which I also felt was a good thing, we need people to talk about it to keep chipping away, little by little. As the old saying goes, Rome wasnt built in a day.

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Law Professor Jeffrey Dobbins was on Oregon Public Broadcastings daily talk show Think Out Loud to discuss the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy left open by the sudden death of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia and the courts term that began this week. Dobbins served as a clerk to Senior Associate Justice John Paul Stevens of the Supreme Court from 1995 to 1996.

Dobbins commented on Lee v. Tam, arguing this term, in which Portland-based Asian-American band The Slants is fighting to trademark their name. A 1946 law prevents the trademarking of racial slurs, but the group says they are reclaiming the name as social commentary.

Dobbins said the case involves only the trademarkability of the bands name and not its use in general.

The band here is using this name intentionally to try and reclaim this term, Dobbins said, but you can imagine a number of other circumstances in which the intent was not so good on the part of the person seeking the trademark.

Dobbins also talked about Trinity Lutheran v. Pauley, which was granted acceptance to argue in January of 2016, but likely wont be scheduled until December.

That case involves a church, Trinity Lutheran, suing the state of Missouri after having its application for grant funds rejected. The funds would have been used to replace its daycare playground pebbles with repurposed tire rubber, but state officials said the daycare was ineligible because it was run by a church.

Dobbins said when the case was accepted, Associate Justice Antonin Scalia was still alive, and he would have been interested in the outcome.

Of course, he died in February, Dobbins said, and I think that really changes the outlook on this case.

President Obama nominated Appeals Court Judge Merrick Garland to fill the vacant seat in March, but Senate Republicans have said theyll wait until a new president is in office before confirming a nominee. Dobbins said depending on the results of the November election, the Supreme Court may continue as an eight-member court.

Dobbins said that if Hillary Clinton were to win the presidency and the Republicans were to retain control of the Senate, hes not confident that Clintons nominee would be confirmed.

There is some historical precedent, said Dobbins. President Johnson, back during the post Civil War era, didnt get any Supreme Court nominees because the Republican Senate at that point in time refused to confirm any of them, and the size of the court went from 10 down to seven before anything got straightened out.

About Jeffrey C. Dobbins

Jeffrey C. Dobbins is an associate professor of law and executive director of the Oregon Law Commission at Willamette University College of Law, where he teaches Federal Courts, Administrative Law and seminars in specialized areas of civil procedure. His scholarship focuses on areas of civil procedure and federal jurisdiction, with an emphasis on appellate process and theory. Dobbins practiced law in both public and private sectors before coming to Willamette. Throughout his career, he has briefed and argued more than 50 cases in federal and state appellate courts.

About Willamette University College of Law

Opened in 1883, Willamette University College of Law is the first law school in the Pacific Northwest. The college has a long tradition at the forefront of legal education and is committed to the advancement of knowledge through excellent teaching, scholarship, mentoring and experience. Leading faculty, thriving externship and clinical law programs, ample practical skills courses, and a proactive career placement office prepare Willamette law students for today's legal job market. According to statistics compiled by the American Bar Association, Willamette ranks first in the Pacific Northwest for job placement for full-time, long-term, JD-preferred/JD-required jobs for the class of 2014 and first in Oregon for the classes of 2012, 2013 and 2014. Located across the street from the state capitol complex and the Oregon Supreme Court in downtown Salem, the college specializes in law and government, law and business, and dispute resolution.
RALEIGH, NC, October 06, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Andrea Estrella is an author and transformation speaker whose mission in life is to touch the lives of millions and empower them to stand in their power and find the greatness inside them.



In her book "Whatever It Takes: You Have Greatness in You" Andrea shares her personal story that will surely inspire and empower you to stand in your greatness. No matter how awful your situation in life is right at this very moment, remember that that's only temporary. You will rise above you will rise above your challenges to learn your soul lessons.



According to Andrea, "My desire is that for every tear that is shed from reading my story, many more smiles are had knowing that I conquered my demon and that I'm here to help as many as I can to stand in their greatness. As I was writing, I began to think about my journey, I realized that even when I felt like I had no one, God put certain people in my life at the perfect time to remind me that he had always been with me. Because he brought everyone when I needed them most. I ask everyone who reads my story to please don't cry for my past; Laugh, smile and celebrate my victory with me. If you cry, shed tears of joy knowing that I am still here to spread the message of forgiveness, love, compassion, and courageous strength."



Each and every one of us has our own battle to fight. If you accept that challenges may occur, life will be easier. You need to believe in yourself and have faith in God that everything will fall into place in His time. Be strong because things WILL get better. Wear your misfortunes as armor and just keep moving forward. Lastly, LOVE YOURSELF!



"Sometimes life seems so rough and so impossible but the reality of it is that is if you commit yourself to doing what it takes, you can succeed." Steve Kidd, host Thriving Entrepreneur Radio Show - Hear the whole interview at WeHelpYouTHRIVE.com/radio



Make sure to get your copy on Amazon today! http://amzn.com/B01J296HTC



Born in Bogota, Colombia in 1977, Andrea came to the US when she was 7 years old. Her journey has taken her through a series of experiences throughout her life that have brought her to this very moment. She gave birth to three beautiful children and through each of their miracles into her life, she began to grow into the person she is today. Working in corporate America for the last 15 years, she felt that she had a greater purpose in her life.



She began her bold journey in the pursuit of her dreams to become a bestselling author and transformational speaker in April of 2016. She decided to leave her steady income job and step in faith. With certainty in her heart and clarity of mind, she said goodbye to the corporate world of 9-5 and have embarked on her new journey to fulfill her purpose of infecting humanity with awesomeness, courage, and strength.



Her intent is to start a non-profit organization that provides housing and education in the same place to anyone who is looking to claim their life back after traumatic events in their lives. The facility will teach mediation to both children and adults and empower individuals to make better choices for their future and the future of generations to come. The message of love, peace, kindness and harmony will be taught to all that become a part of the movement for change. My intent is to find like-minded investors that will see her vision and support her so that she can pay it forward with all that she has gained through her experiences.



Join the Whatever It Takes Facebook group @wit949899 and be part of the change they want to see in the world.



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HAVERHILL, MA, October 06, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Leslie Cottrell Simonds is an author, End of Life, and Caregiver Consultant whose passion is to support people by sharing her knowledge on how to be practical and composed when waves of fear and uncertainty are crashing.



In her book, "I Want You To Know", she shared a heartfelt story about her father which is one of the reasons why she wrote this book. This book will also give you information on how to create your own death plan and why it is important to have one in the first place.



"As I have aged into my 50's and my children share stories with me about wounds they suffered as children (all children have them!), I realize that, although I feel I did a pretty good job overall as a parent, there are definitely some things that I could have done better. I could have been more expansive at times, and allowed life's circumstances to be opportunities for learning and growth. Instead, because I was working excessive hours to support my children and the commodity of time always seemed to be short, I know there were days that I tried to just "get through" a challenge so that I could move forward with the unending daily task list. My goal is to be as intentional in my death as is possible. I deeply desire that process to serve as the final good example to my beloved family. I desire "love in action" to be my legacy." Leslie Cottrell Simonds, I Want You To Know



Death is often times unexpected. Even though the doctor says you will only live for 2 weeks or 1 month, you still don't know the exact time and day that you will die. It can be earlier than what the doctor said or longer. It is best if you create your death plan as early as today so your mind, as well as your loved ones, will be at ease in case something bad happens because everything was or will be taken care of according to your will.



"What I appreciate about Leslie's book is that it's sensitive. It understands upfront that this is something that isn't fun to talk about, but she handled it sensitively. It's also devised in a way that you can have what maybe the most difficult conversation with your parents, spouse, etc. Regardless of what stage you're at in life, these are some of the things that you really need. I love how gracefully, wonderfully, and how easy Leslie makes the whole concept of learning to respond to situations that you know are going to happen. But so often we've been trained to hide from." Steve Kidd, host Thriving Entrepreneur Radio Show - Hear the whole interview at WeHelpYouTHRIVE.com/radio



Make sure to get your copy on Amazon today! http://amzn.com/B01LBWPV72



Leslie Cottrell Simonds was born in NE Ohio, moved to Maine as a young adult and currently lives North of Boston, MA. Her resume resembles a crazy quilt in its variety. From serving as a GM to several boutique hotels to delivering the food programs for a nationwide events company for events sometimes numbering over ten thousand, Leslie ultimately followed her pull in a very different direction.



After supporting her own father in his long journey with vascular dementia, she wanted to take much of what she knew from experience as a starting point and then learn all she could; forming a consulting business to serve those that serve others.



Through her business, The Visionary Passage, she has become ever more passionate to create a movement to motivate us to create a documented plan for what our wishes are in the event of a serious illness or injury, through end-of-life and final disposition. This is how we create a legacy of love for our families. Leslie lives north of Boston with her husband and dog, Cooper and cares now for her Mother who resides with them.



# # #
We are urging a US Navy Veteran, or any type of maritime worker, to call us at 800-714-0303 before they hire a lawyer law firm to assist with a mesothelioma compensation claim

NEW YORK, NY, October 06, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Mesothelioma Victims Center is one of the best branded sources in the nation when it comes to mesothelioma compensation for US Navy Veterans and shipyard workers. The group of experts is now expanding their services to include all maritime workers because these specific types of people deserve the best possible mesothelioma compensation.



The Center wants to emphasize that part of their service is making certain that a person with mesothelioma has on-the-spot access to the most qualified mesothelioma attorneys in the United States. It is a known fact that the more skilled the lawyer is at mesothelioma compensation claims, typically the better the financial compensation for this rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure as they would like to explain anytime at 800-714-0303. http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com



The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "We are urging a US Navy Veteran, or any type of maritime worker, to call us at 800-714-0303 before they hire a lawyer law firm to assist with a mesothelioma compensation claim.



"If you are a US Navy Veteran or any kind of maritime worker with mesothelioma you would never let an inexperienced skipper take command of your ship in treacherous waters. Don't hire an inexperienced lawyer/law firm to handle a mesothelioma compensation claim that requires specific knowledge of navy ships and/or most types of commercial vessels.



"Call us at 800-714-0303 before you hire a lawyer/law firm to assist with a mesothelioma compensation claim because not only are the mesothelioma attorneys we suggest some of the nation's leading experts, they also are very well informed about almost every type of imaginable ship, vessel, or maritime environment where asbestos could have been involved.



"Do the right thing for yourself when it comes to mesothelioma compensation and call us anytime for our passion and our honesty." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com



Types of maritime workers with mesothelioma the mesothelioma victims center specializes in:

* US Navy Veterans

* US Navy Shipyard Workers

* Commercial Shipyard Workers

* Commercial Ship Engine Room Crew

* Tug/Barge Crew Members

* Fishing boat Crew Members

* Cruise Ship Crew Members

* Electricians

* Maritime Welders

* Maritime Machinists

* Longshoremen

* Ship/Vessel Mechanics



High risk work groups for exposure to asbestos include Veterans of the US Navy, power plant workers, shipyard workers, steel mill workers, oil refinery workers, factory workers, plumbers, electricians, welders, pipefitters, miners, auto mechanics, machinists, pulp or paper mill workers, printers, firemen, rail road workers and construction workers. In most instances people with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, or 1980's. http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com



According to the CDC the states indicated with the highest incidence of mesothelioma include Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Louisiana, Washington, and Oregon.



However, based on the calls the Mesothelioma Victims Center receives a US Navy Veteran or former maritime worker with mesothelioma could live in any state including New York, Florida, California, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Idaho, or Alaska. http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com



For more information about mesothelioma please refer to the National Institutes of Health's web site related to this rare form of cancer: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mesothelioma.html



# # #
SAP Africa Code Week officially arrives Angola

Over the next few days Angola will play host to a series of train-the-trainer (TTT) workshops during the official build-up to SAP Africa Code Week (ACW), taking place in Luanda from 4 to 5 October.

Founded in 2015, ACW is a continent-wide initiative to simplify the face of software coding for Africa's youth. The initiative's objective is to spread digital literacy across the continent and start shaping tomorrow's skilled workforce through hands-on and playful learning. Spearheaded by SAP, world leader in enterprise software, the initiative is supported by hundreds of international partners as well as local Angola partners, including; Cod Cod Codet, the Ministry of Education in Angola, the American Embassy, the French Embassy, Vivre En Angola's website and community, the LycAe Alioune Blondin Leye, the ONG Mulemba, Instituto Superior Tecnico de Angola (ISTA), The University of Agostinho Neto. Of particular interest is the collaboration with the school Dom Bosco, an innovative, adaptive programme working with young disadvantaged children living in urban areas in Luanda.



Last year's ACW event saw more than 89,000 youngsters across 17 African countries introduced to software coding within a mere ten days - four times the initial goal. The aim for 2016 is to double that, reaching a minimum of 150,000 youth across 30 African countries - with Angola having its first code experience of ACW.



This week's TTT workshops will provide a platform for the transfer of skills and knowledge from 'Master Instructors' to local parents, teachers and educators, enabling them to become the next expert coding teachers who can train potential students in their communities. Aimed at local school teachers, the TTT workshops will seek to train hundreds of Angola participants. The objective is to empower as many people as possible, with the long-term goal to empower more than 200,000 teachers reaching in excess of five million children and youth over the next ten years.



TTT workshops will be conducted in Portuguese and will take place in Luanda on Tuesday, 4 October and Wednesday, 5 October at the school Dom Bosco, (cf. Google map here), in de municipe de Sambizanga. The workshops are open to all school teachers and any other parties interested in becoming part of ACW. Attendees will receive 90 minutes of software coding training based on MIT's Scratch system, a USB with course notes in Portuguese with Scratch pre-loaded and a training certificate upon completion. The objective is for participants to take the skillset back to their communities and host sessions for children during the official ACW event in October 15-23.



For more information and to register for the Train The Trainer Luanda workshops, please contact Fleur-Eve Le Foll, ACW Ambassador in Angola, on fe@makermind.ma.



Follow Africa Code Week Angola on Facebook : @AngolaACW

ACW video footage can be found here: http://africacodeweek.org/media/videos/

Follow SAP on Twitter @sapafrica





SAP Africa Code Week officially arrives in Angola

Over the next few days Angola will play host to a series of train-the-trainer (TTT) workshops during the official build-up to SAP Africa Code Week (ACW), taking place in Luanda from 4 to 5 October.



Founded in 2015, ACW is a continent-wide initiative to simplify the face of software coding for Africa's youth. The initiative's objective is to spread digital literacy across the continent and start shaping tomorrow's skilled workforce through hands-on and playful learning. Spearheaded by SAP, world leader in enterprise software, the initiative is supported by hundreds of international partners as well as local Angola partners, including; Cod Cod Codet, the Ministry of Education in Angola, the American Embassy, the French Embassy, Vivre En Angola's website and community, the LycAe Alioune Blondin Leye, the ONG Mulemba, Instituto Superior Tecnico de Angola (ISTA), The University of Agostinho Neto. Of particular interest is the collaboration with the school Dom Bosco, an innovative, adaptive programme working with young disadvantaged children living in urban areas in Luanda.



Last year's ACW event saw more than 89,000 youngsters across 17 African countries introduced to software coding within a mere ten days - four times the initial goal. The aim for 2016 is to double that, reaching a minimum of 150,000 youth across 30 African countries - with Angola having its first code experience of ACW.



This week's TTT workshops will provide a platform for the transfer of skills and knowledge from 'Master Instructors' to local parents, teachers and educators, enabling them to become the next expert coding teachers who can train potential students in their communities. Aimed at local school teachers, the TTT workshops will seek to train hundreds of Angola participants. The objective is to empower as many people as possible, with the long-term goal to empower more than 200,000 teachers reaching in excess of five million children and youth over the next ten years.



TTT workshops will be conducted in Portuguese and will take place in Luanda on Tuesday, 4 October and Wednesday, 5 October at the school Dom Bosco, (cf. Google map here), in de municipe de Sambizanga. The workshops are open to all school teachers and any other parties interested in becoming part of ACW. Attendees will receive 90 minutes of software coding training based on MIT's Scratch system, a USB with course notes in Portuguese with Scratch pre-loaded and a training certificate upon completion. The objective is for participants to take the skillset back to their communities and host sessions for children during the official ACW event in October 15-23.



For more information and to register for the Train The Trainer Luanda workshops, please contact Fleur-Eve Le Foll, ACW Ambassador in Angola, on fe@makermind.ma.



Follow Africa Code Week Angola on Facebook : @AngolaACW

ACW video footage can be found here: http://africacodeweek.org/media/videos/

Follow SAP on Twitter @sapafrica
Oct 6, 2016 | By Alec

Powder Bed: Upon completion of the build the part emerges from the lowered bed of powder to reveal the printed geometry.

Metal 3D printing: its the stuff technological dreams are made of, and could put a man on Mars thanks to its ability to massively cut down on aerospace costs. Unfortunately, its not without its problems either, as metal 3D printing suffers from material limitations and qualification challenges, among others. Fortunately, German metal 3D printing pioneer SLM Solutions is already fighting another significant limitation: part size. Though metal 3D printers come with notoriously small build spaces, SLM Solutions SLM280HL 3D printer features an unusually large 280x280mm build plate  paving the way for a much larger variety of aerospace parts. The Germans have now perfectly illustrated this with one of the largest 3D printed metal objects to date, a 12.21 x 8.74 x 8.66 inch titanium aircraft component.

Headquartered in Lubeck, Germany, SLM Solutions Group AG is a leading provider of metal 3D printing systems who have been particularly successful over the last few years. Their 3D printers are increasingly finding their way into the hands of partners from aerospace, energy, healthcare and automotive industries. A leading player in its field, SLM Solutions' recently unveiled fantastic sales figures for 2016 has also caught the eye of several industrial giants. Last month, GE launched a $1.4 billion takeover bid for SLM and their Swedish competitors Arcam.

But SLM Solutions has not been resting on their laurels at all, as they have been experimenting with getting the most out of their build plate. That can be quite difficult, as enlarging metal 3D printing projects brings a host of new problems to the table. Especially with materials like titanium, theres always a danger of cracking the objects due to high residual stresses. Even if more complex geometries are possible, overcoming those mass-related problems is todays real metal 3D printing challenge, says SLM applications engineer Mike Hansen.

3D printed blades for the A&D sector from metal additive manufacturing service provider Sintavia

At the same time, metal 3D printing is gruelingly slow as well, and it is very noteworthy that the SLM280HL 3D printer was able to 3D print a 12.21 x 8.74 x 8.66 inch titanium spacecraft valve body in just six and a half days, without any interruptions. The fact that our SLM machine can operate for that period of time without requiring cleaning or experiencing any interruptions, is in itself extremely significant, Hansen argues.

In fact, the part itself wasnt particularly complex. But 3D printing something of this size in such a short time simply wasnt done before. As Hansen revealed, it was completely made possible by the inherent qualities of their SLM280HL 3D printer. Equipped with dual 400W lasers, it can be found in a price class where most 3D printers have a 250 x 250 mm build plate. Its dual laser setup creates an overlap area that allows for much faster building. Tests have already shown that quality doesnt suffer at all from that overlap.

The 3D printed spacecraft valve body in question has been developed for a client who wanted to explore weight, cost and time-saving opportunities, and it seems as though they completely succeeded on all of these fronts. The parts size meant that it would have taken several weeks to machine conventionally, given that it would have required four or five setups it would have been a costly process. Casting the part would have taken even longer given that the tooling would have to be built, which could take as long as six months. And traditional tooling is expensive, says head of applications engineering and metallurgist Richard Grylls. We were far faster even though the cost was more. Still, in terms of the total time saved the cost is worth it for a critical part of this size.

Spacecraft Valve Body: Completed build

Hansen further revealed that they are also working on new qualification opportunities for these kinds of aerospace (or automotive) parts, intended for industries that are highly regulated and in which extensive material and parameter testing is normal. In general aerospace/aircraft requirements for inspection are quite extensive, usually involving a CT scan, a non-destructive test method, to check for porosity or voids in the part. Customers may also perform destructive testing. We used non-destructive testing on this part, then performed a real-world test by mounting it on an engine in its intended use, and running it until it failed, Hansen revealed.

This new achievement certainly paves the way for a lot more aerospace 3D printing projects, for a sector that so far mostly used the technology for particularly small components. But according to a Department of Energy study, aircraft weight could be reduced by 7% through 3D printing, so a vast number of opportunities can still be tackled in an industry that is very happy with one or two percentage point improvements.

These opportunities are also being seen by Brian Neff of Sintavia, a new company focused on promoting aerospace and defense 3D printing. Within 20 years, there will be a seismic shift in how we manufacture for the aerospace and defense industry. However, producers who do not understand or are incapable of producing parts with repetitive quality will not play a role in the OEM supply chain, Neff said. The Florida-based company has adopted three SLM 280HL systems, each with different setups.

SLM Solutions is also seeing an evolving industry in which demand for more 3D printing applications is growing. At the same time, materials and 3D printing processes are quickly becoming outdated and in desperate need of innovation. This industry is changing on a day-to-day basis, evolving very quickly, but there is a disconnect between the pace of the evolution in additive manufacturing and the ability of some industries to keep pace with approving new materials and processes, particularly the aerospace and automotive industries, Hansen concluded. But one thing seems certain: once metal 3D printing hits the industrial mainstream, SLM Solutions will be there.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Rodrigo Enriquez wrote at 10/12/2016 9:18:14 PM:Question... why is this not casted? what is the benefit of 3D printing this valve. Even if it is a "on off" why not 3D print the sand and cast the part?




Oct 6, 2016 | By Alec

Records are obviously meant to be broken, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) currently holds the Guinness World Record for largest single-piece 3D printed object: a 17.5 feet long, 5.5 feet wide, and 1.5 feet tall wing tool that was custom-made for Boeing. Coincidentally, a 110 square meter pavilion in Beijing is currently the worlds largest object, though it has been 3D printed in more than 5000 separate blocks. But ORNL is now working to break its own record for biggest single-piece object with not one, but two pavilions called Flotsam & Jetsam by innovative architecture pioneers SHoP Architects. Construction is expected to begin in November in Miami, Florida.

This remarkable project is being masterminded by New York-based architecture firm SHoP, which has previously developed anything from stadiums and skyscrapers to entire city districts. In that respect, a couple of pavilions can be seen as a strange choice, but the company has been focusing on next-generation fabrication for years. They have won several awards for innovative architecture, including Fast Companys Most Innovative Architecture Firm in the World in 2014, and are eager to pioneer new technologies. What could be more potent than 3D printing and digital fabrication right now?

The immediate impetus for these 3D printable pavilions was the 2016 Design Miami Visionary Award, which came with an invitation to create a gateway environment the Design Miami exhibition. SHoP therefore opted to develop a set of pavilions that capture the playful and technologically innovative identity of Miami and simultaneously mimics the beach. The ORNL and Tennessee startup Branch Technology were brought in for their expertise, with the latter company working to commercialize construction 3D printing opportunities.

The design itself has been inspired by the shape of jellyfish, featuring a sinuous, lattice and monocoque shape, meaning that the exterior skin will be an integral part of the structure. It was almost like how do we turn a 3D truss into a cephalopod? SHoP co-founder Gregg Pasquarelli says of the design. With all SHoP projects, form comes from how the building works: Whats the effect we want the building or the structure or object to have? What does it feel like? What does it do? In addition to outdoor seating, the pavilions will also host a bar.

The design itself was realized by using custom software from Dassault Systemes (of SolidWorks), and was purposefully adapted for quick prefabrication and on-site assembly. It also has to be easy to disassemble and move, as the pavilion will be making another stop after Design Miami. 3D printing will play a critical role in that. SHoP previously looked at injection molding and even boat-building techniques before ultimately deciding that only 3D printing met all the technical requirements  and provided more aesthetic freedom.

The pavilions will be 3D printed using two different technologies, which each partner providing one. Branch Technology will provide a robotic arm setup that will 3D print an ABS and carbon fiber substrate, inspired by biological cells. ORNL will subsequently use their custom 3D printing platform to 3D print the structures themselves in a biodegradable bamboo material.

All parties have already said that the result should surpass the current ORNL Guinness World Record in terms of size, and the entire construction should offer a very high strength-to-material ratio. Just a pound and a half of carbon fiber substrate can support 1,500 pounds, while the porous top structure should easily withstand wind loads. Were playing on the impact resistance and structural integrity of materials, Rebecca Caillouet, a senior associate at SHoP says. You have to ask whats the least amount of material we can use to make something thats optimized for the structure. 3D printing has no geometric limitations in that sense so we were able to go after this amorphic sculptural form.

This project is expected to be around for a long time. Upon the completion of Design Miami, Flotsam & Jetsam will be moved to the Miami Design District's Jungle Plaza for a cultural program set up with the Miami's Institute of Contemporary Art.

More importantly, similar projects could appear in the near future, Pasquarelli revealed. While no concrete plans have been laid out yet, SHoP has become a big fan of 3D printing. We dont want this to be a one-off thing. This continues the trajectory of our curiosity and our interest in design and the art world and making beautiful things and experimental things. Sometimes you have less ability to be experimental with a 1,000-foot-tall tower so you take opportunities with smaller projects to push what you can do, he argued. The speed at which you can do small projects like this is great since you can test new ideas and these then seep into your hand and eye, eventually impacting how you design in the next few years.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

Source: Co.Design

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Oct 6, 2016 | By Nick

A new personal fabrication kit means you can design and 3D print what you need, wherever you are, thanks to a mobile phone app and an extruder pen.

Thijs Roumen, a graduate student at the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam, Germany, recognized that 3D printing was ready to take over the world of manufacturing. He spotted a gap in the market, though, as 3D printers are deskbound, bulky and you simply cannot take them with you.

Roumen argues that computers started out exactly the same way. They started out as huge items that filled a room and eventually turned into the smartphones and tablets that have largely rendered even laptops redundant. He also saw a real need to design and print on the go and even cited examples like 3D printing a karabiner to fix a broken strap on a bag or more random delights like 3D printing earplugs to block out the person next to you on the bus.

Of course, this takes far more than an app, it needs a mobile 3D printer. The likes of the iBoxNano and Olo are rising up to meet this challenge, but even they dont offer the immediacy and true portability that Roumen was looking for.

This was a complex engineering challenge, but Roumen settled on a 3Doodler extruder pen fitted with rechargeable batteries. It isnt a perfect system, because you have to trace a pattern on top of the phone. That means this is time consuming and the finished print simply cant be perfect, but its a step towards mobile 3D printing.

In an emergency, if you need a hex key to fix a loose nut on your bike, or if you need a button for a shirt in a hurry, then the functionality is the most important part of the whole equation and the looks simply arent important. If they are, then you can spend more time and you can also produce much larger items, using several different templates and fusing them together with the 3Doodler. Roumens produced a passable pair of flip-flops as part of this research.

As you control the pen then the 3D printing process is faster. A traditional desktop 3D printer can take hours to make a complicated shape, but you can sketch out the design in minutes and you dictate the compromise of quality vs speed.

They needed to be quick, too, as the 3Doodlers batteries only allowed for 20 minutes of print time. In a production version, though, it may well be possible to switch out the batteries and continue printing.

Daniel Ashbrook, of the Rochester Insitute of Technology in New York, said: I like this idea of moving entirely from the mechanised and automatic 3D printer to using a pen. This kind of hybrid approach, where the human is doing some stuff and the machine is doing some stuff, can get a better result  especially when youre not trying to be perfect, youre just trying to get something done.

To prove this wasnt simply a case of one man having exceptional skills with the 3Doodler, Roumens recruited 12 strangers on a train and asked them to produce a button for a shirt, a replacement shoelace for a boot and a device to remove a hex screw. They managed, but it highlighted the need for an online library of basic designs that could be accessed for quick printing.

Roumens has targeted a series of other improvements for the app, including a simple measuring system based on the camera that will help create more accurate hex screws and other items that just have to fit. With a measurement, the user could simply pull a design from the online library and 3D print their device within minutes.

He also recognizes that theres a lot of work to do on using existing objects as molds. Everything from coins to existing nuts can be used as a mold, or for scanning, which can help make this job far easier and quicker. The 3Doodler pen can also create improvised tools on the go simply by manipulating the filament.

He proved this by creating a solid alternative to a needle and thread by stretching the filament quickly, to breaking point, to create a sharp needle and flexible thread. It can also be used to fuse a piece of filament together to produce a repair, a quick patch and more.

So the basic takeaway is that although this system looks rough and ready, it could actually be an exceptionally useful addition to any basic toolkit. Medics could use this, fisherman could use this and one day we could all carry a mobile 3D printer to cover our basic, urgent needs.

This is never going to replace the 3D printer on your desktop, but it could be a lifesaver when you really need it and it could change the way we look at 3D printing.

Posted in 3D Printer

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Thijs Roumen (author of paper) wrote at 10/15/2016 1:31:54 PM:thanks for reading our paper Moe ;) you are right, the image of the hex key basically shows how it should _not_ be done. If you just take an STL file and turn it into printable lines you end up failing to make something that makes sense with mobile fab. The reason is the STL file and original model are simply a result of the used fabrication technique, what the model should really contain is: "a fitting tip", "a lever", "something that mounts them together". With hose three properties you would end up making a hex key that looks somewhat like the one shown in the video. This is because we use the qualities of our handheld fab technique and aim for reproducing _functionality_ instead of shape. I believe we should find ways to describe 3D models way more by their functionality rather than by their shape. This would make for a versatile description of the models which could work for all kinds of fab machines. Depending on the used technique a model could look very different but achieve the same goals.Moe wrote at 10/12/2016 10:09:04 AM:Read the paper and see the hex key figure in context before you assume this is a result of their technique. Just copying the figure from the paper unfortunately doesn't make for very good journalism.bverde84 wrote at 10/7/2016 6:19:32 PM:would make more sense to put a battery pack on a modified OLO and call THAT mobile printer with a phone... given the quality of the hex key, this barely qualifies.




Uri Friedman in The Atlantic:

By one measure, the U.S. presidential campaign will be 597 days old on Election Day in November. Thats 14,328 hours, for those accustomed to CNNs Countdown Clock. Parents who were rocking a newborn when Ted Cruz declared his candidacy are now running after a toddler. In this timeframe, Emma Roller reckons in The New York Times, we could have instead hosted approximately four Mexican elections, seven Canadian elections, 14 British elections, 14 Australian elections or 41 French elections.

Its difficult to say definitively that the United States has the longest election process in the world. Some countries have legally defined campaign periodstypically several weeks or monthswhile others do not. In parliamentary democracies such as Canada and the United Kingdom, the prime minister can call early elections, shaking up the timeline. And even in those nations with a fixed period for the official campaign, there is frequently an extended unofficial campaign. Yes, in the time that elapsed between Cruz announcing his presidential bid and Cruz endorsing Donald Trump, France technically could have elected 39 presidents. But thats comparing pommes to oranges. France has a specified campaign length while the United States doesnt. And in France, the unofficial campaign starts well before the two-week official campaign, especially now that French political parties are experimenting with U.S.-style primary elections.

More here.
About 1 in 10 Americans will have a kidney stone at some point in their life, caused when minerals in the urine become concentrated and form a solid mass. Small stones may pass through the urinary tract without problems, but large ones can become stuck, causing bleeding and severe pain. Study coauthor David Wartinger, a professor of osteopathic surgery, says it's akin to "giving birth to a porcupine," as he told Discover magazine.

Wartinger had heard anecdotes for years about people passing small stones after riding Big Thunder Mountain, but it wasn't until a patient said he had passed a stone after each of three rides that Wartinger and a his colleague Marc Mitchell became intrigued.

After all, if the roller coaster ride  with its sharp turns and quick drops  could shake the stones loose early before they became large and painful, maybe that was something worth investigating.

The doctors used a 3-D printer to create a silicone model of a kidney, which they filled with urine and real kidney stones. The plan was to take it on numerous roller coaster rides to observe what happened  but first, they needed the park's permission.

"We told them what our intent was, and it turned out that the manager that day was a guy who recently had a kidney stone. He called the ride manager and said, 'Do whatever you can to help these guys. They're trying to help people with kidney stones,' " Wartinger told the Atlantic.

What the researchers found, after taking the model on 60 rides in various seats, was that there was "a huge difference" in success between a rear seat and a front seat. The small stones passed 64 percent of the time after a rear-seat ride, but only 17 percent of the time after a front-seat ride.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott had an answer to the first question, at least for residents of the 12 south Florida coastal counties included in his mandatory evacuation order, an area that includes roughly 1.5 million people. There are no excuses, Scott said in a news conference in Tallahassee. You need to leave.

Many were taking him at his word. Ocean View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in New Smyrna Beach, about 40 miles northeast of Orlando, moved 170 residents to facilities further inland.

Farther north, coastal residents under a hurricane watch were told they could be affected by flooding from the storm surge even if their communities avoided a direct hit. Older residents, people with disabilities and their caregivers were being advised to prepare. In South Carolina, the states Alzheimer's Association posted a list of tips and resources on its website.
Business roundup: Dunn Bros. to open in November, E Glass's big pitch

In business news, an Aberdeen entrepreneur is making a nationwide pitch, car wash coverts to Tunnel of Terror, Dunn Brothers to open in November.
Lekki Lagos, February 1st 2019. Rilla Web Hosting, one of the top players in domain registration and web hosting has announces its full ...
The Air Force has directed a service-wide recertification of all installation 1.5-mile run and 2-kilometer walk courses by Oct. 31.

The recertification requirement comes after the identification of course-length issues by local officials at Goodfellow and Hanscom Air Force Bases.

While conducting a local self-inspection earlier this year, officials at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas, determined the outdoor running course was 85 feet longer than required. The course was last measured in 2010. A subsequent review of fitness scores for Airmen assigned to Goodfellow AFB between 2010 and 2016 indicated 18 members failed the fitness assessment who would have otherwise passed.

At Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts, base officials measured their indoor running track following an Airmans appeal and determined the track was 360 feet longer than required. That track was last measured in 2008.

As a result, a review of fitness scores for Airmen assigned to Hanscom AFB between 2008 and 2016 indicated 41 Airmen potentially failed the fitness assessment who would have otherwise passed. All affected Airmen are being notified and provided avenues for remedy.

In addition to the recertification, and to reduce the likelihood of future occurrence, Headquarters Air Force strengthened guidance by requiring installations to measure and recertify their courses each time there are changes in wing or responsible installation commanders, track modifications or lane adjustments. Furthermore, the Air Force inspector general plans to include the PT program as an Air Force inspection requirement on future wing unit effectiveness inspections.

Officials from both bases are working with the Air Force Personnel Center to contact affected Airmen. Any other facilities identified during the recertification will follow similar Airmen notification processes through local command channels; this will include record corrections and opportunities for Airmen to address potential impacts in the same manner as Goodfellow AFB and Hanscom AFB.

Air Force members with questions are encouraged to contact their local force support squadron offices.

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 these instructions on the Air Force Retirees Services website.
IMGCAP(1)] Its not out of the ordinary for hip tech companies today to turn their attention  or at least pay convincing lip service  to attracting women, minorities, millennials and all manner of historically (or currently) disenfranchised or underrepresented employee groups. Within the accounting technology space, Xero has positioned itself as one of those companies; but at its recent conference in San Francisco, its focus on the issue went far deeper than I expected. The topical center around which Xero orbited the usual conference fare of new products, tech insights and company news, was unexpected: women in the workplace.

At Xerocon 2016, there were more than just one or two sessions dedicated to the subject of an inclusive workplace, and executives seemed invested in the idea in a way that was meaningful rather than superficial. Xerocon presented multiple talks and panels on the subject, and used the familiar talking point of women in the workplace as a scaffold for a larger discussion about how to build an effective, happy and loyal workforce through diversity.

Day two of Xerocon 2016 began with a women in business breakfast panel, followed by a keynote on the same subject. These talks did more than just run down the list of by now well-known topics such as childcare needs, parental leave, work flexibility and how women improve workplaces just by their presence and differentiated approaches. The group of women presenting their ideas told deeply personal stories and werent afraid to touch on subjects that are usually hands-off in similar forums.

For instance, Xeros Amy Vetter brought up the queen bee syndrome, a phenomenon first named in 1973 to describe how women in power are overcritical of female subordinates and treat them negatively. In a corporate setting, or really, any setting that isnt an actual feminist forum, discussions of inclusiveness can quickly either become lost in an impotent quagmire of trying not to offend; or lose direction in the difficult subjects such as this, which suggests that women, too, have a hand in their own oppression. The women on this panel, however, deftly avoided such pitfalls by succinctly recalling the root causes of queen bee syndrome  women battling imposter syndrome and trying to hide in plain sight by preventing other women from crowding the space they think they have won by accident  and sharing personal stories to illustrate the problem in action. If this open attitude translates from the conference floor to the Xero office floor, it may be why the company manages to retain talent like Vetter.

Vetter herself was the victim of queen bee syndrome at her first job out of college at a Big Four firm. Successful women dont look like you, said her female manager of two years, who had made a point of humiliating Vetter in front of a room full of clients when she was a brand-new employee. Vetter admitted that she still feels embarrassment admitting this now, several years and many successes later. But Vetter has now, by all appearances, found a good home at Xero. The company allows her to work remotely from Cincinnati, visiting the office in San Francisco via Google Hangouts (when shes not traveling around the world in her role as global VP of education and head of accounting). While this setup allows her to be more of the parent she wants to be to her two boys (equitably co-parented by her husband, she is quick to note), it also  arguably more importantly  allows her to run her own side business, a yoga studio in Mason, Ohio.

I say more importantly because it is important to note that women in the workplace dont just come with the standard set of specialized needs tied to child- and home-care. Women are an economic powerhouse. A 2015 Catalyst.org report found that women control 73 percent of all household spending. At Xerocon, Ingrid Vanderveldt, and entrepreneur and founder and chairman of Empowering a Billion Women by 2020, an online financial empowerment community for women leaders and entrepreneurs, said that while making more and more money can become like a game for men, women tend to want to reinvest earnings back into the economy. Vetters yoga studio is an example of this trend at work, and the reason she is able to make a meaningful contribution to her local economy is because of the stability and flexibility Xero offers her. While flexible hours and the ability to work from home is most often associated with the needs of parents (specifically mothers), they are beneficial to all employees for reasons that go beyond parenting and home-care needs, such as starting local businesses or just generally being more productive and happy company workers.

A New Generation

The fight women have been waging to get better parental leave, better childcare, and flexible hours to allow them to be at home (or at their other business) more is now also being waged by  Millennials. Or, in other words, everyone under the age of 35 (ish). Leave it to the much-maligned millennial generation to demonstrate that feminism is about everyone, not just women. As a company, Xero has a strong grasp on the ideas Millenials bring to the table, and how they fit into the larger goal of a better workplace for everyone.

Another Xerocon talk titled Great technology attracts great talent was focused on Millennials in the workplace. Its not really about work-life balance, Vetter said. Its about work-life integration. Millennials arent lazy  in fact, they work more hours on average [than Generation X and Baby Boomers] because they might still be working at 2 a.m., if not at 2 p.m.

According to Vetter, the keys to attracting Millennials to the workplace are six-fold. They want mentorship, collaboration culture, room to learn, growth opportunities, a fun work environment, and a mission and product to believe in. These areas of interest make Millenials womens natural allies in the workplace. For instance, recent studies have suggested that having more women in leadership roles is an effective way to foster woman in the workplace (mentorship). And the aforementioned Vanderveldt noted that women are on average far more loyal to their companies than male employees (a mission to believe in). The demands of working women historically may have been based on needs unique to wives and mothers; and the demands of Millenials are based on the experiences a generation raised on technology come with; but those two seemingly disparate sets of needs are now converging.

Mentorship and representation are key elements of the new, smarter workforce, and commitment to this idea seems to have been baked into Xero since the start. Xero founder and CEO Rod Drury took the mic following the Xerocon women in breakfast panel to add his impromptu two cents to the conversation. He explained how when Xero was putting together its first board of directors, he found himself with a slate full of men. Recognizing that this was a problem not just for appearances sake, but also for company culture, he began a search for woman board members.

At the time, there were only a small number of director-level women in the finance industry in Australia and New Zealand that everyone would approach to be on their boards, he recalled. So I looked around and found a woman who was up and coming at National Australia Bank. She was in a manager-level position, but was clearly going to be a superstar.

Today that woman, Lee Hatton, is CEO of an online bank and still serves on Xeros board.

This is the kind of future-focused thinking that can help companies develop more dedicated, effective and loyal workforces. The proof is in the pudding: After I tweeted about the topics covered in this column at Xerocon, Xero community manager Catherine Walker contacted me to tell me shed been working for Xero 10 years and countingloyal as the day is long to a company she feels values her.
The Internal Revenue Service has issued final regulations on whether software that has been developed by companies for their own internal use can qualify for the research and development tax credit.

The final regulations also include some examples to illustrate the application of the experimentation requirement to software under Section 41 of the Tax Code. The IRS and the Treasury Department issued proposed regulations on this matter in January 2015 (see IRS and Treasury Propose Rules on Research Tax Credit for Internal Software and R&D Tax Credits Clarified for Internal Use Software). The final regulations were issued Monday with only a few changes.

The proposed regulations provided that software is developed by or for the benefit of the taxpayer primarily for internal use if the software is developed by the taxpayer for use in general and administrative functions that facilitate or support the conduct of the taxpayers trade or business, said the IRS. General and administrative functions, as defined in the proposed regulations, are limited to (1) financial management functions, (2) human resource management functions, and (3) support services functions.

The proposed regulations provided that software is not developed primarily for internal use if it is developed to be commercially sold, leased, licensed or otherwise marketed to third parties, or if it is developed to enable a taxpayer to interact with third parties or to allow third parties to initiate functions or review data on the taxpayers system. The proposed regulations allow a taxpayer to satisfy a high threshold of innovation test to allow otherwise excluded internal use software development to be considered qualified research. The software needed to pass an innovation test, be unavailable commercially, and involve significant economic risk.

Kendall Fox, technical leader of national R&D tax credit consulting at PricewaterhouseCoopers and a partner in PwCs New York office, believes the tax community will welcome the final regulations and definition of internal use software. By and large the final regulations adopted the proposed regulations with very few changes, he said. Even though lots of comments were submitted, it doesnt appear that they resulted in any significant change to the proposed regulations.

There was one significant change, however. The proposed regulations would have eliminated appropriateness of design only for purposes of the process of experimentation for internal use software, said Fox. There were a lot of comments that this would be difficult to administer, and that appropriateness of design uncertainty can be a very significant risk with respect to software and that its often difficult to distinguish between method capability and design uncertainty since theyre inextricably linked together. The way that you may be trying to resolve a method uncertainty is also through a design activity, so they restored appropriateness of design as an uncertainty for internal use software. Thats by and large the most significant change from the proposed regulations to the final regulations.

Companies that develop software for use by other companies can still qualify for the research credit. The final regulations allow software developers to take into account the impact of the internet, as the original rules date back to the early years of personal computing.

If youre developing software for sale, lease, license or to be marketed to third parties, including for online use to transact business, thats only subject to the regular four-part test, said Fox. So a company that develops software for sale, lease, or license, assuming they meet the general definition under Section 41(d) of research, has always been entitled to the research credit. But what happened since 1986, when this law went into effect, is the internet came into being. Theres a lot of software that didnt appear to fall under sale, lease or license, but also really is not general administrative software. The earlier guidance that was issued didnt really address these situations so there was always an unknown of what is third-party-facing software that a customer accesses via the internet to transact business with a company, such as to initiate functions or to review data or records, so these regulations make clear that this is not to be considered internal use software.

In setting an effective date for the new regulations, the IRS provided some leeway for taxpayers who relied on the regulations proposed last year. The regulations are prospective only, but they do allow taxpayers to go back to taxable years ending on or after January 15 and to choose to apply either the proposed regulations that were issued back in January 15, or these final regulations back to that date, said Fox. The final regulations will be effective for all taxpayers on a prospective basis, but taxpayers have the option of using the proposed regulations until these final regulations take effect.
By Makia Freeman

The recent Soros hack  the hacking and release of 2500+ emails and documents release by DCLeaks  shows black-and-white proof of the machinations, manipulations and massively long reach of Hungarian-born Jew, multi-billionaire, top Hillary Clinton donor, arch manipulator and big-time New World Order insider George Soros.

The MSM is ignoring the Soros hack, which is to be expected, but those coming to it with little or no knowledge of the man will be blown away by the extent to which Soros directs world affairs. This man is extremely influential and deserves to be focused upon in the same way that the Rockefellers and Rothschilds have been. He has been behind some extremely important political movements in the US (e.g. BLM or Black Lives Matter) and geopolitical events around the world (e.g. the US-funded Ukrainian coup which installed a Neo-Nazi puppet government).

Soros favorite method is to fund color revolutions (fake grassroots uprisings) through his numerous NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) which specialize in propaganda and the overthrow of democratically elected foreign governments in coups. Soros and his NGOs were banned last year in 2015 by Russia as a threat to national security, and the Soros hack shows us why Russian leaders dont want the man near their nation.

If Theres a Movement, Good Chance Soros is Behind It

So just what do these emails reveal about Soros? He has an incredible array of Open Society Foundations (OSFs) in numerous countries across the world, all of which are pushing his particular agendas, such as open borders, unfettered migration, welfare and support for illegal migrants, social justice (a loaded term which means many different things to different people) and the humanitarian spreading of US democracy around the world (more loaded terms and doublespeak). The leaked documents include proof that Soros has been involved in all of the below top 10 machinations. Soros is actively intervening and interfering on a colossal scale. He is causing problems and chaos (including murder and war) to reshape the world in his view (ordo ab chao):

1. Trying to sway a US Supreme Court decision to get documentation and welfare for undocumented or illegal immigrant parents of a child US citizen:

Grantees are seeking to influence the Justices (primarily via a sophisticated amicus briefs and media strategy) in hopes of securing a favorable ruling in U.S. v. Texas, and using the case to redefine messaging and align the movement.

2. Trying to buy journalists to present a favorable Ukraine narrative:

Select journalists from the 5 target countries (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Greece) and offer them long stay reporting trips in Ukraine. Rather than specify what they should write about they should make suggestions for articles; we retain a veto on stories we think are counterproductive  this isnt proper independent journalism and we may damage our credibility with journalists. Journalists may produce stories that have no relevance for the narrative we seek to inform or stories that are counterproductive (enforcing narratives of fascism etc.)

(Remember that in June 2015, a small group of Ukrainian hackers exposed the communication between new president Petro Poroshenko (US asset) and Soros, which showed that Soros was the puppet master assuring Poroshenko of US help.)

3. Influencing and trying to take advantage of the European migrant crisis:

Our premise for engaging in work related to governance was that, in addition to mitigating the negative effects of enforcement, we should also be supporting actors in the field proactively seeking to change the policies, rules, and regulations that govern migration. We also believed that advances at the regional or international levels could create impetus for policy change or implementation of existing norms at the national level. We deliberately avoided the term global governance because there is no single system at the global level for managing migration.

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4. Trying to reform immigration law throughout Europe and the world, including a US immigration law passed by the Gang of Eight senators:

The current refugee crisis is creating space to reconsider the governance of migration and the international refugee regime  reforming migration governance at the global level. Although [comprehensive immigration reform] was not achieved, winning the Senate with such a large, bipartisan majority was a partial victory and further than the movement had gotten in recent decades, and, as a result of the effort, the immigrant rights movement infrastructure matured and ultimately emerged stronger, more coordinated, and more cohesive.  Document including a presentation from Ivy O. Suriyopas, a program officer with OSFs U.S. Programs

5. Funding BLM (Black Lives Matter) to the tune of $650,000, which had more to do with instigating violent anti-police riots than genuinely helping black people in poverty facing racism and discrimination:

Recognizing the need for strategic assistance, the U.S. Programs Board approved $650,000 in Opportunities Fund support to invest in technical assistance and support for the groups at the core of the burgeoning #BlackLivesMatter movement.

For more analysis on how the BLM movement is being coordinated at higher levels, along with the migrant crisis, see my article Decoding Current Social Engineering Tactics of the Anglo-American-Zionist NWO.

WikiLeaks added to the Soros hack by showing George Soros told Hillary (as Sec. of State) how to intervene in Albania.

6. Dictating to then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton how to handle a political situation in Albania (as revealed by WikiLeaks):

Dear Hillary, A serious situation has arisen in Albania which needs urgent attention at senior levels of the US government. You may know that an opposition demonstration in Tirana on Friday resulted in the deaths of three people and the destruction of property. There are serious concerns about further unrest connected to a counter-demonstration to be organized by the governing party on Wednesday and a follow-up event by the opposition two days later to memorialize the victims 

Soros went on to tell Hillary exactly who she needed to appoint as mediator: Carl Bildt, Martti Ahtisaari and Miroslav Lajcak. Hillary did what she was told.

7. Donating money (buying influence) to social justice through centralization of power in the State:

Build state-based power: Advance social justice in critical states through state-based issue advocacy and organizing where the opportunities to advance (or the threats to) open society are particularly significant.

8. Trying to make Greece support the Ukrainian Coup and turn against Russia:

In general, and at your discretion, do not say you are doing this for Open Society because it is likely to close down doors. Theres a lot of suspicion about Open Society in Greece, mainly because of its positions vis-a-vis the former Yugoslavia.

9. Gathering information on opponents to his agenda:

Daily Caller reports that Soros gave Center for American Progress (CAP) a $200,000 grant, then two more grants for a total of $500,000, for the purpose of researching and monitoring the activities of opponents such as Pamela Geller (Stop Islamization of America), organizations such as Jihad Watch and the Middle East Forum, Liz Cheney (daughter of former VP Dick Cheney), as well as examining the role played by right-wing media, the Tea Party movement and others.

10. Controlling the US Ambassador to Ukraine and other key Ukrainian figures:

Soros and his NGO executives conducted detailed and extensive meetings with just about every actor involved in the Maidan coup in Ukraine. These included US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, David Meale (Economic Counsellor to the Ambassador), Lenny Benardo (OSF), Yevhen Bystrytsky (Executive Director, IRF), Oleksandr Sushko (Board Chair, IRF), Ivan Krastev (Chariman, Centre for Liberal Studies), Sabine Freizer (OSF), and Deff Barton (Director, USAID, Ukraine). I wonder where Vicky Fuck the EU Nuland is in all of this, but Im sure shell be in there somewhere.

In this excerpt below, Soros and Pyatt are on the same team in terms of propaganda dissemination after the illegal US coup:

Ambassador: The short term issue that needs to be addressed will be the problem in getting the message out from the government through professional PR tools, especially given Putins own professional smear campaigns. GS: Agreement on the strategic communications issueproviding professional PR assistance to Ukrainian government would be very useful. Gave an overview of the Crisis Media Center set up by IRF and the need for Yatseniuk to do more interviews with them that address directly with journalists and the public the current criticisms of his decision making.

NGOs: Domination through Subversion and Infiltration

It is no wonder that nations now view NGOs very suspiciously. No doubt, there are many good NGOs doing important work for the benefit of humanity, but on the darker side, NWO manipulators like Soros have seized upon them as a vehicle of infiltration and subversion, as a way to covertly influence, control and dominate a country without needing to overtly go to war with it. Todays battles are being fought with NGOs and electronics, rather than armaments and nukes. We are in the middle of a giant propaganda war. The Soros hack completely vindicates the prescient words of JFK, who made a famous speech where he mentioned that:

 we are opposed around the world by a monolithic and ruthless conspiracy that relies on covert means for expanding its sphere of influence  on infiltration instead of invasion, on subversion instead of elections 

For anyone familiar with key conspiracy documents, this approach of Soros and his minions also echoes what is found in Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars:

Everything that is expected from an ordinary weapon is expected from a silent weapon by its creators, but only in its own manner of functioning. It shoots situations, instead of bullets; propelled by data processing, instead of chemical reaction (explosion); originating from bits of data, instead of grains of gunpowder; from a computer, instead of a gun; operated by a computer programmer, instead of a marksman; under the orders of a banking magnate, instead of a military general. The public cannot comprehend this weapon, and therefore cannot believe that they are being attacked and subdued by a weapon. When a silent weapon is applied gradually, the public adjusts/adapts to its presence and learns to tolerate its encroachment on their lives until the pressure (psychological via economic) becomes too great and they crack up. Therefore, the silent weapon is a type of biological warfare. It attacks the vitality, options, and mobility of the individuals of a society by knowing, understanding, manipulating, and attacking their sources of natural and social energy, and their physical, mental, and emotional strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion: The Soros Hack Exposes a Vast Hidden Influence

Like so much conspiracy theory that turns out to be conspiracy fact, the Soros hack now proves the nefarious and heretofore hidden influence that rich NWO billionaires like George Soros have on world affairs, foreign and domestic, due to their practically unlimited funds. If you want to change the world, $25 billion goes a long way and will buy you a lot of influence over government policy and law. The Soros hack is yet more evidence that we do not live in a world where our leaders are elected, they are selected; and on top of that, they rarely represent the common people, because they are beholden to moneyed interests, to the point where they are emailed and told how to intervene and directed what to do. The Soros hack is yet more proof that the real truth of who runs the world is to be found in conspiracy research, and thankfully, as more and more leaks and hacks surface, we are beginning to put the full picture together.

*****

Want the latest commentary and analysis on Conspiracy, Health, Geopolitics, Sovereignty, Consciousness and more? Sign up for free blog updates!

Makia Freeman is the editor of alternative news / independent media site The Freedom Articles and senior researcher at ToolsForFreedom.com (FaceBook here), writing on many aspects of truth and freedom, from exposing aspects of the worldwide conspiracy to suggesting solutions for how humanity can create a new system of peace and abundance.

Sources:

http://soros.dcleaks.com

http://freedom-articles.toolsforfreedom.com/real-hillary-clinton/

http://www.cnbc.com/2015/11/30/russia-bans-george-soros-charity-as-security-threat.html

http://thefreethoughtproject.com/soros-hacks-buy-supreme-court/#oMtyHdiOKpd5QfEr.99

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-08-16/soros-hack-reveals-plot-behind-europes-refugee-crisis-media-funding-and-manipulation

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2015-06-01/hacked-emails-expose-george-soros-ukraine-puppet-master

http://dailycaller.com/2016/08/16/memo-soros-investments-led-to-senate-passage-of-gang-of-eight-immigration-bill

http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/23896-hacked-documents-soros-funded-black-lives-matter

http://freedom-articles.toolsforfreedom.com/social-engineering-tactics-anglo-zionist-nwo/

https://www.wikileaks.org/clinton-emails/Clinton_Email_September_Release/C05778285.pdf

http://soros.dcleaks.com/fview/USA/tab-07-democracy-and-power-fund.pdf

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-08-19/leaked-memo-shows-soros-pushed-greece-support-ukraine-coup-paint-russia-enemy

http://dailycaller.com/2016/08/14/memo-soros-group-funded-opposition-research-on-critics-of-radical-islam/

http://theduran.com/leaked-memo-proves-george-soros-ruled-ukraine-in-2014-minutes-from-breakfast-with-us-ambassador-geoffrey-pyatt/

http://freedom-articles.toolsforfreedom.com/jfk-assassination-who-how-why-part-1/

http://freedom-articles.toolsforfreedom.com/3-most-chilling-conspiracy-documents-accounts/

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With Indias top e-commerce unicorns  namely, Amazon.in, Flipkart, Snapdeal and ShopClues  battling head-to-head to increase market share, CashKaro.com, a leading cashback and coupons site, has chalked out numbers to comprehend the trends from this festive season sales. Working with all the top e-commerce players puts CashKaro.com in a unique position to compare trends and bestsellers seen across these sites.

On the festive trends, Swati and Rohan Bhargava, Founders, CashKaro.com, said, The scale of online shopping in India has grown substantially with the increase in internet ready devices, awareness about e-commerce, better user experience enabled byimproved infrastructure in terms of logistics and broadband. All top retailers have unveiled a bevy of offers to entice shoppers to garner a significant portion of their total annual sales during this festive season that will last for most of October. We are expecting a 300 per cent increase in GMV of CashKaro from October-December. Sales are a great incentive to shop and given we offer Cashback over and above all sale discounts and bank card offers, shoppers love to start their journey at CashKaro.com. Retailers are also offering increased affiliate commissions on categories like fashion, beauty and consumables as affiliate sites like us form about 20 per cent of their business.





Top 5 festive trends as seen on CashKaro site:

1. Top Retailers:

Stiff competition between Amazon.in, Flipkart, Snapdeal and ShopClues in terms of GMV driven

2. Top Product Categories:





Mobiles 35 per cent and Laptops 6 per cent  Deals on mobile and laptops always have better traction because of their sheer ticket value.

Fashion 20 per cent and Health & Beauty 5 per cent  Overall transactions in fashion & lifestyle vertical has grown. Retailers are banking upon this category as it offers higher margins for them.

Small & Large Appliances 9 per cent  This category has seen among the best discounts this season.

Gift Cards 8 per cent  This category has gained popularity registering a 5X increase in the number of orders this festive season vs normal days of the year.

TVs 7 per cent  As confidence in online shopping grows, more and more people are willing to buy large items like TVs online. The deals and discounts in this category have been huge.

Consumables 6 per cent  Recently introduced Faster Delivery options by various e-commerce sites have greatly enabled growth of this category. Moreover, dedicated days like Amazons Super Value Days and Snapdeals Daily Needs store have really brought focus and momentum in this category.

Others 4 per cent

3. Average Order Value this festive season:





The Average Order Value through CashKaro platform has been 2X this festive season vis-a-vis rest of the year. The reason for this increase was largely due to higher discounts offered by partner sites and increased spending by customers online.

4. Number of transactions during festive season vs. rest of the year:

There has been a 6X increase in number of transactions via CashKaro.com during the festive period, compared to the rest of the year. This is largely due to the wide array of discounts and promotions being offered to bring new shoppers online and drive repeat purchases. CashKaro.com offered up to 30 per cent extra Cashback/ Rewards on top of all these sales and discounts hence, its members had a great incentive to shop via CashKaro.

Exclusive privileges and financial benefits being offered by portals like Snapdeal, ShopClues, Flipkart and Amazon.in, backed by additional discounts through strategic partnerships with various banks like HDFC, SBI, ICICI Bank, Standard Chartered, American Express, etc., have also played a pivotal role in increasing sales& order value this festive season.

5. Cities that are seeing greater interest during Diwali:





The top 5 Metros (Delhi/ NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata) have continued to dominate along with upcoming metro cities such as Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Chandigarh. This year, Tier II/ Tier III cities such as, Bhopal, Pimpri Chinchwad, Ernakulam, Bhubaneswar, those in Telangana region, etc., have registered an increased traffic as against last year.

6. Preferred Device to shop from: Mobile vs Desktop:

Mobile - 40 per cent

Desktop - 60 per cent

Unlike last year, equal promotion on both Desktop and App platforms are seen as retailers have realised that both mediums have their own merits and cannot be ignored.

Adding to the whole festivity this October, CashKaro has also launched its in-house campaign, Cash Wali Diwali, wherein users who shop via CashKaro on its partner retailers can win Amazon.in gift vouchers daily and a 42-inch LED TV. The campaign prizes are sponsored by Amazon.in, who has been aggressively ramping up its e-commerce wallet share in India.

CashKaro offered up to 10 per cent extra cashback as rewards on all Amazon.in transactions during the Great Indian Festival Sale (October 1-5). Similarly, cashbacks and rewards are being offered on all sales placed during Flipkart The Big Billion Days, Snapdeal Unbox Sale, ShopClues Diwali Sale and over 1,000 websites.
Snapdeal, Indias largest online marketplace today announced that it sold more than 11 million units during its Unbox Diwali Sale held from 2nd - 6th October 2016. Fashion, home (general merchandise) and electronics were highest selling categories by volume in that order. More than a million concurrent users logged on to Snapdeal at peak time.

Two significant changes in user behaviour were also observed on Snapdeal this Diwali versus the last Diwali. There was an increase of 40% in the number of women shoppers purchasing online on Snapdeal. The other significant trend was growth in prepaid orders driven by attractive offers on bank cards and preference for SD Gold. Over 50% of orders were prepaid during the Diwali sale.

Speaking about Snapdeals success during the Diwali Sale, Kunal Bahl, Co-Founder and CEO, Snapdeal said, The Unbox Diwali Sale has been a great success for us on all metrics. Our customers have given us very positive reviews on the quality of service that we offered with respect to our vast selection and speed of delivery. Hundreds of thousands of orders were delivered in 24 hours despite the massive surge in orders. We saw a 4 times increase of new users who shopped at Snapdeal as compared to last Diwali. I would like to congratulate the entire Snapdeal family including our team, sellers, brand partners and logistics partners who have worked day and night towards this grand success.

With the launch of Unbox Zindagi campaign last month, there was an exponential increase in new users on Snapdeal. The top metro cities where demand came from were Delhi-NCR, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune in that order. The traffic from Tier II/Tier III cities increased 20 times across the country driven by high brand recall, availability of relevant assortment and consistently fast deliveries. More than 75,000 unique sellers received multiple orders during the Unbox Diwali Sale.
After being the highest accolade for over 20 years for top brands across the world, Superbrands now announces SuperStartUps for India. Superbrands invites entries from startups in India to be part of the SuperStartUp honour. This initiative will enable startups to differentiate their brands from an idea perspective and engage users in their brand journey. Startup brands can aim to stand a class apart by being recognized not just for their idea, but also presentation, execution and user satisfaction.

The SuperStartUp Council in India will be led by legendary brand builder turned online entrepreneur, Shivjeet Kullar who has over 100 national and international awards to his creadit. It will also features names like Prahalad Kakkar Indias top Ad Film Maker, Deep Kalra, Founder, Make My Trip, Sanjiv Bikchandani, the poster boy of the Internet world, Valerie Pinto, CEO, Weber Shandwick and Anmol Dar, Founder, Superbrands India - to name a few.

In India the SuperStartUp program will effectively judge efficacy, awareness and reputation of online brands. A SuperStartUp status would motivate teams, reassure users and send a clear signal to Investors and VCs.

Speaking on the launch of the initiative Anmol Dar Chairman Superbrands India said, India is fast rising as the Startup destination in the world. With the burgeoning of more than 700 brands each year it has become extremely important to differentiate, with credibility and understand from users themselves. We have chosen to partner with Shivjeet in this ecosystem as he not only understands brands and their architecture but is also an entrepreneur in the startup world himself who is keenly aware of the challenges and nuances of being in the ecosystem.

Commenting on the initiative and launch in India Shivjeet Kullar stated, We are truly excited with the opportunity to bring SuperStartUps to India. Superbrands simply put, sets the standards for trust, respect and breakout performance. We aim to work with netizens from across the country who will shortlist and score startup brands. Letting consumers be the true judge.

In India the SuperStartUp program will effectively judge efficacy, awareness and reputation of online brands explains Professor Suresh Ramanathan, Consumer Behaviour Scientist from the University of Texas, who has architected the research progress, netizens spread across 25 cities in India, will shortlist and score startups  because after all, the true judge is the consumer.

For over 20 years Superbrands has been the definitive honour for top brands across the world. From Australia to Argentina, Germany to Ghana and UAE to USA in over 50 countries over the globe Superbrands has been the Oscar of the business world. In India too it has been an accolade that the best companies have sought, won, and used in their advertising and communication. Superbrands aims to work with the burgeoning startup ecosystem to launch SuperStartUps for India.

For more information and to enter go to www.superstartupsindia.com. Entry for the first stage is free  all you need is self-belief and ambition.
CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (CEMEX) (NYSE:CX) announced today that its subsidiary CEMEX Latam Holdings, S.A. ("CLH") (BVC:CLH) has made senior level position organizational changes at CLH and CEMEX Colombia that will enhance the level of leadership, administration, and corporate governance practices.

The Board of Directors of CLH, taking into consideration a favorable report from its Nominating and Compensation Committee, resolved to split the roles of Chairman of the Board of Directors of CLH, Chief Executive Officer of CLH and Director of CEMEX Colombia. Additionally, a new Chairman of the Board of Directors of CLH, Director of CEMEX Colombia, and Director of Planning of CLH were appointed.

As a result, effective immediately, the following organizational changes are taking place:

Juan Pablo San Agustin has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of CLH. He will also remain as Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning and New Business Development of CEMEX. He is a member of CEMEXs Executive Committee.

Jaime Muguiro Dominguez has been confirmed as Chief Executive Officer of CLH. He will also remain as President of CEMEX South, Central America and the Caribbean and is also a member of CEMEXs Executive Committee.

Ricardo Naya Barba has been appointed Director of CEMEX Colombia.

Francisco Aguilera Mendoza has been appointed Director of Planning of CLH, and will be appointed Director of Planning of CEMEX Colombia in the upcoming days.

All of the executives named above have significant international operating management experience and on average have close to 20 years each of working experience in CEMEX.

I have the highest confidence in our new senior management members of CLH, Ricardo Naya and Francisco Aguilera. Both of them have the proven experience, talent and dedication to perform their respective roles. Ricardo is the right person to lead our operations in Colombia, said Jaime Muguiro, CEO of CLH. I am very optimistic about the outlook for our business.

CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries. Celebrating its 110th anniversary, CEMEX has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future. For more information on CEMEX, please visit www.cemex.com

CEMEX assumes no obligation to update or correct the information contained in this press release.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161005006551/en/

CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V.

Media Relations:

Jorge Perez, +52(81) 8888-4334

mr@cemex.com

or

Investor Relations:

Eduardo Rendon, +52(81) 8888-4256

ir@cemex.com

or

Analyst Relations:

Lucy Rodriguez, +1 (212) 317-6007

ir@cemex.com
Global 50 law firm Goodwin announced today that partner Qing Nian has relocated to its Hong Kong office to join the firms Asia Practice. Nian is a member of Goodwins Technology & Life Sciences Group.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161005006482/en/

Qing Nian, partner at Goodwin (Photo: Business Wire)

Nian represents public and private companies, venture capital and private equity firms, and investment banks in capital markets transactions, mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and buyouts, venture capital and growth equity financings, and general corporate and securities matters. Her clients include energy companies, publishers, travel companies such as Explorica and TripAdvisor, and biotech companies such as Allena Pharmaceuticals, BeiGene, Caliber I.D. and Galapagos, along with leading U.S. and Asia-based financial investors.

We are delighted that Qing has joined us in Hong Kong, said Yash Rana, Chair of Goodwins Hong Kong office and leader of the firms Asia Practice. Since joining the firm in 2010, she has advised on a diverse range of cross-border transactions. Her move to Hong Kong is another step in the development of our pan-Asian capabilities, and we look forward to her continued contributions to the firm and our clients.

A native of China, Nian earned her undergraduate and law degrees at Tsinghua University and University of Hong Kong, respectively. She also earned LL.M and J.D. degrees from Washington University School of Law, where she was a McDonnell Scholar at the McDonnell International Scholars Academy. She has been a member of Goodwins Boston office since joining as a summer associate in 2008. In October 2016, Nian became a Goodwin partner.

Prior to joining Goodwin, Nian was a Public Interest Fellow at Medical-Legal Partnership in Boston, where she provided pro bono legal services to low-income families.

Nian is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and New York and is a Registered Foreign Lawyer in Hong Kong. She can be reached at +852 3658 5330 and qnian@goodwinlaw.com

With a team of multilingual lawyers qualified in the PRC, Hong Kong, India and the United States, Goodwins Hong Kong office offers skilled cross-border legal advice within a broad range of sectors and practice areas. Its comprehensive corporate practice is focused on private equity, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, fund formation, joint ventures and strategic transactions. Goodwin has been recognized as a leading law firm in India by the India Business Journal every year since 2008. It has been ranked for outstanding corporate/M&A by Chambers Global and investment funds work for international firms in China by Chambers Asia Pacific.

About Goodwin

At Goodwin, we use law to achieve unprecedented results for our clients. Our 900 plus lawyers across the United States, Europe and Asia excel at complex transactions, high-stakes litigations and world-class advisory services in the financial, life sciences, private equity, real estate and technology industries. We partner with our clients to practice law with integrity, ingenuity, agility and ambition. To learn more, visit us at www.goodwinlaw.com and follow us on Twitter at @goodwinlaw and on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161005006482/en/

Goodwin

Somna Maraj, 212-459-7212

smaraj@goodwinlaw.com
PXTherapeutics, a subsidiary of the Aguettant group, a company that specializes in the customer-tailored development of recombinant proteins, and RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding AG (Relief, SIX : RLF), a biotechnology company dedicated to the clinical development of innovative molecules for the treatment of certain diabetes-related complications, respiratory disorders and rare diseases, have announced today a strategic collaboration agreement for the production of atexakin alfa, a low-dose formulation of the recombinant human protein interleukin-6.

This Medicinal Product Candidate (MPC) aims to fulfill an unmet medical need in peripheral diabetic neuropathy by regenerating damaged nerve fibers, stimulating remyelination and reducing neuropathic symptoms. No existing marketed therapies for peripheral neuropathy are able to regenerate damaged peripheral nerves. As such, therefore, atexakin alfa could become the first truly disease-modifying drug for this condition.

In this project, PXTherapeutics will develop an optimized production process for recombinant interleukin 6, a 185-amino acids cytokine, in CHO cells. PXTherapeutics will also produce, in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) guidelines, protein batches that will be used for clinical trials.

Gael Hedou, COO of Relief, comments: "This collaboration is a key step in the advancement of the atexakin alfa project, and we are delighted to be able to rely on the expertise of PXTherapeutics to complete the production necessary to implement our clinical trials".

Claire Untereiner, COO of PXTherapeutics adds: "We are looking forward to this new collaboration with the Relief team for the development of this promising molecule. Based on the low doses required, we hope to be able to support Relief very far in its development, maybe even all the way to market"

About RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding AG:

RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding AG is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with a portfolio of drug candidates derived from natural human origins. Its two most promising drug candidates are aviptadil for the treatment of sarcoidosis (already in Phase III) and low dose interleukin-6 (atexakin alfa) for the treatment of peripheral diabetic neuropathy (already in Phase II). Aviptadil development in sarcoidosis focuses the drug on an orphan disease market, in which European regulators have indicated that a single pivotal Phase III trial would be sufficient to support approval. Atexakin alfa is the subject of an exclusive worldwide development and commercialization agreement with a division of the global established pharmaceutical firm Merck KGaA, and has been the subject of multiple clinical trials and representing a major capital investment. Based on its unique mechanism of action, atexakin alfa could become the first regenerative therapeutic for peripheral neuropathy. The peripheral diabetic neuropathy market is estimated to reach $4.1 billion in 2019, according to Datamonitor.

RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding AG is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the symbol RLF and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

. For more information, please visit: www.relieftherapeutics.com

About PXTherapeutics:

Located in Grenoble, PXTherapeutics (a subsidiary of the pharmaceutical group Aguettant) is a biotechnology company specializing in engineering, process development and bioproduction of recombinant proteins, including monoclonal antibodies. Since its incorporation in 2000, PXTherapeutics has played a very active role in the optimization, development and production of target proteins or therapeutic candidates for public and private laboratories and biotechnology companies based in Europe and North America. For more information, please visit: www.px-therapeutics.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161005005858/en/

PXTherapeutics:

Claire Untereiner

C.O.O.

Claire.untereiner@px-therapeutics.com

or

RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding AG

Dr. Raghuram Selvaraju

Investor Relations

Tel: +41 44 723 59 59

investors@relieftherapeutics.com
Mauritius is ranked most competitive economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, beating South Africa, according to the latest ranking of The Global Competitiveness Index, by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Mauritius is ranked most competitive economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, beating powerhouse South Africa, according to the latest ranking of The Global Competitiveness Index, by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The report is an annual assessment of the factors driving productivity and prosperity in 138 countries. The degree to which economies are open to international trade in goods and services is directly linked to both economic growth and a nations innovative potential.

Also Read: Pan-African Property Fund splashes out $40 million on coastal resort in Mauritius

The trend, which is based on perception data from the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI)s Executive Opinion Survey, is gradual and attributed mainly to a rise in non-tariff barriers although three other factors are also taken into account; burdensome customs procedures; rules affecting FDI and foreign ownership. It is most keenly felt in the high and upper middle income economies.



Declining openness in the global economy is harming competitiveness and making it harder for leaders to drive sustainable, inclusive growth, said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum.

Mauritius ranks at number 45 on the global ladder with a score of 4.49, a step from their ranking last year. The country is sandwiched by Italy and Portugal.

Also Read: Africa Real Estate still offer value for hardworking Investors

South Africa, Rwanda, Botswana and Namibia completed the top 5 places for sub Saharan Africa. The WEF has been measuring economic competitiveness among countries since 1979.

Africa Property News.com learnt that Switzerland, Singapore and the US are ranked as the top three countries, followed by the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden.

The World Economic Forum (WEF), best know for its annual meeting in the Swiss ski resort of Davos. WEF has been measuring economic competitiveness among countries since 1979.

Mauritius, officially the Republic of Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) off the southeast coast of the African continent.

The country includes the island of Mauritius, Rodrigues and the outer islands. The islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues form part of the Mascarene Islands, along with nearby Reunion, a French overseas department. The area of the country is 2,040 km2. The capital and largest city is Port Louis. Mauritius was a British colonial possession from 1810 to 1968, the year of its independence.

Mauritius is a major tourist destination, ranking 3rd in the region and 56th globally. It enjoys a tropical climate with clear warm sea waters, attractive beaches, tropical fauna and flora complemented by a multi-ethnic and cultural population.

These tourism assets are its main strength, especially since they are backed up by well-designed and run hotels, and reliable and operational services and infrastructures

Below is the top 10 of sub Saharan Africas competitive economies with their scoring.
At least 20 Syrian rebels were killed in a blast at a border crossing with Turkey on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Britain-based monitoring group said it was unclear what caused the blast at the Atme crossing between Turkey and the northern Syrian province of Idlib, adding that around 20 people had also been wounded.

Turkeys state-run Anatolia news agency confirmed the blast left 20 people dead at Atme, adding that it took place during a change of guard among Syrian rebels in the area.

The IS-linked Amaq news agency reported the blast, saying it was a car bomb, without carrying any formal claim of responsibility.

Rebel fighters have been targeted at the crossing before. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a mid-August suicide attack there that killed at least 32.
Crime Branch and Thane City Police were worried that local police might divulge details of the raid to suspects hence they carried out the operation under secrecy.

Local police stations in Thane was unaware of the raids conducted by Crime Branch on three call centres based in Mira Road in which more than 700 employees were detained. SP Mahesh Patil was present in Mira Road when raids were carried out. Dy SP Narsingh Bhonsle too learnt about the incident on the next day. Though senior police officials were aware about the raids but local police were kept in dark about it.

Crime Branch had carried out the raids under secrecy. They have not revealed any information to local police stations like Mira Road, Kashimira, Naya Nagar and Navghar before conducting the raid. They suspected that the local police might divulge the details of the raid to suspects, said an officer of Thane Rural Police on the condition of anonymity.

Raids were conducted at Hari Om IT park, Universal outsourcing and Oswal House simultaneously. The official and private vehicles of Thane police were parked near place where raids were conducted. When Mr Patil and Bhonsle learnt about the incident they rushed to the call centre. Since most of the accused were working in Hari Om IT park Narsingh Bhonsle had visited the spot the next day. Police dont possess any records about the officials who were running the business. After conducting raids at three call centres police had taken all the employees and management into custody. At the time of conducting the raids all employees had reported for work. Since employees had failed to return home the next day their parents had arrived at the call centre to inquire about them. Police have arrested 70 persons and have issued showcause notice to 630 employees of the call centre.

My son had recently joined the call centre and was unaware about the fraudulent activities happening there. He is innocent and was detained by the police for questioning, said the parent of an employee working at Hari Om IT park.

Bale house in which Universal outsourcing call centre is situated is the hub of fraudulent activities. The interviews of candidates for joining call centres are conducted there. The recruited candidates are being trained to speak in American accent. After completion of the training they are asked to join Hari Om IT park. Few months back, police had conducted a raid at Bale House after learning about some malpractices occurring there. Call centres give preference to fresh candidates. They are also provided incentives for meeting monthly targets.

The employees would call up the US citizens and demand their financial and bank details, failing which they would allegedly threaten them with dire consequences, including legal action. After obtaining the requisite details from the American citizens, these call centre employees would siphon off money from their accounts, police said, adding daily turnover of such dealings was estimated to be over Rs 1 crore.
MNS supremo Raj Thackeray has made a very true, logical and bold statement by declaring that caste based reservation should be eliminated. I feel glad that a politician has boldly come out with this suggestion pertaining to the reservation system. The quota policy, on the whole, has today, taken a wider proportion and is more often misused- even after 69 years of Indias independence. The system, as it stands today, prevents those students despite scoring high percentage of marks (especially those belonging to the upper caste are not covered under the reservation policy) from getting admission and employment as their right. This is because that in the field of education and employment seats are reserved for SC/STs and Other Backward Castes (OBC). Thus most deserving candidates scoring percentages as high as above as 90 possessing extremely brilliant academic records are deprived of their seats in the engineering, management, medical colleges and employment too. And, now with the new provision, the SC/STs will get promotion under the quota policy.

In other words, efficiency, merit, sincerity and performance will have no meaning and just by taking advantage of the quota policy, the SC/ST will get promoted to higher grades, even if one proves to be inefficient and an under-performer. On the other hand, the truly meritorious and sincere performer will have to wait for his turn as per the policy of the government or the organization. What is happening, therefore today is that every caste and tribe wants to be treated as ST/SC or at least be included under the OBC category so that the benefits under the reservations policy can be availed of, irrespective of the economic and financial background. Its sad to notice that the Jat community had violently protested and reservation was granted to them. Now the Maratha community in Maharashtra are holding rallies for quotas.

Today, it has become a privilege matter to be treated as an ST or SC, which was not so at least about a decade ago. The extreme extension of reservation by the Indian political leaders and the government, just to appease one community after the other, repeatedly, has now led to the deprived caste or class demanding reservation as a matter of right. At this rate, the day is not far off when the real upper caste strata (like Brahmins etc) also start demanding reservation because, today, they feel the heat and are the real ones who are deprived of admissions, jobs etc, due to over patronage of certain caste and communities. Moreover, in our country, every year one caste or the tribe keep rising up to demand reservation!

The solution lies in saying that enough is enough and we stopped these politicians from tinkering with the reservation policy, year after year and especially on the eve of elections. I dont understand when our government will do away with this outdated quota policy altogether and when will our politicians stop appeasing certain sections of the community in the name of reservation. Today only merit should count and reservation should be based on economic status. Abolish caste, class, creed or community based reservation altogether.

Or better still..remove reservations once for all.

S.KrishnaKumar

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]fter months, when Dalit politics is a burning issue across the country important investigation revealed that Rohith Vemula committed suicide due to personal frustration not discrimination. An inquiry conducted by the one-man judicial commission has revealed that personal frustration not discrimination on University of Hyderabad campus drove student Rohith Vemula to commit suicide. As per the probe, Vemulas decision to commit suicide was completely his own and not abetted by either the university administration or the government. Another key finding of the commission is that Vemulas mother, V Radhika, claimed to be a Mala (Dalit) to back the caste certificate issued to her son by a person named Uppalapati Danamma, then a corporator, with whom she stayed for one and half years.

Radhikas claim that her foster parents told her that her biological parents were SC was improbable and unbelievable. It added that Vemulas caste certificate was issued without any proper inquiry. The evidence on record shows that she (Radhika) belongs to Vaddera Community and, therefore, the Scheduled Caste certificate issued to Rohith Vemula cannot be said to be a genuine one and he was not a candidate belonging to backward caste. The report dismissed claims of political pressure behind the expulsion of Vemula and his batchmates. It further rejected the possibility that Vemula could have faced discrimination. The report further gave a clean chit to Bandaru Dattatreya and Smriti Irani. The inquiry did not take into account Vemulas December 18, 2015, letter written to vice-chancellor Appa Rao Podile in which he alleged discrimination. The fact that the suicide happened one month after the letter indicates that the anger did not continue.

Vemula was born on 30 January 1989 in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh to Manikumar Vemula and Radhika. He was a PhD student at the University of Hyderabad. His father belongs to Veddera (OBC) community and his mother hails from Mala (scheduled caste) caste. In July 2015, the University reportedly stopped paying Rohith the fellowship amount of Rs. 25,000 per month after he was raising issues under the banner of Ambedkar Students Association (ASA) though a university official denied the allegation of non-payment of scholarship, citing the delay pertaining to paperwork. In August 2015, Rohith Vemula and four ASA members protested against the death penalty awarded to Yakub Memon, a convict in 1993 Bombay (now Mumbai) bombings which claimed 257 lives. They also condemned the ABVP attack on the screening of the documentary Muzaffarnagar Baaqi Hai in Delhi University. On 3rd August 2015, Rohith Vemula and other ASA activists demonstrated at the Hyderabad campus. In response, ABVPs university unit president Nandanam Susheel Kumar called them goons on Facebook.

The next day Kumar was taken to hospital and operated for an acute appendicitis, but stated that he was roughed up by around 40 ASA members who barged into his room. According to reports published in various newspapers, an anonymous ASA member stated that, When we confronted Susheel in his hostel room, he tendered a written apology in the presence of the universitys security officer. But the next day, he got himself admitted in a hospital and alleged that members of ASA had manhandled him. The university ordered an inquiry while ABVP lodged a police complaint. ABVP wrote to BJP MP from Secunderabad and Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya, alleging that the ASA members were indulging in casteist and anti-national activities. Dattatreya stated that he forwarded the letter on official letterhead to Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani. The letter was then forwarded to the universitys Vice-Chancellor professor P. Appa Rao. In response, further action was taken against Rohith Vemula by college on 5 August 2015, expelling him from his hostel along with the other four members of the Ambedkar Students Association (ASA), while ABVPs Kumar was let off with a warning.

In September five students were suspended, a decision which was upheld on 17 December 2015. Meanwhile, his family struggled to help him, and Rohith Vemula had to borrow money from a friend. On 3rd January 2016, after the suspension was confirmed, five students moved out of their hostel rooms. They set up a tent inside the campus and began a relay hunger protest. On 17th January 2016, Rohith Vemula committed suicide hanging himself with a banner of the Ambedkar Students Association. In the suicide-note left behind by him, he blamed the system for his death. According to the suicide note, Rohith committed suicide in the room of one Umma Anna, in whose room he was staying after being expelled from the hostel by the authorities at the University of Hyderabad.

His suicide sparked protests and outrage from across India and gained widespread media attention as an alleged case of discrimination against Dalits and low status caste in India, in which elite educational institutions have been purportedly seen as hotbeds of caste-based discrimination against students belonging to lower castes.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
One terrorist was killed during an infiltration bid in the Naugam sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

The body of the slain terrorist was recovered during an ongoing search operation.

Earlier today, three Pakistani terrorists were eliminated after they attacked a camp at Langate in Kupwara district, confirmed Commanding Officer of the 30 Rashtriya Rifles Colonel Rajiv Saharan.

Three AK-47 rifles, two UBGL launchers, three GPS, four radio search, maps and metric sheet, and medicines were recovered from them.

When asked about how they identified the terrorists, Colonel Saharan said, The medicines recovered have made in Pakistan markings on them, this ascertains that these three terrorists were from Pakistan.

Colonel Saharan further said that the terrorists were spotted within the perimeter of their camp who, upon challenged, started open firing at them

On being challenged these terrorist opened indiscriminate fire on to our sentry posts and onto our living shelters where our soldiers were resting, he said.

Immediately after the encounter, the armed forces started sanitising the local area. Since the troops were alert, the attack was aptly retaliated by the security forces.








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Just when you thought the takeover of the global food supply couldnt get a whole lot worse, it did. Monsanto recently announced it has accepted Bayer AGs $56 billion takeover offer (a deal totaling $66 billion if you take into account Monsantos debt),1,2,3 which will make the new entity the largest seed and pesticide company in the world. The merger is expected to be finalized by the end of 2017. Should the deal end up being blocked by regulators, Bayer will pay Monsanto $2 billion. As we look at the future, we think the combination of taking the Monsanto stable: biotechnology, seeds and data science, and combining that with chemistry, we unlock future innovations growers desperately need at the moment, Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant said.4 Warning: Troubled Times Ahead The news has generated deep concerns, and Global Justice Now is calling on anti-competition regulators to investigate the takeover bid. Bernie Sanders has also gone on record saying the takeover is a threat to all Americans and needs to be blocked.5 He also wants the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to reopen its investigation of Monsantos monopoly over the seed and chemical market. If the merger goes through, well be left with just four companies providing 59 percent of the global seeds and 64 percent of the worlds pesticides.6,7 Aisha Dodwell with Global Justice Now summarized it well when, on September 14, she said:8 "Today's announcement of Bayer's takeover of Monsanto is a disaster for the world's food system. The creation of this mega-agribusiness would mean that a single terrifying corporate behemoth is now the world's biggest company for both seeds and pesticides, putting them firmly in control of the world's farming inputs. In an industry that was already dominated by only six big agribusinesses, this latest news will lead to even further market concentration as more mergers and takeovers will now become inevitable. We're speeding towards a situation where our global food system is controlled by a very few giant corporate entities who will have complete control of our food  what we eat and how it is grown. Farmers Worry Bayer-Monsanto Behemoth May Ruin Them In a recent New York Times article,9 Kentucky farmer Don Halcomb reveals he fully expects his profits to disappear by years end due to the combination of rising costs and dwindling crop prices. Halcomb, who grows corn, soy, wheat and barley on 7,000 acres, is already producing these commodities at a loss. Over the past 10 years, the price of a bag of seed corn has risen from $80 to $300  a price hike he attributes to the consolidation of seed companies, which reduces competition. The latest merger between Bayer and Monsanto is only likely to make matters worse, no matter how Bayer and Monsanto executives try to frame it as a boon for famers. Bayer AGs CEO, Werner Baumann, claims it is not our plan or our ambition or our intent to prevent farmers from having choice."10 But the history of Monsanto and Bayer both suggest it would be naive in the extreme to believe him. Additionally, several other major seed companies are also in takeover or merger negotiations, including ChemChina and Syngenta, and DuPont and Dow Chemical. If either of those go through, the market will be even more consolidated. Many Farmers Now Reconsider Use of GE Seeds On a positive note, the ever-increasing costs are causing many farmers to reconsider their use of genetically engineered (GE) seeds. It has become increasingly difficult to justify the higher prices for seeds, while crop prices diminish. Part of the problem is that farmers are simply growing too much GE corn and soy, which makes it difficult to recoup their investment. The threat of even higher prices for GE seeds and chemicals makes their future even more uncertain. As noted by The Wall Street Journal:11 The dominance of genetically modified crops is under threat.

Since their introduction to U.S. farms 20 years ago, genetically engineered seeds have become like mobile phones  multifunctional and ubiquitous  The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates this year that 94 percent of soybean acres were planted with biotech varieties, and 92 percent of corn acres. Today, farmers are finding it harder to justify the high and often rising prices for modified, or GMO, seed, given the measly returns  Spending on crop seeds has nearly quadrupled since 1996, when Monsanto Co. became the first of the companies to launch biotech varieties. Yet major crop prices have skidded lower for three years, and this year, many farmers stand to lose money. GE Seeds Fail to Live Up to Promises The development of superweeds resistant to the herbicides so generously doused on GE crops are another factor giving farmers pause. As farmers must work harder to combat the weeds and spend more money on chemicals, many see their profits vanishing at an ever faster pace. Ohio farmer Joe Logan echoes Halcombs sentiments, saying the price of biotech seeds prevents him from making a profit. Today, the soybean seed Logan uses costs him nearly five times more than what he paid 20 years ago. To save money, he plans on sowing mostly non-GE soybeans next year. Kyle Stackhouse, who grows corn and soybeans in Indiana, quit planting GE crops and is now making a profit. After turning his soybean fields and nearly three-quarters of his corn fields to biotech varieties, Stackhouse decided about 10 years ago that biotech seeds werent delivering harvests big enough to justify their price. The [genetic] traits werent putting dollars in our pocket, he said, The Wall Street Journal reports.12 Stackhouse estimates he typically spends about $53 per acre on soybean seeds and $40 on pesticides, versus $83 he would have spent on biotech soybean seeds [and] an additional  $24 on related crop chemicals. That puts him ahead about $14 per acre on costs. Monsanto  A Destroyer of the World In addition to GE seeds and its flagship product, the herbicide Roundup, Monsanto has also been a leading producer of Agent Orange, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT, recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) and aspartame  the history of which is summarized in The Complete History of Monsanto, The Worlds Most Evil Corporation,13 originally published by Waking Times in 2014.14 Monsanto also made its mark on history by participating in the Manhattan Project to build the first atomic bomb, thereby becoming a war horse ally to the United States government  an alliance that still holds today. As noted in The Complete History, article: To add insult to world injury, Monsanto and their partners in crime Archer Daniels Midland, Sodexo and Tyson Foods write and sponsor The Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009: HR 875.15 This 'act' gives the corporate factory farms a virtual monopoly to police and control all foods grown anywhere, including ones own backyard, and provides harsh penalties and jail sentences for those who do not use chemicals and fertilizers. President Obama  gave his approval. With this Act, Monsanto claims that only GM [genetically modified] foods are safe and organic or homegrown foods potentially spread disease, therefore must be regulated out of existence for the safety of the world  As further revelations have broken open regarding this evil giants true intentions, Monsanto crafted the ridiculous HR 933 Continuing Resolution,16 aka Monsanto Protection Act, which Obama robo-signed into law as well. This law states that no matter how harmful Monsantos GMO crops are and no matter how much devastation they wreak upon the country, U.S. federal courts cannot stop them from continuing to plant them anywhere they choose. Yes, Obama signed a provision that makes Monsanto above any laws and makes them more powerful than the government itself. Bayer Also Has a Long, Dark, Destructive History of Genocide Bayer AG is no different. Founded in Germany in 1863 by Friedrich Bayer and Johann Wescott, the company is perhaps most well-known for being the largest producer of aspirin and other commonly used drugs. But it too has a long, sordid history of creating poisons and mass destruction.17 During World War II, Bayer (then I.G. Farben) produced Zyklon B gas, used in the Nazi gas chambers to eradicate 11 million people whose only crime was to be born a Jew. According to AHRP.org, the company was also intimately involved with the human experimental atrocities committed by Mengele at Auschwitz.18 In one case, Bayer purchased 150 healthy female prisoners from the camp commander of Auschwitz for use as test subjects for a new sleep drug. All the test subjects died, and another order for prisoners was promptly placed. While some of its board members ended up being arrested and tried for their crimes against humanity, others escaped and helped create the Federal Reserve.19 If you think the passing of time might have made this corporate entity kinder, safer and gentler, think again. In 2003, it was revealed Bayer sold blood-clotting medicine tainted with the HIV virus to Asian, Latin American and Europe in the mid-1980s.20 The drug, Factor VIII concentrate, was worth millions of dollars, and the company continued to sell the tainted drug for a year after the contamination was discovered. In Hong Kong and Taiwan alone, more than 100 hemophiliacs contracted HIV and died after using the medicine. More Bayer Atrocities and Malfeasance Bayers drug Trasylol  used to control bleeding during surgery  was eventually found to be responsible for at least a thousand deaths each month for the 14 years it was on the market.21 In 2006, documents proved Bayer hid evidence showing unfavorable results from the drug in order to continue selling it. Lawsuits have also been filed against Bayer for the untimely death of 190 young women taking their birth control pill Yaz, which raises your risk of blood clots by 300 percent. Its top-selling Flintstones Vitamins for kids is another piece of evidence suggesting the company has no clue or concern about health, as it contains a number of questionable if not outright toxic ingredients, including aspartame, cupric oxide, aluminum, coal tar, hydrogenated soybean oil (trans fat; associated with heart disease), zinc oxide, ferrous fumarate and GE corn starch. Between 2006 and 2007, Bayer was also responsible for contaminating U.S. rice imports with three unapproved varieties of GE rice under development by Bayer CropScience. Bayer also makes neonicotinoid pesticides, suspected of being responsible for mass die-offs of bees around the world, thereby threatening the global food supply, and made the plastic chemical bisphenol-A (BPA), now known to have a dangerous impact on the human endocrine system. In short, Bayers history is just as dark and unethical as Monsantos, if not more, and some are rightfully referring to the merger of these two destructive behemoths as a marriage made in hell.22 Billions Against Bayer The Bayer-Monsanto merger will make the subsequent entity all the more powerful to bully farmers into paying more and pressuring and manipulating governments into accepting the unacceptable risks involved. In response, the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is calling for consumers everywhere to boycott Bayer in a new campaign called Billions Against Bayer  the continuation of the successful Millions Against Monsanto campaign. In a recent press release, OCA says:23 Two of the worlds most foul corporate criminals will be one. Monsanto will pack up its headquarters and head overseas. The much-maligned Monsanto name will be retired. But a corporate criminal by any other name  or size  is still a corporate criminal. This merger only heightens the urgency, and strengthens our resolve, to hunt down the corporations that are poisoning everything in sight. We will follow them to the ends of the earth, if need be. We will expose their crimes. We will end the toxic tyranny. We will become the Billions Against Bayer. And we will need your help. Monsanto (and Bayer) are on trial. You be the judge.





SAD NEWS: House Passes DARK Act Compromise

The House passed a compromise to the DARK Act that will force food distributors to disclose the presence of genetically engineered (GE) ingredients with a smartphone scan code. President Obama has signed the bill that removes states rights for labeling GMOs. The bill is full of loopholes, which may allow genetically modified ingredients to slip through unannounced.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), aka GE foods, are live organisms whose genetic components have been artificially manipulated in a laboratory setting through creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacteria and even viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.

GMO proponents claim that genetic engineering is safe and beneficial, and that it advances the agricultural industry. They also say that GMOs help ensure the global food supply and sustainability. But is there any truth to these claims? I believe not. For years, Ive stated the belief that GMOs pose one of the greatest threats to life on the planet. Genetic engineering is NOT the safe and beneficial technology that it is touted to be.

The FDA cleared the way for GE Atlantic salmon to be farmed for human consumption. Thanks to added language in the federal spending bill, the product will require special labeling so at least consumers will have the ability to identify the GE salmon in stores. However, it's imperative ALL GE foods be labeled clearly without a smartphone scan code because not everyone owns a smartphone.

The FDA is threatening the existence of our food supply. We have to start taking action now. I urge you to share this article with friends and family. If we act together, we can make a difference and put an end to the absurdity.

Boycott Smart Labels Today

When you see the QR code or so-called Smart Label on a food product, pass it by. Products bearing the Grocery Manufacturers Associations (GMA) Smart Label mark are in all likelihood filled with pesticides and/or GMO ingredients.

The GMAs 300-plus members include chemical technology companies, GE seed and food and beverage companies. Monsanto, Dow and Coca-Cola are just some of the heavy-hitters in this powerful industry group, which has showed no qualms about doing whatever it takes to protect the interest of its members.

Dont waste your time searching through their website, which may or may not contain the information youre looking for. If they insist on wasting your time and making your shopping difficult, why reward them with a purchase?

A little known fact is that the GMA actually owns the "Smart Label" trademark that Congress has accepted as a so-called compromise to on-package GMO labeling, and thats another reason why I believe the Smart Label mark is the mark of those with something to hide, such as Monsanto.

Will you financially support a corrupt, toxic and unsustainable food system, or a healthy, regenerative one? There are many options available besides big-brand processed foods that are part of the GMAs verified ring of deception. You can:

Shop at local farms and farmers markets

Only buy products marked either USDA 100 percent Organic (which by law cannot contain GMOs), 100 percent Grass-Fed or Non-GMO Verified

If you have a smartphone and you dont mind using it, download the OCAs Buycott app to quickly and easily identify the thousands of proprietary brands belonging to GMA members, so you can avoid them, as well as identify the names of ethical brands that deserve your patronage

Last but not least, encourage good companies to reject QR codes and to be transparent and clear with their labeling. This will eventually ensure that all GMO foods can easily be identified by the GMAs verified ring of deception mark that is the Smart Label.

Campbells, Mars, Kelloggs, ConAgra and General Mills all vowed to voluntarily comply with Vermont's GMO labeling law by labeling all of their foods sold across the U.S. Will their plans change now that the law has been passed by Congress and signed by the President? That remains to be seen, but if you like these companies, I would encourage you to reach out to them and ask them to remain steadfast in their promise.

Non-GMO Food Resources by Country

If you are searching for non-GMO foods, here is a list of trusted sites you can visit.








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Two-thirds of the 41 million people in the U.S.1 who wear contact lenses to correct their vision are women.2 Ten percent of wearers are under 18 years and 25 percent are older than 45. The remaining majority are between 18 and 45 years old.

Although popular, wearing contacts increases your risk of eye infections, damage to the cornea and alters the microbial biome that exists naturally in your eye. In each case, the results can be either dangerous or disastrous to your sight.

Before understanding the risks, its helpful to know how your eye works and how contact lenses may help correct your vision. Children report improvements in perceived attraction when wearing lenses, but unless they care for their eyes and lenses properly, they may be at increased risk of losing their eyesight altogether.

How Your Eye Functions

What you see is not interpreted in your eyes but rather in your brain. Light passes through the front of your eye (cornea) and your lens. These structures help focus the light on the retina at the back of your eye.

The cells in the retina then convert the light to electrochemical impulses making their way over the optic nerve and into your brain. The front of your eye acts like a camera lens, letting more light in at night and less during the day. This is why your pupils are larger at night, to let in more light and allow you to see.

Contact lenses are worn in contact with the eye. They are prescription lenses designed to correct vision errors, much like miniature eye glasses. They change where the light is focused on the retina, which improves your eyesight.3

These little lenses move with the eye and float on your tear film over the surface of your cornea. As far back as 1508, Leonardo da Vinci had illustrated the concept of contact lenses. The first lenses were made of glass in 1887.

Through the years they graduated to plastic, soft lenses, disposable lenses, gas permeable and, most recently, custom-manufactured silicone hydrogel lenses.4

Gas permeable (GP) lenses are made of firm plastic, have less water, are less flexible and resist bacteria more than soft lenses. The GP lenses also keep their shape as you blink, maintaining your prescription better than soft lenses.

The Importance of Full Spectrum Light

Your eyes need full spectrum light to stay healthy, just as your body requires sunlight.5 When light enters your eye it not only helps you to see but also goes to your brains hypothalamus.

This is the gland in your brain that controls your body temperature, hunger, thirst, water balance and blood pressure.

It also has a significant impact on your pituitary gland that secretes many different essential hormones. For this reason exposure to full-spectrum lighting is an effective therapy for treating depression, infection and more.

According to research by Dr. Martin Mainster and Dr. Patricia Turner at the University of Kansas School of Medicine:6

Inadequate environmental light and/or ganglion photoreception can cause circadian disruption, increasing the risk of insomnia, depression, numerous systemic disorders and possibly early mortality.

Artificial lighting is dimmer and less blue-weighted than natural daylight, contributing to age-related losses in unconscious circadian photoreception.

Studies have also demonstrated poor lighting is associated with headaches, stress, fatigue and strained, watery eyes.7 Poor lighting is also associated with poor work production.8

Conversely, companies that have switched to full-spectrum lights report improved employee morale, greater productivity, reduced errors and decreased absenteeism.9

If you choose to use contact lenses it is important to choose lenses that do not filter UV light as they will increase the risk your eyes and brain will not receive enough UV light to maintain your health and wellness.

You will also need to protect your eyes from over exposure to UV light. Read my previous article titled, Common Myths About Sunglasses That Can Hurt You for tips about when to wear sunglasses and how to pick a pair that meet your lifestyle and physical needs.

Increased Risk of Infection and Eye Damage With Improper Care

In this five-minute video youll discover some of the common mistakes people make when they clean or store their contact lenses. These mistakes can have serious consequences, including infection and damage to your eye sight.

In a recent news broadcast from ABC, Dr. William Faulkner from the Cincinnati Eye Institutes warns that 20,000 people a year develop pseudomonas infections in their eyes.10 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 50 percent of people sleep with their contact lenses on.

Unfortunately, these practices lead to an increased risk of infection in your eye, which may lead to a debilitating infection and loss of eyesight. Left untreated you may even lose your eye.

Faulkner relates that people who sleep in their lenses, even those marketed as overnight contacts, have a 10 times greater risk of developing an eye infection.

Nearly 1 in every 5 persons with eye infections involving contact lenses experience damage to their eye.11 These complications include scarred corneas, corneal transplants and loss of vision.12

As far back as 1996, researchers identified several factors contributing to increased risk of infection and corneal ulcers from sleeping in your contacts, including:13

Oxygen deprivation Bacterial survival Atmospheric pollution Patterns of sleep Lack of eye and lid movement



The CDC reports keratitis, or inflammation of the cornea, triggers over 1 million visits to the emergency room each year with an estimated direct medical cost of $175 million.14 Greater than 99 percent of the people surveyed reported they participated in at least one behavior that increased their risk of contracting an infection.

Reports of infection and eye damage are monitored by both the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as contact lenses are regulated by the FDA as medical devices. A high percentage of the reports involved people using overnight or extended wear contact lenses.15

Orthokeratology

A different kind of contact lens is worn only at night in order to reshape the eye so the wearer doesnt need glasses or contacts the next day. This product has been used by young athletes to reduce their need for glasses or contacts while theyre competing. The lenses are called orthokeratology, also known as ortho-k.

The cost of these lenses can be steep, but many parents find the pros outweigh the cost. The practice of reshaping your cornea with contacts has been around for decades,16 but the FDA only first approved them for use in 2002.

These lenses are now typically marketed to teens and children by optometrists. The lenses are used for children with mild to moderate myopia with the hope that the lens will help reduce refractive error over time. However, wearing these lenses overnight come with significant risks.

While most children experience temporary improvements in their eye sight, some practitioners believe that by prescribing the lenses at a young age, reshaping of the cornea could become semi-permanent since the cells in childrens eyes divide more rapidly. This rapid cell division may result in more permanent changes to the shape of the eye.17

Ophthalmologists and corneal specialists are not so taken with ortho-k lenses, citing their experience and several studies for their concern. Sleeping with contact lenses, whether they are marketed as extended wear, as are ortho-k lenses, or if you accidentally fall asleep in your lenses, increases your risk of eye damage.

Risks Associated With Sleeping in Your Contacts

Wu Jian-Liang, the director of ophthalmology at Taipei's Wan Fang Hospital, quoted in the Daily Mail, says:18

Contact lens wearers are a high-risk group that can easily be exposed to eye diseases. A shortage of oxygen can destroy the surface of the epithelial tissue, creating tiny wounds into which the bacteria can easily infect, spreading to the rest of the eye and providing a perfect breeding ground.

Common risks include:

 Hypoxia Wearing contact lenses reduces the amount of oxygen available to your eyes. Every tissue in your body depends on oxygen. In response, your body begins growing new vessels, called corneal neovascularization.19 Additional blood vessels increase your risk of retinal damage. Corneal microcysts and vacuoles also develop from chronic hypoxia. Generally you dont have symptoms but your eyes may get mildly irritated or you may experience hazy vision.20 Treatment is to stop using contact lenses. Many times the condition is reversible when treated. Hypoxia may also cause contact lens acute red eye (CLARE) when high levels of gram negative bacteria take up residence under your lens after sleeping in your contacts.21 Treatment includes removing your lenses, anti-inflammatory eye drops and eye lubricants. Antibiotics are not used as CLARE is the result of endotoxin reaction and not invasive infection.  Ulcers Corneal ulcers are open sores that form may form when contacts scratch the surface of the cornea and may cause permanent damage.22 The scratches leave your eye open to infection. If something is left on the contact lens it can also scratch the cornea. Lack of oxygen from sleeping in the contacts can also leave the tissue more vulnerable to ulceration.  Parasites The primary parasite and infection found associated with contact lenses is Acanthamoeba keratitis. When you wear your contacts during the daytime and night hours you keep the parasite in contact with your eye where it can feed on the corneal tissue. Although it is relatively rare, it can result in permanent structural damage to your eye and vision loss.23 Showering and swimming in your contact lenses may increase your risk of parasitic infection. The acanthamoeba parasite lives in the water supply and doesnt usually cause other health problems. The parasite is also resistant to most of the contact lens disinfectants on the market, so cleaning your lens after swimming doesnt reduce your risk.24

Prevent Overuse

Overusing your contact lenses is another factor that may increase your risk of infection and damage to your eye. If you over wear your lenses they may become so thin they tear and scratch your cornea. Calcium and protein deposits can build up, scratch your cornea and affect your vision.25

You should always be able to rotate your lens in your eye. If your eye becomes dry and your lenses are no longer floating over your eye take them out immediately. Clean and soak them while you give your eyes a rest. You can reduce the risk of over wearing by following these tips:

 Take Contacts Out at Least Once Daily Even if you own extended wear contacts, its important your eyes are exposed to oxygen and rest. Wearing your contacts overnight increases your risk of hypoxia, infection and corneal ulcerations.  Carry a Pair of Glasses Keep a clean storage case and travel size solution, as well as a pair of glasses, with you. Contacts may cause eye strain resulting in headaches or feeling your eyes are stressed. At these times use your clean storage and glasses to help your eyes rest.  Replace Your Contacts Your ophthalmologist will recommend your contacts are replaced at an interval specific to your brand and use of contact lenses. If you are prescribed weekly or daily contacts its important you change them each day or week, even if you feel the lenses are still working well.

Proper Care of Your Lenses and Eyes May Reduce Your Risk of Infection

This short video demonstrates how to properly clean and store your lenses. Proper care of your lenses will reduce your potential risk for injury, infection or damage to your eyesight. Here are several more tips:26,27








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If you are like most Americans, you spend up to 90 percent of your day indoors. Whether youre at home, in the car or at work, your hours are spent breathing indoor air.

Since your very life depends upon the air you breathe, it is vital you understand the risks associated with your indoor air quality and how to reduce the chemicals in your environment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states the levels of indoor air pollution may be between two and five times higher inside your home or work than they are outside.1 Some indoor pollutants can be as much as 100 times more concentrated than outdoor levels.

The differences are related to the type of pollutants, the relative lack of air exchange in newer homes and the chemicals you may introduce to your home in your furniture, personal care, home and cleaning products. According to the EPA, poor air quality is one of the top public health risks today.2

While these factors are important to your health, dust plays another important role in your air quality. Recent research has identified chemical pollutants residing in the dust floating in the air and in the dust bunnies under your furniture.

Dust Is More Than Dirt

Dust is anything that breaks down into small enough particles that it can be moved by air currents outside or in your home. The dust in your home is actually a combination of dust and dirt from outside, combined with skin cells, pet dander and a number of other particles that vary from home to home.

Tiny fibers from your clothing, lint that flakes from your carpet and furniture, skin cells, fibers of human and pet hair and a number of other small particles may be found floating around your home or stuck under your furniture. The composition of dust may be complex and contain more than small particles of lint and dirt.

Paloma Beamer, Ph.D., associate professor in the school of Public Health at the University of Arizona, has spent years thinking about and studying dust. She calculates one-third of the dust in your home comes from indoor inorganic sources and two-thirds from soil and outdoor air particles tracked into your home.3

The composition of dust is complex, and so is the composition of one particle. According to Andrea Ferro, Ph.D., who teaches courses in air pollution at Clarkson University in New York, a dust particle can be a simple inorganic or organic compound, but others may have an inorganic center and an organic coating.

In other words, even those little specks of dust can be complicated. Without removal, dust can stick around for a very long time. In fact, quoted in NPR, Ferro says:4

"We're finding things like [the pesticide] DDT in many floor dust samples. We banned that decades ago, but it's still there."

There Is More Than You Think in Your Dust

You might find it hard to get really worked up about the dust in your home. After all, we do call those clumps under the furniture bunnies and not dust rats. You may have considered them more of a nuisance than a health problem.

However, recent research evaluating data from 25 prior studies finds theres more in those little bunnies than meets the eye.5

Published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, the study adds to a growing body of research demonstrating the dangers you are exposed to in your own home and workplace.

The chemicals residing in your dust may come from a variety of different sources, from toys and cosmetics to your shower curtain, furniture and cookware.

This study found two classes of chemicals present in high concentrations in your dust. The first is phthalates. These chemicals are commonly found and released from personal care products, such as nail polish, skin creams and lotions, perfumes, hair products and deodorants.6

Exposure has been linked to endocrine system disruption, decreased IQ and respiratory problems.7 These are all health conditions that affect children more quickly, making the inclusion of phthalates in childrens products even more disturbing.

The second class of chemicals is highly fluorinated chemicals (HFCs). These have been associated with testicular and kidney cancers and found in everyday common objects from pizza boxes to cell phones.8 Your home keeps a history of chemicals and other pollutants collecting in your dust. Beamer, quoted in Time Magazine, said:9

"Dust in our homes, especially deep dust in our carpets and furniture, is a conglomerate of substances over the life of the home and can provide a historical record of chemicals that have entered it."

Breathing and Eating Tiny Dust Particles Increases Your Health Risk

If you live in a highly industrialized area, you may have something unique in your dust. In this short video, one researcher from Lancaster University explains the results of a study finding millions of magnetite nanoparticles in the brains of people with Alzheimers disease.10

Scientists believe since these nanoparticles are so small, they easily travel over the olfactory nerve to the brain as you breathe them in. These particles create chaos in your brain as they are bioreactive and directly associated with damage seen in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimers.

In the brain, magnetite nanoparticles create reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals. These free radicals create oxidative damage to brain cells, a hallmark feature in people suffering from Alzheimers disease. In this study, 37 brains of people aged 3 to 92 were studied.11

Researchers found millions of nanoparticles per gram of freeze-dried brain tissue, an amount lead researcher Barbara Maher, called extraordinary.12

Another study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology reviewed 26 past studies, finding a large quantity of phthalates, phenols and flame retardant chemicals in dust particles.13

The concentration in these studies were so high researchers believe you likely inadvertently breathe and eat the particles laden with chemicals.

In this study, 90 percent of the homes had the 10 most common chemicals, which suggests the chemicals originate from items commonly found in your home. The chemical found in most homes was phthalates, commonly found in flexible plastics, personal care products and cosmetics.14

But the Dust Doesnt Stop There

Milken Institute of Public Health at George Washington University compiled information from past studies, government agencies and other expert bodies and identified 45 different chemicals commonly found in homes.

These chemicals were associated with health hazards such as cancer, reproductive toxicity and endocrine disruption.15

The researchers pointed out that most studies evaluated the health hazards of a single toxic chemical, but finding these chemicals in combination in the dust of your home presents a potentially greater risk and needs further research.

The researchers acknowledged that the dust they studied was generally from the east and west coasts of the U.S. and therefore not nationally representative.

Dust in your home contains more than chemicals that are toxic to your body. Riding along on those dust bunnies are a variety of microbes. In one study evaluating dust in approximately 1,200 homes located across the U.S., indoor and outdoor dust samples demonstrated a broad range of different microbes. Differences appeared to be greater for bacteria than for fungi.16

The distribution of allergens were predictable across climates, but indoor bacterial communities appeared to be more significantly influenced by the occupants than the geography. Factors such as the male-to-female ratio and whether there were pets had a strong influence on the types of bacteria living in the dust.

However, while the variety of bacteria was different, each home had an average of more than 5,000 species of bacteria and 2,000 species of fungi.17 Although your dust may harbor thousands of different bacteria, this isnt necessarily what makes you sick. Many of these bacteria are harmless, but the chemical and other pollutants that hitch a ride on dust particles decidedly are not.

Tips to Reduce Your Risk

One the best ways to reduce your risk of exposure is to reduce your risks at home where you spend the majority of your indoor time. Top tips to reduce chemical exposure and risk from dust accumulation include:
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2016 - A Chinese national who snatched inbred corn seeds from DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto production fields has received a three-year prison sentence for conspiracy to steal trade secrets.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Rose of the Southern District of Iowa also sentenced Mo Hailong, also known as Robert Mo, to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution at a later date. In addition, Rose ordered the forfeiture of two farms in Iowa and Illinois that were bought and used by Mo and others during the course of the conspiracy, the Justice Department said in a news release. Mo is a Chinese national who became a lawful permanent resident of the United States. According to the plea agreement he signed in January, he took part in a scheme to steal whole ears of corn and inbred corn seeds belonging to the two companies from fields in Illinois and Iowa. Then he and his co-conspirators transported, or attempted to transport, those inbred seeds to China. Mo was director of international business of the Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co., commonly referred to as DBN, a Chinese conglomerate with a corn seed subsidiary company, Kings Nower Seed. Keep up with ag and rural policy news as it happens. Sign up for a four-week free trial of Agri-Pulse. The investigation was initiated when DuPont Pioneer security staff detected suspicious activity and alerted the FBI, DOJ said. DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto were fully cooperative throughout the investigation. The theft of agricultural trade secrets, and other intellectual property, poses a grave threat to our national economic security, said U.S. Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel of the Southern District of Iowa. The Justice Department and federal law enforcement partners are committed to prosecuting those who in engage in conduct such as Mo Hailong. #30 For more news, go to www.Agri-Pulse.com.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2016 - U.S. propane exports increased by more than 230,000 barrels per day (b/d) in the first half of 2016, over the same period a year earlier, totaling 730,000 b/d, according to a report from DOEs Energy Information Administration (EIA). The total shipments surpassed motor gasoline to become the second-largest U.S. petroleum product export, after distillate.

Exports to Asia and Oceania led the growth, accounting for 94 percent of the total.

In the first half of 2016, the U.S. exported 4.7 million b/d of petroleum products, up 500,000 b/d and almost 10 times the crude oil export volume, EIA data show.

Japan imported the most U.S. propane at 159,000 b/d in the first half of 2016, an increase of 111,000 b/d from 48,000 b/d in the same period of 2015. EIA notes that U.S. exports of propane to Panama fell from 41,000 b/d in the first half of 2015 to 7,000 b/d in the first half of 2016.

The large increases in propane exports to Japan and decreases in propane exports to Panama could be a result of reduced ship-to-ship transfer activity, EIA says. Some U.S. propane exports that undergo ship-to-ship transfers cite the location of the transfer, not the final destination of the propane.

This often results in larger-than-actual export numbers for the countries where the ship-to-ship transfers take place and in less-than-actual numbers for some final destinations, EIA says.

Distillate exports averaged 1.2 million b/d in the first half of 2016, an increase of 50,000 b/d from the same period of 2015, according to EIA.

The largest share of U.S. distillate exports went to Central and South America, EIA says, averaging more than 620,000 b/d in the first half of 2016, an increase of more than 30,000 b/d. from the same period of 2015

The largest single destination overall for U.S. distillate exports was Mexico, which averaged 147,000 b/d in the first half of 2016.

Gasoline exports increased 138,000 b/d in the first half of 2016. Canada and Mexico accounted for most of the growth. Similar to U.S. distillate fuel exports, the data show that Mexico was the largest single recipient of U.S. gasoline exports, accounting for 363,000 b/d in the first half of 2016, an increase of 283,000 b/d in the first half of 2015.

EIA notes that Mexico began to allow companies besides state company Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) to import fuels in January 2016, which resulted in increased exports from nearby refineries along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Canada was the second-largest recipient of U.S. gasoline at 66,000 b/d in the first half of 2016, up from 55,000 b/d in the first half of 2015.

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While total U.S. petroleum product exports grew, EIA data shows that export destinations remained largely unchanged.

U.S. petroleum products tend to stay in the Western Hemisphere, EIA says. In 2015, about 60 percent of total petroleum product exports remained within the Western Hemisphere, down slightly from 65 percent in 2005.

Mexico, Canada and the Netherlands received the greatest volumes of U.S. petroleum products in the first half of 2016, EIA says, importing 775,000 b/d, 579,000 b/d, and 271,000 b/d, respectively.

#30

For more news, go to: www.Agri-Pulse.com
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2016  The public and private sectors are being called upon to increase diversity in the agricultural workforce. A new White House initiative will seek to create programs and partnerships to entice different segments of the population into ag and science careers.

The America the Bountiful project emanates from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. It is designed to narrow the gap between available ag jobs and available ag graduates. According to USDAs National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), every year until 2020 will have 22,500 fewer graduates than jobs available in agriculture and related fields such as renewable natural resources and the environment.

We must make young people aware of the opportunities and significant global challenges in agriculture today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a taped statement at the initiatives rollout event at USDAs Washington headquarters. Once weve captured their imaginations, we need to support access to educational opportunities across the educational spectrum.

As part of the announcement, a number of new programs to encourage opportunities for a more diverse workforce were also unveiled. One in particular was an investment of over $382,000 through NIFAs Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Fields Program. The four institutions that will share the investment are: the Level Playing Field Institute in Oakland, California; the Universidad del Este in Puerto Rico; Purdue University in Indiana and the University of Florida in Gainesville.

In all, commitments were announced from the National Science Foundation as well as more than 70 state, nonprofit, and private sector entities. One of those companies is Archer Daniels Midland, which along with 45 other firms as well as USDA participate in the Agriculture Diversity and Inclusion Roundtable.

This is the one area  talent  that we cannot compete with each other, Michael DAmbrose, senior vice president and chief human resources officer with ADM, said at the event. We have to come together to be successful for our companies, for our shareholders, and for the bigger mission that we serve, which is feeding the world.

DAmbrose said at ADM, they search the globe for talent to fill jobs within the company. Still, he said he was aware of openings at the ADMs corporate headquarters in Decatur, Illinois, that have been vacant for about three years.

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This month, the roundtable will convene and present three-year strategic plans for building a diverse and inclusive pipeline of talent and a competitive U.S. agriculture sector, the White House said.

Robin Gruebel, the academic outreach manager at DuPont Pioneer, said her job is a new position at the company; she jokingly said one of her charges is to make agriculture sexy to students considering a career path. Both Gruebel and DAmbrose stressed the importance of reaching out to students. This would ensure

students get the proper education to fill the job openings and to make sure they are interested in ag careers in the first place.

Ruthe Farmer, a senior policy adviser for tech inclusion with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said new methods of attracting students into ag careers will be needed, as the general population of students gets more diverse.

More than half of K-12 students are not white, so we are looking at very different demographics, and more-of-the-same approaches is not going to get us to including everybody, she said at todays event. We really need to be very deliberate and intentional about how we include underrepresented students and make things appealing to everyone.

#30

For more news, go to www.Agri-Pulse.com
United Iraq to Wrest Mosul From the Islamic State: Chaldean Patriarch

Baghdad -- For the Iraqi nation and the Christian community the moment for "unity" has come, a "life and death matter", as the future of the nation is pondered. Is not it time to talk about "divisions of the country" or "independent entities", not as long as Mosul and villages of the Nineveh plain are occupied. This is what the Chaldean Patriarch Mar Raphael Louis Sako tells AsiaNews, returning to Baghdad from the trip to Georgia where he met Pope Francis and the leaders of the local Church - Catholic and Orthodox - praying together for peace. A task and a mission for Iraq, Syria and the entire region. In Tbilisi, the meeting between the Pope and the Assyrian-Chaldean community in Georgia joined by one hundred faithful from the US, Canada, and Iraq took place in San Simon Bar Sabbae church. "A very emotional moment - says the Patriarch - and one of intense prayer." In the context of the ceremony, the congregation sang Chaldean and Aramaic hymns and prayers of vespers. In response, Francis recited a prayer composed for this special occasion. During his visit to Georgia Mar Sako also met with the Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia Elijah II. A "historic" moment, he says, with a strong appeal "to unity, to the Church of the Apostles. He gifted us a portrait of St. George, symbol of protection; we reciprocated with a Chaldean cross, without the body of Christ as a symbol of resurrection". Returning to the situation in Iraq, Chaldean primate says now it is time to "preserve unity", "to battle Daesh" [Arabic acronym for the Islamic State, ed] and "clean up the territories" and lay the foundations for peace. Later it will be possible "to sit down and discuss the future." However, if divisions or personal interests, Christian or not, prevail "this will send a negative signal" to those at home and the international community. According to the Chaldean Patriarch Iraq and the Middle East suffer the intrusion of different actors generating a "future full of ambiguity," -- such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United States and Russia -- none of whom have declared their real intentions. Amid this confusion, the one thing that is clear is the desire of the Iraqi people "to stay together". Despite this there are "others who do not want us to be autonomous, free to decide our own future", the fate of "four million displaced in Iraq alone". But also in Aleppo and Syria "they are playing a similar game." "People live in anguish - he adds - while there is no vision for the future." In recent weeks he has spoken several times of the formation of Christian militias or the birth of a Christian enclave in the plain of Nineveh, a project supported in certain US circles but recently rejected by a vote by the Iraqi Parliament. "Right now - warns Mar Sako -- it is better to be careful and not talk about these issues. We must await developments in Mosul and the Nineveh plain. There are already so many wars and divisions between the various Iraqi groups, but the main thing is to defend the principle of unity. " What we are asking for, he adds, is to "liberate territories and ensure the return of people to their homes." And then for "a United Nations presence, perhaps in the form of UN blue helmets, to ensure the security and control". In a climate of uncertainty and fear, the recent Chaldean Synod in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, and the meeting with the Pope in Georgia have returned unity given new life and new enthusiasm to the Chaldean Church and the Christian community. "It was like the Upper Room -- says Mar Sako recalling the days of the Synod - in which there was an underlying unity. Everyone spoke freely then we voted and made decisions based on the majority. Decisions which then we all complied with, a sign of cohesion. " We are "stronger than before," he warns, and this unity is essential to keep the Church of the East alive not only among Chaldeans, but also between the various Christian denominations, including Catholics and Orthodox. This peculiarity makes the Chaldean Church stronger "in the eyes of the central government in Baghdad and the Kurdish regional government." We are "the Christian authorities," explains Mar Sako, which has its own identity "just like the Shiite and Sunni communities," and that always works to "build" bridges. "I have so much hope and I am optimistic - he concludes - because I saw the reality of Georgia, which in the past has experienced the tragedy of the war and is now a country that has made great progress. With peace you can do everything, if there is peace you can think about the future. " Even a papal visit to Iraq: "When I invited him to visit Iraq the Pope replied: 'Let us hope!'."
Former U.S. Army program manager for the UH-72A Lakota helicopter program, LTC David R. Cheney, sits down with Airbus Helicopters to talk about the aircraft that will train every Army pilot for at least the next two decades, and explains the keys to a successful collaboration between company and customer.

LTC David R. Cheney, the U.S. Armys former program manager for the services UH-72A Lakota helicopter, with Ryan Lee, AHI Lead Aircraft Technician LUH, during a visit to the company's production site in Columbus, Mississippi





My predecessor said, Look, this is going to be the easiest job youve ever had, recalls Cheney. Nevertheless budget challenges intervened and we had to make some very difficult decisions.



In 2013, neither Cheney nor anyone at Airbus could have predicted where the program stands now: The Lakota is one of just four rotorcraft that the Army will fly in coming years, and it has been selected as the initial entry rotary wing trainer for the service, which is the largest single operator of rotorcraft in the world.



A week before turning over the reins of the program to his successor, and moving on to his next assignment, Cheney sat down with Airbus Helicopters to talk about the aircraft that will train every Army pilot for at least the next two decades, and explain the keys to a successful collaboration between company and customer.



AH: What are your personal impressions of the Lakota, from a military pilots perspective?

DC: Its a great aircraft to fly. The Lakota provides exceptional performance and agility. The rigid rotor makes it extremely responsive to pilot inputs. Its relatively easy to fly, yet nimble and maneuverable, and it is also a fun aircraft to fly. I enjoy it, and as an IFR [instrument flight rules] aircraft in the national airspace, there is no other aircraft that Id rather fly than the Lakota.



AH: Over the last ten years, the Lakota has been used in a wide range of roles including general utility, search and rescue, medical evacuation, VIP transport, disaster response, border security and of course training. Why so many roles for a single helicopter?

DC: I think the Lakota is a uniquely versatile aircraft, and the Army has very diverse missions. And the decision to use it as our training aircraft is an example of how the Army is finding new and better ways to use it. When LTC (promotable) David R. Cheney became the U.S. Armys program manager for the services UH-72A Lakota helicopter in July 2012, Airbus had delivered 229 of the H145-based utility helicopters, and the future looked bright. Every aircraft had been delivered on time and on cost since the contract had been awarded in 2006, and the Army, Army National Guard, and even the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School were using the Lakota extensively for a wide variety of missions.My predecessor said, Look, this is going to be the easiest job youve ever had, recalls Cheney. Nevertheless budget challenges intervened and we had to make some very difficult decisions.In 2013, neither Cheney nor anyone at Airbus could have predicted where the program stands now: The Lakota is one of just four rotorcraft that the Army will fly in coming years, and it has been selected as the initial entry rotary wing trainer for the service, which is the largest single operator of rotorcraft in the world.A week before turning over the reins of the program to his successor, and moving on to his next assignment, Cheney sat down with Airbus Helicopters to talk about the aircraft that will train every Army pilot for at least the next two decades, and explain the keys to a successful collaboration between company and customer.: What are your personal impressions of the Lakota, from a military pilots perspective?Its a great aircraft to fly. The Lakota provides exceptional performance and agility. The rigid rotor makes it extremely responsive to pilot inputs. Its relatively easy to fly, yet nimble and maneuverable, and it is also a fun aircraft to fly. I enjoy it, and as an IFR [instrument flight rules] aircraft in the national airspace, there is no other aircraft that Id rather fly than the Lakota.Over the last ten years, the Lakota has been used in a wide range of roles including general utility, search and rescue, medical evacuation, VIP transport, disaster response, border security and of course training. Why so many roles for a single helicopter?I think the Lakota is a uniquely versatile aircraft, and the Army has very diverse missions. And the decision to use it as our training aircraft is an example of how the Army is finding new and better ways to use it.

AH: When the Army selected a new light utility helicopter in 2006, what attributes favored a civil aviation platform?

DC: When the Army decided to buy a commercial aircraft, the impetus of that was affordability, and it was certainly an outside-the-box approach that the Army had never done before in this magnitude. The affordability and viability of the [H145] aircraft as a commercial platform makes it affordable for us, and thats huge for the missions the Lakota was intended for.



AH: Why do you think the Army decided to make the Lakota its newest initial entry rotary wing trainer?

DC: I think the main reason is that the Lakota replicates our tactical fleet with twin engines and a glass cockpit. Moreover, the Lakota is a great instrument trainer and student pilots can now learn RNAV [helicopter area navigation routes] and precision RNAV approaches that werent an option in the legacy fleet. Also, the Lakota is a much cheaper platform to operate than other aircraft in the Army inventory.



AH: What kind of feedback have you received from the Armys training command since the first classes began training on the Lakota last year?

DC: Its been very positive. The reason they now like it is because of the ease with which it allows them to do their mission. They dont have to worry about logistics; they dont have to worry about maintenance. The Lakota is a capability that they go out and operate, and for a unit like theirs thats focused on training, thats the mission. The Lakota is really the best solution. Its an enabler.



AH: How have students reacted to the aircraft? Has learning to fly in a complex glass cockpit environment proven to be difficult for students as compared to legacy, analog platforms?

DC: I have received feedback that our student pilots like the Lakotas technology.



AH: What have been the benefits or the challenges of moving to a twin-engine trainer instead of a simpler single-engine platform? Is it harder for the students?

DC: Two engines is always safer than one, and were allowing our student pilots to learn from day one how to trouble-shoot the loss of a single engine and rely on the other engine to keep the rotor blades turning.



As far as the difficulty, the feedback were getting is that because its a more stable aircraft, the students are actually able to more quickly pick up the tasks. We can focus on operating the helicopter as a system of systems in a combat environment, and less about the mechanics of flying a helicopter.



Hovering, for example, used to take twice as long in some cases as it does now in the Lakota, just because of the stability that comes with the Lakota. If you pick a Lakota up to a hover and take your hands off the controls, it will generally hold its position. Its really not about the helicopter per se. The helicopter is a tool, and piece of equipment.

AH: Speaking of the people, do you have any parting words for the workforce in Columbus, Mississippi, where the Lakota is manufactured?

DC: I go to Columbus regularly, Ive met the employees that build the aircraft on the line, and when I spoke earlier about never having to worry about the production of the aircraft or the quality of the aircraft coming off the line, I know why that is. I know those employees, Ive met them, and Ive looked them in the eye. This has been a hard business to be in the last couple years, and I really appreciate the dedication of that workforce. They do a great job and I thank them for their service and the capability they deliver to the Army every month. To revolutionize our training and to bring our training into the 21st century, that was important. And it will continue to be important for years to come.



AH: What has been the best thing about your tenure as the Armys UH-72A program manager?

DC: The best thing for me personally is just the complexity of the challenges weve been faced with the last four years. From the vast changes in requirements and all the problem solving and creativity between the Army team and the Airbus team to respond to those challenges, and adapt ourselves to be quicker and react to change, and work together to solve very, very complex problems.



Almost every week in my spare time I deliver aircraft down to Fort Rucker, and it is amazing to see what a hundred Lakotas down there looks like. And I take a lot of pride in that, because its been a huge amount of work on both the Army and Airbus team to make that happen.



AH: Any parting words as you move on to your next challenges?

DC: If history holds true, the last Lakota flight student has not even been born yet. Thats a pretty amazing thing to think about. And I think we can all take a lot of pride in that. Im just one small piece of a giant effort that produces capability for the Army.



Its easy to be passionate about this program. The Army has been through a very challenging time, and it takes all of us to be able to continue to deliver something as important as the Lakota is to the Army. Thats why I do this. This is a hard business to be in and I wouldnt trade it for anything. Someone has to keep the rotor blades turning, and thats us. Thats the Army, and thats Airbus.
Zodiac Aerospace is to supply more than 2,000 of its Herculight S AKE cargo containers to Singapore Airlines Cargo. The containers, constructed with a combination of composite and aluminium panels, come in two configurations to suit passenger or cargo operations.

One of the airlines key requirements was toughness and durability, said Zodiac.

Sales vice president, Bart van Berkel, said: We strive towards the lightest tare weight possible for our products, leading the market trend towards lightest weight with highest durability. At the same time, we strictly will not compromise the performance potential of our products. We look forward to a successful collaboration with Singapore Airlines Cargo for many years to come.

Tare weight of the Herculight S range, launched in 2014 starts from 51kg with Endumax composite panels, and 65kg with full aluminium panels.

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Liege Airport has signed a new partnership with Network Airline Services (NAS) to make the Belgian gateway its hub for Africa and to increase flights to Angola.

London-based NAS has, since setting up its operation in Liege in May 2014, transported over 90,000 tonnes of freight through Liege on its worldwide network between the US, Malaysia and Hong Kong and Europe. It operates direct flights between Belgium and Lagos, Luanda and other destinations in West Africa for the mining and oil industries as well as general cargo.

It also imports fresh produce from Nairobi, Entebbe and other East African origins.

NAS flights are operated with an Atlas Air Boeing B747-400F and Western Global MD-11F. It also has cooperation agreements with Allied Air (Nigeria), TAAG (Angola) and Astral Aviation (Kenya).

NAS commercial director, Andy King, said: Although business is challenging, with excess capacity on many routes, NAS is pleased with the support we get from Liege Airport. The cargo focus, the central location with great connections by air and road, enable us to meet the challenges.

NASs handler Aviapartner will now benefit from a new 4,800 sq m cargo apron, following a 335,000 investment by Liege Airport Business Park. Airport commercial director Steven Verhasselt said it would be available by mid-November.

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October 5, 2016

On Sept. 25, a judicial report was issued by the State Commissioners Authority, the advisory body for the State Council, supporting the Ministry of Interiors decision to monitor social networking sites, follow up on activity on these sites and take all security measures necessary to address any threats to public security to ensure the best interest of the country.

This report stirred the ire of numerous activists and human rights defenders, who saw it as a new tool to intimidate, stifle voices and suppress the freedoms of social media users, especially since social networking sites played a key role in mobilizing young people, fostering protest movements and highlighting the shortcomings of President Hosni Mubarak's regime before the outbreak of the January 25 Revolution in 2011.

All this began when the Ministry of Interior announced on May 11, 2014, the launch of new software that monitors internet activities, called the Social Networks Security Hazard Monitoring Operation (public opinion measurement system), aimed at developing the technical aspect of the security system at the ministry to counter terrorism, which poses a threat to the country's security.

Maj. Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim, the interior minister at the time, said that the new software will not restrict freedoms in any way and will not breach Egypts Constitution and the law. He explained that it is rather intended to monitor security hazards by tracking new security issues that spread on social networking sites, especially in terms of terrorism.

This is especially true following the spread of information online about explosive devices  how to build them, obtain materials used in their manufacture and detonate them  in addition to tips on carrying out assassinations.

On June 17 of the same year, a number of human rights organizations launched a fierce attack on the Interior Ministry, calling this decision totally contrary to the constitution and a violation of all rights and freedoms enshrined in it. These rights include freedom of expression and free exchange of information, the right to privacy and the right to security.

These human rights organizations filed before Egypts administrative court a legal action under No. 63055/68 judicial, demanding a stay of execution and cancellation of this decision, both in the public domain related to the exchange of opinions and information and in the private domain in terms of conversations, letters and private calls.

However, the recent report issued by the administrative court disregarded all of these allegations and considered them wrong and unfounded. The report stressed that this decision does not conflict with the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution and does not restrict freedom of opinion and expression and exchange of information, as alleged by some.

The report referred to the articles of the constitution that ensure these rights and freedoms. The articles specify that these freedoms and rights should not cross legal limits because they are not absolute and they fall under strict control if they are found to prejudice the countrys national security and threaten social peace. The report stated that it is, therefore, necessary to take all measures to protect the community and the public interest.

The judicial report said, Freedom must be regulated so as not to be the cause of damage to individuals, the public opinion and state institutions. It was evidenced that social networks are used to incite violence and are manipulated by terrorist groups as a means to shed blood, which dramatically undermines public security and requires the Ministry of the Interior to take action to protect the community.

The software searches for specific terms and vocabulary that are deemed to be in violation of the law or that incite people to topple the regime or destroy state institutions, spread chaos among citizens or disturb public ethics, and violate societal norms and ties. Moreover, the software will allow the submittal of reports to authorities about discussions on these sites.

Hussein Hassan, a human rights activist and legal researcher at the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights, told Al-Monitor, The Minister of Interior's decision is not based on a sound legal ground and even violates the law and the constitution, which guarantees to the citizens unprejudiced freedom of opinion and expression. He said that he will challenge the court's decision.

Article 57 of the Egyptian Constitution reads as follows, Private life is inviolable, safeguarded and may not be infringed upon. Telegraph, postal, and electronic correspondence, telephone calls, and other forms of communication are inviolable, their confidentiality is guaranteed and they may only be confiscated, examined or monitored by causal judicial order, for a limited period of time, and in cases specified by the law. The state shall protect the rights of citizens to use all forms of public means of communication, which may not be arbitrarily disrupted, stopped or withheld from citizens, as regulated by the law."

Moreover, Article 65 specifies, Freedom of thought and opinion is guaranteed. All individuals have the right to express their opinion through speech, writing, imagery, or any other means of expression and publication.

Hassan told Al-Monitor, There is no turning back. We staged the revolutions of January 25 and June 30 for the sake of public freedoms. We will not accept any compromise of our freedoms. Freedom of expression is one of the tools of public freedom that we use, whether in our meetings or to express our opinions through social networks. President Mubarak's regime tried to apply the mouth-muzzling policy and cut communication lines during the revolution but failed. He also failed to prevent citizens from expressing their opinion, and therefore the state should now reconsider its decision, which may lead to dire consequences.

In turn, Mohammed Attiya, a political activist and member of the Coalition of Revolutionary forces, expressed his support for the decision. He told Al-Monitor, The fact that the court endorsed the decision of the Ministry of the Interior is logical and constitutional, because some extremist groups are trying to incite the people against the Egyptian state, and we must fight them with full force, monitor and keep track of their activities to prevent them from harming the countrys national security."

He added, We now find direct and official incitement against the state institutions and symbols across social networking pages to the extent that we can see names and addresses related to killing operations targeting police officers, army members and judges. This is why it is a national security duty to monitor what is being published on the social networking pages. This duty cannot be neglected or undermined in any way.
October 5, 2016

A document that hasn't been published yet is causing widespread speculation among Palestinians about Hamas' plans for the future. Since late August, Palestinian and Arab media have been talking about a new political document that Hamas will be issuing "soon."

Al-Khaleej Online said Sept. 14 that at the end of the year, Hamas will issue a document that will reflect a shift in its ideology. Al-Khaleej added that Hamas leaders and a group of Palestinian and Arab intellectuals contributed to the draft, which still must be submitted to its political bureau for approval.

However, Hamas leader Salah Bardawil told Al-Quds news Sept. 17 that what is being said about a new Hamas document is exaggerated, because political documents are usually kept secret and only circulate within Hamas circles. He also said Hamas would never renounce its nationalist stance, namely, All of Palestine is for the Palestinian people. It rejects recognizing Israel and believes Jerusalem should remain the capital for the Palestinian people.

Al-Quds Press reported Aug. 29 that according to "informed sources," Hamas recently finished drafting a new document that includes its stances toward the various aspects of the Palestinian cause and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, its ties with Palestinian factions, and its positions toward Arab, Islamic and foreign countries. The sources did not say whether the new document would serve as a supplement or a substitute for Hamas' 1988 charter.

Yousef Rizqa, a former information minister in the Hamas government and a political adviser to the deputy head of Hamas' political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, told Al-Monitor, The new document reflects Hamas political and intellectual maturity and is the product of its experience over the years, since its inception in late 1987. The document does not mean that Hamas has a new strategy or has made concessions in its political positions. Rather, it is the product of its many political experiments, following important phases such as the first intifada of 1987, the second intifada of 2000, its participation in the 2006 legislative elections, and facing the three Israeli wars on Gaza in 2008, 2012 and 2014.

He added that the new document focuses on detailed political principles and could be a guide for Hamas policy on the ground, and for internal and external ties. Perhaps, he said, Hamas' conduct on the ground has gone beyond its 1988 charter, which included general ideological slogans and is no longer binding in terms of its political positions. This is a sign pointing to Hamas maturity, he said.

In 2006, Hamas issued a platform for the legislative elections, where it revealed its stances regarding education, health and anti-corruption issues. This platform was viewed as an official document presented by Hamas to the electorate. In 2014, Rizqa issued a research paper, dubbed Hamas Political Vision, where he gave great attention to issues related to citizenship, human rights, equality and freedom of expression. Although the research paper is not an official Hamas document, it describes the movement's internal discussions.

Khaled al-Hroub, a liberal arts professor at Northwestern University in Qatar, wrote the first book on Hamas, in 1996. He told Al-Monitor, If Hamas wants to lead the Palestinian people, it must launch political initiatives on the ground, rather than issuing documents that would only cause media hype for days and weeks. The world wants to view Hamas conduct, rather than documents. Hamas is in an unenviable position under the Israeli blockade and Arab and international pressure, a large part of which is due to its charter, which has become a burden given the serious positions it includes  such as hatred against the Jews for the fact that they are Jews and not as occupiers of Palestine.

According to an Al-Arab interview Sept. 18 with Ahmed Yousef, the head of the House of Wisdom Institute for Conflict Resolution & Governance in Gaza, Hamas is expected to introduce a document "in the coming months." The declaration will address Hamas' vision regarding the regions developments, including its ties with neighboring countries, the Palestine Liberation Organization, the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian political system of governance, Yousef said. It will reflect how times have changed since the 1988 charter was written and may use flexible language and speak of a political partnership with Palestinian factions. As Hamas has become an active movement on the local and regional scenes, it may have to develop a realistic political vision, he added.

Yahya Moussa, a Hamas leader and chairman of the Palestinian Legislative Council's Oversight Committee, told Al-Monitor, The political changes in the region and the world require that Hamas keep pace, rectify its performance on the ground and secure high-level positions in the Palestinian political arena to influence it. This would make it convenient for Hamas to issue a political document, as long as it does not affect the movements fundamentals, such as the liberation of Palestine, to not recognize Israel, and the refugees return.

He added, The new Hamas political document is a response to political developments. It is more like a comprehensive political declaration explaining its policies and objectives to the public. While the Hamas charter consisted of general rules issued when it began, it has become a historical document and a part of an earlier stage.

The timing of the new political document may not be spontaneous. Hamas seems to be reshuffling its regional and international ties and standing at an equal distance from different countries. It has a semi-alliance with Qatar and Turkey, and it is trying to restore lukewarm ties with Iran and Egypt and break the international embargo that has been imposed on Gaza since Hamas won the 2006 legislative elections. Many observers expect a document that will include all of these issues in detail.

Abdel Sattar Qassem, a political science professor at An-Najah National University in Nablus, told Al-Monitor, The new Hamas document may express the movements desire to adapt to the regions political developments, provide a moderate Islamic discourse to move away from Salafi groups and include orientations that would make [Hamas] acceptable for the international community. This would include easing its hostile discourse toward Israel so that the Europeans and Americans realize that talk with Hamas is beneficial. The new document may be a shift from an ideological to a political vocabulary, but I fear that it would be a prelude for Hamas to follow in the footsteps of the PLO, which has reduced its political standards."

It is still unknown whether Hamas will issue its new political document or if it will remain a secret. Yet hopes that the document will bring about positive change in regional and international positions toward Hamas may collide with international demands that go beyond the document, such as recognizing Israel and disarming the movement, which Hamas has categorically categorically rejected thus far.
October 5, 2016

On Oct. 5, the liberal pro-Israel group J Street began airing the first television ads attacking Republicans who voted against the nuclear deal with Iran.

The $500,000 ad buy targets two incumbent senators in the crucial swing states of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Pat Toomey and Ron Johnson. Their Democratic opponents, Katie McGinty and Russ Feingold, respectively, have both come out in support of the agreement even though they were not in Congress to vote for it.

We aim to exact a cost from the deals most strident opponents, who tried at every turn to undercut the very negotiations that led to the historic defanging of Irans nuclear weapons program, J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami said in a statement. And in the same breath, or 30-second ad, such as it is, well bolster those candidates who represent a new approach to conflict resolution and American diplomatic leadership in the Middle East and beyond.

The almost identical ads link the two Republicans to their partys presidential nominee, Donald Trump, who has vowed to dismantle the deal if he is elected. The ads also point out that a bevy of US and Israeli security experts support the agreement, without of course mentioning that many others  chief among them Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  disagree. J Street has also developed similar ads targeting Sens. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., and Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., although those ads are only running online for now.

The ad buy comes as debate over the nuclear deal emerged as a top point of contention in the Oct. 4 vice presidential debate between Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Republican Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. Iran is one of the few areas of substantive foreign policy disagreement in a presidential election largely dominated by the unpopular candidates personalities and scandals.

Nuclear deal opponents long ago latched on to the issue as a potent political weapon.

Groups opposed to the deal spent millions trying to defeat it last year. Issue-centric organizations such as Citizens for a Nuclear Free Iran  an offshoot of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee  have all but ceased to operate since then, but they have been replaced by more partisan groups who aim to use the Iran deal issue to elect Republicans to office.

Sen. Michael Bennett, D-Colo., was one of the first incumbents targeted last year for his support for the deal in an ad from the conservative group Advancing Colorado that featured children counting down to nuclear Armageddon. Iran had been expected to be a key issue with which to bludgeon the vulnerable Democrat, but that hasnt materialized and Bennett is now comfortably ahead of his rival, Darryll Glenn.

The national Republican Senatorial Committee, meanwhile, began targeting McGinty in Pennsylvania this summer along with former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, another Democrat. Cortez Masto is running to replace Democratic leader Harry Reid, who is retiring after three decades in the Senate.

More recently, the Republican pro-gay rights American Unity PAC has launched digital ads attacking women who support the deal, citing the Iranian regimes persecution of gays and religious minorities. Targets of the ads include Cortez Masto and Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.

Duckworth, a disabled US Army helicopter pilot, is leading in her Senate race against Kirk, one of Irans chief critics on Capitol Hill. She is also the target of radio ads from the Independent Voice for America PAC, which accuses her of being wrong on national security in part because of her vote for the Iran deal.

Several House Democratic candidates who support the deal have also come under attack, including Emily Cain in Maine and Colleen Deacon in upstate New York. Like J Streets ads, the National Republican Congressional Committee attack against Cain seeks to tie her to her partys unpopular presidential candidate  in this case, Hillary Clinton.

Just like Hillary, the ad says, Cain supports the nuclear deal with Iran, even though Iran is a longtime state sponsor of terrorism.
October 4, 2016

TEHRAN, Iran  Saudi rulers' refusal to offer a simple verbal apology was indicative of their ultimate impudence and shamelessness, said Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Sept. 5, addressing the families of the 464 Iranian pilgrims who died in the hajj stampede last year. Khamenei went on to criticize Saudi management of the annual pilgrimage, calling on Iranians and other Muslims to hold the Saudis accountable. The stampede demonstrated that this government is not qualified to manage the Two Holy Mosques, said Khamenei. Yet, his tone was not unprecedented in Saudi Arabia and Iran's shaky relationship. What was new, however, were the wording and tone of subsequent statements by President Hassan Rouhani and his foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York on Sept. 22, Rouhani demanded that the Saudis stop spreading their ideology of hatred, cease divisive policies, and accept their responsibility for the protection of pilgrims lives and dignity. Nine days earlier, on Sept. 13, Zarif had gone even further in a New York Times op-ed, Let Us Rid the World of Wahhabism, on the ultraconservative Islam espoused by Saudi Arabia. In accusing Riyadh of promoting Wahhabism, Zarif described the movement as the key driver of violence in the Middle East. He also argued that there is no such thing as an ancient Sunni-Shiite conflict, but a conflict between Wahhabism and mainstream Islam. Zarif asserted, Saudi Arabias sponsorship of extremism repudiates its claim to be a force for stability. Such rhetoric is new in Tehrans stance toward Riyadh.

The Rouhani administration came to office in 2013 with a win-win attitude toward resolving foreign policy issues. Rouhani and Zarifs rhetoric was all about the need for dialogue to bridge differences. At his inauguration, Rouhani alluded to the need to enhance Irans relations with its neighbors, specifically mentioning Saudi Arabia. Indeed, Rouhani began his tenure with calls to revive brotherly relations between the two nations.

Zarif was even more vocal about the need for dialogue, even penning an op-ed for the Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq al-Awsat advocating dialogue. He declared, Irans priority is its neighbors. Zarif went on to cite the need for a win-win rather than zero-sum game, proposing the creation of a regional security framework among the eight littoral states of the Persian Gulf. He also appointed Hussein Sadeq, a well-known proponent of rapprochement with the Saudis, as ambassador to Riyadh. Thus, the rhetoric of Rouhani and Zarif signaled that things had changed in Tehran when it came to Riyadh, but why?

Perceptions are paramount in shaping policy, begging the question of what perceptions have taken shape in Iran about Saudi Arabia during Rouhanis tenure. That the Saudis are on the offensive against Iran is the dominant perception in daily political and media debates in Tehran. This view is based on and shaped by various realities  that is, other perceptions. These include Saudi policies in the Middle East with an obvious anti-Iranian dimension, a hostile attitude and policies toward Irans friends in the region, anti-Iran rhetoric by the Saudi Foreign Ministry and economic war waged against Iran by keeping oil prices low.

From Iran's perspective, these four factors have been evolving since the eruption of the Arab Spring in 2010-11. Indeed, developments such as Riyadhs execution of the dissident Saudi Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr in January, the hajj stampede in September 2015 and the molestation of two Iranian boys at the Jeddah airport in April 2015 have been interpreted in Tehran as continued and flagrant offenses against Iran.

There has also been a growing debate in Iran on the reason behind Saudi policies. Some argue that the Saudi stance toward Iran is a mere indication of Riyadhs regional opportunism. Others see it as an attempt to counter the United States' shift in strategic behavior in the Middle East, which includes a new approach to Iran. Another argument posits that Irans rising role in the region has motivated the Saudis to adopt a reactionary policy. Regardless of these theories, there is a consensus in Tehran that Saudi policies are anti-Iran, and such consensus on foreign policy issues is rare.

There is also a new phenomenon in that internal political debate is being discussed in public. Until now, only Israel (occupying Palestinian territories) and the United States (having instigated the 1953 coup that toppled the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh) had been public foreign policy issues. Saudi Arabia is now in a position to join Israel and the United States as the third. In other words, given perceptions of the current situation, Iranians are concerned about the future of the standoff with Saudi Arabia, and there is a wide range of opinion about what should be done going forward. The shift in perception of Saudi Arabia is important considering Irans recent history and could mark a paradigm shift.

Zarifs New York Times op-ed reflects the public nature of the Saudi issue and the way it is perceived by Iranians. In addition, Rouhanis criticisms, which note that the problems between Iran and Saudi Arabia go beyond bilateral relations, reflect the changing dynamics in the Tehran-Riyadh relationship. Thus, despite the Rouhani administration's initial agenda of rapprochement, a deadlock with Saudi Arabia has evidently been reached. Comparing Rouhanis international and regional approaches, one cannot miss his success at the international level, highlighted by the nuclear deal, while on the other hand, his policy toward Saudi Arabia has not borne fruit. This, coupled with public perceptions, has changed the public and political mood in Tehran toward Riyadh, hence the change in official rhetoric about Saudi Arabia.

After years of a mindset inclined toward rapprochement, new thinking on how to deal with a hostile Saudi Arabia is gradually taking shape in Tehran. It holds that beyond the (unlikely) prospect of direct conflict, there is nothing more the Saudis can do to damage Irans national security or hurt its regional allies. This outlook could very well lead to an escalation in tension and forms of indirect conflict between the two rivals. In this case, the question becomes whether the Saudis have closed off all their options for checking Iran by already having played all their cards vis-a-vis Iran and overextended themselves in the region. On the other hand, for various reasons, Iranians have during the past decades not viewed Saudi Arabia as a threat. Thus, it is up for debate whether Tehran's new rhetoric is a true indicator of a change in Iran's longstanding view of Riyadh as not posing a danger.
October 5, 2016

Not since the popular demonstrations of the Arab Spring in 2011, when protesters demanded political reforms, have Jordanians come together behind a common cause. This time, they rallied to denounce the signing of an agreement between Jordans National Electric Power Co. (NEPCO) and a US firm, Noble Energy, which is responsible for developing Israels largest offshore gas field. The $10 billion, 15-year deal was announced Sept. 26, almost a week after the kingdom held national legislative elections on Sept. 20 and more than a month before the new parliament is scheduled to convene.

The agreement to supply NEPCO with 300 million cubic feet of natural gas per day  almost 3 billion cubic feet annually will go into effect in 2019. This figure represents 40% of NEPCOs liquefied natural gas needs. The company supplies the gas to local electricity companies, which generate 85% of the kingdoms power. Details regarding responsibility for building the pipeline between Jordan and Israel and its cost have not been disclosed.

The Jordanian branch of the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign against Israel released a statement Sept. 28 expressing outrage and opposition to the deal. It reminded the government that Lower House deputies had voted overwhelmingly in December 2014 to reject the deal and cancel a memorandum of understanding between the two sides.

It now appears that the agreement was renegotiated in secret in spite of the Lower Houses objections.

The announcement came as a surprise, as the issue has not been discussed publicly since 2014. The public reaction was immediate. Political parties, professional unions, civil society organizations and individuals denounced the deal and expressed outrage at what they saw as a move toward normalization with the Zionist entity" and a "robbery of Palestinian natural resources, according to head of the Anti-Normalization Committee of the Union of Professional Associations Ahmad al-Armouti.

Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994, but the majority of Jordanians continue to oppose it. The Islamic Action Front, the Muslim Brotherhoods political arm, issued a statement Sept. 28 rejecting the agreement, saying that it represents reliance on the Zionist enemy" and "support for occupation.

The general coordinator for the National Campaign to Nullify the Gas Deal with the Zionist Entity, a nongovernmental popular movement supported by professional unions and civil society organizations, told local journalists Sept. 27, There is suspicion of corruption [in the deal] and that the government should have invested the $10 billion on alternative energy sources. Hisham Bustani, whose national campaign is being run under the slogan The Enemys Gas is Occupation, claimed that the cost of the stolen natural gas coming from Israel is higher than international prices.

On Sept. 30, thousands of Jordanians joined demonstrations all over the kingdom following Friday prayers. Marches took place in downtown Amman and in cities such as Irbid in the north and Kerak in the south. Demonstrators called on the government to cancel the deal, which they labeled as a form of normalization with the Zionist occupation. In the Bekaa Palestinian refugee camp, north of Amman, protesters clashed with riot police. Similar clashes were reported elsewhere.

The government took some time to respond to the criticism. On Oct. 3, government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani told Jordan state television, The gas agreement with Israel is based on Jordans strategic decision to diversify energy sources and does not create dependency on Israel. He added, It is superficial to say that by signing the deal we are supporting Israeli occupation. Our positions that reject occupation are clear.

Momani said Jordan had lost $6 billion when Egyptian gas supplies were cut off in 2014, when extremists blew up the pipeline linking Sinai to Aqaba, and that the deal with Israel will save the treasury around $600 million annually. He accused critics of politicizing the issue.

But strategic analyst and director of the Middle East Center for Policies and Media Amer Al Sabaileh disagreed. He told Al-Monitor that while the deal is purely commercial in nature, it limits Jordans energy choices and that such reliance [on Israel] could turn into a political weapon in the future.

He added that popular rejection will turn into pressure on the government and may lead to public disobedience. This is an example of how decisions are made in closed rooms and without transparency. Jordanians found out about the deal from Israeli news sources.

But the governments position has been defended by some economists and politicians. Salameh Darawai, economic analyst and editor of the website Maqar, supports the deal as a purely commercial venture in light of very limited government options. He told Al-Monitor, The deal will undoubtedly provide the kingdom with a cheap source of energy and this will lead to a decrease in citizens electric bills, especially considering that the countrys energy costs have increased by 170% in recent years.

Jordan, which imports about 96% of its energy needs, has been working on a strategy to diversify its energy resources. It includes building a nuclear reactor in the eastern desert and investing in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Chairman of the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission Khaled Toukan told Al-Monitor that the 2,000-megawatt Russian reactor will come online in 2024 and that it will meet 40% of the kingdoms energy needs then.

In addition, the country has an estimated shale oil reserve of 70 billion tons and a number of studies have been carried out to evaluate its commercial viability. In March, the government approved an agreement between the National Petroleum Co. and an Egyptian consortium to increase the annual output of al-Risha gas field, near the Iraqi border, to 50 million cubic feet within a year.

But public rejection of the gas deal with Israel is unlikely to ebb soon. Already a number of newly elected deputies have threatened to resign in protest of the deal and vowed to confront the government once the Lower House convenes Nov. 7. They criticized the governments signing of the agreement when parliament was not in session. While the government is not expected to back down, the deputies reactions could keep the issue alive in the public eye for many more weeks.
October 4, 2016

Throughout its mandate, the 2011-2016 Moroccan government underwent open scrutiny, criticism and even defamation unprecedented in recent history. The general public closely followed developments, particularly on social media, commenting on governmental accomplishments and pitfalls, sometimes being as inefficient as opposition groups.

Perhaps this resulted from the great expectations young people had after decades of corrupt and stagnant policies. Still, the four coalition parties managed to overcome numerous economic and political hurdles together. However, disagreements loomed large at end of the government's term, culminating in the parties' inability to display a cohesive achievement record.

The 2015 local and regional election polls showed internal tensions in the Cabinet. The Justice and Development Party (PJD) secured the presidencies of most key cities, a serious step forward in the kingdoms democratization process. The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), perceived as being backed by the monarchy, tried to revive the Coalition for Democracy, or G8, a 2011 grouping of eight parties that were anti-PJD. While the PAM had trouble reanimating the G8, two key parties  the Popular Movement (PM) and the National Rally of Independents (RNI)  joined the government. The PAM urged representatives of the two parties to challenge a government bill for coordination in municipalities and regional councils. Economic and political ties pushed the RNI and PM councilors to sometimes vote against their own party members and instead go the PAM's way. This clash of interests was aggravated when the RNI secretary-general accused Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane of coercion. Also, Finance Minister Mohammed Bousaid of the RNI mocked Benkirane in a dispute over a rural development fund. Thus, the PAMs endeavor to push the government to implode deepened divides, especially at the end of the government's term.

For many observers and the public, the Oct. 7 parliamentary election provides a way to further distance the country from despotic ills, where the next reforms must examine the governments record. The government, notwithstanding its efforts to reduce social inequality and foster the rule of law, has been unable to highlight progress; this has been a setback. During the Arab Spring, government parties refrained from supporting the ouster of the regime, preferring stability-based reform and promising to rectify public policies. But while there was no better way to extol accomplishments than to display them together, the parties' inability to do so indicates a rift between supporters of democracy and despotism.

In a fair election competition, opposition parties legitimize their role and push democratization forward by scrutinizing government programs. However, the opposition parties have avoided this form of direct politics, which has paved the way for big PJD wins.

The opposition is also believed to have been behind an anti-PJD rally. Around 8,000 marchers took to Mohammed VI Street in Casablanca, with many calling for banning Brotherhoodization of the state and society. No group claimed responsibility for the rally; however, it was discovered that some Interior Ministry agents, who are expected to be a neutral party, played a role in summoning masses and providing transportation for the march. The rally also showed how the public is used as shields in political strife in what is seen as undemocratic action. In a sense, especially in the absence of serious alternatives or clear programs, opposition parties and groups take all possible steps, even undemocratic ones, not only to block a PJD and Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) alliance, but also to reduce the influence of the Arab Spring in Morocco.

The media also is a bloc that resists democratization. The medias narrative has been to link positive accomplishments to the king and problematic decisions to the government. To overcome this media bias, the PJD and PPS have used other platforms to share achievements. The PPS organized an open event whereby it agreed with the Islamist PJD to further their current alliance, notwithstanding the results of the Oct. 7 polls. They will either lead the next government or form an opposition group together as a democratic step transcending the traditional left-right division of political groups.

The PJD has used two methods to highlight government achievements. The first is including them in its 2016 electoral platform; the achievements will be the starting point for a second generation of reforms for the next government, if the PJD wins. The second is sharing videos with each minister presenting the achievements of his or her own domain.

The way the government's term ended and pre-election developments forecast prospective coalitions. Under a highly expected PJD win, the forthcoming coalition could be one of the PJD and PPS; however, it also could be a combination of the PAM and the RNI, while the Popular Movement and the Istiqlal Party waver in the middle. Whatever happens, both blocs, particularly the PAM's, need to respect the ballot box. If no major fraud occurs, the next PJD-led government could provide an opportunity for there to be deeper democratization in the country and to show that that reform and stability, despite the discrepancies between them, can go hand in hand.
October 6, 2016

RABAT, Morocco  Five years after the Arab Spring and its accompanying wave of protests in Morocco, the kingdom will hold parliamentary elections on Oct. 7. Nabila Mounib, the secretary-general of the United Socialist Party (PSU) and the first woman to be elected as a party leader in Morocco, is running as part of the Democratic Left Federation (DLF), an alliance of three leftist parties  the PSU, the Democratic Socialist Vanguard Party and the National Ittihadi Congress.

The DLF presents itself as an alternative to the two main contenders, the Justice and Development Party (JDP), the Islamist ruling party, and the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), an anti-Islamist party founded in 2008 by Fouad Ali El Himma, a friend and adviser of King Mohammed VI. Among the 28 parties contesting the elections, the DLF is the only one proposing a separation of powers and establishment of a parliamentary monarchy.

Mounib, a biology and endocrinology professor with a long history of political activism, campaigned in 2011 for greater freedom and democracy and supported the February 20 movement. She boycotted the 2011 constitutional referendum and early parliamentary elections (moved forward in response to street protests) proposed by Mohammed, arguing that the new constitution would create a sham democracy."

The 2011 constitution broadened the powers of government and parliament, but did not decidedly reduce the powers of the monarchy, leading to a two-headed system that made it difficult to differentiate between measures decided by the king and those approved by the government.

Mounib hopes the DLF will be able to form a parliamentary group by winning at least 20 seats and represent a third way. In an interview with Al-Monitor in Rabat, she addressed the current political environment in Morocco, expressing her views on the JDP and PAM and explaining why she decided to run for election at this time, her partys reform proposals and how she intends to implement those reforms. Mounib also addressed the issue of womens political participation and the difficulties women face in Morocco.

The text of the interview follows:

Al-Monitor: In 2011, you boycotted the early parliamentary elections and the constitutional referendum proposed by King Mohammed VI, stating that the new constitution was a sham democracy. Why did you decide to run for the elections this time? What do you mean by sham democracy? Which aspects specifically?

Mounib: We boycotted the constitutional referendum because it did not respect the founding principle of democratic constitutions, which is the separation of powers. So what is the point? If all powers are concentrated, if parliamentary monarchy is merely cited as a slogan within the constitution and not as real content, you cannot participate.  It is therefore absolutely critical that constitutional reforms be implemented in Morocco, which means the separation of powers and the evolution of the political system toward a parliamentary monarchy in order to have some degree of popular power and to finally be able to implement a political program in Morocco.

In 2011, we also refused to participate in the elections not only because there was pressure in the streets, but also because we [the PSU] had presented [to Moroccan authorities] a document comprising 20 demands, which, in our opinion, could guarantee the holding of free and transparent elections. But those demands were rejected, including the demand asking that Moroccans be allowed to register automatically on the electoral roll and to vote by presenting their ID card [instead of having to register prior to the elections]. One of our demands also requested the establishment of an independent body to oversee this operation so that there is no control or intervention favoring one party or the other.

Today, nothing has changed. Morocco is stagnating, and this confirms that we were right.

Some say that the constitution is only five years old and that we must wait. But what are we going to wait for? It will not change by itself!

Al-Monitor: What kind of political regime do you want, and what political reforms do you propose?

Mounib: The priority is to work on constitutional reforms in order to implement a parliamentary monarchy. We need a democratic system, separation of powers and accountability. We need a real government, with the ability to govern and to make choices.

Al-Monitor: You have been criticized in some media outlets for the absence of clear and quantifiable objectives in your economic program. What are your proposals on the economic level, and how do you plan to implement them?

Mounib: We consider that it is absolutely necessary to build a strong, productive and mixed economy, directed toward the promotion of social justice. We cannot turn a blind eye to the rent-seeking economy, favoritism and impunity regarding economic crimes. It is necessary to put an end to the monopolies and to implement reforms that allow economic competitiveness. There is a social crisis in Morocco and we do not want it to blow up in our faces.

And we do have a quantifiable program. The current annual growth rate is 1.5%, but it should be 7% if we want to create jobs. We can achieve this through the countrys industrialization, notably through the processing industry, the agri-food industry, the digital industry.  These are the economic niches we could develop if we create optimal conditions of competitiveness and reform the tax system.  Of course, we are not suggesting implementing all of this today, as we plan to remain in the opposition. But there is huge potential. And of course all of this should be accompanied by a review of Moroccos free trade agreements.

Al-Monitor: What is your opinion about the JDP's record after five years in power?

Mounib: If we look at this partys initial proposals regarding the reduction of unemployment and poverty rates, it is clear that its record is bad. The national debt increased up to 80% of GDP [gross domestic product], and if we include the loans of Moroccan families, it reaches 136% of GDP. But on the other hand, we denounce that the government cannot govern enough to allow accountability [given the wide powers of the royal institution]. This doesnt exonerate this government, because it participated while knowing perfectly well what to expect. Maybe it participated only to implement its cultural project, which is a retrograde project.

Anyway, the problem is that up until now, the two-headed political system constitutes a major obstacle. This is the reason why we say that as parliamentary elections take place, we cannot avoid political reform in this country so that we can ensure that in the future we can have a government that actually governs and is accountable for everything happening in the country.

Al-Monitor: In a speech given on Sept. 22 in Casablanca, you said that the bipolarity between the JDP and the PAM was artificial. Why?

Mounib: Both parties are conservative, each in its own way. The JDP uses the religious sensitivity of the people in its politics, but in a covert way. Furthermore, the JDP failed to respect its commitments to fight despotism and corruption. Instead, it normalized its relationship with both. On the other side, the PAM is described in the official media [state television] as modernist. But it was created by the system, powered by the system, supported by the system. And when we take a close look at its proposals, we can see that it is not modernist at all, because it never asked for democracy to be implemented in Morocco.

This is why we think that we represent a third way, between a rock and a hard place, and say that this bipolarity is totally misleading.

Al-Monitor: But how can you convince those who say that voting is useless because most powers remain in the hands of the king?

Mounib: Voting is the best way to reshuffle the cards and to allow the emergence of a truthful elite, whose only goal is to act in the public interest.

Al-Monitor: If you manage to win the 20 seats required to form a parliamentary group, do you think you will have the ability to push through the political reforms you want?

Mounib: We need to increase support for our political and constitutional reform project. We intend to lobby in collaboration with several civil society actors, with unionists, with youths, in universities.  We also need pressure from outside parliament. We can also use petitions, like I did with other female activists in the early 1990s to change the Moudawana [the Moroccan family code, which was reformed in 1993 to give women more rights involving marriage and divorce]. Maybe we could muster millions of signatures and ask for the issue of constitutional reform to be reopened.

Al-Monitor: When you were elected secretary-general of your party in 2012, you said in an interview published on Jan. 26 of that year in La Nouvelle Tribune that it was a victory for all Moroccan women. What barriers do women face in Morocco when it comes to political participation? What do you propose to improve gender equality in Morocco?

Mounib: We have a project to empower women, whether they live in the countryside or in the mountains, whether they live in the cities or in the outskirts of the cities. Unfortunately, women are the first to suffer from poverty and insecurity. In this regard, womens access to power in any institution, and especially political ones, is crucial, because it allows them to present womens expectations at the institutional level and to translate them into political action.

Of course, there are significant obstacles, such as patriarchy and sexism based on a misconception of the sacred text, which makes this process even more difficult. But I think that we can help improve gender equality by fighting for justice, democracy, full citizenship and better education.

Sebastian Castelier contributed to this interview.
October 6, 2016

A senior adviser to President Mahmoud Abbas visited a local vegetable store in Ramallah on Oct. 2. The store owner and the adviser talked about Abbas' having attended the funeral of former Israeli President Shimon Peres on Sept. 30. When the owner of the vegetable store conveyed his criticism, the adviser related to him part of the discussion that had taken place at the Muqata, the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, prior to the funeral.

In a conversation with Al-Monitor, the vegetable store owner talked about the conversation with the adviser to Abbas on condition of anonymity. He said that the adviser had told him, We told him [Abbas], 'How does a leader benefit if he wins over the entire world but loses the love of his people.' But the Palestinian leader was adamant about going to attend the funeral irrespective of the advice of the adviser or his aides.

I am 82 and I am not running for office anymore. What I am doing is in the best interest of my people, the adviser related as to what Abbas had said to those who opposed his action, according to the vegetable store owner.

In the aftermath of Abbas participation at the funeral, a flood of what appears to be raw anger and opposition was part of discussions in shops and homes. While those in opposition were the loudest and most vocal, a number of saner voices have since emerged trying to put the visit in perspective. Much of the opposition appeared to be politically motivated, reflecting fractures in support for Abbas not only in the public at large, but even with the ruling Fatah movement. Attacks used treasonous language to describe the actions of Abbas.

Religion was also inserted on both sides of the debate. Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar said on Iranian TV on Oct. 1 that Abbas actions make him  in religious terms  tantamount to a Jew in the eyes of Palestinians. He doesnt represent us, he is a creation of Israel and I hope he joins Peres in hell, Zahar said.

On the other hand, a senior adviser to Abbas on religious affairs, Mahmoud al-Habash, said Oct. 2 that if the Prophet Muhammad was alive today, he would have participated in the funeral. Habash cited the fact that the prophet participated in the funeral of a Jewish neighbor. Peres is a neighbor whether we like it or not, Habash concluded.

The attacks emanated not only from Hamas supporters, but also from some of Abbas supporters. Opposition to the president's action was publicly sounded from Fatahs Central Committee member Tawfiq Tirawi and from the Fatah student council members at Birzeit University.

Tirawi, who was the head of the Palestinian intelligence until he was demoted by Abbas in 2008, issued a statement questioning the presidents decision. Tirawi, who noted that the Fatah Central Committee was not asked for advice, said that if he had been asked, he would have advised against participation. He [Peres] is a Zionist who has been immersed from head to toe with the blood of the Palestinians and fellow Arabs, Tirawi said in a press release that was republished on various websites Oct. 3. The Fatah student council at Birzeit University issued a statement Oct. 1 calling on Abbas to resign.

However, Bassem Barhoum, a Fatah spokesman, was very supportive, describing Abbas action as a breakthrough. Writing Oct. 3 in the PLO-owned daily Al-Hayat al-Jadida, Barhoum said, What was seen in the participation of Abbas in the Peres funeral was courage and taking true responsibility, as well as taking the right decision without worry about whether this decision is popular or not.

Supporters and opponents, however, did not limit themselves to issuing press releases and writing articles in newspapers. Demonstrations in support and against the participation took place in the Gaza Strip and in Ramallah. But after a couple of days of angry statements, some clear-headed discussions began in Palestine, which slowly turned the pendulum back to the center with more sober political debate rather than mudslinging.

Mohammed Daraghmeh, a veteran reporter and a close observer to the Palestinian leader, wrote in Madar News on Oct. 1 that Abbas participation in Peres funeral was aimed at sending a message to the Israeli public that there is a genuine Palestinian partner to peace. Abbas is betting on the return of the spirit of the two-state solution and sees that the right-wing governments in Israel are the obstacle. Abbas is investing politically with the Israeli public hoping that one day this public will bring a government that believes in ending the occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, Daraghmeh wrote.

But another independent analyst, Hani Masri, said in a column in As-Safir on Oct. 4 that Abbas participation is a grave mistake because it reflects a policy of betting on the return of the peace process, which died a long time ago.

Masri noted the absence of King Abdullah of Jordan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, both of whose countries have peace agreements with Israel, and argued that by pursuing this bet, Abbas prevents Palestinians and Arabs from searching for new options instead of the ones that have failed to produce results.

Abbas image has been further tarnished by his participation in Peres funeral and the strong popular opposition to it. But if Abbas is serious about not running for office again  as his adviser related to the vegetable store owner in Ramallah  his action will speed up the succession leadership struggle. But the big question that remains is how it will affect the overall Palestinian efforts to end the occupation.
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October 5, 2016

RAMALLAH, West Bank  On Sept. 29, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas approved the social security law, which the Palestinian government had referred to him on Sept. 27. Abbas approved the new amendments that were made following discussions between the ministerial committee, which was set up by the government on April 21 to specifically follow up on this law, the National Campaign for Social Security, trade unions, the private sector, economists and legal experts, under the auspices of the Palestinian Legislative Councils (PLC) parliamentary blocs.

Some provisions of the social security law, which the government had approved Feb. 16, were amended after popular protests were organized by the National Campaign for Social Security, which includes trade unions and civil institutions. The latest protests were held in front of the Cabinet in Ramallah on April 19 and May 10.

The new law was widely welcomed by the many parties Al-Monitor spoke with, including the National Campaign for Social Security  one of the largest civil society campaigns launched on April 5  the parliamentary blocs that participated in drafting and amending the law, and the Palestinian government.

Secretary of the National Campaign for Social Security Iyad Riyahi told Al-Monitor that the amendments would not have been made had it not been for the campaign they launched.

The concept of a social security fund is to collect monthly contributions from employees and employers, set by the new law at 7% of the employees monthly salary, compared to 7.5% under the old law. The employer now has to pay 9% of each employees salary, compared to 8.5% under the old law.

Regarding other amendments, Riyahi said, The pensions coefficient was increased from 1.7% to 2%, which will contribute to raising the value of pensions for employees. The minimum pension was increased from 50% to 75% of the minimum wage, which amounts to 1,450 shekels [roughly $380].

The law provided that the government shall be the guarantor of the social security funds money. In this regard, Riyahi said, The new law stipulates that the government is bound to cover the fiscal deficit in the fund, should it occur. This clause was not included in the old law.

Also, women will have the right to bequeath their pensions to their husbands, regardless of the latters ability to work, and they will have the right to maternity leave three months after joining the social security fund, compared to six under the old law.

After the terms were agreed upon and the law was approved by Abbas, the next step is to form a board of directors for the social security authority, which is headed by Minister of Labor Mamoun Abu Shahla. The board of directors will include five representatives of the government, five workers and trade union representatives, five employer representatives and two experts in financial and administrative affairs. Abu Shahla told Al-Monitor that the Palestinian Cabinet session, due to be held in the next few weeks, will work on this accordingly.

According to Abu Shahla, the employees and workers will benefit most from this law, as the retirement pension has been increased and more privileges have been allocated.

He said that the social security authority will see the light in about six months. After the board of directors is formed, it will work with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and some neighboring countries to host experts and competent Palestinian individuals to establish the social security authority with all its services, units, functions and regulations.

Abu Shahla added that restoring the rights of Palestinian workers who have worked in Israel is one of the main issues that the social security authority would be working on, in virtue of Article 38 of the Paris Protocol signed between Israel and the Palestinian Authority on April 29, 1994. According to this article, the fees that were deducted from the wages of Palestinian workers in Israel, which amount to 31 billion shekels ($8.2 billion), shall be transferred to the social security authority once it is established.

Abu Shahla explained that the social security law will be submitted at the next ILO meeting in Geneva at the end of October. A campaign will also be launched during the meeting to raise the necessary funds from donor countries to set up the headquarters of the authority, which would cost about $8-$10 million.

Bassam Salhi, the chairman of the parliamentary committee for drafting and amending the social security law, told Al-Monitor that the law was amended following talks between the parliamentary blocs and the ministerial committee, in coordination with other competent parties.

Salhi said that a mechanism will be set up to follow up on the implementation of the law by the social security authoritys board of directors, the government and the PLC, noting that the law, in its current form, is an achievement for the Palestinians.

The new law was approved by employers from the private sector, who held talks about amending some clauses of the draft law with the ministerial and parliamentary committees, and workers and employees represented by the National Campaign for Social Security. Following these talks, the law was submitted to Abbas for ratification. Khalil Rizk, the representative of employers in the private sector, told Al-Monitor, The amended version of the social security law was approved by all [concerned] parties, as it is of benefit to all the Palestinian people.

Despite the ratification of the law, many challenges await its implementation and objectives. These challenges include the ability of various parties to monitor the laws implementation and guarantee that employers apply it in order to ensure workers' rights.
October 5, 2016

The Turkish government is following through on its radical decision to totally dismantle the military medical network of about 900 doctors and more than 4,000 military nurses and paramedical personnel.

Under the state-of-emergency decree issued July 31, two weeks after an attempted coup, the 125-year-old Gulhane Military Medical Academy (GATA) in Ankara and 33 other military hospitals in different parts of Turkey were transferred to the jurisdiction of the civilian Ministry of Health. The medical needs of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) will be handled by the civilian medical system.

The transfer inevitably created a battlefront of discord between the military high command and civilian politicians, generating angry debates in the public sphere and also between civilian and military elites.

The debate in the public sphere was triggered by reports that a specialist sergeant who had suffered serious burns Sept. 6 had died. The sergeant, part of the Euphrates Shield military intervention against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, was said to have died because he was not evacuated from the Gaziantep Public Hospital to GATA's highly specialized burn unit. Reports claiming the sergeant had died because of incompetence in the civilian medical system spread like wildfire on social media. The reports added that the civilian system has been experiencing serious problems in prioritizing TSK casualties from clashes with the Kurdistan Workers Party and IS, thus hurting TSK morale and motivation.

According to Minister of Health Recep Akdag, such reports are malicious fabrications. The military medical system was abolished, he said, for three reasons. First was the necessity of cleansing the system of Gulenists, whom Ankara blames for the attempted coup. Second is an unproductive system, and third is low occupancy rates in military hospitals despite enormous investments made in them.

Military elites, especially retired officers employed as professors, and the chief of general staff are also reacting strongly to the closing. Ali Sehirlioglu, a professor and retired general from GATA, believes the transfer will wipe out the TSKs phenomenal accumulation of military experience and academic knowledge of military medical services, combat surgery and psychiatry.

Sehirlioglu said GATA, based in Ankara, constitutes the uppermost level of the TSK medical system and is an absolute necessity. He said the new system means there will be no new doctors specializing in military medicine and all the amassed experience will be squandered. Sehirlioglu said every modern army of the world and all NATO countries have military medical systems and hospitals and what is happening in Turkey is extremely worrisome.

Retired professor Maj. Gen. Erol Ugur also noted that military hospitals give priority to relatives of those killed in the line of duty, veterans and serving and retired soldiers. With the new system, these priorities could vanish.

Military historian Sefa Ozkaya reminded Al-Monitor of the symbolic importance of the military medical system in Turkish military history. Ozkaya believes the introduction of that system in the Ottoman Empire in the 1840s spearheaded the entry of modern medicine into the country.

The civilian government, however, appears to have turned a deaf ear to all these points. The plan is to hire civilian doctors needed by the TSK on contract. Akdag said the Health Ministry plans to set up combat surgery, combat psychology and combat orthopedics specialties in medical schools. Many countries have a separate military medical system. But these countries dont have the extensive and developed civilian medical system that Turkey does. We have full confidence in our civilian medical system, he added.

Most people are not aware of the current TSK medical system, which comprises four levels. At the first level are field units where noncommissioned paramedical personnel are responsible for first aid and casualty evacuation. These personnel used to be trained at GATA; now they will have to be trained at civilian universities. At the second level are brigade-division infirmaries staffed by general practitioner military doctors. These doctors, in addition to handling preventive and curative services, are also tasked with counseling, hygienic control of food and even family planning. Now who will provide these services?

The third level is 33 military hospitals. In addition to providing specialized medical services, including surgeries, they also perform medical examinations of military personnel signing up for demanding duties, such as pilots and commandos. The fourth level is the Ankara-based GATA and its associated medical institutes such as the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Center. At this level, sophisticated medical examinations are conducted; this is the final step for personnel who want to be pilots and special forces personnel.

It wasnt at all surprising that the Gulen movement wanted to have a major influence at this TSK medical level. By allegedly manipulating medical examination results, they were able to place personnel they favored into critical posts, while eliminating others.

Those who favor preserving the TSKs autonomous medical system point to problems that will be faced on the field at the first and second levels, and particularly at the specializations needed at the fourth level. Those who favor civilian takeover point to dangers of Gulenist influence at the fourth level and wasteful nonproductivity at the third and fourth levels.

According to a doctor who, until a month ago, was a lieutenant colonel but now is a civilian doctor for the Ministry of Health, it is true that third-level military hospitals are unproductive and wasteful institutions and the GATA at Ankara is both unproductive and out of date.

The military medical system has needed reforms for more than a decade. The TSK has been trying that since 2004 but couldnt succeed because of the resistance at the fourth level and poorly selected transformation models. Discipline and supervision are weak. The land-force hospitals, especially, are obsolete and have decayed," he said. The doctor believes the Health Ministry is aware of the situation.

Another former military doctor who didnt want to be identified insists reforms should not start at the fourth level in Ankara, but from the periphery. Today, the TSK cannot assign specialized doctors to serve in its current areas of operations. Taking on civilian specialists could improve medical services in the periphery. But the doctor wonders how the Ministry of Health will attract civilian doctors to combat specialties.

Today, when you make good money in specialty fields such as gynecology and cardiology, why would anyone want to specialize in risky, hardship fields with less income, such as combat surgery and psychiatry? he asked.

At the moment, there seems to be no end in sight to the debate between military-civilian elites and the public. It is becoming an important front of the growing contention over revolutionary transformation. Both parties have justified and unjustified claims. In Ankara, it is a zero-sum game in military-security reforms, because the winner takes all and the loser loses all.

In other words, an appearance of military-civilian harmony in the structural transformation can be misleading. Pretensions of cooperation and integration conceal frictions and tensions from the public.
October 6, 2016

The deepening row between Turkey and Iraq took a further turn as Baghdad requested an emergency session of the UN Security Council to review what it considers the illegal presence of Turkish troops at the Bashiqa camp near Mosul, while a top Turkish official claimed the soldiers were there at the request of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Speaking at a public ceremony, Turkish government spokesman Numan Kurtulmus said, With regard to Bashiqa, it is clear from the very beginning that the [President Massoud] Barzani administration wanted the support of Turkish forces to train local forces to liberate Mosul. We will not allow this to be a matter of debate.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim joined in the salvoes, asserting, Iraqs obsession with the Turkish military presence is malicious. The Turkish presence there will continue.

The KRG, however, has stopped short of confirming Turkeys claims that Turkish troops had been deployed at its request and instead threw the ball into Baghdads court.

KRG spokesman Safeen Dizayee said Turkish troops had deployed to Bashiqa to train Ninevah provinces Sunni volunteer forces with the knowledge and consent of the central government in Baghdad and that the KRG had merely facilitated the transfer. Dizayee additionally claimed that Iraqs recently ousted defense minister, Khaled al-Obeidi, had visited the Turkish camp.

Dizayees statement followed a phone call between Barzani and US Vice President Joe Biden to discuss the pending operation to liberate Mosul from the Islamic State. Biden reportedly urged Barzani to publicly refute Turkish claims that its troops had come to Bashiqa at the KRGs behest.

The spokesman for the US-led coalition against IS, Col. John Dorrian, laid out Washingtons position when he told a press conference in Baghdad that every force should be here with the coordination or and with the permission of the government of Iraq.

In private conversations with coalition officials, the Iraqi Kurds claim that they did not invite the Turks to Bashiqa. The KRG, however, has never publicly aired criticism of the Turkish deployment. The Iraqi Kurds view the Turkish presence as insurance against the predominantly Shiite Popular Mobilization Units possibly trying to seize upon the Mosul campaign to push KRG peshmerga from disputed areas inside Ninevah province that had been abandoned by the Iraqi army when IS struck in summer 2014.

Indeed, there is talk of the KRG aligning itself with a Turkish and Saudi-led Sunni bloc to offset potential moves by neighboring Iran to sabotage Barzani's long-nurtured plans for an independent state. Barzani is counting on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to back these plans. A mega energy deal inked between the KRG and Ankara in 2013 for the sale of Kurdish oil and natural gas, allegedly at well below market prices, was calculated to help cement Erdogans support.

There are widespread allegations that Berat Albayrak, Turkeys energy minister and Erdogans son-in-law, holds a stake in Powertrans, the Turkish company that was awarded a monopoly on trucking Kurdish oil to Turkey. Regardless, the Iraqi Kurds sole outlet for energy exports, on which their economic survival depends, is Turkey.

Still, how far Turkey will go to defend the Iraqi Kurds remains unnervingly unclear. As Barzani himself noted, when IS came within striking distance of the KRG capital of Erbil, it was Iran, not Turkey, that rushed to their defense.
October 5, 2016

On a rainy day in May 2013, US President Barack Obama and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan stood together under umbrellas in Washington praising the strategic partnership between their countries while Moodys Investors Service was upgrading Turkeys credit rating to good.

But since that heartwarming meeting of two leaders, black clouds have drifted over US-Turkey relations. Deep rifts over Turkey's Syria policy, Gezi Park protests, corruption probes and finally a coup attempt have had traumatic effects on the relations between the two countries.

The latest blow came from Moodys. Erdogan, who visited the United States in September, returned to find Turkey with a lower credit rating.

The credit rating announcements that coincided with Erdogans two visits to the United States have inspired a new fear: Will the next coup attempt be launched on the economic front?

They lowered our grade when I was returning home as if they were seeking revenge, Erdogan said, attributing the decision to political motives. He wasnt alone in objecting. The move was met with anger not only from the prime minister, other ministers, media figures and even opposition parties but also from a majority of the Turkish public.

These organizations are trying to control us. They are not neutral but trying to create perceptions, said Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.

His deputy, Numan Kurtulmus, said that the decision's coinciding with Erdogans trip to the United States had meaning: This was the aftershock of July 15. Selin Sayek Boke, deputy chairperson of the main opposition Republican People's Party, also said the decision was politically motivated.

In the second quarter of the year, Turkeys growth rate was below 3.1%. An even worse performance is likely in the third quarter.

Moodys, which had once upgraded Turkeys credit rating to Baa3, lowered it this time. The rating agency cited the country's increasing financing needs, a slowdown in economic growth and weakening institutional structures in lowering Turkeys grade to junk, a non-investment speculative level.

Economist Gizem Oztok Altinsac told Al-Monitor that even if there had not been a coup attempt, economic and political developments could have brought about a reduction in the grade and advised Turks to keep a cool head.

We cannot claim that our grade would not have been lowered had there been no coup attempt. The growth rate is sluggish. We have high geopolitical risks. Tourism has suffered because of the escalation of terror. All these affect the countrys foreign financing needs. The coup attempt might have expedited the process of grade lowering. We should not forget that we have been on negative monitoring for the past 30 months, she said. She added that since 2013, the Turkish economy has been growing more fragile.

The markets were caught off guard by the downgrade. On Sept. 21, a Moodys official had told Reuters that the Turkish economy had overcome the shock of the coup attempt and many analysts had interpreted his comment to mean that there would be no change to Turkeys rating.

Major Turkish media outlets, giving voice to the public, were harshly critical of the decision.

The Turkish public experienced a unity similar to that during the coup attempt, when most of the country was convinced that infamous cleric Fethullah Gulen had engineered it and viewed the United States with equal suspicion. According to a poll by Andy-Ar, 72.6% of the public believes that there are other countries behind the coup attempt, and 64.4% say the coup was the work of Gulen.

The harshest reaction came from Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, who bluntly stated that the United States was behind the coup attempt. Other officials have accused an unnamed "superior intellect" as the culprit. Gulens continued residence in the United States and the US administration's refusal to extradite him have naturally increased anger against the United States.

US Vice President Joe Biden, who visited Turkey amid the increasing tensions, firmly said the Americans were not behind the coup and issued messages of friendship. But it is hard to see how Bidens displays of affection have allayed the Turks' anger. Even a decision by a credit rating agency was enough to inflame distrust.

Atilla Yesilada, an economist with Global Source, put it succinctly to Al-Monitor: Moodys decision was not politically motivated, but its timing was so lousy that they cannot avoid such accusations. But I share their concerns. Our institutional structure is coming apart and our growth will slow down even more."
Halloween is still more than three weeks away, but it's not too early to start making your Christmas plans at the Alabama Theatre.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today, Oct., 6, for the Alabama's 2016 Holiday Film Series, and if you want to make sure to get tickets to see some of your favorite Christmas movies, you might want to go ahead and buy your tickets now.

Last Christmas season, a record 29,281 people attended the Holiday Film Series, and 12 of the 18 screenings were sold out, according to Brant Beene, executive director of Birmingham Landmarks, which owns and operates the Alabama Theatre.

"These are so popular," Beene said. "People even plan their holidays around them."

Tickets to this year's movies are $8, with the exception of the two screenings of "The Polar Express." Those tickets are $12, with proceeds benefiting Kid One Transport.

Order tickets online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000. There is an additional charge for online purchases.

Here is the 2016 Holiday Film Series schedule:

Dec. 9, Friday, 7 p.m. -- "White Christmas."

Dec. 10, Saturday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. -- "The Polar Express."

Dec. 10, Saturday, 7 p.m. -- "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."

Dec. 11, Sunday, 2 p.m. -- "Miracle on 34th Street."

Dec. 11, Sunday, 7 p.m. -- "Elf."

Dec. 12, Monday, 7 p.m. -- "It's a Wonderful Life."

Dec. 13, Tuesday, 7 p.m. -- "Home Alone."

Dec. 14, Wednesday, 7 p.m. -- "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."

Dec. 15, Thursday, 7 p.m. -- "Elf."

Dec. 16, Friday, 7 p.m. -- "A Christmas Story."

Dec. 17, Saturday, 2 p.m. -- Christmas Cartoon Matinee: "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

Dec. 17, Saturday, 7 p.m. -- "It's a Wonderful Life."

Dec. 18, Sunday, 2 p.m. -- "White Christmas."

Dec. 18, Sunday, 7 p.m. -- "Home Alone."

Dec. 19, Monday, 2 p.m. -- "It's a Wonderful Life."

Dec. 19, Monday, 7 p.m. -- "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."

Dec. 20, Tuesday, 2 p.m. -- "White Christmas."

Dec. 20, Tuesday, 7 p.m. -- "Meet Me in St. Louis."

Dec. 21, Wednesday, 2 p.m. -- "A Christmas Story."

Dec. 21, Wednesday, 7 p.m. -- "Elf."

Dec. 22, Thursday, 2 p.m. -- Christmas Cartoon Matinee: "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

Dec. 22, Thursday, 7 p.m. -- "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."

The Alabama Theatre is at 1817 Third Ave. North in downtown Birmingham.

For more information about the 2016 Holiday Film Series, go here.
UPDATE: The officer's vehicle has been found in Forestdale but his wallet and police gear are missing.

EARLIER: Authorities are searching for a car stolen in Homewood Wednesday afternoon that belongs to a police officer and had his law enforcement gear inside.

Brookside police Officer Brady McLaughlin said the white 2013 Hyundai Sonata was stolen sometime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 85 Bagby Drive in Homewood. Though the vehicle is McLaughlin's personal car, there is law enforcement gear in the trunk that authorities don't want to fall into the wrong hands. There was no gun in the vehicle when it was stolen.

The four-door sedan has an Alabama license plate number 0305AG9, and there is a red and white State of Alabama-shaped sticker in the lower left corner of the rear window. Authorities are working with Hyundai to track the vehicle, but are asking the public to be on the lookout for it.

Anyone who sees the vehicle is asked to call 911, the Homewood Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office or the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Holman Prison Riot

A CERT guard walks down a cell block at Holman Correctional Institute in Atmore, Ala., on March 14, 2016. The prison saw its second disturbance in three days on Monday. (Submitted to AL.com)

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into violence, rape, overcrowding and other problems within the men's prisons in Alabama, the DOJ announced today.

The investigation will focus on whether prisoners are adequately protected from physical harm and sexual abuse at the hands of other prisoners; whether prisoners are adequately protected from use of excessive force and staff sexual abuse by correctional officers; and whether the prisons provide sanitary, secure and safe living conditions, according to the DOJ announcement.

"The Constitution requires that prisons provide humane conditions of confinement," Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division stated in the announcement. "We hope to work cooperatively with the state of Alabama in conducting our inquiry and ensuring that the state's facilities keep prisoners safe from harm."

The Civil Rights Division's Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney's Offices for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama are conducting this investigation.

"Our obligation is to protect the civil rights of all citizens, including those who are incarcerated," U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance of the Northern District of Alabama. "This investigation provides us with an opportunity to work collaboratively with the state of Alabama to assess current conditions and ensure constitutionally sufficient conditions exist for all prisoners."

"The vulnerability of a prisoner makes it even more important that basic hygiene and safe accommodations are afforded the inmates," said U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. of the Middle District of Alabama.

"I am very pleased to have my office join the Northern and Middle Districts of Alabama as well as the Civil Rights Division in opening an investigation into the Alabama prison system," said U.S. Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama. "All citizens, even those who are incarcerated, should expect sanitary conditions of habitation that are free of physical harm and sexual abuse."

The department has not reached any conclusions regarding the allegations in this matter, according to the statement.

But the DOJ warns the state could face a lawsuit if the violations are found and the state doesn't work to correct them, according to a Thursday letter from DOJ notifying Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley of the investigation.

In the letter the DOJ states that if no systematic violations are found, that they will notify the governor. But if there are violations then DOJ will work with the state to remedy them, including finding any financial or technical help. In the many years of enforcing the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act the good faith effort of state, county, and local officials "have routinely enabled us to resolve our claims without resort(ing) to contested litigation."

Bentley issued a statement saying he welcomes the opportunity to continue to work with the DOJ and continue the efforts to make Alabama prisons better. "This issue of overcrowding is a decade's old issue that must be addressed. I am looking forward to again working with the Alabama Legislature to permanently solve this problem," the governor stated.

The Alabama Department of Corrections has 14 men's prisons and one women's prison (Tutwiler). The DOC also operates a number of other sites, including community corrections and re-entry facilities.

The investigation will not include federal prisons located in Alabama.

The investigation will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). Under CRIPA, the department has the authority to investigate violations of prisoners' constitutional rights that result from a "pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights." The department has conducted CRIPA investigations of many correctional systems, and where violations have been found, the resulting settlement agreements have led to important reforms.

Jefferson Dunn, the commissioner of Alabama's prison system, said in a release this afternoon that the system understands "the seriousness of the DOJ investigation and will cooperate fully. We will dedicate the necessary time and resources to enable the investigators to complete their work," he said.

Dunn's statement says he has identified longstanding problems in Alabama prisons caused by overcrowding, understaffing, and outdated facilities.

"We have been working to provide solutions to the problems faced by the department and will work with the DOJ on recommendations to improve conditions in the Alabama Department of Corrections," Dunn said.

The DOJ asks that individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via phone at (205) 244-2001 or by email at usaaln.civilrights@usdoj.gov.

Overcrowding, violence, rape, correctional officer abuse, and other issues have been scrutinized at prisons in recent years by state officials in the wake of a federal report.

Alabama's in-house population in July of 2016 was 23,692. That's 1,438 women, 22,254 men.

In-house capacity is 13,318. That's a 178 percent design capacity this summer, down from 193 percent in 2014. But projections show that the prisons will be at 158 capacity in 2020 under the state's prison reform initiative.

The most overcrowded high security large men's facility is Kilby at 266 percent capacity in July. That's 1,169 inmates in July in a space designed to hold 440. The same state report for July shows Kilby employs 141 correctional staff employees, or about 60 percent the recommended correctional staff level.

The Alabama Legislature in May failed to pass Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley's plan to build new state prisons. That plan initially called for borrowing up to $800 million to build three new men's prisons and a new women's prison to replace Julia Tutwiler Prison.

Before the legislation failed a conference committee scaled the plan back to two men's prisons, the women's prison and a total bond issue of up to $550 million.

The man who led prison reform efforts in the legislature knew the DOJ might launch an investigation.

"I can't say I'm surprised," State Sen. Cam Ward, R-Shelby County, said of the DOJ investigation. "This is something I've been warning about for quite some time," he said.

The state has initiated new sentencing guidelines to cut down on overcrowding, said Ward who is chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee that has been at the center of the prison reform movement in state government. But that won't be enough and new prisons are needed to deal with overcrowding and prisoners who have mental health issues, he said.

Alabama can't run prisons that meet constitutional standards in aging facilities, Ward said.

"Either we do it in the most cost efficient way or have a (federal) judge tell us how to do it and we still have to pay for it," Ward said.

The Southern Poverty Law Center issued a statement regarding the investigation.

"Only the most egregious of conditions would prompt the federal government to open a major investigation into our prison system," SPLC president Richard Cohen stated in the press statement.

The SPLC has a lawsuit pending that alleges Alabama is failing in its constitutional obligation to provide adequate mental health and medical care to Alabama prisoners. The state is also facing multiple lawsuits about rampant violence in its prisons and strikes by prisoners and correctional officers, the SPLC states.

"Alabama's prisons are out of control because the state incarcerates too many people and the prisons are poorly managed," Cohen stated. "Governor Bentley thinks the answer is to spend $1.5 billion on building new prisons, but the problems the Alabama Department of Corrections is facing can not be solved by construction. If we embark on a costly and ill-planned massive prison construction plan without carefully calibrating it to coincide with continued, significant decreases in the state's prison population, we're likely to end up where we started -- with too many prisons and an unnecessarily high prison population that uses state resources that could be better spent on increasing public safety and improving the lives of all Alabamians."

Initially federal authorities took a look at Tutwiler, the prison for women in a 2014 report. In May of 2015 the DOJ filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Montgomery alleging the the state "subjected prisoners at Tutwiler to a pattern and practice of confinement" that violates the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. At the same time Alabama and the DOJ filed a joint motion asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit and for the judge to retain jurisdiction to enforce the terms in the agreement.

Riots, including fires, and stabbings, however, in the past year have plagued two of the largest men's prisons - Holman in Escambia County and the correctional facility in St. Clair County.

Last year AL.com won a top national award for its journalism involving the public in discussions about reform of Alabama's troubled prison system. AL.com won in the community engagement category of the annual awards of the Associated Press Media Editors. The Seattle Times was a co-winner of that award.

AL.com reporter Challen Stephens contributed to this report

DOJ Letter by KentFaulk on Scribd
"We just knew in our hearts there was something else going on," Miranda Ainsworth of Florence said Wednesday.

Ainsworth was talking about 9-year-old daughter Anna Brooke and the developmental delays she'd spotted as early as 5 months old.

A long series of tests - even a full genetic screening - led to a series of diagnoses "thrown at us," she said, including microencephaly, cerebral palsy, even gastro-intestinal problems. None was right; all left Ainsworth determined to keep searching.

Ainsworth and her husband, David, came to Huntsville Wednesday to celebrate the end of their search with researchers at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. The institute was marking the 100th child diagnosed in a partnership with the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and one of those 100 children was Anna Brooke.

'A great new idea'

HudsonAlpha started the screenings by approaching UAB neurology professor Dr. Martina Bebin. Bebin has more than 1,700 children as patients at clinics in Alabama, and HudsonAlpha wanted to team with her in new research.

"They had a great idea," Bebin said Wednesday. "This technology has advanced so quickly over the last two years."

The National Institutes for Health said "yes" to funding, and free whole genome screenings began using new technology. They continue into next year, and parents can still get in on the program. They can contact HudsonAlpha and ask about the CSER program (Clinical Sequencing Exploratory Research project) or reach out to Dr. Bebin through UAB, Children's Hospital of Alabama, or North Alabama Children's Specialists in Huntsville. (Watch a video about the project below.)

New screening "opens the door to diagnosing earlier and really being on the prevention side of some of these diseases patients face," Bebin said. "Preventive medicine, or preventive health maintenance, as I like to look at it, is such a better position to be than on the reactive side."

Dr. Greg Cooper of HudsonAlpha leads the team that does the genome sequencing and analysis using new rapid scanners. "What we often find," he said, "is ... a cause rooted in their DNA that contributes to the challenges they may be dealing with."

The final diagnosis

For Anna Brooke Ainsworth, the final diagnosis was Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, a very rare genetic disorder present from birth but not always found then. There will be challenges as she grows up, Miranda Ainsworth said, including the discussion to come about the 50 percent chance Anna Brooke could pass the syndrome to her own children.

"We can deal with whatever (comes)," Ainsworth said. And she had advice for other Alabama mothers wondering about their children.

"I would say, 'Do not stop,'" she said. "We have that mother's intuition. We know when something else is really going on.... We have had so many things thrown at us, but we needed something to pull it together. And that's what genetic testing has done for us."

CSER Project at HudsonAlpha from HudsonAlpha on Vimeo.
locust house

1110 Locust Avenue in Huntsville. The Alabama Supreme Court in January ruled: "The zoning-enforcement coordinator's interpretation allowed the house in question to be built approximately 20 feet closer to the street than other existing houses on the street." (cstephens@al.com)

The lawsuit stemming from a house in Huntsville being built outside city zoning codes has reached settlement with payments made to the complaining neighbor.

Richard and Betty Chesnut first raised the issue of the house at 1100 Locust Avenue being built too close to the road and out of step with surrounding homes in 2013. The Chesnuts' complaints were rebuffed at every level until the Alabama Supreme Court ruled in their favor in January, overturning the decisions by lower courts.

The city of Huntsville paid the Chesnuts $60,000 to settle the claim while builder Denton Niemitz Realty LLC paid the couple another $15,000 to settle the suit for a total settlement of $75,000, according to city documents.

The settlements end a three-year legal battle waged by the Chesnuts over a $725,000 house with 3,000 square feet built 20 feet too close to the road.

Trey Riley, attorney for the city of Huntsville, said the Supreme Court's ruling was a surprise after the series of victories for the city in the lower courts.

"This was a result from the Supreme Court that I will say was not anticipated," Riley told AL.com on Wednesday. "I would note that the board of adjustments decided differently and, of course, the circuit court to which it was appealed decided differently and the court of civil appeals decided differently.

"The interpretation that the city made was, I guess you could say, affirmed by every level of tribunal it appeared before until we got to the Supreme Court. To say it was unexpected is to put it lightly."

The city originally gave Niemitz the go-ahead in January 2013 to build the house 30 feet from the road even while surrounding homes are set back an average of 50 feet.

Richard Chesnut first voiced his concern with the builder when the home was being framed. He took his concerns to the city's board of zoning adjustment, then to the Madison County Circuit Court, then the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals before, ultimately, the Alabama Supreme Court.

Chesnut told AL.com during the summer that his concern over the house was that it affected his property value.

Following the Supreme Court's decision, the city granted Niemitz a variance, which allowed the house to remain.

Chesnut protested that variance but the settlement, according to a resolution approved by the city council in August, includes allowing the variance to remain in place.

Riley said city officials are considering changes to zoning codes to avoid similar situations in the future.
redstone gate

Officials evacuated a building at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville on Wednesday in response to a threat from an employee.

Arsenal police searched the building, Garrison Commander Col. Thomas Holliday said, and no hazardous device was found.

Arsenal officials released a statement about the threat late Wednesday afternoon. The statement said the investigation is ongoing.

The Logistics Support Activity building was evacuated about 3 p.m. after authorities received a threatening communication from an employee, the statement said.

"I am pleased with the immediate response by our Directorate of Emergency Services and that there was no threat to the Arsenal or its personnel," Holliday said in the statement. "It's important that 'if you see something, say something' which allows us to investigate and respond in a timely and safe manner."

Redstone Arsenal has more than 40,000 government workers and contractors.
Fairhope_crowd.JPG

A large crowd of residents fill up the Fairhope City Council chambers on Monday, April 11, 2016. The group was almost entirely opposed to a new apartment complex off U.S. 98 in Fairhope, Ala. The council, with a 3-2 vote, endorsed the zoning needed for the complex to move forward. The vote led to a recent voter backlash against some of the incumbents, including Mayor Tim Kant. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

Diana Brewer, marketing and public relations director at the GulfQuest Maritime Museum in Mobile, Ala., lost her Fairhope City Council seat to James "Jimmy" Conyers during the Oct. 4, 2016, municipal runoff election. (file photo)

The construction of a Walmart Supercenter angered plenty of Fairhope residents less than a decade ago. A Hampton Inn, built downtown with a parking deck, also stirred friction. And a worker-housing development next to the high school sparked fierce resistance.

But none of those projects caused political upheaval like the 240-unit apartment complex proposal that surfaced a year ago and received the City Council's initial OK in April on a thin 3-2 vote.

The apartment proposal arrived on the scene as booming Fairhope was struggling to chart its future under the pressure of relentless growth, overcrowded schools, limited downtown parking and congested roads.

Now, Fairhope's city government is experiencing something of an earthquake. Last month, voters ousted four-term Mayor Tim Kant, who had expressed support for the apartments, choosing political novice and bookstore owner Karin Wilson as the city's new chief executive. Also booted from office was Councilman Rich Mueller, a "Yes" vote for the apartments.

Then on Tuesday, during a runoff election, Councilwoman Diana Brewer - another "Yes" vote -- was overwhelmingly defeated by James "Jimmy" Conyers Jr., an opponent of the apartment project.

Only Councilman Kevin Boone, the third "Yes" vote who faced opposition from a newcomer to the city, was able to hold on to his seat.

"I think that was the straw that broke the camel's back," said Lynn Maser, chairwoman of the Fairhope 98 committee, which was formed one year ago to take a closer look at the city's growth after the apartment project was first introduced. "North Fairhope wasn't going to re-elect anyone who voted for the apartments."

Said City Council President Jack Burrell, one of the "No" votes on the apartment complex: "It's probably been the hottest (issue) I've ever seen in the last 17 years living in Fairhope. I've seen some hotly debated developments and this one, I believe, may have cost the mayor his job."

Meanwhile, the apartment complex's prospects may have dimmed. The city Planning Commission, which backed the project in February, voted on Monday - the day before the runoff - to not support the project's latest site plan based on drainage concerns. The project's developer now has to wait another six months before bringing it back up for consideration.

Moratorium on growth

The new city leadership, which takes office next month, could quickly take up a moratorium on new developments. The council, last month, opted to postpone a moratorium vote until Wilson and the new council members were sworn in.

Burrell said the initial moratorium ordinance "was fairly generic" and needed to be more "well thought out" with specific recommendations on what the city wants to accomplish. Kant also is urging caution: "It's good as long as you're trying to accomplish something. If you put it in there and say you want 'no growth' then you are opening yourself to a lot of criticism."

Burrell said the moratorium push last month came from Wilson. "The mayor-elect wants to see it enacted," said Burrell. "She would rather have it passed prior to her taking office so it's expedited. But it's a council decision and I think since we have such high turnover on the council, the new council should make decisions as to what the moratorium should look like and they should be the ones who adopt it."

Karin Wilson, a Fairhope independent bookstore owner, speaks to reporters following her victory in the Aug. 23, 2016, mayoral election in Fairhope, Ala. (file photo)

Wilson, who agrees with Burrell on holding off to await the new administration, said: "The pressure and sense of urgency is coming not from me but rather a community who voted in new leadership that campaigned on the shared belief that Fairhope's future growth is our No. 1 priority."

She said, "I intend to deliver what our citizens expect and the only way to accomplish this is by taking the time to perform the comprehensive studies needed and to put a new plan in action for development. I feel confident our new administration will agree."

Apartment opposition

It's unclear what a moratorium might mean for the Retreat at Fairhope Village, the apartment complex pushed by Mississippi-based Leaf River Group. The company is also developing a 264-unit complex in downtown Mobile, a project which faced no controversy by Mobile city officials.

But in Fairhope, a chorus of boos rang out within the council chambers on April 11, when the council voted 3-2 to support zoning changes to allow the complex to be built off of U.S. 98.

Brewer repeatedly had to defend her vote, and wrote an extensive opinion piece at AL.com describing why high-end apartments were needed in Fairhope. The issue also followed Kant around.

Maser and other critics of the project say the sprawling complex would rise near a sensitive watershed that feeds Mobile Bay, and they do not trust the drainage or stormwater management plans associated with the work.

Others, such as attorney Adam Milam, maintain that the city is violating its own ordinances and past comprehensive plan in allowing the multi-family dwelling to proceed. A lawsuit, filed on behalf of project opponents, is awaiting a Baldwin County judge's opinion.

"It's such an environmentally sensitive area," said Milam, noting that a Publix grocery store - developed nearby - was faced local opposition because of its potential impacts on important habitat. "The people who live around the area ... are proud of their homes and their community and want to protect it."

Brewer believes there is more to the story, however. She said a "fear factor" was being spread that would harm the city. "It's an elitist concept and an elitist way of looking at things and one that I'm very much in disagreement with," she said.

'Huge factor'

Kant downplays the effect of the apartment uproar on the city elections, saying it had "some impact," but no more than previous development controversies.

"If you look at the issues important to Fairhope, it's the growth and the parking downtown and the school growth ... it funnels right back to growth and people are real concerned about that," Kant said.

But Milam calls the apartment complex an example of "bad development decisions" that weighed heavy on voter's minds.

"That was a huge driving force in the elections and one reason why I think Karin Wilson is so intent in making smart development ... a major part of her tenure," he said. "I think Kant was strong. I didn't think he would ever be beaten. But he made some major decisions that affected a lot of people and it motivated a big voter turnout."

In an interview, Stewart Speed of Leaf River Group expressed confidence that things would work out for the apartment project. He said that the city's engineers had previously "signed off" on the engineering design. Referring to Monday's Planning Commission action, he said, "It's not like we had a faulty plan or anything. I just didn't technically meet the language of the letter in the ordinance."

Speed declined to say whether the Planning Commission's vote was more political than substantive. Speed, himself, was not allowed to speak during the meeting in defense of the project or its drainage plan.

He did acknowledge that, in his experience, the brush back in Fairhope is unusual. "I've been doing this a long time in a lot of municipalities and that's the first time I've ever seen this occur," Speed said.
"Extremely dangerous" Hurricane Matthew got even stronger Thursday morning, and forecasters said it could intensify more as it closes in on Florida later today.

Matthew continued to pummel the Bahamas on Thursday morning, and its winds rose from 125 mph to 140 mph, making it a Category 4 hurricane.

The National Hurricane Center said Matthew was forecast to move through the islands today and approach Florida tonight.

Hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings stretched along both coasts in Florida, as well as into Georgia and South Carolina, where Matthew could head next after raking Florida's east coast on Friday.

Radar out of Miami shows Hurricane Matthew approaching Florida around 10 a.m. CDT Thursday morning. (National Weather Service)

The first rain bands from the storm were already rolling into south Florida on Thursday morning.

As of the last advisory, at 10 a.m. CDT Thursday, Hurricane Matthew was located about 180 miles southeast of West Palm Beach, Fla., and was moving northwest at 14 mph.

The hurricane center said the eye of Matthew was only 25 miles to the west-northwest of Nassau in the Bahamas.

Matthew was a now Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph. The hurricane center said Matthew was moving through an area with very warm water and little wind shear and could still be a Category 4 storm as it nears Florida.

Category 4 winds begin at 130 mph and can produce "catastrophic" damage, according to the Saffir-Simpson wind scale.

The National Weather Service office in Melbourne, Fla., said Matthew will cause "extensive, devastating damage" and warned that it will be stronger than any hurricane in recent decades.

5 am | Matthew LIFE-THREATENING as it moves up the EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA coast. More impacting than Hurricane David & 2004 hurricanes! #flwx pic.twitter.com/nLuXYNJ4MZ  NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) October 6, 2016

Florida Gov. Rick Scott didn't mince words Thursday morning about heeding evacuation orders, which he said affected 1.5 million Floridians:

There is absolutely no reason not to leave. If you chose to stay and try to ride the storm out, your life is at risk.  Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 6, 2016

A few key points straight from the hurricane center about Matthew's winds:

Strong winds will occur well inland from the coast, and residents of mobile homes under evacuation orders are urged to heed those orders.

Hurricane winds increase very rapidly with height, and residents of high-rise buildings are at particular risk of strong winds. Winds at the top of a 30-story building will average one Saffir-Simpson category higher than the winds near the surface.

Matthew was forecast to move northward and rake most of Florida's east coast. Just a small shift in Matthew's path could send the core of the storm onshore, the hurricane center said.

"When a hurricane is forecast to take a track roughly parallel to a coastline, as Matthew is forecast to do from Florida through South Carolina, it becomes very difficult to specify impacts at any one location," forecasters continued to stress Thursday.

"For example, only a small deviation of the track to the left of the NHC forecast could bring the core of a major hurricane onshore within the hurricane warning area in Florida and Georgia. However, a small deviation to the right could keep the hurricane-force winds offshore. Similarly large variations in impacts are possible in the hurricane watch area in northeast Georgia and South Carolina."

Tropical storm or hurricane conditions were anticipated to be felt northward into Georgia and South Carolina as well over the weekend.

And forecasters stressed that eastern North Carolina could feel the effects of the storm later this week or this weekend, even if the center of Matthew remains offshore.

Matthew's path

Matthew was forecast to track around the western edge of a ridge of high pressure. That ridge was forecast to gradually move to the east over the next two days.

That will put Matthew on a track through the northwestern Bahamas today, then very close to Florida through Friday night, the hurricane center said.

The models are in good agreement on that path through 48 hours.

Matthew was expected to turn to the northeast after that as a trough of low pressure approaches from the west. The trough was forecast to pass to the north of Matthew in about 72 hours and turn the hurricane to the east, then to the southeast.

"There is still significant spread in the long-range guidance so there is lower than normal confidence in the days 4 and 5 track prediction," the hurricane center said.

Some forecast models show a much weaker Matthew making a loop off the Southeast coast and possibly turning toward Florida for a second time, but the official forecast is not ready to make that prediction just yet.

Hurricane warnings covered Florida's east coast and as far northward as South Carolina on Thursday morning.

A hurricane warning was now in effect from north of Golden Beach in Florida to Edisto Beach in South Carolina, as well as Florida's Lake Okeechobee.

Hurricane warnings also continued for the central and northwestern Bahamas.

A hurricane watch was in effect for from north of Altamaha Sound in Georgia to the South Santee River in South Carolina.

A tropical storm warning was added to the Gulf Coast on Thursday morning and was now in effect from the Anclote River to Suwannee River. A warning was also in effect from Chokoloskee to Golden Beach in Florida, the Florida Keys from the Seven Mile Bridge eastward and Florida Bay.

A tropical storm watch was in effect along Florida's Gulf Coast from north of Chokoloskee to the Anclote River.

Storm surge was a growing concern along the Southeast coast on Thursday morning.

The hurricane center said the surge could reach 6-9 feet from Sebastian Inlet to the Savannah River, including portions of the St. Johns River.

Three to five feet of surge will be possible from the Savannah River to the South Santee River and from Deerfield Beach to Sebastian Inlet.

The hurricane center said there is a risk of "life-threatening inundation" over the next 36 hours along the Florida and Georgia coasts from Deerfield Beach to Altamaha Sound. The risk spreads northward during the next 48 hours from north of Altamaha Sound to South Santee River, the hurricane center said.

Matthew could also bring a lot of rain. Eight to 12 inches of rain would be possible in the Bahamas. Coastal areas in eastern Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina could receive 4 to 8 inches, with isolated areas getting 12 inches.

Tropical Storm Nicole

To the east of Matthew on Thursday was a strong Tropical Storm Nicole, which had winds just under hurricane force as of 10 a.m. CDT.

Nicole was located about 380 miles south of Bermuda and was moving northwest at 6 mph, the hurricane center said.

Nicole could reach hurricane strength today before beginning to weaken, forecasters said.
A Mobile woman took to Facebook after an incident at a local Wendy's left her son in tears.

Teeneshia Bush said she took her son to the fast-food restaurant on Schillinger Road Monday night, when he went inside to place his order.

According to Bush, the cashier did not ask her son his name for the order, and "she took it upon herself to put on the bottom of his receipt Lil Ugly Dude."

"My child was so embarrassed and upset he said the whole store was laughing at him including the manager," she said.

The post has been shared almost 2,000 times.

Bush told WKRG her son suffers from mental health issues.

15-year-old Quenterus Brown said to the station he couldn't figure out why employees behind the counter were laughing at him, but when he saw the words "lil ugly dude" on his receipt, he ran out of the restaurant.

"It hurt my feelings, it made me cry. I was embarrassed and I felt bad," Brown said.

His mother said in the Facebook post that the incident was unacceptable.

In a statement to WKRG, Wendy's Director of Management Services said the employee responsible for the "lil ugly dude" comment has been fired.
Former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard is appealing the ethics conviction that removed him from office.

Hubbard's lawyers filed the notice of appeal Wednesday with the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals.

The appeal comes after the trial judge denied Hubbard's request for a new trial.

A jury in June convicted Hubbard of using his public office to obtain work and investments in his companies. A judge sentenced Hubbard to four years in prison. He is free on bond while he appeals his conviction.

Hubbard's defense has argued that prosecutors stretched the intent of the state ethics law, allowed improper expert witness testimony and that there was evidence of possible juror bias in the case.
Yazidi families hoping to free relatives from ISIL fighters face grim prospects as the battle for Mosul nears.

Qadiya, Northern Iraq  Nova and her sister, Bafareen, did not think theyd ever see each other again. The two  along with their entire family  were captured by ISIL fighters when trying to leave their village of Kocho in August 2014.

The two girls, members of Iraqs Yazidi religious minority, described how the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) separated the men from women and children, and then separated Nova, 24, from Bafareen, 18.

I cant believe I survived, after the things I saw, said Nova, repeatedly.

She was forced to marry an ISIL fighter named Mahmoud in Mosul. She was with him for two years before, like Bafareen, she was able to contact dealers in the black market who facilitate the sale of Yazidi girls back to their families.



Mass graves found in Iraqs Sinjar region

Bafareen was given to two men: Faisal, who died in fighting, and then Abdullah, who killed himself in a suicide attack.

Both young women describe the men they were forced to be with as dirty and abusive, and spoke of constant beatings and mistreatment in prison-like conditions.

We didnt think wed see each other again, Nova said, sitting next to her sister, who was rescued in March before she was rescued in July.

The family paid $16,000 for Nova and $18,000 for Bafareen. The money was collected from family and friends, with the Kurdish government promising to reimburse them.

Both girls said they are getting psychosocial support from NGOs for their trauma, but some things remain hard to deal with.

We are human beings. There should not be a price like this to be paid for our lives, said Bafareen, who said she found the strength to survive only by thinking of her family. Four of her six brothers are still missing.

There are thousands of families like hers still hoping to rescue their loved ones from ISILs hold. The UN estimates that roughly 3,200 women and children are being held by the group.

READ MORE: Iraqs Yazidis living in fear on Mount Sinjar

Hussein Alqaidi, Director of the Office of Kidnapped Affairs under the office of Prime Minister Nechervan Barzani, told Al Jazeera that in total, 3,735 are still being held, 1,882 of whom are girls and women.

Its become harder for us to rescue them because of the pressure from [the impending operation to retake] Mosul, and ISIS is trying to secure the area, he said.

Weve never seen anything like this, said Alqaidi. No country has helped us in this regard. They help with their recovery, but not with their rescue.

Still, international rights groups such as Human Rights Watch (HRW) are monitoring the situation closely.

Some of the women and girls in captivity continue to escape, though this has become harder with ISIS forces taking measures to prevent escapes, said Rothna Begum, HRW womens rights researcher for Middle East and North Africa.

Facilitating and financing the return of some women has also become more dangerous and difficult. Some ISIS members extort families for large amounts of money for the return of their female relatives, even though ISIS rules forbid selling women back like this, she said.

Begging the world for help

The Qadiya camp, said Baeez Krit Shammo, human rights protection manager at the camp for displaced Iraqis, contains many families with relatives still trapped under ISIL rule.

Among them is the family of one: Sara Khodeida Khalaf, 42, originally from the village of Kocho, east of Sinjar.

Khalafs husband and all eight of her children are all being held prisoner by ISIL. She speaks with the assumption that they are all alive  her four daughers, four sons, and husband, Salam.

She managed to escape because she was separated from her family and allowed to stay in an unguarded home in Tel Afar, a city midway between Mosul and Sinjar, with older members of the village and some children.

One night in March 2014, after living under ISIL rule for seven months, she managed to escape with another women and a group of children. They walked for seven days until they reached safety.

Whenever I see anyone who has been rescued or escaped, I ask them, Have you seen my children? I think one of my boys, who is 13, is in Raqqa  my girls might be in Syria [too], she said.

People who have seen two of my sons say they want to escape, but dont know how, she said.

But until now, she remains alone in the camp, looking at the photos of her children and listing off their names: Khait, Khiat, Riyaad, Saddam, Wafa, Khada, Hannan, and Shada.

Unlike Nova and Bafareen, her family has not been able to reach her through black market traders who broker the sale of Yazidis back to their families. But even if they did, Khalaf has no means of raising enough money to secure their release  even if the Kurdish authorities were to refund her.

Ive asked and registered their names [with the authorities], but no one is helping, she said.

Im begging the whole world to help us  I dont have a man to take care of me, to help me with this, said Khalaf.

Alive or in mass graves?

In Esyan Camp, 40km away, Hediya, 20, faces a similar dilemma, but has her husbands family for support.

Her eight siblings and parents are ISIL captives, and the young woman, rescued on September 4, is counting on her husbands family to help.

Theyre doing everything. I dont know what to do, said Hediya, who said she was already married and two months pregnant when captured by ISIL. She could not answer questions about her treatment, nor about the baby girl squirming in her arms.

READ MORE: The German village helping Yazidi women raped by ISIL

The issue of the acceptance of children whose fathers might not be Yazidi is a contentious one. Khurto Hajji Ismail, the Yazidi spiritual leader known as Baba Sheikh, told Al Jazeera that mothers could keep the children and raise them as they wish until the council of spiritual elders decided on what was to become of the young ones.

Even her own relatives have not asked her about what shes been through. They are focused on the future and rescuing the remaining members of the family.

Im hopeful that my child will meet her grandparents, aunts and uncles, said Hediya, who holds out hope that her family is still alive.

Krmanj Othman, senior legal adviser of the Independent Commission of Human Rights in Kurdistan (Iraqs Kurdish region), told Al Jazeera that its really not known how many are still alive.

In the end, the numbers are not correct because we dont know how many of them are in their graves, said Othman, who estimates that there are 1,000 Yazidi women unaccounted for.

Day by day, we are finding mass graves, he said, and we find womens bodies there.
Hurricane Matthew has left a trail of devastation in the Caribbean, particularly in Haiti, where thousands of homes have been flattened and at least 22 people killed.

Some 80 percent of homes were damaged in Haitis Sud Department, which has a population of more than 700,000, a government official said in a meeting with UN officials. Some 11,000 people were in shelters in the province.

The powerful hurricane, the fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, lashed Cuba, Haiti and Dominican Republic, where at least four people were killed.

The storm made a landfall in Bahamas on Wednesday and is now headed towards the US southeast coast.

In the United States, more than 1.5 million people were urged to evacuate the southeastern coast and Florida Governor Rick Scott warned residents to prepare for a possible direct hit.
Manila, Philippines  The trail of blood that has coloured the streets of the city for three months continues to flow.

Since the end of June, President Rodrigo Duterte has led a war on drugs, dealers and addicts. He is fulfilling his campaign promise of eradicating the problem of drugs in the country by killing those involved in the trade.

Latest reports indicate that in fewer than three months more than 3,700 people have been killed. At night, armed police of vigilantes go around targeting drug dealers and addicts.

In an anti-drugs operation called Oplan Tokhang, the police move around with a list compiled through informers of people they believe to be connected to the world of drugs. Going house to house, they try to convince these suspects to surrender.

READ MORE: Inside Dutertes killer drug war

It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people have surrendered through these types of operations. Many people are turning themselves in for fear of being executed. Prisons have become heavily overcrowded.

Despite the very high human cost of this policy, it is leading to a turning point in the war on drugs. The popularity of President Duterte is growing, as the security situation is improving and people say they feel their everyday lives are getting better.

The deaths have attracted a strong condemnation from the international community, including the United Nations, with only angry responses from Duterte in return.
For the Afghan president, a deal with Gulbuddin Hekmatyar is a political win, but it may not bring political stability.

Last week, the Afghan government signed a peace deal with the notorious warlord and former prime minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, which has raised hopes and concerns. The deal brings hope because it is the first time the leader of a major insurgent group has agreed to lay down arms, embrace the countrys constitution and enter mainstream politics.

But Hekmatyars return could unleash a cascade of political, military and social problems that could be more destructive than constructive to the countrys future.

Nicknamed the Butcher of Kabul, Hekmatyar has a controversial history. Over the past three decades, he has hatched at least two failed coup plots with Communist leaders.





In his quest for power during Afghanistans civil war in the 1990s, he formed alliances with almost all competing factional leaders  even his fiercest enemies, such as Uzbek leader General Abdul Rashid Dostum and Hazara leader Abdul Ali Mazari.

He reneged on nearly all alliances, repeatedly living up to his reputation for untrustworthiness and deceitfulness.

Ambitious figure

Over the past 30 years, he has been on the payroll of intelligence agencies of various countries.

Hekmatyar is a fiercely ambitious figure and a merciless pursuer of power.

OPINION: 9/11  Afghanistan still at the mercy of myopic policies

In his fight for the presidency during the Afghan civil war, he shelled Kabul with thousands of rockets, killing and injuring tens of thousands of residents.

He is also infamous for fanning ethnic tensions to undermine his opponents and gain power. If his track record is any indication, Hekmatyar will bring his ruthlessness and thirst for power with him in this new peace deal.

The current political climate in Kabul is volatile, with insecurity continuing to threaten much of the country. Infighting within the National Unity Government (NUG), formed in 2014, has further compounded this volatility and contributed to a new height in ethnic tensions.

The central governments weakness has created a power void that the countrys warlords have been quick to fill. Hekmatyars return to Afghanistan could further complicate the political climate and offset a new wave of political, ethnic and factional tensions.

If Hekmatyar chooses to continue to use ethnicity to mobilise power and undermine his opponents, as he did during the civil war, he will further aggravate ethnic tensions. Hekmatyar is the leader of Hezb-i-Islami, a mainly Pashtun hardline faction.

Pakistan hasn't officially responded to this peace deal, but their silence in no way implies indifference. by

Since the 1980s, Hezb-i-Islami has been a rival of Jamaat-e-Islami, a mainly Tajik faction. While political rivalries are a positive element of a democracy, both these groups are armed, and Hekmatyars return has the potential to spark not only political, but violent conflict between them.

Hekmatyar has not proved that he has come to terms with modern Afghanistan, where freedom of expression, freedom of the press, womens rights and peaceful political competition demand respect.

Political motivations

President Ashraf Ghanis motivation to bring Hekmatyar into the peace process is mainly political.

In the power-sharing agreement that led to the formation of the NUG, Ghani lacks the necessary power base to keep his opponent Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and his camp in check.

OPINION: Ashraf Ghani  a return to traditional Afghan governance

Hekmatyars return could tilt power in favour of Ghani and counterbalance Abdullah, who derives his power from Hekmatyars rival faction, Jamaat-e-Islami. Hekmatyars influence among the eastern Ghilzai Pashtuns, a branch of Pashtun ethnic group to which Ghani belongs, will prove useful for Ghani in terms of standing up to the pressures of Abdullah and the Jamaat faction.

Hekmatyars return could also help Ghani in counterbalancing the power and influence of former president Hamid Karzai, who left office in 2014 and is impatiently waiting to come back to power. Many believe Afghanistans deteriorated national political and security environment has been caused by disunity in the NUG.

Since Hekmatyars political history stretches back much further than Karzais, if a political transition or national consultation such as the Loya Jirga is needed to avert further deterioration, Hekmatyar could play a significant role in preventing Karzai from returning to power.

What has remained puzzling is Pakistans interests in facilitating this agreement. Pakistan has been a long-time benefactor and protector of Hekmatyar  it currently shelters him and his family. Pakistan hasnt officially responded to this peace deal, but their silence in no way implies indifference.

If Hekmatyar stays true to his past and does not accept Afghanistan's current democracy or honour the peace deal, he will become a liability to the Ghani administration. by

Pakistans blessing

Hekmatyar would not make a major political decision without Pakistans blessing. With relations between Kabul and Islamabad at an all-time low and the NUG facing the most political and security challenges since its establishment in 2014, it remains unclear why Pakistan would endorse such a deal without a direct benefit.

There are two possibilities. Pakistan might use Hekmatyar to undermine Indias growing influence in Afghanistan. Pakistan sees close ties between India and Afghanistan as a threat to its national security.

Since the beginning of the resistance against the Soviets in the 1980s, Hekmatyar was unique among mujahideen groups to explicitly threaten to fuel insurgency in Kashmir.

The first possibility is that Hekmatyars background as fiercely anti-Indian might have convinced Islamabad that it could use him to undermine Indian influence in Afghanistan.

The second possibility is based on Pakistans ability to exert power over a weak Kabul regime. Pakistan may believe Hekmatyars return will simply complicate an already volatile political environment in Afghanistan, increasing Islamabads influence in Kabul.

For Ghani, bringing in Hekmatyar is a political win, but it remains to be seen whether his return will contribute to or hurt political stability.

If Hekmatyar stays true to his past and does not accept Afghanistans current democracy or honour the peace deal, he will become a liability to the Ghani administration, and poison the political environment rather than improve it, proving a much graver danger from within to modern day pro-democracy Afghanistan than he ever had from outside the political system.

Hekmatyar has yet to prove himself. In trusting one of Afghanistans most ruthless warlords, Ghani has made a gamble in which both national security and political stability are at stake.

Najib Sharifi is a political analyst and a member of Afghanistan Analysis and Awareness, a Kabul-based think-tank.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Amina Mohamed responds to questions on ethnic Somalis facing discrimination in Kenya, and the war against al-Shabab.

Reports that suggest ethnic Somalis living in Kenya are being increasingly targeted, detained, and tortured are entirely false, the countrys foreign minister says.

In an interview with Al Jazeeras UpFront ahead of Kenyas presidential elections in 2017, Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed also addressed the repatriation of Somali refugees, corruption allegations, and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

On the issue of Somalis in Kenya, UpFront host Mehdi Hasan pointed out that many groups  including key ally the United States  are alarmed at what is seen as an increase in torture, harassment, and the detainment of ethnic Somalis.





Mohamed denied hearing about reports  by the US State Department and Human Rights Watch  that raised abuse allegations of Somalis before appearing on UpFront, saying, therefore, she couldnt verify such claims.

Theyve just made it up? Hasan asked.

Theyre making it up, Mohamed replied.

Answering whether the Kenyan government is repatriating Somali refugees  some of whom have lived in the Dadaab camp for almost 25 years  she said: We are not violating any obligations. If we were, the whole world would have come down like a tonne of bricks right on our heads.

We have a tripartite agreement [with UNHCR and the Somali government] that we entered into in 2013  not yesterday, not today, not the day before.

The international community, she added, has failed to fulfill its own obligations to address residents of the worlds largest refugee camp.

On allegations of corruption, Hasan pointed to a report that said Kenya was the third most corrupt country in the world.

READ MORE: Ten countries host half of worlds refugees: report

Mohamed said it is an issue the government is being self-reflective about and dealing with. She denied, however, a recent statement by Kenyas auditor-general that about $2bn in public funds had gone missing.

In Kenyas ongoing battle against the Somalia-based al-Shabab group, which has attacked Kenya numerous times in recent years, she said: Were winning the war in Kenya.

This UpFront interview airs on Al Jazeera on Friday October 7 at 19:30GMT. Watch it here: aljazeera/com/upfront
At least six people killed in attack on residential building in border region often targeted by Somali armed group.

At least six people have been killed in an attack on a residential building in northeast Kenya by suspected fighters from the Somalia-based group al-Shabab, authorities have said.

Security official Mohamud Ali Saleh said on Thursday that the assailants used explosives to infilitrate the gated building in Mandera county, less than a kilometre away from the Somalia border town of Beled Hawo.

We highly suspect the attackers are members of the Shabaab insurgent group, who have sneaked across the porous border, he said.

These criminal gangs are desperate to hurt innocent Kenyans since they were defeated badly and routed out of all their hideouts in the neighbouring country.

There was no immediate comment from al-Shabab.

The Mandera region on the Somali border has often been targeted by al-Shabab, which says it will continue a campaign of violence in Kenya until the government there withdraws its troops from Somalia where they are part of an African Union force.

Al Jazeeras Catherine Soi, reporting from Nairobi, said that after hurling an explosive device to gain access to complex, the attackers opened fired indiscriminately.

They were then forced out of the building by police, she said, adding that when officers tried to get inside the complex to retrieve bodies an explosion went off.

So now they are waiting for bomb experts to see if there were more explosive devices before the place is declared safe to go in, she said.

Government criticised

READ MORE: Somalia in a Snapchat  more than just violence

We have suffered another sad attack, the governor of Mandera county, Ali Roba, wrote on Twitter.

If not for the quick response by our security forces, we would be talking of many more casualties now, he told Reuters. From the nature and style of the attack, it will obviously be al-Shabab.

Al Jazeeras Soi said there has been a recent upsurge in attacks on government installations, police and security forces, including an al-Shabab attack that killed six police officers in June.

The government issued a terror alert in March, saying that parts of Mandera, particularly along the border are prone to attacks. They said that al-Shabab have infiltrated some of those areas, she said.

But Roba has repeatedly criticised the government and security officials of not doing enough to step up efforts to fight this group and to provide security in that area.

Repeated attacks in Kenya by al-Shabab have killed hundreds of people in the past three years or so and hurt the countrys vital tourism industry.

The assaults have often been in the northeast, near the long and porous border with Somalia, but the group has also struck coastal areas popular with tourists and the capital Nairobi, where al-Shabab gunman attacked the Westgate shopping centre in 2013.
Nearly two dozen Turkey-backed rebel fighters killed in the bomb blast at the Atmeh crossing, bordering Idlib province.

A bomb blast at a Syria-Turkey border crossing has killed at least 29 rebel fighters and wounded at least 20 more, witnesses and a monitoring group reported.

Thursdays blast took place on the Syrian side of the Atmeh crossing, west of Aleppo. A photo sent by a witness in the area, purportedly of its aftermath, showed bloodied corpses lying on the ground, the Reuters news agency reported.

Most of the rebels were from a Turkey-backed group called Failaq al-Sham, Reuters reported witnesses as saying.

According Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr, reporting from Turkeys Gaziantep on the border with Syria: Atmeh is a border crossing that [Syrian] rebels use to move from one area of northern Syria to another; because, as of late, the [Syrian] government cuts through their territory and theyve been isolated in different pockets.

We understand that they were waiting to cross the border [when the explosion happened]. There are conflicting reports as to what caused the explosion, but ISIL has claimed responsibility for it, she added. So the rebels are coming under pressure, not just from the government, but from ISIL as well.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the blast was either caused by a suicide bomber or a remotely detonated bomb.

A Syria-based group, the Local Coordination Committees, said the blast was caused by a bag filled with explosives that went off on the Syrian side of a border crossing.

Turkeys state-run Anatolia news agency confirmed that the blast left at least 20 people dead at Atmeh, adding that it took place during a change of guard among Syrian rebels in the area.

Turkey is backing the rebels in an offensive against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group (ISIL, also known as ISIS) further to the northeast, along a separate stretch of border.

Ankara began the cross-border Operation Euphrates Shield on August 24, saying it was targeting both ISIL and the Kurdish YPG militia, which Turkey considers a terrorist group.

Rebel fighters have been targeted at the Atmeh crossing before. ISIL claimed responsibility for a mid-August suicide attack there that killed at least 32.

The rebels use the crossing to move between the Syrian province of Idlib, through Turkey, to areas of Aleppo province along the border where the fight against ISIL is taking place, the Syrian Observatory said.

Syrian military forces advance in Aleppo

Also on Thursday, Syrian government forces seized about half of a key opposition-held neighbourhood in Aleppo, in a new advance against rebels, the Observatory reported.

Fighting had been raging in the residential Bustan al-Basha quarter near the city centre, one of the frontlines in Aleppo which has been divided for years between government and opposition areas of control.

The Syrian military said in a statement that its forces had advanced in Bustan al-Basha.

Government forces have, with the use of heavy aerial bombardment, encircled Aleppos rebel-held eastern sector in recent weeks and are seeking to completely recapture the city.
Staffan de Mistura offers to personally escort rebel fighters out of Aleppo to help save 275,000 trapped civilians.

The UNs Syria envoy on Thursday made an impassioned appeal to save eastern Aleppo, warning the city faced total destruction and urging Jabhat Fateh al-Sham fighters to leave the rebel-held east so civilians can get aid.

In a maximum of two months, two-and-half months, the city of eastern Aleppo may be totally destroyed, Staffan de Mistura told reporters in Geneva.

The rebel-held east of Aleppo has been hammered by a Russia-backed government offensive, including multiple air attacks on hospitals, with hundreds of civilians killed and thousands wounded.

De Mistura noted the presence of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham in the city has been used as a justification by Moscow and Damascus for the continued assault.





Formerly known as al-Nusra Front, the group recently changed its name following a break with al-Qaeda, but many still see the two groups as tied.

Can you please look at my eyes, de Mistura said in a direct appeal to the groups leaders, before pleading with them to quit Aleppo.

If you decide to leave with dignity  I am personally ready to physically accompany you, the UN envoy pledged.

He said history would judge Syria and Russia if they used the presence of about 900 Fateh al-Sham fighters as an easy alibi for destroying the rebel-held besieged area, killing thousands of the 275,000 citizens, 100,000 of whom are children.

Aid deliveries to the besieged rebel-held neighbourhoods of Aleppo have been all but impossible since government forces seized the last supply route in July.

Emergency mode

President Bashar al-Assad said on Thursday that rebels holed up in Aleppo can leave with their families if they lay down their arms, vowing to press on with the assault on Syrias largest city and recapture full control of the country.

However, rebels said they had no plan to evacuate Aleppo, the last major urban area they control, and denounced the amnesty offer as a deception.

Its impossible for the rebel groups to leave Aleppo because this would be a trick by the regime, Zakaria Malahifji, a Turkey-based official for the Fastaqim group which is present in Aleppo, told Reuters.

Aleppo is not like other areas, its not possible for them to surrender.

The government also sent text messages to the mobile phones of some of those people trapped in the besieged sector, telling them to repudiate fighters in their midst.





Speaking to Danish television, Assad said he would continue the fight with the rebels till they leave Aleppo. They have to. Theres no other option.

On the ground, Syrian government forces seized about half of a key opposition-held neighbourhood in Aleppo on Thursday in a new advance against rebels, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said.

The British-based group said fighting had been raging in the Bustan al-Basha quarter near the city centre.

We are in an emergency mode regarding Syria, Aleppo, and the future of the this conflict, de Mistura said in Geneva.

The UN envoy described the suspension earlier this week of Syria ceasefire talks between Russia and the US as a serious setback.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault was expected to push on Thursday for a UN Security Council resolution to bring about a new Syria truce.

Ambassadors of the Security Council were to meet at the French Mission to the UN later on Thursday to discuss the proposed resolution, which calls for an immediate ceasefire in Aleppo and the grounding of all aircraft over Aleppo, according to Al Jazeeras James Bays, reporting from the UN headquarters in New York.

READ MORE: Aleppos White Helmets reject foreign influence claims

Government troops, with Russian air support and Iranian and militia ground forces, launched an assault to retake all of Aleppo last month after a week-old ceasefire agreed to by Washington and Moscow steadily fell apart.

The siege has been in place for weeks now. Food and fuel supplies are dwindling  bakeries are closing, there is no running water. According to Oxfam, 1.5 million people on both sides of the city do not have clean running water, Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr, reporting from Gaziantep along the Syria-Turkey border, said.

But the government and its allies are still pushing ahead with their offensive, retaking territory in the north of rebel-held Aleppo in recent days as opposition fighters stopped a second advance from the south.

The government is demanding that civilians leave the area, but the only option it has given them is to leave to the western, government-controlled side of Aleppo, and people are afraid.

As recently as Wednesday night, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham published footage showing fighters training and preparing for battle in Aleppo.

We still havent had a chance to speak to the people of Aleppo and to see whether they accept this  because yes, at the end of the day, the people of Aleppo do not accept and share the ideology of Nusra. But they do feel the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham is the only one really standing up against the government, and it is the strongest force in the ground repelling the government [advance], Khodr said.

The 900 or so Fateh al-Sham fighters are among the estimated 8,000 rebel fighters left in east Aleppo.
Often violent protests in which rights groups say hundreds of people have been killed by security forces have flared up again in Ethiopia, with a US citizen among the latest deaths.

Protests reignited in the Oromia region  the main focus of a recent wave of demonstrations  after at least 55 people were killed in a stampede at the weekend, which was sparked by police firing tear gas and warning shots at a huge crowd of protesters attending a religious festival.

The official death toll given by the government is 55, though opposition activists and rights groups say they believe more than 100 people died as they fled security forces, falling into ditches that dotted the area. Ethiopian radio said excavators had to be used to remove some of the bodies.



Are Ethiopias Oromo being repressed?

The anti-government demonstrations started in November among the Oromo, Ethiopias biggest ethnic group, and later spread to the Amhara, the second most populous group. Though they initially began over land rights, they later broadened into calls for more political, economic and cultural rights.

Both groups say that a multi-ethnic ruling coalition and the security forces are dominated by the Tigray ethnic group, which makes up only about 6 percent of the population.

The government, though, blames rebel groups and foreign-based dissidents for stoking the violence.

Staff at the California-based UC Davis university confirmed the identity of the US citizen as Sharon Gray, a postdoctoral researcher of biology, who had been in the Horn of Africa nation to attend a meeting.

The US embassy said she was killed on Tuesday when stones were hurled at her vehicle on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, where residents said crowds have attacked other vehicles since the stampede.

The embassy did not give further details or a precise location for the incident.

Foreign firms attacked

News of Grays death came as foreign-owned factories and equipment were damaged in the protests. Demonstrators in Oromia say farmland has been seized to build foreign factories and housing blocks.

On Tuesday, crowds damaged a factory run by Turkish textile firm Saygin Dima and the Bmet Energy cable plant, which also has Turkish investors, officials from firms in the area said. Both plants are in the Oromia area.

READ MORE: The Ethiopia rising narrative and the Oromo protests

A third of the Saygin Dima plant in Sebeta, 35km southwest of Addis Ababa, was destroyed by fire, Fatih Mehmet Yangin, general manager at the plant, said.

A large crowd attacked the factory, he said, adding three vehicles were destroyed.

Yangin said a flower farm nearby was also attacked. The Oromia Regional Administration said vehicles and some machinery at a plant owned by Nigerias Dangote Cement were vandalised.

Oromia has been a focus for industrial development that has fuelled Ethiopias economic growth, but locals say they receive little compensation when land is taken by the government.

The death toll from unrest and clashes between police and demonstrators over the past year or more runs into several hundred, according to opposition and rights group estimates. The US-based Human Rights Watch says at least 500 people have been killed by security forces.

The government says such figures are inflated.





The attacks will cast a shadow over Ethiopias ambition to draw in more investment to industrialise a nation where most people rely on subsistence farming, and have been struggling with a severe drought over the past two years.

The government has been building new infrastructure, including an electrified railway connecting the capital of the landlocked nation with a port in neighbouring Djibouti, which opened on Wednesday.

At least seven foreign-owned flower farms in Ethiopias Amhara region, another area where protests have flared up, were damaged in political violence at the start of September.

Bloggers arrested

Rights groups and opposition politicians accuse the government of excessive force in dealing with demonstrations, crushing opponents and stifling free speech.

WATCH: What is triggering Ethiopias unrest?

The Committee for the Protection of Journalists called on authorities on Tuesday to free Seyoum Teshoume , a blogger critical of the government, who writes for the website Ethiothinktank.com. The committee said he was reported detained on October 1.

Another blogger who has expressed support for the protests, Natnael Feleke, was arrested on Tuesday, according to a blogging collective of which he is a member. Natnael was previously arrested in 2014 and released after more than a year in prison when charges against him were dropped.

There were also reports that the internet had been shutdown periodically over the past two days.

Officials could not immediately be reached for comment, but the government says it only detains people who threaten national security and says it guarantees free speech.

The opposition failed to win a single seat in a 547-seat parliament in a 2015 election and had just one in the previous parliament.
About $36.5m was stolen after US citizens duped into sending money to swindlers in Mumbai posing as US tax officials.

Police in India say they have arrested 70 call centre workers on suspicion of tricking American citizens into sending them money by posing as US tax officials.

A total of 772 workers were arrested on Wednesday in raids on nine fake call centres in a Mumbai suburb, a senior police official told Reuters news agency.

An estimated $36.5 million was extorted from Americans, police said.

Seventy were placed under formal arrest, 630 were released pending questioning over the coming days, and 72 were freed without further investigation.

The motive was earning money, said Parag Marere, a deputy commissioner of police. They were running an illegal process, posing themselves as officers of the [US] Internal Revenue Service.

Marere said the year-long scam involved running fake call centres that sent voicemail messages telling US nationals to call back because they owed back taxes.

Those who called back and believed the threats would fork out thousands of dollars to settle their case, he said. The scam brought in more than $150,000 a day.

Indian police told a court on Thursday that employees applauded when victims transferred large sums electronically to the call centre.

Employees were aware of the fraud, but since they were getting a good salary, they remained silent, assistant police commissioner Bharat Shelke said.

The organizers of the scheme were cautious about paper trails, said another police official, Mukund Hatote.

The 70 detainees were driven to court in large vans. Most were young men who walked with heads bowed, their faces obscured by a raised hand or a tied kerchief. Inside, the judge heard arguments from about two dozen defence lawyers who insisted their clients were following orders, and the schemes masterminds were still at large.

I got to know we are doing illegal things within a week after joining, one defendant told Reuters as he returned to a police van, but I saw many getting good performance bonuses. So I didnt leave.

India is home to a vast number of back-office operations for North American and European companies.

Thousands of call centres in India provide services to these firms, processing everything from utility payments to credit card bills.
Attackers wearing army fatigues attempted to break into encampment but were gunned down, Indian officers say.

The Indian army said on Thursday it foiled an assault on an army camp in Indian-controlled Kashmir, shooting dead all three attackers who tried to enter the base.

Rebels wearing army fatigues attempted to break through the bases perimeter in Kupwara district before dawn, but were repelled by soldiers after an exchange of gunfire.





Army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said the rebels fired at sentry posts and tried to enter the camp in the forested Langate area. The camp is the local headquarters of the counter-insurgency military unit.

Indian troops killed the attackers and three assault rifles and ammunition were recovered from their bodies, he said.

The army also said it found the bodies of four suspected rebels near the de facto border dividing Indian-administered Kashmir with the Pakistan-controlled side in Naugam after an attempt on Wednesday at infiltration.

One body was recovered in the afternoon and another three later in the day as the area was being combed, army spokesman Kalia told AFP news agency.

High tensions

Thursdays attempted attack in Kupwara was the second in Indian-administered Kashmir this week after rebels killed one soldier while trying to raid an army base in the town of Baramulla on Sunday.

The latest tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours follow the killing of 18 Indian soldiers in a cross-border attack by suspected Kashmiri rebels in Indian-administered Kashmir last month.

New Delhi said last week it responded by launching surgical strikes on rebel posts across the de facto border, the so-called Line of Control (LoC).

OPINION: Kashmir and the myth of indivisible India

A furious Islamabad denied the strikes, saying two of its soldiers were killed in cross-border firing.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, but both claim it in full. Armed separatist groups in the Indian-controlled part of the territory have for decades been fighting to break free from New Delhi.
The fate of local elections in the occupied Palestinian territories remains unclear as Palestinian officials in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to trade blame for the ongoing political impasse.

On Tuesday, the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs the Israeli-occupied West Bank, announced that it would postpone the municipal elections for up to four months.

The move came after a high court in the West Bank ruled that the Gaza Strip would not be included in the elections, prompting an angry reaction from Hamas, the political movement that governs Gaza. The high court claimed that an illegitimate court in Gaza, under pressure from Hamas, had objected to several candidates from Fatah, the ruling party in the PA.

Hamas leaders denounced the high courts decisions saying that the PAs swift call to postpone the elections was politically motivated and accused the court of being biased.

We consider the governments decision an attempt to evade the election, to serve Fatahs interests, the group spokesperson said at a press conference in Gaza on Tuesday. Hamas calls on the Central Elections Commission to stick to the completion of the electoral process from where it left off, adding that the party rejects the court allegations against the legitimacy of its courts.

Hamas said Fatah was attempting to blow this unexplained issue out of proportion to distract the Palestinian public and cover its political failure.

READ MORE: Mahmoud Abbas still believes in Shimon Peres myth

This decision will entrench the intra-Palestinian divide and provide more evidence that neither Fatah nor Hamas is serious about the reconciliation or national unity. by Alaa Tartir, programme director of Al-Shabaka Palestinian Policy Network

While the PA said it does not intend to hold elections without the participation of the Gaza Strip, Fatah officials said there would be none until Hamas sorts out its position.

Hamas obstructed the elections by using its illegitimate courts to drop nine Fatah electoral lists, Osama al-Qawasmi, Fatah party spokesman, told Al Jazeera.

We had an understanding with Hamas beforehand that the Central Elections Commission would be the point of reference. Thats why President Mahmoud Abbas took the decision to postpone the elections for four months. Fatah cannot accept having the elections only in the West Bank so we will wait until Hamas neutralises its position.

The dispute between the two parties ruling the Palestinian territories exposes the deep divisions plaguing the Palestinian leadership.

The vote, initially scheduled for October 8, was intended for electing local councils in 416 Palestinian cities across the occupied territories. In the West Bank, where Abbas authority is non-negotiable, local elections are one of the few outlets for Palestinians to express their opinions.





The PAs rapidly declining popularity among Palestinians, however, has led some analysts to believe that the PA was buying time to mend internal party division and gather support.

Waleed al-Modallal, the head of the political science department at the Islamic University of Gaza believes the PA was taken aback by Hamas readiness to participate in the elections. Hamas boycotted the local elections in 2012 over divisions between the two factions.

The decision to delay the elections stemmed from PA fears that Hamas might win many seats in the Gaza and West Bank municipal councils, al-Modallal told Al Jazeera, a point that has been echoed by several PA critics.

By postponing the vote, Fatah believes it will be able to correct its position, al-Modallal said.

When asked about fears within Fatah over an electoral defeat, al-Qawasmi said his party knows they will not and cannot win all the municipal elections, but will leave it to the Palestinian citizen to decide.

Fatahs fear was that votes might be going to its arch rival, Hamas, even though there is popular discontent with Hamas performance in Gaza, Haidar Eid, a political writer based in Gaza, told Al Jazeera.

Eid believes that the decision to postpone the elections must be understood within the context of the PAs rule under the barrel gun of Israeli occupation. [The PAs] role, as per Oslo is to make sure that no serious opposition, not to say, resistance, to occupation develops and starts posing a serious challenge to the whole political system that has been formed since the early 1990s.

READ MORE: Palestine threatens to cut security ties with Israel





Under the Oslo Accords that aimed to establish an independent Palestinian state, the PA signed to share intelligence and coordinate with Israel on security matters. That is, working with Israel to crush dissent and opposition to the occupation  a point that has for long de-legitimised the PA leadership in the eyes of many Palestinians.

The delay is a tactic on Abbas part because the vote is, in effect, a referendum on his rule, Diana Buttu, a lawyer and former Palestinian negotiator, told Al Jazeera.

While the elections may well have served as a key for change on the ground, a new date for the vote has not been set.

This decision will entrench the intra-Palestinian divide and provide more evidence that neither Fatah nor Hamas is serious about the reconciliation or national unity, Alaa Tartir, programme director of Al-Shabaka Palestinian Policy Network, a Palestinian think-tank, told Al Jazeera.

The election mess that both Fatah and Hamas are creating should serve as another reminder for the utmost need of holding both parties and their leaderships accountable to the Palestinian people, so they do not cause further harm to the Palestinian struggle for freedom and self-determination.
Hurricane which already killed at least 136 people in Haiti, could have catastrophic impact, Florida governor says.

The fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade slammed into the Bahamas early on Thursday, intensifying as it barrelled towards the southeast US coast where millions of residents heeded warnings to flee inland.

Roadways in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as Hurricane Matthew approached, packing storm surges, heavy rain and sustained winds that accelerated overnight to around 205 kilometres per hour.

Matthew, which killed at least 136 people and damaged swaths of homes in southern Haiti, has strengthened from a Category 3 to 4 storm en route to eastern Florida. Four more people were killed in Dominican Republic.

Landfall was expected in Florida on Thursday night, the US National Hurricane Center said, extending its hurricane warning area further north into Georgia in its 6am EST (10:00 GMT) advisory.

Everyone in our state must prepare now for a direct hit, Florida Governor Scott told a news conference in Tallahassee on Wednesday. If Matthew directly impacts Florida, the destruction could be catastrophic and you need to be prepared.

READ MORE: Hurricane Matthew kills 26 as it slams into Bahamas

The four states in the path of the hurricane, tracked 410km southeast of West Palm Beach, declared states of emergency enabling their governors to mobilise the National Guard.

Shelters in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina opened their doors after authorities, along with President Barack Obama, urged locals to evacuate their homes.

Federal emergency response teams were coordinating with officials in all four states and stockpiling supplies, Obama said.

Scott requested that Obama declare a pre-landfall emergency for Florida, which would bring resources including food, water and waterproof coverings and double the active National Guard force to 3,000.

Schools and airports across the region were closed on Thursday and some hospitals evacuated patients, according to local media.

Al Jazeeras Andy Gallacher was on the coast of Florida in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, preparing for the record-breaking storm to hit shore.

All boarded-up

In all, more than 12 million US residents were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel.

In Florida, fuel stations posted out of gas signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up.

Every gas station I went to is empty, said motorist Charles Bivona in a Tweet late Wednesday. Here comes Hurricane Matthew. Um, yikes.

Others, meanwhile, prepared to wait out the storm.

People stocked up on water, milk and canned goods, emptying grocery store shelves, footage from local media showed.

IN PICTURES: Hurricane Matthew  Scenes of destruction in Haiti

Residents and business owners boarded up windows with plywood and hurricane shutters and placed sandbags down to protect property against flooding.

All boarded up and ready to bunker down. God be with us, West Palm Beach Florida resident Brad Gray said in a Tweet.

The National Hurricane Center said it was still too soon to predict where in the United States Matthew was likely to do the most damage.

On Tuesday and Wednesday the storm whipped Cuba and Haiti with 230km/h winds and torrential rains, pummelling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes.

The devastation in Haiti prompted authorities to postpone a presidential election.

Al Jazeera senior meteorologist Steff Gaulter explains Matthew:

Hurricane Matthew is showing signs of rejuvenating as it batters the islands of the Bahamas.

As it made landfall, it was classed as a Category 3 hurricane on the five-point Saffir-Simpson scale used to measure the strength of hurricanes in the waters around the Americas.

The storm weakened as it churned across Cuba and Haiti; the high ground of the islands caused it to lose intensity.

However, the conditions are now favourable for the hurricane to strengthen.

The storm is no longer being affected by high ground and the winds are not too strong high up in the atmosphere. This ensures that the storm can rejuvenate itself without any obstructions.

Also the waters around the Bahamas are warmer than usual for this time of year. Warm waters are the energy source of these tropical systems, and the warmer the water is, the more energy is available to feed the storm.

The thunderstorms in the eye of the storm are already becoming more intense and more organised, and the pressure in the centre of the storm is dropping.

These are indications that the storm is preparing to strengthen. Hurricane Matthew is expected to be a powerful category four hurricane by the time it reaches Floridas coastline, with sustained winds of over 209km/h.

There is even a small chance it could become a category 5 storm before it approaches the coast.

The area most at risk from the storm is from Palm Beach northwards to Jacksonville, although it is still very unclear whether the eye of the storm will make landfall.

Whether the eye actually hits the coast or not, it seems highly likely that the storm will get close enough to cause a major storm surge, torrential rain, severe wind damage and significant coastal erosion.

It is expected to churn northwards along, or very close to, the east coast of Florida, meaning millions of people would be affected by the powerful storm.

Hurricane Matthew is expected to start to affect Florida from this evening local time, and continue to batter the coast for about 24 hours.

Some locations in northeast Florida have never experienced a hurricane of this magnitude and the threat of landfall has prompted major evacuations.

The Governor, Rick Scott, said Florida could be facing its biggest evacuation ever as the storm bears down on the state.

Follow Steff Gaulter on Twitter : @WeatherSteff
Initial turnout is reported as low as 10 percent as Moroccans vote to elect the 395-member Chamber of Representatives.

Rabat, Morocco  Voting is under way in Morocco for the kingdoms 10th parliamentary elections since independence in 1956 to define a new political map for the North African country.

In the first official announcement on the elections on Friday, Moroccan Interior ministry said turnout was 10 percent as of 12pm, four hours after the opening of the polls.

About 16 million Moroccans out of the countrys 34 million people have registered to vote.

In the previous local and parliamentary elections, voters in Morocco tend to show up at voting posts in big numbers in the afternoon hours.

In addition, Friday is a working day in Morocco and people are expected to cast their votes after working hours.

Polls will close at 6pm and official results are expected to follow in the early hours of Saturday.

Voters from Moroccos 95 electoral districts are electing members to serve five-year terms in the 395-member Chamber of Representatives, the lower house of parliament.

The winning party will be entrusted by King Mohammed VI with forming a coalition government.

No decisive victory is predicted from these elections as the multi-party system in the kingdom makes it impossible for any political party to win an absolute majority, forcing any winning party to work with other parties to form a coalition government.

Voters talking to Al Jazeera generally agreed on their expectations from the elections.

Many expect from the next government to alleviate the situation of healthcare, education and find new mechanism to generate employment, which remain major social challenges that previous governments failed to handle.

People have lost confidence in politicians and political parties, and I dont think the turnout will be high, analyst Jamal Ben Issa told Al Jazeera.

Most of the leading parties in Morocco have been tested before, but failed to translate their promises in the electoral campaigns into achievements on the ground, he said.

With more than 30 parties to choose from, many of which have no clear platform, voters seem to be turning to religion and nationalism to guide their political choices, Ali Sedjari, UNESCOs human rights chairman and professor of juridical science at Mohammed V University in Rabat, told Al Jazeera.



READ MORE: Morocco election  everything you need to know

The ruling Islamic Justice and Development Party (PJD) is vying for a second consecutive term in office after winning the 2011 vote for the first time.

If PJD wins and leads a new coalition government, it will be the first party in the modern history of the kingdom to do so.

But the battle will not be easy. PJD is expected to face stiff competition, especially from the opposition Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which won local elections in 2015.

The Istiqlal (Independence) Party  the oldest in the country, founded in 1944  is also projected to do well in this vote.

Some analysts say PJDs attraction has waned after the Islamist party played its role in absorbing the Arab Spring revolutionary spirit that ignited in Morocco in 2011 as part of the regional uprisings.

According to Duke University political scientist Abdeslam Maghraoui, a North Africa expert, Moroccos monarchical institution is unlikely to still view PJD leader Abdelilah Benkirane as a real political partner, now that the threat of the uprisings is over.

The PJD basically helped the monarchy navigate the pressure of the youth uprisings in the region, Maghraoui said, adding that the monarchy has emerged more powerful in the wake of the Arab Spring.

READ MORE: The fall and the rise of Moroccos left

Morocco has been going through major social challenges from healthcare to education. According to the World Bank, more than one fifth of young people are out of work.

We need employment, decent accommodation, a good health system and better education. Corruption in the country, which remains widespread in both the public and business spheres, has to end as well, Mansouri Badr, a senior bank officer, told Al Jazeera.
Klaas Haytema sentenced to three months in jail after unplugging Buddhist centre loudspeaker because he wanted to sleep.

A Myanmar court has sentenced a Dutch tourist to three months in prison for interfering with a religious observance by unplugging an amplifier blasting a late-night Buddhist sermon near his hotel in Mandalay, the countrys cultural capital.

Klaas Haytema, 30, was also sentenced on Thursday to an additional six-month prison term for violating immigration rules requiring respect for the local culture, but has opted to pay the equivalent fine of $80, according to the Myanmar Times.

Haytema and his girlfriend embraced and wept as he left the courtroom after his sentence was announced, according to the Associated Press news agency.

READ MORE: Changing Myanmars hidden atheists

Haytema was arrested in late September after a crowd gathered around his hotel in protest when the loudspeakers at a nearby religious hall were turned off.

The man who was reciting the sermon pressed charges against Haytema.

Insulting religion in the predominantly Buddhist country could have landed Haytema up to two years in prison.

At the hearing of his case Haytema was quoted as telling the judge, I did not do it with intention. I didnt know it was a religious building. So, I am not guilty.

According to the Myanmar Times report, three witnesses also told the judge that it was Haytemas first trip to Asia, and that he was unaware of the rules and Buddhist practices.

Ignorance of law not an excuse

Earlier, Haytema had said that he was too tired and wanted to sleep desperately on the night of the incident.

When he went outside the hotel to check the source of the noise, Haytema said that he saw children and had assumed that they were playing with the loudspeaker.

I did not notice that it was a religious building. I am really sorry and I really apologise.





The report also said that Haytema entered the Buddhist centre without first removing his shoes.

In response, Prosecutor U Sithu Swe Tun said that ignorance of the law is no excuse for Haytema.

However, another lawyer interviewed by The New York Times said that it was the Buddhist centre that violated the law, which prohibits the playing of loudspeaker between 9pm and 6am.

Dutch Broadcast Foundation, also known as NOS in Dutch, reported that Haytema was disappointed at the sentence and hoped to get off with a fine.

He has gone back to his cell and the conditions are fairly reasonable if you think about their reputation, NOS correspondent Michel Maas was quoted as saying.

He shares a cell with other prisoners, has a mattress and mosquito net and gets good food and enough to drink.

In late 2014, a New Zealand man and two locals were charged and later sentenced to two years in prison after posting on social media an image of the Buddha wearing headphones to promote a Western bar. Phillip Blackwood was released this year after he was granted amnesty.
New legislation mandates life imprisonment of honour killers  even if victims relatives forgive the murderers.

Pakistans parliament has unanimously passed legislation against honour killings  mandating life imprisonment, 25 years in prison, for convicted murderers even if the victims relatives forgive them.

The legislation was approved on Thursday in a joint session of the lower and upper houses of parliament, three months after an outspoken social media celebrity, Qandeel Baloch, was strangled by her brother.

This is a step in the right direction, womens activist and columnist Aisha Sarwari told AFP news agency. We should take our little wins where we get them and proceed forward and not retreat.





But rights activist Farzana Bari was more cautious, saying the bill still allowed a judge to decide whether a murder qualified as an honour killing or not.

Only about one-third of the 446 legislators attended the session, but debate was raucous.

Conservative Senator Hafiz Hamdullah said parliament should instead address elopements by women, claiming 17,000 had done so since 2014.

Why dont we see what are the reasons behind such killings? Why are girls eloping from their homes? he said.

He told AP news agency later that the law was bringing Western-style independence for women.

They are trying to impose Western culture over here. We will not allow [it], he said. We will impose the law that our holy Quran and Sunnah [tradition] say.

Damage to honour

About 500 women are killed each year in Pakistan at the hands of family members over perceived damage to honour, which can involve eloping, fraternising with men, or any other infraction against conservative values relating to women.

In most cases, the victim is a woman and the killer is a relative who escapes punishment by seeking forgiveness for the crime from family members.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif issued a statement hailing the passage of the bill and vowed police and courts would implement it.

We will make  sure to fully enforce this legislation across the country, he said.

Women are the most essential part of our society and I believe in their empowerment, protection and emancipation.

Al Jazeeras Kamal Hyder, reporting from Islamabad, said its important to wait and see how the law will be implemented at the investigation level.

There has been strong legislation in the past, but people have found loopholes, he said.

It will be interesting to see how quickly this one is enforced  how serious the government really is in trying to curb this menace.

READ MORE: Pakistan  Anger after honour killing of Qandeel Baloch

The assembly also passed a bill boosting the punishment for some rape offences, mandating DNA testing, and making the rape of a minor or the disabled punishable by life imprisonment or death.

Rape conviction rates are close to zero percent, largely because of the laws reliance on circumstantial evidence and a lack of forensic testing.

Rights groups and politicians have for years called for tougher laws to tackle perpetrators of violence against women in Pakistan.

We hope that these new laws will help to generate a cultural shift in Pakistani society and that women will be able to live their lives in safety, Yasmeen Hassan from Equality Now told Reuters news agency.
Tough-talking leader says the country wont beg for foreign assistance after criticism over his deadly drug campaign.

President Rodrigo Duterte has told the United States and the European Union to go ahead and withdraw financial aid to the Philippines if theyre unhappy with his bloody anti-drug war.

Go away, bring your money to somewhere else. We will survive as a nation, Duterte said in a speech to police officers on Thursday in the southern city of Butuan.

How do you look at us, mendicants? We will survive. Even if well go through hardships, we will survive. But we will never, never compromise our dignity.

If you think it is high time for you guys to withdraw your assistance, go ahead, we will not beg for it, Duterte said, adding he doesnt expect the US, EU, and human rights group to understand his policy.

IN PICTURES: Philippines  Drug raids and prisons

More than 3,680 people have been killed by police and unidentified attackers in the Philippines since June 30, when Duterte took office.

Last week, two US senators raised alarms about the mounting death toll linked to the anti-drug war, and called for a review of American foreign aid to the Philippines.

Senator Ben Cardin said what Duterte is advocating and endorsing amounts to mass murder.

Senator Patrick Leahy said: No amount of killing will result in reforms that improve the judiciary, end corruption and impunity in law enforcement, or rehabilitate those caught in the vicious cycle of addiction.

According to US data, the Philippines is expected to receive a total of $188m in 2017. In 2015, the country received $236m in US aid.

Meanwhile, the annual EU assistance to the Philippines is estimated at $65m.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Phelim Kine of Human Rights Watch warned that foreign aid to the Philippines could go into funding mass unlawful violence by authorities.

But in defending his police on Thursday, Duterte said foreign governments will never understand the pain that we are suffering.

We have a problem here trying to preserve our society, the president, nicknamed The Punisher, said.

America has failed us

Dutertes statements follow a Facebook post by his foreign minister, Perfecto Yasay, who wrote that the president wants to liberate the Philippines from a shackling dependency on the US.

In the post titled AMERICA HAS FAILED US, Yasay said Duterte was compelled to realign Philippine foreign policy and not submit to US demands and interests.

Breaking away from the shackling dependency of the Philippines to effectively address both internal and external security threats has become imperative in putting an end to our nations subservience to United States interests, Yasay wrote.





He said in the South China Sea, the US could not guarantee it would help the Philippines to protect its sovereignty, as it is bound to by a 1951 bilateral treaty.

Worse is that our only ally could not give us the assurance that in taking a hard line towards the enforcement of our sovereignty rights under international law, it will promptly come to our defence under our existing military treaty and agreements.

On Monday, Duterte said US President Barack Obama should go to hell and hinted he might break up with the United States.

Molly Koscina, a spokeswoman for the US embassy, said Yasays comments ran counter to close relations between the two countries.

We have seen the post. Weve already spoken to this sort of rhetoric, Koscina told reporters. Frankly, it seems at odds with the warm relationship that exists between the Filipino and American people.
The United Nations Security Council has formally approved former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres to replace Ban Ki-moon as UN secretary general.

Security Council President Vitaly Churkin, Russias UN ambassador, said Guterres was approved by acclamation for a five-year term during a closed-door meeting on Thursday.

The Security Councils recommendation now goes to the UNs 193-member General Assembly, which is expected to vote on Bans successor next week. Bans second five-year term ends on December 31.





Speaking during a visit to Rome, Ban described Guterres as a super choice as his successor.

I am sure he will carry the torch on the full range of key challenges, from strengthening peace operations to achieving sustainable development, upholding human rights and easing humanitarian suffering, Ban told reporters.

Reporting from the UN headquarters in New York City, Al Jazeeras James Bays said the selection of Guterres was a far cry from what some expected at the beginning, but his experience made him an obvious choice.

In the early days of the process, an eastern European or a woman, we were told, was what many in the United Nations wanted. What weve ended up with is a man from Western Europe, he said.

But I think the reason they went for Antonio Guterres is because of his experience. Yes, hes been a head of state  a peer with many world leaders, but also spent a decade heading the UN refugee agency.

OPINION: People should have a say in electing the new UN head

Guterres was prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and served as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015. He was due to speak to reporters in Lisbon later on Thursday.

He has great United Nations credentials  and being High Commissioner for Refugees means travelling the world and seeing some of the most gruesome conflicts we have to deal with. And then, of course, he is a high-level politician, said Churkin.

He is a person who talks to everybody, listens to everybody, speaks his mind, a very outgoing, open person, so I think it was a great choice and Im glad that we rallied around Mr Guterres.
US presidential candidate backs down from his previous warm rhetoric towards Russian president.

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has backed off from praising Vladimir Putin, saying he was unsure of his relationship with the Russian president, whom he has described as a better leader than President Barack Obama.

On Wednesday, just one day after his running mate Mike Pence appeared to break ranks during a vice presidential debate and called Putin a small and bullying leader, Trump adjusted his own previously warm rhetoric towards the Russian leader.

I dont love [Putin], I dont hate. Well see how it works. Well see, Trump told supporters during a campaign stop in the swing state of Nevada. Maybe well have a good relationship. Maybe well have a horrible relationship. Maybe well have a relationship right in the middle.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has appealed to anti-Russian sentiments in the US by criticising Trump, who often praises Putin, as being too cosy with the Kremlin leader and questioned the Republicans business interests in Russia.





Those charges were repeated by her vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine during a debate with Pence on Tuesday.

In response, Pence denounced Putin for his interference in Syrias civil war and support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The small and bullying leader of Russia is now dictating terms to the United States, Pence said. The greatest nation on earth just withdraws from talks about a ceasefire, while Vladimir Putin puts a missile defence system in Syria.

The vice presidential encounter set the table for a second presidential debate on Sunday in St Louis between Clinton and Trump, who needs to rebound from a rocky performance in his first debate. Clinton received a large boost in most national opinion polls after that encounter, with the November 8 election day only five weeks away.

In Nevada, Trump suggested Russia could be a valuable ally in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group (ISIL, also known as ISIS).

I will say if we get along with Russia and Russia went out with us and knocked the hell out of ISIS, thats OK with me, folks, he said.

Trump celebrated a strong debate performance by Pence, the governor of Indiana, and said his running mate had won on style and on the issues.

Hes getting tremendous reviews from me and everybody, Trump told a group of pastors and leaders gathered at a Christian academy in Las Vegas.

A CNN/ORC snap poll declared Pence the winner with 48 percent support, compared with 42 percent for Clintons running mate Tim Kaine, who frequently interrupted his opponent.

The television audience for the debate was 35.6 million viewers, according to preliminary data, about half the number who watched the first encounter between Trump and Clinton.
The names of 40 black men and women were read aloud on Turlington Plaza.

On Friday afternoon, more than 300 students, faculty and staff came together for a peaceful demonstration to honor those who were fatally shot by police so far this year.

Students were asked to wear white to the event hosted by UF Black Affairs.

Khyra Keeley, the event organizer and social justice and advocacy chair of UF Black Affairs, said the demonstration wasnt about mourning but about celebrating life.

We focused on celebrating who they were and what their lives meant, the 19-year-old UF political science and African American studies student said. We werent here to just talk about the moment of their death.

As she copes with police-involved shootings that seem to never end, Keeley said she feels exhausted and frustrated.

The demonstration comes three days after the shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, 43, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and two weeks after Terrence Crutchers Sept. 16 death in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Crutcher and Scott are two of at least 707 people  164 of them black men  who were shot to death by law enforcement this year, according to a Washington Post database.

Were tired of losing our brothers and sisters to meaningless violence, Keeley said. Were tired of going on Facebook and seeing videos of people being killed. Were tired of saying Black Lives Matter and trying to explain what that means.

Alisha L. Perkins read the name of one of the victims.

Dyzhawn L. Perkins, the 20-year old UF linguistics junior declared. He was 19, and he was unarmed.

She said the victim could have easily been a part of her family.

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He has my last name, she said. That could have been my brother, my sister, my dad, my mom.

Perkins said she feels UF students have the opportunity to provoke change in the community.

Legitimately, enough is enough, she said. Ive heard too many names, heard about too many people, seen too many hashtags.

David Parrott, UFs vice president of Student Affairs, said he thought Fridays reading was powerful.

We allowed students voices to be heard and thats what its all about, he said.

Despite the heightened tensions between the public and law enforcement, Parrott said local law enforcement has done a good job mending relationships.

Im impressed by the University Police and by the Gainesville Police that I have met and interacted with, he said. I find them to be committed to listening and to paying attention.

He said to enact change students should fight hate with love.

Lets continue to care for each other and demonstrate that, he said.

Ebony Love, a 20-year-old UF history junior recites the poem "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou Friday afternoon in Turlington Plaza. Love helped organize a demonstration to call attention to the police-involved shootings of black men and women.
Low-income guests can now visit the Florida Museum of Natural Historys exhibits at a discounted cost.

On Monday, the museum launched a new program in which adults who have valid electronic benefits transfer cards will only pay $3 for admission to the featured exhibits and the Butterfly Rainforest, said Brittany Snipes, the development assistant for the museum.

The current featured exhibit is Wicked Plants, which is on display through Jan. 15, 2017.

The normal price of admission for both exhibits is $14.50 for Florida residents and $17 for nonresidents. Children ages 3 to 17 with an adult who has an EBT card get in for free, he said. Normally, it cost $10 for childrens admission.

Snipes said she wanted to allow those who might not be able to afford the museum to have the opportunity to visit it.

There is no alternative organization or donor funding the program, she said. The museum will simply absorb the loss in revenue.

I think its great, she said. Were always looking for ways to be more inclusive, and this is just another way that were able to do that.

Mary Wassen, a 63-year-old retired registered nurse in Gainesville, said she thinks this program will allow more people to visit the museum.

It will encourage people to enjoy what we have, Wassen said.

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Retired UF professor Dr. Donald Caton will discuss the impact of feminism in relation to childbirth Thursday night at the Matheson History Museum.

Drawing from his experiences working in the UF department of anesthesiology, and obstetrics and gynecology at the College of Medicine, Caton will explain how the womens liberation movement led to some expectant mothers opting for natural childbirth.

Caton will speak at 6 p.m., with a book signing following his presentation.

One of my messages will be the extent to which women have shaped medical practice, he said. I think neither physicians nor patients are really aware of the extent to which medical practice is shaped and influenced by social values.

Catons discussion on the womens liberation movement and its effect on childbirth coincides with the museums latest exhibit interpreting and celebrating the diverse healthcare history of Alachua County.

Peggy Macdonald, the museums director, said Catons talk will shed light on Gainesville as an epicenter for the movement away from doctor-assisted births and pain relief.

While first-wave feminists fought for doctor-assisted births and the administration of painkillers, second-wave feminists fought for natural childbirth, MacDonald said.

Hazel Levy, a UF professor in the College of Medicine, said current social norms would not be possible without the efforts of feminists.

Not everyone experiences pain in the same way so having a women-centered approach also implies having an individualized approach instead of a one-size-fits-all, she said.

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About a week after the first presidential debate, students and Gainesville residents came together Tuesday night to watch U.S. vice presidential candidates Sen. Tim Kaine and Gov. Mike Pence debate.

The Graham Center Student Fellows and Gators 4 Hillary hosted free debate watch parties to give the public a chance see how Democratic candidate Kaine and Republican candidate Pence would defend their platforms and their running mates.

At the Bob Graham Center for Public Services nonpartisan watch party at Pugh Hall, UF political science junior Natalie Jiron said debate-night bingo and slices of pizza served as a way to balance out this years highly polarizing presidential election that often leads to heated arguments.

Because both of the presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, tend to overshadow their vice presidential candidates, the 20-year-old said she didnt anticipate Tuesdays debate to be as abrasive as the presidential debate Sept. 26.

We never hear them speak, she said. We have two very strong-personality candidates, so we kind of only see (Kaine and Pence) as puppets.

Throughout the debate, however, Kaine and Pence took jabs at each others running mates, with Kaine alleging Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump didnt pay his income taxes and Pence pinning Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton as the main culprit of the Middle Easts instability.

At the office of the Florida Democratic Party located on Northwest Sixth Street, Santiago Marquez, a 19-year-old UF sustainability and womens studies sophomore, said both candidates did fairly well.

Despite how theyve been portrayed in the media, he said, they refused to back down when pressed on each others policy points.

Theyre not as reserved, Marquez said. And they usually are.

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Ian Vicnansky stood on the Plaza of the Americas on Wednesday afternoon with a plate full of fruit and yogurt after learning about how to live a healthy lifestyle in college.

Its all about taking initiative, the 19-year-old UF exploratory engineering freshman said as he munched on a piece of honeydew.

Student Governments Health Affairs Cabinet hosted the Freshman 15 Wellness Fair to promote a healthy lifestyle among students. The event offered information about on-campus resources students can take advantage of, including UFs Department of Recreational Sports, GatorWell and the Gator Youth Fitness Movement, said Nidhi Kalva, the director of the cabinet.

Freshman year is tough, the UF business sophomore said, adding that the goal was to inform students about the resources theyre already paying for with student fees.

Within the first hour of the event, more than 200 students had stopped by, Kalva said.

She said the fair, which was funded by SG, cost about $1,000 to put on. After filling out a questionnaire and talking to representatives from UF organizations that were tabling at the event, students were offered fruit and vegetables to eat.

Kalva said she felt it was important to host the event early in the year to help college student make healthy eating and fitness decisions, especially at a time when the risk of developing eating disorders is high.

Student Life division chair Rachna Sannegowda stopped by the event to grab a plate of fruit before her biomedical instrumentation midterm exam.

Freshman 15 is real, the 20-year-old UF biomedical engineering junior said. College students are stressed, she said, before heading to the library to prepare for her exam.

Lucas Zhou, 19, said he found out about RecSports Center for Outdoor Recreation and Education, which offers students scheduled adventure trips, at the event. He said it was something he is looking forward to participate in.

I actually learned something new, the UF information systems sophomore said. You can take classes to learn how to build fire, make shelter  survival skills.

UF health education senior Tala Rizkallah, 21, and UF communication sciences and disorders senior Michelle Saade, 21, check out health-oriented pins at the GatorWell table at the Freshman 15 Wellness Fair on the Plaza of the Americas on Wednesday afternoon.

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When Robert Dentmonds name was read aloud, UF law student Medens Gerbier dropped to the ground, red handprints painted on her shirt.

Dentmond, who was fatally shot by local law enforcement in March after threatening to kill himself, was one of 40 names read during a die-in Wednesday, held at a courtyard at the Levin College of Law.

As a way to come to grips with recent police-involved shootings across the U.S., about 50 UF law students participated in the demonstration, some with bullseyes, bullet holes and blood streaks painted on their backs.

Alisha Moriceau, 23, the president of the Black Law Student Association, said the protest was about provoking conversation.

Lets talk about it, the second-year UF law student said. The ultimate goal is to have discussion and promote awareness.

With the reading of each name  including that of Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott  students fell to the floor while others placed flowers on top of their bodies.

The bodies laid motionless until all the names were read.

As the last name  Crutchers  was read, silence overtook the group and some applauded their actions.

Gerbier said her heart pounded as she got up from the pavement.

I got to get up at the end of the day, Gerbier said. Dentmond never did get up.

Moriceau said Dentmonds death, which took place about three miles from Cabana Beach apartments, proved that police-involved shootings can happen anywhere. She said she is scared of more black people becoming hashtags and poster children of police brutality.

This cant just be a daylong protest or demonstration, she said. It needs to go further than that.

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Medens Gerbier, 22, lies motionless Wednesday as a part of a "die-in" protest on Wednesday outside the UF Levin College of Law.
After being confronted with racial slurs Tuesday night, a nationally competitive UF Bollywood dance group took to social media to express their shock.

Gator Adaa, a dance group of 13 women, was practicing for an upcoming competition outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium near the Heisman Trophy winners statues when a group of men came out of the stadium. When they saw the group practicing, some of the men cheered, clapped and kept walking. But two stayed behind, Gator Adaa member Shaina Panchal said.

The women continued to dance, expecting the spectators to leave. The men, who Panchal said looked to be in their 30s, stayed and began dancing mockingly alongside the group.

Then one of the men walked up to Panchal and asked why the group wasnt in India.

I explained that we were trying to bring our culture here to America, the 21-year-old UF health science senior said. He responded by saying, Oh, kind of like an invasive species.

The group was silent as the men walked away, she said. Sonam Parag, a 19-year-old co-captain of the dance group, said she was just trying to lead the teams practice when it happened.

I felt kind of attacked, the UF microbiology and cell science sophomore said.

Panchal took to Facebook to explain the situation and the groups reaction.

As of press time, her original post has received more than 1,557 likes and 217 shares. The majority of the comments were supportive of Panchal and the dance group.

When racist comments are made on campus, students can report it to the Bias

Education and Response Team, UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes wrote in an email.

The Bias Education and Response Team works with other campus organizations to provide appropriate resources and help to affected groups or communities.

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People dont want to believe racism exists, when in reality it happens every day, especially on our UF campus, Panchal said.

The dance group plans to talk to UFs Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs today about the comment and how to proceed, said Bhavika Goyal, a co-captain of Gator Adaa.

Goyal, 19, said she was standing next to Panchal during the confrontation.

Me, along with my team, thinks that everybody has a right to be respected for who they are and where they come from, the UF applied physiology and kinesiology sophomore said.

We felt like we werent allowed to expressed our passion for dance.

Panchal said she regrets not responding to the man.

Not even in a mean way, she said. Just something to make him understand that what he said wasnt OK.
A conservative UF group announced plans Friday to invite journalist Milo Yiannopoulos to speak on campus in October.

Yiannopoulos, a technology editor and writer for conservative news website Breitbart News, has been the subject of controversy  his critics accuse him of promoting racism, and his supporters defend his right to free speech.

In July, Twitter permanently suspended his account from its social media site.

Keira Hornyak, the president of Turning Point USA at UF, said Yiannopoulos had contacted the group about a month ago to add UF to his Dangerous Faggot speaking tour.

Hornyak said she hoped to hold the event Oct. 4, but would not clarify where it would happen. The group is currently undergoing a registration process to reserve a space for the event, she said.

Hosting Yiannopoulos, who is gay, would hopefully spark meaningful dialogue among students, she said.

I want to show the world that UF is civil and we can act like adults, she said.

Paul Bernard and Steve Orlando, UF spokesmen, said they are not aware of Turning Points plans to host Yiannopoulos.

As of press time, Yiannopoulos could not be reached for comment, and UF is not on the list of tour stops available on his official website.

He is scheduled to visit several Florida universities later this month, including Florida State University, the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida, according to his website.

Ben Duong, a UF microbiology and political science senior, said if Yiannopoulos were to visit campus, his speech would likely be met by protesters.

The 21-year-old said Yiannopoulos supports sexism, racism and xenophobia.

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He also said the writer is a proponent of the alt-right movement, which Duong described as a modern rebranding of white nationalism.

Hes definitely not above causing controversy, Duong said. In fact, I know him to usually embrace the controversy.

Noah MacGinnis, a UF political science sophomore, said both critics and supporters of Yiannopoulos would benefit from hearing him speak. Doing so, he said, would help them understand each other.

The 19-year-old said although he does not align himself with Yiannopoulos social views, he believes in defending his right to say what he wants.

I definitely share his values for sharing what he feels and expressing his first-amendment rights, MacGinnis said.

josmond@alligator.org

@jawosmond
Gainesville man arrested for stealing more than $2,000 in appliances

After being arrested by Gainesville Police on Saturday, a local man was handed additional charges Monday when deputies said he used a fake credit card to defraud two Gainesville Lowes locations of their appliances.

At about 1:20 p.m. on Aug. 21, Gainesville resident Ronald Boyd Neeb, 42, walked into the Lowes at 3101 Clark Butler Blvd. and left with about $1,018 worth of appliances, according to a police report.

Using the credit card, Neeb ordered a Whirlpool washer and dryer, according to the report.

About two hours earlier, he visited the Lowes at 2564 NW 13th St. and made off with a $699 portable generator and a $299 AC unit before packing the items into the back of a U-Haul truck, covering them with a tarp and leaving the area, according to the reports.

When GPD arrested Neeb on Saturday, they were unaware of the second theft, according to the report.

Neeb told police he knew the credit card was fake and that he has pulled off similar crimes about 200 to 250 times in Florida, according to the report. He said two other men, one in Tampa, Florida, and the other in Ghana, help him coordinate the crimes.

Police arrested Neeb on charges of fraud and grand theft. On Monday, Alachua County Sheriffs Office deputies added an additional grand theft charge to his record.

He was taken to the Alachua County Jail on Saturday where he remains, as of press time, in lieu of a $20,000 bond.

Local man pointed shotgun at friend, kicked him in the head

After some Monday-night drinking, a Gainesville man threatened his friend with a loaded shotgun, chased him down and kicked him in the head, Alachua County Sheriffs Office deputies said.

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At about 8:45 p.m., Joel Angel Foster, 19, was drinking with a few friends in the 600 block of SW 67th Terrace before one friend, DeAngelo Smith, left, according to a police report.

After Smith walked out the front door and picked up a pair of headphones he dropped, Foster approached him with a pump-action shotgun aimed in his direction, according to the report.

Smith then got on a bicycle and rode away, but Foster and two other men chased after him, eventually knocking him off his bicycle and kicking him in the head, according to the report.

At some point during the scuffle, someone bit Smith in the back, according to the report. Smith later ran away from his pursuers.

Deputies arrested Foster on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery, according to the report.

Authorities took him to the Alachua County Jail where he remains, as of press time, in lieu of a $25,000 bond.

Newberry man drove into oncoming traffic, hit parked car

After taking a Xanax pill, a Newberry man drove his car into oncoming traffic Monday afternoon, narrowly hitting several motorists before eventually crashing into a parked car, Alachua Police said.

At about 1:30 p.m. Monday, Shawn Robert Hliwski, 35, drove his silver Toyota recklessly southbound on County Road 235A in Alachua, Florida, and veered off into the northbound lane, causing several cars to drive off the road, according to an APD report.

Hliwski then took a left at an intersection and drove northbound, again veering into oncoming traffic and forcing southbound-driving motorists to swerve off the road, according to the report.

At the end of his commute, he entered Alachua Apartments, located at 13605 NW County Road 235, and crashed into a parked car. He then reversed and parked next to the damaged car, according to the report.

While Hliwski left his car and walked toward the apartment, police arrived and noticed he was disoriented and uncontrollably swaying, according to the report. He told police he had taken a 2-milligram Xanax pill, a prescription sedative, prior to driving.

Police arrested him on charges of driving under the influence and hit and run.

Authorities took him to the Alachua County Jail where he remains, as of press time, in lieu of a $35,000 bond.
Micah E. Johnson was 14 when he stared down the barrel of a gun.

He was walking down the streets of his Fort Lauderdale, Florida, neighborhood with his older brother when a cop car pulled over behind them.

He remembers multiple officers stepping out. Guns were drawn. And Johnson, a now-UF sociology doctoral student, stood in fear.

We never knew what they suspected us of, the 31-year-old said. They would just point the guns at our heads.

As the nation struggles to understand the deaths and acts of police brutality against the black community, UF students and the city of Gainesville are looking for answers. Student organizations have held meetings, and demonstrations have been hosted in an effort to provoke conversation and demand change.

Through meetings and protests, the residents of Gainesville want to send the same message: They are tired of talking  tired of dialogue.

For Johnson, it was a reality he grew up in. The issues of police brutality against the black community have existed for a while.

It makes you crazy a little bit, he said. It gets under your skin. Its painful.

  

Robert Dentmond was shot and killed after a stand-off with police officers in March at an apartment complex in Gainesville.

He was 16.

Ibram Kendi, a UF professor in the African American Studies Program, said Dentmond lived down his street. He had lived in Gainesville for eight months when Dentmond died. He saw no justification in Dentmonds death, he said.

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But police brutality against the black community isnt a new concept to Kendi. While in Philadelphia, he was approached by an officer who was investigating a recent shooting in the area.

Kendi watched as the officer moved for the gun on his hip.

The officer asked Kendi to remove his hands from his pockets, Kendi recalled. He complied. He believed one wrong move could have ended his life.

Every black person could be subjected to that kind of treatment, he said.

Grace King Khyra Keeley, the social justice and advocacy chair for UF Black Affairs, leads a group of students in discussion on Monday. They talked about what they can do to provoke change in their community.

No matter how educated a person may be or how many degrees he or she has, he said, every black person is viewed as a criminal.

Kendi joined a panel Sept. 22 to discuss with a group of Gainesville residents, UF students and local officers about the Black Lives Matter movement and events that continue to impact the black community.

I want people to be able to leave police incidents alive, he said. Especially young black people who look like bad dudes.

Johnson, who grew up in a predominantly black and Hispanic community, said the presence of police officers was constant.

Police officers would stop kids on the street and point guns directly in their faces, he said. Officers would mistake his fear for guilt and would threaten to beat him up, he said.

It was a way of life, he said.

But change is needed, Johnson told a group at the meeting, hosted by the Black Graduate Student Organization. Officers of the Gainesville community, who were present, are helping spark that change, he said.

I see (Gainesville Police) doing their best to mend these wounds, Johnson said.

  

In Gainesville, officers say theyre continuing to work with the community.

Gainesville Police spokesman Officer Ben Tobias wrote in an email that the department is a national leader in community relations.

He said GPD takes all complaints of police misconduct seriously and investigates them thoroughly.

When officers are found to behave inappropriately, he said, GPD acts quickly.

Our officers recognize that everyone we encounter, no matter their criminal intent, is a human being and deserves to be treated with that respect, he said.

Grace King Ben Estrella, 18, a UF mechanical engineering freshman, engages in the conversation about Gainesville and its black community. He attended a meeting led by UF Black Affairs on Monday night.

A crime analyst for GPD provided numbers that show since 2014, the number of arrests has gone down and the gaps between the number of black and white arrests are closing.

As of Sept. 15, 215 more black adults have been arrested than white adults this year.

Johnson said GPD cannot be held accountable for the shootings going on across the nation, but its important they know and sympathize with the experiences of the black community.

Were asking for support, he said.

  

Three days after the shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, 43, in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Friday, a group of about 300 people showed up on Turlington Plaza.

The names of 40 victims who were killed by officers were read, followed by a moment of silence.

Khyra Keeley, 20, who organized the event, said she has been overwhelmed by the response of the community.

I think sometimes we forget the power and the influence we have as students, the UF political science and African-American studies student said.

Keely, the social justice and advocacy chair of UF Black Affairs, said she was amazed by how many students approached her, ready to work for change.

Shes willing to do whatever it takes to see change happen at UF and in Gainesville, Keely said. Even if that means being a part of the movement after graduation.

Im going to be in this and fight with you, she said. I dont care how long it takes; Im in it for the long haul.

  

As Medens Gerbier collapsed in the courtyard of UF Levin College of Law on Wednesday, she thought of Dentmond.

She wore a white shirt covered in blood-red handprints. The 22-year-old lay next to 39 other UF students as they dropped to the ground as name after name was read. Eventually, 40 students lay on the UF law school courtyard in protest of the deaths of unarmed black men and women.

Gerbiers heart pounded as the names were read aloud. Robert Dentmond. Terence Crutcher. Keith Scott.

It easily could have been me, the first-year UF law student said.

Alisha Moriceau, the president of the Black Law Student Association, said students need to talk to one another to provoke change and let go of the fear of offending others.

Despite professors and students being more concerned with political correctness, she said she believes police brutality against the black community needs to be discussed.

Murder is murder, the 23-year-old second year UF law student said. Its not anti-police  its anti-murder.

Moriceau said she wants to continue having difficult conversations and taking others with her to speak in the community about the issues that affect it.

We want to make people uncomfortable, she said, because until you make people uncomfortable, you cannot impact change.

Keeley said UF organizations like Black Affairs will have to come together to provoke change.

Along with other students, Keeley said she wants to attend meetings of the Police Advisory Council and work with UF to offer more education and diversity, especially during students first year.

We cant just grieve together, she said. We have to put together action steps to create change.

On Wednesday, UFs Black Law Student Association staged a die-in to honor 40 victims of police brutality. The protest took place in the courtyard of the Levin College of Law.
With Fridays listing of seven species of Hawaiian honeybees as endangered, some Gainesville apiarists, or beekeepers, have taken the news as a sign that bee-health awareness may soon be at to the forefront of discussion.

Johnalyn Gordon, a member of the Gainesville Area Bee Club, stressed that the adding of bees to the endangered list for the first time is important to the futures of bees across the country, including Gainesville.

Its much easier to get funding when people are educated about a topic, she said. With education and knowledge comes investment.

Gordon, who refers to herself as the Honey Queen, said the listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hopefully serve as a wake-up call to people who may not realize the importance of bees to local ecosystems.

Its pretty monumental that bees are even being listed, the 21-year-old wildlife ecology and conservation and entomology senior said. Thats definitely a gateway to listing other bees.

Josh Campbell, a post-doctoral researcher at UF, said that the endangered status of the bees  of the Hylaeus genus  are likely to be a result of urbanization and growth in Hawaii and that there are certainly other endangered bees out there.

While disheartening, being sorted into the endangered species list can lead to better conservation efforts, he said.

If something gets listed, it means that federal funds can be directed towards the conservation of these (animals), Campbell said.
Gabriela Quadri spent just less than $13 Tuesday on what would become her last chicken Cobb salad at The Jones, a popular downtown restaurant.

The 24-year-old UF alumna said the salad, typically served in a biodegradable container, was handed to her in a Styrofoam bowl instead.

Aside from that, there were no signs that one of her favorite Gainesville restaurants would soon close.

But Saturday, it became official.

After 10 years in Gainesville and four years at 203 SW Second Ave., the restaurant announced it would permanently close.

In a statement posted to the restaurants Facebook page, The Jones thanked its customers for years of loyalty and promised this would not be the last time they would hear its name around the city. However, amid allegations of mounting debt, first reported by food-critic site Ken Eats Gainesville, the restaurant would not specify what led to the closure.

Even though we have closed our doors for business you can expect to see our name as a brand of quality in this community, the post read. I dont want to bore people with the ins and out(s) of small business struggles that led to our eventual close. Many will have (their) own stories as to what the jones (sic) was to them. All I can say for sure is that we rode until the wheels fell off. Thank you for being part of our family. Jones out.

Quadri ate there twice a week for the last two years after discovering their salads while eating with friends. Unlike other restaurants salads, she found The Jones chicken Cobbs, topped with a hardboiled egg, bacon and onion, especially filling.

The first time I went was kind of a shot in the dark, she said. They turned me onto The Jones, and then it was love.

On her hourlong lunch breaks from her job at Akira Wood Inc., a Gainesville architectural woodwork company, she would often visit the restaurant for her favorite salad.

Though Quadri had heard of issues with roaches, which caused The Jones to temporarily close in March, she said she was surprised it actually closed for good. During an inspection March 11, a health inspector found 11 live roaches on the cook line wall and wall fixtures behind a steam table, according to a report filed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The manager killed the roaches on site, according to the report. But in its most recent inspection, on Aug. 1, the department reported the restaurant met inspection standards.

Out of all the restaurants in Gainesville, only The Jones lived up to Quadris expectations for a hearty salad, she said.

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She even planned to share her favorite spot with some friends Friday, she said.

I was kind of frustrated because that was my main salad to-go place, she said.

Abby Tannenbaum used to eat at The Jones at least once a month, but her last visit left her hungry and skeptical, she said.

About three weeks ago, The Jones refused to serve the 21-year-old and her friend during normal business hours and appeared to be selling kitchen supplies, she said.

The UF political science senior said the situation was odd because she had never had problems with the service or food, despite hearing of its previous health-code violations. She said the closure was not surprising.

Im not surprised, but Im disappointed, she said.
Alachua County is asking an advisory board for help in finding a new home for the Old Joe statue currently located in downtown Gainesville.

After the South Carolina church shooting in 2015, Gainesville residents questioned the historical significance and underlying meaning of the Confederate soldier statue located at the corner of University Avenue and Main Street. The Matheson History Museum has refused the statue due to the cost of moving it, which has been estimated to be more than $36,000.

Mark Sexton, the communication and legislative affairs director for Alachua County, said that because the museum declined the statue, its next request is for the Alachua County Veterans Services advisory board to offer a suggestion for the statues location.

When the board makes its official recommendation, the county will then add the moving of Old Joe back to its agenda, he said.

The statue had a lot of meaning to a lot of people, Sexton said. Wherever the statue ends up, we want to be sure that it is shown respect and is well taken care of.

Peggy Macdonald, the director of the museum, said the county didnt consult the museum when asking it to take Old Joe last fall.

Its a very one-sided agreement, she said. We cant take on the burden of a campaign that we havent planned for.

Sexton said finding comprise about the statues future has been difficult. Some residents say the statute has historical significance, but others find it offensive.

Part of the challenge is trying to please everyone, he said.

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After word spread that Burrito Bros. Taco Co. was struggling to stay afloat in the midst of large-scale construction next door, persistent customers took matters into their own hands.

On Saturday, after the local restaurant announced its revenues had dipped 23 percent since last year, donors have raised more than $5,000 through a GoFundMe page created Saturday.

The 1402 W. University Ave. restaurant has been in Gainesville for the past 40 years, but with the construction of The Standard at Gainesville apartment complex next door, Burrito Bros. owner Randy Akerson said the removal of customer parking spots on Northwest 14th Street and the noise and dust from construction has turned away prospective customers.

But despite the outpouring of affection for the restaurant, Akerson said he still hopes to be compensated for his revenue loss by the city or by Landmark Properties, the company that owns The Standard at Gainesville.

Five-thousand dollars in a GoFundMe will certainly help us for now, and we are so grateful, but it just keeps the wolf from the door for a time, he said.

On Sept. 27, Akerson took to Facebook to inform fans of the restaurant about its struggle with The Standards construction. The post reached 90,000 people, he said, and led to a couple of busy lunch rushes and a response from Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe.

Akerson received response from local government officials via Facebook, but he said they have yet to reach out to him personally.

People from our city government have been here to eat lunch and talk to my customers, but have never asked to speak to me, he said. The only reason I knew they were here is photos they posted on my back patio.

On Saturday, Akersons wife, Janet, and one of their friends created the GoFundMe page for the restaurant as a way to show support. As of press time, the website has brought in 118 donations and has raised $5,537.

Grace Wenham, a UF alumna who helped create the page, said although she lives in Wisconsin, she felt compelled to help the restaurant, which has become a Gainesville mainstay.

Im overwhelmed, but I kind of did think that people would come together for this, Wenham said. As Gator fans, the Gainesville community is so tight and strong. I know we rally very well, and I knew there would be support. Its blown my expectations out of the water, though.

Noy Epstein, a UF electrical engineering sophomore, said that she has eaten at Burrito Bros. and learned of the apartments struggle through its Facebook post.

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She said GoFundMe is a powerful tool people can use to raise money for causes they care about. The amount of money raised in such a short amount of time just shows how strongly people feel about the restaurant.

I know a lot of people love that place, and to raise all that money in three days  power to the people, she said.
Christina Gladney wants change.

We are in a social war, and I am enraged, the 28-year-old UF health behavior doctoral student said Thursday night as a crowd gathered to discuss the Black Lives Matter movement and recent events in the black community. Im tired of the dialogue.

About 100 people gathered at the Institute of Black Culture for an event hosted by the UF Black Graduate Student Organization at its monthly meeting. Recent shootings across the country had Gainesville residents demanding answers from a panel.

With shaking hands and tears in her eyes, Gladney described what it was like to be a black woman pulled over by police.

How insulting it is, she said, her voice trembling with anger, to have a white man pull me over, in my blackness, and wont give me my license until I look in his blue eyes.

One of the panelists, UF sociology doctoral student Micah E. Johnson, said the thought of the U.S. moving past race is a misunderstanding of the countrys culture.

Racism is an American tradition, the 31-year-old said.

When discussing the recent Milwaukee, Wisconsin shooting, Johnson said for there to be racism, there has to be some element of greater control.

UF history professor Ibram Kendi, another panelist, agreed.

You cant be racist without power, she said.

Kendi, a history professor, defined racism as any idea that suggests one group is superior or inferior to another. He said leaders will listen to what people have to say, but they will ultimately pick and choose what it is they want to change.

People in power always like when the powerless engage in dialogue, he said.

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University Police Chief Linda Stump-Kurnick disagreed.

I think its making a good difference, she said. Agree or disagree, were not going to come together without dialogue.

Stump-Kurnick then told a story about when she felt fear when being pulled over. She said she placed her hands on the wheel and told the officer about the gun in her car. The officer recoiled and placed her hand on her weapon.

Raja Rahim, 26, said she was insulted by Stump-Kurnicks story. Black men have been killed by officers for doing the same thing, she said.

Its like a slap in the face to hear the story of what you walked away from, the UF history doctoral student said.

Gladney said nothing will change until society begins to consider people over policies and programs.

Whats beautiful to me, she said, is when a perpetrator of racism tries to understand his behavior.
When Rusty the Clown heard about the latest creepy clown sighting, this time in Gainesville, he was uncharacteristically unamused.

On Tuesday, a woman reported seeing someone dressed as a clown and scaring her near her Northwest 16th Street apartment, Gainesville Police said. Rusty, whose real name is James Gorgans, said these creepy clowns spread a negative perception about his profession.

Its a tragedy, Gorgans said, because its trying to show that clowns are scary and frightening and all the things we arent.

On Tuesday, at Georgetown Apartments, the woman noticed someone dressed as a clown staring at her in silence, said GPD spokesman Officer Ben Tobias.

When she looked at it, it tilted its head in what she described a creepy manner, Tobias said.

She called the police, but the clown left before officers arrived, he said.

Sightings of unknown people donning clown masks began circulating the internet in early August after being spotted in South Carolina. On Sept. 22, the clowns reached Ocala. On Tuesday, Gainesville.

Tobias said it was a matter of time before someone brought the act to Gainesville. Earlier this week, residents at Village Green Apartments told police they saw four men dressed as clowns pack into a van.

One of his biggest concerns is someone scaring a concealed-weapon holder, he said. If a person perceives a threat, they may be within their rights to shoot.

What started out as a prank could result in somebody being seriously injured or even killed, Tobias said.

According to Florida State Statutes, its illegal for someone to wear a mask, hood or any other item that conceals the identity of the wearer on public or private property. Another statute makes it illegal to wear any item to conceal ones identity with the intent of intimidation.

Kizzie Johnson, 30, a resident at Georgetown Apartments, heard about the clown sighting Wednesday from concerned friends.

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Since the sighting, she said shes more aware of her surroundings and wont walk alone at night. If she saw the creepy clown, shed probably scream or hit it.

That dont (sic) happen out here, she said. I didnt know that happened in Gainesville.

Gorgans, the former president of the World Clown Association and a clown for 30 years, said he hopes the fad dies out quickly. He said its likely being carried out by teenagers eager for Halloween.

A lot of these kids go out and they imitate what they see, he said.

He said he hopes the public understands clowning is a harmless profession that aims to make folks laugh. But even at birthday parties, some parents are visibly scared.

If were asked to, well stay away as far as possible, he said.
Unsure of whether it was the rain or the short notice that caused a low turnout, six Gainesville residents met for about 20 minutes Wednesday evening to protest the delayed relocation of the Old Joe Confederate statue.

Standing at the corner of East University Avenue and North Main Street, the 112-year-old statue, which depicts a Confederate soldier, first came under fire in 2015.

Following the fatal shooting of nine black church parishioners by a white man in Charleston, South Carolina, last year, some Gainesville residents asked the county to remove the statue, which is located next to the Alachua County Administration building.

But it has yet to be relocated.

Its been a long, continuous process, said Shirley Roseman, who organized the event for the Alachua County Peace Coalition. Everyone has personal opinions about what they think should happen to it, but we mostly just want it out of the heart of downtown.

The first suggested move was to the Matheson History Museum, but the museum declined to take it, citing the high cost associated with the move, so the decision was stalled.

Undeterred by Wednesdays low turnout, Roseman urged the county to continue its effort. The next step would be proposing to move it to the Veterans Memorial Park, she said.

She said the hardest part about finding a new home for the statue is the cost. City officials estimate it will cost about $36,000 to move it.

Since it was put there back in the day using private money, the city wants it to be moved using private money, she said. They want the money to be fundraised.

Melissa Munkel, a nurse at UF Health Shands Hospital, said she feels that in a town that prides itself on being progressive, Old Joe sends the opposite message, especially during a time of heightened racial tension.

With everything going on these days, it needs to be placed somewhere where it has context, not in Gainesvilles ground zero, the 29-year-old said. Ive never liked it. I think its absolutely absurd.

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In honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week, UF Health and a handful of local mental-health groups are hosting events throughout the week.

Organized by the Mental Health Coalition of North Central Florida, the events will include seminars, workshops and films.

The goal of the week is to educate the public about mental-health issues, which are often ignored or carry a stigma, said Sheryl Conner, the president of the coalition.

Many people know and see things going on, but they dont talk about it till afterwards, and we need people to talk about it up front, she said.

The nonprofit coalition began celebrating the week about three years ago when the organization first formed, Conner said. Participating organizations include UF Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Gainesville and Gainesville Peer Respite.

Today at 6 p.m., the Hippodrome State Theatre will be showing Devrai, a film about an Indian man who suffers from schizophrenia. Admission is free.

Lauren DePaola, the founder of the Alachua County Perinatal Mental Health Coalition, said unraveling the negative perception of mental-health illness is necessary before change can be made.

If were not able, on some appropriate level, to discuss our own experiences with mental illness or mental health complications, were certainly not going to be able to erase any of the stigma, the licensed mental-health counselor said.
UFs Student Senate elected Smith Meyers as the new Senate president Tuesday night.

Meyers (Impact, District A) ran unopposed and was unanimously approved as Senate president during the second of Senates back-to-back meetings.

As Senate president, I will never stop working alongside each and every one of you to grow the Student Body, Meyers told senators before he was approved.

Meyers, who was re-elected into Senate after winning his seat in the Fall elections, previously served as Senate president pro-tempore. Austin Champoux (Impact, District A), who also won his seat in the Fall elections, was elected Senate president pro-tempore. Senate also verified last weeks election results and welcomed new senators into the chamber.

Champoux said he would work to reach out to more students to apply for replacement seats.

I want to make sure the most and best-qualified applicants are in the Senate, he said.

During the first meeting, former Access Party President Praveen Varanasi let out a single nay when the senator voted to verify the election results. When UF supervisor of elections Eric Hobbs gave his report on the election results, Varanasi questioned him regarding the Beaty Towers election.

How do you feel about the fact people were escorting people to the polls? Varanasi asked, referencing an election complaint submitted by Edward Zambrano, a volunteer with independent candidate Jeremy OBrien Murillos campaign.

Because OBrien Murillo lost the Beaty Towers election by six votes, Varanasi said he didnt feel comfortable verifying the results.

I think it was important that somebody said something, he said. In an election with six votes, that can cause a significant influence.

The results were eventually approved unanimously by Senate.

Departing senators gave goodbye speeches, thanking other senators from across the aisle for participating in SG. Jenny Clements, who finished her term serving as Senate president, was also unanimously approved as an alternative for the local fee committee.

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During the second meeting, student senators who won seats in the Fall election were inducted into Senate.

The new senators stood, raised their right hands and vowed to uphold the U.S., UF and state constitutions.

During public debate, Ford Dwyer (Access, Law) said he was elected by Access Party to serve as the partys leader in Senate.

Though we may not always agree on every issue on every day, I pledge to you that I will criticize ideas but not who we are as people, he said.

UF Student Body President Smith Meyers
Two election complaints were heard by the Student Government elections commission Tuesday afternoon.

Edward Zambrano and Michael Russel defended complaints on behalf of independent candidate Jeremy OBrien Murillos campaign. One complaint was regarding the absence of a Registered Political Advertisement label on Impact Party members Facebook posts, and another addressed pictures they said were of Impact representatives walking students to polling locations.

Zambrano, who submitted the complaints after volunteering for OBrien Murillos campaign, defended the complaints with Russel, Access Partys president. The two dropped a third complaint regarding Impact representatives campaigning at the Beaty Towers bus stop.

Zambranos Reg.Ad.Pol complaint resulted in a warning for Impact, while the other complaint didnt result in a punishment after three out of five commission members voted the evidence wasnt clear.

This probably wasnt done out of malice, but then again, the party has been a political party on campus for three election cycles already, Zambrano said.

Jason Richards, who defended Impact, argued the ads werent made in malice and all errors were corrected.

In Zambranos second complaint, he claimed Student Body President Susan Webster and another Impact representative walked students directly to polling locations and were within 50 feet of the location, which is forbidden by the 700 election codes.

Zambrano presented two pictures, both showing the backs of female students, as proof of the complaints. The photo he claimed to be of Webster showed a blonde student wearing an Impact shirt walking with a student next to the door of Jennings Hall. He also submitted witness statements of students saying it was Webster.

Jennings was the closest polling location to Beaty Towers, and the actions of the Impact representatives could have made the election unfair, he said.

Richards said the complaint couldnt be proven.

To me, its all just a bunch of hearsay, he said.

Neal Cordero, the chair of the commission, said he saw both sides of the argument.

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If you piece some of the things we have together, we might have a circumstantial evidence race, he said.

In the end, the commission ruled 3-2 that it was not a violation.
As students, learning is not only done in the classroom through courses by professors, but also in extracurricular activities. A conference, for instance, might give students new insights, too. In a typical class, achieving the best academic performance is the largest goal for every student, accomplished by completing assignments, class participation, discussion and exams.

However, conferences might present ideas or insights for certain issues by gathering broad stakeholders like scientists, governments, nonprofit governmental organizations, private sectors and communities. Through conferences, students might start to build both academic and professional careers.

From Sept. 27 to Sept. 29, I attended an annual conference for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, in which 22 students in the U.S. were given funding to learn about forest certification. Linking future forests to communities was set as the theme for the conference held in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

It recognized the critical role forests play in our shared quality of life.

Forests provide people with the air we breathe, drinkable water, habitat for numerous species and support the economy of various rural communities said Kathy Abusow, the president and CEO of SFI.

With forest certifications, they promote sustainable forest management practices in environmental, social and economic aspects.

Nine universities were represented, and I was the only student from UF. I have learned about forest certification at the university: At least three classes covered community forest management, reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and environmental governance. However, at the conference I learned more about how forest certification works impact everyone and engage stakeholders to achieve sustainability in the future, especially for forests.

Besides academic benefits, meeting with various stakeholders at a conference is a very effective way to build professional networks for future careers. About 150 participants attended the conference that works on forest-certification issues throughout the U.S.

By taking a course in communication skills, I am practicing effective communication: introducing myself in the beginning for each conversation, asking relevant questions to people I meet at the conference and helping students build networks. Exchanging business cards is also an effective way to keep in touch with people. We never know what could happen in the future in terms of academic and professional careers. Talking with as many new people during the conference would be beneficial to sharing ideas or research on what we are doing or have done in the past.

However, students realize that occasionally these conferences overlap with our classes. Taking time off to attend these conferences would benefit as an investment to our professional careers.

Hermu Dananto is a UF forestry resources and conservation graduate student.

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On Thursday, David Parrott, the vice president for Student Affairs, sent out an email urging students to go to the Enough is Enough Peaceful Demonstration on Friday. Parrott wrote, It is incomprehensible that violence against Black people across the nation continues.

Not all students were happy with this email. This past Friday, the Alligator published a letter by a student who criticized Parrotts email for being factually incorrect and for being sent out on a student-wide server.

The student, John Jones, called out Parrotts facts but himself failed to compare the rate that black people are killed by police as compared to their proportion of the population.

While the letter alleged that Parrott overstepped his boundaries as the vice president for Student Affairs, this simply isnt true. Both urging students to attend the demonstration and attending himself, along with UF President Kent Fuchs and Dr. Jen Day Shaw, the associate vice president and dean of students, were important steps to show they care about black students.

Its good to have an administration who cares deeply about their minority students, because what happens when they dont? Well, we just have to dig into UFs history to find out.

According to UFs Black Affairs website, when the Black Student Union made a list of demands in April 1971 for programs and initiatives to improve the campus climate for Black students, including a Black Cultural Center, former UF President Stephen OConnell refused to act on the demands. This resulted in an occupation of the presidents office April 15, 1971, or Black Thursday, during which 67 students were suspended.

The fact that student protests of this scale were required to get black students a space on campus shows how bad the administration was at meeting the needs of minority students.

Thats not the only case of administration working against the tide of social justice. According to the Gainesville Sun, in 2012 students pushed for a renaming of the student union because of J. Wayne Reitzs legacy of delaying integration at UF and purging of LGBTQ+ students. Former Vice President for Students Affairs Dave Kratzer cautioned against applying values from today to the tumultuous historical period during which Reitz was president.

Reitz believed LGBTQ+ students shouldnt be at UF, just as OConnell believed black students shouldnt have their own cultural center, and both were wrong because they didnt think of students needs first.

These cases occurred in UFs recent past and its too soon to disregard them. In both cases, administrators expressed a political opinion  maybe not one for a political party, but one that deeply affected minorities.

Are those OK because they do not challenge privileged identities?

The student who wrote the letter would rather us go back to a time when minority concerns werent given much thought. Administration is there to help students  not to sit idly by while they suffer.

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David Parrott is the vice president of all Student Affairs, not just of the students who have enough privilege that they dont have to think about police violence against black people. Parrott has taken a much needed step to bring light to this issue. In fact, it would be inappropriate had he not spoken out.

As Isiah Thomas said, White silence is the equivalent to violence in these issues.

Nicole Dan is a UF political science junior. Her column appears on Mondays.
Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), which would allow families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia for its alleged complicity in the terrorist attacks. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill, arguing it would not only undermine strong diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, but it would also weaken the long-standing tradition of sovereign immunity: the legal doctrine that no foreign nation can be held responsible from civil suit of prosecution. However, the veto was overridden by an overwhelming margin  97-1 in the Senate and 348-77 in the House.

This bipartisan rejection of the presidents plea is shocking for several reasons: First of all, it was the first override of an Obama veto in his tenure. This bipartisan resistance could be attributed to congressional Democrats eagerness to look tough on terrorism in an election year, but it could also be an expression of discontent with the presidents passive foreign policy in the Middle East. More importantly, however, it shows Congress willingness to stand up to Saudi Arabia, a country that oppresses women, exports a particularly extreme strain of Islamism known as Wahhabism and has indiscriminately bombarded civilian targets in Yemen. Yet, the U.S. has never held Saudi Arabia accountable.

In addition to JASTA, last month the Senate voted on a resolution that restricts arms sales to Saudi Arabia until it stops targeting civilians in Yemen. Likewise, 27 senators voted against a $1.15-billion-dollar arms deal to Saudi Arabia. While neither of these initiatives proved successful, it nonetheless marks a shift in American attitudes toward Saudi Arabia, who until now has failed to put any serious pressure on the country for its dismal human-rights record. Not only does the U.S. have the power and leverage to shape domestic politics in foreign countries for the sake of human rights, but it is also its moral responsibility as the leader of the free world to do so. In 1974, President Nixon threatened to veto the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which revoked the USSRs most-favored-nation status until it respected basic human rights, such as the right to emigrate. Although this bill revealed a similar incongruity between Congress and the president, as with JASTA, it applied pressure on the USSR to open its doors to emigration.

JASTA will not come without its drawbacks. Considering the U.S. is the most active country in foreign affairs, perhaps it has the most to lose from this breach of sovereign immunity. Some fear the U.S. will be on the receiving end of future lawsuits for the accidental killing of civilians in Syria or drone strikes in Pakistan, for example.

However, JASTA marks a step in the right direction for American foreign policy and a significant shift in the status quo of Saudi-U.S. relations. American pressure could bring about some changes in Saudi policies both at home and abroad. For now, we can only hope the next president will follow the lead of Congress, rather than continue the legacy of this presidents policy of complacency toward human-rights violators such as Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Julian Fleischman is a UF political science and telecommunication senior. His column appears on Fridays.
UFs Vice President of Student Affairs David Parrotts incomprehension statement is factually false because it incorrectly implies that violence has only occurred against blacks across the nation. The Washington Post reported July 8 that of the 509 people who had been killed by police in 2016, 123 were African-American. That means about 75 percent of the people killed were not African-American. To say there was only violence against blacks across the nation is, and continues to be, a blatant and intolerable misstatement of fact.

In Parrotts struggle to finds words, he has actually continued a false narrative that white people hate black people because he specifically excluded the fact that the problems in Ohio, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Charlotte, North Carolina were due to police violence, not white-on-black hatred.

Parrott makes a further implication as the vice president for Student Affairs that he speaks for the university and that it agrees with his false assertions that violence is only and solely committed against African-Americans by whites and all whites are guilty of black hatred.

Furthermore, why didn't he hope that the tragedies in Chicago, where hundreds of African-Americans have been killed and thousands have been injured, not go unnoticed? He is complaining about violence against African-Americans, yet he is excluding the violence not committed by whites or police? Why not conduct a respective or supportive dialogue about the shooting and tensions in Chicago? If he wants to be truly concerned about violence in the U.S., then why not expose the entire truth about violence? Why omit vital facts about the situation? If Parrott truly cared, why not say all violence matters? He should be upset about violence against all Americans. When Parrott and others are selective about which acts of violence to be outraged about, it does nothing but further divide us and builds the walls his Office of Multicultural Affairs should be tearing down.

I understand his zeal to encourage students to stand together and participate, but its not his job to do that. When he prefaces his request with gross misstatements of fact and omissions, it only serves to divide the UF Student Body into white aggressors and (everyone else) victim groups. In his letter, for me, he portrayed whites as racists who just want to commit violence on anyone and everyone who is not white. He has created more divisiveness, not more diversity.

Parrots email should not have been sent using the student-wide server. It contained his private and factually inaccurate opinion about the state of our nation. It created the appearance that UF supported and agreed with his blatant falsehoods. It was an attack and an insult to me and all Americans, because he implied we (anyone not black) are all racists and practice black hatred as a matter of course, which I do not. I feel that the university should retract the statement, and Parrott should apologize. Furthermore, personal opinions should be limited to personal and private email servers, and school-wide emails need to be fact-checked before they are sent.

Sincerely,

John Jones, UF business student
           2005     ..        










English News Nawaz, by ditching Kashmiris, paving way for ISIS in AF-PAK-Kashmir region

Alwihda Info | Par Hem Raj Jain - 6 Octobre 2016



Bengaluru, India

Sub:- (i)- Nawaz evidently does not understand abcd of Islam (ii)-Reported instruction of Nawaz to ISI to apprehend Jihadis-for-Kashmir without declaring plan for Kashmir solution tantamount to ditching Kashmiris (iii)- Separatist leaders in Kashmir al-ready fast losing credibility (iv)- If Pak Jihadis & military (ISI) listen to Nawaz then blood-thirsty ISIS bound to enter AF-PAK-Kashmir region (v)- Indo  Pak region should hope Theresa May will show global leadership in Realizing CW especially after BREXIT



---- On October, 6 the leading newspaper of Pakistan Dawn reported that  [After exclusive presentation in PM office to a group of civil and military officials, by the Pak foreign secretary, of the results of the recent diplomatic outreach by Pakistan, the crux being that - (Pakistan faces diplomatic isolation and that the governments talking points have been met with indifference in major world capitals as USA is demanding that action be taken against the Haqqani network and India demands the completion of the Pathankot investigation and some visible action against JeM and though China has reiterated its support for Pakistan, it too has indicated a preference for a change in course by Pakistan. Specifically, while Chinese authorities have conveyed their willingness to keep putting on technical hold a UN ban on JeM leader Masood Azahar they have questioned the logic of doing so repeatedly) - Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif instructed that military-led intelligence agencies are not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action and ISI DG accompanied by National Security Adviser, are instructed to travel to each of the four provinces with this message for provincial apex committees and ISI sector commanders. Nawaz directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court].



This new found anti-Jihadi sentiment of Nawaz has either of the two meanings:-



(A)- Either Nawaz is be-fooling India by giving a false assurance that now Pakistan will not allow any terrorist activity in Kashmir or in India to emanate from Pakistan and instead will take effective and prompt action against the perpetrators of Mumbai & Pathankot attack. OR



(B)- If Nawaz is really serious about what he is reported to have said then it is only a matter of time that blood-thirsty ISIS will enter AF-PAK-Kashmir region, as explained below, if Pak Jihadis & military (ISI) listen to Nawaz (especially when separatist leaders in Kashmir are also fast losing their credibility):-



(1)- It is a different matter that after 1971 (when Bangladesh separated from Pakistan) Pakistan has become one sixth of India hence not in position to impose its will militarily on India for snatching J&K from India but Pakistan has better claim on J&K because :-



(i)- Muslim theocratic Pakistan tried to take Muslim Kashmir militarily in 1947, 1948, 1965, 1971, during Kargil etc but so-called secular Hindu India never tried to take Muslim PoJK militarily (not even once). Hence as per adverse possession and even ideologically Pakistan has better title on entire J&K than of India.



(ii)- Despite example of Hyderabad etc (where Muslim rulers of Hindu majority States wanted to aced to Pakistan but denied by India) In 1947 Muslim majority J&K preferred to accede to Secular Hindu majority India over Islamic theocratic Pakistan because people of J&K rightly thought that Secularism is a better and more powerful ideology. But India gradually gave good-bye to secularism which has alienated Muslims of J&K hence Pakistan government its military and its Jihadis have every right to snatch J&K from India.



(2)- Despite better claim of Pakistan over J&K India is entitled to retrieve PoJK for the simple reason that if J&K goes to Pakistan then it will be the victory of militant Jihadis which is simply not acceptable to either India or to world community especially in this age of Global war against Jihadi terrorism.



(3)- Though after 9/11 under US pressure Pakistan might have stopped equating Jihadis with freedom fighters (especially who do not kill and injure civilians) but after Pak PM Nawaz has equated HuM Commander Burhan Wani to freedom fighter, it will be morally wrong on the part of Nawaz to arrest or harass any Jihadi in Pakistan (who are not involved in killing civilians in J&K / India) who is trying to snatch Muslim majority J&K from Hindu majority India.



(4)- Evidently Nawaz does not understand even abcd of Islam and for this (Quran is not enough) he should read also the biography of Prophet Mohammad to know what Islam ESSENTIALLY is (here only Indian matters will be discussed and not of Afghanistan). But to be fair to Nawaz even Maulvis do not understand Islam (as evident from https://kashmirobserver.net/2016/letters/time-mirwaiz-act-6846 ) where Mirwaiz has squandered the golden opportunity to get Kashmir solution especially after on-going unrest in Kashmir where entire Kashmiri society has come on street for Kashmir solution. [Even as a politician Nawaz like Yasin does not think of giving succor to millions of bleeding and weeping Kashmiris by undertaking political movement (through his party in PoJK) as mentioned at - https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/kashmir-global-network/conversations/messages/50188 ]





(5)- Nawaz should know that Jihadis are fourth party in Kashmir dispute as explained at -http://www.alwihdainfo.com/MrDoes-China-know-Jihadi-Islam-is-now-fourth-party-in-Kashmir-dispute_a37430.html . Hence if Nawaz in any way tries to stop Muslim Pakistanis (including its military, ISI, Jihadis) in helping Muslim Kashmiris (who are agitating for the last ~ 90 days and have suffered immense deaths, injuries, maiming, blinding etc) from getting early Kashmir solution then the days of Nawaz in power will be numbered (as happened to President Gen. Pervez Musharraf after ordering operation of security forces in Lal Masjid).



(6)- Nawaz should understand that now the only solution to on-going problem between India and Pakistan over Kashmir is Realized Common Wealth (CW) as explained at - http://www.alwihdainfo.com/7-14-Nice-May-to-realize-Jihadi-terrorism-can-t-be-eliminated-without-using-India-through-Realized-CW_a37165.html and which can be Realized only when Indians take the lead for launching Commonwealth Party of India which will also try to retrieve PoJK and then under international pressure (both India and Pakistan being nuclear countries) it will ultimately usher into Realized CW (because if Hindus and Muslims are left alone then they will again fight if Christians are not there). Though said Common Wealth Party of India will come in existence sooner than later but it will help a lot if British Prime Minister Theresa May takes interest in it.



Therefore instead of unethically ditching Kashmiris, the Pak PM Nawaz Sharif should wait patiently for the re- unification of India and Pakistan through Realized Common Wealth.



Regards



Hem Raj Jain



(Author of Betrayal of Americanism)



Bengaluru, India





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As Congress has held hearings about the unfolding Wells Fargo scandal, several lawmakers have been particularly outraged by claims from numerous former employees that they faced retaliatory firing after trying to stop the improper practices by complaining to bank managers, human resources and compliance staff.

Some senators, led by Democrat Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, have pressed the issue, calling on the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether the bank fired whistleblowers.

If such firings occurred, the congressional ire is fully justified because employer retaliation against whistleblowers strikes at the very heart of every regulatory compliance program. But U.S. bank regulators should be just as outraged; they need to protect whistleblowers openly and aggressively.

The Ethics & Compliance Initiative, a national think tank for ethics and compliance professionals, issued a report this year concluding that "the greatest" ethics and compliance risk to an organization "is an environment where the employees are unwilling or unable to make management aware of their knowledge of or suspicions that wrongdoing is taking place."

Regulators recognize this risk as well. The Office of the Comptroller of Currency, which regulates federally chartered banks, requires that institutions under its supervision (including Wells Fargo) adopt a corporate whistleblower policy that guarantees "a process for employees to report legitimate concerns about suspected illegal, unethical, or questionable practices with protection from reprisal." The absence of this check on corporate misbehavior is viewed by the agency as a threat to the safety and soundness of banking operations.

But despite characterizing whistleblowers as a pillar of regulatory compliance, the OCC actually affords them very little direct support. Here, the OCC has broad authority to follow up on the whistleblower allegations. Perhaps the consent order could have established a special master or some neutral arbitration process that would have expeditiously heard claims and granted appropriate relief to injured employees, such as job reinstatement, back pay, damages and legal fees.

At the House Financial Services Committee hearing with Wells CEO John Stumpf, Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., asked the executive whether there was a fund set aside to compensate victims of the bank's retaliation. Stumpf responded by saying that the retaliation allegations were "very regrettable," and that the bank was taking them "very seriously." Cold comfort, indeed.

Understandably impatient, some former employees have already brought a class-action lawsuit against Wells Fargo for alleged ill treatment. But from a regulatory compliance perspective, private litigation  which is often costly and glacial in its pace  should serve as a safety net, not as the main infrastructure for enforcement. Leaving whistleblowers to their own devices in the courts sends a discouraging message: "We desperately need your help, but you're on your own." Instead, the regulators' clear message to the entire financial services community should be, "Whistleblowers, we have your back!"

Daniel S. Alter is a senior fellow at NYU Law School's Program on Corporate Compliance and Enforcement. He previously served as the general counsel to the New York State Department of Financial Services.
Iberiabank in New Orleans has bought a small stake in one of the nation's biggest black-owned banks.

The $20 billion-asset Iberiabank said in a press release Wednesday that it invested $1.5 million for a less than 5% stake in Liberty Financial Services in New Orleans, the holding company for the $600 million-asset Liberty Bank.

Liberty, formed in 1972, is the third-largest black-owned bank in the country.

"Liberty Bank is a well-capitalized bank and a well-run institution," Daryl Byrd, Iberiabank's president and chief executive, said in the release. Byrd added that he had known Alden McDonald Jr., Liberty's president and chief executive, and Norman Francis, the bank's chairman, for many years.

"As business and community leaders, they have been instrumental in promoting entrepreneurship and empowering people through education and home ownership," Byrd said.
WASHINGTON  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is getting an earful from payday lenders, consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers as the comment period is set to close Friday on its plan to restrict small-dollar lending.

The agency said Wednesday it has received more than 500,000 comments on the proposal  and many more may be filed in the coming days.

"The large volume of comments received so far is another indicator of the importance of these issues and our work to create new consumer protections for these types of loans," said David Mayorga, a CFPB spokesman. "We are working to process and publish comments as efficiently as possible."

The plan would institute new protections for payday loans, including a general requirement that lenders assess borrowers on whether they can repay a loan before taking it out, unless it meets certain other criteria.

The Community Financial Services Association of America, which represents the payday industry and opposes the proposal, said it estimates at least 1 million consumers will have voiced opposition to the rule by the time the comment period closes on Oct. 7.

"The staggering number of comments submitted to the CFPB has stunned even those of us who already know how much customers value access to small-dollar loan products," said Dennis Shaul, the CFSA's chief executive. "The CFPB must quickly move to address this backlog of public comments and each comment to the CFPB must be reviewed before the bureau can begin its deliberations on this rule, regardless of when they were uploaded."

Consumer advocates, on the other hand, point to more than 400,000 letters that have been sent to bureau supporting the plan or calling for it to be made even stronger.

They claim that payday lenders are pressuring consumers into submitting comments.

"We believe the payday industry is using pressure on borrowers and sophisticated automated technologies to submit comments favoring limited CPFB oversight" of the payday industry, said Gynnie Robnett, payday campaign director for Americans for Financial Reform. "Payday lenders have used questionable tactics to create fake borrower testimony in the past."

On a conference call with Robnett, Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., said he saw similar practices when he was in the state legislature at a time when it was contemplating increasing regulations for lenders.

"I started receiving huge bags of letters at my house" opposing the rule, Merkley said.

However, upon further investigation and calling the phone numbers listed on the letters, Merkley and his staff discovered that lenders were pressuring borrowers to write at the same time they were taking out a loan.

"I called these families and I can tell you not a single family of those that submitted comments that we were able to reach actually were opposed to reform," Merkley said. "They were simply pressed to do this at the point they were taking out a payday loan."

The CFSA said such claims are unsubstantiated and unlikely to be the case when the CFPB reviews comments that are due Friday.

"We fully expect that critics are going to attack these engaged customers and come up with far-fetched theories to try to undermine their comments because these special interest groups refuse to accept that so many people value these loans and use them responsibly," Shaul said.

Consumer advocates and Democratic lawmakers have called on the CFPB to strengthen the proposal by closing loopholes that would allow lenders to make short-term loans without assessing borrowers' ability to repay.

Payday lenders, meanwhile, claim the proposal will cut off credit to low- and moderate-income consumers if it is finalized as proposed.

Some community banks and credit unions had hoped the proposal would give them leeway to deploy certain types of short-term credit that they say act as an alternative to payday lending. But the proposal left them disappointed.

"Credit unions want to fill the gap," but the CFPB rule "just misses the mark," said Ryan Donovan, chief advocacy officer at the Credit Union National Association.

"To the extent that there were ways for credit unions to offer safe and affordable small-dollar loans it makes that more difficult," Donovan said.

Donovan said he expects upward of 1,000 credit union members to send letters to the CFPB opposing the plan.

CFPB Director Richard Cordray has pointed to a payday alternative loan allowed by the National Credit Union Administration as a model that other institutions could adopt.

But Donovan said the bureau's proposal would make that product more difficult to offer.

"The CFPB says that they want to exempt the PAL program. What they have really done is add new requirements to the PAL program and for federal credit unions they have added an additional layer of regulation," Donovan said.
Fourteen senators including Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., sent a letter Wednesday to Attorney General Loretta Lynch calling for the Justice Department to investigate possible criminal wrongdoing by senior executives at Wells Fargo.

The group of senators, led by Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawaii, asked Lynch to not just hold Wells Fargo accountable as a corporation, but also to "prosecute individual executives who may have broken the law."

"We are not in a position to determine if any of the senior executives at Wells Fargo committed criminal conduct. That is ultimately the job of the Justice Department and courts," the letter said. "But these facts raise questions about whether senior executives, including Mr. Stumpf, knowingly allowed illegal conduct to continue.

The Justice Department is already investigating Wells after receiving a criminal referral from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau last month. The San Francisco bank paid $190 million to regulators and the Los Angeles City Attorney's office after revelations that it fired 5,300 employees over a five-year period for illegally opening 2 million bank and credit card accounts without consumers' knowledge.

The letter cites a memo written last year by Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates that has served as a blueprint for holding individual executives accountable for misconduct. The letter also notes that Justice failed to prosecute any high-level executives in the wake of the financial crisis.

"We believe this is a critical test of the Department's promise last September to 'strengthen [its] pursuit of individual corporate wrongdoing' and to 'focus on individuals from the inception of the investigation,'" the letter said.

The senators' letter quoted a portion of the Yates memo that stated, "The public needs to have confidence that there is one system of justice and it applies equally regardless of whether that crime occurs on a street corner or in a boardroom."

Wells did not disclose to investors or to the Securities and Exchange Commission that it had been sued in 2015 by the L.A. city attorney.

When Wells' CEO John Stumpf testified before the Senate Banking Committee last month, he said Wells did not think the investigation or the settlement were "material" to the bank.

The letter said that Stumpf's testimony "raised serious questions that demand additional answers and point to potential individual wrongdoing."

Stumpf continued "to personally benefit by pitching Wells' inflated retail account numbers to investors," the letter said.

At the Senate hearing, Warren called for Stumpf to resign after comparing his actions to those of a bank teller who had stolen $20 bills from a cash drawer. The letter made the same comparison.

"A bank teller that takes a handful of bills from the cash drawer is likely to face charges for theft and prison time. She can't hide behind an army of lawyers and corporate policies that diffuse accountability for those at the top," the letter said. "Meanwhile, an executive who oversees a massive fraud that implicates thousands of bank employees and costs customers millions of dollars can walk away with a hefty retirement package and millions in the bank. It's no wonder that Americans are skeptical of the effectiveness of our criminal justice system."

Lawmakers are rankled that banks regularly settle fines with the government that are paid by shareholders, not executives, and that the fines pale in comparison to the profits banks generated from illegal activity.

The letter also noted that Justice has routinely failed to hold individual executives accountable.

"Following the 2008 financial crisis, the American people watched as senior executives repeatedly escaped accountability for actions that nearly brought down the global economy. No top Wall Street executives went to prison or even faced prosecution," the letter said. "Americans are rightly frustrated when they see that justice for the wealthy and powerful is very different than justice for everybody else."

Separately, Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., urged financial regulators to strengthen a proposed clawback rule on when a company can revoke bonuses from senior executives.

A letter signed by 10 Democrats on the Housing Financial Services Committee cited the phony account openings at Wells Fargo as the reason to strengthen a proposal to rein in incentive-based compensation plans at financial institutions.

Lawmakers are concerned with the "excessive level of discretion" given to companies in clawing back bonus and other compensation for misconduct, fraud or misrepresentation.
What do Reagan, Patton, and Obama have in common? The answer: they have all faced significant challenges abroad  aggressive action by Stalin, Brezhnev, or Putin, or by despots in the Middle East. All have had to deploy U.S. forces, and all have had to confront the question of when to pull out. We know that nature abhors a vacuum, and so does geopolitics; a pull-out of troops all too often creates a vacuum that fills with blood.

In 1945, As World War 2 was racing to an end, General George S. Patton firmly believed that the U.S., led by his massive 3rd Army, should continue east and take Berlin, Prague, and Vienna before the Russians could gain a foothold. He was ordered to "pull back" by Eisenhower, and in the ensuing forty years, Eastern Europe was frozen in time by the Cold War. Patton warned that a strong German defense would be imperative, as would maintaining the former Panzer forces. Considered a crazy idea at the time, it became policy when NATO was formed only a few years later during Truman's presidency.

Thirty-five years later, in 1980, Ronald Reagan, having witnessed the horror of Communism, which had cannibalized nations such as Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Ukraine, committed to the "Evil Empire's" utter destruction. With a powerful military and the economic engine of free-market capitalism  far superior to the Russian system  Reagan gambled that an escalated race for military superiority would starve the enemy. It worked!

In 1989, the Berlin Wall that separated Soviet from Allied Germany fell. The Iron Curtain opened, and winds of change swept through East Berlin. Millions of people were suddenly exposed to the new lights of Western freedom.

The year 2008 saw Barack Obama voted in; the emergence of Putin, former KGB head, as a dictator; and the re-emergence of Islamic terror. Obama felt it necessary to apologize for American policy and thought it better that we lead from behind, not projecting strength, but restraining power in the name of diplomacy. Under the dark of night, Putin quickly took back the nearest lands of Russian ethnic majorities in the Crimea and tipped power back to his favor in Ukraine (a member of NATO). He also strengthened Russia's position in the Middle East, placing the West on high alert.

Those with globalist views still make the case that our bright future rests on the fact that cultural conflicts and wars are diminishing. Their reasons: a) America's acknowledging our abuses of the past (slavery, colonialism, militarism), and penance will soften any potential enemies in the future, and b) technology holds the greatest hope for what had been missing all along: better communication. We just need to talk. But do these rationales pass the test of history? How did these different philosophies impact the way Patton and Reagan, conservative/nationalists, and Obama, a liberal/globalist, governed?

First, we must raise the fundamental question for any 21st-century U.S. citizen: is there something worth fighting or dying for? Are we Reagan's "shining city on a hill," possibly the best the world has ever seen, warts and all, or a country "clinging to guns and religion," as Obama would have it.

Conservatives, like Reagan, believe in American exceptionalism. One of the essential tenets of conservatism is that the world will not race pell-mell toward "progress," but instead repeat the past until lessons are learned. They feel that boundaries are worth "conserving" and that national identity requires national borders to deter foreign aggression. But waiting for the enemy to draw first blood, as happened at Pearl Harbor or on 9/11, is not an option with dangerous new actors like ISIS, as well as North Korea and other rogue militants in possession of nuclear weapons. Should Americans' safety be sacrificed in the hope that our implacable enemies will come to love and appreciate us?

For the truly liberal, pulling out of conflict seems to be a reward in and of itself. Pull out of Eastern Europe, Saigon, Iraq, etc, and allow these nations to find democracy, and then they will leave us alone, right? Wrong! As Patton and Reagan understood, pulling out in the hope of peace does not really resolve the conflict. It just postpones the resolution and passes the buck to future Americans, who will be forced to clean up the mess. In World War 2, Patton was called in to fight because his superiors counted on him to act swiftly. To foment more war? Of course not! He knew that war was violent and that to defeat an enemy combatant quickly and decisively meant the least amount of bloodshed. Like it or not, the swifter violent act saves lives.

Under Reagan, Russia was defeated in Afghanistan, but on Obama's watch it has newfound power in its partnership with Syria, Iran, and even Turkey, opening the world to Soviet aggression not seen in a generation. Add in threats from North Korea, China, and Iran, and many conclude that our enemies must perceive weakness in the president, or why be so bold?

No one expects Obama to be General Patton, but we might expect him not to ignore the advice of his generals. Reagan, although a politician, too, never hesitated to call evil when he saw it, and he stood behind his military leaders in a show of strength that ironically avoided direct conflict. He was the perfect example of speak softly but carry a big anti-missile defense program.

In 1945, when Patton was forced to pull out, we failed to fortify Eastern Europe's main capitals against future Soviet tyranny, resulting in the USSR taking over Eastern Europe and engaging the West in proxy wars for decades. That led to an estimated one hundred million deaths by 1989, when Reagan ended his second term in office.

"The Crusader," as Reagan was deemed by his Russian counterparts, though cautioned, did not flinch from conflict with the Soviet Union, and from 1981, when he took office, he capitalized on a weakening empire to force its demise. Obama, as he promised when campaigning, pulled out of Iraq abruptly, against the advice of his generals. Thus ISIS was born, and it fills the vacuum left by departing Army troops. Iraq has erupted into a civil war as Iran finally gains the power it has sought since the Iran-Iraq wars in the 1980s. Syria is overrun by Islamic fanatics, and the entire Middle East is shaken to its foundation. To date, in Syria alone, at least five hundred thousand people have been killed, and masses of refugees have fled for their lives. Russia has partnered with the dictator Assad and holds the reins of Syria's future, a key strategic partner in the Middle East.

Our 20th- and 21st-century history provides a crimson tale of what happens when leaders are elected with the promise of peace only to leave a vacuum of power as a legacy for the next generation. Is it not the responsibility of those who remember war to repeat the clarion call of Patton to finish the job of shoring up Eastern Europe? And never forget Reagan's unwavering stand against an evil empire, underlining his credo that peace is something worth fighting for.
From time to time one hears various formulations of this sometimes misattributed quote by Joseph de Maistre: Every nation gets the government it deserves. If thats so, it is especially true in the case of democracies, because in a democracy the nation, i.e. the People, chooses the government.

In todays world, the electronic media allows all of America to watch in real time as O.J. Simpson and other idiots try to outrun the police. If something happens halfway around the globe, we know it immediately. Although one must actively look for opinion and analysis, with the Internet its at our fingertips. So in todays America, we have no excuses; we really do deserve the government we get.

One fact many Americans need to get a better grasp of is: America is a republic. America is a representative democracy, not a direct democracy. Citizens dont vote on every decision before government. Indeed, citizens not part of the government make way less than 1 percent of decisions affecting government. I just made up that statistic, but its gotta be correct. The few governmental decisions that the average citizen does make, however, are momentous. And those decisions are all about who are going to be making all the other decisions.

Imagine if the CEO of Boeing, GM, IBM, or Apple were chosen by the People in an election. It would be insane; the average voter doesnt know enough to choose the leaders of such complicated organizations. Yet, we have a system where the People get to choose the CEO of the biggest, most complex operation in the known universe: the U.S. federal government.

Our system for electing the president wouldnt be so nuts if it had a way to find the best and brightest, a way of winnowing down our choices before theyre presented to the People. But we dont have that. Instead, we have a system in which anyone can self-select themselves. If Oprah self-selected herself to run for president, she might just get elected to be the so-called Leader of the Free World. (Over the last few years that title really belongs to Benjamin Netanyahu.)

If self-selectors dont want to go through the arduous business of collecting signatures to get on the ballots in the various states to run as an independent, then they can avail themselves of the infrastructure of a party and run in party primaries. Thats what Bernie Sanders did. But now that the DNCs computer has been hacked, we know that the fix was always in for Clinton and that Sanders never had a chance. Since an outsider prevailed in the Republican primaries, isnt the GOP more democratic than the so-called Democratic Party?

If the system we have for selecting presidential nominees for the general election is corrupt, what should we replace it with? Consider the way that Catholics get a new pope. The College of Cardinals meets in a papal conclave and scours the globe looking for the best man. The College doesnt ask rank-and-file Catholics what they think or want; they dont get a vote. Yet, the laity accepts the decision of the College. Serious Catholics arent miffed that they had no say in the selection of a new pope; they accept it. If they dont like what the Holy See is up to, they can always leave the church and become Episcopalians, (like God intended).

The Catholic Churchs method for finding new popes is rather like the method the parties had for getting presidential nominees fifty years ago. On Sept. 30, the Kansas City Star ran Present-day political conventions fail our nation, a short op-ed by Michael Pandzik, a cable TV exec, thats worth reading. Mr. Pandzik suggests eliminating the role of superdelegates, which is right on the money. But he also suggests that the parties temper the power of the primaries, which doesnt go far enough. We need to eliminate the primaries, too. We need to let the high priests of the parties, i.e. the convention delegates, select our presidential nominees. And no delegate should be an elected official. (Incidentally, just so you dont get the wrong idea: Im not a member of the Roman Catholic Church. But I do admire their method for finding new leadership.)

Politicians continually talk about what we, the People, deserve. They tell us that we deserve a minimum wage, and that we deserve a secure pension, and that we deserve a world-class education. And dont forget the free healthcare that we each so richly deserve. And anything that the other guy has, even if hes paid for it with his own money, we deserve that, too. But as the Old West badass William Munny once put it: Deserves got nothing to do with it.

Deserve is a weasel word. Its employed by weasel politicians to stoke resentment. They invoke the term the deserving poor. But folks dont deserve things unless theyve worked for it. Otherwise were talking charity.

Most voters seem to be unhappy with the choices they have for president this season; I share their unhappiness. Nonetheless, most of the voters are getting the nominees they deserve. The only voters who arent getting the nominees they deserve are those who actually voted in the primaries, but for losers. That includes me; I dont deserve this.

Its now time for this cowboy to lay his cards on the table: Ill be voting a straight Republican ticket next month, which means Ill be voting for Mr. Trump. If, as president, Trump performs unsatisfactorily, a Republican Congress could impeach and remove him from office. But with Hillary, shell finish her term, as the Democrats would never remove one of their one.

Anyone considering voting for anything other than a straight Republican ticket needs to read Hillary Is an Embodiment of the Lefts Disdain for Democracy by Yuval Levin and Ramesh Ponnuru; it ran Sept. 26 at National Review. Levin and Ponnuru delve into three main areas where America is losing her moorings: executive unilateralism, the administrative state, and judicial activism. Their excellent article is a must-read condensed history of the last eight years. The blurb is: She offers more of the same -- and thats the scariest thing of all.

A vote for Hillary is a vote for the system. Everything that touches the Clintons gets sullied, dragged down into the mud, even the F.B.I. Voting for Hillary is voting for a two-tiered justice system, for a ruling class, for the further institutionalization of corruption. Is that the America your kids deserve?

Jon N. Hall is a programmer/analyst from Kansas City.
On October 4, the N.Y. Times reported a complete breakdown of talks between John Kerry, the U.S. secretary of state, and Sergey Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, over the bombing of Aleppo by Assad and the Russians. This is a developing farce with far-reaching significance. It began not with antagonism, but with Pres. Obama accepting the Russian outreach when he drew that famous "red line" regarding Bashar Assad's use of chemical weapons against civilians and the opposition. Russia stepped in with a plan to confiscate those weapons, garnering Assad's support, as a show of "congeniality" to indicate that anything as drastic as a "red line" was not needed. Obama, hoping to show magnanimity (but actually deficient in mental clarity and righteousness), accepted the Russian offer.

Since that occasion, when Obama accepted Putin's offer to intervene, a "deal" or "agreement" (in actuality, a treaty) was signed with Iran to slow down production of nuclear weaponization by Iran for about ten years. Under this egregious agreement, Iran is charged to police itself in its own commitments. Further, the USA has agreed to pay Iran about $150 billion and to remove most of the financial and banking sanctions that have been in place since the ayatollahs took power and held Americans hostage in Tehran for more than a year.

Now put this "deal" in the context  that Iran is still on the State Department list of state sponsors of terrorism, that Iran has already lost cases in court that proved Iran's complicity in numerous American citizen deaths, and that those stipends awarded by the courts have not been collected from Iran.

Please put into context that Iran has already broken the "agreement" or "deal" four times with ballistic missile tests that were unauthorized by the deal. These missiles will be able to deliver a nuclear warhead, once developed, anywhere in the world. All countries, allies and non-allies alike, and the USA itself will be exposed to Iranian nuclear threats once they have nuclear warheads and missiles that can deliver them.

Please keep in mind that the Iranians continue to maintain an aggressive propaganda campaign against the USA within their country ("Death to America"). And continue to test our will, and attempt to humiliate us by capturing our sailors.

Put this "deal" in the context of a "reset" with Russia (read: "capitulation to Russian foreign policy goals") that began under Hillary, and negotiations with Iran that also began under Hillary. Then add in that the "deal" with Iran went full steam ahead with the full approval of P5 (that includes Russia and the People's Republic of China). Thus, the U.S. government is standing shoulder to shoulder with countries not known for their devotion to human rights, freedom of expression, and largesse toward other countries. Is this or is this not a betrayal of the vital national interests of the USA?

Now add another note of truth: Russia and Iran are totally on board with backing Assad in Syria, whereas the USA's position has been that Assad has to go. Notice that that has been our position for a long time, but he has not left office. One may ask: how effective have we been in implementing our stated goal of removing Assad? How does a deal with Iran, supported by Russia, advance our goal of removing Assad? The answer is that it is illogical and inimical to our goal vis-a-vis Syria to have an agreement with Iran, with Russian concurrence, and enforce or even move forward our goal of removing Assad.

The continued murder of Assad's citizens could have been anticipated as soon as we moved into the "deal" phase with Iran, supported by Russia. Any observer could see clearly that our readiness to deal with Iran and Russia was directly proportional to our willingness to abandon the Syrians, as well as Israel, to the maniacal Iranians as they prepare for the apocalyptic arrival of the Shi'ite Mahdi (their version of the Judgment Day). The Russian bombing that we consider excessive could easily have been anticipated before we ever got to this point.

Thus, our break-off of talks is a farce, a playacting on a serious world stage. Our president, Mrs. Clinton (who initiated the Iran negotiations), and Mr. Kerry have sold out the Syrians, the USA, Israel, and all people of good intention. They are to blame for the deaths in Aleppo as much as or more than the Russians and Assad. We remember Nero fiddling while Rome burned (a fire often attributed to him), and we remember Esau selling Jacob his birthright for a mess of pottage. Is this not a parallel development at the highest diplomatic levels? Yet the playacting goes on. Kerry breaks off talks pretending that we are still the "good guys," whereas, in fact, we are the responsible authors of the present violent debacle.
For the life of me, I do not understand Christians who say they cannot vote for Trump. Under Obama, leftists/progressives have made huge gains in their efforts to make Christianity illegal in America.

Remember the old hymn, I Have Decided to Follow Jesus? Who could imagine a day would come in America when following Jesus would land you in jail? Criminalizing Christianity is happening and gaining momentum.

Powerful Leftists have decreed that following Jesus in America today to be hate speech, resulting in Christians being punished, stereotyped, marginalized, intimidated, fired, and even jailed.

A black Christian, Kelvin Cochran, was appointed by Obama to head the National Fire Administration. Atlanta's mayor asked Cochran to return to his hometown to rebuild their fire department. Cochran accepted the job. When a city council member read Cochran's biblical view of marriage in his book, Cochran was fired without due process.

I chuckle, thinking of a phrase used by my late mom who was raised in the rough streets of Baltimore. If you made Mom angry, she would say, You have torn your drawers with me. Cochran was the Democrats' golden boy. But when Cochran stood up for Christ which undermined the Democrats' loyalty to the progressive agenda, Cochran tore his drawers with them.

An intern at Cal State was terminated and threatened with being expelled from the graduate program for discussing her faith privately in her off hours. Five Houston pastors caught opposing men using women's restrooms were ordered by the Houston City government to turn over all sermons, text messages and emails regarding gender issues.

The city of Houston has issued subpoenas demanding a group of pastors turn over any sermons dealing with homosexuality, gender identity, or Annise Parker, the citys first openly lesbian mayor. And those ministers who fail to comply could be held in contempt of court.

Hillary in our country's driver's seat will unquestionably enthusiastically press the anti-Christian gas-peddle down to the floor, splattering and making roadkill of our Constitutional promise of religious freedom. The anti-Christian American Left and Hillary are one and the same.

Republicans allowed Obama to be the most lawless president in U.S. History due to his race.

Republicans will repeat their cowardly behavior with Hillary; fearful of media criticism for opposing the first woman president on any issue.

Another thing that has me scratching my head is Hillary and the Democrats' respect and sympathetic support of Muslims with their Sharia Law while openly showing disdain for Christians. Under Sharia Law, husbands are allowed to beat disobedient wives, kill adulterous wives and kill homosexuals. So why does Hillary, who claims to be an advocate for women and homosexuals, protect Islam while using the iron-fist of government to criminalize Christianity? Democrat Loretta Lynch of the DOJ said she will prosecute anyone speaking badly of Islam.

In effect, Lynch is saying she would use prosecution as a weapon to protect Muslims from others employing their First Amendment rights.

Meanwhile, Democrat-controlled state and federal governments have declared war on Christianity. Sharia Law is creeping into prominence in America due to surging Muslim migration. This time around, Alabama voters defeated Muslims' push to implement Sharia law. After four or eight years of Hillary in the Oval Office, Sharia could be the law of the land. Don't laugh. Who could imagine daring to state the thousands of years honored belief that marriage is between one man and one woman would cost an American everything; close down their church and their business?

In defense of refusing to vote for Trump, I have heard Christians say, Voting for the lesser evil is still evil. While that sounds pious and profound, it is simply not true. As Christians, we know we live in a fallen sinful world. Therefore, nothing and no one is perfect. Sometimes voting for the lesser evil is the moral and upright thing to do. Not voting for Trump is a vote for Hillary; a vote for religious persecution.

The Bible says All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Therefore, one could argue that every vote you have ever made is in reality you choosing the lesser of two evils.

For the record, I do not understand how anyone can put Trump's shortcomings in the same league as Hillary's decades of documented evil corruption; lives lost, and calculated destruction of peoples' lives, especially women, for personal political gain.

Christians are being ordered to surrender their children for anti-Christian indoctrination. I am talkin' government confiscating your children for the sole purpose of teaching them to embrace and celebrate what God calls sin. This Orwellian anti-Christ persecution will surely double down, probably triple down, under Hillary. Who will stop her? No one. This is why a long list of prominent Christian leaders are begging Christians to vote in this fast approaching presidential election.

For the spiritual defense of our kids alone, how can a Christian justify sitting out the election, writing in their favorite candidate or writing in Daffy Duck? How can a Christian allow the furtherance of our government mandating a turning away from God?

Brother and sister Christians, God calls us to be salt. Salt makes a difference. Be salt. Jump aboard the Trump Train.

Lloyd Marcus, The Unhyphenated American; Chairman: The Conservative Campaign Committee; http://www.lloydmarcus.com/
By now it is widely known that Senator Kelly Ayotte's campaign gave out condoms as a stunt to get supporters among young, virile college-age men so they will stand up for her on Election Day. The stunt, while harmless from a practical sense, is fraught with terrible political symbolism.

The New Hampshire Republican's campaign is distributing free condoms to publicize her plan to get birth control sold over the counter and to push back against Democratic arguments that she opposes Planned Parenthood and contraception. "As part of Kelly's commitment to making birth control available over the counter, please take a free condom," said a poster spotted at the University of New Hampshire campaign table over the weekend. "Use Condom Sense!" The Ayotte campaign said the effort  a rare public embrace of contraception by a Republican senator  will be repeated in the future. The giveaway began last week "to highlight Kelly's legislation in the Senate to try to make birth control available for routine use over the counter," said spokeswoman Liz Johnson. [Ayotte's opponent Gov. Maggie] Hassan supports a bill from Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) that would require insurers to cover contraception if it is approved for over-the-counter use. Her camp argues that Ayotte is trying to paper over a record of opposing Planned Parenthood funding and access to birth control.

Democrats say that Republicans are anti-birth control. Kelly Ayotte hands out condoms. By doing this, Ayotte is playing defense against the Democratic narrative that Republicans are anti-birth control and anti-promiscuous sex.

No one has any problem getting access to condoms. This debate is phony and was created by Democrats, who don't want to talk about abortion and so instead claim that the debate is about birth control. By handing out condoms, Ayotte seems to admit that Republicans have a problem on this issue and seems to be trying to buy votes by offering sex aids for free.

Liberals used to say they wanted government out of the bedroom, and now we have a Republican putting government in the bedroom. Instead of appealing to young men's baser instincts, why doesn't Ayotte campaign on, you know, real issues?

Health Care. On Ayotte's website, she stresses the importance of increasing awareness of diseases and supporting family caregivers. Swell. She also mentions supporting medical savings accounts. But nowhere does she mention repealing Obamacare. She doesn't mention repealing the insurance mandate. She also doesn't mention repealing all the insurance minimum requirements (such as covering adult children into their 20s and eliminating the maximum cap on coverage amount) that makes insurance premiums so unaffordable.

Budget. Kelly calls for eliminating wasteful spending and balancing the budget. While cheerfully voting for symbolic Senate resolutions that she knew would never even reach Obama's desk, Ayotte has never once tried to stop passage of "must pass" budgets or debt ceiling increases, which would force Obama to negotiate. Not only that, but she actually fought Ted Cruz for trying to do so.

Energy. Kelly is a firm believer in man-made (and woman-made?) global warming and wants to combat it. She also wants to make federal buildings more "energy efficient." Swell. In the meantime, she has done nothing to prevent Obama from shutting down coal plants and raising the price of electricity, something a cold state that uses a lot of heat in the winter might be concerned about.

Girly-Girl Stuff. Kelly is passionately interested in mammograms, something every woman in America is already able to get. She is also interested in passing legislation to ensure that women get the same pay as men for performing identical work, which is also already law. Ayotte also wants legislation to prevent discrimination against pregnant women in the workplace, which is also already prohibited by law.

Ayotte gets an F from conservativereview.com.

So Ayotte basically has nothing to campaign on except sex.

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com.
A report from the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) singles out Great Britain, saying there has been a significant increase in "hate speech" over the last few years and that the government must do a better job "training" journalists.

ECRI has made 23 recommendations to make the U.K. into the politically correct paradise ECRI wants. Among them, the press should no longer mention the word "Muslim" when identifying terrorists.

Daily Express:

In the 83-page report, the Commission said: ECRI considers that, in light of the fact that Muslims are increasingly under the spotlight as a result of recent ISIS-related terrorist acts around the world, fuelling prejudice against Muslims shows a reckless disregard, not only for the dignity of the great majority of Muslims in the United Kingdom, but also for their safety. In this context, it draws attention to a recent study by Teeside University suggesting that where the media stress the Muslim background of perpetrators of terrorist acts, and devote significant coverage to it, the violent backlash against Muslims is likely to be greater than in cases where the perpetrators motivation is downplayed or rejected in favour of alternative explanations.

"Alternative explanations"? Is that like lying? If a terrorist attacks a crowd of people with a machete screaming "Allahu akbar," I suppose the commission would approve of the press leaving that fact out of the story, or perhaps giving an "alternative explanation" that the terrorist was just clearing his throat.

Despite the creation of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) in 2014 as an independent regulator for newspapers and magazines, the ECRI strongly recommends that the authorities find a way to establish an independent press regulator according to the recommendations set out in the Leveson Report. It recommends more rigorous training for journalists to ensure better compliance with ethical standards. But as Britain prepares to leave the crumbling bloc, the Government waded in to defend freedom of expression. n a written statement to the ECRI, the Government said: The Government is committed to a free and open press and does not interfere with what the press does and does not publish, as long as the press abides by the law. ECRI is a human rights body of the Council of Europe, composed of independent experts, which monitors problems of racism, xenophobia, antisemitism, intolerance and racial discrimination. The group writes reports on every member state every five years and says the documents are analyses based on a great deal of information gathered from a wide variety of sources.

Great Britain already has very strict libel laws that chill free speech and strict rules governing the publication of national security information. But there is little chance the government will ever adopt such draconian restrictions on speech.

The problem with ECRI is its interpretation of "hate speech." ECRI administrators appear to be saying that any speech that offends anyone is hate speech.

But what's really chilling is that they want the government to step in and order journalists and publications to toe the line. To do that, government would have to oversee the editing process to ensure that no "hate speech" is accidentally posted. Imagine letting some of those ECRI creeps determine what the British people read.

Needless to say, the ECRI report should make U.K. citizens grateful they voted to leave the EU. Let the rest of Europe deal with these pompous asses who are as big a threat to freedom as Hitler or Stalen ever was.
The Clintons and Obamas have no bigger supporter and friend than Warren Buffett, and while Hillary is quick to label Trump a tax cheat, hes a rank amateur compared to folks that donate to her coffers.

Looking through Warren Buffetts businesss tax return information reported in his 2015 annual report, we find out that while we the people pay taxes, Berkshire Hathaway (currently trading at $215,750 for just one share) pays hypothetical taxes.

First, lets look at earnings before taxes for Berkshire Hathaway. Everybody knows that the Clinton compatriot is successful, so its no surprise that his company made a before tax profit in 2015 of just under $35 billion. On this money they recorded a current tax of $5.426 billion, or about 15%. The top corporate tax rate for 2015 was 39%, and Hillary wants to raise it even higher because thats only fair.

Is it fair that her friends pay only 15%? I remember Buffett complaining that his secretary pays higher taxes than Mitt Romney. He didnt mention that she pays substantially more than Buffett himself and his company.

Its interesting that the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report sheds some light on how friends of Obama and Hillary cheat the system. Maybe Trump should pay attention. In 16 states, [i]ncome tax expense is reconciled to hypothetical amounts computed at the federal statutory rate[.] For Hillarys friends, hypothetical tax rate is defined as the rate the little people pay. Warren Buffett then takes this hypothetical amount of about $12 billion and reduces it by credits and dividend deductions and non-taxable exchanges to get down to $10.532 billion. So theyve already cheated the taxpayers out of almost $2 billion. Its not called cheating when Hillary and her friends do it, but it is when Trump and his friends do it.

Next, they use undisclosed tax maneuvers to cheat the taxpayers out of another $5.106 billion in deferred taxes, leaving only $5.426 billion in current incurred taxes on the $34-billion profit. But it doesnt stop there. Digging deeper, we find out that they paid only $4.535 billion in taxes during the year, and they seem to think they have another $643 million in refunds coming back.

This is starting to sound like a Ronco commercial: But wait! Theres more! Those deferred taxes happened not just in 2015. Theyve been happening for years. How much of our taxpayer money has been deferred?

$63,126,000,000!

Yes, thats sixty-three billion dollars of taxpayer money that just one of Hillarys supporters is holding on to.

But wait! Theres still more! Warren Buffett isnt happy with 15% tax rates and $63 billion of cash in his pocket. He wants more and is fighting to keep what he has. Again from his own financial report:

We file income tax returns in the United States and in state, local and foreign jurisdictions. We are under examination by the taxing authorities in many of these jurisdictions. We have settled tax return liabilities with U.S. federal taxing authorities for years before 2010. The IRS continues to audit Berkshires consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns for the 2010 and 2011 tax years and has commenced an examination of the 2012 and 2013 tax years. We are also under audit or subject to audit with respect to income taxes in many state and foreign jurisdictions.

Like Trump, he is under audit all the way back to 2010.

Pay to play schemes arent limited to the Clinton Foundation. Its interesting to note that Berkshire Hathaway bought Secretary of State John Kerrys wifes business for $23 billion recently. Hillary, apparently, isnt the only Democrat to have timing coincidences involving major financial transactions and political appointments.

The Daily Caller has an article calling out other Clinton supporters avoiding literally trillions of dollars of taxes, but it doesnt stop with the likes of Apple. Clinton and Obamas friends dont just pay hypothetical taxes; they play by hypothetical rules.

As for Trumps billion-dollar tax scheme? Hillarys friends like Warren Buffett call that walking around money.
The moderators of the first two debates didn't even bother to hide their preference for the Democratic Party candidates. For anyone paying attention, the question going in was not whether Holt and Quijano would behave prejudicially toward Donald Trump and Mike Pence (respectively), but rather in what ways and how often. The Republicans had to work hard to overcome the blatant unfairness of the proceedings and get their message across.

Apparently "mad as hell" after the Holt fiasco and deciding "not to take it anymore," Trump told his followers he would be tweeting during the Pence-Kaine debate. He said he'd start the live tweets at 8:30 and then decided to get going earlier:

@realDonaldTrump Wow, @CNN is so negative. Their panel is a joke, biased and very dumb. I'm turning to @FoxNews where we get a fair shake! Mike will do great

About twenty minutes in, Trump tweeted this:

@realDonaldTrump Our@mike_pence looks great. kaine can't defend all those lies#makeamericagreatagain

At 9:35, Trump did a bit of fact-checking and tweeted this:

@timkaine oversaw unemployment INCREASE by 179,249 while @mike_pence DECREASED unemployment in Indiana by 113,826. #BigLeagueTruth

At 9:46, there was this tweet from Trump:

@HillaryClinton Sneers At Millions Of Average Americans.http://bit.ly/2dtH6yD #VPDebate #BigLeagueTruth

At 10:26, recalling the rudeness Holt showed interrupting him some 41 times, Trump tweeted this:

Cannot believe how often the moderator interrupts #Pence vs the other guy...so obvious@FoxNews" So true!

A list of the live tweets Trump sent can be read here.

Commentators took Trump to task for his tweets. During a post-debate interview with Megyn Kelly, Charles Krauthammer opined that the Trump campaign should "take away his phone."

Well, here's my suggestion: on the contrary, Trump should take his phone with him to the next debate with Hillary Clinton and tweet during the debate. I don't know if "the rules" allow him to do that, but he should do it anyway.

This would be a wonderful opportunity for Americans to read, live, what Trump thinks of Hillary's various answers, including her non-answers, evasions, legalisms, double-talk, "what the meaning is 'is' is" nonsense, and outright lies. He could do this without fear of interruption from the moderator. It would also be an opportunity for Trump to speak to the issue of moderator fairness.

Unprecedented? Sure. An idea whose time has come? You betcha!
The New York Times had an article examining the need for police to shoot Keith Scott, a black man who was discovered by police with marijuana and a gun. A video shows Mr. Scott being shot after being repeatedly told by his wife "don't do it!" and being told repeatedly by cops to "drop your gun!"

The Times article focused on the way police might have been able to de-escalate the situation. It's a comical article, because these "experts" are talking about de-escalating a situation where a suspect is holding a gun and refuses several repeated orders to drop it. Even if Mr. Scott had the gun legally (he didn't), even a legal gun owner doesn't wave a gun around when police are around, and a legal gun owner certainly would immediately obey an order to drop it.

But the Times' experts talked about the fantastical ways the situation of the armed suspect disobeying orders might have been de-escalated.

Joseph Ryan: You need to ask if you need to be confronting the person now, or if you can leave and come back if the situation requires it.

Of course! A suspect refuses to drop his gun. The police should leave and return at a time when the suspect is more likely to be amenable, leaving the suspect, and his gun, to their own affairs.

Another expert:

If you don't have to get that close, then don't. You can sit there and contain him and talk to him all day long. There's no rush.

A man with a gun refuses to obey orders to drop it. There's no rush. You can wait all day long. What's the hurry? What's the worst that can happen if you wait? What, he might come out shooting? Oh, yes.

Officers shouted repeatedly at Mr. Scott to "drop the gun." On the videos, that is their only attempt to speak to him, but the experts noted that the officers might have tried a less confrontational approach before the video began.

So when the police see a man with a gun, rather than order him to immediately drop it, they should take the time to start a casual conversation, establish an emotional connection, and then ask him to drop it. If the suspect hasn't shot them by the time they get around to asking him to drop the weapon, they've been successful.

So the Times seems to be saying is that when officers see an armed man who refuses (several!) orders to drop his gun, they should take a chance and wait and see if the suspect shoots them first. What other conclusion can you draw from all the dilatory tactics the Times recommends in the face of an armed suspect? But even the Times is not ready to explicitly say, "Let the suspect shoot first," so that same sentiment is expressed in terms of "containing" and "waiting out" the suspect...but waiting for what?

This is the political subtext of the entire Black Lives Matter movement. The police should be expected to risk their own lives in dangerous situations. It doesn't take a half ounce of common sense to know not to hold a gun up to police or disobey police commands. I think we are seeing the beginning of a campaign to legitimize a new code of conduct for the police that would let suspects fire first.

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com.
President Obama criticized Israel for constructing new settlements in what Israel calls Judea and Samaria and what the Palestinians call the West Bank.

In an uncommonly harsh statement, the State Department "strongly condemned" the move, asserting that it violated Israel's pledge not to construct new settlements and ran counter to the long-term security interests Israel was seeking to protect. ... The new settlement, one of a string of housing complexes that threaten to bisect the West Bank, is designed to house settlers from a nearby illegal outpost, Amona, which an Israeli court has ordered demolished. Settlements have poisoned the relationship between Mr. Obama and Mr. Netanyahu from the earliest days of the administration. Mr. Obama demanded that Israel halt construction as a gesture to draw the Palestinians back to the bargaining table. Mr. Netanyahu complained that the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, frittered away most of the 10-month moratorium before sitting down to talk.

Jews have lived in Judea and Samaria for thousands of years. In more recent times, the area became depopulated because of repeated pogroms, or massacres, of Jews by the Palestinians. Now Jews are moving back to Judea. They are not taking any homes from Palestinians; rather, they are setting up shop on empty hilltops, turning barren desert into homes, farms, schools, and businesses.

Obama sees that as a threat. He isn't bothered by Arabs living in Israel, but he wants territory he has unilaterally decided belongs to the Palestinians to be Judenrein, or free of Jewish people.

Curiously, Obama also has no problem with Muslim settlements in America. In fact, he aggressively pushes them. He has given green cards to over a million Muslims in his eight-year presidency. Many of these Muslims live in insular communities one could call "settlements."

The differences between these Muslim settlements in America and Jewish settlements in the Middle East are striking. The Israelis are moving into and developing unoccupied land. The Muslims coming here are taking homes that could be occupied by Americans. The Israelis support themselves and do not take money from their Arab neighbors. Many of the Muslims who come here go on welfare and are supported by the American taxpayer. And most importantly, the Israelis in settlements do not go out and kill people. Nor do they impose their religion on others. That is an important difference from some of the Muslim immigrants we take here.

And yet Obama has no qualms about expanding Muslim settlements in America. As their numbers grow, we will start to have "no go" zones like Muslim enclaves in Paris and London. Obama calls the Jewish homes a threat to peace, but it is some of the Muslims in America who are a threat to peace, as we have seen in mall shootings, workplace shootings, and bombings, just to take a few of the most recent examples.

The hypocrisy of Obama pushing this kind of "diversity" in America while declaring Judea Judenrein is inescapable.

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com.
We've covered several stories in the last few years involving two or three Afghan soldiers training in the U.S. who went AWOL. Now Reuters has an exclusive report that reveals a far larger problem.

According to the report, 44 Aghan soldiers training in the U.S. have gone missing over the last two years. It is believed that most of these soldiers are living and working illegally in the U.S. But the Pentagon isn't sure. And given the numerous incidents of Afghan soldiers attacking NATO troops, the possibility of Taliban infiltration of Afghan army recruits sent to the U.S. for training cannot be dismissed.

Although the number of disappearances is relatively small -- some 2,200 Afghan troops have received military training in the United States since 2007 -- the incidents raise questions about security and screening procedures for the programs. They are also potentially embarrassing for U.S. President Barack Obama's administration, which has spent billions of dollars training Afghan troops as Washington seeks to extricate itself from the costly, 15-year-old war. The disclosure could fuel criticism by supporters of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who has accused the Obama administration of failing to properly vet immigrants from Muslim-majority countries and has pledged a much tougher stance if he wins. While other foreign troops on U.S. military training visits have sometimes run away, a U.S. defense official said that the frequency of Afghan troops going missing was concerning and "out of the ordinary." Since September alone, eight Afghan troops have left military bases without authorization, Pentagon spokesman Adam Stump told Reuters. He said the total number of Afghan troops who have gone missing since January 2015 is 44, a number that has not previously been disclosed. "The Defense Department is assessing ways to strengthen eligibility criteria for training in ways that will reduce the likelihood of an individual Afghan willingly absconding from training in the U.S. and going AWOL (absent without leave)," Stump said. Afghans in the U.S. training program are vetted to ensure they have not participated in human rights abuses and are not affiliated with militant groups before being allowed into the United States, Stump said. The defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added there was no evidence any of those who had absconded had carried out crimes or posed a threat to the United States. The Afghan army has occasionally been infiltrated by Taliban militants who have carried out attacks on Afghan and U.S. troops, but such incidents have become less frequent due to tougher security measures.

I agree that the chances that any of these missing soldiers is a Taliban plant is small but significant enough to redouble our efforts to find them.

Beyond that, it shouldn't surprise us that soldiers fighting for a corrupt, incompetent government who is losing the war should want to live somewhere else. That's no excuse not to go through legal channels to immigrate to the U.S., but it should be a wake-up call to the Pentagon, who does background checks and vets the troops coming here to train.
Tennessee isn't the only state looking to salvage its Obamacare insurance exchange, but its problems are illustrative of how Obamacare's meltdown is proceeding.

The state director and the president of Club for Growth in Tennessee penned an op ed in the Wall Street Journal that lists the ways that state government is trying to save what they can of a collapsing system.

Seventy-three out of Tennessees 95 counties will have only one insurer on the exchange, meaning no meaningful competition whatsoever. In regions where BlueCross BlueShield is pulling out, there will be two remaining major carriers, Cigna and Humana. The only large metro area with more options will be Chattanooga. Then there are the premiums. State regulators have already approved the highest annual rise in the nation, a weighted average of nearly 56%, according to data at ACASignups.net. The rate increases authorized in late August include an average of 62% for BlueCross BlueShield, 46% for Cigna and 44% for Humana. The latter two companies could ask to revise their rates upward depending on how many former BlueCross consumers they pick up. The bottom line is that Tennesseans on ObamaCare must choose from fewer, and increasingly unaffordable, options. Some exchange buyers, those covered by subsidies, will bear only part of this additional cost. For the roughly 30,000 Tennesseans who are ineligible for subsidies, the higher price will come completely out of their own pockets. Not to mention that all ObamaCare consumers face rising deductibles, which arent covered by subsidies and can range up to $6,850 for the most affordable family plans. Its easy to imagine Commissioner McPeaks fear of an outright exchange collapse coming true in the near future. The more unaffordable plans become, the angrier consumers will get. BlueCross BlueShields $500 million losses wont disappear when the company leaves the market. Instead, the red ink will flow toward the remaining insurers as they pick up those customers. Cigna and Humana have not publicly said whether their exchange plans have turned a profit. Naturally, this chain of events has Tennessee lawmakers clamoring for change. One of the loudest demandscoming from Democrats like Nashvilles U.S. Rep. Jim Cooperis that the state double down on ObamaCare by expanding Medicaid. But this is a cure worse than the disease, since it would force many Tennesseans into a second-class health-care system while jeopardizing state finances for years to come. More important, ObamaCares unraveling shows the danger of a one-size-fits-all federal program. Whats happening in Tennessee is only a nationwide harbinger. Every single neighboring state will have less competition on its ObamaCare exchanges next year. The entire state of Alabama will have only one insurer. Almost all are facing double-digit premium increases: in Mississippi a weighted average of 16%; in Kentucky 25%; in Georgia 33%.

By this time next year, more than a third of counties nationwide will have no insurance carrier or only one. This will happen even if Obama is able to use a Treasury Department slush fund to make up some of the massive losses by insurance companies.

The Hill:

Republicans in Congress are plotting ways to block the Obama administration from paying insurance companies hundreds of millions of dollars as part of an ObamaCare program. GOP lawmakers say they are looking at a dozen options  including a possible provision in the year-end spending bill  to prevent the administration from using an obscure fund within the Treasury Department to pay out massive settlements to insurers. The insurance companies are suing over a shortfall in an ObamaCare program that they say is damaging their businesses. Settling the cases could help insurers deal with losses on the ObamaCare marketplaces, but Republicans argue the move would be a bailout that would circumvent the will of Congress. Whether federal officials will actually pursue the settlements is an open question. Any settlement between the Justice Department and health insurers would likely come out of the so-called judgment fund, a pool within the Treasury that is typically used in federal legal disputes. Lawyers for the House Energy and Commerce Committee are exploring whether the insurer settlements would comply with the law and if so, what kind of legislation could be passed to block it, said Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.). Were looking at ways to deal with that issue  mechanisms, either legislatively or judicially, Griffith said. He said he has already reviewed some drafts of legislation that could go before the committee. Eventually I think theres going to be a piece of legislation, but we want to get it right.

It is doubtful that if the companies are able to get the money, any of them who have exited the state exchanges will return. This means that it isn't likely that the bailout will slow the collapse of Obamacare.
On his and Pences's debate night, it was disgusting to hear Tim Kaine bleat about Hillary's "leadership" by grabbing the tail of Obama's 2012 election boast that he killed Osama bin Laden. Hillary, Kaine insists, was part of the "security team" (whatever that is) and so helped kill bin Laden, too.

Let's get this straight  it was a lie then that Obama, unassisted or not by some "security team," killed Osama bin Laden, and it's a lie now. SEAL Team Six killed Osama bin Laden. Neither Obama nor Clinton or any Democrat politician rode a helicopter into Pakistan that night. Nor can any even imagine either someone like Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton riding a helicopter into Pakistan that night.

If you see this as mincing words, remember June 6, 1944. Did FDR get on the radio and claim that he had invaded France that morning? No, he got on the radio and led the nation in the Lord's Prayer in honor of those brave men doing the job. Did Winston Churchill claim he shot down all those Nazi planes and saved England during that first awful summer of the war? No, he humbly  very eloquently, but humbly  praised those brave few gathered from all the lands of the Empire who did. Maybe the most poignant example is Robert E. Lee, always outnumbered and outgunned, winning victory after victory yet never once taking credit, instead always lavishing it on others, especially his incredibly ragged but incomparable foot soldiers. Then, when things fell apart for him at Gettysburg, the "grandest captain in Christendom," as the London Times called him, spread his arms wide, stood up in his stirrups, and cried, "It is all my fault."

Write those examples down on your forehead backwards, Kaine, so you can read them every morning in the mirror. If you can stand the sight of yourself. Because that's leadership.

Richard F. Miniter is the author of The Things I Want Most, Random House, BDD. See it here. He lives and writes in the colonial-era hamlet of Stone Ridge, New York; blogs here; and can also be reached at miniterhome@gmail.com.
Bill Clinton, in a moment of honesty, has handed Donald Trump a gift that can gain him many votes, if he will use it effectively. Earlier this week, the former president, in a critical October surprise, was shockingly candid and stated that Obamacare is a crazy system. He went on to clarify that the Affordable Care Act of 2010, in which hardworking middle-class employees and small businesses pay substantially higher premiums to subsidize up to 25,000,000 additional patients suddenly thrown into the health care system, is not workable. Why cant Republicans make this statement?

These people see their medical care quality decline as they wait longer for appointments and must often be content to be treated by nurse practitioners and physician assistants since there are too few physicians to provide immediate care. Many have found that their longtime doctors have left private primary care and become employees of hospitals or large groups, further eroding personal relationships. My own personal experience has mirrored this situation.

During this campaign, it is clear that Hillary has avoided much discussion on the issues and has run against Donald Trumps personality. For her and her surrogates in the media, this is a winning strategy. But, as vice presidential candidate Mike Pence demonstrated on Tuesday, a sober, calm rebuttal involving the issues is a winning approach for Republicans. Will Trump be able to learn from this and change his ways?

Trump is giving another speech today but is traveling with Gov. Christie for debate prep. Can he learn how to deflect rather than defend previous actions? Can he become more humble and less braggadocious? He has canceled Thursday and Friday events for practice. He will attend an event on Saturday in Wisconsin en route to St. Louis, keeping his promise to that states supporters.

Much has been stated about Hillarys foreign policy failures in Egypt, Syria, and Libya, and with Russia. Trump has focused, as did Pence, on the tax policy differences. The differences related to economic policy, job creation, and trade are stark and clear to enunciate. However, little discussion has occurred during this campaign related to health care. It is Trumps ace in the hole.

Mitt Romney chose not to focus on this in 2012 due to his involvement in Massachusettss legislation, much to his demise. Reminding voters that HillaryCare was a policy failure during the Clinton presidency helps with domestic issues, as it was regulation-driven. Hillary supports Obamacare and wants to tweak it. If the private system fails, as insurance company withdrawals from the state exchanges increase due to financial losses, then liberals will push for a single-payer system. Reminding the electorate that the Veterans Administration hospitals are such an example can blunt this call.

Trump advocates replacement of Obamacare. Popular portions of the bill could be retained, such as the ability to buy insurance without waiting periods and covering children until age 26. The individual mandate and tax penalty for those without coverage is un-American for many opponents. Eliminating many of the taxes and government control of educational loans would garner more support and lower business costs. Allowing people to purchase insurance across state lines would lower costs. Allowing poor families to buy into the Medicaid system demonstrates that Republicans are caring and helps women. Block-granting this system will allow 50 states to innovate.

Pundits wonder about October surprises affecting both campaigns. Bill Clinton has handed this one to Trump should he choose to use it.

Howard J. Warner is a dentist in New York State.
Underneath the city of Odessa, in Ukraine, is an extensive network of tunnels believed to be the largest catacomb system in the world. Largely unmapped and spread haphazardly under the city, the huge maze of underground passages extends for over 2,500 kilometers. If it were laid out in a straight line the tunnels would reach all the way to Paris. Incidentally, Paris is also the place where the world's second largest catacombs are located. But Odessas catacombs are five times longer than those in Paris.

Its difficult to say when digging underneath Odessa first started but the catacombs were greatly expanded starting from the late 18th century, when Catherine the Great ordered this new port city to be built by the sea. An incredible amount of mining took place to extract limestone to build the city above ground. The tunnels were dug more than a hundred feet below ground on three different levels. New shafts were created whenever old ones ran out of limestone, and it was through this process an intricate web of tunnels began to take shape.

Photo credit: goneva.net.ua

Mining continued throughout the entire 19th century and into the 20th, until the outbreak of the Russian Revolution of 1917. The mines fell into the hands of criminals and vagabonds who began to use the underground to meet and smuggle goods. At one time these dark and dingy tunnels were even used by slave traders.

When the Nazis arrived in Odessa and began massacring the citys population, the catacombs served as hiding place for Soviet partisans fighting the axis forces. The hideouts were turned into comfortable living spaces by the guerilla fighters. There were recreation rooms where men played checkers, chess, or dominoes by candlelight. Rooms for accommodation had shelves cut into the walls where men and women slept. Kitchens were equipped with stoves made of limestone and smoke was vented into empty chambers above. There was even a hospital and an operating theater.

Some of the tunnels have been reconstructed today, allowing visitors to see the exact conditions that the partisans lived in. At the Museum of Partisan Glory near Nerubayskoye, there's a kilometer-long section of catacomb neatly arranged with period-costume dummies and rusty WWII weapons.

There are more than a thousand known entrances leading into the mysterious labyrinth filled with hidden caves, where modern explorers routinely discover century-old artifacts such as coins, tools, items of clothing, cooking pots and utensils, rifles from World War II, and old newspapers.

Going into the tunnels without a guide is extremely dangerous. Its all to easy to wander into the darkness and never return.

Amateur map of a section from the Odessa catacombs. Photo credit: Reddit

Photo credit: goneva.net.ua

Photo credit: IPAAT/Panoramio

Museum of Partisan Glory in the Odessa Catacombs. Photo credit: IPAAT/Panoramio

Photo credit: IPAAT/Panoramio

Photo credit: IPAAT/Panoramio

Photo credit: IPAAT/Panoramio

Photo credit: IPAAT/Panoramio

Sources: Wikipedia / www.wsj.com / The Bohemian Blog / www.ukraine.com / wol.jw.org
The Google Assistant has shown a lot of promise so far and if Google CEO Sundar Pichai is to be believed, the AI machine may become a stronger part of our lives than we can ever imagine. However, replacing a human pal with an AI machine may take a lot of research and years of experience to perfect, but the features that the Google Assistant arrived with show that Google have made a good start. As of now, the two challenges that Google needs to face up to is to make users feel that the Assistant is indeed better than competitors like Alexa and Siri and secondly, to make its promises come true in the long run. We envision Assistant as a two-way conversation, a natural dialogue between our users and Google to help them get things done in the real world. We want to build each user his or her own individual Google, said Pichai during the Pixel launch event in San Francisco.

The Google Assistant may, in a few years, turn into a perfect AI bot with answers to almost everything we desire, but itll be worthwhile to take a look at its existing capabilities on the Pixel, Pixel XL and Google Home devices. Firstly, itll have the capability to follow your conversations on your Pixel phone and come up with search results based on the topics that you discuss with others. Given that how much we talk to our friends and colleagues before planning on a dinner outing, a weekend trip or simply what movies to watch, this feature could be of great help to Pixel users. Secondly, you will be able to view photos from the past by asking the Google Assistant to pull them up by using keywords like names of places youve visited or events that you attended. Considering how difficult it is sometimes to manually dig up pictures from your drives, this will be a quick and easy way to get hold of them. At the same time, Google Assistant will also be able to do everything that other AI assistants do like making reservations, setting up calendar events, waking you up, creating lists, running instant web searches and so on.

However, there are a few things which hold Google Assistant back from being your truly universal AI assistant. Unlike Amazons Alexa, it cant shop for you but will be able to run searches based on what youre looking for, besides ordering your concert tickets. Yet another setback is that it is not available on devices other than the Pixel, Pixel XL and Google Home devices and the third limiting factor is that since it is pretty new, not many apps are presently integrated with it and as such, it is clearly not in a position to rival other market-leading AI assistants in the short term. However, Google is taking steps to counter these shortcomings and it will be a matter of time before it turns into a full-fledged AI assistant and is available in virtually all mobile operating systems as well as desktops.
Earlier this week, the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL were announced. These devices, which supersede the Nexus line, appear set up to tackle the iPhone thanks to their premium quality, superb cameras and powerful hardware. As part of the reveal, Google explained that a limited number of carriers would be stocking the Pixel  for America, it would be Verizon Wireless and for the United Kingdom, it would be EE. The device is also available for sale via the Google Play Store, where it is compatible with every network in that country. Google have also included Project Fi compatability too, meaning a customer could very realistically have an all-Google set up if he or she were to use their carrier.

However, writing again about the Google and Verizon Wireless deal, in the past this has meant that customers buying a device through Verizon have received a number of alternative applications installed on the handset together with the stock Google devices. In the case of the Verizon, Samsung, Google Galaxy Nexus, the deal with the carrier meant that the smartphone would receive software updates much later than the unlocked GSM Google Galaxy Nexus. It remains to be seen if the tie in with Verizon Wireless has any effect on the schedule of software releases, but what we can already determine from the Verizon website is the number of pre-loaded Verizon applications on the device. Here, the news is better than many were expecting: the device comes with a number of Google applications as expected, including the usual suspects of the Google Calendar, Messenger, Contacts, Camera, Drive, Maps, Play Music, Gmail, Photos, the Google Play Store, YouTube, Chrome and Google Movies & TV, among others.

The majority of these applications are supported by the Google Play Store (and naturally this is included on the device) and some may be uninstalled, but most can be disabled. However, the Verizon website notes that there are no pre-loaded Verizon apps, that is, those which may not be uninstalled (but perhaps could be disabled). Instead, Verizon are including a number of applications designated as Preloaded Play Store Apps, which means that these too are supported by Googles Play Store infrastructure. This means that they are updated using Googles system and could, conceivably, be uninstalled should the customer not want them on the device. The list of applications includes My Verizon, Go90, VZ Messages, Allo, Duo, Android Pay, Docs and Keep. Some of these applications are either Google applications or have the exact same name  Allo, Duo, Android Pay, Docs and Keep. This leave just three Verizon applications  My Verizon for monitoring your account, Go90 the video application and VZ Messages, which allows desktop SMS messaging among other features. On Reddit, the original posted commented that his HTC 10 contained many more pre-installed applications. This is great news for Nexus customers considering the Verizon handset and it retains the relatively clean software set up of the Nexus device but of course with the Pixel device.
Normally, when a huge launch is somehow messed up, be it through bad marketing, bad timing, or a bad product, somebody ends up either demoted or on the chopping block. The public figureheads in the company make a point of revealing exactly what went wrong, and how they plan to prevent it. With Samsung, however, they are taking a more unified approach. Samsung Mobile CEO Dong-jin Koh is bringing the company together to get through the Galaxy Note 7 recall fiasco and return to the high sales and profitability that they were enjoying beforehand. A number of elements have proposed that Samsung should fire whoever had the biggest role in the Note 7s development, and hedge fund Elliott Management is even pressuring Samsung to split up, but for the time being, it seems that is not the plan.

While the company has been working hard to run damage control in the month or so since the initial recall, even standing together, things have not been easy. Everybody up to and including Koh have been putting in long hours, often with sleepless nights, to figure out how to deal with Samsung being lambasted on the internet as claims and calls continue to come in. Due to the timeline of the recall, the Samsung employees involved were mostly forced to give up the years biggest holiday.

The reports of safe units exploding in China and other markets where the defective units never stepped foot were never helpful, and the recent report of a Note 7 going up in flames on a flight in the US has sparked investigation by local officials and further soiled Samsungs reputation. Some say that the issue with the Note 7 was a lack of quality control brought on by the rush to beat the iPhone 7 to the market, a chance that Samsung ended up essentially missing due to the recall. Various figures in the neighborhood of billions have been tossed about by analysts as a measure of how much financial damage Samsung will have to show for the whole debacle when its all said and done, and when they put out their quarterly earnings forecast this Friday, fans and market analysts will get a decent picture of how things are.
The Xiaomi Mi Note 2 has definitely been one of the most leaked smartphones in the last couple of months. Xiaomis upcoming flagship phablet has been popping up all over the place, and the company had opted to introduce the Xiaomi Mi 5s and Mi 5s Plus flagships handsets before they announce the Mi Note 2. These two handsets were introduced at the end of last month, and the Mi Note 2 is expected to land in October or November, at least if the latest report is to be believed. That being said, the companys CEO has just released some more info when it comes to the Mi Note 2, read on.

Xiaomis CEO, Lei Jun, has announced via his official Weibo (Chinese social media) page that the Mi Note 2 is in mass production, which suggests that its announcement is near. Now, if the rumors are to be believed, then we might see two variants of the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 hit the market. One will sport LGs curved dual edge QHD display, while the other variant is said to come with a 5.15-inch fullHD display, which seems a bit odd considering that the Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus comes with a 5.15-inch display, and its the companys flagship smartphone. In any case, both of these models are said to ship with Qualcomms Snapdragon 821 64-bit quad-core processor, while only one of these two devices is going to ship with 6GB of RAM (were guessing the larger one) and 256GB of storage, while the other will be equipped with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Now, the camera setup on the back of these devices will also be different it seems, one unit will sport two 12-megapixel cameras on the back, while the other one will ship with a single OIS camera. Now, based on previous leaks, the larger Mi Note 2 variant will come with the dual camera setup.

The 5.15-inch variant of the Mi Note 2 seems quite unlikely, Xiaomi had already introduced two high-end 5.15-inch devices this year, the Xiaomi Mi 5 and Mi 5s, while the latter one landed quite recently. Now, as far as the other, QHD variant is concerned, you can expect it to sport a 5.7-inch display.
Transfer balls: Gareth Bale gets 91m to snub Manchester United

Gareth Bale is not heading to Manchester United. The BBC says Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo have agreed new contracts to remain at Real Madrid. Bale has been offered 91m to keep playing for Real and reject Manchester Uniteds advances.

The Express says the BBC is correct. Bale will remain at Real Madrid and get a ton of cash to snub Manchester United next summer.

The source for all this is Spanish radio station Cope. It says Ronaldo, 31, has signed a new deal until 2021. It says Bale has agreed to stay in Spain until 2022. But there is no word of that bumper pay packet. Only the Express has news on that, reporting: Bales admirers at Old Trafford will have to accept the 27-year-old is staying in Spain after agreeing a six-year deal worth around 350,000 a week.

Unless, of course, United offer a massive pile of cash of cash for the star. After all, Bale wants to come to the Premier League. We read that in the Daily Express.

And in the BBC, which on 11 Jun 2016 reported: Manchester United are confident of signing Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, 26, for a world-record 94.6m fee.

Such are the facts.

Anorak

Posted: 6th, October 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
Madeleine McCann: Majorca mums, Goncalo Amarals next blockbuster and the worst thing imaginable

Madeleine McCann: a look at reporting on the missing child.

The Sun: FRESH MADDIE SCANDAL.

What old or, to use the Suns terminology, stale Maddie scandal? The only thing we know is that a child vanished and the news media launched into a voracious feeding frenzy. There are no suspects. In fact, police have yet to prove what crime, if any, befell her.

The Sun continues: Ex-cop who accused McCanns of faking Maddies abduction plans second book slamming Brit cops.

The former policeman in Goncalo Amaral. His theories are just theories. His writing a second book is not a scandal; its pretty much what best-selling authors so when their first book has been a hit. They write a sequel. The writer will be pleased the Sun is advertising his tome:

Goncalo Amaral has almost finished his second book, but although it is expected to centre around the 2008 disappearance of Maddie in Algarave, Portugal, it is unclear what details the author will release.

Details? Who needs details? We do get a few facts about his past work:

The 56-year-old author previously wrote The Truth Of The Lie in 2008, which accused her parents Kate and Gerry McCann of faking Maddies abduction. But the couple have previously been left reeling after having their 395,000 libel victory revoked by Lisbon appeal judges who overturned a ban on his book in April. To add insult to injury, Amaral also is planning to sue the couple for compensation after winning his appeal.

We learn that writing about a missing child pays handsomely:

Amaral is understood to have earned 316,000 from his book before it was banned.

And?

According to a source, the ex-police chief has been getting help from friends and well-wishers to survive as all of his property is tied up legally during the civil action with the McCanns.

All unpleasant stuff.

As for the facts, well that is a single thread. Nothing has changed. Nonetheless the Sun sees fit to hold one end and repeat:

Maddie went missing on May 3 2007 from her bed in a holiday apartment in the Praia da Luz resort

With no news of Madeleine McCann, the Mail focuses on no news of missing Ben Needham. The papers headline runs:

The worst thing imaginable: Kate McCann says her heart goes out to Ben Needhams mother as Kerry prepares for the worst while police in Kos dig SECOND site

The worst thing imaginable, we learn, is to have police dig for your missing childs remains. The Press lap up the drama. Note that this is different from the tabloids every parents worst nightmare, which is for your child to vanish.

The Mail reports this as news because a close friend of the former GP told MailOnline: This brings back dreadful memories for Kate. She went through a similar horrendous experience a few years back when the authorities were digging for Madeleine. Not knowing if they are going to unearth the remains of your child as you wait helplessly is the worst thing imaginable. It is galling.

Kates says her heart goes out to Kerry Needham at such a traumatic time. She is very sympathetic and wants to offer her strength and solidarity. They have met up in the past as fellow mums of high profile missing children and share a seemingly never ending pain and anguish.

Ben Needham and Madeleine McCann are two distinct stories and cases. They are both names tabloid readers are familiar with. Why? Well, there are rare cases. But are high profile missing children always very young, white and blond. Are we that shallow? Andrew Godsen, 14, went missing in 2007. Charlene Downes was 14 when she vanished. Aamina Khan was 6 when she went missing in 2011. She vanished with her mother Humma Dar after her father was given custody.

The Indy notes:

While her disappearance is no doubt a huge tragedy, we have to wonder why it is Madeleine McCann, a pretty white girl, who has captured the sympathy of the public, and not girls with names like Aamina Khan, Elizabeth Ogungbayibi, or Folawiyo Oladejo.

Which ones sell the most papers? Which ones get the tourists flocking?

Leicester Mercury: Madeleine McCann tour takes customers on sightseeing trip around town where she disappeared

Is it full of journalists?

Holidaymakers are being offered Madeleine McCann tours of the holiday complex where she disappeared. Tourists taking up the trips  which Madeleines parents are said to find distressing  are invited to speculate on what happened to the then-three-year-old in May 1997.

Its a magical mystery your that recaptures the ghoulish wonder of working in newsroom before all the libel cases kicked in.

The tours take visitors to the Praia da Luz apartment where the Rothley family were staying and the tapas restaurant where her parents Gerry and Kate were dining when she vanished.

Are drinks and snacks included?

The Edinburgh Evening News tells ghouls not to book early. There might be more. Helen Martin writes:

ANOTHER unnamed British tourist in Spain has been given a suspended sentence for leaving her child alone to go out on the razzle. Staff in a Majorca hotel, alerted by other guests, found the seven-year-old boy abandoned and crying in his room. Police searched for the mother in vain and arrested her when she returned  at breakfast time. After all the publicity that surrounded the tragic disappearance of Madeleine McCann in the Algarve when her parents hadnt even left the complex, how could any mum do such a thing?

The law dealt with her.

Worse, if they can do so in a foreign country, how often does it happen at home? Such women are a national disgrace. Removing their kids might be going too far, but taking away their passports seems like a good idea.

Breaking up families might be going too far if you leave a child at home when you pop out? Might? It is.

Madeleine McCann is missing. There are no suspects. But there is lots of news.

Anorak

Posted: 6th, October 2016 | In: Madeleine McCann, Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
2016-10-06 14:50 (ANSA) - Rome, October 6 - Italy's President Sergio Mattarella met with Unuted Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Rome on Thursday.

Ban was on a leave-taking visit as his second five-year term as UN chief expires at the end of the year.

He is expected to be replaced by Antonio Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal and former leader of the Socialist International who served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015. "Next year, Italy will be a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and will concentrate on security challenges in Africa and the Middle East," Mattarella said at the end of his meeting with Ban at the Quirinal presidential palace.

Italy will champion the UN's commitment to "human rights, a larger role for women, and the support of moderate religious leaders in the fight against violent extremism," Mattarella said.

The Italian head of State also extended his best wishes to Guterres.

"We are certain his extraordinary international experience in support of the downtrodden will be the greatest guarantee of the preservation of Ban Ki-moon's heritage to the United Nations, which he is bequeathing after 10 years of commitment," Mattarella said.

For his part, the outgoing South Korean chief said he is "truly glad world leaders have grasped the need for action against climate change. The world really has taken a new path".

"The Paris climate accord was one of my priorities, and it has been achieved," Ban said.

"The accord will be ratified November 4," he said.

The Paris Agreement, a deal within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on greenhouse gas emissions mitigation starting in 2020, was adopted in December 2015. As of September 2016, 187 UNFCCC members had signed the treaty, 60 of which had ratified it. The agreement will only enter into force when 55 countries that produce at least 55% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions ratify it. Although the minimum number of ratifications has been reached, the ratifying States do not produce the requisite percentage of greenhouse gases for the agreement to enter into force. In Italy, the Paris agreement has been approved by government and now goes to parliament for ratification.


(by Massimo Lomonaco)

TEL AVIV - Safeguarding cultural heritage ''is a priority for Italy'', Italian ambassador to Israel Francesco Maria Talo said, presenting last night at the Cinematheque in Tel Aviv a film by Tommaso Santi, 'Restaurare il cielo', or renovating the sky.



The film talks about renovation work on the Church of the Nativity by a top firm, Piacenti S.p.a. based in Prato.



Organized by the Italian cultural institute in Tel Aviv, directed by Massimo Sarti, the screening (in cooperation with the city's film library) showed to the Israeli publish - which usually cannot go to Bethlehem in the West Bank - the various phases of the job.



Company president Giammarco Piacenti called it an incredible restoration carried out by Italian experts in one of the most important sites of Christianity. Piacenti's story starts with craftsmanship to become entrepreneurial spirit able to complete at an international level with large groups.



The ongoing renovation work represents more than technological knowledge but also requires the ability to manage complex work in a difficult region.



''Italy - explained Talo - has protected cultural heritage in Iraq, in Afghanistan and is ready to do it wherever there will be an occasion. The creation of Italian task force 'Unite4Heritage', the blue helmets of culture, is no coincidence''.



The movie is the story of the Italian intervention in Bethlehem, which has been ongoing since 2013, on a Basilica that is a world heritage site - built by queen Helen in the 4th century, destroyed in the 5th and rebuilt by emperor Justinian in the year 531 - in the place where Jesus is believed to have been born, which over the centuries has been seriously damaged by water infiltration and candles, among others.



In 2010 a preliminary study of the monument was entrusted, after an international tender, to a multidisciplinary group coordinated by Consorzio Ferrara Ricerche (University of Ferrara). In 2013, Piacenti won the international competition launched by Palestinian authorities and funded by several private investors.



Some 60 firms and 170 people are involved in the project, including repairing damage caused by water infiltration, renovating mosaics and the discovery under plaster of an angel.
Apple Naples academy inaugurated First 'developer' centre in Europe

(By Elisa Cecchi).



(ANSAmed) - Naples, October 6 - US technology firm Apple on Thursday opened its first European iOS Developer Academy in Naples.



The European training academy of the world's biggest tech company kicks off in partnership with the University of Naples Federico II and will be located at the college's San Giovanni a Teduccio campus on the city's eastern outskirts.



The Academy's nine-month-long course will start on Monday, with a first wave of 100 students enrolled from around the world.



The students were selected from a reported 4,000 applicants for the program, including many from southern Italy.



Academy courses will be free and some of the students will have scholarships.



"Apple's Academy kicks off, as promised with (Apple CEO) Tim Cook", Premier Matteo Renzi tweeted on Thursday.



"Naples has a lot of future ahead - if the south gets started again, Italy gets started again". The location of Apple's first Developer Academy in Europe was first announced in January when Apple CEO Tim Cook visited Renzi in Rome.



The governor of the Campania region around Naples, Vincenzo De Luca, said Thursday at the Academy's inauguration ceremony that the regional government had invested 100 million euros in the project and has pledged another 30 million.



An additional seven million euros will fund scholarships and free transport services for students, De Luca said, calling the Academy an "extraordinary occasion" for southern Italy.



Academy students will be taught how to write code to create apps that will run on iOS devices during the course.



They will be provided with a current-generation MacBook, iPhone and iPad.



More spots will reportedly be available in next year's program.



According to data released by Apple in January, when it announced the launch of its first European iOS developer academy, the company "has contributed in creating over 1.4 million jobs, including 1.2 million attributable to the community of app creators, software engineers and entrepreneurs building apps for iOS, as well as non-IT jobs".



The App store has helped developers in Europe earn over 10.2 billion euros from selling their apps around the world, the company also said.



In Italy, over 75,000 jobs are reportedly attributable to the App Store.



The University of Naples Federico II is the oldest public university in the world and the third university in Italy ranked by enrolled students. (ANSAmed).




(by Elisa Pinna)

ROME - For the first time since the Islamic revolution in 1979, Iran will be presenting itself as a country to the Italian market and investors with over 100 leading companies, from the petrochemical industry to crafts and tourism, which will be at the Fair of Rome on November 22-26 for five days of entrepreneurial contacts and cultural events.



The announcement of the great economic and image event, sign of Tehran's will to invest on Italy as a ''strategic interlocutor'' in the post-sanctions era, was the new commercial attache of the Iranian embassy in Rome, Mohammad Razi, during the meeting on ''Iran: the new opportunities'', organized in the Italian capital by legal firm Nctm.



Razi said he is the first commercial attache sent by Tehran to a European country, proof of the strong bilateral interest, confirmed by all participants of the meeting, moderated by Vittorio Noseda, a partner of Nctm, and by the president of SACE, Beniamino Quintieri. Already 600 Italian companies have visited Iran in 2016, said Matteo Laspina, who is in charge of ICE's marketing coordination, while 37 memorandums of agreement have been signed at a government level between Italy and Iran.



In competing for the large Asian market, with 80 million people and a potential of 400 million calculating neighboring countries, Italy - participants said - is among the first, behind South Korea and ahead of Germany, although for now international banks have not unblocked funding.



Stands at the fair of Rome will offer a taste of the great opportunities on the Iranian market; there will be room for oil and gas giants, installations and industrial products, of construction, of the food and textile sector, as well as craftsmanship and carpets. Meetings and contacts have been scheduled at a government and entrepreneurial level. Companies will also be able to present themselves.



Iranians will also offer a taste of their culture. On November 23-25, in cooperation with Eataly, the festival of Iranian food will take place. Italian adolescents aged 13 to 18 will be able to attend a program on November 24-25 called ''Learning Iran''.



The opportunities offered by the Islamic Republic were discussed at the Nctm meeting by Mehdi Firouzam, a leading Iranian entrepreneur, and on a political-regional level, by a foreign ministry representative, Alessandro Monti, who is in charge of the office on Gulf countries, Iran, Iraq, Yemen.



Marco Ferioli, who is in charge of SACE for Dubai and the MENA area, spoke about risks, starting with the results of the upcoming US election and its potential impact on Iran.



The fiscal system of the Islamic Republic and novelties for foreign firms were illustrated by Seyed Hooman Banihashemi, of international firm Hooman.
Freedom Flotilla boat Zaytouna docks in Israeli port All-female crew intercepted and escorted by Israeli navy

(ANSAmed) - JERUSALEM, OCTOBER 6 - The Freedom Flotilla boat Zaytouna with an all-female crew has docked at the Israeli port of Ashdod after being intercepted and escorted there by the Israeli navy, military sources said Thursday. The 13 crew members including the 1976 Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Dr Fauziah Hasan from Malaysia and former US Army colonel Ann Wright were heading to Gaza to draw international attention to the sea blockade imposed by Israel on the Strip. The boat set sail from Barcelona last month. The crew members "have been handed over to the competent authorities for further checks", the military authorities added.



(ANSAmed).




Investment in Africa needed to stem migration, Juncker says Timmermas rejects 'flexible solidarity' on refugees

(ANSAmed) - STRASBOURG, OCTOBER 6 - The roadmap adopted at the informal meeting of EU leaders in Bratislava in September did not "meet my expectations", European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker told the European parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday in words echoing those pronounced after the summit by Italian Premier Matteo Renzi.



"It is not very concrete, although it is a good platform for moving forward," Juncker said during the preparatory debate for the European Summit on October 20 and 21, adding that "the ambition is to save the EU." "I would like (leaders) to be able to agree on concrete results: actions, not rhetoric, are needed in order to move forward," Juncker said.



The summit is due to address three issues: immigration, foreign trade, namely trade agreements with Canada and the United States, and relations with Russia. However, Brussels believes acceleration is also needed in regard to investment in Africa as it is unthinkable to stem the flow of migrants without helping the continent to grow. The EC president then went on to list the key points for action by European governments. The most delicate issue will be the redistribution of refugees, which politically remains the greatest threat for the EU. The EC and Italy have rejected the proposal for "flexible solidarity" advanced by countries opposed to the EU-mandated quota system, with the first vice president of the commission Frans Timmermans rejecting it outright.



"It is perfectly clear that the EU as such cannot survive in a situation of mass immigration without controls," the Dutch Labour politician said. "However it is also clear that the EU cannot survive if we abandon our fundamental values, refusing access to people fleeing from atrocities such as Aleppo," Timmermans continued. "Those who talk about flexible solidarity have got it wrong," he continued. "If we don't help Africa to develop there will be no wall or barbed wire fence that can stop the people fleeing." (ANSAmed).




Migrants: Merkel calls for long-term relations with Africa Responsible also for colonialism. Calls for private investors

(ANSAmed) - BERLIN, OCTOBER 6 - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday called for a long-lasting relationship with Africa, talking about ''many years and decades'' at a conference of the German industrialists association in Berlin.



''With colonialism, we have greatly contributed to today's difficulties'' experienced by ''some African countries'' and for this reason ''we have a responsibility not just through classic aid to development but also for possible economic developments'', added the chancellor.



She referred in particular to the fact that borders in the African continent have often been traced ''following the reserves of raw material and not the cohabitation of peoples''.



The chancellor then called on German industrialists to invest in Africa because ''only private investments can ensure wellbeing and fiscal revenue in the long-term''. (ANSAmed).




(by Olga Piscitelli)

RABAT - Moroccans vote today for the new Parliament, they will choose among the candidates of 27 political parties. The use of cell phones near polling stations has been banned.



The campaign has been eventful, including sexual scandals, as one that revealed the extramarital affair of two well-known Islamic preachers, corruption attempts, for example with rams for voters on the Festival of Sacrifice, electoral spots with Moroccan candidates placed alongside Hollande and Obama, and so on.



The voters to be convinced are 15.7 million out of 34 million who live in the country. Out of the 395 seats in Parliament, 60 are reserved to women and 30 to youths (aged under 40). The government has funded with 250 million dirham (22.9 million euros) the running parties.



The main contenders are Pjd and Pam, the Party for justice and development of outgoing premier Abdelilah Benkirane, Islamist and conservative, and low turnout: in 2011, turnout stopped at 45.40%.



Islamists are running in the October 7 election. In the list of almost 7,000 who are running for a seat in Rabat's Parliament there are just a few but Salafites who want to have a voice in the Moroccan arena all have a personality of relevance and questionable histories. Members of the movement demanding a return to Islam's origins are fundamentalists with very clear ideas.



One is Abdelwaheb Rafiqi, or Abou Hafs, a preacher who blessed the September 11 attacks and who was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the 2003 attacks in Casablanca. The attack caused 45 victims.



The pardon granted by king Mohammed VI in 2012 gave him freedom. He says he has ''repented'' and ''respects institutions'' and is running in Fes with Istiqlal, a Moroccan historic party founded in 1943 during the fight for independence.
Tunisia: first cruise ship in La Goulette since 2015 Sign of recovery for tourism sector 18 months after Bardo attack

(ANSAmed) - TUNIS, OCTOBER 6 - Luxury cruise ship 'MS Europa', owned by German navigation company Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, landed at the port of La Goulette, from Barcelona, on Thursday, a highly symbolic moment.



The cruise ship was the first to arrive since the deadly terror attack on the Bardo Museum in March 2015 that led navigation companies to suspend their Tunisian stopovers.



Tunisian Tourism Minister Salma Elloumi Rekik emphasized the announcement made on world tourism day on September 27 that cruise ships would be returning to Tunisia.



Elloumi will welcome tourists from the cruise ship, mostly Germans, in the afternoon at the port of La Goulette, once they have returned from visiting the capital.



An official ceremony to welcome them has been scheduled with the performance of Tunisian tenor Hassen Doss and folk events.



At 4:30 local time they are scheduled to leave towards Skidka in Algeria. The director of marketing and communication of the Goulette Shipping Cruise, the state agency that manages cruises at the port of La Goulette, has said that it is only one arrival so far but it is highly symbolic, with the aim of reassuring other companies, in particular Costa Crociere and Msc in order to reintroduce Tunisia as a destination.



The sector is very important for the Tunisian tourism industry with thousands employed directly and indirectly in this sector. (ANSAmed)
Ministers from the APEC member economies have convened in Lima to finalize a set of new collaborative measures for modernizing their education systems. They are intent on mitigating the unintended effects of globalization which threaten continued economic and social progress across the Asia-Pacific.

Focus is on improving the quality of education and training needed to boost productivity and social mobility in the worlds most populous region. Policies on the table concentrate on enhancing the knowledge and skills, innovation capacity and employability of work forces in APEC economies. Their implementation will be driven by a new APEC Education Strategy concurrently under development.

The world of work is changing rapidly and in ways we cannot foresee, explained Perus Minister of Education Jaime Saavedra, chair of the two-day APEC Education Ministerial Meeting. We are joining forces in APEC to modernize our education systems to better prepare students of all ages to engage in an increasingly complex and globalized economy.

Access to education is an area in which we have made real strides and most of us in the region can say, check, but the level of quality remains uneven, Minister Saavedra acknowledged. Our goal is to deliver a high standard of education and training based on skills development and innovation that aligns labor forces with the shifting needs of economies.

Ministers are pursuing actions to strengthen the organization of their education systems. Particular attention is on attracting, cultivating and raising incentives for teachers as well as improving resource allocation for education, curricula and lifelong learning channels. Promoting classroom and school-wide innovation is a complementary emphasis.

There is no magic bullet that will allow us to introduce digital tools to meet all of our education requirements, Minister Saavedra noted. We are working to enhance the use of information and communications technology in the classroom and to make sure that teachers have the skills for employing it in ways that support learning.

Ministers are also fleshing out initiatives to facilitate peoples transition from education and training to the workforce, boosted by closer coordination between government, industry and academia.

Peru and fellow APEC economies have a good idea of the soft skills like entrepreneurship that will continue to be in demand but nobody knows what technical skills will be needed 10 or 20 years from now, said Dr Alan Bollard, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat. Providing technical and university education paths that will have transferability throughout peoples careers is a high priority for regional cooperation within the sector.

Parallel work is being taken forward to open up education opportunities for all corners of society. This includes efforts to bolster secondary and tertiary education for women, the integration of disabled people in schools and the availability of good education for vulnerable populations such as those who speak second languages or live in remote areas.

Favorable demographics that added a quarter of a billion people to workforces in the APEC region are ebbing due to declining birth rates and aging, concluded Dr Bollard. Optimizing labor capacity through the delivery of quality and inclusive education will be increasingly critical to ensuring APECs position as a global leader for growth and further raising living standards.

The APEC Education Ministerial Meeting, which is being co-chaired by Russia, will conclude here on Thursday.

# # #

For additional information, or to arrange possible media interviews, please contact:

David Hendrickson (in Lima) +65 9137 3886 at [email protected]

Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 at [email protected]

More on APEC meetings, events, projects and publications can be found on www.apec.org. You can also follow APEC on Twitter and join us on Facebook and LinkedIn.








Ministers from the APEC member economies issued a joint statement following their meeting in Lima on Thursday on delivering quality and inclusive education. Focus is on boosting productivity and peoples livelihoods across the Asia-Pacific amid the evolution of the globalized economy.

The joint statement reflects the outcomes of the APEC Education Ministerial Meeting co-chaired by Perus Minister of Education Jaime Saavedra and Russia. It describes collaborative actions to be taken forward by APEC economies over the next year to enhance the knowledge and skills, innovation capacity and employability of the regions work forces.

Click here to view the APEC Education Ministerial Meeting Joint Statement

# # #

For additional information, or to arrange possible media interviews, please contact:

David Hendrickson (in Lima) +65 9137 3886 at [email protected]

Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 at [email protected]

More on APEC meetings, events, projects and publications can be found on. You can also follow APEC onand join us onand
There had been questions about whether the show would ever go ahead following the a series of incidents in Turkey.

Feyzan Erel from show organiser Mint, said "After Turkey's downing of a Russian war plane last November, everything starting deterioraing very fast. The economic downturn was followed by bombings - the worst on our side was the attack on Ataturk Airport" This was followed by an attempted coup against the Turkish president in July..

"As the organiser we had to make a quick decision - either cancel everything or go on despite the difficulties,." Erel said.

"After talking to the government and to our sponsors, we decided the show must go on," he said."Turkey is at a historical turning point. We had to utilse all the power we had for the airshow, despite some of the companies seeing "Turkey to have a 'terror risk'. Although they had an agreement, they gave up.

"Despite everything we are hopeful about the future This country and its aviation future willgo on to progress consistantly." Erel said.

While aircraft on the static are down on the 2014 event, the exhibition hall was packed - particularly with the growing Turkish supply chain and a number of international exhibitors such as Boeing, Airbus, Dassault and Leonardo who continued to support the event.

Ilker Ayci, chairman of Turkish Airlines takes the stage at today's opening
He was appointed chief financial officer of Atlantic Aviation on May 2013 but returned to the Gulf to take up the job with the Abu Dhabi based VIP operator.

A company statement said Mr DiCastri will work together with the Executive Management Team to steer Royal Jet through a period of transformation aimed at unlocking the private charter companys full potential and ensuring its strategic goals are achieved.
Taleen Kali and DUM DUM Zine

ABQ Zine Fest organizers Marya Errin Jones and Liza Bley are at it again. This year's iteration of the celebration of self-created and printed mediathe sixth such gatheringis happening on Saturday, Oct. 8, across three spacesthe Tannex, GRAFT and Small Engine Gallery. The first year I tabled at ABQ Zine Fest, the course of my life was changed forever by the friendships that were formed. This year's celebration of the medium, with support from the Fulcrum Fund, is sure to be just as life-altering for all who make their way to Barelas to exchange the handmade publications they've so lovingly written, drawn, cut, copied, bound and stapled. This year also marks the first visit of LA zine virtuoso Taleen Kali, editor in chief of DUM DUM Zine. DUM DUM Zine consistently challenges the expression of the zine medium, presenting experimental art and literature that might take the shape of a disc, a multi-media box or a newspaper. Kali, a writer, artist, musician and punk rock yoga instructor, exchanged a few emails with me a few weeks before her visit. Our exchange was as follows.

Alibi: How did DUM DUM Zine first start taking shape in your mind?

Kali: Thinking back, it probably all started in an experimental "Fractured Narratives" class taught by Janet Desaulniers at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I was finishing up school there while working as an arts and music journalist and noticed how my work became more and more experimental, and in that last semester's class I got to share it with others who were writing similar, amazing stuff. I wanted to connect and collaborate with more people and create a hub for our work to see the light of day.

What did you want to do that you didn't see other publications doing?

In 2011 when DUM DUM Zine took shape, I was writing for a lot of publications like The Onion, A.V. Club, SPIN and Flavorwire, and while some of them let me get weird, I was still struggling to get work as a writer. I wasn't experienced enough to have my more colorful pitches be accepted through cold-calling, and some of the publications that were publishing me slowly began shuttering or streamlining during the recession. Listicles and rote interviews dominated the internet landscape and I wasn't able to hack through or get mentorships going with editors because most of them were losing their jobs!

In 2011 when DUM DUM Zine took shape, I was writing for a lot of publications like The Onion, A.V. Club, SPIN and Flavorwire, and while some of them let me get weird, I was still struggling to get work as a writer. I wasn't experienced enough to have my more colorful pitches be accepted through cold-calling, and some of the publications that were publishing me slowly began shuttering or streamlining during the recession.

However I'd still get some work doing interviews and reviews. Often when I'd research an artist, the same answers would come up over and over again. I wanted to be part of changing that conversation, to create ways to provoke interview subjects into getting excited about answering questions ... So I came up with quirky ideas like "postcard interviews" and "text message interviews." When none of my pitches got accepted, I decided to create my own platform for them. Interviews are still my absolutely favorite thing to do, after writing my own music and poetry.

Can you talk about your first experience reading/experiencing a zine?

I saw my first zine and learned all about them when I was about 19 years old  It was Dishwasher Pete.

Were zines seminal in any way for you?

[Zines were] seminal for me because the only writing outlet I had at the time was LiveJournal and writing concert reviews for my college paper. The zine format empowered me to have my own voice outside of the options available to me. A few years later when I found scans of riot grrrl zines and manifestos on Tumblr, I was awakened to write my own music for the first time.

Why is it important to change the shape of DUM DUM Zine with each iteration?

It's how we constantly challenge ourselves and the literary and art community around us to change, evolve, [have] new conversations and ideas flourishing. We want to be a generative space and platform for new ideas!

What excites you most about the medium?

It's so open-ended and inclusive. A zine can be anything from a single page to a gallery installation! The format is so liberating.

What do you look for in content as an editor?

Our  editors look for emotionally honest, thought-provoking work that pushes the boundaries of literature. Whether it's micro-fiction, a video poem or some sort of hybrid media experiment, we want to see it and be a platform and support system for the kind of work that has a hard time finding a home in more traditional literary spheres.

What are you most interested in as a writer and/or reader?

I'm interested in art's function in helping people and affecting social change. I'm interested in reducing suffering. And I'm interested in community building and healing.

What are you excited about lately?

I'm really into audiobooks lately! I like to listen to them while I clean, work on zines and crafts. While I'll always love reading a book and appreciating its tactile experience, my art-making time is limited and my need to read gets starved out when stuff gets busy. Audiobooks are awesome for busy times! I've been listening to a spiritual one that my friend and collaborator Yumi Sakugawa recommended called Outrageous Openness by Tosha Silver, and it was a spiritual game changer for me. I also downloaded Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari and his narration is hilarious! My friend and amazing drummer Catherine Serafin just told me that Carrie Brownstein narrated her own memoir too, so I'm definitely going to download that one next.

What do you hope to gain through your time at ABQ Zine Fest?

I want to meet more zinesters, see more zines, and just, well, exist in the zine zone! I really mean that. Every year, LA Zine Fest comes and goes so quickly and I often feel major separation anxiety afterward. So, I'm especially glad to be doing more zine fests this year to keep that celebration going. As an interdisciplinary artist there are so few places that are platforms for the different kinds of work I make: zines, records, tapes, ephemera, print paraphernalia. I feel the most connected [to] myself and others during these fests because we collectively embrace our intersectional identities in the zine making, trading and selling.

Catch Kali at ABQ Zine Fest proper between 11am and 6pm, or hear her read on Zine Fest Eve, that is, Friday, Oct. 7, at 8pm. Your last chance to catch Kali in Albuquerque comes in the shape of a one of her punk rock yoga classes on Sunday, Oct. 9, at 12pm, at the Tannex.
Excavators were repeatedly drawn to Glastonbury Abbey during the 20th century, but the fruits of their labours rarely made it into print. Roberta Gilchrist is spearheading a major project to separate archaeological fact from the rich mythology the abbey attracts.

The site of Glastonbury Abbey in Somerset is inscribed with legends that are at the heart of English cultural identity: it is popularly regarded as the burial place of King Arthur and the cradle of English Christianity, where Joseph of Arimathea reputedly founded the earliest Christian church in Britain, in the 1st century AD. These stories influenced the architectural style and layout of the abbeys medieval buildings, particularly the Lady Chapel, which was constructed on the site of the ancient church.

Just as the history and legends of Glastonbury Abbey influenced national narratives, so too did the attracted the attention of archaeologists throughout the 20th century.

Unfinished business

Between 1904 and 1979, 36 seasons of excavations were undertaken at Glastonbury Abbey, funded by the Society of Antiquaries of London and the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society. There were eight different directors, some of whom searched for the grave of Arthur and even the mythical Holy Grail; others uncovered important evidence for the Anglo-Saxon and medieval monastic buildings and material culture.

Despite their various agendas, all the excavators of Glastonbury Abbey had one thing in common  they failed to analyse and publish the results of their excavations. For the last decade, I have led the Glastonbury Abbey Archaeological Archive Project, which is dedicated to analysing and publishing the archive of all 36 excavation seasons. This is a collaboration between Glastonbury Abbey and the University of Reading, funded principally by the Arts & Humanities Research Council. It has drawn on the expertise of a large team of more than 30 archaeologists from across the UK and yielded a wealth of new evidence that is now available in a monograph published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, with the full data and archive reports freely accessible through the Archaeology Data Service.

Abbey archaeologists

The archaeological excavations began in the early 20th century, around the same time that Glastonbury emerged as a beacon for spiritual, creative, and occult movements in England. The first director of excavations is also regarded as a founding figure of the towns New Age community: Frederick Bligh Bond (1864-1945) was an ecclesiastical architect who undertook excavations at Glastonbury Abbey from 1908 to 1921. His credibility was questioned after he revealed his commitment to spiritualism  a belief that the spirits of the dead can communicate with the living.

In a book published in 1918, Bond revealed that his excavations at the abbey had been an extended experiment in psychical research: The Gate of Remembrance: The Story of the Psychological Experiment which resulted in the Discovery of the Edgar Chapel at Glastonbury. Automatic writing suggested to Bond that the Edgar Chapel that was built at the east end of the great church c.1500 had an apsed termination, but this feature was not confirmed by his excavations. Despite the absence of archaeological evidence, Bond showed an apsed chapel on his published plans of the Edgar Chapel and reconstructed it in the layout of the ruins on site. His use of spiritualism as an archaeological method at Glastonbury became a national controversy. The Edgar Chapel was even discussed in Parliament, leading to Bonds dismissal from the abbey.

The archaeologist most closely associated with Glastonbury Abbey is Courtenay Arthur Ralegh Radford (1900-1999), who excavated at the abbey from 1951 to 1964. He was highly respected for his ecclesiastical scholarship and known for his particular focus on Celtic monasticism. Radford was attracted to sites connected with the Arthurian legends of his native West Country, such as Glastonbury, Tintagel, Castle Dore, and Cadbury Castle. He conducted extensive excavations at the abbey and also carried out a search for the grave of Arthur and Guinevere, guided by descriptions in medieval sources. In 1963, he announced to the press (optimistically) that he had discovered the site of Arthurs grave, allegedly exhumed by the monks in 1191.

Philip Rahtz (1921-2011), the excavator of the early monastic site on Glastonbury Tor, and numerous other sites in and around Glastonbury, was highly sceptical of using archaeology to investigate mythical characters such as Arthur, describing the practice as historically misleading and trivial. Rahtz was also critical of Radfords emphasis on Early Christian archaeology, arguing that it leads to an undue emphasis on the ideological, specifically Christian, aspects of the period, influencing the choice of sites to be dug and the interpretation of the evidence recorded. My own interest in Glastonbury was sparked by Philip Rahtz, who was my undergraduate professor at the University of York. Philip sometimes claimed a belief in destiny, and he suggested that it was fate that brought us both to Glastonbury, albeit 50 years apart.

Dark Age precursor

One of the key research questions surrounding Glastonbury Abbey is the date of the earliest settlement on the site. The monks of Glastonbury claimed that their old church was the oldest in the land. In 1130, the renowned historian William of Malmesbury described an ancient brushwood church at Glastonbury. He suggested that it had been founded by missionaries in AD 166, or possibly even earlier, perhaps dating back to the time of Christs apostles. Recent study of Glastonburys Anglo-Saxon charters by Susan Kelly, a freelance historian, suggests that the earliest monastic foundation was in the last decades of the 7th century. The medieval monks, though, believed they had descended from an earlier Celtic community. This view was shared by Radford, even though his own excavations recorded nothing earlier than the 8th century.

Reassessment of the archive and associated finds has revealed new evidence for earlier occupation on the site of Glastonbury Abbey. Among the most exciting discoveries was a small assemblage of Late Roman Amphora (LRA1; previously known as Bii ware). These sherds of pottery indicate the presence of amphorae imported from the eastern Mediterranean that would have contained wine and oil. The date range of LRA1 elsewhere in the southwest of Britain has been confirmed by radiocarbon dates as around AD 450550. Fourteen sherds of LRA1 from Glastonbury were associated with a roughly trodden floor and post-pits connected with timber structures located within the bounds of an early cemetery. The condition of the sherds suggests that the floor represents an undisturbed post-Roman context, possibly associated with one or more timber halls. A radiocarbon date from a post-pit suggests a destruction date in the 8th or 9th centuries, indicating that the hall may have been in use for several centuries.

This important new evidence confirms that there was high-status occupation at Glastonbury in the 5th or 6th centuries, long before the first monastic foundation was documented. This refutes the prevailing view that Glastonbury Abbey was a secondary development to the monasteries on Glastonbury Tor and at nearby Beckery, where Philip Rahtz excavated early graves and sherds of LRA1. The new evidence emerging from Glastonbury fits with the latest research at other early monasteries: for example, recent excavations by the University of Reading at the royal monastery of Lyminge in Kent revealed that a high-status hall complex was the precursor to the Anglo-Saxon monastery (CA 284).

This is an extract from a feature published in CA 320. Click here to subscribe.
Anglo Saxon Malting Complex  Unique (Credit: SHARP)

SHARP (the Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Research Project) is a long-term, independently-run archaeological project. Our primary objective is the investigation of the entire range of human settlement and land use in the north-west Norfolk parish of Sedgeford. Established in 1996, SHARP is one of the largest independent archaeological projects in Britain and is firmly rooted in the local community.

SHARP offers financial support for excavation and our courses through the John Hensby Bursary. For further information, email [email protected]

We welcome all volunteers regardless of background and often no previous experience of archaeology is necessary, as on-site training courses are run every week during the excavation, as well as a wide array of other specialised training courses.

Our ongoing excavation focus is on a complex of Anglo-Saxon malting houses, located to the east of the previously excavated settlement, within Chalk Pit field. Our research on this particular site has been ongoing since 2013 and is now beginning to produce a remarkable insight into how these rare features within the Anglo-Saxon period would have functioned. In addition to our main excavation, we also undertake several smaller evaluation excavations. You can read more about our ongoing excavations on our blog.

There are several ways in which to participate in one of Britains leading archaeological research and training opportunities.

Location: Sedgeford, Norfolk, PE36 5LT

Region: East (East Anglia)

Time period: Mesolithic to WW2  main excavations for 2022 will be Anglo Saxon and Roman

Accommodation provided: Campsite available or independent booking of local accommodation

Level of experience required: If attending the Basic Excavation and Recording Techniques Course, no experience required. As a volunteer, must have had two weeks experience.

Academic credit available: Yes  accredited to sign off BAJR Passport

Extra on-excavation activities:

Festival of Archaeology Open Day July 24, 2022.

Events planned every evening.

Tuesday Lectures include: The Anglo Saxon Settlement in Chalkpit Field (Phil Hill), Seahenge and its Sister (David Robertson), Three Sharp-Bladed Trauma Victims (Ray Baldry), Excavations of a Romano-Celtic Temple (Paddy Lambert), The Paston Letters (Peter Stibbons) and more.

Range of Courses: the Basic Excavation and Recording Techniques Courses dig weeks 1-5, Non Invasive Course Week 1, Intro to Zooarchaeology Analysis, Historic Building Research and Surveying, Intro to Human Remains, Dig for a Day and a Day Archaeometallurgy Workshop.

Age limit: Persons aged 14 or 15 are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian accompanying. Ages 16 and 17 may attend unaccompanied with parental or guardian permission.

Dates: June 26  August 5 2022

Cost: Various prices ranging from on-site camping to off-site. Concessions available and a bursary available for qualifying applicants. All details available on the SHARP Website.

Contact name: Brian Fraser (Bookings Secretary)

Contact address: Through Booking Enquiries at https://www.sharp.org.uk/contact

Contact telephone: 07862 731577

Contact email: [email protected]

Website address: https://www.sharp.org.uk/

Social media:

Blog  https://www.sharp.org.uk/blog

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499756993659206
Current Archaeology Live! 2016 returned to Senate House, London, on 26-27 February, for another entertaining, stimulating, and enjoyable two days! We heard from the foremost archaeological experts on the latest finds and ground-breaking research  you can see the full line up of incredible speakers in the timetable below.

Archaeology Awards

The winners of the prestigious Current Archaeology Awards, as announced on 26 February as part of CA Live! 2016, are as follows:

Archaeologist of the Year:

Roberta Gilchrist

(University of Reading)

Research Project of the Year:

Recapturing Berkeley Castle: one trench, 1500 years of English history

(University of Bristol)

Rescue Dig of the Year:

The Drumclay crannog-dwellers: revealing 1,000 years of lakeside living

(Nora Bermingham and Caitriona Moore, excavations carried out on behalf of the Department of the Environment and Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland)

Book of the Year:

The Archaeology Caves in Ireland

(by Marion Dowd)

The awards pay tribute to archaeologys star projects and publications that made the pages of CA this year, and the people judged to have made outstanding contributions to archaeology. They are voted for entirely by the public, and there are no panels of judges. You can read more about all the nominees by clicking here.

This year also sees the return of the Current World Archaeology Photo of the Year competition  our international sister-magazine has been asking for your images of archaeological sites and artefacts abroad. The competition has now closed, and the winner and three runners-up will be displayed at the conference, on www.world-archaeology.com, and printed in the April/May issue of CWA

2016 Timetable:

Save the Date!

Current Archaeology Live! 2017 will be held on 24-25 February 2017, at Senate House, London.

Why not watch the video of the previous CA Live! conference below, and get a flavour of what to expect?

Current Archaeology Live! 2015

Neil Faulkner, Contributing Editor of Current Archaeology and Editor of Military History Monthly, guides us through a snapshot of the Current Archaeology Live! 2015 conference, which was held in February at Senate House, London.

Our previous conferences have been great successes  below are a few of your comments. We look forward to seeing you all again at this coming one!

[quote]Exceeded expectations. I was expecting a lot and got more  its good to have access to good speakers and key personnel in the projects.[/quote]

[quote]The event exceeded our expectation. We have an amateur interest in archaeology, mainly through television, and did have a concern that the event might be overly academic. This was not borne out, and we thought that all the speakers delivered interesting sets with Time Team presentation skills  and I mean that in a good way![/quote]

[quote]The organisers are to be congratulated for putting on a stimulating and wide-ranging programme.[/quote]

[quote]It entirely lived up to my expectations. The venue was excellent; a magnificent art deco building. The awards ceremony and drinks reception (with nice pastries, rather than just crisps)  and the rock group  was an enjoyable way to close the first day.[/quote]

[quote]It was my first attendance and I was highly impressed. The organisation was very smooth and professional, the content of excellent quality and superbly presented, the venue accessible and comfortable.[/quote]

[quote]Excellent speakers and presentations. Also met up with old friends and made new ones  a friendly atmosphere.[/quote]

[quote]Event was excellent value for money![/quote]

[quote]It was very interesting to hear current updated views from the contributors, all people qualified in their own disciplines. The event was well organised and gives one the opportunity to attend a centre where like-minded people can congregate and listen to current debate on topics.[/quote]

[quote]Exceeded expectations. I was expecting a lot and got more  its good to have access to good speakers and key personnel in the projects.[/quote]

[quote]Well-organised, well-run, and a superb range of speakers.[/quote]

[quote]I have been to every conference since they began, and the range and variety of topics has been superb I can offer no improvements.[/quote]
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The number one issue of the Government is increasing efficiency of management, and there is no lack of challenges in the world, the region and in Armenia, President Sargsyan announced during the Cabinet meeting. President Sargsyan congratulated members of the Cabinet on the beginning of their service in high ranking public positions and wished success.

The President reminded members of the Cabinet about the responsibility which they have assumed.

Obviously, the number one issue of the Government is increasing the efficiency of management, and there is no lack of challenges in the world, the region and Armenia. Obviously, it is easier to develop and achieve high economic results when there is peace around you, when partner countries have economic growth, and it is a lot more difficult, when there are external negative signals, but you are obliged to do your best and achieve development. Of course it is necessary for us to remain competitive and increase the efficiency of our economy on a continuous basis, President Sargsyan said.

According to President Sargsyan, global experience shows that it is both possible and necessary to manage modest resources more rationally and achieve comparably better results. In the Presidents opinion, the society has the same expectations.

The potential of our economy and society lies in a better organized and targeted work. We initiated systematic changes with the Constitutional reforms and in this context the present Government assumes the most serious role, which is, to become the locomotive of change, the moving force and the performer. The transition from a semi-presidential system to a parliamentary system changes not only the administration model, but first and foremost solves an issue of collective thinking and collective attitude. You are destined to become the leader of the transitional period, and I have faith in your strengths, I have faith that this Government will succeed in everything that all the previous Governments have failed, the President said, adding that the members of the Cabinet wont be alone in this work. Serzh Sargsyan promised that all state agencies will operate harmoniously, they will be assisted, encouraged, they will move in the same direction, but the moving force must be the Government.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Samsung Electronics Co. said Thursday that it will buy U.S. artificial intelligence company Viv Labs Inc., as the South Korean smartphone giant turns to the creators of Apple Inc.s Siri service to beef up its own mobile software and services, reports The Wall Street Journal.

The deal, for an undisclosed amount, is Samsungs fourth U.S. technology company acquisition in a little more than two years, underscoring the technology players new willingness to look outside the company to spur innovation, particularly in areas like software, where it has traditionally been weak.

The aim for Samsung is to pack its phones with more eye-popping features to help its premium devices stand out from a pack of competitors, including Apples iPhones.

After its acquisition last year of mobile payments startup LoopPay for about $160 million, Samsung adopted the Burlington, Mass.-based companys technology to launch Samsung Pay, a mobile payment service that rivals Apple Pay.

Samsung is looking to follow a similar model with San Jose, Calif.-based Viv Labs, which was founded four years ago by a team that includes Siri co-creators Dag Kittlaus and Adam Cheyer.

Unlike with Siri, which Kittlaus sold to Apple in 2010 before departing the company the next year, Kittlaus took an open-development approach with Viv Labs, allowing third-party developers to contribute new functions and features to the Viv virtual-assistant service.

Siri and some of the other assistants are Chapter One, Kittlaus said in an interview, calling Vivs open model the missing ingredient to take this to a completely different level.

In contrast to Siri, which can offer what Mr. Kittlaus described as dozens of features, he said that Viv Labs would allow for hundreds of thousands of capabilities. Apple didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kittlaus said that the companys sale to Samsung, the worlds largest maker of smartphones, was a fast-forward option on his ultimate goal of helping the service reach ubiquity.

Samsung and Viv Labs began talking seriously about an acquisition earlier this year, said Jacopo Lenzi, senior vice president at Samsungs Global Innovation Center, which has been responsible for the recent spate of deals.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. By displaying activeness in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan live of contact, Azerbaijan attempts to divert the attention of the discontented society, NKR Presidents spokesman Davit Babayan told ARMENPRESS.

Azerbaijans nature is such, that being a terrorist state, it will always seek to carry out similar policy. Its another issue that this state may use any occasion to push this policy forward. There are several developments, which fuel the passions even more, for Azerbaijan to take these steps, Babayan said. According to him, one of these developments is the latest referendum in Azerbaijan. Several reputable organizations have condemned the referendum, citing numerous violations. According to Babayan, this was a show of eternalizing Aliyevs leadership, which caused discontent for numerous citizens.

We saw that the leadership attempted to seize any similar development by force. In any case the situation is tense. In addition to this is the serious social situation of the country, decrease of oil prices, cuts in defense budget, and there are issues with benefits and pensions. This kind of plight is created in Azerbaijan. Therefore, the best option is escalating the border situation, in order to divert the societys attention from domestic developments with the image of an external enemy, Babayan said.

In his words, the Azerbaijani society understands very well that it is the Aliyev clan which is the greatest danger for Azerbaijan. He noted that the society must ask Aliyev why he is lying for so many years. The military parade of Yerevan showed that Azerbaijan is not leading in terms of armaments, and the April war confirmed that it cant solve issues through military operations.

Therefore this discontent must be somehow suppressed, divert the societys attention by activeness in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact, Babayan added.

Babayan underscores that first and foremost the suppressor of Azerbaijans activities is the Armenian Army, which is always ready to fulfill its duties on the highest level.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Poland's parliament has voted overwhelmingly to reject a controversial citizens' bill for a near-total ban on abortion, BBC reported.

The government said that protests against the bill had given ministers "food for thought".

Poland already has among the tightest abortion laws in Europe, and the proposal sought to ban all abortions unless the mother's life was at risk.

MPs voted to reject the bill by 352 votes to 58.

The bill came from an anti-abortion citizens' initiative that gathered some 450,000 signatures.

However, it was not sponsored by Poland's ruling, socially conservative Law and Justice party (PiS) and MPs were given a free vote.

Some 100,000 people, mostly women, protested against the proposals in cities across Poland on Monday and appeared to prompt the PiS to swing against the bill, although the party promotes Catholic values.

Prime Minister Beata Szydlo distanced herself from a change to the law and Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Gowin moved to reassure women on Wednesday that a total ban would not get through.

"Abortion will certainly not be banned when the woman is the victim of rape or if her life or her health is in danger," he insisted.

Since Law and Justice came to power last year, it has been criticized by the EU for taking control of state media appointments and for reforms to Poland's constitutional court.

Abortion is already largely banned in Poland. The only exceptions are a severe and irreversible damage to the foetus, a serious threat to the mother's health, or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

The Stop Abortion campaign group wanted the ban extended to cases of rape and incest. The only exception would have been where the mother's life was in danger.

Doctors already risk punishment if they carry out an illegal termination. But the tighter proposals would have made abortion punishable with an five-year prison term.
Its backers have praised [the Canadian Museum for Human Rights], which attracts nearly 350,000 visitors a year, for starting important conversations about injustice. But to others, despite a raft of powerful exhibits on the oppression of indigenous peoples in Canada, the museum could do more to address the nations uncomfortable truths about its past and present dealings with the descendants of the lands original inhabitants.
This was revealed by a survey of the Social Weather Stations. Only 11% of voters are dissatisfied. It is the second highest percentage in the history of Philippine presidents. Massacre of alleged drug dealers continues: more than 3 thousand deaths.

Manila (AsiaNews / Agencies) - 76% of Filipino voters are satisfied with the work of President Rodrigo Duterte in his first 100 days in office. This was revealed by a survey conducted September 24 to 27 by the non-profit Social Weather Stations research institute (Sws).

According to the data, only 11% of those questioned are "dissatisfied", while 13% are undecided. This results in a "net satisfaction" (percentage of less than satisfied dissatisfied) of 64%, the second highest in the history of Philippine presidents.

Sws noted that Duterte has received almost a plebiscite in his home province, Mindanao, where he got 88% of the vote.

The result has surprised some observers, since Duterte has become famous in recent months for a tough and bloody campaign against drug traffickers. Since his election, which took place in May 2016 more than 3 thousand drug dealers or alleged drug dealers, have been killed.

The authors of the massacre are members of the police or armed groups. The president compared his war on drugs to the extermination of the Jews operated by Adolf Hitler, saying: "I'd be happy to kill them."

A few weeks ago, a local analyst explained that Duterte is using the rhetoric of "loving father of the nation", the iron fist against alleged drug traffickers and military backing "to restore dictatorship in the country."

The Catholic Church has repeatedly criticized the "war on drugs" and the executive has asked the police to "recapture the spirit of justice."
On 6 October 1976, paramilitaries cracked down on a mass student demonstration, killing more than 100. The perpetrators were never identified. Few commemorations of the massacre are held. With Thailand is still under military rule, this "makes it even more difficult to commemorate these events since the military wants everything [. . .] wrapped in silence," source tells AsiaNews.

Bangkok (AsiaNews)  Buddhist monks, human rights activists and onlookers gathered today in Bangkok to commemorate the Thammasat University massacre. On 6 October 1976, the authorities carried out a bloodbath against student protesters, killing more than a hundred of them.

Despite the fact that the tragedy is still alive in the memory of Thais, no official or mass commemorations is planned.

"Such tragedies are a difficult moment that Thais, and more broadly East Asians, tend not to remember," a source told AsiaNews,

The fact that Thailand is under a military regime since 2014 "makes it even more difficult to commemorate these events, and everything is wrapped in silence," the source added.

On 6 October 1976, thousands of students from Thammasat University (central Bangkok) took to the streets against the return of exiled dictator Thanom Kittikachorn (prime minister from 1963 to 1973). Eventually, the students were cornered by right-wing paramilitaries who fired at them and threw grenades at them.

After subduing the students, the paramilitary grabbed some students, taking them to a nearby public place where they were abused, beaten to death, and hanged. Unceremoniously, the bodies were then tossed onto a makeshift funeral pyre. The official death toll was 46, though credible independent estimates put it at more than 100.

"The unrest, the source said, was described as Communist-connected. In the 1970s, there was great fear of communists, Vietnam, etc. They said that the students were commie insurgents, who had to be fought and eliminated."

This years commemoration received more attention than usual after Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong was arrested and then expelled from Thailand. He was supposed to speak at Chulalongkorn University, which this year joined Thammasat University for the first time to mark the anniversary.

Even though the events of 6 October may not be documented in Thai history, the new generation still strives to learn about it, said Thammasat rector Somkit Lertpaithoon.

After 40 years, the massacre is an unsolved case because the perpetrators have never been identified or punished.

The incident has relevance to the current state of Thai politics because it becomes possible to continue to stage coup after coup while repressing dissent because those who have done so in the past have not been held to account for doing so, said Tyrell Haberkorn, a fellow in political and social change at the Australian National University.
by Pascoal Carvalho

Dr Pascoal Carvalho is set to speak at the National Symposium organised for the 20th anniversary of the diocesan Commission for human life in Mumbai. In his address, published here, he explains the Christian value of suffering. Euthanasia has become a way to end the lives of [. . .] human beings deemed to be a burden.

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - Human life is threatened today on so many fronts: right at the start of life, there are powerful forces promoting abortion, seeking to snuff out life. Throughout life, there are many threats  the deterioration of the environment, for example, is surely a threat to life. If the present trend continues, the earth will no longer be a habitable dwelling place for human beings. Right at the end of a persons life, there are voices clamouring for euthanasia, said Mgr Agnelo Gracias, auxiliary bishop of Mumbai who will attend the National Symposium with which the diocese of Mumbai will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Commission for human life on 21-23 October.

Exclusively for AsiaNews, we publish Dr Pascoal Carvalhos contribution, entitled a Christian understanding of death. The Catholic doctor is a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Reflecting on the practice of euthanasia, he stresses that today "Society has moved from protecting life - to allowing the vulnerable to seek the easy and painless way out  to active measures to end the lives of such human beings deemed to be a burden." He outlines the Christian meaning of life and death, the latter understood as the highest moment of suffering that bonds man to the Passion of Christ. In his view, we should not be afraid of death because "the goal is the right hand of the Father."

Euthanasia is derived from the Greek word eu, meaning good and thanatos meaning death, and signifies a good or easy death. Euthanasia allows one to aid and expedite the dying process for the purpose of relieving the patient's intolerable and incurable suffering. The motive is supposed to be merciful and intended to end suffering or emotional distress.

The Slippery Slope

Society has moved from protecting life - to allowing the vulnerable to seek the easy and painless way out  to active measures to end the lives of such human beings deemed to be a burden. We begin at the time of conception with abortions, IVF, genetic manipulations and end with those having incurable diseases or suffering great pain. To stop this degenerative thinking we need to re-focus on the meaning of life and death.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church euthanasia is defined as an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes the death of handicapped, sick, or dying personssometimes with an attempt to justify the act as a means of eliminating suffering.

Euthanasia is a form of murder and thus is prohibited by the Fifth Commandment which says Thou shalt not kill. It is a grave offense against the dignity of the human person and also against God, the Author of human life. While motives and circumstances can mitigate ones culpability, they do not change the nature of this murderous act, which must be forbidden (Catechism, no. 2277).

Catholic meaning of suffering and Death

Death is a reality that none of us can escape. As death approaches, we suddenly begin to ponder on the meaning of life, of suffering and of what is to come next. A terminal illness gives us time for introspection and reflection and brings to the forefront questions regarding our faith that we did not dare address before. How we approach and accept this reality is of utmost importance to the individual, the family and to the community.

Pope St. John Paul II reiterated the Churchs teaching:

I confirm that euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of God, since it is the deliberate and morally unacceptable killing of a human person. This doctrine, based upon the natural law and upon the written Word of God, is transmitted by the Churchs Tradition, and taught by the ordinary and universal Magisterium (EV, no. 65).

Pope St. John Paul IIs Apostolic Letter from 1984, Salvifici Doloris (redemptive suffering) gives deep insight into suffering and our relationship with God.

For Catholics, suffering is a process of purification and Death can be the final moment of fulfilment.

The Apostle Paul says: "In my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the Church. Pope St. John Paul II says These words have as it were the value of a final discovery, which is accompanied by joy. For this reason, Saint Paul writes: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake". The joy comes from the discovery of the meaning of the salvific meaning of suffering.

Suffering finds its true meaning in Jesus Christ. Christ, by his own suffering, gives it a redemptive aspect. Thus as man suffers he is called to share, like Christ, in the redemption of man.

Mary the Mother of Christ, shared in the redemptive suffering beginning with prophecy of Simeon right up to the Crucifixion. Suffering requires courage and fortitude, placing hope in Christ and His victory over the world through His suffering, teaching us to unite ourselves to Christ.

The Cross of Christ throws salvific light, in a most penetrating way, on man's life and in particular on his suffering. For through faith the Cross reaches man together with the Resurrection: the mystery of the Passion is contained in the Paschal Mystery. The witnesses of Christ's Passion are at the same time witnesses of his Resurrection. Paul writes: "That I may know him (Christ) and the power of his Resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Salvifici Doloris)

The possibility of being made partners, in a way known to God, in the paschal mystery" is offered to all men. He calls his disciples to "take up their cross and follow him, (Mt.16:24). Thus to share in the sufferings of Christ is, at the same time, to suffer for the Kingdom of God. Those who share in the suffering of Christ become worthy of this Kingdom. Through their sufferings, in a certain sense they repay the infinite price of the Passion and death of Christ, which became the price of our Redemption: at this price the Kingdom of God has been consolidated anew in human history. Christ has led us into this Kingdom through his suffering. And also through suffering those surrounded by the mystery of Christ's Redemption become mature enough to enter this Kingdom.

Points to ponder

Suffering is now no longer an experience of uselessness and burden to others. Suffering provides an opportunity for grace and an opportunity for others to show love. For us, earthly life is not an end but created as a beginning for eternity.

God is the author of Life and the One who guides our destiny. The just man is depicted not as seeking deliverance from the burdens of old age, but as putting his trust in Gods loving providence like Abraham, our father in faith. The Bible does not teach a mere fatalism or resignation, but elicits faith in God and trust in His mercy and promises.

Suffering is a process of purification. Struggle purifies you from all attachments. A person gets a time to purify and detach himself/herself from the material wants.

You cannot interfere with a persons moment of illumination e.g. There is suffering for sure, but acceptance brings about a calmness knowing that we are participating with Christ in the redemption of man and will be at the right hand of God for eternity. The time of suffering, is the moment of deciding for God.

God is the sole custodian for our life. We cannot, in any form or by law, try to subvert this intimate relationship between man and God, by deceiving man someone that life is meaningless and has an end on earth. How then would man be any different from an animal?

Death is the highest point of purification and a definitive decision for God. Saints went through this. Even Christ on the cross cried out to God Why have you forsaken me?.

Before death there is only one life. Here we need to make a definite decision for or against God in this life. We feel abandonment, yet our faith and acceptance of the Will of God is the highest point of spirituality.

Redemptive suffering is the Christian belief that human suffering, when accepted and offered up in union with the Passion of Jesus, can remit the just punishment for one's sins or for the sins of another, or for the other physical or spiritual needs of oneself or another.

Suffering is supernatural because God has bound it up with salvation, and human because it is endured by all men. Through human suffering, men find their identity in themselves and in Christ.

Magisterium of the Catholic Church on Euthanasia.

The Second Vatican Council (1962-65), taught: The varieties of crime are numerous: all offenses against life itself, such as murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia, and willful suicide . . . are criminal: they poison civilization, and they debase the perpetrators more than the victims and militate against the honor of the Creator (Gaudium et Spes, no. 27).

Reflections and Conclusions:

Jesus told His disciples not to fear for their lives; eternal life is infinitely more valuable than one's earthly life: Don't be afraid of those who want to kill you. They can only kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (NLT, Matthew 10:28-29)

In his Letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul looked forward to the time he could leave this earthly life behind and be with Christ:

Pope St. John Paul II explains that following of Christ is not only the imitation of his virtues, it is not only living like Christ in this world, as far as possible, according to his word; but it is a journey that has a goal. And the goal is the right hand of the Father. We must have the courage, the joy, the great hope that there is eternal life, that it is the true life and that from this true life comes the light that also enlightens this world.

No one has the right to come between this unique relationship of God and man.

(Nirmala Carvalho contributed to this article)
by Xin Yage

Taipei (AsiaNews) - The auxiliary bishop of Hualien, Msgr. John B. Tsi-Chien Tseng (     ), will retire for reasons of age, in mid-October. The conclusion of the public ministry of the bishop is being heralded as a major celebration also because he was the first Aboriginal pastor on the island. Taiwan's aboriginal population is composed of 14 ethnic groups. Each has its own oral language and its own tradition and history. More than a third of the Catholic population on the island is Aboriginal.



Msgr. Tseng was born on December 11, 1942 in the province of Chihpen in Taitung ( ) and was ordained a priest at thirty, on March 21, 1972. His friends and community will remember him as having been very close to the simple people. "He celebrated Mass, thespent time with the young people and he also chewed betel nut (), we smoked a cigarette together and drank a few glasses of beer to share moments as friends," recalls Mr. Sun ( ), today the aboriginal with the highest post in the Taiwanese government as Vice President of the Court of Auditors (), one of the five departments of the central government, which controls the legality, regularity and sound financial management of all other departments.



In 1998 father Tseng was named to the Episcopate and became auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Hualien ( ). "He was the first aboriginal bishop of the Taiwanese church, a great recognition and a great honor," recalls Maria Chen, of the parish of the Immaculate Conception of Chihpen (     ).



Mr. Sun continues, "He belongs to Zhiben tribes (), I Xiabinlang the tribes ( ). We Aborigines have long prayed for our Bishop, I mean, a bishop who was chosen from among the faithful of our tribe. When Tseng was nominated we realized that God had listened to us! ".



"Jesus and the prophets in our language"



Msgr. Tseng was not born into a Catholic family, but thanks to the mission of the Bethlehemites fathers his family chose to be baptized and to belong to the Christian community after he began primary school. "For me - the bishop told AsiaNews - the Bethlehemites missionaries (    ) were fundamental. Especially Father Patrick Veil (   ), from Switzerland whom I met when I was 10, he played a key role in my formation and in the future choices of my life. When I saw that he was a missionary, but had studied and perfectly spoke the language of our tribe, I realized that the Church had a very important role in our culture. All this has a huge effect on me. He could translate the language of Jesus and the prophets and apostles into our local language. I also grew up speaking Japanese and Mandarin (Taiwan at that time was still a colony of Japan), languages that I like very much, but obviously not the language spoken at home and in the tribal meetings, which for us means Aboriginal identity and belonging . When I grew up and I started my studies at the seminary, thanks to Fr. Veils inspiration, we then started working on the translation of the Bible, to preserve the beauty of our tradition. These things seem obvious but they are not, they require a huge commitment in terms of time and dedication. "



Sister Teresa Kao (   ), superior of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross (    ), speaks of her collaboration with Msgr. Tseng ever since he was a young priest: "He was very nice and approachable. He was not afraid to share the life of the poorest communities. Always ready to help, even physically. I remember once one of the elders who was welcomed to our nursing home had to be visited in the clinic, but no one could accompany him and he could not walk. The doctor was busy with other cases and could not go to his house. Father Tseng picked him up and put him on his shoulders, and travelled almost two kilometers with that old man on his shoulder along the mountain path. When he arrived he simply told us: 'I'm sorry, I brought him because I could not wait for the doctor' and he did things like that in many situations, always in our aboriginal community. "



Aboriginal priests thanks to missionaries



After Mass in the nice community of Chihpen, where we went to interview Msgr. Tseng now 75 years of age, an elderly woman tells us: "We have been brought up by Bethlehemites missionaries who came and spent their lives with us. We are very grateful for this. Also, when the Church gave us a bishop of our tribe we realized that God was among us, there was no longer just a foreign person to represent the service of the Church. "



The Bethlehemites fathers have built more than 50 parishes; a vocational school for Aboriginal children to help them enter the world of work; two houses for people with physical and mental problems, one of which is entrusted to the Sisters of Nazareth. Without them, the Catholic community in Taitung would not be what it is now. But from the beginning their mission has always had as its goal to be able to pass the reins to the local and indigenous community of clergy. "Every project had to become self-sufficient and not dependent on external aid, each parish had to be entrusted to the priests of the local diocesan clergy" the elderly Swiss missionary Fr. Gottfried Vonwyl who is residing in Taitung tells us ( ). And the numbers bear this out. The Aboriginal priests of the Diocese of Taitung and Hualien, where Msgr. Tseng was auxiliary bishop, are now 38, the highest number in all of Taiwan.



We ask Msgr. Tseng about his plans after retirement: "For sure I will devote myself to revising and refining the translation of the Bible, especially the letters of Paul and Peter in which I have specialized, to safeguard our language in its integrity. We have to pass this important legacy to the younger generation. In the coming years, if God gives me health, I will have the time and ability to do this and it seems to us an important job to do. Also I will devote a lot of time to all the elders of our tribe who need companionship and help, so they do not feel lonely or abandoned".



His brother's wife hopes his health will remain strong as it is now: "We want him to remain healthy and be an example for the next generations with his vocation and his episcopal mission. We were really lucky to have shared this journey with him. He became the bearer of our demands to government officials and competent authorities, even within the Church. "



Just last August 1, the new President of Taiwan, Ms. Tsai Ing-wen () for the first time led the government's apology to the elders of the aboriginal tribes. "It 's the first time that a president has apologized for the harassment caused by the political authorities in the past, and for us it was an important gesture that honors the new president," said Fr. Joseph Guan (   ), parish priest of Kenting.



In this whole process of recognition of the aboriginal Taiwanese tribes and flourishing ecclesial communities, Msgr. Tseng continues to be a vital presence which testifies to the desire to be at the service of those who live on the margins of society.
by Paul Wang

Bangkok (AsiaNews) - The activist Joshua Wong, 19, one of the most famous faces of the Occupy Central protests in 2014, has been detained by Thai authorities on arriving at Suvarnabhum airport according to a statement by Demosisto Party, founded by Wong and other students.



Wong would set to meet university students, at the invitation of a colleague, the student activist Netiwit Chotipatpaisal, who was waiting for him at the airport.



The decision to block Wong was taken by immigration authorities. Under current norms Hong Kong residents can enter Thailand for 30 days. But in the case of Wong, the authorities fear that he might trigger a series of pro-democracy demonstrations, like those of Occupy Central, which lasted nearly three months.



Wong was set to meet the students of Chulalongkorn University to commemorate the 1976 student massacre, by the military junta of the time. According Netiwit, the Thai authorities have "received a letter from the Chinese government" to stop Wongs activities. The Demosisto party is in favor of independence in Hong Kong, which absolutely unacceptable by China.



Last May Wong could not enter Malaysia, where he was expected for a conference on democracy in China. Then he was sent back immediately to Hong Kong.



It is likely that this time Wong will return to the territory without being able to meet the students.



Thailand seems increasingly prone to serving the needs of China. Last year, Gui Minhai, a publisher in Hong Kong critical of China, disappeared while on vacation in Thailand. Later he appeared on Chinese state television, "confessing" that he willingly gave himself up to the authorities in Beijing. Gui is one of five publishers who "disappeared" for a long time and reappeared with televised "confessions" about their alleged crimes.



Last year, two dissidents and their families, who had sought asylum at the UN in Bangkok, were sent back to China. Many Uyghurs (Muslims of Xinjiang), who fled to Thailand, were repatriated.
Drop in funds allocated to former President Hadi and armed militias fighting against the Houthis. Members of the "Conference of Riyadh" abandoned or arrested. The warlords withdraw proceeds from the sale of gas and oil from Central Bank (transferred to Aden). The situation favors the Shiite rebels, the lead on the various war fronts.

Riyadh (AsiaNews) - Saudi Arabia, which has been monetarily supporting conflicts in the Middle East  such as Syria, Bahrain, Yemen - has decided to withdraw funding to former Yemeni President Abd Rabu Mansur Hadi and his government.

The abrupt and unexpected measure, also applies to the armed pro-Saudi militias in the struggle against the Shiite Houthi rebels and the Yemen War lords in exile in Saudi Arabia. Many analysts and experts believe that the decision confirms the serious economic crisis that has also hit Riyadh.



Former President Hadi returned to Aden in recent days, after attending the UN General Assembly in New York in late September. However, issues "related to security" - these are the terms used by his entourage - prevented him from reaching the set destination.



Authoritative sources in Riyadh, behind anonymity, reported that the Saudi Kingdom is considering the idea of abandoning the members of the so-called "Riyadh Conference", which is experiencing a period of great difficulty in the Saudi capital.

Many members of the Yemeni opposition close to Riyadh, until recently, clearly visible in the foyer of the most luxurious hotels in the capital, are now without livelihoods. And they do not even have the legal documents to stay in the Kingdom which, once, came with a small budget or "hospitality fund."

Several members of the Yemeni opposition, welcomed at the beginning of the conflict and housed by the Saudi royal family itself, which meant to legitimize the war and military intervention along with the "allies" of the Arab coalition, are now in prison. Others are forced to pay heavy fines in cash, for an amount almost equal to the amounts received over the years for their alliance with Saudi Arabia.



The political leader Salah Al Yemeni Sayadi, secretary general of the Popular Democratic Party, wrote on his Facebook page: "What the members of the Riyadh conference are being subjected to is humiliation and ingratitude for the role they played in support of their allies".



The war in Yemen, fueled by Riyadh has gone beyond the Kingdoms worst predictions, especially after the Yemeni troops who oppose Hadi - and the intervention of the coalition - managed to push the fighting up into Saudi territory . The war has now engulfed the city of Jizan and Najran in the south-west of the country, and also recorded the shelling of border areas with long-range missiles. These are weapons available to the rebel militias that control Sana'a, and with which they manage to hit military bases inside Saudi Arabia.



The government led by former President Hadi is locked up in the corridors of power in Aden, as it was forced to return to Yemen after pressure from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It has not, however, managed to impose its authority, after warlords filled the power vacuum and appropriated all the revenue from public goods. The local authorities in Hadramot, Al Mahra and Maareb have rejected Hadis request to pay the amount due to the state coffers of the Central Bank, recently moved - again at the request of the Saudis and the Emirates  to Aden.



Sheikh Hashem Al Ahmar, from Maareb province, has justified the refusal to pay the tax to the state - two billion Rials per month - with the fact that these sums are used to "cover up the war effort of the forces in favor of reform." With this justification the warlords in areas controlled by former president pro-Saudi Hadi continue to appropriate the revenue from oil and gas. Sums which, in reality, should be paid into the coffers of the central bank in Aden.



This situation, combined with the interruption of Saudi funding, means President Hadi cannot ensure the salaries of civil servants (75 billion Rials per month) or the tens of thousands of pensions (of which only 36 thousand in Aden).

He will now face the wrath of more than 1.2 million employees without pay, pensioners without pensions and pressures from warlords. A scenario which, combined with the abandonment of the Saudis, points to a Houthi advantage on almost all war fronts. (PB)
by Mathias Hariyadi

Thousands of people and 18 local bishops attend the closing Mass. Prayers, testimonies and moments of exchange between the young and clergymen filled the days. Two brothers from Taize spoke yesterday, and participants went to confession. For one Catholic youth, being treated as a brother or a sister was worth all the travel.

Jakarta (AsiaNews)  The second Indonesian Youth Day ended today (2-6 October) in Manado, a city in North Sulawesi.

Almost 3,000 young people took part in the five-day event sharing prayers, testimonies and hospitality with some 15,000 locals. Eighteen of the countrys bishops celebrated the final Mass in the Emmanuel amphitheatre of the local Catholic centre, in Lotta, some 10 kilometres north of Manado (Photo 1).

On Tuesday, during the formal opening, youth from 37 Indonesian dioceses marched in a parade on Manados main street, covering a distance of two kilometres and a half until Klabat Stadium, set up for the occasion.

Young people received the greetings of the citys mayor and the North Sulawesi governor, both of whom are Christians. Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi, apostolic nuncio to Indonesia, and Agus Sriyono, Indonesian ambassador to the Holy See, were also present.

The stadium, set up for the occasion just the day before, was packed with many participants forced to sit on the ground.

Yesterday the bishops present  including Mgr Suwatan, bishop of Manado, and Mgr Pius Riana Prabdi, of the diocese of Ketapang  gave a lecture to groups from various dioceses. Young people were able to ask questions and discuss with the clergymen.

The evening was characterised by prayer and the ritual of confession. Everyone lived through a shared moment of repentance, aided by the testimony of two Taize brothers from France. Dozens of priests were at hand for confession, and only around midnight did the line up of penitents come to end.

The thousands of young people who came from every part of Indonesia were hosted for free by local families, Catholic and non-Catholic, often different in ethnicity. Everyone said they were warmly welcomed in a friendly manner.

"Being different is a grace, said Andreas Yoga Setiadi, from the parish of Pekalongan (Central Java). I experienced this trait of Indonesian society during this period and it was beautiful. "

"This is the second time I participate in Youth Day, said Theresia, from the province of East Kalimantan. All the efforts I made to come have paid off by all the people I met here. Faith becomes relevant when you meet people who treat you like a brother or a sister. "

Felicitas, a Catholic woman, worked for the event from behind the scenes, taking care of fund-raising in the diocese of Manado.

"I am very happy to have contributed this way, and fortunately everything went well, she said. During the procession it did not rain even though the weather was very bad. The roof of Emmanuel amphitheatre was completed just a day before the opening . . . Many small miracles occurred."
by Paul Wang

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - Joshua Wong Chi-fung, the pro-democracy activist from Occupy Central was expelled from Thailand "at the request of China." This was confirmed by Thai authorities. For its part, the government in Beijing claims to "respect the exercise of immigration control on the part of Thailand".



The young 19 year old, one of the protagonists of the sit-in in 2014 and the so-called umbrellas movement, had been invited by another student activist, Netiwit Chotipatpaisal, to speak at Chulalongkorn University on the occasion of the 40 years since the student massacre at the hands of the Thai security forces at the time.



Telling of his adventure to a radio in Hong Kong this morning, Wong said: "Whether I am a threat to public safety depends on the country, but when they told me that I was because I was wanted by another nation [China -ed], I was speechless".



The activist also questioned why a public security "black list" for Hong Kong is being used by another country.



Wong has assured that the event in Thailand will also go on without him and that he will participate in a video conference this evening. The Thai students have asked him to send a pre-recorded video "because they fear that the university's Internet connection will break" to boycott the meeting.



Wong said he was stopped by 20 policemen while he was on the bridge that connects the plane at Bangkok airport. After verifying his identity, they confiscated his passport and detained him in a cell for 12 hours.



The influence or fear of China is also felt in Macao. Yesterday three Hong Kong activists were turned back. These are Fred Lam-do, which was to make a conference at a former Portuguese colony school; Roddy Shaw Kwok-wah and director Lo Chun-yip. All three have received an expulsion order because "constituted a risk to the stability and internal security."
Unosat researcher illustrates the results from data analysis, and speaks of "air attack". But a colleague dampens tones: we are not "100%" certain. Ban Ki-moon has set up a commission of inquiry into the matter. United States says it is a war crime. As of yesterday, UN considers Aleppo east "under siege".

Damascus (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The attack on the United Nations convoy on 19 September last which killed at least 20 people, and led to the suspension of the distribution of aid, was an air raid according to an expert from the UN agency that deals with satellite programs, after analyzing images that reflect the stages of the explosion which took place in Urum al-Kubra, a town on the outskirts of Aleppo in northern Syria. However, another expert of the same organism has sought to dampen tones adding that it is not "100%" certain.

The incident - which had destroyed 18 trucks of a 31 truck convoy - had resulted in a mutual exchange of accusations between the US and Russia, unsettling a fragile truce signed earlier by the two powers which has since collapsed.

Washington had spoken of an Russian air raid targeting the convoy with humanitarian aid. Food and basic supplies were destined for the eastern part of the former commercial and economic capital of Syria, now controlled by rebel groups and jihadists.

Since yesterday, the area is considered officially "under siege" by the United Nations because "it is surrounded by the military, there is no access for humanitarian aid and there is no freedom of movement for civilians."

In the aftermath of the attack on the convoy, Moscow had rejected the allegations speaking instead of a "fire" and "vehicles" that "did not show typical damage caused by bombs dropped from above". For US officials the attack constitutes a war crime.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has set up an internal commission of inquiry to shed light on an event which he described as "sickening, wild and apparently deliberate." The attack came just a few days after a US-led coalition raid in Deir al-Zour, which killed 62 soldiers of the Syrian government.

Washington said that was a mistake, Damascus claimed it was a deliberate attack.

At a conference held in Geneva yesterday Unosat researcher (Satellite Operation of the United Nations), Lars Bromley, explained that "the analysis of the data" showed that it is "an air raid. He claimed this theory was confirmed by the "craters" in the ground compatible with bombs having been launched from above. However, a few hours later another Unosat official, Einar Bjorgo, referred to the conference emphasizing that the agency "is not 100% certain". "There is significant damage - he explained - and we believe it may be an air raid, but there is no definitive certainty."

Since the end of the truce the Syrian army, backed by Russian fighter jets, has resumed attacks against the eastern sector of Aleppo where, according to experts, the final battle is about to begin. In response, jihadists have resumed firing rockets and missiles at the western districts, targeting among others the Syrian Catholic bishop's residence and causing casualties in Christian Armenian neighborhoods.
Situations of "extreme need". At least 1.5 million children suffer from malnutrition, of which 370 thousand in critical condition. Rickets found among half of children under five. The naval blockade imposed by the Saudis sharpens the emergency.

Sana'a (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The condition of children in Yemen, undernourished because of the ongoing war for 18 months, is "absolutely devastating." This was contained in a report by the UN Under-Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Coordination, Stephen O'Brien, in an interview with reporters in the capital Sana'a, at the conclusion of a two-day official visit. The top diplomat has visited a hospital in the city of Hodeida on the Red Sea, where he met "very young children, suffering from malnutrition."

Confirming the seriousness of the situation, Stephen O'Brien thanked humanitarian agencies present in the field for their work in trying to alleviate the "dire need" of food in the country. "We must do more" he points out at the end of the first visit in more than a year. "We must do everything we can - he adds - to meet the large scale needs, that have emerged in Yemen."



According to data provided by UNICEF, in Yemen there are about three million people in "immediate" need of food and basic necessities; at least half of the 28 million population is facing chronic shortages of food.



At the same time, the UN agency for children says about 1.5 million children are suffering from malnutrition, of which 370 thousand are in critical condition due to a general weakening of the immune system. About half of children under five years have rickets because of chronic malnutrition.



A maritime blockade on rebel-held areas, imposed by the Saudi led Arab coalition that supports President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, prevents the ships reaching the ports and delivering supplies, aid and stocks (food and non).



For the UN under-secretary for Humanitarian Affairs the "best solution at a humanitarian level" is a "political" breakthrough in the "crisis" that silences the guns. However, until an agreement is reached, he warns, it is "our duty to work with everyone to respond to humanitarian needs" and "have the opportunity to do so" in an "impartial" way wherever there are "needs to be met."



Since January 2015, Yemen has been the scene of a bloody internal conflict pitting the countrys Sunni leaders, backed by Riyadh, against Shia Houthi rebels, close to Iran.

In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition began air strikes against the rebels in an attempt to free the capital Sana'a and bring back then exiled President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi. So far the air campaign  criticised by the UN - has killed at least 6,600 people, mostly civilians and many children. At least 2.5 million people have been displaced from their homes.

For Saudi Arabia, the Houthis, allied to forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, are supported militarily by Iran, a charge that Tehran rejects.

Extremist groups linked to al Qaeda and jihadist militias linked to Islamic State are active in the country, a fact that has helped escalate violence and terror.
Best Men's Shoes For Fall

We've Gathered All The Best Shoes For Fall In One Place - You're Welcome

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Although summers officially over (cue the trombone), autumn is all about putting your best foot forward. Thanks to this seasons range of excellent footwear, youll have no problem finding the right pair of shoes, boots or sneakers to complete your fall wardrobe.

Take a look at the latest trends and youll notice how technologys latest innovations have influenced the collections of many popular footwear brands. Converse released its Counter Climate Collection, a curated selection of weatherproof hybrid sneakers and apparel.

Simultaneously, Cole Haan launched its GrandRevolution line, an advanced footwear collection that redefines the idea of the modern-day dress shoe through technical features such as an anatomically engineered footbed and padding on the tongue and heel. However, in the midst of all of this innovation, its safe to say that old-school quality craftsmanship still retained its presence in the ever-changing footwear marketplace.

RELATED: If You Want To Nail Fall Fashion, Start By Reading This

From high-tops to comfortable slip-ons and from dress shoes to desert boots, here are the shoes that will add a little pep in your step this fall.

Sneakers

Providing comfort and support, the sneaker is mans best friend in the world of footwear. The perfect kicks can spice up your business attire or revive a weekend look through a sportier approach. This season, footwear brands ranging from Converse to New Balance introduced a range of hybrid styles which are sure to complete your wardrobe needs.

The Hybrid High-Top

Hop aboard the sneaker-boot trend in a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Tekoa high-tops. Designed to withstand the elements, these weather-resistant unisex boots will keep your feet warm and dry thanks to Converse's Counter Climate technology. The durable leather and rubber exterior create a fortress that protects your feet against nasty downpours, slush, sleet, and snow.

$120.00 at Nike.com

The Trailblazing Trainer

The New Balance Trailbuster Re-Engineered sneaker is exactly what its name implies. Its an updated version of the brands classic '90s trail-running shoe. Featuring FantomFit, a built-in technology that provides ultra-light support and a comfortable fit, this modern trainer was created to conquer all sorts of hiking trails as well as the stylish urban terrain.

$109.99 at Newbalance.com

The Sensible Slip-On

Lined with fleece, this suede Van slip-on is a comfortable  not to mention very affordable  addition to your fall wardrobe. Available in both khaki and blue, these shoes provide a stylish alternative to those of you who sport bedtime slippers during your Saturday morning trips to the laundromat and grocery store (you know who you are).

$65.00 at Vans.com

Boots

Cooler temperatures signal a return to heavier footwear, and boots provide much-needed warmth and protection. Depending on the model, a great pair of boots can upgrade the standard t-shirt and jeans combo to Matinee idol status (a la James Dean) or add an unexpected twist to a casual daytime suit. No matter your personal style, boots have the capacity to elevate your outfits to new heights.

RELATED: How To Wear Men's Boots

The Two-In-One Chukka

If you want the finesse of a chukka boot combined with the practicality of a sneaker, the Hirsh is right up your alley. Its a hybrid boot designed by the Brooklyn-based sneaker brand Greats. Made of premium Italian suede, this boot bears a shock-absorbing EVA midsole for maximum comfort and support. Available in two easy-to-wear colors (Dune and Cadet), it will easily dress up a pair of jeans or add a little polish to your work attire.

$149.00 at Greats.com

The Chelsea Boot From Down Under

Australia is known for its koalas and kangaroos  not to mention its iconic Outback region. But the country should now also be known for exporting an updated version of this seasons must-have: the Chelsea boot.

R.M. Williams, an Australian brand known for its handcrafted footwear, designed the R.M. Boot  a Chelsea boot made from a single piece of suede leather. Stylish and timeless, these boots are made for walking (and lasting) a lifetime.

$495.00 at RMWilliams.com

The Manly Mary-Jane

Just in time for fall, Kenneth Cole released its latest innovative concept: the San Fran leather caged boot. Its peek-a-boo design (chunky socks needed) and adjustable Velcro straps cater to the guy who enjoys living his life on the edge of style.

$350.00 at KennethCole.com

Dress Shoes

Lets face it: A fresh pair of brogues, wingtips or loafers can literally be a real pain to break in. However, thanks to the latest advances in footwear design, dress shoes are now designed and constructed for elevated style and, more importantly, comfort. Once synonymous with Ivy League prepsters, loafers are making a comeback. Style them with a leather jacket and cuffed denim for the cool-kid approach. Or go the sophisticated route with a wide-leg pant paired with a chunky knit. Whatever direction you take, remember that a pair of dress shoes is a much-needed staple in every mans wardrobe.

The Wow-Factor Wingtip

If youve been searching for (surprise, surprise) a wingtip that functions as a running shoe, Cole Haans got you covered. The brands Washington Grand Laser wingtip oxford is ahead of its time thanks to the GrandRevolution technology mentioned earlier.

Made from a flexible perforated leather that delivers breathability and moisture control, the running shoe-inspired footbed provides maximum comfort and support. Lets just say you can now say hello to the dress shoe of the future and goodbye to the traditional clunkers of yore.

$400.00 at ColeHaan.com

The Traditional Tassel Loafer

J. Crews Ludlow tassel loafers will add a little prep to your step this season. Made from Italian leather and built with a Goodyear welt construction, the Ludlow features a cigar brown exterior designed to look better with age.

$288.00 at JCrew.com

The Brogue With A Purpose

Its good to know youre literally putting your best foot forward when purchasing a pair of Toms. Not only do these aviator twill brogues (available in chocolate brown and ash) help save the environment thanks to their sustainable design, but your purchase will also provide a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

$98.00 at TOMS.com

AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use.
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Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft will officially close its Beijing and Hong Kong offices, its only offices in Asia, by the end of the year.



The New York-headquartered firms managing partner Pat Quinn confirmed the news to Bloomberg while The American Lawyer has also confirmed the news with the law firm.



About 25 lawyers, including four equity partners, will be laid off because of the white shoe firms decision.



The American Lawyer obtained an internal memo penned by Quinn saying that the firm is narrowing its focus to financial institutions, large corporations and private equity.



Its a very difficult decision because these are good people, Quinn told Bloomberg, but noted that it was something that needed to be done for the firms strategy.



He said that the firms lawyers in China are hardworking but dont fit with the companys vision, the clients the firm is focusing on and the work the firm does in other areas.



The strategy really is, at a high level, about stepping back and understanding who the firm is, and what our best efforts are, and what that is if you look at our clients, he added. It tells us something about us, which is something we already knew: we are a quintessential Wall Street law firm.



The decision was made by a 13-member special management team called the Planning Committee which was formed by the firms eight-member management committee and five other partners.



Cadwalader will only have offices in Brussels, Charlotte, Houston, London and Washington DC after the closure of its offices in China.



The firm has experienced a spate of partner exits over the past year-and-a-half, Bloomberg noted.



Just last month Steve Eckhaus, its former executive compensation practice chief, went to McDermott Will & Emery and Martin Seidel, its corporate litigation head, exited for Willkie Farr & Gallagher.



Last year, Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson closed its Hong Kong and Shanghai offices while Chadbourne & Parke also closed its Beijing office.
Hello All,



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CVT

HP

NEDC

We already knew that Renault had employed the CMF C/D platform for the Megane Sedan , which means that it shares its underpinnings with the hatchback and station wagon version of the Megane 4. The French automaker has also confirmed that it will sell this car in over 30 countries around the world.These include Algeria, Australia, Egypt, Estonia, Morocco, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates, just to name a few.The Megane Sedan will benefit from the same features, technologies, and engine range as its five-door sibling. However, this sedan prides itself on the roomiest interior in the class, thanks to the largest wheelbase in the segment. It also comes with a massive trunk, which has a capacity of 550 liters, and is also the biggest in the category.The French brand improved the trunk opening, and it now can fit an object with a maximum width of 1,393 mm, and with a length of 1,084 mm.The figures mean that the Megane Sedan 's trunk can get an object that is 1.3 meters wide (51 inches) and 1.08 meters (42 inches) long inside, which means you can fit a 65-inch TV with some room to spare.Renault declares that this model also has the biggest track in its segment, 1.57 meters (61.8 inches) front and rear, and the stance is complemented by wheels of up to 18 inches.Renault says that its designers strived to give the body the silhouette of a coupe, and that the proportion of one-third glass and two-thirds metal was painstaking work to obtain.The car is available in a non-metallic finish, Glacier White, or eight metallic paint options. Just like the Megane hatchback, this model can be ordered with full LED headlamps, while the rear lights also have LEDs.Concerning powertrains, the range has eliminated the GTs 1.6-liter TCe engine, but has introduced atransmission in the company of a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated unit, which is also available with a five-speed manual. Renault also offers a 1.2-liter gasoline turbocharged engine with 130and a seven-speed EDC dual-clutch transmission, as well as a three diesel options, and one of them, a 1.5-liter dCi with 110 HP, can be had with a six-speed EDC transmissions.The fastest-accelerating 2017 Renault Megane Sedan can sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 10.5 seconds, and it is also the only one that can exceed 200 km/h (124 mph). The slowest model in the range takes 13.7 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h, and the second-slowest takes 13.2 seconds for the same maneuver.The most economical versions of the Megane Sedan have an average fuel economy rated at 3.7 liters/100 kilometers in thes standard combined cycle.The least fuel-efficient version of the Megane Sedan, which is also the one fitted with a CVT and a naturally aspirated gasoline engine, has a fuel economy rated at 6.6 liters/100 kilometers. All figures mentioned above are valid with 16-inch and 17-inch wheels.
Both the 2018 Corvette ZR1 Coupe and Convertible have been spied in Marrietta, Ohio, with photographer David Wesel catching the supercars on camera and sharing his work with us via the 'Vette-loving community over at CorvetteBlogger As for the full testing line-up we mentioned in the intro, this also includes the GM supercar's (more or less direct) competition, as the six Corvette prototypes were spotted playing with a Dodge Challenger Hellcat, as well as a Jaguar F-Type According to the photog, one of the Chevys in the group was a Grand Sport driven by Corvette product manager Harlan Charles.Compared to the fixed-roof prototype spied on the previous occasion, the Convertible we have here comes with a smaller rear wing. However, the prototypes remain heavily covered, whether we're talking about the all-clad front apron or the psychedelic wrap on the rear end.Speaking of the 2018 Corvette ZR1's front section, don't expect the LT5 V8 that GM is currently developing to show up on the supercar, as this should debut on the future C8 Corvette.Instead, the ZR1 will probably be motivated by an even beefier version of the C7 Z06's LT4. And with the blown 6.2-liter V8 already delivering 650 ponies, we're expecting one spicy recipe.The C6-gen ZR1, which showed up as a 2009 model year vehicle, was better on the straights than it was through the twists. Well, the new ZR1 will be a complete super-fast beast, so expect extreme cornering abilities.As we've mentioned in the past, the 2018 ZR1 might just be a swansong for the front-engined Corvette, as the C8 generation of the machine will switch to a mid-engined configuration - here's a set of spyshots for all you non-believers out there.
EV

The area around Washington state's capital is brimming with tech firms lately, so there's a real competition going on to secure the best talents between employers. With rivals such as Microsoft or Amazon, some smaller firms might find it more difficult to lure valuable personnel to join their ranks, which is why the technique of offering incentives is often called upon.Normally, these incentives come in the form of free gym subscriptions and the like, but when the competition gets fierce, it calls for desperate measures. That's what pushed body camera maker Axon to offer a free Tesla Model 3 to its new employees when they complete the first 90 days at their new job, according to Electrek In other words, if you get selected, you need to go through the first three months to become eligible for a Model 3, but you won't actually get the car immediately afterward, because not even Elon Musk is driving one at the moment. If that's when Axon will be placing the order, that means those 90 days will quickly turn into more than 700, as you're looking at a 2018 delivery date at best.But imagine how the faithful Axon employees must feel: giving it all for the company only for some guy to come out of nowhere and snatch a Model 3 after just 90 days. Well, the managers thought about that too and came up with a referral system that earns the same prize for any employee recommending three persons that later get hired.The $35,000 price tag of the Model 3 might pose a problem for Axon's strategy. This particular Tesla is relatively inexpensive for most of the people working in the tech industry, so they might be more inclined to choose a company that offers them a bigger salary and buy the car themselves, rather than wait a few years to receive thefor free.
Technically speaking, a buyout is the purchase of a big enough share of a given company to give the buyer control over management decisions and plenty other whatnots. Curiously enough, the majority stake Nissan bought in Mitsubishi mirrors that of Daimler's in the 2000s. Heres hope this marriage wont end after 69 months like Daimlers did, if you know what I mean.Announced in May 2016, the 237 billion yen buyout translates to roughly $2.2 billion at thens exchange rates. Five months after the deal was signed, the big shots in the European Commission gave their blessing to Nissan. The executive body of the European Union is crucial in this situation, chiefly because Nissan is ultimately controlled by France-based Renault.Heres a straightforward explanation as to why the EC is needed in this case: The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, because the overlaps between the companies' activities were limited and a number of strong players would remain active in the markets concerned after the merger. Pretty straightforward stuff.The European Commission, which is presided by the Luxembourgish politician Jean-Claude Juncker since 2014, also notes that the transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure. At the end of the day, Nissan was wise to buy a controlling stake in Mitsubishi. Not only does Nissan gain access to Mitsubishis technologies, but the manufacturer can also gain access to those markets where Mitsubishi fares better than Nissan does.Its a win-win situation if Im honest. From Mitsubishis point of view, the 34 percent buyout means that the brand wont go the way of the Dodo too soon. Oh, if only Mitsubishi were to focus on reviving the Lancer Evolution instead of crossover and SUVs ... One can only hope for the best, right?
Sure, people might from a crowd around an Aventador Roadster , but you probably won't be able to achieve the magnetic effect required for a viral video. As such, YouTuber RichKids TV decided to spice up his Aventador Roadster Beverly Hills ride with one... fluffy ingredient.The V12 supercar receive an oversized teddy bear as a passenger, with the Sant'Agata Bolognese machine then taking a tour of the city. As you can imagine, the furry friend riding shotgun did tick the public attention box, amplifying the Lamborghini's natural charm like some sort of magical creature.This kind of shenanigan has also been delivered using fixed-roof Lambos, but the Roadster nature of the supercar we have here obviously makes the whole thing more spectacular.While it might seem odd for a vlogger to put an oversized teddy bear inside a Lambo and go for a ride, we'll remind you Chevrolet pulled a similar stunt back in 2014, albeit for a noble cause.Chevy celebrated National Teddy Bear Day on September 9, 2014, giving a teddy bear a shotgun ride in a Corvette Convertible. September also happens to be Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, with the carmaker donating plush toys to fighting children.Returning to Lamborghini, the Italian automaker is currently out testing the facelifted version of the Aventador, with the supercar set to land in the first half of next year. And, from the teddy bear perspective, this means toys will get to ride in an even sharper model starting from 2017. In fact, here;s the latest set of Aventador facelift spyshots , in case you missed them.
Like pretty much any power-gifting instrument in the world, supercars tend to bring out the best and the worst in a man. And that's fine, as long as it doesn't lead to go-fast machine drivers stopping traffic in the city-state just to get their share of instant gratification via public attention.More or less legal maneuvers aside, the compilation below allows us to get a good taste of what happens when cops pull over supercars in the said world supercar capital.Truth be told, the conclusion here is that the officers show a balanced attitude - should the arm of the law get too long, the tourism can be affected, but if the authorities don't keep things under control, we end up with situations such as the one in the link above, which makes things unsafe and ruin the fun for everybody. Oh, and by the way, the incredible polish on all Monaco police officers' boots should give you an idea on how thorough things can get if necessary.In our book, the traffic in Monaco is much less polluted by inappropriate hooning moments compared to what happens in another one of the world's supercar capitals, namely London It's not that the French air suddenly invites drivers to behave. Instead, the overly crowded streets mean everybody knows you can't stretch the legs of your high-octane machine inside the state no matter how hard you try.Those who want to weld the throttle to the floor only need about one hour of patience - under normal traffic conditions, that's how long it takes one to get to the mountains surrounding the city.However, we'd advise speed freaks to pay attention, both the tight mountainous roads and to the well-hidden radars that sometimes await them at high altitude.
They are literally not wasting any time with this one. Production of the Q5 started at the beginning of the week, and a test drive event is going on right now in Mexico. Audi has many factories across Europe so that the work can be separated - engines in Hungary, bodies in Germany. However, this Mexico plant does pretty much everything, from metal stamping to final assembly.US media is being told that the 2.0 TFSI quattro model is 200 lbs lighter than the outgoing model. That comes partly from the way it's built, but also due to extensive use of aluminum: trunk, hood, front frame and a few smaller pieces. For rigidity, the shell is hot-formed steel.You can say anything you want, about Audi pinching pennies or cutting corners. But the fact is the US is the biggest market for SUVs outside of China, and this move gives them access to cheap workforce and reduces the effect of currency fluctuations.The plant has an annual production capacity of approximately 150,000 premium SUVs. By the end of the year, a total of 4,200 jobs will be created locally at Audi Mexico, in San Jose Chiapa to be more specific. Also, Audi has provided advance training at its sites in Germany to more than 750 Mexican employees.Our plant in Mexico is a prime example of the Audi Smart Factory. The facility is the first that we have put into operation completely virtually, that is, in a computer simulation, stated Audis Board of Management Member for Production Waltl. "We have optimized the entire process chain and put the plant into operation 30 percent faster than is usual.Over 70% of the parts come from the NAFTA region and it's only about to grow. From Mexico, the new Q5 will begin shipping to 50 countries including, ironically, Germany. It will also still produced at locations in China and India for those local markets.
The ballot for voting on inductees to the 2020 Hall of Fame has officially opened, and only three fleet industry icons will be selected out of the 19 fleet pioneers who are listed.
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica has been re-engineered on a new platform that will deliver better handling, as well as reduced noise, vibration, and harshness, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced.
2022 Toyota Prius Prime Delivers on EV-Hybrid Harmony

Toyota's 2022 Prius Prime comes standard like the other Priuses and introduces new features to make the plug-in hybrid unique and technologically advanced. Offered in three grades and five standard and two premium colors, the new Prius starts at MSRP $28,220 (LE grade).
The 2017 Nissan Leaf vs 2017 Renault Zoe battle is on. The comparison between the hybrid cars has got even more interesting after a report about the Zoe getting a driving range of almost 250 miles.

LG Chem developed a 41-kwh battery, which allows the Zoe get that range on the New European Driving Cycle. In reality, that's a driving range of almost 200 miles. That's a 100-mile improvement over the present model, which has a 22-kWh battery pack.

The new battery pack will take up the same space inside the EV like previous models. It will weigh almost the same as well.

It was revealed in June that 2017 Nissan Leaf would be packed with a 60-kwh battery pack. Nissan's Kazuo Yajima announced it at the Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition 29 in Montreal.

According to Yajima, the larger pack will allow the new Leaf to get almost twice the range of the present model. The current model has an optional 30-kWh pack. It allows the range to go up to 107 miles. But, the standard 24-kWh pack allows 84 miles only.

This makes the 2017 Nissan Leaf vs 2017 Renault Zoe comparison more interesting.

According to Hybrid Cars, the new battery for the Zoe will cost around $2,800 extra. Renault Zoe is the top-selling electric vehicle in Europe. The model costs $24,500. It was high time Nissan Leaf had to come up with better driving range.

Nissan face the challenge to continue to be the EV global leader, as more companies are planning to come up with more than 200-mile range electric cars at prices under $40,000.

According to Green Car Reports, the new Leaf will go into production as a 2018 model.

It may be too early to choose a winner in the 2017 Nissan Leaf vs 2017 Renault Zoe battle. Consumers will wait for more updates to come to a decision.
Chinese scientists are looking to get into the space tourism industry with their own design fora reusable, rocket-equipped space vehicle. The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology announced its ambitious concept at the recent International Astronautical Congress in Mexico, according to a New Scientist report. The China Academy teams concept is similar to thespaceplanes under development by private enterprises such as Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin. The design features a winged vehicle with its own rocket, allowing it to launch from a pad and land back on the ground. The flights would cost between $200,000 and $250,000 per passenger, as described in a Popular Science report.

The announcement didnt provide much detail on the spaceplanes construction, components or the rocket design, but New Scientist quoted a China Academy official at the congress saying that the spacecrafts development is already well underway, and almost all of the ground tests have been finished and all the subsystems of the test vehicle worked very well. Test flights are slated to take place over the next two years, the report said. Also, there are two sizes in the works  a 10-ton spaceplane that can carry five people, and a 100-ton version for up to 20 people with an external rocket that would provide the power to reach low orbit for delivering satellites, New Scientist reported. This larger version and the test-flight schedule drew some skepticism from an expert at the Smithsonian Institutions National Air and Space Museum, who told the magazine that the most unusual part is the belief that they can send up to 20 people to 100 kilometres and more on a rocket without a mother ship and no staging, reusing it some 50 times.
President Serzh Sarkisian met with the members of Armenias newly reshuffled government on Thursday, saying that their main task is to improve the effectiveness of governance and the socioeconomic situation in the country.

I am convinced that  we can and must manage our modest resources in a better and more rational way and to achieve much better results, Sarkisian told Prime Minister Karen Karapetian and his minsters just before a weekly cabinet meeting in Yerevan.

I trust in you and believe that this government of Armenia can do what all previous governments did not manage to do, he said.

Sarkisian cited the need to ease economic hardship in Armenia through more radical reforms when he announced on September 8 his decision to replace Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamian by Karapetian, a longtime business executive. He said the new cabinet should focus on the domestic business environment. Karapetian pledged afterwards to embark on such systemic changes.

Nine of the 18 members of Karapetians cabinet did not hold ministerial posts in the previous government. The newcomers include the ministers of defense, finance, economy, energy and agriculture.

The new Finance Minister Vartan Aramian said on Tuesday that living standards in Armenia will rise if the domestic economy grows by at least 4 percent annually. Economic growth in the country is expected to be slower this year and in 2017.

In its latest World Economic Outlook released this week, the International Monetary Fund forecast a GDP growth rate of 3.2 percent for Armenia in 2016. It said the growth should accelerate to 3.4 percent in 2017.
6 October 2016 11:26 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Armenian armed forces killed an Azerbaijani soldier on the contact line of troops on October 5.

Serviceman of Azerbaijani Armed Forces Sahil Mammadov Sabir oglu fell a victim of a next provocation that Armenia stages to destabilize the situation on the front line with Azerbaijan.

The Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan expressed condolences to the family and friends of the killed soldier. In its official statement on the incident the ministry accused the Armenian military and political leadership of the next bloody provocation on the contact line of troops. "The Armenian authorities are responsible for the bloody incident," the statement said.

Despite a ceasefire agreement achieved between the sides, Armenia regularly shells the Azerbaijani positions in an effort to tense the situation. Despite the calls of Azerbaijani side, as well as the international community to follow the armistice, Armenia continues its destructive actions hereby showing its disrespect to the peace process.

Since a war in the early 1990s, 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.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 October 2016 13:34 (UTC+04:00)

Armenias armed forces have 21 times violated the ceasefire on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops over the past 24 hours, said Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported on October 6.

Positions of the Azerbaijani army in Gaymagli and Bala Jafarli villages of the Gazakh district underwent fire from the Armenian positions located in Barekamavan village of Armenias Noyemberyan district and Vazashen village of the Ijevan district.

The Azerbaijani army positions also underwent fire from the Armenian positions located near Yusifjanli village, Marzili village of the Aghdam district, Kuropatkino village of the Khojavend district, Mehdili village of the Jabrayil district, as well as from the positions located on nameless heights of Tartar, Goranboy, Jabrayil and Fizuli districts.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

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6 October 2016 09:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Tourism is turning into the driving force for the non-oil sector of Azerbaijans economy,

Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev said at a meeting held as part of his visit to the northern Khachmaz region on October 4.

Over the past several years, big tourism infrastructure has been built and brand hotels have started to operate in the country, according to the minister.

Today, Azerbaijan is known in the world as a country providing luxury tourism services, Garayev said.

The minister went on to say that Khaxhmaz is among those regions of the country that enjoy the highest tourism potential.

The region has turned into the attractive tourism destination thanks to its ancient cultural monuments, national architectural samples, biodiversity, nature, cuisine as well as colorful culture of national minorities living here, he added.

The minister mentioned that this northern region is also the richest resort and recreation place in the country.

Khachmaz is very popular with its resorts and usually is crowded in pick season because thousands of tourists from all over the country and from abroad come here to take a break from working days. There are relict forests here with many ancient beeches and elms.

Khachmaz is abound with historical monuments as well. The region has a moderate, semi-desert and arid steppe climate and has a rich flora and fauna. Its area is covered with forests.

The region has a moderate, semi-desert and arid steppe climate and has a rich flora and fauna. Its area is covered with forests. The climate is temperate, thermal and mineral springs are available. There are also good opportunities for hunting and fishing there.

The well-known Shollar water pipeline, which was put into operation in 1917 is also located there. This water pipeline has several special features, as there is no need to purify the water because there are no infectious bacteria in it.

The region is located on the border with Russia. The Niyazabad port is one of the historical parts of Khachmaz. From the 16th century, the port played an important role in the establishment of relations between Azerbaijan and neighboring countries by sea and in the expansion of trade and export of silk, crafts and dried fruits to the northern countries.

Khachmaz has been historically engaged in fruit export. Its residents export their products to the Russian market during all seasons of the year.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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6 October 2016 13:48 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan and Iran, the two strategic partners and neighboring countries, are planning to further develop cooperation in trade.

The issue of deepening cooperation between the two countries was high on agenda during the meeting between Azerbaijans Economy Minister Shahin Abdullayev and Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli.

Mustafayev, addressing the meeting, said that trade turnover between the two countries recorded a 65-percent growth in the first eight months of the year, mentioning increased interest of Iranian companies in the economy of Azerbaijan.

The minister invited Iranian companies, especially businessmen from the East Azerbaijan and Gilan provinces, to benefit from favorable conditions created in industrial parks and districts in Azerbaijan.

He also mentioned growing interest of Iranian tourists in the country.

Mustafayev hailed Azerbaijan-Iran ties in the spheres of energy, transport, agriculture and healthcare, mentioning the progress in execution of the joint projects.

Rahmani-Fazli, in turn, hailed relations between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of the growing bilateral trade amidst ongoing negative economic processes in the world. He highlighted cooperation opportunities in tourism, information and communication technologies, transport and other areas.

The two countries are currently engaged in the implementation of a number of joint projects including North-South international transportation corridor, construction of a pharmaceutical factory in Azerbaijan and a joint automobile plant in Neftchala Industrial Site.

The transportation sector is one of the main areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran, as the countries lack a railway link and implement the vast majority of cargo traffic by road transport, which in turn greatly limit the possibilities of development of trade and economic relations and transit potential of the countries.

The North-South railway, which is expected to serve as a bridge to connect the railways of Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia is considered to be of pivotal importance in this regard.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijani delegation will visit Iran in late October to get acquaint with the construction of Rasht-Astara railroad section, which is the main part of the North-South transportation corridor.

Being a part of the North-South Transport Corridor, the Rasht-Astara railway is constructed with a view to integrate the main transportation lines of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia. The railway is expected to facilitate and expedite exchange of good and trade between the countries. The volume of freight which is expected to be initially transported ranges from three to five million tons per year and rise up to 10-12 million tons in the future, according to preliminary estimates.

Also, a groundbreaking ceremony for the Azerbaijani-Iranian car plant was held in Azerbaijans Neftchala industrial district in August 2016. The plant, which is a joint project of Azerbaijans AzEuroCar LLC and Irans giant automaker, Iran Khodro is expected to be constructed by May 2017, while construction operations are being carried out successfully.

Moreover, Iranian companies are planning to build a pharmaceutical plant in Azerbaijans Pirallahi settlement. The Iranian side is currently in talks with Azerbaijans Azrsun Holding Company.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran amounted to $105.7 million in January-July 2016, more than $77 million of which accounted for imports from Iran, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. Azerbaijan's exports to Iran almost doubled to $14.4 million in the first quarter of 2016, while imports increased from $19.4 million in 2015 to $27 million in 2016.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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6 October 2016 17:33 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan is keen to penetrate widely in the international commodity markets with its products branded "Made in Azerbaijan".

President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on October 5 regulating the procedure for determining the state support of exporters.

Based on its potential, the oil-rich Azerbaijan is engaged in the minimization of its oil dependence and diversification of its economy, which requires ensuring growth of non-oil sector of economy.

Volatility in commodity markets, the sharp drop in oil prices led to a deterioration of the economic situation in the world.



Earlier this year in his speech during the conference dedicated to the results of the 2014-2018 State Program on Economic Development of the Regions, Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev noted that global economic crisis only deepened in 2015 and there is no recovery to expect any time soon, adding that the global economy will remain in difficult situation for a while.

So, the presidential order on additional measures to stimulate the export of non-oil products is to promote the Made in Azerbaijan brand on foreign markets.

The decree specifies the The rule of defining and regulating the mechanism of paying a part of the expenditures from state budget, organizing export missions to foreign countries, exploring foreign markets and marketing activities, promoting Made in Azerbaijan brand on foreign markets, issuing certificates for local companies and patents in foreign countries for export, research programs and projects for development of export.

The decree also approves the form of the report On the work carried out to encourage the export of non-oil products of Azerbaijani origin.

A total of 3 million manats ($1.84 million) has been allocated out of the Azerbaijani Presidents Reserve Fund in the 2016 State Budget in order to finance the support measures envisaged in the above-mentioned rule.

Azerbaijan exported goods and services in total amount of $11.4 billion and imported in the amount of $9.2 billion, with a positive trade balance standing at $2.2 billion for 2015. Oil and gas exports amounted to $9.6 billion, while non-oil sector exports made up about $1.8 billion.

Today Azerbaijan outputs more than 250 kinds of home-made products in food, light, heavy and construction industries.

Wine produced in France is considered one of the best in the world. However, many wine lovers will agree that Azerbaijani wine is no way inferior to French one -- if not even superior in taste.

Currently, there are nearly 10 wineries and vineyards that produce wine in the country, which are exported to Russia, Ukraine, Baltic States, Poland, Belarus, the UAE and China. More and more countries such as France are showing interest in the national brandy.

Another important sector of industry is metallurgy with an imports rate of $1.2 billion. Recently an open joint stock company named Azerbaijan Steel Production Complex was created to orient the industry to exports.

In the near future, the Mingachevir High Tech Park will start production of various high-tech products under the brand 'Made in Azerbaijan'.

National cosmetics Gazelli is a unique and innovative brand, surrounded by a world of education, diagnostics and realistic advice. Today Gazelli is focused on building exclusive partnerships around the world.

In addition, Azerbaijan can also be famous in the world for its skilled craftsmen. Grand Bazaar, Resm Jewellery, Faig Ahmadovs carpets, Chelebi Furniture&Decor and many others can serve as an example.

National board game Grand Bazaar has already got positive reviews at the Essen Spiel 2016, the largest exhibition of board games held in Germany. For several years Azerbaijan has promoted a successful jewelry brand RESM, designed in patterns and symbols, inherent in the eastern folk arts and crafts.

Thus, the country has significant potential to establish local production of goods under Made in Azerbaijan brand. But this requires hard work, which is well thought-out marketing campaign to promote Azerbaijani goods, as well as in the training of highly qualified personnel.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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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!)
6 October 2016 15:40 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

A concert of TURKSOY folk instruments orchestra was held at the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic hall named after T. Satylganov in Bishkek.

The visually stunning show marked the 25th anniversary of independence of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

The concert featuring the best Turkic folk songs aroused a big interest among the audience.

The folk instruments orchestra of TURKSOY was founded in 2016 on the initiative of the Secretary General of the organization.

The Turkic speaking countries recently implement more joint initiatives and common projects. For many centuries, countries share a common language, culture, religion and history.

TURKSOY is an international cultural organization of countries with Turkic populations, whose speaking languages belong to the Turkic language family.

The organization has its roots going back to the 1992 meetings in Baku and Istanbul, where the ministers of culture from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan declared their commitment to cooperate in a joint cultural framework. TURKSOY was subsequently established by an agreement signed on July 12, 1993 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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6 October 2016 16:35 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, the most visited art museum in Baku, will host "The Play of Varicolored Filaments collection of the Pirot Kilims in the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade" exhibition on October 7.

This extraordinary event is the place to be for all, who love colorful and vibrant works!

Kilims are flat tapestry-woven carpets or rugs produced from the Balkans to Pakistan.

The carpets are produced by tightly interweaving the warp and weft strands of the weave to produce a flat surface with no pile. The horizontal weft strands are pulled tightly downward so that they hide the vertical warp strands.

When the end of a color boundary is reached, the weft yarn is wound back from the boundary point.

Many motifs are used in Turkish kilims . The widely used motif is the female figure, motherhood and fertility. Other motifs express the tribal weavers' desires for protection of their families' flocks from wolves with the wolf's mouth or the wolf's foot motif .

These carpets are distinguished as the most perfect products of the Serbian national art of weaving.

The collection of the Pirot Kilim in the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade, which is one of the oldest and most important collections in Serbia, includes 169 carpet products woven in 1792-1932.

Notably, the five-year memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade in the field of culture, development of museum work and protection of cultural heritage on April 7, 2015.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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6 October 2016 12:54 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The illegal economic and other activities carried out by the OSCE member countries on the Armenian-occupied Azerbaijani territories are contrary to the principles of the organization, Azerbaijans Permanent Mission to the OSCE told Trend.

Azerbaijan has expressed its concern over the issue and called on the OSCE to take appropriate measures in order to put an end to these activities in accordance with international commitments, and especially those taken within the OSCE framework, reads the statement of the Azerbaijani mission.

Such a breach of fundamental rights and freedoms with respect to Azerbaijani population is in itself gross violation of our shared OSCE commitments. It is equally notorious to misuse noble notion of humanitarian assistance to conceal the true essence of illegal activities, the mission believes.

The Permanent Mission further mentioned that Azerbaijan has repeatedly provided numerous facts proving that economic and other activity by third country nationals is misused by Armenia to generate financial and other means to continue its occupation of the Azerbaijani territories, including for promotion of illegal settlement of Armenians in those territories.

These activities, directly or indirectly, alter the demographic composition in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan by increasing the number of Armenians and preventing the return of expelled Azerbaijanis to their homes and properties, the statement reads.

The mission emphasized that this policy in no way can be of a humanitarian nature.

In light of the above-mentioned, we reiterate our call on the OSCE participating states concerned to take urgent and effective measures to prevent any activity of their natural and legal persons in the occupied Azerbaijani territories taking into account their relevant OSCE commitments, noted the mission.

A report on the Illegal economic and other activities in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan has been recently circulated in the United Nations.

The document reflects the facts of illegal economic activities of Armenians, their resettlement in the occupied territories, plunder of natural resources of Nagorno-Karabakh, construction of infrastructure objects in the occupied territories, production of wine and spirits and other products, illegal activities in ICT and banking, destruction of cultural and historical monuments and so on.

Facts presented in the report show that despite current efforts to find a political solution to the conflict, Armenia continues its policy of deception of the international community and the process of annexation of Azerbaijan's occupied territories.

Azerbaijan and Armenia for over two decades have been locked in conflict, which emerged over Armenian territorial claims. Since the 1990s war, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenian withdrawal, but they have not been enforced to this day.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 October 2016 14:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The OSCE Minsk Group is working constantly to stabilize the situation over the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Personal Representative of the OSCE chairperson-in-office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk made the remark in his statement posted on the OSCE website on October 5.

In the six months following the April clashes, the Minsk Group Co-chairs have worked tirelessly to stabilize the situation and move the negotiation process forward, and the information provided through the monitoring exercises is an indispensable part of this process, Kasprzyk said, adding that these efforts continue.

As usual, the sides provided information regarding the situation on the line of contact, including ceasefire violations registered since the previous monitoring exercise. This information has been reported to the Minsk Group members, including its co-chairs, and the OSCE chairperson-in-office, said Kasprzyk, adding that the monitoring group always registers ceasefire violations when they occur in its presence. Otherwise, we rely on information provided by local commanders.

The last monitoring on the contact line between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops near the Gulustan village of Goranboy region was held on October 5. The monitoring passed without incidents, Azerbaijans Ministry of Defense stated.

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.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 October 2016 14:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The only way to resolve the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is through peaceful negotiations, Pope Francis said.

He made the remarks at a press conference dedicated to the results of his visit to the South Caucasus, the official website of the Pope stated on October 5.

I think that the only way to resolve the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is through peaceful dialogue, peace talks in the framework of international law. I see no other way. Another way is war, which is always followed by destructions, the Pope said.

He also added that one needs to pray for peace.

During his historic visit to Azerbaijan on October 2, Pope Francis met with leadership of the country and the local Roman Catholic community and led Sunday Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baku.

While being in Baku, Pope Francis said he hopes that the Caucasus will be a place where, through dialogue and negotiation, disputes and differences will be resolved and overcome.

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan laying territorial claims on its South Caucasus neighbor. Since a war in the early 1990s, 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.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 October 2016 17:10 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian may exchange views on the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict during a meeting in Yerevan.

This was announced by Maria Zakharova, Russian foreign ministrys spokeswoman, during a briefing on October 6.

"There will be no special event dedicated to this issue, Zakharova said, adding that the views on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict may be exchanged during the visit.

Lavrov will take part in the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) on October 14 in Yerevan.

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. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 October 2016 09:10 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Azerbaijan has started promoting the Made in Azerbaijan brand in foreign markets.

Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on October 5 to approve the The rule of defining and regulating the mechanism of paying a part of the expenditures from state budget, organizing export missions to foreign countries, exploring foreign markets and marketing activities, promoting Made in Azerbaijan brand in foreign markets, local companies receiving certificates and patents in foreign countries for export, research programs and projects for development of export.

The decree also approves the form of the report On the work carried out to encourage the export of non-oil products of Azerbaijani origin.

In order to finance the support measures envisaged in the above-mentioned rule, 3 million manats have been allocated from the Azerbaijani Presidents Reserve Fund in the 2016 State Budget.

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6 October 2016 09:15 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

The long-awaited premiere of "Ali and Nino film, produced by star director Chris Tike based on a novel of an Azerbaijani writer, was held solemnly in the Heydar Aliyev Center on October 5.

Azerbaijan's First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva and the Foundation's vice-president, Head of the project and Executive Producer of the film Leyla Aliyeva watched the film.

The solemn premier presentation brought together creative team of the film and representatives of the public also attended the premiere.

Ali and Nino is a tale of love by an Azerbaijani author, who wrote his world bestseller under the pen name Gurban Said. The epic love story is one of the most original works of twentieth century literature, reflecting Azerbaijans fight for independence and love between two young people of different religions.

Prior to the screening of the film, the event featured a video message of Adam Bakri, a starring actor of "Ali and Nino". He expressed his regret for failing to attend the presentation in Baku. He said that he enjoyed his role in the film. Addressing the event in Azerbaijani he said: "I had a very nice time in Azerbaijan, and it is my honor to meet with you."

The film which starts with the words as the 'Word War I breaks out', '50 percent of the world's oil reserves falls to Azerbaijan', 'the country is located at the crossroads of East and West', aroused great interest at the first cadres.

Muslim prince Ali and Georgian aristocrat Nino have grown up in the Russian province of Azerbaijan. Their tragic love story sees the outbreak of the First World War and the world's struggle for Baku's oil. Ultimately they must choose to fight for their country's independence or for each other.

The shootings started in February 2015, and continued until June in Baku, the historic part of the Icheri Sheher (Old City) and other parts of the capital, also in Gobustan, Khinalig and other regions.

Starring in the 104-minute movie are Adam Bakri as Ali and Maria Valverde as Nino. Other actors are Halit Ergenc, Mendy Petinkin, Connie Nielson, Riccardo Skamarchio, Homayon Ershadi, Fakhraddin Manafov, Assaad Bab, Numan Acar and others.

The film's producer is Chris Tike, chief director is BAFTA winner Asif Kapadia. Screenwriter of "Ali and Nino" is a British novelist, screenwriter and film director, Academy Award winner Christopher Hampton.

Following the premiere, Tike addressed the event, saying that in fact, today it was the world premiere of the Ali and Nino film. He expressed his deep gratitude to Azerbaijani First Lady, Mehriban Aliyeva for her support of the production of the film.

Personally I am for the first time watching the dubbed film into Azerbaijani. I hope the film will be a great success. It was a pleasure for us to make a film in this country, and we loved your country, he said.

He also hailed the film's executive producer Leyla Aliyeva's love for her work, her creative ideas and support of the film making process. Chris Tike then invited Leyla Aliyeva, Christopher Hampton, Maria Valverde and Numan Acar to the stage.

The film's screenwriter Christopher Hampton described Ali and Nino as an unusual work of the art. The film created an opportunity for me to get closely familiarized with the country. The people are very friendly. I had a very nice time here, he said.

Maria Valverde, in turn, said that it is the first time in a creative career she starred Caucasian woman. It was very interesting to work on the heroin. My character is a very strong woman, she said.



The actress admitted that she is pleased to come to Azerbaijan anew and feels at home here.

I can say on my own behalf and on behalf of the entire crew of the film -- we fell in love with Azerbaijan, in the nature of your beautiful country, the atmosphere and the attitude of people, said Maria.

The actress stressed that she will be glad to receive an offer to play in any other Azerbaijani film, and will certainly consider it.

The film was first shown on the sidelines of the prestigious International Film Festival Sundance in Park City, Utah, the U.S. this January.

Foreign media hails Ali and Nino's soundtrack and cinematography. "The music is nostalgic, as well as romantic, sad and hopeful," it says.

Asian World Film Festival which will start on October 24, has chosen "Ali and Nino" as a film to be screened at the opening ceremony.

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6 October 2016 12:12 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Residents of the Baharabad village of Beylagan district celebrated the completion of the construction of a new medical facility that will improve access to healthcare for 1,450 people.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. William Gill, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Baku; along with representatives of the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Health, the local Executive Committee, municipal government, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID and the Government of Azerbaijan co-financed the construction, which was conducted by the East-West Management Institute (EWMI).

The United States is committed to partnering with Azerbaijan. By working together, we can achieve stability, democratic progress, and economic prosperity, DCM Gill said during the opening ceremony.

A primary goal of the United States Agency for International Development is to help the Azerbaijani people come together to create solutions for themselves. And the residents of Baharabad can be proud that they have done just that. It is because of their efforts we are here today opening this new medical facility, William Gil said.

For many years, the communitys medical needs were handled in just one room in the municipal building. As that building fell into disrepair, it became increasingly inadequate in meeting the communitys healthcare needs. With technical support from EWMI, the community residents worked with their local and regional governments to construct a new medical facility. With three modern examination rooms and a designated waiting room, the new facility will improve the day-to-day access to healthcare for the 1,450 people in the Baharabad community.

In total, EWMI has implemented 87 community projects in 77 Azerbaijani communities benefiting nearly 120,000 people. Through USAIDs Socio-Economic Development Activity (SEDA) program, EWMI promotes cooperation between citizens, civil society organizations, and government to advance socio-economic development and improve quality of life in rural areas.

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6 October 2016 12:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan is committed to continue its full support to Afghan-led state and institution building, said Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.

Mammadyarov, addressing the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan on October 5, stated that Azerbaijan, as a country which itself strongly suffered from the 25-year unresolved conflict, full-heartedly understands Afghanistans problems.

We all have to extend to Afghanistan our support in all their endeavors and challenges, he said, emphasizing that Azerbaijan is among probably the first, closest, and most active supporters of Afghanistan to this end.

We do it mostly bilaterally through the constant talks and meeting with Afghanistan authorities, but also through other international platforms, including at NATO.

Mammadyarov reminded that the country continues providing substantial training for Afghan security personnel, government employees, demining and other activities, including education.

Less than a month ago, President Ilham Aliyev approved Azerbaijan-Afghanistan agreement on multimillion assistance mostly in security area. Its implementation is already underway, the minister said.

Mammadyarov went on to say that the Azerbaijani troops serve at the Resolute Support Mission and they rend financial assistance to Afghan Army through the NATO Trust Fund. My country is a major transit route for international operations in Afghanistan and at some point more than 30 percent of entire transit for ISAF was via Azerbaijan, the top diplomat noted.

Azerbaijan has always championed beefing up security efforts with economic development, said Mammadyarov, mentioning that reviving ancient Silk Road can do exactly that.

Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey are completing Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad, which in conjunction with a new international seaport near Baku and involvement of Central Asian countries will put Afghanistan right in the middle of the transit link between Far East and North Europe, Mammadyarov added.

Azerbaijan is among the eight partner countries that have confirmed their presence in Afghanistan after 2014.

Azerbaijan's military personnel have been part of the ISAF contingent in the peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan. The mission of the armed forces in Afghanistan began on November 20, 2002. The Azerbaijani peacekeeping contingent in Afghanistan doubled in 2009.

As of April 2016, the Azerbaijani peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan includes 90 servicemen, two medical officers and two sappers.

Within the framework of the visit, the Azerbaijani FM also met with his Macedonian counterpart Nikola Poposki, where the sides exchanged views on prospects for the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

They hailed the favorable opportunities for expanding cooperation in energy, transport and tourism fields.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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6 October 2016 17:20 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan`s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva and Vice-President of the Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the opening of school No 4 in Masazir, Baku on October 6, Azertac reported.

Mrs. Aliyeva and Leyla Aliyeva were welcomed by pupils.

Head of Absheron District Executive Authority Irada Gulmammadova provided an insight into a new school, which was built by support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

The construction work started in October 2015. Greenery was laid out and a new lightning system was installed in the yard of the school.

Mrs. Aliyeva and Leyla Aliyeva cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the school.

Photo stands were installed in the foyer of the school reflecting national leader Heydar Aliyevs, President Ilham Aliyevs and Mehriban Aliyevas visits to Absheron and attention to education.

The 800-seat school has 36 classrooms. A canteen and gym was created, a 360-seat assembly hall was renovated in the school.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founded in May 2004, successfully implements many projects in developing of childcare institutions' infrastructure, as well as addressing local problems in various parts of the country, and assisting to the vulnerable groups of population.

The Foundation has provided funding for the reconstruction of orphanages and boarding schools throughout the country, implemented various projects for their students, and built and reconstructed new schools.

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6 October 2016 12:03 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijans state energy giant SOCAR and Italian gas grid operator Snam hold consultations over SOCAR's acquisition of a share in the Greek gas network operator DESFA.

SOCARs Deputy Vice-President Vitaly Beglarbekov told EurActiv that SOCAR is not alone in the process and the fact adds optimism to the issue.

We work jointly with Italian Snam, we should admit, however, that the process is quite difficult and complicated, he said.

He mentioned that the government of Greece demonstrated its constructive position over the issue during the recent meeting between SOCARs head Rovnag Abdullayev and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

Beglarbekov said that SOCAR and Greece are fully aware of the importance of the deal, underlining that the main objective is to find a solution which would be acceptable for the sides.

SOCAR won a tender in 2013 on the purchase of a 66-percent stake in DESFA for 400 million euros ($446.3 million) but the acquisition was stalled, when SOCAR faced EUs anti-trust concerns and was tasked to sell 17 percent of DESFA to a third party, so that its stake drops to 49 percent and satisfy EU competition authorities.

The situation was further complicated, when Greece passed a law in which it raised DESFA's gas tariffs.

Beglarbekov said that the situation is complicated by the changes in calculation which in turn influences cost of DESFA. Nevertheless, he voiced hopes that the problem will be tackled soon, as successful completion of the long drawn-out process of the privatization of DESFA is in the interests of the sides.

SOCAR had previously said it would only go ahead with the deal should the cost was cut significantly, given that a number of obstacles had emerged since it first agreed to buy DESFA in 2013.

SOCAR, the losses of which amounts to 40-50 percent of DESFAs total cost given the revised tariffs (according to preliminary estimates), repeatedly expressed its readiness to fulfill all obligations, should previous conditions stay in force.

The company earlier agreed to extend a term of a letter of guarantee under the tender till October 31, 2016.

Moreover, SOCAR took a decision to create a working group for the privatization of DESFA with a view to find a solution to a crisis. The working group will also closely cooperate with Italys Snam and European Commission and will look for a way to privatize DESFA within a month.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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6 October 2016 17:05 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the two oil rich countries with tremendous oil reserves, eye prospects for deepening cooperation in energy sphere.

The two countries are planning to lay new Eskene-Kuryk-Baku oil pipeline with a length of 739 kilometers, which is of great importance given the growing export potential of Kazakhstan.

Azerbaijans Energy Minister Natig Aliyev, in his article said that Kazakhstans immense volumes of hydrocarbon resources, which amount to 5.5 billion tons of oil and 3 cubic meters of gas, allow the country to produce some 80 million tons of oil and 33.6 bcm of gas on a yearly basis. However, the country does not possess a safe and reliable route for the export of resources, excluding Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, while capability of such pipelines as Tengiz-Novorossiysk, Atyrau-Samara, Atasu-Alashankou is not sufficient for the provision of transportation.

Aliyev said that considering the capacity of these routes and the volumes of export planned to be achieved, Astana has focused on the Kazakhstan Caspian Transportation System (KCTS).

The KCTS, which envisages construction of Eskene-Kuryk-Baku pipeline, will consist of oil-discharge terminals located at Kazakh coast of the Caspian Sea, tankers and vessels, oil-discharge terminals on Azerbaijan's coast of the Caspian Sea and connecting facilities to the oil pipeline system Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan. The system is expected to ensure the export of Kazakh oil to international markets mainly from the Kashagan field (second and third phase) via the Caspian Sea, through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and other oil transportation systems both in Azerbaijan and other transit countries.

Aliyev further said that construction of Eskene-Kuryk-Baku pipeline will enable Kazakhstan to export its oil to ports in Georgia and Turkey. The initial capacity of the new pipeline will amount to 23-25 million tons per year with the possibility of future expansion to 56 million tons. The feasibility study of the Eskene-Kuryk section of the pipeline envisages construction of an oil pumping station at the Tengiz field, Tengiz-Oporny-Uzen-Aktau main oil pipeline, an oil terminal and a new port in Kuryk village, as well as reconstruction and expansion of the port in Aktau city.

As of transportation of Kashagan (giant offshore oil and gas field) oil through Azerbaijan, the minister said that Kazakhstan will be able to export some 150,000 barrels of oil per day from the field via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. The country is currently transporting oil from the Tengiz onshore field and oil products to the Black Sea ports through Azerbaijani terminals in Sangachal and Dubendi.

The minister added that after the production is launched at the Kashagan field, the BTC pipeline is planned to be used to supply oil to the EU countries.

Aliyev said four companies, namely, Eni, Inpex, ConocoPhillips, Total, acting as shareholders in the BTC consortium and owning a 15 percent stake in the BTC, are involved in the development of the Kashagan field. The companies are expected to be able to transport around 150,000 barrels of oil via BTC on a daily basis.

Kashagan field is considered to be the world's largest discovery in the last 30 years, combined with the Tengiz Field. The reservoir lies at the depth of some 4,200 meters below the shallow waters of the northern part of the Caspian Sea. The project is considered to be one of the largest and most complex industrial projects, which are currently developed anywhere in the world.

The total length of the B is 1,768 kilometers, including a 443-kilometer section running through Azerbaijan, a 249-kilometer section in Georgia and a 1,076-kilometer section in Turkey. The pipelines construction started in 2003. It was filled with oil in 2005.

Some 2.9 million tons of Kazakh oil and oil products were transported through Azerbaijan to the Georgian port of Batumi in 2015, while 1.6 million tons for eight months of 2016

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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6 October 2016 11:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The White House is aware of the reports about Russias decision to suspend the Russian-US agreement on cooperation in nuclear- and energy-related R&D work, White House spokesperson Mark Stroh told on Wednesday, Sputnik International.

Earlier in the day, the Russian government announced in a directive that Moscow suspends the agreement on nuclear and energy cooperation.

We have seen these reports, Stroh stated when asked to comment on the suspension.

According to the directive, an agreement between Russia's Rosatom nuclear corporation and the US Department of Energy on studying the feasibility of converting six Russian scientific reactors to low-enriched uranium fuel has been terminated as part of the suspension.

The directive said actions taken by the United States related to the introduction of sanctions against Russia in connection with the events in Ukraine have directly affected the areas of cooperation under the agreement.

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6 October 2016 10:49 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Since last years historic nuclear deal signed between Iran and the world major powers, international bodies have observed a surge in interest among multinational companies in investing in the Islamic Republics largest non-oil sector, the automotive industry.

In the meantime, the countrys policymakers have made efforts aimed at getting foreigners to invest in Irans automotive sector which lagged behind its rivals due to the crippling sanctions.



Irans automotive industry seems very lucrative as it forms the second biggest sub-sector of the economy behind oil and gas, accounting for about 10 percent of GDP and employing about 4 percent of the labor force.



There are, however, risks threatening investment in Irans car industry including lack of transparency, differences between involved parties as well as absence of a proper private sector.



Lack of transparency



"Governments involvement in Irans automotive industry may pose serious threats against attracting foreigners," an Iranian automaker told Trend.



The vice-chairman of the board of directors at Iran's Rakhsh Khodro Diesel Company, Akbar Mirza-Hosseini, believes that lack of transparent policies as well as governments involvement in the car industry are considered as major obstacles to attracting foreign investment.



"Foreign investors need to make sure that transparent policies and regulations exist in the country. However, there are no transparent and clear procedures in Iran, even, for appointing the heads of leading car manufacturing companies," the vice-chairman of the private auto making

company added.



The Iranian car market is dominated by Iran Khodro (IKCO) and SAIPA, which are subsidiaries of the state-owned Industrial Development and Renovation Organization (IDRO).



In addition to assembling European and Asian cars under license, the giant carmakers produce their own brands.



This is while, neither the ministry of industry nor IDRO take responsibility regarding the performance of the leading car makers operating in the country. That is a serious obstacle against attracting foreign investment.



Differences between involved parties



Many analysts are concerned over conflicts of interests between different parties involved in Irans automotive industry, suggesting such gaps would worsen the situation even more. For instance, there are differences in place between auto part makers and carmakers over the outstanding debts, as the automakers, reportedly, have to pay about $557.2 million to settle their

debts to auto-parts makers.



On the other hand, some experts believe that such differences would not pose serious risks to foreign investors.



Commenting on the issue, Jafar Sarghini, an Iranian deputy industry minister, told Trend that the gaps between auto-part makers and automakers have considerably narrowed over the past couple of years.



Akbar Mirza-Hosseini also says that the sides hold regular talks through trade unions aimed at resolving the differences but certain problems still exist.



When privatization fails



Several efforts regarding the privatization of automotive industry have been made over the past several years in Iran, but the state still controls roughly half of the countrys auto industry.



Lack of reliable and niche investors in Irans auto industry is believed to be among main obstacles to full-scale privatization of the industry.



Representatives of the private sector do not seem to be satisfied with the measures taken by the government aimed at paving the way for the privatization of the car industry, as it has not been received in a positive way in the country.



Although the privatization of Irans car industry has been a key mission on the countrys economic agenda, it has suffered as a result of politicized approaches.



Current automotive output



The carmakers output over the first half of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 20) stood at 579,776 indicating 15.6 percent rise year-on-year.



Sedans counted for 534,402 of the output with a production growth rate of 16.1, while pickups output grew by 11.5 percent to hit 38,815. In the meantime, the countrys bus output increased by 21.2 percent to reach 435 vehicles.



The Iranian car manufacturers also produced 388 minibuses (17.6 percent increase) and 5,736 trucks (1.5 percent increase) during the six-month period.



Iran was the worlds 20th biggest car manufacturer by end of 2015, while the country stood at the 18th place in the first half of 2015 as it manufactured 884,866 sedans and 97,471 commercial vehicles in 2015.



In addition to domestic sales, Iranian carmakers have found their way to international markets and they export cars to several countries including Azerbaijan, Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, Senegal, Syria, Sudan and Venezuela.

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6 October 2016 18:01 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

The chill in diplomatic relations between the United States and Russia deepened dramatically as the U.S. suspended dialogue between the two countries on ending the war in Syria.

By summarily shutting down lines of communication, the U.S was carrying out a threat it first issued a week ago accusing Moscow of violating the terms of a ceasefire agreement for the country that had been hammered out just weeks earlier.

The steps with regards to the issue undertaken by the U.S. State Department served as a reason for concern whether the tensions between Russian and U.S. forces in Syria may tend to grow more.

Commenting on that, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has pointed to the agreement between the United States and Russia that protects against unwanted conflicts between the forces of the two countries in Syria, Sputnik International reported.

"A blunt answer could be that we have a relevant agreement, an agreement with the Americans, on the prevention of conflicts," Zakharova said in an interview with the Rossiya 1 channel, commenting on the possibility of any conflicting episodes between the U.S. and Russian forces in Syria.

However, she stressed that the situation is a lot more complex, pointing to the persistent danger of terrorists spread in Syria and difficulties in the peaceful resolution of the civil war in the country.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman expressed dissatisfaction regarding the U.S. decision to suspend the talks with Russia on Syrian conflict settlement.

"We are sorry about Washington's decision to curtail the work of groups of experts in Geneva, to withdraw experts from there and limit the domain of conflict prevention.

In addition, she said that Washington has simply failed to live up to the key commitment under the agreements  to facilitate the humanitarian assistance to residents of Aleppo city.

"And now, apparently, the Americans are trying to shift the responsibility on somebody else, she added.

She pointed out that "the United States failed to comply with its obligations pertaining to the delineation of the opposition from the terrorists in Syria."

In response, the U.S. State Department said that the U.S. spared no effort in negotiating and attempting to implement an arrangement with Russia aimed at reducing violence, providing unhindered humanitarian access, and degrading terrorist organizations operating in Syria, including Daesh and al Qaeda in Syria, adding that, unfortunately, Russia failed to live up to its own commitments - including its obligations under international humanitarian law.

Moreover, the U.S. side stressed that Russia was also either unwilling or unable to ensure Syrian regime adherence to the arrangements on which the two sides previously agreed.

Previously, the spokesperson of the U.S. State Department John Kirby announced that the United States has suspended bilateral channel" with Russia created to maintain the ceasefire in Syria.

In addition, the press secretary of the White House Joshua Ernest expressed disappointment over Russia's response to them by suspending the agreement with the U.S. Plutonium Disposition.

The two countries own the world's largest stockpiles of plutonium that can be used for nuclear weapons.

During the April 2010 Nuclear Security Summit, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov signed a protocol amending the 2000 Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA), which commits each country to dispose of no less than 34 metric tons (MT) of excess weapon-grade plutonium and envisions disposition of more weapon-grade plutonium over time.

The Protocol reaffirms both countries commitment to nuclear disarmament under Article VI of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty by ensuring that excess weapon-grade plutonium is never again used for nuclear weapons or any other military purpose.

However, a Russian presidential decree made public on October 3 says the implementation of the U.S.-Russia Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) must be put on hold, "due to Washington's unfriendly actions toward Russia.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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6 October 2016 13:12 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

The upcoming meeting between Presidents Erdogan and Putin is expected to have a broad agenda taking into account the current complex situation regarding the Syrian conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed in a phone call on October 5 the Syrian crisis and the prospects of improving Russia-Turkey ties, the Kremlin press service said.

"The sides emphasized the need to step up international efforts aimed at facilitating peaceful political process in Syria, as well as creating favorable conditionsfor resolving urgent humanitarian issues in the country," the press service said in a statement.

Putin and Erdogan last met on September 3 in China's southeastern city of Hangzhou on the sidelines of a summit of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies.

Shortly after those talks, Russian and Turkish defense officials reached an agreement for closer military cooperation in Syria.

Moreover, Putin and Erdogan confirmed their upcoming meeting at the World Energy Congress in Istanbul and reaffirmed mutual desire to restore bilateral economic ties as well as to implement the Turkish Stream and the Akkuyu NPP construction projects.

Relations between Turkey and Russia broke down for about seven-months after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane in November 2015.

But relations have improved since the August meeting of the two presidents. The visit of Erdogan marked a first since last November when the crisis in relations between the countries started and is also Erdogans first foreign visit after a failed coup attempt in Turkey.

Vladimir Putin, earlier, stressed that Russia and Turkey intend to hold a meeting of a strategic planning group in the first half of 2017, and noted that the countries have all opportunities to restore and strengthen full-length relations.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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6 October 2016 13:05 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

The removal of international sanctions, which were earlier imposed on Iran due to its nuclear program, serves as a ground for the country to broaden its cooperation with Asian countries in various spheres.

Iran and Vietnam have today signed agreement on the abolition of visas during the visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Vietnam to attend a session of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Hanoi.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of a meeting between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and President of Vietnam Tran Dai Quang.

Moreover, the parties signed a document on cooperation in the field of ICT. Rouhani and Dai Quang also agreed to raise the value of transactions between the two capitals to more than $2 billion.

An agreement between the central banks of Iran and Vietnam will be reached in the nearest future as well.

Earlier, President Rouhani stressed that Iran is seeking to expand its relations with Vietnam in all areas, export of technical and engineering services in particular.

Addressing a joint press conference after their bilateral meeting, Rouhani expressed hope that his three-day visit to Vietnam will be a turning point for Tehran-Hanoi relations.

He added that there is a very good opportunity available in the field of energy for export of oil, LNG and petrochemicals from Iran to Vietnam and Vietnamese companies are ready to invest in the Iranian oil and gas projects.

Rouhani arrived in Hanoi on October 5, leading a high ranking political and economic delegation on the first leg of his regional tour to South-East Asian countries which will later take him to Malaysia and Thailand respectively.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Minister of Agriculture Mahmoud Hojjati, Minister of Industries, Mine and trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh and the Iranian Central Bank head, Valiollah Seif are accompanying Rouhani.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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6 October 2016 18:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

The agenda of the upcoming meeting between Russian and Turkish Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been partially revealed.

Several documents are expected to be signed on energy issues and political aspects of the fight against terrorism during the visit of President Putin to Turkey, RIA Novosti reported referring to Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Ilyas Umakhanov.

Vladimir Putin will visit Turkey on October 10, where he will hold talks with his Turkish counterpart and join the World Energy Congress to be held in Istanbul.

"As far as I know, there will be an extensive program of bilateral talks, including the signing of documents. This is a wide range of issues related to energy, a number of projects which were either frozen or require further specification, said Umakhanov.

Moreover, he noted that "any inter-state visit of the first person is very important for adding a new quality and impetus to the relations."

As for Turkey, it is doubly important. We all know about sad pages that have been in our recent history. There is no much effort is need to hurt someone. But to restore the full-fledged trade-economic, political and humanitarian ties between our countries- it is time-consuming. Only Presidents of our countries are capable of reducing the time in order to get close to the peak of our relations we had 2-3 years ago, Umakhanov concluded.

Putin and Erdogan last met on September 3 in China's southeastern city of Hangzhou on the sidelines of a summit of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies.

Relations between Turkey and Russia have deteriorated after Turkey shot down a Russian aircraft in November 2015.

However, the relations have moved to a positive phase after the August meeting of the two presidents. The visit of Erdogan marked a first since last November when the crisis in relations between the countries started and is also Erdogans first foreign visit after a failed coup attempt in Turkey.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 76F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 53F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
Indiana Michigan Power has agreed to sell its recently retired Tanners Creek coal plant in Lawrenceville, Ind. to a brownfield redevelopment company that is working with the Ports of Indiana to evaluate the site for use as the states fourth port.



Indiana Michigan Power has agreed to sell its recently retired Tanners Creek coal plant in Lawrenceville, Ind. to a brownfield redevelopment company that is working with the Ports of Indiana to evaluate the site for use as the states fourth port, the Ports of Indiana said.

Infrastructure critical to our states economy includes more than just roads, said Governor Mike Pence. Indianas ports and waterways have been tremendous catalysts for economic growth in this state for decades, and there is great potential here in southeast Indiana to develop a fourth port that will further energize our economy. In my State of the State address last January, I called upon the Ports of Indiana to vigorously explore the building of a fourth port in the southeastern part of our state, and Im thankful for their continued progress as we work to make this fourth port a reality.

Ports of Indiana currently has facilities in Burns Harbor on Lake Michigan, 18 miles from Chicago; Jeffersonville on the north bank of the Ohio River across from Louisville, Ky.; and in Mount Vernon, in the Southwest corner of the state, downriver from Louisville and Evansville, Ind. and close to the Illinois border. The Tanners Creek generating station is also located on the Ohio River, but close to the Ohio border.

St. Louis-based Commercial Development Company, Inc. (CDC) and its affiliates will work with the Ports of Indiana to determine if approximately 700 acres of property in Lawrenceburg can be developed as the states fourth port. CDC and its affiliates, Environmental Liability Transfer Inc. and EnviroAnalytics Group, specialize in brownfield remediation, environmental liability management, and redevelopment of formerly distressed sites throughout North America.

The Tanners Creek coal electric generation facility closed last year after 64 years of operation.

There is no question the Lawrenceburg site and its existing infrastructure would have value in a port development project, Ports of Indiana CEO Rich Cooper said. Its too early to say for sure what can be developed here, but it certainly warrants further investigation. Indianas last port was built 30 years ago, and port property in the U.S. is extremely limited; once its gone  its game over for future port development. We will be evaluating this sites viability for attracting new business to the Cincinnati metro area and to spur further economic development in the Tri-State region. Extensive analysis went into identifying the Tanners Creek facility and the next steps will be to determine how much land is developable and the costs associated with making the land useful.
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When economic times get tough or international conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine War throw the markets for a loop, investors often turn to gold as a safe haven. With inflation spiking and the stock market trading well below its highs, some investors are looking for a safe asset that has a proven track record of gains, and thats gold.

Investors like gold for many reasons, and it has attributes that make the commodity a good counterpoint to traditional securities such as stocks and bonds. They perceive gold as a store of value, even though its an asset that doesnt produce cash flow. Some see gold as a hedge against inflation, as the Feds actions to stimulate the economy  such as near-zero interest rates  and government spending have sent inflation racing higher.

Here are five different ways to own gold and a look at some of the risks that come with each.

1. Gold bullion

One of the more emotionally satisfying ways to own gold is to purchase it in bars or in coins. Youll have the satisfaction of looking at it and touching it, but ownership has serious drawbacks, too, if you own more than just a little bit. One of the largest drawbacks is the need to safeguard and insure physical gold.

To make a profit, buyers of physical gold are wholly reliant on the commoditys price rising. This is in contrast to owners of a business (such as a gold mining company), where the company can produce more gold and therefore more profit, driving the investment in that business higher.

You can purchase gold bullion in a number of ways: through an online dealer such as APMEX or JM Bullion, or even a local dealer or collector. A pawn shop may also sell gold. Note golds spot price  the price per ounce right now in the market  as youre buying, so that you can make a fair deal. You may want to transact in bars rather than coins, because youll likely pay a price for a coins collector value rather than just its gold content. (These may not all be made of gold, but here are 9 of the worlds most valuable coins.)

Risks: The biggest risk is that someone can physically take the gold from you, if you dont keep your holdings protected. The second-biggest risk occurs if you need to sell your gold. It can be difficult to receive the full market value for your holdings, especially if theyre coins and you need the money quickly. So you may have to settle for selling your holdings for much less than they might otherwise command on a national market.

2. Gold futures

Gold futures are a good way to speculate on the price of gold rising (or falling), and you could even take physical delivery of gold, if you wanted, though physical delivery is not what motivates speculators.

The biggest advantage of using futures to invest in gold is the immense amount of leverage that you can use. In other words, you can own a lot of gold futures for a relatively small sum of money. If gold futures move in the direction you think, you can make a lot of money very quickly.

Risks: The leverage for investors in futures contracts cuts both ways, however. If gold moves against you, youll be forced to put up substantial sums of money to maintain the contract (called margin) or the broker will close the position and youll take a loss. So while the futures market allows you to make a lot of money, you can lose it just as quickly.

In general, the futures market is for sophisticated investors, and youll need a broker that allows futures trading, and not all of the major brokers provide this service.

3. ETFs that own gold

If you dont want the hassle of owning physical gold or dealing with the fast pace and margin requirements of the futures market, then a great alternative is to buy an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the commodity. Three of the largest ETFs include SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), iShares Gold Trust (IAU) and Aberdeen Standard Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL). The goal of ETFs such as these is to match the price performance of gold minus the ETFs annual expense ratio. The expense ratios on the funds above are only 0.4 percent, 0.25 percent and 0.17 percent, respectively, as of October 2022.

The other big benefit to owning an ETF over bullion is that its more readily exchangeable for cash at the market price. You can trade the fund on any day the market is open for the prevailing price, just like selling a stock. So gold ETFs are more liquid than physical gold, and you can trade them from the comfort of your home.

Risks: ETFs give you exposure to the price of gold, so if it rises or falls, the fund should perform similarly, again minus the cost of the fund itself. Like stocks, gold can be volatile sometimes. But these ETFs allow you to avoid the biggest risks of owning the physical commodity: protecting your gold and obtaining full value for your holdings.

4. Mining stocks

Another way to take advantage of rising gold prices is to own the mining businesses that produce the stuff.

This may be the best alternative for investors, because they can profit in two ways on gold. First, if the price of gold rises, the miners profits rise, too. Second, the miner has the ability to raise production over time, giving a double whammy effect.

Risks: Any time you invest in individual stocks, you need to understand the business carefully. There are a number of tremendously risky miners out there, so youll want to be careful about selecting a proven player in the industry. Its probably best to avoid small miners and those that dont yet have a producing mine. Finally, like all stocks, mining stocks can be volatile.

5. ETFs that own mining stocks

Dont want to dig much into individual gold companies? Then buying an ETF could make a lot of sense. Gold miner ETFs will give you exposure to the biggest gold miners in the market. Since these funds are diversified across the sector, you wont be hurt much from the underperformance of any single miner.

The larger funds in this sector include VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX), VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) and iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING). The expense ratios on those funds are 0.51 percent, 0.52 percent and 0.39 percent, respectively, as of October 2022. These funds offer the advantages of owning individual miners with the safety of diversification.

Risks: While the diversified ETF protects you against any one company doing poorly, it wont protect you against something that affects the whole industry, such as sustained low gold prices. And be careful when youre selecting your fund: not all funds are created equal. Some funds have established miners, while others have junior miners, which are more risky.

Why investors like gold

Gold has a proven track record for returns, liquidity, and low correlations, making it a highly effective diversifier, says Juan Carlos Artigas, global head of research at the World Gold Council.

These qualities are especially important for investors:

Returns: Gold has outperformed stocks and bonds over certain stretches, though it doesnt always beat them.

Gold has outperformed stocks and bonds over certain stretches, though it doesnt always beat them. Liquidity: If youre buying certain kinds of gold-based assets, you can readily convert them to cash.

If youre buying certain kinds of gold-based assets, you can readily convert them to cash. Low correlations: Gold often performs differently from stocks and bonds, meaning when they go up, gold may go down or vice versa.

In addition, gold offers other potential advantages:

Diversification: Because gold is generally not highly correlated to other assets, it can help diversify portfolios, meaning the overall portfolio is less volatile.

Because gold is generally not highly correlated to other assets, it can help diversify portfolios, meaning the overall portfolio is less volatile. Defensive store of value: Investors often retreat to gold when they perceive threats to the economy, making it a defensive investment.

Those are a few of the major benefits of gold, but the investment  like all investments  is not without risks and drawbacks.

While gold performs well sometimes, its not always clear when to purchase it. Since gold by itself doesnt produce cash flow, its difficult to determine when its cheap. Thats not the case with stocks, where there are clearer signals based on the companys earnings.

Moreover, because gold doesnt produce cash flow, in order to make a profit on gold, investors must rely on someone else paying more for the metal than they did. In contrast, owners of a business  such as a gold miner  can profit not only from the rising price of gold but also from the business increasing its earnings. So there are multiple ways to invest and win with gold.

Bottom line

Investing in gold is not for everyone, and some investors stick with placing their bets on cash-flowing businesses rather than relying on someone else to pay more for the shiny metal. Thats one reason legendary investors such as Warren Buffett caution against investing in gold and instead advocate buying cash-flowing businesses. Plus, its simple to own stocks or funds, and theyre highly liquid, so you can quickly convert your position to cash, if you need to.

Its easy to get started buying a fund  here are the best brokers for ETFs.

Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.
Questions remain about the economic impact of lowering the cap on sulfur levels in marine fuels, as well as whether the refining industry can produce enough low-sulfur fuel to satisfy the increase in demand.



A decision that could boost the annual cost of moving ocean cargo to $60 billion could take place later this month when the Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) of the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) discusses when to lower the global cap on sulfur levels in bunker fuel.

The 70th session of MEPC is expected to feature extensive talks on whether the refining industry can produce enough low-sulfur fuel to allow the limit to be lowered from 3.5 percent to 0.5 percent m/m (by mass) in 2020, or the rule should be deferred until 2025.

This is an important issue with widespread global economic impacts, says John Butler, the chief executive officer of the World Shipping Council, the primary trade organization for the liner industry.

The International Transport Forum (ITF) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in May said the cap planned for 2020 will have a significant effect on shipping costs. Our calculations show that they could increase between 20 percent and 85 percent, depending on the assumptions regarding speed, fuel price and ship size, it said. The relatively large margin is due largely to the uncertainty surrounding the availability of low-sulfur ship fuel. The 2020 requirements could add annual total costs in the order of $5 billion to $30 billion for the container shipping industry.

Postponement to 2025, however, would still result in costs going up in 2020 in the order of 4 percent to 13 percent, according to the ITF. This is due to the fact that a 0.5 percent sulfur cap will come into effect in European Union waters from 2020, irrespective of the introduction of the global cap.

While MEPC could delay its decision to as late as 2018, Butler believes theres a pretty good chance that they decide this time around. The International Chamber of Shipping and tanker owner association INTERTANKO are among those that have called for an October decision.

The more lead time there is, the better, said Butler. The industry would like to know where this is headed. Theres a lot of planning involved. In other words, if 2020 is indeed the implementation date, the sooner refiners find out, the better.

MEPC in 2008 adopted revisions to Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) aimed at progressively reducing pollutants such as sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter.

In 2012, the global cap on marine fuel sulfur content was cut to 3.5 percent from 4.5 percent.

The IMO also created emission control areas (ECAs), which extend 200 miles from most of the U.S. and Canada coast, as well as in the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The sulfur content of fuel for ships operating within ECAs was capped at 1 percent on July 1, 2010, then lowered to 0.1 percent on Jan. 1, 2015.

Alternatively, ships are permitted to use higher sulfur fuel along with special scrubbers to remove sulfur from exhaust.

The rule has driven up the cost of operating ships in ECAs substantially, especially for ships that spend a lot of time in the regulated waters. Butler notes China has also created some ECAs under national law.

The next big step in reducing ship pollution will come when the global cap on sulfur in marine fuel is slashed from 3.5 percent to 0.5 percent. But with questions about whether refiners can make enough of the fuel, MEPC ordered a study from Netherlands-based CE Delft.

According to the CE Delft study, the refinery sector has the capability to supply sufficient quantities of marine fuels with a sulfur content of 0.5 percentwhile also meeting demand for non-marine fuels.

A study sponsored by several petroleum industry groups, as well as the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), and conducted by Ensys Energy & Systems Inc. and Navigistics Consulting, however, drew a very different conclusion, saying a full-on switch to the global sulfur standard in January 2020 does not look workable.

The uptake of scrubbers will be limited by end 2019 such that the required switch volume from high sulfur to global fuel standard is estimated as 3.8 million barrels per day (195 million tons per annum) plus and minus a range of uncertainty.

Based on this outlook, the global refining industry will lack sufficient capacity in one critical respect in 2020, namely sulfur plant and to a lesser degree hydrogen plant, (both vital to the ability to desulfurize refinery streams) to fully respond to the global sulfur cap, the report said.

WSC, BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping and several countries  including those with important ship registries like Liberia, Marshall Islands and Panama  told MEPC the 0.5 percent sulfur limit requires practical implementation measures, applied consistently to avoid commercial distortion associated with the higher daily operating costs for low-sulfur fuels or scrubbers.

They noted the additional daily operating cost for a ship burning 100 tons of fuel a day to comply with the 0.5 percent sulfur limit could be $15,000 to $30,000 based on historical price differential ranging from $150 to $300 per ton of low-sulfur fuel. That differential varies as a result of crude oil price fluctuations.

But Butler said the difference could easily amount to hundreds of dollars per container, costs that shipping companies are likely to pass on to customers.

In addition to raising serious questions about adequate supply, a model used by EnSys and Navigistics projects an increase in open market prices of 11 percent to 23 percent across all products, in all regions worldwide  not just across marine fuels. That would amount $350 billion to $700 billion per year.
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Polk County officials have closed schools for Friday as Hurricane Matthew moves toward Florida.

Polk County prepping for Matthew

Schools closed, shelters opened

County under Tropical Storm Warning

Polk County Emergency Operations Center

Also, state government was closed in Polk and shelters were expected to open sometime Thursday. A Tropical Storm Warning was issued Wednesday with the area expecting winds possibly of 30 to 40 mph.

Meanwhile, Citrus Connection will suspend all transit service as a result of the effects on Polk County from Hurricane Matthew. All final departure times for Citrus Connection, Winter Have Area Transit, Lynx buses (Routes 416, 427 and 603) and paratransit trips will occur by 4:15 p.m. today allowing passengers to complete their trip. Citrus Connection will be shutting down for the day at 6:30 p.m.

There will be no service on Friday. Service is anticipated to return on Saturday. More details will be shared as the storm passes.



Oficials are advising residents to take precautions, including those in mobile homes.

The Polk County Emergency Operations Center said shelters will be located at Alta Vista Elementary, 801 Scenic Highway in Haines City, Ridge Community High, 500 Orchid Drive in Haines City and Spook Hill Elementary, 321 Dr. J. A. Wiltshire Ave E. in Lake Wales.

The county also has a special needs shelter at the Polk County Health Department in Bartow at 1255 Brice Road.

The EOC has opened the citizen call line for Matthew-related questions. Residents can call (863) 401-2234.

Be prepared

Stay with Bay News 9 online and on mobile for the latest updates on Hurricane Matthew. If you lose power, count on us to get you the information you need to stay safe.
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.
A group of diverse but like-minded individuals, the members of ARC have come together in their common desire to fight hatred, bigotry, intolerance and violence because of the harm these antisocial behaviors cause to our society. In that effort, we will not use or sanction the use of illegal actions (such as violence or intimidation) in pursuit of our desired aims and if we learn of anyone who does use these unethical methods we will report those individuals to the authorities. Instead, we will use the guarantees found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that ensure freedom of legal speech and expression.
Think back to 1997; what a wild year. The Notorious B.I.G., Mother Teresa and Diana, Princess of Wales died. But Malala Yousafzai and Simone Biles were born! Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was published in London by Bloomsbury Publishing. President Bill Clinton banned federal funding of research on human cloning, and NASA's Pathfinder probe landed on Mars. Thirty-nine Heaven's Gate cult members committed mass suicide at their compound in San Diego. Timothy McVeigh was convicted of his role in the Oklahoma City bombing. Titanic premiered in the US, and South Park debuted on Comedy Central. The Russian-Chechen Peace Treaty was signed. The first color photo appeared on the cover of The New York Times. Planes crashed, wars were fought, people were killed, technology marched on. Know what else happened in that epic year?

Twenty years ago, Weekly Alibi held its first Best of Burque Restaurants readers' poll to find out which eateries held the hearts of the locals. And just like Tupac, this poll lives on today. So here, dear Burquenos, are your winners for the 2016 BoBR. Thanks for voting, and let's hope for another 20 years to come.
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A 13-year-old Beaumont ISD student was still recovering from surgery at a Houston hospital on Wednesday after being attacked last week while walking home from school, according to his mother.

Omar Cabrera, an eighth-grader at South Park Middle School, was beaten by a group of six to nine boys on Friday afternoon, said his mom, Virginia Martinez.

His younger sister and two female classmates witnessed the assault, which began when one of the boys punched Cabrera in the face near the intersection of Lavaca Street and Highland Avenue, said Beaumont Police Sgt. Cody Guedry.

The group beat Cabrera as he lay on the sidewalk, according to Martinez. She said the attack didn't stop until her 12-year-old daughter intervened.

"He would've died if his sister didn't step in," she said.

Martinez said the boys stole her son's cell phone but left his clarinet and a gold chain he was wearing around his neck.

Guedry said the incident is being investigated as an aggravated robbery. He said BPD is handling the case instead of the Beaumont ISD Police Department because it happened off school property.

Shannon Allen, Beaumont ISD's assistant superintendent for secondary administration, said the incident was brought to the district's attention on Wednesday via a social media post. Allen said the district is investigating the attack even though it happened off-campus.

"We are still investigating because we want to find the students involved," she said. "The information we have at this time is that it was not South Park students."

Cabrera recognized two of the boys, who he believes attended South Park Middle School last year, said Martinez.

The intersection where the attack happened is in front of Alice Keith Park, about a quarter-mile from the South Park Middle School, said Guedry.

Guedry said the department believes the suspects are teenagers. Detectives are working with witnesses and are reviewing footage from nearby street and private home cameras to make IDs, he said.

Guedry said that while such attacks are not common in Beaumont, "these kinds of situations should never happen."

Cabrera, who has a broken jaw, underwent surgery on Monday at Texas Children's Hospital, according to Martinez. She said her son was listed in stable condition on Wednesday.

Martinez said Cabrera can barely talk because of the swelling around his mouth. She said she will be seeking therapy for both Cabrera and his sister.

Martinez said her husband spoke with BPD detectives on Tuesday morning about any updates on the investigation. She said representatives from Beaumont ISD called her on Wednesday morning to inform her that they would provide as much assistance as possible, but also to let her know that the Beaumont Police Department would be leading the criminal investigation.

Reporter Natalie Krebs contributed to this article.

SFlores@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/_saraeflores
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A suspected white supremacist prison gang member named this week to the state's Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list was captured Wednesday in northwest Houston.

Kevin Wayne Matthews, 49, identified by law enforcement as a member of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, was taken into custody without incident at an undisclosed location, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Matthews, who has worked as an electrician, was wanted on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in a May 2015 incident in Liberty County. He is accused of using a vehicle to attack two family members, and had been caught by law enforcement with a firearm.

Liberty County District Attorney Logan Pickett said the case is worthy of the attention that comes with being among the state's most wanted.

"Gangs have shown a proclivity for violence," Pickett said. "Any time you have accusations against felons with firearms and felons committing violent crimes, I'd imagine the spotlight should be a bit brighter on those to get those allegations resolved."

RELATED: Aryan Circle steps out of the shadows

Matthews, who had a Pasadena address, has been in and out of the gang's home turf  the Texas Department of Criminal Justice  at least six times, for offenses such as breaking into a building, stealing a car and evading arrest, according to records. He was last sent to state prison for nine months in 2014 for drug possession.

The gang, which has about 2,000 members and recruits, is active inside the state's penitentiaries and outside as well in many parts of the state.

The DPS ranks it in the same gang category as Bloods, Crips and Bandidos in terms of size, but officials say it commits a disproportionately larger amount of crime.

"The Aryan Brotherhood of Texas was formed as a white supremacist prison gang, but places its racist ideology secondary to its everyday criminal activities," an agency report on the gang states.

Membership is for life, orders from superiors must be obeyed without question, and failure to do so can carry a penalty of death, according to the gang's constitution. It has a military type structure, with top leaders called generals and rank-and-file known as soldiers.

PHOTOS: The most dangerous prison gangs

The gang has often been in the cross hairs of law enforcement, with one of the largest racketeering prosecutions ever based in Houston.

Federal authorities here convicted 73 members and associates of the gang in a case that wrapped up in 2014.

One of the gang's most infamous crimes played out a decade ago when longshoremen Robert McCartney was kidnapped in a carjacking in Baytown, then murdered and dumped in a Liberty County field. Authorities said the gang members were acting on orders from superiors to find parts for a truck.

Danny Ray Ferguson, a member of the gang's rival, the Aryan Circle, was named to the state's 10 Most Wanted Fugitive list in April and also became Houston's Most Wanted Gang Fugitive, a double dose of attention that resulted in him quickly surrendering for allegedly violating parole.

Crime Stoppers, in coordination with the Texas governor's office, was offering a reward of up to $7,500 for information leading to the arrest of Matthews. Officials said the tip information is being reviewed to determine if a reward will be paid.

Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-252-8477 or by texting the letters "DPS" followed by the tip to 274637 (CRIMES) from a cellular phone.
Here are seven updates:

DOJ works to block payers' $338M lawsuit against the ACA

The Department of Justice filed two motions to dismiss a lawsuit brought on by Moda Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina for losses they suffered under the Affordable Care Act. The DOJ says the government should not be held responsible for the payments as Congress had "directly spoken" about limiting the use of federal dollars in the risk-corridor program, and the government did not give a definitive deadline for repaying insurers.

Surgery Partners adds Dr. Teresa DeLuca to board of directors

Surgery Partners named Teresa DeLuca, MD, to its board of directors. She is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine in New York City. In addition to her board role, Dr. DeLuca will serve on Surgery Partners' audit committee.

AmSurg's Sheridan continues to expand in California through Fidere Anesthesia Consultants acquisition

Sheridan, AmSurg's physician services division, acquired California-based Fidere Anesthesia Consultants. Fidere Anesthesia Consultants has 38 physicians spanning seven facilities that provide both inpatient and outpatient anesthesia services.

Aetna partners with Baptist Health and St. Vincent HealthCare to provide value-based aid

Jacksonville, Fla.-based health systems Baptist Health and St. Vincent HealthCare employees will soon have a value-based care insurance option available to them through a partnership with Aetna. Aetna has piloted the approach in several other regions to the tune of 6.2 million members. Aetna said 40 percent of its provider base is utilizing a value-based approach. It aims to increase that number to 75 percent by 2020.

Physicians' political beliefs may impact treatment decisions

A New Haven, Conn.-based Yale School of Medicine study found a physician's political beliefs may affect his or her treatment decisions on various politicized health issues. Democratic physicians reported being more likely to advise patients against storing firearms in the home. On the other hand, Republican physicians were more likely to speak to patients about the mental health risks associated with abortion and encourage patients to limit marijuana use.

Nation's 'most successful' co-op Baltimore's Evergreen Health to be acquired and turned for-profit

A group of private investors are going to acquire and convert Baltimore-based Evergreen Health and convert it into a for-profit insurance company. The co-op needed the deal to remain in business. Evergreen had reported a profit in the past, but insurance rules requiring it to make a $24 million risk-adjustment payment was its downfall.

Tenet to settle kickback allegations with $514M to government, Georgia & South Carolina

Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare will pay the federal government, Georgia and South Carolina $514 million to settle kickback allegations. The allegations involve Tenet hospitals paying kickbacks for obstetric referrals in Georgia and South Carolina. Tenet plans to pay the $514 million with cash and its revolving credit facility.

More healthcare news:

How value-based care breeds joint venture ASCs & key characteristics hospitals look for in partners

How metric-driven decisions can bring 'revolutionary' innovation back to healthcare

Allergan buys rights to AstraZeneca's IBD treatment drug for $250M: 3 notes




Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton outlined her healthcare plan in a New England Journal of Medicine article; Republican Nominee Donald Trump did not respond to the publication's request to feature his plans.

NEJM asked both candidates to discuss policy they supported to improve care, quality of care and control costs. Ms. Clinton responded with a four point plan:

1. Ms. Clinton would keep the ACA intact, as she sees the legislation as "an essential step toward universal healthcare." She would expand Medicaid coverage in states that previously elected not to expand Medicaid and deliver tax credits to make health coverage more affordable. She would also include the public option in every state and allow Americans to "buy in to Medicare" when they are 55 years old.

2. To make healthcare more affordable, Ms. Clinton would create a tax credit of up to $5,000 per family "for excessive out-of-pocket health costs" and insurers would be required to limit out-of-pocket for prescription drugs to $250. She would work to streamline approval of "high quality biosimilar and generic drugs" and create a federal consumer response team. Finally, she would take steps to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse.

3. The trend toward value-based care would continue and encourage integrated healthcare and improved access to primary, dental and mental healthcare. She would make a renewed commitment to community and mental health centers as well as the National Health Service Corps. She would fight against restricting access to reproductive healthcare for women and she supports access to "affordable" contraception as well as preventative care and "safe and legal abortion."

4. Ms. Clinton would invest in the scientific research and regulatory system to promote innovation and increase funding for biomedical research. She would maintain the cancer moon shot program Vice President Joe Biden currently heads.

"Health and healthcare in America should not be a partisan or divisive issue," she wrote in the article's conclusion. "As President, I will work tirelessly with anyone dedicated to improving our families' health and ensuring that the promise of affordable, quality healthcare is achieved for all Americans."
Sistersville (W.Va.) General Hospital CEO John May has resigned, according to a report by The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register. He cited personal reasons as the cause for his departure.

The hospital named current COO Brandon Chadock interim CEO. The hospital board will begin searching for a permanent chief executive.

In an email to employees, Mr. May announced his resignation and also noted the growing pressures on rural hospitals. "We are a rural hospital and members of a dying breed," he wrote according to the report. "We have to focus on reducing our expenses and increasing revenue. We have already experienced some cuts to expenses, however, we must go further. Each of us should be looking for ways to cut expenses for the hospital and encouraging our patients to use our services."

The hospital and the city of Sistersville officials have been discussing the hospital's future, which the city owns. Officials have discussed ideas including forming an exploratory committee that would look into ways to preserve the hospital in the evolving healthcare industry, according to the report.
Palo Alto, Calif.-based Theranos plans to close its blood-testing facilities, resulting in layoffs for more than 40 percent of its workforce, according to The Wall Street Journal.

In a statement posted on the Theranos website late Wednesday, company founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes said the blood testing startup will close clinical labs and Theranos Wellness Centers, which will impact approximately 340 employees in Arizona, California and Pennsylvania.

She went on to say the company will return its focus to a new blood-testing device called miniLab.

"Our ultimate goal is to commercialize miniaturized, automated laboratories capable of small-volume sample testing, with an emphasis on vulnerable patient populations, including oncology, pediatrics and intensive care," Ms. Holmes said.

She also noted in the statement that the company has a new executive team leading its work toward obtaining clearances from the Food and Drug Administration, building commercial partnerships, and pursuing publications in scientific journals.

"We are fortunate to have supporters and investors who believe deeply in our mission of affordable, less invasive lab testing, and to have the runway to realize our vision. I look forward to sharing more with you as we progress along the way," she said.

Wednesday's Theranos announcement marks a move away from the company's core strategy of providing an array of low-price blood tests directly to consumers, according to The Wall Street Journal. That core strategy, according to the report, was already endangered by regulatory sanctions that followed revelations by The Wall Street Journal of shortcomings in Theranos's technology and operations.

Theranos has labs in Newark, Calif., and Scottsdale, Ariz., as well as five blood-drawing sites that send samples to the Arizona lab. The California lab has been closed since CMS revoked the company's lab certificate, a decision Theranos is appealing, according to the report.

As part of its recently announced restructuring, Theranos will now completely shut down those operations, according to the report.

Meanwhile, the company, in its appeal of regulatory sanctions, asked HHS Departmental Appeals Board to conduct a hearing, appeals official Eric Lester told The Wall Street Journal. The proceedings are scheduled to begin Dec. 1, at which time CMS must reveal its evidence and arguments against Theranos, Mr. Lester told the publication.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 4, ARMENPRESS. The possibility of acquisition of Israeli made Iron dome anti-missile system by Azerbaijan raises both political and military suspicions, Deputy Director of Caucasus Institute, political scientist Sergey Minasyan told Armenpress commenting on the media reports that Israel allegedly plans to sell Iron dome anti-missile system to Azerbaijan.

First of all, they have not purchased it at the moment. The Azerbaijani press spread information about its intention to acquire this system or they will be provided with it. This system was elaborated not only by Israeli experts, but they did it with collaboration of US experts, Minasyan said, adding that it is hard to imagine that Israel, possessing one of the worlds leading systems of that type, will provide it to a country that has started to strengthen its relations with Russia and Iran.

The second factor according to the political scientist is that Azerbaijan will have to empty its pockets if it really wants to purchase it. For a country that faces rather serious social-economic problems, it will be a very heavy spending. But even if Azerbaijan takes that path, we can say that the purchase of Iskander by Armenia is equivalent to Azerbaijani acquisition of Iron dome in terms of cost-effectiveness ratio, since the costs Azerbaijan will have to invest in counter-balancing Iskander will far exceed the costs of Armenias acquisition of Iskander, Sergey Minasyan stated.

The third factor is there are no such evidences that Iron dome is effective against Iskander or other operational and tactical missiles such as Tochka or even Scud systems modernized by Armenia. That system is first of all designed against small and medium-caliber missile systems, such as Grad, Smerch or other similar systems. Iskander missiles have quasi-ballistic trajectory and other features, against which, as American and Israeli experts note, there are no effective counter-measures, the expert stated.

According to Minasyan, the information spread by Azerbaijani media is a result of psychological shock after Armenia demonstrated Iskander systems.
Michael Klag, MD, dean of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health since 2005, will step down next year to resume research and teaching.

Beginning in July 2017, Dr. Klag will take a sabbatical and then join the school's departments of epidemiology and health policy.

Dr. Klag, an epidemiologist and internist, has worked at Johns Hopkins since 1987. He is currently the longest tenured of the university's current divisional deans and directors.

Under his leadership, the Bloomberg School gained 10 new centers and institutes and the establishment of 12 endowed chairs. Dr. Klag spearheaded symposia on major global health issues including gun violence, the Ebola epidemic, measles and the refugee crisis. In memory of his late first wife Wendy Schagen Klag, he founded the Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in 2013.

News of Dr. Klag's departure from the dean role comes amid the school's 100th anniversary. To honor the milestone, the Bloomberg School announced the launch of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative, which is funded by a $300 million commitment from Johns Hopkins graduate and former New York City mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
New negotiations between San Diego-based Sharp HealthCare and its union nurses are scheduled for Oct. 14 as both sides work toward a three-year contract.

A key sticking point in the dispute revolves around nurse wages. Nurses are asking for a 31 percent pay raise over the term of the next contract, while Sharp is offering a 16 to 26 percent pay raise over the contract term. The systems proposed raise would be based on a nurses' experience, advancement and academic degree earned, Sharp officials said.

CBS 8 reports that nurses rallied Thursday morning, claiming they're "overworked, underpaid and have high turnover."

Sharp, for its part, maintains that the system's 2015 nurse turnover rates are lower than San Diego, Southern California and state turnover averages. The system also noted in a fact sheet about its latest offer that nurse wages, prior to the proposed increase, were above San Diego averages.

The nurses, who are working without contracts, have been in negotiation talks since July, according to CBS 8.

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The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia concluded HHS' proposed strategies to alleviate the Medicare appeals backlog are insufficient and so will allow the American Hospital Association's litigation against HHS to proceed, according to Lexology.

In May 2014, AHA, BaxterRegionalMedicalCenter in Mountain Home, Ark., Covenant Health in Knoxville, Tenn., and Rutland (Vt.) RegionalMedicalCenter filed suit against HHS to compel the agency to meet the statutory deadlines for review of Medicare claims appeals. In February, a federal appeals court remanded the case to the U.S. District Court of D.C. after AHA's legal claims were initially dismissed in 2014.

The district court issued a ruling Sept. 19 that found HHS' proposed administrative and legislative changes to the Medicare appeals process inadequate to address the scope of the problem. The court noted the recovery audit contractor program recovered billions of dollars in improperly paid funds, but has also caused the current backlog of Medicare appeals.

But district judges also determined that forcing HHS to comply with statutory appeals deadlines would likely require "drastically limiting the scope" of the RAC program.

In absence of a "magic wand" to eliminate the current appeals backlog, the court ordered the plaintiffs and defendant to appear for a status conference on Oct. 3 to discuss how to proceed.
Three customers are suing Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealth Group over prescription drug co-pays, reports Reuters.

In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, customers allege the insurer charged co-payments for prescription drugs that were higher than their actual cost and kept the excess money, according to the article. The plaintiffs are seeking class-action status for the lawsuit.



In an email to Reuters,UnitedHealth spokesman Matt Wiggin said the company had not yet been served with the complaint, and that "pharmacy benefits are administered in line with the coverage described in the plan documents."
The Indiana Supreme Court has declined to hear a case between Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Parkview Hospital and a former patient, thereby enforcing an appeals court order for the hospital to publish rates it charges to in-network insurance companies, The Journal Gazette reports.

Former patient Thomas Frost filed suit against the hospital after it billed Mr. Frost $625,000 for a month-long hospitalization for a catastrophic injury. The suit alleged Parkview Hospital charged Mr. Frost "unreasonable rates" for services because he was uninsured. The suit claimed rates from the hospitals chargemaster  the official list of charges for medical services and procedures before insurance  are simply a starting point for negotiations with carriers, and are not intended to be paid in full by patients.

An appeals court ruled in favor of Mr. Frost and ordered Parkview Hospital release information about discounts offered to patients with commercial or government insurance.

Indiana Supreme Court justices rejected the case in a 3-2 vote after hearing oral arguments Sept. 2.
A sheriff's deputy shot a hospitalized inmate in Houston's Ben Taub Hospital Thursday morning after the patient reportedly threatened a physician with a sharp object, according to a Houston Chronicle report.

The local Houston Patch reports the shooting took place on the hospital's fifth floor. A Harris County sheriff's deputy told the man to drop the weapon, which has not been specified. When the man refused, the deputy opened fire and wounded him, according to a spokesperson for the sheriff's office.

The inmate was taken to the emergency room for care before entering surgery. The sheriff's spokesperson said he is expected to survive.

The Houston Police Department said Ben Taub is not facing an active shooter situation. No one else was hurt in the incident.

This story will be updated as the story develops.
CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn., notified affiliated providers it failed to negotiate a new contract with UnitedHealthcare, Times Free Press reports.

CHI Memorial sent letters to its physicians Tuesday that said the hospital will leave UnitedHealthcare's network Nov. 1. Both hospital and insurance officials attributed the impasse to disagreements on reimbursement rates.

"All we are asking for is a rate adjustment that is in line with the market, and recognizes the value of Chattanooga's only 4-star health system as rated by Medicare Compare and the only hospital recognized as a Best Regional Hospital by U.S. News & World Report," CHI Memorial CEO Larry Schumacher, told Times Free Press.

UnitedHealthcare issued a response Tuesday, saying CHI Memorial requested unreasonable rate hikes.

"CHI Memorial wants to raise the cost of care at its hospitals by double digits, and their proposed rate increases would result in our members and local employers both paying more for their healthcare for the next several years," UnitedHealthcare said in a statement. "We have committed to a relationship with CHI that is based on paying for increased quality and promoting better health for the people we serve and hope they will share this focus."

In a letter to policyholders, UnitedHealthcare recommended members use healthcare services at CHI Memorial's regional competitors that are also in UnitedHealthcare's network  Chattanooga-based Erlanger Health System and ParkridgeMedicalCenter.
Health insurance startup Oscar Health will transfer its New York City operations to a new office in Tempe, Ariz., an Oscar spokesperson confirmed.

In May the New York City-based payer announced it would expand operations into Tempe. The Arizona facility will now act as Oscar's main point for sales and member services.

"As a result of this strategic decision, some NYC-based related roles have been affected," an Oscar spokesperson said in an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review. "We value our people immensely and are committed to providing the necessary employee support during the transition."

Oscar said the Arizona office "is part of our broader plans to continue to grow Oscar's presence" in the West Coast region.

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In August, John Peck, a retired Marine Sergeant who became a quad amputee in 2010 when he stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, received a bilateral arm transplant at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. On Wednesday, Mr. Peck spoke about his experience during a press conference at the hospital, according to a detailed report from The Washington Post.

The 13-hour procedure was performed by Simon G. Talbot, MD, Brigham and Women's director of upper extremity transplantation, and his team. The donated right arm was attached just above the elbow and the donor's left arm was attached below the elbow. Dr. Talbot told the Post parts of the surgery were performed with a microscope and some of the stitches were as thin as human hair.

Mr. Peck, despite a brief period of temporary rejection, is doing well. He can lift the new arms, but sensation is limited. The hospital said he likely won't experience significant results for several months.

Mr. Peck is the fourth bilateral arm transplant performed at Brigham and Women's Hospital, according to The Boston Globe. The hospital financed the operation and the physicians volunteered their services.

According to the Post, Mr. Peck expressed gratitude to the donor's family at the media briefing.

"Your loved one's death will not be for nothing," said Mr. Peck. "Every day that I look down at our new arms, I will drive on ... and I will never give up. I will remember his selflessness and his gift until the day I die."

The donor's family prefers to remain anonymous, the hospital said.

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Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, both in Boston, report extremely low supplies of available blood platelets, according to Boston Magazine.

The Kraft Family Blood Donor Center, which serves both of the Boston-based hospitals, said in a statement it had an "extreme shortage" of platelets, which could be further exacerbated by Hurricane Matthew and the upcoming Columbus Day holiday.

Blood platelets bind together to repair damaged blood vessels and stop bleeding, according to the report. While a healthy body can constantly produce new platelets, critically ill patients often need platelet transfusions.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital are asking for platelet donations over the next for days, especially from male donors.





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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Executive Director for Member Relations at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Carlos Vogeler participated in the recent wine festival in Areni where he for the first time tasted the Armenian wine.

I would like to stress not only the high quality of the wine but also the meaning of this festival. Eventually, we were in the place from where everything started, Carlos Vogeler told Armenpress.

He said that he liked the people very much and the way they participated in the festival.

Above all I appreciated the peoples participation. The event was held in a very warm atmosphere and it was a success thank to the peoples participation. They danced, made fun and proudly introduced their production. We had the opportunity to tour along various pavilions, taste wine and other agricultural production, but the people were most impressive, their mood and inclusiveness. And I realized how this festival has grown and developed with years, Carlos Vogeler stated.

The traditional wine festival was held in Areni village, Armenia for the 8th time on October 1. 18 wine producing companies introduced their productions.
A consumer in the United States would shell out much more money for an EpiPen two-pack than a Britain consumer, with the drug priced at more than $600 in the United States, according to Bloomberg.

In England, the state-funded National Health Services provides a similar pair of injections at $69, meaning consumers in America pay $531 more. Bloomberg reports the price difference speaks to the larger issue of how the United States and Britain work with pharmaceutical companies differently to reign in costs for consumers.

Earlier this month, Mylan CEO Heather Bresch faced questions from heated lawmakers as to the pricing of EpiPen. Legislators pressed Ms. Bresch on her $18 million salary, despite the executive trying to speak about Mylan's efforts to offer Epic generics. When Ms. Bresch said Mylan's profits are falling, House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) said, "This is why we don't believe you." He said the profits Mylan accrued from its $300 generic actually surpassed the profits it made from its $608 version on the drug.

Public Citizen released a report on Sept. 20 which found that Mylan charges Americans more than six times more than other wealthy nations for EpiPen, indicating the drug can be profitable for the company when sold at reduced prices. In France, Mylan sells two EpiPens for less than $100 dollars and a little over $200 in Germany.

When probed as to why Mylan increased EpiPen's price in the Untied States while lowering the price in the United Kingdom, a Mylan spokesperson said in an email, "Each market has its unique considerations that may impact costs."

In the United Kingdom, government and industry officials negotiated an agreement that placed a cap on health service's spending and mandates pharmaceutical companies repay any amount that surpasses the fixed cap. Comparatively, U.S. intermediaries, such as pharmacy benefit managers, have an integral role in dictating drug prices. While benefit mangers say they are negotiating the prices on behalf of payer sand employers, many Americans lack insurance and even those with insurance have trouble affording such high prices.



Additionally, Mylan has few rivals in the United States, allowing the company to shoot up its prices. Due to the limited competition, the FDA is helping Kaleo launch products as EpiPen alternatives. Amena Warner, head of clinical services at Allergy UK, a non-profit group, said, "I'm amazed, absolutely amazed. It must make the patients feel very uncertain and very frightened. Fortunately in the U.K., that's not really an issue."

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The spine industry saw the effects of transitioning to a value-based environment, a slew of merger and acquisition activity, some dramatic lawsuits and continued growth of outpatient spine, among many other market changes in 2016.

Here is a recap of the year through the spine lens.

1. Acquisitions. The spine device industry saw a flurry of M&A activity in 2016. Here are a few major acquisitions that made headlines:

Warsaw, Ind.-based Zimmer Biomet acquired Austin, Texas-based LDR for $1 billion.

Zimmer Biomet plans to acquire majority stake in MedTech, a France-based company focused on the ROSA Robotic System for brain and spine surgery.

Smith & Nephew has completed the acquisition of Blue Belt Technologies.

NuVasive will acquire Ellipse for $380 million upfront cash payments and the potential for $30 million more payable in 2017 for reaching specific revenue targets.

2. Lawsuits. Major lawsuits plagued the spine industry, involving allegations of spine surgeon negligence, undisclosed relationships, False Claims Act violations and more.

For example, a patient filed a $22 million lawsuit against Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University and an orthopedic spine surgeon for allegedly paralyzing him by dropping a tool on his back.

Another included the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center paying the federal government more than $2.5 million to settle a case alleging violation of the False Claims Act. The deal came into fruition after whistleblowers accused some of UPMC's neurosurgeons of billing Medicare for surgeries in which they did not participate in full.

The University of California also paid $8.5 million to settle multiple lawsuits alleging undisclosed financial ties between a former UCLA spine surgeon and Medtronic.

3. Spine device companies. Here's a glimpse of the spine device powerhouses' current positioning and where they're headed:

Medtronic's revenue was up in the third quarter, but the spine revenue declined 5 percent. In the United States there was double-digit growth among BMP products, which partially offset the low-single digit decline in the company's core spine platform. Medtronic also invested $20 million in Mazor Robotics as well as a 15-system order of Mazor X.

DePuy Synthes, a Johnson & Johnson company, is looking to innovate beyond the operating room. The company's worldwide orthopedic sales were down 0.7 percent in the fourth quarter, but United States orthopedic sales grew 7.4 percent. Worldwide spine sales were down 5.5 percent, but United States spine sales grew 3 percent to $2.2 billion.

Stryker reported net sales growth in the first quarter of 4.9 percent, reaching $2.5 billion. The neurotechnolgy and spine business increased 12 percent from the same period in 2015, reaching $480 million. Spine sales for the quarter hit $1.79 million, up 1.1 percent over the same period last year. However, spine sales dropped 12 percent internationally.

NuVasive reported first quarter revenue of $215.1 million, up 11.8 percent over the same period last year. However, the company still experienced a net loss of $8.9 million for the quarter.

Globus Medical reported worldwide net sales increased 10.7 percent last year and the company launched 14 new products. The company is also working on a robotic technology product, which made steady progress last year.

Zimmer Biomet reported $1.93 billion in fourth quarter revenue and total net sales last year were up 28.3 percent, reaching $5.9 billion. Spine sales were up 95.2 percent to $404 million.



4. MACRA. Originally, CMS had two options under MACRA  Merit-Based Incentive Payment System and Advanced Alternative Payment Models. Now, physicians will be able to choose among four options:

The first option entails physicians participating in MIPS while avoiding the 2019 penalty as they can report "some" quality and cost data.

The second option allows physicians in MIPS to submit quality and cost data for a portion of 2017, with the performance period under MIPS beginning no later than Jan. 1, 2017.

Physicians partaking in the third option can submit performance data for the full 2017 calendar year.

With the fourth option, physicians can join an Advanced APM. Both the third and fourth options have been options for physicians since CMS launched MACRA.

5. MIS. Minimally invasive spine surgery is gaining popularity with the flow of new research espousing its benefits. Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery President Greg Anderson, MD, of Philadelphia-based Rothman Institute, offered key insights on MIS spine's promising future: "There are still skeptics, as well, which is healthy because as physicians we should always hold ourselves to asking for proof of benefit when we consider changing our standards of care." Research supporting MIS spine has boosted the technique's reputation, highlighting potential benefits: less pain; lower infection and complication rates; less blood loss; shorter hospital stays; and quicker recovery.





Frank Phillips, MD, director of the division of spine surgery at Rush University Medical Center and co-founder of the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute at Rush, also shared his take on the state of MIS spine: "Five years ago there were a few companies heavily focused on it, but now most companies have robust minimally invasive platforms to address the increasing interest and demand."





6. Outpatient spine. Payers have posed as obstacles for spine in ambulatory surgery centers, but the recent additions and proposals of ASC payable codes for spine procedures should ease up some of the difficulties surgery centers face.

In August, CMS proposed these eight new spine codes for the ASC payable list in 2017:

Autograft for spine surgery (20936)  (includes harvesting the graft); local (eg, ribs, spinous process or laminar fragments) obtained from the same incision (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Autograft for spine surgery only (20937)  (includes harvesting the graft); morselized (through separate skin or fascial incision) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Autograft for spine surgery only (20938)  (includes harvesting the graft); structural biocortical or tricortical (through separate skin fascial incision)

Arthrodesis, anterior interbody (22552)  including disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy and decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots; cervical C2, each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for separate procedure)

Posterior non-segmental instrumentation (22840)  (eg, Harrington rod technique, pedicle screw fixation across one interspace, atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation, sublaminar wiring at C1, facet screw fixation)

Posterior non-segmental instrumentation (22842)  (eg. Harrington rod technique, pedicle fixation across one interspace, atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation, subliminar wiring at C1, facet screw fixation)

Anterior instrumentation; two to three vertebral segments (22845)

Application of intervertebral biomechanical device(s) (22851)  (eg, synthetic cage(s), methlmethacrylate) to vertebral defect or interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

7. Bundled payments. Bundled payment programs are receiving a lot of buzz in the value-based arena, but developing a bundled product is no straightforward task. Once an ASC understands its capabilities, it can build a bundled spine surgery product by calculating an accurate facility cost combined with the surgeon payment.





Providers who are early adopters of bundled payments can increase patient volumes from payers, according to a Spine study. Fee-for-service reimbursement accounts for a majority of revenue, but several organizations expect 30 percent to 45 percent of their spine volume to be covered under bundled payments within three years. Organizations cite new patient volume, increased surgical yield and financial benefits from efficiency improvements as reasons for adopting bundled payments.





8. PODs. The Senate Finance Committee released a new report on May 10, addressing physician-owned distributorships with a focus on spine surgeons. The report said PODs "present an inherent conflict of interest that can put the physician's medical judgment at odds with the patient's best interests."

The POD surgeons saw 24 percent more patients than non-POD surgeons. In absolute numbers, POD surgeons performed fusion surgery on nearly twice as many patients (91 percent more) than the non-POD surgeons. POD surgeons also performed a higher rate (44 percent higher) than non-POD surgeons as a percentage of patients seen.




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WASHINGTON, D.C.-When competitors DISH and DIRECTV came together in 2014 to offer addressable television advertising solely for political campaigns, early takers were traditional TV buyers. But in the 2016 election cycle, digital buyers wanted in.

I was amazed at how quick the political ad agencies were to accept this and to want to use D2 Media Sales, its Director of Political Ad Sales, Mark Failla, said of 2014 during a panel discussion at the recent Beet.TV summit on politics and advertising. Now in 2016, what were starting to see is some of the digital players fight for that money and say its really a digital buy, Failla explained in response to a question from panel moderator Matt Prohaska of Prohaska Consulting.

According to Failla, political buyers are drawn by the precision of direct mail with the accountability of digital, but with emotional impact and reach that only a television commercial can give you.

Among D2s main attributes is its ability to create scalable household-addressable media buys at the local level, enabling political campaigns to target their buys within given states, along with its approach to prevent wasted impressions. If the commercial is played during a DVR playback and they skip through the commercial, it doesnt count as an impression, Failla explained. If someone changes the channel instead of watching the commercial, it doesnt count.

Even though D2 offers some 50 demographic audiences for targeting, in addition to voter file data, buyers bring their own data to the table in line with their specific needs.

Especially in this election cycle, theres unique audiences that are affected by the top of the ballot problems that maybe we have on the Republican side or the Democratic side, said Failla. That affects the down-ballot candidates. By matching campaigns own data to D2 households, now you can target just these disaffected Democrats or reluctant republicans. You name the target audience. Theres a ton of them out there.

Asked whether campaigns have begun to harness dynamic creative messaging to deliver sequential messages to target households, Failla said buyers are interested but there are concerns about cost and scale.

Although most voters would agree that this is a unique election season due to the personalities of the presidential candidates themselves, TV still plays a fundamental role regardless of how much free media coverage a candidate can generate.

I think television as a vehicle still has to be a persuasion vehicle and still has to be used in a traditional way in many cases. Its just that targeting is so much more superior, Failla said.

You are watching videos from Beet.TV politics and advertising summit presented by OpenX along with Intermarkets. Please find additional videos from the series here.
The UK Government is legally entitled to use royal prerogative powers to carry out the people's will to quit the European Union, the High Court has heard.

A judge was told the power is "common currency" in making and withdrawing from international treaties - and was the method used to join the EU.

Rejecting claims that Parliament is being sidestepped in the process, counsel for the Government insisted the legislative body will be involved in any law changes resulting from Brexit.

Tony McGleenan QC said: "There is no legal impediment to a government giving effect to the will of the people as expressed in the referendum by using a prerogative power."

The barrister was responding in landmark legal bids to stop the UK from leaving the EU.

Separate cases have been brought by a victims' campaigner and a cross-party group of MLAs.

Prime Minister Theresa May has announced she will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the formal process for confirming the UK's departure, by the end of March 2017.

But proceedings under way in Belfast claim the move is unlawful without first securing Parliamentary authorisation.

Even though the June 23 referendum backed Brexit, 56% of voters in Northern Ireland wanted to remain.

Raymond McCord, whose son Raymond McCord Jr was murdered by the UVF in north Belfast in 1997, believes they have a legal right to resist being forced out.

His lawyers argue that the 1998 Good Friday Agreement has given the Northern Irish public sole sovereignty on the issue.

They also claimed Brexit would have a "catastrophic effect" on the peace process, causing constitutional upheaval amid renewed calls for a united Ireland.

Politicians including Alliance MLA David Ford, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, Sinn Fein Assemblyman John O'Dowd and Steven Agnew of the Green Party are also seeking to judicially review the British Government's move towards quitting the EU.

The MLAs, whose case is backed by representatives of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland, claim an Act of Parliament is required before Brexit can take place.

They also contend that the Assembly should be consulted and asked for its consent.

However, Mr McGleenan insisted the case was about an administrative step in leaving an international treaty.

"It's not illegitimate, unorthodox or undemocratic to use prerogative power in that context," he told the court.

Dismissing claims that the method was in decline, the barrister continued: "This is the common currency the Executive uses to deal with these matters (international treaties)."

He also attempted to rubbish arguments that a withdrawal would damage the Good Friday Agreement. "The Government remains committed to the peace process," he stressed.

"There's nothing in the exercise of the royal prerogative power which will cut across or undermine the Northern Ireland Act, the peace process or any other collateral agreements."

Attorney General John Larkin QC also featured in the case, examining issues of devolution.

Setting out a post-Brexit future, the Attorney General argued: "Not one word or phrase in the Belfast Agreement or the British-Irish Agreement has been affected."

Exercising the royal prerogative may have political, economic and social consequences, but it won't change the law, he said.

Mr Larkin also contended that the Belfast Agreement can continue to work if one of its "players" exits the EU.

The case continues today.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is behind the plan to build a large film studio in Dagenham

London will attempt to steal the march on Hollywood with a blockbuster plan to build the capital's biggest film studios.

Around 80,000 is being spent on fleshing out a proposal to create a new studio in Dagenham to meet the rising demand for studio space from international film companies.

The project is being spearheaded by Film London, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Barking and Dagenham Council.

It would mark the first time a studio had been built in the capital for 25 years.

"From James Bond and Star Wars to Harry Potter and Bridget Jones's Baby, London has a vibrant production history and some of the best studios in the world," Mr Khan said.

"To sustain and grow this success story, it is critical that the capital gets significantly more studio and production capacity to maximise the opportunities for filmmaking.

"London is open to the best creative and cultural minds and I am looking forward to exploring whether a new film studio in Dagenham could help the capital's film industry thrive for years to come."

Film London said it has pinpointed a potential site for the new studios in Dagenham East, near the London East business and technical park.

Generous tax breaks and world-class film crew and facilities have led to a rise in the number of international film companies wanting to shoot in the capital over recent years.

Around 1 billion in inward investment was channelled into London from global film production companies last year, making it the world's third-busiest city for film production after New York and Los Angeles.

Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: "Our global reputation means demand for studio space is incredibly high, and unlocking new studio space in east London would help maintain the capital's competitive edge.

"If realised, this major new infrastructure project would mean a tremendous economic boost for Barking and Dagenham, the capital's film and TV industries and the UK as a whole."

The announcement comes after Pinewood Studios, home to James Bond and Star Wars, said last month that it would expand into China, as it looks to capitalise on growing demand in the ''flourishing Chinese film industry'' for its services.

The group, which is set to be acquired by Aermont Capital for 323 million, said it has opened a representative office in Beijing, headed by Amanda Halliday.

London is home to about three-quarters of the UK's film industry.
Caroline Lucas said ministers ignored local people who objected to plans for shale gas exploration

The Government's decision to allow shale gas exploration in Lancashire has been welcomed by business groups but prompted dismay among anti-fracking campaigners.

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, who took part in protests against fracking in Balcombe, West Sussex, in 2013, said ministers had ignored local people who had objected to the plans.

"Today's decision shows the yawning gap between the Government's rhetoric and the reality of their policies - and it will send a shiver down the spine of the many people up and down the country fighting fracking.

"Ministers promise to support "ordinary people" but have ignored the people of Lancashire - including local and district councillors and the overwhelming majority of local people who objected to these reckless plans."

And she said: "Fracking is a dirty, expensive and dangerous gamble with our environment, security and economy. We should be choosing an energy system powered by the renewable sources that we have in abundance and keep fossil fuels in the ground."

But the British Chambers of Commerce said the decision sent an important and positive signal on the UK's future energy security.

Acting director general Adam Marshall said: "We need to explore the potential for shale gas to make a contribution to our energy mix, alongside both nuclear and renewables.

"Tapping domestic energy resources creates both energy security and jobs here at home, and seems a much better alternative to dependence on supplies from overseas."

Babs Murphy, chief executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said: "Developing a viable shale industry in Lancashire will have positive economic implications for the region in terms of investment, jobs and supply chain engagement, and has the potential to provide security of energy supply to regional manufacturers.

"This announcement means that local businesses will be in pole position for future shale gas supply chain opportunities in the county."

But there were warnings that despite the go-ahead, shale gas may not take off as an industry in the UK.

Prof Jim Watson, director of the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC), said: "The economics of shale extraction in the UK are still highly uncertain, and it is not known whether shale production will deliver gas cheaper than that currently used by UK consumers.

"The costs of UK shale will not be clearer until a significant amount of exploratory drilling takes place.

"But even if shale gas development turns out to be economic, it is unlikely to have a noticeable impact on the energy bills of UK consumers," he said.

Ken Cronin, chief executive of industry body UK Onshore Oil and Gas (UKOOG) said: "The approval of the application at Preston New Road is an important step forward towards determining what gas resources we have under our feet, with the aim of developing a sustainable onshore natural gas exploration industry in the UK.

"We need the gas to heat our homes, produce electricity, supply our industries and to reduce our dependency on imports.

"The onshore oil and gas industry is committed to producing this gas in the safest and most environmentally sensitive way possible and to creating jobs and opportunities in the supply chain."

Emma Pinchbeck, head of climate change and energy at WWF-UK, said the announcement took the UK further away from meeting legal "carbon budgets" which require the electricity system to produce close to zero emissions by 2032.

"The Government should be spending its time and resources focusing on the development and implementation of clean renewable energy sources, rather than fossil fuels that will impact on our ability to tackle climate change," she said.

"This decision has wilfully ignored science, sensible business, and the views of the local community who will be negatively affected for decades to come."

In the wake of the move, there were concerns that the Government was not treating different energy sources equally, favouring fracking above renewables - even though the clean energy sources are more popular with the public.

Cecily Spelling, campaigner at climate organisation 10:10, said: "Sajid Javid has justified this undemocratic decision by insisting that we have to use the resources we have in this country.

"So let's do that - the UK has the best onshore wind resource in Europe. It's the cheapest option for new power, and very popular with British people, especially compared to fracking.

When it comes to onshore wind, the Government told us they want to 'put communities in the driving seat' - then introduced planning rules that are so draconian they actually stop communities from doing their own wind projects even when they want to.

"Yet when communities reject fracking, they now have it forced on them by central government."

Industry body RenewableUK's chief executive Hugh McNeal said: "The UK needs a wide range of energy sources to keep people's electricity bills down.

"Onshore wind is the cheapest form of new build power generation available in Britain, so makes sense to include it in our energy mix.

"All we want is the chance to compete, to show the industrial and consumer benefits new onshore wind can bring Britain."
Luxury manufacturer Ulster Carpets has won a major deal with a five-star resort in Dubai.

The Portadown company's deal with The Palm resort was announced by Economy Minister Simon Hamilton during a trade mission to the United Arab Emirates.

Ulster Carpets, a family-run company, has developed a major export business in high-end hotels and resorts around the world.

Account manager Scott Hanna said: "We have worked with local interior designers and the hotel to develop breathtaking designs which will be revealed when the hotel opens in early 2017.

"This is the latest in a long list of prestigious contracts for Ulster Carpets in the Gulf region, including the Burj Al Arab Dubai, the Sofitel Dubai Downtown, the Hilton Suites, the Marriott, the Conrad and the Hilton Convention of the Jabal Omar Development in Makkah KSA."

He said the company had benefited from the support of economic development agency Invest NI, which maintains staff in Dubai and Jeddah.

Mr Hamilton visited Ulster Carpets' office in the UAE. He said the deal reflected the Emirates' appreciation for the quality and innovation of Northern Ireland firms.

And he said the hotel sector in Dubai offered "significant opportunities" for firms in the province, as it would potentially extend to 100,000 rooms by 2020.

"The hotel supply chain market is one where innovation is particularly valued and there is real demand for quality, high-end products which our local companies are perfectly placed to meet," he said.

"Ulster Carpets is a great example of a local firm which has seized the opportunity of trading in the Gulf region, continuing to build on their growing worldwide reputation and demonstrating Northern Ireland companies can succeed on the global stage."

He added that local firms had taken part in a hotels industry exhibition in Dubai last month.

Turnover was up 6% to 64m at parent company Ulster Carpet Mills (Holdings) in the year to March 31, 2016 - partly as recovery in the housing market led to a pick-up in demand for its Axminster carpets.

But a change in accountancy rules contributed to a fall in pre-tax profits to 6.6m in the year to March 2016 - down 20% from 8.3m a year earlier.
Theres not long to go now until we hear those two immortal words on The Apprentice once more: Youre fired!

Lord Sugar returns with aides Karren Brady and Claude Littner to judge this years 18 entrepreneurs in a bid to find himself a new business partner.

Heres everything you need to know about the new series:

What time is it on and how can I watch it?

Catch The Apprentice from 9pm on BBC1 every Thursday, starting on 6 October (we'll be live blogging the launch). The shows are followed by Youre Fired on BBC2, hosted this series by Rhod Gilbert instead of Jack Dee. Head over to iPlayer if you have other evening plans.

Who are the candidates?

This years 18 candidates include 31-year-old Grainne McCoy, a makeup studio owner from Newry in Northern Ireland, Jessica Cunningham, owner of an online fashion company, Essex boy Courtney Wood and IT consulting company owner Karthik Nagesan, who claims that if he wanted to be like everyone else, hed have waxed [his] monobrow. Really, with a motto like that, the other contestants are barely worthy of consideration. Hire the monobrow Sugar!

What is the first challenge?

The new series first task will test the candidates skills in negotiation and selling, with each team attempting to spot the rough diamonds among a stash of antiques and collectibles.

Other tasks to expect throughout the series will see candidates devise an advertising campaign for jeans, manufacture a range of sweets, design virtual reality games and host late night opening events at well-known attractions.

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What does the winner get?

The winner secures Sugars 250,000 investment into their start-up plan and will work with him as a business partner.
Noel Clarke is the black actor who appears in the most British films

Selma star David Oyelowo has admitted he had to leave the UK to find roles as it was revealed almost 60% of British films over the last 10 years failed to cast any black actors.

The BFI (British Film Institute) carried out a survey of black actors in UK films from January 2006 to August this year and found there has been little improvement in the number of roles.

Speaking at the BFI London Film Festival's Black Star Symposium, Oyelowo begged the British film industry to change its demographic.

The actor, who now lives in Los Angeles, said he has had friends visit him in America where they have bemoaned the lack of opportunity.

He said: "We have sat there together, we have prayed together, we have scratched our heads together, we have felt displaced together, we have felt abandoned together.

"They are still here. I felt I had to leave.

"Please stop this talent drain. You have to change the demographics of the people who are making these decisions."

Research found that 59% of UK films had no black actors in any role, while 13% of UK films had a black actor in a leading role.

It also found that black actors were least likely to be cast in drama, horror and comedy genres and appeared more in crime, sci-fi and fantasy films.

Black actors are most likely to be cast in films about slavery, racism, colonialism, crime and gangs, "limiting the range and depth of possible representation", it said.

Oyelowo told the symposium: "If my history, my indisputable British history, has never been visited, where does that put me?

"If we are only going to look at things that need a revisit, you are wiping me out of this country's history."

The study looked at 10 years of releases, totalling 1,172 UK films.

The proportion of UK films which credited at least one black actor in a lead role was 13%, or 157 films.

Noel Clarke is the black actor who appears in the most British films, followed by Ashley Walters, Naomie Harris and Thandie Newton.

Only four black actors feature in the list of the 100 most prolific actors in UK films.

And the BFI said that 50% of all lead roles played by black actors were in just 47 films, representing less than 5% of the total number.

BFI creative director Heather Stewart, who presented the research, said the data showed that black actors were being cast in the same roles.

"Whilst we feel from what we see on screen that most UK films do not cast black actors in them, and that black actors are playing the same types of roles over and again, we now have the data to support this," she said.

"The number of lead roles for black actors has not really changed over 10 years and the types of films in which they have had leading roles suggests stereotyping.

"Colour-blind casting across genres does not really exist on the big screen, ultimately limiting representation.

"Diversity is one of the biggest issues facing film - audiences want to see the world in which we live reflected back at them."
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh told ARMENPRESS overnight October 5-6 Azerbaijani forces fired around 850 shots at Armenian positions in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

The ministrys announcement reads: Overnight October 5-6 Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire regime along the line of contact more than 50 times. Azerbaijani forces fired around 850 shots from various caliber small arms at Armenian positions. Intense violations took place in the eastern and northeastern directions. In these directions Azerbaijani forces used Istiglal and Black Arrow long range sniper rifles.

The Defense Army forces are in control of the tactical situation and confidently continue their military service.
A total of 264 assaults on healthcare staff were reported in Northern Ireland in the last year.

The number of attacks is on the rise, up 25% (53) since 2012.

It has led to calls for a zero tolerance approach to thugs who target health staff.

In the 12 months to April this year, 104 assaults were recorded on A&E staff and 160 on members of the Ambulance Service.

The figures were revealed by Health Minister Michelle O'Neill in response to an Assembly question from DUP MLA Gordon Lyons.

Unison's Conor McCarthy said assaults impacted staffing levels because when a worker was attacked, they often had to take time off.

"It leads to a recruitment and retention problem. It becomes very difficult to recruit and retain staff," he said.

Mr McCarthy claimed assaulted staff weren't being protected by bosses as they were left to take legal action or seek compensation themselves.

This was made more difficult by the fact that the people who attacked healthcare workers often became patients.

"The response of the organisation to its staff being assaulted is very poor," Mr McCarthy added.

"The employer should be responsible for staff."

He said part of the problem was that workers were not being trained well enough in restraining techniques like MAPA (management of actual or potential aggression), particularly support staff. He added that although stronger laws would serve as a deterrent, the most important thing was adequate training and support.

"My concern would be the proper employer support and legal support," he said.

A breakdown of the figures shows the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust had the highest number of assaults on ambulance workers over the past four years. In the last year there were 75 assaults.

The RVH had the highest number of attacks on A&E staff - 28 last year.

Mr Lyons called for tougher laws. "There must be zero tolerance against attacks on our healthcare workers," he said.

"My colleague Paul Frew secured a change in the law earlier this year to ensure the punishment for those convicted matches that in the case of attacks on police officers and firefighters.

"However, we must send a very strong message right across society that we value these vital workers."
In March this year it was reported that 300 attacks had taken place on paramedics in 12 months

Stressed ambulance crew workers in Northern Ireland are facing "burnout" and have taken close to 7,000 sick days off in the last year - more than double the figure of five years ago.

Health union Unison has blamed increased attacks on paramedics and chronic staff shortages.

In response to a written question from DUP MLA Gordon Lyons, Health Minister Michelle O'Neill revealed how many working days staff had missed since 2011 due to stress, depression and anxiety.

In 2011/12 the total number of working days lost was 2,462, but there has been a massive rise of more than 4,000 days since then - with 6,845 days lost in 2015/16.

Stress and work-related reasons were the largest concern, with 4,717 days taken off last year compared to 1,913 in 2011/12.

Depression accounted for 1,560 sick days compared to 534 in 2011/12, while anxiety levels in staff saw 568 days taken off, up from just 15 in 2011/12.

Brian Ferguson, regional organiser for Unison, said ambulance workers had become demoralised.

"This is down to stress caused by the increasing abuse of staff when they're getting called out. It's getting worse in terms of the verbal abuse and attacks, as well as staffing levels and increased working levels," he said.

"We want zero tolerance in relation to abuse of staff and a recruitment drive to bring in more staff.

"You're looking at burnout. With the increased shifts staff have to cover you can only go so far."

Mr Ferguson added: "They're not backed up by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) management team. There's demoralisation with the way NIAS staff aren't being treated with dignity."

NIAS said it took the health of staff seriously.

It said: "We are aware of the stressful environments in which our front line and support staff operate."

A health and wellbeing group has been established by the NI Ambulance Service Trust, with staff representatives and access to counselling services.

The trust also promised a review of its attendance management procedure.

Mr Lyons said it was vital that staff were "protected and given as much support as possible in their role".

He added that the DUP had amended the last Justice Bill so attacks on ambulance crew, police officers and firefighters received the same punishment.

SDLP health spokesman Mark H Durkan MLA said: "This figure is reflective of the huge strain and stress on the Ambulance Service staff, who are heroic. I have received assurances our fleet has been invested in and is state-of-the-art.

"What we can't allow is for the people who drive those ambulances, the really important aspect of the service, to become overworked and overstretched."

In March this year it was reported that 300 attacks had taken place on paramedics in 12 months.

Heather Sharpe, a paramedic with 20 years of experience, said she feared for her life in 2012 after being assaulted while on duty by an 18 stone thug in Newtownabbey.

She was left unable to work, while her attacker escaped punishment.

In February it emerged that the Ambulance Service had failed to meet nearly half of 999 calls in Northern Ireland within the targeted time, with crews responding late to nearly 70 emergency calls every day.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt today accuses First Minister Arlene Foster of "turning a blind eye" to Sinn Fein while attacking other unionists.

In a blistering attack on his party's main rivals, the UUP leader said: "The DUP's whole being is about trying to destroy other unionist parties."

Writing exclusively for the Belfast Telegraph, Mr Nesbitt also pointed out Mrs Foster had admitted the Opposition at Stormont had forced Executive parties to "up their game".

He also revealed that former First Minister Peter Robinson allowed him access to the DUP "engine room", which was populated by special advisers rather than elected representatives.

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His counter-attack came after a no-holds-barred broadside by Mrs Foster, who argued there was an increasing impression that the UUP had "lost its way".

In a set-piece address at the weekend, she said the UUP had been reduced to the worst results in its history in the May Assembly elections and did not appear to have any core beliefs.

"A significant number of UUP members have approached me in the last few months wanting to join with us," Mrs Foster added.

Then at a breakfast-time event at the Conservative annual conference in Birmingham on Tuesday, she said she would support formalising an Opposition at Stormont if the current arrangements prove successful.

"Though the Opposition has been taking its time to get up and running, government is undoubtedly being forced to up its game and perform better under the new arrangements," the First Minister explained.

However, Mr Nesbitt hit back: "They can stick their heads in the sand over Nama or hope that someone else pulls a rabbit out of the hat to deal with Brexit, but that won't stop us raising these issues, no matter how uncomfortable it makes things for the DUP/Sinn Fein Executive, which is engulfed by paranoia and control freakery.

"Only today, First Minister Foster has openly admitted that the formation of the Official Opposition has forced the Executive to try to up its game. We will make sure that Mrs Foster and her DUP/Sinn Fein Executive colleagues are kept on their toes. That's a promise."

Mr Nesbitt's comments came as it emerged the UUP and SDLP - Stormont's two main Opposition parties - are to demand that ministers intervene over Northern Ireland's health service and housing crises.

The next Opposition day in the Assembly later this month is to focus on the "unprecedented crisis engulfing" the NHS in the province and demand action from the Health Minister, Michelle O'Neill.

With 392,000 people now on waiting lists, the Sinn Fein Minister is being urged "to ensure patient safety is not further compromised" in an Ulster Unionist motion.

DUP Communities Minister Paul Givan will also be urged to commit to building 8,000 new houses to tackle growing housing waiting lists and homelessness.

An SDLP motion will say there are 37,347 households on the social housing waiting list, "of which 22,986 were deemed to be in housing stress and 15,474 were deemed to be statutorily homeless".
The judge told him: You could have killed somebody

A passenger who grabbed hold of his girlfriend's steering wheel and crashed her car into a petrol station wall has avoided prison.

Imposing a four-month suspended sentence on George Phillips for an accident that ran up a 5,000 repair bill, a judge told him: "You could have killed somebody."

Phillips, 22, was convicted of dangerously interfering with a motor vehicle travelling on Belfast's Holywood Road in May this year.

The city's Magistrates' Court heard he seized control of the steering wheel without warning during a row with his girlfriend.

His actions forced the vehicle to collide with the front wall of a Maxol garage.

A prosecution lawyer said the accused, of Bloomfield Street in Belfast, made full admissions and expressed remorse after he was arrested.

She revealed that one section of the damage cost 1,900, while the bill for rebuilding the wall will be in excess of 3,000.

Phillips is also paying for repairs to his girlfriend's car.

A defence solicitor claimed it has been "a momentary lapse of judgment" while the couple argued.

She also stressed her client is suffering from mental health problems.

District Judge Peter King said the incident must have been "absolutely terrifying" for other road users.

He told Phillips: "You could have killed somebody, not only yourself, but either your partner or somebody in the garage forecourt."

Suspending the four-month prison term for 18 months, the judge added: "This sort of behaviour, regardless of what issues you have in your life or relationship, can never be tolerated."
A prison psychiatrist has said there was "no rationale" to stopping the medication of a woman prisoner who went on to take her own life.

Professor Seena Fazel, a consultant forensic psychiatrist, said the decision by a jail medic to withdraw Frances McKeown's prescribed drugs was "not appropriate".

Belfast Coroner's Court heard that the 23-year-old's anti-psychotic medication was discontinued for a number of weeks after staff discovered it was "missing" from her cell, prompting concerns she may have been stockpiling it or selling it to other inmates.

However, Dr Fazel said that prescription medication can be given in different ways in prison.

"If there are concerns about taking medication you can be prescribed at the pharmacy hatch once a day and can have supervised medication," he said.

On the third day of the inquest into Mrs McKeown's death, the jury were told that the deceased didn't see a psychiatrist for over six months in prison - despite two referrals being made, her long history of mental health issues, a diagnosed personality disorder and self-harm.

The young Newry woman, who had a history of sexual abuse, also suffered from drug and alcohol issues and was feeling suicidal.

Mrs McKeown was living in Belfast at the time of her arrest in September 2010 when she was caught hijacking a taxi in the city armed with a knife.

It emerged during Tuesday's inquest that she was planning to go to the home of her husband Brian McKeown and "kill him".

The mother-of-two believed he had murdered her ex-boyfriend Kevin Fletcher, who was killed a week before her arrest.

The inquest heard that when she was arrested she admitted feeling suicidal and had recently self-harmed. The prison's medical staff requested her GP notes and a mental health referral was made.

Dr Fazel was also critical over the length of time it took for Mrs McKeown to see a psychiatrist.

Turning to the withdrawal of her medication by Dr Anna Gallagher in February 2011, Dr Fazel said: "It was not appropriate. I could not see a clear rationale in the records to stopping her medication."

The inquest also heard how the night custody officer, Leanne Crawford, found Mrs McKeown's body on her cell floor.

"There was no light on in her cell and her bed was made up and it was neat and tidy," she said. "I thought she was moved to a different cell as she is usually sitting on her bed with the television on.

"I began to call her name but got no response. I confirmed with the other prison officer that she was there on the last round. I told the officer I could not see her.

"I called for her again and got no answer so I thought she was hiding on me. We got her cell door opened and I saw her on the left side, she was on the floor in an upright position.

"We took her into the landing and checked for a pulse, but there were no vital signs."

The inquest continues.
The Orange parade in the Ardoyne on Saturday

A man has been arrested by police investigating a report that sinister threats were issued to a Sunday Life journalist.

It happened as one of Northern Ireland's most controversial parades passed off peacefully.

The incident took place in Ardoyne in north Belfast on Saturday, when Orangemen were granted permission to march past a parades flashpoint after a landmark deal ended a three-year dispute between the loyal orders and nationalist residents.

Despite widespread support for the agreement to end the stand-off, members of the hardline Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) protested against the parade.

They then vented their anger at parish priest Fr Gary Donegan as well as Sunday Life journalist Christopher Woodhouse.

During the altercation, one man was recorded ranting in Mr Woodhouse's face, telling him he was "coming after" him and saying he had "better watch" himself. The incident was reported to police, who were passed video footage of the incident.

Yesterday, District Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Noble said: "Police investigating a report of threatening behaviour against an individual on the morning of Saturday, October 1 at Ardoyne, north Belfast have arrested a 32 year-old man.

"He was arrested in the Belfast area on Tuesday afternoon on suspicion of threats to kill and common assault.

"He was interviewed and has been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

"Enquiries into the matter are currently ongoing."

The National Union of Journalists has condemned the verbal onslaught, saying it was another attempt to undermine journalists in Northern Ireland.

Irish general secretary Seamus Dooley said: "It is unacceptable that journalists should face threats or intimidation from any quarter simply for doing their job.

"Sunday Life journalists will not be deterred from doing their work by these tactics."

The crowd had also shouted "shame" at Fr Donegan, who has called on the group to abandon its protest against Orange parades following the agreement.
Ireland's Finance Minister Michael Noonan says looking for evidence of political interference in a sale by Nama to Cerberus is a dead end

Ireland's Finance Minister Michael Noonan has insisted there was no political pressure from Stormont over the controversial sale of a 1.2 billion property portfolio.

Anyone looking for evidence of political interference in the sell-off by the Republic's bad bank Nama to US investment fund Cerberus two years ago was going down a cul-de-sac, he said.

"No-one ever attempted to put political pressure on me," Mr Noonan told a parliamentary watchdog in Dublin which is investigating the sale.

Last week, Nama chairman Frank Daly suggested cross-border diplomatic concerns had played a part in the sale.

The toxic assets agency was influenced chiefly by commercial gain but also the political sensitivities involved at the time and "reconciled the two", he said.

Mr Daly also said removing prominent Belfast businessman Frank Cushnahan from his role as a Nama advisor - on the appointment of the Democratic Unionist Party - would have provoked cross-border tensions.

But before Dublin's Public Accounts Committee, Mr Noonan said there were legitimate and obvious concerns in Belfast that a fire sale of the properties could damage the Northern Ireland economy.

Nama would always come up during cross-border ministerial meetings, he said.

But he insisted Stormont leaders were "perfectly in order" to express fears about the impact of a sell-off on the construction sector and never sought to influence him.

"Nothing that the Northern Ireland politicians did in my mind contributed to reducing the price," he said, adding he had no commercial role in Nama.

A probe into the so-called Project Eagle sale by the Republic's Comptroller and Auditor General found Nama undervalued loans associated with the 800 properties.

It said US investment fund Pimco, which pulled out of an earlier bid, alerted Nama to a "success fee" or fixer payment of 15-16 million for three parties behind the scenes.

Pimco said the money was to be shared equally by Mr Cushnahan, Brown Rudnick, a US law firm, and a managing partner of Tughans, a Belfast law firm subcontracted to assist in the deal, the report found.

Mr Cushnahan has denied any wrongdoing.

The Project Eagle deal with Cerberus has been dogged by scandal for more than a year, including 7 million linked to it being found in an Isle of Man bank account.

Former managing partner of Tughans, Ian Coulter, resigned after it was unearthed.

Mr Noonan confirmed he became aware in March 2014 of the alleged fixer fees in the failed Pimco bid.

But he said he had no power to halt the sales process continuing with the other bidders, once Pimco pulled out because of the revelations.

"I have no authority to interfere in a commercial decision on the sale of property," he said.

In any event, he said there was no evidence that such an intervention would have been in the best interest of the Irish taxpayer.

"And I am still of that view," he added.

Mr Noonan said he has full confidence in both Nama and the Comptroller and Auditor General, despite their differences on the price the Project Eagle portfolio should have reached.
A Nobel peace laureate has described her detention by the Israeli navy as she tried to reach Gaza by sea as kidnap.

Mairead Maguire, 72, from Belfast, was with 13 activists on a boat about 40 miles from shore when it was intercepted on Wednesday as they attempted to breach the maritime blockade imposed in 2007.

The yacht, Zaytouna-Olivia, was not carrying aid, and travelled from Barcelona to Sicily and on to Gaza in a symbolic attempt to challenge Israel's refusal to let Palestinians freely use the port.

Ms Maguire, 1976 Nobel peace prize winner for her work to unite communities in Northern Ireland, pre-recorded a video message with other women on the boat expecting to be detained at sea.

"We were arrested, kidnapped, illegally, in international waters and taken against our wish into Israel," she said.

"This has happened to me before. We will be deported and tragically not allowed back to see our friends in Palestine and Israel. This is totally illegal.

"As women from many countries we uphold our freedom of movement in any part of our world.

"So, for those who can help to call for the release of all those on the women's boat to Gaza, please do so.

"But even more importantly, because it's not about us, work for the freedom and human rights, the lifting of the blockade against the people of Gaza and for the freedom for the Palestinian people and peace in the Middle East.

"We can all do this together. It is not a dream. We are here in prison because we care for human rights, for human dignity, for the Palestinian people."

The Israeli Defence Forces said the boat was intercepted in international waters after "exhausting all diplomatic channels" and that the operation was "uneventful".

It described the Gaza maritime blockade as lawful and said the women refused to change course when asked.

Others on the voyage, organised by the Women's Boat to Gaza, were Ann Wright, a retired US colonel, former South African Olympic volleyball player Leigh-Ann Naidoo, Algerian MP Samira Douaifia, Marama Davidson Green Party MP in New Zealand and Jeannette Escanilla first substitute MP in the Swedish parliament.

Three of the 13 women have been released.

In 2010 an unsuccessful attempt by the Gaza Freedom Flotilla to breach the blockade ended when Israeli military intercepted the MV Mavi Marmara and killed 10 Turkish people after boarding.

At that time Ms Maguire was on a separate boat in the flotilla, the MV Rachel Corrie and she was subsequently detained and deported.

Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on Gaza after the Hamas militant group took power almost 10 years ago.

The blockade has stifled the tiny state's weak economy but Israel insists it is necessary to prevent Hamas importing weapons.

The women were detained hours after a rocket strike on Sderot, a southern Israeli town on the Gaza border. Israel targeted a series of Hamas posts in Gaza in response.

Later, organisers of the Women's Boat to Gaza said the remaining 10 women were being deported from Israel.

Wendy Goldsmith, a member of the team working to secure their release, said: "The deportation was much quicker than in prior flotillas.

"While we had a great legal team assisting the women, we suspect that the reason for the quick release was because of all the negative media attention Israel has been receiving for its illegal interception."
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The strategy of introducing palliative care will be presented to the Government, Healthcare Ministry official Tsaghik Vardanyan told ARMENPRESS.

As you know, a legislative change has been made and the component of palliative care has been added to the lav of providing medical treatment to the population. After this, we initiated a experimental pilot program for introducing a system of palliative care. I have to say that it was effective. Then we elaborated a strategy, which includes an action plan for initiating the program in the whole country, she said.

According to her, the strategy has been presented to all relevant agencies, has been analyzed and in response to all the raised issues it has been amended. The strategy is ready for presenting to the Government.

The strategy includes an action plan for 2016-2020. According to the program, mobile units will operate in outpatient care centers, which will be dispatched to seriously ill patients and provide home care. In addition to the mobile units, separate hospital beds will be provided to hospitals for chronically ill people.

Mrs. Vardanyan says latest study has shown that daily 3200 people are in need of palliative care.

Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach to specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, physical stress, and mental stress of a serious illnesswhatever the diagnosis. The goal of such therapy is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is provided by a team of physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other health professionals who work together with the primary care physician and referred specialists (or, for patients who don't have those, hospital or hospice staff) to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided as the main goal of care or along with curative treatment. Therefore, although it is an important part of end-of-life care, it is not limited to that stage. Palliative care can be provided across multiple settings including in hospitals, in the patient's home, as part of community palliative care programs, and in skilled nursing facilities.
A model in one of the designs by Lynsey McGarrigle

A designer from Strabane who made her dream become reality when her collection sold out in London Fashion Week last month is bringing it back home.

Lynsey McGarrigle (25), who stormed the event with her 'Signature By Haus Of MoHawk' collection will be taking part in Fashion Fest in the Guildhall in Londonderry next month.

A former model and beauty queen herself, Lynsey's love of fashion was nurtured at the North West Regional College where she completed a HND in fashion and textiles design.

After graduating in 2012, she set up Haus Of MoHawk, which she has since developed to include menswear and accessories.

Hot off the catwalk at London Fashion Week, Lynsey is preparing to bring her designs to an audience closer to home.

She said: "This will be my third year taking part in Fashion Fest. It is a fantastic event and a great platform which showcases inspiring and innovative designers.

"I developed a love of art and creativity at a very young age and after completing my degree I went on to develop the Haus Of MoHawk brand.

"At times it has been an uphill battle of determination, financial difficulties, self-doubt and perseverance against all odds because the dream is too much to give up.

"Despite the long hours and little time off, my dream is to build what I hope to be an internationally acclaimed fashion brand with strong roots within Northern Ireland.

"I'm someone who does not believe in luck, I believe in creating my own destiny.

"By keeping focused on the end goal I will be enough of a reckoning force to achieve my aspirations.

"To date the brand has been sold and featured in Australia, Canada, America, Asia and Europe in a variety of media publications, music videos, fashion shows, television and radio stations."

She added: "This collection usurps all that I am as an individual, as a designer and what the Haus Of MoHawk has to offer as a fashion brand, but still promotes the design ethos 'Always Dare To Be Different'."

The free Fashion Fest show will be held at the Guildhall on November 19.

Attendance must be registered by emailing fashionfest@derrystrabane.com.
Mervyn Gibson, the Assistant Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, told Radio Ulster's Talkback listeners yesterday that he would like to see the prohibition on members attending a Catholic Mass go one day.

But he added there was no rush and that he had no immediate ambition to change the rule.

"There's not enough hours in the day to do it now."

While it's significant for some people, he explained that "walking through the doors of the church doesn't mean you will sympathise any more".

Perhaps not, but that an Orangeman would go through the door of a Roman Catholic Church could matter a great deal to a friend or neighbour, which is why so many members of the loyal orders have for many decades ignored a rule they thought outdated and unchristian.

Plenty have attended Roman Catholic funerals, weddings and christenings.

When I was growing up in Dublin, the Roman Catholic hierarchy prohibited its members from attending non-Catholic services.

It is still a matter of embarrassment to many Irish Roman Catholics that in 1949, after the death of Douglas Hyde, who had been President of Ireland, during his funeral service in St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral, all but one member of the Cabinet - the rebellious Noel Browne - remained outside. It mattered a great deal in 1998 that First Minister and Orangeman David Trimble deliberately went to Buncrana to attend the most high-profile Roman Catholic service for victims of the Omagh bomb.

It also mattered that in 2011, senior Orangeman Tom Elliott - then leader of the Ulster Unionist party - attended the Requiem Mass in Beragh for murdered Constable Ronan Kerr. Just one of the 1,200 Irish lodges complained, but, as in the case of David Trimble - who had been applauded by the entire congregation - no action was taken by Grand Lodge.

Unlike Mervyn Gibson, I think a change in the rule is long overdue.

Overseas, Orangemen and women are astounded to find it still in the Irish rulebook. I welcome the efforts the Grand Orange Lodge have made in recent years to explain the institution to the outside world, but inertia is not a sufficient excuse for postponing doing the right thing.

Many people from Northern Ireland are delighted about the recent outbreak of peace in Ardoyne. Could there be a better moment for Grand Master Edward Stevenson to say publicly that he agrees with Mervyn Gibson, but that he would like reform to come sooner rather than later?

Ruth Dudley Edwards' The Faithful Tribe: An Intimate Portrait of the Loyal Institutions is published by HarperCollins
Two women who are still angry over the flag flying policy at City Hall confronted Stephen Nolan on Thursday morning's show.

A frustrated Stephen Nolan told a caller to wise up on his radio show after a discussion about outgoing Alliance leader David Ford descended into a bitter row over the flying of the Union flag at Belfast City Hall.

The South Antrim MLAs resignation as party leader was discussed on Thursday morning's BBC Radio Ulster show with the outgoing leader on as a guest.

Mr Ford stepped down officially at noon on the 15th anniversary of his taking over as party leader.

However, one caller, Joan was not too upset, she said: The only legacy that the Alliance Party ever left was bringing our flag down.

The party was targeted by loyalist protesters who were angry at a city council vote to reduce the number of days the Union flag flies at Belfast City Hall. Nationalists had wanted it removed altogether, but Alliance suggested a compromise that the flag should fly on designated days. The matter led to riots and a lengthy protest.

City hall, they all voted well bring the flag down, nobody told east Belfast they were bringing the flag down, Joan said.

She then claimed that public money was being spent on republican events and not ones that were loyalist organised.

She went on: They're all out blowing their whistles, they can have their republican festivals, there's the council throwing money at them, what money do they throw at our culture? None. Its all British money and they love it.

A stunned Nolan responded: Do you not think Joan, some people listening this morning, will find it very, very sad that the whole thrust of your conversation is them and us?

What people are trying to do in this country is for it to be all of us together.

When asked if she cared about building a new Northern Ireland, she responded: The only thing I care about is my culture and east Belfast.

If you are on the Catholic side or the nationalist side, you'll get a job, youll get a house, youll get a DLA car, youll get everything. You live in east Belfast, you dont get a house, the foreigners get the house, Joan continued.

Expand Close A loyalist flag protest outside Belfast City Hall / Facebook

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Weve lived through this for all the years, we continue to live with it. We have a fight on our hands every day.

We go for an interview, we dont get the job, but if anybody came from the other side, they come to east Belfast, they would get the job. This is the way it happens here.

This prompted broadcaster Nolan to cut her off, saying: Joan wise up. Of course you're entitled to an opinion, but some of it needs to be based on fact.

However, the show was then joined by another caller Sue, who was also annoyed by the flag policy at Belfast City Hall.

She said: Why should we not fly our flag in our country? Theres not another country in the world that doesnt fly their flag, why shouldnt we? Why shouldnt we fly our flag every day, be proud of it.

I know there's more important issues like health, and education housing, this is a tiny issue to some people about the flag, but it's our flag, it represents our country, why should we not be able to fly our flag?

Sue and Joan then criticised Alliance deputy leader Naomi Long for talking too much, before moving on to Nolan himself. You do overtalk, he was told.

To which Nolan responded: "The two of you are having little difficulty."

A nationalist caller then rang in to lambast the pair for being stuck in the past.

These two ladies need to get a grip, he said.

We all have to move on and we all have to get on with each other.
More than 40 jobs are on the line at Northern Ireland broadcaster UTV as new owner ITV makes big changes to the station, it has emerged.

A spokesman for ITV said 43 jobs were at risk  around 30% of the companys workforce  though newsroom staff are not affected.

The Belfast Telegraph understands that almost half of its sales team  six out of 11 people  are at risk of redundancy, along with two out of three library staff. Another 16 at-risk posts are in the technical field of play-out. But a spokeswoman said there were opportunities for eight people to be redeployed in sales, production and news traineeships, meaning 35 jobs will definitely go.

The posts are going because ITV is able to centralise roles supporting the making of programmes in London.

And the sale by ITV of UTV Ireland to Virgin Media is also a factor behind the job cuts, as Virgin Media already owns TV3 in the Republic, and roles would otherwise be duplicated.

A spokeswoman for UTV in Belfast said: We have updated staff on the latest integration and restructuring plans, as well as the proposed sale of UTV Ireland to Virgin Media, which regrettably means that a number of roles are at risk of redundancy.

One UTV insider said: This was inevitable and was widely expected by staff when the company was sold to ITV.

There have been other job losses and cutbacks since they took over, but the scale of these redundancies is shocking.

Many of the staff affected have worked at UTV for a long time and some are highly technical roles.

And the insider said there was pessimism about the future. The newsroom is surely next for a round of cuts. ITV newsrooms all over Great Britain operate on a very tight margin, with as few staff as possible.

Journalists are expected to be multi-skilled so that they can film and edit their own reports, even read the news as well. UTVs newsroom is very old-fashioned in that regard and ITV is unlikely to allow it to remain this way.

The cuts by ITV have also cast doubt on the future of UTVs tradition of on-screen continuity announcers.

The rest of the ITV network relies on continuity voiceovers, unlike UTVs use of talent like Julian Simmons and Gillian Porter.

Last week marked the final UTV Live Tonight after ITVs axe fell on the four-times weekly current affairs show.

Its to be replaced by a weekly politics show View from Stormont, also presented by Paul Clark.
The then Ulster Unionist leader Tom Elliott shakes hands with Mickey Harte and other GAA members at the funeral of Ronan Kerr in 2011.

Tom Elliott MP taking on the march through Kesh during the 201t Twelfth. Pic John McVitty

Two leading Orangemen who faced the threat of disciplinary action for attending a murdered Catholic PSNI officer's funeral have backed calls to review the Order's ban on members attending Catholic Mass.

Ulster Unionists Tom Elliott MP and Danny Kennedy MLA were speaking yesterday after senior Orangeman Mervyn Gibson - an Assistant Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland - said he was open to a rule change in the future.

In 2011, Mr Elliott and Mr Kennedy attended the funeral Mass of murdered police officer Ronan Kerr. They were subject to a complaint by a Belfast lodge, but were later cleared.

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Among the rules for Orange Order members is the instruction: "You should not countenance by your presence or otherwise any act or ceremony of Popish worship."

Both men say they have no regrets about attending Constable Kerr's funeral, and believe there is a growing demand to change the rule.

"I'm always open for discussion on the rules but it's a matter for the Orange Order if they want to have that debate or not," said Mr Elliott.

Expand Close The then Ulster Unionist leader Tom Elliott shakes hands with Mickey Harte and other GAA members at the funeral of Ronan Kerr in 2011. / Facebook

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Whatsapp The then Ulster Unionist leader Tom Elliott shakes hands with Mickey Harte and other GAA members at the funeral of Ronan Kerr in 2011.

Asked if the Orange Order had suffered embarrassment over the controversy surrounding their attendance at Mr Kerr's funeral the Fermanagh MP said: "It was under very difficult circumstances - a police officer had been murdered by republican terrorists. I'm sorry that I had to go to the funeral at all. I have no regrets about what I've done."

He continued: "In fairness in many areas of Northern Ireland where people have neighbours or people they know well, particularly for funerals, they feel it's appropriate they should attend that funeral or even a wedding.

"That doesn't mean you have to partake in the Mass at all. That just means you attend the service out of respect."

He said now would be a good time to have the debate. "I certainly think there's an opportunity for the Orange Order to have that discussion. Within the wider Orange family I'm sure that would be a healthy discussion."

Mr Kennedy said he had been to many Catholic services in the past "largely without incident" and that it was common practice for Orangemen.

"My sense of it is that, particularly in rural areas, it's a rule where there's little or no enforcement of it," he said.

Regarding Mr Kerr's funeral he said: "We attended on the basis of showing respect to a young murdered police officer and I think there was widespread acceptance that was the right thing to do.

"I'm a member of the Orange Order now for over 40 years so I understand there are strong feelings still on the issue. Mervyn is right - there are some in favour of change and others who take a more traditional line. In certain circumstances people should be trusted to use their own common sense and find their own way through it.

"I've attended the funerals of work colleagues before and in some cases friends or neighbours. And that is very often the case for people in the rural community. My attendance was to be supportive and in the hope of bringing a degree of comfort to the families who were grieving."

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Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Samantha and Jorja Rainey pictured at the Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Cody Shannon, Hollie O'Neill and Lauren McCartney pictured at the Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia AJ and PJ Mooney from Ballymena pictured at the Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia The Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Jennifer Gault and Audrey Hamilton at the Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Abbie Galbraith enjoys her first twelfth with father Alex at the Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Taylor Balmer at the Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Hugh McCormick relaxes with his pipe at the Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Jimmy Richardson and Joshua Orr pictured at the Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia John Mulholland from LOL 251 at the Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Shirley and Jacob Sharpe dressed up for the twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Samantha Rainey at the Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia The Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia The Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Three years old Frankie Miller from Coleraine watches the parade go by at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 William Wallace from Dungiven waves to a colleague at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Micah Nicholson from Bovevagh watches the parade go by at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 William Wallace from Dungiven waves to a colleague at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Micah Nicholson from Bovevagh watches the parade go by at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Micah Nicholson from Bovevagh watches the parade go by at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Crystal Thompson from Dungiven and Abbie Semple and Lynne Campbell from Limavady enjoy an ice lolly as the sun finally shone at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Gerty Cochrane from Ballymoney who made the journey to watch the Twelfth in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Seven Years old Emily Reilly from Limavady at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Orange Order Grand Master Edwin Stevenson leads the parade at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Rodney Smith, Gareth Doherty and Jim Gilliland at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Raymond Kennedy makes his way to the meeting point at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Orange Order Grand Master Edwin Stevenson leads the parade at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Alderman Hilary McClintock picturd with her daughter Karen and grand children Ben, Caitlin and Chloe Coyle at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 George McClelland and David Donaldson from Largy at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Andrew McFarlane, Chris Hamilton and Samuel Irwin from Dungiven LOL 2036 at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Members of the Reilly family, William, (7), Abigail (9), Emily (7) and Sophie (6), at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Jim Graham, Simon McMichael and Gareth Smyth from Ballykelly lodge at Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Aaron Callaghan, Jonathan Kelly and Brent Crawford from Bellarena at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 Trevor Clyde, Jackie Dale and Aubrey Pollock from Ardinariff enjoy their day at the 12th in Limavady. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 12.07.16 12th July parades, Dromore, County Down. Dromore hosted the main 12th July demonstration in Co. Down. Pictured: Grace and Sammy Morrison. Picture: Philip Magowan Philip Magowan 12th July parades, Dromore, County Down. Dromore hosted the main 12th July demonstration in Co. Down. Pictured: Catch me if you can Dad. Picture: Philip Magowan Philip Magowan 12th July parades, Dromore, County Down. Dromore hosted the main 12th July demonstration in Co. Down. Pictured: It was a day for all generations in Dromore. Picture: Philip Magowan Philip Magowan 12th July parades, Dromore, County Down. Dromore hosted the main 12th July demonstration in Co. Down. Pictured: Waringsford's William Wallace pipes a lament at the war memorial. Picture: Philip Magowan Philip Magowan 12th July parades, Dromore, County Down. Dromore hosted the main 12th July demonstration in Co. Down. Picture: Philip Magowan Philip Magowan 12th July parades, Dromore, County Down. Dromore hosted the main 12th July demonstration in Co. Down. Pictured: Mia and Lexi Cosgrove. Picture: Philip Magowan Philip Magowan Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Pictured is Jensen Rea age 2. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Pictured is Jensen Rea age 2. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Pictured is Jensen Rea age 2. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Pictured is Jensen Rea age 2. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in Donaghadee Co Down. Pictured are members of the Flutes and Drums band. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Pictured are Jake Simpson and John Graham. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Pictured are Jake Simpson and John Graham. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Pictured are Jake Simpson and John Graham. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Pictured are Jake Simpson and John Graham. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Pictured are Jake Simpson and John Graham. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Pictured are Jake Simpson and John Graham. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press Pacemaker press 12/07/2016 The Annual 12th of July takes place in comber Co Down. 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Whatsapp The Twelfth of July parade in Ballymena. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

In 2014, a survey of the Co Fermanagh Grand Orange Lodge polled members on the following statement: "I think the rule about attending a Roman Catholic church should be changed."

Half (49.7%) of the members said they agreed, just 25.3% disagreed, and 25% were unsure.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback show, Mr Gibson had said he had attended homes and wakes of "Roman Catholics and republicans" and prayed for the families "and with them".

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Louise Bradley and Mulnagore Coronation Accordion Band members in the demonstration field in Coagh. Twelfthie taken today in Glenarm. Included is Worshipful Master of Broughshane LOL 503 bro Craig Sloan, his father the Chaplin bro David Sloan and other members of the family Vic and Jill Donaldson and Pam Currie, waiting for return parade in Portadown, despite a 'little shower'. Joseph Ferguson (10) and Dad Stephen Ferguson in Portadown with Killeen Lodge, Armagh District. Emma and Molly Liggett at Poyntzpass. Riley (3) Lily (2) getting ready to watch the Twelfth in Newtownstewart Co.Tyrone Scarlett Munday, aged 2 years from Newtownards. The Beck Family From Kilkeel at their flagship parade with Roden LOL 1943 Father and daughter Chris (25) and Alicia (6) enjoying the parades by Belfast City Hall. Jonathan Willis with niece Thea Willis aged 3 from LOL 97 going to Portadown. Neil and Laura McKnight with Jenny and Emma Beck at the flagship parade in Kilkeel. Taylor Crawford aged 8 enjoying the Twelfth with his mum in Portadown Ulster Unionist councillor Lindsay Millar takes a Twelfthie with TUV councillor Timothy Gaston at the Ballymena demonstration Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann taking a Twelfthie at the Ballymena demonstration Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann taking a Twelfthie at the Ballymena demonstration Orange Order's Community Education Officer David Scott (left) takes a Twelfthie at the Dromore demonstration Willing participant in the Twelfthie selfie craze Finance Minister Arlene Foster Broadcaster Paul Clarke poses for a Twelfthie with a member of Cavanpole LOL 297 Maggie the dog's Twelthie posted by Karen @nerak35 David Brooks posted a twelfthie all the way from Virginia USA. He said: "Wishing all Orange Order brethren at home a glorious Twelfth/13th with a #Twelfthie from LOL 1105, Virginia, #USA." Getting in the spirit of the Twelfthie pic moomin2012 @moomin20121 Dorothy Crawford with son Taylor (7) taking a 'Twelfthie' in Lawrencetown : Pic Dorothy Crawford / Facebook

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Whatsapp Louise Bradley and Mulnagore Coronation Accordion Band members in the demonstration field in Coagh.

"That rule harks back to a day when people said 'don't go into the chapel' and I accept that but equally it can be changed. And it may be changed."

While accepting the current rules he added: "The opportunity is there for it to be changed."
The clown from 1990 horror movie It, played by Tim Curry, sparked an imitator in Carrickfergus

The clown from 1990 horror movie It, played by Tim Curry, sparked an imitator in Carrickfergus

The clown from 1990 horror movie It, played by Tim Curry, sparked an imitator in Carrickfergus

The clown from 1990 horror movie It, played by Tim Curry, sparked an imitator in Carrickfergus

The recent US trend of people dressing as clowns and terrifying passers-by appears to have hit Dublin.

A number of clowns have been spotted across the city centre and Darndale this week.

Irish people have been taking to Twitter and Facebook to share their photos and one girl even declared on Facebook that shes not leaving the house forever now.

At first, people thought it was a hoax after a picture of a clown dressed in a baggy white suit and holding a bunch of red balloons in Darndale was shared online, but since then there has been a few more sightings.

A garda spokesperson said they have received no reports of clowns terrifying people in the capital, but advised that it may have something to do with Halloween being around the corner.

In 2013 a clown, carrying a clown teddy, was reported to be 'terrifying residents' in Northampton, England.

The clown, who remains anonymous, gained worldwide attention and saw copy-cat clowns take to the streets around the world.

The Northampton clown later took to social media to say no harm was intended and it 'just a bit of fun'.

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That same year a Carrickfergus clown turned himself in to the PSNI after detectives received reports that he was frightening local children.

The PSNI said later that they had spoken to the man and were satisfied that he had no sinister intentions and it was just a prank.

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However the clown craze saw a resurgence this summer when police in South Carolina responded to reports of 'creepy' clowns trying to lure children into woods. Since then, there have been numerous other reports and warnings from police in other US states.

Meanwhile, footage has also emerged of a mob of Penn State University students apparently on the hunt for three clowns spotted in the area.

There is now even a #IfISeeAClown hashtag trending in the US.

Coulrophobia: The fear of clowns

An irrational fear of clowns has come to be known as as coulrophobia. The prefix "coulro" comes from the ancient Greek word for "one who walks on stilts."

Symptoms include feelings of dread, increased heartbeat, sweating, nausea and anger.

A University of Sheffield study from 2008 found that out of 250 children aged four to 16 images of a clown were widely disliked. The researchers said clowns were "universally disliked by children" and that "some found them quite frightening and unknowable."

Perhaps the most famous killer clown was the child murdering monster Pennywise from the 1990 television movie IT. However the killer clown has been a regular feature of several horror films including Clownhouse, Mr Jingles and 2004's In Fear of Clowns.

The genre also includes the 1988 classic 'Killer Klowns from Outer Space', which had the tagline: "In Space No One Can Eat Ice Cream".

Of all places in Dublin..why did there have to be clowns spotted in temple bar why  stacey (@ImYecats) October 5, 2016
Former Emmerdale star Leah Bracknell has revealed she is battling terminal lung cancer.

The ex-soap actress, who played Zoe Tate in the Yorkshire Dales ITV series for 16 years from 1989 to 2005, and her partner Jez Hughes are raising money to send her for treatment in Germany.

They wrote about their devastating news on a page they set up on donations website gofundme.com.

The mother-of-two, known to her family as Ali, has been working as a yoga instructor in recent years but is well-known for her Emmerdale storylines.

These included raising awareness of LGBT issues after her character was cast as a lesbian and later her portrayal of suffering a schizophrenic breakdown.

In her fundraising appeal, Bracknell wrote: "Just over 5 weeks ago, I was feeling perfectly well, fit and healthy. Teaching yoga classes and workshops, it was a time of new beginnings: preparing to move house, youngest child fleeing the nest, and excited to be starting rehearsals for a comedy play, being back onstage, going on tour.

"But, it turns out that the universe had other plans. Life was about to be unexpectedly turned on its head.

"I began to feel breathless climbing stairs ... I just put it down to a bit of stress. My abdomen suddenly ballooned - and within a matter of a few days I looked heavily pregnant. I could barely walk or breathe. Then, one Saturday night at the beginning of September I ended up in A&E."

The actress said that she had had an emergency procedure to remove excess fluid from around her heart.

She went on: "However, the bad news is that I have been diagnosed with lung cancer, stage 4. In their opinion, that means it's terminal, not curable, not operable.

"A fairly brutal and bleak diagnosis but one I am determined to challenge and see from the perspective of "a glass half full", going against a lifetime of pessimism, negativity and fear!!!!

"By the way, please imagine me writing this and speaking in quite an upbeat and cheerful voice. Do NOT imagine me sitting here writing through a veil of tears. I am not. Or feeling sorry for myself. I am not (yet)."

She wrote: "My priority is getting well and strong, so that I can continue to endeavour to be a good, mother, daughter, wife, or at least the best I can be.

"My priority is to defy expectation. My priority is to love, to laugh, and, as Bob (Dylan) said, to 'keep on keepin' on'."

Bracknell's partner Hughes explained more about what the funds were for.

He wrote: "Having done a lot of research, we have found there are incredible breakthroughs being made in the field of immunotherapy and integrative medicine, which are seeing previously 'incurable' cancers going into complete remission.

"A clinic in Germany called the Hallwang clinic is leading the way in this. The downside is that these cutting edge treatments aren't yet available on the NHS outside of clinical trials and are very expensive.

"Due to difficult personal circumstances, Ali/Leah has been unable to work in her chosen profession of acting for a number of years which has seen a big drain on her resources. Understandably, she is unable to continue acting or teaching right now. This is why we are fundraising here."

The gofundme appeal has currently raised 3,875 of its 50,000 target.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Pope Francis told the reporters about his impressions and the results of his visits to Georgia and Azerbaijan.

He talked about the existence of conflicts in the Caucasus and the necessity to settle them.

In this perspective, addressing myself to the Azerbaijani authorities, I hope that the open questions can find good solutions and all Caucasian peoples may live in peace and in mutual respect, the Pope said, Catholic News Agency reported.

He said the trip was seen as a continuation and completion of his visit to Armenia in June stating that by visiting the three peoples of the Caucasus he encouraged them towards peace and brotherhood.

Pope Francis visited Armenia on June 24-26 under the slogan Visit to the First Christian Nation.
Skyfall star Naomie Harris has begged her co-star Daniel Craig to return to the role of James Bond.

Speculation is rife about whether Craig will be back on the big screen as 007 and Tom Hiddleston, Tom Hughes and James Norton are among the actors touted as his replacement.

However, Harris, who plays Moneypenny, has said she is desperate for Craig to make a fifth outing as the spy with the licence to kill.

She told the Press Association: "Of course I want to be back with Daniel, I started with Daniel. When I was nervous on my first day it was Daniel who calmed my nerves.

"He's an extraordinary actor and I think he's the best modern Bond that we have had and I desperately want him back. Come back Daniel!"

While Harris, 40, has enjoyed huge success in British films, she said she had to go to America to take her career further.

Speaking at the premiere of her new movie Moonlight at the BFI London Film Festival, she said: "I definitely think that for my career to have continued I definitely had to go to America and I'm really glad that I did, there is just a lot more material.

"But I live here, I never left London and I'm able to work here as well as there and I couldn't ask for more."

Harris said there is still a lack of parts for black actors and she is not surprised by the BFI's recent findings that almost 60% of films in the past 10 years had no black actors in them.

She said: "It's not surprising because that's what we see, we see a lack of diversity.

"But what I think is really positive is that is changing and I think this year in particular shows that. We have got to be aware that there is room to grow but also celebrate that there has been real change."

Moonlight, which chronicles the life of a young gay man from childhood to adulthood and has an entirely black cast, was a story she hadn't come across before, she said.

"It sheds light on an area we don't usually see, it sheds light on a love story we don't usually see and it was such a beautiful script," Harris added.

Moonlight will be released in UK cinemas on October 21.
Nigel Farage, pictured, and Arron Banks hailed Theresa May's flagship address as proof of Ukip's influence on British politics

Ukip has been plunged into a fresh crisis after leadership favourite Steven Woolfe was taken to hospital following an "altercation" with another of the party's MEPs.

The 49-year-old collapsed and underwent a brain scan following reports of a confrontation with Yorkshire and Humber MEP Mike Hookem at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

However, a spokesman for 62-year-old Mr Hookem denied a physical fight took place, telling the MailOnline: "Mike did not touch him".

Party leader Nigel Farage has ordered an inquiry in to the incident, which comes days after the shock resignation of newly-elected leader Diane James.

Mr Woolfe, 49, said in a statement that he was being detained in hospital overnight as a precautionary measure, adding: At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever."

Mr Farage confirmed that tests had not found any bleeding on the brain but said the North West England MEP had suffered two seizures - including "one quite major one".

"He did lose consciousness for a bit so things were pretty bad. He still has a bit of numbness down the left side of his face so it has been a pretty serious medical incident," he told reporters.

The confrontation threatens to further damage the reputation of the party which is locked in a leadership crisis following the resignation of Ms James, just 18 days after she was elected to the post.

In a sign of the bitter divisions, the party's millionaire backer Arron Banks demanded the suspension of the party's ruling national executive committee.

He warned that he would leave altogether if the party's "Tory troublemakers and fifth columnists" succeeded in preventing Mr Woolfe from running for leader for a second time.

Mr Woolfe was the first contender to throw his hat in the ring having been barred from standing in the last leadership election after it was ruled he submitted his nomination papers 17 minutes late.

There were claims that he had angered some MEPs by admitting that he had considered defecting to the Conservatives before declaring his candidacy.

Mr Farage refused to be drawn on who else was involved in the incident which he likened to the conduct "you see in third world parliaments".

"It's two grown men getting involved in an altercation. It's not very seemly behaviour, but I'm not today going to get involved in the blame game, name names and say who did what," he said.

"You see third world parliaments where this sort of thing happens. It's not good, it shouldn't have happened."

MEP Roger Helmer, who was at the meeting, confirmed there had been "a lively exchange of views" but said he did not see any physical confrontation.

He said the incident took place "a good two hours" before Mr Woolfe collapsed during a voting session at the parliament.

"There were some lively exchanges of views. I think you'll find that's not uncommon in political meetings. I certainly saw no physical altercation take place," he told the BBC.

A photograph posted on the ITV News website showed Mr Woolfe lying spreadeagled and face down on a gangway clutching a briefcase.

A spokeswoman for French national police said that the incident had not been reported to them and they had no current plans to investigate.

Feelings were already running high in the party, with some members deeply unhappy at Mr Farage's decision to carry on as interim leader until a permanent successor was in place.

But Mr Banks warned critics of Mr Farage not to prevent Mr Woolfe - widely seen as the leader's preferred successor - from standing again.

He singled out the party's only MP Douglas Carswell and the leader in the Welsh Assembly Neil Hamilton - both ex-Conservative MPs.

"The Tory troublemakers and fifth columnists represent a small minority in our party, yet they use any opportunity they can to undermine those working tirelessly to hold the Government's feet to the flames. This ends today," he said.

"If Neil Hamilton and Douglas Carswell remain in the party, and the NEC decide that Steven Woolfe cannot run for leader, I will be leaving Ukip."
The blast occurred outside a police station in the Yenibosna area of Istanbul, Turkey

At least 10 people have been injured in a bomb blast near a police station in Istanbul.

Vasip Sahin, the governor for Istanbul, told reporters at the scene in Yenibosna area that none of those injured are in a serious condition - retracting an earlier statement that one person was seriously hurt.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, which could be heard from the city's nearby Ataturk Airport. Mr Sahin said the investigation is ongoing.

The private Dogan news agency said police are searching for a person spotted leaving the scene carrying a motorcycle helmet.

Turkey has been rocked by a wave of deadly bomb attacks in the past year carried out by Kurdish rebels or Islamic State group militants.

The Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which has been waging a three-decade insurgency, has been targeting police and military in its campaign for Kurdish autonomy in south-east Turkey.

A fragile two-and-a-half-year ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK collapsed last summer. Since then, more than 600 Turkish security personnel and thousands of PKK militants have been killed in clashes, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.

Rights groups say hundreds of civilians have also been killed in the clashes.

AP
The explosion hit a village in north-western Syria near the border with Turkey (AP)

At least 29 people have been killed in an explosion in a village in north-western Syria, near the border with Turkey.

The Islamic State group quickly said it was behind the attack in Atmeh, in which several Turkey-backed opposition fighters were killed.

The bombing underscored the complex layers of the Syrian conflict, where a civil war between Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces and the rebels trying to oust him is taking place alongside a militant insurgency and an international war against IS.

Meanwhile, activists in the northern city of Aleppo said it was calmer on Thursday after Syria's military command announced the night before it would scale back bombardment of the contested city to allow civilians to leave besieged rebel-held neighbourhoods.

"There were shellings and air raids, but it was less than in previous days," said activist Bahaa al-Halaby, speaking from Aleppo province near the city.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that although air strikes have almost stopped on the eastern rebel-held areas, government forces are pushing ahead in their ground offensive.

The Observatory and state media said government forces advanced in Aleppo's northern neighbourhood of Bustan al-Basha, where troops captured a sports complex and a nearby housing compound.

In the explosion in Atmeh, activists said the blast occurred as opposition fighters gathered near a small restaurant in the area. It also happened during an exchange of forces going to Syria and those returning to Turkey, according to Rami Abdurrahman of the Observatory.

The Atmeh border post is one of several crossings Syrian rebels use to bring in fighters and supplies.

The Observatory said the blast was caused by a suicide bomber wearing an explosives belt, and many other people were injured.

Another group, the Local Co-ordination Committees, said the blast was caused by a bag filled with explosives that went off on the Syrian side of the border crossing, killing 35 people including two senior judicial officials from the opposition.

An amateur video posted online shows about 18 bodies lying on the ground outside what appears to be a clinic. Some of the men are in military uniforms.

In the Islamic State group's claim, the IS-linked Aamaq news agency said a suicide car bomber struck a convoy of rebels on the Syrian side of a border crossing point in Atmeh.

Turkish deputy PM Numan Kurtulmus described the blast as an "inhuman attack", adding that "those who perpetrated this committed a crime against humanity".

Turkish state-run Anadolu Agency said the attack occurred during a "change of guard" by the Turkish-backed forces at a refugee settlement.

Turkey sent tanks into Syria on August 24 as part of the so-called Euphrates Shield operation aimed at ousting Islamic State fighters and halting an advance by Syrian Kurdish forces, which Ankara sees as allies of Turkey's own outlawed Kurdish militia that has been waging a 30-year insurgency inside Turkey.

AP
A court in Burma has sentenced a Dutch citizen to three months in prison for unplugging an amplifier blasting out a late-night Buddhist sermon near his hotel.

Klaas Haytema, 30, in handcuffs, wept with his girlfriend before he left the court for jail.

He had been arrested in late September after a crowd gathered around his hotel in Mandalay in protest when the loudspeakers at a nearby religious hall were turned off.

The man who was reciting the sermon pressed charges against Haytema.

Local media reported that he apologised and said he had not known the loudspeakers were broadcasting religious content.

Haytema was also fined 100,000 kyats (about 80) for violating visa regulations requiring him to respect the culture.

He could have been sentenced to up to two years in prison for insulting religion in the predominantly Buddhist country, but the judge said he opted to find him guilty of a lesser charge to "show mercy".

It is unclear if Haytema plans to appeal.

Mandalay, a major tourist attraction in central Burma, is the country's cultural capital and the former seat of Burmese kings. It is culturally and religiously conservative.

In early 2015, a Burmese court sentenced a New Zealand bar manager, Phil Blackwood, to two years in prison after he posted an image of Buddha wearing headphones on the bar's official Facebook page in late 2014. Blackwood was released in an amnesty earlier this year.

It is common for Buddhist groups to broadcast sermons by loudspeaker at very high volumes. One local government has reportedly proposed noise control rules, with supporters saying the move is intended to alleviate stress caused to the elderly and the ill.

A community leader involved in Haytema's case, Chit San, said he called police when tempers flared after the speakers went quiet.

"We could not negotiate peacefully because people were angry, so we called the police to control the situation," Chit San said. "We actually didn't want him to get arrested."

AP
Antonio Guterres praised the UN Security Council for its swiftness and unity in approving him (AP)

The man set to become the next United Nations secretary-general has said he faces "huge challenges" and hopes to see unity and consensus during his term.

Antonio Guterres praised the UN Security Council for its swiftness and unity in approving him by acclamation in a formal vote earlier on Thursday.

"I sincerely hope that that was symbolic and displays an increased ability on the part of the Security Council to - through unity and consensus - be able to take the swift decisions which the troubled world we live in demands," Mr Guterres said in a brief statement at the foreign ministry in Lisbon.

Mr Guterres, 67, a former Portuguese prime minister who for 10 years was the UN high commissioner for refugees, is almost certain to replace Ban Ki-moon as secretary-general.

He said his focus as UN chief would be on helping the victims of war, poverty and injustice.

He spoke without notes in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish, but did not take questions.

"I have just two words to express my feelings at this moment: humility and gratitude," he said.

He praised the "intelligence and dedication and commitment" of his rivals for the secretary-general post as well as the Portuguese diplomats who campaigned for him.

AP
A formal recall of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 smartphone was announced in the US last month following a spate of reported fires

An overheated Samsung device created smoke that caused a plane to be evacuated at Louisville International Airport, an official has said.

The smoke prompted Southwest Airlines to evacuate the plane before it departed for Baltimore, Louisville Metro Arson Captain Kevin Fletcher told news outlets.

A total of 75 people, including crew members, were evacuated from the flight, and no one was injured, said airport authority spokeswoman Natalie Chaudoin.

Mr Fletcher said there was minor damage to the plane's carpet where the device was dropped.

US safety regulators announced a formal recall last month of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 smartphone after a spate of fires led to injuries and property damage.

Sarah Green, of New Albany, Indiana, was quoted by The Courier-Journal as saying that her husband, Brian, told her his Galaxy Note 7 made a popping noise and started smoking after he powered it down.

Ms Green said the phone had been replaced about two weeks ago due to the recall.

She said he called her from another person's phone to tell her what happened.

Fire department Captain Sal Melendez said the device overheated during the flight crew's safety demonstration.

Samsung said in a statement that the company is working with authorities to recover the device and confirm the cause.
Soldiers guard the residential building in Mandera, northern Kenya, after an attack by suspected Islamic extremists (AP)

Suspected Islamic extremists have killed six people in an attack in northern Kenya, near the border with Somalia.

Ali Roba, the governor of Kenya's Mandera County, said t he gunmen attacked a residential plot near the Bulla area early on Thursday.

The militants were targeting 33 non-Muslims in a residential block but a quick response by security forces saved other lives, Mr Roba said.

Kenya has experienced a wave of attacks from the Somali-based rebels of al-Shabab, who are allied to al-Qaida. Al-Shabab has vowed retribution on Kenya for sending troops to Somalia since 2011 to fight the militants who are waging an insurgency against Somalia's western-backed government.

Mandera County and Garissa County, which border Somalia, have been targeted by al-Shabab. The worst attack was in April 2015 when al-Shabab gunmen killed 148 - most of them students - at Garissa University.

Suspected al-Shabab gunmen killed at least six people when they shot at two buses traveling in Mandera County in July.

And Al-Shabab militants hijacked a bus travelling through Mandera County on November 22, 2014, killing 28 non-Muslims on board. In December 2014, they killed 36 quarry workers in Mandera town.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. As Hurricane Matthew bears down on the southeastern portion of the country, residents of coastal communities in the south are not the only ones preparing their next move, ABC News reported.

Airlines and airports are working around the clock to weather the storm and ensure a quick restoration of their schedules.

Nearly 1,600 flights have been cancelled Wednesday through Friday so far, according to FlightAware.com as of Wednesday evening.

The most impacted airports were Miami International Airport and Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Airports typically shut down their runways when cross winds reach much higher than 30 mph. Current projections from ABC News' meteorologists indicate gusts are expected to be more than triple that during the worst moments of the storm.

Airlines are already cancelling flights at major airports in the path of the storm. Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando, all significant air travel hubs, will likely halt operations for hours during the storm.

In an effort to make sure planes will be in the right place after the storm ends, some airlines have cancelled Wednesday afternoon flights.

With large operations in Miami and Charlotte, American Airlines will see the most cancellations. The country's largest airline has cancelled over thousand flights so far, with reduced operations stretching all the way to Saturday.

Delta Air Lines has scratched roughly 120 flights to and from South Florida airports. The airline says it anticipates restarting operations Thursday evening or Friday morning in the region. Operations for airports north of West Palm Beach will be determined Tuesday morning.

United Airlines told ABC News it is cancelling just over 60 flights to or from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Decisions for airports north of that will be made in the coming day or two.

The airlines are offering travelers waivers to change fees if the severe weather impacts their travel dates. These waivers are applying to states as far north as North Carolina.

You should check with your airline before flying this week within the Southeast or if you wish to change your travel dates due to the storm.
Theresa May's hardline stance on Brexit has shocked many who wanted to remain in the EU

In the early hours of June 24 it became apparent in the Titanic Centre, Belfast, that the people of Northern Ireland had delivered - with a clear and unequivocal voice across the traditional boundaries and divisions of our scarred society - their desire that Northern Ireland remain within the European Union. Watching the results elsewhere, particularly from the north of England, it also became clear that our victory in battle was about to be squandered in the war across the Irish Sea.

When the final results came in, like many others I had feelings of loss, frustration, even outrage. In fact, I felt betrayed by a political system that had allowed a victory to be achieved based on a mountain of lies, untruths and unfounded fears.

In the days that followed those feelings turned to mounting anger as the Leave campaign lies unravelled and were denied by those who led on the Brexit side.

When David Cameron fell on his sword and Theresa May succeeded him as Prime Minister, I had a sense of relief that she would seek to reunite the various deep divisions within British society and among the nations revealed during a referendum campaign that at times felt like a civil war. It was a reasonable expectation.

After all, the new Prime Minister had been on the same side of the referendum debate as me and my campaign team hosted her here in Northern Ireland, where she made it clear to local businesses and the media that a hard Brexit resulting in borders and tariffs would be deeply damaging to Northern Ireland.

Naturally, as Prime Minister, it was not unexpected that she would have to respect the result of the mandate from across the UK, however it was expected that she would handle any exit from the EU in a manner sensitive to the regions of the United Kingdom which voted overwhelmingly to Remain: Scotland, with its effective and highly independent parliament, with a dominant political force in the shape of the SNP. Northern Ireland, with its high dependency on EU subsidies, divided national outlooks and land border with an EU member state; and, of course, London, capital of Europe's financial markets, but overwhelmingly pro-EU membership.

She even sent her pro-Remain colleague James Brokenshire to replace the divisive Leave campaigner Theresa Villiers to be Northern Ireland Secretary of State in order to pour oil on the wounds of disappointed Remain campaigners in education, business, farming, the voluntary sector and politics.

The new Secretary of State went as far as setting up a talking shop on Brexit to keep the local chattering classes occupied. So far, so good.

Even the appointment of the three Brexit stooges of Johnson, Fox and Davis seemed to suggest that Mrs May had decided to hand these bungling knuckleheads the task of unravelling the political conundrum they had so wished for and, if they failed, she could then work towards a more manageable Brexit on mutually favourable terms with the EU.

But then came this missile at the Conservative Party conference from the woman dubbed "the submarine" by the staff of her predecessor: "I will never allow divisive nationalists to undermine the precious Union between the four nations of our United Kingdom."

These words could have been uttered by Chamberlain, or Balfour, or even Harold McMillan, or Douglas-Home.

But the thought that they came from a Prime Minister in 2016 shows just how detached the Tory leadership is from the realpolitik within the politically disintegrating Union that is Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

What is even more shocking is the lack of acknowledgment by Mrs May that it was the narrow agenda of English nationalism that has led us to this unhappy juncture of separation from Europe.

The haughtiness of Mrs May's matron-like rebuke that she will "never allow" is as repugnant as it is high-handed. But what's next? It's clear that Mrs May's pre and post-referendum platitudes about soft borders on the island of Ireland were just that. She has given primacy to the prejudices of little Englanders over those of us living in other parts of the UK.

She has caved into the most rabidly xenophobic and anti-EU section of the British Right - both within her own party and outside of it. Bizarrely, she has allowed the most divisive of all nationalism - English and imperial nationalism - to unpick at the delicate threads which hold her beloved but fragile Union together.

With her proposal to control the UK borders and leave the single market, she has opted for a hard Brexit. She will adopt all existing EU legislation within her Great Repeal Bill, but wants to ditch the protections of the European Court of Justice.

The consequences for Northern Ireland and Ireland are now very real. No amount of tea and sympathy at Stormont House hosted by the Secretary of State will compensate for the on-the-ground effects of a hard Brexit.

The short-term gains for cross-border retail from a collapse in sterling is not a long-term economic strategy for job-creation and investment. Hard borders will inevitably mean Customs posts and tariffs.

It will also mean immigration controls, and commuters across the border had a taste of that near Dundalk last week with long queues and checkpoints.

Local politicians will have to take action soon.

Those in Westminster will need to join forces with those in England, Scotland and Wales opposed to May's Great Repeal Bill - her majority is wafer-thin.

Sinn Fein has a particular challenge. Its votes in Westminster only count by going through the lobby - not sitting in it. It will be challenging, too, if Sinn Fein's role at Stormont is taken for granted by either the British Government, the DUP, or both.

All pro-EU and pro-Northern Ireland parties must be emphatic with the EU, the British Government and the Irish Government - there can be no hard borders within Ireland, no tariffs on cross-border trade and no punitive immigration controls between Northern Ireland and Britain.

Many in Northern Ireland may now look to the Irish Government for solutions. This British Government has set itself on an inevitable collision course - not only with the EU, but within the Union itself.

Dr Tom Kelly is chair of the Northern Ireland Stronger In Europe campaign
'Dee' Fennell turns his ire on Fr Gary Donegan in Ardoyne at the weekend

Around 150 Irish republicans from both sides of the border gathered in Newry on Saturday, September 24 for the first ard fheis (conference) of a new republican party. There, in the luxury of the Canal Court Hotel, with its own leisure complex, they launched an organisation named Saoradh (liberation).

The first indication that a new party was on the way came on Easter Sunday from David Jordan, a former republican prisoner from Donaghmore, when he spoke at a commemoration in Coalisland. Jordan is currently on bail after being charged with trying to murder a PSNI officer in a bomb attack in Castlederg in 2008.

The event had been organised by the National Republican Commemoration Committee, which represents dissident republican prisoners, and the marchers included 60 men and women dressed in military-style uniforms.

The fact that someone who is out on bail and accused of attempted murder is able to take part in such an event, with all its paramilitary trappings, is absolutely ridiculous. There is something badly wrong with a system that allows that to happen.

Then, in July, Paul Duffy, from Lurgan, a brother of prominent dissident republican Colin Duffy, told a Wolfe Tone commemoration at Bodenstown that ongoing discussions would lead to the formation of a new movement.

Paul Duffy was charged in 2014 with involvement in a plot to murder a prison governor, prison officers and a police officer, but was then released on bail.

Moving on, then, to the Saoradh launch in Newry, Thomas Ashe Mellon, from Londonderry, read out a statement from New IRA prisoners, while the audience included Colin Duffy and Damien Dee Fennell, from Belfast.

Mellon was sentenced in July 2015 on a terrorism-related charge, but seems to be out and about again.

Jordan was elected chairman of Saoradh, so the new party leader is a former IRA prisoner who is out on bail on an attempted murder charge.

At the ard fheis he delivered a speech in which he accused Sinn Fein of administering British rule in Ireland.

Then move forward exactly one week, to Saturday, October 1, and move from Newry to north Belfast.

Early that morning three Orange lodges and two local bands were able to complete their parade back up the Crumlin Road to Ligoniel.

The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (Garc) staged a protest against the parade and then turned its ire on the local Roman Catholic priest, Fr Gary Donegan, Sunday Life journalist Christopher Woodhouse and Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly.

There are several YouTube clips on the internet of Dee Fennell lambasting Fr Donegan, and Gerard McCusker launching a vicious and foul-mouthed verbal assault on Mr Woodhouse.

McCusker actually threatened Woodhouse and said: Im coming after you... youll have a bad fall one night.

A third angry republican protester also directed a sustained and equally foul-mouthed assault on the priest.

Much of what he said has been bleeped out because of the bad language, but the message and the hatred are absolutely clear.

Now, Fennell is currently out on bail on a charge of inviting support for a proscribed organisation.

This relates to a speech he made in St Colmans graveyard in Lurgan on Easter Sunday 2015, more than a year ago.

When the judge granted him bail, he said: You are to refrain from any public speaking.

Fennells exchange with the priest might be described by some people as a conversation, while others might describe it as a confrontation, but however one describes his public performance, is this not, in some way, a breach of his bail conditions?

If he is speaking at a public protest, in front of a crowd and the Press, then surely, it constitutes public speaking? Thats why I have asked the PSNI to investigate it.

And when you look across all of these cases, the ease with which bail is granted and the laxity of bail conditions, I think most people will be strongly of the view that its time for a radical rethink and a much more stringent approach.
The decision by DUP minister Michelle McIlveen to change the name of the fisheries vessel from the Irish Banrion Uladh to its English equivalent, Queen of Ulster, (News, September 29) certainly plumbed the depths of political point-scoring.

Contrast this with the approach shown by the minister's own Banrion Uladh, Queen Elizabeth, when, on the occasion of the historic dinner in her honour at Dublin Castle on May 18, 2011, she began her address with the words, "A Uachtarain agus a chairde" ("President and friends") and, with this simple gesture, wooed her largely nationalist audience.

It's the difference between gracefulness and pettiness.

JOHN GLENNON

By email
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsays influence has been blamed by a senior tribunal judge for the shouting, screaming and tantrums at a top Belfast restaurant.

Noel Kelly made the remarks as he awarded a former waitress at Shu restaurant nearly 7,000 compensation.

Mr Kelly said Shu had a particularly amateurish approach to employee relations.

And in referring to tantrums in kitchen workplaces in general, he said TV chef Gordon Ramsay had a lot to answer for.

But the judge dismissed one of the womans allegations, that the head chef on the Lisburn Road eatery referred to her only as the wee girl, saying the chef had not intended offence and it was part of normal speech in Belfast.

Ex-waitress Jessica Murray lost claims that she had suffered age and gender discrimination at the hands of the management, but the tribunal upheld her claim that she had been constructively and unfairly dismissed.

The restaurant, owned by businessman Alan Reid, has won rave reviews, with top food writer Tom Parker-Bowles calling it seriously good.

Ms Murray began working as a runner at Shu in February 2012 before becoming a section waitress. But relations between waitress and management began to deteriorate after February 2013 and she left last year.

She said head chef Brian McCann pretended not to know her name, referring only to her as the wee girl or the child.

Mr McCann said wee girl is a common phrase like wee lad and using it was part of who he is.

Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Jessica Murray Brian McCann, head chef at Shu. Picture - Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Gordon Ramsay / Facebook

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The tribunal said it was clear there was friction between Ms Murray and management due to a poor working environment and employment practices and, in part, to Ms Murrays own attitude.

To put it bluntly, there should have been less shouting and fewer tantrums on the part of the head chef and restaurant manager, Julian Henry, and Ms Murray, said Mr Kelly, vice president of industrial tribunals.

He added the head chef and the restaurant manager seemed to believe that kitchens are a uniquely pressurised environment where a stress and artistic temperament excuse bad behaviour.

But the judge insisted that preparing and serving food, be it at Shu or McDonalds, was no more stressful than working on an NHS ward or as an engineer at Shorts.

Such employments do not tolerate shouting, screaming and tantrums in the workplace. Neither should the catering industry. Gordon Ramsay has a lot to answer for.

The full judgement can be found by clicking here and search for 'Murray'.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Germany is considering a push for European sanctions against Russia in response to its actions in the Syria conflict, a person familiar with the German deliberations said Wednesday, signaling that Europe is seeking new ways to pressure Moscow to quell the violence there, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Chancellor Angela Merkels government, the person said, is examining ways to push Moscow to change course in Syria, where Russian warplanes have supported Syrian government forces in a siege of rebel-held areas in the city of Aleppo.

Western leaders are calling the situation an increasingly grave humanitarian crisis. German and U.S. officials have said Russia is behind some of the bombardment of hospitals and other civilian installations in Aleppo.

One action Germany is considering, the person said, is implementing new European Union economic sanctions against Russia. Two years ago, Ms. Merkel, the EUs most influential leader, corralled the blocs 28 countries to impose joint sanctions against Russia over its military intervention in Ukraine.

The deliberations among German officials on possible sanctions are in their early stages, and its not clear how broadly Ms. Merkels junior coalition partners, the center-left Social Democrats, would support them. But they are among the first signs that Europe, frustrated by Russia and fearful of a worsening of the refugee crisis, could swing to a tougher line.

When asked earlier Wednesday about the possibility of Russian sanctions over Syria, a spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry, which is headed by Social Democrat Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said, At the moment I know no one, neither in Berlin nor anywhere else, who has such proposals.

A spokesman for Ms. Merkel declined to comment, referring to the statement from the Foreign Ministry. The Foreign Ministry spokesman declined further comment.

The prospect of new EU sanctions on Russia would likely run up against opposition elsewhere in the bloc, where leaders are under pressure from populist politicians to improve relations with Moscow. In recent days, European diplomats have said there is little support in the bloc for fresh sanctions on Russia.

At the same time, European leaders are growing increasingly frustrated with Moscows behavior in Syria. The escalating violence has raised fears of a new wave of refugees entering Turkey and possibly trying to make their way to Europe.

Some officials in Washington think sanctions tied to Russias support of the Syrian regime are the best hope for changing Moscows tactics in Syria, according to U.S. officials.

The U.S. broke off discussions with Russia on Monday as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called on Russian and Syrian air forces to be removed from the skies over Aleppo, the Syrian city where hundreds of civilians have died in recent days in an intense aerial bombardment.

Officials in the U.S. are deeply divided over the efficacy of stepped-up military action in Syria. But some U.S. officials said European sanctions are likely the best means to get Russia to shift its position on the Syrian civil war and take a more constructive position.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The agenda of the October 6 Cabinet session includes the draft decision on dismissing Surik Khachatryan from the post of Governor of Syunik Province.

In accordance to Article 88.1 of the Constitution and based on point 1.7 of the 1997, May 6 Presidential decree NH-728, the Government decides to dismiss Surik Khachatryan from the post of Governor of Syunik, in accordance to his application, reads the draft.
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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The Governments October 6 session agenda includes the draft decisions on dismissing the Chiefs of Staff of Ministries, reports Armenpress.

Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Urban Development Edgar Gevorgyan, and Chief of Staff of the Healthcare Ministry Armen Karapetyan will be dismissed from their posts in accordance to their applications.

According to the structural changes in the Government, the Ministry of Urban Development will be renamed and will turn into committee.
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Best of Burque Restaurants 2016 Plant People Mom says you have to eat your greens.

Best Vegetarian Food Annapurna's World Vegetarian Cafe Winner of multiple categories this year, Annapurna's World Vegetarian Cafe has been delighting customers with homestyle organic vegan food for over a decade. Offering nourishing meals like the Yogi Bowl, filled with your choice of two delicious veggies of the day, heaped on top of basmati or brown rice with a side of chutney, there's a reason why there were no runner-ups in this category. Annapurna's offers fresh seasonal vegetables every day, steamed to perfection and they even have breakfast dishes like quinoa with dried fruit or a brunch burrito smothered with house-made green chile sauce.

Best Vegan Food Thai Vegan If you're looking for some delicious vegan fare, you don't need to look any further. Thai Vegan offers dishes galore that contain meat substitutes that taste just like actual meat. It might sound strange, but soy chicken tastes, well, just like chicken. The miso soup and pad thai are especially delectable, but quite honestly, there's nothing on the menu that doesn't score a 10 out of 10 in our book.

Best Veggie Burger No Clear Winner Ah, the veggie burger. It can go so right, but it can go so wrong. And our voters agree, since no leader rose victorious amid the clammering mob of vegetable patty peddlers. Guess well just have to stick with eating meat! Mwahahahaha!

Best Tofu No Clear Winner Author Sylvia Boorstein once said, The mind is like tofu. It tastes like whatever you marinate it in. So if you marinate tofu in something yummy, you know its gonna taste good. Apparently its so easy, no one gets a crown for doing it.

Best Vegan Dessert Annapurna's World Vegetarian Cafe Vegan dessert? How tasty can that really be? The answer, dear reader and eater, awaits you at Annapurna's World Vegetarian Cafe, home to carrot and lavender cupcakes, almond biscottis, rich, decadent cardamom cookies and gluten-free coconut pie sweetened with agave. Annapurna's makes sweets even sweeter by using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup, brown rice syrup, agave, turbinado sugar and molasses. Is your mouth watering yet?

Best Vegetarian Chile Sister Bar Yep, it's trueSister Bar has more than just stellar drinks and concerts. They serve some pretty tasty grub, too! If you haven't scoped out the relatively new lunch menu, definitely put it at the top of your to-do list. Whether their delicious vegetarian chile is served on top of a calabacitas taco or piled on top of some gooey chile cheese fries, it's pretty much the best thing.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. This year in January-August 196 billion 731.8 million AMD (more than 415 million 45.9 thousand USD) construction has been implemented, including the installation works in the construction volume were amounted to 178 billion 574.1 million AMD, reports Armenpress.

The construction volume has been decreased by 7.5%, and the installation works by 2.6% compared to January-August 2015.

Economist Tatul Manaseryan said the construction is the best to represent the economic growth. Construction will help to see what situation the real estate market faces.

We must take into account that the state finances are more limited. It is welcoming that the construction is not limited only with the Armenian financial market. We must keep in mind that the risks are quite large in the Armenian market and due to it there is a certain decrease, he told Armenpress.

The economist said a simple approach is being shown to the construction, it means that only the apartment construction is considered, whereas the construction is a quite serious sector in terms of boosting the economy and can move forward the other branches.

Tatul Manaseryan says more attention can be paid on production construction which can be boosted both in Yerevan and in provinces where there is a strong need of production development.

From this perspective it can be said the construction has a serious prospects, but, unfortunately, the approaches have not been such, the economist said.




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

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For Immediate Release, October 6, 2016 Contact: Miyoko Sakashita, (510) 844-7108, miyoko@biologicaldiversity.org Alaska Offshore Oil Discovery Could Further Imperil Polar Bears,

Lock in Disastrous Climate Change Scenarios ANCHORAGE, Alaska This weeks announcement by Caelus Energy that it discovered, and intends to develop, a massive offshore oil field in Alaskas Smith Bay could push polar bears closer to extinction and help lock in the worst climate change scenarios predicted by scientists, the Center for Biological Diversity warned today. Located in shallow water about 50 miles southeast of Barrow, the site is in the heart of critical habitat the federal government designated to protect imperiled polar bears, which have been decimated by the loss of sea ice caused by the excessive burning of fossil fuels. Company officials called the discovery the largest in state history, estimating more than 2 billion recoverable barrels of oil. If estimates are accurate, the oilfield could produce more than 653 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent when burned  equivalent to the annual emissions of nearly 200 coal-fired power plants. This greenhouse gas pollution impedes the United States ability to meet its international commitments to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. Scientists have warned that all Arctic oil resources are unburnable to meet the 2 degree target, and potential emissions from fossil fuels already under development globally will take us beyond 2 degrees of warming. Caelus CEO called this discovery a game-changer and hes right: Developing this site could trigger the worst climate change scenarios and leave the planet reeling from this crisis, said Miyoko Sakashita, the Centers oceans program director. We need to leave Arctic oil in the ground to protect future generations. Developing the new oilfield would require a 125-mile pipeline connecting the remote site to the companys existing oil infrastructure in Prudhoe Bay, which the Center warns could trigger additional Arctic oil extraction projects. Caelus CEO Jim Musselman told reporters the company already uses hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, more than other oil companies in Alaska, and the new oilfield would need to be heavily fracked as well to extract its light crude oil. More drilling and fracking would harm polar bears, ringed seals and other imperiled wildlife in the region, Sakashita said. Between the impacts to our climate and Alaskas wildlife, its clear to us this project should never move forward. We intend to fight it. Earlier this year the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the federal designation of 187,000 square miles of sea ice, barrier islands and coastal areas in Alaska as critical habitat for polar bears, which was based on a 2005 petition by the Center to protect polar bears under the Endangered Species Act. 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, October 5, 2016 Contact: Michael Robinson, (575) 313-7017, michaelr@biologicaldiversity.org Two Unique Beetles in Arizona, Kentucky Go Extinct After Lengthy Delays in Protection TUCSON, Ariz. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that the Stephans riffle beetle of Arizona and the Tatum Cave beetle of Kentucky have gone extinct  more than two decades after they were first identified as needing federal protections that were never awarded to them. The agency declared the two species extinct after searches and surveys for both miniscule beetles in their respective specialized micro-habitats turned up no insects. Both beetles were known to be threatened by unchecked development. But due to the Services delay in deciding whether to protect them as endangered, they never received the habitat protections and science-based recovery plans that have helped rescue other species on the brink of extinction. Illustration courtesy USFWS. I'm deeply saddened by the loss of these two beetles, which we can never get back, said Michael Robinson of the Center for Biological Diversity. The world is a little shabbier, and the Santa Rita Mountains and Tatum Cave are each a little less unique without these former resident beetles. The Fish and Wildlife Service first identified the Stephans riffle beetle as needing protection in 1984, reaching the same conclusion about the Tatum Cave beetle in 1994, but the agency failed to complete the paperwork necessary to provide Endangered Species Act protection for either species. In accordance with a 2011 settlement agreement with the Center to make protection decisions for more than 250 species stuck on the candidate list as of 2010, the Service today officially denied protection to both species because they are believed extinct. The Stephen's riffle beetle lived in two springs in Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains outside of Tucson. Its habitat was degraded in the 1800s by rampant livestock grazing and again in the 1930s with the Civilian Conservation Corps piping of water from the canyons main spring, and, later, development of a campground and hiking trail. But the beetle survived these assaults, clinging to existence in the face of these threats at least until 1993, when the last one was sighted. Drought from global warming, which contributed to reducing flows in the springs, may have been the nail in the coffin for the beetle. In Marion County, Ky., the Tatum Cave beetle was abundant when first discovered in 1957 but less so when last seen in 1965. It is thought to be extinct because eight surveys since that year have failed to locate the beetle. The Service identified urban sprawl pollution and cave alterations as threats to the species. Few people ever saw the Stephans riffle beetle or the Tatum Cave beetle, and perhaps not many will mourn their passing, said Robinson. But the extinction of species, tiny and tremendous alike, leaves us all a little poorer, whether we recognize the losses or not." The late scientist J.B.S. Haldane quipped that God has an inordinate fondness for beetles, because of their many varieties. These two beetles were no exception. The Stephen's riffle beetle was a one-tenth of an inch long, had dozens of tiny black dots on the back of its wings, respired through gills, and attached its eggs to underwater rocks and substrate. The Tatum Cave beetle was eyeless and reddish-brown. To date the Center's agreement with Fish and Wildlife has led to the protection of 176 species and proposed protections for 22 more. 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.
ACCRA: Standard Bank's ambition to position itself as the go-to bank for businesses in Africa was underscored at the group's intra-Africa business conference in Ghana on Tuesday - the second meeting of its kind in 2016.

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"We hope to build a collective of business people with an ambition of succeeding in West Africa," said Standard Bank Group chairman Thulani Gcabashe, speaking at the opening of the West Africa transregional conference.

Standard Bank, branded Stanbic Bank in some countries outside SA, held its inaugural transregional conference in Kenya in April, where it hosted clients from SA and East Africa in the hope of promoting partnerships among them. Now it is extending the initiative to West Africa, hosting business-banking clients from southern Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Angola, Ghana, Nigeria and China.

The conference focuses on the challenges and opportunities of doing business in the region - made up of 16 countries - with presentations from business and government leaders and a site visit to Standard Bank's business clients in Ghana.

"You can't talk about being involved in Africa and not have a plan for West Africa," said Andrew Robertson, head of business banking for Standard Bank Africa.

This particular conference was oversubscribed, Robertson said. "Our own research indicates that 42% of our existing commercial banking clients see growth opportunities outside SA. There's a lot of demand from South African-based companies wanting to learn more about how these markets operate and how they go about establishing themselves in these markets."

In 2015, Standard Bank helped 355 commercial clients in Africa to expand their businesses on the continent, which included companies from the rest of Africa growing into SA, Robertson said.

Ten businesses from SA are attending the conference, including Fujifilm and Ladismith Cheese Group. "These are clients who we know have a desire to expand into the rest of Africa but don't necessarily know how to," said Robertson.

One of the businesses, Rhino Energy, was not a client of Standard Bank but wanted to attend the conference. The business, banked by Absa, is attending as a guest of Standard Bank.

Two companies from China are attending the conference, which included a presentation on doing business with the Asian nation. Standard Bank hoped to strengthen trade between China and Africa, helping African clients navigate the China landscape, Robertson said.

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China holds a 20% stake in Standard Bank, which it bought in 2008 for $5.5bn, making it the largest investment of a Chinese enterprise into Africa at the time. Ziady is a guest of Standard Bank in Ghana.

Source: Business Day
On an annual basis On the Dot Pamphlets Division arranges a township tour for its current as well as new clients. This year the team arranged a tour into Tembisa, which is located on the outskirts of Midrand.

Invited guests arrived at the Media24 premises in Auckland Park, where they were made to feel welcome by key account managers, sales support and special projects staff. After an opening presentation, muffin, and coffee, everyone embarked on the tour bus and braved the Johannesburg traffic towards the desired destination of Tembisa.

Local residents, living within a variety of low and middle-income households, opened their doors to welcome over 60 guests into their homes. All participants were surprised at just how accommodating these residents were, who took delight in all the attention that was shown.

The objective of this tour is to open up new markets to On the Dots clients. Rico Brand, On the Dots Pamphlets Division General Manager, commented: By talking to the residents whose homes we visited and noting the type of possessions they purchased. Invited guests actually see individual product preferences. Everyone who participated in the tour comes away with a new experience, as well as greater insights into their customers.

After visiting numerous homes, On the Dots guests experienced a traditional lunch, served at  Busy Corner also known as Imbizo, where the food was braaied to satisfy everyones appetite. All agreed that this was a unique experience, definitely worth repeating!

On the Dot Pamphlet distribution provides access to demographically targeted consumer markets offering a reliable accurate, efficient and cost effective direct marketing communication platform. Our national infrastructure distributes to 15.2 million homes in South Africa as well as over-border.

Visit our website www.onthedot.co.za or contact us for more information

GAUTENG:

Media Park,

69 Kingsway Avenue

Auckland Park, 2092

Johannesburg

Tel: +27 11 713 9936

CAPE TOWN:

2 Nereida Street,

Paarden Eiland

Cape Town

Tel: +27 21 530 7054

DURBAN

Unit 15A

Aloefield Crescent

Springfield Park, 4051

Durban North

+27 31 579 8900




Taxing sugar could bring the government about R4bn in revenue, says the treasury's deputy director general, Ismail Momoniat.

He was quoting a study commissioned by companies that produce sugar-sweetened beverages. The treasury itself has not calculated the potential revenue of such a tax.

Other research indicates this figure could be higher: up to R7bn from a 20% tax on the drinks, according to the University of the Witwatersrands Priority Cost Effective Lessons for Systems Strengthening South Africa (Priceless SA) programme. The 2015 research was published in the journal Public Health Nutrition.

Our goal with that estimate was to give the ball-park figure of how much money it could generate. We will have to wait to see what the actual revenue will be, says the programmes health economist, Nicholas Stacey.

Momoniat says the proposed tax rate of about two cents per gram of sugar will amount to a 20c tax on a litre of Coca-Cola.

He states that the tax is part of the governments commitment to curbing rising rates of non-communicable diseases and is not just a way to make extra money.

If the objective was to make money ... then we would just raise other taxes such as value-added tax and income tax, which would yield larger revenue [than a sugar tax].

The treasury is wary of earmarking sugar tax revenue for specific health programmes, including those aimed at preventing non-communicable diseases.

Earmarking is not a solution, says Momoniat. We want more money not just for health but for prevention of these diseases.

Priceless SAs 2015 research estimates that the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages will increase by 2,4% a year between 2012 and 2017 without preventive measures to curb consumption. This increase will result in an additional 1,3m obese adults in South Africa by 2017.

A study published in The Lancet found that the country is already the fattest nation in sub-Saharan Africa.

Priceless SAs director, Karen Hofman, warned that beverage companies such as South African Breweries are already targeting the poorest households to help boost sales.

The department of healths director of health promotion, nutrition and oral health, Lynn Moeng, says the tax will help the country to achieve its target to decrease obesity by 10% by 2020.

Sugar taxes have already been introduced in some countries, including France, Mexico and Norway. The United Kingdom, Thailand and Australia have announced their intention to introduce a similar tax.

Momoniat says the government is expecting a reaction from the sugar industry, much like it saw with the introduction of tobacco laws. The noise from the industry is expected [but] there seems to be more resistance to the sugar tax than we have seen before.

Parliamentary hearings on the tax are set to begin in November. A final announcement will be made by the minister of finance in his 2017 budget speech.
Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba has been invited to deliver a keynote address at this year's 56th General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), after the extensive trademarks and patents protecting two South African botanical treasures, Rooibos and Honeybush, caught the attention of the international community.

Its the first time that SA has been asked to present in respect of trademarks, patents and IP innovation at this prestigious conference, which has commenced in Geneva, Switzerland, and will run untill 11 October.

Ernest du Toit, a director of the SA Rooibos Council and CEO of the world famous, Annique range of Rooibos teas, skin care and health products, was approached by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), which functions under the auspices of the DTI, to present information on the Annique Rooibos health and beauty product range and on the Audacia Rooibos and Honeybush-wooded wines, owned and developed by Trevor Strydom.

Du Toit says he is honoured to participate in the symposium, which will specifically look at how patented and trademarked technologies remain critical to ensuring long-term economic growth for both developed and developing nations. Rooibos and Honeybush were specifically singled out as SA treasures since they are both endemic to SA and are among the most widely commercially cultivated botanical species originating in South Africa with more than 300 trademarks and 20 patents to their names, remarks du Toit.

A game changer for the alcoholic beverage industry

Red Dawn IP Holdings  owned by Audacia Wines and KWV  has developed a method of preserving alcoholic beverages using indigenous Rooibos and Honeybush wood chips, instead of currently accepted sulphite preservatives, which has also intrigued the international IP community.

The innovation by the Stellenbosch-based company is a huge potential game changer in the alcoholic beverage industry, given that Rooibos and Honeybush toasted wood chips not only impart unique and highly distinctive flavours to a wide range of beverage types, including wine, beer, and cider but also release antioxidants which help to preserve these beverages, eliminating the use of synthetic preservatives, such as sulphites. Audacia has already created a series of No Sulphites or Preservatives Added wines, as well as low-calorie wines, using this breakthrough technology.

From left: Trevor Strydom (MD of Audacia Wines) and Ernest du Toit (Director of SARC and CEO of Annique)

Trevor Strydom, director of Red Dawn IP Holdings, who has lodged patent applications in 83 jurisdictions worldwide, for the exclusive use by South African alcoholic beverage producers, to create wine, beer and cider, using indigenous Rooibos and Honeybush materials in varying forms, says safeguarding these local resources is crucial to developing jobs and businesses, and to sustain a vibrant economy.

Patent protection and trademark registration of our products is particularly significant given that the European Union finally recognised both Rooibos and Honeybush as Geographic Indicators (GI), in 2014. This means that South Africa and its local manufacturers now have exclusive ownership of Rooibos and Honeybush trademarks and IP, and that these names will only be applicable to products that come from South Africa, which is officially approved by the DTI, guaranteeing quality control, says Strydom.

The DTI has also since then declared Rooibos and Honeybush as prohibited marks under South Africas Merchandise Marks Act, making unauthorised use a criminal offense. Traditional Knowledge legislation, which is in line with the Nagoya Protocol, is also currently being promulgated in South Africa.

Something new and fresh

Strydom says its Audacias aim to bring something new and fresh into the overtraded wine, cider and beer industries.

Rooibos is an iconic local phenomenon and were proud to be using its incredible natural properties to create a range of original and distinctive alcoholic beverages, that are healthier as well. Our innovation is also significant from a sustainability perspective, as we use a byproduct of the Rooibos and Honeybush tea industries, (chipped wood stems) for use in making wine, beer and cider. It replaces expensive imported oak wood derivatives like staves, chips, powders and liquid tannin extracts.

We are totally committed to creating and maintaining a sustainable future for all South Africans, operating in these industries. We seek to achieve the aforementioned objectives by sharing this intellectual property with all South African alcoholic beverage producers, thereby giving them the ability to be able to produce unique patent protected products, with real, unique customer value propositions, that they will be able to promote under license for the duration of the respective intellectual property terms, in the jurisdictions where the patent is registered and in force, says Strydom.

In addition to the exhibition, South Africa will also be hosting a grand reception in Geneva at the General Assembly, which will be opened by South Africas Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Nozipho Mxakato-Diseko. The theme of the reception is South African Treasures. As part of this event, all delegates will be gifted with a bottle of Audacia Rooibos Wooded Wine  a No Sulphites or Preservatives Added Shiraz 2014, as well as Rooibos tea and skincare products from Annique Health and Beauty.
The new Jabulani bottle from Amarula has won a Gold Travel Retail Excellence Award at this year's Drinks International Travel Retail Awards held in Cannes earlier this week.

This award recognises brands with new packaging launched into the travel retail sector and judges were in search of the best overall design of an existing drinks brand. The award also recognises design that successfully executes the reasons for change, set within its original brief.

Inspired by the shape of an African elephant, the Jabulani bottle features sleek curves and, according to Distells Amarula global GM, Dino DAraujo, it celebrates the brands most prolific icon, the African elephant in an evocative way.

He said the team was delighted with receiving the award as it reaches deeper than just design aesthetics. It is fantastic for our new Amarula bottle to be recognised for its design, though the motivation for sculpting the head of an African Elephant onto the glass goes further than mere aesthetics. We are passionate about elephant conservation, which is why we recently partnered with Wild Life Direct, a globally recognised conservation group in Kenya. It is our shared vision, that for many years to come, we will continue to meet the African elephant below the Marula trees. The bottle shows our ongoing commitment and in the hands of travellers this conservation message travels globally.
The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town was the scene of celebration as 11 teams from all over the world crossed the finish line after successfully driving 27,000km collectively on public roads on solar power alone during the 2016 Sasol Solar Challenge.

Dutch team Nuon won the Challenger class after completing 4,716km, breaking the four-year-old record of 4,630km and beating Japanese team Tokai by 172km.

"We're really excited - we already started celebrating in traffic as we came into Cape Town when we suddenly realised that we'd won. The team that is here has been working on the car for years, so they were very emotional," said Sarah Bennink Bolt from the Nuon team.

The Dutch team had to have a perfect day to stay ahead of strong competitor Tokai, which set the record in 2012 and won the World Solar Challenge numerous times in the past.

"Tokai was really good last year in Australia at the World Solar Challenge, and while a lot of people thought we were a shoo-in for the Sasol Solar Challenge in SA, it wasn't obvious to us," said Bennink Bolt. "We had to work very hard to beat them - they came out strong this year."

With new regulations set for the global competition, all the teams will use the South African event to build new vehicles for the 2017 challenge in Australia, which is shorter than the Sasol Solar Challenge.

SA holds its own

In SA, five teams held their own against tough international competition. North-West University finished fourth with 3,524km under their belt, high school team Maragon Olympus from Pretoria beat the University of Johannesburg by just 40km.

"We are very proud of the fact that our Sirius x25 solar car, travelled through the whole of SA without once being put on a trailer," Jimmy Pressly of the North-West University team said. "We plan on keeping the flag flying high by competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 2017 with a new, better car."

North-West University's 28man team had to work long hours to come back from an accident during track testing just before the challenge began.

Another remarkable achievement was celebrated when high schoolers Maragon Olympus crossed the finish line in seventh place, narrowly beating the University of Johannesburg. "Beating University of Johannesburg is an enormous achievement for us as a school. This would not have been possible without the efforts of the whole team," team manager Marinda Jordaan said.

"With a lot of persistence we pulled it off. What the future holds for us as a school participating again is under discussion, but the Solar Eagle will likely retire to a museum after the 2016 Sasol Solar Challenge."

New record set

For the Sasol Solar Challenge, a new record has been set and teams are already planning their return in 2018 to improve on their 2016 achievements.

"We try to break the record in SA every year," said Bennink Bolt. "The World Challenge is only 3,000km, so this is a tough challenge for us. It takes long hours, early mornings, hard work and a car that is always at its best. We'll be looking to break it again in 2018!"

Challenge director Winstone Jordaan said it was the most competitive event to date.

"The calibre of competition at this year's challenge has been awe-inspiring to watch. We also had a very safe event with no major incidents - which is always our biggest point of pride when moving more than 350 people through the country on public roads.

"The Sasol Solar Challenge has such a positive impact on the teams that compete that we would like to challenge all South African universities to take part - to maximise the ripple effect that it has on SA's engineering and energy development."

Source: Business Day
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Parliament Speaker of Armenia Galust Sahakyan on October 6 held a meeting with newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Greece to Armenia Nafsika Nancy Eva Vraila, press service of the Parliament informed Armenpress.

The Parliament Speaker congratulated the Ambassador on her new post and expressed hope her professional knowledge and vigor will best serve for further deepening and strengthening the ties between Armenia and Greece.

Galust Sahakyan attached importance to the parliamentary diplomacy on the development of relations between the two friendly states. He expressed readiness to support the Ambassador on carrying out productive cooperation with the Parliament.

Ambassador Nafsika Nancy Eva Vraila thanked for the reception and underlined the importance of productive cooperation between the two parliamentary friendship groups in the international platforms.

The sides highlighted that the relations of the two people will receive new achievements due to joint and mutually beneficial work.
These days, what separates the good from the average manager is the use of sound principles that focus on the investment process over the long term, rather than the outcome. This is according to Peter Linley, executive director: Old Mutual Investors' Fund.

Anyone can be lucky in the short term, says Linley. The real test of a successful manager is one who performs over time. Gone are the days when having a couple of big teams covering the market may have given you an edge.

Valuation  science and art

Linley believes the bedrock of a sound investment process is disciplined valuation, however, it is also important to acknowledge other proven factors such as quality, growth and sentiment.

Valuation is key, but it is subjective. While we continually revisit and test our base-case assumptions, we also seek to gain further perspective by constructing a bull  rising market  and bear  falling market  case scenario for each company. Banks, for example, are currently not only trading at an attractive discount to our base case valuation, but are actually trading around our bear case scenario. The shares are effectively pricing in a potential sovereign downgrade already.

No individual can forecast the future accurately which is why we embrace a probability perspective, rather than believing there is just one view and that ours is the correct one, he says. We want to understand the different outcomes that may play out over time and assign a probability to these.

He explains there is a good behavioural reason for encouraging investment analysts to focus on three scenarios. In a single focus investment process, human nature can sometimes result in an individual either falling in or out of love with a share, where personal bias can cloud the investment thesis. We gain more value and insight from analysts probability weighting in addition to the three scenarios.

Understanding valuation is however a main focus and for good reason. Value as a style  looking for stocks that appear undervalued by the marketplace  outperforms over the long term, but it can go through lengthy periods of underperformance, as has been the case with value managers recently. Our research into the performance of other factors in the South African equity market over the last 26 years shows that value is not the only factor driving outperformance. Adding other long-term outperforming factors to our valuation ranking improves diversification and provides more holistic insight when picking stocks.

Linley adds that it is also important to constantly analyse the failure and success of decisions. Its imperative to know if I was right for the right reasons or right for the wrong reasons and so just lucky. Investing is as much about psychology and human emotions as is it about science and math.

Patience

When it comes to companies and their share prices, Linley believes that there needs to be a long-term perspective rather than concerns over returns in a months time. Markets across the world are largely driven by short-term behaviour and emotionally-driven decisions destroy returns. To succeed, a successful investment management team needs a sensible investment philosophy and must operate within a disciplined and structured process.

Sound risk management

Throughout the investment process, prioritising risk management is essential. A fund manager is paid to take on risk on behalf of the investor, so we need to continually guard against unintended risk. In our portfolios, outperformance is not only driven by the winners, but also by avoiding the losers. For example, the risk of capital loss in African Bank was simply too big for us. The worst thing you can do as an investor is hang onto poor performing stocks that in reality have no ability to recover, says Linley.

Intelligent diversification

Intelligent diversification, Linley explains, is essential once all the research has been done. Its not how many shares you buy, but the diversity of these stocks. Even 20 stocks may not be intelligent diversification if they are all in the same industry or style bucket. Ensuring adequate diversification requires an analysis across shares, industry, style, macro drivers, regions, currencies and more.

He adds that geographical diversification in South African portfolios is a lot easier than it was 50 years ago. Companies listed on the JSE, including Naspers, British American Tobacco, Richemont, ABInbev, MediClinic, Steinhoff, Mondi and Aspen have a strong presence outside of South Africa.

Ultimately, there are no short cuts to delivering competitive returns over the long term. A sensible philosophy combined with a disciplined process is part of the fabric of Old Mutual Investors Fund. As information flows quicker than ever before, it is increasingly difficult to successfully manage an equity portfolio without this combination of attributes, concludes Linley.
Stella Mwareya cannot hide her frustration as she struggles, in vain, to clear a fast-growing light green shrub that is taking over her farmland. "There is no way to stop this plant," Mwareya dejectedly told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "It grows so fast and its seeds are very light and spread far and wide. It will soon take over everything."

Mwareya, who lives in Rusitu Valley, in eastern Zimbabwe's Chimanimani district, blames the invasion on seeds brought by devastating tropical Cyclone Eline, which hit the country in 2000. The feathery weed - dubbed "cyclone" by local people - has been a particular problem for farmers, commercial timber plantations and a nature reserve in eastern Zimbabwe over the past five years.

Plant experts believe the plant may be Vernonanthura phosphorica, a native of Brazil, and may have been introduced in neighbouring Mozambique in the 1990s, to attract bees and produce honey.

But local people say "cyclone" is causing headaches, regardless, as it spreads across Zimbabwe's eastern highlands, including the Vumba mountains, the Burma valley, and Chipinge.

Thousands of hectares of land are now covered by the fast-spreading plant, which farmers say is nearly impossible to control. Villagers like Mwareya have tried machetes and hoes to clear the weed, while commercial timber plantations have doused it with chemicals and tried to root it out, all without success. "We have lost hope of stopping this plant," Mwareya said.

Worse storms, new pests?

Around the world, changing weather conditions and stronger storms linked to climate change are bringing new challenges for many farmers in the form of new or more virulent crop pests and diseases. Finding ways to control the pests is becoming a priority for protecting food security and incomes in many countries.

Bart Wursten, a leading Zimbabwe plant expert, said it was possible Cyclone Eline has spread the seeds of eastern Zimbabwe's scourge across the mountains from Mozambique. But he said he believed the main reason for its rapid spread in Chimanimani was that formerly well-tended farms had become neglected or abandoned after the country's chaotic land reform programme that began in 2000. "This, of course, happened at the exact same time, in 2000, as the cyclone," he said.

Wursten said the plant was an aggressive invader of disturbed areas and may have gotten a foothold in Mozambique as a result of slash-and-burn agriculture there. But damage from Cyclone Eline also could have opened areas for it to spread, he said.

Apart from colonising farmland in affected areas, the invasive plant is hurting harvests from orchards by starving fruit trees of nutrients, their owners said. "The plant is choking our fruit trees and lowering our fruit harvests," Mwareya said. "What is even worse is that this plant is completely useless to us. We can't use it for stock-feed, we can't even use it for firewood."

In some areas, including nearby Chikukwa, inventive villagers have found ways of turning some of the particularly large shrubs into fencing.

But Phineas Chikoshana, an official with a local conservation NGO, Chikukwa Ecological Land Use Community Trust (CELUCT), warned that the loss of farmland in the area was a serious problem. "If nothing is done soon crop farming is going to suffer forever," he predicted.

'This plant is so persistent'

Timber plantations in Chimanimani owned by Allied Timbers, Wattle Company, and Border Timbers are also not making any headway in controlling the plant, which they said is choking timber stands and draining soil nutrients, officials said. The head of the Timber Producers Federation (TPF), a grouping of timber companies in Zimbabwe, admitted they had failed to control the invader. "We tried weeding manually and even through use of chemicals but the plant is so persistent," said the federation's CEO, Darlington Duwa, who noted that the group is still trying to confirm the plant's identity.

He said the shrub would likely fuel plantation fires as it is highly flammable, particularly during Zimbabwe's ongoing severe drought.

Chimanimani National Game Park has not been spared, as the plant displaces other vegetation and creates thickets that are nearly impassable for wildlife, environmental experts say. Amos Chiketo, a local independent environmentalist with years of experience working with timber companies in Chimanimani, said Zimbabwe's government was too busy dealing with damaged infrastructure after the 2000 cyclone to pick up on the plant's spread.

"This gave the plant space to establish itself," Chiketo said. Now, "it's threatening to alter the abundance and diversity of plant species that are important habitat for native wildlife."

Reporting by Andrew Mambondiyani; editing by Laurie Goering
As universities grapple with lack of money to fund the free education demanded by students, it has emerged that the University of Fort Hare overpaid a service provider contracted to refurbish residences at the Alice campus by nearly R63m.

Some of the funds were paid two years before the work was completed.

Moreover, the company was registered only three months before the multimillion-rand tender was awarded.

The shocking revelations are contained in a 100-page report, titled Forensic Investigation on behalf of University of Fort Hare into Lease Agreement for Students Accommodation, done by Sizwe Ntsaluba Gobodo (SNG).

The damning report was released in June.

SNG investigated contracts awarded to two companies - Equicent Infrastructural Development and the SKG Group.

The report reveals that the university awarded the multimillion-rand tender to Equicent Infrastructural Development to refurbish the residences - but the work was instead done by a company called Equicent Eastern Cape Development.

Equicent Infrastructural and Equicent Eastern Cape had three common directors - Mazwi Yako, Younis Atcha and Mark Corbett.

According to SNG, when the bids were submitted in April 2012, Equicent Eastern Cape had only been in existence for three months and did not bid for the tender.

"It appears that UFH concluded the contract with the company that did not submit the bid," the report said.

The report further revealed that invoices of "finished work" worth millions were paid two years before the actual work was to be finished by Equicent.

This is blamed on two senior UFH employees who allegedly recommended that the invoices be paid, without verifying their correctness or the supporting documents.

The number of beds that Equicent invoiced for in respect of refurbished buildings was also more than the number of beds that UFH has on its records.

"Based on the invoices reviewed, the overpayments made to Equicent totalled R62936201.87," the report said.

It said two staff members, the late Vuyisile VG James and chief financial officer Robin Stone, had been responsible for approving the invoices for payment.

"Mr James and Mr Stone recommended and approved invoices for payment in respect of management fees for maintenance without an approved and accepted agreement," the report said.

"The first addendum to the agreement relating to management fees for maintenance was approved and accepted by UFH on October 8, 2015 and the invoice was recommended for payment on October 4, 2013 and approved on October 10, 2015."

In return for the work done at UFH, Equicent was to be paid 7.5% of the fees the university would have collected from the residences.

On completion of the refurbishment, the 7.5% arrangement was to fall away and the contract arrangement would kick in.

But apparently the percentage was increased to 10% without all stakeholders being consulted.

The university's legal adviser, Mzimhle Popo, said he had been asked by former deputy vice chancellor Dr Jabulani Mjwara and James and Stone to commit the university to amounts expressed in percentages - the value of which he had no idea.

Popo told the investigators he was not aware that the request by Mjwara, James and Stone was not included in the agreement.

According to the report, Stone could not explain the basis for the 10% and there was no documentary evidence indicating how this percentage was derived.

Equicent's Japie Vos said: "The university regrettably requested that we do not reply to your questions at this time as this matter is still being handled by the university's council."

Source: Herald
Government's implementation of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI) will soon be a reality, and this has far-reaching implications for businesses big and small.

Maksim Kabakou via 123RF

South Africa's Parliament recently voted to appoint an information regulator for the POPI Act and the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). The National Assembly also voted in favour of the nomination of the five candidates earmarked to run the regulator - Adv Pansy Tlakula, Adv Cordelia Stroom, Johannes Weapond, Sizwe Snail and Prof Tana Pistorius.

While still subject to confirmation by the President, their imminent appointment is a good indication that the date at which POPIs remaining provisions will come into effect, is likely to be announced soon. For South African businesses, this means the provisions of the bill not signed into law yet, will likely be signed into effect shortly. Once that happens, any parties which hold personal information will have a one-year grace period to comply (which may be extended to a maximum of three years).

Universal implication

Every business today holds some level of information on customers and stakeholders, which means POPI applies almost universally to businesses of all sizes and across all industries. If you gather, receive, hold, use or share information about a consumer or business customer, then you are affected by POPI.

POPI stipulates how businesses can legally process the personal information they hold. Personal information, as defined by POPI, means any information that can be used to identify an individual or a juristic person. These include ID numbers, company registration numbers, email addresses, physical addresses to name but a few.

For many businesses, a year will not be long enough to make the IT, process and contractual changes needed to comply. POPI requires that information is used responsibly, and is adequately secured. Amongst other things, POPI requires organisations to only collect information they need for a specific purpose, to apply reasonable security measures to protect it, to ensure it is relevant and up to date, to only hold the information they need, for only as long as they need it, and to allow the person who it relates to, to see it if required.

Lengthy audit

For most organisations this will require an audit to establish what information they hold, where it is housed and what needs to be done to create a framework to manage and secure it. Depending on the size of the organisation and the information it holds (think databases for email marketing purposes, or customer and supplier information held by a large multi-national) this alone could take a minimum of a year to conduct.

POPI compliance requires ongoing monitoring, so organisations need to appoint an information officer (in fact, all organisations require one in terms of POPI), establish processes and set up systems (if they do not have them) to ensure that data is constantly secured, new data is appropriately handled, and old data is destroyed. Additionally, organisations need to notify persons of what information they hold, and how they intend to use it, as well as verifying that it was given voluntarily, confirm that it is securely stored and ask how long they may keep the information for.

In a nutshell, this means that if you havent started considering POPI and how your organisation is going to comply, you need to do so urgently.
There are a number of different laws that impact on residential leases. This article explores those relevant to the cancellation of a residential lease, and explains the proper procedure to be followed when terminating a residential lease as a result of a breach by a tenant.

Two different types of notice periods

It is important to distinguish at the outset between two different and important notice periods. The first is relevant when trying to cancel a lease before the agreed fixed term of the contract has run its course. Lets call this the early termination notice period. Sometimes leases have these clauses, and sometimes they dont. If there is no such clause, then the lease cannot (save for in situations where the Consumer Protection Act or Rental Housing Act apply) be cancelled early, unless both parties agree to this.

The second notice period becomes relevant when a landlord or tenant has breached the lease, and the other party wants to give written notice for the breach to be remedied. Failure to remedy the breach in the stipulated time period, will entitle the innocent party to cancel the lease and (where relevant) claim damages suffered from the offending party. Lets call this the breach notice period.

Court days v calendar days v business days

Before delving into the applicable acts, it is also important to note that leases usually refer to calendar days, meaning every day on the calendar, including weekends and public holidays. The Consumer Protection Act specifically refers to business days in section 14, meaning that you must ignore weekends and public holidays. Sometimes laws or leases will refer to court days, meaning you only count days that court is open and sitting for, although references to court days will be few and far between in lease situations. Where the type of days is not defined, you must regard them as being calendar days, and include weekends and public holidays.

The Rental Housing Act

The Rental Housing Act provides that if a tenant remains in occupation of the property after the period defined in a written lease expires, that the lease will continue to run on the same terms and conditions as contained in the written document, save that the duration of the lease will be only one month (i.e. a month to month lease situation will arise). In circumstances such as these the Rental Housing Act expressly provides that the notice period for cancellation by either party is one month. This applies only to the situation where a landlord wants to stop the lease from renewing again for another month  it does not apply to a cancellation by a landlord as a result of the tenants breach. The Rental Housing Act does not stipulate how many days the breach notice period must be.

The Consumer Protection Act

The Consumer Protection Act applies to the supply of goods and services within South Africa, and this Act expressly defines residential accommodation as a service, meaning that residential leases are affected by this Act. The application of the CPA is only excluded in two cases; firstly, where the residential lease is concluded between two juristic entities and where the lessee has an annual turnover or asset value of more than R2m, and secondly, where the lessor is not leasing the property in the ordinary course of business. This Act provides that a consumer (i.e. a tenant) can cancel a fixed term agreement (i.e. a lease) for any reason whatsoever (which may be entirely unrelated to a breach by the supplier (i.e. the landlord)) by giving the landlord 20 days written notice of the cancellation.

In the event that the tenant elects to cancel the lease before the lease would otherwise have ended in the ordinary course, then the landlord is entitled to a reasonable cancellation penalty, guidelines for which have been provided for in Regulation five of the Consumer Protection Act. Some landlords simply charge the tenant for the whole amount that would otherwise have been owing in terms of the lease, had it run its full term.

This is not necessarily the correct approach. Regulation five expressly draws the parameters of reasonableness in this regard and lists a number of notable factors, including; the length of the notice period by the consumer, the reasonable length within which the landlord would be able to procure a new tenant and general practice of the industry. Looking at the factors holistically, it is clear that between one and two months rental would amount to a reasonable penalty, along with any further damages claims and outstanding rentals incurred during the course of the lease.

A landlord, on the other hand, can only cancel a tenants lease if the tenant has breached the lease and after having given 20 business days written notice to the tenant to remedy the breach, the tenant has failed to remedy that breach. This is critical because it applies despite what the lease says  it thus overrides the provisions of the lease (or the common law, which would have applied if certain important provisions of the lease agreement were not accidentally not agreed upon).

Consequently, the Consumer Protection Act only deals with the breach notice period and not the early termination notice period. Days calculated in terms of section 14 of the Consumer Protection Act, are business days, meaning you ignore weekends and public holidays.

The Consumer Protection Act also expressly says that where its provisions conflict with those of any other law, the law that gives the consumer (the tenant) the most protection, will override the other. This is critical for reasons discussed below.

Common law

Common law is relevant because it is the default position that kicks in when the parties omit to reach agreement on certain terms of a lease. In fact, this happens quite commonly. For example, the parties might forget to agree on how many days written notice is required for a tenant to make good a breach before a landlord can cancel, or how many days / months notice must be given if either party wants to terminate the lease before its natural end.

In terms of our common law, when notice is given to terminate a lease agreement, the notice must run for the duration of a calendar month, meaning that notice cannot be given from the 15th of April to the 14th of May for example, as it needs to be given from the 1st of any particular calendar month until the last day of that particular calendar month. In addition, our common law provides that notice periods coincide with the rental payment intervals, meaning that if you pay rent every month, the notice given must be at least one month in advance. In relation to the breach notice period, if the parties fail to agree on this, the law provides that it will be a reasonable period. What is reasonable depends on the facts of each case, and the court will decide this. So if the parties agree that the lease can be terminated by either one of the parties before its natural conclusion, but they forget to stipulate how long the early termination notice period must be, then the answer is that at least one calendar months written notice is required to bring about an early termination of the lease by either party, and it must be given from the 1st of the month to the end of that month. This is subject to the proviso that this notice period is considered reasonable  each case is to be judged on its own facts.

Conflict of laws

Because there are so many laws that apply to residential leases in any given situation, it is often difficult to determine the number of days that must be given for breach and cancellation notice periods. The common law will always be subservient to any legislation that has been subsequently enacted to deal with a particular problem, and any legislation subsequently enacted that deals with the problem in general, will normally be subservient to legislation subsequently enacted to deal with the problem specifically. To confuse the matter further, the Consumer Protection Act (which is not specific to leases) says that if its provisions conflict with any other law, the law that provides the most protection to the consumer will apply.

Several difficult questions arise:

1. If your lease says seven days breach notice is required, but the Consumer Protection Act says 20 business days written notice is required to cancel the lease, how do we reconcile the two?

2. It is still possible to cancel a lease after the third strike (i.e. third breach) by a tenant, without giving further notice, as many leases provide for, in light of the Consumer Protection Act?

3. If a lease agreement (either oral or in writing) does not specify the early termination period, does the Consumer Protection Act kick in and result in a situation where the lease is not prematurely terminable by a landlord at all, and is only terminable on a breach by the tenant?

#1: Breach notice period and cancellation period

Firstly, look to the provisions of the lease itself. Most leases contain a breach clause, which indicate a period of a number of days that are necessary to be given as notice to the tenant of a breach. If there is no breach period specified, it will be a reasonable period in terms of the common law.

If you give notice of the breach, and it is not remedied in the breach notice period, this means that you can take action to sue for whatever is owed or even issue summons and attach the tenants goods by evoking your landlords hypothec, but you cannot cancel the lease and evict.

This is because you need to have given 20 business days written notice to cancel the lease (and therefore to evict, because you cant evict without having cancelled the lease) in terms of the Consumer Protection Act. So if you ultimately think that you would like to or need to cancel the lease and evict, you can only do this after 20 business day written notice has been given, and the tenant has failed to remedy the breach. Many landlords include both time periods in their breach notice, saying that if the breach is not remedied in seven calendar days (or whatever number of days is stipulated in the lease, or whatever number of days is reasonable in terms of common law) then they will take action to recover amounts owing, but if the breach is not remedied in 20 business days, then the lease will be cancelled and the tenant evicted. This way you give one notice, but it is valid for both time periods and the tenant is adequately warned of the consequences of non-compliance and how and when he needs to remedy the breach to avoid those consequences.

#2: Third strike clauses

These are clauses in a lease that provide that once a tenant has breached the lease (usually with specific reference to late payment) three times, the landlord is entitled to cancel the lease without further notice to the tenant. In instances such as these, the landlord would not give the tenant a third opportunity to remedy the breach, but would simply send a cancellation letter.

However, it is questionable whether this is legally permissible in light of the Consumer Protection Act, which provides that the landlord may only cancel the lease on 20 business days written notice, and after the tenant has failed to remedy the breach.

It thus seems that these third strike clauses are no longer legally valid. In the authors view, this is a grave injustice to landlords, because it means that they are forever doomed to accept late payments and other breaches of the lease by their tenants  provided that the tenant remedies the breach in the 20 business days, the landlord would not be entitled to cancel. The only way to get rid of a pesky tenant in such a situation would be to allow the lease to run its full course and ensure cancellation without further renewal.

#3: Is there an early termination period, if the lease does not specify, and what is it?

3.1 If the parties have agreed that there is an early termination period applicable and they have agreed on what that notice period is, then either party can cancel by providing the requisite notice to the other side. This will apply so long as the lease is not one hit by the provisions of the Rental Housing Act  i.e. one where the written lease expired and the parties simply continued with the lease on a month-to-month basis thereafter.

3.2 If the lease is a month-to-month lease as contemplated in the Rental Housing Act, then it can be terminated by either party only by the giving of one full calendar months written notice.

3.3 If the parties did not contemplate at all that early termination would be permissible, then it is not an option  other than as provided for in clause 3.2 above, which is more a refusal to renew the lease again than an early termination of same.

3.4 If the parties have agreed that there is an early termination period applicable but they have not agreed on what that notice period is, then the common law will kick in and one full calendar months notice should suffice  provided that this is reasonable in the circumstances.

3.5 However, in some instances the Consumer Protection Act will be applicable  which means that despite there being an early termination clause providing for termination by agreement where the tenant has not breached, the landlord will be precluded from giving such notice by virtue of section 14 of the Consumer Protection Act, which provides that fixed term agreements can only be cancelled on 20 business days written notice where the tenant has breached and where the breach has not been remedied  however, it appears that this will only apply where the Consumer Protection Act is more beneficial to the consumer, than the other laws that apply to the same scenario. This is because the Consumer Protection Act expressly provides that where there is a conflict with its provisions and any other law, the law that is the most beneficial to the consumer will apply. The authors are of the view that this is an unreasonable situation for the legislature to have created for the property industry  as it creates massive uncertainty as to when early termination clauses will be upheld  because what is beneficial to the consumer in one instance, may be prejudicial to the consumer in another. Hopefully our courts will give us guidance on how to navigate this mess soon  but until then, take care when relying on early termination clauses as they may be invalidated by the Consumer Protection Act.

To be certain, consult an experienced property attorney before sending breach and/or cancellation and/or early termination and/or renewal or non-renewal notices to ensure that you dont find yourself supplying your pesky tenant with accommodation (and paying him/her damages) for unlawfully evicting them.
Countries in Africa are tightening their requirements for business visas, now often requiring not only a letter of invitation and an itinerary but also proof of company registration, bank account statements, tax clearance certificates and a minimum bank balance.

Contrary to popular belief, countries are getting stricter in terms of their requirements. Two, three years ago you could get away with the minimum. Now they are really strict, says Raylene Pienaar, general manager of Corporate Traveller, one of South Africas top travel management companies.

Pienaar says while South Africans do not require business visas for many countries  and especially those within the South African Development Community  those requiring permits are becoming more demanding. Apart from a written invitation from a local company, South African passport holders also need to provide a letter from their company in South Africa, a certificate of incorporation and three months bank statements, reflecting a balance of at least R18,000.

Theyre also very particular about the documentation. So, for example, to visit Nigeria, Angola, and Ghana, you cannot just have any letter of invitation. It needs to be very specific. The addressee is specific and the name on the invitation has to be exactly the same as whats on the travellers passport. For example, if your name is William but everybody calls you Bill, the invitation has to be addressed to William, says Pienaar.

Some countries also require all documents to be translated into the local language, while still others require a tax-clearance certificate in addition to the other paperwork. Foreigners working for South African companies need to produce a residence or work permit valid for at least six months, she adds. If there's not a six-month validity period, they will not consider the application, Pienaar says, noting that South African passport holders also have to ensure their passports are valid for at least six months.

She urges business travellers to make sure they are acquainted with whether they require visas, as well as with the documents needed, as it be can be arduous and expensive to get an emergency visa (if the option exists).

Business travellers need to start thinking about getting their visas as soon as they start planning their trip, says Pienaar. They can no longer afford to wait until the last minute. Forewarned is forearmed when it comes to securing a business visa.

Everything South African business travellers need to know about securing a business visa:

Which countries require business visas?

South African passport holders dont need business visas for Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. They do, however, require visas for Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

There seems to be confusion about whether I require a business visa for Namibia and Kenya? What is the true situation?

Up until three to four months ago, there was confusion over whether South Africans required business visas for Namibia and Kenya. That has changed and South Africans do not require visas for either business or tourism to those countries. You do, however, require a visa if you are going to work in Namibia, but you can only apply once you are there, because the embassy in South Africa doesnt process work visas.

Do I have to apply from South Africa?

Several countries, such as Tanzania and Rwanda, allow you to procure your visa on arrival. For others, such as Angola, Nigeria, Ghana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, you need to apply before you fly.

What if I have a foreign passport?

Then you generally need a visa. But you can get it on arrival in many countries, including Zambia and Zimbabwe. Consult a visa expert for the requirements for your destination country.

Is a business visa more expensive than a tourist visa?

There is generally little difference between the cost of business and tourist visas. However, for Tanzania, a business visa is 30% more expensive than a tourist visa.

How long does it take to process a business visa?

Business visas typically take longer to process than tourism visas because you are required to produce more documentation.

How do I pay?

It differs from country to country, but the most common is a bank transfer/deposit. Nigeria allows you to pay online, but you have to use your personal credit card. Ghana, however, deems that the only acceptable proof of payment is a bank deposit slip and does not allow electronic fund transfers (EFT). You should contact the relevant consulate to find out which form of payment is deemed acceptable.

What happens if I dont have much time to get a visa?

Some countries will allow you apply for an emergency visa, which is typically more expensive. Ghana and Angola, for example, both offer emergency visas. For Angola, it takes three days to process and, once the visa is issued, the traveller has 72 hours to arrive in Angola. Travellers on emergency visas to Angola may only stay for seven days.

Nigeria has two options: express and regular. The express option takes anything from 48 hours to four days, while the regular option takes between seven and 10 days. The difference in cost between the two visas is about R500.
Blue Label Telecoms (BLU) will acquire 45% of Cell C for R5.5bn, raising R2bn of this by selling 15% of itself to Net1, the parties said in statements on Wednesday morning.

Blue Label said it was part of a consortium that would acquire all of Cell C, thereby re-capitalising SA's third cellphone network to cut its debt to a maximum of R8bn.

The deal would allow Cell C's existing holding company 3C Telecommunications - which is 75% owned by Saudi construction group Oger with a black economic empowerment (BEE) partner owning the balance - to reduce its stake to 30%. Cell C's management would buy 10% and Albanta Trading another 15% of the cellphone network.

Blue Label said it would invest in Cell C via its subsidiary The Prepaid Company (TPC). The R3.5bn outstanding after the R2bn it raises by placing shares with Net1 would be paid from existing funding facilities, it said. "Blue Label has, for a number of years, acted as one of the primary distribution channels for Cell C. This has resulted in the development of a strong relationship between Blue Label and Cell C," it said in Wednesday's statement.

Cell C had grown its subscriber base from 9-million in 2012, when new management was introduced, to more than 25-million, Blue Label said.

"Cell C's network, currently consisting of more than 4,800 sites, addresses SA's core voice segments, with 98% of the population covered. Cell C also offers 3G, LTE and LTE-A data services to subscribers and it continues to invest in its network and LTE roll-out in order to capture the substantial growth opportunity that the South African market offers," the statement said.

Net1 said in a statement on Wednesday morning it intended combining its South African infrastructure with Blue Label's.

"We believe that our coalition will be a global first that provides customers with an offering that includes banking, transacting, debit and credit cards, micro-finance, insurance, distribution of both airtime and electricity, web services, voice and data as well as access to low-cost handsets offering the most advanced functionality," Net1 chairman and CEO Serge Belamant said in the statement.

Source: BDpro
The number of railway-related fatalities has remained fairly consistent at 450 since 2011. The cost of incidents and related measures, however, have increased by R220 million from the last financial period, according to the Rail Safety Regulator's Anual State of Railway Safety report for 2014/2015. Technical executive: Transportation at GIBB, Dr Willem Sprong, believes that railway safety is a constant balance between skills, culture, and operations.

Dr Willem Sprong

Dr Sprong will represent GIBB, one of South Africas leading black-owned engineering consulting firms, at the 26th International Railway Safety Council (IRSC) Organising Committee consisting of the French Public Railway Group (SNCF) and the French Railway Safety, to be held from 2  7 October 2016 in Paris, France.

A need for SA to have a national railway safety strategy

Dr Sprong will present a paper on the need for South Africa to have a national railway safety strategy. The objective of the strategy that I will present is that railway is perceived as the safest mode of transport, nationally. But the reality is what needs to happen to turn this perception into reality?, said Dr Sprong. There should be a strategy that focuses on key areas with a framework that unpacks regulation, industry outreach, oversight and rail safety management.

Amongst its six other sectors, GIBB has a traffic and transportation sector which contributes to South Africa and Africas airports, railways, roads, highway services. The vision is that railway be perceived as the safest mode of transport in South Africa.

At GIBB, we believe in implementing risk-based and creative approaches through the use of new technologies in order to ensure our countrys transportation systems constantly improve for the better, hence we partner with other entities, to develop a national rail safety strategy which will result in establishing rail as the safest passenger and freight orientated mode of transport in South Africa, added Dr Sprong.

Meeting the challenges of tomorrows society

The overarching theme of the IRSC Council Paris 2016 is Railway safety: meeting the challenges of tomorrows society. The IRSC 2016 is the major platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of railway safety. The growing urbanisation of our societies and the environmental challenges increase the request of safe and sustainable transport, and the IRSC Council Paris 2016 presentations and debates will give the opportunity to the participating experts to share solutions, questioning and perspectives, said Dr Sprong.

GIBBs Transportation Sector established itself as a world-class provider of technologically excellent, cost-effective and pertinent railway engineering solutions at every level, from planning to design and contract supervision of all rail-related projects. GIBB provides comprehensive transportation solutions in the fields of rail, urban and rural roads, airports and aviation, ports, transportation policy and planning.

Our Transportation team is supported by Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), freight and logistics, economic and financial planning expertise available within GIBB, concluded Dr Sprong.
According to The Port Management Association for Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA) secretary general, Nozipho Mdawe, "Improved port connectivity with rail networks and better logistics performance are strongly associated with trade expansion, export diversification, ability to attract foreign direct investments and economic growth."

Mdawe continues saying that the high logistics costs of freight rail are one of the main logistics challenges that facing Africa and by reducing cost and enhancing freight logistics between ports and rail, existing business will grow while attracting new business and enhancing opportunities for diversification.

Appointed in 2015 as the first female secretary general, Mdawe joined PMAESA with a wealth of experience from South Africa's giant freight logistic chain, Transnet, with exposure in Port Terminals (TPT) and Aviation (the then unit of Transnet - SAA) and lastly, Freight Rail (TFR), where she was the general manager for the mineral mining and chrome business.

Rail operators and industry experts from across Africa and abroad, including Mdawe, will all gather in Durban for African Rail Evolution from 18 - 19 October 2016 to learn, network and discuss best practices on how to improve port connectivity with rail networks and logistics performance.

According to the event organiser, Nico Loretz, the forum will feature case examples on issues such as rail upgrade and maintenance, ways to decrease logistics costs of freight rail and enhance the efficiency of rail through connecting it to ports. In-depth panel discussions on localisation to drive commercial success and the development of an integrated and sustainable transport network in Africa will give delegates the opportunity to interact and debate with one another.

Speakers include South Africa Deputy Minister of Transport, Lydia Sindisiwe, Ethiopian Railways Corporations Director for Business Development, Shewangizaw Kifle, Swaziland Railways Director for Engineering Bhekithemba Dlamini, Rail Safety Regulator CEO Nkululeko Poya, Transnet Freight Rails Caesar Mtetwa and Mdu Mtetwa, and Gautrain Management Agency CEO, Jack van der Merwe to name but a few.

Event dates and location:

Co-located with African Ports Evolution

Date: 18-19 October 2016

Location: Durban International Convention Centre
A new report written by road safety experts from 24 countries, has backed Global NCAP's roadmap for improved vehicle safety.

The report from the International Transport Forum of the Organisation for Economic Development (OECD), recognises the important role of international vehicle safety testing organisation Global NCAP and regional NCAPs in increasing vehicle safety and reducing fatalities by encouraging legislative 'push' and consumer 'pull'.

The report, titled Zero road deaths and serious injuries: leading a paradigm shift to a safe system, found that to significantly reduce road fatalities and serious injuries on a global scale would require more than increasing efforts in implementing traditional road safety measures.

Instead, governments must adopt a paradigm shift, taking the UNs road safety related sustainable development goals as an opportunity to fundamentally review road safety policies in the context of a safe system approach. It includes a call to action  "better ways to protect lives and prevent injuries exist in a safe system. The time to act boldly is now. Visionary, strong and sustained leadership is vital"  through 10 recommendations:

 Think safe roads, not safer roads;

 Provide strong, sustained leadership for the paradigm shift to a safe system;

 Foster a sense of urgency to drive change; underpin aspirational goals with concrete operational targets;

 Establish shared responsibility for road safety;

 Apply a results-focused way of working among road safety stakeholders;

 Leverage all parts of a safe system for greater overall effect and so that if one part fails the other parts will still prevent serious harm;

 Use a safe system to make city traffic safe for vulnerable road users;

 Build safe-system capacity in low and middle-income countries to improve road safety in rapidly motorising places;

 Support data collection, analysis and research on road traffic as a safe system.

The report highlights the role vehicle safety regulations and consumer information programmes can contribute. Seen in the context of a safe system approach, Global NCAPs roadmap for vehicle safety calls for the combination of stronger consumer information and the universal application of minimum international standards for crash protection and avoidance.

Among Global NCAPs recommendations are proposals for the mandatory application to all new cars of the UNs regulations for front, side, and pedestrian impact and electronic stability control.

Global NCAP secretary-general David Ward, says: "Global NCAP strongly supports the safe system paradigm shift the OECD is calling on governments to adopt.

"In 2015 from a total of 68-million new cars 25% fail to meet UN minimum safety standards, lacking air bags, antilock brakes (ABS) or electronic stability control (ESC).

"By 2020 at the latest Global NCAP wants all new cars to meet UN crash-test standards with air bags, ABS and ESC fitted as standard."
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. President Serzh Sargsyan held a meeting with the Prime Minister and newly appointed Ministers on October 6 prior to the Cabinet meeting.

The President congratulated members of the Cabinet on their appointment and wished productive work, and then touched upon the issues which the new Cabinet is facing.

As you know, we completed the process of forming the new Government in the defined period. On this occasion I congratulate all of you on your appointment to high ranking positions, more precisely on assuming high ranking public service and wish you success. Needless to remind you on the responsibility that you assume. Obviously, the number one issue of the Government is increasing the efficiency of management, and there is no lack of challenges in the world, the region and Armenia. Obviously, it is easier to develop and achieve high economic results when there is peace around you, when partner countries have economic growth, and it is a lot more difficult, when there are external negative signals, but you are obliged to do your best and achieve development. Of course it is necessary for us to remain competitive and increase the efficiency of our economy on a continuous basis. My belief is, and the global experience shows, that it is both possible and necessary to manage modest resources more rationally and achieve comparably better results. I think our society has the same expectations.

The potential of our economy and society lies in a better organized and targeted work. We initiated de facto systematic changes with the Constitutional reforms and in this context the present Government assumes the most serious role, which is, to become the locomotive of change, the moving force and the performer. The transition from a semi-presidential system to a parliamentary system changes not only the administration model, but first and foremost solves an issue of collective thinking and collective attitude. Perhaps people dont completely understand the scale of changes that the Constitutional reforms and new administration system will bring to our reality . You are destined to become the leader of the transitional period, and I have faith in your strengths, I have faith that this Government will succeed in everything that all the previous Governments have failed. Of course, you wont be alone in this work, all our state circles will operate harmoniously. I promise you this. You will be supported, assisted, encourages, we will move towards the same direction, but like I said, the moving force must be the Government.

Once again I congratulate all of you and wish success. The expectation which our people have today is linked with the success of this new Government. My call is - devote yourselves entirely. There are many difficulties in working relations, but be firm, asserted, and as we agreed  no getting upset or complaining. All of us have to understand, when we assume public service our private lives must shift to the background. I am sure that your family members and friends will understand this circumstance, dont be afraid of those who will say as if youve become a minister and forgot about them. By devotion to your work, you double your attention towards your family and people. Be united. The Prime Minister is the leader of this team, and I am convinced all his possible critiques and comments will never be addressed to you personally; they will be aimed only for increasing efficiency of work. We, indeed have a lot to do and we will be asserted on this path. We have to move only forward. Look forward. In case of problems dont try to find their roots in the past. Thats the easiest way. Always find paths of moving forward. This is the only way of victory, and I am sure that our united work will lead to success.

This is all I wanted to say. If there are any question, Id be glad to answer, the President said.

PM Karapetyan thanked President Serzh Sargsyan for confidence and assured that through daily work the Government will give a signal to citizens that they will move towards meeting expectations.

On behalf of our team, I am thankful for the trust. I assure you that through daily work we will signal the citizens that we are moving towards meeting their expectations. With our program, we will note the steps which will be aimed at ensuring the security of our citizens, living in a fair environment, and having faith for tomorrow. We will maintain maximum feedback with the society, we will explain our activities, our goals, and we will listen to their expectations, Karapetyan said.
Since we first opened our doors, we've taken on projects of all shapes and sizes. From visually large but technically small conferences to complex, multifaceted gatherings, we're proud of our ability to face each new project with enthusiasm and professionalism, no matter the scale. In the middle of 2015, we were awarded the contract to be at the forefront of organising the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Banking Commission Annual Meeting in South Africa, proudly hosted by Standard Bank. As with any big project, the scale and the diversity of the project made for interesting and complex challenges, and we're incredibly proud of how our team worked together to make it happen.

When big projects like this one roll around, we know that delivering a seamless, unique delegate experience while simultaneously meeting all client requirements means tackling the project in three stages. For nine months leading up to the annual meeting, our team focused on the specifics of the planning stage, brainstorming and then carrying out every detail leading up to the two-day conference at The Sandton Convention Centre. With over 400 delegates set to attend, the specifics of the project were complex, but they also presented the kind of challenge that we love taking on. Multifaceted in its requirements and logistics, our team made sure that every aspect of the project, from design to technical to specifications to strategy and beyond, was covered, making the nine-month planning process a busy but exciting time.

A second concurrent stage in prepping for the ICC Banking Commission Annual Meeting was ensuring that we embraced every opportunity to create partnerships among all involved parties. From day one we were dealing with the ICC Paris team, as well as their ICC SA counterparts, and multiple sponsors including the projects host, Standard Bank. It was important to us that each partner in the project would have their objectives met, while still guaranteeing the success of the event itself. When faced with a multitude of objectives, we saw an opportunity to create partnerships and ensure value across the board, rather than a challenge to keep everyone happy.

Our work and preparation eventually culminated in the final stage of this process: the event itself. Our overarching goal through the development of this project was to deliver a unique delegate experience as well as a seamless project for our client, in this case in the form of the five-day meeting. Working with ICC Paris as an international client, we knew that over 75% of our delegates would be visiting from overseas, and so our drive was to create an event that was up to international standard while ensuring that it still possessed a unique African flair. To strike this balance and ensure that each and every delegate received the world-class experience for which the International Chamber of Commerce, utmost attention was paid to delivering an African experience which was still fresh and evocative, but without being stereotypical.

Ultimately, the opportunities that this project afforded us have made it one of our favourites to date. The framework of this already established Meeting meant that we needed to replicate it to an extent, but that we also had the chance to improve on this structure and put forward our own ideas on how it could be revitalised. From this creative opportunity, we came up with some exciting new concepts, including an Interactive Arena instead of tea breaks  an idea that allowed delegates to network and connect with each other and explore our sponsors brands exhibitions, while taking their break in an area with the vibe of an African market.

Thank you to our amazing clients, team, and partners for all your hard work that made the ICC Banking Commission Annual Meeting such a success. We cant wait for more opportunities to work with you in future.




With Chinese conductors at the helm, a fleet of shiny new trains will this week begin plying a new route from the Ethiopian capital to Djibouti, in a major boost to both economies.

The 750km railway, built by two Chinese companies, will link Addis Ababa to the Red Sea port city of Djibouti in about 10 hours, a far cry from the current excruciating multi-day trip along a congested, pot-holed road.

"We're so excited! It takes two or three days for a truck to come from Djibouti. The driver doesn't answer his phone. We don't know where he is and that can be a bit of a nightmare, said Ethiopian importer Tingrit Worku.

"The train could make a huge difference."

Some 1,500 trucks a day currently lumber along the road which carries 90% of imports and exports from landlocked Ethiopia to the port - a key trade hub to Asia, Europe and the rest of Africa.

"This train is a game changer. Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. The connection to the ports (of Djibouti) will give a bounce and our economy will grow faster," said Mekonnen Getachew, project manager of the Ethiopian Railways Corporation.

The Horn of Africa country was the world's fastest growing economy last year at 10.2%, however the International Monetary Fund estimates that the worst drought in 30 years is likely to see this plummet to 4.5% in 2016.

Both countries benefit from economic integration, with Ethiopia gaining access to the sea and Djibouti gaining access to Ethiopia's emerging market of 95-million people.

"It is the first standard gauge electrified railroad on the continent built with Chinese standards and technology, and certainly it will not be the last. Many stand to benefit from it," Chinese ambassador to Ethiopia La Yifan said in a statement.

The new railway means the end of the historic French-built diesel line built in 1917, which fell into abandon in later decades, with frequent derailments.

Wednesday's inauguration will be followed by a three-month test period, with no paying passengers and carrying only cargo.

However when the line is fully functional, uniformed Chinese controllers will welcome passengers to spotless platforms of newly built stations all along the route, while Chinese technicians and stationmasters will keep things running in the background.

"We don't yet have the management experience yet. We have a management contract with Chinese staff for five years, with an Ethiopian counterpart in training," said Getachew.

China has invested heavily in infrastructure in Ethiopia, funding sub-Saharan Africa's first modern tramway - which opened last year - as well as motorways and dams.

The new $3.4bn railway, with its red, yellow and green trains evoking the Ethiopian flag, was 70% financed by China's Exim Bank and built by China Railway Group and China Civil Engineering Construction.

A high-level Chinese delegation, in Addis Ababa for the inauguration of the railway, on Tuesday signed further agreements worth $100m for the construction of roads, the state-controlled Fana Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Natural resources from Africa have helped fuel China's economic boom, and it became the continent's largest trade partner in 2009.

Beijing even built the $200m African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa in 2012 as a gift expressing "friendship to the African people".

However direct investment in Africa slumped "more than 40%" last year, as growth slowed in the Asian giant.

The railway is the first step in a vast network of 5,000km of rail which Ethiopia hopes to build by 2020.

"Our plan is to connect the train to Mekele (north), to Moyale (south), near Kenya, and to Gambella (west), near South Sudan. So we will be connected to Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan," said Getachew.

Djibouti, the smallest state in the Horn of Africa, sees the project as the start of a trans-African railway crossing the continent from the Red Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, a journey which takes three weeks by boat.

However this dream appears far off, as the railway would have to pass through war-torn countries such as South Sudan or the Central African Republic.

Source: AFP
After winning a combined total of 32 awards, KFC, Chicken Licken and Nando's are ruffling feathers as the top three brands on the Loeries Official Rankings in 2016. But behind every great brand is a great agency, and it comes as no surprise that Ogilvy & Mather Johannesburg, following its success at Loeries Creative Week Durban in August, was named the number one agency for 2016.

Ogilvy & Mather Johannesburg - KFC Team

Now in its sixth year, the Loeries Official Rankings provide an authoritative and independent indication of whos who in the brand communications industry across Africa and the Middle East. The rankings are calculated on a methodology that allocates points to brands, agencies and individuals based on results from the Loeries Creative Week Durban held in August, says Loeries chief executive officer, Andrew Human.

This year the Loeries introduced a Regional Agency Group table, with Ogilvy EMEA the number one network across Africa and the Middle East. They are followed by BBDO MEA, TBWA\, J. Walter Thompson MEA, with FCB Africa rounding up the top five networks across the region.

Ogilvy & Mather Johannesburg and Cape Town took the top two positions in the large agency table, while Net#work BBDO received the highest ranking amongst medium-sized agencies, and FoxP2 took the honours as the top small agency.

From the region excluding South Africa, TBWA\RAAD from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranked as the top agency, with J. Walter Thompson KSA from Saudi Arabia in second place. Following in third place is Memac Ogilvy Dubai (UAE), with J. Walter Thompson Beirut (Lebanon) in fourth and the FP7/DXB (UAE) in fifth. At number nine in the table, Noah's Ark Communications (Nigeria) is the first sub-Saharan agency in the table.

In line with the overall agency winners, Ogilvy & Mathers Pete Case claimed the top spot as the number one Chief Creative Officer, with Mike Schalit from Net#work BBDO coming in at number two. DDBs Liam Wielopolski took third place, followed by Joe Publics Pepe Marais in fourth, and Memac Ogilvys Paul Shearer rounding out the top five.

Thabisa Mkhwanazi and Mike Middleton, both of KFC, emerged as the top two brand representatives followed by previous Marketing Leadership & Innovation Award recipient, George Sombonos of Chicken Licken, with Hloni Mohope (KFC) and Bradley Knowles (Ster-Kinekor) making up the top five.

In education, the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography moved to the number one slot, followed by the AAA School of Advertising Cape Town. The Vega School of Branding came in at number three, with the University of Pretoria and the Red & Yellow School of Logic and Magic making up the top five educational institutions.

The full rankings, available on loeries.com, includes more tables on specialist agencies, production companies and individual credits. Entry for Loeries 2017 opens in February 2017. Work from 1 June 2016 to 31 May 2017 is eligible for entry.

About Loeries Africa Middle East

The Loeries, a non-profit company, is Africa and the Middle Easts premiere initiative that recognises, rewards, inspires and fosters creative excellence in the brand communication industry. As the highest accolade for creativity and innovation across our region, the Loeries promotes and supports creativity by helping marketers, agencies and consumers appreciate the value of ideas and fresh thinking.

Culminating in the biggest creative gathering in Africa Middle East, Loeries Creative Week Durban brings together the best innovative minds from our industry for a festival of networking, inspiring minds and recognising great work.

Our region's creative economy is world-class and has great potential to grow and to offer employment both to our talented youth. The growth occurring throughout Africa and the Middle East is very exciting, and a major focus of the Loeries is to increase the standard of brand communication in the region.

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, Castle Lite, 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, Multiprint Litho, Newsclip, Paygate, Red Hot Ops, Rocketseed, 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.




Swaziland, which is home to 73 white rhino and an estimated 18 black rhino, wanted to use funds from the sale to increase conservation measures and provide incentives for local people to give their support to the efforts. Its official bid to CITES said that:

Proceeds from the sale of stocks would have raised approximately $9.9m at a wholesale price of $30,000 per kg. That would have been placed in an endowment fund to yield approximately $600,000 annually.

South African private rhino owners also want a legal trade and are currently fighting their own government in the courts to get a moratorium on domestic trade in horn lifted.

Western conservation and animal welfare NGOs such as the International Fund for Animal Welfare were jubilant about the result.

In my view the outcome presents two challenges. The first is that it remains unclear how the fight against poaching and rhino conservation can be financed sustainably without a legal trade. The second is that the ban on all trade has been in place for 39 years and has not led to an improvement in protection. Demand for rhino horn has continued to rise and prices have gone up. These have served to encourage poach. New methods are needed but there is little sign of any being developed.

Who pays

One of the arguments in favour of loosening the ban is that the proceeds could be directed to communities. Without this they could become increasingly alienated which in turn would increase the likelihood that they will help poachers.

In addition, everyone agrees that conservation efforts need to be stepped up, and better surveillance introduced. But as Tom Milliken of the international trade monitoring group TRAFFIC asked, after the vote: who will pay for it?

In my view NGOs wield disproportionate influence in the debate. They are a major source of funds for conservation and can use funding - or the denial of it - to persuade countries to adopt anti-trade policies. The effect of this is that states like Swaziland, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, which have the majority of the worlds rhino and are struggling against a severe poaching epidemic that kills around 1250 rhinos across the continent every year, are left to pick up the bill.

What next

The CITES vote against legal trade comes at a time of optimism that the rate of poaching is being reduced.. Before the CITES meeting 702 rhinos had been killed in South Africa as a whole this year, compared with 796 in the same period last year.

But this may be a brief respite. There is growing evidence that poaching has not been halted but diverted from South Africas Kruger National Park, where poaching numbers are down, to other areas, particularly the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi park in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

What is clear is that the illegal trade in rhino horn, which fetches $65,000 a kilo in Vietnam and China, persists.

Poor rural dwellers, former professional hunters, corrupt ex-staff of wildlife parks and even some current wildlife personnel are part of a complex mix of people who work with criminal syndicates to poach rhinos and smuggle their horn. Anti-poaching patrols can kill or catch poachers but have had little success in smashing the syndicates.

A more realistic mix of approaches is needed. To me the only answer in the long run would be to bite the bullet by adopting regulated trade that brings in funds to make conservation self-sustainable.

The rejection of the Swazi bid will not end attempts to find solutions involving the reintroduction of legal and regulated trade, despite the emotively-expressed opposition of wildlife NGOs.


MTV Shuga producers are looking to cast fresh homegrown talent to fill a range of male and female roles in the award-winning drama series, alongside returning cast members such as South African actress Mohau Mokoatle Cele, who plays the role of 'Bongi' in the series. As well as a number of principal roles, four minor roles will be chosen through online and on-the-ground auditions.

Open auditions will be held on 15 October between 9am and 5pm at Bassline, Newtown, Johannesburg. To be eligible, you must be a South African resident between the ages of 18 and 35, with good spoken English and a clean criminal record. No previous acting experience is necessary. Candidates are required to bring along photo ID and a good quality portrait of themselves (minimum size: 7cm x 5cm). Applicants must be available for filming in Johannesburg between December 2016 and January 2017.

For the first time, acting hopefuls who cannot attend the auditions can submit a short video of themselves auditioning for the part on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #MTVShuga5. Sample scripts and details are available at www.mtvshuga.com.

Now in South Africa

MTV Shuga is a multimedia campaign and TV series that has been successfully highlighting issues affecting young people in Africa for the last eight years. Independent research has shown that the series actively changes behaviour and attitudes to safe sex and HIV testing.

Previously filmed in Kenya and Nigeria, season five of MTV Shuga is being supported by South Africas Ministry of Basic Education, PEPFAR (The US Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), Marie Stopes International, ViiV Healthcare's Positive Action, and CIFF (Children's Investment Fund Foundation).

Set and filmed in South Africa for the first time, season five of MTV Shuga will include a new focus on storylines relevant to South African youth, including adolescent girls and their vulnerability to HIV infection and unintended pregnancy, alongside other storylines relating to sexual and emotional issues affecting young people.

MTV Shuga will premiere on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322)) and BET (DStv channel 129) and other terrestrial broadcasters and other MTV networks and third party broadcasters around the world from 8 March 2017. Other elements of the campaign will include a radio drama series, peer educator programme, comic book, mobile information service, social media and a range of digital platforms.
SEOUL: Samsung said on Thursday it was buying a prominent US artificial intelligence (AI) start-up founded by the creators of Siri - the voice-based digital assistant used on the iPhones of arch-rival Apple.

The South Korean giant said the acquisition of California-based Viv Labs would bolster voice-based services across the full range of its electronics products that include smartphones, TVs, refrigerators and washing machines. Samsung offered no details regarding the cost or financing of the deal.

Viv Labs was co-founded in 2012 by Dag Kittlaus, Adam Cheyer and Chris Brigham who had previously created, and then sold, Siri to Apple.

Rhee In-Jong, the chief technology officer at Samsung's mobile unit, said the acquisition would provide AI-based voice assistance services its customers can use across all Samsung devices and products.

"A lot of your phone's fun functionalities will be covered by voice and conversation," he said.

Viv Labs' founding team will work closely with Samsung's mobile unit, but continue to function independently "under its existing leadership", Samsung said in a statement.

Samsung - the world's biggest maker of smartphones - has been trying for years to bolster voice-based services for its handsets to compete against iPhone's Siri. The 'S Voice' software installed on its flagship handsets has never been warmly embraced by consumers.

Kittlaus said the scale of investment Samsung could bring to their research was "the fastest way to take this new world and bring it as quickly as we can to the floor."

Source: AFP
Skilled workers are leaving sub-Saharan Africa in rapidly increasingly numbers, producing a "brain drain" that causes long-term social damage, the International Monetary Fund warned on Tuesday.

Andriy Popov via 123RF

The IMF said that the number of sub-Saharan migrants living in developed countries could increase from about seven million in 2013 to about 34 million by 2050.

It described a "profound demographic transition" underway in the region as the working-age population grows faster than the total population -- driving a migration boom.

"Brain drain is particularly acute in sub-Saharan Africa," the IMF's latest report said, noting that it creates "welfare losses beyond those that are purely economic".

"The migration of young and educated workers takes a large toll on a region whose human capital is already scarce," it said.

"The migration of highly skilled workers entails a high social cost, as is evidenced by the departure of doctors and nurses from Malawi and Zimbabwe."

The IMF said migration from sub-Sahara Africa to the developed nations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) had "picked up sharply" over the last 15 years.

France, Britain and the United States host about half of the diaspora outside the sub-Saharan region.

The report also pointed to evidence of some positive gains from the migration of highly skilled workers.

"Returning migrants bring back new skills... knowledge and experience," it said, adding that "remittance inflows represent an important source of foreign exchange and income".

The IMF report added that growth has fallen in sub-Sahara's powerhouse economies due to lower commodity prices.

Nigeria is due to contract 1.7 percent in 2016 amid disrupted oil production, poor power supply and weak investor confidence.

GDP in South Africa and Angola is expected to be flat in 2016, but growth will be above five percent in Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Kenya and Senegal due to low oil prices, high consumption and strong investment.

Source: AFP
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim announced that the Turkish troops will remain in Iraq, Hurriyet reported.

The Turkish presence will be maintained in Iraq. We aim to prevent further human tragedies, the Turkish PM said.

Yildirim said there are troops in Iraq from 63 countries, thus, official Baghdads concern over the Turkish presence in the country has nothing to do with good intentions.

Reuters reported Turkey's parliament voted last week to extend the deployment of an estimated 2,000 troops across northern Iraq by a year to combat "terrorist organizations" - a likely reference to Kurdish rebels as well as Islamic State.

Iraq condemned the vote, and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned Turkey risked triggering a regional war. On Wednesday, Ankara and Baghdad summoned the other's ambassadors in protest at remarks from the other's camp.

In a statement cited by state television on Thursday, Iraqi foreign ministry called the troops' presence a "violation".

Turkey says its military is in Iraq at the invitation of Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdish regional government, with which Ankara maintains solid ties. Baghdad says no such invitation was ever issued.

Most of the Turkish troops are at a base in Bashiqa, north of Mosul and close to Turkey's border, where they are helping to train Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga and Sunni fighters.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Government will provide a 420 million Ruble pre-payment to the Russian Rosoboronexport state company for providing Armenia credit of export.

Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan noted Armenia has already signed 6 agreements worth 4 billion 204 million Rubles, 10% of which should be invested as pre-payment.

In accordance to the agreement, Russia can review the supply price in case of failure to make 10% financing of the total agreements worth from the Armenian side, which can lead to increase in prices.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Ambassador of Armenia to Lithuania Tigran Mkrtchyan met on October 6 with Robert Dargis, President of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists.

The Armenian Ambassador thanked the President of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists for the support and active participation in Armenian-Lithuanian business forums that took place in Vilnius in 2014 and Yerevan in 2015. The implementation process of the agreements reached during those forums was discussed. The sides noted with satisfaction that trade turnover between the two countries has doubles since 2015.

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of MFA Armenia, Ambassador Mkrtchyan mentioned that Armenia is able to offer extra economic attractiveness, considering its geographic location that can serve as a link between the EU member states and Iran, as well as EU and EAEU member states. In this context, an agreement was reached to organize another business forum in 2017.

The sides also discussed the prospects of a possible cooperation in the sphere of high technologies that rapidly develops in both countries.

The Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists or LPK is a major association and lobby group in Lithuania which represents the interests of large industrialists and employers. The Confederation in an umbrella organization uniting 44 trade and 9 regional associations which comprise over 2700 medium and large enterprises from various public and private sectors. Confederation membership is entirely voluntary. LPK members cover all the main sectors of industry and unite over a third of the Lithuanian work force, which generates almost 60% of Lithuanian GNP.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh Republic (Artsakh) issued a statement, mentioning that the information about the death of an Azerbaijani soldier resulted by shooting from the Armenian side spread by the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan does not correspond to reality. Armenpress reports the statements issues by NKR Defense Ministry reads as follows.

Defense Army front lie units never attack first and fully respect the ceasefire regime. Moreover, it should be noted that Azerbaijan has increasingly intensified the ceasefire regime violation cases in the recent period in different sections of the conflict zone, using not only small-caliber gunfire weapons, but also machine guns and long-range sniper rifles. The freshest evidence of this is over 50 targeted shootings from Black Arrow and Istiglal large-caliber sniper rifles. Considering this, we would advise the Azerbaijani side instead of warning to remember its international commitment to respect the ceasefire regime. At the same time the NKR Defense Ministry warns that targeting Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan will never remain unretaliated.
The adversary violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani opposing forces more than 50 times, from late Wednesday night to early Thursday morning.

October 6, 2016, 09:50 Karabakh army: Azerbaijan used long-range sniper rifles at night

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 6, ARTSAKHPRESS: During this time the Azerbaijani armed forces fired around 850 shots toward the Armenian position-holders, and by way of various caliber weapons, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army informed.

More intensive ceasefire violations were recorded in an easterly and northeasterly direction of the line of contact, where the adversary fired from long-range sniper rifles.

But the NKR Defense Army vanguard units are command of the operational situation, and they continue confidently carrying out their military watch.


KNU Statement KNU Statement

The DKBA was originally formed in 1994 as a splinter group from the KNU. When the DKBA was formed they issued policy announcements 1/94 and 2/94 rejecting the KNU.

The KNU has said that it would be happy for the Splinter DKBA to reunite with the KNU as long as it rejects and retracts announcements 1/94 and 2/94.

But, after splitting from the DKBA, the Splinter DKBA issued a statement on 16 January 2016 that said it would continue to stand by the declarations made by the DKBA when it split from the KNU in 1994.

KNU Joint Secretary (1) Padoh Saw Thawthi Bwe said that it was up to the Splinter DKBA to decide whether it wants to reunite with the KNU, but that if it does it would have to accept being under the KNUs wing and leadership.

He said: If they [the Splinter DKBA] revoke their stance [expressed in announcements 1/94 and 2/94] the KNU will welcome them if they want to reunite with us.

A statement from the KNU on allowing the Splinter DKBA to reunite with them was released after the matter was discussed at a Central Executive Committee meeting on 29 September.

Recently the Splinter DKBA have been fighting the combined forces of the Burma Army and local Border Guard Forces (BGF) in Karen State, whereas the KNU signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) with the Burmese government in October 2015.

Marn Thein Zaw, chairman of Thwee Community Development Network from Kawkareik Township, said: We welcome San Aungs group (the Splinter DKBA) if they want to reunite with the KNU. We have been calling for the unification of Karen armed groups for a long time now. We believe there will be more unity between the Karen people if they reunite. As a member of the Karen public and a social organisation, I want to see it [the unification]. I want to request it.

Previously, on 26 January 2013, Karen armed organisations established the United Committee for Karen Armed Groups, with the aim of working towards uniting Karen ethnic armed groups.

Reporting by SPhan Shaung for KIC News

Translated by Thida Linn

Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI
Durga Puja 2020: Fish Chop Recipe In Bengali Style Non Vegetarian oi-Staff

Goddess Durga is venerated with extreme enthusiasm during the Navratri festival which is celebrated every year in the month of September or October. On the last day of Navratri, which is the 10th day, Bengalis celebrate Vijayadashami and in North India, it is popularly known as "Dussehra". The significance of this day is "Victory of good over the evil".

On Vijayadashami (or Dussehra), the Bengalis prepare a plethora of scrumptious cuisines and visit their near and dear ones. Fish is considered to be the most staple food in Bengal.

Almost all the fish delicacies are cooked in mustard oil. This article highlights the recipe of fish chop, which is one of the most popular dishes of Bengalis.

This mouth-watering fish chop is definitely going to help you earn accolades if you prepare it this Navratri. So, here is the recipe with all the necessary ingredients that are required and the method of preparation, have a look.

Preparation Time - 11 to 15 minutes

Cooking Time - 26 to 30 minutes

Serves - 4

Ingredients to Prepare Fish Chop

500 g of Rohu Fish

2 medium onions (finely chopped)

2 whisked eggs

2 tbsp of oil

2 to 3 finely chopped green chillies

Half tsp of white pepper

2 large potatoes (boiled & mashed)

1 tbsp of raisins

2 tbsp of coriander leaves (finely chopped)

1 tbsp of vinegar

th tsp of turmeric powder

Salt as per taste

One cup of bread crumbs

Procedure to Prepare Fish Chop:

1. Cut the Rohu fish into pieces, wash thoroughly, and pat dry. Steam the fish pieces for 3-4 minutes.

2. Alternatively, you can also fry the fish pieces in oil and keep it aside.

3. Let the fish cool down, thereafter you need to remove its skin, flake flesh and bones.

4. Take a pan and heat oil in it. Now, add onions and stir fry it until it turns light golden brown in colour.

5. Turn off the heat and add mashed potatoes, flaked fish, coriander leaves (chopped), raisins, green chillies, vinegar, turmeric powder, white pepper and salt to the pan.

6. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and divide the final mixture into 10-12 equal parts.

7. Shape the equal portions into oval balls. Dip these balls in whisked egg and then coat them with the breadcrumbs.

8. Take a kadai (bowl-shaped frying pan) and heat adequate oil in it, deep fry the oval balls until they turn golden brown.

9. Take out the balls from the kadai and keep them aside on an absorbent paper to absorb the extra oil from them.

10. Serve these fish chops hot along with some mustard sauce. You can either have them as snacks or starters.

So, enjoy this tasty Bengali delicacy during the Dussehra season.
The Doctor Who Danced During Surgery! Pulse oi-Syeda Farah

Going under the knife and getting operated is such a big thing in itself and if a surgeon plays around at the operation bed, then imagine what could happen??

If you're confused with what we're discussing, then this is the case of a surgeon and a nurse who danced during a surgery! Yes, as absurd as it sounds, we have proof and you can check the video.

No doubt we all love our work, but we're wondering is it appropriate for a surgeon or a nurse to dance during a surgery, like something as serious as that? Well, we do not agree with this!

Apparently, this video of the surgeon and his nurse dancing to pop music and then continuing the surgery, like nothing just happened, is gaining a lot of attention on the social sites.

Find out more about what happened to them after their video went viral...

It Was A Leaked Video... Apparently, the video was leaked by a person who had enough of the surgeon "damaging women". He claimed to have more such videos of the same doctor. Image Source The Councilor Released The Video On Social Media... Bernardo Alejandro Guerra, who is a councilor in the city of Medellin in north-western Colombia released the video on social media and wants an action to be taken on such freakish people. Image Source A Patient Recognised Him... One of his female patients who underwent a tummy tuck and a breast job recognised him in the video. Apparently, the surgery went wrong three days later. Image Source They Broke The Protocol... Though the doctor and the nurse claimed that the video was just a spoof, the councilor was in no mood to listen to them, as they have broken the protocol of respecting the patient lying on bed. This is against medical practice!! Image Source People Are Amused... With stern actions being taken against the doctor and nurse, there are mixed reactions of people who are confused as to why he is targeted, since he seems to be enjoying his work, while a few feel that it is totally inappropriate to take things that lightly at a surgery table. So, have a look at the crazy video and decide for yourself, what is right and what is NOT!

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Story first published: Thursday, October 6, 2016, 12:36 [IST]
STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 6, ARTSAKHPRESS: He talked about the existence of conflicts in the Caucasus and the necessity to settle them.

In this perspective, addressing myself to the Azerbaijani authorities, I hope that the open questions can find good solutions and all Caucasian peoples may live in peace and in mutual respect, the Pope said, Catholic News Agency reported.

He said the trip was seen as a continuation and completion of his visit to Armenia in June stating that by visiting the three peoples of the Caucasus he encouraged them towards peace and brotherhood.

Pope Francis visited Armenia on June 24-26 under the slogan Visit to the First Christian Nation.
STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 6, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: Thats a real tragedy, because these are areas that we had successfully cooperated in the past. And again, its in the interest of our both our countries to continue those efforts, Toner said at a daily press briefing. Toner said the US regrets Russias such decision.

In his turn White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the US administration hopes to continue cooperation with Russia on nuclear security provision sector, despite the difficulties in bilateral relations.

The Russian Government on October 5 ordered to suspend the deal signed with US in 2013 in Vienna.
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Best of Burque Restaurants 2016 Sugar Babies Glucose is a food group, right?

Best Desserts Flying Star Cafe The desserts at Flying Star are top-notch because they are made in beautifully functional, well-maintained bakery kitchens staffed by individuals who really give a damn about what Burquenos put in their mouths after a fine repast. Count on awesome desserts including the vegan Double Chocolate Indulgence, a key lime pie to smack your lips over, a fresh and fragrant strawberry-rhubarb pie or an evocatively messy Rio Grande Mud pie (among other treats) to finish your dining experience at Flying Star with sweet satisfaction and a relaxing reverie.

Best Chocolates Chocolate Dude Dude. The combination of authentic Grateful Dead paraphernalia, wholesomely hippie hosts and a selection of chocolates that practically beg to be danced around joyously before eatingin the fashion of an ecstatic Sugar Magnoliamade Chocolate Dude our number one vote-getter in the cocoa-based category this year. With a selection that includes hand-made chocolates, truffles, nut clusters, caramel apples, fudges, brittles and espresso drinks, city residents can readily say that this Nob Hill shop takes the wheel when Im seeing double and pays my ticket when I speed.

Best Donuts Rebel Donut Im sure I can eat plenty of donuts. Just ask our managing editor how many I can hide in my pocket and sneak back into my office at Alibi central when she brings a couple dozen in on Monday mornings and they proceed to disappear in a matter of minutes. Just kidding. I only eat my fair share, and like the readers who responded to our yearly poll, favor first of all the singularly original take on presentation and taste offered at Rebel Donuts. Im also keenly affected by the vast variety of flavors available at our number two selection, Donut Mart. Now, does anyone have a cold glass of non-fat cow juice to offer me as I head for the land of milk and honey? 2) Donut Mart

Best Cakes/Cupcakes Smallcakes Smallcakes is a locally-owned franchise cupcakery that asks the following eternal dessert question: Maybe a cupcake will help? I am sure it certainly will, and with 18 made-from-scratch, baked daily varieties to influence those who hear this sugary call to arms, the answer from our readership is a resounding Yes, it will! Cake Fetish, our readers number two choice, is a boutique bakery. Those flavorful fetishists have a wide assortment of daily cupcake flavors including the peppermint-laced Grasshopper and the chocolate chip-infused Half Baked. Nom nom nom. Cake Fetish also has a fine selection of layer cakes and wedding cakes too, so dig in, dig? 2) Cake Fetish

Best Cookies Rude Boy Cookies Ska and cookies go together, well like Madness and One Step Beyond .... And believe you me, the cookies at Rude Boy, be they the innovatively sublime 2 Tone red velvet galleta or the traditionally tasty chocolate chip sugar biscuit, are indeed one step beyond ordinary. In fact, as a dessert expert, Id say I have to agree with Alibi readers: Rude Boy Cookies arent rude at all. Theyre pleasantly agreeable with milk, a cold soda pop or maybe even a beer to dip the shops heavenly produce into whilst listening to A Message to You, Rudy.

Best Bakery Le Chantilly Pastry Shop/ABC Cake Shop All this talk of desserts may leave one wondering about what sort of over-arching forces control the sacchariferous realm of nectarous baked goods made in this town. The answer to that toothsome question involveswouldnt you know itthe winners of our best bakery category. With all sorts of pastry and sweet breads at their collective command, Le Chantilly Pastry Shop and ABC Cake Shop tied for top honors. Swiss Alps Bakery, a Euro-style shop that features everything luscious from killer quiche to melt-in-your-mouth challah (and heaps of sweet treats too) took second place. 2) Swiss Alps Bakery

Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt/Gelato Frost In a hot, high desert city like Albuquerque, ice cream, frozen yogurt and gelato are more than post-dinner accompaniments. Their cold, fever-reducing, relaxation-inducing powers can be lifesaving. Frost Gelato, a chain with locations in Burque at Uptown ABQ and all over the rest of the West, serves up gelato and sorbet with names like Cioccolato al Perperoncino, Crema di Dogi and blackberry cabernet. They took first place this year in the frozen delicacies section of our poll, so go out and get yourself some before winter hits and you become tempted by the snow in the yard and the bottle of syrup in your pantry.

Best Pie New Mexico Pie Company Hands down, the best place for pies in Burque used to be a restaurant called Heidi Pies. For about 25 years, the bakers at Heidis made the loveliest fruit pies a fellow could imagine. When they wrapped things up and the hole-in-the-wall haven across from Coronado Mall closed, I though all was lost. But then, the New Mexico Pie Company came to my rescue. They did this by featuring such cool consumables as to make my dreams of a pie-filled world return with more vividness and delectability than Heidi could have ever imagined. Clearly, Alibi readers agree, sweet pastries like the bourbon pecan and savory offerings like the turkey green chile cheddar handpie made this years winner a reason to hope for a filling future.
US Secretary of State John Kerry is committed to use all his powers to help mediate the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, former US Assistant Secretary for the South Caucasus, former US ambassador to Azerbaijan, Director of the International Center for Defense Studies in Tallinn, Matthew Bryza, has said.

October 6, 2016, 14:52 US and personally John Kerry seek settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict  diplomat

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 6, ARTSAKHPRESS: Commenting the statement of the President's Aide for Public and Political Affairs, Ali Hasanov, that Kerry's words are contrary to the statements of the US president on the inadmissibility of the status quo, he pointed out that it is important to understand the entire quote of Secretary Kerry besides that one sentence. "Taken out of context, the quoted sentence understandably angered Mr. Hasanov, because it made the foreign minister of a co-chair country sound as if the United States, the worlds most powerful country, had lost interest in mediating the Nagorno Karabakh conflict," he told the news agency Vestnik Kavkaza.
Debswana diamond company has announced that one employee contracted at its Jwaneng Mine died last night following an accident on site.

Onkabetse Ramooki, was an employee of Shoba Steel, a contractor at Debswana Jwaneng Mine. Debswana Corporate Affairs Manager, Matshidiso Kamona said in a statement that Ramooki, 26, was injured while undertaking maintenance work with other colleagues at the Recrush Plant.

A statement from the company says the maintenance crew was removing a T-piece pipe section, which fell and struck Ramooki behind the head. First Aid was applied and the employee was immediately rushed to Jwaneng Mine Hospital where he was stabilized. He was then transferred to Bokamoso Private Hospital in Gaborone for further attention.





Unfortunately, Ramookis condition deteriorated during the course of the afternoon and regrettably he succumbed to his injuries, reads the statement. Kamona said the company will continue to update as developments continue to unfold.
The procedure for assisting military industry companies has been approved in Armenia.

October 6, 2016, 15:28 Armenia approves procedure for assisting military industry companies

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 6, ARTSAKHPRESS: At Thursdays Cabinet session, newly appointed Minister of Defense Vigen Sargsyan said the forms of such assistance will comprise financial aid, leasing interest subsidies, grants by way of contest, and state property allocation for use, NEWS.am reports.

The Armenian government plans to help the defense enterprises also in terms of laboratories and research capacity.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/10/2016 (2216 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Municipality of Pipestone will be featured in an episode of the CBC series Still Standing.

This is an excellent opportunity for our municipality to showcase our growth, along with providing a memorable economic endeavor to the area, economic development officer Tanis Chalmers said.

CBC producers originally contacted Pipestones leadership in the fall of 2015. Over the course of a few months, information was collected regarding the communities of Reston, Sinclair, Cromer and Pipestone, for the possibility of the show to be filmed in one of the towns.

CBC handout CBC comedian Jonny Harris performs his routine in Pilot Mound while holding a calendar that the community used to raise money for the new arena. Harris show, Still Standing, is coming to Reston to film at the end of the month.

Based on the information the municipality provided over the past year, CBC has decided to film an episode in Reston from Oct. 26-30.

Our municipal incentives and $10 lots fascinated the CBC researcher, along with our ability to continue to be a growing community following the recent years flooding, Chalmers said.

Still Standing follows comedian Jonny Harris across the country as he discovers the hidden comedy in Canadas far-flung small towns. Harris takes a journey to find humour in the oddest of places  small towns on the ropes. After immersing himself in the lives of local characters and unearthing the tall tales of these tiny towns, he delivers an original standup comedy routine in the community.

The show has featured Manitou and Pilot Mound in Westman and relies on local talent.

They are looking for some local hired help, Chalmers added. If you have an interest in being behind the production scenes, are willing to work extended hours and are able-bodied, this job may be for you.

 The Brandon Sun
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/10/2016 (2216 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Marion Reed describes her service in the military as just something she did, but to many others she is a trailblazer.

The 96-year-old woman, still walking with gusto and blessed with an astute mind, was embraced by the women who followed in her footsteps  women who are today members of the Royal Canadian Air Force  with hugs and handshakes Wednesday afternoon following a ceremony recognizing 75 years of women being part of the RCAF.

Brandons Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum hosted the ceremony, which included a speech from Reed, who marvelled at her time in the womens division, where ladies from all walks of life united for a common purpose.

Colin Corneau/The Brandon Sun Marion Reed, who served with the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War, poses for a picture with current members of 17 Wing at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum on Wednesday.

So often we have heard the phrase, comrades in arms, and thats what we became, she said.

During her service, Reed said she learned how to respect others, tolerate differences and rely on other people.

I wouldnt have missed it for the world, she said of her two years stationed in Brandon handling pay records at the end of the Second World War.

She explained that the camaraderie had a lasting impact on her life.

I was an only child, it was like having a big family, Reed said. I always had my own bedroom and all of a sudden I was in a big bedroom, a barrack room, with 59 other women.

Sgt. Caroline Linteau, who has been with the Air Force for 14 years, hugged Reed after the ceremony.

Colin Corneau/The Brandon Sun Manitoba Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon lays a wreath during Wednesdays ceremony at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum recognizing 75 years of women being part of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Shes such a good woman  shes strong. You can see it in her face actually when you talk to her, Linteau said. She gives you the drive to continue on.

The event was a tribute to the women who chose to serve, and those whom ultimately gave their lives in service of their country.

A ribbon was affixed on a memorial for each of the 31 women from the RCAF division who died during the Second World War. At the ceremony, a present-day RCAF female officer from 17 Wing Winnipeg recited the names of the deceased, which included Cpl. Dorothy Wakefield of Forrest who is buried at Brandon Cemetery.

Archie Londry was a flying instructor during the war effort, stationed in Brandon at Service Flying Training School No. 12 where the museum is now housed.

He said those 17,000 women who joined the RCAF, including those he worked alongside, were welcomed in the ranks.

Women eager to serve their country in uniform began a movement that helped expand from what were, at the time, standard jobs for women, such as teachers, nurses and secretaries, he said.

Colin Corneau/The Brandon Sun A servicewoman with 17 Wing from Winnipeg salutes during a ceremony on Wednesday at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum to honour 31 women with the Royal Canadian Air Force who died in the Second World War.

After the Second World War, the world was open to them, Londry said. They did every occupation and they carried on and did it well.

Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon was on hand to lay a wreath beside the monument.

She said in a year where the government is acknowledging that women have been voting for 100 years, it is a personally powerful experience to recognize the brave work of the women who served.

These women contributed directly in the effort to defend our country and its values, she said.

Following Filmons remarks, Reed said she felt the warmth from strangers who admired her bravery.

Flattered, Reed said, about the way she felt after the ceremony, even if she would have shrugged her shoulders at the time.

Colin Corneau/The Brandon Sun Manitoba Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon speaks during a ceremony at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum on Wednesday to honour 31 women with the Royal Canadian Air Force who died in the Second World War.

You did your service, it was just something you did.

 ifroese@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ianfroese
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Hundreds of people are expected to attend a two-day festival celebrating South Asian culture this weekend.

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Surprisingly, something as necessary as crutches have barely evolved over time. Beyond the inclusion of bandages or padded handgrips, no significant changes have been made since ancient Egyptians.

KMINA has developed a new crutch concept in order to improve the mobility and quality of life of users. This new crutch reduces pain in hands, wrists and shoulders thanks to a revolutionary design.

Aware of the damage caused by traditional crutches and given the clear need for improvement in this field, KMINA has patented a totally revolutionary crutch. It includes a shock absorbing system and a tilted forearm support that properly distributes the weight of the body. Thus, the effort is evenly shared, and both the hand and the wrist reduce the burden by 80%.

Acknowledged as one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the country, Dr. Jaime Usabiaga is part of the project as a Counsel Partner since the beginning.

After many years receiving patients who complained about the pain caused in their hands by crutches, he decided to sponsor this entrepreneurial initiative to solve the problem. I have come across many cases where long term use of crutches has led to wrist and hand injuries, hurting patients in their recovery processes, Dr. Usabiaga says.

SOCIAL CROWDFUNDING ON KICKSTARTER TO BOOST THE STARTUP

In order to produce and commercialize this crutch, the startup has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Anyone can support this project from October 5th until October 30th. You can donate a pair of crutches to the elderly, ALS and neuromuscular diseases patients, thanks to the partnership agreements that KMINA has signed with three non-profit associations; ADELA, ASEM Madrid and CIMA.

Throughout the creation process, KMINA crutch has been tested by users and industry professionals, whom have unanimously concluded that this model represents a clear step forward because of the comfort and security transmitted.

KMINA has already been awarded with the 1st prize in the category of Research, Development and Innovation in the latest edition of the Caser Foundation awards. The company is also among the best 10 social startups in Spain, according to La Destileria de Startups. Both awards are a sign that the project represents a clear social progress.

THE TALENT THAT LIES BEHIND KMINA

Ignacio Manero, CEO and Founding Partner. Mechanical Engineer from the Higher Technical School of Engineering (ICAI), Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid, with experience in startups, business and strategy consulting.

Alejandro Vano, COO and Founding Partner. Bachelor of Business Administration at Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, with experience in business consulting and auditing.

Jaime Usabiaga, Counselor and Founding Partner. Chief of the Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Division at Hospital Universitario Donostia, Professor, author of more than 70 articles and speaker in many congresses. But most of all, he really knows how painful crutches are.

Click here to access their Kickstarter campaign.
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We need your support!

Local journalism needs your support!

As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.

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Starting at $4.99/month you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.

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Five years after announcing that it had cracked the code on modular building technology and would open a factory in Brooklyn to construct modules, the developer Forest City Ratner is getting out of the prefab construction business.

The firm said on Wednesday that it would sell its factory at the Brooklyn Navy Yard along with the associated technology to a former Forest City executive, Roger Krulak.

The decision came as the developer completed construction of the tallest prefabricated steel structure in the world, a 32-story tower at 461 Dean Street in the Pacific Park complex in Brooklyn, which is weeks away from receiving its first tenants.

Forest City made the 930 modules that were used to build the tower at the Navy Yard. It had originally planned to use the factory to create the building blocks that could be outfitted with wiring, plumbing, bathrooms and kitchens for each of the 15 buildings planned for Pacific Park, originally known as Atlantic Yards.



While Bagli writes that "the tower was plagued by delays and later a bitter dispute" with Skanska, that ignores a state monitor's report of leaks, mold, and the need to gut apartments, as I While Bagli writes that "the tower was plagued by delays and later a bitter dispute" with Skanska, that ignores a state monitor's report of leaks, mold, and the need to gut apartments, as I reported









Now conventional construction for the rest of the project does indeed disturb neighbors. Also missing is how Forest City promised less noise, fewer deliveries, and a faster construction schedule--all of which were supposed to add up to a decreased impact on neighbors, and are now dutifully being promised by the new Full Stack Modular.Now conventional construction for the rest of the project does indeed disturb neighbors.





Endless spinning



The bumps we hit, with respect to Skanska, are typical of any start-up, Forest City CEO MaryAnne Gilmartin told the Times. The good news is that weve worked out a lot of the bugs and gotten through the growing pains of innovation. Except the lawsuits between Forest City and Skanska remain unresolved.





Except Gilmartin famously said last year that she was "a deep believer" in modular, and now she's not--or not enough to keep it in her company.





Gilmartin said nothing prevents Krulak from pitching Greenland Forest City when Full Stack Modular is up and running. But that's nothing close to a commitment.





What next?



The Times reports:

Mr. Krulak, who oversaw the work on the modular building for Forest City, and recently formed the company Full Stack Modular, said that he and Forest City had worked out the factory mishaps, technology kinks and disputes that turned what was supposed to be a quickly built tower into one of the longest-running construction projects in the city.

The building, he said, is proof that the technology works. But the disputes haven't been worked out: lawsuits are still pending between Forest City and Skanska. Except we don't really know how the The Times reports:But the disputes haven't been worked out: lawsuits are still pending between Forest City and Skanska. Except we don't really know how the mold monitoring really went.









While Krulak said his new company is in talks regarding new buildings, it's unclear whether they will be high-rise buildings or, if they are high-rise, apartments. He told the Real Deal,Hopefully, well sign contracts with some hotel developers and some mid-rise projects in Brooklyn."





(Update: Krulak



Hotels are easier than apartments because they don't include kitchens, and the units can be more uniform. Note that the press release, below, does not indicate they'll be building high-rise apartment buildings.(Update: Krulak told Fast.Co Design that Full Stack Modular has some contracts in the works for multi-family projects, but nothing as tall as 461 Dean: "Our sweet spot for modular in an urban environment is in the 10-to-18-story, 80,000-to-120,000-square-foot buildings.")





Note that the press release below calls Krulak an "award-winning inventor," but the



Update: The press release issued at 7 am today

Full Stack Modular LLC Purchases Core Assets of FC Modular, LLC from Forest City Ratner Companies

Leading Member of FC Modular and Award-Winning Inventor of High-Rise Modular Technology Acquires Company's Core Assets, Launches Full Stack Modular

Full Stack Modular to Build on the Success of 461 Dean Street, The World's Tallest Modular Residential High Rise

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Full Stack Modular, LLC announced today that it has purchased the core assets of FC Modular from Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Forest City Realty Trust, Inc., (NYSE: FCEA and FCEB). Full Stack Modular will offer turn-key modular solutions for developers of new multi-family buildings, hotels and dormitories and will continue to operate out of the 100,000+ square foot factory in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Full Stack Modular's CEO and founder, Roger Krulak, was formerly Senior Vice President of Modular Construction at FCRC where he was a leading member of the team that built the modular business that formed the foundation of FCRC's flagship project, 461 Dean Street, the tallest modular building in the world. 461 Dean is now leasing and will welcome its first tenants this fall to breathtaking views and amenities made possible by its modular construction.

The deal includes the long-term lease at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, all equipment and Intellectual Property, as well as the bespoke technology created for this manufacturing process. Full Stack Modular will also maintain the groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement with the Building and Construction Trades Council of New York and its members, and anticipates rehiring much of the original workforce responsible for 461 Dean Street.

"I am very proud to own a company that will continue to build upon our original mission at Forest City, and further grow the valuable relationships with the community, the unions and the talented workers who help bring our vision to life," said Krulak. "Modular is the future of multifamily construction and Full Stack Modular will be at the forefront of innovation in our industry. Our systems are not only more efficient and cost effective than conventional building, but also more sustainable and community-friendly."

"We have always been firm believers in modular construction and we are incredibly proud of the breakthroughs we've made that will soon be seen at 461 Dean Street," said MaryAnne Gilmartin, President and CEO of Forest City Ratner Companies. "The sale allows us to put our focus on our core strengths  management of our assets and our incredible pipeline of development. We are thrilled that the high-rise residential modular industry we launched will continue its groundbreaking innovations in the skilled hands of Roger Krulak at Full Stack Modular. We know it will be a great success."

"We're pleased that Full Stack Modular will remain at its home in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and will maintain the agreement to employ highly skilled, unionized workers," said Gary LaBarbera, president of the 100,000 member Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. "It's also good to hear that the company plans to hire from the community and anticipates rehiring much of the original workforce responsible for the project at 461 Dean Street. We look forward to working together in partnership with Roger Krulak and Full Stack Modular."

An internationally recognized expert in modular construction and innovation, Roger Kulak was the recipient of the 2014 Popular Mechanics 'Breakthrough Award' for his work on the creation of the high-rise modular process, has been appointed to the Building Innovation Panel for the Country of Singapore and regularly speaks all over the world.

About Full Stack Modular

Full Stack Modular provides turn-key modular solutions for developers of new multi-family buildings, hotels and dormitories. Full Stack Modular is dedicated to the innovation and creation of environmentally-conscious, cost-effective and labor-friendly development of multi-family housing. The company is located in New York City, in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. For more information, please visit www.fullstackmodular.com or email info@fullstackmodular.com. Update: Krulak interview



Some excerpts from Multi-Housing News, 10/19/16.

MHN: What details can you give us on the purchase of Forest City Ratner Companies core assets?

Roger Krulak: Full Stack Modular purchased all of the assets of FC Modular (from Forest City Ratner Cos.) including a lease for 100,000 square feet of space in the Brooklyn Navy Yard plus 85,000 square feet of storage. All of the infrastructure improvements valued at over $14 million, all of the equipment, the IP related to FC Modular High Rise modular system and a groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement with the joint building trades.

MHN: What are your plans for Full Stack Modular? Did you set out any short term and long term goals?

Krulak: We are focusing our efforts on multifamily developers in three market segments. Hotels, student housing and multifamily rentals because these are the ideal uses for our system. We are focused on the middle 70% of the market...

MHN: On your companys website it is stated that modular construction is cost certain. What can you tell us about that and about cost benefits compared to traditional builds?

Krulak: Our process allows you to develop a project meeting your program at a cost certain price. If you include all development costs, carried interest, excess general conditions, early revenue recognition, reduced onsite safety requirements, the savings can be as much as 20 percent compared to traditional construction.

MHN: Tell us about Full Stack Modulars up and coming projects.

We have several projects in the pipeline from additions to existing rental buildings to passive rental buildings and multiple hotels for major U.S. chains.

MHN: What is the strategy behind modular construction in general?

Krulak: From Full Stack Modulars perspective, we are offering a turnkey solution to developers of multifamily both public and private. Give us the land you control and your desired program and we will do the rest. When we build off-site, we can benefit from of all the advantages of manufacturing: ergonomic work environment, tighter tolerances, safer working environment, less waste, better working conditions, faster completion, lower cost than in general conditions, less neighborhood disruption, tighter construction. He also told the Real Deal he plans to rehire much of the original workforce. But that's only if they're available. Note that the "groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement" that will be maintained pays workers far less than on-site workers.Note that the press release below calls Krulak an "award-winning inventor," but the Breakthrough Award he got from Popular Mechanics was bestowed with notably poor timing, given that the modular building in Brooklyn had stalled.Some excerpts from Multi-Housing News, 10/19/16. Roger Krulak Takes Modular Building to the Next Level , with emphasis added:





So, reports the New York Times's Charles Bagli, Developer That Cracked the Code on Modular Building Exits the Business . And while the article does point out the distance between Forest City Ratner's hubris and the results, the developer still does its best to spin.(Given that the article appeared before a press release was issued, I assume it was placed as an exclusive.)The lead:Let's note that Forest City is surely taking a big loss. Also that Forest City didn't make all the modules; the partnership of Forest City and Skanska made the first significant batch.
Opinion

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This article was published 06/10/2016 (2216 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Pallister government plans to introduce a new post-secondary sexual-violence policy bill as early as next week, after a similar bill introduced by the former NDP government only made it to first reading in the Manitoba legislature last year and wasnt passed.

The NDPs legislation, called Bill 3, would have required universities to establish comprehensive policies to address and combat sexual assault on campus. It would also have required colleges and universities to make incidents public.

While it never became law, this legislation was especially poignant for our community earlier this year, when Brandon University found itself under the harsh glare of the national media spotlight after news surfaced of a behavioural contract the institution employed in the case of a sexual assault complaint.

Signed by both the complainant and her alleged offender, the contract was one of only two that former BU registrar and associate vice-president Tom Brophy claimed had been used since he worked at the university between September 2013 and April of this year.

The contract in this particular case was akin to a gag order on the victim, who was required to not discuss the event which happened between her and the male student with anyone other than a counsellor. She could have been threatened with expulsion or suspension from the university if she breached the agreement.

Following the media revelation, the university nullified the contract and committed to forming a Sexual Assault Advisory Group that would draft a new sexual education, violence and harassment policy for BU over the summer.

That committee met several times and intended to have a draft policy ready for scrutiny by the student body  and to the public. This policy, according to SAAG chair and BU

vice-president Steve Robinson back in summer, was to stand separate of existing policy. The previous rules were part of a section on maintaining a respectful campus environment, and therefore less visible.

The policy was also meant to be inclusive of the student body and address public reporting of incidents  just as the NDP legislation had called for.

We can only assume that this policy must still be in the offing, as it has not been announced by the institution. Like the students, we look forward to seeing the final product.

NDP MLA Wab Kinew reintroduced his partys legislation as a private members bill, but its highly unlikely that the Tories will allow it to pass. Instead, Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart said in a statement he would bring in stronger legislation to protect students, women and other vulnerable groups.

What exactly this means in terms of the Brandon University policy and its contents, we wont really know until the Tories actually bring the bill forward. We have a lingering concern that one of the reasons BU hasnt made its new policy public is that its waiting to see what the new Progressive Conservative government comes up with.

Canadian Federation of Students chairman Michael Barkman told the Winnipeg Free Press this week that he met with Wishart this summer to discuss the issue, among other student-related matters.

He said he would like to see greater accountability for schools that dont report sexual assaults, and supported the NDPs original legislation.

We dont want to see policy that is buried in a larger policy document  we want something that is easy, something that anyone in the university or college can reference, he said.

The idea of creating a stand-alone policy is a good one, and we believe that Brandon University was going down the correct path over the summer. It gives the university a stronger mandate to better address sexual violence and harassment on campus, and  written well  should provide the institution with a viable and transparent means to address situations that arise.

At the same time, it should encourage students who are victims of sexual assaults to more readily report them, rather than penalize them for coming forward. A university that is open and honest about problem situations has the potential to be seen locally and nationally as a more welcoming place to potential students.

That should not change, no matter what the Tories ultimately decide when it comes to their own legislation.
Empire State Development's tourism office is posting weekly fall foliage reports. Below is the report posted Oct. 5, 2016:

Leaf conditions excellent for Columbus Day Weekend travel

This is the fourth 2016 Fall Foliage Report for New York State. Reports are obtained from field observers and reflect expected color conditions for the coming weekend. Fall Foliage Reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon.

Albany, N.Y.  Bright, beautiful peak fall colors will be making their debut in New York State this Columbus Day weekend, according to observers for Empire State Developments I LOVE NEW YORK program. Expect peak colors in many areas of the Adirondacks and near peak foliage in the higher elevations of the Catskills.

Tupper Lake and Mt. Arab areas expect peak foliage this weekend with 85 percent color change and bursts of magenta, rhubarb, strawberry, raspberry, bittersweet, dandelion, buttercup, russet and golden orange. The warm temperatures predicted for this week, along with no significant rain, frost or high winds, provide for exceptional leaf peeping, hiking, apple picking and photography. Lake Placid area leaves are currently at peak and spotters there expect excellent color to remain through the weekend and beyond. Reds and yellows predominate, with the brilliant orange of the sugar maples beginning to emerge. The hillsides are ablaze with various shades of brilliant golds, corals, bright reds, glowing yellows and light wheats. Many pockets of trees still possess their dark green leaves as they begin to change alongside their already peaked neighbors. The brilliance is high among the 85-90 percent of trees that have changed. Color will continue well past the weekend, depending on the weather and any wind events. Peak foliage is also expected at In the Adirondacks , spotters in theandareas expect peak foliage this weekend with 85 percent color change and bursts of magenta, rhubarb, strawberry, raspberry, bittersweet, dandelion, buttercup, russet and golden orange. The warm temperatures predicted for this week, along with no significant rain, frost or high winds, provide for exceptional leaf peeping, hiking, apple picking and photography.area leaves are currently at peak and spotters there expect excellent color to remain through the weekend and beyond. Reds and yellows predominate, with the brilliant orange of the sugar maples beginning to emerge. The hillsides are ablaze with various shades of brilliant golds, corals, bright reds, glowing yellows and light wheats. Many pockets of trees still possess their dark green leaves as they begin to change alongside their already peaked neighbors. The brilliance is high among the 85-90 percent of trees that have changed. Color will continue well past the weekend, depending on the weather and any wind events. Peak foliage is also expected at Whiteface Mountain

In Hamilton County look for very close to peak leaves in the Indian Lake area with bright shades of red, orange and yellow. In Herkimer County, spotters in Old Forge expect near peak leaves with 85 percent color change and bright shades of red and orange and increasing shades of yellow. Spotters reporting from Blue Mountain Lake in Hamilton County expect peak conditions and nearly complete color change by the weekend, with average to bright red, orange, yellow and some green leaves. Similar colors are expected in North Creek, in Warren County, where foliage will be near peak with 75 percent change. Franklin County spotters checking in from Saranac Lake expect 50-70 percent color change and midpoint to near peak conditions by the weekend with bright shades of red and yellow and some burnt orange.

In Speculator, in Hamilton County, spotters expect near peak conditions by the weekend with 75 percent color change and red, yellow and orange leaves of above average brilliance. In Malone, spotters reporting from the Franklin County Historical & Museum Society expect 40 percent change and midpoint to near peak foliage with bright green, red, yellow and orange leaves. In the Essex County town of Ticonderoga, expect 50 percent color change and near peak conditions with yellow, red and orange leaves of average brilliance. Foliage spotters reporting from Lake George report beautiful foliage on Rte. 8 between Hague and Brant Lake/Horicon. There is still a good amount of green, along with burnt orange, shades of yellow and muted rusts with occasional reds. The southern portion of the county still has a lot of green leaves, along with burnt orange, shades of yellows and occasional shades of red. In Crown Point, Essex County, expect 30-50 percent color change and beginning to midpoint conditions with leaves of golden yellow, orange, and flashes of flame orange and red. There is more color at higher elevations, while still plenty of green in the valley. Spotters in Willsboro expect early to midpoint conditions and around 30 percent change by the weekend with brilliant shades of red predominating and highlights of bright yellows, deep browns and robust purples rounding out the spectrum.

Delaware County is expecting near peak foliage this weekend with 80 percent leaf change and vibrant orange, gold and red leaves. It should be a great weekend for leaf peeping at Greene County, spotters are predicting color changes ranging from 70 to more than 95 percent. In Lanesville, expect at least 70-80 percent change with bright, radiant colors breaking out; predominate colors are amber, yellow, salmon and some reds. Colors are particularly coming on strong near Tannersville and Hunter. Spotters situated above 2000 feet in the county report that theres a good chance of peak foliage this weekend, with brilliant red and yellow leaves dominating the mountainsides. Spotters reporting from Catskill expect about 80 percent change and near peak foliage with brilliant colors of red, yellow and orange. In the Catskills is expecting near peak foliage this weekend with 80 percent leaf change and vibrant orange, gold and red leaves. It should be a great weekend for leaf peeping at Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, Ulster County this weekend where foliage spotters predict up to 70 percent color change with brilliant pops of red, orange and yellow leaves. In, spotters are predicting color changes ranging from 70 to more than 95 percent. In Lanesville, expect at least 70-80 percent change with bright, radiant colors breaking out; predominate colors are amber, yellow, salmon and some reds. Colors are particularly coming on strong nearand. Spotters situated above 2000 feet in the county report that theres a good chance of peak foliage this weekend, with brilliant red and yellow leaves dominating the mountainsides. Spotters reporting fromexpect about 80 percent change and near peak foliage with brilliant colors of red, yellow and orange.

Spotters in Sullivan County expect midpoint of foliage change this weekend with 25-35 percent transition and leaves of red, yellow, orange and brick. Spotters reporting from Kingston in Ulster County predict near midpoint conditions by the weekend, depending on the area. Look for average to bright yellow and brownish burgundy leaves emerging from the green, along with hints of brighter orange and yellow leaves.

Glenville area expect foliage at midpoint of change with 45-50 percent leaf transition and many gold leaves freckled with red, along with lots of yellows. Foliage spotters reporting from Voorheesville project 40-50 percent color change by the weekend with trees at midpoint of change and pale shades of yellow, along with pale reds and brown leaves. In Rensselaer County, spotters predict 35-45 percent color change with 50-60 percent change in the eastern and northern parts of the county. Look for bright shades orange and yellow with a perfect mix of green. In the western and southern part of the county green dominates, but is rapidly being overtaken by fall colors, including bright purplish-reds through all shades of red, orange-red, orange and yellow. Lower elevations at are close to midpoint of progression, higher elevations are at midpoint. In the Capital-Saratoga region, Schenectady county spotters in thearea expect foliage at midpoint of change with 45-50 percent leaf transition and many gold leaves freckled with red, along with lots of yellows. Foliage spotters reporting from Thacher Park inproject 40-50 percent color change by the weekend with trees at midpoint of change and pale shades of yellow, along with pale reds and brown leaves. In, spotters predict 35-45 percent color change with 50-60 percent change in the eastern and northern parts of the county. Look for bright shades orange and yellow with a perfect mix of green. In the western and southern part of the county green dominates, but is rapidly being overtaken by fall colors, including bright purplish-reds through all shades of red, orange-red, orange and yellow. Lower elevations at are close to midpoint of progression, higher elevations are at midpoint.

In Saratoga County, foliage observers expect 40 percent or more color change and near peak conditions throughout the county with vibrant bursts of red, burgundy, deep orange and bright yellow leaves, along with some amber and green leaves

Norwich. Foliage should be at midpoint with muted touches of yellow, red and orange. In Herkimer County, spotters in Mohawk expect midpoint conditions and 50 percent color change with average to bright leaves of red, orange and gold. In Madison County, leaf peepers are expecting 50 percent or more color change and near peak conditions with bright orange, yellow and red leaves predominating, particularly along scenic Rt. 20 in Cazenovia. In Central New York ., look for 45-55 percent change in Chenango County, according to spotters in. Foliage should be at midpoint with muted touches of yellow, red and orange. In Herkimer County, spotters inexpect midpoint conditions and 50 percent color change with average to bright leaves of red, orange and gold. In, leaf peepers are expecting 50 percent or more color change and near peak conditions with bright orange, yellow and red leaves predominating, particularly along scenic Rt. 20 in

Leaf peepers reporting from Schoharie County State Historic Site in Montgomery County expect up to 40 percent color change this weekend with conditions nearing midpoint and dull to average fall colors of red and yellow along with orange highlights. In Binghamton, foliage spotters expect 40 percent or more color change with bright red and yellow leaves at midpoint to near peak conditions. Spotters in Utica, in Oneida County, expect 40 percent change and midpoint conditions by the weekend with a muted color palette. Colors are beginning to pop and are predominantly shades of rose, gold, bronze and amber highlighted with brighter shades of red and orange. Otsego County spotters based in Cooperstown predict midpoint conditions with 30 percent color change with average to bright shades of yellow, red, orange and brown. Spotters in Howes Cave, in Montgomery County, expect more than 25 percent color change with bright yellow, orange, red, brown and purple leaves at early to midpoint of change.

Watkins Glen, in Schuyler County, spotters predict midpoint to near peak foliage with 50-60 percent change and average to bright shades of yellow and red. Foliage reporters in Steuben County project 50 percent color change and midpoint conditions in the Corning and Hornell areas and about 30 percent color change and just beginning conditions around Keuka Lake. Tompkins County foliage spotters reporting from Ithaca expect the leaves to be at midpoint of change with 50 percent transition and shades of red, yellow and orange leaves of average brilliance. The leaves are average to bright shades of red, orange and yellow. Spotters in Elmira, Chemung County, are predicting 40 percent color change with bright green and gold leaves, along with touches of orange and red. In the Finger Lakes , foliage conditions will range from beginning to midpoint of change. In, in Schuyler County, spotters predict midpoint to near peak foliage with 50-60 percent change and average to bright shades of yellow and red. Foliage reporters in Steuben County project 50 percent color change and midpoint conditions in theandareas and about 30 percent color change and just beginning conditions around Keuka Lake. Tompkins County foliage spotters reporting fromexpect the leaves to be at midpoint of change with 50 percent transition and shades of red, yellow and orange leaves of average brilliance. The leaves are average to bright shades of red, orange and yellow. Spotters in, Chemung County, are predicting 40 percent color change with bright green and gold leaves, along with touches of orange and red.

Cortland County can expect around 25 percent color change with yellow and red leaves emerging from the still mostly green backdrop. Cayuga County will see 25 percent change with just beginning fall foliage of bright orange, yellow and red highlights. In Seneca County, look for 20-25 percent change with fall colors of mostly yellow, along with some orange and red leaves of average brilliance. Tioga County foliage observers reporting from Owego predict just beginning conditions and 30 percent color change with muted red and yellow fall highlights among the green. In Syracuse, Onondaga County, spotters expect beginning conditions with up to about 20 percent color change with many emerging yellow leaves, along with touches of red and purple leaves, of above average brilliance.

In Wayne County, expect only around 10 percent color change with mostly green leaves. In Livingston County, Geneseo leaf peepers expect about 5-10 percent color change with small amounts of muted yellow and orange leaves at the tree tops. In Monroe County, spotters reporting from the Rochester area expect 20-25 percent leaf transition as the colors are beginning to emerge. Fall colors are mostly yellow, with some lime green and red mixed in. Color is also beginning to show along the shore of Lake Ontario. In Ontario County, spotters in Canandaigua expect 30 percent color change and just beginning conditions by the weekend with muted shades of deep red and yellow, along with some orange and tan, beginning to emerge from the primarily green backdrop. Also in Ontario County, spotters in Geneva expect up to 10 percent change by the weekend with spots of red and yellow emerging from the primarily green backdrop. In Yates County, foliage transition will be more than 10 percent with some orange, red and yellow leaves emerging.

Allegany State Park in Cattaraugus County, with 40-50 change predicted by the weekend and near peak conditions. Look for yellow and red leaves of average brilliance. This weekend and next should be the best time to enjoy fall colors at the park. In Little Valley, color is also rapidly changing and should be near midpoint of transition by the weekend. Fall hues of yellow and a little red of average brilliance are emerging. In Chautauqua County, spotters reporting from Chautauqua expect 25-30 percent transition and foliage at beginning to midpoint of change. Northern Chautauqua and southern Chautauqua County are still mainly green. The mid portion of the county may see up to 40 percent change due to its higher elevation. Look for dark orange highlights of average brilliance. In the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, colors are emerging rapidly atin Cattaraugus County, with 40-50 change predicted by the weekend and near peak conditions. Look for yellow and red leaves of average brilliance. This weekend and next should be the best time to enjoy fall colors at the park. In, color is also rapidly changing and should be near midpoint of transition by the weekend. Fall hues of yellow and a little red of average brilliance are emerging. In Chautauqua County, spotters reporting fromexpect 25-30 percent transition and foliage at beginning to midpoint of change. Northern Chautauqua and southern Chautauqua County are still mainly green. The mid portion of the county may see up to 40 percent change due to its higher elevation. Look for dark orange highlights of average brilliance.

Perry, in Wyoming County, expect beginning to midpoint foliage with 25 percent change and muted shades of red, yellow and orange beginning to emerge from the primarily green trees. Erie County spotters in reporting from Buffalo project the leaves to be at midpoint of change with 25 percent transition and an increasing amount of red, yellows and golds emerging daily. Spotters in Orleans County expect no more than 20 percent color change with touches of gold and red beginning to emerge from the shades of green leaves. Observers in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, expect 15 percent color change with bright yellow leaves emerging, along with shades of orange and red. In Genesee County, look for up to 15 percent color change with shades of yellow and orange. Spotters reporting from Springville in Erie County expect 20 percent color change with mostly green leaves. In the Greater Niagara region, spotters in, in Wyoming County, expect beginning to midpoint foliage with 25 percent change and muted shades of red, yellow and orange beginning to emerge from the primarily green trees. Erie County spotters in reporting fromproject the leaves to be at midpoint of change with 25 percent transition and an increasing amount of red, yellows and golds emerging daily. Spotters inexpect no more than 20 percent color change with touches of gold and red beginning to emerge from the shades of green leaves. Observers in, Niagara County, expect 15 percent color change with bright yellow leaves emerging, along with shades of orange and red. In, look for up to 15 percent color change with shades of yellow and orange. Spotters reporting fromin Erie County expect 20 percent color change with mostly green leaves.

Alexandria Bay area along the St. Lawrence River in Jefferson County predict 50 percent change and midpoint conditions with yellow and orange leaves of average brilliance. Look for a 40-50 percent change and midpoint conditions by the weekend in Oswego County. Autumnal amber hues are washing across the landscape more quickly now and spreading throughout the entire county. Many more trees feature clusters of bright purples, reds and oranges to showcase a rich kaleidoscope of color. About 50 percent color change is expected in St. Lawrence County with dull to average leaves of red, yellow and orange. In the Thousand Islands-Seaway region, spotters reporting from thearea along the St. Lawrence River in Jefferson County predict 50 percent change and midpoint conditions with yellow and orange leaves of average brilliance. Look for a 40-50 percent change and midpoint conditions by the weekend in. Autumnal amber hues are washing across the landscape more quickly now and spreading throughout the entire county. Many more trees feature clusters of bright purples, reds and oranges to showcase a rich kaleidoscope of color. About 50 percent color change is expected inwith dull to average leaves of red, yellow and orange.

Bear Mountain and the surrounding area in Rockland County are predicting color changes ranging from 45 to more than 60 percent for the weekend. Look for predominating shades of orange, red, gold and yellow, with some pockets of foliage perhaps reaching near peak, but most with the trees mostly at midpoint of change. In Columbia County, foliage spotters predict a wide range of color progression this weekend, ranging from 35-55 percent, depending on the location. Look for the change to average midpoint of progression with muted yellows and oranges along with deep red leaves and lots of green remaining. A wide range of foliage reports are coming in from Hudson Valley leaf peepers. Spotters reporting fromand the surrounding area in Rockland County are predicting color changes ranging from 45 to more than 60 percent for the weekend. Look for predominating shades of orange, red, gold and yellow, with some pockets of foliage perhaps reaching near peak, but most with the trees mostly at midpoint of change. In, foliage spotters predict a wide range of color progression this weekend, ranging from 35-55 percent, depending on the location. Look for the change to average midpoint of progression with muted yellows and oranges along with deep red leaves and lots of green remaining.

Rockland County spotters reporting from New City expect midpoint conditions with 40 percent change and bright red, purple and yellow leaves overtaking the green. Orange County spotters predict 45-45 percent color change with mostly gold and yellow leaves. Color change is still low in the city of Poughkeepsie, in Dutchess County. Spotters there predict about 20 percent color change with fall colors of orange, gold and yellow. Color change may be significantly more in county areas of higher elevation and latitude. Color change will still be low in Westchester County this weekend, with about 5 percent transition. Leaves are mostly green with hints of muted shades of yellow and orange.

Nassau County, depending on the area, and yellow and orange leaves of average brilliance. Foliage spotters reporting from Riverhead, Suffolk County expect 5-10 percent color change with yellow and orange leaves of average brilliance and the seagrasses in full bloom. There is still no significant foliage change in Fall color is beginning to emerge on Long Island . Look for 5-10 percent color change in, depending on the area, and yellow and orange leaves of average brilliance. Foliage spotters reporting from Tanger Outlets in, Suffolk County expect 5-10 percent color change with yellow and orange leaves of average brilliance and the seagrasses in full bloom. There is still no significant foliage change in New York City

###

One of the most popular travel times of the year, the fall foliage season means big business in New York State. In 2015, it is estimated that travel spending from September through November in the state had a total economic impact of more than $26.5 billion. Because of its size, New York has one of the best foliage seasons in the nation. On any given weekend, from late September through mid-November, there is somewhere in the state with peak foliage.

To promote spectacular autumn sites found across the State, I LOVE NEW YORK will host a social media campaign featuring photos taken by Twitter, Instagram and Facebook users called Foliage Photog of the Week. The campaign will run through the end of the foliage season in early November and one spectacular New York State fall foliage photo posted using the #NYLovesFall hashtag will be selected and shared across all I LOVE NEW YORK social media channels each week. To qualify, users must tag photos with the name of the location of where the image was taken.

Volunteer Leaf Peepers

The I LOVE NEW YORK team of volunteer Leaf Peepers, located throughout the states 11 vacation regions, are tasked with keeping track of the color change in their area as leaves progress each week. The information is then used for fall foliage reports, which are posted online each week, featuring a detailed map of color change throughout New York State, vantage points for viewing spectacular foliage, suggested autumn getaways and weekly event listings in each region.

About Fall Foliage

The weekly foliage report, a detailed map charting fall color progress, vantage points for viewing spectacular foliage, suggested autumn getaways and weekly event listings are available by visiting the I LOVE NEW YORK web site at www.iloveny.com/foliage . Reports are also available by dialing, toll-free, 800/CALL-NYS (800/225-5697) from anywhere in the U.S., its territories and Canada. To learn how to become a volunteer Leaf Peeper, e-mail your name, address and phone number to foliage@esd.ny.gov . Fall foliage reports are also available by dialing, toll-free, 800-CALL-NYS.
Using tourism for local benefit will be the focus of a major conference today.

Dublin will host the Responsible Tourism seminar and awards ceremony, which will see both Irish and international experts discuss how tourism can benefit the local community.
Longford is not being prioritised by the Government or the IDA when it comes to jobs, according to the President of Longford Chamber of Commerce, Derek Scanlon.

He was reacting to the news about job losses at Cameron yesterday.

Staff at Cameron found out yesterday that the company will close its manufacturing operations by Christmas, blaming a downturn in the global oil and gas sector.

Mr Scanlon says Longford has been left behind.

He said: "In 2015, there were only two visits to the county where a county like Westmeath got 28 visits, so there is a disparity there between the two counties immediately.

"In addition to that, there seems to be no regional focus, the Government has focus on specific towns, but if you were to ask somebody from the IDA how they promote somewhere like Longford town, they would tell you they don't promote Longford at all.

"They don't promote the region and therefore Longford gets lost."

Peter Burke, the local Fine Gael deputy for Longford and Westmeath, has confirmed he is due to meet privately with Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O'Connell this morning.

He has also spoken with Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar and representatives of the IDA and Enterprise Ireland.

Labour deputy for Longford-Westmeath, Willie Penrose, has expressed solidarity with workers, saying efforts must be made to ensure that job losses are minimised, and that those whose jobs are under threat are given the help they need to find new employment as soon as possible.
Irish posties are now so renowned for being able to deliver post regardless of the vagueness of the address, people are trying to test them.

David Curran runs a blog, Me Versus An Post, where he trys to see the lengths An Post will go to get a letter to its destination.
Charlotte Connolly is the only person in Ireland to suffer from Systemic Degos disease, and one of less than 50 people in the world living with the disease, writes Claire Anderson.

The life-threatening condition is highly difficult to diagnose as it so rare. Connolly was diagnosed in 2015, after almost two years of extensive tests, by the wonderful team at St James Hospital.

A year on, Connolly now has no sense of feeling from the waist down, and although she is still able to walk, she relies on crutches and her eyesight to decide where to place her feet.

Connolly has lesions on her brain, stomach, gut, one of her eyes and throughout the nerves in both of her legs. She is facing a near future of having a bowel perforation and/or a stroke due to the lesions cutting off blood supply.

Her health continues to deteriorate every day without treatment.

The medication Soliris has been used to treat the disease but Connolly has been denied access due to cost and the fact that it is an experimental drug. The treatment can cost up to 430,000 a year.

Without this medication, Connolly is without a chance of fighting this disease.

Her family has contacted the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, five times seeking help for Connolly but Harris has refused to meet with them.

Her husband has said: I have written my fifth letter to the Minister for Health to seek a meeting with him. He has not taken up my offer of a meeting. When we look at the fact that last week, it has come to light that 46,000 per month is being spent on housing a diplomat abroad, compared to the fact that Charlotte is being denied a potential life-saving drug. There is no humanity, compassion or empathy in our Health System, the Department of Health or the Ministers Office.

Connollys family have set up a Facebook page to keep the public up to date with fundraising events as they continue to try and raise the money for her potentially life-saving treatment. You can find it here. Their Go Fund Me page is available here.

Connolly and her family feel abandoned by the healthcare system in Ireland but continue to try to fight this illness.

Imagine if this was your Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister or Friend? Wouldn't you want at least the chance to survive to enjoy your life? We are not asking for a lot. We are only asking for a chance to beat this Disease.
One of the whistleblowers at the centre of a Garda scandal has been called a "decent, honourable man".

Retired Detective Sergeant Alan Bailey said the senior Garda who claims he was involved in alleged efforts to discredit a previous whistleblower, feels it is his duty to expose distasteful practices in the force.

The Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan has denied any knowledge of the incident and wants it investigated at the earliest opportunity.

However, she is now facing calls to step down.

Retired Garda Alan Bailey said the latest whistleblower is credible.

"He's a decent, honourable man. I imagine he has come forward because he feels it is his duty as a serving member (of the Force). The allegations are very distasteful and I can see why a man would come forward."

A judicial-led inquiry looks set to be established by the Government into the allegations, following reports this week in the Irish Examiner that senior gardai engaged in a campaign to destroy and crush a whistleblower within the force.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told the Dail a judge is likely to be appointed to investigate the allegations.

Amid calls for her resignation in the Dail yesterday, Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan (pictured) insisted she was not privy to nor approved of any action designed to target any Garda employee who may have made a protected disclosure.

She said she would condemn any such action.
An inmate has returned to safety after an incident at Dublin's Cloverhill Prison.

A spokesperson has confirmed that the man gained access to an internal roof at the prison this evening and an hour long stand-off ensued.
A new survey reveals that Irish teachers feel unprepared for dealing with dyslexia in the classroom.

Research carried out by the Dyslexia Association of Ireland to mark World Dyslexia Day found 97% of teachers feel they need extra training.
A Nobel peace laureate has described her detention by the Israeli navy as she tried to reach Gaza by sea as kidnap.

Mairead Maguire, 72, from Belfast, was with 13 activists on a boat about 40 miles from shore when it was intercepted on Wednesday as they attempted to breach the maritime blockade imposed in 2007.

The yacht, Zaytouna-Olivia, was not carrying aid, and travelled from Barcelona to Sicily and on to Gaza in a symbolic attempt to challenge Israel's refusal to let Palestinians freely use the port.

Ms Maguire, 1976 Nobel peace prize winner for her work to unite communities in Northern Ireland, pre-recorded a video message with other women on the boat expecting to be detained at sea.

"We were arrested, kidnapped, illegally, in international waters and taken against our wish into Israel," she said.

"This has happened to me before. We will be deported and tragically not allowed back to see our friends in Palestine and Israel. This is totally illegal.

"As women from many countries we uphold our freedom of movement in any part of our world.

"So, for those who can help to call for the release of all those on the women's boat to Gaza, please do so.

"But even more importantly, because it's not about us, work for the freedom and human rights, the lifting of the blockade against the people of Gaza and for the freedom for the Palestinian people and peace in the Middle East.

"We can all do this together. It is not a dream. We are here in prison because we care for human rights, for human dignity, for the Palestinian people."

The Israeli Defence Forces said the boat was intercepted in international waters after "exhausting all diplomatic channels" and that the operation was "uneventful".

It described the Gaza maritime blockade as lawful and said the women refused to change course when asked.

Others on the voyage, organised by the Women's Boat to Gaza, were Ann Wright, a retired US colonel, former South African Olympic volleyball player Leigh-Ann Naidoo, Algerian MP Samira Douaifia, Marama Davidson Green Party MP in New Zealand and Jeannette Escanilla first substitute MP in the Swedish parliament.

Three of the 13 women have been released.

In 2010 an unsuccessful attempt by the Gaza Freedom Flotilla to breach the blockade ended when Israeli military intercepted the MV Mavi Marmara and killed 10 Turkish people after boarding.

At that time Ms Maguire was on a separate boat in the flotilla, the MV Rachel Corrie and she was subsequently detained and deported.

Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on Gaza after the Hamas militant group took power almost 10 years ago.

The blockade has stifled the tiny state's weak economy but Israel insists it is necessary to prevent Hamas importing weapons.

The women were detained hours after a rocket strike on Sderot, a southern Israeli town on the Gaza border. Israel targeted a series of Hamas posts in Gaza in response.
Finance Minister Michael Noonan has insisted he did not put pressure on NAMA to sell the multi-billion euro Project Eagle property bundle in 2014, writes Fiachra O Cionnaith of the Irish Examiner.

The senior cabinet member issues the denial at the start of his Dail public public accounts committee grilling on the issue today, adding any suggestion he should have cancelled the deal after being informed of fixers fee claims "fundamentally misinterprets" his role.

In an opening statement to the cross-party group, Mr Noonan said he at all times acted appropriately throughout the sale.

Despite claims to the contrary, he insisted "no pressure" was ever placed on NAMA officials to sell Project Eagle in a highly controversial bundle sale that is now the subject of claims it lost the State 220m.

"The fact that I, and my counterparts in the North, were cognisant of a potential sale and mindful of the potential impact on the Northern Ireland economy should not be surprising.

"However, this should not be misconstrued as political pressure on NAMA.

"As has been pointed out by the NAMA Chairman, there was no political pressure on NAMA regarding this sale.

"Nor was there any divergence of views expressed to me by any party within the Northern Ireland Executive regarding NAMA and a potential sale of its Northern Ireland loan portfolio.

"From my perspective as Minister for Finance since March 2011 I can categorically assure the Committee that this is the case," Mr Noonan said.

The Finance Minister also dismissed the insistence of opposition TDs he should have immediately halted the Project Eagle deal when he was informed of issues relating to alleged fixers fees for then Nama Northern Ireland advisory Frank Cushnahan and Pimco, which subsequently left the deal.

"I appreciated the courtesy of being informed by the chairman as this was a potentially sensitive issue.

"Suggestions that I, as the Minister for Finance, should have interfered with NAMAs commercial decision and called a halt to the Board approved sales process fundamentally misunderstands NAMAs independent mandate and my role as the Minister for Finance," he said, adding there "was no legal basis" for him to stop the deal.

Mr Noonan pointedly quoted a number of opposition TDs - including PAC chair Sean Fleming - who previously said no political interference in NAMA should ever occur and that in his view this means they should not believe he has any questions to answer.

While acknowledging the significant controversy over the fact the C&AG and NAMA - two State bodies - are in conflict over the value dry Project Eagle sale, Mr Noonan said he continues to have complete faith in both groups.

Meanwhile, PAC chair and Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming has confirmed the PAC's report into the controversy will conclude by mid-November and be published in December.

In opening comments, Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald called for Pimco to be invited for questioning by the cross-party group.

The meeting is expected to conclude just after 6pm.
Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan is doing "so much damage" to the Force which is in "turmoil", the Dail has heard today, writes Daniel McConnell of the Irish Examiner.

Revelations in this week's Irish Examiner once again dominated Leaders' Questions today in the Dail, where Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald came under serious fire over the scandal.

Independents4Change TD Mick Wallace, in a very heated exchange, pleaded with the Tanaiste to remove the Commissioner from her position.

Mr Wallace said he and his colleague Clare Daly have met with the two whistleblowers who made the latest Protected Disclosures and said the Commissioner has failed to end the persecution of whistleblowers in the force.

"The force is in turmoil... she is doing so much damage," Mr Wallace said.

In response, the Tanaiste said that while details of the disclosures are in the public domain, she is precluded by law from commenting.

She also said that those involved are entitled to due process and she would not be rushing to judgement.

In response to Sinn Fein's Mary Lou McDonald, the Tanaiste said the Commissioner is entitled to her full confidence.

Ms Fitzgerald said that she would not be slow to establish a full inquiry into the allegations should it be merited.

Fianna Fail's Charlie McConalogue began by asking the Tanaiste to state whether it was true that the two people behind the disclosures are likely to refuse to cooperate with any pending inquiry.

In response, the Tanaiste said she could not comment.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Pashcal Donohoe has expressed his "full confidence" in Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan, writes Elaine Loughlin of the Irish Examiner.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dail that a judicial-led inquiry may now be established by the Government into the allegations, following the reports.

Speaking in Dublin this morning, Mr Donohoe said Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald is now looking into the latest allegations.

He added: "I have full support and confidence in the commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan, she has made cleaar her clear desire to tackle all of the cultural issues in relation to whistle-blowing and all of the issues that has generated in recent years. I fully accept that.

"We are making progress in that area but I know we have more progress to make and the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice is now fully considering the issue that she became aware of under legislation that we brought in and will be making a determination on the right course of action on that soon."
A wanted man captured by the U.S. Marshals Service in Rochester this summer was sentenced Thursday for committing two felonies in Cayuga County.

Walter C. O'Conner, also known as "Bobby Fingers," was turned over to the Auburn Police Department in June, two months after police issued warrants for his arrest.

The 42-year-old was charged with three felonies  second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and third-degree grand larceny  in addition to misusing food stamps and welfare fraud.

However, in August, Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann agreed to amend the original charge of felony second-degree assault and dismiss the weapons charge in exchange for O'Conner's plea.

First, O'Conner, of 52 Loderdale Road, pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted assault for hitting a man in the head with a curtain rod in April 2015. Then, he said he committed third-degree grand larceny when he stole more than $7,000 from a residence two months later.

"I did work for someone and they tried to stiff me so I took money from their house," O'Conner said at the time of his plea.

Judge Thomas Leone sentenced O'Conner to 1 1/2 to 3 years in prison for the assault and 3 to 6 years in prison for grand larceny, for which he will also have to pay restitution. Both sentences will run concurrently with one another.

In addition, Leone and Budelmann said they will submit recommendations for protective custody as O'Conner feels he is in danger for assisting the District Attorney's Office on a high-profile case in the past.

"I just want to apologize to the court," O'Conner said. "I'm disgusted with myself, and I shouldn't be sitting here."

Also in court:

 An Auburn man will spend the next few years in prison for three separate crimes in Cayuga County.

Jack Ferrin, of 229 W. Genesee St., pleaded guilty to three felonies in August: third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, first-degree identity theft and third-degree burglary.

In the first case, the 29-year-old admitted to selling heroin in August 2015. Then, Ferrin said he illegally entered a residence on Maple Street in April and used a stolen credit card at the Wal-Mart on Grant Avenue in June.

"I was a victim to heroin," Ferrin said at his sentencing Thursday. "But I think incarceration actually saved me."

"Heroin is an incredible problem in our community and I think prison is appropriate in this case," Budelmann added. " Whether we lose our young people to overdose or prison, it's a tragedy... and I hope Mr. Ferrin takes advantage of the programs available for his addiction."

Leone sentenced Ferrin to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison for the burglary, 1 to 3 years in prison for identity theft and 3 years in prison plus 2 years post-release supervision for selling narcotics. All sentences will run concurrently to one another in addition to a shock camp recommendation.

 A 20-year-old Cayuga man with an extensive criminal history has been sentenced to prison.

This summer, Noah Attaway, of 6166 Lake St., pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary and third-degree grand larceny for stealing a vehicle from a residence in Cato in November.

A second felony offender, Attaway has a long out-of-state criminal history, Budelmann said, including 30 arrests, 12 convictions and four prison sentences. He was most recently convicted of felony vandalism in 2013 in Shasta County, California.

Attaway was sentenced Thursday to two to four years in prison.

 And a Port Byron teenager was remanded to Cayuga County Jail Thursday after being arraigned on five charges.

Harold Chism, of 701 Carner Rd., pleaded not guilty to two counts of third-degree burglary  a class "D" felony  two counts of petit larceny and one count of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property  all class A misdemeanors.

According to Leone, he sentenced the 19-year-old to five years probation last year for grand larceny. At the time, Leone also granted Chism youthful offender status and ordered him to complete felony drug court for alcohol and substance abuse.

However, since then Chism has appeared in multiple courts for several violations of probation, the Cayuga County Probation Department said, so Leone chose to remand him until his next court appearance Dec. 8.
A Nobel peace laureate has described her detention by the Israeli navy as she tried to reach Gaza by sea as kidnap.

Mairead Maguire, 72, from Belfast, was with 13 activists on a boat about 40 miles from shore when it was intercepted on Wednesday as they attempted to breach the maritime blockade imposed in 2007.

The yacht, Zaytouna-Olivia, was not carrying aid, and travelled from Barcelona to Sicily and on to Gaza in a symbolic attempt to challenge Israel's refusal to let Palestinians freely use the port.

Ms Maguire, 1976 Nobel peace prize winner for her work to unite communities in the North, pre-recorded a video message with other women on the boat expecting to be detained at sea.

"We were arrested, kidnapped, illegally, in international waters and taken against our wish into Israel," she said.

"This has happened to me before. We will be deported and tragically not allowed back to see our friends in Palestine and Israel. This is totally illegal.

"As women from many countries we uphold our freedom of movement in any part of our world.

"So, for those who can help to call for the release of all those on the women's boat to Gaza, please do so.

"But even more importantly, because it's not about us, work for the freedom and human rights, the lifting of the blockade against the people of Gaza and for the freedom for the Palestinian people and peace in the Middle East.

"We can all do this together. It is not a dream. We are here in prison because we care for human rights, for human dignity, for the Palestinian people."

The Israeli Defence Forces said the boat was intercepted in international waters after "exhausting all diplomatic channels" and that the operation was "uneventful".

It described the Gaza maritime blockade as lawful and said the women refused to change course when asked.

Others on the voyage, organised by the Women's Boat to Gaza, were Ann Wright, a retired US colonel, former South African Olympic volleyball player Leigh-Ann Naidoo, Algerian MP Samira Douaifia, Marama Davidson Green Party MP in New Zealand and Jeannette Escanilla first substitute MP in the Swedish parliament.

Three of the 13 women have been released.

In 2010 an unsuccessful attempt by the Gaza Freedom Flotilla to breach the blockade ended when Israeli military intercepted the MV Mavi Marmara and killed 10 Turkish people after boarding.

At that time Ms Maguire was on a separate boat in the flotilla, the MV Rachel Corrie and she was subsequently detained and deported.

Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on Gaza after the Hamas militant group took power almost 10 years ago.

The blockade has stifled the tiny state's weak economy but Israel insists it is necessary to prevent Hamas importing weapons.

The women were detained hours after a rocket strike on Sderot, a southern Israeli town on the Gaza border. Israel targeted a series of Hamas posts in Gaza in response.

Later, organisers of the Women's Boat to Gaza said the remaining 10 women were being deported from Israel.

Wendy Goldsmith, a member of the team working to secure their release, said: "The deportation was much quicker than in prior flotillas.

"While we had a great legal team assisting the women, we suspect that the reason for the quick release was because of all the negative media attention Israel has been receiving for its illegal interception."
Housing Minister Simon Coveney has ruled out an immediate attempt to oust Taoiseach Enda Kenny from office, writes Fiachra O Cionnaith of the Irish Examiner.

On Wednesday, outspoken backbench TD John Deasy said at least "10 to 15" members of the parliamentary party now want Mr Kenny to step down.

While suggesting the issue "will come to a head before the end of the year", the Waterford TD said he believes the Taoiseach would survive a no confidence motion at this stage and that it is likely any push will take place by spring or summer next year.

Although a number of TDs criticised Mr Deasy's decision to express his view just days before a vital budget, a number - including politicians previously uncritical of Mr Kenny - said it is time for their leader to step down after the budget.

In particular, one middle-ground TD said he will give Mr Kenny just two post-budget opinion polls to rescue his position, while another said by early next year other TDs will act when they realise the Taoiseach "has no intention of going anywhere".

Speaking on RTE Radio's News at One programme yesterday, Housing Minister Simon Coveney - who is widely seen as one of the most likely potential successors to Mr Kenny - said he believes the Taoiseach remains focused on "stabilising this Government".

The Cork South Central TD said there will "absolutely not" be a push against Mr Kenny now, adding he has "faith" in the Taoiseach's ability "to decide when there should be a leadership change".
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has suggested that Kim Kardashian would not have been robbed if she was using an Irish tech security firm.

Mr Kenny made the comments as Carlow company Netwatch announced 85 new jobs.
A Sinn Fein TD has told the Dail of his pain at losing two brothers to suicide.

Cork East deputy Pat Buckley was speaking during a debate calling for increased mental health services.
Enough has been done to stop Northern Ireland exiting the European Union, a victims' campaigner who took the British Government to court said.

A case at Belfast High Court challenging British Prime Minister Theresa May's ability to trigger Brexit negotiations is awaiting the outcome of related legal action in Great Britain before judgement is delivered.

On Thursday a lawyer claimed Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire was not properly informed about the implications for the country.

Raymond McCord, whose son Raymond McCord Jr was murdered by the loyalist UVF in north Belfast in 1997, went to court over concerns European support for Troubles victims may end.

Afterwards he said: "I believe that enough has been done for us to stop Brexit, for Northern Ireland not to exit out of Europe."

A cross-community group of politicians and human rights campaigners was also involved in the legal bid to ensure devolved decision-makers at the Stormont Assembly are consulted before Brexit and protect peace process guarantees enshrined in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement which largely ended republican and loyalist violence.

Some 56% of Northern Irish voters backed Remain but some unionist-dominated areas supported Leave. The largest party in Northern Ireland, the Democratic Unionists, campaigned for an exit.

Mr McCord added: "After this morning's legal arguments I am optimistic that our case will be upheld."

He said a barrister for the Government claimed the "ship had sailed" on Brexit.

"It was quite clear this morning that it has not sailed and it will not sail until Article 50 is invoked."

The British Prime Minister has said she will invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty by March, beginning formal negotiations on an exit with European partners covering maintenance of the single market, freedom of movement and other issues.

David Scoffield QC, a barrister for the politicians challenging Brexit, said the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) must take a position on whether withdrawal from the EU is good or bad for Northern Ireland and make that view known to the Westminster Government.

"Before they do so they should appropriately appraise themselves of the effect that would have.

"It is a matter of concern to us. We are told the Secretary of State has not provided any advice on this issue."

He added: "It is his role to speak for Northern Ireland interests in this process and to do so he must be properly informed."

Tony McGleenan QC, who represented the Northern Ireland Secretary, said there was no impediment to the Northern Ireland Assembly considering the issue and communicating its view to the Westminster Government.

Northern Ireland aspects of Brexit, including the role of the devolved legislature at Stormont and the part played by European directives both sides of the Irish border, have been fully outlined before the court but it may reconvene at a later date, once cases in Great Britain relating to Brexit are dealt with, lawyers for the applicants said.
A strengthening Hurricane Matthew is steaming towards Florida with winds of 140mph as hundreds of thousands of people board up their homes and flee inland to escape the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade.

Florida governor Rick Scott urged the 1.5 million people living in evacuation zones in his state, its skies already darkening from the deadly storm's outer bands of rain, to "get out".

Speaking in Stuart on the Atlantic coast, he said anyone living in low-lying areas or on barrier islands must "evacuate, evacuate, evacuate".

Warning that "this is game day", Mr Scott warned people to stay away from the coast, adding: "No-one needs to be on the beach doing anything."

The hurricane has picked up strength as it closes in on the US, growing from a category three to a category four storm.

It has barrelled over the Bahamas and is now expected to scrape nearly the entire length of Florida's Atlantic coast from Thursday evening local time.

From there, forecasters said, it could push its way just off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina before veering off to sea.

About two million people in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina have been warned to head inland, with nearly all of Florida's Atlantic coast and Georgia's entire coast under hurricane warnings.

Forecasters said the storm could dump up to 15in of rain in some areas and cause a storm surge of 5ft-8ft.

"This is a dangerous storm," Mr Scott warned. "The storm has already killed people. We should expect the same impact in Florida."

Major theme parks in inland Orlando remain open, but Walt Disney World and Universal Studios have cancelled Halloween events planned for Thursday night.

Fort Lauderdale Airport has closed to all flights.

Georgia governor Nathan Deal has ordered mandatory evacuations along the state's entire coast, the first such move in 17 years.

A damaged home in Haiti.

Mr Deal said everyone east of Interstate 95 should flee Georgia's six coastal counties - Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh, Glynn and Camden. Those counties have a combined population of more than 522,000 people.

In South Carolina, governor Nikki Haley warned everyone in evacuation zones not to take the orders lightly. She said the surge from the storm could be as high as 8ft and affect not only the coast but also areas farther inland.

The state has reversed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 26 from Charleston to Columbia, allowing more motorists to move inland at once.
US president Barack Obama has declared a state of emergency in Florida as Hurricane Matthew approaches with winds of 140mph, leaving more than 100 dead in its wake across the Caribbean.

It was the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade.

"The storm has already killed people. We should expect the same impact in Florida," Florida Governor Rick Scott said as the skies began to darken from Matthew's outer bands of rain.

The hurricane gained fury at it closed in, growing from a possibly devastating Category 3 storm to a potentially catastrophic Category 4 by late Thursday morning.

It was expected to scrape nearly the entire length of Florida's Atlantic coast from Thursday evening.

From there, forecasters said, it could push its way just off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina before veering out to sea.

Around two million people in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina were told to head for safety, and interstate highways were turned into one-way routes to speed up the exodus.

Mr Scott said Florida could be looking at its biggest evacuation ever.

Many boarded up their homes and businesses and left them to the mercy of the storm.

Daniel Myras, who has lived for 25 years in Daytona Beach, where he owns the Cruisin Cafe two blocks from the boardwalk, struggled to find enough plywood to protect his restaurant.

"We're not going to take any chances on this one," he said. "I have the feeling that this one is the one that makes Daytona realise that we need to get ready for storms."

He added: "A lot of people here, they laugh, and say they've been through storms before and they're not worried. But I think this is the one that's going to give us a wake-up call."

Forecasters said Matthew's fiercest winds appeared unlikely to strike Miami or Fort Lauderdale, the most densely populated areas in Florida, with about 4.4 million residents.

Those cities were expected to get tropical storm-force winds of between 39mph and 73mph.

Instead, forecasters said the West Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral areas farther north could get the brunt of the storm.

More than 1.3 million people live in Palm Beach County and about 568,000 in Brevard County, home to Cape Canaveral and NASA's Kennedy Space Centre.

The last Category 3 storm or higher to hit the US was Wilma in October 2005. It sliced across Florida with 120 mph winds, killing five people and causing an estimated 21 billion US dollars in damage.

As people hurried for higher ground, authorities in South Carolina said a motorist died on Wednesday after being shot by deputies in a gun battle that erupted after he sped away from a checkpoint along a storm evacuation route.

Matthew killed at least 114 people in the Caribbean as it roared through Haiti, Cuba and the Bahamas.

Officials said at least 108 of those deaths were in desperately poor Haiti, where many towns were cut off by the storm and the magnitude of the death and destruction was just beginning to come into focus two days later.

In the Bahamas, authorities reported many downed trees and power lines but no immediate deaths.

With hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 60 miles from the storm's centre, Matthew could wreak havoc along the coast even if it were to stay just offshore.

Forecasters said it could dump up to 15 inches of rain in some spots and cause a storm surge of nine feet.

Patients were transferred from two Florida waterfront hospitals and a nursing home near Daytona Beach to safer locations.

In inland Orlando, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld announced plans to close early.

The Fort Lauderdale Airport closed late in the morning, and the Orlando airport planned to shut down as well.

Airlines cancelled more than 2,800 flights scheduled for Thursday and Friday, many of them in or out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Some coast residents decided to take their chances and stay.

Deborah Whyte walked her dogs at Jupiter Beach Park in the morning to check the surf.

"We boarded up our house and I boarded up my store in Tequesta," she said. "And we're just hunkering down and waiting for it."

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal ordered a mandatory evacuation of the entire Georgia coast, covering more than half a million people.

The Georgia coast has not seen a hurricane evacuation since 1999, when it narrowly escaped Floyd.

On Georgia's Tybee Island, Loren Kook loaded up his pick-up truck with suitcases and a computer and planned to drive to metro Atlanta.

"It seems like a lot of the long-time residents are staying," said Mr Kook, who moved to the coast four years ago. "I've never sat through a Category Whatever. I'll watch it on TV."
Syrian president Bashar Assad has denied reports that his government is targeting hospitals and civilian infrastructure.

Syrian opposition activists and international relief agencies have said Syrian and Russian war planes have been hitting hospitals and infrastructure in the northern city of Aleppo, which has been the epicentre of the Syrian civil war in recent months.

But Assad told Denmark's TV2 station that "to say this is our aim as a government, (that) we give the orders to destroy hospitals or schools or to kill civilians, this is against our interest".

Still, Assad said mistakes are sometimes committed by individuals in any war. Excerpts from the interview were released by Assad's office on Thursday.

Assad said that had his government been "committing all these atrocities", he could not have remained president.
Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group Co., Ltd. (GAIG) was founded on June 8th, 2000, on the integration of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Motors Group Company (previously Guangzhou Wuyang Group Company). It is authorized by Guangzhou Municipal Government to operate state- owned assets, and is a large-scale company group with heavy support from Guangdong Province and Guangzhou Municipality, in 2004, GAIG sold 210,000 cars and 620,000 motorcycles, taking in a sales income of 42.8 billion RMB, with a pre-tax profit of 11.1 billion RMB. In 2004, GAIG ranks 50th amongs the Top 500 strongest companies in china.

After strategic adjustment in structure in 1997, GAIG successfully chosed a new partners on passenger car projects, and established Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. with Honda Motor and Guangzhou Isuzu Bus Co., Ltd., with Isuzu Motors Limited, later on. 2004 Guangzhou Toyota Motor Co., Ltd (GTMC) was established with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and launched its mid-size Sedan Camry in2006. Through a series reforms and reconstructions in recent years which have laid a solid foundation for the development, GAIG has set up five manufacturing bases (passenger car, bus, light- duty truck, motorcycle, and automobile parts) and R&D Center of Engineering Technology. GAIG has invested in 38 joint-ventures with more than 10 foreign partners.

At present, GAIG possesses 112 subsidiaries, entirely owned or jointly owned like Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (previously Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd.), Guangzhou Motors Group Company (previously Guangzhou Motorcycle Group Company), Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Toyota Motor Co., Ltd., Guangqi Toyota Engine Co., Ltd., Wuyang-Honda Motors (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Guangzhou ISUZU Bus Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Denway Bus Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Yangcheng Automobile Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Automobile Group Component Co., Ltd., China Lounge Investments Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Automobile Group Business Co., Ltd., and Guangzhou Automobile Engineering Technology R&D Center. Main products of GAIG are Guangzhou Honda Accord passenger car, Odyssey passenger car and Fit passenger car, Guangqi Toyota AZ engine, Guangzhou GALA large and medium-size luxurious buses of three series, Denway, Pearl River large and medium-size bus, Yangcheng mini-bus, light-duty truck and special-purpase vehicle, Wuyang motorcycle, Wuyang-Honda motorcycle, automobile and motorcycle components like air-conditioner, seat, lamp, springs and shock absorber. Products of GAIG are sold throughout China, and some have been exported to countries and regions in Europe, America and the rest of Asia. China's first passenger car export base project invested by GAIG, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Dong Feng Motor Co., Ltd, has began its production.

With Chinas entry into WTO, strengthening of Chinas economy and improvement on the Chinese peoples living standard, new opportunities of development are brought before Chinas automobile industry. Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "GAC") is integrally converted into joint stock company from the former limited liability company on June 28th, 2005. It was initiated by Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group Co., Ltd., Wanxiang Group Corporation, China National Machinery Industry Corporation, Guangzhou Iron & Steel Enterprises Group and Guangzhou Chime-Long Hotel Co., Ltd.

GAC's equity participation is as below: Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group Co., Ltd. holds 3,217,403,529 shares, which account for 91.9346% of the total shareholding equity, Wanxiang Group Corporation holds 139,636,656 shares, which account for 3.99%, China National Machinery Industry Corporation holds 129,169,156 shares, which account for 3.6909%, Guangzhou Iron & Steel Enterprises Group holds 6,999,331 shares, which account for 0.2%, Guangzhou Chime-Long Hotel Co., Ltd. holds 6,456,883 shares, which account for 0.1845%. Among them, Wanxiang Group Corporation is China's leading manufacturer of automobile parts and components, China National Machinery Industry Corporation has an advantage in machinery manufacture, Guangzhou Iron & Steel Enterprises Group is closely linked with automobile industry and has a regional advantage, Guangzhou Chime-Long Hotel Co., Ltd. is a private-owned enterprise with favorable operation mechanism and good market reputation.

With an independent and complete production, supply, sales and R&D system, GAC's main business relates to automobile manufacture, sales and service, automobile trade and logistics services, automobile parts and components, auto finance and related services, which faces both overseas and domestic market. At present, it has tens of enterprises, including Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Toyota Motor Co., Ltd., Honda Motor (China) Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Isuzu Bus Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Denway Bus Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Yangcheng Automobile Co., Ltd., Guangqi Toyota Engine Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Automobile Group Component Co., Ltd., China Lounge Investments Limited, Guangzhou Automobile Group Business Co., Ltd., and Guangzhou Automobile Industry Park Co., Ltd., etc. GAC offers different types of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, automotive engines and major automobile parts.

Back to: Leading carmakers and parts suppliers in China
A man and woman in their late 50s have won a High Court fight to stop a grandchild they had not known existed being adopted.

The couple learned of the girl's birth more than six months after she had been placed with a family who planned to adopt her.

A judge has now ruled that the youngster, who turned two in May, should leave her adoptive home and go to live with her grandparents.

Mr Justice Bodey said case was "tragic" and suggested that a judge needed the wisdom of Solomon.

He said his heart went out to the couple who had cared for the little girl since she was seven months old and hoped to adopt her.

But he said that, after weighing pros and cons, he had concluded that adoption would not be in the toddler's best interests.

The judge in the London case did not identify anyone involved.

"The decision required in this case will inevitably cause great pain and heartache to one or other of two families who are in no way responsible for the situation in which they find themselves," he said.

"This is something of which I am acutely conscious but for which there is, unhappily, no solution."

The judge added: "The case has correctly been described by one of the experts as 'tragic' and as 'very distressing'. It requires, in the perhaps overused phrase, something of a judgment of Solomon."

He went on: "A move now would, in my judgment, be in the best interests of (the little girl's) welfare throughout her life. Put at its lowest I am unable to conclude ... that the making of an adoption order would be better for (her) than not doing so."
Update 4.15pm: It is understood that Mr Woolfe passed out after suffering what were described as two "epileptic-like fits" as well numbness on the left hand side of his body.

In his statement he made no reference to the reported altercation which took place at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

There were unconfirmed reports that he was punched during the course of an argument while other reports suggested he hit his head after falling heavily.

A spokeswoman for French national police said that the incident had not been reported to them and they had no current plans to investigate.

"If someone decides to ring and make a complaint, we will of course follow it up," she said.

A spokeswoman for the European Parliament confirmed Mr Woolfe had collapsed in the main building in Strasbourg, and said that an investigation into the circumstances was now under way.

Update 3pm: Ukip leadership favourite Steven Woolfe is recovering in hospital after being admitted in a "serious" condition following an altercation at a meeting of the party's MEPs.

The 49-year-old MEP said in a statement that a CT scan had shown that there was no blood clot on his brain but that he was being kept in hospital overnight as a precaution.

"At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever. As a precaution, I am being kept in overnight awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything in fine," he said.

"I would like everyone to know that the parliamentary staff, the Ukip MEPs with me and hospital staff have been brilliant. Their care has been exceptional.

"I am sitting up, and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face. "

Update: 2.15pm Ukip leadership favourite Steven Woolfe is reported to be "conscious" and "recovering" in hospital following an altercation at a meeting of the party's MEPs.

The incident took place during what was said to be a heated discussion at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

A photograph posted on the ITV News website showed the MEP lying spread-eagled and face-down on a gangway clutching a briefcase with an attendant leaning over him.

It followed earlier reports that the Ukip member was in a "life-threatening condition" in hospital.

Fellow leadership contender Raheem Kassam had written on Twitter: "I've just heard Steven Woolfe's condition is life-threatening. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers."

Neil Hamilton, Ukip's leader in the Welsh Assembly, said he had been told by an eyewitness that there was an argument between some MEPs.

The former Conservative MP told the BBC: "I don't know what his current condition is. It's obviously a serious matter if he's been carted off to hospital with bleeding on the brain, as I understand.

"Well, this is what I've been told second-hand but the story has come from somebody who was an eyewitness there so you know I think it's pretty credible.

"It's most unfortunate but passions obviously run high."

He added that he had been told Mr Woolfe "toppled over and hit his head on a glass window" after the confrontation, adding: "It must have been quite a wallop, I guess, to have had the impact that it seems to have had."

Mr Hamilton admitted the incident was not a great advert for the party, but added: "Let's not generalise it - it's a dispute between one or two individuals. It's not good that they are public representatives of the party in the European Parliament and that's highly regrettable."

Ukip MEP Roger Helmer was also at the initial meeting, where he said there was "a lively exchange of views".

He told the BBC: "I've heard that he is in a serious condition, although I've heard that my colleague Gill Seymour, who was with him, is optimistic about his recovery.

"There were some lively exchanges of views. I think you'll find that's not uncommon in political meetings.

"That took place a good two hours before the voting session where I understand Steven Woolfe left.

"I certainly saw no physical altercation take place."

Update: 12.45pm Ukip MEP Steven Woolfe is in a "serious" condition in hospital "following an altercation that took place at a meeting of Ukip MEPs this morning" in Strasbourg, Nigel Farage said.

A statement from Ukip's interim leader said: "I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of Ukip MEPs this morning that Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious."

A party spokesman said Mr Woolfe was "taken suddenly ill" in the European Parliament building in Strasbourg on Thursday morning.

The spokesman added: "He has been taken to hospital in the city and he is undergoing tests."

A senior source within the party has said that Mr Woolfe is suffering from bleeding of the brain after he was punched by a colleague.

According to one source it took place at what was described as a "clear the air meeting" with MEPs who had been unhappy at his admission that he had considered defecting to the Conservatives.

Raheem Kassam, who is also running to be Ukip leader, tweeted: "I really hope @Steven_Woolfe is okay. Plz send him your best wishes."

Ukip has long had a reputation of bitter internal feuding, with a number of high-profile party figures making no secret of their dislike for each other.

Mr Kassam, warned on Wednesday that the party could not look forward to a positive future unless it was able to heal the "internal fractures".

"There are so many people shaking hands with one another and then knifing them in private. It has to stop," he said.

"I'm clear about what I stand for: a strong, united Ukip, free of the Tory splitters. And I launched a clean campaign pledge on my website because I'm sick of the backstabbing and negative briefings. If I have something negative to say about someone, I'll say it to their face, not behind their backs."

The incident comes the day after Mr Woolfe declared he was a candidate for the Ukip leadership following the shock resignation of Diane James.

In his statement announcing his candidacy, Mr Woolfe said he had been "enthused" by Theresa May's start to her premiership.

"Her support of new grammar schools, her words on social mobility and the growing evidence that she is committed to a clean Brexit prompted me, as it did many of my friends and colleagues, to wonder whether our future was within her new Conservative Party," he said.

Earlier: Ukip leadership favourite Steven Woolfe has reportedly collapsed during a session at the European Parliament.

The British MEP for the North West is said to have been taken ill after walking out on a vote at the parliament in Strasbourg.

He is now being tended to by medics, according to reports on social media.

Suzanne Evans, Ukip's former deputy chair who is said to be considering her own leadership bid, tweeted: "Shocked to hear Steven Woolfe has apparently collapsed in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Wishing him well for a speedy recovery."

Shocked to hear Steven Woolfe has apparently collapsed in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Wishing him well for a speedy recovery.  Suzanne Evans  (@SuzanneEvans1) October 6, 2016

A Ukip spokesman said: "Steven Woolfe MEP was taken suddenly ill in the European Parliament building in Strasbourg this morning.

"He has been taken to hospital in the city and he is undergoing tests."
SAN FRANCISCO: US tech titans looking to the future are seeing growth take a beating in the face of foreign...
Brent oil may retrace towards a support zone of $94.54-$94.89 per barrel, as it faces a resistance at $96.32. The...
Its easy to argue against Hollywoods lazy trend toward remaking/rebooting everything in creationmostly because nearly all of these remakes/reboots suck. Leave it to HBO, however, to come up with an exception to the rule with its dark, dense reimagining of Michael Crichtons 1973 sci-fi thriller Westworld.

Westworld is the work of creators Jonathan Nolan (little brother to The Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan) and Lisa Joy Nolan. The series takes as its skeletal structure the setting and plot of Crichtons original. Once again, we have a high-tech theme park in which rich folks pay exorbitant sums of money to interact with lifelike androids in an immersive simulation of the Wild West. Whereas Crichtons film was an excuse for your basic robot-filled mayhem, the series version explores the idea with depth, breadth and some sneaky philosophical smarts.

The series takes place inside Westworld (gone, it seems, are Romanworld and Medievalworld), which is staffed with 3D-printed androids known as Hosts. Every day Newcomers arrive on the train to interact with these Hosts in a series of pre-scripted storylines. Wanna get drunk and frolic with a prostitute? Go ahead. Wanna shoot somebody? Help yourself. Needless to say, not a lot of people spend their time exploring altruistic fantasies. But thats OK. The staff here is all artificial. If you kill one of them, theyll just pop up the next day, fit as a fiddle, in a permanent Groundhog Day-style loop.

The first difference, right off the bat, is that Westworld spends much of its time focussing on the poor, replacable Hosts. One of our main characters is Dolores Abernathy (Evan Rachel Wood), a young homesteader who wakes up every morning cheerful and happydespite the fact she often ends up raped or murdered by days end. Being a pre-programmed android, she has no reason to doubt the truth of her surroundings. This isnt a major problem, at least until the parks founder and creative director Dr. Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins) decides to update the Hosts software to make them even more human. This causes them to access some of their erased memories and remember things that theyre not supposed to.

The head of Westworlds Programming Division (Jeffrey Wright) and its head of security (Luke Hemsworth) express some concerns about the upgrade and its effect on the park. But Westworld hasnt had a major malfunction in over 30 years. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty, of coursebut not the immediate robot revolution we got in the original. Instead, we get a slow, steady awakening on the part of Dolores and others as they start to puzzle out the mystery of who and what they really are.

Existential and technological ponderings aside, Westworld throws in some wonderful twists on the original narrative in order to surprise and confuse those who think they know the storyline. Ed Harris, for example, shows up as the mysterious Man in Blacka clear throwback to Yul Brynners character in the first film. But this Man in Black is quite a bit different, with an entirely new agenda. Its these unexpected twistsalong with the sharp writing, feature-quality cast and tense atmospherethat help make Westworld less of a remake and more of an upgrade.
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MOSCOW: Russia and Ukraine carried out the latest in series of prisoner of war exchanges on Saturday, with both...
Floriade is, weather permitting, still running! It runs until October 16 in Commonwealth Park. Free entry. 9am-5pm weekdays, 9am-5.30pm weekends.

Australian psych-rock band Stonefield are playing their latest hits at Academy Club as part of their national tour, As Above, So Below, tonight. The gig starts at 7pm. Tickets $23.50 through Moshtix.

The Googong dams water spills over the walls after recent rains. Credit:Karleen Minney

Latin music lovers can head along to the Tuggeranong Arts Centre to see the Joe Taylor Trio perform an all-ages gig live tonight from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Tickets $10.
The Brisbane Lions have been handed a big boost before the 2017 season, after being granted a priority pick by the AFL in the upcoming national draft.

The AFL's chief legal counsel Andrew Dillon has written to the Lions, stating they will be entitled to pick 19 in the draft under the special assistance rule. Brisbane are allowed to trade the pick.

While the Lions asked for pick 3, to go after their current pick 2, the club never thought it was a realistic chance of being granted that wish and is therefore ecstatic with being given pick 19.

It means Brisbane will now have picks 2, 19, 21 and 29 in the upcoming draft  as the current order stands  leaving it in a strong position heading into the trade period.

The Lions won just three games this year, conceding an average of 131 points, their worst loss a 138-point drubbing at the hands of Adelaide in round 20.
Australian policymakers say efforts to rein in the runaway housing market are working. But on the ground there's a fresh bidding frenzy, as fibreboard shacks fit for demolition and miles from downtown Sydney go for almost $1 million.

A lack of houses in and around the city, the epicentre of Australia's property boom, is pushing up prices again even after banks last year tightened mortgage lending. Some buyers are snapping up homes they've never seen, worried it might be their last chance to own a patch of land, said Peter Baldwin, the chief auctioneer at real estate agency Richardson & Wrench for 27 years.

"It's all guns blazing again," said Baldwin, who's never seen fewer properties for sale in spring, a season when home hunters are usually spoiled for choice. The shortage "will just keep this market humming along''.

A three-year surge in Australian home prices paused at the end of 2015 after banks raised mortgage rates to offset the cost of holding more capital. The market is taking off again as a growing population tries to squeeze into too few properties, posing a potential headache for new central bank governor Philip Lowe.
A preliminary report into the blackout by the Australian Energy Market Operator confirmed extreme weather was the primary cause, but otherwise raised more questions than it answered. It found some wind farms disconnected in the seconds after the storm knocked out at least three transmission lines  an observation reported by some journalists as evidence wind farms were in part to blame. In reality, it is too early to say anything of the sort. But the idea - more popular with politicians than the population, and significantly over-represented in influential media commentary  that the growth in renewable energy is a problem that needs to be stopped or reversed persists. At the other end of the spectrum, and to a lesser extent, so does a suggestion that the shift to a cleaner grid will be simple. Neither are true. But the change is necessary and inevitable. Consider the facts. Burning coal to make electricity has been good for Australia's economic development, but it wasn't and isn't cheap. It carries a hidden cost that is passed on to future generations.

Many of those countries don't yet have policies in place to meet the targets required, but the traffic in policy terms is one way. Businesses across the globe, hard-headed and rationalist, have taken the hint. Shareholders increasingly want to know how companies are responding to climate change. In both China and India, the huge investment in coal power has begun to slow, with some projections suggesting solar power may soon be cheaper to build. In Australia, the major energy companies acknowledge coal is on the way out and want the government to intervene to help with an orderly transition to cleaner generation. French energy giant Engie, which owns 72 per cent of Hazelwood, has begun to "exit from coal" by shutting or selling its dirtiest plants across the globe. The Victorian generator is in its sights. Already, some old and inefficient coal plants across the country have shut because they were not profitable.

Turnbull and Josh Frydenberg, his Environment and Energy Minister, have indicated publicly they understand the trend. Both have also acknowledged that under the Paris deal Australia's climate targets (a 26-28 per cent cut in emissions by 2030 compared with 2005 levels) will have to become more ambitious over time. Yet we remain stuck in the disingenuous position of having federal policies  mainly the "direct action" emissions reduction fund  that no one believes are capable of meeting even existing commitments. The government currently has no policy to cut the coal-fired emissions of the electricity sector. It has a policy to boost renewable energy that Tony Abbott sought to kill but couldn't, that Turnbull and Frydenberg have backed to deliver about 23.5 per cent of generation by 2020. But it stops in that year with no plan to extend it. In this vacuum, Labor state governments have pledged to dramatically increase the share of renewable energy on their own turf. Some, including Victoria, have released details of how they plan to do this. Other targets are little more than aspirations. It is arguable whether state targets are helpful  some experts say they increase costs unnecessarily. As recently as last December, then environment minister Greg Hunt said he had encouraged states to offer extra investment if they wanted to attract more clean power. Blame for the current mess lies more with Canberra than the provinces.

Currently, most renewable energy policy is building the cheapest form, wind power. It has proved effective well beyond doomsday predictions, but how much of our electricity should it provide? Australia's coal plants are mostly old, need replacing over the next couple of decades, and no one is going to build a new coal plant. There is an argument that gas-fired electricity  with lower emissions than coal - could have a role as a transitional power source. But gas is increasingly expensive and are governments really going to introduce a new subsidy  whether direct or implied through regulation  for fossil fuel generation? The economics and impossible politics of nuclear power continue to rule that out, but it is likely large-scale solar power could have a significant part to play. The cost is coming down rapidly and battery storage continues to advance. And an increasing chunk of the energy system will be decentralised  powered by people and businesses across the country with solar panels and batteries. Already, nearly 2 million Australian homes have solar panels.

Wherever it lands, the transition won't be straight-forward. But those arguing clean energy should be held back due to concerns the transmission network can't cope are approaching the issue in reverse. The question needs to be: how can the network be transformed, and what rules need to be changed, to make the grid smart and robust enough to handle a complex mix of centralised, decentralised and intermittent generation underpinned by batteries? And what can we learn from places such as Germany and parts of the US, which have adapted to life with a higher proportion of renewables and micro-grids in certain areas that would protect against blackouts on the scale seen last week? Energy ministers meeting on Friday could begin by agreeing to change what's known as the national electricity objective to reflect that their decisions should consider reducing emissions alongside the key issues of price and reliability. It would make it easier to approve new connections between states  a step that should improve reliability of the grid, and is likely to lift the pace of transition. They could discuss - ahead of a federal review next year - what policies are needed to transform the electricity sector at cheapest cost, and that could be scaled up to meet more ambitious targets. (Hint: start by turning direct action into a form of carbon pricing.) They could consider how to best ensure coal plants are closed and clean energy brought on in a staged and predictable way.
Coconino Community College is back on the ballot three years after asking unsuccessfully for voter approval of a tax override.

But this time, Prop. 410 asks for $3 million extra a year instead of $4.5 million, and it wont take effect until 2019.

The extra funds will likely go toward restoring programs such as nursing, construction management and auto repair that were cut amid slashes in state funding during the recession. A campus in Williams was closed and services in Page were reduced.

A 1999 voter-approved bond that allowed CCC to build their Lone Tree campus will be fully paid off in 2019. This proposal asks that the $2 million per year that was taken in from property taxes continue but go toward growing various programs instead. In addition, the primary property tax levy that goes to operations would be increased by $1 million.

State aid provides just 11 percent of CCCs operating revenue , down from 40 percent in 2000. Property taxes bring in 44 percent while tuition and student fees account for 45 percent. The annual tuition and other costs for a full-time CCC student is an estimated $3,400  including books and supplies  compared to the state average of $2,510 for yearly tuition at community colleges.

So far this election cycle, Prop 410 has been endorsed by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth.

The programs they offer now, and hope to offer with a successful passage of this proposition, are crucial to a successful and thriving community, wrote Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of CCC&Y, in a letter to the editor. Such a community can only benefit our children now and in the future.

If passed, the new tax will be implemented beginning in 2019 and will be used to enhance services for seven years before it either expires or is renewed by voters. CCC currently has the lowest property tax rate for community colleges in Arizona, a function of having a low starting property tax rate at its founding 25 years ago, with caps subsequently added by state law.

The state average rate for community college property taxes is $1.80 for every hundred dollars of assessed home value; CCCs rate is less than a third of average, at 49 cents. On the other end of the spectrum, Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher is permitted to levy $3.14 for every hundred dollars.

During a recent meeting with the Arizona Daily Sun Editorial Advisory Board, Colleen Smith, CCC president, said that enrollment was currently stagnant.

If we dont add programs, there will be a time in the future where not only is enrollment flat, but where the lines of our funding and enrollment will start to cross in a negative way, she said.

The college aims to provide more vocational programs to meet the needs of the community as well as hire more full-time faculty. Smith said the $3 million increase was based on discussions she had with colleagues at the college and businesses that have expressed the need for more people with specialty training. College officials looked at estimates of how many students would enroll in programs, startup costs and how many new faculty members would be needed to teach the classes. She also said they tried to think of ways to create programs at a lower cost -- an automotive repair mechanic certificate program, for example, might be held in the service department of a local dealership.

We could do a lot of hands-on things in the classroom but then go to automotive repair places and have students do internships, she said. So all of that is figured in and makes it much less expensive than these programs were when they were looked at before.

There havent been any announcements on specific new programs that the college will be offering if Prop 410 is approved, but a voter information packet sent out by CCC says there have been discussions to expand the construction and nursing programs.

The secondary property tax levy to pay off the bond, which would be repurposed for new programs and personnel hires, will not be levied after it ends in 2019 if Prop. 410 fails. The primary property tax levy, which helps to pay for operations and is now at its legal maximum without passage of Prop. 410, would not rise by $1 million a year starting in 2019 if the ballot measure fails.

Ive worked at other underfunded community colleges and my philosophy is, just because were underfunded does not mean we cant have great learning opportunities, Smith said. We might not be able to provide the things that meet our entire mission, but we will work hard to keep the college going strong and we will continue to problem-solve.
A toxic row between the country's two most senior lawyers escalated after Attorney-General George Brandis rejected advice on the same-sex marriage plebiscite from the government's chief legal adviser and instead sought the opinion of his predecessor in the Howard government.

Senator Brandis has come under fire over a controversial move to restrict his ministerial colleagues' ability to seek legal advice directly from the Solicitor-General, Justin Gleeson, SC.

The feud between the men reached fever pitch on Wednesday after Mr Gleeson, the government's chief legal adviser, flatly contradicted claims by Senator Brandis in Parliament that he had consulted Mr Gleeson about the change.

On Thursday, Senator Brandis vehemently denied misleading Parliament and resisted calls from the Labor Opposition to resign amid the extraordinary brawl.
He began by sacking the female whip of six years Rosie Winterton and replaced her with Nick Brown, who served as whip under the former Labour government. But there were big promotions for three other women, including one for his staunch backer Diane Abbott. [BBC] Abbott is not considered one of the party's talents but this is Corbyn-Labour, firmly focussed on ideology over pragmatism and centrist appeal. 3. Deadly Hurricane Matthew headed for US Wind brought by Hurricane Matthew blow palm trees on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas. Credit:AP

More than 140 people are dead after the fiercest storm the Carribean's seen in a decade hit a cluster of islands, including Haiti. The south-east corner of the United States is now bracing for a direct hit, spurring mass evacuations and a rush on petrol, food, water and other supplies. [Reuters] 4. Thirty senior Republicans oppose Trump Donald Trump lacks the "intelligence" to be president, according to 30 former Republican lawmakers. [The Hill] Top Fox presenters Sean Hannity, left, and Megyn Kelly have traded barbs. And the red-on-red attacks don't stop there. Over at Fox News, hosts Sean Hannity and Megyn Kelly are duelling, accusing each other of being biased. [The New York Times]

5. Sell Blue Poles The Australian-owned artwork Blue Poles is on display at the Royal Academy of Arts in London to international acclaim. [My report/Fairfax] The piece was purchased during a storm of controversy during the 1970s and was personally approved by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. [The Economist] Liberal Senator James Paterson says the artwork, which has increased in value from $1.3 million to anywhere between $100 to $350 million, should be sold off to pay down the budget deficit. [Rob Harris/Herald Sun] Politics is still dominated by the bitter row between Attorney-General George Brandis and the Solicitor General. Michaela Whitbourn has the latest on this story. [Sydney Morning Herald]

Laura Tingle says notes taken do not support Brandis' side of the story. [Financial Review] Michelle Grattan muses on Brandis' future. [The Conversation] The group of young Australian men, including a ministerial aide to cabinet's Christopher Pyne, who co-ordinated their swimwear for the purpose of gracing the Malaysian public with their wares, are on now on their way home after getting off on a caution. [Fairfax] A smashing read here on how pride and privilege don't make for common sense. [Sydney Morning Herald] And big developments in NSW.

Premier Mike Baird was the leading Liberal light until he shut down the greyhound racing industry virtually overnight. Since then, he has faced internal political pressure, a backlash from the sector, Coalition voters and the general public. The NSW Nationals threatened to spill their own leader on the issue. [ABC] Several news outlets are today reporting the premier is preparing to backdown on the ban. [Andrew Clennelll, Alicia Wood/Daily Telegraph] 6. Pakistan bans honour killings I will never forget a story told to me by a girlfriend of mine in Australia who migrated from Delhi, India. She told me of her schoolfriend who defied her family and went ahead with a "love marriage" instead of one arranged by her family. Her family cut her off and then pretended to have forgiven her, arranged a meeting. When she arrived home her father shot her dead.
The pay dispute between public servants and the Coalition government could drag on until 2018 after the industrial umpire ordered one department into arbitration with its main workplace union.

And the government's hardline industrial bargaining policy now faces the scrutiny of the full bench of the Fair Work Commission as it mediates in the dispute between the Immigration Department and its workforce.

It is possible the commission might order concessions from the department that fall outside the Abbott-era policy, which would seriously undermine the position of public service bosses who for three years have insisted they could agree to nothing that was outside the "bargaining framework".

About 100,000 public servants are still resisting attempts to impose new workplace deals under the tough bargaining policy devised under Tony Abbott's prime-ministership, while more than 50,000 have accepted enterprise agreements developed under the policy.
Investigations are under way after two men involved in the construction of world-class facilities at Eagle Farm Racecourse were killed in a workplace accident.

The men, aged 34 and 55, were working inside a pit when a concrete slab being moved by a crane fell onto them, crushing them to death.

The police Forensic Crash Unit was helping the investigation, with officers on scene on Friday morning.

Seven ambulance crews and four fire trucks rushed to the Lancaster Road, Ascot racecourse just before 4pm Thursday.
A 15-month-old boy is in a north Queensland hospital battling meningococcal disease.

The toddler's mother took him to a Mackay emergency department on Wednesday after he showed symptoms of the potentially fatal disease.

Townsville Hospital confirmed the boy was in a stable condition in their intensive care unit. Credit:Gabriele Charotte

He was rushed to Townsville Hospital and the hospital has confirmed he's now in a stable condition in their intensive care unit.

Townsville Hospital's Dr Steven Donohue said family members had been given antibiotics to minimise the chance of the disease being passed to others.
Queensland Police are seeking help from the public to track down the owner of a large amount of cash found in Brisbane's north last year.

Police say members of the public handed over a black plastic box containing the cash and a mobile phone to police at Carseldine Police Station in August 2015.

Police would not comment on how much money was inside the box. Credit:Louie Douvis

Police would not comment on how much money was inside the box but say extensive inquiries and tests have failed to locate the owner.

AAP
The Queensland Government's new policy to sell, lease, or "release" state government land will be used to lure more "corporate couples" and young families to Caloundra in 2017, the Sunshine Coast's deputy mayor Tim Dwyer said.

The Sunshine Coast Council is part-way through a Caloundra urban renewal master plan and documents show 52 per cent of land in Caloundra's CBD is state government-owned.

Government land sales could help lure young families to "new Caloundra" Cr Tim Dwyer.

While more than 30 per cent is parkland, it owns several large properties in the Caloundra CBD.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Thursday released a new strategy for selling, or leasing government-owned land parcels which are under-utilised.
A CFA volunteer and Metro Trains worker set fire to a train restoration club where he had been sexually assaulted, a court has heard.

Nicholas Archer, 28, was previously a train assistant who was part of Metro's disaster recovery team. He was also a volunteer firefighter and a volunteer at an antique train restoration group called Steam Rail.

Nicholas Archer pleaded guilty to a series of arson and criminal damage charges. Credit:Facebook

Archer pleaded guilty to 12 counts of arson on Thursday in the County Court. He often called firefighters to attend to his own fires, including at the Clonbinane CFA fire station. He also set fire to the Newport Steam Rail club warehouse, and at a railway station.

Archer also pleaded guilty to two counts of endangering life by derailing a parked train.
Robyn Thompson was thousands of kilometres away when her mother fell, smashing bones in her face and wrists, and knocking all her top teeth out.

The first Dr Thompson heard of the disaster was a call from her mother Nita's nursing home to say she was in an ambulance en-route to hospital.

Nita Kearsley's daughter has detailed her experiences at an Altona Meadows nursing home.

But there was a problem. Dr Thompson says nobody from the nursing home had gone with Nita, and the woman on the phone didn't know where she was going.

After paying a deposit of more than $350,000 for her mother's care, Dr Thompson, was stunned. The nursing home had abandoned her mother, she says, and now they couldn't find her.
An investigation that so far has netted 39 arrests mostly in Flagstaff in connection with a statewide crime ring Tuesday began in mid-May 2015 -- the same month a Coconino County jury convicted Michael "Buddy" Vallejos, 24, of second-degree murder.

Now, it appears Vallejos trial for the 2013 gang-related stabbing death of 23-year-old Juan Hernandez in Flagstaffs Southside neighborhood played a pivotal role in this weeks sting targeting violent crime and narcotics trafficking in Coconino, Maricopa and Navajo counties.

My understanding is that some of these leads stirred up out of that trial of Michael Vallejos, who is an Eastside Bloods gang member, said Flagstaff Police Department spokesman Sgt. Cory Runge, who was unable to provide specific details.

FPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced Tuesday that more than 100 law enforcement officers had conducted 38 predawn arrests and executed search warrants in Flagstaff, Glendale, Winslow and Page. FPD made a 39th arrest later in the afternoon.

At least 25 Flagstaff-area residents are now facing felony charges in connection with the sting, dubbed Operation Nightfall. The Daily Sun was able to confirm the new charges for all but seven of those suspects. It is believed to be the largest single arrest operation ever conducted in Flagstaff. Three suspects were arrested in Page, as well.

Among those arrested in Flagstaff was Vallejos mother, Lisa Vallejos, 47, who was charged with three new counts of transportation or sale of dangerous drugs. She has an extensive criminal history and has previously been named as a defendant in more than 60 cases in Flagstaff Municipal, Flagstaff Justice and Coconino County Superior courts.

Pretty much everybody on this list is a career criminal from what I can see, Runge said. Many of the names have been associated with crime in Flagstaff for more than a decade.

He said FPD expects the arrests will reduce the citys crime rate going forward.

Many of the property crimes that are occurring in Flagstaff, we expect and we hope that we will see a decrease in those and a decrease in the rate of burglary-related violence and crimes in the near future, Runge said.

He also said some of those arrested were associated with Flagstaffs Eastside Bloods street gang, the Arizona incarnation of the Mexican Mafia prison gang, and Glendales Grandel street gang, which is suspected of supplying large amounts of methamphetamine to northern Arizona.

Theyre legitimate gangbangers down there, Runge said. Our lower-level gang members up here are somehow affiliated with them. That then starts creating real gangs here in Flagstaff, which we dont like.

The suspects were arrested on a variety of felony charges, including trafficking in narcotics and other drugs.

According to a press release, ATF agents and members of Metro joined forces with federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies in northern Arizona to address the spike of narcotics trafficking and violent crime in Coconino County. The investigators used a number of techniques, including undercover operations, background investigations and targeting of violent repeat offenders in possession of firearms and narcotics. They conducted more than 100 controlled purchases of drug and weapons for the investigation, obtaining more than 5 pounds of methamphetamine, 90 grams of heroin and eight firearms as evidence.

The investigation implicated 50 defendants in various crimes involving racketeering, control/participation in a criminal enterprise, felons in possession of firearms, aggravated assault, armed robberies, narcotics distribution, money laundering, wire fraud, trafficking in stolen property, misconduct involving weapons and the burglary of more than 60 firearms.

Collectively, according to the joint statement, the 50 defendants have been indicted on 127 felony charges. They have 156 prior felony convictions, and 518 prior arrests.

The task force was still looking Wednesday for 11 suspects wanted in connection with the crime ring. Five were listed as fugitives with active warrants and six were listed as persons of interest. The charges and their places of residence were not specified. The investigation is ongoing.

The following agencies participated in the investigation: ATF Flagstaff, including its Phoenix office, Flagstaff Police Department, Metro Narcotics, Navajo County Drug Task Force (M-CAT), Coconino County Sheriffs Office, Coconino County Detention Facility, Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), United States Marshals Service, Page Police Department, Winslow Police Department, Glendale Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations. The Arizona Attorney Generals Office, Coconino County Attorneys Office, Navajo County Attorneys Office and the United States Attorneys Office are prosecuting the cases.

*Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Flagstaff Police Department Sgt. Cory Runge said, Many of the property crimes that are occurring in Flagstaff, we expect and we hope that we will see a decrease in those and a decrease in the rate of burglary-related violence and crimes in the near future."
When the call comes, often late at night, foster carer Vicci Henderson always reminds the social worker to pack nappies and bottles.

Make sure the kids are rugged up warm against the cold air, she says. Not just pyjamas, a dressing gown as well.

Foster carer Vicci Henderson. Credit:Simon Schluter

And when children arrive - anyone from a young baby to five siblings - Vicci knows they will be anxious, and very hungry. Food, warmth and reassurance are a start. But some of these children will need much more.

For the first time in Australia, Victoria will trial the use of "professional" foster carers to support some of the most traumatised children in the state's out-of-home care system.
A psychiatrist who endorsed Danny Nikolic's bid to regain a jockey's licence was not told about all of the banned rider's aggressive and violent past before making his assessment, a tribunal has heard.

Forensic psychiatrist Samson Roberts had written there was no reason from a psychiatric perspective that Nikolic should not be granted a jockey's licence by Racing Victoria, following his suspensions for abusing stewards.

Danny Nikolic, pictured with partner Tania Hyett, gives evidence at VCAT in a bid to regain his jockey's licence. Credit:Jesse Marlow

But under questioning in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on Thursday, Dr Roberts conceded Nikolic had not told him about a series of aggressive exchanges he had with people, including separately assaulting a taxi driver and a woman.

Dr Roberts acknowledged that Nikolic punching cabbie Mohammad Iqbal in the face in February 2013 over a fare dispute, and pulling the hair of Rikki-Lee Hull, the then girlfriend of another jockey, at a pub in March 2011, were acts of "significant violence".
The Budgie Smuggler Nine are living proof that a good school, good DNA and good clothes maketh neither the man nor good sense.

For years, the BS Nine have wandered the world marking out little bits of England, Croatia, China, Greece, Italy and Holland that will be forever Australia.

But desporting themselves at the Malaysian Grand Prix last Sunday proved a prix too far.

The BS Nine dropped their pants to reveal Sluggos emblazoned with the brand "Budgy Smuggler" and the Malaysian flag then chanted "Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi" for several minutes, while quaffing beer from shoes to celebrate fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo's first F1 win in two years.
Australia is in the world headlines today. Jewel Topsfield reports from the Jakarta courtroom where prosecutors have called for a 20-year sentence for Australian resident Jessica Wongso who is accused of murdering her friend Wayan Mirna Salihin with cyanide-laced coffee.

The 'Budgie 9', as they have become known, spent their fourth night in jail in Malaysia where authorities have taken offence at their stripping down to flag-themed swimwear at Sunday's Grand Prix. Lindsay Murdoch reports the government's mouthpiece, The New Straight Times, has called for them to be deported.

Europe Correspondent Nick Miller took a day trip to The Hague to interview Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Foreign Minister Albert Koenders. Koenders has urged patience from all sides in finding someone guilty for the downing of MH17. He said it was "unfortunately" too early to choose a jurisdiction to try those allegedly responsible.

Staying with MH17, Russian firm selling children's beds resembling missile launcher that downed that plane. We'd love ot know what you think.

Other stories not to miss today:
Islamabad: Pakistan's parliament unanimously passed legislation against "honour killings" on Thursday, three months after the murder of an outspoken social media star.

A joint session of the lower and upper houses of parliament, broadcast live on television, approved the new anti-honour killing law, removing a loophole in existing law that allows killers to walk free after being pardoned by family members.

Pakistani social media star Qandeel Baloch, who was recently strangled to death. Credit:Instagram: @qandeelbalochquebee

"Laws are supposed to guide better behaviour, not allow destructive behaviour to continue with impunity," said former senator Sughra Imam, who initially put forward the bill.

Some 500 women are killed each year in Pakistan at the hands of family members over perceived damage to "honour" that can involve eloping, fraternising with men or any other infraction against conservative values relating to women.
Imagine: You spend weeks wondering if your spouse is cheating on you. You ask him about it, and he denies it. Then one day, you find his emails clearly showing that he has been cheating. You confront him, and he shrugs it off. You see no remorse in him. If anything, you see contempt. You start entertaining dark thoughts in your suffering. One night while you're fighting, an intruder breaks into your house. The intruder points a gun at both of you and threatens to hurt you and your children. Do you keep fighting your spouse, or do you try to figure out how both of you and the children can make it out alive?

For weeks approaching the Democratic National Convention and for days after, I was angry at Hillary Clinton's campaign and the Democratic Party. I felt betrayed, and I was suffering partly because I saw no sign of remorse after email leaks showed that party officials had conspired to work against Bernie Sanders' campaign . If anything, I saw contempt for Sanders himself and Bernie supporters like me. The memory of comedian Sarah Silverman on the DNC stage sneering, "You're being ridiculous" at heartbroken Sanders voters left a terrible wound, partly because there was no one invited on stage to offer anything like a rebuttal. I entertained dark thoughts after Philadelphia, such as joining the anti-Democratic party movement #DEMEXIT and leaping into the eager arms of the Green Party, or leaving America altogether.

But I'm not doing any of those things. I can't. Even though I devoted huge amounts of time and energy to Sanders' campaign, and despite the DNC's unfair treatment of my preferred candidate, I refuse to let Donald Trump rise to power. For me, voting Clinton is about protecting America's most vulnerable from the right-wing extremism Trump represents, even if it means throwing my support behind a candidate I'm not especially fond of.

I volunteered countless hours to support Sanders' campaign during the Democratic primaries. With a few friends, I organised what must be one of the first grass-roots Sanders events, in April 2015 in New York City. I was there in Burlington, Vermont, on May 26, 2015, when he announced his candidacy. I was elated to see so many people with the same dreams for changing America by aggressively confronting income inequality, climate change, war and money in politics. During the primary, I travelled to Iowa, New Hampshire and Washington state, and maintained the third-largest grass-roots page for Sanders on Facebook, We Want Bernie Sanders (now called Save Main St ). Like thousands of others in Bernie's movement, I did all that because I love my country and wanted a better future for us all.
'Developing effective means of preventing torture and holding those responsible for torture to account, remains an absolute imperative for the international community. (Professor, Sir Malcolm Evans). This month members of the Law Schools Human Rights Implementation Centre (HRIC) have been out in force working with a range of institutions to support their efforts to prevent torture and other ill-treatment.

5-9 September, Ukraine: Sir Malcolm Evans, Professor of Law and Chair of the United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) led a team of delegates to conclude a visit to Ukraine.



We were pleased to be able to complete our visit by finally accessing to the SBU facilities, where persons are deprived of their liberty. This has greatly assisted our ability to produce a comprehensive report, which will be transmitted to the authorities as soon as possible.

The UN independent experts noted that Ukraine has made progress in improving conditions of detention in the country, in particular through the reduction of overcrowding in pre-trial detention centres. The increasing use of non-custodial measures during the pre-trial stages of criminal proceedings is a positive step forward. Further information on the visit can be found here.

5 September, Bristol: The HRIC hosted a meeting at the University between the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and the African Commission's Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa. This provided an opportunity for members of both Committees to discuss possible ways to collaborate and support each others work on the prevention of torture and other ill-treatment in the region.

6-8 September, Rwanda: Debra Long participated in stakeholder consultations to support the process for designating a National Preventive Mechanism in Rwanda. Rwanda ratified the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention in June 2015 and now has an obligation to put in place a National Preventive Mechanism with the aim of preventing torture and other ill-treatment. Since the date of ratification the HRIC has been working closely with the Rwandan National Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Justice, together with its partners under the Article 5 Initiative and the Association for the Prevention of Torture, to assist in the establishment of a National Preventive Mechanism.

This latest consultation brought together representatives from Government, the national human rights institution and civil society organisations, to agree a timetable for completing the designation process. It was also agreed that the HRIC, together with its partner organisations, would assist in the development of a draft law setting out the mandate of the National Preventive Mechanism, as well as various advocacy tools explaining the work and importance of this body.

12-15 September: Cameroon: Debra Long conducted the first visit to Cameroon under the ESRC Human Rights Law Implementation Project (HRLIP). During this visit Debra met with the in-country consultant for Cameroon, Felix Agbor, as well as the Regional Secretary for the National Commission of Human Rights & Freedoms, in order to discuss and plan project activities in Cameroon for the coming year.

21-22 September, Kyrgyzstan: Dr Elina Steinerte of the HRIC, travelled to Bishkek, to lead a major international conference Istanbul Protocol Implementation: Transforming Regional Experiences into International Norms for Effective Torture Investigation and Documentation. The event saw collaboration between world leading Human Rights experts to fight against the use of torture in Kyrgyzstan, with further discussions into the implementation of the Istanbul Protocol, which was led by Steinerte. Further details on this event can be found here.

23 September, Warsaw: Professor Sir Malcolm Evans spoke at The Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Europe's largest annual human rights and democracy conference.

30 September: The UN Human Rights Council approved the candidacy of Dr Elina Steinerte to one of the Councils Special Procedures, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD).

Moving forwards

4 October, London: the HRLIP project team will come together to discuss the case templates and interview questions and plan for the country visits.

11 October, London: The HRIC together with the Open Society Justice Initiative is convening a one-day roundtable in London on 11 October 2016 on The challenges to the preventive monitoring under OPCAT in the context of counter-terrorism and anti-radicalization measures. This event will bring together representatives from UK, Norwegian, Danish and French National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) as well as members of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) to discuss ways these bodies can respond to the increasingly stringent counter-terrorism measures in the context of preventive monitoring of prisons. For more info, contact Dr Elina Steinerte.

11 November, London: the Human Rights Implementation Centre, in partnership with Amnesty International, is organising an event to launch a new manual 'Combating Torture and Other Ill-Treatment'. The manual, written principally by HRICs Debra Long, sets out in detail State obligations to enforce the absolute prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment. The new publication provides comprehensive guidance for anyone working to end these abuses worldwide. Book your place via the online form.
WASHINGTON  A national expert on whistleblowers Wednesday welcomed the multimillion-dollar settlement of charges against the Yavapai Regional Medical Center as a great example of how the system should work.

The U.S. Attorney for Arizona and the Prescott medical center this week announced finalization of the agreement, under which the hospital will pay $5.85 million to settle a whistleblowers allegations that the facility was misreporting the number of hours worked by its employees between 2006 and 2009. The misreporting had the effect of boosting Medicare payments the facility subsequent to those years, according to a statement prosecutors released Tuesday.

The medical center admitted no liability in the settlement and prosecutors maintained in it that the charges were well-founded. But the case was closed this week once the agreement was finalized.

Its very important to emphasize that the allegations were not related to the quality or type of care provided to patients, said medical center spokeswoman Robbie Nicol said in a statement on the case. The staetment went on to point out that the error did not affect any Medicare patients individual out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, co-pays, etc.

Part of the settlement will go to Gregory Kuzma, who filed suit against the medical center in April under the federal False Claims Act, which allows individuals to file lawsuits on behalf of the federal government and collect a portion of the recovery if they are successful.

Kuzmas actions were praised by Jordan Thomas, who heads up the whistleblower representation practice in the New York office of the law firm of Labaton Sucharow. He called it a great example of what whistleblowers can do.

Who outside a hospital center would know that the hours being recorded were not accurate? Thomas asked. It was entirely possible that the hospital staff could have worked the hours recorded  the only catch was they didnt, and that is something that only an insider could know.

Kuzma filed suit in U.S. District Court alleging that the medical center received as much as $19.1 million in Medicare overpayments from fiscal years 2011 through 2015, due to its misreporting. That inflated the wage index for the Prescott area, causing the Medicare program to increase its payments to the hospital, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney John Leonardos office.

False bills to the Medicare program threaten the viability and effectiveness of the program, undermine public confidence, waste precious taxpayer dollars, and will not be tolerated, Leonardo said in the statement.

Kuzma claimed the hospital was aware it had received inflated Medicare payments no later than February 2011.

As a part of the deal finalized Tuesday, Kuzma will be paid $1.17 million of the hospitals $5.85 million settlement payment. One of Kuzmas attorneys, David Caputo, said he was pleased the government so promptly and thoroughly investigated the information that our client brought to its attention.

This settlement results from precisely the sort of public-private partnership that makes the United States False Claims Act such a powerful tool in combating fraud in our healthcare system, Caputo said.

Thomas noted that more cases like Kuzmas are occurring, calling it the new era of whistleblowing, where more people are more aware of the programs and more willing to come forward.
Ambitious target of a deal a day for brokers

The prudential regulator has a new chair, deputy chair, and members
A new report by Credit Suisse has said that self-managed super funds are the shadow bankers behind Australias rising property prices.This has led to a ticking time bomb where unsupervised, unregulated SMSFs are being used to leverage property, according The Business with ABC News.In the ABC News report, David Murray , the former chair of the Financial Services Inquiry, resumed his call to ban borrowing to invest in super.Superannuation funds should not be leveraged including self-managed superannuation funds because leverage magnifies risk, he said.If the system is unleveraged then if asset prices rise, bubble and fall, then all the loss is contained within the superannuation fund and does not have another contagion effect because there are no forced sellers of other assets.In 2006, SMSFs accounted for 20% of all Australian super. In 2016, this rose to 30%.The amount of debt contained within these funds has risen by over 70% annually, said Stephen Anthony, chief economist of Industry Super.Conservative estimates would suggest that theres around $150 billion now in property assets in self-managed super.The use of SMSFs are potentially exacerbating the peaks and troughs of the Australian property market, he told ABC News.So now you have mums and dads rushing into property investment using the tax-subsidised position of superannuation to do so, driving up asset prices, [and] feeding what is already clearly a property boom.Since self-managed super funds dont have access to public insurance, this means the owners of these funds remain unsupported if a crisis hits.SMSFs also do not fall under the regulatory supervision of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).The cost of prudentially regulating SMSFs would, simply by virtue of the sheer number of such funds, be substantial and significantly outweigh any benefits, said APRA in a statement.Noel Whittaker, financial advisor, had a stark warning for those looking to buy property in this manner.The average Australian doesnt trust shares, but they love bricks and mortar. Most people are conned by spruikers into buying overpriced apartments and they will get a bloodbath.In June 2015 the Australian Securities & Investment Commission issued advice to SMSF advisers indicating it believes SMSFs should only be opened if they have a starting balance of $200,000 or more
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Cinderblocks fell from the former Long Island College Hospital complex and hit two workers on Wednesday, seriously injuring one of them.

The blocks fell on the two victims at the old infirmary on Hicks Street at Atlantic Avenue just before 1 pm, according to a Fire Department spokesman and a New York University Langone Medical Center spokeswoman.

New York University Langone and developer Fortis Property Group are preparing to demolish the property to make way for a new medical center.

Emergency responders took both victims to the old Long Island College emergency room a block away at Amity and Hicks streets  which Langone itself is now running  where one was in a serious but not life-threatening condition and the other was sporting just minor injuries, the Fire Department rep said.

A site supervisor who refused to give his name claimed the accident happened inside the building and not out on the street, and that both workers are now fine and will return to work next week.

City inspectors have found several safety infractions at the property since December last year  including electrical work without a permit, uncovered holes, and absent safety managers  and have slapped various subcontractors there with at least $8,000 in fines, according to city records.

In August, workers accidentally set fire to the landmarked Polhemus building  another part of the Long Island College Hospital complex, which Fortis is turning into condominiums  when they were trying to remove rooftop a water tank with a blowtorch, according to a Brooklyn Eagle report at the time.

A Fortis spokeswoman would not comment on what happened on Wednesday other than to say the developer is monitoring the injured workers health and that safety is its top priority.

A man who picked up the phone at the sites demolition contractor GMR Services said he dont know nothing before hanging up.

The sites safety supervisor, Ramona Diaz from contractor the Safety Group, did not immediately return requests for comment.

 with Lauren Gill
Porter is getting to umpire his second World Series
Wrights Food Group has appointed a new business development manager, bringing its team of food innovators to five.

Toby Patrick joins from Aryzta Food Solutions  formerly Delice de France  where he was a business development chef working across four national brands and new product development. Prior to that he was a sales manager for Brakes where he worked on developing new business and product innovation.

During his career, which includes catering management and a spell in the Territorial Army running a field kitchen in Basra, Iraq, Patrick has gained a broad range of experience, working with different ingredients and developing new ranges for the foodservice sector.

The recruitment follows the appointment of business development chef Ian Jennings earlier this year  Patrick joins a team of four development chefs at the companys Crewe headquarters.

Patrick said: The brand stands for quality, which is so important when developing products for major UK brands. We can be working on up to 50 ideas for new products at any one time, so Im looking forward to the challenge and opening doors for new business opportunities.

In July popstar Olly Murs paid Wrights Pies a visit in his home town of Stoke, and took to social media to praise the bakery.
On Designated Survivor, President Kirkman (Keifer Sutherland) continues to face an uphill battle during his first days as President of the United States as he fights for the right to maintain his position of the highest office in the free world.

Titled The Confession, episode 3 shows Kirkman facing tough questions from the press about his ability to be the president. He also finds that the American people might not be so ready to welcome him with open arms when a hidden secret comes to light.

As the second episode ended, a lone survivor was found in the rubble; a congressman named Peter Macleash. FBI Agent Hannah Wells (Maggie Q) starts to develop her own theories on who really bombed the Capitol and subsequently wiped out the entire cabinet during the State of Union address. She has her own agenda and romantic connection to one of the reportedly deceased cabinet members, Scott Miller.

A Hacker Attacks the White House

The lights went out in the White House and their internet network went down. It is found that they were hacked. No one knew if top secret files were compromised on the presidents computer. Left on the computer after it was hacked was a message from a Middle Eastern terrorist claiming his terror group was behind the attack on U.S. soil.

Al Zakaar is reportedly behind the attack, but the president has a hunch the strike was manipulated. Until it can be confirmed one terrorist group is behind the attacks, the president will not confirm any new information to the American people.

Emily Rhodes (Italia Ricci) an Aaron Shore (Adan Canto) both vie for the position of Chief of Staff for President Kirkland. Kimble Hookstraten (Virginia Marsden), the other designated survivor, becomes a confidant to the president in his time of need. He shows her the video as she is a part of his new regime, but asks that it not get leaked.



The New President Begins to Fall Apart

Going through her sons room, Alex (Natascha McElhone) finds drugs as well as wad of cash in his drawer as she and her young daughter finish packing their familys belongings for their move to the White House. Drawing on her motherly instincts, she knows something is very wrong with her son Leo (Tanner Buchannan).

Kirkmans (Kiefer Sutherland) first interview with the press doesnt go as planned. During a candid interview with Elizabeth Vargas, he reveals that prior to taking office, he had no aspirations to become President.



Designated Survivor and Speechless Picked Up for Full Seasons >>>

Vargas drops a bombshell during the interview that the now-deceased former President Richmond fired Kirkman from his cabinet on the day of the capitol bombing. In a frank declaration, Vargas asks Kirkman to tell the American people the truth. Kirkman also learns that most of the country does not think he is a fit leader.

Hannah finds a new clue as to who bombed the capitol building. Hannah learns that there is a brief delay from the time the sole tape of the interior of the Capitol building ends until the bombing occurs. She informs her FBI co-worker to hack the phone of a woman taking photos at the same time the tape ends hoping to find more clues to what happened in those missing seconds before tragedy struck.

Tyler, the son of the deceased president, is unhappy with Kirkmans honesty during the interview and instead of asking him to speak at his fathers funeral, he asks Congresswoman Hookstraten instead. Kirkman calls her speech opportunistic. During her speech, Kirkman changes his tune towards Hookstraten as no longer an ally, but someone to watch.

Presidential speechwriter Seth Wright (Kal Penn) finds that Tyler and his father had a falling out two years prior to his death and havent spoken since. As they were discussing this new development, the video linking terrorists to the capitol bombing was leaked to the news. Kirkman asks to speak to Hookstraten immediately.

Designated Survivor Recap: Kirkman Not Fit to Run the U.S. as President? >>>

Hookstraten remarks that she already has her eyes on the presidency, looking to score points for the upcoming primary with her speech. She also says she was not the one who leaked the video. The president realizes that Aaron is the one that leaked the video, and calls his move insubordinate. Aaron defends his move so the country will rally behind the president instead of focusing on his shortcomings and the Elizabeth Vargas interview.

Kirkman speaks to Emily about the Chief of Staff position and tells her he is going to choose Tyler for the position. He still wants Emily as a close ally, as she has always been during his time in public office and reveals that he wants to appoint her as his special advisor.

Hannah finds via her FBI co-worker that there are two photos in the missing 34 seconds between when the Capitol video ran out and the building was bombed. In the first photo, Congressman Macleash was in the picture, in the second photo taken seconds later he was missing prior to the bombing. Hannah believes he has something to do with the attack on the capitol.

In the last moments of the episode, Aaron meets with an unidentified woman who gives him a file on the new president. What does he have up his sleeve?

Designated Survivor airs on Wednesdays at 10/9c on ABC. Want more news? Like our Facebook page.

(Images courtesy of ABC)
Get ready for Meredith and Bailey to clash in season 13, episode 5, of Greys Anatomy, titled Both Sides Now.

The official description for this episode is: Meredith and Bailey are at odds when both of their patients need a liver transplant, Owen seeks help from the other doctors when he is charged with babysitting baby Harriet for the day, and Amelia struggles with telling Owen some important news.

Best Greys Anatomy Quotes from Catastrophe and the Cure >>>

Check out photos from this episode of Greys Anatomy:

Meredith and Bailey Clash Over a Liver Transplant

Bailey Talks to Her Patient

Andrew DeLuca

Jackson with Baby Harriet

Owen Babysits for the Day

Quiz: Who is Your TV Boss? >>>

So Far, So Good

Nathan Riggs

Webber Talks to Meredith

What News Does Amelia Have to Tell Owen?

Maggie and Stephanie with a Patient

Who will prevail in the Meredith/Bailey drama? How awkward do you think Owens babysitting duty will be? And what is Amelia trying to tell Owen?

Greys Anatomy airs Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC. Want more news? Like our Facebook page.

(Images courtesy of ABC)
Research News

Department of Biomedical Informatics hosts its first Fulbright scholar

By ELLEN GOLDBAUM

Fulbright scholars can choose to spend their sabbatical at any institution in the U.S. they want. We are very proud that Dr. Jarrar has chosen UB. 

Mustafa Jarrar, a computer scientist from the Birzeit University in Palestine and an international leader in computational linguistics and ontology, will join the Department of Biomedical Informatics in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences as a Fulbright scholar for the 2016-17 academic year.

He will be the first Fulbright scholar in the department, which at just three years old is the newest department in medical school.

Fulbright scholars can choose to spend their sabbatical at any institution in the U.S. they want, says Peter Elkin, professor and founding chair of the Department of Biomedical Informatics. We are very proud that Dr. Jarrar has chosen UB.

Jarrar will work with Elkin and others in the department on biomedical ontology; ontology is the science of classifying and describing relationships between things, allowing people from disparate disciplines to speak the same language.

During his sabbatical at UB, Jarrar will leverage his expertise in computational linguistics and knowledge representation to contribute to the field of biomedical terminology and scientific ontologies, including processes and actions in the human body.

He also will explore mapping the Arabic ontology, a formal representation of the concepts that the Arabic terms convey, with medical ontologies being developed at UB.

Dr. Jarrars experience here will enable cross-lingual and maybe cross- cultural, knowledge-sharing applications, while also allowing him to establish a long-term research cooperation with members of our department and other UB scholars who are pioneering figures in ontology, Elkin says.

Jarrar will work closely with Werner Ceusters, director of the Ontology Research Group in UBs New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, and professor of biomedical informatics and psychiatry in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Jarrar is an associate professor of computer science at Birzeit University in Palestine. Previously, he was a Marie Curie Fellow at the University of Cyprus and a senior research scientist at Vrije Universiteit in Brussels, where he completed his PhD. He is the author of more than 50 articles on ontology engineering, lexical semantics, logic, semantic web, graph databases and interoperability.

The coordinator or manager of 20 international and European Union projects related to natural language processing and ontology, Jarrar also won the Google Faculty Research Award for his work in natural language processing. He is a full member of the International Federation for Information Processing 2.12 on Web Semantics, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia Technology Centre Board of Governors, among others.

Jarrar founded both the Sina Institute for Knowledge Engineering and Arabic Technologies, and the Palestinian eGovernment Academy at Birzeit University. He also served as an adviser at the Palestinian Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology for e-government, where he developed and chaired the Palestinian e-Government Interoperability Framework.
Court record details Medford woman's role in Capitol insurrection

Stephanie Hazelton , who faces sentencing for her role at the Capitol riot, is expected to argue her crime did not involve 'physical contact'
Just when the going was good for (India), the government-owned realtor, focusing on urban infrastructure projects, a development on Thursday disturbed its party. Based on a Press Information Board press note, it appears the management may float a non-banking financial company (NBFC) to fund its upcoming businesses, particularly the redevelopment projects in New Delhi totaling to Rs 35,000 crore. With this, its order book stands at Rs 73,000 crore, providing earnings visibility of over 12 years.
The Indian arm of has received approval from the ministry of petroleum and natural gas to sell petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) in the country.
The $28-billion business process management has yet again been targeted by scammers to dupe money from US citizens. This time around, Mumbai police raided three call centres that duped US citizens of Rs 500 crore in the past one year by posing as IRS agents.
In the largest commercial property deal in the country, Mumbai-based group has signed an agreement with Canada's Brookfield Asset Management to sell its 4 million sq ft of office and retail space in Powai. The deal is estimated at about $1 billion (Rs 6,700 crore), said a source.
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Octogenarian Hasmukh K Chudgar, who ranks 66th on the Forbes India 100 Richest People list this year with a networth of $1.87 billion, has slowly and silently made his way amongst the countrys pharma billionaires. Since he started his firm around 1976-77, H K Chudgar has chosen to maintain a low profile.



When he passed on the baton to his three sons Binish and Nimish and Urmish in the early nineties, the next generation at the helm too followed their fathers footsteps and have chosen to stay away from the limelight.
With global giants such as Mylan and Novartis bidding for the UK and Ireland assets of Israeli generic giant Teva, along with buyout firms like Apollo Global, the Indian contenders looked weak. Weakest among them was Pharmaceuticals, which was bidding alongside bigger Indian rivals Aurobindo Pharma and Torrent Pharmaceuticals.
Like rainbow-colored clockwork, the annual Southwest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival returns to entertain and educate Albuquerque this Friday, Oct. 7, through Sunday, Oct. 16. The 10-day celebration will spotlight 24 features and more than 50 short films. Germany, Italy, Mexico and Spain are just a few of the nations contributing gender-bending, non-heteronormative, out of the ordinary cinematic treats this year.

The Opening Night film, for example, is Chris Kellys debut feature, the tragicomically personal Other People. The film tells the story of a 29-year-old comedy writer who must abandon his life in New York City to return home to Sacramento and care for his religious conservative mother (comedienne Molly Shannon) who is battling cancer. The film has already snagged awards at several film festivals. You can catch it Friday, Oct. 7, starting at 7pm.

The Closing Night film is, a macabre comedy about a struggling HIV-positive poet (Dan Roday from USA Networks Psych) who cashes a birthday check from his mother, unwittingly kicks his bank account over the limit and has his lifesaving insurance coverage dropped. This self-proclaimed AIDS comedy finds laughs and still manages to take a serious look at todays broken heath care system. Like, its snapped up plenty of awards at other film fests. It screens Sunday, Oct. 16, at 7:30pm.

In betweenand, SWGLFF offers up plenty of other cinematic delights. Theres the International Centerpiece film, a Brazilian dramabased on a true storyabout a crossdressing teenager who learns he was kidnapped at birth and struggles to readjust to his affluent biological parents. Thecalled it a warmhearted study of genetics, gender and the true meaning of home. Thats Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 9pm.

Documentaries make an appearance in the form of Strike a Pose, which reunites Madonnas backup dancers from the landmark 1990 Blond Ambition tour to see what that seminal moment in pop cultural history was like behind-the-scenes. Friday, Oct. 14, at 7pm will see the premiere of this Showcase Documentary.

Short films show up in a number of popular annual showcases, including Fun in Girls Shorts, Where the Boys Are, Gender Fabulous and Foreign Bodies (which takes viewers on a trip to Austria, Sweden, Norway and more). New this year is Oh The Horror!, a cheeky collection of scary shorts with an LGBTQ bent. Where else would you find the zombie bathhouse saga Sauna the Dead? Check programs or head over to swglff.com for times on these and other films.

All screenings take place at Guild Cinema in Nob Hill (3405 Central NE). Tickets are $10 general admission or $8 for SWGLFF members. You can get a four-movie punch-card for $35 or an eight-movie punch-card for $65. All-festival passes will run you $100. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at swglff.com or in person at Self Serve (3904B Central SE). Day of show tickets can be purchased (if available) at the venue starting one hour before showtime.
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Cab aggregator on Thursday launched an initiative that allows start-ups to pitch their ideas to Venture Captal (VC) and investors while sharing an ride.
Orient Cement, a firm owned by the Chandra Kant Birla group, on Thursday agreed to acquire 74 per cent stake in Bhilai Jaypee Cement and Nigrie cement grinding unit in Madhya Pradesh from Jaypee group at an enterprise valuation of Rs 1,950 crore.
The automobile industrys apex body, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam), has sought a standard tax rate for small cars and multi utility vehicles (MUVs) in coming national goods and services tax (GST), while pressing for an additional eight per cent tax on other cars.
Castings producer Smiths and Founders India (SMFIL) is in the advanced stage of talks for a strategic tie-up with a couple of European automobile ancillary for exports of auto ancillaries.
How do you plan to provide a consistent consumer experience to travelers given that there are different private parties involved in your business model?



Quality has two sides to us - our hosts listing and how it is accurately portrayed and our customer's ability to book with confidence. We have a review mechanism in place for both but recognize that the business in India is at its infancy and we will need to work through the education process of both our host and customer.

Singapore-based company which operate in the short stay accommodation space has forayed into India. It competes with AirBnb., co-founder, in an email interview with Swaraj Baggonkar says that the brand is focused on providing travelers a safe and secure alternate accommodation to a traditional hotel stay. Excerpts
Lauding the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for exposing Islamabad's real face before the world, the on Thursday urged the BJP-led NDA regime at the Centre to fully support the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"It is a very big thing that the Pakistani Government claims that people in Pakistan occupied Kashmir are very happy in their region and they try to show the same picture again and again in the UN or to our Kashmiri people," leader Sanjay Raut said.

"But the reality is that when the people residing there speak openly then the entire world will come to know that it is Pakistan which is violating the human rights there. And the manner in which Pakistan's real face has been exposed before the world, it is the victory of India's diplomacy," he added.

The leader further said it is a very big achievement for India that the people living in Pakistan occupied Kashmir have rebelled against the government in Islamabad.

"So, I think the Indian Government must extend its full support to the people there," he added.

The local people and leaders in various parts of PoK erupted in protest today voicing concerns against the mushrooming of terror camps that have made their lives miserable.

Demanding that terrorism needs to be eliminated, they said that providing shelter to terrorists won't solve the issue.

The residents of Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Chinari, Mirpur, Gilgit, Diamer and Neelum Valley in PoK claim that their lives have been gravely affected by terror training camps operating in the area.

Tensions escalated in PoK earlier on Sunday after residents took to the streets to express their anger against the alleged atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
India and have shared concerns over cross-border terrorism in a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe.

"Prime Ministers Modi and Wickremesinghe shared concerns at the spread of cross-border terrorism in the region and reaffirmed that they were of one mind on the need to counter this menace, which was affecting progress in entire South Asia," sources here on Wednesday said following the meeting.

India last month pulled out of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Summit that was scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November citing Pakistan's sponsorship of terrorism in the region.

New Delhi's move came after the September 18 cross-border terror attack on an army base at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers.

Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan followed suit citing the same reason, virtually isolating Pakistan in the region.

expressed the view that the Saarc Summit would not be possible in the absence of India.

According to the sources, Modi and Wickremesinghe reviewed progress in bilateral efforts to forge closer cooperation in economic, defence and security matters.

Both leaders agreed on more active participation by Indian industry in developmental priorities in Sri Lanka

During the course of the day, Wickremesinghe also held meetings with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari and Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan.

"In the ministerial meetings the Sri Lankan Prime Minister discussed ways to build security and defence collaboration between the countries, Indian collaboration in the further development of road and port infrastructure, and development of the power and oil and gas infrastructure in Sri Lanka," the sources said.

In the evening, Wickremesinghe called on President Pranab Mukherjee and both sides reiterated the urgency to counter cross border terrorism through united action, including at the UN through early adoption of the India-initiated Comprehensive Convention on Counter Terrorism and strengthening internal security systems.

Wickremesinghe also shared his vision for the economic and political transformation under way in and the opportunities for Indian industry in partnering various development projects in the country.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as well as Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said the video footage of the September 29 surgical strikes by the Indian Army was unlikely to be put in the public domain.
Once in a while, they test out the water of your nerve of tolerane - Fox Newss Chinatown derogatory remark on Asians...Can you stand that? blind lets blind? Who're you anyway?

"fox" (http://bbs.wenxuecity.com/currentevent/881598.html)

Ann Coulter, FOX comment:

Be educated. Be informed about what the heck you stand for -

May 28, 2016 - I'm honestly not sure what is more offensive: that Ann Coulter called all Asian Americans  Mandarins  on primetime TV last night, or that ...

~~

SHAMELESS

Like the evil jock from an 80s comedy, Fox News Asian-baiting rodeo clown will continue to fail upwards even when everyone is outraged by him.

Bill OReillys top lackey stepped in a pile of outrage on Wednesday when his supremely unwatchable man-on-the-street sketch, featuring blatantly racist mockery of Asian people , went viral.

For five minutes, Jesse Watters took his smirking dudebro persona to the streets of New York Citys Chinatown to ask Asianssome of whom didnt speak Englishif they do karate, where he can buy some homeopathic herbs for performance, or whether hes supposed to bow to say hello. Carl Douglass tacky hit song Kung Fu Fighting, featuring a quintessential Oriental riff, played throughout the pre-taped package.

It was funny in only the way blackface minstrelsy could've beenappealing to the outdated and cheap humor of dehumanizing minorities who seem exotic and foreign to the networks old and predominantly white audience.

The reaction was swift and universally angry across all digital news outlets. Even right-wing blog Hot Air called it a crime against comedy, and The Federalist, another conservative website, called Watters a jackass and a jerk who conflates being mean with humor.

Literally the only funny thing in the entire ordeal was when Watters attempted to excuse himself by calling himself a political humorist.

As a political humorist, the Chinatown segment was intended to be a light piece, as all Watters World segments are, he wrote , hours after the video blew up. My man-on-the-street interviews are meant to be taken as tongue-in-cheek and I regret if anyone found offense, he added , completing what was undoubtedly a Fox PR-driven effort to get a non-apology out there and move on. (Prior to that, Watters response was to retweet supporters and taunt a critic calling him racist .)

Hell get off with a slap on the wrist. At worst, his segments will go through several levels of approval from second-floor executives for the next few months.

And so Jesse Watters will always win. And he will continue to rise at Fox News.

Why? Well, for starters, Fox Newss right-wing commentariat gets off on other peoples outrage. It feeds their own righteous indignation, giving them material for more segments about how Fox News is under assault from, as OReilly frequently describes it, the  loony far left .

After all, as Watterss shameless non-apology and proud Trump shilling suggest, its your own fault for being offended by his brilliant wit.

To be sure, the internets outrage mills often cry wolf about various offenses, further providing people like Watters with a sense of accomplishment when they swat the hornets nest. In the high-fiving, self-congratulatory cocoon of Fox News where anti-P.C. culture segments routinely air on its leading gabfestsWatters is just a dude with another notch in his belt.

Despite having about as much charisma as a frat-bro villain from early-80s comedies, and literally smirking his way through every asinine word he says on-air, Watters has risen up the ranks from OReillys top ambush reporter to occasional co-host of The Five and Outnumbered to host of his own monthly weekend show.

Watters has been something of a perpetual hatemonger. His Chinese-mocking video was only the latest and most outrageous example of what can only be described as pure, unadulterated garbage TV.

One of his shining moments was coining the phrase  Beyonce voters  to mock single women who support Obama because they depend on government because theyre not depending on their husbands. The list of egregious on-air behavior goes on and on . And he has continued to rise up the ranks.

This is because, Fox News has historically rewarded cheap, often ugly bullshit .

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Take, for example, the meteoric rise of a fellow race-baiting clown Eric Bolling .

Plucked from Wall Street to give trading analysis for Fox Business Network, Bolling has used his platform to, among many things: become the networks earliest birther and routinely say terrible things about women , Muslims , and black people.

One of his most controversial moments was when he proclaimed, after President Obama met with a Gabonese president that, Its not the first time hes had a hoodlum in the hizzouse, referring to rapper Commons appearance at a prior event. So whats with all the hoods in the hizzie?

Earlier that same year, he said Obama was too busy  chugging forties  to visit tornado-ravaged Missouri.

That came early in his TV career. The unabashed Trumpkin now hosts two prominent Fox News shows and occasionally has the honor of filling in for ratings leader Bill OReilly.

The bottom line, however, is that Watters is among the protected class at Fox News because he is OReillys right-hand man. Watterss colleagues on the show refer to him as The Golden Boy because of his favored position with the top dog.

And according to several former OReilly staffers, Bill himself approves Watterss segment pitches. As we all know, Fox would certainly never make their top-rated talent apologize for anything .

Some have suggested a concerted ad boycott by Asian-American groups could help convince Fox to more severely punish him.

But while an advertiser boycott was credited for at least partially pushing Glenn Beck out the Fox News door following his Obama is racist comments (though, based on what we know now, it was more just the clash of egos between Beck and Ailes), Watters does not draw the numbers the blubbering radio host once did.

And does anyone actually expect Liberator Medical to stop hawking lubricated catheters or Rosland Capital to stop selling gold to the networks elderly audience ?

Not to mention, Fox News fatigue is a very real thing. At a certain point, it just becomes easier to roll your eyes and accept that Fox News is Fox News.

But fear not. Like the most villainous jocks from high school, one dayafter Foxs megastar leaves for greener pastures , Bill OReilly finally retires, and Foxs septuagenarian viewers fade into the Great BeyondWatters will be left seated at the hometown bar of basic cable, reminiscing about the glory days, bemoaning how he will never get such a prominent gig again in his life.
Pakistan wants peaceful relations with all its neighbours, Prime Minister has said and accused India of resorting to "double standards" on the Kashmir issue.

Sharif's remarks came as General Peter Pavel, Chairman Military Committee NATO, called on the Prime Minister here.

According to an official statement, Sharif said on the occasion that India was creating problems and has resorted to double standards on the issue of Kashmir.

He said that "India unfairly blamed Pakistan for Uri attack without investigating the incident," according to the statement.

He said Pakistan would continue to extend moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmir cause.

Sharif said that "the atrocities by the Indian forces have resulted into the loss of precious human lives and blinded hundreds through the use of brutal force".

Sharif also reiterated desire for peaceful ties with India.

"We want peaceful relations with all of our neighbours," he said.

According to the statement, Pavel said, "I have listened to your yesterday's speech in the Parliament where you eloquently raised the issue of Kashmir. The Kashmir issue has to be addressed as two nuclear powers are party to it and the world cannot remain indifferent and must be concerned."



The Prime Minister said that the Pakistani armed forces have rendered matchless sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
The "sell-by date" of Pakistan's "anachronistic approach" is long over and the country should "abandon" its "futile quest" for Kashmir, India has said in a strong rebuttal to Islamabad's allegations that New Delhi is escalating the current situation.
Condemning the militant attack near a paramilitary camp in Handwara of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, the Janata Dal (United) on Thursday alleged that is sponsoring the use of terrorism as a state policy against India.

"We don't need local leaders or evidence that we may find coming from Pakistan, we established the fact that the state and government are directly and verifiably sponsoring the use of terrorism as a state policy against India. For this, there is enough credible evidence that is available to the global community. is aware of this," JD (U) leader Pawan Varma told ANI.

"So, I think for us to reiterate the obvious is not necessary, what we need to do in response to that is important," he added.

Verma said there have been several cross border infiltrations by the terrorists post the September 29 surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC), adding the most worrying part is that the target of their attack is the Indian army bases.

"I have said before and I want to repeat, this is the time for maximum vigilance. We need to upgrade the army's requirements in terms of military equipment and other hardware, also upgrade our intelligence, secure better the parameters of our armed bases and take every other action to foil such attacks," said Verma.

"That is important, rather than as the Prime Minister has rightly said 'chest thumping'. I think the Defence Minister in particular should start getting busy looking into these matters rather than making speeches for audiences which have nothing to do with defence," he added.

Talking about the ongoing politics over the surgical strikes, Verma said the prerogative to release more information in this regard lies entirely with the government.

"When the government feels appropriate, keeping all circumstances in mind, including that of security, it may release more information. There is no immediate pressure from our point of view on the government to do so," he added.

Attempting to bring the opposition parties on board on the issue, the JD (U) leader further said the action against terrorism emanating from Pakistan has been taken by the Indian Government and not by the BJP.

"I have never seen a matter of importance undertaken by a government being reduced to such petty politics by irresponsible BJP leaders. It is they who have made it a subject of political partisanship by postulating the absurd hypothesis that anyone, in any manner questions the government, that person is anti-national," said Verma.

"This is not the tradition, either of Indian democracy or of Indian intellectual thought. The BJP must introspect," he added.

Security forces engaged militants near an Army camp at Langate in Handwara early on Thursday morning after they opened fire at the camp.

The militants, who were in army combat uniform, opened fire at around 5 am for over 20 minutes before fleeing the spot.

The army foiled three infiltration bids at the LoC and killed the terrorists in a gunfight. Two army jawans have reportedly been injured in the attack, but no casualties have been reported so far.

Massive search operations are going on.

This is the third terror attack this month. Thursday's attack comes just four days after the terrorists attacked a Border Security Force (BSF) and adjoining camps in Baramulla district.

Last week, India conducted surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC.
Home Minister will arrive here on Friday to review the security situation along the Indo-Pak border with Chief Ministers of four states whose boundaries touch Pakistan and top BSF officials.

During the two-day visit, Singh will hold meetings with top BSF officials and chair a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, officials said.

The Home Minister will tour border areas of Rajasthan and will visit border outposts to asses the situation along the Indo-Pak border.

Barmer Collector Sudhir Sharma said the Home Minister will hold meeting with BSF officials in Barmer on October 8.

Elaborate arrangements are being made for the visit, he said.
With the Supreme Court yet to hear the Bihar government's appeal for cancellation of bail of the rape accused RJD leader, Raj Ballabh Yadav, the MLA from the Nawada constituency of Bihar met the party chief, Lalu Prasad Yadav on ocotber 6.

Yadav, who is accused in a rape case of a minor, is said to have told the party supremo that he bears no grudge against the state government.

Emerging from the meeting at 10 Circular Road residence, where he met RJD president Lalu Prasad, Raj Ballabh Yadav told reporters it was a courtesy visit to extend greetings of Durga Puja.

There was no word from Lalu Prasad regarding the meeting. The office at Rabri Devi's house also maintained it was a usual courtesy visit.

Raj Ballabh Yadav, MLA from Nawada, said he has no complaint against the state government for going against his bail in the apex court.

"Government works according to a system. Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, has not gone into appeal ... I do not have any grievance against the state government. Why you (mediapersons) are raising question about the system," he asked.

Replying to questions, Yadav said, "There is no serious charge against me. There is no FIR or statement of the victim under 164 CRPC against me."



The MLA was suspended from the party in the wake of a rape allegation against him. The girl, a resident of Rahui in Nalanda, was raped allegedly at Yadav's house on February 6. He was arrested, but was subsequently released after the Patan High Court granted him bail on September 30.

Bihar government had moved the Supreme Court challenging the bail.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister, Tejaswi Prasad Yadav, told reporters that the government was doing its duty and it is up to the court to see if the accused MLA is guilty.

"Let us leave the matter for the court to decide," said Tejaswi Yadav, who is also a leader of RJD party in the coalition-ruled Bihar Assembly.
Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar, called terrorism the "foremost challenge" facing the member nations of the regional group on October 6, adding that there is a need to delegitimise it as an instrument of state policy.

Parrikar said, "Terrorism remains foremost challenge to our (Asean) region. We need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere, delegitimise it as an instrument of state policy, and cooperate unreservedly to locate and destroy terrorist networks."



Speaking at the 20th Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities meet in New Delhi, Parrikar called for a change in the region's security framework.

"The security frameworks in our (Asean) region still does not give enough attention to terrorism. This must change," he said.

The comments came amid continued tension along the India-Pakistan border, following the attack at an Indian Army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 19 soldiers.

Tensions escalated after a surgical strike was conducted by the Indian Army in the intervening night between September 28 and 29 on several terror launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Another army camp-30 Rashtriya Rifles-was attacked today by three heavily armed militants in Kashmir's Kupwara district. In a prolonged gun battle between the security forces and terrorists, the three attakers were killed by the army.
Three separatist militants were killed in a gunfight on Ocotber 6, after an attack was launched by the trio on the counter-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles (RR) camp in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

"Three terrorists were killed in the resulting encounter," Colonel Rajesh Kalia, spokesperson for the Indian Army's Srinagar-headquartered 15 Corps told IANS.

According to Kalia, a group of heavily armed terrorists, who were dressed in army fatigues, attacked the 30 RR camp, that is situated in a town, Langate, in Kupwara district. The attack took place early morning at 5.10 a.m. today.

Guards at the camp, were alerted by the breach in security by, and the exchange of fire lasted resumed at 6:30 am after a thaw when the terrorists had stopped firing some time .

"We have recovered three AK-47 rifles from the slain terrorists. Firing has stopped, but the search operation is still going on," the army spokesman said.



There has been no casualty among the Indian slodiers.

On October 3 a BSF trooper was killed and another injured after a militant attack on the 46 RR camp in Janbazpora area of Baramulla town.

The guerrillas, however, managed to escape.
All India Federation (AIBIF) has requested the Centre to include bidi manufacturers and other stakeholders of the industry in the Indian delegation for the World Health Organization's (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to represent the industry's view.
will receive about 1,000 charter flights this winter, an increase of 27 per cent over last season, because of an uptick in demand in Russia, which is the main foreign source market for .
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."
The government will have to raise Rs 32,000 crore more to meet the fiscal deficit target of 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) for 2016-17, as it will get just half of the Rs 64,000-crore it had budgeted for 2016-17 from . This prompted economists to say the fiscal deficit target for the current financial year was too stiff.
The much-hyped ended on Thursday evening after 5 days of bidding by seven telecom operators, fetching the government Rs 65,789.12 crore, which will come in phases, from sale of 964.80 MHz of spectrum. In value terms, the government will get money for just 12 per cent of the airwaves that were put on auction while about 40 per cent of the available spectrum was taken.
Indian firms should leverage its trade pact with Japan to increase exports and bridge the widening trade deficit, Commerce and Industry Minister said on Thursday.Coming into force in 2011, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is one of the most comprehensive pacts India has signed.It covers a diverse set of areas apart from merchandise trade, including services, rules of origin, intellectual property rights, government procurement and customs procedure.This had pushed up bilateral trade between the nations from $10.4 billion in 2010 to $14.5 billion now.However, Indias trade deficit with Japan had soared from $3.1 billion in the pre-CEPA period to $5.2 billion, Sitharaman said at a seminar organised by policy think tank Research and Information System for Developing countries.The CEPA is under review, with India raising the issue of greater market access for marine products and pharmaceuticals.Also, the commerce ministry had said in spite of an increase in work visas issued by Japan, the market share of Indian Information technology companies in Japan was considered below potential.However, the government has asked domestic industry to step up efforts to use the treaty to boost trade. The share of Indian companies in Japanese drug market continues to be low and it is limited only to Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Sitharaman said.A decision by Japan to switch over to a higher share of generic medicines was seen as a potential opportunity for the Indian industry, which is strong in generics.

The Japanese government's recent decision to attain an 80 per cent share of generic medicines by 2018, is expected to provide a vast untapped potential to the internationally acclaimed generic drug industry in India. Tokyo is also looking to cut down on its increasing health care costs on account of its aging population.
Amid a fresh debate on the concept of a 'bad (loans) bank' to deal with stressed assets in the banking sector, many in the finance ministry questioning if this is needed.
Health Secretary inaugurates Cohort Study Centre The study will have generational impact: C K Mishra

Shri C. K. Mishra, Secretary (HFW) inaugurated AIIMS Cohort Study Centre, here today. Launching the project, he stated that this study will go a long way in preventing many diseases and will have a generational impact. Speaking at the function, Shri Mishra further added that this study will provide valuable data on the health needs of the country and will have landmark impact on the kind of work AIIMS is doing.

The importance of the study derives from the increasing portion of elderly population in the country. It is urgent and imperative that preventive strategies based on the sound epidemiologic evidence are devised and implemented," Shri Mishra said.

The AIIMS Cohort Study is unique and probably one of its kind combining conventional and novel risk factors, genomics and neuroimaging to determine protective and risk factors for stroke and cognitive decline. Unique also in a way that AIIMS is going to people, rather than people coming to AIIMS. By creating awareness about healthy aging and making assessment of their general and brain health, the study provides an opportunity for people to prevent disease and promote their health. By carrying out repeated general and brain health assessment through MRI and memory testing and genetic testing, the study will throw light on novel protective and predictive factors. The knowledge and understanding thus gained will help the people to prevent stroke and cognitive decline.

The focus of the study is to determine genetic, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors that are protective or risk factors for the occurrence of stroke, heart attack or cognitive decline in persons aged 50 years and above.

Dr. Kameshwar Prasad, Head of Neurology, is the Principal Investigator of the study. The study is supported by the Department of Bio-Technology, M/o Science & Technology, Government of India with contributions from the Erasmus University, Netherlands.

India has made outstanding gains in terms of increase in life-expectancy. As a result, Indias older population will increase dramatically over the next four decades. Population above 60 years age is estimated to increase from 100 million in 2011 to 323 million in 2050. This demographic transition is set to increase disease burden due to various non-communicable diseases. Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia, cerebro vascular diseases are likely to top the list of causes of disease burden.

Also present at the function were Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Prof. M C Misra, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi, and Mr. Jelle Nijdam, Counsellor for Science, Technology & Innovation, Embassy of The Netherlands along with faculty and seniors officers from the AIIMs.
India to host first AMCDRR after Sendai Framework

The Government of India is hosting the Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) next month in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). The hosting of the Conference re-affirms India's commitment to the cause of Disaster Risk Reduction.

This is the first AMCDRR after the advent of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRRR), adopted at the third UN World Conference in Sendai, Japan in March, 2015. It will set the direction of Sendai Framework implementation in the region.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will inaugurate the Conference that will be held in New Delhi from November 3-5, 2016. The Conference will aim at transforming the commitments of governments and stakeholders during the Sendai Conference into national and local action.

Established in 2005, AMCDRR is a biennial conference jointly organized by different Asian countries and the UNISDR. So far, six AMCDRR conferences have been organised. India had also hosted the second AMCDRR in New Delhi in 2007.

India's commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is evident from the fact that it became one of the first countries to align its National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) with SFDRRR.

AMCDRR 2016 will focus on collaboration, consultation and partnership with governments and stakeholders to mainstream DRR in the region's development narrative.

The Conference will adopt the Asian Regional Plan for Implementation of the Sendai Framework endorsed by the Asian countries. It will also consolidate the political commitment of governments towards preventing and reducing risk as well as strengthening resilience in the form of a political declaration. Voluntary statements of action of stakeholder groups towards a shared responsibility approach in implementation of the SFDRR would also be adopted.

The Conference will discuss issues related to DRR in six technical, 22 thematic and three featured sessions during the Conference. The technical events will be broadly based on themes related to Risk Sensitive Development for Community Resilience. The thematic and featured events will centre around themes related to inclusive development such as Risk Resilient Infrastructure for Sustainable Development; Application of Science and Technology for prevention of new risks; Strengthening Community Resilience; Gender sensitive DRR; Child-centred DRR; and Risk financing - Disaster Risk: Identification and Financing Solutions.

Various DRR-centric activities will be organised during the Conference to spread awareness about disaster risk reduction and its role in safeguarding lives, livelihoods and infrastructure. These activities include a national-level painting competition for school children aged 10-14 years, a short films competition and an exhibition to showcase best practices in DRR.

The commemoration of the first World Tsunami Awareness Day, to spread awareness about the dangers of tsunami and the importance of Early Warning Systems in mitigating its impact, will also be held on the closing day of the Conference.

Senior-level delegations from Asian countries, representatives of UN bodies and Disaster Management experts will participate in the Conference.
Contact: Jesse Hunt

Jesse Hunt jhunt@burrforsenate.com

Raleigh, NC The Burr campaign today launched a new microsite that features Deborah Ross' top 10 anti-sex offender registry quotes from her time with the ACLU. Ross continues to make the claim that she "always" supported the sex offender registry, a claim that simply isn't grounded in reality. The site, www.aclulobbyist.com , will allow people to read Ross' own words regarding the "concerns" she raised about the sex offender registry and see that those "concerns" only related to the interests of convicted sex offenders.Below is a sample of Ross' quotes from the site's top 10 list:10) "Just because you know somebody in your neighborhood is a sex offender does not make you safer. It means you avoid that person. It also makes it more difficult for people who have paid their debt to society to reintegrate into society.'" ( Times-News , 12/31/95)7) "Not everyone who is a sex offender is a serial offender." ( Salisbury Post , 10/15/00)6) "People have the false impression that all sex offenders do it again and do it on repeated occasions, while the majority of sex offenders involves people within families." ( Salisbury Post , 10/15/00)5) "This bill requires sex offenders, who have already served their time, to register with local authorities whenever they move to a new location...Despite the fact that this bill would make it even harder for people to reintegrate into society and start over and could lead to vigilantism, it passed both houses and is now law." ( Ross Memo To The Legislative Committee Of The ACLU-NC , 8/4/95)3) "There are serious concerns about what people do with this information." ( The Village Voice , 4/21/98)2) "It will have unintended consequences." ( Charlotte Observer , 5/22/97)
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka calls on President

His Excellency Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday (October 5, 2016).

Welcoming the Sri Lankan Prime Minister to India, the President said India appreciates Mr. Wickremesinghes role in Sri Lankas active re-engagement with the world. Sri Lanka can count on Indias continued support in its endeavour for national unity and reconciliation.

The President appreciated Government of Sri Lankas empathy and concern on the attack at Uri. He said it is essential that the two countries unite in isolating and targeting the source of ideological and financial sustenance in the region which provides shelter as well as training to terrorists. South Asia needs to develop a clear response to terrorist infrastructure in the region.

There is need for unambiguous solidarity against terrorism of all forms.

The President said Government of India shares Government of Sri Lankas view on prioritising power, renewable energy, ocean resources, port and airport facilities as well as infrastructure. India has given special emphasis on meeting Sri Lankas developmental requirements. Its aid projects in Sri Lanka have a commitment of more than $2.6 billion.

The President said Sri Lanka occupies a special location in Indias neighbourhood. Security of the two countries is indivisible. Objectives for regional peace and security and maritime safety in the Indian Ocean are inter-dependent and synergistic.

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister warmly reciprocated the Presidents sentiments and said there has to be a genuine commitment to fighting terrorism in South Asia. There cannot be any cross border terrorism. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister briefed President Mukherjee on the various projects of economic cooperation underway and invited the President to pay a visit to Sri Lanka.
The fiery Chinese grain liquor called baijiu has been distilled and quaffed in the homeland pretty much the same way for a millennium. Yet as these brands expand overseas, spirits companies are wondering: How would it taste with 7-Up? Makers of the 106-proof alcohol that's popular at wedding receptions and government banquets are coping with a steep revenue drop after President Xi Jinping ordered public servants to cut their expense tabs. Sales declined 13 per cent, and store prices plunged by half. With less than one per cent of baijiu consumed abroad, Chinese distillers now want to ...
At least 16 Ankara-backed rebels were killed in a blast, de-stabilsing their position across the Syrian-Turkish border, authorities said on Ocotber 6.

According to Xinua news agency report, a London-based Syrian observatory for Human Rights said the explosion targeted a group of fighters at the Atama crossing between Syria and Turkey, a region said to be under the control of the Free Syrian Army.



The Free Syrian Army was formed in August 2011 by a group of army deserters led by Col Riad-al Assad, who defected from the Syrian Air Force earlier in July. Initially a defensive force, the FSA gradually increased its offensive operations in Syria with ground estimates putting the total number of soldiers to 20,000 it its base prvince of Homs.



On August 14, a blast hit the same crossing at Atama, killing 35 rebels and civilians, and injuring 40 others.
Area under production across the world is expected to fall by one per cent to 30 million hectares, which is the lowest since 2009-10, when the planted area was 29.7 million hectares. On the other hand, the consumption forecast remained unchanged from 2015-16 at 23.8 million tonnes, but is projected to exceed production by 1.3 million tonnes.
Deutsche Bank AG, indicted for colluding with Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA to conceal the Italian lender's losses, mismarked the transaction and dozens of others on its own books, according to an audit commissioned by Germany's regulator. Executives at Deutsche Bank arranged 103 similar deals with a total value of euro 10.5 billion ($11.8 billion) for 30 clients, according to the audit, a copy of which was seen by Bloomberg. The Frankfurt-based lender, Germany's largest, adjusted the accounting of 37 of those trades in 2013, in addition to Monte Paschi's, changing ...
Pakistan's army chief, General on Thursday urged the world community to condemn the "distortion of facts" by India regarding Kashmir and the Line of Control (LoC).

Addressing a passing out parade of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) cadets, General Sharif said, "We have recently witnessed an unfortunate display of utter desperation playing out inside occupied Kashmir and along the Line of Control through a litany of falsehood and distortion of facts by India."

"We expect the community to condemn Indian insinuations and fabrications about a nation that has made unparalleled contributions to the global fight against terrorism," the Dawn quoted him, as saying.

Insisting that the armed forces were fully prepared to give the "most befitting response" to any internal or external threats directed at the country, General Sharif said Pakistan is a responsible country and remains committed to the policy of friendship with all other countries based on equality and mutual respect.

He added that any aggression born out of deliberate intent or even a strategic miscalculation would not be allowed to go unpunished.

The army chief's comments come as relations between India and Pakistan has plunged to a new low in recent times in the wake of Uri terror attack and the subsequent surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army along the LoC.
US Republican presidential nominee has shrugged off allegations that he would be too close to Vladimir Putin if elected, saying he was unsure of his relationship with the Russian President.

"I don't love. I don't hate. We'll see how it works," 70-year-old Trump said at an election rally in Reno, Nevada, a day after Senator Tim Kaine, Democratic vice presidential candidate slammed him for praising Putin.

"We'll see. Maybe we'll have a good relationship. Maybe we'll have a horrible relationship. Maybe we'll have a relationship right in the middle. I can say this. If we got along with Russia and Russia went out with us and knocked the hell out of ISIS, that's ok with me, folks. That's ok with me," Trump, who had described Putin as a better leader than US President Barack Obama, said.

Trump alleged that the allies of the US are not paying their fair share.

"Foreign countries like Russia and China do not respect us. Do you ever see Hillary Clinton when she wants to talk tough about Putin? They say, loves Putin," he said, adding that he has no strong feeling about the Russian leader.

The Republican nominee alleged that countries like China, Japan are printing huge sums of money.

"The devaluation of currencies is staggering as to what it represents to our country, our businesses, our citizens, and our jobs," he said.

"Every time we start making progress, China devalues its currency and we go right back to the drawing board. Because you can't compete against that. It's cheating," he alleged.

"We are not going to level playing field and our politicians do not understand what is going on. They really do not get it. And the ones that do get it are taken care of with political contributions so they close their eyes," he said.
Facing isolation, Prime Minister in an unprecedented move has warned the powerful military not to shield banned militant groups and directed authorities to conclude the Pathankot terror attack probe and the 2008 Mumbai attack trials, a leading Pakistani daily reported on Tursday.

Sharif's orders came after a series of meetings between military and civilian leaders, Dawn newspaper said.

The government delivered a "blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning" to the military leadership and sought consensus on several key actions, including action against banned militant groups, the paper quoted unnamed individuals, who were involved in the meetings.

At least two sets of actions have been agreed as a result of the most recent meeting, an undisclosed one on the day of the All Parties' Conference, which took place on Monday.

ISI Director General Rizwan Akhtar, accompanied by National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua, will travel to all provinces with a message that military-led intelligence agencies should not interfere if law enforcement agencies act against militant groups that are banned.

Sharif directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court.

Those decisions, taken after an extraordinary verbal confrontation between Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the ISI DG, appear to indicate a high-stakes new approach by the PML-N government, the paper said.

Separately, on Monday Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry made an exclusive presentation in the Prime Minister's Office to a small group of civil and military officials.

The presentation by the Foreign Secretary summarised the results of the recent diplomatic outreach by Pakistan, the crux being that Pakistan faces diplomatic isolation and that the government's talking points have been met with indifference in major world capitals, the paper said.

On the US, Chaudhry said that relations have deteriorated and will likely further deteriorate because of the American demand that action be taken against the Haqqani network.

On India, Chaudhry said that the completion of Pathankot investigation and some visible action against Jaish-i-Mohammad, which India says was behind the January 2 attack, were the principal demands.

Chaudhry said while China has reiterated its support for Pakistan, it too has indicated a preference for a change in course by Pakistan.

Specifically, while Chinese authorities have conveyed their willingness to keep putting on technical hold a UN ban on Jaish-i-Mohammad leader Masood Azhar, they have questioned the logic of doing so repeatedly, the report said.

The Foreign Secretary's unexpectedly blunt conclusions triggered an astonishing and potentially ground-shifting exchange between the ISI DG and several civilian officials, it said.
America is "no longer a world power" and Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's envoys have said here.

"(The) US is no longer a world power. It is a declining power. Forget about it," the Special Kashmir Envoy of Sharif, Mushahid Hussain Syed, was heard as saying on Wednesday after the conclusion of an interaction at the Atlantic Council, one of the top American think-tanks.

Syed and Shazra Mansab, another Kashmir Envoy, are in the US as part of the Pakistani effort to apprise the global community of the current situation in Kashmir and allegations of human rights violations in the Valley.

Syed has gone to the extent to warn US that Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered.

He was apparently responding to a question from a member in the audience after the conclusion of the 90-minute interaction during which he expressed his frustration over the lack of response to his point of view on Kashmir and India.

The remarks of Syed were not recorded on camera, but was heard prominently by those inside the room.

Thereafter, he was quick to point out China and newly perceived relationship with Russia, which he had mentioned during his interaction at the Atlantic Council.

Syed submitted a dossier of alleged human rights violation in Kashmir to Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Olson.

With no takers for Pakistan's Kashmir policy, Syed said China is now an important factor in South Asia and described Beijing as part of what he termed as Greater South Asia.

"There has been slow and steady building of relationship between Moscow and Islamabad," he said, referring to the joint military exercise between Pakistan and Russia.

Syed said the Putin government has for the first time agreed to sell arms to Pakistan and the US should take note of this changing regional alignment.

"Unfortunately under the Obama administration, there was a drift in American foreign policy towards our region, towards Afghanistan. There was confusion and there was a lot of flip-flops. I think, the Obama administration could not figure out this region, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and as a consequence this region suffered," he said.

"With policies one step back and one step (forward), announcing surge, announcing a cut off time for exit. Asking... Pakistan that please we want to talk to the Taliban and then saying that we want to take on the Taliban and finally they said there would be no American troops and then they end up having 8,500 troops stationed in Afghanistan. It leaves this to the next administration," he said.

Syed said Pakistan feels that the US should look at the region as a whole.

"Whether it is Pakistan, India, China, Afghanistan and there is plus also, the Iran nuclear deal... Because all these countries can contribute to the stability and security of the region," he said.

"And what Pakistan would like to have from the US, I am talking about the incoming administration, because Mr Obama is a guest for the next few months as January 20, 2017, there will be a new administration, that they have to see the region, where they have a more comprehensive perspective, and do not try to compartmentalised peace and security, because that is not possible," he said.

"When you talk of peace in Kabul, you have to ensure that Kashmir is not burning. The US has a long-term interest in Kashmir. They are a party to the UN resolutions. The US has played a very legitimate role in supporting oppressed people, oppressed Muslims (in) Bosnia, Kosovo and even the Kurds," he said.

"So Kashmiris today should not suffer, just because Kashmir has no oil or Kashmir is not part of Europe or Kashmiris belong to a certain religious denomination, because we cannot have double standards on those issues," Syed said.

He said Pakistan has a long standing relationship with the US and "we would like that (to continue). But of course, we have options also. With the greater Russian involvement in the region, they are also interested coming into CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor). Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest in joining CPEC".

He also called for dialogue between India and Pakistan.

"Issues cannot be brushed under the carpet. People thought Kashmir issue is suppressed and buried. It has come back with a bang. It is more significant as (former) president (Bill) Clinton called as a potential nuclear flash point. The two nuclear neighbours should learn to talk to each other," he said.

"We feel that the way forward is that the region calls for statesmanship and what I call a Nixonian transformation of Mr (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi. If he can have that outreach and develop that statesmanship which Richard Nixon demonstrated in 1971, courtesy Pakistan. I think, the options are there, opportunities are there. The ball is in Modi's court, can he rise to the occasion as a leader of 1.2 billion people to build a better and peaceful tomorrow," Syed said.

Alleging that the US has done a U-turn of its policies on India, which started from the civil nuclear deal, he said that the US is loosing sight of the other interests in the region.

"The most important interest of the US is stability of Afghanistan and counter terrorism. And for that they like it or not they need Pakistan's cooperation, which they have been getting and we have been providing and we are also suffering in the process. We see the shift (of US policy from Pakistan to India). And that shift would be detrimental to America's own security and interest in South Asia," Syed added.
Contact: Jesse Hunt

Jesse Hunt jhunt@burrforsenate.com

Raleigh, NC The Burr campaign today released its latest TV ad, "Kelly," that features Kelly Lowe, a disabled Marine Corps veteran and rape survivor, speaking out against Deborah Ross' fight against the creation of the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. The ad will begin running immediately on statewide broadcast and cable.Ross, during her radical tenure at the helm of the ACLU, opposed two separate bills-one that simply created the sex offender registry and one that put it online-out of concern for the privacy of convicted sex offenders.Kelly says in the straight to camera address regarding Ross' actions.Ross' dangerous pattern of prioritizing the interests of convicted criminals over victims and the innocent raises serious questions about why she was willing to endanger the safety and well being of North Carolinians. Senator Burr has voted repeatedly to strengthen the sex offender registry throughout his entire career.North Carolina's American Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Deborah Ross said.(Jennifer Moxley, "92 Who Have Sex Offense Convictions Live In Rowan," Salisbury Post, 10/15/00)Ross said.Ross said.she said." (Jennifer Moxley, "92 Who Have Sex Offense Convictions Live In Rowan," Salisbury Post, 10/15/00)she said.she said." (Jennifer Moxley, "92 Who Have Sex Offense Convictions Live In Rowan," Salisbury Post, 10/15/00) RECORDS : In An August 1995 Memo, Ross Slammed The Creation Of A Sex Offender Registry In North Carolina, Saying(Deborah Ross, Memo To The Legislative Committee Of The ACLU-NC , 8/4/95)In 1997, Ross Was Opposed To An Online Sex Offender Registry In North Carolina SayingAnd It Won't Protect Children. "People checking offender lists might be surprised by what they find, some skeptics predict. They might discover people they know - not strangers who threaten their children. And even though victims' names are supposed to remain private, those involving family members won't be too hard to figure out.said Deborah Ross, director of the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina.Ross added.Her answer: no. Ross said the state could do much more to protect children by improving treatment for sex offenders and by helping families at risk of sexual abuse." (Foon Rhee and Kathleen McClain, "Senate Broadens Sex Offender List," Charlotte Observer, 5/22/97)Ross SaidAnd Warned Of "Vigilantism." "At the same time, a registry this public could pose a threat to the idea of community itself.says Deborah Ross, director of the North Carolina affiliate of the ACLU." (Austin Bunn, "Digitizing Megan's Law," The Village Voice , 4/21/98)Ross Said' says the ACLU's Ross.But with their past on public display, it's hard to believe these offenders will ever be granted the gift of privacy." (Austin Bunn, "Digitizing Megan's Law," The Village Voice , 4/21/98)Ross Saidsaid Deborah Ross, executive director of the N.C. American Civil Liberties Union." (Craig Jarvis, "Web Site Listing Sex Offenders Stays Busy," The News & Observer, 4/2/98)Ross Said"Ross of the ACLU says that about half of all sex offenses involve a domestic relationship and that public registry makes the rest of the family suffer even more for one person's offense.she said." (Craig Jarvis, "Web Site Listing Sex Offenders Stays Busy," The News & Observer, 4/2/98)
The on climate change is expected to enter into force in 30 days after it crossed "the second and final threshold" needed for it to take effect, the United Nations announced.

"Today, we expect the on climate change to have crossed the second and final threshold needed for it to enter into force," Xinhua news agency quoted deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq as saying on Wednesday at a daily news briefing.

According to the website of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris deal has been ratified by 72 countries, accounting for more than 56 per cent of the global greenhouse gas emissions.

"On October 5, 2016, the threshold for entry into force of the has been achieved," the UN website said.

The deal takes effect 30 days after 55 countries, accounting for at least 55 per cent of global emissions, have adopted it.

"The secretary-general is encouraged by the tremendous positive support from a broad coalition of countries -- from the largest emitters to the small island developing states -- to bring the Paris Agreement to life as soon as possible," Haq said.

He added that the UN will announce the names of those Parties that have deposited their ratification instruments by the end of the day.

The much-anticipated Paris Agreement is the third document on addressing climate change, following the 1992 UNFCCC and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.
The Syrian army has said that the rebels in the northern city of Aleppo can only surrender, as all of the supply routes to the rebel-held areas were cut off, according to the state news agency SANA.

In a statement addressing the Aleppo rebels on Wednesday, the general-command of the Syrian army said that "all the rebels in eastern Aleppo shall not wait for help from anyone as all supply routes are severed, and all they can do is to lay down their weapon".

The army also said that it had destroyed all vital sectors the rebels use in eastern Aleppo.

Striking a threatening tone, the army announced that they have "precise information about the whereabouts of the armed men, their warehouses, and positions in eastern Aleppo," adding that the rebels who don't seize the chance to surrender will "face his inevitable fate".

The army, meanwhile, renewed calls on the rebels to take advantage of a pardon issued recently, to either surrender in exchange of clearing their records with the government, or to lay down their weapons and leave eastern Aleppo with their families, possibly to other rebel-held areas in northern Syria.

The statement comes just a couple of hours after the Syrian army announced reducing the air raids over rebel-held areas in Aleppo to "enhance the humanitarian conditions" of the civilians, according to SANA.

The Western powers, mainly the United States, have recently upped their rhetoric against the Syrian government and Russia, demanding a halt of the airstrikes against rebel-held areas in Aleppo to reduce the suffering of the people and allow in humanitarian aid.

Out of its declared "frustration", the US announced earlier this week that it had suspended all talks with Russia over the cessation of hospitalities in Syria, particularly in Aleppo.

On September 20, a one-week truce in Aleppo ended without extension as tension rose between Russia and the U.S., which backs so-called moderate rebels fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Late last month, the Syrian military announced a major offensive against rebel-held areas in Aleppo, with government officials and President Bashar al-Assad pledging to capture the whole city from rebel hands.

In recent days, the military forces succeeded to capture key areas at the entrance of eastern Aleppo, further tightening the siege on the rebel-held areas.

Aleppo, Syria's largest province near the Turkish border and its economic hub before the crisis, is strategically vital to the warring parties.
Walmart Stores is pushing more aggressively onto Alibaba Group'S turf. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer boosted its stake in China's second-largest e-commerce website JD.com, strengthening an alliance to win more market share in the world's largest online market. Walmart lifted its holding to 10.8 per cent from 5.9 per cent, according to an amended 13-G filing on Thursday. JD rose 7.5 per cent in extended trading in the US. Walmart is tapping JD.com's online resources after it struggled to adapt to a slowing local economy and more shoppers turn to online platforms ...
Higher capacities, extension of the minimum import price, or MIP, and consequently firm domestic prices are positives for Steel Authority of India (SAIL). However, rising costs and interest expenses will weigh on the government-owned companys profitability.
Benchmark indices continue to trade in a narrow range with positive bias led by buying demand among oil & gas shares. However, the upside is capped due to selling pressure among information technology shares.
Ltd (TRIL) has rallied 11% to Rs 364 on the BSE in an early morning trade after the company said it has entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement with Chinese firm Jiangsu Jingke Smart Electric Company Limited (Jingke).
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to give its approval to the HIV/AIDS Bill years after its initial drafting.

It said that the Bill provides social security policies like education, employment, healthcare property rights and most importantly treatment and confidentiality.

"What we have understood is that the many amendments that were proposed in the various technical and Community consultations were incorporated and accepted by the cabinet. The provisions in the Bill will safeguard PLHIV-People living with HIV-from discrimination that is prevalent, including the denial, termination, discontinuation or unfair treatment with regard to employment, educational establishments, healthcare services, residing or renting property, standing for public or private office, and most importantly the provision of HEALTH/MEDICAL insurance - remarked Dr. V. Sam Prasad, Interim Country Program Manager, AIDS Healthcare Foundation - India Cares. This is a big win for the people living with HIV in India and will lead to reduced levels of HIV stigma among the general population in the country - he added.

The Bill will protect us from unnecessarily being pushed about because of our HIV positive status and will safeguard human rights and entitlements of the PLHIV - People Living with HIV - in India. The PLHIV community is concerned on the smooth implementation of the Bill in India but is hopeful of a better tomorrow - Deepak (name changed) a PLHIV activist remarked in New Delhi. We are Thankful to the Prime Minister for "Keeping the Promise" for the PLHIV Community in India.

The estimated number of PLHIV in India is around 2.1 million and is the third largest HIV population of the world. With the acceptance and the implementation of the HIV/AIDS bill there is definitely a ray of hope for the 2.1 million people living with HIV in India. Every HIV infected or affected person below the age of 18 years has the right to reside in a shared household and enjoy the facilities of the household. The Bill also prohibits any individual from publishing information or advocating feelings of hatred against HIV positive persons and those living with them.

The standing committee had earlier putdown the following recommendations:

Insurance cover: The Bill prohibits the denial or unfair treatment in providing insurance cover to HIV positive people, unless the unfair treatment is based on actuarial studies. The Committee recommended that all people living with HIV should be provided insurance cover without any discrimination. This should be preferably at the normal rate of premium or could be slightly higher than normal, but not at exorbitant rates.

Provision of diagnostic facilities for HIV: The Bill requires that the central government should provide anti-retroviral therapy and opportunistic infection management to HIV positive people, as far as possible. The Committee recommended that the Bill also mandate the provision of diagnostic facilities for people living with HIV by the central government.

Disposal of cases by the complaints officer: The Bill requires that a complaints officer be appointed in establishments employing more than 100 people. Similarly, a complaints officer must be appointed in healthcare establishments if more than 20 people are employed. The Bill does not specify the time within which complaints must be dealt with. The Committee recommended that the Bill provide that complaints be dealt with as soon as possible.

"This is a great amendment by the Indian Government. This bill will not only eliminate the discrimination faced by the HIV positive people but also provide them the social securities like employment, healthcare service, education property rights and many more. This bill will empower the people who are living with HIV. This is truly a great decision by the Indian government for the PLHIV community", said Mr. Bismaya Kumar Raulo, Program Coordinator - Impulse India.

Adding to them, Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of Rajpipla, AHF India Cares brand ambassador said, "The HIV/AIDS Amendment Bill is a bold step for a country like India which is having the 3rd highest HIV infection in the world. There are many positive changes made, the most significant one is that now a HIV positive person in India will have a legal right to get treatment /ART drugs which was not there earlier and cannot be denied treatment. This will also encourage the Government to increase the supply of drugs to ensure that they are available in the right time and place.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With a section of leaders demanding proof of the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army of Pakistani terror launch pads, noted public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam has asked don't they understand that by asking for such proofs, they are indirectly exposing our army's strategy to the enemy country and who will be going to be benefitted by exposing such strategies, of course, Pakistan.

"I feel very sorry that certain people in our country are still demanding the evidence about our surgical strike. Don't they understand that by asking for such proofs, they are indirectly exposing our army's strategy to the enemy country, and who will be going to be benefitted by exposing such strategies? Of course, the enemy country - Pakistan will be largely benefitted," Nikam told ANI.

Suggesting such leaders to "let Pakistan deny, we don't bother about it," Nikam, who was involved in the 1993 Bombay bombings case and the 2008 Mumbai attacks' prosecutions, said he was reminded of an incident that had occurred in the terror attacks of 26 November, 2008 in Mumbai.

Recounting the incident, the special public prosecutor said, "In fact, the special judge had asked me to marshal the evidence as to how the Security Guard (NSG) commandos have conquered and overpowered the terrorists. I urged before the court that we cannot lead such evidences, because it is not in the public interest. The court said if you are not leading the evidence, the court will examine its court witness; and the court accordingly issued summons to NSG guards."

Asserting that they challenged the special court's order in the high court, Nikam said, "The high court ruled that such disclosures would vitally affect the public interest; interest; and that would also involve the risk to NSG's strategy, because certain strategies of the army and the NSG cannot be disclosed, otherwise the enemy country will be benefitted. And therefore, the high court said 'no' - 'the order of the special court 'erroneous and wrong'. And, it was set aside with certain modification."

"That is why it is the most unfortunate thing that some people are demanding evidence of our surgical strikes against terrorists. I feel very sorry for them," Nikam rued.

A political slugfest over surgical strikes broke out Tuesday with Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam calling it "fake" and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asking the government to release the proof of the surgical strikes to counter the Pakistani propaganda against the operation.

"Every Indian wants #SurgicalStrikesAgainstPak but not a fake one to extract just political benefit by #BJP. Politics over interest," tweeted Nirupam.

"BJP make a mockery out of it by chest thumping and putting up posters in UP,Goa crediting PM Modi instead of the Army," Nirupam said in another tweet.

Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal tweeted: "BJP, I m convinced that strikes took place. But intl media publishing Pak propaganda that no strike took place. Lets expose Pak propaganda."

Meanwhile, leader of Opposition in the Gujarat assembly and senior Congress leader Shankarsinh Vaghela also asked the Centre "to provide proof of the Army's action to clear the doubts arising in the mind of the people about the claims of the government".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
North Carolina almost made another top-10 list this year - but don't worry, our state seems likely to make the cut in 2017.The Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan institute based in the nation's capital, has long published a report called the State Business Tax Climate Index . It ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia on the level and design of their taxes on property, income, payrolls, and sales.For much of the index's history, North Carolina ranked poorly. We had one of the South's highest marginal tax rates on personal income, a higher-than-average tax on corporate income, a poorly designed sales tax, and problematic taxes on alcoholic beverages (excises) and the capital stock (called a franchise tax). Thus our ranking was often in the 40s.Not anymore. In 2011, the newly elected Republican majority in the North Carolina General Assembly refused then-Gov. Beverly Perdue's call to extend a "temporary" sales-tax hike she and Democratic lawmakers enacted in 2009. After Perdue vetoed the state budget over the dispute, GOP lawmakers overrode her. North Carolina's sales tax burden dropped by about $1 billion a year.Then, in 2013, newly elected Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and the General Assembly enacted one of the most significant state tax reforms in modern American history. Instead of a steeply graduated income tax that produced large swings in revenue over each business cycle and discouraged capital formation and job creation in our state, North Carolina adopted a Flat Tax, now set at just under 5.5 percent.Economists have championed the Flat Tax for decades not just because of the single marginal rate but also because of the correspondingly reductions in inefficient tax breaks and distortions. North Carolina's version did that, too, by capping itemized deductions, ending some loopholes, and letting others expire. McCrory and lawmakers did something similar for the state's corporate tax - eliminating lots of loophole junk and cutting the rate from 6.9 percent in 2012 to a scheduled 3 percent next year.On the sales tax, the General Assembly broadened its base to include some additional services sold at retail. I would have approached the problem differently - relying on the Flat Tax to tax all consumption indirectly , through exclusions of net savings from the tax base. But for the vast majority of North Carolinians, the effect of the broader sales-tax base has been more than offset by the income-tax cuts in the 2013 bill, and by subsequent cuts in the Flat Tax rate plus expansions of the standard deduction (which keeps more of your income from being taxed at all).According to the Tax Foundation's just-updated, somewhat-revised State Business Tax Climate Index , North Carolina ranked 41st in the nation just before the implementation of the 2013 tax reform. We now rank 11th. That's the largest improvement in tax policy since the index was created.Most of the states in the top 10 have either no state personal income tax (Wyoming, Nevada, South Dakota, Florida), no state sales tax (Montana, Oregon, New Hampshire), or no state income or sales tax (Alaska). But Indiana (ranking 8th) and Utah (9th) are more like North Carolina, in that they levy all the major taxes but with relatively broad bases and relatively low rates.The full import of our tax reforms has yet to be counted in the index. It doesn't include the final scheduled drop in our corporate tax, for example. It is quite likely that, even if our lawmakers do nothing else, our state will crack the top 10 next year.Tax policy is far from the only factor that shapes economic performance, as I have pointed out many times. Some states that rank poorly on the Tax Foundation index, such as California, still produce lots of goods, services, and jobs. Geography, natural resources, and trade patterns matter a lot, too. But when it comes to the factors that governors and legislatures directly control, North Carolina is getting a lot right, on taxes and regulations in particular.Let's protect those gains - and improve on them next year.
Scores of people gathered at at Shahabad in Rohtas district of Bihar to attend the 'Ghinhu Brahm mela', the annual week-long 'ghost fair' in a bid to rid themselves of 'evil spirits'.

People from across the country come to this fair to get rid of 'evil spirits' that they claim to be possessed by.

Organised for the past 30 years, the fair is attended by hundreds who believe their bodies are possessed by ghosts and that exorcism is the only cure for them.

During the fair, the devotees, presumably possessed, dance in a state of trance.

"When we are at home, the blankets and bedsheets start moving in their own accord. We have come here to get rid of such paranormal activities," said a woman Anju.

Devout visitors believe that besides obviation from evil spirits, offering prayers at the sacred wall of the holy place will fulfill all their wishes.

"This is superstition," said another villager, Arun Kumar.

"50 percent of people come here and many are possessed. I have been coming here since 1980. People get absolutely rid of such things. We come here to offer prayers to the deities. We will worship, stay here for the night and then leave for home," added Kumar.

As urban India hurtles headlong towards a 21st century way of life, practices such as these continue to be commonplace in scores of Indian villages, where literacy levels are low and lives are governed by superstition.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With the SAARC summit been called off due to a growing strife between India and Pakistan over the surgical strike, Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe on Thursday expressed hope that the issue between the two Asian neighbours gets resolved soon, as the tensions between them is adversely impacting other South Asian member nations.

"These are the issues which South Asia grapples with, it is going to impact on SAARC, whether SAARC is going to continue or not. Let's hope things are resolved," Wickramesinghe said.

He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership. He then praised External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi for showing restraint and far-sighted leadership during a tense situation.

The 19th Saarc Summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November was suspended after five of the eight nations, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka, pulled out of it.

Nepal, however, regretted the postponement of the summit citing that the present environment was not conducive.

Responding to a query on the fishermen issue where Sri Lanka has long fumed over illegal fishing by Indian fishermen, Wickeremasenghe said, "We need to find a solution to it, otherwise there is going to be lot of problems in northern Sri Lanka, because Indian fishermen are fishing in Sri Lankan waters and depriving our fishermen."

Indian fishermen, originating from Tamil Nadu, use thousands of bottom-trawlers to fish in the Palk Bay. They reportedly cross the maritime boundary between the countries, often prompting arrest by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Till November last year, as many as 126 Indian fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said on Thursday, after the Handwara infiltration, that India's armed forces are ready to face any challenge posed by terrorist from across the border. He said why Pakistan is desperate to get international approval for its recent actions .

"Actually after Uri, Pakistan, as well the terrorists, have been totally isolated, and they are very desperate to tell the people and are talking about revenge. They are trying to do it(infiltrate), but we are fully prepared, whether it is on the border or within our own territory.

The morale of the security forces is up. People(forces) are ready to face any situation. I visited the whole of the border to see the arrangements in camps in case there is a migration. Definitely, people are prepared for that, and, I think, ultimately, these people have to face whatever they try to do to us in the same manner," he said

On the Handwara encounter, Singh said that as per police reports this morning there was an attempt by terrorists to attack the 30 RR battalion at Langate. The attack was repelled and ultimately two bodies were recovered and third body is still lying there. The search operation is going on and all three terrorists have been neutralised, but what is the latest report, it is yet to come .

"It is their desperation because they have been isolated in the whole world and the whole of the world is condemning them and even their own people are questioning them. In the SAARC, they have been isolated, and the SAARC has also been postponed , so was the case in the UN also. On terrorism, they are totally isolated in whole world. Definitely, in desperation, they are trying to show their presence," Singh told ANI.

On Thursday morning, two terrorists were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara district after they opened fire outside the 30 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Langate. The terrorists, who were in army combat uniform, opened fire at around 5 a.m.

Meanwhile, it is being reported that the army foiled three infiltration bids along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir last night. Two infiltration bids were foiled in Nowgam sector while one such attempt was foiled in Rampur sector.

The attack comes days after terrorists attacked a BSF and adjoining camps in Baramulla district, where one Bolder Security Force (BSF) soldier was killed in the attack.

The attack also comes after the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes and destroyed seven terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), last week.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Colonel Rajiv Saharan, the commanding officer of 30 Rashtriya Rifles, Handwara, today confirmed that three Pakistani-based terrorists attacked the camp at Langate in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Three AK-47 rifles, two UBGL launchers, three GPS, four radio search, maps and metric sheet, and medicines were recovered from them.

When asked about how they identified the terrorists, Colonel Saharan said, "The medicines recovered have 'made in Pakistan' markings on them, this ascertains that these three terrorists were from Pakistan."

Colonel Saharan further said that the terrorists were spotted within the perimeter of their camp who, upon challenged, started open firing at them

"On being challenged these terrorist opened indiscriminate fire on to our sentry posts and onto our living shelters where our soldiers were resting," he said.

Immediately after the encounter, the armed forces started sanitizing the local area.

Since the troops were alert, the attack was aptly retaliated by the security forces.

The attack comes days after terrorists attacked a Bolder Security Force (BSF) and adjoining camps in Baramulla district, where one BSF soldier was killed in the attack.

The attack also comes after the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes and destroyed seven terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), last week.

Last month, the terrorists had attacked the army brigade headquarters at Uri, killing 19 soldiers.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After Pakistan's English Daily the Dawn reported that the civilian government in Islamabad has informed the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the state, the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office issued a statement rejecting the report as "misleading and factually incorrect".

Earlier in the day, under the headline, 'Act against militants or face international isolation, civilians tell military', the Dawn reported that the Pakistan Government said that military-led intelligence agencies are not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action.

The report said Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI ) DG Gen Rizwan Akhtar, accompanied by National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua, is to travel to each of the four provinces with a message for provincial apex committees and ISI sector commanders.

However, disowning the report the spokesman of the PM Office has strongly rejected the story published in the Daily Dawn of 6 Oct 16, regarding purported deliberations in a meeting on the security issues. The spokesman has termed contents of the story not only speculative but misleading and factually incorrect. It is an amalgamation of fiction and fabrication."

The statement said that the fact that the report itself states that none of the attributed statements were confirmed by the individuals mentioned in the story clearly makes it an example of irresponsible reporting.

Dispelling the impression created by the newspaper, the spokesman said, "The intelligence agencies particularly ISI are working in line with the state policy in the best interest of the nation both at the federal and provincial levels to act against terrorists of all hue and colour without any discrimination Indeed the Army's and ISI's role and contributions towards implementation of NAP have been proactive and unwavering.

"It is imperative that those demanding the right to information at par with the international best practices also act in a manner which is compatible with international reporting standards."

The report by Dawn also said that Prime Minister Sharif has directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi antiterrorism court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Deepa Malik, who scripted history last month by becoming India's first-ever woman to win a medal at the Paralympic Games, has alleged "poor handling" of wheelchair-bound passengers by Vistara Airlines and also slammed it over its "rude and ill mannered crew".

A miffed Deepa, who was travelling from Mumbai to Delhi via Vistara flight UK 902, took to Twitter to express her displeasure.

"Very poor handling of wheelchair passenger in De boarding and fragile items. Rude n ill mannered crew. Sad experience. @airvistara (sic)," said Deepa in a series of tweets.

She claimed that she had endured the bad experience while informing her mother on the phone that the flight scheduled to depart at 3:35 p.m. from the Mumbai Airport was delayed.

The 46-year-old, who was confined to a wheelchair in 1999 owing to a spinal tumour, also criticised the airlines for the "lack of training" given to crew members as far as handling wheel-chair bound passengers is concerned.

"Very sad to note lack of training of crew Flight UK902," she said while lodging a formal complaint against Vistara Airlines, which is a joint venture of Tata group and Singapore Airlines.

However, the airlines swiftly responded to the complaint and immediately tendered apology for her disappointing experience.

The apology letter read, "Ms Deepa Malik, the Paralympic silver medallist is a national hero and like every countrymen, we are immensely proud of her achievements.... We regret that we failed to deliver the standard of service that Vistara pride itself on in this instance. As a team we would like to sincerely apologise to Deepa for her disappointing experience... We are investigating the incident and will take corrective actions to ensure something like this never occurs again...."

Sanjiv Kapoor, chief strategy & commercial officer, Vistara also took to Twitter to issue an apology and promised an investigation into the matter.

Later, she admitted: "Yes, @airvistara was quick to respond and take prompt measures for future... They visited and resolved and also adding efforts to rectify."

Deepa had gone to Mumbai to attend a programme with Sachin Tendulkar and Hrithik Roshan on Tuesday.

She achieved the feat by winning silver in the women's shot put F53 event at the Paralympics in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro last month.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi [India], Oct.6 (ANI): Welcoming the participation of the British Royal Air Force's world-renowned aerobatics team, The Red Arrows, in this year's Indian Air Force Day celebrations on October 8, the United Kingdom's High Commissioner, Sir Dominic Asquith, described it as a "tangible and visually exciting example of the historical strength of the defence relationship between his country and India.

Addressing a gathering at a reception hosted for "The Red Arrows" at his residence in the capital on Wednesday evening, High Commissioner Asquith said, "I welcome the Red Arrows. You will remember the Reds I am sure from last year when they painted London's sky in the famous colours of India's Tiranga (Indian flag) in honour of Prime Minister Modi's visit and indeed of the friendship between our two countries."

He said that the United Kingdom sees the participation of The Red Arrows in the 84th IAF Day as an immense privilege.

"An indeed, you could not find a more visible and a more tangible and visually exciting example of the historical strength of our defence relationship..The Red Arrows also represent a major part of our country's future..the aircraft flown by the Red Arrows is a striking symbol of the great spirit of collaboration between the United Kingdom and India," he added.

High Commissioner Asquith further said that, "The United Kingdom has been 'Making in India' for years. The British designed Hawk aircraft being jointly developed in Bengaluru by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and BAE Systems is one of the great examples. A 123 aircrafts have been ordered by the Indian Air Force and the Navy."

"The United Kingdom understands and really gets what Make in India is about. It gets it better in my view better that in any other country because Make in India is more than just assembling the parts here. It is British and Indians from companies, from institutes and universities who collaborate across many disciplines and industries and they bring their minds together to innovate, to design, to improve the skills and to develop that cutting edge technology," he added.

"That fast breadth of this partnership is going to be on display at the India and UK Tech Summit which takes place in Delhi from 7-9 of November. This tech summit is going to bring together businesses, government and thought leaders, star speakers from both our countries and our determination is to find new exciting opportunities to deliver jobs, to deliver prosperity for people in India and Britain," High Commissioner Asquith said.

"We going to have robots, we going to have a Mars Lander, we are going to have cutting edge cars, life changing digital health care apps, we are going to have smart cities zone and we even going to have a little robot from a galaxy long ago and far-far away. The tech summit is going to be like nothing else we have never done in India," he added.

Talking specifically about the "Red Arrows, Air Vice Marshal Andrew Turner said that only a small part of the entire team was in New Delhi.

"We left the U.K a week ago; we will be going to Shanghai in China. We will be routing through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, eventually Hong Kong, back through Bangkok and back to here through Hyderabad, Bangalore and on into the Middle East, in Muscat, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and then home to United Kingdom by the third of December. It's a very long tour. It will include a huge number of major public events and a global logistic system that the Formula One teams would be truly proud of," he said.

"But, we wanted to come here at Delhi, as our very first public performance on this overseas tour of this very first tour to connect with our partnerships with the Indian Air Force, been so strong for many years. The Indian Air Force has been both a cradle and birth place of much of the British Royal Force. It's been a very gallant part of our past . and we will continue to be the key partner in a strategically vital part of the world," Air Vice Marshal Turner added.

He informed that a majority of the Red Arrows team has link with India.

"I spent a year of my time in DSSC in Wellington Staff College down in Tamil Nadu, as indeed Timona Hans here, as indeed Richard Prattle who is representing Standard Chartered, as indeed Dave Bentley the Air Commodore of flying training, as indeed Marshal Greg Bagwell who headed the Royal Air Force operational department until three or four months ago. The Royal Air Force today, its fighting edge echelons, its leading entities, is made in India and it will continue to be so with the new students coming out of the NDC in Delhi and a rich cohorts of the graduated out of Wellington over the last 10 years, and we will continue to connect with you in that way," he said.

He said the tour is not just about the Royal Air Force, but about Great Britain connecting with the world.

"This is Britain extending its arms outwards with the best of British. This is great British excellence. This is us projecting ourselves across the world to connect with the important capitals of the globe in today's business community with partnerships that we have struck in the U.K. to help develop our own prosperity and build our nations and partnerships overseas with those people we want to be close to for the next 100 years. India is the first destination in this tour. It will be an enormously important partner for extremely long time," Air Marshal Turner said.

"This is great great British excellence at its best, leaning forward to help our partners around the world to make money, be prosperous and make the world a safer place," he said

The Red Arrows fly the Hawk aircraft, which is both a British and now Indian success story.

India has purchased 123 Hawks to date, 99 of which have been built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, using parts supplied by BAE Systems and engines supplied by Rolls Royce.

More than 600 IAF pilots have been trained so far on the Hawk 132 AJT and the first batch of the three Indian women fighter pilots is being trained at present on the Hawk.

The Red Arrows will help showcase teamwork, engineering excellence and the best of British in advanced manufacturing and aerospace shortly before the first ever India-UK TECH Summit which takes place in New Delhi from 7-9 November.

During their visit to India, the Red Arrows crews will also visit schools and universities to talk about hi-tech education and training opportunities in the UK.

The visit to India is part of a major 60-day tour of the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions by the Red Arrows.

Upon returning from their Far East part of the tour in November, the Red Arrows are planning to deliver further aerial displays in Hyderabad and Bangalore.

It is team's biggest overseas tour in a decade.

More than 20 displays and a series of flypasts will be performed by the Red Arrows.

The deployment will contribute to the UK government's GREAT campaign.

The team - flying British-built aircraft - has displayed to millions of people in more than 55 countries around the world.

Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows team consists of nine display pilots and more than 100 support personnel and technicians.

One of the world's premier aerobatic teams, the Red Arrows had performed more than 4,700 displays by the start of 2016 - the team's 52nd season. Flying Hawk T1 jets, the team is based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

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Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. today announced that it has agreed to acquire Viv Labs Inc., the intelligent interface to everything.

Viv has developed a unique, open artificial intelligence (AI) platform that gives third-party developers the power to use and build conversational assistants and integrate a natural language-based interface into renowned applications and services.

Viv was founded by AI visionaries Dag Kittlaus, Adam Cheyer and Chris Brigham. As part of the acquisition, the founding team will work closely with Samsung's Mobile Communications business, but continue to operate independently under its existing leadership.

Samsung acquires Viv, a next-gen AI assistant built by the creators of Apple's Siri. Viv has developed a unique, open artificial intelligence (AI) platform that gives third-party developers the power to use and build conversational assistants and integrate a natural language-based interface into renowned applications and services. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

With Viv, Samsung will be able to unlock and offer new service experiences for its customers, including one that simplifies user interfaces, understands the context of the user and offers the user the most appropriate and convenient suggestions and recommendations.

Unlike other existing services, Viv has a sophisticated natural language understanding, machine learning capabilities and strategic partnerships that will enrich a broader service ecosystem," said Injong Rhee, CTO of the Mobile Communications business at Samsung Electronics.

With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, consumers now desire an interaction with that is conversational, personalized and contextual an experience that fits seamlessly within their everyday lives.

Viv's platform also allows developers to teach the system how to create new applications or to use existing applications, building an open ecosystem of intelligence that is greater than the sum of its parts and gets smarter every day.

Viv's superior platform combined with Samsung's leading devices, services and global resources will help drive the next generation of AI solutions.

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Commenting on Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's comments describing Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, who was killed on July 8, Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that the former acts depicts Pakistan's implication with terrorism.

"In a way Pakistan has once again self implicated itself. Burhan Wani how is a known terrorist and a self-confessed commander. If one will consider the commander of an international brand name Hizbul Mujahideen as a youth hero then they are obviously implicating itself," said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

Swarup said that Indian government has already shared their view on his remark through External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's speech in the United Nations General Assembly.

He further said that the world is not behind the baseless propaganda being created by Pakistan as they have understood the truth already.

Yesterday, Sharif accused India of stalling the dialogue process and urged world powers to ensure that UN resolutions on Kashmir are implemented.

Addressing a joint session of Parliament on 'Kashmir issue' in Islamabad, Sharif said, "The death of Burhan Wani, son of the Kashmiri soil, had reminded India to give Kashmiris their right to self-determination."

He also accused India of running away from dialogue and instead creating a war-like environment by blaming Pakistan for the Uri terror attack in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed last month.

Sharif accused India of having some "motives" in blaming Pakistan for the Uri attack when it was "not even established" that who was involved in it.

The Pakistan Prime Minister also expressed support for Kashmiris and said the issue should be resolved according to the wishes of people of Kashmir and the UN resolutions.

Raking up the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly last month, Sharif had called Wani a "young leader", evoking a strong reaction from India.

The Hizbul Mujahideen commander was killed in an encounter with the Indian security forces on July 8, sparking off protests in the valley.

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Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling was conferred the prestigious 2016 'Sustainable Development Leadership Award' by President Pranab Mukherjee during the World Sustainable Development Summit organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) at Vigyan Bhawan here today.

The award was presented to Chamling in recognition of his vision and leadership in environment and sustainable development leading to the establishment of Sikkim as the first and only organic state in the country according to citation presented by the TERI on this occasion.

Sikkim is only state in India to have attained the official status of fully organic state in January 2016 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the official announcement during his maiden visit to the state.

The state known as the Land of Flower, with a population of around six lakhs, is now gaining world wide popularity as fully organic state of the India. Around 75,000 hectares of land has been converted into certified organic farms over the years following the guidelines as prescribed by Programme for Organic Production. Sikkim contributes around 80000 million tonnes organic production out of total 1.24 million tonnes of organic production recorded in India.

On the initiative of Chamling, a historic declaration was made through a Resolution in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly on February 24, 2003, for transforming Sikkim into a 'Total Organic State' as a result of which the Sikkim State Organic Board was constituted on September 16, 2003, for outlining policy issues and strategic plans, as well as developing standards and regulations.

The state government stopped procuring chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides from 2004 onwards and also eliminated the existing subsidy to farmers for procurement of chemical pesticides. The state government created category-wise organic farming schemes and organic action plans to set the targets of conversion

Chamling has taken various green initiatives under which ban on pan masala /gutka was enforced in the entire state in the year 1995 and subsequently in 1997 passed an Act on prohibition of throwing of non-degradable garbage in public drains and sewerage. The state passed a law for prohibition of smoking in places of public work or in public service vehicles in the state in 1997.

On August 14, 1998, Sikkim became the first state in the country to impose a ban on plastics and non-degradable materials and the tourists were also prohibited from carrying plastic bags and containers in under the rules. The state government imposed complete ban on collection of medicinal plants and non-timber forest produce for commercial purposes and framed Statutory Rules for mandatory planting of ten saplings in lieu of one tree felled in private holdings implemented in 2001.

The Chief Minister started a unique programme in 2009 called "10 Minutes' on June 25 annually under which all the citizens of the state plant one sapling each during a pre-announced 10 minutes.

The state government imposed a ban on the use of diclofenac sodium and burning of agricultural wastes in 2015 and all the old trees in government forests were identified as "Sikkim State Heritage Trees" in 2016.

The state government imposed a ban on use of Styrofoam products and a ban on the use of Plastic Bottled drinking water in state government functions and also banned tyre fires during the year 2016.

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Republican George Holding, who faces Democrat John McNeil, chose to run from 2nd District after legislature moved his current 13th District west

The 2nd Congressional District technically may be an open seat, but Republican nominee George Holding is a two-term incumbent seeking a third term. Holding now represents the 13th District, but when federal courts forced the General Assembly to draw new maps, state lawmakers moved the 13th District about 100 miles west from its former location in and around the Triangle. Holding chose to run against 2nd District incumbent U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers in the June 7 primary, and defeated her and one other opponent to win his party's nomination.The newly drawn 2nd District includes Franklin, Nash, and Harnett counties, as well as portions of Wake and Johnston counties. It's considered a strong Republican district by the N.C. FreeEnterprise Foundation. The general election will be Nov. 8.Holding, a former U.S. attorney, will face Democrat John McNeil, a Raleigh attorney, Marine, and self-described "military brat." McNeil bested four other Democrats to win his party's nomination.McNeil said he's running because he believes the U.S. House of Representatives should be filled with people who represent the backgrounds of their constituents, not only those at the top of the economic scale.McNeil said.He said the lack of elected officials who reflect the people they represent is what is causing so much gridlock in Washington.Holding also mentioned gridlock when asked why he is seeking a third term in Congress.Holding said.Holding said.Holding continued.he said.Holding also said that people back home understand thatTerrorism and health care are the two top topics he's hearing about from constituents, he said.Holding said. He said Obamacare "is disintegrating before our very eyes. It's not lowering health care costs." He said more providers are pulling out because they're losing money.McNeil said he believes the economy is the top issue in the campaign.McNeil said.McNeil said the district has a lot of hard-working people who have been left out in the cold.McNeil said.adding that he also wants to make it easier for those already have businesses to grow and expand.On terrorism, McNeil said,McNeil said that unlike Holding, he's worked with his hands to get what he's achieved.McNeil said.He said he doesn't believe Holding understands that.Holding, when asked about the biggest difference between the two, pointed to contrasts on issues and political philosophy.Holding said, noting that he's a conservative.McNeil said the Affordable Care Act has improved the state of health care.McNeil said.He suggested some improvements. One is give the program the ability to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, he said. He also wants to get more insurance companies involved in North Carolina markets.On fiscal policy, McNeil said the federal government is on a very foolish path.McNeil said. Right now, spending is out of control and everybody wants to talk about cutting taxes. But you don't get rid of $19 trillion in debt and cut a deficit just by cutting taxes and spending irresponsibly."Holding says tax reform would help spur economic growth, which is a key to reducing the national debt. Congress has been working on putting together a tax reform package for the past two years, he said.he added.Holding said.he said.The current tax system encourages companies to leave the United States, Holding said.he said.
With a section of leaders demanding proof of the Indian Army's surgical strike at Pakistani terror launch pads, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said what the government puts out or not is determined solely by the security and it still continued to be so, while adding that the Indian Army was given a task which it carried out with 'surgical precision' - the desired result has been obtained and the intended message has been conveyed.

"As you all know, it is usual to see Pakistan's reaction of denial of terrorism sponsored from its soil against its neighbour - elimination of Osama bin Laden and Mullah Mansour were met with similar denials, but we all know the truth," said MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup at the weekly media briefing here.

"Our counterterrorism operation on September 29 was to neutralise an imminent threat terrorists ready to launch from across the Line of Control (LoC). The Indian Army was given a task which it carried out with 'surgical precision' - the desired result has been obtained and the intended message has been conveyed," he added.

When asked about regular ceasefire violation by Pakistan, he said, "Twenty successful interdictions have been carried out by security forces on or along the LoC, stopping infiltration attacks by dozens of terrorists and neutralising them."

"Since July 8 only, close to a dozen major terrorist attacks taken place in Jammu and Kashmir, supported and launched from across the LoC or the International Border (IB), including in Handwara," he added.

"Captured terrorists told us of large number of terrorists trained and ready to be launched in terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," said the MEA spokesperson, adding: "I would like to remind you of what the DGMO said on September 29: 'it is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region, but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the LoC with impunity and attack the citizens of our country.'"

On the diplomatic side, he said when the Pakistan High Commissioner was called in on August 9 and later on September 21 and 27, he was clearly conveyed that India expects Pakistan to fulfil its assurances of 2004 reiterated at the highest levels not to allow territory under its control for terrorism against any country.

"You have already seen the pressure that we have brought to bear internationally on Pakistan to see support to cross-border terrorism. You all have seen the result at the United Nations General Assembly and SAARC, and see statements by major countries like United States and Russia," Swarup added.

Asked about Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan, the spokesperson said, the government will take a review on the matter based on security and trade situation. He said, promoting shared prosperity with India's neighbours has been government's priority but terrorism cannot be the commodity exported.

On Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's remarks on the killing of a terrorist in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Swarup said, the neighbouring country has once again implicated itself.

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One terrorist was killed during an infiltration bid in the Naugam sector of on Thursday.

The body of the slain terrorist was recovered during an ongoing search operation.

Earlier on Thursday, three Pakistani terrorists were eliminated after they attacked a camp at Langate in Kupwara district, confirmed Commanding Officer of the 30 Rashtriya Rifles Colonel Rajiv Saharan.

Three AK-47 rifles, two UBGL launchers, three GPS, four radio search, maps and metric sheet, and medicines were recovered from them.

When asked about how they identified the terrorists, Colonel Saharan said, "The medicines recovered have 'made in Pakistan' markings on them, which ascertains that these three terrorists were from Pakistan."

Colonel Saharan further said that the terrorists were spotted within the perimeter of their camp who, upon challenged, started open firing at them

"On being challenged, these terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on to our sentry posts and onto our living shelters where our soldiers were resting," he said.

Immediately after the encounter, the armed forces started sanitising the local area. Since the troops were alert, the attack was aptly retaliated by the security forces.

The attack comes days after terrorists attacked a Bolder Security Force (BSF) and adjoining camps in Baramulla district, where one BSF soldier was killed in the attack.

The attack also comes after the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes and destroyed seven terror launch pads across the Line of Control, last week.

Last month, the terrorists had attacked the army brigade headquarters at Uri, killing 19 soldiers.
Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) president Weapon Zimik met Minister of State for Home (MoS) Kiren Rijiju yesterday to seek his assistance to construct Marketing Complex-cum-International Guest House at the heart of the Ukhrul town at Wino Bazar.

The idea of this project is to create opportunity for the local youth entrepreneurs and to promote indigenous products in the market.

The international guest house will aim at providing subsidized accommodation for those villages living at the far flung international border villages on both sides of the territories (India and Burma).

Further, the guest house will house villages' heads and representatives who come to Ukhrul Town for various village welfare related work.

The Minister has given verbal assurance to provide all necessary assistance to materialize the proposed project and advice to work in collaboration with the district representatives.

Later in the afternoon, TNL President met Joint Secretary Satyendra Garg, Ministry of Home Affairs (NE Affairs) to highlight him the grieve concerns of the Hill People of the Manipur, including the ongoing movement that started after the passage of three controversial Bills last year.

The president opines that the root cause of various problems in the state lies in the undemocratic structure of the state assembly. The very instrument which strengthens the democratic processes in the country by means adopting the principle of proportionate representation was not followed in the state. Thus, the president questions the moral political right of conducting election in Manipur without conducting assembly constituencies' delimitation exercise.

The secretary mentioned that much of the solution to the existing problems will lie on the future settlement between the Government of India (GoI) and Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) through the current political talk.

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The United States has issued a strong rebuke over Israel's plan to build new housing tracts in the West Bank, calling it a setback to peace in the region.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest has called the announced construction a setback to peace in the region and suggested that the Israeli Government had broken its word, reports the CNN.

"We did receive public assurances from the Israeli Government that contradict this announcement. I guess when we're talking about how good friends treat one another, that's a source of serious concern as well," he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said during a speech in 2009, "The territorial issues will be discussed in a permanent agreement. Till then we have no intention to build new settlements or set aside land for new settlements."

The Israeli officials have characterized the planned construction as an expansion of an existing settlement and said that it would provide housing for the residents of Amona, a West Bank outpost that is supposed to be evacuated and razed later this year.

But US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said the construction amounts to the creation of a new settlement.

"This settlement's location deep in the West Bank, far closer to Jordan than Israel, would link a string of outposts that effectively divide the West Bank and make the possibility of a viable Palestinian state more remote," Toner said while "strongly condemning" the Israel move.

He said the timing of Israel's announcement shortly after the US and Israeli agreed on a multi-billion dollar defense agreement and days after President Barack Obama attended the funeral of former Israeli President Shimon Peres was "deeply troubling."

A statement from Israel's Foreign Ministry said the additional housing was not a new settlement but the units are intended to provide a housing solution for the residents of Amona who must leave their homes in accordance with the demolition order issued by Israel's High Court of Justice.

The statement added that Israel remained committed to a "solution of two states for two peoples."

Saeb Erekat, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization, decried the Israeli plan and said, "Israel continues to impede international efforts to achieve peace in Palestine and the region amidst the complete inaction by the international community to hold Israel accountable for the crimes it continues to commit against the land and people of Palestine".

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Key benchmark indices hovered near day's high in morning trade. At 10:18 IST, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 73.53 points or 0.26% at 28,294.51. The Nifty 50 index was currently up 23.05 points or 0.26% at 8,767. Positive Asian stocks boosted sentiment on domestic bourses.

The Sensex rose 105.75 points or 0.37% at the day's high of 28,326.73 in morning trade. The barometer index rose 17.11 points or 0.06% at the day's low of 28,238.09 at onset of the day's trading session. The Nifty rose 30.85 points or 0.35% at the day's high of 8,774.80 in morning trade. The index lost 2.60 points or 0.03% at the day's low of 8,741.35 at onset of the day's trading session.

In overseas stock markets, Asian stocks rose as a healthy US economic report and rising oil prices overnight bolstered investor optimism. Markets in mainland China were closed for a weeklong holiday. US stocks rose yesterday, 5 October 2016 on positive economic data. Activity at US service companies expanded in September at the fastest pace in nearly a year, according to a private report. The Institute for Supply Management's services index jumped to 57.1 last month, its highest since October last year, adding to evidence that the world's biggest economy is strengthening and raising expectations the Federal Reserve will soon raise rates from ultralow levels.

Closer home, the broad market depicted strength. There were more than two gainers against every loser on BSE. 1,495 shares gained and 690 shares fell. A total of 99 shares were unchanged. The BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.45%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.46%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex.

Capital goods stocks rose. Bharat Heavy Electricals (Bhel) (up 1.71%), BEML (up 1.12%), Bharat Electronics (up 0.32%), Crompton Greaves (up 0.13%), ABB India (up 0.14%), L&T (up 0.81%), Siemens (up 0.18%) and Thermax (up 0.37%) gained.

IT stocks fell. HCL Technologies (down 1.92%), TCS (down 0.09%), MindTree (down 1.69%), Hexaware Technologies (down 0.55%), Infosys (down 0.65%) and Wipro (down 0.05%) declined. Oracle Financial Services Software (up 0.3%), Tech Mahindra (up 0.13%) and MphasiS (up 0.32%) rose.

Transformers & Rectifiers (India) rose 5.91% after the company said it entered into a joint venture agreement with China's Jiangsu Jingke Smart Electric Company. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 October 2016. Transformers & Rectifiers (India) (TRIL) announced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with Jiangsu Jingke Smart Electric Company (Jingke), a company incorporated under laws of People's Republic of China (PRC) for purpose of starting the business of manufacturing and marketing of GIS/HGIS/TGIS systems and products for 220 kilovolt (kV) and below and distribution products of 40.5 kV and below in India. TRIL will hold majority of 60% of share of joint venture and balance will be held by Jingke. The company neither has any interest in Jingke nor fall within related party transactions.

Jaiprakash Power Ventures jumped 8.61% ahead of a board meeting today, 6 October 2016, to consider proposals of restructuring including divestment of one or more units. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 October 2016. Jaiprakash Power Ventures scheduled a board meeting today, 6 October 2016, to consider the recommendations of Committee of Directors (for restructuring) regarding proposals of restructuring including divestment of one or more units and review the progress made in the reduction of company's debt.

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Ferry vessels operations into the 16 km length of river Yamuna from Delhi could be a reality from December 2016 as Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has submitted all necessary details to National Green Tribunal (NGT) for obtaining its green signal for the job, disclosed its Chairman, Mr. Amitabh Verma.

Speaking at Infrastructure Conclave-2016-Accelerating Growth with Inclusion & Equity organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Verma also announced that tenders for seven waterways would be floated in next 3-4 months.

The government, according to Mr.

Verma has already notified 106 inland waterways out of which 30 are highly doable among which tender for one such inland waterways has already been floated and the tender for remaining 22 waterways would follow in due course.

Mr. Verma also announced that new Inland Vessel Act is likely to be passed in the forthcoming winter session of the Parliament, replacing it with the prototype Vessel Act of 1917 as also a new legislation relating to dredging would come about in the same session.

Ferry vessels operations in river Yamuna are likely by December 2016 as the IWAI have cleared off the misgivings of NGT and a fresh report to this effect has already been submitted to the tribunal which is likely to be cleared off before the IWAI resumes the ferry vessels operations in December 2016.

Chairman, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Mr. Raghav Chandra who was also present on the occasion said that in the current fiscal the NHAI would tender out roads and highways projects measuring 7,000 km at various part of the country.

According to him, the approach of the government towards improving the road and highways connectivity is to bring about efficiency and competitiveness in the Indian economy for which all out efforts are being made with awards of new projects, the focus of which is not to broaden the existing road infrastructure but to develop it in the green field sector also.

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Global air passenger demand rises 4.6% in August 2016

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic data for August showing that demand (measured in total revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) climbed 4.6% compared to the year-ago period. This represented a slowing from the 6.4% increase recorded in July (revised). August capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 5.8%, and load factor slipped 0.9 percentage points to 83.8%.

"Growth in passenger demand dipped to 4.6%. While that's disappointing compared to the previous month's performance, it is still healthy growth. And although terrorist attacks in Europe have dampened demand, the impact is ebbing," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO.

International Passenger Markets

August international passenger demand rose 4.7% compared to August 2015. All regions recorded increases, but growth was dominated by airlines in the Middle East. Capacity climbed 6.5%, causing load factor to slide 1.4 percentage points to 83.9%.

Asia-Pacific airlines' August traffic climbed 5.6% compared to the year-ago period. Capacity rose 6.8% and load factor slipped down 0.9 percentage points to 81.9%. There are signs of Asian travelers continuing to be put-off by recent terrorism in Europe. Traffic on Europe-Asia routes grew just 1.5% in July, the most recent month for which route-specific figures are available, while international traffic growth on routes within Asia accelerated to 9.9%.

European carriers saw August demand climb 3.3% year-on-year. European traffic continues to be affected by the impact of terrorism, however, there are indications this may be easing. Capacity rose 5.1%, which caused load factor to drop 1.6 percentage points to 86.6%--which still was the highest among regions.

Middle Eastern carriers posted a 10.3% traffic increase in August, while capacity climbed 13.7%, resulting in a 2.5 percentage point fall in load factor to 81.2%.

North American airlines' international demand rose 1.8% compared to August a year ago. However, seasonally-adjusted traffic has risen at an annualized rate of 7% since March, supported by transpacific demand and leisure routes to Central America and the Caribbean. Capacity rose 3.8%, causing load factor to drop 1.7 percentage points to 85.3%.

Latin American airlines experienced a 6.7% demand rise compared to the same month last year, helped by strong demand on international routes within the region, spurred in part by the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. Capacity increased by 4.0% and load factor rose 2.1 percentage points to 84.0%. Carriers in this region were the only ones to see a rise in load factor compared to the year-ago period.

African airlines' traffic climbed 1.8% in August. International growth has tracked sideways since the start of the year, reflecting challenges in the major economies. Capacity rose 3.1%, with the result that load factor slipped 1.0 percentage point to 75.6%, lowest among regions.

Domestic Passenger Markets

Demand for domestic travel climbed 4.3% in August compared to August 2015, which was slightly exceeded by a 4.4% increase in capacity. Load factor slid 0.1 percentage points to 83.6%. All markets reported demand increases with the exception of Brazil and Russia, with India and China reporting double-digit rises.

Russia's domestic traffic fell 2.7% but the failure of Transaero last year has taken significant capacity out of the market, and load factor reached a record high for the month at 86.5%. It was also the highest among the domestic markets tracked by IATA.

US airlines' domestic traffic climbed just 1% year-on-year in August and traffic has trended sideways in seasonally-adjusted terms since late 2015.

"Lower airfares are a major factor sustaining demand for air travel. And airline profitability is stronger than ever as a result of a better industry structure and efficiency gains. But the lingering impact of terrorist attacks in Europe earlier in the year reminds us that the aviation industry is vulnerable to many external factors beyond its control. The risks - including the normal ups and downs of the business cycle - won't go away. The industry has improved resilience along with its profitability. That will be critical to responding quickly should the business environment change," said de Juniac.

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Jammu & Kashmir Bank fell 3.40% to Rs 86.60 at 14:51 IST on BSE on profit booking after a recent rally.

Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was down 74.81 points, or 0.27%, to 28,146.17.

On BSE, so far 1.70 lakh shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volume of 3.57 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 91 and a low of Rs 86.05 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 92.50 on 16 October 2015. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 56.45 on 3 June 2016. The stock had outperformed the market over the past 30 days till 5 October 2016, rising 28.35% compared with 2.61% decline in the Sensex. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 29.18% as against Sensex's 3.75% rise.

The mid-cap company has equity capital of Rs 48.48 crore. Face value per share is Re 1.

Shares of Jammu & Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank) rose 18.04% in four trading sessions to settle at Rs 89.65 yesterday, 5 October 2016, from its close of Rs 75.95 on 29 September 2016.

Net profit of Jammu and Kashmir Bank declined 85.59% to Rs 22.88 crore on 5.3% decline in operating income to Rs 1789.05 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015.

J&K Bank is the only bank in the country with majority ownership vested with a state government. The J&K state government holds 53.17% stake in the bank as at 31 December 2015.

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Delinquencies in India's non-banking financier's loan against property (LAP) portfolio could significantly increase in the next four quarters and may even exceed 5% on a static basis for a few players, says India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). The signs of early stress are visible in the LAP business loan pools assessed by Ind-Ra, including a sharp rise in 90 days past due delinquencies for some of the large players. A combination of stagnant property prices especially in metros and large cities, which are the primary markets for large and medium ticket LAP, and squeeze on refinancing due to risk aversion building up in some financiers is bringing stress to the fore.

Ind-Ra analysed data from the LAP portfolios generated over the last five years and observed that all loans, irrespective of their years of origination, are experiencing a concurrent rise in delinquencies in 2016. Ind-Ra believes that the LAP market has now entered into a delicate phase with rising delinquencies accompanied by shrinking yields, thereby leaving limited buffers to absorb unexpected shocks. The average lending rate in the urban high-ticket LAP segment has shrunk to close to 300bp from 500bp over State Bank of India's ('IND AAA'/Stable) base rate, which in Ind-Ra's opinion may not be adequate to absorb any spike in credit costs. Ind-Ra also believes the eventual losses through the liquidation route could be higher than what is being priced in by non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs). Ind-Ra's rated transaction pool data for the housing loan mortgage portfolio acquired by asset reconstruction companies since 2006 show a recovery rate of over 100% of principal outstanding, but when adjusted for the time value it drops to 70%.

Furthermore, this recovery ratio drops sharply to 25% for SME loans where collaterals include either industrial or commercial properties.

Ind-Ra believes that over the last few quarters, portfolio churn, through balance transfer among NBFIs, has been the significant driver of incremental loan growth. Additionally, a large segment of the market utilised third-party intermediaries to expand its loan portfolio. Ind-Ra believes that it has led to less than optimum credit assessment rigour. Furthermore, elevated balance transfer has led to inadequate seasoning for a part of the portfolio.

Ind-Ra observes that small ticket LAP portfolio has shown a better performance than large ticket loans, though the portfolio is less seasoned. Newer geographies are facilitating volume growth and due to limited competitive intensity, are allowing lenders to price in the risk. Also, the recent applicability of SARFAESI Act (to systemically important NBFIs and on a loan amount higher than INR10m) may improve portfolio performance as it could reduce slippages and improve recovery.

Ind-Ra believes that credit appraisal systems based on borrower cash-flow assessment and standardised valuation practices would be critical risk mitigants. Ind-Ra expects players with largely residential mortgage collaterals to fare well on asset quality metrics. Finally, strong equity and liquidity buffers and matched asset liability profile would continue to differentiate players in this segment.

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Key benchmark indices dropped for the second day in a row today, 6 October 2016, led by losses in index heavyweights ITC and Infosys. The S&P BSE Sensex fell 114.77 points or 0.41% to settle at 28,106.21. The Nifty 50 index shed 34.40 points or 0.39% to settle at 8,709.55. The Sensex and the Nifty, both, hit their lowest closing level in almost a week. After remaining in positive terrain till afternoon trade, key indices slipped into the red following negative cues from European stocks.

The Sensex fell 114.77 points or 0.41% to settle at 28,106.21, its lowest closing level since 30 September 2016. The index shed 189.76 points or 0.67% at the day's low of 28,031.22. The index rose 107.58 points or 0.38% at the day's high of 28,328.56.

The Nifty shed 34.40 points or 0.39% to settle at 8,709.55, its lowest closing level since 30 September 2016. The index lost 59.30 points or 0.68% at the day's low of 8,684.65. The index rose 37.20 points or 0.42% at the day's high of 8,781.15.

Among sectoral indices on BSE, the S&P BSE Industrials index (down 0.47%), the S&P BSE Auto index (down 0.69%), the S&P BSE Power index (down 1.18%), the S&P BSE Healthcare index (down 0.99%), the S&P BSE Realty index (down 1.48%), the S&P BSE Utilities index (down 0.56%), the S&P BSE Basic Materials index (down 0.47%), the S&P BSE Teck index (down 0.78%), the S&P BSE Finance index (down 0.63%), the S&P BSE Bankex (down 0.7%), and the S&P BSE IT index (down 0.87%) underperformed the Sensex. The S&P BSE Consumer Discretionary Goods & Services index (down 0.3%), the S&P BSE Capital Goods index (down 0.18%), the S&P BSE Consumer Durables index (down 0.35%), the S&P BSE Metal index (up 0.07%), the S&P BSE Energy index (up 1.87%), the S&P BSE Oil & Gas index (up 2.64%), the S&P BSE Telecom index (up 0.45%), and the S&P BSE FMCG index (down 0.35%) outperformed the Sensex.

The market breadth indicating the overall health of the market was negative. On BSE, 1,529 shares declined and 1,345 shares rose. A total of 129 shares were unchanged. The BSE Mid-Cap index fell 0.56%. The BSE Small-Cap index dropped 0.48%. The fall in both these indices was higher than the Sensex's decline in percentage terms.

The total turnover on BSE amounted to Rs 3662.48 crore, lower than turnover of Rs 3914.82 crore registered during the previous trading session.

In overseas stock markets, European shares retreated in choppy trade hit by worries that the European Central Bank might wind down the pace of bond-buying before the end of its asset-purchase programme. Asian stocks rose as a healthy US economic report and rising oil prices overnight bolstered investor optimism. Markets in mainland China were closed for a weeklong holiday. US stocks closed with decent gains yesterday, 5 October 2016 on positive economic data. Activity at US service companies expanded in September at the fastest pace in nearly a year, according to a private report. The Institute for Supply Management's services index jumped to 57.1 last month, its highest since October last year, adding to evidence that the world's biggest economy is strengthening and raising expectations the Federal Reserve will soon raise rates from ultralow levels.

Shares of oil production and exploration firms rose as global crude oil prices gained in the previous session. Cairn India (up 2.83%) and Reliance Industries (RIL) (up 2%) gained. Higher crude oil prices would result in increase in realizations from crude sales for oil exploration firms.

ONGC rose 0.73% after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yesterday, 5 October 2016 gave its approval to an acquisition by ONGC Videsh (OVL) for 11% stake in JSC Vankorneft from Rosneft Oil Company (Rosneft), the National Oil Company (NOC) of Russian Federation (Russia). Rosneft operates Vankor fields, with Vankorneft, its wholly owned subsidiary. OVL will be paying an amount of $930 million for acquiring 11% stake in Vankorneft. OVL is an investment arm of ONGC.

The acquisition of stake in Vankorneft will provide 3.2 million metric ton of oil equivalent (MMTOE) to OVL by 2017. It will also provide an opportunity to Indian public sector oil and gas companies to acquire new technologies from Rosneft. The acquisition is in line the ONGC's stated objective of adding high quality international assets to India's Exploration and Production (E&P) portfolio and thereby augmenting India's energy security.

Oil India gained 0.34%. An Indian consortium led by Oil India including Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and Bharat PetroResources (BPRL), a 100% subsidiary of BPCL, have successfully completed two landmark acquisitions of producing upstream assets in Russia. The consortium acquired 29.9% stake in LLC Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha (Taas Yuryakh) and 23.9% stake in JSC Vankorneft (Vankorneft) from Rosneft Oil Company, the national oil company of Russia.

Shares of public sector oil marketing companies also spurted. Shares of BPCL surged 3.87%.

Indian Oil Corporation jumped 5.44% after the company fixed 19 October 2016 as the record date for 1:1 bonus issue. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 October 2016.

Shares of HPCL gained 3.9%.

In the global commodities markets, Brent for December settlement currently unchanged at $51.86 a barrel. The contract had risen 99 cents or 1.94% to settle at $51.86 a barrel during the previous trading session.

Index heavyweight and cigarette major ITC lost 0.87% to Rs 238.20. The stock hit a high of Rs 242 and low of Rs 236.20 in intraday trade.

Index heavyweight and software major Infosys lost 1.39% to Rs 1,026.65. The stock hit high of Rs 1,041.15 and low of Rs 1,025 in intraday trade.

Most realty stocks edged lower. Omaxe (down 2.28%), Godrej Properties (down 0.37%), Housing Development and Infrastructure (down 3.2%), Unitech (down 0.83%), and Parsvnath Developers (down 2.26%) rose. DLF (down 1.7%) and Indiabulls Real Estate (down 5.89%) fell. Oberoi Realty (up 3.34%), D B Realty (up 4.48%), Sobha (up 1.97%), Prestige Estates Projects (up 0.65%) rose.

Bank stocks also declined. Among public sector banks, UCO Bank (down 1.06%), Bank of Baroda (down 2.86%), Syndicate Bank (down 2.36%), Punjab National Bank (down 1.7%), Corporation Bank (down 1.48%), Allahabad Bank (down 3.04%), State Bank of India (SBI) (down 1.42%), Bank of India (down 2.25%), Union Bank of India (down 1.81%), and United Bank of India (down 0.23%) edged lower.

Among private sector banks, Axis Bank (down 0.89%), HDFC Bank (down 0.13%), Federal Bank (down 1.62%), and ICICI Bank (down 1.58%) edged lower. Kotak Mahindra Bank (up 0.08%) and IndusInd Bank (up 0.59%) gained.

RBL Bank rose 2.96% to Rs 304.30 on reports a foreign brokerage has initiated coverage on the stock with a buy rating with a target price of Rs 350. The brokerage reportedly said that RBL Bank is ready for a take-off in growth. The brokerage expects more than 35% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) loan growth for the bank in next 3 years.

Yes Bank rose 0.1%. According to reports, initial investigations by the stock market regulator Securities & Exchange Board of India (Sebi) found that Yes Bank had violated key norms of the listing obligations and disclosure rules (LODR) relating to misrepresentation of facts and adequate disclosure before it proceeded with the qualified institutional placement (QIP) last month. It may be recalled that Yes Bank had announced on 8 September 2016 its decision to defer the earlier planned QIP of shares citing extreme volatility during trading day on 8 September 2016 because of misinterpretation of new QIP guidelines. The bank had on 7 September 2016 announced opening of QIP of equity shares of face value Rs 10 each to raise up to $1 billion. Yes Bank had fixed Rs 1,371.84 per share as the floor price at that time.

Meanwhile, in its clarification issued to the stock exchanges during market hours today, 6 October 2016, Yes Bank said that as a matter of policy, it does not comment on such speculative stories.

Key indices fell for the second day in a row today, 6 October 2016. The Sensex has declined 228.34 points or 0.8% in two sessions, from a close of 28,334.55 on 4 October 2016. The Sensex has risen 240.25 points or 0.86% in October 2016 so far (till 6 October 2016). The Sensex has risen 1,988.67 points or 7.61% in calendar year 2016 so far (till 6 October 2016). From a 52-week low of 22,494.61 hit on 29 February 2016, the barometer index has risen 5,611.60 points or 24.94%. From a 52-week high of 29,077.28 hit on 8 September 2016, the barometer index has fallen 971.07 points or 3.33%. The Sensex is off 1,918.53 points or 6.38% from a record high of 30,024.74 hit on 4 March 2015.

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Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could gain 30 points at the opening bell.

In overseas stock markets, Asian stocks rose bolstered by overnight rise in oil prices. US stocks rose yesterday, 5 October 2016 on positive economic data. September ISM non-manufacturing came in stronger than expected at 57.1. Factory orders also increased slightly in August, while the trade deficit in the US widened more than expected in August, and mortgage applications increased 2.9 percent last week.

Closer home, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 243 crore yesterday, 5 October 2016, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 349.86 crore yesterday, 5 October 2016, as per provisional data.

Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) announced that the company has fixed 19 October 2016 as the record date for 1:1 bonus issue. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 October 2016.

Oil India announced that the company led Indian consortium successfully completed two landmark acquisitions in Russia. The Indian consortium led by Oil India including Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and Bharat PetroResources (BPRL), a 100% subsidiary of BPCL have successfully completed two landmark acquisitions of producing upstream assets in Russia. The consortium acquired 29.9% stake in LLC Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha (Taas Yuryakh) and 23.9% stake in JSC Vankorneft (Vankorneft) from Rosneft Oil Company, the national oil company of Russia.

Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) announced that POWERGRID Unchahar Transmission, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company has successfully completed the project comprising the element Unchahar-Fatehpur 400 kV D/c line and declared commercial operation on 1 October 2016. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 October 2016.

Key benchmark indices snapped three-day winning streak yesterday, 5 October 2016 as weakness in global stocks weighed on sentiment. The Sensex fell 113.57 points or 0.4% to settle at 28,220.98, its lowest level since 30 September 2016.

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Oil India (OIL), an Upstream Oil & Gas PSU, with intent of augmenting its reserves base and maximising recovery from its aging oilfields, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Houston (USA), one of the leading universities on oil and gas of the world. The MoU was signed today in presence of Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State (I/C), Petroleum & Natural Gas.

The MoU, amongst others, is focused to collaborate in the fields of Improved Oil Recovery & Enhanced Oil Recovery for production enhancement from matured fields, seismic interpretation & reservoir characterisation studies, improvement of drilling and well intervention practices and unconventional hydrocarbon studies. It is envisaged that the collaboration will help OIL to further consolidate and upgrade the various initiatives the Company has undertaken to improve production and contribute significantly to the energy security of the country. This will also contribute towards national obligation as set by Hon'ble Prime Minister to reduce import dependency of oil and gas by 10% by 2022.

Located in the energy capital of the United States of America, home to the leading Oil & Gas operating companies and service providers, the University of Houston is a premier institute, involved in the quest of academic and translational excellence in the field of Oil & Gas through its outstanding faculty and research staff and has established well documented partnership with leading edge academia and industry subject matter experts.

Describing the signing of MoU as historic, the Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan said this small event will lay huge impact in exploration sector. He said innovation, scientific temperament and institutional hand-holding is the way forward for the growth of oil and gas sector.

He said that India is third largest energy consuming country in the world but is import dependent for crude oil. The Minister said that India is an aspirational society, bound to grow and move very fast. The import centric mechanism can't help meet our challenges. He said an ecosystem has to be created so that innovations, improvements and reforms are ushered in. Sh. Pradhan said if there is willpower, good strategy and innovative technology, a good ecosystem can be created which will help in better oil recovery from the fields. He said there is no dearth of intellectual talent or good institutions in the country but these need to be harnessed and supported for the country's growth.

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Key benchmark indices held firm after hitting fresh intraday high in afternoon trade. At 13:20 IST, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 90.41 points or 0.32% at 28,311.39. The Nifty 50 index was currently up 29.05 points or 0.33% at 8,773. Positive global stocks boosted sentiment on domestic bourses.

The Sensex remained in positive terrain so far during the day after opening higher. The Sensex rose 107.58 points or 0.38% at the day's high of 28,328.56 in afternoon trade. The barometer index gained 17.11 points or 0.06% at the day's low of 28,238.09 at onset of the day's trading session. The Nifty rose 37.20 points or 0.42% at the day's high of 8,781.15 in afternoon trade. The index lost 2.60 points or 0.03% at the day's low of 8,741.35 at onset of the day's trading session.

The market breadth indicating the overall health of the market was strong. On BSE, 1,731 shares gained and 929 shares fell. A total of 126 shares were unchanged. The BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.53%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.58%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex.

In overseas stock markets, European and Asian stocks rose as a healthy US economic report and rising oil prices overnight bolstered investor optimism. Markets in mainland China were closed for a weeklong holiday. US stocks closed with decent gains yesterday, 5 October 2016 on positive economic data. Activity at US service companies expanded in September at the fastest pace in nearly a year, according to a private report. The Institute for Supply Management's services index jumped to 57.1 last month, its highest since October last year, adding to evidence that the world's biggest economy is strengthening and raising expectations the Federal Reserve will soon raise rates from ultralow levels.

Cement stocks were mixed. ACC (down 0.7%) and Ambuja Cements (down 0.78%) declined. Shree Cement rose 0.25%. UltraTech Cement shed 0.92%.

Grasim Industries advanced 1.74%. Grasim has exposure to the cement sector through its holding in UltraTech Cement.

Shares of oil production and exploration firms rose as global crude oil prices gained in the previous session. Cairn India (up 3.46%) and Reliance Industries (RIL) (up 2.93%) gained. Higher crude oil prices would result in increase in realizations from crude sales for oil exploration firms.

ONGC rose 1.93% after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yesterday, 5 October 2016 gave its approval to an acquisition by ONGC Videsh (OVL) for 11% stake in JSC Vankorneft from Rosneft Oil Company (Rosneft), the National Oil Company (NOC) of Russian Federation (Russia). Rosneft operates Vankor fields, with Vankorneft, its wholly owned subsidiary. OVL will be paying an amount of $930 million for acquiring 11% stake in Vankorneft. OVL is an investment arm of ONGC.

The acquisition of stake in Vankorneft will provide 3.2 million metric ton of oil equivalent (MMTOE) to OVL by 2017. It will also provide an opportunity to Indian public sector oil and gas companies to acquire new technologies from Rosneft. The acquisition is in line the ONGC's stated objective of adding high quality international assets to India's Exploration and Production (E&P) portfolio and thereby augmenting India's energy security.

Oil India gained 2.15%. An Indian consortium led by Oil India including Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and Bharat PetroResources (BPRL), a 100% subsidiary of BPCL, have successfully completed two landmark acquisitions of producing upstream assets in Russia. The consortium acquired 29.9% stake in LLC Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha (Taas Yuryakh) and 23.9% stake in JSC Vankorneft (Vankorneft) from Rosneft Oil Company, the national oil company of Russia.

Shares of public sector oil marketing companies also spurted. Shares of BPCL surged 4.93%.

Indian Oil Corporation jumped 6.66% after the company fixed 19 October 2016 as the record date for 1:1 bonus issue. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 October 2016.

Shares of HPCL gained 5.53%.

In the global commodities markets, Brent for December settlement was currently down 25 cents at $51.61 a barrel. The contract had risen 99 cents or 1.94% to settle at $51.86 a barrel during the previous trading session.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) declined 0.64%. The company announced that it has launched eSupro-India's first all electric cargo and passenger van. The company has priced cargo van at Rs 8.45 lakhs and passenger variant at Rs 8.75 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi. The announcement was made during market hours today, 6 October 2016. The eSupro platform will cater primarily to the B2B segment and would be available across Mahindra dealerships pan India with immediate effect.

Cadila Healthcare gained 0.8% after the company said it has entered into an in-licensing agreement with Neovii to launch a drug in India. The announcement was made during market hours today, 6 October 2016. Cadila Healthcare announced that it has entered into an in-licensing agreement with Switzerland-based global biopharmaceutical company Neovii to launch Grafalon, an immunosuppresant extensively used in solid organ transplants and stem cell transplant in India. Neovii has been dedicated for over three decades to improve the outcomes in transplantation medicine, hemato-oncological and immune disorders.

Caplin Point Laboratories rose 1.39% after the company fixed 20 October 2016 as record date for 5-for-1 stock split. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 October 2016.

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Transformers & Rectifiers (India) rose 5.85% to Rs 348.35 at 9:50 IST on BSE after the company said it entered into a joint venture agreement with China's Jiangsu Jingke Smart Electric Company.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 October 2016.

Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was up 103.15 points, or 0.37%, to 28,324.13.

On BSE, so far 16,000 shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volume of 6,403 shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 364.40 and a low of Rs 342 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 387.90 on 27 May 2016. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 167 on 26 October 2015. The stock had outperformed the market over the past 30 days till 5 October 2016, sliding 1.91% compared with 2.61% decline in the Sensex. The scrip had, however, underperformed the market in past one quarter, falling 3.95% as against Sensex's 3.75% rise.

The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 13.26 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

Transformers & Rectifiers (India) (TRIL) announced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with Jiangsu Jingke Smart Electric Company (Jingke), a company incorporated under laws of People's Republic of China (PRC) for purpose of starting the business of manufacturing and marketing of GIS/HGIS/TGIS systems and products for 220 kilovolt (kV) and below and distribution products of 40.5 kV and below in India. TRIL will hold majority of 60% of share of joint venture and balance will be held by Jingke. The company neither has any interest in Jingke nor fall within related party transactions.

TRIL is leading manufacturer of transformers and reactors upto 765 kV. The utilities find increasing usage of GIS as space becomes restriction and technology is getting advanced. This is logical foray for a TRIL for diversification in transmission & distribution (T&D) Segment.

TRIL reported net profit of Rs 0.75 crore in Q1 June 2016 as against net loss of Rs 12.49 crore in Q1 June 2015. Net sales rose 174.11% to Rs 158.52 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015.

TRIL manufactures a wide range of transformers for the domestic and the international market.

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Yes Bank lost 1.13% to Rs 1,264.60 at 10:45 IST on BSE on reports that Sebi has found reasons enough to launch adjudication proceedings against the bank over its abortive $1 billion qualified institutional placement.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 90.54 points or 0.32% at 28,311.52.

On BSE, so far 1.81 lakh shares were traded in the counter as against average daily volume of 2.54 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 1,268.70 and a low of Rs 1,229 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 632.25 on 20 January 2016. The stock had hit a record high of Rs 1,450 on 7 September 2016. The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 5 October 2016, sliding 7.82% compared with 1.09% fall in the Sensex. The scrip had, however, outperformed the market in past one quarter, gaining 13.63% as against Sensex's 3.88% rise.

The large-cap bank has equity capital of Rs 421.66 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

According to reports, initial investigations by the stock market regulator Securities & Exchange Board of India (Sebi) found that Yes Bank had violated key norms of the listing obligations and disclosure rules (LODR) relating to misrepresentation of facts and adequate disclosure before it proceeded with the qualified institutional placement (QIP) last month. It may be recalled that Yes Bank had announced on 8 September 2016 its decision to defer the earlier planned QIP of shares citing extreme volatility during trading day on 8 September 2016 because of misinterpretation of new QIP guidelines. The bank had on 7 September 2016 announced opening of QIP of equity shares of face value Rs 10 each to raise up to $1 billion. Yes Bank had fixed Rs 1,371.84 per share as the floor price at that time.

Meanwhile, in its clarification issued to the stock exchanges during market hours today, 6 October 2016, Yes Bank said that as a matter of policy, it does not comment on such speculative stories.

Yes Bank's net profit rose 32.8% to Rs 731.80 crore on 25.4% growth in total income to Rs 4762.83 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015.

Yes Bank is one of the leading private sector banks in India.

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The AAP on Thursday accused the BJP of "demeaning" the Indian Army's might and demanded an apology from the party over Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and party spokesperson G.V.L. Narsimha Rao's statements "defaming" the army.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh sought an apology from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said that AAP will approach Delhi Police to register a complaint against Parrikar and Rao over their statements.

"We demand an apology from BJP over Parrikar's and Rao's statements defaming Indian Army. Our Delhi unit chief Dilip Pandey along with other leaders will soon approach Delhi Police to register a complaint against both the BJP leaders over their statements," Singh said at a press conference here.

After the September 29 surgical strikes, Parrikar on October 1 compared the Indian Army with Lord Hanuman of Ramayana, saying as the deity was reminded of his strength before going to Lanka, "I reminded our army of their powers and they did the job brilliantly".

Singh said the BJP spokesperson Rao on Wednesday questioned and demeaned the might of the Indian Army by allegedly saying that it (army) did not have the power (to conduct such surgical strikes) for 70 years which it has now acquired (during BJP government).

Singh said the Indian Army has a glorious past of defeating Pakistan in 1948, 1965, 1971 and in 1999. It conducted surgical strikes nine times in 15 years and killed Pakistani terrorists and soldiers.

"Both the BJP leaders demeaned the Indian Army through their statements. I want to tell the BJP that do not neglect the glorious history of the Indian Army for your own political benefits.

"Do not insult the martyrdom of martyr Captain Vikram Batra, martyr Abdul Hamid and other soldiers. Do not insult Indian army's glorious past of 70 years," Singh added.

Hitting out at Parrikar, Singh said: "Defence Minister is busy in attending welcome ceremony in Agra in Uttar Pradesh at a time when he is required to be in Delhi as shelling is going on at the border."

"BJP supporters are busy in poll in UP. BJP is putting up hoardings for its self glorification to take advantage of the surgical strike."

On Kejriwal's video message asking the government to counter Pakistan's denial of the strikes, Singh said that BJP leaders started making baseless comments against Kejriwal even without understanding the feelings and the entire issue.

"Kejriwal hailed Modi and Indian Army for the surgical strikes in his video message," he said.

"BJP leaders' sole aim is to anyhow target and insult AAP. We never asked PM or the central government to release the video of the surgical strike or give proof," he clarified.

--IANS

am/rn/dg

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Antonio Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, the 67-year-old former Prime Minister of Portugal, is the first former head of government to become UN Secretary General.

Guterres, formerly UN High Commissioner for Refugees, will be taking over as the ninth chief of the United Nations at a time when two major powers, the US and Russia, are sharply at odds over the world's most pressing crisis -- Syria -- and the world is rocked by terrorism and reeling from the refugee crisis.

Guterres has said that he intends to make preventing crises a priority for the 71-year-old world body.

"We need a surge in for peace," he said, outlining his plan. "The international community spends much more time and resources managing crises than preventing them.

"A Secretary General must continuously seek to contribute to reducing the number of conflicts and consequently the number of victims," he is quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

Guterres is well-liked, with a reputation for being eloquent and outspoken on human rights. He also has a history of challenging powerful countries to do more to help the vulnerable rather than deferring to them, says vox.com.

He has been at the helm of the UN's refugee organisation at a time when the refugee crisis began to spiral out of control.

As UNHCR chief, Guterres gained reputation for being an effective manager as he cut expenditures on headquarters and staff by about half, while simultaneously growing the organisation's capacity to handle larger numbers of refugees.

Born in Portugal's capital Lisbon, the trained engineer who worked as an Assistant Professor before entering politics in 1974, Guterres helped organise the Socialist Party and build democracy in the country after overthrowing the Antonio Salazar regime which used heavy handed censorship and secret police to quell the opposition.

After the Guterres-led Socialist Party won the general elections in 1995, he became Prime Minister, during a time when his country was crippled with heroin addiction.

As Prime Minister, Guterres pushed through an unprecedented law decriminalising the use of all drugs which turned out to be successful as Portugal's drug addiction rate is five times lower than the European Union average while the number of new HIV infections per year fell by 95 per cent since the decriminalisation came into effect, Vox.com reported.

During his tenure from 1995 to 2002, Guterres developed a sterling reputation among Portuguese politicians. Even his political opponents in Portugal's centre-right Social Democratic Party respected him.

After his Socialist Party ranked poorly in 2002 elections, he stepped down as PM and entered international politics, leading the Socialist International (a global organisation of Social Democratic parties) for a short while.

In personal life, Guterres is a practising Catholic and remarried after his first wife died of cancer in 1998.

In Guterres' vision statement in applying for the position of UN's Secretary General, he wrote of the challenges that the world is facing in terms of rising inequality, terrorism and organised crime, climate change and the proliferation of armed actors internationally.

He wrote that the UN was "uniquely placed to connect the dots to overcome these challenges" but that change and reform was needed.

"People in need of protection are not getting enough. The most vulnerable, such as women and children, are an absolute priority. We must make sure that when someone sees the Blue Flag, she or he can say: 'I am protected'."

He will take over as UN chief in January next year.

Describing Guterres as "exceptional", Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, said: "The best person for the job was selected and it is very good for the world, it is very good for the United Nations, it is very good for Portugal."

Human Rights Watch's UN director Louis Charbonneau said Guterres could "strike a radically new tone on human rights at a time of great challenge" but cautioned that he will be judged on his ability to stand up to the veto powers.

There were 10 candidates in the race to become the next UN chief including EU budget commissioner Kristalina Georgieva from Bulgaria who entered the fray just last week.

Georgieva failed to garner crucial support from two of the permanent members, with speculation turning to Russia's opposition to her candidacy, The Australian reported.

The Secretary General of the UN is appointed in a two-stage process. A candidate is first recommended by the Security Council, and must then be approved by the 193-member General Assembly.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Actor Arjun Rampal has wrapped up shooting for the upcoming film "Daddy", reportedly based on the life of gangster Arun Gawli.

Arjun on Wednesday shared a photograph of the film's clap-board, and captioned it: "What a ride! What joy! Thank you team 'Daddy'...'Daddy' it's a wrap. Can't wait to see it now."

The film is directed by Ashim Ahluwalia, who made his directorial debut with the feature-length documentary "John & Jane" in 2005. The film also won him National Film Award for Best First Non-Feature Film of a Director. He also made "Miss Lovely"

Arjun has two more films in his kitty. The "D-Day" actor will be soon seen sharing screen space with actress Vidya Balan in the second installment of the 2012 thriller film "Kahaani".

He will also be seen in the sequel of the 2008 rock musical drama film "Rock On!! 2", with actors Farhan Akhtar, Purab Kohli, Prachi Desai and Shraddha Kapoor.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Justifying the evacuation of villages along Punjab's international border with Pakistan, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Thursday blasted the Congress and the AAP leaders for criticising the move.

Asserting that his government "fully implemented the directive of the Government of India on the security-driven issue of pre-emptive civilian evacuation and relocation in border areas", Badal said that Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders had stooped so low as to question a decision that was taken considering security implications for the border population.

In a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Badal said that Congress leader Amarinder Singh and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal were "deliberately making mischievous statements on sensitive issues of border security".

Badal's response came at the end of a three-day visit to all six border districts in Punjab.

Following a directive from the Union Home Ministry, the Punjab government had ordered evacuation of villages located within 10 km of the international border with Pakistan. This was done to pre-empt any retaliation from Pakistan after the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control in Kashmir on last Thursday.

"This is an unpardonable sin as the Congress and the AAP leaders are treating our soldiers' sacred zeal and heroic deeds to mere fodder for their petty politicking. Only three voices in the entire world have treated the border evacuation and the surgical strikes with suspicion. One of these three voices belonged understandably to Pakistan and the other two belong to Kejriwal and Amarinder," an upset Badal wrote in the letter.

Badal said that "decisions on whether or not to reveal evidence on surgical strikes and when to execute pre-emptive civilian relocation are issues to be decided on highly professional grounds".

"This is highly tactical and strategic decision to be taken by the Government of India on the advice of the security forces. That is how it (evacuation) has been done here too. It is not for the state governments to decide on whether or not or when to execute pre-emptive relocation," he said.

"We fully realise that border-evacuation is a security-driven decision with tactical, strategic and professional military considerations. The security forces are the best qualified to take a call on such decisions. Accordingly, such issues are handled all over the world through a broad national consensus on strategic considerations," Badal said in his letter.

--IANS

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United Nations Secretary General on Thursday praised Italy for its efforts in hosting and rescuing thousands of refugees and migrants, and appealed for global solidarity in tackling migrant crisis.

Ban made his remarks after meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella here.

The outgoing UN secretary general held talks also with president of the Upper House Pietro Grasso, and of the Lower House Laura Boldrini.

Such meetings focused on major issues, including the war in Syria, the Libyan situation, and the migrant crisis, according to an official statement.

"I commend the generosity of the Italian people and government in hosting and rescuing so many human beings, who are risking their lives on the high seas in search of a better life," Ban told reporters after talks.

"Italy should not be left alone. We need global solidarity to face this unprecedented crisis," he added.

The UN chief also praised the support Italy has been providing to the UN blue-helmet peace operations around the world, in terms of both troops and logistics.

Ban is expected to be replaced by former head of the UN refugee agency UNHCR Antonio Guterres by Jan 2017.

The Italian authorities acknowledged Ban's achievements during his visit to the country, which was likely to be the last one as UN secretary-general.

"In the last 10 years, under his guide, the UN have achieved historic results in areas key to co-existence," Mattarella told a press conference.

Mattarella mentioned the crucial fields of development and of governance of the climate change.

"In particular, I am thinking about the adoption of the 2030 Agenda (for Sustainable Development), and the Paris agreement on climate change," he said.

The Paris Agreement just entered into force this week, triggered by the ratification of the parliament of the European Union (EU). "Yet, the list of Ban's achievements is longer than that," Mattarella added.

"I want to mention his crucial commitment on the migrants issue, as a global responsibility of the community, on the gender equality, and on the fight against discrimination and violence," he said.
Dr. Shannon Banks, left, a Brody graduate and third-year resident in family medicine at Vidant Medical Center, completes a patient exam with attending physician Dr. Chelley Alexander, chair of ECU's Department of Family Medicine. (Photos by Jay Clark)

The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University was ranked among the nation's top five medical schools again this year for the high percentage of its graduates pursuing careers in family medicine.The American Academy of Family Physicians calculates the annual rankings by averaging the percentages of each school's graduates who entered family medicine residency programs over the past three years.Brody ranked fourth on this year's list, which is published in the October issue of Family Medicine, the journal of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine.This year, ECU's medical school is the only one in the Southeast to make the top five - where it has now stayed for six consecutive years. Brody has been ranked in the top 10 since 2007. No other North Carolina medical school has made the top 10 during that time period.An average of 16.7 percent of ECU medical graduates began training in family medicine over the past three years, according to AAFP calculations.said Dr. Elizabeth Baxley, Brody's senior associate dean for academic affairs.Baxley said.she said.Baxley added.Approximately one in five of all medical office visits are made to family physicians, according to AAFP data. That totals nearly 192 million office visits annually - nearly 66 million more than the next largest medical specialty.AAFP leadership believes filling the family physician workforce pipeline is vital to the health of Americans. At a time when the U.S. is seeing a decline in the numbers of physicians entering primary care, the academy reports that family physicians provide more care for America's underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty.North Carolina in particular is reporting increasing shortages of primary care doctors in rural and economically depressed areas of the state. The Association of American Medical Colleges consistently ranks Brody greater than the 90th percentile nationally for graduates practicing in rural and underserved areas.Of the 2,340 physicians who have graduated from Brody, more than half remained in North Carolina to practice - the highest percentage of any medical school in the state.On average, nearly 60 percent of Brody graduates remain in primary care five years after graduation - also the highest percentage of any medical school in the state.Baxley noted.Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 124,900 family physicians, residents and medical students nationwide. The AAFP website defines the basis of family medicine asFamily medicine encompasses comprehensive health care for individuals and their families, incorporating the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences, and encompassing all ages, sexes, organ systems and diseases.According to the AAFP's 2015 rankings report, primary care - which includes family medicine, general pediatrics, general internal medicine and obstetrics/gynecology - has been demonstrated to improve health care outcomes and reduce health disparities while also reducing health care costs.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation in tensions.

"I urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint so that there's no further escalation of tension ? We want the people of South Asia not to suffer," she said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while delivering her 32-minute winding up speech of the 12th session of the 10th Parliament on Thursday evening.

Hasina said her government always desired peace in South Asia.

"We never want to see any conflict and tension created in this region? If any such conflict is created, then Bangladesh will also be affected," the Daily Star quoted her as saying.

Tensions between the two countries have grown since a terror attack on an Indian army camp in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 left 19 soldiers dead. India blamed the attack on militants from Pakistan. India launched surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka last week pulled out of the Saarc summit that was to be held in Islamabad in November, leading to its cancellation.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Britain Home Secretary Amber Rudd told the Conservative Party annual conference in Birmingham that stricter rules for immigration was not a case of pulling up the drawbridge on the brightest overseas students.

Rudd told the conference in a keynote speech that the government will be consulting shortly, on the next steps needed to control immigration, aiming at people who come to Britain to work or study, Xinhua news agency reported.

New immigration rules to control the number of students heading to study in Britain were announced by the minister on Tuesday.

She said Britain will look for the first time at whether student immigration rules should be tailored to the quality of the course and the quality of the educational institution.

She told delegates: "The current system allows all students, irrespective of their talents and the university's quality, favourable employment prospects when they stop studying."

Rudd said she was passionately committed to making sure Britain's world-leading institutions can attract the brightest and the best.

Rudd also said Britain will examine whether to toughen the test companies have to take before recruiting staff from abroad.

She said: "British businesses have driven the economic recovery in this country, with employment at record levels. The test should ensure people coming here are filling gaps in the labour market, not taking jobs British people could do."

Her measures were directed as a warning to those that oppose any steps to reduce net migration, saying the government will not waver in its commitment to put the interests of the British people first.
Camel milk, now hugely popular among Australians and claimed to help with autism, diabetes and cancer, could be nothing but a dodgy product with untrue health claims, An Australian consumer watchdog has said.

Choice, a not-for-profit organisation, has singled out Camel Milk Victoria as it found its health claims to be too good to be true, a spokesperson told Xinhua news agency on Thursday.

It has referred the company to the Australian Competitor and Consumer Organization and the Victorian food enforcement bodies for further investigation.

"This all-natural panacea ... is known to help improve the immune system by fighting off bacteria and infections and aid those who have autism, diabetes, tuberculosis, cancer, stomach ulcers and more", Choice said in a statement.

"Problem is, we checked these impressive claims with the food regulator, and none of them are on the list of permissible food health claims."

He expects the investigation to be wrapped up within weeks. Camel Milk Victoria did not respond to Xinhua's requests for comment.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A court here on Thursday asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to file a certificate to authenticate the election affidavits filed in court by Union Minister Smriti Irani on her educational qualifications.

Metropolitan Magistrate Harvinder Singh asked the ECI to send an official along with a certificate after observing that the affidavits exhibited in court were a copy of the electronic record available on the commission's website.

The court adjourned the matter to October 15.

The Election Commission had earlier submitted documents that were a copy of the file extracted from its official website.

At that time, the commission told the court that Irani's original 2004 election affidavit was misplaced, the complainant's counsel told the media outside court.

The court was hearing a private complaint by Ahmer Khan, who accused Irani of submitting varying details about her educational qualifications in her three affidavits filed before the Election Commission for the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha polls held in 2004, 2011 and 2014.

Khan, who filed the complaint in April last year, sought action against Irani on charge of lying on oath about her educational qualifications.

His counsels K.K. Manan and Anjali Rajput alleged that the BJP leader declared herself to be a 1996-batch graduate from Delhi University's School of Correspondence in her affidavit filed for the 2004 Lok Sabha election from Delhi's Chandni Chowk constituency.

But in her affidavit for the 2014 Lok Sabha election, when she contested from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, she allegedly said she did her B.Com. (Part I) in 1994 from Delhi University's School of Open Learning.

Khan said that in yet another affidavit filed on July 11, 2011, for the Rajya Sabha election from Gujarat, she said her highest educational qualification was B.Com (Part I) from Delhi University's School of Correspondence.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A fugitive criminal wanted in an attempt to murder-cum-abduction case was on Thursday arrested from Delhi, the police said.

The accused Jai Bhagwan alias JB, 29, was arrested from Jharoda Kalan area in west Delhi by the Crime Branch.

"JB along with two associates had abducted a transporter from Vasant Kunj (North) area and demanded extortion money of Rs 10 lakh from him. They later dumped him near Dhansa border after strangulating him, assuming him to be dead," said Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) (JCP) Ravindra Yadav.

"Fortunately, the victim survived and a case of abduction-cum-attempt to murder was registered at the Vasant Kunj (North) police station based on his complaint," said JCP Yadav.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Despite the unravelling of 25 years of neo-liberal policies in India, the NDA government continues to push privatisation of essential services, according to journalist Sukumar Muralidharan .

"It continues to promote large scale infrastructure projects such a s mega industrial corridors, nuclear parks and mega-ports and de-regulate labour, land and environmental laws in the interests of capital," Muralidharan said during a panel discussion on "Voices for Peace and Justice - People's perspectives from BRICS countries".

Any resistance against this by students, labour unions, academics, writers and peoples movements is often crushed by the government, he said.

The 8th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit will be held in Goa from October 15-16. Set up in 2009, in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis, with four countries and then expanded to South Africa in 2010, the emergence of the BRICS was seen in many circles as a concrete step towards constructing a multi-polar world.

This was underlined with the setting up of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), the China-led Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) that were supposedly direct challenges to the hegemony of western dominated institutions such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"It was soon evident that these new initiatives, while allegedly eroding the dominance of the Bretton Woods Institutions, would in reality work in a complementary and collaborative fashion with the latter," he said.

"The summit is happening in the midst of multiple global and national crises. The world continues to struggle with the impacts of the 2008 global economic crisis and conflicts in West Asia and the Arab world show no signs of resolution," Muralidharan said.

According to Maren Mantovani (Stop the Wall campaign, Palestine), the BRICS have on occasion taken progressive positions on geo-politics.

"It has played a role in opposing unilateral military intervention in Syria (prior to the Russian intervention in 2015) and calling for a just solution to the question of Palestine," she said.

"India and Brazil kept alive hopes for inexpensive life-saving medicine by rejecting Intellectual Property monopoly, helping South African AIDS-treatment activists beat their own government ten years ago, leading to a 10-year improvement in life expectancy," she said.

"At best, the BRICS is a contradictory forum posing immense challen ges with some opportunities for critical engagement," she added.

In May 2016, Brazil's democratically elected President Dilma Rousse ff was ousted through a constitutional coup, with no objection from her BRICS allies.

"The rightwing interim President Michel Temer is now actively pushing for the potential privatisation of state companies, such as Petrobras, electricity utilities, ports and airports," Mantovani said.

"Israel says to India that they are going to make the desert blue," she said, adding,"when I saw the situation of the farmers in the northeast and Gujarat I realised that what Israel is actually doing is exporting very expensive high technology, water technology, and agriculture technology that is not helping any poor farmers..."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Despite recent claim by an Indonesian man that he has crossed 145 years, a new study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine scientists suggests that 125 years is the absolute limit of human lifespan.

Since the 1970s, the maximum duration of life -- the age to which the oldest people live -- has risen. But according to the researchers, this upward arc for maximal lifespan has a ceiling -- and we have already touched it.

"Demographers as well as biologists have contended there is no reason to think that the ongoing increase in maximum lifespan will end soon," said senior author Jan Vijg, Professor at Einstein.

"But our data strongly suggest that it has already been attained and that this happened in the 1990s," Vijg noted.

For the study, published online in the journal Nature, Vijg and his colleagues analysed data from the Human Mortality Database, which compiles mortality and population data from more than 40 countries.

Since 1900, those countries generally show a decline in late-life mortality: The fraction of each birth cohort (i.e., people born in a particular year) who survive to old age (defined as 70 and up) increased with their calendar year of birth, pointing toward a continuing increase in average life expectancy.

But when the researchers looked at survival improvements since 1900 for people aged 100 and above, they found that gains in survival peaked at around 100 and then declined rapidly, regardless of the year people were born.

"This finding indicates diminishing gains in reducing late-life mortality and a possible limit to human lifespan," Vijg said.

The researchers then looked at "maximum reported age at death" data from the International Database on Longevity.

They focused on people verified as living to age 110 or older between 1968 and 2006 in the four countries - the US, France, Japan and the UK -- with the largest number of long-lived individuals.

Age at death for these supercentenarians increased rapidly between the 1970s and early 1990s but reached a plateau around 1995 -- further evidence for a lifespan limit.

This plateau, the researchers note, occurred close to 1997 -- the year of death of 122-year-old French woman Jeanne Calment, who achieved the maximum documented lifespan of any person in history.

Using maximum-reported-age-at-death data, the Einstein researchers put the average maximum human life span at 115 years -- a calculation allowing for record-oldest individuals occasionally living longer or shorter than 115 years.

Jeanne Calment, they concluded, was a statistical outlier.

Finally, the researchers calculated 125 years as the absolute limit of human lifespan.

Expressed another way, this means that the probability in a given year of seeing one person live to 125 anywhere in the world is less than 1 in 10,000.

Recently, an Indonesian man, Mbah Gotho, presented an identity card that says he was born on December 31, 1870.

If proved correct, that could make him much older than the verified oldest person ever.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US President Barack Obama warned that hurricane Matthew could have a devastating effect, as residents of the southeastern coastline braced themselves for one of the most powerful storms to hit the region in almost a decade.

"This is a serious storm," said Obama on Wednesday after visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters.

"Even if you don't get the full force of the hurricane, we are still going to be seeing tropical force winds, the potential for storm surge, and all of that could have a devastating effect," he added.

According to the US National Hurricane Center, the deadly Category 3 hurricane was roughly 105 miles, or 169 km, south of Long Island in the Bahamas on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We anticipate that by tomorrow (Thursday) morning, it will already begin to have significant effect in Florida, and then ... potential(ly) ... strengthen and move on up the coast ...," said Obama.

In its preparation, the US states of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida started evacuation of over two million residents from its coastal areas and urged them to stock food, water and medicine for at least upto three days.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India on Thursday expressed its commitment to develop a regional energy hubwork at Trincomalee in Sri Lanka and offered to work with the Sri Lankan government in developing gas infrastructure in the island nation, an official statement here said.

The offer was made by Indian Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to the Sri Lankan Minister of Petroleum Resources Development Chandima Weerakkody at a meeting here, a Petroleum Ministry statement here said.

"Assured my Sri Lankan Counterpart of full support & offered to share our expertise in developing Sri Lanka as a regional energy hub," Pradhan tweeted.

"Discussed various proposals from Indian Oil & Gas Public Sector Companies for developing hydrocarbon infrastructure in Sri Lanka," he said in another tweet.

"These includes setting up of an LNG terminal near Colombo, utilisation of Upper Tank Farm through a JV, expansion of Lanka IOC operation etc," he said in a separate tweet.

According to the Indian ministry, Pradhan told his Sri Lankan counterpart that Indian companies had engaged a reputed consultant for assessing liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand and are developing related infrastructure in Sri Lanka, while the report would be shared with Sri Lanka shortly.

Pradhan also discussed Lanka Indian Oil Corp (LIOC) activities in Sri Lanka, including increasing the number of its retail Outlets and bunkering operations and granting license to LIOC for marketing jet fuel and LPG, the statement said.

"Both the sides also discussed refurbishment of Sapugaskanda refinery and possibility of setting up of a refinery in Sri Lanka as a joint venture to address the local needs," it said.

India also offered to assist Sri Lanka in building oil and gas pipeline networks in Sri Lanka, it added.

"Also shared the idea of setting up a Saarc Energy Group and setting up common energy facilities between Saarc Countries," Pradhan tweeted on a proposal made to the Sri Lankan minister.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The real joy of lingerie comes when women dont play by any rules, says British fashion brand Marks & Spencer's lingerie, swimwear and activewear design head Soozie Jenkinson, who feels Indian women are waking up to the global trends in the space.

When it comes to picking intimate wear, Indian women are becoming more discerning in their choices and much more demanding, she said.

"Indian women - just like women around the world - are becoming more discerning in their choices and much more demanding as well... Also, Indian women are understanding the importance of a great fitting bra," Jenkinson told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

The London-based designer, who has been associated with the brand since over 16 years, was in the country to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the brand's first bra.

Jenkinson, who also works in collaboration with Rosie Huntington Whiteley on 'Rosie for Autograph' lingerie range which has become one of the brand's most popular lingerie collections, is overwhelmed with the range of choices women have for their innerwear.

She said: "Lingerie market around the world has changed in significant amount with time... I believe the joy of lingerie is when there are no rules. Before the last ten years, there have been great rules on how women chose their lingerie and what goes underneath. I think what really is exciting now is that down to none... There is something for party, and some for the function look."

Jenkinson added that "what is surprising is that around the world there so much to choose from".

Talking about the brand hitting a landmark, Jenkinson said that she feels "honoured and privileged to be a part of the brand's journey".

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rattled by global isolation after India's diplomatic blitz over Pakistan's pro-terror policy, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has told the country's all-powerful ISI to crack down on terrorists and end the Mumbai attack trial and the probe into the Pathankot strike -- New Delhi's two key conditions to resume peace talks with Islamabad.

Sharif's blunt demand came at a high-level meeting of civilian officials with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Gen. Rizwan Akhtar, the influential Dawn newspaper reported on Thursday.

In a stunning admission, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry told the meeting on Wednesday that Pakistan faced diplomatic isolation and its talking points had been met with indifference in major world capitals.

Even China, Pakistan's closest ally, had questioned the logic of repeatedly putting on technical hold a UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar, Chaudhry said, according to Dawn.

Also, amid worsening India-Pakistan relations, a group of Senators asked Islamabad to resume its back-channel talks with New Delhi.

And on Thursday, PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan denounced the government over its failure to curb non-state actors, leading to the country's diplomatic isolation.

The Wednesday meeting -- where there was an extraordinary verbal clash between the ISI chief and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister's younger brother -- came amid worsening ties with India.

India called for Pakistan's diplomatic isolation after the September 18 attack at an army camp in Kashmir that left 19 soldiers dead.

India says the attackers came from Pakistan and belonged to the Jaish that was also blamed for the January 2016 Pathankot attack on an IAF base that killed seven security personnel.

The Uri attack was followed by the Indian Army's surgical strikes, dismantling at least seven terror launch pad and killing an unknown number of terrorists and their sympathisers across the de facto border in Kashmir.

India's diplomatic war on Pakistan led to the cancellation of the Saarc summit that Islamabad was to host in November. Major world countries have supported India's demand to Pakistan to act against terrorist groups patronised by the ISI.

Dawn reported that the government on Wednesday informed the ISI about the "growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the state" to reverse the situation.

The daily said the government, in a "blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning", asked military-led intelligence agencies "not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action".

"Nawaz Sharif has directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court," the daily said.

Chaudhry said relations with the US had also deteriorated and may further deteriorate because of the American demand that action be taken against the Haqqani network, which is active in Afghanistan. The network has been blamed for attacks on Indian establishments in Afghanistan.

Talking about worsening ties with New Delhi, the Foreign Secretary said India's main demands were the completion of the investigation into the Pathankot attack and "some visible action" against the Jaish.

"To a hushed but surprised room, Chaudhry suggested that while China has reiterated its support for Pakistan, it too has indicated a preference for a change in course by Pakistan," Dawn reported.

"The Foreign Secretary's unexpectedly blunt conclusions triggered an astonishing and potentially ground-shifting exchange between the ISI chief and several civilian officials."

Shahbaz Sharif complained to the ISI chief that whenever action had been taken against certain groups by civilian authorities, the security establishment had worked behind the scenes to set the arrested men free.

The Dawn quoted those at the meeting as saying that the Foreign Secretary's comments and Shahbaz Sharif's intervention were orchestrated by the Prime Minister to stir the military into action.

The ISI chief cautioned that action against terrorist groups now could be seen as "buckling to Indian pressure or abandoning the Kashmiri people".

--IANS

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The death toll due to Japanese Encephalitis has reached 38 in Odisha's Malkangiri district while the disease continues to spread its tentacles to other districts.

An 11-year-old boy of Bengama village in Brahmagiri area of Puri district died on Thursday after contracting the vector-borne disease.

"As many as 105 persons have been afflicted by Japanese Encephalitis, out of which 25 persons have been cured," said Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak.

He said: "Some doctors are camping in Malkangiri district, while some paediatricians will visit the affected areas to take stock of the situation."

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Petroleum Dharmendra Pradhan has met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to discuss how to prevent the spread of disease.

"The Health minister has assured to extend all possible support for identifying the causes of the disease and advise the state government regarding the effective steps for combating the clinical fallout of its spread and preventing the mortality associated with it," said Pradhan.

The MoS also urged Nadda to send a high-level fact-finding team to investigate the causes for the outbreak of the disease and suggest preventive measures to contain the same.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As summer transitions into winter, you ought to take good care of your skin while getting exposed to the sun and its rays. Give your skin more fluids and eat right for healthy skin, says an expert.

October being the beginning of the festive season, is generally the time when most people plan their vacation. The days tend to be very hot and humid in October. So, Chandrika Mahendra, Principal Scientist, Personal Care, The Himalaya Drug Company, suggests how to keep skin glowing all day long.

* One of the basic mantras for beating the October heat is to get more fluids into your body. Your skin glows and appears healthier when your body is adequately hydrated. If you are heading to one of the beaches in southern India, treat yourself generously with tender coconut water. It is not only low in calories but has anti-oxidants, Vitamin C and other essential minerals that enrich your skin.

* Excessive oily food may cause acne, and the heat only makes it worse. Look for fruits that are rich in Vitamin C such as orange, lemon and kiwi. They help to maintain moisture balance in your skin and Vitamin C also helps build protection against skin wrinkling.

* Peel-off that tan: After a day-out in the sun, try out a natural anti-tan peel off mask. An orange-based peel off mask is a good pick. Oranges are rich in Vitamin C and the antioxidants present in the orange peel will work collectively to provide an even-textured skin and act as a natural cleanser. Ingredients such as honey can also act as an anti-bacterial element with healing properties.

--IANS

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday again urged the Centre to expose Pakistan internationally, while hailing the media for exposing its false propaganda on surgical strikes.

"So happy that some media exposing Pakistan's false propaganda. I congratulate them. Urge Indian govt (government) to likewise expose Pakistan internationally," Kejriwal tweeted.

He quoted a report of a news channel which claimed that an officer in Pakistan-administered Kashmir had accepted that surgical strikes took place.

Kejriwal in a video message on Monday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expose Pakistan's false propaganda when before a delegation of international media it denied the Indian surgical strikes.

The Chief Minister, in spite of differences with him on other matters, had earlier hailed the Prime Minister's strict measures against Pakistan.

Following his video message on Monday, Kejriwal faced sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party for allegedly raising questions over the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army on terror launch pads across ong the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The BJP questioned Kejriwal's silence over media reports showing "conclusive evidence" of the surgical strikes and dubbed it as "surprising".

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kim Kardashian's bodyguard Pascal Duvier had reportedly filed for bankruptcy for his German security company ProtectSecurity ten weeks ago before the reality TV star was robbed in a Paris hotel room.

The company has reportedly racked up over $1.12 million in debt. Duvier lodged a claim for company insolvency at Heidelberg administrative court on July 22.

"There is so much debt. There are many claimants. I cannot say the exact number. Lots. It was known to me that Herr Duvier is the bodyguard of Frau Kardashian," the insolvency lawyer on the case told dailymail.co.uk.

The clients of Duvier's security company also include Kanye West and Black Eyed Peas, Stacy Ferguson, Will.i.am, Pussycat Dolls, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Lana del Rey and Katy Perry.

Duvier was last seen at his company building in Eppelheim in recent weeks. A woman who runs a hairdressing salon across the street, said: "He came here with his secretary but didn't stay long. Since then the blinds have been down and there has not been a soul here."

Duvier has removed every mention about Kim on his social media account, including photographs and all references to him working for her, but he is not fired.

Kim, 35, was ambushed in a Paris hotel room in the early hours of Monday. She was bound, gagged and thrown into a bathtub by masked gunmen dressed as French police.

According to varied media reports, the robbers reportedly took jewellery worth over six million euros, among other items.

--IANS

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RJD chief Lalu Prasad came under attack of the BJP after RJD legislator Raj Vallabh Prasad Yadav, accused of raping a minor in February 2016 and suspended from the party, visited him on Thursday, a day before the Supreme Court is to hear the Bihar government's petition challenging the grant of bail to him.

Yadav visited Lalu at his official residence, 10 Circular Road, here in the state capital and was closeted with him for two hours, according to officials.

"Yadav has spent two hours with Lalu discussing in a closed room at his sprawling bungalow," an official posted at Lalu's residence confirmed.

Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar attacked Lalu for meeting the rape accused, who was suspended from the Rashtriya Janata Dal after reports of the rape surfaced in February.

"Lalu meeting a rape accused MLA has sent a wrong message. It has insulted women," Prem Kumar said.

Prem Kumar said it has again vindicated his stand that Lalu has been providing protection to people like Yadav for political purposes.

Yadav is considered to be close to Lalu.

Yadav was released from jail on Saturday after spending nearly six months behind bars. The state government on Monday filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking cancellation of his bail.

Yadav, who represents Nawada constituency in the Bihar assembly, was accused of raping a schoolgirl in Bihar Sharif on February 6.

He was on the run for about a month before he surrendered in a Nalanda civil court.

His bail petitions were repeatedly rejected by the lower court. Following this, he moved the Patna High Court, which freed him on bail on Friday.

According to the victim's police complaint, a woman named Sulekha Devi had taken her to an undisclosed location in Nalanda and forced her to have liquor, after which she was raped by a man, who was later identified as Yadav.

The woman even offered the victim Rs 30,000 after rape.

The local court in Nalanda in June framed charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code against Yadav and all other accused persons.

--IANS

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Domestic mobile handset maker LAVA on Thursday launched two new feature phones in its affordable "Captain Series" series.

The new devices -- Captain N1 and Captain K1+ -- are priced at Rs 1,150 and Rs 1,250, respectively.

These come with Bluetooth and auto-call recording feature along with 3.5 mm audio jack port and wireless FM.

"LAVA's inclusion of a new series in its portfolio of affordable handsets showcases the brand's continued commitment towards connecting every Indian," said Gaurav Nigam, Product Head, Lava International, in a statement.

Captain N1 comes with in-built support for three Indian languages -- Hindi, Tamil and Telugu -- while Captain K1+ supports Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu and Kannada.

Both the devices are available across retail and multi-brand outlets along with a one-year warranty.

--IANS

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The much-awaited passenger train service between Agartala and Kolkata would begin from Saturday fulfilling a decades-old demand of people from the northeastern state of Tripura, an official said on Thursday.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) would operate the Kanchanjunga Express between Agartala and Sealdah (Kolkata) via Silchar and Guwahati in Assam twice a week.

"The Agartala-Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express would begin operations from Saturday, meeting a long-standing demand of the people to link Tripura with Kolkata," NFR's Chief Public Relations Officer Pranav Jyoti Sharma told IANS.

The Kanchanjunga Express would leave from Agartala for Sealdah via Guwahati and Silchar on Tuesdays and Saturdays while it would depart from Sealdah for Agartala on Sundays and Thursdays.

It will halt at around 35 important stations enroute including Silchar, Guwahati, New Bongaigaon, New Coochbehar, New Jalpaiguri, Malda Town, Bolpur Shantiniketan and New Alipurduar. The train will cover the 1,556 km journey in 38 hours.

This railway connectivity will comprise the lifeline for millions of people in Tripura, western Manipur and Mizoram besides southern Assam.

Sharma said that since February 2 the Kanchanjunga Express has been running thrice a week from southern Assam's biggest commercial city Silchar, 251 km by train from Agartala and 380 km from Guwahati.

Another much-awaited weekly passenger train, named "Tripura Sundari Express", is running between Agartala and Anand Vihar station of Delhi, since July 31, covering a distance of around 2,480 km in 55 hours.

After the launch of the Kanchanjunga Express train, Tripura would get connected to Kolkata bringing much relief to the Bengali-dominated population in the state.

The extension of the existing metre gauge track up to Agartala brought the city on India's rail map for the first time in October 2008 since the advent of the railways in this subcontinent in 1853.

The single-track 227 km metre-gauge link -- Badarpur (south Assam) to Agartala -- was converted into broad-gauge track earlier this year at a cost of Rs 2,016 crore.

"Though a veteran journalist Amiya Deb Roy first wrote a letter to the central government to extend railway network in Tripura in 1949, the formal agitation for rail began in December 1951 through a mass gathering addressed by veteran Communist leaders Jyoti Basu, Muzaffar Ahmad and S.A. Dange," said writer and journalist Tapas Debnath.

Debnath told IANS: "Former parliamentarians and top Tripura Left leaders Dasaratha Deb and Biren Datta had in 1952 first raised the demand in the Lok Sabha for extension of rail network to Agartala."

The stir got a new impetus after the CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) -led Left Front government, headed by Nripen Chakraborty, assumed office in 1978. Chakraborty met then Railway Minister Madhu Dandavate on January 12, 1978, and put up a strong demand to put Agartala on the rail map.

A series of movements were organised in Tripura, Guwahati and New Delhi for extension of the rail network to Tripura. Incumbent Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and Revenue and PWD Minister Badal Choudhury, among other leaders, were actively involved in these agitations.

"The NFR has so far spent about Rs 2,016 crore to connect Agartala by rail by making two big tunnels through the Longtharai Valley and Atharamura Hills and constructing a record number of 233 minor and major bridges," said an NFR engineer.

The NFR is now laying broad-gauge track for the 112-km Agartala-Sabroom line -- to be completed by March 2018 -- at a cost of Rs 3,351 crore. Sabroom is southern Tripura's border town adjoining Bangladesh.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said: "After the Indian Railways extends its rail line up to Sabroom, it would be very easy to connect with the Chittagong international sea port in southeast Bangladesh, which is just 75 km from the Tripura border town."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Dhaka in June 2015, had laid the foundation stone to construct a bridge over Feni river, adjacent to Sabroom, to connect the town with Bangladesh's hill town of Khagrachari.

This will open another railway link between the two neighbours after the existing Kolkata-Dhaka and proposed Agartala-Akhaura rail links.

"After extending the railway line to Sabroom, Tripura and the entire northeast would be linked with Southeast Asia very easily," Sarkar told IANS.

Meanwhile, the NFR has already undertaken works to lay a 15-km rail track to connect Agartala with Bangladesh's railway station Akhaura, an important rail junction there.

--IANS

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Rome, Oct 6 (IANS/AKI) Police on Thursday arrested a homeless Romanian man over a vicious rape attack and robbery against an Australian woman here at the weekend.

Police arrested the Romanian on a train between Rome and the Lazio town of Viterbo and recovered Australian dollars and jewellery allegedly stolen from the woman late on Sunday when she was attacked in a park near the Colosseum.

The 40-year-old man has been charged with sexual assault, robbery and bodily harm and was identified from footage from security cameras outside a bar near Termini central rail station where the woman spent Sunday evening.

The tourist told police she did not recall being raped but this was confirmed by doctors at Rome's San Giovanni hospital who reported injuries to her face and groin.

The woman remembered being punched in the face and having her mobile phone and wallet stolen, police said.

A passer-by came to the Australian's aid near the Colle Oppio park where she was attacked and took the woman to the nearby San Giovanni hospital, where she is being treated for concussion and injuries to her face.

--IANS/AKI

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Breaking with tradition, a man married a widow in front of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, whom they termed a 'witness' like God, in Bihar's Ara town, an official said on Thursday.

Twenty eight-year-old Sunny Kumar, a Dalit, married Gudiya Devi, 25.

Instead of a temple, Sunny married Gudiya before a statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the premises of Ara Sadar hospital.

"Both Sunny Kumar and Gudiya have accepted Gandhi as God and treated him as witness to their marriage, like it happens in a temple where God or Goddess are witness to usual marriage," a district health official Sudama Singh said.

Sunny and Gudiya, mother of an eight year old child, are working as sanitation workers in the hospital and knew each other for nearly one year.

Gudiya's first husband died five years ago. "I decided to marry Sunny as he accepted me with my minor son," she said.

Sunny and Gudiya said they met for the first time in the premises of the hospital, developed a friendship and decided to tie the knot there itself.

"This was the reason they chose to marry in the hospital premises instead of a temple. For us, this is the real temple of life and death."

Most of the doctors, health staff and other employees of the hospital were present at the time of this unique marriage and blessed the couple.

Ara is district headquarters of Bhojpur, about 60 km from here.

--IANS

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Two Balloons Crash On Second Day of Fiesta Two different balloons crashed into power lines on the second day of the International Balloon Fiesta. On Sunday morning, the " Outlander" balloon, recognizable by its large alien graphic, struck power lines near Paseo del Norte and Jefferson, causing a small explosion at the point of impact and knocking out power for nearly 1,200 PNM customers. The outage was immediate, which kept damage to a minimum and only burned a hole in the balloon. Authorities say no one was injured. Meanwhile, on Montano and Renaissance, another balloon became caught in power lines. Although the second crash seems to have done less damage, one of the passengers was injured while leaving the gondola.

Clinton Leads Race in N.M. According to a poll conducted by the Albuquerque Journal, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is leading the race among likely New Mexico voters with 35%. Republican candidate Donald Trump follows with 31%. Former N.M. governor and current Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson is showing strong support, polling at 24%, a reasonably high portion for a third-party candidate, as evidenced by the Green Party's Jill Stein, polling at 2%. According to the poll, 63% of New Mexicans believe the country is moving in the wrong direction. Brian Sanderoff, president of Research & Polling Inc., told the Journal that Johnson is hurting Clinton more than Trump by appealing to the historically Democratic Hispanic vote. The poll was conducted between Sept. 27-29, quickly following the first presidential debate.
Contact: Crystal Feldman

Crystal Feldman govpress@nc.gov

Raleigh, N.C. Governor Pat McCrory is urging North Carolinians throughout the central and eastern part of the state to gather emergency supplies, discuss emergency plans and carefully monitor local news stations to prepare for Hurricane Matthew. The latest forecast calls for Hurricane Matthew to skim along the Atlantic coastline before making landfall near the North and South Carolina border early Saturday morning.cautioned Governor McCrory.Currently a Category 4 hurricane, Matthew made landfall along eastern Cuba this morning and is predicted to move northwest through the Bahamas and along Florida's Atlantic coast during the next few days. From there, the large and powerful storm is expected to shift toward the northeast, hugging the Georgia and South Carolina coast before making landfall in North Carolina sometime Saturday. While the storm is a still a few days away, the major hurricane continues to shift westward, increasing the potential for significant impacts to the state. Emergency officials are preparing for 4 to 8 more inches of rain over the weekend across eastern and central North Carolina along with heavy winds of up to 73 miles per hour beginning Friday.said state Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry.Yesterday, Governor McCrory declared a State of Emergency for 66 eastern and central North Carolina counties to expedite the movement and activation of any resources to help with storm response. He also waived restrictions for truckers on hours of service and weight limits to help farmers harvest their crops, quickly restore power and expedite any debris removal.The North Carolina Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activated yesterday with staffing support from key state agencies as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The EOC will begin 24-hour operations Thursday morning with additional personnel. State emergency managers and FEMA representatives are coordinating with North Carolina counties and neighboring states on sheltering and evacuation plans should they be needed.said Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry.The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is also preparing its troopers and equipment. Troopers will be monitoring all major highways and will be assisting the Department of Transportation, county Emergency Management officials and local partners.Additionally, the Department of Transportation continues to monitor conditions and prepare equipment and crews to respond to Hurricane Matthew. The Department is prepositioning equipment and personnel along the coast and preparing ferry operations to expedite the transportation of residents and visitors off Ocracoke Island and the Outer Banks.Governor McCrory urges residents to take the following steps to prepare for the storm:Residents living in storm surge zones may be ordered to evacuate. Evacuation zones will be identified by local emergency managers through the news media. You also should know if your home is located in a flood plain. These areas suffer from heavy rains associated with hurricanes. Visit ncfloodmaps.com to determine if you are in a flood zone.To prepare for a hurricane or any disaster, it is best to have an emergency kit available. This kit should contain nonperishable food, water (one gallon/person/day) and clothing to sustain each family member for three to seven days. The kit should include a flashlight, radio and spare batteries. Blankets, rain gear and appropriate footwear also are recommended. Special considerations must be made for the young or disabled. Remember to include baby food and medicines as appropriate. In addition, the kit should include photo copies of important family documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies. A complete checklist of items for your emergency kit can be found here Residents should fill their cars with gasoline and have enough cash on hand to last a week in case they are ordered to evacuate. During power-outages, gas stations and ATM machines do not work. It is also important to secure original copies of documents in a waterproof container in case of flooding.If residents are ordered to evacuate, there will be little time to protect their homes from the storm. Supplies, such as lumber and shutters, should be purchased now, and window casing pre-drilled. Homeowners should clear their property of all debris that could damage buildings in strong winds. Cars should be stored in the garage.For more information about how to get ready for a hurricane and what to do during or after a storm, go to ReadyNC.org . You can also get real-time traffic and weather on the ReadyNC mobile app. Follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook for the latest on Hurricane Matthew.
Vice President of the Congress's Manipur unit Nongthombam Biren resigned from the state assembly and the primary membership of the party on Thursday.

He blamed the ruling Congress for not solving major problems and driving a wedge between the people of the valley and the hills in the northeastern state.

He parried a question as to whether he will be joining any other party like the BJP which has become popular in the past few months.

He is the second Congress MLA to resign from the party. Earlier, veteran COngress leader Yumkham Erabot also resigned and joined the BJP.

Meanwhile, BJP sources told IANS that the present understanding is that over 14 Congress MLAs shall resign and join the BJP in a short time.

Congress state unit President T.N. Haokip declined to comment saying that it is mere speculation and baseless.

Biren said: "People have gained the impression that there is no governance now. It is a world record that the bodies of nine tribals have been in the morgue for more than a year. An agreement should have been ironed out and the bodies given a decent burial."

The nine tribals died while protesting against three anti-migrant bills passed in the Manipur Assembly on August 31, last year. The bills were passed after months of mass movement to protect the indigenous populace from the illegal immigrants in the state, including those from neighbouring Myanmar.

The bills have been strongly opposed by tribals, particularly Nagas and Kukis, who mainly inhabit the hill districts of Manipur.

Biren said that of late Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and his close associates have become unpopular. This is one of the reasons for his resignation, he admitted.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Indian space scientists for successful launch of the communication satellite, GSAT-18, calling it "another milestone for our space programme".

"Congratulations to @isro for successfully launching the communication satellite, GSAT-18. This is another milestone for our space programme," Modi tweeted.

The Indian communication satellite GSAT-18 was successfully put into orbit by Ariane 5 rocket belonging to French company Arianespace on Thursday.

The rocket lifted off from its spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana).

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Gone are the days when fashion and lifestyle exhibitions used to primarily cater to women as now Mumbai is going to host The Gentlemen's Edition 2016, a curated lifestyle exhibit for men.

To be held at the Porsche Centre on October 16, this first-of-its-kind event for men only promises to give options to the men's sartorial needs.

Founded by entrepreneur Vinisha Jain, The Gentlemen's Edition addresses an audience of discerning, fashion forward males with a unique formula that covers everything a man would covet - luxury, lifestyle and fashion, said a statement.

After a successful first show last year, this season will see a fine mix of bespoke suits, shirts, Indian wear, styling accessories, leather products and grooming essentials.

"While this season sees a glut of pop-ups and exhibitions, there is not a single platform that addresses the needs of today's urban, metrosexual and fashion-loving male! With The Gentlemen's Edition, we'd like to change that and put the spotlight on men and fulfilling their fashion, lifestyle and grooming needs," said Jain.

Some of the brands that will participate in the exhibition are Raisson D'etre by Govinda Mehta, Vaibhav Singh, Bellani S. Bespoke Tailors, Arjun Kilachand, Vanity Homme, Bushido Denim, Baystitch, Amit Wadhwa, Threads & Shirts and Monsieur M.

Men's accessory labels like The Gentleman's Community, The Tie Hub, BeBajrang, Vibrance and Viari along with footwear labels like Daponair, Vetro Power are also going to participate.

--IANS

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The Pakistan government on Thursday dismissed as "not only speculative but misleading and factually incorrect" a Dawn news report on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif asking the ISI to act against terrorists or face global isolation.

A spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office "has strongly rejected" the report about the deliberations in a meeting between the government and military leadership, including Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt. Gen. Rizwan Akhtar, on security issues of the country.

"It is an amalgamation of fiction and fabrication. The fact that the report itself states that none of the attributed statements were confirmed by the individuals mentioned in the story clearly makes it an example of irresponsible reporting," the PMO spokesperson said in a Facebook post.

The influential daily had in its exlcusive front page report said that "the civilian government has informed the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan.

The daily said that the military-led intelligence agencies were told not to interfere if civilian "law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action.

"Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has (also) directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot (terror strike) investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi antiterrorism court."

The PMO spokesperson, however, dispelled the impression that there was a rift between the civilian government and the ISI.

The spokesperson said the Pakistan's intelligence agencies were working with the state "in the best interest of the nation both at the federal and provincial levels to act against terrorists of all hue and colour without any discrimination".

"Indeed the army's and ISI's role and contributions towards implementation of (anti-terror National Action Plan) NAP have been proactive and unwavering.

"It is imperative that those demanding the right to information at par with the international best practices also act in a manner which is compatible with international reporting standards."

--IANS

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Pakistan has reiterated its demand for an independent enquiry into "human rights abuses" in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking in the General Assembly on Wednesday, Pakistan Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi said the UN was obliged to play a role to end the rights abuses and facilitate a peaceful settlement of Kashmir, Radio Pakistan reported.

She called for a solution of the Kashmir dispute through a "free and fair plebiscite" under UN auspices.

She welcomed the call by the UN Human Rights Commission for access to Jammu and Kashmir.

--IANS

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A judicial commission set up by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court arrived here on Thursday to examine a boat used by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists to sail to India to attack Mumbai in 2008.

The commission, comprising Special Prosecutor Misbah-ul-Hasan Qadri and Defence Counsel Raja Rizwan Abbasi, is also expected to record the testimony of a witness who is believed to have seen the boat, Al-Fouz, being seized at the Karachi shipyard in 2009, Dawn newspaper reported.

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Saturday ordered the panel to travel to Karachi for the investigation because the boat was too large to be brought to the court.

Al-Fouz was allegedly used by the 10 Mumbai attackers to cross into Indian waters and carry out the Mumbai carnage, killing 166 people eight years ago.

The daily, citing sources, said the commission was due to submit its report to the court next week.

The report comes a day after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed fresh attempts to be made to restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials.

The Prime Minister's pressure on the country's military leadership and its spy agencies followed Pakistan's admission that it was facing global isolation over its failure to curb terrorism and action against terrorists including Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar and Lashkar's Haafiz Sayeed.

--IANS

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President Pranab Mukherjee will visit West Bengal for five days from Friday during which he will open the Berhampore military station and pray to Durga in his village in Birbhum district.

According to a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement, the Berhampore military station will be inaugurated in Murshidabad district on Saturday.

On the same day, the President will also inaugurate Kamoda Kinkar Mukhopadhyay Sarani and the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Dishari Club at Suri in Birbhum district.

On Sunday, the President will lay the foundation stone of the first floor of the academic block of Intensive Khadi and Rural Development Centre (IKRDC) in memory of his late wife Suvra Mukherjee, who was Chairperson of the IKRDC.

He will also administer a Pledge for Nirmal Birbhum and Mission Nirmal Bangla to a mass gathering at Mirati. The President will, keeping alive a tradition, perform Durga Puja in his village Mirati.

--IANS

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Actor Naga Chaitanya, who has admitted that he's in a relationship with Samantha Ruth Prabhu and is planning to marry her next year, says he is extremely proud of her growth as an actress.

Although Chaitanya and Samantha have been seeing each other for a long time, it wasn't until a few months ago that their relationship came into the limelight.

"I'm a very private person and I never felt the need to speak about my relationship in public. My friends have known about it for a long time. Then, when we informed our families, they supported our decision. We plan to get married next year," Naga Chaitanya told IANS.

Refusing to talk about how it all started, Chaitanya said he won't stop Samantha from acting after marriage.

"I don't think I'd ever tell her what she should and shouldn't do. I'm proud of her growth as an actress and I will encourage her to continue working. It was through sheer talent and hard work she got where she is today. I don't think she should throw away her successful career because of marriage," he explained.

He also clarified it's not because of their relationship that Samantha walked out of upcoming Tamil gangster drama "Vada Chennai".

On the career front, Chaitanya is excited about the release of "Premam", the eponymous Telugu remake of the Malayalam blockbuster.

"We've made changes to suit Telugu sensibilities. Hence, this isn't a frame-to-frame remake. I really liked 'Premam' and when we decided to remake it; our intention was never to make a better film. Honestly, this is our take on a wonderful film which was widely appreciated and accepted," he said.

The original featured Nivin Pauly and Sai Pallavi in the lead. Chaitanya has qualms in admitting he took references from Nivin's performance.

"Nivin was terrific in the film. I don't feel ashamed to have taken references from his performance and also from my own life. I strongly feel this film will establish me as an actor," he said.

Directed by Chandoo Mondeti, "Premam" releases worldwide on Friday. It also stars Shruti Haasan, Madonna Sebastian and Anupama Parameswaran.

--IANS

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Global consultancy PwC India has formed a strategic alliance with Microsoft India to empower Indias digital transformation, a statement said here on Thursday.

The statement said the alliance will help the industry harness some of the core competencies of both the firms.

"This strategic partnership between Microsoft and PwC will empower the digital transformation of large and mid-sized organisations in India by leveraging Microsoft's technology expertise and PwC's strategy capabilities across sectors and competencies, including taxation, smart cities and digital India programs," the statement said.

According to the statement, PwC has also joined Microsoft's Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) programme which will enable them to provide their advisory and other solutions at scale, securely to all their customers.

"Our alliance of going to the market together is a step towards helping corporates in their technology enabled strategic transformation," said Deepak Kapoor, Chairman of PwC India.

"For this, PwC will bring in its global expertise across industries and its strategy through execution capabilities to complement Microsoft's technological capabilities."

PwC will extend Microsoft's outreach to organisations of all sizes and across many industries, such as financial services (banking and insurance), government and public sector, manufacturing, consumer goods and durables, retail/e-commerce, healthcare and pharma, to help start their cloud and digital journey, the statement added.

--IANS

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a fierce attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over alleged politicisation of Army's surgical strikes, accusing him of doing "dalali" (trade) over the blood shed by Indian soldiers.

Addressing a rally at the Jantar Mantar here at the end of his Kisan Yatra across election-bound Uttar Pradesh, he also accused Modi of not fulfilling his promises to people made during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

But the party's grand show to mark the end of Gandhi's 26-day yatra was overshadowed by factionalism, with the party's Haryana unit chief Ashok Tanwar injured in clash between his supporters and those of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

Tanwar was taken to RML Hospital and initially kept in the ICU. Doctors later said he is out of danger.

Gandhi visited Tanwar in the hospital. General Secretary Kamal Nath, who is incharge of Haryana, also visited the hospital and said legal and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty. He said Congress president Sonia Gandhi had taken a dim view of the clash, which took place near a meeting point on the way to the rally venue at Jantar Mantar.

At the rally, Gandhi made a brief but aggressive speech in which he repeatedly attacked Modi.

Modi, he said, was taking political mileage from the surgical strikes the army conducted in Pakistani territory and the sacrifices of soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Unki dalali kar rahe ho... Yeh bilkul ghalat hai... Hindustan ki sena ne Hindustan ka kaam kiya, aap apna kaam keejiye... (You are trading on them. This is totally wrong... The Indian Army did its job for India, you do your work)," he thundered.

The Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on September 29 against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control in the wake of a terror attack that left 19 soldiers dead in Jammu and Kashmir.

Asking Modi to do justice to the people of the country, Gandhi said that the Prime Minister has only tried to divide the country.

"Modiji has been able to do two things - one making two Indians fight between each other and to divide the nation. He made people fight among each other in all states. In Uttar Pradesh, he made the Hindus and the Muslims fight among each other.

"I want to tell Narendra Modi ji, to the RSS people, and the BJP that this country wants justice from you, and your responsibility is to give justice."

"You asked us what did we do in the past 70 years. I'll tell you today, what we did. We gave justice to the people. We respected the insaaf ka tarazu (scales of justice)," he said.

He said the Bharatiya Janata Party had promised the farmers best prices and implementation of the M.S. Swaminathan report, "but you didn't fulfil that as well."

"You said you'll give employment to 2 crore unemployed youth every year, you didn't do that," said Gandhi, who reached here after starting the last leg of his yatra from Meerut in the morning.

His yatra was planned by the party as a major reach out to farmers of Uttar Pradesh, where the Congress has been out of power for over two decades now, ahead of assembly polls expected to take place early next year.

Gandhi covered around 140 constituencies and addressed 26 khat sabhas (cot assemblies) in his 3,400-km-long tour.

The party, which intends to target both the BJP-led central and the state's Samajwadi Party governments over farmers' plight, plans to hand over nearly two crores petitions from them, making demands including that of loan waivers.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Jaisalmer on Friday on a two-day visit to review the security situation along the India-Pakistan border with Chief Ministers of four states.

According to official sources here, the review meeting will be attended by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Top BSF officers and senior officials of the state governments of Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab will also be present.

Rajnath Singh will also chair a meeting with the Chief Ministers.

The Home Minister will also tour border areas of Rajasthan and the border outposts to assess the situation along the border.

The Home Minister will hold a separate meeting with BSF officials in Barmer on October 8.

--IANS

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Popular Tamil actor Sarath Kumar has landed a pivotal role in director Boyapati Srinu's yet-untitled next Telugu directorial, a source said.

Starring Bellamkonda Srinivas in the title role, the film is slated to go on the floors from November.

"Sarath has been signed on for an important role. Contrary to reports, he's not playing the antagonist," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

While the rest of the cast is yet to be finalised, there are rumours that Rakul Preet Singh will be playing the leading lady.

The film is tipped to be an action thriller.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed its displeasure over the lack of a concrete outcome after a meeting held here on its direction to battle chikungunya and dengue in the national capital.

A meeting chaired by Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung was held on Wednesday. It was attended, among others, by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and officers of various civic agencies and other departments.

As a bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Amitava Roy expressed displeasure over the way the meeting went, a suggestion was put forth that another meeting could be held at 5.30 p.m. on Thursday.

Accepting the suggestion, the bench said the meeting should focus on the steps to deal with the situation.

Observing that it expected the meeting would keep public interest in mind and look at the things in a positive manner, the bench said: "We expect the participants to arrive at a time frame within which all necessary steps will be taken and as to who will be responsible for their implementation."

"We also expect the efforts to be consultative, collaborative and cooperative," the bench said.

The court said the meeting will also discuss the "preventive steps for any contingency that may arise in the near future".

Taking note of amicus curiae Colin Gonsalves' submission on October 4 about piling up of garbage in and around Delhi, which was a contributory factor for vector-born diseases, the court said: "The participants will discuss effective ways for garbage clearance to maintain sanitation and hygiene in and around Delhi."

The next hearing will be on October 17.

--IANS

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Admitting to Pakistan's diplomatic isolation, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has told the ISI to crack down on terrorists and soon conclude the probes into the 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot terror attacks.

Sharif's blunt demand came at a high-level meeting of civilian officials with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Gen. Rizwan Akhtar, the influential Dawn newspaper reported on Thursday, citing sources who were present.

In a stunning admission, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said on Wednesday that "Pakistan faces diplomatic isolation and that (its) talking points have been met with indifference in major world capitals".

Even China, Pakistan's closest ally, had questioned the logic of repeatedly putting on technical hold a UN ban on Jaish-i-Mohammad leader Masood Azhar, Chaudhry said, the Dawn reported.

The meeting -- where there was an extraordinary verbal clash between the ISI chief and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister's younger brother -- came amid worsening ties with India.

Dawn said the civilian government, in a "blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning", asked military-led intelligence agencies "not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action".

"Nawaz Sharif has directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court," the daily said.

It said the government informed the ISI of the "growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the state" to reverse the situation.

As a first step, the ISI chief and National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua have been told to travel to each of the four Pakistani provinces with a message for ISI's sector commanders.

The first halt would be Lahore, capital of Punjab province, which borders India.

The Dawn said the decisions "appear to indicate a high-stakes new approach by the PML-N government" vis-a-vis the military-ISI and the terrorist groups.

Chaudhry said relations with the US had deteriorated and would likely further deteriorate because of the American demand that action be taken against the Haqqani network, which is active in Afghanistan.

India's principal demands were the completion of the investigation into the terror attack on the IAF base at Pathankot in January 2016 and "some visible action" against the Jaish-i-Mohammad.

The Jaish has been blamed for the Pathankot attack that left seven security personnel dead and also the September 18 assault on an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 19 soldiers.

"To a hushed but surprised room, Chaudhry suggested that while China has reiterated its support for Pakistan, it too has indicated a preference for a change in course by Pakistan," Dawn reported.

"The Foreign Secretary's unexpectedly blunt conclusions triggered an astonishing and potentially ground-shifting exchange between the ISI chief and several civilian officials."

Chaudhry underlined that the key international demands were for action against Masood Azhar and the Jaish as well as Hafiz Saeed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which attacked Mumbai, besides the Haqqani network.

Shahbaz Sharif complained to the ISI chief that whenever action had been taken against certain groups by civilian authorities, the security establishment had worked behind the scenes to set the arrested men free.

The Dawn quoted those at the meeting as saying that the Foreign Secretary's comments and Shahbaz Sharif's intervention were orchestrated by the Prime Minister to stir the military into action.

The ISI chief cautioned that action against terrorist groups now could be seen as "buckling to Indian pressure or abandoning the Kashmiri people".

India carried out a surgical strike on the night of September 28-29 in Pakistani territory and killed an unspecified number of terrorists across the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan denies this happened.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling was on Thursday honoured with prestigious "Sustainable Development Leadership Award" by President Pranab Mukherjee here.

During "World Sustainable Development Summit" (WSDS) organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) at Vigyan Bhavan here, Chamling was recognised for his efforts to convert Sikkim into a fully organic state.

"The award was presented to Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in recognition of his vision and leadership in environment and sustainable development leading to the establishment of Sikkim as the first and only organic state in the country," an official statement here said.

Sikkim is the only state in India to have attained the official status of fully organic state in January 2016 announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Around 75,000 hectares of land in Sikkim has been converted into certified organic farms and it contributes around 80,000 tonnes of organic production out of total 1.24 million tonnes of organic production recorded in india.

"Chamling has taken various green initiatives under which ban on pan masala/gutka was enforced in the entire state in the year 1995, and subsequently in 1997 passed an Act on prohibition of throwing of non-degradable garbage in public drains and sewerage," it said.

There is a ban also in the state on smoking at public places.

Congratulating Chamling, the President said that Sikkim was smallest but the most progressive state of India.

"Sikkim has established harmony between nature and development. Over decades, people of this beautiful land have based their trust in him (Chamling)," the President said.

He said that climate change is the real and immediate concern ahead of the whole world today and developing economy are more vulnerable.

"As a developing country we should be concerned. India has 18 per cent of the world population but there is only four per cent of water and six per cent of consumption of global energy. Right now, as we speak here over 250 million people have no access of any sort of electricity. We have to work very hard," the President said.

Defining prosperity, not in terms of evaluation of gross domestic product (GDP) but the wellbeing and happiness of people, the President said we have to aim to create a society which is not wasteful.

"We should not encourage waste to create artificial demand in the market. We have lot of challenges and capacity to deal with them. We should also be concerned with large scale utilisation of resources. We have no right to waste these resources," the President said.

Cautioning the world against patterns of unsustainable consumptions, Mukherje said world partnership would be required to achieve sustainable economies.

The President praised the Paris climate agreement and sustainable development goals as two crucial stages in the development of world.

"Let all the people and countries of the world work for a common future. I hope that next Conference of Parties (CoP 22 to be held in Morocco) will encourage other countries to follow suit," the President added.

Saying that India will continue pursuing more such goals, Mukherjee praised the WSDS, hoping that it will conceptualise new solution for innovation and development.

--IANS

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(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.)
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on Thursday said that dspite huge investments, the Swacch Bharat Mission is failing to achieve the desired results due to lack of credible on-ground data.

Pointing out the importance of the large-scale campaign for bringing behavioural change in people to promote the use of toilets, at its National Consultation on Sustainable Rural Sanitation organised here, CSE said that it is data that will connect the issue with health impacts and lead to impact on the ground.

"Currently, India does not have any mechanism for tracking water-borne diseases to shed more light about the progress on the sanitation programme," CSE said, adding that it will set up India's first faecal sludge laboratory.

"We are also setting up India's first faecal sludge laboratory to test technologies for their effectiveness," said Sunita Narain, Director General, CSE, adding that this will be a crucial first step towards such data gathering, especially in understanding sanitation in the rural context.

Stating that the Swacch Bharat Mission, a pet project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that aims to make the country free of the open defacation by 2019, is already lagging behind from its target. The mission completed its two years on this October 2.

"The government leagues behind in meeting its target... 82.3 million (or 823 lakh) toilets are yet to be constructed across India by October 2, 2019. This means the country needs to build 2.3 million (23 lakh) toilets every month -- or a formidable 56 toilets every minute -- to meet the target," CSE said.

Urging to look at the Swacch Bharat Mission beyond being -- "just another failed government scheme" -- CSE's consultation found issues in term of the data-driven behavioural change in people, as the major reason for the scheme's failure so far in addition to the traditional problems of poverty, lack of access to water and lack of land to name a few.

"Our experience and our work in air pollution bears out that change happens when we make a connection to people's health. And the issue needs to be handled differently for rural and urban areas. While in the urban milieu toilets have to be linked with disposal and treatment systems, in rural areas the priorities should be to address the issue in the context of poverty, behavioural change by linking it with health, water availability, toilet design and waste disposal," Narain said.

Speaking of the "behaviour-change", Parameswaran Iyer, Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation said, "It took 30-40 years for people in the US to accept seat belts. In India, we are trying to compress the time frame in the context of sanitation. The challenge here is how does one scale up while maintaining quality and sustain the momentum after triggering such behavioural change."

The CSE also said that Sikkim has achieved 100 per cent sanitation coverage through a combination of positive and negative pressure.

"Sikkim is one of the successful states that achieved complete sanitation coverage. Haryana and Kerala excelled in their respective sanitation programmes, while states like Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha failed miserably," CSE said.

Rajkumar Yadav, District Collector, South Sikkim, said, "We followed a strategy of putting two different types of pressure on the people -- one positive and the other negative. Positive pressure was put through campaigns and social messaging across sections of society. Negative pressure was applied by restricting and denying government benefits to those who haven't constructed toilets or haven't given up open defecation. This has helped create an overall positive impact."

--IANS

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Three persons were killed in a fire that broke out on Thursday at a south Kolkata godown, where LPG gas cylinders, oil and other inflammable materials were allegedly stored, police and fire authorities said.

The godown on Christopher road in South Kolkata went ablaze around 1 p.m.

"Three persons died in the fire," an official at the fire control headquarters said.

Fire department officials and Topsia police station personnel worked in tandem to control the fire.

Seven fire tenders pressed into service managed to control the blaze after a two and a half hours.

"The shop was completely engulfed by the flames. It could have been a lot worse. But we were able to stop the blaze from spreading. The situation is under control now," a fire official said.

Local Councillor Swarnakamal Saha, who rushed to the spot, said: "It could have been a bigger calamity as the shop is in a slum area. We will look into the issue of the hoaring of inflammable materials in the godown."

The local residents accused the police and the administration of inaction despite repeated complaints.

"The godown owner is doing this illegal business for long. We have complained many times but no one cared to look into the issue," an angry resident said.

--IANS

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Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay on Thursday greeted the next United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In his letter, he said: "I, on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), heartily congratulate you for being elected as the next UN Secretary-General."

"The UN is the leader of universal peace and the promotion of international cooperation for a better future. Being elected as its Secretary-General is a huge responsibility, especially in the face of the crisis that is currently prevalent in the world."

"As the former head of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), we admired your persistent appeal to the international community to uplift the prospects of the downtrodden. Your leadership, particularly over the refugee crisis as a fallout of the conflict in Syria, has touched the conscience of the entire humanity," he said.

Sangay expressed the hope that he would raise his voice on the issue of Tibet and steer the United Nations towards a peaceful resolution of the Tibet issue.

The United Nations has passed three resolutions on Tibet in 1959, 1961 and 1965, voicing "grave concern at the continued violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms of Tibetans" and calling for "respect of the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people and for their distinctive cultural and religious life".

The Tibetan administration-in-exile is based here.

--IANS

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Four surgical strikes were carried out by the Indian Army during the then UPA government's rule but were never publicised, Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar said on Thursday.

"We never made a hue and cry about it," he said at a party workers' meeting here, adding that such army actions should never be publicised.

He was referring to surgical strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on September 28-29 night.

The former Defence Minister said the September 18 Uri attack in Jammu and Kashmir was like an injury to the whole nation.

"It shocked the people. It was imperative to give a befitting reply over the Uri attack. Indian forces entered PoK and destroyed the terror camps there," Pawar said.

"We fully supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision and even congratulated the government. We did not play and were united behind the government. Yet, I am concerned... such actions should not be publicised," the NCP leader said.

--IANS

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Contact: McCrory Communications

McCrory Communications govpress@nc.gov

Raleigh, N.C. While the storm track of Hurricane Matthew has shifted to the east over the last few hours, Governor Pat McCrory is still urging North Carolinians and visitors to monitor the storm and closely follow any evacuation orders from local authorities. Evacuations of Ocracoke Island started this morning for non-residents and other coastal areas may order evacuations depending on the track of the storm.said Governor McCrory.Now a Category 3 hurricane with winds of about 120 mph, Matthew has already made landfall twice, first in Haiti and then Cuba, and is tracking toward the Bahamas and Florida's Atlantic coast. From there, the large and powerful storm is expected to shift toward the northeast, hugging the Georgia and South Carolina coasts. The storm's forward motion is slowing, with the latest forecasts bringing Matthew off the southeast North Carolina coast early Sunday morning. Emergency officials are preparing for 4 to 8 inches of rain in southeastern parts of the state with some locally heavier amounts. Some areas are already saturated, which will worsen flooding problems. Downed trees and power outages are likely.Governor McCrory said the state is in the process of staging needed resources including Highway Patrol, National Guard, urban search and rescue teams, swift water rescue teams, teams of ambulances and paramedics, as well as needed supplies.Additionally, state transportation equipment is being staged in vulnerable areas, and the Ferry Division is assisting with the evacuation of Ocracoke Island at the direction of the governor. A ferry from the Southport-Fort Fisher route is on standby to assist as needed. Based on the latest track of the storm, the extra ferry can be moved north on Thursday if needed and the Southport-Fort Fisher route will not be disrupted on Wednesday.Governor McCrory has been in contact with South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and has offered assistance as needed.The governor has also sent a letter to President Barack Obama requesting a federal disaster declaration in anticipation of damages in North Carolina caused by Hurricane Matthew.explained Governor McCrory.If approved, this aid will help cover the expense of establishing mass shelter and feeding locations, as well as search and rescue missions and other emergency protective measures. It also would clear the way for federal funding and additional resources to help homeowners, renters and business owners repair and rebuild damaged property and replace some personal items.Monday, Governor McCrory declared a State of Emergency for 66 eastern and central North Carolina counties to expedite the movement and activation of any resources to help with storm response. He also waived restrictions for truckers on hours of service and weight limits to help farmers harvest their crops, quickly restore power and expedite any debris removal.The North Carolina Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated with staffing support from key state agencies as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The EOC will begin 24-hour operations tomorrow morning with additional personnel. State emergency managers and FEMA representatives are coordinating with North Carolina counties and neighboring states on sheltering and evacuation plans should they be needed.For more information about how to get ready for a hurricane and what to do during or after a storm, go to ReadyNC.org . You can also get real-time traffic and weather on the ReadyNC mobile app. Follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook for the latest on Hurricane Matthew.
Zambia's main opposition leader and his deputy were arrested and charged with sedition, a media report said.

Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), and his deputy Geoffrey Mwamba were arrested after appearing for questioning, Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.

The duo were questioned following their visit to a mining town where they met some members of the party who were imprisoned after the August general elections.

A police official confirmed the arrests, saying it was for seditious practices and unlawful assembly on September 26.

They will appear in court on Thursday.

--IANS

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The editorial, "The bad bank debate" (October 6), is a balanced one. While it touches upon the pluses and minuses of the proposal, it finally leaves the decision to the Reserve Bank of India. Simultaneously, Ishan Bakshi's report, "Split verdict on bad bank" (October 6) lucidly discusses the pros and cons of setting up a bad bank. But I am afraid neither has looked at the issue from the bankers' perspective and the present situation.
Senior members of the Congress allege that there is little coordination among members of the National Democratic Alliance government while dealing with the media. They recall the perfect symphony between then external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee, now President of India, and the minister of state for information and broadcasting (I&B), Anand Sharma, while providing information to journalists in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008.
The AAP is "not" being different from other parties with over 70 per cent of found to be "under performing", even compared to Mumbai's BJP, Shiv Sena and Congress legislators.

In fact, nearly 33 per cent of the Delhi MLAs, overwhelmingly belonging to the AAP, hardly participated in discussions, data collated from Assembly sessions held in 2015 show.

The findings, part of a report released by Praja Foundation here on Thursday, also claim that despite the government and municipalities having received 10,102 complaints related to mosquito nuisance and fogging last year, no MLA raised the issue in the House.

"72 per cent of the MLAs are under performing in terms of quality of issues raised in the House. The Mumbai MLAs are doing far better in this respect," the report says.

It ranked AAP's SK Bagga, Nitin Tyagi and BJP's Jagdish Pradhan as the top performers. AAP MLAs - excluding Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, other Ministers (2015), Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Delhi Cantt MLA Surinder Singh - scored 58.44 per cent while the three BJP MLAs got 66.04 per cent.

The ratings of the MLAs were based on data accessed through RTI and personal interviews with 29,950 citizens of Delhi conducted by a survey research organisation.

They were rated on the basis of their performance in the Assembly and public perception during the period from February 24, 2015 to December 22, 2015.

The Assembly met for 26 days during this period in which the 58 rated MLAs raised 951 issues. While in Mumbai, during the same time, its 31 rated MLAs raised 4,343 issues during 50 sittings.

AAP MLAs raised 12 issues on average, while Mumbai's ruling BJP and Shiv Sena MLAs raised 69 issues on an average, it said.

"While there were 1,50,885 complaints registered for water supply, there were only 33 issues raised by MLAs. There were 19,327 drainage-related complaints but it made it to the House only 5 times. The cornerstone on which the new government was elected by the citizens of Delhi was clean politics, unfortunately, this is not being reflected in its 20 out of 58 MLAs ranked have criminal records...What our data is showing that AAP is not being different than the other mainstream parties," the report said.
Ahead of the conclusion of Congress Vice-Preisdent Rahul Gandhi's 26-day 'Kisan Yatra' through poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, the party said he will take his battle for farmers to Parliament now.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hopes to keep the nationalistic fervour over the Uri attack and the subsequent surgical strikes by the Indian Army simmer until the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in early 2017.
A chain of border hamlets along the wear a deserted look with villagers abandoning their houses to escape the shelling and firing from across the border.

Mortar marks on the walls of houses and shutters of shops in the area are a mute testimony to the firing from across the border.

Border dwellers have fled the hamlets of Panjtoot, Channi Dewano, Mogyal Lalo, Somwa, Chapriyal, Gigriyal, Paltan, Mili Di Khae, and Jodian in Pallanwala belt.

Pallanwala market town is also shut down for the past three days following heavy shelling.

"Market is closed for the past three days since the firing and", Suresh Kumar, a resident said.

Forced to leave their hamlets and cattle, the border residents want the Narendra Modi government to take strong action against Pakistan so that it does repeat the terror attacks and ceasefire violations along .

"Nobody wants a war but we border people, who have been forced to desert our homes and hamlets every time during ceasefire violations almost annually, want that Pakistan should be taught a lesson so that it does not dare to violate the ceasefire again", Sita Devi, who along with her family has taken shelter in a camp set-up at Radha Swami Ashram in Khour, said.

Devi and another border resident Raj Kumar said their hamlet along the LoC has been deserted. However, some residents have been making trips during the day time to look after their cattle.

"Some of us had gone to provide fodder to animals in the afternoon yesterday when Pakistani troops started raining mortar shells and heavy firing. We thought we are dead", Gigriyal resident Ashok Kumar said.

"We managed to save the lives of our domestic animals and some people, who had vehicles, ferried women and men out of the shelling zone yesterday", he said.

Pakistan troops have repeatedly violated the ceasefire and resorted to heavy mortar shelling and firing on civilian areas in Pallanwala sector of Akhnoor tehsil of Jammu district.

The areas targeted by Pakistani troops include Gigriyal, Platan, Damanu, Channi, Palanwala and Somwa areas of Pallanwala sector of Jammu district.

In the migrant camp at Naiwala, border dwellers have also protested about scarcity of ration and water.

"We demand food and water supply at the camp,", Santosh Devi Jodian said.

As many as 60 families of Jodian had fled their LoC homes and took shelter in the camp here but authorities told them to go to Khadah Khadi camp but they refused triggering protests. .
The BJP-AAP war of words on cross-LOC surgical strikes intensified on Thursday as the Arvind Kejriwal-led party accused Defence Minister of "demeaning" the armed forces and threatened to file a police complaint against him.

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra called Parrikar "Shah Rangeela", the Mughal Emperor who it is claimed indulged in merrymaking instead of paying attention to his empire, and said while a high alert has been issued across the country, the Defence Minister was busy "celebrating over the corpses of martyred soldiers".

It also lashed out Parrikar for his remarks comparing the army to Hanuman.

On October 1, at an event in Dehradun, Parrikar had made a reference to the Ramayana in which the monkey god crossed an ocean in a single stride after he was reminded about his extraordinary powers by Jamwant.

"Indian troops were like Hanuman who did not quite know their prowess before the surgical strikes," Parrikar had said.

Addressing a news conference, senior party leader Sanjay Singh said by giving such a statement, Parrikar was insulting the army which has time and again proved itself and did a remarkable job in the 1948, 1965, 1971 and Kargil war with Pakistan.

The AAP said it will approach the police to file a complaint against Parrikar in the matter.

Its attack came on a day Parrikar questioned the "loyalty" of those who doubted the Army and sought proof of surgical strikes across the LoC.

BJP had earlier accused AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of seeking proof in the garb of his statement congratulating the PM and army on the surgical strike.

AAP also alleged that BJP was doing over surgical strikes and claimed that such a military operation was not carried out for the first time as being "tom-tommed" by the saffron party.

"BJP's GVL Narsimha Rao said that for the first time the army has been made aware of its capability. By saying this, we are demeaning the military and its sacrifice. Such statements are shameful and both Parrikar and Rao should apologise to the armed forces," Sanjay Singh said, adding that in the last 15 years, surgical strikes were carried out nine times.

The AAP leader's criticism came after posters congratulating the Prime Minister came up across Delhi and also in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

Mishra asked whether Parrikar has forgotten that army has been honoured with 21 Param Vir Chakra and 63 Ashok Chakra awards.

"You are not aware of army's strength, which is why the BJP is kneeling before (PDP chief and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister) Mehbooba Mufti."



"Parrikar is not aware of army's strength which is why you invited the ISI to investigate the Pathankot attack. Give army the free hand and then it will show the enemy its place," Kapil Mishra said in his blog post.

On Tuesday, Mishra had publicly taken on Mehbooba at an event here asking her if she considered Burhwan Wani and Afzal Guru as terrorists or not, inviting protests from her entourage. Later he left the venue, saying he does not want to share the dais with her.

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister, Mishra said even Narendra Modi has not applauded the army. "They have made a 56-inch stage and the show is on.
on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the premier was playing over the blood of soldiers, who had sacrificed their lives in Jammu and Kashmir.You are hiding behind the blood of the soldiers  aap khoon ki dalali kar rahe ho  they (the soldiers) have done their job, you do yours, Rahul said hours after the ruling BJP took the recent surgical strikes on terrorist camps across the Line of Control to poll-bound UP, where Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar spoke about it at a rally in Agra.Though the Congress had supported the September 29 surgical strikes, it has been targeting the government for politicising the issue while pointing out that the previous government never claimed credit for earlier surgical strikes against terrorists across the LoC.Rahul was addressing a rally at Parliament Street to mark the culmination of his month-long Deoria-to-Delhi Kisan Yatra.The yatra got delayed as Rahuls motorcade caused traffic jams in the city. As the organisers had to end the event by sunset, the speeches of senior party leaders were dropped to allow Rahul to address the crowd.Training his guns at Modi, the Congress vice-president accused him of having divided people in the two years of his government and having failed to provide them justice. You ask us what the Congress did in the past 70 years. We have provided justice to people, while you have only divided them and put up one against the other in Assam, UP and Gujarat, said Rahul.You gave concessions worth Rs 1.15 lakh crore to around 15 rich people, he said, referring to Modi, while pointing out that his Make in India and Clean India initiatives had proved to be mere slogans.Rahul pointed out that the Prime Minister was only making hollow promises to the people and had shown no progress in providing jobs to the youth. I met lakhs of jobless youth during the yatra. They told me they wanted to work but there were no opportunities. The country is not able to give jobs to the youth. This is not acceptable. We need to change this.Summing up the lessons he learnt during the 3,500-km yatra, Rahul said the politicians thought they knew how to run the country but the common man had the right answers.UP Congress chief Raj Babbar said Rahul had set the ground rules for its political fight with the BJP noting that the future belonged to the leader who would be seen walking hand in hand along with the poor and the meek.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, who is recovering from illness, and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were not seen on the dais. However, Sonia's political aide Ahmed Patel was there along with AICC treasurer Motilal Vora, AK Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Janardan Dwivedi, Digvijaya Singh, Ambika Soni and Kamal Nath.

ALL IN A DAY
Tom Campbell

The first step in resolving any conflict or problem is to admit that you have one. Let's admit that we have a race problem. Not only is it divisive, but it is killing us - literally and figuratively - impeding our progress and overall welfare.Half a century after The Civil Rights Act (1964), The Voting Rights Act (1965) and legislation dealing with housing and employment we have failed to achieve the goals Dr. Martin Luther King elaborated in his "I Have a Dream" speech. We passed laws but attitudes and prejudice obviously haven't improved as much as many hoped and may even be worsening.Whether we Caucasians want to admit it or not the road to better incomes and conditions is much rockier for African Americans than it is for us. There is now, as it has always been, white privilege and we can talk all we want about equal opportunity, achievement through hard work and level playing fields but it isn't completely equal.Let us agree that the vast majority of men and women in law enforcement are good people earnestly trying to ensure our safety, but people of color are more likely to be stopped while driving and given citations in larger percentages than are whites. People of color are more often involved in shootings and violent crimes. They belong to gangs in greater percentages. People of color receive harsher court sentences and represent a larger percentage of the prison population than do whites. They drop out of school in higher rates, forcing them into lower skilled, lower paying jobs. Single-parent homes are too prevalent.There is evidence of racial prejudice and even hatred among all races. It's no wonder we can't even talk to each other about race. Conversations quickly turn emotional, inflammatory, include code words and racial undertones. Blacks don't trust whites, whites distrust blacks and both have issues with Hispanics. And when we hear elected officials like Congressman Robert Pittenger making comments that are obviously racially biased it only fuels the fires of prejudice, distrust and hatred. Talking about the recent riots and racial problems in Charlotte Pittenger told a BBC interviewer,Statements like these should repulse whites, but understandably reinforce the beliefs among minorities that they are considered inferior.Before things escalate further we need to stop the battle among the races and open meaningful, unemotional and fair-minded dialogue. Those of all races must begin with the acceptance of and responsibility for attitudes and practices that disrupt racial harmony, promote discrimination and prevent equal opportunity. Each must redouble efforts to repair trust and improve the status-quo. Not only must they respectfully speak their truths but also be active listeners to hear the positions of others. It cannot be a one-way street, but if people of goodwill come together and charitably and humbly accept responsibility and pledge to work for the betterment of all we can find ways to improve racial harmony and the wellbeing for all.We are not and never have been a homogeneous society. That's not the goal, but we can and must be better than we currently are. There are enough issues for us to fight without fighting each other.
The Sri Ramlila Club of Barara town, famous for its record-breaking Ravana effigies, has come up with a 210-feet tall effigy of the demon King this Dussehra.

The 210-feet tall effigy of Ravana will go up in flames in Barara on the occasion of Dussehra festival on October 11, club owner Tanveer Jafari said.

The club has been raising the height of Ravana effigies since the past several years and has entered the Limca Book of World Records five times, he said.

Adding more feathers to their cap, Jafari said the effigy was prepared by Muslim workers from Uttar Pradesh.

"Paper, iron pipes, bamboos brought from Assam and clothes weighing over 5,000 kg have been used to prepare the Ravana effigy this time. The sword held by Ravana is around 50 feet in length," he said.

The club owner said eco-friendly firecrackers were used in the effigy.

Tajinder Singh Rana, president of Sri Ramlila Club, said a five-day cultural function will be organised in the run up to the Dussehra festival.

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Three Nigerian nationals were arrested for allegedly cheating a city-based retired Army man of Rs 1.85 lakh on the pretext of selling him an SUV through an online marketplace, police said today.

Roland Anegbe alias Martin, Nnamgi Aku and Abraham Anthony Njosi, natives of Benin City in Nigeria, were apprehended in Bengaluru by the Cyber Crime Police yesterday for cheating retired subedar Lavish Kumar, Commissioner of Police (Rachakonda) Mahesh M Bhagwath said.

"The trio put an advertisement in an online marketplace for used goods, for sale of an SUV for Rs 8.55 lakh and collected Rs 1.85 lakh from Kumar. After seeing the advertisement, Kumar contacted them and was told that the owner of the vehicle is leaving India as his project was over and the vehicle is with cargo department of airport," he said.

Believing the version of the Nigerians, he decided to buy the vehicle.

However, the fraudsters made him pay Rs 1.85 lakh for various reasons, but they failed to deliver the vehicle to him and stopped answering his calls too following which the victim lodged a complaint, the senior police officer added.

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The level of pollution caused by fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in Delhi will continue to exceed normal limits even if all emissions inside the city were stopped, as over 40 per cent of it originates outside the NCR, a study has found.

About 60 to 80 per cent of ozone concentration in Delhi was also attributed to sources outside the city in the report, prepared jointly by TERI and the University of California, San Diego.

"This study finds that in-house sources in Delhi contribute about 32 per cent (10-65 per cent) of the air pollution in Delhi, while NCR (National Capital Region) sources (other than Delhi) contribute an additional 25 per cent (13-37 per cent).

"The remaining 43 per cent (25-63 per cent) is the background due to sources outside of NCR," the report says.

The analyses and solutions suggested in the report released here today at the World Sustainable Development Summit organised by TERI, are based on a "synthesis" of studies and reports done over the last decade.

Even if all emissions from Delhi were to be stopped, the PM (particulate matter) levels would still exceed the standards at several locations in the city, mainly due to higher contributions from outside regions to Delhi's air quality, it says.

The safe limits of PM 2.5 and PM 10, microscopic particles that can enter and embed deep into the lungs and subsequently the bloodstream, are 60 and 100 micrograms per cubic metre respectively.

It also offers 10 "scalable solutions" to reduce air pollution across the country, focusing on regional cooperation and a multi-scale and cross-sectoral coordination including the launch of a 'National Clean Air Mission'.

"Switch to low-sulphur fuels (10 ppm) and implement Bharat VI (similar to Euro VI) standards for engine emissions...Implement wall-to-wall paving of streets and vacuum cleaning of roads; enforce ban on open burning of solid waste; manage waste and recovery of methane from landfills," are among the suggestions.

India's efforts to meet its Paris INDCs (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions) will significantly reduce air pollution, the report states.

The monitored annual average PM 2.5 concentrations in Delhi have varied between 60 mg/m3 to 140 mg/m3, as measured by different agencies, such as Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and SAFAR, during the last few years.

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A person was arrested for child labour and six minors from Bihar, working in an industrial unit in northwest Delhi were rescued by the police, police said today.

In a joint raid by police and members of an NGO, six minor children aged between 10 to 14 years who were engaged in assembling and packing of electric bulb holders in Rani Bagh were rescued yesterday, said Milind Mahadeo Dumbere, DCP(north west).

Contractor Yogender Paswan, hailing from Begusarai wo had employed the boys, has been arrested, he said.

The boys were produced before the Child Welfare Committee members at Kingsway Camp and later admitted to a shelter home for children at Mukat Asharam Nathupura.

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The Maharashtra government today gave a go-ahead for carrying out a detailed project report (DRP) for the greenfield international airport, which will come in Purandar tehsil of Pune district.

The proposed airport will be spread over 2,400 hectares and the site has been already approved by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters here today.

Fadnavis held a meeting with Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation (MADC) on the issue.

"We decided to grant permissions for carrying out DPR as well as Obstacle Limitation Surface survey for the proposed site," the Chief Minister added.

"Located near historic fort Purandar - the proposed airport would named as Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje International Airport", Fadnavis said, adding post acquisition of land, the airport will commence within three years.

"The site is around 15-20 km away from Pune city. Located on the south of the city, the proposed airport will be connected with six different routes including National Highway 4 and 17", he said.

According to the Chief Minister, there will be a special ring-road connecting major industrial establishments with the proposed airport from Hadapsar area of Pune.

Officials said some of these establishments include Chakan MIDC, several phases of Talegaon MIDC, Bhosari MIDC, having an annual economy of Rs 30,000 crore and Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, which has an average IT-export of over Rs 50,000 crore every year.

The IT and auto sectors were demanding a dedicated international airport with cargo facility for over a decade.

When asked about earlier proposed sites like Chakan and Rajgurunagar, Fadnavis said except Purandar no other site is approved by AAI.

"Most of the farmers have expressed their willingness for the project. The farmers, whose land will be acquired for the project, will become partner in the airport developing company which will ensure some steady income source for them. This model has been used in the state earlier for land acquisition of (proposed) Navi Mumbai International Airport", the Chief Minister added.

Officials said Purandar is an arid region with very low rainfall and most of the land is non-agricultural while in some areas farmers opt for kharif crops only.

(REOPENS BOM25)



Officials said the existing airbase of Indian Air Force near Pune city is used for civil aviation but it has limitations of security as well as land availability.

Hence, the Maharashtra government decided to go for the Purandar site, they added.

The current passenger movement from Pune airport is around 6 lakh per year.

"The proposed airport will have two airstrips-each having length of four km. It will handle cargo along with passenger traffic," Fadnavis said.

"Most of the land would be acquired from villages such as Pargaon, Munjewadi and Memane from Purandar teshil," the Chief Minister added.

Asked about proposed airport in Kolhapur, around 230-km from Pune, Fadnavis said "The state government is spending Rs 40 crore for Kolhapur airport and it will be a domestic airport".

The Chief Minister also spoke about the Nagpur airport, which is also going to be a cargo terminal.

"The Request for Quotation and Request for Proposal is completed. Six companies have submitted bids for it including Tata, Essel, IRB and GMR among others. For the first time, six companies have come forward for an airport," he added.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today released a list of seven more candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls in Goa, taking to 11 the number of its nominees to the 40-member House so far.

The formal announcement was made after AAP's Parliamentary Affairs Committee in Delhi cleared the list.

53-year-old Devendra Prabhu Parsekar Desai, a former MGP leader and teacher has been fielded from North Goa's Mandrem constituency which is represented by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and considered a BJP bastion for sometime now.

Desai had left MGP to join AAP recently and is also associated with the People for Mopa movement supporting the construction of international airport in Pernem taluka.

With the release of the current list, AAP has till now announced a total of 11 candidates for the 40 seats in Goa Assembly. AAP is contesting all the seats. It had announced the first list of four candidates last month.

Former Congress MLA Giovanni Karl Vaz will contest from Mormugao constituency, which is currently represented by the BJP. Vaz was a Congress legislator between 2002-2007 before losing the assembly elections. His father was also a MLA from Mormugao constituency.

AAP also announced the candidature of Olencio John Simoes, a fishermen leader and teacher by profession, in Cortalim constituency.

Simoes, who is on the forefront of several social movements, is the joint secretary of Goenchya Ramponkarancho Ekvot, an organisation of traditional fishermen. He is also general secretary of All Goa Fishermen Union.

Cortalim constituency is currently represented by BJP's minister Alina Saldanha, who had got elected in the bypoll after demise of her husband Mathany Saldanha.

In Benaulim constituency currently represented by Goa Vikas Party, AAP has fielded Royla Clarina Fernandes, who is an architect by profession and is former member of Youth Congress. She is the only woman candidate announced by AAP till date.

Former BJP Yuva Morcha leader Sitaram Gauns will be contesting on the AAP ticket in Poriem constituency, which is a bastion of Congress leader and former chief minister Pratapsinh Rane.

AAP has fielded Prithvi Amonkar in Siolim constituency currently represented by BJP's minister Dayanand Mandrekar. Amonkar is a doctor of alternative medicine.

In Marcaim constituency, currently represented by MGP leader and Transport minister Sudin Dhavalikar, AAP has fielded Surel Tilva, a lawyer by profession.

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ABG Shipyard has decided to divest its subsidiary Western India Shipyard Ltd and will invite bids from prospective investors.

The decision was taken in the meeting of the board of directors of the company held today.

"Board of Directors of the company, in their meeting held today, i.E. October 6, 2016 have decided and approved, inter alia, divestment of its subsidiary Western India Shipyard Ltd and authorised Executive Director and other company officials, jointly to invite suitable bid from the prospective investors and negotiate the deal including the best price, terms and conditions with them," it said in a regulatory filing.

Yesterday, private lender, ICICI Bank, acquired 11.08 per cent stake in the company by converting its debt into equity.

ICICI acquired 11,046,424 equity shares of ABG Shipyard by exercising its option to convert CCPS into equity.

On August 11, the board of the debt-ridden company had approved its strategic debt restructuring invoked by its lenders.

The company's Corporate Debt Restructuring (CDR) Lenders, apart from ICICI bank include SBI, Dena Bank, PNB and IDBI Bank.

It also said the board has approved raising of the company's share capital to Rs 2,000 crore.

In May, ABG Shipyard said the company along with the lenders is exploring the possibility of bringing in strategic investors and discussions are going on with several parties.

The debt-ridden firm's net loss in April-June quarter this fiscal widened to Rs 1,710.68 crore against a loss of Rs 374.86 crore in the year-ago period.

Its total income during the quarter plummeted to Rs 2.05 crore, over Rs 21.95 crore in the year-ago period.

Incorporated in 1985, ABG Shipyard is the flagship company of ABG group with interests in shipping and cement sectors and manufactures ships and rigs across two facilities in Gujarat at Dahej and Surat.

It is one of the three private shipyards in India approved by the Indian Navy to build various types of naval vessels and has built 23 vessels for Indian defence sector.

Shares of the company closed at Rs 33.15 apiece on BSE, down 1.19 per cent from the previous close.

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Following a fresh Supreme Court directive, Lt Governor Najeeb Jung today chaired a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain to chalk out an action plan to fight the vector-borne disease in Delhi.

The LG's office said the detailed plan discussed at today's meeting on dealing with the vector-borne diseases will be submitted to the apex court during the next hearing on October 17.

Earlier in the day, the top court had expressed disappointment over the outcome of yesterday's meeting between Jung and Delhi government, which it had earlier directed, and asked them to hold another meeting this evening to firm up steps to check them.

In the order, the court said authorities were "not interested" and the people have been "left to suffer".

In accordance with the court's order, Jung held the meeting at the LG Secretariat at 5:30 PM where senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who is an amicus curiae in the matter, was also present.

Gonsalves also expressed his views on how to tackle the menace of these vector-borne diseases.

"The suggestions made by learned Amicus Curiae Colin Gonsalves were taken up for discussion and largely agreed upon by all present.

"It has been decided that an action plan shall be drawn out based on discussions held and placed before the Supreme Court," LG office said in a statement after the meeting.

However, the LG office did not divulge the action plan, which, it said, was "discussed thoroughly".

Sources said point-to-point discussions on how to prevent spread of vector-born diseases in the national capital were made in the meeting.

They also said a future action plan was chalked out so that these diseases do not recur.

Officers from different departments including Health, MCDs, Railways, DMRC, Delhi Cantonment Board apprised Amicus Curiae Colin Gonsalves of steps taken by them to prevent the spread of dengue and chikungunya.

Criticising the authorities over their handling of dengue and chikungunya menace in morning, the apex court said, "We expect the participants (of meeting at LG Secretariat) to keep the interest of people of Delhi in mind while doing the entire exercise.

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Leading agro-chemicals player UPL Group has raised USD 500 million debt by selling bonds to overseas investors, making it the first issuance by a domestic chemicals firm with investment grade ratings so far.

In a filing to the BSE, UPL said, "Our wholly-owned subsidiary UPL Corporation Ltd has successfully completed the pricing of its USD 500 million senior unsecured notes at 3.25 per cent per annum, due 2021."



UPL Corporation is a Mauritius-based fully-owned subsidiary of UPL, which was earlier known as United Phosphorus Ltd.

The five-year USD bond issue was oversubscribed 2.2 times, merchant banking sources told PTI.

Sources said the proceeds would be utilised to repay debt and working capital requirement.

They said this is the first-ever bond deal from agro-chemical space not only from here but across Asia.

Due to the good demand, the issue could manage an aggressive pricing and the final pricing got tightened by 20 basis points and could fix the yield at 200 basis points over the US treasury at 3.26 per cent while the annual coupon is fixed at 3.25 per cent.

UPL Corp contributes 75 per cent of revenues and is the holding company for all of UPL's international agro-chemical operations. For the group as a whole, its branded generics account for an overwhelming 80 per cent of its revenue.

The 144A Reg S issue also have another first: this is the maiden investment grade USD bond issued by a global holding company of a domestic company without a guarantee from the parent, the merchant banking sources said.

UPL is the third largest post-patent crop protection company globally and makes most of its income from the home market and Latin America.

Deutsche Bank, ANZ, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, and JP Morgan were the joint bookrunners of the deal.

The instrument, which will be listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, was snapped up Asian investors (62 per cent), American (20 per cent), and European investors (18 per cent), who constituted fund managers/asset managers (92 per cent), banks (3 per cent), private banks (3 per cent) and institutions/ corporates/others the remaining 2 per cent.

The city-headquartered UPL Group, headed by Rajnikant Shroff, is one of the largest agro-chemicals players globally, operating in the post-patent markets and makes four fifths of its revenue for branded generics. In 2016 fiscal year it reported a profit of Rs 2820 crore on a revenue of Rs 13,080 crore.

UPL board gave the mandate to issue a benchmark bond issue on September 28. Its shares closed flat on BSE at Rs 683.75 while benchmark Sensex closed 115 points down.

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The government may impose anti- dumping duty on imports of an antibiotic from China as it has initiated a probe into below-cost shipments into the country.

The Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD), under the Commerce Ministry, has started the anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of "Ofloxacin" originating in or exported from China.

The DGAD has prima facie found "sufficient evidence" of dumping of the chemical. Aarti Drugs Ltd has filed a complaint over dumping of the drug from China.

The authority has initiated "an investigation into the alleged dumping, and consequent injury to the domestic industry...To determine the existence, degree and effect of alleged dumping and to recommend the amount of anti dumping duty, which if levied, would be adequate to remove the 'injury' to the domestic industry," the DGAD said in a notification.

Ofloxacin is used to treat certain infections including bronchitis, pneumonia, and infections of the skin, bladder, urinary tract, reproductive organs, and prostate gland.

The period of investigation is July 2015 to June 2016 (12 months). However, it would also cover the periods between April 2013- March 2016.

While DGAD recommends the duty to be levied, the Finance Ministry notifies it.

Countries initiate anti-dumping probes to determine if the domestic industry has been hurt by a surge in below-cost imports. As a counter-measure, they impose duties under the multilateral WTO regime.

Anti-dumping measures are taken to ensure fair trade and provide a level-playing field to the domestic industry. They are not a measure to restrict imports or cause an unjustified increase in cost of products.

India has initiated maximum anti-dumping cases against 'below-cost' imports from China.

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Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today said his government has been utilising technology in a big way to make Andhra Pradesh a digitally literate state and called on information technologists to come forward with innovative ideas.

Addressing a gathering at ETCIO Digital Transformation Summit - Digital Disruption and Innovation, Navigating the NextGen Revolution - here, Naidu said the state government will welcome new ideas and innovation and devices in the field of information technology.

"I want to make the state as digitally literate by using technology in a big way. All the systems like water utilisation, power consumption, street lighting systems, distribution of pensions and other benefits for the needy people are being monitored in the state by using technology," he said.

The chief minister stressed that the state is having natural resources like water, mineral wealth, human resources, road, rail and air connectivity to establish the units.

"India is utilising the technology in a big way. About 95 per cent of the people, including people from remote areas, are using the cell phones," he said.

He said the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to provide internet connection to all households with 15 Mbps for a cheap rate of 149 per month.

"The government has been utilising the existing electricity poles for fiber connection instead of going for under ground cable. Instead of spending Rs 5,000 crore for under ground cable, we can utilise the electricity poles for wiring with a Rs 332 crore," he pointed out.

He predicted that Visakhapatnam will become an educational and industrial hub in the future because of its natural resources available in the district.

Later, Naidu on the occasion launched the Information Technology Association of Andhra Pradesh (ITAAP).

A not-for-profit organisation funded by the industry, ITAAP's objective is to foster growth and sustainable development of Information Technology (IT), IT Enabled Services and Electronics Industry in the state of Andhra Pradesh by working closely with the industry and the government.

IT professionals and CEOs of various companies also attended the seminar.

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Amid heightened tension with Pakistan and increased infiltration bids, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen D S Hooda today visited the border area of Uri sector of Kashmir and asked troops to remain alert for "any eventuality".

He took stock of all measures taken by the army to beat back "any misadventure" from across the Line of Control (LoC).

The visit came on a day the troops foiled an attempt by terrorists to storm an army camp in Handwara and three infiltration bids on the LoC, killing 7 terrorists in all.

"The Northern Army Commander Lt Gen D S Hooda, accompanied by Srinagar-based Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Satish Dua, visited the frontier area of Uri and reviewed security with the local commanders," a defence spokesman said.

During his interaction with officers and men on ground, Lt Gen Hooda "conveyed his compliments for their high levels of operational preparedness, vigil and morale and exhorted them to remain alert for any eventuality," the spokesman said.

He said the Army commander also complimented the troops operating in hinterland for their professionalism which was amply displayed again in the successful foiling of terrorist attack in Baramulla on October 3 and in today's operation in Langate, Kupwara, in which three Pakistani terrorists have been eliminated.

Later, both the senior officers visited Awantipura-based 'Victor Force' Headquarters in south Kashmir where Lt Gen Hooda was briefed on the security situation in the valley.

"The Army Commander urged all to sustain the pressure on terrorist groups operating in the valley and also to continue with the humanitarian initiatives to help the civil administration in alleviating the problems of the people," the spokesman said.

South Kashmir has been the epicentre of the recent unrest in the valley.

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A suspected ISIS operative, who got battle training in Iraq, was believed to have been plotting to target a few judges of Kerala and foreign tourists visiting the coastal state before he was arrested by the NIA.

The accused, identified as Subahani Haja Moideen, a resident of Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, was arrested by the NIA yesterday in connection with an alleged conspiracy to carry out terror attacks in India.

Sources today claimed that Moideen was planning to target some judges posted in Kerala as well as foreign tourists visiting beach resorts in the state.

Moideen was under watch of the security agencies and when he was giving shape to the plans to carry out the terror attacks in Kerala, NIA arrested him soon after, sources said.

Moideen is said to be the only Indian who got hardened battle training in Mosul in Iraq, they said.

In a statement, the NIA said that the accused had conspired to carry out terror activities in the country and was planning to collect chemical explosives from cracker manufacturers in Tamil Nadu.

The accused was radicalised and recruited in ISIS through social media platforms, the statement said, adding that he had left India for Istanbul from Chennai last year on the pretext of performing 'Umrah'.

After reaching Istanbul, he crossed over along with other people who hailed from Pakistan and Afghanistan to Iraqi territory under control of ISIS.

From there, Moideen was taken to Mosul where he underwent



detailed 'religious training' followed by combat training which included a course in automated weapons before being deputed to fight war for almost two weeks.

During the war, he told interrogators that he was paid 100 US dollars per month as an allowance by ISIS besides accommodation and food.

However, he told interrogators that he could not withstand the violence and war misery in Mosul and decided to leave especially after he saw two of his friends getting charred.

He was jailed by ISIS and produced before a Islamic judge who sent him to Syria and claimed that he was allowed to cross over to Turkey from where he contacted his family with the help of the Indian consulate at Istanbul.

He arrived in Mumbai after a gap of six months in September last year on an emergency certificate and returned to his ancestral place where he was staying with his wife and managed to get a job at a jewellery shop at Kadayanallur.

"However, once back and settled, he again got in touch with ISIS handlers over Internet and was planning to collect explosives and precursor chemicals from Sivakasi at their instance.

"He had travelled to Chennai, Coimbatore and other places to meet other local contacts in the conspiracy, collect money and procure explosives for terrorist acts as guided and motivated by ISIS handlers," the NIA said.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday called on Prime Minister in New Delhi and had a detailed discussion on the developmental and economic aspects of the state.

The Prime Minister hailed Arunachal Pradesh as "one of the most peaceful states of the country" and commended the simplicity of its people, an official release said here.

Acknowledging the potential of the state in agri-horticulture and tourism sectors, Modi assured Khandu of all support.

Khandu informed the Prime Minister that his government had inherited huge liabilities of previous years.

He said the situation had further been aggravated as several Central schemes were "delinked" and the burden of implementation of them had fallen upon his government.

"I can assure you that we are committed to providing a transparent and clean governance which would ensure that public money is judiciously spent," Khandu told Modi.

The chief minister submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, drawing his attention to various aspects of the state and the support required from the Centre regarding the same.

This is Khandu's first meeting with the Prime Minister after his PPA government joined the North-East Democratic Alliance.
Hyderabad Central University Vice-Chancellor Appa Rao Podile, who had come under attack over Rohith Vemula suicide issue, today expressed happiness over the Commission constituted by the HDR ministry absolving the HCU of any blame.

"If that kind of report has come, I am happy about it. We have no access to that. We have not yet seen. We are happy. As a university, we are happy," Podile told PTI.

Raising questions on Vemula's Dalit status, the Justice Roopanwal Commission, in its report to the HRD ministry, has said the material on record did not establish it and attributed his suicide to personal reasons, according to sources.

The Commission has given a clean chit to Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Bandaru Dattatreya, sources said.

The University authorities too have been absolved of any blame for Vemula's death as the Commission has held that they were not working under political pressure.

Podile was in the eye of a storm over Vemula's suicide on January 17, with a section of students demanding his resignation and held vigorous protests seeking "justice" for the research scholar.

A battery of high-profile leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, had visited HCU (also called University of Hyderabad) at the height of protests.

Based on a complaint by a section of students, Cyberabad police had registered a case against Dattatreya, Podile and three others in connection with the suicide.

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For 87-year-old Suram Chand, life in Hamirpur village along the LoC has been a tale of continuous displacement, having borne testimony to worst Indo-Pak wars and hostilities which have driven him out of his home countless times.

Today's blistering mortar attacks by Pakistani troops have forced the octogenarian to yet again abandon his residence in Pallanwala sector along the Line of Control (LoC) and move to a higher secondary school in Khour, a camp set up by the state government to house border migrants.

The frail and wrinkled Chand says migration is nothing new to him as he has "lost count" of the number of times he and his family had to shift to camps due to hostilities between the two nations.

Having lived through times when there was no Line of Control between the two sides and people were free to move from one place to another, Chand says that since the day Pakistan was created, problems have cropped up for the border residents.

"Before 1947 there was no concept of border or LoC, this all used to be a one big place. But post-1947, things have turned sour for us. In one night we all became border residents and victims to the hostilities from across the border," he says.

"We have lost the count of the number of times we had to leave our village and migrate to safer locations. This time its been eight days since we were asked to vacate our houses and shift to this place," he says.

The government school in the area has become home for several hundred residents of four villages who have been shifted there, as tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours spiked following the Army's surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"Because of Pakistan we have been suffering, when my children were small we had to migrate, now at this age I am forced to leave my house with my great-grand children," Chand said.

Pointing to an injury mark caused by a mortar shell fired from across the border a few years ago, 70-year-old Gitam Singh, who retired from the army after serving for 20 years, expressed anger over hardships he and several other border residents face.

"Lakhs of border residents like us are facing these hardships due to the disease called Pakistan, this disease needs to be eradicated once and for all, only then peace can prevail in the area. I was in my field few years ago when a mortar filed by the Pakistan army landed near me and I was injured," Singh said.

With over 200 families, Hamirpur is among the biggest villages in this border belt, which now bears a deserted look due to shelling and firing from across the border.

"Our fields are on the other side of the border fence so our crop has almost died due to lack of irrigation. The Army is not allowing us to cross the fence as they fear that Pakistani army might target us," said Tarsem Lal (44), another resident of the village.

A senior army officer in the area, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said for the army, the priority was to make sure that the civilian population was safe.

"We keep on visiting their camps to make sure that all their requirements are met, for us the priority is the safety of civilians as they became the easy target of the Pakistani fire," the officer said.
As Saudi Arabia holds a naval drill in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a powerful Iranian general has been quoted as suggesting the kingdom's deputy crown prince is so "impatient" he may kill his own father to take the throne.

Harsh rhetoric has been common between the two rivals since January but the remarks by Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani's take things to an entirely different level by discussing Saudi King Salman being killed.

Meanwhile, Iran already has warned Saudi Arabia to stay away from its territorial waters as heavily armed Saudi frogmen and warships take part in the Gulf Shield 1 drill across the larger Persian Gulf, adding to the tensions between the two rival Mideast powers.

In Iran, the semi-official Fars and Tasnim agencies last night said Soleimani made the comments at a mourning ceremony for an Iranian general killed in Syria.

Shiite power Iran supports embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad's government in his country's civil war, now in its sixth year, while Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia supports opposition fighters trying to oust Assad.

Soleimani, head of the paramilitary force's expeditionary Quds force, referred to Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman while talking about the Syrian war.

He alleged the deputy crown prince told Syrian officials in a meeting also attended by Russians that "if you do not have ties with Iran, everything will end" - apparently meaning that the conflict would end.

Soleimani added that Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed "is very impatient and might kill his king."



The young Saudi deputy crown prince and defence minister, whose father put him as third in line to the throne in April 2015, has been viewed as ambitious for proposing economic initiatives in the kingdom and helping lead its ongoing war in Yemen.

But Soleimani's suggestion of the young royal committing regicide is likely to be met with anger in Saudi Arabia, which saw King Faisal assassinated by his nephew in 1975. There was no immediate reaction today in Saudi state media.

Soleimani's comments come as Saudi Arabia conducts its naval exercise in the Gulf, including waters Iran considers part of its sphere of influence.

The exercise includes firing live ammunition "to raise the combat readiness and professional performance for units and employees of the naval forces in preparation for the protection of the marine interests of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia against any possible aggression," the state-run Saudi Press Agency said Tuesday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Terming terrorism as the foremost challenge in the region, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said it should be delegitimised as a State policy and urged ASEAN countries to "cooperate unreservedly" to locate and destroy terror networks.

Security frameworks in ASEAN region still do not give enough attention to terrorism. This must change, he said at 20th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities Meet here.

"Terrorism remains the foremost challenge to our region.

"We need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere, delegitimise it as an instrument of State policy and cooperate unreservedly to locate and destroy terrorist networks," he said



The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam as members.

Parrikar's remarks came on a day when terrorists launched another attack on an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir. Three terrorists, believed to be Pakistan backed, were killed in the attack on the army camp north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

19 soliders were killed in a militant attack on an army camp in Uri on September 18. The Army had launched surgical strikes targeting terror camps located across the LoC on September 28 night.

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Au Financiers, one of the 10 in-principle licensees of small finance banks, is expecting the final approval from Reserve Bank by December and to launch operations by April.

The Jaipur-based non-banking finance company had applied to the RBI on September 12 seeking final approval.

"After complying with all the stipulations, we had applied to RBI on September 12 and are awaiting for final approval, which takes typically three months," Au Financiers India's business banking chief Priyam Alok said here on the sidelines of an event hosted by the Payment Council of India.

"By February, we would be ready and in April we will be launching operations, and hope to have 325 branches at the launch," he added.

Alok said branches will be in the same locations where the company already has presence, but albeit in new premises.

The NBFC has presence in the North, West and Central regions and it will have branches in these geographies initially, he added.

Last September, the Reserve Bank had given in-principle approvals to 10 applicants to set up small finance banks, which also included Ujjivan, Equitas Holdings, Capital Local Area Bank, Disha Microfin, Esaf Microfinance, Janalakshmi, RGVN North East Microfinance, Suryoday Microfinance and Utkarsh Microfinance.

So far, Capital Small Finance Bank and Equitas Holdings have started operations, while the Chennai-based Esaf Microfinance has applied for the final approval.

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German luxury car maker Audi today launched a limited edition variant of its SUV Q3 priced at Rs 39.78 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) as it looks to cash in on the upcoming festive season.

"With the festive spirit in the air, we feel that it is the opportune time to launch the Audi Q3 Dynamic Edition - a successful car, now made even better with host of features, making it even more attractive for our Audi enthusiasts," Audi India Head Joe King.

"Audi Q3 has taken it a step further ever since its market introduction in 2012. It has been the most successful model in its segment," he added.

Only 101 units of the Audi Q3 Dynamic Edition will be available across India, the company said in a statement.

It would have 35 TDI engine with seven-speed S tronic transmission.

Audi Q3 Dynamic Edition would have features like Audi logo projection carpet lamps on front doors, an aggressive front lower bumper and lip spoiler, sporty air inlet cover, clear lens tail lamps, Quattro label on rear doors and Chrome accents on front.

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Noting that it was not for politicians to adjudicate on security matters, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today lashed out at Congress leader Amarinder Singh and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, saying they have tried to make the army's capabilities and intent look suspect in the eyes of the world at a critical time.

He also wrote to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh after concluding his three-day tour of the border areas and interaction with people who had to be relocated following the Centre's advisory apprehending retaliation in the wake of army's cross-LoC surgical strikes in PoK.

"Amarinder Singh and (Arvind) Kejriwal should realise that it is not for politicos to adjudicate on strategic security matters. Amarinder and Arvind Kejriwal have tried to make the Indian army's capabilities and intent look suspect in the eyes of the world at the most critical hour.

"The entire nation is stunned, angered and dismayed over their conduct and statements. It is mysterious why they are trying to hurt the entire nation at this critical hour," Badal said, according to an official release.

The Chief Minister said the country was shocked to see this strange behaviour from its senior politicians "at a time when our armed forces are engaged in a huge effort on the borders to call the bluff of a hostile government of Pakistan against our country."



Badal also lashed out at those who are criticising the decisions taken jointly by the central government and the security forces.

He said decisions on whether or not to reveal evidence on surgical strikes and when to execute "pre-emptive civilian relocation" are issues to be decided on highly professional grounds.

The Punjab government, he categorically stated, had fully implemented the directive of the Centre on the security-driven issue of "pre-emptive civilian evacuation and relocation on border areas".

Emphasising that it was not for the state governments to decide on whether or not or when to execute pre-emptive relocation," he said, "This is a highly tactical and strategic decision to be taken by the government of India on the advice of the security forces. That is how it has been done here too."



"We fully realise that border evacuation is a security-driven decision with tactical, strategic and professional military considerations. The security forces are the best qualified to take a call on such decisions. Accordingly, such issues are handled all over the world through a broad national consensus on strategic considerations," Badal said in his letter to Rajnath Singh.

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Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked India and Pakistan to exercise "restraint" to prevent further escalation in tensions.

In Hasina's concluding speech in Parliament, she said the nuclear-armed neighbours needed to behave in a restrained manner and should avoid spiking up tensions.

Advising the two nations to avoid conflict, Hasina said, "We want peace to sustain in South Asia. We never want any kind of conflict or tension to occur in South Asia. Such conflict between the countries in the same region will also hurt Bangladesh".

Hasina said her government is striving to take forward the country towards peace and prosperity.

"So we don't expect any conflict in this region, she was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune.

Tensions between India and Pakistan are growing after militants stormed an Indian Army base in Uri on September 18, killing 19 soldiers.

The terror launch pads across the border were targeted by the Indian Army last week, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

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Afghan civilians were increasingly leaving the northern city of Kunduz today to escape fighting between government forces and the Taliban, a battle now in its fourth day, officials said.

The fighting in Kunduz, located on a key national crossroads, has raised concerns of a repeat scenario as last year, when it briefly fell to the Taliban. Insurgents at the time held Kunduz for three days, then resisted Afghan and US forces for almost three weeks before the city was brought fully back under government control.

This time, the insurgents, who launched a multi-pronged attack early on Monday, have been pushed back from the city's south, said Gen. Qasim Jungalbagh, the police chief for Kunduz province. One Afghan solider was killed and another three wounded in overnight fighting, he added.

The head of the provincial council, Mohammad Yusouf Ayubi, said gunbattles in the east and west of the city continued throughout the night, and that shortages of food and water are also forcing people out of the city.

The US military spokesman in Afghanistan, Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland, said Afghan commandoes were clearing "isolated pockets of Taliban resistance" within the city today.

The city's hospital, which sits on the front line between government forces and the Taliban, was rocketed yesterday and its medical stocks destroyed. Hospital director Marzia Salam Yaftaly said the facility had admitted 210 wounded since the fighting began, two of whom died.

Since yesterday, about 1,200 people have left the city for neighbouring Takhar province, said the provincial refugee official, Murtaza Hamdard.

"Most of them are staying in school buildings or with other families, but some are living out in the open," Hamdard said and appealed for urgent aid.

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Amid campaign by Marathas across Maharashtra for reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, the ruling BJP today said it was committed to meeting the demand of the community without upsetting the existing OBC quota.

A resolution seeking to provide reservation to the Maratha community was adopted on the second day of the party's state executive meeting here.

The resolution, moved by Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil, was adopted, state BJP president Raosaheb Danve told reporters after the meeting.

"BJP will provide 16 per cent reservation to Marathas in government jobs and educational institutions," Danve said.

Asked about reservation for Muslims, he said there is no provision for quota on the basis of religion.

During the meeting, Opposition Congress and NCP were criticised for "ignoring" Maratha community after using it as their vote bank for years.

Promising that it would stand up to address grievances and demands raised by the community, BJP blamed Congress and NCP leadership for the situation in which the Maratha community finds itself.

The resolution noted that the leadership of both the parties (Congress and NCP) had used the community as a vote bank.

Before the 2014 state Assembly elections, the then Congress-NCP dispensation had approved 16 per cent reservation for Marathas and five per cent for Muslims in government jobs and educational institutions. The decision, however, was challenged in the court, where it is pending.

The "silent marches" taken out by the Maratha Kranti Morcha around Maharashtra to highlight their demands have elicited huge response, creating ripples in state politics.

According to observers, all main parties -- BJP, Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP -- are unnerved by the turnout at the rallies, highlighting demands like reservation in job and educational institutions, though the immediate trigger being the rape and murder of a girl from the community at Kopardi in Ahmednagar.

More than 20 rallies have already taken place across the state over the last one-and-a-half months.

Danve had yesterday said that a resolution supporting the demand of Maratha reservations would be discussed and adopted at the state executive meeting.

He had rejected the allegation of Congress and NCP that BJP government could not present its stand on the Maratha quota before the High Court adequately.

The previous Congress-NCP government issued the ordinance giving reservations to Marathas and Muslims with an eye on the Assembly polls, and that was the reason the ordinance did not stand up to the court's scrutiny, Danve had said.

The resolution alleged that the Maratha community bore



the brunt of corruption of Congress-NCP leaders in co-operative sector.

It noted that the disenchantment of the community was due to lack of opportunities in employment and education.

"The Congress-NCP leadership misused power for their own selfish benefits," the resolution charged.

"The previous government announced quota for Marathas with an eye on Assembly polls in 2014 against the backdrop of the severe drubbing in Lok Sabha elections a few months earlier," the political resolution said, adding that BJP's "clear and definite" stand has been that the community should get reservation without impacting the existing set of quota.

The resolution also said it was the endeavour of the BJP government to resolve grievances of all sections of the society.

Condemning the rape and murder of a minor girl in Kopardi, it said the state government was doing everything possible to punish the culprits.

In the political resolution, the executive committee highlighted the package worth Rs 49,000 crore for Marathwada and said the development agenda would be followed in letter and spirit.

The resolution blasted the opposition Congress-NCP for attempting to derail the development agenda by raising "unnecessary" issues.

It said the good work of the BJP government will help the party to do well in the forthcoming local body polls.

In the agriculture resolution, the party said the government is working on improving the farm productivity and good market price for the produce.

"Roads, electricity and water are necessary for this and the government's efforts in this direction will show good results," it said.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari today said the BJP government is committed to ensuring that the country attains prosperity and becomes free of socio-economic disparity so that citizens don't "feel the need" for reservations.

"Poverty has no caste. Our economic policy is of employment generation. Our aim is to create a prosperous country, so that its citizens will not feel like asking for reservations," he said, addressing a valedictory session of the two-day Maharashtra BJP Executive meeting here



"BJP's goal is to create a country where there is no social and economic disparity. The party has also decided to observe the birth centenary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya as the year for welfare of poor," said the Union Shipping Minister.

Gadkari's comments came in the backdrop of a series of protests by the Maratha community in Maharashtra which has been seeking reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.

The community, which is also demanding the modification of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, will hold a rally in Mumbai after Diwali this year.

Gadkari also targeted the Congress and NCP, saying that those who were in power never worked for the welfare of their community.

"But they remember their caste after being voted out of power. Such leaders want their community support only for power and their selfish interests," he alleged.

Maharashtra BJP chief Raosaheb Danve said the state government will complete two years on October 31.

"All workers should propagate the achievements of the government at the grass-root level," he added.

Danve exuded confidence that the masses would support BJP in the ensuing local body elections but said the party has to strengthen its organisational network.

He said many political workers are keen to work with the BJP and that party will honour all of them.

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Opposition parties in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh today alleged a design in Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the historic Aishbagh Ramlila here on Dussehra next week, saying BJP is trying to "hijack" a religious function to serve its political ends.

"The BJP should not use the religious occasion for furthering its political motives...His trip to Lucknow for Dusherra seems a bit illogical," Samajwadi Party spokesman Ashok Bajpai said.

"Had he gone to his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, it would have looked logical but celebrating in Lucknow could only be termed as a move to gain political mileage," he said, adding that the Prime Minister addressing the people during Dusherra festivities will look odd.

Echoing similar views that the BJP is "hijacking" the Dusshera function, Congress spokesman Maroof Khan alleged that the party was trying to use the religious platform for political purposes.

"Though the Army has made all Indians proud by successful surgical strikes in the PoK, the BJP is trying to take all credit for it," he said, adding that the saffron party has always used religious functions for its advantage.

"Since the Prime Minister is deviating from the established practice and visiting poll-bound state, no other motive can be derived from it," he said.

BSP supremo Mayawati has already cautioned the Modi government not to get carried away by the success of surgical strikes in the PoK.

"This is not the time for the Modi government to either celebrate in over-excitement or make the wrong attempt to take political and electoral advantage of the issue," she had stated.

Breaking from tradition, the Prime Minister will attend the historic Aishbagh Ramlila in Lucknow, seen as yet another attempt to connect to the people of poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

He will participate in the 'aarti' and then fire the symbolic arrow to burn the effigy of demon king Ravana, BJP vice president and Lucknow Mayor Dinesh Sharma, who is also the Ramlila's patron has said.

Besides taking part in the Ramlila function, Modi will also be addressing the gathering at the mela ground, Sharma said.

Modi will be accompanied by Union Home Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh.

To stress that the function is an apolitical event, Sharma has also sent an invitation to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav but has yet to personally make a request to him.

BJP has also organised a public reception for Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

"The workers are upbeat after the success of the Indian Army and it is natural for them to express themselves by according a warm reception to all those connected with it, including the Defence Minister," a BJP spokesman said.

Usually, the Prime Ministers have celebrated the festival in the national capital.

Modi's visit assumes an added significance because of assembly polls due next year in Uttar Pradesh where the saffron party is making a concerted bid to come back to power after a gap of 15 years and is up against ruling Samajwadi Party and main opposition Mayawati-led BSP.

The Aishbagh Ramlila is also seen as a symbol of



pluralistic culture, also called 'Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb', as Muslim rulers patronised it and allotted it space equal to Eidgah, which is situated right next to it.

In the absence of strong regional leaders, BJP is again banking on Modi's appeal to power its campaign in the state, which it swept in the Lok Sabha polls riding on a national wave in his support but where it is perceived to have slipped since.

The party had earlier said that Modi will be in the state every month before the campaign picks up when he is expected to address rallies and attend more events.

In May, he had launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana from Uttar Pradesh's Ballia under which cooking gas would be provided to poor families in the country.

During his July visit, he laid the foundation stones for an AIIMS and a fertilizer plant in Gorakhpur.
Senior BJP leader La Ganesan was today declared elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh.

"Ganesan was the only candidate, who had filed nomination for the lone vacant seat for the Rajya Sabha by-poll in the state," Returning Officer and Madhya Pradesh Assembly's Principal Secretary, A P Singh, told PTI.

He was declared elected unopposed to the Upper House on the last day of the withdrawal of nominations today, he said.

The result was announced in the presence of Ganesan and Alok Sanjar, BJP MP from Bhopal.

The seat had fallen vacant after former union minister Najma Heptulla resigned from it on August 20 following her appointment as Governor of Manipur. The by-election was necessitated as the tenure of her seat is till April 2, 2018.

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BJP activists burnt an effigy of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for "seeking proof" of the army's surgical strikes across the LoC here today.

Scores of BJP activists, led by the party's district chief, Rakesh Bhatia, and former chief parliamentary secretary Jagdish Sahni, took out a protest march in the town and held a demonstration at Gandhi Chowk where they burnt the effigy of the AAP leader.

The protesters accused Kejriwal of acting as "Pakistan's puppet" and a "spokesman" of that country.

They said while every Indian was feeling proud over the army's action on terror launchpads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), "black sheep" like Kejriwal were "playing politics" over the sensitive issue by seeking proof of it.

They also demanded slapping of sedition charges on the Delhi chief minister.

A day after Kejriwal released a video message "saluting" the prime minister for the surgical strikes and urging him to "unmask" Pakistan's propaganda, the BJP on Tuesday had alleged that his remarks amounted to "seeking proof" of the army action.

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At least 20 Syrian rebels were killed in a blast at a border crossing with Turkey today, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Britain-based monitoring group said it was unclear what caused the blast at the Atme crossing between Turkey and the northern Syrian province of Idlib, adding that around 20 people had also been wounded.

Turkey's state-run Anatolia agency confirmed the blast left 20 people dead at Atme, adding that it took place during a "change of guard" among Syrian rebels in the area.

Rebel fighters have been targeted at the crossing before. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a mid-August suicide attack there that killed at least 32.

The rebels killed on Thursday were among those participating in Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield in neighbouring Aleppo province.

Ankara began the unprecedented cross-border operation on August 24, saying it was targeting both IS and the Kurdish YPG militia which Turkey considers a "terrorist" group.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At least 29 Syrian rebels were killed in a blast at a border crossing with Turkey today, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Britain-based monitoring group said it was unclear what caused the blast at the Atme crossing between Turkey and the northern Syrian province of Idlib, adding that around 20 people had also been wounded.

Turkey's state-run Anatolia agency confirmed a deadly explosion had hit Atme, adding that it took place during a "change of guard" among Syrian rebels in the area.

The IS-linked Amaq agency also reported the blast, saying it was a car bomb, without carrying any formal claim of responsibility.

Rebel fighters have been targeted at the crossing before. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a mid-August suicide attack there that killed at least 32.

The rebels killed today were among those participating in Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield in neighbouring Aleppo province.

Ankara began the unprecedented cross-border operation on August 24, saying it was targeting both IS and the Kurdish YPG militia which Turkey considers a "terrorist" group.

The operation has so far captured the IS stronghold of Jarabulus and is pushing towards the jihadist-held towns of Dabiq and Al-Bab.

Dabiq holds symbolic importance for IS because of a Sunni prophecy that states it will be the site of an end-of-times battle between Christian forces and Muslims.

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Suriya's S3 team were canning the some of the important scenes of the film in Talakonam, last month. Now, we hear that the team has flown to Malaysia for their next schedule. This schedule is said to happen for the next 14 days.

Another interesting information regarding this third installment of the Singam franchise is that the Malaysian distribution rights of the film are bought by Malik Streams Production and Distribution. It should be noted that Superstar Rajinikanth's Kabali was also distributed by the same house in Malaysia. Malik Streams conducted a marathon run competition (Kabali Run) ahead of Kabali's release as part of their promotional strategies.

Looks like they have come up with yet another innovative idea to promote S3. This will also be a running competition, but not a marathon. It will be a 5 KM virtual run competition. This promotional activity is titled "Singam 3 5KM Virtual Run". The virtual run is a race that can be run at any place. You can run your race at your pace wherever you like. Interesting right?

S3, directed by Hari, has been planned to release worldwide on the 16th of December.
Sweden-based air purifier firm Blueair plans to foray in the outdoor category in the next six to nine months and expects India to be among its top three markets globally by 2021.

"We will look at products like face mask and products for the car. The outdoor products are under test right now. India will be definitely among the top five countries where we will launch the outdoor products, in around six to nine months," Blueair Director West & South Asia Girish Bapat told PTI.

Blueair, which is present in India for the last two years, strengthened its portfolio by launching two new air purifiers ranges - Blue and IOT- Smart classic.

"The Blue is majorly a household product. Our major focus in Indian market is Blue and Classic," he said.

It has around 20 stock keeping units (SKUs) and it plans to add another 10 by next year.

The company, which focuses more on Mumbai and Delhi, is also expanding its presence in other parts of the country and looking at entering the tier II cities.

"We are ramping up as we are going along. By December, we should be in 15-20 cities and by middle of 2017 when we have another set of products coming in, we will move down to tier II towns. To move down to semi-urban areas or rural areas, we need products (at lower price point) but we are working at that, at the moment," he said.

The air purifier industry is presently estimated to be around Rs 150 crore and is growing with a CAGR of over 30 per cent since last two years and Blueair aims to capture 20 per cent of the market by 2021.

"Two to three years is probably when the inflection point should come in and if India touches the threshold by 2021 where the industry should cross 1 million units, we are also aiming at 20 per cent by then," he said.

The company is also evaluating to set up manufacturing facilities in the country.

"Currently the products are imported. We are definitely looking at manufacturing possibilities and are working on it. India is a big market and is going to have a lot of domestic consumption. It would make more sense (to have manufacturing here), so we are studying that," Bapat said.

In August, FMCG major Unilever announced signing of an agreement to acquire Blueair. Blueair has presence in over 60 countries, and China and the US are the major markets.

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Government bonds (G-Secs) declined on selling pressure from banks and corporates and the Interbank call rates also turned lower due to lack of demand from borrowing banks amid ample liquidity in the banking system.

The 7.59 per cent government security maturing in 2026 dipped to Rs 105.2100 from Rs 105.37 previously, while its yield rose to 6.82 per cent from 6.80 per cent.

The 7.59 per cent government security maturing in 2029 slipped to Rs 105.42 from Rs 105.62, while its yield edged up to 6.93 per cent from 6.91 per cent.

The 7.61 per cent government security maturing in 2030 eased to Rs 106.21 from Rs 106.3975, while its yield went up to 6.90 per cent from 6.88 per cent.

The 7.88 per cent government security maturing in 2030, the 6.97 per cent government security maturing in 2026 and the 7.68 per cent government security maturing in 2023 also quoted lower at Rs 107.79, Rs 101.94 and Rs 104.95, respectively.

The overnight call money rates ended lower at 6.20 per cent from Wednesday's level of 6.25 per cent. It resumed stable at 6.25 per cent and moved in a range of 6.25 per cent and 6.15 per cent.

Meanwhile, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), purchased securities worth Rs 28.01 billion in 6-bids at the overnight repo auction at a fixed rate of 6.25 per cent today morning, while it sold securities worth Rs 51.00 billion in 29-bids at the overnight reverse repo auction at a fixed rate of 5.75 per cent as on October 5.

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Britain today approved a shale gas fracking project in the north of England, overruling a local council's decision to prevent the controversial scheme which is also opposed by environmentalists.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid gave the green light for the drilling of up to four wells by energy group Cuadrilla at the Preston New Road site.

However he has yet to decide on a second site, also in the county of Lancashire, a government statement said.

The government said permission had been granted for "construction and operation of a site for drilling up to four exploratory wells".

Phil Foster, managing director of broker Love Energy, described the decision as "a big step".

He added: "The government, faced with a growing energy crisis in the UK, probably felt that it had no choice. However, the decision rides rough-shod over the feelings of people in Lancashire, and could now open the floodgates for other projects across the UK."



It follows the green light earlier this year for a shale gas fracking project in nearby Yorkshire -- the first such approval in Britain since 2011.

Locals and environmentalists argue that fracking damages tourism, contaminates water supplies, hurts wildlife, causes earthquakes and contributes to global climate change.

In December 2015 Britain's industry regulator granted 93 onshore licences to allow for exploration for shale oil or gas.

Lawmakers have approved fracking also beneath national parks.

Cuadrilla chief executive Francis Egan insisted the country needs access to new gas supplies.

"The country is running out of gas, and without some form of energy development, we're going to end up importing all of our fuel from overseas," he told ITV television.

"We've seen... The ridiculous situation where Scotland is importing shale gas from America, which frankly is crazy," he said.

A tanker carrying the first shipment of shale gas from the United States last week arrived in Britain, where North Sea gas supplies are dwindling amid a fierce public opposition to fracking.

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A prominent organisation engaged in creating awareness about cancer today hailed the Nitish Kumar government's decision on prohibition as "historic" which would have positive impact on the health of people.

A team of Cancer Awareness Society led by its President T P Sinha met the CM to support the October 2 notification enforcing prohibition in the state.

Two days after the Patna High Court quashed its order on prohibition, Bihar government on October 2 came out with a new law banning liquor with harsher provisions.

The Society team told Kumar that the World Health Assembly, the decision making body of WHO, had in 2010 taken a decision for controlling usage of alcohol of which India was one of the signatory, according to a statement of the Society.

"Action was desired in this direction after being signatory to the decision. By fulfilling this, the Bihar government has initiated a historic step which deserves praise," Sinha and the Society Vice President A A Hai said in the statement.

The team told Kumar that they are with him in the campaign against alcohol.

The statement said about short term and long term medical effects of alcohol on consumer.

The short term effects included slurred speech, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, anemia and blackouts.

The long term effects included unintentional injuries like car crash, falls, burns and drowning, alcohol poisoning, high blood pressure, stroke and heart related diseases, liver disease, sexual problem and cancer of mouth and throat among others.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With Japanese Encephalitis claiming at least 36 lives in Odisha's Malkangiri district, the Centre today said it was ready to provide the necessary help to tackle the situation even as the disease spread to new areas.

"While at least 36 persons have died due to Japanese Encephalitis in the district, 46 patients are undergoing treatment at the hospital here at present," Malkangiri District Collector K Sudarshan Chakravarthy told reporters.

As many as 33 villages, spread over six blocks in the district, have so far been affected by the disease which broke out nearly a month ago, he said, adding that at least 14 mobile health teams were engaged to tackle the situation.

The death toll due to the disease, which stood at 32, mounted to 36, following four more children perishing since yesterday, health officials said. Unofficial sources, however, put the toll at 38.

Voicing concern over the disease spreading "alarmingly", Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today met Union Health Minister JP Nadda to discuss the issue and said the Centre was ready to provide "all the necessary help" to to check the spread of Japanese Encephalitis.

"The Union Health Secretary is in touch with the state government over the issue," he said, adding that the Union Health Minister had assured of "all forms of support" and a team to Odisha, if necessary.

Meanwhile, the Malkangiri Collector has cancelled Dussehra holidays of government officials in the district in view of the situation and has asked them to keep a vigil on the situation.

Steps were being taken to construct enclosures away from the affected villages in order to isolate the infected pigs to check the disease, according to state Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak.

"It is necessary to isolate the pigs as the disease spreads from them through mosquitoes, affecting the children in particular," he said.

The enclosures are being constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and the villagers would be engaged in guarding them and wages would be given to them, district officials said.

Meanwhile, two cases of the disease were reported from Balasore and Puri districts.

While a 14-year-old boy from Neelgiri area of Balasore district was undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, another boy was stated to be suffering from the disease in Brahmagiri area of Puri district, officials said.
China has imposed a fishing ban in the Heilongjiang River, a boundary river between China and Russia to regenerate breeding of Salmon.

The fishing ban, started on October 1 and part of a 55-day annual ban period, aims to protect fish spawning and breeding.

Fishing along the China stretch of the Wusuli River, a tributary emptying into Heilongjiang, was also banned simultaneously, state-run Xinhua agency reported today.

A major birthplace of Salmon, Heilongjiang River witnesses the salmon migration in fall, during which flocks of salmon swim back from the Pacific Ocean to their natal river to spawn.

Border police officer Tu Lei with the Tongjiang City of Heilongjiang Province in northeast China said that the number of salmon has increasedmarkedly thanks to improving water quality.

Fishery management officials have been on duty around- the-clock to inspect each vessel and prevent illegal fishing.

As the fishing season is off, local fishery authority will organise the release of salmon fry as ever to boost its reproduction.

Last year, 2 million salmon fry were released into the Heilongjiang and Wusuli rivers.

Wang Min, a fisherman in Fuyuan county where the two rivers meet, advocated the fishing ban and fish fry release.

"Better ecology and a healthy biologic chain benefit all," he said.

To ensure a constant improvement of the river's water quality, China and Russia have made efforts to jointly tackle water pollution and monitored the river ecology together since 2007.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China's value-added output from marine tourism sector hit 1.087 trillion yuan, registering 11.4 per cent growth year on year, an official report said.

"Tourism has become an important growth point driving marine economic development," the report which was jointly released by China's National Development and Reform Commission and the State Oceanic Administration said.

Cruises were popular among tourists, with more than 2.48 million trips aboard cruise ships in 2015, a 44 per cent surge compared with the previous year, state-run Xinhua agency quoted the report as saying today.

The marine fishery and shipbuilding industry also grew steadily last year with value-added output of 435.2 billion yuan and 144.1 billion yuan.

Marine oil and gas industry value-added output stood at 93.9 billion yuan, a two per cent decrease year on year, due to international crude oil prices, it said.

China this week has announced the formation of nine new state-level marine parks to protect the marine environment, bringing the total number to 42.

The new parks are located in the provinces of Liaoning, Shandong, Fujian, Guangdong and Hainan, China's State Oceanic Administration (SOA) circular said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Haryana Congress chief Ashok Tanwar today sustained injuries during a scuffle here between his and Bhupinder Singh Hooda's supporters, and was admitted to a hospital where the party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi visited him.

A party leader said that supporters of former Haryana Chief Minister Hooda and Tanwar attacked each other with sticks over mounting of posters and banners of their respective leaders near Bhairon Mandir, while waiting for Gandhi's 'Kisan yatra' to arrive there.

The incident has brought to the fore the differences between different factions of the party and is likely to have political repercussions.

The faction headed by Hooda is seeking the ouster of Tanwar as Pradesh Congress chief.

"Tanwar received injuries on his head and other parts of the body. He was taken to RML Hospital for treatment," party sources said.

Hospital authorities, when contacted, said, "Tanwar has sustained injuries and was admitted in the ICU. He is also having bouts of vomiting."



However, party sources said that he was later discharged from the ICU.

Gandhi's 'Deoria to Delhi Kisan yatra' culminated today. He visited Tanwar after completing his yatra.

Police said the groups of supporters clashed near Bhairon temple in central Delhi around 5.30 pm, half an hour before Gandhi was due to arrive.

Police said that they intervened to stop the scuffle. "However, we haven't received any police complaint from the party or from those who were injured," said a senior police officer.

The RML authorities said that about 12-15 Congress workers, who had sustained minor injuries in the scuffle, were brought here and administered first-aid.

The Congress has taken a serious view of the incident and will take action against those partymen who were involved in the clash, said a senior party leader.

Besides Gandhi, many Congress leaders including Bhupinder Singh Hooda, his son Deepender Hooda, Motilal Vora, Digvijaya Singh, Janardhan Dwivedi visited the hospital to see Tanwar at RML, party sources said.

Asha Kumari, former AICC secretary in-charge of Haryana, who is now handling Punjab affairs of the party also visited Tanwar besides a number of sitting Haryana MLAs.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In view of weak power demand, the dispatch of coal by Coal India (CIL) to power sector declined by 12.7 per cent to 26.4 million tonnes (MT) in August this year.

CIL, which accounts for over 80 per cent of domestic coal production, dispatched 30.25 MT of coal in the same month of the last financial year (FY), according to government data.

Company's supply to power sector in the first five months of the current FY also dropped by two per cent to 157 MT, against 160 MT in the corresponding period of the previous FY.

Coal dispatch by Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL), declined by 9.4 per cent to 3.6 MT in August 2016.

SCCL is a coal mining firm jointly owned by Telangana and the coal ministry.

Expressing concerns over lack of power demand, Coal Secretary Anil Swarup on Wednesday wondered as to what would the government do with its ambitious 1 billion tonnes of production target for fossil fuel by 2020.

He had stressed upon the need to increase the demand for power.

He had further said that the government is on a sticky-wicket where it doesn't know what to do with the surplus coal.

In fact, in the current FY, there was cut down in coal production so the fossil fuel does not catch fire at the pit heads.

"On March 31 this year we had a balance of 56 MT as inventory at pitheads and around 32 MT at the power plants. People ask me how do you manage this situation of surplus," Swarup had said.

The official said that power sector constitutes to around 78 per cent of CIL's overall coal off-take. Brimming over with coal has also led to stock piling up at pit-heads, a situation that wants to avoid.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has said peace with the FARC rebels is "close," but his top opponent demanded an overhaul of a "weak" deal rejected by voters in a referendum.

Seeking to salvage the peace process on which he has staked his legacy, Santos yesterday held a meeting with his predecessor and former boss, Alvaro Uribe, who has branded him a traitor for negotiating with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of (FARC).

The tension between the two men has taken center stage since Colombians unexpectedly voted "No" Sunday to the deal, which sought to end half a century of conflict with the Marxist guerrillas.

Santos - who also held talks with former president Andres Pastrana (1998-2002), another leading opponent of the deal - tried to sound upbeat after the meetings at the presidential palace.

"Peace in is close, and we will achieve it," he said in a national address.

He vowed to work with the "No" camp to "find a path that allows us not only to conclude the peace accord with the FARC, but to strengthen it."

Uribe (2002-2010), a right-wing hardliner who scored a major victory with the shock referendum result, sounded less conciliatory.

"It's better to achieve peace for all Colombians than a weak accord for half the nation's citizens," the opposition senator told journalists after the meeting.

He criticised the deal signed on September 26 for granting "total impunity" for rebel crimes and allowing guerrillas guilty of gross human rights violations to run for elected office.

He said he had given Santos a list of "adjustments and initial proposals" to incorporate into a new deal.

He also asked for the "understanding and support" of the community - much of which was taken aback by the referendum result.

Santos will face the challenge of selling any changes to the deal to the FARC.

He has already sent his chief peace negotiator, Humberto de la Calle, back to Cuba - where the peace talks were held - to see whether rebel leaders are open to revising the deal.

The United States, a key ally of Colombia, has also sent its special envoy for the peace process, Bernie Aronson, back to Havana, the State Department said.
The Autumn ArtWalk will feature works by Native American artist Carlin Bear Don't Walk at Artists Anonymous, a stunning new art glass bench at Kennedy Stained Glass and more than 20 other galleries and artists.

The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7. It is free and open to all.

Featured galleries and artists are:

Artists Anonymous, 111 North 30 th , Suite 224, welcomes Carlin Bear Don't Walk (Crow/Northern Cheyenne) for his ArtWalk debut. His emotionally driven work reveals pride in contemporary Indian culture and his ancestral past. He joins owner/artists Jill Jussila and Emily Kennedy Guerra.

Billings Food Bank, 2112 4th Ave. N., hosts invited artists to exhibit their work in the spacious meeting area. New exhibits are up for each ArtWalk. Easy parking.

Clark Marten Photography, 2606 Montana Ave., showcases the landscape and portrait work of master photographer Clark Marten.

Downtown Billings Alliance (DBA), 815 22nd Ave. N., welcomes retired School District 2 art teachers and longtime friends, Karen Tanner and Carolyn Thayer. Their joint show promises to be festive, colorful and fun  just like the two of them.

First Congregational Church UCC, 310 N. 27th St., hosts Ruth Blott and Cheryl Hudson . Blott works in acrylics and watercolors. Hudson is a wildlife photographer. Both will attend. Refreshments served. Music by Quintessential.

Gallery Interiors, 2814 2nd Ave. N., presents "Small Treasures," an exhibit of miniatures and plein air paintings by invited and regular gallery artists. Small works of art make thoughtful gift for the coming holidays.

Gallery Nine, connie dillon fine art , 2501 Montana Ave. #9, unveils a new painting series celebrating local businesses that Connie Dillon has grown to love during her 25 years as a Billings resident.

Global Village, 2720 3rd Ave. N., hosts the versatile Tana Patterson showing her artistic and functional pottery. She is joined by friends who are also working potters.

Good Earth Market, 3024 2nd Ave. N., Hollie Paris Sulser's ironic acrylic additions to cliche thrift store prints, Jeff Sandridge's conjured hellish distortions of reality and David Dean Young's painted peculiarities in oils and acrylics. Music by Jason and Ramona McConnell.

Harry Koyama Fine Art, 2509 Montana Ave., displays vivid, colorful impressionist paintings in a space that doubles as a Harry Koyama's working studio. Koyama's paintings are highly sought by local, regional and international collectors.

Jason Jam Gallery, 2501 Montana Ave. No. 7, is the working studio and gallery of the prolific, satirical and comedic artist, Jason Jam. Of special note are his childfriendly storybook pictures and handmade dolls created by Wendy Jam.

Kennedy's Stained Glass, 2923 2nd Ave. N., showcases an outdoor art glass bench inspired by the Beaverhead River. Created by Susan Kennedy and titled Restful River," the bench is scheduled to be installed at Kiwanis Park in Dillon.

Limber Tree Yoga Studio, 212 North 29th St., welcomes Rebecca Douglas and her fine art and environmental portraits. For over 25 years, Douglas has used her love of natural light and the soul found in eyes of the living to create a style that's uniquely her own.

Montana Gallery and Studio, 2710 2nd Ave. N., exhibits work by its mezzanine studio artist Tyler Murphy and invited regional artists, some established and others early in their careers, who work in a variety of mediums.

McCormick Cafe, 2419 Montana Ave., a popular local eatery in an historic space, hosts a new art exhibit for every ArtWalk event.

Mann Mortgage, 2511 Montana Ave., invites new artists to exhibit in its historic brick reception area during every ArtWalk. A percentage of sales goes to area nonprofit agencies.

Prodigal Gallery, 2517 Montana Ave., in the reception area of the office of Penelope Strong, Attorney at Law, features work by invited artists.

Pug Mahons, 3011 1st Ave. N., is the unofficial host of Art Alley. Proprietor Bill Mac MacIntyre was instrumental in creating the popular graffiti venue. Artwork changes frequently.

Sandstone Gallery, 2913 2nd Ave. N., hosts member and guest artists Sue Hammersmark (watercolors) and Nick Nicoll (woodworking) and Jessie Sparkman. Alwayslively, Sandstone Gallery celebrates its 16th birthday as a coop with an ArtWalk reception.

SCRaP in Billings, 21 South 29 th Street, is the epicenter for donating and buying recycled art materials and discovering new ways to use them. Clever and creative artists show their wares under the gentle and encouraging tutelage of founder, Tammy Zemlinska.

Stephen Haraden Studio, 2911 2nd Ave. N., No. 235, presents several 8 X 10 collages created from previous paintings. Stephen loves to discuss his creative process and give tours of his working studio.

Terakedis Fine Art, 112 N. Broadway, Suite B, introduces Rolinda Stotts and her exhibit, Torn Edges  The Discovery of Bella Rotta. Stotts will be in the gallery during ArtWalk weekend to paint, teach and greet the ArtWalk public. Details at: www.terakedisfineart.com.

Toucan Gallery, 2505 Montana Ave., birthplace of ArtWalk Downtown Billings, features Montana artist Sarah Morris. Her boldly colored paintings express a passionate, sympathetic vision of the Montana landscape and the animals and birds who inhabit it.

Tompkins Fine Art, 2501 Montana Ave. No. 4, exhibits works by awardwinning artist, Robert Tompkins, known for his impressionist florals and landscapes. Also showingare works by local artists in a variety of mediums.

Underground Culture Krew, 19 North 29 th Street, welcomes SHYLO aka Buddy Ulrich and his "legal graffiti." SHYLO refuses to randomly deface property with his art. His stencil art, wood pallet and canvas pieces appeal to all ages.

Western Art Forum, 2702 2nd Ave. N., has created energy and excitement with its new contemporary western art gallery. Cowboys, sheep, rodeos and other iconic western images make an appearance in a whole new way.

Yellowstone Art Museum, 401 North 27th St., opens at 4 p.m. with Masquerade Ball tickets available and a costume show, cash bar, and free admission. Artist Mary Lee Darby exhibits in the Art Collector's Corner. High Plains Book Award authors read in the gallery at 7 p.m.

Barjon's, 233 North 29 th Street, hosts East Meets West, a watercolor exhibit by James Seward and Mana Lesman . Seward's work is inspired by centuries old Japanese woodblock prints. Lesman's plein aire pieces focus on landscapes of the American West.

CTA Architects, 23 N. 23rd St., welcomes photographer Renata Haidle and her fine art photographs. Haidle captures the stories, dreams, history and emotions held in the cobblestone streets, magnificent architecture and daily life of Paris, France. Refreshments served.

Beyond the Box, 724 1st Ave. N., hosts artists Lori Blaylock, Meagan Boschert, Melissa Burns, Calvin Treiber and others in their unique converted warehouse space. Live music, a food truck and a cash bar make for a festive evening.

Billings Architectural Association, 2710 1st Ave. N., pops up with its annual design competition focused on the EBURD (East Billings Urban Renewal District). Submissions from local designers and MSU Bozeman School of Architecture students are on display.

For the Funk of It, 14 South 27th St., is a cacophony of fun, colorful, upcycled and recycled merchandise, original art, including license plate sculptures by Dell Despain , and locally made personal products. You just never know what you will find.

High Plains Architects, P.C. and Sherri Cornett , 2720/2720  Minnesota Avenue make their ArtWalk debut. High Plains prides itself on sustainable designs that rejuvenate the urban core. Cornett, an activist and artist, has created and curated large scale international exhibits.

MoAv Coffee, 2501 Montana Avenue, joins Autumn ArtWalk with an exhibit by Billings artist Greg Hogan and his wildlife abstracts in watercolor. Hogan is inspired by nature's details and Montana plains and mountains.

Stapleton Gallery, 104 North Broadway, Suite 204, opens for a special viewing of "Crow Now: A Visual Survey 19042016 featuring the work of past and contemporary American Indian artists including Kevin Red Star, Ben Pease, Richard Throssel and others.

Terpsichore Dance Co., 2404 Montana Avenue at Better to Gather, is Billings' first contemporary dance troupe under the direction of founder, Ricki Feeley. This ArtWalk debut presentation highlights works from their upcoming seventh season at NOVA.
Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said she was open to the idea of setting up a Board of Trade to focus on issues of domestic trade.

"So many ministries are involved in anything to do with domestic trade and that requires a bit of a focus. That is why the idea of setting up a Board of Trade with traders giving inputs helping the government anticipate and identify potential problem areas, I will definitely have the ministry look into it," Sitharaman said.

She further observed that internal dimension of trade has a lot of strands which need special attention.

Highlighting the significance of the domestic market, the minister said: "Exports have now stopped dropping further. It is slowly rising. But even when our export situation can become worrisome, it is our domestic market which is keeping it up".

Talking about the Goods and Services Tax (GST), she said the simplification in taxation regime after introduction of GST will result in greater compliance, help contain blackmoney and check harassment of businessmen.

The minister pointed out that India was a "shining star" among economies globally at a time when the demand situation worldwide is discouraging.

The minister said the present government had to "make enormous efforts" to improve upon the GST and get the state governments on board.

"State government's confidence on the Centre had evaporated ... Even after promising (the GST roll out from 2010) states were not given compensation. So states did not have the confidence that the Centre will honour its commitment," she said.

Questioning why the country was unable to move forward in the last 10-15 years, Sitharaman held corruption and lack of decision making responsible.

She described the present government as responsive towards the needs of the people, capable of taking "tough decisions" and one which takes decisions not by brute force but through consultation.

The minister launched 'Alliance for Digital Bharat' website, an initiative of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) here.

The Alliance for Digital Bharat is a forum consisting of national organisations of traders, transporters, farmers, truck operators, SMEs, consumers, self employed groups, women entrepreneurs & other verticals of non corporate sector.

The mandate of the Alliance has been set for development of a conducive atmosphere for digitalisation in non-corporate sector including trading community and launch a nationwide campaign to motivate & encourage the people to adopt technology in their existing business format.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's International Solar Alliance (ISA) initiative as a unique implementation-focused alliance, Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal today said the 3P model of partnerships, programmes and planning will be the key to achieve this.

Speaking at the 'SWITCH' Electrical Show here, Goyal said, "an idea then, ISA has now transformed into a movement with countries and global agencies endorsing this initiative of Indian government to promote solar energy in the countries that are rich in solar resources."



He said the 3Ps model of partnerships, programmes and planning would be key in achieving the ISA goal.

"It is encouraging to know that United Nations Development Programme and World Bank are already exploring synergies with ISA to deepen strategic co-operation in solar energy and establishing robust knowledge management systems," Goyal said.

Last year, the World Bank signed an agreement with the ISA at the Paris climate summit to mobilise USD 1 trillion in investments in the solar sector by 2030.

"We are committed to promote ISA and we believe that the interested parties need to come together to share ideas, best practises, knowledge, technology and resources towards a global low carbon transition," said the Minister.

Goyal pointed out that achieving the objective of ISA requires the establishment of a strong knowledge-sharing platform to locate and popularise each small and large stride already being taken in each and every unidentified corner (s) of the world.

(REOPENS BCM36)



Meanwhile, Goyal launched a compendium of 'Global Success Stories in Solar Energy', prepared by Yes Bank.

Goyal said, "This compendium would provide an apt reference for learning from each other's experience and for replicating successful models and projects in various ISA nations."



Rana Kapoor, Managing Director and CEO of Yes Bank, said "Through Yes Bank's expertise in the renewable energy sector, we have realised that there is a need to maximise capital flows, access to new technologies and seamless exchange of knowledge amongst stakeholders.
The country's largest prison Tihar has been asked by the Central Information Commission to develop a system of giving compensation to inmates who have been incarcerated for a duration more than their sentence period.

The Commission has also directed the prison authorities to suo moto disclose the process of compensation to such prisoners as part of their obligation under the Right to Information Act.

"Strangely the courts treated the MLA and the common man differently in awarding compensation. A poor prisoner Rudul Shah got Rs 30,000 for 14 years of extra detention, while an MLA Bhim Singh was given Rs 50,000 for one day's false imprisonment. In a recent case, another poor citizen got just Rs 50,000 for 113 days of imprisonment," Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu pointed out in his order.

Deciding the plea of one OP Gandhi who claimed to have spent four day more than the court order in Tihar, Acharyulu said he must be paid token compensation by the prison authorities at the rate of Rs 2500 per day along with an additional Rs 1000 for costs borne by him.

"The State is expected to give people friendly administration. The jail authorities cannot breach the rights of prisoners and refuse any remedy. If this educated and courageous appellant has not brought out this issue of extra detention, it would have been not possible for anyone to know the breach of his constitutional and human rights," he said.

Acharyulu observed that when the order of remission was



issued on August 11, 2014, the appellant should have been released on that day itself.

"The authorities knew that the appellant has to be released on that day as per the remission order, yet he was detained till August 15, 2014. He could have been given benefit of four days of remission, if not 15 days. Sanjiv Kumar (Tihar CPIO) contended that, though order was given on August 11, 2014, it would come into operation on August 15, 2014 and hence there was no extra detention," he said.

The Commissioner said the order copy does not disclose any date of its commencement and it specifically stated that it would apply to all convicts who maintained good conduct and not punished during a year preceding up to August 14, 2014.

"Sanjiv Kumar further contended that as order was received on 12th and hence it will operate from 13th. This is highly unreasonable, illogical and against the legal right of the prisoner. It cannot be accepted. Personal liberty can be curtailed only in accordance with the procedure established by law as per Article 21 of the Constitution," he said.

The Commissioner said thousands of prisoners might be languishing in jail for no fault of them beyond their entitled release date, because of miscalculation or negligent calculation of remission.

"Their right to liberty is totally dependent on the officers knowledge/efficiency in calculation. If a being has to lose his precious personal liberty for such silly reasons, can it still be called a good administration?



"No person shall be deprived of life and liberty except in accordance with procedure established by law, is the time tested principle of life and liberty guaranteed by all democratic constitutions in the world and by the Indian Constitution under Article 21, which cannot be violated in the jail. This cannot be breached by mistakes or negligence or red-tape or lethargy or inaction or indecision of the authorities," he said.
The Commerce Ministry today cautioned that the website www.Copyright.In does not represent the copyright registration office of India.

It has come to the notice of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) that the website - ww.Copyright.In - is creating a false impression that it is the official website of the copyright registration office.

It was inviting applications for protection of various works -- literary, artistic, dramatic, musical, sound recordings and cinematographic films along with its evidences, the ministry said in a statement.

"This claim is totally fraudulent and creating confusion among general public," it said, adding that "DIPP and the Copyright Office have no relation with this website".

All concerned are advised that they should not make any payment or submit application forms online or otherwise take any service relating to copyright registration through this website, it said.

DIPP or the office will not be responsible for any damage or loss in this regard, it said adding that "the authorised and authentic copyright office website is www.Copyright.Gov.In".

For any copyright registration and other related issues, only this website should be used.

"The matter has already been referred to the concerned ministries to block the fake website - www.Copyright.In and initiate legal action," it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Kerala government is re-examining the decision of the previous state government on handing over about two acres of prime land at nearby Veli, a tourism hot spot, to Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan for setting up an international school of music.

"Government is re-examining a full range of orders, cabinet decisions taken in the last 2-3 months of UDF rule," sources in the Kerala tourism department told PTI.

"The land alloted to Amjad Ali Khan's proposed academy is one among the decisions which is being reviewed," they said.

Besides the land alloted to Khan, the LDF government has also decided to retrieve about 20 acres of land at Veli, which was assigned to private persons by the Congress-led UDF government.

The previous Oommen Chandy government had in September 2015 sanctioned two acres of land, part of the 25 acres of Veli tourist village being developed by the tourist department.

Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had said his government had decided to hand over the land at Veli following the "deep interest shown by the maestro in settling in the state by teaching and grooming the students here".

The foundation stone for the music school was laid in the presence of Khan a few days before the LDF government took charge.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Putting cross-border terrorism on top of the SAARC agenda, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said tensions between India and Pakistan do have an impact on the forum, wondering whether the 8-nation group can continue.

The economic activity among the 8-member nation block is low and there is virtually no integration in the South Asian sub-continent, he said, while asking if SAARC is willing to go in for deeper cooperation and integration.

When asked about impact of the current tension between India and Pakistan that has resulted in the cancellation of SAARC summit, Wickremesinghe said: "These are issues that South Asia has to grapple with. It has an impact on SAARC, whether SAARC can continue or not?"



Addressing a press conference at the India Economic Summit here, he further said: "Cross border terrorism is on top of the agenda. Even though we don't want it to be, it has got there."



Stating that most of the issues are between Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, he said: "Let's hope things are resolved."



Commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian political leaders, including Congress President Sonia Gandhi and ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh, for being very restrained and for far sighted approach, Wickremesinghe said: "It is a very very difficult situation in which media can drive you to take extreme steps which are not conducive... I know the difficulties, I have gone through that. You have been taking a really diplomatic approach.

"...It shows the maturity as far as the world leadership is concerned and I think the approach should be to back the political leaders.

On economic co-operation among SAARC members --



Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- Wickremesinghe lamented that the activity is low and there is virtually no integration in the South Asian sub-continent.

"Is SAARC willing to go in for deeper cooperation and integration?" he wondered.

With such low integration, he said, already, SAARC members, including Sri Lanka, have organised /BIMSTEc "but it's progress (too) is very slow".

"While others are organising regional fora, we are going for bilaterals. India is bigger than the West European sub continent. There can be diverse economic models around India... India is a regional power," Wickremesinghe said.

The number of bilateral agreements between countries in South Asia can well be built up into one regional agreement. It will be far more focused, he added.

On Sri Lanka's expectations, he said the country has much in common with South Indian states.

"There should be deeper integration and at the same time carve out a special area that is Sri Lanka and five other Southern Indian states which has about USD 500 billion GDP," he said.
Bishada in Uttar Pradesh is on the boil once again as villagers today refused to cremate the body of 22-year-old Ravi, accused in the Dadri lynching case.

Ravi alias Robin died at Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Hospital in Delhi yesterday of kidney and respiratory failure.

Villagers draped his coffin in a tricolour, saying he had been martyred protecting "Hindu values".

Tensions rose as the body reached the village, as villagers outrightly rejected Ravi's death report claiming he was murdered.

Heavy police force was also deployed in the area.

Seeing the body draped in a tricolour, policemen and administration officials, however, preferred to remain mum as objections might have sparked violence in the area.

"Villagers demanded Rs 1 crore for deceased's family, arrest of Akhlaq's brother Jaan Mohammad in a cow slaughter case and an FIR against the jailer. Villagers told administration that they will not cremate the body till their demands are met," said Sanjay Rana, BJP leader and father of one of the accused.

Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate N P Singh said the state government would give its consent for a CBI probe if the deceased's family is not satisfied with the ongoing inquiry.

The DM said a judicial inquiry had been initiated, adding that the Chief Judicial Magistrate is conducting it.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to the deceased Ravi's wife Pooja.

Uttar Pradesh Police claimed that Ravi was suffering from high fever and his death was suspected to be due to dengue.

Ravi's brother Vicky, however, claimed he was "assaulted by police in jail due to which he sustained injuries. Unlike, what police is saying, he was not suffering from any fever.

The state government had earlier said that the jailer of the prison where Ravi was held would be transferred once the probe found him guilty.

But in an apparent attempt to pacify villagers, the jailer S K Pandey was transferred to Lucknowheadquarters.

The National Human Rights Commission has also issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and demanded reply from district administration.

The postmortem was conducted yesterday in Delhi under the supervision of a Metropolitan Magistrate from a local court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Top brass of the Defence Ministry will next week brief the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence on the surgical strikes carried out by Indian special forces in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

Amid speculation that the Defence Ministry has expressed reservations on sharing details of the strikes with lawmakers, parliamentary sources said the panel is unlikely to push for seeking details beyond what is already in public domain. The Army has already gone on record about the strikes across LoC.

The committee was to meet today but the meeting has been postponed to October 14. The agenda, however, remains unaltered -- "Briefing by the representatives of the Ministry of Defence on surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC)."



Amid reports that the Defence Ministry is apprehensive about sharing details, a BJP member in the panel said the meeting was postponed as some members were not available in Delhi. On their request, the meeting was rescheduled.

A senior Congress leader, who is also part of the committee, said he would not like to speculate on suggestions that the ministry is not ready to share details. "Like media, we cannot speculate. The meeting on the subject is on October 14," he said.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of demands that the government should present proof about the cross-LoC raids to counter the smear campaign by Pakistan.

The demand has triggered a raging debate on whether the proof should be provided or not.

The BJP and experts are against disclosing details of the operation by the Special Forces. But Opposition believes video proof will help counter Pakistan's claim that there was no strike by Indian Army across LoC.

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Ahead of the festive season, Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung today held a meeting with top Delhi Police officers and directed the force to keep a close tab on the city's crowded places by deploying sufficient security personnel and ensuring that CCTV cameras installed at these places are functional.

In the wake of the Uri attack and intelligence inputs of a terror threat to the capital, Delhi Police has ramped up security at places that see high footfall.

The meeting was attended by Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Verma, Special Commissioners (Law & Order) and Joint Commissioners of Police (all ranges). The Lt Governor issued instructions to Delhi Police for strict compliance with these directions.

Jung asked the police personnel to be particularly vigilant and keep a close watch on major markets in the national capital with increased footfall during festive season.

He also asked all police officers that ahead of the festive season, all CCTVs cameras installed in markets, malls and crowded places should be made fully functional. These CCTVs cameras will help the police keep an eye and help prevent any untoward incident.

In the meeting, Jung expressed concern at inadequate training of security personnel of private agencies manning malls, cinema, halls, etc.

He directed Delhi Police to be extra careful in all such places.

The Lt Governor instructed that sufficient numbers of police personnel should be deployed for the safety of the citizens during Ramleela, Navratra and Muharram and other festivals and wherever there is large congregation of people.

He also instructed that police personnel to ensure safety and security of sensitive installations in the capital.

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A Diwali stamp was launched here by the US postal service, capping seven-year-long efforts by Indian-Americans and influential American lawmakers to commemorate the festival of lights.

The stamp was unveiled at the Indian Consulate at an elaborate "first-day-of-issue" dedication ceremony yesterday.

The US Postal Service (USPS) commemorated the Hindu festival of Diwali by dedicating the Diwali Forever stamp.

The stamp shows a photo of a traditional 'diya' lit against a sparkling gold background and the words 'Forever USA 2016' written below.

The ceremony was attended by Consul General Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Diwali Stamp Project Chair Ranju Batra, USPS Vice President for Mail Entry and Payment Technology Pritha Mehra, India's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri and eminent Indian-American attorney Ravi Batra.

"It has taken many years of hard work and advocacy but light has finally triumphed. Today, Diwali has received its long awaited commemorative stamp and rightfully joins the ranks of other major religious and cultural holidays such as Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Eid," Maloney said.

Mehra said the postal service is "honoured" to issue the Forever stamp that celebrates the Festival of Diwali.

"We hope these stamps will light up millions of cards and letters as they make their journey through the mailstream," she said.

Das said she was "honoured" to be part of history as the USPS releases the Diwali Forever stamp.

"Now for the first time there is a stamp that celebrates Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists as Americans forever. The Diwali stamp will be a matter of pride for generations to come," Ranju Batra said.

Ravi Batra said since the start of the American Revolution, "destiny has beckoned the US and India to be the closest allies" and the Diwali stamp "represents nothing short of respectful inclusive indivisibility within America and between two sovereigns."



Sally Andersen-Bruce of Connecticut photographed the diya and Greg Breeding of Virginia designed the stamp, with William Gicker of Washington serving as the project's art director.

Maloney said getting the Diwali stamp involved years of hard work and advocacy, including thousands of petition signatures, multiple meetings with Prime Minister Modi, personal appeals to President Barack Obama, and multiple Congressional Resolutions.

She said the Diwali stamp would not have become a reality without the "tireless efforts" of thousands of grassroots supporters across the country who wrote letters and signed petitions.

"This stamp represents the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, lightness over dark and good over evil. These values, these virtues, are more important and relevant than ever before and I am thrilled that after many years of fighting for this stamp it has finally become a reality," she said.

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A California man who admitted bringing women to Montana for prostitution will spend five years in federal prison.

Citing a violent criminal history and physical abuse of the victims, U.S. District Judge Susan Watters sentenced Larry Burnell Sept Jr., 44, of Richmond, on Wednesday to the term recommended by the prosecutor.

The sentence was significantly longer than the guideline range of 24 months to 30 months. The statutory maximum was 10 years and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant Federal Defender Steve Babcock said Sept denied any coercion or physical violence involving two of the women. He recommended a one-year sentence, which what Septs co-defendant, Luther Gerome Davis, received for the same charge.

Sept pleaded guilty in March to transportation of a person with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. He apologized for his crimes during his sentencing hearing.

There was no plea agreement.

Prosecutors said that on Aug. 26, 2015, staff at a Billings motel contacted law enforcement about a guest propositioning another guest to engage in sex for money.

When interviewed by officers, two women said they had traveled with Sept and Davis to Montana to engage in prostitution. A third woman also was among the women brought to Montana.

In addition, law enforcement reviewed online postings seeking customers for the women while they were in Montana and reviewed surveillance footage of Sept showing he was in Billings on Aug. 26.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus sought the five-year sentence, saying Sept had beaten two of the women along with subjecting them to emotional abuse. Sept also had a history of felonies, including assault with a semi-automatic weapon.

Babcock said Sept adamantly denied using any physical force against the women and that there were numerous times when the women could have sought help or left but didnt.

Babcock said Sept grew up in a violent area of the Bay Area and at age 22 was sentenced to 15 years in a California state prison where he spent much of his time in supermax and had mental health issues. Sept was released unmedicated and without any mental health programs.

Watters heard testimony from FBI Special Agent Brandon Walters, who said the victims eventually described physical abuse by Sept. One of the victims began working for Sept when she was a minor and one of the victims was in love with Sept, he said.

Walters, who has been investigating human trafficking activity in Montana, said it is not unusual for victims of trafficking for prostitution to lie to law enforcement about their pimps or to stay with them despite opportunities to leave.

The pimps, the agent said, typically isolate the women from family and friends and instill in them a fear of law enforcement.

Watters ruled that Sept did use physical violence against the victims and was not entitled the same sentence as Davis. There were no allegations of violence involving Davis and the woman who was with him was less willing to provide information to law enforcement, she said.
Samajwadi Party today said doubts should not be raised over the surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) and asserted that they trust the Army's statement.

"When Army is fighting there with courage and our Jawans are laying down their lives for the country, there should be no doubts. Whatever Army decides or says, we will trust it," SP state president Shivpal Yadav said.

"SP has a clear view against terrorism. When there was Congress government at the Centre, then Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) told the parliament that he was against terrorism and government should take a strict stand against it. Now when BJP is at the Centre, we have the same stand," he said.

"Center should decide and act strongly against to counter terrorism. On this issue, SP is with Centre," he added.

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lucknow visit in which he is also scheduled burn an effigy of the demon king Ravana during Dussehra, Shivpal said, "he (Modi) should first end communalism. He should not let riots happen in the state and country. If this happen, only then can we consider that Ravan is slayed."



Meanhwile in Etawah, Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav also reacted to queries on the surgical strikes saying that Centre should not end talks with Pakistan.

"Centre has coined new terminology in 'surgical strike'. It is not understood in rural areas here...For strengthening the country and make it secure, talks cannot be ended," he said.

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Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has seized around 100 kgs of alprazolam with a market value of Rs 2.52 crore, allegedly manufactured illicitly from a factory in Visakhapatnam, and apprehended five persons in this connection.

On specific intelligence, officers of DRI, Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad conducted search operations at different premises located in Medak (in Telangana) and Visakhapatnam yesterday, Additional Director General M K Singh said in a release today.

During the search in the factory premises located at J N Pharmacity at Parawada (Vizag) it was found that alprazolam was being illicitly manufactured there, he said, adding that quantity of about 100 kgs of alprazolam, with market value of Rs 2.52 crore, was recovered from the factory and it was seized under the provisions of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Apart from this, 330 litres of raw material and around 62 kgs of in-process material was also seized.

Alprazolam is a psychotropic substance notified under the provisions of NDPS Act.

"Five persons, who were found involved in the illicit manufacture of alprazolam and in its further sale, have been apprehended," Singh said.

Further incriminating evidence has been recovered during the searches and investigation is on.

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The driver of an ATM cash transit vehicle, who fled with Rs 1.18 crore in cash on October 3 in Chennai, surrendered before a local court here today, police said.

Isakki Pandian of a cash management company surrendered before the judicial magistrate at Srivaikuntam, they said.

He was remanded to judicial custody.

Pandian and two other company employees had taken cash from the bank on October 3 and then proceeded to the area in West Chennai to fill the ATMs with the money.

While the two were filling the money in the ATM, Pandian had diverted the attention of the security guard by asking him to go to a shop and get him something and then drive off.

Police said their investigations revealed that Pandian had later transferred the money from the vehicle to a luxury car. Some of his associates, who had helped him, were absconding and a search was on to nab them, they said.

One of Pandian's accomplices was arrested in Chennai yesterday.

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Crisis-hit Financial Technologies India (FTIL) today said the Enforcement Directorate has directed HDFC Bank to secure Rs 30.27 crore and then allow normal debit-credit operations in the current account.

On September 28, Jignesh Shah-led FTIL had said that the the Enforcement Directorate, Mumbai, asked HDFC Bank to provide the bank account statement of a current account of the company and also provisionally freeze it.

In a filing to the BSE, FTIL said "the Directorate of Enforcement, Mumbai, has on October 4, 2016, directed HDFC Bank to secure only the amount of Rs 30.27 crores and thereafter allow normal debit-credit operations in the said account."



Earlier this week, FTIL had said that it received an order from the Enforcement Directorate, Mumbai, attaching securities worth Rs 1,065 crore. The ED had also attached mutual funds amounting to Rs 306.70 crore last month.

FTIL is in crisis following the Rs 5,600 crore payment default at its subsidiary National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL) in mid-2013 affecting 13,000 investors.

NSEL's payment troubles started after it was ordered by the then commodity market regulator Forward Markets Commission (FMC) to suspend spot trade in most of its contracts due to suspected violation of trading norms.

The agency had recently made few arrests, including that of FTIL founder Jignesh Shah.

Earlier this year, the government had ordered a merger of scam-hit NSEL with its parent FTIL.

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A 60-year-old dalit watchman was allegedly shot dead at Purkazi town in the district, police said today.

The incident took place yesterday when the victim Kabul Singh was sleeping at a wood-cutting unit where he worked, SHO Bhanu Pratap Singh said.

As per the complaint filed by the deceased's son, Gulab Singh, his father was shot dead by Sonu, he said.

A case has been registered and efforts are on to trace the accused, police added.

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The "Empire" team has come out with a special ad voicing support for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Directed by Lee Daniels, the ad features cast members Taraji P Henson, Bryshere Gray, Trai and Grace Byers, Jussie Smollett, Gabourey Sidibe and Tasha Smith, said the Hollywood Reporter.

Terrence Howard, however, is not a part of the ad.

"What will I tell my son? What will you tell your daughter? What will we tell our future generation?," Henson says in the beginning of the ad.

The stars reference Donald Trump, with Trai Byers saying, "The violence and nasty rhetoric against mankind is unacceptable."



Henson is shown saying, "If Trump gets into office," which is followed by Smollett saying, "it will only get worse."



Daniels, in the video, also requests people to exercise their voting rights.

"So many women and men died for us to have the right to vote. Every time we sit out, we dishonor their sacrifices."



Clinton and Trump will fight it out again in the second presidential debate on Sunday.

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Leading private equity firm Everstone Group, along with Singapore-based Sunrise BPO, has agreed to acquire the US-based customer relationship management (CRM) solutions provider C3 (CustomerContactChannels) for around USD 150 million.

The acquisition, the first by India and South Asia- focussed Everstone in the US, is being done through Everise Services, a Singapore-based company held by Everstone, along with Sunrise BPO as a co-investor, Everstone said in a statement.

Though the company did not share the deal size, market sources told PTI that the deal was closed for USD 150 million for the Connecticut-based company.

They are acquiring 100 per cent shares held by Stone Point Capital, a private equity fund chaired by Stephen Friedman, who was a former chairman of Goldman Sachs, and also from the original promoters of C3.

Everise plans to more than double the revenue of C3, established in 2010, to USD 500-plus million over the next five years. It had reported a revenue of around USD 200 million in 2015. C3 is also present in the Philippines and Guatemala.

Under the agreement, Sunrise will lead the business operations apart from bringing in capital, while Everstone will be the largest investor and handle C3's India operations.

The new management appointed Sudhir Agarwal as the global CEO of C3.

This is Everstone's third investment through its latest private equity fund, ECP III, which raised USD 730 million last year, and the second investment in the ITeS-enabled space after it acquired Servion Global Solutions, which is into customer engagement management, in 2014.

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A former Deputy Commissioner of Delhi Police was today held guilty by a special court for amassing assets worth over Rs 10 lakh disproportionate to his known sources of income in a 2001 case.

Special CBI Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna convicted Bhupinder Singh Bola, an IPS officer, and fixed the matter for tomorrow for hearing of arguments on the quantum of sentence.

"Accused B S Bola is convicted for the offence punishable under section 13(2) (criminal misconduct by public servant) read with 13(1)(e) (possession of disproportionate assets by public servant) of Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act. Put up on October 7, 2016, for arguments and order on the point of sentence," the court said.

According to the CBI, searches were conducted at Bola's Delhi residence on July 6, 2001 when he was posted as Managing Director of Pondicherry Distilleries and assets worth Rs 10,07,850 were found, including clothes worth Rs 2,38,600.

The accused failed to explain the source of the recovered assets, it claimed. A charge sheet was filed by the CBI under the provisions of PC Act.

The accused has denied the allegations levelled against him.

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Former TERI chief R K Pachauri, accused in a sexual harassment case, was once again allowed to travel abroad by a Delhi court today.

Pachauri, currently on bail, was granted permission by Metropolitan Magistrate Shivani Chauhan to travel to USA, Croatia and Norway from October 13 to November 12. He had returned on September 27 from a month's trip to USA, Mexico, China and Kazakhstan.

The court allowed the application filed by Pachauri, through his counsel Ashish Dixit, noting that he has been allowed to travel abroad on earlier occasions too and asked him to file a copy of his travel tickets and intimate the court after his return or any changes in his travel itinerary.

Pachauri was also directed to furnish an undertaking that he shall appear in court in person or through counsel and not dispute his identity at a later stage.

The court had on July 11 granted bail to Pachauri and allowed him to travel abroad after he appeared before it pursuant to the summons issued against him.

Pachauri has been allowed by the court to travel over a dozen times to various countries including USA, UK, China, Japan, France, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Kuwait, Mexico, Somalia and Saudi Arabia, during pendency of the probe and proceedings.

The former TERI chief was summoned as accused by the court after it took cognizance of the charge sheet filed against him for allegedly sexually harassing an ex-colleague.

The court, while taking cognisance of the charge sheet, had said there was sufficient material to proceed against him under sections 354A (sexual harassment), 354B (assault against woman with intent to disrobe), 354D (stalking), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of woman) and 341 (wrongful confinement) of the IPC.

The charge sheet, filed by Delhi Police on March 1 last year, had arrayed 23 prosecution witnesses, many of whom are present and former employees of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Pachauri was granted an anticipatory bail in the case on March 21 last year and an FIR lodged against him on February 13 last year.

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Urging the Centre to immediately constitute the Cauvery Management Board (CMB), a farmers' federation on Thursday said it will stage protests, including a two-day rail blockade, to press for its demand.

The federation held an all-party meeting attended by DMK, BJP and MDMK, among others, where it was resolved to stage "continuous" rail blockade on October 17 and 18, urging the Centre to form the CMB.

"Normally, we court arrest during rail blockades. But this time, it will be a continuous protest as we will squat on tracks, prepare food and just stay there," convener of the federation, Deivasigamani, said.

Protests such as picketing the Raj Bhavan were also under consideration, he added.

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are locked in a bitter row over sharing of Cauvery river water, with the former approaching the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the upper riparian state to release water.

While asking Karnataka to release water, the apex court had recently directed the Union government to constitute the CMB. But the Centre had later sought modification of the order, drawing widespread criticism in Tamil Nadu.
GREAT FALLS  The final U.S. House debate, the first to feature all three candidates on the ballot, covered topics that ranged from the future of farming to foreign policy.

Incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke and outgoing State Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau, a Democrat, rehashed some familiar campaign attacks about public lands, gun rights and honesty. Rick Breckenridge, a surveyor from Proctor in rural Lake County, joined them on the stage at Great Falls College after being selected by his party upon the death of fellow Libertarian Mike Fellows. About 300 people arrived to watch the debate sponsored by the Great Falls Tribune and Montana Farmers Union, so many that those who had not arrived early were moved to a nearby overflow room.

The nights first question reflected the debate's location just a few miles from Malmstrom Air Force Base: With the bases nuclear missiles set to become obsolete within 15 years, what would the candidates do to keep it open?

I dont think the missiles are going to go anywhere. We do need to upgrade them, Zinke, a former Navy SEAL, said, also noting that the military had run out of sufficient training space as it closed other bases. Great Falls has great potential to become a training base.

Juneau also said the bases future hinged on upgrades to silos and missile technology. And weve got to work on trying to bring the flying mission back as well.

Breckenridge briefly described his Army deployment to a nuclear base in Germany toward the end of the Cold War before suggesting that Malmstrom nonetheless should have a place in the overall strategy of the U.S. military.

We have to roll with the flow and ride the tide, he said.

Later, Breckenridge railed against executive decisions in recent years to send American troops overseas without first seeking Congressional approval.

Unless there is a national interest that is defined, debated and agreed up on by Congress, no troops at no time on foreign soil, he said, dinging Zinke for a recent interview in which he talked about needing more troops in Iraq.

The Republican defended himself, saying he, too, thinks Congress should have a say in the use of military force. But he said his comments had been about the presidents recent authorization to send 600 more soldiers to Iraq as American forces prepare to take the city of Mosul from the Islamic State.

I dont think (600) is enough, he said.

Juneau acknowledged that sending troops overseas is a really hard decision that must involve collaborating with allies when possible.

Candidates also weighed in on a Monday-night vote by Missoula City Council to require criminal background checks on all private gun sales within city limits.

Heres my concealed carry card and if thats not good enough for you, heres my U.S. constitution, Breckenridge said, pulling a card out of one pocket of his fringed jacket then a small book out of another.

Juneau and Zinke did not directly say what they thought of the ordinance, debating their general gun rights records and becoming focused on a Congressional proposal to ban firearm sales to people on the no-fly list, a part of the nations terror watch list.

I do believe we have enough laws on the books. We need to enforce those laws currently there, Juneau said. There is a bill moving through Congress I support that would keep criminals and terrorists from buying guns. Congress cant even take that step. That strengthens the rights of law-abiding citizens and responsible gun owners.

Zinke fired back.

Whos on the no-fly list and how do you get on it? Its secret. More importantly how do you get off? he said, suggesting that removing citizens rights at all, but especially with so little transparency, was a slippery slope.

Reflecting the debates location at one corner of Montanas Golden Triangle, candidates also talked about how they would help the next generation of farmers and ranchers secure the capital they needed.

Zinke suggested two fixes: End the estate tax and undo recent banking reforms that he said tied the hands of local lenders. Juneau suggested strengthening federal loans available to young families and the safety net provided in the Farm Bill. She also touted her work as superintendent to grow farm-to-school lunch programs.

Breckenridge disagreed with pledges by his two opponents not to sell off public lands and suggested a simple way to combat the challenges of rising land prices is to sell some federal parcels to private owners who have the skills and the knowledge to manage it.

The candidates also were asked how they would help close a 19-year life expectancy gap between American Indian and white Montanans.

Juneau spoke generally about reforming the Indian Health Service, the federal agency tasked with fulfilling treaty promises to provide health care, including pushing for improved primary care. She also celebrated the "other options" provided by the Affordable Care Act.

Zinke disagreed, saying that Obamacare has been a disaster. He also suggested that more power needed to be given to IHS doctors and people on the frontline rather than to bureaucrats.

Breckenridge said American Indian health would best be improved by bringing more care options to reservations than just the Indian Health Service.

Socialized medicine does not work, he said.

In a question from the audience at the end of the night, candidates were asked what they would do protect the rights of LGBT Montanans.

No. 1 get elected, Juneau said, taking the opportunity to list the ways her election would be historic: the first woman to represent Montana in the House since Jeannette Rankin left in 1943, the first ever American Indian woman and the first openly gay member of Congress from Montana. Representation matters.

Welcome to the Libertarian Party, Breckenridge said, arguing no one needed "specialized rights" under the Constitution.

Zinke has said he opposed the Supreme Courts decision to legalize gay marriage last year, citing religious freedom, state rights and his personal belief that a marriage is between one man and one woman, although he said at the time of the ruling that all Americans should be treated with dignity.

He did not directly answer the question in Great Falls. He instead noted his military service fighting to protect the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.

I do support you, he said, looking to Juneau. If you want to be lesbian, if you want to be Muslim, whatever, it doesnt matter to me.
The government today said it expects to come out with the final contours of the proposed Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), which seeks to make flying affordable for the masses, in the next couple of weeks.

The NDA government had on July 1 unveiled the scheme to promote air connectivity in the regional and remote areas of the country, as part of its larger plans to boost the domestic aviation sector, which is logging over 20 per cent growth.

It (RCS) is expected to be finalised in a few weeks time, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said on the sidelines of the India Economic Summit here.

"We will make efforts to ensure that flights under RCS start from January 1," he added.

Sinha had last week said that the subsidies offered under the RCS would attract airlines to operate flights in smaller cities and remote areas.

Airlines under RCS will be extended viability gap funding (VGF) while the states concerned are required to offer certain concessions such as providing police and fire services free of cost.

VGF will be created by way of charging a small levy per departure on all domestic flights on certain routes and small aircraft below 80 seats. Central and state governments will be sharing the VGF amount.

Earlier, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju had also said that the first flight under RCS was likely to take off by the end of this year or early January 2017.

The civil aviation ministry has signed memorandum of understanding with Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Puducherry among others for implementation of RCS.

The scheme refers to operation of an air transport service between any two airports, of which at least one has been declared by the central government as un-served or under-served. There are 394 un-served and 16 under-served airports.

A raft of incentives is being proposed under RCS, including Rs 2,500 cap on airfare for one-hour flights.

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A local court today awarded 20 years of rigorous imprisonment each to four persons for kidnapping and raping a minor girl, who committed suicide later in Ganjam district.

Sessions court judge Malaya Ranjan Das, who is also the designated district judge for the trial of the cases charged under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, also slapped a fine of Rs 15,000 on each of the convicted persons.

They would undergo another one-and half month RI if they fail to pay the penalty amount.

The incident took place at an isolated area under Goshaninuagaon police station limit here in 2013. The girl, a student of Class X, later committed suicide by hanging herself about one year after the incident due to social stigma.

According to prosecution, Pintu, one of the convicted kidnapped the girl from near Santoshi Maa temple on June 17, 2013, while she was going to tuition.

The other three persons who were waiting near an under- constructed house helped Pintu. All of them raped the girl. They also threatened the girl's brother of dire consequences if the matter was reported to police.

The girl committed suicide on July 15, 2013. A suicide note was recovered from the house, where she had mentioned the reason behind her action.

Besides rape, the court also found them guilty on abetment to suicide.

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The Gauhati High Court today rescinded its order withdrawing all the judicial officers from south Mizoram's Lunglei judicial district in the wake of the mob attack on the district court buildings, offices and residential quarters on September 22 last.

The order, issued by the Gauhati High Court Registrar General H K Sarma, said that District and Sessions Judge R Thanga, Additional District and Sessions Judge Helen Dawngliani and Civil Judge-cum-Judicial Magistrate First Class R Malsawmdawngliana should resume duty in Lunglei immediately.

The order also said that Senior Civil Judge-cum-Chief Judicial Magistrate of Lawngtlai district Laldinpuia Tlau would also now hold circuit court in Lunglei with immediate effect.

Tlau was instructed on September 22 not to hold circuit court in Lunglei district until further order.

Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajit Singh, who arrived in Lunglei last evening to take stock of the situation in the district, today issued a statement saying that he met church and NGO leaders as also the people in this southern town and appreciated their concern for the welfare of the people of Lunglei.

He said that he, therefore, deemed it fit to rescind the high court order issued on September 22 for the larger interest and restore the judicial officers in the district.

Justice Singh expressed the hope that the administration would cooperate to the fullest for the welfare of the people of Lunglei.

The Gauhati High Court had withdrawn all the judges in south Mizoram's Lunglei district and attached them with the District and Sessions Judge, Aizawl district following mob violence in Lunglei district court premises on September 22.

The order came after an irate mob belonging to Zohnuai locality of Lunglei damaged district court buildings with stones and bricks on that day and also ransacked the official residence of the Civil Judge.

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A government study has detected presence of toxic contaminants including lead in plastic bottles of cough syrups and other liquid medicines prompting an advisory body to suggest ban on use of such containers for liquid oral formulations.

The issue came up when Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), which comes under the Health Ministry, was examining the issue of discontinuing the use of PET or plastic bottles, for packaging pharmaceutical preparations.

According to the minutes of the 71st meeting DTAB a study was necessitated to understand the implications of the usage plastic bottles in packaging of pharmaceutical preparations and soft drinks.

A six-member Plastic Hazard Committee (PHC) was formed to study leaching toxics after Director General Health Services (DGHS) and Chairman DTAB asked All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health (AIIH&PH) to conduct the study.

It was decided that in the first lot, testing of pharmaceutical preparations of brands like Polybion Multivitamin Syrup, Benadryl cough syrup, Alex cough syrup and others will be done.

In the second lot drinks like Asli Nimboo, Asli Santra, Deshi Daru, Pincon Bangla and others were taken up while cold drinks like Pepsi, Sprite, 7up Mountain Dew and Coca Cola had to be taken up in the third lot.

"The conclusion of (the study) of all the pharmaceutical products revealed that antimony, chromium, lead and DEHP were present even at the room temperature in all the five products (pharmaceutical). All samples leeching with antimony, chromium, lead and DEHP from PET bottles increased with increase in temperature," the minutes said.

The minutes also said the DTAB agreed with the findings of AIIH&PH Kolkata and after deliberations "recommended the report may be forwarded to the Health Ministry for its consideration and finalization of the draft rules to prohibit the use of Polythene Teraphthalate or plastic containers...

"...In the liquid oral formulations for primary packaging of drug formulations for paediatric use, geriatric use and for use of pregnant women and women of reproductive age group."



The Health Ministry, however, has not taken a decision on the advisory yet.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Minister of State for MSME Giriraj Singh today said the central government is committed to promote diversification in the agriculture and the food processing sector.

"Farmers in Punjab must venture into diversification in agriculture so that they can reap good financial dividends," he said during his visit to the Indo-Canadian Swine Breeders Farm at Kotli village here.

The farm was started in 1999 by Sukhwinder Singh Kotli, who was awarded by the state for his work. He now supplies the meat to outlets and companies in Delhi, Chandigarh and Ludhiana.

"The Centre provides subsidy to such farmers (like Sukhwinder) for the promoting their products, research and development and even setting up machinery for processing their products," he said.

Assuring Sukhwinder of help from the ministry, he said," There are several schemes of the Centre and the MSME ministry that can benefit farmers in a big way."



Later, Giriraj held meetings with local industry representatives and the district administration.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) would bring the whole of India under one common market and make inter-state transactions easier, a senior state government official said here on Thursday.

"If is successfully implemented, all interpretational issues in inter-state transactions will be over," Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) Paul Antony said.

Speaking at a awareness workshop, organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) here, he said FICCI and all stakeholders should get involved in the processes and bring out the potential of the and be aptly prepared for it.

Pullela Nageswara Rao, Chief Commissioner of Central Excise, Customs and Service Tax, Kerala, said GST would hopefully prompt Kerala to move from a consumer state to a manufacturer state.

The GST system will increase ease of doing business, said Deepak L Aswani of FICCI Kerala State Council.

"This will be a significant step with the benefits passed on to the consumer," he added.

GST is scheduled to be implemented across the country from April 1, 2017.

It replaces all indirect taxes levied on goods and services by the Centre and states.
Portugal's former Prime Minister Antonio Guterres today expressed "gratitude" on being selected as the next UN chief, vowing to serve the "most vulnerable" with "humility" when he takes up the post.

"To describe what I feel at the present moment, two words are sufficient: gratitude and humility," Guterres said in a brief speech to the media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon.

Guterres, 67, was making his first remarks following the Security Council's unanimous decision recommending him to the General Assembly as the 9th Secretary-General of the United Nations.

In remarks that were streamed live, Guterres said he was "moved" when the Security Council decided in "unity and consensus" and "in a very quick way" to select him as the successor to Ban Ki-moon.

"I hope this represents a symbolic moment, a moment in which the Security Council enhances its capacity to act in unity and consensus, creating the conditions to decide timely in relation to the dramatic problems of our time," he said.

He said he also feels humility on being chosen as the next Secretary-General.

"Humility when facing the dramatic problems of today's world, and humility that is needed to serve, and especially to serve those that are most vulnerable: the victims of conflict, of terrorism, the victims of the violation of rights, the victims of poverty and the injustices of this world, and also the humility needed to recognise the inspiration that comes from so many workers of the UN and its partners that are doing everything they can in the most dangerous areas of our world," he said.

Guterres expressed "gratitude" to the members of the Security Council for the "confidence" they expressed in him as well as to the General Assembly and all UN members for "having decided an exemplary process of transparency and openness" to select the world's top diplomat.

He also expressed gratitude to his colleagues and the different candidates that have "shown with their competence, intelligence, capacity an enormous dedication that contributed a lot to the credibility of the UN."



He stressed that his name has only been recommended to the General Assembly and that he is not yet Secretary General.

"The UN has a Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon. I want to pay tribute to Ban Ki-moon and appeal to all Member States to strongly support him in his actions, and in his initiatives to make these last months of this work a complete success," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Suggesting a localised investment approach to Japan to yield better results, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar today asked Japanese companies to have expectations that are grounded in the Indian reality.

"India is India. I would not necessarily defend everything in India which goes right or wrong. But it is important for Japanese companies to understand that their expectations must be grounded in the Indian reality. Surely Indian reality can be improved.

"They (Japanese companies) should not expect that they will get responses that they have experienced in other geographies. I think a much more educated aware, localised investment approach perhaps would yield greater results in India," Jaishankar said at a seminar organised by RIS.

His comments are significant given that Japanese companies like Suzuki Motors and Toyota have had labour- related unrest in past few years leading to temporary shutting down of Toyota plants near Bangalore as well as bitter fights between the management and employees.

Appreciating Japan's contribution in India's growth, Jaishankar said, "In India's growth story, Japan has a very unique role. Japan is the one country, I would say has changed Indian mindset in different points of time."



"I am not sure even today whether Japanese understand that what Maruti did to Indian mindset. Entire generation grew up with that change, then the next change was with metro rail project. Today we expect that High Speed Railway (HSR) project would emerge as the third phase of the changing mindset."



Jaishankar also admitted that India has not been able to fully utilise the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was signed in 2011.

Referring to some Japanese projects, he said high speed railway (HSR) project and Civil Nuclear Agreement, if approved, clearly have potential to improve demand which will increase trade between the two countries.

Asserting that investment sentiments was much stronger today in India, the Foreign Secretary said, "We have went out of way to make special carve-out for Japan including business visa arrangement which is unique. It is important that today we aggressively push investments."



He also pointed out that the last five years have not been economically good, globally.

The bilateral trade between the countries stood at USD 14.51 billion in 2015-16. India received USD 20.96 billion FDI from Japan during April 2000 and March 2016.

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Japanese ambassador in India Kenji Hiramatsu said that India-Japan CEPA was one of the most difficult bilateral trade negotiations for Japan.

"It took 14 rounds of negotiations to finalise the agreement. CEPA has become a strong symbol for India-Japan relationship," Hiramatsu said at the event.

The ambassador noted that Japan-India social security agreement became operational from October 1.

Hiramatsu also said that Indian companies should set up offices in Japan as there are only few Indian companies which have done so.

Highlighting that Japan has identified 12 sites to set up industrial township in India, he said, "Japan is keen to see more reforms including land acquisition law, tax reforms so that investors can feel positive change in ease of doing business in India.
Expressing satisfaction over the probe into the whereabouts of film producer Madhan, main accused in the over Rs 70 crore MBBS admission scam case, the Madras High Court today observed it cannot direct the investigating agency on how to carry out the investigation.

A division bench, after perusing the status report filed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner of CB-CID observed, "we are convinced about the progress shown in the investigation."



On September 21, the court had sought to know from the government whether it had implemented its earlier order to arrest Madhan.

Madhan was reported missing sinceMay 28, when he left Chennai leaving behind a 'suicide note' stating that he would kill himself in Varanasi.

He reportedly went missing after an alleged failed business transaction with the SRM group of institutions.

Madhan had allegedly acknowledged receiving several crores of rupees from students and parents, promising them MBBS seats in the SRM group of institutions.

On June 6, his mother filed a Habeas Corpus Petition after she suspected foul play in her son's disappearance.

Subsequently, the court had entrusted the probe regarding receipt of money by Madhan and his disappearance to Additional Deputy Commission of Central Crime Branch, Radhakrishnan.

The court today perused the status report filed by central crime branch police and said investigation had reached a particular stage andthe court was satisfied with it.

Revealing details would affect the investigation, it said and adjourned the case to October 24.

The court said it could issue directions to the investigation officer only if the probe was not progressing on right path.

SRM chairman T R Pachamuthu was also arrested earlier and he got bail after depositing Rs 75 crore in lower court.

Counsel for 11 students, who had paid money for MBBS seats and got neither the seats nor refund, said police had not even taken possession of the BMW car that Madhan had left at Chennai airport on May 26.

So far, police have arrested three persons who worked agents for collecting money from students and all them have got bail.

The only two remaining people yet to be arrested are Madhan and his associate Guna.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Calcutta High Court today extended the time of immersion of idols of household Durga Pujas for two hours till 6 pm in West Bengal on October 11.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice G C Gupta and Justice Arindam Sinha extended the time from 4 pm on Dashami (October 11), which is a day before Muharram, after hearing a PIL seeking relaxation of time limit.

One Sandipan Khan had moved the PIL seeking relaxation of time set by police stating that several households which hold Durga Pujas would immerse the idols only after sundown as per rituals.

The bench directed the police to ensure safety, security and maintenance of peace and harmony during the immersion.

The relaxation of time for immersion would be applicable to household pujas and not for community pujas.

Earlier, the police had directed that immersion of idols could be held till 4 pm on October 11.

On October 12, the day of Muharram, there would be no immersion of idols and immersion can again be held from 4 pm on October 13.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tom Arthur

Thinking of sitting out this election because you havent bothered to register to vote? There is no excuse to balk any longer. These days it is easier than ever to register to vote, or to update current information via a new online portal set up by the New Mexico Secretary of States office. As long as you register to vote by 5pm on Tuesday, Oct. 11, you will be eligible to place your vote to save the planet.

Sounds Dramatic

By save the planet, I mean vote against Republican Donald Trump, who has pledged to get the United States of America out of international agreements aiming to help humanity turn the corner on global warming and looming environmental threats. People worldwide take great risks to help democratize their countries. It disheartens and disrespects global efforts to keep people moving forward, when US citizens do not even register to vote, let alone take the time to cast a ballot. And globally, bullies notice when huge percentages of Americans, especially youth, dont vote. Strongmen think they can steal elections with organized divisiveness, blaming and hating.

Every Vote Counts

A recent New Mexico poll commissioned by Research and Polling, Inc. and the Albuquerque Journal shows Democrat Hillary Clinton just slightly ahead of Trump with native son Libertarian Gary Johnson coming in with about 24 percent of the vote. Now, granted the Journal poll is not to be viewed as a real snapshot of New Mexico since this is the opinion of only 501 New Mexico likely voters interviewed by landline or cell phone from Sept. 27-29. Such polls often miss the mark. But with or without these numbers, taking away 24 percent of possible votes from the more qualified candidate could bring on the curse of the 2000 election.

Thats when third party Green Candidate Ralph Nader siphoned off liberal votes, partially from Democrat Al Gore, thereby helping Republican George W. Bush win by a fraction. That crazy election had televised coverage of folks counting paper ballots with hanging chads in Florida, where the governor was Jeb Bush, G.W.s brother. A federal lawsuit, Bush v. Gore, was filed, and the US Supreme Court decided in a 5-4 vote that Bush become the de facto president.

A remote possibility is that this could happen again with New Mexico being in the hot seat. If Johnson were to win New Mexicos five delegates, then there could be an electoral college gridlock. This would send the election to the House of Representatives, which is stacked with Republicans.

Heres How

Dont be lazy. In many states, Republicans have gone to great lengths to make it harder for people to register to vote, knowing that those people tend to be people of color, or supporters of same-sex marriage, or those who would put clean water, air and environmental longevity in front of a few years of business profits.

Once registered, there are a number of ways to vote. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. You might even be able to go to your old school and show up between the hours of 7am and 7pm to vote, or go to any one of the 68 voting convenience centers scattered around Bernalillo County.

Not going to be around on the big day, or not interested in the social bonding aspect of standing in line for what can sometimes be a long time? You can request an absentee ballot from the county clerks office. Absentee ballots will be mailed out starting on Oct. 11 and until Nov. 4. These ballots must be returned to the county clerks office or to any one of the polling places by 7pm on Nov. 8.

If youre itching to cast your vote early, starting on Oct. 11, you can vote at the county clerks annex building at 1500 Lomas NW. An additional 18 early voting locations open up from 8am-8pm starting Oct. 22 through Nov. 5.

Yet another option designed to promote voter registration and praxis is available to smart phone users who prefer texting as a method of getting things done. By visiting the site hello.vote, citizens can send a text message to their device and thereby begin their voter registration experience, anytime or anywhere before this states Oct. 11 deadline. The site is run by a non-profit called Fight for the Future, whose stated goal is to protect and expand the internets transformative power in our lives.

Do The Right Thing

Voting is a fundamental responsibility of living in a democratic country. If all of us gave ourselves permission to skip an election because we didnt like the choices, think of how many elections there would be where only a few showed up to vote. Thousands of people, over generations, in countries across the globe have died or been imprisoned fighting for the right to vote. Even Bernie Sanders continues to ask his progressive followers to ditch their stubborn ideals: We need leadership which brings our people together and makes us stronger, not leadership which  divides us up. Sanders recently said, We have begun a political revolution to transform America, and that revolutionour revolution continues. 

Hillary Clinton may be an imperfect candidate. But she is qualified to be our next president, and will appoint competent professionals for every area. Trump is clearly not. Save your protest vote for next cycle when the risks to our future will likely not be so great.

Bring Everyone!

In all get out the vote advertisements, no one mentions the many people would like to vote who dont have a car, or a computer, or know where they can go, or how to get an absentee ballot. Help them. The Trump threat is very real, and he wants a national policy allowing cops to stop and frisk you whenever they want. And the you is not upper middle class white males. Its the rest of us, and thats why we need to vote, and help everyone we know to also cast their votes.
The Schreiber family's cat Dougal has been climbing bigger and bigger things lately, according to her owner Jodi Schreiber.

But on Tuesday, she graduated from trees and scaled the Rimrocks, reaching a perch about 15 feet from the top of the rock formation.

That's when Dougal must have had some doubts.

Through a chance encounter with Patrick Riedl, a local arborist who rescues treed cats on the side, Dougal got down safely after a rope rescue Wednesday afternoon.

Dougal and her littermate Tigger were let out of the house Tuesday morning by Jodi Schreiber and her 12-year-old twin sons, Ryan and Kyle.

The cats go out every morning but return to the Lohof Drive neighborhood at around 10 p.m., Jodi Schreiber said.

On Tuesday night, Tigger came home. Dougal was a no-show.

Jodi Schreiber stepped out onto her back porch and peered into the darkness. She heard loud meowing coming from somewhere on the Rims.

Ryan went out with a flashlight and scanned the Rimrocks until the beam caught something bright shining near the top  Dougal's eyes.

The twins and their mother set out the next day in their car for the top of the Rimrocks, hoping to find a way to get Dougal down.

They loaded a basket with some of the cat's favorite treats, tied a rope to its handle and lowered it to Dougal's perch. She wouldn't take the bait.

Jodi Schreiber said her son later pointed out that it's their dog's basket. Dougal and the family dog are not friends.

Though Dougal is a climber, Tigger also has a mischievous side. Last year, the cat hitched a ride on a UPS truck down to the neighbor's house, Ryan Schreiber said.

After the treat basket failed, the family then tried to walk up the Rims below her perch and explore their other options.

On Henry Street nearby, Riedl was working with his partner to fell a beetle-killed Austrian pine.

The cat's meows and the sight of the Schreiber family prompted Riedl to investigate.

Riedl said he's been rescuing cats in trees for decades, and since moving back to Billings seven years ago he's been getting about 20 calls a year.

But Wednesday was the first time he was ever asked to rescue a cat from the Rims.

It was fairly standard nonetheless, Riedl said. He and his partner drove a truck onto the Rimrocks above the spot and tied a 300-foot rope to two trees before he began rappelling down the rock face.

He called out softly to Dougal as he got closer to keep the cat calm, before he grabbed her and continued to the family standing below.
Ravi Pachamuthu, son of founder chairman of SRM Group of educational institutions T R Pachamuthu, was today granted anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court in a land grab case.

The court directed him to deposit Rs 8 lakh before the Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Egmore here towards the construction of compound wall in the disputed land.

A complaint was lodged against Pachamuthu by Daisi Rani and Madhavarao that he had grabbed their property in the city following which a police case was filed against him.

The land was currently used to park buses owned by the SRM Travels illegally, the complainants said.

Apprehending arrest, he had filed an anticipatory bail before the high court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Three heavily armed militants suspected to be from Pakistan were today killed after they launched an attack on an army camp in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from the militants, who were also carrying medicines with Pakistani markings.

An army official said that the militants opened fire on an army camp at Langate in Kupwara district at around 5 AM, which was retaliated by the jawans.

After repulsing the attack, the security forces launched a search operation in the area, during which the militants fired upon them, leading to an encounter.

Briefing the media on the operation, Commanding Officer, Colonel Rajiv Sharang said the three militants were challenged by jawans after they noticed suspicious movement near the perimeter fencing of the camp.

"Three terrorists were seen near the perimeter fencing of our camp. Our sentrys challenged the terrorists who fired heavily on our sentry posts. We also retaliated and then a quick reaction team was activated so that the terrorists do not flee the area where they were spotted.

"We used illumination rounds to illuminate the area and killed all the three terrorists," Col Sharang told reporters at Langate.

The army official said the forces have recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from the slain militants.

"The medicine which has been recovered from all three terrorists has Pakistani marking. This ascertains that all three terrorists were Pakistani terrorists. The maps and the matrix sheet, which they were using, that also is being analysed. If we come to know more from it, we will let you know," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Hong Kong court jailed a protester today in the first sentence handed down over a riot that erupted in February and saw violent clashes in the city fuelled by anti-China sentiment.

The violence erupted after officials tried to clear illegal street hawkers from a busy commercial neighbourhood during Chinese new year, with police firing warning shots into the air.

Beijing officials blamed the clashes, which saw some 30 people arrested and charged with rioting, on "radical separatists".

Some participants were from "localist" groups pushing for more freedom for the semi-autonomous city or even a split from Beijing.

A magistrates' court sentenced Chan Pak-yeung, 31, an active member and online radio presenter for the localist political party Civic Passion, to nine months in prison for resisting and assaulting police, the party said.

The court had heard that Chan hurled plastic water bottles at police and had kicked officers who tried to arrest him, reports said.

But Civic Passion questioned the evidence against Chan after the ruling.

"This must be political prosecution," said the party's vice chairman Alvin Cheng.

Cheng said he was worried that there would be more jail sentences over the riots.

Tensions are high in the city, which is ruled under a "one country, two systems" deal set up when it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997.

That agreement guarantees Hong Kong's freedoms and way of life for 50 years, but there are growing concerns that Beijing is increasing its influence.

Hong Kong saw mass pro-democracy rallies calling for fully free elections erupt in 2014, but anger built up after authorities cleared protest sites and gave no concessions over political reform.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Haryana Women and Child Development Minister Kavita Jain today launched a scheme to gift 'Navratri puja' items to families of the girls in Panchkula district, in a bid to create awareness about the decreasing sex ratio.

Jain, who paid obeisance and performed yajna at Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Complex in Panchkula near here, expressed concern over the poor sex-ratio in rural areas of the district.

She said during the festival, the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board would gift items of 'Navratri puja' like like coconut, prasad and chunari to the families of the girls.

The Minister said the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign was aimed at creating awareness for "protection and welfare of the girl child".

The government and the people should work together to make this campaign a "great success", she said, according to an official release.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Haitian officials today dramatically raised the known death toll to 108 from Hurricane Matthew as they finally began to reach corners of the country that had been cut off by the rampaging storm.

Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph announced that at least 108 had died, up from a previous count of 23. That raised the hurricane's overall toll across the Caribbean to 114.

Officials were especially concerned about the department of Grand-Anse, located on the northern tip of the peninsula that was slammed by the Category 4 storm, which severed roads and communications links.

"(It) got hit extremely hard," said Guillaume Albert Moleon, Interior Ministry spokesman.

Officials with the Civil Protection Agency said 38 of the known deaths were reported in Grand-Anse. People in the region's devastated main city, Jeremie, faced an immediate hunger crisis, said Maarten Boute, chairman of telecom Digicel Haiti, who flew to the city in a helicopter.

Joseph, the interior minister, said food and water were urgently needed, noting that crops have been leveled, wells inundated by seawater and some water treatment facilities destroyed. Before hitting Haiti, the storm was blamed for four deaths in the Dominican Republic, one in Colombia and one in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

So far there were no reports of casualties from better-equipped Cuba or the Bahamas, which was being raked by the hurricane today.

In Haiti's southern peninsula towns, where Matthew hit around daybreak Tuesday with 145 mph (235 kph) winds, there was wreckage and misery everywhere. In Aquin, a coastal town outside Les Cayes, people trudged through mud around the wreckage of clapboard houses and tiny shops.

Civil aviation authorities reported counting 3,214 destroyed homes along the southern peninsula, where many families live in shacks with sheet metal roofs and don't always have the resources to escape harm's way.

The government has estimated at least 350,000 people need some kind of assistance after the disaster, which U.N. Deputy Special Representative for Haiti Mourad Wahba has called the country's worst humanitarian crisis since the devastating earthquake of 2010.

In coming days, US military personnel equipped with nine helicopters were expected to start arriving to help deliver food and water to hard-hit areas.

As recovery efforts in Haiti continued, Matthew pummeled the Bahamian capital of Nassau today with winds of 140 mph (220 kph). Authorities shut down the power grid to protect it against the winds.

In nearby Cuba, Matthew blew across that island's sparsely populated eastern tip, destroying dozens of homes and damaging hundreds in the island's easternmost city, Baracoa. But the government oversaw the evacuation of nearly 380,000 people and strong measures were taken to protect communities and infrastructure, UN officials said.

Matthew was on a path forecast to take it close to the US East Coast, where authorities ordered large-scale evacuations.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bidi manufacturers and stakeholders should be included in the Indian delegation to a global anti-tobacco conference to be held here, an industry association has demanded.

"As a representative body of Bidi Manufacturers, AIBIF has requested the Government of India to include bidi manufacturers and other stakeholders in the Indian delegation to the COP7," AIBIF said in a statement.

The 7th Conference of Parties (COP7) is a global anti-tobacco conference, being held in the national capital on November 7-12, that will review the implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and the protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products.

The association further said that participation of all constituents and stakeholders in its procedures in FCTC for having transparency in the issue.

"We are deeply concerned about the vested interests of NGOs and anti-tobacco activists in India, who through their relentless and biased campaign are influencing the Government's tobacco control policy and promoting extreme regulations that are already hurting bidi industry and consequently employment of bidi workers and causing widespread growth of counterfeit trade in bidis," said AIBIF President Rajnikant Patel.

According to the federation, policy developments in this area are not left to anti tobacco activists or NGOs.

"The Indian delegation comprising all bidi industry stakeholders to COP7 will ensure that all stakeholders view point on various issues is considered while recommending new tobacco control measures without harming the interests of millions of bidi workers dependent on bidi industry," it added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and the Latin American countries, including Peru and Brazil, are discussing ways such as inking free trade agreement to further boost trade and investments.

With Chile, India has signed an agreement on the expansion of the preferential trade agreement (PTA) in September.

"The expanded PTA will have far greater trade coverage in comparison to the agreement signed earlier in March as both sides have offered tariff concessions on a number of lines," the commerce ministry said in a statement.

India's trade with Peru stood at USD 1.5 billion in 2015-16. Among the top ten commodities of India's export to Peru are motor vehicle, cars, products of iron and steel, cotton yarn and fabrics.

Imports from Peru include bulk minerals and ores, gold, fertilizers crude and zinc.

In order to explore the possibility of a trade agreement with Peru, India has concluded a joint study group report on the feasibility of such a pact.

It said that India and Peru have agreed to a time frame to carry forward the discussions for negotiating a trade agreement.

"With the finalization of the report, India will now seek internal approvals of the government for going ahead with the negotiations on a trade agreement which would include trade in goods, trade in services and investment," it added.

There is keen interest on the part of Peru also for negotiating a trade agreement at the earliest, it said. India is also aggressively engaged in the expansion of its PTA with MERCOSUR, a six-country trade bloc including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

During the third meeting of the Joint Administrative Committee on the expansion of the India-MERCOSUR PTA held on September 29, in Brasilia, there was expansive discussions on the wish lists which had been exchanged by both sides in July.

Both sides are expected to hold the next round of negotiations early next year, it said.

The existing India-MERCOSUR agreement was signed in January 2004 which came into effect from June, 2009. "This agreement has a limited coverage and contains only 450 tariff lines. Both sides have now agreed to expand to cover up to 2500 tariff lines," the ministry said.

India's bilateral trade with MERCOSUR was USD 10. Billion in 2015-16 as compared to USD 14.24 billion in 2014-15. "With the expansion of the existing PTA, the bilateral trade is expected to be doubled," it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and Singapore have vowed to fight terrorism and "all those" who encourage, support and finance it, asserting there can be no justification for terror acts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong recognised that "terrorism continues to remain the single most significant threat to peace and stability", a joint statement issued during Lee's India visit said today.

It said during their talks on Tuesday, the two leaders reiterated their "strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stressed that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever".

Lee expressed his condolences to the Indian government and the families of the victims of the Uri attack in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed, and stated that Singapore strongly condemns terrorist attacks of all forms.

"The two Prime Ministers affirmed their resolve to fight against global terrorism, terror organisations and networks and all those who encourage, support and finance them. They called for reinvigorating multilateral action on terrorism, including through the finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations at the earliest," the statement said.

During Lee's five-day visit that will conclude tomorrow, three MoUs were also signed between Singapore and India -- including one dealing with Intellectual Property rights to facilitate greater business to business exchanges and collaborations.

Modi and Lee expressed satisfaction at the ongoing cooperation to address common security concerns, such as in the areas of counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber security and illicit drug trafficking.

The two Prime Ministers recognised the importance of further strengthening economic cooperation between India and Singapore and the many complementaries and opportunities that exist between the two countries.

In this regard, they noted the holding of meetings by the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment and the Financial Dialogue Preparatory Meeting as important initiatives as envisaged under the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership.

Modi welcomed the listing of Masala Bonds on the Singapore Exchange and briefed Lee about the efforts made to boost investments into India in the field of infrastructure development.

Modi and Lee held "wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues in a warm, cordial and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the excellent bilateral ties," the statement said.

Lee reaffirmed Singapore's continuing support for India's bid to become a permanent member in a reformed United Nations Security Council.

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"They reviewed and expressed satisfaction over the good progress in the bilateral relationship since the signing of the Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership on 24 November 2015 during the official visit of Prime Minister Modi to Singapore," the joint statement said.

Modi and Lee lauded the cooperation between both sides at regional and international fora and reaffirmed efforts to strengthen cooperation particularly in the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and related forums and as well as other regional cooperation mechanisms.

India welcomed the realisation of the ASEAN Community and expressed full support for ASEAN's centrality in the evolving regional structure.

Singapore welcomed and highlighted the vital role that India played in the regional architecture, especially through its participation in and support for ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus), East Asia Summit (EAS), and Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

During the visit, Lee called on President Pranab Mukherjee. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Lee. He also visited Udaipur.

Modi and Lee "reaffirmed the strong cooperation in the area of smart cities and urban solutions", the statement said.

The prime ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate in skills development through knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Modi and Lee recognised the importance of the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in providing the foundation for economic cooperation. The Chief Negotiators would meet for an early conclusion of the Second Review.

To support growing economic links, the two leaders also recognised the importance of exploring the expansion of air connectivity to support new and commercially viable air links between and beyond both countries, and to broaden cooperation in the aviation, maritime and logistics sectors, including through capacity building and the sharing of best practices.

Modi and Lee also discussed furthering "already strong economic ties" and agreed to appoint senior ministers from both sides to explore new and innovative ways to cooperate and find "win-win outcomes" and report back to them, the statement said.

Both sides shared convergence of views on various regional and international issues, including the regional security situation in Asia. They reiterated their desire and determination to work together to maintain peace, stability, growth and prosperity in Asia and beyond, the statement said.

Both sides reiterated their support for security, safety and freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded commerce, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

"Both sides also called on all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means without threat or use of force and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of actions that could escalate tensions in the region," the statement said.
India has welcomed the selection of Portugal's former premier Antonio Guterres as the next UN Secretary General to replace Ban Ki-moon at the beginning of next year.

"Congratulations & Best wishes. India welcomes Antonio Manuel de Olivera Guterres as next Secretary General of @UN," India's Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.

Akbaruddin's tweet was accompanied with a picture of Guterres shaking hands with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Guterres had met Swaraj during his visit to New Delhi in July this year.

Guterres, the 67-year-old former head of UN's refugee organisation for 10 years, emerged as a leading candidate in all of the Security Council's straw polls.

The 15-nation Council conducted a sixth straw poll yesterday in which Guterres received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes. None of the five veto-wielding permanent members voted against him, clearing the way for Guterres to become the 9th Secretary General of the UN.

"Today after our sixth straw poll we have a clear favourite and his name is Antonio Guterres," Russia's envoy to the UN and President of the Council for October Vitaly Churkin told reporters after the straw poll.

Flanked by the Permanent Representatives of the 14 Council members, Churkin said the Council will meet again to take a formal vote, which is expected to pass by acclamation. That decision would then be formally submitted to the General Assembly for its consideration.

"We wish Guterres well in discharging his duties as the Secretary General of the UN for the next five years," Churkin said.

Churkin also informed President of the UN General Assembly Peter Thomson that Guterres had emerged as the unanimous choice after the sixth informal and first colour-coded straw poll for the position of Secretary-General.

"The Presidentthanked him for the information and said he wasready to further progress the process of appointing the next Secretary-General in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations," Thomson's office said.

Ban's Deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters at the daily press briefing that the Secretary-General, who is currently in Rome, is aware of the latest developments and will await the official action by the General Assembly on his successor'sformalselection.

Guterres was Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and then served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015.

After the UNSC formal vote, Guterres's name will be forwarded to the 193-Member General Assembly for final confirmation.

Ban is the 8thSecretary-General in the organisation's 70-year history. He took office in January 2007 and will be ending his 10-year tenure on December 31, 2016.

Guterres's selection for the post of the world's top diplomat slashed hopes for a woman to succeed Ban Ki-moon.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An Indian-origin South African businessman has been honoured with a prestigious award by an international humanitarian organisation here in recognition of his charitable work.

AB Moosa, 43, is the third-generation CEO of the Avalon Group and CineCentre Cinemas, South Africa's oldest and largest independent cinema exhibition which first brought Indian films to South African cinemas in the 1920's.

The prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Award from the charitable organisation Rotary International was presented in recognition of Moosa's ongoing and long-standing support of Rotary and his commitment to its initiatives.

Moosa is continuing the tradition by currently being the only Bollywood film distributor in South Africa, screening these not only at his company's cinemas across the country, but also making them available to the two largest cinema chains in the country, Rotary International said in a statement.

He has done this through an association with leading Indian and London-based distributors.

"I am truly humbled to receive this recognition. I come from a family legacy that has always been conscious of the need to support those who are less fortunate," Moosa said.

Rotary is a service organisation that provides humanitarian services to the community.

Through Moosa's support, significant funding for Rotary has been raised to support these and many more other such initiatives.

The award is named after Paul Harris, a lawyer, who founded Rotary International in 1905.

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Fall enrollment at Montana State University Billings dropped again in 2016, coming in below university estimates that already projected a decrease.

The school won't have to restructure its budget to cover the $1.4 million gap in enrollment-related funding, chancellor Mark Nook said Thursday.

"We left a cushion for some additional students," he said.

Student FTE, which reflects how many credits students are taking and is used for budgeting purposes, dropped about 200 students to 3,282, a 5.7 percent decrease from 2015's fall enrollment. MSUB had an FTE count of more than 4,000 in fall 2012.

The university saw a 9 percent increase in total part-time students, but that was largely driven by increases in dual credit programs; the university announced last spring that Billings high schools would be able to offer such classes, which are taught in a high school by a qualified high school teacher for college credit, without the usual fees.

"FTE is what pays the bills," Nook said.

Total on-campus resident students dropped 10.3 percent to 428, and total full-time students dropped 7.1 percent to 2,669. Both figures have dropped more than 22 percent since 2012.

A bright spot was an increase in students who stayed in school; freshman retention rates increased about 1.8 percent to 54.5 percent. Nook has set a goal of reaching 65 percent by 2019.

"We haven't been doing well with our retention," he said. "(But the increase) gives me some feeling of optimism that we're starting to turn things around. I'll feel a lot better if we get 2 percent for each of the next five years."

Retention programs received a significant budget boost this year. Vice provost Matt Redinger said that targeted efforts to reduce failing grades and dropouts in freshman classes have "seen early success," while vice chancellor for student affairs Joe Oravecz said the school is working to build a "holistic" approach that addresses students academic, social and emotional needs.

MSUB has a larger-than-usual proportion of adult and non-traditional students. Nook said the school needs to emphasize getting more traditional, stay-in-the-dorms freshmen on campus.

Total students from Yellowstone County barely decreased this year, while students from other Montana counties dropped 2.5 percent and out-of-state students dropped 1.3 percent, based on total headcount. Having fewer out-of-state students hits the school's pocketbook harder, as tuition for out-of-state students is more expensive.

Housing requirement

MSUB is finalizing a new housing-requirement policy, Nook said, citing research that shows students who live in on-campus housing have better academic outcomes, use campus services more and are more likely to participate in campus activities.

The policy will likely require freshman who aren't commuters to live on campus, with some additional flexibility.

An increase in students living in campus housing will increase university revenue, Nook said.

"It will do that," he said. "(But) that isn't the reason we're doing it."
A Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight had to be diverted to international airport here due to an on-board medical emergency.

The flight 6E-716 landed at the airport last night after a passenger, travelling with his friends to Bangalore, complained of chest pain and breathlessness, the airline said today.

"The passenger had not declared his medical condition at the time of check-in at Kolkata. Immediately the crew provided him first aid (oxygen) and simultaneously paged for doctor on board and made an in-flight announcement declaring medical emergency on-board.

"As a response to crew announcement, one passenger identified himself as doctor. He along with crew administered all medical assistance to the medical passenger. The Captain-in-Command immediately requested the ATC for a priority landing at Hyderabad airport and requested to keep the ambulance and doctor on standby," IndiGo stated in an email reply.

On landing at Hyderabad airport, the passenger escorted with his three friends and IndiGo staff, was rushed to the airport medical unit, it said, adding after a thorough examination, the passenger was taken to a nearby hospital.

"IndiGo is in touch with the family of the passenger. He is in Intensive Care Unit and his condition has improved," the airline said.

The flight which had departed from Kolkata at 10.50 pm later left for Bengaluru at 01.38 AM.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Batting for gender diversity at the workplace, Union Minister Smriti Irani today said she was instrumental in getting eminent scientist Tessy Thomas nominated to the IIT Council after being told that women were "not good enough" to be among the top engineers in the country.

Pointing out that she had "never used gender as a grudge", Irani said one needs to look at diversity not just from a business point of view but from people's point of view.

"When I became the HRD Minister, in the IIT Council, the first meeting that I held, I saw that there were all men in the room and I said, don't you have a woman representative. They said no, they (women) are not good enough to be amongst the top layers of engineers in this country.

"I was asked to nominate two people and the nomination list was all men... So I picked up my phone and called Tessy Thomas to be a part of this Council ... It is my privilege that she is one of the first women to get into the IIT Council," Irani said at the India Economic Summit here.

She said India had a rich legacy of diversity in all spheres and the country has women political leaders cutting across party lines, apart from their significant presence in fields like banking and media.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An Irish postman today received praise on social media for successfully delivering a letter which had no address and only a hand-drawn map.

The Hook Lighthouse, situated at the tip of the Hook Peninsula, shared a photo of the letter on its Facebook page, 'The Daily Telegraph' reported.

It featured a drawing of the lighthouse along with the helpful message: "Here please".

The postman in County Wexford, southeast Ireland, managed to deliver the letter with just the hand-drawn map and no address on the envelope.

Hook Lighthouse, which is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world, wrote: "Fair play to our postman who managed to deliver this map drawn address from Red Dave #postiechallenge."



And what was the important message? "A little note to say how much he liked the Hook Lighthouse," they revealed.

The photo has been shared and liked by hundreds of Facebook users, with one commenting: "Nice one! Most people think it's nuts that our addresses don't have a house number, street or postcode and the postman still gets it right, this takes the biscuit though!!! Brilliant."



Last year, a postman successfully delivered a letter to "your man with the glasses" in Donegal.

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Handset maker itel Mobile, owned by China-based Transsion Holdings, has announced to set up an integrated industrial park to manufacture handsets in India by August 2017.

Though the location of the park is not yet finalised, the company is not ruling out the possibility of setting up the facility in Gujarat, which is having several ports.

According to itel Mobile India's CEO Sudhir Kumar, the firm is already a leading handset brand in African continent while it had acquired 8 per cent market share in the sub-Rs 8,000 segment in India within just five months of it's launch in May.

"Africa is a huge market for us. In addition, we are getting very good response in India ever-since our launch in May. Now, we are planning to set up an industrial park to manufacture mobile phones on a very large scale to meet our domestic as well as overseas demands in Africa," Kumar said.

He told reporters that the integrated park will also have units of partner vendors, who will manufacture various components, such as phone camera.

"Since we also want to export handsets to Africa, we are searching for a suitable place near a port. Since Gujarat is having several ports, this state is one of our options. However, we will take final call about the location after our feasibility report arrives. We want to operationalise the park by July or August, 2017," he added.

Kumar along with other top officials launched itel's new smart-phone "it1520" here.

According to Kumar, itel Mobile had sold around 40 lakh handsets after it's launch. Last month, the budget handset maker sold over 14 lakh handsets in India.

"itel is into handsets priced below Rs 8,000. At present, we command 8 per cent market share in that segment. We are eyeing 20 per cent share by the end of 2017. To make our industrial park viable, we need to churn out around 2 lakh handsets per day," said Kumar, adding no decision is taken yet about the required investment for the park.

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Pledging to "improve" the quality of higher education in the country during a review meeting with 41 Vice Chancellors of Central Universities, Union Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar today said only nations with great universities will prosper.

Javadekar was speaking, while holding a review meeting of Central Universities in the country here at Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

The Union Minister said thateducation is not only about the subject knowledge, butit's aim is to groom good human beings with qualities like values and character attached to them.

Giving example of great universities like Nalanda, Takshila and Vikramshila, Javadekar said: "Only those nations that have great universities will prosper."



"We also want to give message that we are trying to improve the quality of higher education in this meeting," he said.

He appreciated BHU founder Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya's vision for establishing the university and said that freedom fighters started educational institutions as a tool for movement and renaissance.

Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Mahendra Nath Pandey, who was present at the meeting, emphasised the need for developing modern as well old education system in the universities.

Pandey highlighted the skill development programmes related to students, giving examples of BRICS countries where emphasis is given on skill development through vocational training programmes.

He said, student centric initiatives should be started, keeping in mind their problems such as scholarship, hostels and admissions thatshould be dealt with sensitivity.

Presenting the highlights of review meeting, Ved Prakash, Chairman University Grants Commission gave the status ofCentral Universities accreditation, students enrollment, choice based credit system, universities with potential for excellenceand special assistance program started by UGC to improve quality, research and innovation in institute of higher education across the country.

The Vice Chancellors of central universities presented the status of accreditation, choice based credit system, curriculum development, new innovative programmes, research improvement programme and infrastructure development in the review meeting.

They also gave presentation of agenda items,best practices and success stories of their universities.

BHU Vice Chancellor G C Tripathi said: "Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya used the education as a tool for social empowerment which is rooted in Indian values and culture."



Tripathi said the BHU founder also wantedto develop this varsity as a Centre of holistic education.

Javadekar also inaugurated the new Shatabdi Krishi Bhawan andGreen Buildingunder the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of BHU afterholding the review meeting.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who was hospitalised here recently for fever and dehydration, continues to improve but requires a longer stay at the hospital, even as a team of doctors from AIIMS examined the AIADMK supremo.

The AIIMS team, comprising Dr G Khilnani, Professor of Department of Pulmunology medicine, Dr Anjanthrika, Professor of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care and Dr Nithish Nayak, Professor of Department of Cardiology had yesterday held detailed deliberations on the treatment protocols provided to Jayalalithaa by the specialist team at the Apollo hospital, the hospital said in a release today.

"The expert team from AIIMS examined the Chief Minister and concurred with the present line of treatment being provided to Jayalalithaa," the release from Subbiah Viswanathan, Chief Operating Officer of Apollo hospital said.

"The expert team will be available till tomorrow even as the British specialist Dr Richard John Beale examined the AIADMK chief again today," he said.

Based on the deliberations and clinical examination, the group of doctors from Apollo hospital have drawn up a detailed medical management plan, keeping in view Jayalalithaa's "known history of diabetes and winter bronchitis in inclement weather," the release said.

It said the present treatment regimen includes continued respiratory support, nebulisation, drugs to decongest the lungs, antibiotics, nutritions, general nursing care and supporting therapy.

"The consensus of opinions of all the experts is that the line of treatment given to the Chief Minister should be continued as she will require a longer stay at the hospital," the release said.

Jayalalithaa's health condition "continues to improve and is making gradual progress," it said.

The comprehensive treatment plan, including appropriate antibiotics, respiratory support and other allied clinical measures were being continued, the release said.

"The Chief Minister under observation of a panel of doctors, consisting of intensivists, cardiologists, respiratory physicians, infectious disease specialists and diabetologists," it said, adding that detailed lab and radiology investigations were continuously being carried out by the doctors.

(Reopens MDS6)



Later, Vijay had handed over 'prasadam' meant for Jayalalithaa with senior AIADMK leader and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, M Thambidurai.

He gave a "special Prasadam from Kedarnath and holy water from Lake Manasarovar," a release from his office said.

It said he was told by the doctors attending on the Chief Minister that "she has recovered and in a day or two would be shifted to her private room in hospital."



"Vijay said that Uttarakhand people are specially thankful to her (Jayalalithaa) for her support to Thiruvalluvar Ganga Payanam (journey) and hence the special prayers were conducted for her health in Uttarakhand's various temples," it said.

Earlier, Jayalalithaa had voiced support to Vijay's efforts to install a statue of Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar on the banks of Ganga at Haridwar, which was reportedly opposed by some local sadhus.

She had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue after it emerged that the statue was reportedly lying wrapped in a park there.
After its trial run since 2014 in the Delhi market, Private is all set to double the sales of its craft beer Witlinger in the country with a big marketing strategy planned for the current and next financial years (FY).

"We introduced the Witlinger beer in Delhi in 2014 in the draught form. It was launched in the bottled form since April 2016 and for this FY, we expect to sell 1.5 lakh cases across the region of our presence," Anuj Kushwah, managing director and founder of Private, told reporters in Panaji on Thursday.

He said the company is looking at a sale of 3 lakh cases during FY18 and expecting to double growth with expansion of markets.

Claiming that the Witlinger is a premium segment beer that is not for masses but for classes, Kushwah said the company, after Delhi and Goa, plans to reach out to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune and Chandigarh markets in a strategic manner by the end of 2016.

"We are looking to capture 30 per cent of the premium beer segment," he said, adding that the company owns the brand Witlinger, which is brewed in the UK.

"Indian premium beer industry is set to grow at 30 per cent year on year and craft beer will share the biggest chunk of this growth," he further informed.

The company, which has presence in Goa, expects to sell 30,000 cases by March 2017, capturing 80 per cent of the state's premium beer market segment.
Expressing disappointment over the "persistent underperformance" of world economy, IMF chief Christine Lagarde today called for greater trade integration and warned against retreat from globalisation and multilateralism.

"A retreat from globalisation and multilateralism is a serious risk at a time when international cooperation and coordination are as critical as ever," the Managing Director said in her global policy agenda as the annual fall meeting of the IMF and the World bank kicked off here.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is leading the Indian delegation to the IMF and World Bank meetings.

Despite signs of recovery and resilience in some economies, global growth continues to disappoint, with the expected pick-up driven primarily by emerging markets, Lagarde said in her policy paper.

"This persistent underperformance has exposed complex underlying trends in many countries - including the difficulty for some groups to adjust to rapid changes in the global economy," she noted.

Lagarde said that policymakers should therefore act and use a balanced mix of all policy levers to revive demand and raise productivity, and ensure the gains from technology and globalisation - which have led to unprecedented global welfare gains in recent decades - are shared more broadly.

Lagarde said in many advanced economies, demand is low with the post-crisis recovery being uneven across countries, and output gaps are still negative.

Productivity growth has not recovered, and while the reasons are not fully understood, it is likely owing to several factors that hinder investment, including debt overhangs, and low and uncertain prospects of future demand.

"Emerging economy growth improved overall, driven by robust activity in emerging Asia and large stressed economies showing some signs of improvement. Yet vulnerabilities, especially in the corporate sector of some large countries, have persisted," she said.

The IMF chief argued that global economy has benefited tremendously from globalisation and technological change, particularly with regard to expanding consumers' access to goods and services and helping to lift millions out of poverty in EMDCs (Emerging Markets and Developing Countries).

With hindsight, not enough has been done to address the concerns of those who have been adversely affected, creating social tensions and political backlash, she said, adding that this has added to a political climate that favours inward-looking policies, makes reforms more difficult to enact, and puts at risk the well-established overall gains in productivity from globalisation and technological change.

Lagarde said she felt that multilateral agreements with broad participation are difficult in an increasingly multi- polar world, but the gains from them are large.

(Reopens FGN18)



Comprehensive and coordinated policy actions exploit synergies so that the whole is greater than the sum of parts - the effects of individual policy actions are amplified through positive cross-border spillovers, Lagarde said.

The G20 stimulus package put together after the financial crisis and the growth strategies agreed at the G20 Brisbane Summit in 2014 provide recent good examples, she noted.

"Policymakers should continue efforts toward greater trade integration. Better coordinated actions to reduce external imbalances and manage spillovers, including by clearly communicating policy stances, also remain essential," Lagarde said.

She said policymakers should consistently implement and complete the global financial regulatory reform agenda to enhance financial sector resilience. They should also implement a level-playing field regarding international taxation.

"Finally, it is crucial that progress is made toward building a stronger international monetary system, including an adequately-resourced Fund," she said.
Former Punjab AAP convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur today accused the SAD government of being "arrogant" and asked the like-minded forces to join hands and overthrow the "power drunk" Parkash Singh Badal dispensation in next year's elections in the state.

"The state has been pushed back during the rule of the Badals (Shiromani Akali Dal), who are power drunk and arrogant. The objective is to provide the best alternative to the people of Punjab," said Chhotepur, who recently floated the Aapna Punjab Party.

Calling for the formation of the Punjab Progressive Alliance, he said, "We are in touch with former BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu, who formed the Awaaz-e-Punjab, and suspended AAP Patiala MP Dharamvira Gandhi, who recently floated a Punjab-centric front."



He, however, said his outfit has not approached Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav for any tie-up.

The Aapna Punjab Party today appointed 22 district presidents and formed a manifesto committee. It has also appointed nine spokespersons and five in-charge, including those of the women and legal wings.

"Formalities to register Aapna Punjab Party with the Election Commission are being completed," he said.

Slamming Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's comment on India's surgical strikes Chhotepur said," Seeking proof of the strikes means distrusting your country's Army. Our 'jawans' don't sacrifice their lives for the nation so that tomorrow someone gets up and asks for proof."



Chhotepur, who was sacked as AAP Punjab convener in August after a sting operation showed him allegedly accepting bribe, claimed the party did not give him an "appointment letter" when he was given the post.

He resigned recently without appearing before a two member probe panel constituted by Kejriwal.

The former AAP leader accused the Punjab CM of forcefully evacuating people from border villages.

"I have visited many border villages in Punjab, even those which fall near the Zero Line, there is great resentment among the people. When schools are open and life is normal, then why are people being uprooted without any real reason or war-like situation," he asked.

Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan and six districts on the international border.

The Centre has asked residents of 1,000 villages, falling within 10 km of the border, to evacuate after the Indian Army's surgical strikes in PoK.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Maharashtra police have approached the Centre to ascertain from the Saudi authorities if Abdullah Qalzar Khan, the Jeddah suicide bomber, was in fact Lashkar operative Faiyaz Kagzi from Beed district, and will send a Letter Rogatory to the Saudi government through it.

"We have started the process of sending a Letter Rogatory (letter of request) to the Saudi government through the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs)," a top Maharashtra police official told PTI.

On July 4, Islam's holiest pilgrimage site and Prophet Muhammad's mosque Al-Haram Al-Nabawi at Medina, the US consulate at Jeddah and Shia-majority Qatif were targeted by suicide bombers. Four Saudi security personnel were killed in the bombings.

During the initial investigations, the security forces got to know that one of the suicide bombers, who blew himself up in Jeddah, was Abdullah Qalzar Khan, a Pakistani national staying in Saudi Arabia for the last 12 years.

After the investigation, a Saudi Interior Ministry report said the bomber was Faiyaz Kagzi from Beed in Maharashtra. Altogether, 19 persons were arrested by the Saudi forces in connection with the bombings, including 12 Pakistanis and seven Saudis.

The photograph of Abdullah issued by the Saudi authorities resembled Kagzi, the official said, adding that Maharashtra police and the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) had alerted official channels to get a confirmation of the same.

Maharashtra police had written to the Ministry of Home Affairs to confirm from the Saudi authorities whether the bomber was Kagzi.

After getting the nod from the ministry, they started the procedure of sending a Letter Rogatory under section 166(A), CrPC.

Accordingly, India will ask the Saudi authorities to probe if the person who blew himself up in Jeddah was Kagzi. The Indian authorities will collect the DNA samples of the suicide bomber and match them with those of his parents in Beed, the official said.

Kagzi is known to be a close aide of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks handler Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal and is allegedly involved in various terror attacks in India.

He is a former SIMI man who fled India after the Aurangabad arms haul case. He reportedly went to Pakistan via Bangladesh in 2006 and joined terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He was on the job of recruiting Indian youths for carrying out terror activities for LeT, the official said.

Kagzi is also suspected to be involved in Pune's German Bakery blasts which were carried out by the Indian Mujahideen (IM), he added.

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A 38-year-old Pakistani-origin Muslim man in the UK has been sentenced to life imprisonment for brutally stabbing his care assistant wife to death because she "looked after men" and refused to quit.

Imran Khan, stabbed his wife Nasreen, 38, to death with a kitchen knife eight times during a furious row on April 18 at their home in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport.

He admitted to murder at Manchester Crown Court yesterday where he was sentenced to life imprisonment and with a minimum requirement to serve 20 years, the Daily Express reported.

Amid investigation, police also found a text message sent to Nasreen reading, "If you go to men's houses and lie to me I get angry. If you play games I get angry." he said.

In the time leading up to the murder, the court was told that he had warned his wife.

The judge rejected the notion that the murder was a result of a culture clash as he said both Khan's parents and sister were supportive of his wife's choice of job.

"Nasreen worked hard to support her family and was good at that job but by contrast you are a selfish and controlling man, did little to support your family and your wife, instead you sought to determine how she should live her life, expressing your disapproval of her choice of work," the judge said.

"You did not want Nasreen to have contact with other men, even though they were her clients, and her duties involved no more than administering medication and warming their food," he added.

The judge also spoke about Khan's jealousy of his wife's independence and the resentment he felt towards her.

Nasreen had taken up a job in December 2015 where she looked after vulnerable men and women telling relatives she wanted to "gain experience and independence, and help support her family".

On the day she was killed, Nasreen confided in her boss about her husband's behaviour saying, "I can't take it anymore, I don't know what to do."



Khan claimed in court that he killed his wife at a time when he was "shocked and devastated" after his wife told him "she never loved him and the marriage was over."



Khan's sentencing was told that he met her in Pakistan in 1998, where her family remains, and that they married in Stockport the year after.

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AAP MLA Alka Lamba today accused North Delhi MCD officials of threatening to file an FIR against PWD officers after they started work on two mohalla clinics in her Chandni Chowk constituency.

Lamba said PWD officials had identified two spots to start mohalla clinics, the state government's flagship project, near Tibetan Colony and Majnu ka Tila in North Delhi.

"After identifying the location, we got it cleaned. We had also done bhoomi pooja yesterday and when PWD officials started work, MCD personnel threatened to register an FIR against them.

"I tried to contact the MCD higher-ups, but could not get through them," Lamba said.

She alleged that the MCD has allowed illegal shops to thrive in the area's footpaths and failed to clear them.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mobile chipset maker MediaTek plans to triple its India workforce to 1,500 people over the next three years, a move aimed at cashing in on the talent pool in one of the world's fastest growing smartphone markets.

The company has already invested USD 450 million in the Indian market to strengthen its R&D capabilities and on driving innovation through investment in tech companies.

"MediaTek employs 500 people in India now, and is expected to triple the number to 1,500 in three years," it said in a statement.

MediaTek had set up its India office in Noida in 2004. In the same year, it invested USD 350 million to expand its business and establish an R&D facility in Bengaluru.

To date, the Taiwanese firm has provided USD 100 million in funding to companies working in areas like semiconductors, Internet of Things (IoT), fintech, e-commerce and network applications, including companies like Paytm and MoMagic.

MediaTek has also announced a smartphone design-training programme today aimed at fostering and developing talent for Indian handset industry.

The programme, created in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Indian Cellular Association (ICA) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Taiwan.

Aimed at propelling the 'Make in India' initiative, MediaTek will share its smartphone design expertise and leverage its well-established global ecosystem to support the programme, the statement said.

The two-and-a-half-month programme is scheduled to start later this year and will provide hands-on training to managers and senior engineers from India on efficient planning and execution of handset design projects.

About 50 professionals with at least five years of experience in research and development in electronics will be selected from key handset makers across the country to be a part of the training programme.

MediaTek will train engineers in R&D competence and design project management.

The company will also coordinate with key component companies to be part of the training module with hands-on instruction.

MediaTek appreciates the effort the Indian Government is making towards building a global manufacturing base for the electronics sector in the country, MediaTek Chairman and CEO Ming-Kai Tsai said.

"We have observed that hardware design in the handset industry, especially integration of key components, is lacking in India so the idea of this program is to pick professionals working in the hardware domain and further train them in handset specific design to narrow the current gap in the local industry," Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary of MeitY was quoted as saying.

This programme is also expected to substantially accelerate the government's 'Make in India' and 'Digital India' initiatives, she added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A minor fire broke out at the office of Health Minister K K Shylaja in the state Secretariat, the administrative hub which houses a number of government departments, here today, creating scare, police said.

The air condition in the room was destroyed completely while some furnitures and window panes suffered minor damage, they said.

The minister was in her office when the fire broke out and it was doused at the earliest, police added.

Fire service personnel suspected short circuit as the cause of fire.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Moscow's year-long bombing campaign in Syria has showcased the "reliability" of Russian weaponry, as the Kremlin has helped stabilise the war-ravaged country, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said today.

"In that period we have managed to stabilise the situation in the country (and) liberate a significant part of the territory from armed international terrorist groups," Shoigu told a conference.

"Many types of modern weapons produced in our country were tested in difficult desert conditions and generally have shown their reliability and effectiveness."



The comments come as international anger grows over Moscow's air support for a ferocious regime assault on eastern Aleppo that has prompted accusations of potential war crimes.

The United States on Monday suspended talks with Russia on a ceasefire in Syria in protest at Moscow stepping up its bombing campaign.

Russia launched its military operation in Syria last September to back up long-time ally Bashar al-Assad to Western ire, helping to shore up the regime's embattled forces.

Russia's military has denied repeated accusations that it has struck civilian targets in the country during its year- long bombing campaign.

Moscow has used Syria as a testing-ground for a range of new weaponry including long-range missiles fired from ships, submarines and warplanes.

Those include the X-101 rocket that has a range of 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles) and was fired from bombers that took off from bases in Russia, Shoigu said.

Built on the foundations of its Soviet-era predecessor, Russia's arms industry is a key source of income for the country and brought in some USD 14.5 billion (13 billion euros) in 2015.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India's favorite awesome twosome from Furfurinagar, Motu Patlu were in the city today to promote their theatrical outing "Motu Patlu King of Kings," to be released on October 14.

During their visit to the Delhi Public School here, Motu and Patlu entertained the kids and played games with them.

The magnum opus is Viacom18 Motion Pictures' first ever homegrown 3D stereoscopic animated movie based on the very popular Lotpot characters 'Motu Patlu' currently featuring on Nickelodeon, a company release said.

Releasing on October 14, the film will give children a chance to have an explosive holiday experience with their family and the beloved characters, it claimed.

On their big screen debut, the awesome Motu Patlu said, "We are super excited to be in Coimbatore to meet the children and talk to them about our debut in a magnum opus 3D stereoscopic film.

Children have loved us on television and made us an intrinsic part of their daily lives.

We are sure that they will be as excited and enthralled with the adventures and visual extravaganza of our big screen debut."



The movie will see best friends Motu Patlu along with other friends like Chingam, Dr Jhatka, Ghasita Ram entrapped in a plot with a runaway circus lion, a lion king trying to protect his kingdom and a greedy poacher who wants to ruin the jungle life, the release said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Emphasising on the need to give push to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Centre today said the sector is capable of providing new dimension and push to country's development.

"Since the MSME sector is capable of provide new dimension and push to country's development, partnership efforts are welcome so that budding entrepreneurs are made aware to start their small industry by being independent," Union Minister of State for MSME Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary said in his keynote address at the 4th Regional MSME Conclave organised by CII here.

He also lauded a number of schemes of the government which focus on generating employment.

The minister also highlighted schemes of the government aimed at providing access to finance through finance facilitation centres along with MSME databank and incubation centres.

The Centre is keen to strengthen industrial clusters all over the country as well as research and development initiatives for industrial growth.

Chaudhary said that technology centres of MSMEs were being established in each state. A scheme to the tune of Rs 2,200 crore is being prepared to open 37 such centres.

He said that as a result of the new policies of the government, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) had increased by 42 per cent, and work was underway to increase the GDP of MSME sector to 20 per cent.

To honour industrialists who have excelled in terms of innovation and new technology, the government is organising MSME awards function in Ludhiana on October 18, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give away awards to MSME industrialists, he added.

Addressing the function, Haryana's Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu, said that the State has moved up in 'ease of doing business' index from 15th to third rank, after the implementation of new Enterprises Promotion Policy-2015 by the Khattar government.

"As a result of the easing of norms under this policy, a company has proposed to establish a Research and Development unit over an area of 500 acres in the State..," he said.

He said that the new Enterprises Promotion Policy-2015, Deputy Commissioners concerned have been authorised to clear Change of Land Use cases of projects with investment up to Rs 10 crore and up to one acre in conforming zones. Apart from this, plug-and-play facilities are being provided to facilitate MSMEs, he added.

Surendra Nath Tripathi, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner-MSME, Union Government, highlighted various central government schemes available for MSMEs.

The Union Government has simplified cluster development schemes wherein proposals sent by the state governments will get clear nod or rejection in a time bound manner, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A group of Muslim-Americans have put up a blunt billboard in the US denouncing ISIS, saying that people should stop conflating the terrorist group with Islam.

A new billboard on Manchester Road in Missouri reads, "HEY ISIS, YOU SUCK!!! From: #ActualMuslims."



"We as a community are trying to get the word out, you know, that we are as much affected by this ISIS issue," said Tariq Malik, a Chesterfield resident who helped organise the effort behind billboard. "We need to let people know that we are much against ISIS as anyone else, if not more," the local media stltoday.Com reported.

Billboards like this one are popping up across the country. The campaign started in Chicago with a nonprofit called Sound Vision Foundation and has spread to cities like Miami and Phoenix.

Malik said Muslims are trying to stop people from conflating the terrorist group with Islam. The billboard quotes the Quran, Islam's holy book, where it says, "Life is sacred." Malik said he and his peers also want to halt a perception that Muslims aren't speaking up enough against ISIS.

"These acts are being done in the name of religion, which really has nothing to do with the religion," Malik said, speaking of terrorism. "It just has to do with radical people taking on their own agenda and hijacking the name of Islam."



This St. Louis billboard was the work of community members like Malik and the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today asked state-run construction major NBCC to expand and diversify its business profile by forging partnerships with state governments and others agencies.

Naidu was addressing the management of National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), which presented a dividend cheque of Rs 108 crore for 2015-16 to the Minister.

Complimenting the company, which is under the Urban Development Ministry, for sustained increase in turnover and profits over the last few years, Naidu asked the management to expand and diversify its business profile by forging partnerships with state governments and other agencies, a release said.

The Minister also directed the management to immediately initiate action on seven redevelopment projects in Delhi entailing an investment of about Rs 35,000 crore which was recently approved by the Union Cabinet.

NBCC CMD A K Mittal said the company has acquired new project orders for Rs 17,516 crore during 2015-16.

The company has declared a total dividend of Rs 120 crore for 2015-16 of which government's share was Rs 108 crore.

NBCC has recorded the highest revenue of Rs 5,838 crore during 2015-16, recording an increase of 32 per cent over the previous fiscal.

Profit After Tax during last fiscal was Rs 311 crore, an increase of 12 per cent over 2014-15.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 'Ramlila' programme featuring actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has been cancelled following opposition by a religious group here, police said today.

The actor had yesterday said that he would play the character of 'Maricha' in the programme.

Maricha is a rakshasa (demon), who is killed by Rama. His most notable exploit is his role in the kidnapping of Sita, Rama's wife.

The Ramlila program featuring Nawazuddin at Budhana town has been cancelled over opposition by some Hindu activists, SP (rural) Rakesh Jolly said.

The organisers had to cancel the programme after the activists approached them and expressed their displeasure over Nawazuddin's participation, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Child care is the single largest monthly expense for many working parents in Montana. With the labor market tightening in the Billings area, quality child care is a growing concern for parents and employers.

The average cost of licensed daycare for a 4-year-old whose parents work full time is $7,900 a year, according to a report released last month by the Montana Budget and Policy Center. For infants, the annual cost is about $9,000.

For a single mother working full time for minimum wage, the cost of care for one child would be 47 percent of her total income. Quality child care is simply unaffordable for low-paid workers, and for many middle income workers, especially if they have two or more children.

Montana, like other states, uses federal funds to provide daycare scholarships to children of low-wage workers. However, according to the Montana Budget and Policy Centers estimate, Montanas Best Beginnings Scholarship Program served only 14 percent of eligible children in 2014.

There are lots of barriers, said Heather OLoughlin of the Helena-based policy center. For example:

Applications and documentation requirements are burdensome.

Employers are required to fill out forms.

Scholarships pay less than what child care providers usually charge, and the providers may require parents to pay the difference  in addition to the monthly copay they must make to qualify to receive the scholarship.

If families have income even slightly over 150 percent of poverty ($30,240 a year for a family of three), they dont qualify for any child care scholarship.

Those who cant afford licensed child care, may not be able to work. If they dont have a relative or friend to be a safe, reliable caregiver, parents may use lower quality babysitting arrangements.

Parents need to work to support their families. About 20 percent of Montana families with children under age 5 live in poverty. The report estimates that 7,500 Montana families cannot afford child care on their own yet cannot qualify for assistance through Best Beginnings.

For a two-parent family with median earnings ($74,340), the average cost of full-time care for two children is over $1,300 a month, the policy center reported. For such a family in Montana, monthly child care expenses exceed monthly costs for housing, food, transportation or college tuition.

Unfunded mandate

Nationwide, the number of children receiving government-funded child care scholarships and federal spending on child care sunk to a 12-year low in 2014, according to CLASP, a Washington, D.C., anti-poverty organization. In 2014, the latest year for which CLASP had information, Montana spent just under $25 million on child care, about $1 million less than in 2013. About $4 million of that total was state money, the rest was federal.

The 2015 Legislature didnt fund the 2 percent increase in state child care spending requested in Gov. Steve Bullocks budget, OLoughlin noted. But lawmakers agreed to appropriate $2.4 million in one-time money for the biennium for Stars to Quality, a voluntary rating program that offers financial incentives for child care providers to improve their service.

While spending on care is trending down, costs to implement new requirements of the federal child care program are estimated to run into hundreds of millions nationwide. Congress created those requirements in 2014, but isnt fully funding them, according to CLASP.

Simplify enrollment

At the state level, the governor and the Department of Public Health and Human Services need to make the process of obtaining child care scholarship easier for working parents and employers.

If federal rule or law changes are needed, Montanas congressional delegation must work with state leaders. The implementation costs attributed to the new federal child care law are counter-productive. There must be ways to channel more money to care, rather than imposing unfunded implementation mandates on states.

Nearly 60 percent of Montana families have two parents in the workforce, according to the Montana Budget and Policy Center. U.S. employers lose an estimated $4 billion annually because of employees missing work to care for their children. Having access to reliable, high-quality child care, reduces the need for parents to take time off work. Safe, developmentally appropriate child care activities help prepare kids for success in school and life.

Child care doesnt make front page news often, but should be on the agenda for state and federal policymakers.
Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has pulled out of a Ramleela programme at his native place in Budhana here due to opposition by right-wing activists, police said today.

The Ramlila program featuring Nawazuddin has been cancelled following opposition by some Hindu activists, SP (rural) Rakesh Jolly said.

The organisers had to cancel the programme after the activists approached them and expressed their displeasure over Nawazuddin's participation, he added.

The actor, known for his critically-acclaimed performances in many Hindi blockbusters, however, has not lost hope and promised his fans that he will return next year.

"My childhood dream could not come true, but will definitely be a part of Ramleela next year. Check the rehearsals," he tweeted with a link of the rehearsal video.

Nawazuddin did not comment on the people who were against his appearance on the stage, saying he had to cancel his appearance to "maintain peace" in the village.

"There were some technical issues. I got the order that I should not do it as it was important to maintain peace in the village," he told a channel.

The actor said he wanted to play Maarich, a rakshasa (demon), because the demon wanted to be killed by the arrows of Ram.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NCP MLA and party's Gujarat unit president Jayant "Bosky" Patel was arrested after he surrendered before police today, a day after he was booked along with his seven supporters for allegedly assaulting a government official and two teachers.

Patel, who represents Umreth seat, was produced before a court which granted him bail.

Meanwhile, police arrested seven other accused earlier in the day. They were also released on bail.

Patel and his supporters were booked yesterday after they allegedly created ruckus at a science fair organised by the state Education Department at Ratanpura village in Umreth taluka.

They allegedly attacked three persons, including two teachers, claiming that Patel's name was not printed in the invitation letter for the programme.

An FIR was lodged against them by one Rakesh Khira, a government official working at the district Education and Training Centre here, under relevant sections of IPC for assaulting public servants, rioting, unlawful assembly, trespassing and damaging public property.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Emphasising the need to resolve the Tamil fishermen issue, Sri Lankan Prime Minister on Thursday said unless a solution is found, there will be a "lot of problems" for the country's fishermen who are being deprived of their catch.

Wickremesinghe, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, said he has taken up the matter with his Indian counterpart and plans to arrange a meeting of ministers concerned in this regard.

Fishermen from Tamil Nadu being detained and their boats getting captured by Sri Lankan authorities has been a sensitive political issue in the state.

"Fishermen from both sides are Tamils. The dispute is in the waters where the Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen fish. Generally, we don't keep them (Indian fishermen) in custody and few were released before I came here. We have not kept anyone but we have to find a solution and that has to come. (Otherwise) there will be a lot of problems in Sri Lanka," Wickremesinghe said in New Delhi.

He was responding to a query on whether the whole issue of Tamil fishermen has been resolved or not.

"We told him that we are arranging for the ministers to come and finalise it and make some progress. Water trawling is a big issue and that is damaging fishes," he said when asked whether the Tamil fishermen issue was discussed with Modi.

Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the India Economic Summit, he said, "problem of fishermen is that he can't find money and his catch is taken by someone else. They are coming under pressure."



When asked whether there has been good progress in addressing the issue, Wickremesinghe said there are talks in November. "I hope there is some progress. Lot of pressure is coming on our Ministers," he added.

Earlier this week, 12 Tamil fishermen were detained by Sri Lankan Naval personnel for allegedly entering island waters and later released after a warning.
Noting that pickling units fall under prohibited list of industries as per Master Plan 2021, the National Green Tribunal has directed the Delhi government to shut down such industries units located in the national capital with immediate effect.

Pickling is a metal surface treatment used to remove impurities like stains, inorganic contaminants, rust or scales from ferrous and precious metals, copper and aluminum alloys.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said that reckless dumping of hazardous waste by these units cannot go on "endlessly" as it would have adverse impacts on environment and ecology.

Noting that the orders of the High Court and the Tribunal as well as the Master Plan 2021 have listed pickling industries in the list of negative category industries, the green panel said hence such units are not permitted to operate in Delhi and this shall be "enforced by the concerned Authorities including Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Government of NCT of Delhi."



"This itself would result in reducing effluent load on the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) as all these industries are located in the same industrial area where CETP is located and consequently reduction in generation of sludge," the bench, also comprising Justice R S Rathore, said.

The direction came after DPCC told the bench that as per the master plan, pickling activity has been reflected in the negative category list of industries and, therefore, not permitted to operate in NCT of Delhi with effect from September 23 this year.

The Tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Ashok Vihar Mitra Mandal against group of industries which generate hazardous waste and store it at CETP in its premises.

The industries are responsible for dumping of waste which was causing high presence of chromium, lead, arsenic copper and nickel, cobalt and iron in soil and water, the plea said.

The green panel also directed Managing Director of Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (DSIIDC) to hold a meeting with representatives of Delhi Development Authority (DDA), DPCC, CETP and Haryana government.

"In the meeting Officer-in-Charge of Haryana Government, hazardous treatment plant at Pali, State of Haryana shall also be present and other private entrepreneurs in the field of treating hazardous waste like Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd and Bharat Oil Waste Management Ltd will also be invited.

"All these stakeholders will be required to take hazardous waste and treat the same at their respective places. The transportation of the sludge (hazardous waste) shall be the responsibility of the CETP and DSIIDC," the bench said.

During the hearing, the counsel appearing for the DSIIDC alleged that Delhi government does not have any mechanism or plant to treat the hazardous waste and they have also met DDA and Haryana for transportation of the sludge to the government plant at Pali for treatment but nothing materialised.

The matter is listed for next hearing on October 28.
A local official says gunmen have killed around 20 Niger soldiers guarding a camp of Malian refugees.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the press, said today the assailants targeted a military post near the camp in the Tasara region. He could not say how many gunmen were involved or where they came from. He said that besides the fatalities, three soldiers were injured and had been transported to the town of Tahoua for treatment.

Northern and central Mali remain unstable nearly four years after France led a military intervention to drive out Islamic extremists.

Last month, two refugees were killed when unidentified gunmen attacked a security post near Niger's Tabarey-barey camp, which also houses Malian refugees.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Japanese auto major Motor Co will launch eight new products in India over the next five years, enhancing its presence across the country.

The company, which is aiming at five per cent market share in India by 2020 will launch the new products under its and Datsun brands.

"India is a very important market for globally. The Indian market has all the attention of the top management. We will be launching eight new products by 2021," Nissan Motor Co Senior Vice President, Management Committee, Chairman of Africa, Middle East and India Region Christian Madrus told PTI.

These new products will be equally distributed across Nissan and Datsun brands, he added.

"This will help us position as one of the top brands in the country. We have already stated that we are looking for 5 per cent market share in India by 2020," Madrus said.

Nissan currently has around two per cent share in the Indian car market.

While he declined to share more details of the planned new products, he said: "In recent years we have launched more Datsun products so the first one to be launched from the new ones will be a Nissan product."

Nissan India Operations President Guillaume Sicard said the company will launch the hybrid version of its top end SUV Xtrail within this financial year.

On future products, Sicard said the company will focus on segments where there is latent demand.

"In India there is appetite for large hatchback and also for sedans with big loading capacity," he said, adding crossover SUV is also on the cards.

"Considering Nissan's DNA, SUV is a given but it won't be the only one," Sicard added.

Apart from the Indian market, Madrus said Nissan is also making India an export hub for Africa and the Middle East.

"The products we have developed in India are also suitable for these regions. We want India to be the base for export to these markets," he said.

Besides, the three cylinder low emission engine that Nissan has developed for India will be exported to Brazil and Latin America, Sicard added.
No records are available with the Prime Minister's Office to certify the birth date of former PM Chandrashekhar, the top office has told the Central Information Commission.

The case came before the Central Information Commission (CIC) after Farukhabad-based RTI applicant Shivnarayan Shrivastava demanded documents from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to support the date of birth of Chandrashekhar, given as July 1, 1927 on its website.

Shrivastava said while the PMO website claimed that the date of birth of the former Prime Minister was July 1, 1927, the Uttar Pradesh government had declared a public holiday on April 17, 2015 as Chandrshekhar's birth anniversary.

"The appellant (Shrivastava) stated that the birth anniversary of the former Prime Minister Shri Chandrashekhar should be celebrated on his correct date of birth," Chief Information Commissioner R K Mathur noted in the order.

The PMO told the Commission that the personal profile of the Prime Minister was prepared and uploaded on the website by his personal staff as per his directions.

"There is no requirement for the Prime Minister to submit his date of birth document in the Prime Minister's Office," it told the Commission.

The Commission did not direct any further action as the particular information was not available with the public authority.

The PMO website describes the former PM as "Chandrashekhhar was born on July 1, 1927, in a farmer's family in village Ibrahimpatti in district Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. He was president of the Janata Party from 1977 to 1988. Shri Chandrashekhar was attracted to politics from his student days and was known as a firebrand idealist with revolutionary fervour.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Army's Northern Command, Lt General D S Hooda, today reviewed measures to thwart any "misadventure" from across the Line of control (LoC) besides maintaining "pressure" on terror groups operating in Kashmir.

"The Northern Army Commander Lt Gen D S Hooda, accompanied by Srinagar-based Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Satish Dua, visited the frontier area of Uri and reviewed security with the local commanders. He took stock of all measures taken by the Army to beat back any misadventure from across," a defence spokesman said.

The visit of the northern Army commander to Uri sector comes on a day when troops foiled three infiltration bids along the Line of Control, killing a militant in Naugam sector.

Three more militants were gunned down in the hinterland in Kupwara district.

"During his interaction with officers and men on ground, Lt Gen Hooda conveyed his compliments for their high levels of operational preparedness, vigil and morale and exhorted them to remain alert for any eventuality," the spokesman said.

He said the Army commander also complimented the troops operating in the hinterland for their professionalism in foiling the terror attack in Baramulla on October 3 and in today's operation in Langate, Kupwara in which three Pakistani terrorists were killed.

The spokesman said both the senior officers later visited Awantipura based Victor Force Headquarters in south Kashmir where Lt Gen Hooda was briefed by the Kilo and Victor Force Commanders on the security situation in the Valley.

"The Army Commander urged sustaining the pressure on terrorist groups operating in the valley and also to continue with the humanitarian initiatives to help the civil administration in alleviating the problems of the people," the spokesman said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A senior district administration official here has received an extortion call from an unidentified person demanding Rs 15 lakh, following which police have started investigations.

"I received an extortion call on October 1 in which Rs 15 lakh was demanded from me. The caller threatened to kill me, if I did not pay the money," Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vimal Kumar Dubey said.

He said he has informed the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police and the probe is underway regarding the matter.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chinese lighting solutions company Opple is aiming to capture 20 per cent market share in the premium LED segment in India over the next 5 years and also planning to set up a manufacturing base and R&D centre here to make the country an export hub.

"We are not only investing in India as a sales force. But next step which would be next year is a manufacturing base and an R&D centre as using the technology of China or Europe would not work for India," Opple India Head Rambo Zhang told PTI.

He further said: "We want to have a true value chain here. We want to have 20 per cent market share in the premium (LED) of India and to match that ambition, it needs investment... We are importing from China as of now. India has a huge market size and requires an advance in costs."



However, Zhang did not share the investment details.

"We would share the details in an appropriate time by the end of this year," Zhang said.

Besides, the company is also looking for partners to have strategic alliances to develop a true value chain in India, he added.

Opple also has plans to make India a export hub catering to the other geographies.

"You have the potential to serve not only the domestic market but to the global market (market) also in the next 3 to 5 years based on our R&D," he said.

On the network expansion, he said: "Opple plans to roll out 30 large format exclusive brand stores across top 30 Indian cities within next 3 years," he added.

At present, the company has around 10 brand stores.

Opple caters to both B2B as well as B2C segments and at present, 60 per cent of its sales come from direct retail and rest 40 per cent from institutional sales.

Opple is also planning to participate in the smart city projects in India along with its partner Huawei.

"Smart lighting for smart city is our core competence. We have a strong strategic alliance with telecommunication company Huawei and they are very strong in that," he said.

Opple had forayed into the Indian market in 2014.

Headquartered in Shanghai, Opple Lighting was established in 1996 and has operations in over 50 countries.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Last week, an appeals court in Washington, D.C., heard a case that will determine whether the Environmental Protection Agency has the power to require states to restructure the electric grid.

At issue is the EPAs Clean Power Plan, which would expand the power of the federal government immensely, cost thousands of jobs, and give the EPA a veto over decisions that have always been left to state legislatures and utility commissions.

A majority of states, including Montana, are challenging EPAs regulation. The Supreme Court has stayed the implementation of it.

In the past, the EPA regulated emissions by identifying a control technology and requiring that device, or its equivalent, to be installed on a factory or power plant. The EPA Power Plan is a radical departure from this tradition.

The Clean Power Plan requires emissions rates at Montanas coal plants to be cut by 47 percent. No commercially available technology can achieve that level of emissions at a coal plant, and certainly not by the EPAs mandated timeline for compliance. So how does the EPA assume it is possible? The agency bases its requirement on the idea that if only other, brand new natural-gas or renewable power plants existed, then those coal plants would operate less of the time. The state would be expected to restructure its energy economy accordingly, and jeopardize the grids reliability while doing so.

EPAs extension of federal control over local economies will have profound consequences for Montana as it faces the most severe requirement of any state in the nation. It will likely result in the loss of thousands of jobs associated with Colstrip, worth $360 million in personal income. The loss of tax revenue will leave county and state budgets in the lurch. It is an affront to the Crow Tribe and trades unions, many of whom depend on coal mining for revenue that sustains their livelihoods.

Montana will already face a significant economic impact when Colstrip Units 1 and 2 close, which their owners have agreed to do by 2022 in response to environmentalist litigation. But even the closure of those generators only accounts for half of what the EPA is requiring.

Whats more, the EPA has spelled out no clear limits to its newfound authority to adopt this kind of regulation. If electricity can be regulated in this way, what about transportation? Will the EPA one day discover it has the authority to specify an emissions limit on refiners based on what they would emit if only there were more hybrid vehicles or electric buses?

Additionally, in calculating Montanas requirement, the EPA gives our state no credit for our hydroelectric facilities, including the facilities NorthWestern Energy bought only two years ago. If the rule stands, Montana consumers will get no credit for that clean energy, despite paying hundreds of millions of dollars for it.

Its popular these days to say we should have a Montana-created energy policy. We completely agree. The EPA should not be allowed to commandeer it.
The Environment Ministry has received over 700 comments from various stakeholders, including farmers and researchers, on the Assessment of Food and Environmental Safety (AFES) report on environmental release of Genetically Engineered Mustard.

With anti-GM activists opposing the approval for GM Mustard and upping their ante against the "unscientific" appraisal process, the Ministry said that after evaluating all the comments, a sub-committee will submit its final report to the biotech regulator Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).

"A total of 759 comments were received from various stakeholders on the Assessment of Food and Environmental Safety (AFES) report on environmental release of Genetically Engineered Mustard, during the consultation period (till 5.30 PM on October 5)



"All the comments received by the GEAC Secretariat have been sent to the Sub-Committee for further examination. After evaluating all the comments, the Sub-Committee has been requested to submit their report to GEAC," an official statement today said.

29 people from different parts of the country, including Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha came personally to review the dossier which was made available at the Ministry.

These included researchers and farmers who studied the detailed dossier and gave comments, the statement added.

The report submitted by the Sub-Committee was evaluated by GEAC in its 130th meeting held in August and approved for posting it on the Ministry's website for a period of 30 days for wider consultation. The deadline for that came to an end yesterday.

The GEAC had constituted a sub-committee to review the technical details and dossier related to environmental release of Genetically Engineered (GE) Mustard (Brassica juncea) hybrid DMH-11 and use of parental events (varuna bn 3.6 and EH2 mod bs 2.99) for development of new generation hybrids submitted by the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP), University of Delhi South Campus (UDSC).

This comes after several organisations wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday urging him to stop the approval for the hybrid product.

The Environment Ministry had yesterday clarified that it will not extend the deadline for receiving public comments.

Kisan Ekta wrote a letter to Modi, noting that GM crops are not the solution and demanded denial of approval to GM Mustard, while Coalition for GM Free India alleged the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) ran a "sham" of a public consultation process which shows that it has something to hide on this "unwanted unneeded and unsafe" GM crop.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A judicial commission constituted by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court today examined a boat used by 10 LeT terrorists to reach India for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack and recorded the statement of an investigator.

"A Pakistani commission, comprising prosecution and defense lawyers, today inspected Al-Fauz boat (used by Mumbai attack terrorists) in port city of Karachi in the presence of a trial court judge," an official said.

He said the commission also recorded the statement of an official of the Federal Investigation Agency who had collected evidence about Al-Fauz.

"The commission recorded the FIA official statement and received evidence," the official said.

"There will be no further inspection of the boat as the commission will submit its report to the trial court on next hearing on October 19," he said.

The commission was constituted during a hearing into the Mumbai terror attack case by anti-terrorism court (ATC) Islamabad, which held the hearing at the Adiala Jail Rawalpindi last month, and heard that the boat was used by the terrorists in the attacks in which 166 people were killed.

The ATC judge accepted the request by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to send a judicial commission to examine the boat as it was difficult to produce the vessel before the court.

Earlier, the Islamabad High Court had set aside the verdict of a trial court of not allowing to send a commission to Karachi, terming it "flawed and not in accordance with law" and allowed examination of the boat in the port city.

In May, the prosecution had challenged the trial court's decision to reject its plea to form a commission to examine the boat so that the vessel could be made a "case property".

According to the FIA, the attackers used three boats - including Al Fauz - to reach Mumbai from Karachi.

Al-Fauz is in the custody of Pakistani authorities in Karachi, from where 10 militants, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades, had left for India to carry out the Mumbai attack.

A Federal Investigation Agency's report says along with the engine and the boat, a bank and a money exchange company were also traced which were used for the transaction of money.

10 LeT militants had left Karachi on the boat on November 23, 2008. En route to their destination, they hijacked another boat, killing four of its crew.

They forced the vessel's captain to take them close to the Indian shores. The captain was killed when the vessel reached Mumbai's coast.

Mastermind and LeT operations commander Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum are accused of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack.

Lakhvi is living at an undisclosed location after being released from jail on bail a year ago. The other six suspects are in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. The case has been going on in the country since the last six years.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A senior Pakistani opposition leader today strongly criticised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for giving freedom to "non-state actors" that has led to the country's diplomatic isolation following the Uri terror attack.

"Pakistan's isolation is Nawaz Sharif's personal failure," Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Aitzaz Ahsan said during a joint session of parliament.

"Pakistan is isolated because it gives freedom to non-state actors," he said, adding that the government has been "completely unsuccessful in imposing restrictions on non-state actors according to the National Action Plan.

Ahsan said he does not want instability in any country, as the "blame of that will then fall on us because of these non-state actors".

The PPP senator also slammed the cabinet's denial of Pakistani involvement in the Uri attack. He said using the phrase "we believe Pakistan has no hand in the Uri attack" is not a categorical denial and implies instead that "we don't know if our non-state actors are behind it".

"When you cannot completely implement NAP (National Action Plan) and then something like this happens, the blame will fall on Pakistan and we will be isolated. Then Bangladesh and Afghanistan will not speak to you, and Bhutan and Nepal will begin supporting India.

"You have isolated Pakistan," he said, blaming Sharif for Pakistan's diplomatic isolation since the Prime Minister is also the foreign minister.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Senate Committee, set up to formulate policy guidelines for the government on relations with India particularly on the Kashmir issue, has sought backchannel talks between the two countries amid tensions following the Uri attack and the retaliatory surgical strikes.

"Keeping in view the need, efficacy and usefulness of backchannel talks between India and Pakistan, the talks should be restored. The bilateral and Kashmir-related confidence- building measures need to be restored and expanded," the Dawn cited the Committee as saying in one of 22 recommendations it approved yesterday.

The senators underlined the need for working "towards bringing about a climate in which both Pakistan and India can implement politically difficult decisions to build mutual trust and confidence, leading towards an honourable and amicable settlement" of the Kashmir issue besides peace, stability and the welfare of the people.

The Committee called for setting up an international fact-finding commission to probe the Uri terror attack and "rights violations" in Kashmir.

Besides calling for restoration of backchannel talks, the committee recommended that the two nuclear-armed neighbours "should prompt a serious caution and restraint when faced with over-provocation", the report said.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani had referred the issue to the committee, comprising all members of the house, following escalation of tension between the two countries after the September 18 attack on the Indian Army base in Kashmir's Uri, it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered by the US, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's envoys have warned and termed America as a "declining" world power.

"(The) US is no longer a world power. It is a declining power. Forget about it," Special Kashmir Envoy of Sharif, Mushahid Hussain Syed was quoted as saying yesterday after the conclusion of an interaction at the Atlantic Council, one of the top American think-tanks.

Syed and Shazra Mansab, another Kashmir Envoy, are in the US as part of the Pakistan's effort to apprise the global community of the current situation in Kashmir and allegations of human rights violations in the Valley.

Syed has gone to the extent to warn US that Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered.

He was apparently responding to a question from a member in the audience after the conclusion of the 90-minute interaction during which he expressed his frustration over the lack of response to his point of view on Kashmir and India.

The remarks of Syed were not recorded on camera, but was heard prominently by those inside the room.

Thereafter, he was quick to mention China and newly perceived relationship with Russia.

Syed submitted a dossier of alleged human rights violation in Kashmir to Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Olson.

With no takers for Pakistan's Kashmir policy, Syed said China is now an important factor in South Asia and described Beijing as part of what he termed as Greater South Asia.

"There has been slow and steady building of relationship between Moscow and Islamabad," he said, referring to the joint military exercise between Pakistan and Russia.

Syed said the Russian government has for the first time agreed to sell arms to Pakistan and the US should take note of this changing regional alignment.

"Unfortunately under the Obama administration, there was a drift in American foreign policy towards our region, towards Afghanistan. There was confusion and there was a lot of flip-flops. I think, the Obama administration could not figure out this region Afghanistan and Pakistan and as a consequence this region suffered," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today ruled out releasing the video footage of the army's surgical strikes across the LoC and questioned the "loyalty" of those who "doubt" the forces.

Describing the cross-LoC operation as "100 per cent perfect surgical strike", he said the borders of the country are secure under the Narendra Modi government.

Parrikar's remarks at a function organised by the BJP in Agra to celebrate the strikes came a day after Prime Minister Modi had reportedly cautioned against hysteria over the army action at a meeting of the cabinet yesterday.

Parrikar warned that one has to remain vigilant against "certain elements who do not owe their loyalty to the country completely".

"No one had doubted bravery of our forces ever, but for the first time recently some people are doubting," he said, maintaining that he would not like to take names.

Referring to a report by a TV channel in which a Pakistani police officer has purportedly admitted that surgical strikes did happen, Parrikar said, "There is now no more reason to release video or to give any proof."



Asserting that the operation was 100 per cent successful, he said there was no casualty on the Indian side in the attack and doubted whether even big countries had such a success in their surgical strikes.

At the briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs, its spokesperson Vikas Swarup also brushed aside demands for release of the video footage, which the army was said to have submitted to the government.

"What the government puts out or not is determined solely by national security and will continue to be so. I have nothing more to say," he said.

Swarup added that it is usual to see Pakistan's reaction of denial of terrorism sponsored from its soil against its neighbours.

"Elimination of Osama bin Laden and Mullah Mansoor was met with similar denials. But we all know the truth," he said.

He said the counter-terrorism operation on September 29 (surgical strike) was to neutralise an imminent threat of terrorists ready to be launched from across the LoC.

The Indian Army was given a task which it carried out with surgical precision. The desired result has been obtained. The intended message has been conveyed, he said.

Meanwhile, Parrikar said that many ex-servicemen have shown willingness to fight on the border if required.

"Some ex-servicemen wrote to me and said that they are ready to fight on the border if need arises. I salute them," said the minister, adding, "our nation carries the heart and courage to carry this task out."



He also said the forces and citizens will have to be vigilant against "frustrated" terrorists who will try and attack because of the "shame" they have been put to as a result of the surgical strikes.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NCP Chief Sharad Pawar today supported the Narendra Modi government over surgical strikes by Army in PoK, saying it was necessary to teach a lesson to terrorists and those exporting terror and similar action were taken during the UPA regime but the then government did not boast about them.

The former Defence Minister also slammed those seeking evidence of the Army action, saying they were "foolish and most irresponsible".

"The government and Indian Army's decision (to carry out the cross-LoC surgical strikes) was absolutely right for teaching a lesson to the terrorists and those exporting terror," Pawar said during a meet-the-press programme here.

He, however, said it would not be in the national interest to discuss about the Army operation.

"No other government or country normally discusses such things on public platforms...No country is insane to talk publicly about the military operations," he said.

"It is foolish and most irresponsible on the part of those demanding evidence of surgical strikes by the Army...It will be unnecessarily discussing the operational details of Army in public domain," the NCP chief said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Sanjay Nirupam have sought proof in support of the claim that the Indian Army had conducted the strikes across the LoC in PoK targeting seven terror launch pads.

Earlier, while speaking at a party convention here, he said, "There were four surgical strikes (across the LoC) when we (UPA) were in power. However, we did not publicise it."



Congratulating the Modi government over the surgical strikes, Pawar objected to the Army operation being made public. "Some things should not be made public," he said.

"Our government carried out surgical strikes in Myanmar, but our operation was limited and we never tried to capitalise on it," he said.

About PM telling his cabinet colleagues not to create hysteria over the strikes, Pawar said the BJP leaders should avoid making statements (over the Army operation). "There is no need to make such statements," Pawar said.

(Reopens BOM26)



When asked about his likelihood of becoming the next President, Pawar said a party with just a handful of MPs in Parliament cannot even think about it. "Our feet are firmly on the ground," Pawar said.

On the ongoing protests by the Maratha community over their several demands, including that of reservation, Pawar said no political leader from the community was behind it.

"The agitation is a spontaneous expression of the community against their present state of affairs," he said.

Replying to a query, he said his party was not in favour of repealing of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, but supported amendments to it.
Expressing concern that UP government had not given compensation yet to the kin of all victims of the 1987 Hashimpura massacre for their rehabilitation, the Delhi High Court today asked the authorities to disburse the ex-gratia amounts "expeditiously".

"Our anxiety is that the matter commenced in 1987 and all the victims of the offence have not yet received compensation amount entitled under the Victim Compensation Scheme of the State Legal Services Authority," a bench of justices Gita Mittal and P S Teji said.

"It cannot be denied that the matter of disbursement of compensation requires to be undertaken with expedition," the bench added.

"In view thereof, it is directed that state of UP shall place the list/full details of the victims/family of the victims to whom compensation has been disbursed in respect of the incident in question before the Secretary of the Meerut Legal Services Authority," the court said.

The court said it would be the responsibility of the Secretary, Meerut Legal Services Authority, to undertake the exercise of identifying the persons entitled for relief and ensure that ex-gratia under the Victim Compensation Scheme is actually released to the family of victims entitled to such relief.

It said the exercise of identifying the victims and their families should be completed within six weeks from today and the amount of compensation be positively disbursed within a period of 15 days thereafter.

During the hearing, the court also asked the UP government to place before it the report dated June 22, 1989, of CB-CID inquiry into the incident of 1987.

"The respondent shall file an affidavit before November 24 explaining the entire matter in terms of dates and steps taken with regard to the maintenance, preservation as well as weeding out of the records," the court said.

The direction came during the hearing of a plea by Zulfiqar Nasir, a survivor of the massacre that had claimed 42 lives, against a trial court's order. Nasir had also sought direction to authorities to disbursement of the compensation to the victims.

On March 21, 2015, a trial court gave the benefit of doubt and acquitted 16 former Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel accused of killing 42 people in Meerut, saying lack of evidence has failed to establish their identification.

Besides Nasir, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, state of UP, National Human Rights Commission have challenged the trial court verdict acquitting the accused policemen of charges of murder and other offences in the case.

(Reopens LGD30)



In its plea, NHRC had sought further probe into the massacre in the Hashimpura locality of Meerut.

Swamy has also challenged the trial court's March 8, 2013 decision dismissing his plea to ascertain the alleged role of P Chidambaram, who was Minister of State for Home between 1986 and 1989.

The trial court had then dismissed Swamy's plea, saying he had no locus standi and it was only the police which can move an application for further probe.

On March 21, 2015, a trial court had given the benefit of doubt and acquitted 16 former Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel accused of killing 42 people in Meerut, saying lack of evidence has failed to establish their identification.

Nineteen people were named as accused and charged for offences of murder, attempt to murder, tampering with evidence and conspiracy were framed against 17 of them by the court here in 2006, after the case was transferred to Delhi on a Supreme Court direction in September 2002 following a petition by the families of the massacre victims and survivors.

The 16 accused acquitted in the case are the ones still alive. Three other accused died during the trial.
In a stinging criticism of the handling of dengue and menace in Delhi, the Supreme Court on Thursday said the authorities were "not interested" and the people have been "left to suffer".

It also expressed disappointment over the outcome of Wednesday's meeting between Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and Delhi government on curbing vector-borne diseases like dengue and and asked them to hold another meeting this evening to firm up steps to check the diseases.

"We have gone through the minutes of meeting held yesterday and we are quiet disappointed with the outcome," a bench of Justices MB Lokur and Amitava Rao said.

"These people are not interested and the people of Delhi are left to suffer," the Bench observed and asked the L-G and Delhi government to hold a meeting at 5.30 pm on Thursday to discuss the matter.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, appearing for Delhi Chief Secretary, told the Bench that Jung would convene a meeting in which those officers, who were directed to attend the meeting by the court in its October 4 order, would be present.

The Bench also asked senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who is an amicus curiae in the matter, to participate in the meeting and express his views on how to tackle the menace of these vector-borne diseases.

The Bench directed that the participants should discuss the steps to be taken to prevent the problem faced by the people of Delhi this year and also the future measures.

"We expect the participants to keep the interest of people of Delhi in mind while doing the entire exercise," the Bench said, adding "we expect that the action taken is collaborative and cooperative".

It fixed the matter for further hearing on October 17.

The apex court had on October 4 directed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Satyendra Jain to hold a meeting with L-G Najeeb Jung, which was held on Wednesday, to chalk out a strategy for curbing vector-borne diseases like dengue and in the capital, while warning Delhi government against indulging in blame game.

The Bench had refused to go into allegations and counter-allegations over power tussle between the L-G and the Arvind Kejriwal-led government and said "no substitute" should attend the meeting with L-G, except whose names have been proposed.

The court had asked Union Health Secretary PK Mishra, Chief Secretary KK Sharma, commissioners of South Delhi Municipal Corporation, East Delhi Municipal Corporation, North Delhi Municipal Corporation and New Delhi Municipal Council, CEO of Delhi Cantonment Board to attend the meeting with the L-G.

Apart from the officials of civic bodies, the court had asked amicus curiae Colin Gonsalves, Chairman of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, General Manager of Northern Railway and Vice Chairman of Delhi Development Authority to attend the meeting to discuss the steps to be taken to check the menace.

The apex court had on October 3 imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Jain for failing to file an affidavit disclosing names of officials whom he had alleged of not cooperating in checking the menace of dengue and chikungunya in Delhi.

It had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of the death of a seven-year-old boy due to dengue in 2015 after being allegedly denied treatment by five private hospitals and the subsequent suicide by his parents.

The five hospitals -- Max hospital in Saket, Moolchand Khairatiram Hospital in Lajpat Nagar, Aakash Hospital in Malviya Nagar, Saket City Hospital and Irene Hospital, Kalkaji, were issued show cause notices to explain why their registration should not be cancelled for allegedly refusing to admit the boy.
Cola majors Pepsico and CocaCola today refuted allegations of presence of heavy metals in their PET bottles and said that they have not received any such reports from the government.

Health Ministry's Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) had reportedly found heavy metals as antimony, lead, chromium and cadmium and Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in PET bottles used by the softdrink firms.

"We have received no intimation nor a copy of the cited test reports and without an understanding of the methodology used, would be unable to comment on the reports," a PepsiCo India spokesperson said.

CocaCola India too said: "We have not received any communication or notice from any of the concerned government departments pertaining to testing of our products and have learnt about the subject only through the said newspaper report".

He further said: "We will be able to comment in details once we receive the said report".

Assuring the safety of their PET bottles, PepsiCo said: "We would like to emphatically reiterate that our products comply with the permissible limits for heavy metals as laid down by the food safety and standards regulations in India".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delhi High Court today refrained from passing an order on an appeal filed by some foreign publishing houses against a single judge verdict allowing photocopying of textbooks published by them.

In a decision which brought cheers to a large number of students, the single judge had on September 16 rejected their plea against the sale of photocopies of their textbooks, saying the copyright in literary works does not confer "absolute ownership" to the authors.

It had also lifted a ban on a photocopy shop located in Delhi University campus from selling photocopies of chapters from textbooks of international publishers to students.

Challenging the verdict, the publishers including Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press (UK), Cambridge University Press India Pvt Ltd, Taylor and Francis Group (UK) and Taylor and Francis Books India Pvt Ltd, had approached the division bench seeking a stay on the operation of the directions given by the single judge.

They had said the stay was needed as it was a crucial issue as the verdict had led not only one photocopy shop, but hundreds of them, to sell photocopies. The publishers had alleged that Rameshwari Photocopy Service in DU was infringing their copyright over the text books.

A bench of justices Pradeep Nandrajog and Pratibha Rani said, considering the seriousness of the issue, "we have kept the matter for final disposal on November 29."



"We kept it on a very short date. We shall hear you and pass the order. So as of now, no interim order," it said.

The publishers have contended that "through this appeal, we seek assurance that copyright law in India will balance the interests of those creating learning materials here in India as well as globally, with those requiring access to them in a fair and sustainable manner."



The single judge order had come on a plea by publishers, who had moved the high court in 2012 alleging that Rameshwari Photocopy Service on Delhi University campus was infringing their copyright over the text books.

The single-judge landmark verdict, which set a precedent



over the applicability of copyright law in educational cases in India, had held that "copyright in a literary work is not an inevitable, divine or natural right" conferred on an author.

It had held that the copyright law was intended to increase and not impede knowledge.

The 94-page ruling had observed that photocopying and creation of course packs to be used in the course of education by students was covered under provisions of the Copyright Act.

The publishing houses had claimed before the single judge that the sale of compilations of parts of books in the form of course packs to students was illegal and in violation of the provisions of the 1957 Copyright Act.

The single judge had earlier passed an interim order restraining the shop from selling copies of compiled course books to students in October 2012.

Although the case was specifically against Rameshwari Photocopy Service, other photocopy shops in the vicinity also stopped the sale of such course packs due to fear of being dragged to court.

Holding students' interest paramount, the single judge ruling concentrated on the aspect of affordability of low-cost textbooks through photocopying.

It had also recognised the importance of technological advancement, while holding that through photocopying, students could obtain voluminous course material at a low cost and were not required to copy each page, which cannot be held as an offence.
KALISPELL  A judge has continued his order to freeze the bank accounts of a Bigfork businessman suspected of securities fraud.

Deputy Securities Commissioner Lynne Egan testified during a show-cause hearing on Tuesday that John "Kevin" Moore collected $2.7 million from 36 investors and made payments to earlier investors with funds from later investors. Records suggest he spent about $1.4 million himself, including withdrawing nearly $800,000 in cash and spending more than $400,000 on mortgage and escrow payments for two homes in Bigfork.

Janet Walters of Lakeside testified that she invested $83,500 with Moore, who gave her three gold coins and a small amount of cash for interest payments, but that she never recovered her initial investments.

Testimony also indicated that $78,000 that Moore purportedly raised for a wounded warrior program was withdrawn from a bank account soon after it was deposited, with no accounting of what happened to it.

Attorney Shawn Hinchey argued that continuing to freeze the accounts could jeopardize a possible sale of oil and gas leases that could help Moore repay the people who invested in Big Sky Mineral Resources, the Missoulian reported.

Court and county records indicate BSMR bought the oil and gas leases in Lewis and Clark County for $450,000 in August 2014, when oil prices were double the current rate.

District Judge Robert Allison continued the freeze on Moore's accounts and encouraged the state auditor's office to work with Moore and Hinchey to "make sure investors are paid off, and some future investor isn't ripped off" with the sale.

No criminal charges have been filed in the current case.

Moore's criminal record includes a May 2003 guilty plea to federal mail fraud charges for portraying himself as a licensed outfitter in mailing materials to potential clients. He was sentenced to the six months he had already served in custody and put on probation for three years. However he violated the terms of his probation, including passing $500,000 through two bank accounts and taking out a $29,000 loan without notifying his probation officer. U.S. District Judge Charles Lovell sentenced him to 12 months in prison.

"The court finds that the defendant is dangerous to the money and property of others and that protection of the public requires," that his probation be revoked, Lovell wrote.

Court records said Moore had previous convictions for defrauding a person of $75,000 in a "gold coin scheme," defrauding someone else in the sale of a painting and for writing bad checks.
A hardcore militant of People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI), who was carrying a reward of Rs two lakh on his head, was arrested in this district of Jharkhand, police said today.

Acting on a tip off, a joint team of the district police and CRPF yesterday arrested, Amar Gudia, a sub-zonal commander of PLFI, in Anugda village under Torpa police station, they said.

A 9mm pistol, eight cartridges, seven mobile phones and Rs 10,500 in cash were seized from him, Superintendent of Police, Anish Gupta said,



Gudia faced 18 cases in Torpa police station, seven in Rania police station and four in Murhu police station of Khunti district, Gupta said, adding several others cases were also pending against him in other districts of the state.

He was also allegedly involved in a conspiracy to blow up a police team by planting 18 IEDs at Todang village under Torpa police outpost in February last year.

The Home Department of Jharkhand government had announced Rs two lakh reward on Gudia's head, the SP added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A special court today awarded three years of rigorous imprisonment on the director of a private firm and imposed a fine of Rs 4.5 lakh after finding him guilty in a 25-year-old bank overdraft facility scam.

Special CBI Judge B K Paloda found the director of the firm Ravindra Pandit (55) guilty of taking undue advantage by availing overdraft facility of Bank of India's Rambagh area branch here by furnishing forged documents under section 420 (cheating) and other relevant sections of IPC.

"Seven years ago, the court had convicted Bank Manager A K Khare for conniving with Pandit between 1988 and 1990 to commission the racket," CBI public prosecutor Rahul Mishra said.

Thereafter, the court had declared Pandit a proclaimed absconder as he did not appear before it during the hearings.

The director was arrested in Mumbai two years ago and produced before the court, which after examining 12 witnesses, handed down three years RI to him.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
National racing champion Vikash Anand, arrested on charges of causing death to a 29-year-old auto-rickshaw driver and injuring 10 people last month while driving his luxury Porsche car, was granted interim bail by the Madras High Court today to appear for law examinations.

"Considering the submissions made by the counsel for Anand and the prosecution, it reveals that the petitioner is a law college student and his examinations are scheduled to be held from October 7, and also considering his future, I am inclined to grant him interim bail from October 7 to October 20," the judge said.

The judge then directed him to execute a personal bail bond for Rs 10,000 with two sureties to the satisfaction of Metropolitan Magistrate, Saidapet here.

The judge further directed him to surrender before the magistrate on October 21 and posted the matter for further hearing to the same date.

Another autodriver and nine others were injured when the car allegedly driven by Vikash Anand in an inebriated condition, rammed the autorickshaws in the wee hours of September 19.

Vikash and his his friend were arrested later under various sections of IPC including Sections 304 (ii) (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).

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Hindi horror film "Ragini MMS2" will be dubbed into Tamil and Telugu as "Rathri", with actress Ramya Nambeesan crooning a number for the regional audience.

Producer of the 2014 Sunny Leone-starrer, Balaji Motion Pictures, will release the dubbed version of the horror movie in Tamil and Telugu, according to a release here.

The dubbed version will see Tamil star Nambeesan singing a number, the equivalent of the hit "Baby Doll" from the Hindi version.

Nambeesan had earlier sung a hit Tamil number in the film "Paandiyanadu".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi over his "dalali" barb at Narendra Modi, BJP today called his remarks "a new low in Indian politics" and said he was speaking in "frustration" as the Prime Minister was drawing "praise" after he gave nod to the army to carry out the surgical strikes.

"It is most shameful. Such remarks reflect his mental bankruptcy. The army and the Prime Minister are getting praise from everywhere for the surgical strikes. Modi is being praised for his decision and he is unable to digest it. Rahul Gandhi is in frustration," BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

Another party National Secretary Sidharth Nath Singh said, "His statement is a new low in Indian politics. It is not only condemnable but highly irresponsible coming from the vice president of Congress party which fought for independence... Surgical strikes happened across the LoC but Rahul Gandhi has done surgical strike on his party."



Taking a jibe at Gandhi, Sharma said "dalali" is in his and Congress' nature as he referred to a number of alleged scams, like 2G, CWG, coal, involving the UPA government, which, he added, ran into 12 lakh crore.

Gandhi too is on bail in the National Herald scam of Rs 5000 crore, he alleged.

Referring to controversial comments of some Congress leaders including Sanjay Nirupam, Sharma said the Opposition party is confused as they had been attacking Modi after Pathankot and Uri terror attacks and do not know how to react after he ordered the surgical strikes.

Congress and other political parties may be nervous because of courage and will power shown by Modi government in backing armed forces decision to go for surgical strike across LOC. The aim of a responsible govt is to back armed forces which defend the nation and not use them for political gains, Singh said.

Terming Gandhi's 'Kisan Yatra' in Uttar Pradesh as a "flop drama", Sharma said the governments run by Gandhi family members did nothing for either farmers or youths and have the "blot" of suicides committed by lakhs of farmers.

Modi is solving the problems inherited from Congress governments and has come out with schemes like crop insurance and soil health card to help farmers.

"The Modi government has offered salve to the wounds inflicted by Congress governments," he said.

Addressing a public meeting, Gandhi had earlier said "jinhone Hindustan ke liye surgical strike kiye hain, unke khoon ke peeche aap chhupe hain. Unki aap dalali kar rahe ho. {You (Modi) are hiding behind the blood of soldiers who carried out the surgical strikes for India. You are exploiting their sacrifices.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rahul Gandhi today targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the IDS scheme alleging that he had failed to act against blackmoney despite his talk of "56-inch chest" to fight corruption, and instead brought out a a scheme for turning into white the ill-gotten wealth of "thieves".

The Congress Vice President, who was speaking during his road show on the last day of his month-long Kisan Yatra from Deoria in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh to Delhi, pressed upon the Modi government to announce a debt waiver for farmers.

Gandhi also took a swipe at ruling Samjwadi Party, saying he will give UP a government of farmers, labourers and people of every religion and caste and not that of a selected few.

Lashing out at Modi government, he said only the Prime Minister and his friends were "happy" as money has come into the pockets of 15 top businessmen and not the farmers, labour and small shopkeepers.

"Modiji had said he has a 56-inch chest and will fight out corruption, but he instead brought out a 'Fair and Lovely scheme' for turning the blackmoney of the country's thieves into white.

"The money has not come into the pockets of farmers, labour and small shopkeepers, but went into those of 15 top businessmen. Only Modiji and his friends are happy," he said.

Modi government had announced Income Declaration Scheme (IDS) -- a one-time opportunity to those with hidden income to come clean by making the disclosure and paying 45 per cent tax and penalty. After the end of the four-month window on September 30, the government had pegged the disclosed amount at Rs 65,250 crore.

Training his guns on the family-led Samajwadi Party government in the state, Gandhi said, "Uttar Pradesh will not have a government of just 15 persons. The government here will be of farmers, labour, small shopkeepers, and of people from every religion and caste."



The Congress vice President said he will force the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre for a loan waiver for the distressed farmers.

"We want higher MSP for farmers, we want to waive the farm loans so join me and come to Delhi along with me. We all will pressurise Modiji to waive farm loans.

"In the last two and half years Narendra Modi waived Rs 1.10 lakh crore loan to 15 big corporates. Then why can't he waive the farmers' loan," he said.

Gandhi's yatra passed through various constituencies in this district and entered Modinagar where he was accorded a rousing welcome by party workers before he headed for Delhi.

He is accompanied by party's chief ministerial face Sheila Dikshit, UPPCC president Raj Babbar and actor-turned politician Nagma.

The Kisan Yatra will end today at Parliament Street in the national capital.

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One of the most-awaited films of the year, Karan Johar's directorial venture "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", has created buzz thanks to its heart-stirring music and well-packaged trailer, but also faced backlash due to a cameo of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, following which the makers have put a strong promotional plan in place.

With a few days left for the film to open in cinema houses on October 28, the makers plan to promote the film in the last 15 days.

"We are grateful to our fans for their love and support for the trailer, songs and music. We definitely have plans to promote the film. We will be doing events and going on reality shows," sources said.

Post the Uri attack, MNS had raised objection to Pakistani actors working in Hindi film industry. Also, it had threatened it would not allow the release of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil". Johar, however, came out in support of his actor friend Fawad Khan.

Now, the promotions will be fronted by the film's lead stars Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor.

"We are waiting for Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor to kick start the promotions as they are busy with their prior commitments. They will be there to promote the film from mid October," sources said.

Anushka is currently shooting for Imtiaz Ali's next with superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

"Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will also be part of the promotions. All four Karan, Ranbir, Anushka and Aishwarya will promote the film. Fawad Khan is having a special appearance so he won't be promoting the film," it added.

Both the "Bombay Velvet" stars have already started the promotions through video messages and social networking sites.

Surprisingly, the "Sarbjit" actress hasn't done anything yet from her end to spread the word about this romantic-drama film.

Sources in the trade circle reveal that once the matter (the political situation) cools down, the makers will kick start the marketing campaign for the film.

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A senior Reserve Bank official today lambasted prepaid payment instrument (PPI) providers for laxity in meeting KYC norms, saying it is leading to opacity in the movement of funds.

PPIs are creating wallets "automatically" without proper consent from customers, said Nanda Dave, chief general manager overseeing the payments and settlement systems at the central bank.

Dave was speaking at a Payment Council of India event here.

A majority of players in the segment use the 'minimum details' or the 'no-KYC' (know your customer) wallet while onboarding a customer, she said.

"The customer is being identified by his or her mobile number, period. And such wallets have been used for routing money which has been fraudulently taken from bank accounts," the RBI official said.

She wondered whether a "conduit" is being provided by not having necessary details of the end use of funds. "When we have no details of customers with us, it is very difficult to even trace where that money has gone," she said.

It can be noted that following repeated terror attacks across the world, regulators have increased KYC requirements to trace both the source and end use of funds.

Banks are routinely fined for overlooking such critical aspects.

Dave, however, admitted that PPIs are "subject to very light regulations" with low entry barriers which have seen "mushrooming" of many entities.

Flagging protection from frauds and monitoring as an issue, Dave said the RBI's "suasion" has not worked.

"We may...Be forced then to come out with rules and guidelines," she said.

She also came down heavily on PPIs for targeting the same affluent class, which does not help the agenda of getting more people into the formal financial system.

"Are we all following the same customers or are we bringing unique, new customers onto our platforms or services? It appears that more and more players are targeting customers who are already aware of banks or have some choices," she said.

Terming "financial inclusion" as a "magical" word, Dave said it facilitates players to cater to many segments.

She also made the RBI's displeasure public on PPIs being used only for jobs like remittances and recharges and not for merchant purchases as much.

The central bank also has concerns over outsourcing of back-end work to a select few parties and also mis-selling by PPIs, she said.

The RBI has stopped issuing licences to new PPIs after



its disappointment with the existing ones for lack of differentiation, she said.

"In the past few years, we have 50-odd non-banks and equal number of banks issuing wallets. You can't differentiate one from the other. Some will advertise more, some will give discounts, but very few have brought in innovative ways to reach to customers," she said, adding a review on it is underway.

Dave, however, affirmed that the RBI is committed to ensuring that the industry grows.
BJP MP and actress Hema Malini has sought support of fellow Parliamentarians for developing girls schools in her constituency here with her Bollywood contemporary Rekha even extending prompt assistance.

Chief Development Officer Manish Kumar Verma said that the Mathura MP has always stressed on improvement of facilities for education and employment of girls whenever she visits the district for development related works.

He said that Rajya Sabha MP Rekha has given a total of Rs 35 lakh for the development of the Raman Girls Degree College, the oldest institute in Mathura after Hema Malini sought her help.

Besides, Rekha has also given a sum of Rs 12 lakh for the construction of classrooms in Kasturba Gandhi Girl's Residential School in Naujheel area of the district, Verma said.

The officer said that Malini has also sought participation of some other MPs in helping to improve the condition of schools in Mathura.

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Rohith Vemula's brother on Thursday alleged that the report of the commission, constituted by Human Resource Development Ministry after the Hyderabad University scholar's death, was aimed at saving BJP Union Ministers, Vice-Chancellor of Hyderabad Central University and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members.

"The entire commission report has aimed at saving BJP Union Ministers, Podile Apparao (HCU Vice-Chancellor) and BJP MLC Ramachandra Rao along with ABVP members.

"Despite District Magistrate, Guntur's report, Commission for Scheduled Castes Report which clearly stated my brother as Scheduled Caste, the present government is making all efforts to divert the reports of authenticated bodies," Raja Vemula said in a Facebook post.

The Justice Roopanwal Commission, in its report to the HRD Ministry, has given a clean chit to Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Bandaru Dattatreya, sources said.

The University authorities too have been absolved of any blame for Vemula's death as the Commission has held that they were not working under political pressure.

"The agenda of the BJP and RSS are clearly manifested in the report of the commission, which does not take in to account the butchering and enslaving of Dalits, raping and murdering of Dalit woman, pronouncement of social boycotts in villages and educational institutions, instead attack on the affirmative policies extended through reservations, and demand for a ban on reservations," he alleged.

Raja claimed his mother Radhika Vemula was the one who endured a lot of sacrifices and discrimination.

"She lost her son on account of the socio-political victimisation he had undergone along with four other dalit research scholars from Ambedkar Students Association," he said.

Raising questions on Vemula's Dalit status, the Commission has said the material on record did not establish it and attributed his suicide to personal reasons, according to sources.
LARAMIE  Two Laramie juveniles have been cited for online "clown" threats that prompted extra security to be put in place at the high school and junior high.

Laramie police Lt. Gwen Smith said officers determined the social media posts came from two local youths and apparently were a hoax. The juveniles were cited for breach of peace, a misdemeanor that carries up to a $750 fine. Their names were not released.

School officials say the Laramie Junior High School principal was notified about a clown-related threat at about 7:15 a.m. Wednesday. School district official Stuart Nelson described it as "a general threat" warning people at the junior high to watch out for clowns.

The schools were placed under lockout until about noon.

Police nationwide have been dealing with hoaxes involving threats or reports of violence by people dressed as clowns.
The rising Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) into India for several projects including high-speed railway could widen trade deficit between the two countries, says a report.

"With increase in Japanese ODA for several projects including for the Shinkasen bullet train project and expected further FDI from Japan in the coming years, imports from Japan could see a rise that can widen the trade deficit," said the report -- 'India-Japan CEPA: An Appraisal'.

The report by Research and Information System for Developing Countries, released today, is authored by V S Seshadri.

The Rs 98,000 crore Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project is being financed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is providing a soft loan of about Rs 79,380 crore, amounting to 81 per cent of the project cost.

Sustained increase in India's export to Japan, the report said, will come about only if greater attention is given to increasing competitiveness, strengthening compliance with standards, enhancing export capacity, and moving beyond traditional areas of export.

It pointed out that the utilisation of India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) for trade in goods is steadily increasing in both directions.

"While CEPA concessions are not relevant for about 75 per cent of India's export to Japan, since duties on them are zero even on MFN basis, India has benefited from CEPA concessions towards increasing exports in the seafood pharma, garments, leather, dyes and pigments and a few other sectors and products," the report said.

According to the report, Japan's utilisation has also been rising judging from the number of certificates of origin issued annually by the authorized agency from Japan.

"It would be very important to ensure immediate ratification of the Totalisation Agreement signed by the two countries in 2012," it noted.

Referring to Japanese FDI trend in India, the report pointed out that India presents a mixed picture post CEPA with significant fresh investment inflows but also with two large investments, Daiichi Sankyo's investment in Ranbaxy and NTT Docomo's investment in Tata Teleservices, seeking to exit their investments.

It further said the 'Japan Plus' arrangement to fast track investments from that country and regular engagements between the Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India and DIPP of the government are positive features.

Japan and India are the second and third largest economies in Asia. The economic engagement witnessed significant rise after both countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2011.

The trade between the two countries pre-CEPA in 2010 was USD 10.4 billion and currently it stands at USD 14.5 billion.

Trade deficit with respect to Japan was USD 3.1 billion pre-CEPA, and now it is USD 5.2 billion.

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Former Mathura MP and RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary was rushed to a hospital in Delhi today after he fell on the stage and got unconscious while addressing a meeting at a village here, party sources said.

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) spokesperson in Mathura Pawan Chaturvedi said, Chaudhary fell on the stage as soon as he stood up to address the audience at Mandi Samiti in Kosikalan village.

"He was immediately rushed to a hospital in Delhi," Chaturvedi said, adding the meeting was cancelled.

Chaudhary was addressing the meeting to conclude his 15-km foot march from Kotwan to Kosikalan village on the Haryana border during which he raised the issues concerning farmers.

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Edible oil maker Ruchi Soya Industries has signed an agreement with Arunachal Pradesh government for oil palm plantation on additional 25,000 hectares land to boost domestic production.

Ruchi Soya Industries recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Arunachal Pradesh government to boost palm oil production through development of quality palm plantations and human capacity building, the company said in a statement today.

Under the pact, Ruchi Soya will promote and encourage development of oil palm in 25,000 hectares in four districts - West Siang, East Kamang, Lower Subansri and Papumpare.

With this agreement, Ruchi Soya has obtained permission for oil palm development in 45,000 hectares, covering five districts in Arunachal Pradesh. Last year, it had obtained access to 20,000 hectares in East Siang district.

"We are pleased by the efforts put by Ruchi Soya Industries for oil palm development in East Siang district through timely set up of state-of-the-art nursery, rising of plantations in the fields of farmers," Talem Tapok, Agriculture Secretary in Arunachal Pradesh government, said.

Ruchi Soya founder and MD Dinesh Shahra said Ruchi Soya has always been striving towards the betterment of Indian farmers and has continually strived to help them achieve better yields and realisation by providing the right technology and assistance.

Ruchi Soya is into oil palm processing with 0.52 million tonnes capacity per annum in India, with land access to over 2 lakh hectares of potential oil palm cultivation in the country. The company has access to palm plantations in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Mizoram, Gujarat, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Arunachal Pradesh.

The company has a turnover of USD 4 billion. Its brands include Nutrela, Mahakosh, Sunrich, Ruchi Star and Ruchi Gold.

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A 33-year-old Singaporean ISIS supporter was arrested under the country's tough security act last month and has been placed under a restriction order for two years, the government said today.

Asrul Alias, a technician, was held under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in August, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said.

He has been placed under a two-year Restriction Order, which curtails his movements and activities, after investigations, it said, adding that Asrul will undergo religious counselling during this period.

Meanwhile, two Bangladeshi nationals, who were detained in April this year for being supporters of ISIS, were repatriated last month after investigations were completed.

Sohag Ibrahim, 28, and Islam Shariful, 27, were two of eight Bangladeshis, who were detained for plotting terror attacks back home as part of efforts to overthrow the Bangladeshi government.

The MHA had earlier said that all eight Bangladeshis, who were migrant workers in Singapore, were detained under the ISA and were members of a secret group called Islamic State in Bangladesh (ISB) that was set up in March this year.

Six of the eight Bangladeshis had contributed funds towards the purchase of firearms for the group's plans in Bangladesh, and were convicted of terror financing. They have been sentenced to between two and five years' jail, the ministry said today.

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Noted special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam today said that any demand for proof of army's surgical strikes across the LoC is "illegal and unjustified".

"Such a demand for disclosure of evidence on surgical strikes is not only illegal but also not justified, because if the evidence is disclosed by way of video footage or photographs it would endanger the Indian Army and the security of India.

"This would give an opportunity to the enemy country to adopt counter steps in future by attacking us," Nikam, who was the Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, told PTI.

He was responding to the government's stand that it has the proof but would not disclose it in public.

Nikam said, a similar situation on disclosure of evidence on fight between army and terrorists had occurred during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks trial.

He said the special court wanted to know how National Security Guards (NSG) commandos had fought the terrorists who had come from Pakistan and attacked targets in Mumbai such as hotel Taj, Trident and other places.

The terrorists included Ajmal Kasab, the lone attacker captured alive who was later sentenced to death.

"I was asked by the court to examine NSG commandos as witnesses so as to know how they had countered the terror attack, but I refused to do so," Nikam said.

Eventually, the Maharashtra government and NSG had challenged the order of special court (to examine NSG guards) in Bombay High Court which ruled that such evidence, i.E., strategy adopted by armed guards in fight against terrorists, could not be disclosed in public interest, he said.

The law of the land also prohibits the authorities to disclose the details of surgical strikes launched by India on terrorists camps in Jammu and Kashmir, he further said.

"To ask for the proof of surgical strikes is not only ridiculous but this would help the enemy country as they would benefit by knowing our warfare tactics and might employ counter strategy to defeat India, Nikam said.

"Few persons who have raised a hue and cry by asking for proof of surgical strikes by India are grabbing headlines in Pakistani media. Are they really aware of the implications of what they are demanding?", he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on Monday released a video clip in which he "saluted" PM Narendra Modi for the surgical strikes by Indian Army but also urged the prime minister to clear the air around "Pakistan's false propaganda".

He was later criticised by Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. "It was most painful and unfortunate that the AAP leader was in Pakistani media headlines today as his remarks yesterday gave it a chance to question India Army's claim," the BJP had leader said.

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The "sell-by date" of Pakistan's "anachronistic approach" is long over and the country should "abandon" its "futile quest" for Kashmir, India has said in a strong rebuttal to Islamabad's allegations that New Delhi is escalating the current situation.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin strongly rejected remarks by Pakistan's envoy Maleeha Lodhi, who said during a General Assembly debate on 'Report of theSecretaryGeneral on the Work of the Organisation' that India has created conditions that pose a threat to peace and security in the region by its recent "declarations and actions."



Akbaruddin responded sharply by saying that Pakistan's claims in the UN are finding no resonance and it should abandon its quest for Kashmir, which is an integral part of India.

"Our response to Pakistan is consistent. Abandon your futile quest. The state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so," Akbaruddin said asserting that no amount of "misuse" of international platforms by Pakistan will change that reality.

"The sell-by date ofPakistan's anachronistic approach is long over," he said yesterday.

Akbaruddin said claims by Pakistan, aglobal epicenter of terrorism,on Kashmir find no resonance amongst the international community, with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif raising the Kashmir issue in his General Assembly address also finding no support.

"We have heard one such lone voiceagain a short while ago, making claims to an integral part of my country. This comes from a country which has established itself as the global epicenter of terrorism. Such claims find no resonance amongst the international community," he said.

The Indian envoy emphasised that during the recently concluded high-level UN General Debate, there was "a singular lack of support" for Sharif's "baseless claims".

"Need one say more," he said.

In a reference to the surgical strikes conducted by India, Lodhi said "in the past few weeks India has engaged in unprovoked shelling across wide territory along the Line of Control. This continues to this day and even as I speak."



Lodhi dwelled at length on Kashmir in her remarks to the General Assembly, saying Pakistan is ready to engage with India in dialogue but it is New Delhi which will have to take the first step as India had "escalated" the current situation.

"Pakistan wants peaceful resolution of all outstanding



disputes, especiallyKashmir, the settlement of which is more urgent today than ever. But it is for India to take the first step because it is India which has escalated the current situation," she said.

Lodhi said India "does not even allow" the UN Military Observer Group inIndia and Pakistan to 'fully function' according to its mandate and to report to the Security Council.

She said India's "continuing denial" of the right of self-determination to the people of Jammu and Kashmir has sparked "another indigenous and popular uprising" in Kashmir and also led to tensions in the region.

"The UN is obliged play a role in bringing an end to human rights abuses and facilitate a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, through a free and fair plebiscite under its auspices," Lodhi said.

She also reiterated Pakistan's demand for an independent inquiry into the alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir and welcomed the call by the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights for "unfettered and unconditional access to enable impartial monitoring of the human rights situation there."



She also blamed India for continuing to reject the offer of good offices of the Secretary General to resolve "longstanding disputes in our region".

Akbaruddin said the international community must address the growing terrorism, which is the most dangerous of scourges faced by nations, yet it looks away.

"We look away as some amongst us stall our collective efforts, as they use terrorists as proxies in their territorial quests," he said in a reference to Pakistan.

Akbaruddin also strongly criticised the world body's inaction to come up with concrete policies and measures to deal with the growing scourge of terrorism.

He said the world's public consciousness is being ravaged daily by incessant acts of terrorism targeting innocent people, civilizational heritage as well as the socio- economic infrastructure of societies, especially in vulnerable developing countries.

"Yet, on the issue of terrorism the UN is yet to come up with a coherent policy let alone take the lead on one of the biggest threats to global peace and security," he said.

The Indian envoy noted that as many as 31 entities within the United Nations deal with some aspect of countering terrorism, saying this is a classic example of "too many cooks spoil the broth.

"This is clearly the case as coherence and coordination is missing. It is near impossible to argue the case of relevance of the UN on the issue of terrorism where even adoption of an international norm to 'prosecute or extradite' terrorists evades us despite 20 years of talk," he said, referring to the long-pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
The Jammu and Kashmir State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) has booked a senior town planner (STP) for illegal grant of a building permission in Jammu city.

A case has been registered against the then STP of Jammu Municipal Corporation, Farzana Naqashbandi, for giving building permission in contravention to approval of the competent authority to one Sanjeev Nagpal, an SVO Spokesman said.

A joint surprise check was conducted into the illegal construction on a plot in the posh Gandhi Nagar locality, he said, adding it revealed that the building permission was accorded in contravention of the approved site plan.

The building permission order was issued as "residential building" instead of a renovation and repair order by the then STP, the spokesman said.

The aforesaid "act of omissions and commission" on the part of Naqashbandi, Nagpal and others constitute offences punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation has begun into the case, he said.

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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today called for a "merit-based" representation of student leaders in educational institutions and urged to separate politics from varsities to avoid increasing violence by student organisations.

During his interaction with the NAAC team who is visiting Himachal Pradesh University, Singh said, politics has become "bane" of the universities across the country with elections marked with violence and turbulence.

"I agree that there should be representation of student leaders but it should be on the basis of merit and totally opposed to demand of student organisations for direct elections in institutions of higher education as it vitiates the academic atmosphere," Singh said.

There are mischief mongers who enroll themselves for registering their presence in the campus and indulge in politics, spoiling the academic peace, Singh said, adding that



"growing violence in universities and colleges, pose unseen threat to the education system and should be controlled by adopting necessary steps."



"Being a student of St Stephen college (Delhi) I never took part in student politics though we had our own student body elected on merit," he said and appealed for maintaining discipline in the campus.

He also asked the teachers not to impose their political ideology on students.

The Chief Minister said: "The teachers should refrain from showing their political leanings in universities and they have no right and business to involve in student union elections."



"It is high time that we must separate politics from educational institutions. I had passion for education and no intention of entering into politics and wanted to be a professor in Delhi University, if I would not have been there, may be in some other university," he said.

Singh said: "It was Lal Bahadur Shashtri who took me to Smt Indira Gandhi and to Jawaharlal Nehru and was told that I was being given Lok Sabha ticket from Mahasu constituency and it was from where my political career began."



The Chief Minister also said land had been identified near Ghannahatti for setting up another campus of university as there was no scope of expansion at the present site. New hostels, education blocks would come up there.

He said the financial assistance for the university had been enhanced from Rs 79 to Rs 90 crore and more grants would be given soon.

The state government was committed to strengthen the education sector in the state and had opened or upgraded over 1,010 schools in the state during last 45 months taking the total strength of schools to 15,500.

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Seven fighters were killed in clashes between rebels and loyalists in southwest Yemen today, a loyalist officer said.

Four rebels and three pro-government fighters died on the edge of Taez and Lahj provinces in fighting for control of an area overlooking the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait, the officer said.

The busy shipping lane links the Suez Canal and the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Fighting between the Huthi rebels and fighters loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has spiked on several fronts since UN-backed peace talks were suspended in early August.

A Saudi-led coalition intervened in support of Hadi's government in March 2015, after the Huthis overran much of the country including the capital Sanaa.

Since the coalition started its air campaign, more than 6,700 people have been killed and more than three million have been displaced, the United Nations says.

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LARAMIE, Wyo.  A small but growing University of Wyoming program is taking undergraduate learning outside of the classroom to increase students' understanding of a particular culture on local and global levels.

As UW undergraduate students file into Room 255 at the Laramie Plains Civic Center, their heads all turn to the brightly colored, three-paneled mural that spans almost the entire width of the wall. Clustered depictions of Latinos from the history of Albany County, Wyoming, and the nation comprise the mural that adorns of the wall of the bilingual radio station KOCA 93.5. The students were stepping off the UW campus for the morning to engage in an interactive visual learning assignment, reported the Laramie Boomerang (http://bit.ly/2dqp7dz).

Cecilia Aragon, UW associate professor and director of the Latina and Latino studies program, said the idea of the exercise is to help the students intimately understand Latino culture and the role it has and does play in Wyoming.

"We fear what we don't know," Aragon said. "This will give the students the cultural competency of a different culture outside of the dominant, mainstream Anglo culture in Wyoming."

The mural, Walls that Speak, was painted by Laramie native Steveon Lucero and illustrates the history of Latino communities and leaders in Wyoming's history. Some of the depictions are of non-specific unidentified characters, such as agricultural workers, while others are of specific individuals, including Albany County Clerk Jackie Gonzales.

Aragon said the mural is a "prime resource" for anyone doing research on Latinos and Latinas in the Rocky Mountain Region. With a fast-growing population in Wyoming, Aragon said it's important to emphasize the role art plays in that culture, which is the reason for the visual art portion of the first-year seminar course, Latino Popular Culture.

"It becomes really important for students to see Latinos represented in a different form," she said. "It's not just about reading a book or another document, because this is actually seeing a narrative in visual form."

There are about 20 students enrolled in Aragon's seminar course and approximately 15 in the Latina/o Studies program. But as she enters her 13th year as the program's director, Aragon said it's growing in numbers.

"I keep meeting with students every day who are wanting to become part of this program," she said.

The program focuses on Latino culture through a study of humanities, arts and social science, Aragon said.

In addition to informing students about an under-appreciated part of Wyoming's history, Aragon said she thinks the program helps students of all backgrounds identify with Latino culture, making for more whole-rounded graduates, and studying the arts is an effective way of tapping into that understanding.

"It's about understanding what the human spirit is about," she said. "It's about developing compassion for others who are different and have differences instead of becoming a divisive society. Instead of engaging in divisive politics, I'm hoping this teaches our young people how to practice compassion."

Tumasie Hellebuick is originally from California, but came from Salt Lake City to attend UW. Before making the decision to attend classes at UW, the College of Business major said he wasn't aware there was a Latino studies program. Knowing the university is experiencing budget cuts, Hellebuick said he was hesitant to come to UW because he feared programs focusing on cultural diversity would be on the chopping block. Today, Hellebuick is studying for his minor in Latina/o Studies.

"I think that this class is important because it helps bring back up how diversity is important to the state of Wyoming," he said.

Hailing from Gillette, Erica Rives is an Elementary Education major and hopes to teach in a dual immersion setting. She said the course is an opportunity to engage with her cultural background.

"I wanted to learn more about Latino culture because, in my town, it's very small and they really don't teach us a lot about our past, of Latinos in Wyoming," Rives said. "This class opened my eyes to Wyoming having a lot of Latino culture and how it's still growing."

Rives said she thinks there are people in Wyoming who could stand to benefit from learning about Latinos in a way that visually connects them to the culture, as displayed in the mural.

"There are people who don't know about Latinos; how much we struggled and went there to get where we are now," Rives said. "I really liked how they expressed a lot of our culture in it, like the baptism and first communion. It was cool to see they have Vicente Fernandez  a really awesome musician  it just focuses on everything in Latino culture. ... It brings a realistic view where you're actually living it by seeing the pictures and imagining yourself being there."

Jackson native Laura Perez, a Psychology major with a minor in Spanish, said the visual element added intrigue to the subject matter a textbook likely couldn't provide.

"You can see the history right there rather than reading from a textbook  reading from a textbook is kind of boring," Perez said.

Though several of Aragon's students do have a Latino background, she said her students for the course are predominantly Anglo. This semester, two of those Anglo students are Ben Nathan and Talmage Peden. Both spent time in Central America while performing missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Nathan said he didn't even anticipate he would learn to speak Spanish, impeding his ability to relate to people in a foreign country. But during the time, he said his experience taught him people are people.

"After maybe two months, people would say, 'You're a cool gringo, you're just like a Latino; even though you're white, you act just like we do,'" Nathan said.

During his mission, Peden became engaged to a Peruvian woman, which led in part to his interest in the course. While learning about his fiancee's cultural background, Peden said visual learning elements such as the mural enhanced his understanding of the struggles minorities can face in Wyoming and the U.S. With many of the characters representing real Wyoming Latinos, he said it was easier to identify with the humanity of their experiences.

"It does help to visualize, because it's not just a general representation," he said. "There are names to the faces that contributed to the Latino culture and community."

Given the current political and social climate in the U.S., Aragon said she thinks diversity education is more important than ever.

"The demographics of the U.S. are changing rapidly, and we can just see our presidential candidates are pandering to a diverse group of people," she said. "Diversity is very, very important to the changing demographics of the U.S."

___

Information from: Laramie Boomerang, http://www.laramieboomerang.com
Facing international isolation, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in an unprecedented move has warned the powerful military not to shield banned militant groups and directed authorities to conclude the Pathankot terror attack probe and the 2008 Mumbai attack trial, a leading Pakistani daily reported today.

Sharif's orders came after a series of meetings between military and civilian leaders, Dawn newspaper said.

The government delivered a "blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning" to the military leadership and sought consensus on several key actions, including action against banned militant groups, the paper quoted unnamed individuals, who were involved in the meetings.

However, asked about the report, Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said, "The story you are referring to is purely speculative and as the author himself acknowledged that 'none of the attributed statements were confirmed by the individuals mentioned'."



"Such speculative stories on matters of national security are not helpful for national causes," he said.

According to the paper, at least two sets of actions have been agreed as a result of the most recent meeting, an undisclosed one on the day of the All Parties' Conference, which took place on Monday.

ISI Director General Rizwan Akhtar, accompanied by National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua, will travel to all provinces with a message that military-led intelligence agencies should not interfere if law enforcement agencies act against militant groups that are banned.

Sharif directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attack trial in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court.

Those decisions, taken after an extraordinary verbal confrontation between Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the ISI DG, appear to indicate a high-stakes new approach by the PML-N government, the paper said.

Separately, on Monday Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry made a separate presentation in the Prime Minister's Office to a small group of civil and military officials.

The presentation by the Foreign Secretary summarised the results of the recent diplomatic outreach by Pakistan, the crux being that Pakistan faces diplomatic isolation and that the government's talking points have been met with indifference in major world capitals, the paper said.

On the US, Chaudhry said that relations have deteriorated and will likely further deteriorate because of the American demand that action be taken against the Haqqani network.

On India, Chaudhry said that the completion of the Pathankot investigation and some visible action against Jaish-i-Mohammad (JeM), which India says was behind the January 2 attack, were the principal demands.

Chaudhry said while China has reiterated its support for Pakistan, it too has indicated a preference for a change in course by Pakistan.

Specifically, while Chinese authorities have conveyed their willingness to keep putting on technical hold a UN ban on JeM leader Masood Azhar, they have questioned the logic of doing so repeatedly, the report said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling was today conferred with the 'Sustainable Development Leadership Award' by President Pranab Mukherjee in recognition of his leadership in making the northeastern state the first and only organic state in the country.

The award was presented to Chamling for his vision and leadership in environment and sustainable development leading to the establishment of Sikkim as the first and only organic state in the country, a state government release said.

The award was conferred during 'World Sustainable Development Summit' organised by the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) here.

Sikkim is the only state to have attained the official status of fully organic state in January, 2016 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement during his visit to the state.

The state, known as the 'Land of Flower' with a population of around six lakhs, is now gaining popularity as fully organic state in India.

Around 75,000 hectares of land has been converted into certified organic farms over the years following the guidelines as prescribed by the National Programme for Organic Production.

Sikkim contributes around 80,000 million tonnes of organic production out of total 1.24 million tonnes of organic production recorded in India, the release said.

The state government has stopped procuring chemical fertilisers and chemical pesticides from 2004 onwards and also eliminated the existing subsidy to farmers for procurement of chemical pesticides.

Chamling has also taken various initiatives under which ban on pan masala/gutka was enforced in the state in 1995 and subsequently in 1997 an Act was passed on prohibition of throwing of non-degradable garbage in public drains and sewerage.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Six people were killed in a suspected attack by Shabaab militants on a residential compound in the restive northeastern Kenyan town of Mandera, police and local authorities said today.

The attack targeted a gated residential building which mainly housed non-ethnic Somalis and non-Muslims, less than a kilometre from the volatile Somalia border town of Beled Hawa.

"We have suffered yet another attack in Mandera and sadly we have lost six people," Governor Ali Roba said in a statement.

Police chief Joseph Boinnet told AFP that there were 33 people inside the compound when the attack took place in the early hours of the morning.

Security official Mohamud Ali Saleh said the attackers used explosives to gain access to the fortified building.

"We highly suspect the attackers are members of the Shabaab insurgent group, who have sneaked across the porous border," he said.

"These criminal gangs are desperate to hurt innocent Kenyans since they were defeated badly and routed out of all their hideouts in the neighbouring country."



Several bus ambushes in the region have seen gunmen separate passengers by religion, killing non-Muslims.

The Shabaab has fought to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu since 2007, but turned its sights on Kenya when the army was sent into Somalia in 2011 to fight the Islamic insurgents.

Since then the Shabaab has carried out frequent attacks on civilians in different parts of Kenya, including a Nairobi mall, a northeastern university and coastal villages.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The 18 per cent cut in natural gas prices will lower revenues of producers by around Rs 2,000 crore during second half of 2016-17 fiscal, India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) said today.

Domestic natural gas price has been cut to USD 2.50 per million British thermal unit for the period of October 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 from the previous price of USD 3.06.

The price cut by the government is in line with the fall in US Henry Hub gas prices over the reference period (July 2015 to June 2016). Prior to this reduction, the government had reduced domestic gas prices by 20 per cent in April 2016.

This is the fourth consecutive gas price reduction since the implementation of the domestic gas pricing formula in October 2014.

"The present gas prices are about 50 per cent lower since the implementation of the gas pricing formula," Ind-Ra said.

The average Henry Hub gas prices declined by 15 per cent to USD 2.24 per mmBtu for the current reference period of July 2015-June 2016 period compared to USD 2.62 for previous reference period of January 2015-December 2015.

The reduction in natural gas price will most impact public sector firms Oil India Ltd (OIL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), which contribute around 75 per cent of the total domestic gas production.

"Despite the decline in sale price, lower costs in terms of rig and vessel rentals will provide some relief to margins in this segment. However, the expected fall in margins is likely to result in a lower investment surplus for future exploration," it said in a note.

Gas utility GAIL India may witness around Rs 900-1000 crore lower trading revenue from the sale of domestic gas during second half of current fiscal on account of lower per unit realisation.

"Given that the current price of domestic gas will be close to the marginal cost of production for most players, a further fall in natural gas prices can lead to losses for these players," it said adding there is a possibility for a formula revision or setting up of a floor price by the government to protect the domestic producers.

However, the end-consumers of compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG domestic) can benefit from the downward price revision.

The revised price will translate into City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities lower costs of around Rs 1.4-1.5 per standard cubic metre (SCM) on gas procurement.

The PNG prices have been reduced by Re 1 per scm and CNG by Rs 1.4 a kg in Delhi, post this gas price revision.

Stating that price of alternate fuel, diesel have increased by 8 per cent this fiscal, Ind-Ra said CGD entities may pass on between 40-70 per cent of the benefit of gas price reduction to the end consumers.

This, it said, would lead to a price cut of around Rs 0.50-1 per scm in PNG prices and around Rs 0.7-1.4 per kg in CNG prices across CGDs.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
South African President Jacob Zuma today named a new anti-corruption watchdog to succeed the highly respected figure who led investigations that famously uncovered a multi-million dollar scandal surrounding his private home.

Zuma appointed Busisiwe Mkhwebane to replace Thuli Madonsela, whose non-renewable seven-year term expires this month.

Mkhwebane, 46, vowed that she would prioritise investigating issues surrounding the needs of the poor over state corruption, which has been at the forefront of Madonsela's time in office.

The outgoing ombudswoman found in a 2014 report that Zuma had "unduly benefited" from the refurbishment of his Nkandla rural home -- valued in 2014 at 216 million rand (then USD 24 million).

South Africa's Constitutional Court ordered the president to pay back funds spent on non-security upgrades -- including a chicken coop, swimming pool and amphitheatre -- valued by the treasury at USD 542,000.

The Nkandla scandal has dogged Zuma's presidency, becoming a symbol of alleged corruption and greed within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party and triggering several unsuccessful impeachment bids by the opposition.

Madonsela is currently looking into claims of what is described as "state capture" involving a politically-connected wealthy Indian migrant family, the Guptas.

She was due today to question Zuma over alleged misconduct including the accusations that he allowed the Gupta family to choose ministers.

Under Madonsela, the post known as the Public Protector gained a reputation as a formidable corruption buster, handing down damning findings against the state and public companies.

But Mkhwebane, who starts work next week, said that while allegations of state corruption were important, her priority would be towards the poor.

"Which one is a matter of life and death. A person who is sitting without electricity, without hot water, children going to school without hot water, compared with the state capture," Mkhwebane said in an interview with the national broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Cooperation.

Mkhwebane, a state security analyst with the country's intelligence agency, beat dozens of other candidates nominated by the public, and then interviewed by lawmakers.

An advocate by training, Mkhwebane has previously held several high profile government posts.

All parties in parliament backed her nomination for the job, except the main opposition Democratic Party (DA), which questioned her credentials, calling her a spy because of her position as an immigration officer at South Africa's embassy in China.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Senior advocate Pradeep Gharat has been appointed special public prosecutor in all the 70 cases in which deported gangster Chhota Rajan is an accused, including the murder of journalist J Dey.

"I have been informed by the CBI that the notification is issued in my name and today I appeared in the Dey case," Gharat told PTI.

Earlier he had appeared as special prosecutor in stamp paper scam involving Abdul Karim Telgi and actor Salman Khan hit-and-run case.

The special court had on August 31 framed charges against Rajan in that case.

The agency had filed a supplementary charge sheet against Rajan, on August 5, claiming that he had the journalist murdered because Dey's articles and a planned book portrayed Rajan as 'chindi' (a small fry).

Dey, a veteran crime reporter, had planned the book, titled "Chindi -- Rags to Riches", wherein he was going to write the stories of 20 gangsters with humble origins.

"Dey was going to expose the fake patriotic mask used by him (Rajan) to secure himself and to accumulate wealth for his family. The book was to have that Rajan had no concern for those who made him big," the charge sheet had said.

The book was also to portray Rajan's friend-turned-foe Dawood Ibrahim as being superior to him.

According to the charge sheet, Rajan, who was reportedly hiding in Malaysia, had called Dey for a meeting but the journalist refused.

Journalist Jigna Vora, an accused in the case and now on bail, is the one who instigated the murder, CBI said.

Rajan was arrested at Bali airport in Indonesia on October 25 last year and deported to India.

He is facing around 70 cases in Maharashtra, all now handed over to CBI.

Dey was shot dead in suburban Powai on June 11, 2011. The first charge sheet filed in 2011 names Satish Kaliya, Abhijeet Shinde, Arun Dake, Sachin Gaikwad, Anil Waghmode, Nilesh Shendge, Mangesh Agawane, Vinod Asrani, Paulson Joseph and Deepak Sisodia (all arrested).

Another charge sheet was filed against Vora the next year. She is accused of instigating Rajan against Dey owing to her own professional rivalry.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NIA has arrested a suspected ISIS operative, who had conspired to carry out terror activities in the country and was planning to collect chemical explosives from cracker manufacturers in Tamil Nadu.

The accused identified as Subahani Haja Moideen, a resident of Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, was arrested by the NIA yesterday in connection with a case related to activities of the banned ISIS in India.

The accused was radicalised and recruited in ISIS through social media platforms. He had left India for Istanbul from Chennai last year on the pretext of performing 'Umrah', the NIA said in a statement today.

After reaching Istanbul, he crossed over along with other people who hailed from Pakistan and Afghanistan to Iraqi territory under control of ISIS.

From there, he was taken to Mosul where he underwent detailed 'religious training' followed by combat training which included a course in automated weapons before being deputed to fight war for almost two weeks.

During the war, he told interrogators that he was paid 100 US dollars per month as an allowance by ISIS besides accommodation and food.

However, he told interrogators that he could not withstand the violence and war misery in Mosul and decided to leave especially after he saw two of his friends getting charred.

He was jailed by ISIS and produced before a Islamic judge who sent him to Syria and claimed that he was allowed to cross over to Turkey from where he contacted his family with the help of the Indian consulate at Istanbul.

He arrived in Mumbai after a gap of six months in September last year on an emergency certificate and returned to his ancestral place where he was staying with his wife and managed to get a job at a jewellery shop at Kadayanallur.

"However, once back and settled, he again got in touch with ISIS handlers over Internet and was planning to collect explosives and precursor chemicals from Sivakasi at their instance.

"He had travelled to Chennai, Coimbatore and other places to meet other local contacts in the conspiracy, collect money and procure explosives for terrorist acts as guided and motivated by ISIS handlers," the NIA said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sweden today said partnering India in the energy space would be a "win-win situation" and also offered its expertise for setting up smart grids in the country.

The government had earlier advocated the need for India to adopt smart grids and concepts to improve energy access for ensuring that power reaches all in the country.

"Smart Grid presents a very good opportunity here. It is an area where we wish to have good cooperation with India.

"... Waste management will be a huge issue, waste to power is an area where we could have very good cooperation. We have been making biogas from waste, making electricity from waste. There are a lot of things there where I think we could have cooperation," Cv Ibrahim Baylan, Minister for Policy Coordination and Energy, Sweden told PTI.

Baylan said he had a "very good and productive meeting" with Minister for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines Piyush Goyal yesterday and invited him to Sweden to see what Sweden is doing in the energy space.

Sharing his views on the scenario of doing business in India, Baylan said: "Of course there are challenges but we are very optimistic because we are seeing regulatory changes. The GST reform is very welcome. We want to become a long-term partner for India. We believe that would create a win-win situation especially in the area of energy".

On terrorism impacting efforts to attain energy security in South Asia, the Minister said: "The scourge of terrorism is plaguing all of us and I think there isn't any reason for us to hesitate whatsover. It has to be combated. There is no if or buts.

"This is something that is totally unacceptable and I think one of the ways to do it is to continue the path to make energy systems more cleaner more sustainable and by that also independent than the previous energy systems".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad today warned rebels in Aleppo that unless they agreed to a deal with the government, his forces would have "no option" but to expel them from the city.

The Syrian leader made the comments in an interview with Danish broadcaster TV2 aired two weeks after his forces announced an all-out offensive for second city Aleppo.

UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura warned today that eastern parts of Aleppo could be "totally destroyed" before the year's end.

In his interview, Assad said the "best option" for Aleppo would be "reconciliations (like) in other areas," referring to towns and districts where opposition groups had agreed to local truces with the regime.

Otherwise, he said, he would "continue the fight with the rebels till they leave Aleppo.... There's no other option."



Syria's armed forces announced a large-scale assault on rebel territory in eastern parts of Aleppo on September 22.

Since then, government troops backed by Syrian and Russian warplanes have chipped away at opposition territory inside the city and on its outskirts.

The Syrian military said late yesterday it would "reduce" air strikes on rebel territory to allow civilians in the city to flee.

The aerial component of Assad's campaign had come under fierce international scrutiny in recent days, particularly after a series of air strikes on hospitals in opposition-held quarters.

On Monday, the largest hospital in Aleppo's east was completely destroyed in bombardment.

But Assad denied his forces deliberately target medical infrastructure or restricted aid to civilians in the city.

"We never prevented any medical supply or food supply or any other thing from entering east Aleppo. There's no embargo, if that's what you mean," he said in the interview.

"As a government, we don't have a policy to destroy hospitals or schools or any such facility," he said, adding that such an attack would be "like shooting ourselves in the foot" because it would boost support for anti-regime groups.

But Assad also denied any non-jihadist rebel groups even existed in Syria.

"Do you know the unicorn, the animal that's like a horse, has a long horn? It's a myth. And the moderate opposition is a myth.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Life. See also: stressed out, worn thin, maxed out, taxed.

Decades of evidence suggest having it all, while looking great and feeling fabulous, is impossible, that mirage still persists. Obligations increase while the day remains 24 hours long. As expectations placed on us grow with to-do lists, self-care gets bumped lower on the priority list.

In Billings, an increasing number of avenues exist for replenishing and rejuvenating. The city offers opportunities for men and women to pamper themselves, to regain balance and restore drive. The race to recharge is on, and people are using tried-and-true practices, as well as more unconventional means.

Shining the light

Packed schedules, falling temperatures and diminished daylight work against even the most diligent indulgers. There is a way to avoid it. Wayne Sundelius, owner of Sun Splash UV & Spa at 928 Broadwater Ave., sheds light on the situation.

People intrinsically seek out sunlight. I dont think its necessarily deliberate. Our bodies naturally crave sunlight, especially at specific points throughout the winter.

In the colder months, most people living in areas north of the 40 degrees north latitude do not receive enough sunlight to maintain sufficient levels of Vitamin D, Sundelius said. A key vitamin for supporting health and mood, Vitamin D is produced in the body through the absorption of UVB rays from the sun. Indoor tanning beds can do the same, increasing the bodys Vitamin D at the molecular level.

Dont shun the sun?

Sunlight is natural and necessary in order for life to exist on our planet. We provide the most controlled environment possible for those who believe in its value," Sundelius said.

Many exaggerations are made regarding sunlight and sunbeds.

Fears of skin cancer drive many into the dark.

The focus should be on sunburn prevention rather than sun avoidance, he revealed.

A member of Smart Tan, an organization dedicated to upholding high industry standards and educating people about UV exposure, Sundelius teaches sunburn prevention to those who believe in the advantages of responsible indoor tanning.

In addition to recommending daily use of sunscreen, Sundelius explains that a base tan, gained over time and without burning, offers Mother Natures SPF protection.

Sun Splash has other options for a healthy glow, like spray tanning, which has grown in popularity among those avoiding UV exposure. The salon houses two spray-tanning systems: The Mystic and pura. Both sprays use color-match solutions, developing the users pigmentation, rather than dying skin. This helps avoid the dreaded Oompa Loompa look, an unwanted orange tinting of the skin.

The pura system delivers a heated spray, causing skin to better absorb the mist, enhancing color and comfort. The system also dries the solution, doing away with the stickiness other sprays leave behind.

Todays products are phenomenal. Theyve come a long way, Sundelius said.

Sunless worshippers wanting a customized glow can take advantage of the spas custom airbrush service. A 15 to 20 minute private session allows for personalized contouring and shading, as well as camouflaging blemishes, creating impeccable results.

Tanning is just one ray in the spectrum of services at Sun Splash.

Lightening up

Additional services include body sculpting and holistic weight loss.

The Formostar Encore Infrared Body Wrap is one approach to weight loss and detoxification. Using far-infrared light to trigger the bodys natural cooling process, one session burns 700-1,400 calories, resulting in a loss of inches plus the removal of toxins. Many clients say after the treatment they sleep better, have increased mobility, and decreased body aches and pains.

Contour Light Non-Invasive Body Contouring treatments deliver a low-level laser wave to melt away cellulite. Clients see this as an alternative to liposuction. The cool sculpting naturally slims, shapes and tones all areas of the body safely, without surgery or pain.

And new to Sun Splash is an age-reversing service using a medical device called Omnilux. By delivering red-light phototherapy, the treatments increase collagen production, minimize pores, soften skin and remove discoloration.

It can make a person look 10 years younger, Sundelius said.

Wellness from within

Ali Mitchell and her mother, Janine Griffin, believe feeling great begins on the inside. With that in mind, they opened Central Wellness, located at 1010 Central Ave., about four years ago.

Many people have a mentality to see a doctor only when theyre sick, Mitchell said. But if we optimize our health, we not only feel well, we also help ourselves avoid certain illnesses, including bone and heart diseases, and even Alzheimers.

The spa offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), a program overseen by board-certified nurse practitioners and known to restore health and vitality.

While most of the spas clientele are women, their partners often participate in the treatments after seeing the results.

They get to feeling so energized and healthy, their guys will ask, Hey, what about me? and begin BHRT as well, Mitchell said.

Central Wellness also offers a medically supervised weight-loss program focused on nutrition and exercise rather than the cold judgment of a scale.

A variety of massages to calm and heal tense muscles are also available. The 60-minute lavender-infused Thai massage employs steamed linen bundles filled with lavender and salt. These ingredients soothe tight and aching muscles, warming and relaxing the body. Hot-stone, prenatal and couples massages are also popular among guests seeking a healing touch.

At our fingertips

A posh-yet-soothing new manicure and pedicure station at Central Wellness was created with guest comfort in mind. Manicure and pedicure treatments offered include the Signature Fire & Ice Pedicure, during which feet and legs are soothed with cooling gels, then warmed with paraffin dip, warm chamomile lotion and a hot stone massage. Paired with aromatherapy, the process increases circulation, rejuvenates tired legs and promotes healthy skin and nails.

Other treatments include body contouring, as well as hair removal and facials.

A unique offering at the spa is the Signature Facial. Beginning with a back massage, a detoxifying mud is applied along the spine, then several anti-aging masks are gently massaged onto the skin, lips and eyes. The facial takes a one-of-a-kind approach to a two-fold benefit, relaxation and facial rejuvenation.

Our bodies and minds are running 24/7. Even going to bed, our minds are fixated on what there is to do. Its proven that spending just a little bit of time to take care of ourselves helps with our overall wellness," Mitchell said.

She and Griffin pride themselves on helping others maximize their time and health. The supporters of inner beauty believe working as a mother-and-daughter team gives them the advantage of understanding women in all stages of life.

Thats why were here. To me, this isnt about people looking like everyone in Hollywood, but people looking in the mirror and feeling confident and capable.

Mirror mirror

While a body benefits from being pampered from the inside out, many revel in the revamping. Makeovers, massage, and skin and hair care are highly sought-after ways to provide needed, yet often overlooked, self-care.

At Sanctuary Spa, owner Kris Carpenter loves bringing comfortable luxury to her customers by offering an extensive range of amenities.

I want everyone to feel welcome, she said.

Sanctuary Spa, located at 1504 24th St. W., offers a range of hair, nail, skin and spa services, and an expansive collection of Aveda products to cater to a customers needs.

Sanctuarys one-of-a-kind hair coloring station allows colorists to hand-mix custom shades using environmentally friendly dyes. The resulting rich, luminous hues keep clients coming back.

Carpenters over-and-above approach is evident in the spas other services  even a basic haircut. Before taming locks, stylists first unlock tension with a stress-relieving head, neck and shoulder massage.

Its really about giving our clients what they want, not just what we want to give them, Carpenter explained.

Hands-on approach

Sanctuarys massage experience delivers a healing touch while soothing other senses, too.

In the spas softly lit space, a guest may feel spoiled when slipping into a warmed robe and beginning a complimentary foot bath. After a gentle exfoliation and light moisturizer is applied, the guest is led to a private room where a heated bed awaits.

Clients may choose which aromas and other elements are incorporated into the experience. Ingredients like sugar and honey sweeten the body polishes. A salt scrub offers a savory option.

Carpenter knows that customization is key to an extraordinary renewing experience.

The sounds, music, smells the whole experience from the first sigh of relief after slipping into a warmed robe. You just let go of the tension, she said.

In the flow

Kristi Gardner, a licensed massage therapist and owner of Affinity for Healing, offers a unique variety of healing services to help others restore what life can take from them.

Some of her clients, when feeling drained, seek to refill by floating.

Flotation therapy is a relatively unknown resource in restoring tranquility and providing other health benefits. For two years, Gardner has offered the service at her salon, located at 3429 Central Ave.

Phillip Sullivan, a regular client, began floating to develop his parasympathetic system, the rest-and-digest function of the central nervous system.

Most people are dominated by the sympathetic system, the fight-or-flight adrenaline. Floating helps control that, he said.

Now, he floats twice a week, scheduling appointments for the late afternoon, when the day has taken its toll.

After that one hour, the energy picks right back up, and Im ready to go again. Floatings very calming and grounding, he said, And it doesnt really cost that much, compared to some of the other things people do.

A large, private flotation pod is filled with about 18 inches of water and hundreds of pounds of Epsom salt, creating a buoyancy that results in a nearly zero-gravity environment in which floaters relax for an hour.

Underwater speakers emit soothing music, and soft lighting glows for the first few minutes, allowing floaters to become accustomed to their surroundings and let restoration begin.

The abundance of magnesium, a benefit of the Epsom salt, adds to the healing properties of the water. Like sunlight deficiency, a lack of magnesium in the body negatively impacts energy production, muscle control, electrical impulses and the bodys ability to process toxins. Magnesium is readily absorbed through the skin, so the water, rich with the mineral, is the perfect conduit.

A combination of decreased sensory input, absence of physical stress and delivery of magnesium results in long-term advantages. Floating can improve a persons sleep cycle, increase focus and relieve pain. The bodys circulation and minds creativity are enhanced, too.

People who float on a regular basis also report improvement of more serious conditions, like arthritis and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Washed away

Flotation is just one service in Gardners unique healing storehouse.

Among them is the ionCleanse. Though it sounds like science fiction, the service is as simple as a foot-soak. Sitting comfortably with feet immersed in a tub of water, spa-goers experience detoxification while a device emits ions into the water. As those are absorbed through the skin, they attach themselves to toxins within the body, which are then flushed out through the feet.

Work, relationship problems, even daily interactions with others change our vibration rate, Gardner said. The long-term effects take a toll on the body.

Affinity for Healing offers a variety of healing massages, including Reiki, which channels energy between the massage therapist and client. Several other energy and detoxification services are also available.

People are highly impacted all the time by a barrage of energies, Gardner explained. I like reaching out to people, to educate them on energy and healing.

Life is better lived when we care for ourselves, and wholeness is within our reach. Taking time out to relax and refresh is not a luxury, its a necessity. From traditional services to out-of-the-ordinary experiences, Billings abounds with opportunities to indulge.
The State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) today asked Director, Technical Education, Jammu and Kashmir to take action against a non-recognised institute in R S Pura belt here for providing fake diplomas in skilled courses.

SVC said the investigations revealed that Kisan Institute of Technology (KIT) was not affiliated with Jammu and Kashmir State Board of Technical Education or National Council for Vocational Training and has been offering courses in electrician, mason, plumber and others illegally, SVO spokesman said.

The organisation has directed the Director, Technical Education to take immediate action and submit action taken report to SVO, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Automobile manufacturer has struck a deal with a major South African car hire company to supply Bolt 1.2 Turbo hatchbacks for its national rental fleet.

declined to disclose the exact number of vehicles, except to say that it was "a substantial number."

Bolt, which was recently introduced in South Africa, will be offered at a competitive hire charge which will be one of the lowest in the country, including 100 kilometres free per day and standard insurance cover.

"We are very pleased to have secured this order as it will mean that many renters countrywide will now have the opportunity to experience the quality and benefits offered in our newest car range, which is particularly well equipped for an entry level model," said Kyri Michael, chief executive officer of Accordian Investments, which markets and distributes Tata cars and light commercial vehicles in South Africa.

"Our deal to supply Tempest Car Hire with our new Bolt hatchbacks will certainly help to increase brand awareness of Tata as a manufacturer of cars and light commercials," Michael added.

The new Tata Bolt has been finding favour with particularly younger buyers in South Africa because of its affordability and features that include air conditioning, electric windows, bluetooth connectivity and a touchscreen infotainment system, not found in similarly-price competitor vehicles.

Tempest Fleet executive Jody Naidoo said that he was glad his company could offer such a spacious and well equipped car in the very popular A Category.

"It certainly offers outstanding value for money at the budget end of the local rental market," said Naidoo.
Ten government school students, who had gone on a tour to neighbouring Kerala, from Marthandam in the district, have been reported missing, police said today.

A complaint had been received in this connection from the parents of the students, who also picketed the school.

The missing students were reportedly part of a group of 42 students, who had gone on an excursion three days ago, they said.

Investigations are on, police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Expressing concern over the Uri terror attack, Sri Lanka has asserted that there cannot be any cross-border terrorism and that there has to be a genuine commitment to fighting terrorism in South Asia.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday, also briefed him on the various projects of economic cooperation underway in the Island country.

"Welcoming the Sri Lankan Prime Minister to India, the President said India appreciates Wickremesinghe's role in Sri Lanka's active re-engagement with the world. Sri Lanka can count on India's continued support in its endeavour for national unity and reconciliation," a statement from Press Secretary to the President, Venu Rajamony said.

It said the President appreciated the Government of Sri Lanka's empathy and concern on the attack at Uri.

The terrorist attack on an army camp in Uri resulted in killing of 19 soldiers on September 18.

"He said it is essential that the two countries unite in isolating and targeting the source of ideological and financial sustenance in the region which provides shelter as well as training to terrorists. South Asia needs to develop a clear response to terrorist infrastructure in the region. There is need for unambiguous solidarity against terrorism of all forms," the statement issued today said.

The President said India shares the Government of Sri Lanka's view on prioritising power, renewable energy, ocean resources, port and airport facilities as well as infrastructure, it said.

"India has given special emphasis on meeting Sri Lanka's developmental requirements. Its aid projects in Sri Lanka have a commitment of more than 2.6 billion USD," the statement said.

The statement quoting the President said Sri Lanka occupies a special location in India's neighbourhood.

"Security of the two countries is indivisible. Objectives for regional peace and security and maritime safety in the Indian Ocean are inter-dependent and synergistic," it said.

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister warmly reciprocated the President's sentiments and said there has to be a genuine commitment to fighting terrorism in South Asia and there cannot be any cross-border terrorism, Rajamony said.

"The Sri Lankan Prime Minister briefed President Mukherjee on the various projects of economic cooperation underway and invited the President to pay a visit to Sri Lanka," it said.

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Bollywood star today said he is stunned that some people are debating the ban on Pakistani artistes at a time when soldiers have been killed in a terror attack.

The 49-year-old "Rustom" star, whose father was an army officer, posted a video in which he also slammed questions being raised about Indian army's surgical strikes on terror launch pads in PoK.

"Something which has been on my mind since the past few days and I just had to say it. Not intending to offend anyone... So here goes," the actor wrote on social media accounts alongside the video.

"I am not speaking to you as a celebrity today. I am speaking to you as the son of an army man. For the past few days, I have been seeing and reading that people are arguing and some are asking for proof about surgical strikes, some are demanding ban on artistes, while some fear that there might be a war," Akshay said in the video.

"Arey sharam karo (have shame). These debates can happen later. First one must realise that people have already laid down their lives at the border. Nineteen jawans died during the attack and a 24-year-old jawan Nitin Yadav died in Baramulla," he said.

The actor termed the current demand for ban on Pakistani artistes as trivial saying the families who lost their loved ones at the border don't really care about these debates.

"Are their families, or the families of our thousands of jawans, worried whether a film will release or not? Whether an artiste will be banned? No. They are worried about their future.

"And our concern should be to ensure that their present and future is better. I am, because they are. You are, because they are and if they are not there, then India won't exist. Jai Hind.
Three Britons accused of gang raping a woman in Singapore while visiting the city-state for a music festival face up to 20 years in jail and caning, court documents showed today.

Khong Tam Thanh, 21, Le Michael, 23, and Vu Thai Son, 23, face one count each of raping a 23-year-old local woman in a hotel in the early hours of September 10.

According to charges seen by AFP, the three men allegedly took turns in raping the woman between 4:00am and 5:50am in a hotel room near the upmarket Orchard Road shopping belt.

They appeared via video-link from Changi Prison today and were offered bail of Sg dollars each. All were represented by lawyers in court.

Khong's lawyer Shashi Nathan told AFP that his client, a London-based businessman in the beauty industry, was in town for Ultra Singapore, an electronic music festival.

The men were charged with the offences on September 12 and have been held for investigations and a psychiatric review.

Nathan said Khong had a bailor and was expecting to be released later Thursday after proceedings are completed.

Le and Vu's lawyers said in court that their clients had trouble raising funds, asking that bail be lowered. The request was turned down.

Rape is punishable by up to 20 years in jail and caning, a punishment which dates back to British colonial rule in Singapore.

The men will next appear before the court on November 22.

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A militant was killed today as army foiled three infiltration bids, assisted by Pakistani troops, along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Army foiled an infiltration bid in Naugam sector in the wee hours today, killing a militant, an army official said.

The body of the slain militant was recovered during search operations, the official said.

Earlier, army said three infiltration bids were foiled in Naugam and Rampur sectors on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir during the night.

He said while two infiltration bids were foiled in Naugam sector, one such attempt was foiled in Rampur sector.

"The infiltration attempts were assisted by Pakistani posts," the official said.

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Three militants were today killed in an encounter with security forces after they attacked an army camp in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, the army said here.

The militants opened fire on an army camp at Langate in Kupwara district at around 5 AM, which was retaliated by the alert jawans, an army official said.

After repulsing the attack, the security forces launched a search operation in the area, during which the militants fired upon them, leading to an encounter.

"Three militants have been killed in the ensuing encounter and three AK 47 rifles have been recovered from the spot," the official said.

He said the operation was on and further details were awaited.

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After a gap of almost a month, buses and lorries from Tamil Nadu resumed services to neighbouring Karnataka, which witnessed violence in the wake of the Supreme Court order over release of Cauvery water.

Private buses and those of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) plied from Sathyamangalam (in Erode district), Tirupur and Coimbatore to Mysuru via Chamrajnagar from this afternoon, police said.

In Nilgiris district, about 100 lorries crossed into Karnataka from Kakkanalla checkpost, they said.

A few lorries with Karnataka registration numbers besides cars and other vehicles were provided police escort up to the border, in Pulinjure.

However, as a precautionary measure, buses with Tamil Nadu registration are being operated till the Karnataka border with police security.

Movement of vehicles resumed after talks were held between representatives of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu police and Transport authorities.

On September 12, protests over the raging Cauvery water sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu turned violent with incidents of attacks on buses, trucks and hotels.

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After the arrest of a Tamil Nadu resident for his alleged links with terror group ISIS, the National Investigating Agency's sleuths are questioning suspects in the state.

NIA today said it has arrested Subahani Haja Moideen, a resident of Kadayanallur in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, for allegedly "joining and supporting the activities of the ISIS," a terror outfit banned in the country.

He was picked up by NIA on October 3 from his residence and after questioning he was arrested yesterday, the NIA said.

NIA's action also follows the arrest of six men in Kerala on October 2, including 29-year-old man Abu Basheer alias Rashid alias Buccha - from Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore District.

Abu Basheer was among six persons held for being part of an ISIS inspired module who allegedly conspired to carry out terrorist acts.

Also, 26-year-old Swalih Mohammed T alias Yousuf alias Abu Hasna, a resident of Chennai and native of Kerala, was also among the six men and he was working for a corporate firm here that runs a chain of resorts.

Against this background, NIA is continuing what officials called its "follow up work and questioning."



"NIA officials are holding inquiries based on their inputs. Suspects are being questioned in districts including Coimbatore and Tirunelveli," a senior police official told PTI.

To a question, he said though "inquiries" were made today too "with some men here" by NIA sleuths, it does not appear to be "the probe connected to the ISIS inspired module".

"Searches were made and some questioned in respect of Swalih Mohammed who was residing in Chennai," he said.

To another question, the official said, "Nothing can be said as of now on questioning of suspects and others who may be in a position to aid probe as these are all part of routine investigation."



He said Tamil Nadu Police was "just supporting NIA" in its probe and will not be able to comment more on the matter.

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It seems everyone is looking for newfound money whether in the form of land or the lottery. Let us look at the miracle of new land obtained by accretion along a riverbank as a phenomena of newfound money. Property boundaries matter when your land is next to a river. If the river deposits land onto your riverfront by accretion, then who owns it? Accretion is the gradual increase to land, notably riparian land, stemming from the movement of water. A meandering river has no master. Certainly man-made law has not corralled a meandering river with anything close to perfection, or to some landowners, with any degree of satisfaction. Questions come up when riverfront boundaries naturally shift due to erosion or accretion.

In Norby v. Estate of Kuykendall, 2015 ND 232, 869 N.W.2d 405, Norby owned land adjacent to the Kuykendalls along the North Dakota-Montana border. Norbys land was on the eastern Montana side and Kuykendal was on the western North Dakota side, with the Yellowstone River separating the properties. But, importantly, neither partys deed history described the legal boundaries by reference to the Yellowstone River. Gradually the Yellowstone River moved eastward, eroding land from its eastern bank and accreting it on to the western bank. This new land on the North Dakota side made up 96 acres.

Norby brought suit to eject the Kuykendalls from the disputed property and to quiet title on the theory that the disputed land were his riparian accretions.

Typically riparian and ownership rights of a riverbank shift as the river moves without considering other fixed boundaries. Nevertheless, since Norbys deed never mentioned the Yellowstone River as the property line, his argument sank.

Perhaps an even more relevant case is the older case of Perry v. Erling, 132 N.W.2d 889 (N.D. 1965). Mrs. Perry argued that she was entitled to new land formed by accretion. She owned land directly east of the Big Muddy originally as a non-riparian owner (i.e. landlocked). Since the original land survey in 1872, the river had shifted eastward eroding other intervening riparian lots and eventually turning Mrs. Perrys lot into riparian land. Over time the river built up new land by accretion over the intervening lots. The Court rejected Mrs. Perrys arguments by making clear that non-riparian owners, such as Mrs. Perry, are only entitled to the land that falls within their original property lines when their property boundaries were not set with reference to a body of water. The original riparian lot owners however would be entitled to the accreted lands.

These cases raise several important points for landowners who hold title to land near bodies of water. For instance, if your land now has additional riverbank or land because of how the river shifted over time, you may still not have ownership over any of the new land if your property description was not acquired with legal reference to a river. Laws that normally give rights to riverbank landowners will not help you in this case. However, if your original property boundary was set by descriptive reference to a river, then you may be able to claim the newly formed land as your own. The law of man does not direct the flow of a river. So be specific in your land deed descriptions or be at the mercy of the river. A good scrivener (lawyer) is worth a thousand words.

David Ganje practices law in the area of natural resources, environmental and commercial law. His website is Lexenergy.net
With a view to improve cleanliness at monuments, Union Tourism Ministry has written to state governments asking them to help extend the ban on polythene beyond the radius of 100 metres to 300 meters around the centrally protected archaeological sites.

On October 2, the government had announced a complete ban on polythene in the radius of 100 metres around over 3,680 monuments which are under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The area between 100 to 300 meters around the monuments which is called regulated zone falls under the jurisdiction of the state governments.

"We have issued advisory to all state governments/UTs to help in extending the polythene-free initiative beyond the 100 meter radius to 300 meters around the protected monuments," Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma told a joint press conference on 'Swachh Bharat Mission' along with Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

He said his ministry also plans to bring in some laws to impose strict implementation of the polythene-free initiative in the areas which are under the jurisdiction of ASI.

An official said the initiative will be reviewed after a month to decide whether there is any need to impose fines on offenders.

Sharma also announced sanctioning of Rs 350 crore to provide facilities like protected boundaries, toilets and disabled friendly access in all the ASI monuments.

He also said that 75 monuments, including Safdarjung Tomb and Purana Qila in Delhi and Agra Fort and Akbar's Tomb in Uttar Pradesh, have been added to the list of existing 25 monuments under Adarsh Smarak Scheme for upgradation of tourist related amenities.

These monuments are also covered under 'Swachh Paryatan Mobile App' through which general public can communicate their complaints about any unclean area or garbage piles in and around the tourist destination.

Bringing in an element of competition so as to push



cleanliness efforts, Sharma said the ASI has ranked top 25 Adarsh Monuments on the basis of cleanliness parameters such as amenities like toilets, green lawns, polythene free zone, drinking water and provision for garbage bins.

He said 'Rani ki Vav (Gujarat)', a World Heritage Site, has been declared as the cleanest iconic place in the country.

Sharma listed various initiatives of Tourism and Culture Ministries such as spreading awareness through various music, dance and drama events on completion of two years of Swachhata Abhiyan on October 2.

On a query whether tourism has been impacted due escalating tension between India and Pakistan and also due to terrorism, he said no such thing has been brought to the notice of the ministry and the data which is available till August shows healthy growth in tourist footfall.

Addressing the conference, Tomar called for support and change in behaviour of the people for giving momentum to the cleanliness drive under Swachh Bharat Mission.

To a query on toilets not being used due to lack of water supply, an official of Drinking Water & Sanitation Ministry said the government's priority is to provide piped water supply to the areas which are declared open defecation free.

On the occasion, a promotional film on the theme 'Swachhata Devatva Ek Samaan' to promote awareness of cleanliness at religious places was also shown on the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on October 2, 2014. It aims to eliminate open defecation, manual scavenging and encourage modern and scientific municipal solid waste management, among others.
A Myanmar court sentenced a Dutch citizen to three months in prison today for interfering with a religious observance by unplugging an amplifier blasting a late-night Buddhist sermon near his hotel in Mandalay, the country's cultural capital.

Klaas Haytema, 30, in handcuffs, wept with his girlfriend before he left for jail.

He had been arrested in late September after a crowd gathered around his hotel in protest when the loudspeakers at a nearby religious hall were turned off.

The man who was reciting the sermon pressed charges against Haytema.

Local media reported that he apologized and said he hadn't known the loudspeakers were broadcasting religious content.

Haytema was also fined 100,000 kyats (about USD 100) for violating visa regulations requiring him to respect the culture.

He could have been sentenced to up to two years in prison for insulting religion in the predominantly Buddhist country, but the judge said he opted to find him guilty of a lesser charge to "show mercy."



It was unclear if Haytema would file an appeal. Mandalay, a major tourist attraction in central Myanmar, is the country's cultural capital and the former seat of Burmese kings. It is culturally and religiously conservative.

In early 2015, a Myanmar court sentenced a New Zealand bar manager, Phil Blackwood, to two years in prison after he posted an image of Buddha wearing headphones on the bar's official Facebook page in late 2014. Blackwood was released in an amnesty earlier this year.

It is common for Buddhist groups to broadcast sermons by loudspeaker at very high volumes. One local government reportedly has proposed noise-control rules. Supporters quoted by local media said the proposal was meant to alleviate stress caused to the elderly and the ill.

A community leader involved in Haytema's case, Chit San, said he called police when tempers flared after Haytema acted. "We could not negotiate peacefully because people were angry, so we called the police to control the situation," Chit San said. "We actually didn't want him to get arrested.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Shares of Transformers and Rectifiers India Ltd (TRIL) today soared nearly 11 per cent after it signed a joint venture agreement with Chinese firm Jiangsu Jingke Smart Electric Company Limited (Jingke).

The scrip zoomed 8.69 per cent to settle at Rs 357.70 on BSE. Intra-day, it surged 15 per cent to Rs 378.65.

At NSE, shares of the company advanced by 10.72 per cent to end at Rs 361.85.

"The company has entered into a joint venture agreement with Jingke, a company incorporated under laws of People's Republic of China (PRC) for purpose of starting the business of manufacturing and marketing of GIS/HGIS/TGIS systems and products for 220kV and below and distribution products of 40.5 kV and below in India," the company said in BSE filing yesterday.

According to the statement, TRIL will hold majority 60 per cent stake in the joint venture.

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Stating that farmers in some Telangana districts have suffered huge losses due to supply of "fake" seeds, senior Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury today urged the TRS government to come to their rescue and provide compensation.

"In the districts of Nalgonda, Khammam and Warangal lot of fake seeds were distributed due to which crops failed (both Rabi and Kharif) for the past few seasons and farmers suffered huge losses," the former Union minister told reporters here.

"Farmers had no relief...Though there was a Rs 771-crore input subsidy released by the Centre, but the state government has not deposited one paisa into the farmers' (bank) accounts," she alleged.

The Rajya Sabha MP also questioned why despite the state having agricultural universities and institutions, seed certification was not done.

"My demand is that the state government should attach properties of such spurious seed companies and pay compensation to farmers, who are now under a lot of pressure. Their loans should be paid by the state and free quality seeds should be provided immediately to farmers for the next crop. Besides, under MGNREGA farm labour should be supplied to farmers," Chowdhury demanded.

On the ongoing process of formation of new districts in Telangana, she alleged it was not being done in a scientific manner. "There have been no public hearings and no scientific method of application and no one knows how the districts have been formed," she said.

Chowdhury accused the TRS government of working only for rich people and serving only them.

"The two-BHK houses to poor and allotment of three acres of land to poor Dalit families is nowhere in sight. Instead, MLAs and MPs (from other parties), who have crossed over into TRS are given valuable land at throw-away prices," she alleged.

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Two members of the dreaded terror group Islamic State (IS) who were plotting attacks on Pakistan Army's buildings and other security installations have been arrested from the Punjab province here.

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab Police arrested the IS members yesterday from the Lahore Cantonment area where they were planning to target some army buildings, a CTD spokesman said.

"CTD received intelligence reports that some terrorists were planning to attack sensitive government installations in the cantonment area and other parts of the city," he said.

The CTD team raided a house and arrested two suspected terrorists and shifted them to an investigation centre for interrogation.

He said they also recovered a sizable amount of explosives, accessories, including cord, electric circuits, batteries and detonators.

The CTD official said both suspects belonged to banned IS group.

Last month, the CTD had arrested over a dozen members of IS from different parts of the Punjab province.

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Two Maoists were injured in an exchange of fire with police between Pedapadu and Kumkumpudi areas in Agency area of the district in wee hours today.

"The firing ensued between Special Party of Visakha Rural Police and the squad of active Militia members mixed with some Dalam members at around 5.30 AM when the rebels were moving towards Pedapadu from Kumkumpudi," said Superintendent of Police (Visakha Rural) Rahul Dev Sharma.

After noticing police personnel, naxals opened fire which was returned by police, he said, adding that firing lasted for 15 minutes.

"Police found the injured Maoists at the spot and provided them first aid before shifting them to government Hospital, GK Veedhi, and later admitted them to KG Hospital in Vizag," the SP said.

Police recovered two weapons, a land mine, and other material from the spot.

Meanwhile, police dismissed the reports that three ultras were injured, one of them seriously, in the incident.

One of the injured naxals is identified as Gemmela Narsing (25) who was carrying reward of Rs one lakh on his head.

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Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray today declined to comment on BJP MP Kirit Somaiya's reported statement that his party was prepared to contest all 227 seats in upcoming BMC polls on its own strength.

"Somaiya's statement has not reached me yet and I don't want to comment over it. Shiv sainiks have already reacted to his remarks," Thackeray said.

The Sena chief, however, added that he would speak on many issues at his party's annual Dussehra rally at Dadar in Central Mumbai on October 11.

In a statement that riled Sena, Somaiya yesterday said that "BJP is prepared to contest all 227 wards for BMC elections alone, along with small parties to end the mafia raj in BMC."



BJP and Sena are alliance partners in Centre and state governments, besides in BMC.

The country's richest civic body will go to polls next year.

Meanwhile, Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande said that her party was positive about the alliance.

"Uddhav Thackeray shares a very good rapport with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. They have a good understanding about issues between them. If their (BJP's) proposal is reasonable then we shall have an alliance. Uddhav ji will take a final call on the issue," she said.

Meanwhile, state unit BJP president Raosaheb Danve told reporters that the issue of forging any tie-up with the like-minded political parties has been left to the respective district level units.

"If there is any deadlock then they can report it to the state BJP unit which shall take the final call," he said.

Danve added that the stage for holding talks about alliance has not arrived yet.

When asked about Somaiya's comments, he termed them as the "personal views" of the MP.

Somaiya has been targeting the Sena-ruled BMC on the issues of corruption in Deonar garbage dump, potholes on roads and other civic issues.

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Outgoing UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon today hailed his likely succesor Antonio Guterres as "a superb choice", saying the former Portuguese premier's wide knowledge of global affairs will serve him well in leading the world body during a crucial period.

"I congratulate Antonio Guterres, who is expected to be nominated officially in a few hours by the Security Council for the General Assembly's consideration to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations," Ban told reporters in Rome.

Ban, however, noted that as the 9th man to serve as Secretary-General, Guterres has a special responsibility to include, support and empower the world's women and girls.

Ban said he considers Guterres to be a "superb choice" to lead the UN, having worked closely together during his "long and outstanding service" as UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

"He showed deep compassion for the millions of people who have been forced from their homes. He worked around-the-clock to mount effective operations to come to their assistance," Ban said.

"His past experience as Prime Minister of Portugal, his wide knowledge of world affairs and his lively intellect will serve him well in leading the United Nations in a crucial period," he said.

The current UN Chief, whose 10 year tenure expires on December 31, said he and his colleagues look forward to working closely with Guterres and his team to ensure a smooth transition.

"I wish him every success when he assumes his formidable new responsibilities. I am sure he will carry the torch on the full range of key challenges, from strengthening peace operations to achieving sustainable development, upholding human rights and easing humanitarian suffering," he said.

Guterres, the 67-year-old former head of UN's refugee organisation for 10 years, emerged as a leading candidate in all of the Security Council's straw polls.

The 15-nation Council conducted a sixth straw poll yesterday in which Guterres received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes. None of the five veto-wielding permanent members voted against him, clearing the way for Guterres to become the 9th Secretary General of the UN.

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The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting today on Syria after a UN envoy warned that eastern Aleppo may be totally destroyed in the next few months by the Russian and Syrian air campaign.

Russia requested the meeting to hear from UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, who will brief the council via videoconference from Geneva at 1400 GMT, diplomats said.

De Mistura earlier took aim at Russia, suggesting that Moscow was indiscriminately bombing a city with hundreds of thousands of civilians to flush out just a few hundred jihadists.

"We are talking about 900 people, basically, who are becoming the main reason for which there is 275,000 people actually being attacked," said de Mistura.

Would this, he asked, be the excuse for "the destruction of the city?"



"In maximum two months, two-and-a-half months, the city of eastern Aleppo may be totally destroyed," he told reporters.

The envoy urged fighters from the former Al-Nusra Front -- which renamed itself Fateh al-Sham Front after breaking with Al-Qaeda -- to leave Aleppo under a deal to halt the regime's attacks on the city.

"If you decide to leave with dignity... I am personally ready to physically accompany you," he said.

Security Council members were discussing a French-drafted UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Aleppo.

After holding talks in Moscow on the proposal, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault will head to Washington on Friday to discuss the measure, which calls for ending all flights over Aleppo.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters that "we have a strong determination to go to a vote" on the draft resolution, which could lead Russia to use its veto power as a permanent member of the council.

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Union Ministers, including Ram Vilas Paswan, today interacted with young IAS officers from Bihar cadre and discussed about state specific issues.

Besides Paswan, Radha Mohan Singh, Ravi Shankar Prasad, J P Nadda and Upendra Kushwaha were present in the interactive session here.

In a first, Cabinet ministers are interacting with freshly recruited IAS officers from cadre-wise, who are at present posted at the Centre as assistant secretaries for a period of three months as part of their training.

Addressing the IAS officers of the 2014 batch here, Union Food Minister Paswan said, "Welfare of the poor should always be kept in mind while taking decisions."



"Young officer should be responsive to the needs of people. Decision making at the grassroot level should be fast as people want quick response from the administration on day- to-day problems," the minister said in a statement.

Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said the government has rolled out a number of schemes for the welfare of the people, especially for rural areas. "Young officers can play crucial role to speed up implementation of these scheme and programmes."



Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asked the officers to use digital means in the area of basic services like income certificate, cast certificate and land records.

Health Minister J P Nadda said that inclusion of stake holders in the implementation all policies and programmes should be kept in mind.

Minister of States for Human Resource Development Upendra Kushwaha said that the young officers must focus more in the areas which are still far behind in development.

The meeting was part of a series of meetings planned by the government to brief young officers by the political leadership of the region about state specific development, aspirations of the people and ground realities.

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Good ol' college student humor?

Creepy clowns have been spotted at Bismarck State College. Yesterday, a photo was circulating on BSC's Mystic Mobile App  a social media app for students on campus  of a clown that looked straight from the movie "It." The disturbing figure was spotted hiding behind a tree somewhere on campus.

Apparently, there were two clowns on campus, according to Heather Sheehan, director for student and residence life. The clowns have been identified by campus security, and the school is confident they weren't doing anything malicious.

"I think it's good clean fun," she said.

Sheehan suspects an article published the other day titled "Why Havent Any Creepy Clowns Been Seen in North Dakota?" may have prompted a response from the students, who have been identified by campus security. She declined to comment further because she hasn't "addressed it with the people who were creeping people out."

"We have excellent security here on campus .... I believe them when they tell me who it is and who I need to talk to," she said. "We'll talk to them about it and let them know that it's creepy; it's creepy, please stop."

The clowns at BSC join dozens of other clown sightings that have been reported near schools and college campuses in several other states.

"It's been all over, I think we were just finally hit," Sheehan said.
The residents of Akhlakpur village here have decided to boycott the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections for want of a polling centre.

Leading a group of protesters, gram pradhan Mustakim Ahmad said yesterday that they have decided to boycott the upcoming Assembly elections as the village lacked a polling centre.

He said the villagers have to travel 6 KM to Basaich village to cast votes.

Ahmed added that they have been demanding setting up of a polling centre in Akhlakpur village but the authorities concerned have paid no heed to their pleas.
The US military said it is sending helicopters, an aircraft carrier, troops and other equipment to Haiti to provide humanitarian assistance after the impoverished Caribbean nation was lashed by Hurricane Matthew.

Nine Army and Marine Corps choppers were expected to arrive in Haiti today, and will conduct surveys to figure out which areas are hardest hit before delivering aid, the military's head of its Southern Command, Admiral Kurt Tidd, told reporters.

"We have reports indicating that roads and communications infrastructure along the southern coastline are impassable," Kurt said yesterday.

Between 150-200 US troops will be on the ground in Haiti, and operations in the country will be directed from a center at Port-au-Prince airport.

Additionally, the USS George Washington aircraft carrier, the USS Comfort hospital ship and the USS Mesa Verde amphibious transport ship were all en route to the seas around Haiti.

A Navy official said the ships were yet to receive formal requests for help from Haiti.

"They are underway, heading south, to be prepared to provide disaster response. They haven't yet received any orders," the official said.

Hurricane Matthew -- the Caribbean's worst storm in nearly a decade -- pounded Haiti this week, and aid organizations are bracing for "catastrophic damage" in the impoverished nation's hardest hit regions.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is coordinating the US response and has dispatched an elite team to the poorest nation in the Americas.

Separately, the US Air Force said it was evacuating dozens of warplanes from bases in Virginia, North Carolina and Florida as Matthew headed toward the southern United States.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Senior Delhi Police officers are learning from US law enforcement officers the secrets to enter into 'deep', 'dark' internet to crack it and prevent online child abuse.

A three-day training programme is being organised by Delhi Police's Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC) in collaboration with Data Security Council of India and International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC) to train officers to crack complicated cases of online child abuse.

The training programme commenced yesterday and will end tomorrow.

"Criminals are looking at digital mediums to target children who are exposed to technology at a very young age. A lot of criminals first target children through internet and then start harassing them after getting to know minute details of their activities," said Varsha Sharma, DCP (SPUWAC).

Police officers from Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Lousiana State Police, talked to their Indian counterparts about the challenges of investigating cases of online abuse, collection of evidence, forensics and investigative tools.

"There are three types of internet -- deep, dark and surface. The surface internet is easily accessible but for accessing dark internet, you need specific software on public search engines," a senior police officer said.

"Deep internet cannot be accessed through the search engines. This training programme taught us about how we can demarcate between these three aspects of the internet," he said.

There are criminals sitting on the internet and looking for prey. They can gain access to the details posted by children on their social media profiles and then identify their prey online, said Guillermo Galarza from ICMEC.

He also said that educators and parents need to be aware about the dangers of the internet so that they can caution children. As internet penetration increases, cases of online abuse are going to rise.

Galarzo said that India is one of the countries that has legislation for online abuse and there are still several countries that don't recognise online abuse as a crime.

In India, possession of child pornographic material is considered a crime but many foreign countries don't recognise it as a crime.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Vigil has been enhanced on the Gujarat coast, which have vital installations like ports, oil refineries and famous temples at Dwarka and Somnath, following inputs from intelligence agencies about possible infiltration bids by terrorists through the sea route.

The alert has been issued for coastal districts of Gujarat based on an input received from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) recently, Devbhoomi-Dwarka District Superintendent of Police R J Pargi said.

"As per a fresh IB input, there is a possibility of infiltration through the sea route. The coast of Devbhoomi-Dwarka is very close to Pakistan. Thus, if someone wants to enter India using a boat, they may chose our coast due to proximity. We have put our men on alert after receiving the input," he said.

The fresh IB inputs have come days after Indian Army's surgical strikes across the Line of Control.

Gujarat, having 1,600 km-long coastline, shares border with Pakistan. During the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, terrorists had hijacked a fishing trawler 'Kuber' from the mid-sea in Gujarat to travel to Mumbai shores.

"Since the world famous Dwarkadhish Temple is also under threat, we have deployed commandos under a DySP cadre officer. We are in touch with Navy and Coast Guard for enhanced vigil, looking at the current threat perception on our coastline," said Pargi, who patrolled near the coast in a boat today.

Apart from the coast of Dwarka, where the temple is situated, a large police force has been deployed at Bet-Dwarka, a small island near the temple city.

"Some part of this island is uninhabited. We have deployed 70 to 80 policemen there to check identity of each and every resident. We are also checking fishermen of that area. We have hired boats to increase our patrolling in the sea," he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Rajkot



Range, D N Patel today reviewed preparedness of police near the coastline.

Apart from Rajkot, Morbi and Surendranagar, coastal districts of Devbhoomi-Dwarka and adjoining Jamnagar are under the Rajkot range.

"Our Range is having 300 km-long coastline. Marine Police in these coastal districts has been asked to increase patrolling while police on the land is checking each and every entry point on highways and main roads to ensure that no Pakistan-trained terrorist manages to enter here," Patel said.

On receiving the input late last night, Gir-Somnath district SP, H R Chaudhary deployed an additional force of 20 marine commandos to patrol the coastline.

"One company of SRP, having around 70 jawans, has been deployed at the famous Somnath Mahadev temple while 20 marine commandos are deployed to keep a close watch on the sea. They are given four boats to conduct round-the-clock patrolling," Chaudhary said.
The world's wheat and rice producers are headed for a record harvest this year, drastically reducing the global food bill as prices fall, the FAO said today.

Overall cereal production is projected to rise by 1.5 percent this year from 2015, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization said in its food outlook.

The bumper output will boost food inventories and bring prices down, pushing down the value of total food imports by 11 percent in US dollar terms "as lower bills for livestock products and cereal-based foodstuffs more than offset higher bills for fish, fruit and vegetables, oils and particularly sugar," it said.

However many poorer nations will fail to benefit from the windfall, the FAO warned, because their currencies have weakened, eliminating the benefits of cheaper food through a worsening exchange rate.

Global wheat production increases are being led by India, the US and Russia, which is "poised to overtake the European Union as the grain's largest exporter".

Meanwhile, rice production has received a great boost from abundant monsoon rains in Asia and output rises in Africa, adding to record crops for coarse grain in the US, Argentina and India.

Futures prices on the Chicago market for wheat and maize, which is seeing a recovery in output, have fallen by over 16 percent since the start of the year in anticipation of the supply increases, the FAO noted, while rice price quotes are at their lowest since 2008.

Production of cassava, a staple crop in Africa, is projected to rise by 2.6 percent this year.

Soybeans and other oilcrops could reach a production record this year, although supply is being outstripped by surging demand, the FAO said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India today said it will review the Most Favoured Nation status granted to Pakistan by it based on the security and trade interests, asserting that terror cannot be the commodity exported.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said that the speech by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hailing Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani in Parliament shows Pakistan's complicity in terrorism directed against India and was "self implicating". Sharif had hailed Wani as "son of the Kashmiri soil" while addressing the joint session yesterday.

"Promoting shared prosperity with neighbours has been government's priority but terror cannot be the commodity exported. We will undertake a review based on our security and trade interests," he said when asked if India will review the MFN status given to Pakistan by India, unilaterally.

Asked about the recent conversation between the National Security Advisors of India and Pakistan, he said the Prime Ministers of the two countries had in January agreed that their NSAs will remain in touch and the details should not be made public. "India remains committed not to make it public."



Earlier this week, Pakistan Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz was quoted as saying by Pakistani media that India has agreed to reduce tensions after their NSAs spoke over phone. This was first such contact after the Uri attack and India's retaliatory surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC.

Swarup also refused to react to the reports in Pakistani media that Sharif has asked the powerful military not to shield banned militant groups and directed authorities to conclude the Pathankot terror attack probe and the 2008 Mumbai attack trials.

On the reports that Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), a umbrella group of jihadi and Islamist outfits as Hafiz Saeed's JeM, organising a rally in Pakistan on October 28, he said India has always voiced its concerns at the freedom available to such internationally designated terrorists in Pakistan to conduct and promote anti India activities openly.

"It is up to the government of Pakistan to abide by its assurances that it will deny the use of its territory for such purposes," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ahmedabad-based Zydus Group has got into an in-licensing agreement with Switzerland-based Neovii to launch Grafalon, an immunosuppressant used in solid organ transplants and stem cell transplant, in India.

"The Zydus group will market this therapy through Zydus Trans-immune, a division that offers a range of therapies related to transplant medicine," group firm Cadila Healthcare said in a filing to BSE.

Grafalon offers a specific advantage of efficacy and better safety profile through targeted immunosuppression, it added.

"More than 200,000 patients till date, in over 50 countries, have been treated with Grafalon," Cadila Healthcare said. Transplant outcomes can be improved significantly by the use of immunosuppressant drugs like Grafalon, it added.

"Currently, an estimated 10,000 solid organ transplant and stem cell transplants are taking place annually across 200 plus transplant centres in India," the company said.

The stock of Cadila Healthcare was today trading at Rs 386.50 in the afternoon trade on BSE, down 0.54 per cent from its previous close.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Nidhi Verma

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Global oil major BP will set up 3,500 fuel stations in India, becoming the second overseas firm drawn to the rising demand for gasoil and gasoline in the world's fastest growing major economy.

India is replacing China as the driver of global oil demand growth and there is enormous scope for fuel demand to increase over the next decade as the Indian economy expands and a rising middle class obtain access to motor vehicles.

"We will shortly issue them (BP) a letter permitting them to set up 3,500 retail outlets," an oil ministry spokesman told on Thursday.

Another oil ministry official said the letter granting BP permission to sell fuels could be issued by Friday.

India's oil consumption is seen rising by 6 million barrels per day (bpd) to about 10 million bpd by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency.

"BP sees a strong future for transportation fuels in India. We are keen to be involved in this market and contribute to its development," a BP India spokeswoman said in an email reply.

She confirmed that BP had sought the Indian government's approval to sell petrol and diesel.

India's fuel demand rose by 11.6 percent in 2015/16, its highest rate in at least 16 years.

European oil major RoyalDutch Shell has 82 fuel stations in India, a retail market dominated by state refiners that own 93 percent of the 56,190 outlets in the country.

Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan in June said global oil majors including Saudi Aramco and Total plan to tap the retail fuel market in India.

Indian fuel markets could be a lucrative prize for BP, which reported a 45 percent drop in second-quarter earnings. It has also received an Indian licence for jet fuel sales.

It is not clear from where BP will source fuels for local sales. India's pricing formula gives higher profits to retailers with refining plants or domestic supply sources.

"BP already has a tie up with Reliance on the gas side so there is a possibility they may strengthen this relationship further to the downstream side of the business," said Tushar Tarun Bansal, director at Singapore based consultancy Ivy Global.

BP in 2011 acquired a 30 percent stake from Reliance Industries in some exploration blocks and formed a gas sourcing and marketing tie-up with the Indian conglomerate.

"Any refining or product sale tie-up with BP will suit Reliance which recently decided to exit from the African market, leaving it to explore new geographies and clients for its fuel," Bansal said.

Reliance, owner of the world's biggest refining complex, currently has a small share in the local fuel market.

Bansal said BP's entry into retail fuel sales may not immediately dent state refiners' market share as rising Indian fuel demand has the potential to absorb a new player.

"Moreover, they cannot open 3,500 retail stations overnight".

(Reporting by Nidhi Verma; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Motor Co Ltd plans to launch eight new car models in India by 2021, a senior company executive said on Ocotber 6, adding that the company would make the country a base to export cars to Africa and the Middle East.

also plans to develop some of its future Datsun cars in India, Christian Mardrus, the company's chairman for Africa, Middle East and India region, told Reuters on a visit to New Delhi.



launched Datsun Go, the first car to be released under the Datsun brand since 1986, in New Delhi in early 2014. The car is also available in Indonesia, Russia and South Africa.



With an eye to lure Indian customers who are in a festive mood this October, the auto major launched a hatchback version of redi-Go series - Datsun redi-Go Sport.



With a string of features like rear parking sensor and black interiors, the model is likely to find an audience among the youth given that the company is marketing the car as a sports-themed vehicle.
UK finance minister Philip Hammond, on his first trip to Wall Street since being appointed in July, plans to assure some of the top US top banks on Thursday that Britain is still the world's leading global finance hub despite its vote.

Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Dublin have made pitches to lure finance companies from Britain, and a survey last week suggested London's dominance could be under threat as the implications of leaving the Europen Union sink in.

Hammond will say that Britain would continue to welcome the best workers from around the world, just 24 hours after the interior minister said the government wanted to "flush out" companies that were not doing enough to hire British staff.

"One of Britain's great strengths is the ability to offer and aggregate all of the services the global financial services industry needs," Hammond will tell bankers in New York.

"This has not changed as a result of the EU referendum result and I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the world's leading financial centre," Hammond will say.

Hammond's office said he planned to meet bankers from Citi , BNY Mellon , Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs , who together employ more than 25,000 people in Britain, as well as other financial services firms.

UK-based firms are keen to retain the "passporting" rights that allow them to sell services across the EU from London, and have urged the government to reach a transitional deal to avoid disruption to financial .

Last month Hammond warned other EU countries they would be making a "huge mistake" if they tried do undermine London's dominance as a global financial centre.

This week he vowed to protect the economy from any turbulence during negotiations to leave the bloc, as sterling fell on worries Britain is heading towards a disruptive divorce with its biggest trading partner.
As a result, Tuesday night support groups, called Restoring the Circle, will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday in the Fort Union East and West Conference Rooms at the Great River Energy, 1611 East Century Ave. in Bismarck. This is an outreach program to address the need for support services to adults who are in recovery or in a cultural, socio-economic life transition,such as formerly incarcerated men and women, those in recovery or residents desiring to make a connection with other Native Americans in the community.
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Looking at advancing the date of Budget presentation to February 2 or even earlier, the Finance Ministry today briefed a Parliamentary panel on the proposed change as also the government's decision to merge railway budget with general budget.

Explaining the objective behind the proposed budget reforms, sources said, Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa informed the members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance of different aspects of the reform process.

As per the practice, the general budget is unveiled in Lok Sabha on the last working day of February.

Lavasa answered queries of members about the pros and cons of merging the Union and Railway budgets. Some members raised queries about the fate of dividend received by railways from its PSUs, sources said.

Railway Board Chairman is scheduled to brief the panel headed by former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily on October 21.

As per the sources, Finance Ministry is contemplating to present the general budget between January 30 and February 2 with a view to completing the whole process by March 31.

The ministry said that advancing budget presentation date assumes significance as the GST would be implemented from the start of the new financial year from April 1, 2017, they added.

There is uncertainty about the revenue collection of the central government as there could be teething problems in the initial phase of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) roll out.

The government would need about 8-9 weeks for completing the budget process in Parliament.

As per government's plan, the budget could be presented latest by February 2 and then Parliament would go in for recess around February 10 and meet again around March 10.

Thereafter, the parliament would have time to discuss and pass the Budget and Finance Bill by March 31, the last day of the financial year.

The Cabinet last month approved the Finance Ministry's proposal on landmark budgetary reforms relating to merger of Railway Budget with the General Budget and the advancement of the date of presentation from the last day of February.

The Cabinet has also given its permission to the merger of the Plan and the Non-Plan classification in the Budget and Accounts.

The presentation of separate Railway budget started in 1924, and has continued after independence as a convention rather than under Constitutional provisions.
Army on Thursday foiled three infiltration bids assisted by Pakistani posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.



"Three infiltration bids were foiled in two separate sectors on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on the intervening night of October 5-6," an army official said.



He said while two infiltration bids were foiled in Naugam sector, one such attempt was foiled in Rampur sector. "The infiltration attempts were assisted by Pakistani posts," the official added.
Army soldiers on Thursday morning gunned down three terrorists after they opened fire on battalion headquarters of 30 Rashtriya Rifles in Langate area in North Kashmir. The terrorists who were in army combat uniform, had opened fire at around 5 a.m.

The terrorists attacked on the sentry posts of the Rashtriya Rifles camp in Langate at two places. After firing at the posts of the 30 RR camp, the militants tried to flee but were killed by Special Operation Group of Police.

During the search operation conducted by the Army, the terrorists opened fire at the forces, thus leading to an encounter. Heavy firing continued for around half an hour and in the process three of the terrorists were reportedly eliminated.

Since last night, the Army has foiled three infiltration attempts. Two Army jawans have reportedly been injured in the attack, but no casualties reported so far. Massive search operations are still going on.

The attack comes four days after the Baramulla attack where terrorists tried to barge into the 46 Rashtriya Rifles camp at around 10.40 pm. The three-hour long fierce gunbattle ended with two terrorists being gunned down and a BSF jawan being martyred in the attack.

Earlier, Indian had conducted surgical strikes and destroyed at least seven terror launch pads across the LoC. India's decision to conduct the operation came after terrorists attacked the army brigade headquarters at Uri which claimed the lives of 19 jawans.


British IT wizard and 'Internet of Things' inventor Kevin Ashton on Wednesday said Republican candidate Donald Trump will not come out trumps in the US Presidential elections and that his stance on the outsourcing industry and immigration policies will harm the US more than India.

"Donald Trump is not going to come out trumps in the US Presidential elections because his organisational skills are poor. The damage will be done not to India, but to the United States,'' Ashton told journalists at the eighth edition of NASSCOM Design and Engineering Summit here.

Trump is the Republican candidate for the US President's post and and has come in for criticism in India over his views on the outsourcing industry and existing immigration policies.

"Trump is playing a dangerous game. Even if he wins the election, he will not execute half of the things he has been saying, but will try to enrich himself,'' Ashton said.

He also said the IoT ecosystemin India was rapidly expanding, owing to demand for both Industrial and Consumer IoT applications and is set to be a critical part of the next level of growth for the IT industry. Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar, on the other hand, said India needed to wait and watch, rather than panic, on the outcome of the US Presidential elections.

India can afford to sort of wait and see the circumstances because the Indian IT industry actually helps create jobs even ostensibly in United States. Therefore, we need not press panic buttons, he said.

The Internet of Things (IoT) market in India stands at USD 5.6 billion with 200 million connected units in 2016 and is expected to grow to USD 15 billion with 2.7 billion units by 2020, Chandrashekhar said.

The global IoT market is expected to grow to over USD 3 trillion by same period, and both consumer and industrial applications are expected to drive overall IoT growth, he said. The term 'Internet of Things' describes a system where the Internet is connected to the physical world via ubiquitous sensors.

The IoT ecosystem in India comprises around 120 organisations from across the value chain, the Nasscom chief said.

Chandrasekhar said IoT as a concept has seen vested interests from across industries globally and was set to become a major differentiator in driving the next generation of services and products.

In India, while the industry is at a nascent stage, industrial applications of IoT primarily in manufacturing, automotive and transportation and logistics are expected to drive IoT revenues by 2020, he said.

In association with Mail Today Bureau


PWC have today released their pre-budget survey which was conducted in the last week amongst over 300 of Irelands CEOs, CFOs and Senior Business Leaders.



A high proportion of business leaders believe the Minister should improve measures to encourage entrepreneur investment and enhance employee participation in companies.



The survey results showed that the vast majority (86%) of Ireland's business leaders agree that Ireland should appeal the EU Commission's Apple decision, which held that the Irish Revenue should be paid 13 billion in back taxes.

However, notwithstanding the good progress that Ireland has made on the OECD Base Erosion Profit Shifting (BEPS) reform agenda, such as the introduction of transfer pricing and Country-by-Country Reporting measures, less than half of respondents (47%) believe that Ireland has consistently been at the forefront of tax transparency.



Predictably, many Irish business leaders are concerned about the risks stemming from potential changes in our trading relationship with the UK as a result of Brexit.

Nearly half (45%) of respondents confirmed that they believe Brexit to be more of a threat than an opportunity for their businesses, while a quarter (25%) said that there are more opportunities than threats for them.



PwC Irelands Head of Tax, Joe Tynan said, "Ireland's economy continues to perform well above the average Eurozone GDP growth rate. The country is attracting significant foreign direct investment, despite the uncertainties posed by Brexit and global tax reform. We have a great opportunity in Budget 17 to ensure that Ireland remains competitive, while at the same time laying the foundations for further growth."

He added, "We need to continue proactive collaboration with our OECD colleagues to ensure that we are recognised as having a corporate tax system that is fit for purpose and at the forefront of global standards. Ireland needs to continue to demonstrate internationally that we have an open and transparent corporate tax regime that is competitive and fair."



Source: www.businessworld.ie
It was announced today that Dublin Airport has set a new record as a gateway to Northern Ireland for overseas visitors last year, as an estimated 1 million overseas residents used Dublin Airport to travel to and from Northern Ireland during 2015.



The significant increase in passengers from Northern Ireland choosing to use Dublin Airport was due in part to a further expanded route network with 23 new services and extra capacity on 40 existing routes at Dublin Airport last year.



Half of Northern Ireland residents used Dublin Airport for holiday trips last year, with 26% flying from Dublin on their main holiday and a further 24% using Dublin for an extra holiday. Business travel accounted for 11% of trips and 20% of passengers were visiting friends or relatives.



Three quarters of all passengers from Northern Ireland take a direct flight from Dublin to their final destination with about one-quarter making onward connections at another airport.



London Heathrow was the most popular destination for Northern Ireland residents using Dublin Airport last year, followed by New Yorks JFK, Dubai, Brussels, and Paris Charles De Gaulle. Short-haul services from Dublin to Britain and to continental Europe accounted for 8 of the top 10 routes for Northern Ireland consumers last year.

The UK continues to be the most popular country destination for Northern Ireland passengers using Dublin Airport followed by the United States, Spain, Germany and France. (Reuters)

Dublin Airports Chief Communications Officer, Paul OKane said, "Passengers from Northern Ireland love the choice, convenience and value that Dublin Airport offers with its extensive long-haul and short-haul route network and high frequency connections to a huge number of destinations."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
One of the largest privately-owned property groups in Europe, Ballymore Group, have today officially launched their new docklands development, Dublin Landings.

The launch event is taking place at the CHQ Building IFSC, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1 this morning.



The Dublin Landings development is superbly located in the heart of Dublins Docklands at City Block 8 on Dublins North Wall Quay, also home to the Central Bank of Irelands new headquarters.

With a Gross Development Value (GDV) in excess of 700 million, on completion, the site will comprise 700,000 sq. ft. of Grade A office space, 273 luxury one, two and three bed apartments and a number of retail units. It will be home to 5,500 people who will live and work in the area.



Chairman and Group Chief Executive of Ballymore Group, Sean Mulryan today commented, "The Docklands area and North Wall Quay specifically, has great potential and we are looking forward to harnessing that. Dublin Landings will showcase our design expertise in Docklands development and will bring to life our vision of creating a vibrant community within the area."

He added, "Through considered landscaping and careful planning of the urban spaces, we aim achieve a strong sense of place. The calibre of tenants expressing interest in Dublin Landings is a testament to the quality and scale of the development which will, we believe, not only define new standards for mixed-use development in Ireland, but also match international standards."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
In a move a prominent U.S. sheriff called unprecedented in his experience, deputies from across the country may come to North Dakota to respond to the pipeline protests.

Laramie County (Wyo.) Sheriff Danny Glick, immediate past president of the National Sheriffs' Association, pledged the support of sheriffs across the country to help Morton County at the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

"When we get a call from Sheriff (Kyle) Kirchmeier, we will be ready to assist," Glick said at a press conference Thursday.

In the past, the group has provided only advice in major protest situations, reserving physical aid for cases of natural disaster, he said.

The support comes as Kirchmeier announced an effort to take a more proactive approach to policing the protests, as no federal aid has arrived.

Kirchmeier said his strategy will include increasing patrols and sending deputies out to talk to farmers and ranchers who have reported trespassing on their property and feeling intimidated and threatened. "These fears are real," he said.

When pressed about whether he felt it was appropriate that local residents say they are carrying guns for self-protection, Kirchmeier responded, "At times, yes."

"The last thing I want to happen is a situation occurring between a local farmer and rancher and some of the individuals that have come here to protest," he said.

Kirchmeier said he would continue blocking roads to worksites, as he did in St. Anthony on Wednesday, if the protesters' intent is to stop construction, press workers to leave the site and enter private property.

"Just a protest doesn't give them the legal right to do that," he said.

Kirchmeier indicated the state's response has reached its capacity. So far, 268 officers from 24 cities and counties across North Dakota have assisted Morton County. No deputies from other states have assisted yet.

A request by the governor for federal officers was denied, the Forum News Service reported. Similar efforts by the state's congressional delegation are ongoing.

There are currently no plans to increase the presence of the National Guard beyond manning the checkpoint along Highway 1806, Kirchmeier said.

"We have tapped the resources to a level we have never seen in North Dakota," he said.

About 2,000 to 2,500 people are living at the protest camps, according to Kirchmeier.

Protesters headed toward St. Anthony again around noon on Thursday, according to Morton County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Donnell Preskey. Law enforcement officers blocked multiple roads to stop them from going to the sites. Work stopped at two locations but continued at others in the area.

The targeted sites are not within the zone where construction has been temporarily halted by a federal court.

Check back for updates to this story.
Commercial property consultants, CBRE Ireland, have released statistics which show that year-to-date investment volumes for 2016 total 3.2 billion, which is already close to the year-end figure for 2015 of 3.4 billion.

The largest deals so far this year include Blanchardstown Town Centre for 950 million, One Spencer Dock for over 240 million and The Oval for 140 million.



In the third quarter 2016, there was 316 million of investment activity. Although this is a decrease from last quarter, the second quarter was a particularly strong quarter.

Investment volumes were boosted by three deals greater than 20 million, including Neptune Apartment Block in Dun Laoghaire for 72.5 million which was forward-funded by SW3 / Tristan Capital and was sold by Cosgrave Group.

The other large deals include Hume House, which was sold by Blackstone to Irish Life for 35 million, and Fairgreen (office and retail block) in Galway which was sold by NAMA to Camgill Enterprises for 20 million.



Associate Director and Head of Research at JLL, Hannah Dwyer says, "Total volumes for the year-to-date are boosted by a particularly strong Q2, which saw a number of very large transactions. In comparison, Q3 was somewhat quieter, but this was expected over the summer months. We are expecting Q4 activity to pick up momentum again, with over 1 billion of assets currently on the market."



Source: www.businessworld.ie

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It was announced today that this years Global Startup Gathering will take place in a disused former prison in Cork.



Startup Island is being run on the 18-19 November, as part of this years Global Startup Gathering. Bank of Ireland is the lead sponsor for the second year, having been a major supporter of the Startup Gathering 2015.



Startups will be pushed outside of their comfort zones with a physical, army-style bootcamp putting them through their paces. Business masterclasses will cover a range of important topics, with everything from pitching to raising capital on the table.



A night in the cells will give startups plenty of time to think about their business models, while networking with fellow inmates could open up some unique business opportunities.

A pitch competition will also give startups the opportunity to compete for a prize fund worth 50,000.

Head of Enterprise Development at Bank of Ireland, David Merriman commented, "Through the Startup Island bootcamp participants will not only get the chance to meet their like-minded young startup companies, but will also gain invaluable insights and learnings for business success."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) has today raised concerns about the number of long term unemployed and has called on the Government to tackle the cost of living to offset unjustified pay demands.



While acknowledging the reduction of 46,311 on the Live Register in the year to September, the Association highlighted the 130,772 long term unemployed which now stands at 46% of all claimants.



In the up and coming Budget, the Association called on Government to reduce government influenced business costs to below the EU average and to target capital investment in job rich infrastructure.



ISME CEO, Neil McDonnell said, "The emphasis for this Government must be on getting the 286,490 people on the dole back to work. This can be achieved by reducing state controlled costs."

He added, "Government needs to build more houses to offset any excessive increases in rents, reduce the excise duties on certain goods and reduce the high VAT rate from 23% to 21% on all goods to boost the domestic economy."



Source: www.businessworld.ie

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Apple Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google and Coca-Cola Co topped the list of the world's 100 most valuable brands in 2016, while technology and automotive brands dominated the overall rankings, according to a new report from brand consultancy Interbrand.

Microsoft Corp, Toyota Motor Corp, IBM Corp, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, Amazon.com Inc, Mercedes-Benz and General Electric Co were also on the Top 10 list, according to Interbrand's 2016 Best Global Brands report.

Social network Facebook Inc, e-commerce giant Amazon and toy company Lego were the top growing brands.

This year, technology and automotive took 29 of 100 rankings on the annual list.

The report ranks brands based on financial performance, its influence on customers and its power to command a premium price or drive company sales.

Apple's brand value rose 5 percent from a year ago to $178 billion and Google's brand value was up 11 percent from a year ago to $133 billion, according to the report.

Apple, Google and Coca-Cola are the most valuable brands as "their finances are strong, their brand is a powerful driver of choice and they are very strong compared to competitors," Jez Frampton, Interbrand's global chief executive officer, said.

Hitting the Top 100 for the first time, French fashion brand Dior and Silicon Valley automaker Tesla Motors Inc at Nos. 89 and 100 respectively. Hugo Boss, Chevrolet and Kleenex dropped off the list, the report said.

Interbrand is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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Shares of Twitter slumped 9 percent late on Wednesday after Recode reported that Google, owned by Alphabet, would not move forward with a bid to acquire the social network.

Citing sources it did not identify, Recode also said that Apple was unlikely to be one of the possible suitors.

Twitter has told potential buyers it wants to conclude negotiations about selling itself by the time it reports third-quarter earnings on Oct. 27, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Salesforce.com Inc is in the running, while Alphabet and Walt Disney Co have also contemplated bids, the people told Reuters.

Twitter's stock was last down 9.21 percent in after-hours trade at $22.58.

The company has struggled to generate revenue growth and profit, despite having some 313 million average monthly active users and a growing presence as a source of news. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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LOGAN  The fear of clowns has hit the area as local law enforcement report an increase of calls particularly coming from school aged children and teenagers. Officers and deputies are taking the incidents seriously even though none of them have been substantiated.

Logan City Police Capt. Curtis Hooley said a 13-year-old individual at Mt. Logan Middle School made a threat against students through a social media post on Tuesday. The schools resource officer tracked the threat to the student who was questioned and referred to juvenile court on two-counts of electronic communications harassment.

Threats have also targeted Logan High School.

Hooley said officers are continuing to perform regular, random checks of schools both inside and out. School resource officers are also working with administrators in dealing with the issues this has caused with the students and faculty.

Cache County Sheriffs Lt. Mike Peterson said deputies have also been called to investigate similar reports but none of them have been confirmed.

The New York Times reports, the nationwide fear of clowns started in August, when several children living in Greenville, South Carolina, reportedly saw clowns near an apartment complex. The children said that the clowns were offering them money to follow them into a grove of trees.

Hooley said the fear of clowns is not new but with social media, the stories are going viral.

Utah State University Police Capt. Steve Milne said his officers have also had three calls of clown sightings on campus. Two of those involve a video that students have been sharing, showing someone dressed in a clown costume, walking around the university. Officers have followed up on the calls and found no evidence of any threats.

Milne said he hopes people would keep in mind that these type of calls drain law enforcements resources as they investigate. They can also lead to criminal charges.

<hr /><p style=text-align: center;>will@cvradio.com
A new trail is being developed in the Adams School area and Logan Mayor Craig Petersen said it is happening at the request of the neighborhood. The mayor told city council members Tuesday that Adams residents asked if the Middle Trail could be improved in the same way as the Upper Trail at Lundstrom Park.

He said Cache County Trails Coordinator Dayton Crites went right to work.

It already has three segments between 400 North and 700 North at about 600 East the trails in kind of rough shape. There will be some challenges there. Between 700 North and 900 North the trail probably will have to be along the sidewalks.

But once you hit 900 North and go out to 1400 North there is already a very nice trail along the canal. The main thing that has to happen is simply take away the barriers on either end. I think really theres not a whole lot of trail. It looks great and is very functional at this time.

There was other trail news at the council meeting. The mayor said with a $50,000 grant from the Utah Outdoor Recreation Program the funds will be used for the bridge on the new connecting trail in the Rendezvous Park area.
A Delta flight scheduled to leave Bismarck for Minneapolis Wednesday evening was canceled due to mechanical errors, according to Greg Haug, director of the Bismarck Airport.

After the 5 p.m. Wednesday flight was canceled, a mechanic was brought in to try to repair the plane. Haug said the airline had hoped to have the plane fixed by 6 a.m. but was unable to do so.
The North Caucasus insurgency has weakened dramatically in recent years. While Chechnya-based jihadist groups now number a few dozen fighters, jamaats operating in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay have been nearly wrecked. In Ingushetia, a few insurgent groups remain numbering a couple of dozen members. In Dagestan, the epicenter of the regional insurgents, several jamaats have survived and number around a hundred active members. Indicative of the unprecedented weakening of the North Caucasus insurgency is the jihadists inability to elect an amir of the Caucasus Emirate: since the liquidation of the last amir Magomed Suleimanov in mid-August 2015, the jihadist resistance has been beheaded as it lacks a formal leadership. Yet has the regional insurgency indeed been defeated?

BACKGROUND: On the eve of the Winter Olympic Games (WOG) in Sochi in 2014, Russian law enforcement aided by the local siloviki intensified measures aimed to stem the tide of the regional insurgency. Moscow has deployed three tactical innovations since around 2012-2013: first, the authorities began to selectively target the insurgents support base. This highly controversial approach was designed after the Chechen way of counterinsurgency where it proved effective. In Chechnya, the deployment of kadyrovsty paramilitaries since the early 2000s has led to massive violence against the insurgents relatives. Insurgents who chose not to capitulate or defect have seen their family members forcefully disappear or subjected to extrajudicial executions. Chechens who provided the insurgents with shelter, intelligence, and material have been identified and targeted by kadyrovsty and their local networks, usually kadyrovstys relatives. Similar methods have been deployed in Dagestan. The practice of forced disappearances  aimed at insurgents relatives and supporters  has reached Dagestan. So have extrajudicial executions, implemented during zachistki in the republic. Discrimination against insurgents families has been instituted in Dagestan, and their houses have been demolished in line with the Chechen experience. As in Chechnya, this method has overall reduced the willingness of many Dagestanis to risk the lives of their relatives by joining local jamaats.

The second innovation entails the deployment of elite counterinsurgent forces primarily in Dagestan. In previous years, most of the fighting was in practice done by local police, known for incompetence and corruption, aided by a numerically weak counter-terrorist force. Since early 2010, the Russian Ministry of Interior has deployed Special Rapid Response Units (SOBR) against insurgent groups particularly in Dagestan, now backed by numerically expanded Special Purpose Mobility Units (OMON) of the republican Ministry of Interior. The result has been more selective, brighter, and effective counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.

The third innovation entails the installation of moles in insurgent groups, enabled by the massive recruitment into jamaats during the peak of the insurgency in the early 2010s. The killing of the influential insurgent leaders, Chechen brothers Husayn and Muslim Gakayev, followed by the liquidations of Tengiz Guketlov in Kabardino-Balkaria and Artur Gatagazhev in Ingushetia, as well as the Dagestani and North Caucasian amir Aliaskhab Kebekov, along with a number of jihadist commanders in 2013-2014 are all attributed to the effective infiltration of insurgent groups.

Last but not least, hundreds of frustrated Dagestanis and North Caucasians have joined Syria-based jihadist groups since 2011, attracted by the jihadist propaganda of the terrorist organization calling itself the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and unhindered by Russian secret services. For the first time since the early 2000s, this has led to an unprecedented shortage of would-be fighters to recruit into locally operating jihadist groups.

IMPLICATIONS: These innovations nevertheless also have their limitations. First, while the deployment of violence against the insurgents relatives and support base in Dagestan has on the whole reduced the supply of prospective insurgents available to local jamaats, it has also produced a less numerous, but all the more committed share of radicalized fighters willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of personal retaliation. Nowadays, these prospective fighters lack experience and guidance, but the situation may change in the near future.

Second, elite forces in Russia  particularly SWAT-styled forces effective in counterinsurgent and counterterrorist operations  are now in shorter supply than was previously the case. Russias initiation of a hybrid war in eastern Ukraines Donbas region absorbed hundreds of these troops previously deployed in the North Caucasus, a move that was immediately felt on the North Caucasus battleground. Moscows Syrian venture has made it pull its elite forces off from Donbas to help consolidate the Assad regime, which explains the cessation of large-scale hostilities in Ukraine. As long as their number of members are dwindling, the North Caucasian jamaats pose no serious challenge to the existing counterinsurgent forces. Yet should the situation reverse, those minuscule elite forces would be in no position to cope with replenished jamaats. Already today, given the low number of deployed elite forces, the burden of fighting has again been placed on the shoulders of the local police and numerically weak republican special forces. Fourth, according to some local experts, the leaders of Dagestani jamaats have recently sought to deploy more selective recruitment policies, a move facilitated by the recent drop in the number of prospective recruits.

The recent military setbacks for the once-idealized ISIS and its victorious image have led to a decrease in its pull on North Caucasian youth, and a reduction in the number of fighters departing to join the ranks of Syria-based insurgent groups. As ISIS is widely believed to have passed its peak, many North Caucasians are rethinking their planned participation in the Syrian jihad, and are instead willing to stay and fight at home. The recent liquidation of Umar Shishani, an ethnic Chechen icon of ISIS that once attracted hundreds of Chechens and North Caucasians, also appears to have caused a decrease in the number of prospective volunteers to ISIS. This has been manifested in the slightly increasing share since 2015 of insurgency-related deaths particularly in Dagestan. To sum up, while significantly weakened  given the factors discussed above  the local insurgency still appears to be alive and capable of regrouping.

CONCLUSIONS: Since 2013, on the eve of the WOG in Sochi, the tactical innovations deployed by Russian law enforcement backed by the local siloviki have, along with the departure of hundreds of North Caucasians to Syria to join local jihadist groups, particularly ISIS since 2011-2012, have led to a dramatic weakening of the North Caucasus insurgency. Yet this state of affairs should not be taken for granted.

Despite of the risk of severe punishment particularly in Dagestan, some locals have become radicalized enough to join the local jamaats, willing to carry out insurgent and terrorist attacks for the sake of personal or familial revenge. The elite SWAT-type forces, which are numerically weak overall, have to a large extent been deployed to eastern Ukraine and Syria, again leaving the burden of counterinsurgency operations on the local police and less numerous republican special counter-terrorist units. The practice of infiltration, successfully deployed to target insurgency leaders and disrupting some locally operating insurgent groups, has become increasingly difficult due to the selective recruitment procedures of the insurgent groups. Moreover, the dwindling numbers of North Caucasian volunteers to ISIS and other jihadist groups operating in Syria have provided an impetus for the frustrated local youth to join jihadist groups operating in their home region instead of traveling to the Middle East.

Given these circumstances, and despite its considerable weakening in recent years, the North Caucasus insurgency is likely to survive and regenerate in forthcoming years.

AUTHORS BIO: Emil Aslan Souleimanov is Associate Professor with the Department of Russian and East European Studies, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic (https://cuni.academia.edu/EmilSouleimanov). His most recent book is Individual Disengagement of Avengers, Nationalists, and Jihadists, co-authored with Huseyn Aliyev (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014).

Image source: www.wikimedia.org, accessed on October 3, 2016
I'd rather be a citizen of nowhere than live in May's Britain

Published on October 6, 2016

Story by Phil W. Bayles

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I moved to France to start a new job three months ago, still bitter over the result of the EU referendum in June. I thought that eventually I would start to miss that green and pleasant land. But when I see what it's becoming under Theresa May, I don't think I want to go back any time soon. [OPINION]

Apparently, I am a citizen of nowhere.

I'll admit, finding this out came as something of a shock. I thought that I had a pretty good handle on what it meant to be a citizen. All my life Ive been a citizen of the UK - I speak the Queens English, I hold a British passport. But for most of my life Ive also been a citizen of Europe. Ive worked as a teacher in French schools, and now I spend my days sharing an office with people from Poland, Spain, Germany and Italy.

But according to Theresa May, this means I am trying to have my cake (filled with innovative jam) and eat it, too. "If you believe youre a citizen of the world," she says, "youre a citizen of nowhere. You dont understand what the word 'citizenship' means."

So what does 'citizenship' mean to Mrs May? Apparently, it means fostering an exaggerated fear of the 'Other', of the immigrant coming to steal your job. It means forcing UK businesses to reveal how many foreign workers they hire - an idea so terrifyingly familiar to any student of history that any attempt to guess what comes next will inevitably run afoul of Godwins Law. It means promising that EU trained doctors and nurses can keep their jobs in the NHS - but only until enough British doctors have been trained to replace them. It means refusing to guarantee EU nationals the right to stay in the UK because they are "one of our main cards in negotiations", as if they were not men, women and children with lives and futures at stake.

No wonder Diane James stepped down as the leader of UKIP after only 18 days in office. In a few short months the party has received everything it wished for, and in the process it has lost all reason to exist. The UK will leave the European Union. Theresa May has gained the centre ground by dragging it further to the right than it has ever been. Like Nigel Farage before her, the unelected, Oxford-educated former Home Secretary has pulled off the impressive doublethink tactic of sneering at the 'establishment' and painting her party as the party of decent, ordinary people.

There was a time when 'immigration' didnt immediately conjure up images of nasty foreigners filling up space and taking jobs. It used to be a source of pride; to think that of all the nations of all the world people wanted to come here, to our tiny little island, because they felt it was where they had the best chance at a better life. Now it means an atmosphere of constant distrust. It means being conditioned to look twice when we hear an accent we dont recognise, or see a skin tone thats different to our own.

If thats what the definition of 'citizenship' is becoming in the UK, then Theresa May is totally right - the word no longer means what I thought it does.

Story by Phil W. Bayles
When is hurricane season? Here's what you need to know in South Texas
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A Black Alert hit Cambridge hospital has revealed a bed was blocked for a record 189 days leaving a 79-year-old woman languishing as she awaited a bed at a nursing home.

Addenbrooke's Hospital has released information about the longest time one patient has remained in a bed at the NHS Trust due to delays in transfer of care (DTOC).

In 2013 a 91-year-old woman spent 90 days over her expected discharge date awaiting a bed at a nursing home in Essex.

The following year a 79-year-old woman spent 189 days extra at the hospital despite being ready for discharge as she awaited for a bed at an Essex nursing home.

And last year a man aged 67 spent an extra 121 days in the hospital awaiting a bed in a Cambridge nursing home.

The information comes after it was revealed Black alert status at the hospital has become almost the norm as the number of times staff cannot cope with the amount of patients rockets.

The hospital was thrown into a black alert status hundreds of times and the number has increased over the past five years.

Health bosses have blamed bedblocking and an increase in patients turning up and accident and emergency.

The Cambridge University Hospitals Trust was put on the highest alert level, which means staff cannot cope with the number of patients, 108 times in 2011/12 but that leapt to a staggering 245 times in 2014/15 and 176 times in 2015/16.

A Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) spokesman said:Delayed transfers of care (DTOCs) are a national problem and one that CUH is tackling proactively with our system partners.

It's not in the best interests of patients to stay in hospital after they are clinically fit to be discharged, or indeed the hospital as it takes up a bed that could be used for a patient needing elective surgery.

Over the last three months we have seen a reduction in DTOCs after securing 14 additional live-in carers, three domiciliary care rounds and commissioning six additional nursing home beds."
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A brave police dog which is part is part of Cambridgeshire's dog unit is fighting for its life after it was stabbed in the head and chest while helping its handler catch an armed robber.

Pc David Wardell and the Finn, a German Shepherd, were both injured while trying to apprehend a suspect who had fled the scene yesterday.

Head of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit Inspector Mark Farrant said: "Our thoughts are firmly with Pc David Wardell and his family at this extremely difficult time.

"Pc Wardell sustained an injury to his hand, but has received treatment for this.

"Finn is in a serious but currently stable condition. He is receiving specialist treatment at a veterinary clinic near Hitchin (Herts) where staff are working to establish the exact extent of the injuries he has sustained."

Seven-year-old Finn has been reared and trained by Pc Wardell since the pup was nine-months-old.

Police were called after a taxi driver picked up a man and was threatened by him with what is believed to be a gun, forcing the driver to stop and run off.

The robber then grabbed cash from the car and fled.

While officers were searching the area for the suspect another call came in to the police at 1.15am yesterday from a taxi firm which was concerned about a request to pick someone up.

When the cops went to the address a man ran from the scene so Finn and Pc Wardell gave chase.

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During the pursuit the officer received a stab wound to his hand and the dog was stabbed in the head and chest and is currently receiving emergency specialist treatment.

A 16-year-old boy from Lewisham, London was arrested on suspicion of GBH, conspiracy to rob, possession of a firearm and possession of a bladed article.

Following further inquiries and searches at a nearby property, a number of wraps of cocaine were found.

A 35-year-old woman from Stevenage was arrested and is being questioned on suspicion of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and an unrelated fraud matter.

A 17-year-old man from London located at the address during the search was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Two people were also stopped in a vehicle nearby and arrested. They are a 31-year old-man from Stevenage and a 36-year-old woman from Luton, Beds.

They are both being questioned on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

They all remain in police custody at this time.

Anyone who has any information which would assist the investigation should call the Herts Police non-emergency number 101.

Read more at http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/brave-police-dog-stabbed-in-head-and-chest-catching-armed-robber-fights-for-life/story-29783754-detail/story.html#6gDowXTHz8Ih5lkt.99
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The leaders of the Greater Cambridge City Deal were accused of overlooking" small businesses tonight, as they faced tough questions from the local business community.

Ahead of series of coordinated demonstrations over controversial congestion-calming plans scheduled to take place tomorrow (Thursday) , business leaders raised their concerns at a meeting at the Hilton hotel.

Organised by the Greater Cambridge and Greater Peterborough LEP, which is not part of the protest, it saw City Deal chairman Lewis Herbert and programme director Tanya Sheridan field a number of questions from concerned business owners.

The meeting was called ahead of Monday's deadline for public consultation, with many attendees citing a lack of information about the City Deal's plans to deal with congestion.

Claire Finn, who introduced herself as the owner of a central Cambridge business, said: As small and local businesses we don't feel any effort was made to inform us.

We appreciate you're doing this with the best intentions, but do you really feel you have communicated it well enough to small businesses to enable them to make their voices heard in time for Monday?"

The consultation on the proposed Peak-time Congestion Control Plan (PCCP) was opened on July 11, with Cllr Herbert admitting it could have been better promoted.

People say where is the vision? Well there is a vision, but we probably aren't communicating it very well," he said.

However he went on to emphasise all information about the plan was already made public.

He said: What I didn't properly appreciate was it took two or three looks at some of what is being proposed, some if of it takes a bit of working up for people.

It's only when people see it and are jolted, and see the reaction of people they know that they say 'that's going to have a bigger impact than I expected'."

Before taking questions from the audience, which had been invited by the LEP, Ms Sheridan set out the aims of the City Deal, proclaiming the ambition was for Cambridge to become the new centre of the universe."

She said: We need to nurture what is great already about this area.

We don't want it to be somewhere that's in genteel decline, somewhere struggling to look after itself, where businesses go out of business because there isn't the investment.

To do nothing doesn't mean we carry on as we are, it means your employees, customers and businesses get stuck in a great big traffic jam, or the customers go away as they don't like the traffic jams."

However many in attendance criticised the City Deal's proposals, citing concerns over school traffic, transport for employees and a loss of custom.

Several also spoke of the impact the PCCP would have on morning deliveries.

One speaker, who introduced herself as the owner of a cafe on King Street, said: If I don't get my deliveries before 10 in the morning, I can't cook food for lunch. I think it's going to throw a huge spanner in the works.

We have so many hurdles as small businesses anyway, and this is a huge hurdle for us. I don't think it's been thought through."

Her concerns were echoed by a representative of Andrews Butcher's, who told how his two vans delivered to 80 customers every morning, from their base on Coldham's Lane.

He said: If I can't do my business using two small vans as a small business, other businesses will come in from the outside in bigger vans. You're actually going to make the situation worse."

In response Cllr Herbert appeared to show a willingness to reconsider the issue of deliveries, echoing remarks he previously made to the News .

We need to look at the responses coming in, particularly from businesses," he said.

Clearly there are issues raised by them getting their deliveries around town."

One speaker, who said he owns a business in the city, said small and medium-sized businesses had been ignored in the consultation so far.

He said: Every time you mentioned business it's big business, not the small businesses. You seem to have largely overlooked them."

The meeting ended with the City Deal representative urging those present to submit their feedback on the proposal, through its online form .

Our video explains the City Deal in 60 (or so) seconds
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A lone black and white horse triggered a police alert yesterday amid fears it could derail a train near Cambridge.

The alert happened near to where up to a dozen horses were killed when they strayed onto a railway line and were hit by two trains in 2014.

Cambridgeshire police received calls from worried members of the public in Milton over the horse.

Officers were dispatched to the scene but could not find the animal. It was later spotted in a field away from the railway tracks.

A force spokeswoman said: "We received three calls from members of the public yesterday (Wednesday) with reports of a lone black and white horse in an insecure field off Fen Road in Milton.

"There was concern it could easily wander onto the railway line and cause a train to derail.

"Officers attended however could not locate the horse. Fen Road was checked and no horses were on the highway, on the grass verge or near to the railway line.

"Officers later spoke with one of the informants who confirmed the horse was now in a field away from the railway line."

In 2014, two trains travelling in opposite directions were involved in the incident at the Fen Road level crossing in Milton.

It led to major travel disruption and a female passenger was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

British Transport Police later said they believed at least 12 horses died in the incident.
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Police have closed the A1101 this morning as part of their search for missing airman Corrie McKeague,

The A-road was shut between Barton Mills, near Newmarket, and Icklingham between 10.30am and 11.30am.

Officers are also set to be searching on the A11 around the Fiveways roundabout, which may need to be shut later today.

A Suffolk Police spokesperson said: "It was to search for anything that we can find to help us locate Corrie."

The RAF Honington serviceman was last seen around 3.40am on Saturday, September 24 in Bury St Edmunds after a night out.

His Nokia Lumia 435 phone has been traced to Barton Mills. Police searched a bin lorry that travelled there on the morning of Corrie's disappearance, but did not find the phone.

Renewed appeals

They are appealing for anyone who has seen the phone, which has a black case with frayed edges, to come forward.

They are also appealing for anyone who may have seen Corrie to come forward, including market traders who were out early and anyone who has personal CCTV that may have recorded him.

Police have released images of the pink shirt and Timberland boots he is believed to have been wearing on the night of his disappearance.

They are also trying to trace three young people believed to have been in Bury St Edmunds on the night Corrie vanished.

If you have any information call the incident room on 01473 782019
Peak time road restrictions pose a serious risk to people's pets, vets claim.

A vets' group in the city says owners of sick animals will be unable to get them to their surgeries quickly, which in some cases might put the animals' lives in jeopardy.

The warning has been spelled out by the Cambridge Veterinary Group, which represents vet practices in the city area.

In a joint statement to the News, the vets - who have also passed on their concerns to officials working on the City Deal's transport projects  say they are very concerned."

They say: As principals and representatives of all veterinary surgeries in Cambridge, we are very concerned about the implication the proposed Peak Time Congestion Control Points will have on the health of our patients and the running of efficient clinics.

The peak time road closures will mean that our patients cannot reach us swiftly and reliably. It is unreasonable to expect clients to bring their pet to the vet by foot or on a bike. It goes without saying that this can have severe consequences for our patients' health and life. It is to us of greatest importance that our patients can reach us quickly in time of need.

The nature of our operating surgeries stipulates a rigid time frame which includes admission, sedation, general anaesthesia and operation, recovery and collection by their owner. The proposed road closures will mean that patients are longer than necessary separated from their owners which can be stressful and detrimental to their health. It may even prevent owners from collecting their pet until the next day.

"The proposed road closures will also force our practice to work during unsocial hours which will have consequences on retaining and recruiting the good staff our patients expect and deserve. We are opposing the Greater Cambridge City Deal and ask for a traffic policy which guarantees reliable access for our patients."

The statement comes from Lucy Crosby, of Cambridge Veterinary Group, Rob Luxley from Arbury Road Vets, Denise White, from Vets4Pets Cambridge and Cambridge Beehive, and Atilla Toh, of Clarendon Street Veterinary Surgery, following a meeting to discuss the road plans.

They have also been backed by Prof Michael Herrtage, dean of Cambridge University's Vet School. He said in an email to the vets: The Department of Veterinary Medicine is concerned over the welfare of animals caused by the introduction of these restrictions and is supportive of your cause."

Patrick Heimendahl, of the Clarendon Street surgery, added: Our meeting is the first time that all of one profession in Cambridge has come together to oppose the City Deal. Concern about our patients welfare is overriding any thoughts of competition. 
MUEA (SW): Destroyed plank houses... MWN

Dozens of residents in Muea, a cosmopolitan village in Buea sub division in the South West region, are now homeless after heavy duty machines from the Buea Council demolished their houses which were constructed along the road.

KAH Brigitte a housewife laments that they now have to sleep in the cold as a result of the demolition, To have a house where you can perch is really difficult, its a crisis everywhere. So we are still living under the rain.

Many business men have also being forced to shut down due to the activity. Shops were brought down alongside houses under the supervision of the Mayor for Buea municipality, Patrick EKEMA.

David a barber popularly known as Drogba is now perching on a veranda, he has nowhere to go, After the demolition I was helpless and you can see this is where I am managing, he said pointing to the veranda where a customer was seated.

Muea, which used to be a stop shop for travelers going to Ekona, Muyuka, Kumba, Mamfe and other areas, is now a shadow of itself.

Residents could be seen picking their broken pieces of belongings to start a new life.

The chief of Upper Muea, HRH David Molinge says the exercise which is not new is welcome because it will help to embellish the town, That is what I did in 2008, I called the population and told them that it is dangerous constructing such houses along the road even in the quarters. Now we still need another sensitization meeting with the population to preempt such situation in future.

The exercise comes barely forty days to the 2016 Women African Cup of Nations, in which Buea will host some participating teams.
| BY Ricki Green |

Air New Zealand has set its sights on Australian travellers, unveiling a ground breaking campaign to convince Australians that Air New Zealand is a better way to fly to North and South America.

In a strategic move to capture a greater share of the Australian long haul travel market, the airline is on a drive to change Australian travellers perceptions of where Air New Zealand flies.

Says Christopher Luxon, chief executive officer, Air New Zealand: Australia is a huge strategic opportunity for us once Australians understand that using Auckland as a one stop hub to North or South America makes great sense  particularly for those currently starting their long haul journey with a domestic connection.

More than a quarter of all international/long haul departures are bound for the USA, South America or Canada. Capturing just a little bit more of that market would see hundreds of thousands more Aussies flying with us to North and South America.

Were well established as the preferred airline for Australians travelling to New Zealand and one of Australias most respected brands, however, many Australian travellers still think of us as a trans-Tasman carrier and thats a perception were determined to change.

Chief revenue officer Cam Wallace describes Air New Zealands network of international destinations and superior inflight experience as the Aussie travel markets best kept secret.

Says Wallace: Kicking back in Air New Zealands world class lounge in Auckland beats a domestic connection hands down. Then theres our great long haul service which includes menus prepared by internationally renowned chefs, wines selected by Masters of Wine, true lie flat beds in Business Premier, spacious luxury leather Premium Economy seats and the innovative Economy Skycouch thats perfect for families.

Wallace says the airline has a track record of doing things differently and the Better Way to Fly campaign is no exception: Were famous for celebrity filled safety videos and stand out marketing campaigns and this time were thrilled to have teamed up with Australian acting royalty Bryan Brown as the distinctive voice of Dave  a migratory bird whos learned the benefits of flying long haul with Air New Zealand rather than sticking with the flock.

Through CGI technology and the familiar voice of Bryan Brown, Dave bursts into life as Air New Zealands number one fan when it comes to flying to North or South America.
| BY Ricki Green |

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has appointed Cummins & Partners as its creative and media agency following a competitive pitch process.

The APS is the leading professional organisation for psychologists in Australia and represents over 22,000 psychologists. The APS will be working with Cummins & Partners in its endeavours to advocate for the discipline and profession of psychology, and psychologists in Australia.

Says Pat Freeland-Small, head marketing, communications and events at the APS: We were impressed with Cummins & Partners strategic, creative and media thinking, and know they will be an excellent partner for the APS moving forward. They have an intimate understanding of psychology and demonstrated they are passionate about the health of this important discipline.
| BY Ricki Green |

In his year as D&AD president Andy Sandoz has imparted many valuable lessons. His future-facing attitude has often set him apart from the crowd and his love of the weird and wonderful is legendary. A dedicated champion of New Blood, the biggest message to come out of his tenure as president has been the D&AD mantra of win one, teach one. In its simplest form, he wants all awarded creatives to look at how they got to where they are, and help to teach the next generation what it takes to make amazing, awe-inspiring creative work.

His final act as president has been to make some changes to the Annual. Renamed the Manual, this year for the first time the Annual isnt just a record of the best awarded creative work from 2016, it also asks the reader to think about what this work can teach us. It features interactive exercises created by B+A (formerly known as Ben&Andrew), based on lessons from Christopher Ball, Patrick Collister, Nick Eagleton, Thea Frost, Al MacCuish and Sandoz himself. This years Book is best read with a sharpened pencil and an open mind, so that notes can be taken and questions answered. Its time to go back to school.

Says Sandoz on the new Manual format: This is no Annual. Well, it is. Its an amazing one. A celebrated collection of the very best in design and advertising from across the globe. No dust-gathering ornament to last year. Its a signpost to the next. No Annual, this is a manual.

Our Pencils remain the most sought after and hard won creative awards in the world. If you are talented enough to win one, then you hold knowledge enough to teach another. The story of your winning Pencil can help others also win. Beyond agency, network or personal gain, you support the industry that supports you. Leave a handhold for others in our industrys collective journey upwards.

Congratulations to all the awarded individuals, teams, businesses and work preserved among these pages. A towering achievement. Your talent lifts us all. This not-an-annual makes you taller. It is a tool. Dont shelve it, use it. Reference it. Write in it. Stand on top of it.

This years Annual was designed by Lucienne Roberts, an independent design practitioner of studio LucienneRoberts+ with a publishing venture on the side. Her brief was to make something completely different, something that could be written in, poured over and ultimately end up dog-eared and well-used.

Roberts was faced with quite a challenge when given the task.

Says Roberts: This D&AD Annual is a celebration of print as well as of the work it contains. It may use technologies that have been around for a while, but in all my 25+ years as a practitioner I have never been given carte blanche to play with them at will in the way that Andy so readily encouraged.

His brief was to mess things up  which initially put me in a spin. I wrote a book about grids, cite artist Sol LeWitt and designer Jan Tschichold as influences, and spend far too long agonising about alignments than is good for me. Andy has the wrong person, I thought. But it didnt take long for us to rise to the challenge. This year sees softback binding, super thin paper and a mass of delectable overprints alongside distortions of the CMYK process. Less of a mess and more of a play.

Adds Roberts on the overall design themes: From the outset, we considered this years Annual as a learning tool. The winning work itself speaks volumes of course, but so does the printing and production, font use and layout. The font is FF Schulbuch Nord. The clue for its choice is in the name. Schulbuch means school book in German and this font is based on the letterforms found in childrens textbooks.

Befitting an Annual that is a learning tool, this year we have included a whole section of exercises (created by B+A) complete with empty boxes to write, scribble and draw in. The design and production of these pages also acts as a lesson in colour. Printed as a five-colour 24-page section, (two fluorescents and three pure Pantone inks) it features some of the many combinations of tints and overprints possible, making secondary and tertiary colours. The representation of this years juries also act as a lesson in print, featuring colour images run in interestingly distorted CMYK. A key makes clear when the cyan plate is printed in magenta and so on.

This has also been the year of the launch of D&AD Impact, an award that looks at awarding the real-world effect of using creativity to do good. Andy felt very strongly that this years Annual should reflect the values that he and D&AD believe in and lead by example, so this years edition is the most sustainable yet.

To meet this requirement without compromising on design, every component of the book production was considered, from reducing the amount of ink used to sustainable packaging. The book was printed with vegetable-based inks on 100% recycled, wood-free uncoated paper. The paper weight was reduced to 80gsm, the lowest you can go while still achieving good results on big printing presses. The hardback cover of previous editions is replaced with a soft one made from FSC certified paper, completely biodegradable, recyclable, and free of elemental chlorine, acid and heavy metals. Using a soft cover and reducing the paper weight achieved a 32% overall weight reduction which also significantly contributed to reducing carbon emissions throughout production and distribution.
| BY Ricki Green |

Leading brand consultancy, Interbrand, named Apple, Google and Coca-Cola the three most valuable brands in its 2016 Best Global Brands report, with automotive and technology brands dominating the rankingand Tesla and Dior entering the Top 100 brands. Now in its 17th year, the report reveals the Anatomy of Growth, and will feature an insiders view of how great brands grow great businesses.

Says Jez Frampton, global chief executive officer, Interbrand: Its clear the best global brands are not just weathering change, but driving it. They understand their Anatomy of Growth is complex, unique and personal; they look inward and outward, expand into new markets, and create better experiences to grow their brands and businesses.

For the fourth year in a row, Apple and Google claimed the top positions. Apples brand value grew by 5 percent to USD $178,119m, while Googles brand value rose 11 percent to USD $133,252m. Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Toyota, IBM, Samsung, Amazon, Mercedes-Benz and GE round out the top 10. Dior and Tesla enter the Best Global Brands report for the first time, at #89 and #100 respectively.

The worlds five Top Growing Brands include Facebook (48 percent growth), Amazon (33 percent), LEGO (25 percent), Nissan (22 percent) and Adobe (21 percent).

With a combined 29 positions, automotive and technology brands dominate this years report. Retail is the Top Growing Sector, increasing 19 percent, followed by the sporting and luxury sectorseach experiencing a 10 percent increase.
TURTLE RIVER STATE PARK -- Offering a guarantee of success is a dicey proposition with any pursuit, but Tim Driscoll liked his chances of catching at least one Northern saw-whet owl on this crisp, early fall evening.

I almost guarantee you tonights going to be a big night, he said.

Driscoll, a Grand Forks resident raptor expert, and park naturalist Erika Kolbow were on a mission to catch saw-whet owls within the parks boundaries and band them. They had set up a series of four, small-mesh nets in a square pattern among a patch of hardwood trees along one side of the Turtle River near Woodland Lodge and another net across the river.

With big yellow eyes and heads that seem to take up half of their bodies, these smallest of North American owls are, simply put, cool-looking birds.

According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, saw-whet owls are found year-round across the southern half of Canada, much of Minnesota and the far northeast tip of North Dakota, wintering in dense forests across the central and southern U.S.

The banding program, which targets saw-whets migrating through Turtle River State Park en route to who knows where, is part of a continentwide effort to learn more about the tiny owls and where they migrate.

Theyre not this classic north-south species, Driscoll said. Theyre somewhat nomadic in that they follow food.

Eastern screen owls, which breed in the park, occasionally show up in the nets, as well.

Learning process

The fall banding season was off to a good start, and Driscoll and Kolbow already had banded six saw-whets, including one last spring, going into the nights operation. They caught their first saw-whet of the fall Sept. 21 and were ahead of last years pace, when they didnt start banding until Oct. 1.

Last year was their first extensive attempt at catching and banding saw-whet owls in the park, Driscoll said, but they tallied 102 birds before calling it a season in mid-November. Among last falls highlights was a saw-whet that had been banded a month earlier in Prince Albert, Sask., more than 600 miles northwest of Grand Forks.

The park also offered a public banding night last October that attracted more than 30 people.

If you had told me last July (2015) that I would catch 100 saw-whets, I would have said Ill be thrilled to death with 20, Driscoll said.

The nets were in place as the sun dipped toward the western horizon. A half-hour after sunset, Driscoll fired up a digital recording of a calling saw-whet, a rhythmic, high-pitched toot-toot-toot cadence. In saw-whet speak, the call basically says, I have food, come on over, and Ill share it with you.

And then, the owls come -- hopefully -- getting caught in the nets as they swoop in for a closer look. Driscoll and Kolbow, along with a handful of volunteers, would check the nets every half-hour.

Early indications are good, but who knows? Driscoll said. Im encouraged. Were certainly off and running.

Ideal conditions

This night was nearly perfect for catching saw-whets, which hunt and migrate by night. The northwest wind had subsided, and thered be little more than a sliver of moon.

Still, Driscoll predicted the first check of the nets would be unproductive.

He was right.

Prime time is probably 9 to midnight, he said; theyll work into the wee hours if the nets are producing.

The owls Driscoll and Kolbow band at Turtle River will help fill an information void for the species in the Upper Midwest. Banders are relatively common on the East Coast and in British Columbia, but not so much in this part of the world, Driscoll said.

The federal bird banding lab in Maryland keeps a database of the banded owls.

We sent 100 saw-whets out there with our bands on them last fall, and Im guessing 40 of them are still floating around somewhere, Driscoll said. Where are they going? Theres many more than people thought, and theyre finding them as far south as Arkansas. Three or four years ago, youd have said there are no saw-whet owls in Arkansas.

Owls in hand

Driscoll and Kolbow hit pay dirt on the second check, and the nets held a screech owl and a big-eyed saw-whet. They freed the two birds and carried them to nearby Woodland Lodge to measure, weigh and band.

The owls are aged by looking at their wings under a blacklight. A chemical called porphyrin is prevalent in the wings of hatch-year owls and shows up as a pinkish-red color under the light. The chemical fades as the bird ages, and the reddish color disappears.

Judging by its glowing wings, the first saw-whet of the night had been hatched this past spring.

Kolbow also has begun collecting a series of mug shot photos of each owl, along with their corresponding band numbers, before releasing the birds. As of Monday, shed photographed 21 owls, a collection that will grow as banding continues.

Every face is different.

You wouldnt think there would be such a dramatic difference, but there is, Kolbow said.

Driscoll says theyll keep banding as long as they catch migrating saw-whets. The final tally on this night was seven, but catch rates slowed with the weekend warm snap and south winds, Driscoll said.

Most likely, the best is yet to come.

It sounds like there are lots of owls coming from the north, Driscoll said. We just need a cold front and some north winds.
| BY Ricki Green |

OMD has today announced the appointment of Kenny Stewart as group managing director, OMD Brisbane and OMD WA.

Stewart was most recently CEO of Dentsu Mitchell & Vizeum, ANZ. He brings extensive experience in building and managing businesses. In this new position, Stewart will be responsible for delivering growth in the Brisbane and Perth offices. He will also continue to build the product suite through greater connectivity with OMDs Strategic Business Unit hubs and increased on ground specialist resource.

Local managing directors Rob Swinton and Angela Nutton will work with Kenny to collectively realise this ambition.

Says Peter Horgan, CEO OMD Australia and CEO, Omnicom Media Group, Australia & New Zealand: We are delighted to be welcoming Kenny, he is a respected, experienced industry senior executive who has built successful businesses in both markets. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge, business acumen and proven leadership skills.

Says Stewart: Im delighted to be joining OMD and am really looking forward to helping the team build on their considerable recent success. Its especially exciting to be joining an organisation with strong, stable leadership and a huge emphasis on a values based culture  all crucial ingredients in building and evolving a successful agency business. Im really looking forward to working with the teams in Qld and WA and to building on our success with, and for, our clients.
| BY Ricki Green |

Australias iconic swimwear brand, Seafolly, has unveiled the second chapter of the Welcome to Seafolly campaign, Summer 16, shot in Broome, Western Australia via Ogilvy, Sydney.

Rugged, remote and beautiful, Broome was the obvious choice for Summer 2016. Welcome to Broome captures the picturesque landscapes and showcases the strong juxtaposition of the white sands, blue sea and rust-red cliffs, bringing the Summer collection to life. Seafollys love affair with Broome started in 2007, when Miranda Kerr was the face, now almost 10 years on, they decided to return to their favourite slice of paradise, this time with WA local and international model, Bridget Malcolm (left).

Welcome to Broome is a modern reflection of Seafolly history, infusing natural beauty with the unique Australian landscape. Steeped in a rich history, a spiritual connection was formed through the exceptional knowledge and passion of Jimmy Edgar and Neil Mckenzie, Seafollys local Indigenous guides in Broome. First stop was Byron Bay, now Seafolly has gone west and landed in Broome.

Chosen for her natural beauty and soulful connection to Western Australia, Malcolm was the epitome of the modern Seafolly woman  effortless, confident and active. On camera and behind the scenes, both Malcolm and German model Alena Blohm, immersed themselves completely, from camel rides and morning yoga, to chatting with the local community, Welcome to Broome is a celebration of what makes an Australian summer truly memorable.

Says Malcolm: Seafolly is such an iconic Australian brand. Its the pinnacle for a lot of Australian models and Im just so happy and humbled to be included as part of the family. This trip has been unforgettable.

Says Mathew Hayward, chief marketing officer, Seafolly: The Welcome to Seafolly series invites you to embrace what makes an Australian summer truly unforgettable- the picturesque beaches with warm golden sand and welcoming waves, iconic Seafolly swimwear, and friendly coastal communities. After visiting laid-back Byron Bay to ease us into spring, the vibrancy and intensity of Broome helps us truly celebrate the height of summer. Welcome to Broome also showcases its commitment to the global heroising of sharing an Australian Summer with women everywhere  with fit, fashionability and fun.

Designed to complement the active Australian lifestyle, the campaign showcases a stunning, progressive collection of swim, active, overswim and accessories with an emphasis on femininity, texture and vibrant prints.

Behind the lens of the campaign was home-grown and world-class photographer, Simon Upton. The sought after photographer has a close connection with Broome, ever since he was awestruck by the areas natural beauty for the first time over 10 years ago. He continues to return again and again, bringing friends and family alike, to share in its wonder and beauty.

Seafollys Welcome to Broome campaign has launched nationally with a comprehensive campaign inclusive of video, out-of-home, PR, print, digital and social activity running across Seafolly Australia channels

Agency (Models)  IMG

Model  Bridget Malcolm

Model  Alena Blohm

Photographer  Simon Upton

Hair  Sophie Roberts

Make-up  Sarah Tammer

Stylist  Tamila Pervis

Agency  Ogilvy

Creative Director  Boris Garelja

Strategic Planner  Heather Sheen

Head of Art  Sian Binder

Business Director  Leigh Bignell

Account Management  Amelia Deakin

Production Company  De Republica
Here's the biggest news you missed this weekend

Relatives in Seoul search for missing loved ones after a deadly crowd surge. And Nancy Pelosi makes first remarks about her husband's attack. It's the weekend's news.
Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 10:28AM

Viv was built with both consumers and developers in mind. This dual focus is also what attracted us to Viv as an ideal candidate to integrate with Samsung home appliances, wearables and more, as the paradigm of how we interact with technology shifts to intelligent interfaces and voice control.

Artificial Intelligence and personal assistants are going to play a big part of our mobile future. Google's CEO Sundar Pichai said as much during his keynote early this week by stating that A.I.-first will be the future and this interface goes beyond displays and moves into the realm of voice assistants.

Apple was an innovator in this space with Siri and has slowly placed Siri beyond the iPhone and iPad and into the Apple TV, CarPlay and now on macOS Sierra. The company that created Siri spun off from Apple some time ago and created a new assistant called VIV who is more extensible than Siri and can work with more services and apps. Viv was just purchased by Samsung for an undisclosed amount.

Viv has developed a unique, open artificial intelligence (AI) platform that gives third-party developers the power to use and build conversational assistants and integrate a natural language-based interface into renowned applications and services. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

Viv was built with both consumers and developers in mind. This dual focus is also what attracted us to Viv as an ideal candidate to integrate with Samsung home appliances, wearables and more, as the paradigm of how we interact with technology shifts to intelligent interfaces and voice control.

The deal showcases Samsung's commitment to virtual personal assistants and is part of the companys broader vision to deliver an AI-based open ecosystem across all of its devices and services. With Viv, Samsung will be able to unlock and offer new service experiences for its customers, including one that simplifies user interfaces, understands the context of the user and offers the user the most appropriate and convenient suggestions and recommendations.

Viv was founded by AI visionaries Dag Kittlaus, Adam Cheyer and Chris Brigham. As part of the acquisition, the founding team will work closely with Samsungs Mobile Communications business, but continue to operate independently under its existing leadership.

Unlike other existing AI-based services, Viv has a sophisticated natural language understanding, machine learning capabilities and strategic partnerships that will enrich a broader service ecosystem, said Injong Rhee, CTO of the Mobile Communications business at Samsung Electronics. Viv was built with both consumers and developers in mind. This dual focus is also what attracted us to Viv as an ideal candidate to integrate with Samsung home appliances, wearables and more, as the paradigm of how we interact with technology shifts to intelligent interfaces and voice control.
Then, too, he's thinking in his horsey works of how our high country's wild horses have become part of Australia's "mythology". And so he's trying to suggest in his works what he calls an "Australian Gothic ... Oz Gothic" quality in the wild outback. He says that in ancient Europe we looked to grim and scary castles and mansions for the unnerving and the unsettling but that in Australia, Europeans found a chilling equivalent in the alarming Australian bush, so deathly quiet, so very, very strange. In what he calls his "hybrid" horse men, we have a wholly Australian mythological creature adding to that uniquely unnerving, unsettling outback ambience.
Clinton is already president of social capital, and for her, relationships are not disposable. They are the product of emotional labour over years and an investment in the future. Bill Clinton has been unbearably open about his philandering. And she has soldiered on. As Corbin says, Hillary Clinton would have been criticised for disloyalty had she not stood by her man. Now Trump is trying to criticise her for loyalty, for her resilience.
The ANAO fully accepts the case for limited tenders on the basis of extreme urgency. But it argues that limited tenders are still subject to certain requirements that the department failed to meet. For example, there was no excuse for the paucity of record-keeping at all stages, which hampered the ANAO's task and accountability generally. More specifically, in the absence of competitive tenders, agencies must satisfy themselves that a sole supplier offers value for money. One favoured mechanism is to benchmark the proposed cost of the contract against the actual costs of other, similar services. For the initial contracts in 2012, the ANAO found no evidence of any attempt to assess value for money, beyond a judgment that the proposed suppliers were available or had the capacity to respond quickly or were simply available. Indeed, no full assessment of costs was made and the contracts were signed after operations had begun.
A Cannon Airman recently returned from a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency mission in Vietnam.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Nguyen, a CV-22 flight engineer in the 20th Special Operations Squadron, returned from a 30-day temporary duty assignment providing manual labor and working as a Vietnamese linguist aiding the recovery of missing military personnel.

The DPAAs mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting for missing personnel to their families and the nation. The organization works under the Secretary of Defense and is an agency organized for the recovery and accounting for service members of any previous conflicts.

Nguyens mission was to work alongside a team, closing the gap between language barriers with the host nation to help recover a missing Navy pilot in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam.

It was interesting because I was born in the states and most linguists were born in Vietnam and then came over to the states. Nguyen said, For me, my parents were born there and I was born in the States so I still had ties to Vietnam.

Nguyen took the Defense Language Proficiency Test for Vietnamese and then applied for the special duty as a linguist for DPAA missions in Vietnam. Once selected for the assignment, Nguyen left for Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, for initial processing and mission briefing.

Once in Vietnam, day-to-day activities included acting as a liaison between team members and Vietnamese government officials, translating for team members and locals and working with the team excavating at the designated dig site.

For my mission we ended up moving 550 square meters of dirt said Nguyen, If we do find them then just the gratification from the job that you find something, the family gets closure, and you get to bring them back after 40 plus years that would complete the entire mission
Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities (MBC), which provides open-access fibre across Virginia and neighbouring areas, will connect the MAREA and the BRUSA cables, which land at Virginia beach from Europe and South America respectively.

Microsoft and Facebook are building MAREA, which links Virginia Beach to Bilbao on the north coast of Spain.

Telefonica is building BRUSA, which runs to the same landing point from Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza in Brazil via San Juan in Puerto Rico.

Tad Deriso, president and CEO of MBC, confirmed to Capacity that the non-profit company will connect the landing station. Microsoft and Facebook are our customers, he said, speaking at the Capacity Europe event in Toronto. Microsoft has a large data centre at Boydton, Virginia.

MBC has a fibre network covering 2,500km, said Deriso, who founded the company in 2004 with the backing of funds from Virginia authorities as a way of stimulating high-technology investment after the decline of traditional industries in the state.

The company has no retail customers of its own, but provides open-access fibre to operators such as CenturyLink, Comcast, Cox, Level 3 and Verizon to reach customers, cell towers and other facilities.
The Fiber Carrier Association (FCA), the industry group for fibre operators in the Netherlands, has admitted NDIX as its newest member. NDIX manages an open Ethernet network and internet exchange in the east of the Netherlands, on the border with Germany and brings together its own fibre as well as a number of other regional fibre networks.

A digital marketplace provides access to approximately 85 service providers.The NDIX-network is comprised of NDIX fibre and a large number of linked fibre-optic third party networks. NDIX links diverse businesses, industrial and data centre complexes in the Netherlands and Germany via fiber. NDIX does not offer ICT services.

NDIX director Jeroen van de Lagemaat said: "The FCA is an interesting initiative, inter alia in order to share our knowledge of Dutch and German networks with other fiber carriers. Connecting as a participant offers NDIX good opportunities."

Rick Fucht , FCA president, and Andrew van der Haar, director FCA, are pleased NDIX want to make its expertise available to the FCA: "It is very positive and encouraging that NDIX intends to support in this way. We consider it as a great complement to the expertise of the FCA. "

The FCA currently has as members Relined, Broadband Tilburg, Rekam, Broadband Eindhoven Region Vitrumnet , Trent Fiberglass, Fore Freedom and NDIX. The trade association is open to all independent carriers in the Netherlands.

The FCA was founded in March 2016.








DICKINSON -- Students at Dickinson State University went back to classes on Wednesday, 24 hours after a faculty member was injured in a classroom explosion Tuesday afternoon at Murphy Hall.

Chemistry professor Ken Pierce was preparing a classroom demonstration around 3:30 p.m. when an incident occurred resulting in a small explosion.

We are now almost 24 hours from the timing of the accident, DSU President Thomas Mitzel said Wednesday afternoon. Several members of our campus community remain involved in efforts of cleanup and communication. The campus responded in accordance with emergency plans, and I am pleased with the swift responses to ensure safety and communication.

The building was evacuated. No students were injured, but three were evaluated and released by paramedics on scene after experiencing ringing in their ears from the explosion.

Pierce was transported to CHI St. Alexius Health in Dickinson, then transferred to Bismarck for treatment of his injuries. They were not life-threatening.

Marie Moe, DSU's executive director of communications and public affairs, said Pierce was reportedly in good spirits when he spoke to members of the campus community Wednesday morning.

Murphy Hall was open for classes Wednesday except for rooms 206 and 210, which underwent cleaning by Wenck Emergency Response.

The response team arrived about 7:45 a.m. Wednesday to begin cleaning up the classroom.

Jack Schulz, DSUs director of security and emergency management, said the second-floor classroom showed visible signs of the explosion, with parts of the counter damaged and debris around the room.

He said the head of the chemistry department notified him immediately that there were no dangerous airborne chemicals to be concerned about in the lab, and there was no fire.

Sandra Atafo said she heard the boom from her classroom across the hallway.

I just heard this sound of an explosion, Atafo recalled. It was really loud.

She said her class was assured it was nothing to be concerned about and resumed class before being told they needed to leave the building.

I just saw blood, and I saw that it was actually worse than we thought, she said.

Liz Pavlicek was on the first floor during the incident but said she could feel the explosion.

The room shook, she said. My friend actually started packing up our things because we thought somebody had set off a bomb.

Schulz said the second floor was evacuated within minutes, and someone gave Pierce first aid until paramedics arrived.

There was a young lady that had some type of medical training either in the room or in the area, and she provided a little bit of first aid on him, Schulz said.

The professors hands were bandaged before he was taken away by ambulance.

Dr. Ken Pierce is a beloved teacher and member of the DSU family. His injuries are not life-threatening, for which we are all grateful, Mitzel said. As a community and family, all of our thoughts are with Ken as he begins to heal from this accident. Ken will have all the support we can give to him, and all the positive energy we can send to him.

Badlands Human Service Center will provide counseling to campus community members who wish to talk about Tuesdays events. Faculty, staff and students can walk in or call for an appointment.
Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

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You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
VALLEY CITY -- A Valley City police lieutenant who resigned in July in the face of a second internal investigation against him was accused of having sex in a squad car and in the departments evidence room, authorities say.

The allegations against Lt. David Swenson couldnt be proven or disproven, Police Chief Fred Thompson said in a press conference Wednesday.

This is a he said/she said situation and neither party wants to cooperate, Thompson said. It is unfortunate that there cannot be a definitive conclusion to this case.

Just hours after he learned of the complaint, Swenson resigned on July 7. After resigning, Swenson declined to participate in the internal probe, the chief said. And the woman who made the accusations, a Valley City resident at the time who is now believed to be living abroad, couldnt be reached for a follow-up interview, he said.

Swenson, who does not have a listed phone number, could not be reached for comment.

Thompson said his major concern was the possible impact on the integrity of the evidence room, but he personally inspected more than 1,800 items and didnt find any that had been disturbed.

The woman approached Thompson at a street dance in June and told him that she had some interesting information about Swenson.

Days later, on July 6, the 28-year-old woman gave a signed formal written complaint outlining Swensons alleged misconduct, and submitted to an interview.

In the interview, the woman said she had met Swenson in 2012, irked that she had been reported missing by a family member. Shortly after that meeting, the woman traveled to Brazil. After returning in 2013, she met with Swenson to apologize for her behavior in the earlier meeting, fearing repercussions with Valley City police.

About two weeks later, the woman met again with Swenson, who proposed that she serve as a confidential informant for a local drug task force, Thompson said. Swenson and the woman also discussed getting together socially, and she claimed a sexual relationship started in April 2013 and included six or seven sexual liaisons in the police evidence room, from the fall of 2014 through August 2015, Thompson said in his investigative report.

The woman was able to provide a fairly accurate depiction of the evidence room, accurately pointing out certain details, according to Thompsons report.

After initially agreeing to take a polygraph examination, the woman later declined and stopped cooperating with Thompsons investigation. When traveling to the airport in the Twin Cities last August, the woman told deputies in Polk County, Minn., that she used to sell drugs and used to work for the Valley City drug task force and was worried that a Valley City police officer posed a possible threat to her.

The woman who said she had sexual encounters with Swenson was the only woman who came forward, Thompson said. Other reports of similar conduct were barroom-type of rumors that passed from person to person and eventually got back to me, he said.

Several Valley City officials were present during Thompsons news conference to discuss his investigation of Thompson, including Mike Bishop, a city commissioner who oversees the police department.

I am satisfied with what the chief has done, Bishop said.

Bishop said he also had heard scuttlebutt of similar conduct by Swenson involving other women but said no one was willing to come forward.

The internal investigation into the sex claims followed an earlier investigation, completed in late June, into Swensons work hours.

According to a 61-page report obtained by The Forum, the Valley City Police Departments internal investigation found Swenson logged 4,254.25 hours during calendar year 2015. That works out to nearly 11.7 hours per day, if a person worked each of the years 365 days.

For the Valley City Police Department, Swenson logged about 2,100 hours of regular time, including nearly 330 hours of vacation time, as well as 350 hours of overtime and 280 hours of grand overtime. He also worked more than 1,500 hours for Barnes County as the director of the Community Service Program.

In the report, Thompson said a spreadsheet analysis found Swensons hours worked for the two entities did not overlap despite more than 20 instances where payroll records indicated Swenson had been paid 20 or more hours in a given day.

Only five of those days were actually 20-plus hour days on the job, with the rest of the hours on other days accounted for with vacation time used, the report stated.
Association with foreign educational institutions is a widespread trend in higher education. Having a collaboration with foreign educational institutions in terms of research, projects, cultural exchanges is seeing an intense surge among Indian institutions these days.

Similar trend seems to have caught up with some international schools in 'Namma Bengaluru'. Schools offering curriculum under the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Examinations and International General Certificate of Secondary Education are eager to have academic and cultural exchanges with overseas counterparts.

The Indus International School will sign agreements with universities in UK, the University of Bath and University of Glasgow, for a teacher training course and to develop a prototype for an affordable international school. "It isn't very usual to have schools collaborating with universities but collaboration is the key word. Quality education will depend on such partnerships," Indus Trust CEO Lt General (retired) Arjun Ray said.

According to a report by the National University of Educational Planning and Administration, the goewth in collabortion of schools with international institutes is because, these schools not only cater to children from elite families but also to middle class students.

Schools like Greenwood High International School have engaged about 50 universities to get their students placed for higher studies.

And some other schools like the Mallya Aditi International School has had student exchange programme since 2006 with schools in Germany and Sweden.

With these opportunities in hand, some schools charge as high 17 lakh rupees for admissions in their schools. Some experts also consider this is all about creating a hype.
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.
Chinese automaker Geely is set to launch a new brand focused on mobility on October 20th.



Dubbed Lynk & Co, the new company created by the firm behind Volvo is expected to focus on reducing emissions, although further details about the brands goals arent yet confirmed.



OmniAuto says that Lynk and Co could also look to develop advanced in-car technologies as well as the most modern safety and accessibility systems. It is thought that the brand could operate closely to Volvo itself, meaning future collaborations between the two brands could be on the cards.

Numerous teaser images of the company have been released, one of which appears to show the blacked-out front grille of a vehicle, meaning the firm may launch by taking the wraps off an entirely bespoke car.

Whatever the case may be, all shall be revealed in the next couple of weeks.

PHOTO GALLERY
FARGO  Winona LaDuke once had a dream about riding a horse against the flow of an oil pipeline. The dream inspired her to organize a protest ride along the Sandpiper route, a pipeline project planned for north-central Minnesota, which has since been put on hold.

LaDuke, an activist, writer and environmentalist, said the same dream is now spurring her and as many as 80 other riders to travel 270 miles along the Dakota Access pipeline route. The riders will stick to the ditches of county roads, roughly following the path of the pipeline, she said.

We are not intending to trespass, she said. We are prayerful and peaceful.

On Saturday morning, the riders will depart from the Camp of the Sacred Stones near Cannon Ball, where protesters have been camping since April in opposition to the pipelines planned crossing under the Missouri River less than a mile upstream from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

LaDuke, a onetime running mate of presidential candidate Ralph Nader, said the ride will be a relay with five teams of riders, who will each cover about 20 miles a day and sleep in tents or hotels. She said the ride is expected to end Oct. 13 in Tioga.

LaDuke said she recently met with Justice Department officials and asked that the riders be given safe passage along the route. She said she wants to avoid confrontations with law enforcement officials using armored vehicles like those seen at other protests of the Dakota Access pipeline.

Basically, my intent is to have them back off and not show a display of force, she said. Im riding with my grandchildren, and their mothers would be very vexed with me if they saw a gun pointed at me.

Rob Keller, a spokesman for the Morton County Sheriffs Department, said Mercer County Sheriff Dean Danzeisen is the point of contact for the ride, though law enforcement officials will not be involved unless there is a public safety issue or concern to the motoring public.

Danzeisen said Justice Department officials contacted local officials about the ride, but did not make any specific requests. Law enforcement has no issue with a lawful ride, the sheriff said. We are not planning on stopping any ride.

The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

A public forum to discuss the ride is set for 6 p.m. Friday at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 818 E. Divide Ave. in Bismarck.

LaDuke is also scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Concordia College Centrum, 901 Eighth St. South, in Moorhead, Minn. Her topic will be Justice and Sustainability: Economics, Food, and Energy for the Seventh Generation.
According to Churchill Car Insurance, 22,594 vehicles were seized by police forces in the UK in the first half of the year, out of which 2,866 were auctioned off for 1.4 million.



A further 6,827 cars were taken to the scrap yard, which meant another 279,253 which went directly to the police forces in England and Wales.

Motorists without car insurance face a 300 fine to go with six penalty points, though if the case goes to court, the fine can increase to a much larger sum and the driver can face disqualification, as reported by AutoExpress.

The same research showed that the Metropolitan Police in London is the biggest earner, having raised 788,022 from selling confiscated vehicles, plus a further 108,779 from taking them to the scrap yards.

Churchill Car Insurance estimates that 5.5% of all cars driven in London are uninsured, which means that any local motorist has a one in 18 chances of being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.

Second to London is the Greater Manchester area, where police have seized 3,488 vehicles from uninsured motorists. Once seized, owners have 14 days to reclaim their cars  for which they need to show proof of ownership, identity, insurance, and oftentimes will also pay a charge.

Everyday, law-abiding motorists are paying out for their car insurance but the harsh truth is that they also have to pay for the million drivers on our roads who choose to drive without insurance, said Steve Barret, head of car insurance at Churchill Insurance. We need an urgent examination of the penalties for uninsured motoring, introducing sentences that are a real deterrent and that will keep these irresponsible motorists off the road.
Photo: CTV

An 18-year-old UBC student has been charged after a horrific assault on a young woman at a dorm.

A witness told CTV News a group of studying students in the Salish House residence heard screams from down the hall. They rushed to the commotion and found a man with a knife strangling a young woman.

Her throat had been cut.

Witnesses pulled the man away and held him until police got there.

RCMP have not confirmed the witness accounts, saying only they were called to the dormitory at about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Thamer Hameed Almestadi has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.

The victim was taken to hospital and is expected to recover.

Witnesses say both the victim and her attacker were residents at Salish House, but they did not appear to know each other.

The attack has left students rattled.

"Before this, I definitely felt safe all over campus, I had no concerns," a student told CTV News. "Obviously on campus you always want to do what you can to be safe but I had felt very safe. Now this makes me question it."

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: CTV

A new megamall in the Lower Mainland drew huge crowds for its opening, Wednesday.

The 1.2-million-square-foot Tsawwassen Mills shopping centre contains 180 shops.

The opening caused traffic mayhem in the normally quiet Vancouver suburb.

Some eager shoppers camped overnight to be first in line as the doors opened.

"We slept in the car last night," one shopper told CTV.

"We don't have anything else to do  might as well," another said.

The earlybirds were given $50 gift cards.

Traffic is expected to be heavy all week, prompting an advisory from the Ministry of Transportation.

With the long weekend ahead, increased traffic to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal is expected to add to the congestion. An extra 56 sailings between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay have been added between Thursday and Tuesday.

Free shuttles are available from the ferry to the mall, and for employees between the mall and nearest SkyTrain station.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Google Maps

A police incident that saw the RCMP evacuate homes on two streets in a small community near Terrace has ended.

Police said in a release Wednesday evening the area was safe and Thornhill residents could return home.

Earlier in the day, about two dozen houses had been evacuated. Const. Angela Rabut wouldn't release details of why the evacuation was ordered.

RCMP said the investigation into the incident that prompted the police action was ongoing.

Natural gas in the area was shut off, but police said it would be turned back on Wednesday evening.

Staff at Thornhill Primary School and Thornhill Elementary School phoned parents of students who live in the evacuated area to let them know their children were being kept safely at school until they can be picked up, said Superintendent Katherine McIntosh of Coast Mountains Board of Education School District.

Students who live outside of the affected area were allowed to go home as usual, she said. Some buses were being slightly rerouted.

McIntosh said the RCMP hadn't told the school district what exactly was happening in the evacuated area, but that it involved one house.
The success of the Kelowna Paddle Centre on Abbot Street is a great example of the growing demand for enjoyment along our lakefront. Meanwhile, thousands of other residents who walk, run or bike along the Abbott/Walnut street waterfront must compete with cars and congestion. The lake view and potential open space they could enjoy is blocked by seven tired, city-owned rental homes. The roadway is not exactly a memorable or relaxing experience but nonetheless it's heavily used year round. It could be so much better.

For nine years between 1989 to 1997, when our city was less than half its current population and a dollar was worth much more, taxpayers willingly funded the $3.9M needed to acquire a long stretch of waterfront between Newsom Avenue and Meikle Avenue. The City's vision was to create a large new waterfront park. When the last home was purchased in 1997, the only remaining obstacle was to remove the rental homes to open up approximately nine hundred feet of lakefront.

Almost twenty years have since passed but the City keeps telling us they have other priorities. We are also told It will be at least ten more years before funding can even be considered. Are they serious? The cost to remove seven homes and tidy things up should be a routine expense for a growing city of our size.

It's not so much that the good people from the paddle club feel the need to defend their gift. It's the fact that the City funded the costs to provide fencing, private parking, a large clubhouse and the use of about one-third of the zoned parkland while the rest of Kelowna residents are being told they must wait another decade for park funding.

I doubt that money is the obstacle. It's everyone on council. Not one elected person has shown the fortitude to stray from the pack and bring forward a debate about what really might be going on behind the scenes.

Michael Neill
Photo: DFO

A dart tag on a Puget Sound killer whale led to an infection that killed the endangered animal, federal biologists say.

NOAA Fisheries released its findings into the death of whale named L95 found dead off Vancouver Island in March.

Just five weeks before it died, the orca was tagged with a satellite transmitter on its dorsal fin.

The experts concluded a fungal infection at the wound contributed to the whale's death.

Not sterilizing the dart tag may have increased the chances of infection, the location of the tag on the fin, and the whale's underlying health at the time of tagging.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Three scientists won a Nobel Prize in chemistry Wednesday for advances in a field that has big hopes for very tiny machines  the smallest ever built.

Frenchman Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Scottish-born Fraser Stoddart and Dutch scientist Bernard "Ben" Feringa were honoured for making devices the size of molecules, so tiny that a lineup of 1,000 would stretch about the width of a human hair.

Someday, experts say, such devices might lead to benefits like better computer chips and batteries, and tiny shuttles that could be injected into patients to deliver drugs directly to infections and tumors. But that's a long ways away.

"There are not big applications looming up tomorrow," Stoddart, 74, a professor at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, who became a U.S. citizen in 2011, told The Associated Press.

"I applaud the fact that for once in chemistry Stockholm has recognized a piece of chemistry that is extremely fundamental in its making and being," he later told a news conference.

Feringa, 65, is a professor of organic chemistry at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. Sauvage, 71, is professor emeritus at the University of Strasbourg and director of research emeritus at France's National Center for Scientific Research.

The three men share the 8 million kronor ($930,000) prize, having "taken chemistry to a new dimension," the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said.
Photo: The Canadian Press

New figures Wednesday show Californians' summer water use up by more than a third since the same time last year, making water regulators worry some areas have abandoned drought-time water savings since the state lifted mandatory conservation orders.

"We're at yellow alert," said Felicia Marcus, chairwoman of the state Water Resources Control Board, as the board released August figures showing conservation by cities and towns dropping.

Water regulators would be looking closely at the causes for the increased water use, Marcus said. "I'm not ready to go to red alert until we figure it out."

California is heading into a possible sixth consecutive year of drought with uncertainty of what this coming winter  the rainy season in the state  will do to ease the historic dry spell, officials said.

Last winter, a near-average amount of rain and snow fell in Northern California, prompting officials to relax conservation efforts statewide by turning over control to local water districts.

That may have been a mistake, said Tracy Quinn, a Southern-California based water expert with the Natural Resources Defence Council.

Ever since, Quinn said Wednesday, she notices more Californians have gone back to running water sprinklers full tilt, and hears friends and family expressing uncertainty whether the state is even in drought anymore.

"It's very clear that, at least in this drought, voluntary conservation hasn't been successful," Quinn said. "What got us the savings we need is mandatory conservation throughout the state."

Overall, California cities and towns saved less than 18 per cent on water in August, compared to the period before Gov. Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency. The amount saved was down 36 per cent from August 2015, when urban Californians were under Brown's order to cut water use by 25 per cent.

Water districts on the south coast were among the highest water users, state officials reported Wednesday.

Poor performing districts include La Habra in Orange County, Casitas Municipal Water District in Ventura County, Lake Lee Water District in Riverside County and Norwalk, a city of just over 100,000 residents in Los Angeles County.
Photo: Getty Images

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau created some buzz in Ottawa this week.

He announced the Liberal government will enforce a national carbon tax on provinces and territories that do not implement a provincial carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system by 2018.

The carbon tax was announced by Trudeau at the same time provincial environment ministers were meeting to discuss the same topic.

This resulted in Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland storming out of the conference and with some engaging in a war of words with the prime minister.

Premier Brad Wall of Saskatchewan pointed out that during the 2015 federal election, Trudeau stated the federal government imposing a climate change plan on provinces would be "nonsensical" and demanded that the prime minister keep his word.

It is worth noting that British Columbia already has a carbon tax with rates set well above the entry carbon-tax rate proposed by Ottawa.

While the national carbon tax announcement captured most of the media attention, there was another policy change quietly made by the government that may well have far more troubling implications on middle-class Canadians attempting to buy a home.

The government intends to make changes with respect to mortgage qualifications that even the Department of Finance projects could lower home sales across Canada by close to 10 per cent in the first year.

The changes to mortgage qualifications from my perspective are concerning for a number of different reasons.

Housing prices in Toronto and Vancouver have reached concerning levels, but recent policy changes by the B.C. government appear to be having an impact.

The changes announced by the federal government will penalize middle class home buyers in all regions of Canada.

These measures make housing less affordable as fewer families will be able to qualify for a mortgage. It would be better to encourage housing supply through measures such as increasing the threshold for the GST rebate on new home construction that would also help affordability and generate economic growth.

In defence of these policy changes, the Liberal Government argues they are concerned about rising Canadian debt levels.

However as the opposition would point out, adding billions of dollars of debt through increased federal deficit government spending as is currently the case creates the same problem only without generating any equity as can be created through home ownership.

Allowing provinces to take action in specific hot spot regions such as the British Columbia government has done recently may be a more effective policy than a national change that will adversely impact many regions of Canada solely for the benefit of a few.

As always I welcome your comments, questions and concerns on any matter before the House of Commons and can be reached at [email protected] or toll-free at 1-800-665-8711.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: The Canadian Press

A contractor for the National Security Agency has been arrested on charges that he illegally removed highly classified information and stored the material in his home and car, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

Harold Thomas Martin III, 51, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, was arrested by the FBI in August after he admitted to having taken government secrets, authorities said. A defence attorney said Martin did not intend to betray his country.

The arrest was not made public until Wednesday, when the Justice Department unsealed a criminal complaint that accused Martin of having been in possession of top-secret information that could cause "exceptionally grave danger" to national security if disclosed.

Among the classified documents found with Martin, the FBI said, were six that contain sensitive intelligence  meaning they were produced through sensitive government sources or methods that are critical to national security  and date back to 2014. All the documents were clearly marked as classified information, according to a FBI affidavit accompanying the complaint.

The complaint does not specify what documents Martin is alleged to have taken. He was arrested around the same time U.S. officials acknowledged an investigation into a cyber leak of purported hacking tools used by the NSA. That tool kit consists of malicious software intended to tamper with firewalls, the electronic defences protecting computer networks. Those documents were leaked by a group calling itself the "Shadow Brokers." The complaint does not reference that group or allege a link to Martin.

The arrest could turn into another embarrassment for the U.S. intelligence community. It would be the second known case since 2013 of a government contractor being publicly accused of removing secret data from the NSA, which monitors and collects sensitive information and data, mostly from overseas.

At the White House, spokesman Josh Earnest said President Barack Obama takes the situation "quite seriously. And it is a good reminder for all of us with security clearances about how important it is for us to protect sensitive national security information."

The New York Times first reported the arrest of an NSA contractor who worked for Booz Allen Hamilton. The complaint does not identify the agency Martin worked for as a contractor, but Adm. Mike Rogers, who heads the NSA, confirmed that Martin worked as a contractor for NSA.

"We do acknowledge that we arrested a contractor who had been employed at the NSA," Rogers said at an event at Harvard University. He declined to offer any details about the case because it was still being investigated.

Booz Allen said in a statement that after learning of the arrest of one of its employees, it reached out to law enforcement authorities to offer its co-operation and fired the worker.

At Martin's home, investigators found stolen property valued at "well in excess of $1,000," the complaint said. He voluntarily agreed to an interview.

"Martin at first denied, and later when confronted with specific documents, admitted he took documents and digital files from his work assignment to his residence and vehicle that he knew were classified," the affidavit says. "Martin stated that he knew what he had done was wrong and that he should not have done it because he knew it was unauthorized."
As millions of people evacuate the area expected to be hit by Hurricane Matthew, groups of volunteers from North Dakota will be driving into the storm.

Its pretty scary, said Carol Becker, a Red Cross volunteer from Minot.

With her husband, Allen, shell take an emergency response vehicle 1,800 miles to Tallahassee, Fla.

Were kind of hoping we dont get right in the middle of it," she said.

Driving into an emergency scenario is nothing new for the Beckers, who returned in late August from a Red Cross response to flooding in Baton Rouge, La. Allen Becker has been a Red Cross volunteer since 2008, and Carol Becker joined in 2010 after the two met. They helped during the 2011 Minot flooding and in Montana wildfires. This isnt even their first hurricane response.

We actually flew in to the Sandy one just as it hit, she said of the 2012 hurricane that struck the eastern United States.

Rob Stotz, western North Dakota disaster program manager for the Red Cross, said six people from North Dakota were planning to head to Florida as of Thursday morning, with calls out for more help. About 20 people will deploy from the region, which includes North Dakota, South Dakota and part of Minnesota.

We typically send a dozen if not more to something like this, he said.

When devastating floods hit North Dakota in 2009 and 2011, Red Cross volunteers from across the nation rushed to help, Stotz said.

Were all in this together, he said. If its not them today, its going to be us tomorrow.

For the Beckers, the desire to be of assistance to others is what drives them to spend weeks at a time in areas of devastation and destruction.

We really just enjoy going out and helping people, Carol Becker said.

Since they are taking an emergency response vehicle, the Beckers assume they will be on meal duty  making sure people in the disaster area get two hot meals a day  during their two weeks in Florida. Stotz said other duties include managing shelters and handing out supplies during the cleanup process.

Theres a lot of little things that go on, he said.

When we get down there, whatever they ask us to do well do, Carol Becker said. You have to be flexible and work with whatever they say needs to be done.

For her, seeing the difference she can make in someone elses life makes the effort worth it. In Louisiana earlier this summer, the Beckers saw a little girl crying every day at meal time. Carol Becker learned from the girls mother that they had lost her best friend  the stuffed animal she slept with every night.

Carol Becker gave the girl a little stuffed dog, and she was amazed at the difference in the little girl the next day. She was smiling and laughing, and her mother said she slept well the night before for the first time since losing her toy.

Stuff like that really sticks with me, she said.

Stotz said people who want to volunteer with the Red Cross can visit www.redcross.org to begin the screening and vetting process. Volunteers will be trained for emergency response.

Not all of their calls are to faraway places. The Beckers have responded to fires in the Minot area to help with shelter and other needs.

Stotz said the Red Cross also lines up counseling for those affected by disaster. Other projects include fire education programs for elementary school students and a program that has volunteers check and replace smoke detectors in homes throughout the state.

The American Red Cross is pretty active in our own little communities -- small amounts of people doing a heavy lift, Stotz said.

He said monetary donations also are vital to the Red Cross response. Donations may be made at www.redcross.org or by calling 800-733-2767. Text "redcross" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Photo: Contributed

A former Mississippi police officer will face criminal charges in the death of her 3-year-old daughter, who authorities say was left alone in a parked patrol car for four hours last week, a law enforcement official said.

Hancock County Chief Deputy Don Bass told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officials plan to charge Cassie Barker with manslaughter as soon as she is released from a hospital, possibly as soon as Thursday. It's unclear if Barker has a lawyer to speak for her. Officials have said she was hospitalized because of the emotional shock of the child's death.

Hancock County Sheriff's Investigator Glenn Grannan said Wednesday that investigators have learned that Barker left her daughter alone in a car at least once before, in nearby Gulfport in April 2015. While officials have spelled the name of the girl as Cheyenn Hyer, her father spells it as Cheyenne Hyer.

The Sun Herald first reported the previous incident, saying Barker left the then 2-year-old girl in the back of her personal vehicle. Police responded and child welfare officials took temporary custody of the girl at the time, the newspaper reported.

Friday, the toddler died after being left in Barker's patrol car for four hours with the motor running. Grannan said Barker told investigators that she fell asleep while visiting another Long Beach officer, Sgt. Clark Ladner, after both finished working an overnight shift.

"That's how she lost track of time," Grannan said.

Barker and Ladner were both fired Tuesday by that city's Board of Aldermen for violating department policies. Bass said that officials don't now plan to charge Ladner, who has told officials he didn't know the girl was in the car. The Sun Herald reported he had taken a sleep aid and also fallen asleep.

Bass and Grannan said it doesn't matter what Barker was doing while at Ladner's house, because leaving the child in the first place was the wilful act that merits a manslaughter charge.

"If she was there reading encyclopedias, it still happened," Bass said.

Hancock County Coroner Jim Faulk said Wednesday that the state crime lab in Pearl has yet to complete an autopsy or determine what caused Cheyenne's death. Officials suspect she died of overexposure to heat. Nearby Gulfport recorded a high temperature of 82 degrees Friday.
Photo: Google Maps

Two young children and their 36-year-old father died Wednesday in an apparent homicide-suicide at an apartment complex near Portland, Ore., authorities said.

Beaverton police spokesman Mike Rowe told The Associated Press that officers responded to the apartment around 4:30 p.m. after a female relative called saying three people were possibly dead inside.

When police officers entered the apartment, they initially thought, based on substantial gunshot wounds, that all three people were dead, Rowe said.

As they backed out of the apartment to preserve evidence and the crime scene, however, Rowe said they heard rustling inside and then a single gunshot.

A tactical negotiation team called to the scene then entered the unit and confirmed all three people inside were deceased.

Rowe said the children killed were an 8-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy.

Police said they don't believe there was any risk to the public.

"It was just a very tragic thing that happened here today," Rowe said.
Photo: The Canadian Press The high winds of Hurricane Matthew roar over Baracoa, Cuba, Tuesday.

Officials say some 3,000 people have already checked into shelters in Florida ahead of Hurricane Matthew's approach.

According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, 48 shelters are already providing refuge for 3,015 people in Florida. Another 13 special needs shelters are already housing 31 people.

The shelters are all in schools in areas where evacuations  either mandatory or voluntary  are underway.

Forecasters say Matthew gained new muscle over the Bahamas and they are expanding the hurricane warning area further up the Southeast Atlantic seacoast from Florida into Georgia.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says Matthew's top sustained winds rose from 115 mph to 125 mph in just a few hours early Thursday as the storm continues to batter the central Bahamas.

The centre added in its 5 a.m. Thursday update that Matthew should gain further in intensity over the next day or so and is forecast to become a Category 4 storm as it approaches Florida's Atlantic coast.

Forecasters say Hurricane Matthew is now pounding portions of the Central Bahamas and is expected to strengthen as it approaches Florida.
Photo: Getty Images

A marine conservation group says there is nothing surprising in the bleak findings of a new report that looked at the state of Canada's major fish stocks.

Susanna Fuller of the Ecology Action Centre in Halifax says the report by the commissioner on environment and sustainable development found that only three of 15 severely depleted stocks have rebuilding plans.

Also, only 21 out of 110 of the so-called Integrated Fisheries Management Plans included an assessment of whether objectives in the plans had been met.

Environment Commissioner Julie Gelfand said in her report not having rebuilding plans "increases the risk that these depleted stocks may not recover."

Fuller added that most of the plans are not up to date or not available to the public.

Fuller, who wrote a report last June that reviewed the state of Canada's fish stocks, says 80 out of 154 stocks in the commissioner's report did not have science-based reference points, making assessments of stock health difficult.
Photo: The Canadian Press

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark is being challenged to reject Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline expansion proposal because it can never meet one of her five conditions to support oil pipeline development.

More than 30 environmental, social and aboriginal groups from across Canada have sent a letter to Clark that reminds her that one of B.C.'s conditions for pipeline support includes assurances of a world-leading oil-spill response.

The groups say a study from the National Academy of Science concludes that oil containing diluted bitumen acts differently than other types of crude when spilled.

The study warns diluted bitumen sinks in water and there is no known way to clean up heavy oils that settle to the bottom of oceans, lakes or rivers.

The groups, which include Greenpeace and the Council of Canadians, say Clark must stick to her conditions and reject Kinder Morgan's proposal, even though it is widely expected to receive federal approval by year's end.

In July 2012, Clark set five conditions before oil could be piped across southern B.C. to west coast ports: completion of environmental reviews, cutting-edge land and water cleanup programs, solutions to First Nations issues and a fair share of any profits.

Kinder Morgan's $6.8-billion Trans Mountain pipeline expansion would almost triple the amount of diluted Alberta bitumen being pumped to an export terminal in Burnaby, B.C., and would result in a seven-fold increase in tanker traffic in waters off southern B.C.

"Twenty one B.C. municipalities, 17 First Nations, environmental groups and citizens across the country are opposed to Kinder Morgan because the science clearly shows the oil-spill risk is too great and the impacts too catastrophic," Sven Biggs, a spokesman for environmental group Stand, says in a news release.
Photo: Contributed

B.C.'s newest jail is nearly ready to open.

Public Safety Minister Mike Morris said the Okanagan Correctional Centre, which was completed on time and on budget in September, is the first provincial correctional centre in the Okanagan.

The jail will start to take in both male and female inmates starting in 2017. About 300 South Okanagan residents will work at the facility.

Forty-five new staff started working at the $200-million centre on Monday and there are 80 working there now.

Morris said the opening of the facility will lead to spin-off jobs throughout the entire community and the real estate and service industries are already doing well.

The public will soon be able to see the new facility for themselves.

On Oct. 21, 22 and 23, people can take guided tours of the facility's living units, cells and secure inmate areas.

Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see areas of a correctional centre that are usually off limits to the public.

They'll also learn about the day-to-day operations of the correctional centre and what life in custody is like for inmates.

People are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to local food banks.

For security reasons, cameras and recording equipment, including smart phones, must be left in vehicles or at home.

The correctional centre is about 8.5 kilometres north of Oliver in the Senkulmen Business Park at 38801 Highway 97, with free parking on site.

All visitors who want to take a one-hour guided tour must register in advance by calling 250-485-8263 during business hours, Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Photo: Contributed

The Westside branch of the Central Okanagan Food Bank is mortgage free.

The food bank, which purchased its building in 2009, paid off its mortgage three years ahead of schedule. They marked the occasion with a ceremonial mortgage burning ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

"Combined with revenues raised by our Westside's pop bottle collection program we were able to use those funds to pay down the debt faster," said Fraser Campbell, president of the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

"Then, earlier this year, an anonymous donation was made to the society in the amount of $190,000 with the restricted purpose of paying off the mortgage completely."

The final payment was made June 30.

"This is a proud moment for the society and will be a massive assist to our organization."

Campbell said money that would have gone toward the monthly mortgage will now be used instead for program delivery.

"It means more money to buy food, better food and more nutritious for those in need."

The Westside branch of the food bank serves about 800 people per month, a third of which are children under the age of 15.
Photo: Google Street View

Two people are in police custody after a crime spree through the Cariboo earlier this week.

The pair were arrested Wednesday afternoon after a woman was found trying to sell stamps in the Savona area.

Police recovered a variety of stamps reported stolen from a break-in at the Clearwater Post Office Saturday.

The vehicle the man and woman were in was also identified as one associated with an attempted break and enter at the government liquor store in Clinton Tuesday.

Both had outstanding warrants for their arrest.

They remain in custody facing additional charges from their crime spree.
Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer - File photo

A voir dire has been set for one of the siblings charged in the death of Roxanne Louie.

The voir dire will oversee applications from James Pennington, the lawyer representing Grace Robotti, including one to retrieve some files from the police.

It's scheduled to take place over three weeks, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 16, in Kelowna's courthouse.

Don Skogstad, the lawyer representing Pier Robotti, has opted out of the voir dire, as he and his client are not participating in the applications.

Both of the Robotti siblings are facing second-degree murder charges.

The dates for the trial itself, which has been estimated to last about seven weeks, were also expected to be set on Thursday, but have been deferred to a later date, as lawyers have been asked to submit their availability in the days to come.

The trial has seen numerous delays since the 26-year-old single mother and Osoyoos Indian Band member was found dead in 2015. The next scheduled hearing will be nearly two years after Louie was reported missing.

The last meeting for the trial was in August, in which defence lawyers successfully petitioned to move the trial to Kelowna.

The reasons for the move were security issues in Penticton's courthouse, wherein the accused and the public all go through the same hallways to get into the courtroom.

It was also noted that the high-profile nature of the case could sway jury members in the trial.
Photo: CTV

Fire ripped through an Abbotsford pub Thursday morning.

Lou's Grill went up in flames about 6:30 a.m. and was fully engulfed.

The building's gas meter also caught fire, making it difficult to fight the flames.

"We weren't able to enter the building until we got the gas shut off, which delayed in getting the fire put out," deputy fire chief Jeff Adams told CTV.

Fortis crews shut off the gas about half an hour later, but by then the building was heavily damaged.

A cause of the fire has not been released, and it's not known if anyone was hurt.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: UBCO

A health-care crunch in Kamloops is getting attention from the province.

A four-point action plan was announced Thursday by Health Minister Terry Lake to provide better access to care and attract more doctors to the city, including opening two new health centres.

The plan includes:

Taking immediate steps to increase capacity at walk-in clinics and doctors offices by using locum or temporary doctors during the next six months.

Increasing capacity through targeted recruitment of family doctors and a new nurse-in-practice program.

Establishing and recruiting practitioners to new practice-ready primary-care centres, including placing internationally educated doctors and recruiting nurse practitioners.

Setting up specialized community care teams for the frail elderly, patients who are medically complex, and people with mental health and substance use concerns.

The creation of two new centres for Interior Health community-based services on the North Shore of Kamloops will bring care closer to where residents live," said Interior Health CEO Chris Mazurkewich.

The new primary care centres will open on Kamloops' North Shore early in the new year, as providers are recruited. They'll be located on Tranquille Road and at the Northills Centre. Each will accommodate five to seven practitioners.

The model will allow doctors and nurse practitioners to start working as soon as they are recruited in a fully set-up practice, sub-leasing the space from Interior Health. A third centre is being considered for the South Shore next year.

Meanwhile, the recruitment drive aims to bring new doctors to existing practices in the community. International doctors sign an agreement to work in the community for at least three years.

The province is also working to recruit nurse practitioners and nurses to increase patient capacity at more than a dozen clinics that have expressed interest.

Dr. Alan Ruddiman, president of Doctors of BC, said: Kamloops is not alone in its need to recruit physicians as this has become a provincial, national and international challenge."
Photo: Randy Millis

A crash on the Westside slowed down traffic along Highway 97 Thursday afternoon.

Emergency crews responded just after noon to a two-vehicle collision at Highway 97 and Bartley road.

It appears a car rear-ended a Jeep.

Paramedics looked over those in the vehicles, but there's no word on injuries.

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Kristina Alexis has a dream to go to university and become a lawyer, but her first challenge of getting through high school is already more complicated than she expected.

Funding challenges at the Alexis First Nation, about 90 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, mean most classes at the school are split between two grade levels.

Concentrating can be tough when two teachers are teaching two different things in the same room at the same time.

"You get mixed up in class because youre hearing the other thing, theres another teacher. Its kind of hard," said Kristina, 16.

Now in Grade 12, shes always enjoyed going to school in her own community. She has a strong bond with the staff, but feels the students and teachers deserve better  better than theyre currently being funded for each of the 200 students who go to school.

School management at Alexis say the First Nation receives about $9,500 per year from the federal government for each child who attends. The school says that number has gone up about 20 per cent this school year thanks to new money provided by the Trudeau government.

Still, the Alexis school administration says neighbouring provincially funded schools are sometimes receiving thousands of dollars more per child.

Since Alberta Education doesnt calculate overall per student rates, leaving school boards free to decide how to allocate funds, its hard to nail down exactly what the funding difference is.

Information from Statistics Canada estimates an average per student per year total of about $14,000 in Albertas provincially funded system.

"Well, thats not fair, but I would like for them to give us money too, so that were all equal because we do need more classrooms and we need textbooks," said Kristina.

Her classroom used to be a janitors office.

And its not just classrooms and textbooks the school needs.

Principal Alethea Wallace said years of chronic underfunding have meant the school has been unable to offer a number of programs she says would be automatic in provincially funded schools.

"Its just really sad to see that the kids are missing out," said Wallace.

She said the funding levels mean the school at Alexis has no science lab and is forced to use the library as a classroom.

In addition, she said, theres no way to offer things like music, art or drama, all programs she said would be good for the students.

Wallace also said her teachers are paid much less than those who teach in provincially funded schools.

Kristinas mother Robin Roan-Alexis, who also has two other children in the school, said the teachers are dedicated and loyal to the kids achieving success in spite of the barriers they face.

But Roan-Alexis sees it as unfair that children in the school arent funded to the same levels as kids off reserve.

"As a parent of a first nations child its very disheartening," she said.

Roan-Alexis said it has always concerned her that the kids lack basic things like computer labs and are forced to learn in overcrowded classrooms.

"We should be giving them all the essentials that a First Nations child deserves like any other child," she said.

The federal Liberal government has promised an injection of $2.6 billion in First Nations education and $500 million in infrastructure funding.

Justin Trudeau made First Nations education is first funding promise in the 2015 election campaign, in a pledge he said would help improve the current situation with less than half of students on reserve graduating from high school.

Its money thats also supposed to help First Nations children improve in reading, writing and numeracy.

Alexis Chief Tony Alexis said hes grateful the promised federal money has started to flow.

But he said theres still a long way to go.

"Were still short easily 25 per cent," said Alexis adding that in spite of the situation, the school celebrated an impressive 58 high school graduates last year.

Chief Alexis said the increases to First Nations student funding are a good start, but what the band really needs is a new school to replace the ageing building.

Thats another request the school is currently working on.

Its just really sad to see that the kids are missing out.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett said her government is committed to fairness and is showing that by making pledges in its budget.

"In this budget there was money to build education systems, and thats where we know weve got to go in terms of listening to educators to develop those systems," she said.

Even if money is approved for a new school at Alexis it might be too late for Kristina Alexis.

But shes hoping the additional money available will result in changes that will make for a better school experience for those following in her footsteps.

She hopes they will get an education with the kind of programming that can harness chidlrens passions and help them thrive.

"I like music. I really enjoy music or drama or a computer room  we dont have one," she said.

But without those things, Alexis is committed to continuing her studies in a converted janitors office hoping to graduate with the sort of grades that will get her into university, and maybe one day to law school.
Hilary Oskineegish got so homesick during her first week of high school in Thunder Bay, Ont. that she begged her father to take her home to Nibinamik First Nation.

The student population at the high school she was attending in the city is about four times that of her isolated community. She found the halls overwhelmingly noisy; the cafeteria overwhelmingly crowded.

I didnt feel comfortable there, she says, thinking back. And I felt watched because of my skin colour.

Oskineegish had already taken a year off from school after Grade 8 in Nibinamik, a fly-in First Nation located about 500 kilometers north of Thunder Bay.

I just lost interest, she says of dropping out.

The city high school experience meant another year would be lost as her family looked for a route to a diploma from their tiny community of about 200 residents. Its too small to have a regular high school of its own.

They found Matawa Learning Centre in Thunder Bay, where at 18, Oskineegish now dreams of graduating before she is 20.

I want to show my parents that I can make it out here and finish my high school, she says during a break from her studies.

The learning centre is a private school, run by Matawa First Nations management, to which Nibinamik is a member.

Located on the top floor of a Thunder Bay office building, the school was created by First Nations leaders six years ago. Its intended to meet the needs of students aged of 17 to 21 from isolated communities where there are no high schools.

The vast majority are here as a result of not finding success in the provincial system, says Matawa Learning Centre principal Brad Battiston.

About 30 students attend the centre each year, with one or two graduates per year. Students learn at their own pace, picking up where they left off with credits they may have abandoned because of a personal or family crisis.

Its a very slow process, says Sharon Nate, Matawas education manager. These students come to us with many different issues, not just related to school.

Those issues can include addictions, mental health concerns or involvement in the criminal justice system.

In the provincial system, the entire student body would be considered at risk, Battiston says.

Provincial schools receive additional funding to help with high needs students. Matawa Learning Centre does not.

The learning centre receives $13,000 in tuition per student. Thats the amount of money the federal government provides First Nations in the area for each school-aged person who normally lives on a reserve. By contrast, Thunder Bays French Catholic board received more than $27,000 per student, not including capital costs, from the provincial government last year.

What we can give them is a sense of self, of who they are.

That evidence was provided at an inquest into the deaths of seven First Nations in Thunder Bay, including a student from Matawa Learning Centre. Jordan Wabasse died in 2011. His body was found in a river three months after he went missing in the city.

The inquest, which wrapped up in June, recommended that all students, regardless of where theyre attending school in the province, have access to a school nurse and mental health supports. But so far, no new funding has been provided for those supports.

The small teaching staff at Matawa Learning Centre try to fill that gap by creating a supportive, caring environment for their students.

What we can give them is a sense of self, of who they are, Nate says. They cant get that from the provincial schools.

Its what keeps Oskineegish coming back.

When I came here I felt welcome because there were other Native students and the teachers are really, really helpful, she says.
Young Americans that are unemployed have worse physical well-being than their employed elders, according to a new survey.

Gallup and Healthways surveyed people in 47 high-income-economy countries for two years on physical well-being, which they defined as having good health and enough energy to get things done daily. Their survey classified responses as thriving (well-being that is strong and consistent), struggling (well-being that is moderate or inconsistent), or suffering (well-being that is low and inconsistent).

The survey found that in the U.S., age has less of an influence on physical well-being than employment statusand unemployment has a particularly significant effect. Young adults (age 15-29) that are employed reported the same level (31 percent) of well-being as employed older adults (age 50 and above). But young adults that are unemployed have lower well-being (26 percent) than older adults who have jobs.



Perhaps most surprising, the well-being effects of unemployment were worse for those with the highest level of education. Gallup notes that while more than a quarter of unemployed adults with an elementary or secondary education are thriving in their physical well-being, this figure drops to 15 percent among unemployed college graduates or those who have completed four years of school beyond high school.

These health effects of unemployment do not appear in low- to upper-middle-income economies, where even young adults who are unemployed have higher physical well-being than older adults who are employed. So what could be the cause? At Harvard Business Review, Brandon Busteed and Mona Mourshed speculate that unemployment may be harder to bear when family support is absent:

Take three reference points: India, Mexico, and the U.S. In India, the vast majority of Generation-program students are living with several members in their households  in fact, only 1% are living by themselves, and 45% have six or more people in the households. U.S. youth, on the other hand, are often on their own, with 26% of them living by themselves as the only adults in the household. Mexico is a middle point between the two, with 11% single dwellers. For reference, Mexico and India, when viewed as part of upper-middle-income and lower-middle-income economies, tend to have higher percentages of thriving among young unemployed adults.

This survey reveals yet again that the effects of unemployment are not only financial, but also physical, emotional, and spiritual.

When a person loses their job, theyve lost a means to provide for themselves and their family, an important aspect of their human flourishing, and the primary way they connect with and serve their neighbors. With the loss in vocation comes a loss in meaning. Not surprisingly, unemployment can have long-term negative effects on communities, families, and a persons emotional and physical well-being.

Helping the jobless find both work and meaning in their lives must be a priority for churches, as well as for individual Christians. In particular, we need to let young adults who are searching for work know they are not alone.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama--it's been 40 years, but Roderick Royal still vividly remembers the day when at age 11 while visiting the A.G. Gaston Boys Club on Seventh Avenue North he asked the black millionaire who founded the club if he could drive his car.

"He said, 'Sure,' and as he reached for his keys I asked how much he would pay me. Dr. Gaston told me "You don't get paid for everything you do. It was the first of many lessons Dr. Gaston taught me and many other boys."

In October, Royal will share other advice he gained over a friendship that lasted from age 11 until Dr. Gaston died at age 103 over a decade ago in a series of talks he will give during the month of October at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL). He will make a presentation, "Mentoring the A.G. Gaston Way" at the following libraries:

* Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, 10 a.m., Smithfield Branch Library, #1 8th Ave. West

* Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, 12 p.m. at North Birmingham Regional Library, 2501 31st Ave. North

* Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, 3 p.m., Five Points West Regional Library, 4812 Ave. W

* Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, 6 p.m., Pratt City Branch Library, 509 Dugan Ave.

After each discussion about lessons both the young and old can learn from Gaston, Royal will sign copies of his new book, "A.G. & Me: Intersection Road and Friendship with A.G. Gaston." His 70-page book is available for $16.99 at Books-A-Million and online on the store's website.

Gaston, who was born on July 4, 1892, is well-known for his phenomenal story of rising from poverty in rural Alabama to building a business empire that included a bank, insurance company, funeral home, business school, hotel, funeral home and other entities. But Royal's book shows a personal side of the millionaire who was known for his giving spirit (he gave away much of his businesses to employees through establishing an Employee Stock Option Plan).



"Through my book, I show a side of Dr. Gaston that not many people know about," Royal said. "He was a great influence in my life. My hope is that in this lecture other people can help mentor our youth."

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BPL

For additional information about the programs and services of the Birmingham Public Library, visit our website at www.bplonline.org and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BPL. The mission of Birmingham Public Library is to provide the highest quality library service to our citizens for life-long learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. This system--with 19 locations and serving the community for 129 years--is one of the largest library systems in the southeast.
The significantly higher prevalence of tobacco use among males and some racial/ethnic groups in several states underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive tobacco control and prevention interventions to reduce tobacco use and tobacco-related disparities across states, including increasing tobacco product prices, implementing and enforcing comprehensive smoke-free laws, warning about the dangers of tobacco use through mass media campaigns. Increasing access to evidence-based behavioral counseling and FDA-approved medication can also help reduce tobacco use, particularly in populations with high use prevalence.

State-specific differences and disparities in any cigarette/smokeless tobacco use exist between sexes and among racial/ethnic groups. The highest prevalence of any cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco use in the United States was seen in West Virginia. The difference in prevalence of any cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco use across states spanned almost 21 percentage points, ranging from 11.3% in Utah to 32.2% in West Virginia. Any cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco use was higher among males than females in all 50 states. Non-Hispanic whites had the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking and/or smokeless tobacco use in eight states, followed by non-Hispanic persons of other races in six states, non-Hispanic blacks in five states, and Hispanics in two states.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. In recent years, cigarette smoking prevalence has declined in many states; however, there has been little change in the prevalence of current smokeless tobacco use or concurrent use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in most states, with prevalence increasing in some states.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, resulting in approximately 480,000 premature deaths and more than $300 billion in direct health care expenditures and productivity losses each year (1). In recent years, cigarette smoking prevalence has declined in many states; however, there has been relatively little change in the prevalence of current smokeless tobacco use or concurrent use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in most states, and in some states prevalence has increased (2). CDC analyzed data from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to assess state-specific prevalence estimates of current use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco (any cigarette/smokeless tobacco use) among U.S. adults. Current cigarette smoking ranged from 9.7% (Utah) to 26.7% (West Virginia); current smokeless tobacco use ranged from 1.4% (Hawaii) to 8.8% (Wyoming); current use of any cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco product ranged from 11.3% (Utah) to 32.2% (West Virginia). Disparities in tobacco use by sex and race/ethnicity were observed; any cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco use was higher among males than females in all 50 states. By race/ethnicity, non-Hispanic whites had the highest prevalence of any cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco use in eight states, followed by non-Hispanic other races in six states, non-Hispanic blacks in five states, and Hispanics in two states (p<0.05); the remaining states did not differ significantly by race/ethnicity. Evidence-based interventions, such as increasing tobacco prices, implementing comprehensive smoke-free policies, conducting mass media anti-tobacco use campaigns, and promoting accessible smoking cessation assistance, are important to reduce tobacco use and tobacco-related disease and death among U.S. adults, particularly among subpopulations with the highest use prevalence (3).

The BRFSS is an annual state-based telephone (landline and cell phone) survey of noninstitutionalized U.S. adults aged 18 years.* During 2014, the median survey response rate for all states, territories, and the District of Columbia (DC) was 47.0% (range = 25.1%60.1%) (4). Current cigarette smokers were persons who reported smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and smoked every day or some days at the time of the survey. Current smokeless tobacco users are persons who reported using chewing tobacco or snus every day or some days at the time of the survey. Current any cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco users were persons who reported current use of cigarettes and/or smokeless tobacco products.

Prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals for cigarette smoking, smokeless tobacco use, and any cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco use were calculated overall and by state and sex. Because of limited sample size, data were stratified by race/ethnicity for current any cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco use, but not for current cigarette use or smokeless tobacco use. Race/ethnicity groups were categorized as non-Hispanic white (white), non-Hispanic black (black), Hispanic, and non-Hispanic other (Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaska Native, or some other group). Data were weighted to adjust for nonresponse and to yield state representative estimates. Chi-square tests were conducted to assess differences among groups, with p<0.05 considered to be statistically significant.

By state, overall cigarette smoking prevalence ranged from 9.7% (Utah) to 26.7% (West Virginia) (Table 1)(Figure). Prevalence of smokeless tobacco use ranged from 1.4% (Hawaii) to 8.8% (Wyoming). Prevalence of any cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco use ranged from 11.3% (Utah) to 32.2% (West Virginia).

Cigarette smoking was significantly higher among males than females in 34 states (Table 2). Among males, cigarette smoking ranged from 11.2% (Utah) to 27.8% (West Virginia), and among females, from 8.2% (Utah) to 25.6% (West Virginia). Smokeless tobacco use was significantly higher among males than females in 44 states for which statistically stable estimates could be computed, and among males, ranged from 2.3% (Hawaii) to 16.5% (West Virginia). Use among females ranged from 0.40% (Maryland) to 3.4% (Mississippi). Any cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco use was significantly higher among males than among females in all 50 states, and ranged from 14.1% (Utah) to 39.2% (West Virginia) among males, and 8.5% (Utah) to 25.5% (West Virginia) among females.

Any cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco use ranged from 7.5% (DC) to 32.4% (West Virginia) among whites; 14.6% (Texas) to 36.1% (Vermont) among blacks; 8.0% (Maryland) to 45.5% (North Dakota) among Hispanics; and 9.6% (Maryland) to 45.5% (North Dakota) among adults of non-Hispanic other races (Table 3). The prevalence of any cigarette and/or smokeless tobacco use differed significantly by race/ethnicity in 21 states. Prevalence was highest among whites in eight states (Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia), followed by adults of non-Hispanic other races in six states (Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Carolina), blacks in five states (California, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and Wisconsin), and Hispanics in two states (Connecticut and Michigan).
Two major objectives of the 2016 National Pain Strategy are 1) to take steps to reduce barriers to pain care, and 2) to increase patient knowledge of treatment options and risks. The CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain  United States, 2016 , offers additional guidance on managing pain from arthritis. Health care providers and public health practitioners can begin implement the recommendations and improve pain care among adults with arthritis by prioritizing self-management education and appropriate physical activity interventions as effective, nonpharmacologic ways to reduce pain and improve health outcomes.

The unadjusted prevalence of SJP in the preceding 30 days among adults with arthritis was 27.2% in 2014. The age-standardized prevalence of SJP remained high (range = 24.9%26.5%) and stable during 20022014, but the absolute numbers continued to increase and in 2014 reached 14.6 million. Groups disproportionately affected by SJP included women, non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, those with a disability, those unable to work, and those with less than a high school education, fair/poor health, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, or serious psychological distress.

In the United States, arthritis is a leading cause of disability (1,2); arthritis affected an estimated 52.5 million (22.7%) adults in 20102012 and has been projected to affect 78.4 million adults by 2040 (3). Severe joint pain (SJP) can limit function and seriously compromise quality of life (4,5). To determine the prevalence of SJP among adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and the trend in SJP from 2002 to 2014, CDC analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey. In 2014, approximately one fourth of adults with arthritis had SJP (27.2%). Within selected groups, the age-standardized prevalence of SJP was higher among women (29.2%), non-Hispanic blacks (42.3%), Hispanics (35.8%), and persons with a disability (45.6%), and those who were unable to work (51.9%); prevalence also was higher among those who had fair or poor health (49.1%), obesity (31.7%), heart disease (34.1%), diabetes (40.9%), or serious psychological distress (56.3%). From 2002 to 2014, the age-standardized prevalence of SJP among adults with arthritis did not change (p = 0.14); however, the number of adults with SJP was significantly higher in 2014 (14.6 million) than in 2002 (10.5 million). A strategy to improve pain management (e.g., the 2016 National Pain Strategy*) has been developed, and more widespread dissemination of evidence-based interventions that reduce joint pain in adults with arthritis might reduce the prevalence of SJP.

CDC used data from the National Health Interview Survey, an annual, nationally representative, in-person survey of health status and behaviors of the noninstitutionalized civilian U.S. adult population. Sampling weights were applied so that estimates were representative of the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population. These weights adjusted for household nonresponse and oversampling of blacks, Hispanics, and Asians. Poststratification adjustments were based on 1990 U.S. Census estimates for 2002 data, 2000 U.S. Census estimates for 2003, 2006, and 2009 data, and 2010 U.S. Census estimates for 2014 data. Analyses were conducted using statistical software to account for the complex sampling design. Total unweighted sample sizes and final response rates were 31,044 and 74.3% in 2002; 30,852 and 74.2% in 2003; 24,275 and 70.8% in 2006; 27,731 and 65.4% in 2009; and 36,697 and 58.9% in 2014.

Respondents were classified as having doctor-diagnosed arthritis if they answered yes to the question, Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia? Among adults reporting joint pain, respondents were asked to please think about the past 30 days, keeping in mind all of your joint pain or aching and whether or not you have taken medication. During the past 30 days, how bad was your joint pain on average? Please answer on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is no pain or aching and 10 is pain and aching as bad as it can be. SJP was defined as a response 7.

For 2014, unadjusted and age-standardized SJP prevalence were estimated for adults with arthritis, both overall and by selected demographic (sex, age group, race/ethnicity [non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Hispanics], disability status, education level, and employment status) and health (smoking status, body mass index, leisure-time physical activity level,** overall health status, heart disease and diabetes, and serious psychological distress status) characteristics. Estimates were age-standardized to the 2000 U.S. standard population using three age groups (1844, 4564, and 65 years) (6). Unadjusted prevalence estimates for SJP describe the absolute population burden in a specific year, whereas age-standardized prevalence estimates describe the relative population burden adjusting for age-distribution differences across years or population groups. To examine differences for demographic and health characteristics in 2014, nonoverlapping 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (for the age-standardized estimates) were considered statistically significant. To examine trends in the age-standardized prevalence of SJP among adults with arthritis, a linear orthogonal polynomial contrast for the age-standardized estimates was used.

In 2014, the age-standardized prevalence of arthritis was 20.8%. Among adults with arthritis, the unadjusted prevalence of SJP was 27.2% and the age-standardized prevalence of SJP was 26.5%, with the highest prevalence among persons aged 4564 years (30.7%) (Table). Within selected demographic groups, the age-standardized prevalence of SJP was significantly higher among women (29.2%), non-Hispanic blacks (42.3%), Hispanics (35.8%), those with a disability (45.6%), those with less than a high school education (40.2%), and those unable to work (51.9%). Within selected health characteristics, prevalence of SJP was highest among those with fair/poor health (49.1%), obesity (31.7%), heart disease (34.1%), diabetes (40.9%), and serious psychological distress (56.3%) (Table).

For the 5 years studied, the age-standardized prevalence of SJP among adults with arthritis (range = 24.9%26.5%) did not significantly change (p = 0.14), but the estimated number of adults with SJP was significantly higher in 2014 (14.6 million, CI = 13.815.4 million) compared with 2002 (10.5 million, CI = 9.911.1 million) (Figure).
The current issue of MMWR (week 39) will be the last to include data from the 122 Cities Mortality Reporting System (122 CMRS) in Notifiable Disease and Mortality Tables, Table III (Deaths in 122 cities [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6539md.htm?s_cid=mm6539md_w#table-17]). Beginning in the publication for the week ending October 8, 2016 (week 40), data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Mortality Surveillance System will replace the information reported in Table III, and the 122 Cities Mortality Reporting System (122 CMRS) will be retired. The NCHS Mortality Surveillance System provides improvements in the data, including reports by the week of death and a consistent pneumonia and influenza (P&I) case definition across all sites. These improvements, along with recent and continuing increases in the timeliness of death certificate data, have led CDC to update the P&I mortality surveillance platform from the 122 CMRS to the NCHS Mortality Surveillance System.

NCHS collects death certificate data from state vital statistics offices for virtually all deaths occurring in the United States. P&I deaths are identified based on International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision multiple cause of death codes. The NCHS Mortality Surveillance System data will be presented by the week the death occurred. The percentage of deaths attributed to P&I on a national level will be released 2 weeks after the week of death to allow for collection of enough data to produce a stable percentage. Table III will present NCHS Mortality Surveillance System data by state and region with the 2-week lag, and areas with less than 20% of the expected total deaths will be marked as insufficient data. However, collection of complete data is not expected at the time of initial report, and the level of completeness will not likely be sufficient to calculate a reliable percentage of deaths attributed to P&I at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services region* or state level within this 2-week period. The data for earlier weeks are continually revised, and the proportion of deaths attributed to P&I might increase or decrease as new and updated death certificate data are received by NCHS. The most recent data can be found online (https://data.cdc.gov), and historical data from both NCHS and 122 CMRS also will be available at that site.
India: Ruling BJP party leader calls for Pakistan cement ban

ICR Newsroom By 06 October 2016

Subramanian Swamy, leader of the BJP, has called on his colleague, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to ban the import of cement from Pakistan, the Economic Times reports.

"I request you to ban import of cement into the country not only in the interest of growth and sustenance of domestic cement industry but also in keeping with the imperatives of national security. Ban of import from Pakistan will be in the interest of the country's security in the present juncture," Mr Swamy said in a letter to the Indian PM.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have heightened of late after a guerrilla attack on an army base in September killed 18 Indian soldiers. India claimed that the attackers had crossed into its territory from Pakistan and has since carried out artillery strikes  killing two Pakistani soldiers  and threatened to review trade agreements.

Mr Swamy contends that India now has sufficient domestic cement capacity to do without imports from Pakistan and also alleged that cement imports were being used as cover for smugglers.

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Azerbaijan: domestic cement production to be protected against imports

06 October 2016

Azerbaijan's government has decided to change the import procedures of cement and clinker among other goods to protect domestic production from imports.

This decision is an essential part of integrated measures, aimed at protection of domestic production, Sahil Babayev, deputy economy minister of Azerbaijan told AzTV channel.



Babayev said that increasing the customs duties on some goods imported from abroad must not influence the cost of local production and the ministry will take all necessary measures to prevent artificial overprice of domestic output.



Azerbaijan is almost self-sufficiency in the production of cement. "As of construction materials, the level amounts to 99 per cent in production of brick, 95 per cent in manufacture of cement and clinker," Babayev said.

The changes, which were taken with a view to stimulate growth in the volumes of local production, will enter into force on 1 November 2016. Moreover, the deputy minister said the government may soon revert to the issue of increasing customs duties, should increase of domestic production in other spheres be recorded.

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Two New Species of Jurassic Ichthyosaur Described After Six Years of Research

Much has been written about the bone wars, the rivalry between two distinguished and very eminent pioneering American palaeontologists Charles Othniel Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope as they competed with each other to excavate and describe the fossilised bones of dinosaurs from the western United States. However, during Georgian and Victorian times in Britain, a race was on between well-to-do landowners to excavate and put on display a myriad of strange antediluvian creatures, the remains of which were being found in quarries and construction sites as the industrial revolution transformed the countryside.

Thanks to some dogged detective work, palaeontologists Dean Lomax (Honorary Scientist at The University of Manchester) and Professor Judy Massare (Brockport College, New York) have identified two new species of Ichthyosaur (fish-lizard), from fossil material excavated more than 150 years ago. These two, very modern scientists are helping to write a new chapter on the evolution, radiation and diversification of British Ichthyosaurs, a story that links back to the early pioneers of palaeontology.

Palaeontologist Dean Lomax Peruses an Ichthyosaur Specimen

Picture Credit: University of Manchester

Britain During the Jurassic

For much of the Jurassic, the area now known as the British Isles was covered by a warm, tropical sea. Scattered across this seascape were a number of small islands, this area superficially resembled the Caribbean of today, but instead of green iguanas, basilisk lizards, wild pigs and capuchin monkeys typical of islands such as Barbados, Puerto Rico and Grenada, the terrestrial landscape back in the Jurassic was dominated by dinosaurs.

For further information on the different types of dinosaur that once thrived on the landmass now known as the British Isles we recommend Dinosaurs of the British Isles by Dean Lomax and Nobumichi Tamura, available from Siri Scientific Press: Dinosaurs of the British Isles can be ordered here. The marine environment was also home to an array of exotic prehistoric animals and amongst the most successful of the Early Jurassic marine reptiles were the Ichthyosaurs, formidable predators that had streamlined bodies similar to those of modern dolphins.

An Illustration of a Typical Ichthyosaurus

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

Tracking Down Ichthyosaurs

Many of the specimens excavated by early palaeontology pioneers on behalf of wealthy landowners and benefactors were poorly documented, several specimens have become lost, whilst a significant proportion have not been studied fully. Dean and Judy set about tracking down examples of British Ichthyosaurs, no mean feat as over the years, many fossils had been acquired by museums from all over the world and a considerable amount of Ichthyosaur material that originated from the British Isles is housed in Europe and elsewhere. After six years of research, examining hundreds of fossils from all over the UK, Europe and North America, the intrepid pair have been able to identify two new species of British marine reptile.

Analysing Anatomical Features  Hiding in Plain Sight

By analysing features in the skull and post-cranial material, the scientists were able to identify a new species of Ichthyosaurus from a specimen at the University of Bristol. This almost complete skeleton, had been on public display in the School of Earth Sciences for many years and thanks to Dean and Judy, this specimen has been identified as a new species of Early Jurassic Ichthyosaur. The animal has been named Ichthyosaurus larkini. The species honours British palaeontologist Nigel Larkin. The name Larkin means fierce, which is quite fitting for what was a fast moving, nektonic predator!

Commenting on the outcome of this research, Dean Lomax stated:

Its quite amazing, hundreds of people must walk past this skeleton every day, yet its secrets have only just been uncovered. This specimen has received little in the way of scientific study, although this is not uncommon as there is so much material to see and only a finite amount of funding to see and study everything  in fact, much of my research is self-funded.

A View of the Holotype Specimen of Ichthyosaurus larkini

Picture Credit: University of Manchester

The Second Species  Ichthyosaurus somersetensis

The second new species to be described, making a total of six species within the Ichthyosaurus genus, has an equally interesting story. The key specimen was probably collected from a quarry in Glastonbury, Somerset, sometime in the 1840s. It was sent to Delaware in the United States by Edward Wilson of Tenby, South Wales, for his brother, Dr. Thomas Wilson, who donated the specimen to Philadelphias Academy of Natural Sciences in 1847. The fossil has remained within the Academys vertebrate fossil collection ever since. It was kept in storage and few people knew that it even existed.

Dean explained:

In my opinion, this specimen is the best example of Ichthyosaurus collected to date. It paints such a cool picture too, having been found in a quarry in the Somerset countryside, cleaned, and then sent by boat to Philadelphia, and only now for it to be rediscovered  its like a good mystery book, piecing the story together!

As so many Ichthyosaurus specimens have been found in Somerset, it was decided to honour the south-west of England county by naming the new species Ichthyosaurus somersetensis.

The Holotype Specimen of Ichthyosaurus somersetensis

Picture Credit: E. Daeschler Academy of Sciences of Drexel University.

The picture above shows the holotype specimen of Ichthyosaurus somersetensis a practically complete skeleton lying on its right side; from Glastonbury, near Street, Somerset, the white scale bar represents 10 cm.

As part of their extensive search, Dean and Judy were keen to visit collections that were not known for their marine reptile fossils, which meant other scientists may not have visited them previously. All examples of the new species come from locations that can no longer be accessed, for example, old quarries.

Dean concluded by saying:

It is our hope that other similar fossils will be rediscovered in uninspected collections and brought to the attention of palaeontologists. Who knows what else is waiting to be (re)discovered?

To read an article about the naming of a new species of marine reptile to honour Mary Anning: New Species of Ichthyosaurus honours Mary Anning

The Paper (published in Palaeontology): Two New Species of Ichthyosaurus from the Lowermost Jurassic (Hettangian) of Somerset, England by Dean R. Lomax and Judy A. Massare.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has the largest number of Internet users of all the Gulf States and presents a great opportunity for brands operating in the KSA or those planning to, to access a young, affluent market that, due to the countrys unique cultural dynamics, can at times be isolated from the rest of the world.

Saudi Arabia Internet Users

In July 2016, Saudi Arabia had 20,813,695 Internet users out of a total population of 32,157,974. Thats roughly as many Internet users as there are in Australia and Malaysia, respectively.

To compare, the UAE (who enjoy the second biggest Internet penetration in the Gulf Region) has 8.5 million Internet users, Yemen 6.7 million, Israel 5.9 and Syria 5.5 million. (Source: InternetLiveStats).

Statista.com projects this number will grow to just under 28 million users in 2021.

Also according to Statista.com, these are the preferred payment methods online shoppers in the KSA prefer to use (2015).

Cash on delivery (64%)

Credit card (46%)

Debit card (11%)

Direct debit from bank account (9%)

Store gift card (3%)

Digital payment system such as PayPal or Alipay (1%)

Ronaldo Mouchawar, Co-Founder of Souq.com, Saudi Arabias leading online shopping website told Mastercard.com that Saudi Arabia is the online retailers biggest and fastest-growing market. He says they are experiencing record sales and enhanced the online shopping experience by offering cash on delivery, free returns and a one-year warranty on all products.

A 2015 MENA region online shopping behavior survey by MasterCard showed Saudis had a slight preference for local websites over foreign websites. Reasons for preferring to shop locally online included concerns over hidden charges and the ability to find everything they need locally.

According to Mouchawar, 30 to 40 percent of sales on Souq.com are made through mobile devices, demonstrating a huge opportunity for growth in this category. Mobile penetration rate in the KSA in 2015 stood at 168%. (Source: Statista.com) The survey showed the products most often bought online via mobile were: airline tickets, phone apps, toys, gifts, clothing, accessories, home appliances and electronic products.

Dubai-based tech company Go-Gulf.coms report titled: Online Shopping Trends in Middle East showed 75 percent of consumers believe that their interactions with brands on social media result in them purchasing more from their favorite brands.

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest social media markets in the Middle East, with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and WhatsApp seeing huge penetration, driven by its young, tech-savvy population that uses social media to interact with their families and friends to, among other things, see what theyre buying.

Its clear the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers huge opportunities, but all online vendors should always take notice of the Kingdoms Anti-Cyber Crime Law that criminalizes producing something that harms public order, religious values, public morals, the sanctity of private life, or authoring, sending, or storing it via an information network.
Chino, CA (91710)

Today

Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. High 82F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. Low 56F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
The Gautier Police Department reported the following incidents from:

Tuesday, Sept. 27

Dara Price, 24, Pascagoula, was arrested on outstanding warrants for public drunk and felony burglary.

Kristen Andrea Riggle, 25, Gautier, was arrested on outstanding warrants for expired tag and no insurance.

Dematio Delente Wells, 30, Pascagoula, was arrested on outstanding warrants for no insurance, speeding and contempt of court.

Accidents were reported on U.S. 90 and 1705 Courtney Drive.

An officer reported a complaint on Martin Bluff Road.

Myra Jean Reddix, 32, Gautier, was arrested for domestic violence simple assault second offense.

Eric Darnell Barnett, 31, Gautier, was arrested for domestic violence simple assault second offense.

Incidents were reported at 1705 Courtney Drive and 1224 Lucas Road.

Elizabeth Andrea Waln, 45, Gautier, was arrested for shoplifting first offense, possession of controlled substance and on an outstanding warrant through Harris County, Houston, Texas.

Wednesday, Sept. 28

Shane Ross Nicholson, 39, Gautier, was arrested for public drunk

An auto theft was reported at 2506 Avenido Encanto.

Robert Alan Forehand, 32, Gautier, was arrested on outstanding warrants for no proof of insurance and suspended driver's license.

John Jay Craft, 38, Gautier, was arrested for disturbing the peace.

An officer reported an incident at 1200 Grandview St.

Accidents were reported on U.S. 90 and Robert Hiram Drive.

A burglary was reported at 1725 Courtney Drive.

Robert Gordon Martin, 37, Gautier, was arrested for disturbing the peace.

Friday, Sept. 30

Donald R. Bolton, 48, Gautier, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for domestic violence simple assault first offense and also for suspended driver's license.

Elesha Rachelle Stilner, 40, Pascagoula, was arrested on outstanding warrants for contempt of court, reckless driving, suspended driver's license and no insurance.

Kelvin A. Smith, 38, Gautier, was arrested on outstanding warrants for disorderly conduct, improper equipment and no insurance.

Latia Shanae Middlebrooks, 25, Gautier, was arrested on outstanding warrants for contempt of court, no license tag two times, no insurance two times, suspended driver's license two times, child restraint law and improper equipment.

An auto theft was reported at 2313 Avenido Encanto.

Malicious mischief was reported at 1225 Stanfield Point Road.

Disturbing of the peace was reported at 1306 Roys Road.

Malicious mischief was reported at 902 De La Pointe Drive.

An accident was reported on U.S. 90.

A theft was reported at 2020 Ladnier Road.

An officer reported an incident on Gautier-Vancleave Road.

Shane Ross Nicholson, 39, Gautier, was arrested for public drunk.

A domestic dispute was reported at 2020 Ladnier Road.

Saturday, Oct. 1

Jerek Marcus Lane, 21, Vancleave, was arrested on outstanding warrants for petit larceny, improper/failure to signal and no insurance.

Patrick Tyler Cox 19, Gautier, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for no insurance.

A theft was reported at 2616 Auburn Drive.

A traffic stop was reported at 2701 U.S. 90.

A theft was reported at 8308 Redstone Drive.

Sunday, Oct. 2

Tabatha Stalyn Murray, 34, Gautier, was arrested on outstanding warrants for seat belt violation and no insurance.

Devin Alan Dolbar, 20, Gautier, was arrested for suspended driver's license, improper equipment and no insurance.

Corey James Barnes, 28, Theodore, Ala., was arrested on outstanding warrants through Mobile and Harrison Counties.

Stacey Darlene Houska, 46, Gautier, was arrested on outstanding warrants for improper equipment, no insurance and false identification.

Willie C. Holloway Jr., 33, Gautier, was arrested on outstanding warrants for contempt of court, possession of marijuana first offense and felony possession of controlled substance.

Sunday, Oct. 2

Demetrius Romy Givens, 51, Gautier, was arrested on outstanding warrants for disorderly conduct, domestic violence simple assault first offense, careless driving, disobeying traffic control device and no insurance.

Howard Hawkins, 56, Gautier, was arrested for felony burglary dwelling house.

A traffic stop was reported at 1413 Springridge Road.

David Wayne June, 45, Gautier, was arrested for felony possession of controlled substance two times.

A theft was reported at 3533 Bonita Road.

Monday, Oct. 3

Richard Michael Parker, 45, Pascagoula, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for obscene phone calls.

Monica Diann Butler, 43, Gautier, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for driving under the influence first offense.

Leshaunda Annette Randle, 44, Moss Point, was arrested on outstanding warrants for expired tag and no proof of insurance.

Bobby Jo Mallette, 27, Gautier, was arrested on outstanding warrants for no insurance, following too closely and suspended driver's license.

A complaint was reported at 3217 Tuna Road.

An accident was reported on U.S. 90.

A burglary was reported at 3605 Gautier-Vancleave Road.

A theft was reported at 1901 Martin Bluff Road.

Louis James Cooley, 45, Gautier, was arrested for driving under the influence first offense.

Jerry Pugh, 52, Gautier, was arrested for driving under the influence second offense.

Susan E. Williams, 47, Moss Point, was arrested for trespassing public drunk.

An officer reported a traffic stop at Old Spanish Trail.

Tuesday, Oct. 4

Robert James Rolkosky, 31, Perkinston, was arrested on outstanding warrants for speeding, suspended driver's license, expired tag and no insurance.

Auto burglaries were reported at 3212 and 3221 Tuna Road.

Auto burglaries were reported at 5504 and 5508 Lighthouse Circle.

An accident with injuries was reported at 4051 Gautier-Vancleave Road.

An auto burglary was reported at 3300 Sea Bass Road.

An auto burglary was reported at 2443 Bahama Drive.

An auto burglary was reported at 3140 Breakwater Drive.

Malicious malicious was reported at 1409 U.S. 90.

Auto burglaries were reported at 3513 Beasley Road.

A theft was reported at 4900 Fairwood Drive.

An accident was reported at 1608 Wynedote Drive.

A theft was reported at 7563 Wiregrass St.

An accident was reported at 3200 U.S. 90.

A complaint was reported at 2525 U.S. 90.

An item was reported found at 2501 Tampica Road.

An accident was reported at 2810 Gardendale Ave.
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Ghosts hold to no boundaries or borders. Their hauntings come in all shapes and sizes, from as small as a single room to an entire neighborhood. You might not even know it, but there could be a haunted house down the street  or you may even be living in one.

Paranormal tales fascinated us, and with All Hallows Eve creeping closer and closer, we couldnt help but dig up a few cursed bones to channel a chilling tale from each continent.

Africa  Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa has become a ghost hunters paradise, filled with lost souls and haunted attractions just waiting to be discovered. The most infamous is the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town. Dont let the name fool you; this historic military base has a bloody past of torture, executions, and unexplained deaths, sparking dozens of chilling sightings throughout the castle. Some say a black hound stalks the grounds; others have claimed to see Lady Anne Barnard in attendance at parties, despite being dead for ages

Antarctica  Ross Island

It shouldnt be a surprise that one of the coldest places on Earth has its own set of chilling tales. Despite being only loosely settled, Antarctica is host to a number of icy spirits that haunt the frozen wastes, largely due to how inhospitable it is. One of the most reputable is Ross Island where a sightseeing flight crashed into Mount Erebus (seen above). The bodies were moved to the McMurdo Station, a nearby U.S. Base on Ross Island, before they were returned to the families.

But the spirits never left, and to this day visitors to McMurdo Station have reported ghostly footsteps and voices. Is that chill in your spine from the cold, or is it one of the tragic spirits trapped here?

Asia  First World Hotel, Genting Highlands, Malaysia

Despite its colorful appearance, the First World Hotel in Getting Highlands, Malaysia, is by far one of the most haunted hotels in the world. A resort and casino, many have taken their lives after losing all their savings to the casinos, but their spirits never checked out. Frequent reports of paranormal activity have caused the hotel owners to close a number of rooms permanently and the elevator apparently skips over the 21st floor, rumored to be one of the most haunted parts of the resort.

Australia  Port Arthur, Tasmania

Australia has no shortage of ghost stories, especially given that each major city has a haunted and derelict prison that beckons lost souls to explore. But the most notorious is Port Arthur in Tasmania, an infamous prison settlement that was known as the inescapable prison and was one of the harshest settlements in Australia  so much so that the remains of the prisoners were sent to the Island of the Dead, just off the ghost. Since its closing in 1877 it has been a popular tourist site, especially since much of the prison still stands today. It is easily accessible with a day tour from Hobart, though we personally feel that night is the best time to experience the ghostly ruins.

Europe  Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Weve mentioned the violent history of Edinburgh before, the blood of war and rebellion soaking deep into the citys Underground Vaults, and one of the most infamously haunted locations in the city is the towering Edinburgh Castle. Nearly 1,000 years old and site of many battles, executions, and tragedies, the dark, its no wonder so many souls still dwell within its dark, stone walls. Open to the public for tours, the living and dead intermingle frequently here, with tourists stating theyve seen numerous apparitions throughout the shadowy halls.

North America  Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Canada

The U.S. is usually the center of most haunting lists, and there are plenty of ghost towns, spooky hotels, derelict mansions and homes to find paranormal activity. But we decided to pay our respects to the ghosts of Canada  most notably the spirits of the Banff Spring Hotel. Weve touched on Banff as a perfect destination, but we never thought some residents would remain here long after death.

Hidden away in the Canadian Rockies, this charming resort is popular throughout the year  so much so that some guests have forgotten to check out. In the strangest case, the hotel once housed a secret room that was built by mistake with no windows or doors, sealed away within the hotels confines. After a fire devastated the hotel, the room was rediscovered, and despite never being used some say there are still restless spirits there.

Another notable room is 873 which, in a very 1408 fashion, holds the spirits of a murdered family, including the lost soul of a young girl. The hotel staff have closed off the room from any curious visitor, but a few have still seen the family roaming the hall near the room.

The list of haunted rooms in the Banff Springs Hotel goes on and on, and we dare you to find them on your next vacation.

South America  La Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buried within the popular and lively Recoleta district of Buenos Aires rests the famous La Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place for such souls as Eva Peron, Luis Angel Firpo, and Isabel Walewski Colonna (Napoleons granddaughter). A popular stop on a Buenos Aires sightseeing tour, the living frequently explore the richly decorated tombs and immaculate graves throughout the day, but the cemetery truly comes alive with ghostly activity after sunset. The most infamous is the tale of Rufina Cambeceres, who was accidentally burred alive while in a coma and died attempting to break free of her casket. Though her body ultimately remained in the tomb, some say her spirit still stalks the cemeterys shadowy paths

Were madly in love with a good ghost story, so share your paranormal experiences and favorite haunted attraction in the comments below. Think of a tour or attraction we didnt mention? Let us know below.

If you like our posts, please help us spread the word by sharing on Facebook and Twitter, or sign up for Tours4fun newsletters to get more travel tips and deals straight to your inbox.
Simone Harouche

PFW client: Harouche, who works with Christina Aguilera and Miley Cyrus, was in town with Kim Kardashian for her appearances at Balmain and Givenchy before the weeks high-profile jewelry heist.

Where do you shop in Paris?

I love shopping in the Marais  a few favorites include Merci [a concept shop with womens, mens and home decor], Azzedine Alaia and Bonton [Parisian-chic kids clothing]. I also love to wander around and explore vintage shops and independent boutiques with a very French curated clothing selection.

What's the best thing you've ever purchased on a trip to Paris?

It would have to be an amazing vintage Alaia bondage leather skirt.

Is there something you always stock up on while you're in town for fashion week?

I love to purchase French underpinnings. Hosiery is a must in Paris! So are nightgowns and lingerie  no one gets those quite like the French do.

B. Akerlund

PFW client: The L.A. and Stockholm-based stylist, who works with Madonna and most recently broke Twitter with Beyonces canary yellow Roberto Cavalli dress in Lemonade, hit the City of Lights to take in the designer shows herself.

Where do you shop in Paris?

LEclaireur [avant-garde fashion and design destination with Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto, Fornasetti and more].

What's the best thing you've ever purchased on a trip to Paris?

I always score when I visit the Rick Owens store.

Is there something you always stock up on while youre in town for fashion week?

Gouttes Bleues  French blue eye drops [by Innoxa] to keep my eyes clear from jet-lag and traveling.

Rebecca Corbin- Murray

PFW client: Murray, whos based in London, popped over to help get Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner ready for the Louis Vuitton front row.

Where do you shop in Paris?

I go to Maison Michel for hats [Chanels milliner]; the URiBE pop-up for jewelry; Didier Ludo for vintage clothing and accessories; and Marche aux Puces in Saint-Ouen for more vintage and furniture.

What have you purchased on this trip to Paris?

So far, I have placed pre-orders for the some of the new Ellery and Galvan looks!

What's the best thing you've ever purchased on a trip to Paris?

There are two things  a vintage silver pineapple ice bucket (circa 1970s) and a structured Celine coat.

Is there something you always stock up on while you're in town for fashion week?

David Mallets hair products  the Hair Serum is to die for!

Jeff K. Kim

PFW clients: Michael B. Jordans fashion guru hit the town with clients Charlotte Le Bon (spotted front-row at Dior) and Elsa Hosk.

Where do you shop in Paris?

I love shopping everywhere, but I always make sure to swing by Printemps or Colette.

What have you purchased on this trip?

I purchased a stunning  with a capital S!  camel Alexander McQueen coat.

What's the best thing you've ever purchased on a trip to Paris?

It would have to be a ticket to the Petit Palais museum for one of the first exhibitions of Patrick Demarcheliers early photographs.

Maeve Reilly

PFW client: Reilly made sure that Hailey Baldwins street style hit the mark whenever the model stepped out.

Where do you shop in Paris?

Whenever I travel, I make it a point to only shop at places that I don't have at home  Paris is my absolute favorite. My must-shop spots are Colette and Montaigne Market. Both stores are beautifully curated. Montaigne Market specifically sticks to a neutral color palette  black, white, nude, gray  which is mostly how I dress. As a stylist, I know what I want and I'm very focused and can get in and out of stores quickly... But, Ive never managed to walk out of there without finding and buying something. Colette is a bit more fun and often carries up-and-coming brands along with to the classics. They also host several events, so its a safe bet Ill run into a friend when Im there during fashion week.

If I have some free time, youll find me in Le Marais [historic district in Paris] popping into stores and seeking out new designers. This area of Paris can be less expensive and more rare in terms of finds  its worth it to spend an afternoon there and just get lost. You can find everything from streetwear to great vintage to Japanese designers to iconic French brands. Its all in the mix.

What have you purchased on this trip?

I bought a Gucci bag at the Avenue Montaigne store (the Dinysus GG Supreme embroidered style).

What's the best thing you've ever purchased on a trip to Paris?

A vintage black tuxedo jacket that I found at a random shop in Le Marais  it was $80! It looks like Saint Laurent and fits like a glove.

Nicolas Bru

PFW client: The L.A.-based stylist, who originally hails from Paris, was in town with Fergie.

Where do you shop in Paris?

I shop at Merci, Bon Marche, Colette and the Palais-Royal [area between the Louvre and the Opera].

What have you purchased on this trip?

I found a new Balenciaga bomber jacket.

What's the best thing you've ever purchased on a trip to Paris?

Two things  my favorite Rick Owens leather jacket and a vintage Serge Mouille lamp from the flea market.

Is there something you always stock up on while you're in town for fashion week?

Mariage Freres teas  they are the absolute best!

Jamie Mizrahi

PFW clients: Mizrahi dressed American Honey actress Sasha Lane for the Louis Vuitton show at Place Vendome.

Where do you shop in Paris?

Didier Ludot, Anouschka [a cult vintage store), Le Bon Marche, Sonia Rykiel, Celine, Charvet and the flea market.

What's the best thing you've ever purchased on a trip to Paris?

A black chiffon gown from the 1930's that I found at Didier Ludot.

Is there something you always stock up on while you're in town for fashion week?

My Charvet slippers  I have accumulated a few pairs over the years.

green bridesmaid dresses | gold bridesmaid dresses
This is David Thouless on May 3, 1995, on his election to the US National Academy of Sciences.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced that David James Thouless, professor emeritus at the University of Washington, will share the 2016 Nobel Prize in physics with two of his colleagues.

Thouless splits the prize with Professor F. Duncan M. Haldane of Princeton University and Professor J. Michael Kosterlitz of Brown University "for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter," according to the prize announcement from the Academy. Half the prize goes to Thouless while Haldane and Kosterlitz divide the remaining half. Thouless is the UW's seventh Nobel laureate, and second in physics after Hans Dehmelt in 1989.

"Prof. Thouless' work is a perfect example of why curiosity-driven basic science is so vital," said UW President Ana Mari Cauce. "Not only did his discoveries open up entirely new fields of research, but they also have had implications for the electronic devices that power our world today and those that may do so in the future -- everything from advanced superconductors to quantum computers to other applications we can hardly imagine. We are tremendously proud of this recognition of the seminal importance of his work."

Born in 1934 in Bearsden, Scotland, Thouless earned his undergraduate degree in 1955 from Cambridge University and a doctorate degree in 1958 from Cornell University, where he studied under physicist and Nobel laureate Hans Bethe. Thouless was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, before returning to the United Kingdom to work with world-renowned physicist Rudolf Peierls at the University of Birmingham.

At Birmingham, where he was a professor of mathematical physics from 1965 to 1978, Thouless began a pivotal collaboration with Kosterlitz which overturned prevailing theories on how matter behaves in flat, two-dimensional environments. As the Nobel announcement explains they and Haldane discovered that, in these extreme "flatland" settings, matter exhibits properties explained only using complex topological methods.

Topology is the branch of mathematics dealing with properties that change in a stepwise fashion. And it turns out that the promise of new materials and methods for manipulating matter lie within these "flatlands," where quantum mechanics is exposed and matter assumes more "exotic" states than the typical solid, liquid or gas. Their theories and practices have revealed new ways to understand physical interactions in this "exotic" state.

All matter rests on a bed made by the rules of quantum mechanics. Larger and bulkier forces like gravity often obscure these quantum-level interactions -- just as a sturdy mattress, fluffy pillows and thick quilts obscure the underlying bedframe. But that frame is still there, and forms the foundation of the larger, overlaying structure.

In the flattened, 2-D realm of their investigations, these scientists were able to describe new and unique behaviors of physical matter under these conditions.

"It is the foundation for new technologies we are exploring today, using 2-D surfaces using graphene and other 'new materials,'" said Marcel Den Nijs, a UW professor of physics who has known Thouless for 35 years. "This award was a long time coming. He's a brilliant scientist and wonderful person."

In work beginning in the 1970s, Thouless and Kosterlitz showed how matter in the flatlands can transition between phases, and does so using fundamentally different interactions than in our more familiar 3-D realm.

After a brief stint at Yale University, Thouless moved to the UW physics department in 1980 and used topological methods to explain what physicists call the quantum Hall effect. This phenomenon was described in a pioneering experiment by physicist and Nobel laureate Klaus von Klitzing, but could not be explained using theories at the time.

Thouless used topological methods to explain von Klitzing's results, showing that quantum mechanics reigned supreme in the flatlands. He did this work with three UW postdoctoral researchers, including Den Nijs.

These lines of research set the stage for today's quests in physics and materials sciences for innovative approaches to electronics and computing. They all depend on a thorough understanding of topological interactions in flat, 2-D realms. In other words, today's materials and computers make use of quilts and pillows on the bed, while tomorrow's will exploit the bedframe itself.

"There is no greater honor for a physicist and scholar than winning the Nobel Prize," said Robert Stacey, Dean of the UW College of Arts & Sciences. "We are thrilled and deeply honored to celebrate Professor Thouless' lifetime contributions to his field. His work epitomizes the University of Washington's deep commitment to world-class research that stretches our understanding of exotic matter and the complex universe around us. And it reminds us how important fundamental scientific research and education are to our society, even when the practical applications of such research take decades to emerge."

Thouless has received many awards and honors for his groundbreaking discoveries. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1979 and, in 1981, a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 1987, he became a Fellow of the American Physical Society and earned the prestigious Wolf Prize for Physics in 1990. Thouless retired from the UW in 2003. Thouless' wife Margaret was an associate professor of pathobiology at the UW from 1980 to 2004.
Candymaker Mars is combining its chocolate business, which includes Snickers, M&M's and Twix, with its Wrigley candy subsidiary, headquartering the combined division in Chicago. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images)

Mars is combining its chocolate business, which makes famous brands like Snickers, M&M's and Twix, with its Wrigley candy subsidiary, headquartering the combined division in Chicago.

The combination was possible after Mars said Thursday it would take full control of Wrigley by acquiring the stake held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway. Berkshire has owned a piece of Wrigley since the company was bought by Mars in 2008. The chocolate business has been based in Mount Olive, N.J., while Wrigley's offices are in Chicago's Goose Island neighborhood.

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Wrigley has just under 300 employees at its Chicago headquarters and that number shouldn't change much with the combination, said Denise Young, spokeswoman for Wrigley Americas.

Mars has about 1,700 employees in the Chicago area, working at four manufacturing plants and in some shared space at Wrigley's headquarters. No decisions have yet been made on the "regional or market hub locations (or) the implications for our associates in those businesses," Young said.

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The total number of Mars and Wrigley employees isn't expected to change significantly with the combination.

The units will remain separate for the time being, with a gradual phase-in expected next year. Martin Radvan, currently Wrigley's global president and a 30-year company veteran, will lead the combined division.

McLean, Va.-based Mars, which is privately held, said the combination will allow it to speed its growth in the rapidly evolving candy market. The new division will be called Mars Wrigley Confectionery. Mars is already the country's largest confectionary company by sales.

Wrigley makes gum, mints and fruit-flavored candy including Skittles, Starburst, Altoids, Lifesavers, Extra and Orbit. Beyond its candy business, Mars also makes food like Combos and Uncle Ben's rice, as well as pet food brands including Sheba, Iams and Pedigree.

sbomkamp@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @SamWillTravel
Wal-Mart said Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, it plans to slow new store openings as it looks to pour more money into its online efforts, technology and store remodels. (Jeff Chiu / AP)

New York  Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to slow its new store openings and pour more money into its online efforts, technology and store remodels, the company said Thursday.

The world's largest retailer also tempered its outlook, saying it anticipates fiscal 2018 earnings per share being about flat with its fiscal 2017 adjusted earnings per share. It foresees fiscal 2019 earnings per share growth of about 5 percent.

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Wal-Mart completed its more than $3 billion buyout of the fast-growing online retailer Jet.com last month, showing how heavily it's willing to invest to boost online sales that totaled $13.7 billion last year  still just a fraction of its annual revenue.

"This company is going to look more like an e-commerce company," CEO Doug McMillon told analysts at the company's annual investment meeting.

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Wal-Mart shares fell $1.52, or 2 percent, to $70.15 in afternoon trading.

Like its direct store rivals, Wal-Mart is trying to be more nimble as it fights off competition from online leader Amazon.com, whose Prime shopping program is swiftly converting members into loyal shoppers. And it faces competition from dollar stores and traditional grocers like Kroger, which are ramping up promotions.

But Wal-Mart has seen its investments online and in the stores pay off  and it's starting to gain ground over some of the competitors.

It has launched a flurry of changes, from making sure its vegetables look good to cleaning up its stores to being sharper on keeping prices low. The company has 150 fresh food managers working to train store sales associates.

Wal-Mart is also melding online services with its massive fleet of stores. It rolled out a mobile payment system to speed checkouts. And it's pushing ahead with online grocery and pick-up services. Greg Foran, CEO and president of Wal-Mart's U.S. namesake business, told analysts Thursday that by the end of the year, it will have grocery online pickup services at 600 U.S. stores.

The company is in the second year of its $2.7 billion investment in its workers that involves higher pay and more training. It says that such investments as well as the other moves are already helping to improve customer service in the stores.

Wal-Mart had raised its annual profit outlook in August after reporting its eighth straight quarterly increase in revenue of stores opened at least a year and the seventh quarterly gain in customer traffic at its namesake Wal-Mart U.S. business. Global online sales rose 11.8 percent in the second quarter. That's up from the 7 percent pace of the first quarter but still far weaker than the 20 percent increases from less than two years ago.

In contrast, Target reported that a key revenue measure was down 1.1 percent in the second quarter, after seven straight quarters of gains. And it saw fewer customers in the store for the first time in a year and a half. Target is struggling to get its groceries right and it also didn't push the second part of its "Expect More, Pay Less" slogan.

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McMillon reiterated to analysts Thursday that he believes the Jet.com acquisition will help it attract higher-income and younger customers. The company plans to incorporate some of Jet.com's technology that lowers prices in real time. As part of the deal, Marc Lore, co-founder and CEO of Jet.com, is overseeing both the site and Walmart.com.

"I look around and see the vast assets," Lore told investors Thursday. "This is the perfect time to accelerate the business."

Foran said that Lore will be working to increasingly get the store and online selections to match, so if customers see something in the store, they'll know they can find it online.

The retailer still has plenty of challenges, notably in China, and it's struggling in the U.K and Brazil. It announced Wednesday that it was increasing its stake in JD.com, China's No. 2 e-commerce site, to 10.8 percent from 5.9 percent. That comes nearly four months after Wal-Mart bought an initial stake in JD.com in a deal that also gave JD.com ownership of the Chinese e-commerce site Yihaodian, including the brand and app.

Wal-Mart said Thursday it would spend $11 billion on capital expenditures this year, and the same for the following fiscal year. In the fiscal year ended in January, the company spent $11.5 billion on capital expenditures. But Wal-Mart said it will be investing more of that money in e-commerce and digital initiatives.

The company also said that it plans to open 130 U.S. stores this year, but that's below its forecast issued last year that it would open 135 to 155 new stores. In its last fiscal year, it opened 230 U.S. stores. It said it plans to open another 55 U.S. stores next year. By type of store, Wal-Mart plans to open 60 supercenters and 70 of the smaller-format Neighborhood Markets this year. For next year, the breakdown is 35 supercenters and 20 smaller-format stores.

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Wal-Mart reiterated that its earnings per share for the current year on an adjusted basis would be $4.15 per share to $4.35 per share on an adjusted basis.

Associated Press
Great Falls, Mont.

Denise Juneau, the Montana superintendent of public instruction, is running for her states only seat in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democratbut she doesnt think she can get there by riding President Barack Obamas coattails. And shes trying to show voters she has the record to prove it.

Juneau is running against incumbent Rep. Ryan Zinke, a Republican, former state senator, and a one-time Navy SEAL. He was first elected to Montanas at-large seat in the House in 2014. She is an underdog in the race against Zinke, who has outraised her by a significant margin, and the seat is rated as a likely win for Zinke by the Cook Political Report , a political handicapping and analysis service.

However, if she were to beat Zinke, Juneau would be the first American Indian woman elected to Congress; she already holds the distinction of being the first such person in the country to hold any statewide office. Juneau is a member of the Mandan Hidatsa tribes and a descendant of members of the Blackfeet tribe.

The national teachers unions are big fans of Juneau. In fact, shes even rumored to be a possible candidate for education secretary under Hillary Clinton also a union favoriteif the latter wins the presidency.

Im always so proud of the good work thats going on in our schools, seeing good teachers teaching, seeing students learning, Juneau said during her opening remarks in a debate here at Great Falls College Montana State University Wednesday evening.

And she pitched Graduation Matters Montana, which she launched nearly seven years agoJuneau was elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2012to improve graduation rates in state. Noting that the states graduation rate increased from 81 percent in 2009-10 to 86 percent for the 2014-15 school year, a record high in Montana, she told the audience here the increase boosts our economy by millions every year. (Her campaign says that spike equates to an additional $6 million in state economic activity .)

When you look at Juneaus positions on hot-button education issues of various prominence, they are hard to classify easily and brieflymore on that in a moment. But in a response to a candidate questionnaire from the American Association of University Women of Montana that were distributed before the debate, she said the following:



She supports increasing resources to vigorously enforce Title IX and other civil rights laws pertaining to education. Zinke did not respond.

She opposes using taxpayer dollars to fund private or religious schools. Zinke said he supports this.

She supports passing a federal law to address bullying and harassment against all students, including LGBT and gender-nonconforming students. Zinke did not respond.

Juneaus Opposition to Some Obama Policies

An underdog in a state that typically votes for Republican presidential candidates, Juneau has made it clear to voters that shes opposed President Barack Obamas administration on several policy key issues and has often been skeptical of federal power. Indeed, in an interview with Education Week before the debate, Juneau said bluntly, That is the message basically.

And when we asked her to rate Obamas education policy on a scale of 1 to 10, she only rates the administrations approach a 3 when it comes to how well it has worked for Montana. She highlights the states Schools of Promise program , in which the state eschewed the turnaround strategies included in the administrations School Improvement Grant program in favor of other methods.

Under Juneaus tenure as state chief, the state declined to seek a waiver from the No Child Left Behind Act, and shes a big critic of evaluating teachers through test scores. Shes also critical of the federal Bureau of Indian Education. On the other hand, she is a big fan of the federal preschool grant Montana received. And in the political realm, she did speak at the 2012 Democratic National Convention .

During the debate, Juneau starts out by describing her lifes arc as Head Start to Harvard. (Juneau has a masters degree in education from Harvard University, and started out in education as a teachers aide in Browning, Mont.) She also makes a point of pointing to the work of local communities in education, saying that the state was just a small part of the Great Falls school districts work with Graduation Matters, and congratulating the city on passing a new bond issues for schools here yesterday.

Education isnt the only issue where Juneau parts ways with many Democrats. She calls herself a strong supporter of the second amendment. On energy policy, a major political issue here, she says, coal is not going away, although she highlights the work being done to boost solar energy.

When shes told at the end of the debate by Libertarian Party candidate Rick Breckenridge that she agrees with him on several issues, she doesnt argue. I think I might have a little bit of a libertarian streak, she said.

Well have more about Juneaus campaign in the near future.

Photo: Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau visits a preschool program in Great Falls, Mont., on Oct. 5. (Andrew Ujifusa/Education Week)

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
It's back to the blues for the Rolling Stones. The band announced plans to release a blues album, "Blue and Lonesome," in December. (Elise Amendola)

Those who like their Rolling Stones music raw and unfiltered may get their wish Dec. 2 when a new studio album, "Blue and Lonesome," will be released.

Long before they ever came to record at Chicago's Chess Studios in 1964, the Stones fashioned themselves as a Chicago-style blues band in London, devoted to the canon of Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Willie Dixon, among others.

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Their early albums were filled with Chicago blues, and now the Stones have announced that they'll return to that deep well of music once again in their first studio album since 2005.

On Thursday, the Stones released a snippet of a new track, "Just Your Fool," on their web site, rollingstones.com. It's a hard-edged take on Little Walter's 1960 recording.

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Produced by Don Was, who has been working with the band for more than two decades, the 12 blues covers were recorded in a rapid-fire three-day session in London last December. "Blue and Lonesome" includes songs associated with Howlin' Wolf ("Commit a Crime"), Jimmy Reed ("Little Rain") and Magic Sam ("All of Your Love"). Eric Clapton adds guitar to two songs: Johnny Taylor's "Everybody Knows About My Good Thing" and Dixon's "I Can't Quit You Baby."

The Stones -- Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood -- plus sidemen Darryl Jones (bass), Chuck Leavell (keyboards) and Matt Clifford (keyboards) approached the sessions as more of a live recording and avoided overdubs, according to a statement released by the band.

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With a few exceptions, they dug a layer or two deeper than the obvious Chicago blues classics on these tracks, reflecting their roots as fledgling blues appreciators who listened obsessively to albums released on Chess, Vee-Jay and other labels imported from overseas in the early '60s. As Was said in a statement, for the Stones, the blues is "the fountainhead of everything they do." That hadn't always been reflected in their post-'70s recordings, but it appears they're doubling down on that commitment now.

greg@gregkot.com

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Sue the T. rex had its right forelimb removed so scientists can try to learn more about the creatures, including why their arms were so short and how they used them. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Being the world's "most complete" T. rex is one of the claims to fame of the Field Museum's apex fossil Sue. Thursday morning, Sue became a little less complete.

With a few twists of an Allen wrench to remove a couple of set screws, museum collections manager Bill Simpson loosened the famous dinosaur's tiny right forelimb, about the length of an adult human arm.

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"Last one and it's going to be yours," he said to Pete Makovicky, curator of dinosaurs.

Sue, here in 2016, formerly was in the main Stanley Field Hall at the Field Museum. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

The men were standing under Sue's rib cage on the land form that supports the late predator in its enclosure in the museum's central Stanley Field Hall. A gaggle of media cameras peered in at them. A rolling cart labeled "GEOLOGY" and topped with soft packing material waited to receive the precious cargo.

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"All yours," Simpson said as the second bolt came loose. "Lift it up."

Makovicky did as instructed, the skeleton's much more massive upper arm bones wiggled a little, and then the forelimb of the most expensive fossil ever purchased was in his hands, headed for a weekend date with a cutting-edge microscope at Argonne National Laboratory.

Through Tuesday, Sue will be on display without the forelimb. That means no high fives. No glad-handing. No waving to the adoring crowds, Queen Elizabeth-style. No whatever it is T. rexes did with those bizarrely disproportionate appendages.

That question  the long-debated purpose of the short Tyrannosaurus forelimb  is the main reason for Thursday's temporary amputation.

Bill Simpson, head of geological collections for the Field Museum, left, and associate curator Peter Makovicky remove the forelimb of its T. rex specimen, Sue, on display at the Field Museum on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

"It's been one of the enduring mysteries in dinosaur paleontology," Simpson said a little later, as the bone structure, held together by a black metal framework, rested on the geology cart, its two claws, or fingers, looking more fearsome there than they did when mounted on the 40 1/2-foot animal remains.

"What we're looking to discover is whether the forelimb was used at all," he explained. "Maybe it's just a vestigial appendage. We don't know."

Beginning Saturday morning at Argonne, Carmen Soriano, the laboratory's paleontologist, will put Sue's radius and ulna, the two main forelimb bones, before a scanner that more typically is used to look at barely visible things, most frequently from materials and energy sciences.

The microtomography station is one of more than 60 instruments using the energy generated by Argonne's massive photo electron ring to study the basic elements of matter. In this case, Soriano explained, the X-ray will function like an ultra-high-powered version of the CT scanner you might find at a hospital.

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Working essentially full time between Saturday morning and the bones' return to the Field on Tuesday, it will generate a 3-D image of the arm bones, inside and out, down to the cellular level.

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"It is 1 billion  with a 'b'  times more powerful than a CAT scan," Soriano said, and this will be its first use on big dinosaur bones. Soriano has used another Argonne instrument on a smaller specimen, helping to identify the once-mysterious Tully monster, the Illinois state fossil, for the first time as a vertebrate probably related to the modern lamprey.

Like a deli slicer but using X-rays instead of a spinning blade, Makovicky explained, the device examining Sue's bones will take thousands of cross-section images and then "restack" them into the 3-D model, tomography. Those slices are about 100 microns thick, he said, compared with the 2-millimeter ones produced by a typical medical scanner.

The goal is to look for signs of stress in the cellular structure that would indicate to what degree the animal had used those bones. There's more to the comparative anatomy study he and scientific colleagues are conducting, he said, but a "key question  is, Did T. rex use its arms or not?"

The sex of Sue is unknown; it was named for Sue Hendrickson, who discovered the skeleton on a South Dakota ranch in 1990. The Field bought the fossil at auction for $8.36 million and has had it on a display since 2000 in its central hall, where it has become one of the world's iconic museum pieces.

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But the Field likes to display actual fossils, not replicas, and so Sue's bones have been taken off for study before, Simpson said. Most recently, for instance, a University of Chicago graduate student borrowed a shoulder bone to study signs of muscle attachment, he said. (A whole suite of injuries Sue suffered in its 28-year life are visible on the animal's bones.) National Geographic borrowed a forelimb a few years back.

"Our exhibits are not just exhibits," said Simpson. "They are genuine research objects."

Before the newest Sue research could begin, the bones had to leave the museum's main floor. The instrument of disassembly went back into a little Ziploc labeled "Allen key for SUE set-screws" and back into a drawer in the cart. Among other photos taken with the forelimb, Makovicky and Soriano knelt down to pose at the tip of the fingers. Soriano shaped her hand into a claw, laughing.

Simpson and a colleague in collections wheeled the cart into an elevator and then to their department, behind the exhibit space on the east side of the second floor.

There, in the presence of thousands of other fossils, Sue's forelimb would be disassembled, the radius and ulna packed into a box for Makovicky to drive out to Argonne.

The bones have only a limited time on the Argonne instrument, so he is hoping, he said, that the radius and ulna scan will go quickly enough to enable them to get a look at some of the other forelimb bones.

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"It might be interesting," he said, "to get some high-resolution data on the knuckles. There's an indication there of what might be some gout."

And then Simpson and Makovicky will return Sue to the state of near-completion that, along with its girth and level of preservation, makes it so highly valued. Simpson isn't that worried about the procedure.

"It's an erector set, and if you have the right tool, you can get it off quickly," he said. "Getting it back on will be more of a challenge."

sajohnson@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @StevenKJohnson

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
Jacqueline Russell, artistic director of Chicago Children's Theatre, and Frank Maugeri, community programs director, outside the former Chicago police station at Racine and Monroe that will be the new home of the Children's Theatre. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

I only saw the inside of the Chicago police station at the southwest corner of Racine Avenue and Monroe Street once. It was 1993. I was living a couple of blocks away in a very different West Loop neighborhood from the urban foodie paradise those streets have become. I'd just been robbed at gunpoint.

But on a tour the other day of that building  the new home of the Chicago Children's Theatre  that experience came flooding back. A whole lot of Chicagoans saw the interior, of course, and not just employees of the 12th District. There were cells inside. For the officers, there was a gun range in the basement.

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"Isn't it a great place for costume storage?" said Jacqueline Russell, artistic director of that theater as she pulled open the door to that firing range, revealing a long, cavernous corridor of a room, a place where police handguns were fired for years and that now will be stuffed with the fruits and tools of child creativity.

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A few minutes later, we were standing in what used to be the area of those cells. Bars remain on some windows. This is to be the 149-seat Pritzker Family Studio Theatre.

In late January, it will host the world premiere of Manual Cinema's "The Magic City," wherein a girl named Philomena and stepbrother Lucas will find themselves whisked away on a magical quest inside a miniature city they've built from household books and castoff junk. In the spring, a new production of "Pinocchio" will be staged with both deaf and hearing actors in the cast. The show originated at Chicago's Bell Elementary School earlier this year.

I walk outside with Frank Maugeri, long the creative soul of Redmoon (which is defunct) and now the newly hired artistic director of community programs at the Children's Theatre. We look up together at the letters carved into the stone of the building: "Police Station." Maugeri tells me that they are soon to be covered with a sign saying Chicago Children's Theatre, but that sign will have a gauze-like quality allowing you simultaneously to see the old words underneath.

"We do not," Maugeri says, staring at the words "Police Station," "want either the children or their parents, or this community, to forget the history of this building."

In fact, the new home of the Chicago Children's Theatre is to be known as The Station.

This is not, of course, the first adaptive reuse of a city building. The Lookingglass Theatre sits inside the Water Tower Water Works. The Edgewater Historical Society  dedicated to preservation  took over an old firehouse. Theaster Gates and his Rebuild Foundation have at least three arts and community-building reuse projects underway on the South Side, including the former St. Laurence Elementary School. The Griffin Theatre long has had its eye on another former police station on North Damen Avenue, although it has struggled to raise the money to fund the renovation.

The Chicago Children's Theatre got very lucky in 2014 when then-Gov. Pat Quinn announced, in the waning days of his administration, a $5 million Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant. It is hard to believe that the subsequent administration, which has focused on belt-tightening, would have done the same.

That $5 million, says Todd Leland, founding chairman of the board of the theater and still a prime mover and shaker despite becoming a London-based executive at Goldman Sachs, allowed the theater to raise "the vast majority" of the roughly $8.5 million required to complete the first phase of this renovation  enough, certainly, to get the building up and running, even if another $1.5 million is needed for program expansion. Phase 2, Leland said in a telephone interview, involves another $10 million, as yet mostly unraised, that will allow the Children's Theatre, which is about 10 years old, to build a 299-seat mainstage theater from the ground up, right next door to The Station.

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"I hope we can break ground in 2018," Leland said, "and be open by 2020."

He paused.

"This is not going to be the most state-of-the-art theater in the world," Leland said, contradicting the language of the news release, which promises precisely that. "Our new theater is to be pragmatic. And I think we can get it done for the families we want to serve."

Since local zoning laws require the theater to maintain the 30-stall parking lot next to the police station, that new theater in essence will be built on stilts, on top of the parking area, astride the police station. So that is the future.

In the meantime, beginning in January, Chicago Children's Theatre at The Station will have camps, workshops, curricula and classroom space, as well as an informal hangout lobby, designed to be a welcoming, Wi-Fi-equipped space wherein parents can wait for the kids to take a class, or join them in creating informal productions of their own. A special room will be dedicated to kids with autism, long a focus of this theater.

There has been much hand-wringing over the right location for the Children's Theatre, which has been itinerant but most frequently in residence at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts. In various interviews over the years, Russell spoke of her desire for a theater that was large enough to accommodate big school groups  a tricky requirement, since the bigger the space, the more costly the space. Then there was the politics of neighborhood  if the Children's Theater had located, say, in Lincoln Park, that would have sent a complex message. On the other hand, the kids of affluent North Side neighborhoods deserve arts programming as much as any other kid in the city. In many ways the West Loop is the ideal solution. It is a neighborhood i just beginning to welcome large numbers of young children and also is a more neutral address. It can be accessed easily from the South, West and North sides, and yet it comes without the attendant hassles and costs of the Loop.

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Russell, Maugeri and I walked outside and crossed Monroe, where new condominiums dominate.

We stared up at the windows of the police station.

Maugeri, who was on a roll, starts to talk about his plans for a project wherein the theater will partner with students from nearby Skinner Elementary School to create video shorts that will be projected onto these windows. More than 1,000 students are involved. They will be working with professional artists, including Liviu Pasare and Jacqueline Bovit, to tell their own stories.

Come January, you'll be able to see the moving images from the street. You might have to huddle up with a family member.

By the way, the project has a cool title: "Station Breaks."

Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.

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Twitter @ChrisJonesTrib

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Self-produced web series are increasingly replacing more traditional paths in Hollywood and the latest beneficiary of that is Issa Rae, whose HBO series "Insecure" premieres 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Despite the self-deprecating title, as a comedy it is bracingly confident and happily profane in its portrayal of female friendships, career irritations, maddening romantic partners and upwardly mobile black life in LA.

Last week Rae was in Chicago ahead of the show's debut, offering words of advice to Columbia College film students hoping to follow in her footsteps. "I found a shortcut my senior year in college by creating a web series just for fun, just to procrastinate," she told me earlier that day. "That was my biggest light bulb moment."

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Her first project was "Dorm Diaries," filmed while she was still an undergrad at Stanford, which she later followed up with a mockumentary series about her brother's rap group trying to make it in LA. She had hopes of adapting both YouTube projects for TV. Neither got out of the gate.

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But next came the series that would gain her the attention of television producers: "The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl," this time with Rae stepping out from behind the camera to star. The show's online success eventually led to a deal at HBO, and while the new show is not "Awkward Black Girl 2.0," it does share certain Rae-vian hallmarks, including her indelible take on uncomfortable social dynamics.

Issa Rae as Issa Dee in episode 2 of the television series "Insecure" created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore. (Anne Marie Fox / TNS)

"Insecure" is sleek in both pace and look, so much so that it might be one of the most gorgeously shot portrayals of LA on TV right now, but it also captures the rhythms and preoccupations of its specific world. Of code switching and what it means to be a black woman in a predominantly white office. Of the way texting can shape (or fizzle) relationships in weirdly specific and nuanced ways. Of pop culture inflected banter, including the observation from an old friend that "every black girl that went to college likes Drake," prompting momentary annoyance from Rae's character, only for her to admit: "He just gets us!"

To the audience at Columbia, she laid out her approach: "As an avid viewer of reality TV  and I watch all that trash  the idea of black people and friendships, you would think it doesn't exist. With 'Insecure,' I wanted to show that on screen." The show is a cousin to similarly minded shows from the '90s, as well as the endlessly watchable "Girlfriends," which came a little later. Back in college, Rae remembers a black friend telling her, "You're funny, but you're white people funny," to which she wondered in response, "Why is there a segregated sense of humor?"

Tellingly, Rae confirmed what most in attendance probably already suspected. Don't wait for someone to give you a shot. Just make something. If it's good, someone will notice. "I've had some candid conversations with agents," Rae told them, "and at this point, they won't rep writers if they can't watch something online. It's mandatory now to get some friends together and shoot something, whether it's a YouTube series or a trailer or just something."

After the Q&A, a long line formed. Budding filmmakers with yet more questions and the requisite selfie request. Rae spoke to every one. Many asked about how to retain the authenticity of their ideas in the face of a TV and film industry that is forever asking writers to dull the edges of their work. You could sense their eagerness, impatience even, to see their plans become reality. It took Rae 10 years to get to this point  an HBO series that she created and stars in, as well as a commitment from the network to produce more shows from her down the line  and after the crowd thinned out, I asked if she could sense their restlessness.

"I get it," she said. "That's what it felt like for me, too. You look up and it's like, 10 years have gone by? I remember being a freshman or sophomore when 'Crash' came out and (director) Paul Haggis said it took nine years to get that made, and I thought, 'That's never going to be me!' But it's better not to know it might take that long, because I would have been like, 'Oh, no. Nope. I can't wait that long.' Stupidly. I would have thought, 31 years old? That was so old to me when I was 19. I wanted to win awards and break records when I was 23, and that's just unrealistic."

Over lunch at her hotel, she talked in depth about the world of "Insecure" and playing a character who shares her own first name.

What it feels like to be on the cusp of becoming very recognizable: That's one of my biggest regrets, that I did name her Issa, because now people will definitely think this is based on my life. But it does help people to pronounce my name.

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But I'm fine, nobody is rushing up to me. Oh wait, it just happened to me at the airport yesterday, a girl pronounced my name wrong. She called me "Ih-suh" instead of "Ee-suh." That's the one I hate the most. "Eye-suh" I can deal with, but "Ih-suh" sounds incomplete, like it should be Mel-issa. Like you think my name is incomplete.

She recognized me from "Awkward Black Girl." (Laughs) And then she said, "I almost didn't recognize you because you look so much younger in person!"

Struggling to make it after college: I was living with my mom, which sucked. It was like I failed because I went back home and my mom was waking me up in the middle of the night to wash the dishes  so that wasn't the best. But I created my second web series while living at home.

I used to also talk a lot of (smack) about the fact that there wasn't a lot diversity or characters that I could relate to  I was just tired of the state of black film and television. And one of the commenters on my blog was like, "Well, why don't you do something? You talk all this (smack)." So that's when I created "Awkward Black Girl." I have to put my money where my mouth is, I'm one of those people. If you dare me, I have to do it. I have to prove you wrong.

Issa Rae and Jay Ellis in a scene from "Insecure." (John P. Fleenor / HBO)

Ensuring characters on the show can afford the lives they're living, unlike the unrealistic portrayal of a freelance writer's finances on a show like "Sex and the City": That was one of the biggest things. (Director and executive producer) Melina Matsoukas and I are generally on the same page, but her taste is so elegant and high and my thing was always, "I'm basic and simple and I feel like you're elevating it, which is great visually but this couch in my apartment has to be realistic!" Even Molly (Issa's best friend on the show), she's fly but I still wanted to feel like she's a real lawyer in Los Angeles, so how much does that apartment really cost? Can she really afford it?

Her character's habit of conversing with herself in the bathroom mirror: I just love that device and I've always found it really funny. It's for sure the most intimate way to get into her head and get a sense of how she's really feeling, because she's a passive-aggressive person. But the bathroom is her safe place. It's the only place where you're really just yourself and you are at your most vulnerable. You have to just face yourself and your feelings and your little face, and that is so powerful to me. The bathroom is great.

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In fact, the bathroom is where I came up with the idea for that. Not because I was talking to myself in the mirror or anything! But a lot of my ideas come from the bathroom because you're not distracted. "Dorm Diaries" came out of the bathroom. When I'm taking a shower or brushing my teeth or on the toilet, you just have that time to yourself for a brief moment where you can collect your thoughts.

The exuberantly delivered NSFW language in "Insecure": That is how my friends and I talk. The actress who plays my best friend (Yvonne Orji) said that when she first read the script, she was like, "Are they actually friends? Do they hate each other?" Because to just read it on the page, it sounds really aggressive. And it wasn't until she hung out and saw me and my friends interact that she was like, "Oh my God, they curse each other out, out of love." We roast each other, but that's how we show our friendship.

"Insecure" airs 9:30 p.m. Sundays on HBO.

nmetz@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @Nina_Metz

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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)
"Death and the Seaside" by Alison Moore, 5 hours, 14 minutes, Audible Studios

Whenever narrator Imogen Church tells us what's written on a sign, she uses special intonation. A sign that says "EAT" is low and creaky. "GOD WILL SAVE YOU" is booming and obnoxious. This is Church's not-very-subtle way of letting listeners know that signs are important in Alison Moore's far-more-subtle novel, her third. This gimmick, plus a tendency to provide a little naptime at the end of every sentence  if your audio player allows it, increase the narration speed 25 percent  are small irritations in an otherwise sensitive voicing of a young woman whose life is adrift.

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Bonnie Falls cleans offices for a living. She was a bit lost as a child and, as an adult, she abandoned a degree in literary criticism and never really found her way again. Now, about to turn 30, she can't distinguish friends from acquaintances, and can't even muster resentment in the face of her father's persistent and cruel teasing. Nothing she starts is ever finished; she puts off doing her laundry so long, she has to take a suitcase full of wet clothing on vacation.

It seems inevitable that the short story she is writing will meet the same moldering fate. She abandons it for days and weeks at a time, until her landlady, Sylvia Slythe, takes an interest. Sylvia's character is slyly constructed, with layers of personal history accreting gradually, revealing someone more than hapless Bonnie is prepared to understand. The lonely young woman never stops to wonder why the elegant Sylvia has taken such an interest in her; she's about to find out.

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"Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch, 10 hours, 8 minutes, Random House Audio

Jason Desson teaches physics at a small college, but his most cherished role is as a husband and father. Years earlier  before his girlfriend realized she was pregnant  he had a promising career in a high-profile area of physics research, quantum superposition. When a kidnapper yanks Jason from his cozy family life, he's propelled onto the road not taken, and into the life of a different Jason Desson.

This Jason left his pregnant girlfriend and became a high-powered research physicist, which is only the beginning of complications running through Blake Crouch's "Dark Matter." Crouch, the author of the "Wayward Pines" trilogy, which became a Fox television series, traces a high-velocity romp through the multiverse as Desson encounters the endlessly recursive roads not taken. Hilariously, yet fairly effectively, Desson ends up negotiating with hundreds of alternate Jasons also bumbling through the multiverse, each trying to find his way home to Chicago and his family.

This means Crouch gets to write lines like, "It's me walking toward me. Our eyes meet." Actor/director Jon Lindstrom manages to say such things without breaking into giggles. Apparently that's what years of working on the soap "General Hospital" can do for an actor. Lindstrom expertly handles the pacing in this story, never breathless, but with subtle tension at the right moments. Altogether, this one's a lot of fun.

"American Heiress" by Jeffrey Toobin, 15 hours, 25 minutes, Random House Audio

Stockholm syndrome. Not one person at the criminal trial of Patty Hearst used that term to explain Hearst's transformation from college sophomore to a symbol of armed revolution, Jeffrey Toobin recounts in "American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst." The term wasn't yet common currency during Hearst's 1976 trial, but the idea that she had been somehow brainwashed was so convincing that one president, Jimmy Carter, commuted her sentence after she served only two years of her seven years, and a second, Bill Clinton, granted her executive clemency  something traditionally reserved for those who accept responsibility for their crime and express remorse.

Toobin's account of Hearst and the Symbionese Liberation Army, while not minimizing the trauma of kidnapping, suggests instead that Hearst was a canny survivor, ultimately shielded by her place in society, who bent the truth to protect herself.

Paul Michael, narrator of some 200 audiobooks, doesn't distract. His brief opportunities to voice one of the many characters in this 15-hour telling don't challenge him much. It's a workmanlike performance  not unusual for nonfiction. Hearst's actions in her 18 months as an SLA member included spraying a city street with automatic gunfire, making bombs, robbing banks and plotting against enemies. At some point, the account by Toobin, also author of "The Run of His Life: The People v. O J. Simpson," suggests Hearst was more than a victim  she was a criminal who has never taken responsibility for her actions.

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Jenni Laidman is a freelance writer.
Advanced-practice nurse Nisha Kumar, from left, and Dr. Gary Steinberg talk with bladder cancer patients and clinical trial participants John Becker and Kevin Williamson at University of Chicagos Duchossois Center for Advance Medicine. (Vincent D. Johnson / Chicago Tribune)

A new class of drugs that retrain the body's immune system to attack cancer cells is bringing hope to people with bladder cancer, a disease for which no new medications have been developed in three decades.

"So much enthusiasm has been generated (by the new drugs) because there weren't a lot of options for these patients," said Dr. Nancy Dawson, director of the genito-urinary oncology program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

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While improved treatment and earlier detection have trimmed deaths for most types of cancer over the last 30 years, the mortality rate from bladder cancer has remained stable. Less than 15 percent of patients survive past five years if the disease is diagnosed in its advanced stages. So it was welcome news when the Food and Drug Administration earlier this year approved a new drug for the treatment of advanced or metastatic bladder cancer (that is, cancer that has spread from the bladder to other organs).

The new agent, Tecentriq, or atezolizumab, is one of a group of drugs known as checkpoint inhibitors that fight cancer by making it possible for the patient's own immune system to attack the cancerous cells. Normally, immune-system cells  which defend the body against bacteria, viruses and other "foreign" agents  ignore cancer cells because they are perceived as "self." Checkpoint inhibitors turn off the brakes on immune-system cells that allow tumor cells to evade recognition.

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At least three other checkpoint blockers  Yervoy (ipilimumab), Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Opdivo (nivolumab)  have been cleared by the FDA, and others are in development. But Tecentriq was the first approved specifically for bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer, for years, has been eclipsed by the "Big Four" cancers: lung, breast, prostate and colon. Although bladder cancer is the fifth most common malignancy in the U.S., it comes in 11th in terms of research funding, according to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.

"For many years, bladder cancer was ignored," said Dr. Gary Steinberg, director of urologic oncology at University of Chicago Medicine. "The pharmaceutical industry was not interested."

Now, dozens of clinical trials are underway, which Steinberg attributes at least in part to the formation of the 10-year-old advocacy network.

"This organization has helped us develop national and international collaborations," he said. "We now have a bladder cancer research network that's allowing us to learn more about the basic biology of this disease."

Cynthia Hardie, 68, of Chicago, a bladder cancer patient and a volunteer for the advocacy group, believes lack of awareness of the disease  and a reluctance to talk about it  may be costing lives.

"In many cases, there are significant delays in diagnosing bladder cancer, especially in women," she said. Doctors and patients alike tend to dismiss the symptoms, thinking they're dealing with postmenopausal bleeding or a common urinary tract infection.

"I was treated for urinary tract infections for a year" before anyone suspected cancer, said Hardie.

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Women not only are more likely to present with more advanced tumors, but they also have a worse prognosis than men at every stage of the disease.

Hardie's advice: "If you have blood in the urine, you have to insist on an exam. It's never nothing. And if it's bladder cancer, go to an NCI (National Cancer Institute) hospital."

There is no test to screen for bladder cancer in people at average risk. However, doctors may recommend cystoscopy or other tests for those at high risk, including smokers, painters and workers in the dye, rubber, leather and aluminum industries.

According to the American Cancer Society, bladder cancer will strike an estimated 77,000 Americans this year and will claim the lives of some 16,000. Although relatively rare among women with only about 18,000 cases a year, it's the fourth most common cancer in men, behind only lung, prostate and colon.

The clinical trial that persuaded the FDA to grant accelerated approval to Tecentriq for advanced bladder cancer was conducted at multiple sites, including Georgetown and the University of Chicago. In the trial, the drug shrank tumors significantly in 15 percent of more than 300 patients, and the cancer completely disappeared in 5.5 percent. The results were better for those patients whose tumors had high levels of a protein called PD-L1. In that group, 26 percent showed significant tumor shrinkage and 12 percent had complete remissions.

Dr. Michael Atkins, deputy director of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University Medical Center, stressed that the patients in that trial had advanced disease that's very difficult to treat. "Most have had their bladders removed, have been beat up by chemotherapy and have disease in other areas," he said. "Twelve-month survival is pretty rare in these patients." Nevertheless, some of the patients treated with Tecentriq have been in remission for up to two years.

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Ongoing clinical trials are looking at Tecentriq and other checkpoint inhibitors in earlier stages of cancer, when patients may do much better.

One remarkable aspect of so-called immunotherapy is that, unlike conventional chemotherapy, the drugs are generally much less toxic. Side effects tend to be infrequent and mild.

Bill Goetz, 74, of Washington, D.C., goes in for an intravenous infusion of Tecentriq once every three weeks for about half an hour. A patient of Dawson's, he just completed his 30th treatment and hasn't noticed any side effects.

"I've had a very good quality of life," says the retired architect. "I can do everything  work outside in the yard, travel, visit historical sites."

Andrew Kunz, 65, of La Grange, Ill., is another satisfied customer. Kunz is on a trial of Keytruda, which has not yet been approved for bladder cancer.

"When I went to the cancer center for my infusion," he said, "people didn't know I was sick  they'd think I was there to accompany someone else. I had literally no side effects.

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"These are amazing drugs," added Kunz. "It's your immune system that kills the cancer cells, not some poison. It's a real blessing."

Judy Peres is a freelance writer.

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This fall, Finland rolled out a new national curriculum that emphasizes interdisciplinary and student-centered learning.

This is a significant education reform for the Nordic country that has become internationally known for its strong school system after its students have scored at or near the top of international exams for years (although in the last two Program for International Student Assessment cycles, Finnish scores have slipped ).

The new national curriculum , which went into effect in August, moves away from isolating subjects in silos and towards multidisciplinary learning modules. While education in Finland is decentralized and local school systems decide exactly what will be taught, the new curriculum requires schools to have at least one extended period of multidisciplinary, phenomenon-based teaching and learning, where students will study a traditional subject in a holistic manner. Students must be involved in planning these periods and must be able to assess what they learned from it.

Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, the Finnish minister of education and culture, was in Washington for two days in late September to meet with U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. and other education officials. She also attended the White House Arctic Science Ministerial .

The education minister sat down with me to discuss the rollout of the curriculum, Finlands investment in teacher education, and the upcoming release of the latest round of PISA scores.

The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and brevity. See selected excerpts from her interview in a video at the end of this post.

Q. The new Finnish core curriculum is being implemented this fall. What does that look like in classrooms, and what was the motivation behind the shift?

A. Its very exciting; its a big change for us. We emphasize, of course, a very strong base of knowledge, but we also want to see our children to learn new skills and competencies like critical thinking, learning-to-learn skills, more like multiliteracy, as we call it, social skills, [Information and Communication Technologies ] competencies and so on. Many new skills are in a very strong position in the national core curriculum.

Some international newspapers wrote that Finland is giving up subjects. Thats not exactly how it is, but we want to see more cooperation between teachers in different subjects, and more multi-disciplinary learning models. Schools can choose a theme like climate change and you can look at it from very different perspectives, from very different subjects like mathematics. Its cultureits everything. Its giving our children skills to think about subjects like climate change from different perspectives. We call it phenomenon-based learning , but I know thats a bad translation. We havent found a better one yet.

Q. The new curriculum requires that students be involved in the planning and assessment of these phenomenon-based lessons. Why is that?

A. We want to see our children to take more active roles in learning. We want every child to succeed in their studies. Different students learn in different ways.

In Finland, we dont believe in standardized testingwe dont have any. We dont choose the materials, the teachers can choose themselves. They have had a high-quality education, and theyre strong professionals, and they know whats best for just those students that they have in their classroom.

Q. How were teachers prepared for the new curriculum?

A. Our teachers have had a very active role in this new curriculum process for four years now. The national curriculum was made by the National Board of Education, which is a center for experts in education, and it has been made together with teachers all around Finland. It has been a very interactive process.

Then after that, all communities, all municipalities, and all schools get their own local core curricula. And [teachers] have a very active role with that work and then all the teachers can choosethey have a strong autonomy in choosing materials and choosing how they teach and where they teach. We want to see our children to learn not only in the classroom, but also outside, in our society. You can learn anywhere.

Q. According to the last PISA results, over a quarter of Finnish students said they are not happy at school and felt like they didnt belong. Will this be addressed within the new curriculum?

A. I think its very important that the teachers are motivating learning and [students] feel that it is fun to be at school. This is a challenge in Finland. We hope that this new curriculum will help in making learning more fun. We see that in research and in everyday life, when you are motivated, when you see the reason for learning, then you will learn better and then the good learning outcomes will follow.

Q. Finlands PISA scores in reading, math, and science have declined since 2006. Is the Ministry of Education taking any measures to improve the scores?

A. Finland is one of the top countries in the world in PISA and weve been very successful in that, but we see that in all Western countries, the results in learning outcomes are going down. And thats a problem, of course. We want to constantly improve our excellent education system. And now we have a national core curriculum. Were very much investing in teacher education. We want to provide our teachers with more education, for example, in digital learning, new pedagogy, new learning environments, and so on. Theres always room for improvement.

Q. The next round of PISA scores will be released in December. How are you expecting Finland to fare?

A. It was kind of a surprise that we did so well in PISA studies. We know that we have an excellent education system in Finland, but were not doing it to be good in PISA. Were doing it because we want all our children to learn and we want our small countryonly 5.5 million peopleto be a good society to all our children. We dont have standardized testing in Finland, we dont do school rankings or anything. We just want to give all our children a very high-quality education and we want to build our education system based on values like equality and equity.

We want to provide all our children with equal opportunities, irrespective of their family background, gender, or anything like that. You can just go to the nearest school to your house and its a promise from our society: Your child will get the best, world-class education, irrespective of where you live in Finland.

Q. Many U.S. educators look to Finland for insight on building a strong education system. Is there any area in education that you look to the United States for insight?

A. Its very important that we cooperate with different countries, that we learn the best practices from different countries. You cannot copy an education system, it is unique, and has a long history and so on. But its very interesting to see what the United States is doing in digitalization and digital learning, for example. Were very interested in that. And we wish to cooperate even more with you.

Q. You mentioned that Finland is emphasizing digital learning in teacher education programs. How is educational technology currently integrated in Finnish classrooms, and how are you working on improving this going forward?

A. In Finland, we have several reforms going on in our government in the field of digitalization. We want to see our schools use computers, laptops, and smartphones for learning more than they do now. We are giving our teachers education in that field. We think its important for teachers to be capable of using new learning technologies and new learning solutions in everyday life. As we know, our children use all these devices, tablets, and smartphones in everyday life, so I think its very important that schools also see that as an opportunity for learning.

We all have almost all information in our hands, all the time, and I think its important to feed the curiosity of our children to take the best out of it, to solve very complex problems in the world, and to see the opportunities they have in life.

Q. I recently spoke with some U.S. State Teachers of the Year who traveled to Finland over the summer. They said that some educators told them they were concerned about adjusting to teaching an influx of refugees. Is the ministry preparing for this change in demographics?

A. In Europe and in Finland also, we have more and more children from different backgrounds. They dont speak Finnish or Swedish. Its a very difficult situation for us because we dont have the background in multicultural teaching. We now focus very much on teacher education to give them tools to help the children be integrated in society. Id like to see in the future that we have more teachers who have immigrant backgrounds so they could be role models and help the other teachers to [teach] a classroom with children of different backgrounds and countries.

Children, they learn languages very easily so the first step is [for them] to learn the language and then [schools will] integrate children to normal classrooms as fast as possible so they will get friends, they will learn from them, and they will get the same opportunities as all the other children have in Finland.

Q. Finlands teacher education programs are able to have a very low selection rate because there are so many applicants. What makes the teaching profession so popular?

A. Teachers are so respected in our society. I think it comes from the fact that they have this high-quality masters degree education, and also the fact that teachers have such a strong autonomy. Theyre not just implementing some curricula, but they have a very active role. They can choose materials, they can choose how they teach, where they teach, when they teach. They are professionals. Our society trusts in our teachers.

Q. As Finland rolls out the new national curriculum this fall, what are the next steps on the horizon?

A. Were trying to help the teachers implement it and take the best out of it, and were continuing investing in teacher education. We have this new model in Finland where we will educate tutor teachers. Every school has a tutor teacher who helps the other teachers implement the new national curriculum and helps the other teachers with new digital learning methods and technologies. We have good experiences in some municipalities from this model, and now were trying to spread it to the whole country, so teachers can learn from other teachers.

Our teachers have many opportunities to get more teacher education during their career, but we wish to have even more of that. This new tutor teacher model is an answer to that. Its sometimes very difficult for teachers to take two days off and go to some courses. Thats why were trying to bring the learning to everyday life. Its a collaborative learning. We wish our teachers to cooperate even more, to teach together, in small groups. Thats one of the ideas of our new curriculum.

More on Finnish Education:
I wish someone would put a screen up in the middle of every neighborhood in Chicago that's been touched by violence and show looping videos of "The Birth of a Nation."

It's not that the controversial film based on the 1831 slave rebellion is a cinematic masterpiece. It isn't. It's daunting, unsettling and violent. But it tells a story that every young black male should hear. It is the story of who they are and how they came to be.

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Nat Turner isn't often talked about in the classroom. A slave uprising, where some 60 white people, including women and children, were slaughtered is complicated and hard to reckon with. It's a part of history that descendants from both sides of the fight would rather forget. Or pretend never happened.

And because of that silence, many young people have never heard Nat Turner's name.

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This film is the story of an imperfect man, told by an imperfect storyteller. The director and lead actor is Nate Parker, whose personal transgressions have nearly overshadowed his work on this important film. Seventeen years ago, when Parker was 19 and a sophomore at Penn State University, he was charged with raping a student. Parker said it was consensual, and was tried and acquitted. In 2012, the woman committed suicide.

It is difficult for some to look past the personal life of Nate Parker and focus on the historic life of Nat Turner.

In this column, I won't dwell on Parker's guilt or innocence. But I will say this: In the eyes of the court, he was deemed not guilty. There is no reason to believe that, in this case, our justice system failed.

At no time in America's recent history has Turner been so relevant. We owe it to ourselves to take a look at his story.

Chicago, in particular, is dealing with an onslaught of aggressions against black men. While it is true that most of shootings involve black men on both sides of the barrel, Chicago police officers also have done a fair share of damage.

It is easy for young black men today to identify with Turner's plight 185 years ago. Anyone who has been a victim of police harassment, threats or assault can relate to the anguish Turner felt as a slave being diminished, demoralized and disrespected.

Today, many black families live on urban plantations, neighborhoods sapped of resources and flush with unemployment. In these communities, neighbors often fear each other, and young men grow up believing that death will come in just a matter of time.

Their anger is no different than what Nat Turner felt.

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Turner reacted with violence too. He led a posse of escaped slaves on a two-day rampage against their white slave masters in Southampton County, Va. In the aftermath, an untold number of other slaves were killed.

Looking back on that atrocious period in the antebellum South, when blacks were considered subhuman, the violent retaliation might seem understandable for men who had no other recourse. But certainly not today. Black men taking out their anger on themselves or on others can not be tolerated.

What we know from Turner's rampage, and from the killings in our own communities, is that violence doesn't stop violence. It nourishes it.

But there is a lesson for black men in Turner's story. He shows them what it means to believe in oneself, to know somehow that you deserve a life much better than what you've got.

Can you imagine the strength young black men would have if they were told nearly from birth, as Turner was, that they were born for greatness?

For Turner, it certainly didn't seem that way on most days. Though he could read and write, skills other slaves were denied, he endured much of the same mistreatment as others at the hand of his slave master, though they had once been childhood friends.

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Deep inside, though, Turner knew that as a preacher and a man of faith, he would someday be called upon to lead. When he stepped up, he asked the community to join him. And without hesitation, they took to his side.

Nobody worried about the danger that lay ahead. They had no choice but to stand up for those who were too downtrodden to fend for themselves. It meant giving all they had to give and then reaching back and finding more. Theirs was a fight to the death for the basic right to live.

African-Americans have been in this place before. Our children don't know our story because no one told it. They don't know about their inner strength because they've never heard how hard their ancestors had to fight. They don't know that they are here today because people like Nat Turner stood up for them yesterday.

They have no idea who they are.

After two months in hiding, Turner was hanged by the militia. He was not formally buried, but John W. Cromwell recounted what happened to him in an 1920 article in the Journal of Negro History.

"Turner was skinned to supply such souvenirs as purses, his flesh made into grease, and his bones divided as trophies to be handed down as heirlooms."

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In the film's epilogue, Parker suggests that it was an attempt to erase Turner's legacy.

For the sake of our children, African-Americans must not allow that to happen.

dglanton@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @dahleeng
After talking for well over a year without resolution, Chicago Public Schools and the teachers union met Wednesday to begin the final stretch of contract negotiations before a threatened strike next week.

The Chicago Teachers Union's 40-member bargaining unit, which last January rejected a contract proposal from the city that union leaders had deemed serious enough to bring to the team for approval, sat in on Wednesday's talks at the CTU's Merchandise Mart offices. The two sides have until Tuesday to reach a tentative agreement or the union says it will strike.

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CPS says it has continued to use the January offer as a framework for negotiations, and in comments at City Hall on Wednesday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel defended the city's offer.

Emanuel said the deal was good for the students and "right for our teachers because it stabilizes the finances so we can keep any challenges of the finances away from the classroom where they were and also secures their pension."

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The CTU's larger House of Delegates met later Wednesday afternoon to review negotiations and discuss the organization of a possible strike. After the meeting, CTU President Karen Lewis at first said there was nothing to report, but when pressed on whether there had been any movement in talks, replied, "Yes, how about that?"

"We have to protect our students, we have to protect them against cuts," said Alison Eichhorn, a union delegate and bargaining team member. "We also have to protect our members, and that means we cannot afford cuts, whatever that might look like.

"We're planning to negotiate all weekend, and we are cautiously optimistic that something can get some movement somewhere."

The union has been without a contract since June 30, 2015. Earlier this week, CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey outlined some "pressing educational needs" with a price tag he put at up to $200 million.

Sharkey's proposals included hiring workers to help school counselors with administrative work, easing classroom sizes in the early grades, hiring back social workers in an effort "targeted to some of our most troubled schools" and restoring some cuts to library services.

"Then we need to do something to ensure the (school) board isn't going to balance this budget on the backs of our teachers," Sharkey said.

"But all told, we're talking about a pretty reasonable amount of money given the size of the overall district," Sharkey said. "These are things we think are eminently reasonable and schools should consider doing."

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The union's proposals have often bumped against the district's troubled finances. The union, which has already laid the blame for any strike on Emanuel, wants the city to give schools more money from special taxing districts. The CPS budget already has about $32.5 million in surplus money from tax increment finance districts.

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The city's January offer, which was subsequently endorsed by an independent fact-finder, was a four-year deal that included an 8.75 percent base salary raise over four years and the resumption of raises based on experience and educational level in the final three years. But the contract also phased out the city's practice of picking up 7 percentage points of teachers' 9 percent pension contributions.

The city also offered to put a cap on the total number of privately operated charter schools in the city. Charter school leaders and supporters plan to protest that provision outside CPS' downtown headquarters Thursday morning.

The CTU and its allies on Thursday plan to stage "walk-ins" at several of the city's schools and hand out leaflets to protest budget cuts.

Chicago Tribune's Hal Dardick contributed.

jjperez@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @perezjr
Anabel Perez addresses the commissioners about her incarcerated son, Jaime Hauad, during a meeting of the Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission at the Thompson Center on Sept. 21, 2016, in Chicago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

Anabel Perez stood before the commissioners and, with a sea of red empty chairs behind her, pleaded on behalf of her son yet again.

The state panel had twice found a preponderance of evidence that Jaime Hauad was tortured during questioning by Chicago police when he was 17, leading to his conviction for a double murder nearly 20 years ago. But Hauad's claim was ultimately dismissed because of jurisdictional issues.

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"He's 37 years old," Perez told commissioners. "Is he going to be 50 or 60 before he comes home?"

A new law that expands the jurisdiction of the state Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission could provide help to Hauad and potentially hundreds of others. Hauad alleges Chicago detectives beat him and used an office-grade paper cutter to slice off the tips of his shoes while threatening to cut off his toes.

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Hauad's case was rare because the commission for years accepted only claims of torture at the hands of notorious former Chicago police Cmdr. Jon Burge or his subordinates, who allegedly used cattle prods, suffocation, Russian roulette and beatings with phone books to elicit confessions from suspects, many of them African-Americans. The commission had determined it couldn't act in Hauad's case because it did not involve Burge or his so-called midnight crew.

That restriction was lifted with the new law, which was enacted over the summer and allows the commission to investigate claims by anyone who was convicted in Cook County based on a confession coerced through torture.

Despite only being on the books for two months, the law has garnered a flood of interest. More than 200 requests for claim forms have poured in, said commission spokesman Michael Theodore.

State Sen. Kwame Raoul, D-Chicago, co-sponsored the 2009 bill creating the commission in response to the Burge scandal. Raoul, who also backed the recent push to expand the commission's reach, said it is "naive" to think that torture was confined to the disgraced former commander, who received a 4 1/2-year prison sentence for lying about the torture allegations and was released from federal prison in 2014.

"As we talk about law enforcement reform generally and issues of violence in our communities, one of the issues that is critical to getting to a better place is restoring a relationship between law enforcement and the community," Raoul said. "That can't happen unless we unpack the injustices that have occurred in the past and make sure that they don't occur again in the future."

The increased scrutiny should also serve as a deterrent and create the confidence needed to keep Chicago's streets and neighborhoods safe, Raoul said.

In addition to expanding the scope of the commission, the new law gives convicted men and women who say that they were tortured until Aug. 10, 2019, to file a claim.

The combination is sure to increase the number of cases, but Commissioner James Mullenix said the panel is willing to take on the added load.

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"Torture is torture," said Mullenix, a former longtime Cook County public defender who now works as a private criminal defense attorney in Evanston. "When you coerce a confession from someone, regardless of who's doing the torture, it's wrong."

The influx of claim requests raises the persistent problem of resources. With a bare-bones budget of less than $300,000 stretched thin on rent, supplies and the salaries of the three full-time employees, the commission was already struggling to keep up with a backlog of cases. Just a few years ago, the commission had to suspend its efforts when funding dried up.

Since its inception, the commission has ruled on the cases of 55 people, of whom 17 were found to have credible claims. In those cases, the commission refers its findings to a Cook County judge to review and possibly grant a new trial.

Many of those 17 cases are pending, but one man, Shawn Whirl, was released from prison last year after an appellate court reversed his conviction and a Cook County special prosecutor handling Burge-related cases declined to retry him. Whirl, who spent nearly a quarter-century behind bars, maintains that he was wrongfully convicted.

Two other people whose claims were found to be credible have since been released from prison following plea deals, Theodore said.

The vast majority of cases  some 206  are still making their way through the system, Theodore said. More than half remained in limbo because they were not Burge cases.

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The commission, which is on its fourth leader, has oscillated on questions of jurisdiction. It wasn't until 2014 that commissioners concluded they likely did not have jurisdiction over non-Burge claims, but the cases lingered on the docket as they waited for definitive guidance from the courts and lawmakers. Those 129 claims can now move forward thanks to the clarity provided by the new law and a March appellate court ruling, Theodore added.

The commission needs at least two or three additional attorneys to sift through and investigate the mountain of claims, even if only a fraction of the more than 200 new requests materialize into actual claims, said Executive Director Rob Olmstead.

"That's just what we've seen in terms of interest in the first two months since the law was passed," Olmstead said. "There's roughly three more years to go where people can file claims."

He was disappointed the commission did not receive additional funding but said the panel will seek other avenues of support, from grants to recruiting lawyers to work pro bono.

Among the pressing questions the commission decided in recent weeks was whether the new law applied in cases where the alleged torture occurred in Cook County but the conviction did not. In a half-dozen cases recently presented to the panel, the members voted that their reach stopped short of cases tried outside the Cook County court system.

One such claim the commission dismissed was that of Peter Hommerson, who was convicted of murdering an elderly Barrington Hills couple in 1996 then setting their mansion ablaze. He alleged that he was tortured by a Chicago detective, as well as by a detective from the Lake County Major Crime Task Force at the Barrington Hills Police Department, which is in Cook County, according to state records.

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Hommerson fled to Mexico a few days after his questioning and was arrested nine years later in a resort town, where he owned a cafe and went by the name Peter Herman.

Hauad's case is one of the few that the commission is expected to reinstate automatically because it was dismissed solely on jurisdictional grounds. Although it is unclear exactly when it will come in front of the panel for the third time, his family and legal team remain hopeful.

"We are grateful that the change in the law will give Jaime and other similarly situated torture claimants an opportunity to have their claims heard," said Alison Flaum, one of Hauad's attorneys and legal director of the Children and Family Justice Center at Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law.

As he waits for his torture claim to be heard, Hauad separately is appealing a Cook County judge's dismissal of his innocence claim. A review of his case by the Cook County state's attorney's conviction integrity unit did not find credible evidence that would "call the conviction into question," spokeswoman Sally Daly said.

A U.S. Supreme Court decision ordering that juveniles who received mandatory life without parole sentences must be resentenced has already provided Hauad some relief. A judge in April replaced Hauad's life sentence with a 55 years, making him eligible for parole in 2032.

deldeib@chicagotribune.com

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The Environmental Protection Agency has installed signs in the West Calumet Housing Development in East Chicago warning people to not play in the dirt or mulch due to elevated levels of lead in the ground. (Joe Puchek / Post-Tribune)

Residents of the West Calumet Housing Complex in East Chicago want the operators of two former lead factories to pay for their relocation.

A class action lawsuit filed Thursday by LeRithea Rolan and Lamottca Brooks, on behalf of the residents of the housing complex, charged that Atlantic Richfield Company, DuPont and the Chemours Company should be responsible for the costs incurred by residents as they've been forced from their homes because of the lead and arsenic the now-demolished factories left in the ground.

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" News of the lead and arsenic contamination in East Chicago has thrown the neighborhood into disarray, while ARCO and DuPont are long gone from the area," said attorney Thomas Zimmerman, who is representing the plaintiffs, in a statement. "The polluters must take responsibility and pay for the damages they have caused."

The lawsuit wants the court to hold the companies responsible for the anguish the contamination has caused residents of the West Calumet Housing Complex.

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"Everybody's lives have been disrupted tremendously from this," Zimmerman said.

When the EPA tested the levels of lead and arsenic in the soil at the West Calumet Housing Complex, the results showed every street in the complex had high levels of contamination.

The testing of Rolan's yard recorded lead levels that ranged from 1,852 to 29,000 parts per million. The testing in Brooks' yard found lead levels from 6,900 to 91,100 ppm.

The EPA considers lead levels below 400 ppm safe and anything above 1,200 ppm requires emergency removal.

"None of the residents knew about the polluted soil when they moved there," Zimmerman said.

Brooks sent her children to live with relatives after learning about the lead and arsenic levels in the soil, Zimmerman said.

"She's afraid for their health," he said.

Shortly after moving into the complex with her family in 2012, Zimmerman said Brooks began to notice behavioral problems and difficulty concentrating with her children. Physicians were unable to figure out the root cause, Zimmerman said, but did not yet know about the lead levels in the soil.

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"Now that that has been made known, it all makes sense," Zimmerman said.

Brooks and the other residents of the complex are now forced to move and uproot their lives in a short amount of time, Zimmerman said, and many residents are having difficulty finding a new place to live.

The residents are of limited means, Zimmerman said, and most don't have the money to pay for all the relocation costs.

"We're seeking some compensation from the polluters to help provide some assistance," Zimmerman said.

Aside from the issue of relocation costs, Zimmerman said the contamination at the site put a burden on the residents of the complex and made it impossible for the residents to enjoy their homes and the properties around them.

In the middle of the summer, children were not able to play outside because of parents' concern for their health and safety. Residents kept their windows closed, many didn't have air conditioning. If children went outside, parents made the kids remove their clothes at the door and washed off any dirt.

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"It was very difficult on the residents and especially the children," Zimmerman said.

The costs being sought in the class action suit builds on the work done by the EPA to hold the companies responsible for clean up costs, Zimmerman said.

In 2014, the U.S. District Court for Northern Indiana approved a consent decree between the EPA, Department of Justice, State of Indiana, the Atlantic Richfield Company and E.I. du Pont De Nemours regarding the cleanup of the U.S. Smelter and Lead Refinery site. The agreement covered only zones one and three of the site.

Based on the agreement, the two companies would cover roughly $26 million in cleanup costs, according to the EPA.

"That however does not compensate the people who are living there for the aggravating and inconvenience they are experiencing," Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman said the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act not only provides the EPA the mechanism to seek costs for cleanup but also compensation for affected residents. That was not part of the consent decree, he said.

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clyons@post-trib.com

Twitter: @craigalyons
The U.S. Housing and Urban Development assured Gov. Mike Pence that work to relocate the residents of East Chicago's West Calumet Housing Complex find new homes is ongoing.

HUD Secretary Julian Castro, in response to Pence's Sept. 20 letter to HUD, said the federal agency provided the East Chicago Housing Authority with housing counselors, worked to provide portability for residents and gave $1.1 million in capital funds to help with the relocation.

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"As you know, HUD has been working closely with the East Chicago Housing Authority and its contractor to ensure a fair and efficient relocation process for the affected families," Castro wrote to Pence.

Mayor Anthony Copeland told residents of the West Calumet Housing Complex in July that they must relocate because of elevated levels of lead and arsenic in the soil. The East Chicago Housing Authority submitted a relocation plan to HUD on September 8, which the federal agency has yet to approve.

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HUD began releasing relocation vouchers to in August and residents could start using them on Sept. 1.

Residents of the housing complex have faced difficulty in finding new homes because of the lack of available housing in the area.

Pence, in a letter to HUD Secretary Julian Castro, requested the federal housing agency answer if relocation and moving expenses are available for all residents; if officials will work with residents who are unable to find affordable housing option; if a plan exists for large families unable to find housing; and what the plan is find housing solutions for families given the price difference between affordable and market rate options.

"It is extremely important to me that these families are taken care of and that accommodations are being made by HUD and local housing authorities to ensure adequate housing can be found to accommodate all members of their households," Pence wrote in the letter. "After all, this is a situation none of them expected to be in."

Castro told Pence in the Sept. 27 letter the vouchers families receive are based on the current number of people and that will be reflected in the size of the unit they can rent. The secretary added only two families currently living at West Calumet will need a large unit.

The families should not face a large difference in the price of rent through the voucher program, Castro wrote, and if the East Chicago Housing Authority can assess "rent reasonableness" to adjust the amount of rent available to someone.

clyons@post-trib.com

Twitter: @craigalyons
Children are expected to return this week to a north suburban residential facility after a six-month sanction by the state's child welfare agency after the death of a teenage resident earlier this year.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services suspended its placement of youths at Allendale Association after 16-year-old Shaquan Allen died in March of injuries suffered at the facility. Two Allendale employees face possible criminal penalties. James Davis was charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly placing Allen in a chokehold, and Justin Serak allegedly collaborated on a false story that Allen slipped on water. The cases are pending.

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DCFS Director George Sheldon said he believes Allendale is a safer place than it was six months ago, which factored into the agency's decision last week to lift the intake hold on all but two of Allendale's cottages.

"I think they're making significant progress, and I think it's important for us to be showing a good-faith effort," Sheldon said. "It is still a work in progress, and we still have to be engaged, as is the case with all residential facilities."

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After Allen suffered fatal injuries at the facility's main Lake Villa campus, the department halted further placements there out of concerns over "improper use of restraints and the possible overuse of restraints rather than de-escalation techniques," according to a DCFS letter dated Wednesday that was addressed to Allendale president Mary Shahbazian.

Although the intake hold has been removed, enhanced monitoring is ongoing. Internal DCFS monitors have been visiting Allendale daily to evaluate the safety and well-being of the DCFS youths placed there, officials said.

DCFS demanded Allendale implement a number of corrective procedures, including refresher training on the use of restraints, which is now slated for every three months. Allendale continues to address what monitors identified as a "significant deficiency" related to its internal complaint process, as well as an over-reliance on and "subsequent burnout" of some employees, according to DCFS records.

Allendale has shown "demonstrable improvement," Michelle Jackson, DCFS deputy director of monitoring, wrote in the letter. Still, Jackson warned, Allendale must keep making progress and develop a quality improvement plan.

"We're happy that we were able to come to an agreement with the department and they are feeling comfortable sending new kids," Shahbazian said. "It was a long process. It was such a traumatic event. People felt like they really needed to take time to have a thorough, thoughtful response."

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The fallout from Allen's death reverberated throughout DCFS. A Tribune investigation revealed a series of missteps and missed opportunities, and a University of Illinois at Chicago report that was commissioned by the agency heavily criticized Allendale for systemic breakdowns and deficiencies.

DCFS also came under fire for inadequate monitoring and making youths who had completed treatment wait, often for several months, for another placement. The Tribune previously obtained confidential records that showed Allen remained in Allendale's care for about 21/2 years, though he had been cleared for discharge about a year into his stay.

The troubled child welfare agency is in the process of a complete overhaul. Sheldon said DCFS has made progress in moving youths out of residential treatment centers as part of a larger goal to reduce the reliance on residential care and transition to community-based settings.

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The Tribune in 2014 found that young state wards were assaulted, raped and lured into prostitution at the taxpayer-financed facilities. Sheldon acknowledged that the state still has a long way to go to build up enough therapeutic foster homes.

Installing video cameras at residential treatment centers was one of the reforms Sheldon told the Tribune he wanted to implement statewide after Allen's death. As part of Allendale's corrective action plan, agency officials said they have begun discussions on installing video cameras, which they estimate will cost about $600,000. DCFS is still exploring how to roll out the initiative at other residential centers, Sheldon said.

deldeib@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @deldeib
Chicago's top cop said Thursday one of his officers was seriously beaten at an accident scene because the national focus on police shootings has caused officers to second-guess themselves.



Superintendent Eddie Johnson said the patrol officer told him she did not use her gun to defend herself for fear of a backlash. "She didn't want her family or the department to go through the scrutiny the next day on national news," he said.



The injured officer, a 17-year Chicago police veteran, got into a struggle with a man who allegedly was high on PCP after she stopped at a crash scene in the Austin community on the West Side on Wednesday morning.



The suspect smashed the officer's face into the pavement repeatedly until she was unconscious, police said.



"As I was at the hospital last night, visiting with her, she looked at me and said she thought she was gonna die, and she knew that she should shoot this guy, but she chose not to because she didn't want her family or the department to go through the scrutiny the next day on national news," Johnson said while attending a public ceremony honoring heroic officers and firefighters.



"This officer could (have) lost her life last night," the superintendent said. "She's hospitalized right now, but she still has the spirit and the bravery that these officers and firefighters display every day  every day. We have to change the narrative of the law enforcement across this country."

Surveillance video appears to show Chicago police arresting a man at an accident scene after he allegedly beat one of the officers on Oct. 5, 2016, on the West Side. (WGN-TV) (Chicago Tribune)

The U.S. Justice Department launched a probe of the department after video was released of police shooting a teenager walking away from them with a knife, with complaints about the department's treatment of citizens going back years.

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The head of the Chicago Police Department's largest union said Thursday that Johnson's comments echo what he's been saying for months. Police "don't want to become the next YouTube video," said Dean Angelo, president of the Fraternal Order of Police. "If you participate in a deadly force situation you can save your life, but in 2016, you can lose your job," he said.

Civil rights activists, however, have argued that police already lost community trust after decades of abuse.

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"Any fair-minded person acknowledges that police have a very difficult and dangerous job, and this sounds like a very unfortunate situation," Jon Loevy, a civil rights lawyer, said. "The hope is that the department and the community can work to repair some of the lost trust so that officers won't always feel so second-guessed."



The 43-year-old Austin District officer was one of three hospitalized after struggling with the man near Roosevelt Road and Cicero Avenue about 10 a.m., according to police. The 28-year-old man had been in a car involved in the crash, police said.



Officers had seen a car crash into a building and saw the man walking east on Roosevelt, away from the crash, according to a statement released by police. When the officers tried to talk to him about the crash, the man began struggling with them, hitting the female officer's head against the pavement until she lost consciousness, police said.



The officer's partner hit the man with a Taser and pepper spray, and he was arrested. Two other officers were injured arresting the man. All three officers were taken to Lutheran General. The man arrested was treated at Loretto Hospital.



In his remarks, Johnson said the attack went on "for several minutes."



"Just yesterday, we had an incident where officers responded to a simple traffic accident," Johnson said during the ceremony. "Traffic accident  now I want you to think about this for a moment. Responded to a traffic accident to render aid wherever they could. A subject who was under the influence of PCP attacked a female officer, viciously pounded her head into the street as her partner tried to get him off of her. And this attack went on for several minutes."



Asked whether the incident was an example of officers "laying back," Johnson said "it's an example of how dangerous this job is. And because of the scrutiny going on nationwide, there (are) officers second-guessing themselves. That's what we don't want."



Johnson said he didn't know all the details of the attack and so couldn't say for certain if shooting the man would have been justified.

"I think it's pretty apparent that it was a horrific incident. ... Anytime you face a life-or-death situation, then you can use deadly force, because that's what he was trying to do to her."



Charges are pending against the man accused of attacking the officers, police said Thursday afternoon. He has three prior firearms arrests and one conviction, as well as four arrests, following which he was charged with either resisting police, fleeing and eluding police or both, according to police.



The Chicago Tribune's Liam Ford contributed.
Students in urban school districts, regardless of their race or ethnicity, prefer teachers of color to white teachers, a provocative new study found.

The study , published this week in the journal Educational Researcher and authored by two New York University Steinhardt professors, found that students of all races, but particularly students of color, have more favorable perceptions of minority teachers versus white teachers.

The researchers analyzed the Measures of Effective Teaching database, part of a Gates Foundation-funded study of teacher-evaluation methods.That project surveyed student perceptions of their teachers instructional practices and compiled the demographic information of both students and teachers. The study focused on students and teachers in grades 4 through 9 in six urban school districts.

The researchers looked at over 50,000 adolescent student reports on 1,680 classroom teachers and found that students rated Latino and black teachers more positively than white teachers, even after controlling for student demographic and academic characteristics, teacher efficacy, and other teacher characteristics. Black students have particularly favorable perceptions of black teachers, as do Asian-American students. Latino students do not have the same strong preference for Latino teachers, the study found.

Hua-Yu Sebastian Cherng, a sociologist and assistant professor of international education at NYU Steinhardt and the lead author of the study, said in an interview with Education Week Teacher that the latter finding could be because the category Latino encompasses a wide range of ethnicities and cultures, including Mexican, Dominican, and Puerto Rican.

The overall findings, he said, suggest that minority teachers can translate their experiences and identities to form rapports with students of different backgrounds.

The study was motivated by Cherngs experience as an Asian teacher in a mostly-black middle school in San Francisco. On the first day of school, he said, one of his students asked if he spoke English. He responded jokingly, and the student asked if she had been racist. They proceeded to have a conversation about race, all in the first few minutes of class.

Students, like all people in the U.S., notice race very quickly, Cherng said. They may form those perceptions very quickly, and those might affect how they react to teachers.

Its important, he said, for teachers to be able to relate to their students and their experiencesor at least be able to listen from a place of empathy.

Cherng said he has seen white teachers who would tell their students of color, I know what its like, in reference to particular struggles or slights. But that can be frustrating for students when thats not the case, Cherng said.

In his situation, he said, he could tell his black students: I dont get your life, but I know what its like not to see my story on TV. I know what its like to not be the mainstream. Just that acknowledgement sometimes can make the world of difference for students.

In reference to the finding that white students also favored their teachers of color, Cherng said this might be because the study focused on urban districts, where students might be of a lower socio-economic class and not necessarily represented by the mainstream. Also, he noted, the students surveyed were in late elementary and middle grades"the most traumatic, unsettled time of all of American childhood. All adolescents are struggling to form their identities.

Earlier this year, a different preliminary study found that black teachers are less likely to punish students of other races with exclusionary discipline practices, like suspensions, detention, or expulsions. All teachers are less likely to punish students of their own race with those practices.

Cherng said his findings emphasize the need for increased minority teacher recruitment. Only 18 percent of teachers are of color. He also said that the study suggests a need for better cultural competency training for all teacherspreservice teachers need to learn how to talk about race and how to listen to students experiences, he said.

Cherng said when he presented his findings, a white woman in a teacher-preparation program asked if this meant that people like her couldnt be good teachers.

That is the opposite of what I want to say, he said. If anything, [the findings] say teachers of color on average are doing something different, and that difference is positive. We need to pick up on what theyre doing.

Source: Image by US Department of Education via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons

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Maj. Gen. Ronald F. Lewis, shown in his Pentagon office, was named chief of public affairs for the Army in June, 2015. Lewis grew up in Chicago and served three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Jonathan Ernst, Chicago Tribune)

WASHINGTON  Maj. Gen. Ronald Lewis, a former senior military aide to Defense Secretary Ash Carter, used his government credit card at strip clubs or gentlemen's clubs in Rome and Seoul, drank in excess and had "improper interactions" with women during business travel with Carter, according to a report released Thursday by the Defense Department inspector general.

The 50-page report describes in detail two strip clubs or show clubs where Lewis, who grew up in Chicago, spent more than $1,000 on champagne and drinks. It includes conflicting statements that Lewis made to investigators explaining the outings, and on several occasions quotes his acknowledgement that he was drunk or drank to "more than moderation."

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Lewis, whom Carter fired nearly a year ago, submitted a written rebuttal slamming the investigation, saying the IG assembled an inaccurate and inflammatory case based on innuendo and had failed to "find the truth."

The inspector general's report says Lewis improperly used his credit card, lied to a bank to get charges removed and said he was guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer, a violation of the code of military justice.

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In the rebuttal, which was obtained by the AP, Lewis denied that the bar he went to in Rome was a strip club and denied that he went to a strip or gentleman's club in Seoul, South Korea, in an area of the city that the report calls "Hooker Hill." Many clubs in that area are considered off-limits for U.S. military, according to the report.

The report also details several inappropriate interactions Lewis had with women, including one late-night incident in his hotel room when he was drinking with a female enlisted service member who later told investigators he tried to kiss her. According to the report, a female Defense Department staff member who saw Lewis and the woman alone in the room, told him, "Sir, respectfully, you're being really stupid. Don't do this. She needs to come and stay in my room."

Carter issued a statement Thursday saying he was briefed on the investigation but would defer comment pending an Army review. He added, "I expect the highest possible standards of conduct from the men and women in this department particularly from those serving in the most senior positions. There is no exception."

The report said Carter was unaware of Lewis's conduct until he was told about it. The report will go to Army leaders who will determine what, if any, punishment is required and at what rank Lewis would be able to retire.

Lewis took responsibility for several inappropriate actions, including charging nearly $1,800 on his government credit card at what he called a "dance club" in Rome. In an embarrassing set of circumstances, Lewis said, he tried to use his personal debit card at the club, but it didn't work, so he had to walk back to his hotel with a female employee of the club, and wake up a Defense Department staff member to get his government card to pay the bill. He said he paid back the charges when he returned to the U.S.

Maj. Gen. Ronald F. Lewis at his Pentagon office in 2015. (Jonathan Ernst, Chicago Tribune)

Sir, respectfully, you're being really stupid. Don't do this. She needs to come and stay in my room.  A female Defense Department staff member who saw Gen. Ronald Lewis and a woman alone in a hotel room

The report identified the club as Cica Cica Boom, a club whose sign advertises lap dances, but Lewis said that's not the club he went to. He said he went to "Verafollia Srl" a "high-end establishment with a respectable clientele that had a DJ, a bar area and a dance floor where couples were dancing."

Investigators, including local law enforcement, visited the club and provided photos showing stripper poles and a "lap dance chair." The report said the club manager said the name "Verafollia Srl" is used on credit card receipts "to conceal any link to the Cica Cica Boom club for patrons who frequent the establishment."

Lewis, in the report, explained the high prices charged to his credit card by saying he ordered "two or three bottles of champagne, lots of drinks."

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Lewis had shot up the promotional ladder, and his job with Carter stemmed from their close professional relationship. He had served as an aide to Carter when Carter was deputy defense secretary.

Lewis was not even 2 years old when his parents, natives of Mississippi, adopted Chicago as their home. He grew up in the South Side Beverly neighborhood and attended the old Mendel Catholic Preparatory High School before heading off to West Point. He is a battle-tested commander and attack helicopter pilot who served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In Korea, the report said, Lewis went to a gentleman's club called the Candy Bar. Lewis denied going there as well, but acknowledged being in a commercial area of Seoul. He said that when he returned to Washington and saw two charges on his credit card totally about $1,100, he called the bank to have them removed, and the bank agreed.

Investigators presented him with two receipts from the club bearing the name "Candy." Both receipts show only a short pen mark in the signature area, and do not show his written name.

The report says investigators, after getting Lewis' rebuttal, went back to check their information, and said they stand by their findings. It adds that a representative from the Candy Bar club told an investigator that she recognized Lewis, but could not recall any details.

The report portrays Lewis as a senior officer who often went out alone on overseas trips, and who sometimes drank to excess. It said his behavior concerned some staff members and at times was a topic of conversation.

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In the incident involving the enlisted service member, Lewis said another staff member was in the hotel room for much of the time, and that even when he was alone with the enlisted service member "our discussions remained the type of conversation a command team would engage in."

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The report does not suggest that Lewis had an extramarital affair or that he had sex with any of the women. And Lewis, in his rebuttal, criticizes the report for relying on insinuations and statements from people who may have distorted the facts or didn't actually see what happened.

Officials with knowledge of the matter said the allegations of misconduct, which first surfaced after the November overseas trip with Carter, stunned the secretary and sent shockwaves through the Pentagon. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the case publicly.

Lewis' first combat tour was in Iraq during 2004-2005, a time marked by bloody insurgencies. A lieutenant colonel with the 1st Cavalry Division, he commanded a battalion of 500 troops and 48 helicopters, both Apaches and Kiowa Warriors.

In 2006-2007, Lewis received a master's in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College.

He left the states in 2008 for a year in Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division, commanding a brigade with about 5,000 soldiers and about 200 aircraft, including helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and unmanned vehicles.

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In 2013, he returned for another year in Afghanistan as a deputy commanding general with the 101st Airborne. Its mission was to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces as the U.S. shrank its footprint.

Associated Press, Chicago Tribune's Katherine Skiba contributed
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court justices on Wednesday appeared ready to reopen the claims of two black men in separate cases involving alleged racial bias, one from a Joliet man who said he was jailed for seven weeks based on evidence fabricated by a police officer and another from a Texas convict on death row.

In both cases, the justices questioned why lower courts had tossed out their claims. But they also hinted they are not likely to rule broadly on race discrimination or police misconduct.

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Instead, they spoke of setting aside the legal barriers that stood in the way of people who say their constitutional rights were violated.

In the Joliet case, the justices spent most of the time debating how to describe Elijah Manuel's claim. Was it a claim of false arrest, a violation of the 4th Amendment's ban on unreasonable searches? Or was it a violation of his right to due process of law, if a magistrate sent him to jail based on evidence fabricated by a police officer?

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According to Manuel's complaint, he was a passenger in his brother's car when they were pulled over for failing to signal a turn. He said an officer pulled him from the car, threw him to the ground, kicked him, handcuffed him and subjected him to racial slurs. He said he was arrested and taken to jail for having pills in his pocket that the officer claimed were Ecstasy.

Manuel denied they were illegal drugs, but the officer in his arrest report said he "knew the pills to be Ecstasy."

At the station, a technician also suspected the pills were not Ecstasy, but the officer told the magistrate they were illegal drugs, and Manuel was sent to jail and charged with a felony. An Illinois police lab confirmed the pills were not illegal drugs, but despite that report, Manuel was held for seven weeks before he was released.

He filed a lawsuit against the city and the two police officers involved in the arrest, alleging he was the victim of an unreasonable search and seizure and a malicious prosecution. But a federal judge in Chicago and the 7th Circuit Court threw out his claims.

Unlike other courts, the 7th Circuit said claims based on the 4th Amendment and unreasonable seizures expire as soon as the arrested person appears before a magistrate. As a result, the court said Manuel could not press a 4th Amendment claim over the seven weeks he spent in jail.

Stanley Eisenhammer, an attorney from Arlington Heights who represents Manuel, said the justices should overrule the 7th Circuit's decision and send the case back to Chicago.

"Our claim here is detention without probable cause. And that detention went through 48 days after he was subject to legal process," he told the court.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor agreed he had a valid claim if the "legal process is corrupted" by "false information" supplied by the police.

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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said he had a claim for wrongful detention if it is true "the police lied all along" to keep him in jail.

At the early stage of such a lawsuit, the justices assume the facts of the complaint are true. They did not discuss the details of Manuel's claim during Wednesday's argument. The justices also agreed a police officer could not held liable for making an honest mistake during an arrest.

Justice Stephen Breyer said the case did not pose a difficult question. "I thought everyone agrees that if a police officer wrongly arrests you  maliciously arrests you  and puts you in jail, you have a claim for a false arrest."

The Texas case began nearly 20 years ago when Duane Buck was sentenced to die for a double murder after jurors were told that blacks are, statistically speaking, more dangerous than whites and more likely to commit future crimes of violence.

This was "an explicit appeal to racial bias. It is an extraordinary case," Christina Swarns, an attorney for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, told the justices.

But in appealing his sentence, Buck ran into a series of procedural barriers. First, his claims were dismissed because his own court-appointed trial lawyer brought in the expert who offered the inflammatory testimony about data showing blacks were more dangerous. Then later, a different court-appointed state lawyer did not raise this issue of racial bias when he lodged his first appeal.

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Ever since, judges have refused to reopen Buck's case because he had failed to raise the claim in time. John Cornyn, then the Texas attorney general, announced in 2000 that his office would not stand in the way of appeals like Buck's, which arose from testimony reflecting racial bias. But after he left office, the state switched position and opposed a new hearing for Buck.

Five years ago, the divided Supreme Court refused to hear Buck's case.

But from the opening minutes on Wednesday, the justices debated only whether to rule narrowly or broadly for Buck. A narrow ruling would tell the U.S. appeals court in New Orleans to take another hard look at Buck's appeals. A broader ruling would go further and tell the lower court that Buck deserves a new sentencing hearing because of the racially biased testimony.

This was "wildly prejudicial," said Justice Elena Kagan, yet his claim "has never been heard by any court."

It will probably be several weeks before the justices issue decisions in the two cases: Buck vs. Davis and Manuel vs. City of Joliet.

david.savage@latimes.com

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The elderly Palatine man had already been duped out of millions of dollars through an elaborate foreign lottery scam by the time the woman he knew as "Lisa Conti" made her most recent demand, federal prosecutors say.

Conti, who purported to be a government official, offered to fly the 87-year-old man to New York so he could deliver a cashier's check for more than $3.7 million  the latest payment on an insurance policy that would protect his sweepstakes winnings being held in his name overseas, according to prosecutors.

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She bought him a ticket and told him she was going to put him up at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Manhattan. On Tuesday, the woman went to meet her victim at LaGuardia Airport, wearing a peach-colored dress so he could easily recognize her.

But what Conti didn't know was that the FBI was on to the scam and had been working with the man for months. When her phone rang as she stood in the baggage claim area, an FBI agent called out, "Lisa." She turned to look and the agent arrested her.

Conti, whose real name is Corrine Dziesiuta, was charged Wednesday in a criminal complaint unsealed in Chicago detailing the bizarre scheme that allegedly bilked the elderly man out of nearly $4.5 million over a six-year period, persuading him to wire funds from his U.S. bank accounts to banking institutions in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

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Dziesiuta, 38, appeared in federal court Thursday in Brooklyn and was ordered held without bail pending her transfer back to Chicago, court records show.

According to the nine-page complaint, the man, identified only as Victim A, was first contacted by Dziesiuta in 2010 and told he'd won millions in prize money but needed to pay "various insurance, taxes and other fees to various entities" because it was located in a foreign country.

To keep the scam going, Dziesiuta sent a letter to the man in January 2015 purporting to be from a U.S. senator who provided assurances that the government was working to protect his interests. The letter also stated the man was required by law to pay $386,000 to "re-register" an insurance policy meant to protect his net worth of $600 million, according to the complaint.

The charges do not elaborate when or how the FBI became aware of the scam. But between May and late September, agents recorded 27 phone calls between the man and Dziesiuta, including one in which the man was instructed to tell her his bank would no longer allow him to wire funds, according to the complaint.

After Dziesiuta tried to persuade Victim A to switch banks or go through an attorney to send the money, the man  at the direction of agents  told her he was only willing to give her money in person. In August, Dziesiuta told the man she was going to travel to Palatine to pick up the money herself. But she later said she'd been "hit by a cab in Times Square which required her to cancel her plans," according to the complaint.

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Later that month, the man received a letter sent from Costa Rica, telling him he owed the $3.7 million payment in 30 days, according to the complaint. In a subsequent phone call, Dziesiuta told the man she'd make the arrangements to fly him to New York so he could deliver a cashier's check in person.

Public records show Dziesiuta previously lived in Trenton, N.J., where she was a licensed cosmetologist.

After her arrest, Dziesiuta told agents she became involved with organizers of the fraud after moving to Costa Rica with her husband and children in 2010, according to the complaint.

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She began as an "opener," cold-calling potential victims who had been previously mailed a claim that they'd won a sweepstakes of some kind. As she gained experience, her role shifted to making "comfort" calls to victims who had been badgered for money, trying to "smooth things over" so they would stay on the hook and send more money.

When shown some of the documents that had been sent to Victim A over the years, Dziesiuta told agents she had "worked on their wording using a thesaurus to make them sound complicated," the complaint alleged. Dziesiuta said she started out making $100 a week but for the past couple of years had been earning 10 percent of whatever funds she persuaded her victims to transfer.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @jmetr22b
A surveillance photograph of a teenage boy suspected in three recent robberies on the Near North Side. (Surveillance photo via Chicago p / )

Chicago police on Thursday released surveillance photos of a teenage boy suspected of three robberies in recent weeks on the Near North Side.

The teen has approached people on the street, shown a handgun and demanded people's belongings, police said in an alert earlier this week.

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The robber has struck at least three times:

About 7:30 a.m. Friday in the 300 block of North State Street;

About 11 a.m. Sept. 29 in the first block of West Hubbard Street, just west of State Street;

About 5 p.m. Sept. 23 in the 100 block of West Chestnut Street.

Police released surveillance photos of the boy suspected in the robberies wearing a dark blue University of Illinois sweatshirt, two of them in a 7-Eleven store on North State Street. The robber is described as a black boy, 15 to 16 years old, 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-6 and weighing 145 to 155 pounds.

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Anyone with information about the robber is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8382.
The University of Missouri is investigating a report of alleged hazing involving excessive alcohol at a fraternity that had been disciplined earlier this semester for another alcohol-related incident, a university spokesman said.



The Kappa Alpha fraternity already was on probation through the end of the fall semester for a "previous alcohol incident" when the university temporarily suspended it Monday while looking into allegations of hazing a pledge with alcohol, according to university spokesman Christian Basi.



Basi said he could not provide additional details, but in a Kappa Alpha Order incident report, chapter president Jacob Lee wrote that the student had been in a vodka-chugging contest with other pledges.



Lynn and Mike Zingale from Glencoe said the incident involved their 18-year-old son, who she said was hospitalized a week ago and placed into a medication-induced coma for two days to allow the alcohol to leave his system.



She said his blood alcohol content at the time was 0.45 percent, more than five times the legal limit for driving.



"What we are trying to do is get people a vision of what we are feeling as parents," Lynn Zingale said.



Jesse Lyons, assistant executive director for advancement at Kappa Alpha's national office, said it's also investigating the incident.



"Kappa Alpha Order continues to send our thoughts to the young man and his family," Lyons wrote, saying later, "there are still more questions than answers. When the investigation is concluded, we will then act based on the facts."

Associated Press
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

Gov. Bruce Rauner will be back on Facebook Live today, and his press shop is billing it as a chance to field questions about improving the state's economy.

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If his first streaming session a few weeks ago is any indication, the governor likely will stick to the script and answer questions carefully screened by his staff. Rauner has long called for changes he argues will help the state's business community, but he's been thwarted by Democrats who argue his ideas would undermine the working class.

Rauner's proposals include tougher standards for workers to prove they were hurt on the job, and tying a property tax freeze to local government ability to strip collective bargaining rights from unions.

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Also participating is Intersect Illinois, the private economic development corporation Rauner created to recruit businesses.

The governor has been seeking new ways to reach the public, complaining about traditional news reporting and saying he must take his message directly to voters. While the Q&A is designed to appear as a casual conversation, the first go-around came off as a stiff retreading of familiar talking points.

Still, the format allows Rauner to receive real-time feedback. Watchers can press a cartoon "thumbs up" if they approve. Last time, viewers unleashed a flurry of angry faces when Rauner called for an overhaul of the state's employee pension program, which has been staunchly opposed by employee unions.

The broadcast is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Questions can be submitted on Rauner's Facebook page or through Twitter using #RaunerLive (Monique Garcia)

What's on tap

*Mayor Rahm Emanuel will attend an awards ceremony for Chicago firefighters and police officers.

*Gov. Rauner tours a Downers Grove manufacturer, does a Facebook Live event, then appears at two evening business/tech award shows in Chicago.

*State Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, will hold a news conference at UIC to announce Tuition Free Illinois. What is it? A "campaign is focused on making tuition free for all in-state residents at every Illinois public university and community college." How would he pay for it? "We'll fund this plan by increasing taxes on the wealthiest individuals and the largest corporations in Illinois," according to a news release.

What we're writing

*Emanuel wins round in police reform effort, but hard work remains.

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*Mayor takes advantage of face-value Cubs playoff tickets, is excited about "home team." (This is our City Council meeting roundup story).

*CPS, CTU back at the table with Tuesday strike date looming.

*Ald. Reilly wants Trump stripped of honorary plaza, given Chicago comments.

*Cook County Board follows City Council, approves paid sick leave measure.

*Sox fan Obama unlikely to attend Cubs playoff games while in town this weekend.

What we're reading

*Exonerated Lake County man may have to split $20 million settlement with wife in divorce.

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*Eat your heart out, U. of C.? Northwestern professor wins Nobel Prize in chemistry.

*One-win Bears continue run of stellar top draft pick production.

From the notebook :

*Duckworth lawsuit update: Attorneys on both sides of a retaliation lawsuit against Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Duckworth continue to move forward with a possible settlement, but no deal has been completed.

On Wednesday, a conference call was held with an attorney for the two state employees suing Duckworth and the Illinois attorney general's office, which is representing Duckworth. Afterward, the Downstate judge overseeing the case stated both sides are "completing settlement documents," but reported no other developments, according to an official in the Union County Circuit Clerk's office.

A spokeswoman for the attorney general's office declined to comment and the attorney for the employees didn't return calls.

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In August, the attorney general's office filed a motion to enforce a settlement agreement it said both sides had agreed to. But Christine Butler and Denise Goins, the two plaintiffs employed at the Anna Veterans' Home, have balked at the deal, making the case a focal point in Duckworth's bid to unseat Republican Sen. Mark Kirk. Butler and Goins have appeared in television campaign commercials for Kirk criticizing Duckworth's leadership.

In 2009, Butler and Goins sued Duckworth, who is now a congresswoman, for actions she took when she headed the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. They accused Duckworth of workplace retaliation for firing Butler and threatening Goins in 2007 following a squabble among employees at the Anna home. Duckworth later reversed Butler's firing and issued a reprimand with a paid suspension. Both women still work at the Anna home. (John Chase)

*Dold, Schneider each say they raised $1 million in IL-10: North Shore Republican U.S. Rep. Bob Dold and former Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider each say they raised more than $1 million in campaign contributions from July through September.

Dold's campaign said the report it will file to the Federal Election Commission for the third quarter will show it entered the home stretch toward the Nov. 8 election with more than $2.2 million. Schneider's campaign did not reveal how much it had left to start the month.

Heading into the third quarter, Dold, of Kenilworth, had a nearly $1.5 million cash advantage over Schneider, of Deerfield.

The fundraising disclosures came as Dold is airing a new TV ad that begins with short clips of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and GOP presidential contender Donald Trump. Dold has said he will not vote for Trump.

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"That's what's wrong with politics, and both sides share the blame," Dold says in the ad, saying he will work "to put country first, not politics."

The Schneider campaign said the ad was "disrespectful" to Clinton. (Rick Pearson)

*Road amendment backers have two new ads: Supporters of a proposed state constitutional amendment on the Nov. 8 ballot asking voters to prohibit using money raised from gas taxes and other fees for nontransportation purposes are running new ads.

The one-minute radio ad contends that years of diverting money for nonroad purposes has created problems with Illinois' road and bridge network.

"With the Safe Roads Amendment, we can fix our roads without raising taxes," the narrator says in the ad.

The internet ad notes that the purpose of the proposed amendment is to "create a lockbox for transportation money, so that gas taxes, car registrations and other transportation fees we already pay can only be spent on transportation." (Rick Pearson)

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*How to run for local office: Longtime Cook County Clerk David Orr is rolling out a new website to help political novices figure out how to run for local office, such as the local village board, school district or library board.

He calls it the Running for Office Starter Kit, which he'll formally announce at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. It allows suburban Cook County residents to enter their address to see what offices they can run for.

They'll also be able to see the deadline for filing nominating petitions and how many signatures they'll need on those petitions. (Hint for newbies: get at least double the amount to withstand a challenge.)

And, if they choose, they can enter more information, including their last name, birth date and last four digits of their social security number (or driver's license or state ID number) to download the necessary paperwork. Orr says it'll save time, money and help avoid mistakes that can bump candidates from the ballot.

"Running for office should be easy," Orr says in a news release. "Unfortunately, it's more daunting than it should be. Now, with our new Run for Office Starter Kit  the first of its kind in Illinois  so much of the information you need is at your fingertips." (Hal Dardick)

Follow the money

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*Republican Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger transferred $3 million to the Illinois Republican Party fund. The move came days after getting a $5 million cash infusion from two allies of Gov. Rauner, Citadel CEO Ken Griffin ($3 million) and Lake Forest businessman Richard Uihlein ($2 million). The state GOP has been spending and funneling money on House and Senate races as Rauner tries to carve into Democratic legislative supermajorities this fall. Munger, a Rauner appointee, has been running TV ads introducing herself to voters as she runs in a special election against Democratic Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza.

*Mayor Emanuel collected $190,300, including contributions from Exelon folks and $25,000 from an ironworkers union fund.

*Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here.

Beyond Chicago

*Trump, Clinton face new challenge in Sunday debate: connecting with voters.

*Trump snatches credit for Pence's strong debate as GOP pines for Pence at top of ticket.

*NSA contractor arrested in possible new theft of secrets.

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*U.S. castigates Israel over settlement plan.
QUINCY  Illinois Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger warned Thursday that continued cash flow problems once again may force a delay in the state making its contribution into the government worker pension systems.

Munger said the state is entering a particularly precarious financial period because tax receipts historically drop in October and November, meaning there is less money on hand to pay bills. While some expenses such as debt payments and those covered by court order automatically go out the door, there is more flexibility when it comes to making the pension payment.

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That's because by law, the state's contribution into the five employee pension systems must be made on a yearly basis. However, Illinois usually chops those up into smaller monthly installments to make the cost more manageable. That means if a payment is skipped, it must be made up by July 2017.

Munger, a Republican fighting to keep the post Gov. Bruce Rauner appointed her to in the face of a Nov. 8 challenge from Democratic Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza, said her office is trying to avoid a delay but it may be necessary in order to meet the state's other financial obligations.

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"We don't know yet," Munger said of a pension payment delay. "It's possible. It's very possible."

Munger pushed back a $560 million pension payment in October 2015, citing similar financial pressures. The payment eventually was made in April, when state coffers were flush with money from yearly income tax payments.

Since then, the state's financial situation has only grown worse given that Illinois has not had a complete budget in 15 months. Rauner and Democrats who control the legislature did agree to a stopgap plan to keep government afloat through the end of the year, but the agreement has only added to the deficit as state government continues to spend more than it takes in.

This time, the state is on the hook for $600 million in monthly payments to the pension systems. As of Thursday, Illinois has a bill backlog of more than $8.7 billion, and vendors who provide services for the state have been left to wait four months or longer to be paid.

Munger's comments came during a campaign stop in Quincy, where she called on candidates to support her idea for legislation that would ban pay for lawmakers if they don't pass a balanced budget each year.

The Republican comptroller also defended recent moves within her campaign finance fund, which have brought allegations from challenger Mendoza that she is gaming the system.

Late last month, Munger got a $260,000 loan from her attorney husband, which lifted contribution limits in the race. That cleared the way for $5 million in donations from hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin and frequent conservative GOP donor Richard Uihlein, key Rauner allies. Since then, Munger's campaign transferred $3 million to the Illinois Republican Party, which can now distribute that money to various candidates as the GOP tries to cut into the Democratic supermajorities held by House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton.

Mendoza called it "blatant money laundering" in a Twitter post. Munger said she was just taking advantage of campaign financial rules Democrats put in place in 2009 that Mendoza voted for while in the House.

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"We are really just taking advantage of the law that she passed," Munger said. "Everything I've done is completely transparent, and it's certainly legal."

mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @moniquegarcia
A 16-year-old fatally shot by a Los Angeles police officer in South L.A. called 911 himself before the shooting and left his family a "farewell note," leading investigators to believe he had a "desire to end his own life," LAPD chief Charlie Beck said Thursday.

Coroner's officials identified the boy Thursday as Daniel Enrique Perez, an L.A. resident who died at a hospital Sunday evening after he was shot near 45th Street and Ascot Avenue.

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Beck said detectives identified Perez through a cellphone he was carrying, which was used to call 911 before the encounter. The caller reported a man with a gun matching Perez's description, Beck said.

One of Perez's parents believes it was the teenager on the call, the chief added. The call was placed about 20 minutes before the shooting.

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Based on that call, the note, Perez's actions and his "prior history" described by family, the chief said he believed the shooting stemmed from Perez's "desire to end his own life."

"We are deeply saddened by these events," the chief said. The tragedy is hard to describe."

The officer who shot Perez, Beck said, "is devastated."

The LAPD has said Perez was shot after pointing a realistic-looking replica gun at police.

It was the second deadly shooting by LAPD officers during a roughly 24-hour span, coming on the heels of the controversial shooting of 18-year-old Carnell Snell Jr., which prompted protests and stirred long-standing frustrations over how police treat residents of South L.A.

On Sunday, during a second night of demonstrations over Snell's death, news spread of the second police shooting.

Officers went to 48th and Ascot after someone reported a man with a gun in the area, LAPD Beck had said. The officers spotted someone matching that description  described as a Latino man with a gray sweater and black pants  and began to approach him, Beck said.

That person, now identified as Perez, then turned and pointed a handgun at the officers, Beck said, prompting police to open fire.

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The gun turned out to be a replica weapon, with its orange tip covered by black paint or pen, the chief said.

Police initially described the person shot as a man between the ages of 18 and 22.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 35 "It's a shame that his life ended at 18 years old," said Carlena Hall, center, a great-aunt of Carnell Snell Jr., who was fatally shot by LAPD police in South L.A. At left is Tranell Snell, 17, Snell's sister, and at right is Debbie Washington, his aunt. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

The officers who shot Perez were wearing body cameras, which Beck said "clearly supports" the officers' accounts.

Tiffany Peterson, 45, said she watched Sunday afternoon's shooting from a window in her family's home across the street from Ascot Elementary School. Peterson said she saw Perez run down the block and stop when officers got out of their car. Perez appeared to put his arms by his side, though Peterson said she could only see him from his waist up. She said she did not see him with a gun but could not see his hands. A parked vehicle partly obstructed her view of what happened, she said.

One of the officers fired without warning, she said.

"They jumped out of the car and they didn't tell him to freeze or nothing," Peterson said Monday. "They just shot him."

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She said police fired again when Perez was on the ground.

Beck said the body camera footage "clearly refutes" reports Perez was shot while on the ground.

"That did not happen," he added.

But the LAPD has not made those recordings public.

In a rare move Tuesday, Beck released a security video from the moments leading up to Snell's shooting, which showed the 18-year-old holding a handgun.

Beck said Snell later turned toward officers while holding the gun, prompting them to fire.

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Many activists and residents of Snell's neighborhood have questioned the police account of the shooting, including whether he had a gun.

Beck, generally a staunch advocate of keeping such videos confidential, said he released the footage out of concern for public safety as well as to correct what he described as "significant misinformation" about the deadly encounter.

But, the chief said, releasing body camera footage could set a standard for the LAPD in terms of complying with public records requests for such recordings. The chief has long cited concerns about victim privacy and protecting the integrity of investigations as his reasoning for generally not releasing such videos unless required in court.

That stance has drawn criticism from activists and civil liberties groups, which renewed their objections this week after Beck released one video while withholding another.

"It's clear that keeping video confidential isn't going to work. It undermines public trust more than it advances it," said Peter Bibring, director of police practices for the ACLU of Southern California. "Body camera footage or other video doesn't provide transparency if the public never gets to see it."

kate.mather@latimes.com

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Asian American voters are siding strongly with Hillary Clinton in the presidential contest, as younger voters in particular abandon Donald Trump and the Republican Party, a new poll of those voters has found.

Clinton has a firm hold on 55% of Asian American voters. When those leaning toward the candidates are counted, she leads Trump by 49 points, 70%-21%.

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That puts her in striking distance of President Obama's standing in the 2012 election, when he won 73% of Asian American voters, according to exit polls.

The results released Wednesday as part of the National Asian American Survey suggest that Trump's rhetoric  especially on the topic of immigration  has caused an irreparable breach with those voters.

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"All of the anti-immigrant rhetoric and harsh tone and language is a turnoff to voters," said Karthick Ramakrishnan, a UC Riverside political science professor and associate dean of the School of Public Policy, who directed the survey.

In a twist, the gender and education demarcations seen in the national electorate this year were absent among Asian Americans. A majority of both men and women sided with the Democratic nominee, as did almost six in 10 of both college-educated voters and those without college degrees.

Among white voters, Trump has regularly claimed the allegiance of men and those without a college degree; Clinton has won among women and the college-educated.

The findings among Asian American voters are similar to results in surveys this year among Latino voters, who have sided with Clinton regardless of gender or educational experience.

"Race seems to trump the impact of other categories like gender and class," Ramakrishnan said. "This is fairly clear evidence that we do not live in a post-racial society. Other differences like education don't matter as much for communities of color."

As negative as Asian American voters overall were toward the Republican nominee and his party, the views worsened among younger voters, suggesting a difficult path ahead regardless of the results of November's election. Asians are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States, according to census data released in June.

Fifty-two percent of voters overall had a "very unfavorable" view of Trump; among millennial voters that figure rose to 69%. Adding in voters with a "somewhat unfavorable" position resulted in 67% with a negative view of him. Among voters under age 35, that rose to 81%.

Clinton, by contrast, was seen in a "very unfavorable" light by only 18% of voters; 36% were either somewhat or very negative toward her. Almost 6 in 10 voters thought well of Clinton, compared to only 23% for Trump.

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But it was voters' views of Republicans that spelled the greatest long-term danger to a party whose base of older white voters is rapidly losing strength in the electorate. (Asian American voters will make up 3% to 4% of November voters nationally, but their heft will be felt more acutely in contested states like Nevada and Virginia.)

Almost 6 in 10 Asian American voters had a negative view of the Republican Party; fewer than 3 in 10 had a positive view. Those numbers were reversed when it came to the Democratic Party.

And, as with Trump, younger voters were more negatively disposed. Seven in 10 of voters under age 35 had an unfavorable view of the party, to 31% who had a negative view of the Democratic Party.

That alliance with Democrats  and against the Republicans  is telling because Asian American voters have historically been more independent than other groups.

About 4 in 10 said in the new survey that they were independent, and another 4 in 10 said they were Democrats. Only 16% said they were Republicans.

But when those independents who lean to a particular party were considered, almost 6 in 10 were with the Democrats. Among younger voters, that figure rose to 7 in 10.

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The liberal alliance appeared to be driven by issues. The survey found strong support among Asian American voters for President Obama's healthcare plan, for government help with college costs and for measures that would limit emissions in order to lessen climate change.

Trump's proposal to ban Muslims from entering the country was opposed by almost two-thirds of Asian American voters. But they were more equivocal about accepting Syrian refugees, with 44% approving and 35% opposed.

The exception when it came to embracing liberal views was the legalization of marijuana: 56% were opposed and only 36% were in support.

The survey illuminated a quirk found in almost all polling of Latino or Asian voters: Immigration is a powerful character test for candidates, but it doesn't rank high on the list of issues that those voters think are most pressing.

In the Asian American survey, the economy was seen as the most important issue, followed distantly by terrorism and racism. Immigration was cited as the most important issue by only 4% of voters  less than one-sixth the percentage who cited the economy.

But it clearly is a threshold issue, Ramakrishnan said, one that can either block a candidate from consideration or ease the path to acceptance, depending on their position and tone. In Trump's case, his handling of the issue has blunted his candidacy.

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"The way that a candidate talks about immigration is a sign of respect or disrespect," he said. "It's not that immigration is a big policy issue  it's that they can't bring themselves to vote for someone who seems to disrespect their community."

The poll questioned 2,238 Asian American adults, including 1,694 registered voters, between Aug. 10 and Thursday. It has a margin of error of 3.5 points in either direction among registered voters, and larger for other subgroups.

cathleen.decker@latimes.com

Twitter: @cathleendecker
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at a Women for Hillary fundraiser at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. (Andrew Harnik / AP)

Sen. Tim Kaine may have awakened Wednesday to poor reviews after the first and only vice-presidential debate, but his acerbic performance in Farmville, Virginia, revealed that the Clinton campaign's strategy for these debates extends far beyond the stage.

Armed with pre-planned Web videos, television ads and tweets, the campaign has used key debate moments this week and last as a cudgel against the Republican ticket, showing a level of discipline and organization largely absent from Donald Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's campaign.

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"Kaine had a very clear and simple plan for the debate: remind a national televised audience of all of the offensive things Trump has said and done in this campaign," said Dan Pfeiffer, a former senior adviser to President Barack Obama. "The Clinton campaign was smart enough to know that who 'wins' or 'loses' the VP debate doesn't move votes. Instead it's an opportunity to communicate a message to a very large audience."

"I don't see a single thing that Pence did that moved the needle Trump in any way," he added.

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Both Hillary Clinton and her running mate showed up on their respective debate nights well rehearsed. At moments, they seemed over-rehearsed. At one point Tuesday, Pence shot back at Kaine: "Did you work on that one a long time? Because that had a lot of really creative lines in it."

But Clinton and Kaine had a larger goal in mind than winning the debates themselves: to create a series of compelling sound bites that they planned to weaponize for the reminder of the campaign. They logged scores of hours of preparation. They recited laundry lists of Trump's faults. Their clear objective: to record him and his running mate embracing, denying or evading controversial positions that Trump has taken in recorded speeches.

That pattern is likely to continue Sunday at the next presidential debate, Democrats said.

"[Pence] claimed over and over and over again - he claimed, 'He never said those things!' " exclaimed conservative radio host Glenn Beck on Wednesday. "We're not living in the 1800s. We can go back to the clips on YouTube."

And that's exactly what the Clinton campaign did. Shortly after the debate Tuesday, the Clinton campaign tweeted out a glossy new site at hillaryclinton.com/literallytrump. The site highlighted dozens of moments "mentioned at the debate," most of them by Kaine, with citations to back them up and the "share" button never too far away.

By Wednesday morning, a new video was blasted out: a 90-second super-cut of Pence's denials.

"At the VP debate, Mike Pence seemed to discover he was Donald Trump's running mate," the video said.

It is a pattern that first emerged after Clinton's presidential debate against Trump at Hofstra University.

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By the next morning, the Clinton campaign was already armed with a similar compilation of Trump's denials of things he claimed he "never said."

Clinton had memorized Trump's past statements down to his very language: "He even said: 'Well, if there were nuclear war in East Asia, well that's fine. Have a good time, folks.' "

"Wrong," Trump interjected. "It's lies."

Then rolled the clip from a rally earlier in the year where Trump said, "Good luck, folks, enjoy yourself."

For virtually all of the 90-minute debate Tuesday night at Longwood University, Kaine served as an encyclopedia of Trump's most damaging comments, rattling them off one by one and even interrupting Pence to interject with clarifications.

"He's got kind of a personal Mount Rushmore - Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, Moammar Gadhafi and Saddam Hussein," Kaine said at the debate, highlighting Trump's praise of strongmen.

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Critics described Kaine's zingers as "dad jokes" and Kaine as a "one-liner robot."

"He came across as a little bit manic," said Republican strategist Rick Wilson, who has been sharply critical of Trump. "You're looking for poise. You're looking for steady.

"Pence's background in broadcasting really came across there," he added, a reference to the Indiana governor's past career as a radio personality.

Yet, while Kaine's at times hyperactive effort may have rubbed viewers the wrong way, it created a made-for-television highlight reel of all the times that Pence avoided defending his running mate or claimed that Trump never said things he has been documented as saying.

The Republican National Committee fired back with a video Wednesday that featured the 72 times that Kaine interrupted Pence, which became the Trump campaign's No. 1 line of attack against Kaine following the debate. Trump, known for his own interrupting, tweeted Wednesday morning: "The constant interruptions last night by Tim Kaine should not have been allowed. Mike Pence won big!"

The Clinton campaign's plan for debates has been to "take it in isolation and put it in an ad," according to Jim Manley, a former adviser to Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. "It's just the gift that keeps on giving."

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"Given her debate performance and given the campaign's recent aggressiveness and Tim Kaine's performance last night, they are really determined to go hard against Trump," Manley added.

Clinton spent the day after Kaine's debate hitting the books again, preparing for the next debate with a policy-focused session attended by policy advisers Sara Solow and Kristina Costa; her director of research, Tony Carrk, who has been a part of her debate prep team; and several other close aides.

American political operative Ron Klain arrives at Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's home in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. Clinton is at her Washington home today for private meetings. (Andrew Harnik / AP)

Asked after an exhaustive session with Clinton at her home in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday how the day went, her adviser Ron Klain replied simply, "Five hours."

Clinton plans to spend the next three days continuing her preparation for the town-hall-style event Sunday at Washington University in St. Louis.

"Hillary did a lot of town-hall debates and a lot of town halls during the course of the primaries and into the general. She's very used to the format. She likes it," said Clinton campaign manager John Podesta. "She likes answering questions from individual citizens, and she listens hard and relates to people.

"That's a format that Donald Trump isn't as used to, so we'll see," he added.

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In attacking Kaine, Trump's campaign seemed to repurpose some of the attacks that Trump faced during the first presidential debate and in the tumultuous days that followed. "Unhinged" was a word frequently used by aides and surrogates in television interviews and on Twitter, borrowing a word Clinton used last week to describe Trump.

"I think you're seeing the Clinton-Kaine campaign completely unhinged this morning," Trump spokesman Jason Miller said on CNN.

When asked what he meant by "unhinged," Miller replied: "Well, I think the 70-plus interruptions from Senator Kaine went to that, and Senator Kaine had a very tough time standing up and defending their ideas."
5 Mugshot FAQs

Websites that post arrest mugshots online have been the subject of much laughter, but only at the expense of humiliating arrestees, both innocent and guilty. Additionally, the online posting of mugshots can create personal, social, and career problems for the individuals whose mugshots get posted.

The real problem herein lies in the fact that mugshots are taken after an arrest, but before a conviction. Even if a person is found innocent, arrested on accident, or even framed by the police, their mugshot can live on in infamy. To better understand this issue, here are 5 frequently asked questions about mugshots.

1. How Do I Get My Mugshot Removed From the Internet?

Unfortunately, in most states, the laws relating to getting your mugshot removed are not in your favor. Generally, the photographs are coming from public agencies and, under most state laws, they are part of the public record. There is very little legal basis for you to premise a request to the court to order the take down of the photo.

While some states do prohibit the posting of a mugshot on a website that will charge a fee to remove the photo, sites are able to get around this by not charging a fee to remove the photo. Also, be advised that there are different rules that govern when dealing with a mugshot from a federal, rather than a state, agency.

2. How Is Posting Mugshots Online Legal?

The First Amendment provides for the right to a free press along with the right to free speech. As such, there is a compelling argument that the posting of a mugshot is a form of journalism and benefits the public. Additionally, as arrest records are public, mugshots frequently are considered part of those records, thereby making the photo newsworthy.

3. Is it Legal for a Mugshot Website to Charge a Fee to Remove My Picture?

The answer to this question depends on which state you live in. Georgia is currently the only state that prohibits the posting of mugshots online, with an exception for legitimate journalism. Illinois, Wyoming, Colorado, Oregon, Texas and Utah all have laws prohibiting the posting of a mugshot on a website that charges a fee for the removal, though the exact language each state uses is slightly different.

4. Isn't This Cruel and Unusual Punishment?

Somehow, no. While the act of posting a person's mugshot may expose that person to ridicule, humiliation, denial of career opportunities, housing, and societal scorn, a Federal Court rejected this challenge in 2013. The Federal District Court in Florida actually said the following:

"Although some may regard Maricopa County's practice of holding a 'mugshot of the day' contest to be tasteless and inappropriate, it is not cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment."

5. Do I Have to Pay Every Single Different Mugshot Site?

If your mugshot made it to one site, it is highly likely that it made it onto several others. While some sites may allow you to request the photo be taken down, either for free or for a nominal or substantial fee, other sites will flatly refuse any takedown requests. Unfortunately, each site will likely require you contact them individually, and pay their individual fees to get your photo removed. Be warned however that there are numerous sites that publish these photos, so that this may end up feeling like a never ending game of whack-a-mole.

Lastly, be very cautious of services that offer to take your mugshot down from all websites, as they may not be able to live up to the promise. If you are going to hire one of those services, read the fine print carefully as these services can be rather costly.

Related Resources:
Libertarian vice presidential candidate Bill Weld, the former governor of Massachusetts, talks to the Times-Union editorial board on Thursday Sept. 22, 2016 in Jacksonville, Fla. (Bob Mack / AP)

William Weld, the Libertarian vice presidential nominee, says he will focus solely on attacking Donald Trump for the rest of the campaign in an effort to block the Republican from capturing the White House.

Weld, a former Republican governor of Massachusetts, told the Boston Globe that he also hopes to work with Mitt Romney and others after the election to forge a path for the GOP to rebuild.

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"Maybe somebody is going to come up with a new playbook, and I don't know who it's going to be, but it would be fun to participate," Weld said.

Weld's remarks signaled an apparent loss of faith in running mate Gary Johnson, a former Republican governor of New Mexico. Johnson has stumbled in recent interviews, most notably replying "What is Aleppo?" when asked about the war-ravaged city in Syria and by failing to come up with the name of a single world leader he admires.

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Weld vowed to remain Johnson's running mate but said his main goal was to stop Trump.

"Mr. Trump's proposals in the foreign policy area, including nuclear proliferation, tariffs and free trade, would be so hurtful, domestically and in the world, that he has my full attention," Weld said.

In theory, Weld's efforts could help Democrat Hillary Clinton, whose allies have sought to minimize support for both Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein. President Obama has suggested that Americans who vote for Johnson or Stein, or who decline to cast ballots, are in effect voting for Trump.
FARMVILLE, Va.  In the closing days of the Civil War, Robert E. Lee stopped in this tobacco town to fortify his bedraggled troops. With Union forces in hot pursuit, Lee abandoned the effort, fled town  and surrendered at nearby Appomattox two days later.

Tuesday night, Mike Pence came to Farmville for the vice presidential debate against Democrat Tim Kaine with a similar mission: trying to halt the retreat, and revive the troops, after last week's rout of Donald Trump in the first presidential debate.

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Pence came prepared with a sound battle plan: He would avoid discussing Trump to the greatest extent possible. And, in executing his plan, he fared rather better than Lee.

Asked why Americans think Trump is "too erratic," Pence responded  by talking about Hillary Clinton and her foreign policy.

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"I do want to get back to the question," moderator Elaine Quijano of CBS News coaxed. When Pence continued on about Clinton, she repeated: "In the meantime, the questions."

Pence finally mentioned that Trump has "extraordinary business acumen" and "employed tens of thousands"  then quickly went back to Clinton's trustworthiness.

Quijano asked Pence to talk about Trump's claim that he "brilliantly" used the tax laws. Pence responded  by talking about the Obama administration.

"Governor," Quijano finally interjected, "with all due respect, the question was about whether it seems fair to you that Mr. Trump said he brilliantly used the laws to pay as little tax as legally possible."

Stylistically, Pence was strong: calmer than Kaine, interrupting less often, and repeatedly luring Kaine to respond to him. He likely won the debate on points, helped by a canned and sometimes shrill Kaine. But in a broader sense, Pence succeeded by avoiding discussion of Trump and his policies. To the extent he defended Trump at all, he did so by denying Trump had said and done things that Trump, in fact, had said and done.

In that sense, you might consider this the first appearance of Mike Pence's 2020 presidential campaign. He didn't turn against his running mate, but he helped himself more than he helped Trump.

Republicans watching Pence's strong performance Tuesday night had every reason to kick themselves. Had Republicans chosen a mainstream conservative such as Pence, there is every reason to believe that candidate would be leading Clinton, who has proved to be a weak general election candidate in this year of change.

Pence hasn't tweeted about a sex tape at 5 a.m. He hasn't shamed a woman publicly for gaining weight. He didn't mock a political opponent's pneumonia-induced stumble, nor claim that his opponent is "crazy" and unfaithful to her husband, nor suggest that returning soldiers with PTSD are weak.

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Trump did all that  in the space of a single week since his first-debate flop.

A running mate's usual task in a debate, and in a presidential campaign generally, is to assure the public that he or she could take over if the unthinkable occurs. In Pence's case, there's no question about his fitness to serve. The question is whether Trump is prepared to serve.

That Pence could be a heartbeat from the presidency makes pulse rates calm. That Trump could be president causes tachycardia.

Kaine, therefore, did all he could to keep the focus on Trump: "The thought of Donald Trump as commander in chief scares us to death. Donald Trump always puts himself first. He has pursued the discredited and really outrageous lie that President Obama wasn't born in the United States."

But Pence had a simple parry: Noun, verb, Hillary Clinton. As Kaine hectored him to defend Trump's "insult-driven" talk of women as slobs and pigs and Mexicans as rapists and criminals, Pence volleyed:

"That's small potatoes compared to Hillary Clinton calling half of Donald Trump's supporters a basket of deplorables."

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It didn't much matter what the topic was  North Korea? Police and race?  Pence, deftly, kept turning the conversation back to Clinton. This, occasional jabs at the Obama administration and at Kaine's own record, and Pence's Trumpian willingness to assert falsehoods with great conviction, kept the Democrat on his heels.

Kaine repeatedly - by his own count, six times  challenged Pence to defend Trump on one point or another.

"In all six cases, he's refused," Kaine complained toward the end of the debate.

"Don't put words in my mouth," Pence protested. "I'm very, very happy to defend Donald Trump."

Ah, but sparingly: Not enough to appear overtly disloyal, but not so much that it will harm his future presidential prospects after Trump's Appomattox.

Dana Milbank is a Washington Post columnist.

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Twitter @Milbank

Washington Post Writers Group
Last month, Chicago State University trustees agreed to stuff $600,000 in the pockets of President Thomas Calhoun Jr. and told him to find another job. And to clam up about why he was leaving. That stunning move came just nine months after Calhoun was welcomed to CSU and hailed as the powerhouse leader who could fix the school's wobbly fiscal solvency and wobblier academic credentials.

Why did CSU trustees cashier Calhoun? They wouldn't say. No, scratch that. More like: THEY WOULDN'T SAY. Writing in capital letters is offensive. How offensive? Read on:

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Written into the separation agreement between Calhoun and the school is this passage: "The parties agree that they will not disclose matters relating to the circumstances surrounding Dr. Calhoun's resignation as President to anyone other than their respective attorneys, accountants, financial advisers or Dr. Calhoun's spouse unless required to do so by legal process or court order. ... BOTH PARTIES AGREE THAT DISCLOSURE AND VIOLATION OF THIS PARAGRAPH IS A MATERIAL BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT."

Yes, they put that last part in capital letters. Just in case anyone missed the point. In other words: THIS IS HUSH MONEY. KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT. If you spill the story to the public, if you break the CSU Code of Silence, we can claw back the $600,000.

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So far, CSU's Code of Silence has held up. No one has uttered a peep about why the trustees fired the popular president. Faculty and students rallied to his defense. Still, not a peep.

We're sure the trustees want this controversy to die of natural causes. But it won't. The university is in free fall: Last week, CSU announced that it had enrolled a paltry 86 freshmen this fall. 86! The university has now shed more than half its student population in just six years. This fall, 3,578 students are taking classes at the Far South Side campus. In 2010, the tally was 7,362 students. The plummet reflects CSU's budget troubles and academic failures. Calhoun was brought in to rescue CSU, to stop students from fleeing, to bring spending under control.

Remember how he was welcomed? Trustee Nikki Zollar, chairwoman of the search committee, gushed: "Each group that interviewed the candidates rated them in certain categories, and that information was put together for us and it showed that Dr. Calhoun had the highest rating in every category from every constituency. It was like a tidal wave. There's no stopping him."

Now Calhoun is gone and students are jumping ship. "I'm having a hard time seeing the future for Chicago State University," junior Adrian Mercado, a leader in the residence hall, told trustees at a board meeting. "How do I talk to my residents and the people that come to me for help all the time about the future of Chicago State University?"

The university's response? La-de-dah: The enrollment drop was in line with projections. Leaders also said the freshman numbers do not include more than 200 transfer students. The national standard is to count those groups separately.

Cue the public relations gobbledygook: "The university continues to focus on improving academic excellence, student experience, increasing enrollment and revenue generation," CSU officials said in revealing the enrollment plunge. "We plan to rebuild in 2017."

Rebuild in 2017? Sure.

Chicago State University President Thomas Calhoun Jr. speaks during a board meeting at Chicago State University, Friday, May 6, 2016. At right is board member James Joyce. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

But first things first. Four members of CSU's eight-member board finish their terms in January. Gov. Bruce Rauner should find replacements now before the current members do more damage to the school. The rest? As we said in September, whoever voted to fire Calhoun without explaining why to students, parents, teachers  and taxpayers  should go now. Rauner should demand their resignations. So far, only disappointing silence there too.

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That $600,000 payoff came out of the cash-strapped university's coffers. That's money that can't build academics or recruit students.

Then again, if CSU stays on this self-destructive course, it won't need a recruiting program. Students will look at the chaos and enroll elsewhere.

That tidal wave Zollar glimpsed? It's gaining on CSU.

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.
Gov. Bruce Rauner holds a press conference flanked by House Republican Leader Jim Durkin and Republican Leader Sen. Christine Radogno and other Republicans during final hours of the Illinois General Assembly at the State Capitol in Springfield on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

Because I'm probably a bigger nerd than you are, I've spent many hours lately picking through past results and financial reports at IllinoisElectionData.com, trying to get my mind around what to look for in the down-ballot races Nov. 8.

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, nearly halfway though his term, isn't on the ballot and his Democratic nemesis, House Speaker Michael Madigan, is unopposed for re-election. But the two are fighting a series of proxy wars, not so much for control of the General Assembly, which seems very likely to stay in Democratic hands, but for control of the political narrative:

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Is popular momentum on the side of Rauner's so-called turnaround agenda and his hardball tactics? Or are voters souring on his disruptive stubbornness?

Republican Comptroller Leslie Munger and Democratic challenger Susana Mendoza debate their independence from party leadership. Aug. 25, 2016. (Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

There's one statewide proxy battle  the special election for Illinois comptroller pitting incumbent Republican Leslie Geissler Munger, whom Rauner appointed after the death of Judy Baar Topinka, against Chicago's Democratic City Clerk Susana Mendoza. We'll watch those returns with interest, of course. But one result in a race for an otherwise obscure constitutional office that many people think should be eliminated will not a narrative make.

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All 118 seats in the House and 40 of the 59 seats in the Senate are up for election this cycle. The Democrats currently hold a 71-47 seat advantage in the House and a 39-20 seat advantage in the Senate.

And while it's true that Democrats were able to draw the district maps to their advantage after the 2010 census, it's also true that many of the Democratic districts aren't exactly deep blue.

Of the Senate districts in play that are now held by Democrats, Rauner won the popular vote in 11 of them in 2014 when he was running against incumbent Democrat Pat Quinn. Nine of those victories were by double-digit percentage margins.

And Rauner won in 22 Illinois House districts where Democratic candidates also won. Thirteen of those victories were by double digits.

Two years later  two years without a real budget agreement, two years in which our pile of unpaid bills and suffocating pension obligations have grown, our credit rating has continued falling and human service providers have been trimming programs and laying off staff as the toxic standoff proceeds  will voters in these ticket-splitting districts continue to support Rauner by electing Republican legislators?

Or will they send Democrats back to Springfield to help Madigan hold the line against changes the party opposes?

Neither man is popular right now. In a poll released Tuesday by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University, 55 percent of respondents said they disapprove of Rauner's job performance (35 percent strongly so). And 60 percent said they disapprove of Madigan's job performance (43 percent strongly so).

Accordingly, an overwhelming number of the attack ads in what easily has become the most expensive legislative campaign in state history have aimed to tie Republican candidates to Rauner and Democratic candidates to Madigan.

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To boost the Republican efforts, an arm of the Rauner-friendly Illinois Policy Institute bankrolled "Madigan: Power, Privilege, Politics," a soon-to-be-released hourlong film that appears, from the trailer, to be little more than a sockumentary  my term for one-sided, roundhouse-punch propaganda masquerading as journalism.

Who will prevail?

Well, the outlook is favorable for Republican pickups.

In the 63rd House District, for instance, where conservative Democrat Jack Franks of Marengo is stepping down to run for a county office and where Rauner won by 34 percentage points in 2014. Or in the 117th House District, where Rauner won by 33 percent and incumbent Democrat John Bradley of Marion (near Carbondale) is facing a well-funded challenger. Or in the 71st (Quad Cities) and 79th (Kankakee) districts, where incumbent Democrats just squeaked by in 2014 as Rauner rolled by 14 and 22 percentage points.

In the state Senate, incumbent Democrats Gary Forby (Benton, 59th), Melinda Bush (Grayslake, 31st) and Tom Cullerton (Villa Park, 23rd) are in tough fights in districts where Rauner won two years ago by 31, 19 and 14 percentage points. And the Democrats have already conceded the 47th Senate District seat, running no candidate for the seat being vacated by the retiring John Sullivan, D-Rushville, in a district Rauner won by 36 percentage points.

Scott Kennedy, the proprietor of IllinoisElectionData.com, where you, too, can get your nerd on by following the money and the votes in these races and more, says the GOP is playing offense in so many districts and playing defense in so few that Republicans seem destined to pick up a handful of seats in each chamber, but remain decidedly in the minority.

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That sounds right to me. And anyone who thinks a few Democratic losses in Rauner-friendly areas will bring Madigan to his knees has paid no attention to Illinois politics for the last three decades.

True, a loss of just one seat in the House will cost Democrats their veto-proof three-fifths majority in that chamber. But that "supermajority" has long included too many conservatives, like Franks, and rogues, like outgoing Rep. Ken Dunkin, to unify against Rauner's agenda. So the loss will also deny the GOP a favorite talking point that Democrats are unilaterally gumming up the works.

So a few faces will change, but the basic narrative will not. The dysfunctional dynamic, further poisoned by harsh accusations and slimy innuendo, will remain. Those counting on this election to be a turning point are doomed to disappointment.

Listen to Eric Zorn, Kristen McQueary, Steve Bertrand and John Williams discuss the news every Friday on The Mincing Rascals podcast at www.chicagotribune.com/mincingrascals.

Twitter @EricZorn
Georgia Hospital Settles Rape Lawsuit Involving Nurse's Aide

Joyce Little-Thomas was recovering from respiratory treatment at Select Specialty Hospital in 2009 when she was sexually assaulted and raped by Warren Butler, a certified nursing assistant at the facility. Little-Thomas sued the Augusta-based hospital for negligent hiring, retention, and supervision of Butler, on the grounds that the hospital knew he could be a danger to patients and did nothing.

Her lawsuit was finally settled last month, on the eve of trial, with Select Specialty paying an undisclosed amount to avoid a trial. So how is the hospital on the hook for its employees' actions? Here's a look.

Hospitals and Vicarious Liability

Butler pleaded guilty to rape in March 2010, so there was no question whether the assault occurred. The question would be whether Select Specialty was liable as his employer. The doctrine of vicarious liability holds that employers in certain circumstances can be liable for the negligent or purposeful acts of their employees. And hospitals, which are responsible for hiring and supervising their medical staff, even nurse's aides, could be held liable for negligent supervision or retention if their staff injures a patient.

The crux of the lawsuit claimed Select Specialty was on notice regarding Butler's inappropriate conduct towards patients, citing several past examples:

2009: a patient's father called the sheriff, claiming Butler banged his son's head against the bed rails and yelled at him;

2008: A patient's daughter called the sheriff, claiming she saw a male employee masturbating in her mother's room;

2007: Two reports were filed with the hospital claiming assaults by unidentified male employees;

2004: A patient's family claimed she told them Butler had inappropriately touched her.

Litigation Procedure

Little-Thomas's lawsuit was initially dismissed for lack of evidence, but reinstated last year with a judge determining that the jury should decide whether prior reports of Butler's behavior and conditions at Select Specialty were credible. But Select Specialty settled with Little-Thomas right before trial, perhaps in an effort to avoid bad publicity.

The judge in the case was also considering sanctions against Select and its legal team for falsely claiming that there was no evidence of any prior rape or sexual assault claims, other than Little-Thomas's. The amount of the settlement remains undisclosed.

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Cristian Loga-Negru, 40, listens to Racine County Circuit Judge Eugene Gasiorkiewicz Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, during his sentencing hearing. (Gregory Shaver / The Journal Times via AP)

An Arlington Heights man charged with hacking his wife to death with a hatchet in Wisconsin was given a life sentence Wednesday, but will be eligible to apply for parole in 30 years.

Cristian Loga-Negru, 40, who was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, had his insanity plea rejected by a Racine County judge earlier this year, who ruled the defendant was not suffering from a mental disease or defect when he killed his wife, Roxana Abrudan, 36, in Mount Pleasant, Wis., in November 2014.

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On Wednesday, Loga-Negru appeared in court for an emotional sentencing hearing that lasted more than two hours and included a statement from Loga-Negru's father, who'd flown in from Romania.

Racine County Circuit Court Judge Eugene Gasiorkiewicz admonished Loga-Negru, calling domestic violence and abuse significant societal issues and detailing statistics to illustrate the point.

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"What more can society do to protect a woman?" Gasiorkiewicz said, adding: "She gets a restraining order, moves out of state, and seeks comfort from others who want to protect her. You violated all of this, and she's dead at your hands."

Still, Gasiorkiewicz explained that despite the nature of Loga-Negru's crime, the life sentence with the eligibility to apply for extended supervision  parole  after 30 years provides the opportunity of a second chance.

"I can't give up on humanity  that the human spirit can change with time," Gasiorkiewicz said.

Abrudan, who had allegedly fled her home in Arlington Heights, and was staying with her boss at his residence in Mount Pleasant to be safe from her husband, had filed an order of protection against Loga-Negru with the Cook County Circuit Court in Rolling Meadows just weeks before her death, authorities said.

According to the details of a court filing in Wisconsin, Loga-Negru ambushed his wife at her boss' Mount Pleasant home, struck her several times with a black hatchet, dragged her into a rented silver SUV and drove to a motel in a small town just south of Milwaukee.

When officers caught up with Loga-Negru, Abrudan was found lying face up and barely breathing in the back seat of the SUV, several deep gashes to her head, and her hair soaked in blood, according to police.

Her right hand was "split down the middle," possibly from when she raised it in defense, according to police.

Loga-Negru was found with a gash to his left kneecap and his clothes covered in blood, according to the complaint.

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Abrudan filed at least three police reports involving Loga-Negru in the months leading up to her death, including reports of a domestic disturbance and a suspicious incident, Arlington Heights Police Sgt. Joseph Pinnello said.

The police reports in Arlington Heights date back to March 2014, Pinnello said, four months before Abrudan and Loga-Negru, both Romanian immigrants, were married in July 2014.

A final report of domestic battery, which was filed by Abrudan on Oct. 31, 2014, was followed just days later by her obtaining an order of protection against Loga-Negru on Nov. 3, 2014, Pinnello said.

Loga-Negru was never charged in connection with any of the reports in Arlington Heights due to a lack of evidence, no witnesses and Abrudan's alleged injuries having already healed by the time she filed the police report, which in the case of the report of domestic battery, was filed by Abrudan months after the alleged incident, Pinnello said.

After police served Loga-Negru with the order of protection, officers accompanied him to the couple's Arlington Height home, where he had asked if he could retrieve his personal belongings, Pinnello said.

When officers asked Loga-Negru to turn over his gun and Firearm Owners Identification Card, he allegedly claimed he did not have a gun, Pinnello said, but police later found and removed a 40-caliber Taurus handgun that was in his coat pocket.

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As police left, Loga-Negru allegedly told officers to relay a message to Abrudan: "She should have more respect for her husband."

At Wednesday's sentencing hearing, Michael Enz, Abrudan's boss, who said he and his wife provided refuge for her at their home in Mount Pleasant, Wis., in the weeks before her death, asked Gasiorkiewicz to impose the strictest possible sentence  life in prison with no possibility of parole.

"I'll never forget the drive from Illinois to Wisconsin  Roxana sat in the back of the car, and cried all the way up to our house," Enz recalled. "She was terrified that her husband would find her and kill her, and that her life was over."

Enz, who said he is a U.S. Army veteran, said despite serving in active combat duty in Afghanistan, nothing prepared him for what he described as "a scene of carnage."

"We found hair, blood, clumps of scalp and body parts on my front lawn," an emotional Enz said.

Loga-Negru, a U.S. Army veteran who holds law degrees from Romania and the U.S., spoke briefly on his own behalf, calmly reading a written statement in which he apologized to Abrudan's family, insisting he is not a "villain."

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"I wake up every morning, and can't believe what happened is real," he said.

His elderly father, Marius Loga-Negru, who spoke to the judge with the assistance of an interpreter, said he traveled from Romania to the U.S. to attend his son's sentencing, "with a lot of pain in my heart."

"In my opinion, the love for your child is unconditional," Marius Loga-Negru said. "He will regret this thing as long as he will live. But I appeal to you parent to parent, father to father, to consider also the good things he has done in his life."

Cristian Loga-Negru's defense attorney, Patrick Cafferty, said the judge's decision to give his client a life sentence with the eligibility to apply for extended supervision after 30 years means if parole is granted at that time, his client will be in his late 60s.

kcullotta@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @kcullotta
This undated photo provided by the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office shows Donnie Rudd. A judge has set bond at $4 million for Rudd a Houston-area man charged with killing his 19-year-old wife 42 years ago in suburban Chicago. Illinois Circuit Court Judge Joseph Cataldo said in setting the bond on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015, that Rudd is a suspect in another homicide. (Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office )

A man charged with his wife's 1973 Barrington Township murder is out of jail after posting the required 10 percent of his $4 million bail.

Donnie Rudd, 74, was arrested in Texas last December on charges he killed his 19-year-old wife, Noreen Kumeta Rudd, in Barrington Hills more than 40 years ago.

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Prosecutors, citing a new autopsy performed after the body was exhumed, allege he killed her with blows to the head and then staged her death to look like a car crash.

Police said Rudd  an attorney who was disbarred in 1994 - also remains a suspect in the shooting death of his one-time client, Loretta "Teri" Tabak-Bodtke, in Arlington Heights nearly a quarter-century ago.

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On Thursday, Rudd's attorney, Timothy Grace, confirmed that Rudd posted the required $400,000 bond to be released from the Cook County Jail in mid-September.

Grace declined to comment on where Rudd is residing, other than to say it is in the Chicago area.

"He has the right to post bond, and is presumed innocent until proven guilty," Grace said. "Pre-trial detention is frowned upon, because you just don't want an innocent man sitting there."

Rudd is suffering from health issues, Grace said, and had been receiving medical treatment at the jail.

"He's struggling and hoping to get better health care outside of jail," Grace said, adding: "He is looking forward to his day in court. We have a lot of work to do, but in the end, he didn't do this. It was not a crime, it was an accident."

Rudd's stepdaughter, Cindy Mulligan, who with her sister, Lori Hart, co-wrote the recent self-published memoir, "Living with the Devil: A family's search for the truth in the face of deception, infidelity and murder," about their family's painful experiences with Rudd, said she first learned he was out of jail from a news report.

"He has no incentive to go to trial now," said Mulligan, a Barrington resident. "But I'm not going to live in fear. When I first heard he was out, it made me feel uneasy, but we've lived our whole life with it."

Rudd is expected to next appear at the Rolling Meadows Circuit Court for a Nov. 10 hearing, Grace said.

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Four men told police they were shot at Tuesday afternoon as they sat on a porch on Aurora's West Side.

The men were generally uncooperative with police, but said the shooter was on foot, was male and shot a single time at about 4:40 p.m. Tuesday at the group on the 1100 block of Grand Boulevard, police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said in an email.

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The home was damaged from a fired bullet, Ferrelli said. No injuries were reported. Police have no further information about the suspect's description.

The shooting does not appear to be random, Ferrelli said.

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Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call Aurora police investigators at 630-256-5500 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to any arrests.

People also can submit tips through the Aurora Police Department's free My PD mobile app.

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Twitter @hannahmleone
Karen Rivers Watch have blamed the Hat Gyi dam project in Karen State as igniting the latest armed clashes, which have seen thousands of local civilians displaced and fierce running gun battles.

Naw Hsa Moo, a spokeperson for the KRW told Karen News that many people unaware of the reason behind the recent conflict.

If you look at the map, you can see that the army offensives are about the Hatgyi dam. Theyre trying to use force to clear the area so the dam can begin. Were trying to warn people about this. If the Burmese people knew, they would not support it. But it seems like no one knows whats really going on in Karen State.

Villagers told Karen Rivers Watch that the Border Guard Force (BGF) and Burma Army told them to leave their villages near Hat Gyi Dam, Karen Rivers Watch said in a statement.

According to Karen National Liberation Army sources, there are strong indications that government forces are using the armed clashes to expand its territorial control around the Hat Gyi dam site.

In order to implement the plan for Hat Gyi Dam, the Burmese and BGF must have full control of the road and the surrounding areas, General Baw Kyaw Heh, the KNLAs second-in-command, said.

Karen Rivers Watch has expressed concerns over the Hat Gyi dam, warning that the China-Thai backed project will flood large areas and disrupt local livelihoods now dependent upon the free-flowing Salween River.

Construction has already led to considerable displacement for villagers. In September, more than 5,000 villagers living near the Hat Gyi dam site were forced from their homes.

Naw Hsa Moo said that with most of the electricity generated from the dam planned to be sold to neighbouring country, there is less likely that the dam will bring any benefit for local villagers.

If 90 percent of the electricity from the Hatgyi dam is sold to Thailand, it doesnt help the energy crisis in Burma. The dam will harm the people and environment of Karen State,and there will be only more fighting, more problems. Were not against development, were against destruction for no good reason.

The central governments claimed benefits of hydropower development will not reach the people of the Salween River basin, or even the people of Burma, Saw Tha Poe, coordinator for Karen Rivers Watch, said, The land and people of a democratic Burma should not have to suffer for the sake of a few big companies and shopping malls.

The leadership of the Karen National Union (KNU) which oversees the KNLA, have all agreed to oppose any large development projects in Karen State until a stable peace has been reached with the Burmese Government.
John Aman portrays Silas Gray during the Cemetery Walk in Montgomery. (Judy Pochel / The Beacon-News)

Jeanette Lee said she wanted to appreciate all that she has as she stood stoically near the gravestone of Ruth Livsey McClain before the Cemetery Walk in Montgomery.

Lee was preparing to play the part of McClain during the event held recently at Riverside Cemetery. During the Cemetery Walk, volunteers portray interesting people buried at Riverside.

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"I was thinking how fortunate we are to have a cemetery with so much history in it and we are able to have the walks to enlighten the people of Montgomery," she said.

McClain was born in 1908, the daughter of staunch Republican mayor John Livsey. She proclaimed herself a Democrat. Lee said history shows the woman was one to "feed every hobo that came to town."

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Due to a series of fateful events her husband was injured at work, but she made money for the family at a wallpaper company.

John Aman took on the persona of Civil War veteran Silas Gray, born in 1839. Until earlier this year the man was laid to rest in an unmarked grave at Riverside.

"It's interesting there are 57 Civil War soldiers and a Confederate soldier (in the cemetery)," he said.

Aman said "it's pretty historical to see what has happened in your community and how long your community has been here."

Aman has taken part in each of the Cemetery Walks held at Riverside, and said he looks forward to the events.

"I love to see the kids and it's great to have people come here who want to know who is buried in the cemetery," he said.

Jerad Chipman portrayed August Albright. Albright was known when he walked the streets of Montgomery simply as Gus.

Born in 1879, he was the eldest of eight children and he wrote of how his favorite time growing up as a child were the stories of his father.

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"He was the town crier in his small town located in the Black Forest area of Germany," Albright wrote.

His father came to America and lived with cousins in Wisconsin. He later moved to Chicago and then Aurora. His mother was a survivor of the Great Chicago Fire.

Doug Marecek portrayed Cyrus Cooney, born in 1867. He told a story of Montgomery's earliest days.

With this year's event over, members of the Historic Preservation Commission will begin soon working on next year's script, commission members said.

Judy Pochel is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
An 18-year-old Aurora man died after he shot himself following an exchange of gunfire with a police officer in Aurora in October 2016. (Hannah Leone/The Beacon-News)

The DuPage County coroner's office says results are pending for the autopsy performed Thursday on the Aurora man who police say shot himself in the head following a gunfire exchange with an Aurora police officer Tuesday.

The official cause of death for Anthony Martell, 18, is awaiting autopsy and toxicology results, according to a statement from Coroner Richard Jorgensen.

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Also undisclosed is the reason why an Aurora police officer stopped the car in which Martell was riding Tuesday night.

Martell was involved in a traffic stop at 8:41 p.m. Tuesday near North Avenue and South Fourth Street, said Illinois State Police spokesman Jason Bradley and Aurora Police Department spokesman Dan Ferrelli.

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Martell was the passenger in a 2003 Chevrolet Impala pulled over by an Aurora police officer in that area, according to police.

The reason for the traffic stop is under investigation, Bradley said in an email.

The officer involved is 37 years old, has been with the Aurora Police Department for nine years and is assigned to its community-oriented policing unit, according to Aurora police. The driver of the car that was pulled over is cooperating with the investigation, police said.

As the officer was talking with Martell, he ran away westbound on Fourth Street, and the officer ran after him, according to police.

During the chase, Martell allegedly turned and fired more than one shot at the officer, who returned fire, according to police.

Minutes later, responding officers found Martell apparently trying to get into a home on the 200 block of South LaSalle Street, according to police. When officers confronted Martell, he shot himself in the head with a handgun, according to the news release. Police also said they found a weapon at the scene.

Martell was airlifted to a suburban hospital, where he was pronounced dead about 9 a.m. Wednesday.

The initial officer's squad car was equipped with in-car video, and investigators are viewing that footage, Bradley said.

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Aurora police said they have initiated an internal investigation into the incident and placed the officer involved on modified duty.

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Developer David Karademas has his eyes on another project in downtown Aurora. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News)

David Karademas has his eye on his next downtown Aurora project.

The Wisconsin-based developer, who already has redeveloped the Leland Tower, the Graham Building, and the Elks Club building - which will reopen this week as The Mayan - is ready to move onto the Terminal Building.

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That building on the northwest corner of Galena Boulevard and Broadway is on one of downtown Aurora's cornerstone intersections.

Once the terminal and offices for the former Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Railroad  hence the building's name  it was also home for the Broadway Diner, which it was most recently until it closed some years ago.

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Karademas' plans for the building are a bit more upscale than that. He wants to put the Broadway Bistro and Wine Bar in the restaurant area where the diner once was. In the upper floors, he would develop 20 luxury apartments.

He said the idea would be that the restaurant and wine bar would particularly cater to patrons of the Paramount Arts Centre  dinner before the show, and the wine bar afterward.

Karademas' interest comes from the quick success he already has had in downtown Aurora. He said at a recent meeting between bankers and developers, Aurora "was the talk of the meeting."

"I had to twist arms to get a loan when I first came here," he said. "Now, after 2 years of rents going up, professionals moving in, buildings being full, restaurants opening  there's a Renaissance going on."

When Karademas first came to Aurora to buy Leland Tower and the Graham Building, he had a goal of controlling a total of 500 units before deciding how much more he would do here. He has raised that goal to 3,000 units.

With the Leland, Graham and the Mayan, he has 181 units, and the Terminal plan would bring that total to 201.

The Terminal plan would be a test of sorts. At the Leland, he tested what the market would be for rents there. He is testing that further at The Mayan, where rents will run up to $1,695 a month, roughly. At the Terminal, he would see if he could get rents as high as $1,995.

At that level, if the market for downtown Aurora will bear that, new construction becomes feasible, Karademas said.

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That would mean he could look at building new property along Aurora's downtown riverfront.

But putting any actual plan together for the Terminal building still is up in the air. The building is privately owned, and the owner and the city are in court, trying to adjudicate a number of liens the city has against the building for code violations.

Bill Wiet, the city's chief development officer, said the Terminal Building could become "the next Hobbs," referring to the historic building at Galena and River Street the city took control of, in return for satisfying all the liens the property owner had incurred there.

If the city ended up controlling the property, it could make a development deal with Karademas, similar to what it did with the Elk's Club building.

All that is premature right now.

"We are going to continue to enforce our building codes, just as we do with any building," Wiet said. "I don't know if there has been any determination, or what the building owner is going to do. This is just the next one."

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slord@tribpub.com
A woman has been charged with drug-induced homicide in her husband's heroin overdose death in Kane County.

Kane County sheriff's deputies found Richard Gregorie, 34, unconscious and not breathing in his home April 23 in the 46W500 block of Main Street in an unincorporated area of Kaneville Township. He was taken to Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, where he was later pronounced dead.

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Gregorie's official cause of death was heroin and fentanyl intoxication, said sheriff's spokesman Lt. Patrick Gengler.

Sheriff's deputies, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Oak Park Police Department started to investigate where Gregorie got the heroin. Based on their investigation, the Kane County state's attorney's office this week authorized single counts of drug-induced homicide, a class X felony, against Gregorie's wife, Catherine Smith, 29, of the 2000 block of Ottawa Avenue in Ottawa, and also against Aaron Moore, 28, of the 1800 block of North Mayfield Avenue, Chicago.

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Smith is also charged with causing a child to be endangered in the incident, Kane County records show.

Moore and Smith were taken into custody Wednesday without incident and transported to the Kane County Adult Justice Center. Smith was with Gregorie when he died but Moore was not, Gengler said in an email.

Bail for Smith has been set at $150,000. Her next court date is Nov. 3 in Kane County Court. Moore's bail has also been set at $150,000. His next court date in Kane County is Oct. 19.

Moore has been convicted in Cook County of drug charges before, records show. In 2007, he was convicted of possession of a controlled substance. In 2015, Moore was convicted of manufacture or delivery of 1 to 15 grams of heroin and sentenced to jail and probation, records show.

Smith in September pleaded guilty in Kane County to charges of possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to 30 days in county jail, records show. Smith's other previous convictions in Kane County include a 2014 retail theft for which she was sentenced to public service and probation.

Gregorie does not have a clean record either. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of an intoxicating compound and was sentenced to supervision, with required reporting back to court and participation on a victim impact panel, Kane County records show.

In 2012, he pleaded guilty to retail theft and was sentenced to supervision without reporting, records show.

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East Aurora School District 131 has dismissed its buildings and grounds director after he was placed on leave late last month.

According to a district personnel report, Alex DiMare was dismissed effective Monday. He had worked in the district since July 2015.

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District spokesman Tom Jackson declined to comment on the reason for DiMare's dismissal, saying it was a personnel matter and was not subject to public discussion. He had previously declined to elaborate on why DiMare was placed on leave for the same reason.

DiMare's dismissal comes as the district is in the midst of about $70 million worth of construction. Most of that is at East Aurora High School, but it also includes a new high school stadium and work at the district's middle schools.

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It also comes after months of administrative changes in East Aurora. Since February, at least eight administrative positions have seen changes including the former superintendent, who reached a severance agreement with the school board. Two interim superintendents took over leadership of the district at the beginning of July.

DiMare was placed on paid administrative leave Sept. 22.

When he was hired, he replaced Marty Feltes, who was fired after he spent months on unpaid medical leave and the school board denied a request to extend his leave.

Jackson said the department's urgent needs have been divided among other staff members and are "being cared for." He did not know of plans or a timeline to replace DiMare, and the buildings and grounds director's position has not been posted on the district's job website.

When asked if he was concerned about turnover in the department, Jackson said he wasn't.

"I think that the interim superintendents, if you look at it, they are doing what they need to do to put the right people in place to care for the district," he said.

Jackson said he did not have information about what the terms of DiMare's dismissal might be.

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The building where The Mayan is opening in downtown Aurora is on the National Register of Historic Places. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News)

Many people know the Mayans as the ancient civilization whose calendar supposedly ran out in 2012  for some, a portent of the end of the world.

But for The Mayan, the new name of the former Elks Club building at Stolp Avenue and Benton Street in downtown Aurora, the calendar is just beginning.

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The building has been reborn as a 29-unit apartment complex perhaps like few others. It's modern, yet historic, a mixture of old and new that is perhaps unique to the entire state, its developer said.

David Karademas has now redeveloped and upgraded three historic downtown Aurora buildings along Stolp Avenue, which he brands together as the Historic Stolp Island Apartments.

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Completely new kitchens are part of the apartments at The Mayan. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News)

"This is the finest apartment complex in Illinois, outside Chicago," Karademas said this week of The Mayan. When asked what authoritative source he might have to corroborate that, he said, simply, "prove me wrong."

Karademas can at least make the boast with a straight face because he knows there are few historic buildings at all like The Mayan, which takes its name from the bent-brick, Mayan facade and architecture style, and holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

"They don't have anything like this in Naperville," Karademas said.

His architect, Jim Vanderheyden, of Architectural Dynamics, of Batavia, backs him up.

"I haven't seen anything like this," he said. "You have to go Chicago to see something like this."

People can judge for themselves as The Mayan will have its coming out party with an open house during the First Fridays event, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday. It will be one of the many venues throughout the downtown, as is the custom for First Fridays.

A studio loft at The Mayan in downtown Aurora has space for a bedroom upstairs and a living area downstairs. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News)

In addition, there will be another open house right across Benton Street from The Mayan at what is now being called One East Benton Street.

The building is the former Aurora Public Library, which now is home for Support Companies, LLC. The high-tech company moved from its far East Side Aurora location to downtown Aurora and is open for business.

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At The Mayan, one of the key things visitors will note is that the units are a real mix of sizes and shapes.

There are four studio apartments, 15 one-bedrooms, five two-bedrooms with two baths, four loft units with 1 baths, and one loft with two baths.

Rental prices run from $895 to $995 a month for the studios; $1,045 to $1,325 for the one-bedrooms; $1,495 to $1,695 for the two bedrooms; and $1,495 to $1,595 for the lofts.

Karademas said 12 of the 29 units already are rented, even though his work crews are still working to finish the common areas.

Inside the units there are brand new appliances, showers and everything else. They all feature granite countertops and window sills, and stainless steel appliances. The common areas feature new floor tiles and many new lighting fixtures.

Each unit has its own heating and air conditioning units.

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"Everything is brand new," Karademas said. "We tore down to the outside brick."

Well, not quite everything is brand new. The building retains some of its signature plaster flourishes, and the renovators used original lighting fixtures where possible. One of the two bedroom, two baths even includes the fireplace that was part of one of the meeting rooms  a fixture that is considered a signature of the building, and has survived many reuses of the building since the Elks left.

One of the largest units at The Mayan, a two-bedroom, two bath, features a kitchen island opposite the signature fireplace in a former meeting room. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News)

The former ballroom includes two of the largest, featured units, which are lofts that run two stories, on the third and fourth floors. Window openings are the same as they were. Vanderheyden said the building's landmark status "necessitated the windows stay as faithful to the original as possible."

Karademas had the windows historically restored.

In showing people around the new spaces, Karademas, Vanderheyden and Jake Medearis, property manager for all three of the apartment buildings, stressed that the building itself still is the star of the production.

"The building designed itself," Vanderheyden said. "This was built so well, you couldn't ask for a better shell. We feel like we've given this building new life, for at least another 100 years."

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Or, as Karademas put it, "We didn't create the magic. We just brought it back."

slord@tribpub.com
A 33-year-old man from Sandwich has been sentenced to two years in prison after he pleaded guilty to threatening North Aurora police officers in August.

Eduardo Guajardo was charged following an incident Aug. 11 inside a medical office on Oak Street. Authorities said police were called after Guajardo got into an argument with another patient at the office. Once officers arrived, according to court documents, Guajardo identified himself as a gang member, challenged the officers to a fight and threatened to injure or kill two officers, telling one of them they would get what they "deserved." Some of the comments were made while Guajardo was being held at the North Aurora Police Department, according to reports.

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As part of an agreement with prosecutors last week, Guajardo pleaded guilty to one count of making a threat to a public official. Two other counts, including an aggravated assault charge, were dropped. He also received 50 days of credit toward his sentence for time he has spent in Kane County Jail since his arrest.

Guajardo had been paroled in October 2015 after serving less than a year in prison in connection to retail theft convictions in Kane and DuPage counties, according to Illinois Department of Corrections records. He is not eligible for parole until September 2017.

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Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
With so many recent reports of hacks, software theft, and cloud-based security breaches, this "physical world" espionage case seems all the more mysterious.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is trying to figure out who is stealing stuff from "a Fortune 500 company in Houston's energy corridor." The company's trying to stay anonymous. The man in these photos took several items (physical things!) from the company during non-business hours in 2015. Federal agencies are on the lookout for activity that might indicate attempts to hack America's energy grid, and while it's a long shot, the repeat thefts from this corporation seemed especially concerning.
The latest news  from decades past  seems to be the theme of this week's tabloids.

"Trump's Tax Returns Revealed" screams the 'National Enquirer' cover, promising that "Hillary's ugly smear campaign falls apart!" But The 'Enquirer' has only obtained the Republican presidential candidate's tax returns for 1975 to 1977, almost three decades out of date. To learn that he paid an average of $23,977 in federal taxes over those three years is scarcely relevant to the questions hanging over Trump today. But for the 'Enquirer,' that's good enough to exonerate Trump of any question of tax avoidance.

The "sinister plot" behind the famed meeting between President Richard Nixon and Elvis Presley a staggering 46 years ago is "revealed" by the 'Globe.' If they had bothered to read Nixon aide Egil 'Bud' Krough's 1994 book 'The Day Elvis Met Nixon,' however, they would have read the same story: that Elvis wanted the US government to condemn The Beatles. As Krough said: "Presley indicated that he thought the Beatles had been a real force for anti-American spirit." It's sweet to see a vaguely accurate story in the Globe for once, even if it's four decades late.

The 'Globe' continues digging into history by declaring (for the umpteenth time) that it has "proof" that Prince Charles "murdered Diana!" Having already decided that the Queen ordered Diana's body exhumed and demanded a new autopsy  demonstrably false  the publication now reports on details of the non-existent coroner's report, allegedly proving that Charles had his wife assassinated. Of course, Diana died back in August 1997, so that's a relatively recent story fas far as this week's tabloids are concerned.

The 'Globe' goes even further back for its story about Ethel Kennedy being "stabbed in the back" by her sister-in-law Jean Kennedy Smith (Bobby's wife), who penned a letter to Marilyn Monroe purportedly condoning the movie star's fling with RFK, saying: "Understand that you and Bobby are the new item!" The letter is among Monroe's personal correspondence being auctioned in Los Angeles next month, which would make it news, if not for the fact that this story appeared back in 1994 when the letter was previously auctioned. At that time Jean Kennedy Smith issued a statement: "The suggestion that the letter verifies an affair is utter nonsense. I am shocked that anyone would believe such innuendo about a letter obviously written in jest." No doubt Jean Kennedy Smith, now aged 88, would be equally horrified that the antique letter is being treated as a news item.

Just how ancient are the readers of the 'Globe'? The editors this week treat us to the story of Eleanor Roosevelt's "lesbian love" affair, which they claim is now "exposed!" How fresh is this revelation about the First Lady's relationship with White House correspondent Lorena 'Hick' Hickok which first blossomed in 1932? Well, back in 1978 more than 3,500 letters between the two women, detailing their intimate friendship, were revealed. But it goes back decades beyond that. Hickok maintained a bedroom in the White House next to the First Lady's bedroom for several years, and although the mainstream media would never report on such a liaison, it was an open secret in Washington D.C. that everyone knew about  except from 'The Globe.' All the news that's unfit to print, only 84 years late.

Jack Nicholson "couldn't handle the truth" about his own family  the fact that his 'older sister' June was actually his mother  reports the 'National Enquirer.' It's a great story, or at least it was when first reported by Time magazine in 1975. Only 41 years late, guys  quite an improvement.

'People' and 'Us' magazines both dutifully devote their covers to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's marital split, with 'People' promising "Family Secrets," and 'Us" offering a glimpse "Inside Brad's Shattered World." It's all depressingly voyeuristic celebrity train-wreck reportage, sourced by unidentified "insiders," "pals" and "friends" of the couple. Kim Kardashian's "night of terror," when she was "robbed at gunpoint" in Paris, also merits masturbatory indulgence from the reality TV-obsessed mags.

Fortunately we have 'Us' magazine's crack team of investigative reporters to tell us that George Clooney's wife Amal wore it best, that Green Day rocker Billie Joe Armstrong "once thought I won the lottery, but I misread the scratcher," that reality TV's Monica Potter (Who she, Ed?) carries B12 hypodermic shots, Sea Buckthorn balm, and facial oil in her Henri Bendel tote, and that the stars are just like us: they drink, surf, and take pies to church events.

But for real news you can use, the 'National Examiner' reports that "The number 9 . . . figures into your year ahead in amazing ways!" Explains respected numerologist (and star of TV's 'Empire') Terrence Howard: "All nature moves with the number 9. So every ninth year, something amazing happens." Perhaps after nine years we'll actually see a new story in the tabloids?

Onwards and downwards . . .


After leading the Brexit campaign, UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage walked away from the mess and left a leadership void in the party that MEP Steven Woolfe was tipped to fill.



Yesterday, Mr Woolfe called a meeting with his Parliamentary colleagues, at the European Parliament, to "clear the air" between them. Shortly after leaving the meeting, he collapsed and was hospitalised, where he was listed in "serious condition."

As to what happened in between, well, it's hard to say, though if you're familiar with decoding the utterances of a UK press tamed by centuries of overbroad libel-law (and, in the case of the BBC, outraged cries of bias whenever reporting on the goings-on with the right wing parties), a picture starts to emerge.

Here's the BBC: "UKIP MEP Roger Helmer told the BBC the incident followed 'some lively exchanges'."

What's a "lively exchange"?

Here's the Telegraph, in a story bylined by five writers, suggesting a lot of fact-checking and, possibly, blame-sharing: "party insiders told The Telegraph that Mr Woolfe was punched by a Ukip colleague following an altercation."

The Telegraph (who brief so hard for Ukip's archrivals in the Conservative Party that the paper is nicknamed "The Torygraph") goes on to say, "After voting Mr Woolfe collapsed on a bridge and was rushed to a hospital after losing the 'feeling' down one side of his body." All other issues aside, those are some weird quotes around "feeling," huh?

The Telegraph piece goes on to quote a lot of Ukip big beasts and anonymous sources who blame Farage for breeding a party where abuse is the norm. Remember, this is the party that a David Cameron aide once described as the home of Britain's swivel-eyed loons.

In a statement Steven Woolfe said: The CT scan has shown that there is no blood clot in the brain. I am feeling brighter, happier and smiling as ever. I am sitting up and said to look well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face. I am being kept in overnight awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything is fine.

Ukip leadership favourite Steven Woolfe is 'sitting up and feeling brighter' after being 'punched by colleague' [Laura Hughes, Asa Bennett, Christopher Hope, Steven Swinford and David Chazan/Telegraph]





UKIP's Steven Woolfe in hospital 'after altercation'

[BBC]





(Image: UKIP's Steven Woolfe MEP, University of Salford Press, CC-BY)
Gary public school officials pleaded with the Common Council for help in getting voters to support a referendum in the Nov. 8 election that they say is necessary to provide the school system with needed funds.

Those officials say they want council members to conduct hearings within their respective districts, at which time they would urge residents to cast votes in favor of the referendum.

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Two council members, Michael Protho, D-2nd, and Linda Barnes-Caldwell, D-5th, have already hosted sessions, while several other council members said they plan to have hearings during the next two weeks.

Common Council President Ronald Brewer said he supports the referendum, even though initially he was skeptical that it was nothing but a potential for tax increases on people.

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"I didn't feel the significance of the referendum at first," Brewer said. "I really didn't understand the importance of it until people sat down and discussed this with me."

He said similar discussions are needed to sway Gary residents, many of whom may feel they already are overtaxed.

Councilwoman Mary Brown, D-3rd, expressed a similar view, saying she originally could not argue in favor of the issue. "I couldn't offer an intelligent discussion because I didn't have any information," she said.

Council members heard arguments Tuesday from retiring state Sen. Earline Rogers, D-Gary, along with Gary Community School Corp. President Antuwan Clemons and Superintendent Cheryl Pruitt, school board member Nellie Moore and Gary Teachers Union President Gleneva Dunham.

Moore cited cuts in Gary school funding during the past decade that she attributes to the implementation of property tax caps in Indiana. In particular, she said Gary school funding dropped from $111 million for the 2011-12 school year to $80 million the following year.

She said the combination of tax caps, which limit the size of a tax increase in any given year without voter approval, and the declining size of Gary's population causes "a challenge for us to live within the budget we get."

An attempt at a similar referendum in 2015 failed.

Dunham said Gary teachers have not seen pay raises in at least a decade, which hurts the district's ability to attract new teachers. She said the district survives largely because of the dedication of its faculty  many of whom are lifelong Gary residents who want to live and work in the city.

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"We need to attract the best, and the brightest, for our schools," Dunham said. "As I often say, so go our schools, so goes our city."

Pruitt argued that additional funds for Gary's school system ought not to be thought of as wasted funds. She said the graduation rate for Gary high school students is on the rise and is now higher than the high schools in Hammond and East Chicago.

She said the rate rose from 51.4 percent for the 2006-07 academic year to 85.7 percent for 2014-15. Of that 34.3 percent raise, 21.8 percent came during the past four years.

Rogers said she has heard the political talk of dissolving Gary public schools to combine them with another school corporation, a move that she says frightens her.

It also is one that Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson opposes. In a letter dated Tuesday in which she calls on Gary residents to support a referendum, the mayor writes, "I reject dissolution because it would undermine our efforts to rebuild our community."

Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Democratic candidate for governor John Gregg listens to supporters on Wednesday during a rally in Portage. (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune)

After a few jokes were made about Sandborn, hometown of John Gregg, the Democratic candidate for governor, he took to the stage and looked out at the large crowd gathered at a Portage banquet hall.

"It's great to be here," he said. "There are at least three times as many people in this hall here as there are in my hometown."

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More than 1,000 people -- more than twice the population of Sandborn -- came to Duneland Falls Banquet Center Wednesday night to hear Gregg and his running mate for lieutenant governor, Christina Hale.

The fundraiser was put on by Porter County Sheriff David Reynolds, Lake County Sheriff John Buncich and St. Joseph County Sheriff Mike Grzegorek, and drew elected officials from throughout the area, as well as union workers, law enforcement and teachers.

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Gregg talked about meeting Democrat Evan Bayh, former Indiana governor and senator who is seeking his old senate seat, in class his junior year at Indiana University, and about Bayh's race against Republican Todd Young.

"He has been attacked. He has been attacked unfairly," Gregg said, calling Bayh, who served as governor from 1989 to 1997, a "great governor." "He brought us back after years in the wilderness."

Bayh's wife, Susan, appeared at the event on his behalf, and said her husband was running to represent all of the people there, which hasn't been easy as he has been the target of what she called "mountains" of negative ads.

"It's not working," she said. "Our race is the easy race. It's the race of contrasts."

Bayh faces Rep. Todd Young, R-9th, in the battle for the state's second Senate seat.

The state, she said, is hungry for progress, and Evan Bayh is willing to work with anybody to get the job done. If he succeeds with Gregg and Hale, it will be the first time in a long time the state will have two Democratic senators as well as a Democratic governor and lieutenant governor.

"It's been since 1968 that we've had a Democratic governor and two Democratic senators. That's a long time in the wilderness," she said.

Hale, a Michigan City native and Indianapolis state representative finishing her second term, called herself "a proud girl of the region" and touted Gregg's principle and vision.

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"John Gregg is the most prepared, hard-working, smartest candidate I've ever met in my life," she said. "He has a razor sharp mind and razor sharp focus."

Gregg, a former speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives making his second bid for governor, pledged that the day he and Hale get elected is the day the war on organized labor and the middle class ends, as well as the disrespect for education that includes teaching to take tests.

"We take politics out of education and make it about teaching the students," said Greg, who faces Republican Eric Holcomb, the state's lieutenant governor, in November. Holcomb's running mate is Suzanne Crouch, the state auditor.

Gregg said his campaign was about roads and bridges and rail lines, about the South Shore being double tracked, about quality of life issues and the war on drugs.

Greg said he and Hale have a slight edge in the polls but need to get every Democrat out to vote, as well as independents and "good, moderate Republicans" who care about working men and women.

"Reach out and talk to them because we can win this, but we can't let up till 7:01 my time and 6:01 your time" on election night, he said, adding he had two promises for voters.

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"I will never embarrass you or our state," he said, adding, "when we win, we've got 60 days to put together a government and you will see me in the region during those 60 days, listening and talking to the citizens of Northwest Indiana."

Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Jim Daly, a veteran of WWII, is welcomed home by friends and family as veterans returned to Midway Airport after taking an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. (Mark Davis / Post-Tribune)

Thelma Finney was all smiles as she was pushed in her wheelchair through the gauntlet of cheering friends and strangers welcoming her back from her trip to Washington, D.C., aboard the Honor Flight.

Flower bouquets began stacking up on the Hobart woman's lap as people shook her hand and the hands of the 107 other veterans who were part of the 75th Honor Flight that landed Wednesday night at Midway International Airport as they made their way past the cheering crowd.

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"It's overwhelming," she said.

Finney, who celebrates her 93rd birthday Saturday, was a member of the Army Nurse Corps in World War II. She said everything about the trip was "absolutely amazing." She described visiting the various memorials as a moving experience, especially the memorial dedicated the nurses of war.

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"I cried at half of them," she said. Finley was equally moved by the reception at Midway. "I had no idea."

Finney was one of two women of the 107 World War II and Korean War veterans aboard the seventh Honor Flight trip of the year and the 75th Honor Flight trip since the program started, Len Sherwinski, Honor Flight coordinator said.

Thousands of people, many dressed in patriotic colors, packed the baggage claim concourse at Midway where they waited to welcome the veterans home. Some carried signs welcoming their loved one, others carried signs that simply thanked all veterans for their service and bravery.

A band played patriotic music in the background while Boy Scouts took an occasional walk through the gauntlet carrying signs encouraging a receptive crowd to cheer and keeping the energy high.

"It's nice to see all this patriotism," Fred Meier of Munster said, adding "When was the last time you've seen so many American flags?"

Meier was with his wife Lynn and her sister, Vicki Best, also of Munster, who were waiting to welcome their father, Richard Nowacki of Munster, home.

"We are all so excited," Lynn Meier said.

"He's been looking forward to this for a year," Fred Meier said.

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The group said it was an honor to be part of the welcome home reception to say thank you to all of the returning veterans.

"They served our country. This is going to make my dad so proud," Lynn Meier said.

Jean Paluga and Barbara Wagner, both of Highland, were part of a group of about 15 people Prompt Ambulance Service brought to the welcome home reception. Ron Donahue, vice president with Prompt, said the company invited some of the sponsors and contributors to its annual Taste of Care fundraiser to see first-hand the impact the funds have on local veterans.

Taste of Care is an annual cooking competition featuring the chefs from the region's hospitals, assisted living facilities and other service agencies.

Donahue said the company wanted to give volunteers and participants in Taste of Care a chance to experience the homecoming.

"Everybody works so hard. We want them to see for themselves what it means to these veterans," Donahue said.

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This year Prompt raised more than $5,000 for Honor Flight Chicago, enough to send roughly five veterans on the trip.

"This is amazing," Wagner said.

"I'm tired of the word, but it is awesome," Paluga added.

Both women have military ties. Wagner's husband was a World War II veteran, who was wounded in France, Paluga has three brothers who served. Both women said they have visited the memorials in Washington, D.C., but had not experienced the arrival of an Honor Flight.

"To see all these people here brings tears to my eyes," Wagner said.

"It's heartwarming, absolutely heartwarming. It's so patriotic," Paluga said.

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Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

Hoosiers on flight roster

Indiana veterans on the 75th Honor Flight include World War II veterans Bill (Americo) Borgetti, 89, of Hammond; Thelma Finney, 92; John C. Meehan, 92; and Doc (Edward) Zalen, 93, all of Hobart.

Korean War veterans include Donald E. Long, 83, of Crown Point; Rudy (Rudolph) Garcia, 81, of Highland; William A. Del Magorie, 87, of LaPorte; John L. Black, 87, of Lowell; Thomas (T.J.) Miller, 84, of Michigan City; Richard V. Nowacki, 84, of Munster; Jerome P. Gindl, 87, of Schererville; William G. Masters, 84, of Valparaiso; and Jesse R. (Popeye) Stamper, 85 of Winamac.
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky answers questions on the economy, education and gun violence during an Oct. 4 forum hosted by the Wilmette League of Women Voters at Wilmette Junior High School. Students quizzed Schakowsky and opponent Joan McCarthy Lasonde at the event. (Kevin Tanaka / Pioneer Press)

On a night when political junkies watched America's vice-presidential candidates try to talk over each other on national television, Wilmette Junior High School students watched two congressional candidates calmly and thoughtfully answer policy questions on national security, transportation infrastructure, racial tensions and congressional bipartisanship without trading a single insult.

For one hour on Tuesday, Democratic U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Evanston and Wilmette resident Joan McCarthy Lasonde, Schakowsky's Republican opponent in the 9th Congressional District race, fielded well over a dozen queries from 10 seventh grade students on multiple issues:

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 Were the candidates in favor of bringing more Syrian refugees to the U.S.? (Schakowsky said yes, Lasonde, saying "charity begins at home," said no.)

 Since both candidates say they want to protect children, who should get the electoral nod? (Lasonde said that "government has failed children," while Schakowsky said, "I have worked all my years in Congress to protect children and said there should be bipartisan support for feeding hungry children via federal food programs.")

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 How would each candidate support national parks? (Both lauded the U.S. national parks system, with Lasonde stressing her support for a clean environment, and Schakowsky noting the 100th anniversary of the parks system.)

 How would candidates balance the needs expressed by the Black Lives Matter movement with respecting police? (Shakowsky said making community police forces look more like their communities could foster mutual respect; Lasonde, saying all lives mattered, pleaded for a divided country to come together, and for Congress to lead by example.)

 What were the candidates' views on jobs? (Lasonde decried what she said was an 8.7 percent unemployment rate in the 9th District, and said the private sector creates jobs, not the government. Schakowsky disagreed, saying the government can help create jobs by programs such as road and bridge building.)

At the end of the night, hosted by the Wilmette League of Women voters with the cooperation of Wilmette Public Schools District 36, both Lasonde and Schakowsky praised their interrogators, and the small crowd of junior high students, teachers, and family in attendance.

"Thank you. Ms. Schakowsky and I are proud of you," Lasonde said.

"I think your questions were great," Schakowsky said.

Melanie Uteg, a seventh grade social studies teacher at WJHS, said students compiled dozens of questions in the two weeks between the time the Wilmette League contacted the school and the night of the forum.

Uteg said she was pleased with the caliber of queries from students, some of them in eighth grade, but most in seventh grade  the year in which they learn about the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court decisions on constitutional matters, and do comparisons of world governments.

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"I thought it was cool the way students really focused on issues," she said.

Gail Thomason, co-president of the Wilmette League, said the League did very little editing of the questions chosen for the night's discussion.

"We tried to preserve the students' voice  I think they asked good questions that I'm hoping will highlight differences between the candidates," Thomason said.

Some of those clearly piqued Schakowsky and Lasonde, as when Jordan Kim asked, "Why do so many people say they support doing things for the middle class? Why not poor people?"

"I think the idea that we want a more robust middle class means that we want to see more people who want to become middle class be able to get there," Schakowsky replied.

Lasonde, responding to the same question, introduced her young listeners to the concept of the earned income tax credit as a way to help poor Americans improve their financial picture, before saying, "I support policies that lift people out of poverty, rather than adding more people to the rolls of entitlement programs."

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Asked whether they would consider changing goals depending on who was elected president, Lasonde said, "I'm bi-partisan. I can work with anyone," before saying, "60 to 70 percent of people in this election will be voting not for a candidate but against one."

Schakowsky called the election one that would change the country, saying, without naming any candidate, "I don't want someone as president who mocks disability, who name calls, who says bad things about women and their bodies."

After the forum, some of the students who questioned Schakowksy and Lasonde gave them high marks for their performances.

"They answered our questions in a way that we could understand," Sydney VanDeVelde said. "I think they took us seriously."

Aidan Crawford was surprised by one thing he observed about the candidates that evening: "They actually agreed on a lot more issues than I thought they would."

The Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview-Glencoe, and Winnetka-Northfield-Kenilworth Leagues will host Lasonde and Schakowsky at another forum at 10 a.m. Oct. 15 at Wilmette Village Hall, Thomason said. That forum will also include 18th Illinois House District candidates Robyn Gabel and Jessica Tucker, she said.

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kroutliffe@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @pioneer_kathy
Starbucks Coffee Co, the global leader in coffee chain stores, launched its Teavana brand in China on Tuesday to strengthen its tea offerings in the nation, with its strong tea-drinking culture.

Starbucks Coffee Co, the global leader in coffee chain stores, launched its Teavana brand in China on Tuesday to strengthen its tea offerings in the nation, with its strong tea-drinking culture.

In its debut, Starbucks Teavana will bring two new shaken iced tea beverages that were created specifically for the Chinese customer.

Starbucks operates about 300 Teavana branded stores in the United States and Canada, but there is no plan to expand them in China.

Belinda Wong, president of Starbucks China, said: "As we continue to deepen the reach of the Starbucks brand in China, our customers are increasingly asking us for new and different ways to experience tea. Just as we've done for coffee, Teavana is tea reimagined by Starbucks."

The two new Teavana shaken iced teas join the existing popular core tea beverages and the current whole-leaf tea sachets, which have been in Starbucks' stores for many years. They will become part of the Starbucks Teavana portfolio across all its more than 2200 stores in China.

"The launch of Starbucks Teavana in China and the Asia Pacific region brings an entirely new and modern tea experience specifically developed for our customers, who increasingly want new and different tastes and experiences," said John Culver, group president of Starbucks Global Retail.

Tea is a $125 billion global category and is the second most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. The launch of StarbucksTeavana is the first time Starbucks has launched a brand on this scale since 2008 with the launch of Starbucks VIA Ready Brew, and represents an important growth opportunity for the business, according to the company.

In 2015, Starbucks' tea business in the United States grew by 12 percent, with all tea categories posting strong growth, led by iced tea at 29 percent. Building on this and the success of Teavana to date in other parts of the world, Starbucks aims to increase its global tea business to $3 billion over the next five years.

Starbucks acquired Teavana Holdings, Inc. in December 2012 and Teavana products will be available in stores across all its markets in China and the Asia Pacific region.

China's specialist coffee shops are increasing rapidly and are forecast by Euromonitor International to rise from 16,692 thousand in 2015 to 33,359 thousand in 2020. Coffee players are eyeing the growth potential in China, although there has not yet been any significant shift from tea to coffee beverages in this market.

"The key to marketing messages is to try and convince consumers that coffee players are here to add to the diversity of drinks, rather than asking the Chinese to replace tea with coffee," according to Euromonitor.

Last year, Liao Weijia, the daughter of China's so-called "Hotpot Queen", vowed to expand her chic teahouse chain NenLyuTea (meaning tender green tea) to 100 stores in three years with more than 100 million yuan ($15.6 million) in funding from Domking Holdings Ltd. Zhang Zetian, the newly wed wife of JD.com CEO Liu Qiangdong, is the main shareholder of Domking.
 Flash

Ethiopia and Djibouti on Wednesday launched Africa's first modern electrified railway connecting their capitals, with officials hailing the Chinese-built rail as the latest testament to the Sino-African friendship.

The 752.7-km Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, also known as Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, was inaugurated in the Ethiopian capital in a grand ceremony.

The railway has a designed hourly speed of 120 kilometers. It was constructed by China Railway Group and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation with a total investment of 4 billion U.S. dollars.

It is expected to reduce travel time from seven days on roads to about 10 hours and provide landlocked Ethiopia with a faster access to the port. There have been high expectations on the railway to boost industrialization along its route.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, said the project, in which the Chinese companies have showed their technical capability, would boost trade and economic ties between Ethiopia and Djibouti.

The Prime Minister has commended the Chinese government and its people for the cooperation and the support extended to the success of the project.

Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, said the project goes beyond railway, and shows the ability of working together to overcome challenges and build good infrastructure on the African continent.

"Too often, we hear that Africa must bridge the gap in infrastructure, and too often, we are told why it can not be done," the president said.

However, Guelleh said China, as a partner in the railway project and many others, "has stood by us and has been instrumental in the infrastructural transformation of Africa."

The railway is the first built using complete sets of Chinese equipment and standards outside China. It is also the second trans-national railway built by Chinese in Africa, following the Tazara railway, which was built in the 1970s linking Tanzania's Dar es Salaam with Zambia's Kapiri Mposhi.

Xu Shaoshi, head of China's top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission, also gave a speech during the ceremony in the capacity of Chinese President Xi Jinping's envoy.

Xu hailed the railway as a crystal of friendship between peoples of the three countries and "a railway of Sino-African friendship in the 21st century." The railway will also boost economic and social development along the route, and promote transfer of resources, commodities and people in the region, he said.

The envoy called for the three countries to closely cooperate in the railway's management and in the training of local railway personnel; to promote establishment of industrial parks and develop labor-intensive, resource-intensive and export-oriented industries along the route; and to strengthen infrastructure building and financial cooperation in order to provide stronger momentum for future development of Ethiopia and Djibouti.

After the ceremony, hundreds of officials and members of the public were invited to take a short ride on the train.

Amanuel Fesseha, a city official of Dire Dawa, an Ethiopian city along the line, was among the first group of passengers.

Fesseha said people in his city welcomed the opening of the railway, which will cut travel time and bring more jobs. "Lives of Dire Dawa people have been highly associated with the railway since its construction began," he told Xinhua.
 Flash

China and Georgia on Wednesday substantially concluded their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, with a landmark memorandum of understanding signed in Tbilisi.

Chinese Commerce Minster Gao Hucheng (2nd L, front) and Georgian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Dimitry Kumsishvili (2nd R, front) sign on the memorandum of understanding in Tbilisi, Georgia, Oct. 5, 2016. China and Georgia on Wednesday substantially concluded their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, with a landmark memorandum of understanding signed in Tbilisi.

The memo was signed by visiting Chinese Commerce Minster Gao Hucheng, Georgian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Dimitry Kumsishvili.

The signing of the FTA deal will further consolidate and boost bilateral trade relations between China and Georgia and benefit the peoples of the two countries, Gao said after signing of the memo.

After the implementation of the FTA agreement, Chinese enterprises and consumers will have greater access to high quality products like wine and fruits from Georgia, while Georgians will benefit from cheaper China-made industrial products, Gao said.

"The substantial ending of the FTA talks will provide a better opportunity for the Georgian products ... to enter the vast Chinese market with competitive prices, which will greatly promote the export of our country and benefit the economic development of Georgia," Kumsishvili told a press conference after the signing ceremony.

Kumsishvili hailed the FTA deal between Georgia and China as "historic", saying China has become the fourth largest trading partner of Georgia, which will attach great importance to developing ties with China in the future.

The FTA agreement between Georgia and China will enter into effect upon ratification by the two countries.

China and Georgia launched their bilateral FTA talks in December 2015.
News / Local

by Thobekile Zhou

President Robert Mugabe burst into uncontrollably laughter in parliament while asking officials if he was handed the correct speech to read.In a delayed ZBC broadcast of the opening of parliament today, Mugabe was seen laughing, holding a bunch of papers in between saying 'is this the right speech".In September last year, Mugabe (92) delivered a wrong speech at the opening of a new session of parliament, repeating an address he gave to the legislature in August.Mugabe read the 25-minute-long speech through apparently unaware that he was delivering the same text he presented during his state of the nation address.
The son of one of Beijing's most renowned portrait photographers sheds light on the industry's past.

China Photo Studio on Wangfujing Boulevard in Beijing in September 2016. Founded in 1937, the company is one of China's oldest photo studios. Zou Hong/China Daily

"If it wasn't for the China Photo Studio, I wouldn't have been born in Beijing," said Yao Jianzhong, 55. In 1956, Yao Jianzhong's late father, Yao Jingcai, a renowned portrait photographer in Shanghai, boarded a train bound for the Chinese capital, together with his beloved camera - don't think of a handheld single-lens reflex, think of a wheeled bulk of a camera that requires the insertion of a silver plate and weighs about 80 kilograms.

"My father wasn't alone, he was with 18 other people who together made up the entire staff of China Photo Studio," Yao said.

Throughout the 1950s, the central government was concerned with the revitalization of Beijing's economy. "Somewhere between the discussions, I suppose, the idea of introducing old brand names from across the country to the capital was proposed," Yao continued. "In the spring of 1956, several old Shanghai brands were 'brought' to Beijing, in a way that would be hard to imagine today."

In addition to China Photo Studio, founded in 1937, there was one restaurant, one laundry shop and four barber shops.

"They were all on the same train, with their belongings, heading for a strange city they would call home. For many, it was the first time in their life they'd left Shanghai," said Yao. "People say that a photo studio is a place to record stories in images, but there's no story about this institution that's more compelling than the one experienced by our forefathers - men who made it in Beijing after having made it in Shanghai."

"Institution" is the right word, according to Gao Liqi, who joined the studio in 1978. "From day one in Beijing, China Photo Studio set a standard for the trade," he said. That's a standard befitting the location of the studio's headquarters on the Wangfujing Boulevard, which was THE shopping street of Beijing at a time when all businesses in China were State-owned.

Childhood memories

"Within the first few months of the studio's arrival in Beijing, we were flooded by customers as well as people from various local studios who were curious about what we had in the store," Gao said.

Yao was born in Beijing in 1961. By that time, his entire family, including his parents, his four Shanghai-born siblings and his maternal grandma, had all moved to Beijing. The crowded family eventually relocated to a big courtyard, together with a couple of other families from Shanghai.

His childhood memories are untainted by any of the homesickness felt by his parents. "I loved to go to the photo studio and play with the little wooden horse I couldn't find anywhere else," he said. "There were two main characters in my earliest memory of a photo-taking session - one moving the giant camera forward and backward while the other held the flash bulb."

That giant camera he described sits today in a place of honor in the studio's ground-floor lobby, shaded by red velvet cloth worthy of a crown. "My father mainly used this camera. And it was with this camera that he took pictures of Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai, iconic images that define the leaders in many minds," said Yao.

China Photo Studio, which became famous in swinging Shanghai in the 1930s by giving away black-and-white photos of reigning movie actresses to potential clients, consolidated its position in the industry in New China by taking pictures of political stars.

Back in Shanghai, although a strong anti-bourgeoisie mood had dominated society for several decades after 1949, a deeply-rooted fashion tradition still had its subtle influence in this "Pearl of the Orient". Shanghai New People Photography, founded by a Russian in the 1940s before its ownership was passed on to a man named Gu Yunming, was the place foreign consulate staff and local celebrities went for half-length portraits in the 1950s.

In a nod to platinum Shanghai, photographers from the studio were invited to record the wedding of the daughter of Rong Yiren, a powerful businessman and financier who later joined the government and became the vice-president of the People's Republic of China.

Fast-forward to the early 1980s, when China's political and economic reform and opening-up brought changes to all aspects of people's lives. A telltale sign was the twice-yearly changes of display windows by Shanghai New People Photography, one of the city's oldest - and today it's only - State-owned photo studio.

Zhang Jianjun is the studio's deputy general manager.

"Those window changes were big events. People came from all over the city to see the new photos of celebrities, trying to envision what the latest trends in fashion, hairstyle and makeup would look like for themselves," he said. "Even ordinary people were willing to spend half their monthly salary on a photo shoot here. And studio sessions could constitute a valuable wedding gift."

Talking about weddings, it seemed that the people in Beijing are no less enthusiastic about having their memorable moment sanctified on film by a time-honored photo studio. A wedding package usually consisted of five pictures, costing about 100 yuan ($15), at least two months' salary for an average wage-earner.

"You think it's outrageous? But people lined up at the front door, sometimes for four hours during weekends and holidays, just to appear in a wedding gown in our refurbished studio that featured such novelties as Western-style spiral staircases, vineyards and Roman columns," said Gao, referring to newly introduced props that caused a sensation among clients bored with spartan settings.
Pedestrians walk past a Starbucks Corp store in the Luohu district of Shenzhen. [Photo/Bloomberg]

Starbucks Coffee Co, the global leader in coffee chain stores, launched its Teavana brand in China on Tuesday to strengthen its tea offerings in the nation, with its strong tea-drinking culture.

In its debut, Starbucks Teavana will bring two new shaken iced tea beverages that were created specifically for the Chinese customer.

Starbucks operates about 300 Teavana branded stores in the United States and Canada, but there is no plan to expand them in China.

Belinda Wong, president of Starbucks China, said: "As we continue to deepen the reach of the Starbucks brand in China, our customers are increasingly asking us for new and different ways to experience tea. Just as we've done for coffee, Teavana is tea reimagined by Starbucks."

The two new Teavana shaken iced teas join the existing popular core tea beverages and the current whole-leaf tea sachets, which have been in Starbucks' stores for many years. They will become part of the Starbucks Teavana portfolio across all its more than 2200 stores in China.

"The launch of Starbucks Teavana in China and the Asia Pacific region brings an entirely new and modern tea experience specifically developed for our customers, who increasingly want new and different tastes and experiences," said John Culver, group president of Starbucks Global Retail.

Tea is a $125 billion global category and is the second most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. The launch of StarbucksTeavana is the first time Starbucks has launched a brand on this scale since 2008 with the launch of Starbucks VIA Ready Brew, and represents an important growth opportunity for the business, according to the company.

In 2015, Starbucks' tea business in the United States grew by 12 percent, with all tea categories posting strong growth, led by iced tea at 29 percent. Building on this and the success of Teavana to date in other parts of the world, Starbucks aims to increase its global tea business to $3 billion over the next five years.

Starbucks acquired Teavana Holdings, Inc. in December 2012 and Teavana products will be available in stores across all its markets in China and the Asia Pacific region.

China's specialist coffee shops are increasing rapidly and are forecast by Euromonitor International to rise from 16,692 thousand in 2015 to 33,359 thousand in 2020. Coffee players are eyeing the growth potential in China, although there has not yet been any significant shift from tea to coffee beverages in this market.

"The key to marketing messages is to try and convince consumers that coffee players are here to add to the diversity of drinks, rather than asking the Chinese to replace tea with coffee," according to Euromonitor.

Last year, Liao Weijia, the daughter of China's so-called "Hotpot Queen", vowed to expand her chic teahouse chain NenLyuTea (meaning tender green tea) to 100 stores in three years with more than 100 million yuan ($15.6 million) in funding from Domking Holdings Ltd. Zhang Zetian, the newly wed wife of JD.com CEO Liu Qiangdong, is the main shareholder of Domking.
The newly opened Hamleys in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, gives children a hands-on experience. [Photo by Wang Luxian/For China Daily]

For decades, Hamleys, on London's Regent Street, did battle with FAO Schwarz, based on New York's Fifth Avenue, for the title of world's most prestigious toy store.

Now, just a little more than a year after FAO Schwarz closed its doors for good, a victim of soaring rents, Hamleys has gained a new lease on life under Chinese ownershipthe opening of a massive new superstore in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, timed to coincide with China's National Day holiday, which began on Saturday.

Plans were also announced for more than 100 new stores throughout China in cities including Beijing and Shanghai.

The Nanjing store maintains the same standard for toys found in the Regent Street flagship. Shoppers can visit four floors spread over 7,000 square meters at the Xinjiekou Sanpower Plaza, a veritable fairy-tale kingdom.

Hamleys CEO Gudjohn Reynisson, clutching one of Hamleys' iconic teddy bears, said at the Nanjing opening: "We have been preparing to enter the Chinese market for the past 256 years in London."

Analysts made it clear that Hamleys was also looking to cash in on the latest shift in the Chinese family planning policyallowing two children.

Toy imports into China surged 38.27 percent in 2015, according to Xinhua News Agency, citing the General Administration of Customs.

"With the increased consumption level, the role of Chinese children in toy selection becomes critical," Zhou Qin, a professor at Southeast University Industrial Economics Research Center, told Xinhua.

Hong Kong-listed retailer C Banner International Holdings acquired Hamleys in October last year from France's Ludendo Groupe, which had owned it for two years. C Banner is a strategic partner of Sanpower, which has a major stake in House of Fraser, a British department store chain.

C Banner paid 100 million pounds ($127.5 million) in cash for the iconic British toy store, which has been trading for 256 years.

Analysts say the key to Hamleys' continuing success has been its ability to maintain a powerful brand over the years. Traditional products such as teddy bears, toy trains and model cars are still on the shelves, while at the same time the retailer hasn't lost sight of the growing appetite among consumers for more up-to-date electronic and digital items.

"My parents took me to Hamleys. I took my children. And now they are taking their children," said Richard Page, a father of two from Greenwich in Southeast London.

"The key thing is that there's always a slightly wonderful atmosphere which kids love. It's a treat for them, but there's continuity, too. The model electric trains that I remember as a kid are still there."

Hamleys traces its roots back to 1760, when William Hamley founded a toy store in London's High Holborn. The shop moved to its Regent Street site in the heart of London's West End shopping district in 1881.

Hamleys' attraction for generations of parents and children in London has been the hands-on aspect of the shop, with kids allowed to try toys and handle them.

Dai Tian and Xue Bai in London contributed to this story
COLOMBO - Sri Lanka on Wednesday said it is happy with the progress in its economic ties with China.

State Minister of International Trade Sujeewa Senasinghe told Parliament that China is investing heavily on projects in the country.

He said that some discrepancies which had been noted by the Sri Lankan government after it took office last year over deals signed with China have now been resolved.

Senasinghe said that China will be investing in an investment zone in the south of the country and in projects in other parts of the country as well.

He said that Sri Lanka will work with China in a manner which benefits both countries.

Senasinghe said Sri Lanka is working with several countries as it looks to boost its economy and develop the country.
SYDNEY - Diversified Chinese conglomerate New Hope Group Co Ltd's Australian expansion has taken another step, opening its Australian headquarters in Sydney on Thursday, eyeing further agribusiness acquisitions and an expansion of its fledgling real estate developments.

"I would like to think the next six to twelve months there will be plenty of opportunities for us, and we'll certainly be actively participating in the industry," New Hope Group Co Ltd Australia and New Zealand managing director and chief executive Nick Dowling told reporters.

The group has been forging a strong presence in Australia since 2013, officially beginning construction of its first luxury residential development in Sydney's northern suburbs on Wednesday.

"We do see a lot of opportunities in the property industry here in Australia," Dowling said.

New Hope Group Co Ltd is also eyeing to increase its investment in Australia's dairy industry, expand its healthcare products business, but also source new opportunities and potential new markets in food and agribusiness.

Scrutiny over direct foreign investment into Australia however has been intensified following the partial lease of the Port of Darwin to China's Landbridge that flamed the internal political debate surrounding direct foreign investment into Australia in November last year.

New Hope Group Co Ltd chairman Liu Yonghao told reporters at the launch he sees a lot of opportunities in the Australian market.

New Hope initially came into Australia to acquire pastoral land to raise its own cows under Chinese management, however their initial investigations found local farmers were quite the experts at producing milk, Liu said.

"Therefore a question was raised: if we'd fully taken over their management as a Chinese (company), are we able to better manage these farms or pastures ourselves? No, not necessarily so," Liu said.

This thinking transferred into its other acquisitions, including its recently acquired health product company Australian NaturalCare and the Kilcoy Pastoral Company Ltd (KPC) in 2013.

KCP has been integrated into New Hope's global supply chain of meat processors to service the different tastes from different corners of the international market, increasing the company's capacity to meet increasing demand for high quality protein products.

As such, its investment is eyeing to double processing capacity from 240,000 head of cattle per year after surging its local workforce from 600 to 900 employees.

"All these 900 (employees) were recruited locally," Liu said, adding "all we brought into these current companies is the capital and growth potential into the international market."

By bringing those people who know the local market, have local resources and are familiar with Australian laws and regulations, the company is able to growth "bigger and stronger, "he said.

It's a message the company is hoping to get across the local population following a populist wave of protectionism against foreign -- namely Chinese -- investment at the July federal election to help expand agribusiness operations, he said.

"We're very mindful of the local process, and work very closely with local partners and government to give a very clear understanding of who we are and how we operate and what we want to do," Dowling said.
The newly opened Hamleys in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, gives children a hands-on experience. [WANG LUXIAN/CHINA DAILY]

For decades, Hamleys in London's Regent Street battled it out with FAO Schwarz from New York to be known as the world's most prestigious toy store.

Now, just over a year after FAO Schwarz closed, a victim of soaring rents, Hamleys has gained a new lease of life under Chinese ownership with the launch of a massive superstore in the Chinese city of Nanjing that was timed to coincide with China's National Day holiday on Oct 1.

Plans were also announced for more than 100 new stores throughout China.

The Nanjing store offers shoppers the chance to visit four floors spread over 7,000 square meters at the Xinjiekou Sanpower Plaza.

Hamley's CEO Gudjohn Reynisson, clutching one of Hamleys' iconic teddy bears, said at the Nanjing opening: "We have been preparing to enter the Chinese market for the past 256 years in London."

Analysts said Hamleys was also looking to cash in on the easing of China's family planning policy.

Xinhua News Agency quoted the China General Administration of Customs as reporting that toy imports into China surged 38.27 percent in 2015.

Hong Kong-listed retailer C Banner International Holdings acquired Hamleys last October from French company Ludendo Groupe, which had owned it for two years. C Banner is a strategic partner of Sanpower, which has a major stake in House of Fraser, a British department store chain.

C Banner paid 100 million pounds ($127.5 million) for Hamleys.

Honor Westnedge, senior analyst at research group Verdict Research, said: "Retailers with British heritage and iconic brand appeal are attractive acquisition opportunities for overseas investors, particularly those from China and the Middle East. These buyers see the potential in growing the retailers globally, knowing that their British brand image will translate well internationally and stimulate demand from local consumersproviding lucrative returns on investment, if done respectfully of the brands' heritage."

Analysts say the key to Hamleys' continuing success has been its ability to maintain its branding. Traditional products, such as teddy bears, toy trains and model cars, are still on the shelves, but the retailer also stocks more up-to-date electronic and digital items.

"My parents took me to Hamleys, I took my children and now they are taking their children," said Richard Page, a father of two from Greenwich in east London. "The key thing is that there's always a slightly wonderful atmosphere which kids love. It's a treat for them, but there's continuity too. The model electric trains that I remember as a kid are still there."

Hamleys traces its roots back to 1760, when William Hamley founded a toy store in London's High Holborn. The shop moved to its Regent Street site in the heart of London's West End shopping district in1881, changing its name to Hamleys.

One attraction for parents and children has been the "hands-on" aspect, with kids able to try out toys.

Dai Tian and Xue Bai in London also contributed to this story.
News / National

by Staff reporter

As the political stock of former Vice President Joice Mujuru continues to grow, it has emerged that a panicking Zanu PF is escalating its plots to bring her down ahead of the country's eagerly-anticipated 2018 national elections.Well-placed Zanu PF sources who spoke to the Daily News yesterday said among the deadly schemes that the ruling party had put in place was lining up shadowy groups in the UK, disguised as her supporters - in a desperate bid to scupper her meetings when she visits London this week.Mujuru is visiting the United Kingdom as part of her local and global charm offensive which includes addressing thousands of Zimbabweans domiciled in Britain.The UK visit comes as the widow of the late liberation struggle icon, General Solomon Mujuru, has teamed up with other opposition leaders in their determined bid to end President Robert Mugabe's 36 years in power.The Zanu PF insiders who spoke to the Daily News yesterday said some ruling party bigwigs were planning to organise demonstrations in London against Mujuru when she gets there."These protests in London will supposedly be led by pressure group Tajamuka/Sesjikile and other pro-democracy groups. Pamphlets and banners denouncing her have already been produced," one of the sources said.Zimbabwe People First (ZPF) spokesperson Jealous Mawarire confirmed the plot to embarrass Mujuru in the UK, where she is due to speak at the prestigious Chatham House on Thursday."We are aware that Zanu PF, after Mugabe's self-professed embarrassment in New York, wants to play an equalisation game by stage-managing fake anti-Mujuru demonstrations in the UK."It is an exercise in futility which pre-empts the desperation and panic in Zanu PF over Mujuru's inexorable political rise to become the most plausible presidential candidate in 2018," Mawarire told the Daily News."We know #ThisFlag , Tajamuka, ROHR (Restoration of Human Rights) and other progressive movements are solidly behind People First and its leader Dr Mujuru, and will never sell their souls to this anti-Mujuru Zanu PF project."The good men and women of this country, whether at home or in the Diaspora understand Mugabe is the architect of their misery."What is evident from these desperate moves by Mugabe and his cronies is that his government is now living on borrowed time and no amount of these fake demonstrations will hinder our unstoppable march towards freedom come 2018," Mawarire added.Tajamuka spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi also distanced his organisation from the protests and accused Zanu PF of trying to abuse the name of the pressure group through its funding of shadowy organisations."We will never demonstrate against another democratic force. What is clear is that Zanu PF is so desperate to the point of sponsoring groups to masquerade as Tajamuka just to divide pro-democracy groups," he said.Zanu PF also stands accused of going into overdrive in its desperate bid to scupper the pending 2018 electoral deal between opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai and Mujuru.In August, the ruling party launched a savage propaganda blitzkrieg - trashing Mujuru's role during Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, including making an assault on the political legacy of her late revered husband, Rex Mujuru.Solomon, Zimbabwe's first black army commander, who was seen as a kingmaker within Zanu PF, and who is credited with playing a major role in catapulting Mugabe to the leadership of the ruling party in the mid 1970s, died in a mysterious fire at his Beatrice farmhouse, just outside Harare in August 2011.The attacks on Mujuru's private life and Rex's political legacy came days after the ZPF leader had held a joint rally with Tsvangirai in Gweru, fuelling long-held Zanu PF fears that the two would form a grand coalition to fight Mugabe in 2018.Only two weeks ago, axe and knobkerrie-wielding ruling party mobs left for dead Mujuru's officials who included former diplomat and brigadier, Agrippah Mutambara, in barbaric attacks which heightened fears that Mugabe and Zanu PF would increasingly use terror to silence Zimbabwe's restless populace ahead of the 2018 national elections.Yesterday, the MDC also said Mugabe was so desperate that he would do anything to try and derail the current momentum within the opposition parties."MDC supporters are very disciplined political cadres who appreciate that Joice Mujuru is not our political adversary. Our political adversary is Robert Mugabe and the Zanu PF regime that he fronts," said spokesperson Obert Gutu."It is quite possible that Zanu PF supporters and CIO agents are plotting this nefarious agenda of disrupting Mujuru's visit to the UK," he added.The fearless leader of the National Vendors Union of Zimbabwe (Navuz), Sten Zvorwadza, who will also be travelling to the UK in the coming weeks, said "progressive" forces would not try to undo each other."There is a third hand at play. Zanu PF is eager to make sure that it sows seeds of division among political parties. Just as they did in the USA, they want to do it in the UK and divert attention to the crisis at hand," Zvorwadza told the Daily News.During the annual United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York two weeks ago, Zanu PF allegedly hired thousands of impoverished African Americans to stage protests in support of Mugabe and the government.The hired crowds neutralised protests which had been organised by Zimbabweans in the US, who included Mawarire and music icon Thomas Mapfumo.Last Tuesday, violence rocked Harare as police fought running battles with supposed rioting vendors who were later identified as Zanu PF youths.Zvorwadza said genuine street traders had "absolutely nothing to do" with the mayhem - fingering Zanu PF supporters as being behind the chaos.Mugabe, the only leader Zimbabweans have known since the country gained its independence from Britain in April 1980, is battling to save his long political career as citizen unrest escalates over the ever-deteriorating quality of life locally, which they blame squarely on his misrule.But the increasingly frail nonagenarian has not taken lightly to the challenge to his power, unleashing the country's security apparatus on the restive populace with devastating consequences - amid fears that the government may effect a State of Emergency to contain growing civil unrest.
Photo taken on May 4 shows cars illegally parked on the roof of an auto 4s shop building in Yichang, Central China's Hubei province. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

Real-time information on open slots will increase efficiency, reduce traffic

A technological solution is about to hit the market as the nation's expanding droves of drivers thirst for an upgrade of parking lot capabilities.

Narrow Band Internet of Things, or NB-IoT, is a Low Power Wide Area technology that enables the connections between IoT devices to be faster with wider range than the existing bluetooth and Wi-Fi approaches while at the same time being cheaper and consuming less power.

Shen Zhou, an engineer at the IoT business support center of China Unicom Shanghai Branch, told China Daily the NB-IoT smart parking solution would reduce the cost of building and managing the infrastructure and trunk gateways, which were originally used as data connectors to bridge information between end-user terminal servers and upper servers.

Shen said the traditional trunk gateways were able to manage only a maximum of 10 end-user parking terminals, but the volume could be significantly enhanced thanks to the chip-sets embedded beneath the surface at the parking areas.

He also expressed his optimism about the future implementation of NB-IoT to upgrade Shanghai's public parking lot services. "Following the improvement and utilization of NB-IoT, more public parking facilities are expected to be seen with respondent chipsets embedded into the ground," Shen said.

In addition, some spare enterprise-owned or private parking lots will also be revitalized to participate in the network and enjoy profit-sharing from the business.

Statistics from the local media noted that there are 15 NB-IoT base stations being jointly built by Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and China Unicom at the Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone, providing 334 parking booths that are equipped with NB-IoT chip sets and vehicle detectors. They are aimed at resolving tourists' difficulties in finding parking spaces and relieving traffic pressure.

By connecting the data between individual vehicles and China Unicom's smart parking server on the cloud, end users are able to search for, reserve, navigate and even pay for available parking spaces through an all-in-one app, which can be downloaded to a smartphone.

Zhong Bo, senior developer of Ericsson's R&D North-east Asia, said that the technology allows telecom operators to play a more significant role in the IoT ecosystem and explore more growth areas, by partnering with device manufacturers and industrial users and leveraging existing network infrastructure.

The Sweden-based company has partnered with major international telecom operators to provide NB-IoT infrastructure. It demonstrated the world's first standard NB-IoT connection application at the Mobile World Congress Asia 2016 in July in Shanghai.

"The NB-IoT technology can simplify the deployment of the smart parking solution and easily consolidate information on several different garages/parking lots into a single platform," said Zhong. "This can significantly facilitate the end-users' parking process, and make the management and utilization of the parking area much more efficient."

Zhong said there is no technology obstacle to the development of NB-IoT, but it still takes some time for the modem manufacturers to produce mature standardized chip-sets.

Attendees visit ZTE Corp's 5G and IoT booth on June 30, 2016 at MWC Shanghai. [Photo by Liu Zheng / chinadaily.com.cn]

Ulf Ewaldsson, senior vice president, group CTO and head of group function technology at Ericsson, said the advantages of NB-IoT are that by using the existing infrastructure, such as networks and base stations, the technology will be usable by most telecommunication operators with only software updates and improvements.

He said he believes that the current implementation bottleneck of NB-IoT is the research and development process of chipsets embedded in the associated terminals. But, as more and more countries and regions around the world are being attracted by the tech, chip vendors will accelerate to meet customers' demands.

As one of the contributors to the NB-IoT Standards, another Chinese major telecommunications provider-ZTE Corporation, which also offers end-to-end solutions for operators and the industry, has actively invested in research on chips, terminals, systems and IoT platforms.

The company recently exported the technology to Romania and helped the nation establish its first smart parking lot in the western city of Timisoara.

NB-IoT technology first drew attention from the industry back in March last year, as Vodafone Group Plc together with Huawei demoed a smartmeter application enabled by the technology at the annual Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, Spain.

Chinese companies Huawei, ZTE, China Mobile and China Unicom, along with other world-leading telecom technology providers and operators, including Ericsson, Etisalat, the GSMA, GTI, Intel, LG Uplus, Nokia, Qualcomm Inc, Telecom Italia, Telefonica and Vodafone, joined the NB-IoT Forum and laid the foundations for a new industry forum aimed at accelerating two ecosystems around NB-IoT technology, including the ecosystem in the telecommunications industry and the ecosystem in vertical market cooperation.

In mid-June this year, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project completed the global standardization of NB-IoT at a plenary meeting in Busan, South Korea.

"The internet of things is considered as an emerging industry with the most development potential due to improved technology achieved in areas such as mobile internet and big data," said Wang Xi, director of the Shanghai Institute of Micro-system and Information Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "Reliable business models in the IoT market had not appeared until the birth of NB-IoT."

Apart from the smart parking use case promoted as a demonstration of concept, NB-IoT has a great number of applications in the smart city, including environment, traffic, health care and public security.

"As the strategy of 'Made in China 2025' is being pushed further and domestic products replace imported chipsets, the integrated circuit sector will usher in a business of more than 100 billion yuan ($15.15 billion), especially in fields such as NB-IoT and 5G," said Xu Tianshen, senior vice president of global markets of Shanghai-based Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation.

Technology research company Gartner Group said it expected 6.4 billion yuan worth of connected devices to be in use next year, up 30 percent from this year, with the figure reaching 20.8 billion yuan by 2020. According to Gartner Group, IoT services spending will grow 22 percent to 235 billion yuan in 2016.

CCID think tank, a consulting institution under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said China's IoT market increased at a growth rate 30.5 percent from 2010 to 2014growing from 195.8 billion yuan to 567.9 billion.

The organization also expects that the global IoT market will witness 61 percent growth in the next five years and become the largest market for IT equipment and services.
Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic (2nd-R) holds a meeting with senior vice-president of Huawei Tang Xiaoming (2nd-L) in Belgrade, Serbia, on Oct 5, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BELGRADE - A fixed network transformation project was launched here Wednesday between China's Huawei and Serbia's national operator Telekom Srbija, marking the start of the first large-scale cooperation in the information and communication technology between China and Serbia.

At the presentation held at the Palace of Serbia, Tang Xiaoming, senior vice-president of Huawei, announced the start of the three-year ALL-IP transformation project worth 150 million euros ($168 million).

Tang said at the press conference that after 10 years of cooperation between the two companies, Huawei planned to "bring the latest technology to Serbian people" and contribute to Serbia's development.

"The aim of this project is to modernize the existing fixed network of Telekom Serbia, that will thus improve its service and provide its users with a much faster network with various performances, high quality video, as well as introduce smart home solutions and improve quality of living and the communication of Serbian people," he said.

Tang explained that all preparations had been completed so that starting from now, Telekom and local companies would work together with Huawei on the project.

Present at the presentation were also Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, general director of Telekom Srbija Predrag Culibrk, Chinese ambassador to Serbia Li Manchang, and minister of trade, tourism and telecommunications Rasim Ljajic.

Vucic expressed satisfaction with the deal, calling it another example of a win-win cooperation between Serbia and China that would, according to him, develop even further in the near future.

"I think that it is important that Telekom becomes more successful than competitors in the country and the region. Huawei is one of the leaders in the world and with their knowledge we can take on a top position in the region," he said, adding that citizens had yet to experience the economic benefit of cooperation between China and Serbia.

Culibrk said the two sides defined all elements of the contract and signed amendments Wednesday, "opening a whole new chapter for Telekom and telecommunications in Serbia," explaining his company would purchase equipment, services and infrastructure works from Huawei.

According to Culibrk, Telekom is to invest 150 million euros ($168 million). in the area of fixed Internet and multimedia, which will include more than a million homes and objects in numerous cities and significantly increase Internet speed.

Meanwhile, ambassador Li said the beginning of the project was big news for Serbia and China, explaining it was the first project whose realization had started since the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in June.

"Having in mind that political conditions are very good, as an ambassador, I can say we have to invest much more effort and give our best in order to advance the bilateral relations of Serbia and China," he said, adding his hope there would be many more of such projects agreed upon in the future.

Telekom Srbija is Serbia's biggest fixed network operator with 70 percent of fixed network users.

During his state visit to Serbia in June this year, Chinese President Xi witnessed the signing of the framework agreement between Telekom and Huawei for the ALL-IP project, one of the most important achievements of the visit.
Tourists visit the "Moon Gate" in Shanxi province on Monday. The structure collapsed later. Liu Tao / For China Daily Collapse of Moon Gate raises questions of best ways to safeguard icon

The recent collapse of the Great Walls "Moon Gate"  a well-known landmark in Guangwu, Shanxi province  has put protection of the wall into the limelight a second time in a few weeks.

The gate, which was already suffering decay, was part of an old watchtower. It apparently collapsed on Monday night. Local authorities have yet to make an official statement.

Environmental degradation, mining, construction and brick theft are the main reasons for the walls decay, according to local geologists. In recent years, poor repair efforts have also taken a toll.

Exactly how to repair or protect wall sections became the subject of heated public debate recently after a stretch of 780 meters of "wild", or original, wall dating to the 14th century was covered in white cement under orders from the cultural relics bureau of Suizhong county in Liaoning province.

After the collapse. Wang Yudong / for China Daily

The preservation approach drew a sharp backlash when it became public last month.

Dong Yaohui, deputy director of the Great Wall Society of China, an organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the wall, said the restoration work had been done "very poorly".

"It damaged the authentic look of the Great Wall and took away its history from the people," he said.

Like that wall section in Liaoning, the stretch in Shanxi was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and served as a key historical and cultural reference when Beijing repaired its own sections.

"Wild" sections of the wall are usually located in remote rural areas.

They have been hammered by hundreds of years of storms, and local villagers have used their bricks for construction, making the structures unsuitable for ordinary tourists to enjoy, unlike Beijings world-renowned Badaling and Juyongguan Great Wall sections.

In 2006, the Great Wall Protection Ordinance was passed by the State Council, Chinas Cabinet, to improve protection and strengthen regulation. After 10 years, however, many parts of the wall remain structurally compromised, especially in areas where tourists dont go, said Wu Guoqiang, the societys secretary-general.

Wu said a lack of detailed procedures and renovation standards are at the root of lackluster repairs, but these criteria take time to be established. Consequently, Wu said that a special foundation for Great Wall protection should be established. He also emphasized the use of modern technology.

"If we can use 3D modeling and virtual reality technologies to map out bricks and cracks in the Great Wall, it will improve the quality of restoration," he said.

On Monday, the relics bureau in Suizhong, Liaoning, hired two dozen local farmers to erect concrete pillars and string wire fencing to discourage tourists from climbing on the wall, which could be dangerous, said Liu Chunhua, the bureaus deputy chief.

Liu Fusheng, the Yongan Zhuishan forest management director in Suizhong, claimed he helped to raise more than 5 million yuan ($750,000) over the past 13 years to protect the local wall section and possibly turn it into a tourist attraction for backpackers. His efforts were wasted, he said, when the wall was turned into pavement.

"It is like losing the ears, nose and all the other features of a face," he said.
High leaders, dignitaries mark opening of service between Ethiopia, Djibouti port

In the 1970s, China anchored the construction of the Tazara railway linking Tanzania and Zambia - a project that greatly boosted the two countries' economies. A little more than 40 years later, a new episode of railway history was written, again with a Chinese helping hand, as East Africa's first modern electrified standard gauge railway was inaugurated on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The 750-kilometer railway, built by two Chinese companies and mainly financed by a Chinese bank, links Addis Ababa to the Red Sea port city of Djibouti. Designed for a speed of 120 kilometers per hour, it is expected to reduce travel time from seven days by road to about 10 hours, and provide landlocked Ethiopia with a faster access to the Djibouti port.
The UN Security Council decided on Thursday to back Antonio Guterres, a former Portuguese prime minister and head of the UN's refugee agency for a decade, as the next secretary general.

Antonio Guterres

The 67-year-old politician, who will be the first former head of government to become UN chief, has pledged to revamp the global diplomatic body to boost its peacemaking efforts and promote human rights.

His path to the job of world's diplomat-in-chief was smoothed in a decisive Security Council vote Wednesday, during which 13 of the 15 members backed his candidacy and none of the five veto-holding powers blocked him.

The position has previously been held by several foreign ministers, most of whom were chosen during closed-door Security Council meetings.

This time around, the selection involved a new, more open process that allowed candidates to appear at hearings to make their pitch for the top job before the General Assembly.

Once the Security Council formally endorses him, Guterres will be presented to the General Assembly for approval. The new UN chief begins his five-year term on January 1.

There were 10 candidates in the race to become the next UN chief, including EU budget commissioner Kristalina Georgieva from Bulgaria, who entered the fray just last week.

Throughout the campaign, there had been calls for the council to choose the first woman secretary general and a candidate from Eastern Europe, the only region that has not been represented in the top job.

Another high-profile woman in the race, Argentina's Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra, received one negative vote from a veto-holder, while Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak received two, diplomats said.
I recently read an email to one of my firms clients from one of our China employment lawyers. The email explained a large set of employment documents prepared initially just for the in-country China WFOE manager, but written to be used with various imminent China employee hires as well.

Because this email so nicely sets out what it takes for a company to have employee documents that work well for both the employer and the employee, while also complying with Chinas labor laws, I thought putting it into this post would be helpful. The below is that email (modified slightly to take out any identifiers and to make it a bit more blog-like).

Attached please find a .zip file containing drafts of the following employment-related documents for _______ [their in-country China manager]:

An Employment Contract; The XYZ Company WFOE Rules and Regulations; A Sign Off Agreement, in which the employee acknowledges receipt and comprehension of the Rules and Regulations; A Trade Secrecy and Intellectual Property Agreement; A Non Compete Agreement; and An Educational Reimbursement Agreement.

As you review these documents, please consider the following questions and comments:

1. Information to be Filled in

In each agreement, we have highlighted in yellow the areas that need to be filled in before execution. Some of this information can be collected beforehand, and the rest can be filled in by hand. Information to be filled in includes:

a) A telephone and fax number for ________, as legal representative of the WFOE (You will probably want to use the Shanghai WFOE office numbers, but its up to you).

b) The effective date of the Rules and Regulations (probably today, or any date before the employee agreements are signed).

c) For _________[the in-country China manager]:

i) His (Shanghai) contact address and telephone number.

ii) The term of the employment agreement (more on this below).

iii) The date his wages will be paid during the standard employment term.

iv) The exact amount of wages during the standard employment term.

v) Whether he will be paid on a 12-month or 13-month schedule (more on this below). As a default, we have set this to a 13-month schedule.

vi) The term of the probation period (more on this below).

vii) The exact amount of wages during the probation period.

d) The address of the workplace, if different from the registered office.

e) For the Non-Competition Agreement:

i) The term of the employment contract.

ii) The term of the Non-Competition Agreement (as a default, we have put 12 months; the maximum term is 2 years).

iii) The amount of compensation during the non-compete term (as a default, we have put 50% of the standard monthly salary).

f) For the Education Reimbursement Agreement:

i) The name of the training program.

ii) The period of training.

iii) The location of training.

iv) The wage and bonus provided during training.

v) The total training expenses.

vi) The service period after completion of the training.

2. Rules and Regulations

The Rules and Regulations document is basically a handbook on Chinese employment law. Much of the content in this document is required by Chinese law and is therefore not optional. Though it is not what I would call pleasure reading, an initial review of the Rules and Regulations will likely resolve many of the questions you may have about these documents. At its heart, the document lays out the basis of the relationship between the WFOE and the WFOEs employees. For your purposes, this document is especially important because Chinas employment law system is very different from the U.S system. The main difference is that the United States is an employment at will system: employers can terminate employees at any time for pretty much any reason. Chinas system is a contract employment system: all employees must be engaged pursuant to a written employment contract and during the term of that contract, it is difficult to terminate an employee. More precisely, an employee can only be terminated for cause and cause must be clearly proved. Therefore, employers must maintain a detailed set of rules and regulations and discipline records to be able to establish grounds for dismissal. This is why the Rules and Regulations are so detailed and (from a Western standpoint) so negative in tone. If you have anything else you want included in your companys Rules and Regulations, please advise us now.

3. Employment Contract

China employment contracts must include both the term of the initial employment relationship and the term of the probation period. As more fully described in Article 8 of the Rules and Regulations I have provided you, the length of the initial employment term determines how long the probation period can be. Also note the following:

a) At the end of the probation period, you can terminate the employee with no further issues.

b) At the end of the initial employment term, you can terminate the employee and pay severance or you can retain the employee. Under the current interpretation of the law in China, if you retain the employee for a second term, once the second term starts, you are required to retain the employee up to mandatory retirement age. Termination during that period requires good cause. We therefore recommend an initial term that is as long as possible, so as to allow you the longest probation period possible.

c) The probation period should be treated seriously and no employee should be taken beyond the probation period unless you are certain that he or she will work out under the terms of their employee agreement. For new employees, we generally recommend a term of three years and a probation period of six months. Many of our foreign clients choose to do an initial term of only one year, and most end up regretting that decision.

4. Trade Secrecy and IP Agreement

Since your employees will be dealing with proprietary information, we have included a Trade Secrecy and IP Agreement for them to sign. Except for senior management like ________, there will be no way to control your employees behavior through a non-compete agreement, because they are not senior enough to be covered by such an agreement. Therefore, because your protection will be limited to the terms of the Trade Secrecy and IP Agreement, please review it carefully and let us know if you have additional concerns.

5. Sign Off Agreement

The Sign Off Agreement memorializes each employees receipt of the Rules and Regulations and their agreement to abide by those rules. It is important to get your employees to sign this so they cannot later claim not to have received it  a claim frequently made at labor arbitrations in China.

6. Other Considerations

a) Additional Benefits. Please let us know if you want to provide any employee benefits beyond the statutory minimums set forth in the Rules and Regulations. If you want to provide a particular benefit to all your employees, we should put it in your Rules and Regulations. If you want to provide specific benefits to a specific employee, the benefits should be spelled out in the specific employment contract.

b) Travel. If your employees will travel domestically or internationally for work, you should have a written travel expense policy. (See Article 43 of the Rules and Regulations.)

c) Vacation. The statutory rule on vacation for employees is as follows:

First year of service: No vacation.

Between 1 and 10 years of service: 5 days/year.

Between 10 and 20 years of service: 10 days/year.

20 years or more: 15 days/year.

Note that these statutory limits are for the employees total years of employment (that is, from the time they started working, regardless of employer). If you want to provide more vacation time than set forth above, we will need to specify.

d) Monthly Salary. You will need to convert the annual salary into a monthly wage. Note that in many parts of China, it is customary to pay the salary on a 13-month basis, with the final month paid just before Chinese New Year. This is completely optional, but it is important to state clearly whether or not you will be using this approach. Many employees have come to expect this New Years Bonus and your failing to pay it (if expected) can cause problems. This expectation varies both by industry, the type of employee (i.e., factory workers vs. office workers), and the geographic location. Note that paying on a 13-month basis does not obligate you to pay more in salary; you would just divide the annual salary by 13 instead of by 12.

e) Bonus. If you plan to have a bonus system (e.g., performance bonus, retention bonus, referral bonus, etc.), it should be set forth in writing.

7. FCPA Manual

Enclosed is an English language and a Chinese language version of the FCPA manual. As we discussed the other day, we will be getting back to you shortly to schedule a time for our compliance attorneys to begin training your employees (in the U.S. and in China) on what they must do to keep your company in compliance with the FCPA and with Chinas own anti-corruption laws. We will provide that training in both English and in Chinese, whichever is most appropriate for the particular audience.

Should you have any questions about any of the above or the attached documents, please do not hesitate to ask. Our goal is to provide you with readable, usable documents that both comply with Chinas laws and maximize your business goals. I realize that much of what I sent you is complicated, so please dont hesitate to reach out to any of our China employment lawyers if you have any questions.
News / National

by Staff reporter

IT is Saturday, September 24, as early as 10am and Harare International Airport is teeming with ruling Zanu-PF youths drawn from across the capital to welcome President Robert Mugabe from the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the United States.Visibly drunk, most of the youths are dressed in cloths that have seen better days, a sign of the gnawing poverty ravaging the once "Jewel of Africa".They mill around the high security area like farmers observing their tussling crop with pride.Except for a few, whose pockets suggest to be well-nourished, the rest have poverty scribbled all over their bodies, their shoes a signature of the passage of time.The mood is very electric, punctuated with the beating of drums by youths who have come to welcome their "dear leader" from an expeditious UN trip, where he did a "sterling job" and, therefore, deserved a resounding welcome, according to the party leadership.Time passes by and, with it, their desire to see the Air Zimbabwe jet touch down and have Mugabe address them at the domestic terminal, where a tent has already been pitched and a sound system installed.Outside, there are still long winding queues of supporters stampeding to get into the airport, where the homecoming rally awaits for 92-year-old leader after his punishing Venezuela and UN schedules.Others seem to have taken the welcome rally as an opportunity to view Harare International Airport, their fascination at the landing and taking off of planes obviously very visible.Just after midday, the excited Zanu-PF youths cheer a Kenyan Airways plane speeding on the runway for take-off.The domestic terminal has been quite the whole day, with no plane landing or taking off."Hey, inomhanya wena (it can speed)," one of the youths says at the top of his voice.While some are being charmed by planes landing and taking off at very irregular intervals at the international terminus, others continue with their dance routines to the party jingles, while a cluster of supporters dance as they sing Jah Prayzah's song, Mudhara Achauya, in anticipation of Mugabe's arrival.Finally, Mugabe's plane touches down and soon, he is on the podium, ploughing into his usual historical rhetoric about the western powers and the formation of the Non-Allied Movement, which he attended in Venezuela en-route to New York.He demonises the West and threatens to pull out of UN together with China, Russia, India and other Asian countries, if reforms to the organ to include more African states with veto powers are not done by next September when the UN General Assembly meets again."I don't know if we are going to come up with a common decision. There are other countries who are cowards. Africa is now led by new leaders who are no longer members of the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity. It is now led by cowards only, without direction . . . It cannot only be Mr Mugabe who comes out calling for UN reforms," Mugabe roared."Britain, France and the US are resisting UN reforms. So we say the UN is strengthened by outside countries. They should not cry when we unite to form our own organisation with China, India, Russia and other countries and leave them alone."Very few of his supporters seem to understand what Mugabe is saying, let alone its political and socio-economic implications to the country, but, as usual, simply because he is talking, there are wild cheers.One could be forgiven to think that Mugabe abuses his supporters by saying things completely out of their reach, apart from making them wait for seven hours without food."I am now very hungry. We came here at around 10am. If they knew that the President was coming around 5pm, they should at least have asked us to come after mid-day," one supporter whispers.A glance at the Zanu-PF supporters, a speech that promises them an end to poverty would have been welcome.After his address, the supporters rush to leave in hired trucks parked outside the airport and there is litter everywhere.Joice Mujuru's Zimbabwe People First spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire says the mere reason that Zanu-PF chooses the airport as a venue for its rally shows the extent to which they have destroyed the economy."If there is no activity on the domestic terminal the whole day, it means the economy is dead and buried. In other progressive countries, there is no room to have a rally at the airport because it will be busy throughout," he says.Mawarire says Mugabe always punishes his supporters by focusing on history to a younger generation which still has a future to live."Mugabe is only worried when his power is under threat, that he has denied a future to Zimbabweans, including his own supporters. He doesn't care as long as he is in power.Surely, how can an international airport, which should be an indicator of economic performance, be turned into a venue for political rallies? It is painful how he has taken the economy down."
News / National

by Staff reporter

Agriculture experts have urged Government to remove the ban on genetically-modified stockfeeds and allow confined field trials of GM cotton and other crops to boost production and maintain a competitive edge on the global market.This was said by University of Zimbabwe researcher Idah Sithole Niang at the Agriculture Policy High Level Stakeholder Validation workshop.Presenting a paper recently titled "Strategies for Enhancing Crop and Livestock Production", Niang said biotechnology was an option to increase yields, especially in cotton.She said major cotton producers such as India, China and South Africa were producing GM cotton while Denmark and Europe were feeding their livestock with GM stockfeeds and the produce was being traded globally.Niang argued that Zimbabwe could still maintain her export market edge since some of the destinations were also producing GM crops.
News / National

by Thobekile Zhou

BANNED imported products by the government under the controversial Statutory Instrument (SI) 64 of 2016 introduced in March as readily available in the informal as the government loses the battle.The goods range from tinned fruits, vegetables, dairy products, furniture, coffee creamers, petroleum jellies, second-hand clothing, blankets, 23 pharmaceutical products, milk, and potatoes are openly sold in the informal market.Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu confirmed the development."We carried out an investigation and found that foreign products are still finding their way into the country. All banned products are in the market," Mutashu said.The products find their way into the country through smuggling.Cross-border traders are blamed for the smuggling.
(Photo : Getty Images) An Indian minister is calling for a products of Chinese products ahead of the Diwali festival.

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As China decides to stand by Pakistan in the aftermath of the Uri attack, a prominent minister in the Indian state of Haryana is leading a movement against Chinese goods. The demand to boycott Chinese goods comes just days after China decided to block the tributary of the Brahmaputra River to India.



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"People should not buy Chinese goods. Instead, Indian goods should be used. Trade with China is affecting our country. China is not our friend nation. China can buy weapons with whatever money it earns. There is a possibility that the weapons are given to enemy countries," said Haryana's Health Minister Anil Vij.



Subhash Barala, the Haryana BJP President, has also called for a boycott of Chinese products. The outcry against Chinese products comes just ahead of the Diwali festival, the biggest and most celebrated festival in India.



The demand for Chinese products shoots up during Diwali, with Indian masses lapping up made-in-China products ranging from decorative items to toys and household items. Although Indian shoppers consider made-in-China products to be of low quality, their cheap pricing makes them an irresistible option.



Indian politicians have vented their frustration on Chinese products in the past. Earlier this year, when China blocked India's bid to become a member of the NSG (Nuclear Supplier Group), similar calls for a boycott of Chinese products were made by several Indian politicians and activists.



However, experts say that such jingoistic and patriotic calls against Chinese products have had minimal impact, as Chinese goods are simply way too popular among Indian shoppers.



India's hostile relationship with China is underpinned by the latter's military and diplomatic support for Pakistan. India and Pakistan have shared a tense relationship for many decades, with Kashmir being the main bone of contention between the two Asian nations. Both countries have fought three wars over the disputed northern Himalayan region.



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TagsIndia, china, Chinese Goods in India, Made in China Products in India, India and China
(Photo : Getty Images) Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday appointed James Soong as Taipei's APEC envoy. Soong is known for his soft stance towards China.

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Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday offered an olive branch to Beijing by appointing a pro-China politician to represent Taipei at the forthcoming APEC Summit (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation). The annual Asia-Pacific summit will be held next month in Peru.



The pro-Chinese politician is James Soong, who is founder of the People First Party. His party is known for having a soft stance towards Beijing and is a break-away faction of the China-friendly opposition Nationalists.



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"Soong's rich academic background, experience, and contacts will en able him to precisely convey to the international community the all-round status of our development," the Taiwanese Presidential Office said in a statement.



Soong's pro-Chinese stances are often criticized by Tsai's hard-line Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which believes in protecting Taiwan's sovereignty against China.



However, Tsai is also known to be a shrewd negotiator, and her decision to appoint Soong is likely a move to improve current strains in cross-strait relations. The cross-strait relations have been on a nose-dive ever since Tsai took office earlier this year.



Tsai's refusal to publicly acknowledge the One China Principle is the main reason for current tension between Taipei and Beijing.



Last month a United Nations aviation agency refused to invite Taiwan for an important summit, allegedly at the behest of China.



China does not accept Taiwan's sovereignty but considers it a breakaway faction that is waiting for unification with mainland China. Taiwan separated from China after the end of a bitter civil war in 1949 and since then has been staking its claim as a sovereign country.



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TagsTaiwan, china, Cross-Strait relation, Taiwan and China, Tsai Ing-wen
(Photo : Getty Images) China will start conducting 5G network equipment trials in over 100 cities.

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China has started conducting trials for 5G telecommunications equipment in more than 100 cities, as it targets to get a head start to lead the next generation of mobile phone systems.



The 5G technologies currently being tested have massive multiple-antenna systems that could handle more users and could support greater mobile data usage, South China Morning Post reported citing Bernstein Research.



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Theoretically, high-speed 5G networks are capable of transmitting data 20 times faster than the current 4G. It could achieve speeds to as much as 20 gigabits per second.



Furthermore, its latency, or the time needed for data to receive a reply when clicking an app, is projected to be 1 millisecond or less compared with 10 ms on 4G.



Being the home of the world's biggest 4G market with 1.3 billion users, China is on sufficient scale to either make or break a new global 5G standard, Chris Lane, a senior analyst from Bernstein, said.



The International Telecommunications Union, which is a unit of the United Nations, anticipates network deployment to begin at the end of the decade, soon after 5G standard have been set since global telecoms industry leaders believe a single standard would be very beneficial.



"The cost of having different standards is high for the industry," Wang Zhiqin, director of the Institute of Communications Standards Research at the China Academy of Information & Communications Technology, said.



Meanwhile David Dai Su, a spokesman from telecom equipment maker ZTE, told South China Morning Post that China Mobile also plans to conduct "pre-5G trials in more than 100 cities across more than 20 provinces."



Dai said that two other companies, namely, China Unicom and China Telecom, are also potentially doing some preparations, but no specific information was available. He also revealed that China Unicom and ZTE signed a cooperation agreement related to 5G research in August.



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Tags5G, 5G Network, 5G trials, 5G wifi, China 5G network, 5G mobile, ZTE, china telecom, China Unicom
(Photo : Getty Images) The annual multinational exercise being held in the disputed South China Sea is not designed as a response to China's military expansion

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The five-nation joint military exercise dubbed "Exercise Bersama Lima" has started this week in the disputed South China Sea, but the Australian Defence Forces has quickly denied the military activity is in response to China's increasing military assertiveness in the region.



As Australian troops, planes and warships have jointly begun the annual military war games with Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander, Greg Jervis, made it clear that the exercise being conducted is not meant to send a message to Beijing.



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Consistent and Clear



"Absolutely not, the Australian position in the South China Sea has always been consistent and clear,"Jervis told the ABC in an interview from an air force base in Malaysia.



Around 400 Australian personnel are participating in the three-week "Exercise Bersama Lima," together with their four allies that compose the Five Powers Defence Arrangement (FPDA) nations.



The multinational military exercise, being hosted by Singapore this year, will also be conducted in the waters of the South China Sea amid existing tension among the claimant-countries.



Operation



The Australian contingent commander said the annual military exercise will benefit the FPDA allies tremendously and that the skills and strategies they would all learn from the exercise will be useful to their respective armed forces.



"The aim of the exercise is to enhance the operability of the armed forces of Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and the UK by extending the knowledge of each other's tactics and our operational staff positions," the commander said.



He added that the war games will enable them to practice their "planning and coordination in the combined joint operational procedures within the region."



Freedom of navigation patrols



Australian naval forces have been joining the US in its freedom of navigation patrols in the South China Sea, reportedly angering Beijing.



Recently, a former US Naval Commander Ret. Admiral Dennis Blair called on the Australian forces to continue joint patrols and military exercises with the US in the disputed waterway in an apparent display of force amid China's protests.



" I think Australian and American ships should exercise together in the South China Sea, showing that, when they need to, they will send their armed forces in international airspace and water," he said.



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Tags"Exercise Bersama Lima", South China Sea, Australian Defence Forces, FPDA nations, Singapore, Ret Admiral Dennis Blair, china
(Photo : Getty Images/ Tim Boyle) The AT&T logo is seen on the side of a service van in Des Plaines, Illinois.

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American telecommunications giant AT&T has announced the next 11 metro areas where the company plans to install its gigabit Internet service called AT&T Fiber.



The service is currently available in 29 metro areas in the United States. AT&T is planning to expand it to 38 more areas.



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The recently confirmed areas are the following: Gainesville and Panama City in Florida; Columbus, Georgia; Knoxville, Tennessee; Southeastern, Tennessee; Corpus Christi, Texas; Wilmington, North Carolina; Biloxi Gulfport, Mississippi; Northeast, Mississippi; Lafayette, Louisiana; and Central Kentucky.



AT&T did not confirm the exact timeline when the company plans to launch its gigabit Internet in these cities. AT&T plans to deploy its gigabit Internet service in 45 metro areas, including the 29 cities already being served, before the end of the year.



According to Ars Technica, it is important to note that AT&T is not installing its gigabit Internet service throughout the entirely of each metro city. This means that being in the city where AT&T Fiber is available does not guarantee that customers can get the service.



AT&T has been criticized for offering its lowest-priced fiber Internet service to customers provided that they agree to the condition that the company will scan their Web browsing habits der to deliver personalized ads. Following the backlash to this practice, AT&T eventually ended it and said that customers in each city where AT&T Fiber is available could freely choose which service they want.



AT&T offers different pricing schemes depending on the location. In areas where Google Fiber, its closest competitor, is available, the price is $70 per month. In areas where Google Fiber is not available, AT&T charges an additional $20.



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TagsAT&T, at&t fiber, gigabit internet, Internet, internet service, at&t gigabit internet
News / National

by Staff reporter

A HERDSMAN from Matopo who went haywire and set his girlfriend's mother's hut ablaze before bashing her with a stone on the head, has been jailed for seven years.According to local media, Butholezwe Moyo (23) told a court he lost it when his girlfriend's mum refused to let him see her.Neighbours had to break down a door to the burning hut to rescue the elderly woman.Moyo, who apparently had not finished with the woman, pounced on her as soon as she ran out of the hut and hit her several times on the head with a stone.He told Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mr Chrispen Mberewere that he was angry because he had just discovered that his girlfriend was having numerous affairs with herdsmen in the community as well as his uncle.Moyo pleaded guilty to attempted murder.
(Photo : YouTube Screenshot) Chinese courts are now considering information obtained from social media a legal judicial and investigative reference.

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Be careful on what you post on social media as information obtained from these networking sites is now considered a legal judicial or investigative reference in China.



Chinese officials issued a document entitled "Regulation on Collection and Using Electronic Data as Evidence" last month, legalizing the use of private messages and public comments in social media sites as a valid criminal evidence in court, the Quartz reported.



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In a joint statement issued by the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and the Ministry of Public Security, the policy allows the court to obtain "electronic data" to investigate legal cases from network platforms including, but not limited to:



websites, blogs, micro-blogs, Moments, forums, and cloud storage services;

text messages, emails, instant messages, group chats, and other "related communication messages";

registered online identities, electronic financial transactions, and log-in records; and

text documents, pictures, videos, electronic certificates, computer programs, and other related electronic documents.

Furthermore, when the data face a threat from being tampered or destroyed, authorities are allowed to provide freezing measures such as confiscating and sealing up the hardware where the original data were stored; producing and sealing up copies of the data; and recording the retrieving activities, according to People's Daily China.



China's Ministry of Public Security announced that the new mandate have come into effect on Oct. 1.



Meanwhile, netizens expressed concern over the new policy, saying this might be used to suppress freedom of expression online and violate people's privacy, Quartz noted.



China has been stepping up its efforts to police the Internet. Last August, the country required mobile app providers to collect and retain user data and records for at least 60 days. Furthermore, Chinese mobile phone users are also required to register their SIM cards under their real names.







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Tagslegal evidence, social media, social media evidence in court, social media evidence collection, china, WeChat, weibo, Sina Weibo censorship, Privacy, Freedom of Speech
(Photo : Getty Images) Judges and officials meet to decide how to proceed after Team Tartan Rescue's CHIMP (CMU Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform) robot crashed its vehicle during the driving task of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Robotics Challenge at the Fairplex June 6, 2015 in Pomona, California.

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Automation is threatening 77 percent of the jobs in China and 69 percent in India, according to a research by World Bank, saying technology could pose a threat on these two major powers.



"As we continue to encourage more investment in infrastructure to promote growth, we also have to think about the kinds of infrastructure that countries will need in the economy of the future," Jim Kim, president of World Bank, said. "We all know that technology has and will continue to fundamentally reshape the world."



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World Bank also revealed that the proportion of jobs threatened by automation in Ethiopia could reach to as high as 85 percent. Even Africa has no escape from technology, the Business Insider reported.



"If this is true, we need to understand the paths to economic growth that will be available for these countries and then adapt our approach to infrastructure accordingly," Kim said.



He said mechanization and technology have "fundamentally" disrupted traditional industrial production as well as dispatched manual jobs that have been carried out by generations. What's more, the trend is not only affecting the United States, but it is happening across the world, the Indian Express noted.



Such situation entails a paradigm shift, Kim said, emphasizing that upgrading and investing should not only be done on hard infrastructure, like airports and energy, but also on soft infrastructure, such as education and skills, to empower people.



"It is hard to overstate the urgency of making more and more effective investment in people. I believe it will determine the very future of nations. This is especially true in considering the importance of investing in the early years," he said.



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TagsWorld Bank, Jim Kim, automation, automation threats, India, china
(Photo : UAE) Damage to HSV Swift after missile hit.

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First photos of a missile attack on the HSV-2 Swift, a hybrid catamaran operated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) military, shows extensive damage to the starboard bow of the vessel that was transiting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait when attacked by Yemini Houthi rebels allied with Iran last Oct. 1.



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Military analysts believe the damage was inflicted by only one large missile, probably the Chinese-designed C-802 anti-ship missile (ASM) Iran has in its inventory. Iran has supplied a number of these missiles to its Houthi allies fighting to overthrow the Yemini government backed by Saudi Arabia.



The C-802 is the export version of China's YJ-8 ASM that carries a 190 kg warhead to a distance of 120 km. The YJ-8 arms China's Xian H-6 strategic heavy bombers.



Swift is the forerunner of the Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) warships, which are high-speed, shallow draft vessels that today transport U.S. Marines to trouble spots around the world.



She is privately owned and operated by Sealift Inc.but was originally built under the "Joint High Speed Vessel" program of the Navy as a proof of concept. She was directly leased to the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command from 2003 to 2013 as a mine countermeasures and sea basing test platform but was later used mostly for fleet support and humanitarian missions.



The UAE, which leased Swift from its Australian operators, claimed Swift was on a routine trip from Aden to the south when the missile attack occurred. The ship was serving as a high-speed logistics ship for the United Arab Emirates Navy when she was hit.



The Emirati military said Swift was under its command during the "incident" at Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis originally claimed their night attack had sunk the Swift and posted a video showing the launch of a missile at night and a violent explosion.



"Rockets targeted an Emirati warship as it approached the coast of Mokha" on the Red Sea, said the Houthis on their website.



"It was completely destroyed," said the Houthis.



Other accounts said the Swift was struck by four anti-tank missiles.



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TagsHSV-2 Swift, hybrid catamaran, United Arab Emirates, UAE, C-802 anti-ship missile, YJ-8, Joint High Speed Vessel, Houthis, Iran, Saudi Arabia
(Photo : Getty Images) The entrance of Disneyland Paris is shown August 22, 2002 in Marne la Vallee, France.

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Walt Disney Co. said that its visitors in the new Shanghai Park have "exceeded our expectations," dismissing recent reports that visitor numbers fall short of analysts' estimates.



"Our financial results during the first 100+ days of operation have exceeded our expectations, and guest feedback has been extremely strong, establishing a solid foundation upon which to grow," Bob Chapek, Disney's parks and resorts division chairman, told Bloomberg.



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The South China Morning Post reported that Disneyland is welcoming about 20,000 visitors per day and generating around 7.3 million annually, which is half of what analysts have expected.



Disney is facing a heated competition with local player Dalian Wanda Group, which also aims to capture China's $610 billion tourism sector. It recently opened the second of its 15 planned multi-billion dollar parks last month.



Aside from that, visitors of Disney reportedly complained of the expensive ticket prices, long queues for some rides, and early closing of some attractions due to maintenance or overcrowding, the newspaper noted, to which Chapek responded: "The recent report speculating about our attendance is meritless."



Meanwhile, Bob Iger, Disney's CEO, reiterated its support for its Shanghai Park during an event in Boston College last Wednesday.



"The park that we opened has been doing extremely well," Iger said. "Millions of people have already gone."



He also said that the Disney Shanghai Park received a "very high" guest satisfaction, adding that guests stayed two hours longer per visit than what Disney projected. In fact, Iger claimed that the $5.5 billion theme park had the biggest attendance in the first hundred days than most parks it has opened over the history, Fortune reported.



"It's a great moment for the company," Iger said. "It is already a decent business and it represents incredible potential for our company in the most populous country and its most populous city for many, many years to come."



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TagsDisney, Disneyland, Disneyland Shanghai, Disneyland Shanghai review
News / National

by Thobekile Zhou

Mutasa Central MDC-T Trevor Saruwaka has reportedly been barred from entering parliament because of his jacket ( #ThisJacket ).Saruwaka pitched up wearing a jacket with national flag colours.The national flag has recently been associated with anti-Mugabe protests.There are reports that opposition legislators planned to stage a protests when Mugabe delivers his speech during the opening the fourth session of the eighth Parliament in Harare.
Gingrich: Secularists altering America with 'atheistic values' 06 October, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Christian Examiner)  Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and 2012 Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich is asking pastors and other Christian leaders to exhibit boldness and enter the political arena.

In an address to the American Renewal Project's Pastors and Pews event in Winston-Salem, N.C., Gingrich  who holds a Ph.D. in history  argued that political leftists, academics and judges are actively attempting to reinvent America in a way that disconnects it from its exceptional ideals and its religious heritage.

On the one front you have a 'Secular Totalitarianism' that wants to use the power of government to coerce us on every level, to define for us what we're allowed to think, what we're allowed to say, and to establish a politically-correct set of rules for college campuses.

American exceptionalism, free market capitalism, and faith are those ideals "that made us famous," he said.

"We're now engaged in a two-front war," Gingrich said. "On the one front you have a 'Secular Totalitarianism' that wants to use the power of government to coerce us on every level, to define for us what we're allowed to think, what we're allowed to say, and to establish a politically-correct set of rules for college campuses. To determine even what happens inside of churches and synagogues, and to impose on us left-wing, frequently, atheistic values, and to say in effect, 'You're allowed to sort of, vaguely, believe in your faith as long as you don't talk about it, certainly don't do anything in public about it,' and that religion should be reduced to one-hour on Sundays. And even then you better be careful what you say."

Gingrich said left-wing judges, lawyers and activist groups with "atheistic values" are working to change the way Americans think.

It is a type of brainwashing, he said, which removes values and attempts to reorient the nation's thinking away from religion  to "forget that the Pilgrims came here for religious liberty, forget that the Jamestown Colony, which people think of as secular, actually had church services fourteen times a week, forget that the core of America, as defined by Lincoln, and redefined by Eisenhower, is a nation under God. That has been the heart of who we are, our rights come from our Creator, they don't come from some random thing."

The second front in the war is the threat posed by Islamic extremism. Radical Islamic terror groups, he said, have threatened to conquer the West or at least terrorize it into submission. Gingrich also said Islamists have promised to destroy Rome and reconquer Spain.

"There, we are told if you tell the truth you are Islamophobic. They want to shut us up again. And yet you look around and you see killings, you see people in a gay nightclub being slaughtered, you see bombs going off in New York, you see problems all across France, across Belgium, across Holland, in Great Britain and, of course, all across the Middle East," Gingrich said.

Gingrich said pastors were at a crossroads and a time as "defining" as any in the Old Testament. Courage is needed, he said, for pastors to tell the truth to their congregations. He also said some people of faith "have to have the courage to get into the public arena themselves."

He added that the formative period of American history, from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the American Revolution, was led by many men who had a background in the study of theology. And while not all were Christians, they still exhibited Judeo-Christian values in the formation of American public life.
Scientist, fired by university after discovering soft tissue on dinosaur bone, settles lawsuit 06 October, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |

NORTHRIDGE, California (Christian Examiner)  A scientist fired from California State University Northridge after he discovered soft tissue fibers on a triceratops horn and argued that the dinosaur bone could not have been millions of years old has settled a two-year-long lawsuit with the school.

According to The College Fix, Mark Armitage  who describes himself as a creationist  was blackballed by the school when he went public with microscopic images and descriptions of elastic soft tissue still attached to the horn in 2012. In court documents, he alleged the discovery supporting the idea of a "young earth" led to him being ostracized in the department.

One faculty member reportedly told him, "We're not going to tolerate your religion in this department."

Armitage, who was eventually fired, is no amateur and not necessarily a vocal creationist. He is well-published in peer-reviewed journals and past-president of the Southern California Society for Microscopy. He had worked at the university since 2010.

The controversy begain in 2012 when Armitage was working on the horn  the largest triceratops horn ever found  after discovering it in Hell Creek, Mont. Seeing the soft tissue fibers under the microscope, he dismissed the 65 million-year-old date attached to the fossil. Instead, he argued that it had to be around 4,000 years old.

Armitage published the findings in American Laboratory magazine in November 2012 and the Acta Histochemia journal in February 2013. He didn't last long after the publication of his views.

CSUN alleged at the time that the funding for his position was only temporary and had been depleted. But Armitage believed his firing was because of his findings. He sued the school under the Fair Employment and Housing Act.

His attorney, Alan Reinach with the Church State Council, a legal defense group associated with the Seventh Day Adventists, said CSUN settled the school with a six-figure payout equivalent to around 15 times his annual part-time salary, but the exact amount of the settlement was not disclosed. More important than the money, however, was the "vindication" Armitage received.

"To have CSUN associated with the 'creation heresy'  that was the capital offense," Reinach said. "In our view, they certainly would not have paid that kind of money if they did not recognize that we had them dead to rights. The state doesn't put large, six-figure settlement money out unless they are really concerned they are going to lose."

"The evidence was quite clear," Reinach said. "The stated reasons for saying they fired him were simply not true. There were lies and contradictions abounding from several of the key witnesses."

CSUN spokeswoman Carmen Ramos Chandler told The College Fix that the school's decision to let Armitage go was based on the "dwindling need for his [Armitage's] services" and not on his religious beliefs.

CSUN, she said, is "firmly committed to upholding academic freedom, free speech and a respect for all religious beliefs."

"The Superior Court did not rule on the merits of Mr. Armitage's complaint, and this voluntary settlement is not an indication of any wrongdoing," Chandler said. "The decision to settle was based on a desire to avoid the costs involved in a protracted legal battle, including manpower, time and state dollars."
The six people killed in this mornings attack in north-east Kenya by Al Shabab were Christians, according to the militant groups own radio station, Radio Andalus. The militia attacked at about 2:45am this morning, 6 October.

It reports that the grenade and gun attack on a residential compound in Mandera, on the Somali border - an area known to have Kenyan migrant Christian workers - targeted Christianitys power in the region, and that it was part of a series of attacks over the past few months.

We are behind the Mandera attack in which we killed six Christians, local and international media reported the groups military spokesman, Sheikh Abdiasis Musab, as saying.

Al-Shebab wearing Kenyan army uniforms

In a telephone interview, a WWM contact who asked not to be named told how the Al Shabab militants, wearing Kenyan army uniforms, entered the housing compound on the pretext of being Kenyan security officers on patrol. Once allowed in, they first hit a mobile money transfer (M-Pesa) shop with an explosive device, before throwing more explosives into the compound. The people were caught unawares and were shot as they tried to flee. They specifically targeted non-locals (all assumed to be Christians).

Among the 6 dead is a local barber called Cege. Among the injured is one person who hid in the ceiling, but the explosion from the grenades shook him and he fell through the roof and was injured. He is currently in hospital."

Reports indicated that the attackers planted landmines all around the compound. One exploded when the security officers attempted to access the building. At the time WWM received this report, the bodies of the dead were still in the building as security personnel waited for bomb experts to detonate the explosives. Mandera County Commissioner Frederick Shisia told media they are working on switching off communication networks to allow police to enter the building without the fear of more explosions.

"There are increased security personnel in town even as tension remains very high. Residents are declining interviews out of fear for their safety and many are locked in their houses," locals report.

Recent attacks

Al Shabab has regularly attacked buses, to the point that the region has lost 100s of migrant teachers who say they no longer feel safe to work in the Somali-majority region.

In July, a church leader was killed returning home from facilitating a training on pursuing peace between Christian and Muslims in Garissa and Mandera.

In April, a charity which reports on global Christianity under pressure, Open Doors, concluded that NE Kenya is experiencing ethnic cleansing on grounds of religion.

In July 2015 at least 14 quarry workers were killed when suspected Al-Shabab gunmen attacked their compound in Soko Mbuzi village, just outside Mandera.

In an attack on Kenyas north-eastern Garissa University in April 2015, the militants singled out and shot Christians, leaving 147 dead.

In December 2014 al-Shabab killed 36 quarry workers in Mandera, all believed to be Christian.

Kenya ranks 16th on the World Watch List of the 50 countries in which its most difficult to be a Christian, produced by Open Doors  which says this is mainly as a result of Islamist extremism.

Publication date: October 6, 2016
Members of a Korean Canadian pastors church are petitioning the Canadian government to help secure his release from North Korea.

ChristianToday.com reports that pastor Hyeon Soo Lim is a Korean Canadian who often took missionary trips to North Korean to do humanitarian work.

He was arrested on one of these trips in 2014, accused of harming the dignity of the supreme leader, "trying to use religion to destroy North Korea," and "assisting North Koreans' escape, and given a life sentence of hard labor.

Lim pled guilty to the charges, although some say a confession was forced from him by North Korean officials.

Lims congregation in Canada at Light Presbyterian Church are calling on the Canadian government to help secure his release.

In a statement, the church members said, "We know that in both cases the highest level of government officials, including Prime Minister [Justin] Trudeau himself, were instrumental in securing the release of these fellow Canadians [Homa Hoodfar, jailed in Iran and Kevin Garratt, held in China]. We urge the Canadian government to demonstrate the same attention and determination when engaging in diplomatic talks with the North Korean officials."

Lims family and his church are concerned for his welfare. He has not been heard from since January and it is feared his health is not good.

Publication date: October 6, 2016
The Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) has decided to eliminate the requirement of colleges' belief in one man-one woman marriage as a condition for two of the three levels of membership.

The council has now classified its membership in three categories: governing, associate, and collaborative, according to a Baptist Press report.

The new rule applies to associate and collaborative members. But the governing members, who have the rights to vote, must meet all the broad criteria essential to the orthodox Christian doctrine.

The six criteria acknowledged by CCCU include Christian mission, institutional type and accreditation, cooperation and participation (dues), institutional integrity (financial ethics), employment policies, and Christian distinctives and advocacy which includes a sub-point affirming the belief that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Colleges and universities can disagree with that marriage belief as one of their basic belief doctrines and still remain associate members of the CCCU. And the collaborative members can altogether skip the conditions laid out under both the employment policies and Christian distinctives and advocacy.

After the Supreme Court's decision legalizing same-sex marriages last year, Eastern Mennonite University and Goshen College, adopted new employment policies to permit gay and lesbian people to join the schools as staff. These institutions then voluntarily parted ways with the CCCU.

Now, these two schools can file for membership again as collaborative members under the new council rules.

However, five conservative universities including Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Union University withdrew their membership from CCCU, after EMU and Goshen changed their hiring policies.

"The fact that this is not unanimous damages our witness. The reason we are passionate about this is because what we are talking about is not a secondary or tertiary theological issue -- marriage is at the heart of the Gospel. To deny the Bible's concept of marriage is to deny the authority of Scripture," Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver, President at Union University, wrote in a letter to CCCU in August, 2015.

After EMU and Goshen withdrew from the council, CCCU President Shirley Hoogstra had indicated that they are going to make changes in the affiliate category system. The council also consulted other members over these universities' new policies and sought their opinion in this matter.

"We're looking to 2015 and beyond, looking around issues of religious liberty, and we think having strong collaborations is the way forward. ... What we found is the affiliate category is widely confusing for our association," she had said.

The council decision comes after a CCCU committee comprising a special task force mulled over membership conditions for months, aiming to "review the CCCU's categories of association, and to explore how the Council will remain rooted in historic Christianity while also fruitfully engaging with other institutions seeking to advance the cause of Christian higher education or religious freedom."
About 24,000 women and men protested on the streets of Poland's capital Warsaw on October 3 to oppose a proposed bill that will ban abortions in all cases except when the mother's life in in danger.

The women wore blank and held signs in the "Black Protest" organized by pro-abortion rights groups. The organizers had encouraged women to skip work on Monday to join the demonstrations.

The activists are planning more protests in other cities around Europe.

The new bill will impose heavy penalties on abortion providers and women who terminate pregnancies in cases other than danger to a mother's life. Offenders will be liable for prison sentences of up to five years.

The current abortion law makes abortion illegal except in cases of incest, rape, anomalies of the fetus, or when the mother's life is threatened.

However, Down Syndrome babies have also been terminated under this law which allows abortion in cases of anomalies of the fetus.

The abortion bill was proposed by the ruling Law and Justice party, and on September 23 was accepted by a wide majority of lawmakers in parliament. The bill got approved by 267 vs 154 votes in the Polish parliament.

A parliamentary committee is now evaluating the bill.

The new bill was proposed after a 24 year-week-old baby was born alive in March and left to die at Holy Family Hospital in Warsaw. The baby screamed for about an hour, and was ignored by the medicals staff. Medical tests of the baby showed that the baby had Down Syndrome.
The vice presidential debate 2016, featuring Virginia Senator Tim Kaine and Indiana Governor Mike Pence, was held at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, at 9 pm ET, and was moderated by CBSN anchor Elaine Quijano.

The debate stretched for 90 minutes and had nine segments to discuss domestic and foreign policy matters. Each of the candidate was given about two minutes to answer a variety of questions on why they support their running mates and their policies.

Kaine said he trusts Hillary Clinton because of her "passion."

"Here's what people should look at as they look at a public servant," Kaine said. "Do they have a passion in their life that showed up before they were in public life? And have they held onto that passion throughout their life, regardless of whether they were in office or not, succeeding or failing?"

"Hillary Clinton has that passion. From a time as a kid in a Methodist youth group in the suburbs of Chicago, she has been focused on serving others with a special focus on empowering families and kids. As a civil rights lawyer in the South, with the Children's Defense Fund, first lady of Arkansas and this country, senator, secretary of state, it's always been about putting others first," he said.

Pence pointed to Trump's business experience as to why he would trust him as president.

"Donald Trump has built a business through hard times and through good times. He's brought an extraordinary business acumen. He's employed tens of thousands of people in this country," Pence said.

Quijano also asked Pence if he thought it was fair for Trump to pay as little tax as possible.

To this, Pence replied, "Donald Trump is a businessman, not a career politician. He actually built a business."

"Those tax returns that were -- that came out publicly this week show that he faced some pretty tough times 20 years ago. But like virtually every other business, including the New York Times not too long ago, he used what's called net operating loss. We have a tax code, Senator, that actually is designed to encourage entrepreneurship in this country," he said.

Quijano then asked the vice presidential candidates their thoughts on law enforcement and race relations.

Kaine said that the solution is to build bonds between the communities and the police.

"Here's what I learned as a mayor and a governor," Kaine said. "The way you make communities safer and the way you make police safer is through community policing. You build the bonds between the community and the police force, build bonds of understanding, and then when people feel comfortable in their communities, that gap between the police and the communities they serve narrows. And when that gap narrows, it's safer for the communities and it's safer for the police."

"That model still works across our country, but there are some other models that don't work, an overly aggressive, more militarized model. Donald Trump recently said we need to do more stop-and-frisk around the country. That would be a big mistake because it polarizes the relationship between the police and the community."

Pence agreed with Kaine on the need to work for closer relationship between communities and the police, but said that reducing crime rate also involves boosting law and order.

"Police officers are the best of us. And the men and women, white, African-American, Asian, Latino, Hispanic, they put their lives on the line every single day. And let my say, at the risk of agreeing with you, community policing is a great idea. It's worked in the Hoosier state. And we fully support that," said Pence.

"Donald Trump and I are going to make sure that law enforcement have the resources and the tools to be able to really restore law and order to the cities and communities in this nation," he continued. "It's probably -- probably why the 330,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Donald Trump as the next president of the United States of America, because they see his commitment to them. They see his commitment to law and order," he reiterated.

Quijano then asked Pence about immigration and how to address the issue of terrorist attacks such as Orlando nightclub massacre and recent bombings in New York and New Jersey by people who are citizens.

Pence replied by saying that it begins with reforms in the immigration system, and "putting the interests, particularly the safety and security of the American people, first."

"I mean, Donald Trump has called for extreme vetting for people coming into this country so that we don't bring people into the United States who are hostile to our Bill of Rights freedoms, who are hostile to the American way life," he said. "But also, Donald Trump and I are committed to suspending the Syrian refugee program and programs and immigration from areas of the world that have been compromised by terrorism. Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine want to increase the Syrian refugee program by 500."

Kaine said that they will vet the refugees based on the threat they might pose to the country, and not the basis of the country they belong to.

Quijano then directed their attention to mass killings of civilians in Aleppo, Syria by Russian and Syrian militaries. "Does the U.S. have a responsibility to protect civilians and prevent mass casualties on this scale, Governor Pence?" she asked.

Pence said that the US "needs to begin to exercise strong leadership to protect the vulnerable citizens and over 100,000 children in Aleppo."

He continued to say that the "provocations by Russia need to be met with American strength. And if Russia chooses to be involved and continue, I should say, to be involved in this barbaric attack on civilians in Aleppo, the United States of America should be prepared to use military force to strike military targets of the Assad regime to prevent them from this humanitarian crisis that is taking place in Aleppo."

Kaine concurred with Pence on the need to build safe zones for the people living in Aleppo.

"Hillary and I also agree that the establishment of humanitarian zones in northern Syria with the provision of international human aid, consistent with the U.N. Security Council resolution that was passed in February 2014, would be a very, very good idea."

Finally Quijano asked the candidates about their faith, and the role it has played in their lives.

Kaine said that he grew up in family adhering to Irish Catholic faith. "My mom and dad are sitting right here. I was educated by Jesuits at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City. My 40th reunion is in 10 days."

"And I worked with Jesuit missionaries in Honduras, now nearly 35 years ago, and they were the heroes of my life. I try to practice my religion in a very devout way and follow the teachings of my church in my own personal life. But I don't believe in this nation, a First Amendment nation, where we don't raise any religion over the other, and we allow people to worship as they please, that the doctrines of any one religion should be mandated for everyone."

Pence said that his Christian faith is at the very heart of who he is. "I was also raised in a wonderful family of faith. It was a church on Sunday morning and grace before dinner."

"But my Christian faith became real for me when I made a personal decision for Christ when I was a freshman in college. And I've tried to live that out however imperfectly every day of my life since. And with my wife at my side, we've followed a calling into public service, where we've -- we've tried to -- we've tried to keep faith with the values that we cherish," he said.

"So for me, my faith informs my life. I try and spend a little time on my knees every day. But it all for me begins with cherishing the dignity, the worth, the value of every human life," he added.
For the first time, a separate gathering for Asian American leaders convened at the Exponential West Conference that began on October 3 at Mariners Church.

The gathering was a pre-conference hosted by the Thirty Network, a group that launched in February this year that aims to resource and cultivate Asian American ministry leaders.

We want to advance Asian American leaders for them to be able to influence the whole church world, said Kevin Nguyen, campus pastor of Saddleback Church Irvine South, and one of the leaders of the Thirty Network. We want to provide access points like the space we had today to keep leaders inspired.

Bigger conferences like this one are helpful for leaders, but may lack contextualized information, said DJ Chuang, a strategy consultant who is also one of the leaders of the Thirty Network. He said its important to have an intimate space to have conversations like this among Asian Americans.

The session, which was split into three parts, featured brief talks with Daniel Im of LifeWay Christian Resources, president of the Exponential Conference Dave Ferguson, and DJ Chuang.

Daniel Im encouraged the pastors to persevere, especially when the realization of a vision seems far away.

The time between the initiative towards and the realization of a dream is the time when God is going to shape you, Im said. God is less concerned with our destination, than he is in the journey and in the day to day.

Dave Ferguson shared about his journey of becoming the president of the Exponential Conference, as well as his thoughts on current trends of ministry, among other topics. A generation ago, Ferguson said, many ministry leaders pursued building large congregations. Today, he said the trend is that more people are looking to be a part of a reproducing or multiplying church, rather than simply a large one.

Ferguson added that he believes much of the leadership of churches and ministries in the future will become more diverse.

The face of the future looks more like you, he said.

Being Asian American is not about being a second-class citizen; its not less, but its actually more, said DJ Chuang, adding that Asian Americans have unique aspects to offer to the larger community. The treasure that we have is that inherently, we have the experience of navigating multiple cultures.

Meanwhile, this is the second formal gathering of Asian American leaders hosted by the Thirty Network, following its first official gathering in February. The group plans to host two types of major gatherings on a regular basis: access point gatherings at major conferences such as Exponential, and signature gatherings during which 30 ministry leaders in their 30s will gather for a 30-hour retreat, to prepare for the next 30 years of ministry.
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Robert Mugabe says the government remains committed to eradicating poverty and improve the lives of people through economic emancipation.Speaking during the official opening of the fourth session of the 8th Parliament in Harare today, President Mugabe said though the economy faces a lot of challenges, a bill to establish national competitiveness for local companies will be tabled.He said the bill will repeal the National Income Price Act which has outlived its life span.President Mugabe revealed that Parliament will also consider the Civil Aviation Amendment Bill to facilitate joint ventures in the aviation sector.He also said the Public Sector Procurement Bill will be tabled to ensure decentralization of procurement of goods and services in state entities.The president added that a new Labour Bill will be tabled while greater protection will be given to children through the Child Protection Bill.He reiterated that government will launch the 2016 STEM project and The Manpower Development Act will be amend to ensure greater focus on its mandate."The Indigenous Act will be amended to bring it to consonant with policy changes articulated by the my government in April this year. The Computer and Cyber Bill will be tabled to deal with the what governments' the world over are grappling with," says Mugabe.Mugabe concluded by reminding MPs of their sacrosanct duty to enact laws that promote development in an environment of peace."You will not only enact the laws but to adhere to them," added the president.President Mugabe was accompanied by the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe, daughter Bona and husband, the newly appoinnted Air Zimbabwe COO Simba Chikore.The two Vice Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko were also present at the Parliament.
Christian pastors from different races and denominations gathered in San Diego on October 1 to pray for unity in the community after three black men were shot and killed by the police last week in the span of five days.

The prayer gathering was held at the El Cajon Police Department Headquarters, according to Christian Today. The gathering was led by Pastor Rolland Slade of Meridian Baptist Church, Pastor David Hoffman of Foothills Christian Church in El Cajon, Pastor Jim Garlow of Skyline Church, and David Joseph of Last Harvest Arabic Church.

Alfred Olango was fatally shot on Tuesday in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon when he pointed an electronic cigarette that looked like a gun at an officer. His death was followed by three days of violent protests, according to ABC News. Olangos death was followed by Reginald Thomas death on Friday in Pasadena and 18-year-old Carnell Snell Jr.s death in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Pastor David Hoffman prayed for order in the aftermath of the shootings and its effect on the community

"We pray that you would thwart those who would bring unrest, damage and chaos to our city and our county," Hoffman prayed at the event, according to NBC San Diego.

Pastor Rolland Slade asked God for "truth, transparency and transformation, in light of the divisions that the events brought to the community.
Norway has allowed children as young as 6 years to legally change their gender by filling out an online form. Under the country's new law, the children only need parental approval. Changing gender will not require doctor's consent, counseling, and surgery.

The law was passed by a majority 79-13 votes in the Norwegian parliament in June.

Similar laws have been adopted in several other countries, but Norwegian law also includes children. Other countries to have allowed gender change for children include Argentina and Malta.

However, Malta laws require parents to seek court permission before a child can legally change gender. But in Norway, children can fill out the gender-change form online for which only parental consent is required.

People, including children, are only required to return a mailed letter after submitting the form to confirm their decision. After approval, a new national identification number is provided to the applicants, which allows them to make changes to their passport, birth certificate, credit cards, and driver's license, among other documents.

About 250 Norwegians, and 10 minors have applied for gender change. Their applications have all been accepted by the government.

"I have met several young people who have told me that this new law is making their lives easier. Several have come out of a dark place," said Norwegian Health Minister Bent Hoie.

Similar law has been passed in Denmark so that people are allowed to change their genders without having to undergo sex-change surgeries.

However, critics of the law say that making this option available to children is akin to giving them the idea that gender can be changed without any serious thought.

"It appears very likely that adults are suggesting these ideas to the children. So this drastic measure, implemented so flippantly, is entirely inappropriate," said, Robert Lopez, who heads the International Children's Rights Institute, told The Christian Post. "It feels like manipulation of children, not a way of showing compassion to them."
I had the privilege or reading a pre-release version of "God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church." Here are 20 quotes from the book, which you should pick up.
Portland, Oregon has a reputation for being liberal, un-churched, and filled to the brim with under-employed hipsters. While the majority of the city may be white, well-educated, and obsessed with pour-over coffee and small-batch pickles, on its edges one finds a diversity of experience, race, class, and culture. Its in these neighborhoods on the fringe that recently arrived refugees and immigrants often land, looking for affordable housing and employment.

But life is hard in a place where there are little to no nearby services, slow bus lines, and few English classes offered. Most church planters and pastors may focus on reaching the postmodern and the non-religious, but the surrounding suburbs are full of nearly empty churches and thousands of people who are suffering from isolation. Many people are struggling to survive, often outside of the view of the rest of the city.

Pastor John Baskaron understands what it feels like to not belong. A native Egyptian who emigrated to the United States in 1972, Baskaron is the head pastor of Portlands Arabic Christian Church, which was the first of its kind in all of Oregon. For decades, Baskaron was a successful businessman, and only recently, in his retirement, has he switched into full-time ministry. While most would take this opportunity to rest and enjoy the fruits of their labors, Baskaron seems to only be getting started when it comes to reaching out to his neighborsmany of them Muslimin the name of Christ.

The Only Arabic Church in Oregon

Born and raised in Egypt, John became a follower of Christ while on a trip to Lebanon in 1970. Then, in 1972, John and his entire family emigrated to southern California, where he threw himself into learning English, attended Santa Monica College, and became a machinist. For 20 years, he lived, worked, and grew his family, first marrying his wife Awatef and then having three children.

California had a vibrant network of nearly 60 Arabic-speaking churches, making it easy for John and his family to become heavily involved in the Arabic Christian community. In 1992, however, they decided to move to Portland. Unable to find work as a machinist, John became a small business owner, starting with a gas station in the Rockwood neighborhood on the edge of Portland. After his family moved, John realized there was not a single Arabic-speaking church in all of Oregon.

That changed three months later when he met Raief Azaab, a student from Egypt attending George Fox Seminary. After meeting a few times in Raiefs apartment, John proposed that their families start gathering in earnest as a church community, and their church was born. John was involved from the beginning as an elder and watched the community start to grow and flourish.

How did they grow an Arabic church in Portland? Mostly, it was by immigration. In the 1990s, John started receiving calls from Arabic pastors in California asking him if he would be willing to sponsor an Arabic Christian family. He always said yes. The process was arduouslots of paperwork to fill out, plus a binding commitment to be financially and legally responsible for the incoming parties for five years. But John kept sponsoring people19 families in allemploying many of them at his gas stations. The church continued to grow, eventually developing into three separate churches as families became stable and helped resettle others.

By 2009, though, John was growing tired. Raief left to plant churches in New Jersey, and there had been a succession of replacement pastors who hadnt worked out. The numbers started to dwindle, causing conflict and tension. It looked to be the end of an era, so John sold his house and his businesses and moved back to California to be closer to his mother and start the next phase of his life.

We Are the Bridges

His return turned out to be shorter than hed expected. After only a few years, both Johns wife and a pastor friend told him that he should go back to Portland. John resisted, saying he didnt want people to think he was just a retired busybody with nothing else to do. But then something happened: Both his successful U-Haul business and his house got offers put on them without John doing any advertising. In 2013, John decided to move his family back to Rockwood to serve as his former churchs pastor.

At the time, the ACCs congregation had shrunk to only eight people. In an effort to grow it, John started to volunteer with a refugee resettlement agency as an Arabic interpreter. Many of the refugees at that time were Iraqi Muslimsa population hed previously been wary of, but now felt drawn to serve.

I was in the office to meet people and translate, or pick them up from the airport, help them figure out papers, take them to medical appointments, John says. I wanted to open a door to bring new people to Christ. To bring them to church. I dont want to preach to the believers. So I would introduce myself and say, I am here to meet you and here to help you. And it was very successful.

Johns ministry took an unexpected turn in 2014, when he got a call to sponsor a Muslim family from Jordan who had converted to Christianity. To help this family, he started reaching out to agencies, pastors, and various local churches. This was he met Nancy Molina, a Jesuit volunteer from the nearby St. Henrys Catholic Church, who heard about the familys needs and immediately offered to help. Her church gave so many donationsmostly of household goods and furniturethat there was enough to supply three families.

Before long, John and Nancy realized there was a need to help incoming refugees, and there were churches who were willing and eager to help. Nancy told me that she was happy to partner with John because his mission was clear and also timelyto help provide for the immediate material and social needs of the large influx of refugees coming to our community, initially focusing on Arabic speakers, then expanding out to include refugees and immigrants from dozens of countries. She found his heart to communicate the love of Christ both in word and deed compelling.

Nancy was also struck by how John continuously worked with recently arrived refugees in incredibly vulnerable situationsin the hospital, facing legal problems, trying to navigate the bureaucracy of government agencies and nonprofits, not able to figure out basic things like where to buy food or ride the bus. For all his hard work, though, he is an uncomplicated person, she saysone who is quietly loving people in a way that reflects the love of Jesus.

Currently, John and Nancy are working to create pathways for Christians to reach out to refugees and meet the biggest need of all: cultural isolation. Currently their nonprofit (The Refugee and Immigrant Hospitality Organization) is close to launching, and they are planning on opening a Welcome Center in the neighborhood within the next few months.

We are the bridges, John says, between the two worlds. He says that he is open about his faith, but he avoids prosyletizing; he loves and shares openly with no strings attached. And the families he helps accept him; I have never been rejected, he says. They know I am a pastor. They tell me, We know all the churches are helping us.

A Space, a Coffee Pot, and a Couch

In a time of increased fear and rhetoric directed toward refugees and foreigners, John Baskaron is a compelling figure. He tells me that based on his experiences in Egypt, he used to have bitterness in his heart against Muslims; now, however, he spends the majority of his time helping Muslims get settled in America.

For John, the gospel is extremely practical: What good is it to us if we love the people who love us? I am not doing anything out of the ordinary. Thats what the foundation of Christianity is: showing the love of Christ.

For now, John remains busy trying to get the Welcome Center off the ground. All we need is a space, a coffee pot, and a couch, he told me, laughing. And the people will come. His non-Western approach is both charming and low-key, but the drive behind his vision to see a place where people can feel safe and welcome is a force to be reckoned with.

Wherever he goes, Johns phone never stops buzzingpeople calling to ask for his translation help, or church members wanting to donate supplies. When we were wrapping up our conversation, he showed me a text: Someone has a couch they want to give me, and I have to go pick it up. Im going to trade in my car for a pickup truck.

He grins, and he is out the dooronce again, a man on a mission. Once a stranger in a strange land, he is now a welcoming presence in a city that is desperate for some good news.
In 2002, Louie Giglio, founder of the Passion Movement, invited an unknown artist named Amena Brown to perform her spoken-word poetry at a vision-casting event called One Day Link. The conference was simulcast to over 20,000 people. At the time, Brown had been turned down by graduate schools and faced disappointment. I did my poem [at the event] and knew that God was trying to say to me, This is why you didnt get into grad school, and my plans for your life are different than your plans for your life, says Brown.

Since then, Brown has toured with Gungor and performed and spoken at Creativity World Forum, Chick-Fil-A Leadercast, the National Poetry Slam, and the annual IF: Gathering, where she will co-lead a pre-conference session for women of color. She participates in the Atlanta poetry scene at Urban Grind Coffee and Java Monkey and over the last seven years has produced four spoken-word albums. Her fifth album, Amena Brown Live, releases this November.

I spoke recently with Brown about poetry, racism, and how performance art impacts her life and faith.

So much of your work as a spoken-word poet involves music and rhythm. With that in mind, what kind of worship music compels you the most? And where do you worship?

The church [my husband and I] attend is called Ikon Churchits a small, new church plant, and its right in our neighborhood [in Atlanta], which we really love. One thing I love about the worship experience there is that it is has soul. I grew up listening to choir music and gospel music and am a lover of soul music in general, so thats the music that speaks to me about God. In our church service, theres a mix of what would probably be considered ...

1
home World Christian missionary in Russia loses appeal against anti-evangelism law

Donald Ossewaarde, the Baptist missionary who fought against his conviction for violating Russia's anti-evangelism law, has lost the first court appeal.

The missionary was accused of conducting illegal missionary activity for holding Bible study sessions at his house in August. Authorities also accused him of distributing pamphlets without a permit.

Ossewaarde was found guilty on Aug. 14 and was ordered to pay a fine of 40,000 rubles. He decided to appeal the case, believing that the ruling is an improper application of the law.

On Sept. 30, the appeals court judge upheld the decision and ruled that the minister was guilty. Ossewaarde vowed to continue fighting for his case until the appeal reached the highest court.

"Obviously, this is a disappointment. I was hoping to wrap things up here and return to my family as soon as possible, but the issue is an important one, and duty demands that I press the case as far as I can," Ossewaarde wrote in a statement.

Ossewaarde stated on his website that the woman who filed the complaint against him was not an ordinary citizen but a city official. He noted that she presented photographs of his tracts in bulletin boards as evidence against him. Ossewaarde mentioned that while he indeed put up some posters, he never glued tracts to bulletin boards.

In his statement to the court, Ossewaarde said that he only came to preach in Russia because it became legal. He argued that his ministry did not meet the definition of illegal missionary activities stated in the new anti-evangelism law widely known as the "Yarovaya law."

"Even though Russian is not my native tongue, even I was able to understand that my activity does not meet this definition, so I have not broken any laws. I am exercising the rights guaranteed by the constitution and the laws of the Russian Federation," said Ossewaarde.

Several other people have been arrested over violations of the Yarovaya law. On July 20, the day the law was enacted, authorities raided the Baptist children's camp run by Pastor Aleksei Telius. He was ordered to pay a fine of 5,000 rubles. Last August, a Ghanian Christian leader named Ebenezer Tuah was ordered to pay 50,000 rubles for performing baptisms.
home Entertainment Mel Gibson's new Christian film 'Hacksaw Ridge' receives 10-minute standing ovation; Movie hits U.S. theaters November 2016

Mel Gibson's upcoming Christian movie "Hacksaw Ridge" got a 10-minute standing ovation at its premiere last September and it will be released in theaters next month.

The film is based on the true story of a World War II medic named Desmond Doss, played by Andrew Garfield. Doss refused to fire a single shot in battle because of his religious convictions. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for rescuing as many as 75 soldiers during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.

During the film's premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Gibson was joined by actors Garfield, Vince Vaughn, Hugo Weaving, Teresa Palmer and Luke Bracey to greet the dazzled audience.

In an interview with France24, Gibson characterized "Hacksaw Ridge" as an anti-war movie.

"It is an anti-war movie. I think all war movies are anti-war movies, but we do have to be compassionate to our warriors," Gibson said. "I hate war, but I love the warrior. And those guys that went to war, I appreciate and honor their sacrifice, because many of them lost much, even when they come home they suffer," he added.

Gibson expressed his admiration for Doss' faith in God during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

"To go in to a battle zone like that. I think the Japanese called it a steel rain, with the artillery and the lead that was flying around, to go into that armed with only your faith, your faith has to be strong indeed," he said.

The film's producer, Bill Mechanic, had been working on the film for 13 years. Gibson signed up to direct the movie in 2014. Mechanic considered it as Gibson's greatest film. He previously worked alongside the director on the award-winning film "Braveheart."

Last August, Gibson appeared at Pastor Greg Laurie's SoCal Harvest in Anaheim, California, to promote the film. He also hinted that his next project could possibly be a film about Christ's resurrection.

"Hacksaw Ridge" will be released in U.S. theaters on Nov. 4.
home US Hurricane Matthew 2016 path tracker update news (Map): Southeast U.S. braces for potentially 'catastrophic' storm

Hurricane Matthew, the fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, slammed into the Bahamas on Thursday and intensified as it barreled toward the southeastern United States after killing at least 39 people, mostly in southern Haiti, on its northward march.

Matthew, which displaced thousands of people in Haiti, smashing homes and inundating neighborhoods, was predicted to strengthen from a Category 3 to 4 storm en route to Florida's Atlantic coast, making landfall there on Thursday night, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

The center extended its hurricane warning area farther north into Georgia and more than 12 million U.S. residents were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel.

Roads in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as the storm approached, carrying with it strong storm surges, heavy rain and sustained winds that accelerated overnight to about 125 miles per hour (205 kph).

The damage could be "catastrophic" if Matthew slammed directly into Florida, Governor Rick Scott warned, urging some 1.5 million people in the state to heed evacuation orders.

"If you're reluctant to evacuate, just think about all the people who have been killed," Scott said at a news conference on Thursday. "Time is running out. This is clearly either going to have a direct hit or come right along the coast and we're going to have hurricane-force winds."

A storm surge of up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) was expected.

"Do not surf," Scott said. "Do not go on the beach. This will kill you."

The four U.S. states in the path of the hurricane, which was 215 miles (346 km) southeast of West Palm Beach at about 8 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT), declared states of emergency, a move empowering their governors to mobilize the National Guard.

It was too soon to predict where in the United States Matthew was likely to do the most damage, the Hurricane Center said.

Shelters in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina were opened for evacuees. Federal emergency response teams were coordinating with officials in all four states and stockpiling supplies, President Barack Obama said.

Schools and airports across the region were closed on Thursday and some hospitals were evacuated, according to local media. Hundreds of flights were canceled in and out of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida, industry website Flightaware.com said early on Thursday.

Matthew was heading northwest at about 12 mph (19 kph) and was expected to continue on this track on Thursday, turning north-northwest on Thursday night, the National Hurricane Center said. The eye, or center, of the storm was expected to pass near Andros Island and New Providence in the northwestern Bahamas on Thursday.

In Nassau, the Bahamas capital located on New Providence, it was raining steadily on Thursday morning and high winds were bucking palm trees. Minor damage to roofs was reported but there was no flooding yet or reports of injuries.

DEVASTATION IN HAITI

On Tuesday and Wednesday Matthew, the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck Central America in 2007, had whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mph (225 kph) winds and torrential rain, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes.

The devastation in Haiti, where officials said on Thursday at least 35 people were killed, prompted authorities to postpone a presidential election.

In Florida, fuel stations posted "out of gas" signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up.

Some residents prepared to wait out the storm and stocked up on water, milk and canned goods, emptying grocery store shelves, local media said.

Residents and business owners boarded up windows with plywood and hurricane shutters and placed sandbags to protect property against flooding.

"All boarded up and ready to bunker down. God be with us," West Palm Beach resident Brad Gray said in a Tweet.

Scott said he activated 1,000 more members of the state National Guard on Thursday morning, bringing the total number of those summoned to 2,500. Another 4,000 stood ready to respond if needed, he said.
home World Man kills his own sister for marrying a Christian in Pakistan

A Pakistani man who shot his sister for marrying a Christian said he had to kill her for dishonoring their family.

Rajhu, 24, had discovered that his 18-year-old sister Tasleem had married a Christian man in August. Rajhu had suffered taunts about his sister's marriage from his co-workers at the steel mill for several days until he decided to buy a pistol.

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), Jehangir, Tasleem's spouse, had converted to Islam but her family still saw the act as dishonorable. Tasleem and Jehangir married secretly but returned home because she wanted her family to accept the union.

Rajhu waited for a week until he got angry and finally grabbed his gun.

"I could not let it go. It was all I could think about. I had to kill her," he told AP. "There was no choice," he added.

On Aug. 14, Rajhu walked up to Tasleem and shot her in the head. "There was no yelling, no shouting," said Rajhu. "I just shot her dead," he continued.

Even after Tasleem's death, her father, Mohammed Naseer Rajhu, is still angry with her for bringing shame to the family.

"My family is destroyed," he said. "Everything is destroyed only because of this shameful girl. Even after death I am destroyed because of her," he continued.

Naseer said that he discovered Tasleem's two mobile phones and some sleeping pills after her death. He believes that Tasleem used the sleeping pills to drug the family so she could go out to see Jehangir.

Babar Ali, one of the Rajhus' neighbors, expressed his approval of the heinous act.

"I am proud of this man that he has done the right thing, to kill her," said Ali. "We cannot allow anyone to marry outside our religion. He did the right thing," he added.

Christians living in the neighborhood are fearful of backlash against them because of the incident. A few weeks after the killing, five gunshots were fired into the homes of Christians although no one was hurt.

"We have been scared since the killing took place," said a neighbor named Shahzia Masih, "There are just a few houses of Christians here, but we have nowhere else to go," Mashi added.

Most of the victims of honor killings are women. According to AP, 1,184 died in Pakistan last year due to honor killings. Only 88 of the victims were men.

Last July, social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch was strangled by her brother Waseem for her controversial political posts published online. Waseem did not express any regret for the murder when he was arrested.
News / Press Release

by PDP

In his book, Defeating Dictators, George B.N Ayittey makes the point that much of Africa is a vampire state that metastasizes into a coconut republic and finally implodes into a collapsed or failed state.Indeed, Zimbabwe has become a vampire state.Ayittey in his book page 23 writes; " - a government hijacked by a phalanx of bandits, gangsters, crooks, and scoundrels who use the machinery of the state to enrich themselves, their cronies, supporters, and members of their own ethnic, racial or religious group and to exclude everyone else. It is an apartheid-like system based on the politics of exclusion."One is poor if one does not belong to that charmed circle. The richest people in Africa and many Third World countries are the ruling vampire elites and government ministers. And quite often, the chief bandit is the head of state himself".Events in the last six months confirm that we have become a coconut republic.First, it was the ejectment of Joice Mujuru as the Vice President without due processes and genuine reasons.Second, it was the elevation of Grace Mugabe into the position of defacto Vice President of Zimbabwe.Third, has been the implementation of crazy economic policies not found on any rational basis.The enactment of the Statutory Instrument (SI) 164 in respect of which the Government banned the importation of basic commodities that have been helping the people is proof of this.Fourth, the implementation of an outdated agriculture model, copied from a now non-existent Stalinist period.Even when finance minister, Patrick Chinamasa tried to implement some modest lipstick reforms such as the deferment of civil servants' bonuses, the regime descended on him like a dog with rabies.Fifth, the announcement of the return of the Zimbabwe dollar now known as a bond note is a suicidal move that confirms Chinamasa as the worst finance minister in the history of Zimbabwe.Coupled with this have been the vicious attacks on members of the social movements and including ultimately the abuse of the rule of law through various illegal moves.Chief among these has been the ban on marches and demonstrations through the fascist Public Order and Security Act (POSA).The government has gone bonkers and completely lost its marbles.However, it is the appointment of Simba Chikore as the chief operations officer of Air Zimbabwe which confirms beyond reasonable doubt that we have become a coconut republic.Another case is point is that the appointment of Simba Chikore comes soon after Mugabe forced the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) to illegally award a multi-million dollar tender of the Dema Diesel Power Plant project to Chikore's brother, Derrick.That the president can appoint his unemployed son-in-law who has never run anything in his life, is proof of the insanity of this regime.That Mugabe can do it so brazenly without care of in respect of public sentiments is a deep seated belief that he owns this country and can do anything he wants with this country.We have thus become a coconut republic, which should change its name to the Republic of Robert Mugabe, a corporate enterprise run by a fascist shareholder with a few awe-stricken cronies.The truth of the matter is that the war veterans who liberated this country from the yoke of colonialism only for it to be colonized by an individual, His Excellency President Robert Mugabe.As the People's Democratic Party (PDP), we refuse this construction.We shall continue fighting to restore democracy and retake our country from the new colonialist, Robert Mugabe.PDP Communications
home Faith Oklahoma pastor uses magic tricks to share the Gospel

A pastor from Muskogee, Oklahoma, is using illusions and tricks to catch the attention of unsuspecting people before he presents the Gospel.

Bart Glatt, who serves as a pastor of volunteer ministries at First Baptist Church in Muskogee, has traveled the world to preach about Christ and teach Biblical principles with the use of illusions.

"There are things that you can do with [illusions] that you can't do any other way visually in such a short time to help explain things," Glatt said in an interview with the Baptist Press.

Glatt became fascinated with magic tricks when his seventh grade teacher told the class to learn something they had never done before by reading a library book about it. He wanted to learn more about performing illusions after he saw the 1953 drama "Houdini" starring Tony Curtis.

He soon found out that learning from a book was not the best approach to learn the said skills.

"I was trying to make my hands look like the illustrations, and a friend of my father's walked up and said, 'You're holding the cards wrong.' ... It turns out he had been a professional magician. I never knew that, and I begged him to teach me," added Glatt.

Glatt's apprenticeship with the professional magician went on for years. When his teacher died of a massive heart attack, he realized that he had never shared the Gospel with him so he decided to use his talent to preach about Christ.

Glatt said that illusions, puppets, juggling and other tricks are effective in catching people's attention before he presented the Gospel.

In one of his stunts, Glatt was clad in a straitjacket, hanging upside down 100 feet in the air with no safety net below him. He got the attention of people when he said that he would reveal how to perform the escape.

"When I got down, everybody was listening, and I said, 'If anybody could escape from death, Houdini would do it. Tonight I'm going to tell you how you can escape from eternal death to eternal life,'" he said.

At one point, several motorcycle gang members turned to Christ after Glatt shared the Gospel by using card tricks.

Glatt says he performed magic tricks for millionaires and former U.S. presidents including George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton after they left office.

Aside from being an illusionist, Glatt is also a photographer, videographer and a voiceover artist. His photographs have been used in magazines and Fortune 500 stockholder's reports.

Glatt is able to use his skills as an illusionist to preach about Christ even in countries where it is considered dangerous. He teaches homeschoolers and other people who are preparing to go on mission trips to use tricks as icebreakers to open up about the Gospel.
home Life Pope says Christians should 'accompany' transgenders but fight 'gender theory indoctrination'

Pope Francis recently highlighted the distinction between accompanying homosexuals and fighting against the "indoctrination of gender theory."

The pope spoke about the subject of gender theory during a press conference aboard the Papal plane on his way to Rome after his visit to Azerbaijan and Georgia, Crux reports. At the conference, the pope was asked by a journalist about how to accompany a person struggling with sexual identity.

"First of all, I've accompanied in my life as a priest, a bishop, and even as pope, people with homosexual tendencies or even homosexual practices, I've led them closer to the Lord," he replied.

The pope added that although he felt that there are some who cannot get closer to the Lord, he was never compelled to abandon them. "When a person who has this condition gets in front of Jesus, Jesus won't say 'leave because you're homosexual,'" the pope said.

While he was in Georgia, the pope described gender theory as a "global war against the family." When he was asked about the remark at the press conference, he narrated his experience of talking with a French man who had a 10-year-old child who wanted to become a woman.

"The dad remembered that in the schoolbooks they taught gender theory. And this is against natural things," the pope explained.

Pope Francis made the distinction between those who have the tendency to lean toward homosexuality and the teachings in school that is meant to change minds. "This is what I call ideological colonization," he said.

The pope also described another case in which a woman underwent sex reassignment surgery to become a man. He said that he received a letter from the woman and referred to the person as a "he who was a she, but is a he."

The pope said that the woman and her partner were pleased when he met with them. Their meeting took place in January 2015 after the woman, now known as Diego Neria Lejarraga, wrote to him about being rejected from her parish after her sexual reassignment surgery.

Pope Francis spoke of an old priest who was more accepting of Lejarraga and a young priest who was harsh.

The pope requested to the media not to say that he will sanctify transgender people. He clarified that it is a human problem that needs to be resolved with God's mercy.
home Faith Swedish priests start crowdfunding campaign to support persecuted Christians

The priests who started the Mitt Kors (My Cross) movement are now crowdfunding a book that would feature pictures and stories of people expressing their support for persecuted Christians.

Mitt Kors was started by Annika Borg, Johanna Andersson and Helena Edlund after the murder of French priest Fr. Jacques Hamel inside his church in Normandy. In the group's Facebook page, people are encouraged to share images of crosses as well as personal stories as a way to show their support for suffering Christians.

The founders compiled into some of the testimonies and images that wer shared by the people. The goal for its Kickstarter campaign is to collect 250,000 Swedish krona (around $29,000).

"Mitt Kors was not merely a place for photos, but also a place where people could tell their stories a about their crosses, their faith and their journeys," said the founders in the group's crowdfunding page.

"About crosses given as gifts or passed down through generations. About crosses as tokens of sacred places and special encounters. About crosses formed by nature over billions of years, or crosses faintly visible in cloud formations. About crosses lost in the search for refuge and crosses that are all that remain of lives long gone," they continued.

According to the priests, many people from different backgrounds have joined the group including Jews, Muslims, atheists and secular humanists.

The founders want the book to become "another room of hope" that would help raise awareness about people who are persecuted for their beliefs. They added that part of the book's earnings would be donated to projects that offer support for persecuted Christians.

The movement has reportedly been criticized by Church leadership as well as people outside the Church claiming that it encourages anti-Islamic sentiments.

The founders responded to the criticisms by accusing Church leaders of not standing up for Christians due to misguided political correctness.

In an interview with Christian Today, Borg stated, "The Church has taken the strange position that if they point out the fact that Christians are eradicated in the Middle East, they automatically take a stand against somebody else."
24/7 Prayer For Release Of Christian Asia Bibi From Death Row

The forthcoming final appeal of a Christian woman on death row for blasphemy in Pakistan has prompted a 24/7 prayer movement petitioning for her release.

Asia Bibi was sentenced to execution in 2009 after being accused by her former colleagues of blaspheming against the Prophet Mohammad  a charge she denies.

She was last year reportedly put in solitary confinement in her prison in Multan, eastern Pakistan, over fears she may be attacked by vigilantes. Persecution charity Release International has warned that one Muslim cleric has offered 500,000 rupees  about 4,000  to anyone who manages to kill her.

Pakistan's Supreme Court will next week hear her final appeal. Religious freedom charity Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is therefore asking supporters to join in a 24-hour prayer movement on October 12 to pray for her aquittal.

"She needs our prayers now more than ever," CSW said.

It has urged believers to pray:

That Asia would be acquitted

For her strength and restoration during and after the hearing

For wisdom and protection for Saiful Malook, her lawyer; and for the judges hearing her case

For the wider Christian community who may face a backlash whatever the outcome of the appeal

For an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Pakistan, to maintain calm in the country.

For justice for others accused of blasphemy, and that the government would urgently amend the blasphemy laws

At least 95 per cent of the Pakistani population is Muslim, and Islam is enshrined in the constitution as the state religion. The US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) last year said the country represented "one of the worst situations in the world for religious freedom" and accused the Pakistani government of failing to provide adequate protections for faiths other than Islam. It argued that repressive blasphemy laws in particular are used to target religious minorities.

These laws prescribe life imprisonment for the desecration of the Qur'an and the death sentence for "defiling" the Prophet Mohammad, and accusations of incidents have often prompted mob violence. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies in Pakistan, more than 62 people have been killed in such incidents since 1990. More than 40 people are currently on death row for blasphemy, the majority of whom are members of religious minorities.

Sign up to pray for Bibi here.
Al Shabaab Claims Death Of Six Christians In Kenya Attack

Islamist militant group al-Shabaab claimed the deaths of six Christians in an attack on a residential compound in northeast Kenya on Thursday.

"We are behind the Mandera attack in which we killed six Christians," Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab's military operations spokesman, told Reuters.

He added that the group had also hit a police vehicle with a roadside bomb.

According to local reports, heavily armed gunmen broke into the residential area around 2.45am on Thursday morning, and began firing randomly.

Mandera on the Somali border has often been targeted by al Shabaab, which says it will continue its campaign of attacks in Kenya until the Kenyan government withdraws its troops from Somalia where they are part of an African force.

"We have suffered another sad attack," the governor of Mandera county, Ali Roba, wrote on Twitter, saying six people had been confirmed dead.

"If not for the quick response by our security forces, we would be talking of many more casualties now," Roba told Reuters by telephone. "From the nature and style of the attack, it will obviously be al Shabaab."

He told Kenyan newspaper Daily Nation: "Six lives are too many to lose. We condemn the attack which comes at a time when locals had started enjoying peace."

Repeated in attacks in Kenya by al Shabaab have killed hundreds of people in the past three years or so and hammered the country's vital tourism industry.

The assaults have often been in the northeast, near the long and porous border with Somalia, but the group has also struck coastal areas popular with tourists and the capital Nairobi, where al Shabaab gunman attacked Westgate shopping mall in 2013.

In April last year, more than 150 people, mostly students, died when al Shabaab militants attacked Garissa University in north-eastern Kenya. Survivors spoke of merciless executions by the attackers, who stalked classrooms and dormitories hunting for non-Muslim students.

Witnesses reported that gunmen singled out Christians for point-blank executions during a 13-hour killing spree. Some survivors were forced to pretend they were dead by covering themselves in blood.

Additional reporting by Reuters.
Christians Should Campaign For Islam To Be Taught In Schools, Not Against It

A Tennessee mother's rant about her daughter being taught the history of Islam at school has made headlines this week.

Michelle Edmisten told a school board meeting on Monday that her daughter's "personal religious beliefs were violated" while studying a unit on Islam in class.

"It is time as parents, teachers, and administrators we stand up and take back our families, our schools, and our country," Edmisten said.

"I will not give up this fight," she added, urging the school board to "stand with the moral compass" which she said the US was founded upon.

She called for the removal of the textbook used for the course.

"I would like to see parents, Christians, veterans, anyone that's anyone, stand up for this fight," she told local TV station WJHL.

"How can I, as a Christian, say that I have these values? And I want to instill these values in my daughter, but then say it's okay, go ahead and do it."

It's not the first time such a complaint has been made. A social media post by a mother in California last year went viral, as she expressed horror that her son had been asked to name the five pillars of Islam and summarise Islamic beliefs and practices.

"My son will not be a part of this in any sort of way," Tara Cali wrote in a note to her son's teacher. "This is bad teaching material. He will NOT partake. If you have a problem with it, call our lawyer." A photo of the homework sheet in question showed Cali had listed six Bible verses instead of the five pillars.

Parents in Tennessee last year also raised concerns about their children learning the Shahada, the Islamic creed of conversion, as part of religious education lessons. Elsewhere in the Bible Belt, more than 3,500 people have joined a Facebook group contesting "Georgia's Islamic Agenda" in the public school curriculum.

So it's an ongoing battle, and not one that comes as much of a surprise. Fifteen years after the terror attacks of 9/11, campaigners say Islamophobia and instances of hate crimes against Muslims are on the rise in the US; a tragic phenomenon no doubt stoked by the divisive rhetoric espoused in the run-up to the presidential election next month.

Republican candidate Donald Trump has called for a ban on all Muslim immigrants to America and pledged to make dramatic changes to US immigration policy if he wins in November, repeatedly promising to put an end to "radical Islam".

A June report released by advocacy group the Council on American-Islamic Relations said 10 US states had enacted "anti-Islam legislation", and that there had been a spike in incidents of violence or intimidation at mosques, with 78 occurring in 2015, compared to 20 the year before.

The climate of fear surrounding Islam in the US is nothing new, but that doesn't mean it should be ignored  or shrugged off as another example of ignorance across the pond. It must be combated.

There is a growing faction of Americans  and over here in the UK, too  that vehemently believe all Muslims are terrorists, and that seems to have been extrapolated to mean that learning about the Islamic faith is tantamount to encouraging terrorism.

There's no shortage of irony in the fact that the only solution to such ill-founded views is education. Understanding Islam is vital if we are to live and grow in our ever-changing global landscape, and schools have a critical role to play in that.

Not only is this integral to resisting ignorance, but it will also contribute to de-radicalisation efforts. It is by understanding the teachings of Islam, and increasing interfaith dialogue, that extremist groups such as Islamic State and Boko Haram lose their power to convince people that they are advocating for the true Islam, not by refusing to engage with it.

So schools have to teach about Islam. Muslims, Christians, Jews and people of all faiths and none will always have to find a way to live side by side. Surely that starts with our children?
Donald Trump Has A Problem With Truth: Why Don't More Christians Care?

There's a strange flavour to this year's US presidential race. Most Christians  and indeed most Americans I talk to  agree that there's not really a 'best' candidate to vote for; certainly not an aspirational one. Instead, at least from a distance, it seems that for many Americans, November 8 will offer a decision about the least worst option to run the country. It all seems a far cry from all the"hope" and "change we can believe in"propaganda of two terms ago.

The defining theme of the election doesn't seem to be hope or anything like it, but truth. Not the virtue of truth, but the absence of it. From the very start of his campaign, Republican nominee Donald Trump cast suspicion on this aspect of his main rival by calling her 'Crooked Hillary'. The accusation contained rather unsubtly within it is not entirely without foundation; there are a number of question marks about ways in which the Democratic candidate has sought to revise history or give slightly misleading answers. She's been mocked for claiming she was 'dead broke' when she left the White House first time around; for claiming that she came under imaginary 'sniper fire' in Bosnia, and for spinning her single immigrant grandparent into a set of four. More seriously, she failed to tell the truth about the infamous terrorist attack in Benghazi which killed four Americans.

However, these lapses are somewhat put into context by the truth issues with which Trump himself seems to struggle. Independent fact-checks of claims made by the two in debate find that the misleading comments made by Trump hugely outweigh those from Clinton. Of course, much of this can be attributed to style: Trump is prone to making wild, unsubstantiated statements, and also a lot more 'jokes'. Clinton is far less brash, more serious and at times humourless. Still, Trump seems to make some really glaring errors.

Here are some things Donald Trump has lied about. Mocking a disabled reporter. Rising crime. The humble way he got started in business. Putin not going into Ukraine. Clinton's gun stance. The impact of Obamacare. Crime being 'through the roof' because of illegal immigration. Clinton being responsible for Iran's nuclear programme. Trump himself opposing the Iraq war from the beginning. ISIS "not even being on the map" pre-Clinton. Obama FOUNDING ISIS. The list goes on, and on, and on. The first televised debate between the two nominees was remarkable for the reckless way Trump seems to regard truth, particularly around his own finances. His claim that he can't release his own tax returns publicly because of an IRS audit has been debunked even by the IRS.

Something extraordinary is happening despite this list: large numbers of American Christians may pledge their support to Trump in spite of his apparent inability to give a straight answer. They're backing a man who thinks it's "smart" to lie and cheat. They're essentially writing off the whole question of truth by suggesting that both candidates are equally prone to lying, when that isn't the case. And these are the "truth will set you free" people, remember.

For many Christians, it appears Trump's lies are a side issue. For them, that flavour of sin is just much less important than others. He's the candidate who is taking a pro-life stance (after reconsidering his previous position); he's the man who says he'll protect Christian values and religious freedom. As a result, some influential evangelicals and the millions of Christians who follow them seem able to turn a blind eye to Trump's failure to tell the truth under scrutiny.

Here's the really important question, though: if Trump is so demonstrably reckless with the truth and so open to giving misleading information in order to get elected, why on earth does anyone think he can be trusted on the 'defining' issues like abortion and gay marriage? His positions on these topics seem to have conveniently changed in line with evangelical pressure, but how can anyone be sure they won't shift again once he's in office? The choice for Christians is between an extraordinarily unreliable man who claims to support their worldview, and a woman who admits that on some issues, she doesn't.

Jesus seemed to think truth was pretty important; he even listed it in that central statement about himself: "I am the way, the truth and the life." Americans aren't voting for a saviour, but Christians there are trying to vote for a candidate who'll reflect the values of His Kingdom best. From a distance, their ability to ignore such a glaring contradiction to those values is striking.

Martin Saunders is a Contributing Editor for Christian Today and the Deputy CEO of Youthscape. Follow him on Twitter @martinsaunders
News / Press Release

by Hloniphani Ncube - MRP Secretary General

Mthwakazi Republic Party salutes Mlevu familyMthwakazi Republic Party inclusive of it's leadership and followers is fully behind the Mlevu family for deciding to give a descent re-burial to their lost loved one, who happens to be the father to the learned Professor Jonathan Moyo.It is a known fact that, the father of Moyo was brutally killed by the 5th Brigade, a special trained force to kill the civilians, a program crafted by the Gukurahundists thugs inclusive of the failed miserable murders portraying themselves as politicians namely Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa the chief chameleon and Shiri among others.The party would like to thank the family for excluding the learned Moyo considering that his agenda is not known in ZANU PF , therefore he cannot be trusted. We wonder how a learned man like Prof Moyo would mindle with killers, however even if he is a lost son, the truth is that he is a Mthwakazian.We are calling upon all the Mthwakazi people to work hand in hand in addressing the issue of reburials of the victims of gukurahundi who have never faced justice at least being buried properly. We further advise the Shona District Administrator of the area not to temper with the process. We further warn all the Zimbabweans and their ruthless administrators not to stand on the way of our people to seek justice.This is the reason why we want to pull out of Zimbabwe because their association with the people of Mthwakazi has the history of injustices. It is not just a marriage created out of faithfulness but has a lot of proven evils such as killing more than 25 000 of unarmed civilians.We are still calling upon the Mthwakazians to sign our petitions which are circulating both manually and online. We believe the time to get out of Zimbabwe is now and do participate in our initiatives which will eventually lead us to the land of a free Mthwakazi full of honey and highly standardised resources.As Mthwakazi Republic Party we exists to defend our people in achieving their long awaited freedom. We believe no amount of evil and schemes can stop that. Even the evil 1979 grand plan did not fully destroy our state, even the evil massive spilling of blood did not stop the cause and as a party we are dedicated to use any mechanism to free our land.We are for peace and justice in our life time.Hloniphani Ncube(Secretary General)mrpselfdetermination@gmail.com
Exclusive: Why Are There So Few Christian Refugees From Syria In The UK?

Faith leaders and aid workers have spoken out against the tiny proportion of Christian refugees admitted to Britain under the Government scheme to help the suffering people of Syria.

Under two per cent of Syrian refugees admitted to Britain since the scheme began are Christian, compared to 97.5 per cent that are Muslim.

Before the war began, an estimated 10 per cent of the population of Syria was Christian. Even now that so many have fled and been displaced, there are still 772,000 Christians in Syria, more than four per cent of the population of 1.86 million.

David Cameron, then Prime Minister, pledged in September last year to take 20,000 Syrian refugees to Britain.

The faith of refugees admitted under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettleent Scheme (VPR) has not previously been made publicly available but Christian Today obtained the figures via a Freedom of Information Request.

Home Office records show that between September 7, 2015 and June 30 this year, 2,659 individuals were resettled under the VPR scheme.

These included 2,592 Muslims and just 51 Christians, four of whom are identified as Eastern Orthodox. There are also three Druze and 13 Yazidis

The end of June is the date of the most recently published statistics.

John Pontifex, head of information at Aid to the Church in Need, a charity that has been active in helping Christians in the region, said he had visited Christian communities in Syria decimated by Daesh, or Islamic State.

He described the underlying fear that the whole community will be wiped out.

"It is clear that in many communities, a very high proportion of Christians have suffered and been forced away. So a disproportionately high number of Christians are in need of help in Syria. The fact that out of 2,659 Syrian refugees resettled in the UK there are only 51 Christians takes no account of the reality on the ground. It takes no account of the high level of suffering inflicted on Christian and other minority groups such as Yazidis that have been specifically targeted and displaced. These figures show their suffering is being ignored."

He said many Christians slipped through the net because they did not want to register as Christians at refugee camps, as this itself could lead to them being "targeted" in the camps. So they preferred to seek sanctuary in the homes of other Christians, even if that meant sleeping 30 people to a room.

"This highlights the degree to which Christians are being left out. They are unable to claim proper help or to seek asylum in the West," he said. "This is a community of suffering that has just disappeared below the radar. It is a crying shame, and these figures point to the way the crisis facing Christians, Yazidis and other minority faiths has been completely overlooked."

Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK told Christian Today that Christians are marginalised in the scheme because many of them feel unable to register through the official UNHCR channels.

He said the answer was to use Church networks on the ground to register the Christians needing resettlement, but at the moment there is no mechanism for that to happen.

He said: "It is not that they cannot register. They do not register. It is almost as if they are anxious about registering for resettlement. They fear this will make it look as though they are not citizens, and do not wish to stay in their own country."

In addition, they fear that registering for resettlement will make them a greater "target" than they are already, and more vulnerable to persecution.

"To use the local church networks would be ideal. We need to encourage UNHCR to work with local churches to provide registration points."

He added: "It is very good people are given the opportunity to come to Britain, whether they are Muslim or Christian or whatever their faith is. But Christians need to be encouraged as much as possible to register."

A Home Office spokesperson said: "The UK has been at the forefront of the international response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria. We have committed to resettling 20,000 Syrian refugees through our Vulnerable Persons Resettlement scheme over the course of this parliament  we are on track to achieve that and have already provided refuge to more than 2,800 under this route.

"We are clear that the scheme will prioritise the most vulnerable refugees, which is why under the VPR scheme the UNHCR identifies refugees for resettlement using its established vulnerability criteria."

Listen to Ruth Gledhill discuss this issue with US broadcaster John Loeffler in Steel on Steel.
Four Christian Missionaries Abducted, Tortured And Shot Dead In Mexico

Four young Catholic missionaries have been tortured and shot dead in Mexico.

The four men were kidnapped on Saturday by an armed gang in La Ruana in the western state of Michoacan, according to InfoCatolica.

They were part of Mexico's youth Catholic evangelistic movement, known as Rainbow.

The victims were identified as Willibald Hernandez, Adam Valencia, Jesus Lopez Urbina and Jesus Ayala Aguilar.

Their bodies, bearing signs of torture, were found near an orchard in San Juan de Los Platanos, in Apatzingan.

The H-3 cartel, known for synthetic drugs production and trafficking, is thought to be responsible. Jesus Ayala had previously lost his father in a 2014 attack by H-3.

According to Proceso, the four young men were last seen on Saturday, outside their parish church. Their kidnapping and murder has caused outrage as they were know to be "calm, cool and without vices".

Their parish priest Jose Luis Segura Barragan wrote on Facebook: "I think the time has come to tackle seriously organised crime...

"We can't endure more murders, executions, abductions, kidnapping, extortion and other cruel and destructive events that criminals commit against society and the Catholic Church."

He called on the Church, "the mother of the believers", to speak up to defend her children who suffer the violence of organised crime.

"What mother won't stand up for their children, even sacrificing his own life!" he wrote. Church leaders can demand that the civil authorities comply with their duty to provide security to the lives, property and institutions of the community.

The priest continued: "And to the community itself it's your turn to feel one, not divided, not being divided in two or more parties and irreconcilable enemies. To the community it's up to overcome their hatred, grudges, fears, enconos and bad memories, that the sacrifice of the boys of the rainbow is not worthless. May it be a source of sorrow and reconciliation of the families and all the who live in La Ruana."
'Grey's Anatomy' season 13 spoilers: Arizona finds love elsewhere

Season 13 of "Grey's Anatomy" started without Jessica Capshaw's Arizona Robbins, as the actress spent time with her newborn daughter. However, the new season will have fans see Arizona returning, and with a new love interest.

In an interview with TV Line, Capshaw teases that she will be returning to the show soon. She also hints that her return may also mark a new love angle for the character. On having a new interest, Capshaw states: "My sources are telling me that it's not going to be too far away. We had to wade through a little muck first. But I do feel that Arizona has certainly waited long enough."

The actress also hints that a new player will be coming to the show. When asked who her love interest will be, Capshaw joked: "I think it's got to be a new person, right? What am I going to do, start making out with Ellen [Pompeo]?"

The new love interest is already expected, as Robbins' old flame, Callie (played Sara Ramirez), is not in the new season. On Ramirez' exit, Capshaw said that she didn't know that the character will not be in season 13, and had no idea of the non-return when they were shooting their last scene together. She says, "here are things that are a bit different from the way they were before. But, obviously, [Sara leaving] was a bigger one. So definitely you feel the absence of any incredibly strong performer who is no longer there anymore."

The interview also touched on the upcoming episode, and Capshaw confirms that because of the assault, Arizona feels upset at Alex and sad for Andrew. This will be another turn of events for the show, as Capshaw says that Arizona has learned of the incident while in New York. Seeing how bad damage is, Capshaw hints that it "really fires her up. And it worries her."

"Grey's Anatomy" season 13 episode 3 is scheduled to air on Oct. 6 on ABC.
Haiti: Where Elections Are A Matter Of Life And Death

There are many things we take for granted in a rich western democracy  beyond the obvious things, like water, education and shoes.

Perhaps I was naive, but before I visited Haiti it hadn't occurred to me that elections were among them.

Whether it's the pantomime being played out between Trump and Clinton across the pond or the horror and vitriol which spewed out after the UK opted to leave the EU, recent votes have left me cynical and depressed more than anything else.

In Haiti, it's a different story altogether. The poorest country in the western hemisphere is still desperately in need of basic infrastructure. Getting on for seven years after the devastating earthquake that levelled much of the capital and affected 3 million people, much of the country still barely functions.

Haiti has had an 'interim government' since February 2016; elections were postponed in January after allegations of fraud and violent protests. It's been due to go to the polls on a number of occasions this year. They were scheduled again in April, and delayed again, this time until October 9. Thanks to Hurricane Matthew, which killed at least 300 people and damaged swathes of homes in Southern Haiti, they've been postponed again.

The interim government, headed up by Jocelerme Privert, has been running the country since the term of the last president, Michel Martelly, ended in February.

Martelly's supporters, and his preferred candidate, Jovenel Moise, have claimed Privert is dragging his feet so his allies can cling on to power. Claims of corruption are rife, and a new election council is now investigating the fraud claims and deciding which of the 50-plus electoral candidates should take part. The results of the preliminary round have been contested.

In Port au Prince, scruffy election posters have been up since the beginning of the year. No two are the same. Around every corner there is a different face, a different slogan.

The delay has a double impact for Haiti. First, the violence. In Port au Prince the streets erupted in protest when the April deadline was missed. "People are expressing anger, their lack of satisfaction," Ricot St Paulin, programme communications manager for Compassion in Haiti, told me at the time. "Things are happening, sometimes violence follows.

"I am really worried."

Second, and perhaps more significantly, with only an interim president and an interim government, any kind of sustainable development is virtually impossible.

Think of any teacher or NHS worker in Britain who will talk about the problems of short-termism  such as introducing a new syllabus every couple of years  and then imagine only an interim government in charge, and how that kind of institutional paralysis would be magnified.

This matters because in Haiti, getting things done is literally the difference between people living and dying.

"Every time you can't have good elections, you're going to have instability," says Ricot. "Right now, reports say Haitians at risk of hunger, will increase by 3 million."

This would be a significant number anywhere, but in Haiti, there are already a lot of hungry people. Food insecurity causes people to kill, to kidnap, to do anything.

The country is still feeling the aftershocks of an earthquake which killed anywhere between 100,000 and 300,000 people six years ago  the imprecision is a symptom of the chaotic state of the country's governance.

Rebuilding has been painfully slow. On the ground, it's as if nothing has moved. In the years which followed, a cholera outbreak, brought to the country by UN peacekeepers, and this week's hurricane have added to Haiti's woes.

Why so slow?

"I think corruption is part of it," says Ricot. "But also, the international community have a significant role in the slow motion of things.

"It's obvious that it's not only the government, but also the international community. I don't see a strong will from them to make things happen, to partner with the Haitian government, and to advance things."

It's still unknown when the elections will take place. Haitians will be forgiven for not fully believing that they ever will.

"It's a really threatening, challenging situation," says Ricot. "We need stable government, a democratically elected president to address things."

"We thought we would have the opportunity to rebuild. It was not the case."

Elections in the West are often seen as a necessary evil, a debt grudgingly paid to democracy. No matter how much their significance is talked up by the warring parties, whoever wins, the rubbish is still removed, the lights stay on and the hospitals and schools stay open.

In Haiti I saw a country where that wasn't true. Elections mean they might have a future. It's literally a matter of life and death.

Ruth Mawhinney travelled to Haiti with the charity Compassion, which sponsors almost 90,000 of the poorest children in the country. For more information or to sponsor a child, visit their website.
Is Religious Freedom In China Really About To Get Worse?

Religious freedom in China could be about to dramatically worsen, campaigners have warned.

Tomorrow, the consultation closes for the Chinese public to respond to 26 new laws that would further restrict religious freedom in the country.

The new rules have been drafted by the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) and will  according to an expert who spoke to ChinaSource  "in effect leave no space for the house or unregistered Church in China, and will significantly curtail many of the activities of the TSPM [Three-Self-Patriotic Movement, the state-controlled Protestant Church] as well".

According to Christianity Today, the new regulations will mean, among other restrictions, that no religious materials may be published without approval by SARA, no one may study theology without official permission, and no venues may be used for religious services unless a permit is granted.

China already has in place a number of draconian laws on religion that systematically repress the liberty of its citizens, and the proposed new laws could see the climate for Christians and other minorities significantly worsen.

"Studying the newly revised Regulations on Religious Affairs, it is evident that the Party wants to take charge of religion," one pastor told persecution watchdog China Aid.

"The government wants to control everything, even the smallest aspects. One characteristic of this draft is the empowerment of local government bodies all the way down to the communities. This revision will further reduce the possibility of loosening religious control in China. It is becoming impossible."

Another pastor of a US-based Chinese church, Gao Baosheng, warned that the legal revisions "will bring upon a religious winter so harsh that we must seek guidance from God".

"We can see that the government is clenching tighter and tighter on Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism and Islam," he said. "The laws are becoming more and more specific and detailed when suppressing Christian family [house] churches, Catholicism, and all other underground religions. The revisions provide a powerful legal base for future suppression. The conditions of religious freedom in China are worsened for them."

It's interesting that SARA has opened up the consultation process for a public response. For some, it may evoke memories of the 1956 Hundred Flowers Campaign, when the ruling Chinese Community Party (CPC), then under Chairman Mao Zedong, encouraged citizens to express openly their opinions of the regime.

However, when people began criticising the Party and even Mao himself, a crackdown ensued, and up to 550,000 people who had dared question Communist authority were branded 'rightists' and sent to harsh labour camps. Mao later said the campaign had been a set up to "entice the snakes out of the grass".

The Chairman took a particularly hard line on religion. During the Cultural Revolution that ended with his death in 1976, many religious leaders were imprisoned or sent to labour camps, while places of worship were routinely destroyed. He is believed to have declared: "Religion is poison".

The end of the consultation comes as the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) on Thursday released its 2016 report. Significantly, the document noted comparisons made between current President Xi Jinping and Mao.

"Xi has overseen a deterioration in human-rights and rule of law conditions in China marked by greater consolidation of his own power  leading some analysts to draw comparisons to Mao Zedong  through forced ideological conformity and the systematic persecution of human rights lawyers and defenders," the report said.

Under Xi's leadership, more human rights activists have been arrested in the past two years than in the previous two decades combined. China's Hui and Uighur Muslims have seen an unprecedented crackdown, with the imposition of severe restrictions regarding dress code and fasting during Ramadan. Up to 1,500 churches have been demolished or had their crosses removed, and numerous pastors have been arrested and detained.

The CPC is committed to maintaining absolute power, and religion is perceived as a threat. In 2014, it announced plans to nationalise Christian theology, and only allows state-recognised religious institutions to operate. Even those religious groups recognised by the government are encouraged to remember "that their allegiance is to the country, and the Party, first".

However, the Christian community in China is thriving. When Mao came to power in 1949, there were just one million Christians. Experts believe that in less than two decades, China will have the largest population in the world.

Brent Fulton, president of ChinaSource, told Christianity Today that should all go ahead, the new restrictions could come into law as early as the beginning of 2017.

"The threat at this point is real," he said. "But the process is by no means straightforward, and it's not clear where all this will end up."

Fulton noted that it's possible the central Chinese government will reign SARA in if the public reaction to the laws is overtly negative. Only the National People's Congress has the power to enact legislation, so SARA cannot take the matter into its own hands.

Pastor Gao, however, told China Aid that "seeking public opinion" on the new laws is merely a formality. "The Revised Draft of Regulations on Religious Affairs is Xi Jinping's attempt to further manage and suppress religions by taking advantage of the laws," he said. "The government is imposing more control on major religions."

China's Christians have long faced severe curtailments. If they believe it's getting worse, the international community would be foolish to ignore it.
Is Some Secular Music Too Offensive For Christians To Listen To?

Krystle Partido from Oklahoma was listening to the radio at home when 'Norf Norf' by Vince Staples came on. As the Christian mother of four was listening she became very upset at the lyrics of the song. We know this because she recorded an 11 minute YouTube video capturing her reaction, which went viral this week.

In it, she says "I couldn't even believe the words that I was listening to. As a mom, it infuriated me. Obviously the cuss words were bleeped out, but I'm not stupid."

She even cries while she reads out the lyrics to the song.

Then the story took an unexpected twist, with Staples stepping in to defend Partido's right to critique his music after she was widely mocked for her stance. "I don't really have much to say about the video - I don't think it's funny at all," he told The Independent. "It's not right to attack someone over their stance, their opinions, and their religion. I think that's very immature."

The thought of the two of them getting together to talk is a lovely image (Partido posted that she would 'reach out' to Staples). Hopefully they can find some common ground.

What about the rest of us? Where should we draw the line? Is listening to secular music ever a good idea? It's something I've thought about a lot over the years.

I grew up in the '90s when Christian music was beginning to turn into the vast industry it is today. With big money behind it and high production values, for the past 25 years or so it's been possible for Christian teenagers and young adults to shield themselves from the secular music word and immerse themselves in purely Christian music.

This subculture was created in reaction to the scare stories that did the rounds in the '70s and '80s. Rumours flew around that certain songs played backwards had 'satanic' messages on them  or even that by listening to certain kinds of music, children were much more likely to get involved in 'occult' activities.

Of course, there was some truth to these worries  some bands are actively involved in promoting Satanism or other practices we'd like to shield our children from. But the vast majority of bands aren't  they're just making rock and roll, which isn't inherently evil or wrong.

Music is a powerful force, so it's understandable that parents would be concerned about the kind of content that is contained in the lyrics. That's where Christians need to be smarter. Rather than mere blanket dismissals of any secular music at all (which the kids will probably then find and be attracted to because of its illicit nature) it's much better to have a more open approach.

Judging the music children are listening to on the basis of the content is surely the way forward. The number of kids who are drawn to explicitly satanic music will be very small. Far more insidious and common is the kind of music which demeans women and promotes misogyny or music which glorifies the acquisition of wealth, for example.

Growing up, I enjoyed listening to contemporary relevant Christian music (shout out to Delirious?!). Yet I also learned and had my mind expanded by non-Christian artists. There are countless examples in the Bible of characters who were outside the people of God, yet provided great insight. Think about the Roman centurion whose faith is commended by Jesus or the Good Samaritan. They had lessons to teach  and so do many non-Christian music artists.

This is why I love the music of Bruce Springsteen, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Cockburn, Lucinda Williams and others who work at the interface of faith and doubt  but none of whom would straightforwardly identify as a Christian. In many ways, they express themes of lament and frustration which are much more true to the Scriptures than much contemporary Christian music.

Coming back to hip hop  which is where we started with Vince Staples  there are inspirational artists here as well. Not only is the expressly Christian music made by Lecrae worth listening to. The socially conscious work of A Tribe Called Quest or The Roots is well worth your time.

Ultimately, we can choose to have our children listen only to people whose doctrine lines up 100 per cent with our own. Yet it's unlikely they'll go through their whole lives being shielded from any music except Christian. In this case, surely it's better to introduce them to and allow them to discover their own tastes which expand their horizons while still affirming the God given creativity of the artists...

Follow Andy Walton on Twitter @waltonandy
Jesus Scenes from 'Ben-Hur' Remake Cut in Malaysia to Avoid Breaking Islamic Laws

Executive producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett put in a lot of love and effort to recreate the classical film "Ben-Hur," which is based on the novel written by Lew Wallace. Sadly for them, the big-budget movie was considered a flop.

Downey and Burnett hoped to inspire viewers to adopt a forgiving heart, and that is exactly what is highlighted in the film after the lead character Judah Ben-Hur meets Jesus Christ.

"Woven into the fabric of it is the story of faith," Downey told the Belfast Telegraph. "It is because Judah Ben-Hur has an encounter with Jesus Christ that Judah's heart is open. There, at the foot of the cross, we see his hardness drop away."

Because of this integral storyline, it is sad to hear that Malaysia, which is a predominantly Muslim country, has decided to cut all of the scenes depicting Jesus Christ to avoid breaking Islamic laws. Because of the cut, the entire movie became 11 minutes shorter.

A Facebook user named Jerry Terry Derulo is grateful that United International Pictures Malaysia invited him to the premiere event of the movie, but he commented that the "Malaysia version is the edited version where story involving Jesus was completely cut off! The actual length of the movie, according to IMDb, is 125 mins; Malaysia edited is only 114 minutes," according to The Malay Mail Online.

For its part, UIP Malaysia explained on its Facebook page that it was "required to oblige local legal requirements and guidelines for the movie to be released locally in the market."

Other netizens also objected to the cut, with one user named Christine Ooi Wai Ching saying it was unfortunate the crucifixion of Jesus was removed from the film. Others said Jesus and His scenes were central to the plot, and that the biblical epic is incomplete without them.
Mark Wahlberg: 'My Faith Is My Anchor'

Actor Mark Wahlberg has paid tribute to the "many wonderful priests" who had helped and guided him through his life and said he will pray for more vocations to the priesthood.

The star of movies including The Perfect Storm, Planet of the Apes, The Departed and The Fighter attends mass daily andis open about his Roman Catholic faith.

In a video recorded as a greeting to the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, taking place in his home town of Boston, he said: "I want you to know my support for your work to foster vocations to the priesthood, because I want my children and future generations to have good priests in their lives, just like I had."

He continued: "My Catholic faith is the anchor that supports everything I do in life. In my daily prayers, I ask for guidance, strength in my vocation as a husband and as a father."

In the video, he reflects on the priests he has known.

"Growing up in Dorchester, I got myself into trouble now and then but I always had a priest to stick by me," he says.

"I was married by a priest. My children were baptized by a priest. And whenever somebody in my family passed away, they've all been buried by a priest. My sins have been forgiven when I go to confession to a priest. Every time I go to mass, it's through a priest's hands that I receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, which strengthens me to share my Catholic faith with others."
Miroslav Volf On Why Christians Should Back Hillary Clinton Over Donald Trump

One of America's leading Christian thinkers says Hillary Clinton is the "more competent" candidate for President, while suggesting the Democratic nominee is, "more in line with the Christian faith than is Donald Trump".

Theologian Miroslav Volf is a professor at Yale Divinity School and has served as an advisor to the White House Office of Faith Based Partnerships.

In an interview about his new book, Public Faith in Action: How to Think Carefully, Engage Wisely, and Vote with Integrity, Volf said, "The best case to be made for Hillary Clinton is that on balance she better represents the convictions and character that should concern Christian citizens. No candidate is perfect."

He went on to castigate Donald Trump saying, "Mr Trump is an exceedingly poor candidate whose public life has not demonstrated a single one of the moral virtues that are important for a political leader to have. Braggadocio is not the same thing as courage."

In a further attack on Trump, Volf said, "His policy proposals, such as they are, range from half-baked to obviously incompatible with deep Christian convictions, such as the importance of welcoming the needy stranger, care for the non-human creation, and pursuing peace."

His support for Clinton is not absolute, though. "There are certainly areas where Secretary Clinton's policies and record might give Christians pause," he said.
Mother Of Two Christian Men Beheaded By ISIS Is Proud Her Sons Didn't Deny Their Faith In Final Moments: 'I Gave My Two Sons To Jesus'

People still can't forget what happened last February 15, 2015, when members of the Islamic State released a chilling video showing the beheading of 21 migrant workers they kidnapped from Sirte, Libya.

These Coptic Christians came from different villages in Egypt, and refused to give up their faith in God just to evade death. Two of the victims' mother recently told Egyptian Anglican Archbishop Mouneer Anis that she is extremely proud of her sons' heroic acts and she thanks God they did not renounce Him in their final moments.

"I gave my two sons to Jesus," she reportedly told Anis, according to Virtue Online. "I thank my God that my two sons did not denounce Jesus; it is an honour and privilege that they died faithful."

Anis lauded the bravery of the Christian men as they were facing death, instead affirming their faith with the words "Oh, Lord Jesus" as the radical jihadists were cutting their throats.

"They were ordinary labourers with no theological education, but they were not going to denounce Jesus," he said.

The Islamic State earlier said that they kidnapped these 21 men in order to "avenge the [alleged] kidnapping of Muslim women by the Egyptian Coptic Church." After the video of their gruesome murder was shown, a message flashed on the screen: "The filthy blood is just some of what awaits you, in revenge for Camelia and her sisters."

The group was referencing Camelia Shehata, a Coptic Egyptian woman and wife of a Coptic priest who Islamists believed had actually converted to Islam and was being held against her will by the Coptic Church. However, Shehata denied their claims.

The killer in the video then said, "We will conquer Rome, by Allah's permission," as he pointed his knife towards the sea.
Opinion / Columnist

Last month, September 2016, the Police announced that all street protests were banned for a period of two weeks. The banning orders were challenged in a Court of Law, rightly so too. Judge Priscilla Chigumba ruled that the official police notice was invalid.Judge Chigumba's judgement came just days after Mugabe had denounced judges for allowing street protests to continue. Ever since the country attained her independence, Mugabe and his Zanu PF regime have systematically denied the people of Zimbabwe their freedoms and basic human rights including the right to hold peaceful demonstrations, free vote and even the right to life!The opposition and human rights camp, who had brought up the case celebrated. Tendai Biti who is the leader of one of the opposition parties, PDP, and was one of the lawyers for the plaintiff heralded the judgement as proof of the independence of the judiciary."A brave judgement that asserts the independence of the courts," said Tendai Biti, waving the judgement to the excitable opposition crowd. Echoes from history!"Peace for our time" is the phrase spoken by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain on 30 September 1938 on his return from signing the Munich Agreement with the Germany's war-monger, Adolf Hitler. Chamberlain was echoing British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who, upon returning from the Congress of Berlin in 1878, stated, "I have returned from Germany with peace for our time".PM Chamberlain was a naive man who lived in his own dreamland divorced from the real world. His words have gone down in history for their tragic irony because in less than a year the UK and soon many, many other countries will be at war following Hitler's continued aggression and invasion of Poland.Mugabe did not give Tendai Biti and his band of naive supporter a month to remind them that he, Mugabe, is a tyrant and there is no such thing as an independent judiciary in his Zimbabwe.Very few people were surprised that a few days after Judge Chigumba's ruling the Police were making yet another announcement banning street protests. The same naive utopian idealists dutiful challenged the ban in the courts and, this time, they were finally put in their place!"On 4 October 2016, Judge President George Chiweshe dismissed with costs, two urgent chamber applications seeking to set aside a proclamation by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to ban marches and demonstrations in Harare Central District," reported The Zimbabwean."The application had been filed under case number HC 9469/16 filed on 17 September by ZLHR lawyers Tendai Biti and Dzimbabwe Chimbga on behalf of Zimbabwe Divine Destiny  a church and Democratic Assembly for Restoration and Empowerment (DARE), National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA), Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) and Stendrick Zvorwadza (a political party, civic organisations and a citizen respectively)."The new constitution still gives Mugabe "excessive powers" as Senator David Coltart has finally admitted in his book The Struggle Continues 50 years of tyranny in Zimbabwe. Mugabe "dictated the new constitution", granting himself the excessive powers, as Zanu PF MP Paul Mangwana who was the co-chair of the parliamentary committee that drafted the new constitution later boasted.It is naive to think Mugabe, a ruthless tyrant that he is, would not use the excessive powers to deny the people their basic human rights and freedoms to gratify his insatiable hunger for absolute power and the fabulous wealth it has brought to his family and cronies. He does not care how much suffering and deaths his selfish greed has brought to millions of ordinary Zimbabweans.We must demand the full implementation of all the democratic reforms as envisaged in the 2008 GPA and stop wasting time tinkering with each individual section and clause of a weak and feeble constitution. The primary purpose of all this tinkering is to appease the tyrant whilst giving the gullible and naive audience false hope.How ironic that people like Tendai Biti never seem to learn from history, even their own blundering mistakes. We should not forget that it was Tendai Biti and his MDC friends who failed to implement even one democratic reform during the five years of the GNU to appease Mugabe. Now they are at it again!
NASA Killer Asteroid Predictions Match Biblical Account Of End Of The World

The Bible describes how the world will endand scientists agree.

In one of the areas where science and religion meet, Revelations 8:8 describes something that resembles a large asteroid smashing into Earth and creating huge earthquakes and massive tidal waves, killing millions, according to CBN News.

Revelations 8:8 reads, "The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood."

Revelations also describes the sun being blotted out for three days.

NASA has said that it's only a matter of time before a large asteroid strikes Earth, causing millions of death if not the end of the world itself. The U.S. space agency spends millions of dollars to track numerous asteroids that fly near our planet. NASA scientists say the Earth actually gets hit by 100 tons of small meteorites every day. However, they say every million years or so, a space rock large enough to be considered a killer asteroid comes crashing in.

Biblical scholars and scientists are in agreement that a large asteroid strike could end life on Earth.

In the book, "The End of the Age," 700 Club Host and CBN founder Pat Robertson talks about the eventuality of the end of the world as described in the Bible.

"There isn't anything that will cause the seas to roil, that will, you know, cause the skies to darken, the moon and the sun not to give their light, the nations terrified on Earth of what's happening. There isn't anything that's going to do that," Robertson said.

"We're big enough to draw some of them in. And as somebody said, it's 'blind luck.' Well, it's the mercy of the Lord. But if that mercy ever got lifted, whew. That's what Jesus himself said!" he advised. "So, hey, just get ready. Get right. And stay right with the Lord."

On June 10 this year, a monster asteroidup to 1.5-mile long mass of rock and metalmade a "close approach" to Earth, according to NASA as reported by The Daily Express.

Astronomers now fear that the giant asteroid called 1997 XF11 could return in just 12 yearsin October 2028 to be exactand create an extinction level event.

A more recent asteroid event took place on Sept. 7 when another mile-long killer asteroid named 2004 BO41 brushed past Earth at 7.3 million miles away, according to The Daily Star.

NASA also revealed that a 61-metre-long asteroid whizzed past Earth at a speed of 31,000 mph on Sept. 17.

Experts say even a meteor as small as that would have the impact equivalent to several nuclear bombs if it smashes into Earth.

In 1908, a similar sized space rock exploded above Siberia and flattened more than 80 million trees, sending a shockwave through Russia measuring five on the Richter scale.

More recently in 2013, an even smaller meteor, measuring 19 metres in length, blew apart above Chelyabinsk in Russia, obliterating buildings and injuring 1,000 people.
North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory Credits Faith For Helping Him Cope With Anxiety And Stress

As governor of North Carolina, Pat McCrory definitely has a lot of stressful things to contend with. Earlier this year, McCrory was swamped with tons of issues after he signed into law the state's bathroom bill, which would prohibit people from using public restrooms based on their preferred gender.

For McCrory, all he wanted to do was protect women and children from sexual predators. But the LGBT community took the passage of the new law as an offence and complained that the state is partial against homosexuals and transgenders.

McCrory has been steadfast in defence of his action, which he says springs from his strong Christian faith. Speaking to CBN News, he says his strong faith is what helps him navigate life's challenges. "What my faith does is bring me serenity and when I get anxious I try to use my faith to go say, 'be anxious about nothing,'" he says.

McCrory admits that anxiety is his greatest sin, because it always creeps into his life. People have commended the governor for maintaining a "thick skin" against people who say cruel things against him, or those who make threats. He says their words have a huge impact on him, and he simply tries his best to hide his emotions.

"The fact is I don't [have thick skin]... I just hide it and then I have to go off and walk my dog or pray or get with people and bring serenity to my life. That's what my faith does for me," he says.

When the state implemented its bathroom bill several months back, a lot of big companies threatened to pull out their businesses from the state unless the law is repealed. But McCrory stayed put, saying that the state needs to protect the "basic expectation of privacy in the most personal of settings, a restroom or locker room, for each gender."
Pastor Lim's Church Begs For His Release From North Korea Jail

The church of a Korean Canadian pastor serving a life sentence in a North Korean prison has urged the government to try to secure his release.

Pastor Hyeon Soo Lim, who travelled frequently to North Korea for charity and humanitarian work, was arrested in 2014 and sentenced to hard labour for life on December 16, 2015, after at least 10 months in detention. He was charged with "harming the dignity of the supreme leader", "trying to use religion to destroy North Korea" and "assisting North Koreans' escape". He pleaded guilty to the charges.

A petition in his support said: "He's made more than 100 trips to North Korea during the last 20 years, supplying food, textbooks, and agricultural tools to civilians. His trips were not political in nature."

Now his congregation, Light Presbyterian Church in Mississauga, has asked the Canadian government to intervene as it did for fellow Canadians Homa Hoodfar, jailed in Iran, and Kevin Garratt, held in China. It said in a statement yesterday: "We know that in both cases the highest level of government officials, including Prime Minister [Justin] Trudeau himself, were instrumental in securing the release of these fellow Canadians.

"We urge the Canadian government to demonstrate the same attention and determination when engaging in diplomatic talks with the North Korean officials."

A government Global Affairs spokeswoman told The Star: "We have been fully engaged on this case since it began. Minister [Stephane] Dion has met with Pastor Lim's son and consular officials are providing assistance to Mr. Lim and his family."

"In the interest of Mr. Lim's case, no further information can be shared," she added.

A spokeswoman for Lim's family, Lisa Pak, said they were concerned about his welfare. They last saw him when CNN broadcast an interview with him in January.

"At that time, there were concerns about his health," she said. "At this point, we are very concerned that his health may have declined and those concerns are heightened precisely because we have no information."
Scientology Is A 'Brutal Sect' Which Drains Money From People, Says Russian Orthodox Church

Scientology is nothing more than a "brutal, totalitarian sect" which defrauds people out of money, the Russian Orthodox Church has said, in comments reported by the Rosbalt news agency.

A representative of the missionary department of the St Petersburg diocese, Archpriest Georgy Ioffe, said yesterday during a press conference that all the Church of Scientology's methods were artificial and created "to drain money from people."

He added that "quite a large number of people" had come to the St Petersburg diocese, having suffered at the hands of the US-based Church of Scientology.

Rosbalt reported that Darya Varnovskaya, who spent spent time in St. Petersburg's Church of Scientology, said that its weekly revenue is between three and four million rubles ($48,000-64,000 or 38,000-50,000).

But the news agency said that Varnovskaya suspects the true figure to be much higher, claiming that the church's international administration expects its St. Petersburg branch to earn 6 million rubles ($96,000 or 76,000)) per week.

The Scientology church's staff, meanwhile, earned just 10,000 rubles ($160 or 126) per week and faced "disciplinary action" if they were unable to implement "the plan," she said.

The Chairman of the Legal Committee of the Russian Association of Centres for the Study of Religions and Sects, Alexander Korelov, told Rosbalt that the Scientology church was "a typical example of an organised criminal organisation using religion as a cover."

Korelov claims thet through "centrally run" housing cooperatives in Moscow and St Petersburg, the church of Scientology has defrauded victims out of "billions of rubles".

Russia's Justice Ministry has previously attempted to prohibit Scientology, which is a recognised religion in some countries but considered by many others to be a cult.

In June, arrests were made when police raided the Scientology church's offices in Moscow and St Petersburg in connection with illegal business dealings, the Moscow Times reported.
So Terrified Of Being Euthanized, Christian Grandmother Gets Herself A Tattoo

For years, this 81-year-old great-grandmother had warned her childen to give tattoo parlours a wide berth.

But she became so worried about assisted dying she walked into a tattoo shop and had "don't euthanize me" inked onto her left arm.

Christine Nagel, from Calgary in Alberta, decided to get a tattoo herself after the Canadian Parliament legalised euthanasia and assisted suicide in June this year.

She is concerned that the legislation "makes it legal for us to play God and to make decisions over life and death ourselves".

As part of the ageing population of Canada, she thinks it is unChristian to think elderly people can be disposed of "humanely, painlessly and without the need for suffering" by legalised euthanasia that "will become the salvation to our overburdened health care systems".

Within a few years, seniors will outnumber the rest of the population, she says, recognising that this will be costly.

She wrote on Mercator: "Obviously, none of this is acceptable to us Christians. We look to Christ on the cross, stripped of his garments, writhing in agony, and covered in blood - hardly a dignified image of God's son."

But what happens at the end of her life must be between herself and God, she says, adding: "So to understand this message clearly, read my shoulder!"

And she told Global News: "How would you feel if you turned up at the gates and St Peter said, 'just a minute we weren't expecting you for another 18 months?'"

Her decision was widely picked up on Twitter and Facebook:

"Don't euthanize me." Great-granny gets inked to avoid doctor-assisted death https://t.co/BC1xmUE9Lk #prolife  Jewels Green  (@Jewels_Green) September 30, 2016

The Catholic News Agency tweeted "It's drastic, but this very clearly says, 'I'm going to live until God's ready for me'."
UN Appoints Catholic, Pro-Refugee Secretary General

Antonio Guterres, Catholic activist and former Portugese Prime Minister, has been appointed as the new secretary general of the UN.

The UN security general agreed yesterday in a surprisingly swift decision, that Guterres would replace Ban Ki-moon.

Guterres won 13 votes in his favour, with no votes against him and just two abstentions. His selection will be confirmed in a formal vote today, and he will begin his post at the beginning of 2017.

Guterres is in many ways a surprise choice due to his social activist history. He wasn't expected to be welcomed by permanent member states Russia and China, who have previously opposed outspoken humanitarian voices in top UN positions. In this case, a focus on unity in the UN took priority, one security council diplomat said.

Guterres's activism is rooted in his Catholic faith, which he has spoken about previously. Speaking in July about his motivation for the UN position, Guterres said: "I am Catholic. What I believe is my motivation is a certain story in the gospel called the 'Parable of the talents'...I feel that it is my obligation to use my abilities to address urgent concerns," The Wire reported.

Speaking when he worked as the head of the UN's refugee agency, Guterres said: "I am totally committed because of what I felt as head of UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] for 10 years," he said in a debate chaired by the Guardian. "You can't imagine what it is to see levels of suffering that are unimaginable."

Guterres will now have a chance to speak up for the opressed in a new way, and he begins this new role with generally widespread support. "I think it's an excellent choice," said Michael Doyle, a former UN assistant secretary general. "We have someone who has great political capability, having been prime minister of his country, he is a strong multilateralist, having a run the UNCHR at a time of tremendous challenges, and he has ways of communicating with an audience that are inspiring."
Women Who Use Contraceptives are More Likely to Suffer Depression, Study Shows

Women who take contraceptives that affect their hormones while preventing them from conceiving children are more likely to be diagnosed with clinical depression, a new study revealed recently.

In the study published in JAMA Psychiatry last week, four researchers reviewed the medical history of over a million female individuals from Denmark, spanning the period between 1995 and 2013.

The research showed that taking female hormonal contraceptives doubled the risk of depression. It also revealed that taking these pills tripled the chances of teenage girls being prescribed antidepressants.

The study further stated that teenage girls who use progestin-only pills were twice as likely to also take some antidepressants compared to young women who do not use these birth control pills.

The study's co-author Dr. jvind Lidegaard, a clinical professor in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Copenhagen, explained that the research shed more light on the risks of using contraceptives, especially among adolescents aged 15 to 19 whom the study found to be most vulnerable to depression when taking these pills.

"We have to realise among all the benefits, external hormones [also] may have side effects. And the risk of depression is one of them," Lidegaard said, as quoted by Life Site News.

Even non-oral forms of female contraception also have negative effects, according to the study. Based on the research on Danish women, those who used long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as the patch or the vaginal ring suffered "a three-fold increased risk for first use of antidepressants."

Dr. Joseph Meaney, director of outreach and expansion at Human Life International, meanwhile said that this study further highlights the fact that using contraceptives should never be an option, because they affect the body of those who use them.

"This is simply one more confirmation of the negative consequences of medicating healthy, fertile women as if they were sick," Dr. Meaney also told Life Site News.
Separated by 500 years  two precious basins and the Islamic artistry that unites them

Amid the splendour of the Arab Hall at Leighton House in West London, two Christies specialists discuss a 14th-century Mamluk brass basin and an exquisite ceramic imitation made in 19th-century France

This is from the high point of the Islamic period in Egypt, during which some of the most impressive objects were commissioned, explains Islamic Art specialist Sara Plumbly, introducing a gold and silver-inlaid basin created during the Mamluk dynasty, which ruled over Egypt and Syria from 1250 to 1517. Offered in the Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds sale on 20 October, the basin is seen here displayed in the Arab Hall of Londons Leighton House, which was commissioned by 19th-century painter Frederic, Lord Leighton. The hall was inspired by Leightons travels in Egypt, Turkey and Syria, and its ornate splendour reflected the periods revival of interest in Islamic art and architecture.

The Arab Hall is, says Plumbly, an apt location to discuss a second basin offered in the sale, made in France almost 500 years later. Likely to have been produced by Collinot & Cie, the piece is almost an exact copy of a Mamluk original. The shape, calligraphy and figural decoration all echo designs produced during the dynasty, explains fellow Islamic Art specialist Romain Pingannaud. The calligraphy on the ancient Malmuk basin, explains Plumbly, is a strong, cursive variety known as thuluth, while the later French makers have echoed the style, using a flowing script that is not just decorative, but legible Arabic. Translated as the worldly, the exalted, the master, this text on the more recent basin references the titles afforded to Mamluk kings and sultans.
Steve Gonzales

The 550 students at Humble Independent School District's Willow Creek Elementary now have a state-of-the-art, sophisticated weather station atop their school thanks to funding from The Woodlands-based energy provider TriEagle Energy.

The school is one of 8,000 in the U.S. participating in the WeatherBug Network, a division of Earth Networks, which links the school's new station with a global collection of weather sites, according to a statement from TriEagle.
To deal with a diversified and growing list of clients seeking advice on natural and man-made disasters, crisis and emergency management solutions firm Witt O'Brien's said it is expanding its Houston hub.

Along with Witt O'Brien's Brazil office, the expanded Houston center will work with businesses and organizations in Central and South America, the company said.
Opinion / Columnist

Opposition political parties are still an amazing lot. Their dreams of a grand coalition which they think would dislodge the revolutionary party ZANU PF from power, come 2018 is still being talked about with no clear direction of where it would start and end. Some so called activists within some opposition political parties have already come up with their preferred candidates whom they think could lead the so called grand coalition.The recently held MDC-T`s 17th Anniversary in Bulawayo showed a little bit of Morgan Tsvangirai being talked about as the preferred candidate who might lead the coalition. Such views came from the former ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial Chairman Temba Mliswa who said that Tsvangirai should lead the coalition. Other speakers who attended that 17th Anniversary of the MDC-T also echoed the same sentiments. Others said that Tsvangirai has been in the opposition field for some time hence he is the face of the opposition politics in the country.Such statements from people canvassing for Tsvangirai to lead the coalition when there should be negotiations for such a coalition shows that the opposition groups are bound to fail in their endeavours. The coming in of the former ZANU PF Vice President Dr Joyce Mujuru into the opposition politics was received by fan and pomp fare by those who thought she would dislodge ZANU PF from power. Now that her position would be that of a Vice President which she was for two decades means she has lost the plot. For Mujuru to be relegated to the second in command in the coalition would spell doom to her as the formation of ZimPF would have failed to its ambitious project. Forming a political party only to be amalgamated or consumed by another party would point to shortage of reasoning to such people who would have done that.Actually such an arrangement where Tsvangirai would lead the coalition with Mujuru being her Vice President is bound to create problems for the coalition because the really tried and tested Vice President of Tsvangirai for nearly a decade, Thokozani Khupe may not take that lightly. Like Tsvangirai being said to be the face of the opposition, she has also been the same as being second in command to Tsvangirai hence she needs to be recognised as such. Thokozani Khupe have been in thick of things in the opposition politics and for someone to come and relegate her to non-managerial post sounds ridicule to her conscience. Her position of being in the opposition and second in command to Tsvangirai means that if Tsvangirai is to be elevated to the Presidency of the country she needs to be deputy to him as well. So the issue of Dr Mujuru overriding that would cause friction if not still-birth of that grand coalition.While Temba Mliswa and few others are gunning for the grand coalition to be led by the MDC-T leadership on the other hand Tendai Biti`s People`s Democratic Party (PDP) has already endorsed the Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) leader Dr Joyce Mujuru to lead the envisaged grand coalition. Giving a solidarity speech, in the ZimPF rally held in Binga some few weeks ago the PDP vice-president Samuel Sipepa-Nkomo said the PDP, is going to support the presidential candidature of Mai Mujuru and noone else, and showing that there are already some differences of opinion among some opposition political parties on who to lead that grand coalition.Such differences in views between the MDC-T sympathisers and PDP on who should be the leader of the grand coalition if ever it materialises shows that the opposition political parties are still away from coming up with that coalition. As pointed out by Macdonald Lewanika some few months ago in his paper titled. "Grand Coalition Hard to sell", in which he said that the coalition faces a tough sell because of difference in opinion from some leaders of those opposition political parties, such a view could be true. Some opposition political parties are power hungry and they cannot imagine a situation where they would be in opposition politics just to be led by other opposition political parties. Being in opposition front some if not all opposition leaders want to be at the helm of the country hence being in opposition politics to be led by other opposition political parties points to nothing.Actually any grand coalition of some opposition political parties could face some problems as there could be some higher likelihood of squabbling for candidature amongst the various political parties as any party would prefer their own leader to lead it. Temba Mliswa`s view and that of Sipepa Moyo cannot be taken lightly. Already there is a sign that some disagreements could emerge in the process of choosing the grand coalition leader. Some would argue that the MDC-T has been in the field for nearly two decades hence it needs to remain the face of the opposition such that the grand coalition should be formed and cemented around it.On the other hand those in support of Dr Joyce Mujuru to head the grand coalition would say that the MDC-T failed to wrestle power from the ruling party ZANU PF for nearly two decades hence the ZimPF leader should be given the opportunity to lead. Such disagreements could also lead others to think that giving the leadership to Dr Mujuru would be similar to retaining ZANU PF leadership as the two, ZANU PF and ZimPF are differentiated by a thin line in their ideology and history.So such an argument by the perceived MDC-T supporters and other political parties could hold water because whatever the ZimPF party could be saying against ZANU PF would only make people to equate it with a situation where a right ear could be blaming the left ear when both have failed to hear a sound of a coming car until an accidents happens. So the scenario is that the ZimPF have been in ZANU PF for more than three decades failing to say anything bad against the party only to say it now after their dismissal from this revolutionary party. The ZimPF`s historical background in ZANU PF could work against such plans for this party to lead the grand coalition.In politics anything is possible. Mliswa could be right that the grand coalition should be centred around the MDC-T leadership since they are the once who have been in opposition for a long time. Giving the ZimPF leadership of the grand coalition could be rewarding ZANU PF indirectly. Who knows may be the dismissal of Dr Mujuru and other senior members from ZANU PF was stage-managed to hoodwink the opposition political parties into welcoming Dr Mujuru as their own. So a grand coalition led by the perceived new kid in the political playing ground could come to haunt the well-established opposition political parties in the country.Even if the grand coalition is to succeed and then form a new government but there could be some higher chances of political parties squabbling over ministerial and other high ranking government positions. So with some of the members of the MDC-T and the ZimPF having tasted cabinet posts before, they would be expecting to be given preferences over others thereby creating total disagreements in the opposition grand coalition. On the other hand if opposition coalition is to win in the 2018 elections, there would be possibility of squabbling on the sharing of government funds allocated to political parties resulting in the split of that coalition.A critical analysis of the existing political landscape in the country shows that a grand coalition would remain a tall order as long as the opposition political parties are not united.
Harris County Sheriffs Office

A Houston man as been taken into custody for assaulting a 32-year-old woman he was dating and who has been missing for days.

Jarvis Earl Hickerson, 32, is charged with assault on a family member and criminal mischief in connection to striking Amalia Alexander with his foot and damaging two mirrors and a television on Sept. 12, according to court records. Both cases are misdemeanors.
An armed man barricaded himself inside a car at a southwest Houston hotel for about two hours Wednesday until he surrendered to HPD SWAT officers.

The standoff ended about 6 p.m. in a parking lot in the 2900 block of Briar Park when the 43-year-old was taken into custody without incident, police said.
Hawaiian Airlines is under fire after requiring two Samoan businessmen to be weighed at check-in. Once aboard the plane, the travelers were seated based on their weight and how it would affect the cabin.

The airliner claims that it's part of a one-time, six-month survey for a fuel review, and that specific seating was chosen so that they could learn more about the distribution of weight on the plane.
#ThatMexicanThing hashtag is the latest energizer for Latinos against the Republican presidential ticket.

During Tuesday night's vice presidential debate, Democrat Tim Kaine reminded viewers that during the campaign, Donald Trump has called Mexicans rapists and criminals.

"Senator," responded Republican Mike Pence, "you whipped out that Mexican thing again."

Kaine was referring to the speech in which Trump announced his candidacy for president. In it, Trump said:

When Mexico sends its people, they're not sendinTg their best. They're not sending you. They're not sending you. They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.

For many Latinos, Pence's dismissive response reopened a wound.

Pence may have tried "to brush off what Trump said, (but) we have a very good memory," said Carlos Duarte, Texas director of Mi Familia Vota (My Family Votes), an organization dedicated to mobilizing the Latino vote. "We remember very well when it comes to choosing what kind of country we want to have and what kind of candidate we want to vote for."

Duarte added that "We Latino voters are paying close attention to what is said and the way we are portrayed in this election. Trump has offended not only Latinos but women, African-Americans, and other groups, and we are not forgetting."

By saying, "that Mexican thing," Pence is objectifying Latinos and dismissing the real hurt and consequences that his running mate's rhetoric has caused our community. Throughout the debate last night, Pence did nothing but brush off and lie about Trump's comments and policies; he showed his true colors and made it clear that he's no better than Trump," said Pili Tobar, advocacy and communications Director for Latino Victory Fund.

Helen Aguirre Ferre, director of Hispanic Communications for the Republican National Committee, doesn't see Pence's comment in the same way.

"It's obvious that Governor Mike Pence was referring to the issue Tim Kaine was speaking to during last night's debate which, by all accounts, Governor Pence won," Aguirre said.

The NRC Hispanic spokesperson attributed #ThatMexicanThing to an attempt by Democrats to discredit Pence, which in her view is "unsuccessful because he (Pence) is a true public servant."

David Torres, the Spanish media advisor for America's Voice, is a newly naturalized citizen and will be a first-time voter this year. He reacted to #ThatMexicanThing with the following essay:

Every time I hear comments like those Republican Governor Mike Pence said, with a certain disgust and classism, during the vice presidential debate on Tuesday, referring to "that Mexican thing" after his Democratic opponent Tim Kaine brought up a topic, I try to not immediately think of myself. But, as a Mexican, it is really difficult not to feel insulted given the circumstances.

Well, I could react as I did, thinking of a series of beautiful and meaningful "bad words, Mexican style" that could be used against Trumpism and all those who support the Republican presidential candidate's ideas, including Pence and others. Although, it's true that some are not guilty of being such bad seeds, and it's not my style to resort to insults.

I could also react in a way that, let's say, is "more educated or intellectual" and try to understand the modern-day American psyche when it comes to racism. A racism that a campaign sustained by fanatics, demagogues, and xenophobes is trying to mainstream in contemporary society.

However, I prefer to think about the millions of people, past and present, who sacrificed all  and when I say all, I mean all  to come to this "land of opportunity," giving this country the best of their lives and, at the same time, providing this nation the opportunity to reinvent itself once again, just as it has it done for all of history.

But instead of recognizing the sacrifices  military, economic, social, cultural, demographic, linguistic, and otherwise  that these millions of immigrants have made throughout the United States' history, or at least demonstrating a basic level of humanity and acceptance, we, immigrants, are considered to be "a thing. Just a "thing" that can be used in a debate to continue the demonization, cultural idiocy and obvious insulting of a community such as the Mexican community.

Pence, like Trump, has shown the despicable true essence of a racist who wants to win the White House, with the goal of imposing his vision of a country that, much to his lament, changed a long time ago. It seems their xenophobia doesn't let them see more than one color.

Even so, as an immigrant who will vote for this first time as a citizen, under the rights bestowed upon me by the U.S. Constitution, I am convinced that we Mexicans  and in general naturalized citizens from any country of origin  are more than "a thing": we are a vote.

And November is closer than ever. That is the good news.

***

Olivia.Tallet@chron.com

Twitter: @oliviaptallet
Through the front doors of The Goddard School of Lake Houston guests can see a floor-to-ceiling forest scene complete with realistic tree trunks and painted tree tops overhead.

The forest scene reflects the idea behind The Goddard School: to provide a fun, stimulating learning environment where children can grow and prepare for academic and social success.

With more than 400 locations in the United States, The Goddard School serves as both a childcare and preschool facility where children develop skills in science, technology, engineering, art and math through a play-based curriculum.

Josh Morrison and his wife Jill opened The Goddard School of Lake Houston a few weeks ago and already have approximately 51 children enrolled in their program.

"If you ask the children, they will say they're having fun; but they are also learning," Morrison said. "It is so important to be prepared to do well in elementary school because if they can do well right at the beginning of their school-age years, then it sets the precedent for them to do well through all of their schooling."

The Morrisons held a grand opening event on Oct. 1. The community was invited to explore the facility's features which include 10 classrooms, a gymnasium, playground and splash pad.

Now in their tenth week of operation, the current Katy residents are looking forward to becoming members of the Lake Houston area, not only as business owners, but also as residents.

"My wife and I went all over Houston looking at ZIP codes where Goddard Systems would like to build a school," Morrison said. "We came out here and we both love the area. We're really excited about moving here because then we can be a part of the community here like we are in Katy."

Opening the school seemed like a good fit for the Morrisons whose children attended The Goddard School when they were younger. Morrison is a proponent of the "Fun Learning Experience"curriculum created by The Goddard School Education Advisory Board.

"Our rates are really competitive with the other childcare facilities in the area, but what differentiates us is that we have a fantastic curriculum," Morrison said. "It's predicated on the idea that children learn best through play. We focus on things like 'teachable moments' for the students. For example, if it's time for a child to learn how to count, but the child is playing with blocks, if we try to pull them away from the blocks to come over and learn a specific activity, the child is not as likely to be successful at learning those numbers because they really just want to be over there playing with the blocks.

"Our teachers are taught to take advantage of that particular teachable moment. We'll teach them to count by using the blocks. There are so many things you can teach with just a set of blocks like shapes, sizes, colors and what happens if you stack them too tall. We can even begin to introduce basic arithmetic. These teachable moments are very important to us. The children are learning and they're having fun while they do it."

The school accepts children from six weeks to fifth grade. As a child develops, he or she is promoted to the next classroom.

Morrison believes that while age is a good indicator of placement, it is not the only factor taken into account. As a parent of former Goddard students, he also understands the importance of open communication pathways between teachers and parents.

"We take into account the age, the social development, the intellectual development and the physical development of the child," Morrison said. "But maybe more important than all of those things is that we talk to the parents. If the parents think their child is not getting much out of the room they're in anymore or they've outgrown it, I will talk with the teachers and parents and we'll make the right decision for the child."

The Goddard School's FLEX core developmental guidelines include foundational academic skills like counting and spelling, important social skills like recognizing appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, and life skills such as potty training.

Children are introduced to technology at an early age through a classroom computer. The facility also has a Promethean Smart Board which allows teachers to create comprehensive and interactive lessons.

The school's indoor gymnasium and an outdoor playground allow for rain-or-shine physical fitness and school is one of the only Goddard locations with a splash pad.

"We want children to have fun while learning," Morrison said. "If they're having fun, they're more receptive to learn and will be better prepared for elementary school."

The Goddard School of Lake Houston is located at 17823 W Lake Houston Parkway in Humble.

For more information visit www.goddardschool.com/houston/lake-houston-parkway-tx.
Most everyone has a 9/11 story. And even though it is late, here is ours.

We sailed into Washington, D.C. on Sept. 10. We anchored near Capital Yacht Club and spent the day at the Holocaust Museum. Our friends Mary and Roman Emde were aboard. On the morning of Sept. 11, we were cooking scrambled eggs. Another boat buddy Paul Brickhouse (and his wife Debra) called and said to turn on television. We saw the second plane hit. Then, a local TV announcer came on and said the Pentagon was being evacuated.

Claudia ran topside and saw a mushroom cloud where plane hit. We were about two miles from the Pentagon. We went to a club and people from the Pentagon came by most of day looking for phones to call their loved ones. We met a congressman from California, Duke Cunningham, who said our Air Force had shot down a civilian plane. No one knew what was true or rumor. Our kids kept calling, saying come home, there was no way . There was a curfew that night after dark and we were told no one could leave there.

Guess who toured D.C. that night? All six of us. We had a great time.

Everything was closed, even all bars and fast food places. We found one bar named Harrys and it was full. I met Harry and he was about out of everything. He did have Scotch, thank goodness. He said he only opened because he had many police, CIA, firemen and friends, who had to work all night. We could not leave D.C. until authorities had things under control. D.C. was empty. Congressmen were the first to get out. Roman and Mary shared a rented car with a couple and drove home to Orange Beach, Alabama. While waiting we walked to the SPCA and got our dog DC. We left in late October, headed home to Houston. The world was changed forever.

Al and Claudia Simon

Atascocita
We all feel anxiety at times. We may be anxious about a new job, moving to a new city, entering into a romantic relationship.

This normal, everyday anxiety is usually a type of stress that we learn to cope with fairly easily. But for some people, stress can bring on crippling levels of anxiety, what is commonly referred to as an "anxiety disorder."

Anxiety disorders are actually the most common form of mental health issues in the United States today. Some estimates say this problem affect nearly 1 in 5 adults.

When someone is suffering from an anxiety disorder they experience longer periods of excessive worrying or fear than one would expect from everyday types of stress. Anxiety disorders can include irrational fears of certain situations and may bring on real physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach and muscle aches, or, in some cases, sudden, intense physical anxiety with shortness of breath or a rapid heartbeat.

Being able to prevent serious bouts of anxiety involves becoming more aware of the stresses you face in life and of your abilities to be able to cope with those stresses. Finding the help needed to deal with these issues normally requires the assistance of a trained mental health professional.

It can be hard to admit that one is facing a mental or emotional problem and that help is needed. The reality is, however, that dealing with a mental issue, such as an anxiety disorder, is actually no different that dealing with a physical ailment that is making the enjoyment of life difficult.

You would not hesitate to see a medical professional if you had a broken ankle that was causing you pain and keeping you from living normally. Why should seeing a mental health professional for help with a disorder that is having the same sort of impact on your life be any different?

Mental health professionals, such as professional counselors, have a variety of tools that can help in dealing with anxiety disorders. The treatment process usually begins with identifying the behaviors, emotions and stresses that are contributing to the problem, and then will move on to appropriate therapies that can help the client regain a sense of control and pleasure in life.

An anxiety disorder can make enjoying a normal life difficult. If it's a problem you face, talk to a professional counselor and discover the help available.

Counseling Corner is provided by the American Counseling Association. Comments and questions to ACAcorner@counseling.org or visit the ACA website at www.counseling.org.
Opinion / Columnist

The Good News

The Bad News

A golden opportunity to stop the catastrophic decline of Africa's elephants had been missed as CoP17 wrapped up in Johannesburg yesterday.Following the results from the Great Elephant Census as well as the IUCN's African Elephant Status Report which show that roughly thirty percent of elephants have been wiped out since 2007, this conference was ideally placed to provide full international protection for the beleagured pachyderms.Some gains were made for protection of elephants however, the most important proposal  the call for a total and permanent ban on ivory sales  was rejected.The failed proposal, presented by twelve African elephant range states (as well as Sri Lanka) and supported by eighteen other African countries united under the African Elephant Coalition, aimed to include all Africa's elephants through the transfer from Appendix II (which allows for a regulated trade in ivory) to Appendix I of the elephant populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe."The failure of this proposal is a tragedy for the elephants and all persons that are fighting to save elephants" said South African elephant expert Dr Marion Garai." Botswana must be lauded for supporting the rest of Africa however the Southern African states opposing an uplisting clearly only had their personal interest in mind and not those of the elephants. The failure of this proposal has sent the entirely wrong message to the poaching syndicates who are the only winners in this war.There was some good news as counter-proposals tabled by Namibia and Zimbabwe calling for an unqualified legal trade in ivory were roundly rejected by the 158 delegations attending the conference. The same treatment was meted out for a document issued by South Africa asking for a continuation of a Decision Making Mechanism for discussion for a future legal trade in ivory.Then nations, led by the Chinese delegation, committed to closing down their domestic ivory markets and there was broad agreement as to the future regulation and management of ivory stockpiles with positive discussions about the need for stockpile destruction.The big news of the conference was Botswana's announcement by Tshekedi Khama, Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, who threw Botswana's weight behind the Appendix I proposal just before voting on it commenced. It was a significant turn-around for a country who once favoured a legal trade. In the past, Botswana, along with Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa had particpated in the limited, legal sales of their ivory stockpiles to Japan and China.Botswana boasts an estimated130,451 elephants  one third of the entire continent's population  and has long been regarded as the bastion of Africa's elephants. But Khama is concerned about the increase in poaching that has seen his country lose 20,000 elephants in five years. The Botswanan minister believes "poaching will only be stopped if members vote for an Appendix I listing for all Africa's elephants."In the lunch interim before voting began, Robert Hepworth, former CITES official and advisor for David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, hoped Botswana's surprise announcement "would attract enough votes to get this crucial decision made."However, the proposal was defeated by the bloc vote of the European Union.The EU participated as a full Party with 28 Member States in one voting bloc for the first time at a CoP. The organization all but upended the way voting traditionally occurs at CITES. By wielding 28 guaranteed votes, instead of individual Parties, the European Union held all the cards at voting time. The pattern of the conference was consistent: Whichever way the EU decided to vote on whatever species, the outcome was always in the EU's favour.When it came to voting for elephants, the EU opposed the Appendix I listing, arguing that the elephant populations of the four Appendix II countries were healthy, well-managed and did not meet the biological criteria of a decline of 50% over three generations (or 75 years in the case of elephants) for an uplisting to Appendix I.Directly as a result of the EU vote, the proposal failed to gain the necessary two-thirds majority to pass.After the vote, a visibly angry Hepworth said: "A combination of European Commission bureaucrats and EU ministers managed the triple whammy at CITES of offending many African governments, blocking the proposal that would safeguard elephants for good, and weakening the positive decisions on closing the domestic ivory markets and discussions over stockpiles."Khama was baffled by the logic of the EU. "How can the EU vote against our desire for a full protection of elephants when we have all the elephants?"Together with Botswana, the African countries that support an Appendix I listing comprise of almost 80% of the African elephant range."The European Union's position is shocking," said Vera Weber, President of Fondation Franz Weber. "Their patronizing and colonialist attitude to the vast majority of African elephant range states calling for an Appendix I listing is shameful."With the split-listing of elephants still in place, the possibility for a future sale of stockpiles of any of the four Appendix II listed countries to an approved buyer remains possible.While much attention has been focused on China, the dirty secrets of Japan's illegal ivory trade, have just been revealed and clearly demonstrates Japan's unwillingness to take the action required to control its' thriving and largely unregulated market.Khama warns: "These member state delegates, when all they get together again at the next CoP in three years' time, will find that elephant numbers have continued to free-fall as they have over the past decade. And that day," he says, "they will find also that it will be too late to save the elephants".
Green activists are getting schooled in fossil fuel divestment. Despite environmentalists' best efforts, New York University and the University of Cambridge just rejected pleas to stop investing in fossil fuels.

The green push for institutions to scrap all oil, natural gas, and coal investments is several years old. Campaigners insist that starving fossil fuel producers of capital will leave energy in the ground, save the climate, and thus rescue the earth.

But carbon rationing via investor revolt against fossil fuels is both intellectually and politically misplaced. It is incontrovertible that our modern way of life depends on mineral energies. Fossil fuels are the stock of energy that is portable and storable, quite unlike the diluted flow of energy that comes from solar or wind. Chemistry and physics cannot be changed by altering a few high-profile investment portfolios.

What could change is the health of our nation's colleges. Any large-scale divestment effort would be enormously expensive for college endowments -- and have next-to-no effect on the intended target. It's no surprise that more than 99 percent of the world's colleges and universities are taking a pass.

One of the divestment movement's main assumptions goes as follows: if only we left fossil fuels in the ground, the need for these resources would disappear. Such thinking, however, ignores the essential role oil and gas play in powering our nation.

The United States gets more than 80 percent of its energy from fossil fuels. The average American motorist uses more than 440 gallons of gasoline each year. And last year, the United States used more than 27 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

There's a simple reason why fossil fuels remain America's default energy source: they're reliable, affordable, and abundant. This isn't true of renewables like wind and solar, which is why these technologies accounted for only 5 percent of U.S. electricity in 2015 despite $176 billion of subsidies for wind power alone.

Fortunately, the fossil fuel divestment movement has not harmed producers.

A recent study by the University of Chicago's Daniel R. Fischel found "no evidence of any discernable impact on the companies being targeted by the policy." As UCLA economist Ivo Welch has written, "Individual divestments...have never succeeded in getting companies or countries to change."

So much for faux activism.

On the other hand, the fossil fuel divestment campaign will do considerable financial harm to institutions that comply with the protesters' demands.

A recent study from Arizona State University's Carey School of Business finds that the costs associated with divesting from energy firms would be substantial. Over the next 20 years, a typical large institution could lose $7 billion by deliberately excluding fossil fuel investments from its portfolio.

A similar analysis by Caltech economist Bradford Cornell finds that the endowments of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and New York University would lose a total of $195 million for each year that they remain divested.

That's a prohibitive price to pay for feel-good, misplaced symbolism. It's not hard to see why dozens of leading colleges and universities -- including MIT, Brown, and Stanford -- have said "no" to divestment activists. Even administrators at Swarthmore, where the divestment movement originated, have refused to indulge its campus activists on this issue.

Institutions are rebelling about fossil fuel divestment. That activists are willing to harm their own colleges and universities to accomplish their deplorable goal is discouraging indeed.

Robert L. Bradley Jr. is the founder and CEO of the Institute for Energy Research.
Cleveland police officers stepped up patrols Tuesday night for this year's National Night Out, an annual event held every October in Texas to connect law enforcement and community residents. For both, it is a chance to meet on a positive note, instead of a crisis, emergency or traffic stop.

At a time of heightened tension nationally between police and citizens, this year's event took on added importance, according to Cleveland Police Chief Darrel Broussard.

"Police throughout the country should be trying to build a rapport with their citizens. We need the citizens as much as they need us," Broussard said. "We were pleased to be able to stop and meet with several families, to let them know that we love serving our community and are there to protect them. It's just what we do."

Broussard was joined by six of his officers, including a couple of off-duty officers donating their time, as they canvassed the area and stopped to talk to citizens and attend block parties.

Driving through the Pct. 20 neighborhood in Cleveland, Sgt. David Edwards spotted 5-year-old Bryce Goffney standing in the yard of his grandfather, former Mayor Clifton Wilridge. Noticing that Goffney waved at the officers as they passed, Edwards and Officer Christian Bartley turned their vehicles around and greeted the child and his family in their driveway.

Bryce shyly explained to the officers that he aspires to be a policeman when he grows up.

"He wants to be a police officer for Halloween," said his mother, Raquel Goffney. "He also dressed up as an officer for career day at his school."

With a little encouragement from his family and Edwards, Bryce sat inside Edward's patrol vehicle and turned on lights and sirens.

Across town on Denison Street, officers met with a dozen or so residents at a block party hosted by Gerald and Denise Pate. For Denise, a retired police dispatcher, it was an opportunity to stay connected with her law enforcement friends and visit with neighbors.

It was also a chance for Edwards to brush up on his first aid skills. While at the block party, a young girl, Madalyn Maldonado, crashed her scooter behind Edwards' patrol vehicle, scuffing her knee on the asphalt in the process. Edwards cleaned and dressed the wound before moving on to the next block party at Independence Oaks, an assisted living facility for mental health patients.

Before the two-hour event ended, officers visited with 50 or so local residents at a half-dozen stops. The children they greeted were provided coloring books and sticker badges.

Broussard is hoping participation in next year's event grows.

"Next year we are going to ask citizens to give us a heads-up in advance if they want to host a block party. That way we can make reservations to have police attend their block party," he said.
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The U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition for post-conviction DNA testing in the 1998 slaying of a Montgomery County college student, closing another door on convicted killer Larry Swearingen's continued efforts for a reprieve.

Swearingen, 45, and his attorneys hoped the high court would reverse a February Court of Criminal Appeals decision that denied the testing. But the Supreme Court denied Swearingen's latest motion Monday, laying to rest his fifth try at getting additional testing on the case.

Swearingen, Montgomery County's only convicted killer currently on death row, was sentenced to death in 2000 for murdering Melissa Trotter, an 18-year-old Montgomery College student. Trotter went missing Dec. 8, 1998, and was found dead in the Sam Houston National Forest north of Lake Conroe.

Swearingen sought testing on Trotter's sexual assault collection kit; hairs recovered from her body, the gloves used to move her body and a hairbrush found on the ground near her body; all hairs collected from her clothing; the ligature and the pantyhose used to strangle Trotter, among other evidence his appellate attorneys believed contained biological evidence that has not been tested.

In August 2014, then-9th state District Court Judge Kelly Case approved the testing. But subsequent appeals filed by Montgomery County prosecutors blocked it all the way to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Swearingen's Houston-based defense attorney James Rytting appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court in February.

Rytting said he expected the Supreme Court ruling on his appeal but persisted that he would not back down.

"The bottom line is we believe firmly that Mr. Swearingen is innocent," Rytting said. "Under those circumstances, you have to act. It's really a tragedy in the making."

Moving Forward

"All this is was a delaying tactic," Melissa Trotter's father Charles Trotter said Tuesday. "They haven't brought anything new to the table."

Trotter's parents have kept up with the court proceedings since day one following her death. Upon hearing of the Supreme Court's decision, Melissa's mother Sandy Trotter said she and her husband are looking forward to moving on to the next step.

"I didn't know if we were going to have to wait another month or two for them to get around to it," Sandy Trotter said. "That's good news. Now we can move forward."

Swearingen has dodged four execution dates  in 2007, 2009, 2011 and most recently in 2013  that were all stayed by the CCA. Now that the Supreme Court ruled on the case Monday, the Trotters hope an execution date can be set and carried out as soon as possible.

He's been on death row for just over 16 years, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

"We're also aware his attorneys are going to fight with their appeals up to the very last second," Sandy Trotter said. "I just pray and hope for Melissa and our family that we can add resolution to this.

"It puts your life on hold, and I don't want Swearingen taking any more of my days, any more than he already has."

Bill Delmore, an appellate attorney with the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, said they hope to file a motion to set an execution date in the 9th state District Court sometime within a week.

Still, Delmore said he expects the fight over Swearingen's execution to continue.

"I would actually be pretty surprised," Delmore said, "if they filed nothing and just accepted the inevitable at this point."

Previous Ruling

Swearingen has been in and out of the appellate process, including four previous motions for DNA testing which lost their momentum in appeals courts each time.

In an opinion in October 2015 reversing Judge Case's DNA ruling, the Court of Criminal Appeals referred back to previous rulings it and lower appellate courts had made in Swearingen's case. In the October 2015 ruling, they said Rytting's motion did not meet the five-pronged requirement for green-lighting DNA tests in the appellate phase as outlined in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

"DNA is so simple, and it could prove him innocent," Rytting said in October 2015. "It's just puzzling why the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals denied it, especially in face of the Legislature's changing of the law."

The court did not mention a sixth requirement recently passed by the 84th Legislature, which states that trial courts may approve an appeal for DNA testing if there is "a reasonable likelihood" that the evidence being tested contains biological material eligible for testing.

Instead, the CCA denied Swearingen's appeal on the basis that he did not provide new information that would show the DNA evidence would prove his innocence.

The court's concurring opinion also referenced a "mountain of evidence" that originally convicted Swearingen in 2000.
AUSTIN - Texas Crime Stoppers, operating within the Office of the Governors Criminal Justice Division, has announced a cash reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Travis County Sheriffs Deputy Sergeant Craig Hutchinson. The reward is being offered through the Officer of the Governor's Fallen Hero Reward - Texas Remembers program launched in January 2016. Sergeant Hutchinson was killed early Monday morning at his Round Rock home.

My deepest condolences go out to the Hutchinson family during this unimaginably difficult time, said Governor Abbott. The past few weeks have highlighted the incredible dangers our law enforcement officers face both on and off duty, and we must never forget the sacrifices they make in order to keep us safe. At this time, it is imperative that the authorities receive any and all information that will aid in bringing swift justice for Sergeant Hutchinson.

The $15,000 reward from the Office of the Governor is in addition to a $10,000 reward offered by the U.S. Marshals Service and a $5,000 award offered by Lakeway municipal Judge Kevin Madison, bringing the total award amount to as much as $30,000 for information leading to the arrest of the assailant or assailants in Sergeant Hutchinson's murder.

Texas Crime Stoppers is a program within the Office of the Governor under the Criminal Justice Division that encourages, supports and fosters the development of local crime stoppers organizations as a way to prevent crime.

To be eligible for the cash rewards, anyone with information on fugitives can provide anonymous tips in three different ways:

 Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)

 Text the letter DPS - followed by your tip - to 274637 (CRIMES) from your cell phone

 Submit a web tip by clicking the link here (also available in the "About" section of the Texas 10 Most Wanted Facebook page under "Submit a Tip")
In the coming weeks and months, we will all be inundated with polls, pundits and speeches telling us one presidential candidate is going to win in November.

Be it Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump - no third-party candidate will make even a marginal ripple in the presidential pool party this year - we will have a new president after the polls close on Nov. 8.

Ultimately, it wont matter that much.

When it comes to politics, the smaller the entity the more important it truly is.

What does that mean? It means that the decisions of your local school board have a greater affect on you that anything in Washington, D.C.

Just look at it this way: school districts around here pass multi-million budgets wherein they spend whatever moneys they have to educate area children. Millions of dollars get pumped into school districts and it a very few people who sign off on how the money is actually spent. In many cases, school districts have a much larger footprint than the cities they represent.

If you look at a district like Cy-Fair ISD, there isnt much in the way of a city to be found - except for Jersey Village. The third largest school district in Texas is primarily found in unincorporated Harris County.

For instance, the same goes for districts like Humble, Deer Park and Katy ISD, which include vast portions of unincorporated areas or include a good chunk of another city.

When it comes to spending your money - collected through property taxes which are given to the state and then sent back to school districts - the perceived less-powerful school boards wield a mighty big stick.

What does a president do for you? A president cannot introduce legislation, cannot apportion funding and cannot levy any taxes. A president is much, much more than a figurehead, dont get me wrong. However, when it comes to spending your money - accumulated through taxes - the president is pretty benign.

For us, it is the school boards, the city governments - assuming we have one where we live - and the county governments that affect us most on a day-to-day basis. Your county government is the one spending money on roads and parks, many of the things that add to your quality of life.

From there, it goes to state representatives who are championing spending on schools and roads, in particular, every two years in the Texas Legislature. [By the way, why does Texas hold its Legislature every two years? This is a big state with lots of money to collect and spend. It should be examined every year.]

On a national level, your U.S. representative is much more important to you directly than any senator or even the president. Representatives are constantly on the lookout for their jobs so they better do a good job or face getting voted out of office the next go round. Bring some money home from Washington, D.C., or else. Revenue bills originate in the U.S. House.

Senators are a whole different species.

In Texas we have John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. Cornyn lives in Dallas and Cruz owns a condo in Houston. You would think that Cruz, being a Houston native who lists his home address here, would be more visible in the area. Nope  his national dreams have kept him largely invisible in the greater Houston area.

Ultimately, it does not matter. The lower you go on the perceived totem pole, the greater impact it has on you and your wallet. That is why who wins this November in the General Election - Clinton or Trump - is not nearly as important as your local election.
For those of you looking for the next installment in our series on personalities, I apologize. Lord willing, we will pick that up again next week. Last week we introduced the Optimistic/People-Oriented personality. Next week I plan to follow up with that personality and offer some biblical examples that will model how best to love the Optimistic/People-Oriented person.

But this week I have an announcement to make.

Before I make that announcement, let me share a few things with you.

My own personality hates change. We like variety, but change is very hard. Routine helps us feel comfortable - we know what to expect; we know where to find things because we always put things back where they go; we don't have to exert the extra effort that change requires, and status quo usually means peace.

In a few weeks we will look at this personality type a little more in-depth. I call it the Even-tempered/Status Quo-Oriented (E/SO) personality.

The reason I share this personal tidbit with you is because I am about to experience a big change. I made an announcement on Oct. 2 at the church where I am the senior pastor (Magnolia Bible Church in Magnolia) that I will be taking a position with a ministry called Capitol Commission (www.Capitolcom.org).

Many folks in the congregation told me that they thought I was just adding one more thing to my busy schedule until they realized that I am going with the ministry full-time. Once the realization set in, it became, and has been, quite an emotional time.

I am not leaving on any bad terms at all. I love Magnolia Bible Church. We started the church 15-plus years ago and MBC is my family. I am not bailing because of any problems and I am not being run out on the rails. In fact, I feel that the church is the most healthy it has ever been, which makes this a good time to seek the next chapter for MBC.

And at the same time, I feel like God is moving me to a different role in ministry. As a church, we have sought the Shalom (total well-being: physical, emotional, financial, and especially spiritual) of Magnolia. Now we are taking our ministry of seeking Shalom to the state capital.

Capitol Commission's mission statement is "to provide a pastoral presence in the capitol communities of our nation. In these communities we purpose to reach every person with the gospel of Jesus Christ, to disciple them, and prepare them for a lifetime of ministry in whatever arena God chooses to place them."

Capitol Commission is a national organization that is currently ministering in 23 states and is looking to expand to all 50 states. I will be taking the place of a wonderful minister who started the Texas ministry eight years ago named Don Garner. Don has done a magnificent job developing this ministry in Austin so I have huge shoes to fill.

I will be the minister in Texas whose responsibilities include ministering to all 150 state representatives and 31 state senators along with the Executive Branch. I will basically be a supported missionary sent out to make and develop disciples of Jesus Christ among the Capitol Community.

Because most of the ministry occurs in the representatives' districts (except during session), I do not need to live in Austin to accomplish the ministry, although it may be helpful to in the future. So we will continue to live here in Magnolia for the time being.

I will remain the full-time pastor of Magnolia Bible Church while raising support for the ministry and while the church searches for the next pastor of MBC. We are all shooting for some kind of transition happening after the first of the year while being flexible for God's timing.

I will continue to write this column (as long as the Houston Chronicle and Houston Community Newspapers allow me). I have so appreciated all of the letters and emails by readers over the years. Today's column will be my 404th column and I have loved every minute of it. Thank you!

This is one of the hardest things I have ever done (leave such close friends and a loving church family). As I said, I hate change. But it is also one of the most exciting things to experience as we anticipate what God is going to do next!

(If you would like to hear more about Capitol Commission and how to support this ministry, send me an email to the address below).

Scot Wall is pastor of Magnolia Bible Church located at 31611 Nichols Sawmill Rd., Magnolia, TX, 77355 and the new Texas State Capitol Minister with Capitol Commission. Send comments to ConsiderThis@magnoliabible.org.
The completion of a key mobility project linking Harris and Montgomery counties could signal the completion of other key road projects currently underway.

Earlier this month Harris County Precinct 4 announce the completion of the Kuykendahl Road expansion project, between Indian Hill Road and Timarron Drive.

"Completing the Kuykendahl Road widening improvements between Indian Hill and Timarron provides for a safer, more efficient corridor and brings Precinct 4 one step closer to completing the Kuykendahl Road improvements within Harris County," said Pamela Rocchi, director for Harris County Precinct 4 Capital Improvements Division

Voters in Montgomery County ensured this project, and others, would be fully funded with the passage of a $280 million bond on November 2015.

An estimated $84 million of those bond funds will be earmarked for Precinct 3 projects, like Gosling and Kuykendahl.

However, Kuykendahl was 100 percent funded from the budget and not new debt.

In Montgomery County, the Kuykendahl project's final design was recently completed.

The project includes widening the segment from two to four lanes, opening an extra lane in each direction.

"This is a key corridor between Harris and Montgomery counties," said Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle. "Opening new lanes will greatly improve the flow of traffic and help both counties thrive as residents commute back and forth."

Meanwhile, the Kuykendahl bridge project is the last remaining improvement to be accomplished.

"The Woodlands Road Utility District No. 1 had a pre-construction meeting last week with contractor, Texas Sterling, and is expected to mobilize by early October," Rocchi said.

Because the bridge spans both Harris and Montgomery counties, the counties will work together to fund the $7.056 million project. The Woodlands Road Utility District No. 1 funded the design phase services and will manage the project during construction.

Meanwhile, work on the Gosling Road project could begin very soon, Rocchi said.

Harris County Commissioners' Court awarded the $8 million Gosling Road construction contract to Allgood Construction on Aug. 9 for segment one of the project, located between Spring Stuebner Road and West Mossy Oaks.

"A pre-construction meeting on the project was held Sept. 22 and a Notice To Proceed (was) issued at that time," she said.

Work could begin in October and would take nearly a year to complete.

Segment 2 of the Gosling Road project, located between West Mossy Oaks to West Rayford, and Segment 3 from West Rayford to Creekside Forest are currently scheduled for bidding purposes in the first and second quarter of 2017, Rocchi said.

"Harris County originally bid the Gosling Road, between Spring Stuebner Road and West Mossy Oaks, project in August 2015," she said. "However, utility conflicts did not afford Harris County the opportunity to begin roadway construction in a timely manner; therefore, the project had to be re-bid. The utility conflict issue delayed the project by more than 9-months."

Collectively, both segments will take three years to complete.
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A New Caney man has been sentenced to life in prison by a judge following his 12th DWI conviction, Montgomery County prosecutors said.

Joe Ford Woods Jr., 63, was arrested by a state trooper on Feb. 6, 2015, after he crashed into a vehicle at a stop sign near Oakley Elementary School, according to arrest records.

Prosecutors said in a news release that Wood drove away after the crash but was found minutes later passed out and slumped over the steering wheel. His blood alcohol concentration was measured at .269, more than three times the legal limit.

At the time Woods was out on parole after serving part of a 20-year sentence for a previous DWI conviction. The 12th conviction may be a record for the county.

He was sentenced by state District Judge Phil Grant, who, according to the news release, told Woods before sentencing, "Given the fact that this is your 12th DWI, obviously this system has given you every opportunity to make any rehabilitative effort that you could have."

Woods was also convicted of aggravated robbery in 1985 and aggravated assault in 1995.

In state prisons, these offenders account for one of every 20 people -- more than 6,600 inmates in 2015, according to the state Department of Criminal Justice. Their detention costs taxpayers about $153 million a year, and elderly inmates like Woods are especially expensive as the state must cover their medical care.

Montgomery County gives out a disproportionate number of life sentences for repeat DWI offenders, as documented by a recent Houston Chronicle report. The county has 2 percent of the state's population but represents more than 15 percent of the 35 or so inmates serving life for DWI.

In June, Donald Ray Middleton was sentenced by another Montgomery County judge to life in prison following his ninth DWI conviction. An assistant district attorney told the Chronicle the county has a "DWI problem."

andrew.kragie@chron.com
Opinion / Columnist

Born in 1977 to a pair of ordinary parents, Simba Chikore's upbringing was as modest as the life of a township child. His family lived in Kambuzuma, a high density suburb in Harare, where Chikore attended his primary school. His former classmates remember him as a reserved and talented athlete who was also dedicated to his studies. On March 1 2014, he became President Robert Mugabe's son in law after he married Mugabe's only daughter, Bona Mugabe. The glamorous wedding was attended by several Heads of States and other distinguished dignitaries. In a nutshell, Simba Chikore's background speaks of a well-disciplined man who was brought up in a system characterised by integrity, hard-work and reverence.Recently, Simba Chikore, a pilot by profession, was appointed Chief Operations Officer for Air Zimbabwe, a debt-stricken institution struggling to stay afloat. His appointment attracted municipal condemnation on the basis that the appointment was an act of nepotism considering his close association with President Mugabe. However, this article will explain comprehensively why Chikore is a suitable candidate for the job.Firstly, Simba Chikore is a qualified pilot who served in the airline for a lengthy period since his graduation. Considering that he served in various capacities in the fraternity, his experience in operations administration is undoubtedly extensive. Secondly, Air Zimbabwe is a debt-ridden institution which actually requires financial resuscitation. On that basis alone, it would be foolish to suspect that his appointment was motivated by a desire to loot and plunder. Perhaps, people should explain how Chikore could benefit from a debt of 300 million dollars! They should also explain why he should not be considered for a position he is well qualified for? Thirdly, Simba Chikore has no trace of fraud or money laundering to deserve such condemnation. It would be understandable to condemn his appointment if he had some background of deception. Fourthly; Simba Chikore is a Zimbabwean by birth and nationality. It is well within his constitutional rights to apply for any employment opportunities which fall within the scope of his profession. It is also well within his constitutional right to be employed by any organization within the borders of his native country. That is neither debatable nor controversial.But let us suppose Chikore was unemployed; would Zimbabweans not question his means of survival? Are they suspecting that Chikore would loot from an institution which actually requires resuscitation? Or perhaps they expected a pilot to work as a general hand for Choppies Supermarket? Maybe he should live in the gutter and remain unemployed to satisfy those who question his appointment? Nowadays people are in the habit of complaining just for the sake it or to seek the attention of newspapers or television channels.This blatant prejudice is disheartening because there are thousands of other Zimbabweans who occupy more important jobs than Simba Chikore's and the majority in those positions belong to opposition parties. The time has come to shift our focus on more pertinent matters. After all, Simba only occupies the second most important job at Air Zimbabwe. It is then fascinating how all the condemnation is heaped on him essentially because of his proximity to the President.The problem with opposition politicians and members is that they oppose everything associated with Zanu Pf. That mentality justifies the principle that there are darker forces pursuing a treacherous agenda. The evidence in support of that hypothesis is overwhelming: recently, Evan Mawarire and Patson Dzamara travelled to America and submitted a petition to the World Bank. The contents of the petition sought to block any financial aid to Zimbabwe on the false pretext that Mugabe's government would abuse the funds. Then there were allegations that President Mugabe's visitations abroad are unnecessary and too frequent, thus a waste of resources. Also, a few months back, there was widespread condemnation when Bona Mugabe, daughter to President Mugabe, travelled to give birth to her first child in the Middle East. As if that was not enough, there was municipal disapproval when Mugabe's son allegedly sought to attain a loan from a local bank recently. Amai Grace Mugabe also receives stringent opposition every time she embarks on a private journey to the Middle East. Then Simba Chikore is the most recent victim of such sickening conduct. Clearly, this kind of behaviour is unacceptable and should be condemned firmly. In all honesty, the first family are also Zimbabweans who deserve equal recognition and opportunities.The first family and its associates have a constitutional right to exploit all economic benefits through employment and engaging in other business opportunities. Despite such blatant prejudice, they do not abandon their country and seek to invest elsewhere. They love their country so much that they are not discouraged by the frequent condemnations. In a demonstration of pure love for their country, they remain resolute and hungry to contribute in the growth of the country's economy.
Opinion / Columnist

The recent utterances by the Zimbabwe People First (Zim PF) leader Dr Joice Mujuru that she wants to compensate the former owner of the farm she and her late husband, (rtd) General Solomon Mujuru grabbed sounds quite alarming and interesting. The case that raises questions is the lawsuit against her for the movable assets at Alamein Farm which was forcibly taken from its legal owner, Guy Watson Smith.The most fascinating thing about Dr Mujuru is why she did not compensate the former owner of the farm before she was fired from ZANU PF. Moreover she is alleged in contempt of court over the lawsuit, raising doubts over her rule of law credentials. She seems to have a lot baggage to offload than any other contender for the Presidential candidate for the opposition grand coalition.There are also some allegations that during her time in government the lady was in the forefront of looting the War Victims Compensation Fund, feigning 55% disability. Some of the ill acts she was involved in include trying to block the businessman Strive Masiyiwa's Econet from setting up and the alleged corruption at ZISCOsteel among others. Mujuru is also accused by the progressive Zimbabweans and the like minded of now joining and wining with the agents of regime change; hence her visit to the United Kingdom.We hope that in her visit she is going to source funds to improve the economy and not to seek political support from the people in the Diaspora. If she wants political support she is misleading herself as the people are now fed up with these politicians who had been fired from ZANU PF. Most of the politicians who had been members of ZANU PF are not trusted as they are known to be power hungry, which is the reason why they were fired.The Zimbabwe People First is being criticized for being led by political prostitutes in the likes of Kudzai Mbudzi, Dzikamai Mavhaire and Claudius Makova who had been members of more than three political parties. Thus these people are opportunists who are always on the move to any political party they think they can grab positions which they would manipulate for self aggrandizement.Mujuru's party is characterized by divisions as epitomized in Masvingo province where Claudius Makova imposed a candidate without the approval of the party members in the Bikita West constituency. This shows that there is confusion and profusion in the party. Above all the party is composed of spent force members in the likes of Didymus Mutasa who claim to be the champions of democracy. The party's council of elders is of no importance as they continue to blame ZANU PF without proffering proper solutions.The People First's congress scheduled to be held in October might turn to be a fiasco if the party members continue to blame ZANU PF without concentrating on their party programmes. Joice Mujuru herself should not have the audacity to blame ZANU PF as she was part and parcel of the system. If President Robert Mugabe pardons Mujuru it cannot surprise us seeing her taking the offer. Therefore we should be careful of these wolves in sheep skins.The claim that ZimPF had unearthed a plot where ZANU PF activists in the United Kingdom were planning to masquerade as opposition members and disrupt Mujuru's scheduled address at Chatham House should be taken with a pinch of salt. People should be careful when analyzing these issues especially politicians of dubious revolutionary credentials.
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Residents of a neighborhood in the Shadow Creek Ranch master-planned community have withdrawn a petition to break away from the Fort Bend ISD and join Alvin ISD, but say they haven't given up on their bid.

The decision by Village of Diamond Bay residents followed the Fort Bend ISD board's unanimous vote on Sept. 26 to reject the petition. Residents withdrew their petition prior to a scheduled Oct. 3 public hearing of the Alvin ISD board.

Diamond Bay resident Sarom In said the community is postponing, not ending, efforts to change districts. In declined to say why the residents withdrew their petition or when they would resubmit it.

If both school boards had accepted the petition, Village of Diamond Bay residents could have begun the process of switching districts. If just one school board had accepted the petition, residents could have appealed to the Texas Education Agency. Residents could not have appealed if both boards had rejected the petition.

Diamond Bay residents had argued that Alvin ISD campuses were closer and higher-achieving.

"I will not speak ill of the teachers, they are trying their hardest," said Adrianna Mesa, a Diamond Bay resident whose son attends Blue Ridge Elementary in the Fort Bend ISD, at a Sept. 26 public hearing of that district's board. "They are great teachers, but they're fighting a losing battle ... And they're serving the community that they have, but we're not their community."

Diamond Bay families are zoned to Blue Ridge Elementary, McAuliffe Middle and Willowridge High schools.

The rest of Shadow Creek Ranch is zoned to Alvin ISD schools located within Shadow Creek Ranch.

All three Fort Bend ISD schools are located outside of Shadow Creek Ranch and have a history of low performance. Though the schools met state standards during the 2015-2016 school year, they scored significantly lower than nearby Alvin ISD campuses.

Blue Ridge Elementary, for example, reached a score of 66 on student achievement. Nearby Alvin ISD schools Mary Burks Marek Elementary, Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary and Glenn York Elementary scored 84, 89 and 86, respectively, in the same category.

"These schools have been low-performing for decades," Diamond Bay resident Chad Greenfield said Sept. 26. "Just because there is a standard met doesn't mean it's acceptable."

Fort Bend administrators said at last month's hearing that all three schools have shown steady improvement. They maintained that losing the Village of Diamond Bay would have made it more difficult to raise tax revenue and pay off bonds.

It would also cost Fort Bend ISD $453,000 in student revenue annually and $3.9 in property values for the first year.

Until recently, many Diamond Bay residents thought they would get their own Fort Bend ISD elementary school.

Fort Bend ISD owns a 12-acre site within Shadow Creek Ranch, which is valued at $5.2 million.

The district's current demographic data does not show a need for a new school in Shadow Creek Ranch, said Fort Bend ISD spokeswoman Amanda Bubela.
A planned second debate on public television between the Harris County district attorney candidates has been cancelled.

Producers of the KUHT show, "Red, White & Blue," about Houston politics, had announced on Sept. 27 that a second debate between incumbent Republican District Attorney Devon Anderson and Democratic challenger Kim Ogg would be taped and aired on the local PBS station.

Three days after the announcement, however, Anderson cancelled, according to Gary Polland, a Republican who co-hosts the show with Democrat David Jones.

The show has for years televised area debates that are taped in the studio. The Anderson-Ogg debate was set to have been taped Wednesday and aired on Friday.

On Wednesday, Ogg accused Anderson of cancelling her appearance on the show because of her performance at the only other debate between the two on Sept. 26.

"Ms. Anderson became visibly angry when confronted with her failed public safety record, allegations of prosecutorial misconduct and the shameful treatment of rape victims," Ogg said in a statement. "This race is the most important local election in Harris County on the ballot in November. Voters deserve an honest debate because so much is at stake."

Officials with Anderson's campaign said Wednesday that she has already debated Ogg.

"We did debate. All media was invited. KPRC streamed it live," said Sara Kinney, a spokeswoman for Anderson's campaign. "We never agreed to 'Red White & Blue.' There was no 'abruptly cancelled' anything."

Over the summer, Ogg accepted an invitation to a face-off before the Houston Chronicle's editorial board, which Anderson declined. After Anderson's refusal to meet, the board endorsed Ogg. The incumbent has also declined Chronicle requests for interviews about her campaign and her initiatives.

Anderson's spokeswoman said the candidate did not appear before the editorial board because of an "obvious bias."

"We didn't agree to the Chronicle sponsored debate because we didn't think that a level playing field would be provided given who they have endorsed in the race," Kinney said.

Kinney also pointed out that Anderson is running her campaign while helming the largest district attorney's office in Texas.

"The DA's schedule is very tight among the office responsibilities, the campaign trail and being a single mom," she said.
From the moment the segment opens, complete with the stereotypical "Oriental riff," you know this is not politically correct TV. But boy, does it go downhill quick.

Fox News correspondent Jesse Watters has drawn swift outrage after the airing of his O'Reilly Factor segment on New York City Chinatown voters, with users on social media calling it "blatantly racist" and "nauseating."

In the segment, Watters takes to the streets of Chinatown to spread as many Chinese stereotypes he can think of, including mocking their language, sexual prowess and cultural customs. And just to round out the insensitivity, he splices in a clip from 'The Karate Kid', a movie about a Japanese karate master. But all Asians look alike to Mr. Watters, apparently.

MORE: Pence's 'Mexican thing' remark draws ridicule from Latinos

"It was all in good fun," Watters tells host Bill O'Reilly, who acknowledges they're going to "get letters" about the segment.

They already have. In a statement to Media Matters, Asian American Journalists Association president Paul Cheung said that "the segment was rife with racist stereotypes, drew on thoughtless tropes and openly ridiculed Asian Americans. Fox missed a real opportunity to investigate the Asian American vote, a topic not often covered in the mainstream news media."

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee also released a statement on the segment, calling it "offensive and demeaning."

"It is not only an attack on the Chinese community but on all people who have come to the United States in search of freedom, prosperity and a life free of persecution," Lee said. "At a time when divisiveness and negativity drives the conversation around immigration, we must remember that our country was founded and built by immigrants. The stereotypes depicted in the segment feed into the racist notions that drive our communities apart and diminish the positive impact our immigrant populations have on our country."

Meanwhile, late Wednesday Watters attempted to clarify his intentions with the piece.

"As a political humorist, the Chinatown segment was intended to be a light piece, as all Watters World segments are," he posted on Twitter. "My man-on-the-street interviews are meant to be taken as tongue-in-cheek and I regret if anyone found offense."

Fox News did not issue a comment regarding the piece.
-- Dont miss this story from the SA Express-News David Rauf:

The Texas Ethics Commission, already facing scrutiny from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and several prominent tea party groups, came under fire Wednesday from Senate Republicans who grilled two of the agency's top officials for more than an hour.

The commission, which serves as the state's campaign finance and lobby regulator, has been embroiled in a long-running clash with conservative groups over disclosure of donors to politically active nonprofits. The agency has also recently been involved in public spats with Patrick's and Attorney General Ken Paxton's offices. A hearing before the Senate State Affairs Committee quickly turned into a public platform in which senators and others teed off on the commission over a range of issues.

State Sen. Brian Birdwell methodically questioned commission Chairman Chase Untermeyer for several minutes before declaring that some of the agency's officials have been acting haughty. He also compared the commission to the ever-loathed federal agency that handles airport security.

-- Houston residents soon will be able to hail a city cab via smartphone app, after City Council signed off on a plan Wednesday to consolidate dispatching in a single program. The Arro app, already operating in New York, Boston, San Francisco and Chicago, is expected to be fully operational in Houston by the end of the month, combining dispatch for Houston's 146 taxi companies. The city is requiring all of its roughly 9,000 licensed cab and limo drivers to participate, writes the Chronicles Rebecca Elliott.

-- Former Title IX leader at Baylor says her duties pulled as rape cases mounted, by the Chronicles Andrea Zelinski and David Barron. North Richland Hills Republican state Sen. Kelly Hancock, a Baylor grad, said he sees the situation as little more than a dispute between an employee and her employer that will work itself out. I tend to think the best advice is to take a long-term perspective, said Hancock. It sounds like she's thrown out a lot of accusations, which apparently she has some emotions involved. I think the process will work itself out and we'll see where it goes.

>> Texas Take: The day after the Veep debate, Houston Chronicle

-- Paxton intervened Wednesday in a lawsuit against the city over its short-term rental ordinance , calling the rules onerous and outside the scope of the citys authority. His office joins the lawsuit filed in June by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative lobbying group, which argued Austins restrictions are too stringent .

This blatant overreach by local government infringes upon the constitutional rights of people who own and stay at short-term rentals, Paxton said in a news release. The city of Austins draconian ordinance defies logic and common sense, and must be struck down, writes the Austin American-Statesmans Elizabeth Findell.

CAPITOL DAYBOOK  no meetings

SPEED READ

Texas man who killed neighbor couple has been executed, Houston Chronicle

Abbott pledges to push anti-abortion laws next session, Austin American-Statesman

Justices look at race testimony in Houston man's death penalty case, Houston Chronicle

City to roll out universal taxi hailing app, Houston Chronicle

Bad news for OPEC's deal to cut oil production, Houston Chronicle

Making the Case Against Banishing Sex Offenders, Texas Observer

Clown with chainsaw reportedly seen near San Marcos apartments, Austin-American Statesman

Anti-LGBT Groups Still Fighting Same-Sex Marriage In Court, Texas Observer

A Single Moms Search for School Choice in Texas, Texas Observer

Small South Texas town's ex-mayor pro tem gets prison, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Ted Cruz pushes for Trump in Tarrant County, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE

-- Taking softer tone, Pence says Clinton is admirable, by the APs Kathleen Hennessey. The modest compliment, what passes for civility in this rough-and-tumble campaign, came as Pence fielded a question that tripped up another Republican earlier in the week: Is Donald Trump a role model for children? I frankly think both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have many admirable qualities that young people can look up to, Pence said in an interview on NBC's Today show. Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte made news this week by initially answering yes, but then issuing a statement hours later changing her answer to no.

-- Meanwhile: Pence tussles with NBC host over past praise of Putin  No, I don't think so at all, Savannah, Pence said when asked whether it was a mistake to deny so many of Trumps comments that were captured on video. And the mischaracterizations and the way Tim Kaine and Hillary Clinton continue to take Donald Trump's statements out of context, it was something I just wasnt going to tolerate during the debate. (POLITICO)

>> Trump rebuffs claim that he 'loves' Putin, Associated Press

-- Stop me if youve heard this one before: Trumps slip in polls has GOP worried about Congress, by the NYTsJonathan Martin and Alex Burns

For his party, Mr. Trumps reversal in fortune comes at the worst possible moment: Having muted their criticism of Mr. Trump in hopes that he could at least run competitively through Election Day, Republicans must decide in the next few days, rather than weeks, whether to seek distance from his wobbly campaign.

Should Mr. Trump falter badly in his second debate with Hillary Clinton on Sunday in St. Louis, Republican congressional candidates may take it as a cue to flee openly from their nominee, said two senior Republicans involved at high levels of the campaign who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss private party strategy.
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
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Samantha Bee Shows Us How Voting Third Party Can Put Trump In Power  And Its Already Happened To Maine

Samantha Bee, our political comedy queen, diverted away from her usual mainstream election reporting to talk about Maine. That's right, Maine. But why? Maine, tucked away in, as Bee puts it, "the un-heated crawl space between Quebec and New Hampshire" rarely catches the attention of national news organizations unless it's about their rapid population decline. However, there's a very important political lesson to be learned from our northern neighbor.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

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Meet Governer Paul LePage a.k.a "Donald Trump before Donald Trump became popular"  his words, not ours. As the media continues to call out Trump's shitty actions and spend hours debating all of the stupid lies he's said in his speeches, LePage has been cruising under the radar  even though he's the best representation of how Trump could get elected on November 8th.

LePage is roaringly racist. So ignorantly offensive that it makes Trump's rallies seem moderate in comparison. His core group of supporters, cut from the same hateful cloth as Trump's, view LePage's "unfiltered mouth-garbage as a feature, not a bug." It's very scary to see the similarities between these two angry white guys. Like Trump supporters, LePage's fans say that the governor "tells it like it is." Really??? "Tell it like it is" implies some kind of honesty. LePage is just shouting terrible, hateful stereotypes about people of color, claims that immigrants bring diseases like AIDs and Tuberculosis, and honestly believes that Maine's heroin problem is caused by black drug dealers who come to the state to impregnate white women  despite the evidence that proves his bizarre claims wrong.

Like Trump, LePage is reckless and volatile. He'll say terrible nonsense and refuse to apologize for the things. He operates with no remorse. Worse, he thinks that his words are not enough. When asked about a solution for the "drug-pushing white girl-fertilizing outsiders," Bee doesn't have to say anything. She just cuts to a soundbite in which LePage expresses his desire to bring the guillotine back. "I think Maine just found its new tourism campaign!" Bee gleefully declares.

A while back, LePage had hacked the art of racial profiling. By that I mean he literally just had a binder of mugshots of black men. No wonder Bee calls him "Law & Order: LePage." When a few Main legislators (justifiably) disagreed with the Governer's method of policing, LePage responded with the voicemail version of a Trump Twitter Rampage

We couldn't make this shit up even if we tried. So how the fuck did this Grade-A asshole end up elected into office? Thankfully, Samantha's got the answer, along with a very important political lesson to instill.

No, a majority of the population did not want him to win. In fact, the majority was voting against him. The problem is that the majority voted against him by voting for multiple people, letting LePage slide into office with the split vote.

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Then it happened again in 2014.

LePage aside, Maine has a lot of problems, as Bee has so wisely pointed out. "Maine has less diversity than the L.L. Bean fall catalogue." Their population is mostly old white people, with deaths now outnumbering births. They don't have enough of a working population to keep their economy up and they've got a drug epidemic that won't be fixed with more racism. They need immigrants, they need a larger and more diverse population to find solutions to the problems they're facing  and they won't get that while LePage is in office. Sure, Maine has slipped into the national background but LePage's election scarily reflects many of the issues we're facing now in the polls.

Third parties aren't awful. They should play more of a role in American politics and I completely agree that this two-party system is outdated in comparison to the rest of the world, but candidates like Gary Johnson and Jill Stein are dangerous in such a precarious national election like this one. Splitting the vote by choosing a third party candidate seriously fucks over the rest of the population that would be greatly hurt by having Trump as president (see: women, poor people, people of color, the LGBTQ community). You want to help Third Parties? Start at the local level. Don't just blindly cast your vote into the wind of the national election. We already have Governer LePage, we sure as fuck don't need another one. Thank you, Samantha, for shining a light on an issue. We don't know how we'd survive election season without you.

We already have Governer LePage, we sure as fuck don't need another one. Thank you, Samantha, for shining a light on this issue. We don't know how we'd survive election season without you.



Full Frontal With Samantha Bee Airs On TBS Monday Nights At 10:30 EST

(Screenshots via Youtube)

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Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

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..moshearens.com/..05 October '6..Israel cannot permanently occupy Palestinian land, said Barack Obama in his speech at the United Nations last month. By Palestinian land he presumably meant Judea and Samaria, the territory between the Jordan River and the lines delineated by Israel and Jordan in April 1949, in an armistice that followed Jordans participation in the combined Arab attack on Israel in 1948. Maybe he was also referring to the Gaza Strip, although that region is now under the rule of Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist organization, and there is no Israeli presence there.Was it Palestinian land that Jordan annexed after the conclusion of the armistice with Israel? Nobody made that claim at the time, nor during the following 18 years when Jordan held that area.Did it suddenly become Palestinian land only after Jordan joined Egypt and Syria in their war against Israel in 1967 and was forced to withdraw from the area? Or was it Palestinian land all along, while the Palestinian claim was left in abeyance as long as Jordan ruled the area and sprang to life only after the Jordanian army was defeated?
New York mayor Bill de Blasio is focused like a laser on the important things: namely, ensuring that open and honest discussion about Islam is chilled. At the end of September, the de Blasio administration and the NYC Commission on Human Rights announced a campaign to combat hateful speech [that] has made Muslim residents the target of misguided attacks and threats, especially in the aftermath of terrorist incidents.

De Blasios office hasnt quantified the scourge of hateful rhetoric toward Muslims in New York City, likely because it is unquantifiable. The best argument the mayor can make for his new initiative is that reports of attacks and threats against Muslims have surged nationally, this despite the FBIs most recent hate-crime figures showing once again that a disproportionate percentage of all hate crimes were driven by anti-Jewish bias, by 57 percent to 16 percent versus anti-Islamic bias.

To make the claim that conditions are particularly hostile for Muslims in New York, the mayor offers that the Commission on Human Rights has increased investigations into discrimination based on race, national origin, and religion in New York City by more than 60 percent over the last two years. Presumably, the city would have shown a specific increase in actual bias crimes against New York Muslims if the data actually backed its narrative.

De Blasios new program explicitly calls for countering negative rhetoric, which means that it is speech that his office seeks to police. Nowhere does de Blasio explain where he gets the right as mayor to use taxpayer dollars to challenge speech he doesnt like and that his office cant even quantify. Further, how is it within the purview of an elected official to promote a particular religious group in the first place? The press-release language is drafted nicely to say that the mayors office is promoting respect, understanding, and support for the citys Muslim communities, rather than Islam itself. But the mayors office is partnering with the Islamic Center at NYU on a new cultural competency initiative called Understanding Islam. The purpose? [T]o help City employees and public and private employers citywide better understand the Islamic faith and to dispel common myths. One can imagine the howls about separation of church and state that a city initiative to help employees better understand the Catholic or Jewish faiths would provoke.

Equally disturbing is de Blasios meeting of the minds with London mayor Sadiq Khan, who has ties to several Islamic supremacists, and has supported policies consistent with Sharia law. In mid-September, de Blasio and Khan spoke with Muslim leaders and community members about how New York and other cities can better address Islamophobia and prevent hate crimes and other acts of discrimination. Preventing crime is a laudable goal. Policing Islamophobia, however, means, in effect, enforcing Islamic lawwith its radically different understanding of intellectual freedomover and above our First Amendment rights.

Theres precedent for de Blasios actions. For over a decade, the 57-member Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) has been promoting a plan of action for combating Islamophobia, including call[ing] upon all States to enact laws to counter it, including deterrent punishments. In 2011, then-secretary of state Hillary Clinton gave the U.S. imprimatur to the OIC-drafted UN Human Rights Coalition (HRC) Resolution 16/18 consistent with this agenda, which calls for, combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence, and violence against persons based on religion or belief.

Wittingly or unwittingly, New York is enforcing a plan that conforms with the stated aims of the foremost supranational Islamic political body, consistent with Sharia speech-code standards and to the detriment of free-speech rights. Earlier this year, the NYPD purged valuable resources produced by its intelligence division that forthrightly described the Islamic supremacist ideology. Now, the de Blasio administration is committing to combat free speech, publicly support Islam, and educate New Yorkers on the religions purportedly true meaning. Were in the best of hands.

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
The streets are gone, Chicago police-union boss Dean Angelo told me in August 2016. The night before, a Chicago police officers son had been killed in a shooting while sitting on his familys porch, one of 92 people slain during the citys worst month for homicides since July 1993. The August victims who actually survived their drive-by assaults included ten-year-old Tavon Tanner, shot while playing in front of his house (the bullet damaged Tavons pancreas, intestines, kidney, and spleen and is still painfully lodged between his shoulder and chest, despite several operations); an eight-year-old girl shot in the arm while crossing the street; and two six-year-old girls. At least 15 children under the age of 12 were shot in the first seven months of 2016, including a three-year-old boy who is now paralyzed for life following a Fathers Day drive-by shooting. The elderly are also victims. At noon on September 6, a 71-year-old man watering his lawn was accosted by a teen on a bike who demanded the mans wallet; when he refused, the teen shot him in the abdomen, and then rifled through his pockets for the wallet before pedaling away.

By early September, homicides in Chicago for 2016 were up 47 percent over the same period of 2015, a year in which crime was already up significantly over 2014; nonfatal shootings were also up 47 percent. On Labor Day, nine people were killed, completing a holiday weekend tally of 13 shooting fatalities and 51 nonfatal shooting victims.

There is no way out of this shooting spree, Angelo said. His despair is understandable because Chicago is the countrys most glaring example of what I have called the Ferguson effect. Chicago officers have cut back dramatically on proactive policing, under the onslaught of criticism from the Black Lives Matter movement and its political and media enablers. Pedestrian stops in Chicago dropped 82 percent through September 27, 2016, compared with the same period in 2015. The cops are driving by people on the corners, Angelo tells me. Theyre not sweeping the corners clean any more. As a result of this drop in discretionary enforcement, criminals are back in control and black lives are being lost at a rate not seen for decades.

Who can blame the Chicago cops for backing off of discretionary activity? They are responding to political signals being sent by the most powerful segments of society. President Barack Obama takes every opportunity to accuse the nations police of lethally profiling blacks and Hispanics. The media, activists, and academics routinely denounce pedestrian stops and public-order enforcement as racially driven oppression intended simply to control African-American and poor communities, in the words of Columbia law professor Bernard Harcourt. Never mind that it is the law-abiding residents of high-crime areas who beg the police to clear their corners of large groups of teens and other loiterers. Those residents know through hard experience that such disorderly gatherings often produce shootings. But their voices arent heard by anyone, it seems, other than the police.

Further discouraging stop activity in Chicago is a misguided agreement signed in 2015 between the Illinois ACLU and the former police superintendent, mandating that all stop forms filled out by Chicago officers be forwarded for review to the ACLU, an organization not known for its unbiased evaluations of police activity. Also contributing to Chicago de-policing is the backlash from city halls mishandling of the unjustified fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald in October 2014.

Chicago cops, like their counterparts in other urban areas in the Black Lives Matter era, now encounter aggressive hostility when they get out of their cars to investigate suspicious behavior. People are blatantly disrespectful, Angelo says. They bait the police. A few weeks after our conversation, a Chicago Tribune reporter filmed a group of teens taunting officers for over an hour during a shooting investigation on the West Side. F--- the police! went one chant. Get the f--- off my block! came another insult. A black officer was singled out for particular abuse. You a traitor! You a traitor! You bogus as hell! one heckler said. Black lives matter. You a b----, said another. Someone fired off shots in a nearby alley just for the fun of seeing cops run toward another possible victim. Run, b----, run! a shirtless male shouted contemptuously, as the officers took off in a sprint. This chorus of naysayers was actually relatively benign compared with the violent resistance that officers now routinely experience during arrests, but the Tribune at least opened a window into the Black Lives Matterinspired street reality that the media have heretofore refused to cover.

Two credible threats to assassinate Chicago officers were picked up over the summer: the first was apprehended by the National Gang Intelligence Center and the second by the Chicago PD. Forty officers have been targeted in gun assaults this year through September 15, up 100 percent from the same period in 2015 and 2014.

The media have offered every possible explanation for the anarchy other than the right one. Favorite theories include, as usual, poverty, racism, and lack of government services. Police superintendent Eddie Johnson also invokes social and economic ills as causes of the rising violence, but he focuses mostly on the argument that Chicagos gun felons dont receive harsh enough sentences. He may have a point, but it is one lost on Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, which blocks any effort to impose stricter mandatory minimum sentences on violent felons. (The caucuss opposition to strengthened gun-crime statutes constitutes a sub-rosa acknowledgment that the vast majority of gun criminals in Chicago are black80 percent of them, in fact.) Following particularly bloody weekends, Johnson reels off the weapons offenses of recent shooting victims (he focuses on victims because the no-snitch ethic usually prevents the identification of their shooters). Johnsons litany of gun criminals who are back on the streets in little or no time destroys the favorite conceit among criminal-justice reform advocates that a racist system is imposing draconian sentences on harmless sad sacks.

But neither Johnsons lax gun-sentencing explanation for the Chicago violence surge nor the medias poverty-and-systemic-injustice explanation gets the timing right. Chicagos violent crime started rising sharply in 2015 and continued into 2016. Sentencing protocols didnt weaken in late 2014; gangbangers with guns got the same criminal-justice treatment before violence started rising as after. Nor did poverty or alleged racism worsen after late 2014. What did change was the intensity of antipolice ideology, driven by the Black Lives Matter movement, relentlessly amplified by the press, and echoed by President Obama.

The ideal solution to ending Chicagos violence would be for more at-risk boys to be raised by both of their parents. Superintendent Johnson has admirably spoken out about family breakdown, the real root cause of inner-city violence. When I go home at night, and I see my neighbors, Johnson said after the Labor Day carnage, theyre asking me how come African-Americans wont step up to the plate and be parents to their children. So all of this fundamentally starts at home. But until both mothers and fathers start raising their children together, the police will be the only thing standing between the law-abiding residents of high-crime areas and total anarchy. And when the police pull back, under the accusation that proactive enforcement is racist, it is the law-abiding who suffer.

Where does this end? Dean Angelo mused as our conversation wound down. I dont know. Were in an unknown environment. We dont know at what point in time the people in this city and the city council will stand up and say: Enough is enough, so that cops again feel that they have the support to be the police again.

Photo by Joshua Lott/Getty Images
After five mystifying (and lets be honest, pretty wretched) years under the ownership of wannabe journalism mogul and investor Michael Ferro, the citys No. 2 newspaper signaled a fresh start and a new direction late last month with the promotion of two award-winning investigative journalists to top spots in the newsroom.

Chris Fusco was named managing editor, a position that had been vacant since Craig Newman was dismissed in August 2015. Steve Warmbir, former assistant managing editor for metro news, was named director of digital and editorial innovation, a new post created to focus on growing the papers digital brand and overseeing its social media strategy.

Ive got two of the best people from a journalism standpoint in really key positions, says Jim Kirk, Sun-Times publisher and editor in chief.

Both Fusco and Warmbir are Chicago area natives whose careers are deeply rooted in investigative reporting. Fusco, along with Tim Novak and Carol Marin, won a prestigious George Polk Award for Local Reporting last year for an investigation of a 10-year-old homicide case involving a nephew of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. In 2004, Warmbir and Novak exposed a corrupt program that used private trucks for city work. The scandal ensnared some of the citys top officials and led to a sweeping federal investigation.

The Sun-Times is the younger of Chicagos two dailies, a fast, scrappy paper that has relished its role as the underdog, with a smaller staff and fewer resources than the Chicago Tribune. If the Tribune is the choir boy with his shirt neatly tucked in, the Sun-Times is the little rascal with his hair sticking straight up.

In recent years, both papers have felt the strain of an outdated business model that has walloped the newspaper industry, forcing them to cut staff while trying to grow their digital presence. The company that owned the Sun-Times filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009, the start of a series of ups and downs that defined the paper for the next few years. Later that same year, Chicago financier James C. Tyree and a team of investors bought the paper. After Tyree died suddenly in March 2011, the Sun-Times was sold again, this time to Chicago investment group Wrapports, which supplied the paper with an infusion of cash but little else. The Sun-Times website became a running joke around town.

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The paper is still owned by Wrapports, of which Ferro is a majority owner. Ferro put his shares of Sun-Times stock in a trust when he made a surprise move earlier this year to buy a majority stake in Tribune Publishing, now Tronc, which owns the Chicago Tribune. The effect was immediate for the Sun-Times. The editorial board began to follow its conscience again and not Ferros, one former employee told me. Reporters reclaimed their beats and focused once again on the core of what has always been the heart of the Sun-Times: city government, Chicago sports, and watchdog reporting.

We want to do deeper, more powerful stories that can engage an audience.

The choice to promote two investigative reporters was purposeful, Kirk says, and reflects where he wants the Sun-Times to focus. This news organization has had a long history of great investigative work, he says, noting that this kind of watchdog reporting is what our audience wants from us and expects from us.

Fusco, who has been at the Sun-Times for 16 years, says investigative reporting will be the bedrock of the papers coverage going forward. We can apply what weve learned filing FOIA and going through court records and unearthing files to the kind of things we do in our everyday reporting, he says. This is the kind of paper where everybody is an investigative reporter. We want to continue that tradition.

Abdon M. Pallasch, a former Sun-Times political reporter, says Fusco is well thought of in the newsroom. Everyone respects his work ethic, says Pallasch, who left the paper four years ago and is now director of public affairs for the Cook County Sheriff. I think hes a calm, level-headed voice people enjoy working with.

Fusco and Kirk pointed to a story the paper published this week as an example of the kind of journalism that the Sun-Times wants to make its signature. Veteran reporter Frank Main wrote a gripping account of a public suicide in Chicago that he witnessed, taking readers along as he tracked down the womans mother and tried to figure out why she had jumped from a downtown building.

The piece, with an accompanying editors note explaining why the paper decided to print the name of a 44-year-old Chicago woman who committed suicide and why Main wrote the story in the first-person, was a richly-reported account not only of one womans life of recovery from drug addiction and her estrangement from her family but also of its public ending, which impacted everyone who witnessed it.

We want to do deeper, more powerful stories that can engage an audience, Kirk says. That story was it.

Deborah Douglas, a former Sun-Times editorial board member and columnist, called Fusco and Warmbir experienced journalists who care deeply about the city and their craft. But the appointment of two white men to top jobs, along with the papers recent hire of veteran Daily Southtown columnist Phil Kadner, who is also white, raises questions about the Sun-Times commitment to diversity.

This is the kind of paper where everybody is an investigative reporter. We want to continue that tradition.

The Sun-Times over the years has lost a lot of diverse voices, says Douglas, now a lecturer at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Such voices are critical in telling the stories that they need to tell in the region. I would hope that they have a commitment to truly reflecting Chicago.

To that end, the Sun-Times also announced last week that veteran urban affairs reporter Maudlyne Ihejirika will shift into a new role writing about the citys Hispanic and African-American communities.

Kirk tells me that the Sun-Times will be a smaller player, more focused on local news. We believe we are the citys paper, he says. We are focused on those beats that are important to us. We arent going to be all things to all people.

His words were another indication that the Sun-Times has moved beyond Ferro, who wanted the paper to go big, even as it was reducing staff. When we talked last week, Kirk was careful not to mention Ferro by name.

I bet youre having fun again, I told Kirk. Can I say that?

He laughed.

Yes, I am. Its refreshing. Morale is up. Everyone is working toward the same thing.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Jackie Spinner is CJRs correspondent for Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. She is an associate journalism professor at Columbia College Chicago and a former staff writer for The Washington Post. Follow her on Twitter @jackiespinner.
If you hurt yourself while pulling stuff from your parked car, should your insurance company be on the hook for the injuries?

The Michigan Supreme Court is opening a new term with arguments in that case and many others, including alleged misconduct by an Ann Arbor-area judge who could lose his job.

In September 2012, truck driver Daniel Kemp arrived home from work and parked his truck. He got out of the vehicle and collected personal effects from the backseat floorboard. In doing so, he allegedly suffered an injury to his calf muscle, and received treatment from an urgent care center and a physician.

He sought payments under his no-fault policy but Farm Bureau Insurance denied his claim and moved for summary judgment once suit was filed. The insurer argued that Kemp could not collect such benefits because, among other things, he was not using the motor vehicle as a motor vehicle at the time of the injury and the parked vehicle had only an incidental causal relationship to his injury.

The trial court ruled that plaintiffs injuries were not related to the use or operation of his motor vehicle as a motor vehicle and the injury was merely incidental to use of the vehicle.

On appeal, Kemp asserted the trial court erred when it held that his injury was not related to the use of a motor vehicle as a motor vehicle and he is not entitled to PIP.

The court of appeals affirmed the lower courts decision and noted that the mere fact that plaintiffs movement in reaching for [his personal effects] occurred in the interior of the truck does not transform the incident into a motor vehicle accident for no-fault purpose.

Kemp acknowledges that his truck wasnt moving when he was hurt. But he says his injuries were related to the transportational use of the truck.

The state Supreme Court hears arguments in 11 cases this week.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
U.S. safety regulators are investigating whether a recall of Ford F-150 pickup trucks for brake failures should be expanded to more model years.

The probe covers about 282,000 pickups with 3.5-liter six-cylinder engines from 2015 and 2016. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has received 25 complaints alleging sudden brake loss in the trucks. No crashes or injuries were reported.

In May, Ford recalled about 271,000 six-cylinder F-150s from 2013 and 2014 because brake fluid could leak from the master cylinder and cause brake failure.

The safety agency says it received 10 complaints about 2015 brake failures and another 15 about the 2016 models. Investigators will decide if the 2015 and 2016 models should be added to the recall. The F-series pickup is the top-selling vehicle in the U.S.

Ford says its cooperating in the investigation. We continuously evaluate our processes for potential improvements and when the data indicates a safety recall is needed, we move quickly on behalf of our customers, the company said in a statement.

In one of the complaints, a driver from Loxahatchee, Florida, told NHTSA that the brakes failed July 22 while the truck was on the Florida Turnpike. The person, who was not identified in the agencys complaint database, tried to slow for stopped traffic and the pedal went all the way to the floor, the complaint said. I put it in neutral and swerved onto the side of the road to avoid hitting traffic at 70 mph, the driver wrote. The truck was taken to the nearest dealership, where the owner was told that the master brake cylinder was failing and it was a known problem. Why is there not a recall? I could have killed somebody, the driver wrote.

In the recall of the 2013 and 2014 trucks, Ford said brake fluid can leak from the master cylinder. Dealers were to replace the master cylinder and also the brake booster if they found leaks from the master cylinder, the company said.

The investigation is the third probe of Ford vehicles announced by NHTSA in the past two days.

On Monday the agency posted documents detailing investigations into power steering problems with the 2010 Ford Fusion and door latch sensor troubles with the 2011 to 2013 Ford Edge.
Florida canceled classes along its Atlantic coastline and theme parks kept a watchful eye as Hurricane Matthew strengthened as it headed toward the East Coast.

In South Carolina, Gov. Nikki Haley contemplated whether she will order some 1 million people to leave the coast and planned to release details of her plan Wednesday morning. The evacuation was scheduled to take effect at 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, traffic was bumper-to-bumper on Interstate 26 heading out of the Charleston, South Carolina, area as residents evacuated in advance of the hurricane. Gasoline was hard to come by during morning rush hour, with at least half a dozen stations out of fuel and lines at others. The states attorney general warned stations against price gouging.

A message on Walt Disney Worlds website Wednesday says all of its theme parks and resorts are currently operating under normal conditions as officials continue to monitor the storm. They advised those who plan on visiting Disney to monitor news outlets for the latest weather information.

Officials at SeaWorld in Orlando announced on its website that officials anticipate altered hours due to Hurricane Matthew.

Government officials are worried about complacency, especially in South Florida, which hasnt seen a major hurricane in 11 years.

In Miami-Dade County, the states largest school district, officials said theyll monitor the storm on Wednesday morning before making a decision on whether to cancel classes Thursday and Friday. The county remains under a tropical storm warning.

From Broward County to the Space Coast  where hurricane warnings are in effect  officials already have closed schools for the rest of the week. Some school districts are sending students home early on Wednesday, and after school activities are canceled.

Most colleges and universities in the warning areas have also canceled classes starting Wednesday evening.

A dangerous Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 115 mph, Matthew was bearing down on the southern Bahamas early Wednesday amid forecasters predictions it would be very near Floridas Atlantic coast by Thursday evening. Already the hurricane was spreading high winds, heavy rain and a dangerous storm surge ahead of it on its approach to the Bahamas, forecasters said.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Matthew  recently a Category 4 storm and at one brief point a fierce Category 5  will remain a powerful storm at least through Thursday night. It added that while maximum winds decreased slightly in recent hours, the fluctuation in intensity was expected and some slight strengthening is forecast in coming days.

Officials hope to avoid a repeat of Hurricanes Wilma and Katrina, which caused major damage to South Florida in 2005, and Hurricane Andrew, a Category 5 storm, leveled much of the city of Homestead in 1992. The latter storm was on the minds of some officials Tuesday  both Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Jean Monestime and U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo mistakenly called the current hurricane Andrew during a news conference, drawing nervous laughter.

Curbelo, a Republican, said he wants assurances that the federal, state and local governments are working together.

We just cant take it for granted that thats always going to happen, Curbelo said.

The Miami forecasters issued a hurricane warning for the area north of Golden Beach near Fort Lauderdale to Sebastian Inlet, meaning hurricane force winds of 74 mph or higher are expected within two days. A hurricane watch is also in effect from Sebastian Inlet to Fernandina Beach, meaning hurricane force winds could occur.

During rush hour Tuesday, long lines formed at gas stations in Charleston, South Carolina, snarling traffic as lines snaked out of gas stations and into travel lanes. At one gas station in Mount Pleasant, the line reached about a quarter mile down the street.

In South Florida, lines at grocery stores were heavier than usual and some essentials were in short supply. When Simone Corrado and her husband tried to buy water at their Publix in Davie near Fort Lauderdale, they mostly found empty shelves. There were a few bottles of high-end water brands, but there was so much empty shelf space that Corrado lay down and fully stretched out on the bottom shelf.

I got scared because all that was left at Publix was just the pricey water, said Corrado, who lived through 1992s catastrophic Hurricane Andrew, which practically leveled the nearby city of Homestead. They really put the fear into you here. On the television screen every few minutes is the beep, beep, beep storm alert.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott warned residents they must be prepared to take a direct hit and evacuation orders could be issued as early as Tuesday.

Dont take a chance. Leave before its too late, he said. We have to be prepared to be hit by a catastrophic hurricane.

Hurricane Hermine became the first to strike Florida since Wilma in 2005 when it hit the eastern Panhandle on Sept. 2 as a Category 1 storm, causing one death, storm surge damage to beachfront homes and downed trees and powerlines. That 11-year lull between storms hitting Florida was the longest on record.

The last storm to hit Florida from the Atlantic side was Katrina, which struck on its way to devastating the Gulf coast.

Wilma made landfall as a Category 3 storm with 120 mph winds, killing five people as it pushed from southwest Florida, through the Everglades and into the Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach area, causing an estimated $21 billion in damage and leaving thousands of residents without power for more than a week. It concluded a two-year span when a record eight hurricanes hit the state.

Governors in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina declared states of emergency, and the White House said President Barack Obama canceled a campaign and health care events in Florida on Wednesday and would instead visit the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for an update.

Some airlines let passengers change travel plans without penalty if their trip might be affected by Matthew.

Haley said state officials would reverse lanes on major evacuation routes in South Carolina. It would be the first major evacuation since Hurricane Floyd in 1999, when the governor at the time didnt reverse the lanes and Interstate 26 became a parking lot. A typically two-hour drive from Charleston to Columbia turned into a 24-hour nightmare.

(Kay reported from Miami Beach. Associated Press reporters Jeffrey Collins, Jack Jones and Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina; Bruce Smith in Charleston, South Carolina; Mike Schneider in Orlando, Florida; Freida Frisaro in Miami and Martha Waggoner in Raleigh, North Carolina, contributed to this report.)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

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..Sultan Knish..05 October '16..There are few weapons as deadly as the Israeli house. When its bricks and mortar are combined together, the house, whether it is one of those modest one story hilltop affairs or a five floor apartment building complete with hot and cold running water, becomes far more dangerous than anything green and glowing that comes out of the Iranian centrifuges.Forget the cluster bomb and the mine, the poison gas shell and even tailored viruses. Iran can keep its nuclear bombs. They don't impress anyone in Europe or in Washington D.C. Who can even think about genocide in Africa in the presence of the fearsome weapon of terror that is an Israeli family of four moving into a new apartment.Sudan may have built a small mountain of African corpses, but it can't expect to command the full and undivided attention of the world until it does something truly outrageous like building a house and filling it with Jews. Since the Sudanese Jews are as gone as the Jews of Egypt, Iraq, Syria and good old Afghanistan, the chances of Bashir the Butcher pulling off that trick are rather slim.Due to the Muslim world's shortsightedness in driving out its Jews from Cairo, Aleppo and Baghdad to Jerusalem, the ultimate weapon in international affairs is entirely controlled by the Jewish State. The Jewish State's stockpile of Jews should worry the international community far more than its hypothetical stockpiles of nuclear weapons. No one besides Israel, and possibly Saudi Arabia, cares much about the Iranian bomb. But when Israel builds a house, then the international community tears its clothes, wails, threatens to recall its ambassadors and boycott Israeli peaches.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Ohio Supreme Court on Thursday disbarred Cleveland lawyer John B. Frenden for professional misconduct involving his clients, including failing to deliver funds promptly to one and engaging in a sexual relationship with another.

Frenden, 44, could not be reached for comment. The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association accused Frenden last year of misconduct.

The state's high court said the allegations of dishonest included:

* A woman hired Frenden in 2011 to represent her in a personal-injury case that stemmed from a car accident. He forged the client's signature on a document and released $20,800 nearly a year after the settlement. He failed to provide competent representation and did not keep the client informed about the status of the matter.

* In 2008, Frenden represented a mother and her son who were injured in a car accident. He dismissed the case just days before the trial, without his client's knowledge or consent. He later refilled it. He settled the case for $5,000, even though the family's damages were $12,000.

* In 2013, he handled the divorce case of an exotic dancer, whom he met in a club. The woman testified that she had sex with Frenden "because she felt it was the only way to get him to leave me alone,'' according to the Ohio Supreme Court. Frenden violated rules that prevent a lawyer from engaging in sex with a client, unless it is a consensual relationship that existed prior to the client-lawyer relationship, the Supreme Court said.

Frenden claimed that he had gone through a stressful period of his life and had become sad. He, however, was not under the care of a mental health professional, according to the Supreme Court.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The last of four people charged in a string of burglaries across Northeast Ohio pleaded guilty this week and was sentenced to five years in prison.

Joseph Currence, 32 pleaded guilty to five counts of burglary to his role in at least 15 suburban break-ins and was sentenced Tuesday. He also pleaded guilty to one count of vandalism.

Currence joins his co-defendants Donald Miller Jr.,47, and Barbara Lydston, 43.

A fourth person arrested in the burglaries, Brandy Tillett, 32 remains at large. A warrant was issued for her arrested after she missed her Aug. 26 trial date, according to court records.

Lydston pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of criminal tools on March 7 and received five years on probation.

Miller pleaded no contest to thirteen counts of burglary and one count of engaging in corrupt activity and was sentenced to 10 years behind bars.

The group targeted homes in Bainbridge, Brunswick, Independence, Twinsburg, Seven Hills, Richfield, Rocky River, Solon and Bay Village during the daytime. Police said they stole jewelry, televisions and other electronics and even firearms from unoccupied homes.

Miller was the first arrested. Police busted him July 15, 2015 with a large amount of jewelry connected to several break-ins.

Nine police departments and the Seneca County Sheriff's Department conducted a joint investigation that linked Currence, Lydston and Miller.

If you'd like to comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comment section.


Casablanca2.jpg

Casablanca Urban Catina will open in Lakewood's Birdtown neighborhood. Spearheaded by Juan Vergara, the owner of the nearby Barroco, it will be a Latin American-themed bar and restaurant. Vergara hopes for a summer of 2017 opening.

(Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - As an artist, Juan Vergara loves the challenge of a blank canvas. The chef-owner of Barroco, the Colombian-themed restaurant that opened in Lakewood's Birdtown neighborhood in 2011, transformed a former pizza kitchen into the lively, colorful eatery it is today. On any given night, live Latin music spills into the outdoor and alley patio.



He'll soon add his touch to a new Latin American-inspired concept, Casablanca Urban Cantina, which he hopes to open in the summer of 2017. The bar and restaurant will take over the former Neubert Painting building at 12108 Madison Ave. With less than a quarter mile distance from Barroco, Vergara says the location allows him to never be too far from keeping a watchful eye on both restaurants.



"We considered other places in Cleveland, but we really wanted to keep investing in Birdtown," says Vergara. "This neighborhood is where we grew up as a restaurant."



Vergara is keeping his menu under wraps, but promises it will be a new concept to Cleveland, similar to the way Barroco raised the profile of arepas in the city. One of his biggest goals is to maintain a high quality at a low price point.



"We don't want to do anything we have at Barroco; it's going to be completely different," says Vergara. "It will be something nobody has in Cleveland. It's going to be a nice surprise."



While he's finalizing the offerings, he says one of his key focuses is creating a menu without genetically modified foods to the best of his ability within the concept.



"Because it's a responsible thing to do, we really want to push ourselves to make as much of the menu as GMO-free as possible," he says.

Many may remember Barroco as a place where you had to bring your own alcohol before it received its liquor license and added a small bar. Vergara learned from the experience, he says, and plans to install an expansive bar in Casablanca that will be open until 2:30 a.m. daily with live music featured regularly. And for those who may be looking for a smaller bite, Latin-inspired bar food will be served

Rums, whiskeys and wines will be a major component, as well as local brews. A short but mighty cocktail list will build on Barroco's handcrafted techniques. "We're going to try to translate that and keep the same mentality," notes Vergara.



He's currently working with Lakewood architectural firm AODK Inc. on the build out.



"We wanted to work with a local architect; someone who was also from the city," says Vergara. "We wanted to keep our money in Lakewood. There's a lot of new things coming and we wanted to keep our money there."



And like Barroco, it's an opportunity for Vergara to make the space completely his own.



"I didn't want to go somewhere that was already built out," he says. "We want to take advantage of the fact that this was never a retail or restaurant. It's a place that most people will be experiencing for the first time, and that's exciting."
rageagainst.jpg

The members of Rage Against the Machine,

(Epic Records)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - When the nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2017 are announced in the next couple of weeks or so, one name you won't see on the ballot is Rage Against the Machine.

It's not because the pioneering rap-metal group isn't deserving. It's because Rage isn't quite eligible yet.

As fans know, the band's self-titled debut album arrived in 1992, putting their first eligible year of nomination (25 years after a first release) at 2017. But Rage Against the Machine is in a unique situation.

The band's demo recording, known in underground circles as "American Composite," was sent to record labels in 1991 and then illegally distributed by Atlantic Records later that year, making it the first Rage record released by a label.

The members of Rage eventually took legal action against Atlantic and the situation was resolved without hindering the band's progress. However, it did present the Rock Hall nomination committee with an interesting decision.

Rage Against the Machine has a very good chance of being nominated during its first year of eligibility. The question was whether that nomination would come in 2016 or 2017. Now, we have an answer.

Representatives of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame have confirmed Rage will NOT be eligible until next year, putting the band potentially in the Class of 2018. That's good news for local fans, as the 2018 ceremony will take place in Cleveland.

If you're wondering which newly eligible acts could appear on this month's ballot, Pearl Jam is as close to a sure thing as it gets. Tupac Shakur is the other likely candidate. It'll be interesting to see if the Rock Hall, which typically nominates at least one hip-hop act, goes with the late 1990s pop-culture icon.
SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio

Drug investigation, South Green Road:

A boy, 11, brought a bag of marijuana to Greenview Elementary School Sept. 28. He showed it to other students, who told the staff. He said he found it at his home in a drawer where video games are kept. He said he wanted to impress the other students because he doesn't have many friends. His mother told officers she does not smoke marijuana, but she has some friends over her house that do and they must have left it there. Officers recommended the boy be considered for the juvenile diversion program due to his age.

Burglary, Lancaster Road:

A woman reported Sept. 24 two Pandora bracelets, two TVs and two DVD duplicators were stolen from her home. She and her adult son had been staying in Cleveland with an ill relative so she was not sure when the items went missing. She suspected a man, who was helping her son do work at the house, may have left the house unsecured and then returned to the steal the items. The incident is under investigation.

Breaking and entering, South Green Road:

An envelope, containing $900, was reported stolen from a desk at a law business Sept. 27. Officers found several black foam particles around the office. They believed it was from the handle of a prying tool that may have been deteriorating. Entry into the main office was believed to have been made by someone who pried open the door.

Theft, Princeton Boulevard:

A man reported his iPhone was stolen out of his truck while he was doing yard work at a home Sept. 19. He was on a ladder when he saw an unknown male open the door and reach in and take the phone. The suspect was gone by the time he got off the ladder. Officers identified a 16-year-old boy as a possible suspect, who neighbors said used to hang out in the area and was always getting into trouble. They later spoke to him at his Euclid home, where he denied being in the area of the crime or knowing anything about the phone.

Vandalism, South Belvoir Boulevard:

A Coca-Cola vending machine was found vandalized at North Quarry Park Sept. 29. It appeared someone tried to pry it open, but only the currency storage area was accessed where less than $6 was believed to be stored and stolen. A pair of gloves and a screwdriver was found near the machine. The estimated damage was between $500 and $1,000. The machine is owned by Cleveland Coca-Cola.

Property damage, Lowden Road:

A woman reported at 11:57 p.m. Sept. 27 someone was on her back porch and forced open the screen door. She yelled out at the person and looked outside but did not see anyone. Officers noticed damage to the screen door, which the woman said was locked. She thought the person may have been a female friend she had problems with in the past, but did not know her name.

Robbery, Telhurst Road:

A woman reported Sept. 21 her son, 15, and two of his friends were victims of a robbery while walking home from Brush High School. They were said to have been approached by a man in a vehicle who had a gun and told them to empty their pockets. The suspect exited the vehicle and went through their pockets, leaving with two cell phones. The incident is under investigation.

Stolen vehicle, Sherwood Road:

A truck and Bobcat vehicle were reported stolen Sept. 28 out of a driveway where the owner of them was doing construction at the property. The truck's doors were locked and it was taken without keys. It included multiple work tools. There were no suspects or witnesses identified.

Found person, South Belvoir Boulevard:

Officers responded at 12:48 p.m. Sept. 24 to a home where a resident said a two-year-old had wandered into his yard and was crying. While they were there, a man and woman walked out to their car that was parked on Donwell Drive. They recognized the child and said she lives at the house they were visiting. They returned to that house and brought back the girl's mother. She had no idea the child left the house and said she was being watched by her nine-year-old cousin while she was in the basement with her friends. Officers had smelled marijuana coming from her direction and asked her if she was in the basement smoking marijuana with her friends. She did not deny it. The woman, 21, was subsequently charged with child endangering.

Fraud, College Road:

An Amherst woman, 18, said Sept. 24 she signed up to be a babysitter on a website and a man contacted her about using her services to care for his daughter. She said he sent an email with a picture of his family and also sent her a $1,980 check with instructions to purchase toys for his daughter from a private toy seller. She became suspicious when the suspect told her to withdraw $1,550 and then told her he would tell her what to do next. She contacted Notre Dame College police, who told her it was a scam. Officers had her inform the suspect she withdrew the money, in which he responded by asking her to wire the money to a man in Texas. They then had her tell the suspect she knew it was a scam and not to contact her anymore. The woman did not suffer any monetary loss, but may incur a fee from her bank for insufficient funds.

Found person, Newberry Road:

A three-year-old boy was found alone near the corner of South Green and West Anderson roads Sept. 23. A neighbor assisted officers with locating his home, where they spoke to his 22-year-old sister. She said she was inside the house tending to her two-month-old newborn child and the boy was supposed to be playing in the yard with his seven-year-old sister. It was learned at that time, that girl was nowhere to be found, but was later located. The Cleveland woman, 22, was subsequently cited for child endangering.

See more South Euclid news at Cleveland.com/south-euclid.

If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page.
Medina County Home 1.JPG

A 0.2-mill, five-year renewal levy for operations at the Medina County Home is among the tax issues on the Nov. 8 ballot in Medina County.

(Ann Norman, special to cleveland.com)

MEDINA, Ohio - Voters in central Medina County will be asked to approve a handful of emergency medical service, safety service and school levies on the Nov. 8 ballot.

And voters across the county will decide whether to renew a 0.2-mill, five-year levy to operate the Medina County Home.

Both Medina Township and Montville Township are seeking renewal levies for EMS/ambulance services. Montville Township is also asking voters to replace a fire levy with a broader-reaching safety services tax.

The Buckeye Local School District is asking for the renewal of the 7.6-mill, 10-year emergency levy first approved in 2012.

Buckeye Local Schools

New Superintendent Kent Morgan is jumping right in with the 10-year renewal of the school district's emergency levy, which would bring in $3.2 million a year.

"That funding is an integral part of maintaining our current services and programs for our students," Morgan said.

The 2012 levy was the first to pass in the district in 18 years.

"That was a huge success and win for the kids and the community," Morgan said.

Before that, the district had had to make massive budget cuts, and more were on the line.

"It really wasn't a good place for us to be in," he said.

The current levy costs the owner of a home valued at $100,000 about $20 a month, Morgan said. Because of the state rollback program, the renewal will cost that same homeowner $19.40 starting in 2018.

"That's not a huge difference, but it is a difference," he said.

"This levy will allow us to continue what we've been doing. This is our base education," he said.

Morgan is currently working with the administration and community on a five-year strategic plan for the school district.

He said things are looking up for the district that covers four rural townships in western Medina County.

"I think the Buckeye community pride has grown between 2012 and 2017. It's a great place to raise a family. There are so many positives in our community right now," he said.

He said the community revolves around the schools.

"That's our identity. It's a very family, supportive feeling. Buckeye is one of the best-kept secrets in Medina County," he said.

Montville Township

The township has two levies on the ballot: a 0.75-mill, five-year levy for EMS/ambulance service and an additional 1.3-mill, five-year safety services levy.

The EMS levy is actually a reduction from 1 mill to 0.75 mills, Police Chief and Safety Director Terry Grice said.

He said the trustees looked at the budget and determined that the township no longer needed to collect a full mill for the service, which is under contract from the Medina County Life Support Team.

"This is a very good position for us to be in," he said.

The levy would now cost the owner of a home valued at $100,000 $26.25 a year. Currently, that homeowner pays $35 annually.

The second levy seems a little more complicated on the surface, but is really just a change in nomenclature for the township's current 1.3-mill fire levy, Grice said.

A new state law allows townships to combine police and fire levies under the umbrella of a safety services levy. This allows townships more flexibility in funding police and fire services, he said.

Township voters approved permanent levies for police service in 1981, 1983 and 2005, he said. Fire and EMS levies are renewed every five years.

If voters approve the 1.3-mill, five-year safety services levy, the old fire levy would be dropped from the rolls. The owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay $45.50 a year.

"This allows for flexibility within the township to decide how to use the funds," Grice said.

That means the trustees and police chief could decide to use some of the money to maintain the safety services building or support dispatching for both police and fire, he said.

Under the fire levy model, those funds could only be used for Fire Department services.

"It's the same 1.3-mill levy. It's just going to be called something different. It's not an increase, just a new way of collecting it," he said.

The township contracts with the city of Medina for Fire Department services, collaborating by buying fire trucks and other equipment and helping with staffing.

The township's new safety services building also allows the LST to house an ambulance there 24/7.

"That has drastically reduced response times in the central and southern parts of the township," Grice said.

Montville Township also helps pay for staffing of the main Medina fire station from 8 a.m. to midnight five days a week. That means a full crew can quickly respond to a call directly from the station and ask for volunteer backup if needed, he said.

"That's a benefit for both the city and the township. It goes to show a good, cooperative effort by the city and township to provide that service at a lower cost for both entities," Grice said.

Grice said the levies are essential for the township, which cannot collect income taxes the way cities do to cover safety services.

"All of our revenue is based on these levies," he said.

Medina Township

The township trustees are asking voters to renew and increase a levy for EMS/ambulance services provided by Medina County LST.

The current 1 mill levy brought in $350,000 last year, Trustee Ken DeMichael said. That left a projected shortfall in the EMS budget of about $100,000 this year.

The additional 0.5 mills would cover the difference and bring in $484,000 a year, Township Administrator Linda DeHoff said.

"Right now, we're having to dip in to the general fund to make up the difference. That takes away from roads and other township services," DeMichael said.

The original EMS levy was approved in 2009 and hasn't been raised since, despite increases in cost, he said.

"The township has grown and there are more calls," he said.

The trustees decided to seek the renewal a year early - the current levy is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2017 - to cover the shortfall.

The owner of a home valued at $100,000 currently pays $52.50 a year. The increase would raise that tax bill to $78.75 annually.

Medina County Home

County voters are being asked to approve the renewal of a 0.2-mill, five-year levy for operations at the Medina County Home, which serves indigent adults who cannot live independently.

The levy was first approved by voters in 2002 and was renewed in 2006 and 2011. It would continue to cost the owner of a home valued at $100,000 about $7 a year.

The Medina County Home, which has stood at 6144 Wedgewood Road since the 1800s, provides residential custodial care as well as adult day care.

The current building, erected in 1894, underwent a major renovation in 1981 and has seen further improvements in facilities and services over the past five years under the direction of Superintendent Joyce Gilles.
BEREA, Ohio -- A convicted bank robber armed with two butcher knives and a toy gun threatened suicide by cop Thursday during a standoff with federal marshals and a SWAT team, officials said.

Larry Lippert, 59, surrendered peacefully after about an hour-long standoff with U.S. Marshals and the West Shore Enforcement Bureau.

Lippert violated the terms of his federal parole after an earlier incident in Berea, U.Sl Marshal Pete Elliott said. Lippert pleaded no Oct. 20 to disorderly conduct in Berea Municipal Court and was sentenced to one year on probation.

Deputy marshals went to arrest Lippert about 2:30 p.m. at his home on Shelton Road and Bryant Avenue in Berea.

Lippert met the marshals at the door with the two knives and waived a toy gun. The marshals backed off and called the SWAT team.

Lippert texted a neighbor during the standoff that he was going to make the officers shoot and kill him, Elliott said.

Deputy marshals and a hostage negotiator coaxed Lippert out of the house without incident. He was arrested and will be booked into the Cuyahoga County Jail pending an appearance in federal court.

"Our guys I think did a phenomenal job," Elliott said. "Often these days, you don't see it end this way."

Lippert was released from prison in 2008 after spending 25 years in prison for a crime spree he committed over several months in 1982, according to court records and Plain Dealer archives.

Lippert on Oct. 25 of that year raped and kidnapped a woman in Niles. On Dec. 10 he was accused of raping and kidnapping a different woman in Portage County.

The next day he committed an armed robbery at the Permanent Federal Savings & Loan Co. in Tallmadge.

On Dec. 27, 1982, he robbed at gunpoint the Niles Great East Plaza branch of the Home Savings and Loan bank. He abducted a teller at gunpoint and drove her to Weathersfield Township, where he handcuffed her to a tree. She was found unharmed, according to Plain Dealer archives.

One neighbor, who did not want to be named, said Lippert asked him to help him get a gun on Wednesday. Other neighbors described Lippert as an odd, often loud nuisance in the area.

"He's always causing trouble," neighbor Andre Goncharenko said. "He's always running around, yelling at people."

One of Lippert's friends, Jack Loparo, said he and Lippert planned to take a fishing trip on Thursday. He said Lippert called him and said police had surrounded his home with guns.

"I've been trying to mentor him for six of seven years," Loparo said. "He goes to church every Sunday. His bark is worse than his bite."

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.
View of the Indus River passing through the town of Dasu, Pakistan. Getty Images

"Blood and water can't flow together," India's Prime Minister says. This is no cliche - shared water resources are a key issue in the increasingly fraught relationship between India and Pakistan. The South Asian neighbors have been at loggerheads since September 18, when four gunmen killed 18 Indian soldiers in an army base camp in Uri, a town in the disputed territory of Kashmir. New Delhi claimed the attackers were members of the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, and accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack, a claim the Islamic republic denied. Tensions were further inflamed on September 29, when India said it led "surgical strikes" on suspected terrorist bases in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir - strikes that Pakistan then insisted did not occur. "While India has likely launched such raids in the past, those were kept under the cover of secrecy," Rebecca Keller, an analyst at geopolitical intelligence firm Stratfor, told CNBC. "This was the first time New Delhi openly announced such an action, which marks a break with precedent." She forecast further strains on ties as Islamabad mulled an appropriate response to India's more open aggression. "This means we may see an uptick in cross-border firing between both sides across the Line of Control," she said, referring to the de facto border through Kashmir that separates India and Pakistan.

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Experts largely agree that a full-blown war between the two nuclear-armed states is unlikely, as it would damage India's international reputation and Modi's efforts to turn the populous nation into an economic powerhouse. New Delhi would instead likely look for other economic and diplomatic measures to pressure Pakistan, Indian officials told Reuters, and this is where shared water resources are key. The Indus Water Treaty, a 56-year old water distribution pact between India and Pakistan, sets out how the two countries will share the Indus River and its tributaries. The main Indus River flows through China, India and Pakistan and has multiple tributaries . Under the agreement, India has control over the eastern rivers in the Indus system of rivers, while Pakistan has control over the western rivers, which flow through India first. The treaty allows India to use 20 percent of the total water carried by Pakistan's section of the Indus River for irrigation, transport and power generation There is also a permanent Indus Commission that manages the terms of the treaty and resolve disputes over water-sharing. "Blood and water can't flow together," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on September 26 in a meeting to review the treaty, according to the Economic Times of India, effectively putting the pact on the table as a potential tool for retaliation against Pakistan. India has said it is looking at maximizing its water usage by accelerating the construction of hydropower plants along the western rivers that Pakistan relies on. It has also hinted at reviving the Tulbul project, a dam that has been a source of dispute between the two countries since 1987. Pakistan was described as one of the world's most "water-stressed" countries in a 2013 Asian Development Bank report, and the possibility India could suck more water from Pakistan's sections of the river are a serious threat. "The greatest threat to Pakistan's economic livelihood would be the increasing threat of water scarcity and water stress along the Indus basin," Stratfor's Keller said. The Indus River supports nearly three-quarters of Pakistan's total irrigation of agricultural land, according to Stratfor. Factors such as pollution and an expanding population are already weighing on water availability per capita, even as demand is forecast to rise nearly 30 percent by 2025. The potential risks inherent in India using more of the shared water resource have not been not lost on Pakistan. Sartaj Aziz, foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said in an national assembly address on September 27 that Pakistan would treat a violation of the Indus Water Treaty as "an act of war."

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Pakistan may not be officially included in this year's round of talks between India and China, but it's certainly high up on the agenda.

The world's number two economy has so far attempted to remain neutral amid the current geopolitical crisis in Kashmir, where New Delhi and Islamabad have revived a decades-old territorial conflict. But as the fourth annual India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) begins in New Delhi on Thursday, Beijing could intervene further.

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G20 Summit on September 4, 2016 in Hangzhou, China. Lintao Zhang | Getty Images

China may lean on India to moderate tensions in the disputed Himalayan region, Nicholas Consonery, senior Asia-Pacific director at advisory firm FTI Consulting, told CNBC's "The Rundown." While Beijing has historically maintained a deeper alliance with Islamabad, the mainland calls itself a close friend to both South Asian nations. In a press conference on Friday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said his country remained a friendly neighbor to both India and Pakistan and called on the two sides to exercise restraint and avoid further tensions. The nuclear-armed rivals exchanged more fire across their de-factor border in Kashmirknown as the Line of Controlon Wednesday, after Indian military officials said they conducted "surgical strikes" inside Pakistan-controlled Kashmir last week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration had accused Islamabad of attacking an Indian army base in the conflicted zone last month, but his counterpart Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has denied the claims. The India-China dynamic has certainly become testier than before, C. Raja Mohan, Carnegie India director at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said. There's a sense in New Delhi that China had not been supportive when it cames to India-Pakistan tensions, while China believes Delhi is growing too close to Washington, so it's using Pakistan as leverage, he told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia." The geopolitical triangle is further entangled by reports out this week that the Shanghai Stock Exchange is eyeing a 40 percent stake in Pakistan's main bourse.

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With personal assistants all the rage, Samsung has decided it needs to get in on the act.

The Korean electronics giant said Wednesday it is buying Viv, a San Jose-based startup created by Siri co-founder Dag Kittlaus.

Neither company would talk about the financial terms, but all 30 or so Viv employees will be joining Samsung, Kittlaus told Recode.

More from Recode:

Here's why Wikileaks' Julian Assange wants to take down Google

Amazon has 143 billion reasons to keep adding more perks to Prime

After two million miles, Google's robot car now drives better than a 16-year-old

Samsung said it isn't approaching artificial intelligence as broadly as Google or Apple.

"Our focus is really more device-centric," Samsung mobile unit CTO Injong Rhee said in an interview. "How do we revolutionize how users interact with our devices and our appliances?"

Rhee said it is an area that Samsung is investing more in and said the first fruits should show up in next year's flagship Galaxy phones, with future plans to integrate the technology into televisions and other Internet-connected gear.

Viv's approach, Kittlaus said, focuses on the idea that the best artificial intelligence systems will need to work in an open way with thousands of partners, operating more like Wikipedia than today's more closed automated assistants.

While Samsung doesn't have the best historical track record of integrating software and service companies, Rhee pointed to the recent purchases of LoopPay and SmartThings as showing that the company can successfully bring outside services into the company.

Kittlaus said he became satisfied in recent months that Samsung was the right partner.

"We, of course, did our own independent inquiries about this issue," he said. "Samsung has drastically changed in terms of how they handle acquisitions and integrations over the last three years and really gotten good."

The deal was led by Samsung's Global Innovation Center, the unit run by former Google executive David Eun and also the group behind the $200 million SmartThings deal.

Here is Kittlaus talking about Viv at TechCrunch Disrupt in May.
It's a popular trick on those reality house-hunting shows  the real estate agent asks the buyers to make a list of everything they want. Then the agent takes them to a home that fulfills the wish list  and then drops the hammer that the house is about a million dollars over the buyer's budget. No, you can't always get what you want, but maybe it's not your budget. Maybe it's your market. Apparently 1 in 10 home searches nationally are "mismatched" when you compare what the buyer wants and what is available for sale, a jump from just 8 percent a year ago. That is the finding of a new report from real estate listing company Trulia, which compared the search results of potential buyers to the actual number of homes that met the search criteria in each market.

Spaces Images | Getty Images

Trulia researchers found that "nationally 10.4 percent of searches at a certain price point failed to match the available inventory at that price point. And in many markets  including many in Florida, North Carolina and Texas  home seekers are disproportionately looking at homes priced much lower than available inventory."

Market mismatches will inevitably drive up prices where there are more buyers than there are homes that those buyers want. The opposite is true in markets where there are too many homes that buyers don't want. Prices drop. In Detroit, Philadelphia and Dayton, Ohio, there are too many lower-priced homes and not enough luxury houses to meet the current buyer demand on the high end. The same is true in Camden, New Jersey, Pittsburgh and Little Rock, Arkansas.

The high-end mismatch only occurred in 10 percent of the 100 markets Trulia looked at. Most of the mismatching happened in markets where there was too much luxury supply and too little affordable supply. Houston and Dallas rank top for mismatching, while Honolulu, New Orleans and Albuquerque, New Mexico, appear to be the most "matched" markets, with supply right where the demand is.




The smartest, savviest, most successful entrepreneurs make mistakes that, with the benefit of hindsight, are pretty foolish. That's because, even with the most diligent and thorough preparation, there are bound to be challenges that a startup founder isn't expecting in the moment. That's pretty much what an entrepreneur signs up for. While it's unreasonable to expect anyone to get up to full speed without stepping in a few potholes, learning from the mistakes of more experienced entrepreneurs can save new founders headaches, as well as lost time and resources.

Mistake #1: Underestimate the amount of time it takes you to learn a new industry

"One dumb mistake I made is to underestimate the barrier and knowhow when entering into a new industry," says Zhifei Li, Founder & CEO of the Beijing-headquartered Mobvoi, the maker of the smartwatch called Ticwatch. Mobvoi, which launched in 2012, has in-house artificial intelligence technology, including voice search technologies such as speech recognition and natural language understanding. Li himself is an expert in natural language processing, with a PhD in Computer Science from John Hopkins, and a former Google US research scientist who specialized in machine translation.

Zhifei Li, Founder & CEO of Mobvoi & Ticwatch Source: Mobvoi

For the launch of the first Ticwatch, Li announced a shipment date before he had received confirmation of when the watches would be ready. When production was delayed, Mobvoi missed the "golden sales season." "My experience in software development taught me we can always rush to the deadline by pushing our limit. However, I underestimated the complexity of supply chain, the long leading time of components shipping, and the process of slowly marching to mass production on factory side," says Li.

Lesson: Remember that experience in a related industry will still leave gaps in your knowledge

"Irrelevant experience can be a burden," says Li. "Stay humble, stay hungry." The second generation smartwatch from Mobvoi, the Ticwatch 2, launched on Kickstarter and raised more than $2 million.



Mistake #2: Holding on to an under-performing employee for too long

Chris Myers, the CEO and co-founder of the Denver-based financial tracking and analytics tools for small businesses BodeTree, says he held on to an under-performing employee for too long.

Chris Myers, co-founder and CEO of BodeTree Source: BodeTree

"I hesitated to take action, instead holding out hope that somehow the individual would fix their behavior and get back on the right track," says Myers. By the time Myers let go of the problem employee, the individual's negative attitude had already spread to other team members and caused strain within the company.

Lesson: If you have to fire someone, do it quickly

"The lesson I learned is that leaders should act swiftly when it becomes clear that a team member isn't going to work out. You may think that you're being nice or understanding by waiting to take action, but at the end of the day such delays only lead to more problems such as the contagion effect I witnessed," says Myers.

Launched in 2010, BodeTree now has 12 full-time employees and serves over two million small-business owners.



Mistake #3: Outsourcing development for too long

Neither of the co-founders of the social restaurant discovery app Wine 'n Dine writes computer code. When they came up with the idea for the social restaurant discovery app, Josh Stern and Adam Cooper outsourced early development to get the app out fast. "We got a decent product with sloppy code," says Stern. That was smart, he says, because that allowed the co-founders to get a read on whether consumers would like the product. The mistake was iterating on the app with yet another development company, instead of hiring an internal technical team once the team got positive consumer feedback.

Co-founder of Wine n Dine, Joshua Stern. Source: Avi Gill

Lesson: If you're a non-technical founder, you need to hire an internal development team

"We learned the hard, long, and expensive way that building a team is a massively important first step. We were pulling all nighters to QA the app and were working in opposite time zones," says Stern, who is also the founder of Know the Chef, a premium restaurant reservation service. "Once we hired our first engineer, everything changed. We learned two very important lessons. Get early traction and immediately build a team. Team comes first. The second: fail fast. We could've saved ourselves time and money, but instead doubled down on a bad process." The Wine 'n Dine user base has made recommendations at over 70,000 restaurants in 6,000+ cities worldwide and employs 11 people.



Mistake #4: Launching a company with no customer validation

Victor Chang's first startup idea, LifeCrumbs, a social journaling app, seemed brilliant to him. But Chang never tested it with potential consumers and that was, he says, a "terrible mistake." He spent five months building the app in stealth mode.

Victor Chang, the CEO and founder of Tomofun, which makes the Furbo. Source: Tomofun, LLC.

"This hurts a lot because when we finally launched the service, we realized this isn't what the customers were looking for!" In hindsight, Chang says, LifeCrumbs wasn't different enough from existing products to be successful.

Lesson: Seek feedback early and often

It's not always easy putting an idea out there to be critiqued, but we've learned that a little tough love can go a long way. Victor Chang founder and CEO of Tomofun, the company that produces the Furbo

Chang didn't make the same mistake twice. Today, he is the founder and CEO of Tomofun, the Taipei, Taiwan, headquartered company that produces the Furbo, a treat-tossing dog camera. "This time around, we were determined to find actual problems worth solving for our customers. Before falling in love with just a 'cool' idea, we sent out a survey to 1,000+ dog parents to ask them what their biggest pain and need was," says Chang. Four of five survey respondents reported fretting about their dogs while they were at the office during the day. That led Chang and his team to develop a dog camera that lets people see, talk to and toss a treat to their dogs remotely. Chang and the Furbo team talk to half a dozen dog owners every week to be sure that they are staying on the pulse of what customers want and think about current versions of the product. "It's not always easy putting an idea out there to be critiqued," he says, "but we've learned that a little tough love can go a long way." Furbo will be available for sale on Amazon this month.



Mistake #5: Underestimating costs

"When starting a business, you'll often hear the advice that everything takes longer and costs more than you expect. This is advice worth taking," says Zach Goldstein, founder and CEO of Public Rec Apparel, a men's athleisure clothing company. Headquartered in Chicago, Public Rec launched in May 2015 with a Kickstarter campaign that raised nearly $180,000. The apparel startup founder underestimated the costs of shipping to Kickstarter backers.



Pubilc Rec founder Zach Goldstein, left, working with his manufacturer. Source: Public Rec

"It wasn't anything that threatened our ability to fulfill our order, but enough that I wish I had at least budgeted for them or rather built in an additional buffer of 'extra' costs," he says. "I was off by about $5,000, which in the grand scheme isn't a huge number, but meaningful enough, especially in the earliest stages of our business."

Lesson: Budget more time and money than you think you will need

And if you think you have already built in additional time and costs, build in more, says Goldstein. "It's always better to under-promise and over-deliver, even when setting internal expectations, because they dictate how you interact with your customers, vendors, and the marketplace."

Mistake #6: Worrying too much about the competition

"A lot of my dumbest mistakes have come down to focusing on the wrong thing," says James Rohrbach, CEO of NYC-based Fluent City, a language school with locations in NY, DC, Boston, and Philadelphia that has 300 instructors and over 23,000 students. His rookie mistake was obsessing over his competition.

James Rohrbach, founder and CEO of Fluent City. Source: James Rohrbach

Before running Fluent City, Rohrback was on the founding team of three other startups. He was the founder for Gulliver, a sort of Trip Advisor for study abroad programs, which was acquired by Noodle, a search engine for educational resources. "I spent a ton of energy tracking my competitors," he recalls. "What were they doing? How much did they know about our strategy? I've since realized that is a total waste of time."



Lesson: Focus on what you can control

Thinking about the competition is essentially a distraction. To get off the ground, a startup team needs to be devoting all of its energy to making itself better every day. "You need to be laser focused on finding product market fit, on learning from your customers, and iterating quickly. You need to proactively drive your strategy. If you are focused on your competitors, you are in a reactive mode. You feel the pressure to follow them, have all the features they have, etc. That can send your strategy in a totally wrong direction," says Rohrbach.

Mistake #7: Using customer acquisition models that are popular, but not appropriate

When co-founder and CEO Leif Abraham launched AND CO, a New York City-based invoicing tracking software startup that helps freelancers run their business, he offered new customers a 30-day free trial. "Everyone is doing it, so of course it should work for us as well. Well, not really," says Abraham.



Lesson: Tailor your customer acquisition model to your own business

AND CO co-founder and CEO Leif Abraham, left, with co-founder and CPO, Martin Strutz Source: AND CO

The AND CO team learned that a 30-day free trial wasn't long enough for customers to understand the benefit of an invoicing software product. "The assumption that the hook moment when a user is willing to upgrade is '30 days' turned out to be BS," says Leif. "Time does not hook people into a product, relevance and habit do. So we stopped what we started and switched to a freemium model where the hook is based on real, relevant usage, not time."



Mistake #8: Trusting advice too much without independently verifying it

Myers was 26 when he launched BodeTree and he was thrilled to have landed a partnership with Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks. As a new player in the space, he was star struck to have the partnership and developed the entire product to pair organically with QuickBooks. The Intuit partnership team told Myers that they could tap into their network of more than six million small businesses. Confident in the advice from a giant in the field, Myers said he did not develop any other sales channels. Effectively, he put all his efforts to work with the Intuit product.

Where you work out of doesn't matter. As long as you have a room that fits the amount of people you've got, you're good to go. Spend the money on your team, product and marketing. Plus fritos. We eat a lot of fritos. Josh Stern co-founder of Wine n Dine

On launch day in 2011, Myers got a burst of interest from small businesses. But then the fish stopped biting. BodeTree began to do its own research and found out that 90 percent of small business owners don't keep their financial books accurate or up to date.

Lesson: Do your own research, even if you get advice from a credible source

"That threw a wrench in our entire model. We dubbed the discovery the '90% challenge,' and reworked our entire system to solve it," says Myers. "The key lesson I learned was 'trust but verify.' I took the proclamations of the QuickBooks team at face value and didn't independently verify the claims. In the end, it proved to be a valuable, yet expensive, learning experience." While BodeTree launched as a direct-to-consumer app, selling directly to small businesses, it now sells to institutions which co-brand the digital dashboard and give it for free to their customers.

Mistake #9: Spending a lot for a fancy office

Wine n' Dine started out as a team of three working at home. When they hired a fourth team member, they moved into a hip co-working space. As they grew, they were cramped and the office rent bill was steep, says Stern.

Lesson: Only spend money on what matters

The startup's lead investor offered some admittedly unglamorous  but free!  space. They took it, even though the space didn't have any windows. With the money saved, the team hired an extra engineer. "Our team calls it 'the garage,' and everyone buys into what matters," says Stern. "Don't waste money, hustle when we have to, and keep your eye on the prize. Where you work out of doesn't matter. As long as you have a room that fits the amount of people you've got, you're good to go. Spend the money on your team, product and marketing. Plus Fritos. We eat a lot of Fritos."

Mistake #10: Marketing based on your own excitement for your product, not the customers reason to be interested

Kim Taylor, the co-founder and CEO of Ranku, which helps universities enroll more online degree students, tried to sell her ed tech product to universities by telling them that it was cheaper and better than what they were using. She wasn't getting much traction. "Technology companies want the latest greatest products even if it means switching. This isn't the case in the higher ed industry where software is often bought by non-technical administrators," says Taylor.

Kim Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Ranku Source: Ranku

Ranku, which launched in Seattle in June 2013, raised a $1.5 million in a funding round led by Mark Cuban, who reached out to Taylor on Facebook when he heard about the startup. Seven minutes into the pitch, Cuban told Taylor to stop talking, that he was in and he would lead the round. Ranku was acquired by the 208-year-old publisher John Wiley & Sons for an undisclosed sum.



Lesson: Focus your marketing on solving your consumers' problems

Taylor learned how to target her marketing to her audience. "Listen to what people do, not what they say," says Taylor. "Whenever we pitch schools we only speak about our product in terms of their programs and solutions that align with goals."

Mistake #11: Rolling out a product that tries to do too much

When CEO and co-founder Lee Mayer launched Havenly, an online interior decorating service, she tried to build in all of the features she had dreamed up.

"I tried to make a product to please everyone. Ultimately, a startup is really resource constrained, and you need to focus on the thing you do the best, as opposed to going broad and trying to capture all demand," says Mayer. "I introduced too many products and ideas/features too quickly and my team wasn't able to support it. It ended up taking support away from our core product."



Lee Mayer, CEO and co-founder of Havenly Source: Morgan Levy

Launched in 2014, Denver-headquartered Havenly has raised $13.3 million in Series A funding and has about 40 employees.

Lesson: Prioritize what you do best

Mayer had to choose what features to roll out first. She learned that customers' primary draw to the service was the ability to be in communication with an interior designer easily and effectively. "What they don't care about as much are the fancy bells and whistles: fancy measuring tools, 3D visualizations (that weren't very good anyway, because the technology isn't there)." The add-ons that Mayer wanted to include from the outset seemed important from her perspective, but the customer, she learned, was more concerned about having a beautiful home. The technological features weren't as important.

Mistake #12: Targeting the wrong audience

In the very early days, Stern and his co-founder flew to Fort Lauderdale to host a booth at a food conference and promote Wine n' Dine. They got to the conference and there was no cell service, which made promoting an app a fool's errand. Further, the demographic of the attendees was totally wrong for the app and the traveling took time away from building the app.

Lesson: In the beginning, all that matters is your product
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European banks have never traded this cheap relative to U.S. banks, according to an equity research team at Citi, who have turned bullish on the beaten-down sector.

On Sept. 19, Citi declared that European banks were "the world's biggest contrarian trade" but remained neutral with its outlook. However, on Thursday a new note from the bank said it was now "overweight" on the sector, suggesting that investor positioning is very light.

"Euro area, Europe ex-U.K. and U.K. banks are among the worst five performing region/sector combinations in the last 10 years out of 285 we track," the team, led by Jonathan Stubbs, said in the note. "European banks have been the lightning rod for all post-GFC (global financial crisis) macro risk," it added.



Ralph Orlowski | Getty Images News | Getty Images

But it saw those risks declining with quantitative easing continuing, lower sovereign risk, lower bank risk, benign commodity markets and more "synchronized" growth across the globe. It acknowledged headwinds, but explained there were also signs of improvement such as loan growth and improving returns.

U.S. banks have been busy rebuilding their balance sheets after the 2008 crisis but their European counterparts have been slow off the mark. Deutsche Bank has borne the brunt of the recent selling due to capital concerns following a proposed $14 billion settlement from the U.S. Department of Justice.

'Seen as a value trap'

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If Hillary Clinton wins the election, her policies would remove uncertainty for companies and investors, Clinton supporter Glenn Hutchins told CNBC on Thursday.



Business leaders and financial markets hate uncertainty, and GOP nominee Donald Trump's candidacy has just piled it on, said Hutchins, who served as an advisor to Bill Clinton but is not working for the Hillary Clinton campaign. "I think she would be better for business than Trump."

"This is a very uncertain moment that we don't need to throw more problems on," Hutchins said, citing a maturing U.S. expansion, fully valued asset prices and the possibility of a Federal Reserve rate hike.

"There is far more uncertainty if you have a Trump election because you would have a big concern on the part of the international markets about America's stance towards the world," particularly for emerging market holders of U.S. debt, said Hutchins, co-founder of technology investment powerhouse Silver Lake Partners and currently chairman of North Island, the holding company for his personal investments.

"[Trump] is very hawkish on the Fed, which means that you would expect to see over time more tightening. And that's bad for markets if it happens abruptly," Hutchins said. He said a Trump victory would be like "America's Brexit," referring to the initial market turmoil created by Britain voting to leave the European Union.

Correction: This story was revised with Hutchins correcting his comment about the effect of a Trump victory on holders of debt.
Florida's coastal residents are being urged to flee the approaching hurricane, but the mayors of two cities along the coast say they are concerned about those ignoring calls to evacuate.

West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio said parts of her city are under a mandatory evacuation order and yet some have decided to ride out the storm.

"We have a whole younger population that's now living in the downtown area, which is part of the evacuation zone and I think the young people might be taking this for granted a little bit because they don't have the history of hurricane and hurricane damage," she said in an interview with CNBC's "Closing Bell" on Thursday.

Hurricane Matthew is expected to be a Category 4 level when it hits land. It has "potentially disastrous impacts for Florida," the National Hurricane Center said in its 2 p.m. EDT update. A state of emergency has been declared for Florida by President Barack Obama.
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Power companies are bracing for widespread outages in Florida as Hurricane Matthew gathered strength and developed into a Category 4 storm. The resurgent system raises questions about the region's ability to weather hurricane-force winds and storm surge. Utilities in the Southeastern United States have been preparing for years. Hurricane Matthew presents a serious test to their systems. Florida Gov. Rick Scott has warned that millions of Floridians could be left without power. The Florida Power & Light Company, which serves roughly half of the state's population, says that as many as 1.2 million customers may lose power, based on the storm's current path. FPL has deployed more than 12,000 response workers, but still it warned that Floridians could experience multiple outages. The company noted it has spent more than $2 billion since 2006 to make its grid more resilient to storms and to shorten the time it takes to bring power back online. Following the devastating storm seasons in 2004 and 2005, utilities have hardened their systems and improved coordination with each other and the communities they serve, according to Ted Kury, director of energy studies at the University of Florida's Warrington College of Business.



'Some of this is unknown'

Utility workers gather in a mall parking lot before the arrival of Hurricane Matthew in Sanford, Florida, U.S., October 6, 2016. Phelan Ebenhack | Reuters

Utilities are well prepared because they got the opportunity to test their systems during Hurricane Hermine one month ago, Kury said. Still. Hurricane Matthew represents a challenge for central and northeastern Florida, which seldom see storms of this scale. "We're breaking a little bit of new ground here," he told CNBC. "Some of this is unknown."

That said, he does not expect the utilities to face serious threats to their power generation or transmission systems  including power plants and substations  which he said are adequately fortified against the storm.

"I'd be very surprised if a power plant itself failed. You're a lot more likely to see the interconnection of that power plant with the grid" to be adversely effected , he said. "That's a lot more at risk." Problems are likely come from the distribution system. While some power lines in inland areas such as Gainesville have been moved underground, they remain above ground in many parts of coastal Florida, either because of potential damage from storm surge and seawater incursion or because the cost of undergrounding them was prohibitive, Kury explained. "Especially here in Florida, with the amount of coastline we have, there is not a blanket policy that works for everybody," he said.

The refineries situation

A gas station's pumps are wrapped and closed as many stations in south Florida are out of gas in Miami, Florida on October 6, 2016. Rhona Wise | AFP | Getty Images

Florida has no crude oil refineries. The storm is not expected to affect the refinery-dense Gulf of Mexico. Florida's petroleum products are brought in by tanker or barge to a number of marine terminals, so supplies could be temporarily dented by the storm.

Already, pumps at many gas stations have run dry as distributors stock up and consumers fill their tanks. Gasoline prices have risen in recent days, but energy market analysts told CNBC that rise should moderate in the coming weeks as drivers stay off the roads, reducing demand for fuel. The run on gasoline may show up in lower regional fuel inventories for the region in next week's report on U.S. stockpiles, but that trend could reverse the following week as reduced fuel demand leads to more petroleum products in storage, said Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis at Oil Price Information Service.

Renewable energy doesn't generate much of Florida's energy, and the state's two hydroelectricity generators are in the Panhandle, far from the Hurricane Matthew's path.



Nuclear power plants
Until recently, Iran was portrayed as the "black sheep" of major oil producer group OPEC, having previously rejected plans to cut or freeze production  but now Iraq is increasingly looking like the potential dissenter in the 14-member organization. On Wednesday, Reuters reported that Iraq  OPEC's second-largest producer  had invited a host of influential organizations and media groups to the country in late October to assess its oil production levels. The move comes ahead of potential wranglings between OPEC members over output allocations, following a deal agreed in late September to cut production to between 32.5 million and 33.0 million barrels per day (bp/d). OPEC's output was estimated to be at 33.24 million bpd in August, so the deal effectively re-establishes a production ceiling largely ignored in the last year. The agreement was also surprising because Iran  which has previously refused to consider cutting its own oil production  appeared to be on board. However, the finer details of the deal  notably, the awkward part ascertaining who will actually cut output to meet the reduced output level  have yet to be agreed. Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at Energy Aspects, told CNBC Thursday that while OPEC as a whole (and specifically the group's de facto leader Saudi Arabia) was definitely keen on achieving higher oil prices by cutting back on supply, Iran could be the risk factor. "The message is very clear that OPEC is keen on high prices and there is a lot of pressure on them to act," Sen said.



An Iraqi labourer works at an oil refinery in the southern town Nasiriyah. Haidar Mohammed Ali | AFP | Getty Images

"Iraq has already thrown a spanner in the works which we've been highlighting as well, and that is a risk at the moment  but they do need to come up with coordinated action," she said, adding that "there are a lot of challenges to be ironed out." "The only good news for markets is that Saudi Arabia needs and wants higher prices  But they're not going to cut unilaterally, they will still need something from others."

OPEC tensions have traditionally focused on geopolitical rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, so the agreement last month was welcomed by oil markets. However, Iraq's apparent unease over the deal could render it unworkable.

Sources within OPEC told Reuters on the sidelines of the Algeria meeting last month that Iraqi Oil Minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi was not happy with the idea of OPEC re-establishing an output ceiling. The minister also publically expressed doubt over the methods that OPEC uses to estimate the oil output figures of its members, saying that it underestimates the size of Iraq's output. Last month, Iraq said it produced 4.638 mb/d in August, but secondary sources cited in OPEC's monthly report put the figure at a lower 4.354 mb/d.

Believing in OPEC
A signs stands above the entrance to a Deutsche Bank AG bank branch in Frankfurt, Germany, on Monday, July 4, 2016.

German financial watchdog Bafin has found no evidence to date that Deutsche Bank has violated rules on money laundering in Russia, people close to matter said on Thursday.

Regulators in Russia, Europe and the United States are investigating Deutsche Bank over so-called "mirror trades", which may have allowed clients to move money from one country to another in 2014 without alerting authorities.

Those trades could potentially have allowed clients to breach Western sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine conflict.

Bafin is coming to the end of its investigations of the matter in relation to Deutsche Bank and may impose no other demands besides asking the bank to improve its risk management, the sources said.
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Hurricane Matthew could potentially help Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign by pausing political media coverage at a time when the Democratic candidate maintains a slight lead in polls, experts said Thursday. The storm, which is projected to make landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, could be one of the most destructive events for the state in recent memory. The state's governor, Rick Scott, implored residents and visitors on Thursday to evacuate all affected areas, and the White House has already announced it has teams prepared to respond. Such a "potentially catastrophic" event  as Scott deemed it Thursday  will likely affect many lives, but it could also play a role in the upcoming presidential contest between Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.



A man rides his bicycle along the beach prior to the arrival of Hurricane Matthew in Miami Beach, Fla, Oct. 6, 2016. Javier Galeano | Reuters

"The unknown aspect of how this will turnout provides a lot of possibilities," said GOP consultant Matt Mackowiak. "But the thing I'm most certain about is that (the storm) will freeze the race where it is  at a pretty stable 3- to 4-point lead for Clinton."

In effect, the hurricane will likely dominate the news for several days, running down the clock at a time when most metrics indicate Clinton is winning. The media blackout could be especially relevant in Florida, which is the state most likely to tip the election, according to FiveThirtyEight's prediction model. Clinton averaged a 2.4-point lead over Trump in recent four-way Florida polls, which include Green Party nominee Jill Stein and Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson, Real Clear Politics said Thursday. "For the vast majority of people who live here, nobody is going to be fixated on this campaign for a few days," said Steve Schale, a Florida-based Democratic strategist who directed the state's Obama campaign in 2008.

The media's attention had already begun to pull away from politics before the storm even made U.S. landfall: Around midday Thursday, the top 12 links on right-of-center website Drudge Report were all about Hurricane Matthew. Although it hasn't yet made landfall, the storm has already seen its first entry into the political world: When word broke the Clinton campaign had purchased $63,000 worth of advertising time in several Florida markets from Thursday to Monday, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus tweeted "Couldn't let this crisis go to waste? Shameful @HillaryClinton's campaign even considered exploiting Hurricane Matthew for political gain." The Clinton campaign said in a statement that those ad buys have been delayed until after the hurricane passes.

Katie Packer, a GOP strategist and former deputy campaign manager for Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential run, said candidates will have to walk a fine line if they're considering advertising around a hurricane. "I think that could be a mistake if (Clinton) is running ads that are overtly political," Packer said. "But if she's purchased ads as a public service announcement and it's seen to be sensitive that could be a plus." As for actually visiting the affected regions, Packer recommended both campaigns stay away. "If I were working for either candidate I'd keep them a million miles away from the hurricane zone because I don't think either of them is very good at empathy  so the potential for a misstep is high." When Hurricane Sandy devastated parts of the U.S. East Coast, Packer and other members of Romney's team ultimately decided not to bring the Republican candidate to the affected region. Part of that decision was reportedly humanitarian as Secret Service requirements can take away resources from the relief effort, but those motivations didn't necessarily help Romney in his contest against President Barack Obama.

President Barack Obama comforts Hurricane Sandy victim Dana Vanzant as he visits a neighborhood in Brigantine, N.J., on Oct. 31, 2012. Jewel Samad | AFP | Getty Images
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Transportation

Central Florida's commuter rail line SunRail suspended its service around midday Thursday.

Ride-hailing service Lyft will be "prepared for storm conditions, and encouraging drivers and passengers to put safety first before deciding to travel," according to a company spokeswoman. Lyft's Prime Time mode kicks in when there is more demand for rides and charges customers an additional percentage on top of the base fare. The company will cap the extra fee at 100 percent of the basic rate, the spokeswoman said. Greyhound temporarily closed locations in Florida at 5 p.m. ET. It suspended service on a number of its routes in the state at noon on Thursday including: Orlando to Miami, Miami to Fort Meyers, Miami to Key West and Jacksonville to Miami via Fort Pierce. Greyhound said its Tallahassee terminal will remain open, but only for westbound departures. The company said its locations in Charlotte and Fayetteville, North Carolina will remain open with limited service.

Theme parks

Hotels & resorts
Jeff Lawson, (C) Founder, CEO, & Chairman of Communications software provider Twilio Inc., takes a selfie photo during his company's IPO on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., June 23, 2016.

What else will be coming through,and how long will it last?

What's going on? The gates are finally opening. The market is building off its own success, and when you see stocks like Nutanix and Coupa Software up almost 100 percent on their first day of trading, it attracts attention.

Next week, an oil and gas company, Extraction Oil & Gas, is set to go public in a $550 million offer, the first notable oil and gas company IPO in two years.

But the IPO market has suddenly gone frothy. Forget tech. On Thursday, a garbage collection company ( Advanced Disposal Services ) rose more than 10 percent on its IPO and a water desalination company ( AquaVenture Holdings ) climbed almost 25 percent in its debut. And Friday traders say Camping World Holdings, a service company for RV enthusiasts run by Marcus Lemonis of CNBC's "The Profit," is over-subscribed and will likely open higher.

Has the IPO market gone from dead to frothy in two weeks? Coupa Software , up almost 100 percent in its IPO debut Thursday, joins the growing list of recent IPO moonshots, which includes Nutanix and Twilio .

Late Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Snap (the parent of Snapchat) may file for an IPO as early as late March. The last funding round valued it at $18 billion, but the report says it may try to go public with a $25 billion valuation.

More tech stocks are starting to come out of the woodwork. BlackLine, an automated accounting and finance software, and Quantenna, a chip manufacturer for high-speed WiFi networks, both filed publicly last week. They could go public in as little as two weeks.

Chinese logistics firm ZTO Express  the UPS of China  has filed for an IPO seeking to raise up to $1.5 billion that would trade at the NYSE. No date has been announced, but with interest in IPOs at new highs, it's possible this could come before the end of the month.

What's behind the sudden interest?

Markets continue to hold up  the single most important factor for IPOs. Existing IPOs have done well, and the most recent IPOs have traded especially well. The window to go public is closing for the year. The IPO business is expected to slow down around the presidential election, and between that and Thanksgiving there are only a few more weeks left in the year. Institutions have or will soon have cash thanks to a round of M&A deals. Battery Ventures' Neeraj Agrawal notes that just four recent M&A deals ( Oracle NetSuite Microsoft LinkedIn Salesforce

Of course, those in the IPO business are happy, but some are already waving a "caution" flag.

"Because we had the shutdown in the market since April, investors have been nervous about valuation," Kathleen Smith of Renaissance Capital told me.

Her firm runs the Renaissance Capital IPO ETF, a basket of roughly the last 60 IPOs, which has risen almost 10 percent since the start of the third quarter.

Her point: The big moves up we have seen in some tech IPOs is largely due to conservative pricing.

"The companies that have come out have come out at low valuations compared to their peers and in some cases  like Nutanix and Coupa Software  priced below their last round of funding," she said. "So they have been leaving a lot of money on the table. Now that some are trading up notably on the first day, others will try to come out at higher prices  and that could be a problem."

In other words, there's already worry we might be entering the "greed" part of the IPO cycle.

From desert to frothy to greedy ... in a few weeks? Not yet. But welcome to the new, turbo-charged IPO cycle!
Wal-Mart CEO Doug McMillon considers himself Marc Lore's "agent" and "bodyguard," and said he's working to keep the founder and CEO of Jet.com separate from Wal-Mart's "bureaucracy."

At Wal-Mart's annual meeting with investors in Bentonville, Arkansas, on Thursday, McMillon said he's fielded many questions over why a start-up entrepreneur such as Lore would want to partner with the corporate behemoth.

"We're really more alike than people would guess, even though Jet's 'younger and cooler,' some might say," McMillon said.



He likened Lore's focus on finding new ways to deliver savings to customers to the mindset of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, who built Wal-Mart's business by promising the lowest prices. Lore, who has been on the job 17 days, chimed in that he founded his e-commerce company on three core values: trust, transparency and fairness.

Jet uses a pricing algorithm that allows customers to save money by adding more items to their basket, or paying with a credit card over a debit card. It also reduces the price shoppers pay if more of their items are shipped from the same distribution center.



"We did live those values in a way that no company ever has," Lore said.

"We are changing consumer behavior," he said, adding that he's "incredibly excited" about the assets he now has at his disposal through the Wal-Mart tie-up. Those include a network of fulfillment centers and sourcing capabilities that are "not even close" to what it had previously.



Wal-Mart completed the $3.3 billion acquisition of Jet last month. As of August, Jet.com had a run rate of $1.2 billion. It has acquired 5 million customers who average 6.9 units per order.

In the first half of the year, Wal-Mart fell well behind its previous goal to grow online sales between 20 percent and 30 percent over three years. CFO Brett Biggs told investors that excluding the impact of its sale of Yihaodian, an online grocery business in China, earlier this year, Wal-Mart's digital sales should come in near that range in the back half. It could potentially top that level in fiscal years 2018 and 2019, Biggs said.

"If Marc can be Marc within this company, then great things are going to happen," McMillon said.


Free and essentially limitless, the sun is one of the world's biggest  and cheapest  sources of energy. Back in 2014, the International Energy Agency said that the sun could be the planet's biggest source of electricity by 2050.



In North Africa, Morocco's vast Noor Ouarzazate solar complex  one of the world's largest  uses concentrated solar power (CSP) to produce clean energy.

The Solar Energy Industries Association describes CSP as using mirrors to concentrate the sun's energy in order to drive steam turbines or engines which, in turn, generate electricity.

Other examples of CSP facilities include the Ivanpah facility in California, which provides around 140,000 homes with clean electricity every year, according to BrightSource Energy, one of its owners.

"Concentrated solar power is different in that we use the heat of the sun, not the electrons of the sun," Paddy Padmanathan, chief executive and president of ACWA Power, told CNBC's Sustainable Energy.

"We have discovered that we are able to store the heat in salt, melt the salt, put the heat into the salt, and take it out," he added. "You can put (it in), take it out, put (it in), take it out, very efficiently." This enables energy to be stored and then used when the sun isn't shining.

For Padmanathan, the difference between renewables and traditional fossil fuels is based not only on environmental factors.

"The big difference  quite apart from the carbon issue  of renewable energy versus fossil fuel based energy, (is that) renewable energy is capex heavy, to build a plant is very expensive," he said. He went on to describe renewable energy as being "opex light."

"The Good Lord doesn't charge us for the fuel, so we don't have to pay for the operating costs, or the fuel costs," he said.

The future for renewables looks promising, according to Padmanathan. "Costs will continue to come down, there is a hell of a lot more innovation to go into renewable energy."

"As demand grows I think in future we will see a country like Morocco stop building fossil fuel based plants, and it will automatically move everything into renewables," he added.
U.S. policymakers need comprehensive, unbiased research if they are to adequately address America's racial inequality, Harvard sociologist William Julius Wilson told CNBC on Thursday.



Wilson's call for research follows two years of political unrest that have swept the nation following controversies, such as the fatal police shooting of black motorist Philando Castile in Minnesota and the Flint, Michigan, water crisis.



"People have been exposed to multiple and reinforcing hardships  racial hardships and economic hardships," Wilson told "Squawk Box." "What we hope to do is to analyze these problems at once."

Wilson is currently leading "Multidimensional Inequality in the 21st Century: the Project on Race and Cumulative Adversity," a study of poverty, crime, housing and homelessness funded by a $10 million grant from the Hutchins Family Foundation.

"Our goal is to provide information to policymakers who want to make good decisions," said Wilson. "If they have the information, we can decide how to attack the problem."



Glenn Hutchins, chairman of North Island  the investment firm that manages his personal wealth  is also the benefactor of Harvard's Hutchins Center for African & African American Research.

Hutchins echoed Wilson comments, telling CNBC in the same interview: "We have the opportunity to do non-ideological, evidence-based policy making."

The study would provide direction amid the country's tumultuous political climate, said Hutchins, a former Bill Clinton advisor and co-founder of technology investment powerhouse Silver Lake Partners.

Hutchins hopes his family foundation's grant will ensure that Wilson and his colleagues can "create the type of policies that can pragmatically get at this complex problem."


Department of Defense, then-U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Ron Lewis, right, greets then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, left, in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, May 13, 2013.

A former top military aide to Secretary Ash Carter used a government credit card to pay large bar tabs at strip clubs in Rome and in South Korea frequented by prostitutes and engaged in "inappropriate" behavior with women, a long-awaited report by the Department of Defense Inspector General released Thursday found.

The results focus on Major Army Gen. Ron Lewis, who was fired roughly a year ago by Carter, his mentor and friend, after an investigation into the three-star general's misuse of his government credit card and engaging in an inappropriate relationship while married.

"As I said when I first learned about allegations of misconduct against Maj. Gen. Lewis and removed him as my Senior Military Assistant, I expect the highest possible standards of conduct from the men and women in this department particularly from those serving in the most senior positions. There is no exception," Carter said in a statement.

More from NBC News:

Top Aide to Defense Secretary Ash Carter Fired for 'Misconduct'

Hurricane Matthew Strengthens as Florida Officials Urge Evacuations

Syria Civil War: Petraeus Says Country May Never Reunify



The report found that Lewis misused his government credit card by paying $1,121.25 at a strip club in South Korea called the Candy Bar club and $1,755.98 at the Cica Cica Boom club in Rome. Both establishments are frequented by prostitutes.

The "Candy Bar" is in an area off-limits to US military service members that is locally called "Hooker Hill."

Lewis later claimed his credit card was stolen and Citibank forgave the Candy Bar charges.

At the Cica Cica Boom club, which has signs outside advertising lap dances and "sexy show", Lewis admitted that he drank "more than moderation". When his personal card was denied for the nearly $1,800 tab, he went back to the hotel, escorted by a female employee of Cica Cica Boom, and awoke a subordinate staffer at 1:40 am to get his government credit card, the report found.

The report also cites an incident in Hawaii in which he drank too much and attempted to kiss a subordinate, forcing her to physically push him away and block his advances.

The report finds that Lewis engaged in inappropriate behavior with females and drinking to excess in public with subordinates, but it does not accuse him of adultery. In another instance, the report found, he invited a female subordinate into his hotel room twice and conducted official business with her while shirtless and wearing only gym shorts.

After the second incident when the female left the hotel room, obviously upset and embarrassed, an officer who saw her recommended she not go to see Lewis again without a "buddy."

The incidents occurred while Lewis was on official travel with the Secretary of Defense.

Ultimately the investigation only substantiated the allegations of credit card misuse, including lying to a credit card company and bank and falsifying information, according to several defense officials. Lewis faces reduction in rank and a hefty fine.

Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning could recommend adjudication and then Lewis would face a grade determination board.

In a statement the Army said Thursday that it is "evaluating the investigation to determine what administrative or disciplinary actions may be appropriate."
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has a secret mental weapon when it comes to staying focused and grounded in the fast-moving tech sector. The technique may have helped Benioff remain calm recently as reports that the cloud computing company might buy Twitter sent shares tumbling. But it's much bigger: the Salesforce CEO is placing his faith in an ancient zen practice as a way to protect and grow the $46 billion empire he has built.

Salesforce.com's annual gathering at Dreamforce brings hundreds of thousands of people to San Francisco each fall, but the most notable attendees aren't Fortune 500 CEOs or "rock star" developers  it's a group of monks.

They're from France, and they're attending Dreamforce to lead "on-demand meditation" at two mindfulness zones. About two-dozen sessions on the topic are scheduled, and more than 800 people have signed up.

"We have come over as a community to share the practice of mindfulness with all the participants of Dreamforce who are interested in calming themselves, coming back to their breath, just being aware of what is happening in the moment, because this is a way of coming back to life, to be alive," said Brother Phap Luu.



The monastic theme is a subject near and dear to Benioff. As the CEO touts Salesforce's path to becoming the fastest software company to reach $10 billion in annual revenue, he's also trying to create a model for keeping 19,000 employees happy and healthy. This helps explain his latest obsession: mindfulness.
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Samsung has acquired Viv, an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant company founded by the makers of Siri, the South Korean electronics giant said on Thursday as it looks to bolster the software and services it offers across its devices.

The acquisition was made for an undisclosed fee and Viv would "work closely" with Samsung's mobile team but operate independently. It's Samsung's fifth acquisition in just over a year and a half as the company looks for new areas of growth from payments to AI.



Viv was founded by Siri creators Dag Kittlaus, Adam Cheyer and Chris Brigham. Samsung's acquisition pits it against other major technology companies including Apple , Google, Amazon and Microsoft which are investing heavily in AI and personal assistant technology. Google unveiled Assistant on Tuesday, it's AI-powered system that works through its Home hub or smartphones. Amazon recently launched its Echo speaker in the U.K. which is powered by the AI assistant called Alexa. For Samsung, the idea is to look at a world beyond just hardware sales to where it can create revenue streams from services. Last year, it launched its contactless payment service called Samsung Pay, for example. With the addition of Viv, Samsung will be able to bring a digital personal assistant to its phones but also the plethora of devices in its ecosystem from smartwatches to home appliances. Samsung also has its own smart home hub through the company SmartThings which it bought in 2014 for $200 million. "Samsung has an ecosystem of devices many of which really benefit from voice control and intelligent agents," Ian Fogg, head of mobile at IHS Markit, told CNBC by phone.

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Billionaire investor George Soros has vehemently condemned Russia's bombing campaign in Syria, accusing President Vladimir Putin of aggressively exploiting a power void in the White House ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential elections.

"The world is witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe of historic proportions. It is happening in Syria. It is being perpetrated by the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, in support of his protege, (Syrian President) Bashar al-Assad," he said in a new statement on his website posted on Thursday morning.

"When the facts are fully established, Putin's bombing of Aleppo will be viewed as among the modern world's most egregious war crimes."



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The press office of the Russian president did not immediately respond when contacted by CNBC via email.

Syria's civil war - now in its sixth year - was reignited last month after the breakdown of a cease-fire. This has increased tensions between the U.S. and Russia, which back opposite sides in Syria.

Russia has joined Syrian government forces in an escalation of airstrikes against rebel-held areas in the northern city of Aleppo. Thousands of civilians are trapped in the city and the U.K.-based Syrian Observatory of Human Rights and the United Nations have warned that the death toll is rising due to the airstrikes.
Celestis, a subsidiary of Houston-based aerospace company Space Services, offers an array of options for those who want to launch human remains in space. And these voyages range in price, depending on how far in the celestial heavens you want to go.

Everyone hopes they will go to heaven and reach some type of nirvana in the afterlife. Now that uncertainty no longer needs to be left to chance. Thanks to space pioneers such as Celestis and Elysium Space , space funerals are an option for those looking for a resting place way beyond Earth.

Its most popular services, which place remains into payloads on third-party commercial rockets, are Earth Rise, where cremated remains are transported suborbitally for a cost of $1,295 and returned to Earth; and Earth Orbit, where remains travel around the Earth and then released into space for a fee of $4,995. It also plans to offer a DNA service for those who don't choose cremation next year. The company will take a person's DNA sample and bond it with a silica-type agent to create a fillable capsule that can be transported into space.

Three-year-old Elysium Space offers a "Shooting Star Memorial" for $1,190, which involves launching a loved one's remains into space and seeing it turn into a fireball when it reenters the Earth's atmosphere. While it flies through space, family and friends can track its location and watch the flight from the capsule's point of view via a mobile app.

According to Celestis co-founder and CEO Charles Chafer, more than 1,000 people have used the company's services since they introduced them in 1997. Over the years, the company has flown 14 missions into space on third-party rockets, including the UP Aerospace SpaceLoft XL launch vehicle. "People are often surprised at the cost," Chafer said. "It costs less than the average U.S. funeral."

As he explained, space burials are not just for futurists like "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry, who had his ashes loaded into a Celestis spacecraft and released in space as part of his last wishes.

"What we typically see are people who step out at night and look at the stars, and they say, 'I want to be a part of that,'" said Chafer. "People want something special, something that says something about who they were and what they believed in."

"They are motivated by different factors," he said. "Some are cost-related, some are environment and some are religious or spiritually-related."
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Hurricane Matthew's current path and intensity are pointing to a worst case scenario for Florida and could result in "many billions" of dollars in damage, said Paul Walsh, business analyst and meteorologist for The Weather Company.

In fact, it's expected to be a "top five" storm, ranking up there with Sandy, Katrina and Andrew, he told CNBC's "Power Lunch" on Thursday. Part of the issue is the fact that about 4 million more people are living in the area than when the last big storm hit in 2005, he explained.

"The area is much more built up. It's much more populated. So the exposures are that much higher," Walsh said. "This is a very, very risky situation."

Locals scramble to fill sandbags with the last of a supply at the Road and Bridge Department in Kissimmee, Florida, in preparation for the landfall of Hurricane Matthew. Gregg Newton | Getty Images

Hurricane Matthew is expected to be a Category 4 level when it hits land. President Barack Obama has declared a state of emergency for Florida and the state's Gov. Rick Scott has begged residents to evacuate. The devastation expected from the storm is hard to predict right now, said Chuck Watson, a hurricane modeler at Enki Research. Normally, he can estimate losses and damages of a storm within 20 percent about 24 hours prior to landfall. He expects "huge" losses if Matthew follows its current track, but a little bit of a "wobble" in the storm's direction can change things.

"Right now our models are showing everything from $10 [million] or $15 million to an eye-watering $120 billion. At this point it just depends on the wobbles," Watson told "Power Lunch."

As far as damages are concerned, he believes the hurricane will wind up in the top 10, and gives it a 20 percent chance of going over $50 billion and breaking into the "rarified" levels of Sandy and Katrina losses.

"It wouldn't surprise me if this set the record, to be honest," he said.



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Yum Brands ' third-quarter earnings report was marred by poor sales in China, causing shares in the company to fall 1.6 percent Thursday.

The China division, which reaps more operating profit for the company than any other, saw same-store sales drop 1 percent in the quarter. Wall Street had expected the unit's same-store sales to rise 4.5 percent.

The news was concerning to some observers since the unit is poised to spin off on Oct. 31.

"While the margin performance was encouraging, we remain concerned about the volatility in China sales and the impact on the segment's outlook ahead of the separation," said Peter Saleh, an analyst at BTIG.

In the interim, Yum plans to expand promotions in China in an effort to boost sales. The strategy worked at the company's U.S. divisions in the third quarter.

A limited-time snack platter promotion at KFC is planned through November, and Yum is amping up special Christmas offerings.

"We've got some very good promotions in November and at Christmas," Micky Pant, Yum China's CEO, said during the company's earnings conference call Thursday. "And we are putting additional money in advertising those promotions. We've also got some unique China-only deals with international films, and we've also got maybe three of the best celebrities available in China across the brands. So that's where we've made investments."



In addition, Pant noted that the company expects to see a boost in sales from China's Golden Week, a holiday celebrating the Communist founding of the People's Republic in 1949. The week-long national event is the second most significant holiday aside from the Chinese New Year, he said. An estimated 589 million people are expected to travel for the holiday, according to The New York Times, citing the People's Daily, the Communist Party newspaper.

Yum CEO Greg Creed blamed protests over an international court ruling regarding the South China Sea as the chief reason that sales in China suffered.

"If not for this event, we believe the China Division would have delivered its fifth consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales growth," he said in a statement Wednesday. "The good news is the incident was short-lived and the sales impact continued to dissipate through August and September. Despite the protests, Pizza Hut Casual Dining continued its trend of quarterly sequential improvement."

Yum China is expected to begin trading on Nov. 1.
Big broadcast media companies have been performing better than expected for decades, but that won't stop the inevitable economic decline looming for the television industry, analyst Todd Juenger said Thursday.

The Sanford Bernstein senior media analyst told CNBC's "Squawk Box" the conditions that have been driving the TV business for years, bringing in 30 to 40 percent returns on invested capital, simply cannot be sustained through the rise of digital engagement.

"What's at the top of my list is actually more opportunity to the downside, I'm afraid, than the upside. My view is that the future is actually fairly bleak for most of my companies," said Juenger, ranked No. 1 on the Institutional Investor All-American Research Team this year.

Topping his list of positive investment opportunities is Nielsen , the global information company that provides media companies with statistics on their viewership and consumers.

Because the company is involved with media data-gathering but not directly tied to television production, Juenger said he believes Nielsen will continue to grow steadily and eventually "compound nicely for investors."

On the flip side, Juenger gave Viacom an underperform rating, despite news of the media conglomerate possibly looking to merge back with CBS .

"Our view is that in the digital consumption environment,  the economic returns for success in that business are far inferior to the returns that Viacom used to be able to enjoy, when 100 million households paid $3 or $4 a month, every month, for Viacom networks whether they want them or not," Juenger said.

Now, consumers' options for streaming video are hugely diversified, and according to Juenger, that means cable television will soon slip through the cracks. In the case of Viacom, this will happen even if CBS finds a way to keep its "storied portfolio of brands" like MTV and Comedy Central alive.

"We think Viacom is going to get paid by fewer subscribers and going to earn a lot less advertising revenue, even if somebody is able to do the very tough task of keeping their brands relevant," he said.
China is ready to "pounce in" to engage with the 11 countries the U.S. has struck a trade accord with, if the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) falls through, a U.S. government official said on Thursday.

Fred Hochberg, chairman of the ExportImport Bank of the U.S., told CNBC of the that the rest of the world was moving quickly on free trade agreements, with 600 already in place.

"We really can't afford to sit on the sidelines and lose out," Hochberg said on the sidelines of the India Economic Summit of the World Economic Forum in New Delhi. "If we don't do TPP, China is ready to engage with them."
Unlike most, UBS Chief Executive Sergio Ermotti does not consider Deutsche Bank to be a serious threat to the stability of European banks.

Ermotti told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" on Thursday that he "wouldn't look at one idiosyncratic situation as being a good proxy for the entire banking industry" in Europe, noting that the sector is actually quite sound and has made huge progress over the last seven or eight years in terms of addressing banks' capital positions and improving their business models. He was speaking on the sidelines of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund meeting in Washington.

The CEO acknowledged that the sector has been subject to some suffering, but mostly because of macroeconomic conditions in Europe like an overall lack of growth and over-capacitated industries.

If only the banking sector takes a hit, the problem is solvable, Ermotti contended, so long as potential collateral damage is kept under control. He cited possible negative effects of a situation like Deutsche Bank's, which just led to worldwide job cuts at the lender. Ermotti said the impact could result in falling consumer confidence and potential stock market bubbles.

It's time, Ermotti insisted, to find a resolution and "create a better framework" to address problems like Deutsche Bank's. Talking about the problem without finding an effective solution will only create more uncertainty, he said.

"Central banks, on their own, cannot address the structural problems we are facing, particularly in Europe," Ermotti said. "Central banks can only help transition it from one place to the other. It's not the only medicine available to address the issues we have," he said.

A more concerning issue than Deutsche Bank (and one not exclusive to the banking sector) is the presence of low and negative rates in Europe, the CEO said. "I am more concerned about the savings and social system being put under pressure" by declining rates, he added.

Regarding Brexit, Ermotti is focused on the question of access to London, which he said will remain a "very important financial center"  at least for now.

"I can't imagine London keeping the same status as they have today if there is no passport into Europe," Ermotti said, adding that negotiations are still underway and maintaining the British capital's reputation as a global business center likely remains a top priority.
For decades, Wal-Mart 's growth has been fueled by a rapidly expanding store fleet that helped push its revenues higher.

But as the world's largest retailer pumps the brakes on its physical expansion, opting to shift its capital expenditures toward digital and store remodels, it will need to rely more heavily on its existing assets to drive future growth.

At its annual investor day in Bentonville, Arkansas, Wal-Mart on Thursday said it would open fewer stores in the U.S. this year than originally expected. By year's end, the company will have cut the ribbon on 130 new domestic stores, down from the 135 to 155 it originally projected.

This growth will slow more abruptly next year, when Wal-Mart said it will open just 55 stores in the U.S. The pullback applies to both its supercenters and smaller Neighborhood Market shops, which will open 35 and 20 locations, respectively.

Of the company's $11 billion in capital expenditures next year, 20 percent will be funneled toward new stores; that's a dramatic change from just four years earlier, when they accounted for almost half of Wal-Mart's $13.1 billion budget.

"This is a different Wal-Mart," Moody's analyst Charlie O'Shea said.

The timing is right for Wal-Mart to make this shift, Cowen and Company analyst Oliver Chen said. Wal-Mart's U.S. division has been building momentum over the past few quarters, including its biggest quarterly same-store sales gain in four years during the period ended July 31.

This strength has been fueled by a $2.7 billion investment in wages, which has better equipped its workers to make stores clean and more pleasant to shop. The company has also begun a multiyear project that involves spending billions of its own dollars to lower prices for consumers.

Growth in its online grocery business has likewise brought new customers into the fold, who tend to grab additional items when they pick up their orders. This capability has been rolled out to 80 markets and 500 stores, and will be in 100 markets and 600 stores by year's end, Chen said.

Because of these initiatives, the potential lift from its $3.3 billion acquisition of Jet.com and plans to give 500 of its stores a face-lift, Wal-Mart should be able to make up the revenues it forfeits by opening fewer stores, Chen said.

"There's so many physical customers that come to a Wal-Mart," he said, noting that 90 percent of the U.S. population lives within 15 minutes of a store.

The company said last year that it's targeting sales growth of 3 percent to 4 percent annually, excluding the impact of currency, which it's on track to achieve this year.

Wal-Mart's decision makes even more sense in the scope of its Jet deal, which closed last month, O'Shea said. Wal-Mart's digital sales growth accelerated in the fiscal second quarter, rising 11.8 percent, making this the first quarter that metric had picked up in more than a year.

Analysts view Jet as a critical piece of Wal-Mart's digital future. Wal-Mart has set its sights on 20 percent to 30 percent online sales growth in the second half and beyond, which O'Shea and Chen called achievable.

"You just spent $3.3 billion accruing this asset. You've got to maximize it ... and that's what they're doing," O'Shea said.

Wal-Mart on Thursday maintained its forecast for adjusted earnings per share of $4.15 to $4.35 this year. But its shares fell 3 percent as it walked back its estimates for fiscal 2018 and 2019.

Wal-Mart predicts fiscal 2018 earnings will be relatively flat with this year's adjusted figure. And in fiscal 2019, it expects earnings per share growth of 5 percent. Wal-Mart previously said it expected earnings per share in fiscal 2018 to increase modestly and then grow 5 to 10 percent in fiscal 2019.

"It's good that they've set a reasonable bar, and I think there's some upside potential," Chen said.

Both Chen and O'Shea agreed that while Wal-Mart's investments are expensive, they're necessary for the future.
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim told CNBC on Thursday that the biggest concern for the world economic engine is the level of uncertainty on everything from "political outcomes" to the impact of Brexit.

"The uncertainty for us is really an issue, because it impacts directly on economies of developing countries, and almost always negatively," Kim said on "Squawk on the Street" from the sidelines of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund meeting in Washington.

Exemplified by Brexit and to some extent Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the notion that "the root of all evil is globalization" is a "fundamental misperception" of how the world economy works, Kim said.

He stressed the importance of trade. "All the talk on every side about looking inward  about not embracing the rest of the world, about bringing trade down  we're extremely worried because economic implications for everybody are very, very bad."

On the matter of Britain's June vote to leave the European Union, Kim said the full impact of the decision has yet to be felt, despite the initial financial market swoon and recovery.

"So Brexit, remember they haven't begun negotiating [the withdrawal] yet," he argued. "I think you're seeing a lull in the action. But once the negotiation starts, then we'll see what the real impact is. I would say that we still don't know what the impact of Brexit will be."

Recent concern over the impact of Brexit have pushed the pound to a 31-year low against the dollar.
Start-ups can be a hectic place, where the focus is often directed at building and learning as fast as you can. One thing many experts say small business owners need to prioritize is company culture, regardless of the speed with which they hope to expand.

Many employees feel a sense of connection and pride to the companies they join, and if they don't feel there is a defined culture at their start-up then they may not have anything to fight for.

At this year's iCONIC:Boston conference, entrepreneurs shared real life examples of building successful cultures.

Indiegogo founder & chief development officer Danae Ringelmann explained, "what is critical for a company to innovate forever, what will be critical for us to continue to innovate is our culture."

Watch the video above to get some great tips when thinking about approaching building your start-up's culture.
Employees at the Salina location of Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT) will handle production on a $149 million U.S. Navy contract for the companys surface electronic warfare improvement program (SEWIP) block 2 systems. Under the contact, Lockheed Martin will upgrade the systems on U.S. aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers and other warships with key capabilities to determine if the electronic sensors of potential foes are tracking the ship. (Eric Reinhardt / BJNN file photo)

SALINA, N.Y.  The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT) an initial contract of $149 million for its shipboard electronic-warfare system.

Under the contract, workers at the Salina plant will focus on production of surface electronic-warfare improvement program (SEWIP) block 2 systems, the defense contractor said in a news release issued Thursday.

The deal with the Bethesda, Marylandbased firm also includes four additional option years to upgrade the fleets electronic warfare capabilities so ships can respond to evolving threats.

Under the full-rate production contract, Lockheed Martin will provide additional systems to upgrade the AN/SLQ-32 systems on U.S. aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers and other warships with "key capabilities."

The effort will help to determine if the electronic sensors of potential foes are tracking the ship, the defense contractor added.

The SEWIP Block 2 System is critically important to the Navy's operation, and we are proud to continue to provide this capability to the warfighter, Joe Ottaviano, electronic warfare program director, said in the companys news release. Threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Our electronic-warfare systems give the warfighter information to enable a response before the adversary even knows we're there.

The system is the first sensor to be fully compliant with the Navys product-line architecture strategy, which facilitates the rapid introduction of new technology into the fleet, Lockheed Martin said.

Block 2 provides an upgraded antenna, receiver and improved interface with existing ship-combat systems.

Lockheed Martin describes Block 2 as the latest deployed improvement in an evolutionary succession of blocks that the Navy is pursuing for its shipboard electronic-warfare system, which will incrementally add new defensive technologies and functional capabilities.

The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin the design and development contract for this program in September 2009.

Since then, its awarded the defense contractor a low rate initial production (LRIP) contract for an additional 38 units, 22 of which have been delivered to the Navy on schedule so far, the company said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
We love to see Nigerians excel and its with joy that we share the news of a Nigerian entrepreneur, Godwin Benson, who was among the six winners for internet.org, a social networking service between Facebook and other multinational companies . During his recent visit to Nigeria, Mark Zuckerberg met with the young man who founded Tuteria Nigeria, as they discussed some business ideas. Now, the young entrepreneur is onto the next level.

Below is what Mark Zuckerberg shared on his page;


There are only 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't.







If you can't read my code, try converting it here[^] Bastard Programmer from Hell





Use XML (file based storage) only if you have very limited data in a simple data structure AND the application is single user only.



File based data (XML) is notoriously difficult to manage when doing CRUD, you need to read the entire file, select the record you want to modify, change the record, reconstruct the file, write the entire file to the disk.



No multiuser, there is no concept of record locking.

Never underestimate the power of human stupidity

RAH





Never underestimate the power of human stupidity

RAH



Hi all,



I'm new to C# and was wondering what is the best way to execute a .ps1 file to perform a task in Exchange. I have a button that when click should execute the ps1 file and perform a test like get mailbox.



As part of the task, I am using a browse to all users to input and then display the output in a textbox beneath the button.



Thanks for your help in advance.



choppol wrote: I'm new to C# and was wondering what is the best way to execute a .ps1 file ..and that's where your specs should pause, and where you Google on how to execute a PowerShell script. Any tutorial and example should be considered.



choppol wrote: to perform a task in Exchange Prolly means executing it on that server, with some Exchange-specific libraries.



choppol wrote: I have a button that when click should execute the ps1 file and perform a test like get mailbox. Means you put the code from the tutorial under the click-event of that button. What kind of button is this btw, is it in WinForms, WPF, something webby?



choppol wrote: As part of the task, I am using a browse to all users to input and then display the output in a textbox beneath the button. How do you browse to all users and what does it have to do with the task?



If you can't read my code, try converting it here[^] Bastard Programmer from Hell



To set things up, what I was trying to do was make a TextBox flash when a user misses a required input. I got it to work but I don't understand the error I was getting at first.



Code that had an exception:

C# private void FlashRequiredTextBox(TextBox target) { ColorAnimation flash = new ColorAnimation(Colors.White, Colors.Red, new Duration(TimeSpan.FromMilliseconds(75D))) { AutoReverse = true , RepeatBehavior = new RepeatBehavior(5D) }; target.Background.BeginAnimation(SolidColorBrush.ColorProperty, flash); }

The exception that was thrown:

Cannot animate the 'Color' property on 'System.Windows.Media.SolidColorBrush' because the object is sealed or frozen.



I understand why the exception is thrown but what I don't get is why this code fixes it.

C# private void FlashRequiredTextBox(TextBox target) { ColorAnimation flash = new ColorAnimation(Colors.White, Colors.Red, new Duration(TimeSpan.FromMilliseconds(75D))) { AutoReverse = true , RepeatBehavior = new RepeatBehavior(5D) }; target.Background = new SolidColorBrush(Colors.White); target.Background.BeginAnimation(SolidColorBrush.ColorProperty, flash); }

Can somebody with a better understanding of WPF control rendering explain this?

if (Object.DividedByZero == true) { Universe.Implode(); }

Meus ratio ex fortis machina. Simplicitatis de formae ac munus. -Foothill, 2016



TextBox control sets the background brush to:

XML < Setter Property =" Panel.Background" > < Setter.Value > < DynamicResource ResourceKey =" {x:Static SystemColors.WindowBrushKey}" / > < /Setter.Value > < /Setter >

(I couldn't find an official source, but you can view the default styles using Style Snooper[^].)



That configures the background to use the SystemColors.WindowBrush , and to dynamically update whenever the Windows colour settings are changed.



The WindowBrush property calls the MakeBrush method[^], which explicitly freezes the brush:

C# private static SolidColorBrush MakeBrush(CacheSlot slot) { SolidColorBrush brush; lock (_brushCacheValid) { if (!_brushCacheValid[( int )slot]) { brush = new SolidColorBrush(GetSystemColor(slot)); brush.Freeze(); _brushCache[( int )slot] = brush; _brushCacheValid[( int )slot] = true ; } else { brush = _brushCache[( int )slot]; } } return brush; }

When you try to animate that brush from the code-behind, you then get an error because it has been frozen: Freezable Objects Overview[^]



With your second code block, you've set the background to a new SolidColorBrush , which hasn't been frozen. The animation then works as expected. You could also use:

C# private void FlashRequiredTextBox(TextBox target) { ColorAnimation flash = ...; if (target.Background.IsFrozen) target.Background = target.Background.Clone(); target.Background.BeginAnimation(SolidColorBrush.ColorProperty, flash); }



As far as I can tell, when you configure the animation in the XAML markup, the system ensures that the background brush is not frozen. When you configure the animation from the code-behind, that check is left up to you.





"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined."

- Homer









Never underestimate the power of human stupidity

RAH





if (Object.DividedByZero == true) { Universe.Implode(); }

Meus ratio ex fortis machina. Simplicitatis de formae ac munus. -Foothill, 2016



Could some one suggest some way to improve the performance of getting log description. We use FormatDescription() to read the description of the logs and the performance is pathetic.



To put the matter in perspective, if I comment the FormatDescription(), my application of parsing 28000+ logs completes in about 2 minutes, and on adding that line the application takes well over 1.3 hrs!



Regards,



Pitrak





This space for rent





Thanks for the reply; could you please help me with the name of the Win32 API to use.

If you could provide a simple code snippet, that would be really helpful.



I am actually intending to use C# API's to build my application. So, how would I be using the Win32 API's?



Regards,

Pitrak



Guys,,, please help me to create a TCP connection C# to C++. is it possible to make a code C# SERVER and the Client is C++....please help me guys...thanks



Jarlo Belledo wrote: is it possible to make a code C# SERVER and the Client is C++

Yes.



Jarlo Belledo wrote: please help me to create a TCP connection

What have you tried?

Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay...



Jarlo Belledo wrote: is it possible to make a code C# SERVER and the Client is C++

Of course it's possible.





Jarlo Belledo wrote: please help me guys

How to get an answer to your question - C# Discussion Boards



modified 4-Oct-16 9:01am.





This space for rent





Never underestimate the power of human stupidity

RAH



I know this isn't a Powershell forum, but the question is about PS in C#..



I have the following Powershell, that clears my languagebar, Setting Norwegian language. Adds Norwegian Apple Keyboard, removes, then Adds back to the end normal Norwegian keyboard:

$li = New-WinUserLanguageList " nb-NO" ; $li[0].InputMethodTips.Add( " 0414:A0000414" ); $li[0].InputMethodTips.Remove( " 0414:00000414" ); Set-WinUserLanguageList $li -Force $li = Get-WinUserLanguageList $li[0].InputMethodTips.Add( " 0414:00000414" ); Set-WinUserLanguageList $li -Force



This works Peachy when run from the powershell commandline. It updates the Language bar, and

set the Apple keyboard as default.



But when embedding it in C# like this:

C# string script = " " ; script += " $li = New-WinUserLanguageList nb-NO;" ; script += " $li[0].InputMethodTips.Add(\"0414:A0000414\");" ; script += " $li[0].InputMethodTips.Remove(\"0414:00000414\");" ; script += " Set-WinUserLanguageList $li -Force;" ; script += " $li[0].InputMethodTips.Add(\"0414:00000414\");" ; script += " Set-WinUserLanguageList $li -Force;" ; using ( PowerShell ps = PowerShell.Create() ) { ps.AddScript( script ); var result = ps.Invoke(); foreach ( var item in result ) { } }



The language bar does not get updated, although the language IS switched to Norwegian...



Is there any limitations on what kind of ps-scripts you can embed in C#?

(Both the script and the c# code runs as me/current user)...



TIA.



--

Dag.


The Austrian Mints new coin series is targeted toward young collectors. The Colourful Creatures 3 coins feature glow-in-the-dark color in their designs.

The Austrian Mints new coin series is targeted toward young collectors. The Colourful Creatures 3 coins feature glow-in-the-dark color in their designs.

Instead of celebrating history, Austrias newest coin series will make history for the Austrian Mint.

The Colourful Creatures 12-coin series will be the first time that the Austrian Mint uses glow-in-the-dark technology for coins.

The series, which highlights certain nocturnal species, begins Oct. 5, with one new coin to be released every three months (across three years) until all 12 pieces are issued. The animals featured become active at night, on the coins by glowing in the dark; appropriately, the bat is the first subject of the series on the sole 2016 coin.

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The four subjects due for honor on the 2017 coins are the tiger, crocodile, kingfisher and wolf. The four animals on the 2018 coins are parrot, shark, owl and frog. The final year of the program will feature the turtle, otter and crayfish.

All of the coins will be denominated 3, Austrias first coins of that denomination.

Austrian Mint officials are targeting young collectors with the coins, noting in marketing material that the series obviously has special appeal for children, who can enjoy them even after they have gone to bed.

However, Mint officials fully expect the series to draw attention from collectors of all ages, just as the silver-niobium series, which is a perennial favorite.

The obverse features a specific design related to the main subject, while a common reverse design celebrates all 12 animals in the series.

The copper-nickel coins weigh 16 grams and measure 34 millimeters in diameter, with a mintage limit of 50,000 pieces to feature each animal.

Demand is expected to be huge, according to sales director Andrea Lang.

In the United States, American Precious Metals Exchange will offer the coins, but pricing is not yet available.

For more information, or to order the coins, visit the distributors website.
The Isle of Man joins six other overseas territories honoring the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II with commemorative coins struck by the Pobjoy Mint.

The Pobjoy Mint, still under contract with the Isle of Man, struck coins for Man celebrating the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. The coin issue was announced Sept. 29.

The monarch was born on April 21 (in 1926) and her official birthday celebration in 2016 was held June 11.

The Pobjoy Mint's Isle of Man coins are an Uncirculated copper-nickel crown and a Proof .925 fine silver crown coin, each with the same celebratory design.

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The Isle of Man coins join birthday commemoratives struck by the Pobjoy Mint for six other overseas territories.

Queen Elizabeth II is already the longest reigning monarch in British history, and now, she has become the first to live into her tenth decade.

The queen usually spends her actual birthday privately, but the official June occasion is marked with a public ceremony.

The fete includes gun salutes in London at midday: a 41-gun salute in Hyde Park, a 21-gun salute in Windsor Great Park, and a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London.

As 2016 was such a milestone birthday a thanksgiving service was held at St. Pauls Cathedral, and 10,000 guests attended a large street party in Londons Mall.

The reverse of the coin features a portrait of the queen taken from her visit to the Isle of Man in 1989, along a small image of the island itself, to show her connection to the isle. In addition, the triskelion symbol for the Isle of Man overlaps the map.

The obverse of the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.

Both versions weigh 28.28 grams and measure 38.6 millimeters in diameter.

The Uncirculated crown has an unlimited mintage, is offered in a blue presentation pouch and retails for $16.95.

The Proof crown is encapsulated in an acrylic capsule, with a certificate of authenticity and a red box. It is limited to a mintage of 10,000 pieces and retails for $65.



The Ascension Islands, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands, and South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands are the other issuers that partnered with the Pobjoy Mint to celebrate the queen's birth anniversary.

For more information, or to order the coins, visit the Pobjoy Mint website.
Yoga is a path to the Self, to the authentic you, so finding your teachers and your yoga is a personal journey that invites and requires us to meet ourselves where and as we are.
Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate and Missouris secretary of state Jason Kander said in a controversial television ad that he supported the Second Amendment. The Missourian examines his claim and voting records to see whether this is true.
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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
Family starts over after losing home, pets in Wooldridge fire

The McComb family called Wooldridge home before losing everything material to wildfire. What hurt the most was the loss of their pet dog Olaf.
Samsung Electronics has agreed to buy Viv Labs, an artificial intelligence startup created by Dag Kittlaus, Adam Cheyer and Chris Brigham.

You may not have heard of Kittlaus, Cheyer or Brigham, but if you own an iPhone you've probably spoken with one of their creations, Siri. Apple bought their first startup, a spinoff from SRI International, in 2010. A couple of years later, they left to create Viv.

Samsung's move into AI could be seen as a reaction to Google's launch of a new AI assistant on its Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones on Tuesday.

Like Google Assistant, Viv is designed to answer natural language queries by integrating with a variety of web services. But where Google already has a range of in-house services -- Maps, Gmail, search -- from which to gather context, Viv aims to build an open ecosystem. Many of the useful functions will be delivered by third party developers, a model similar to the one Amazon.com is pursuing for its Echo devices.

Initially, the Viv team planned to sell the service to consumer electronics manufacturers and app developers as a way to give AI capabilities to the Internet of Things.

CEO Kittlaus told TechCrunch back in May that the company's goal was "ubiquity."

Samsung's agreeing to buy the company, though, is going to limit the number of vendors likely to be distributing Viv. Being in every room in the home is still a possibility, though, as in addition to smartphones Samsung also makes TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, microwave ovens and robot vacuum cleaners.

Announcing the deal on Thursday, Samsung said it is committed to virtual personal assistants as part of the company's broader vision to deliver an AI-based open ecosystem across all of its devices and services.

That continuity is good news for developers who had invested in integrating their services with Viv, but finding themselves now tied to Samsung may not be so welcome.

Samsung already has a personal assistant on its smartphones: S Voice. Early versions of this used the Vlingo speech-to-text engine, while more recent ones rely on a speech-to-text service provided by Nuance Communications, the same one used by Viv and which also powered Siri. It hasn't said whether it will replace S Voice with Viv on future phones, or integrate Viv's capabilities into future versions of S Voice.
The acquisition of digital assistant, Viv, has raised Samsungs status to that of peer player in the smart devices wars, and while Apple is a traditional target, Google, Amazon, HTC and other Android maker also have much to fear.

Ecosystem meltdown

The same team who built Siri developed the Viv digital assistant. It is described as more capable than the original version of the Apple digital assistant.

Whats Samsung going to do with it? Not so many years ago Samsung was relatively unknown in some markets, including the US. Today the company has successfully used its anti-Apple marketing to occupy more space in consumer mind share in that market.

Thats good for Samsung because its factories churn out everything, from TVs to cameras, DVRs to industrial, and even military, equipment. With this purchase, Samsung is staking out its strategy for the Internet of Things.

Open neo-warfare

There is no guarantee the company will play nice with Google in this attempt. After all, only this week Google chose to challenge Samsung at the high end of the Android smartphone market, and the South Korean firms dependence on the Android OS means it has little to set it apart from others, including LG and HTC. Googles move to eat its own ecosystem is hardly designed to build platform loyalty among those firms that have invested so much in hardware to carry Google software.

While Pixel lacks the processing power, build quality, design innovation or water resistance of competing handsets in its price range (including those from Apple and Samsung), it does offer some Google first features other Android makers can't deal just yet. This exposes what could be seen as cynicism in Googles relationship with handset makers, marriages of convenience the company will terminate without regret in favour of its own expedience.

Intelligent machines

I don't imagine Samsung is too happy about that, so it is good it has an alternative in its now open source Tizen OS. Now, a year or two ago Id have laughed at the concept of Tizen taking on Android and iOS, the smartphone market is pretty much defined around those two platforms, but things are changing.

Smart devices are an inflection point. A new stage in the Singularity-driven proliferation of intelligent machines, and Samsung is now in a great position to put intelligence, including Viv, inside the machines it makes, as I said, everything, from TVs to cameras, DVRs to industrial  and even military  equipment.

It isnt as if Samsung is making a secret of this. It says the deal is part of its, broader vision to deliver an AI-based open ecosystem across all of its devices and services.

"With the rise of AI, consumers now desire an interaction with technology that is conversational, personalized and contextual - an experience that fits seamlessly within their everyday lives," the firm added.

It will use Viv in phones, TVs and a wide range of other devices. These are devices that already run Samsungs own software, so it seems logical to migrate these to Tizen (which already drives wearables, televisions, car kits and smartphone from the company). Given the move to wield smart intelligence within everything, why would it not want to add Viv support within its own open source OS. As well as ensuring its Tizen platform plays nice with iOS, of course.

Who is the new BlackBerry?

How I see this playing out is Samsung applying its industrial muscle to place its own OS inside a forest of connected smart devices, equipped with Viv. (Hey, washing machine, do a whites wash and let the robot know when to hang it to dry.)

Samsung has manufacturing scale, and while it may hang onto using Android for a while this will be a forked version. This move to fork the OS will be emulated by device manufacturers large and small, introducing new layers of complexity within the OS.

How does this impact Apple? Well, we know Apple customers tend to stay with its solutions once they begin using them  it boasts customer satisfaction levels that are the envy of the industry. This means it's own market share should remain stable, while it watches its competitors compete for the rest (as it has done for the last few years).

I think Samsung has played a smart move with Viv. It opens up a whole bunch of interesting options and means mobile is once again a three horse race. In this race, who is most likely to be the new BlackBerry (or Microsoft)?

Samsung with its vast industrial manufacturing base?

Apple with its decades of world class software development, hardware design and mass market retail experience?

Google with its ads sales business and extensive experience of server-based services?

Why not tell me who you think looks most likely to become the new BlackBerry in comments below?

Google+? If you use social media and happen to be a Google+ user, why not join AppleHolic's Kool Aid Corner community and join the conversation as we pursue the spirit of the New Model Apple?

Want Apple TV tips? If you want to learn how to get the very best out of your Apple TV, please visit my Apple TV website.

Got a story? Drop me a line via Twitter or in comments below and let me know. I'd like it if you chose to follow me on Twitter so I can let you know when fresh items are published here first on Computerworld.
The relationship between Google and Verizon is best summed up with the age-old adage: "It's complicated."

Things started off well enough with the two companies' earliest flirtations. It feels like a lifetime ago, but way back when Android was virtually unknown (yes, there really was such a time), Verizon played a pivotal role in getting Google's then-unproven mobile platform off the ground. Remember those iconic commercials for the original Motorola Droid? They helped turn Android from a small-scale experiment into a global phenomenon.

In the years that followed, Google and Verizon's courtship got a little more rocky. For a long time, Verizon become synonymous with slow updates and lackluster support for devices on the Android platform. It's a reputation the carrier has had a tough time shaking, all the way through to today.

Now here we are, seven years after that first Droid, and Verizon is teaming up with Google once again -- this time as the "exclusive" carrier partner for Google's new flagship Pixel phones. But hold the phone: Staying in line with the companies' complicated history, this new arrangement isn't quite what it seems.

Yup -- there's a lot of incomplete and misleading info out there about what exactly is going on with Google's Pixel phones and Verizon here in the U.S. of A. So let's take a minute to clear things up, shall we?

(And be sure to read all the way through this, because the last point may be the most important one of all.)

1. The Pixel isn't really a Verizon "exclusive."

I've seen lots of language -- in marketing materials, promotional tweets, and ads all over mainstream news sites -- touting the Pixel as being "only on Verizon" or "exclusively available" on Verizon. Here's one blatant example:

Introducing Pixel, a phone by Google. And its only on America's largest and fastest 4G LTE network. Preorder now. https://t.co/rGLjw1JwsB  Verizon (@verizon) October 4, 2016

We can quibble all day over semantics, but here's the real deal: The Pixel phone is not a Verizon exclusive. You can buy it unlocked, directly from Google, and use it on practically any carrier.

Verizon is simply the only carrier that's selling the phone directly -- on its own website and in its own stores. That's it.

And in fact:

2. Even if you want to use Verizon, you don't have to buy the Pixel from Verizon.

This isn't 2012, where Google sold one version of its flagship phone and Verizon sold another. Whether you buy a Pixel from Verizon or from Google, you're getting the same physical device. And it's going to be compatible on virtually any network, including Verizon's, regardless of where you get it.

So, yes, you can buy the Pixel from Verizon if you want -- or you can buy it unlocked from Google, then put a Verizon SIM into it and use it on Verizon's network. Either way will work fine, as I confirmed directly with Verizon ("Folks are welcome to purchase unlocked through Google or through Verizon; both models will connect to our network," a spokesperson told me).

Pixels sold through Verizon are even unlocked -- so if you buy the phone from the carrier and decide you want to switch to another provider at some point down the line, you should have no problem swapping out the SIM and moseying onward.

That being said...

3. There are some differences between buying the Pixel from Google and buying it from Verizon.

The hardware itself may be the same, but the experience of buying the Pixel from Google and buying it from Verizon is not identical.

The basic pricing is the same either way you go: $650 outright for the base Pixel model or $27/mo. if you want to go the financing route (which both Google and Verizon provide as an option). And both Google and Verizon are currently offering free Daydream View VR headsets along with all pre-orders.

If you buy the phone from Verizon, however, you'll have the option to trade in your old phone and get credit toward your new purchase. Verizon says it'll go as high as $300, depending on the device and condition. (On the other hand, of course, you could always sell your old phone independently and probably get close to that same amount.)

Both Verizon and Google offer device protection plans, meanwhile -- though according to the details posted on each company's website, Verizon's offering appears to be significantly more expensive. (You can compare the specifics for yourself if you want; here's Verizon's protection plan page and Google's protection plan page.)

And at the risk of complicating things further, I should also point out that Best Buy is running a promotion right now where if you buy a Pixel phone there and activate it on Verizon, the store will give you a $100 Best Buy gift card and a free 2015 Chromecast. So that's another possibility to consider -- though it appears buying the Pixel from Best Buy is equivalent to buying it from Verizon, which is a relevant distinction to keep in mind for the next few items.

4. If you buy the Pixel from Verizon, your phone will come with some bloatware.

Google's Pixel phones are all about the "pure Google" experience, and part of that means you don't get all the superfluous gunk and overlapping services manufacturers and carriers love to bake into Android phones.

If you buy the Pixel from Verizon, that's mostly still true -- but not entirely: Pixels sold through Verizon will come with three preloaded carrier apps (the My Verizon account manager; the Go90 video streaming service; and Verizon's custom texting app, Verizon Messages). Verizon tells me all of those apps are removable, though, so it's a pretty minor point.

Beyond that:

5. Pixels sold through Verizon won't have unlockable bootloaders.

Unlocking a bootloader isn't something most smartphone owners concern themselves with -- and if you don't know what a bootloader is, you probably don't need to worry about this -- but for the tinkerers among us, be aware that you won't be able to unlock the bootloader and get under the hood on a Verizon-sold Pixel.

If that's important to you, get your phone from the Google Store. End of discussion.

And finally, the biggest asterisk of all:

6. If you buy the Pixel phone from Verizon, you may or may not get future OS updates immediately.

Update [10/12/16]: Google and Verizon seem to have reached a revised and more firmly defined position on this matter. In a new statement provided this morning, Google now says: "Google controls the distribution of all OS updates and security patches for Pixel devices. OS updates and monthly security patches will be updated on all Pixel devices (Verizon and non-Verizon versions) simultaneously."

Verizon has also provided its own corresponding new statement, saying: "Verizon will be releasing operating system and security updates for the Google Pixel at the same time as Google."

This two-pronged assurance is absolutely a step forward from the originally stated position -- one that may well have come about as a result of all the attention this issue ended up getting following the publication of this story. Regardless of why things changed, though, the end result is without question a good thing for consumers, as it states that all Pixel phones will be equal in terms of ongoing software support -- regardless of where they were purchased. That's obviously the way it should be.

The original text of this section follows.

This last item is critical. (Hey, don't say I didn't warn you.)

One of the biggest benefits of owning a Pixel device, just like with the Nexus line before it, is that you get software updates directly from Google as soon as they're released -- without all the months of waiting and uncertainty that accompany upgrades on most other Android products. It's a huge perk, and one whose importance can't be overstated.

But as anyone who's watched Android for long knows, it's also a perk that's typically true only for unlocked devices sold directly by Google. When you buy a phone from a carrier -- even a Google flagship phone -- that carrier has the potential to become a middleman in the upgrade process and delay software deliveries.

For its part, Verizon says it's committed to providing security patches to the Pixel at the same time the unlocked Google-sold phones get them. But -- and call Sir Mix-A-Lot, 'cause this is a big one -- the carrier is remaining decidedly less firm about its commitment to full-fledged OS updates.

Here's the statement:

We dont have specifics to share about software updates at this time but our goal is to always provide software updates in a timely fashion so our customers have the best experience. But I can say yes, the Verizon models will receive Android security updates/patches at the same time as the unlocked model.

Take it for what you will, but what's clear is that while Verizon is committed to providing security patches to its self-sold Pixels at the same time as Google, the carrier is not willing or able to give that same assurance for full OS updates as of now. In other words, there are no guarantees; the exact timetable for OS update deliveries with Verizon-bought Pixels is currently an unknown.

(Update [10/7/16]: A representative from Google tells me the actual OS updates for all Pixel devices are handled directly by Google -- but that with carrier-sold phones, the carriers do have to certify those updates before they're rolled out to customers. Google's goal, the representative says, is to have all Pixel owners receive timely updates regardless of that requirement.)

So what to make of this irksome uncertainty? Well, I'd say this: One glance at Verizon's home page right now is enough to make you understand why this relationship is so valuable to Google. Google is clearly working hard to promote its Pixel line, and the phone is plastered all over Verizon's website -- with visibility that dwarfs even iPhone promotions:

Especially if the carrier's in-store placement and promotional efforts are anywhere near that same level, a push like this could go a long way in getting the Pixel in front of typical smartphone shoppers -- those who don't follow tech news closely and simply turn to their carriers when it's time to make a purchase.

But for those of us in the know, buying the Pixel directly from Verizon raises a significant risk -- a risk of neutralizing one of the device's most compelling qualities. And if you ask me, that's a tough condition to accept.

Only you can fully weigh the pros and cons of buying the phone from one source vs. another for your own personal situation, but if you want my advice, it's simple: If you're going to get the Pixel, get the Pixel from Google. Regardless of anything else, putting such a big asterisk after one of the phone's most important benefits is a risk I wouldn't want to take.

(Note: Story updated on 10/7/16 to add comment and context from Google and updated again on 10/12/16 to add new statement from Google and then Verizon.)
More than a month ago, Microsoft quietly added a new support policy that dropped the company's decade of technical support for an open-ended product lifetime that could be terminated at Microsoft's discretion.

Wes Miller, analyst with Directions on Microsoft, viewed the new policy -- dubbed "Modern Lifecycle" -- as a glimpse into the future of support from the Redmond, Wash. company.

"For more than a year, since Microsoft talked about LTSB [Long-term Servicing Branch], we've all been wondering what the plan was," said Miller, referring to the Windows 10 release track available only to enterprise customers. "There was the usual 5+5 support with LTSB-style releases, and then there was everything else. Now, we know how support works for everything else."

With LTSB, Microsoft gave enterprises the option of running a stable, static version of Windows 10 that would avoid the frequent updates other editions would receive. Microsoft pledged to support Windows 10 LTSB for the traditional 10 years, the first five in "Mainstream" support, the second in "Extended" support.

Microsoft introduced the Modern policy with zero fanfare on its support lifecycle website by posting a terse announcement and a short FAQ.

Unlike the standard 5+5 support scheme, under which Microsoft pledges to support a product for a decade, Modern is both open-ended and ephemeral.

"There is no end of support date assigned," Microsoft said of products under the Modern umbrella. But in the next sentence, Microsoft noted that, while support may be indefinite -- or in other words, unlimited -- it reserved the right to dump the product, and any support, at any time. "Microsoft will provide a minimum of 12 months' prior notification before ending support for products governed by the Modern Policy without providing a successor product or service," the company said.

The prerequisite for Modern's theoretically unlimited support? Customers must keep the product up to date, which Microsoft dubbed "stay current." As long as the software was current, Microsoft pledged to support it. "To stay current, a customer must accept all servicing updates and apply them within a specific timeframe, per the licensing and service requirements for the product or service," the Modern FAQ read.

The "stay current" concept is not brand new to Microsoft customers: That's how most Windows 10 users are treated. Consumers, for instance, really don't have a choice, but must accept all updates as they arrive. Businesses not on the LTSB track have some flexibility in that they can postpone updates and even upgrades, but the delays are only temporary. Eventually, everyone must take an update or upgrade.

Only a few Microsoft products are currently covered by Modern support. According to Redmond Magazine, which wrote about the Modern policy on Tuesday, they include System Center Configuration Manager (current branch), .Net Core, ASP.Net Core and Entity Framework Core.

Microsoft made it clear that Modern would not be applied retroactively to already-existing products or services covered by the 5+5 policy or the alternate, Online Services. The latter applies to such money makers as Office 365.

"The Modern Lifecycle Policy will not be applied to on-premises product versions that have already been released with a different lifecycle policy," the FAQ said.

But while enterprises may be comforted by Microsoft's pledge, it was clear to Miller that the Modern policy was the future. "Going forward, some enterprise-class products will continue [with] 5+5 support," he said. "But there will be another class which is released and serviced on a different cadence. [For that class], support will be at Microsoft's discretion, as defined by Microsoft."

Microsoft did not explain why it instituted the Modern support policy, but Miller had an idea. "They're under pressure to release stuff more often, so they have to have customers on the most recent version," he said, referring to the requirement that users keep updating software.
Good morning and welcome to our Expedition Earth world geography curriculum where were learning all about Panama! I hope you join in with us because were having so much fun with our world geography studies!

Panama has the lowest population in Central America, but is the most industrialized country in Central America. It also has the most diversified wildlife of all of the countries in the region and is home to north as well as south American species. Panama is only 80 kilometers across at its narrowest distance, and separates the Atlantic from the Pacific Ocean. That makes it one of the only places in the world where you can see the sun rise in the Pacific and set in the Atlantic!

Due to its ideal location ships pay quite a price to travel through the Panama Canal. Did you know the average toll for a ship to pass through the Panama Canal is $56,000! The highest Canal toll was $141,344.91 charged to a cruise shop called the Crown Princess. The lowest toll ever paid was $0.36 by Richard Halliburton who swam through the Panama Canal in 1928.

Here are some of the activities we did this week along with things I managed to capture on film!

Learned to say  Hello  in Spanish: Hola (hello) , Thank You : gracias

 in Spanish: Hola (hello) , Thank You : gracias Locate Panama and capital Panama City on the wall map

Panama City on the wall Prayed for the people of Panama

for the people of Panama Geography Vocab: Gulf, Isthmus

Learned about the Panama Canal

Made a Panama mini- lapbook component

component Made tropical fruit snacks: Mango, papaya, coconut, bananas

snacks: Mango, papaya, coconut, bananas Completed mapping and flag worksheets

and worksheets Learned about and classified 6 animals of Panama

of Panama Animals from Panama mini-book

from Panama mini-book Did a pottery painting activity

painting activity Were supposed to make empanadas , but didnt quite get to it ;o)

, but didnt quite get to it ;o) Stamped our passports and moved on to Venezuela!

We started off by locating Panama, and its capital city on our wall map. Then we added a flag to it to show that weve been there!

Of course we learned how to greet one another in Spanish, and added the word card to our wall for review and easy reference.

Next we learned some interesting facts about Panama and did a few mapping activities to help learn how to read the coordinates.

We learned all about the flag of Panama, and what the colors and symbols mean.

We learned about some basic facts and landmarks found in Panama, including population, religion, language, currency, etc..

We watched this fun video of a ship passing through the Panama Canal. Its really cool to see how each of the locking chambers work. The full transit time was about 10 hours, but the video shows it to you in about 5 minutes.

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

We filled in our Panama mini-book and added it to the world lapbook that were creating.

And of course we made a fun post card to commemorate our visit and fill in the folks back home on our visit!

We added our favorite animals to the Expedition Earth Animal Wall, which apparently I forgot to take pictures of. But heres a cute one of Tinker Bell back when she was in preschool adding her animals to the wall the last time we went through this curriculum. Awe

And we finished off our week by stamping our passports! (Ignore the date on this one, I also forgot to take a photo of the passport this week! Oops!)

And thats it for our Panama journey!

Click here if youd like to follow along with our Expedition Earth World Geography Curriculum Journey!

Expedition Earth is a hands on world geography curriculum that covers 31 countries across the world. It is designed primarily for K-5th grade students. Students will learn the continents, oceans, people, cultures, animals, climates, try new foods, crafts and more, all through hands-on activities!
Cllr Sally-Ann Hart is a member of Rother District Council.

I read with concern a report by MPs calling for the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal use in the UK and to allow sick people to grow their own cannabis under licence. The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Drug Policy Reform is asking for companies to be allowed to import or grow cannabis and minimise legal regulations. The argument is that the continued ban on cannabis is irrational as cannabis works as a medicine for a number of medical conditions. There have been suggestions that children should have access to medical marijuana. I also read with interest about a 100 per cent increase in teenagers misusing cannabis in Portugal since it was decriminalised for personal use.

I do wonder whether proponents of legalising cannabis have ever witnessed the reality of what they espouse. Whilst there is not enough data on the effects of cannabis on a childs brain development, cannabis carries significant mental health risks for some individuals. Its use increases the risk of developing psychosis, depression and anxiety (Professor Colin Drummond).

In my other life as a local Magistrate in both the Adult Criminal and Family Proceedings Courts, I have seen Professor Drummonds analysis first hand. For the last 18 months, I have noted a worrying pattern of far too many young men in their mid-twenties suffering from mental health issues. All of them are taking anti-psychotic or anti-depressant medication. And most of them had progressed to heroin/cocaine addiction.

In the Adult Criminal Court, where a defendant demonstrates or has a diagnosis of a mental health condition, or has a current heroin/cocaine addiction, it has become a habit of mine to look at a defendants PNC (Police National Computer check showing cautions, warnings, reprimands and previous convictions) for cannabis possession in the past. It has become no surprise to indeed see such a caution/warning/conviction. In the Family Proceedings Court, in Public Law matters, the misuse of drugs and serious mental health issues are often driving forces in removing a child from the care of its parent(s) because of the impact these dysfunctions have on a parents ability to look after his/her child.

In Private Law matters I have noted an alarming number of young fathers (in particular) with a mental health diagnosis seeking contact with their children. Again, it has come as no surprise to me to find out that too many of these fathers smoked cannabis in their teens. The resulting chaotic and inconsistent lifestyle has a negative impact on such a parents ability not only to adequately care for their child, but also to have a fulfilling relationship with their child. And their children suffer.

The likes of Nick Clegg and George Soros should spend a day in their local Magistrates Court. It is not the proponents of legalisation who deal with the short and long term effects of cannabis misuse, but local communities and local authorities who are left to pick up the pieces.

As part of their public health remit, local authorities are responsible for commissioning alcohol and drug interventions and services. The drug rehab in Orlando Fl says that the levels of drug taking in the Southeast are the third highest in England and Wales. The financial cost of problem drug use in the south east is estimated at approximately 1.8 billion per annum  which includes the costs of healthcare and crime, but does not include the costs of looked after children which are borne by the local county councils.

Take East Sussex County Council, for example. Out of a total budget of 778.8 million for 2016/17, 5.2 million is spent on drug and alcohol support and a further 0.6 million on substance misuse support, 9.7 million on mental health support and 128.8 million is spent on Childrens Services.

One of the key findings from the 2014/15 Crime Survey shows that younger people (16  24) are more likely to take drugs, accounting for approximately 40 per cent of drug users  with cannabis being the drug most frequently used. The age bracket 25  34 contains the highest number of hospital admissions with a primary diagnosis of drug related mental health and behavioural disorders. East Sussex has the third highest such admission rate in the Southeast  it is not too far fetched to join the dots.

Parental substance abuse is recognised as a risk factor for child neglect and abuse. It is well known that children with parents who abuse alcohol or drugs are more likely to become looked after children and are more likely to stay in long term foster care.

The relatively new Family Drug and Alcohol Court, which has now been rolled out in East Sussex, provides a problem-solving, therapeutic approach to Public Law (care) cases where parental substance misuse is the key reason in a local authoritys decision to bring care proceedings. The FDAC aims to address the underlying problems, working with all the relevant agencies, to prevent children going into care. FDAC works, but not enough local families are able to benefit from this initiative as funding is an ongoing issue. It is clear, however, that the long term economic (and humanitarian) outcomes far outstrip short term expense.

Drug related crime is cited as being a complex issue, but evidence indicates that drug users are responsible for a large percentage of acquisitive crime (theft, burglary, robbery). The economic cost of drug related crime in England and Wales is estimated to be around 14 billion per annum.

The aim of sentencing a known drug addict is to reduce drug use and re-offending. Community sentences with drug/alcohol rehabilitation requirements have some success  but not enough. Prison drug treatment is known to lack positive outcomes. About 64 per cent of new prisoners have a history of drug abuse and have reported to having used drugs in the four weeks prior to conviction.

Re-conviction rates are more than double for these prisoners than for those who have never used drugs (Prison Reform Trust: Bromley Briefings Summer 2016). Drug related crime impacts on our communities  not only in terms of criminal behaviour, family breakdown and healthcare, but also in terms of tourism and economic regeneration. In more deprived areas such as Hastings, where drug addiction is known to be more prevalent, rather than prison for prolific drug fuelled offenders, surely there is a necessity for local secure drug rehabilitation units, where support and enforcement can work together.

The number of drug addicts is relatively small, but the costs associated, both economic and humanitarian, are high. Drug addiction causes criminal behaviour, family breakdown, homelessness and healthcare needs  all of which, socially and economically, negatively impact on our local communities. Rather than legalising cannabis use, we need to look at better ways of working together across all agencies to ensure support and enforcement runs hand in hand to make our communities safer, cut reoffending and prevent family breakdown.
As usual, Twitter got the wrong end of the stick and therefore over-reacted to Amber Rudds proposal that businesses should report the number of foreign workers they employ. The misunderstanding that the Home Secretary proposed to make companies list such workers by name appears to have come from The Times headline Firms must list foreign workers. Within half an hour people were wondering if the Government might insist on Nazi-style coloured badges for foreigners.

The idea of a list of names was, of course, not true; the Twitterstorm was the product of a sub searching for a compact headline rather than the sudden transformation of Rudd into a 1930s Gauleiter. What she was proposing, though, was that companies should be compelled to publish a tally of their foreign employees  along the lines of previous proposals to publish pay disparities between men and women, for example.

While that is not a Nazi-style outing of incomers, its still an awful idea. In fact, while Government policies tend to produce either disdain from my Conservative friends for not being good enough or loathing from my non-Conservative friends for being evil in one way or another, this one seems to have managed to upset both groups at the same time  an impressive feat.

There are myriad problems with the idea. For a start, its another bit of meddling red tape which will add new costs for businesses. Worse, the adoption of a name and shame approach rests on an unpleasant assumption that the public would wish to punish companies deemed to have too many foreign employees. That assumption is either incorrect, in which case the policy would have no effect at best, or accurate, in which case it plays to instincts which ought not to be indulged by the Government. Doing so would effectively mean penalising existing foreign workers in the UK for the sin of being foreign  effectively encouraging their employers to find ways to get rid of them. We should not want modern Britain to become a society which does such things.

The policy also fails to fulfil the Home Secretarys own aims. If, as she told the Today Programme, she wants to have a conversation about what skills we want to have in the UK and whether we need to go out of the UK in order to get them to boost our economy, this policy singularly fails to measure up. A tally of foreign employees by company wouldnt tell us anything useful about the presence or lack of skills in that firm or sector. Who would know from a raw number if the people involved were employed as labourers or specialist technicians, office cleaners or financial analysts? We can all agree with David Davis on the need to ensure that British citizens are both equipped and willing to work  issues with which the DWP has wrestled for some years  but Rudds attempt would be the equivalent of scrutinising the problem through the wrong end of a telescope.

Together, this has not been a comfortable experience for many Conservatives. By playing down to the worst stereotypes about both Brexit and Toryism, it laid the Government open to strong criticism and took a little of the sheen off the Prime Ministers dual declaration that I want us to be a country where it doesnt matter where you were born and that Labour are the new nasty party. In short, it felt like an own goal.

The Home Secretary is not stupid. She can surely see these problems with this poisonous and clunky idea. Nor does it fit with what we know about her views. She sits towards the left of the Conservative Party, her background is in the internationalist world of finance (including periods spent working abroad), her brother Roland is archdeacon of the liberal elite pro-EU campaigners the Prime Minister condemned on Wednesday, and she was a vocal advocate of Remain during the referendum, notably savaging Boris Johnson live on television as he made a far more modest case for border control than she now makes herself. She has understandably been stung by accusations that her new policy is xenophobic, and swiftly rowed back when pressed on it. So where did it come from?

There seem to be two possibilities. Its possible that she feels some pressure to appear tougher on immigration than she really is, and has thus overdone it. Finding herself in a difficult role  successor to May herself, and thus entrusted with keeping the Governments numbers up on issues directly associated with the Prime Minister  and believing it necessary to demonstrate that she truly accepts the referendum result, she might have felt the need to put on a show to demonstrate the zeal of the convert. Thats possible, though it doesnt sound very much like her.

The second option is that this has come down from Downing Street itself. This seems somewhat more possible. The last six years in the Home Office have left May with a reputation as a political survivor, but also with a lingering air of vulnerability around the topic of immigration control, given the failure to fulfil the tens of thousands manifesto pledge. She or her advisers might well have wanted to firstly demonstrate that the department with which she is so closely identified is progressing under new management and secondly to try to answer once and for all the concern in some quarters that she hadnt done enough to reduce numbers.

One thing is for sure: whatever the original genesis of the policy, it is a bad idea which does no-one  in Downing Street, in the Home Office, in business or in the dole queue  any good. It should be dropped.
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A proposal to reinstate the death penalty in New Mexico has cleared a new hurdle in the state Legislature.



The appropriations and finance committee in the House of Representatives recommended approval Monday night of a bill to reinstate capital punishment by lethal injection for convicted killers of police, children and corrections officers.



The proposal moves next to the full House, which reconvenes on Wednesday.



Republican New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and allies in the Legislature are pushing to revive the death penalty in response to the recent killings of two police officers and the sexual assault, killing and dismemberment in August of 10-year-old Victoria Martens in Albuquerque.



Committee members voted 8-6 along party lines to advance the bill, with Democrats in opposition.



Deliberations over the death penalty are spilling over into fall election campaigns. The entire Legislature is up for re-election in November.



Associated Press has this report It would certainly be a good thing if some members lost their seats over opposition to restoration.A journalist asked me the other day if my support for California Proposition 66 wasn't "going against a trend," as if going against a trend was a mortal sin. Some trends should be gone against, and this is one of them. Between New Mexico, Nebraska, and California, maybe we will turn the tide and start a trend in the other direction.
Cloud News

Benioff's Dreamforce Keynote Is A Sprawling, Socially Conscious Affair

Joseph Tsidulko

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Marc Benioff, with his trademark theatricality on full display, welcomed to the Dreamforce keynote stage on Wednesday a procession of philanthropists, social activists, corporate executives and musiciansas well as a few Salesforce engineering and product managers.

The Salesforce CEO's keynote at his company's mega-conference in San Francisco was chock-full of flair and socially-conscious messaging, but light on information explaining upgrades coming to the CRM leader's technology portfolio.

While some new products were mentioned throughout the keynote, there was no deep dive on any one technology. In lieu of product news, Benioff touted the philanthropic projects that Salesforce, its ecosystem and its charitable partners are engaged in, from inner-city education to the global fight against AIDS to climate change.

[Related: Dreamforce Kicks Off With Emphasis On Salesforce Partner Enablement]

Musician and activist Will.I.Amwho at one point during the keynote received a medal from Benioffeven told Dreamforce attendees before the CEO took the stage: "This community is the most powerful, most inspirational community on Earth today."

Between pleas for making the world a better place, Benioff and cofounder Parker Harris did preview some functionality of Einstein, discussing how the AI technology will drive the work done by sales agents and infuse intelligence into services, marketing, commerce and all third-party apps.

Benioff described the foray into artificial intelligence as a "new journey" and said technologies like machine learning and deep learning are built into the core of the Salesforce platform and into every app.

A more-thorough exploration into AI infused apps and the Einstein platform will come Thursday.

Benioff briefly introduced Salesforce LiveMessage, a product he described as Conversations-as-a-Platform.

"Customers are going to connect with us on social media apps, messenger apps, they're going to communicate with voice," he said. Every social network "is now a user interface to Salesforce."

He also touched upon Commerce Clouda new e-commerce platform with Salesforce's Demandware acquisition at its core, and integrated with Einstein for smarter commerce.

Another reveal on the product front was My Salesforce1, which allows self-branding of apps sold through AppExchange.

Harris, who led Einstein development, said inspiration for the user experience of the AI platform and tools came from the consumer webthe same place Salesforce drew its CRM inspiration at its founding.

Users and partners crave intelligent apps, Harris said. And Salesforce did all the underlying work of hiring hundreds of data scientists who developed data models and software integrations to provide those capabilities.

Partners also got a very brief introduction to the new Salesforce CPQa configure, price, quote tool based on the SteelBrick acquisition.

The remainder of the sprawling keynote featured Jean-Pascal Tricoire, CEO of Schneider Electric, talking about making smarter field service apps that benefited the environment; and James Park, the CEO of Fitbit talking about the health benefits of those wearable devices.

Andy Atkins, founder and CEO of CRM Manager, a Salesforce partner based in Philadelphia, Penn., told CRN the keynote left him really interested in learning how soon a fully functional Einstein would be available to his clients.

"Seems like another great application that will change how people use Salesforce," Atkins said.

Atkins was also pleased with the small upgrade allowing texting to merge into Salesforce through the LiveMessage feature, he said.

Atkins added: "Marc never ceases to amaze and with all this additional functionality, $20 billion in revenue is in sight sooner than later."
Virtualization News

Partners: AWS Pact An 'Exclamation Point' On Dell's Commitment To VMware Independence

Matt Brown

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Dell EMC partners are calling VMware's imminent pact with Amazon Web Services (AWS) validation of VMware's technology independence just three weeks after Dell's landmark $58 billion of EMC.

The agreement "clearly shows VMware's independence and ability to be an integral part of all cloud ecosystems," and would allow AWS Enterprise to run on VMware's vSphere server virtualization platform for cloud infrastructure, similar to its arrangement with IBM's SoftLayer, a source with knowledge of the deal told CRN.

The deal is expected to be announced next week in San Francisco, according to Fortune, which first reported the agreement.

Related: Frenemies? VMware And Amazon To Team On Cloud

A pact between VMware and AWS is an about-face for VMware, which has previously made it clear that it considers "commodity public cloud" services the enemy. Still, solution providers have seen the change coming, and not just with VMware.

"It's not surprising," said Dan Serpico, CEO of FusionStorm, a San Francisco-based solution provider that does business with Dell EMC and VMware. "Whether it's Cisco, or VMware or whomever, three years ago Amazon was public enemy No. 1, and now [they're] all trying to figure out how to do business with them," Serpico said.

A formal relationship between VMware and Amazon would be a win-win situation for both companies, said Jamie Shepard, senior vice president for healthcare and strategy at Lumenate, a Dallas-based solution provider and Dell EMC partner.

For VMware, it is an opportunity to do more with the VMware Cloud Foundation, Shepard told CRN. VMware Cloud Foundation, introduced last month, is a natively-integrated infrastructure stack combining the company's vSphere server virtualization technology, VSAN software-defined storage technology, and NSX software-defined networking technology.

"The relationship would allow VMware customers to move production workloads developed with VMware Cloud Foundation to Amazon," he said. "VMware has been reluctant to trust workloads on Amazon. Since VMware has encryption on VMware Cloud Foundation, it can move those workloads. And Amazon can use VMware to work securely with VMware customers in the enterprise."

Leading up to and following its landmark $58 billion acquisition of EMC, Dell executives stressed that virtualization kingpin VMware, which was 80-percent owned by EMC, would maintain its status as an independently run firm and continue its relationships with Dell archrivals HPE and Cisco.

Even though it has barely been a month since the merger  the largest in the history of the IT industry  closed, Dell Technologies has so far honored that promise, Serpico said.

"If there wasn't enough evidence of that beforehand, given VMware's relationship with HPE and Cisco, this certainly puts an exclamation point on it," Serpico said.

A VMware-AWS pact will also be part of a careful enterprise cloud balancing act as VMware and its sister company Virtustream, the enterprise cloud infrastructure-as-a-service firm EMC acquired for $1.2 billion last year, fight for market share with AWS.



Additional reporting by Joseph F. Kovar
Carnival Cruise Line has issued the following statement regarding deployment with Hurricane Matthew set to further disrupt itineraries.

We continue to closely monitor the storm system and projected path of Hurricane Matthew and Tropical Storm Nicole which has now developed in the Atlantic.

Carnival Victory  10/6/16 departure

Based on the latest forecast track and no discernible shift in the storms path towards the central east coast of Florida as we had hoped, it is anticipated that the Brevard County area, including Port Canaveral, will suffer the strongest effects of Hurricane Matthew throughout the day on Friday. Port Canaveral is presently closed to all marine traffic and we expect it to remain closed until the storm has passed and port officials have had the time to complete their assessment and make a determination on when the port is safe to re-open.

Given the above, unfortunately, we will be forced to cancel Carnival Victorys cruise that we had hoped to operate tomorrow. Guests will receive a full refund as well as any pre-paid gratuities, Carnival shore excursions and any FunShop purchases. Refunds will be applied to the original form of payment within three weeks. We will also provide a 25 percent discount off a future two or three day cruise.

Carnival Sensation  10/6/16 departure

The Greater Miami area will be experiencing the strongest effects of Hurricane Matthew late Thursday evening and in the early morning hours of Friday. Once conditions become safe on Friday, port officials will begin their assessment and make a determination of when the port is safe to reopen. This could take some time and, assuming the port reopens on Friday, embarkation would take place late afternoon/early evening. We will stay in close contact with port officials and will provide you an update after 10:30 AM tomorrow. If PortMiami re-opens on Friday, we will operate a three-day cruise, visiting Nassau on Saturday pending a post-storm assessment of the port.

Guests who opt to sail on the shortened voyage will receive a pro-rated refund equal to the amount of one day of their cruise fare as well as pre-purchased shore excursions for Key West and Cozumel. Refunds will be applied to the original form of payment within three weeks Also, gratuities will be adjusted to reflect the shortened cruise.

As previously indicated, should guests scheduled on this voyage wish to cancel, they may do so with a full refund by calling 1-800-CARNIVAL. Guests will receive a full refund as well as any pre-paid gratuities, Carnival shore excursions for Key West and Cozumel and any FunShop purchases. Refunds will be applied to the original form of payment within three weeks.

Carnival Fantasy  10/7/16 departure

The Greater Miami area will be experiencing the strongest effects of Hurricane Matthew late Thursday evening and in the early morning hours of Friday. Once conditions become safe on Friday, port officials will begin their assessment and make a determination on when the port is safe to reopen. This could take some time and, assuming the port reopens on Friday, embarkation would take place late afternoon/early evening. We will stay in close contact with port officials and will provide you with an update after 10:30 AM tomorrow.

Given the uncertainty Hurricane Matthew has caused, should guests wish to cancel, they may do so with a full refund by calling 1-800-CARNIVAL. Guests will receive a full refund as well as any pre-paid gratuities, Carnival shore excursions and any FunShop purchases. Refunds will be applied to the original form of payment within three weeks.

If PortMiami reopens on Friday, we will operate the scheduled itinerary with an overnight call in Nassau, pending a post-storm assessment of the port.

Carnival Ecstasy  10/8/16 departure

The Port of Charleston will likely be closed on Saturday and, as a result, Carnival Ecstasy is not expected to arrive until Sunday. If the port re-opens on Sunday, we will operate a six-day cruise departing Sunday with an overnight stay in Nassau as well as a call in Freeport, pending post-storm assessments of our destinations. Guest who sail will receive a pro-rated refund equal to the amount of one day of their cruise fare as well as a refund for pre-purchased Carnival shore excursions for Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay. Refunds will be automatically processed to the original form of payment within three weeks. Gratuities will be adjusted to reflect the shortened cruise.

We anticipate having another update available on Carnival Ecstasys itinerary on Saturday afternoon. We certainly understand the impact this unexpected change has on your travel plans. Should you wish to cancel, you may do so with a full refund by calling 1-800-CARNIVAL.

Carnival Elation  10/8/16 departure

The Port of Jacksonville will close as of tomorrow morning. Carnival Elations arrival scheduled for Saturday may potentially be delayed. We will remain in contact with port officials and update you accordingly as additional information becomes available.

Carnival Glory - 10/8/16 departure

The Carnival Glory cruise departing on Oct. 8 remains as scheduled. At this time, there are no changes to the ships itinerary. Should any changes becomes necessary, we will provide an update accordingly.

Carnival Magic  10/8/16 departure

The Carnival Magic cruise departing Oct. 8 remains as scheduled at this time. Should any changes become necessary, we will provide an update accordingly.

Carnival Splendor  10/8/16 departure

The Carnival Splendor cruise departing Oct. 8 remains as scheduled. At this time, there are no changes to the ships itinerary. Should any changes become necessary, we will provide an update accordingly.

Carnival Sunshine - 10/8/16 departure

The Carnival Sunshine cruise departing on Oct. 8 remains as scheduled. At this time, there are no changes to the ships itinerary. Should any changes becomes necessary, we will provide an update accordingly.

Carnival Valor  10/8/16 departure

The Carnival Valor cruise departing Oct. 8 remains as scheduled. At this time, there are no changes to the ships itinerary. Should any changes become necessary, we will provide an update accordingly.

Carnival Conquest - 10/9/16 departure

The Carnival Conquest cruise departing on Oct. 9 remains as scheduled at this time. Should any changes becomes necessary, we will provide an update accordingly

Carnival Pride  10/9/16 departure
A federal judge has ruled it is plausible that four national credit-card companies improperly conspired in lockstep to set a deadline of Oct. 1, 2015 for requiring retailers to upgrade their technology to accept embedded chip cards for credit and debit card purchases.

In an order issued Friday (Case number C 16-01150 WHA), U.S. District Court Judge William Alsup agreed with two small Florida businesses -- B & R Supermarket and Grove Liquors  which brought the lawsuit in March.

[ ALSO ON CSO: Chip card payment confusion, anger rages on ]

Alsups ruling also allows the antitrust case against Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover Financial Services to move forward in federal court for the Northern District of California.

The two retailers are seeking to create a class-action case involving millions of small retailers who have been required under the Oct. 1, 2015 deadline to assume liability for fraudulent card charges if they havent upgraded to the more-secure chip card technology instead of magnetic-stripe cards. The retailers believe there was industry conspiracy over creation of the deadline that violates fair trade practices.

In the same ruling, the judge allowed two other retailers  Los Angeles-based gourmet food chainMonsieur Marcel and New York-based grocery story chain Fine Fare  to intervene in the case.

Significantly, the judge dismissed the role of nine major banks, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo, in any conspiracy over setting the chip card deadline, but ordered the banks to retain records pertinent to the case.

This order concludes that plaintiffs plausibly allege an impermissible conspiracy by Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, the judge said.

We are disappointed that the court denied our motion, said Mastercard spokesman Seth Eisen, in an email. As we move into the next phase of the process, we believe we have a strong case that will allow us to put this matter behind us and focus on driving our business and relationships with customers.

American Express, Visa and Discover declined to comment on the ruling.

Lawyers for the retailers have said a class-action lawsuit could include 8 million U.S. small businesses. They would seek repayment of the cost of upgrading to chip card readers and related software, estimated at $6 billion. However, the National Retail Federation has recently estimated the total cost of the conversion in the U.S. at up to $35 billion.

Walmart and Home Depot have brought separate lawsuits over the chip card conversion, primarily related to their contention that chip credit cards rely primarily on chip-and-signature purchases instead of more secure chip-and-PIN purchases.

In the most recent ruling, Alsop said U.S. card companies deviated from chip card rollouts performed in other countries because the card companies chose a single Oct. 1, 2015, deadline to impose the liability shift, instead of rolling out different card brands at separate dates. This order concludes that the deviation from prior rollouts points a finger at plausible suspicion and tends to show that the lock-step rollout in the U.S. flowed from conspiracy , Alsup wrote.

The ruling added: When the [card] networks had implemented liability shifts in other countries, they unfolded quite differently from what later occurred in the United States. Implementation was largely staggered in other countries, meaning no common effective date. Moreover, some of the networks offered certain accommodations in other countries by reducing interchange fees, implementing gradual rollouts and providing addition time to install [chip reader] terminals.

The ruling also notes that Visa CEO Charlie Scharf told analysts in 2014 that Visa had met in a room to work together in 2011 with other card companies, banks and select retailers to develop a plan for the chip card conversion. A jury could find that defendants got into a room and fixed a common penalty effective on a common date, the judge wrote.

Alsup also said that because merchants were also in the room didnt necessarily render the idea of a conspiracy implausible. We would expect the giant retail chains to be involved in the planning for they would be the first to get certified, the judge said. Run-of-the-mill merchants, like our plaintiffs, are the ones to suffer under the liability shift.

After the lawsuit was filed in March, Visa, Mastercard and American Express moved to streamline certifications of chip card equipment and processes and forgave chargebacks of $25 or less. A chargeback is the industry term for a fraudulent transaction that is charged back to a retailer.

This story, "Chip card lawsuit to move forward against Visa, Mastercard, others" was originally published by Computerworld .
The FBI has arrested a U.S. government contractor for allegedly stealing classified documents, possibly including hacking tools.

Harold Thomas Martin III, 51, has been charged with stealing government materials, including top secret information, the U.S. Department of Justice said on Wednesday.

Martin, who held a top-secret national security clearance, allegedly took six classified documents produced in 2014.

"These documents were produced through sensitive government sources, methods, and capabilities, which are critical to a wide variety of national security issues," the DOJ said.

Reportedly, Martin is a contractor for the NSA and was arrested on suspicion for disclosing classified computer code that can hack foreign governments, according to The New York Times.

Martin reportedly worked for Booz Allen Hamilton -- which also employed noted leaker Edward Snowden.

Booz Allen Hamilton, a consulting firm that maintains NSA infrastructure, has declined to comment about Martin.

Martin was originally arrested on Aug. 27, more than a week after anonymous hackers, called the ShadowBrokers, publicly leaked hacking tools that may belong to the NSA. Sample files of those tools appear to be dated most recently to 2013.

It's unclear if Martin's arrest is in any way connected. But some security experts have been speculating an NSA insider may have been behind the ShadowBrokers leak. The sample files of those hacking tools actually work and may be worth a small fortune.

Martin initially denied he had stolen any material when interviewed by investigators, but later admitted he had taken them and knew he had no authorization to do so, according to the DOJ's criminal complaint.

Martin's attorney, however, has reportedly said there's no evidence proving his client betrayed the U.S.

"What we do know is that Hal Martin loves his family and his country he served," James Wyda, a federal public defender, told the Baltimore Sun.

Hard-copy documents and digital information related to the stolen materials were found in Martin's home in Maryland and his vehicle, the DOJ alleged. If convicted, Martin could face 10 years in prison for theft of government property and another year for unauthorized removal of classified materials.

The NSA has not immediately responded for comment.
BRIDGEPORT - When Fabian Fab Francis was found not guilty earlier this year of a gang-related slaying bets were exchanged on whether a rival gang or police would get him first.

He should probably be happy it was the police.

Early Thursday morning police said they came upon the 19-year-old Francis sitting in a car behind the North End library with three other men along with a 9mm handgun loaded with a 31-bullet magazine, a black mask and a pair of black gloves.

Francis was charged with illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, illegal possession of a large capacity magazine and stealing a firearm.

Francis was smiling as he later stood before Superior Court Judge William Holden, the gallery of the courtroom crowded with supporters.

Although the police had set a $250,000 bond, the judge reduced it to $75,000 pointing out that Francis had no prior record.

In February, Francis, a reputed member of the Greene Home Boyz, was found not guilty of murder in the shooting death of a rival gang member on a downtown street.

Three months later his best friend and fellow gang member, 18-year-old Kahlil Sloan-Diaz, was fatally shot while sitting in a car on Madison Avenue.

In June, Francis was standing outside the Golden Hill Street courthouse when police said members of the rival 150 Marina gang attempted to get him in a drive by shooting. Police managed to intervene, arresting three of the would be shooters and seizing two loaded handguns as horrified spectators looked on.

Despite having a target on his back, Francis attended trials of fellow gang members joking about his status.

Police said they had been patrolling the North End early Thursday morning when they spotted a black Lincoln sedan parked behind the library on Madison Avenue.

They said Francis was sitting in the drivers seat, the loaded handgun in full view next to him.

Police said they later determined the gun had been stolen in Georgia.

While Francis was arrested, police said the other three occupants of the car were released, including 20-year-old Undrea Spooda Kirkland who was found not guilty of attempted murder in August of another gang-related shooting.
BRIDGEPORT - A former employee of a training school has been charged with stealing students tuition money.

Fernando Fernandez, 28, of Jeffrey Street, West Haven, was charged Wednesday with third-degree larceny and was released after posting $5,000 bond.

Officials at the New England Tractor Trailer Training School recently complained that Fernandez had been stealing students money, police said.

Police said Fernandez took a total of $6,965 from three students to enroll them in the school and then used the money for himself. They said the theft was discovered when the students attempted to attend classes only to be told there was no record of them making tuition payments.

When police confronted Fernandez they said he admitted taking the money and said he did so because he has a gambling problem.

They said he was fired by the school.
Derby has awarded two sewage improvement contracts to begin upgrades on two of the citys four water stations, according to a statement from Mayor Anita Dugatto.

The contracts are part of a $31.2 million dollar bond approved by voters in fall of 2014.

Upgrading the pumps isnt the final wastewater management decision facing the city, according to Dugatto, who is considering a plan to regionalize the water treatment service as part of the final, wide-reaching upgrade.

We need to take a hard look at all our options each step of the way to ensure we are best serving the immediate and long-term needs of our taxpayers, Dugatto said.

That hard look will include a survey by the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments that is studying the feasibility of joining Ansonia, Naugatuck, Beacon

Falls, and Seymour into a consolidated regional service group.

So, implementation needs to remain a fluid process, Dugatto said, adding that the two pumps would need to be restored either way.

That fluid process of processing fluids will require oversight from the Connecticuts Department of Energy and Environmental

Protection (DEEP), according Derby Water Pollution Control Authority board chairman Jack Walsh.

The overhaul of Derbys outdated sewage treatment system is a massive undertaking, one that requires due diligence and careful planning, he said.

Dugatto was not available for comment Thursday afternoon. The the amounts of the awarded contracts and the names of the companies they went to were not listed in the citys statement.

Previous reports indicated the total cost for both pumps would be around $1.5 million.

cattanasio@ctpost.com / @viacedar
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Long Island Sound got the kind of report card Thursday that would earn a stern talking-to.

The Eastern Narrows, off Greenwich, Stamford and Darien earned a barely-passing C- for water quality.

And the Western Narrows, the very tip of the Sound that flows into the East River and then into New York City, got an F on the report card, which was issued by the New Haven-based environmental group Save the Sound.

Those areas are poorly flushed (by the Atlantic) and highly developed. We have a lot of people living in that watershed, and issues with water clarity and too many nutrients in the water, said Jamie Vaudrey, assistant professor of marine sciences at the University of Connecticut.

But the the Sound waters between Norwalk and the Housatonic River, including Stratford, Milford and Bridgeport shores, fared better with a solid B.

And there was an A- for the eastern end of the Sound, by New London, where the Atlantic Ocean water freely mixes in and scrubs out contaminants.

But as any parent, and all of the environmentalists at the press conference at Lighthouse Park in New Haven pointed out, all the grades can be improved.

Were over-fertilizing the Sound, which is causing algae and seaweed to bloom, which reduces the oxygen in the water, said Vaudrey, the marine sciences professor. The pollution gradient moves from west to east, and has two main causes.

More Information 2016 Report Card for L.I. Sound There is a clear gradient in water quality from the Western Narrows to the Eastern Long Island Sound. The Western Narrows is affected by the highly populated suburban-urban communities surrounding New York City, and received a very poor grade. Further east, the water quality improves, as pollution is diluted by increased water exchange with the Atlantic Ocean. See More Collapse

One is the human imprint, so many people living so close to the Sound, and the other is the geography of the Sound  it is shallow and narrow, she said.

I havent been in school in a long time, but any report card with an F on it is unacceptable, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said.

The western Sound got its poor grades because of New York City.

I love New York but it is the culprit here, with a lot of wastewater non-treatment, Blumenthal said.

Long Island Sound contributes $5.5 billion to the regions economy, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro said, in tourism, fisheries and related businesses.

What I want to know is, who has to sign this report card? the Congresswoman asked.

The state and local communities have invested millions in improvement sewage treatment plants along the shoreline  so much so that the target reduction in nitrogen reaching the Sound has been exceeded, said Robert Hust of Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The focus of the Long Island Sound cleanup has now shifted to reducing storm water runoff from paved areas and better management of septic systems, he said.

Curt Johnson, executive director of Save the Sound, said that a lot of measures to improve water quality in the western Sound have been implemented, but it will take awhile for the benefits to show up on a report.

One thing you can do right away is to reduce the amount of fertilizer that you put on your lawn, Johnson told the crowd gathered by the iconic lighthouse. And dont use any more fertilizer this year. The plants are going to sleep  they dont need to be fed.
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Paying cash at most New York and Massachusetts toll booths will soon be a thing of the past.

Yes, you will still have to pay.

Instead of stopping, sensors and cameras will be suspended over the highway. Vehicles with an E-Z Pass will be automatically charged, and non-E-ZPass vehicles will have their license plate recorded and a bill will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

The automated tolls are projected to significantly improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, save a million gallons of gas a year and decrease commuting time.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who announced the plan on Wednesday, said automatic tolling will be coming to all MTA bridges and tunnels by the end of next year. The seven MTA-operated bridges and its two tunnels, include the Whitestone, Throgs Neck and RFK Triborough bridges. The George Washington Bridge - operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey - is not included in the plan.

The move follows a national trend of toll authorities installiing automatic tolls, allowing drivers to proceed without stopping.

In Massachusetts, automatic tolling is coming at the end of October on the Massachusetts Turnpike, as well as all of the Boston tunnels and the Tobin Memorial Bridge. The all electronic tolling in the Bay State is expected to save the motoring public more than 800 hours of time every day, or 280,000 hours a year. The system will also save drivers up to 875,000 gallons of gasoline a year.

Like New York states plan, those without an E-Z Pass will be be sent a bill. Massachusetts, however, plans to add a pay-by-plate processing fee to cover mailing, processing and other costs.

What could all of this mean for currently toll-free Connecticut?

While no formal proposal has been made to bring back tolls to Connecticut highways, state officials have explored the idea.

In fact, a state commissioned study determined that that putting electronic tolls on all of Connecticuts highways could generate more than $62 billion in revenue over 25 years. Tolling can be a viable option for establishing a new, sustainable and equitable source of revenue for transportation investment in Connecticut, consultant CDM Smith said in the federally funded study on tolls obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media.

The study looked at various tolling possibilities, including border tolls, limited tolls on certain highways and express lanes, and concludes maximum revenue would be produced by placing tolls on all highways  I-95 and I-84, the Merritt Parkway and limited access state highways such as Route 8.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has distanced himself from placing tolls on state highways. A spokesman said Malloy has never proposed tolls or endorsed the contents of the study.

Connecticut ended its use of tolls in October 1985, more than two years after the fiery crash that killed six, when a sleeping truck driver crashed his rig into a line of vehicles at the Stratford tolls.

A Quinnipiac University poll last year found voters opposed 61 to 36 percent on putting tolls on Connecticut highways. But voters supported tolls 59 - 40 percent if the money is used to repair the state's roads and bridges.

Other ways to charge drivers are also being explored.

In June, a plan to look at how motorists could be charged a fee for miles driven on Connecticut roads was being met with fierce opposition and accusations of laying the groundwork for a new tax to fund transportation improvements. The controversy was sparked when lawmakers learned the I-95 Corridor Coalition, of which Connecticut is a member, had applied for federal money to set up a pilot program to study how mileage fees could be assessed and road miles counted.

Connecticut, along with Delaware, Pennsylvania, Vermont and New Hampshire, agreed to participate in a voluntary program to test the system. Connecticuts share in the studys cost is $300,000. In Connecticut, 50 volunteer motorists, mostly legislators and state officials, would test a fake vehicle miles tax.

State DOT officials said no one is considering a mileage tax, and stressed the grant application is simply a way to learn more about a levy being discussed across the country. One method of collecting a mileage tax involves plugging a small device into the computer port on the drivers side of a car, the same port mechanics use to check engine codes. Another method employs a GPS smartphone application to track miles and roads used. Both methods transmit data to a state agency or vender for taxing purposes and billing.
The Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding v. Rell is a potentially landmark legal challenge that could deal a body blow to the states inequitable education system.

Judge Moukawsher has given policymakers 180 days to address the disparities in public education between wealthy and poor communities of Connecticut. Still, we should recognize that proper calibration of education budgets, while absolutely necessary, is not sufficient to address the achievement and success gaps among our young people, as highlighted in recent news coverage.

The problem of poverty runs much deeper than school budgets. As Fairfield Board of Education chair Philip Dwyer put it: A suburban family can get their kids to museums, they can travel, can get special tutors, they can get enrichment classes suburban children have more enrichment activities before they even start public school than the typical urban child, and that makes a difference.

Beyond a budgetary gap affecting school supplies and bus routes, Dwyer and others are pointing to the pernicious development gap among our young people  a gap in the capacity to be worldly, engaged and engaging, curious, and able to see and seize upon new opportunities and experiences.

What sparks development includes the 3 Rs, but as most educators such as Dwyer appreciate, it must be complemented by exposure to a broad range of experiences outside of school, which are also powerful contributors to success. The state funding issue takes aim at the former, and it is in urgent need of resolution. However, real success will come only when we can complement adequate formal education with afterschool development opportunities that expand the vistas of youth in Bridgeport and other urban centers to the entire world.

Appreciation of the importance of outside-of-school enrichment activities is not new. In 1902, the 4-H Club, for example, was inaugurated to build better citizens; and there have been many iterations of enrichment programs since. However, in our urban communities, we as a society have under-invested in such programs that help kids grow as people and as learners.

Supporting these extracurricular activities is where a partnership between the public and private sectors can make a critical difference. Private, non-profit organizations, churches and other community institutions excel at offering innovative and flexible programming that focuses on self-respect, self-reliance and real-life experiences through exposure to the working world, training in grooming, deportment, normative behavior in the adult environment, etc.

I have been involved in a few of these programs here in Connecticut and in New Jersey. The Rutgers Future Scholars program, for example, invites economically disadvantaged seventh graders in Newark, Camden and other N.J. urban centers to join a pre-college preparatory pipeline, supplementing their schooling with academic, civic engagement and leadership activities and mentoring. If the students succeed in being admitted to Rutgers, the program covers their tuition for four years. The first cohort of Scholars graduated in 2014 and are engaged in professional work and graduate school. Although Rutgers is New Jerseys state university, only 21 percent of its annual budget comes from state appropriations - i.e., it is a public/private partnership.

In Bridgeport, the All Stars Project Inc., a fully privately funded not-for-profit where I volunteer, reaches out to students from poor backgrounds to provide a variety of enrichment experiences. A leader in afterschool development, now in six U.S. cities, the program capitalizes on research showing that development can be life changing and can even jumpstart young peoples interest and passion for learning. All Stars welcomes all students from our urban communities, irrespective of their academic accomplishments and capabilities.

All Stars Project co-founder, developmental psychologist Lenora Fulani, once said, Poor children fail in school because they are culturally, emotionally, and experientially underdeveloped. If kids are underdeveloped, they do not become learners. As young people grow, become more cosmopolitan, they find a reason and motivation to learn. Theyre fired up with curiosity and purpose.

The impacts are tangible: Growing up I never traveled or saw anything outside of Bridgeport, attests 16-year-old Valerie Plantaud, an alumna. I thought that only certain people could succeed and that I wasnt one of them. It was hard for me to think that I could be something more. But I learned to take risks and go for it.

These are but two examples of the kind of innovative and flexible private- or hybrid-funded development programs that can generate success stories for our youth. The resources to drive them primarily come from outside the urban communities whose residents they serve. Thus every community in Connecticut has a role to play in improving outcomes for our urban youth  through resolving inequities in public school funding and by supporting outside-of-school development.

The achievement gap among young people will not be breached short of suburban and urban neighbors coming together in partnership to improve the quality of outcomes for all of our youth, and incidentally, the outcome metrics of our schools. The commitment is financial, but even more its the human touch and engagement that we need. Its adults and young people from Fairfield, Greenwich and Bridgeport pulling together to support the development of our urban youth and of us all.

C. Edward (Chuck) Chaplin, a resident of Greenwich, is Director of the MGIC Investment Corporation and former President and Chief Financial Officer of MBIA. He serves as a member of the Rutgers Univ. Foundation Board of Overseers.
Contributed photo

We already know theres no love lost between Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. First it was Indianas religious freedom act that, according to critics, unfairly targeted Indianas LGBT community. And then it was Pences refusal to accept a Syrian refugee family, which Malloy subsequently allowed to settle in Connecticut. So Tuesday nights vice-presidential debate between Pence and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., presented Malloy with a perfect opportunity for snarky tweets.

And tweet he did.
Halloween activities for 2022

See what all goes bump in the night around Somerset County this Halloween season.
The Student Activities Council will host Tigers for Tatas Oct. 5 in the University Center from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event aims to inform University of Memphis students about the disease.

There are a lot of people affected by cancer, Ashton Toone, ideas and issues event committee leader of SAC, said. College students need to be more aware since college students are known for not taking care of their health.

Eight members from the committee will hand out T-shirts to the first 100 people. Students will be able to pose and take photos with an Instagram frame. They are encouraged pick up flyers with tips on how to check for breast lumps, information on what breast cancer is and information on the causes of breast cancer.

Tigers for Tatas also occurred last year in October, as did a small breast cancer awareness event before homecoming.
Five days ago, this paper said Theresa May remained something of an enigma after six years with her head down at the Home Office. Like the rest of the country, we wanted to know more about her vision for Britain and what makes her tick.

Yesterday, in straightforward language  and with the quiet assurance of a leader clear in her aims and confident of her ability to achieve them  she gave us the answers we sought.

Indeed, this was an historic speech, raising the curtain on a new age for Britain as a self-governing nation state  and telling us more in one hour about what the new Prime Minister stands for than we learned about David Cameron in his six years at the helm.

It was the speech of a woman who understands the great mass of British voters, whose fears and aspirations have been ignored by the political class for so long.

Above all, it was the speech of a woman who understands the great mass of British voters, whose fears and aspirations have been ignored by the political class for so long.

More than this, she actually likes the people fate has chosen her to lead, sharing their concerns and love of country with a genuine fellow-feeling unheard from an occupant of No 10 since the days of the great Margaret Thatcher.

True, many have remarked that parts of her speech  on workers rights, tax-dodging fat cats and state intervention  might have been written by Ed Miliband or even Jeremy Corbyn.

But this was no cynical, focus group-driven invasion of the Lefts territory  effective though it may be in attracting Labour voters dismayed by their partys descent into idiocy.

Many have remarked that parts of her speech  on workers rights, tax-dodging fat cats and state intervention  might have been written by Ed Miliband or even Jeremy Corbyn

Rather, the PM was voicing her own view (shared by millions, including this paper) that while capitalism is the engine of prosperity, it is too often abused to exploit the vulnerable and enrich the immoral.

Yes, this paper has some concerns about how Mrs Mays planned spending splurge on infrastructure will square with cutting the deficit  and we have worries about interventionism. It will also be a delicate balancing act to protect workers rights and crack down on fat cats without driving jobs elsewhere.

But since when have social justice, decent treatment of workers, efficient public services or, indeed, the NHS, been the exclusive province of the Left?

Meanwhile, can anyone imagine Mr Miliband (let alone Mr Corbyn) delivering the Prime Ministers passionate defence of our heroic armed forces: We will never again let those activist, Left-wing human rights lawyers harangue and harass the bravest of the brave?

Can anyone see Labour echoing her pledge to help savers and defend the Union and the family  or launching her savage attack on the arrogant liberal elite?

This was the day the Great Ignored and Disenfranchised finally found a powerful advocate in No 10

Just listen to the way a lot of politicians and commentators talk about the public, she said. They find your patriotism distasteful, your concerns about immigration parochial, your views about crime illiberal, your attachment to your job security inconvenient.

They find the fact that 17million voters decided to leave the European Union simply bewildering.

Indeed, this was the day the Great Ignored and Disenfranchised finally found a powerful advocate in No 10. Mrs May showed she understands Brexit was not just a cry for sovereignty and control of our borders. It was a howl of protest against corporate arrogance and the remote political elites who have taken voters for granted for decades.

Of course, with her slim majority and a hostile Lords, she will face huge difficulties. And in confronting that liberal elite, she has taken on a formidable enemy which will never give up.
But who does he remind me of? Watching Donald Trump on television the other day, this question kept nagging me.

His strange hair, like an airplane on a launch pad; his camp gestures; his over-expressive eyebrows, so at odds with the rest of his face . . .

His rambling non-sequiturs; his habit of constantly interrupting himself, mid-flow; the way he uses catch-phrases like stepping-stones, to manoeuvre himself from one rant to the next; his oddball face, part donkey, part chipmunk.

Who does he remind me of?

Frankie Howerd, left, is born again in US Presidential nominee Donald Trump, right, writes Craig Brown

And then there is the content of his speeches, their defiant outrage borne along on an undertow of self-pity.

And the way all his complaints of being got at are underpinned by a conviction that everything is going downhill, and that the world is out to get him. Woe, woe and thrice woe!

Yes, of course! It suddenly struck me that Donald J. Trump, the 2016 Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States of America, is the reincarnation of the late Frankie Howerd.

The two men undoubtedly share a strong physical resemblance.

The great Barry Cryer once memorably described Frankie Howerds remarkable hair: He used to scratch the back of his head when he was talking to you sometimes, and the hairpiece would go up and down like a pedal bin.

Donald Trumps hair is, in many ways, even more peculiar. So much care and attention has been lavished upon it, and all to such comical purpose.

Like Frankie Howerds, it resembles a pedal bin, but a pedal bin that for some reason is allowed to occupy the prime spot in the kitchen.

And, for all his self-confidence, Trump shares Frankie Howerds habit of looking ill-at-ease in his own clothes.

Howerd made a name for himself in television comedies including Up Pompeii, pictured

Trump has also had a stellar television career with The Apprentice, while he shares Howerd's habit of 'looking ill-at-ease in his own clothes

Loosen something! LOOSEN SOMETHING! Howerd would say, tugging the seat of his trousers in the middle of a speech, in a fruitless bid to re-jig them.

Theres nothing worse than your knickers out of focus, he would add.

The speeches of the two men share a stop-start quality.

They embark on a rambling shaggy-dog story, but interrupt their own flow, and then interrupt their own interruption.

Here is a transcript of Frankie Howerd talking about taking a pair of elephants on the London Underground: So I got a bit of string. And, I, um, tied it round their necks, ysee, and I led em out into the street!

'Oooh, I did feel a ninny! I tried to look as if I wasnt with em!

Anyway. Well! No! But the way people stared! Youd think theyd never seen two elephants going down the Underground before!

And I had a shocking  listen! Ere! Listen!  Yes! Ye may titter. Titter ye may!  I had a shocking time with em down this Underground!

Brown writes that Howerd, pictured, and Trump also share a 'strong physical resemblence'

Their pattern of speech, including a 'jerky rhythm', are another similarity between the men

Compare and contrast this elephant speech with the transcript of a recent rally speech by Donald Trump.

Talking at a conference centre in Roanoke, he interrupted his own call to make America great again, by suddenly rounding on the venue, saying: Everyones sweating and soaking wet, right?

'Heres the difference. Its not supposed to be so hot, so what they do is they turn the air con down to save money.

But here we are in a ballroom, right, and, right, right, so I dont know what hotel this is but were not going to get you paid, am I right?

'Its hot. Just to let you know, Im really good at this business, youd be surprised, but this is ridiculous...

These two monologues share the same jerky rhythm, the same tone of faux outrage, the same sense of jeopardy: at any point, the speaker seems about to lose the plot.

The politician has his catchphrases, just like the comedian.

Donald Trumps include I have to be honest and Apparently and You know what? and By the way and Its frightening.

He also pronounces the word huge in a funny way (Yuge).

Similarly, Frankie Howerd says, Oh, please yourselves! and Titter ye not and Shut your face and Not on your nelly! and Nay, nay and thrice nay!

He also pronounces Ooh no missus in a funny way (Ooooooh! Nywo! Missussss!).

Trump has published books, as did Howerd. Trumps include The Art Of The Deal and Think Big And Kick Ass In Business And Life.

The title of Frankie Howerds autobiography  On The Way I Lost It  is decidedly less forthright.

Oddly enough, both the politician and the comedian produced self-help books with the words How To in the title.
Said she empathised with those who lost embryos in recent monster storm

She and her husband lost 11 embryos during their journey to parenthood

Dianne Johnston, from NSW, has spoken of the emotional toll of IVF

The process of undergoing IVF is gruelling, both physically and emotionally.

So when news came last week that couples in South Australia had lost embryos after a power blackout at a fertility clinic, the ordeal tugged at the heartstrings of women everywhere.

None less so than Dianne Johnston, from NSW, who has herself struggled through the emotional toll of IVF.

Flinders Fertility in Adelaide experienced a power cut during a monster storm, and when back-up generators failed for a few minutes, it led to a number of embryos (not those belonging to Ms Johnston) being destroyed.

Dianne Johnston (pictured) also experienced the heartbreak of having embryos die at a different clinic

Whilst Ms Johnston was not affected, the families who had embryos at the clinic are in a situation that she can empathise with.

The 50-year-old from the Blue Mountains and her husband Shane had embryos they were about to have implanted die during an IVF cycle at a clinic elsewhere.

'Someone from the clinic called and said "I'm sorry but none of your embryos have survived",' Ms Johnston told Daily Mail Australia, recalling the event.

'I cant even begin to tell you the heartbreak', Ms Johnston said, of discovering the news that her embryos were no longer viable

'I told Shane and we both just cried. I cant even begin to tell you the heartbreak. it was completely soul destroying.'

It was especially difficult for the couple since they had to find and use an egg donor in order to become parents.

In the end Ms Johnston said her cousin donated her eggs twice.

Tragically, those implantations resulted in miscarriages, and Ms Johnston said that when she discovered her remaining embryos had died it was very emotional.

'I dont know if you can even describe how it feels,' Ms Johnston said. 'Theyre your babies on ice, waiting for you. Theyre yours, theyre part of you.'

'Until you've been through IVF you don't understand' Ms Johnston said, referring to the heartbreak of losing embryos

Ms Johnston and her husband Shane (pictured) eventually travelled to South Africa in a bid for a family

'It takes so much, emotionally, financially and physically, to get to that point. So when they were gone it was heartbreaking.'

She says that she feels hugely for those who lost embryos in the South Australian storm.

Jo Posgate, 45, was one of those affected. She previously told Daily Mail Australia that she felt a 'huge amount of loss' after being informed that 12 of her embryos - stored at Flinders Fertility - had been destroyed in the blackout.

Ms Posgate's sentiments are echoed by Ms Johnston.

'Some people might say its just embryos, but until youve been through IVF you dont understand,' Ms Johnston said.

After her own loss, Ms Johnston had two more IVF rounds with another donor, a friend, which sadly resulted in two more miscarriages.

But her story has a happy ending.

Ms Johnston's story has a happy ending. After a final attempt at IVF she fell pregnant and this year welcomed a baby boy, Liam

After travelling to South Africa for a last chance at IVF, she fell pregnant in mid 2015 and gave birth to a baby boy, Liam, on February 26 this year.

In November she plans to return to South Africa in a bid to fall pregnant again.

Now the mum runs a website called Egg Donor Angels, which she started when trying to find her own donor.
Despite losing most of her sight to a tumour on her optic nerve, six-year-old Eliza Pettitt has a great eye for art.

The little girl from Collaroy, North Sydney, was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour aged two and took up drawing as a way to kill time in the recovery room.

She has had plenty of time to practice - undergoing four operations to remove recurring tumour cells since the mass was spotted four years ago.

Practice makes perfect: Eliza Pettitt used the countless hours she spent in recovery to brush up on her drawing skills

Aspiring artist: Eliza hoped to be an artist when she grew up. Pictured is her drawing of a bird which was selected for display at the Open Art Exhibition

Although the tumour was benign, it left Eliza close to blind in her left eye and with about 50 per cent vision in her right eye.

Mother Belinda, 47, said her daughter developed her artistic talent in the countless hours she had spent in recovery.

'She just sits down and draws. She always has,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'She's got a lot of time on her hands with the recovery and she just loves to sit around and draw.'

Joyous little girl: Mother Belinda (left) said her daughter Eliza was a happy little girl who loved going to school

One of the budding artist's drawings was nominated by her teachers for the Operation Art Exhibition run by Westmead Children's Hospital.

The colourful drawing of a bird was chosen for display in the exhibition at the Armory Gallery in Sydney's Olympic Park.

'Eliza was very excited. She had just come out of surgery when the teacher rang to tell her she'd be chosen. She was very happy,' Mrs Pettitt said.

Very excited: Eliza was over the moon when her teachers nominated her for the Open Art Exhibition run by Westmead Children's Hospital

Mrs Pettitt said her daughter was a 'joyous' little girl who aspired to be an artist when she got older.

'Everybody knows her and everybody loves her. She's such a happy and joyous little girl.'

Eliza's vision appeared to be stable at the moment and she was in good enough health she had recently been allowed to return to school, Mrs Pettitt said.

'Shes recovering very well and she loves going to school.
A mother who suffered six miscarriages paid tribute to each of them in a dramatic photo shoot to celebrate the arrival of her 'rainbow baby'.

Jessica Mahoney, 36, and her husband Kevin, 40, struggled with fertility issues after the birth of their first child Corbin, four.

To celebrate the impending arrival of their second baby in November, the couple from Hartford, Connecticut decided to mark each of the miscarriages with a smoke bomb in a rainbow-themed photo shoot.

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Dramatic: Jessica Mahoney, from Hartford, Connecticut, pictured celebrating her second pregnancy in a 'rainbow' photoshoot, had six miscarriages after the birth of her first child

Happy couple: To celebrate the arrival of her baby, due in November, Jessica, 36, pictured with Kevin, 40, starred in a colorful smoke-filled photo shoot

Mother and son: The couple struggled with fertility issues after the birth of their first child Corbin, four, pictured with Jessica

Jessica, who works at a children's medical center, said she wanted to help others by sharing the happy result of their 'dark and lonely' journey.

'Six babies lost to have the honor to carry this rainbow baby,' Jessica told family and friends.

'I hope my story helps someone else to know they are not alone, as the journey of loss and infertility is dark and lonely.'

Kevin and Jessica wanted to do something special to mark the event - especially after they were let down by their maternity photographer four years ago who did not give them their photos.

Jessica came up with the theme which prompted the idea of attempting to form their own rainbow with smoke bombs.

The arresting and unusual picture has become an online sensation after it was shared by one the photographers on Facebook where it has attracted the admiration of thousands.

Photographer JoAnn Marrero, of From Labor to Love, who co-created the pictures with Mary Maloney, of Pebbles & Polkadots, said the end result took months of planning.

JoAnn, who is a friend and neighbor of the couple, told Daily Mail Online: 'I was touched by Kevin's words and his goal of making sure that, this time, his wife would get all the maternity photos that she always dreamed of having.

'Jess wanted something rainbow-inspired because of the many fertility struggles she and Kevin had encountered, and so I knew I had to do something extra special for her family.

Not alone: Jessica, pictured with her son Corbin, said she wanted to help others by sharing the happy result of their 'dark and lonely' journey

Resonates: The resulting picture has become an online sensation after it was shared by the photographer JoAnn Marrero and her co-creator Mary Maloney online

Intense color: A video shows a bright pink smoke bomb being set off, pictured, during the shoot

'My vision for part of their session was to create our own rainbow with colorful smoke bombs.

'Jess and I had been emailing back and forth and we were so excited to do this.'

She said the shoot was 'crazy fun' - their hair and clothes got color-stained in the process - but also 'emotional' after they achieved the affect they were aiming for.

A video on Mary's Instagram account shows a pink smoke bomb going off as Jessica stood in a clearing in the woods.

JoAnn said: 'There was dense, vibrant smoke everywhere. It was quite the explosive surprise and really funny.

'One by one, each smoke bomb was set and with each burst of color we watched this portrait coming to life behind my lens...

'Through our rainbow haze, Jess stood with composure and her pregnancy glow came shining through like the sun.'

She added: 'It was very emotional for Jess and Kevin because of the meaning.
They're the pint-sized fashionistas taking the runway by storm.

On Friday more than 100 children took to the catwalk at Australia's only dedicated children's fashion festival: Kidz Fashion Week.

The Melbourne event saw children from five years old model clothes by Australia's leading brands and designers, but it was their smiles that really stole the show.

Mini fashionistas: More than 100 children have taken to the catwalk for Kidz Fashion Week

Tutu adorable: Girls dressed in gowns with full tulle skirts, ballet flats and gold boots as they showed some sass on the runway

Showing attitude: One boy pointed his fingers at the camera as he struck a pose at the end of the catwalk in distressed denim shorts, a printed t-shirt and unbuttoned collared shirt

Kidz Fashion Week was held at Amora Riverwalk in Melbourne on Friday, September 30.

The event showcased the latest in fashion, while supporting diversity.

Children from all backgrounds, cultures and sizes took part in the runway show.

Incredible: The kids had fun on the catwalk as they showed off their incredible gymnastics skills

Turning fashion on its head: Two girl performed incredible flips as they modelled for Cosi G

Pretty in prints: Prints and pastels were popular on the runway as one model wore a pretty printed dress with pink trim

Strike a pose: The kids gave it their all as they crouched down to the crowd

The children modelled everything from kids couture to casual day wear.

Unlike a regular catwalk where models keep a straight face, the children had fun with the event.

Photos show them waving to the crowd and striking a pose at the end of the catwalk, smiling all the while.

Some event went as far as to perform aerobic tricks down the runway, such as aerial cartwheels

Teen fashion: Young women wore printed soft blue dresses (left), denim dresses (centre) and soft pink off the shoulder frocks (right) on the catwalk

Adorable: Two little girls wore lace dresses with tulle skirts and sparkling ballet flats

Here they come! The children posed with hands on hips as they stormed the runway

On the runway were designs by Myer Kids, Myer Miss Shop, Target, SUDO Kids, Designer Kidz, Sunset Lane, Le Tutu, Cosi G, Mad Mia, Saej Design, and Radicool Australia.

Little girls wore soft pastel dresses with layered tulle skirts, and pink tutu's paired with edgy black lace-up boots.

Pastels and prints dominated the runway for the girls while boys wore shorts and printed t-shirts or collared shirts.

Sun safe! Knee-length swimwear, rash vests and water safe hats dominated the swimwear range

Quirky: Tutus paired with lace up boots, tights and crops made up the MadMia collection

All smiles: The children's smiles and enthusiasm outshone the clothes as they appeared to have a ball

The children also took the catwalk in swimwear, including knee-length swim shorts, waterproof hats and rash shirts.

Leading the pack were three children from Channel 9's show House Husbands: Lily Jones, Madison Torres-Davy and Allegra Volange.

This is the third time Kidz Fashion Week has been held.
First there was The Dress that divided the Internet.

Now it is The Bag that is causing debate among people online.

A perplexing photo of a new Kate Spade handbag has keen fashion spotters baffled with the question: Is the bag white or blue?

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White or blue? Taylor Corso posted this photo to Twitter on Wednesday and was immediately complimented on her 'nice white purse'

It's obvious: Many were quick to point out the obvious; that the bag was clearly white

Think again: The bag's owner, Taylor Corso, fuelled the debate by insisting the bag was blue

Taylor Corso, from the United States, posted a photo of the handbag to Twitter on Wednesday and was immediately complimented on her 'nice white purse'.

She had no idea her innocuous reply, 'It's blue', would spark a fierce debate and thousands of replies.

'Oh come on, please. It is clearly white,' one sceptic wrote on Twitter.

'It is white to me, sorry to ruin the fun,' another added.

It's blue: Another photo of the bag was then posted, pointing out that designer Kate Spade described the colour as Mystic Blue

'Definitely blue': Despite widespread scepticism, the bag's owner insisted the colour was blue

Definitive: One handbag enthusiast used their forensic skills to settle the colour of the bag once and for all

Ms Corso responded by posting a second photo which, in a different light, clearly showed the bag was blue.

Some suggested the white appearance of the bag was caused by her camera automatically adjusting the light of the photo.

The debate dredged up memories of the The Dress that divided the Internet in 2015.

The two-toned frock sparked a fierce online debate, with users arguing whether the dress was blue and black or gold and white.

Remember this? The debate over the handbag was similar to the internet squabble over this dress in 2015. Users fiercely debated whether the dress was black and blue (left) or white and gold (right)

The truth: The dress was revealed to be black and blue, with scientists explaining the misunderstanding was a trick of the light

The photograph that started the internet storm was taken by Cecilia Bleasdale, from Scotland, while she was deciding what to wear to her daughter's upcoming wedding.

Ms Bleasdale sent the picture of the frock to her daughter, Grace, to ask the bride-to-be what colour she thought the dress was.

It was quickly picked up by bloggers, news outlets and Twitter users, who spent the better part of two days trying to resolve the debate.

Scientists were eventually called to settle the squabble, concluding the dress was black and blue, with a trick of the light explaining the difference in perception.
Crown Princess Mary, Prince Frederik and the Danish royal family have attended the opening of Parliament in suitably fashionable style.

The Australian-born princess and her family were photographed at Christiansborg Palace on October 4 for the beginning of the Danish parliamentary year.

Before stepping inside the palace Mary, who wore a blue fedora adorned with soft feathers, greeted Queen Margrethe, Princess Marie and Princess Benedikte, who also wore head pieces for the occasion.

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Royal duties: Crown Princess Mary attended Christiansborg Palace for the opening of parliament

Warm welcome: The Crown Princess and Queen Margrethe greeted outside the palace, Margrethe in a red coat and matching hat and Mary in a white peplum coat and navy fedora

Royalty speaking: Mary spoke with Princess Marie (centre), who wore a soft pink fascinator, and Princess Benedikte (right) who opted for a soft brown hat and blue coat

The new parliamentary year started on October 4 with the first sitting of the Chamber at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.

The Royal family were invited, along with official guests.

Mary, Frederik and the family were greeted on the red-carpet clad steps of the palace by the Presidium, led by Speaker Pia Kjrsgaard.

Before parliament was seated a service was held at Christiansborg Palace Church.

Talking politics: The royal family sat together for the opening of the parliamentary year in Christiansborg Palace

Formal arrival: Mary and Frederik were greeted by the Presidium, led by Speaker Pia Kjrsgaard

In the navy: Mary opted for a navy A-line skirt, hat, pumps and gloves paired with a white peplum blazer

Jewel in the crown: The princess completed the look with diamond stud earrings and a sapphire and diamond brooch

Mary paired her navy fedora with a white peplum blazer and navy A-line skirt that fell to her knees.

Under her arm she tucked a navy snakeskin clutch and wore a navy glove on her left hand, which held a bunch of flowers.

She finished the look with a sapphire and diamond brooch and navy pumps.

Ever-stylish: Mary waved a gloved hand from the window of her car

Elegant: She carried with her a navy snakeskin clutch and a bunch of yellow, orange and soft pink blooms

Something wrong, Mary? While in Parliament the princess appeared to open her eyes wide in surprise

The parliamentary sitting came just days after Mary and Frederik returned from a trip to the US.

The couple visited Washington D.C and Boston as part of their four-day business tour.

There Mary and Frederik attended a ball at the Smithsonian Arts and Industry building and met with the Governor Massachusetts Charles D. Baker at the Boston Statehouse.
Owner Gayle Avery said neighbours would not get high if it burnt down

The hempcrete was made using five hundred bales of hemp from Holland

They built the walls using a specially-mixed, breathable 'hempcrete'

Hemp comes from the fibre of cannabis plants and is known to be strong

A New Zealand couple used hemp to build their $1million house

A Kiwi couple are giving new meaning to the concept of 'green living' by using cannabis to build their new house.

Gayle and Greg Whitham mixed 500 bales of industrial cannabis, or hemp, into the concrete walls of their home in Taranaki, New Zealand.

The self-described 'law abiding' couple chose to build their house with 'hempcrete' because it was sustainable, breathable and good at retaining heat.

'No one will know': Owner Gayle Whitham said that once the walls were plastered, no one would know the house was made from hemp

Green living: Gayle and Greg Whitham used a specially blended 'hempcrete' to build the walls of their house. A builder is pictured above moulding the hempcrete

The high life: 500 hemp bales were imported to build the house which featured on Grand Designs NZ. Pictured is presenter Chris Moller at a hemp plantation in the Netherlands

Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of the cannabis plant that is commonly used to make rope, clothes and textiles.

It is also gaining popularity as hempcrete, a lightweight building material known for its heat-retaining properties.

Mrs Whitham said environmental concerns trumped cost when the couple chose the plant to build their 320 square metre French-style farmhouse.

'We wanted a material that is environmentally friendly and hemp fitted the bill. It is tough and durable, and costs about the same as using traditional building materials,' she told the New Zealand Herald.

Tough and durable: Gail (left) and Greg (right) chose to use hemp in the construction because it is sustainable, breathable and good at retaining heat

Fitted the bill: Hemp was a ideal choice to build the couple's $1million, 320 square metre home in the rural town of Taranaki, Mrs Whittam said

Rustic: The house was described as a rustic French-style farmhouse with a modern twist

The hemp used in the construction of the $1million house  all five hundred bales worth - was grown in Holland and imported to New Zealand.

Although the property might raise some eyebrows  it is believed to be one of the first hemp houses in New Zealand  Mrs Whittam said neighbours had nothing to worry about.

It was impossible to tell what the house was built from, she said, and it posed no environmental risk if it burnt down.

'Once the house was plastered inside and out, you could never tell the walls are made of vegetation,' she said.

She added: 'You would have to smoke a high plantation of the stuff before you got high.'
She found fame as one fifth of Girls Aloud but with a second baby on the way, life is more about changing nappies than showbiz parties for Kimberley Walsh these days - and she couldn't be happier.

The 34-year-old pop star and actress, who has a toddler, Bobby, with husband Justin Scott, is getting set to welcome another baby to the family later this year.

Unlike many glossy celebrity mothers who make juggling motherhood with work commitments look like a breeze, down-to-earth Kimberley admits it's not always as easy as it seems.

Kimberley Walsh, 34, is getting set to welcome her second child and has spoken candidly about her pregnancy with FEMAIL as she throws her support behind Pampers and UNICEF's Amazing Babies campaign - a cause close to her heart

'Motherhood is a lot harder than I realised,' she told FEMAIL. 'There's no off switch 24/7 and it changes your life but I am ready for it. Life will never be the same again - but in a good way, of course.'

Kimberley has certainly proved to be a hands-on mother, saying that having a baby has totally changed her perspective on life. 'It sounds cliche but they become your sole priority and it softens you and brings our your emotional side,' she said.

The star, who says she's been lucky with a fairly easy second pregnancy, adds that she can completely empathise with new mothers, admitting: 'I am so tired a lot of the time, it can be tough to get that balance but I know I am in a privileged position where I've been able to work things around Bobby.'

Indeed, Kimberley reveals she has a 'few TV projects on the go' and has been attending workshops for a new musical but 'can't commit right now' because of the imminent arrival of her second child.

'I've been spoiled and feel so lucky to have been able to try so many things,' she added.

'Motherhood is a lot harder than I realised,' she told FEMAIL as she shows off her bump in the new shoot. 'There's no off switch 24/7 and it changes your life but I am ready for it. Life will never be the same again - but in a good way, of course'

Kimberley says that having a baby has totally changed her perspective on life, bringing out her 'softer' and more 'emotional side'

Kimberley, who looks stunning posing in the campaign imagery, said: 'I feel hugely honoured to be supporting the Pampers-UNICEF campaign in its 11th year. As a mum to Bobby, and expecting my second child later this year, I feel great empathy with other mothers around the world'

Aside from her work commitments, Kimberley, who is still best friends with Girls Aloud bandmates Cheryl and Nicola, says she's been making time for her girlfriends and often enjoys spa days with them as a treat.

She has also been lending her support to Pampers and UNICEF's Amazing Babies campaign - a cause close to her heart. Pampers donates one vaccine against tetanus for every pack of Pampers sold through their 1 Pack = 1 Vaccine campaign  helping UNICEF to eliminate Maternal & Newborn Tetanus (MNT) now in 19 countries.

With 19 countries left, Pampers and UNICEF are now half way towards achieving the goal of eliminating MNT from the world.

Kimberley, who poses with a baby in the shoot, added: 'The reason Im so passionate about this campaign is that mums and dads here in the UK can make a very real difference'

Kimberley, who looks stunning posing in the campaign imagery, said: 'I feel hugely honoured to be supporting the Pampers-UNICEF campaign in its 11th year. As a mum to Bobby, and expecting my second child later this year, I feel great empathy with other mothers around the world who, just as I do, want nothing more than to deliver a happy, healthy baby.

'The reason Im so passionate about this campaign is that mums and dads here in the UK can make a very real difference by doing nothing more than buying the Pampers that they need for their little ones; 500,000 babies lives have been already saved from maternal and newborn tetanus! Its phenomenal and makes me feel very proud of what we can achieve together.
A plastic surgeon has earned himself a cult following on social media thanks to his graphic photographs from the operating table.

Dr. Siamak Agha, who is based in Newport Beach, California, specialises in 'extreme makeovers' and is dedicated to giving women the derrieres of their dreams.

His dramatic before and after pictures show the extent of their makeovers with patients' buttocks appearing rounder and firmer - albeit at a price, with painful-looking stitches covering their bodies.

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One of Dr. Agha's patients was left with a deep scar across the bottom of their torso following surgery in which he took lower and mid-fat back to transfer into their outer buttocks

Dr. Agha uses a technique he's dubbed 'revision plastic surgery' which involves taking unwanted fat from a patient's body using liposuction - and then transferring it elsewhere to create enviable curves that would make even Kim Kardashian jealous.

This type of surgery is on the rise on both sides of the pond; according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 14,705 butt augmentations using fat grafts were performed last year, up 28 per cent on 2014.

Meanwhile, last year saw a sharp increase in the popularity of cosmetic surgery in the UK with fat transfer operations up three by percent.

According to Dr. Agha's Instagram page - which is not for the faint-hearted - the transformation is often immediate.

A recent patient from Florida, came to Dr. Agha after losing 100lbs (7stone 2lbs) left her with saggy skin. She had a 'total body lift' including a buttocks lift using 'fat pads' from her back

Dr. Agha also worked on one Danish patient who opted for a 'Brazilian butt lift' along with a thigh lift and liposuction, rendering her figure virtually unrecognisbale

A recent patient, a woman in her late forties from Florida, came to Dr. Agha after losing 100lbs (7stone 2lbs) left her with saggy skin.

She went for a 'total body lift' including a buttocks lift using 'fat pads' from her lower back - and the immediate after photographs, which notched up dozens of likes, showed her with a visibly more pert posterior.

He also worked on one Danish patient who opted for a 'Brazilian butt lift' along with a thigh lift and liposuction, rendering her figure virtually unrecognisbale.

To accompany his pictures, Dr. Agha often provides in-depth descriptions of how he got the desired results.

Sharing before and after pictures of a patient who had undergone a buttock lift, outer thigh lift and liposuction, Dr. Agha explained: 'Over 14 inches of skin was cut on the side'

One patient had a Brazilian butt lift using fat from several areas of her body including her abdomen, love handles and lower back - with surprisingly natural-looking results

In one example, sharing before and after pictures of a patient who had undergone a buttock lift, outer thigh lift and liposuction, he explained: 'Over 14 inches of skin was cut on the side.'

Another patient was left with a deep scar across the top of their buttocks following surgery. Dr. Agha explained: 'Today the patient underwent revision #plastic surgery as well as loose skin excision.

'Patient had #liposuction of lower and midback, #fattransfer to outer buttocks indentations, as well as a #LowerBodyLift with #buttockslist, #outerthighlift, #monsplasty, #tummytuckrredo, #liposuction of thigh fronts and flanks, #fattransfer above the knees and into thigh indentations.'

One patient had a Brazilian butt lift using fat from several areas of her body including her abdomen, love handles and lower back - with surprisingly natural-looking results.

The immediate after photographs of Dr. Agha's anonymous 'Florida patient', which notched up dozens of likes, showed her with a visibly more pert posterior following surgery

Dr Agha's Instagram page, which has almost 500 followers, is just one of many fuelling the trend for so-called 'procedure porn' thanks to accounts such as @drpimplepopper, run by dermatologist Dr Sandra Lee, and plastic surgeon Michael Salzhauers @therealdrmiami.

But some experts have expressed reservations over the growing trend, with consultant plastic surgeon Marc Pacifico telling comparethetreatment.com: 'I have significant concerns and reservations about this  on a number of levels.

'There is the consent aspect  and whether the patients really understand what pictures may be taken and how they may be used.

'Also, there is the overt marketing and cavalier image that is being portrayed on what can be very major surgery.
A sperm donor claims he has fathered up to 100 children in four years after offering his 'services' on Facebook free of charge.

Matt Stone, 37, from Raleigh in North Carolina, says he is contacted by 'ten people a day' through social media who are seeking his help to conceive.

The single father-of-two has a whole Facebook album dedicated to his 'successes' where he posts pictures of the many children he has fathered.

Matt says he is contacted by 'ten people a day' through Facebook who are seeking his services - something he started doing four years ago after a temporary job in a sperm bank

Matt's first experience in sperm donation was more than a decade ago, when he temporarily worked for a sperm bank.

Then, four years ago, he launched the Facebook page called Matt Stone (Shipping Donor) where he offers his sperm to couples and single women - providing they pass his vetting process.

In his questionnaire, he asks about their background, income and even checks out how their relationships appear online, all to ensure the children will be born into happy families.

There is no national law regulating sperm donation in the US, but the Association Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends that any payments for sperm donations should only be compensatory - if at all.

Four years ago, Matt started his own Facebook page called Matt Stone (Shipping Donor) where he offers his sperm to couples and single women - providing they pass his vetting process

One of Matt's 'success stories': 'Born at 9:49am 7 lbs 8 oz. Mom and baby are doing great!' Matt has at least 70 known children but believes there could be well over 100 altogether

Another baby fathered by Matt. He wrote: 'Today was a very happy day. I found out about a success earlier today, and then later today I got a message that this beautiful girl was just born'

Matt claims to help up to eight people a week, and as many as 20 women could currently be carrying his children.

To date, he has at least 70 known children but believes there could be well over 100 as some recipients don't report successful pregnancies to them.

Matt, who works in IT, said: 'With every successful pregnancy it's incredibly rewarding, I've helped couples with fertility issues and those in gay marriages to have the dream they would never otherwise be able to have.

'My sister, who recently turned 43, didn't try to have kids until it was way too late, so she never had any children.

'She thinks what I do is great, in essence I've made up for the fact that she didn't have children.'

Matt with the parcels he sends to recipients across the country - if they can survive his vetting through a questionnaire. He said: 'I don't want to see the offspring in bad situations'

Matt holds up one of the syringes used for the artificial insemination. He said his sister was unable to conceive and 'she thinks I've made up for the fact that she didn't have children'

He added: 'All my donations are for free, I'm looking to help people and not to make money off anyone, financially I'm very happy.

'Sperm banks are incredibly expensive and I don't think they always have the couple's best interests at heart.

'I feel the reproductive medical companies find situations where people have to pay more and more for a chance to become parents, which is really unfair.'

Matt says his clientele are 90 per cent lesbian couples, five per cent straight couples and five per cent single females - and is overwhelmed by the amount of people seeking his services.

He explained: 'Currently, there could be between ten to 20 people carrying the children.

Recent scans from triplets - two boys and a girl - that Matt has recently fathered. The mother, who does not want to be named, is celebrating triplet joy after using his services

The second baby in a set of triplets that Matt helped to conceive. He says his clientele are 90 per cent lesbian couples, five per cent straight couples and five per cent single females

Baby number three in the set of triplets. Matt, who is single but has two children of his own, says he is overwhelmed by the amount of people seeking his services

'I have 70 guaranteed conceptions, but I could have up to a third more; it's usually a one-off interaction and you don't always hear anything more from them so I could have many more children.

'I have a fairly strong success rate of helping people conceive. The majority of the people contact me because they know I'm in high demand, I'm donating to multiple people a week.

'Once, I donated to four people in two days and three fell pregnant. Often I get contacted by as many as ten people per day, so I try to systematically filter down who I work with.

'I've only met one of the children, I keep things mainly online and feel that me being involved would create a confusion.

A box containing supples Matt uses when sending his sperm across the country. He also does natural insemination but says he prefers artificial

Some more of Matt's supplies. The sperm donor believes people pick him because he's 'successful in helping people to get pregnant and I have a good manner of professionalism'

'I keep my distance, as I don't want the children to see me as an absentee father, the child's parents are their parents in my eyes.'

Matt's recipients must first be put pass his questionnaire. He explained: 'I care a lot about the well-being of the future children and screen the parents, I don't want to see the offspring in bad situations.

'When screening, I look to see if there has been negativity in their lives, if they have complaints about their relationship, if they're employed, if it looks like they have a healthy, stable home life, and their age.'

Matt as a little boy. The single father of two even has a whole Facebook album dedicated to his 'successes' where he posts pictures of the adorable tots that he has fathered

SPERM DONATION IN THE US There is no national law regulating Third Party Reproduction (through sperm donation, for example) in the US. The Association Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) publishes guidelines, but they are not enforceable by law. The ASRM recommends that payments for sperm donations should only be compensatory, and never reach such a level that they may become the main motivation a man to donate his sperm. In practice, most sperm donors are usually compensated of between $50 and $200 per donation. Source: CoParents.com Advertisement

Matt says his most popular service is artificial insemination - but he does also offer natural conceptions as long as the individual provides clear STI tests.

He added: 'The large reason people go with me is I'm pretty successful in helping people to get pregnant and I have a good manner of professionalism.

'I'm fairly fit, I do cross-fit a couple of times a week, fencing and a lot of swimming, I used to be a lifeguard too.

'I have an advanced degree in business, no health problems or genetic history of heart problems in the family.'

Matt hopes to have more children of his own in future and says eventually as he gets older he'l eventuallyl leave his secret sperm donating life behind him.

Matt said: 'I'll keeping doing this until I'm 45. A lot of couples come back to me for second children, so I figure when I hit that age I'll have to stop accepting new people.'
She's well known for her love of Spanish designer Felipe Varela and today Queen Letizia recycled one of her favourite piece from the brand.

The Queen of Spain stepped out in a plum coloured floral print skirt by the clothes maker that she was first pictured wearing during a visit to Mexico in 2014.

The mother-of-two who is well known for keeping a close eye on her physique and so had no trouble slipping into her two year old skirt that still fitted like a glove.

Queen Letizia of Spain looked elegant in a burgundy Felipe Varela printed skirt today as she visited the El Prado Museum in Madrid

Always with an eye for coordination the former journalist paired her burgundy skirt with a plum coloured blouse as she arrived at the El Prado Museum in Madrid.

The 44-year-old royal showcased further accents of the colour with purple earrings and a slick of berry lipstick.

Letizia attended the Friends of Prado Museum Foundation where she joined other members for the annual event.

The Queen of Spain stepped out in a graphic floral print skirt that she was first pictured wearing during a visit to Mexico in 2014

Letizia added further plum accents to her outfit with a slick of berry lipstick and eyeshadow

The Spanish royal looked right at home among dozens of suited businessmen as she joined them for a talk in the museum.

Today marks Letizia's third engagement of the week with the hardworking royal spotted out and about on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Yesterday the Queen of Spain posed for a photograph with a group of leather clad motorcyclists at the annual Red Cross event known as 'Dia de la Banderita'.

Letizia attended the Friends of Prado Museum Foundation where she joined other members for the annual event

The mother-of-two looked right at home among dozens of suited businessmen as she joined them for a talk in the museum

During the event the queen also received donations for the 'Dia de la Banderita' at the Red Cross headquarters.

During today's engagement Letizia met with the Secretary of State for Equality and Social Services, Susana Camarero, President of the Red Cross Spain, Javier Senent among others before attending a debate on childhood.

Tuesday saw the queen travel to Mondonedo for the inauguration ceremony at the San Rosendo de Mondonedo Secondary School.

Yesterday Queen Letizia made some unlikely friends in the form of leather clad bikers at the Red Cross Dia de la Banderita event in Madrid

The queen also greeted those who were making donations to the Red Cross Charity on Wednesday such as this man pictured

Queen Letizia poses with Secretary of State for Equality and Social Services, Susana Camarero (3L), President of the Red Cross Spain, Javier Senent (3L), amongst others as she arrives to attend a debate on childhood at this morning's event

The event will see the former journalist welcome the new students taking part in the 2016 vocational course at the school.

With the colder weather setting in the 44-year-old royal ditched her signature lighter fabrics in favour of a cosier wool cape.

The queen has attended all of her engagements solo this week leaving husband King Felipe VI at home.

On Tuesday Queen Letizia of Spain covered up her famously slender frame today in a loose fitting cape as she arrived at a secondary school in the town of Mondonedo
A couple have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by wearing the same outfits they wore on their big day, and they were still a perfect fit.

Carole-Ann, 71, and Jim Stanfield, 74, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, have just celebrated their golden wedding anniversary - and they were stunned to discover Carole-Ann's wedding dress and Jim's suit are still a perfect fit half a century later.

Their outfits had been gathering dust in the loft, but when granddaughter Hayley came to visit she found the gown when she went to look for some family photos.

Carole-Ann, 71, and Jim Stanfield, 74, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by wearing the same outfits they wore on their wedding day. Pictured: The couple in their attire

Hayley, from Yorkshire, begged her grandparents to try on the outfits - and they were gobsmacked to discover they still fitted as well as they did on their wedding day on October 1 1966.

Carole-Ann and Jim decided to bring the outfits back to life and wear them to thier party celebrating their milestone anniversary.

Guests at the party, many of whom were at the wedding 50 years ago, were shocked to see the pair decked out in their original wedding gear.

Despite it being half a century since they last wore their outfits Carole-Ann and James were shocked to discover they still fitted perfectly. Pictured: The couple on their wedding day

After being persuaded to try on the outfits by their granddaughter Hayley, the couple decided to wear them to their party for golden wedding anniversary (pictured)

Carole-Ann, a retired sales negotiator, said: 'When Hayley discovered we still had our wedding outfits, she said we should try them on to see if they still fit.

'Jim went up and dug them out - Hayley insisted we put them on, but I said no - they'd been in the loft and they were dusty and smelly.

'But she begged and pleaded, so we did it for her - we were gobsmacked when we discovered they still fitted perfectly.

'She said we should have a party wearing them, and we thought that since we could still get into them we'd have a big party to celebrate our golden anniversary.

To celebrate their anniversary, Carole-Ann and Jim added two hearts to their wedding rings (pictured), made from precious gold that Jim found with his metal detector

'A lot of people knew we were going to wear them, but they were still stunned to see us in them.

'A lot of people who came were also there for our wedding day, so it was really special.

'They were all shocked to see us in the original outfits again - but they all said it still looked stunning.

We have very different interests and hobbies, but the laughter is what keeps us strong

'Hayley wanted us to renew our vows too, so she could be a bridesmaid - but we've always stuck to our original vows, so we didn't see the point.'

The pair, who originally honeymooned in Malta, are now planning a second honeymoon to Turkey.

Carole-Ann, who has two children and six grandchildren with Jim, said the secret to their long and happy marriage is plenty of laughter.

The pair met at the men's club where Jim worked in 1962, four years before they wed - and although it took him three months to win her over, they have been together ever since.

James and Carole-Anne say Hayley wanted them to renew their vows but point out there is no need as they have always stuck to their old ones. Pictured on their wedding day

Carole-Ann added: 'Jim loved my big blonde hair, and I loved his humour - he is such a comedian and always makes me laugh. I think that's the key.

'We have very different interests and hobbies, but the laughter is what keeps us strong.'

To celebrate their anniversary, Carole-Ann and Jim added two hearts to their wedding rings, made from precious gold that Jim found with his metal detector - on top of the 25 diamonds they added to celebrate their diamond 25th anniversary, and four rubies to celebrate their 40th.

Jim, who used to work for Jaguar, said: 'It's incredible to think this gold has been in the ground for thousands of years, but I was able to find it and use it on our wedding rings.

'They look fantastic and it's made them even more special.

'These days it's all internet dating, and we probably never would have met that way because our interests are so different.
He then tried, unsuccessfully, to get her phone number but later guilt-tripped her into buying him ice-cream

The man, who is believed to be American, opened the conversation with: 'H ey, my name is Mark, but most people call me no thank you'

Despite being berated for his 'cringe' flirting technique online, he appeared to get a date with the woman, called Ayla

The man, known only as Mark, tried to chat up a woman on the dating app and shared their conversation on Imgur

A cocky Tinder user claims to have mastered his wooing technique on the dating app - by bombarding women with cheesy one-liners and puns.

In an Imgur post brazenly entitled How It's Done, the man, known only as Mark and who is believed to be American, shared screen grabs from a conversation with a woman called Ayla.

Despite his predictable jokes and cliched chat-up-lines, his technique appeared to work because at the end of their conversation she agreed to buy him ice-cream.

Brazen: A Tinder user called Mark bombarded a woman, called Ayla, with 'cheesy' chat-up lines and puns and shared their conversation online, pictured

Cocky: Mark, believed to be American, boasted about his technique on Imgur but users were not impressed, branding him 'cheesy'

Throughout their conversation, which has been viewed more than 180,000 times, Ayla repeatedly complimented him - telling him he is 'so smooth' and 'you make me swoon'.

But he has not impressed others who accused Mark of being 'cheesy' and 'cringe'.

His opening line, 'Hey, my name is Mark, but most people call me no thank you,' successfully got Ayla's attention when she replied: 'Oh my.'

This only encouraged him to continue on his charm offensive with a flurry of chat-up lines.

His next message read: 'If you don't like that nickname you can just call me Titanic. Cause I'm not very good at breaking the ice down there [sic].'

He continued: 'I don't know if I can keep talking to the daughter of a thief. Your father obviously stole the stars out of the sky to put them in your eyes.'

When she responded by saying 'God bless you Mark' he went on to say: 'Thank you! That means so much more coming from an actual angel.'

He then tried unsuccessfully to get her phone number by saying: 'On a scale of 000-000-0000 to 999-999-9999, how well am I doing right now?'

Match? Despite being berated for his 'cringe' flirting technique online, he appeared to get a date with Ayla when she took up his suggestion of ice-cream

But his attempt failed when Ayla only answered with: 'Simply damn well I'd say.'

Unperturbed, he continued: 'Most guys need three meals a day to keep going like this. But I just need your smile.'

But when he did not get a response and it appeared that Ayla had lost interest, he persisted, saying: 'Well damn, I really hoped I had a chance here.'

As soon as Ayla replied - claiming that she had forgotten to send her message - his banter-heavy tone sprung back again.

He told her: 'You need to make it up to me...I'm thinking ice cream.'

Either his guilt-trip worked or perhaps she was trying to get rid of him.

She replied: 'Funny I was thinking the same thing.'

The outcome of the interaction is unknown, but Imgur users were not impressed by Mark.
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has impressed in the sartorial stakes once again during her visit to a technical school in Roskilde, west of Copenhagen.

The 44-year-old royal looked effortlessly elegant as she arrived at the Roskilde Technical School on Wednesday in a tailored navy blazer and matching trousers.

Underneath she wore a silk floral print 'Melina' blouse from Baum und Pferdgarten, featuring frill and pleat detailing and navy blue piping on each sleeve.

Touched: Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has impressed in the sartorial stakes once again during her visit to a technical school in Roskilde, west of Copenhagen

Chic: The 44-year-old royal looked effortlessly elegant as she arrived at the Roskilde Technical School on Wednesday in a tailored navy blazer and matching trousers

The Danish design retails for approximately AUD $250.

The mother-of-four was all smiles as she arrived at the school, where she met a number of students who were training in a number of different skills - from plumbing and machinery to construction and IT.

While there, Princess Mary spoke with students about what they were working on and joined them as they showed off their projects.

All smiles: Underneath she wore a silk floral print 'Melina' blouse from Baum und Pferdgarten, featuring frill and pleat detailing and navy blue piping on each sleeve

Having a ball: The mother-of-four was all smiles as she arrived at the school, where she met a number of students who were training in a number of different skills

Learning: While there, Princess Mary spoke with students about what they were working on and joined them as they showed off their projects

She also toured the workshop and spoke to students and teachers about their implementation of the Mary Foundation's Network program and heard how it's helped them.

Her visit came after it was found that eight per cent of students undertaking vocational training experienced loneliness of some kind.

Princess Mary's foundation is looking to combat this through the Network project and find a way to prevent students feeling lonely or isolated at school or in the workplace.

Curious: She also toured the workshop and spoke to students and teachers about their implementation of the Mary Foundation's Network program and heard how it's helped them

Making a difference: Her visit came after it was found that eight per cent of students undertaking vocational training experienced loneliness of some kind

On a mission: The Network project was started in a bid to reduce and prevent feelings of loneliness among young people

The Network project was started in collaboration with Friend2One, a voluntary social organisation, and the Lauritzen Foundation, in a bid to reduce and prevent feelings of loneliness among young people.

Their goal is to place the issue under the spotlight and offer material to students and teachers to 'improve cohesiveness in the classroom' and 'prevent the likelihood of anyone feeling left out.'
When most people realize that they are speaking to a scammer online, they will simply log off and feel lucky they came out unscathed.

But when man named Cory in Florida found himself speaking to a suspicious profile on Facebook, he decided to have some fun - and the resulting conversation is going viral on Imgur.

The exchange began when Cory noticed a friend request from someone he didn't recognize. The profile appeared to be that of a woman named Angela Taylor who claimed to live in Miami and went to the University of Florida.

Sussing it out: A Florida man named Cory found himself talking to a suspicious profile on Facebook recently

All denials: The other user 'Angela' insists to Cory that she is not a spam bot

The man reached out to the profile with a message simply stating: 'I don't think we've met before.'

In the conversation shared online, the woman claims to be 'new to Facebook' before calling him 'brilliant' and asking him if they can 'know each other better'.

'Oh god you're a bot aren't you,' Cory swiftly deduces, to which the person running the other profile says 'Sorry am not good at slangs. Wat is bot (sic)?'

He explains that he means a robot, and 'Angela' denies the charge. The pair then have a similar conversation about catfishing before 'Angela' reveals that she is actually is in Nigeria with her sick grandmother.

After asking if 'Angela' needs help, Cory is utterly not surprised to receive a request for money from the stranger.

'The money for her operation is 700,000 which is equivalent to $2,000,' she says, adding that there is a 'problem' with her father in Florida that has kept them from affording the surgery.

There it is: Eventually, the scammer tries to convince Cory to send money for a supposed surgery for her ailing grandmother

Goofing off: Instead of dropping the conversation, Cory decides to mess with the scammer

Deciding to mess with the obvious scammer, Cory agrees enthusiastically to help her out, asking what he needs to do.

She sends fishy looking account details before the man then asks what he will get in return for the payment, to which she responds by repeatedly trying to call him. Eventually, he answered.

Guessing that the voice on the line was actually a man, Cory begins requesting sexual pictures from 'Angela' who complies with strange and explicit stock photos.

'Angela' continually asks when the money will be sent, but Cory just continues to taunt, eventually asking: 'When are you coming back to Miami, I want to marry you.'

Still not giving up on her plan, 'Angela' humors Cory as they discuss children, baby names, and bizarrely, gingivitis.

At the end of the shared exchange, Cory claims that he has been thrown in jail and now needs 'Angela' to bail him out for $250.

When the scammer insists that she can do nothing to help, Cory recommends that she 'sell' her grandmother, or kill her and sell her organs.

Incredibly, the scammer still doesn't give up, continually talking to the man throughout his crazy imagined prison stay, even calling him 'baby' throughout.

It ends with Cory claiming that he has 'to go back to my cell' and telling 'Angela' 'I love you my African Princess. Eat well and grow fat.'

'Okay. Bye baby,' she replies.

Read more of the exchange below

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Choose milk, dark or white chocolate and three toppings on tablet screen

KitKats might not be the poshest chocolate bars, but that could be about to change at a new pop-up shop selling artisan versions of the wafers.

The brand has opened its KitKat Chocolatory in Stratford, east London, where customers can design their own personalised Kit Kat topped with ingredients such as freeze-dried raspberries and mini pretzels.

Limited-edition bars are also exclusively on sale at the five-week-only shop in never-before-released flavours such as black forest gateau and creme brulee.

Are these the poshest Kit Kats ever? Luxury wafers in unusual flavours, such as black forest gateau (pictured), are on sale at a temporary pop-up shop in east London

You can design your own KitKat at the KitKat Chocolatory in Stratford, or buy one of the limited edition flavours, such as this salted toffee, popcorn and almond wafer

FEMAIL writer Alice Johnston went along to the preview night of the new Chocolatory, where she made her own customised KitKat. The shop sells luxury versions (pictured) of the 60p wafers

Two of the unusual new limited-edition flavours - chilli with mint, and dandelion and burdock - have been dreamed up by Michelin-starred chef Michael O'Hare.

The arrival of these artisan KitKats has made mouths water on social media, with dozens taking to Twitter to covet the custom-made wafers.

Elle Bloggs wrote: 'DIY KIT KATS! It's literally like @KitKat saw into my dreams...TAKE ME TO THE #KITKATChocolatory.'

The Purley Girly replied to her with: 'I will need MANY KitKats at this, too many options to try. Yum!'

Limited-edition bars are also exclusively on sale at the five-week-only shop in never-before-released flavours such as creme brulee (pictured)

Dozens took to Twitter to covet the custom-made wafers, including Youtube star Naomi Victoria

Youtube star Naomi Victoria, who has 32,000 subscribers, joined in the hype and said: 'The #KITKATchocolatory looks like stuff of dreams.'

The pop-up, which runs until November 8 at Westfield shopping centre, allows customers to create their own premium chocolate bar using a tablet by choosing from milk, white or dark chocolate before adding any three of 16 different toppings on offer.

Made from eight bars, they're pricier than a normal 60p bar at 7, but they are made fresh on-site by chocolatiers.

The shop also sells limited-edition 'Signature' and 'Special Edition' bars which are exclusive to the pop-up.

Alice designed her own dark chocolate KitKat covered in salted pretzels, dried raspberries and caramelised pistachios, which were made on site fresh by a chocolatier (pictured)

Flavours rotate every week, but this week customers can choose from sticky toffee popcorn, almond & salted caramel brittle; salted caramel creme brulee with Madagascan vanilla seeds; divine black forest gateau; and chilli and mint.

Nestle, which owns KitKat, have opened two similar pop-up experience shops in Australia and Japan before, but the UK store is the first of its kind in Europe.

Andrew McIver, managing director of Nestle Confectionery in the UK and Ireland, said: 'Consumers are going to be given the opportunity to create their interpretation of a confectionery icon.

'The Create Your Break, Special and Signature Edition KITKAT bars elevate the brand into a brave new territory and offer fans the opportunity to try unique, exciting and delicious products.'

TASTE TEST One of the custom-made Kit Kats available at the Chocolatory FEMAIL's Alice Johnston was given a sneak preview of the Chocolatory last night. Here's what she made of it: KitKats are a beloved snack of many, whether you eat them in the playground for tuck, in the office to keep you going until 5pm, or as a post-dinner treat. But the KitKat pop-up in Westfield Stratford elevates the humble snack to levels previously unknown. With flavours such as chilli and mint and black forest gateau, I was keen to give the bars a try. First up was the sickly-sounding concoction of sticky toffee popcorn, almond & salted caramel brittle. It had a base of milk chocolate but surprisingly wasn't too sweet to eat. Alice created her own Chocolatory bar at the Kit Kat pop-up The popcorn and caramel brittle gave the bar a nice texture and although it was sweet, it wasn't overwhelming. I would worry that the popcorn would go stale and soft after a few days, however. Better eat this one quickly - which won't be a problem at all. The black forest gateau was also a hit, as you might expect from such a classic flavour combination. The dark chocolate and fruit complemented each other beautifully, and the decorative pink swirls on the bar made it beautiful to look at. I didn't like the chilli and mint flavour at all - but that might be because I don't like mint generally. The bar was an interesting colour, as the white chocolate had been infused with chilli to make it pale orange. It was decorated with dark chocolate swirls and topped with raspberry, white chocolate curls and chocolate biscuit bits. I could see that this flavour is innovative and unusual, but my hatred of mint really put me off it. You can either design your own 7 eight-bar KitKat, or buy one of the limited edition flavours,such as chilli and mint (pictured), at the Chocolatory The last flavour was salted caramel creme brulee with Madagascan vanilla seeds - and this one was almost too sweet to eat. The white chocolate base made it very sickly, but I could see that those who like their sweets really sweet would enjoy it. The best part of the experience, unsurprisingly, was creating your own chocolate bar. It was genuinely difficult to decide what to top mine with, and in the end I went for a base of dark chocolate covered in salted pretzels, dried raspberries and caramelised pistachios. It was delicious. And the fact that you could watch the bars being made really made it an interesting bespoke experience. Even better, knowing that you would get a text when your bar was ready made it so easy to do - go away for an hour and keep shopping before returning to pick it up at your convenience. The bar that I created didn't feel like a KitKat at all, but more of a luxury chocolate bar from an upmarket brand. The quality and choice of the ingredients, as well as the fact that it's eight bars long (double the size of a normal large KitKat) made the 7 price tag not that expensive. And the trendy, Instagrammable shop and customisable packaging topped the whole experience off nicely. This is one shop you'll want to take a break to visit. Advertisement

Hazel Lee tried the experience for herself, while others such as Alexander Ward, Missus Dubs, and Tiff.Any coveted one of the premium KitKats

The bars have certainly gone down a storm online.

Tiff.Any wrote on Twitter: 'Need to find myself in Stratford asap @KITKAT.'

And lexander Ward added: 'This is the dream...'

Missus Dubs urged KitKat to make the shop a permanent fixture, tweeting: 'Never mind a pop up #permanent.'

Rich Rodriguez exclaimed: 'I WANT TO GO THERE!'

Rachel Gaiman, Rich Rodriguez, Wheyhey! and Connie all tweeted their enthusiasm for the new KitKat pop-up

Rachel Gaiman said she was unable to attend but coveted one of the premium bars.

She tweeted: 'I so wish I could go, but if I did I'd probably gain a stone eating all the #KitKat.'

Wheyhey! reacted with 'oh wowza!!' while Gorithific tweeted: 'Any kids dream.'

Hazel Lee was one of the lucky few invited to try the experience out last night.

She uploaded a picture of her rose, cranberry, raspberry and dark chocolate creation to Twitter.
A young woman who was told she had sprained her leg actually had cancer and needed it amputated to save her life.

Sarah Dransfield was just 16 when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer.

She had visited her doctor numerous times complaining of pain in her leg - but was told it was nothing to worry about.

An MRI scan revealed the cancer and she underwent chemotherapy in a desperate bid to free her of the cancer.

But doctors revealed the treatment hadn't worked and she would need an amputation because it was affecting the surrounding blood vessels and nerves.

Now the 21-year-old, from Holmfirth, Yorkshire, who spent years hiding her prosthetic leg, has become proud of her new body.

Sarah Dransfield, from Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, was just 16 when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Chemotherapy proved unsuccessful and doctors revealed she would need an amputation to prevent the cancer from spreading (pictured with her prosthetic leg)

Sarah, from Holmfirth, West Yorks, said: 'I'd had a pain in my leg for a while, and it just kept getting worse and worse.

'I went to see my GP about it, but I was told it was just a sprain - they said to keep taking painkillers, and come back in a few weeks if it was still bad.

'I decided to see a physio in the meantime, and after a few sessions he told me I should get an MRI scan - we went private and booked one in.'

Miss Dransfield had been back and forth to her GP numerous times complaining of the pain in her leg - but doctors dismissed it as a sprained leg.

However, the pain continued.

Her parents took her to see a physiotherapist who suggested she had an MRI scan.

The scan in March 2012 revealed the pain in Sarah's leg was not a sprain, it was osteosarcoma.

An MRI scan revealed it was cancer and she started a course of grueling treatment, including intense chemotherapy, as medics battled to save her leg. But they then revealed she needed to lose her leg because it was affecting the surrounding blood vessels and nerves

Her family were told the results, but they decided not to tell Miss Dransfield until she had an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis.

Miss Dransfield said: 'After the x-ray, we sat down with the doctor and she said I had cancer and might lose my leg.

'I was devastated - I thought I was going to die.'

She started a course of gruelling treatment, including intense chemotherapy, as medics battled to save her leg.

Doctors originally thought they would be able to replace her affected leg bone with metal - but were unable to.

That's when they revealed she would need her leg amputated - but Miss Dransfield was completely against the procedure - as she said it was 'almost worse than being told I had cancer'.

But now the 21-year-old, who has spent years hiding her prosthetic leg, has defeated the cancer and has became proud of her new body - and even taken up wheelchair racing

She has also been snapped up to a modelling agency since her operation, allowing her to achieve her childhood dream

However, she was dealt a further blow when doctors revealed the cancer had spread to her lungs.

She had to undergo another six months of chemotherapy, and had two major operations to remove the tumours on each lung.

Miss Dransfield said: 'It was horrible, but you sort of get used to being poked and prodded all the time.

'I was going through AS Levels, and while I tried to keep up with my schoolwork at first in the end I gave up.

'I just thought, "what's the point? What if I don't survive?"'

She entered remission in July 2013 and decided to focus on her recovery and adjusting to life with one leg.

She spent a long time being embarrassed of her leg and constantly covered it up by trousers and long skirts.

After losing her leg, doctors revealed the cancer had spread to both lungs. She had to undergo a further six months of chemotherapy and had two major operations to rid her of cancer

Miss Dransfield added: 'It was a weird feeling afterwards - I felt better in myself, because the massive tumour was out of me, but I couldn't get my head around not having a leg.

'It was difficult to accept what had happened.

'I had to learn to walk again completely from scratch - it was hard, but I was determined.

WHAT IS OSTEOSARCOMA? Osteosarcoma is a rare type of sarcoma of the bone and is also called osteogenic sarcoma. The most common type of bone cancer, it is found in growing bones and is usually diagnosed in teenagers and young adults. It is slightly more common in men than women. They are rare, with only around 530 new cases each year in the UK It can affect any bone in the body but is most common in the arms and legs. The cause of the cancer is unknown but it is thought to be related to rapid bone growth, such as adolescence. The most common symptom is pain, but the tumour can also cause swelling and tenderness. It is sometimes diagnosed when a bone weakened by the cancer breaks during a minor accident. Osteosarcomas are treated by a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surgery is a very important part of treatment and is used to remove the tumour in the bone. Source: Macmillan Advertisement

'Now, I've worked so hard and come so far with my walking that when my leg's covered up people have no idea.

'For a long time I was really embarrassed and shy.

'I didn't want people to know about it, and while a lot of people knew I'd been poorly no one but my family and close friends had any idea about the amputation.

'I just wanted people to think I was still normal.'

And this summer, she attended the sporting event Limb Power Games and was inspired by the motivation of the athletes.

She said: 'When I saw everyone and what they could do, I just thought "why am I hiding this?"

'I shouldn't be ashamed of it.

'Now that I show it off more, I do get a lot of stares from people in the street, but I feel like I can hold my head high.

'It's something to be proud of, and a symbol of everything I've overcome.

'It's taken a long time, but now I've accepted that I feel like I can be myself again.'

She has even took up wheelchair racing in her own time as a hobby as well as signing up to a modelling agency.

Models of Diversity founder Angel Sinclair said: 'It's important that people with disability are represented in the fashion industry.

'Our work at MOD is to change the views of high street brands and show them that these models do exist - and have the ability to model.
A study has unveiled evidence of racial bias in mental health clinics.

Researchers at the University of Vermont found therapists were far more likely to respond to voicemail messages from patients with a white-sounding name like Allison than a black-sounding name like Lakisha.

The findings have been tipped as confirmation that an inherent racial bias is blocking black people from crucial mental health services.

Racial bias? A study claims therapists were more likely to reject working with a girl called Lakisha compared to a girl called Allison. The findings have been tipped as confirmation that an inherent racial bias is blocking black people from crucial mental health services (file image)

'There's this dominant idea in our society that one is either a good person or racist, but you can't be both,' said Dr Lance Smith, professor in counseling at the University of Vermont.

'Our study underscores the notion that well-meaning, beneficent people - egalitarian people like mental health providers who are ostensibly highly trained in self-awareness and multicultural competence - may exhibit implicit bias towards black people.'

The study analyzed callback rates of counselors and psychologists to voicemail messages left by an actor.

She made 371 calls to licensed counselors and psychologists across the East Coast - 198 calls using the name Allison and 173 calls stating her name as Lakisha.

These names were chosen by looking at national data to find names that are commonly associated with a certain race.

Each call was recorded in advance to ensure that they were all nearly identical in vocal cadence, tone, and manner.

Only the names were changed.

Nonetheless, Allison received 12 per cent more invitations to start a treatment than Lakisha.

Allison was invited to speak with a therapist on the phone to discuss their services 63 per cent of the time - receiving 126 follow-up calls.

On the other hand, Lakisha only had a 50 per cent success rate, receiving 89 invitations to speak with a therapist.

The rest of the therapists that Lakisha contacted responded with rejection messages, saying things like 'I'm afraid my case load is full'.

The results echoed similar findings in similar studies exploring racial bias in housing, economics and higher education.

It is a crucial step towards changing the conversation on how to improve mental health services for non-whites, the authors insist.

'The purpose of this study was to shift away from the emphasis on why black individuals "fail" to seek mental health services to a focus on what counseling professionals may be doing to block the provision of services to potential black clients,' write the authors in their study.

'Although a counselor or psychologist consciously possesses an overt and strong attachment to values such as fairness and egalitarianism, they may be simultaneously in denial of subconscious biases that can be activated by a racialized name.'

Tackling the issue is unfathomably complicated, the researchers admit in their conclusion.

First, they say, it is essential to recognize that even professionals in a position of 'trust' and 'fairness' are susceptible to racial bias is essential.

The next step is to infuse social justice issues into psychology programs and training.
BOOK OF THE WEEK

A HISTORY OF BRITAIN IN 21 WOMEN

by Jenni Murray (Oneworld Publications 16.99)

Jenni Murray is indignant. Thomas Carlyle infuriates her with his famous line from 1840 that the history of the world is but the biography of great men.

Steve Biddulph, an amiable modern authority on raising boys, provokes her furious cry of Rubbish! with his  not wholly unreasonable  line designed to cheer up lads: that men down the centuries built planes, railways, cars, ships, hospitals and medicines and made it all happen.

Her mission in this entertaining, breezy (and only intermittently irritating) book is to record the lives of 21 significant women who, often against the odds, not only served the advance of female equality but made significant discoveries or changes. What you might call  to borrow Ken Clarkes description of Theresa May  a score of bloody difficult women.

Fierce: Boudica (Alex Kingston) in Warrior Queen. Jenni Murray's mission in this entertaining, breezy (and only intermittently irritating) book is to record the lives of 21 significant women

Its a personal choice, and confining it to Britain does leave out world-beaters, from Marie Curie to Malala Yousafzai.

It means we get a Mary Quant rather than a Coco Chanel, and the thundering mid-range composer Dame Ethel Smyth rather than the exquisite Hildegard of Bingen. Not to mention Nicola Sturgeons one-note independence campaign rather than Aung San Suu Kyis long, heroic struggle for her Burmese people.

Maybe there will be a global sequel.

Still, Murrays concise prose makes easy reading, and in the end its one Ill keep on the shelf  possibly scrawling some notes down the margin such as: Why no Queen Victoria? And: Does Jane Austen, with her fondness for rich landowners, ladylike conduct and prudent marriages, really outrank George Eliot and the Brontes just because she typifies everything I love about being British?

Pictured above: Margaret Thatcher. The women, often against the odds, not only served the advance of female equality but made significant discoveries or changes

Wheres Joan Littlewood, theatrical pioneer, when youve weirdly found room for Quant and Sturgeon?

And did you leave out Julian of Norwich, author of the first book in English written by a woman, just because she was a nun and a theologian?

She explicitly omits Marie Stopes, who vastly changed attitudes about sex and contraception, because of her views on eugenics (though they were widely shared at the time, and Stopes spoke strongly against Hitler in the end).

But Murray does include the famously unsisterly Margaret Thatcher with a kind of reluctant, wincing admiration, having encountered her in interviews.

On one treasurable occasion in Murrays reporting youth, she was rescued by Thatcher from a crush of paparazzi when she had lost her cameraman. A hand popped out from behind the coppers, grabbed mine and pulled me in to the circle.

 Come along dear, stay by me, we dont want a talented young journalist to be squashed to death, do we? 

The pleasure in it, though, is mostly from the lesser-known figures: a marvellous account of Byrons daughter Ada Lovelace, who wrote the first computer algorithm, of Caroline Herschels astronomy, Aphra Behns startlingly raunchy plays and of Constance Markievicz, the Irish rebel of the Easter Rising, who fought the British indeed but with firm military courage and, though she never took her seat, was the first woman to be elected to the Commons.

Good also to learn more about the scientist Mary Somerville in the early 1800s, hungry for scientific knowledge, impassioned by algebra, greedily listening in to her brothers maths tutor and learning more.

Above: Theresa May. Jenny Murray's book includes what you might call  to borrow Ken Clarkes description of Theresa May  a score of bloody difficult women

She married a man who disapproved of all this but  fortunate for her and for science  he died three years into the marriage, leaving her a poor single mother rising at dawn to study Newtons Principia.

She remarried, having four more children, explored calculus and mixed as an equal with the great scientists of Europe. I hadnt known much about her, but she shines here.

On well-known figures, Murray is fine, though less adventurous. Boadicea (or Boudica) defying the Romans is all very well, the knives on her chariot wheels and description of her as a fierce treacherous lioness of obvious appeal to ones feminist susceptibilities.

We know about Elizabeth I, and Mary Wollstonecraft, Emmeline Pankhurst and Nancy Astor MP, with her humour and doughty fights for womens and childrens welfare.

For each of these there are good anecdotes, especially Astors spats with Churchill (If you were my husband, I would poison your tea! Madam, if you were my wife, I would drink it).

There is a certain politically correct inconsistency, though, in including the wealthy, privileged Astor while churlishly refusing to include Florence Nightingale in favour of Mary Seacole because the lesser nurse was of mixed race, a prosperous Jamaican family, but had no proper training or influential connections.

Hard times, of course, make the best copy. The 18th-century novelist Fanny Burneys descriptions of her breast cancer surgery, without anaesthetic, are reproduced in gory detail here.

Some of the best lines, delivered with audibly gritted teeth by Murray, are male putdowns.

A History of Britain in 21 women by Jenni Murray (Oneworld Publications 16.99)

Not just Carlyle, but John Knox saying, in Elizabeth Is accession year, that the imbecility of their sex rendered women unfit to bear rule, as well as the list of arguments the suffragette and writer Millicent Fawcett encountered about why women shouldnt vote.

These not only include presumed neglect of their families and supposed intellectual and physical weakness, but the idea that women were too pure to be involved in politics.

Purity hangs over the fates and destinies of these women a lot, and it would be interesting to draw a line through the idea of chastity and virtue, demanded far more down the centuries in women than in men.

(Millicent Fawcett and her fellow suffragette and social reformer Josephine Butler in the 1880s argued that it was unfair that prostitutes should be forcibly examined for venereal disease when their customers werent.)

Some of the women Murray chooses had pretty ripe lives: Barbara Castle, a real heroine of the Left and of womens legal rights, had numerous flings and a long affair with a married man: a lonely time which journalist Anthony Howard weirdly argued helped her develop a muscular cast of mind.

But for audacious free-thinking, the palm goes to the composer Dame Ethel Smyth, who wrote the suffragette movements March Of The Women.

At one stage, she was simultaneously having an affair with the wife of one marriage and the husband of another.

After the debacle, she stayed with the man (in different homes) but he was never jealous of my women friends . . . every new affection enriches older ties.

She ended up wrapped in tweed suits and Old English Sheepdogs, living alone in a cottage in Woking and described as a thin, resolute woman, touched with no sense of the shocking, who laughs at all the follies of the world.
THE TRESPASSER by Tana French

THE TRESPASSER

by Tana French

(Hodder 16.99)

This is crime writing at its most sublime: spell-binding story-telling with a heroine to treasure in Detective Antoinette Conway of the Dublin Murder Squad.

Author Tana Frenchs reputation has been growing steadily in recent years and she is now at her peak, as this superb novel underlines.

No less a writer than Stephen King has called her work incandescent, and that shows in every paragraph here.

Conway is a new-ish recruit to the Murder Squad, but has rapidly become its pariah and is given the worst cases, while subjected to vile harassment and stupid pranks.

She and her partner, Stephen Moran, pick up the case of a beautiful young woman murdered in her sitting room beside a table set for a romantic dinner for two.

The squad are convinced the boyfriend must be the killer, but Conway is not quite so sure.

Call it cussedness, or a good detectives instincts, but she will not allow herself to be browbeaten, even if it means she could jeopardise her place on the squad.

Gradually, a far darker problem emerges from the investigation, a canker that threatens the squad itself. Do not miss it.

MURDERABILIA by Craig Robertson

MURDERABILIA

by Craig Robertson

(Simon & Schuster 12.99)

Former Scottish Sunday newspaper reporter Robertson has been steadily building a following among admirers of tartan noir, and he reinforces it here.

A mans naked dead body is found hanging beside the railway tracks just outside Glasgows Queen Street station, with his clothes neatly folded in a pile beneath him.

The man turns out to be the son of a well-known Member of the Scottish Parliament.

Detective Inspector Rachel Narey begins to investigate, only to be taken off the case when it is discovered that she is pregnant.

Meanwhile, the man in her life, former police photographer turned newspaper reporter Tony Winter, begins to dig into the background of the murder and stumbles across the dark web, where items associated with famous murders are for sale to anyone prepared to pay the price.

The victims underpants were missing from the pile of clothes at the scene, and are now, apparently, being offered for sale  possibly by the killer.

Both Winter and Narey find themselves drawn ever deeper into this ugly netherworld, with terrifying consequences.

ONLY DAUGHTER by Anna Snoekstra

ONLY DAUGHTER

by Anna Snoekstra

(Mira 7.99)

An impressive, high-concept debut crime thriller from a 28-year-old Australian, this story was snapped up for the movies on the basis of a one-sentence outline of its premise  a young woman adopts the identity of another young woman who has been missing for 11 years, only to discover that the family nest she has invaded has its own terrible secrets.

The imposter has been living such a desperate life that she has been shoplifting because she cannot afford food. It is to escape this situation that she pretends to be the missing girl.

Set in Australia and told from the perspective of the imposter  whom we know only as Rebecca, even though she certainly is not  the novel has a startling electricity while the story twists and turns like an eel, never allowing the suspense to slip.
Rahul Gandhi ended his much talked-about Kisan yatra (farmers rally) after travelling across 3,500 km, covering 48 districts and 141 assembly segments of poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, in 26 days.

The rally ended with Rahul targeting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the IDS scheme alleging that he had failed to act against black money despite his talk of '56-inch chest' to fight corruption.

Rahul accused Modi of bringing out a scheme for turning black money into white.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi addresses farmers at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Thursday

According to a report by India Today, Rahul's trip ended on a violent note as he stopped at Delhi's Bhairon temple, where two groups of the Congress party clashed with each other

Congress leader Ashok Tanwar was injured in the clash. Eye witness claim that Tanwar's supporters clashed with Congress leaders Bhupendra Singh Hooda.

In his speech, Rahul also attacked Modi for the killing of Indian soldiers.

Rahul targeted PM Narendra Modi over the IDS scheme

"Jo hamare jawan hain jinhone apna khoon diya hai, jinhone Hindustan ke liye surgical strike kiye hain,unke khoon ke peeche aap chhupe hain.Unki aap dalali kar rahe ho.Yeh bilkul galat hai. (You (Modi) are hiding behind the blood of soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir and those who carried out the surgical strikes for India.You are exploiting their sacrifices,which is very wrong)," said Rahul, while addressing a rally in Jantar Mantar.

Rahul also pressed upon the Modi government to announce a debt waiver for farmers in the poll-bound UP villages.

The rally brought the city to a grinding halt on its last day, as main thorough fares of central and New Delhi districts got blocked.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi waves at supporters during the Kisan Yatra in the Capital.

Interestingly, no advisory was issued by the Delhi Police about Rahul's rally to warn the commuters about its impact on traffic.

The procession of farmers reached the city during the peak hours leading to massive traffic snarls.

The traffic police officials claimed that roads connecting Delhi to Ghaziabad and Noida were completely blocked.

The traffic jam spilled over to Ring Road, Connaught Place, parts of central and New Delhi districts.

According to some commuters, it took them three hours to travel a distance of three kilometre.

On his way to Delhi, Rahul halted to hold impromptu meetings with farmers at several places.

His convoy entered Delhi from Ghaziabad, with buses and cars transporting his supporters changed the route and used the NH-24 and Vikas Marg.

Initially, Delhi traffic police was informed that Gandhi's Kisan yatra will reach in the afternoon.

Farmers procession during peak hours led to massive traffic snarls in various parts of the city

But with large number supporters, he reached Delhi almost two hours behind schedule.

A senior Delhi Traffic police official told Mail Today: We had an information that almost 1,500 people will be coming with him. But a large number of his supporters reached Delhi, besides those who were waiting for him at different venues also joined in.

"We also changed the route and asked them to enter Delhi through NH-24. But the two main roads connecting Ghaziabad to Delhi were chocked, he added.

When asked about the absence of advisory for public regarding the rally, they claimed that there was inadequate information.

We got the details of the rally and routes just 24 hours back. There were no clear information about the number of vehicles and people, the Delhi Traffic Police justified.

Traffic snarls started at around 4pm from Laxmi Nagar and Akshardham flyover, which spilled over to Pragati Maidan, ITO, Barakhamba, Mandi House among other areas.

Rahul accusation against PM Narendra Modi of indulging in political exploitation of the sacrifices of soldiers invited criticism from the BJP leaders.

The BJP leaders hit out at Rahul and called his remarks a new low in Indian politics.

BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said: It is shameful. Such remarks reflect his mental bankruptcy. The army and the Prime Minister are getting praise from everywhere for the surgical strikes."
A social media campaign to boycott Made in China goods, in a rebuttal to its continued support for Pakistan and for voting in the United Nations against Indian interests, has begun to show results.

Traders at some of the biggest wholesale markets across the country have reported 10 to 20 per cent fall in demand for cheaper Chinese wares.

The development is an indication of a nationalist sentiment sweeping the country in the aftermath of terror attack on Uri Army base and consequent surgical strikes by Indian Army in retaliation.

The campaign has managed to tap into the latent anger against China, which has allegedly supported Pakistan in the past and had also blocked Indias bid to join Nuclear Supplier Group.

If people have decided to teach China a lesson, it can have serious repercussions for the trade, said Praveen Khandelwal, secretary general of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

Khandelwal said there was an unprecedented patriotic wave across the country and the market cannot remain unaffected.

India is a huge market of Chinese items as they are cheaper.

According to an estimate, the volume of Chinese goods during eight to 12 weeks ahead of festive seasons falls in the vicinity of Rs 1000 crore in Delhi alone.

There are similar wholesale inventories of imports from China in all major cities of the country.

A majority of these goods include toys, fancy lights, gift items, plastic ware, decorative goods etc.

Retailers say that their customers have started asking for Indian items, said Rameshwar Goyal, a trader dealing in decorative items at Sadar Bazar, the biggest wholesale market of north India.

Goyal said he too had received messages on his phone about boycotting Chinese lights during Diwali.

I think that campaign has made a difference. People are openly talking about boycotting Chinese items, he said.

Devendra Bansal another trader in Sadar Bazar told Mail Today: Retailers from NCR and other states come to this market to purchase items. Earlier there used to a huge demand of Chinese items as they are cheaper.

But, this time they have taken lesser amount of Chinese products. Instead, have been specifically asking for goods made in India.

The campaign began with a fake letter circulating on WhatsApp groups, which was claimed to be signed by none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The letter urged the Indian consumer to user swadeshi products during Diwali and repulse Chinese goods.

The fake letter was circulated all over social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, and also on WhatsApp.

The Prime Ministers Office, however, was quick to contest the veracity of the letter and in a tweet clarified that the document was not authentic.

The Prime Ministers Office, however, was quick to contest the veracity of the letter and in a tweet clarified that the document was not authentic

Other than this fake letter, there have been memes and images doing the rounds on the internet spreading the same message.

The campaign has managed to tap into the latent anger against China, which has allegedly supported Pakistan in the past and had also blocked Indias bid to join Nuclear Supplier Group.

Soon, politicians of all hues began to ask people for the boycott.

BJP national secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on October 3 called for a boycott of Chinese products to protest against its role to shield Jaish-e- Mohammed head Masood Azhar from United Nations ban.

However, he had to delete his tweet some time later.

Majority of traders that Mail Today spoke to agreed that such a boycott might harm the business this year, but in the long run it will be good for Indian traders and the industry.

Traders will have to take a call on stopping import of Chinese items and consumers will have to decide not to purchase these goods, said Khandelwal of CAIT.

This move will be beneficial only if people start purchasing Indian goods.

Several groups have initiated the campaign which include promoting sale of earthen diyas from villages on social media platforms.

Twitter and Facebook was active with hashtag #BoycottChina, #BoycottChineseproducts trending recently.
Soon after the 10th Panchen Lama passed away in Shigatse in January 1989, the Dalai Lama started performing pujas in order to locate the genuine reincarnation of the diseased Panchen Lama, the second most important figure in Tibetan Buddhism.

He clandestinely got in touch with the Chinese-appointed head of the Search Committee, Chatrel Rimpoche, who had twice consulted the Lhamoi Lhatso, the Lake of Vision in which signs are seen indicating the path to follow to discover the spirit of a departed lama.

Reincarnation

On May 13, 1995, after performing a last divination, the Dalai Lama confirmed that a boy called Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was the correct incarnation; this was announced to the world the next day.

In January 1989, the Dalai Lama started performing pujas in order to locate genuine reincarnation of the diseased Panchen Lama

The worst thing for the Chinese psyche is to publicly lose face, and after the Dalai Lamas announcement they definitively had.

The matter was immediately taken up at the highest level, with President Jiang Zemin and Premier Li Peng personally taking charge of the recognition.

In no time, the party announced its candidate. Gyaltsen Norbu was chosen after a mock Golden Urn ceremony organised by senior Communist Party cadres at Jokhang Cathedral in Lhasa on November 29, 1995.

On December 8, Gyaltsen Norbu was officially enthroned in the Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Shigatse.

The ceremony had been kept secret by the party until the last moment for fear of a backlash from an angry Tibetan population.

Curfew was imposed in Shigatse, Lhasa and Chamdo, the three largest cities in Tibet while the boy was kept under protection.

Around the same time, Gendun Choekyi Nyima, the Dalai Lamas choice, was taken into custody.

The Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, attends a government symposium to mark the 50th anniversary on the liberation of Tibetan slaves at the Great Hall of the People

He is still under house arrest, though the Chinese propaganda says that he is growing up healthily and does not wish to be disturbed.

China always thinks ahead. By imposing its candidate, Beijing knew it was preparing the future, i.e. the reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama.

For the past 21 years, the Communist Party has assiduously been planning for this time.

On September 14, 2016, Gyaltsen Norbu visited a lake similar to the Lhamoi Lhatso.

The young lama walked around the Rinbung Yumtso lake worshiping the sacred lake in Degyiling Township, said Xinhua.

Gyaltsen Norbu, vice-president of the Buddhist Association of China and member of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, has recently been propelled into a greater political role by Beijing.

In July, he performed the Kalachakra puja in Shigatse attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees.

The atheist Communist Party, which has apparently acquired a great knowledge in religious matters, asserted: The Panchen Lama has become an accomplished Buddhist leader, who has given head-touching blessings to 1.5 million Buddhists.

Tibetan Buddhism devotees believe a Kalachakra initiation by a senior guru can extricate them from pains through the cycle of life."

Xinhua also noted: 'No such service has been done in Tibet in the past 50 years.'

Influence

The Global Times speculated that these actions have been encouraged to counter the influence of the Dalai Lama and prepare for a post-Dalai Lama era.

Xu Zhitao, a deputy director of the Partys United Front Work Department, said Panchen Lama will progressively increase his public exposure: As he grows up and shoulders more social positions, in addition to political and religious titles, he will get involved in more activities and generate more media coverage.

As another sign of his growing political importance, Gyaltsen Norbu was in Lhasa to bid farewell to Chen Quanguo, the Tibet Communist Party boss, when the latter left for his new assignment in Xinjiang.

Later he spent two weeks in Nagchu as well as in Nyingchgi Prefecture talking with officials and monks, and visiting temples, schools and a hospital.

Rebellion

The Global Times compared the young lama to the Dalai Lama: The 26- year-old 11th Panchen Lama has significantly increased his role in religious assemblies and social activities in past year."

"As the 81-year-old 14th Dalai Lama becomes less active on the world stage, the Panchen Lama is garnering greater popularity and building up his credibility among Buddhist believers.

It is what Beijing hopes for. But even in a unique party system, things arent so simple.

Rumours started that Gyalsten Norbu could rebel against the communist leadership as his predecessor did in 1962. In June 2015, Xinhua announced that President Xi Jinping accepted an audience with Gyaltsen Norbu at Zhongnanhai in Beijing; the audience seemed more a summon-cum-lecture.

Why did Xi Jinping meet with the Panchen Lama just now? asked a Chinese website. For Xinhua, the meeting was very appropriate as it showed that the party has consistently given a high level of attention to Tibet.

It also indicates, according to the news agency: the great importance that the Central Committee attaches to the religious work.

Apparently Gyaltsen Norbu needed to be briefed. Xi did most of the talking: The party has to be reassured that those who are supposed to represent the party understand the stand of the party.

There is no doubt that in Beijings game plan, Gyaltsen Norbu is destined to play a central role. But whether it would be accepted by Tibetans remains to be seen.
Arvind Kejriwal has added more vacuum by doing little else than finger-pointing

During the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign in Varanasi, where AAP president Arvind Kejriwal was pitted against BJPs Narendra Modi, one would invariably hear a line or two in the formers praise: Bande mein dum hai (This man has guts).

The electorate acknowledged- Kejriwal as the David taking on Modi- the Goliath.

Some even called him Chhota (smaller version of) Modi, for they felt Kejriwal was promising to deliver the same goods as Modi - an accountable governance shorn of corruption and dynastic servitude.

So riled were some of the blind Modi followers that Kejriwal was attacked with ink instead of a valid charge to discredit his promises.

Thanks to the governance vacuum created by previous regimes, Modi took over New Delhi as prime minister in 2014, and the Chhota Modi as Delhi chief minister the following year.

Much ink has flown in the air since. Kejriwal is no longer the challenger.

Instead of filling in the vacuum of governance that he promised, he has added more vacuum by doing little else than finger-pointing.

The protest-and-hide guerrilla warfare is going a bit too far.

The party leaders do not seem to realise that they are serving a polity wherein an honest leader is no good if he or she cannot deliver the promises made before elections. The patience is running thin.

A woman (Centre) who threw ink on CM Arvind Kejriwal (not in picture) during the thanksgiving event of odd-even scheme at Chhatrasal Stadium

Thus, when on Tuesday night, two men set off an ink attack on Kejriwal against what he had said on surgical strike videos, and thus playing into Pakistani hands, it reflected how wrong the AAPs flirtations with the camera have gone.

Earlier too, the party has faced slap-fest and slipper hand-outs in public view but ink has remained its most loyal companion Varanasi onward.

Pray, why would the AAP draw such a reaction repeatedly? Is it divisive or provocative?

Hardly. In fact, the party is a rare combination of left-right-centre elements with clean governance as its purported mainstay. But if you hold it to its mainstay, it falls apart.

Ask an AAP leader about one front that the party has delivered and he/she will hum and haw, before repeating ad lines on Mohalla Clinics, flyover projects savings, and probably the oddeven experiment on city roads.

The only achievement of the AAP government has been its ability to stay in news. Its ministers have chased headlines and camera, more often for wrong reasons.

Yet, their fetish for camera continues to grow. And it flows from the top.

Social media, a variable reflection of the urban mindset, is rife with jokes about how Kejriwals Sabmiley- huye-hain-ji (all of them are together in this racket) has been replaced by Sab-Modi-ne-karwaya- hai-ji (Modi is behind all this).

And the double-edged coverage of this favourite resort - Modi - has helped making it sound like the proverbial cry-wolf.

The only achievement of the AAP government has been its ability to stay in news. (File picture of women who threw ink on Kejriwal)

Common man analogy was another field that was Kejriwals forte once. He would use colloquial adages like raita-phail-gaya or thulla which had a ring of familiarity with the Delhi middle class.

Kejriwal and his team were people like us. No longer. The Delhi CM now makes news for attending meditational courses and his deputy for visiting abroad to learning educational system of the West.

Far from a common mans lifestyle. Whither governance, people are asking. But Kejriwal has little to show.

The vanguard of change has turned out to be a workman fighting his tools.

The AAP governments report card becomes starker when one places Kejriwal against Modi, his imagined bete noire.

The Modi government may not have any earth-shaking achievement to its credit so far, but it seems to be functioning, and functioning well.

The Centre is seen moving decisively towards - albeit slowly, according to the critics - a robust foreign policy, economic reforms and better infrastructure.

AAP leaders, meanwhile, are happy with the camera lights, even when they come at the cost of ink stains.

Many AAP supporters strongly feel and share their concerns with the media in private that the party needs to come out of its prototypical protest formula to salvage its sagging image.

The AAP suffers from the labour union mindset, they argue, where one gets things done through strikes.

The AAP leadership does not realise that it has moved into the management sphere now, where one has to get work done pragmatically.

But Team Kejriwal has decided to run with the management board and hunt with the labour union. No wonder it ends up with ink on its face - every now and then.
Dadri lynching case accused Ravin Sisodias body reached his native village Bisada on Thursday morning amid heavy police presence.

Incidentally, the coffin was draped in tricolour, and residents have now declared him a martyr.

On the other hand, the UP government announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh and agreed for a CBI probe into his death.

Ravin Sisodias body arrived at his native village of Bisada draped in the national flag. Thousands of people have been continuing protests against the death for three days now

Thousands of residents of Bisada and neighbouring villages sat on a dharna at the same place where Mohammad Akhlaq was lynched a year ago, demanding immediate release of all the 17 accused in the case.

Ravins family members have refused to cremate the body alleging that he was killed by the jail authorities.

He had died in a Delhi hospital on Tuesday reportedly due to renal and respiratory failure.

Villagers demand equal compensation that was granted to Akhlaq's (pictured) family

However, his family maintained that he was perfectly fine, a claim contradicted by their application in court on Ravins behalf on September 30 which said that he was suffering from chikungunya and he needed to be transferred to Gautam Buddh Nagar district hospital for better treatment.

Villagers continue to stage a protest in front of the Sisodia residence, even as his family demanded equal compensation that was granted to Akhlaqs family.

A family member said: Why is the state government adopting a partial approach? A huge compensation was announced for Akhlaqs family even without an investigation, but our kid was tortured to death.

"Even the forensic report has confirmed that Akhlaqs family was wrong, as they had stocked and consumed beef.

Locals and Hindu groups burn an effigy of UP CM Akhilesh Yadav following the death

Ravin (22), was among 18 youths arrested for allegedly lynching Akhlaq and injuring his son Danish over allegations of slaughtering a cow and storing its meat for consumption on September 28 last year.

Till late on Thursday evening, the family did not perform his last rites and demanded Rs 1 crore as compensation and a government job for Ravins wife.

Police patrol Bisada and neighbouring villages anticipating trouble among the locals

Hariom Sisodiya, husband of village head Kaushalya Devi, said: We have formed a committee consisting of the villagers who will discuss the demands with the administration. We are also trying to resolve the issue.

The administration is also mulling to end the standoff and has deputed SP, Rural, and SDM, Dadri, for negotiations with villagers.

Broken belongings at the Akhlaq Residence in Bishada Village, Uttar Pradesh, after the attack

The state government has announced an ex-gratia and is also ready to recommend the case for a CBI probe. We are trying to pacify the protesters. The last rites of the body will be done once the villagers agree, said NP Singh, District Magistrate, Gautam Budh Nagar.

The situation in the village continues to be extremely tense with several Hindutva groups visiting the place and talking to the villagers.

VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi also visited the village to offer her condolences to the family.

The hindutva leaders are supporting the familys demand of Rs 1 crore as compensation and a government job to his wife.

We will not tolerate such injustice. The government has to assure that the rest of the boys, who are behind bars, are safe. They should be transferred to a jail outside UP, Prachi said.

On the other hand, complaints have poured in against the use of the national flag on Ravins coffin.
With the Indian agencies stepping up vigil in Jammu and Kahsmir, the Pakistani handlers are finding it difficult to have their sway over militants in the Valley.

India Today has accessed intelligence and security reports, which suggested growing frustration among the Pakistani handlers of sleeper cells and terrorists in the Valley.

The agencies reports suggest that the terror handlers from across the border are getting desperate for a spectacular strike on the armed forces to send a message and boost the morale of their cadre.

A soldier stands guard outside Kashmirs main army headquarters in Srinagar.

The intelligence reports also mention that the number of people participating in protests and stone pelting incidents have reduced significantly.

Agencies believe that Hurriyats influence in and around Srinagar, where it spearheaded the unrest, is now on the decline.

An intercept recorded about a week back by the Indian intelligence agencies showed that Pakistani handlers were repeatedly instructing the sleeper cells and home-grown militants to carry out a big strike on the security forces.

In another intercept, the Pakistani handlers were heard venting out their frustration at the inability of the terrorists to carry out big strikes.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has instructed the Army to destroy terrorist networks

The handlers were heard telling the local terrorists to stop engaging in petty strikes and inflict some serious casualties.

The recent flurry of attacks on Army posts corroborates the intelligence inputs.

The terrorists have targeted several military posts in the past few days, including those on the intervening night of October 5-6.

Three terrorists were killed at Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir.

Intelligence agencies have also warned of impending strikes, especially on BSF and CRPF, by the terrorists.

Indian army soldier searches the boot of a car at a temporary check point near their headquarters in Srinagar

The agencies suspect that the terrorists may lay an ambush to target BSF and CRPF convoys.

The forces have been advised to rework and strengthen their standard operating procedures (SOPs) during troop movement.

Meanwhile, the central forces and intelligence agencies have raised concerns over weaponsnatching incidents involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

The security agencies suspect involvement of lower-level police personnel behind these incidents.

The agencies have prepared reports on the pattern of stone pelting incidents and the number terror incidents since the beginning of the unrest in the Valley following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.

The report covers a period of unrest from July 8 to October 4.

'Pakistan undeterred and set to intensify terror operations'

By Jugal R Purohit

Surgical strikes that India carried out and declared on September 29, have failed in deterring Pakistan from curbing its support to terrorism.

This is the assessment that has been shared at the very top. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a top official of the Union government said: There is nothing we have picked up from the ground which shows Pakistans support to terrorism has waned.

If anything, the western neighbour is likely to intensify recruitment into terror groups to hurt us so as to avenge the shame they've been put to.

An Indian army soldiers stands guard following an attack by suspected militants at an army camp in Langate in Kupwara district

What we are seeing in fact is more than 200 terrorists who still are prepared at various launch pads to infiltrate into India. One can say, in that sense, we have not achieved the required deterrence, he said.

Quoting from a shared, inter-agency assessment, he said: Following the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani, Pakistan managed to add about 100 terrorists to the existing count on ground in Jammu and Kashmir. Many of these are locals.

Between the Indian Army, the J&K Police and the intelligence agencies, the data pertaining to the number of terrorists active in the state varies slightly.

However, they all agree that the actual count of active terrorists on ground in the state is in excess of 300 at the very least.

The future course then, he said, rested on two fronts. First concerned the festive season in India when the security is stepped up.

For terrorists, this would be an opportune moment to cause maximum hurt. The second aspect dealt with the directions Pakistans army gave to their assets already here.

A tight vigil is being maintained across the country on suspected members of the sleeper cells. However, there are chances that terrorists in J&K may attempt to slip into the hinterland to carry out attacks, he said.

For Pakistan, keeping the pot boiling in J&K, albeit with greater intensity will be easiest, most predictable option.

"That is where they can deny matters and point to the locals. Elsewhere in India, they may end up exposing themselves, he said.

Seven militants killed and three infiltration bid foiled in Valley

By Mail Today Bureau

New Delhi on Thursday maintained that a message has been delivered to Islamabad through the precise surgical strikes across the LoC, and rejected demands of giving proof about the surgical operations even as the army battled terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, killing seven of them in separate operations.

It was a 100 percent perfect surgical strike, said defence minister Manohar Parrikar in Agra.

He claimed that even when bigger nations do surgical strikes, they are not as successful.

Indian army soldiers display arms and ammunation recovered from suspected militants at an army camp in Langate in Kupwara district, about 66 kms from Srinagar

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked his ministers to refrain from chest thumping over the surgical strikes, Parrikar said he is considered to be a straight-forward person, but in the matters of the countrys defence, it was tedha (clever).

The Indian Army was given a task that was carried out with surgical precision. The desired result has been obtained. The intended message has been conveyed, foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, adding that the truth comes out no matter how hard one tries to conceal it.

Even as Pakistan army continued to remain in a denial mode about the surgical strikes, India said the truth about armys covert operation cannot be concealed by Islamabad for long as the evidence would emerge.

Seven terrorists were killed on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmir while trying to attack an army camp and in infiltration attempts.

Three of the terrorists attempted an Uri-style attack on an army camp in Kashmir's Langate at daybreak.

Food and medical supplies with Pakistani markings were found on them, said the army.

The three terrorists who opened fire on posts of the 30 Rashtriya Rifles camp in Langate were shot dead before they could enter the camp.

Four more terrorists were killed while trying to cross over in the Naugam sector.

The infiltration attempts, the army said, were assisted by Pakistani troops. The army said militants fired at the RR camp at around 5am, which continued for 20 minutes and then resumed again at 6am.

However, the three militants were killed around 7am. The army said it recovered three AK47 rifles, two UBGLs, several firearm magazines, radio sets, GPS, medicine and food items from the killed militants.
Homeware range? Lady Judge

Institute of Directors' chairman Lady (Barbara) Judge, 69, has trademarked the name 'Lady Barbara' with the intellectual property office.

She's in preliminary talks, I am told, with a Chinese fashion house about launching her own homeware range. Surely a clothing line would be a more marketable option. A collection based on soignee Lady J's customary uniform  ruffled collared shirts paired with smackable trousers  would fly off the pegs.

Commentators often speculate when France's richest man, Louis Vuitton's 23billion boss Bernard Arnault, 67, will finally hand over the reins of his family-owned firm after 26 years.

Might his appointment of 24-year-old son Alexandre, a preppy nightclub DJ, as chief executive of his German luggage firm Rimowa this week prove a tipping point?

Romans decided it was time for emperor Caligula to go when he made the similarly dotty decision to anoint his horse as consul.

Ousted Chancellor George Osborne's family business, Osborne & Little, founded by his baronet father Sir Peter, 73, has posted losses of 377,000.

Everything tickety boo? A Paris source reports the fancy wallpaper firm's showroom in the city's 5th arrondissement recently closed its doors.

Don't expect wily George, 45, to be stepping into the breech anytime soon. Friends report he's too busy plotting for the day he can choose his own wallpaper to adorn the Downing Street walls.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd vows to 'flush out' employers who don't recruit locally. Might she start with the Bank of England?

Smoothychops governor Mark Carney, 51, was plucked from Canada ahead of a number of perfectly suitable British candidates.
Revenues at BDO rose 3.8 per cent to 405m in its last financial year

The accountancy industry is ready to reform after a string of scandals, according to the UK boss of audit giant BDO.

It follows strong criticism of the cosy relationship between auditors, the businesses whose books they sign off and the Financial Reporting Council watchdog which is meant to supervise them.

Managing partner Paul Eagland said: 'We've got to work harder to improve public trust.

'Here in the UK, it's almost top of the agenda.'

Revenues at BDO rose 3.8 per cent to 405million in its last financial year, and profits were up 22 per cent at 80.3million.
30-year low: The pound dropped to $1.2686 in early trading

POUND RALLIES Sterling fell against the US dollar to below $1.27 for the first time in more than 30 years yesterday before bouncing back.

The pound dropped to $1.2686 in early trading  a level last seen in 1985  but later recovered to $1.2771.

Sterling has been under pressure since the Brexit vote amid concerns over the UK's future relationship with the European Union.

HAMMOND PLEDGE Philip Hammond will today tell Wall Street bankers that Britain is still the best place in the world to do business after the Brexit vote.

On his way to IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Washington, the Chancellor will stop in New York to meet leaders from banks employing more than 25,000 people in the UK, including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Citi.

OIL BOUNCE The oil price rose above $52 a barrel to its highest level since June. Oil is now up around 25 per cent in the past two months, which threatens to push up prices at the pumps for British motorists.

JOCKEY WOE Jockeys have been urged to move their money out of High Street banks after losing money in a 'fairly rudimentary scam'.

The Professional Jockeys Association said about 30 jockeys and trainers had been targeted and blamed the losses  thought to be a six-figure sum  on 'the ineptitude of the major banks in preventing the fraud'.

PAY PRESSURE Bosses should meet workers once a year to discuss executive pay, a top investing firm has said. Legal & General Investment Management put the plans forward in a paper challenging fat cat wage bills.

EGYPTIAN SALE Barclays has sold its business in Egypt to Moroccan firm Attijariwafa Bank.

No price has been disclosed but sources said the operation was worth around 313million. It is part of a strategy by Barclays boss Jes Staley to refocus on US and UK markets.

NEW MARKET Time Out, best known for its magazines, is setting up its own food and drinks market in Porto, Portugal.

The market will house 15 restaurants, four bars, four shops, a cafe and an art gallery, each based on the magazine's best picks of the city, and is set to open late next year.

SPENDING SPREE Contactless card spending has topped 2billion in the space of a month across the UK for the first time.

A total of 2.1billion-worth of payments were made in July, the UK Cards Association said  nearly a fifth of all card spending.

FEES PLEA Fund managers will be ordered to give more transparency on costs under proposals being drawn up by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Small investors who put their faith in Gulf Keystone Petroleum have been huge losers as hopes that the troubled oil company will strike it rich in Kurdistan have so far come to nothing.

Despite this lamentable state of affairs, a handful of men at the top of the business have been making large sums.

Intriguingly, they include Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi, who before the Gulf Keystone debacle was probably best known as the multi-millionaire founder and former chief executive of online pollsters YouGov.

He is receiving upwards of 240,000 a year from the heavily-indebted company, even as small shareholders have seen their investment all but wiped out.

Income: MP Nadhim Zahawi, seen here with the then Prime Minister David Cameron, is receiving upwards of 240,000 a year from the heavily indebted Gulf Keystone Petroleum

The company, which initially listed on the junior AIM market in 2004 before moving to the main market a decade later, was popular with private punters. It has 35,000 shareholders, most of them individuals of modest means.

Sadly for them, Gulf Keystone has seen its price crash from a high of 425p in 2012 to just over 2p today, wiping out more than 99 per cent of its market value.

Having tried and failed to find a buyer, Gulf Keystone is next week to restructure its $600million (470million) debt, converting $500million of it into equity.

It has also launched a $25million fundraising, some $20million of which was underwritten by its major shareholder Capital Group.

The company says it was over-subscribed, suggesting it has won backing from investors.

But against this troubled and uncertain background for the company, it is inevitable that the extremely generous payments to Zahawi, 49, should come under the microscope.

Zahawi, who has been the MP for Stratford-on-Avon since May 2010, is chief strategy officer for Gulf Keystone, a role he has held since October 2015.

He is on a salary of 20,125 a month, for working between eight and 21 hours per week. In addition to that, he has received a string of bonuses between January and June this year, adding up to 78,246.38, plus a payment of 52,325 made in September 2015 for 210 hours work, backdated to July last year.

In other words, the MP has made more than 370,000 this year and last from Gulf Keystone, on top of his parliamentary salary.

An ordinary MP earns just under 75,000 a year  a sum that is dwarfed by Zahawi's extensive business and property interests.

He owns a sprawling 31-acre estate in Warwickshire, with stables run as a livery yard. This brought him a brush with controversy in 2013 when he claimed expenses for electricity used by the riding business and a yard manager's mobile home, which he later said was a 'mistake.'

H e also owns a buy-to-let property in London that is divided into three flats, another house he rents out, three commercial properties in the capital and two in Surrey.

The consultancy business he runs with his wife Lana, 50, Zahawi & Zahawi, has net assets of just under 175,000 and he earns a further 40,000 a year as a non-executive director of recruitment firm SThree.

Previously, Zahawi acted as an adviser to Afren, another oil company that went under last summer.

The Serious Fraud Office is now considering launching an investigation. Zahawi told The Sunday Times he had 'absolutely nothing to do with the executive decisions' at that company and that his role was to help find a buyer for assets in Kurdistan, which ended up being written off as worthless.

Born in Baghdad to Kurdish parents in 1967, Zahawi left Iraq with his family as a nine-year-old boy, under threat of persecution from Saddam Hussein's regime.

He grew up in Sussex and was educated in London. Before entering Parliament, he was an entrepreneur: an early venture, selling Teletubbies clothing, went under and backers including former Tory grandee Jeffrey Archer, lost their stakes.

MP Zahawi was previously an aide to Tory Grandee Jeffery Archer

Zahawi's brother-in-law, Broosk Saib, was the man for whom Archer bought shares in Anglia Television during takeover talks in 1994. Archer nicknamed the brothers-in-law Bean Kurd and Lemon Kurd.

Zahawi went on to act as an aide to Archer and to co-found YouGov with Stephan Shakespeare, another of the disgraced Tory peer's lieutenants.

The pair were reported to each have holdings worth 5.7million in YouGov when it floated on AIM in 2005.

Zahawi still has an undisclosed holding in the company, whose shares have risen by an impressive 376 per cent in the past five years.

That performance is in stark contrast with Gulf Keystone, where the business is struggling and small shareholders are furious.

Listed in the tax haven of Bermuda, Gulf Keystone has annual meetings in Paris and has been dogged by controversy over governance.

Absurdly, when Jon Ferrier, was appointed chief executive last year he could not sit on the board  as it is incorporated in Bermuda, only two UK directors were allowed on the board and the quota was already full. This has now been resolved by altering the bylaws.

Of course, operating in the Kurdistan area of Iraq was never going to be easy. 'The company has been hit by a liquidity crisis because it was not being paid regularly by the Kurdistan government, which had Isis on its doorstep,' said one insider. Its difficulties were compounded by a falling oil price.

The new management cannot be blamed for the mistakes of the past, but Ferrier has lost no time in taking rewards before any recovery is in sight. He was paid 530,000 last year, including a 211,000 bonus, despite only taking the helm in June.

M&G dumped its entire 5 per cent stake in April, offloading more than 49m shares at about 6p a share. Small investors, for their part, are furious.

'I don't know how you would describe the situation of investing in what you believed to be a fair market, only to have your pocket picked by moneyed thieves with the wherewithal to do it,' said one.

'This is now, but the emphasis and wider story in the future should be about how the AIM market was once an outlet for investing in bold technologies and companies but has now become the plaything of spivs.'

As for Nadhim Zahawi, the rationale for paying him so handsomely is the contacts he has in Kurdistan, along with his expertise as a chemical engineer and oil industry specialist. Gulf Keystone's directors are understood to feel the difficulty in navigating tribal rivalries make it worthwhile to shell out for his services.

Kurdish women in Sulaymania, Kurdistan, northern Iraq. Hopes that Gulf Keystone Petroleum will strike it rich in the region have so far come to nothing

Whether or not paying so much to the MP makes commercial sense for the company is one issue. The question of how Zahawi fits in his work alongside his parliamentary duties, is quite another.

His constituents might well join small shareholders in feeling they are being short changed. Zahawi declined to comment but sources said he does much of his extra work in his spare time, including Sundays, which is a working day for the Kurdistan Regional Government.

'Gulf Keystone has been a bad story any way you look at it, says Justin Urquhart Stewart, co-founder of Seven Investment Management. 'It is in a difficult geographical place and in a difficult political place.

There are far too many questions with too few credible and reliable answers. Why are they paying an MP 20,000 a month? That is another reason not to own shares.'

Supporters of Gulf Keystone claim that underneath the difficulties there is a very good oil field, and, with the balance sheet being cleaned up and money to invest, it should be able to carry on producing 40,000 barrels a day, increasing to 55,000 in future.

They argue the current board and management team have been brought in to fix the problems foisted on them, and are not to blame for the current woes.
Ms Sillars found out years later that her mum had tried to track her down

from her mum and taught to think badly of her

She said she was

Amanda Sillars' life changed forever the day she was taken by her father and alienated from her mother.

She was just 11-years-old when her father Ian tore her away from her mother Nola at her home in Perth.

Ms Sillars said her father took her first to Sydney and then 15,000km away to the U.S. along with her brother Mark.

Amanda Sillars (pictured left at 14) was abducted by her father as a child and alienated from her mother. The Eeny Meeny Miney Mo founder, now works to improve awareness of 'Parental alienation'

Ms Sillars was just 11-years-old when her father, Ian, tore her away from her mother, Nola, (pictured)

Her parents had separated and her father had moved to Sydney with a new girlfriend. Her brother Mark had gone up for a visit but didn't return.

'I was told he had gone on holiday,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

Then one morning there was a knock at the door from her father and Amanda's life with her mum was suddenly gone.

She has opened up on the isolation she felt after being taken away from her mother.

'My father keeps telling me how wonderful everything is and how lucky I am,' she wrote in an emotional essay.

'He repeats everything to me over and over again. I start to feel like there is something wrong with me because I don't feel lucky or happy. I feel alone and no one understands.'

She added that she was afraid to speak about her mother as she didn't want to disappoint her father.

Ms Sillars relationship with food and exercise became toxic as she tried to cope with the conflicting and painful emotions.

'I was exercising two-three hours a day, and counting calories and grams of fat constantly,' she told the Courier Mail.

A three-year-old Ms Sillar with her brother MArk, who was also taken to the US by their father

Ms Sillars was 19 when she received the devastating news that her mother Nola (pictured) had committed suicide

For seven long years, Ms Sillars had next to no contact with her mother. It wasn't until Ms Sillars was 18 and had returned to Perth that she saw her mother again.

It was a startling and awkward reunion - the last time she has seen her mother she barely reached her shoulders.

'She is now much shorter than me as I have grown up into a woman. She is frail, her chest and face flushed red,' she details in her essay.

'She looks alcohol ravaged but greets me with a sad smile and a soft hug.'

It was during the reunion Ms Sillars discovered her mother had spent years trying to track down her, but her father had obstructed her at every turn.

'My mum spends the next 15 minutes telling me the great lengths she went to in trying to make contact and hiring investigators to find me,' she wrote.

'She said she sent gifts to the schools that I never received and money in birthday cards. I never saw any of them.'

A young Ms Sillars when she lived with her mother in Perth. Her mother had spent years trying to track her and her brother down, but her father had obstructed her at every turn

For seven long years, Ms Sillars had next to no contact with her mother until she was 18 and returned to Perth (pictured as a child before she was taken)

After parting ways, Ms Sillars attempted to contact her mother again and again, but there was no answer at the number she provided.

One day the phone was disconnected entirely.

Then when she was 19, Ms Sillars received the devastating news that her mother had committed suicide - something she attributes to the behaviour of her father.

'He treated her like she should be punished,' she wrote.

'He did everything he could to emotionally, financially and socially destroy her. And he was successful.'

Ms Sillars hopes her work with Eeny Meeny Miney Mo will raise awareness and bring about change to children and their loving parents

Ms Sillars now runs Eeny Meeny Miney Mo - an organisation that helps others caught up in cases of parental alienation where children are taught to hate the parent they once loved without a valid reason.

She hopes her work with Eeny Meeny Miney Mo will raise awareness and bring about change to children and their loving parents.

'I also run a support group online that has 770 mums and dads also experiencing alienation from their children,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'They [children] are taught to hate the parent they once loved. These children become suppressed, often end up with eating disorders, drug problems, depression and complex trauma.'
This sprawling complex hidden deep in the hills of northern Russia is Vladimir Putin's secret holiday home, it is claimed.

Furnished with affordable looking IKEA style furniture, the bolthole comes with a helipad and its roof is covered with grass to hide it from snooping Western spy satellites.

The secret retreat, which is given round-the-clock security, is where Putin is said to stay when he slips out of the public spotlight, as he did in July.

The property, in Karelia, Russia, is built on land belonging to longtime friends of the president from his days as vice-mayor of St Petersberg, it is claimed.

Vladimir Putin is believed to escape to a top secret complex in the hills of northern Russia when he wants to get out of the spotlight. Pictured: The sprawling facility in the Republic of Karelia

The two-building complex, covered in grass, is decorated by what some have claimed is modest IKEA futniture

Putin is thought to have retreated to the holiday home, 14 miles from Valaam island on Lake Ladoga, following a trip to Finland in July. Pictured: Putin at a monastery on Valaam island on July 11

A source gave independent Russian television station Rain TV photos of the property, which were then broadcast to the country.

The station said in its report: 'Our source confirms that the residence was built and designed for Putin. There is a helicopter pod there, two houses - one of them covered with grass and a [lake] dock.

'The interior design is very laconic, Scandinavian style. Expensive fabrics are accompanied by furniture from IKEA,' the report claims.

Nadezhda Gongeleva, former chief editor of local newspaper, Prizyv, added that there is widespread speculation locally that the property is Putin's 'dacha' - or country house.

'Some say it's the dacha of Putin's daughter. Behind the doors of the city council it is described as a "federal object",' he said.

Putin, rumoured to be in a relationship with former Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, vanished from public life for more than a week following a trip to Finland in July.

The Russian TV crew who filmed Putin's alleged secret pad said the grass roof was designed to hide it from the West's spy satellites

The living area is believed to be decorated by 'affordable' Scandinavian-style furniture including green bucket chairs and a cream corner sofa

Some locals in the Republic of Karelia claim the complex - complete with wood paneled walls and floor length, sheer curtains - is owned by his daughter while others gossip that it is 'federal property'

'The interior design is very laconic... Expensive fabrics are accompanied by furniture from IKEA,' the TV rain report claimed

Putin's spokesman refused comment on claims the strongman retreats to this hidden location when he wants to get out of the spotlight and no picture shows him at the complex

During that time his Ilyushin-96 private jet remained grounded in Turku, Finland, for ten days.

Meanwhile Putin is believed to have used a helicopter to fly to his Karelia holiday residence.

His next public appearance came ten days later at a monastery on Valaam island in Lake Ladoga, Russia, 14 miles from the rumoured holiday home.

A local speedboat captain also claimed he knows it to be Putin's home.

The president's spokesman has refused to comment.

The idyllic complex is surrounded by 13km of wire fencing and a notice misleadingly says it's an enclosure for 'the breeding of wild animals such as reindeer, roe deer, and boar'.

'It is known Karelia is where the president goes when he doesn't want the attention from the public,' the TV report added.

A local employee of electricity giant Rosetti said: 'We call it Putin's dacha... He comes here on helicopters.'

He also claims fighter jets patrol the skies when he is staying at the residence.

Putin is believed to have used a helicopter to access his secret residence after a trip to Finland as his Ilyushin-96 private plane remained in Turku

The idyllic complex is surrounded by by 13km (eight miles) of wire fencing and protected by security guards

The complex is past the Ozero dacha estate where Putin and his friends have previously built their holiday homes.

Some of those cronies have gone on to hold key state jobs or become billionaires under his rule.

One of Putin's former neighbours Nikolai Shamalov, a shareholder of Rossiya Bank, also owns a swathe of property in the region.

He is the father of Kiril Shamalov, 34, Russia's youngest billionaire, who is believed to have married Putin's daughter Katerina Tikhonova, 30.

Irina Andrianova, an environmental activist, said: 'This beautiful palace in modern style was built on the shore accompanied, of course, by a fence.'

'The palace is guarded by FSO (Federal Security Service) people. Tourists were told that the "object" is managed by the presidential affairs department.'

Irina Andrianova, an environmental activist, claimed numerous rules were broken in building vast new homes in the lake lands. Pictured: Putin's alleged grass-covered complex

Putin's former neighbours Nikolai Shamalov (left), a shareholder of Rossiya Bank, also owns a swathe of property in the region. Right: his son Kiril

Kiril Shamalov, 34, Russia's youngest billionaire, is believed to have married Putin's daughter Katerina Tikhonova (pictured), 30

A guard told journalists: 'Filming of this object is banned. Please, leave it is private territory.'

Karelia is popular as a summer destination for Russians, with its scented pine forests and fresh Scandinavian-style summer weather with long days and cool light evenings.

Putin is believed to have another 'palace' on the Black Sea in addition to his many official residences.
A lodger stabbed a mother-of-three and her partner to death when a row broke out about the temperature of the shower, a court has heard.

Mechanic Foster Christian, 54, allegedly launched a frenzied attack on Natasha Sadler-Ellis and Simon Gorecki at the home they shared in Canterbury, Kent.

The row is said to have broken out when Christian turned on a kitchen tap while Mr Gorecki was showering, triggering a sharp change in temperature.

When Mr Gorecki told him to turn it off, Christian allegedly told him: 'F*** off you mug'.

About 40 minutes later, Christian is alleged to have launched his stabbing spree, knifing Mr Gorecki five times - including four times in the back - as well as 40-year-old Ms Sadler-Ellis.

Foster Christian (left), 54, is on trial accused of the double murder of a mother-of-three and her partner in Canterbury, Kent

Christian is also accused of stabbing Ms Sadler-Ellis's 20-year-old son Connaugh Harris, who later tried to save his mother as she lay dying on the floor.

The defendant is also accused of seriously injuring a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons. He denies two counts of murder and two charges of wounding with intent.

Today, during the opening of the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, the court was told how the trio were at the property at around 7pm in March this year.

Prosecutor Philip Bennetts QC said that, when Mr Gorecki - a former fishmonger- complained about the tap being turned on, Christian retaliated angrily.

He said: 'He used a tap which caused the temperature of the water in the shower to change. Simon shouted at Mr Christian who told him to "F*** off you mug".'

The pair then began arguing with one another. The court was told how Mr Harris was on the phone to his mother at the time and rushed to the address, along with the teenage boy, to 'diffuse the situation'.

When he arrived, Mr Harris found Christian, Mr Gorecki and Ms Sadler-Ellis having a row upstairs.

The jury heard how Mr Harris tried to calm the situation but that Christian and Ms Sadler-Ellis soon began shoving one another.

When Mr Harris tried to intervene, Christian struck him, the court was told.

The teenage boy then retaliated by punching Christian, but the alleged killer brought out a knife wrapped in a plastic bag, the court heard. Christian then allegedly began his attack, stabbing his two alleged victims to death.

Mr Bennetts said: 'They didn't know that Foster Christian was in fact using a knife at that stage.

'The knife was held in a bag and you may at some stage when you consider the evidence wonder about that and why there was a bag about the knife.'

Natasha Sadler, 40 (left), and her partner Simon Gorecki, 47, (right) were found stabbed to death

Ms Sadler-Ellis, who was 5ft 6in, suffered four stab wounds to her body.

As well as the fatal wound to her heart, she was stabbed just above her left eyebrow, with the knife plunging down internally to her lower jaw, the court was told.

Mr Gorecki, 48, died as a result of one of his stab wounds penetrating his right lung, the court was told.

The jury heard how, after the alleged attacks, Christian called police and said the knife was his.

But he then changed his account to 'their knife', claiming he had grabbed it from them and they had taken it back.

Asked by the operator if he was okay, Christian calmly replied: 'No, I'm not, thanks.

'They hit me with a beer can. I don't know what else with. They were hitting me with beer cans and bottles so I just grabbed a knife from my rack.

'They were still doing it, just beating me and beating me and beating me. And they are still here.'

The court heard how police arrived at the house at around 7.40pm to find the teenager lying at the top of the driveway, Ms Sadler-Ellis on the kitchen threshold and Mr Gorecki on the kitchen floor.

Christian is also accused of stabbing Ms Sadler Ellis's 20-year-old son Connaugh Harris (left and right) - a serving soldier - who was left in a critical condition in hospital following the alleged attack

Mr Harris had been giving the teenager first aid on the driveway after trying to help his mother and carrying out CPR on Mr Gorecki.

The court heard how the teenager asked Mr Harris if he would die as he put him in the recovery position.

He said he initially thought he had been punched in the stomach during the violence but then saw his 'guts were hanging out'.

In an interview played to the court, the youngster told police: 'I looked at Connaugh and said "I have been stabbed".

'He said "It's alright mate". I was like "oh God" and I just remember this huge pain and I was like "Am I going to die?" and he said "No mate, no" and he lay me down on the wall just outside the house.'

The teenager also told the court that during the heated row Ms Sadler-Ellis accused Christian of 'creeping' on her at her home.

The boy said she told Christian she was 'sick of him coming past her house staring through her window'.

He also said Mr Gorecki told Christian: 'I'm going to run through you' but that it was not a threat to stab him.

As the 16-year-old boy was cross-examined over a TV link, he broke down in tears as he told the court: 'Unless you have been in that situation... I was doing what I thought was right.'

He said the whole incident happened in about 10 seconds and although he never saw a knife, Christian made 'stabbing motions'.

In an exchange with Christian's defence counsel, Rajiv Menon QC, the teenager strongly denied the barrister's suggestion that 'all hell broke loose' and they attacked Christian, with Mr Gorecki 'rushing forward' armed with a knife and shouting 'You black b*****d'.

Having laughed in apparent disbelief at the defence suggestions that the group were armed and had attacked Christian 'four against one', Mr Menon asked if the boy thought it was funny.

He replied: 'I find it funny how you can defend this. But I told you I punched him once, a 16-year-old, punching him because I was defending Natasha.'

Told by Mr Menon that the violence resulted from them not leaving the house and going back upstairs, the teenage boy said: 'It happened because he was shouting abuse and bullying everyone. Of course we could have not gone upstairs and not confronted him but that's happened.'

The teenager was left with a wound to his right forearm, a superficial injury to his right thigh, a cut to his abdomen, a 3cm whole in his large bowel and a large bleed to the iliac vein, which returns blood from the leg to the heart.

After surgery at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, he was transferred to intensive care.

The court was told how a police officer saw Christian, who was bleeding from a cut above his right eye and speaking on his phone and she shouted at him to go back upstairs.

The alleged murderer sat on the stairs and said he did not have a knife when asked by another officer.

He said: 'They attacked me with a knife. I got it off them and fought back. They were hitting me and attacking me. They took the knife back.'

The court was told how Ms Sadler-Ellis's blood had stained the upstairs floor around the threshold of Christian's bedroom, believed to be from the wound on her left eyebrow which poured out as she stood at the top of the stairs.

Mr Bennetts said: 'One explanation for the blood distribution around the top of the stairs is that she stood or knelt on one of the upper steps facing up the stairs while blood pumped from the wound on her left eyebrow.'

The jury was told that no alcohol had been found in Christian's blood but both the alleged victims had been drinking.

Naomi Toro, 36, had arrived at the house and was seen by a police officer leaving with the knife used to inflict the injuries.

When arrested on March 30 she took officers to where she had thrown the weapon into the River Stour from a bridge.

Mr Bennetts added: 'There is no dispute that Foster Christian killed Simon Gorecki and Natasha Sadler-Ellis.

'The defence served on the prosecution and the court a defence statement.

'In short it is asserted that Foster Christian was acting in reasonable lawful self-defence. The prosecution case is what he did was not reasonable.

'At the very least stabbing with a knife demonstrates as intention to cause really serious bodily harm.'
U.S. traffic deaths jumped 10.4 per cent in the first six months of 2016 to a 'crisis' level, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Wednesday.

The NHTSA said there were 17,775 road deaths in the first six months of the year.

Officials added that the number was likely to be higher in the second half due to warmer weather and seasonal driving, prompting concerns the number of traffic fatalities could reach it's highest point in 50 years.

The worrying statistics raised concerns that more drivers are being distracted behind the wheel.

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U.S. traffic deaths jumped 10.4 per cent in the first six months of 2016 to a 'crisis' level, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Wednesday (stock)

The jump in the first half of the year follows a spike in 2015, when road deaths rose 7.2 per cent to 35,092, the highest full-year increase since 1966.

NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind called the rising deaths a 'crisis' and urged swift actions to reverse the trend after years of declines.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said it believes it 'is now increasingly likely that the vision of zero deaths and serious injuries can be achieved in the next 30 years'.

The government agency said vehicle miles driven rose 3.3 per cent in the first half of 2016.

The fatality rate in the first half of the year has risen to its highest since 2009, NHTSA said. Last year, total U.S. traffic crashes rose by 4 per cent to 6.3million, while people injured rose 4.5 per cent to 2.44million.

Much of the increase in 2015 was driven by a jump in pedestrian, motorcycle, and bicycle deaths, NHTSA said.

Rosekind and other policy makers at an event outside Washington called for a goal of reaching 'zero road deaths' within 30 years.

The NHTSA said there were 17,775 road deaths in the first six months of the year (file picture), prompting government officials to call for action to reverse the dangerous trend

Many American cities have adopted similar 'Vision Zero' programs.

NHTSA plans to bring other federal agencies and safety groups together to work on more concrete plans over the next year or more to roll out a vision of zero road deaths, including addressing road design and speed limits.

With human error accounting for 94 per cent of crashes, officials acknowledge self-driving vehicles and other automated vehicle systems will be necessary to meet the goal.

Video courtesy of Local 15 TV

NHTSA said in a study released in 2014 that the annual societal costs of U.S. traffic crashes is $836billion in economic loss and societal harm.

In April, the United Nations General Assembly backed a plan to create a Road Safety Trust Fund to support efforts to reduce traffic deaths.
America's largest shopping mall has announced it will be closed on Thanksgiving - perhaps heralding the end of the trend for increasingly early Black Friday shopping.

Thousands of employees and tenants at the Mall of America in Minnesota were told the mall, amusement park and movie theaters, will shut for the holiday.

Executives said they took the bold stance at the Bloomington mega-mall because they believe Thanksgiving should be a 'day for families'.

It marked a significant departure from its standpoint in the past few years which saw the Mall of America fiercely compete for consumers' holiday spending.

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Thousands of employees and tenants at the Mall of America in Minnesota were told the mall, amusement park and movie theaters, will shut for Thanksgiving. It is a sign that the trend of Black Friday sales starting on the holiday may be coming to an end

The mall, anchored by Macy's and H&M, was among a crop of retailers and malls that swung open their doors on Thanksgiving night to stretch Black Friday from 2012.

But its new position could inspire other malls and stores to follow suit.

The Mall of America will re-open at 5am on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

'We think Thanksgiving is a day for families and for people we care about,' Jill Renslow, the mall's senior vice president of marketing, told AP.

'We want to give this day back.'

The move could impact as many as 14,000 employees who work at the mall or at one of its tenants - such as the shops and Nickelodeon Universe.

Over the past few years, malls have started opening on Thanksgiving in a fierce battle for consumers' holiday spending

The malls 520-plus stores will have the option to open on Thanksgiving, but mall officials expect few will choose to do so, the Star Tribune reported.

The Friday after Thanksgiving had traditionally served as the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season.

But over the past few years, Thanksgiving has become the new tradition as malls and stores try to outdo others to get first dibs on the shoppers.

Many major stores like Macy's, Target and J.C. Penney have opened increasingly earlier on Thanksgiving.

But the move has also been controversial as many workers have voiced complaints and signed petitions that stores are putting profits over workers' time to be with their families.

Office supplies retailer Staples announced last month that it will close on Thanksgiving for the second year in a row, though it will offer deals on its website.

High-end stores like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue have remained closed on that day.

GAt Mall of America, the mall opened for the first time on Thanksgiving at midnight in 2012 and then in 2013 opened at 8pm.
He left their home to buy his son a toy when warplanes bombed their home

Her father Yehia told of how his other daughter was killed while he was out

Wahida's family now live in even deeper poverty on rural patch of farmland

As Abu Kifah cradles the tiny girl carefully in his arms and stares into her large brown eyes, he beams with joy and pride.

Dressed in a pale yellow babygrow, she is clean, safe and happy with just a few scratches on her face to hint at last week's ordeal.

At just a month old, she watches her smiling admirer carefully and seriously, oblivious to the significance of the moment.

She doesn't realise she is looking at the man who saved her life, pulling her ash-covered body from the rubble of her bombed out home in the Syrian city of Idleb.

She doesn't realise that that miraculous moment - and Kifah's tears of delight - had been caught on camera and seen by millions around the world, reducing a veteran BBC presenter to tears.

And she also doesn't appreciate that her rescue and subsequent survival brought a rare glimpse of happiness to an otherwise cruel and desolate war.

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Rescue worker Abu Kifah (left) has been reunited with Wahida Ma'artouk (centre), the Syrian baby girl he pulled from the wreckage of her collapsed home in Idleb

The heartbreaking footage of Kifah (right) pulling an ash-covered Wahida from the rubble went around the world and reduced a veteran BBC presenter to tears on air

Baby Wahida, her face covered in scars, miraculously survived after a suspected Russian or Syrian warplane decimated her house on Thursday. Pictured: Wahida in Idleb on October 1

For less than a week after Abu Kifah pulled Wahida Ma'artouk from the ruins of her house, the pair have been reunited.

The 22-year-old rescue worker said he was determined to hold Wahida again and travelled for several hours through the dusty Syrian landscape to a patch of farmland her family now calls home.

'I felt like she was my daughter again,' he told MailOnline, who joined him on his journey.

'I carried her in my arms again and the night of the rescue came back to me. But I did not cry again!'

'Her father was happy to see us again. We were together there, and I was delighted to be with them.'

'I felt like she was my daughter again. I carried her in my arms again and the night of the rescue came back to me. But I did not cry again!' Abu Kifah

Baby Wahida's face still carries the scars of her rescue.

She was spared certain death by four members of the Syria Civil Defense Force, including Kifah, who spent hours digging her out from underneath a collapsed building following an airstrike.

'I did not see him [Kifah] taking Wahida to the hospital but when I saw the video later, I knew that he was a great man', her father Yehia told MailOnline from Syria yesterday.

Their reunion was not without sorrow. Since their home was reduced to rubble, allegedly by Russian or Syrian warplanes, Wahida's parents were forced to move the baby girl and her brother Zakaria to a rough patch of farmland where they survive on even less than before.

The two young children have also been bereft of their three-year-old sister Sinar who died in the same attack Wahida survived.

'I carried her in my arms again and the night of the rescue came back to me,' Kifah told MailOnline after he was reunited with little Wahida (both pictured)

Kifah (centre) , 22, said the visit made him hope to have children of his own one day: 'God willing, I will have children in the days and years to come. And for Wahida, I want better days for her in the future'

After Wahida's home was reduced to rubble, her parents were forced to move the baby girl and her brother to a rough patch of farmland in northen Syria where they survive on even less than before

Kifah said: 'I spoke with the father and they are living in real poverty, real poverty. I was so happy to see them but they do not have much at all now.'

Yehia admitted he had become frustrated with the rescue teams as they worked together to remove his family from under the rubble on Thursday night.

'To be honest, I was harsh with Abu Kifah. When he was drilling in front of me I was shouting: "Leave me, I can do this."

I spoke with the father and they are living in real poverty. I was so happy to see them but they do not have much at all now Abu Kifah

'He said to me: "Calm down, please." But I was nervous. I could not believe their strength.'

Footage from the local hospital showed Wahida gurgling and crying on a black plastic mattress, miraculously escaping without any major injuries.

A hospital spokesperson told MailOnline how doctors treated small wounds to her face and performed a CT scan before releasing her.

While Wahida is happy and healthy, the family's future remains bleak. Alongside her sister, her grandmother, 60, was killed in the same airstrike which left another 19 people dead.

Her father Yehia told of how he was spared death by an argument between his two kids.

'Leave me, I can do this!' Yehia screamed at the heroic White Helmets rescue team as they dug for hours to clear enough debris to rescue Wahida. Pictured: Kifah embracing an ash-covered Wahida after pulling her from the rubble

Wahida survived with only a few scars to her face but her older sister Sinar, three, and grandmother, 60, both perished in the bombing raid

Kifah has been badly injured in the course of his work and around 150 of his fellow volunteers have been killed on duty across Syria

He said: 'On the morning [of the attack], Sinar asked me to buy a toy for her, and I promised that I would.

'I got her a balloon. My son Zakaryia was jealous because I did not buy a toy for him too. Later, he said to me: "I will go with you to the store."

'Sinar said, "me too, I want to go with you." But I said, "you got your toy, stay at home".'

She stayed, and the warplanes screamed overhead 15 minutes later.

We hid, and then when we could, we went to see where the plane attacked. The place [our home] was destroyed and I could not find anybody Wahida's father, Yehia Ma'artouk

The bereaved father added: 'We hid, and then when we could, we went to see where the plane attacked.

'The place [our home] was destroyed and I could not find anybody.'

Sinar has been buried near her great-uncle's home, and Yehia says they were left with nothing.

'A friend gave me an apartment and I brought some furniture from the rubble,' Yehia told MailOnline.

'But I am not able to rebuild my house. I got married when I was 28 and I spent five years building it, so how can I now simply rebuild it? And under the bombardments? That is impossible.'

The images of the Kifah dragging Wahida from the rubble brought tears to BBC presenter Kate Silverton's eyes last week.

She later tweeted: 'My job is to be inscrutable & impartial but I am also human.'

Yehia (right)_told of how his own life was saved when his son Zakaria demanded he buy him a balloon like his sister Sinar's

While Yehia was out at the shops with his son Zakaria (second from right), warplanes screamed overhead and destroyed his home with his mother and daughter still inside

Wahida's sister Sinar has been buried near her great-uncle's home in Idleb. Pictured: Kifah cradling a sleeping Wahida in northern Syria

Told of the enormous response the video of his daughter and Kifah had generated, Yehia Ma'artouk told MailOnline:

'I hope they [the Civil Defence teams] will receive more support to prepare themselves for the future. They did all they can, I swear.'

The Syria Civil Defence Force  known as the White Helmets because of their hard hats  rush to the scenes of airstrikes and missile attacks to save as many survivors as possible from the rubble.

Their work has seen them nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, whose winner is announced on Friday October 7. But many of the volunteers have been so busy running from one bombed-out building to the next that they do not even know they have been nominated.

In recent weeks Kifah's branch in Idleb has responded to chlorine and cluster bomb attacks and has pulled dozens of men, women and children from buildings targeted in aerial bombardments.

Since crying while presenting Kifah's story, Kate Silverton has retweeted multiple stories on the human suffering in Syria, where up to 470,000 people have been killed in the five-year long conflict.

Yehia says the family has been left with nothing since the airstrike, adding: 'I brought some furniture from the rubble... But I am not able to rebuild my house.' Pictured: Yehia wading through the debris of his destroyed home in Idleb

'How can I now simply rebuild it? And under the bombardments? That is impossible,' bereaved father Yehia told MailOnline. Pictured: Yehia seeing what his family can take with him from their destroyed home

Analysts and activists say most deaths have been in attacks launched by the dictatorship of President Bashar al-Assad.

In its official travel advice for Syria, the British Foreign Office says his regime has been undertaking an 'indiscriminate campaign of aerial bombardment', using 'barrel bombs against largely civilian targets.'

With funding from the UK and US governments, the civil defence teams have saved 60,000 people from death since forming in 2013.

Kifah, whose full name is Mohammed Deeb al-Hur, was just 17 when conflict broke out in Syria.

He told MailOnline that he began by documenting the violence taking place in his country on film.

He added: 'I thought that I would be more useful if I volunteered in the White Helmets. I volunteered with others and we built trust with others, and people encourage us to continue our work during the crises.'

He has been badly injured in the course of his work: 'Many hospitals are out of service now. I was injured two months ago when the regime targeted a hospital  I am still receiving treatment for the wound.'

Nearly 150 of his fellow volunteers have been killed on duty across Syria.

The 2,900 workers often risk sniper fire or 'double tap' strikes, where warplanes circle round and bomb the same location a second time, to target rescue workers.

Kifah, 22, said the visit made him hope to have children of his own one day: 'God willing, I will have children in the days and years to come. And for Wahida, I want better days for her in the future.'
But they pledged to work together on environment and helping the poor

The main issues they are split on are gay marriage and women priests

The Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury have admitted the Catholic and Anglican churches are 'still divided' on gay marriage and women priests after a meeting in Rome today.

Pope Francis and Justin Welby attended a vespers, or evening prayer service, in the Italian capital to mark the 50th anniversary of the beginning of theological talks between the two churches in 1966.

The heads of the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches said on Wednesday they would work together to help the poor and protect the environment despite their differing views on some issues.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, right, and Pope Francis, left, met at a vespers in Rome to mark the 50th anniversary of theological talks between the Catholic and Anglican churches

In a joint statement the Pope, right, and Justin Welby, left, said they would work together to help poor people and protect the environment

But the church leaders admitted they remain divided on gay marriage and women priests

In a joint statement, they said: 'While, like our predecessors, we ourselves do not yet see solutions to the obstacles before us, we are undeterred,' specifically mentioning the ordination of women and 'more recent questions regarding human sexuality'.

Last January the Anglican Church slapped sanctions on its liberal US branch for supporting same-sex marriage, a move that averted a formal schism in the world's third-largest Christian denomination but left deep divisions unresolved.

The vespers were held in the same Rome church from where Pope Gregory I sent St. Augustine to convert the English in 597, nearly 1,000 years before King Henry VIII broke from Rome in 1534 to start the Church of England.

After 1534, there had been no meeting between an Archbishop of Canterbury and a pope until 1966 when Michael Ramsey met Pope Paul VI.

In their joint declaration, the pope and Welby said their two Churches could do much together despite 'the imperfect union we already share.'

In their statement the pair said there was 'much the two churches could do together'

Although the churches are 'divided' on gay marriage and women priests, they pledged to work together on the environment and helping the poor

'We can, and must, work together to protect and preserve our common home: living, teaching and acting in ways that favour a speedy end to the environmental destruction that offends the Creator and degrades his creatures,' the joint declaration said.

They vowed to fight 'a culture of waste' where the most vulnerable of people in society are marginalised and discarded and to work together to work for peace and bring education, healthcare, food, clean water and shelter to the poor.
A Fox News anchor has settled a $5 million lawsuit against Hasbro over a plastic toy hamster that shared her name and that she said was designed to look like her.

Harris Faulkner, who hosts the show 'Outnumbered,' sued Pawtucket-based Hasbro Inc. in federal court in New Jersey last year.

She said a plastic hamster named Harris Faulkner that was part of the company's Littlest Pet Shop line wrongfully appropriated her name and persona, harmed her credibility as a journalist and was an insult.

Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner settled a $5 million lawsuit against Hasbro over a toy hamster bearing her name and, she insisted, her likeness

Harris Faulkner, the hamster not the news anchor, above, is no longer manufactured or sold by Hasbro, who ponied up an undisclosed settlement

Faulkner's lawsuit said the hamster, sidekick to a terrier named Benson Detwyler, bore a physical resemblance to Faulkner's traditional professional appearance, including its complexion, eye shape and eye makeup design.

Faulkner was especially upset because the packaging declared 'Harris Faulkner is a choking hazard,' according to NBC.

She also found 'her' portrayal as rodent to be demeaning and insulting, and that, as a journalist, she is not allowed to 'endorse products.'

Hasbro, whose other products include the Furby and Play-Doh, had said the hamster was not named for Faulkner and didn't look like her, either. It argued the hamster was 'an inch-tall, cartoon-like plastic animal' with no apparent gender or profession.'

Other names in the line included Pepper Clark (a skunk) and Sunil Nevla (a mongoose.)

Both sides filed papers Wednesday asking a judge to dismiss the lawsuit.

The conservative anchor recently had potential First Son Eric Trump on her show 'Outnumbered'

In a statement, Faulkner and Hasbro said the lawsuit was 'settled amicably,' although they didn't release details.

'The 'Harris Faulkner' toy is no longer manufactured or sold by Hasbro,' the statement said. 'However, since there still may be 'Harris Faulkner' toys or packaging with the 'Harris Faulkner' name in the stream of commerce, Ms. Faulkner reiterates that she has not endorsed or approved this product.'

In July, a judge rejected a motion to discuss saying that the same unusual name was enough to let the case proceed and had set up a future 'fact finding mission' to see if the journalist and the hamster were being confused in the public's eye, but that will no longer go forward due to the settlement, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Faulkner has worked at Fox for more than a decade. She previously worked in Minnesota for ABC affiliate KSTP-TV and hosted 'The Harris Faulkner Show' on FM107 Radio.

In the 1990s, she was the primary evening anchor for WDAF-TV in Kansas City, Missouri.

Many of her Facebook fans were bewildered over Faulkner's lawsuit.
A former Montana State University student has filed a lawsuit accusing the university of failing to protect him from a roommate who stole his money and engaged in 'disturbing' sexual behavior.

The civil complaint filed by Evan Clark and his parents, Maureen and Todd Clark, of Washington state, alleges that MSU campus officials, including the dean of students, knew his roommate had been kicked out of other dorm rooms due to the alleged sexual misconduct, but ignored Clark's requests to have him moved until Clark went to Bozeman police.

According to the court filing, Clark became so depressed that he took an overdose of painkillers in late November 2015, quit going to class and returned home to Washington state the following month.

Roommate nightmare: A former student at Montana State University (pictured) has filed a lawsuit claiming that school officials had failed to protect him from an unstable roommate who stole his money and engaged in 'disturbing' sexual behavior

The events 'severely damaged and ruined' Clark's college experience and left him with no desire to return, according to the lawsuit filed Monday in a Bozeman court.

MSU spokesman Tracy Ellig told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle that the university has not been served with the lawsuit and typically does not comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages for Clark and his parents.

It accuses MSU of breach of contract and negligence for failing to provide a safe living environment and for placing Clark with a roommate the university knew was unstable.

The roommate was identified only as 'Scott' in the lawsuit, which did not offer any details about what it called his 'erratic and disturbingly inappropriate sexual conduct.'

The lawsuit describes how within days of the start of the Fall 2015 semester, Evan Clark became concerned about Scott the roommate's strange behavior and extreme paranoia.

Then Clark's bank notified him that his roommate had withdrawn $600 from his account using his debit card, the lawsuit said.

Clark's mail and at least $500 in birthday money and gift cards were stolen from the campus mailbox that only Clark and his roommate had access to, the lawsuit stated. MSU promised to reimburse the money never did, the complaint alleges.

Maureen and Todd Clark asked MSU officials to remove Scott from their son's room. MSU responded that the roommate would be offered counseling, the lawsuit said.

Evan Clark reported that he did not feel safe around his roommate and went to stay with his brothers, who lived off campus.
A family were shocked to find an endangered leopard sleeping under their house.

Ramli Othman was told by his 10-year-old grandson that he had seen an enormous cat in the early hours of the morning under their home in a village in Pahang, western Malaysia.

The 60-year-old called friends over to help him inspect the bottom of his stilted house, he initially thought it was an unusually large cat until he heard its loud roar.

Ramli Othman was told by his grandson that there was a giant cat under their home

When he and a couple of friends went to take a look they found a leopard and quickly ran away to avoid being attacked

'When my friends and I went to have a closer look, we were shocked to see that it was a leopard. We ran away to avoid being attacked,' Mr Othman said.

'I told my children to hide inside the house in case the animal went wild. Luckily, that did not happen,' he added.

Mr Othman contacted the Civil Defence Department, who called the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks attended the scene and a vet shot the endangered wild cat with a tranquiliser dart so they could take the animal to a nature reserve

Villagers gather to see the leopard being taken out from underneath the stilted home in Pahang

When authorities arrived, they set up a net around the house to stop the animal from running away.

A vet fired a tranquiliser dart so the wildlife team could get the endangered clouded leopard out of the village.

State Wildlife and National Parks deputy director Mohd Zaide Mohamed Zin said the leopard may have been separated from its group and sought shelter under the house, according to a report by The Strait Times.

After being shot by a tranquiliser, the team from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks covered the clouded leopard's head inside a dark sack

State Wildlife and National Parks deputy director Mohd Zaide Mohamed Zin praised the villagers for not disturbing the leopard and calling the authorities

The leopard placed inside a cage and taken to the nearby Kuala Krau wildlife reserve

'The villagers were also smart enough not to disturb it and called for help immediately,' he said.

'If the leopard had been disturbed and become aggressive, the villagers could have been attacked,' he added.
A man is lucky to be alive after his ex-girlfriend's fiance paid who he thought was an hit man to kidnap and kill him.

Adrian Oorloff, 48, paid the 'hitman' $5,000 with a promise of a further $15,000, to kill Melbourne man, Richard Macko, reported A Current Affair. However, the 'hitman' turned out to be an undercover police officer.

Oorloff provided the undercover officer with syringes filled with a powerful sedative in July last year and told him to deliver the body to a rural property to be incinerated, the court was told.

Richard Macko (pictured) is lucky to be alive after his ex-girlfriend's fiance hired a man - who was an undercover officer - to kidnap him

Mr Macko and his ex-girlfriend were dating for three years when they decided to part ways and she began a relationship with Oorloff, who was also the couple's chiropractor.

'You almost get used to this sense of having to watch your back. In a very short time, it becomes the norm,' Mr Macko said.

Mr Macko was only made aware something was wrong when police contacted him to advise he and his family go into hiding.

'I really never thought that someone would go as far as wanting to end my life,' he said.

'Up until recently, I haven't really had much to do with the law at all,' Mr Macko said.

'I'm just a normal guy. Some would call me a geek, I work with computers.'

Adrian Oorloff, 48, (left) told the man he hired he wanted to burn Mr Macko's (right) body at his rural farm, a court heard

Oorloff (pictured left with his fiancee) payed the man $5,000 and promised him a further $15,000 once the job was complete

Mr Macko was only made aware of the full extent of the situation after police arrested Oorloff.

'I was very angry, I was shocked. Words couldn't explain all the emotions running through me at that time,' Mr Macko said.

'The level of detail, and planning, and consideration to consider how to even eradicate ones DNA.'

'I feel incredibly lucky to be alive. I feel like this is a second chance. If it wasn't for the undercover operative, who knows who else he may have been able to hire.'

Oorloff pleaded guilty to inciting an undercover police officer to kidnap his former patient, possessing vials of various drugs without a license and a cartridge of ammunition without a permit.

He could be sentenced as early as next week.

Police contacted Mr Macko and told him to go into hiding with his siblings
A group of armed thieves have left shoppers terrified, after brazenly robbing a Woolworths supermarket at a busy time of the night and fleeing with cash and cigarettes.

The four masked youths - three of whom were armed with knives - held up the store in Oakleigh South, in Melbourne's south east, at around 8.30pm on Wednesday night.

Video of the moment the group attacked the supermarket shows staff rushing around to seemingly meet the demands of the robbers, Channel Seven reports.

Scroll down for video

A group of four youths - three of who were armed with knives - robbed a Woolworths in Oakleigh South, in Melbourne's south east on Monday night

The group terrorised shoppers and staff before escaping with cash and cigarettes. Witnesses said the four youths wore masks and had hoods pulled over their heads during the robbery

Onlookers within the shopping centre warned others not to enter the supermarket as the four attackers threatened staff.

The video showed one youth calling and gesturing to the remainder of the group, seemingly urging them to hurry up and leave the store.

'They were wearing like the scary movie masks,' one witness told Channel Nine.

'Then they ran out with big knives into the parked car and they screamed out.'

All four fled in a white car, escaping with cigarettes and cash taken from registers.

The four men entered the Woolworths (pictured) at around 8.30pm on Wednesday

Police say all four men escaped in a white car and are still on the run

No one was injured and the four attackers are still on the run.

Victoria Police are investigating whether the attack is related to a spate of three other hold-ups that have taken place in the city's south-east over the past month.

Police are reporting an increase in crime, with one in four general duties senior sergeants finding themselves attending serious incidents.

The lack of numbers in the police force has meant officers are deciding which situations to attend to when in fact all calls must be responded to, the Herald Sun reports.

Despite Melbourne holding a higher first-response ration of police to population than the state average, it has a shortage of police as a record number of crimes flood the state

Just 48 hours earlier 20 men were caught on CCTV footage storming a milkbar in Melbourne allegedly armed with wooden weapons and metal tools

Just 48 hours earlier, a group of 20 men allegedly stormed a milkbar in Coburg armed with wooden and metal weapons.

The group - who were allegedly part of Melbourne's notorious Apex gang - entered the milkbar at around 9pm on Monday.
Lead doctor on the study said the results were extremely concerning

A concerning number of Australian girls under the age of 18 are seeking cosmetic surgery to change the look of their genitalia, a new study has revealed.

Research published in the medical journal BMJ Open shows girls as young as 15 are undergoing procedures such as labiaplasties, even though the medical consensus is that female genitalia do not reach maturity until the age of around 18.

Labiaplasties are surgical procedures that remove excess tissue from the labia - which are the inner and outer folds of the vulva, at either side of the vagina.

Teenage girls as young as 15 are requesting genital cosmetic surgery, a new study revealed

Over 400 Australian GPs took part in the study, and of those more than a third said they have requests from girls under the age of 18 for for genital cosmetic surgery.

Most of the girls cited concerns about the size of their labia as the reason for wanting cosmetic surgery, the doctors said.

Dr Magdalena Simonis from the University of Melbourne led the world-first study, and said at least half of the requests came from females considered emotionally vulnerable, suffering from either anxiety, depression or body dysmorphic disorder.

Dr Simonis, who is also a member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), says there is an 'epidemic of anxiety about normality' and has accused the cosmetic surgery industry of exploiting women's ignorance of their biology.

Lead doctor on the study Dr Magdalena Simonis said the results were extremely concerning

'The industry is brilliant at using social media to convince women and girls that they have 'redundant' or 'excess' tissue, when in fact we know that the labia are rich with nerve fibres,' Dr Simonis said.

'The fact that surgery rates for 15-24 year-olds are the same for 25-45 year-olds is especially worrying, because female genitalia don't reach maturity until around age 18,' she said.

Dr Simonis warns surgery to 'trim' labia can affect sexual response, because the clitoris is not just a 'pea' as described in textbooks, but is actually a larger organ of which most is not visible to the eye.
The following was written in a string of 148 tweets by Zola on October 29, 2015.

' Okay listen up. This story long. So I met this white b**** at hooters. I was her waitress! She came in with this old a** big a** black dude. So you know as a hooters girl we have to talk to our customers.

'So I sit wit them & we get to talkin & she tells me she dances! So I'm like oh yes b**** me too! Then she tells me this hulking black man is her sugar daddy & I'm like oh yes b**** my SD at home. I feel it I feel it

'So we vibing over our hoeism or whatever. & we exchange numbers!! & we like "next time u dance hum I'm a come dance wit you!" & they leave. So THE NEXT DAY I get a text like "B**** LETS GO TO FLORIDA!" & I'm like huh???

'She's like "I'm going to dance in Florida, let's go!!" Now I'm skeptical like DAMN b**** we just met and we already taking h** trips together???? BUT I had went to FL 2 months prior & made 15K. So lowkey I was down. So I was like "okay I'll go. Who's all going & when we leaving." All this b**** says is "be ready by 8

'So I call her like "b**** I SAID who's all going!" & she says "my boyfriend & our room mate & my room mate has a place in Tampa"

'So I'm like ok ok ok. I'll be ready. So I pack my baddest stripper wear & I'm ready. Now my n**** DID NOT want me to go. He was soooooo hurt So I had to f*** him calm, & then I left. Now when I got in the car it was a white boy (her bf) & this hulking black guy (NOT the same one)

'So I texted her on the slick while in the backseat like "another sugar daddy? U got a type b****!" & THE BLACK DUDE HAD HER DAMN PHONE!!!

'So he starts laughing & he goes "I'm using her GPS. no I'm not a SD I've known her & her dude for 8 years. We all live together.."

So I was like "My bad. Who lives in Tampa?" & black dude (still aint told me his name) goes "my fiance" ...so tht was it. Now we on the road. The ride was cool. We all talking. Laughing. Blasting Gucci. I take a nap & wake up in FL...the black guy goes "Ima put y'all in a room then take yall to the club while I go visit my girl. Jarett (her white bf) will be at the room if y'all need a ride after work" ..sounds fair.

'BUT we don't pull up to the four seasons b****. We pull up to a raggedy a** motel. So I said REAL QUICK "I'm not staying here Hun THERE WERE LITERAL PROSTITUTES STANDING WITH THEIR PIMPS OUTSIDE. I SWEAR TO GOD. I said "I have $. I can get my own room. It's fine"

'So jessica (the white b****) pulls me to the side & is like "we gone be at the club all night. This room for Jarrett. not us! dnt even trip" So I was like yea b**** okay. But trust I am NOT laying my head here... So we leave our s*** at the motel wit Jarrett & head to the club.

'So we working. It was king of slow (it was early Friday night) the club had HELLA rules which I'm not use to (Ima full nude typa b****).

'But this club require pasties & boy shorts & all this other s**..whatever. So after making about $800, I was ready to go. She was talking to some dude, tryna talk him out his wallet & they exchanged numbers. So I was like "call ur man. I'm ready!"..she calls the black dude. I'm like ummm that's not ur man but okay. So I pull her to the side before he pulled up like "wassup wit ur roommate?"

'And she was like we're really close. Before I met Jarrett I was with him. He was taking care of me. I was like OHHH well I don't need that. "Taking care of Me" in stripper language means that was her pimp. So I was like does Jarrett know? & she goes "of course not" ...strike 1.

'So then she goes "I didn't make anything tonight. What u make because he's gna ask" ..I said "umm that's not yall's business Jess!" ..chill. So he pulls up & AS SOON as we get in he goes "what y'all make" we said at the same time "nothing" ...so he goes damn my girl said she had a bad night too. We finna go pick her up. (His fiance who lives down here) ..we pick her up & he goes "nobody made s***. Y'all wanna trap?"

'Trap in stripper lingo means trick. So jessica goes "hell yea! U got some clients" im in the back on mute. He was like "u can get some!" So jess is like "yea i need to trap. But jarret is at the room!" & he goes "i wasnt putting yall in thay s*** hole tht was for him not yall"

'Im still quiet....we pull up to a nice ass hotel on the other side of town & he goes "ill get the clients together & text yall off this" .. He handed her a trap phone. So i am mind blown at this point. . So then we get to the room. Nice as f***. Just me & jess & i start GOIN OFF B**** U GOT ME F****ED UP. IM NOT ABOUT TO PLAY WIT U H*. IM GOIN HOME" so she starts cryin & shes like "i didn't wanna take this trip alone

'Please dont leave me. I would be so scared alone" shes f***ing sobbing. Im like oooommmmgggggg really?! Now im feeling bad for the h*. She goes "u can just check the guys in, he's not gna force u to trap" i said "OH B**** I KNOW HE NOT I KILL DEAD ASS KILL YALL" verbatim.

'So she cleans herself up & theres a knock at the door...i open the door & some fat white man goes "im here for the white girl"... So I check his pockets, take his wallet & let him in...they start f***ing RIGHT on the bed next to me. It was a f***ing mess. A MESS.

'So when they finished he gave her $100. I said "jess, u sellin p*** for $100???? P**** is worth thousands. U trippin" she goes "i dont make the prices. The prices are already discussed before they come in. So i was like b**** no. If u gone do this. Do it right...

'So i took some pics of her & put em on backpage. Along with a the trap phone # wit a MINIMUM of $500. The phone starts BLOWIN UP!!! I was like "se b****. I got u a n**** comin up RIGHT NOW giving $500 for 15 mins" ...he comes, i check him they get it in, he leaves. .

We are doing this ALL NIGHT!!! She f***ed about 20 dudes and her sorry ** pimp only sent 3 of them...so around 6am JARRET CALLS.

'She answers on speaker & he is going OFF!!!"WHERE TF ARE U & ZOLA?! The club BEEN CLOSED!" she goes "we went 2 another club cus it was slow". So I'm googling 24h clubs (FL has a few) tryna help her lie & he is NOT having it. Hes LIVID. He goes "if u went home wit a dude ur DEAD!"

'So he asks to speak to ME?! I was likr maaannn ima end up killin these crazy white n****s tonight. So he starts cursing ME out!!! Where are yall! I kno she's lying!! Dont be a ho like her zola!!" I said "i PROMISE you, im not" ..he hangs up on me & that was it.

'We didnt hear from him for the trst of the night. . We fall asleep. A few hours later the black dude (I STILL DONT KNOW HIS NAME) comes up he's like "how much u make last night" jess goes "5,500" i was like WTF WHY SHE TELLIN THE TRUTH?!?! I pimped her NOT HIM!!!

'So he goes "wtf how? Thats good but i only sent u 3 clients" she goes "zola made me a backpage" i was like WOOOWOWOWOWOWOOWOW. here we go...So he goes "u can do my job better than me?" I said "i was just helping her out. Irdc. Ur clients were cheap" he started laughing...

'He goes "give me the money" she gave him ALL OF IT. & he goes "thanks zola. U a real one" & throws $500 at me.... I put that s*** right in my bra. Tf. & jess goes, what about me? & he said "u owe me rent jess. U haven't paid in months" i was like damnnnn.

'So we leave & head to jarret & the ragedy motel. Cus our s*** was there. As we pull up, jarrett chillin outside smoking weed wit some dude. PAY ATTENTION HERE!! We get out & walk up to them & jarrett goes "here they go" the pimp goes "HERE WHO GO LIL N****, WHO DIS?!"

'Jarrett starts laughing & was like "he was asking me who i was here wit & i said my girl & her friends thats all. Chill out" .. The guy jarrett was talkin to laughs & goes "ill catch u later man. Nice meeting u." & leaves. He was a black guy wit dreads. A FL n****.

'So we all go up to the room & the pimp is going OFF on jarrett. "U dont knoe these n****!! I can't believe u told him 2 b****** in here!!" & jarret goes "he asked why i was out here mad lastnight. All i said was my girl went to work wit her friend & i aint want her to!"

'Now the pimp SCREAMING "SO THAT N**** KNO ITS MONEY UP HERE NOW?! HELL NO. WE GOTTA GO!! NOW" me and jess are like. So we pack our s*** & head out.

'We went to a nicer hotel about 20 minutes away. So the pimp was like "zola keep a eye on jarrett!" I was like oh s*** he den promoted me to look out & s***...so he leaves (to go back to his fiance at home) & jarret & jess start arguing.

'He was like "i know u was trappin jess. I saw the backpage add ho" and he shows her a screenshot..i was like OH S***T. HERE WE GOOOO.

'So he starts cryin like a b****. I was like wow. Hes like "i thought u were done wit this. I didnt come to FL for this. U messy"..

Then he turns 2 me & goes "this what u came here for zola?!" I said "HELL NA jarret she lowkey set me up. Im not f***in wit yall after this"

'He goes "wow u even set up ur friend. U such a ho" so they arguing for hours. I leave & go down to the pool.

'I mean, i am in florida !So MY MAN calls me! I lied & said everything was okay. I didnt want him worrying. I had a nice dinner & then the pimp calls the trap phone. I answer & hes like "since u a maadam & s***, do that s*** again tonight.

'But set up outcalls only cus this hotel 2 nice 2 trap out of" I was like cool. I gotchu. Especially for another $500. So i go up to the room & told jess to get ready. Jarrett goes WTF AGAIN B**** NO!!!!

'I said "jarrett calm down. Please" this white n**** starts PUNCHING HIMSELF!!!! Like crazy people do dawg!! I was like OH HELLLL NAWLLL. He goes "if u do this again jess. I will kill myself. I love u 2 much"... I was like this n**** lost in the sauce & his b**** lost in the game

'So i said "jarret sit THE F*** down. Jess come on so i can take some pics it's already 10oclock. Yall playin" so i make her a fresh ad. We come out the bathroom (i did her hair & makeup & s***) & jarret goes "everybody knows you a ho now. F*** u. I wanna go home!" I said HUH?

'He throws his phone at her and its HER FACEBOOK!!! A status of BOTH ads!!!!! HER MOM IS ON THERE GOIN OFFFFFF in the comments!!! Jessica starts BAWLING!! "Omg. My mom had my daughter this week! How could u!! She on the floor literally breaking down" ...i was like.

'So jessica calls the pimp & tells "JARRETT JUST PUT EVERYTHING ON FACEBOOK. MY WHOLR FAMILY SEES!" The pimp goes "I TOLD ZO TO WATCH HIM!!!"

'LITERALLY 5 mins later its the pimp BANGING at our door. He comes in wit his fiance this time. & snatches jarrett up by the neck. He wasted NO TIME!! He goes "i should really kill yo a**." Jarrett is dangling off the ground crying "please dont please" ..lowkey im cryin. The fiance pulls out a handgun yall!!! She goes "u want to bae or what? F*** him. He did OUR girl so wrong" i was like OH MY F***ING GOD!

'So now jess steps in "shes like please dont. Just beat his ass Z" i was like (oh his name z? Okay. Got it) so he puts him down... He does...still crying. He goes "delete the post. And give me ur phone" ...he did..then he goes "come here jess" ...i was so lost.

...

'The fiance right next to them wit a gun in her lap..i was like damnnnnn...So then he gets up & says "go clean up jess. U gotta work. He looks at jarret & says "any questions?" Jarret says "i wanna go home" i laughed out loud. I couldnt help it. & z goes "na. Ima spend the night wit my girl so YOU gone take jess to her outcalls." I was like DAMNNNNNNNNNNNN!!! Thats f***ed bro.

.He goes "zola got the clients & addresses so yall can take her" & him & his fiance leave....the room is silent for the next 30mins. Swear. The first client calls & says he ready....so jarrett takes us. Z left a handgun but told me not to tell them. He slid it to me on the slick. He texted the trap phone like "im trusting u wit my b**** zola. If anything goes left. Use it" i was like WHAT?! N**** I CANT!!!

'So anyway, jarrett took us to about 4 clients & then the phone was slow. Me & jarrett were in the car together while she was workin so we. Starting haviny deep convo. He really wasnt a bad dude. But he was bipolar. VERY bipolar...so I understood his outburst a little more.

'So we head back to the hotel & i flget this one last call late af. & the client says "i got 5,000 but i want 2 b****s" i said "oh sorry we only have 1." The client goes "well i got 2,000 for 1 but its 4 dudes..& we only do incalls" i was like wow. Whut?? So i text z & told him.

'He was like "hell yea, tell him come on." So i set it up. Then last min the client goes "actually; out call is fine" & gives me a address. So we get in the car & head to the address....jess goes "its 4 of them can u just wait in the hall please" i was like b**** iight cmon. So we head up to the room number they gave & jess knocks. A dude goes "who is it" & she says "incall" the door FLINGS OPEN FAST AS F***

'AND TWO BIG BLACK DUDES SNATCHED JESS!!!!! B****...i ran so got damn fast i couldnt even see straight. I was OUT!!! F*** that. I run out and THE CAR IS GONE!!! Im screaming "JARRETT!!!JARRETTT!!" This fool gone. So i call him, STILL RUNING & he like "yall done?!"

'I said "B**** Z TOLD U TO NEVER LEAVE US!! WHERE ARE U!!" Hes like "im at the gas station. I was thirsty. I though she was gone be a min". Im STILL RUNNING. lmfaooo. Dont know WHERE im going. Im like "they snatched her dude!! COME GET ME. IM CALLIN THE POLICE!!!"

'He pulls up a minute later & is like "dont call the police. Call z" i was like "z gone BEAT EVERYBODY ASS!! YOU WASNT SUPPOSED TO LEAVE!" & he's like "well YOU have the gun. If u call the cops u done too!" I was like s***. U right. So I called z & told him what happened!

'Z IS LIVID!!! and this deep african accent comes out!! I couldnt even understand him on the phone. I was like maaaannnnn. We dead bro. So z pulls up & is like "let's go.." I said "ummm ima stay here. Yall go" he goes "IM NOT IN THE MOOD RN. COME TF ON!!!!" So we all go. Me & jarrett on the side of the hall where u cant see & z knocks on the door! ..a man goes "who is it" z goes "where my b****man?!"

'Jessica SCREAMS. & the voice says "aint no b**** in here bruh" i was like oh. My. God...z goes "open the door" ....guess who opens the door. THE N**** WIT DREADS THAT JARRETT WAS SMOKIN WIT AT THE RUN DOWN MOTEL!!!!!!!!! I WAS LIKE YOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

'So he goes "come in & check." To z. Z motioned for us to stay hidden. THANK GOD. So he goes in the room & dread head there by himself rn wants to be here wit us....(we still dont see jess) so z goes to the closet and bust the door in & she in there. Tied up. Knocked tf out.

'Dreads goes "i got 20K for her right now man & all is forgiven" z said "we made more then 20k this weekend alone. Get outta here!" So dreads goes "my dudes downstairs not gone just let u walk out wit her like that" & z said "we'll see" ...mind u i can barely see.

'Im around the corner. So i just hear everything...next thing i know i hear some shuffling & a gun goes off..once again I TAKE OFF. But i took off down the hall threw the back!! Jarrett wasnt far behind & then we look behind us & z is runnin too wit jess over his shoulder. He throws jess in the car & hops in the drivers seat! I hopped in wit him & jarret hopped in the other car & we got the f*** ON

'Im cryin. I said "wtf happened?!" He goes "that n**** reached for his piece. I shot him in the face man" i was like OHHHMMAAAGAWDDD. We got back to our hotel, packed our s*** & checked out. We went to z and his fiances condo...nice as F*** by the way.

'Jess is up now & she tells us what happend. Apparently they recognized her from the motel & set her up (clearly) & once they snatched her. They told her to trap for them & she said no. So they beat her ass....thats what z interrupted when he knocked so they knocked her out...I was like.....I REALLY gotta go home yall.

'Sorry to kill the mood but i cant take nomore of this. Jarrett was like "same". Z's fiance was in the kitchen counting money dawg. Just like a rich h*. So z was like "everybody get some sleep. I gotta get rid of this".

(Talkin about the gun) so he leaves...we all try to get some sleep. The next morning he comes in wit tickets for me & jarrett. Jarrett goes "im not leaving jess here. Not after last night. She has a daughter & needs to come home" z was like "na we making money"

'I was like wooooww wit a black eye & busted lip & some FL n****s looking for yall u STILL tryna trap? Crazy. I was like "WELL IM READY!". Jess goes "itll be ok jarrett. I'll be home in 3 days" jarrett started wit that punching himself s*** again...i was like mannn. Here we go.

'Jarrett goes "come with me or im killing myself" z was like "ugh. Not this s***again. Ill be in the car. Yall 2 hurry up!" So jarrett is literally breaking down. U ever seen someone hysterically crying? Its intense. & jess tryna calm him. . Im at the door ready

'Jarrett randomly stops crying. Instantly. Like some movie s***. & goes "so u arent comin?!" Jess said "no jarrett. I cant" this n**** jarret. RUNS TOWARDS THEIR BALCONY & JUMPS!! I swear to GOD. bible. He f***ing jumped. I screamed SO LOUD my heart stopped.

'Jess runs towards the balcony & this n**** jarrett was hanging. He didn't fall all the way. He was stuck by his pants. THANK GOD!!!! We were only on the 4th floor but he still wouldve died. It was a good drop. So jess is helping him & i call z lmfaoo. Still crying I was like "jarrett is stuck. He tried to jump off ur balcony" z was like "WHAT IS WRONG WIT THIS N****!! FAMILIES LIVE HERE BRO WTF".

'So z came up, helped get him. Slapped the f*** out of him (literally) & physically guided him to the car...jess comes out & goes "I swear I didn't set u up Zola. I never intended for u to trap. Thats why u didnt! I hope we can be friends after"

'I looked at her like she wasn't speaking English & i said "im not gone beat yo ass rn bcus u already in bad shape. But i better not ever see or hear from you again" & she walked away....z LITERALLY buckled jarretts seat belt lmfao. & we went to the airport.

'Bare with me. It's almost over. When we landed in Detroit my man picked us up. We both looked HORRIBLE. so washed up & tired. My man was like "who is this white boy & wats wrong wit yall" i said "babe. Neither of us r the same. Just tak him 2 his car & tak me home"

'We drop jarrett off & on the way home i told him everything. He couldnt even speak honestly. . Check this out, this the last 4 tweets. I get a collect call 4 days later from a jail in LAS VEGAS! It's JESSICA! She goes "we got caught trappin in vegas & we all got arrested"

'I said "oh. Why u callin me?" She goes "z was wanted for kidnapping 15 underage girls & is linked to 6 murders including FL" I said "Florida? Muder? U have the wrong number!" She screams "ASK JARRETT TO BAIL ME OUT, He wont answer my collect call".

.I said "JARRETT??? U really have the wrong number" i hung up & called jarrett. He goes "yea i heard. Its on the news. Hes a huge trafficker". I found out later that jessica & his fiance played victim & said they were forced & z who's name i cant pronounce was a african man & was

'Wanted literally everywhere. He got sentenced to life & i hear jess is back in Detroit wit her mom & baby.... And thats the end of that.
A Yahoo operation in 2015 to scan the incoming email of its customers for specific information requested by the U.S. government was authorized under a foreign intelligence law, parts of which will expire next year, two U.S. government officials familiar with the matter said.

Reuters on Tuesday reported that the Yahoo program was in response to a classified U.S. government request to scan emails belonging to hundreds of millions of Yahoo users.

The revelation rekindled a long-running debate in the United States over the proper balance between digital privacy and national security.

On Tuesday, Reuters revealed that Yahoo Inc last year secretly built a custom software program to search all of its customers' incoming emails for specific information provided by U.S. intelligence officials. Above, Yahoo Chief Executive Marissa Mayer

The collection in question was specifically authorized by a warrant issued by the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, said the two government sources, who requested anonymity to speak freely.

Yahoo's request came under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, the sources said.

The two sources said the request was issued under a provision of the law known as Section 702, which will expire on December 31, 2017, unless lawmakers act to renew it.

Mayer's decision to obey the directive roiled some senior executives and led to the June 2015 departure of Chief Information Security Officer Alex Stamos (above). The law that enabled the spying is set to expire in December 2017

The FISA Court warrant related specifically to Yahoo, but it is possible similar such orders have been issued to other telecom and internet companies, the sources said.

In a statement on Wednesday, Yahoo said the Reuters report was 'misleading' and that the 'mail scanning described in the article does not exist on our systems.'

When asked to identify any specific way in which the story was misleading, or whether the operation described by Reuters had previously existed, Yahoo declined to comment.

Former Yahoo employees told Reuters that security staff disabled the scan program after they discovered it, and that it had not been reinstalled before Alex Stamos, the company's former top security officer, left the company for Facebook last year.

The intelligence committees of both houses of Congress, which are given oversight of U.S. spy agencies, are now investigating the exact nature of the Yahoo order, sources said.

Section 702 of the FISA governs a program exposed by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden known as Prism, which gathers messaging data from Alphabet Inc's Google, Facebook Inc, Microsoft Corp, Apple Inc and other major tech companies that involves a foreign target under surveillance.

Some surveillance experts said this represents the first case to surface of a U.S. Internet company agreeing to a spy agency's demand

Another type of spying the authority allowed under Section 702 is known as 'upstream,' and allows the NSA to copy web traffic flowing along the internet backbone located inside the United States and search for certain terms associated with a target.

Privacy advocates expressed alarm at the reported Yahoo program, saying it amounted to an unprecedented use of the authorities granted to the NSA by Congress.

'The NSA has said that it only targets individuals under Section 702 by searching for email addresses and similar identifiers,' Senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, said in a statement to Reuters on Monday. 'If that has changed, the executive branch has an obligation to notify the public.'

Speaking to students at Georgetown University on Tuesday, Snowden, who leaked a trove of classified documents to journalists in 2013 exposing NSA surveillance programs, said the Yahoo report renewed questions about whether government surveillance programs are subject to sufficient congressional oversight and public scrutiny.

'That's not to say that this Yahoo program is sinister,' Snowden said via satellite: 'It could be related to cyber security, where it is related to known malware actors.'

Government officials on Wednesday sought to defend U.S. surveillance operations as appropriately balanced and transparent, though they did not deny the Reuters report.

'The United States only uses signals intelligence for national security purposes, and not for the purpose of indiscriminately reviewing the emails or phone calls of ordinary people,' Richard Kolko, a spokesman for the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence, said in a statement.
A former Australian police officer with a taste for parties will soon have little to celebrate.

Brendon William Hanson has pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying crystal meth.

The 29-year-old former special constable is out on bail and faces a tense weekend waiting to be sentenced in a western Sydney courtroom on Monday morning.

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Topless former NSW Police constable Brendon Hanson awaits sentencing for supplying meth

Hanson told a judge on Wednesday he used ice to cope with stress, anxiety and depression, Nine News reported.

Penrith District Court was told that Hanson, a special constable in the NSW Police force for almost a decade, declined to take a police drug test in August 2015.

He quit his job the next day.

Ex-NSW cop Brendon Hanson, pictured with cash, told a judge meth helped him with stress

Detectives tapped his phone and followed his movements before arresting him in September last year, the court was told.

Police found more than 25 grams of methamphetamine and two replica pistols in his Sydney home.

In the year since his arrest, Hanson has been out on bail and undergone drug rehabilitation.

However, the court heard he was targeted as a former police officer during his treatment, Nine News reported.

Justice Stephen Hanley, SC, is due to sentence Hanson on Monday, October 10.

Penrith supporter Brendon Hanson ended his policing career to avoid undergoing a drug test
Hours after she posted a photo on Instagram of herself with her 'new pride and joy' Mercedes-Benz, a young woman was arrested and charged with a felony hit-and-run involving her expensive present.

On the afternoon of September 27, Aya Ibish, 22, posted a photo of herself excitedly waving her arms as she stands next to a shiny gray Benz wrapped with a large red bow around the front.

Aya Ibish, aboce, was excited to get her brand new Mercedes-Benz, but only hours later, she had allegedly stuck and injured a bicyclist while driving under the influence, say cops

Ibish, above, was arrested after allegedly failing a DUI test and speeding from the scene

The unidentified cyclist, bike above, was reportedly injured and may have a broken leg

Ibish's brand new baby, above, suffered some damage in the accident

But police say that only hours later, around 10:40pm, Ibish struck a bicyclist in Costa Mesa, California in the area of 19th Street and Monrovia Avenue, and then took off from the scene.

The unidentified victim, who suffered leg lacerations and a possible broken leg, described the car that hit him as a gray Mercedes-Benz. Police began searching for the luxury sedan, now with front end damage.

Ibish was pulled over in the car a few minutes later, according to KABC. After a DUI test, she was charged, reported the outlet.

Ibish, above in a different car, was allegedly intoxicated when she hit a bicyclist

The woman, whose LinkedIn account says she's a medical student at Irvine Valley College, was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and DUI.

Ibish had apparently described her new Benz as her 'new pride and joy,' to her 19,000 Instagram followers, according to OC Weekly.
carry the man to the ambulance

was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered chest

A man, 23, has survived an extraordinary plummet down a cliff 25m cliff and landed in a creek without wearing a seatbelt in his 4WD.

A local resident captured photos of a frightening car wreck on Saturday morning after a 23-year-old man suffered serious chest and stomach injuries when he plunged off a cliff on the north island of Whanganui, New Zealand.

Police told Daily Mail Australia they found the man out of the blue mangled 4WD and a local father, Bjorn Kristinsson, helped emergency services carry the injured man up a hill to the ambulance, according to the New Zealand Herald.

The car (Pictured) was found at the bottom of a cliff and the man was rushed to hospital

The 23-year-old man survived with chest and stomach injuries despite not wearing a seatbelt

The man was then rushed to Whanganui Hospital and firefighter Craig Gardiner described the young man as, 'one lucky bloke'.

'To fall down a bank like that with no seatbelt and survive was amazing,' he said.

The blue 4WD was estimated to have fallen 25 metres the local Whanganui Fire Service told Daily Mail Australia.



The mangled 4WD was captured shattered in a creek at the bottom of Parihauhau Road

Photos taken by local resident Thorstein Bjornsson show just how fortunate the man was to survive with the crushed car shown submerged in the creek.
One in ten of youngsters aged 11 to 18 spend more than an hour on their mobile device after going to bed

Children as young as nine are being woken up more than ten times a night by constant message notifications from their phones, experts warn.

A major survey reveals youngsters are now so addicted to social media that they cannot bear to turn their devices off at night and sleep with them in their beds.

The trend is causing sleep deprivation in both primary and secondary school pupils, meaning they are unable to concentrate and work at their optimum in class.

One in ten of youngsters aged 11 to 18 spend more than an hour on their mobile device after going to bed.

Many parents are unaware that their children are on their phones in bed checking Whatsapp, Snapchat and Facebook  with more than 100 notifications coming in overnight in some cases.

The survey was carried out by the online safety organisation Digital Awareness UK (DAUK) in partnership with the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC), which represents top private schools.

Charlotte Robertson, director of DAUK, said: 'Students often tell us that they are exhausted due to the fact their mobile devices are flashing, buzzing and pinging throughout the night telling them what they've been tagged in, invited to or who's messaged them.

'It's not surprising that technology can be such a barrier to proper sleep. This is why it's invaluable for schools to be working with parents in educating students about the impact technology can have on physical and emotional wellbeing.'

Mike Buchanan, chair of HMC, added: 'As teachers we are seeing the effects of device use every day. If they are not socialising with each other, or are tired for lessons and not concentrating, we need to address that.

Many parents are unaware that their children are on their phones in bed checking Whatsapp, Snapchat and Facebook

'We want to start a new conversation with parents about how to influence teenagers' responsible use of phones and other devices both at home and at school.'

The poll of almost 3,000 youngsters aged 11 to 18 in the private and state sector included those attending both day and boarding schools.

Researchers investigated use of mobile devices overnight and the impact on children's health and wellbeing.

They found 45 per cent of respondents admitted they check their mobile phone device after going to bed.

Of those, 23 per cent check it more than ten times a night, and 25 per cent spend more than an hour on their device after going to bed  representing 11 per cent of the whole sample.

One in ten of the bedtime users said they would feel stressed about missing out if they didn't check their mobile devices before going to sleep

A third of these students' parents are not aware that they check their mobile device after going to bed.

Almost all of those owning up were on social media after dark while 75 per cent were listening to music and more than half were watching films.

Around 70 per cent of the boys who used their devices at night were playing games.

One in ten of the bedtime users said they would feel stressed about missing out if they didn't check their mobile devices before going to sleep.

And 38 per cent said they would be curious to know what was happening if they didn't check their devices.

Almost 70 per cent of the youngsters polled said that using their mobile devices at night affects their school work.

The trend is causing sleep deprivation in both primary and secondary school pupils

A quarter said they feel tired during the day because of how often they use their mobile device at night.

And almost half of students keep their phone next to their bed at night.

Ms Robertson said although younger children were not involved in the study, she regularly spoke to children as young as nine who wake up more than ten times a night to check their phones.

Many children are getting phones by aged 11 or 12 now, she said.

She runs a project in which she visits children in schools to encourage them to switch off their devices for a 'digital detox' for at least 90 minutes before bed.
US war hero Chuck Yeager is scathing in his opinions on British people

American World War Two hero Chuck Yeager has launched an extraordinary attack against Britain, saying its people are nasty and arrogant.

The 93-year-old, who was the first man to break the sound barrier when he worked as a US test pilot, has recently taken to social media.

And judging from his first attempts he is no mood to let age mellow him.

Over the last few weeks, hes been responding to all manner of questions posed to him on Twitter  and giving some extremely forthright answers.

One follower asked General Yeager, lionised in Tom Wolfes book The Right Stuff, why he appeared to have a negative attitude towards the British.

He responded: Arrogant. Nasty to Americans when we were over there saving them.

Nasty when I visited them a few years ago - wanted a whole lot for nothing.

War hero Chuck Yeager pictured in 1948 in the cockpit of a Bell Xs-1 aircraft

When challenged about his opinions he responded: The Brits werent so friendly when we were fighting their war for them.

He added: A simple thank you will do.

General Yeager shot down five fighters in a single day during the Second World War.

Later, flying the Bell X-1 aircraft, he became the first pilot to travel faster than sound, despite having broken his ribs in a riding accident the day before.

He has made millions of dollars from public speaking and his autobiography.
His mother has been trolled on Facebook and asked to 'take responsibility'

The grieving mother of a three-year-old boy killed at an inflatable playground has been trolled on social media for not 'taking responsibility' for her son's death.

Hunter Young, from Upper Coomera, was found unresponsive with severe head injuries near play equipment at the indoor centre Inflatable World Toowoomba in Queensland at 1pm on Sunday.

Although it is understood the little boy was with his grandparents, merciless trolls attacked Hunter's mother saying the play centre should not be blamed and other parents would 'never let this happen'.

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Hunter Young (pictured) was found unresponsive near a piece of inflatable play equipment at the indoor centre Inflatable World Toowoomba at 1pm on Sunday

Merciless trolls have attacked Hunter's mother (pictured left with Hunter and his father) saying the play centre should not be blamed and other parents would 'never let this happen'

'It's the relative's fault, they should have been watching him,' one woman wrote.

'They should be charged with negligence causing death'.

Another said Inflatable World is not a 'babysitting' facility and the mother of the three-year-old could have prevented the accident.

'If you cant supervise a child correctly then maybe you shouldnt have a child,' she said.

Hunter was initially taken to Toowoomba Hospital then transferred to Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, but his parents made the decision to turn off life support on Monday, The Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

Investigations into how the boy suffered serious injuries are continuing and the cause of death is yet to established.

Hunter was initially taken to Toowoomba Hospital then transferred to Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, but his parents (pictured) made the decision to turn off life support on Monday

The boy lived with his parents in Coomera on the Gold Coast but was in the care of his grandparents at the play area

The grieving mother of a three-year-old boy killed at an inflatable playground has been trolled on social media for not 'taking responsibility' for her son's death

Staff at Inflatable World sent condolences to the family.

'We are devastated by the news that a child has passed away in hospital after collapsing at our venue on Sunday afternoon,' a post on its Facebook page said.

'Inflatable World takes the health and safety of our patrons, staff and others very seriously while they are on our site and have taken extensive measures to ensure we have the highest standards for workplace safety.

'We offer our deepest condolences to the family.'

The post was later edited to ask its followers to 'be respectful of comments at this sad time'.

Hunter died after he was found unresponsive near a piece of inflatable play equipment at Inflatable World Toowoomba (pictured) in Queensland

In a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday evening the company said they had reported the incident to Worksafe and were cooperating with police

Many said lack of parental supervision was to blame for the little boy's death
Leaning in desperation over the side of a packed boat, one man grabs the hand of a tiny baby being held aloft from the water by another.

This was the horrific scene in the Mediterranean, where 11,000 migrants have been rescued so far this week.

Some 4,655 people were saved 12 miles off the Libyan coast on Tuesday, including four pregnant women who gave birth on their way to Italian ports.

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Migrants try to pull a child out of the water (centre) as they wait to be rescued off the coast of Libya

Calm seas have encouraged a fresh influx of migrants rushing to cross from North Africa to Europe before winter.

Rescue workers spent hours trying to save 1,000 people on board one boat on Tuesday.

Hundreds of mainly African migrants were hauled to safety, but dozens died in agony from suffocation.

A young child is held aloft on a boat surrounded by migrants travelling between Libya and Italy

Once inside the boat, rescuers found the bodies of more than two dozen people among discarded clothes, shoes and blankets. As darkness fell, they used stretchers to lift the corpses up from the vessels hold.

On an inflatable dinghy where the dead were piled up, survivors had to step over the bodies on their way to safety.

In the water, an African man could be seen clinging desperately to a float while trying to stretch his leg out to help a fellow passenger floundering a yard away from him. Many small children were among those crowded on the boats.

Italy's coastguard has said it carried out 33 separate rescue operations on Tuesday, with calm seas blamed for the number of people making the dangerous journey

Italys coastguard said it carried out 33 separate rescue operations on Tuesday and that 4,655 people had been saved, taking the total rescued to nearly 11,000 in just two days.

A coastguard spokesman said: Obviously the good weather has played an important role in explaining the large number of recent arrivals.

The number of pregnant women boarding migrant boats in Libya has risen significantly this year and it is not uncommon for them to go into labour as soon as they reach the safety of a rescue boat.

The latest surge in arrivals means at least 142,000 migrants have reached Italy since the start of the year. About 3,100 have died making the trip.

An estimated 154,000 came to Italy in 2015 and 2,892 died.

The majority of migrants come from Africa, including Nigeria, Eritrea, Guinea, Gambia, Sudan, Ivory Coast and Somalia.

Yesterday Greek police detained 214 Syrian refugees after they crossed a river that forms a border with Turkey.

It is the second time migrants have attempted to cross the Evros River in a week, and comes days after 107 were detained in the same area.
What is happening in Aleppo in northern Syria is shocking and shaming. Every day brings more evidence of new barbarities  of children mutilated and killed, and hospitals pulverised by barrel bombs.

And because of mobile phones and social media, as well as the brave reporters and cameramen who get into the besieged city of Aleppo, we are probably more aware of the suffering and carnage than in any previous war. Never has death been brought more vividly and distressingly into our sitting rooms.

Like many others, Im sure, I sometimes turn away. There are scenes too painful to watch. On Tuesday evening, BBC news showed pictures of a young boy whose bowel has been terribly damaged by an explosion. Deprived of any medical assistance, he is starving to death, tended only by his father.

The claim that the airstrikes are merely targeting terrorists is ludicrous

Every day brings more evidence of new barbarities  of children mutilated and killed, and hospitals pulverised by barrel bombs

So close are these horrors that one heroic British surgeon, David Nott, has been using Skype to advise doctors in an Aleppo hospital as they operate. Dr Nott has himself spent many months saving lives on the spot in Syria.

Though modern technology makes these events seem appallingly close to us, Aleppo might as well be in a different solar system. For we know we can do nothing to save it. The Government has no rescue plan for us to weigh up in our minds to accept or reject. We can only watch  or avert our eyes in impotent shame and sorrow.

There are, though, some salutary lessons from this dreadful conflict that we had better learn if only to reduce the likelihood of our stumbling blindfolded into other ones.

Never has death been brought more vividly and distressingly into our sitting rooms

We once thought better of Vladimir Putin. He and his grisly crew are guilty of war crimes

The first is that Russia under President Vladimir Putin has put itself beyond the pale of decent nations. We may expect little of the Syrian dictator, President Bashar al-Assad, whose air force has been pounding Aleppo and killing blameless civilians with barrel bombs.

These crude and cheap terror weapons are typically packed with up to 1,000 kg of high explosive and usually dropped from a helicopter. They are filled with shrapnel, scrap metal and oil, and sometimes lethal chemicals. They are estimated to have caused between 5,000 and 10,000 deaths in Aleppo, most of them civilians.

Assad is a monster whose father, President Hafez al-Assad, was also a genocidal maniac. But we once thought better of Vladimir Putin. He seemed at least to have one foot in the civilised world. No longer. He and his grisly crew are guilty of war crimes.

Assad is a monster whose father, President Hafez al-Assad, was also a genocidal maniac

Russian aircraft have been dropping cluster bombs and napalm on civilians in Aleppo. They are also using so-called thermobaric missiles which suck all the oxygen from around the detonation point, destroying all the internal organs of anyone nearby, potentially up to a range of a quarter of a mile.

The Russian claim that they are merely targeting terrorists is ludicrous, and their assertion that they have not caused harm to innocent civilians except in a very few regrettable cases is the kind of contemptible lie one expects from a cynical totalitarian regime.

So my first lesson from the merciless bombardment of Aleppo is that Russia under Putin is ruthless, untrustworthy  and dangerous. I dont say Russia will imminently invade one of the Baltic states: she has only a fraction of the manpower and military resources of the old Soviet Union.

The bombardment of Aleppo has been merciless, and Putin is ruthless, untrustworthy and dangerous

But I do submit that Russias conduct in Syria confirms what her annexation of Crimea and her incursions into Ukraine suggested, namely that she does not respect international law, and acts in volatile and unpredictable ways.

The European countries, including Britain, which cut their defence expenditure to the bone in the belief that the Russian threat had disappeared, should look at what is happening in Syria, and think again before it is too late.

My second lesson is directed at the likes of David Cameron, who naively believed that the Arab Spring would usher in a new democratic era in the Middle East. Only in Tunisia could this be said to have happened, and there the government is increasingly harried by Islamists.

President Bashar al-Assad's air force has been pounding Aleppo and killing blameless civilians with barrel bombs

I hate to say it, but our sitting-rooms will continue to be invaded by heart-rending images which are all the more affecting because we know there is nothing we can do

In 2011, Mr Cameron famously took himself off to Tahrir Square in Cairo to congratulate the protesters who had brought down the dictator President Hosni Mubarak. Those dreams did not last long. The new Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, is every bit as autocratic as Mubarak.

But at least Egypt has not gone up in flames in the manner of Syria. However disagreeable their government may have been before the 2011 revolution, life for almost all Syrians was surely far preferable to the poverty, hunger and war that now grip their country. At least a quarter of a million people have died.

What is true of Syria applies also to Libya after the removal of the dictator Muammar Gaddafi (assisted by the U.S., France and Britain) and to Iraq after the demise of Saddam Hussein (orchestrated by the Americans and ourselves). How much better to live under a cruel dictator than in a failed, lawless and ungovernable state.

Russia's assertion that they have not caused harm to innocent civilians except in a very few regrettable cases is a contemptible lie

This melancholy truth may at last be penetrating the minds of those posturing western politicians who, with little or no knowledge of the Arab world, cheered on the Syrian revolutionaries in 2011 even though many of them were Islamists who did not wish the West well.

Nor should it be forgotten that the rise of the Islamic State  by far the most threatening anti-western group to emerge from this conflagration  was greatly assisted by the fatal Anglo-American invasion of Iraq, which created the conditions in which ISIS could flourish.

My final lesson concerns the much reduced role of America in the world following the debacle of Iraq and failures in Afghanistan. It follows from all I have said that I dont think President Barack Obama should have intervened in the conflict in 2011.

The Government has no rescue plan for us to weigh up in our minds to accept or reject. We can only watch  or avert our eyes in impotent shame and sorrow.

But the United States could and should have played the leading diplomatic role in this shambles. America began by condemning the Assad regime, and would have attacked it if a bellicose Mr Cameron had not been thwarted by the House of Commons after the then Prime Minister sought Parliamentary approval for the RAF to bomb Assads forces.

More recently, America and Britain have partly switched sides, so we now support some of Assads moderate enemies, but oppose the extremist ones, most obviously Islamic State. So it is that were on his side, and against him.

Americas indecision and shilly-shallying have allowed a steely-eyed Putin to move into Syria, and play a key role in maintaining Assad. Throughout it all, the U.S secretary of state, John Kerry, has cut an unimpressive figure. Whenever he announces a peace plan, you may be sure it wont work.

Throughout it all, the U.S secretary of state, John Kerry, has cut an unimpressive figure. Whenever he announces a peace plan, you may be sure it wont work.

Nothing much will happen now until Obama steps down in January, but even then it seems unlikely we will see a reinvigorated America. Hillary Clinton did not send many pulses racing when she was secretary of state between 2009 and 2012, while Donald Trump is an isolationist with a soft spot for Putin.

What a mess! The semi-rogue state that is Russia has grown in power and confidence while America, despite her vastly greater resources and military might, is made to appear ineffectual and feeble. The British Government, Im afraid, has been confused and uncertain.

Now it looks as though the five-year war in Syria will end only when the various parties fight one another to a blood-drenched standstill. That could be a long time. I hate to say it, but our sitting-rooms will continue to be invaded by heart-rending images which are all the more affecting because we know there is nothing we can do.
The education secretary says she will continue to fight against Heathrow

Education Secretary Justine Greening has refused to rule out resigning if Heathrow airport is given the green light to expand.

Miss Greenings Putney constituency, in south-west London, is near the airport and she has vowed to oppose a third runway.

The Cabinet minister told BBC 5 lives Emma Barnett that she would continue to fight against Heathrow being the designated site for expansion in the South East.

Education Secretary Justine Greening has refused to rule out resigning if Heathrow airport is given the green light to expand

She added: Its a debate that Im still aiming to win Its one of those issues that has people with very different views, but Im certainly going to put my views across, and well see where we end up on the decision.

When asked by the BBC if her position in Cabinet would be untenable if the decision went against her, the minister simply said the scenario was hypothetical.

The MP is one of several high-profile Tories who are openly opposed to plans to build an extra runway, arguing it would mean extra noise pollution for her west London constituency.

In May, Miss Greening predicted that the then PM, David Cameron, would have to shelve plans to expand Heathrow and go for Gatwick instead.

Theresa May has previously clashed with Heathrow over the impact of noise and air pollution on her Maidenhead constituents.

The MP is one of several high-profile Tories who are openly opposed to plans to build an extra runway at Heathrow, pictured

But the Prime Minister used her keynote address to emphasise that the country needed to get on with expanding airport capacity in the southeast of England.

Mrs May said: We will shortly announce a decision on expanding Britains airport capacity but she did not give any hints about which option she would back.

She is expected to make an announcement on the repeatedly delayed decision in the coming weeks, after it was pushed back again following Junes EU referendum.

Ministers have stressed that another runway is needed in the south east to show that Britain is open for business in a post-Brexit world.
Patients are at risk from GP errors because vital NHS cash is not being invested into surgeries, a doctors' leader will warn today

Patients are at risk from GP errors because vital NHS cash is not being invested into surgeries, a doctors' leader will warn today.

Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the Royal College of GPs, will say that up to 800million earmarked for practices is instead being used to bail out debt-ridden hospitals.

She will warn that without this money, crisis-hit surgeries will be unable to hire extra staff meaning doctors will be prone to making mistakes.

Waits for appointment times will become even longer because practices will not have enough doctors to meet the needs of the rising and aging population, she will say.

Addressing 1,600 GPs at their annual conference in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Dr Baker will warn of a 'serious threat to patient safety'.

She will describe the situation as a 'national disgrace' and say the lack of funds 'rings alarm bells'.

GP surgeries across England are in crisis as they are struggling to cope with the pressures of migration, the aging population and a national shortage of family doctors.

Patients routinely have to wait three weeks for an appointment and many also struggle to even get through to surgeries on the phone.

In April, the head of the NHS Simon Stevens promised to address the pressures by giving practices an additional 2.4 billion of funding over the next five years.

But an analysis by the RCGP has found that at least 760 million of this money won't go to surgeries, but will instead be diverted to hospitals and community care.

Waits for appointment times will become even longer because practices will not have enough doctors to meet the needs of the rising and aging population, she will say. Posed by models

The money is meant to be allocated to surgeries by 209 local health boards called Clinical Commissioning Group.

But the RCGP have scrutinised their financial strategies for the next five years  known as Sustainability and Transformation Plans  and found that very little of this money is going to general practice.

Furthermore, they claim that CCGs are sitting on a total of 33 million of this year's budget which should have gone to CCGs.

The College has analysed all CCG budgets and found that many are not giving surgeries all the money they have been allocated.

Added together, the RCGP estimate that surgeries will lose out on almost 800 million of NHS cash by 2020/21.

Dr Baker will say: 'When we hear of underspends, it rings alarm bells as we could be putting that money to excellent use and providing care for our patients.

'Our service is under considerable pressure - our patients are having to wait longer and longer to see a GP, and GPs are seeing more and more patients every day.

'It's OK every now and again to have a really busy day, but when this becomes the norm, it takes its toll and we know that GPs are worried about making errors because they are so overwhelmed with work.

'This is a serious threat to patient safety.

'The failure to spend money earmarked for general practice on general practice is a national disgrace.

'This is not loose change down the back of a sofa.'

GP services usually get about 8 per cent of the NHS's budget a year  about 9 billion.

If the RCGP's calculations are correct, they stand to lose out on a significant proportion of their allocated cash.

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the BMA's GP committee said: 'General practice is at breaking point.
Across parts of Germany, running battles between immigrants and neo-Nazis are becoming so frequent that they no longer lead the news.

In France and Belgium, Jewish schools and synagogues require armed guards. In Toulouse, a mosque has been burned to the ground. In Sweden, neo-Nazi thugs warned of a year of violence against immigrants.

Racist violence across much of Europe is now becoming almost routine.

The European Commission on Racism and Intolerance says it is alarmed at the intolerant political discourse in the UK, particularly focusing on immigration

So which country has the Strasbourg-based Council of Europe decided to accuse of anti-foreigner sentiment? You guessed it. The European Commission on Racism and Intolerance, which reports to the Council, says it is alarmed at the intolerant political discourse in the UK, particularly focusing on immigration.

Seriously? Political discourse in the UK? Lets compare how politicians talk here with what passes unremarked in other EU states. Czech prime minister Bohuslav Sobotka says: To be honest, we dont want a large Muslim population here. His Slovak counterpart, Robert Fico, is just as blunt: Islam has no place in Slovakia.

In France, Nicolas Sarkozy calls Islamic dress a provocation, and promises laws against it. (And, of course, a ban on the wearing of burkas on French beaches sparked huge rows over the summer.)

Nicolas Sarkozy has described Islamic dress a 'provocation', and has promised laws against it

In Britain, by contrast, Theresa May was cheered by her party members yesterday when she said: I want us to be a country where it doesnt matter where you were born.

By what measure is ours an intolerant country? To be sure, we have our bigots, as every nation does. But against whom are we being so harshly judged?

Look at the strength of authoritarian, anti-immigrant parties across Europe.

Members of Greek neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn shout slogans and hold Greek flags

In Austria, the Far-Right candidate got half the vote at the last presidential election, which is now being re-run after irregularities in the poll. In France, Marine Le Pens Front National leads in some national polls. In Greece, an unashamedly neo-Nazi party came third at the last election.

Nativist parties  that is, ones that argue for the rights of established inhabitants of a nation over immigrants  are polling solidly in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and many post-Communist states. Here, though, the British National Party barely registers. It has never come close to winning an MP, and currently has just two councillors.

We keep being told, usually by Remainers, that our EU referendum was all about immigration. In fact, the polls showed throughout that the top issue for Leave voters was democracy and the supremacy of the British Parliament.

If you want a referendum that really was all about immigration, look at Hungary, where 98 per cent of those who went to the polls have just voted against an EU plan to settle 1,200 refugees on their territory. The prime minister, Viktor Orban, said migrants were over-running Hungary. In Britain, 1,200 immigrants enter the country every 30 hours!

Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban has said migrants were 'over-running' the country

Of course, to say that other places have a worse record than ours is hardly a knockout defence. Any racial abuse is shameful, and Britain has its share of dunderheads, just like anywhere else.

Still, be honest: does the Council of Europes report match your experience? Do you, in your daily life, see evidence of what the BBC has taken to calling an epidemic of racism?

If youre old enough to remember the Seventies or Eighties, you must have noticed the improvement in race relations.

You can measure it in any way you like: the decline in violence, the increased approval of mixed-race marriages, the rising number of multi-ethnic neighbourhoods, the success of ethnic minorities in our professions.

Ours is a tolerant, comfortable, multi-racial society, which is one of many reasons that migrants prefer to come here.

A minority of Remain supporters spent the campaign dismissing all anti-EU sentiment as racist

What is it based on, this idea that we are in the grip of some new xenophobia unleashed by the referendum? Much of it comes from peoples determination to see what they want. A minority of Remain supporters spent the campaign dismissing all anti-EU sentiment as racist.

By the end, they had convinced themselves, and were determined to pounce on any news item as evidence of what they took to calling on social media #PostRefRacism. Three incidents were widely reported straight after the vote as evidence of an ugly new mood: an attack on a tapas bar in South London; a demonstration in Newcastle calling for foreigners to be repatriated; and graffiti outside a Polish community centre.

It emerged that the attack on the tapas bar had, in fact, been a burglary, and that the idiots in Newcastle had been holding the same demonstration every weekend since long before the vote. As for the graffiti, no one yet knows whether it had anything to do with the referendum.

That, though, hasnt stopped some irreconcilables from continuing to use all three episodes as evidence of what they want to believe. They are thrown at me several times a day by pro-EU campaigners who accuse me of complicity in violence for playing a leading role in the Leave campaign.

Its nothing new. Two years ago, an Italian constituent of mine, a waiter, was horribly murdered in Kent. Immediately, his death was blamed on Eurosceptics. The leader of the Socialist MEPs group said that he was a victim of David Camerons anti-EU rhetoric. Not long afterwards, it emerged that the killers were a Lithuanian gang.

Some of the reports of hate crime after the Brexit vote appear to have been people letting off steam after the vote, including some complaining about Nigel Farage (above)

Did the Socialist leader apologise to David Cameron? Did he admit that, now he had the full facts, he could see that the incident made a case for stronger controls on who entered the country from the EU, rather than blaming racist Britons?

Of course not. People are very good at fitting facts into their existing prejudices.

One such fact, endlessly quoted, is that hate crimes have risen by 57 per cent since the referendum. A moments reflection tells us that this figure is implausible and, sure enough, it turns out to be ludicrously misleading.

The police have a website that encourages people to report hate crimes. In the first four days after the vote, 85 people logged such incidents, up from 54 people in the corresponding period the previous month. The numbers had been rising for some time, because the website was more widely advertised. As yet, there has been no increase in the number of incidents that have triggered prosecutions.

Some of the reports appear to have been people letting off steam after the vote, including some complaining about Nigel Farage. Yet, under police guidelines, all such reports have to be recorded as hate crime incidents.

The police press release from which the 57 per cent figure was taken was, in fairness, quite clear about what it meant: This should not be read as a national increase in hate crime of 57 per cent but an increase in reporting through one mechanism.

People of every background campaigned on both sides in the referendum, but many seen determined to tell us that we are a narrow, nasty, prejudiced nation

In other words, an extra 31 people during the 96 hours after the vote complained to police, triggering no extra prosecutions. And yet that 57 per cent figure has assumed almost canonical force among Remoaners. Simply to question it is taken as evidence that you are a racist yourself.

People of every background campaigned on both sides in the referendum. There were several Leave organisations run by Brits of Commonwealth background: Bangladeshis for Britain, Africans for Britain, Sikhs for Britain and so on. We also had support from people of Continental European origins who had come to see the EU as a racket.

Such people dont fit the anti-Brexit, pro-Brussels narrative. Many broadcasters, in particular, are determined to tell us that we are a narrow, nasty, prejudiced nation  and wont be distracted by inconvenient facts.

Here, though, is the most inconvenient fact of all. The rise of actual bigotry in Europe is being exacerbated by two EU policies: the euro, which has caused needless poverty and unemployment, especially among southern European nations who have found themselves growing ever closer to the breadline; and the Schengen agreement on open borders, which has left countries unable to regulate migratory flows.

This has meant that the hundreds of thousands arriving in Europe from Africa and the Middle East have to a large degree been able to travel northwards and westwards unhindered.

So, far from soothing national antagonisms, it is Brussels that is stoking them. When we leave, we shall be a more global, more outward-looking and, yes, more tolerant country.
Diane James, pictured at the Ukip annual conference in September, has resigned as party leader after just 18 days

The bruising encounter this week with the partys MEPs was especially venomous even by Ukips standards.

And it was the moment Diane James finally accepted she was not suited to the job of the partys leader.

The showdown took place in a cafe at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Voices were raised. Expletives uttered. Most other customers in the cafe took no notice.

Rows, peppered with four-letter words, are commonplace in the mad and poisonous world of Ukip politics.

The argument, this time, was about whether Ukip should pour scarce resources into the looming by-election in Witney that had been triggered by David Camerons resignation as an MP.

James insisted they could not afford it because the party is in so much debt its on the verge of financial ruin.

But the MEPs shouted her down and, for her, it proved the final straw.

Her shock resignation means that Ukip, founded in 1994, is teetering on the edge of implosion just weeks after the party realised its dream of persuading Britain to leave the EU.

Donations have dried up, membership is falling, and the acrimony is so all-pervasive that some of the partys best known figures now refuse to speak to each other.

Ukip is now unmanageable. Its a basket case, said one senior member.

James was always a reluctant candidate in the first place. Nigel Farage had wanted the partys telegenic immigration spokesman Steven Woolfe to take over as leader.

But she was persuaded by Farage to put her name forward as an insurance policy in case any mishap befell Woolfe.

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James, pictured being congratulated by former leader Nigel Farage upon her election, is said to have left after 'venomous' rows with MEPs

And because Woolfes nomination papers were rejected by the partys NEC  they arrived after the agreed deadline because of a technical fault with his email  she was forced, against her wishes, to step into the limelight.

Even so, James refused to attend any of the partys hustings and gave only a handful of media interviews.

Diane never really wanted the job, said a source.

She resigned after 18 days but to be honest she was agonising over whether to stay for more than a week, said a source.

As the Mail reported yesterday, in the signature box of the party-leader registration form that she lodged with the Electoral Commission, she wrote: Vi Coactus  Latin for under duress.

But despite her apprehensions, nothing could have prepared her for what she would face once she took over Ukip.

First there was the partys financial meltdown. Last year it spent 6.6million but generated only 5.8million in income, and it now has liabilities of 820,000.

We are virtually broke, admitted a senior source.

Even if Diane James had wanted to launch a major campaign she couldnt because the coffers were empty.

Only on Monday there was an emergency meeting in London of some of the partys biggest donors who were warned she was on the verge of quitting.

It is understood James opposed several MEPs wish for Ukip to pour money into the upcoming by-election in Witney after David Cameron resigned his seat

Their donors included Arron Banks, who gave millions of pounds to the Leave side in the referendum, and Chris Mills, a hedge-fund financier who has loaned Ukip 200,000.

Banks, who has given the party more than 1million, is refusing to part with any more money until certain reforms are introduced.

And these, crucially, include the deselection of the partys only MP, Douglas Carswell, and its newly elected leader in Wales, Neil Cash for Questions Hamilton  both of whom are despised by Farage and Banks.

This brings us to the second reason James decided to leave  the blisteringly toxic atmosphere in the party.

Just days before that vicious clash at the European Parliament, James had had another row, this time with the partys ruling National Executive Committee.

She had tried to meet NEC members to implement Carswells and Hamiltons deselections.

(Hamilton, of course, is the former Tory MP who has never escaped his reputation for sleaze. He lost his Tatton seat in the 1997 election after being accused of taking cash from Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed in return for tabling parliamentary questions  a charge hes always denied)

James also wanted to give party members a say in policy for the first time and to bring in professional administrators to try to restore order to the chaos  managerial and financial  at Ukips headquarters.

James, pictured, also revealed she had been shaken when she was spat at by someone at Waterloo station in London

Yet the NEC  where both Carswell and Hamilton now have considerable influence  rejected Jamess demands and refused even to meet her.

This must have been sweet revenge for Hamilton  for in one of her first acts party leader, James blocked him from speaking at their party conference in Brighton.

The amount of abuse she received from some of Hamiltons supporters was unbelievable, said a friend.

A third factor in her resignation is the hostility she encountered from the general public.

When she announced she was stepping down, James revealed she had been badly shaken when someone spat and shouted at her at Waterloo station.

Then, travelling by train from London to Cardiff recently, a fellow passenger recognised her and shouted abuse at her.

And the fact is that, while Nigel Farage has his own personal security guards who travel everywhere with him, members of the NEC laughed at Jamess request for similar protection. Farages guards are paid for by a wealthy donor.

On top of all this is the fact that James, 56, loathes the media spotlight.

In 1998 a tabloid newspaper exposed her three-year affair with a senior MoD official Ron Smith, who was married and a senior aide to the then Labour defence secretary George Robertson.

The affair came to light when Mr Smiths wife Susan, an RAF wing commander, was investigated by the military police over another matter.

James now lives with another man in a secluded 1million house in Surrey  John Forrest, who at 73 is 17 years her senior and seriously ill with cancer.

He had been married for 32 years to his wife Jane when he and James started having an affair.

James was never destined for frontline politics  she used to work in private healthcare before becoming an independent local councillor in Waverley, Surrey, a decade ago.

She switched to Ukip and became the partys MEP for the South East in 2014.

And now that she has stepped down, Farage  who is temporarily taking her place although immigration spokesman Steven Woolfe is front-runner to take over in the long term  will have to contend with all that fear and loathing within his party.

Last year Farage was accused by Ukip MEP Patrick OFlynn of being a snarling, thin-skinned aggressive man who risked turning the party into an absolute monarchy and a personality cult.

OFlynn, a former Daily Express journalist, said Farage had been transformed from a cheerful, ebullient ... daring politician into a bullying control freak.
This is the heartbreaking moment a tearful teenager in hospital finds out the elderly woman he risked his life to save from a house fire has died.

Robert 'RJ' Kidd, from Newcastle in New South Wales, didn't hesitate when he saw the home of his beloved neighbour Pamela Wild go up in flames on Sunday night.

Breaking through a window and braving intense flames and thick smoke, the 18-year-old received burns to his airways in a desperate bid to save the woman's life.

Ms Wild, 63, was eventually rescued by fire crews and airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney in a critical condition.

But on Tuesday night her life support was turned off, leaving RJ devastated.

Robert Kidd (pictured) from Newcastle, New South Wales, was devastated when he found out the elderly woman he risked his life to save from a house fire had died

The 18-year-old (pictured) suffered burns to his airways after breaking a window and entering the home. Two other neighbours entered the home after him and dragged him back outside the house before he collapsed and was taken to hospital

Pamela Wild, 63, tragically passed away in a Sydney hospital on Tuesday night after she was rescued from her burning home on Sunday

His mother Josephine Kidd told the Newcastle Herald that her son was still in shock after learning the tragic news.

'He was very, very upset and was worried that he hadn't been able to save her,' Ms Kidd said.

'I told him it wasn't his fault, that no-one could save her, but he was so distressed at what had happened.'

A touching photograph taken inside RJ's hospital room captures the raw emotion felt by the young man just moments after hearing the news.

According to Ms Kidd, the pair shared a special bond, with RJ looking up to Ms Wild as a 'grandmother' figure.

The teenager (pictured being treated for smoke inhalation in hospital) is being hailed as a hero after rushing into the burning home

According to Ms Kidd her son (front) and their neighbour Mrs Wilds (back) share a special realtionship with him seeing her as a 'grandmother' figure

Since RJ's heroic story was aired on Sunday night, hundreds of social media users have applauded him for his courage, suggesting he be nominated for a bravery award.

'Wishing you a speedy recovery . You are a Hero and deserve a bravery award,' wrote one woman.

'Bravery award is the least I would expect him to receive...remarkable young man....God bless you,' added another.

The teenager, who is a student at Callaghan College, was meant to be sitting his Higher School Certificate exams in a matter of days.

His mother is reportedly hoping they will be able to arrange an estimated mark or delayed exams to accommodate for the extraordinary circumstances.
Barney Fuller, 58, died after being executed by lethal injection on Wednesday in Texas for a May 2003 killing rampage

An East Texas man who pleaded guilty to killing a neighbor couple during a shooting rampage 13 years ago and said he wanted to be put to death for the crime was executed Wednesday evening.

Barney Fuller Jr., 58, had asked that all his appeals be dropped to expedite carrying out his death sentence.

Fuller never made any eye contact with witnesses, who included the two children of the slain couple.

Asked by Warden James Jones if he had any final statement, Fuller responded: 'I don't have anything to say. You can proceed on, Warden Jones.'

Fuller took a deep breath as the Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials injected a lethal dose of pentobarbital into each arm, then blurted out: 'Hey, you fixin' to put me to sleep.'

He took a couple of breaths, then began snoring. Within 30 seconds, all movement stopped.

Fuller was pronounced dead 38 minutes later, at 7:01pm CDT.

The time between when the drug began and when he was pronounced was somewhat longer than normal.

'Each person is unique in how his body shuts down,' Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesman Jason Clark said, explaining the extended time.

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Fuller went on a middle-of-the-night shooting frenzy in May 2003 that left his neighbors, Nathan Copeland, 43, and Copeland's wife, Annette, 39, (pictured above together) dead inside their rural home

Nathan Copeland, 43, was killed in his bedroom, shot four times by Fuller. His wife, Annette, was gunned down in a bathroom while calling 911

Fuller is the seventh convicted killer executed this year in Texas and the first in six months in the nation's most active capital punishment state.

His execution was only the 16th this year nationally, a downturn fueled by fewer death sentences overall, courts halting scheduled executions for additional reviews, and some death penalty states encountering difficulties obtaining drugs for lethal injections.

Fuller surrendered peacefully at his home outside Lovelady, about 100 miles north of Houston, after a middle-of-the-night shooting frenzy in May 2003 that left his neighbors, Nathan Copeland, 43, and Copeland's wife, Annette, 39, dead inside their rural home.

The couple's 14-year-old son survived two gunshot wounds, and their 10-year-old daughter escaped injury because Fuller couldn't turn the light on in her bedroom.

Court records show Fuller, armed with a shotgun, semi-automatic carbine and a pistol, fired 59 shots before barging into the Copeland home and opening fire again. The attack culminated a 2-year-old dispute over Fuller's being charged with making a threatening phone call to Annette Copeland.

Fuller pleaded guilty to capital murder. He declined to be in the courtroom at his July 2004 trial and asked that the trial's punishment phase go on without his presence. He didn't return to the courtroom until jurors returned with their death verdict.

Last year Fuller asked that nothing be done to prolong his time on death row.

'I do not want to go on living in this hell-hole,' he wrote to attorney Jason Cassel.

Fuller had no late change of heart, Cassel said Tuesday.

A federal judge in June ruled Fuller was competent to drop his appeals. Fuller had testified at a hearing that he was 'ready to move on.'

Fuller had irritated neighbors with his frequent gunfire and was summoned to court in 2003 to address a charge that he made a threatening phone call two years earlier after complaints he shot out an electrical transformer providing power to the Copelands' home.

'Happy New Year,' he told Annette Copeland in the January 1, 2001, call. 'I'm going to kill you.'

William House, one of Fuller's trial lawyers, said Fuller thought when he got a court notice 'that they were stirring up some more stuff and he just kind of twisted off.'

Court records showed he seethed over the court appearance and began drinking. Two nights later, he grabbed his guns and extra ammunition clips and went to the Copelands' home about 200 yards away.

The room in the state facility in Huntsville that was used in Fuller's execution on Wednesday is pictured above. Texas authorities used lethal injection as the method for his execution

House described Fuller, who declined from death row to speak with reporters, as 'just a strange bird' who was 'very adamant' about not attending his own murder trial.

'I think we did everything we were supposed to and did the best we could but didn't have a whole lot to work with,' House said.

A sheriff's department dispatcher who took Annette Copeland's 911 call about 1:30am on May 14, 2003, heard a man say: 'Party's over, bitch,' followed by a popping sound. Annette Copeland was found with three bullet wounds to her head.

Cindy Garner, the former Houston County district attorney who prosecuted Fuller, described him as mean and without remorse.
Richard Arrowsmith, 41 (pictured outside court), was facing up to five years in prison but was let-off with a suspended sentence after telling a judge he wanted a family

A paedophile who was caught with more than 137,000 child porn images on his laptop and phone has been spared jail because he wants to start a family.

Richard Arrowsmith, 41, was facing up to five years in prison but was let-off with a suspended sentence after telling a judge he wanted to become a father.

The married man, of Church Gresley, Derbyshire, was arrested after police received a tip off in February that an IP address linked to his Sky account was used to download depraved pictures.

Officers executed a warrant at his home and seized a computer, external hard drive, laptop, mobile phone and USB sticks on April 19 this year.

A court heard a police computerised scanning system flagged up at least 10,000 indecent images and videos on the devices.

But a large number couldn't be categorised due to the sheer amount of movies and pictures - including 4,336 videos and 137,000 images.

Arrowsmith pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images and videos of children when he appeared at Derby Crown Court yesterday.

But he was spared jail after a judge heard he was hoping to start a family with his wife who was still supporting him.

Sentencing Arrowsmith to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, Recorder Martin Butterworth, said: 'You are 41-years-old, with no previous convictions and you pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

'There are three charges against you in relation to the possession of indecent images of children.

'I am taking into consideration your previous good character, you have a wife who supports you, a steady employment and your hopes to start a family in the near future.

'These are not victimless crimes, they encourage serious abuse of sometimes very young children.

'You were less than honest about the nature of the images.'

Arrowsmith pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images and videos of children when he appeared at Derby Crown Court (pictured). He was given a 10-month sentence, suspended

Arrowsmith was also ordered to pay 250 costs and carry out 160 hours of unpaid work as well as being made the subject of a curfew restricting him from leaving his house between 7pm and 5am.

He was also banned from working with children and was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register.

The court heard police found 400 videos in Category A, which is the worst, with another 255 films in Category B and 186 films and 851 images in Category C.

Overall there were 1,692 movies and images ranging from Category A to C as well as the 4,336 videos and 137,000 images that remained uncategorised.

After he was arrested Arrowsmith admitted to viewing and downloading indecent images of children for 'four or so years'.

But he told police officers he had never distributed or made any images or videos.
Former PM David Cameron faces further ignominy as his memoirs have had distinctly underwhelming offers

Former PM David Cameron was already licking his wounds after the Brexit vote. Now he faces further ignominy as his memoirs  now being hawked around London publishing houses  have had distinctly underwhelming offers.

'A proposal was shown to publishers at the start of last week which was three pages long, and very bland,' I'm told.

According to one source, final bids were submitted last Friday and offers have been in the region of 500,000 to 800,000, with Penguin pitching at the lower end of that range.

Penguin might be hoping to take advantage of the close links between its publishing director, Venetia Butterfield, and the ex-PM. She is married to Chris Lockwood, former deputy head of Cameron's No 10 policy unit, has been on holiday with the Camerons and even accompanied Samantha to PMQs.

The lowball figures compare unfavourably with Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher, who got 4.6 million and 3.5 million for their respective memoirs. Both had a high profile in America, unlike Cameron.

Nor will there be much appetite for his book in Europe, as his greatest achievement was to stage the referendum which resulted in Britain voting to leave the EU.

Ed Victor, Cameron's literary agent, says the Penguin figure is untrue, but that he will not comment further, as he is in still in the process of negotiating a deal with the right publisher.

Now Cameron faces further ignominy as his memoirs  now being hawked around London publishing houses  have had distinctly underwhelming offers

It is believed he will announce the result in a week or two, possibly to coincide with the Frankfurt book fair. It was recently reported that Victor had hoped to secure a 2 million deal which now looks overly optimistic.

Macmillan paid around 400,000 for former Health Secretary Ken Clarke's memoirs, published today. That was considered too high by other publishers, as it's almost certain Macmillan won't sell enough copies to recoup the outlay  especially after a damp-squib serialisation in The Times.

Having announced his resignation as an MP, Cameron told friends he will devote much of the next nine months to writing his memoirs, to be published next autumn.

Being young(ish), free and single has had a dramatic effect on acerbic Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood  he says he feels so happy ditching his ex that he's giving higher marks than normal in the new series.

Craig, 51, who split from Damon Scott earlier this year, says: 'Everyone's shocked I've been giving such high marks, but what can I say? I've got rid of my ex and I'm enjoying being back on the dating scene and feeling free, so I'm spreading the love.'

One person who, alas, didn't come into the high marks category from Horwood was former Labour MP Ed Balls, who gained a measly score of three from the Australian for his cowboy dance at the weekend.

200 a step to look like this!

The 24-year-old American model pal of Taylor Swift wore a dress with a cut-out midriff

She is one of the world's most successful supermodels with five million followers on Instagram, her own YouTube channel and reported earnings of 3 million a year.

Not that you would have guessed it, judging by Karlie Kloss's sartorial shocker yesterday at Paris Fashion Week. The 24-year-old American model pal of Taylor Swift wore a dress with a cut-out midriff and looked as if she was auditioning for the part of Wonder Woman.

'Walking the catwalk is a performance, just like dancing,' she says. 'I think I thrive on that kind of adrenaline.'

The money can't hurt, either. She reportedly gets paid 200 for every step she takes.

The Queen Mother's childhood home is cashing in this Halloween. Glamis Castle in Angus will hold haunted house tours. A mischievous servant boy, tongueless woman and Grey Lady are all rumoured to be long-term residents.

Historical accuracy prevented Max Irons becoming the latest star forced to tear off his clothes in the name of TV. The son of Jeremy Irons and Sinead Cusack baked in the heat on the set of ITV's new epic Tutankhamun, in which he plays the archaeologist who found the tomb.

'We were filming on the border between Namibia and South Africa in this valley which meant there was no wind, so it was stiflingly hot. On the first day they had to fly in five or six extra trailers for all the people fainting,' Irons said.

Historical accuracy prevented Max Irons becoming the latest star forced to tear off his clothes in the name of TV

'It was helpful for us as actors because you're hot, you're sweating, you're dusty and thirsty. All that stuff you usually have to fake.'
The Department of Primary Industries are monitoring 55 sharks in the area

A nearby beach was cleared after two sharks were seen 100m from shore

The shark was sighted only 10 kilometres from where a surfer was attacked

Great white shark was spotted in the shallows on the NSW Mid North coast

Another massive shark has been spotted swimming in the shallows at a beach only kilometres from where a teenage surfer was mauled.

The bronze whaler was seen at Seven Mile Beach, in Lennox Head, around ten kilometres from where surfer Cooper Allen, 17, was attacked just over a week ago.

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) have tagged eight sharks since the attack on September 26 , which left the young surfer with four large lacerations to his upper thigh, and are monitoring at least 56 in the Ballina area.

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Another shark has been spotted swimming in the shallows off a beach in Lennox Head, only kilometres from where a teenage surfer was mauled

DPI said the shark is a bronze whaler but could not comment on its size.

Its dorsal fin and tail are seen poking out through the turquoise waves in a photograph which was taken earlier this week.

A three-metre great white lurking only 100 metres from the shore prompted lifesavers to clear Cosy Corner in Byron Bay on Thursday, with a jet ski being sent out to advise surfers and chase the ocean predator out to sea.

Another unidentified two-metre shark swimming 70 metres from shore was pushed out to sea at Shelly Beach, in Ballina, at around midday.

Two 2.7 metre great whites were also seen in the surf at Lennox Head on Thursday.

While DPI have warned beach-goers that two others had been detected multiple times before 11am at Clarkes Beach, located further north of Byron - a popular tourist destination particularly during the school holidays.

Two 2.7 metre great whites were seen in the surf at Lennox Head on Thursday morning

A three-metre great white (pictured) lurking only 100 metres from the shore prompted lifesavers to clear Cosy Corner on Thursday

A jetski was sent out to advise surfers and chase the ocean predator out to sea

Cooper Allan, 17, sustained four large lacerations to his upper thigh after a great white latched on while he was surfing at Ballina's Lighthouse Beach just over a week ago

His friend's snapped shocking images of the gaping wounds left by the shark, believed to be a 3.5 metre great white

The DPI shark management team shared images of a 3.68 metre female great white baring her teeth while she was tagged on Monday.

She was located by authorities using SMART drumlines off Tressels Beach in Ballina and brought the total number of sharks being monitored in the area to 54.

Another 2.13 metre female brought the number to 55 later that day.

The number rose to 56 on Thursday at around midday when a 2.81 metre great white was tagged off LightHouse lookout, in Ballina at about midday.

This comes as up to 100 'smart' drumlines are set to be deployed along the coastline in a desperate effort to keep swimmers safe from shark attacks.

Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said 85 drumlines will be rolled out, with 15 already put in place.

Number 51: The Department of Primary Industries caught a 2.6 metre great white at North Wall, in Ballina, where Cooper Allan was attacked just under a week ago

Number 52: A shark biologist can be seen inserting an acoustic tag in a three metre great white spotted off Sharpes Beach in Ballina on Saturday

The three metre male was released after being located with SMART drum technology

Number 53: A 2.3 metre white shark at Sharpes Beach, Ballina, was found using SMART drum technology

Number 54: The DPI shark management team shared images of a 3.68 metre female great white baring her teeth while she was tagged on Monday

Number 55: Another 2.13 metre female great white was tagged and released off Lighthouse Beach - where Cooper Allan was attacked - on Monday

Number 56: A 2.81 metre great white was tagged off Lighthouse lookout, in Ballina at about midday on Thursday taking the total number of sharks tagged since the attack to eight

The controversial shark management strategy helps authorities track and monitor sharks without baiting or killing them. The sharks are tagged and then relocated.

German tourist Jonas Beck said one of the first things he saw when driving into Lennox Head on Tuesday was a shark thrashing around in the water.

'I was driving by and saw a big splash in the water and thought it looked like a shark,' Mr Beck told Daily Mail Australia.

'I stopped to have a better look and it started jumping out of the water with something in its mouth - it looked like it was getting something to eat,' he added.

The DPI team (pictured) tagged 50 sharks between August 2015 and September 30, but that number rose to 55 in under a week

Lennox Head was closed on Monday after a three metre great white was spotted

Number 48: A 2.9 metre male great white was tagged at Angels Beach, in Ballina, on the day Cooper Allan was attacked

Number 49: A 1.72 metre male white shark was tagged off Lighthouse Beach - where Cooper Allan was mauled only a day before

Number 50: A 2.2 metre great white was found by SMART drum lines at Sharpes Beach, Ballina

Mr Beck said he was not going to let the sighting deter him from getting in the water but clarified that he would not be going in alone.

'I don't think it is too bad if you stay close to shore,' he said.

'When other people are in the water during the day your chances are lower [of being attacked].'
A young mother says she and her seven-year-old daughter with disabilities had to be escorted out of a Donald Trump rally by Secret Service officers after they were bullied by supporters.

Jennifer Mau went to the Republican nominee's event in Loveland, Colorado on Monday night, saying she was curious what he would say about people with disabilities.

The mom, who is an undecided voter, said she decided to leave after about 20 minutes.

Jennifer Mau says she and her seven-year-old daughter, Chloe, were bullied by Donald Trump supporters at a rally

Video courtesy of ABC 7 Denver

'I just wanted to see what a (Trump) rally would be like, because I've watched them all over the country,' she told KMGH.

But when Mau got up to leave with her daughter - who was born with multiple birth defects, including facial anomalies, and no jawbone or ears - she says another disabled person in the crowd asked 'why she was leaving' the rally.

'Basically that struck a nerve and I said, "why are you here, he makes fun of people like you",' Mau said.

She went on to say once she did decide to leave, a woman began following her and hurling abuse at her.

'I said, "why are you here", because it was all handicapped people, and I said, "why are you here, he makes fun of people like you",' Mau said she responded to a person shouting at her

'It made me sad, it made me want to vomit. Chloe is my life, my heart, I live to advocate for Chloe, to be there for her,' the young mom said of the abuse she and her daughter (pictured) suffered

'She was screaming and yelling at me, saying that if I loved my daughter I would vote for Trump and I need to get educated because he didn't mock somebody on purpose.

'It made me sad, it made me want to vomit. Chloe is my life, my heart, I live to advocate for Chloe, to be there for her.'

Mau also said other people at the event said her young girl was beautiful as she left.

Donald Trump (pictured) was slammed for mocking a New York Times reporter who has a disability at a rally in South Carolina last November

Trump has been slammed for mocking a New York Times reporter who has a disability at a rally in South Carolina last November.

The Republican did an impression of Serge Kovaleski - a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who was born with arthrogryposis - that included him putting on a bizarre voice and flailing his limbs around.
A mother was told by doctors that her 15-month-old son had a one in five chance of dying after he was diagnosed with meningococcal disease.

La Vonne Palmer, from Mackay in Queensland, said her son Eli was perfectly fine on Tuesday morning but by 9am was screaming with a burning temperature.

After bathing him and giving him painkillers she tucked him in to bed to rest, but knew something was up when he vomited all over her after waking in the afternoon.

It was then that she noticed a blanched rash across his body and two tiny purple dots - a common symptom of the horrific and potentially fatal bacterial infection.

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Eli Palmer, just 15 months old, was diagnosed with meningococcal after waking up with a headache on Tuesday morning

Horrific photographs of the Queensland toddler show the extent of the rash, including blackened fingernails and blotchy purple dots on his legs

His mother La Vonne Palmer (pictured with partner and son Levi) said the boy's condition worsened overnight and he had to be airlifted from Mackay to Townsville Base Hospital

Symptoms of meningococcal Distinctive rash, which may start as a spot or blister and progress quickly into purple bruise-like blotches Fever or cold shivers (which may not be helped by medication) Nausea or vomiting Discomfort in bright lights Tiredness or drowsiness Twitching or convulsions Advertisement

'When I saw the dots I rang my partner and we took him straight to the hospital,' Ms Palmer told Daily Mail Australia.

In a matter of hours the dots multiplied and spread across little Eli's body as his condition worsened significantly.

By 4am on Wednesday morning doctors were so concerned with his state that they authorised him to be airlifted from Mackay to Townsville Base Hospital.

Confronting photographs of the 'bubbly' and 'cruisey' baby boy show his tiny frame hooked up to breathing machines, with blackened fingers hanging limply and purple blotches of skin across his body.

Ms Palmer told Daily Mail Australia that doctors had taken the breathing machines off Eli on Thursday morning, but were yet to wake him up as of 4.30pm.

Through Thursday morning doctors were forced to 'pump him full of' platelets and glucose, as well as keep an eye on his kidneys.

She said that doctors had taken a sample of his spinal fluid and were expected to determine what strain of the disease it was in order to plan the treatment.

Doctors were able to take the breathing machine off Levi on Thursday morning, but were yet to wake him up

Through Thursday morning doctors were forced to 'pump Eli full of' platelets and glucose

Townsville Public Health Unit (TPHU) director Dr Steven Donohue said it wasn't easy to contract meningococcal disease.

'At any given time, meningococcal bacteria are carried harmlessly at the back of the throat or in the nose in about 10 per cent of the population,' he said.

'While the bacteria can be spread via droplets from the nose or throat during coughing and sneezing, close and prolonged contact with a person who has the bacteria in their nose or throat is usually needed for the bacteria to spread to others,' he said.

'Sharing saliva through, for example, sharing cups, drinks or cigarettes is not considered to be a way of spreading the disease.

'Meningococcal bacteria cannot live long outside of the body so the infection cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools, bed linen or pillows.'

Meningococcal disease kills one in ten people and leaves two in ten with permanent disabilities including loss of limbs, hearing and sight issues, learning difficulties or liver and kidney failure.

Ms Palmer has pleaded with other parents to familiarise themselves with the key symptoms of meningococcal and take their children to the hospital 'even if it's something minor.'
The parents of a teen girl with a peanut allergy who died in their arms after she had a bite of a snack that contained the nuts while at camp have reached a $15 million settlement with the city of Sacramento, they announced Wednesday.

Natalie Giorgi, 13, died in July 2013 after eating a Rice Krispie snack containing visually undetectable peanut butter in an unlabeled package at a city-run camp while her parents briefly stepped away.

Her surgeon father severed a tendon on his dominant arm when he broke a medicine cabinet to get a third EpiPen, but the injections failed to stop the fatal allergic reaction. The injury ended his surgery career, reported the Sacramento Bee.

Natalie Giorgi, above, was 13 when she had a bite of a treat that contained peanuts while at a camp in California

Natalie's parents, Joanne and Louis, above, had repeatedly warned the camp that their daughter was allergic to peanuts but somehow a non-labeled treat was out, where the girl took a bite of it

'Sharing Natalie's story is important to the food allergy community,' Joanne Giorgi, Natalie's mother, said at a news conference. 'It makes adults stop and listen. Nothing makes this easier, but it does allow us to know we're doing good in our daughter's name.'

'This will enable Natalies message to be much greater amplified - that Natalies story is not repeated,' said her father, Louis. 'Everyone needs to pay attention to this. Be aware of what youre serving and who youre serving it to.'

The Giorgis' 2014 lawsuit said officials at Camp Sacramento were warned numerous times that Natalie had a peanut allergy, and that the girl was conscientious about avoiding troublesome food.

The camp, in Sacramento, California, had normally labeled foods that had peanuts when Natalie was there

Natalie started showing signs of peanut allergies when she was three, said her parents

But after Natalie had one bite of the treat at the last night of a four-day camp, her parents gave her Benadryl, as they'd been instructed in the past. For several minutes, Natalie had no reaction and wanted to continue dancing with her friends, reported KCRA.

But all of a sudden she vomited and deteriorated quickly. Her last words were 'I'm sorry, mom,' her mother told the outlet.

Her parents started a foundation named after the girl to spread awareness about the real dangers of food allergies

The parents said they don't want the camp to close but to be more vigilant and to improve its policies regarding children with food allergies

The city of Sacramento confirmed the settlement in a statement and said that officials would have no further comment, the Sacramento Bee reported.

'Through this tragedy, we have learned there are some important steps that can be taken to ensure the safety of future campers,' the statement said.

As part of the settlement, Camp Sacramento will go through an accreditation process over the next 12 months with the American Camp Association, the city said.

'The lawsuit is over, but the losses continue,' Louis Giorgi told Sacramento television station KCRA. 'The reality is Natalie should have driven to high school with her little sister and her twin sister today, and we shouldn't be talking to you.'

Two years ago, the Giorgis successfully lobbied for a new California law that requires EpiPens in schools.
This shocking video shows the moment an aggressive moped rider kicked a couple off their scooter after a roadside row.

Dashcam footage obtained by ViralHog shows the two male motorcyclists arguing with each other before pulling over at the side of the road in Bangkok, Thailand.

One of the riders, who is wearing a helmet, is seen shouting at the couple and furiously jabbing his finger at the other man.

This shocking video shows the moment an aggressive moped rider kicked a couple off their scooter after a roadside row

The dispute continues for more than half a minute, with motorists behind them becoming gradually more frustrated with them blocking the inside lane.

Drivers beep their horns at the men and the woman on the back of one of the mopeds, until eventually the couple drive off.

The rider of the blue moped pursues them and tries to continue the squabble, but the other pair are clearly less interested and drive ahead of him.

As the couple - who were not wearing helmets and were only in shorts and t-shirts - drive off, the other rider hangs back as he calculates his next move.

Creeping up their left side, the man suddenly kicks out at the pair, knocking the moped off balance

The scooter wobbles from side to side as the couple desperately try to cling on, but the bike eventually clatters to the ground, sending them scraping along the tarmac

Creeping up their left side, the man suddenly kicks out at the pair, knocking the moped off balance.

The scooter wobbles from side to side as the couple desperately try to cling on, but the bike eventually clatters to the ground, sending them scraping along the tarmac.

The rider who kicked the couple makes a break for it and speeds off into the distance.

The identity of the three people involved and the reason why they were arguing is not known.
Access to pornographic websites is blocked in Indonesia

The man faces six years in jail and has admitted to the crime, police say

Power was shut off after the Japanese porn movie played for a few minutes

An IT worker was arrested for hacking an electronic billboard in Jakarta

A bored 24-year-old IT worker arrested for hacking into an electronic billboard and streaming a porn film during Jakarta's afternoon rush hour could face up to six years in jail.

The Japanese film 'Watch Tokyo Hot' was broadcast for 10 minutes on the advertising screen on Friday at a major intersection located near the mayor's office in the Indonesian capital, leaving motorists variously amused or horrified.

The power was quickly shut off to the 'videotron' - as the giant screens are locally known - but not before scenes of a couple engaged in a steamy tryst were captured on motorists' phones which later went viral on social media.

A 24-year-old worker has been arrested for hacking into an electronic billboard and airing a Japanese porn movie in Indonesia

Police and cybercrime specialists in the largely conservative, Muslim-majority country launched a hunt for the perpetrator and on Tuesday arrested a 24-year-old IT analyst in his office.

Access to pornographic websites is blocked in Indonesia, and romantic scenes in films and television programmes are often blurred or cut altogether by state censors.

The arrested man, whose identity was not disclosed, has admitted responsibility for the crime, Jakarta police chief Mochamad Iriawan said.

The footage ran for around ten minutes before the authorities were able to cut off the power to the billboard

He carried out the prank after spotting login details displayed on the billboard.

'The suspect claims he worked alone,' Iriawan told reporters.

'But we are still investigating whether he was working alone, whether he had a particular motive, or whether he was just fooling around.'

Police plan to charge the man with publicly displaying a porn film and displaying a film showing indecent scenes.
The Budgie Nine who stripped down to their speedos in Malaysia have been freed from prison without conviction.

The nine Australian men were charged with public nuisance at Sepang Court on Thursday and were discharged with a fine and caution.

One of the men, Thomas Whitworth, collapsed in the dock while handcuffed to another Budgie Nine member, 9News reported.

Mr Whitworth took his friend down when he collapsed as they heard proceedings. He was then sat down and propped up to drink water.

The men, aged between 25 and 29, had been arrested for stripping down to their budgie smugglers at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday.

They are expected to head back to Australia as soon as possible.

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The nine Australian men who were jailed in Malaysia after they stripped down to their budgie smugglers are pictured leaving court after they were freed

The men are pictured walking free after they escaped conviction at Sepang Court

Nick Kelly and other members of the Budgie Nine are pictured walking from court

Thomas Laslett, one of the Australian men arrested in Malaysia on Sunday, is pictured leaving court after his release

John Walker, father of Budgie Nine member Jack Walker who is an adviser to minister Christopher Pyne, said the men have 'recognised what they did was unacceptable' and have had a 'horrendous' few days, ABC reported.

The group's counsel, Shafee Abdullah, said stripping down to their swimmers was 'almost second nature' to the men because most of them volunteer as surf life savers.

'Stripping down or dressing down to swimming trunks comes almost second nature to them without even batting an eyelid,' he said, according to News.com.au.

Earlier in the day, the men arrived at court handcuffed in pairs after spending four nights in custody in 'awful' conditions.

Their nine budgie smugglers were laid out in front of the judge in court by a court official wearing black rubber gloves.

Mr Walker is pictured leaving court on Thursday after the nine Australians were released without conviction

Nick Kelly and Thomas Whitworth are pictured arriving at court on Thursday

The nine Australian men are pictured arriving at court handcuffed in pairs

The nine Australian men step out of a van to arrive at court on Thursday

The fathers of three of the men were reportedly at the court in a show of support as the accused stood in one line.

Solicitors apologised on behalf of the men's ignorance and argued women at the event had been wearing less than the men.

They also pointed out that in Australia the flag is on many types of clothing and is not offensive.

The nine Australians arrested at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday arrive at court

The nine men arrived handcuffed in pairs, tight-lipped and with grim faces on Thursday

Mr Whitworth read a letter to the court claiming they have realised the respect the Malaysian people have for their flag.

Earlier in the day, father John Walker said he was hopeful the whole group would be heading home, according to Herald Sun.

Mr Walker visited his son on Wednesday and described their holding conditions as 'awful' and said they were coping 'as well as can be expected'.

'The lawyers are well prepared, the consulate are well prepared,' he said.

Australian Red Bull Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo had on Wednesday called for the men to be sent home for a harmless act.

The Sepang Court on the outskirts of town will determine if the nine men will be charged

The nine men arrived handcuffed in pairs, tight-lipped and with grim faces, after four nights in custody in 'awful' conditions, to a pack of lurking media outside Sepang Magistrates Court

The apology letter that was read out by Thomas Whitworth at the Sepang Magistrates Court

'We therefore, without reservation, apologise and express our deepest regret over our conduct,' Mr Whitworth said

'It sounds like they have learnt their lesson and I don't think they will be doing that again any time soon in Malaysia,' he said.

'I see it as pretty harmless. I respect the laws in Malaysia but beyond that I don't think they deserve any further punishment.

'In Australia it's a bit different but I'm very sure they didn't intend to offend anyone.'

The men were arrested on Sunday afternoon after their wild celebrations following Australian Daniel Ricciardo's Formula 1 Grand Prix win enraged Malaysian authorities.

Photographs show the group holding the Australian flag above their heads, wearing only speedos printed with the Malaysian flag before chugging drinks from their shoes.

The men could have faced up to two years in jail.

The nine Australians arrested at the Malaysian Grand Prix arrive at court

The men were arrested for 'intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace'

Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo said the men should be be sent home after learning their lesson

Jack Walker's father John Walker said the men have 'recognised what they did was unacceptable' and have had a 'horrendous' few days

On Thursday at Sepang Court the nine men (Pictured) were cautioned and discharged with no conviction recorded

A lawyer for the nine Australians is pictured at Sepang Court in Malaysia

The nine Australians enraged Malaysian authorities on Sunday when they stripped down
Benjamin Taylor has been charged in the beating death and rape of 10-month-old Emmaleigh

A 10-month-old baby girl has died after allegedly being raped and beaten by her mother's boyfriend, according to reports.

Benjamin ('Benji') Ryan Taylor, 32, of Cottageville, West Virginia, was arrested and charged on Monday in the sexual assault and death of 10-month-old Emmaleigh, according to the West Virginia Gazette.

The girl's mother, Amanda Leigh Adkins, who has four children, reportedly woke up between 4.30am and 5am and found her baby girl naked and bleeding on her basement floor.

She immediately called 911.

Police said that when they arrived at the house in Meadowlark Lane in Ripley, they found Taylor trying to 'wipe something' off his groin area, which police later determined to be the baby's blood, according to WSAZ.

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Emmaleigh, above in her hospital bed after the attack, was 10 months old when she was found beaten and bloodied in the basement of her home, say police

The little girl was taken to CAMC hospital, where she later was declared brain dead and died

Amanda Leigh Adkins is seen kissing Taylor in a Facebook photo. Taylor had captioned it 'I'm so happy I met this girl!'

Emmaleigh died in the intensive care unit of Charleston Area Medical Center

Blankets and clothes covered with blood were near where they said Taylor had been with the baby in the basement.

Adkins was holding the baby and had blood on her. She told them she'd found the baby naked on the basement floor.

Police said Taylor originally told them he did not know how the baby was injured, but later said he 'blacked out' while doing laundry with the baby. Taylor is not the girl's father.

Even the most hardened police were horrified by what they found in the house.

'I've not encountered anything of this nature as long as I've been here,' Jackson County Sheriff Tony Boggs said.

Emmaleigh later died in the intensive care unit of Charleston Area Medical Center.

Three other children were in the house at the time, according to police.

Rick Grunes, who appears to be Emmaleigh's grandfather, shared the Go Fund Me link on Facebook on Thursday and wrote: 'At this time, we regret to say that the injuries sustained from the attack on our child, Emmaleigh Elizabeth Barringer, have resulted in her death.

Taylor, above, had a criminal record, and was once convicted for burglary and twice violated his probation, according to WSAZ. His Facebook cover photo, seen right, bears the words 'I will never apologize for being a sex freak'

Amanda Leigh Adkins is seen above with Emmaleigh and her other three children in this Facebook photo

Amanda Leigh Adkins shared a sweet snap of her with her daughter of Facebook with Snapchat filters

'First, we would like to thank the Jackson County police for their thorough investigation. We believe that it points directly to Benjamin Taylor as the person responsible for this heinous act.

'Second, we want to thank the hospital and staff at CAMC for their efforts in attempting to save and sustain the life of our child.

'Finally, we would like to assure anyone with any doubt that this crime against an innocent child was solely perpetrated by a monster who had disguised himself as a caring and supporting friend.

Taylor is seen above in some shirtless selfies on Facebook. Baby Emmaleigh was reportedly violently shaken and suffered head trauma as well as being sexually assaulted

'Emmaleigh's mother and surviving siblings were victims in this and are guilty only of placing trust in the hands of a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'.'

He later wrote a post '#Childlivesmatter #JusticeforEmmaleigh'.

Emmaleigh was reportedly violently shaken and suffered head trauma as well as being sexually assaulted.

According to the Charleston Gazette-Mail, Danielle Adkins, Amanda Leigh Adkins' cousin, said that Amanda had to sign the papers to take Emmaleigh off life support.

Adkins, seen above, was holding the baby and had blood on her. She told police she'd found the baby naked on the basement floor

Adkins is seen above in a Facebook photo with her three older children. Emma was her youngest

Speaking before Emmaleigh died, Danielle said: 'Amanda's main concern was that there was going to be some miraculous event and that [the baby] is going to open her eyes.

'I just think reality just hasn't hit her yet.'

She said that Taylor had been dating her cousin for a short time and that most of the family had not met him.

Amanda had met him when she moved to West Virginia from Maryland with her four children over the summer.

'She went down there to start over,' Danielle said.

In a Facebook photo posted on August 25, Amanda Leigh Adkins is seen kissing Taylor - he had captioned it 'I'm so happy I met this girl!'

The baby girl was found beaten and blooded inside the basement of their home in Ripley (above)

Emmaleigh is seen above in a Facebook photo shortly after she was born. As of Thursday a Go Fund Me page has raised $20,000 for her funeral and medical expenses

Emmaleigh was reportedly violently shaken and suffered head trauma as well as being sexually assaulted. Facebook photos of the little girl are seen above

Family posted heartbreaking photos of the little girl online. A GoFundMe page to help with medical and funeral expenses has raised over $20,000.

According to WSAZ, Taylor's Facebook account once had a banner photo announcing, 'I will never apologize for being a sex freak.'

Taylor is being held at South Central Regional Jail on a $2million dollar bond.
'Time is up': Killer Matthew to hit Florida with 145mph in hours as storm becomes most powerful Hurricane to strike Florida in 12 YEARS amid warnings it will cause 'immense human suffering'

Matthew could also absorb or combine with Hurricane Nicole, which has formed off coast of Bermuda

There are fears Matthew could hit Florida twice in a matter of days, circling back from the Atlantic

state of emergency in Florida as the hurricane approaches

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More than two million people have been warned that their 'time is up' if they have not yet evacuated with 'killer' Hurricane Matthew just hours away from hitting Florida's south coast.

President Barack Obama declared a federal state of emergency in Florida where the Category Four storm is expected to strike early on Friday morning with winds of up to 145mph.

Thousands of families have been caught in gridlock across the state and up the East Coast into the Carolinas and Georgia, as they flee their homes ahead of the storm which has already killed at least 140 people in the Caribbean.

'Time is up. You have to evacuate now if you are in an evacuation zone,' Governor Rick Scott of Florida warned this afternoon.

'To everyone on Florida's east coast, if you are reluctant to evacuate, just think of all the people the Hurricane has already killed. You and your family could be among these numbers if you don't take this seriously.'

The powerful hurricane, the fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, has already killed at least 136 people in Haiti and four in the Dominican Republic. At its height, the hurricane was a Category Five with wind speeds of more than 157 mph.

The National Weather Service has advised that 'loss of life' and 'immense human suffering' is possible for those who don't take precautions. It could also potentially leave approximately seven million people without power.

The Florida governor warned that the threat of the 'deadly' storm was real as he reiterated a call for people to evacuate.

'Waves will be crashing on roofs. Homes will be destroyed. This is deadly. We have suspended tolls, doubled the amount of shelters and are making sure we keep the roads as clear as possible. There is absolutely no reason not to leave. If you chose to stay and try to ride the storm out, your life is at risk.'

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Ominous dark clouds signal the approaching hurricane headed towards Miami in Florida on Thursday

Dark storms gather overhead at the beach in Miami, Florida where the storm is expected to hit overnight

Ominous: Storm clouds rolled in around 4pm on the Siesta Key Beach; Matthew was supposed to touch down on the mainland later this evening or early Friday morning

That's one way to keep them from blowing away! In Orlando, Florida, one enterprising pool attendant decided to chuck all the sun loungers into the water to avoid more clean up

Traffic as far as the eye can see: Thousands of families have been caught in gridlock across the state and up the East Coast into the Carolinas and Georgia, as they flee their homes ahead of the storm - while the National Guard trucks drive towards the evacuation zones to assist

Local law enforcement works, with members of the National Guard to keep an evacuation route clear on I-26 during preparations for the expected arrival of Hurricane Matthew in Charleston, South Carolina, on Thursday

One way traffic: Cars can be seen on just one side of the road stretching back for miles along the Florida highway on Thursday

The Georgia Department of Transportation closed the ramp from Hardeman Avenue to I-75 Northbound, Georgia, due to evacuation traffic on Thursday

Evacuations began yesterday in Charleston where dozens of buses with the Greenville, South Carolina school district waited for word when to began ferrying people out of North Charleston

More than two million people in the US have been urged to evacuate their homes before Hurricane Matthew hits the East Coast tonight (people walk along Miami Beach, Florida, October 6)

The hurricane, which is currently battering the Bahamas, is set to strike Florida this evening and move up the East Coast (pictured a man cycles on Miami Beach)

Miami Beach already seems to be suffering high winds and rain today as the Category Four storm approaches

Thousands have already been left without power as the storm bears down on Florida.

Florida Power and Light reported that a combined 12,000 customers in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties have been left without power this afternoon as it warns that 2.5 million statewide will experience outages in the aftermath of the storm.

A national state of emergency was declared in Florida today after calls from Scott, which grants resources from the federal government such as food, water and tarps.





President Obama warned: 'I want to emphasize to the public - this is a serious storm. If there is an evacuation order in your community, you need to take it seriously.'

'Just remember that you can always rebuild,' he added. 'You can always repair property. You cannot restore a life if it is lost and we want to make sure that we minimize any possible loss of life or risk to people in these areas.

The storm gained new muscle over the Bahamas on Thursday morning as it battered the island, intensifying from a Category Three with wind speeds of 120mph, to Category Four with 140mph speeds.

The National Hurricane Center warned at 5am that it was about 60 miles south-southeast of Nassau, the capital, which is located on New Providence  home to about 70 per cent of the country's 250,000 people.

Forecasters said the hurricane is likely to hit Florida at around 8am on Friday before heading northwards past Orlando, Jacksonville and up to Charleston.

Matthew is expected to eventually head back into the Atlantic after making its way up past the East Coast but there are fears it could collide with Nicole, another hurricane forming 345 miles south of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 80 miles per hour, making it a Category 1 hurricane.

If the storms get in each other's path, experts fear it could create the Fujiwara effect, named after Japanese meteorologist Sakarei Fujiwara, which occurs when two tropical cyclones are less than 900 miles apart. It could cause one storm to be consumed by another or both to rotate cyclonically about each other.

Some models see Matthew doing a U-turn and head back to Florida for a devastating double hit.

G ov. Rick Scott announced that he has authorized another 1,000 National Guards after he activated 2,500 today to help with the evacuations across the state - and the aftermath of the hurricane. Another 4,000 available if needed, Scott said.

'We are going to get ready, but this is going to be catastrophic,' he warned. 'If you need to evacuate and you haven't, evacuate. Time is running out.'

'True Color' satellite image of hurricanes Matthew and Hurricane Nicole as they swirl towards Florida

There are fears that Hurricane Matthew could interact with Hurricane Nicole which has been forming further east over the Atlantic

Hurricane Matthew closes in on the East Coast as it edges ever closer to Florida on Thursday afternoon

This NOAA-NASA Goes East project satellite image shows Hurricane Matthew today in the Caribbean; some 1.5 million people are under evacuation orders in Florida in preparation for Matthew to make a direct hit on the state

Brace yourselves: Matthew is expected to hit the south of Florida with winds of up to 145mph in the early hours of Friday; as it moves up the coast it will gradually lose speed but will still be as high as 110mph on Saturday morning

Forecasters predict Matthew has strengthened to a Category Four hurricane, with speeds of more than 140mph

South Carolina has told about a quarter million people to leave the coast and Gov. Nikki Haley says she currently plans to order more evacuations for two more counties Thursday, bringing the total to about 500,000 people

The hurricane is predicted to hit Miami first and will move north, hitting around the coastal town of Port St Lucie at 8am

In the eye of the storm: Most of Florida's east coast, along with the Bahamas has been placed on a Hurricane Warning

Hurricane Matthew has strengthened to a Category Four with wind speeds of 140mph, and could cause surges of up to 11 feet in some areas in Florida

The creepy image, appears to show a white grinning skull, with a glowing red eye, flicked with green at its very center. It appeared in a weather map of the storm as it hit landfall in Haiti on Wednesday

The storm could have devastating consequences for Florida residents, many of whom have fled their homes with no idea of what state they will be in when they return.

Rosa Linda Roman and her family are terrified after pouring their dreams into their new home: a boat docked in West Palm Beach, Florida.

'The boat is in direct path of the hurricane at this point. If it hits as the model predicts, we will not have a home anymore,' Roman said.

Gov Scott, warned his state that they needed to 'prepare for a direct hit' as he declared a state of emergency.

'That means people have less than 24 hours to prepare, evacuate and shelter. Having a plan in place could mean the difference between life and death.'

He added that all residents on Florida's Atlantic coast should expect to lose power, 'possibly for a long period of time.'

'We don't know exactly where this storm's going. Don't trust this track.'

He warned of heavy rain, strong rip currents, beach erosion and storm surge.

'Unfortunately this is going to kill people,' he reiterated. 'Evacuate, evacuate, evacuate. Be prepared. Don't take a chance.'

HURRICANE MATTHEW'S PREDICTED PATH OF DESTRUCTION THROUGH THE EAST COAST Thursday: 6pm Matthew, a Category Four hurricane, will move northwest from the Bahamas towards south Florida and Miami which is expected to experience wind speeds of up to 75mph. Thursday: Midnight Wind speeds in Miami will drop as low as 50mph, while in Melbourne, Florida, which is around 180 miles north, speeds will pick up to more than 75mph. Friday: 8am Hurricane Matthew will make a direct hit on Melbourne at 8am, with wind speeds of more than 130mph but will weaken as it moved north along Florida's East Coast. Friday: 8pm By the time it hits Jacksonville, Florida at 8pm, Friday, the hurricane will have dropped down to a Category Three with wind speeds of between 110mph and 130mph. Wind speeds will once again begin to drop as the storm moved north into Georgia. Saturday: 8am Matthew will hit Savannah Georgia but wind speeds will have dropped to less than 110mph making it a Class Two. The hurricane will sustain wind speeds of between 96-110 mph as it moved northeast along the coastal regions of South Carolina Saturday: 8pm Matthew is expected to hit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with maximum wind speeds of 110mph. The storm will then move northeast, brushing the south coast of North Carolina overnight, and moving out to sea into the Atlantic. Sunday: 8am The hurricane will be over the Atlantic, although residents along the North Carolina coast may still experience some high winds. The storm will continue to move in a southeasterly direction over the ocean into Tuesday. Advertisement

As well as the potential loss of life, researchers at the University of Michigan, Ohio State and Texas A&M have warned Matthew could knock out power for approximately seven million people.

However, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division confirmed there are 'NO plans to cut power in S.C. prior to the storm.'

The National Weather Service also warned that the hurricane could cause the 'complete destruction of mobile homes' adding that certain areas could be rendered 'uninhabitable for weeks of months'.

Some 3,000 people checked into shelters across Florida as residents were urged to evacuate their homes.

In preparation, residents flocked to hardware stores, grocery stores and gas stations, stripping them of vital supplies.

One Florida, resident Randy Jordan of Juniper, told WPEC people were shoving each other as they raced to buy the supplies they needed at the local Home Depot.

'The vibe on the street this morning is pre-panic,' Jordan said. 'By tomorrow, it should just be a brawl.'

Evacuations began Wednesday and at 3pm, Brevard County commissioners ordered one of the Florida's first evacuations for residents of Merritt Island and other barrier islands.

Martin County has also ordered for homes along the Barrier Islands and Sewall's Point, as well as for residents living in low-lying areas or manufactures homes.

Nine-year-old Gavin Lickber plays a card game with his grandmother in a makeshift shelter at the Timberlin Creek Elementary School in St. Augustine, Florida, on October 6

Some 1.5 million people are under evacuation orders in Florida in preparation for mighty Hurricane Matthew to make a direct hit on the state

Volunteers take care of pets in a makeshift shelter at the Timberlin Creek Elementary School in St. Augustine, Florida, on October 6, 2016, ahead of hurricane Matthew

Heather Flores holds her one-year-old son Bronx Flores while getting settled into a shelter with her other children Jaydin, center, and Paris, right, at Lyman High School in Longwood, Florida

Sandbags are seen in front of the entrance of a hotel in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on October 6, 2016

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory takes a phone call from President Obama while touring the N.C. Emergency Management Eastern Branch office in Kinston, North Carolina, Thursday

Gov. Pat McCrory is greeted as he toured the N.C. Emergency Management Eastern Branch office in Kinston, North Carolina, Thursday, before giving an update on Hurricane Matthew and the state's preparations for the storm

National Guard Staff Sargent Reggie McCall gives instructions to guard units 1782 and 172 before the deploy for duty in Conway, South Carolina

Thousands of National Guard have been deployed along the East Coast to assist with the evacuation efforts and the clean up (Staff Sargent Reggie McCall speaks to one of his guards in Conway, South Carolina today)

Members of National Guard units 1782 and 172 of Chester and Lancaster, South Carolina, prepare for deployment

Thousands of National Guard have been deployed to assist with the evacuation efforts across the East Coast

Members of National Guard units 1782 and 172 of Chester and Lancaster, South Carolina, prepare for deployment for Hurricane Matthew service in Conway, South Carolina on Thursday

Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit as they load equipment onto the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) prior to the ship getting underway as evacuation orders were issued across Florida's East Coast

This US Navy photo shows Amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)as it departs Naval Station Mayport in preparation of Hurricane Matthew's arrival onto Florida's eastern coast on October 5, 2016

The evacuation has turned some popular coastal areas into desolate ghost towns.

Daytona Beach, which is normally a bustling Florida resort - even in October - was eerily quiet after home and businesses owners bordered up their properties and left town.

Matthew strengthened from a Category Three to a Four this moring as it bears down on the East Coast

In South Florida, lines at grocery stores were heavier than usual and some essentials were in short supply.

When Simone Corrado and her husband tried to buy water at their Publix in Davie near Fort Lauderdale, they mostly found empty shelves.

There were a few bottles of high-end water brands, but there was so much empty shelf space that Corrado lay down and fully stretched out on the bottom shelf.

'I got scared because all that was left at Publix was just the pricey water,' said Corrado, who lived through 1992's catastrophic Hurricane Andrew, which practically leveled the nearby city of Homestead.

'They really put the fear into you here. On the television screen every few minutes is the 'beep, beep, beep' storm alert.'

Near Miami Beach, The Home Depot in Davie briefly ran out of propane for gas barbecues and the supply of batteries was dwindling.

People bought plywood to cover windows, tarps to put over outdoor furniture and coolers for food storage.

Anesthesiologist Darby Lipka lugged a 20-pound propane tank across the parking lot, saying he had already purchased food and water. He installed hurricane windows years ago so he wouldn't need to erect shutters

'I am just trying to be prepared,' he said.

Moving on: The storm battered the Bahamas with 125 mph winds on Thursday morning as it continued on its destructive path towards the US

Hurricane Matthew moved through Paradise Island, backdropped by Paradise Island bridge in Nassau, Bahamas, Thursday

The head of the Bahamas National Emergency Management Authority, Capt. Stephen Russell, said there were many downed trees and power lines, but no reports of casualties as Matthew blew through Nassau on the island

People listen to an update on Hurricane Matthew after spending a night on beach chairs in a ballroom at the Melia Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas October 6

'DON'T #PRAYFORFLORIDA PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE IN HAITI WHO HAD NOWHERE TO GO' With Hurricane Matthews landfall just hours away in Florida, the hashtag #PrayForFlorida is going viral on Twitter. But some Floridians would like the support diverted away to those who may need it more. The Category 4 hurricane has already ripped through Haiti and the Bahamas, where locals don't have the options to flee from the eye of the storm. In Haiti alone, 136 people have been confirmed dead so far, with the number expected to climb as the weather calms. Facebook has activated a feature on its website, allowing those in the affected areas to notify their friends that they are safe. Advertisement

Dane Vaala, a diesel mechanic, was loading plywood onto his pickup. He needed it so he could stand on his awning to install upper floor shutters at his home.

He moved to Florida from Montana in 2007, so Matthew would be his first storm. He had loaded up on canned food and water.

'I'm not too concerned  it doesn't really bother me much,' he said. 'But it is better to prep.'

Disney has now confirmed that all theme parks will be closed at 5pm and won't reopen until Saturday.

South Carolina has told about a quarter million people to leave the coast and Scott's counterpart Gov. Nikki Haley says she currently plans to order more evacuations for two more counties today, bringing the total to about 500,000 people.

At a press conference this morning, she urged South Carolina residents to fuel up and evacuate now as everything from gas stations to pharmacies prepared to close.

'As of 6am this morning, 175,000 people have been evacuated,' she told reporters. 'That's not enough. We need to have more people evacuating.

'If you are still sitting at home, if you have not evacuated; gas stations are getting ready to close, your pharmacies are getting ready to close. Everything is going to leave because people have to protect their own families. We really do need you to think about that.'

Charleston and Beaufort will continue their evacuation, and Horry and Georgetown counties will begin theirs at noon today. Bordering coastal counties - Berkeley, Colleton, Dorchester and Jasper counties - should also evacuate.

'We've been though winter storms. We've been through a 1,000-year flood. A hurricane is different. I don't want anyone to look at the last couple of tragedies we've gone through and think this is similar,' Haley said.

'We want everyone to be careful, we want everyone to take this seriously.'

The evacuation has turned some popular coastal areas into desolate ghost towns. Daytona Beach, which is normally a bustling Florida resort - even in October - was eerily quiet after home and businesses owners bordered up their properties and left town

Daytona Beach's boardwalk is barren except for one person as the threat of the Category Four storm sends Florida residents fleeing inland

There is barely a car in sight on the streets surrounding Daytona Beach in Florida on Thursday - a few hours before the hurricane is due to hit there

Clouds cover the sky over the beach near the empty Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier in Florida ahead of Hurricane Matthew on Thursday

No one's home: Business owners have boarded up their properties, and surrounded them with sandbags as Matthew appraches

Ray Hayyat hauls sandbags to his store to protect against floodwaters in Daytona Beach, Florida where hundreds of thousands of anxious people boarded up their homes and businesses and grabbed a few belongings to flee inland

Miroslava Roznovjakova, left, and Hayyat place sandbags in front of their store in Daytona Beach, Florida, to guard against flooding on Thursday

A local resident collects sand in a bag from the Neptune beach to use for flood protection at his house ahead of hurricane Matthew in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 6

A local resident collects sand in a bag from the Neptune beach (left) to use for flood protection at his house in Jacksonville, Florida; Meanwhile (right) a local resident jogs at dawn in a coastal line neighborhood in Jacksonville

Danny Askins and Brenden Kavana (R) put up hurricane shutters as they prepare the Sandwiches Sea restaurant as Hurricane Matthew approaches the area on October 6, in Delray Beach, Florida

A maintenance worker at Mangos Tropical Cafe on Ocean Drive, Florida, (left) attaches plywood on the entrance as a precaution from Hurricane Matthew, while Ronnie Townsend climbs a ladder with his sheet of plywood to secure a third-story window on a home on in the historic Battery section of Charleston, South Carolina

Zeno Louizes spray paints markings on his three stores along the Boardwalk and Pier Thursday, in Daytona Beach, Florida

A woman takes pictures of a girl on the beach while Hurricane Matthew approaches in Melbourne, Florida

City officials in Charleston, which weathered Category Four Hurricane Hugo almost 30 years ago, warned the city had run out of sandbags after distributing more than for any other storm. The city has distributed more than 15,000 sandbags.

A motorist in South Carolina's Berkeley County was shot and killed by deputies during an altercation over an evacuation route.

Lucas M. Felkel of Moncks Corner, 35, came to a check point, knocked down some traffic cones and sped off. Sheriff Duane Lewis said when deputies caught up with the driver a few miles away he pointed a gun at them and started shooting.

Homeowner Don Appell prepares to board up one of the windows at his home ahead of Hurricane Matthew in Cherry Grove, South Carolina, October 6,

Lennard Wiggins works to secure shutters on a a home ahead of Hurricane Matthew on Thursday in Charleston , South Carolina

The entire East Coast, up to Virginia, is braced for the approaching hurricane (pictured, a bulldozer creates a sand barrier in Virginia Beach, Virginia)

As a strong northeast wind blows, a front-end loader and a bulldozer work to build up the sand on Croatan Beach in Virginia Beach, Virginia

A person walks along the windswept Miami Beach in Florida today prior to the arrival of Hurricane Matthew this evening

Get out of the water: JJ Sanguily, of Palm Beach Gardens, surfs at Jupiter Beach Park; Governor Rick Scott of Florida has warned people not to surf, to get out the water and evacuate

A man, wrapped up in waterproofs, walks near the Cocoa Beach Pier as Hurricane Matthew approaches, October 6

THE MOST DEVASTATING HURRICANES IN AMERICAN HISTORY Hurricane Katrina - 2005, left 1,800 people dead and was the costliest storm in U.S. history with damage estimated at $108 billion. It was a Category 3 storm when it made landfall over Louisiana. Hurricane Charley - 2004, hit Florida and then moved onto South and North Carolina. The Category 4 storm was blamed for at least 21 deaths and leaving thousands homeless. The total U.S. damage was estimated to be near $15 billion. Hurricane Andrew -1992, was a Category Four storm that left an estimated 250,000 homeless and caused more than $20 billion in damage in the Bahamas, Florida and Louisiana. Fifty-five people were killed. Great New England Hurricane - 1938, killed around 700 people when it raked the region as a Category Three storm and wiped out railroad tracks, utilities, homes, crops and the fishing industry, according to the National Weather Service. Great Okeechobee Hurricane - 1928, struck Florida as a Category 4 storm, leaving more than 2,500 dead. Lake Okeechobee overflowed, causing disastrous flooding that inundated several communities. Galveston Hurricane - 1900, made landfall in Texas, with winds estimated to be at least 130 miles per hour and a storm surge of a whopping 15 feet. Some 8,000 people died, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says damage estimates exceeded $20 million at the time  roughly $700 million in today's dollars. Source: AP Advertisement

'His actions placed the officers in danger,' local Sheriff Duane Lewis said.

The sheriff says when deputies finally caught up with the driver a few miles away he pointed a gun at deputies and started shooting. The sheriff says the deputies shot back, wounding the man who was taken to the hospital, where he died at 7pm yesterday.

As residents in the Southeast prepared to leave their homes behind, many found that trying to get out of town was difficult due to the sheer numbers of people leaving at the same time.

Hundreds of thousands were stuck in traffic on highways due to evacuation orders being issued by government officials.

'It was bumper to bumper and fairly slow for about 30 to 40 miles on either side of I-95,' Sarah Boessenecker told NBC News.

'However, people were very friendly and easygoing  no honking or impatience'.

'People seemed to know the drill and understand that traffic was going to be bad and had accepted it.'

She and her husband, Robert were trying to make the trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Atlanta, where friends had offered to host them.

For Lydia Dalton, she said it took her family a 'long time to get out of Charleston' on Interstate 26.

A shopper grabs an armful of bread at the grocery store in Folly Beach, South Carolina, which has been left with almost empty shelves as people prepare for the storm

A lone loaf of bread sits on an empty shelf at a Wal-Mart supermarket in Kissimmee, Florida, after residents rushed to stock up on the essentials ahead of the storm today

Laura and George Callahan of James Island, South Carolina, load up their vehicle with bottled water and food purchased ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Matthew, in Folly Beach, South Carolina

People purchase supplies to protect their homes at a local Home Depot in Kissimmee, Florida, in preparation for the landfall of Hurricane Matthew, on October 6

South Florida residents prepare for Hurricane Matthew by purchasing plywood at Home Depot on October 6, in Miami

James Taylor, 23, right, and his wife, Michelle, 22, of Daytona, Florida, stack plywood for boarding windows on the roof of their car in preparation for Hurricane Matthew at Home Depot

Residents buy plywood ahead of the approaching hurricane, October 6, on Satellite Beach, Florida before the storm hits this evening

Completely empty: This supermarket in Florida has been stripped completely clean by residents either fleeing or bedding down and waiting for the storm to hit

'We thought we were leaving way ahead of everyone else,' Dalton said.

Residents in Charleston and Beaufort counties began their evacuations at noon on Wednesday.

The National Guard was mobilized Wednesday and more than 300 buses had been set aside to transport families fleeing their homes to safety ahead of the storm, and lane reversals leading out of Charleston began at 3pm.

Traffic was backed up for miles as people fled Charleston on Interstate 26, with gasoline a precious commodity with at least half a dozen stations along the coast out of fuel.

Not everyone is heeding the warning to leave, however.

'We're staying because we have to board the house up,' said Buff Schwab, who stocked up on supplies yesterday.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency in 13 coastal counties yesterday because of Hurricane Matthew.

Meanwhile airlines and cruise lines prepared for Matthew by cancelling thousands of flights and rerouting cruise stops.

US airliners cancelled more than 1,500 flights on Wednesday and a further 1,070 on Thursday. Fort Lauderdale airport plans to close at 10.30am today, while Miami and Orlando airports both said they would continue monitoring the storm.

CLINTON PULLS ADDS FROM WEATHER CHANNEL - IN FLORIDA - AFTER GOP SHAMES HER ABOUT CAPITALIZING ON CRISIS Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign was forced to cancel a plan to air $63,000 worth of commercials during broadcasts of The Weather Channel in Florida. Clinton spokesman Jesse Ferguson said Thursday afternoon that Hillary For America has asked the stations to delay the ads until after the storm passes. The Florida Weather Channel ads were part of a multimillion-dollar reshuffling of Clinton ads to reach voters the campaign sees as critical to winning the presidential election. Two states in the path of the storm  Florida and North Carolina  are key battlegrounds that could decide the presidency. But Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus characterized the planned spending as cynical opportunism in the face of disaster. 'Couldn't let this crisis go to waste?' Priebus tweeted. 'Shameful @HillaryClinton's campaign even considered exploiting Hurricane Matthew for political gain.' Later he vented in another tweet that '[p]ulling these ads after getting caught won't cut it. @HillaryClinton should apologize for using storm for votes.' Robby Mook, Clinton's campaign manager, said insisted that 'our first priority on Hurricane Matthew is that people are safe.' 'We'll get back to campaigning [in Florida] when it is appropriate,' he said. He also called it 'unfortunate' that Priebus was 'trying to politicize the hurricane.' Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush had cautioned political operatives to avoid making hay with the storm. 'I encourage both presidential campaigns to be sensitive to all affected by Hurricane #Matthew in the coming days,' he tweeted. Advertisement

A woman covers her face as she walks next to a dead body who, according to witnesses, was found after Hurricane Matthew in Cavaillon, Haiti, October 6

Girls hold hands as they help each other wade through a flooded street after the passing of Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday

Two days after the storm rampaged across the country's remote southwestern peninsula, authorities and aid workers still lack a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years

Residents arrange clothes soaked by Hurricane Matthew on tombs at a cemetery in Les Cayes, Haiti, after the storm rampaged across the country's remote southwestern peninsula

Haitian people cross the river La Digue in Petit Goave where the bridge collapsed during the rains from Hurricane Matthew, southwest of Port-au-Prince, October 6

Residents repair their homes destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday, October 6

Residents carry a mattress to a shelter after homes were destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday - two days after the storm rampaged across the country

Trees are down outside a damaged church after the passing of Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti today

Residents stand near a church that had its roof ripped away by Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday, as the repair effort continues

Victor Farah and her daughter sit in the ruins of their home destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday

Piles of personal items are set out to dry as homeowners cull through the debris of their homes destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes

American Airlines is expected to see the most cancellations, as the company has large operations in Miami and Charlotte. American and most other airlines are letting passengers change travel plans without penalty if their trip is affected.

Several ports in Miami closed Wednesday and Thursday, with ships already at sea being rerouted to western Caribbean routes. The Carnival Sensation, which was set to sail from Miami Thursday will instead sail on Friday, assuming PortMiami reopens, conditions permitting.

The White House said President Barack Obama canceled a campaign and health care events in Florida on Wednesday and would instead visit the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for an update.

In Georgia, residents have also begun to evacuate ahead of the approaching storm.

On Tybee Island, home to Georgia's largest public beach, Loren Kook loaded up his pickup truck with suitcases and a computer late Wednesday afternoon to hit the road to metro Atlanta.

'It seems like a lot of the longtime residents are staying,' said Kook, who moved to the coast four years ago. 'I've never sat through a Category Whatever. I'll watch it on TV.'

Several cruise ships are being rerouted from their regularly scheduled Caribbean and Bahamas ports to Key West. Key West is about 40 miles south of the portion of the Florida not currently under a tropical storm warning.

Rick Scott speaks about Hurricane Matthew on Thursday October 6, as he warns affected Florida residents to evacuate their homes

White House press secretary Josh Earnest speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Thursday where he answered questions about Hurricane Matthew

President Barack Obama on Wednesday said the U.S. government has teams and supplies positioned to respond to Hurricane Matthew as the storm barrels toward Florida and other southeastern states

Gov. Nathan Deal enters the governor's ceremonial office where he ordered mandatory evacuations for all coastal residents east of Interstate 95, Thursday

As Hurricane Matthew approached the Bahamas, officials say nine Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessels have moored at Truman Harbor in Key West.

Naval Air Station Key West spokeswoman Trice Denny says a University of Miami Rosentiel School research called the Whalton Smith is expected to arrive in port in Key West on Wednesday.

Officials are also expecting the USNS Spearhead on Saturday, a 337-foot-long joint (Navy/Army) high-speed catamaran vessel, to be positioned in Key West for possible aid missions.

The Department of State had also authorized family members of US government employees to depart the Bahamas, and issued a travel warning for the area.

Dangerous high winds caused destruction as they whipped through Haiti, southern Cuba and the Dominican Republic yesterday, with flooding and landslides destroying homes, businesses and bringing down electricity lines.

Haiti's interior ministry said that 65 people had died on the island, many killed by falling trees, flying debris and swollen rivers. The number includes a group of 24 people killed in the coastal town of Roche-a-Bateau.

'I've never seen anything like this,' said the town's delegate Louis Paul Raphael.

Four people have also died in the the neighboring Dominican Republic.

In Cuba, residents were seen walking through the rubble strewn streets, and digging through the remains of broken buildings trying to recover their belongings.

Cubans pick up the pieces on Thursday, following the damage and havoc caused by Hurricane Matthew in Baracoa, Cuba, where the streets are littered with rubble

Residents rebuild their homes, and clear up the brick, roofing and other rubble from the street after Matthew battered Baracoa, Cuba

A woman buys multiple loaves of food, while other Cubans queue to buy groceries on Thursday after Hurricane Matthew

Two men begin the long task of fixing the roof, and broken fencing at a house in Baracoa, Cuba which was caused by Matthew

Cubans, on Thursday, sit on their broken balconies and assess the damage and havoc caused by Hurricane Matthew

A United Nations official said Hurricane Matthew has caused the biggest humanitarian crisis in Haiti since the devastating earthquake of 2010.

Strong winds and heavy rain hit Haiti on Tuesday, which revised its death toll to 108, including a 26-year-old man who drowned trying to rescue a child who fell into flood waters. The child was saved, authorities said. One woman was killed by a falling electrical pole.

More than 430,000 were evacuated from the island, the poorest region in the Western Hemisphere, ahead of the hurricane.

'You could see a death toll in the thousands,' Colorado State University meteorologist Phil Klotzbach had warned as life-threatening 145mph winds and heavy rain battered the island.

Lucas M. Felkel of Moncks Corner, 35, was shot and killed by deputies during an altercation over an evacuation route

Deputy Special Representative for Haiti Mourad Wahba says in a statement that many people have been forced from their homes and communications systems have been knocked out in the country's hard-hit southwestern peninsula. He said at least 10,000 people are in shelters.

Wahba says officials have received reports of destroyed houses and overflowing hospitals, with shortages fresh water. He also says the hospital in the city of Les Cayes had its roof blown off.

But with a key bridge washed out, roads impassable and phone communications down, the western tip of Haiti was isolated and there was no word on dead and injured.

Hours after Matthew swept onto the remote area with 145 mph winds, government leaders said they weren't close to fully gauging the impact in the vulnerable, flood-prone country where less powerful storms have killed thousands.

International aid efforts were stymied Tuesday because of the lack of access to the hardest-hit areas, many residents of flooded areas seen by Associated Press reporters were wading through shin-high waters.

Muddy rivers and tributaries continued to rise as water flowed down hillsides and mountains, making more flash floods and mudslides possible even Matthew tracked away from the country.

During a weather forecast on Tuesday, the deadly storm seemed to take on an ominous skull shape to the shock of many viewers.

The creepy picture, which appears to show a white grinning skull with a glowing red eye, was taken from a NASA satellite and shows the hurricane as it made landfall in Haiti. Many took the 'skull of Matthew's' eye, as a bad omen as the deadly storm moves towards to U.S.

THOUSANDS OF FLIGHTS CANCELLED, TRAIN SERVICES SUSPENDED AND CRUISES REROUTED AS MATTHEW SPARKS TRAVEL CHAOS Flights have been cancelled, Amtrak services are suspended and streets are gridlocked as Florida braces itself for the deadly Hurricane Matthew. Flights in and out of Florida were seriously affected today after the state's main airports announced closures, cancellations and delays. Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Florida, was closed from 10.30am Thursday. Miami International Airport announced was planning to cancel 100 flights, both arriving and departing the airport today. Orlando International Airport planned to 'reduce flights into Orlando and altering schedules starting Thursday, lasting through Friday.' Flights are cancelled, Amtrak services are suspended and streets are gridlocked as Florida braces itself for the deadly Hurricane Matthew (A man looks at a board announcing all the cancelled flights at Lynden Pindling International Airport in the Bahamas due to Hurricane Matthew) A irports don't generally operate in sustained crosswinds that exceed 35 mph. Other airports across Florida have warned customers to check flight status with the airlines before heading to the airport. American Airlines, South Florida's largest carrier, already canceled most flights slated to depart Thursday from Florida's main airports. Most airlines, including the likes of American Airlines and Delta, are also letting fliers change to a later flight with no penalty. Amtrak is also temporarily suspending services in the south due to severe weather impacting the east coast of Florida. A monitor shows cancelled flights in and out of the Palm Beach International airport in the afternoon as Hurricane Matthew advances, Thursday The Silver Star 91 & 92 (New York City to Miami), Silver Meteor 97 & 98 (Miami to New York City), and the Auto Train 52 & 53 (Lorton, Va., to Sanford, Florida) services have all been cancelled for Thursday and Friday. No alternative service will run. Cruise lines are shuffling ship itineraries as PortMiami, PortEverglades and the PortMiami Tunnel were shut down. Other cruises have been delayed or have reduced scheduled to try and avoid the worst of the storm. South Carolina has told about a quarter million people to leave the coast and Gov. Nikki Haley says she currently plans to order more evacuations for two more counties Thursday, bringing the total to about 500,000 people. Hundreds of thousands were stuck in traffic on highways due to evacuation orders being issued by government officials. Waterfront hospitals and nursing homes have also been forced to evacuate in the face of the coming storm. Advertisement

'I can confirm this satellite image of Matthew's landfall is REAL and not photoshopped,' said Matt Devitt, from the WINK News team in Florida, was noticed the skull while giving a forecast yesterday

'Captured this morning during my weathercast. Freaky!'

However, meteorologists were quick to assure the public that the image was simply a fluke, as the map used different colors used to identified the strongest part of the storm.

Hurricane Hermine became the first to strike Florida since Wilma in 2005 when it hit the eastern Panhandle on September 2 as a Category One storm, causing one death, storm surge damage to beachfront homes and downed trees and powerlines.

That 11-year lull between storms hitting Florida was the longest on record. The last storm to hit the Atlantic side of Florida was Hurricane Katrina, which struck in 2005 on its way to devastating the Gulf coast.

Wilma made landfall as a Category Three storm with 120 mph winds, killing five people as it pushed from southwest Florida, through the Everglades and into the Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach area, causing an estimated $21 billion in damage and leaving thousands of residents without power for more than a week.
A father who had just shot dead his two children played dead following a failed suicide attempt after police arrived at the crime scene before shooting himself a second time when officers left the room.

The shooting happened in Beaverton, Oregon yesterday afternoon. The father, 36, is believed to have shot dead his two children, an eight-year-old girl and her brother, 6.

The man is then believed to have turned the gun on himself but initially failed in taking his own life.

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Two young children and a man have been found dead after a shooting incident at an apartment complex in Beaverton, Oregon. It is being investigated as a murder-suicide

A female relative discovered the scene at the Redwood Creek Apartments in Beaverton, which is about eight miles from Portland.

Beaverton PD arrived at the scene around 4.30pm and responding officers were satisfied the children and their father were all dead.

As they left the room, they heard the slide of a gun being racked followed by a shot.

Officers are satisfied the crime is a murder suicide.

Police are pictured on the scene of the shooting at an apartment building near Portland, Oregon

It is believed the father botched his first suicide attempt and played dead while the police were in the room.

When he was left alone, he reloaded the gun and shot himself a second time.

According to Oregon Live, officer Jeremy Shaw, a Beaverton police spokesman, said the father lived there with the children and their mother. She was not believed to be in the house at the time of the murder-suicide.

'They're in our thoughts and in our hearts,' Shaw said. 'As they grieve, we grieve as a community.'

No other information was immediately available, but there is no risk to the public.

Multiple police cars and an armored truck was pictured at the scene.

For confidential support call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255
A woman has been charged in Kentucky after she was caught on a hidden camera abusing a four-year-old boy with Down syndrome in her care.

Lillian D. White, of Lexington, is seen on nanny-camera footage sitting on four-year-old Luke while she changes his diaper  her buttocks on his face.

She is then seen dragging Luke, who has heart defects and epilepsy, across the floor of his home's living room.

Lillian D. White is seen on nanny-camera footage sitting on four-year-old Luke while she changes his diaper  her buttocks on his face (left)  and dragging him across the floor (right)

White, who had been Luke's nanny since June, was arrested and has been charged with second-degree criminal abuse

'You little s**t, this is what we're doing to do  we're going to do it my way,' she is heard saying on surveillance video shared with WKYT.

'You're not going to kick me, because I'm sitting on top of you.'

Luke's mom, Tiffany Fields, set up a camera at her home Friday, after she noticed changes in her son's behavior.

Luke's mom, Tiffany Fields, set up a camera at her home after noticing changes in her son's behavior

'Once she looked at it, to her shock, she saw that her child was not only being physically abused but also verbally abused,' said attorney Dale Golden, who represents the victim's family, to NBC Bay Area.

White, who had been Luke's nanny since June, was arrested and has been charged with second-degree criminal abuse.

She entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday but declined to comment afterward.
A woman has fallen 100 metres from a lookout in New South Wales.

Emergency crews were called to Grove Creek Falls lookout at Abercombie, about 75km south of Bathurst, about 11.50am on Thursday.

Police say the woman, believed to be in her 20s, had fallen from the lookout and landed 100 metres down where she fell unconscious.

Emergency crews were called to Grove Creek Falls lookout (pictured is a stock image) at Abercombie, about 75km south of Bathurst, about 11.50am on Thursday

A rescue involving Chifley Local Area Command and the Rescue Squad as well as State Emergency Service volunteers and NSW Ambulance paramedics.

An ambulance helicopter will also join the rescue efforts.

The woman's injuries are unknown at this time.
A brand of camel milk that claims to help diabetes, autism and cancer is under investigation by Australia's consumer watchdog.

Camel Milk Victoria was referred to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission over claims the $21-a-litre product can help fight bacteria and infection.

It comes a month after celebrity chef Pete Evans suggested camel milk was just as nutritious as breast milk for babies.

Camel Milk Victoria was referred to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission over claims the $21-a-litre product can help fight bacteria and infection

The camel milk business was referred to the ACCC after being named in consumer group Choice's 'Shonky Awards' as one of nine companies it says have misled consumers with dodgy advertising and false claims.

Camel Milk Victoria has claimed its product can help people with autism, diabetes, tuberculosis, stomach ulcers and cancer.

The company also claimed the milk - which was described as a healthier alternative to normal milk - was known to improve the immune system by fighting off bacteria and infections.

'Problem is, we checked these impressive claims with the food regulator, and none of them are on the list of permissible food health claims,' Choice said.

Camel Milk Victoria has claimed its product can help people with autism, diabetes, tuberculosis, stomach ulcers and cancer

It comes a month after celebrity chef Pete Evans suggested camel milk was just as nutritious as breast milk for babies

They were slapped with a Shonky Award for 'milking the health benefits of this alternative dairy product'.

Chef Pete Evans and his paleo program came under fire last month for telling breastfeeding mothers to give their babies camel milk because it was just as nutritious as human milk.

The Public Health Association of Australia said camel milk could cause kidney damage for infants because the liquid contained about three times more protein than breast milk.

Among the other companies or products listed in Choice's Shonky Awards this year were Samsung, American Express, Cash Converters, Green and Clean, Kelloggs Pringles, Medical Weightloss Institute, Nestle Milo and Vanish Preen Powerpower.

Camel Milk Victoria also claimed the milk - which was described as a healthier alternative to normal milk - was known to improve the immune system by fighting off bacteria and infections
A woman who testified during the first-degree murder trial of Justin Ross Harris said that his cries of grief over the loss of his toddler son did not appear to be 'sincere' after the boy died when he was left alone in a hot car.

Harris is facing multiple murder charges and cruelty to children charges. He is accused of intentionally leaving his 22-month-old son, Cooper, in a hot car for more than seven hours while parked outside his Cobb County workplace in Georgia in 2014.

Atiyka Eastland took the stand in a Glynn County courtroom in Brunswick on Wednesday and said she didn't think Harris' tears were 'sincere'.

She explained that she was meeting a man at a nearby restaurant when she heard Harris' SUV coming to halt on June 18 in the afternoon.

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22-month-old Cooper was found dead in his father's SUV in 2014 after being left inside for hours in the hot vehicle.

Justin Ross Harris (above in court on Wednesday) is on trial for the first degree murder of his son, Cooper. Harris is facing multiple murder charges and cruelty to children charges

Atiyka Eastland (above) took the stand in a Glynn County courtroom in Brunswick on Wednesday and testified that she didn't think Harris' tears were 'sincere'

When she walked up the scene, Eastland said she saw Cooper's lifeless body on the ground next to the Hyundai Tucson that was parked in the Akers Mill shopping center parking lot.

'I saw the child, the baby, on the ground, where he had placed him,' Eastland said.

'I saw the dad put his hands on his hair and say, 'What have I done?'  He kept saying, what had he done.'

Eastland said that Harris walked away from the scene. She also said she saw him being arrested by police and being put in the back of a police cruiser where he kept looking towards the scene.

Eastland said that he would wail in grief at times, but described it as 'unusual.'

'For me, it was just  being very calm' that seemed unusual,' Eastland said during testimony to prosecutor Chuck Boring.

When asked for impression of what she said, Eastland replied that she thought it 'wasn't sincere.'

Eastland (above) said that Harris would wail in grief at times, but described it as 'unusual'

Eastland said she 'thought it was strange that (Harris') tears went on and off'

Eastland said: 'I saw the dad put his hands on his hair and say, 'What have I done?'  He kept saying, what had he done.' Harris is pictured above in court on Wednesday

'I thought it was strange that (Harris') tears went on and off,' she later added.

The Cobb County Police crime scene technician was the first witness for the state Wednesday in the trial.

Brad Shumpert stood next to a large display screen in the courtroom, describing the graphic pictures and videos that showed the young boy's body on the asphalt outside his father's silver SUV in June 2014 near Smyrna, Georgia.

Shumpert's graphic images showed Cooper's legs that seemed frozen in a bent position from sitting in a car seat inside the hot and locked car, the result of rigor mortis that had set in. Cooper's eyes were open.

His face showed the scratches from his attempts to claw his way out of the car seat as he slowly baked to his death for more than seven hours while his father worked.

Shumpert's pictures also documented the interior of the SUV and showed the proximity of Cooper's red and black car seat, only inches behind and to the side of the driver's seat.

One image also showed an outside temperature indicator on the dashboard at the time, which showed 95 degrees at the time he made the pictures.

Cobb County Police crime scene technician Brad Shumpert showed pictures of the crime scene to the jury on Wednesday. The graphic images showed Cooper's legs that seemed frozen in a bent position from sitting in a car seat inside the hot and locked car

Shumpert shows a photo of the car seat where Cooper was trapped for seven hours as he sat in the hot car

The disturbing images troubled several jurors as the displays continued. One woman kept her hand over her mouth. Another covered her eyes. Several jurors looked away from time to time.

Shumpert said he remembered a 'noticeable' odor at the scene and describe the victim's 'hot, musty, urine-soaked diaper', though he didn't note it in on his report.

Harris and his defense attorney insist the grisly death was an accident and not an intentional act, as police and prosecutors believe.

Another witness, James Hawkins, described to the jury his futile attempts to breathe life into the limp and sweat-soaked body of Cooper, pulled from his father's compact SUV only moments earlier.

Hawkins and his colleague Anthony Pantano were among the first people on the scene as Harris pulled his SUV into a strip mall, exited quickly from the driver side door and began screaming.

The two lighting installers had just finished repairing a restaurant's decorative lights when they heard the screech of brakes and loud screaming, Hawkins testified Tuesday afternoon.

Shumpert's pictures also documented the interior of the SUV and showed the proximity of Cooper's red and black car seat, only inches behind and to the side of the driver's seat

Shumpert said he remembered a 'noticeable' odor at the scene and describe the victim's 'hot, musty, urine-soaked diaper'. Pictured above, Jacquelyn Piper, Cobb County Police officer, explains photographs

Pantano quickly drove his van to the spot where the SUV had come to an abrupt stop behind a pizza restaurant. James ran to join him.

Pantano testified how Ross Harris tried to unbuckle his young son from a child's car seat behind the driver's seat. Pantano crawled inside to help the distraught driver to get the limp child onto the pavement.

Pantano described how Harris attempted to revive his son as he lay on the ground but gave up and walked away from the child's body after 'a few compressions and one breath'.

Harris's defense rests on convincing the jury that his son's death was an accident. He faces charges of first-degree murder for Cooper's death by hyperthermia while he worked for more than seven hours inside an office building.

Harris pulled into a shopping mall parking lot, took Cooper out of the car and tried to perform CPR but was 'too overwhelmed and couldn't concentrate', his defense attorney Maddox Kilgore explained.

Prosecutors contend Harris misled investigators and tried to get them to believe the young boy's death was an accident.

He described Harris' sexting with women as gross, filthy and graphic, but said his client's sex life, 'no matter how perverse and nasty and wrong that we think it is, it doesn't have a thing in the world to do with the fact that he forgot that little boy. Nothing.'

Sexual behavior isn't some kind of motive for murdering 'the person he loved more than anything in the world', Kilgore said.

Harris with his ex-wife Leanna and Cooper. The pair separated earlier this year after Leanna filed for divorce saying their marriage was 'irretrievably broken' after the death of their son

Justin Ross Harris wept in court on Tuesday as witnesses recalled the moment his son was discovered dead

'What it is, is evidence of his filthy sex life. That's all it is,' he added.

The high-profile trial began Monday after jurors were selected and the prosecution made its opening statement.

What looked like a tragic accident came under public scrutiny after investigators said they found Harris had researched child deaths inside vehicles before his son perished.

'Evidence will show this was the worst imaginable death for a child,' Cobb County assistant district attorney Chuck Boring told the jury during opening statements Monday.

Temperatures inside the car were estimated to have reached 120 degrees, according to medical examiner reports.

The prosecution says Harris knew his son was in the car and may have wanted the boy out of his life - so that he could carry on his relationships with various women.

'He closed the door on his 22-month-old son's life and sought another life. Minutes before he closed the door on that child, while that child sat in the car, evidence will show that this defendant had been online and exchanged comments that he'd been unhappy in his marriage,' prosecutors said.

Boring said that instead of thinking about his son, Harris had spent the day messaging an underage girl.

'On that day, when his son was cooking to death, he was texting with a 16-year-old girl, trying to get photos of her vaginal area,' Boring added.

Harris was in court, left, and right in his mugshot. 'Ross loved that little boy more than anything,' his defense attorney said in an emotion-filled opening statement

James Hawkins, a lighting contractor, was among first on the scene as the lifeless body of Cooper Harris was lifted from Ross Harris' SUV. He performed CPR on Cooper but realized he was dead after blowing two breaths into the baby's mouth. 'It was blowing into a busted bag,' he recalled

Witness Anthony Pantano described how Harris attempted to revive his son as he lay on the ground but gave up and walked away from the child's body after 'a few compressions and one breath'

Harris's defense rests on persuading jurors that he simply didn't remember his 22-month-old son was still strapped in his car seat as he headed to his job - even though they had shared breakfast at a Chick-fil-A restaurant just minutes before the brief drive from the diner to his office.

But Harris had a double life, Boring said as he opened the trial.

He said: 'While he was doing that all day, his son was out in the car, dying, slowly, painfully... When he was point-six of a mile from the Chick-fil-A where he had breakfast with his son, he was texting a...woman [saying] 'I hate being married with kids. The novelty has worn off and I have nothing to show for it.''

'It's about deception, of family and friends, deception with law enforcement, deception in every part of this case. A double life,' Boring said.

Boring also criticized Harris's reaction upon the discovery of his son's body.

He said: 'Harris pulled into a shopping center after leaving work and began shouting, 'What have I done? What have I done?

'His behavior was not consistent with somebody who had just discovered his child in the back seat after forgetting him. Did he cry, 'somebody call 911, somebody come help my child'? No.

'While other people were trying to help his son, he was walking around. He starts trying to call his wife, and trying to call the daycare. He doesn't call 911 and separates himself from his child. No tears.'

Harris, a computer programmer for Home Depot Corporation, sat in his office as his son struggled to breathe in the sun-baked SUV parked outside, police said.

Harris was arrested and charged with murder several hours after Cooper was found dead in the back of the car.

An indictment filed against Harris in September 2014 listed the following eight charges: malice murder, two counts of felony murder, cruelty to children in the first degree, cruelty to children in the second degree, criminal attempt to commit a felony of sexual exploitation of children, and two counts of dissemination of harmful material to minors.

The car Harris left his son inside while he went to work in Marietta, Georgia, is shown in this image from WSB-TV

A murder conviction in Georgia carries a life sentence in prison.

Cobb County Senior Assistant District Attorney Chuck Boring believes Cooper's death was intentional. Harris had researched child deaths inside vehicles before his son's death, investigators said.

Harris confirmed to police that he researched child deaths inside vehicles, including what temperature it needed to be for that to occur. Harris was 'fearful that this could happen', according to police.

Prosecutors previously said Harris was messaging six women the day Cooper died. He reportedly told one woman on the app Whisper: 'I love my son and all but we both need escapes.'

Harris was also indicted on eight charges for sexually exploiting underage girls.
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Hurricane Matthew, the fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, claimed at least 69 lives and destroyed thousands of homes as it battered Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic over 48 hours.

The category-three hurricane has triggered the worst humanitarian crisis to hit struggling Haiti since a devastating 2010 earthquake, and the storm is now continuing on its deadly path towards America's East Coast.

Rescue workers in Haiti are struggling to reach storm-ravaged areas cut off by washed-out bridges and mudslides after Matthew roared through the country, claiming at least 65 lives.

Haiti's civil protection service put the toll in the impoverished nation at 23 dead, many of whom were killed by falling trees, flying debris and swollen rivers. The interior ministry, a local mayor and other local delegates confirmed 42 other deaths across Haiti however, including 24 people in the coastal town of Roche-a-Bateau.

Thousands of families have been left homeless after the fierce storm whipped the already poverty-stricken country with 140 mile-per-hour winds and torrential rains on Tuesday.

It is thought to have destroyed at least 3,000 homes in the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation - where thousands still live in tents after a devastating earthquake claimed 200,000 lives six years ago.

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Rescue workers in Haiti are struggling to reach storm-ravaged areas cut off by washed-out bridges (above) and mudslides after Hurricane Matthew roared through the country, claiming at least 65 lives

Thousands of families have been left homeless after the fierce storm whipped the already poverty-stricken country with 140 mile-per-hour winds and torrential rains on Tuesday. Pictured are people trying to cross the La Digue river in Haiti

The storm is thought to have destroyed at least 3,214 destroyed homes in the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation - where thousands still live in tents after a devastating earthquake six years ago. Pictured is the commune of Jeremie, Haiti

A woman is seen crossing the street in Port-au-Prince on Tuesday after Hurricane Matthew ravaged Haiti earlier this week

A group of people try to carry a coffin over the river La Digue in Haiti after the collapse of the only bridge that connects the southwestern peninsula to the capital, Port-au-Prince

The destruction wrought by Hurricane Matthew has forced Haiti's presidential election this weekend to be postponed, officials say.

Hurricane Matthew is expected to strengthen to a category-four when it hits the East Coast of America on Thursday evening, the US National Hurricane Center said.

The Haitian government said at least 350,000 people were in need of immediate help around the country - and fears were raised about possible outbreaks of cholera or other diseases.

'What we know is that many, many houses have been damaged,' Haitian Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph said. 'Some lost rooftops and they'll have to be replaced, while others were totally destroyed.'

World-famous singer Rihanna, who was born in Barbados, said she was 'praying for her brothers and sisters' in Haiti.

'My heart absolutely breaks for Haiti. Prayers up for my brothers and sisters who've fallen victim to this tragic event!' she tweeted.

Children are seen wading through floodwater to try and get to safety after the hurricane destroyed thousands of home

Many roads in Haiti became impassable after torrential rains triggered mudslides throughout the country. Here a crowd is seen gathered next to a collapsed bridge in Petit Goave

People ride a motorbike through a flooded street in Grand Goave, Haiti, after Hurricane Matthew savaged the poverty-stricken country

A boy stands inside a church after it was damaged by the storms in Saint-Louis, Haiti, on Wednesday

Men push a motorbike through a street in Leogane, Haiti, flooded by an overflowing river

Convoys and helicopters have begun venturing out to marooned corners in Haiti to assess the damage and determine how to help thousands of people who lost homes, livestock and crops.

In Aquin, a south coast town outside the battered city of Les Cayes, people trudged through the mud around the wreckage of clapboard houses and tiny shops.

Cenita Leconte was one of many coastal residents who initially ignored official calls to evacuate vulnerable shacks before Matthew roared ashore at dawn Tuesday as a Category 4 hurricane.

The 75-year-old is thankful she finally complied and made it through the terrifying ordeal with her life.

'We've lost everything we own. But it would have been our fault if we stayed here and died,' she told The Associated Press as neighbors poked through wreckage hoping to find at least some of their meager possessions.

World-famous singer Rihanna, who was born in Barbados, said she was 'praying for her brothers and sisters' in Haiti

A woman jumps over a water canal in Cite-Soleil in Port-au-Prince. The category-three hurricane has triggered the worst humanitarian crisis to hit struggling Haiti since a devastating 2010 earthquake and the storm is now continuing in its deadly path towards America's East Coast

Rescue workers in Haiti are struggling to reach storm-ravaged areas cut off by washed-out bridges and mudslides

International aid groups are already appealing for donations to sustain a lengthy recovery effort in Haiti, the Western Hemisphere's least developed and most aid-dependent nation

Marie Alta Jean-Baptiste, head of the civil protection agency, said authorities were starting to get a better view of the situation in the Grande Anse department, where the storm made roads impassable and knocked out communications.

'We do know there's a lot of damage in the Grand Anse, and we also know human life has been lost there,' Jean-Baptiste said, adding that the official death toll did not yet include reports from that severely raked area.

The government has estimated at least 350,000 people need some kind of assistance after the disaster, which UN Deputy Special Representative for Haiti Mourad Wahba has called the country's worst humanitarian crisis since the devastating earthquake of 2010.

International aid groups are already appealing for donations to sustain a lengthy recovery effort in Haiti, the hemisphere's least developed and most aid-dependent nation.

In the coming days, US military personnel and nine helicopters are expected to start arriving in the capital to help deliver food and water to hard-hit areas.

A man sits inside of what is left of his home with his cousin after it was damaged by Hurricane Matthew in Saint-Louis, Haiti

Rescue workers in Haiti are struggling to reach storm-ravaged areas cut off by washed-out bridges and damaged roads

Jean-Michel Vigreux, the country director in Haiti for the non-profit group CARE, said the lack of communication with people in the Grande Anse region was deeply worrisome.

'We don't know the exact impact yet. We currently aren't able to communicate with our team in one region, Grande Anse. It is very scary,' he said.

As answers were slow to come, some Haitians were convinced their troubled homeland was largely spared the kind of human suffering severe weather has wrought in the past.

'It seems like Haiti dodged a bullet. The news on the radio doesn't seem nearly as bad as it could have been,' upholsterer Daniel Wesley said as he walked down a rain-slicked street in downtown Port-au-Prince.

The last Category 4 storm to pound Haiti was Hurricane Flora in 1963, which killed as many as 8,000 people.

In nearby Cuba, Matthew blew across that island's sparsely populated eastern tip, destroying dozens of homes and damaging hundreds in the island's easternmost city, Baracoa.

But nearly 380,000 people were evacuated and strong measures were taken to protect communities and infrastructure, U.N. officials said.

Early Thursday, Matthew was pounding the central Bahamas on a path forecast to take it close to the US East Coast.

Authorities in southeastern states including Florida, Georgia and South Carolina are already pursuing large-scale evacuations.

Water cascades from the upper floors of a home partially destroyed by the passing of Hurricane Matthew in Baracoa, Cuba

Residents carry food down a street strewn with rubble caused by Hurricane Matthew in Baracoa, Cuba, on Wednesday

The streets are filled with broken roofing, bricks and other debris after Matthew blew through Baracoa, Cuba

Hurricane Matthew left serious damage at the eastern end of Cuba, with landslides, toppling electricity poles and cutting off roads by floods
The exclusive Toorak Primary in Melbourne's south-east only takes children living in a one-kilometre

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Families looking to buy property near train stations or within top performing school's 'catchment' zones pay up to $800,000 more than for a similar home further away.

Many prestigious schools across Australia will automatically enrol students if they live close to the campus, including the exclusive Toorak Primary School in Melbourne's south-east, which predominantly takes children within a one-kilometre radius.

Similarly, buyers keen to avoid dealing with traffic in the city centre are paying premium rates to be close to public transport.

'As cities get larger and more congested, people will increasingly pay a premium to avoid dealing with the traffic -or even having a car in the first place,' Senior Manager at BIS Shrapnel, Angie Zigomanis, told Daily Mail Australia.

Families looking to buy property within top performing school's 'catchment' zones pay up to $800,000 more than for a similar home further away. This luxury four-bedroom home on Bruce Street, inside the catchment area for Toorak Primary School, hit the market for $2.8 million

But a visually similar house with four bedrooms on Church Street - just outside of the catchment zone for Toorak Primary School - is being sold for $2 million

The Church Street home, in the same suburb, is outside of the catchment area for the exclusive primary school by two-kilometres (pictured by the red tag)

School catchment areas are a major attraction especially in areas such as Preston, nine-kilometres north of Melbourne's city centre.

Just last month, a three-bedroom house on Larne Grove sold for just over $1 million, almost $200,000 above the listed price.

The slightly rundown property sits within the catchment zone for Preston South Primary, which celebrated its 150th birthday last month.

A house just two kilometres away on Victoria Street has the same number of bedrooms and is a similar age and style as the Larne Grove property.

But it sold for $200,000 less at just $775,000 in April. The house sits just one block outside of the zoning for Preston South Primary.

In Toorak, Melbourne's south-east, a luxury four-bedroom home on Bruce Street hit the market for $2.8 million. It boasts three bathrooms, two car spaces and lies within the catchment area for Toorak Primary School.

The home on Bruce Street boasts three bathrooms, two car spaces and lies within the catchment area for Toorak Primary School

The home is on the market for $800,000 more than the Church Street property, even though it has the same number of bedrooms and is visually similar

The Church Street home in Toorak is outside of the catchment area for the exclusive primary school by two-kilometres

'What tends to happen is when owner-occupiers are buying in those zones, they tend to be a bit more emotional and pay a premium to get in,' Senior Buyers Advocate from National Property Buyers Rob Di Vita said

But a visually similar house with four bedrooms on Church Street - just three kilometres away - is being sold for $2 million.

The home is outside of the catchment area for the exclusive primary school by two-kilometres.

'What tends to happen is when owner-occupiers are buying in those zones, they tend to be a bit more emotional and pay a premium to get in,' Senior Buyers Advocate from National Property Buyers Rob Di Vita told Realestate.com.

He said buyers can expect to pay an extra 20 per cent for houses inside the zoning for top performing schools.

Just last month, a three-bedroom house on Larne Grove sold for just over $1 million, almost $200,000 above the listed price

A house just two kilometres away on Victoria Street has the same number of bedrooms and is a similar age and style as the Larne Grove property but sold for $200,000 less and is outside the school catchment zone

The house sits just one block outside of the zoning for Preston South Primary (pictured by the red tag)

The slightly rundown property on Larne Grove sits within the catchment zone for Preston South Primary, which celebrated its 150th birthday last month

The property sold for $200,000 more than the Victoria Street property despite its rundown interior

The Victoria Street property sold for $775,000 in April of this year and boasts 3 bedrooms and one bathroom

It was built 1980 and is 8.3 kilometres from the CBD, but lies outside the catchment area for Preston South School

Balwyn High in Melbourne's east has been listed as one of the state's best schools and is believed to be behind the area's growing property prices.

Balwyn is now the fifth most expensive suburb in Melbourne with a median price of $2.2 million.

Schools are not the only attraction leaving buyers paying premium price. Many are seeking properties adjacent to public transport to avoid having to buy a car.

'In many suburbs, the area around the train station is also a hub for retail activity and other services, so it may not be just the train station having the positive influence, but also the other services that are around it,' Mr Zigomanis said.

In Stanmore, Sydney's Inner West, a three-bedroom apartment on Douglas Street just 140 metres from Stanmore station hit the market for $1.4 million

But a two-bedroom house on Australia Street in Camperdown - 1.6 kilometres from Stanmore station - is for sale for $1.1 million

The Douglas Street property is just 140 metres from Stanmore train station which is a direct line to the city centre

Whereas the Camperdown property is 1.3 kilometres and a 17 minute walk from the same train station

In Stanmore, Sydney's Inner West, a three-bedroom apartment on Douglas Street just 140 metres from Stanmore station hit the market for $1.4 million.

But a two-bedroom house on Australia Street in Camperdown - 1.6 kilometres from Stanmore station - is for sale for $1.1 million.

'Prices closer to train stations will also increase due to their redevelopment potential,' Mr Zigomanis said.

'A house near a train station may be worth more as a development site for townhouses or apartments than as a freestanding house.'

'Prices closer to train stations will also increase due to their redevelopment potential,' Mr Zigomanis said. Pictured is the Douglas Street apartment

The three-bedroom apartment on Douglas Street just 140 metres from Stanmore station hit the market for $1.4 million

'In many suburbs, the area around the train station is also a hub for retail activity and other services, so it may not be just the train station having the positive influence, but also the other services that are around it,' Mr Zigomanis said. Pictured is the Camperdown property
Opposition Leader says the car manufacturing world is laughing at us

The Toyota and Holden sites will close by February next year

Ford will keep 1500 jobs in Australia as part of a design hub

The last Australian-made Ford Falcon will come off the production line on Friday.

About 600 workers will lose their jobs - many of them who have spent their entire working lives at the Broadmeadows or Geelong sites and have 'Ford blue running through their veins'.

Ford Australia spokesman Wesley Sherwood says it has been an emotional time for all involved with the company - especially those who will lose their jobs.

Ford Australia will close it's production line in Australia by the end of the week

'We've been preparing for this day for three-and-a-half years - it's the end of a 91-year manufacturing legacy in this country,' Mr Sherwood told AAP.

'That comes with a lot of camaraderies, decades of service and a hand in making the Falcon a legend in Australia.'

Richard Zabielski will retire on Friday after 46 years at the company - he started as an apprentice when he was just 16.

'It's changed my whole life - I grew up with the company,' he said.

'It's been a really great career, it's supported my family the whole way through and I'm very proud to be the longest serving employee at Ford Broadmeadows.'

The last Australian made Ford is expected to come off the production line at Broadmeadows around 10am on Friday

The Ford Falcon XR6 Sprint will be the final car to come of Ford Australia's production line on Friday

Geelong Manufacturing engineer-manager Brian Makin will also retire after joining Ford in 1974.

'Dad had 38 years with the Ford Motoring Company, I also had a brother who worked with Ford - its a bit of legacy with the Makins,' he said.

'Here I am coming up 42 years and I haven't regretted any day coming to work.'

One hundred and sixty workers will be redeployed into product development roles.

One of them is former maintenance supervisor Andrew Owens who will move to the design studio after 22 years at the company.

'I'm really looking forward to the new role in the design centre - it'll be great,' he said.

About 600 workers will lose their jobs - many of them who have spent their entire working lives working with Ford (pictured are the last Ford cars to be manufactured in Australia)

Labor Leader Bill Shorten (right) speaks with Beill Kelty talk about the closure of Ford's manufacturing in Broadmeadows in Melbourne

Holden and Toyota will also close their manufacturing hubs in Australia next year - making locally made cars a thing of the past.

Friday also marks the last production of the Australian made Holden Cruze at its Elizabeth plant in Adelaide.

'It's a difficult time for our entire industry and our thoughts are with the employees of Ford and, of course, Holden's people,' Holden said in a statement.

'We're extremely proud of our people and our manufacturing legacy - the best way we can honour our employees and history is by building a bright and successful future.'

Labor Leader Bill Shorten (right) and Maria Vamvakinou, Federal Member for Calwell, arrive to address an Economic Cultural Development Summit

The government has been working hard to create new jobs in communities hardest hit by the end of manufacturing - providing a Local Industry Fund for Transition for those still looking for work.

But opposition Leader Bill Shorten says the car manufacturing world is laughing at us.

'This week there are 20 countries in the world who build cars from scratch. Next week there will only be 19,' Mr Shorten told reporters in Broadmeadows.

'Those other 19 countries are not congratulating us on waving our car industry goodbye - they're laughing.'

But opposition Leader Bill Shorten says the car manufacturing world is laughing at us

Ford will keep 1500 jobs in Australia as part of a design hub, but Mr Shorten said the Broadmeadows factory site should be looked at for community use.

'I think it's most important they sit down with the community, with government, how we can use these assets, which in part are the product of the investment of Australian taxpayers,' he said.

Mr Shorten said the federal government should demand Australian apprentices be employed on public projects, and local suppliers prioritised to help recover from the loss of more than 40,000 automotive supply chain jobs.

New research from Australian Catholic University has revealed only 13 per cent of those within the car manufacturing industry have started looking for new work outside the sector.
Fox News host and Donald Trump supporter Sean Hannity has lashed out at fellow network star Megyn Kelly after she accused him of being a 'safe space' for the Republican nominee to speak.

Kelly made the remark that seemed to set Hannity off during an interview with political pundit Stuart Stevens about how Hillary Clinton and Trump are approaching Sunday's second debate.

'They are both in their own version of a presidential protection program,' Kelly said on The Kelly File.

Fox News host and Donald Trump supporter Sean Hannity has lashed out at fellow network star Megyn Kelly (pictured) after she accused him of being a 'safe space' for the Republican nominee

'They've designed her situation so she is not in a place she feels uncomfortable or where anything unexpected could come at her.

'And Donald Trump, with all due respect to my friend at 10:00, will go on Hannity and pretty much only Hannity and will not venture out to the unsafe spaces these days, which doesnt exactly expand the tent for either one of them.

'There, that's my two cents.'

Hannity, who has reportedly been an informal adviser for the Trump campaign since earlier this year, tweeted furiously at Kelly after her comments aired.

'Donald Trump, with all due respect to my friend at 10:00, will go on Hannity and pretty much only Hannity and will not venture out to the unsafe spaces these days,' Kelly said on Wednesday night

Sean Hannity (right, with Donald Trump) took offense at Kelly's comments he would be a soft interview for the Republican nominee

'@megynkelly u (sic) should be mad at @HillaryClinton Clearly you support her. And @realDonaldTrump did talk to u (sic),' Hannity wrote.

Kelly had not responded to the tweet on Wednesday night.

The clash comes a day after Trump himself attacked Kelly on Twitter ahead of Tuesday's vice presidential debate.

'@megynkelly u (sic) should be mad at @HillaryClinton Clearly you support her. And @realDonaldTrump did talk to u (sic),' Hannity tweeted on Wednesday

Hannity (right) has reportedly been advising Donald Trump and his campaign in recent months

Before the debate kicked off, Kelly joked on-air about Trump saying he was going to live-tweet the debate.

Kelly said Trump would be: 'surrounded by his team! Kellyanne's got the thumbs. Only when they're released will he [tweet].'

The reality television host shot back: 'I am in Nevada. Sorry to inform you Kellyanne is in the audience. Better luck next time.'
New trains being built in South Korea as part of a $2.3 billion intercity fleet for New South Wales will be too wide to fit on a section of track, tender documents show.

The double deck trains will run between Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast, South Coast and the Blue Mountains starting from 2019.

But the 500 new carriages being built by the RailConnect consortium in South Korea will be too wide to travel beyond Springwood on the Blue Mountain line, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

New trains being built as part of a $2.3 billion intercity fleet for New South Wales will be too wide for some sections of the state rail line (concept design)

Tender documents show the new trains will be about 3.1 metres wide, despite the fact that the second half of the line can only take trains narrower than three metres.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the ministry was finalising where modifications need to be made, but they could include minor track work, changes to signals and platform extensions.

'The new trains are being custom built to our specifications. Its always been our intention to carry out some modifications to the rail infrastructure so that we can run these trains and deliver our customers the comfort they deserve,' the spokesperson said.

'These modifications are a part of the overall project to deliver the new trains.'

The contract to build the new carriages was awarded to RailConnect - a joint venture between the Hyundai Rotem Company, Mitsubishi Electric Australia and UGL Rail - in August.

Opposition Labor MPs said the decision was a blow to local manufacturing, but Transport Minister Andrew Constance said it was the best deal for taxpayers.

The 500 new carriages are being built by the RailConnect consortium in South Korea (concept design)
The man who stabbed 10 people at a Minnesota mall had become interested in Islam in the last several months, withdrew from his friends and encouraged female relatives to be more religious, the FBI said on Thursday.

'We were told (he) had not previously shown an interest in religion,' FBI Special Agent Rick Thornton said at a news conference.

He said 20-year-old Dahir Ahmed Adan went from being a high academic performer to failing out of college 'almost overnight' after taking an increased interest in Islam.

'The totality of Dahir Adan's behavior and the actions suggest he may have been radicalized either with the influence of others or on his own,' Thornton said.

During the news briefing, authorities released graphic videos of the September 17 attack, showing parts of Adan's rampage through the Crossroads Center mall, and his fatal confrontation with off-duty Avon Police Officer Jason Falconer.

All 10 people who were stabbed during the attack survived their injuries.

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During a news conference on Thursday, authorities released mall surveillance video showing 20-year-old Dahir Ahmed Adan attacking victims (pictured) and the moment he was shot

Adan (pictured) had become interested in Islam in the last several months, withdrew from his friends and encouraged female relatives to be more religious, the FBI said on Thursday

The attorney for Adan's family, Abdulwahid Osman, said Adan's parents and close family members did not see the behavioral changes that investigators described.

'They believed he was doing as good as he used to do,' Osman said.

'That is not the son they knew.'

Hours before the attack, Thorton said Adan had stopped at Super America, a convenience store that he often visited in St Cloud, The Star Tribune reported.

As he left the store he told the people inside, 'You won't be seeing me again,' according to Thorton.

On his way to the mall, he struck a bicyclist who rolled across his hood and cracked the windshield of his Camry.

He kept driving and went on to run a red light before arriving at the mall's south parking lot.

During the attack, which started outside the mall before moving inside, witnesses told the FBI that Adan, who was armed with two steak knives and later shot and killed, referenced Islam.

In one video, Adan entered Unique Electronics and attacked an employee, swingingly wildly with a knife. The clerk is stabbed in the back before the victim fleed to safety

Adan then ran through the mall stabbing victims in the head, chest and neck as shoppers frantically ran for cover.

'We have numerous credible witness accounts of him asking victims during the attack if they were Muslim and at least one instance yelling "Allahu akbar" while stabbing one of his victims and others heard him yelling "Islam Islam" during the attack,' Thornton said.

In one video, Adan is seen swinging wildly at an electronics store clerk and stabbing him at least once before the man scrambled away.

Before Adan entered the store, the Unique Electronics employee was sitting behind the counter before running to the entrance to see the commotion in the mall.

Shoppers are seen running past the store before Adan runs past and then approaches the employee.

Narrating the video, St Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson said Adan asked the clerk if they were Muslim but the victim does not respond and the attack begins with Adan stabbing the individual.

In a second video, frightened shoppers inside Northwoods Candy Emporium are seen running out the store as Adan approaches

A quick-thinking employee is able to pull down the metal gate to the store

Adan is pictured above trying to enter the store after the employee pulled down the metal gate. He runs off and continues his gruesome attack

The terrified employee is seen trying to get out of harm's way but falls over.

Adan then stabs the victim in the back, causing his knife to bend, before pulling out a second knife.

The employee moments later is seen running out of the store to safety.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS LEADING TO THE SEPTEMBER 17 STABBING ATTACKS 3pm: Adan returns home from a shift at work, but does not change from his uniform or take a nap, as was his usual custom. When asked why, he responded by saying he 'had work to do that night.' 7.54pm: He stops at Super America, a convenience store he frequented. When leaving, a clerk said 'See you later,' and Adan responds, 'You won't be seeing me again.' 8.02pm: He returns to his apartment briefly before leaving for Crossroads Mall five minutes later. 8.09pm: He hits a bicyclist on the way to the mall in a hit-and-run accident who cracks the windshield on his Camry. 8.13pm: He arrives at the mall and begins his rampage outside just one minute later. Source: KARE11 Advertisement

Officials noted they initially were not aware of the victim in the electronics store until canvassing stores at the mall asking if they had video of the attack.

A second video taken from inside Northwoods Candy Emporium shows customers running out of the store as Adan approaches.

The quick-thinking employee inside is able to pull down the metal gate to the store only moments before Adan tries to enter.

Adan stands at the gate briefly before running off to continue his gruesome attack.

In a third video, a bloody Adan is shown crawling and trying to get up after he was shot six times by Falconer inside a Macy's, who Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall said will not be charged.

Adan had approached Falconer asking if he was Muslim to which the officer says no before telling Adan he was a cop and to put his knives down, Kendall said.

The attacker charges at the officer before Falconer shoots him.

Adan attempts to crawl toward Falconer with a knife in his hand, despite being shot.

He attempts to get up several more times and is shot a total of 10 times with six bullets striking him, Kendall said.

Kendall announced during the conference that she found Falconer, who has been hailed a hero, was justified in shooting the assailant, calling his actions 'justified and lawful.'

In video taken inside Macy's, it shows Adan's encounter with off-duty Avon Police Officer Jason Falconer shown here with his gun drawn

Adan is shown here lying still after being shot by Falconer but moments later is seen trying to get up

Adan, despite being shot several times, attempts to get up on all fours and crawls out of view. He was shot six times

'You're looking at an authorized use of deadly force,' Kendall said.

'He was faced with an individual in a busy mall armed with two knives, one in each hand, brought to his attention after he was asked if he was Muslim with people running and screaming in fear.'

Before his confrontation with Adan, Kendall said Falconer had been shopping at the mall for a gift for his daughter at Bath and Body Works.

She also noted that during Adan and Falconer's confrontation, Falconer showed his badge to frightened shoppers who were confused why a man in plainclothes was shooting a man in a security uniform.

Law enforcement also shared the mall surveillance video evidence with the family on Thursday, Osman said.

Scenes from outside the Crossroads Center mall during the September 17 stabbing attack

Scenes from outside the mall last month. When the brutal attacks happened, the Islamic State-run news agency claimed Adan was a 'soldier of the Islamic State' who had heeded the group's calls for attacks in countries that are part of a U.S.-led anti-IS coalition

'They continue to mourn and grieve for the loss in their family and express profound sympathy to the victims,' he said.

In arguing that it appeared the attack was premeditated, Thornton said compelling evidence included Adan not changing out of his security guard uniform between shifts as he usually did, telling his family he had 'work to do tonight.'

He then texted his boss to say he was not coming to work.

Aside from Adan's supposed increased interest in the religion, Thornton offered no other evidence linking Adan, who was Somali-American, to extremist groups.

Right after the attacks, an Islamic State-run news agency had claimed Adan was a 'soldier of the Islamic State' who had heeded the group's calls for attacks in countries that are part of a U.S.-led anti-IS coalition.

St Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson talks about evidence photos of the knives used during stabbings at Crossroads Center during the press conference

Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall talks about video surveillance footage from the stabbing

It was not immediately known whether the extremist group had planned the attack or knew about it beforehand.

He said investigators are still working on Adan's digital footprint, including social media accounts, and have yet unlocked his iPhone.

He said investigators are assessing 'legal and technical options' for the phone.

Officials said Officer Falconer (pictured) was justified in his shooting of the assailant

While testifying before the House Judiciary Committee last week, Comey said the FBI was still working on the case and reviewing Adan's electronic devices, but it appeared Adan was motivated 'by some sort of inspiration from radical Islamic groups.'

Thornton did not elaborate on the FBI's efforts to get into Adan's iPhone, and agency spokesman Kyle Loven said he could not comment further because of the ongoing investigation.

The FBI hired an outside company to help it hack into an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino, California, shooters, Syed Rizwan Farook, who with his wife killed 14 people at a 2015 holiday work gathering.

Apple had rejected the government's demand that it create software to bypass the phone's security features.

The FBI has refused to name the company that developed the tool or say how much it paid.

Minnesota has the nation's largest Somali community, with census numbers placing the population at about 57,000.

Young Somalis have been a target for terror recruiters. Since 2007, more than 20 young men have joined the militant group al-Shabab in Somalia.

In addition, roughly a dozen people have left to join militants in Syria, and nine Minnesota men face sentencing on terror charges for plotting to join the Islamic State group.

St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis speaks during the conference. Kleis asked that people continue to think about those who were injured in last month's stabbing, as well as those who saw the attack
The teenage bride of a Sydney terror suspect has been jailed for eight months after refusing to answer 31 questions about a suspected terror plot.

Alo-Bridget Namoa, 19, appeared before the NSW Crime Commission in February after police allegedly found extremist material on her and her husband's phones, including instructions for carrying out a terror attack.

The teenager, who was born in Tonga and raised as a Catholic but converted to Islam, once referred to herself and her husband as a 'jihadi Bonnie and Clyde'.

Her husband, Sameh Bayda, 19, faces up to 15 years in prison for three charges of collecting documents likely to facilitate terrorist attacks.

Alo-Bridget Namoa (right), the teenage bride of a Sydney terror suspect, has been jailed for eight months after refusing to answer 31 questions about a suspected terror plot

Magistrate Beverley Schurr set a non-parole period of four months and backdated the sentence to begin in February when Namoa was taken into custody.

However, the teenager is still facing charges of possessing a hunting knife and instructions in Arabic for making a bomb detonator, both items allegedly in connection to a terrorist act.

Her lawyer Sophie Toomey said Namoa was 'very, very happy' with Thursday's sentence and would apply for bail on her other charges next week.

'Her Honour appeared to adopt my submission that it was misguided loyalty that had motivated Ms Namoa, and obviously profound naivety,' Ms Toomey told reporters outside court.

The teenager is the wife of Sydney terror suspect Sameh Bayda. She is of Tongan descent but converted to Islam when she was about about 13 years old

The court heard Namoa refused to answer questions about text messages from husband Sameh Bayda, 19, that implied an impending separation possibly caused by his death.

The teenager's husband, Sameh Bayda, 19, faces up to 15 years in prison for three charges of collecting documents likely to facilitate terrorist attacks

She also failed to answer questions about documents found on her phone, a hunting knife and flag found in her possession and a reference to 'Bonnie and Clyde'.

Ms Schurr stressed that the teenager was being sentenced for non-compliance, not terrorism-related charges, and that the crime commission had already had evidence to charge her.

'I am not satisfied that that would place her offending in the most serious category of this type of offence,' Ms Schurr said.

Namoa followed the hearing by video link from Silverwater Women's Correctional Centre, wearing a headscarf that covered her hair and neck.

She was silent during the hearing except to correct the magistrate's pronunciation of 'Bayda' and to ask her lawyer 'So what did I get?' at the end.

Namoa is expected to apply for bail on Tuesday.
It has been nearly four years since Darwin the Japanese macaque was found wandering in a Toronto Ikea, dressed in a fashionable shearling coat and and a diaper.

The incident, which sent the Internet into collapse, resulted in human mom Yasmin Kakhuda losing custody of Darwin  dubbed the 'Ikea Monkey'  to a primate sanctuary.

But now Kakhuda has two new monkeys in his place: Caesar and Diva.

Yasmin Kakhuda (left) now has two new monkeys, Caesar and Diva, (pictured) after she lost custody of her beloved Darwin

Darwin became an internet sensation when he escaped from a crate in his owner's car in the Ikea parking lot in December 2012 and was seen wandering around the store (pictured)

' He fills my life, I love him a lot, but he's not Darwin and will never be Darwin," said Kakhuda, 47, of Caesar, who is also a Japanese macaque, to the Canadian Press.

' He fills my life, I love him a lot, but he's not Darwin and will never be Darwin," said Kakhuda, 47, of Caesar, who is also a Japanese macaque, to the Canadian Press. But now Kakhuda has two new monkeysin his place: Caesar and Diva

'They are like us, they want to feel that touch, that love,' she added, pausing the interview to kiss the monkey on the lips and feed in a raisin

'People should have the right to own these amazing animals and create these amazing bonds.'

Kakhuda (right) says Caesar (pictured) is 'no Darwin and will never be Darwin'

Kakhuda says she should have the right to own exotic animals like Caesar and Diva, her new monkeys

Kakhuda has lived in Kawartha Lakes since 2014, where she moved after losing Darwin  which she called her 'son.'

Her local government doesn't have a ban on owning exotic animals, so she also has two miniature donkeys, a wallaroo, alpacas, two tiny marmosets, two ferrets and a fox, the Canadian Press reported.

Darwin became an internet sensation when he escaped from a crate in his owner's car in the Ikea parking lot in December 2012.

Pictures of the monkey wearing a tiny beige shearling coat as he wandered all the way into the store quickly went viral.

Animal services seized Darwin and sent him to Story Book Farm, prompting Nakhuda to sue the sanctuary in an effort to get him back.

Darwin became an internet sensation when he escaped from a crate in his owner's car in the Ikea parking lot in December 2012

Animal services seized Darwin and sent him to Story Book Farm, prompting Nakhuda to sue the sanctuary in an effort to get him back

At the trial, the real estate lawyer said: 'I think when I had my two children I didn't have time to mother them. I was more focused on building my practice.

'Having Darwin ...was like the chance to experience motherhood again.

'I treated him like a son. It sounds bizarre to some people, but thats how we treated him.'

Kakhuda, a real estate lawyer, has said:'I think when I had my two children I didn't have time to mother them. I was more focused on building my practice.'

Now, Kakhuda says, Darwin is a 'prisoner.'

'I don't agree with that,' she said of his new home, where he is learning to live among other monkeys, the Canadian Press reported.

'He's not happy where he is, he's not where he should be.'

An Ontario Superior Court justice said while Darwin may have worn clothing and slept in his former owner's bed, he was a wild animal and that Nakhuda's ownership ended with his escape from her car.

Nakhuda decided to appeal the ruling but abandoned her effort, saying it was too costly and had little chance of success.

The founder of Story Brook Farm said Darwin's story put the spotlight on the sale of exotic animals as pets in Canada, which is a growing trend.

Sanctuary owners sayDarwin has now grown into a 'much larger, energetic and rambunctious juvenile.'

His new home has wide open spaces and forested enclosures for Darwin and his fellow sanctuary residents.
Police in Maine are looking for a couple in connection with an incident involving a three-year-old girl who disappeared for hours before being dropped off at a police station.

Lenore 'Lenny' Wilson, 3, was reported missing on Tuesday morning after her mother suffered a medical emergency, the Portland Press Herald reported.

The young girl was believed to have been with Fatima L. Gissentaner, 26, for most of the day on Tuesday, officials say.

Augusta Deputy Police Chief Jared Mills said that police expected Gissentaner, who is originally from New York and goes by the name 'China,' to bring the child to the police station within 30 minutes.

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Lenore 'Lenny' Wilson (left), 3, was reported missing on Tuesday morning after her mother suffered a medical emergency. The young girl was believed to have been with Fatima L. Gissentaner (right), 26, for most of the day on Tuesday, officials say

Augusta Deputy Police Chief Jared Mills said they expected Gissentaner to bring the young girl to the police station within 30 minutes

However, the child was not brought to the station, authorities considered that she could have been abducted and issued the Amber Alert. It was only the second time one had been issued in the state since the program started in 2002.

'We're investigating this at face value, because at one point yesterday, it was our understanding that the child was in the custody of Fatima,' Mills said.

'We had a conversation with (Fatima) and she promised to bring her back, and she didn't, so we're investigating why that transaction didn't happen.'

The child was taken to a police station late Tuesday night by a man acquainted with Gissentaner, her boyfriend and the child's mother.

Mills explained that he learned the child was missing once he received the Amber Alert on his cellphone.

Video courtesy of WCSH 6

However, the little girl was not brought to the station, authorities considered that she could have been abducted and issued the Amber Alert

She was brought to a police station hours later by a man who has not been identified publicly

'This individual knew the people involved, and when he became in contact with the child at some point yesterday, he immediately brought the child to the police department,' Mills said.

He did not identify the man since he did not commit a crime.

Mills added: 'We're very thankful for what he did.'

Authorities say the child is doing well and that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services is determining who will take care of the child.

It's unclear where she is currently staying.

Authorities say the child is doing well as they look for Gissentaner and her boyfriend who's been identified only as 'Dollar'. No charges have been filed against them as of Wednesday

Mills said Gissentaner and her boyfriend who's been identified only as 'Dollar,' are being sought by Augusta police and are considered people of interest in the investigation. No charges have been filed and Mills did not say what charges they could be facing.

'We have information as to their whereabouts and are obviously following up on a bunch of leads,' Mills said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

'At this point we are still looking to determine what their intentions were.'

Mills did not provide information on the condition of the child's mother, who he also did not publicly identify.
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Donald Trump has pledged to bring long-lost American manufacturing jobs back from China.

But he may be too late - even for products that bear his family name.

A Chinese company that makes shoes for his daughter's fashion line is moving production to Africa, where labor is much cheaper.

Workers on a production line at the Huajian factory in Dongguan, southern China, where Ivanka Trump-branded shoes have been made over the years

Night-shift workers at the Huajian shoe factory, where about 100,000 pairs of Ivanka Trump-branded shoes have been made over the years, in Dongguan, south China

The billionaire tycoon has frequently accused China of stealing US jobs through unfair trade practices and currency manipulation, while simultaneously relying on the country to make Trump-branded goods.

But the kind of work that goes into making such products may never return to America, says the president of major footwear producer Huajian Group.

Zhang Huarong, speaking in his office in the southern factory hub of Dongguan, said: 'Some manufacturers can't even survive in China any more.'

His company has made about 100,000 pairs of Ivanka Trump-branded shoes over the years, according to spokesman Liu Shiyuan.

In August it filled an order for 20,000 pairs, just weeks after Trump accepted the Republican nomination, with a speech in which he vowed to bring jobs back to the US.

Trump said he planned to impose a 45 per cent tariff on Chinese-made goods.

Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka (left) has supported his campaign for President but has had thousands of her branded shoes manufactured in China

A worker pushes a cart loaded with Ivanka Trump branded shoes at the Huajian shoe factory, in Dongguan, southern China. It takes more than 200 workers to move a single pair of shoes from the concept stage to the loading dock

But Zhang Huarong is one of a growing number of Chinese manufacturers which are moving production to Africa and South-East Asia in search of lower production costs.

In 2012 Mr Zhang opened his first factory in Ethiopia.

Four years later he is building a $1billion facility there and production lines are already humming.

'My goal is to create 30,000 jobs in Ethiopia by 2020, with exports reaching $1billion to $1.5 billion,' he said.

Christopher Balding, professor of economics at Peking University HSBC Business School, says low-skilled manufacturing jobs were prone to being moved to where labour costs were the lowest and he said even though Chinese wages were far beneath the minimum wage in the United States they were still higher than in Africa.

The Trump campaign did not respond to questions from AFP, while Ivanka Trump's company declined to comment.

A worker places the inner soles on a production line at the Huajian factory in China. In the 1940s US firms like Endicott-Johnson produced 52million pairs of shoes a year and employed 20,000 people in New York state. Its last factory in the US closed in 1998

A worker at the Huajian factory in China. Manufacturers in the US and Europe have struggled to compete with companies from China

Donald Trump has frequently accused China of stealing US jobs through unfair trade practices and currency manipulation, while simultaneously relying on the country to make Ivanka Trump-branded goods

Huajian's shoes are a fraction of the more than 1,200 shipments of Trump-branded products that have flowed into the US from China and Hong Kong over the last decade, according to an examination of US import data by Our Principles PAC, an anti-Trump political action committee.

Trump has defended his family's decision to license its name to companies that make the goods - from shoes to ties to dress shirts - in China as smart business, while slamming other US firms such as Ford and Nabisco for offshoring.

Manufacturing of the products is handled by third parties.

US-based Marc Fisher Footwear, which makes Ivanka Trump branded shoes, did not respond to requests for comment.

In a interview with CNN last year Trump said: 'It's very, very hard to have anything in apparel made in this country.'

Mr Zhang agrees: 'Americans say "a lot of shoes are being made in China". But it's because the US is worse at making shoes.'

Workers are seen during a lunch break in the canteen at the Huajian shoe factory. Many of the employees could face redundancy as production is moved to Ethiopia

A worker makes a phone call at his dormitory after a shift at the Huajian shoe factory in Dongguan

These shoes, which will proudly display the Ivanka Trump brand, will probably end up in US shopping malls

Workers wash their hands after dinner outside the canteen at the Huajian factory in Dongguan

He said some US companies may bring back some production that can be easily automated but the laborious handwork required to make fashionable women's shoes will always go to the lowest bidder.

Even his factory has had to move up the value chain over the years, expanding into design work, with dozens of staff - mostly middle-aged men - now designing pumps, thigh-high boots, and kitten heels for overseas customers.

At the Dongguan factory, which employs some 15,000 people, it takes as many as 200 workers to move a single pair of shoes from the concept stage to the loading dock.

Workers relax in their dormitory room after a shift at the Huajian shoe factory in south China, which employs some 15,000 people. But production is gradually heading to Africa

The shoes made by Chinese workers in the Huajian factory are a fraction of the more than 1,200 shipments of Trump-branded products that have flowed into the US from China over the last decade

On lunch break at the plant, Cao Jian said he made 3,200 yuan ($480) a month heeling shoes - about average for the area.

The 20-year-old said he was satisfied with this wage, but many workers in the world's second largest economy are demanding more.

Industrial action has increased across China in recent years, up almost 19 per cent year-on-year with 1,867 strikes in the first eight months of 2016, according to the Hong Kong-based China Labor Bulletin.

Huajian, a Chinese company that makes shoes for Ivanka Trump's fashion line, is moving production to Africa, where Chinese and Ethiopian workers (pictured) work closely together

Ethiopian and Chinese workers side by side at Huajian's shoe factory on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Chinese workers are often brought in to train Ethiopians

Factory owners have found themselves squeezed between demand for higher wages and falling growth, as China's economy expanded at its slowest rate in a quarter century last year and has continued to slow.

Mr Zhang said he can hired five Ethiopians for the price of one Chinese worker.

That is why the company is building a 'light industrial city' shaped like a woman's shoe in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, he said.

A Chinese worker directs Ethiopian workers at Huajian's giant new factory on the outskirts of Addis Ababa

Huajian has already moved production to Ethiopia. These Ethiopian workers (pictured) at a factory on the outskirts of Addis Ababa earn much less than their counterparts in China, which is why the firm is moving production from China to Ethiopia

The sprawling campus will feature factories, dormitories, a hotel and a hospital, all bounded by a replica of the Great Wall.

He said the kind of manufacturing work he plans to do there is 'too low-value' for Americans.
Cheap candles sold at Kmart are prone to overheating and exploding, spraying hot wax and glass shards across rooms and causing injuries, angry customers say.

Chris Page was left with serious burns to his hands when he tried to stop a $6 Vanilla and Fig candle from setting his Gold Coast house on fire after it exploded in a bedroom.

The 44-year-old told Daily Mail Australia he was standing in the doorway when it exploded and he ran into the room where remnants of the candle and its glass container were strewn across the room burning the carpet.

Chris Page (left with wife Cindy) was left with serious burns to his hands when he tried to stop a $6 candle from setting his Gold Coast house on fire after it exploded in a bedroom

The 44-year-old told Daily Mail Australia he was standing in the doorway when it exploded and he ran into the room

Remnants of the candle and its glass container were strewn across the room burning the carpet

Mr Page spent the night in Robina Hospital with second-degree burns and was off work for a week without pay

He said there was and a huge, uncontrollable flame that almost touched the ceiling coming from what was left of the candle.

While trying to avoid burning the house down I tried to blow the candle out but to no avail and had no option but to pick it and run to remove it from danger, he said.

However, he dropped candle as it burned his hands, leaving wax and glass all over a hallway his daughter had to scrub from the tiles and walls while his wife rushed him to hospital.

Mr Page spent the night in Robina Hospital with second-degree burns and was off work for a week without pay while he endured painful visits to the doctor for dressing changes, and will have permanent scars on both hands.

He endured painful visits to the doctor for dressing changes, and will have permanent scars on both hands

Mr Page's hand weeks after the accident

Mr Page's hands blistering weeks after the accident

Mr Page submitted a claim to Kmart owner Wesfarmers for hundreds of dollars in medical bills, lost wages and about $1,000 to replace the carpet.

But his claim was denied because the company said he had not followed the warning label that said not to burn the candle past one centimetre in height and not to handle it while it was burning.

'Whilst we are sorry to hear that you were injured and that your property was damaged, we do not consider Kmart can be held liable and we are unable to compensate you,' it said.

Mr Page disputed this, arguing the candle had far more than one centimetre to burn and that he only handled it in desperation once it had already exploded.

I have children and pets and live in a rental property that could well have caught fire if I had not taken action, he said.

Shattered pieces of the candle after it exploded

His claim was denied because Kmart said he had not followed the warning label that said not to burn the candle past one centimetre in height and not to handle it while it was burning

Mr Page disputed this, arguing the candle had far more than one centimetre to burn (pictured) and that he only handled it in desperation once it had already exploded

His wife Cindy said Mr Page was in so much pain when he arrived in emergency the doctors were initially not even able to examine him.

He was in bandages and couldnt move his hands properly for weeks and watching his skin shed off as they were healing was horrible, she said.

The product is clearly defective as so many of them have exploded and I dont want this to happen to another family. I cant believe they are still on shelves.

His wife Cindy (pictured) said Mr Page was in so much pain when he arrived in emergency the doctors were initially not even able to examine him

Mr Page disputed Kmart's argument, saying the candle had far more than one centimetre to burn and that he only handled it in desperation once it had already exploded

Cheap candles sold at Kmart are prone to overheating and exploding, spraying hot wax and glass shards across rooms and causing injuries, angry customers say

DMA has been made aware of more than a dozen other customers who claim their candles exploded and damaged their property.

Mel Gordon said her brand new candle exploded after burning for about an hour and sprayed hot wax across her room, including damaging her $350 bassinet.

The Canberra woman said Kmart asked her to return the candle but she never pressed the issue because she gave birth about a week after the incident.

Why is Kmart selling candles with such fragile glass that they explode? My house could have burned down so Im concerned worse could happen to someone else, she told DMA.

Mel Gordon said her brand new candle exploded (pictured) after burning for about an hour and sprayed hot wax across her room

It also damaged her $350 bassinet

Melissa Trim, from Mount Isa, also said her daughter's candle exploded in a complaint to Kmart's Facebook page, while Nicky Brandes said glass flew two metres when hers exploded.

Numerous others have complained on social media, or commented on other posts sharing their own experiences.

Kmart Australia said it was committed to the quality and safety of all its products.

'We test our candles, list safety instructions and when adhered to the product is safe to use,' it told DMA.

'We encourage all those who own a candle to review these instructions as a safety precaution.'

The Canberra woman said Kmart asked her to return the candle but she never pressed the issue because she gave birth about a week after the incident
The 'strange and perverse' appearance of pairs of underwear outside a woman's home has left authorities perplexed.

A Chatham Road house in the Melbourne suburb of Surrey Hills has been targeted by a perverted mind half a dozen times over the past couple of years.

Senior Sergeant Mark Standish hopes the social media outreach will provide some answers 'in case someone identifies their under wear which may assist in furthering the investigation,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

On five separate occasions since 2014, the victim has found pairs of underwear in the same spot underneath a tree outside her home in the Melbourne suburb of Surrey Hills

Sergeant Standish believes the issue could involve a 'snowdropper', more commonly known as an underwear thief with a fetish

On five separate occasions since 2014, the victim has found pairs of underwear in the same spot underneath a tree outside her home, the Brisbane Times reports.

The sixth pair, black and lacy, was found in her letterbox.

Sergeant Standish believes the issue could involve a 'snowdropper', more commonly known as an underwear thief with a fetish.

'It's very strange. We get people pinching underwear, but ... I haven't seen anything like this,' he told the Brisbane Times.

The victim says she doesn't know why the nature strip out the front of her house has been targeted.

The sixth pair, black and lacy, was found in the letterbox. Sergeant Standish is appealing for anyone who recognises their underwear to come forward

'We're appealing for anyone who recognises their underwear to come forward,' Sergeant Standish said.

'We'll get to the bottom of it.'

It's not reported whether the officers will need to go 'undie- cover'.
Two people have died after wall collapsed on them at a worksite at a racecourse in Queensland.

The two men were crushed to death by a concrete panel that collapsed at a construction site at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Ascot, an outer suburb of Brisbane, reported the ABC.

The construction workers were killed after the slab reportedly came loose from a crane at the site on Thursday afternoon.

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Two people have died after a concrete panel collapsed on them at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Queensland

Other workers rushed to help at the construction site, but were unable to save the pair.

Police told Daily Mail Australia they believed it was an industrial accident.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said they received a call just before 4pm.

Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman Glen Morrison told the ABC a concrete wall in a construction pit collapsed on the men.

Mr Morrison said the slab was removed from on top of the men before paramedics arrived.

'We sent one of our staff down into where the two workers were to identify [them] and to see if we could render any aid.

Police believe it may have been an industrial accident which occurred at a worksite

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said they received a call just before 4pm and four units are currently on the scene providing assistance to Queensland Police

'Unfortunately they were both deceased at that time - so very unfortunate and very distressing for the officers concerned.'

QAS told Daily Mail Australia seven units are currently on the scene providing assistance to Queensland Police.

Workplace Health and Safety have also been notified.

Eagle Farm Racecourse is currently undergoing a $37 million redevelopment to turn it into a world class racing and training centre.

The new complex will include 400 stables, the world's first major stable complex to be constructed on the infield, rooftop viewing platforms, a BBQ area, tunnels and parking for more than 1,000 cars.

Workplace Health and Safety have also been notified of the incident
Al-Qaeda is preparing to launch terror attacks on Britain and Europe as the West focuses its attention on crushing ISIS, a report has claimed.

Sources told The Times of a rising threat from the terror group and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon confirmed there has been a resurgence of al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, meaning Britain is forced to keep troops on the ground in the country.

Sir Fallon said Al-Qaeda posed a very direct threat to the UK and Europe.

The new charge of terror is believed to be led by the groups former leader Osama bin Ladens son, who has recently issued audio messages aimed at challenging ISIS dominance.

Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Fallon (front) said Al-Qaeda posed a very direct threat to the UK and Europe

Hamza bin Laden is now thought to be 25 years old and living in Pakistan but he has not been pictured since he was younger.

Former director of operations at MI6, Nigel Inkster, told The Times: Al-Qaeda have been rebuilding, quietly and waiting out Islamic State, waiting to see Islamic State come under the pressure it has come under.

On Monday, a leading figure in al-Qaeda who became a prominent member of its Syrian Nusra Front offshoot was killed in a drone attack.

They said Sheikh Abu al Faraj al Masri, who spent years in prison in his native Egypt on charges of plotting with fundamentalist Islamist groups and later left for Afghanistan, died when the vehicle in which he was travelling was hit in rebel-held Idlib in Syria's northwest.

'May God accept him as a martyr who was killed in a Crusader raid,' said a jihadist named Abu Mohammad al Shami.

The U.S. Defense Department said in a statement that Masri was the target of a U.S. air strike near Idlib on Monday. 'We are still assessing the results of the strike,' it said.

Since the U.S.-led coalition launched operations in Syria, primarily against Islamic State militants, air strikes have also targeted Nusra Front figures, killing scores.

Osama bin Ladens (right) son Hamza (left) is now thought to be 25 years old and living in Pakistan but he has not been pictured since he was young

It was believed at first that Hamza had been killed in the raid that killed his father at this compound, with his death announced by the White House

In Hamza bin Ladens latest audio message, which was released by al-Qaeda's propaganda arm Al Sabaha in August, he rails against the Saudi government and calls them 'great criminal thieves' and 'agents of the Americans'.

Hamza has followed his father's footsteps in attacking his home nation of Saudi Arabia and condemns its relationship with the US.

He also blames them for betraying Yemen by attacking al-Qaeda jihadis fighting against the Shia Houthis in the civil war.

Saudi Arabia has bombed rebel groups fighting in the country, which is largely a conflict between Sunni-Shia factions.

Our brothers there presented great sacrifices and gave enormous efforts in serving the Muslim public in Mukalla, as witnessed by the near and far,' Hamza says, according to a translation produced by jihadi tracker SITE Intelligence.

'But [the House of Saud] did not leave them alone, neither in fighting the Houthis, nor in establishing the sharia of Allah among the Muslims and serving their needs.

'[The Saudis] attacked them, thus protecting the transgressing Houthis from the strikes of the mujahideen.'

Hamza has followed his father's footsteps in attacking his home nation of Saudi Arabia and condemns its relationship with the US

Osama was killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan on May 2, 2011, by US Navy SEAL Team Six

The audio message was distributed on social media channels and is more than 26 minutes long.

Unlike slickly produced ISIS propaganda videos, the recording is screeds of Arabic text interspersed with photographs.

This is not the first time that Hamza calls for terrorist attacks. Previously, he has incited attacks on on London, Washington, Paris and Tel Aviv in an audio message released by al-Qaeda.

Hamza is thought to have been groomed by his 9/11 mastermind father.

He can be heard on previous audios urging lone wolf attacks against the West.

Rita Katz, director of SITE Intelligence Group, tweeted: 'Hamza Bin Laden, son of Usamah bin Laden, gives strategies in continuing global jihad in audio message.

'Hamza Bin Laden lived the life of jihad with his father throughout AQs (al-Qaeda) creation in Afghanistan.

'With Hamza, AQ hopes to renew the popularity of AQ by reviving the brand of "AQ = Bin Laden".

'AQ leadership wants Hamza as a future leader: someone loved & inspirational, without a negative reputation or participation in infighting.

'Hamza Bin Laden calls to move the war from Kabul, Gaza & Baghdad, to Washington, London, Paris & Tel-Aviv. Urges: "This is your duty.

'Hamza Bin Laden urged lone wolf attacks in the US and the West; targeting of Jewish American interests globally.'

Osama was killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan on May 2, 2011, by US Navy SEAL Team Six.

Following his death, dozens of letters written by him to his family and senior members of al-Qaeda were released.

Senior intelligence officials claim some revealed he had been grooming his son to take over the terror group.
Shocking video shows the moment a driver hits a child at a pedestrian crossing.

Dashcam footage filmed in Chelyabinsk, Russia, shows three kids attempting to cross the road together as a car goes through a red light.

The eight-year-old boy leading the group hits the the bonnet of the car and is thrown onto the road.

He suffered a head injury and multiple bruising.

A man is seen exiting the Chevrolet Lacetti and rushing towards the victim, cradling him in his arms.

An eight-year-old boy is caught in the headlights as he attempts to cross the road with other youngsters - two of which were also hit by the oncoming car

Heading towards the pedestrian crossing as the traffic lights turned red, the Chevrolet Lacetti slams into the child, who is thrown through the air upside down

The force of the smash send the young boy flying down the road in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk. Police are investigating the shocking incident

One of the boys who tried to cross the road can be seen fetching his friend's shoe, which has been flung off by the force of the impact.

Another youngster, aged 10, reportedly received a skull fracture, a broken nose and concussion. The third boy hit, who was crossing last, only suffered some bruising and was sent home after getting a medical check-up.
Hamid Bhatti (pictured) said he was pursued by the pupil because he looked like Zayn Malik

A teaching assistant who claimed female pupils fancied him because he looked like former One Direction star Zayn Malik has been jailed for five years after having sex with a schoolgirl.

Hamid Bhatti, 24, worked at a school in Yeovil, Somerset, when he had the fling with the girl after she had a 'crush' on him.

He said the girl and her friends pestered him because he looked like Malik, 23 - who left the boy band in 2015.

A court heard Bhatti, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, and the girl - then aged 15 - had been spotted blowing kisses to each other by a shocked teacher in 2014.

Their relationship came to light when the girl's mother found a note saying 'you were amazing last night, as always, I love you'.

But he told a jury he had been pursued by the girl, who said to him: 'I think you're lush, I'm going to marry you and have your babies'.

The maths teacher added: 'It was mostly her and her friends but I was quite young and of Pakistani descent. They said I looked like Zayn Malik.'

The girl told police nothing had been going on but the pair had sex at least 14 times, including once on his bedroom floor while another teenage girl slept in his bed.

A jury at Taunton Crown Court convicted him of abduction and two counts of sexual activity with a child. He was cleared of two further counts of sexual activity with a child.

He was jailed for five years for the sexual activity and two years concurrently for the abduction.

The maths assistant (left) was the subject of attention from girls as he said he resembled the ex-One Direction band member (right)

Judge David Ticehurst said: 'For a period you were undoubtedly in a sexual relationship with a girl you knew was under the age of consent.

'It's clear she was a vulnerable girl who had difficulties in her life, and your presence in her life only compounded those difficulties.

'Your interest in her was for your own sexual gratification and you chose to abuse her.

'It is doubly regrettable that you were a teaching assistant at the time you met the girl.

'Your duty was to support the staff and the students at the school and instead you abused a young girl and took advantage of her crush.

'You will never be able to work in teaching ever again and I cannot think of a person less suitable to do so.'

During the trial suspicions were first raised when the girl blew a kiss from a classroom window at the then 22 year old which he 'caught' and blew back to her.

He had claimed it was a joke when challenged.

Despite a police investigation they kept seeing each other with the girl staying at his home.

The school let go of him from his placement because of his improper conduct.

Bhatti was jailed for five years for the sexual activity and two years concurrently for the abduction

A jury at Taunton Crown Court (pictured) convicted him of abduction and two counts of sexual activity with a child

In early 2015 she was reported missing and police later found her at his home as she ran out of the back door into a policeman's arms.

A search of his bedroom found a condom with both his and her DNA on it.

He said they only had sex when she came to his house and said she was 16.

The court heard he gave her cash and a necklace.
Real estate agent Hocking Stuart was been fined a record $330,000 for underquoting 11 houses in trendy inner-city Melbourne suburbs.

The company's Richmond office advertised the properties in Richmond and Kew in 2014-15 for less than their values to 'create the illusion of a bargain' and draw more buyers to auctions.

Many of the homes were underquoted by more than $100,000, with agents telling sellers 'the marketing price has no relevance to the actual price'.

Real estate agent Hocking Stuart was been fined a record $330,000 for underquoting 11 houses in trendy inner-city Melbourne suburbs

Hocking Stuart will also have to pay Consumer Affairs Victoria's up to $90,000 court costs, after admitting to the allegation in August.

It made $148,044 commission from the sale of the 11 houses.

Justice John Middleton said buyers should be able to rely on correct information to make an informed decision as he delivered the record fine in the Federal Court on Thursday.

'Many consumers seeking to buy a home were likely to be significantly inconvenienced, disappointed and deceived,' he said.

Many of the homes were underquoted by more than $100,000, such as 14 Lyndhurst Street, Richmond (pictured)

39 Barkers Road, Kew

HOCKING STUART'S 11 UNDERQUOTED HOUSES Address Estimate or reserve Advertised price Sold for 108/28 Tanner St, Richmond $600,000-$660,000 $500,000-$550,000 No record 1/9 Goodwood St, Richmond $415,000 $300,000-$330,000 $351,000 278 Mary St, Richmond $850,000-$900,000 $700,000-$770,000 $955,000 39 Barkers Rd, Kew Told vendors range had 'no relevance' $700,000-$770,000 $955,000 310/59 Coppin St, Richmond 'mid $500,000s' $480,000-$520,000 $545,000 17 King St, Richmond $640,000-$700,000 $620,000-$680,000 $891,000 14 Lyndhurst St, Richmond $900,000-$1 million $800,000-$880,000 $1.102 million 204/120 Palmer St, Richmond $600,000-$630,000 $500,000-$550,000 $540,000 7/8 Hull St, Richmond $500,000-$540,000 $450,000-$490,000 $500,000 1/54 Stawell Tt, Richmond $780,000-$840,000 $720,000-$790,000 $902,000 10/2 Docker St, Richmond $650,000 $530,000-$580,000 $667,000

'Some may have missed the opportunity to buy elsewhere, being lured to a bargain that did not, and was never going to, eventuate.'

CAV brought the case in February, claiming it breached Australian consumer law, seeking a $750,000 fine - $200,000 in commissions and $50,000 per property.

'Deceptive practices such as underquoting waste the time and money of Victorians on properties they simply cannot afford,' CAV director Simon Cohen said.

278 Mary St, Richmond

1/54 Stawell Street, Richmond

'Underquoting erodes the confidence of purchasers and vendors in the conduct of real estate agents.'

Hocking Stuart chief executive Simon Jovanovic said the company took the matter seriously and had taken steps to make sure it never happened again, but was unhappy with the size of the fine.

'We are disappointed with the severity of the penalty handed down and the example being made of our Richmond office for what is an issue that impacts the real estate industry as a whole,' he said.

The court previously heard how the company shamelessly told sellers its strategies to maximise sales by drawing people in by underquoting.

204/120 Palmer Street, Richmond

108/28 Tanner Street, Richmond

17 King Street, Richmond

Agent Daniel Atsis emailed a vendor who had expressed concerns about the advertising of his property that 'unfortunately theres a culture of underquoting in Richmond. The price range is used more as a marketing tool than an indication'.

Another implicated agent, Trent Stewart, wrote to a client: 'We want to get the best price for you, and the best way to do that is to create an illusion of a bargain'.

CAV said in court office director Peter Perrignon sent an estimate to sellers of a two-bedroom house at 278 Mary St for $850,000-$900,000.

But it hit the market in July 2014 advertised at $700,000-$770,000 and sold at auction for $955,000.

10/2 Docker Street, Richmond

Hocking Stuart chief executive Simon Jovanovic (pictured) said the company took the matter seriously and had taken steps to make sure it never happened again

Mr Perrignon quoted the same range for a property in Kew, telling the sellers in an email: 'We have it as $700,000-$770,000 as a starting point, but it has no relevance to what we both think its worth.'

'Its exactly where we started for 278 Mary St, which we sold last week for $955,000. So the marketing price has no relevance to the actual price.'

CAV has 13 more cases under investigation and new laws to combat the practice come in next year.

They ban advertising price ranges of more than 10 per cent and open-ended advertising expressions such as 'offers above' and 'from'.
A remote Turkish valley has become a dumping ground for dozens of desperate dogs, who have been abandoned and forced to fight for survival after their cruel owners decided to give them up.

Animal lovers say that a remote pass in the middle of the mountains has become overrun with unwanted pooches, and have even suggested that someone is deliberately rounding up strays and abandoning them there.

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Dozens of former pets and strays have been dumped on a remote Turkish mountain pass

Many of the animals have been reduced to skin and bone as they fight for survival

The remote mountain pass is in the Turkish region of Anatalya

The name of the mountains translates literally as: 'Who goes, never comes back'

Other dogs are thought to have been left there by callous owners, who dumped them in the valley in the full knowledge that the animals would never be able to find their way home.

The name of the mountains, in the Akseki district of south-western Turkey's Antalya Province, translates literally as: 'Who goes, never comes back.'

The valley, in the Turkish Giden Gelmez Mountains, is now full of desperate dogs, who are struggling to survive in the harsh conditions.

Turkey has laws that require local authorities to deal with stray dogs

Animal lovers who pass through the mountains have taken dog food to the animals to help them survive

Some of the dogs have formed themselves into packs, which congregate by roads and water supplies

Many of the dogs have formed themselves into packs, which roam by the roadside and circle around water supplies, as they struggle to survive in the hostile environment.

Many have been reduced to skin and bone as they struggle to scavenge enough to eat amid the barren landscape.

The footage, filmed on a smartphone by a passer-by, shows several of the dogs wagging their tails as they are approached, suggesting some of the animals were once domesticated pets.

Animal lovers who regularly pass through the mountains have taken to bringing dog food with them in a bid to help the stricken animals to survive.

Those who have passed through the valley have said many of the dogs have clipped ears, suggesting that they have been sterilised by municipal authorites.

Turkey has a huge problem with free-roaming dogs, and the country is struggling to find ways to manage the problem.

The animals roam close to water sources in the remote valley

It has been suggested that the dogs may have been deliberately rounded up and dumped

Some of the animals wag their tails when approached, suggesting they have have once been pets

Free-roaming dogs have been documented as living in the Turkish city of Istanbul for hundreds of years, and it is thought that at least 150,000 live in the city today.
Treasure hunters have said they are close to finding a 50billion Nazi treasure left behind by Hilter's forces as they fled a Czech town in 1945.

Nazi gold fever has struck Stechovice, 20 miles from the Czech capital Prague, where the hunt is on for chests of diamonds, gold and valuable old masters allegedly left behind by the fleeing Germans in 1945.

A former SS pioneer school was based in the town and, according to amateur sleuth Josef Muzik, claims there are 540 boxes of treasure worth around 50billion at today's prices.

Treasure hunters have said they are close to finding a 50billion Nazi treasure left behind by Hilter's forces as they fled a Czech town in 1945

Nazi gold fever has struck Stechovice, 20 miles from the Czech capital Prague, where the hunt is on for chests of diamonds, gold and valuable old masters allegedly left behind by the fleeing Germans in 1945

It is understood the boxes of treasure are buried 16ft underground inside a cave

Hunters have been searching for the treasure for 30 years and are now digging in Stechovice (pictured)

He and his partner claim to have found 'solid evidence' in archives that Nazi General Emil Klein had built the boxes and filled them with gold, gemstones, paintings, and documents from the Berlin Kaiser-Wilhelm-Institute - a German scientific and medical foundation.

Muzik began his hunt three decades ago and recently teamed up with Sudeten German Helmut Gansel, a former employee of the Czech intelligence service who interrogated General Klein after the war.

He has turned the hunt into a social media event, sharing updates of the search for the subterranean caverns where he believes the treasure lies on his Facebook page.

He hopes to crowdfund future digs at the site which will need substantial amounts of money for plant and equipment.

A former SS pioneer school was based in the town and, according to amateur sleuth Josef Muzik (pictured), claims there are 540 boxes of treasure worth around 50billion at today's prices

The story of the Stechovice treasure has been bubbling away since the end of the war.

Based on documents found in 1993 in the Weimar area of Germany, many experts believe that the Nazis hid their loot there.

Gaensel claims that he has the original documents about the contents and knows the exact location of the hidden treasure.

He says that he received the documents, additional information and a specific area map from Klein, the former SS general in command.

Gaensel worked for the Czech and other secret services.

In 1964, he arranged the release of Klein from the KZ Valdice prison in Czechoslovakia.

During the 1970s, and as late as 1989, there were some attempts to recover the Stechovice treasure under the control of the communist defence and interior ministries.

The hunters hope to unearth the monster 50billion treasure before the spring of next year

Josef and his partner claim to have found 'solid evidence' in archives that Nazi General Emil Klein had built the boxes and filled them with gold, gemstones, paintings, and documents from the Berlin Kaiser-Wilhelm-Institute - a German scientific and medical foundation

The last efforts were carried out before the revolution by the foreign trade company Omnipol, which traded mainly in weapons

The hunt in Stechovice (pictured) has turned the hunt into a social media event

The last efforts were carried out before the revolution by the foreign trade company Omnipol, which traded mainly in weapons.

In 1992, Gaensel bought the relevant property and signed an exclusive agreement with the Czech authorities to obtain the sole rights to unearth the treasure.

He and Muzik hope to unearth it before the spring of next year.
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The demolished site where a Taj Mahal mansion once stood has gone on the market with a price tag of $30 million.

Perth's notorious Taj-on-Swan was planned to be Australia's most expensive property, before it was abandoned six years ago after multimillionaire Indian glamour couple Pankaj and Rhadika Oswal's fertilising business went bankrupt.

The half-finished $70 million property was set to boast six bedrooms, a temple, an observatory with revolving roof and parking for 17 cars.

Now the multimillionaire couple could make millions in profit in the sale of the 6582-square metre block of land in the exclusive Western Australian suburb of Peppermint Grove.

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The demolished site where a Taj Mahal-style mansion once stood has gone on the market with a price tag of $30 million

The Oswal's eventually gave the thumbs up for the demolition, with the large block of land likely to be divided into smaller lots

The abandoned property has become a haven for antisocial behaviour in past years - attracting drug users, squatters, vagrants and trespassers

Pankaj and Radhika (right) Oswal recently settled a $147 million legal battle with ANZ, after seeking $2.5 billion in damages from the bank and receivers over the sale of their fertiliser business

Listing agents Vivien Yap, from LJ Hooker, and William Porteous, from William Porteous Properties International, told Domain that there is already a huge amount of interest in the block of land.

The site was originally eight lots which were merged together when Mr Radhika bought the land.

There are plans to divide the site back into smaller lots.

'The Oswals would personally like to sell it as a whole, but it's zoned R10 so we can definitely get six blocks there, and perhaps, we can get the eight as originally done. But it is really open to the buying public,' Mr Porteous told Domain.

Demolition started on the abandoned mansion on Monday after years of lengthy legal battles, including a $100 million tax bill between the couple and the Australian Tax Office.

The couple also recently settled a $147 million legal battle with ANZ, after seeking $2.5 billion in damages from the bank and receivers over the sale of their fertiliser business.

It is estimated to cost $300,000 to demolish the graffiti covered property and will take three weeks to complete

The block was originally eight lots which were merged together when Mr Radhika bought the land. There are plans to divide the site back into smaller lots

Following its abandonment, the multimillionaire couple's 'absolute fantasy' home fell into disrepair and became a haven for drug users, squatters and trespassers who threw wild parties

The Taj Mahal-style mansion was once intended to be Australia's most expensive property before it was abandoned it six years ago

The mansion was was once destined to be a palace for the Oswals - with six bedrooms, seven domes, parking for 17 cars, a temple, gym and swimming pool

The 6582-square metre site of the Taj Mahal on the Swan in the exclusive Western Australian suburb of Peppermint Grove could make millions in profit

Listing agents Vivien Yap, from LJ Hooker, and William Porteous, from William Porteous Properties International, said that there is already a huge amount of interest in the block of land.

It is estimated to cost $300,000 to demolish the graffiti covered property and will take three weeks to complete.

Mr and Mrs Oswal's stopped construction on the Taj-on-Swan in 2011 after a bank appointed receivers to their fertilising business and called in more than $US500 million in loans.

They left Australian soon after and currently live in Dubai.
Norway's right-wing government on Wednesday announced plans to ban the full-face Islamic veil from classrooms and university lecture halls.

Education Minister Torbjorn Roe Isaksen, quoted in the Vart Land newspaper, said the government was seeking 'national regulations prohibiting the full-face veil in schools and universities'.

Muslim women are rarely seen wearing such veils in Norway, let alone in schools. But the issue has come up recently in political debates, with less than a year to go before parliamentary elections.

Several political parties including the opposition Labour Party had expressed support for such a ban.

The Norweigan government hopes to ban the full-face Islamic veil from classrooms and university lecture halls (file photo)

Roe Isaksen stressed that the ban would not apply to Islamic headscarves that leave the face exposed such as the hijab. People should be allowed to express their faith in public in Norway, he said.

'I want a young Christian girl who wears a cross to be able to show it,' he told parliament.

'I want a Jewish boy who wears a kippa to be able to show it. And I do not want a ban on the hijab.'

The Norwegian move comes as several European countries have moved to ban the face-covering niqab and full-body burqa.

Bulgaria on Friday banned women from wearing the full veil in public, and Switzerland's lower house last week narrowly approved a draft bill on a nationwide ban.

In August Germany's interior minister came out in favour of a partial ban.

France and Belgium have both banned the burqa and niqab in public, while French beach resorts sparked international controversy this summer with local bans on the full-body 'burkini' Islamic swimsuit.
The body of a missing policewoman has been found in a cold storage unit at a police training facility in South Australia.

The woman's body was found at the SA Police Echunga training facility in the Adelaide Hills about 9pm on Tuesday night, reported the Adelaide Advertiser.

The body of a missing policewoman has been found in a cold storage unit at the South Australia Police Echunga training facility in the Adelaide Hills

Officers were called the facility about 8.20pm and a search was carried out before the woman's body was discovered in a walk-in commercial cold room.

Police are investigating the discovery but said they are not treating the death as suspicious, and are preparing a report for the coroner.

SafeWork SA is also investigating the incident.

A spokesperson said once on site they issued a prohibition notice on the walk-in freezer.

'As this investigation is still in the very early stages, we wont be able to provide any further update at this stage.'

Officers were called the facility about 8.20pm on Tuesday night and a search was carried out before the woman's body was discovered in a walk-in commercial cold room




A gay serial killer was free to murder three more young men despite being questioned and later jailed over the death of his first victim, a court heard today.

Stephen Port, a 41-year-old chef, is on trial accused of poisoning four men he met through gay dating websites.

The Old Bailey heard today that Port's first alleged victim, 23-year-old Anthony Walgate, was found dead in a street near his flat in Barking in east London in 2014.

Port was questioned over his involvement and was later jailed for perverting the course of justice, the jury heard today.

But prosecutors say he killed two more victims before going to jail and another young man after he was released.

Stephen Port, pictured (left) in court and (right) before his arrest, is accused of four counts of murder. A court has heard he was jailed after the first man died, but still killed three others

The jury was told how Port was arrested after Middlesex University fashion student Mr Walgate was found dead outside his block of flats on 19 June 2014.

Port eventually told officers in interviews he had taken Mr Walgate back to his flat as an escort and they had sex.

He claimed the alleged victim had taken drugs and said he had moved him outside after he collapsed so suspicion did not fall on him.

Port then told officers he had lied because 'if he's dead, they're gonna think I murdered him' and that he 'chickened out' of telling the truth.

Port first alleged victim was Anthony Walgate. He was later questioned over his involvement in the student's final hours

But Prosecutor Jonathan Rees QC said: 'This was not a case of Mr Walgate unintentionally taking an overdose.

'The considerable lengths to which the defendant went when attempting to cover up his association with Mr Walgate will reveal the guilt he felt about what happened.

'He persisted in his lies to the police about his knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Walgate. This landed him in prison.'

Mr Rees explained: 'As a result of his confession to providing a false witness statement, the defendant was charged with perverting the course of justice to which he later pleaded guilty.'

Port is alleged to have killed two more men, Slovakian Gabriel Kovari, 22, and 21-year-old chef Daniel Whitworth, from Gravesend, in Kent, whose bodies were found in August and September 2014.

Mr Kovari, also known as Gabriel Kline, was 22 when he moved into Port's one-bedroom flat in August 2014, the court heard.

On the morning of 28 August, his body was found slumped against the wall of the graveyard by a dog walker.

Mr Walgate was found dead not far from Port's flat in Barking, east London in 2014

He was wearing sunglasses - later found with traces of Port's DNA - and there was a small suitcase and another bag containing his belongings and papers.

'As with Anthony Walgate, the body was in a seated position with the upper clothing riding up to reveal the stomach as might be expected if he had been dragged to that location,' Mr Rees said.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS SET OUT BY PROSECUTORS June 2014: 'First victim' Anthony Walgate is found dead. Stephen Port is questioned by police. August 2014: 'Second victim' Gabriel Kovari is found dead. September 2014: 'Third victim' Daniel Whitworth is found dead. March 2015: Port is jailed for submitting a false witness statement after Mr Walgate's death June 2015: Port is released on licence from prison after serving part of his sentence'. September 2015: 'Fourth victim' Jack Taylor is found dead. Advertisement

'As in the case of Anthony Walgate, there was no sign of his mobile telephone.

'The location where Mr Kovari's body was discovered was some 500m from the defendant's address.'

Mr Rees said: 'In March 2015, at Snaresbrook Crown Court, he was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment and having served part of that sentence, he was released on an electronic tag in early June 2015.'

Port is said to have killed again just three months later, in September 2015, when forklift truck driver Jack Taylor, 25, was found near the same churchyard.

The court heard yesterday that Port, who himself worked as a gay escort, lured the young men to his flat after meeting them on gay dating websites.

He allegedly spiked his victims drinks with GHB  a drug known as liquid ecstasy  and had sex with them while they were out cold.

Over a 15-month period, Port dumped three of the bodies next to a local church and left one outside his flat, the jury was told.

Port is accused of having killed his fourth victim, Jack Taylor, after being released from prison

He propped three bodies up in a sitting position and planted drugs on them to make it look as if they died from accidental overdoses, it was said.

Port, who described himself as 70 per cent gay, faces 29 charges, including four counts of murder, four alternative counts of manslaughter, seven allegations of rape, ten of administering a substance and four sexual assaults.

He denies all the charges. The trial continues.

Killer put fake suicide note in the hand of one victim and pretended to be a pornstar as part of cover-up, court told

Stephen Port allegedly left a fake suicide note in the hand of his third victim in a 'wicked' bid to frame him for the killing of another man.

The 41-year-old is said to have launched an 'elaborate cover-up' to hide the murder of his second victim, Gabriel Kovari, in August 2014.

Port told a friend the Slovakian had moved to Spain and died as a result of infection.

He then posed as an American ex-pornstar, Jon Luck, on Facebook in chats with Mr Kovari's partner, Thierry Amodio, who lived in Spain, it is claimed.

During the chats he allegedly laid the groundwork to implicate Daniel Whitworth, hos alleged third victim in Mr Kovari's death.

Gabriel Kovari (left) died in 2014. Port is accused of implicating another of his alleged victims, Daniel Whitworth (right), in Mr Kovari's death

The prosecutor said the conversation 'shows just how manipulative and cruel' Port can be.

Mr Rees said: 'This was a wicked attempt by the defendant, posing as Jon Luck, to try to frame Daniel Whitworth for causing the death of Gabriel Kovari and make it seem Daniel Whitworth had subsequently taken his own life because he could not live with the guilt.'

THE SAME DOG- WALKER FOUND TWO OF PORT'S ALLEGED VICTIMS The court heard today that the same woman discovered two of Port's alleged victims on separate dates, while she walked her dog. Prosecutor Mr Rees told the jury today: 'One of the extraordinary features of this case, on the morning of 20 September 2014, just over three weeks after she had come across the body of Gabriel Kovari, Barbara Denham was again walking her dog through the graveyard in Abbey Green when she came across another body of a young man in almost exactly the same location as where she had found Mr Kovari.' The apparent link between the two deaths was only established later. Advertisement

Jurors heard Mr Whitworth was found by a dog walker in September 2014 after he was murdered by Port. He was clutching a supposed 'suicide note' in his left hand.

The note read: 'I am sorry to everyone, mainly my family, but I can't go on anymore, I took the life of my friend Gabriel Kline, we was just having some fun at a mate's place and I got carried away and gave him another shot of G.

'I didn't notice while we was having sex that he had stopped breathing. I tried everything to get him to breathe again but it was too late, it was an accident, but I blame myself for what happened and I didn't tell my family I went out.

'I know I would go to prison if I go to the police and I can't do that to my family and at least this way I can at least be with Gabriel again, I hope he will forgive me.

'BTW Please do not blame the guy I was with last night, we only had sex then I left, he knows nothing of what I have done. I have taken what g I have left with sleeping pills so if it does kill me it's what I deserve.

'Feeling dizey [sic] now as took 10 min ago so hoping you understand my writing.

'I dropped my phone on way here so it should be in the grass somewhere. Sorry to everyone. Love always Daniel P W.'

Two of Port's alleged victims were found near St Margaret's Church, Barking

The prosecutor said the note was an attempt to make it look as if Mr Whitworth had taken an overdose to kill himself because he blamed himself over the death of Mr Kovari.

The court heard police did not investigate the note, check Mr Whitworth's movements prior to death or attempt to trace 'the guy I was with last night'.

But the prosecutor said the note was a 'sham', adding: 'The prosecution say that the suicide note was a clear attempt on the part of the defendant to conceal his part in the deaths of the two men.

'And as with his earlier victims, the defendant had taken and disposed of Mr Whitworth's mobile phone lest it could be used to establish a link with him.
Cavell Hutson, 21, from Highbury New Park in London, and an accomplice went on an hour-long theft spree where they snatched 21 mobile phones

A thief who snatched mobile phones out of pedestrians' hands as they walked down the street before driving away on a moped has been jailed.

Cavell Hutson, 21, from Highbury New Park in London, and an accomplice went on an hour-long theft spree where they snatched 21 mobile phones.

They used a moped, with another vehicle's registration plate, to speed away quickly from their victims.

They stole 10 phones in Camden, five in Westminster, three in Islington, three in Hackney and one in Tower Hamlets.

The incidents took place on September 3, between 1pm and 2pm and sparked a police chase through London.

A Metropolitan Police helicopter followed the thieves, until they abandoned the moped in Kingsland Market, Hackney.

They ran in different directions and Hutson was caught by police in Kingsland Passage.

He was charged with one theft offence and one count of breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order.

He appeared in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court and was granted conditional bail.

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On September 7, Hutson was arrested again in relation to the investigation and charged with the remaining 20 theft offences as well as dangerous driving, driving with no insurance and driving not in accordance with a licence.

He appeared in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court the next day where he was granted conditional bail and appeared at Blackfriars Crown Court on Monday, where he pleaded guilty to all offences.

Hutson was sentenced to three years and four months in jail.

Hutson and his accomplice targeted people who were using their phones while walking

They used a moped, with another vehicle's registration plate, to speed away quickly from their victims

Pictured is Hutson and his accomplice snatching a mobile phone from a woman in the street

He received 32 months for 21 snatch thefts of mobile phones, eight months for dangerous driving and a 700 fine for breach of his Criminal Behaviour Order.

Police are currently searching for Hutson's accomplice and anyone with any information should contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Heatley of Operation Attrition said: 'Operation Attrition is committed to detecting, disrupting and arresting those involved in moped and motorcycle enabled crime.

'Police are working hard to keep the public safe and make the streets hostile territory for criminals who use mopeds, motorbikes and bicycles to snatch valuables from members of the public.

Pictured are people chasing the two men on the moped after they snatched their mobiles

A Metropolitan Police helicopter followed the thieves, until they abandoned the moped in Kingsland Market, Hackney

A thief who snatched mobile phones out of pedestrians' hands as they walked down the street before driving away on a moped has been jailed

'This was an excellent result, which has seen a perpetrator of an audacious crime, which not only endangered members of the public but himself and his accomplice, receive a robust jail sentence.

'These criminals are often involved in a range of other offences.
Philip Cox, who has been staying at the Pearl Island apartment complex in Doha (pictured) had contacted his family in the days before his death telling them he was 'sick with worry' because his life had been threatened

A British expat who told friends he was a 'dead man' if he tried to leave Qatar after making a comment about the Queen Mother fell to his death from his balcony the day he was due to return to the UK, an inquest has heard.

In the days before his death, Philip Cox had contacted his family in Bridgend, South Wales, telling them he was 'sick with worry' because his life had been threatened.

Shortly after, the 40-year-old was found dead at the entrance to his high-end apartment complex, after falling up to 20ft from his balcony.

When investigators searched his apartment, they found the front door wide open while his packed suitcase was inside. His airline tickets and his passport were also on the table and there was untouched food in the microwave.

At an inquest into his death, Mr Cox's father Richard said he did not believe his son had jumped.

In an email sent to the coroner's office, he added that something 'really serious' must have happened to his son to make him want to 'come home so quickly and give up the job he had always dreamed of'.

Concluding the hearing at Aberdare Coroner's Court, assistant coroner Graham Hughes delivered an open verdict and said it was 'extremely difficult' to know what had happened.

No witnesses from Qatar were available and some evidence, including CCTV from the apartment complex, was not made available during the inquiry.

The inquest was told how Mr Cox had been working in Doha as a quantity surveyor for eight months.

But, in November last year, he started receiving threats from people living in the apartment block after making a remark about the Queen Mother, the hearing heard.

According to a message he sent to his friend, Mr Cox was warned he would be a 'dead man' if he tried to leave the country. In conversations with his mother, he said he had not been sleeping and was 'sick with worry', the hearing was told.

The inquest heard how Mr Cox handed in his resignation on November 3, telling his employers that he wished to terminate his contract immediately.

Mr Cox has been working in Doha since March 2015. His family say there must have been something 'really serious' for him to quit his 'dream job'

He then asked them to arrange a flight back to the UK and a flight was booked for Mr Cox for the following day.

But the hearing was told how, just half an hour before a driver was due to take him to the airport, Mr Cox's body was found near to the entrance of the complex.

In a statement read at the inquest, his father Mr Cox said: 'The fact that he had arranged to come back to the UK, does not lend itself to Philip having jumped.'

A report from the Qatari authorities described how, following his death, the door to Mr Cox's apartment was found open.

They also found his suitcases were packed and his passport and air ticket were on the table. Untouched food was found in the microwave.

Officers in Qatar said there were no signs of any struggle in the apartment.

Mr Hughes said: 'The investigation into the cause of death was completed by the Qatari authorities, who may not have investigative procedures with the same intensity and thoroughness that we have in England and Wales.

'This means that the court is at the mercy of the Qatari authorities in relation to the quality of evidence.'

He added that there was 'no doubt in the evidence' that Mr Cox 'perceived threats to his own safety and life'.

'Although we have little evidence as to the nature or basis of these threats, they obviously caused a significant shift in his views on remaining in Doha and gave him a really strong desire to leave the country as quickly as he possible could,' he said.
Polish lawmakers have rejected plans to impose a total ban on abortions.

A parliamentary commission session resulted in Poland's ruling right-wing party voting against the proposals put to them for the controversial ban last night.

The legislation went before the full assembly of the lower house of Parliament today and the decision was made to withdraw the legislation.

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Thousands of women across Poland went on strike in both their working and domestic lives to protest against the proposed new law that would have effectively banned abortions. Above: Women hold placards that read 'I want to have a choice' during a protest

Female workers across the country took part in the walk-out which aimed to bring the economy to a standstill and highlight their disgust at the proposed abortion bill. Pictured: People in an abortion rights campaigners' demonstration 'Black Protest' in Warsaw

The vote in a chaotic and emotional session on Wednesday evening came after the abortion ban proposal sparked massive protests on Monday, with large numbers of women across the nation donning black, boycotting work and school and demonstrating in the streets.

It came just before the European Parliament held an emotional debate on the situation of women in Poland.

Some members called for the need to save unborn lives.

Others expressed their solidarity with Polish women, some by wearing black.

'We learned today that for the time being the law seems to be off the table, but I would say that this is no reason for celebration,'

Dutch lawmaker Sophia in't Veld said, speaking before the final vote this morning.

She argued current Polish law 'still doesn't give women the choice.'

The strike, dubbed 'the black protest', took place in more than 60 different Polish cities. Pictured: People attend the anti-government, pro-abortion demonstration in Warsaw

Thousands of Poles already rallied in front of parliament in Warsaw Sunday against the bill

In the two days since Monday's protests, Poland's leaders had signaled they wouldn't support the divisive ban.

Members of the ruling right-wing Law and Justice party, joined by lawmakers from other parties, voted against the proposal.

Some said they don't approve of imposing criminal sentences on women who seek abortions.

The proposal under discussion called for prison terms of up to five years for both the women and their doctors.

Law and Justice leader in parliament, Ryszard Terlecki, said after the vote that the ruling party doesn't support the radical draft law.

He said the party is working on a separate draft that would largely leave the current law as it is but limit abortions in cases of Down Syndrome, which are now allowed.

Earlier Wednesday, Jaroslaw Gowin, the minister of science and higher education, said the protests by women have 'caused us to think and taught us humility' and that 'there will not be a total abortion ban.'

Mariusz Dzierzawski, from the committee Stop Abortion, which initiated the proposal, had hoped it might still return to the commission level.

But Dzierzawski didn't sound optimistic, saying the conservative lawmakers had betrayed their voters.

'Murdered children lost,' he said.

People take part in an abortion rights campaigners' demonstration in Warsaw Sunday

People attend the anti-government, pro-abortion demonstration in Warsaw, Poland Sunday

Ewa Kopacz, an opposition leader, declared a victory for 'freedom' and the many women who had taken to Poland's streets.

Poland already outlaws abortions, with exceptions made only for rape, incest, badly damaged fetuses or if the mother's life is at risk.

In practice, though, some doctors, citing moral objections, refuse to perform even legal abortions.

Polish women seeking abortions typically get them in Germany or other neighboring countries or order abortion pills online.
Kim Kardashian has reportedly vowed to stop flaunting her wealth on social media after she was robbed at gunpoint, tied up and dumped in her marble bath tub in Paris.

The 35-year-old reality star was forced to hand over her 20-carat Lorraine Schwartz ring, worth $4.5million (4 million/3.5 million), along with her jewellery box containing gems worth $6.7 million (6 million/5.24 million) when five masked men stormed her luxury Paris apartment in the early hours of Monday morning.

The ring - gifted to her by husband Kanye West- was last seen sparkling on Kim's finger in a Snapchat post earlier that night.

The star agrees with critics who said she made herself a robbery target, according to TMZ.

She has reportedly decided to take a month off work and change the way she displays her fortune.

'Material things mean nothing. It's not all about the money. It's not worth it,' she reportedly said.

A new Kim? The 35-year-old (pictured here in Paris without her usual jewels and make-up) has reportedly vowed to stop flaunting her wealth on social media

Meanwhile, it has emerged the robbers tricked their way into her Paris home by simply saying: Its urgent  we must see Miss Kardashian.

The bizarre testament from the concierge is the latest spoken evidence to be made available to detectives investigating Mondays 9m heist.

She says she was held up at gunpoint by members of a five-man gang, who then bound and gagged her before making off with the jewels.

The concierge  who has not been identified  insists he suffered the same fate, but not before talking to the criminals.

Show off: Back in May, Kim was happy to display her sparkling Lorraine Schwartz diamonds on Twitter

Sorry: Her 20-carat Lorraine Schwartz rock (pictured) was reportedly stolen from her Paris apartment days after she flaunted it on Instagram in this photo along with her diamond grillz

PORN SITE OFFERS $50,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION ABOUT KIM'S ROBBERY BECAUSE SHE'S 'ONE OF THE FAMILY' A porn website has offered a $50,000 (40,000) reward for information that helps catch the masked men who robbed Kim Kardashian at gunpoint in Paris. Pornhub made the bizarre offer because it considers Kim 'a member of the Pornhub family'. Her sex tape with ex boyfriend Ray J has been viewed more than 110,000,000 on the website - making it Pornhub's most successful ever video. The sex tape was filmed in 2003 and leaked in February 2007. Kim Kardashian is pictured here with her ex boyfriend Ray J at a fashion show in 2006 Kim filed a lawsuit against distributors Vivid Entertainment but reportedly later settled for US$5 million. The clip was leaked in the same year that Keeping Up With The Kardashians began airing on the E! Network in the U.S. Pornhubs Vice President Corey Price said: 'Here at Pornhub we were deeply saddened to hear about the horrible incident involving Kim in Paris. 'We consider Kim to be a member of the Pornhub family and want to do all that we can to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice. 'We are calling on all of our fans from around the world to come together and work collectively to provide any and all information relating to the crime so we can capture the criminals.' The x-rated website has provided an email address: tips@pornhub.com, for people to send information to. Advertisement

But police have noted inconsistencies in his story, and remain baffled at the apparent ease with which he was able to guide the robbers straight to the stars bedroom.

He has told them that they arrived at around 2.30am, and got through a first set of locked doors by buzzing the intercom, and saying: Its urgent  we must see Miss Kardashian.

Once inside they falsely claimed to be police, and then pointed a gun at the mans head, forcing him to open Kims first floor apartment with a single key.

In fact, low-ranking night staff staff do not have such easy access to 25,000-a-week flats used by VIP celebrities including Madonna and Leonardo Dicaprio.

There are all kinds of security protocols limiting access to the nine apartments in the building, which all have armoured doors that are locked from the inside.

It is inconceivable that this concierge could have just walked into the flat with the robbers without breaking the door down, and there is no sign of forced entry, said an investigating source.

On show: Kim was wearing the ring, gifted to her by husband Kanye West, in this Snapchat shortly before she was robbed at gunpoint

Vulnerable: Kim's bodyguard Pascal Duvier (left) was not by her side when she was robbed at gunpoint

As the mystery deepened, police said that the gang is likely to have arrived and left by bicycle.

There were no CCTV cameras in or directly outside the block, but recorded images from other parts of Paris point to the possibility of the gang members being on push bikes, said the source.

Kims stylist, Simone Harouche, was apparently in the flat at the time, but she has now been ruled out as the person who raised the alarm.

Instead Kim has claimed she heroically untied and ungagged herself, escaped from a locked bathroom, screamed for help from the flats balcony, and called her bodyguard at 2.56am.

Pascal Duvier, the muscular giant who is usually always at her side, was out at a nightclub with other Kardashian family members.

In a further twist, it has now emerged that Mr Duvier was declared bankrupt less than a fortnight ago, so he may have been feeling unsettled during the drama.

Kim herself fled France within a few hours of the raid, boarding a private jet so as to be with her husband, the rapper Kanye West in New York.

The Paris authorities have privately expressed frustration that she disappeared so quickly, as she and the concierge are the key witnesses to what amounts to an extremely serious crime.

In turn, Kim has indicated that she is briefing French detectives from the USA by telephone.

Kim was robbed at gunpoint in her Parisian apartment in Paris. Pictured is the entrance to the building where the robbers easily gained access
This is the horrific moment a father is caught on CCTV repeatedly stamping on a seven-year-old boy's head.

Amnat Salubthong, 43, was filmed running down the stairs of his apartment when he thought the boy was bullying his six-year-old son.

The footage shows one little boy running away from their play area, before the furious dad runs down the steps.

The father flies down the stairs after he hears one of his sons, aged six, crying and believes the other boy to be the cause

The man kicks the boy, flipping him over and begins stamping on his head, in the CCTV footage

He stamps on his head four times in total, three times at once before he starts to walk away from the boy

He kicks the boy in a red shirt away, flipping him over, then stamps on his head three times as he lays cowering on the ground.

He then picks up his own son and delivers a fourth savage kick at the shaking youngster before walking back up stairs to his apartment in Bangkok, Thailand.

Salubthong handed himself in to police after the clip was posted online and seen by police officers who began investigating.

The man in the video was Amnat Salubthong, who handed himself into police after the footage emerged and officers began investigating

The furious father said he thought the boy, who is seven-years-old, had been bullying one of his sons

When he delivers the fourth and final blow, he has picked up another child and holds him while he stamps the boy's head

According to local media, the boy involved was being treated in hospital after the incident and was vomiting after having his head smacked repeatedly.

On Wednesday, a police spokesman said: 'Amnat came to the police station yesterday and admitted he assaulted the kid.
Passengers on a Melbourne train have made a citizen's arrest after a woman was bashed in an unprovoked attack.

The woman, aged in her late 60s, was attacked by a man in his 30s about 3.50pm on Thursday on a Lilydale line train, reported the Herald Sun.

The man started biting and stomping on the woman according to a report from 7 News, while a witness said the man was making animal noises and barking at people.

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Passengers at a Melbourne train station made a citizens arrest on Thursday after a man in his 30s (pictured) set upon a woman in her 60s on the train

The man then got off at Hawthorn station and threw a high school student (pictured) onto the tracks

The man who attacked the woman and student (pictured) was detained by fellow passengers at the station until police arrived

Nine News Melbourne reported the man was under the influence of drugs.

The man then got off at Hawthorn station and then pushed a high school student onto the tracks.

He was detained by fellow passengers at the station until police arrived.

The train was also held until police were on the scene.

An ambulance was called and the woman was taken away by paramedics.

A Victoria Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia in a statement that the man remains in custody and is yet to be charged.

The incident caused major delays on the Lilyfield/Belgrave line.

The woman who was involved in the unprovoked attack (pictured) was taken to hopsital by paramedics
A brave dog died after trying to prevent a thief steal its owner's car in a brazen robbery which was caught on surveillance cameras.

Francisco Gonzalez, 35, pleaded guilty earlier this week to stealing a Hyundai belonging to cannabis store owner Bill Robbins in Portland in April.

Robbins left his car running outside a shop with his dog Kona inside with the air conditioning on because it was such a hot day when Gonzalez stole it.

Francisco Vincent Gonzalez, left, pleaded guilty to ten charges including stealing in April a car containing Kona the dog who had been left in the vehicle. Gonzalez's wife Linda Kathy Gutierrez, right, pleaded no contest to a single charge of hindering a prosecution

Bill Robbins, pictured with Kona, left his dog in his car with the engine running so the air condition would continue to pump cold air into the cabin while he raced into a shop

He insists the car was locked and he was only away for a few minutes.

However, Gonzalez managed to enter the car through the back door and opened the driver's door.

The incident was captured on the store's CCTV camera. As Gonzalez reversed out of the parking lot, the camera saw Kona, a three-year-old Labrador-Great Dane mix, jump on the suspect.

Gonzalez drove off in the car, but abandoned it a short distance later, with Kona still inside.

Robbins appealed on social media for the safe return of his dog. Following the grim discovery of his pet's dead body, a second appeal was launched to bring Gonzalez to justice.

The appeal has received the support of Hollywood actress Alicia Silverstone.

Gonzalez entered the car using a back door despite the presence of Kona the dog

Gonzalez managed then to open the driver's side door and enter the vehicle

As he reversed out of the parking space, Kona, in the last images of him alive, jumped on Gonzalez in an effort to prevent the criminal from stealing the car to no avail

Kona the dog was found with his leash tied around the stolen car's gear stick

Actress Alicia Silverstone has joined the clamor to seek justice for Bill Robbins' dead dog.

Silverstone, seen above, threw her support behind a campaign to get justice for Kona

Five days after the theft, a member of the public spotted the stolen car which contained Kona's remains.

It is understood the dog's leash had been wrapped around the vehicle's gear stick.

Gonzalez pleaded guilty to 10 charges at Multnomah County Circuit Court.

The charges include stealing the car, animal abandonment, abuse and neglect charges.

His wife, Linda Gutierrez, 34, pleaded no contest to a single charge of hindering a prosecution.
The brawl was sparked when Matthew Gregory Denton was asked to stop being rude to girls at Adelaide's Pole Position gentlemen's club (pictured)

A violent brawl erupted when a strip club patron was asked to stop being rude to a female staff member, a court has heard.

Matthew Gregory Denton, 30, was asked by a male staff member at Adelaide's Pole Position gentlemen's club to stop making lewd comments to female staff when he allegedly bottled the man in the head, breaking his eye socket.

Mr Denton allegedly gave chase from police with another man in a Chrysler before crashing into a tree and fleeing on foot, reports Adelaide Advertiser.

Prosecutors say he was arrested but refused to cooperate or identify his friend, who remains at large.

Mr Denton faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, charged with aggravated assault and failing to truly answer questions.

The court heard he has a chequered past, including criminal convictions for firearm offences.

His lawyer said Mr Denton was a father to a sick child and his partner relied on his income to survive.

Mr Denton was refused bail to be remanded in custody for two weeks, with the judge agreeing to to order a home detention report.

Investigations into the matter, including CCTV footage, is still being gathered by police.
Ministers have defied a welter of opposition to give the go-ahead for fracking plans.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid today approved proposals for using the controversial mining technique at a site in Lancashire known as Preston New Road - but refused permission for another project nearby.

Opponents fear the technique can cause earthquakes, pollute water, lead to damaging development in the countryside and hit house prices.

The deeply controversial process involves drilling horizontally under ground before using explosive charge and high water pressure to extract gas.

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Plans for fracking in at Preston New Road, Lancashire, were given the go-ahead today. Fracking in the county has been met with widespread opposition amid concern about the environmental impact of the policy

Protests continued today in Roseacre despite Sajid Javid's refusal to give fracking the go-ahead in the Lancashire village

The landmark ruling means shale rock gas can be 'fracked' horizontally for the first time - potentially paving the way for a rich new source of energy for the UK.

Lancashire County Council turned down planning applications for fracking for shale gas at Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood, even though its officials had recommended one of the schemes.

Cuadrilla appealed against against the decision and it went to a public inquiry which was heard earlier this year. Mr Javid has now approved the Preston New Road site.

Only one other fracking licence has been granted  for the firm Third Energy at Kirby Misperton in Ryedale, North Yorkshire.

However, there are scores of other sites where there may be fracking potential. Other potential sites include Bassetlaw in Nottinghamshire and Broadford Bridge in Sussex.

Britain imports about half the gas it uses. The National Grid calculates this could rise to 93 per cent by 2040.

Shale gas has already revolutionised energy production in the US. Mr Javid said the decision to pursue fracking would boost the UK economy, adding: Shale gas has the potential to power economic growth, support 64,000 jobs, and provide a new domestic energy source, making us less reliant on imports.

When it comes to the financial benefits of shale, our plans mean local communities benefit first.

Under the Governments shale wealth fund, it could pay up to 10million per community affected by a fracking site.

These would be drawn from business rates on the sites. Some industry sources warn that communities might have a long wait as significant revenues are unlikely before 2025.

Mr Javid did not grant approval for drilling at Roseacre Wood but said he was minded to allow it.

Last night, Preston New Road Action Group chairman Pat Davies said: This is a sad day as it is clear to all that this government neither listens nor can it be trusted to do the right thing for local communities.

Barry Gardiner, Labours shadow minister for energy, said: Tory ministers pay lip service to tackling climate change but are bending over backwards to force through new fossil fuel infrastructure, with divisive bribes, tax breaks and ministerial powers that over-ride the wishes of local communities.

The next Labour government will ban fracking and focus on unlocking the jobs and growth that a new clean low-carbon energy infrastructure can provide for our industry, workforce and communities.

Greenpeace campaigner Hannah Martin said: Fracking will put our countryside and air quality at risk. Digging up more fossil fuels that we cant burn if we are to honour the international agreement we signed in Paris and is coming into force next month makes little economic or environmental sense.

But the move was welcomed by unions. Stuart Fegan, of the GMB, said: The go-ahead will reduce the gas we will need to import from regimes fronted by henchmen, hangmen and head-choppers as the UK will need to use gas for years to come to heat our homes and generate electricity on the 60 days each year when there is no wind.

When David Cameron was prime minister, he said the Government was going 'all out for shale' to boost the economy, jobs and energy security.

Soon after she took over as PM, Theresa May launched a consultation which could see home owners receive individual payments for fracking wells drilled nearby.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, pictured during this week's party conference, has approved one of the sites, but rejected planning permission for another

But the process - in which liquid is pumped deep underground at high pressure to fracture shale rock and release gas - remains highly controversial, with many protesters turning out for the public inquiry.

Fracking has been mired in controversy since it hit the headlines in 2011 for causing two minor earthquakes in Lancashire, prompting a temporary ban.

The moratorium was later lifted, with controls put in place to prevent tremors, but fracking continues to attract opposition over fears it can also cause water contamination, noise and traffic pollution.

With the Government set to ratify the global Paris Agreement on cutting greenhouse gases before the end of the year, environmentalists argue fracking for fossil fuels is not compatible with tackling climate change and the focus should be on renewables.

Huge parts of England and Wales could potentially be fracked. Licensing arrangements vary across the country, with some already licensed and others simply under review

Liberal Democrat climate spokeswoman Lynne Featherstone said: 'This decision sets a very dangerous precedent, with the government riding roughshod over the will of the local people.

'Fracking poses a huge risk to our countryside, environment and efforts to tackle climate change, we must continue to fight it at every turn.

'At a time when the rest of the world is moving towards low carbon, this Conservative government is taking us in completely the wrong direction.'

A fracking boss insisted today that drilling for gas is better than importing it.

Fracking protests in Lancashire, pictured today, are set to continue after Mr Javid's decision to green light the process at one site

Opponents claim the mining technique can cause earthquakes, pollute water, lead to damaging development in the countryside and hit house prices

Francis Egan, chief executive of Cuadrilla, the company behind the plans in Fylde, said the controversial process is the best solution for the UK's fuel shortage.

He told Good Morning Britain: 'The country needs gas. The country is running out of gas, and without some form of energy development, we're going to end up importing all of our fuel from overseas, and we've seen that just last week with the ridiculous situation where Scotland is importing shale gas from America, which frankly is crazy.'

Addressing local concerns about traffic, Mr Egan said that after an initial construction and drilling period the traffic would be 'down to three or four trucks a week'.

He said the impact of a producing site is 'far less, frankly, than a wind farm'.

He added: 'The fact is that this is a temporary development. There is traffic, obviously, you can't do this without it, but we're talking about 25 trucks a day at peak.

'That's for a maximum of six weeks spread out over a two-year period.'

Q&A - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SHALE FRACKING Protestors scale a shale gas rig at Banks, near Southport, England, in 2011 What is fracking? Fracking  shorthand for hydraulic fracturing  is a way of mining vast reserves of shale gas and oil. It involves drilling into the earth and injecting shale rock with a high-pressure mix of water, sand and chemicals to release the gas or oil. The UK is believed to be sitting on enough gas to provide energy for up to 500 years. What are the benefits? It could give us power security and is cheaper than other forms of energy. It is estimated there are only another 30 to 40 years of North Sea oil production left and there are concerns with EDFs plan to build a nuclear reactor at Hinkley Point. In order to keep the lights on, the UK will have to look at ways of expanding where it gets energy. Huge gas reserves have been identified in the UK, particularly in central and northern England. Estimates suggest there could be as much as 1,300 trillion cubic feet of shale gas under 11 counties. The industry says it could create 74,000 jobs. What are the concerns? The way in which the gas is mined has been blamed for causing earthquakes. In countries where fracking is widespread there have been several non-natural quakes and there were two small tremors near Blackpool when fracking began there in 2011. There are also concerns that living near a fracking site could affect house prices. Last year an internal government report revealed fracking was likely to wipe up to seven per cent off the price of homes in a one mile radius of a fracking site. Some are also worried about site traffic and health conditions caused by machinery noise, as well as the potential for contamination of the water table. Will National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty be protected? In total, the Government has granted licences to companies covering around 12,000 square miles across the UK, including around such protected areas as the Peak District, Exmoor, the South Downs and the Lake District. MPs last year gave approval for fracking under National Parks but the wells themselves must be outside  so the companies must drill sideways to get to the shale reserves. In the latest round, licences were granted for exploratory drilling at 53 sites of special scientific interest and three RSPB nature reserves. What will happen next? Britain has changed its planning rules to allow government intervention to approve or reject shale gas drilling permits and it is thought this could lead to a boom in fracking operations, with the first gas expected to come on to the market next year. Many applications have already led to protests. Advertisement

Little Plumpton resident Dianne Westgarth, 55, has said the price of her five-bedroom house could plummet by more than 70%

House prices sink as fast as the drills

By JAMES TOZER

In the bright autumn sunshine, the countryside around Little Plumpton is an unspoilt scene of undulating fields grazed by sheep and cattle.

But yesterday the fears of residents that it will soon be transformed into a test-bed for a controversial form of energy production were realised, and they branded Theresa Mays claim to stand up for ordinary people hollow.

Residents in and around the tiny Lancashire village fear their quality of life will be wrecked and the value of their homes will plummet now the fracking well is set to go ahead.

In addition, many are far from convinced by claims that the health risks alleged by anti-fracking campaigners are vastly exaggerated.

Businessman Peter Watson, 66, lives just 450 yards from the proposed drilling site. He suffered 1,000 of damage to tiles during earth tremors blamed on fracking tests carried out a few miles away in 2011.

The father-of-three has been told his 2million seven-bedroom home has lost a quarter of its value as a result of the fears surrounding shale gas exploration.

This is devastating news for the whole community, he said yesterday.

Theresa May says she wants to stand up for ordinary people and let local democracy prevail, but this decision flies in the face of everything shes been saying. Im quite sure neither she nor [Communities Secretary] Sajid Javid would want fracking on their doorsteps. Im afraid her words are just hollow. We could end up with 100 drilling wells all over Lancashire now.

Mr Watson said he was worried about the impact on the health of his three school-age children from the chemicals associated with fracking.

Like many people, we moved to the Fylde area for its beautiful scenery and to enjoy a quiet retirement, so the prospect of whats going to happen is horrifying.

People all over the country should be worried about this. Even if youre not an environmentalist, imagine what it would be like if fracking meant you couldnt sell your home?

Little Plumpton resident Dianne Westgarth, 55, has said the price of her five-bedroom house could plummet by more than 70 per cent. In 2012, the property was valued at 725,000. Two years later she said it was valued at 190,000.

Two other estate agents said they would rather not even comment, because the possibility of fracking meant they couldnt actually say if it was worth anything at all, she said.

A report by Bristol University in August suggested house prices could fall by 4 per cent in areas affected by fracking, and locals in Little Plumpton claim properties have struggled to sell.

But there is little hard evidence of a link to the fracking plans for the area, and official records show that of the small number of recent sales near the planned drilling site, a bungalow sold for 282,000 in July, a modest increase on the 275,000 it fetched in 2011.

Also potentially affected are local businesses such as John Tootills plant nursery in Westby.

At the moment we get plenty of families coming here for a day out, but who will want to bring children if theres fracking going on nearby? Mr Tootill, 62, said yesterday. Im also very worried about the effect of pollution getting into groundwater.
A man in China had to call on firemen for help after getting his genitals clamped between magnets on October 3.

Video footage shows the 45-year-old man being treated by emergency teams in Zhongshan City, southern China.

The man who can be seen groaning in pain was attempting to conduct health therapy on himself.

Ouch! The 45-year-old can be seen groaning in pain as medical teams assess the situation

Awkward: The firefighters used hydraulics to crush the magnets and finally free the man

The man claimed he was attempting to conduct magnotherapy at home on October 3 at around 4am, reports GDTV.

His family said that he had resorted to using magnotherapy in order to treat issues with his prostate.

He was hoping that he would be treated by the magnetic field produced by the two magnets.

However the magnetic force was too strong and his genitals became stuck between two magnets.

In great pain, he called firefighters for help to remove the magnets.

Won't be doing that again! Man did not suffer serious injuries however his penis was scratched

He was admitted into Bo'ai Hospital in Zhongshan.

With the help of doctors, the firefighters tried to remove the two magnets however they were unable to.

They called the manufacturers of the two magnets for advice. The manufacturer told the emergency team that they should pull the two magnets in a parallel manner off his penis.

However his family did not like the idea as they were concerned that it might damage the soft tissue of his scrotum.

Firefighters then resorted to using hydraulic shears to successfully crush the magnets.

After four hours, the magnets were removed from the man's penis.

Doctors say the man did not suffer from any major injury however there were scratches on the surface of his genitals.

The incident has attracted wide attention on Weibo, China's microblogging site.

A user suggested an alternative to take down the magnets, 'why didn't they use other magnets to attract the two magnets clamping him?'

One joked 'his experience may make him a new comic character' while another asked 'has his penis got magnetised?'
Business class flyers have been escorted off a plane after a man, 27, and woman, 42, allegedly fought over a reclined seat.

The pair had been flying from Thailand's Phuket to Sydney on Wednesday when the fight broke out mid-flight, Herald Sun reported.

Witnesses said punches were thrown and other passengers were forced to step in to separate the pair who were kept apart for the remainder of the flight.

Two business class flyers have been escorted off a Jetstar plane at Sydney Airport (stock) after the man, 27, and woman, 42, allegedly fought over a reclined seat

Passenger Scott Haywood said the fight was sparked when a passenger fully reclined their seat back onto another passenger.

'One of the passengers was distressed as another lady put her seat back on his mother,' Mr Haywood told 2GB radio.

'This other passenger got out of his seat and whacked that woman's seat who did that to his mother three or four times.'

The man returned to his seat, but the lady then followed him to his seat and 'laid a punch on him'.

He then got up and laid a couple more on her,' Mr Haywood said.

Mr Haywood restrained one of the men and said to 'calm down'.

The passengers had been flying from Phuket (stock) to Sydney when the fight broke out mid-flight

The pair arrived at Sydney Airport (stock) and were greeted by federal police

Australian Federal Police confirmed officers responded at Sydney Airport following requests from Jetstar on Wednesday afternoon.

'A 27-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman were escorted from a flight arriving from Phuket,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'Investigations remain ongoing and as such, it would not be appropriate to comment further.'

Jetstar confirmed there was an incident between two passengers on the Phuket to Sydney flight on Wednesday.

The spokesperson said crew acted quickly and passengers were separated for the remainder of the flight.

'We don't tolerate disruptive behaviour by passengers on our flights. We will conduct a review with a view to banning these passengers travelling with us in the future,' the spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'We appreciate customers' acknowledgement of the professionalism of our crew.'
A Dutch tourist has been jailed for three months for disrupting a Buddhist sermon in Burma, after he unplugged speakers at a community hall so that he could get some sleep.

A Burmese court today sentenced Klaas Haytema, 30, to three months in prison and a fine, his lawyer said.

Haytema was arrested after he went into a community hall in the central city of Mandalay on September 23 and disrupted a recitation by Buddhist laymen.

Klaas Haytema, 30, was arrested in the city of Mandalay for unplugging a speaker system

The Dutchman told a court hearing on Tuesday he was unaware a religious ceremony was in progress, but had disconnected the hall's loudspeakers because they were disturbing his sleep, said Hla Ko, a Burmese lawyer who volunteered to represent the Dutchman.

The Dutchman said he didn't know he was interrupting a sermon, but just wanted to get some sleep

A court has sentenced the tourist to three months in prison and a fine

Sermons broadcast through the night using loudspeakers are a common practice in the Southeast Asian country, where the vast majority of people are Buddhists.

A judge convicted Haytema of 'causing disturbance to an assembly lawfully engaged in the performance of religious worship,' Hla Ko told Reuters.

His lawyer has said he is planning to appeal the sentence, of three months in jail, and an $80 fine

A judge convicted Haytema of 'causing disturbance to an assembly lawfully engaged in the performance of religious worship'

'He was found guilty under Section 296 of the Penal Code and sentenced to three months in prison,' the lawyer said, adding that a fine of about $80 was also paid on Haytema's behalf for breaching Burma's rules on respecting its culture.
A teenage girl claims her arm was dislocated as she was arrested by police in West Yorkshire.

Footage of officers arresting a 16-year-old named online as Ellie has gone viral after she claimed she was injured while they attempted to handcuff her on October 4.

Officers were in Bradford after reports of a group of youths throwing objects at passing cars.

The footage shows the girl being arrested by police in West Yorkshire as she screams 'what the f*** you doing?'

In the video the girl protests her innocence as the police tell her she is under arrest and warn her not to struggle

One girl was arrested and friends with her filmed the incident in which she is heard shouting 'what the f*** you doing?' and screaming in apparent pain.

She also screams 'I ain't done nothing'.

In the footage, police tell her she is under arrest and not to struggle.

One officer shouts something relating to 'weed'.

In the background, one person shouts: 'Oi, I think you've snapped her arm.'

According to a witness the girl was not part of the group and the real culprits had already run off.

The footage does show the girl resisting and swearing at the two officers during the arrest.

The force denies she was injured during the arrest.

Officers said they were responding to calls about young people throwing objects at passing cars

One boy can be heard to shout 'oi, I think you've snapped her arm' as the officer puts handcuffs on her

Matthew, 14, uploaded the video to Facebook and said Ellie had been walking behind him.

He said: 'It was horrendous. The poor lass. All she wanted to do was go home. The policeman pushed her and she said to his colleague 'is he aloud [sic] to do that, can I get him done'.

'He grabbed her and that's when I started recording. its bang out of order!

'What happened is there was a group who was causing trouble when I walked to the shop with her. The other group had then run off like five minutes later as we was walking to her house, that's when it all kicked off.'

The footage has so far been viewed more than 50,000 times and received hundreds of comments online.

One user said: 'You wouldn't let 2 random men handle your daughter like that so it doesn't make any difference if there in uniform you can clearly see she was distressed by what happened if I was in that position I'd react the same [sic].'

While another posted: 'Imagine if it was your family member you seen this video of getting assaulted by two police members, having her hair ragged and dislocating her arm when she is clearly stating she's in pain they hurt her more now how can you say that's acceptable!!!! [sic].

Some users were on the side of the police and said the girl should not have resisted arrest.

Many people jumped to the defence of the police officers in the video, suggesting they had no choice if she was resisting arrest

One user from Newcastle said: 'Why are people using her gender against the police men Who HAVE a duty to serve for the UK? Regardless of gender, if you're being a reckless behaved little s*** then expect things like this to happen.

'It would be fine for a woman to arrest a young boy as well as gender is no matter in situations like this. She's resisting arrest... what do you expect the police men to do? Let her have a little girls tantrum because she's got in trouble? Literally don't resist and it won't be such a f***ing scene [sic].'

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed that officers were called to the area on Tuesday at about 5.30pm following reports of youths throwing objects at passing cars.

He said: 'Officers attended promptly and the youths ran off. As inquiries were continuing at the scene a teenager was verbally abusive to a police officer and was arrested.
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Wards with empty beds, corridors without queues and operating theatres with no waiting list... but it's safe to say you wouldn't want to be admitted to any of these creepy institutions.

Vienna-based photographer Stefan Baumann, 35, travelled around Italy and Belgium in search of the abandoned hospitals. He captured every part of the spooky spaces from the rubble-strewn wards to the bleak operating theatres, many of them untouched and with their now sinister-looking equipment still in place.

'We see the old instruments and imagine the methods of treatment that were used hundreds of years ago,' he said.

'On the one hand we notice the decay and associate bad, dark and frightening feelings but we do also see the original, positive and lifesaving purpose these places had.'

He said the main challenge when exploring the empty sites was not letting his imagination run wild.

'When you read of hundreds of people who were treated with electric shocks or had cut open their skulls because of their psychiatric illness, you have a strange feeling when standing on this site,' he said.

The overall effect is eerie but oddly captivating.

Vienna-based photographer Stefan Baumann, 35, travelled across Europe in search of abandoned hospitals

Empty beds: But you wouldn't want to be admitted onto to this grimy dust-covered ward

Some of the stark spaces appear almost untouched by time but the surgical facilities are somewhat less than sterile

Despite the crumbling tiles and dusty floors much of the old medical equipment has simply been left where it stood

The pictures are both stark and strangely beautiful as the formerly pristine spaces give in to time and decay

The effect is eerie but oddly captivating as we see facilities built to heal and care have been left to rot

Nature begins to take over in this hospital corridor as vines make their way in through the open shutters

The stuff of nightmares: The images swing between the hauntingly beautiful and the plain terrifying

Formerly crowded corridors are now littered with peeling paint and broken tiles as the buildings fall into disrepair

Some of the facilities are unrecognisable as machines are abandoned and shelves emptied of their contents

The shots show the beds patients would have recovered on while some of the drawers and surfaces still hold their belongings

In the bleak operating theatres the abandoned equipment now takes on a sinister edge

Where tiles once gleamed and surgical tools sparkled, there is now only dust and dirt

The images are at once captivating and vaguely terrifying as the buildings slowly become the casualties of time

Flaking walls and rusting pipework makes for a compelling shot but these rooms are on the edge of ruin

Once built to halt the tide of time these rooms are now giving in to decay and the power of nature

Countless lives began and were saved here but these hospitals are reaching the end of theirs

It's a far cry from modern hospital receptions but the grandeur has given way to grime

Imagining what once went on in these silent rooms is part of what makes his images so spooky

There's no waiting list for surgery at this clinic... but then again there are no surgeons either

You might feel some slight discomfort: Old examination benches have been left to rust

Even though the sunlight filters in through the shutters and doors, this hospital corridor still carries an air of desolation
EXCLUSIVE: A self-styled multi-millionaire foreign exchange dealer who brags on TikTok about how he treats parking tickets as the cost of 'VIP parking' (left) has been behind a string of dissolved companies and lives in a rented house. MailOnline can also reveal that one of the directorships listed for Luke Desmaris (right, inset), 27, at Companies House gives his 'correspondence address' as the home of an elderly couple who live in an isolated gated bungalow and have never heard of him. Desmaris, who charges people for advice on how to make a fortune, made headlines this week after releasing a boastful TikTok video showing parking tickets on his BMW on double yellow lines near Harrods as a voiceover says: 'Broke people see a fine, but I see VIP parking'. He also regularly brags about earning 300,000 a month, living in 'multi-million mansions', and wearing two Rolex watches worth a total of 40,000 in a bid to get some of his 83,000 followers on TikTok to pay him 29.99 a month for trading advice. Many of his videos feature the exterior of his former five bedroom home and his 90,000 BMW M4 car in Harlow, Essex, with some posing the question: 'How can I afford this house and car age 27?'
The boss of a sofa company criticised by Amber Rudd for employing too many foreign workers has hit back - insisting 75 per cent of staff are British.

The Home Secretary appeared to level a jibe at the firm during the Tory conference this week.

In an interview Mrs Rudd said she had visited a factory in her Hastings constituency that 'recruited almost exclusively from Romania and Poland' - complaining that it 'did not even consider training locally'.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd complained about a factory in her Hastings constituency that 'almost exclusively' recruited from Romania and Poland

The comments came as Mrs Rudd unveiled plans to make businesses reveal what proportion of their workers came from abroad.

But Matt O'Flynn, managing director of sofa manufacturer Collins and Hayes, said the remarks were 'disappointing'.

He said he believed Mrs Rudd had been referring to a visit she made last year to his company, which supplies John Lewis and Furniture Village.

'She's our local MP and we are a company that's been going through a lot of reorganisation and investment in infrastructure, so we wanted to show her what we were doing to invest in her constituency,' Mr O'Flynn told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Mr O'Flynn added: 'We are very committed to working with the local community to bring in as much talent as we possibly.

'75 per cent of our employees are British and whenever we have an increase in demand, we have to bring in some skilled workers.

'In one of our departments we have a higher degree of foreign nationals than we do elsewhere in the business.

'That would be the only areas I can think of that Amber is getting her figures from.'

Speaking to the BBC during the conference this week, Mrs Rudd said: 'I went and visited a factory quite recently where they recruit almost exclusively from Romania and Poland, where they have people who have experience in factories building these sofas that they have.

'They didn't even consider training locally - there was a local college they could have worked with, but they choose to recruit outside the UK.'

Mrs Rudd announced a consultation would be launched on possible steps to control immigration in her speech to the Conservative conference on Tuesday.

The suggestion that firms may have to reveal the proportion of their workforce which is from overseas drew fierce criticism.

Theresa May signalled her determination to get immigration under control during her key note speech to Conservative conference yesterday

The head of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said the move would amount to a 'badge of shame' for businesses struggling to meet skills demands in the UK.

Acting director-general of the BCC Adam Marshall said: 'A lot of businesses would be saddened if they felt having a global workforce was somehow seen as a badge of shame.

'Companies do so much here in the UK to train up their workers and of course look for local hires before going to the overseas market, so I don't think they should be penalised for having to do so when they have specific skills needs.'

Shadow home secretary Andy Burnham attacked the proposal, saying: 'The idea of British companies producing lists of foreign workers runs counter to everything that this country has ever stood for.

'It would be divisive, discriminatory and risks creating real hostility in workplaces and communities.

'If the Government proceeds with legislation in this area, it will face the mother of all battles.'
The search continues for missing teenager Awiel Awuol, who disappeared a month ago.

The 14-year-old was last seen in Melbournes Central Business District on Wednesday 7 September.

Authorities are now calling on members of the public to help locate the missing girl.

The search continues for missing teenager Awiel Awuol, 14, (pictured) after she disappeared from Melbourne's central business district a month ago

Victoria Police have raised particular concerns over the young teenagers disappearance due to her age and the length of time she has been missing.

Awiel Awuol was last seen wearing black pants and a black and grey hooded jumper.

She is known to spend time in Melbournes CBD, Wyndham Vale and Tarneit area.

Police are urging anyone who sees Ms Awuol or has information about her current whereabouts to contact the Werribee Police Station on 03 9742 9444.
A huntsman armed with a whip charges on horseback at a demonstrator when he tries to disrupt their search for a fox in a dramatic video.

A protester from the anti-hunt group West Midlands Saboteurs scuffles with a member of Atherstone Hunt during the clip captured in rural Sheepy Parva, Leicestershire.

The altercation was filmed by another hunt saboteur and the footage is now being investigated by police, after an alleged assault was reported.

During the beginning of the clip the man filming can be heard warning the huntsman there is a fox ahead and says they should call the hounds away.

However, the member of the hunt, who is on horseback, dismisses the claim saying 'you think I am going to believe you' before continuing up the road.

Then footage captures the moment the huntsman rides towards the other demonstrator before swearing at him and jumping off his horse.

He can be seen squaring up to the protester before the camera swings around wildly filming the ground as the pair scuffle.

After the fight, the member of the hunt, who is carrying a whip, can be seen pointing angrily at the camera as he shouts 'never do that again mate'.

Another huntsman on horseback can also be heard saying: 'Take his f***ing camera Stewie.'

The video begins with a number of hounds can be seen plodding across the road and into bushes. They can be seen searching in hedges throughout the clip and whining.

This huntsman, armed with a whip, charges on horseback at a demonstrator when he tries to disrupt their search for a fox in dramatic video footage

However, it has been illegal to hunt foxes with dogs since 2005 - with a maximum penalty of a 5,000 fine. Police can also confiscate and destroy equipment and dogs used in hunting.

Leicestershire Police has confirmed officers are now investigating the video, filmed on Monday afternoon.

A spokesman said: 'Police received a call from a man on Monday evening reporting an assault alleged to have taken place that morning in Wellsborough Road, Sheepy Parva.

'A subsequent call relating to the same incident was received at around 2pm on Monday.

The dispute between the men began when the protesters tried to disrupt the search for a fox

In shocking video footage the huntsman is seen charging at the protesters before leaping off his horse and scuffling with one of them

'Officers are in the initial stages of their inquiries.'

Atherstone Hunt have found themselves being investigated by police several times in recent years.

In August this year, Warwickshire Police dropped an investigation over the killing of a fox citing a lack of evidence.

The decision was made despite shocking video footage showing a fox being ripped apart by their hounds in November last year.

In January this year Leicestershire Police said they were investigating reports a fox had been illegally killed near Market Bosworth in Leicestershire, during a hunt.

The huntsmen are accompanied by hounds as they canter along the road in Sheepy Parva

Pictured, the fox that the huntsman are alleged to have been searching for in Leicestershire

Video footage showed the dead fox in the mouth of one of the hounds but it isn't clear if anything has come of the investigation.

In December last year footage also emerged showing a hunt supporter putting a protester in a headlock during a meeting of Atherstone Hunt.

Laura Caines, 33, from Bedworth in Warwickshire, was later found guilty on two counts of assault by beating after the bust-up.

In September last year, protesters filmed a hunt steward simulating sex with the body of a dead goose but police decided no criminal offence had taken place.
Robbers tricked their way into the Paris home of the worlds most famous reality TV star by simply saying: Its urgent  we must see Miss Kardashian, a concierge has claimed.

The bizarre testament from the so far unnamed doorman is the latest spoken evidence to be made available to detectives investigating Mondays 9m heist.

Kim Kardashian says she was held up at gunpoint by members of a five-man gang, who then bound and gagged her before making off with the jewels.

The concierge  who has not been identified  insists he suffered the same fate, but not before talking to the criminals.

Mystery: Police are baffled how the concierge manged to open Kim Kardashian's Paris apartment door which was armoured and locks from the inside

Kim was robbed at gunpoint in her Parisian apartment in Paris. Pictured is the entrance to the building where the robbers easily gained access

But police have noted inconsistencies in his story, and remain baffled at the apparent ease with which he was able to guide the robbers straight to the stars bedroom.

He has told them that they arrived at around 2.30am, and got through a first set of locked doors by buzzing the intercom, and saying: Its urgent  we must see Miss Kardashian.

Once inside they falsely claimed to be police, and then pointed a gun at the mans head, forcing him to open Kims first floor apartment with a single key.

In fact, low-ranking night staff staff do not have such easy access to 25,000-a-week flats used by VIP celebrities including Madonna and Leonardo Dicaprio.

Vulnerable: Kim's bodyguard Pascal Duvier (left) was not by her side when she was robbed at gunpoint

French police officers stand in front of Kim Kardashian's luxury apartment Hotel de Pourtales on Rue Tronchet in the 8th arrondissement

PORN SITE OFFERS $50,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION ABOUT KIM'S ROBBERY BECAUSE SHE'S 'ONE OF THE FAMILY' A porn website has offered a $50,000 (40,000) reward for information that helps catch the masked men who robbed Kim Kardashian at gunpoint in Paris. Pornhub made the bizarre offer because it considers Kim 'a member of the Pornhub family'. Her sex tape with ex boyfriend Ray J has been viewed more than 110,000,000 on the website - making it Pornhub's most successful ever video. The sex tape was filmed in 2003 and leaked in February 2007. Kim Kardashian is pictured here with her ex boyfriend Ray J at a fashion show in 2006 Kim filed a lawsuit against distributors Vivid Entertainment but reportedly later settled for US$5 million. The clip was leaked in the same year that Keeping Up With The Kardashians began airing on the E! Network in the U.S. Pornhubs Vice President Corey Price said: 'Here at Pornhub we were deeply saddened to hear about the horrible incident involving Kim in Paris. 'We consider Kim to be a member of the Pornhub family and want to do all that we can to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice. 'We are calling on all of our fans from around the world to come together and work collectively to provide any and all information relating to the crime so we can capture the criminals.' The x-rated website has provided an email address: tips@pornhub.com, for people to send information to. Advertisement

There are all kinds of security protocols limiting access to the nine apartments in the building, which all have armoured doors that are locked from the inside.

It is inconceivable that this concierge could have just walked into the flat with the robbers without breaking the door down, and there is no sign of forced entry, said an investigating source.

As the mystery deepened, police said that the gang is likely to have arrived and left by bicycle.

There were no CCTV cameras in or directly outside the block, but recorded images from other parts of Paris point to the possibility of the gang members being on push bikes, said the source.

Kims stylist, Simone Harouche, was apparently in the flat at the time, but she has now been ruled out as the person who raised the alarm.

Instead Kim has claimed she heroically untied and ungagged herself, escaped from a locked bathroom, screamed for help from the flats balcony, and called her bodyguard at 2.56am.

Pascal Duvier, the muscular giant who is usually always at her side, was out at a nightclub with other Kardashian family members.

In a further twist, it has now emerged that Mr Duvier was declared bankrupt less than a fortnight ago, so he may have been feeling unsettled during the drama.

Sorry: Her 20-carat Lorraine Schwartz rock (pictured) was reportedly stolen from her Paris apartment just days after she flaunted it on Instagram in this photo along with her diamond grillz

On show: Kim was wearing the ring, gifted to her by husband Kanye West, in this Snapchat shortly before she was robbed at gunpoint

Show off: Back in May, Kim was happy to display her sparkling Lorraine Schwartz diamonds on Twitter

Kim herself fled France within a few hours of the raid, boarding a private jet so as to be with her husband, the rapper Kanye West in New York.

The Paris authorities have privately expressed frustration that she disappeared so quickly, as she and the concierge are the key witnesses to what amounts to an extremely serious crime.

In turn, Kim has indicated that she is briefing French detectives from the USA by telephone.

The star has since reportedly vowed to stop flaunting her wealth on social media after she was robbed at gunpoint, tied up and dumped in her marble bath tub in Paris.

TMZ claims the star agrees with critics who said she made herself a robbery target.
Shocking footage inside Australian prisons shows the brutal violence prison guards risk facing on a daily basis

Video shows inmates punching and kicking officers as they attempt to restrain them, before being forced to use batons and tear spray to subdue the aggressive prisoners.

'You spend every day on edge really, waiting for it to happen,' Prison Officer Steve McMahon told 7 News.

'There's a percentage of them who have nothing but violence on their mind.'

Prison officers are demanding harsher sentences for violent prisoners and better weapons as footage reveals the brutality they face on a daily basis

One officer uses tear spray to subdue a violent prisoner at Goulburn Correctional Centre

Security footage taken at Lithgow Correctional Centre in NSW, shows an officer being punched before prisoners rush the scene.

Another clip at Goulburn Correctional Centre shows officers recovering a TV being bashed with the two inmates who then attempt to run off, forcing the guards to use batons and tear gas.

At another prison an officer is filmed pulling out to pull out his gun as a inmates rampages out of a holding cell.

Prison officers now are demanding harsher sentences for violent prisoners and better weapons like tasers and non-lethal beanbag rounds.

Prison violence has always been a part of incarceration, but many officers believe the situation is getting worse.

Mr McMahon says sometimes the tension in the prison is 'almost palpable', but officers are still will to risk their own safety.

'They all do it out of loyalty to the community, not out of anything else,' he said.

'It's not that pretty at the end of the day.'

Officers were recovering a TV at Goulburn Correctional Centre when they were bashed by the two inmates who then attempt to run off
Forty-four Afghan troops visiting the United States for military training have gone missing in less than two years, the Pentagon has revealed.

Those who have vanished from camps during trips from the Middle East have presumably gone on to live and work illegally in America, officials said.

Although the number of disappearances is relatively small - some 2,200 Afghan troops have received military training in the United States since 2007 - the incidents have raised concerns about security and screening procedures.

The disappearances are also potentially embarrassing for President Obama's administration, who have spent $60billion on the training programs since 2002.

Forty-four Afghan troops visiting the United States for military training have gone missing in less than two years, presumably in an effort to live and work illegally in America, Pentagon officials said (file)

The disclosure could fuel criticism by supporters of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who has accused the Obama administration of failing to properly vet immigrants from Muslim-majority countries and has pledged a much tougher stance if he wins.

While other foreign troops on U.S. military training visits have sometimes run away, a U.S. defense official said that the frequency of Afghan troops going missing was concerning and 'out of the ordinary'.

Since September alone, eight Afghan troops have left military bases without authorization, Pentagon spokesman Adam Stump said.

He said the total number of Afghan troops who have gone missing since January 2015 is 44, a number that has not previously been disclosed.

'The Defense Department is assessing ways to strengthen eligibility criteria for training in ways that will reduce the likelihood of an individual Afghan willingly absconding from training in the U.S. and going AWOL (absent without leave),' Stump said.

Afghans in the U.S. training program are vetted to ensure they have not participated in human rights abuses and are not affiliated with militant groups before being allowed into the United States, Stump said.

The defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added there was no evidence any of those who had absconded had carried out crimes or posed a threat to the United States.

The Afghan army has occasionally been infiltrated by Taliban militants who have carried out attacks on Afghan and U.S. troops, but such incidents have become less frequent due to tougher security measures.

Trump, whose other signature immigration plan is to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, has proposed a temporary ban on Muslims seeking to enter the country, and has said that law enforcement officers should engage in more racial profiling to curb the threat of attacks on American soil.

After Omar Mateen, whose father was born in Afghanistan, killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando in June, Trump said an immigration ban would last until 'we are in a position to properly screen these people coming into our country'.

Although the number of disappearances is relatively small -- some 2,200 Afghan troops have received military training in the United States since 2007 -- the incidents raise questions about security and screening procedures for the programs

BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN TRAINING

Washington has allocated more than $60billion since 2002 to train and equip Afghan troops, but security remains precarious and the Taliban are estimated to control more territory in Afghanistan than at any time since 2001 when the U.S. invaded.

Earlier this year Obama shelved plans to cut the U.S. force in Afghanistan nearly in half by year's end, opting instead to keep 8,400 troops there through the end of his presidency in January.

The military training program brings troops to the United States from around the world in order to build on military relations and improve capabilities for joint operations.

In some cases, officials said, the Afghan students who went missing were in the United States for elite Army Ranger School and intelligence-gathering training.

The officials did not identify the missing troops or their rank.

Even though the troops were in the United States for military training, they were not necessarily always on a military base.

If students under the military program are absent from training for more than 24 hours, they are considered to be 'absent without leave' (AWOL) and the Department of Homeland Security is notified.

In one case the Pentagon confirmed that an Afghan student had been detained by Canadian police while attempting to enter Canada from the United States.

It was unclear how many others have been located by U.S. authorities, and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Experts said low morale and insufficient training to fight the Taliban could explain the troops leaving, in addition to a dearth of economic opportunities in the impoverished country.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Donald Trump's running mate, said he wasn't so surprised that Sen. Tim Kaine interrupted him more than 70 times during Tuesday night's vice presidential debate.

'Well, not really, in NASCAR they say rubbing is racing,' Pence said this morning on 'Fox & Friends,' speaking to the hosts from in front of his campaign bus in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

'And this is a very challenging time in the life of our nation and I fully expected sparks to fly in that debate,' he added.

A CNN/ORC instant poll showed Pence winning the debate over Hillary Clinton's running mate, whose style got jabbed for being so jarring, while the Indiana governor remained relatively calm.

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Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, coming off a strong debate performance, said he wasn't surprised by Tim Kaine's combative stye. 'Rubbing is racing,' Pence said, making a NASCAR reference

Sources out of the Trump campaign, however, suggested that Pence's performance was so good that it annoyed the top dog, especially because the vice presidential candidate often dodged defending the billionaire's policies throughout the 90-some minute affair.

'The media is saying Pence won, but didn't really defend Trump,' a Trump aide told CNN's John King. 'That isn't sitting well with the boss.'

The Trump campaign has, so far, denied these reports.

When Pence headed over to CNN this morning, 'New Day' host Chris Cuomo asked the governor why he didn't just 'own [his] own truth' when there was a difference in opinion between the running mates instead of glossing it over.

In particular, Cuomo mentioned Trump's initial plan to ban all non-American Muslims from the United States and Trump's beef with a judge of Mexican-American heritage, who was tasted to handle one of the billionaire's Trump University cases.

'I'm honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with him,' Pence answered.

'I'm not frustrated at all about it Chris. Donald Trump and I have been very, very clear about the issue of suspending immigration from countries who have been compromised by terrorism or some of these other issues,' he continued.

Cuomo pointed out that Pence was mentioning a 'finessed position' and reminded the governor that he had originally condemned Trump's plan to ban Muslims, back when he was supporting Sen. Ted Cruz for president.

Pence answered, 'because it's not Donald Trump's position now,' to explain why he hasn't remained critical.

'Frankly, I understand why the other side wants to keep bringing up prior statements brought up earlier in the campaign,' Pence said. 'Donald Trump has said he has regretted the times he has said he didn't choose his words well, particularly where it's created personal pain for people. He's spoken openly about that.'

In further defense of the ticket, Pence gave Trump credit for his debate performance.

'I was honored to be there. Thought it was a good debate. Some people think I won, but from where I sat, I thought Donald Trump won,' Pence said on 'Fox & Friends.'

He had deployed the line yesterday at a campaign stop and reused it several times during interviews this morning.

'Donald Trump's vision to Make America Great Again really carried the day and to be able to be there representing him, telling about his vision, talking about his politics that are going to turn the country around, was really a great honor to me,' Pence continued on Fox.

On the 'Today' show, he noted how 'it was Donald Trump's vision that I was describing.'

Looking forward to Sunday, when Trump faces Clinton for the second time in a town hall-style debate in St. Louis, Missouri, Pence didn't go too hard on the advice for his running mate.

'Well, I encourage Donald Trump to do what he did in the first debate, which is to be himself,' Pence advised. 'Speak from his mind, speak from his heart and I know he's going to do that.'

'He'll be ready for this coming Sunday night,' Pence added, reminding the 'Fox & Friends' hosts of the 'great job' Trump did several weeks ago at the Commander-In-Chief forum, now remembered for the criticism NBC's Matt Lauer received from people who believed that the 'Today Show' host went too easy on the Republican nominee.

'He really does a great job, particularly in a town hall setting,' Pence added.

Tonight Trump will head back East, to New Hampshire, to participate in a town hall meeting as part of his practice regiment for Sunday night's debate.

'Go out, be yourself and show that vision for how we're Going to Make America Great Again,' Pence pressed.
While each building is different but there are certain requirements such as a Mecca-facing niche in the wall

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Dazzling images have revealed the beauty of Irans holy buildings and how they have changed from the first ever humble mosque.

The buildings are known as masjid in Arabic, simply translated to 'place of prostration'.

But, clearly, the architects and designers have been far from putting their feet up.

Over the centuries mosques have become more and more exuberant in their appearance with lavish chandeliers hanging from massive mosaics on the ceiling in many.

Mislim Shiite People Hall of the Shah-e-Cheragh Mausoleum, Fars Province, Shiraz, Iran

Over the centuries mosques have become more and more exuberant in their appearance with lavish chandeliers hanging from massive mosaics on the ceiling in many

They have come a long way from the 7th-century Arabian-style house considered the first mosque.

It was home to the prophet Muhammad in Medina, with a huge courtyard and long rooms supported by columns.

This style became known as a hypostyle mosque, meaning 'many columns'.

The courtyard became a necessity to the religious sanctuaries with men from whole towns or cities required to descend upon them.

While some congregational mosques have large enough prayer halls to host the enormous and important Friday noon prayer, many have an adjoining open courtyard to cope with the demand.

These are called sahn and often feature a water fountain, which is both used to cool down in hot countries and for a ritual cleansing that is required before prayer.

Inside the building itself, one thing remains a constant in every mosque - the mihrab.

This is a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca, towards which all Muslims face to pray.

It is the city in Saudi Arabia in which the prophet Muhammad was born, and home to the most prized of Islamic sites - the Kaaba.

The direction of Mecca is known as the qibla, therefore the wall in which the mihrab is found is called the qibla wall.

Inside the building itself, one thing remains a constant in every mosque - the mihrab. This is a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca, towards which all Muslims face to pray

A soldier takes water at a fountain at the Shah-e-Cheragh Mausoleum, Fars Province, Shiraz, Iran

While the mihrab remains relatively similar from mosque to mosque, another of its features will change depending on the country.

Minarets - the towers within the religious grounds from which the call to prayer is announced - varies from the spiral structure of Samarra to the tall, obelisk-like features of Ottoman Turkey.

Most mosques will also be home to one or more domes, called qubba in Arabic.

The domes are not a requirement like the mihrab, but they do possess significance within the buildings as a symbolic representation of the vault to heaven.

Minarets - the towers within the religious grounds from which the call to prayer is announced - varies from the spiral structure of Samarra to the tall, obelisk-like features of Ottoman Turkey

The domes are a requirement like the mihrab, but they do possess significance within the buildings as a symbolic representation of the vault to heaven

Unlike many other mainstream religions, Islam generally forbids the depiction of the human form and so Islamic art focuses on geometric designs, designs based on natural forms such as plants and flowers and quotations from the Koran in elaborate Arabic calligraphy.

Many Islamic designs are built on squares and circles, typically repeated, overlapped and interlaced to form intricate and complex patterns.

Animals and any form of living being is typically forbidden too in Islamic art serving the Koran's command of not worshipping statues or pictures.

It is why the prophet Mohammed is rarely depicted in Islamic art.

While the art forms are largely the same, based on simple shapes such as squares and circles - which aim to serve as a reminder of the everlasting lifespan of religion - some mosques are more lavish than others.

Inside the Iranian Shah-e-Cheragh Mausoleum ceiling in Fars Province, Shiraz, the enormous dome above the shrine is inlaid with hundreds of thousands of pieces of finely crafted tiles.

The interior walls are covered with myriad pieces of dazzling glass interspersed with multi-colored tiles  green, yellow, red and blue, interspersed with glasses of paler shades.

High and large windows down to the ground are largely made up of mosaics of stained glass which are reflected in the mosaics of mirrors.

Combined with the light, the mosque becomes a kaleidoscopic cacophony of colour.

And the light is another important element to the buildings.

Inside the Iranian Shah-e-Cheragh Mausoleum ceiling in Fars Province, Shiraz, the enormous dome above the shrine is inlaid with hundreds of thousands of pieces of finely crafted tiles

High and large windows down to the ground are largely made up of mosaics of stained glass which are reflected in the mosaics of mirrors

Combined with the light, the mosque becomes a kaleidoscopic cacophony of colour. And the light is another important element to the buildings

Light is an essential feature for mosques, since the first and last daily prayers occur before the sun rises and after the sun sets

The hanging lamps - as seen in many mosques including the Shah-e-Cheragh Mausoleum - may seem modern, but they are steeped in history.

Light is an essential feature for mosques, since the first and last daily prayers occur before the sun rises and after the sun sets.

Before electricity, mosques were illuminated with oil lamps.

Hundreds of the oil lamps hung inside mosques in the early days and would create a glittering spectacle.

With soft light emanating from each lamp it would highlight the calligraphy and other decorations on the walls and ceilings.

So although not a permanent part of a mosque, lamps, along with other furnishings like carpets, have become an integral part of the buildings architecture and symbolism.

Many Islamic designs are built on squares and circles, typically repeated, overlapped and interlaced to form intricate and complex patterns

While the art forms are largely the same, based on simple shapes such as squares and circles - which aim to serve as a reminder of the everlasting lifespan of religion - some mosques are more lavish than others

Animals too and any form of living being is typically forbidden in Islamic art serving the Koran's command of not worshipping statues or pictures. It is why the prophet Mohammed is rarely depicted in Islamic art

Most historical mosques are not stand-alone buildings with many of them incorporating charitable institutions such as soup kitchens, hospitals, and schools

The endowment of charitable institutions is an important aspect of Islamic culture, due in part to the third pillar of Islam, which calls for Muslims to donate a portion of their income to the poor

The commissioning of a mosque would be seen as a pious act on the part of a ruler or other wealthy patron, and the names of patrons are usually included in the calligraphic decoration of mosques

And the cracks and crevices within the mosques' elaborate walls and ceilings are kept free of dirt by teams of cleaners donning dusters, as pictured outside the Shah-e-Cheragh Mausoleum

Most historical mosques are not stand-alone buildings with many of them incorporating charitable institutions such as soup kitchens, hospitals, and schools.

The endowment of charitable institutions is an important aspect of Islamic culture, due in part to the third pillar of Islam, which calls for Muslims to donate a portion of their income to the poor.

The commissioning of a mosque would be seen as a pious act on the part of a ruler or other wealthy patron, and the names of patrons are usually included in the calligraphic decoration of mosques.

And the cracks and crevices within the mosques' elaborate walls and ceilings are kept free of dirt by teams of cleaners donning dusters, as pictured outside the Shah-e-Cheragh Mausoleum.
David Cameron was back on the stump in Witney today to campaign for his successor in Parliament.

Mr Cameron has been rarely seen in public since his shock decision to quit Parliament last month to avoid being a distraction to Theresa May.

Instead, he is spending most of his time focussing on his memoirs and had hoped to secure an advance to match the lucrative multi-million pound deal secured by Tony Blair.

But it has emerged publishers found Mr Cameron's three page outline 'bland' and the bids have come in far below the 4.6million advance secured by Mr Blair.

David Cameron was back on the stump in Witney today to campaign for his successor Robert Courts in Parliament in a break from work on his memoirs

Mr Cameron and Mr Courts joined students working at the college today as they campaigned to ensure the ultra safe seat stays blue on October 20

Lawyer Robert Courts is the hot favourite to retain for the Tories the ultra-safe Oxfordshire constituency in the by-election on October 20 and he joined Mr Cameron at a college today.

As negotiations on his book continue, a source told the Mail's Sebastian Shakespeare offers for Mr Cameron's story have ranged from 500,000 to 800,000.

Mr Cameron commissioned literary agent Ed Victor to sell the book and reports suggest a deal could be announced at the Frankfurt book fair in a fortnight.

Mr Cameron has rarely been seen in public since his shock decision to quit Parliament last month and he was nowhere to be seen at Conservative Party conference in Birmingham this week.

The ex-PM's relatively low profile in the United States is thought to be limiting the advance he can secure while sales are also expected to struggle on the continent after Mr Cameron lost the referendum.

In his appearance in Witney today, Mr Cameron and Mr Courts paid a visit to Carterton Community College.

Mr Courts is defending one of the Conservatives' safest seats after Mr Cameron secured more than 60 per cent of the vote in 2015.

A total of 14 candidates are standing in the by-election which will take place on October 20.
A middle-aged arts producer who expected to meet an underage girl for sex was confronted by paedophile hunters outside a railway station.

David Metcalfe, 51, from Newcastle, arrived at St Albans thinking he was to meet a 13-year-old called Lizzie White.

But St Albans Crown Court heard that he was the target of a sting operation and Lizzie White was fictitious.

David Metcalfe, 51, from Newcastle, arrived at St Albans thinking he was to meet a 13-year-old called Lizzie White

When he was standing outside St Albans City station, he was filmed by self-styled paedophile hunters Katie and Neil Ivall, who operate under the name Chris Fear.

He was arrested and, when police examined his computer, they found he had been having conversations with girls, aged 9 to 15, who also turned out to be fictitious.

The officers discovered he travelled to Hartlepool beach where he expected to have sex with one of them.

Metcalfe, of Haldane Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming between 6 June 2015 and 2 August 2015.

He also pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming between 10 September 2015 and 13 September 2015.

When he was standing outside St Albans City station, Metcalfe was filmed by self-styled paedophile hunters Katie and Neil Ivall (pictured), who operate under the name Chris Fear

Prosecutor Jai Patel said a 13 year old called Lizzie White was made up by Katie Ivall and her profile and date of birth was placed on an Internet site showing children in school uniform.

Metcalfe, who used the name David Langden, became her friend on the site, saying: 'I love your pics.'

They agreed to meet up in St Albans. Lizzie said: 'I am 13. Is that K?' (Meaning OK) He replied: 'Yes it is ok with me. What would you be up for doing?'

Explicit conversations followed and the day before the meeting Metcalfe wrote: 'Maybe your last night as a virgin.' She replied: 'OMG - really.'

He also sent her a photo of his erect penis, saying: 'I hope you like it.'

Mr Patel said when Metcalfe was arrested, the police examined his computer and found he had been in contact with 4 fictitious girls and discussed sexual activity and meeting up.

St Albans Crown Court heard that Metcalfe was the target of a sting operation (pictured) and the 13-year-old Lizzie White was fictitious

He arranged to meet one girl for a beach party in Hartlepool, telling her to bring her friends. When she did not turn up, he sent her a message saying: 'I can't find you.'

Another girl told him she was aged only 9, he replied: 'Wow, nice and very naughty.'

He also asked the 15 year old to send him a picture of her vagina. An image was sent to Metcalfe, said Mr Patel.

Chloe Fairley, defending, said Metcalfe had already spent six months in custody on remand. She said Metcalfe acknowledge he needed help and had sought psychological assistance.

'He is a professional man with a very distinguished career which he spent a long time building up. That is lying in tatters. He acknowledges he has brought that on himself,' she said

Judge Jonathan Carroll said: 'He has paedophile tendencies and has paedophile fantasies. On two occasions he tried to act them out. Fortunately, it was fictitious.'

Metcalfe is captured on camera by paedophile hunters Katie and Neil Ivall. Pictured is Metcalfe with Neil Ivall

Jailing him for two and a half years, the judge told Metcalfe: 'None of these girls existed. They were created to entice someone like you.'

Referring to an interview with a probation officer about the St Albans meeting, the judge said: 'You appear to seek to minimise what your intentions were that night and made excuses. In my judgement you got on the train to St Albans with the clear intention of having sex with a 13 year old child.

'You are a paedophile. On two occasions you arranged to meet girls and on five occasions you sought to develop grooming relationships.'
James Luff taught at Lutterworth College, in Leicestershire, and was a well-respected member of staff but he hid his sex addiction from both colleagues and relatives

A head of biology who asked a 13-year-old girl to send him topless 'sexy' pictures and had a stash of child pornography on his computer has been spared jail.

James Luff taught at Lutterworth College, in Leicestershire, and was a well-respected member of staff but he hid his sex addiction from both colleagues and relatives.

Luff, 32, was given a suspended sentence after he admitted downloading 79 indecent images of children in category A, the most serious range, 59 in category B and 417 in category C, between September 2007 and June 2014.

Luff also pleaded guilty to possessing 128 extreme pornographic images, and attempting to incite a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity, between March and May 2014.

He was spared jail by a judge who said he had lost his career which 'was itself a significant punishment.'

Victoria Rose, for the prosecution, told Leicester Crown Court police searched his home on April 22 last year.

She said: 'He told the officers he had an old computer in the attic which was seized and examined.'

Miss Rose said as well as illegal images downloaded from the internet, he had also chatted to school children on Skype and social media.

He had discussed homework but had also asked one 13-year-old girl: 'Have you ever taken sexy pictures of yourself?'

The 32-year-old asked for more revealing pictures in her 'underwear, bikini and topless'.

But none were sent and the child concerned was never located or identified.

Luff was spared jail by a judge who said he had lost his career which 'was itself a significant punishment'

Lisa Hancox, mitigating, said: 'Apart from this he's led a blameless life. There are two sides to this gentleman.

'A professional family man and friend - you'll have the flavour of that from his references - and the other side, for which he now appears in court.

'His entire behaviour since the police arrived at his house is the good side shining through.'

She said Luff had contacted the Lucy Faithful Foundation, a charity dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse, and contacted Sex Addicts Anonymous.

'There were attempts to obtain photographs (from the girl online), and he accepts full responsibility', she said.

'He has quite rightly lost his career and lost people he would have had as friends along the way.

'There's nothing brushed under the carpet, he's told friends and family about it.

'His family have stood by him and his parents attend court.

'He's been working in a supermarket since earlier this year and his employer knows of the proceedings.

'These offences are now two years old and he's stayed out of trouble.'

None of the children involved were pupils at the college, either past or present.

Luff was head of biology at Lutterworth College (pictured) in Leicestershire

Sentencing him Judge Nicholas Dean QC told him: 'For most of the period that you've been addicted to pornography you've worked as a school teacher, and I've read that you've been very successful in your career as a teacher.

'I want to emphasise that in no way, shape or form did your use of pornography, or attempt at offending, involve any children in your care.

'Had it done so, it's crystal clear you'd have been facing a lengthy sentence of imprisonment.

'There's no suggestion you actually engaged in sexual activity with children.

'These offences are serious and the offending falls into such a category that would justify a short term of imprisonment.

'It's important to say, however, that the sentencing guidelines indicate, where there's a significant prospect of rehabilitation, an alternative to custody can be appropriate.

'Your reaction to being uncovered as a sex offender was unusually candid and you've voluntarily sought help for what had become an addiction.

'You've lost your career. That is of itself a significant punishment.

'And, no doubt, for the rest of your adult life, you'll be haunted by these convictions. I'm confident you won't offend again.'

Luff was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order, and his address will be on a sex offenders' register, both for 10 years.

A statement from his former school, seen by the Leicester Mercury, read: 'Mr Luff was employed by the Lutterworth Academies Trust (LAT) as head of biology for Lutterworth College between August 2013 and November 2015.

'On the day of his arrest, April 22, 2015, Lutterworth Academies Trust was informed by Leicestershire Police and Mr Luff was suspended with immediate effect. Mr Luff has not since attended the school premises.

'Mr Luff was subject to the disciplinary procedures of the Trust. The dismissal process did not commence until the police had progressed their investigation to a suitable point.

'Mr Luff was then dismissed following a meeting of a disciplinary panel, formed of members of the governing body, in November 2015.

'Mr Luff did not attend any investigatory or disciplinary meetings but was professionally represented.

'No students attending Lutterworth College, past or present, were involved in any of the offences.

'There has been no misuse of the Lutterworth Academies Trust's IT facilities or networks.

'LAT has continued to liaise with Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire County Council and all other appropriate bodies from arrest through suspension to the present day.

'The safeguarding of students is the paramount concern of the trust and senior leadership team.

'We are satisfied that our robust practices have not been compromised.

'Furthermore, the police have acknowledged the Lutterworth Academies Trust's safeguarding procedures as a model of exemplary practice.

'At the request of the police, LAT did not inform parents or members of staff of the reasons for Mr Luff leaving its employment in November 2015.
Lewis has denied any impropriety as he awaits his punishment

Investigators also accused him of inappropriate interactions with women

He is accused of spending $1,800 while in club Cica Cica Boom in Rome

Investigators said he visited strip clubs while on official business abroad

Major General Ron Lewis was fired by Ash Carter as an aide last November

A former senior military aide to Defense Secretary Ash Carter has been accused of spending $1,800 on a government credit card in a Rome strip club after his own payment card failed.

Major General Ron Lewis was forced to leave the venue, called Cica Cica Boom, with a female employee, according to an investigation by the Defense Department's Inspector General.

Lewis, who was fired by Carter in November, returned to his hotel with the woman and woke up a Defense Department official to access the credit card in order settle his tab.

It was one of many instances in a damning report, which paints a broad picture of Lewis as a senior officer who often went out alone on overseas trips, and sometimes drank in excess.

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Major General Ron Lewis (right), pictured with his former boss Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, was dismissed from his position following allegations of impropriety in November

Lewis is accused of spending $1,800 in the Cica Cica Boom lap dancing club in Rome, pictured

The Pentagon probe found also found that Lewis frequented the Candy Bar in Seoul, South Korea, in an area known as 'Hooker Hill'.

He was also accused of making 'inappropriate interactions' with women and improperly using his credit card.

The report is believed to have found Lewis guilty of 'conduct unbecoming an officer'.

Following the incident in Rome, Lewis paid back the $1,800 he used to settle the tab.

Lewis, who was fired nearly a year ago by Carter, submitted a written rebuttal slamming the IG investigation.

He asserted that it had built an inaccurate and inflammatory case on innuendo and failed to 'find the truth'.

In the rebuttal, Lewis denies that the bar in Rome was a strip club and also denies claims went to a strip or gentleman's club in Seoul, South Korea, in an area of the city the IG report calls 'Hooker Hill'.

The IG report has been completed, but has not yet been made public. It is expected to be released today.

A Pentagon probe was launched after Lewis (far right) was accused of making an inappropriate advance towards a 'lower ranked enlisted service member' in his hotel room

Lewis, in his rebuttal, takes responsibility for several inappropriate actions.

In an embarrassing set of circumstances, Lewis says he tried to use his personal debit card at the strip club, but it didn't work.

Therefore he had to walk back to his hotel with a female employee of the club.

Once in his room, he had to wake up a Defense Department staff member to get his government card to pay the bill.

Lewis has insisted the venue was not a strip club.

He said he went to a 'high-end establishment with a respectable clientele that had a DJ, a bar area and a dance floor where couples were dancing'.

A photo of Cica Cica Boom shows a sign above the doorway that advertises lap dances.

Lewis also denies going to a an area known as 'Hooker Hill' in South Korea, as stated in the IG report.

The website for the venue promises a night club, floor shows and lap dancers. But Lewis insists the venue was a 'high-end establishment with a respectable clientele that had a DJ, a bar area and a dance floor'

Instead, he claims, he went to a commercial area of Seoul.

He said that when he returned to Washington and saw two charges on his credit card totaling around $1,100, he called the bank to have them removed and the bank agreed.

Investigators presented him with two receipts from the club bearing the name 'Candy'.

Both receipts show only a short pen mark in the signature area, and do not show his written name.

The report also describes a night in Hawaii last November  just days before Lewis was fired  when he went to dinner and later went back to his room with a lower-ranking enlisted service member.

The report says she told investigators that Lewis approached her and appeared to want to kiss her, but she stopped him and left.

Lewis said there was another staff member in the hotel room for much of the time, and that even when he was alone with the enlisted service member 'our discussions remained the type of conversation a command team would engage in'.

He said he has known the service member for several years.

The report also includes a description of Lewis sharing a cigar with a female Defense Department staff member during drinks in Malaysia with a large number of other staff and members of the media.

It says others there said they were uncomfortable with Lewis' actions and said he was sitting too close to the staff member.

The report does not suggest that Lewis had an extramarital affair or that he had sex with any of the other women.

And Lewis, in his rebuttal, criticizes the report for relying on insinuations and statements from people who may have distorted the facts or didn't actually see what happened.

According to officials with knowledge of the matter, the allegations of misconduct, which first surfaced after the November overseas trip with Carter, stunned the secretary and sent shockwaves through the Pentagon.
The civil rights activist who shamelessly pretended to be African American will be speaking at a Martin Luther King Day celebration, it has emerged.

Former NAACP leader Rachel Dolezal, who identifies as a black woman despite being born white, was selected by organizers who believed she was vilified for her choice.

She will be headlining the MLK Dreamfest event in Cary, North Carolina, the theme of which is 'Healing Race Relations through Conversation and Participation'.

Event organizer Al Cohen said Dolezal was chosen because of the way she was portrayed as a 'villain', despite having committed no crime.

Rachel Dolezal (pictured left and right), the former NAACP leader who shamelessly pretended to be black, will be speaking at a Martin Luther King Day celebration

'We chose a person like Rachel Dolezal that has been depicted as a major villain through media because of her preference of racial identity,' he told the News & Observer.

'And yet, she didn't steal from anybody. She didn't murder anybody. She didn't rob anybody.

'She only had an affinity for a group of people, and she served her community well.'

Dolezal shot to international notoriety last year when her parents outed her as white.

She will be headlining the Martin Luther King Dreamfest event in Cary, North Carolina, the theme of which is 'Healing Race Relations through Conversation and Participation'

Dolezal, who identifies as a black woman despite being born white, was selected by organizers who claimed she was vilified over her choice

As the president of the Spokane chapter of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) she had deliberately identified herself as black.

She even claimed her adopted black brother was her son and that an older black man she wasnt related to was her father to make her story more convincing.

After she was revealed to be a 'race faker', she opened up about her decision in an interview with The Guardian.

If somebody asked me how I identify, I identify as black. Nothing about whiteness describes who I am, she said.

As the president of the Spokane chapter of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) she had deliberately identified herself as black

Caitlyn Jenner has not been seen as a woman and treated as a woman by other people for her entire life.

'So what does that mean? What if somebody transitions as a teenager and their entire adult life we know them as a woman?

As long as I can remember, I saw myself as black. I was socially conditioned to discard that, she said.

It was an all-white town. I was very unhappy.

She also made an appearance at a festival celebrating natural African-American hair last month.
A year-old colt sired by 'superhorse' Frankel has been sold for more than 1.3million.

When it was announced that Frankel would be studded out at 125,000 a time, people baulked at the staggering price.

But the investment is starting to pay off with his offspring selling for an average of almost 500,000.

This colt sired by famous racehorse Frankel has just sold for 1.3million at auction

An unnamed, chestnut-coloured colt has now set a new UK record for Frankel's colts and fillies when it was sold as part of Tattersalls' three-day Yearling sale in Newmarket.

The young horse, whose mother is Peeress, another successful racehorse, was bred and consigned by Cheveley Park Stud.

It was sold to MV Magnier and Markus Jooste for 1.3million guineas - 1,365,000.

MV Magnier described the colt he'd bought as 'a lovely horse and out of a good racemare'.

He said: 'Cheveley Park is a great producer and its record speaks for itself.

'We have got to know the Joostes very well now and they are straight-forward and very decent people, it is a pleasure to work with them.'

The young horse, who is yet to be named, is worth so much due to his famous father

Frankel, pictured with Tom Queally at Newmarket in 2012, won every race he ever competed in

The sale was an auction record for a yearling from Cheveley Park Stud, doubling the 620,000 guineas it achieved with Seven Heavens, another Frankel colt, last year.

Chris Richardson, stud manager at Cheveley Park, said: 'Our policy is to sell all the colts and retain fillies, and though I would have loved to have kept him, we have to stay true to our policy.

'It is a compliment to the stud that this horse was bought by MV Magnier, and shows that our breeding policy is working and is truly international.

'He is a beautiful horse, very powerful and much like his sire, and he is out of a great racemare. She is by Pivotal who is becoming a phenomenal broodmare sire.'

Frankel is regarded by many as the greatest horse ever to race after winning all 14 of his races.

The colt was bought by MV Magnier and Markus Jooste at an auction at Newmarket

He was retired in 2012, with Juddmonte Farms now charging a 125,000 stud fee for his services.

On the first day of sales, four of his yearlings sold for an average of just under 500,000.
Creepy video footage has emerged of a clown terrorising residents of a usually quiet town in north Wales.

A boy has filmed the clown loitering outside a children's playground in Caernarfon in the dead of night.

The footage shows a tall, ominous figure looming next to the park.

The creepy footage was shot out of a car window by a passenger as they were driving past in Caernarfon

The creepy clown appears to be hanging around a children's park in the normally quiet town in north Wales

As the car drives past, the clown seems to move to face it, following its movement with its gaze.

Residents in the sleepy town in north Wales have reported seeing the spooky figure two nights in a row, according to the Mirror.

One Caernarfon man said: 'It's been the talk of the town with most people saying they've been scared by the sight of it.

'I thought it was a bit creepy myself but you knew it was meant to be a prank as some people also spotted a few kids laughing nearby.

Residents say they've spotted the eerie figure a couple of times and it is worrying the local people

In the video, the creepy figure follows the car round as they drive past the children's playground

'I think it was only meant to be a bit of fun but I'm sure it was enough to scare the living daylights out of someone walking past there.'

This is the latest in a series of clown incidents across the UK, with many more happening in the USA.

Photographer Chase Prior and his friend claimed they were chased by a clown with a knife when they went out for a run in Ohio.
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Two days after Hurricane Matthew rampaged across Haiti's remote southwestern peninsula, authorities and aid workers still lack a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years.

But new aerial footage has illustrated some of the mass devastation, showing villages that have been leveled by 145 mph winds, with wreckage and misery everywhere.

At least 340 people have been killed by the storm across the Caribbean, but predominantly in Haiti, local officials said today. The interior ministry confirmed 108 had been killed by Thursday afternoon, with that number expected to rise. Four more have been killed in the Dominican Republic.

In ruins: Villages were leveled by 145 mph winds as the Category four storm brought floods, wreckage and misery to Haiti on Tuesday and Wednesday

Amidst the rubble: People walk around near destroyed houses after Hurricane Matthew passes Jeremie, Haiti

Destroyed: Homes lay in ruins after the passing of Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, on Thursday

Devastating toll: At least 300 people have been killed in Haiti alone by the Category Four storm, officials have said; a further four people were killed in the Dominican Republic

In southern peninsula towns where Matthew arrived around daybreak Tuesday with 145 mph winds, there was wreckage, destruction and misery everywhere

Haiti's interior ministry put the toll in the impoverished Caribbean nation at 108 dead with the number expected to rise; Many were killed by falling trees, flying debris and swollen rivers; the toll will likely rise

No way across: People gather next to a collapsed bridge after Hurricane Matthew passed Petit Goave, Haiti

Matthew is the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck in 2007, a Category Five hurricane which resulted in at least 133 deaths across the Caribbean and Central America

Matthew was headed northward on Thursday, battering the Bahamas en route to Florida.

In southern peninsula towns where Matthew arrived around daybreak Tuesday there was major ground damage.

'The floodwater took all the food we have in the house. Now we are starving and don't have anything to cook,' said farmer Antoine Louis as he stood in brown water up to his thighs in the doorway of his deluged concrete shack.

In Aquin, a coastal town outside the battered city of Les Cayes, people trudged through mud around the wreckage of clapboard houses and tiny shops.

Strong: This NASA satellite data from Wednesday shows Hurricane Matthew over Cuba. It is the most powerful hurricane to hit the Caribbean in almost a quarter of a century

Cenita Leconte was one of many who initially ignored calls to evacuate vulnerable shacks before Matthew roared ashore. The 75-year-old was thankful she finally complied and made it through the terrifying ordeal with her life.

'We've lost everything we own. But it would have been our fault if we stayed here and died,' she told The Associated Press as neighbors poked through wreckage hoping to find at least some of their meager possessions.

Marie Alta Jean-Baptiste, head of the civil protection agency, said the storm also made roads impassable and knocked out communications in the Grand Anse department, on the opposite side of the narrow peninsula from where Matthew first hit.

'We do know there's a lot of damage in the Grand Anse, and we also know human life has been lost there,' Jean-Baptiste said, though the official death toll did not yet include reports from there.

Men push a motorbike through a street flooded by a river that overflowed from heavy rains caused by Hurricane Matthew in Leogane, Haiti, on Wednesday

Civil aviation authorities reported counting 3,214 destroyed homes along the southern peninsula, where many families live in shacks with sheet metal roofs and don't always have the resources to escape harm's way.

The government has estimated at least 350,000 people need some kind of assistance after the disaster, which U.N. Deputy Special Representative for Haiti Mourad Wahba has called the country's worst humanitarian crisis since the devastating earthquake of 2010.

International aid groups are already appealing for donations for a lengthy recovery effort in Haiti, the hemisphere's least developed and most aid-dependent nation.

In coming days, U.S. military personnel equipped with nine helicopters were expected to start arriving in the capital to help deliver food and water to hard-hit areas.

A man sits inside of what is left of his home with his cousin after it was damaged by Hurricane Matthew in Saint-Louis, Haiti, on Wednesday

Jean-Michel Vigreux, the country director in Haiti for the nonprofit group CARE, his group hadn't yet been able to communicate with its team in Grande Anse. 'It is very scary,' he said.

With answers slow to come, some Haitians in the crowded capital were convinced their homeland had been largely spared the kind of suffering that severe weather has wrought in the past.

'The news on the radio doesn't seem nearly as bad as it could have been,' upholsterer Daniel Wesley said as he walked down a rain-slicked street in downtown Port-au-Prince which was largely spared from the storm.

The last Category 4 storm to pound Haiti was Hurricane Flora in 1963, which killed as many as 8,000 people.

In nearby Cuba, Matthew blew across that island's sparsely populated eastern tip, destroying dozens of homes and damaging hundreds in the island's easternmost city, Baracoa. But the government oversaw the evacuation of nearly 380,000 people and strong measures were taken to protect communities and infrastructure, U.N. officials said.
Chris Christie threatened to 'f***ing destroy' an elected official's career for calling him a 'fat f**k,' a former staffer to the New Jersey governor says.

The aide, Christopher Stark, testified to the incident, which occurred against the backdrop of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, in court on Wednesday during the trial of two Christie aides accused of causing Bridgegate.

Stark says Christie, who heads Donald Trump's transition team, confronted Freeholder John Curley - a fellow Republican - and told him: 'Who the f**k do you think you are calling me a fat f**k? Im the f**king governor of this state.'

Chris Christie threatened to 'f***ing destroy' an elected official's career for calling him a 'fat f**k,' a former staffer to the New Jersey governor says. Christie, who heads Donald Trump's transition team, confronted a fellow Republican and told him: Im the f**king governor of this state'

The former Christie aide testified to the incident in court on Wednesday during a trial concerning Bridgegate. Above, a woman is seen holding up a sign scolding Christie for Bridgegate during a town hall meeting on Tuesday

Christie also told Curley, up for re-election that year, that he'd set up robocalls in his area telling people not to vote for him, Stark says, if he didn't show up at an event he'd ordered him to.

Curley was irritated with Christie for taking credit for the state's response to Sandy, Stark said in testimony Wednesday.

The explosive back-and-forth was confirmed by Freeholder John Curley - but he says insulted Christie to the governor's staffers' faces, not a voicemail as an aide testified

'Who does that fat f*** think he is? He's done nothing but press conferences,' Curley said in a voicemail, according to Stark, a regional director in Christie's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the time of the spat. 'We're out here doing all the work.'

The explosive back-and-forth was confirmed by Curley.

However, he says the insult was 'fat motherf***er' and the remark wasn't made over voicemail.

Curley told Asbury Park Press that he approached Christie's aides after an event Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno spoke at and said, 'So where is that fat motherf***er? Out running for governor? We need help here and these people need help here immediately.'

Christie called him the next day, he said, and 'yelled for a good 10 minutes.'

'F*** this, f*** that and the other thing,' Curley claims. He says he apologized to the governor for rudely attacking his weight.

And while he went to the event, it wasn't because he of terrified by Christie. Curley says he was already planning to go.

Curley says that after he apologized on the call, he reemphasized his area's disaster relief needs and Christie replied, 'Yeah, but we've got to work together.'

The New Jersey official told Bloomberg, 'You feel a lot of frustration when you see people who are that devastated. I was just happy and pleased that I stood and was representing the people who elected me.

He added, 'I hold no malice toward the governor.'

Christie underwent lap band surgery the following year as he was gearing up to run for president. The Republican politician says he had the gastric band placed around his stomach for health reasons. 'It didnt have anything to do with politics.'

The spat between Christie and Curley came against the backdrop of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Christie's seen above with President Barack Obama just after the disaster. Their embrace that day cost the Republican governor political points in the presidential election

The retaliatory threat to the local official, Curley, was revealed Wednesday during court proceedings of two Christie aides, Bridget Anne Kelly and Bill Baroni. They'e on trail for the lane closures on the George Washington Bridge that created four days of traffic jams and contributed to the death of a 91-year-old woman.

Christie says he was not involved in the plot to to punish a Democratic mayor refusing to endorse him for re-election. A former confidante to Christie, David Wildstein, has testified that he was, however.

New Jersey law bars Christie from seeking a third consecutive term to governor. It does not prevent him from taking a break when his mandate is up in January of 2018 and running again some day.

If Trump wins the White House Christie could vacate the office early to take a promotion. A former U.S. attorney, he's been talked about as the next Attorney General.
As a mother of a child with a genetic abnormality, it was strange watching Sally Phillips and her documentary on babies with Downs syndrome last night.

She was speaking out against the introduction of an NHS pregnancy-screening programme to test for abnormalities in the womb. She fears it will lead to a population free from Downs, where the condition no longer exists.

And it is not surprising she takes everything so personally. She has a son with the condition, a much-loved son who can run and laugh and is, as she rightly says, a unique type of person not a disease to be cured.

But I found it a hard watch.

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Actress Sally Phillips (right) was accused of using her Downs syndrome son Olly (left) to make expectant mothers feel guilty about abortion

The debate has been fuelled by a new test for Downs syndrome, which tells pregnant women with 99 per cent accuracy whether their baby is likely to have the condition. Miss Phillips is pictured meeting people with Down's syndrome during the programme

Not because 100 per cent of Icelanders who receive abnormal results choose to have a termination. Not because of the implication that one day we will live in a world without Downs.

I found it hard to watch because it was so sickly sweet. So sugar-coated. Leaving gaping holes in the story, like a fairy-tale with a happy ending of children dancing in a shopping mall for no reason.

Everything was in favour of accepting a baby with Downs or disability. Everything praising the mothers who actively resist screening. Championing mums who had resisted advice and had an abnormal child. Through choice.

There was no balance. No other truth.

Even a woman who had an abortion due to genetic abnormality who had made a perfectly rational decision was not given a platform to talk about the fact she made her decision for her unborn child, because she did not want her child to suffer.

Sally Phillips was so consumed by the notion that anyone who made a different choice to her was somehow rejecting her sons right to life, that she couldnt face the darker side of the debate.

Away from the images of children play-fighting in the sunshine and the bright lights of the fun-fair, there is a very different reality faced by many mums and dads caring for disabled children.

Battling every day just to get five minutes for a cup of tea or to put on a load of washing. Parent perpetually stuck in that first month after childbirth when they are drained wrecks and their hair looks like they oiled it in the garage. Still feeding, still changing nappies, still trying to lift their children around  even now when the children are 19 and fully grown.

I spent time this weekend speaking to parents whose lives have been absorbed entirely by caring for their disabled child.

Miss Phillips said having Olly is the best thing that ever happened to her and that she is concerned when people talk about the birth of a Downs syndrome baby as a disaster

A mother rang in to tell me her heavily autistic son lives a waking nightmare. She says we might pretend society is kind, but people are cruel. She dreads him finishing college, when she will have no respite in her day at all. I asked her, if she had her time over again, whether she would go through with her pregnancy. She said no.

A sister tells me her life changed at the age of eight when her disabled brother came along. And not for the better. She became a carer, a cleaner, her brothers minder  a role her mother still fulfils at 75. She wonders what will become of him when he has no one left.

And I reflect on my own experiences as a mother  in a time before non-invasive screening tests, who has sat in meetings with experts telling me my child might live for one hour or one day or more, that children like mine were prone to taking their own life, that kidney failure might be around the corner.

The programme (pictured), to be screened on Wednesday night, is provocatively titled A World Without Downs Syndrome? and explores the rewards of parenting a disabled child

Mothers speak of becoming a prisoner to their child. Held captive by the childs disability or needs, a bizarre form of Stockholm syndrome where they fall in love with their captor  who also happens to be their child.

I would love another child now I am fit-free. I always thought four was more fun than three. But I would not risk having a baby that was disabled. I simply cant imagine how that baby would fit into our lives or make the sum of our parts more happy, not less. I am selfish for the happiness we have.

And I do not think this makes me a bad mother. I think I am doing the right thing to put our happiness first. I dont want my children to become carers, I want them to be children first, responsible second.

Sally side-stepped the very real issue that faces mums of disabled children: what happens when you are no longer there? And it is this that mums fear the most. This is their waking dread. That they will die and their child will be left to fend for itself in a selfish world where people simply dont want to take on other peoples problems.

Katie Hopkins said that most mothers don't want to have a disabled child. Pictured is Sally Phillips

She awkwardly suggests society should take care of her Downs son when she is gone. But society didnt make that choice. We have to be accountable as parents. And surely the decision not to create a baby with a condition is the truest accountability of all.

The Director of Antenatal Results and Choices says the documentary was not at all helpful and I would agree.

People do not choose to have babies with a condition. Nor should society, if we can choose otherwise.

Sally Phillips did a great job of presenting and clearly loves her son and has done a great job of putting a positive spin on caring for a child with a condition.

To assert that pre-natal testing is not a win for most mothers is untrue. I am thrilled my children will have this opportunity.

For Sally not to address the real challenges facing mums made prisoners by their disabled children is major weakness in her argument.
Two U.S. diplomats were slipped date-rape drugs while attending a UN conference in Russia last year, a new report has revealed.

The diplomats, a man and a woman, attended a UN anti-corruption conference held on November 2-6 last year in St Petersburg, according to Radio Free Europe.

After the conference one night, the two were drinking at an upscale hotel when they both suddenly fell ill.

One of the diplomats was taken to a hospital, but when doctors there tried to take tissue samples to determine what caused the sudden illness, the hospital lost power.

Two U.S. diplomats were slipped date-rape drugs at a UN conference in Russia last year. Above, the convention center in St Petersburg where the conference took place

The diplomat was then taken to another country for treatment, but by then it was too late to take a sample to determine the possible drug used in the attack.

The State Department believes this incident is part of a series of harassment from Russians stretching back to 2014.

'Without speaking to specific incidents, we are troubled by the way our employees have been treated over the past two years,' a State Department official told RFE. 'We have raised, and will continue to raise, at the highest levels any incidents inconsistent with protections guaranteed by international law.'

Diplomats have returned to their Russian apartments in the last two years to find water taps mysteriously running or even human excrement on their floors.

And in June, a diplomat walking outside the American Embassy was tackled by a person believed to be working for the Russian government.

After the alleged date-rape drug incident, the U.S. government quietly filed a formal note of protest against Russia, but it went nowhere since the Americans had no physical evidence that the two diplomats had been drugged.

Date-rape druggings are fairly common in Russia, where they are used by criminals to stage robberies. The State Department has even issued a specific advisory on this issue on their website.
A male nurse, who pictured children as young as five performing sex acts and secretly filmed a patient's son in her home, has been struck off.

Philip Garvican, 48, kept thousands of indecent pictures and videos of children while working in the Health Partnerships Division at Mansfield Hospital, Nottinghamshire.

Garvican was caught downloading the videos as part of the polices national Spade operation tracking the online purchase of indecent films.

He bought 11 films between September and May 2010 and was arrested in December 2014, the Nursing and Midwifery Council heard.

Philip Garvican, 48, kept thousands of indecent pictures and videos of children while working in the Health Partnerships Division at Mansfield Hospital (pictured), Nottinghamshire

Garvicans sickening haul which also including extreme material involving animals was revealed after police seized five computers, a hard drive and DVDs from his home.

Several indecent images taken by the nurse himself were discovered, including pictures of children as young as five performing sexual acts.

During the following Nottinghamshire police investigation Garvican also let slip that he had filmed a patients son in her home.

He said: Activating the camera to film mode I set the camera down on the floor facing the subject.

The nurse, who described the incident as opportunistic, later downloaded the film onto his home computer.

He also admitted to purchasing graphic films, saying: I did indeed purchase videos featuring minors in various states of undress from a company in Canada not realising at the time the difference in the law relating to such images

The nurse referred himself to the NMC upon his arrest and pleaded guilty to all offences at Nottingham Crown Court in September 2015.

The NMC panel decided he should be struck off the nursing register as a result of his convictions and serious misconduct.

Panel Chair Nigel Hallam said: The registrant (Garvican) admits the facts amount to misconduct. He accepts that his actions fell seriously short of what would be expected of a registered nurse.

He has been convicted of a serious criminal offence.

Whilst his conduct was unrelated to his clinical practice, he has utilised his role to further involve himself in this improper conduct and this behaviour would be considered deplorable by fellow professionals.

The convictions in this case are the result of offences so serious that there are no actions which could remediate.

The nature of the convictions are fundamentally at odds with the role of a registered nurse.

The nature of the convictions are fundamentally at odds with the role of a registered nurse Nigel Hallam, NMC Panel Chair

Though the registrant has acknowledged his actions by pleading guilty to all convictions, he has shown little insight and has suggested his actions were the result of work related stress.

We agree that a finding of impairment on public interest rounds is also appropriate.

The appropriate sanction in this case is a strike off order.

A serious incident occurred in a work environment, where the Registrant utilised his role to further involve himself in this improper conduct and behaviour recording the nine year old son of a patient whom he had attended on a work visit.

The charges in this matter are at the highest end of public interest concerns... The Registrants actions render him incompatible with remaining on the Register.

Mr Garvican demonstrated no insight into the severity of his misconduct... He sought to blame workplace stress and deflect responsibility for his actions onto his employer and failed to recognised the effect of his actions on the nursing profession.

Mr Garvican maintains that his clinical practise remains separate from his personal life, however we determined this was not the case.

We determined Mr Garvicans clinical and personal life became entwined the moment he decided to film the child of a patient.

The offences for which Mr Garvican was convicted were carried out over many years and involved nearly 6000 indecent images of children. We therefore consider there is a real risk of repetition of this behaviour.
United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. TYRONE WILLIAM HOLLAND, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. GOVERNOR OF GEORGIA, Defendant-Appellee. No. 15-14066 Decided: October 05, 2016

Before WILSON, ROSENBAUM and BLACK, Circuit Judges.

Tyrone William Holland, proceeding pro se, appeals the district court's dismissal of his claim brought under 42 U.S.C.  1983 that Georgia's sex offender registration statute was unlawfully applied to him. On appeal, Holland argues that the district court erred in accepting the magistrate judge's recommendation that his complaint was time-barred.

I. DISCUSSION

The statute of limitations applicable to Holland's claim is two years. See McNair v. Allen, 515 F.3d 1168, 1173 (11th Cir. 2008) (All constitutional claims brought under  1983 are tort actions, subject to the statute of limitations governing personal injury actions in the state where the  1983 action has been brought.); Rozar v. Mullis, 85 F.3d 556, 561 (11th Cir. 1996) (noting that in Georgia, the statute of limitations for a  1983 claim is two years); see also O.C.G.A.  9-3-33 (Georgia personal injury statute of limitations is two years).

The Georgia sex offender registry law that is the subject of this action took effect with respect to Holland on July 1, 1996, a matter of months after his incarceration. See O.C.G.A.  42-1-12(e)(3). But July 1, 1996 is not necessarily the date the statute of limitations began to run. See Wallace v. Kato, 549 U.S. 384, 388 (2007) ([T]he accrual date of a  1983 cause of action is a question of federal law that is not resolved by reference to state law.) (emphasis omitted); Mullis, 85 F.3d at 561562 (The general federal rule is that the statute [of limitations] does not begin to run until the facts which would support a cause of action are apparent or should be apparent to a person with a reasonably prudent regard for his rights.) (quotation omitted).

The statute of limitations in these cases has only started to run after the plaintiff received some form of actual notice. See Lovett v. Ray, 327 F.3d 1181, 118283 (11th Cir. 2003) (concluding that a prisoner informed in 1998 that he would not be reconsidered for parole until 2006 knew, or should have known, all the facts necessary to pursue a cause of action at that time); Brown v. Ga. Bd. Of Pardons & Paroles, 335 F.3d 1259, 1261 (11th Cir. 2003) (holding the statute of limitations on petitioner's  1983 claim began to run in 1995, when he was informed he would not be considered for parole until 2000, which was outside the mandated maximum three-year review period).

The record does not indicate Holland received any notice he would be required to register as a sex offender under O.C.G.A.  42-1-12 upon his release from prison. Because there are no facts showing Holland knew or should have known of his claim more than two years before he filed suit, the district court erred in dismissing his complaint.

II. CONCLUSION

Accordingly, we reverse and remand for further proceedings.

REVERSED AND REMANDED.

FOOTNOTES

. Since it appears from the record that Holland was not served with notice of the magistrate judge's Final Report and Recommendation, he did not waive his right to challenge on appeal the district court's order under 11th Cir. R. 3-1. Cf. 28 U.S.C. 636(b)(1). Accordingly, we review de novo the district court's decision to dismiss for failure to state a claim under 28 U.S.C.  1915A, taking the allegations in the complaint as true. Boxer X v. Harris, 437 F.3d 1107, 1110 (11th Cir. 2006).

PER CURIAM:
before seeing him again in a year's time

He had pictures with his son taken

Everyone will have to make sacrifices for their life at some point; for soldiers they give up precious family time in order to serve their country.

A set of pictures showing a Chinese solider bonding with his nine-month-old son, whom he met for the first time, have left thousands of readers in tears.

However, 27-year-old Li Liuyang, who was stationed in a military base hundreds of miles away from home, had to cut short his annual family reunion as he was dispatched again to a typhoon-stricken area, reported People's Daily Online.

Sad: Every time when Li Liuyang holds his son, the nine-month-old baby starts to cry

Long-expected meeting: This is the first time the 27-year-old Chinese soldier sees his baby

According to the report, Li is originally from the county of Taikang in central China's Henan province.

The man, who has been in the army for seven years, is based in China's 31st Group Army in the city of Xiamen, south-east China's Fujian province.

His camp is around 1,336 kilometres (830 miles) away from his hometown.

Last month, Li's wife brought their son to visit him during the annual family reunion.

Li had never met his son after the child was born nine months ago.

His wife said every time when Li tried to hold his son, the baby would start crying loudly because 'to him, his father is like a stranger.'

The long-expected reunion was cut short unexpectedly when the proud father was sent away to southern Fujian province for a week to fight against Typhoon Meranti.

Reunion cut short: Li was dispatched to fight against Typhoon when his wife and son visited

He had his first pictures taken with his son after returning from the week-long assignment

Li poses for a picture with his wife and son. His long-expected family reunion was disrupted but he says he is proud to serve the country

When Li came back to his base, he managed to see his son for a second time, but the precious reunion had come to an end and his wife and son were about to leave.

Before they departed, his colleague, who is the army's photographer, helped Li realise his wish - to have a set of pictures taken of him and his son.

The heart-warming pictures capture the perfect moment the man bonded with his son, who he barely has the time to hold.

Li borrowed a military uniform for his wife to wear in a family portrait.

An emotional Li said: 'In the world of my child, I'm a stranger. After the child was born, this is only the second time I got to see him. He cries as soon as I touch him.

'Our time together is too short, and I think I have done too little for my child too. My son probably doesn't know I am his father.'

He also said: 'I am only doing what a solider should do, but I feel I owe my family too much.'
A real estate agent has resigned after telling a woman to 'get the f*** out of this country' because she supported a ban on Australia Day fireworks.

The annual celebrations had been cancelled in Western Australian port city of Freemantle in August because it was found to be insensitive to Indigenous Australians, who view the anniversary of English colonisation as Invasion Day.

But Stuart Endersby rallied local businesses to fund their own fireworks display, and this week he told his critics where to stick it.

Stuart Endersby rallied local businesses to fund their own fireworks display after the council canned the Australia Day celebration to be sensitive to Indigenous Australians

Mr Endersby sent out a flyer boasted about his role to bring back the fireworks using the Harcourts Realty Plus letterhead (left) and resigned when he told a woman to 'get the f*** out of this country' in a text (right) because she did not support the fireworks

Mr Endersby boasted about his role in bringing Australia Day fireworks back in a flyer with a Harcourts Realty Plus letterhead.

A photograph of the flyer was posted to Freo Massive, a Facebook group of 10,000 locals, and his support for the celebrations was called into question.

He then shared his mobile phone number and beckoned people to give him a call to discuss it further.

'I have offered my phone number twice,' he wrote in the comment thread, according to WA Today.

'Still no call??? Easy behind a keyboard. Let's move on. Fireworks are back. Debate Australia Day date all you like. It's about families and kids  50,000 and Fremantle traders. Not race,' he continued in the thread, which has since been deleted.

But a woman did follow him up, and sent him a text asking him to explain why he supported the celebrations.

Mr Endersby has resigned from his job at a real estate agency

Freemantle council cancelled the Australia Day fireworks from 2017 in August (stock image)

'I do choose to support it 100%,' he wrote. 'I'm an Australian.'

'If you don't, get the f--k out of this country.'

He was quickly criticised on Freo Massive for his comments, for being a 'racist bogan in a cheap suit'.

Mr Endersby has said he 'deeply, deeply' regrets sending the text message when he was widely criticised, including on the real estate company's Facebook page.

And he resigned from Harcourts Realty One, the company said on Thursday night.

Locals began criticising the real estate agency for their employee's actions

Mr Endersby has resigned from the real estate agency after saying he regretted his comments

'On behalf of Management at Harcourts Realty Plus, we would like to apologise to the public for any confusion regarding our involvement with the Fremantle Bid reinstatement of the Fremantle Fireworks night,' the real estate company wrote to Freo Massive.

'We would also like to advise that Stuart Endersby has officially resigned from his position in our company and we have accepted it.

'We would like the public to know that we were never involved in the Fremantle [fireworks] decision and that it was purely and simply the use of combined advertising created by Stuart that has led the public to believe that we were somehow actively involved.

'We were not and will not be involved in this event in any commercial way.'
A Florida man dubbed the 'Prison Houdini' who was sentenced to four years in prison in 1980 for stealing his late father's tools is finally approaching release - 36 years later.

Mark DeFriest was 19 when he was given the light jail term after his stepmother reported the theft - even though his late father had willed the tools to him.

But the inmate, now 56, extended his stay in custody after 13 escape attempts - seven of which were successful.

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Mark DeFriest, pictured, was jailed for four years in 1980 but has never since been released

The then 19-year-old was accused of stealing his late father's tools by his step mother

DeFriest, right, pictured with his father, was a troubled but highly intelligent child

As a young child, it was clear that DeFriest had a special talent, although he was seen as slightly odd.

He had the ability to disassemble and repair almost any type of machine. He was able to build bugs or rewire the phone and broadcast his step-sister's conversations on a loudspeaker along the street.

Teachers noticed that DeFriest had above average intelligence and that he was a loner with disciplinary problems.

By the age of nine, he had been expelled from school and began his adversarial relationship with those in authority.

He moved to Florida to be with his father aged 14 and dropped out of school a year later and began working as a certified welder.

When he was 16, he married the 21-year-old Brenda and started selling customized military scrap to fishermen.

However, after his father's death in 1980, his life spiraled out of control.

After receiving his four year jail term for theft, DeFriest was sent to a psychiatric institution where he made his first escape attempt.

An animated movie has been made about DeFriest's remarkable life and his extraordinary set of skills that led to his audacious escape attempts

Film director Gabriel London is responsible for the documentary which reduced the sentence

At one stage, DeFriest's parole date was set for 2085, meaning he was only due for release at the age of 125

It is understood that DeFriest laced the staff's drinks with LSD from the dispensary and waited for them to trip out before fleeing.

However, security staff were alerted and he was forced to abort the attempt.

At one stage, his parole date was set for 2085, meaning he was only due for release at the age of 125.

Of the time in jail, he has spent 27 years in solitary confinement as punishment for escaping or breaking other prison rules.

A film of his life managed to prompt prison authorities to reduce the jail term by 70 years.

He received parole for the original jail term on March 13, 2015, but is still in prison because he still has time to serve for having contraband, such as cannabis, in his cell.

The film, The Mind of Mark DeFriest, increased the profile of his plight.

In one of his escape attempts, DeFriest convinced several inmates to make a break and he scaled a fence and hot wired a car.

Another attempt involved removing a tooth so he would be sent to the dentist.

He once made a replica firearm using a tube of toothpaste and a items acquired from the woodworking shop.
An MSNBC reporter was bashed online on Wednesday, when he claimed on air that the new Paris climate change agreement would stop storms like Hurricane Matthew.

Ron Allen was reporting from the White House, where President Obama spoke to the media about the agreement being ratified by the required number of nations.

When President Obama wrapped up his speech, Allen started speaking and tied the agreement to the current hurricane barreling towards Florida.

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MSNBC reporter Ron Allen said the Paris climate change deal was 'designed' to stop storms like Hurricane Matthew

'Its very interesting that this is happening on a day when theres a hurricane bearing down on the United States and in the Caribbean because these severe storms, beach erosions, intense weather episodes that weve had is perhaps the most practical sample of what the president was talking about as the threat that the planet faces,' Allen said.

He went on to say that the agreement, which encourages nations to reduce their carbon emissions, 'is designed to stop' storms like Hurricane Matthew.

While the frequency and strength of hurricanes has been linked to global warming, scientists have not suggested that weather can be controlled by human action.

The comment sent Twitter users into a frenzy, ridiculing Allen for making the assumption that humans could change weather

And many right wingers who oppose the climate change agreement found Allen's assumption that the deal would stop hurricanes ridiculous.

'NBC's Ron Allen says Obama's climate change scam is designed to stop hurricanes? Another liberal "journalist" completely devoid of reality,' Twitter account @SetUSAFree wrote.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is steering clear of bringing a bevy of Bill Clinton's past accusers to the second presidential debate  and says he wants to campaign on the issues.

Trump's abrupt policy push comes after he said he restrained himself from bringing up Bill Clinton's affairs at the first presidential debate  and spent much of the following week fueling a controversy over former Miss Universe Alicia Machado's weight.

'I want to win this election on my policies for the future, not on Bill Clinton's past,' Trump told told the New York Post's Richard Johnson in an email.

ON THE ISSUES: Donald Trump says he wants to win the election on the issues, not on 'Bill Clinton's past' as the two candidates prepare for the second presidential debate

'Jobs, trade, ending illegal immigration, veteran care, and strengthening our military is what I really want to be talking about,' Trump wrote.

The Post checked in with Candice Jackson, an attorney who works with a number of Bill Clinton's accusers, including Juanita Broaddrick, who has accused him of rape s something Clinton denies.

Paula Jones brought a sexual harassment lawsuit against Bill Clinton in 1994

Juanita Broaddrick has accused Clinton of rape, though Clinton's attorney denies it

Kathleen Willey accused Bill Clinton of groping her in the White House

Bill Clinton on a visit to a nursing home oeprated by Juaita Broaddrick around 1978

Trump hinted that he would have brought up Bill Clinton's past at the debate, but held back because Chelsea Clinton was in the audience

'I want to win this election on my policies for the future,' Trump said

Attorney Candice Jackson had hoped to bring one of Clinton's accusers to the St. Louis debate

She also works with one-time Clinton fundraiser and White House volunteer Kathleen Willey, who accused Clinton of groping her, and sexual harassment accuser Paula Jones.

Jackson was hoping to bring one of the women with her to attend the debate, according to the report.

and Dolly Kyle  was hoping to bring at least one of the women to St. Louis to sit in the front row and throw Hillary Clinton off her game.

Trump told CNN immediately after the first debate: 'No, I was very happy that I was able to hold back on the, you know, indiscretions with respect to Bill Clinton because I have a lot of respect for Chelsea Clinton and I just didn't want to say what I was going to say.'

As Trump continued to dangle the possibility he would bring up Bill Clinton's past conduct at the next debate, he met push back from Republican lawmakers who re worry about consequences for their own elections.

Jackson indicated there was a fundraising effort to pay for plane tickets and hotels for the accusers, but 'we don't think we can get more than one ticket.'

'Gennifer was willing to go [to the first debate] and wanted to go, but never got a ticket,' said Jackson . 'Trump talked about having her there, but there was no follow-through.'

Trump's apparent change of tack follows a performance by running mate Mike Pence which also steered clear of attacks on Bill Clinton's accusers. Pence repeatedly tried to change the subject as Kaine tried to get him to defend controversial statements by Trump.

Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told MSNBC Tuesday that Trump's attacks on Machado weren't fruitful.
A Queensland police officer has been suspended from duty and is due to face court after being charged with rape.

The 46-year-old constable from the southern region has been charged with 11 counts of indecent treatment of a child and one count of rape.

'In keeping with our commitment to high standards of behaviour, transparency and accountability, we have undertaken to inform the public when an officer faces serious allegations of misconduct,' police said in a statement.

A 46-year-old Queensland police officer has been suspended from duty and will face court after being charged with 11 counts of indecent treatment of a child and one count of rape.

He has been suspended from the Queensland Police Service.

The man is expected to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.
A Mississippi police officer has lost her job and will face charges in the death of her three-year-old daughter, who was left alone in her patrol car for four hours.

Long Beach Officer Cassie Barker, 27, will be charged with manslaughter after her daughter Cheyenne Hyer was found dead last Friday in the hot car.

Barker told police she had only planned to leave Cheyenne in the car for a few minutes when she arrived at the Kiln home of Sgt Clark Ladner just before 9am.

Mississippi police officer Cassie Barker, 27, will be charged with manslaughter after her daughter Cheyenne Hyer, 3, was found dead last Friday in her parked patrol car

Authorities said Barker left Cheyenne alone in the car for four hours. It is believed Cheyenne died from an overexposure of heat

She left the engine running and turned the air conditioner on.

Ladner, 36, was one of Barker's shift supervisors and both officers had just finished an overnight shift.

The sergeant told police Barker had come to his home to discuss a 'work-related incident', according to the Sun Herald.

Ladner told police he had taken a sleep aid and fell asleep while the two officers were talking. He said Barker also fell asleep a short time later.

The mother woke up four hours later and found Cheyenne unresponsive when she returned to her car.

Ladner said Barker ran back into his home and told him something was wrong with Cheyenne. He began CPR on the toddler while she called 911.

Authorities received a report of an unresponsive child at 1.52pm. Chyenne died at a nearby hospital shortly after she was found.

Officers at the scene found that all the windows in Barker's patrol car were rolled up and that the air conditioner was set 'halfway between cold and heat'.

Cheyenne's official cause of death has not yet been determined pending an autopsy report, but investigators believe it was from overexposure of heat.

Temperatures reached 82F in Kiln on Friday, according to the Weather Channel.

Barker threatened to harm herself and had to be hospitalized after Cheyenne was discovered. She will be charged as soon as she is released.

Barker told police she had only planned to leave Cheyenne in the car for a few minutes when she arrived at the Kiln home of Sgt Clark Ladner (left) just before 9am on Friday

The mother woke up four hours later and found Cheyenne unresponsive when she returned to her car and immediately called 911 while Ladner began CPR

Both Barker and Ladner were fired from the Long Beach Police Department on Tuesday night for violating department policies.

Hancock County Chief Deputy Don Bass said it remains unclear what their relationship was, saying only that Ladner was a 'friend' of Barker.

Bass added that Ladner will not be charged, as he told investigators that he did not know Cheyenne was in the car.

It has since been revealed that this wasn't the first time Barker was caught leaving her daughter alone in the car.

Barker was disciplined in April 2015 after leaving Cheyenne, who was two years old at the time, alone in the back of her personal vehicle outside a strip mall in Gulfport.

A passerby saw Cheyenne in the car and called the police.

Barker was suspended for one week without pay and her one-year probationary period was extended by 90 days.

The Department of Human Services also took temporary custody of Cheyenne.

But Ryan Hyer, Cheyenne's father, only learned of the 2015 incident after his daughter's death last week.

'That was a tell-tale sign that something was wrong,' he said.

Barker was disciplined in April 2015 after leaving Cheyenne, who was two years old at the time, alone in the back of her personal vehicle outside a strip mall in Gulfport

Barker was placed on a one-week suspension without pay and the Department of Human Services also took temporary custody of Cheyenne

'And if I would have been notified or if she lost custody of Cheyenne then, my daughter would be alive today. I wouldn't have lost my child.'

'If this would have been me or you or somebody else, the situation would have been totally different,' he added.

'We would have been in jail. Records wouldn't be expunged. My daughter would still be here.'

Hyer said he and Barker were together for the first two years of Cheyenne's life, and he would watch their daughter while she went through the police academy.

When the couple broke up, Hyer returned to his hometown in Jacksonville, Florida, where he now hopes to lay to rest the daughter he called 'Shy' for short.

'Every time I close my eyes, I picture her suffering and then I picture her laying in this coffin,' he said.

'I still see her smiling and laughing in my head and I would assume that smile and laughter turned to pain and suffering in that instance.'

'It's an image I don't want to have, but it's one I can't get rid of.'

Hyer said he hopes that Barker will be punished for Cheyenne's death.

'As a parent, you are supposed to protect your child,' he said. 'And Cheyenne is gone because her mother didn't protect her.'

'Not once, but twice.'
The Budgie Nine have arrived at the Kuala Lumpur international airport just hours after they were released from prison and vowed to head home after stripping down to their speedos.

At least three of the men, including Thomas Whitworth and Nick Kelly, have checked into a flight on Thursday night.

They made no comment as they made their way to immigration to board a flight to Singapore.

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At least three of the Budgie Nine, including Thomas Whitworth and Nick Kelly, have checked into flights on Thursday night

The men made no comment as they made their way to immigration to board a flight to Singapore

The trio arrived at the airport just hours after they were released from prison without a conviction recorded following four nights in a 'horrendous' cell.

It is not clear if they will get connecting flights to Australia or when the remaining Budgie Nine crew will leave Malaysia.

The Australians pleaded guilty to public nuisance at the Sepang Court on Thursday after delivering an apology to the court and country.

One of the men, Thomas Whitworth, read a letter to the court claiming they have realised the respect the Malaysian people have for their flag and apologised for offending them.

The apology letter read out by Thomas Whitworth at the Sepang Magistrates Court

'We therefore, without reservation, apologise and express our deepest regret over our conduct,' Mr Whitworth said

'We too have similar fondness and respect to our own Australian national flag, but due to our cultural differences our display of respect and reverence is perhaps quite different,' Mr Whitworth said, handcuffed to another member of the Budgie Nine.

'But this is no excuse for us to not understand our neighbours' sensitivities.'

Mr Whitworth collapsed as he read out the apology, and took down the friend he was handcuffed to. He was then propped up to drink water.

The men, all aged between 25 and 29, were arrested on Sunday at the Malaysian Grand Prix when they stripped down to their speedos with the Malaysian flag, chanted 'Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi' and drank from their shoes.

The nine Australian men were freed on Thursday. They are pictured leaving Sepang court

The Budgie Nine are pictured walking free after escaping conviction

The men, all aged between 25 and 29, are Timothy Yates, Edward Leaney, Nicholas Kelly, Thomas Laslett, Thomas Whitforth, Brendan Stobs, James Paver, Adam Pasfield and Jack Walker.

They were discharged with a fine and caution.

Their nine budgie smugglers had been laid out in front of the judge by a court official wearing black rubber gloves.

The fathers of the three men were reportedly at the court in a show of support as the accused stood in one line ahead of their release.

They could have faced up to two years in jail.

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Walker's father John Walker said the men all planned to head back to Australia as soon as possible.

Nick Kelly and other members of the Budgie Nine are pictured leaving court

Thomas Laslett, one of the Australian men arrested in Malaysia on Sunday, is pictured leaving court after his release

Jack Walker, one of the Budgie Nine and an adviser to minister Christopher Pyne, is pictured leaving court on Thursday

Nick Kelly and Thomas Whitworth are pictured arriving at court on Thursday

The nine Australian men are pictured arriving at court handcuffed in pairs

The nine Australian men step out of a van to arrive at court on Thursday

The nine Australians arrested at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday arrive at court

The men spent four nights in prison but were released without a conviction recorded

The Australian men are pictured arriving at court on Thursday

The nine men arrived at court on Thursday handcuffed in pairs

The nine Australians arrested at the Malaysian Grand Prix arrive at court

The nine Australians stripped down to their budgie smugglers on Sunday at the Malaysian Grand Prix
Judge warned the 'extremely dangerous' teenager could face life in prison

Joshua Clements, 18, could face life in prison

An 'extremely dangerous' teenager who stabbed victims 'for fun' during a water fight in Hyde Park could face a life sentence, a judge warned today.

Joshua Clements, 18, of White City, west London, slashed two men with a hunting knife after thousands of people gathered to enjoy the warm weather on July 19.

Shocking footage taken on an onlooker's mobile phone showed the attack on Mr Thompson, which so serious Clements was initially charged with attempted murder.

He admitted the lesser charge of wounding with intent over the attack and pleaded guilty to a similar offence in relation to a second victim, Duane Williams.

Judge Michael Topolski QC today demanded reports from social services to find out details of the teenager's violent past, saying he is considering jailing Clements for life.

He said: 'He is extremely dangerous. I want to know how dangerous and how disturbed, if at all disturbed, he is.

'What you should be asking them for is if they are in possession of any material regarding significant violent behaviour by this defendant in the period prior to the commission of these offences.'

The 'extremely dangerous' teenager tired to disguise himself with a camouflage mask, above

This is the hunting knife Joshua Clements brought to Hyde Park on July 19

He told the court: 'It was stabbing for fun.'

More than 4,000 people had gathered for the water fight but violence erupted as police tried to disperse the crowd.

Police officers were pelted with bottles and one was stabbed with a bottle.

Clements also admitted possessing a hunting-style knife, handling a stolen ring and Armani pouch, as well as possessing crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply.

The teen has previous convictions for robbery, battery, possession with intent to supply heroin, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, possession of a knife in a public place, and failing to comply with the requirements of a youth rehabilitation order. He did not attend today's hearing at the Old Bailey.

Thousands of people gathered in Hyde Park for the water fight. Pictured, the park that night

Judge Topolski said: 'This sentencing exercise is adjourned until Wednesday 30 November.

'I have already made orders with regards to reports, I have done what is constructively useful with regard to ascertaining material from social services.'

Clements, of White City, pleaded guilty to two counts of wounding with intent, possession of a knife, two counts of handling stolen goods, and two counts of possession of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply.
Pictures have emerged of the concrete slab that fell from a crane on top of two men aged in their 20s crushing them at a worksite at a racecourse in Queensland.

The two men died after a concrete panel fell from a crane at a construction site at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Ascot, an outer suburb of Brisbane on Thursday afternoon.

Other workers rushed to help at the construction site, but were unable to save the pair.

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Pictured the concrete slab that crushed two men after falling from a crane that were working in a pit a Eagle Farm Racecourse in Brisbane

Two men aged in their 20s working in a pit at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Brisbane have died after concrete slab fell from a crane crushing them.

Queensland Ambulance Service supervisor Glen Morrison said the men were killed by a large slab being moved by a crane.

'As a result of one of the slabs being moved, it's crushed the two gentleman who were down in a hole at the time,' he told reporters at the scene.

Workers removed the slab before ambulance crews arrived

Queensland Racing Minsiter Grace Grace said she was saddened by the deaths.

'My heart goes out to the family and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives,' she said in a statement.

'I want to express my deepest sympathies to everyone concerned.'

Ms Grace said Workplace Health and Safety Queensland had begun a 'thorough investigation' and she expected to receive a report into the incident 'as soon as possible'

Police told Daily Mail Australia they believed it was an industrial accident.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said they received a call just before 4pm.

Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman Glen Morrison told the ABC a concrete wall in a construction pit collapsed on the men.

Mr Morrison said the slab was removed from on top of the men before paramedics arrived.

'We sent one of our staff down into where the two workers were to identify [them] and to see if we could render any aid.

Police believe it may have been an industrial accident which occurred at a worksite

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said they received a call just before 4pm and four units are currently on the scene providing assistance to Queensland Police

'Unfortunately they were both deceased at that time - so very unfortunate and very distressing for the officers concerned.'

QAS told Daily Mail Australia seven units are currently on the scene providing assistance to Queensland Police.

Workplace Health and Safety have also been notified.

Eagle Farm Racecourse is currently undergoing a $37 million redevelopment to turn it into a world class racing and training centre.

The new complex will include 400 stables, the world's first major stable complex to be constructed on the infield, rooftop viewing platforms, a BBQ area, tunnels and parking for more than 1,000 cars.
United States Court of Appeals, First Circuit. CAROL DIANE COOPER and JOHN SCOTT COOPER, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Peter M. Cooper, Jr., Deceased, Plaintiffs, Appellants, v. ALYSSA JANE D'AMORE, f/k/a Alyssa J. Cooper, Defendant, Appellee. Nos. 16-1067 Decided: October 05, 2016

Before Torruella, Lynch, and Barron, Circuit Judges. Keith P. Carroll, with whom Andrew Nathanson and Mintz, Levin,Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. were on brief, for appellants. Robert J. O'Regan, with whom Burns & Levinson LLP was on brief, for appellee.

This is a dispute over the distributions from the assets of one Peter M. Cooper, Jr., who died in July 2012. The suit was brought by John S. Cooper, the executor of Peter Cooper's estate, and Carol Cooper, the mother of Peter Cooper and a primary beneficiary of the estate. They have sued Alyssa J. D'Amore, Peter Cooper's ex-wife, claiming that her receipt of a distribution in the sum of $228,495 from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) was wrongful.

Three primary issues are presented on appeal:

1. Whether the district court abused its discretion when it sanctioned plaintiffs' then-counsel for misleading the court during summary judgment proceedings by failing to produce or discuss a document, the Delaware Charter IRA Trust Agreement, that the court thought was material to the issues as they had been framed by the parties. We find no abuse of discretion and explain more fully below. We thus affirm the sanctions order.

2. Whether the district court erred by entering summary judgment in favor of D'Amore. The court's entry of summary judgment appears largely to have been based on the application of Delaware law. It also appears to have been based on the court's rejection on reconsideration of three of plaintiffs' ancillary arguments, which they say would justify entry of summary judgment in their favor. The parties agree that summary judgment for D'Amore cannot be justified on the basis that Delaware law applied through the Delaware Charter IRA Trust Agreement.

That raises the question of whether a different argument -- that D'Amore was not the proper party for certain claims -- provides an alternative basis for at least partial affirmance. The district court reasoned that plaintiffs could not assert two claims against D'Amore, but only against a non-party, Mesirow Financial. For the reasons discussed below, we cannot affirm judgment for D'Amore on that basis. We remand to the district court for further limited proceedings. Nor have plaintiffs convinced us they are entitled to judgment on their arguments on which the court actually ruled.

However, we agree with the district court's conclusion that the Marital Settlement Agreement did not, under Florida law, waive D'Amore's right to the IRA, and so we affirm dismissal of that claim by plaintiffs.

3. The third purported appellate issue, whether the district court erred in denying reconsideration, is rendered moot by our remand and need not be discussed further.

I.

We eschew discussion of the facts, which are well known to the parties, and cut to the chase.

A. Sanctions Order

We cannot usurp the role of the trial judge in sanction matters and can reverse only if there is an abuse of discretion. See Young v. Gordon, 330 F.3d 76, 81 (1st Cir. 2003). There cannot be an abuse of discretion if a trial judge reasonably could have concluded that plaintiffs misled the court into adopting an erroneous legal conclusion during the summary judgment proceedings. See id. (abuse of discretion standard for reviewing sanctions order is not appellant-friendly -- and a sanctioned litigant bears a weighty burden in attempting to show that an abuse occurred). Further, trial judges must have some leeway in controlling the conduct of proceedings in their courts. See Barreto v. Citibank, N.A., 907 F.2d 15, 16 (1st Cir. 1990) (per curiam) (Trial judges have considerable discretion in the selection and imposition of sanctions.). There was a reasonable basis for the trial judge to have taken the position he did, and so we affirm.

B. Summary Judgment Ruling

To the extent summary judgment was entered on the basis that Delaware law applied throughout, as evidenced by the choice-of-law provision in the Delaware Charter IRA Trust Agreement, we do not think that document is dispositive, and no party suggests that it is. Even if that document controlled, the period of control of the Delaware Charter IRA Trust Agreement ended, at the latest, on October 1, 2010, when Delaware Charter resigned as trustee of the IRA. As such, that document could not have controlled a distribution of the IRA assets in 2012.

We turn to the district court's December 8, 2015 denial of plaintiffs' motion for reconsideration disposing of three other issues, to see if other grounds exist on which an affirmance or partial affirmance can be based. See, e.g., Second Generation Props., L.P. v. Town of Pelham, 313 F.3d 620, 624 (1st Cir. 2002) (disagreeing with district court's rule, but affirming on other grounds). We also look at plaintiffs' argument to the district court that judgment must be entered in their favor.

1. Status of Mesirow As a Non-Party

If, as the district court held, plaintiffs should have sued Mesirow, not D'Amore, on plaintiffs' conversion and restitution claims, that might be an alternative basis to affirm dismissal of those claims. The district court ruled that any claims arising out of the proper execution of the Mesirow IRA cannot stand against D'Amore as the sole defendant.

Plaintiffs' summary judgment papers asserted theories concerning breach of the Mesirow Custodial Account Agreement and transfer of assets to TD Ameritrade, and their complaint brought conversion and restitution claims against D'Amore. The district court sua sponte held that these claims could solely be asserted in a suit against Mesirow, which has not been made a defendant in this action. With respect, we disagree with the district court's adoption of that theory. D'Amore now holds funds from the IRA and was a proper defendant against whom plaintiffs could assert the claim of wrongful distribution. We cannot affirm entry of summary judgment as to those theories on the grounds utilized by the district court.

2. Rejection of Marital Settlement Agreement Argument by Plaintiffs

In the interest of expediting further proceedings, we do agree with the entry of summary judgment against one of plaintiffs' theories under Florida law. For the reasons it stated, the district court correctly rejected the plaintiffs' argument that D'Amore waived her rights under Florida law to the IRA account when she entered into the Marital Settlement Agreement. See, e.g., Crawford v. Barker, 64 So. 3d 1246, 1248 (Fla. 2011) (General language in a marital settlement agreement, such as language stating who is to receive ownership, is not specific enough to override the plain language of the beneficiary designation in the separate document.); Cooper v. Muccitelli, 682 So. 2d 77, 79 (Fla. 1996) (same). We affirm that ruling.

II.

We reject the invitation from both parties to decide certain issues of Illinois and Florida law ab initio. The district court should decide them in the first instance.

We vacate the entry of summary judgment, except as noted, and remand for further proceedings in accordance with this opinion.

We also urge the parties to utilize again the services of this court's CAMP settlement program, in light of this ruling.

No costs are awarded.

Per Curiam.
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The UN's envoy to Syria has made an impassioned plea to save eastern Aleppo, warning the city faces total destruction, and urging Islamist fighters to leave so civilians can get aid.

Staffan de Mistura today warned that the city could be completely destroyed by Christmas.

'In maximum two months, two and a half months, the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate may be totally destroyed', he told reporters in Geneva.

The rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo has been hammered by a Russian-backed government offensive, with multiple attacks on hospitals.

Mr De Mistura said that the presence of Al-Nusra fighters in the city has been used as a justification by Moscow and Damascus for the continued assault.

The former Al-Nusra Front has recently changed its name to Fateh al-Sham Front following a break with Al-Qaeda, but many still see the two groups as tied.

'Can you please look at my eyes', Mr de Mistura said in a direct appeal to Nusra leaders, before pleading with them to quit Aleppo.

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Members of the Syrian opposition group attack with missiles Assad regime forces during an operation named 'Conquest of Aleppo' around Baskoy village in Aleppo

A deadly blast after a Russian Army missile is dropped on a neighbourhood in Aleppo

'If you decide to leave in dignity and with your weapons... I personally am ready physically to accompany you,' the UN envoy said.

The UN estimates that 275,000 civilians are under siege in east Aleppo, with aid deliveries all but impossible since government forces seized the last supply route in July.

Mr De Mistura accused Nusra fighters of holding 'hostage' desperate civilians in need of life saving relief by refusing to withdraw from the city.

In a second appeal to Russia and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, the UN envoy asked if they were truly prepared to bring about the ruin of Aleppo, once Syria's economic powerhouse.

'Or, are you rather ready to announce an immediate and total aerial bombing halt if Nusra leaves?' Mr de Mistura asked.

Smoke rises after an attack on the Darat Izza neighbourhood in Aleppo

It is estimated that 450 civilians have been killed in the war-torn city since September 19, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has stated

Mr De Mistura warned that eastern Aleppo risked joining the ranks of the 20th century's worst tragedies, making comparisons to the massacre at Srebrenica and the Rwandan genocide, saying that 376 people had been killed and more than 1,200 injured since the bombardments restarted.

The surge in fighting, including an attack on the area's biggest hospital, spurred the United States to suspend its cooperation with Russia on the Syrian peace effort.

Russia has denied all responsibility for hospital attacks in the city.

However, Russian Defence Minister Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said Moscow's year-long bombing campaign in Syria has showcased the 'reliability' of Russian weaponry, as the Kremlin has helped stabilise the war-ravaged country.

'In that period we have managed to stabilise the situation in the country (and) liberate a significant part of the territory from armed international terrorist groups,' Shoigu told a conference.

'Many types of modern weapons produced in our country were tested in difficult desert conditions and generally have shown their reliability and effectiveness.'

The comments come as international anger grows over Moscow's air support for a ferocious regime assault on eastern Aleppo that has prompted accusations of potential war crimes.

Pictures of small explosions in the Darat Izza neighbourhood point to the use of cluster bombs, which many countries have outlawed

Smoke rises following the air strike, in a campaign by the Syrian government, backed by Russia, to reclaim rebel-held areas in Aleppo

The United States on Monday suspended talks with Russia on a ceasefire in Syria in protest at Moscow stepping up its bombing campaign.

Russia launched its military operation in Syria last September to back up long-time ally Bashar al-Assad to Western ire, helping to shore up the regime's embattled forces.

Russia's military has denied repeated accusations that it has struck civilian targets in the country during its year-long offensive.

Moscow has used Syria as a testing-ground for a range of new weaponry including long-range missiles fired from ships, submarines and warplanes.

Those include the X-101 rocket that has a range of 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles) and was fired from bombers that took off from bases in Russia, Shoigu said.

Built on the foundations of its Soviet-era predecessor, Russia's arms industry is a key source of income for the country and brought in some $14.5 billion (13 billion euros) in 2015.

Yesterday, Syria's military announced it would be reducing its air strikes and artillery fire on rebels in the war-torn city of Aleppo - as a strike obliterated a residential area and pictures suggested the use of cluster bombs.

Government forces claimed they would reduce strikes to 'allow civilians to reach safe areas'.

The announcement came on a day when a top official in Syria's main opposition also said violence in the city was reaching 'genocidal proportions'.

Images taken on Wednesday revealed large blasts in the Darat Izza neighbourhood caused by a Russian missile.

And a series of smaller explosions suggest the use of cluster bombs - a day after a four-year-old girl died in Aleppo having picked one up thinking it was a toy.

A statement carried by state news agency SANA said the decision to reduce air strikes had been taken 'after the success of our armed forces in Aleppo and cutting off all terrorist supply routes into the eastern districts'.

On September 22, the army of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced a major assault to capture the opposition-held half of Aleppo

Smoke rising in a circular pattern above the residential area of the Darat Izza neighbourhood in Aleppo suggests the use of cluster bombs

It continued: 'The military command has decided to reduce the number of air strikes and artillery on terrorist positions to allow civilians that want to leave to reach safe areas.'

Opposition official Bassma Kodmani, of the High Negotiations Committee - a key player in UN-mediated peace talks that failed in April - said the city is not about to fall.

CLUSTER BOMBS: THE WEAPONS THAT CONTINUE TO KILL AND MAIM CIVILIANS LONG AFTER THEY ARE DROPPED What are cluster bombs? Cluster bombs are devices which release a number of projectiles on impact. They scatter bomblets over a wide area which do not always explode on impact. Between 2010 and 2014, 92 per cent of those killed by cluster bombs were civilians, with the Cluster Munitions Monitor stating that global casualties exceed 55,000. Are they legal? The bombs were banned in international law by the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) - an international treaty that prohibits the use, transfer and stockpile of cluster bombs. Since it came into effect in 2010, 108 countries have signed the treaty and 100 have ratified it or acceded to it. What does the Convention on Cluster Munitions require? Countries which sign up to the treaty are not allowed to use cluster munitions, develop, stockpile or transfer them to other states, or assist anyone in using them.

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She said: 'We are not talking about a fall of Aleppo within days or even two to three weeks.'

Instead, Kodmani said the campaign had involved 'a level of violence against citizens that is reaching genocidal proportions'.

Members of the Syrian opposition to President Bashar al-Assad launch a missile attack against government forces

On September 22, the army of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced a major assault to capture the opposition-held half.

Backed by Russian warplanes, the offensive is being waged in the city centre, in the northern outskirts, and in the southern edges.

It has come under international scrutiny because of indiscriminate air strikes on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals.

Heavy bombardment on Monday destroyed the M10 hospital, the largest in the eastern districts.

Eman, the four-year-old who died after picking up a cluster bomb thinking it was a toy

A four-year-old girl has died in Aleppo after picking up what she thought was a shiny toy, but which was actually a cluster bomb.

The tragedy happened while the young girl was collecting water in the under-siege Syrian city, which government forces, backed by Russia, are trying to reclaim from rebels.

Four-year-old Eman picked up a cluster bomb thinking it was a silver ball. She died as a result of her injuries after it exploded and shrapnel tore through her body

As soon as tiny Eman picked the object up to play, it exploded.

Shrapnel tore through her tiny frame, and both of Eman's legs were broken in the blast.
A bomb attached to a motorbike has exploded near a police station in southwest Istanbul injuring at least 10 people.

The blast occurred in the Yenibosna neighbourhood and one of the people injured is understood to be in a serious condition.

Police are said to be hunting one man who was seen fleeing the scene on a motorbike today.

A bomb attached to a motorbike has exploded near a police station in southwest Istanbul injuring at least 10 people

A masked Turkish police officer cordons off the area of a blast in Istanbul, Turkey, today

The blast occurred in the Yenibosna neighbourhood and one of the people injured is understood to be in a serious condition

Police are said to be hunting one man who was seen fleeing the scene on a motorbike today

Vasip Sahin, the governor for Istanbul, said on Twitter the blast was caused by a bomb mounted on a motorcycle.

Several parked cars were damaged in the blast, and several windows in nearby buildings were smashed.

NTV television, citing unidentified security officials, said police are searching for one person who was spotted leaving the area on a motorbike.

Vasip Sahin, the governor for Istanbul, said on Twitter the blast was caused by a bomb mounted on a motorcycle

Governor Sahin confirmed one person was 'seriously injured' as a result of 'a motorbike with a bomb being detonated'

Members of police special forces stand next to a fire truck near the blast site in Istanbul, Turkey

Governor Sahin confirmed one person was 'seriously injured' as a result of 'a motorbike with a bomb being detonated'.

There have been a number of bomb attacks in Turkey in recent months, some blamed on the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group and some on Islamic State.

There have been no immediate claims of responsibility today.

There have been a number of bomb attacks in Turkey in recent months, some blamed on the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group and some on Islamic State

There have been no immediate claims of responsibility today as police continue to survey the scene

The last blast in Istanbul was in June, a month before an attempted coup to overthrow President Tayyip Erdogan's government, when 45 people were killed in a triple suicide bombing at the airport

There have been other attacks in the east of the country, including the bombing of a wedding party near the city of Gaziantep in August, when more than 50 people were killed

A member of police special forces stands next to a fire truck near the blast site in Istanbul, Turkey

The last blast in Istanbul was in June, a month before an attempted coup to overthrow President Tayyip Erdogan's government, when 45 people were killed in a triple suicide bombing at the airport.

That attack was blamed on Islamic State.
The sister of Kim Kardashian's bodyguard has hit back at critics who blame him for the 8.5million heist - and said: 'He does everything he can to protect her'.

Pascal Duvier, 43, was at a high-end nightclub when the reality TV star fell victim to a robbery in the early hours of Monday morning.

The 6ft 4in bodyguard, whose German security company ProtectSecurity filed for bankruptcy ten weeks ago with debts of more than 1million, is under fire for leaving her alone in the Paris apartment.

But the family of the German-born martial arts expert blasted the 'unfair criticism' and say he is a 'true professional', dedicated to keeping Kim and her rapper husband Kanye West safe.

In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Duvier's younger sister Denise said: 'He is really angry and emotional about what happened.

'He hasn't done anything wrong but this has really affected him, that someone he protects has suffered a robbery like this.

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Defence: Pascal Duvier's sister Denise (pictured) says robbery in the early hours of Monday morning was not the bodyguard's fault

Protection: Calling her brother 'a true professional', she said the 43-year-old father of two has dedicated his life to protecting Kim and her rapper husband Kanye West

Shaken up: Kim, pictured left today, is said to have told close friends that she does not blame Duvier for the robbery. Her husband Kanye, pictured right today, is believed to have grilled the bodyguard as to how it happened when he met them in New York on Monday

'He has come in for a lot of unfair criticism. But I know he's not going to stop until he finds whoever did this.'

Reality TV star Kim, 35, was woken at 2.30am on Monday as five gunmen disguised as police officers burst in to her suite at the luxury Hotel de Pourtales.

Mother-of-two Kim had a gun held to her head while she had her wrists tied and she was bound and gagged and dumped in a marble bathtub.

The gunmen are believed to have taken a 3.5million diamond engagement ring given to her by husband Kanye West and a jewellery box worth around 5million.

Kim had been left alone in the suite while bodyguard Duvier went to L'Arc nightclub with her sisters Kourtney and Kendall Jenner.

Duvier arrived at the flat two minutes after the gangsters escaped on bicycles.

He hasn't done anything wrong but this has really affected him, that someone he protects has suffered a robbery like this. Denise, sister of Pascal Duvier

The bodyguard, who has vowed to track down the attackers, has faced claims he left the star exposed by failing to secure the flat in his absence.

Afterwards the former bouncer tweeted: 'The events that occurred in Paris was one of the most sickening things I have seen or heard (sic).

'We have tips and leads and we will find you. That I promise you... you messed with the wrong one.'

Denise said she spoke to her brother, who has two young daughters, on Wednesday, 48 hours after the robbery, and he was still furious.

'He's a real professional at what he does and he's been working in personal protection for years,' she said. 'I worked for his company in Germany doing office work and so I know what he's like.

'He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke and he does judo and martial arts. He trains a lot and is constantly raising the bar so he can rise to new challenges.

'He's a very healthy person with a very demanding job. He eats healthily but it's a question of eating when he can and sleeping when he can because of the nature of his work.

Dedication: German-born martial arts expert Duvier (pictured) is being unfairly blamed for the robbery after he was at high-end nightclub L'Arc two miles away when the robbers struck, his sister Denise told MailOnline

Protection: She added that Duvier has dedicated the last four years to making Kim and Kanye safe. Denise told MailOnline: 'He hasn't done anything wrong but this has really affected him, that someone he protects has suffered a robbery like this.'

'It hurts to see some of the criticism he's been receiving. He protects Kim's family and acts as Kim and Kanye West's personal bodyguard.

'He has colleagues who support him because he can't be in two places at once but they are also very professional.'

She went on: 'He's very demanding with himself but he's also very hard on the people who work for him.

'I don't know the exact details of what happened in Paris but I'm assuming he was with Kim's sisters because they asked him to.

'He does what he's told. He's asked to do something and he does it.'

Pascal's mum Barbe, who lost her husband at the start of the year, added: 'My son's so professional at what he does.

The 6ft 4in former bouncer Duvier (pictured today) vowed to track down those responsible, he told his sister when they spoke on the phone on Wednesday - 48 hours after the heist

Duvier was criticised for his over use of social media, but Denise hit back: 'It hurts to see some of the criticism he's been receiving. He protects Kim's and her family.'

Marital arts expert Duvier has been an almost ever present by Kim's side in recent years. But despite having a number of high profile clients, ten weeks ago his German company ProtectSecurity filed for bankruptcy ten weeks ago with debts totalling 1million

Duvier lodged a claim for company insolvency at Heidelberg administrative court on July 22 this year after the firm racked up debts totalling 1,093,518 (961,296). Pictured: Duvier protecting Kim last month at the Royal Monceau palace hotel in Paris

'I won't have a bad word said about him. He looks after himself to make sure he's always in the best shape possible.

'He's very private when it comes to his work. I know obviously that he's Kim Kardashian's bodyguard but he never speaks about it.'

MailOnline yesterday revealed that Duvier's security firm German ProtectSecurity firm, which has run security for Kim and Kanye since 2012, has racked up debts totalling 1,093,518 (961,296).

He lodged a claim for company insolvency at Heidelberg administrative court on July 22 this year.

The insolvency lawyer appointed by the administrative court to handle his security company's bankruptcy proceedings told MailOnline: 'There is so much debt. There are many claimants. I cannot say the exact number. Lots.'

The lawyer added that the firm had been failing 'for quite some time.'

The last available accounts from 2014 show the firm, that Duvier had run for 19 years, had a turnover of just over 760,000 euros.

One of the company's creditors is the German tax office, MailOnline has learned.

Mounting debts: An insolvency lawyer appointed by the administrative court to handle his security company's bankruptcy proceedings told MailOnline: 'There is so much debt. There are many claimants. I cannot say the exact number. Lots.': The premises where ProtectSecurity was registered, above, rent for less than 400 a month in south-east Germany

Bankruptcy: Official documents obtained by MailOnline, above, revealed that Duvier filed for insolvency for his ProtectSecurity firm on July 22 in his German hometown of Heidelberg.

Shabby: Today the blinds at the company premises on a shabby mini-industrial estate at Eppelheim near Heidelberg, south east Germany, remained down

Today the blinds at the company premises on a shabby mini-industrial estate at Eppelheim near Heidelberg, south east Germany, remained down.

Duvier is registered to an address two miles from his business, but none of the residents of the low-rise block recall ever seeing him.

Around town he drove a top-of-the-range S-Class Limousines costing over 100,000, those who remember him claimed.
The boy had no fever but

An eight-year-old refugee from Congo fell ill and died after landing with his family at O'Hare International Airport Tuesday.

The child, identified as David Dieme, arrived in Chicago at around 3pm with his father and five siblings on an Emirates flight from Dubai.

The family were on their way to catch their next flight to Texas, when a US Customs and Border Protection officer noticed that David seemed unwell.

Medical emergency: Eight-year-old Congolese refugee David Dieme fell terminally ill after landing with his father and five siblings at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago Tuesday

The eight-year-old was sick prior to boarding the flight to the US but did not report any symptoms while in the plane, reported the station CBS Chicago.

He was examined by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staff in an isolated room at the airport, where it was determined that he had no fever but experienced vomiting and diarrhea.

Dieme was then taken to Presence Resurrection Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

A spokesperson for the CDC said the eight-year-old patient did not have a disease that posed a threat to the general public.

An autopsy by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office was performed Wednesday on Dieme, with results still pending. Authorities say the office continues to gather information on the case.

The Dieme family were passing though Chicago on their way to Texas, where they planned to settle.

Heartbreaking outcome: David Dieme was taken to Presence Resurrection Hospital (pictured), where he was pronounced dead

According to the latest data from the US State Department, refugees coming to the US from the Democratic Republic of Congo outnumbered those from Syria over the past year.

Asylum seekers from the central African nation, which has been ravaged by violence and political turmoil in recent years, must undergo a rigorous vetting process before being allowed to enter the US.
Family refused to give up hope despite having no news of Martin for years

Went missing after dropping off siblings at relative's house in Manchester

Martin Joyce, from Manchester, was reported missing in 1999 and has never been found

A murder investigation has been launched into a father who disappeared 17 years ago.

Martin Joyce, 45, from Manchester, was reported missing in 1999 and has never been found.

Police now believe Martin may not be alive and are carrying out searches in Manchester as part of a murder investigation.

Martin disappeared after dropping his sister and brother off at a relative's house in 1999 - and has never been seen since.

The father-of-one was 29 at the time - and would now be 45. Despite having no news of Martin for years, his family refused to give up hope.

In 2014, Martin's family made a public appeal to their brother a message after he was featured as one of the region's longest unsolved missing person's cases.

At the time his mother said had been struggling to deal with the death of their father, also called Martin, and the death of his brother Douglas.

Martin had been hospitalised after attempting suicide in 1998 and then served time in prison for traffic offences.

Mary Joyce (centre) with her sisters (left to right) Bridget and Bernadette. Despite having no news of Martin for years, his family refused to give up hope

But Mary says she thought his depression had been improving just before he disappeared.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said officers have begun searching The Bank of England Pub, which is close to where Martin was last sighted, as part of the murder inquiry.

Martin, whose son was seven when he disappeared had also been a devoted father - but has missed his little boy growing up into a man.

Police have previously said they think Martin could have gone to Ireland or Scotland - but his family dispute this and believe he could still be in Greater Manchester.

A possible sighting of Martin was recorded in 2006 but this has not been confirmed.

Ch Insp Mark Kenny said: 'We have launched a murder inquiry into the disappearance of Martin Joyce who would now by 45 years of age.

Police were digging at this Bank of England pub (left) in Ancoats as part of their investigation into missing man Martin Joyce (right)

'I've got a team of officers conducting an investigation including support services working at the former Bank of England pub in Ancoats.

'We are following up a number of lines of inquiry. The Bank of England is just one of these but there are a number of others.

'Over the years there have been detailed and comprehensive reviews of this missing person.

'At some point the information picture has changed in a way that has led us to change the status of the investigation.'
The University of Vermont is holding a free three-day retreat 'specifically for white students' to 'engage in building a stronger and inclusive campus community.'

The program entitled Examining White Identity: A Retreat for Undergraduate Students Who Self-Identify as White, is being sponsored by the university's African, Latino, Asian, Native American and Bi/Multiracial Student Center (ALNA).

ALNA's new retreat will take place over a November weekend, nearly a year after it held a similar three-day retreat discussing the topic of white privilege.

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The free program entitled, 'Examining White Identity: A Retreat for Undergraduate Students Who Self-Identify as White' is being sponsored by the university's African, Latino, Asian, Native American and Bi/Multiracial Student Center (ALNA) and will take place in November. Pictured here is a photo from the ALNA website believed to be from a previous retreat

ALNA says students will have the chance to understand 'the impact of white privilege on the UVM community and beyond' while 'building a community of support' in combating racism. File photo of the Universitu of Vermont campus above

From November 11-13, students attending the retreat will have the opportunity to 'conceptualize and articulate whiteness from a personal and systematic lens.'

They will also get to 'recognize and understand white privilege from an individual experience,' according to the program description.

ALNA says students will have the chance to understand 'the impact of white privilege on the UVM community and beyond' while 'building a community of support' in combating racism.

The retreat, held at the Common Ground Family Center in Starksboro like last year, aims to answer several questions focused on whiteness, racism and making the university more inclusive.

Testimonials from student's who attended last year's Examining White Privilege retreat said it was a positive experience.

'I enjoyed the Examining White Privilege retreat because it provided a safe space to learn about yourself and others and how we experience and understand privilege and systems of oppression,' student Cora, who graduated last year wrote.

'The activities were engaging and challenged me as a participant to be open-minded and see different perspectives.'

Another student from the class of 2015 said it gave her the opportunity to work to 'explore my own identities more deeply' and to 'connect with other students who are interested in discussing social justice and working to create change' on campus.

This past Spring, over 1,500 students from across the country descended on Philadelphia to attend the so-called 'White Privilege Conference,' which was designed to provide support for those who might be 'burned out from working to dismantle racism and white supremacy'

While students forming groups around race, sexual orientation and religion is not new, educating white students about white privilege are new efforts being made by some universities.

UVM said in a statement to The Daily Beast that its white privilege retreat last year was not mandatory.

It also noted that the program was designed to 'engage white students who wanted to become more effective allies in confronting racism,' adding the concept of 'white privilege is not new nor is it exclusive to UVM.'

UVM's retreat comes as more universities accept the idea that students should be segregated by race in dorms, clubs and diversity initiatives.

Earlier this year, Oregon State University held four 'Social Justice Retreats' that aimed to 'promote a campus dialogue about race and racism.'

The retreats focus on exploring the concept of race and 'how race influences our lived experiences and interactions,' according to the university website.

Oregon State already has plans to host the weekend-long retreats - entitled Racial Aikido, Multiracial Aikido, Examining White Identity in a Multicultural World and Examining White Identity for Faculty and Staff - again in January 2017.

Oregon State University (file picture) held four 'Social Justice Retreats' that aimed to 'promote a campus dialogue about race and racism' and is doing so again next January

In the Spring, more than 1,500 students from across the country gathered in Philadelphia for a 'White Privilege Conference,' which was aimed at 'dismantling white supremacy.'

In July, the University of Wisconsin held racially segregated meetings for students, faculty, and staff to discuss the fatal shootings of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling as well as the killing of five police officers in Dallas.

And across the country, several universities made headlines as they started offering segregated housing for minority students to provide them with a 'safe space.'

Last month, California State University, Los Angeles became the latest college to set up this type of separate living arrangement.

The move came after the university's Black Student Union said African Americans on campus were subjected to 'frequent racist attacks', 'racially insensitive remarks' and 'microaggressions'.

The group gave university officials a set of demands, including new accommodation.

The university then announced they would be opening the Halisi Scholars Black Living-Learning Community, named after the activist and former professor of Pan African Studies at the school, Dr. C.R.D. Halisi.

California State University, Los Angeles, became the latest college to offer segregated housing for black students to provide them with a 'safe space' in August (file picture)

The school set up the separate living arrangements after the university's Black Student Union said African Americans on campus were subjected to 'frequent racist attacks'. The group wrote this message on Instagram with a picture of DR Halisi to celebrate the announcement

Cal State LA joins UConn, UC Davis and Berkeley in offering segregated housing.

While racially segregated programs and diversity initiatives are intended to build stronger and inclusive communities, critics say they can actually bolster bias among students.

A 2004 study examining 'ethnic enclaves' at universities found that membership in ethnically oriented student groups 'actually increased the perception that ethnic groups are locked into a zero-sum competition with one another and the feeling of victimization by virtue of one's ethnicity,' The Daily Beast reported.

Co-author of the study, Jim Sidanius, told The Daily Beast that the longer minority students remained in these types of clubs, the more they felt discriminated against by other students and the administration, noting it led to an increase of tension.
The company whose swimwear caused a diplomatic incident in Malaysia has vowed to stop the production of similar products.

Budgy Smuggler - the firm who created the swimmers for the Budgie Nine who were arrested for showing off their speedos following Daniel Ricciardo's Malaysian Grand Prix win - waded into the war yesterday.

Company boss Adam Linforth told the Daily Telegraph they wouldn't be making swimwear with the Malaysian flag anymore.

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The nine Australians stripped down to their budgie smugglers on Sunday at the Malaysian Grand Prix

The company behind the production of the swimmers wished the boys a safe trip home on their official Instagram account (pictured)

He told the newspaper: 'We've actually had over a dozen requests, even from Malaysia, for the pair but given the political sensitivity we won't be making the (swimwear with the) Malaysian flag any more.'

Mr Linforth's comments came as the company uploaded a statement to their Instagram - wishing the nine men a safe trip home.

The post read: 'We've produced over 50 flags without international incident and it is genuinely meant as a sign of embracing cultures and also often for people from other countries to embrace an Australian tradition,' it said.

'No offence was intended in the production of the pairs. Wishing the boys a safe trip home. Bring them home.'

The Budgie Nine have arrived at Kuala Lumpur international airport just hours after they were released from prison and vowed to head home after stripping down to their speedos.

At least three of the men, including Thomas Whitworth and Nick Kelly, have checked into a flight on Thursday night.

They made no comment as they made their way to immigration to board a flight to Singapore.

At least three of the Budgie Nine, including Thomas Whitworth and Nick Kelly, have checked into flights on Thursday night

The men made no comment as they made their way to immigration to board a flight to Singapore

The trio arrived at the airport just hours after they were released from prison without a conviction recorded following four nights in a 'horrendous' cell.

It is not clear if they will get connecting flights to Australia or when the remaining Budgie Nine crew will leave Malaysia.

The Australians pleaded guilty to public nuisance at the Sepang Court on Thursday after delivering an apology to the court and country.

One of the men, Thomas Whitworth, read a letter to the court claiming they have realised the respect the Malaysian people have for their flag and apologised for offending them.

The apology letter that was read out by Thomas Whitworth at the Sepang Magistrates Court

'We therefore, without reservation, apologise and express our deepest regret over our conduct,' Mr Whitworth said

'We too have similar fondness and respect to our own Australian national flag, but due to our cultural differences our display of respect and reverence is perhaps quite different,' Mr Whitworth said, handcuffed to another member of the Budgie Nine.

'But this is no excuse for us to not understand our neighbours' sensitivities.'

Mr Whitworth collapsed as he read out the apology, and took down the friend he was handcuffed to. He was then propped up to drink water.

The men, all aged between 25 and 29, were arrested on Sunday at the Malaysian Grand Prix when they stripped down to their speedos with the Malaysian flag, chanted 'Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi' and drank from their shoes.

The nine Australian men were freed on Thursday. They are pictured leaving Sepang court

The Budgie Nine are pictured walking free after escaping conviction

The men, all aged between 25 and 29, are Timothy Yates, Edward Leaney, Nicholas Kelly, Thomas Laslett, Thomas Whitforth, Brendan Stobs, James Paver, Adam Pasfield and Jack Walker.

They were discharged with a fine and caution.

Their nine budgie smugglers had been laid out in front of the judge by a court official wearing black rubber gloves.

The fathers of the three men were reportedly at the court in a show of support as the accused stood in one line ahead of their release.

They could have faced up to two years in jail.

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Walker's father John Walker said the men all planned to head back to Australia as soon as possible.
A seven-year-old boy was given the 'best day of his life' when four police officers accompanied him to a father-son breakfast - two years after his own dad was murdered.

Oscar Portillo had never been able to attend the event at his Florida school because his father was deported to Honduras, and then killed a year later on the youngster's sixth birthday.

But his mother, Lisa, wanted to give Oscar a chance to experience the breakfast.

So she contacted Miami Police - and they responded in the best way possible.

Seven-year-old Oscar Portillo (pictured) was given the 'best day of his life' when four police officers accompanied him to a father-son breakfast - two years after his own dad was killed

Heart-warming footage shows how four kind officers made a fuss over him at the event before walking him to class.

Oscar was filmed munching on orange segments as he sat surrounded by the four policemen.

At the end of the breakfast, all the fathers in attendance were given a dads' pledge to sign.

The four officers all readily put their names to paper, promising to support Oscar, help him be successful at school and 'encourage (him) to do his best every day.'

Oscar's mother has said the seven-year-old is 'still on cloud nine'.

'That was the best day in his life,' Ms Portillo said in a Facebook post.

The boy's mother, Lisa, wanted to give Oscar a chance to experience the breakfast. So she contacted Miami Police - and they responded in the best way possible

She wrote: 'I want to give a big thanks to the Miami police department. They helped my son feel extra special today at his school.

'It was bring your father day and as most of you know his father has passed away so these fine men stepped up to be their for him not only today but every day.

'They are here to help us in the good and bad they are always there. Thank you so much for being a good role model for my son.'
Drake claims that a music producer knew the dangers of showing up to his home unannounced when he allegedly suffered a brutal beat down by the rappers bodyguard.

The rapper says his security guard was only acting in self defense in new court papers obtained exclsively by DailyMail.com.

Producer Detail - also known as Noel Fisher - filed a lawsuit against Drake, his company Octobers Very Own (OVO SOUND) and his bodyguard Chubbs in 2014 demanding they pay for his medical bills after allegedly suffering a broken jaw at Drake's Calabasas, California, home.

Drake now refuses to pay and claims that all events, injuries and losses that Fisher suffered were the direct result of the producers own negligence and carelessness, according to the court papers.

Drake refuses to pay the medical bills for a producer who claims he suffered a broken jaw at the hands of the rapper's bodyguard, Chubbs (left)

Producer Detail, also known as Noel Fisher, who filed a lawsuit against Drake, his company Octobers Very Own (OVO SOUND) and his bodyguard Chubbs in 2014

Fisher says in his 2014 suit that Drake offered him a job as executive producer, but he turned down the job because he didnt want to be tied to one artist.

After turning down the job, his relationship with Drake deteriorated.

But in June 2014, Fisher says that Drake reached out again, inviting the producer to his Calabasas home to discuss the idea of working together again.

Fisher arrived at the home at about 2am, and immediately encountered Drakes bodyguard, who the producer says punched him so hard that his jaw broke.

During the beat down, the bodyguard allegedly said: I will beat all your a**es, including your b***hs. I dont give a f**k. I will hit you again. Do you think Drake is soft? You think Drakes a punk?

The injuries were so brutal, Fisher claims he was hospitalized for days and had to undergo several surgeries.

Drake and Chubbs have a history of working together. He was one of several producers who worked on Drake's third album, Nothing Was The Same

When he reached out to Drake asking if he could help cover his medical bills, the rapper refused.

Fisher then filed a lawsuit demanding that Drake and his bodyguard pay up.

Drake finally responded to the lawsuit in September, saying that his bodyguard acted in self defense and that he doesnt owe Fisher any money.

He denies all allegations of wrongdoing by Fisher, saying he did not act negligently, carelessly, recklessly or unlawfully.

The rapper claims that all events, injuries and losses that Fisher claims he suffered were in direct result of his own carelessness and negligence.

He claims that Fisher assumed the risk of injury by showing up to the home because he had knowledge of the danger he was exposing himself to.

The incident occurred when Fisher showed up at Drake's Calabasas, California, home, in 2014

Further, Drake denies all of Fisher's claims in his court documents, saying that his bodyguard acted in self defense and used no more force than was reasonably necessary.

Drake is demanding that the suit be thrown out and that Fisher be ordered to cover his legal bills.

Drake worked with Fisher and several other producers on his third album, Nothing Was The Same.

Detail produced the song Own It and also produced and featured on the song 305 To My City on the 2013 album.

He also produced the hit song Drunk In Love by Beyonce that earned him his first Grammy award.
Hillary Clinton expressed her sympathies to Kim Kardashian in a recent interview with Extra.

When asked about the reality star's robbing in Paris over the weekend, Clinton said: 'I feel really bad for her'.

A group of robbers dressed as policemen barged into Kardashian's building Sunday night, threatened the front desk worker and broke into her apartment.

Hillary Clinton says she feels really bad for Kim Kardashian after she was robbed at gunpoint over the weekend in Paris

Kardashian previously met Clinton at a Democratic fundraiser in August 2015, when this selfie was taken

They proceeded to bound and gag the reality star while they made off with $10million in jewelry.

Kardashian's husband Kanye West was performing a concert in New York City when he learned the news and immediately cancelled the performance halfway through, which Clinton found admirable.

'Her husband was in the middle of the concert, and he ran off stage, bless his heart,' Clinton added. 'Its horrible. Im just glad nobody was hurt.'

The robbers stole $10million in jewelry, including this ring that Kardashian boasted of on Twitter just before the attack

Kardashian recently announced that she would be voting for Clinton.

In a post on her website, Kardashian said she initially didn't think she would vote at all in this election but had a change of heart when she spoke to her family about the issues at stake.

After doing research on both candidates, Kardashian 'found that without a doubt, I stand with Hillary. I'm with her'.

'I believe Hillary will best represent our country and is the most qualified for the job. This year, I'm not just voting for myself, but also for my children, and I took that into careful consideration when I made my decision,' Kardashian wrote.
United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. KODJO ABALLO, Petitioner, v. LORETTA E. LYNCH, Attorney General, Respondent. No. 16-1174 Decided: October 05, 2016

Before MOTZ, SHEDD, and HARRIS, Circuit Judges. Ronald D. Richey, LAW OFFICE OF RONALD D. RICHEY, Rockville, Maryland, for Petitioner. Benjamin C. Mizer, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Janette L. Allen, Senior Litigation Counsel, Jennifer A. Bowen, Office of Immigration Litigation, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, Washington, D.C., for Respondent.

Kodjo Aballo, a native and citizen of Togo, petitions for review of an order of the Board of Immigration Appeals (Board) dismissing his appeal from the immigration judge's (IJ) decision denying his applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). For the reasons set forth below, we deny the petition for review.

The Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) vests in the Attorney General the discretionary power to grant asylum to aliens who qualify as refugees. Djadjou v. Holder, 662 F.3d 265, 272 (4th Cir. 2011). A refugee is someone who is unable or unwilling to return to his native country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. 8 U.S.C.  1101(a)(42)(A) (2012). An asylum applicant has the burden of proving that he satisfies the definition of a refugee to qualify for relief. Djadjou, 662 F.3d at 272. He may satisfy this burden by showing that he was subjected to past persecution or that he has a well-founded fear of persecution on account of a protected ground. See 8 C.F.R.  208.13(b)(1) (2016). If the applicant establishes past persecution, he has the benefit of a rebuttable presumption of a well-founded fear of persecution. Djadjou, 662 F.3d at 272.

If the applicant is unable to establish that he was the victim of past persecution, he must establish a well founded fear of future persecution. A well founded fear of persecution has a subjective and objective component. Marynenka v. Holder, 592 F.3d 594, 600 (4th Cir. 2010). The subjective component requires that the applicant show genuine fear of persecution. The objective component requires that the applicant show with specific and concrete facts that a reasonable person in like circumstances would fear persecution. Id.

An applicant faces a heightened burden of proof to qualify for withholding of removal to a particular country under the INA. Djadjou, 662 F.3d at 272. He must show a clear probability of persecution on account of a protected ground. Id. If he meets this heightened burden, withholding of removal is mandatory. However, if the applicant cannot demonstrate asylum eligibility, his application for withholding of removal will necessarily fail as well. Id.

To qualify for protection under the CAT, an applicant bears the burden of proof of showing it is more likely than not that he or she would be tortured if removed to the proposed country of removal. 8 C.F.R.  1208.16(c)(2) (2016). To state a prima facie case for relief under the CAT, an applicant must show that he will be subjected to severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental  by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. 8 C.F.R.  1208.18(a)(1) (2016); see Saintha v. Mukasey, 516 F.3d 243, 246 & n.2 (4th Cir. 2008). The applicant need not prove the torture would be inflicted on account of a protected ground. Dankam v. Gonzales, 495 F.3d 113, 115-16 (4th Cir. 2007).

Because the Board issued its own opinion without adopting the IJ's opinion  we review that opinion and not the opinion of the IJ. Martinez v. Holder, 740 F.3d 902, 908 (4th Cir. 2014). We will uphold the Board's decision unless it is manifestly contrary to the law and an abuse of discretion. Djadjou, 662 F.3d at 273. The standard of review of the agency's findings is narrow and deferential. Factual findings are affirmed if supported by substantial evidence. Id. Substantial evidence exists to support a finding unless the evidence was such that any reasonable adjudicator would have been compelled to conclude to the contrary. Id.

We review an adverse credibility determination for substantial evidence and give broad deference to the Board's credibility determination. However, the agency must provide specific, cogent reasons for making an adverse credibility determination. Djadjou, 662 F.3d at 273. Examples of specific and cogent reasons include inconsistent statements, contradictory evidence, and inherently improbable testimony. Tewabe v. Gonzales, 446 F.3d 533, 538 (4th Cir. 2006) (internal quotation marks omitted). The existence of only a few such inconsistencies, omissions, or contradictions can support an adverse credibility determination as to the alien's entire testimony regarding past persecution. Djadjou, 662 F.3d at 273. Also, an inconsistency can serve as a basis for an adverse credibility determination even if it does not go to the heart of the alien's claim. Id. at 274 n.1.

We conclude that the adverse credibility finding is supported by substantial evidence and confirms the conclusion that Aballo failed to show a nexus between his past persecution or fear of future persecution and a protected ground. Because Aballo failed to meet his burden of showing a nexus, he did not establish eligibility for asylum. Because Aballo did not meet his burden of proof for asylum relief, his application for withholding of removal also fails. Djadjou, 662 F.3d at 272. Also, we discern no error with the Board's finding that Aballo's return trips to Togo undermined his credibility. See Loho v. Mukasey, 531 F.3d 1016, 1018 (9th Cir. 2008) (noting that alien's testimony that she returned to her homeland undermines her testimony that she suffered past persecution or feared returning home).

We also conclude that the adverse credibility finding supports the decision that Aballo was not eligible for protection under the CAT. There is no independent evidence showing that Aballo was ever tortured or that he faced a likelihood of torture. Insofar as Aballo claims that the Board erred by agreeing with the IJ that the Colonel's alleged persecution of Aballo was not part of his specific duties, the Board specifically did not resolve this issue in reaching a decision.

Accordingly, we deny the petition for review. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

PETITION DENIED

PER CURIAM:
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Kim Kardashian's bodyguard has been spotted outside the star's New York apartment despite severing all online ties from his social media accounts.

Pascal Duvier, 43, had earlier filed for bankruptcy for his security company in his hometown of Heidelberg, Germany. Court documents show the bodyguard lodged papers some ten weeks ago after his firm reported debts of more than 1 million.

Duvier, 43, who was in a nightclub when the star fell victim to a 8.5million heist as she slept alone in her Paris hotel was in New York earlier today outside the star's luxury apartment.

His German ProtectSecurity firm, which has run security for a host of stars from Kim's husband Kanye West to the Black Eyed Peas, has racked up debts totalling 1,093,518 (961,296).

The insolvency lawyer on the case told MailOnline: 'There is so much debt. There are many claimants. I cannot say the exact number. Lots.'

Pascal Duvier, 43, pictured, arrived outside the New York apartment where Kim Kardashian was staying earlier today

It is the first time Duvier, pictured, has been spotted near the star since her terrifying ordeal in Paris on Monday

Insolvency: Kim Kardashian's bodyguard Pascal Duvier, pictured above with Kim in Paris last weekend, filed for bankruptcy for his German security company ten weeks ago with debts of more than 1million

Shabby: Duvier was seen at his security business premises in Eppelheim, Germany, in recent weeks. A woman who runs a hairdressing salon on the mini-industrial estate said: 'He came here with his secretary but didn't stay long. Since then the blinds have been down and there has not been a soul here.'

Bankruptcy: Official documents obtained by MailOnline, above, reveal that Mr Duvier filed for insolvency for his ProtectSecurity firm on July 22 in his German hometown of Heidelberg

Debt: Duvier's ProtectSecurity firm, which has boasted of running security for a host of stars from Kim's husband Kanye West to the Black Eyed Peas, has racked up total debts of 1.093,518, 63

Too much debt: An insolvency lawyer appointed to Mr Duvier's case said the company owes lots of money. The premises where ProtectSecurity was registered, above, rent for less than 400 a month in south-east Germany

Reality TV star Kim, 35, was subjected to a terrifying ordeal in the early hours of Monday morning when five gunmen disguised as police officers and wearing ski masks to hide their faces bound and gagged her in the luxury Hotel de Pourtales.

Mother-of-two Kim had been left alone in the suite while bodyguard Duvier went to high-end nightclub L'Arc with her sisters Kourtney and Kendall Jenner.

Bodyguard Duvier arrived at the flat two minutes after the gangsters escaped on bicycles with her 3.5million engagement ring - apparently after being alerted by a text message from Kim's best friend Simone Harouche.

Duvier, who has vowed to track down the attackers, has faced claims he left the star exposed by failing to secure the flat in his absence.

Kim has reportedly told friends that she does not blame him for the crime. There is no suggestion Duvier had any involvement or that he is under any suspicion.

By Wednesday afternoon, Duvier had deleted all references that he had worked for Kim from his social media accounts. That included photos of the reality TV star and pictures of him while he was working as her bodyguard.

Duvier has not been fired by Kim or Kanye and according to TMZ, sources say deleting the content from his accounts is a safety measure to block possible thieves from figuring out the couple's whereabouts.

High opinion: Pascal Duvier's self aggrandizing Instagram posts reveal how much faith he appears to have in himself and his ability to protect his employer, Kim Kardashian

Hot stuff: The bodyguard likes to promote himself heavily on social media and creates the impression amid the hashtags and name dropping that he knows exactly what he is doing

Dapper: The selfie-loving German bodyguard has often shared images on social media after building his own online following thanks to his work with celebrities but has turned his account settings private in the wake of the attack

Show off strength: The burly bodyguard shared photos on his Instagram account of him attempting to lift huge objects

The 6-4' selfie-loving security guard has worked for Kanye West since 2012, and won acclaim just a week ago when he saved Kim from being grabbed by prankster Vitalii Sediuk in Paris.

On his LinkedIn profile, Duvier says: 'My goal as the Chairman of ProtectSecurity is build a security team around the protected person.'

He has apparently run the company for 19 years and his profile says he has lots of experience with high profile clients having worked for Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, Will.i.am, the Pussycat Dolls, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Lana del Rey and Katy Perry.

The paperwork was lodged at the justice centre on the banks of the Neckar River at 8am on July 22.

The insolvency document for the case said the company's 'inability to pay and debts' meant that a lawyer was appointed by the court to examine all its finances.

The lawyer told MailOnline that normally an insolvency specialist is appointed to help try to rescue a failing business.

He said: 'There is so much debt. There are many claimants. I cannot say the exact number. Lots.'

Base: Although he travels the world, Duvier was previously registered to a modest tower block in Heidelberg in south-east Germany, above

Collapse: The insolvency paperwork states that the case should be settled through correspondence

'It was known to me that Herr Duvier is the bodyguard of Frau Kardashian.'

The insolvency paperwork further states that claimants who say the company owes them money had until September 16 to file their claims.

The document says that the case should be settled through correspondence, which would spare any court appearances.

Part of the insolvency lawyer's job will be to ascertain whether the company has any money in any other accounts, any assets not declared or anything else of value which could be used to pay the creditors.

The claims will be assessed initially on the 10th of October.

Duvier was last seen at his security business premises in Eppelheim in recent weeks.

A woman who runs a hairdressing salon on the mini-industrial estate said: 'He came here with his secretary but didn't stay long. Since then the blinds have been down and there has not been a soul here.'

The premises rent for less than 400 a month and are located next to various companies in offices separated by hardwood walls.

Educated in mathematics at Heidelberg University, Duvier spent time in his youth as a bouncer at discos and nightclubs in the famed academic city.

He went in the Bundeswehr to perform his mandatory military service when he was 18 in 1991. According to a friend who attended the same judo club as him, he signed on as a regular soldier for three more years.

The friend said: 'He liked the army. He went on to work at the NATO HQ in Heidelberg' - a facility which was shut down in 2013.

The court documents do not list who the company owes money to or how much in assets it still has.

The revelation that Duvier's firm has filed for insolvency will be a further blow, after the attack on his star client.

Take down: Kim declared 'Pascal's a G! He's the best bodyguard in town' after he saved her from being grabbed by prankster Vitalii Sediuk in Paris

Concerned: Duvier posted throwback photos on Twitter of a time Kim got swamped by fans and paparazzi and said 'this make me angry'

On October 2 - hours before the raid on Kim's apartment - he wrote: 'You don't become a bodyguard over night. It's a job with dedication, responsibility and passion.'

Following the robbery, a source told Us magazine: 'Kim is not blaming Pascal. She felt completely safe at the Paris apartment and doesn't believe this is his fault in any way,' they said.

Kim was sleeping alone in just a robe when she heard the robbers running upstairs around 2.30am Monday.

She feared she would be raped as her wrists were bound with plastic ties, and pleaded with her attackers: 'Please don't kill me! I have children'.

After managing to wriggle free, she apparently fled to the balcony in the nine-flat block and screamed for help.

Within two minutes Duvier was on the scene, according to accounts from the Kardashians.

Two days on, police in the French capital do not appear to be close to solving the robbery.

Kim and her best friend, the stylist Simone Harouche, were left by themselves in an apartment in Paris before the raid

A source in Paris has said: 'Forensic enquiries have also been carried out, but as yet there is no useful DNA evidence.'

Investigators said Ms Kardashian and her stylist Ms Harouche, who was also in the flat at the time, had provided brief statements before returning to the USA within hours of the crime.

The only other confirmed witness is an unnamed porter who is said to have been tied up and gagged and left in the stairwell.

Detectives have already confirmed that there was no CCTV camera inside or directly outside the block, where flats rent for up to 8000-a-week. But an American linked to of Bel Ange ('Beautiful Angel'), a nail salon close to Ms Kardashian's home, said film of the gang running away is indeed available.

MailOnline requested comment from Pascal Duvier through the Kardashians' PR but they have declined.

His sister told MailOnline the claims were 'false' but when told there were public documents she added: 'You have to speak to him. This is private. My brother will meet all his debts.'

It has since been revealed that there were no CCTV cameras either inside or directly outside the luxury apartment, above, where Kim was staying with 8.5million worth of jewels
A woman was rescued from what is being described as a cult exorcism after her neighbours heard 'blood-curdling screams' coming from her flat.

Police were called to the property in Plaza de la Gesta in Oviedo, Spain, after reports of a screaming woman.

The woman, whose identity is being protected, was taken to hospital after she was found in a 'state of great mental anguish' surrounded by several other people being led by a 'shaman'.

A woman was rescued from what is being described as a cult exorcism after her neighbours heard 'blood-curdling screams' coming from her flat

'I heard a woman screaming and it frightened me,' one neighbour said, according to The Local.

'The screams were blood-curdling, like she was being slowly murdered.'

The woman was discharged hours later after it was confirmed that she had suffered no physical injury.

She was reportedly undergoing an 'exorcism' in the presence the other people last Saturday.

Benito Gallego, dean of Oviedo Cathedral told La Opinion A Coruna: 'It absolutely had nothing to do with sanctioned Catholic exorcism,.

'It may be that it was some sort of cult ritual, faith healing or voodoo, but is far removed from the exorcism practised by the Catholic Church.'

Sanctioned exorcisms are regularly carried out by the Catholic Church in Spain.

The woman, whose identity is being protected, was taken to hospital after she was found in a 'state of great mental anguish' surrounded by several other people being led by a 'shamen'

Pope Francis made exorcisms official Catholic practice two years ago.

The Vatican hailing them as 'a form of charity' and there are 15 priests in Spain authorised to carry out exorcisms.
Police have used fresh DNA evidence to close a case of missing 17-year-old Michael Perdue more than 30 years after he disappeared

Police have used fresh DNA evidence to close a case of a missing 17-year-old boy more than 30 years after he disappeared.

Two fishermen stumbled across human remains along the Jackson River in Virginia on March 2, 1986, and on Wednesday they were finally able to say the bones belonged to teenager Michael Perdue.

Perdue was last seen on May 4, 1985, with officers believing he drowned after fleeing a nearby gas station, the Roanoke Times reports.

They also believe he may have firebombed the station with a friend.

Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall announced the news during a press conference on Wednesday.

Perdue's siblings, Wally Perdue and Sandra Miller, attended the conference.

'A brother's love never dies,' Wally Perdue, who was holding a cardboard box that contained the ashes of his brother, told reporters on Wednesday.

'I feel that his spirit is still walking this earth. And now that were laying him to rest, he can go home with the rest of his family.

'Thank y'all. Let's go home, Michael.'

Investigators thought the remains were Perdue's, but weren't sure until they tracked down Wally Perdue in Michigan for a DNA test.

'For 30 years, everybody thought it was Michael,' Sheriff Hall said, according to the newspaper.

Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall (pictured) announced the news during a press conference on Wednesday

'A brother's love never dies,' Wally Perdue (middle), who was holding a cardboard box that contained the ashes of his brother, told reporters on Wednesday

'We're a small area, and he was the only missing person. Most people at the time had a pretty good guess.'

The two brothers had been living with their grandmother in Covington at the time. Michael Perdue will be buried in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Two suspected illegal immigrants were filmed climbing out of a lorry on a busy dual carriageway.

The incident happened on the coastbound route of the A2, near Canterbury in Kent yesterday.

The men were caught on dashcam footage and one man's legs were spotted dangling from the Degirolami-marked lorry.

The men were caught on dashcam footage and one man's legs were spotted dangling from the Degirolami-marked lorry

What appeared to be a lorry driver and another man in a hi-vis jacket were seen standing behind the vehicle as the men climbed out.

The suspected illegal immigrants were sent to the Home Office Enforcement.

A spokeswoman for Kent Police told MailOnline: 'Kent Police was called at 9.51am on Wednesday, October 5 to the A2 near Dunkirk following reports of suspected migrants.

'Officers attended and handed the two men to the Home Office Immigration Enforcement.'

Hundreds of suspected migrants have been found climbing out of the back of lorries in Kent this year.

Last week, three suspected illegal immigrants were detained after they were thought to have crossed the English Channel from France in a bright orange rubber dinghy.

Police were called to the road on the remote seafront at Walmer, near Deal in Kent, at 9.15am after the three men were spotted by passers-by.

What appeared to be a lorry driver and another man in a hi-vis jacket were seen standing behind the vehicle as the men climbed out
Blake Snyder, 33, was shot and killed by an 18-year-old suspect during an early morning shootout in Green Park, Missouri, on Thursday

A Missouri police officer was shot and killed by an 18-year-old suspect during an early morning shootout in a small middle-class community on Thursday.

Blake Snyder, 33, has been identified as the slain St. Louis County police officer.

He leaves behind a wife and a two-year-old son.

Snyder was shot by the suspect, a white male, 'almost immediately' after he arrived on the scene with another officer at 5am.

Snyder was struck point-blank died instantly, Chief Jon Belmar told KSDK.

The second officer returned fire and injured the teen, who is currently in critical condition.

His name has not yet been released.

Authorities said Snyder and the second officer were responding to a disturbance call in Green Park when he was shot.

The suspect is connected to a felony narcotics case that Snyder was involved with, Belmar told CBS St Louis.

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Snyder was shot by the suspect, a white male, 'almost immediately' after he arrived on the scene (pictured) with another officer at 5am in response to a disturbance call

Snyder, who Belmar said was a 'great guy' and a dedicated cop, had worked at the St Louis County Police Department for four years.

He is the first officer at the department to be killed in the line of duty in 16 years.

Authorities were still at the scene of the shooting before noon on Thursday, with evidence markers covering the ground.

Belmar said there were no dash cams or body cameras in use at the time of the shooting.

The second officer returned fire and injured the teen, who is currently in critical condition. Pictured are St. Louis County officers investigating the scene on Thursday morning
Joshua Thomas from Cardiff who assaulted his pregnant girlfriend, held a knife against her throat and threatened to 'stamp the baby' out of her

A jealous boyfriend has been jailed after he threatened to 'stamp the baby' out of his pregnant 18-year-old girlfriend he accused of sleeping with his uncle.

Joshua Thomas from Cardiff was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Cardiff Crown Court today after pleading guilty to common assault and making threats to kill.

The 24-year-old attacked his then-teenage girlfriend Shannae Sullivan-Bond, who described her former partner as 'controlling' and held a knife to her throat.

The court heard Thomas and his uncle had gone with Ms Sullivan-Bond to the Victoria Park pub in Canton on June 23 this year.

Ms Sullivan-Bond said she remained 'stone-cold sober' while the two men began to drink heavily.

When the group returned to the couple's flat in the Ely area of the Welsh city the defendant became obsessed with the idea that his partner and his uncle were attracted to each other.

Prosecutor Eugene Egan told the court: 'The defendant got Ms Sullivan-Bond alone in the bedroom and pushed her on the bed.

'He began to press his clenched fists on her chest area. She told him it was painful and expressed concern for their unborn baby.

'The defendantsaid he would "stamp the baby" out of her.

'Thomas then got a knife from the kitchen, the blade measuring 10 inches, and he held that blade to the throat of his uncle and then his girlfriend, threatening to kill both of them.

'Ms Sullivan-Bond was petrified by that and the defendant later headbutted his uncle.'

Thomas had been at the Victoria Park pub with his girlfriend and his uncle and was drinking heavily before he became violent, and accused his girlfriend of sleeping with his uncle

After the attack Thomas burst into tears and apologised to both Ms Sullivan-Bond and his uncle.

The police became involved in the matter after Ms Sullivan-Bonds mother saw bruises on her daughter, which prompted her to tell her mother about the history between her and her boyfriend.

On July 11, just three weeks after the attack, Ms Sullivan-Bond miscarried but it was not established whether Thomas actions had contributed to this.

The court heard Thomas had a number of previous offences relating to violence against former partners who he had accused of sleeping with his uncle.

It was admitted on Thomas behalf there had been a 'pattern of offending' in part because of his lifestyle of drug-taking.

Appearing via video link from Cardiff prison, Thomas held up his hands in celebration after he was told by the Recorder of Cardiff Judge Eleri Rees that he would not be given an extended sentence.

The judge said: 'The concern I have had in reading about the current offence and previous offences is that it is only a matter of time before you seriously injure somebody.

Thomaswas sentenced to 16 months in prison at Cardiff Crown Court, pictured, today after pleading guilty to common assault and making threats to kill

'Your behaviour is explained in psychological and pre-sentence reports as largely because of you abusing substances and your life experiences havent assisted but theres a pattern here of violence and controlling behaviour towards partners as well as violence towards others.'

She added: 'As far as Ms Sullivan-Bond is concerned not only was she vulnerable because she was pregnant but vulnerable because of her relationship with you.

'Again your behaviour involves accusations involving your uncle, which I am sure has no basis in truth.

'You should think long and hard about your behaviour and your attitude towards relationships.

'You could spend longer and longer in prison if you carry on this way.'
A hate preacher who has called for gay people to be beheaded or burned to death should be removed from the UK, the Home Secretary has been told.

Shaykh Hamza Sodagar is in London this week to deliver a series of lectures at the Islamic Republic of Iran School, which is run by the Iranian government.

The American-born radical, who describes himself as a 'role model for young Muslims all around the world', has previously posted a video listing five ways in which gay people should be killed.

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The Home Secretary is facing calls to withdraw Shaykh Hamza Sodagar's visa

The footage, from 2010, shows him saying: 'If theres homosexual men, the punishment is one of five things.

'One - the easiest one maybe - chop their head off, thats the easiest.

'Second - burn them to death.

'Third - throw em off a cliff. Fourth - tear down a wall on them so they die under that.

'Fifth - a combination of the above.'

Campaigner Peter Tatchell has called for Shaykh Hamza Sodagar's visa to be revoked

WHO IS SHEIKH HAMZA SODAGAR? Sheikh Hamza Sodagar was born in Kentucky, and was raised in Maryland until his family moved to Iran. He is a scholar who currently lives in Iran, where he has spent the past 16 years pursuing Islamic studies. He has previously described Americans and Europeans as 'kuffar' - and says they are puppets of Jewish lobby groups, describing Israel as a 'cancerous tumour'. He gives regular lectures around the world, and teaches students from the west. Advertisement

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has called on the Home Secretary to revoke the preacher's visa.

He said: 'In a free society, Hamza Sodagar has a right to believe that homosexuality is sinful but not to preach about ways to kill lesbians and gay men.

'Many people with far less extreme views, who have never advocated violence, have been banned from entering the UK.

'Calling for death to LGBT people crosses a red line. The Home Office was wrong to grant him a visa and should now revoke it.

'The cleric should be ordered out of the country.'

The Home Office said it would not comment on individual cases, but a spokesman told the Mail Online: 'An individual can be excluded on the grounds that their presence is "not conducive to the public good" if it is reasonable, consistent and proportionate based on the evidence available.'

The series of lectures is organised by the Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission - a nonprofit British group which says it was founded by a group of Muslim activists and thinkers.

The preacher is speaking at a nightly lecture series in North London, but the Home Secretary faces calls for him to be removed from the UK

The Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission has defended the cleric, describing claims he called for gay people to be killed as 'laughable and absurd'

A statement from the group defended the cleric, saying claims that he advocated beheading gay people was 'laughable and absurd'.

It said: 'In remarks made in 2010, as part of a series of lectures delivered on mercy, love and hatred in Islam through a commentary of a supplication from the Islamic tradition, Shaykh Hamza explained the position of Islam on homosexuality, and that it is not compatible with Islam.

'This is a clear and undeniable position that is upheld by Islam as found in Islamic scripture and tradition.

'In this regard, it must be understood, as was mentioned in the very same lecture series, that Islamic penal code cannot be administered outside the framework of law-enforcement and legal process within a legitimate government.

The lecture series, in north London, is set to run until October 12

'De-contextualised excerpts of this series, were used by right-wing media to suggest that Shaykh Hamza was calling for the beheading and burning of homosexuals. This is untrue and a mischievous and malicious accusation to make.

'To suggest that Shaykh Hamza is calling for the beheading and burning of homosexuals is laughable and absurd.'

The lecture series will run until October 12.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd faces calls to remove the cleric from the UK because of his comments about gay people

The Islamic Republic of Iran School is an Iranian government-run small independent mixed Muslim school teaching pupils aged six to 17 in Maida Vale.

Iran has the death penalty for homosexuality.

The school opened in 2001 and follows the Iranian National Curriculum teaching in Farsi.

It seeks to help pupils achieve an understanding of their Muslim faith and culture, as well as Arabic and the Quran, which was rated as 'adequate' by Ofsted at the last inspection in 2013.

When the lectures were announced, the mission wrote: 'The Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission (AIM) is proud to announce that it has confirmed Shaykh Hamza Sodagar to speak for the 10 nights of Muharram in October 2016.
say opting out of the voluntary procedure would 'lower their grades' and they would be 'blacklisted' by future employers

Three students who were in a Florida school's sonography program have been given the go-ahead to move forward with their lawsuit against four women in the program for 'forcing them to give each other vaginal probes'.

Valencia College students Melissa Milwad, Elyse Ugalde and Ashley Rose quit the public school's program over 'transvaginal ultrasounds', Ocala.com reported.

A 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruling said on Tuesday that the students initially launched a lawsuit in May 2015 against the school's Board of Trustees and four women involved in the program - Barbara Ball, Maureen Bugnacki, Linda Shaheen, and Suda Amodt.

This week the court said 'The Board is no longer a party.' It reinstated the suit against the four women.

Defendants: Pictured are instructors Maureen Bugnacki , Linda Shaheen (right) and Barbara Ball (left). Ball allegedly told one student undergoing the procedure she was 'sexy' and that she should become an 'escort girl'

The lawsuit claims that one student was approached by Ball during a procedure who told her she was 'sexy' and said she could become an 'escort girl'.

'Defendant Ball's comments can only be described as bizarre during some of these forced probing sessions,' the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit also claims that student Jennifer Astor '(nicknamed the "TransVag Queen") explained the Medical Diagnostic Sonography Program's faculty believed that students should undergo invasive transvaginal ultrasound procedures in order to become better sonography technicians'.

Pictured is defendant Maureen Bugnacki

The students also say that they weren't granted enough privacy during the exams which added to their humiliation. Both men and women were instructed to perform the procedure on their peers.

Students 'endured these invasive probes without a modicum of privacy. Plaintiffs would disrobe in a restroom, drape themselves in towels, and traverse the sonography classroom in full view of instructors and other students,' the lawsuit says.

Students allegedly placed a condom on the vaginal probe and would sexually 'stimulate' plaintiffs to make insertion of the probe easier.

Women 'experienced discomfort and embarrassment each time they had to endure this forced probing of their sexual organs,' the suit alleges.

The federal appeals court said: 'Although the transvaginal ultrasounds were purportedly voluntary, in practice, the employees required students to perform them on each other.'

The court said: 'If students refused, the employees would browbeat them and threaten their academic standing as well as their future careers.'

In May 2015, Valencia College permanently banned medical students from performing vaginal probes on each other as part of their training after the federal lawsuit was filed

It also said: 'The employees also threatened to lower the students' grades, and Bugnacki threatened to blacklist them at the local hospitals.

'Milward and Ugalde eventually submitted to the transvaginal ultrasounds. But Rose refused. As punishment, the employees did not allow Rose to watch the other students perform the ultrasounds.

'Amodt also threatened to bar Rose from a local hospital, gave Rose two failing grades, and yelled at Rose for an hour until she had a panic attack.'

The court revealed that at the time Ball was the chair of the program, Shaheen was the clinical and laboratory coordinator, Bugnacki was a laboratory technician, and Amodt was a laboratory and physics instructor.

In May 2015, Valencia College permanently banned medical students from performing vaginal probes on each other as part of their training after the federal lawsuit was filed.

Vaginal probe: Students allegedly placed a condom on the vaginal probe similar to this one and would sexually 'stimulate' plaintiffs to make insertion of the probe easier

A district judge had said students hadn't been subject to unconstitutional searches under the Fourth Amendment and dismissed the case, according to Ocala.com.

US District Judge Gregory Presnell was quoted by the report as saying program workers 'did not have the intent to elicit a benefit for the government in its investigatory or administrative capacity'.

The federal appeals court said: 'Inserting a probe into a woman's vagina is plainly a search when performed by the government.

'Where the government physically intrudes on a subject enumerated within the Fourth Amendment, such as a person, a search "has undoubtedly occurred."'

The court also said that 'the word 'search' in the Fourth Amendment does not contain a purpose requirement.'

The federal appeals court reinstated the case and said: 'After several employees of Valencia College encouraged students to submit voluntarily to invasive ultrasounds performed by peers as part of a training program in sonography, some students objected.

'The employees then allegedly retaliated against the objecting students and successfully pressured two students to undergo the procedure.

'The students filed a complaint against the employees, which the district court dismissed for failure to state a claim.
, Ryan Seacrest, Judge Judy Sheindlin and Matt Lauer in the top five

He is followed by Ellen

It's been a good year for Dr Phil McGraw, who landed exclusive interviews with both Jon Benet Ramsey's brother and Nick Gordon, fiance of the late Bobbi Kristina Brown.

And it looks like it's about to get sweeter, since McGraw was just named TV's highest-paid host by Forbes.

The magazine released the list on Tuesday, for the first time focusing just on TV hosts, and not reality stars.

Dr. Phil McGraw made $88million last year, making him the highest-paid television host according to Forbes

Ellen DeGeneres and Ryan Seacrest round out the top three, according to the list, with their $75million and $55million pay

Judge Judy Sheindlin (left) made $47million last year, Matt Lauer (center) made $25million and Heidi Klum (right) made $19million

McGraw tops the list since he gets a percentage of the profits from his production company, in addition to separate deals for endorsing AARP and AstraZeneca, plus an executive producing role on The Doctors.

FORBES TOP 10 HIGHEST-PAID TELEVISION HOSTS Dr. Phil McGraw - $88million Ellen DeGeneres - $75million Ryan Seacrest - $55million Judy Sheindlin - $47million Matt Lauer - $25million Heidi Klum - $19million Bill O'Reilly - $18.5million Robin Roberts - $18million Kelly Ripa - $17million Michael Strahan - $17million Advertisement

In a 2013 interview with Forbes, McGraw explained his work philosophy, saying: 'The older I get, theres no way am I going to spend my life doing what somebody else wants me to do.

'Ive always said you need to star in your own life because if you dont, nobody will.'

Following McGraw in the top five are Ellen DeGeneres, Ryan Seacrest, Judge Judy Sheindlin and Matt Lauer.

There are a total of six women in the top 20 this year, including Heidi Klum and Kelly Ripa.

Ripa and her estranged former Live with Kelly co-host Michael Strahan are tied on the list with $17million each, but Strahan's is expected to go up next year thanks to his new role on Good Morning America.

Noticeably missing from the top 10 is all of the late-night hosts, who make in the $12-$15million a year range.
Hurricane Matthew's path of destruction hasn't even finished, but another hurricane has formed off the coast of Bermuda.

As Matthew barrels up the US East Coast, Nicole has now intensified from a tropical storm into a hurricane off Bermuda in the Atlantic, according to the US National Hurricane Center.

Nicole is currently located about 345 miles south of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 105 miles per hour, making it a Category 2 hurricane.

Matthew by comparison was upgraded earlier on Thursday to a Category 4 as it approached the US mainland.

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Not far behind: While Matthew barrels its way up towards the East Coast, Tropical Storm Nicole has intensified into a hurricane and is hot on its heels

Menacing: Nicole is currently located about 345 miles south of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 105miles per hour

The hurricane is expected to turn toward the north-northwest later Thursday, and could strengthen further over the next day or so, the NHC added.

But as it stands, Nicole is no threat to the US mainland.

Matthew strengthened from a Category Three to a Four this moring as it bears down on the East Coast

Nicole is expected to remain south of Bermuda, with the island experiencing rough surf conditions over the next few days.

Matthew is expected to eventually head back into the Atlantic after making its way up past Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

As a result, it could cross Nicole's path, which would see both storms interacting with one another, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Such an interaction is called the Fujiwara effect, named after Japanese meteorologist Sakarei Fujiwara, where two tropical cyclones less than 900 miles apart orbit each other, closing the distance between the circulations of their low-pressure areas.

Depending on the size of the two, one could simply be absorbed by the other. But if they are of a similar size, they two would 'dance' around each other.

One recent example was when Hurricane Wilma absorbed Tropical Storm Alpha shortly after crossing south Florida and the Florida Keys.

Two days after the storm rampaged across Haiti's remote southwestern peninsula, authorities and aid workers still lack a clear picture of what they fear is their biggest disaster in years

The head of the Bahamas National Emergency Management Authority, Capt. Stephen Russell, said there were many downed trees and power lines, but no reports of casualties as Matthew blew through Nassau on the island
United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. PHILLIP ALLEN MCGEE, Defendant - Appellant. No. 15-4719 Decided: October 05, 2016

Before GREGORY, Chief Judge, and WILKINSON and THACKER, Circuit Judges. George E. Crump, III, Rockingham, North Carolina, for Appellant. Clifton Thomas Barrett, Assistant United States Attorney, Greensboro, North Carolina, for Appellee.

Phillip Allen McGee pled guilty, pursuant to a written plea agreement, to conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C.  846 (2012). The district court sentenced McGee to 234 months' imprisonment  a sentence below the advisory Sentencing Guidelines range. In accordance with Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738 (1967), McGee's counsel has filed a brief certifying there are no meritorious grounds for appeal but questioning whether the district court erred in applying two sentencing enhancements and whether McGee's sentence is substantively reasonable. We affirm the district court's judgment.

We review a defendant's sentence for an abuse of discretion. Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 51 (2007). In reviewing a district court's decision to apply a sentencing enhancement, [w]e accord due deference to a district court's application of the sentencing guidelines. United States v. Steffen, 741 F.3d 411, 414 (4th Cir. 2013). We review the district court's factual determinations for clear error. Id. However, if the issue turns primarily on the legal interpretation of a guideline term, the standard moves closer to de novo review. Id. (alterations and internal quotation marks omitted).

The district court imposed a two-level enhancement pursuant to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual  2D1.1(b)(13)(A) (2014), concluding that the offense involved (i) an unlawful discharge, emission, or release into the environment of a hazardous or toxic substance; or (ii) the unlawful transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal of a hazardous waste. For the enhancement to apply, the defendant's conduct must violate one of several environmental statutes, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, see 42 U.S.C.  6928(d) (2012). USSG  2D1.1 cmt. n.18. McGee asserts that the district court erred in applying this enhancement.

We disagree. The district court heard testimony regarding the hazardous characteristics of the chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine. The district court also heard testimony that McGee travelled in a vehicle while manufacturing methamphetamine and that he disposed of the byproduct by littering and by burning it in a barrel. These chemicals and byproducts all had the potential to cause serious harm to human health or the environment when handled improperly. See 42 U.S.C.  6903(5) (2012). Thus, the district court properly applied the  2D1.1(b)(13)(A) enhancement.

Counsel next questions whether the district court properly applied a four-level enhancement for McGee's role as an organizer or leader of the conspiracy. A defendant qualifies for a four-level enhancement to his offense level if he was an organizer or leader of a criminal activity that involved five or more participants or was otherwise extensive. USSG  3B1.1(a) & cmt. n.4. The district court's determination that a defendant was an organizer or leader is a factual matter reviewed for clear error. United States v. Thorson, 633 F.3d 312, 317 (4th Cir. 2011).

Here, McGee introduced the one-pot method of manufacturing methamphetamine to the conspiracy's geographical area. Although the district court observed that this conspiracy might not have been a typical drug conspiracy, the fact remains that McGee was at the center of a large organization, taught several individuals how to manufacture methamphetamine, and had several individuals purchase pseudoephedrine and sell methamphetamine for him. We therefore conclude that the district court did not clearly err in finding that McGee acted as a leader or organizer of this conspiracy.

Finally, counsel questions whether McGee's below-Guidelines sentence is substantively reasonable. If a sentence is free of significant procedural error, as is the case here, we review it for substantive reasonableness, tak [ing] into account the totality of the circumstances. Gall, 552 U.S. at 51. Any sentence that is within or below a properly calculated Guidelines range is presumptively reasonable. United States v. Louthian, 756 F.3d 295, 306 (4th Cir. 2014). Such a presumption can only be rebutted by showing that the sentence is unreasonable when measured against the 18 U.S.C.  3553(a) factors. Id. We conclude that McGee has failed to overcome the presumption of reasonableness accorded his below-Guidelines sentence.

In accordance with Anders, we have reviewed the entire record in this case and have found no meritorious grounds for appeal. We therefore affirm the district court's judgment. This court requires that counsel inform McGee, in writing, of the right to petition the Supreme Court of the United States for further review. If McGee requests that a petition be filed, but counsel believes that such a petition would be frivolous, then counsel may move in this court for leave to withdraw from representation. Counsel's motion must state that a copy thereof was served on McGee.

We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED

FOOTNOTES

. Guidelines commentary that interprets or explains a guideline is authoritative unless it violates the Constitution or a federal statute, or is inconsistent with, or a plainly erroneous reading of, that guideline. Stinson v. UnitedStates, 508 U.S. 36, 38 (1993).

. Although McGee questions the district court's qualification of the witness as an expert in hazardous waste disposal, the Federal Rules of Evidence do not apply at sentencing. Fed. R. Evid. 1101(d)(3); see United States v.Powell, 650 F.3d 388, 392 (4th Cir. 2011).

PER CURIAM:
Oops, he did it again.

Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson seemingly had another 'Aleppo moment' on Wednesday.

The New York Times asked Johnson if he knew the name of North Korea's dictator.

I do, he replied. But he did not say Kim Jong Un. You want me to name, he said, according to the Times. Really.

Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson seemingly had another 'Aleppo moment' on Wednesday

The New York Times asked Johnson if he knew the name of North Korea's dictator. I do, he replied. But he did not say Kim Jong Un (pictured)

Still, he did not provide the name the foreign leader, whose provocative behavior has the United States and its allies worried North Korea is closer to developing a nuclear warhead than previously anticipated.

Twice already the presidential candidate has struggled to answer basic foreign policy questions for someone seeking the job of commander in chief.

'What is Aleppo?' he asked last month as he was questioned about it on Morning Joe.

Aleppo is a city in Syria that's at the center of the war-torn country's humanitarian crisis.

Johnson couldn't name a foreign leader he admires during another interview on MSNBC, a town hall with Chis Matthews, in late September.

The former governor of New Mexico told the Times that Clinton should be judged on her job performance as secretary of state, not her wealth of knowledge.

'Because Hillary Clinton can dot the is and cross the ts on geographic leaders, of the names of foreign leaders,' he said, 'the underlying fact that hundreds of thousands of people have died in Syria goes by the wayside.'

Johnson said Clinton 'bears responsibility for whats happened, shared responsibility for whats happened in Syria. I would not have put us in that situation from the get-go.'

Johnson was shut out of the first two general election debates. He admits his chances of winning the election are slim

The third-party presidential candidate had not refuted the Times' characterization of the Kim Jong Un discussion as of Thursday afternoon.

North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test in early September. It successfully launched a ballistic missile in June that could have the range to reach Guam.

Experts are warning that Kim could flex his muscles just before the November election by testing another nuke, like it did after Barack Obama was elected.

'Doing a major test would be a way of trying to intimidate the incoming president,' Victor Cha of the Center for Strategic and International Studies told CNN.

Johnson was shut out of the first two general election debates, and his running mate, former Massachusetts governor was excluded from the vice presidential debate this week, after the ticket failed to reach the 15 percent polling threshold for participation.

In the Times interview Johnson acknowledged that their chances of winning the election are slim.
A brother has been tortured and forced to listen to his 17-year-old sister being gang-raped after they were kidnapped by a Muslim gang in Pakistan after refusing to convert from Christianity.

The British Pakistani Christian Association say they have been assisting the family in Kasur in the east of the country following their ordeal.

According to the charity, the Muslim gang targeted the family home, which was a mud house in a small village, knowing that they were Christian and threatened them with guns, sticks and metal poles.

A brother has been tortured and forced to listen to his 17-year-old sister being gang-raped after they were kidnapped by a Muslim gang in Pakistan after refusing to convert from Christianity. Pictured are Christians in Pakistan

The gang told them to convert to Islam or die but the family refused and said they were staying resolute to Christianity.

The men then tied up and blindfolded all but two of the family 20-year-old Arif and 17-year-old Jameela and took them to a n unknown building.

There, Arif was tortured and then had to listen as his sister was gang raped in a separate room.

The next morning he managed to escape and return to his family, who had escaped their shackles.

But his sister Jameela was left behind and she remains missing.

According to the charity, local police have refused to investigate the case and the family are deeply traumatised.

Wilson Chowdry, chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association said: 'We will now begin the arduous task of helping them rebuild their lives in an atmosphere of safety.

'However, the captured daughter Jameela may well never be found and her malicious kidnap is causing great anguish and despair.

The scene of a killin of a Christian couple in Kasur in 2014. Christians make up about four per cent of Pakistan's population and tend to keep a low profile in a country

'That Muslim despots can kidnap Christian girls with such impunity is a blight on Pakistan's international reputation.'

Christians make up about four per cent of Pakistan's population and tend to keep a low profile in a country where Sunni Muslim militants frequently bomb targets they see as heretical, including Christians, and Sufi and Shi'ite Muslims.

All of Pakistan's minorities feel that the state fails to protect them, and even tolerates violence against them.

In 2014 a British man with a history of mental health illness, sentenced to death for blasphemy earlier this year, was shot by a prison guard in his cell.
Tony Blair today indicates he is planning a dramatic return to front line politics to prevent Britain becoming a 'one-party state'.

In an extraordinary interview with Esquire magazine, the former Prime Minister acknowledges he is deeply unpopular in Britain in the wake of the Iraq war.

But he says he is 'very motivated' to try and save the brand of centre-left politics which saw him win three elections, but which has now been abandoned by Labour.

In an extraordinary interview with Esquire magazine, the former Prime Minister (for which he is pictured) says he is 'very motivated' to try and save the brand of centre-left politics in Britain

Asked about his own position, he drops a tantalising hint that he is gearing up for a return, saying: 'I don't know if there's a role for me. There's a limit to what I want to say about my own position at this moment.

'All I can say is that this is where politics is at. Do I feel strongly about it? Yes, I do. Am I very motivated by that? Yes. Where do I go from here? What exactly do I do? That's an open question.'

In a withering attack on Jeremy Corbyn, he brands him a member of the 'ultra- Left' which 'believes that the action on the street is as important as the action in Parliament'.

He says the leadership of the Labour Party is 'very, very remote from the way that broad mass of people really think' and accuses them of engaging in 'a mixture of fantasy and error'.

Mr Blair says the decline of the Labour Party means that 'In the UK at the moment you've got a one party state'.

'Frankly, it's a tragedy for British politics if the choice before the country is a Conservative government going for a hard Brexit and an ultra-left Labour Party that believes in a set of policies that takes us back to the Sixties,' he says.

The former Prime Minister acknowledges he is deeply unpopular in Britain in the wake of the Iraq war. But he says he is 'very motivated' to try and save the brand of centre-left politics which saw him win three elections, but which has now been abandoned by the Labour party

But he suggests the centre-ground politics of New Labour will return, saying: 'I think it's too soon to say the centre has been defeated. Ultimately I don't think it will. I think it will succeed again. The centre ground is in retreat. This is our challenge. We've got to rise to that challenge.'

Mr Blair first sparked speculation that his is planning a return last month when he announced he was winding up his controversial business advising dictators and foreign corporations, which has made him tens of millions of pounds since leaving office in 2007.

Tony Blair is on this month's Esquire cover

Asked about his money, he admits he has 'done well', but suggests he has given away much of the vast fortune he has piled up in the last decade.

'For the first time in my life, in my sixties, I have enough money to have a nice house in London, a nice house in the country,' he says. 'That's absolutely true and I'm not saying I don't.

'Today, I've got a much higher standard of living than I've ever had. All of that's true. However, I've put millions and millions of pounds that I've earned into running the organisation. I've given away, I think, in charitable donations, over 10m. If I wanted to make money, I'd spend my life making money.'

Mr Blair and his wife Cherie are reported to have a property empire worth an estimated 27 million and comprising at least 10 houses and 27 flats. His homes include an 8.5 million property in central London and a Grade I listed stately home in Buckinghamshire.

Mr Blair acknowledges his reputation in the UK has been damaged by the Iraq war, but insists he was right to order the controversial 2003 invasion, saying: 'I believe that we are actually safer today without Saddam than with him.'

The former prime minister, who was heavily criticised by the Chilcot inquiry into the Iraq war this year, suggests he spends little time thinking about the conflict that claimed 179 British lives and plunged the country into chaos.

In a withering attack on Jeremy Corbyn (right), Mr Blair brands him a member of the 'ultra- Left' which 'believes that the action on the street is as important as the action in Parliament'

'I think in time people will come to a more measured view about why it was done, and its consequences, but who knows?' he says. 'I don't spend a lot of time reflecting on that. I'm much more concentrated on what I'm doing now.'

Mr Blair insists that he has not become 'messianic', adding: 'You've got to keep, as I would say, control of your soul. 'Because otherwise you do become weird. You've got to realise that in the end you are never as important as you think you are.'

He also defends working for Kazakhstan's autocratic regime, but acknowledges it damaged his reputation further.
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A street of listed industrial buildings that was converted into a gallery to house artist Damien Hirst's private collection has been named the UK's best new building by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Newport Street Gallery transformed most of a south London street that faces a railway line in Vauxhall into a free public gallery under the direction of Caruso St John Architects, who have picked up the coveted 2016 RIBA Stirling Prize trophy for their work.

The most prestigious prize in UK architecture is now in its 21st year - and at a ceremony in central London, the award went to the gallery that renovated the row of Victorian warehouses, previously used as carpentry and scenery painting workshops for West End theatres.

A street of listed industrial buildings that was converted into a gallery to house artist Damien Hirst's private collection has been named the UK's best new building by the Royal Institute of British Architects

Newport Street Gallery transformed most of a south London street that faces a railway line in Vauxhall into a free public gallery under the direction of Caruso St John Architects, who have picked up the coveted 2016 RIBA Stirling Prize trophy for their work

Hirst's Newport Street Gallery (pictured) is a free gallery housing his private collection

Damien Hirst (left) admires a sculpture, Play-Doh 1994-2014, by Jeff Koons (right) at the Newport Street Gallery

The most prestigious prize in UK architecture is now in its 21st year - and at a ceremony in central London, the award went to the gallery that renovated the row of Victorian warehouses, previously used as carpentry and scenery painting workshops for West End theatres

Damien Hirst: 'Newport Street Gallery has realised my ambition to create an unobtrusive and beautiful series of buildings that work perfectly as a space to exhibit great art'

New buildings at either end of the row of five include one that boasts a spiky, saw-tooth roof, while a huge LED panel on the railway facade encourages passing train commuters to make a stop at the exhibitions within.

The judges called it a 'highly accomplished and expertly detailed art gallery' and a 'bold and confident contribution to the best of UK architecture'.

This is the first time Caruso St John architects have won the RIBA Stirling Prize, although they have been shortlisted twice before in 2000 and 2006.

RIBA president Jane Duncan said: 'With Newport Street Gallery, Damien Hirst has made an exceptional contribution to the UK's strong history of private patronage of architecture.

'Not only has Damien opened up his enviable private art collection to the world, but he has commissioned a real work of art to house it in.'

She added: 'This project exemplifies the best of UK architecture - a highly considered and creative project that brings to life a previously unloved pocket of the city.'

Peter St John, partner at Caruso St John Architects, said: 'It's rare for architects to be given the opportunity to realise a personal vision of the quality of the Newport Street Gallery, and for that vision to have a generous public dimension.

'We see the building as a palace for direct, intimate and luxurious encounters with contemporary art, and we are very pleased that this award will bring more people to see this extraordinary collection.'

The underground Outhouse in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, was the first private house to feature on the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist for 15 years

The partly-underground house, which has grass on its roof, was designed by Loyn & Co Architects for two retired artists

One of two Oxford projects shortlisted was the 'flying saucer' Blavatnik School of Government by Herzog & de Meuron

The space-age Blavatnik building aims to improve, inform and support better public policy and government in every country of the world

Hirst, whose private art collection is displayed in the gallery which also has space for visiting exhibitions, said: 'Newport Street Gallery has realised my ambition to create an unobtrusive and beautiful series of buildings that work perfectly as a space to exhibit great art.

'I wanted to stay true to the history and roots of the building and Caruso St John understood that from the start.

'I am immensely proud of what we achieved and the reaction it has received in its first year of opening and hope people will continue to enjoy it.'

The shortlisted entries also included: Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford by Herzog & de Meuron; City of Glasgow College, Riverside Campus by Michael Laird Architects & Reiach and Hall Architects; Outhouse, Gloucestershire by Loyn & Co Architects; Trafalgar Place, Elephant and Castle, London by dRMM Architects; and Weston Library, University of Oxford by WilkinsonEyre.

Michael Laird Architects was nominated for the award for the first time - for designing the City of Glasgow College Riverside Campus (above) with Reiach and Hall Architects

The other Oxford project shortlisted was the restoration of the Bodleian's Weston Library (pictured) by WilkinsonEyre

The library refurbishment has transformed the 1930s' listed building, originally designed by Giles Scott

The second London development shortlisted was the 235 homes at Trafalgar Place (above) designed by dRMM Architects
Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign was forced to cancel a plan to air $63,000 worth of commercials during broadcasts of The Weather Channel in Florida.

As Hurricane Matthew, a deadly category 4 storm, gains strength, the move initially brought a chorus of catcalls from Republicans.

Clinton spokesman Jesse Ferguson said Thursday afternoon that Hillary For America has asked the stations to delay the ads until after the storm passes.

The Florida Weather Channel ads were part of a multimillion-dollar reshuffling of Clinton ads to reach voters the campaign sees as critical to winning the presidential election.

CALLOUS? Hillary Clinton's campaign planned to spend $63,000 to run ads on Florida TV stations that broadcast The Weather Channel  until they were called out as opportunists

KILLER STORM: Hurricane Matthew barreled down on Florida and Team Hillary schemed to take advantage of a captive audience trying to find out how bad it would be

SMACKDOWN: The chairman of the Republican Party lashed out at Clinton with a variation on Chicago Democratic Mayor Rahm Emanuel's political dictum: 'Never let a crisis go to waste'

Two states in the path of the storm  Florida and North Carolina  are key battlegrounds that could decide the presidency.

But Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus characterized the planned spending as cynical opportunism in the face of disaster.

'Couldn't let this crisis go to waste?' Priebus tweeted. 'Shameful @HillaryClinton's campaign even considered exploiting Hurricane Matthew for political gain.'

Later he vented in another tweet that '[p]ulling these ads after getting caught won't cut it. @HillaryClinton should apologize for using storm for votes.'

'APOLOGIZE': The GOP head honcho demanded contrition from Clinton  but won't likely get any

NOT WATCHING TV ANYWAY: Residents of St. Augustine, Florida hunkered down Thursday in shelters as the hurricane approached

Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook played defense on a call with reporters Thursday afternoon, insisting that 'our first priority on Hurricane Matthew is that people are safe.'

'We'll get back to campaigning [in Florida] when it is appropriate,' he said.he also called it 'unfortunate' that Priebus was 'trying to politicize the hurricane.'

We were in the process of buying television time nationwide on hundreds of different media outlets. The Weather Channel, which is less than 1 percent of the television time that we were buying, was part of that,' Mook protested.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush had cautioned political operatives to avoid making hay with the storm.

'I encourage both presidential campaigns to be sensitive to all affected by Hurricane #Matthew in the coming days,' he tweeted.

LOW ENERGY? Jeb Bush, a onetime Republican presidential hopeful, tut-tutted both remainig campaigns to keep Hurricane Matthew out of their political calculations

Rep. Greg Walden, an Oregon Republican who chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee, told 'Fox & Friends' on Thursday morning that the Clinton ad buy was 'a risky proposition.'

'I don't know what they're going to say,' he shrugged while the plan was still in place.

'We don't know, but clearly if they're out being too political at a time when the country has its prayers with the people who are being affected, I think it could backfire.'

South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham added on CNN that 'There will be a lot of people watching the Weather Channel' in the Sunshine State.'

'But I don't know if they want to see a politician talking about politics,' the former presidential contended continued.
This is the father who shot dead his two children and then played dead following a failed suicide attempt when police arrived at the crime scene.

Lakalo Kawika Enfield, 36, is believed to have shot dead his two children, Lehua Elaysea Enfield, eight, and her brother Lakalo Vergara Enfield, six.

Lakalo is then believed to have turned the gun on himself but initially failed in taking his own life.

However when officers left the room at the home in Beaverton, Oregon, on Wednesday, the father then shot himself a second time and died.

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Lakalo Kawika Enfield, 36, is believed to have shot dead his two children, Lehua Elaysea Enfield, eight, and her brother Lakalo Vergara Enfield, six. They are pictured above in a Facebook photo

Lakalo is then believed to have turned the gun on himself but initially failed in taking his own life

A police vehicle is seen outside the apartment in Beaverton, Oregon, where the deadly shooting took place

A female relative discovered the scene at the Redwood Creek Apartments in Beaverton, which is about eight miles from Portland.

Beaverton PD arrived at the scene around 4.30pm and responding officers were satisfied the children and their father were all dead.

As they left the room, they heard the slide of a gun being racked followed by a shot.

Officers are satisfied the crime is a murder suicide.

Lehua Elaysea Enfield, eight, and her brother Lakalo Vergara Enfield, six, are seen above in a Facebook photo

Police are pictured on the scene of the shooting at an apartment building near Portland, Oregon

It is believed the father botched his first suicide attempt and played dead while the police were in the room.

When he was left alone, he reloaded the gun and shot himself a second time.

According to Oregon Live, officer Jeremy Shaw, a Beaverton police spokesman, said the father lived there with the children and their mother. She was not believed to be in the house at the time of the murder-suicide.

The children - an eight-year-old girl and six-year-old boy - were shot at the Redwood Creek Apartments (pictured) in Beaverton, about eight miles from Portland

'They're in our thoughts and in our hearts,' Shaw said. 'As they grieve, we grieve as a community.'

No other information was immediately available, but there is no risk to the public.

Multiple police cars and an armored truck was pictured at the scene.
with a knife in the subway

In Manhattan, a boy was approached by a clown

Two more clown attacks were reported on each coast on Wednesday, as creepy run-ins with costumed men continue to be anything but a joke across the country.

In San Francisco, a mother called 911 saying that a clown had tried to kidnap her one-year-old daughter.

While in New York, a group of clowns threatened some teenagers in two separate incidents.

In the former, Tiffany Martin said she was waiting at a bus stop in Concord, San Francisco, in daylight hours on Wednesday afternoon when a man dressed as a clown sat down beside her.

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San Francisco attack: Tiffany Martin says a clown attempted to take her daughter from her arms while waiting for a bus in Concord on Wednesday afternoon

Scene: Martin said she was at this bus stop when the clown sat next her and grabbed her daughter by the arm. She kicked him and the man fled

Martin said the clown fled after she kicked him, and she called 911. Her daughter was not injured

'I thought he was about to get on the bus,' Martin told KPIX 5.

'We were sitting there. He was playing with her. I thought he was going to kiss her hand. Instead, he pulled her arm literally and I pulled her arm back and I kicked him.'

The man was described as a Caucasian male wearing a blue, curly-haired wig, a blue hat and a polka-dotted, rainbow-colored outfit.

Police arrived at the scene and searched for the clown, but did not find anything. However, at least two people in the area had posted to Twitter around the same time saying that had seen a clown.

Meanwhile, in New York, another man dressed as a clown approached a 16-year-old boy with a knife at the 96th Street-Lexington Avenue subway station, also on Wednesday afternoon.

In Green Bay, Wisconsin, sightings of this clown prompted concerns last month

The teen fled and reported the incident to nearby officers. The clown, however, hasnt been found.

Then, in Lakeview New York, a 14-year-old boy told police he had taken a shortcut through an alley on his way home from school when he was approached by a man dressed as a clown, also carrying a large knife.

The suspect is described as slender and about 6 feet tall, CBS reported.

The teen told police the man was wearing a purple clown costume, a white mask and a red wig.

'This is obviously getting our attention because it involved a knife,' Det. Christopher Barling, of the Nassau County Police Department, told KPIX.

Disturbingly, there have been numerous clown sighting sightings across the country. In some instances, the sightings have been harmless.

One man was forced to speak out after terrified Wisconsin residents made complaints of a clown walking around the town of Green Bay carrying a handful of black balloons.

In Richmond, Virginia, an autistic 12-year-old frightened his neighbors by dressing up in a clown mask and waving at them.

Holly Brown told reporters that her son, Angus, had merely been excited about the costume which he'd received ahead of Halloween.

This weekend, an 18-year-old student was arrested after lying to the cops that she had been the victim of a terrifying clown attack.

Jonathan Martin was arrested after hiding in a wooded area in full costume to scare people in Middlesboro, Kentucky in September

Also, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, a 20-year-old man - Jonathan Martin - was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Martin had been hiding in a wooded area in a black and white jumpsuit and a mask and jumping out at cars.
An army sergeant and his male partner have become the first gay couple to get married on a British military base overseas, it can be revealed.

Sergeant Alastair Smith, 36, of the 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, married civilian Aaron Weston on British forces territory in Dhekilia, Cyprus.

It is the first gay marriage on a British military base overseas and understood to be one of the first ever at a UK army base.

The marriage  which took place on September 10 - was approved and officiated by Air Vice Marshal Mike Wigston, the commander and administrator of the Army's sovereign base area.

Sergeant Alistair Smith, left, married partner Aaron Weston, centre, in the first gay wedding on a British military base overseas, pictured, approved and officiated by regional commander Air Vice Marshal Mike Wigston, right

Dressed in their civilian clothes, complete with pink button holes and matching pink bow ties, they married at the picturesque Fisherman's Cove along the coastline.

Air Vice Marshal Wigston wore his military fatigues for the ceremony, attended by their Army comrades.

According to an Army lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender website, Sgt Smith was previously married to a woman, with whom he had children.

He was described as an assistant intelligence officer in Cyprus.

Speaking about the ceremony, Sgt Smith said: 'As well as having the great honour of being able to serve in an Infantry Battalion in the British Army, it's also an honour to be able to commit myself to my husband with the full backing and support of the British Army in the unique environment that Cyprus offers.

'In a country that is pushing forward on matters of gender and equality, both Cyprus and the SBAA have been massively supportive.

'We are proud to be able to serve and live in this community.'

When he was a Corporal, he wrote in an army blog: 'When I joined the Army, coming out would have meant getting kicked out, but by the time I had established myself and my Battalion found out, it no longer meant a career death sentence.

'As a result I was afraid to come out, got married and had children. Now my children know Daddy is gay and they all love and adore my partner.'

Sgt Smith, who has also deployed to Botswana and Northern Ireland, said in the blog: 'The Infantry has the rep (sic) for being macho.'

He said he revealed his sexuality at a Corporal's mess function.

He added: 'Rumours had been flying round and I thought 'why hide it any longer'.

'So I said to someone 'Yeah I'm gay, is there a problem with that.'.

'Two of the biggest Corporals in our mess started to walk over to me, and I had a 'fight or flight' instinct, but I noticed they where both smiling.

'They stuck out their hands and shook mine telling me I must have been the bravest man in the world to 'come out' firstly in an infantry battalion and secondly in the Corporal's mess.'

He said no one in the military had seen his family unit 'as any different from any other family on the patch'.

He added: 'The Army has always had banter and I can give as good as I get.

'That said I've never had anything malicious said to me and I have never felt any different to any other soldiers in my Battalion.'

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said: 'The first-ever British Forces Overseas Territory same-sex marriage has taken place at Dhekelia's Fisherman's Cove in Cyprus.'

Sgt Smith, centre, said he was 'proud to live and serve' in the community in Cyprus after the support shown to the couple from both the Army and civilians

They said Air Vice Marshal Wigston made the decision to allow the same sex marriage.

They said Sgt Smith was 'overjoyed to be able to celebrate the ground-breaking day with his husband, surrounded by his friends, family and infantry colleagues'.

Sgt Smith's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Davies said: 'I am delighted that Sergeant Smith and Aaron were able to get married on the Dhekelia coastline  a cracking choice.

'On behalf of the Battalion and wider 'Tigers' community, we wish them the very best of happiness for the future.'

Platoon Commander, Captain Dan Cole also congratulated the couple.

He said: 'It's a pleasure working with Sergeant Smith and I'm very happy that he's found someone he wants to spend the rest of his life with.

'His hard work, determination and intelligence represent the very best qualities of the Tigers.'

Private Liam Gibson, who works for Sgt Smith, said 'He is great to work with. He's professional to a fault and is incredibly diligent.

'Everybody wants to be with the person they love, regardless of gender and I'm over the moon to be a part of the wedding of two good friends of mine.

'It's massively important to be a part of an organisation that treats people fairly and equally and I think the Army definitely has the right approach.'
to Hong Kong in May 2013 where he shared massive amounts of classified data with reporters

Vanessa Mae Bondalian Rodel, a Filipino refugee living in a tiny subsidized apartment with her daughter in Hong Kong, had no idea that the young bespectacled American who showed up on her doorstep one night in May 2013 asking for shelter was the most wanted man in the world.

It was not until the following day, when her mysterious houseguest asked for a newspaper, that Rodel recognized him from a photo on the front page depicting Edward Snowden, the fugitive NSA contractor who had just leaked a massive cache of highly classified information exposing government surveillance to The Guardian.

Rodel and other members of Hong Kong's marginalized community of asylum seekers opened their humble homes to the high-profile whistle-blower, who for a while bounced between them to avoid detection by the authorities before fleeing to Russia.

Unwitting host: Vanessa Rodel says she did not know who Edward Snowden was when he come knocking on her door one night in May 2013, seeking shelter

Stateless: Snowden, 33, stayed with at least four refugee families in Hong Kong after leaking classified information to the press

That spring, the former intelligence contractor had quit his job with the National Security Agency and traveled to Hong Kong where he initiated one of the largest data leaks in US history, fueling a firestorm over the issue of mass surveillance.

Although Snowden stayed in the five-star Mira Hotel before the leak, little was known of his situation afterwards.

But a report last month revealed he had been given shelter by some of the city's 14,500 asylum-seekers.

One of them was Ms Rodel. In an interview with CNN, the woman recalled the moment she realized who her new acquaintance was: I said, "Oh, my God. The most wanted man in the world is in my house!'

Rodel revealed that she and her daughter, then a toddler, offered their bed to Snowden while they slept on the kitchen floor for the duration of his stay, which lasted several days.

During that time, Rodel would go out to buy Snowden sweets and equipment for his laptop.

Selfless act: During his stay in Hong Kong, Snowden briefly lodged with the family of Sri Lankan national Supun Kellapatha, who gave up his family's bed to his guest

Global movement: Human rights activists around the world have been calling on the US government to offer Snowden a pardon for the leak so he could return home

Ajith Puspakumara, 44, a former soldier from Sri Lanka who has been living in Hong Kong since 2003, in a similar fashion opened his home to Snowden in 2013, giving up his bed for several nights before it was time for the American fugitive to move on to another asylum seekers home.

At one point during his turbulent stay in Hong Kong in May of 2013, Snowden lodged with the family of another Sri Lankan national, Supun Kellapatha, who also gave up his family's bed to his notorious guest.

'We are part of history because we did good things,' he told CNN.

The idea to hide Edward Snowden in the midst of the 14,000-strong community of asylum seekers living on the fringes of Hong Kongs society came to his Canadian attorney Robert Tibbo, who represented some of the refugees on a pro bono basis.

I advised Mr. Snowden it would be in his best interest to be placed with the refugee families in a populated area, as that would be the last place that anybody would look, Tibbo told the network.

The lawyer praised the families who agreed to take Snowden in after his escape from the luxury Mira Hotel, saying: People with the least to give, gave the most.

Snowden was hidden by his lawyers in the rundown Sham Shui Po district of Hong Kong (pictured)

Asylum seekers Vanessa Mae Bondalian Rodel, 42, from the Philippines, and Ajith Pushpakumara, 44, from Sri Lanka, who helped hiding Edward Snowden, attend a special screening of the film 'Snowden' directed by Oliver Stone, in Hong Kong, on September 30

The poverty-stricken refugees' selfless efforts to help the beleaguered former contractor were immortalized in Oliver Stone's new thriller, Snowden.

In the film, an actor playing Tibbo brings a jittery Snowden, portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, to an asylum-seeking family, reassuring him that his hosts are good people who would not talk to the authorities because they themselves are 'stateless.'

America's most wanted fugitive was dressed in all black and disguised in a dark hat and glasses when his lawyers smuggled him to slum-like districts such as Sham Shui Po.

The 33-year-old stayed with at least four refugees, according to a National Post report, all clients of Robert Tibbo.

Before he released the documents and became America's most wanted fugitive, Snowden stayed at the five-star Mira Hotel in Hong Kong

He was disguised in a black outfit and smuggled into the slums of Hong Kong to hide out for two weeks

Other refugees from Sri Lanka said they were not worried about hosting Snowden, and felt he was taking a greater risk than they were.

One family told how he left money for them under a pillow before he left.

Snowden has since sent sent each of the refugees $1,000 each for the danger they put themselves in. Vanessa Rodel said her former houseguest helped send her daughter to kindergarten.

On September 30, Rodel and Ajith Pushpakumara, who also briefly sheltered Snowden, attended a special screening of Stone's film in Hong Kong.

Their attorney, Mr Tibbo, says he hopes the star-studded thriller will shine a spotlight on the plight of an estimated 14,500 asylum seekers living in Hong Kong, where they are not allowed to legally work.

'They had a hundred chances to betray me while I was amongst them, and no one could have blamed them, given their precarious situations. But they never did,' Snowden told the National Post.

'If not for their compassion, my story could have ended differently. They taught me no matter who you are, no matter what you have, sometimes a little courage can change the course of history.'

Snowden came to Hong Kong on May 20, 2013 and began a damaging series of leaks about the NSA eavesdropping of phones and computer systems that triggered concern from governments worldwide.

Media were clambering to find the whistleblower from the time he checked out of his five-star hotel on June 10 to the day he left the city for Moscow on June 23, escaping the clutches of US justice.

In July 2014, Snowden was reunited with his long-term girlfriend Lindsay Mills in Russia.

Edward Snowden stayed with at least four refugees in Hong Kong after his leak of documents in 2013, according to a National Post report

He never meant to call Moscow his home but his passport was cancelled mid-flight meaning he could not travel to South America as he'd planned.

In July 2014, Snowden was reunited with his long-term girlfriend Lindsay Mills in Russia.

The dancer joined Snowden after it emerged he wasn't going to be heading back to the States anytime soon.

Earlier this year, s peaking via Skype from Russia, Snowden told an audience of supporters in New Hampshire that he is willing to be extradited to the United States if the federal government would guarantee he would get a fair trial.

He faces US charges that could land him in prison for up to 30 years.

'I've told the government I would return if they would guarantee a fair trial where I can make a public interest defense of why this was done and allow a jury to decide,' Snowden told his audience.
With Hurricane Matthews landfall just hours away in Florida, the hashtag #PrayForFlorida is going viral on Twitter.

But some Floridians would like the support diverted to those who may need it more.

The Category 4 hurricane has already ripped through Haiti and the Bahamas, where locals didn't have the option to flee from the eye of the storm.

Floridians have taken to social media to criticize the #PrayForFlorida hashtag, saying the worries should be sent to Haiti instead, which has already seen 136 people killed. Above, a view of Haiti on Wednesday, after Hurricane Matthew passed over

FACEBOOK ACTIVATES SAFETY CHECK Facebook has activated a feature on its website, allowing those in the affected areas to notify their friends that they are safe. 'Our hearts go out to the people affected by the people affected by this tragic event,' they said in a statement. 'We hope the people in the area find the tool a helpful way to let their friends and family know they are ok. Advertisement

In Haiti alone, 136 people have been confirmed dead so far, with the number expected to climb as the weather calms.

While most people in Florida will likely have family and friends to stay with in safer areas, there's always concerns about homeless people being able to find shelters, as well as stray or abandoned animals.

The hurricane is set to be the most powerful to hit Florida since Hurricane Wilma in 2005, which was a slightly-less powerful hurricane at Category 3.

The last time a Category 4 hurricane hit Florida was Hurricane Charley in 2004.
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. JUDY SCHILLING, PlaintiffAppellant, v. LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT, DefendantAppellee. No. 14-31338 Decided: October 04, 2016

Before JONES, DENNIS, and PRADO, Circuit Judges.

PlaintiffAppellant Judy Schilling appeals following a trial in which the jury returned a verdict for DefendantAppellee Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) on Schilling's claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For the reasons stated below, we AFFIRM.

I. BACKGROUND

There is no dispute that Schilling is disabled within the meaning of the ADA. During her employment, Schilling requested several accommodations.

In 2007, Schilling requested a handicapped parking spot. Following this request, DOTD converted a spot into a handicapped space for her. Schilling, however, characterizes this accommodation as unreasonable because that spot was far from her office, which was located in the rear of the building. DOTD provided a handicapped parking space in the rear of the building around October 2009.

Also in 2007, Schilling requested that a door be installed on the office that she shared with another employee because ambient office noise distracted her. While this request was initially denied, DOTD sought to accommodate Schilling's needs by instructing other employees not to make as much noise and by closing the door to the main hallway. One of Schilling's supervisors, Connie Standige, testified that she offered Schilling a different office with a door, which Schilling declined. DOTD finally installed a door in March 2011.

In March or April 2008, Schilling requested that she be allowed to wear slippers or slipper-like shoes to help with her pain and balance. A note from one of her doctors supported this request and recommended that she be allowed to wear light weight, non-binding foot wear, something slipper like. This is to keep any compression off of her legs and feet, while seated at a desk. DOTD's formal safety policy explicitly prohibited employees from wearing slippers at the workplace. One of Schilling's supervisors testified that in April 2008, she gave Schilling permission to wear slipper-like shoes while at her desk, and soft rubber sole shoes in the hallways. Schilling testified that she began wearing slippers at her desk before asking for permission to do so, and continued wearing slippers after April 2008. She also testified that she was never disciplined for wearing slippers at work. Nevertheless, Schilling contends that DOTD failed to accommodate her request because it did not amend its formal workplace policies to allow for her to wear slippers at her desk and did not permit her to wear slippers in all areas of the workplace.

In May 2012, Schilling was terminated after she exhausted her available leave under the Family Medical Leave Act. After filing a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and receiving a right-to-sue letter, Schilling filed suit in Louisiana state court alleging that DOTD failed to timely provide her requested accommodations and that she was subjected to a hostile work environment in retaliation for requesting accommodations. DOTD removed the case to federal court. After several of her claims were dismissed at summary judgment, Schilling's case proceeded to trial.

Prior to trial, Schilling submitted Joint Proposed Jury Instructions. As part of the instruction for failure to accommodate under the ADA, the proposal included several instructions regarding the effect of an employer's alleged delay in addressing an employee's requests for accommodation. Specifically, these proposed instructions provided:

7. A party that obstructs or delays the interactive process is not acting in good faith. An absence of good faith, including unreasonable delays caused by an employer, can serve as evidence of an ADA violation.

8. The EEOC Enforcement Guide, at 10 mandates that an employer respond expeditiously to a request for a reasonable accommodation.

9. An employer may also violate the ADA where the employer's failure to reasonably accommodate an employee's disability causes the employee's condition to worsen or to be aggravated.

10. Unnecessary delays can result in a violation of the ADA. Delay alone may give rise to liability for failure to accommodate even where a reasonable accommodation ultimately is provided. Factors to consider in determining whether the accommodation was unnecessarily delayed include: the reasons for delay, the length of the delay, how much the employer and the employee contributed to the delay, the employer's actions during the delay, and whether the requested accommodation was simple or complex to provide.

Over Schilling's objection, the district court declined to give these instructions. As the district court explained, it refused to give the proposed instructions because they were not based on Fifth Circuit case law and were already covered by the court's other instructions.

Following a three-day trial, the jury returned a verdict in favor of DOTD. Schilling filed a motion to alter the judgment or, in the alternative, for a new trial, arguing that (1) the verdict was clearly erroneous and (2) the district court erred by refusing to give the above jury instructions. The district court denied Schilling's motion and this appeal followed.

II. DISCUSSION

On appeal, Schilling challenges the district court's decision not to give her requested jury instructions regarding delay.

A. Standard of Review

This Court reviews a district court's refusal to provide a requested jury instruction for abuse of discretion. Kanida v. Gulf Coast Med. Pers. LP, 363 F.3d 568, 578 (5th Cir. 2004) (quoting United States v. McClatchy, 249 F.3d 348, 356 (5th Cir. 2001)). We afford district courts substantial latitude  in describing the law to the jury. United States v. Wright, 634 F.3d 770, 774 (5th Cir. 2011) (quoting United States v. Williams, 610 F.3d 271, 285 (5th Cir. 2010)). And we will only reverse a district court based on its decision not to give a requested instruction if that instruction 1) was a substantially correct statement of law, 2) was not substantially covered in the charge as a whole, and 3) concerned an important point in the trial such that the failure to instruct the jury on the issue seriously impaired the [party's] ability to present a given [claim]. Kanida, 363 F.3d at 578 (alterations in original) (quoting McClatchy, 249 F.3d at 356).

B. Analysis

The district court did not abuse its discretion by declining to give the proposed jury instructions at issue here. Essentially, the proposed instructions sought to direct the jury that [d]elay alone may give rise to liability for failure to accommodate even where a reasonable accommodation ultimately is provided. DOTD argues that because this delay instruction had no basis in Fifth Circuit precedent, it was not a substantially correct statement of law. Indeed, the proposed instructions were all drawn from out-of-circuit decisions and nonbinding EEOC guidance, discussed below. Schilling concedes that her proposed delay instruction was not based on Fifth Circuit precedent, but asks us to decide this issue as res nova.

Schilling's proposed delay instruction was not a substantially correct statement of law in this Circuit such that it was abuse of discretion to exclude it. This does not mean the instruction was necessarily incorrect, although we do not decide whether delay alone may rise to the level of an ADA violation. By way of background, an employer's failure to make reasonable accommodations for a disabled employee may constitute unlawful discrimination under the ADA. 42 U.S.C.  12112(b)(5)(A). For an employer [t]o determine the appropriate reasonable accommodation it may be necessary  to initiate an informal, interactive process with the [disabled employee]. 29 C.F.R.  1630.2(o)(3). We have held that once an employee has made a request for an accommodation of her disability, the employer is obligated by law to engage in an interactive process': a meaningful dialogue with the employee to find the best means of accommodating that disability.  Equal Emp't Opportunity Comm'n v. Chevron Phillips Chem. Co., 570 F.3d 606, 621 (5th Cir. 2009) (quoting Tobin v. Liberty Mut. Ins. Co., 433 F.3d 100, 108 (1st Cir. 2005)). When an employer does not engage in a good faith interactive process, that employer violates the ADA  Id.

Several courts have elaborated that an employer's (or employee's) delay in providing reasonable accommodation may show a lack of good faith in the interactive process. See, e.g., Beck v. Univ. of Wis. Bd. of Regents, 75 F.3d 1130, 1135 (7th Cir. 1996) (A party that obstructs or delays the interactive process is not acting in good faith.). In this way, unreasonable delay may amount to a failure to provide reasonable accommodations. ValleArce v. P.R. Ports Auth., 651 F.3d 190, 200 (1st Cir. 2011). In line with this authority, EEOC enforcement guidance states that [u]nnecessary delays can result in a violation of the ADA. Equal Emp't Opportunity Comm'n, Enforcement Guidance: Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2002).

This Court has discussed only in dicta whether delay alone may constitute an ADA violation. In Loulseged v. Akzo Nobel Inc., 178 F.3d 731 (5th Cir. 1999), we suggested that in certain circumstances [a]n employer's delaying of the [interactive] process  might create liability under the ADA. Id. at 737 n.6. We cautioned, however, that [n]othing in the regulations or the cases indicates to us that an employer must move with maximum speed to complete this process and preempt any possible concerns. Id. at 737. Therefore, although our precedent is not opposed to Schilling's delay instruction, neither is the instruction required by it.

A district court may only abuse its discretion when it fails to instruct the jury on the law of the circuit. See Ratliff v. City of Gainesville, 256 F.3d 355, 363 (5th Cir. 2001) (holding that the district court did not err in rejecting a taint instruction not required by our precedent). Because Schilling's proposed instructions were not based on this Court's precedent, the district court did not abuse its discretion by declining to give them to the jury. Thus, we affirm the district court's denial of Schilling's motion for a new trial.

Our conclusion is supported by the fact that Schilling was able toand didargue at trial that DOTD's delay violated the ADA. See Kanida, 363 F.3d at 579 (explaining that counsel could argue an inference of pretext even if the judge did not include a permissive pretext instruction). She raised this argument in her opening statement. She testified about the time that elapsed between her requests for accommodation and when they were realized. She questioned DOTD employees about how long it took to accommodate her requests. And most importantly, undue delay was one of Schilling's principal themes at closing. For example, Schilling's counsel stated: I want to remind the jury as to what we are talking about here are reasonable accommodations. That's the key word, reasonable. If it's not reasonable they have broken the law. And so the delay  is important in determining whether the defendants acted reasonably. Schilling later argued that DOTD's accommodations, if provided at all [,]  were provided too late to be effective. While it is possible that counsel's arguments were not as impactful as an instruction from the judge would have been, Schilling clearly presented her claim that DOTD's unreasonable delay violated the ADA. Accordingly, the district court's refusal to give Schilling's specific instructions regarding delay did not seriously impair her ability to present this claim to the jury.

In addition, the delay instruction was arguably covered by the jury instructions as a whole. The district court instructed the jury in relevant part:

When a qualified individual with a disability requests a reasonable accommodation[,] the employer and employee should engage in a flexible interactive discussion to determine the appropriate accommodation. The interactive process is an informal one requiring input not only from the employee but also from the employer. The process requires communication and good faith exploration. A meaningful interactive process should involve dialogue between the employer and the employee in which they both communicate with each other with the goal of determining an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.

When an employer fails to engage in a good faith interactive process which leads to a failure to reasonably accommodate an employee, the employer violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Schilling argues that the above instructions implied that failure to engage in a good faith interactive process only violates the ADA when there is no accommodation at all. These instructions accurately summarized the law of this Circuit regarding the interactive process, however. Indeed, undue delay is only an ADA violation to the extent it renders an accommodation (if any) unreasonable; the statute provides no separate claim for undue delay. As this Court has observed, the manner in which an employer engages in the interactive process and the speed at which that process occurs inform whether the employer has acted in good faith. See Loulseged, 178 F.3d at 737 & n.6. These good faith instructions therefore substantially encompassed Schilling's claim that DOTD's undue delay in accommodating her disabilities violated the ADA.

III. CONCLUSION

For the foregoing reasons, the district court is AFFIRMED.

FOOTNOTES

. In Schilling's opening brief, she also challenges the jury's verdict as being unsupported by the evidence and thus clearly erroneous. In her reply, however, she states that she does not seek reversal of the jury verdict based on insufficiency of the evidence. Schilling has accordingly abandoned this argument, and we will not address it here.

PER CURIAM:*
An 81-year-old retired army colonel has been fined more than 1,000 after destroying the habitat of a protected newt when he had work carried out on his land.

John De Benham-Crosswell pleased guilty to damaging the breeding site and home of great crested newts after draining a lake on his property.

By law, any work carried out on land which contains the tiny newts has to be carried out in accordance with a licence from Natural England.

John De Benham-Crosswell admitted damaging the breeding site and was fined more than 1,000

De Benham-Crosswell had no valid licence when work on a brickworks site he owns was carried out and damaged the protected species' habitat at the Selborne Brickworks site in Alton, Hampshire.

It is estimated there are currently around 75,000 of the newts in the UK.

The retired colonel, who lives on a large isolated estate in the tiny hamlet of South Hay, Bordon, Hants, appeared before magistrates in Basingstoke, Hants.

The great crested newt is a protected species, and work carried out on land which contains the tiny newts has to be carried out in accordance with a licence from Natural England

He admitted damaging or destroying a breeding site or resting place of a wild animal of a European protected species and was fined a total of 1,165 as well as costs of 85 and a surcharge of 117.

In 2011 De Benham-Crosswell and his wife, Jean, were targeted by masked gunmen in their multi-million mansion while watching television and robbed of jewellery and valuables.

The gunmen pointed a handgun at the former colonel before during the raid and he and his wife were tied up in the lounge of their lavish seven-bedroom property as they were ransacked of jewellery.

Selborne Brickworks site in Alton, Hants, where the lake was drained

Speaking after De Benham-Crosswell's hearing at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court, PC Lynn Owen, of Hampshire Police, warned against breaking wildlife protection laws.

She said: 'This case sends out a strong message that we will take action against anyone contravening wildlife regulations.
A gun-wielding man who tried to kill his ex-partner bombarded her with threatening voicemails and calls before he stormed her home and shot her.

Daryl James Fields, 41, turned up at Rachael Moore's home in April 2014 and tried to kill her but was fought off by their young children.

He pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Thursday to attempted murder by trying to shoot her in the chest.

Daryl Fields, 41, turned up at his ex-partner Rachael Moore's home near Brisbane in April 2014 and tried to kill her but was fought off by three of their young children

Ms Moore received dozens of threatening calls from Fields on the day of the attack, including one which said 'you won't be laughing for long'.

When Fields turned up at the house that night, Ms Moore fled to a bedroom with her children and called triple-zero.

Fields broke down the door and pushed the barrel of the gun at Ms Moore's chest.

He told her: 'You're not taking my family away'.

Ms Moore moved just before Fields fired, causing the pellets to shred her left bicep.

Fields tried to reload but the couple's 12-year-old son wrestled the gun off him while another son, 14, tried to stop Fields from strangling his mother and gouging her eye out.

Ms Moore had to have multiple surgeries after Fields tried to shoot her in the chest, but missed and caused the pellets to shred her left bicep

The mother of five was saved by her three eldest children after they wrestled the gun from their father before he could reload and shoot Ms Moore again

Their nine-year-old daughter then led Ms Moore out of the house but Fields followed and continued to threaten her.

'Why don't you just die, go to hell,' he said.

Ms Moore had 13 operations to reconstruct her arm but was permanently disfigured and disabled by the shooting.

It is unlikely she would have survived the attack without the surgery.

In sentencing submissions on Thursday, the court heard Fields had drunk at least a carton of beer that day and still had a 0.12 blood alcohol level hours after the incident.

Justice Jean Dalton will sentence Fields next week, with his defence lawyer calling for him to be given no more than 12 years in prison.
Vladimir Putin is waging war in Syria, occupying Crimea, and threatening Eastern Europe, so 'peacemaker' may not be the first word one thinks of in describing the Russian leader.

But not according to a large banner that was hanging from the Manhattan Bridge and bearing Putin's likeness.

Brooklynites in the Dumbo section of the borough were startled on Thursday to see the banner unfurled from the railing that lines the lower level of the bridge.

The banner, which was hung by two anonymous figures, bears the word 'peacemaker' with Putin's image and the Russian flag printed against the backdrop.

Pictures of the banner were posted on social media. Twitter users then reported that police officers removed the banner about an hour after it was spotted.

A large 20-by-30-foot banner of Vladimir Putin with the word 'peacemaker' emblazoned across is unfurled from the lower level of the Manhattan Bridge on Thursday

The banner was easy to see from the office windows of businesses located in the Dumbo section of downtown Brooklyn

'We were just at our desks, we have some large windows from our office and we just saw it going up,' Quinn Formel, 27, who works in Dumbo, told The New York Post.

'These two guys  they were struggling for a little bit, but eventually got it [the banner] up,' he said.

'We realized it was Putin and it was the Russian flag and it said 'peacemaker' and then after that we were all confused about what this is supposed to be saying or expressing  it's not very clear.'

'This just dropped on the Manhattan Bridge. Living in some weird and scary times,' one Twitter user wrote.

NYPD officers arrived at the scene about an hour after they were alerted to the banner and promptly removed it

Another Twitter account belonging to local New York rock band You Bred Raptors? posted a clear shot of the banner.

The New York Police Department said they received a report about a '20-by-30-foot banner' hanging above Adams Street and John Street in downtown Brooklyn at around 2:30p.m., a police spokesperson told the Post.

Officers removed the banner just before 3:00p.m.

Putin's name has come up frequently during the current presidential campaign.

The Republican nominee, Donald Trump, has raised eyebrows by repeatedly offering praise for Putin's leadership.

GOP nominee Donald Trump (left) has raised eyebrows by repeatedly praising Putin's (right) leadership, though he appeared to be trying to distance himself from Putin on Wednesday

Trump on Wednesday appeared to try and place some distance between himself and the Russian president, telling a campaign rally in Nevada: 'I don't love (Putin), I don't hate. We'll see how it works. We'll see.'

'Maybe we'll have a good relationship. Maybe we'll have a horrible relationship. Maybe we'll have a relationship right in the middle,' Trump said.
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An MEP has revealed he had two seizures after being punched by a UKIP colleague in the European Parliament.

Speaking to the Mail from his hospital bed, Steven Woolfe said Mike Hookem 'came at me and landed a blow'.

The astonishing altercation took place in Strasbourg yesterday morning. 'Mike was obviously very angry and lost his temper,' said Mr Woolfe, who is favourite to be the party's next leader.

At one stage it was feared the married father of one was fighting for his life. A tearful Nigel Farage was battling to stop the party breaking apart and UKIP's biggest donor threatened to quit.

Mr Hookem strenuously denied punching his colleague and his allies accused Mr Woolfe of tripping over.

But the clash plunged UKIP into fresh turmoil 48 hours after leader Diane James resigned just 18 days into the job.

The civil war within the party deepened this morning as Mr Farage lashed out at fellow Ukip MEP Neil Hamilton, who appeared to blame Mr Woolfe for the fight. In a statement this morning, Mr Farage targeted Mr Hamilton as he said claims made by Ukip representatives 'who were not even there at the time are extremely unhelpful'.

Steven Woolfe, pictured, gave a thumbs up gesture in hospital as he recovers from injuries sustained in a 'scuffle' following clear-the-air talks with fellow Ukip MEPs in Strasbourg

Mr Woolfe, the favourite to become Ukip leader, collapsed at the European Parliament building in Strasbourg after being punched by another MEP at a 'clear the air' meeting. Images published by ITV News appear to show him sprawled unconscious on the floor

New photos of Steven Woolfe this morning show him recovering in his hospital bed with a wet towel on his injured head

A tearful Nigel Farage (pictured with Steven Woolfe bedside yesterday) was battling to stop the party breaking apart and UKIP's biggest donor threatened to quit

Mr Woolfe had thrown his hat into the ring to succeed her  despite admitting he had considered defecting to the Tories. His confession infuriated colleagues and  at a 'clear-the-air' meeting of UKIP MEPs  tempers boiled over.

Tensions between Mr Woolfe and Mr Hookem, a former soldier, became particularly heated. Mr Woolfe allegedly challenged his fellow MEP to 'step outside' and settle their differences 'man on man'. Both took off their jackets.

Mr Woolfe, who turned 49 yesterday, told the Mail: 'I wasn't bruising for a scrap. I asked to deal with the matter outside of the room because it was flaring up in the meeting and upsetting everybody, and Mike clearly read that totally the wrong way. It was a completely unexpected incident.

'Mike came at me and landed a blow. The door frame took the biggest hit after I was shoved into it and I knew I'd taken a whack and was pretty shaken.'

Mr Woolfe, the MEP for North West England, said he banged his head as he fell. Mr Hookem said: 'I did not hit Steven and I did not see him hit his head.'

A friend close to Mr Hookem, 62, insisted it had been a verbal altercation: 'In the meeting, Mr Woolfe told Mike that they should 'go outside and deal with this man on man'.

'When they went out, Steven threw the first punch. He then tripped over his own feet and fell over. It was all pretty schoolyard. There is no indication at all that he hit his head.'

The two men returned to the meeting and retrieved their jackets, then went off to vote in the EU parliament's main chamber.

Two hours later, Mr Woolfe collapsed, unable to feel one side of his body. A photo showed him sprawled face-down on the parquet floor of a glass-panelled bridge walkway inside the EU building.

Mr Woolfe and Mr Hookem are pictured in happier times while campaigning in Newark, Nottinghamshire, in May 2014

Mr Woolfe claimed fellow MEP Mike Hookem, pictured, 'came at him and landed a blow' but Mr Hookem denies this and said Mr Woolfe 'tripped over'

Pictures emerged showing Mr Woolfe receiving attention from paramedics after his collapse at around 11.20am UK time, after what was described as a 'schoolyard' confrontation between him and Mr Hookem

Mr Woolfe (pictured left), a close ally of interim leader Nigel Farage (right) said he 'banged his head' as he fell down and later suffered two seizures

Ukip donor Arron Banks complained that the party was being run by 'circus clowns' following the incident

Paramedics rushed him to hospital with suspected bleeding on the brain. His wife Fiona was informed.

He later issued a statement saying the scan had showed no blood clot and he was feeling much better.

Mike Hookem, a former soldier, is pictured with a rifle

It said: 'The CT scan has shown that there is no blood clot in the brain.

'At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever.

'As a precaution, I am being kept in overnight awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything is fine.

'I would like everyone to know that the parliamentary staff, the Ukip MEPs with me and hospital staff have been brilliant. Their care has been exceptional.

'I am sitting up, and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face.'

Mr Woolfe will not be released from hospital today.

Last night he told the Mail that after the altercation with Mr Hookem he had gone for a cup of tea and then into the chamber to vote.

He said: 'I began feeling woozy and knew something wasn't right so I ran out to get help. I started shouting, 'Where is the medical centre?' and was pointed over a walkway bridge.

'That's the last I can remember. I don't remember anything else.

'Next thing I know, I woke up surrounded by Parliament staff, lying on the floor and they ran to get my colleague Nathan Gill, who then came with me to the hospital.

'The doctors told me I had had one seizure lasting three minutes and then another.'

MIKE HOOKEM: NINE YEAR ARMY VETERAN AND UKIP DEFENCE SPOKESMAN V THE VICTIM: THE SMOOTHIE FROM THE ROUGH SIDE OF MANCHESTER STEVEN WOOLFE Father-of-one Mr Woolfe, pictured, was encouraged to stand for the leadership by Mr Farage and Mr Banks In a party frequently dogged by claims of racism, Steven Woolfe is an electoral godsend for Ukip. He is seeking to become the first mixed-race leader of a major British political party. The MEP, 49, has black American, Jewish and Irish grandparents, and was bullied as a child because of the way he looked. 'My hair was different, my colour was different, I was often beaten, called names and that went on through my teenage years,' he has said. His younger half-brother Nathan Woolfe, 28, took a different path  he is a footballer who has played for Bolton Wanderers, Stockport County and Wrexham. One of four children, Mr Woolfe was brought up on the infamous Moss Side estate in Manchester by strict Roman Catholic parents who were diehard Labour. one of the brightest in his school  where Oasis singer Liam Gallagher was a pupil  he won a scholarship to St Bede's RC Independent College before gaining a degree in law at Aberystwyth University. Woolfe's first run for public office came in 2012 in the election to find a police and crime commissioner for Greater Manchester. He came last with only 9 per cent of the vote. In 2014, he was elected MEP for North West England but came a poor third in Stockport at the general election. He was encouraged to stand for the leadership by Nigel Farage as well as Arron Banks, one of Ukip's biggest donors, and he said at the launch of his campaign in the summer: 'I am living proof of the so-called 'British dream'  the chance to succeed in all aspects of your life, no matter your postcode, your gender or the colour of your skin. I am standing to be the first mixed-race leader of a major political party in Britain.' But his campaign foundered when he submitted his nomination papers 17 minutes after the deadline had expired because of a technical hitch with his email. The party's National Executive Committee  dominated by the party's only MP Douglas Carswell and Neil Hamilton, the former Tory MP who is now Ukip leader in Wales  refused his request to stand. They both hate Farage and Banks who are Woolfe's mentors. But then, as yesterday's events  culminating in the MEP's admission to hospital  show, Ukip is a party torn apart by hatred. MIKE HOOKEM Mr Hookem was a lifelong Labour voter until switching to Ukip in 2008, where he has risen to defence spokesman Mike Hookem is a plain-speaking Yorkshireman who learnt how to look after himself growing up in Hull. Fiercely proud of his working class background, the MEP credits his rise up the career ladder to an early spell in the armed forces. Even as a 62-year-old grandfather he still has a reputation as a man not to cross. The son of a fish filleter, Mr Hookem left school at 15 and was stuck in dead-end jobs before joining the Royal Air Force at 17. He said his four years in the RAF kickstarted his life and made him determined to be successful. He then spent nine years in the Royal Engineers, believed to be as a reservist. His last job before becoming an MEP  after picking up a series of skilled trades  was as a manager for a property firm in Hull, his home town. A lifelong Labour voter, he switched to Ukip in 2008 and soon made an impression. Within four years he was chairman of the party's regional committee. He stood unsuccessfully as a candidate at the 2010 general election before being elected as an MEP in 2014. With his military experience, Mr Hookem was appointed defence spokesman. A former Ukip colleague in Yorkshire described him as surly  'like a very arrogant used car salesman'. He added: 'He is not to be messed with. 'He is always saying things like 'We can't be having any of that'. 'He is a very naughty boy, not that tall  but very stocky and looks a bit of a brawler. 'If he punched you, you would know about it. 'There was a joke going around that he was a good reason to leave UKIP and join the Tories because he was that aggressive. 'If you cross him you had better watch out.' Advertisement

Mr Woolfe, who grew up in the infamous Moss Side area of Manchester and became a barrister, was disqualified from the last UKIP leadership contest because he handed in his nomination papers 17 minutes late.

He said last night: 'There was a lot of anger expressed towards me over what happened in the summer around the leadership contest, and the fallout on social media after I was barred from standing.

'Mike was obviously very angry over what happened and lost his temper.

'You don't get into politics if you aren't passionate, but I must admit this is a first! I'm all right now, thankfully. You can't knock a lad from Moss Side down for long.'

UKIP Welsh Assembly leader Neil Hamilton said: 'Steven picked a fight and came off worst.'

A UKIP source said: 'Mike was furious that Steven had been talking to the Tories. How could he get up and say he wanted to be leader, when just hours earlier he was thinking about defecting?

'Mike told him that it was a betrayal, that he had breached their trust.'

A second source said: 'Woolfe says to Hookem, 'I've had enough of this. Let's settle this outside'.' A third said: 'He said, 'Come outside and sort this out like a man'.'

It was some time before Mr Hookem could be contacted for his version of events. He was said to have decided to drive back to London.

French police said the incident had not been reported to them and they had no plans to investigate.

Nigel Farage, who is still leader of Ukip, gave a impromptu press conference outside the hospital announcing an inquiry and later likened the clash to 'something you see in third world parliaments'

Millionaire backer Aaron Banks demanded the suspension of the party's ruling national executive committee.

He accused the party's 'Tory troublemakers and fifth columnists' of plotting against Mr Woolfe.

Mr Banks, who donated 1million to Ukip before the general election, warned critics of Mr Farage not to prevent Mr Woolfe - widely seen as the leader's preferred successor - from standing again.

He singled out the party's only MP Douglas Carswell and the leader in the Welsh Assembly Neil Hamilton - both ex-Conservative MPs.

Watching them try to run the modern political movement that (Nigel) Farage built is like watching a team of circus clowns trying to carry out a pit stop at the Silverstone Grand Prix Millionaire backer Aaron Banks

'The Tory troublemakers and fifth columnists represent a small minority in our party, yet they use any opportunity they can to undermine those working tirelessly to hold the Government's feet to the flames. This ends today,' he said.

'If Neil Hamilton and Douglas Carswell remain in the party, and the NEC decide that Steven Woolfe cannot run for leader, I will be leaving Ukip.'

Earlier Mr Banks launched an outspoken attack on the 'circus clowns' running the party.

He lashed out at the NEC, which was heavily criticised for refusing to accept Mr Woolfe's candidacy for the leadership during the last contest because the papers were filed a few minutes late.

'This body is populated by a motley collection of amateurs; leftovers from a bygone age, when Ukip was a ragtag band of volunteers on the fringes of British politics.

'Watching them try to run the modern political movement that (Nigel) Farage built is like watching a team of circus clowns trying to carry out a pit stop at the Silverstone Grand Prix,' he wrote in the Guardian.

'If James hadn't put her name forward at the last minute, we would have had nothing but a rabble of no-name, no-talent nobodies to choose from. These people would be out of their depth in a paddling pool, and couldn't be more unfit to run a modern political party.'

The European Parliament chamber in Strasbourg. Mr Woolfe is said to have collapsed on a walkway in the building

Meanwhile, Mr Farage likened yesterday's conduct to what 'you see in third world parliaments' and said: 'He did lose consciousness for a bit, so I think things were pretty bad. A few of us thought, for a moment, that he wouldn't make it.

'It is two grown men getting involved in an altercation it is not very seemly behaviour. It should not have happened. I was in the room but what happened was slightly outside of it so I did not see it.'

Neil Hamilton, Ukip's leader in the Welsh Assembly, added: 'It's most unfortunate but passions obviously run high.'

Mr Hamilton admitted the incident was not a great advert for the party, but added: 'Let's not generalise it - it's a dispute between one or two individuals. It's not good that they are public representatives of the party in the European Parliament and that's highly regrettable.'

Raheem Kassam, a former aide to Mr Farage, complained that the party is beset by back-stabbing and duplicity.

'I, like ordinary Ukip members, am so tired of the games that are being played at the top of this party. There is so much corruption. There is so much duplicity. There are so many people shaking hands with one another and then knifing them in private. It has to stop,' he said.

Mr Woolfe has admitted he had flirted with defecting to the Tories after being barred from the last leadership race by the party's NEC.

The MEP said he had been 'enthused' by Theresa May's start to her premiership but in the end concluded that only Ukip could be relied upon to deliver on Brexit.

'Her support of new grammar schools, her words on social mobility and the growing evidence that she is committed to a clean Brexit prompted me, as it did many of my friends and colleagues, to wonder whether our future was within her new Conservative Party,' he said.

'However, having watched the Prime Minister's speech on Sunday, I came to the conclusion that only a strong Ukip can guarantee Brexit is delivered in full and only our party can stand up for the communities of the Midlands and the North.'
Family doctors are being offered up to 90,000 a year to carry out private webcam appointments.

Attendees at the conference of the Royal College of GPs are being handed flyers urging them to sign up with a firm that offers consultations via computer or mobile.

They can do as many hours as they want  either from home or from their surgeries  in between their NHS patients.

GPs can earn up to 90,000 a year by giving consultations online, and private firm Babylon has paid 12,000 to be allowed to hand out fliers at the Royal College of GPs conference

Yet there is a severe recruitment crisis and as many as one in eight GP posts are unfilled.

The head of the royal college warned at the conference that doctors were so overworked and exhausted they were putting patients at risk.

The college is being paid 12,000 by private firm Babylon to be allowed to hand out flyers and hold sessions at the conference in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, attended by more than 1,600 family doctors.

Babylon is one of a growing number of companies offering private webcam appointments for which patients pay 25 for a 15-minute slot.

Katherine Murphy of the Patients Association said it was disconcerting that the firm was at the conference

GPs earn up to 60 an hour and the firm encourages them to do at least one four-hour shift a week in between their surgery hours. Some have quit their NHS posts completely to work full-time from home on salaries of 90,000.

The flyers handed out at the conference promise GPs flexible hours and the freedom to work from home or from your workplace.

Katherine Murphy of the Patients Association said it was disconcerting that the firm was at the conference.

This means that NHS doctors are being targeted to give up their role working for our NHS and instead work for private companies, which I think most patients would consider unethical, she added. When the NHS is so desperately short of GPs, how can this be right?

Other doctors have raised concerns that these online consultations are unsafe because serious medical conditions could be missed.

Doctors do not have access to patients files and might not spot symptoms that would otherwise be recognised in a face-to-face appointment.

Babylon is also running a stand at the conference centre with staff handing out stress balls, balloons and packets of nuts and dried fruit.

Joyce Robins of Patient Concern said: Its disgraceful. They cant fulfil their contracts and do their proper work for patients if theyre working privately. If they want to be private doctors, so be it but they shouldnt take the NHSs money and go and work for someone else.

The royal college is the professional body for GPs and has more than 50,000 members.

Dr Maureen Baker has warned that doctors are so overworked they pose a 'real threat to public safety'

Its chairman Dr Maureen Baker has warned that doctors were so overworked they posed a real threat to patient safety.

Surgeries are struggling to cope with the pressures of migration, the aging population and a recruitment crisis among family doctors.

Set up in 2014, Babylon has 100 GPs working full or part-time providing webcam appointments.

A spokesman for the RCGP said: The decision to allow Babylon to become a bronze sponsor at this years conference was taken on the basis that it is an emerging digital healthcare company.

At the moment, general practice in the UK is struggling, and we need to pull out all the stops to recruit as many GPs to the NHS as possible, and retain existing ones.

But that is not to say we are in a position to close the doors to opportunities for our members. Babylons presence at the conference is in line with the colleges sponsorship policies.

Due to commercial confidentiality we are unable to disclose further details of the sponsorship.

Some GP surgeries have started paying firms to offer consultations on webcam to try to cut waiting times.
The Bonnie & Clyde star will return to the big screen for first time in decade

Also talked about meeting Monroe for the first time night before her death

Warren Beatty may be a legend in Hollywood, but when it comes to picking his own hero the answer is easy: His transgender son.

The famously private actor and director has publicly spoken for the first time about his son Stephen Ira's gender identity, calling the 24-year-old activist a 'revolutionary'.

'He's a genius, and my hero, as are all my children,' Beatty told Vanity Fair in his first in-depth interview in 25 years.

Stephen, who was born Kathlyn Elizabeth, identified as transitioned at the age of 14.

Famously private icon Warren Beatty has publicly spoken for the first time about his son Stephen Ira's gender identity, calling the 24-year-old transgender activist his 'hero'

Stephen, who was born Kathlyn Elizabeth, identified as transitioned at the age of 14

He is also a poet and a writer, and is the eldest of Beatty's children with actress Annette Bening.

Bening was pregnant with Stephen in 1991 when Beatty, now 79, gave his last major interview while editing his film Bugsy.

It was on the set of that very film that Beatty, one of Hollywood's most famous Casanovas, would fall for Bening - who he cast as his co-star.

Just months earlier, he had told the Academy Award-nominated actress: 'I want you to know that I'm not going to come on to you.'

But, after an incredible string of famous lovers, it was Bening who stole Beatty's heart for good at the age of 54.

He called the late director Mike Nichols and told him he was going to marry Annette.

Nichols replied: 'Well, there's one thing you should know about her...She's perfect.'

Before Bening there was a long list of celebrity women whose hearts Beatty had allegedly won.

'He's a genius, and my hero, as are all my children,' Beatty said of Stephen (pictured here before his transition with siblings Isabel, Ella and Benjamin and mother Annette Bening)

Stephen is the eldest child of Beatty and Annette Bening, who fell in love on the set of his film Bugsy in 1991. After a string of famous lovers, Beatty's heart was stolen by the actress

The Bonnie & Clyde star has been linked to musical legends like Cher and Madonna, supermodels such as Elle Macpherson, and a bevy of actresses including Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, Brigitte Bardot and Barbara Streisand - among many others.

Beatty even shared a stroll on the beach with Marilyn Monroe, although he said it was more 'soulful than romantic'.

He had met Monroe that very night, at the Malibu home of Rat Pack actor Peter Lawford.

Monroe asked him his age and sat at the edge of the piano as he played, wearing an outfit so clingy that Beatty could tell she wasn't wearing underwear.

Beatty recalled that she was already tipsy from the champagne before the sun set.

Beatty was one of the last people to see Marilyn Monroe alive. He met the icon at a Malibu home the night before she died

The next day, he got a phone call: Did you hear? Marilyn Monroe is dead', he was told.

Beatty was one of the last people to see her alive.

But Beatty has plenty of funny and surreal stories too from his 60 years working in Hollywood.

There was the instance when Andy Warhol 'It girl' Edie Sedgwick showed up to his New York hotel room wearing a yellow rain coat - and nothing else.

It was the night Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon. They spent the rest of their time together watching the television.

And there was the time Beatty was so desperate for a part in Tennessee Williams' new film adaptation that he flew out to Puerto Rico to convince the playwright he was the right man for the job.

Beatty wanted to play the part of Paolo, the Italian gigolo in Williams' novel The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone.

But there was just one problem - Williams only wanted the part to be played by an Italian, news that was crushing to the Virginia-born actor.

So Beatty bought a ticket to Puerto Rico, where Williams was hiding out after his most recent play received terrible reviews.

He spotted him in a casino and had one of the waiters send him a note that read: 'Whatever you say. Paolo'.

Beatty, who starred in Bonnie & Clyde with Faye Dunaway, has worked in Hollywood as an actor, director, screenwriter and producer for nearly 60 years

Beatty made his film debut in Splendor in the Grass (pictured here with Barbara Loden)

The Hollywood hearthrob has been linked to the likes of Cher, Madonna, Elle Macpherson, Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, Brigitte Bradot and Barbara Streisand - among many others

Williams turned around, spotted him, and said: 'All right, you've got the fucking part.'

Now Beatty is getting back in the director's chair for the first time since 1998 with Rules Don't Apply, the first film he has starred in for more than a decade.

Beatty will be playing the eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes', who the actor has been compared to often in recent years with his own similarly reclusive behavior.

But the legend said he is grateful that he has been in the position to spend so many years away from Tinseltown, to focus instead on raising the 'four, small Eastern European countries that live in our house', as he has dubbed his children.

'I think I've been lucky enough not to have to do movie after movie for financial reasons,' he said. 'I've been able to live my life, and also make movies.'

'I didn't have to grind them out. I could go long periods where I was living life, rather than tripping over cables.'

'Sometimes life just takes over, as it has taken over with four kids, in a way that has been more wonderful than I could have imagined at an earlier age.'
A daredevil has filmed himself long-boarding on the top of an ancient convent in a risky stunt that is not for those who dont like heights.

Ervin Punkar from Tallinn, in Estonia, can be seen climbing up the historic ruins of the Pirita convent and riding along it dangerously close to the edge.

The nail biting footage is accompanied by some angelic music that only adds to the drama as the young man starts with a terrifying rock climb with his long board strapped to his back.

Ervin Punkar from Tallinn, in Estonia, said to himself he wanted to ride somewhere epic with his longboard

So he picked Pirita convent ruins where he firts had to scale the large stone wall unaided

After pulling himself up to the top with his longboard on his back he found a spiral staircase that took him up further

The free runner edited the video to some quite dramatic music but even without it it makes your hairs stand one edge

He then climbs up a spiral tower overlooking some stunning views.

His board swerves from side to side and at points the foot he is using to push seems too close to the edge.

One wrong move and he could easily have fallen.

The video has had more than 5,000 views on Mr Punkars YouTube account after he posted it online on September 19.

He commented: I went for a training and had my longboard with me. I decided to tick one thing off my bucket list, which was to ride my longboard in an extreme place (Rooftop, etc).

The views from the top were just stunning but he didn't just sit and look at them

Instead he nerve wrackingly londboarded his way across with his foot that was pushing him coming close to the edge

He picked up quite some speed and at some points you wonder if he will be able to stop safely

But the professional free runner said it was such a rush even if it was at times a little scary

The video has so far had over 5,000 views on Mr Punkar's YouTube account

It was quite scary but totally worth it. Epic feeling.
When, one day, future generations study the rise and fall of the UK Independence Party, they will surely find its colourful story completely mystifying.

How did such a tiny party, founded by a lecturer at the London School of Economics, come to wield such extraordinary influence over the fate of our country?

How did an outfit dismissed by David Cameron as fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists make such inroads into the formerly Labour-voting North?

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage and his supporters celebrate after Britain voted to leave the EU. Only a few years ago, the prospect of Britain leaving the EU was simply unthinkable

And how, above all, did a party that has included such shameless, scandal-plagued self-promoters as Robert Kilroy-Silk and Neil Hamilton become the vehicle for a political revolution that would take Britain out of the EU and radically recast our national destiny?

Against this background, Ukips recent travails are simply par for the course. Surely only in Ukip could Nigel Farage step aside for the third time as leader, only for his replacement, Diane James, to resign after only 18 days.

And surely only in Ukip could the favourite to succeed her, the charismatic Steven Woolfe, be rushed to hospital in Strasbourg just two days later, after an alleged punch-up with one of his fellow Ukip MEPs.

Given yesterdays shocking news, it takes a little effort to remember that Ukip has just pulled off the greatest coup in British political history. Only a few years ago, the prospect of Britain leaving the EU was simply unthinkable.

Ukip MEP Steven Woolfe recovering in hospital after he collapsed following an altercation with another Ukip MEP leaving the party in turmoil

But much of the responsibility  or the credit, if you prefer  belongs to Mr Farage and his party, who were campaigning for Brexit at a time when most people thought them a joke.

To some degree, Ukip has simply been the victim of its own success. Once the British people voted for Brexit, the party lost its driving principle.

Little wonder, then, that in the past few weeks, its politics have been dominated not by policy or by ideology, but by the horrendously poisonous intrigues surrounding its most prominent figures.

All of this seemed unimaginable back in 1991, when Professor Alan Sked, a historian at the London School of Economics  who was appalled by the relentless expansion of the EU  set up the Anti-Federalist League to fight against the Maastricht Treaty which formalised the character of the modern European Union.

In 1993, Professor Skeds group evolved into the UK Independence Party, and he remained as leader for the next four years. By the end of the Nineties, however, he had stepped aside, warning publicly that his party had been infiltrated by the far-Right.

Among the newcomers was the former City commodities trader Nigel Farage, who became leader in 2006. But for a long time, Ukip seemed simply a joke.

The UK Independence Party was formed by historian Professor Alan Sked. Later TV presenter Robert Kilroy-Silk was appointed the party's leader

Indeed, many people knew it only as a vehicle for the orange-hued TV presenter Robert Kilroy-Silk, who succeeded Nick Clegg, of all people, as MEP for the East Midlands in 2004.

Mr Farages genius was to transform Ukip into Britains first genuinely populist political party. He tapped public frustration, not just with the bureaucracy and wastefulness of the EU, but with surging immigration, stagnant living standards and the corruption exposed in the Commons expenses scandal.

Following the financial crash of 2007-08, which shattered many voters faith in the old order, Ukips progress, particularly in European and local elections, was simply remarkable. At the 2009 European Parliament elections, the partys national vote share was almost 17 per cent.

Mr Farages genius was to transform Ukip into Britains first genuinely populist political party. He tapped public frustration, not just with the bureaucracy and wastefulness of the EU, but with surging immigration

Much of this was down to one man. Although Mr Farage never managed to win the Westminster seat he so obviously craved, he nevertheless became one of the most recognisable and controversial figures in the land. Liberals hated him, dismissing him as a demagogue who was exploiting public fears.

But they hugely underestimated his drive, commitment and appeal to the common man, captured above all by his fondness for a pint and a fag.

And certainly neither the cut-glass David Cameron nor the bloodless Ed Miliband had his gift for speaking directly to great swathes of working-class England, where he sometimes seemed the only man who dared to say what millions were thinking.

By 2014, Ukips rise had shattered all predictions. In that years European elections, it finished first with almost 27 per cent, picking up a record 24 MEPs.

It was this apparently unstoppable rise that explains Mr Camerons fatal decision to call a referendum on Britains membership of the EU  the decision that, in the long run, ended his political career.

By 2014, Ukips rise had shattered all predictions. In that years European elections, it finished first with almost 27 per cent, picking up a record 24 MEPs

But whatever future historians may say about Camerons tactical misjudgment, the plain fact is that without Ukip, and without Nigel Farage, it would never have happened.

The paradox is that even as Ukip approached its moment of destiny, its internal politics were more toxic than ever. Mr Farages success came at a heavy personal cost.

Badly injured in a near-fatal plane crash on general election polling day in 2010, he suffered from persistent ill health, while his controversial public image meant he was often harassed and threatened in public, even when eating Sunday lunch in a pub with his family.

Though Ukip piled up almost four million votes in the 2015 general election  a record for an insurgent fourth party  it only returned one MP, the Tory turncoat Douglas Carswell, to Westminster.

Nigel Farage speaking yesterday after Steven Woolfe was hospitalised. Mr Farage stood down as Ukip leader earlier this year

This was a poor showing indeed, though Ukip did take huge numbers of votes from Labour in the working-class Northern heartlands where mass migration and dying industries had combined to leave many people feeling Ed Milibands party no longer spoke for them.

The question remains whether those voters will ever return to Labours banner, especially while Jeremy Corbyn is in charge. And in that regard, you could also argue that Ukip has gone some way to hastening the demise of the Labour party.

As for Farage, at last years election he again failed to win a seat after the Conservatives poured resources into beating him in South Thanet.

Perhaps because of that, Ukips internal machinations tipped over into chaos. Some insiders resented Mr Farage as an autocratic bully; others treated him almost as the leader of a cult.

Victory in Junes Brexit referendum was of course the partys hour of glory, but it was also almost certainly its last hurrah. Now that the Brussels dragon has been slain, the partys very reason for existing has simply disappeared.

With Theresa May so clearly determined to be the champion of working-class Britain against the metropolitan liberal elite, it is increasingly hard to see what Ukip is for.

After all, for voters who want old-fashioned values, immigration controls and grammar schools, Mrs Mays Conservatives seem a more natural home than a near-bankrupt party tearing itself apart.

Perhaps it is because the stakes are now so low, therefore, that the partys internal culture has become so bitter. On top of all this, Ukip is dead broke.

Diane James succeed Nigel Farage as leader of Ukip but stood down from her role just 18 days later

Its accounts are reportedly almost 1 million in the red, and now that its multimillionaire backer, the businessman Arron Banks, has threatened to leave the party, it is hard to see any way back.

So although Farage, Douglas Carswell, Neil Hamilton  now leader of Ukip in Wales  and Steven Woolfe, when he recovers, may battle for control of the party, the truth is that Ukips moment in the sun has surely passed.

None of this is meant to diminish the partys extraordinary impact. I cannot think of a comparable example of a small group of largely derided activists, who came together to fight for an unfashionable cause and ended up changing the entire course of our political, diplomatic and economic history.
Prosecutors claimed the man did not take one stop towards police while holding the knife

A police officer who shot and killed a mentally ill black man David Latham has been found not guilty of manslaughter.

Michael Edington was cleared of the charge on Thursday by a jury in Norfolk, Virginia.

He told jurors 35-year-old Latham had threatened violence and gestured with a knife in his hand before he shot him nine times at his home in June 2014.

Prosecutors said Latham, who suffered schizophrenia, did not make any threats nor make any attempt to approach the officer while holding the knife.

Michael Edington, 27, has been cleared of manslaughter over the death of 35-year-old schizophrenic David Latham (right). Edington shot and killed him in Norfolk, Virginia, in June 2014

The man's family called police to their home when Latham, agitated after an argument, picked up the knife.

Edington has been on administrative leave since being indicted for voluntary manslaughter by a special grand jury in June last year, a year after Latham's death.

The court announced his acquittal on Twitter.

'Jury finds Michael Edington Jr. not guilty of Manslaughter,' a post on its account reads.

Other Norfolk Police officers who responded with Edington to the call previously told the court he had not made any movements towards them, The Virginian Pilot reported.

'He didnt make any movements. He was just standing there. He wasn't a threat, or we wasn't enough of one for me to fire on him,' Dennis Conley said.

The newspaper revealed during the trial how Edington's legal team was trying to block testimony from another officer which claimed he joked about Latham's death a month after killing him.

The officer reportedly said to a friend as he played with a pocket knife at a party: 'You remember the last guy that was playing with a knife, what happened to him?'.

Latham's family launched a civil lawsuit in March seeking $9million in compensation.

Latham was at home with his family (seen together above) when they called the police in June 2014. They are now suing the police department fr $9million
A migrant mutiny has left Spanish police scrambling to capture 26 people who escaped from a detention centre on the day the EU launched its new border force.

One migrant feigned illness to distract officers, leaving the others to attack police with fire extinguishers injuring five.

The mob, made up mostly of Algerian migrants, were some of the 70 foreigners without residence permits held in the Sangonera la Verde centre near the south-eastern city of Murcia.

The men escaped from the Sangonera la Verde centre near the south-eastern city of Murcia

The incident happened as the European Union launched a new border force in a desperate attempt to try and stem the flow of migrants.

'One of the foreigners first pretended to be ill, and when the ambulance came to take him away, the others rose up in mutiny,' a police spokeswoman said.

During the revolt, men 'grabbed fire extinguishers and various items to throw them,' she said, adding that five police officers were slightly injured.

The government representative said 26 migrants were still missing, 'almost all of them Algerian.'

And in neighbouring France shots were fired at a centre being set up to rehouse migrants from Calais's 'Jungle' camp.

Bullets smashed windows in the building on France's west coast, one of a number of properties across the country where the government is planning to rehouse people moved out of the crowded settlement.

The 50 refugees destined for the site, in the seaside resort town of Saint Brevin, have not arrived yet, but the attack reveals the level of local opposition to the French government's plans.

The opposition party, Les Republicains, has launched a petition against the plan, saying it will merely shut the Calais camp and replace it with dozens of mini-Calais sites nationwide.

Housing Minister Emmanuelle Cosse condemned the shooting in Saint Brevin

Housing Minister Emmanuelle Cosse condemned the shooting in Saint Brevin.

'We can't just stand by and leave these people in the street and the mud when it is a matter of the right to asylum,' he told Europe 1 radio.

A new European border and coast guard force was also launched yesterday at a checkpoint on the bloc's border with Turkey in Bulgaria.

The service will have more than double Frontex's staff and new powers. EU countries will establish a pool of 1,500 guards and technical equipment to rapidly deploy to countries facing heavy migration flows.

But Libya, a key springboard for Europe-bound migrants, ejected calls from some EU countries to build refugee camps on its shores, saying the bloc could not 'shirk its responsibility'.

'The EU would shirk its responsibility and instead place it on our shoulders,' Foreign Minister Mohamad Taher Siala said at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Vienna.

The idea is 'very far removed from the reality on the ground' in conflict-torn Libya where the government is engaged in fierce battles with Islamic State militants, he added.

Several European Union countries, including Austria and Hungary, have been pushing for EU deals with North African countries to send back rejected asylum-seekers as a way of dealing with the worst migration crisis since 1945.

Hungary's populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently said the EU should build 'a large refugee city' on the Libyan coast to process asylum claims of migrants outside the EU.

A growing number of people are attempting the treacherous sea journey from Libya or Egypt, after the closure of the Balkan migrant trail route leading from Greece to western Europe.

More than 140,000 have made the journey to Italy on overcrowded boats since the start of this year, latest figures show.
United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit. United States of America Plaintiff - Appellee v. John Prickett, Jr. Defendant - Appellant No. 15-3486 Decided: October 05, 2016

Before LOKEN, BEAM, and SMITH, Circuit Judges.

John Prickett, Jr. shot his wife multiple times while camping in Buffalo River National Park. Fortunately, she survived. He conditionally pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit murder, a violation of 18 U.S.C.  113(a)(1) ( Count I), and use of a firearm during a crime of violence, a violation of 18 U.S.C.  924(c)(1)(A)(iii) (Count II). Prickett moved to dismiss Count II of the indictment, but the district court denied his motion. We affirm.

The district court found that Prickett's conviction for assault with intent to commit murder met the definition of a crime of violence under  924(c)(3)(B). Prickett argues that the Supreme Court's holding in Johnson v. United States, 135 S. Ct. 2551 (2015), extends to invalidate  924(c)(3)(B) as unconstitutionally vague. If  924(c)(3)(B) is unconstitutional, Prickett seeks dismissal of Count II. We review the constitutionality of  924(c)(3)(B) de novo. See United States v. Seay, 620 F.3d 919, 923 (8th Cir. 2010).

Section 924(c)(1)(A) provides specified mandatory minimum sentences for persons convicted of a crime of violence who use or carry a firearm in furtherance of that crime. Section 924(c)(3) defines crime of violence as

an offense that is a felony and

(A) has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, or

(B) that by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense.

Section 924(c)(3)(B) defines a crime as a crime of violence if by its nature it involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense.  United States v. Moore, 38 F.3d 977, 979 (8th Cir. 1994) (quoting 18 U.S.C.  924(c)(3)(B)). A court's determination of the nature of a crime requires an examination of the elements which compose it. Id. This is the categorical approach. Id.; see also Omar v. I.N.S., 298 F.3d 710, 714 (8th Cir. 2002) (recognizing that a categorical approach applies to  924(c)(3)(B)).

Prickett does not contest that assault with intent to murder under  113(a)(1) by its nature comes within the reach of  924(c)(3)(B). See United States v. Mills, 835 F.2d 1262, 1264 (8th Cir. 1987) (Furthermore, the legislative history is clear that the Congress amended section 924(c) with the express purpose of authorizing an additional sentence to that imposed for the underlying felony, specifically including section 113. (citation omitted)). Instead, Prickett argues that  924(c)(3)(B) is invalid under Johnson. Because  924(c)(3)(B) is considerably narrower than the statute invalidated by the Court in Johnson, and because much of Johnson' s analysis does not apply to  924(c)(3)(B), [Prickett's] argument in this regard is without merit. United States v. Taylor, 814 F.3d 340, 37576 (6th Cir. 2016).

In Johnson, the Supreme Court held that the residual clause of the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), 18 U.S.C.  924(e)(2)(B), denie[d] fair notice to defendants and invite[d] arbitrary enforcement by judges. 135 S. Ct. at 2557. The portion of the ACCA that the Court found unconstitutionally vague defined violent felony to include an offense that otherwise involves conduct that presents a serious potential risk of physical injury to another. Id. at 255556 (emphasis omitted) (quoting 18 U.S.C.  924(e)(2)(B)(ii)).

[B]ecause several factors distinguish the ACCA residual clause from  924(c)(3)(B), Taylor, 814 F.3d at 376, we join the Second and Sixth Circuits in upholding  924(c)(3)(B) against a vagueness challenge. See id. at 37579; United States v. Hill, No. 14-3872-CR, 2016 WL 4120667, at *712 (2d Cir. Aug. 3, 2016). First, the statutory language of  924(c)(3)(B) is distinctly narrower, especially in that it deals with physical force rather than physical injury. Taylor, 814 F.3d at 376. The [r]isk of physical force against a victim that  924(c)(3)(B) requires is much more definite than [the] risk of physical injury to a victim that the ACCA residual clause required. Id. at 37677. Section 924(c)(3)(B) also contains the narrowing aspects of requiring that the risk of physical force arise in the course of committing the offense and requir[ing] that the felony be one which by its nature involves the risk that the offender will use physical force. Id. at 377 (quoting 18 U.S.C.  924(c)(3)(B)). Unlike the wide judicial latitude permitted by the ACCA's coverage of crimes that involve [ ] conduct presenting a serious risk of injury,  924(c)(3)(B) does not permit a court to consider risk-related conduct beyond that which is an element of the predicate crime since the provision covers offenses that by [their] nature involve a substantial risk that force may be used. Id. (alterations in original). Nor does  924(c)(3)(B)'s requirement that physical force be used in the course of committing the offense permit[ ]  inquiry into conduct following the completion of the offense. Id. Instead, the force must be used and the risk must arise in order to effectuate the crime. Thus, unlike the ACCA residual clause,  924(c)(3)(B) does not allow courts to consider physical injury [that] is remote from the criminal act, a consideration that supported the Court's vagueness analysis in Johnson. Id. (alteration in original) (quoting Johnson, 135 S. Ct. at 2559).

Second, the ACCA residual clause is linked to a confusing set of examples that plagued the Supreme Court in coming up with a coherent way to apply the clause, whereas there is no such weakness in  924(c)(3)(B). Id. at 376. The ACCA residual clause contains a textual link  by the word otherwise to four enumerated but diverse crimes. Id. at 377 (citing Johnson, 135 S. Ct. at 2558). The ACCA residual clause's use of the word otherwise force [d] courts to interpret serious potential risk in light of the four enumerated crimesburglary, arson, extortion, and crimes involving the use of explosives.'  Id. (quoting Johnson, 135 S. Ct. at 2558). But  924(c)(3)(B) does not link[ ] the substantial risk standard, through the word otherwise, to a confusing list of examples.  Id. (quoting Johnson, 135 S. Ct. at 2561). Therefore, courts need not analogiz[e] the level of risk involved in a defendant's conduct to burglary, arson, extortion, or the use of explosives. Id.

Third, the Supreme Court reached its void-for-vagueness conclusion only after struggling mightily for nine years to come up with a coherent interpretation of the clause, whereas no such history has occurred with respect to  924(c)(3)(B). Id. at 376. Section 924(c)(3)(B) does not have a similar history, as the Supreme Court has not unsuccessfully attempted on multiple occasions to articulate the standard applicable to the  924(c)(3)(B) analysis. Id. at 378. Nor can we transfer the confusion about the ACCA in pre-Johnson Supreme Court decisions  to  924(c)(3)(B), because much of the confusion in the ACCA cases concerned the four enumerated crimes that were linked to the residual clause. Id. (citing Johnson, 135 S. Ct. at 255859).

Finally, the Supreme Court was clear in limiting its holding to the particular set of circumstances applying to the ACCA residual clause, and only some of those circumstances apply to  924(c)(3)(B). Id. at 376. The Court dismissed the concern that its holding would place in doubt dozens of federal and state criminal laws[, like  924(c)(3)(B), that] use terms like substantial risk, grave risk, and unreasonable risk.  Id. at 378 (alteration in original) (quoting Johnson, 135 S. Ct. at 2561). The Court gave two reasons why that was not the case, and one of them directly distinguishes  924(c)(3)(B): it does not link[ ] a phrase such as substantial risk to a confusing list of examples. Id. (quoting Johnson, 135 S. Ct. at 2561).

In summary, Johnson did not invalidate the ACCA residual clause because the clause employed an ordinary case analysis [, the categorical approach,] but rather because of a greater sum of several uncertainties. Id. The Court invalidated it because it contained a

double-layered uncertainty  which required courts employing the categorical approach first to estimate the potential risk of physical injury posed by a judicially imagined ordinary case of [the] crime at issue, and then to consider how this risk of injury compared to the risk posed by the four enumerated crimes, which are themselves, the Court noted, far from clear in respect to the degree of risk each poses. Id. at 255758 (quoting Begay v. United States, 553 U.S. 137, 143, 128 S. Ct. 1581, 170 L. Ed. 2d 490 (2008)). It was these twin ambiguitiescombining indeterminacy about how to measure the risk posed by a crime with indeterminacy about how much risk it takes for the crime to qualify as a violent felonythat offended the Constitution. Id. at 2558 (emphasis added); see also id. at 2560 (observing that [e]ach of the uncertainties in the residual clause may be tolerable in isolation, but their sum makes a task for us which at best could be only guesswork  (quoting United States v. Evans, 333 U.S. 483, 495, 68 S. Ct. 634, 92 L. Ed. 823 (1948))).

Hill, 2016 WL 4120667, at *8 (second and third alterations in original) (footnote omitted).

We therefore conclude that Johnson does not render  924(c)(3)(B) unconstitutionally vague. As a result, we hold that the district court did not err in denying Prickett's motion to dismiss Count II.

FOOTNOTES

. The Honorable Paul K. Holmes, III, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas

PER CURIAM.
The first wife of motor racing legend Peter Brock has vowed to sue Channel 10 if their new miniseries tries to portray them as having a happy marriage.

Michelle Downes, who married Brock in 1974 when she was 21 years old, claims that Brock 'beat her', and forced her to have an abortion, which resulted in her suffering a breakdown.

Ms Downes was concerned the series would 'gloss over' aspects of their one-year marriage, including the domestic violence she suffered, she told the Daily Telegraph.

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Michelle Downes, the first wife of motor racing legend Peter Brock (right) has vowed to sue Channel 10 if their new miniseries misrepresents their relationship

Known during his racing days as 'Peter Perfect', there have reportedly been worries that Brock's image would be tarnished if his alleged acts of domestic violence were depicted in the film.

However Ms Downes' lawyer Jeremy Zimet from Slater & Gordon told the Daily Telegraph they had repeatedly asked Endemol Shine for the script so Ms Downes could have a say in the portrayal of their marriage.

'If it portrays her in a happy marriage, she will be made out to be a liar and will sue because she has previously told how he beat her and has given public talks against domestic violence,' Mr Zimet said.

Ms Downes also claimed Brock forced her to have an abortion as his career was flourishing at the time, and she suffered a breakdown afterwards because of it.

Ms Downes and her then fiancee Brock were all smiles when they showed off their engagement ring on January 3, 1974

Brock's marriage to Ms Downes lasted a year and she has spoken frequently of the domestic violence she suffered

The two-part telemovie 'Brock', which will screen on Channel 10 this Sunday and Monday nights, will mark the 10th anniversary of Brock's death - he died in September 2006 when his car slid off a road and hit a tree during a road rally in Western Australia.

But his brother Phil Brock, who will be involved in tributes to the nine-time Great Race winner at this weekend's Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, believes the program will give an honest depiction of his brother, reports Speedcafe.com.

Brock was known as 'Peter Perfect'

'He hated being called Peter Perfect because he wasn't perfect, so I think he would be fine with it [the making of a telemovie],' Phil Brock said.

'It was a different world then too and there were things that happened over that period that were known about by journalists and other people that never got to the public view.

'Peter wasn't perfect and things happen, that's just part of life. You don't want it [the telemovie] all fluffy and perfect, because he certainly did some things wrong.'

Endemol Shine said the series was more of a 'dramatisation' than a scripted documentary.

The production company said they have been in touch with representatives for Ms Downes on many occasions, and have taken her public comments into account in production.

The two-part telemovie 'Brock' will coincide with he 10th anniversary of Brock's death

The dramatisation will reportedly follow Brock's life from his early days racing, to his death in 2006.

Ms Downes is being portrayed by actress Kirsty Lee Alan in the miniseries.

Matthew Le Nevez stars as Brock, while Brendan Cowell will play Alan Moffat, Ella Scott Lynch will play his wife Bev Brock and Natalie Bassingthwaighte as his girlfriend Julie Bamford.

Lawyers Slater & Gordon said they had repeatedly asked Endemol Shine for the script so Ms Downes could have a say in the portrayal of her marriage to Brock (pictured)

However Endemol Shine said the minseries, which will be aired on Channel 10, is more of a 'dramatisation' than a scripted documentary. They said they have been in touch with representatives for Ms Downes on numerous occasions
Former No.10 media chief Sir Craig Oliver, pictured, has claimed the Remain team did not warn of an immediate recession should Britain vote to leave the EU

David Camerons ex-spin doctor yesterday claimed the Government did not warn of an immediate recession after a vote for Brexit.

Craig Oliver, who was one of the key figures in the Remain campaign, admitted his team had made errors.

But asked on the BBC yesterday whether he regretted predicting a quick recession in the event of a Leave vote, he said: I dont accept that we said immediately afterwards. We talked about when we leave the EU.

Sir Craigs critics said his version of events did not square with the multiple warnings issued by the Treasury, George Osborne, Bank of England governor Mark Carney and the IMF.

The institutions and experts banded together to warn voters of the dangers of leaving the European Union.

Project Fear, as critics named it, included a warning by Mr Osborne on May 23 that: A vote to leave would cause an immediate and profound economic shock creating instability and uncertainty which would be compounded by the complex and interdependent negotiations that would follow.

'The central conclusion of the analysis is to the effect of this profound shock would be to push the UK into recession and lead to a sharp rise in unemployment.

Mr Osborne also warned of a drop in house prices. He triggered fury among Tory MPs and other Leave backers when he suggested that he would have to enact a punishment budget in the event of Brexit, which would see spending slashed and taxes hiked.

Ahead of the vote, Mr Carney said a vote for Brexit could trigger a technical recession.

During a joint press conference with the then PM, David Cameron, Barack Obama threatened Britain with massive delays to trade deals if it quit the EU.

The US president said Britain would be at the back of the queue for deals with its oldest ally, America.

Pensioners were warned by the Treasury that a Brexit vote would knock 32,000 off their retirement nest eggs.

Sir Craig yesterday said: We made some serious mistakes and we need to take responsibility for that.

He denied that this included warning of an imminent recession.

However the one-time journalist and former BBC executive said there would be some serious problems for the economy going forward.

He added: Weve seen the currency drop dramatically, weve seen the growth forecast for next year downgraded significantly, weve seen the Chancellor saying hes going to resest fiscal policy which sound a lot like a lot more borrowing to me.

Just a month before the referendum former chancellor George Osborne, pictured, warned a leave vote would cause 'an immediate and profound economic shock'

Despite his doom-laden words, Sir Craig, who was director of communications at No 10, denied he was predicting Project Fear.

But he was mocked for his claims that the Government and the Remain camp had not warned of an immediate recession by Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Conservative MP and campaigner for Leave.

He said: Perhaps we are all dreaming that George Osborne threatened an almost immediate budget in response to Brexit, to cut spending and increase taxes.

Christine Lagarde, the chief of the International Monetary Fund, also defended her organisations warnings of an economic meltdown ahead of the Brexit vote.

Before the referendum, Miss Lagarde said a vote to quit the EU would result in an outcome ranging from pretty bad to very, very bad.
A mother is reportedly suing the NHS for not revealing her baby was going to be born severely disabled  saying she 'would have had an abortion' if she had known.

Amanda McGuinn and her husband Paul, both 38, are taking action in the High Court over wrongful birth.

It could result in Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust being ordered to pay millions of pounds in damages.

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust denies the care offered to the McGuinns was inadequate

The couple, who run their own construction firm, claim doctors were negligent in failing to spot their babys significant abnormalities, including her very small head, before her birth in August 2008.

They were expecting a healthy baby, but Matilda was born with profound microcephaly, leaving her physically and cognitively disabled and needing round-the-clock care.

The rare neurological disorder prevents brain development and causes intellectual disability, poor motor function, speech and vision, abnormal facial features, seizures, low life expectancy and dwarfism. The symptoms were similar to those associated with the Zika virus.

Although Matilda, now eight, is a much-loved child, the couple, from Lee, south-east London, say they would have terminated the pregnancy if they had been told about her condition before the birth.

Their lawyers say the NHS should pay for the extra expense of bringing up a severely disabled child, including the cost of the full-time care she will need for the rest of her life.

Angus McCullough QC, for Mrs McGuinn, told Mr Justice Jeremy Baker: The risk that Matilda would be born with substantial disability could and should have been recognised well before she was born.

Scans performed at 30 and 35 weeks into Mrs McGuinns pregnancy ought to have set alarm bells ringing, the barrister claimed.

With proper antenatal care, significant abnormalities apparent during ultrasound scanning would have been acted upon, he added.

Amanda McGuinnhe's baby's symptoms were similar to those associated with the Zika virus

Amanda and her husband Paul, both 38, are taking action in the High Court (pictured)

During the four-day hearing, the court was told that the couple would have elected to terminate the pregnancy had they been made aware of the risks of the baby being born with serious handicap.

Mr McCullough said that if the findings of the scans  including that Matilda had a very small head  had been responded to properly, the couple would have been referred to Kings College Hospital and received counselling on their situation.

In light of the counselling that they would have received as to the risks of the baby being born with serious handicap, the couple would have elected to terminate the pregnancy, he told the judge.

But the NHS trust denies any liability to compensate the family, saying there was nothing wrong with the antenatal care given to Mrs McGuinn and no reason to refer her for counselling.

The trust also denies that any referral would have led to termination being offered or accepted on the clinical information that would have been available.

MailOnline has contacted the trust for further comment.

No value has yet been put on the claim but given the severity of Matildas disabilities, it could run well into seven figures.
Chinese authorities have announced plans to fence off a section of the Great Wall with wire mesh amid safety fears.

Locals were seen climbing onto the Xiaohekou Great Wall in Suizhong County, China's Liaoning province, with wire mesh and wooden poles on Monday.

A local official told thepaper.cn that fencing off the UNESCO World Heritage site was to protect the safety of tourists.

Restoration: Locals were pictured carrying wooden posts onto the section of the Great Wall

No entry: Metal wire which will be used to create the fence around the site was also spotted

Protecting the wall: Holes had already been added for the arrival of the posts

Pictures from October 3 show locals hiking up the section of the stone fortress armed with wooden poles and wire mesh.

According to thepaper.cn, the first step of the restoration project is to install the posts before adding the wire mesh.

Liu Chunhua, the deputy director of Suizhong County Cultural Relics, told a reporter from thepaper.cn that the wire mesh was to protect the safety of tourists and to prevent them from climbing on the wall.

This comes just weeks after Suizhong County's Cultural Relics bureau cemented over the section of the wall, constructed in 1381 AD during China's Ming Dynasty.

Poor repair work: This comes just weeks after the same section was cemented over

Angry: Many people online were outraged at pictures of the wall coated in cement

Images of the Xiaohekou Great Wall appeared online on September 21 and have prompted outrage among China's social media.

At the time the bureau said it approved the concrete in order to repair and protect the historic fortifications.

On September 27, an investigation team from China's National Heritage Board instructed the bureau to take responsibility for the unsatisfactory renovation.

Located in Suizhong County, the section of the world wonder is known as a beautiful and wild section.

It has 31 watchtowers and 14 beacon towers.

According to Global Times, the Xiaohekou section was mainly constructed from stones with plum blossom and orchid patterns carved into them.
An 11-year-old in China remains missing after she fell into a manhole when her neighbour removed the drainage cap during a rainstorm.

It's thought that the girl was washed away by floodwaters on September 28 after Typhoon Megi hit Wenzhou, China's Zhejiang province, reports Huanqiu, an affiliation with the People's Daily Online.

A Wenzhou resident has been arrested on suspicion of helping the neighbour remove the drainage cap to help ease the floodwater.

Horrifying: The girl fell down the manhole on September 28 and has not been seen since

According to reports, the girl, surnamed Lin, had been walking towards her aunt's house with her sister and father to seek shelter from the storm.

At that time, the water was up to an adult's knee and pedestrians were unable to see the road.

Suddenly, the girl was sucked into the sewer by the force of the water.

Her father tried to save her but he was unable to grab hold of her.

Police have been extensively searching for the girl but there has been no sign of her so far.

During an investigation, they found that some residents had opened the manhole cover in order to accelerate the water discharge rate. However residents did not disclose to police who had opened the manhole cover.

After further investigation, police confirmed that they had arrested a 48-year-old man, surnamed Zheng, with negligence and endangering public safety.

Zheng admitted to helping remove the manhole cover with one of Lin's neighbours during the floods.

The neighbour has not been found.
Samsung has joined the race to develop an artificially intelligent assistant for its gadgets after buying the firm behind Apple's Siri.

The South Korean tech firm announced its plans to buy Viv Labs, which helped to develop the iPhone's voice assisted software.

According to Samsung, it wants to incorporate the Californian firm's Viv AI assistant into its Galaxy smartphones and expand voice assistant services to home appliances and wearable technology devices.

Samsung has announced plans to buy Viv Labs, which helped to develop the iPhone's voice assisted program. The South Korean tech giant will incorporate the Viv platform into its Galaxy smartphones (Galaxy Note 7 pictured) and other appliances

SAMSUNG'S AI ASSISTANT San Jose-based Viv Labs Inc was one of the firms which helped to develop Apple's voice assisted program, Siri. Samsung's wants to incorporate the firm's Viv AI platform into its Galaxy smartphones. It also plans to expand voice-assistant services to home appliances and wearable technology devices. Samsung joins a number of tech firms locked in an increasingly heated race to make AI good enough for consumers to interact with their devices more naturally, especially via voice. Advertisement

Technology firms are locked in an increasingly heated race to make AI good enough for consumers to interact with their devices more naturally, especially via voice control.

While Google is widely considered to be the leader in AI, others including Amazon.com, Apple and Microsoft have also launched their own offerings including voice-powered digital assistants.

Samsung, the world's top smartphone maker, is also hoping to differentiate its devices, from phones to fridges, by incorporating AI.

The financial terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed, but the acquisition of Viv could help the Korean firm shore up its competitiveness.

Google's new Pixel smartphones, released with the US firm's voice-powered digital assistant, threatens Samsung and other smartphone makers who are largely reliant on the Android operating platform.

'Viv brings in a very unique technology to allow us to have an open system where any third-party service and content providers (can) add their services to our devices' interfaces,' Rhee In-jong, Samsung's executive vice president, told Reuters in an interview.

Samsung joins a number of tech firms locked in an increasingly heated race to make AI good enough for consumers to interact with their devices more naturally, especially via voice (stock image)

The executive said Samsung needs to 'really revolutionise' how its devices operate, moving towards using voice rather than simply touch. 'We can't innovate using only in-house technology,' Rhee said.

Viv chief executive and co-founder Dag Kittlaus, a Siri co-creator, and other top managers at the firm will continue managing the business independently following the acquisition.
A plucky seal pup usually found in the Arctic Circle has been recorded in the English Channel for the first time after straying 3,000 miles (4,800km) off course.

The young mammal was at first mistaken for a native common seal when it was rescued from mudflats near Plymouth, Devon.

But a closer examination has confirmed it to be a female ringed seal - a species which rarely ventures south of Norway.

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A plucky seal pup usually found in the Arctic Circle has been recorded in the English Channel for the first time after straying 3,000 miles off course

RINGED SEALS Ringed seals are the most common and widely distributed seals in the Arctic. They live throughout the Northern Hemisphere's oceans, where they feed on polar and arctic cod and a variety of planktonic crustaceans. Different populations have different names and some variation in behaviour and appearance. The animals get their name from the light-colored circular patterns that appear on their darker grey backs. Advertisement

The animal, nicknamed Muddy, is one of only 12 ringed seals ever recorded in the UK over the last 200 years, with the majority of these being found in Scottish waters.

The previous most southerly record was in 1828 when one was recovered in the Severn Estuary near Bristol.

Staff at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek were stunned when they identified Muddy as a ringed seal with the help of experts at the Polar Institute in Tromso, Norway.

The pup is only nine months old and was incredibly lucky to survive the journey south through busy shipping lanes and warmer waters.

She was malnourished and had wounds on her tail, flippers and jaw.

She is now recovering at the sanctuary where staff are still deciding what to do with her.

Animal care team leader, Tamara Cooper, said: 'She must have swum through some very busy shipping lanes to get to where she was, and it's a wonder she wasn't in worse shape.

The pup is only nine months old and was incredibly lucky to survive the journey south through busy shipping lanes and warmer waters. She was malnourished and had wounds on its tail, flippers and jaw

'Muddy has responded well to treatment and we are hopeful that she will make a full recovery.

'Her long-term future remains to be decided. A return to the Arctic may not be the answer, as other seals sent back there after washing up on European shores have just come straight back south again.

'That's what happened with an Arctic hooded seal we released off the far north of Scotland in 2007.

'He was fitted with a satellite tracker, so we could follow his journey but he only swam a little way north, then did a u-turn and headed all the way down to southern Spain.'

Ringed seals get their name from the light-colored circular patterns that appear on their darker grey backs

The ringed seal was found in the English Channel for the first time after straying 3,000 miles (4,800km) off course

Ringed seals generally live in the Arctic Ocean, where the sea temperature is about -2C, and are the primary prey of polar bears.

They grow to around 4.5ft (1.37 metres) long and can live to about 30 years.

They are rarely found in open sea but have been known to travel south through the North Atlantic as far as Greenland and Scandinavia.

Muddy has been placed in the sanctuary's grey seal rehabilitation pool, which she has to herself.
From what makes us right or left-handed to why we develop autism, there are many mysteries about the human brain we are yet to solve.

Some of these questions can be answered by studying the brains of other animals like mice, for example.

But this isn't possible for other phenomena that are unique to human brains.

Researchers are now growing hundreds of tiny human brains in labs, in an attempt to understand what gives us unique disorders like autism and schizophrenia - and the method they use to create these brains is surprisingly simple.

Researchers are now growing hundreds of tiny human brains in labs, and the method they use to create these brains is surprisingly simple. A magnified picture of an organoid, three to four millimetres across, with a structure similar to that of a human brain is shown

WHAT ARE ORGANOIDS? 'Organoids', three to four millimetres across, have a structure similar to that of an immature human brain. Just like a normal brain, the organoids are divided into grey matter, made up of neurons, and white matter, a fatty tissue composed of their spindly 'tails'. Each is also composed of specific regions, like the human brain. But they look nothing like a brain, instead they are watery blobs floating in pale liquid. Advertisement

Scientists across the world are developing cerebral organoids, or mini brains, to solve a variety of problems.

Many of these groups are trying to understand other complex neurological diseases that are unique to humans, like autism and schizophrenia.

One such researcher is Madeline Lancaster, who works at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Medicine in Cambridge.

The brains are created using cells. The team uses skin cells but, they could start with any cell type.

'The brains develop in the same way you would see in an embryo,'Dr Lancaster told BBC Future.

They turn these cells into stem cells, using proteins, and as these grow, brain cells begin to develop.

The researchers starve the cells and, for an unknown reason, the brain cells seem to be the most robust ones, so they survive.

These brain cells are placed in a special jelly and put into an incubator.

The researchers in Dr Lancaster's lab are using these brains to study a variety of conditions.

'Our current interests focus on other neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and intellectual disability, by introducing mutations seen in these disorders and examining their roles in pathogenesis in the context of organoid development,' Dr Lancaster says on her project page.

Scientists created pea-sized brains from a patient's skin that could lead to cures for common neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Image shows a comparison between a developing brain (left) and the organoid (right) that the team created

HOW TO MAKE A BRAIN The brains are created using human cells as a starting point. The team uses skim cells but, they could start with any cell type. 'The brains develop in the same way you would see in an embryo,'Dr Lancaster told BBC Future. They turn these cells into stem cells, using proteins, and as these grow, brain cells begin to develop. The researchers starve the cells and, for an unknown reason, the brain cells seem to be the most robust ones, so they survive. These brain cells are placed in a special jelly and popped into an incubator. Advertisement

The first 'brain in a bottle' was grown by stem cell scientists in 2013, who hoped it would lead to treatments for neurological and mental diseases.

The 'organoids', three to four millimetres across, have a structure similar to that of an immature human brain.

Just like a normal brain, the organoids are divided into grey matter, made up of neurons, and white matter, a fatty tissue composed of their spindly 'tails'.

Each is also composed of specific regions, like the human brain. Professor Juergen Knoblich, of the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology in Vienna, derived the iPS cells (induced pluripotent stem cells) from the connective tissue of a patient with microcephaly.

This is a rare but devastating genetic disorder in which brain size is dramatically reduced, leaving the sufferer with severe mental disability.

Like many neurological conditions, the disease has been difficult to study in mice because they do not share the same brain complexity as us.

The team used a 3D matrix scaffold that mimics the environment of a human embryo and special lab devices, called spinning bio reactors, which produce nutrients and oxygen, to grow the brains.

Using stem cells - master cells that can turn into almost any cell type in the body - researchers grew skin cells into 3D tissue that mimics a brain. Image shows a cross-section of an entire organoid

'Ultimately, we would like to use them to study more common disorders like schizophrenia or autism as it has been shown the underlying defects occur during the development of the brain,' Professor Knoblich said at the time.

'We are satisfied - or we hope - we will be able to model some of these defects as well.'

The original goal was to produce a biological tool that can be used to investigate the workings of the brain, better understand brain diseases, and test new drugs.

The goal for many researchers is to develop a brain exactly like a human's.

But some researchers say this would be a step too far.

Dr Martin Coath, from the Cognition Institute at the University of Plymouth, questioned why anyone would ever want to create a 'real' human brain.

'A human brain that was 'fully working' would be conscious, have hopes, dreams, feel pain, and would ask questions about what we were doing to it,' he said.

'Something we have grown in the lab, but on a much simpler level than a human brain, might be hooked up to electronic eyes, ears, and hands and be taught to do something - maybe something that is as sophisticated as many simple living creatures.

'That doesn't seem so far off to me.'
A team including CNRS astrophysicists have calculated the size and surface properties of the planet dubbed Proxima b, and concluded it may be an 'ocean planet' similar to Earth.

Scientists announced Proxima b's discovery in August, and said it may be the first exoplanetplanet outside our Solar Systemto one day be visited by robots from Earth.

The planet orbits within a 'temperate' zone from its host star Proxima Centauri, some four light years from us.

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An artist's impression of a view of the surface of the planet Proxima b orbiting the red dwarf star Proxima Centauri, the closest star to the Solar System. A team including CNRS astrophysicists have calculated the size and surface properties of the planet dubbed Proxima b, and concluded it may be an 'ocean planet' similar to Earth.

It is estimated to have a mass about 1.3 times that of Earth, and orbits about 7.5 million kilometres (4.6 million miles) from its starabout a tenth the distance of innermost planet Mercury from the Sun.

'Contrary to what one might expect, such proximity does not necessarily mean that Proxima b's surface is too hot' for water to exist in liquid form, said a CNRS statement.

Proxima Centauri is smaller and 1,000 times weaker than our Sun, which means Proxima b is at exactly the right distance for conditions to be potentially habitable.

Proxima Centauri is smaller and 1,000 times weaker than our Sun, which means Proxima b is at exactly the right distance for conditions to be potentially habitable.

'The planet may very well host liquid water on its surface, and therefore also some forms of life,' the statement said.

In a study to be published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, an international team led by researchers at the Marseille Astrophysics Laboratory (CNRS / Aix-Marseille Universite) has determined its dimensions.

The size of exoplanets are generally calculated by measuring how much light they block out, from Earth's perspective, when they pass in front of their host star.

But no such transit of Proxima b has yet been observed, so the team had to rely on simulations to estimate the planet's composition and radius.

What Proxima b xould look like: From left to right: Proxima b with the smallest attainable radius (65% metallic core surrounded by a rocky mantle separated into two phases), Earth (ditto with 32.5% core) and b with the Proxima maximum authorized range (50% of rocky mantle surrounded by a layer of water in solid and liquid form).

They calculated the radius was between 0.94 and 1.4 times that of Earth, which is 6,371 kilometres on average.

Assuming a minimum radius of 5,990 km, the planet would be very dense, with a metallic core making up two-thirds of the entire planet's mass, surrounded by a rocky mantle.

If there is surface water, it would not contribute more than 0.05 percent to the planet's total mass, the team saidsimilar to Earth, where it is about 0.02 percent.

In the larger planet scenario, with a radius of 8,920 km, Proxima b's mass would be split 50-50 between a rocky centre and surrounding water.

WHAT MAKES PROXIMA B SO UNIQUE Distance: This is the closest Earth-like planet we could ever find. Orbiting our nearest star, the planet is only four light years away. Missions to send spacecraft to the planet to examine for signs of life are already in planning, and could happen within decades. Composition: The planet is rocky and a similar size to Earth. Temperature: It lies in the 'habitable zone' of its star, which means there could be liquid water on its surface - a key ingredient for alien life. The temperature on the surface of the planet could be between -90 and 30 Celsius (-130 and 86 Fahrenheit). Atmosphere: If Proxima b has an atmosphere, the simple ingredients - water, carbon dioxide, and rock - that are needed for the formation of biochemical cycles that we call life, could all be present and interacting on the planet's surface. Advertisement

'In this case, Proxima b would be covered by a single, liquid ocean 200 km deep,' said the CNRS.

'In both cases, a thin, gassy atmosphere could surround the planet, like on Earth, rendering Proxima b potentially habitable,' it concluded.

Earlier this year, a group of researchers, using the European Southern Observatory (ESO) telescopes, have named the exciting world Proxima b.

Thousands of exoplanets have been discovered before, but unlike the others, this planet is within our reach.

While four light years is a long way - more than 25 trillion miles - future generations of super-fast space craft could conceivably travel to the planet within the next few decades.

If there is surface water, it would not contribute more than 0.05 percent to the planet's total mass, the team saidsimilar to Earth, where it is about 0.02 percent.

A comparison of several exoplanets. Curves correspond to specific compositions used in the model of internal structure. The existing area of Proxima b is drawn in gray and takes into account the uncertainty of its mass and its different possible compositions.

Much further in the future the planet may even be colonised by space travellers from Earth.

One possible obstacle to life evolving and flourishing on the planet is the way it hugs its parent star.

Proxima b is only 4.6 million miles (7.5 million km) from the star, 5 per cent of the distance between the Earth and the sun, and takes just 11.2 days to complete one orbit. It is around 1.3 times as massive as Earth.

But because Proxima Centauri is a dim red dwarf star radiating much less heat than the sun, it still occupies the 'habitable zone' where temperatures are mild enough to permit liquid surface water.

The temperature on the surface of the planet could be between -90 and 30 Celsius (-130 and 86 Fahrenheit).

The European Southern Observatory made an announcement this week that could change life as we know it  a second Earth was found orbiting the Proxima Centauri star system. The discovery of Proxima b has reopened a theory from the 1950s that suggests it is home to eight-foot humanoids known as Cenos aliens, who have been vising Earth for centuries

On the other hand, the planet is blasted by powerful ultraviolet rays and X-rays from the star. Any life that evolved on its surface would have to be hardened against the radiation.

But the prospect of finding life on Proxima b has excited scientists.

'Many exoplanets have been found and many more will be found, but searching for the closest potential Earth-analogue and succeeding has been the experience of a lifetime for all of us,' Dr Guillem Anglada-Escude, lead author of the paper, said.

'Many people's stories and efforts have converged on this discovery. The result is also a tribute to all of them. The search for life on Proxima b comes next.'

Two separate papers were published , describing the habitability of Proxima b and its climate.

The papers find the existence of liquid water on the planet today 'cannot be ruled out'.

This means water may be present over the surface of the planet. But it would only be in the sunniest regions, either in an area in the hemisphere of the planet facing the star.

The way Proxima b rotates, strong radiation from its star and the formation history of the planet makes its climate quite different from that of the Earth.

It is unlikely that Proxima b has seasons. But if liquid water does exist on the planet, it could mean alien life might thrive there.

If this is the case, we could discover it within decades, experts have said.

Artist's impression of an Earth-like exoplanet. The still nameless planet is believed to be Earth-like and orbits at a distance to Proxima Centauri that could allow it to have liquid water on its surface - an important requirement for the emergence of life

PROXIMA CENTAURI Just over four light-years from the solar system lies a red dwarf star. Because it is the sun's closest neighbour, the star has been named Proxima Centauri. This cool star in the constellation of Centaurus is too faint to be seen with the unaided eye and lies near to the much brighter pair of stars known as Alpha Centauri AB. Advertisement

A team called Pale Red Dot is behind the discovery, which includes researchers from the University of Hertfordshire, Queen Mary University of London, the Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia in Granada, Spain and the University of Gottingen in Germany, among others.

The researchers used the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS), an instrument on the European Southern Observatory's 3.6-metre La Silla telescope in Chile's Atacama Desert.

The telescope measured light from Proxima, the fingerprints that reveal what the star is made of.

Small shifts in the frequency of the starlight can be used to work out tiny movements of the star in response to an orbiting planet's gravitational pull.

OTHER 'SECOND EARTHS' THAT HAVE BEEN FOUND ACROSS THE UNIVERSE Nasa's Kepler telescope has also been busy in the hunt for alien life, finding over 4,000 new planets outside our solar system over the past three years. Earlier this month a team of astronomers has narrowed down this list to those with the most potential to have liquid water, or even life. They pinpointed 20 out of the 4,000 that are most likely to be like our own, and are starting to look more closely at these candidates. These 'second Earths' are much further away than Proxima b, so are harder to explore. 216 Kepler planets are located within the 'habitable zone' - an area around a star in which an orbiting planet's surface could hold liquid water. Of those, they list 20 that are the best candidates to be habitable rocky planets like Earth. The list includes Kepler-186 f, Kepler-62 f, Kepler-283 c and Kepler-296 f. Advertisement

'The first hints of a possible planet were spotted back in 2013, but the detection was not convincing,' said Dr Anglada-Escude.

'Since then we have worked hard to get further observations off the ground with help from ESO and others. The recent Pale Red Dot campaign has been about two years in the planning.'

The Pale Red Dot data, when combined with earlier observations made at ESO observatories and elsewhere, revealed the clear signal of an exciting result.

At times Proxima Centauri is approaching Earth at about 3 miles (5km) per hour and at times it is receding at the same speed.

This pattern of changing velocities repeats with a period of 11.2 days, meaning that is how long it takes to orbit its sun.

The orbit of the planet around Proxima Centauri (Proxima b) with the same region of the Solar System.

Careful analysis of the tiny light shifts showed the planet has a mass at least 1.3 times that of the Earth, orbiting about 4.3 million miles (7 million kilometres) from Proxima Centauri.

Some questions about whether life could exist are left unanswered, however.

'If Proxima b has an atmosphere and if there is water there, and these are big 'ifs', it is intriguing to think that the simple ingredients - water, carbon dioxide, and rock - that are needed for the formation of biochemical cycles that we call life, could all be present and interacting on the planet's surface,' said Dr Mikko Tuomi, from the Centre for Astrophysical Research at the University of Hertfordshire.

COULD WE TRAVEL TO THE PLANET? The true test would be to go there. Using conventional space technology (either manned or unmanned) and some clever slingshot manoeuvres, it would take at least 15,000 years to reach Proxima Centauri. But the ambitious Starshot Project aims to send tiny robots to this star system, propelled by powerful Earth-based lasers. They are estimating that it would only take about 20 years to get there in this manner, travelling at a speed of approximately 60,000 km per second (or 135m miles per hour). Those robots could relay back data about the system, and potentially even close-up pictures of Proxima b. Source: Martin Archer, Space Plasma Physicist, Queen Mary University of London, writing for The Conversation. Advertisement

'But we do not really know. We need to study this system a lot more over the coming decades in order to be able to start answering such questions.

'However, it is a great place to start looking for life outside the solar system and it is a very exciting discovery.'

'It certainly seems possible that we could find something out of this world within our lifetime,' said Martin Archer, Space Plasma Physicist, Queen Mary University of London, writing for The Conversation.

At least some additional information about the environmental conditions on Proxima Centauri b should come sooner rather than later, the researchers say.

Now that the planet has been detected, there is an opportunity for follow-up observations.

A possible detection of life, or at least of conditions suggestive of the presence of life, is likely to be decades off
It's fast becoming the bling-laden place to be seen, but there are still tranquil parts of Croatia that are great places for soaking up culture and unwinding.

With tourism seriously taking off in the Sixties, visitors continue to flock to the country - yet with a population of just 4.28million, there's still room to breathe.

Steeped in history, a visit to Trogir's Unesco-listed old quarter is a must-see, with its 13th-century palaces and churches  not to mention an impressive Romanesque-Gothic cathedral and the largest green market in Croatia.

Book your flight: It's fast becoming the place to be seen, but Croatia remains a tranquil place to go to unwind and soak up some culture - both old and new

Child-free and chilled: Thomson's four star Adriatic Beach hotel is right by the water's edge and is for adults only

Tragos is the perfect romantic dining spot and has a small but satisfying menu of ham and cheese, beef gnocchi and fried pastry treats - while shops tucked away in tiny shops are the perfect place to hunt for treasure.

The charming family run property is tucked away in the heart of Medieval Trogir and offers a host of Croatian wines.

At Trogir's heart is the 3rd-century Diocletians Palace, which was once the retirement home for a fearless Roman emperor and one of the worlds most impressive Roman monuments.

Another place to tick off is Hvar - it takes about 40 minutes to sail there from Igrane via ferry, but it's a good idea to get there nice and early to avoid the queues and leave enough time for your return so you don't miss the last ferry back.

This picturesque island has been dubbed one of the top 10 in the world, and is known for its lilac lavender fields, which were imported from Provence in France in the 18th century.

It takes about 40 minutes to sail to Hvar from Igrane via ferry

Wow: This picturesque island has been dubbed one of the top 10 in the world, and is known for its lilac lavender fields, which were imported from Provence in France in the 18th century

Hvar Town is estimated to draw in 20,000 visitors a day and is perhaps the most cosmopolitan of Croatian's offerings, with the jetset flocking here dressed to impress.

While youre there, top sights are Hvars 13th-century hilltop fortress, its Venetian palace, plus its cafe-lined cathedral square.

Founded 2,500 years ago by the ancient Greeks, the likes of Tina Turner, Boy George and Tom Cruise have been spotted there in recent years.

The Benedictine nunnery has existed there since 1664 and a potted agave plant outside the building gives a hint to something remarkable that takes place inside.

Stunning: Hvar Town is estimated to draw in 20,000 visitors a day and is perhaps the most cosmopolitan of Croatian's offerings, with the jetset flocking here dressed to impress

Not to be missed: While youre there, top sights include Hvars 13th-century hilltop fortress, its Venetian palace, plus its cafe-lined cathedral square

Lace is spun from a metre long thread of the agave plant, with the use of one giant needle and a metre of the thread.

These perfect keepsakes can sell for hundreds of pounds depending on size and design but those on a smaller budget can pick up a postcard instead.

All this makes for a stunning day but one place worth making a pit-stop at is Divino, which has views of the boat-lined promenade.

Truffle pasta topped with edible flowers and beautiful seafood dishes are a little more expensive than at some other places but well worth the extra cost and completely memorable.

For a place to stay, Thomson has two luxurious four-star offerings located along the beautiful Adriatic beach - Sensimar and Sensimar Adriatic hotel for adults only.

Four star: Located along the Makarska Riviera, Sensimar Adriatic Beach is 1.5km from the small town of Igrane and 20km from Makarska itself

Top tipples: Sensimar Adriatic Beach was re-opened in summer 2015 and flaunts a large pool and two restaurants and a mojito bar that serves over 100 types of cocktails

Located along the Makarska Riviera, Sensimar Adriatic Beach is 1.5km from the small town of Igrane and 20km from Makarska itself.

The hotel itself is set at the foot of a pine-covered mountain on Croatias Dalmatian Coast, hemmed by a shingle beach, which shelves into the see-through waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Sensimar Adriatic Beach was re-opened in summer 2015 and flaunts a large pool and two restaurants and a mojito bar that serves over 100 types of cocktails.

Romantic dinners under the stars can be arranged.

If you can find time, there is a spa offering a line-up of treatments, such as full body massages which take place in the most serene of settings.

For an accessible cost of 35, Thomson guests are invited to join a bespoke excursion to Split and Trogir.
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. BOB RHODES, an individual, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. RAYTHEON CO., a Delaware corporation, Defendant-Appellee. No. 15-16052 Decided: October 05, 2016

Before: THOMAS, Chief Judge, McKEOWN, Circuit Judge, and KENDALL, *** District Judge.

MEMORANDUM*

Bob Rhodes appeals the district court's denial of his motion for reconsideration under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(b)(6). Because the parties are familiar with the facts and procedural history of this case, we need not recite them here. We affirm.

We review an order denying a Rule 60(b)(6) motion for abuse of discretion. Washington v. Ryan,  F.3d , 2016 WL 4269871, at *3 (9th Cir. Aug. 15, 2016) (en banc) (citing Casey v. Albertson's Inc., 362 F.3d 1254, 1257 (9th Cir. 2004)). Relief under Rule 60(b)(6) is to be used sparingly as an equitable remedy to prevent manifest injustice and is to be utilized only where extraordinary circumstances prevented a party from taking timely action to prevent or correct an erroneous judgment. Harvest v. Castro, 531 F.3d 737, 749 (9th Cir. 2008) (quoting Latshaw v. Trainer Wortham & Co., Inc., 452 F.3d 1097, 1103 (9th Cir. 2006)). [A] motion for reconsideration should not be granted, absent highly unusual circumstances, unless the district court is presented with newly discovered evidence, committed clear error, or if there is an intervening change in the controlling law, and it may not be used to raise arguments or present evidence for the first time when they could reasonably have been raised earlier in the litigation. Marlyn Nutraceuticals, Inc. v. Mucos Pharma GmbH & Co., 571 F.3d 873, 880 (9th Cir. 2009) (citations and quotation marks omitted). In addition, a motion for reconsideration must be made within a reasonable time. Fed. R. Civ. P. 60(c)(1).

The district court did not abuse its discretion when it denied Rhodes's motion for reconsideration. Rhodes sought reconsideration on the basis of a sworn declaration that he obtained from an EEOC enforcement official during the pendency of his first appeal. See Rhodes v. Raytheon Co., 555 F. App'x 665 (9th Cir. 2014) (Rhodes I). We denied his motion to supplement the record during the appeal. Rhodes took no further action with respect to the declaration until six months after the mandate issued in Rhodes I. Even assuming that Rhodes can show that he suffered an injury, he has not demonstrated that there were circumstances beyond his control that prevented him from acting sooner on the affidavit once appellate proceedings had concluded. See Washington,  F.3d , 2016 WL 4269871, at *11 (noting that relief under Rule 60(b)(6) requires a showing that the moving party was affected by external, extraordinary circumstances and was faultless in the delay (citations and quotation marks omitted); Harvest, 531 F.3d at 749.

The federal rules require that a 60(b)(6) motion be brought within a reasonable time, Fed. R. Civ. P. 60(c), a standard that we have said depends upon the facts of each case, taking into consideration the interest in finality, the reason for delay, the practical ability of the litigant to learn earlier of the grounds relied upon, and prejudice to other parties. Ashford v. Steuart, 657 F.2d 1053, 1055 (9th Cir. 1981). Here, Rhodes explains the peculiarities of how the EEOC handled his claim in 2010. But he offers no explanation for why the six months following the issuance of the mandate in Rhodes I were insufficient to act on the EEOC declaration. We do not decide whether six months from the issuance of the mandate was a reasonable time under these circumstances. Because Rhodes gives no reasons for the delay at all, on this record, we cannot say that the district court abused its discretion when it denied the motion as untimely.

It was also within the district court's discretion to determine that the declaration did noton its ownamount to extraordinary circumstances in this case. As the district court noted, the sworn declaration, if true, would render the facts underpinning its original decision unstable. But the sworn declaration does not dispositively rebut the Payan presumption that Rhodes's EEOC notice was mailed on its date of issue. See Rhodes I, 555 F. App'x at 667 (discussing Payan v. Aramark Mgmt. Servs. Ltd. P'ship, 495 F.3d 1119, 112326 (9th Cir. 2007)). Suggestive evidence does not compel the district court to grant 60(b)(6) relief. The district court might contemplate a totally different motion to reconsider if, for example, Rhodes furthered developed the information in the declaration and learned that his EEOC notice was in fact prepared after the agency's mail pickup time on the date of issue. Of course, that was not the situation facing the district court here. On the record before the district court, it was within the court's discretion to deny relief.

We do not reach whether Rhodes should have filed his motion under one of the other provisions of Rule 60(b), because even if he were able to bring a 60(b)(6) motion, the district court was within its discretion to deny it. Further, because the district court's denial of Rhodes's motion to reconsider is dispositive in this matter, we need notand do notaddress any of the other arguments that Rhodes raises on appeal.

AFFIRMED

FOOTNOTES

. Rhodes filed his 60(b)(6) motion more than two years after first obtaining the sworn declaration.

. Any distinct motion for reconsideration would also likely be denied as untimely without an explanation from Rhodes as to why he waited to act following the conclusion of proceedings in Rhodes I.
They need 49.8million to create a vessel to house 48,000 funeral urns

A marine club is seeking investors for a project that will give new meaning to being 'buried at sea'.

The H.K. Ship Art Club is proposing the transformation of a 60,000 tonne cruise ship into a floating cemetery that will be stationed in Hong Kong and it will come with enough room for 48,000 funeral urns.

But, extraordinarily, the vessel will also operate as a hotel and offer a range of services typically associated with cruises, including restaurants, gyms and even a cinema.

Bread Studio, a design company with offices in Hong Kong and London, also proposed a floating columbarium in 2012. Above, an artist's rendering

The Bread Studio vessel, named Floating Eternity, was designed to house 370,000 people's ashes and space would start from HK$5,000 (498)

Entrepreneurs behind the proposal are looking for HK$500million (49.8million) in investment to fund the project according to South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Part of that sum will go towards the purchase of a 60,000 tonne vessel, which is estimated to cost around HK$140 million (13.9million).

The ship will be able to house 48,000 funeral urns with rates starting from HK$60,000 (5,973).

It will be stationed in Kowloon Bay but can also set sail if needed.

In addition to the funeral service staff, including those representing major religions who will be able to perform the required rituals and ceremonies, there will also be room for 1,000 visitors.

Those on board will be able to stay in the hotel rooms, have access to the gyms and restaurants on site and even watch a film in the cinema.

There are also lectures in philosophy and theology that people can attend and tours of the vessel will be offered.

SCMP reported that Paul Mui, design director at Bread Studio, has approached H.K. Ship Art Club about the possibility of collaborating on the project

During certain times of the year, such as Tomb-Sweeping Day or the Double Ninth Festival, when the locals typically visit the graves of their ancestors, visitors will only be allowed on board for three hours.

While unusual, it's not the first time that a floating cemetery has been proposed for Hong Kong.

Bread Studio, a design company with offices in Hong Kong and London, proposed a similar project in 2012.

The vessel, named Floating Eternity, was designed to house 370,000 people's ashes and space would start from HK$5,000 (498).

SCMP reported that Paul Mui, design director at Bread Studio, has approached H.K. Ship Art Club about the possibility of collaborating on the project.

In 2010, designer Tin Shun But also proposed a floating cemetery for Hong Kong that would allow visitors to pull up to the vessel by boat

Tin Shun But's design is supposed to create an experience of "moving on to the next"

In 2010, designer Tin Shun But also proposed a floating cemetery for Hong Kong that would allow visitors to pull up to the vessel by boat.

The design is supposed to 'create an experience of "moving on to the next"' according to Arch Daily.

Hong Kong is notoriously densely populated and housing its dead can be as big an issue as its living.

According to a Bloomberg report, there's a wait time of up to five years its public columbariums - a building used for housing funeral urns.

The much sought-after slots are also sometimes reused.
Two businessmen have filed official complaints against Hawaiian Airlines after they were allegedly weighed before they were allowed to board a flight with the carrier.

Instead of allowing its customers to pre-select seats for flights between Pago Pago, American Samoa, and Honolulu, the US carrier, it was allegedly, recently ran a policy of weighing passengers before they were allocated seats.

The airline claims that the policy was designed to help distribute weight across the cabin and address a safety issue.

Instead of allowing its customers to pre-select seats for flights between Pago Pago, American Samoa, and Honolulu (file photo above), the Hawaiian Airlines is now requiring passengers to be weighed before they are allocated seats

Avuma Dave Haleck, pictured right, was one of two businessmen who complained to the US Department of Transportation

One of the men, Avamua David Haleck, told Radio NZ that the policy 'borders on discrimination'.

Mr Haleck said that the airline has an monopoly on the route and introduced the weighing of passengers a few months ago.

He commented: 'The aircraft hasn't changed in many many years so why has the weight distribution become important?'

In a separate report by the station, another passenger, Daniel King, has also called the policy, which only applies to the Pago Pago route, discriminatory.

Hawaiian Airlines is said to have introduced the policy following a survey that revealed substantial weight gains by its passengers was leading to higher than projected fuel burn by their aircraft.

The Pago Pago to Honolulu route is 4,176km (2,595miles) but the Boeing 767-300, which has been used by the airline for the journey since 2003, is capable of flying more than double the distance.

The controversial policy came to light when an American Samoa businessman filed a complaint with the US Department of Transportation against the airline (file photo)

Radio NZ says that the airline has since amended its policy such that passengers will not be weighed but they would still have seats allocated to them so that weight is distributed evenly.

The US Department of Transportation is now investigating the complaints.

Hawaiian Airline is not the first carrier to have a weight-contingent policy.

MailOnline reported that in 2013, Samoa Air became the first carrier in the world to introduce a 'fat tax' where passengers pay according to what they weighed.

The airline proudly declares on its website: 'A world first: 'The Samoa Air System of pay by weight. Pay only for what you weigh! A kilo is a kilo is a kilo!'

Samoan Islands has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world according to NPR and one in three residents of American Samoa suffers from diabetes.

A spokesperson for Hawaiian Airlines told MailOnline Travel that 'no customers will be asked to step on scales before they are allocated seats and that 'this is not about the weight of the aircraft but about distribution of weight in the main cabin'.

MailOnline Travel has contacted the US Department of Transportation for comment.
At some restaurants it's not just delicious food and highly quaffable wine that's on the menu.

Some have views that are just as eye-catching as their dishes and drinks list.

From The Rainbow Room in New York boasting a sublime panorama of the Empire State Building, to the Aroma in Rome looking over the floodlit Colosseum, there are dozens of settings to choose from.

For city slickers, there are sky-high eateries looking down on the world below, and for those looking for something a bit more rural there are dinner tables looking out over the ocean or the African plains.

In a bid to help you make the winning choice, MailOnline Travel has put together a directory of some of the best restaurant views in the world.




He was the next big thing after working with Angelina Jolie in 2000's Gone In 60 Seconds, Ben Affleck in 2001's Pearl Harbor and Ashton Kutcher in 2004's The Butterfly Effect. All seemed to be going well for William Lee Scott.

But then the actor headed back to Minnesota when a family member was diagnosed with ALS. He only came back to Hollywood for an independent film here and there.

Now the 42-year-old actor has returned to big-budget movies starring as Moody opposite Chris Pratt in the western The Magnificent Seven. Scott talked to DailyMail.com about his rise, his break and his return.

Back for good: William Lee Scott was flying high in Hollywood then retreated to Minnesota. Now the 42-year-old star is back with The Magnificent Seven

A hit: The Magnificent Seven also stars Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke and Denzel Washington

'I believed I had the world at my finger tips. I was very young. Very naive,' the father-of-two said.

Scott had his first major break with the action film Gone In 60 Seconds.

'It was a ride. I was 25, playing a 16 year old kid. I hate doing that. But I guess if the shoe fits. I have always looked younger than I am. Blessing and a burden in this town,' he said.

Big stuff: William is seen far right in a cast photo for Gone In 60 Seconds in the year 2000; also here is (from left) Angelina Jolie, Robert Duvall and Scott Caan

His take on Angelina: 'She was in her twenties just rocking and being overall bada**. It was awesome,' he said

And he has only good memories about Jolie. 'Working with Angelina was so flipping cool!" William began.

'She was in her twenties, just rocking and being overall bada**. It was awesome. She was awesome.'

The film gave him more that a boost in Hollywood. It's also how he met his wife Charlene, who shared a scene with him in a car shop.

Another massive film: Scott is second from right in the Pearl Harbor cast shot. Also in the photo is Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Affleck and Jaime King

Back story: 'I respect the military so much I will not even joke around and say it was a bootcamp. It was four days of not being treated as well as we were used to at the time. Ben took s*** from Sg. Donnelly with rest of us. Good guy'

The love of his life: William proposed to Charlene with a diamond and ruby ring the day of the premiere of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii in 2001

'She is the love of my life and the mother of my two boys Jameson and Michael,' he offered.

'It's an awesome thing to be able to literally show my boys the moment I met my wife.'

They got engaged the day of the premiere of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, he revealed. 'We married a year after that. Best decision of my life,' said Scott.

Not That 70s Show: In 2004 he worked with Ashton Kutcher on The Butterfly Effect. 'Ashton was really a very giving actor,' said William

Playing Billy Thompson on Pearl Harbor was a breakthrough for the actor. It put him in the company of Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett.

'Ben was fantastic. One of the guys. We all went through this actor bootcamp. Yeah. I said that,' said the star.

'I respect the military so much I will not even joke around and say it was a bootcamp. It was four days of not being treated as well as we were used to at the time. Ben took s*** from Sg. Donnelly with rest of us. Good guy.'

Scott and Hartnett are still close.

'He's a dear friend, I love that guy. The best thing that came from Pearl Harbor was my friendship with Josh.'

The very early years: The star got his start on TV's The Steve Harvey Show in the late 1990s

As far as Michael Bay, who has been criticized for being hard on actors, William says he's just fine. 'Michael is one of the great action film directors of our generation, But Michael is tough. Fact,' he allowed.

'It was an honor to work with him on such an important film. My grandfathers both fought in WWII. I am very proud of that film and that i was able to be a part of.'

In 2004 he worked with Ashton Kutcher on The Butterfly Effect. 'Ashton was really a very giving actor. That script was complex and people were surprised at the casting choice based on his comedic background,' said Scott.

'He responded with a bad-ass performance. His commitment to the work paid off. I wasn't surprised. our scenes together were very memorable. I really enjoyed working with him.

Flying high: Scott during AMC & Movieline's Hollywood Life Magazine's Young Hollywood Awards show in Los Angeles in 2003

Before the movie came out, Ashton started dating Demi Moore, which William said gave the film a ton of publicity.

'His tabloid relationship really helped sell the movie. I think the media had Ashton and Demi on the cover of all publications for six months prior to the release of the film. Didn't cost production a penny. Thank you. It was very much appreciated.'

In 2009 William left Hollywood. 'My wife's mother became ill with ALS. A disease you do not return from. We wanted to be near her,' he said. 'For all the families and individuals dealing with this my thoughts and prayers go out to you. Only people in the ALS community know how hard the struggle can be.

'My wife is an angel. she knew to race home to Minnesota with our boys to help and to spend what ever time she still had to comfort and care for her mother. I am very proud of my decision to put my career on hold to help my family in any way that I could.'

Charlene's mother was told she had a year to live but she stuck it out for five more years. Mary Bloom passed away on April 6, 2014.

High praise for him: William said of Chris Pratt: 'He's as close to a real movie star as I've ever met. He is always cool. Yet not a douche. He's very down to earth, he can talk to anyone, about damn near anything'

The family returned to Los Angeles in the spring of 2015. It wasn't long before Scott was cast in The Magnificent Seven. And he said the return to a big-budget film is nice. 'There are more toys,' he joked. 'They gave us boys a bunch of guns and chewing tobacco and built this incredibly life like western town,' he said. 'It's every boy's dream come true.'

And he enjoyed working with Pratt. 'He's as close to a real movie star as I've ever met,' said Scott.

'He is always cool. Yet not a douche. He's very down to earth, he can talk to anyone, about damn near anything. I really enjoyed seeing him be a cowboy. Steve McQueen is my hero. He isn't Steve McQueen, but he is pretty bad ass.'

Next up for William is American Brawler, a bio film about heavy weight title contender Chuck Wepner. It comes out next month.

As far as making a comeback, he says, 'Why not? I left but I'm back. My dream project is to find a way to script and tell the story of what I just told you. A comeback story with all the messy details.'
Just a few days earlier she was Alessandra Ambrosio was sashaying down the runway at Paris Fashion Week.

But it was back to her regular routine on Wednesday as the 35-year-old supermodel ran errands in Santa Monica.

The Victoria's Secret Angel may have been dressed in casual black gym gear but she still managed to show off her flawless physique.

Beauty in black! Alessandra Ambrosio flaunted her svelte figure in all black workout attire on Wednesday

Despite not being on a catwalk the genetically-gifted model strutted her stuff in a pair of skintight black cropped leggings and matching trainers.

The Brazilian beauty teamed the form-fitting bottoms with a chocolate brown top and zip-up jacket with gold lips emblazoned on the back.

Undoubtedly one of the sexiest women to walk the earth, Alessandra went makeup-free which highlighted her natural beauty and flawless complexion.

Phenomenal figure! The Victoria's Secret Angel - rocking Sunday Somewhere sunglasses - was dressed in casual black gym gear

Runway stems: The 35-year-old supermodel strutted her stuff in a pair of skintight black cropped leggings and matching trainers

She swept her honey tresses back in a youthful high ponytail and kept concealed from the blazing California sunshine in a pair of round mirror-lensed Sunday Somewhere sunglasses.

Earlier in the day, the mother of two - who she shares with fiance Jamie Mazur - was spotted walking her son Noah to school.

The adorable four-year-old kept close and stayed alongside his mom as he covered his head in a superhero hoodie.

Sweet lips! The Brazilian beauty donned a cheeky zip-up jacket with gold lips emblazoned on the back

Hot mama! Earlier in the day, the mother of two - who she shares with fiance Jamie Mazur - was spotted walking her son Noah, aged four to school

Alessandra was in great spirits for her relaxed outing after she touched down in Los Angeles on Monday following a glamorous trip to Paris Fashion Week.

The 5ft 9in statuesque stunner walked the Balmain spring/summer 2017 show during PFW on Thursday.

She rocked the runway in two different looks, including a brown hued ensemble and a patterned dress.
In the wake of her terrifying robbery in Paris last week, Kim Kardashian has reportedly vowed to scale back her public appearances.

The star, who is currently holed up in her New York apartment after fleeing the French city, has reportedly postponed a trip to Dubai which was scheduled for October 14.

Kim, 35, was planning on traveling to the middle east with her makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic to do a makeup demonstration.

But Mario took to Instagram to tell fans on Wednesday: 'Dear Dubai Masterclass Attendees, On behalf of myself and Kim Kardashian West, please accept our apologies. We are sorry to inform you that due to the recent events, we will be rescheduling the Dubai Masterclass with Kim Kardashian West.

'We are so sorry for this inconvenience': Kim Kardashian's makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic has announced she's postponing a trip to Dubai which was planned for October 14 where the duo were going to do a makeup tutorial

'We understand the inconvenience that this has caused you. You will have the option to cancel and receive a full refund, or we can hold the ticket for the rescheduled date. Rescheduling details will be sent out within the week. We deeply and sincerely apologize from the bottom of our hearts. We truly hope you all understand the decision we had to make and look forward to our upcoming class. We will update you via email and TheMasterClass.com.'

Kim helped Mario, who was with her for Paris Fashion Week, celebrate his birthday while the duo stayed in Paris.

Sharing a snap alongside the TV star he wrote: 'Thank you for my birthday dinner party tonight in Paris. Spent so many birthdays with her in the past 10 years in different cities and countries and she always makes it feel like home.'

The cancellation comes after a source told People magazine that the star is determined to scale back her work following her horrific ordeal.

She said: 'When something like this happens everything changes. Everything will change. It changes the whole family - how and where they travel. She will reassess traveling for work and feeling safe.'

'Due to recent events': Mario posted a message on behalf of the reality star on Instagram on Wednesday

Trusted companion: Mario accompanied the star to Paris for Fashion Week and shared this photo of them together last week before her terrifying robbery ordeal on Sunday night

After leaving Paris on Monday, Kim reunited with husband Kanye West in New York, returned to her Airbnb rental and has not stepped out in public since.

Kim's close friends and family have rallied around the reality star as she recovers from the traumatic experience.

Meanwhile, Kanye has also rescheduled two of his upcoming shows for his ongoing Saint Pablo Tour that were scheduled for October 4 and 6.

A source told E! News that Kim is 'emotionally damaged' after her ordeal.

'This is something that has the potential to screw anyone up for a very long time,' the insider said.

Traumatic: The KUWTK star was bound and gagged in her luxury apartment in Paris in the early hours of Monday morning, after armed men pretending to be police forced their way into her hotel apartment and made off with $11 million in jewelry

Support: Kim's BFF Jonathan Cheban visited her as she remained holed up at her NYC rental apartment on Wednesday

'It was incredibly frightening and it's going to take a while to get over it.'

The 35-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star has become a recluse after the shock Sunday night robbery that involved her being bound and gagged. She had $11m worth of jewels stolen.

On Wednesday her pals continued to flock to her New York City residence after her reality star pal Jonathan Cheban said she was 'not doing so good.'

In hiding: Kim has not been seen since Monday. The 35-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star has become a recluse after the shock Sunday night robbery in Paris

Already, the famous family have been spotted with extra bodyguards and have maintained a rare silence on social media since the attack.

Kim now plans to add extra security, including plainclothes and undercover bodyguards, to trail her every move and keep her safe.

'This scared everyone,' says the source of the violent robbery.

'They're not taking chances... It was a really scary situation for the entire family and it's just not worth it to put themselves out there unnecessarily right now.'

Bling: The thieves are believed to have nabbed Kim's 20-carat ring, designed by Lorraine Schwartz, which is worth $4 million and was given to her by husband Kanye West
Last month, she announced that she was expecting her third child.

And Vanessa Lachey kept her growing baby bump under wraps on her latest outing.

The 35-year-old television personality was spotted going casual cool while heading to lunch at Sweet Butter Kitchen in Sherman Oaks, California on Wednesday.

Casual customer: Vanessa Lachey was spotted going casual cool while heading to lunch at Sweet Butter Kitchen in Sherman Oaks, California on Wednesday

She covered up her baby bump in an olive green military-style jacket for the meal in the Los Angeles neighbourhood.

Along with the outerwear, she sported a plain white T-shirt, black leggings and black leather slip-on shoes.

Vanessa accessorised with a pair of black designer shades, gold hoop earrings and a black leather bag.

Bonding time: The 35-year-old television personality enjoyed the midday meal with a gal pal

Looking good: She covered up her baby bump in an olive green military-style jacket for the meal in the Los Angeles neighbourhood

Her raven-coloured tresses were pulled back as she let her natural looks show with complimentary make-up on her face.

She was not alone for the midday meal as she was joined by a gal pal as they shared a few laughs together.

No doubt it is an exciting time in Vanessa's life as she recently announced that she was expecting with husband Nick Lachey.

The TV host already shares son Camden, four, and 19-month-old daughter Brooklyn with the 42-year-old 98 Degrees boybander.

Showing her style: Along with the outerwear, she sported a plain white T-shirt, black leggings and black leather slip-on shoes

Fashionable for fall: Vanessa accessorised with a pair of black designer shades, gold hoop earrings and a black leather bag

Having a blast: She and her friend shared a laugh before going their separate ways

The couple wed in 2011 following Nick's divorce from first wife Jessica Simpson.

At the beginning of September they announced their good news as they posted a sweet Instagram snap in front of their home with their children and dog.

'We got a new crib! Now we need a new crib!' was written on the image.

Vanessa was seen cradling her baby bump and another caption lower down read 'Newest Lachey arriving Spring 2017.'

Family fun: No doubt it is an exciting time in Vanessa's life as she recently announced that she was expecting with husband Nick Lachey, as they are pictured together at a Los Angeles Clippers game back in March
When it was announced Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales would be filmed in Queensland, it was labelled a 'landmark deal'.

But the state's TV and Film body is desperately fighting to keep secret how much it paid Walt Disney Studios for the privilege.

Screen Queensland and Disney have spent 14 months disputing a Right To Information request to find out how much Queensland taxpayers paid to have the movie filmed on the Gold Coast, according to News.com.au.

Tight-lipped: Queensland's TV and Film body is desperately fighting to keep secret how much it paid Walt Disney Studios to film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales on the Gold Coast

Christopher Boyd, from Glass Media Group, lodged the request last year.

'We were just looking to gather accurate information in regards to the incentive payment Queensland granted to Disney so we could make a judgment on the claims made by the screen agency and the State Government in relation to the jobs and economic benefits gained, and weigh this up with what it cost the State,' he told the publication.

'Our simple question has turned into a David and Goliath battle.'

Legal battle: Screen Queensland and Disney have spent 14 months disputing a Right To Information request

The Federal Government disclosed in 2015 it had paid a $21.6million incentive fee to Disney, but the State Government remains tight-lipped.

Attorney-General George Brandis said at the time: 'This is a landmark deal with The Walt Disney Studios.

'This film will be the largest international feature film ever to shoot in Australia and will focus the world's attention on Australia as a leading film destination.'

Pricey: The Federal Government disclosed in 2015 it had paid a $21.6million incentive fee to Disney

It seems it has been an expensive venture for all parties involved. The upcoming flick went $70million over budget during filming.

According to The Sunday Telegraph, it racked up a $320 million bill, well over its initial budget of $250 million.

The fifth movie in the Pirates franchise is set to hit theaters early next year.

'Simple question': Christopher Boyd, from Glass Media Group, lodged the Right to Information request last year
The future's bright, the future's . . . blorange for Georgia May Jagger.

The 24-year-old 'glam Goth' model has already hit the bottle to turn her blonde tresses bright pink and neon orange in the past.

Now, Georgia has dyed her hair a mix of blonde and orange  or 'blorange'  as she prepares to watch dad Sir Mick gyrate through his greatest hits when The Rolling Stones headline the Desert Trip festival in California this weekend. 'Further experiments in blorange,' wrote Georgia next to this photo online.

Perhaps the Stones will sing She's A Rainbow in tribute.

The 24-year-old 'glam Goth' model has already hit the bottle to turn her blonde tresses bright pink and neon orange in the past

The future's bright, the future's . . . blorange for Georgia May Jagger

Victoria hunk beats posh boys

Dashing Victoria star Tom Hughes shows that working-class actors can still outshine expensively educated thesps, says his former drama teacher.

Showbiz has become dominated by former public schoolboys such as Old Etonian Eddie Redmayne and Old Harrovian Benedict Cumberbatch. But Hughes, 30, who plays Prince Albert opposite Jenna Coleman in ITV's hit drama, is a kitchen fitter's son educated at a Cheshire comprehensive.

'Eddie Redmayne and all these posh guys are doing well, so I think it's great a working-class chap is taking the country by storm,' says drama teacher Chris Tierney. 'It's good that it's not just the rich boys getting the roles.'

In a school production of Les Miserables, Hughes played Marius, as Redmayne did in the 2012 film. 'It's 'his' role,' Tierney says. 'In spite of being only 14 or 15, he was totally suited to the role of heart-throb  the popular hero who people followed.'

Lady V: Kim was asking to be robbed

Robbed by masked gunmen in Paris, Kim Kardashian fails to elicit much sympathy from fellow socialite Lady Victoria Hervey

Robbed by masked gunmen in Paris, Kim Kardashian fails to elicit much sympathy from fellow socialite Lady Victoria Hervey.

The 6th Marquess of Bristol's daughter tells me Kim should have been more careful with her 8.5 million jewellery. 'France is known for its really good burglars,' Lady Victoria tells me at the Maddox Gallery, Mayfair.

'I had my house robbed in St Tropez. They are very professional.' The 39-year-old former It-girl adds: 'I can't understand why Kim was running around with diamonds like that. I don't think flashing your wealth is something you should do  you're kind of asking for it.

'Going on social media puts out too much information, like, 'I'm wearing a 5 million earring in this location'. It's inviting people to rob you.'

After an acrimonious custody battle with ex-husband Guy Ritchie, Madonna has made a song and dance about being reunited with her son Rocco and is photographed with him in the latest issue of LOVE magazine.

However, Rocco's attempt to celebrate his modelling debut in the edgy fashion mag, which features Madge on the cover, was thwarted.

Just days after Guy was granted full custody of Rocco, the 16-year-old turned up to the LOVE party at Loulou's in Mayfair only to be turned away because he was too young. 'The club has a strict policy on underage drinking and does not allow children inside,' says a spokesman. To spare his blushes in front of paparazzi, party organisers kindly let Rocco wait indoors for five minutes before leaving.

Petra's palace, yours for a cool 157 million

Formula One heiress Petra Stunt, right, has gone into overdrive flogging her eye-wateringly expensive LA home,

Formula One heiress Petra Stunt, right, has gone into overdrive flogging her eye-wateringly expensive LA home, The Manor.

After snubbing an offer of 99 million, Bernie Ecclestones younger daughter has put the mansion back on the market with a price tag of 157 million.

Petra, 27, bought The Manor from Candy Spelling, widow of Dynasty producer Aaron, for around 60 million in 2011.

She since hired 500 builders to carry out multi-million-pound renovations, adding a giant aquarium and a nightclub.

The Manor has 14 bedrooms, 27 bathrooms and space for 100 cars. But Petra calls it quite cosy.
He recently gave a self-deprecating account of how he helped his wife battle cancer.

But it was clear to see that Tom Hanks was more supportive than he lets on on Wednesday night, as he extended a chivalrous hand to his wife on a movie night.

Tom, 60, and his glamorous other half Rita Wilson were special guests at a movie screening for his new film Inferno in Florence, Italy.

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Ever the supportive husband: Tom Hanks (centre) was seen holding hands with his wife Rita Wilson on Wednesday night, as they attended a special screening of his new film Inferno in Florence, Italy

As always, the actor made his wife his priority and helped her out of a taxi outside the venue.

He looked sharp in spectacles, still managing to garner plenty of attention in a dark alley, dressed top-to-toe in a black palette.

Rita was perfectly coiffed and well turned out in a sparkly get up with a clutch bag carried in her free hand.

Helping hand: The actor held her hand as she stepped out of a car

Arriving together: The duo made an adorable couple, who certainly caught the attention of onlookers

Rita has now successfully recovered from a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction, following her cancer diagnosis in December 2014.

It was a subject that came up as Tom promoted his new film Inferno recently, during a chat with The Daily Mail's Gabrielle Donnelly.

'It isn't brave to be the husband of somebody who's battling cancer,' he told her. 'The brave one is the one who's actually doing it!'

Special event: After the screening, the duo were pictured at the Restaurant Buca Mario

He went on to say: 'I would say that there's a moment where there's only one thing to do and that's to reprioritise everything and do the right thing, and I think I did that.'

He adds: 'But my task wasn't so great  it was just to be attentive and supportive, and if you can't do that, well, then you're a coward.

The world-famous actor concluded: 'All I can do is to bow down before the courage of my wife.'

Time for anyone: The actor took the time to sign fans' autographs

Here you go my lady: He extended a chivalrous hand to his wife

Tom returns to play academic Professor Robert Langdon on screen  the hero of author Dan Brown's best-selling novels The Da Vinci Code and Angels And Demons  for a third time in Inferno, this year.

In this one, the cool Langdon is on a bullet-dodging race against time across Europe to prevent 'an extinction-level event'.

Langdon is a Harvard university lecturer in religious iconology and symbology, who uses his history knowledge to tackle assassins, solve crimes and save mankind, if not the planet.

Inferno will be in cinemas from October 14.

Back on the big screen: Hanks returns as Professor Robert Langdon (here with co-star Felicity Jones) for a third time in Inferno, later this year

Leading man: Tom with wife Rita at the Stand Up To Cancer fundraiser earlier this month
On October 6, we celebrate the feast of St. St. Bruno, the founder of the Carthusian order. He was born at Cologne, Germany around 1030. He studied at the school of the Cathedral of Rheims (France) at an early age. He became Canon of the Cathedral and was made the Rector of the University in 1056. Bruno was one of the most remarkable scholars and teacher of his time: "...a prudent man whose word was rich in meaning."Following an attempt at a solitary life of short duration, he entered the region of Grenoble, where the Bishop, the future Saint Hugues, offered him a solitary site in the mountains of his diocese. In June 1084, the Bishop himself led Bruno and six of his companions to the primitive valley of Chartreuse on a wild mountain range on the edge of the French Alps. There they built a hermitage, consisting of a few log cabins opening towards a gallery which allowed them access to the communal areas of the community -- church, refectory, and chapter room -- without having to suffer too much from intemperate conditions.After six years of a pleasant solitary life, Bruno was called by Pope Urban II to the service of the Holy See. As a personal adviser to the Pope (a former student), Bruno felt uncomfortable in the Pontifical Court. He lived in Rome for only a short time. With the Pope's blessing, he founded a new hermitage in the forests of Calabria, in the south of Italy. There he died on October 6, 1101. Commentaries on the Psalms and the Epistles of Paul are attributed to him.St. Bruno was never formally beatified or canonized. However, he became both when Pope Clement X extended his feast to the universal Church in 1674.The Order founded by Bruno -- the Carthusians -- is one of the strictest in the Church. Carthusians follow the Rule of St. Benedict, but accord it a most austere interpretation; there is perpetual silence and complete abstinence from flesh meat (only bread, legumes, and water are taken for nourishment). Bruno sought to revive the ancient eremitical way of life. His Order enjoys the distinction of never becoming unfaithful to the spirit of its founder, never needing a reform.He had a great reputation as a protector against diabolic possession and is the patron against possession. He was known for his great devotion to prayer, mortification, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary."Rejoice, my dearest brothers, because you are blessed and because of the bountiful hand of God's grace upon you. Rejoice, because you have escaped the various dangers and shipwrecks of the stormy world. Rejoice because you have reached the quiet and safe anchorage of a secret harbor. Many wish to come into this port, and many make great efforts to do so, yet do not achieve it. Indeed many, after reaching it, have been thrust out, since it was not granted them from above. By your work you show what you love and what you know. When you observe true obedience with prudence and enthusiasm, it is clear that you wisely pick the most delightful and nourishing fruit of divine Scripture."~from a letter by Saint Bruno to the Carthusians(Taken from the 1962 Missal and the 1974 Breviary)May we be helped by the intercession of St. Bruno, Thy Confessor, O Lord, we beseech Thee, so that we who by our evil deeds have grievously offended Thy Majesty, may by his merits and prayers obtain forgiveness of our sins. Through our Lord....Lord God, you called Saint Bruno to serve you in a life of solitude. Amidst this world's changes help us, by his prayers, to set our hearts always on you. Through our Lord...
She had heads turning the moment she arrived in Ramsay Street.

And Jodi Anasta's Neighbours character Elly Conway continues to make quite an impression on the residents in Erinsborough.

Most recently the sassy school teacher seems to be the object of affection for student Angus Beaumont-Hannay, played by 17-year-old Jai Waetford.

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Controversial: Jodi Anasta's Neighbours character, school teacher Elly Conway, seems to be the object of affection for student Angus Beaumont-Hannay, played by 17-year-old Jai Waetford in recent episodes

In a clip from the Channel Eleven soap, uploaded to its official Facebook page earlier this week, 31-year-old Jodi's character is seen shutting down Angus' flirty comments.

The brunette beauty has visited Angus to convince him to return to school, but the ambitious youngster has his own intentions.

'Susan sent you to talk me around didn't she? Look I'm listening but you're going to have to offer a bit more than that,' he tells Elly.

'She's concerned about you, that's all,' the teacher responds.

Sending him to the naughty corner: In a clip from the Channel Eleven soap uploaded to its official Facebook page earlier this week, 31-year-old Jodi's character is seen shutting down Angus' flirty comments

'I'm sorry but I'm not going back to school,' Angus explains, before making his crush on Elly more apparent than ever.

'I never expected you to be so straight-laced and teachy but it's kind of hot though,' he says.

Needless to say, Elly is quite taken aback by the upfront remark, and warns Angus: 'I know you meant that as a compliment but it's not on. Understood? When you want to get serious about school you talk to Susan'.

Angus has been harbouring a crush on the teacher for some time now, and in an earlier scene makes no secret of it when confiding in Elly's cousin Felix.

Romance: She has recently been getting up close and personal with character Ned Willis, played by Ben Hall

Playing with fire? Earlier this week the brunette has been getting to know mysterious character Jacka

Flashing the flesh! Jodi is no stranger to setting pulses racing in Ramsay Street, pictured here in an earlier episode whipping off her soaking wet top in front of Tyler after she decided the bathroom queue was too long

'I still can't believe your cousin's a teacher,' Angus says, before adding, 'she's the hottest teacher I've ever seen'.

'She's my cousin,' Felix, played by Ben Kirk, responds in disbelief.

'She's amazing, she could be like a model or something,' Angus insists.

When Felix gives his pal a reality check, saying, 'She's way out of your league and she has a scary boyfriend', Angus seems to disagree.

'All the more reason she needs someone like me to look after her,' he proudly says.

'She won't even notice you mate,' Felix responds, but Angus insists, 'we'll see mate'.

Neighbours airs weeknights at 6:30pm on Channel Eleven.

Youngster: Jai shot to fame after starring on The X Factor Australia in 2013 and has previously been dubbed as Australia's answer to Justin Bieber
It's no secret that many of the scenes featured on the Bachelorette are edited in a way that reflects a certain story-line.

But when it comes to kissing scenes, Georgia Love has revealed that her performances are anything but rehearsed.

Speaking to KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O on Thursday, the 27-year-old compared herself to former Bachelor Richie Strahan, who had to re-do kissing scenes for the cameras.

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Was Richie a bad kisser? Speaking to KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O on Thursday, Georgia Love compared herself to former Bachelor Richie Strahan, who had to re-do kissing scenes for the cameras

'I don't know if Richie's was different to me, but [kissing] was actually very organic,' she said.

'It was, especially on the single dates, like they want to actually get what's real as much as they can. So they very much just sit back and let it happen,' Georgia later added.

When quizzed about her love life prior to The Bachelorette, Georgia also confirmed that she had never indulged in a casual tryst, saying: 'I've never had a one night stand. I'm happy to say that.'

Throwing shade: 'I don't know if Richie's was different to me, but [kissing] was actually very organic,' she said

Taking another jab: In an interview with OK! magazine last month, Georgia revealed that, unlike Richie, she wasn't just into 'all blondes'

It's not the first time Georgia has taken a jab at her predecessor Richie.

In an interview with OK! magazine last month, Georgia revealed that, unlike Richie, she wasn't just into 'all blondes'.

Indeed, throughout the Bachelor it became increasingly obvious that Richie only had eyes for women with fair hair.

She's loving it! Meanwhile, Georgia has been lapping up the attention of her band of handsome suitors as she searches for love on The Bachelorette

By the time he reached the Bachelor's semi-final episode, Richie had successfully eliminated every brunette in the competition.

Meanwhile, Georgia has been lapping up the attention of her band of handsome suitors as she searches for love on The Bachelorette.

On Wednesday night's episode, Georgia enjoyed an ice-skating rendezvous with fair-haired Clancy, who made sure to seal the deal with a kiss at the end of the romantic outing.
He shared an anecdote about his friendship with El Rowland during an interview with OK! Magazine.

And though he was trying to fight off rumours the pair were in a relationship, Lee Carseldine may have poured fuel on another fire - by insinuating the pair left the island at the same time, possibly revealing the ending of the show.

Both front runners for the $500,000 Survivor prize money, Lee claims he and El spent their first moments as free people off the island together.

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Will he make it to the end? Survivor frontrunner Lee Carseldine may have accidentally spoiled the ending to Australian Survivor while trying to squash rumours he is in a relationship with fellow castaway El Rowland

'As soon as [we] got out of there, El and I hit up Max Brenner,' he told the magazine.

'Yep, this was even before we took showers.'

Contestants who are eliminated after the final 11 do not leave the island immediately, as castaways eliminated early do.

Looking comfortable: Lee, 40, claims he and El, 33, went straight to chocolate cafe Max Brenner 'before we took showers', suggesting they left the island at the same time

The final group of eliminated contestants are sent to the Jury Villa and tasked with deciding the ultimate winner of the competition.

A spokesperson from Network Ten told Daily Mail Australia that all remaining contestants returned to Australia together 'because they are all members of the jury or in the final'.

'All contestants appear at the final tribal council. A return date is no indication of the winner or result,' they said.

While it is possible that Lee and El were sent to the villa, it seems unlikely that they would be unshowered as the jury are able to enjoy the island in luxury - with hot showers available.

Rumours about the pair entering into a relationship have been flying for weeks, after contestant Des revealed the they were sleeping next to each other in the Aganoa shelter.

A match made in heaven? The fighting fit twosome both live in Brisbane and appear to share common interests. It was revealed the pair were sharing body warmth from the first days of the competition

And early last month, Woman's Day reported they were 'still seeing each other' now that filming has ended after 'secretly hooking up' off camera.

A source told the publication: 'It's a real-life reality romance.'

The source further described the hunky 40-year-old as being 'smitten' with his new army corporal love.

Jurors: Contestants eliminated from Nick onwards will form the jury who decide the ultimate winner of the survival challenge. However, once eliminated, they have access to hot showers, indicating it is possible Lee and El will be the final two on the island
Zelda and Zak Williams were the guests of honour at the grand opening of a new acting center named after their late father on Wednesday night.

The siblings lead a host of stars who came out for the ceremony at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Robin Williams Center in New York.

The 27-year-old actress looked gorgeous in a simple strapless black dress, which she paired with a petite pair of pink heels.

Remembered: Zelda Williams joined brother Zachary Pym for the grand opening of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Robin Williams Center in New York on Wednesday night

The late comedy legend's eldest two were joined by many of his peers, including Whoopi Goldberg, Hank Azaria and Billy Crystal who arrived with wife Janice.

The center will serve as education space for actors, as well as boasting a 154-seat, 4,000-square-foot screening room and theater.

It promises to host 'intimate Q&As and career retrospectives with the worlds greatest actors, casts, and industry leaders'.

'Its a tremendous milestone, and really cements us in the heart of the city, letting actors know that they now have a home,' SAG Awards Committee Chair JoBeth Williams told Backstage.

Princess: The 27-year-old actress looked gorgeous in a simple strapless black dress, which she paired with a petite pair of pink heels

First: SAG Awards Committee Chair JoBeth Williams confirmed it was the first time the family had agreed to lend his name, 'and we were so incredibly honored that they granted us this privilege without hesitation'

Legacy: 'He is a touchstone for every member of our community and someone whose legacy will live on through the years,' JoBeth said

'No one really gets actors except other actors and people in the business, and it can be very lonely and isolating,' she said. 'This Center will help change that.'

Williams said that when it came to choosing a name, Williams' (no relation) 'kept surfacing again and again'.

'He is a touchstone for every member of our community and someone whose legacy will live on through the years,' she said.

Peer: Billy Crystal, who starred in five films opposite Williams, arrived with wife Janice

Odd: Whoopi Goldberg, who was a close friend, opted for an odd pair of shoes

Co-star: Hank Azaria, who starred in several films with Williams including Night At The Museum

Free to Be... You and Me creator Marlo Thomas was also on hand to honour the late star

Girlfriends: Annie Hall and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star Carol Kane hung out with Whoopi

'What was especially touching about this process was the response we received from his family,' she continued. 'This is the first time theyve agreed to lend his name and we were so incredibly honored that they granted us this privilege without hesitation.

'It really pushes the bar higher to ensure the Center lives up to Robins amazing legacy.'

Robin Williams committed suicide on August 11, 2014; and autopsy revealed he had been suffering from the early onset of Lewy body dementia.

Asset: The center will serve as education space for actors, as well as boasting a 154-seat, 4,000-square-foot screening room and theater
She is one of the most talented actresses in the world.

And many would be shocked to find out that Emily Blunt had struggled with a speech impediment growing up.

The 33-year-old actress looked stunning as she is featured on the cover of the November issue of InStyle magazine.

Lovely lady: Emily Blun tlooked stunning as she is featured on the cover of the November issue of InStyle magazine

In the pages of the monthly, she opened up about suffering from a stutter as a child as she said: 'I think whatever you have to overcome in life ultimately paves the way [for whom you become as an adult].

'I got teased a lot, and to this day, I hate unkindness in people and bullies.'

She had such a tough time with it in her younger years that she would tell people that her name was anything other than Emily because she had a tough time saying her own name.

Tough times: In the pages of the monthly, the 33-year-old acftress opened up about suffering from a stutter as a child, as she is pictured at the New York Premiere of The Girl On The Train on Tuesday

The British beauty explained: 'Names are always tricky because you cant substitute a different word and theres so much pressure attached to it.

'Even nowadays, when Im tired or I feel put on the spot, I still sometimes struggle to get the words out.'

Emily said that even to this day when calling someone she has to mentally prepare herself to say her own name.

She explained: ' Theres always a big pause between when they ask Whos calling? and when I say "Emily Blunt."'

The wife of John Krasinski is very passionate about the issue and is even an advocate for the American Institute for Stuttering's annual gala alongside other A-listers who suffered from the same thing including Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and Vice President Joe Biden.

Loved up@ Emily pictured with husband John Krasinski

No doubt it is an exciting time as she can soon be seen in thriller The Girl On The Train.

In the flick Emily stars as alcoholic divorcee Rachel Watson who becomes embroiled in a missing person investigation.

She admitted that the role felt a little challenging at first because the way she actually lives is so different but did things to prep for the role like watch episodes of documentary series Intervention.

Quite the departure: In her latest flick Emily stars as alcoholic divorcee Rachel Watson who becomes embroiled in a missing person investigation

The mother-of-two explained: 'I needed to understand what addiction does to you physically and mentally and how it affects your self-esteem.

This woman I play onscreen is so damaged, so broken down, that people dont even want to breathe the same air as her.'

The Girl On The Train, directed by Tate Taylor, was released on Wednesday in the UK with a US release following on Friday.
In an effort to beef up her security, Kim Kardashian is considering hiring a body double.

After her terrifying ordeal on Sunday night when five armed robbers burst into her Paris apartment and stole $11 million worth of jewels, the reality star doesn't want to take any chances.

A source tells Page Six: 'There's a circus that follows Kim's every move. Her new security team is recommending she employ a body double to help confuse would-be assailants.'

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Desperate measures: Kim Kardashian is reportedly considering hiring a body double to throw would-be attackers off as she beefs up security in the wake of her terrifying robbery on Sunday night

Traumatic: The star is pictured surrounded by security on Monday as she arrived back in New York with husband Kanye West after her terrifying ordeal

Kim and Kanye's daughter North West, three, and son Saint, 10 months, are reportedly getting their own security teams.

'The kids being kidnapped is Kims biggest fear,

'She previously didnt want to shell out for armed security, but now she realizes the family needs 24-hour protection.' the insider added.

Traumatic: The KUWTK star was bound and gagged in her luxury apartment in Paris in the early hours of Monday morning, after armed men pretending to be police forced their way into her hotel apartment and made off with $11 million in jewelry

'We are so sorry for this inconvenience': Kim's makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic has announced she's postponing a trip to Dubai which was planned for October 14 where the duo were going to do a makeup tutorial

Already, the famous family have been spotted with extra bodyguards and have maintained a rare silence on social media since the attack.

Kim now plans to add extra security, including plainclothes and undercover bodyguards, to trail her every move and keep her safe.

'This scared everyone,' a source told People on Tuesday of the violent robbery.

'Due to recent events': Mario posted a message on behalf of the reality star on Instagram on Wednesday

'They're not taking chances... It was a really scary situation for the entire family and it's just not worth it to put themselves out there unnecessarily right now.'

Meanwhile Kim and her family are planning to scale back their public appearances.

On Wednesday the star's makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic announced that the duo would be postponing their trip to Dubai which was scheduled for October 14.

Kim, 35, was planning on traveling to the middle east with Mario to do a makeup demonstration.

Increasingly paranoid: Kim's husband Kanye West is starting to mistrust some of her inner circle

After leaving Paris on Monday, Kim reunited with husband Kanye West in New York, returned to her Airbnb rental and has not stepped out in public since.

Kim's close friends and family have rallied around the reality star as she recovers from the traumatic experience.

Meanwhile, Kanye has also rescheduled two of his upcoming shows for his ongoing Saint Pablo Tour that were scheduled for October 4 and 6.

The rapper is reportedly suspicious that the crime was an inside job and is starting to mistrust some people in the couple's inner circle.

Support: Kim's BFF Jonathan Cheban visited her as she remained holed up at her NYC rental apartment on Wednesday

A source close to the family told Page Six: 'She doesnt know who she can trust. Kims team is conducting an internal investigation  interviewing assistants and looking through phones for evidence that anyone may have communicated with the thieves. They are slowly ruling people out.'

Meanwhile a source told E! News that Kim is 'emotionally damaged' after her ordeal.

'This is something that has the potential to screw anyone up for a very long time,' the insider said.

In hiding: Kim has not been seen since Monday. The 35-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star has become a recluse after the shock Sunday night robbery in Paris

'It was incredibly frightening and it's going to take a while to get over it.'

The 35-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star has become a recluse after the shock Sunday night robbery that involved her being bound and gagged. She had $11m worth of jewels stolen.

On Wednesday her pals continued to flock to her New York City residence after her reality star pal Jonathan Cheban said she was 'not doing so good.
She has been nominated for five Academy Awards, but Amy Adams's favourite role is that of mother to her six-year-old daughter Aviana.

And the 42-year-old looked every inch the proud mom on Wednesday as she stepped out with her youngster and husband Darren Le Gallo.

The trio were spotted running errands in Los Angeles, and Amy smiled while clutching one of Aviana's drawings.

Such a proud mother: Amy Adams held up one of daughter Aviana's drawings while out with her little girl and Darren Le Gallo in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The actress and her actor and artist husband both held hands with their little girl as she strolled in between them.

Amy showed off her casual California style in a navy and red patterned maxi dress.

The American Hustle star also sported flat brown sandals, a silver pendant necklace and cat-eye sunglasses.

The redhead pulled her locks into a fuss-free bun and showed off her natural beauty as she went make-up free.

Happy family: The actress and her actor and artist husband both held hands with their little girl as she strolled in between them

Darren, who was seen making a phone call, kept it casual in a black T-shirt and shoes with jeans, while Aviana looked cute in denim shorts and a green T-shirt.

Amy and Darren married in May 2015 after first getting together in 2001, a year before the actress starred in Catch Me If You Can.

She has gone on to be nominated for five Oscars, for Junebug, Doubt, The Fighter, The Master and American Hustle.

Amy has recently been filming Justice League, in which she is reprising her role as Lois Lane.

Casual California style: Amy wore a navy and red patterned maxi dress. The American Hustle star also sported flat brown sandals, a silver pendant necklace and cat-eye sunglasses

She can next be seen in alien drama Arrival, which hits cinemas on November 11 and also stars Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker.

Amy is then starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Isla Fisher, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Armie Hammer in Nocturnal Animals.

The movie, which is due for release on December 9, follows a gallery owner who is haunted by her ex-husband's thriller novel.

Amy is also working on upcoming thriller series Sharp Objects, due to premiere next year, in which she portrays a reporter who recently checked out of a psychiatric hospital.
Earlier this week she was partying on a boat beside Anna Heinrich.

And on Thursday, Ksenija Lukich was hanging with The Bachelor star's other-half, interviewing Tim Robards for an upcoming episode of The Hype.

The E! Australia host got some training tips from the Chiropractor, who walked the TV personality through his ring based workouts at Bondi.

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Showing her the ropes! Tim Robards talked E! Australia host Ksenija Lukich through his ring based workouts at Bondi on Thursday, for an interview to air on The Hype next week

Daily Mail Australia understand the interview will air next Wednesday on the bi-weekly show.

As he talked about The Robards Method, Tim proved the best advertisement with his bulging biceps glistening in the sunshine.

The former Bachelor, 33, flexed his muscles in a white tank top with his curated program name across the front.

He teamed the top with blue shorts, which finished mid-thigh and gave a glimpse of his well toned and very tanned legs.

Meanwhile, Ksenija also flaunted her lean legs in a thigh-skimming black lace playsuit.

His best advertisement: As the former Bachelor talked through The Robards Method, he proved the best ad with his bulging biceps glistening in the sunshine as he sported a white tank with blue shorts

Wrapping up against the breeze in a cropped black leather jacket.

And the former-model-turned presenter opted for appropriate shoes for the interview, wearing white leather sneakers.

It was a very different style to the fun and flirty look the 26-year-old sported for the Kookai Spring Spring/Summer Launch on Sydney Harbour, alongside Tim's girlfriend Anna.

White and bright! The 26-year-old TV personality (right) sported a white fit and flare mini dress to the Kookai Spring Spring/Summer Launch on Sydney Harbour alongside Tim's girlfriend Anna (left)

Having a laugh: The duo sat side-by-side on the star studded cruise

The brunette beauty donned a chic white fit-and-flare Napoli Mini Dress from the brand and added statement red earrings and a bold lip.

Anna also donned a white dress for the cruise, opting for the brand's Atlantic Dress, with the strapless design showing off her decolletage.

While the slit at the front of the figure-hugging midi, offered a glimpse of the 29-year-old's thighs.
He was the Italian stallion who entered The Bachelorette mansion as an intruder during Wednesday night's episode.

But Georgia Love has defended her decision to boot model Matteo off the show, saying there's more to the hunk than his model looks and sexy accent.

Appearing on KIIS 101.1 FM's Matt & Meshel show on Thursday, the 27-year-old admitted 31-year-old Matteo 'gave me the creeps'.

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'He gave me the creeps': Georgia Love has defended her decision to boot model Matteo off the show, saying there's more to the hunk than his model looks and sexy accent

Radio presenter Matt Tilley didn't hold back in his line of questioning, asking the reality star: 'Sending Matteo home, are you a racist?'.

A gobsmacked Georgia immediately defended herself, and blamed the show's editing for the backlash she has received for sending Matteo home.

'Matteo, they really really showed nothing of Matteo last night and I mean I didn't get much time with him,' she confessed.

'But everyone was going "Oh he's the beautiful Italian with the accent and everything"... he gave me the creeps a little bit,' she added.

The truth: Georgia said, 'everyone was going "Oh he's the beautiful Italian with the accent and everything"... he gave me the creeps a little bit'

During Wednesday's Bachelorette, intruder Matteo was sent home by Georgia, after only arriving in the mansion that same night.

The Italian's short lived time on the show left him disappointed as he blamed timing for the reason he was sent packing so soon.

'I'm a bit disappointed,' he said, adding: 'The original guys had more time to build a connection with Georgia.

'I just wish her all the best because she seemed like a very genuine and nice person.'

Time to go: At the last minute Georgia chose to save Courtney and send Matteo home

Upset: Upon being eliminated the same night, Matteo said, 'I'm a bit disappointed. The original guys had more time to build a connection with Georgia'

Upon arriving at the Bachelorette mansion earlier in the night, Matteo seemingly won Georgia over by his thick accent.

In her piece to camera, she gushed: 'Matteo comes up and he is a very good-looking guy.

'And, I mean, that accent... Come on,' she giggled while her cheeks turned red.

After he joined the mansion, regular c ontestant Matty voiced he wasn't impressed by the addition of Matteo, saying: 'Who the hell does this guy think he is?

'I haven't had a single date and I feel like there's like a queue of guys for a single date and this new guy comes in and it's like potentially another person in the queue for that single date.

'There is nothing I hate more than somebody who jumps in and pushes in on a queue. This is big. I think we're getting a little bit worried about him.'

Sam angrily said: ' We've got 10 guys here. At least three to four absolute peanuts.

Angry: After his arrival, Sam said: ' We've got 10 guys here. They can't be any worse than those pretzels. I'm happy that there's new guys. I'd definitely would trade them for a few of the guys in the house'

'The intruder can't get any worse than guys we're stuck with already. They can't be any worse than those pretzels. I'm happy that there's new guys. I definitely would trade them for a few of the guys in the house.'

He continued: 'I am not feeling threatened. Would I trade two of our pretzels for the two intruders? 100 per cent. Ryan, boring as f***. Rhys, boring as f***. I would trade them...But I'd rather get booted over one of those two guys than booted over Rhys or Ryan.'

The Bachelorette Australia airs on Network 10 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm.
She may have catapulted to fame starring as a young woman who gets in touch with her naughty side in Fifty Shades Of Grey.

But Dakota Johnson showed she also had an angelic part to her as she headed out in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The actress, who celebrated her 27th birthday the previous day, wore a white shirt that read, 'How about a taste of Heaven?'

Looking divine! Dakota Johnson showed she also had an angelic side as she headed out in Los Angeles on Wednesday

In keeping with her usual understated style, Dakota teamed the shirt with a pair of slouchy blue jeans and stepped out barefoot.

The fresh faced actress wore her glossy brunette tresses down while accessorizing the super casual look with a pair of sunglasses.

Dakota had a busy day spending time with her friends.

The actress had a pal take photos of her as she posed beside a blue pick-up truck.

How did it come out? The actress had a pal take photos of her as she posed beside a blue pick-up truck

Strike a pose! Johnson placed her foot beside the car door as her friend snapped a pick of her

Checking it out: The barefoot star stood beside her pal as he inspected the inside of the vehicle

Dakota even took the car for a spin through Los Angeles, but by this point had ditched her white top for another ensemble.

The star wore a beige button-up shirt that was knotted at the front along with a pair of grey jeans and leather shoes for an elegant twist.

Dakota looked in top spirits as she caught up with a gal pal while enjoying the crisp fall weather.

Hitting the road! Johnson even took the car for a spin through Los Angeles

Joyride! The actress was joined by a gal pal for their cruise through LA

It's been a big few days for Dakota, as she had celebrated her 27th birthday on Tuesday by joining Cara Delevingne for some FaceTime with Taylor Swift.

Then later, she was spotted enjoying a stroll and a coffee in LA with musician Joshua Tillman, 35, whose stage name is Father John Misty.

The actress wore dark blue skinny jeans with a statement buckle belt and a plain white t-shirt.

Quick change! The star wore a beige button-up shirt that was knotted at the front along with a pair of grey jeans

Hitting her stride! Johnson's leather shoes added an elegant twist to her dressed down look

Catching up! Dakota looked in top spirits as she spent some time with a gal pal

She wore her brown hair tied back into a ponytail and rocked an oversized pair of sunglasses while carrying a large tote over one shoulder.

Her companion wore ripped jeans and a distressed gray t-shirt with gold-rimmed shades.

Dakota, the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, certainly has plenty to celebrate apart from her birthday.

Golfing: Dakota's co-star Jamie Dornan was spotted teeing off at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the Championship Course, Carnoustie in Scotland on Thursday

Sporting prowess: Jamie showed off his golf expertise on the course

Cheerful: The actor waved to spectators in a break from the action

She's wrapped filming on two Fifty Shades Of Grey sequels in which she reprises the role of Anastasia Steele opposite Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey.



And her co-star Jamie was spotted Ateeing off during the first round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the Championship Course, Carnoustie on Thursday.

Fifty Shades darker is slated for a February 2017 release while Fifty Shades Freed will open a year later in February 2018.

Next up, Dakota will star in the horror thriller Suspiria with Chloe Grace Moretz and Tilda Swinton.

The movie is a remake of a classic Italian film of the same name released in 1977 and will be financed and distributed by Amazon Studios.

Low-key day: Johnson was spotted taking a stroll and grabbing coffee with musician Joshua Tillman as she celebrated her 27th birthday on Tuesday in LA
Bachelorette contestant Courtney Dober seemed to enjoying a wild night out as he was pictured kissing another man on the lips.

In a photo that surfaced this week, the 30-year-old industrial designer appears in the midst of locking lips with a mystery man during what seems to be a party.

Clad in a floral shirt, Courtney closed his eyes as he posed with one hand placed on the dark-haired man's neck with the other gripping what seems to be a beer bottle.

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What would Georgia say? In a photo that surfaced this week, Bachelorette contestant Courtney Dober is seen kissing another man on the lips

Meanwhile, fans still haven't seen charismatic Courtney lock lips with Georgia during his time on the Bachelorette, despite having already enjoyed a single date with the pretty brunette.

During his 'golden date', Courtney whisked Georgia away in a vintage Kombi van before treating her to an action-packed day of boat-riding and surfing.

At the end of the date, Georgia produced a rose, telling him she 'would like to get to know much, more about the elusive Courtney' while looking longingly into his eyes.

No kiss yet! Meanwhile, fans still haven't seen charismatic Courtney lock lips with Georgia during his time on the Bachelorette, despite having already enjoyed a single date with the pretty brunette

Awkward! At the end of his 'golden date', Georgia produced a rose, telling him she 'would like to get to know much, more about the elusive Courtney' while looking longingly into his eyes

Missed opportunity: 'I really wanted to kiss him!' she sighed during a piece to camera

Despite Georgia's beckoning gaze, Courtney decided to simply place a nervous kiss upon her face, leaving Georgia shattered.

'I really wanted to kiss him!' she sighed during a piece to camera.

Courtney was also left mortified by the less-than-smooth move, telling the camera: 'I think today I was a little more shy than I thought I would be.'

Not impressed! On Wednesday's episode Courtney offended Georgia by 'giving up' on a group date challenge on Wednesday, which saw the boys compete in a dodge ball-inspired game

Indeed, Courtney's days appear to be numbered in the competition thanks to his performance during Wednesday medieval-themed night's group date.

Courtney offended Georgia by 'giving up' on a group date challenge on Wednesday, which saw the boys compete in a dodge ball-inspired game.

During the task, Courtney ruled himself out early so Ryan Palk could have a chance at winning, leaving Georgia unimpressed.

'It just made me feel s***. Like, full disclosure': Later, at the cocktail party, she confronted Courtney about why he threw the contest

'I've no idea why Courtney did that. This is all about trying to spend extra time with me and he just couldn't have cared less,' she said.

Later, at the cocktail party, she confronted Courtney about why he threw the contest, confessing that: 'It just made me feel s***. Like, full disclosure.'

Clambering to defend himself, Courtney replied: 'I don't want anything more... than to spend more time with you. I'd give anything to spend more time with you...'

Luckily, Georgia decided to spare Courtney at the rose ceremony at the last moment, instead sending home intruder Matteo.

A case of misunderstanding? Clambering to defend himself, Courtney replied: 'I don't want anything more... than to spend more time with you. I'd give anything to spend more time with you...'
She is many people's dream woman - and it is not hard to see why.

Putting makeup on Halle Berry is a lot like painting over the artworks at a gallery, so she skipped that step in her morning routine.

The 50-year-old star shined as she opted for a natural look in Beverly Hills, California, on Wednesday.

Casual Wednesday: Halle Berry went makeup-free to head to a meeting in Beverly Hills, California, on Wednesday

The Monster's Ball star let her natural beauty steal the show as she headed to a meeting.

The fresh-faced star embraced a more understated look, stepping out in a casual but still chic outfit.

For her meeting, Halle wore a pair of loose-fit distressed jeans with a black top featuring billowing drapery.

The star finished off her look with a pair of black heel boots and a leather handbag from Rebecca Minkoff.

Low key and lovely: The fresh-faced star embraced a more understated look, stepping out in a casual but still chic outfit

Keeping casual: For her meeting, Halle wore a pair of loose-fit distressed jeans with a black top featuring billowing drapery. She accessorized with a Rebecca Minkoff handbag

Halle - who wore her hair in beachy waves - posted a picture on her Instagram of her children earlier in the day.

The actress did not show Nahla, 8, or Maceo's faces, but the children were wearing T-shirts with positive messages, 'Girls will change the world' and 'Kindness is the new cool.'

Maceo is Halle's son with estranged husband Olivier Martinez. While Halle filed divorce papers the pair do not appear to have moved forward with making their split offical.
She's said to have recently rekindled her relationship with former flame, Sam Prince.

Yet he was nowhere to be seen as Lottie Moss partied the night away with Made In Chelsea's Alex Mytton at London's Embargo nightclub in Chelsea on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old model - the younger sister of catwalk queen Kate Moss, 42 - was dressed to impress in a pair of thigh-high boots as she laughed and joked with the reality TV hunk, 25, during the early hours of the morning.

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Unlikely pair: Lottie Moss, 18, partied the night away with Made In Chelsea star Alex Mytton, 25, at London's Embargo nightclub in Chelsea on Wednesday

Lottie proved her emerging fashionista status as she draped an oversized denim jacket over her shoulders.

Using her hand to hold the statement piece in place, the beauty looked in high spirits as she strutted forth in her sexy suede boots.

A 90s-style choker, as well as her phone - clad in a unique Moschino cigarette phone case - completed the rest of the look.

Her glossy blonde locks were parted down the centre and styled in beachy waves, framing her pretty features.

Style star: The model was dressed to impress in a pair of knee high boots as she laughed and joked with the hunk during the early hours of the morning

Trendy: Lottie, the step-sister of Kate Moss, proved her emerging fashionista status as she draped an over-sized denim jacket over her shoulders

Edgy beauty: A 90s-style choker, as well as her phone - clad in a unique Moschino cigarette phone case - completed the rest of the look

Enjoying her night off from her ever-increasing workload, Lottie seemed enthralled in the company of Alex, who completed his all-black look with a stylish khaki bomber jacket.

However, the one person that seemed to be missing was her former beau, who's she's reportedly on romantic terms with again.

According to The Sun, Lottie has started dating the West London native once again - after the pair broke things off two years ago when he supposedly strayed away.

The pair sparked rumours of a reunion earlier in the summer, when they were spotted cosying up at Embargo nightclub in Chelsea in July.

In good condition: Lottie's glossy blonde locks were parted down the centre and styled in subtle beachy waves, framing her pretty features

Walking the walk: Using her hand to hold her denim jacket in place, the beauty looked in high spirits as she strutted forth in sexy suede boots

New pals: Enjoying her night off from her fledgling workload, she seemed enthralled in the company of Alex, as well as his Made In Chelsea co-star Sam Thompson

A source told the newspaper: 'Lottie and Sam have history but it's not overly positive.

'They dated two years ago but Sam wasn't faithful. They have recently rekindled their relationship and although it's early days, Lottie's hoping Sam will behave himself.'

The blonde beauty has been linked to several suitors in the past - having enjoyed lunch in June with pop star Conor Maynard, and flirted with Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio on Twitter.

Looking good: The MIC star completed his all-black look with a stylish khaki bomber jacket

Emerging star: New MIC cast member Emily Blackwell also looked sensational in a figure-hugging striped dress for the night out

Party time: The reality stars seemed to be having a fabulous time out in London

However, the revelation of the new romance with Sam comes soon after the seemingly swift end of Lottie's last formal relationship

It was only at the end of July that Lottie was seen cosying up to boyfriend Josh Goldin outside Conchiglia restaurant in London.

The then loved-up pair were seen leaning in for plenty of kisses on the street outside the eatery - although they had fuelled rumours of a potential split that same week after both retweeting messages about infidelity.

And, back in February 2015, Lottie caused controversy on Twitter when she wrote to her followers after a night-out at 4am: 'You know it's a successful night when you throw your drink in your ex boyfriends face.'

Alex, meanwhile, has had ill-fated long-term romances with two of his Made In Chelsea co-stars, Binky Felstead and Nicola Hughes, both of which ended in him admitting to having been unfaithful.

Off the market: Lottie is said to have recently rekindled her relationship with ex beau, Sam Prince after they previously dated for two years




She recently admitted not approving of Simon 'pitting women' against each other on talent shows.

But Amanda Holden appeared to have forgiven her fellow judge, as she attended his birthday bash in London on Wednesday.

The 45-year-old Britain's Got Talent judge beamed as she arrived at Italian restaurant La Famiglia in a black strapless dress.

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LBD time! Amanda Holden attended Simon Cowell's birthday bash in London on Wednesday

Showing off her toned upper body, the LBD was held up by a strapless tie-up bandeau.

And flaunting a hint of her toned midriff, it fell to just below her knees, showcasing her toned pins.

Going for understated glamour, the mother-of-two wore her blonde tresses in a centre parting.

Understated: The 56-year-old Britain's Got Talent judge beamed as she arrived at Italian restaurant La Famiglia in a black strapless dress

And letting her natural beauty shine through, Amanda went for defined brows, a hint of bronzer and a dash of lipgloss.

Keeping her accessories simple, she carried a small black clutch.

Accentuating her stature in delicate black sandals with diamonte embellished straps, she brandished a large gift back as she entered the venue.

Man of the night: Simon, who turns 56 on Saturday, was spotted arriving in jeans and a casual jumper alongside partner Lauren Silverman, the mother of his two-year-old son Eric

Man of the night Simon, who turns 57 on Saturday, was spotted arriving in jeans and a casual jumper.

The music mogul arrived alongside partner Lauren Silverman, the mother of his two-year-old son Eric.

Clad in an elegant one-shoulder peplum top and matching pencil skirt, she added an elegant pair of cross-strap heels.

Stylish duo: Later in the evening Lauren was seen leaving the venue with a very glamorous looking Nicole Scherzinger

Later in the evening she was seen leaving the venue with a very glamorous looking Nicole Scherzinger.

Showing off a hint of cleavage in a plunging silk red jumpsuit, the X Factor beauty looked in good spirits.

Louis Walsh also put in chirpy appearance, looking dapper in a denim shirt.

Meanwhile a man appeared in court this week accused of breaking into music mogul Simon Cowell's 10million home and stealing 1million of jewellery.

Darren February, 32, was charged with burglary following the incident Cowell's mansion in Holland Park, west London on December 4 last year.

The X-Factor judge was asleep upstairs with his partner Lauren Silverman and their young son Eric when an intruder broke into their home.

Prosecutor Kevin Christie said jewellery belonging to Ms Silverman, with an estimated value of 1million was taken.

Watches and two passports, belonging to Cowell, were also taken from a safe. The passports were later recovered.
His time on The Bachelorette was only short lived after Georgia Love eliminated him after one week in the mansion.

And on Thursday, Ben Lyall revealed he has been chased by females of all ages since he appeared on the dating show.

During an interview with Mamamia radio, the 32-year-old confessed: 'There have been some legit creepers.

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Everyone's after him: Bachelorette reject Ben Lyall has revealed he has been chased by 'legit creepers' since he appeared on the dating show

'As a five and a half out of 10 guy, I have never really had to experience this much before in my life.'

The reality TV reject added the females send him Photoshopped images of them together as well as snaps of themselves.

'People have sent me pictures of our faces morphed together saying that is what our kids are going to look like,' Ben claimed.

Full on: The reality TV reject added the females send him Photoshopped images of them together as well as snaps of themselves

Surprise: He explained: 'People have sent me pictures of our faces morphed together saying that is what our kids are going to look like'

He added: 'If I message a girl and she doesnt write back, I'll wait a couple of days and then I will write.

'But these people are writing for two or three weeks straight. They also send me pictures of themselves,' he said, while quickly trying to back track, adding: 'Not rude pictures.'

Following his elimination from The Bachelorette last month, Ben revealed what his ideal woman is, after admitting Georgia wasn't quite his type.

Not what he's after: Following his elimination from The Bachelorette last month, Ben revealed what his ideal woman is, after admitting Georgia wasn't quite his type

He told Studio 10: 'She needs to have about five per cent trash bag in her.'

The dog-lover went on to explain why he was sent home from the competition early, saying: 'Georgia is a refined wine. She's elegant and classic. I like a Passion Pop.'

The self-described 'five-and-a-half' also recently revealed he's on Tinder to find love following his short stint on the Network 10 show.
She's the in-demand media personality that's made a name off numerous endorsement deals.

And Megan Gale has revealed her two-year-old son River is already a model toddler.

'Thankfully he's not the screaming baby that's annoying everyone,' the 41-year-old revealed in an interview with TheFIX.

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Nothing to scream about! Megan Gale, 41, revealed in an interview with TheFIX that her two-year-old son River is already a seasoned traveller

'I don't know if it's considered bad parenting, but there's definitely an iPad there,' Megan shared with the news source.

'Anything goes on a plane, really!,' the Australia's Next Top Model judge added.

Megan announced the birth of her son River in May 2014, with her AFL partner Shaun Hampson.

The toddler has already clocked up frequent miles, jetting to Perth to visit family relatives, to holidays in Fiji.

Grateful: 'Thankfully he's not the screaming baby that's annoying everyone,' the brunette beauty joked

Bundle of joy: Megan announced the birth of her son River in May 2014, with her AFL partner Shaun Hampson

Despite keeping busy with duties for reality series Australia's Next Top Model, the brunette beauty is sure to schedule in time with her young family.

She was recently seen enjoying downtime at the zoo, getting up close and personal with the animals.

Megan, Shaun and River met lemurs, peacocks and butterflies during their day outdoors, and the supermodel documented the outing with pictures and videos.

Priorities: Despite keeping busy with duties for reality series Australia's Next Top Model, the brunette beauty is sure to schedule in time with her young family

The snaps, shared with the brunette's 333,000 Instagram followers, showed just how close they got to the animals, who appeared to be, for the most part, uncaged.

One picture, posted of the swimwear designer's young son, showed the boy eating a sandwich as the family took a lunch break.

'The kid can pull off a pastel ensemble with ease,' she captioned the image.

'The kid can pull off a pastel ensemble with ease': One picture, posted of the swimwear designer's young son, showed the boy eating a sandwich as the family took a lunch break

Another photo showed a close moment between her son and his father Shaun.

The sportsman had lifted his son up to take a better look at a passing lemur.

Despite the relaxing day, Megan's life has been anything but calm over the last few weeks.

Doting: Another photo showed a close moment between her son and his father Shaun

She recently took to Instagram to share snaps from a mystery behind the scenes project she is currently working on.

She posted an image of herself sitting on a bed, holding a book while a microphone loomed overhead.

Megan captioned the picture: 'BEHIND THE SCENES Had a ball filming on set today for an exciting new project. Stay tuned!'
She's transformed her love for clubbing into an international DJ-ing career.

And Paris Hilton proved her party attire still sends pulses racing as she arrived at the Chiltern Firehouse in London on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old American socialite left little to the imagination as she went underwear free in an extensively slashed figure-hugging dress for the night on the town.

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Racy lady: Paris Hilton, 35, sent pulses racing in a sexy dress as she arrived at the Chiltern Firehouse in London on Wednesday

The clingy number showed off her eye-catching figure as it bared her flesh with the racy cut-out detailing.

Starting from her back, the sexy slashes traced the outline of her tanned physique before falling at a thigh-skimming finish.

The rest of the black material collected at the front and ended at knee level, showing off her toned pins which were accentuated with zipped ankle boots.

Oozing body confidence as she strutted inside the venue, the former Simple Life star carried a chic black handbag, which balanced a statement leopard print jacket on it.

Flesh on show: The American socialite went underwear free in an extensively slashed figure-hugging dress for the night on the town

Sexy style: The clingy number showed off her eye-catching figure as it bared her flesh with the racy cut-out detailing

All eyes on her: The rest of the black material collected at the front and ended at knee level, showing off her toned pins which were tanned to perfection

With her long blonde locks falling down her sides, smokey eyes and a pink pout, Paris opted for finishing touches in the form of a choker and small studs.

Despite being in the limelight for over a decade, the reality star has apparently started toning down her appearances lately.

She has traded in her reality television days for a career as a celebrity DJ and recently spun the turntables for Philipp Plein's cocktail party in Milan, Italy.

She also recently returned from Serbia where she played in a club in Belgrade on Saturday.

Head-turner: Oozing body confidence as she strutted inside the venue, the former Simple Life star carried a chic black handbag, which balanced a statement leopard print jacket on it

The onetime BFF of Kim Kardashian - who she likes to boast was her assistant showed off her SIX security guards for the trip, with a group picture.

Paris - who is also launching more real estate property in Dubai, Las Vegas and New York - is also expanding to the tech world as well where she is planning to create content and games for VR, according to Adweek.

Paris also utilised her social media to pay tribute to her younger sister Nicky Hilton, who recently celebrated her 33rd birthday.

'Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister': Paris Hilton took to Instagram to send well wishes to Nicky on her 33rd birthday

'Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister @NickyHilton! So proud of you & the sister, woman, wife & mother you are. Love & look up to you so much. Sending you so much love on your special day... Best friends for life,' Paris wrote alongside one stunning image of the blonde beauties.

Another image pictures the famous sisters donned in coordinating white frocks, while Paris is a bit more revealing as she shows off her bare midriff.

'Love the #BirthdayGirl @NickyHilton!' the former Simple Life star captioned the playful snapshot.
Alex Nation's former sister-in-law, Kimberley Grace has taken another swipe at The Bachelor winner's parenting on social media.

The sister of her ex-husband, Joel Porter, took to his new partner Ashy Smith's Instagram page to publicly declare her as acceptable role model to five-year-old Elijah.

'I am so relieved my nephew finally has a loving, attentive, maternal figure at home,' she began her cryptic comment.

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Firing line: Alex Nation's (pictured) former sister-in-law, Kimberley Grace has taken another swipe at The Bachelor winner's parenting on social media

'That kid has a fiercely protective family, & someone insincere would never get our tick of approval.

'We are the hardest nuts to crack. We know & love you Ash... You know you're in the circle of trust.'

Kimberly's comments comes shortly after Ashy explained to her social media followers she isn't trying to 'trend on toes' when it came to parenting Elijah.

Not happy: The sister of her ex-husband (pictured), Joel Porter, took to his new partner Ashy Smith's Instagram page to publicly declare her as acceptable role model to five-year-old Elijah

Harsh: She wrote: 'I am so relieved my nephew finally has a loving, attentive, maternal figure at home. We know & love you Ash... You know you're in the circle of trust'

'I would never want to be seen that I'm treading on toes! Elijah already has a mum that loves him and he loves her,' she posted.

'My main priority is to love and protect him, and to give him another positive role model in his life.

'I just want to provide a safe haven and bubble where he's living a normal life doing fun kids things with not a concern in the world and is completely unaware of what else is going on!'

Taking a step back: Kimberly's comments comes shortly after Ashy (pictured) explained to her social media followers she isn't trying to 'trend on toes' when it came to parenting Elijah

Having her say: She posted: 'I would never want to be seen that I'm treading on toes! Elijah already has a mum that loves him and he loves her. My main priority is to love and protect him'

The step mother added: 'He's such a lovely affectionate child and he makes me so happy with constant laughter around. I am just trying to do the best that I can and have lots of fun in the meantime.'

After Alex won Richie Strahan's heart on The Bachelor, her former sister-in-law Kimberley declared her brother and his new partner the 'real winners'.

Presumably in response to last month's Bachelor finale, Kimberley shared a photo of her brother Joel, his son Elijah and Ashy, writing in the caption: ''Love this little family. You are the real winners. You both have that kid's heart.'

Family feud? After Alex won Richie Strahan's heart on The Bachelor, her former sister-in-law Kimberley (R) declared her brother and his new partner the 'real winners'

Winners: Kimberley - Joel's older sister - shared a photo of him, his son Elijah, and girlfriend Ashy and wrote: 'Love this little family. You are the real winners. You both have that kid's heart'

Alex and Joel were briefly married after she gave birth to their son Elijah in 2011, but it is understood they divorced two years ago.

This follows reports that Alex's parenting skills were supposedly being criticised by her ex-husband's partner on social media.

As Daily Mail Australia revealed in September, Ashy appeared to share several Instagram posts about neglectful parents - which were later deleted.

Claims: Ashy posted days before The Bachelor: 'Too bad you are only a good mother on Facebook and the rest of the time you neglect your child' (Pictured Alex and Richie)

An image posted days before The Bachelor finale stated: 'Too bad you are only a good mother on Facebook and the rest of the time you neglect your child.'

Another similar post read: 'Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience. You are raising a human being.'

It still remains unclear if Ashy's Instagram posts were directed at Alex.

Co-parents: Alex and Joel were briefly married after she gave birth to their son Elijah in 2011, but it is understood they divorced two years ago. Pictured: Joel and son Elijah

Daddy duties! Joel confirmed last month that Elijah was staying with him during the school holidays - while Alex flew to Perth to spend time with Richie's family

Meanwhile, Alex has responded to fans' accusations that Ashy has taken on a 'stepmother' role to Elijah since her rise to TV fame.

'My little boy is everything to me,' she said last month. 'I know who I am and I know what kind of mother I am so (critics) don't bother me.'

A glance at Joel's Instagram page shows that Ashy is very involved in Elijah's life and regularly joins the father and son on family days out.

Joel also confirmed last month that Elijah was staying with him during the school holidays - while Alex flew to Perth to spend time with Richie's family.
She's the glamorous jetsetter who recently announced she's expecting her second child with beau Michael Miziner.

And Rachael Finch looked to be taking the happy news in her stride, enjoying a getaway to the luxurious The Westin Denarau Resort & Spa in Fiji.

In a snap captioned 'heavenly coconut bed breaks', shared to Instagram on Thursday, the 28-year-old was seen looking a picture of content as she revealed a generous amount of cleavage in a skimpy black top.

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Heavenly: In a snap shared to Instagram on Thursday, Rachael Finch, 28, was seen looking a picture of content as she revealed a generous amount of cleavage in a skimpy black top, while holidaying in Fiji

'Heavenly coconut bed breaks at @westinfiji,' Rachael captioned the idyllic snap.

'Here for my #westinwellness #westinescape..swear there is work happening..,' she continued.

The image saw the brunette beauty putting on a busty display in a round-neck black tank top, holding a coconut, while relaxing on a plush bed.

With her signature brunette tresses swept up into an effortless topknot, the Myer ambassador appeared to be makeup-free as she looked out into the distance.

Jetsetter: The island getaway comes shortly after Rachael enjoyed a trip to the ski fields of New Zealand's south island with partner Michael

The island getaway comes shortly after Rachael enjoyed a trip to the ski fields of New Zealand's south island with partner Michael.

Upon arriving home, the genetically-blessed personality took to Instagram to share a sweet snap.

'Queenstown, it's been a pleasure this weekend,' Rachael captioned the image shared with her 169,000 followers.

'Despite not being able to ski due to the little one growing in my belly I had the best time exploring & taking in your beauty,' she continued.

Happy news: Rachael and Michael announced they were expecting their second child last month via social media

Rachael and Michael announced they were expecting their second child last month via social media.

The television presenter shared an image of her 12 week ultrasound, along with the caption: 'Tears of joy as bubby no.2 is on the way!!!

'12 weeks along!! (pic from our 8 week scan). Excited to share this new adventure with you guys,' including a love heart emoticon.

Bumping along: The brunette beauty displayed her bump while attending the Myer Spring 16 Fashion Launch in Sydney last month

Rachael displayed her bump while attending the Myer Spring 16 Fashion Launch in Sydney last month.

She told Daily Mail Australia she had been suffering from morning sickness.

'I think Ive had perpetual morning sickness and this morning I think I've just gotten over all this,' she said.

Rachael and Michael are already parents to daughter Violet, two.

Rachael and Michael married in an intimate Sydney wedding in January 2013, having previously met on the Australian version of Dancing With The Stars in 2010.

Precious: Rachael and Michael are already parents to daughter Violet, two
She was out on the town with Kendall Jenner when her sister Kim was robbed at gunpoint in Paris.

And now Kourtney Kardashian has broken her silence on the incident by posting a poignant snapshot on Twitter.

The 37-year-old reality star took to her social network on Wednesday with a photo of a passage from her daily devotional book, complete with a prayer hands emoji on Twitter.

Breaking silence: Kourtney, pictured with Kim heading out to dinner during Paris Fashion Week, has posted a poignant excerpt on Twitter

The quote read: 'Remember that joy is not dependent on your circumstances. Some of the world's most miserable people are those whose circumstances seem the most enviable.

'People who reach the top of the ladder career-wise are often surprised to find emptiness awaiting them. True Joy is a by-product of living in My Presence. Therefore you can experience it in palaces, in prisonsanywhere.'

'If you make problem solving secondary to the goal of living close to Me, you can find joy in your most difficult days.

Saying something: One of the quotes read: 'you can find Joy even in your most difficult days'

Troubled: Kim Kardashian, pictured in Paris, is now recovering from her ordeal in New York

Kourtney had been with Kendall Jenner and Kim's main bodyguard Pascal Duvier at Arc nightclub when the robbery occurred.

As soon as they heard about the heist, Kourtney and Kendall rushed to the apartment Kim was staying in to be by her side.

Kim fled to New York via private jet after the robbery and was seen reunited with husband Kanye West on Monday.

Arriving back: Kim and husband Kanye West return to the U.S. on Monday after her ordeal

The rapper was told of the raid halfway through a headline performance at the Meadow Music and Art Festival, New York, and immediately cancelled the set.

Kim was robbed by five armed men wearing ski masks and clothes with police markings, who entered the building at around 3am after the concierge let them in.

Handcuffed and at gunpoint, he then led them to the starlet's flat. Kim reportedly 'begged for her life' and told the gunmen she had children at home when two of them entered her room and held the gun to her head.

A lot on his mind: Scott Disick was spotted out for lunch in Calabasas, California on Wednesday amid the Kardashian drama

Thoughtful mood: Scott looked serious and concerned as Kim continued to recover in New York City

Casual: The reality star was dressed in grey jeans, a coordinating sweater and trainers

Their daughter, North, three, and 10-month-old son Saint, are not believed to have been in the room at the time.

The men stole a jewellery box worth 6 million ($6.7 million/ 5.24 million) and a ring worth 4 million ($4.5 million/ 3.5 million), prompting fears that the valuables were personal ones, and not just jewellery Kim was borrowing for fashion week.

Kim and her family were placed under police protection at the George V Palace hotel after the incident, and a spokesperson told DailyMail.com she is 'badly shaken but physically unharmed'.

Meanwhile, Kourtney's estranged boyfriend Scott Disick was spotted out to lunch in Calabasas, California on Wednesday looking in thoughtful mood amid the family drama.

Baby daddy: Scott is father of Kourtney's three children Mason, Penelope and Reign




He recently revealed that he would 'hate himself' if he took on big Hollywood projects instead of focusing his efforts on serious acting work.

And now 42-year-old Joel Edgerton has proven beating to the sound of his own drum isn't just a quality he puts towards his acting career but is seen in his day-to-day life.

Pulling over in Silverlake in Los Angeles, Joel put on a bizarre display sporting black shinguards and no shoes.

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Bizarre: Joel Edgerton, 42, shocked passers-by in Silverlake LA when he put on a peculiar display sporting black shinguards and no shoes while speaking on the phone

The barefoot actor appeared focused on a conversation he was having on the phone as he strolled down the street.

He paired the shinguards with a black Adidas zip-up jacket and white and blue board shorts.

The brunette bespectacled star looked engrossed in conversation as he showcased his padded shins to passers by.

Recently talking with GQ Australia the Australian actor/filmmaker donned a chic navy suit and black loafers, which contrasted with the peculiar outfit choice in Silverlake.

Focused: The barefoot and bespectacled actor appeared focused on a conversation he was having on the phone as he strolled down the street in an Adidas jacket and board shorts

In the candid interview, Joel spoke about focusing on serious acting work instead of big Hollywood projects.

'If I'd done a s***ty movie, maybe I'd have a Maserati,' he said. 'But I'd be sitting across from you, biting my tongue all f**king day long going, 'I f**king hate myself for this s**t'.'

He added: 'If you're super good-looking and charismatic and you like playing the same character every time, good luck to you  you'll make squillions of dollars.

'The interest I have in being an actor, though, is adapting your energy to play all sorts of different characters,' the 42-year-old concluded.

'If I'd done a s***ty movie, maybe I'd have a Maserati': In a candid interview with GQ Australia, Joel Edgerton spoke about focusing on serious acting work instead of big Hollywood projects

Meanwhile, Joel was left disappointed after missing an Oscar nomination in 2015 and admits he should not have listened to industry rumours.

But Joel told the magazine he remains optimistic that he will be recognised for his critically-acclaimed lead role in Loving.

Directed by Jeff Nichols, Loving tells the tale of an interracial couple whose marriage sees them exiled from Virginia.

Buzz: Joel is being tipped for an Oscar nomination for his role in US drama Loving, based on the US Supreme Court's landmark 1967 case Loving v. Virginia. Pictured with co-star Ruth Negga

The story is based on the facts surrounding the US Supreme Court's landmark 1967 case Loving v. Virginia.

Richard and Mildred Loving were sentenced to prison in 1958 because their marriage violated the state's anti-miscegenation laws.

They later sued the state of Virginia which led to laws prohibiting interracial marriage being declared unconstitutional.
He has been comforting wife Kim Kardashian in New York after her harrowing robbery ordeal in Paris.

But Kanye West returned to work on Thursday and was spotted leaving Milk Studios with friends Jonathan Cheban and Kris Jenner's beau Corey Gamble.

According to onlookers, the trio were escorted out of the building flanked by various security guards just after 1:30am.

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Back to work: Kanye West was spotted leaving Milk Studios in New York City in the early hours of Wednesday morning four days after wife Kim Kardashian was held at gunpoint in Paris

Happier times: Kim pictured in a bustier and tracksuit bottoms at Paris Fashion Week, days before the robbery

Dressed in an orange coat over a mustard-coloured hoodie, green tracksuit bottoms and chunky boots, the rapper looked in glum mood.

The trio were said to be inside the studio for four hours.

There has been no sign of Kim since she and Kanye arrived back in New York City on Monday following the robbery which took place in her Paris apartment.

Escorted: According to onlookers, Kanye, Jonathan Cheban and Kanye were escorted out of the building flanked by various security guards just after 1:30am

Meeting up: A casual Corey and Jonathan joined Kanye at the studio after spending time with Kim who is recovering from her ordeal in a Manhattan apartment

The rapper was told of the raid halfway through a headline performance at the Meadow Music and Art Festival, New York, and immediately cancelled the set.

Kim was robbed by five armed men wearing ski masks and clothes with police markings, who entered the building at around 3am after the concierge let them in.

Handcuffed and at gunpoint, he then led them to the starlet's flat. Kim reportedly 'begged for her life' and told the gunmen she had children at home when two of them entered her room and held the gun to her head.

Their daughter, North, three, and 10-month-old son Saint, are not believed to have been in the room at the time.

The men stole a jewellery box worth 6 million ($6.7 million/ 5.24 million) and a ring worth 4 million ($4.5 million/ 3.5 million), prompting fears that the valuables were personal ones, and not just jewellery Kim was borrowing for fashion week.

Kim and her family were placed under police protection at the George V Palace hotel after the incident, and a spokesperson told DailyMail.com she is 'badly shaken but physically unharmed'.

Back to New York City: Kim and Kanye pictured returning to the U.S. on Monday after news of Kim's robbery ordeal in Paris hit headlines

Meanwhile, Kanye has been praised by the Meadows Music & Arts Festival organisers for how he dealt with cutting short his set.

The 39-year-old rapper stopped his headline performance at the New York event after an hour on Sunday evening, citing a 'family emergency', after learning of wife Kim's ordeal.

Event bosses think the fact he gave a reason for an early departure made the crowd more understanding.

Performing: Kanye pictured onstage at The Meadows Music & Arts Festival on October 2

Founders Entertainment's Jordan Wolowitz said: 'I happened to be backstage when it went down, so we all dealt with it in real time. I think the team handled it as smoothly as they could in terms of getting Kanye out of there safely and, to Kanye's credit, having the instincts to say that he had a family emergency before he dropped the mic and walked off stage really helped things.

'If he had said nothing and just walked off, there could have been potential crowd issues so the situation went about as well as it could in terms of everyone's safety and well-being.

"The news, as the whole world knows, broke within the hour, so I think that for people leaving the festival looking at social media, it just blew up everywhere.
She descended on Paris Fashion Week just days before.

Yet Natalie Portman proved her and her burgeoning baby bump are quite the globe trotters as she departed Gracias Madre Mexican restaurant in West Hollywood on Wednesday night having arrived back in the states.

The 35-year-old Black Swan looked stunning in her low-key outfit as she opted for a floral top with jeans after her night at the Melrose Avenue eatery.

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On the way! Natalie Portman proved her and her burgeoning baby bump are quite the globe trotters as she departed Gracias Madre Mexican restaurant in West Hollywood on Wednesday night

Natalie is already the proud parent to son Aleph, who she welcomed in 2011 with Benjamin Millepied - her husband of two years, who she met while filming Black Swan in 2009.

The brunette beauty debuted her baby bump at the Venice Film Festival last month and has been seen blossoming ever since.

On Wednesday evening, Natalie was glowing as she went for a minimal look bar for the bold splashes of colour provided by her tropical print top.

The loose garment skimmed her baby bump while she proved she is still fitting in her jeans as she opted for a pair of skinny stonewash denims.

Glowing: The 35-year-old Black Swan looked stunning in her low-key outfit as she opted for a floral top with jeans after her night at the Melrose Avenue eatery

Dinner time: Natalie is already the proud parent to son Aleph, who she welcomed in 2011 with Benjamin Millepied - her husband of two years, who she met while filming Black Swan in 2009

Ensuring she was totally comfortable for her dinner, she went for trainers with a khaki jacket pulled over the top.

Natalie was boasting the fabled expectant mother glow as she opted to go make-up free while also wearing her glossy tresses in loose natural waves.

In 2012, Natalie and Benjamin tied the knot in an intimate Jewish ceremony, and Benjamin announced he was in the process of converting to Judaism before they moved to Paris.

Glamming it up: She descended on Paris Fashion Week just days before

Way back when: Natalie is already the proud parent to son Aleph, who she welcomed in 2011 with Benjamin Millepied - her husband of two years, who she met while filming Black Swan in 2009

Despite seeming to live a glamorous life, Natalie recently revealed she was very down to earth as she described herself to Modern Luxury magazine as just a 'harried working mom'.

The V for Vendetta star relocated her family to France in 2014 after Benjamin was made the Paris Opera Ballet's director of dance - but admitted she had struggled to adjust to the culture change.

The Israeli born star but Los Angeles native moved back to the States earlier this year, and said on Jimmy Kimmel Live: 'Everyone smiles a lot here. It's so nice. They're more cool in France. I didn't realise I got used to it until I got here and I was so surprised.'
In her five years in the spotlight, she has become embroiled in a number of feuds.

And Charlotte Crosby was facing yet another scandal after Ex On The Beach's Jemma Lucy blasted her in a foul-mouthed rant just a day before the Geordie Shore beauty headed to the In The Style launch in London on Thursday.

The 25-year-old star flaunted her long lean legs and a hint of her pretty bra in a plunging black playsuit as she shirked the tattooed reality babe's cruel words.

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Glam: Charlotte Crosby was facing yet another scandal after Ex On The Beach's Jemma Lucy blasted her in a foul-mouthed rant just a day before the Geordie Shore beauty headed to the In The Style launch in London on Thursday

Incensed Jemma was lashing out at Charlotte after claiming she had slept with her ex-boyfriend David Hawley - leading to Jemma's romp with Charlotte's long-time flame Gary 'Gaz' Beadle during the fifth season of Ex On The Beach.

After her brutal words about the dalliance, she also lashed out at the Sunderland-born beauty's business, while savagely discussing her best-selling DVD, Charlotte's 3 Minute Bum Blitz.

She told Daily Star Online: ' I'm not friends with Charlotte because she f***ed my ex (Hawley) and then I f***ed hers. I didn't do it out of spite, I did it because he is fit and I wanted to.

'From a business point of view you can't do better than Charlotte. She's got her fake DVD out with her flat arse... But she's making a lot of money which is what we want to do. She's clearly got a lot of digits in her so bank so well done but You're a c**t.'

Lashing out: Incensed Jemma was lashing out at Charlotte after claiming she had slept with her ex-boyfriend David Hawley - leading to Jemma's romp with Charlotte's long-time flame Gary 'Gaz' Beadle during the fifth season of Ex On The Beach

Following on from Gemma's outburst, Charlotte was yet again being a business brain as she headed to the In The Style show to launch her latest clothing collection.

Being her own best advertisement, the shoulderless one-piece she wore featured a deep neckline, flaunting her intricate lace bra and adding a touch of glamour in a pair of strappy sandals, she carried a large Louis Vuitton hold-all bag.

Wearing her ombre blonde tresses perfectly blow-dried and falling from a centre parting, Charlotte put on a glamorous appearance as she arrived at 100 Wardour Street .

And looking immaculately preened, the MTV star sported defined brows a touch of bronzer and accentuated her full lips with a dash of lipgloss.

LBP: The star flaunted her long lean legs and a hint of her pretty bra in a plunging black jumpsuit

Racy: The shoulderless one-piece featured a deep neckline, flaunting her intricate lace bra

Earlier in the week she took her followers on a guided tour of her incredible home which she has been building for some months.

In the latest Snapchat spree, Charlotte unveiled the mansion and certainly appeared overjoyed with the result as she opened the clip with: 'As you all know I've been building my house... I'm finally it it!'

Located near Newcastle, the impressive home features a sprawling staircase, a walk-in-wardrobe and even has its own swimming pool.

Preened: Wearing her ombre blonde tresses perfectly blow-dried, Charlotte put on a glamorous appearance

New house! Earlier in the week she took her many followers on a guided tour of her incredible home which she has been building for many months

Meanwhie Binky Felstead and Billie Faiers, who are also collaborating on the celebrity inspired line, were also in attendance.

Adding even more glamour TOWIE star Billie showed off her frame in a paisley patterned shirt dress.

Cinched in at the waist to make the most of her fabulous figure, the mother-of-one- who recently announced her pregnancy, teamed it with black thigh-high boots.

Accessorising with sunglasses and a choker, she looked every inch the stylish reality star.

Proud home owner! Located near Newcastle, the impressive home features a sprawling staircase, a walk-in wardrobe and even has its own swimming pool

Yummy mummy: Adding even more glamour TOWIE star Billie Faiers showed off her frame in a paisley patterned shirt dress

Binky added her usual effortless glamour in a loose-fitting khaki dress.

Flaunting her enviable legs, the nifty number skimmed the tops of her thighs, and she teamed it with flat knee-high suede boots.

Leaving her brunette tresses loose, the Made In Chelsea star showed off her natural beauty under autumnal-inspired make up.

Understated elegance: Binky added her usual effortless glamour in a loose-fitting khaki dress
She made an abrupt early exit from Paris Fashion Week, as she flew back to the states to be close to her older sister, Kim Kardashian.

But Kendall Jenner appeared less than somber in an Instagram snap on Thursday, as she played up for the camera in a quirky fur jacket.

Sharing the snap with her 66.8million followers, the 20-year-old can be seen bursting into fits of giggles as she models a quirky heart-shaped cape.

Having a giggle: Kendal Jenner appeared to be full of the joys of ife in an Instagram snap on Thursday, as she played up for the camera in a quirky fur jacket

Kendal, who left PFW to be by Kim's side following her armed robbery ordeal, looked to be in a decidedly giddy mood.

Sat on a leather bench, the model can be seen modelling a red fur cape - the very same one that Rihanna was seen sporting earlier in the year.

Paired with some ropped denim jeans, slip-on trainers, the model appeared to be trying on the fur cape in a fitting room.

And judging by the pair of over-sized retro glasses the supermodel was sporting, she was also trying them on for a laugh.

A new trend? Kendal's photo shows her modelling a red fur cape - the very same one that Rihanna was seen sporting earlier in the year

An ordeal: The funny shot, which she shared with her 66.8million followers, coems days after her sister Kim Kardashian was robbed at gun-point in a luxury Paris apartment

The runway queen wore her long dark hair in a care-free up do, whilst she wore minimal make-up.

Keen to share the joke with her followers, Kendal captioned her image: 'Low key look.'

Her fun-filled post comes as her sister Kim, 35, is coming to terms with the aftermath of an armed robbery in her exclusive Parisian apartment earlier on this week.

On Sunday night armed robbers stole 8.5million worth of jewellery from the reality star at gun point after tying her up.

The missing jewels: On Sunday night armed robbers stole 8.5million worth of jewellery from the reality star at gun point after tying her up

After leaving Paris on Monday, Kim reunited with husband Kanye West in New York, returned to her Airbnb rental and has not stepped out in public since.

Kim's close friends and family have rallied around the reality star as she recovers from the traumatic experience.

Meanwhile, Kanye has also rescheduled two of his upcoming shows for his ongoing Saint Pablo Tour that were scheduled for October 4 and 6.

A source told E! News that Kim is 'emotionally damaged' after her ordeal.

'This is something that has the potential to screw anyone up for a very long time,' the insider said.

'It was incredibly frightening and it's going to take a while to get over it.'
He was hospitalised just two years ago after years of alcohol abuse and famously revealed photos of himself being treated in a hospital bed.

And now, rocker Deryck Whibley has recalled he was warned by doctors that he was just one drink away from death.

The Sum 41 frontman was hospitalised with liver and kidney failure due to excessive drinking in May 2014, and was issued a stark warning by medics that he had to give up alcohol for good.

Happy and healthy: Deryck Whibley, pictured back in April, has now recovered

He told The Toronto Sun: 'At that point when I was in the hospital, they were saying one more drink would kill me at that point or give me cirrhosis or something. They didn't even know how bad it was going to be.

'It took a while before I was able to find out there was no permanent liver damage. But that first period there was definitely no way I could have another drink. It was like, "You're done".'

Deryck is still adjusting to life without alcohol and though he currently has no urge to drink, he knows he may not feel like that again.

'It's just sort of learning how to be me without it,' he said. 'I didn't really know who that person was because I'd never met that person yet. From like 17 years old 'til 34, there weren't too many days sober.

Tragic: Close call: The Sum 41 frontman shared photos of himself undergoing treatment back in 2014

Thin: Deryck showed a distinctive weight loss after he left hospital

'I don't plan on drinking again and I don't have any urges or thoughts and that's great but I also know that may never last. It might not last forever. It could be 20 years from now. I have no idea.'

The 36-year-old rocker married model Ariana Cooper last year and has previously credited her with helping him turn his life around.

He was previously married to Avril Lavigne for four years - the couple divorced in 2010. Avril revealed her own struggles with Lyme Disease last year.

'I know she continues to get better and shes working pretty hard at it,' he said. 'But as far as day-to-day goes, I think its up and down for that kind of situation.'

Settled down: Deryck married model Ariana Cooper last year and has credited her with helping to turn his life around

He has now penned a new Sum 41 album, 13 Voices, and the record takes its title from the 'chaos and noise' in his head that left him fearing he was 'going crazy'.

'It was just sort of a very uncertain time,' he said. 'A lot of insecurities. I actually thought I was going crazy at one point. I thought I was turning schizophrenic or something.

'I had so much chaos and so much noise in my head. Everything was a question, which is where the term 13 Voices' came from.

Short lived: Deryck and Avril Lavigne, pictured in 2007, were only married for four years

The Fatlip hitmaker even says that now he gets more enjoyment out of performing live now he is sober.

He explained: 'I feel it more. You notice it more. And what I also notice more is the audience reaction. You see it.
She's the striking brunette, vying for the last remaining spot on Australia's Next Top Model.

But New South Wales' Vitoria Triboni proved she's already got star potential, stunning in jewellery and accessory brand Swarovski's latest campaign.

The 25-year-old smouldered for the camera in a number of slinky ensembles that offered a glimpse of skin.

It's crystal clear! Australia's Next Top Model's Vitoria Triboni, 25, proved she's got star potential, stunning in Swarovski's Crystaldust campaign

One particular image saw Vitoria highlighting her cleavage in a form-fitting silk frock that featured cut-out detailing near the bust.

While adorning her body with a selection of the brand's latest jewels, the focus was drawn to the Brazil-raised star's natural beauty.

With her long brunette tresses falling in relaxed waves around her face and shoulders, she simply enhanced her striking facial features with a flawless complexion, defined brows, a metallic eye and a matte nude lip.

Sultry: Another image saw the svelte personality take the plunge in a long-sleeved silk wrap dress that featured a low neckline

Breathtaking: The brunette beauty's defined cheekbones were on display in the campaign shots

Another image saw the svelte personality take the plunge in a long-sleeved silk wrap dress that featured a low neckline.

The wrap design accentuated Vitoria's slender waist, while the open neck drew attention to her delicate decolletage.

Mixing things up, the beauty donned a strapless gold embellished frock that offered just a glimpse of cleavage.

Pulling off a sultry expression, Vitoria framed half of her face with her luscious brunette locks.

Good as gold: Mixing things up, the beauty donned a strapless gold embellished frock that offered just a glimpse of cleavage

Lightening the mood, Vitoria looked angelic in a feminine white frock with thin spaghetti straps.

Delicate silver jewellery adorned her neck, while a number of bangles focused in on her lean arms.

Another white ensemble then saw Vitoria donning a lace button-up shirt, with several buttons left undone.

All-white: Lightening the mood, Vitoria looked angelic in a feminine white frock with thin spaghetti straps

White-on-the-mark: Another ensemble saw Vitoria donning a lace button-up shirt, with several buttons left undone

Star attraction: Vitoria sported what appeared to be a white jumpsuit with a star pattern that offered a glimpse of skin

Taking on a more glamorous feel, another shot saw Vitoria sport a black and silver sequinned sweater, tucked into a pleated black skirt.

A number of choker-style necklaces toughened up the girly feel and once again zoomed in on her striking facial features.

Making a statement: Taking on a more glamorous feel, Vitoria sported a black and silver sequinned sweater, tucked into a pleated black skirt

Attraction: A number of choker-style necklaces toughened up the girly feel and once again zoomed in on her striking facial features
They already admitted they are in therapy.

Now The Bachelor stars Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell have revealed they don't have any wedding plans yet despite getting engaged 10 months ago on TV.

The blonde star told People, 'We are not in any rush.'

Happy in love: The Bachelor stars Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell are not in a rush to wed, according to People; seen on September 23 at the iHeartRadio Festival in Las Vegas

Lauren, 26, explained to the magazine that while they are in no hurry, their friends and family around them are in a rush to see them wed.

She said: 'We're both ready to get married, but we haven't set a date because we want to make sure we're not doing it for anyone but ourselves.'

Their delay in getting to I do is not about 'cold feet or second thoughts,' Ben added.

'We just want to do it on our own terms. And we want to be engaged. We don't want to look back when we're fifty and think we could have enjoyed this time more.'

Her prince charming: Lauren, who said yes to Ben's proposal 10 months ago on the finale, told People: 'We are not in any rush;' seen on her Instagram one week ago

Lauren, who revealed she likes winter weddings, hopes for 'something really romantic and intimate, with lots of candles.'

The blonde star, who moved into his Denver residence in April, told People that the twosome just want to be 'confident and comfortable' about tying the knot.

Ben dreams of looking over at his bride on their wedding day and just knowing 'that she is completely filled with joy in that moment.'

It started with a kiss: Lauren, 26, said that while they are in no hurry, their friends and family around them are in a rush to see them wed; pictured on his Instagram last week

Happy: Lauren, who revealed she likes winter weddings, hopes for 'something really romantic and intimate;' pictured on September 24 at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas

He said: 'I want it to be one heck of a party. Love is what life is all about!'

In another interview with People, Ben divulged that the lovebirds are already in therapy.

'We're not the perfect couple. Far from it!' he added. 'But we are trying really hard and we love each other a lot.'

Ben and Lauren have been going to couples counseling at their church, because they 'want to get a foundation that is healthy and pure and honest, with some help from a mediator,' he said.

Lauren, who said she is 'so committed' to him, told the magazine, 'there are so many weird elements to being in a relationship after The Bachelor.'

They are set to star in Freeform's Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After? - which premieres on October 11.
Last week she denied having sex on set of The Bachelorette.

And on Thursday, Georgia Love revealed she has also never had a one night stand.

During an appearance on KIIS FM's Kyle & Jackie O Show, the 28-year-old told the radio hosts she is proud to have never slept with someone as a one off.

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Good girl: Bachelorette Georgia Love has revealed she has never had a one night stand

'I have had three serious boyfriends. And I have never had a one night stand,' she revealed.

'I am happy to say that,' Georgia added, to which Jackie O answered: 'That is pretty impressive.'

Unsurprisingly, Kyle Sandilands couldn't hold back her smart remarks, saying: 'Maybe its impressive to you Jackie but to me thats not impressive at all.'

Hands to herself: During her interview with KIIS FM, the 28-year-old said she is proud to have never slept with someone as a one off

Embarrassed: Her comments comes a week after she revealed to the popular radio show that she is still with her chosen man while she tried to dodge questions about her sex life

Her comments comes a week after she told the popular radio show that she is still with her chosen man while she tried to dodge questions about her sex life.

When shock jock, Kyle Sandilands asked, 'so you've had sex right,' the former news reporter giggled awkwardly as she replied: 'I'm not talking about sex Kyle'.

'I think it is just a given. You only had sex with the winner right? You didn't do it with anyone else?' Kyle continued to question, refusing to back down.

Georgia bluntly replied: 'I can safely say, I did not have sex on the show...You can learn a lot about someone by kissing them'.

Awkward: When shock jock, Kyle Sandilands asked, 'so you've had sex right,' the former news reporter giggled awkwardly as she replied: 'I'm not talking about sex Kyle'

She went on to explain she has only seen her final rose receiver once since filming stopped and insisted the secret meeting 'went well'.

'I am happy, that is all I can say for now,' Georgia said, avoiding the question if she was in love.

The Bachelorette Australia airs on Network 10 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm.
She seems to be in nostalgic mood.

One day after making a visit home to Neverland, Paris Jackson, 18, shared a throwback snap of her self with Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin.

'Throwback to when the best godfather ever drew me,' she wrote alongside the photo in which she's seen holding up a colorful portrait of herself as Culkin laughs and gives two thumbs up.

Reminiscing: On Thursday, Paris Jackson, 18, posted a throwback photo of herself with actor Macaulay Culkin who is her godfather. She's showing a colorful portrait he drew of her

Culkin, 36, became friends with Paris' dad Michael Jackson after starring in the popular Home Alone movies.

The King of Pop made him godfather not only to his daughter but also to his sons Prince and Blanket.

Paris doesn't say when the photo she shared to Instagram was taken but the post clearly indicates that the New York-based actor remains close to the Jackson's kids.

Pals: Home Alone star Culkin and Paris' dad Michael Jackson became close friends in the early 1990s and Culkin took the stand in Jackson's defense at his 2005 child molestation trial

'Couldn't be happier': Paris was thrilled to get her father's superhero themed pyjamas

Back in May 2005, Culkin took the stand at Jackson's child molestation trial in Santa Maria, California, to defend the Thriller hitmaker.

The former child star acknowledged sleeping in the same bed with Jackson many times as a young boy during visits to Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County, California, but insisted he was always fully clothed and was never molested by the pop star.

He explained that his bond with Jackson began after the entertainer called him 'kinda out of the blue' after Culkin became an overnight sensation in 1990 at the age of 10 thanks to Home Alone.

'This is what happiness looks like': The teen said that she was feeling 'comforted' by having her dad's clothes

'So good to be home': Clearly in a nostalgic mood, Paris made a visit to Neverland Ranch on Wednesday and shared several photos to her Instagram

On Wednesday, Paris accompanied by musician boyfriend Michael Snoddy, 26, went back to Neverland for a brief visit, and was thrilled to pick up some of her father's old clothing.

She posted several pics to her Instagram including one of the iconic front of the 3,000 acre ranch and a few of her petting llamas that still live on the property that once housed tigers, giraffes and chimpanzees.

Her father purchased the ranch in 1987 for $19.5 million and lived there until authorities raided the property in 2003, as they investigated claims of child sexual abuse.

The property is currently listed for sale at $100 million.

Competing for the camera: The teen spent some time visiting with the llamas that still live on the 3,000-acre property that once housed tigers, giraffes and chimpanzees
Lenny Henry looked pretty pleased with himself as he headed to a party with his girlfriend Lisa Makin on Wednesday night.

The 58-year-old held hands with his love, who is a dead ringer for his ex Dawn French, 58, as they headed to Matthew Freud's star-studded party.

Lenny was dressed up for the occasion, wearing a waistcoat over striped trousers and a crisp white shirt.

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In love: Lenny Henry and his Dawn French lookalike girlfriend Lisa Makin held hands as they headed to to a Freud party held in honour of Kevin Cahill, Chief Executive of Comic Relief

Gorgeous: Lisa is a dead ringer for Dawn French, who he split from in 2010 following 25 years of marriage

Making his own style rules, the funnyman stuck on a pair of black trainers, carrying his bags in one hand.

Lisa, who has been dating Lenny since 2013, wore a pretty green satin top and trousers, jazzing things up with a matching floral chiffon scarf.

The party was held in honour of Kevin Cahill, Chief Executive of Comic Relief for the past 26 years.

Caring: The pair, who have been dating for three years - were keen to show their support for Kevin, who has worked for the charity for 26 years

The charity, which has raised over a billion pounds in the last thirty years, was founded in 1985 by the comedy scriptwriter Richard Curtis and comedian Lenny in response to famine in Ethiopia.

They were in good company on the night as a host of other celebrities were also in attendance.

Holly and Nick Candy, Miranda Hart and pregnant Alex Jones were just some of the names on the star-studded guest list.

PR Guru Matthew Freud had to cancel a party due to be held in June for senior staff of his company and their families - just hours after his father was exposed as a paedophile.

A-list attendance: Miranda Hart was just one big name who joined Emma Freud at the glitzy bash

Mr Freud, 52, the founder of Freud Communications, was set to host the party at his 20m six-bedroom home in Primrose Hill, north London at the time.

But he contacted guests to call off the get-together, in light of the revelations that his late father Sir Clement Freud was a serial child abuser who targeted girls over four decades.

The bash was due to coincide with ITV's Exposure documentary detailing Sir Clement's dark past.
Kanye West immediately cancelled New York concert after hearing of robbery

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Kim Kardashian was surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday afternoon as she emerged from her New York City apartment  three days after being robbed at gunpoint in Paris.

The American TV personality, 35, kept a hood pulled over her face as she made her way towards a waiting car with husband Kanye West and their two children, North, three, and 10-month old Saint.

Flanked by bodyguards, a shaken Kim cradled her daughter during the short walk from her apartment complex to the vehicle that waited for her on the sidewalk.

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Shaken: Kim Kardashian was surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday afternoon as she emerged from her New York City apartment  three days after being robbed at gunpoint in Paris

Following his wife, Kanye's face was creased with concern as he held their infant son, who looked bewildered by the media storm surrounding his parents.

Kim gave no acknowledgement to onlookers as she continues to recover from the traumatic events that unfolded in the earlier hours of Monday evening.

Meanwhile Kim's bodyguard has been spotted outside the star's New York apartment despite severing all online ties from his social media accounts.

I've got you: Flanked by bodyguards, a shaken Kim cradled her daughter during the short walk from her apartment complex to the vehicle that waited for her on the sidewalk

In safe hands: The American TV personality, 35, kept a hood pulled over her face as she made her way towards a waiting car with husband Kanye West and their two children, North, three, and 10-month old Saint

Ready to go: The car door was help open for the star as she prepared to depart with her family on Thursday afternoon

Pascal Duvier, 43, had earlier filed for bankruptcy in his hometown of Heidelberg, Germany. Court documents show the bodyguard lodged papers some ten weeks ago after reporting debts of more than 1 million.

Duvier, 43, who was in a nightclub when the star fell victim to a 8.5million heist as she slept alone in her Paris hotel was in New York earlier today outside the star's luxury apartment.

His German ProtectSecurity firm, which has run security for a host of stars from Kim's husband Kanye West to the Black Eyed Peas, has racked up debts totalling 1,093,518 (961,296).

Eyes down: Kim and Kanye gave no acknowledgement to onlookers as the socialite continues to recover from her terrifying ordeal in Paris

Low key: Kim dressed down in a baggy hooded top, cropped jeans and Vans trainers during her latest appearance

The insolvency lawyer on the case told MailOnline: 'There is so much debt. There are many claimants. I cannot say the exact number. Lots.'

Kim was subjected to a terrifying ordeal in the early hours of Monday morning when five gunmen disguised as police officers and wearing ski masks to hide their faces bound and gagged her in the luxury Hotel de Pourtales.

Mother-of-two Kim had been left alone in the suite while bodyguard Duvier went to high-end nightclub L'Arc with her sisters Kourtney and Kendall Jenner.

Protective: Kim kept her arms wrapped around her three-year old daughter as a driver held their car door open

Daddy's boy: Young Saint looked bewildered by the media storm surrounding his parents on Thursday afternoon

Costly: Jewelry worth an estimated $8.5 million was stolen during the early morning raid in Paris on Monday morning

Horrifying: Kim was subjected to a terrifying ordeal in the early hours of Monday morning when five gunmen disguised as police officers and wearing ski masks to hide their faces bound and gagged her in the luxury Hotel de Pourtales

Devoted: Kanye immediately cancelled a concert in New York City after hearing of the robbery

Bodyguard Duvier arrived at the flat two minutes after the gangsters escaped on bicycles with her 3.5million engagement ring - apparently after being alerted by a text message from Kim's best friend Simone Harouche.

Duvier, who has vowed to track down the attackers, has faced claims he left the star exposed by failing to secure the flat in his absence.

Kim has reportedly told friends that she does not blame him for the crime. There is no suggestion Duvier had any involvement or that he is under any suspicion.

Meanwhile: Pascal Duvier, 43, arrived outside the New York apartment where Kim Kardashian was staying earlier that day

It is the first time Duvier, pictured, has been spotted near the star since her terrifying ordeal in Paris on Monday

Insolvency: Kim's bodyguard Pascal Duvier, pictured above with Kim in Paris last weekend, filed for bankruptcy for his German security company ten weeks ago with debts of more than 1million

By Wednesday afternoon, Duvier had deleted all references that he had worked for Kim from his social media accounts. That included photos of the reality TV star and pictures of him while he was working as her bodyguard.

Duvier has not been fired by Kim or Kanye and according to TMZ, sources say deleting the content from his accounts is a safety measure to block possible thieves from figuring out the couple's whereabouts.

The 6-4' selfie-loving security guard has worked for Kanye West since 2012, and won acclaim just a week ago when he saved Kim from being grabbed by prankster Vitalii Sediuk in Paris.

On his LinkedIn profile, Duvier says: 'My goal as the Chairman of ProtectSecurity is build a security team around the protected person.'

Shabby: Duvier was seen at his security business premises in Eppelheim, Germany, in recent weeks. A woman who runs a hairdressing salon on the mini-industrial estate said: 'He came here with his secretary but didn't stay long. Since then the blinds have been down and there has not been a soul here.'

Bankruptcy: Official documents obtained by MailOnline, above, reveal that Mr Duvier filed for insolvency for his ProtectSecurity firm on July 22 in his German hometown of Heidelberg

Debt: Duvier's ProtectSecurity firm, which has boasted of running security for a host of stars from Kim's husband Kanye West to the Black Eyed Peas, has racked up total debts of 1.093,518, 63

Too much debt: An insolvency lawyer appointed to Mr Duvier's case said the company owes lots of money. The premises where ProtectSecurity was registered, above, rent for less than 400 a month in south-east Germany

High opinion: Pascal Duvier's self aggrandizing Instagram posts reveal how much faith he appears to have in himself and his ability to protect his employer, Kim Kardashian

Hot stuff: The bodyguard likes to promote himself heavily on social media and creates the impression amid the hashtags and name dropping that he knows exactly what he is doing

Dapper: The selfie-loving German bodyguard has often shared images on social media after building his own online following thanks to his work with celebrities but has turned his account settings private in the wake of the attack

Show off strength: The burly bodyguard shared photos on his Instagram account of him attempting to lift huge objects

He has apparently run the company for 19 years and his profile says he has lots of experience with high profile clients having worked for Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, Will.i.am, the Pussycat Dolls, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Lana del Rey and Katy Perry.

The paperwork was lodged at the justice centre on the banks of the Neckar River at 8am on July 22.

The insolvency document for the case said the company's 'inability to pay and debts' meant that a lawyer was appointed by the court to examine all its finances.

The lawyer told MailOnline that normally an insolvency specialist is appointed to help try to rescue a failing business.

He said: 'There is so much debt. There are many claimants. I cannot say the exact number. Lots.'

Base: Although he travels the world, Duvier was previously registered to a modest tower block in Heidelberg in south-east Germany, above

'It was known to me that Herr Duvier is the bodyguard of Frau Kardashian.'

The insolvency paperwork further states that claimants who say the company owes them money had until September 16 to file their claims.

The document says that the case should be settled through correspondence, which would spare any court appearances.

Part of the insolvency lawyer's job will be to ascertain whether the company has any money in any other accounts, any assets not declared or anything else of value which could be used to pay the creditors.

The claims will be assessed initially on the 10th of October.

Collapse: The insolvency paperwork states that the case should be settled through correspondence

Duvier was last seen at his security business premises in Eppelheim in recent weeks.

A woman who runs a hairdressing salon on the mini-industrial estate said: 'He came here with his secretary but didn't stay long. Since then the blinds have been down and there has not been a soul here.'

The premises rent for less than 400 a month and are located next to various companies in offices separated by hardwood walls.

Educated in mathematics at Heidelberg University, Duvier spent time in his youth as a bouncer at discos and nightclubs in the famed academic city.

He went in the Bundeswehr to perform his mandatory military service when he was 18 in 1991. According to a friend who attended the same judo club as him, he signed on as a regular soldier for three more years.

The friend said: 'He liked the army. He went on to work at the NATO HQ in Heidelberg' - a facility which was shut down in 2013.

The court documents do not list who the company owes money to or how much in assets it still has.

The revelation that Duvier's firm has filed for insolvency will be a further blow, after the attack on his star client.

Take down: Kim declared 'Pascal's a G! He's the best bodyguard in town' after he saved her from being grabbed by prankster Vitalii Sediuk in Paris

Concerned: Duvier posted throwback photos on Twitter of a time Kim got swamped by fans and paparazzi and said 'this make me angry'

On October 2 - hours before the raid on Kim's apartment - he wrote: 'You don't become a bodyguard over night. It's a job with dedication, responsibility and passion.'

Following the robbery, a source told Us magazine: 'Kim is not blaming Pascal. She felt completely safe at the Paris apartment and doesn't believe this is his fault in any way,' they said.

Kim was sleeping alone in just a robe when she heard the robbers running upstairs around 2.30am Monday.

She feared she would be raped as her wrists were bound with plastic ties, and pleaded with her attackers: 'Please don't kill me! I have children'.

After managing to wriggle free, she apparently fled to the balcony in the nine-flat block and screamed for help.

Within two minutes Duvier was on the scene, according to accounts from the Kardashians.

Two days on, police in the French capital do not appear to be close to solving the robbery.

Kim and her best friend, the stylist Simone Harouche, were left by themselves in an apartment in Paris before the raid

A source in Paris has said: 'Forensic enquiries have also been carried out, but as yet there is no useful DNA evidence.'

Investigators said Ms Kardashian and her stylist Ms Harouche, who was also in the flat at the time, had provided brief statements before returning to the USA within hours of the crime.

The only other confirmed witness is an unnamed porter who is said to have been tied up and gagged and left in the stairwell.

Detectives have already confirmed that there was no CCTV camera inside or directly outside the block, where flats rent for up to 8000-a-week. But an American linked to of Bel Ange ('Beautiful Angel'), a nail salon close to Ms Kardashian's home, said film of the gang running away is indeed available.

MailOnline requested comment from Pascal Duvier through the Kardashians' PR but they have declined.

His sister told MailOnline the claims were 'false' but when told there were public documents she added: 'You have to speak to him. This is private. My brother will meet all his debts.'

It has since been revealed that there were no CCTV cameras either inside or directly outside the luxury apartment, above, where Kim was staying with 8.5million worth of jewels
His glamorous mother Victoria Beckham has always done her bit for charity, as the International Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS.

And it seems Brooklyn Beckham is following in his mother's footsteps, as he accompanied her on an emotional trip to Africa with the charity on Thursday.

The 17-year-old took to Instagram to post an adorable snap of him holding a newborn baby at the New Life Home Trust clinic in Kenya - who he then revealed had been sweetly named after him.

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Honoured: Brooklyn Beckham, 17, revealed a newborn baby in an AIDS clinic in Kenya was named after him on Thursday, after accompanying his mother on a charity trip

Brooklyn, kitted out in a UNAIDS white T-shirt and trademark cap, was seen gently cradling a tiny baby in a soft blue blanket in the intimate snap.

Smiling slightly at the camera the budding photographer looked overwhelmed by the experience, especially since the newborn was then named after him in light of his help and support at the clinic.

He gushed in the caption: 'Humbled by the most inspiring family running @newlifehomeke - Honoured to meet newborn baby Brooklyn! @unaidsglobal @bornfreeafrica @victoriabeckham'

The photo gathered over 270,000 likes in two hours from fans and followers.

Emotional experience: The teen posted numerous photos informing fans of his trip, captioning a black and white shot of one of the 'beautiful babies' at the New Life Home Trust clinic

He later posted a shot of an adorable little boy sitting down and relaxing amongst the chaos of the clinic.

Continuing to inform followers of the inspiring experience, the eldest child of the Beckham clan wrote: 'Meeting the beautiful babies @newlifehomeke thx @unaids + @bornfreeafrica for bringing us on this field trip @victoriabeckham'

Brooklyn and his mother Victoria, 42, have jetted from London to Kenya to visit the New Life Home Trust and Beyond Zero clinics, in order to learn more about the therapies and treatments available for children and parents with HIV.

The designer has also been taking to her social media to promote the trip - posting a gorgeous black and white snap of her gazing lovingly at a suffering child, before adding another of her measuring a patient's heartbeat.

Doting mother: Victoria, 42, joined Brooklyn on the trip to Kenya with UNAIDS to learn more about HIV treatmeants available, as the charity's ambassador

The trip comes as part of Victoria's role as the International Goodwill Ambassador for the charity, which she has held since 2014.

She said at the time of appointment: 'This is the beginning of an important journey for me. As a woman and a mother I have a responsibility to support other women.'

The former Spice Girl continues: 'I am proud and honoured to be working with UNAIDS in this new role to help to raise resources and awareness to support and empower women and children affected by HIV.'

While Victoria is happy to help and care for children in struggling countries, she recently admitted that she is 'done' with having kids of her own.

Sharing: The designer has also been taking to her social media - posting a gorgeous photo of her measuring a young patient's heartbeat

When asked if she planned to add to their family by Sunday Times Style Magazine, she admitted: 'No! I am done. People have been obsessed with it - she's getting divorced, she's pregnant, she's getting divorced, she's pregnant - ever since I met David.'

Victoria is also mother to sons Romeo, 13, and Cruz, 11, and daughter Harper, 5, who did not join them on the trip.

Speaking further about her four children Victoria revealed she found being a parent became harder the older they get.

She explained: 'The most important thing is to make sure that each child gets the individual attention that they need... I do feel that I'm being pulled in four different directions with the children.'

Close bond: Brooklyn and Victoria have spent a lot of time together recently, with the youngster uploaded an intimate shot of him hugging his mother on Instagram last week

Husband David Beckham, 41, remained at home with the rest of their offspring after a recent lengthy trip to Tokyo.

He was last seen taking Harper out in London to watch her brothers skate at their local park.

Meanwhile Brooklyn and Victoria have spent a lot of time together recently, documenting their mother-son bond frequently to fans.

Earlier this week, the stylish ex of Chloe Moretz shared another adorable black and white photo with his fashion designer mum's arms wrapped around his neck, to his loyal 8.6million followers.
She knows well enough the trials her husband faces in prison - having served her own 11-month sentence last year.

And now Teresa Giudice has given voice to her fears for Joe Giudice's safety, in a clip filmed shortly before his incarceration for fraud.

'I think about the fights and stuff in there,' she admitted to her brother Joe Gorga.

'I worry about the fights!' Teresa Giudice reveals prison fears for husband Joe as she talks with her brother in an upcoming episode of the Real Housewives Of New Jersey

Opening up: Talking to her brother Joe Gorga, Teresa gave voice to her fears for Joe Giudice's safety, in a clip filmed shortly before his incarceration for fraud

'Because I just feel like guys, right away they lose their temper. I told him, you know, just be careful of who you deal with.'

Joe is serving out his 41 month prison sentence for fraud charges. He already has six under his belt.

Yet while her brother is sympathetic to Joe's plight, his sympathy only went so far.

Bitter? Teresa admitted to feeling some anger, but said she should never have signed documents she hadn't read

The Real Housewives of New Jersey episode will air on Sunday, October 9 on Bravo in the U.S.

In the clip from the upcoming episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, he asks Teresa: 'Were you bitter at Joe?'

Her husband took the lead in setting up the mortgage deals that eventually led to the couple's arrest.

Teresa admitted to some anger, but made it clear she was also to blame.

Her man: Joe Giudice is in prison, serving a 41 month prison sentence for fraud charges

'I was mad that I got stuck with being involved,' she said.

'Yes, I shouldve made sure everything on those papers were correct before signing them, but nothing was done intentionally. You know? We trusted the wrong people.'
John Krasinski spoke about his plan to direct a live read of Good Will Hunting in front of about 800 people during an appearance on Good Morning America on Thursday.

The actor and filmmaker revealed he is casting 'a lot of really cool people' including wife Emily Blunt.

'That movie didn't do well so it's about time we gave it it's due,' he joked.

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Say, what? John Krasinski was surprised by Ben Affleck who crashed his GMA appearance on Thursday

George Stephanopoulos then revealed that the ABC morning show had someone on hand who 'knows a little bit about that movie.'

'Is Matt Damon here?' a shocked Krasinski immediately responded.

The audience and anchors laughed as the camera panned across the studio to show Ben Affleck standing in the wings.

Krasinski then collapsed with laughter, too, while applauding the actor who was on GMA to promote his new film The Accountant.

As Affleck stood there sheepishly and giving a wave to the audience, Krasinski tried to cover his tracks: 'Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you had the handsome one here.'

On the ABC morning show, Krasinski spoke about his plan to direct a live read of the script for Good Will Hunting, the 1997 film co-written by and starring Affleck and Matt Damon

He explained that he was casting 'some really cool people' for the read including his wife, Girl On The Train star Emily Blunt

Co-anchor George Stephanopoulos then remarked that there was someone around who knew a little something about the film

'Is Matt Damon here?' a shocked Krasinski immediately responded

The camera then panned across the studio to show Affleck waiting in the wings to the delight of the audience

Krasinski dissolved in laughter and applauded Affleck who took on a rather self-deprecating air

The 1997 film starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck won an Oscar for supporting actor Robin Williams and an Academy Award for the screenplay written by the two young actors.

Krasinski and Blunt are pals with Damon and his wife Luciana along with Ben, and Krasinski and Damon co-wrote and starred together in the film Promised Land.

The Hollars director announced his plans for the Live Read NYC event via Twitter on September 30.

Krasinski, who is good friends with Damon and Affleck, announced his Live Read of Good Will Hunting via Twitter on September 30. It will take place in NYC on Friday evening

Posting a selfie with Blunt, he wrote: 'So I'm casting this #LiveReadNY of GOOD WILL HUNTING, then ran into this #girlonthetrain and thought... yeah, its time we worked together!'

He will announce additional cast via Twitter over the next couple of days.

The event is scheduled for Friday October 7 at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts and is sponsored by Film Independent and the New York Times.
Black Mirror is making a welcome comeback, with the third series landing on Netflix later this month.

And Charlie Brooker's twisted tech anthology has scored some big names this time around, with Alice Eve and Bryce Dallas Howard appearing in an upcoming episode together.

The leading ladies were putting in a glamorous appearance at the LFF Connects Television: Black Mirror screening during the 60th BFI London Film Festival at Chelsea Cinema on Thursday.

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Leading ladies: Bryce Dallas Howard and Alice Eve were putting in a glamorous appearance at the LFF Connects Television: Black Mirror screening during the 60th BFI London Film Festival at Chelsea Cinema on Thursday

Alice, 34, stunned in a red velvet dress with contrasting black panels, a low neckline emphasising her ample cleavage.

The blonde bombshell dressed up her look with simple black heels and a pair of dazzling silver earrings.

The Star Trek stunner wore her blonde bob in tousled waves, exuding glamour as she walked the red carpet.

Buxom beauty: Alice, 34, stunned in a red velvet dress with contrasting black panels, a low neckline emphasising her ample cleavage

Glamorous: The blonde bombshell dressed up her look with simple black heels and a pair of dazzling silver earrings

Star power: American actress Bryce, 35, looked lovely in a lace dress with demure sleeves and a two-tone skirt

New series: Bryce and Alice will appear alongside Grantchesters James Norton in an installment directed by Atonement's Joe Wright

Eagerly-awaited: In September 2015, Netflix commissioned a third season to consist of 12 episodes, which has since been divided into two series of six

American actress Bryce, 35, looked lovely in a lace dress with demure sleeves and a two-tone skirt.

The fitted number was completed with a pair of strappy heels and she wore her red locks down loose.

Bryce and Alice will appear alongside Grantchesters James Norton in an installment directed by Atonement's Joe Wright.

Popular series: Black Mirror offers a chilling insight into how technology can take over our lives in modern day society

Eerie: Black Mirror offers a chilling insight into how technology can take over our lives in modern day society

Must-watch: Series three kicks off with an episode titled San Junipero, which will star Belle actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Fancy seeing you here! Gugu and Bryce were thrilled to see each other

Gorgeous: The actress looked sensational in a silk slip with Japanese inspired detailing

Black Mirror offers a chilling insight into how technology can take over our lives in modern day society.

The critically-acclaimed drama faces has featured appearances from the likes of Jon Hamm, Donmhall Gleeson, Jessica Brown Findlay and Hayley Atwell in the past.

In September 2015, Netflix commissioned a third season to consist of 12 episodes, which has since been divided into two series of six.

Series three kicks off with an episode titled San Junipero, which will star Belle actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw and The Martians Mackenzie Davis.

All six episodes will appear on Netflix on October 21.

Proud moment: Show creator Charlie Brooker was in attendance

Main two: Producer Annabel Jones joined Charlie at the screening
The Apprentice was back, arriving for its first series in these chaotic post-Brexit times, to remind us that it was not just great television but a public service. Either here to save the nation or finish us off.

Lord Sugar and his latest crop of thrusting financial masterminds landed in the usual blaze of glory, like modern-day Marvel characters - with a business plan.

Think the X-Men if they worked in digital marketing or the figures from Avengers: Age of Ultron dressed in suits from Next.

Here we go again: The female Apprentice contestants - later named Team Nebula - found themselves in the firing line when the BBC series kicked off on Thursday night

The problem was telling the superheroes from the villains.

In times of economic turmoil, one man stands firm ! boomed the narrator.

No not David Beckham, although he did too obviously. Not George Soros either.

Lord Sugar was clearly the Sir Ian McKellen of The Apprentice only even more brilliant and noble.

Fighting fit: Meanwhile, the boys' side Team Titan fared better in the boardroom

King of all he surveyed (the Shard, the Gherkin, and the East End), he flew in on his private plan to save the nation. Again. So far during the shows history he told his new acolytes in the boardroom, he had invested 1.25million in five businesses.

The reason they havent failed is because theyve been mentored by me ! he declared modestly.

Our future was safe. Until you saw/heard his Apprentices...

Im the business equivalent of a diamond, preened Dillon St. Paul, the Robert Downey Junior/Tony Stark of the piece. I can sparkle and light up the room. But if youre not careful I could cut you.

Thrashing it out: When the teams were divided into Boys and Girls, there was an inevitable squabble over the team names

British industry at its finest.

Im king of the truth bomb, he continued. That means Im going to tell you how it is whether you like it or not.

Personally I didnt, if only because I thought that was my title.

Karthik Nagesan meanwhile detailed his plans for global domination.

To friends and fans, Im known as The Big K. Im an emperor, a true leader ! Im going to be the Prime Minister of the UK one day but before then Im going to be a billionaire ! he roared, making Doctor Ock look like a shrinking violet. A country is not enough ! A continent is not enough. Im after the world !

Arent we all? Putting the thick in Karthik, the Big K continued: I dont walk the path that others walk. My way is a separate super highway.

Taking notes: Karren was back to keep a check on proceedings

If you say so...

Some of the female candidates were even more demented.

All Ive ever been interested in is having as much money and power as I can, insisted Alana, which seemed rather greedy.

The sheer energy that Im going to bring is going to mimic that of a nuclear explosion, hissed Aleksandra King. Once I lock myself in on the target they do not stand a chance.

Ouch. By comparison, the others claims to fame looked decidedly mundane. Oliver Nohl-Oser was merely a sausage supremo  something Marvel would probably never consider.

As for Courtney Wood, Sir Alan sighed: You model yourself on Leonardo Di Caprio. It didnt end well for him in Titanic did it?

To be fair, this was not strictly Leos fault.

Zany online fashion entrepreneur Jessica Cunningham hadnt got the hang of it at all either.

People say Im like the female version of Jim Carrey ! she trilled (which really did sound scary) while Rebecca Jeffrey breezed: my business acumen would be like a bouncing poppy. Ive got loads of infectious, giddy enthusiasm and Im going to make loads of money.

She didnt seem to realise this was not very like a poppy at all, bouncing or otherwise.

No wonder Sir Alan wanted to get down to business.

This is not just about the 250,000. This is about the company that we form together, he told them, although it was mostly about the  250k.

The first task involved sifting through a stash of bric-a-brac and collectibles to sell at car-boot sales and antiques markets.

As usual, he divided them, dismissively, into Boys versus Girls.

The section where the candidates named the teams proved as priceless as ever.

Dillons suggestion Team Assassin wasnt exactly holistic or customer-friendly while Karthiks Team Alphas was at least upfront.

In the end they settled for Team Titan on the grounds that they were, as JD put it, titans of industry, leaders of men, and mythological Greek badasses.

The girls ideas Team Limitless and Team Click sounded more like deodorants.

Aleksandra sold them Team Nebula on the grounds that its where stars like us are born. Lord Sugar wasnt the only one to see it, more accurately, as a reference to a toxic mass of gas.

Michelle Niziol put herself forward for the traditional poisoned chalice of being the first Project Manager as the grounds Ive had a mortgage company for 10 years - the obvious criteria for selling bric-a-brac.

By me ending up being Project Manager that just shows they think that Im a threat, she declared. Or an idiot, you thought...

Paul Sullivan meanwhile became PM for Team Titan after revealing I have spent quite a bit of time watching Bargain Hunt.

In terms of strategy, he stated: Were just going to have to wing it. I have no plan.

British business at its finest.

Having said that, he led Team Titan to an easy victory, making 1, 428.10p to Team Nebulas  959 and confirming Bargain Hunt was even more vital to the nations future and fortunes than we had realised.

Michelles strategy seemed to consist of selling everything as cheaply as possible  a plan that unsurprisingly  ironically  cost her dear with the likes of Frances Bishop selling a 300 leather chair for 17.50 and even boasting about her negotiating skills.

She was like  15? I was like No Way. Youve got to pay a little bit more for this. 17.50 ! Cash in the bank !

Cash out the window more like.

So Michelle made the dreaded trip back into the boardroom, electing to take sub-team leader Alana Spencer and her lowest seller, Rebecca Jeffery, with her.

Back to the boardroom: Michelle made the dreaded trip back into the boardroom when her team flopped

The boardroom is straight down to business, Michelle spelt out her tactics, making Rosa Klebb or Nurse Ratched look like Little Miss Sunshine. Im not there to make friends. Im not here to babysit anyone.

This was probably just as well. It was unlikely any of them (or anyone) would want to friends with her and with a face as joyless as hers, she would frighten any baby half to death.

I do not feel that I should be fired ! she menaced.

She was the only one. Claude Littner, who had been following Team Nebulas frantic, inept, efforts, was particularly scathing.

Its an absolutely abysmal performance, he seethed. The girls havent got a clue about value ! The first number that comes into their heads, thats what they sell it at. Theyve completely by-passed looking at what could be valuable.

For reasons best known to herself, having taken time to consult an expert, Michelle had even chosen to ignore his advice to sell the goods in Portobello Market and go with my gut and head for Camden.

Fighting it out: Michelle brought Alana Spencer and her lowest seller, Rebecca Jeffery, with her

He didnt say that we COULDNT go to Camden ! she bridled, rather missing the point.

No common sense, no business sense, no brain work! Littner summarised. Not great...

In her defence, there wasnt much Michelle could say but she tried, complaining Alana had shown a lack of organisation and a lack of leadership, which was a bit rich coming from her.

Rebecca you are floating, as dead wood does, growled Lord Sugar, hinting momentarily that doing nothing would prove worse than being a disaster (as it sometimes does in The Apprentice), before telling Michelle youre fired!

Lord Sugar fired the wrong person ! Michelle hissed, taking it graciously, in the taxi home. I think Rebecca should have gone instead of me. I dont think it will be too long before she does get fired.

The look on her face implied what she really meant was or meets with a nasty accident.

Rebecca and Lord Sugar might want to think about moving abroad.

And if this is the standard of our entrepreneurs we all should.
Kim Kardashian's family has remained silent following the reality star's scary robbery at gunpoint - with the exception of Caitlyn Jenner.

Now comes word that the still shaken reality star is heading home to be with her family in Los Angeles where 'she feels safer,' Us Weekly is reporting.

Kim has bailed on all upcoming appearances while the family's hit E! show Keeping Up With The Kardashians has been put 'on hold indefinitely.'

A rep for E! told JustJared.com: 'Kims well-being is our core focus right now. No decision has been made as to when production will resume.'

'She has cancelled everything': Kim Kardashian - who was seen leaving her NYC apartment with husband Kanye West and their kids - is heading home to LA to be with her family

The 35-year-old shunned attention as she emerged from her New York City apartment on Thursday with husband Kanye West and their two small children North, three, and 10-month-old Saint.

Kim kept her head low and covered in a large white hoodie and cap while cradling her daughter close to her chest, the rest of her outfit consisting of faded grey jeans and trainers.

Surrounded by a beefed up security squad, Kim made a beeline for a waiting vehicle.

'On hold': Keeping Up With The Kardashians has been put 'on hold indefinitely' following Kim's robbery with an E! rep saying, 'No decision has been made as to when production will resume'

Beefed up security: Kim cradled North close as she made a beeline to the waiting car amid a beefed up security squad and Kanye followed behind carrying Saint

Kanye, 39, followed a few short steps behind and looked concerned while holding onto the couple's son.

Kim - who is heading back to Los Angeles to be reunited with the rest of her Kardashian-Jenner clan - has cancelled all upcoming appearances.

'She has cancelled everything for the next several weeks and will not be working,' a source told Us Weekly. 'She feels safer in LA and wants to be home with her family.'

Right behind you: Kanye looked concerned while keeping Saint close

Gone: The robbers made away with nearly $11 million of Kim's jewelry including this ring worth $4 million that Kanye had given her

Silence: Kim's family has not commented on her scary robbery with the exception of her stepparent Caitlyn Jenner (pictured on February 11)

Keeping Up With The Kardashians has not filmed a single scene since Kim's harrowing ordeal, and it may be a while before it does.

Kim was asleep when five masked armed men stormed the private hotel and forced an employee to show them the way to the star's room.

Kim begged for her life as she was bound and gagged and tossed into the bathtub.

'She thought they were for sure going to kill her,' a source told E! News.

Return to social media: Khloe DID return to social networking when she posted a video of herself promoting her new line Good American on Thursday

Laughter is the best medicine: Kendall Jenner seemed relaxed as she posed in a Saint Laurent fur wrap in this picture posted to Instagram

'Rose gold': Kylie Jenner debuted her exciting hair colour on Thursday but kept mum on Kim's robbery ordeal

The robbers made away with nearly $11 million of jewelry including a ring worth $4 million that Kanye had given her.

By Thursday, Kim's sisters Khloe Kardashian, and Kendall and Kylie Jenner had all inched their way back to social media but not to comment on their sister's attack and robbery.

Khloe broke her silence by posting a seductive video of herself promoting the launch of her clothing label Good American.

An offer of encouragement: Caitlyn Jenner shared a message of support for Kim

Wrote the 32-year-old: 'Countdown to the launch of my denim brand @goodamerican begins! 12 days until you can shop goodamerican.com #goodsquad.'

Kylie, 18, showed off her sizzling new hair colour in a series of glamorous photos on her Instagram page, writing: 'Rose gold.'

Kendall Jenner, 20, posted a picture from a photo shoot in which she wore a Saint Laurent fur cape with an estimated pricetag of $15,500.

Caitlyn Jenner posted a black and white snap of her stepdaughter along with an encouraging message.

'Love my girl!' Caitlyn wrote. 'After hearing the full story, I'm so thankful she's okay. It's a reminder for us all to be careful in the uncertainty of this world.'
They recently set tongues wagging, when they revealed their exceptionally close bond in a series of gushing Instagram posts.

And Bachelor rejects Kiki Morris and Noni Janur continue to flaunt their closeness on social media, with 28-year-old Kiki telling her followers on Thursday that she cannot wait for her 'bestie' to move in with her as they prepare for a new chapter together.

'So excited that Noni is back in Sydney this weekend. we is like peas and carrots @nonijanur not long until my bestie moves in,' she captioned a filtered video of the pair.

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Special bond: Bachelor's Kiki Morris and Noni Janur continue to flaunt their closeness on social media, with 28-year-old Kiki telling her followers on Thursday that she cannot wait for her 'bestie' to move in with her

The post comes days after the pair announced that they were eager to start a 'new life' together.

Noni, 25, wrote on Instagram: 'I must have done something right for this universe to bring us together. I am so lucky to have to you my life...

'You mean more to me then you could ever imagine. I can't believe we are roomies now,' she added. 'Can't wait for our new life together. Love you bubba.

'Gushing posts: The pair often exchange 'I love yous' while expressing their feelings for one another on Instagram

Kiki replied in the comments section she will be seeing Noni next week.

Meanwhile, former Big Brother contestant Skye Wheatley also wrote: 'F****** adorable seriously.

Noni previously hinted she was planning a move on social media in late August.

Reality TV roommates! The pair confirmed they were moving in last week and said they can't wait to start a 'new life together'

The feeling's mutual! Busty Kiki commented underneath the post, 'See you next week'

The Queensland-based designer shared on Instagram: 'Guess who might be moving to Sydney.'

She added an Emoji of two women dancing in bunny ears, which led fans to guess Noni was joining Kiki.

The pair aren't the only bachelorettes to have grown close after the show as Megan Marx and Tiffany Scanlon also made headlines recently, after they announced they were 'dating.'

'Guess who might be moving to Sydney': Noni previously hinted she was joining Kiki in New South Wales on social media in late August

Inseparable: The genetically-blessed pair have been close friends since filming The Bachelor

Busty move! The Queensland-based swimwear designer is now moving to Sydney

Tiffany told Mamamia last month she moved from Perth to Geraldton, WA so she could be closer to her 'girlfriend' Megan.

The 29-year-old wrote on Instagram: 'Finally I can proclaim that I did find love on The Bachelor!'

Next to a photo of her and Megan, she wrote: 'I love this girl so much I moved to Geraldton for more laughs and adventures with her!'
Kylie Minogue shared a candid video from her outing with younger sister Dannii on Thursday.

Showing off her bronzed pins, the pop icon was filmed as she sashayed in a flowing blue dress.

'When your sis films you in slo-mo,' the 48-year-old captioned the slow motion clip.

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She's got the moves! Kylie Minogue showed off her dance moves on the beach in a candid Instagram post

The former Neighbours star also added the hashtags 'beach,' 'dance,' 'action' and 'love' to the post.

Kylie appeared to be makeup free for the outing, with her blonde locks pinned back into a loose bun.

The engaged entertainer has been actively campaigning for marriage equality in Australia along with 28-year-old fiance Joshua Sasse.

Flashy! The 48-year-old flaunted her bronzed pins in the flowy blue dress as she sashayed on the beach

Sister act: Kylie's younger sister Dannii, 44, was revealed to be the person behind the camera

The pair were rumoured to be tying the knot later this year, but have decided to wait until same sex marriage is legalised here at home.

Appearing on Sunrise on Thursday, UK-born Joshua said: 'Why are we anymore important than anybody else?'

'It's not right, something has to be done about it,' he said of Australia's current laws.

Love is love: The pop icon has been actively working with fiance Joshua Sasse on their campaign for marriage equality in Australia

The Galavant actor added that the pair could marry in Kylie's native Melbourne one day, but it won't happen until the right is inclusive of everyone.

'I wanted to tell you today on her behalf and our behalf that until this law has passed in Australia, we will not be getting married,' he added.

The father-of-one started the 'Say I Do Down Under' campaign himself and the couple have dedicated their time and social media accounts to the cause.

Announcement: Joshua, 28, announced on Thursday's Sunrise that the couple wouldn't be getting married until same sex couples can do the same in Australia

The Australian government has proposed a plebiscite on same-sex marriage for early next year.

But the compulsory vote has been met with widespread criticism because it would carry no legal weight.

Kylie told The Daily Telegraph earlier this year that her English partner 'loves Australia' and he would push for same-sex legislation to pass in the country.

Star power: The actor's 'Say I Do Down Under' campaign was launched with the help of celebrities including Dolly Parton

'He's so adamant to fight for gay rights in Australia and it's coming from the most genuine place,' she told the publication.

'He just can't fathom that same-sex marriage hasn't been legalised and of course I back him up on that.'

Meanwhile, Kylie and her younger beau made their engagement official with a notice in the marriages section of the UK's Daily Telegraph in February.

Engaged: Kylie and her younger beau announced their engagement in an official notice in the UK's Daily Telegraph in February

The small advert in the Saturday paper read: 'Mr J.S. von Sasse and Miss K.A. Minogue.

'The engagement is announced between Joshua, so of the late Dominic Sasse and of Mary Heale (nee Macauley), of Herefordshire and Kylie, eldest daughter of Ronald and Carol Minogue, of Melbourne, Australia.'

The pair first met on the set of Joshua's show Galavant, last September.

Kylie had a guest role in the series and they have been inseparable since.
She released her own clothing line with In The Style earlier this year.

So it is no wonder Binky Felstead wanted to take centre stage at the brand's AW16 launch party in London on Thursday night.

The Made in Chelsea star, 26, stole the spotlight as she went braless in a chic black lace co-ord - which hung loosely at her chest to flash a saucy glimpse of under-boob to all.

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Peek-a-boob! Binky Felstead, 26, flashed a saucy hint of underboob in a skimpy crop top as she headed to the In The Style AW16 launch party on Thursday night

The brunette let the crop top whip up at the front to sexily reveal her assets as she posed up a storm at the event - which celebrated the brand's new season as well as its 3rd birthday.

The racy top tied by a single string at the side, revealing plenty of the reality star's bronzed skin and alluring to her chest.

Remaining more demure at the front, the silk top was of a high-neck style and was lined with a delicate lace trim at the cropped hem - which flashed a hint of her toned and taut tum.

Gorgeous: The racy top tied by a single string at the side, revealing plenty of the reality star's bronzed skin and alluring to her chest

Woman in black: Binky wowed on the carpet as she went braless in a silk black lace crop top and shorts co-ord

Showing off the naturally chic style that scored her a collection with the online fashion retailer, Binky paired the top with a pair of striking matching shorts.

The high-waisted shorts featured a skirt layer on top, which remained open at the front to reveal her long, lean pins but fell to knee-length at the back.

Falling gracefully around her figure, the skirt blew softly in the wind as she posed for the cameras, making her entrance even more dramatic.

The unusual bottoms cinched in at the waist underneath the skirt to enhance her slender figure, and fell high up her thighs to flaunt her tanned and toned legs.

Striking: The high-waisted shorts featured a skirt layer on top, which remained open at the front to reveal her long, lean pins but fell to knee-length at the back

Vixen: Styling her hair into large, loose waves, the reality favourite exuded effortless glamour as she smouldered on the event red carpet

Keeping co-ordinated, Binky added a simple pair of black strappy sandals and opted for a sexy, smoky eye to add to the dark and sultry style of her look.

Styling her hair into large, loose waves, the reality favourite exuded effortless glamour as she smouldered on the event red carpet.

The Only Way Is Essex stars Courtney Green and Chloe Meadows were among the other arrivals at the In the Style AW16 launch party, shortly after flying back to the United Kingdom from filming in Marbella.

Night out: The newly acquired tans were well in evidence on Thursday evening as TOWIE stars Courtney Green (L) and Chloe Meadows (R) made a glamorous appearance in London

Hitting the red carpet, Courtney looked stunning in a breezy thigh-skimming minidress that fully exposed her toned legs as she posed for photos shortly before making her way inside.

The brunette added to her look with a pair of distinctive, Gladiator styled boots that guaranteed she caught the eye.

A tasteful pink clutch proved to be a highly noticeable accessory, while a simple gold bracelet and matching rings rounded things off.

In keeping with her effortless look the reality star styled her tousled brown locks with a simple centre parting and reduced her make-up to deft, natural colour tones.

Alright in white: Hitting the red carpet, Courtney looked stunning in a breezy thigh-skimming minidress

Tanned and toned: Bother reality stars were nicely bronzed following their trip to Marbella, where work was being carried out on the imminent new series of TOWIE

Looking good: Posing alongside Courtney, co-star Chloe looked equally alluring in a bold black minidress that also exposed a pair of nicely toned legs

Posing alongside Courtney, co-star Chloe looked equally alluring in a bold black minidress that also exposed a pair of nicely toned legs.

Draping a cropped leather jacket over her shoulders, the statuesque blonde was in high spirits while striking a pose ahead of the annual event.

Strappy heels gave the ensemble a conventional flourish, while her long willowy locks cascaded across both shoulders.

Both reality stars were nicely bronzed following their trip to Marbella, where work was being carried out on the imminent new series of TOWIE.
She has one Best Actress Academy Award and has been nominated for three others during her long Hollywood career.

And on Thursday the American Film Institute named Diane Keaton as the next recipient of its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

The actress, 70, will be honored with a star-studded tribute next June during which she will be presented with the award.

Recognition: Diane Keaton, who won a Best Actress Academy Award for her performance in the 1977 Woody Allen film Annie Hall, will be honored with AFI's Lifetime Achievement Award

In announcing the news, Howard Stringer, chair of the AFI Board of Trustees, called Keaton 'one of the most beloved leading ladies of American film.'

'Peerless in her mastery of both comedy and drama, she has won the worlds heart time and again by creating characters of both great strength and vulnerability,' Stringer added. 'Her career as a director and producer is even further evidence of her passion for the art form and her seemingly boundless talents.'

Born and raised in Los Angeles, she began her acting career on the stage in New York where she was an understudy in the original Broadway production of hair.

Huge body of work: Keaton, 70, has enjoyed a five decade career on the big screen. She's pictured in London in July

Breakout role: The actress, who was born and raised in LA, got her big break when she was cast as Kay Adams, the girlfriend of Al Pacino's Michael Corleone in 1972's The Godfather

Lauded by her peers: She won her only Academy Award in 1978, pictured, but was nominated in the Best Actress category a further three times

Close: Keaton, pictured in the film Manhattan, served as Allen's longtime muse and has stuck by him following allegations of child sexual abuse leveled against him

It was there that her long collaboration with Woody Allen began, too, after he cast her in Play It Again, Sam, which earned her a Tony nomination.

That led to her breakout film role as Kay Adams, the girlfriend of Al Pacino's Michael Corleone in The Godfather released in 1972.

She went on to star in leading roles in both dramas and comedies, moving effortlessly between the two genres.

The star has moved effortlessly between drama and comedy, mastering both genres. She's pictured playing Meryl Streep's estranged sister in Marvin's Room

She played Goldie Hawn's college pal in The First Wives Club. The pair are pictured at the Golden Globes in LA in 2005

As Allen's muse, she headlined films including Annie Hall, for which she received the Best Actress Academy Award in 1978, Manhattan and Love And Death, as well as the film version of Play It Again, Sam.

She played Warren Beatty's love interest in 1981's Reds, Steve Martin's wife in Father Of The bride, the college buddy of Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn in The First Wives Club and the estranged sister of Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio's aunt in Marvin's Room.

Over five decades on screen, Keatons achievements include winning best actress for Woody Allens Annie Hall and starring in dramas such as The Godfather and Looking for Mr. Goodbar. She was nominated for best actress at the Academy Awards for Marvins Room, Reds, and Somethings Gotta Give.

Her rich comedy career includes collaborations with Allen in Play It Again, Sam, Sleeper, Manhattan Murder Mystery, Love and Death, and Manhattan as well as comedies such as Baby Boom and Father of the Bride. She recently provided voices for Pixars Finding Dory and will appear in HBO miniseries The Young Pope. Keaton has also directed features, documentaries, music videos, and television.

The 44th Life Achievement Award went to John Williams, the first composer in the honors history. Other recent honorees include Jane Fonda, Steve Martin, Mel Brooks, Shirley MacLaine, and Morgan Freeman.
Her raucous drunken displays on Geordie Shore propelled her to fame back in 2011.

However Charlotte Crosby seemed to put her party-girl lifestyle behind her on Thursday night, as she made an elegant appearance at the In The Style AW16 launch.

The 25-year-old reality star looked classy and gorgeous in a silk playsuit with delicate lace trim as she headed to DSTRKT for the glamorous event - where she reunited with a whole host of her former Geordie Shore castmates.

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Elegant: Charlotte Crosby, 25, put her party-girl lifestyle behind her on Thursday night, as she made an elegant appearance at the In The Style AW16 launch party

Stylish: The reality star looked classy and gorgeous in a silk playsuit with delicate lace trim as she headed to DSTRKT for the glamorous event

The Geordie Lass showed off her slender legs in the one-piece, which skimmed her upper thigh with its black lace trim.

Nipping in at her middle with an elasticated waist, the beige silk playsuit flattered her slim figure and defined waist as the soft material clung to her frame.

The spaghetti straps left her glowing, tanned skin on show while the black lace at the V neck allured to her bust in a more sophisticated and sexy fashion.

Leggy lady: The Geordie Lass showed off her slender legs in the one-piece, which skimmed her upper thigh with its black lace trim

Classy: The spaghetti straps left her glowing, tanned skin on show while the black lace at the V neck allured to her bust in a more sophisticated and sexy fashion

Still keeping things youthful, Charlotte added a co-ordinating thick black choker to add a hint of her usual trendy style.

Not wanting to detract from the toned down but classic outfit, the blonde accessorised with simple black heeled sandals and a sleek black leather Mulberry clutch bag.

The Celebs Go Dating star styled her hair into effortless curls and dressed her face with lashings of mascara and a nude lip, enhancing her naturally pretty features.

Trendy: Still keeping things youthful, Charlotte added a co-ordinating thick black choker to add a hint of her usual trendy style

Geordie phwoar! The Celebs Go Dating star styled her hair into effortless curls and dressed her face with lashings of mascara and a nude lip, enhancing her naturally pretty features

Smiling and laughing for the cameras on the carpet, Charlotte looked happier and healthier than ever - having enjoyed more success recently after a traumatic start to the year.

Charlotte quit Geordie Shore in June after revealing she had suffered an ectopic pregnancy with on/off flame Gary 'Gaz' Beadle, and admitting that she could not be around him anymore.

However things have been on the up for the Sunderland-born beauty recently, as she moved into her dream home last week.

Back together: Charlotte not only celebrated her range for In The Style at the bash, but also reunited with her former Geordie Shore cast mates such as Holly Hagan (above)

Envy-inducing: Holly, 24, looked equally as chic in a pair of paper bag trousers and a plunging blouse

Charlotte documented a tour of her plush new pad, which featured an indoor pool and sprawling walk-in wardrobe, on her Snapchat account for fans.

The event will no doubt have been doubly as exciting for Charlotte - who not only celebrated her new range for In The Style at the bash, but also got the chance to reunite with her former Geordie Shore cast mates.

Holly Hagan, 24, headed to the event alongside Charlotte, looking equally as chic in a pair of paper bag trousers and a plunging blouse.

Star of the show: Holly paired the strides with a black ruched top which featured a daring V neckline, extending far past her chest to showcase her famously rounded assets

BFFs: The notorious party girls sipped on Luc Belaire cocktails together as they caught up inside, cackling together as they no doubt reminisced on some of their wild times

The gym-bunny accentuated her figure in the high-waisted rust trousers which cinched in at her waist before hugging her shapely legs to the ankle.

Upping the sex appeal of the ensemble, Holly paired the strides with a black ruched top which featured a daring V neckline - extending far past her chest to showcase her famously rounded assets.

Alluring to the saucy area further, the MTV stalwart added a dainty gold drop necklace which fell perfectly between her cleavage.

Glamorous: Holly carried her essentials in an extravagant Yves Saint-Laurent clutch bag

Back to brunette: Also in attendance was co-star Chloe Ferry - who debuted her darker balayage locks after dying her hair platinum blonde last month

Carrying an Yves Saint-Laurent clutch bag, Holly matched the glamour of her former co-star and designer Charlotte as she the pair headed in to the event together.

The notorious party girls sipped on cocktails together inside as they caught up inside, cackling together as they no doubt reminisced on some of their wild times.

Also in attendance was co-star Chloe Ferry - who debuted her darker balayage locks after dying her hair platinum blonde last month.

The brunette beauty opted for a classic little black dress at the event, which she paired with all-black accessories and velvet stiletto ankle boots.

Nude beauty: Sophie Kasaei completed the Geordie pack, co-ordinating with the muted tones of her co-stars in a nude skirt and leotard

Flash of skin: The trendy pearl leotard featured a built-in choker and cheeky cut-out at the front to flash her tanned tum from recent holiday to Bulgaria

Let's hear it for the boys: Nathan Henry also followed the group of girls to the party in a striking white denim jacket

Sophie Kasaei brought up the rear of the Geordie pack - co-ordinating the muted tones of her co-stars in a nude skirt and leotard combo.

The trendy pearl leotard featured a built-in choker and cheeky cut-out at the front to flash her tanned tum from recent holiday to Bulgaria.

Secured only by a stretch of elastic across her bust, the reality star flashed a teasing hint of her cleavage for all to see as the tight top pushed up her chest.

Layering a camel leather skirt and black jacket on top, the star looked comfortable and confident in the chic ensemble as she posed alongside her boyfriend, Joel Corry.

Stylish couple: Layering a camel leather skirt and black jacket on top, the star looked confident in the chic ensemble as she posed alongside her boyfriend, Joel Corry

The star has struggled with maintaining a healthy weight in the past and, despite being happily loved-up with the fitness model, she admits it is easy to feel insecure around him.

She revealed to Closer magazine last month: 'Joel sometimes judges fitness competitions, so he's surrounded by women who are absolutely tiny with abs and he's judging them on how they look.

'Of course it makes me feel insecure - I think "He must think those girls look amazing and I'm not in that shape.'
Sally Wainwright, who wrote TV hits Happy Valley and Last Tango In Halifax, has slammed period shows for projecting a very sanitised, 21st-century television view of history.

Wainwright made the comments while discussing her new BBC film To Walk Invisible, about the Bronte siblings  Charlotte, Emily, Anne and brother Branwell  and their clergyman father Patrick, who is played by Jonathan Pryce.

I noted that the marvellously acted movie, which will be shown on BBC1 later this winter, has a remarkable, gritty quality to it.

The Brontes in the new BBC film To Walk Invisible. They are from Charlie Murphy as Anne, Chloe Pirrie as Emily and Finn Atkins as Charlotte

Well, I really didnt want to create a Sunday evening chocolate box thing, she said. We have a slightly manicured view of what the past was like.

Often history is about wealthy rich people  and about men. We get so many costume dramas, which are very popular and people love them.

But theyve all got very white teeth! Theyre all immaculate, she complained of the period programmes on both the BBC and ITV. She preferred not to name them, but may have had ITVs Victoria and the BBCs Poldark in mind.

Its a very sanitised, 21st- century television view of history. When I watch certain period dramas, I often feel it wouldnt be weird if someone whipped out a mobile phone. It wouldnt look out of place, because everything is so clean and slick and polished  and healthy and hygienic.

I dont want people to feel like that, she added.

Sally Wainwright, a daughter of Yorkshire  raised in Sowerby Bridge ten miles from Haworth, home of the Brontes  said that Charlotte and Emily both had poor teeth

Wainwright, a daughter of Yorkshire  raised in Sowerby Bridge ten miles from Haworth, home of the Brontes  said that Charlotte and Emily both had poor teeth.

The portrait that Wainwright presents in her film, which she also directed, certainly feels authentic. I was struck by how the actors captured the sense of a proper family: one who argued, and swore at each other  yes, even in the 1840s.

Wainwright established a kind of Bronte boot camp at a rented house on the moors at Haworth, where cast members Finn Atkins (Charlotte), Chloe Pirrie (Emily), Charlie Murphy (Anne) and Adam Nagaitis as Branwell did Bronte things for a week.

I wanted them together, so theyd feel like a family, she explained.

They were shown around the Bronte Parsonage Museum by principal curator Ann Dinsdale; and one evening they had dinner with Juliet Barker, who wrote a biography of the Brontes in 1995.

And somebody came and told them how to write with ink. We had a whole afternoon of getting our fingers covered in ink, Wainwright recalled gleefully.

By the end of the week they were so bonded.

The films focus is about how well Branwell bonded with alcohol and opium  and how his sisters had to tip-toe around him for much of the time, probably half-loving and half-hating him.

But somehow, the sisters managed to produce great works of literature, including Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights; while Branwell, who had undeniable talent, produced nothing and has, Wainwright said, become famous for failing.

The director is now working on a period drama series for the BBC  and you can bet the teeth will look terrible! Plus, there will be a third series of Happy Valley. And a Last Tango In Halifax Christmas special just started filming.

Watch out for...

Claire Foy, who is magnificent as Princess Elizabeth, later to become the Queen, in Peter Morgans The Crown, which he developed with Stephen Daldry and several other top-flight directors and producers.

Ive seen all ten episodes of series one, which starts on Netflix on November 4: first instalment of a 100 million epic that will include six chapters  ten episodes each.

The first series begins with Elizabeths marriage to Philip (Matt Smith) and ends with the Suez Crisis. In between, are some of the best scenes Ive watched on TV all year.

Daldry stressed to me that The Crown isnt a documentary. Its made clear early on that marriage to Prince Philip was not easy; and nor was life with Princess Margaret (brilliant Vanessa Kirby). Winston Churchill (superb John Lithgow) could be tricky, too.

In one marvellous scene, the Queen discusses with a professor, who has been helping her with matters educational, how she should handle Churchill and another minister. He tells her to summon them and give them both a good dressing down.

When she replies that such a thing would make her feel uneasy, he says: Theyre English, male and upper-class. A good dressing down from nanny is what they most want in life.

Its a great scene because its the moment she begins to feel confident as a monarch  though shes less sure of herself as a wife, mother, daughter and sister.

Series two of The Crown is shooting now.

Frances Ruffelle, who will star as Queenie, a jazz-age flapper, in The Wild Party, which features music and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa (who also co-wrote the book with George C. Wolfe).

This show was produced on Broadway 16 years ago, and it was one big hot mess. I saw it in New York, and part of the problem was that it was over-produced.

Frances Ruffelle, who will star as Queenie, a jazz-age flapper, in The Wild Party, which features music and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa

Much work has been done on it since then and its opening here at The Other Palace (remember I told you a while back that Andrew Lloyd Webber was changing the name of the St James Theatre?).

Its the first show there since the good Lord took over, and since Paul Taylor Mills became artistic director. Drew McOnie has signed on to direct and choreograph the musical, which will run at The Other Palace from February 11 to April 1.

LaChiusas The Wild Party is based on Joseph Moncure Marchs sex-infused poem about showgirls, party people and mobsters who get boozed and drugged up. The Other Palace is a more intimate space than a big Broadway theatre, so people who see it there will, hopefully, feel as if theyve been invited to this party.

Lloyd Webber and Mills have been doing workshops of Lloyd Webbers Stephen Ward musical and intend to revisit other pieces of his (as well as those by other folk) and workshop them with an eye to putting them back on a big stage.
Kim Kardashian finally returned to Los Angeles on Thursday after her terrifying robbery ordeal on Monday morning.

The 35-year-old star, still covered up in the white hoodie she sported as she left New York, carefully exited her private jet at Van Nuys airport with her son Saint in her arms.

Accompanying her on the journey was mother Kris Jenner, 60, who carried Kim's daughter North, three.

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Finally home: Kim Kardashian landed back in Los Angeles on Thursday with her two children and mother Kris Jenner

Precious cargo: The 35-year-old reality star carried her 10-month-old son Saint off her private jet

It comes as the star says she reportedly feels safer in Los Angeles.

A source close to the family told PEOPLE: 'Kim is happy to return home with the kids. Kanye is coming back to L.A. and then resuming his tour tomorrow while his family stays in L.A'

The reality star is heading home to be with her family in Los Angeles where 'she feels safer,' Us Weekly reported on Thursday.

Laying low: Kim pulled a cap and hoodie over her head as she carried baby son Saint to their waiting vehicle under the watchful eye of security

Back home: Kim was greeted by a beefed up security team as she arrived back in LA, where she reportedly feels safer

Leaning on family: Kim was joined by mother Kris Jenner, and will be reunited with the rest of her family in LA

In the early hours of Monday, Kim was robbed by five armed men wearing ski masks and clothes with police markings, who entered her Paris hotel building at around 3am after the concierge let them in.

They tied her up and held a gun to her head as she begged for her life and told them she was a mother of two, before the robbers made off with her giant ring and a jewelry box.

The reality star is said to be 'badly shaken' and 'blaming herself' after the shocking attack, and is already making changes to her public profile and security.

Low profile: Kim has cancelled all public appearances and KUWTK is on indefinite hold after her terrifying ordeal on Monday in Paris

Back home: Kim's mother Kris held three-year-old North as they arrived home. Kim's husband Kanye West is set to join Kim later, before resuming his Saint Pablo tour on Friday

Staying close: Kris kept a tight grip on North as they excited the private jet after touching down in LA from New York

Protective: A serious-looking Kris emerged holding her granddaughter North, as the family's reality show has been put on indefinite hold while Kim recovers

'Meanwhile a source told E! News that Kim is 'emotionally damaged' after her ordeal.

'This is something that has the potential to screw anyone up for a very long time,' the insider said.

Kim has bailed on all upcoming appearances while the family's hit E! show Keeping Up With The Kardashians has been put 'on hold indefinitely.'

A rep for E! told JustJared.com: 'Kim's well-being is our core focus right now. No decision has been made as to when production will resume.'

Heading home: The KUWTK star was dressed down in an oversized hoodie, grey jeans and Vans, a far cry from her usual glammed-up look

And it has emerged that her famous sisters are also taking no chances when it comes to their safety, with Khloe Kardashian and Kylie and Kendall Jenner all cancelling planned book appearances over 'ongoing security concerns,' according to Page Six.

Khloe was due to appear at Barnes and Noble to promote the paperback version of her memoir Strong Looks Better Naked, while Kendall and Kylie pulled the plug on an event to promote the second installment of their Time Of The Twins novels.

The TV star shunned attention as she emerged from her New York City apartment earlier Thursday with husbandKanye West and their two children.

'On hold': Keeping Up With The Kardashians has been put 'on hold indefinitely' following Kim's robbery with an E! rep saying, 'No decision has been made as to when production will resume'

Kim kept her head low and covered in a large white hoodie and cap, while the rest of her outfit consisting of faded grey jeans and trainers.

Surrounded by a beefed up security squad, Kim made a beeline for a waiting vehicle before heading to the airport.

The reality star has also maintained a rare silence on social media since the attack, as she reportedly 'blames herself' for attracting the attention of thieves by flaunting her huge diamond ring on Snap and Instagram.

'She has cancelled everything': Kim - who was seen leaving her NYC apartment with husband Kanye West and their kids earlier in the day - won't be working for a while

Beefed up security: Kim cradled North close as she made a beeline to the waiting car amid a beefed up security squad and Kanye followed behind carrying Saint

Kanye, 39, followed a few short steps behind and looked concerned while holding onto the couple's son.

A deeply rattled Kim - who is set to be reunited with the rest of her Kardashian-Jenner clan in L.A. - has cancelled all upcoming appearances.

'She has cancelled everything for the next several weeks and will not be working,' a source told Us Weekly.

Right behind you: Kanye looked concerned while keeping Saint close. The rapper will join Kim in LA later Thursday, before resuming his Saint Pablo tour on Friday

Gone: The robbers made away with Kim's jewelry worth millions, including the $4.5 million ring given to her by Kanye as a second engagement ring last month

Silence: Kim's family has not commented on her scary robbery with the exception of her stepparent Caitlyn Jenner (pictured on February 11)

Kim was asleep when five masked armed men stormed the private hotel and forced a concierge to show them the way to the star's room.

Kim begged for her life as she was bound and gagged and tossed into the bathtub.

'She thought they were for sure going to kill her,' a source told E! News.

Return to social media: Khloe DID return to social networking when she posted a video of herself promoting her new line Good American on Thursday

Laughter is the best medicine: Kendall Jenner seemed relaxed as she posed in a Saint Laurent fur wrap in this picture posted to Instagram

'Rose gold': Kylie Jenner debuted her exciting hair colour on Thursday but kept mum on Kim's robbery ordeal

By Thursday, Kim's sisters Khloe Kardashian, and Kendall and Kylie Jenner had all inched their way back to social media but not to comment on their sister's attack and robbery.

Khloe broke her silence by posting a seductive video of herself promoting the launch of her clothing label Good American.

Wrote the 32-year-old: 'Countdown to the launch of my denim brand @goodamerican begins! 12 days until you can shop goodamerican.com #goodsquad.'

An offer of encouragement: Caitlyn Jenner shared a message of support for Kim

Kylie, 18, showed off her sizzling new hair colour in a series of glamorous photos on her Instagram page, writing: 'Rose gold.'

Kendall Jenner, 20, posted a picture from a photo shoot in which she wore a Saint Laurent fur cape with an estimated pricetag of $15,500.

Caitlyn Jenner posted a black and white snap of her stepdaughter along with an encouraging message.

'Love my girl!' Caitlyn wrote. 'After hearing the full story, I'm so thankful she's okay. It's a reminder for us all to be careful in the uncertainty of this world.'
Ricciardo backs Aussies facing Malaysia indecency row

Formula One ace Daniel Ricciardo Thursday threw his support behind nine fellow Australians facing court after stripping off at the Malaysian Grand Prix, calling their celebrations "harmless".

The men, including a staffer of Australian Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne, stripped down to tight-fitting swimming briefs emblazoned with the Malaysian flag and quaffed beer from their shoes after Ricciardo won the race on Sunday.

They were arrested for "intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace" and public indecency, state news agency Bernama quoted police as saying, and have been held since with a court appearance expected Thursday.

Photos of the Australian men in swimming briefs emblazoned with the Malaysian flag went viral in Malaysia following the race

Reports in Australia said they could be jailed for up to two years, but Ricciardo called on authorities to send them home.

"It sounds like they have learnt their lesson and I don't think they will be doing that again any time soon in Malaysia," the Red Bull driver told Sydney's Daily Telegraph.

"I see it as pretty harmless. I respect the laws in Malaysia but beyond that I don't think they deserve any further punishment.

"In Australia it's a bit different but I'm very sure they didn't intend to offend anyone."

The tabloid Telegraph also got behind the men, aged between 25 and 29, writing: "To our recalcitrant, humourless Malaysian friends... Free the Budgie Nine."

Budgie smugglers is the colloquial term Australians use for Speedo-style swimwear.

Photos of the men flaunting the country's national colours went viral in Malaysia following the race, provoking angry comments from some social media users who accused them of insulting the country.

Displays of public indecency are not tolerated by authorities in Muslim-majority Malaysia, with foreign offenders typically slapped with a fine before being deported.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the men were being offered consular support but warned there were limits to what Canberra could do.

"They are facing certain charges and what might be seen as a foolish prank or Aussie blokey behaviour in Australia can be seen very differently in another country," she told Channel Nine.

"You have to respect the laws of the country you are visiting."
Samsung buys AI firm founded by Siri creators

Samsung said Thursday it was buying a prominent US artificial intelligence (AI) start-up founded by the creators of Siri -- the voice-based digital assistant used on the iPhones of arch-rival Apple.

The South Korean giant said the acquisition of California-based Viv Labs would bolster voice-based services across the full range of its electronics products that include smartphones, TVs, refrigerators and washing machines.

Samsung offered no details regarding the cost or financing of the deal.

Samsung said the acquisition of Viv Labs would bolster voice-based services across the full range of its electronics products Jung Yeon-Je (AFP/File)

Viv Labs was co-founded in 2012 by Dag Kittlaus, Adam Cheyer and Chris Brigham who had previously created, and then sold, Siri to Apple.

Rhee In-Jong, the chief technology officer at Samsung's mobile unit, said the acquisition would provide AI-based voice assistance services its customers can use across all Samsung devices and products.

"A lot of your phone's fun functionalities will be covered by voice and conversation," he said.

Viv Labs' founding team will work closely with Samsung's mobile unit, but continue to function independently "under its existing leadership", Samsung said in a statement.

Samsung -- the world's biggest maker of smartphones -- has been trying for years to bolster voice-based services for its handsets to compete against iPhone's Siri.

The "S Voice" software installed on its flagship handsets has never been warmly embraced by consumers.
With US focused on vote, Russia takes advantage in Syria

With Barack Obama's presidency coming to a close and US policy for Syria at an impasse, Vladimir Putin's Russia has stepped up efforts to secure its ally Bashar al-Assad in power.

US officials fear the Kremlin is racing to consolidate its gains in Syria before a new, possibly tougher administration takes charge, but there is little sign of a clear new policy emerging.

On Tuesday, Republican flag-bearer Donald Trump's vice-presidential running mate Mike Pence split from his candidate's admittedly vague position by calling for air strikes against Assad's forces.

Syrian civil defence volunteers, known as the White Helmets, search for victims amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a government forces air strike on Aleppo, on October 4, 2016 Thaer Mohammed (AFP)

"The small and bullying leader of Russia is now dictating terms to the United States," he complained. "I just have to tell you that the provocations by Russia need to be met with American strength."

And if Russia continues to support "this barbaric attack on civilians in Aleppo," he added, "the United States of America should be prepared to use force to strike military targets of the Assad regime."

Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton has also called for stronger action, suggesting the US military enforce a no-fly zone, but it is far from clear how one would work in practice.

For his part, Trump has sent confused signals, suggesting at one moment that Putin could be a friend of the United States and at another, that Obama was weak not to confront him.

"I don't love Putin, I don't hate. We'll see how it works. We'll see," Trump told supporters Wednesday in Nevada.

"Maybe we'll have a good relationship. Maybe we'll have a horrible relationship. Maybe we'll have a relationship right in the middle."

Fighting erupted in Syria more than five years ago, when Assad brutally suppressed a civilian uprising and triggered a civil war, creating a power vacuum that allowed jihadists to seize territory.

Confidently predicting that Assad would fall to his own people, Obama concentrated US action on building a coalition to fight one of the factions, the would-be global Islamic State (IS) jihadist group.

Assad clung on, however, and last year Putin sent warplanes and troops to back up his ally, ensuring a bloody conflict that has already killed 300,000 people will continue.

The refugee flows created by the war have threatened to overwhelm Syria's neighbors and fear of migrants has created a populist backlash threatening governments in Europe's democracies.

- Massive assault -

But Obama, who came to office vowing to shun the type of "dumb war" his predecessor started in Iraq, was reluctant to get involved and even declined to bomb Assad after chemical weapons strikes in 2013.

Washington's response was diplomatic, with US Secretary of State John Kerry working with Moscow to persuade Assad and the moderate opposition to declare a truce and launch political talks.

A ceasefire declared last month lasted barely a week, with Moscow and Washington blaming each other after it broke down and Assad launched a massive assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

The Kremlin insists it is still willing to talk, but US officials now assume Moscow intends to secure Aleppo for Assad before approaching any dialogue with the next White House from a position of strength.

So in four months' time, what kind of reception will they get from a President Clinton or a President Trump?

Most observers expect Clinton to be more hawkish than Obama, having seen the failure of her attempt to "press the reset button" on ties with Moscow during her time as secretary of state.

Clinton's successor in the job was caught on tape last month lamenting that he had "lost the argument" for punitive action against Assad within Obama's cabinet.

Trump's position is less clear. He has staked out the case for an aggressive strategy, with up to 30,000 US troops, to destroy the IS group threat in Iraq and Syria.

But he has an ambiguous position on Assad and has stressed his willingness to work with Putin, while suggesting the US distance itself from its allies and stop being a world policeman.

"I think we have to get rid of ISIS before we get rid of Assad," he told the New York Times in July, using an alternate acronym for the jihadist group.

"Look, Assad hates ISIS. ISIS hates Assad. They are fighting each other. We are supposed to go and fight them both?"

And, campaigning in July, Trump said: "Wouldn't it be nice if we got along with Russia? Wouldn't it be nice if we got together with Russia and knocked the hell out of ISIS?"

For Danielle Pletka of the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think-tank, neither candidate has a coherent strategy and both Russia and China are ready to take advantage.

"I don't think we can trust either of them," she said.

"If the last eight years have emboldened Putin and Beijing, I don't think there's any question that this instability, this indecisiveness, this waffling will embolden them even further."

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures during a campaign rally on October, 5, 2016 in Henderson, Nevada John Gurzinski (AFP)
Monks, survivors remember Thai student massacre

Buddhist monks opened an emotionally charged commemoration Thursday on the 40th anniversary of a massacre of student protesters in Bangkok, as survivors reflected on a battle for democracy that appears lost in junta-run Thailand.

The killings of October 6, 1976 marked a nadir in the kingdom's blood-splattered recent history.

At least 46 student protesters were shot, beaten to death or hung from trees as they massed at Thammasat University against the return from forced exile of hated military dictator Thanom Kittikachorn.

A woman gives alms to monks at a ceremony to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Thammasat University student massacre in Bangkok on October 6, 2016 Lillian Suwanrumpha (AFP)

Survivors say the true toll was at least twice as high, with thousands more arrested or forced into hiding.

Fearing a leftist rebellion in a region where many countries had turned communist, security forces -- flanked by royalist armed militias -- ruthlessly cracked down on the students.

No state apology has ever been issued and no officials have been held to account for the deaths -- a reflection, critics say, of a culture of impunity for the military that endures to this day.

At dawn on Thursday survivors gathered under heavy drizzle around a permanent memorial at the university's entrance where the assault began.

Some held candles, others wore T-shirts with the slogan "I think therefore I am dead" featuring a hanged man -- a reference to the lynching of students who were strung from trees near the campus.

"There were many killed and injured on that day," Sinsawat Yodbangtoey, 63, who was an art student at a nearby college when he joined the Thammasat protests.

"Even though I wasn't injured... my heart is wounded."

The October 6 crackdown ended a brief three-year flirtation with democracy and ushered in another 16 years of military-led rule.

- Forgetting history -

Thailand is once again under military rule, with the kingdom's democracy movement hemmed in by repressive laws.

The last coup in 2014 -- the army's twelfth successful power grab since 1932 -- came four years after soldiers once more opened fire on pro-democracy protesters on Bangkok's streets.

Many newspapers nonetheless used the rare space provided by Thursday's anniversary to recall dark chapters from the military's past, while graphic photos of student hangings were widely shared on Thai social media.

Sirawith Seritiwat, a 24-year-old Thammasat student and one of a handful of activists protesting against the current junta, said remembering the past is vital in a country with a proclivity for collective amnesia over difficult events.

"There was an effort by many people, (Thai) governments and leaders, to forget history," he told AFP.

"They want reality to be hidden."

Thailand military says its partnership with the monarchy is the only way to ensure stability in a politically fraught country.

The royal palace's role in the tragic events of October 1976 remains under-explored -- partly because Thailand's strict royal defamation law makes such discussion impossible.

In a rare interview aired in 1979 King Bhumibol denied "playing politics" with the Thammasat protests which resulted in a coup he later validated.

Four decades on, survivors are determined to remember their fallen friends.

Prommin Lertsuridej, 62, who fled to the jungle for four years to avoid arrest after the protest, said October 6 was a "hugely important" moment in modern Thai history.

"We gather every year to show we were not people who destroyed the country -- but we are the ones who want to create fair society," he added.

Women give alms to monks at a ceremony to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Thammasat University student massacre in Bangkok on October 6, 2016 Lillian Suwanrumpha (AFP)
Shabaab kills six 'Christians' in northeast Kenya

Somalia's Islamist Shabaab militants on Thursday claimed an attack on a residential compound in the restive northeastern Kenyan town of Mandera that left six "Christians" dead, according to their Telegram account.

The statement said the attack in the early hours of Thursday was "planned... and killed Christians" in the Kenyan region which is mainly inhabited by ethnic Somali Muslims.

The attack targeted a gated residential building which mainly housed non-locals, less than a kilometre (0.6 miles) from the volatile Somalia border town of Beled Hawa.

Six people have been killed in a suspected attack by Shabaab militants on a residential compound in the northeastern Kenyan province of Mandera Simon Maina (AFP/File)

"We have suffered yet another attack in Mandera and sadly we have lost six people," Governor Ali Roba said in a statement.

Police chief Joseph Boinnet told AFP that there were 33 people inside the compound when the attack took place. The others escaped unharmed.

Security official Mohamud Ali Saleh said the attackers used explosives to gain access to the fortified building.

"We highly suspect the attackers are members of the Shabaab insurgent group, who have sneaked across the porous border," he said.

"These criminal gangs are desperate to hurt innocent Kenyans since they were defeated badly and routed out of all their hideouts in the neighbouring country."

Saleh said that security officers who were carrying out regular patrols of the border heard gunshots and explosions and quickly responded.

Several attacks in the region have seen Shabaab militants target Christians.

In November 2014 gunmen flagged down a commuter bus, separated passengers by religion and executed 28 non-Muslims.

And in a deadly attack that killed 148 people at Garissa University in northeastern Kenya in 2015, the gunmen lined up non-Muslim students for execution.

The Shabaab has fought to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu since 2007, but turned its sights on Kenya when the army was sent into Somalia in 2011 to fight the Islamic insurgents.

Since then the militants have targeted civilians in different parts of Kenya, including a dramatic assault on Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall in which at least 67 people were killed.
Mini 'Pepper' robots start new jobs in Taiwan

A shiny new cohort joined the workforce in Taiwan Thursday -- a troop of mini robots all going by the name "Pepper", enlisted to entertain customers and give them the hard sell.

Chinese-speaking Pepper was introduced into two banks and an insurance company in the capital Taipei, dancing to music, playing with children in lobbies and leading staff aerobics sessions.

The pint-size white automatons are designed to flatter queueing customers, declaring: "It's my honour to serve you".

Cathay Life Insurance, Taiwan's biggest insurer, introduced its first Pepper into its Taipei branch on October 6, 2016 Sam Yeh (AFP)

Skilled in public relations, they guess clients' ages at far lower than reality.

Then they move in for the kill, providing information on financial products and encouraging customers to go to company websites and sales staff for information.

Cathay Life Insurance, Taiwan's biggest insurer, introduced its first Pepper into its Taipei branch Thursday.

The firm plans to have 10 robots island-wide, but stressed that Pepper is meant to supplement its human colleagues, not sideline them.

"Pepper's job is to greet customers and introduce products to make the wait for services less boring," said Rachel Wang, the insurer's executive vice president.

"We hope it can do more in the future, but it definitely won't replace our staff," she said.

Standing 120-centimetres (four-foot) tall, the robot was first unveiled by Japanese mobile carrier SoftBank in 2014, whose French arm Aldebaran developed the technology.

Pepper has a wide-eyed face perched on top of a white plastic body, with rollers and what looks like a tablet computer on its chest showing its name.

The robots have already been introduced into other workplaces around the world, including in Japan and France.
Three suspected rebels killed in Indian Kashmir attack

Indian soldiers Thursday killed three suspected militants who tried to attack an army base in Indian Kashmir, officers said, the latest incident to have hiked tensions with archrival Pakistan.

The heavily armed militants, wearing army fatigues, attempted to break through the camp's perimeter in Kupwara district before dawn but were repelled by soldiers in exchanges of fire.

"On being challenged, these three terrorists opened indiscriminatory fire on our sentry posts and also onto our living shelters where our jawans (soldiers) were resting," said Colonel Rajiv Saharan, the commanding officer of a counter insurgency unit at Kupwara.

An Indian army soldier stands guard following an attack by suspected militants at an army camp in Langate, Kupwara district, on October 6, 2016

"Three Pakistani terrorists were eliminated," Saharan told reporters.

A "huge quantity" of guns, grenade launchers and other weapons were seized from the militants and displayed for the media, he said.

The Indian army also said later Thursday they found the bodies of four suspected militants near the de facto border dividing Kashmir with Pakistan in Naugam following a bid by them Wednesday night to infiltrate the Indian side.

"One body was recovered in the afternoon and another three later in the day as the area was being combed," army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia told AFP.

Thursday's attempted attack in Kupwara was the second in Indian-administered Kashmir this week after militants killed one soldier while trying to raid a base in Baramulla town on Sunday night.

Tensions have spiked since New Delhi said last week it had launched "surgical strikes" on militant posts across the disputed border that divides the Kashmir region between India and Pakistan.

A furious Islamabad denied the strikes, saying two of its soldiers were killed in cross border firing.

Indian and Pakistani troops regularly exchange fire across their Kashmir border known as the Line of Control (LoC), but rarely send ground troops over the line.

Relations have been strained since gunmen raided an Indian army base in Kashmir on September 18, killing 19 soldiers, the worst such attack in more than a decade. Since then the two armies have almost daily exchanged small arms and mortar fire along the LoC in Kashmir.

New Delhi blamed the attack on Pakistan-based militants, triggering a public outcry and demands for military action.

The army separately said earlier Thursday it had foiled overnight three attempts by suspected militants to cross the LoC and enter into Indian-administered Kashmir.

"The infiltration bids were assisted by Pakistan (army) posts," the officer said on condition of anonymity.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, but both claim it in full. Armed separatist groups in the Indian-controlled part of the territory have for decades been fighting to break free from New Delhi.

India regularly accuses Pakistan of arming and sending rebels across the LoC to launch attacks on its forces. Islamabad denies the claims.

The nuclear-armed rivals have fought three wars since they gained independence from Britain seven decades ago, two of them over Kashmir.

Indian and Pakistani troops regularly exchange fire across their Kashmir border known as the Line of Control (LoC)
Kerber crashes out in China Open third round

Ukrainian Elina Svitolina scored her second win this year over a world number one, ousting Angelique Kerber in the round of 16 in Beijing on Thursday.

Nineteenth-ranked Svitolina took just two sets to beat newly crowned number one Kerber -- who ascended to the top spot at the US Open, the same week she also claimed her second Grand Slam crown -- with a 6-3, 7-5 win.

The 22-year-old left Serena Williams in tears in Rio in August, denying the 22-time Grand Slam champion a fifth Olympic gold medal with a straight set win.

Nineteenth-ranked Elina Svitolina took just two sets to beat newly crowned number one Angelique Kerber Nicolas Asfouri (AFP)

"When they announce (the names at the start of the march) you have this weird feeling because you realise you're playing against world number one", Svitolina said after the match.

"I try to really don't think about it. If I think too much, I lose my way," she added.

Kerber, who had her right thigh taped during the match, had a break lead in each set but appeared glued to the baseline and was unable to take control.

"I know that I have to move very well when I play my game, and I couldn't play my game like I play," Kerber told reporters.

The German still plans to play in Hong Kong next week as she chases points to end the year at number one -- but her right leg may alter her plans.

"Still it's in my schedule to play Hong Kong. It's right after the match, so I don't know exactly with my leg or whatever. But it's still in my schedule," she said.

- 'Nothing for free' -

Briton Johanna Konta secured her first ever win over US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova in a three set tie break, 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7/2).

With a victory over the sixth-ranked Czech, Konta -- currently at number 14 -- moves closer to breaking into the top ten for the first time.

The win also moves the 25-year-old into tenth position in the race for the eight-player WTA Final in Singapore, meaning she could play if one of the eight dropped out.

But if fellow quarter-finalist Petra Kvitova, currently 12th in the race, continues her stellar Asian run, the Briton could be nudged out.

Agnieszka Radwanska secured her second consecutive win over former number one Caroline Wozniacki to reach the China Open quarter-finals.

The pair have met three times in as many weeks, with Wozniacki coming out on top in the first encounter in Tokyo.

Wozniacki went on to bag the title in the Japanese capital, but Radwanska ended her seven-match winning streak at last week's Wuhan Open by ousting the Dane in the round of 16.

Third-ranked Radwanska booked her Beijing quarter-final spot on the third match point with an impressive run to the net to return a drop shot from the Dane. Wozniacki lobbed the return, but the Pole made it to that one to take the match 6-3, 6-1.

"I knew nothing's going to come for free. I was really trying to be aggressive from the first point and also from the return," Radwanska told reporters.

"We know each other for 17 years. Practising together as well almost every tournament, playing some matches against each other. I think we know about each other everything," she added.

With a victory over the sixth-ranked Karolina Pliskova, Johanna Konta, currently at number 14, moves closer to breaking into the top ten for the first time Nicolas Asfouri (AFP)
Philippines' Duterte defiant as poll shows popularity soaring

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told all his critics to "go to hell" on Thursday as he renewed his threats to kill, after a poll showed Filipinos overwhelmingly endorsed his deadly war on crime.

Duterte's unprecedented crime crackdown has raised fears of mass extrajudicial killings with more than 3,000 people killed since he took office on June 30, prompting global condemnation led by the United States, the United Nations and the European Union.

However 76 percent of Filipinos are "satisfied" with Duterte's performance, according to a poll by Social Weather Stations released on Thursday. Just 11 percent of people surveyed said they were "dissatisfied" and the rest were undecided.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte holds up a certificate showing a Glock 30 handgun, awarded to him by a Philippine firearms importer for his fight against illegal drugs, in Manila on October 4, 2016 Ted Aljibe (AFP/File)

"I would like to just give an advice to all the human rights (critics) shouting now, local or international, I said you can all go to hell for it is never wrong for a president and the police and the military to protect its citizens," Duterte said.

Duterte was speaking at ceremony where he announced rewards of up to $5,100 each for "best performing" police officers in his crime crackdown, which is officially called "Double Barrel".

The Social Weather Stations survey signalled a huge jump in support from the May elections, which Duterte won in what was considered a landslide but still with just 37.6 percent of the votes.

In the Philippines, the presidential election is decided simply by whoever gets the most votes, and his nearest rival secured 22.6 percent.

- Near-record popularity -

Only one other president has enjoyed higher popularity ratings three months into their presidency since democracy was restored in 1986 following the fall of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

That president was Fidel Ramos, who ruled from 1992-1998 and is now one of Duterte's chief allies.

Under the constitution that was re-written post-Marcos, presidents are only allowed to serve a single term of six years.

Duterte, a provincial politician, stormed to victory largely on his pledge to eradicate crime in six months.

He promised that tens of thousands of people would be killed in his crime crackdown, and that he would pardon himself and police if they were charged with mass murder.

Since taking office on June 30, Duterte has continued his threats and incitements to kill, while unleashing abusive tirades at his critics.

Last week he said he would be "happy to slaughter" three million drug addicts, as he likened his crime war to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's efforts to exterminate Jews.

Following an international outcry, Duterte apologised to Jewish people for his Hitler reference but insisted he was "emphatic" in his desire to kill all drug addicts.

Duterte insisted on Thursday that threatening to kill people did not break any laws.

"There is no crime at all when I say do not destroy the youth of this land because I will kill you," he said.

Duterte also repeated that police were killing only in self-defence. He has previously said many of the other unexplained deaths are a result of gang violence, and are not by state-sponsored death squads as alleged by some rights groups.

- Anti-US rage -

Duterte has rejected international criticism by calling US President Barack Obama a "son of a whore" and telling him to "go to hell", sticking his finger up to the European Union and branding UN chief Ban Ki-moon a "fool".

Duterte has also threatened to break the Philippines' decades-old alliance with the United States, its former colonial ruler, because of Washington's criticism over the crime war.

Obama has urged Duterte to respect the rule of law and fight crime "the right way".

While abusing Obama, he has complained about a lack of respect from his US counterpart and said he now wants to forge much closer ties with China and Russia.

His foreign secretary, Perfecto Yasay, maintained the rage on Thursday with the release of a lengthy statement headlined: "America has failed us".

"The United States held on to invisible chains that reined us in towards dependency and submission as little brown brothers not capable of true independence and freedom," Yasay said.

Suspected drug pushers and users sit in handcuffs next to paraphernalia confiscated during a police operation in Manila on September 30, 2016 Ted Aljibe (AFP/File)

Police examine a dead suspected drug pusher in Caloocan City in suburban Manila early on September 30, 2016 Ted Aljibe (AFP/File)
Iran, Vietnam pledge $2 bn trade boost

Vietnam and Iran pledged Thursday to boost future trade to $2 billion, as Tehran seeks to jump-start its sputtering economy after crippling international sanctions were lifted this year.

Iran's moderate President Hassan Rouhani, in Vietnam on a three-country swing through Southeast Asia, has come under fire from conservative critics who say the nuclear deal signed with world powers has failed to bring a hoped-for economic boom.

Rouhani, who was elected on a promise to normalise relations with the outside world, praised ties with Vietnam Thursday after both sides signed several deals.

For mineral-rich Vietnam, Iran offers a key partnership in the oil and gas industry and for health and technology exchanges Atta Kenare (AFP/File)

"The two sides agreed to increase bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion," the Iranian president told reporters in Hanoi.

Trade between Iran and Vietnam hit $350 million last year, according to Iran's official IRNA news agency.

"In economics, cooperation opportunities are still large... but the scale of cooperation and bilateral trade are still modest," Vietnam's President Tran Dai Quang said.

The landmark nuclear deal -- which was reached in July 2015 and came into force in January -- saw sanctions against Iran lifted in exchange for curbing Tehran's nuclear programme, opening up one of the world's last untapped markets for global business.

Analysts say Hanoi and Tehran, which have both had strained relations with the United States in the past, are keen to bolster alliances beyond regional diplomatic spheres.

For Rouhani, the visit marks a "turning to the East, seeing what's there, caucusing, carving out some strong economic relations, which Iran needs," said Vanessa Newby, international relations research fellow at ANU's College of Asia-Pacific Affairs.

For mineral-rich Vietnam, Iran offers a key partnership in the oil and gas industry and for health and technology exchanges.

Closer ties to Iran also offers the communist nation a powerful alliance in the Middle East.

"Being under Iran's auspices is prestigious, they're an important country and because of the sanctions they've been punching way below their weight," Newby added.

"You can expect to see Iran really coming to the fore, they want a seat at the top table internationally and they've got the resources and frankly the workforce to get one."

Vietnam and Iran established diplomatic relations in 1973 and two Iranian presidents have previously visited Vietnam -- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2012 and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in 1995.
Myanmar human rights leaders resign over child abuse scandal

Four members of Myanmar's human rights commission resigned Thursday, after the body was pilloried for failing to help two girls allegedly tortured for years at a tailor's shop.

The two teenagers said they spent five years as virtual slaves in the shop in the commercial capital Yangon, where they were beaten, stabbed, burnt and deprived of sleep and food.

Their story -- told to AFP in their village outside Yangon -- has sparked outrage in Myanmar, where activists say human rights abuses remain rife as the country recovers from half a century of brutal military rule.

One of the girls showed fingers twisted at strange angles -- a cruel legacy, she says, of the punishments meted out to her Ye Aung Thu (AFP/File)

The president has ordered an investigation into how authorities handled the case, after their families said police repeatedly stonewalled their pleas to help them rescue the girls.

Anger has been directed at Myanmar's National Human Right Commission, which negotiated a $4,000 payout for the victims' families but did not push for criminal charges.

Four members of the country's top human rights body have been "allowed to leave... according to their wishes," the president's office said in a statement.

Among them was Zaw Win, who defended the commission's decision-making to angry lawmakers and was heckled by journalists at a press conference after the case came to light.

Six members of the tailor's family appeared in a Yangon court on Thursday on human trafficking charges, but the trial was delayed as three have still not found lawyers.

The girls were aged just 11 and 12 when a friend took them to Yangon with the promise of good jobs as housemaids.

AFP reporters who visited them saw evidence of horrific wounds, including scars from where they say they were stabbed with scissors and branded with a hot iron.

One of the girls showed fingers twisted at strange angles -- a cruel legacy, she says, of the punishments meted out to her.

They are among tens of thousands of children from poor rural areas sent to work as domestic helpers for Myanmar's growing pool of wealthier, urban middle-class households.

Some 1.7 million children are thought to be in work, according to analysis of 2014 census data.

They are often cut off from friends and families and left vulnerable to abuse, according to activists, who accuse the government of doing little to address the issue.

Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party took power in March, pledged to reaffirm "faith in fundamental human rights" in a speech to the United Nations last month.

The 11-member human rights commission includes members who served under the former junta government.
Blast at Syria-Turkey border 'kills 29 rebels'

At least 29 Syrian rebels were killed in a blast at a border crossing with Turkey on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Britain-based monitoring group said it was unclear what caused the explosion at the Atme crossing between Turkey and the northern Syrian province of Idlib, adding that around 20 people had also been wounded.

The Islamic State jihadist group, which has been fighting the rebels and their Turkish allies, said a "soldier of the caliphate" detonated a car bomb as the rebel fighters were crossing into Syria, US-based monitor SITE Intelligence Group reported.

Turkish troops drive past shepherds on a road near the border with Syria in September 2016 Nazeer al-Khatib (AFP/File)

The IS statement said several commanders of the Islamist Ahrar al-Sham rebel group were among the dead.

Turkey's state-run Anatolia news agency said the deadly blast took place during a "change of guard" among Syrian rebels in the area.

Rebel fighters have been targeted at the crossing before. IS claimed responsibility for a mid-August suicide attack there that killed at least 32.

The rebels killed on Thursday were among those participating in Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield in neighbouring Aleppo province.

Ankara began the unprecedented cross-border operation on August 24, saying it was targeting both IS and the Kurdish YPG militia which Turkey considers a "terrorist" group.

The operation has so far captured the IS stronghold of Jarabulus and is pushing towards the jihadist-held towns of Dabiq and Al-Bab.

Dabiq holds symbolic importance for IS because of a Sunni prophecy that states it will be the site of an end-of-times battle between Christian forces and Muslims.
Iran Guards warn Saudis over Gulf war games

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards warned regional rival Saudi Arabia to stay away from Iranian waters during its military exercises in the Gulf.

"The naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps believe this military exercise is a clear instance of creating tensions and undermining the stable security of the Persian Gulf," it said in a statement published by Iranian newspapers on Thursday.

"None of the naval vessels participating in this drill are permitted to trespass into Iranian waters and under no circumstances should they approach Iranian territorial waters," it added.

Saudi Arabia began live-fire drills on October 4, with manoueuvres also taking place in the sea of Oman and the narrow Strait of Hormuz Fayez Nureldine (AFP/File)

"Any such trespassing will not be considered a harmless aberration."

Saudi Arabia began live-fire drills in the Gulf on Tuesday, with manoeuvres also taking place in the Sea of Oman and the narrow Strait of Hormuz that links the two -- the primary route for oil exports from the region.

The Guards' naval forces "will take proportionate and immediate action against any kind of movement, attempt or action to disrupt the peace and security of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman," the statement added.

Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran -- which lie on opposite sides of the Gulf -- severed diplomatic relations earlier this year and back opposing sides in the civil wars in Syria and Yemen.

In the past, Iran has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz during periods of tension with Saudi Arabia and its Gulf Arab allies.
First cruise ship docks in Tunisia since 2015 attack

A celebrator band played as a cruise liner docked Thursday in the port of Tunis for the first time since a March 2015 jihadist attack killed 21 tourists in the capital.

The German-operated MS Europa motored into La Goulette with some 310 passengers on board for a one-day stopover.

The tourists, cameras at the ready, were greeted by a band of soldiers playing trumpets and drums, as well as camels and North African dancing, and shopkeepers garlanded them with jasmine necklaces as they disembarked.

The German-operated MS Europa motored into La Goulette with 350 passengers on board for a one-day stopover Fethi Belaid (AFP)

"It's huge for me to be reopening my shop and it warms my heart to see life return to the village," said 39-year-old Haifa Dargouth.

Tunisian authorities, who ordered high security for the visit, hope to lure back the big cruise operators who have abandoned the country for the past 18 months since the gun attack on the capital's Bardo National Museum.

"The arrival of the liner Europa does not in itself signal the resumption of cruise liner activities in Tunisia," said Malek Ghanemi, head of La Goulette's cruise liner terminal.

"But it's very important because it sends out a positive and reassuring message," he told AFP.

Salah Issa, a camel owner in his 40s who has been in tourism since he was 12 years old, was delighted to be back at work.

"This atmosphere is doing wonders for my morale," said Issa, as he welcomed tourists and let them sit on his camel's multicoloured saddle for free.

"I was rotting away in unemployment" after the Bardo attack. "My camels were going hungry."

Gabriella, a tourist from Berlin, was all smiles as she headed off for Tunis medina, or old city, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.

"I'm not scared at all," she said.

Tourism Minister Selma Rekik Elloumi attended a special ceremony later Thursday, underlining the significance of the ship's stopover for a key sector of the Tunisian economy.

A Switzerland-based company is also planning a stop in Tunisia in January, she told AFP.

Many of the tourists who died in the March 18, 2015 attack claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group that also killed a policeman were on cruise stopovers.

- Sigh of relief -

Tunisia's tourism sector has been in crisis ever since the revolution of 2011 which led to the overthrow of longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

The industry used to contribute around seven percent of GDP and supported 400,000 jobs.

Dozens of hotels were forced to close last winter following the Bardo attack and another in June 2015 around a beach hotel in Sousse that killed 38 foreign holidaymakers including 30 Britons.

Britain continues to advise its citizens against all but essential travel to most of Tunisia.

As incense filled the air around him, businessman Maher Lassoued breathed a sigh of relief.

"The Bardo attack completely destroyed me," said the 49-year-old, who returned to Tunisia to do business after the 2011 uprising, renting five shops in La Goulette.

"For the first time in my life, I was unemployed for more than a year and unable to pay what I owed."

But he said the cruise ship docking in Tunis gave him renewed hope. "I'm breathing with both lungs again," he said.

Tunisian authorities, who have ordered high security for the visit, are hoping to lure back the big cruise operators who have abandoned the country for the past year and a half Fethi Belaid (AFP)
International community slams fresh call for war in South Sudan

The international community on Thursday hit out at a call from South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar for renewed war with the government, raising concerns about heavy fighting in recent weeks.

Machar, the former vice president, last month urged "a popular armed resistance" against his rival Salva Kiir's government, in a statement from Khartoum where he is in exile.

In a joint statement, the European Union, Norway, the United States and the United Kingdom, together with Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda, condemned "calls by opposition leaders for a renewal of armed conflict".

A displaced woman carries goods on her head as United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) peacekeepers patrol outside the premises of the UN Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Juba on October 4, 2016 Albert Gonzalez Farran (AFP)

"Further fighting will not solve South Sudan's pressing political and economic challenges. It will only increase the suffering of South Sudan's people, worsen a grave humanitarian crisis, and further inflame ethnic tensions."

South Sudan plunged into conflict in 2013 -- two years after attaining a hard-won independence -- when Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Machar of plotting a coup d'etat.

A patchily implemented August 2015 peace deal saw Machar return to the capital earlier this year to resume his role in government, but fresh fighting between his forces and soldiers loyal to Kiir erupted in July.

Machar fled to Khartoum, and his former ally Taban Deng Gai took up his position as vice-president, although it is unclear whether Machar's armed rebels have also switched sides.

- 100,000 people trapped -

Violence has continued in parts of the country, and the United Nations said last week that around 100,000 people were trapped in Yei, 150 kilometres (93 miles) southwest of Juba, near the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Government forces surrounding the town suspect residents of siding with opposition forces, according to the UN refugee agency.

"We are deeply concerned by heavy fighting around the country in recent weeks, including near Yei, Wau, Bentiu, and Nassir," read the joint statement, citing reports of widespread violence against civilians.

The fresh violence in July sent tens of thousands fleeing the country, pushing the number of refugees from the war-scarred nation past the one million mark.

The UN Security Council voted in August to send a 4,000-strong regional protection force to Juba.

Kiir's government initially opposed the plan, and while it publicly committed to it in September, stands accused of dragging its feet over allowing the deployment.

The Security Council has threatened to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan if the government blocks the regional force or impedes the work of UN peacekeepers.

South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar has called for "a popular armed resistance" against his rival Salva Kiir's government Zacharias Abubeker (AFP/File)
Myanmar jails Dutch tourist for pulling plug on Buddhist sermon

A Myanmar court on Thursday jailed a Dutch tourist for three months with hard labour for insulting religion after he unplugged an amplifier relaying a late-night Buddhist sermon.

Klass Haytema, 30, was arrested two weeks ago after he pulled the plug on the Buddhist service held near his hotel in the northern city of Mandalay, complaining about the noise.

Slights against religion are treated with extreme seriousness by the courts and a pious public in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

Klass Haytema (R), 30, was arrested two weeks ago after he pulled the plug on the Buddhist service held near his hotel in the northern city of Mandalay, complaining about the noise Kyaw Zay Win (AFP)

Delivering the ruling, a judge on Thursday said Haytema was "clearly guilty" of insulting religion and was "sentenced to three months imprisonment with hard labour".

The Dutchman, who cried while the sentence was read, also opted to pay a fine of 100,000 kyat ($80) rather than serve another three months for violating the terms of his visa, which requires tourists to respect local customs.

Haytema apologised during previous hearings, according to local media, saying he did not realise what he was doing and simply wanted to sleep.

He was also accused of insulting Buddhism by not taking off his shoes when he entered the prayer hall.

Haytema is one of several foreigners to recently fall foul of the law, which criminalises "voluntary" disruption of a religious ceremony.

In July, a Spanish tourist was deported after monks complained about a tattoo of Buddha on his leg.

Last year a New Zealand bar manager also spent 10 months in jail for "insulting religion" by using a Buddha image to promote a cheap drinks night.

Religion is an important part of daily life for many across the devout country, where crimson-robed monks walk the streets every morning and prayer halls regularly blast hypnotic chants on loudspeakers late into the evening.

The nation has also battled a rising tide of radical Buddhist nationalism in recent years, with Mandalay a stronghold of the monk-led movement.

The clash of cultures has become a growing problem as the former junta-run country sees a surge in tourism under a new civilian government, the first in half a century.

Other countries in the region have also chafed at irreverent portrayals of the Buddha.

In neighbouring Thailand, posters in airports warn arriving visitors not to buy figurines or get tattoos of the holy figure.
Women activists held for trying to break Gaza blockade

A group of women activists who tried to break Israel's decade-long blockade of the Gaza Strip were being held Thursday pending deportation after the Israeli navy intercepted their boat.

Thirteen women, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Maguire, were detained on Wednesday evening after their sailboat was stopped around 35 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza.

The Israeli navy said it stopped them to prevent a "breach of the lawful maritime blockade" of the Palestinian enclave.

Palestinians sail boats in the port of Gaza City in support of the Gaza-bound flotilla of international female activists attempting to break the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip on October 5, 2016 Mahmud Hams (AFP)

Ministry of Interior spokeswoman Sabin Haddad said two of the women, both journalists, had already left prison for the airport but the others were being held in the Givon prison in central Israel for up to four days before being deported.

"During these 96 hours they can see a judge to appeal their detention," she added.

The Zaytouna-Oliva set sail from Barcelona in September with women of various nationalities aboard including Maguire, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1976 for her peace efforts in Northern Ireland.

Dubbed "Women's Boat to Gaza", the boat was part of the wider Freedom Flotilla Coalition that consists of pro-Palestinian boats that regularly seek to go to Gaza to try to break the blockade.

One such operation turned to tragedy in 2010 when Israeli commandos killed 10 Turkish activists in a raid on a flotilla.

Organisers said among the other women detained were New Zealand lawmaker Marama Davidson, Algerian MP Samira Douaifia, Swedish politician Jeannette Escanilla and Ann Wright, a former US Army colonel and State Department official who resigned over the 2003 Iraq war.

Others came from Australia, Malaysia, Norway, Russia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden and Britain.

"We are very disappointed for Gazans who were waiting for us, but we will continue. As long as there is a blockade, there will be flotillas," Claude Leostic, spokeswoman for the flotilla movement who herself attempted to sail to Gaza in 2011, told AFP.

She said they had had no contact with the women since the boat was stopped, "but when I myself was arrested in 2011, we were placed in detention centres and interrogated by intelligence services."

Gaza-based organiser Adham Abu Salmiyeh said in a statement he wanted the women to visit "Gaza to brief them on the deteriorating humanitarian situation after 10 years of blockade and collective punishment."

But he said they were confident they had sent a message to the world.

- Air strikes -

The Israeli navy said it had intercepted the sailboat after advising it "numerous times to change course prior to the action".

It said its forces had boarded and searched the sailboat, describing the operation as "uneventful".

The vessel was then taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of Gaza.

Saeb Erekat, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, condemned the interception of the boat, while Islamist movement Hamas -- which runs Gaza -- called it "state terrorism."

"We strongly condemn the Israeli aggression against the international flotilla that tried to break the illegal siege imposed by Israel on 1.8 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip," Erekat said in a statement calling for their release.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008.

Israel maintains a blockade to keep material it believes could be used for military purposes from entering the enclave.

UN officials have called for the blockade to be lifted, saying conditions are deteriorating in impoverished Gaza.

Hamas is considered a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States and the European Union.

Also on Wednesday, Israel's military struck several Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip after a rocket launched from the Palestinian enclave hit the nearby Israeli city of Sderot, with no casualties reported on either side.

A small Salafist group -- followers of an ultra-conservative brand of Sunni Islam who oppose Hamas -- claimed responsibility for the attack.

Israel holds Hamas responsible for all such rocket fire and often responds with air and tank strikes, but recent responses have been stronger than in the past.

Palestinians show their solidarity with a Gaza-bound flotilla of international activists attempting to break the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip, on October 5, 2016 at the port in Gaza City Mohammed Abed (AFP)
Bahrain postpones prominent rights activist's verdict

A Bahraini court Thursday postponed until October 31 its verdict in the trial of prominent activist Nabeel Rajab, charged with spreading false information and posting online insults, a judicial source said.

The criminal court, with Rajab present behind bars, was scheduled to give its verdict at Thursday's hearing.

The Shiite human rights activist, who had been pardoned for health reasons last year, was re-arrested in June and is on trial on a list of charges, including insulting a state institution and Saudi Arabia in online postings.

Bahraini human rights activist Nabeel Rajab (C) is on trial on a list of charges, including insulting a state institution and Saudi Arabia in online postings Mohammed Al-Shaikh (AFP/File)

He is also accused of "spreading false news and rumours and inciting propaganda during wartime which could undermine the war operations by the Bahraini armed forces and weaken the nation", state news agency BNA reported Thursday.

Bahrain is part of a Saudi-led coalition battling Shiite Huthi rebels in Yemen.

The court had repeatedly ordered that Rajab, 51, remain in custody throughout the trial, despite recurring health problems for which he was briefly hospitalised in late June.

His detention has drawn wide condemnation from human rights groups.

Last month, 22 NGOs including Human rights Watch and Amnesty International wrote a letter urging 50 governments to "speak out on Bahrain's continued misuse of the judicial system to harass and silence human rights defenders", and specifically called for Rajab's release.

Amnesty says that if convicted, the activist could face up to 13 years in prison.

Rajab has been repeatedly detained for organising protests and publishing tweets deemed insulting to Bahrain's Sunni authorities.

He previously served two years in jail on charges of taking part in unauthorised protests in the Shiite-majority kingdom.
Philippines jails Canadian for life for selling ectasy

A Canadian man has been jailed for life in the Philippines for selling 160 tablets of ecstasy, with his swift prosecution part of President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war, police said Thursday.

Jeremy Eaton, 34, was also ordered to pay a fine of 500,000 pesos ($10,000), after he was arrested in a raid in June in the financial district of Makati, police said.

They said Eaton's prosecution, done in just three months, was part of Duterte's aggressive campaign against illegal drugs. The crackdown has left more than 3,000 people dead and sparked global condemnation for alleged extrajudicial killings.

Police said Canadian Jeremy Eaton's prosecution for selling ectasy, done in just three months, was part of an aggressive campaign by President Duterte (pictured) against illegal drugs Manman Dejeto (AFP/File)

"The judiciary has expedited the prosecution of drug cases, and police are now more active so drug cases are really resolved quickly," Enrico Rigor, legal head of the national police's anti-illegal drugs group, told AFP.

Drug cases in the Philippines usually take several years to resolve, Rigor added.

Duterte, 71, won May elections in a landslide on a promise to eradicate the drug menace by killing tens of thousands of criminals to prevent the Philippines from becoming a narco-state.

He also vowed to restore the death penalty in the mainly Catholic nation.

Eaton had insisted on his innocence.

"I walked into the building, I was jumped from behind, told I'm arrested," he told reporters shortly after his arrest.

"I was searched. I had nothing on my body. I never had anything. I think I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."

The court decision, dated August 31, said his denial could "easily be concocted and is a common and standard defense ploy".

Eaton was arrested along with Australian Damian Berg, who also denied selling ecstasy but whose case is ongoing.
Striking Sudan doctors demand protection from attacks

Doctors at Sudanese government hospitals held a nationwide strike on Thursday to demand better facilities, higher wages and protection from security forces.

The Federal Committee of Doctors said medics at government hospitals were handling only emergency cases following the start of the walkout on Thursday morning.

"Reports indicate that the strike is nationwide," the committee said in a statement.

The Federal Committee of Doctors in Sudan said medics at government hospitals were handling only emergency cases following the launch of a strike action on Thursday morning Albert Gonzalez Farran (UNAMID/AFP/File)

An AFP correspondent saw doctors protesting at several government hospitals in Khartoum, and similar reports came from West Darfur, North Darfur, Jazira and Sennar states.

"Our strike is for the good of patients," and "We want to feel secure while working," were among the slogans on banners carried by doctors in the capital.

In recent weeks, Sudanese media have reported several attacks on doctors by relatives of patients as well as policemen angry about alleged delays in the treatment of fellow officers.

Thursday's action was also in protest at low wages and deteriorating services.

"We are complaining because there is no proper equipment at hospitals," Wafa Ali, a doctor at a south Khartoum hospital, told AFP.

"The hospitals are not properly maintained ... even the emergency rooms are not clean."

Another doctor, Osama Ahmed, said that medical staff had come under increasing pressure in recent years.

"We have been complaining for a long time about the work atmosphere in hospitals," he said.

"We want to feel secure when we work ... Patients too are suffering because there is no proper equipment and that puts pressure on us."

Distressed patients in several hospitals complained as doctors refused to examine non-emergency cases.

"My son has fever from yesterday but doctors are refusing to check him," said Hana Babiker, who had come to a government hospital in an impoverished neighbourhood of south Khartoum.

"Now I have no choice but to go to a private hospital which is very expensive," she said, holding her three-year-old son Mohamed on her arm.
Turkish troops to stay in Iraq despite Baghdad's objections: PM

Turkey said Thursday that its troops will remain in Iraq despite Baghdad's growing anger ahead of a planned operation to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul from Islamic State group jihadists.

Baghdad has accused Ankara of risking a regional war by keeping its forces inside Iraq and called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council to discuss the dispute, which has complicated plans for the ambitious American-backed Mosul operation.

"No matter what the Iraqi government in Baghdad says, a Turkish presence will remain there to fight against Daesh (IS), and to avoid any forceful change of the demographic composition in the region," Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said in televised comments.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Turkish troops would remain in Iraq to fight the IS group and "avoid any forceful change of demographic composition in the region" Adem Altan (AFP/File)

Turkey has an estimated 2,000 troops in Iraq -- around 500 of them in the Bashiqa camp in northern Iraq training Iraqi fighters who hope to participate in the battle to recapture Mosul, according to Turkish media.

The Turkish parliament on Saturday extended a government mandate by one year, allowing its troops to remain on both Iraqi and Syrian soil.

The Iraqi parliament labelled the Turkish troops an "occupying force", while Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi raised fears that Turkey's move could lead to "regional war".

Iraq has also requested an "emergency session" of the Security Council "to discuss the Turkish encroachment into Iraqi territory and intervention in its internal affairs," the foreign ministry announced.

Ankara has meanwhile summoned the Iraqi ambassador and Baghdad was summoning the Turkish envoy in a tit-for-tat move.

Yildirim on Thursday said Baghdad's reaction was not in "good faith".

"It's not the (Iraqi) government's right to speak like that," he said.

"When troops from 63 countries are present there, it is unreasonable (for the Iraqi government) to focus on Turkey's presence."

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Turkey was in Iraq to help work towards Baghdad's stability and security.

"Certainly we do not want to get into a vicious circle (of words) with Iraq but God-willing, the Iraqi government will come to this understanding shortly", he told a press conference in Ankara on Thursday.

Turkish forces deployed in territory currently controlled by forces from Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, whose government has close relations with Ankara.

The rising tension between Ankara and Baghdad could threaten the planned major US-backed operation by the Iraqi army to retake Mosul which was captured by IS in 2014.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed Ankara's willingness to join the battle but Turkey also fears the operation could ignite sectarian tensions.

It is particularly alarmed by the proposed role of Iraqi Shia militia in the planned offensive as well as the use of a Kurdish militia that Ankara deems to have links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Retaking Mosul would be the most ambitious move yet for the US-led coalition against IS.

Iraq's second city had a population of two million before being taken by IS, and the UN has said that up to one million may remain.
Libya snubs EU calls for refugee camps on its shores

Libya, a key springboard for Europe-bound migrants, on Thursday rejected calls from some EU countries to build refugee camps on its shores, saying the bloc could not "shirk its responsibility".

"The EU would shirk its responsibility and instead place it on our shoulders," Foreign Minister Mohamad Taher Siala said at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Vienna.

The idea is "very far removed from the reality on the ground" in conflict-torn Libya where the government is engaged in fierce battles with Islamic State militants, he added.

A growing number of people are attempting the treacherous sea journey from Libya or Egypt, after the closure of the Balkan migrant trail route leading from Greece to western Europe Aris Messinis (AFP)

Several European Union countries, including Austria and Hungary, have been pushing for EU deals with North African countries to send back rejected asylum-seekers as a way of dealing with the worst migration crisis since 1945.

Hungary's populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently said the EU should build "a large refugee city" on the Libyan coast to process asylum claims of migrants outside the EU.

A growing number of people are attempting the treacherous sea journey from Libya or Egypt, after the closure of the Balkan migrant trail route leading from Greece to western Europe.

More than 140,000 have made the journey to Italy on overcrowded boats since the start of this year, latest figures show.

Over 3,500 migrants have drowned in the Mediterranean in 2016 so far.
East Aleppo faces total destruction, UN envoy warns

The UN's Syria envoy on Thursday made an impassioned appeal to save eastern Aleppo, warning the city faced total destruction and urging Islamist fighters to leave so civilians can get aid.

"In maximum two months, two and a half months, the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate may be totally destroyed", Staffan de Mistura told reporters in Geneva.

The rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo has been hammered by a Russian-backed government offensive, including multiple attacks on hospitals.

Syrian pro-government soldiers advance in Aleppo's rebel-held Bustan al-Basha district on October 6, 2016 George Ourfalian (AFP)

De Mistura noted that the presence of Al-Nusra fighters in the city has been used as a justification by Moscow and Damascus for the continued assault.

The former Al-Nusra Front has recently changed its name to Fateh al-Sham Front following a break with Al-Qaeda, but many still see the two groups as tied.

"Can you please look at my eyes", de Mistura said in a direct appeal to Nusra leaders, before pleading with them to quit Aleppo.

"If you decide to leave in dignity and with your weapons... I personally am ready physically to accompany you," the UN envoy said.

The UN estimates that 275,000 civilians are under siege in east Aleppo, with aid deliveries all but impossible since government forces seized the last supply route in July.

De Mistura accused Nusra fighters of holding "hostage" desperate civilians in need of life-saving relief by refusing to withdraw from the city.

He said a UN analysis estimated there were 900 Nusra fighters in east Aleppo, out of a total of some 8,000 rebels.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, has however said that anti-government fighters in east Aleppo number 15,000 -- only 400 of whom belong to Fateh al-Sham Front.

- Appeal to Russia, Assad -

In a second appeal to Russia and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, the UN envoy asked if they were truly prepared to bring about the ruin of Aleppo, once Syria's economic powerhouse.

"Or, are you rather ready to announce an immediate and total aerial bombing halt if Nusra leaves?" de Mistura asked.

He warned that eastern Aleppo risked joining the ranks of the 20th century's worst tragedies, making comparisons to the massacre at Srebrenica and the Rwandan genocide.

Aleppo has been split between a government-controlled west and rebel-held east since 2012.

Following the collapse of the latest ceasefire negotiated by Washington and Moscow, Assad's forces on September 22 renewed their assault on eastern Aleppo.

De Mistura said 376 people had been killed and more than 1,200 injured since the bombardments restarted.

The surge in fighting, including an attack on the area's biggest hospital, spurred the United States to suspend its cooperation with Russia on the Syrian peace effort.

Russia has denied all responsibility for hospital attacks in the city.

Russia and the US have also co-chaired the 20-member International Syria Support Group (ISSG), which includes a humanitarian taskforce and a body that monitors ceasefire violations.

De Mistura conceded that widening cracks in US-Russia relations had been "a serious setback" for the ISSG's work, but said humanitarian taskforce members voted on Thursday to press on.

On the ceasefire body, de Mistura said the question of its future was less pressing given the raging violence.

"We don't have anymore a cessation of hostilities."

UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura holds a press briefing on the Aleppo situation in Geneva on October 6, 2016 Fabrice Coffrini (AFP)

A Syrian pro-government soldier carries home-made bombs as troops advance in Aleppo's rebel-held Bustan al-Basha neighbourhood on October 6, 2016 George Ourfalian (AFP)
Palestinian president Abbas leaves hospital after heart test

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas was hospitalised on Thursday for a heart test and later discharged, with the 81-year-old's health reported to be normal, officials said.

"We have carried out all necessary tests, including a cardiac catheterisation, and the results are all normal," Said Sarahneh, director of the Istishari Hospital in the West Bank city of Ramallah, told AFP.

Catheterisation involves the insertion of a thin tube into blood vessels.

Palestine Liberation Organisation secretary general Saeb Erekat said tests so far confirmed Mahmoud Abbas (L) was in good health Abbas Momani (AFP/File)

Abbas was later seen leaving the hospital and thanked waiting reporters. "I am leaving hospital and I am well," he said.

Palestine Liberation Organisation secretary general Saeb Erekat said the test confirmed that Abbas was in good health.

The longtime Palestinian leader last week attended the funeral of Israeli ex-president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres.

Abbas had negotiated with Peres, who died at 93, and signed the Oslo peace accords of the 1990s along with him.

There has been no Palestinian presidential election since 2005, and Abbas has remained in office despite the expiry of his term.
Info from Iraq forces led to deadly friendly fire: military

Iraqi pro-government tribesmen provided information that resulted in a US-led coalition air strike that killed 21 of their fighters, an Iraqi military command said on Thursday.

The coalition, which is bombing the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, announced that it was investigating the incident but did not confirm that it was responsible, while the Iraqi statement stated that the coalition carried out the strike.

"The air strike carried out by the international coalition... built on information provided by (tribal fighters) indicating the presence of hostile fire from one of the houses in the village of Kharaib Jabr," Iraq's Joint Operations Command said.

Iraqi government forces on the banks of the Tigris river as smoke billows from oil wells set ablaze by Islamic State group militants before they fled the oil-producing region of Qayyarah, Iraq on August 30, 2016 Safin Hamed (AFP/File)

"The information was checked with its source, who confirmed the information, after which the air strike was carried out on the target selected based on the information," the JOC said.

The strike "martyred a number of (tribesmen) and wounded others, and an investigation was immediately opened," it added.

The air raid hit an area east of the town of Qayyarah, which was recaptured from IS in August, at about 1:00 am on Wednesday (2200 GMT Tuesday), according to a commander and a government minister whose tribe resides in the area.

The commander, Sheikh Nazhan Sakhr al-Lihaybi, said the tribesmen had succeeded in repelling an attack by IS in the area, and were bombed when they gathered after the fighting ended.

Qayyarah is located south of Mosul, Iraq's second city and the last in the country to be held by IS.

The US-led coalition announced on Wednesday that it was conducting a joint investigation with Iraqi forces into the incident, while a senior defence official told AFP that a coalition strike had likely killed about 20 pro-government fighters.

Iraqi forces are preparing for the battle to retake Mosul from the IS, an operation that will be supported by coalition air power.

The Mosul operation -- which Western officials have indicated could start this month -- will involve a heterogeneous coalition of sometimes rival Iraqi forces including soldiers, police, Kurdish peshmerga fighters, and both Sunni and Shiite militiamen.

After it is launched, these forces will have to fight their way through IS-held territory -- sometimes over distances of dozens of kilometres (miles) -- before surrounding the city and launching an assault to retake it.
German court rejects payout for Afghanistan air strike victims

Germany's highest court on Thursday rejected compensation claims by relatives of victims of an air strike in Afghanistan seven years ago that was called in by a German NATO commander.

The Federal Court of Justice found against a father who was seeking 40,000 euros ($45,000) after the death of two of his children and a widowed mother-of-six claiming 50,000 euros.

In the September 2009 bombing, US planes hit two fuel tankers stolen by Taliban insurgents, killing about 100 people -- including many civilians -- near the northern city of Kunduz.

The court found then-colonel Georg Klein had exhausted all reasonable means of seeking to verify that no civilians were present Massoud Hossaini (AFP/File)

The commander, then-colonel Georg Klein, had called in the night-time strike after an informant had repeatedly claimed that no civilians were near the tankers.

Klein, who was later promoted to the rank of general, had feared that Taliban fighters could use the tankers as mobile bombs against a German military camp.

The court rejected the claim that Klein bore liability for a negligent act while on official duty. It found that he had exhausted all reasonable means of seeking to verify that no civilians were present.

After the tragedy, the German parliament described the strike as "one of the most serious incidents involving the German military since the Second World War".

The German government has argued the air strike came under NATO command and could not be blamed on Berlin alone.

It has already paid out $5,000 each to families affected by the raid, stressing that the money was not compensation but humanitarian aid.
Three dead in Benin building collapse

At least three people were killed Thursday when a building under construction collapsed in Degakon, a bustling area in Benin's economic hub of Cotonou, local authorities said.

Residents said the collapse happened early in the morning as workers were pouring the concrete of the third floor of the four-story building.

"This is a building site and as you now see we are looking for people still in the rubble," Arlette Saizonou, a local mayor, told AFP.

Rescue workers look for survivors after a building collapsed killing at least three people in Cotonou on October 6, 2016 Yanick Folly (AFP/File)

"We already have three dead bodies out of the rubble and two wounded," she added.

Building collapses happen frequently in West Africa where poor workmanship and materials coupled with a lack of official oversight often result in accidents.

One of the most notorious collapses in the region happened in 2014, when a building owned by Nigerian pastor TB Joshua collapsed and killed more than one hundred people, most of them South Africans.
France tells Russia no justification for Aleppo bombing

France's foreign minister told Russia Friday there was no justification for the fierce assault on Syria's Aleppo, as Moscow said it was ready to "work on" a French-drafted UN resolution seeking to allow aid into the besieged city.

"What is happening in Aleppo is without precedent -- nothing can justify such a deluge of fire and of death," Jean-Marc Ayrault said after meeting Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.

"I met Sergei Lavrov to tell him face to face that no one can tolerate this situation."

Aleppo's rebel-held Bustan al-Basha neighbourhood pictured in ruins on October 6, 2016 George Ourfalian (AFP)

Tensions between Russia and the West have spiked after the United States suspended talks over a ceasefire on Monday in protest at Moscow stepping up its air campaign in support of a ferocious offensive against rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

Ayrault is heading to Washington on Friday as he tries to garner support for a UN resolution on a truce in Aleppo and allow humanitarian aid in to the battered city.

Despite Russia earlier signalling its unwillingness to support the proposal, Lavrov said that Moscow is "ready to work on this text" provided it does not contradict the US-Russia ceasefire agreement or other UN resolutions.

UN's Syria envoy on Thursday warned eastern Aleppo could be "totally destroyed" by year's end, and called on the government to halt strikes if jihadist fighters left the city, even offering to escort them out himself.

Lavrov insisted that the international community should pay attention to the "residents in all of Aleppo and not just in the eastern part".

He also said that Russia has sent air defence systems to Syria to provide "reliable security" for Russian forces in the country.
Israel charges 7 accused of plotting Hezbollah attacks

Israel has charged seven residents of a village in the occupied Golan Heights of spying for Lebanon's Shiite militant group Hezbollah, police said Thursday.

The seven suspects were arrested last month after a bag containing explosive devices was discovered near the town of Metulla in northern Israel, police said.

They were accused of spying for Hezbollah, contact with foreign agents and trafficking weapons and drugs, spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.

Israel considers Hezbollah and its ally Iran the country's main enemies and deems the Lebanese group a terrorist organisation Menahem Kahana (AFP/File)

Israel considers Hezbollah and its ally Iran the country's main enemies and deems the Lebanese group a terrorist organisation.

Public radio said a Hezbollah member had allegedly ordered the suspects to carry out bomb attacks in the northern Israeli city of Haifa.

After an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, the United Nations drew up a blue line in the disputed border region between the two countries.

The line divided the village of Ghajar, with its northern part falling inside Lebanon and the south becoming part of the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.
Obama weighs fresh Syria sanctions

With diplomacy faltering and Aleppo under siege, President Barack Obama is considering fresh Syria sanctions that could claw deeper into the regime and target its Russian backers.

Officials and diplomats said the strategy is still being thrashed out, but initial efforts could focus on passing UN sanctions against those implicated in chemical weapons attacks.

A UN-backed panel is expected in the next few weeks to present new findings about deadly chemical attacks in 2014 and 2015.

A general view shows destruction in Aleppo's rebel-held Bustan al-Basha neighbourhood on October 6, 2016 George Ourfalian (AFP)

The panel -- formed by the United Nations and the independent Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons -- has already pinned the blame on the Syrian Air Force.

But the latest report, due before October 27, is expected to go into more detail about who is responsible, paving the way for targeted sanctions.

Supporters say the sanctions would send a signal that despite years of fighting, innumerable atrocities and at least 300,000 deaths, some small measure of accountability in Syria remains.

And while most of President Bashar al-Assad's inner circle and top military aides are already the subjects of US travel bans and assets freezes, officials believe that targeting lower-level military officers would have a chilling effect on Syrian military morale.

But the greatest impact may be diplomatic.

A demand for sanctions would put Russia in the uncomfortable position of defending chemical weapons use by its ally, and could force Moscow to wield its veto in the UN Security Council.

The report had earlier been delayed, partly to provide space for US and Russian efforts to broker a ceasefire.

Those have now failed, heaping pressure on Obama to act to stop the carnage in Syria.

"What we are doing now is a different type of diplomacy -- one which might be more robust -- it could be resolutions which are designed to put pressure on them," a Security Council diplomat said.

"The strategy that we are on is to try to change Russian behavior and let's face it we have not been very successful at that in the year that they have been militarily supporting Assad," the diplomat added.

"There is already work going on a draft resolution to take forward the 3rd and further 4th report in terms of what we do about it."

- Gaining leverage -

If the UN route fails, attention is likely to turn to sanctions agreed by the United States, the European Union and other allies.

Officials indicated the scope could be broad, covering not only Syrians but also Russian firms that provided the means to carry out the bombing of civilian areas.

That would be intended as a strong signal to Moscow that it is not immune and continued support for the regime would come at a price.

"I wouldn't rule out multilateral efforts outside of the UN to impose costs on Syria or Russia or others with regard to the situation inside of Syria," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

"I wouldn't take that off the table in terms of options that the president may consider."

The sanctions would be targeted at specific firms -- aircraft parts suppliers or chemicals producers -- to overcome opposition in European capitals to broad sanctions against Russia, a major trading partner.

But with Russia and Syria dropping bombs on besieged Aleppo and a humanitarian crisis of historic proportions looming, key hurdles to action have fallen away.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, eying the carnage in Aleppo and the severity of the refugee crisis that has rocked Europe, is reportedly taking a tougher line.

After a call with Obama last week, the two leaders decried "barbarous Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes against eastern Aleppo," saying in unusually strong language that Moscow and Damascus bear a special responsibility to stop the fighting.

But none of the sanctions options under consideration is likely to directly end fighting in Aleppo.

Several officials poured cold water on the idea that Obama would reverse years of opposition to military action against the regime by approving air or cruise missile strikes against airfields or other targets.

"There are significant consequences for using US military force against the Assad regime," Earnest said. "I'd say the most important of those consequences that we should be mindful of is dragging the United States into another ground war in the Middle East."

Sending in troops "would have grave consequences for our national security," he added. "It would be expensive, it would put at risk more American lives and it's unclear how a conflict like that would end."

Obama was elected with a mandate to draw down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He has sent around 300 troops to Syria, focused on the battle against the Islamic State group, but has refused to plunge them into a civil war that is not deemed in America's strategic interest.

He has backed diplomacy instead as the only way out of the crisis.

But with just months left in office, the siege and bombardment of Syria's second city has put his reluctance to use force in Syria back under the spotlight, exposing deep unease within his administration.
In Old Damascus, sombre exhibit by artists who have fled Syria's war

In a traditional cafe in the heart of Damascus, young Syrians linger at an art exhibition evoking the despair and loss of their country's war. The only thing missing? The artists themselves.

Instead of standing proudly by their works, the artists in the exhibition "And They Left" are scattered across Europe, having fled Syria's brutal five-year conflict in search of safety abroad.

They entrusted their pieces to Bernar Jomaa, 39, who curated the exhibition of works coloured by sorrow and nostalgia.

The artists in the exhibition "And They Left" at a Damascus cafe are scattered across Europe, having fled Syria's brutal five-year conflict in search of safety abroad Louai Beshara (AFP/File)

After arranging the last of a series of carved sculptures, Jomaa logs into Skype to show artist Sara Khatib, now living in Denmark, her section of the display.

Khatib, 29, begins to cry as she sees her work -- including a stone figure of a woman hugging herself -- displayed in her homeland, thousands of miles (kilometres) away.

"I was really moved by the idea of the exhibit. I couldn't hold back my tears when I saw my work next to an old Damascene wall," said Khatib, who claimed asylum in Denmark in 2012.

"I couldn't bring them with me to Denmark, but I didn't want that anyway -- I wanted to leave a part of myself back in Damascus," Khatib told AFP.

"My art pieces are like my children... I'll come back one day to brush the dust off them, to see how much they've grown and what they've become."

Syria's war has displaced half its pre-war population of about 23 million, with many displaced internally and nearly five million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries or Europe.

- 'Forgotten works' in Damascus -

The exhibition at Ziryab, a popular stone coffeehouse in the Old City of Damascus, features nearly two dozen works by 15 different Syrian artists who are now abroad.

Their work is displayed under stone archways fitted with stained glass windows and on rustic wooden tables.

"There are many pieces I've accumulated over the years from artists who have fled Syria without their art. I took all of these forgotten works and curated an exhibit by those who have fled," said Jomaa.

Twenty-three-year old Yazan Kelesh pauses at a photograph of eight children, strained smiles shining through on their war-weary faces.

"Usually, artists are present at an exhibit to explain more about their work. But their absence today says everything about the amount of suffering and pain caused by so many young people leaving, including so many artists," he says.

The works emit a sort of tired, worn sadness: faceless blue-and-green creatures embracing next to sketches of a bald man with an anxious, furrowed brow.

They are also nostalgic: One photograph shows the historic Bab Touma square in Damascus "before it was filled with checkpoints", says visitor Mayss, 31.

"Most of the works here are sad, whether in their colours, the photography angle, or the way they were sculpted. The artists clearly are very sensitive to recent events."

On a typical afternoon in Ziryab, a dozen Syrians sip cups of bitter coffee or puff on water pipes during chats about what become typical subjects of high prices, mortar shells and military conscription.

- Too 'dangerous' for art -

Although Damascus has been spared much of the violence of other major cities like Aleppo, young people in the capital have been hit by skyrocketing prices and unemployment.

One corner of the coffeehouse is dominated by a large monochrome snapshot of a weary woman leaning against a wooden plank, her eyes closed and her head in her hands.

The photographer, Rami Skeif, is among thousands of Syrians who made the perilous journey to reach Europe by boat, travelling with his wife and young daughter in late 2015.

"We had to ride in a small boat for part of the journey, and we couldn't bring anything other than the essentials," 40-year-old Skeif wrote to AFP from Sweden.

"I couldn't bring my works with me on a journey full of obstacles and danger, by land and sea, so I left them behind in Syria with my friend Bernard."

Skeif says he hopes to return to Syria one day "to participate in an exhibition depicting a happy woman, expressing the joy we have demanded for my country".

One visitor in a long black coat scrutinises the artwork very intently.

"This exhibit is for artists who have left. Meanwhile, I'm still here, but my paintings are all gone," says the young man, who declined to give his name.

He left his paintings behind in an eastern suburb of Damascus as rebels advanced several years ago, "and they were all stolen".

"I visit all these exhibits, examining the paintings carefully, looking for my own the way a mother searches for her sons."

Customers at a cafe in Damascus on October 3, 2016 display paintings by Syrian artists as part of the "And They Left" exhibition Louai Beshara (AFP/File)
Wal-Mart sees stagnant profits,sending shares lower

US retail giant Wal-Mart Stores projected Thursday earnings would be flat in fiscal year 2018 as it pumps up investment in e-commerce initiatives.

Wal-Mart said earnings for the next fiscal year that begins February 1 will be essentially unchanged from those of fiscal 2017, which are expected to come in at $4.15 to $4.35 a share.

That was below analysts' forecast of $4.47 earnings per share.

Wal-Mart will open 130 new stores in the United States in the current year, down from a prior plan to build 135-155 stores Joe Raedle (Getty/AFP/File)

Shares of Dow member Wal-Mart tumbled 2.4 percent to $69.95 in late-morning trade.

The world's biggest retailer said it would slow investment in new stores and steer funds to e-commerce, technology and store remodels.

The moves come as retailers scramble to do more to beef up e-commerce and integrate mobile technology into operations, such as letting customers order groceries online and pick them up in the store.

"We are encouraged by the progress we're seeing across our business and we're moving with speed to position the company to win the future of retail," said Wal-Mart chief executive Doug McMillon.

Faced with surging growth at Amazon and other online retailers, Wal-Mart's response in the online sector has included a $3.3 billion acquisition of Jet.com and taking a 10.8 percent stake in Chinese firm JD.com.

The US giant is reportedly in talks to invest $1 billion in Indian e-commerce company Flipkart.

Wal-Mart forecasted an overall capital budget of $11 billion in both fiscal 2017 and 2018, down from $11.5 billion in 2016.

It will open 130 new stores in the United States in the current year, down from a prior plan to build 135-155 stores.
What to know about Russia's firepower in Syria

More than a year after it launched a bombing campaign in Syria, Russia is bolstering its firepower in the country as tensions with the United States rise over the war.

Here is an overview of the weaponry Moscow has in the region as diplomatic attempts to resolve the five-year conflict have hit the buffers:

- Personnel -

A member of the Syrian civil defence volunteers, known as the White Helmets, looks at a destroyed building following a reported air strike on the rebel-held town of Douma, on the eastern outskirts of the capital Damascus Sameer Al-Doumy (AFP/File)

Russia's military has not released the exact number of servicemen it has deployed to Syria but recent voting figures during elections last month suggested there could be up to 4,300 personnel based there.

They range from pilots and marine commandos to cooks and support staff living for the most part at the Hmeimim airbase in government-held territory close to the coastal city of Latakia.

Russia insists its troops are not fighting on the frontline in Syria but it admits deploying military "advisors" to assist the Syrian army and special forces to help target air strikes.

Officially some 20 serviceman have been killed in action since the start of the campaign, including a pilot killed when a Turkish F-16 downed his jet in November.

Russian opposition media has also carried reports of mercenaries from the country fighting, and dying, on the side of regime forces.

The defence ministry has drawn up a draft law that would allow Russians to sign short-term contracts to fight in overseas operations against "international terrorism", a move that could boost Moscow's ability to get servicemen to Syria.

- Planes -

Moscow's Syria mission is thought to have several dozen warplanes at its Hmeimim base -- including Su-24, Su-25, Su-30 and the latest Su-35 jets -- the tip of the spear of its operation.

Russia also has attack helicopters in Syria that have been used to back up offensives by government forces. The pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestiya newspaper reported recently that it has dispatched more Su-25 ground attack military jets.

Moscow has also used aircraft based outside Syria to bomb targets there. Long-range Tupolev bombers have struck the war-ravaged country after taking off from bases in Russia, firing missiles including the new X-101 that has a range of 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles).

Russia briefly used a base in western Iran to fly bombing sorties over Syria in August but that was halted after several days following an apparent diplomatic spat.

- Air defence and navy -

Russia on Monday confirmed it had delivered the S-300 air defence system to its naval facility at Tartus to bolster its capacities in Syria as relations have soured with the United States.

Moscow had already sent the newer S-400 system to Hmeimim in the wake of Ankara's downing of its warplane in November.

The deployment of the high-tech air defence systems is a clear warning to the West not to meddle with Moscow as rebel and jihadist groups do not posses planes or missiles capable of shooting down Russian jets.

Defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov warned the United States Thursday that the reach of the Russian systems could "provide a surprise for any unrecognised aircraft".

The Kremlin's forces on land are also backed up by a Russian naval deployment off the coast in the eastern Mediterranean.

Over the past few days Russia has dispatched three more corvettes equipped with modern missile systems to join the deployment, which has up until now numbered about 10 warships and support vessels. It is also due to send its lone aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in the coming weeks.

Russia has previously also fired missiles at Syria from submarines in the Mediterranean and warships in the Caspian Sea.

Syria: the Russian and US forces engaged Paz PIZARRO, Thomas SAINT-CRICQ (AFP)
US envoy travels to Japan, S.Korea for talks on N.Korea

US Ambassador Samantha Power on Thursday was traveling to Japan and South Korea for talks with the two US allies as negotiations at the United Nations on new sanctions against North Korea gathered pace.

Power will discuss "ongoing efforts to respond effectively to the serious threats to security and stability in the region posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programs," the US mission said in a statement.

The US envoy, who will be in the region until Tuesday, will also meet with defectors from North Korea to highlight Pyongyang's dismal rights record, it added.

United States Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power will meet with defectors from North Korea to highlight Pyongyang's dismal rights record Bryan R. Smith (AFP/File)

The United States is leading negotiations on a new sanctions resolution that the Security Council agreed last month to pursue after Pyongyang carried out its fifth nuclear test.

North Korea has been hit by five sets of UN sanctions since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006.

British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said this week that the council was "moving fast" to agree on imposing new sanctions, but a draft text has yet to be presented to the full 15 members.
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Palestinians say Gaza probe a 'serious test' for ICC

Palestinian officials on Thursday welcomed delegates from the International Criminal Court and said they hoped it would open a war crimes investigation against Israel.

Officials from the world's only permanent war crimes court are visiting Israel and the Palestinian territories this week against the backdrop of a probe into the 2014 Gaza war.

But chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said the trip is not linked to her ongoing initial enquiry on the war.

International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda says will visit Israel for "outreach and education activities" to raise awareness about the ICC and her own office Peter Dejong (POOL/AFP/File)

She said the visit is for "outreach and education activities" to raise awareness about the ICC and her own office.

The official schedule does not include a visit to Gaza.

"Palestine is a serious test to the ICC and I don't think they can afford to fail it," said Ammar Hijazi, a Palestinian foreign ministry official.

"If they fail Palestine's test the whole ICC and the whole international criminal system will collapse," he told journalists.

At the request of the Palestinians, Bensouda's office opened an initial probe into alleged war crimes by both sides during the July-August 2014 conflict.

Some 2,251 Palestinians, including 551 children, were killed in fighting between Israel and Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas and other factions, according to UN figures.

Israel is alleged to have used indiscriminate force against the blockaded territory, while Hamas is accused of firing rockets at Israeli civilian population centres and using Palestinians as human shields.

On the Israeli side, 73 people were killed, mostly soldiers.

The Palestinians have also given the ICC files on Israeli settlements and what they say are forcible population transfers.

Israel, which is not a party to the treaty that governs the court, vehemently opposes any ICC investigation.

Officials have however said they will cooperate with the body to convince it of the competence of Israel's own courts.

Israel controls all access to the West Bank and to the Gaza Strip -- except its border with Egypt -- meaning the ICC visit is dependent on Israel's goodwill.

The officials, who arrived on Wednesday and leave Monday, will visit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ramallah.

They were expected in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Saturday and Sunday.

Hijazi said he hoped the ICC would move the case forward by the end of the year.
Opposition blasts hint of third term for Mauritania leader

Mauritania's opposition has lashed out at suggestions that the country's constitution be changed to let President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz run for a third term.

Jemil Ould Mansour, leader of the Islamist Tewassoul party, said late Wednesday his party would "not take part in a charade in which the idea of changes to presidential mandates could be mooted".

His comments, referring to ongoing talks about constitutional changes, came a day after Khalil Ould Tiyeb of Aziz's Union for the Republic (UPR), said age and term limits should be "unlocked" for the presidency.

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz delivers a speech during the opening day of the World Climate Change Conference 2015 Alain Jocard (AFP/File)

Aziz came to power in a 2008 coup, before being elected in 2009 and re-elected in 2014 promising to respect the two-term limit, saying he would "in no way" attempt to alter it.

In March a government spokesman said "the majority of Mauritanians" believed Aziz deserved a "third, fourth, or fifth term," after similar statements by the justice minister.

Following months of denials he was seeking a third stint in power, the president -- whose second term comes to an end in 2019 -- said last week that constitutional changes would be put to a referendum.

The north African nation is currently engaged in a week of "national dialogue" among political parties -- although Tewassoul is boycotting the talks.

But even parties taking part such as the moderate Popular Progressive Alliance (APP) labelled Tiyeb's suggestion a "manoeuvre" that "was not on the agreed agenda".

Many African countries have moved to overturn presidential term limits, sometimes with violent consequences.

Burundi descended into chaos in 2015 after President Pierre Nkurunziza stood in elections for a third term.

In the Republic of Congo, President Denis Sassou Nguesso pushed through plans to change the law and give himself another term in office, while Rwandan President Paul Kagame is expected to extend his rule after citizens voted to scrap a two-term limit.
Syria's Assad says 'no option' but to expel rebels from Aleppo

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday warned rebels in Aleppo that unless they agreed to a deal with the government, his forces would have "no option" but to expel them from the city.

The Syrian leader made the comments in an interview with Danish broadcaster TV2 aired two weeks after his forces announced an all-out offensive for second city Aleppo.

UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura warned on Thursday that eastern parts of Aleppo could be "totally destroyed" before the year's end.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad speaking during an interview with Denmark's TV2 channel - (SANA/AFP)

In his interview, Assad said the "best option" for Aleppo would be "reconciliations (like) in other areas," referring to towns and districts where opposition groups had agreed to local truces with the regime.

Otherwise, he said, he would "continue the fight with the rebels till they leave Aleppo.... There's no other option."

Syria's armed forces announced a large-scale assault on rebel territory in eastern parts of Aleppo on September 22.

Since then, government troops backed by Syrian and Russian warplanes have chipped away at opposition territory inside the city and on its outskirts.

The Syrian military said late Wednesday it would "reduce" air strikes on rebel territory to allow civilians in the city to flee.

The aerial component of Assad's campaign had come under fierce international scrutiny in recent days, particularly after a series of air strikes on hospitals in opposition-held quarters.

On Monday, the largest hospital in Aleppo's east was completely destroyed in bombardment.

But Assad denied his forces deliberately target medical infrastructure or restricted aid to civilians in the city.

"We never prevented any medical supply or food supply or any other thing from entering east Aleppo. There's no embargo, if that's what you mean," he said in the interview.

"As a government, we don't have a policy to destroy hospitals or schools or any such facility," he said, adding that such an attack would be "like shooting ourselves in the foot" because it would boost support for anti-regime groups.

But Assad also denied any non-jihadist rebel groups even existed in Syria.

"Do you know the unicorn, the animal that's like a horse, has a long horn? It's a myth. And the moderate opposition is a myth."
Hurricane Matthew: What we know

Hurricane Matthew was downgraded to a Category Two Friday as it churned northward up Florida's east coast after leaving a trail of destruction in Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

Here's what we know about this deadly, dangerous storm:

- HAITI -

Officials say Hurricane Matthew caused catastrophic damage, crushing bridges, forcing rivers to overflow and blowing roofs apart in Haiti Logan Abassi (UN/MINUSTAH/AFP)

The storm killed more than 400 people in Haiti, according to a senator from the hard-hit south of the country, which is the poorest in the Americas. The final toll is expected to be higher.

Matthew caused catastrophic damage, crushing bridges, forcing rivers to overflow and blowing roofs apart, officials said.

More than 29,000 homes were destroyed in the Sud department alone, and more than 20,000 people have been displaced, local authorities said.

Haiti's southern city of Jeremie suffered "complete destruction," with 80 percent of the buildings leveled, relief agencies said.

One million people are in need of assistance, according to CARE France, a humanitarian group.

- CUBA -

More than 1.3 million people were evacuated in Cuba, where Matthew made landfall Tuesday night.

No casualties were reported, but officials described severe damage to the historic town of Baracoa, the first Spanish settlement on the island (founded in 1511).

Authorities restored contact Friday with two eastern towns, Maisi and Imias, which had been cut off in the storm's aftermath. Both suffered power outages and serious damage but no fatalities.

- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC -

The hurricane killed at least four people -- three of them children -- and injured one in the Dominican Republic.

Some 28 people were rescued from rooftops or trees.

More than 36,500 people were evacuated, and 3,000 homes destroyed, flooded or damaged.

- BAHAMAS -

Matthew's eye moved over Freeport on Thursday, battering the islands with winds of 140 miles (220 kilometers) per hour.

Witnesses said roads were littered with fallen palm trees and smashed fences. Utility lines were down as heavy rains doused business districts and windows shattered in some coastal hotels.

New Providence, the most populous island and home to the capital Nassau, was spared the worst of the storm, suffering downed trees and power lines, as well as structural damage to a number of commercial buildings and residences.

- UNITED STATES -

Four people died in Florida on Friday as Matthew lashed the state's southeastern coast.

The storm blocked first responders from reaching two people with medical emergencies, while two others died when hit by a falling tree.

Matthew was downgraded Friday around 5:00 pm (2100 GMT) to a Category Two storm on a five-point scale as it pummelled the northeast coast of Florida.

While no longer considered a "major" hurricane, the storm was still producing maximum sustained winds of 110 miles (175 kilometers) per hour as it traveled about 55 miles east-northeast of Jacksonville at 0000 GMT Saturday.

It remained unclear if Matthew would make landfall, and a turn to the northeast was forecast for Saturday.

A hurricane warning was in effect north of the Flagler/Volusia county line to Surf City, North Carolina.

Dusk-to-dawn curfews were in place in half a dozen South Carolina counties, as well as in Georgia's Chatham County, of which Savannah is the seat.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley urged people in coastal areas to evacuate to avoid major storm surges, fallen trees and high winds.

She said 310,000 people in the state had already evacuated.

According to forecasters, Matthew could bring destructive winds and storm surges as high as nine feet (2.7 meters) in some areas, with eight to 15 inches of rain.

Across Florida, 1.1 million people were left without power -- about 11 percent of customers -- as of late Friday.

Some 3,500 National Guard troops were activated to assist with shelters and evacuation orders.

NASA's Kennedy Space Center sustained some damage to roofs at the launch pad complex, but not to rocket hardware. Popular theme parks, including Disney World, were closed Friday.

View of Baracoa, Guantanamo province, east of Cuba after hurricane Matthew passed through the place on October 7, 2016 Yamil Lage (AFP)

Matthew's eye moved over Freeport on Thursday, battering the islands with winds of 140 miles (220 kilometers) per hour Sloan Smith (AFP/File)
Boeing commercial deliveries dip in 3rd quarter

Boeing delivered fewer commercial planes in the third quarter compared with the year-ago period, according to figures released Thursday by the US aerospace giant.

Boeing delivered 188 planes during the July-September period, down 5.5 percent from the same stretch in 2015.

Deliveries of the 737 family of aircraft fell 4.8 percent, to 120 planes. The company delivered 22 of the long-range 777, five fewer than a year ago, and 36 of the 787 Dreamliner, down one.

Boeing delivered 188 planes during the July-September 2016 period, down 5.5 percent from the same stretch in 2015 Adrian Dennis (AFP/File)

The benchmark is closely monitored by Wall Street because aerospace companies book revenues when deliveries are made.

Through the third quarter, Boeing delivered 563 planes in all, suggesting it will meet its full-year target to deliver 740-745 planes for 2016.
UN envoy warns east Aleppo faces total destruction

The UN's Syria envoy Thursday warned east Aleppo faces total destruction, as government forces made their biggest gains in years against rebels inside the opposition-held part of the battleground city.

Staffan de Mistura said eastern Aleppo could be "totally destroyed" by year's end, and called on the government to halt strikes if jihadist fighters left the city, even offering to escort them out himself.

The envoy said eastern Aleppo risked joining the ranks of the 20th century's worst tragedies including the Srebrenica massacre and the Rwandan genocide.

A picture shows desruction as Syrian pro-government forces advance in Aleppo's Bustan al-Basha neighbourhood - (AFP)

His plea comes two weeks into an all-out government assault on opposition parts of Aleppo following the collapse of a short-lived truce negotiated by Russia and the United States.

Diplomats said the UN Security Council would hold an emergency meeting on Syria Friday, at the request of Russia, with De Mistura expected to brief the council via videoconference from Geneva at 1400 GMT.

President Bashar al-Assad, meanwhile, warned rebels in Aleppo that unless they agreed to a deal with the government, his forces would have "no option" but to expel them from the city.

Loyalists have made significant advances in the Bustan al-Basha district near the centre of Aleppo, divided between government fighters in the west and rebels in the east, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said it was the biggest and most significant advance inside the city since 2013.

The offensive by Assad's forces has seen rebel-held areas pounded relentlessly with air strikes, barrel bombs and artillery fire that the Observatory says have killed more than 270 people.

- Army 'gimmick' -

On Wednesday, the army said in a surprise announcement it would reduce its bombardment "to allow civilians who want to leave to reach safe areas".

"Anyone who does not take advantage of the opportunity to lay down their arms or leave will meet their inevitable fate," it said.

The Observatory reported fewer air strikes but heavy clashes on several fronts including Bustan al-Basha on Thursday, with the army now controlling key vantage points and half the neighbourhood.

Regime forces also seized buildings on the edges of the nearby Sakhur district, it added.

And 11 people were killed in rebel rocket fire on the government-controlled district of Al-Jamiliyeh, the Observatory said.

State news agency SANA earlier said at least eight people were killed and dozens wounded there.

Analysts dismissed the army announcement.

"The regime and its allies have made a decision to conquer as much of eastern Aleppo as possible and they're moving ahead on that," said Emile Hokayem of the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

"I think such announcements are actually marginal. They are a PR gimmick."

Syria expert Thomas Pierret said the move could be intended to undercut growing international pressure for action over the plight of civilians in east Aleppo.

The bombardment has damaged or destroyed several hospitals, including the largest facility serving the more than 250,000 remaining residents, who have been under near-continuous siege since mid-July.

"A temporary halt or reduction of bombings could prevent interventionists from gaining further influence," said Pierret, a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh.

- French-drafted UN resolution -

Washington said this week it was suspending talks with Moscow on Syria over Russia's involvement in the Aleppo assault.

But the US acknowledged Secretary of State John Kerry had called his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss Syria despite the announcement.

Moscow blames Washington for the truce's collapse and has shown no signs of easing its support for Assad.

De Mistura warned the ongoing assault would have dire consequences: "In maximum two months, two-and-a-half months the city of eastern Aleppo may be totally destroyed."

He urged fighters from the former Al-Nusra Front, now known as Fateh al-Sham Front after breaking with Al-Qaeda, to leave Aleppo under a deal to halt the regime's attack on the city.

"If you decide to leave with dignity... I am personally ready to physically accompany you," said the envoy.

Russia said it was "ready to work" on a French-drafted UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Aleppo.

More than 300,000 people have been killed since the conflict began with fierce repression of anti-government protests in March 2011.

It has since evolved into a complex multi-front war that has drawn in regional and international forces including, most recently, Turkey.

Ankara launched an offensive on August 24, saying its forces and allied rebels would fight both the Islamic State group and Kurdish militia in northern Syria.

Thursday, at least 29 rebels involved in Ankara's operation were killed in a blast claimed by IS at the Atme border crossing with Turkey, the Observatory said.

Syrians inspect the damage caused by an artillery attack in the al-Jamiliyeh neighbourhood in the government-controlled side of the northern city of Aleppo following fighting between regime forces and rebels Georges Ourfalian (AFP)

A general view shows destruction in Aleppo's rebel-held Bustan al-Basha neighbourhood on October 6, 2016 George Ourfalian (AFP)
South Africa's Zuma names new public watchdog

South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday named a new anti-corruption watchdog to succeed the highly respected ombudsman who famously uncovered a multi-million dollar scandal surrounding his private home.

Zuma appointed Busisiwe Mkhwebane to replace Thuli Madonsela, whose non-renewable seven-year term expires this month.

Mkhwebane, 46, vowed that she would prioritise investigating issues surrounding the needs of the poor over state corruption, which has been at the forefront of Madonsela's time in office.

South African president Jacob Zuma gives his remarks as he officially open the Convention International Trade in Endangered Species of the wild Fauna and Flora Gianluigi Guercia (AFP/File)

The outgoing ombudswoman found in a 2014 report that Zuma had "unduly benefited" from the refurbishment of his Nkandla rural home -- valued in 2014 at 216 million rand (then $24 million).

South Africa's Constitutional Court ordered the president to pay back funds spent on non-security upgrades -- including a chicken coop, swimming pool and amphitheatre -- valued by the treasury at $542,000.

The Nkandla scandal has dogged Zuma's presidency, becoming a symbol of alleged corruption and greed within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party and triggering several unsuccessful impeachment bids by the opposition.

Madonsela is currently looking into claims of what is described as "state capture" involving a politically-connected wealthy Indian migrant family, the Guptas.

On Thursday, Madonsela questioned Zuma over alleged misconduct including the accusations that he allowed the Gupta family to choose ministers.

According to a statement by the ombudsman's office, Zuma met with Madonsela "as part of her investigation into the alleged involvement of the Gupta family in the dismissal and appointment of cabinet ministers and boards of directors of state owned enterprises".

- 'Possibly corrupt influence' -

The meeting also discussed their "possibly corrupt influence in the award of state contracts and licences to companies linked to the family".

The meeting which lasted four hours resolved that Zuma would be given a set of questions to answer through an affidavit, and the parties would meet again to discuss issues raised.

The statement said Zuma's legal advisers had argued that the investigation be deferred to the incoming ombudswoman.

Under Madonsela, the post known as the Public Protector gained a reputation as a formidable corruption buster, handing down damning findings against the state and public companies.

But Mkhwebane, who starts work next week, said that while allegations of state corruption were important, her priority would be the poor.

"Which one is a matter of life and death. A person who is sitting without electricity, without hot water, children going to school without hot water, compared with the state capture," Mkhwebane said in an interview with the national broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Cooperation.

Mkhwebane, a state security analyst with the country's intelligence agency, beat dozens of other candidates nominated by the public, and then interviewed by lawmakers.

An advocate by training, Mkhwebane has previously held several high profile government posts.
Zambia opposition leader denies charges, freed on bail

Zambia's opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema pleaded not guilty Thursday to unlawful assembly and sedition charges and was released on bail after spending a night in custody, his party said.

Hichilema, leader of United Party for National Development (UPND), is scheduled back in court later this month. If convicted he could face up to seven years in jail.

Hichilema was arrested on Wednesday along his vice-president Geoffrey Mwamba in the country's copperbelt region, after they attempted to visit party members detained in various prisons.

Zambian presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema of main opposition party United Party for National Development, looks on after casting his ballot during the Zambian general elections on August 11, 2016 Gianluigi Guercia (AFP/File)

"UPND president Hakainde Hichilema and his vice- president Geoffrey Mwamba have not pleaded guilty on two different counts," the party said in a statement.

Luanshya Magistrate Court freed the two leaders on bail, ordering them to appear in court again on October 19.

The alleged unlawful assembly took place on September 26 in the central city of Mpongwe, in the heart of the mineral-rich province.

Earlier on Thursday, Hichilema posted on his Facebook page that the two had been denied food, water and blankets while in the police cells.

Hichilema, a wealthy businessman who has run five times for president, disputed the result of August polls which re-elected President Edgar Lungu.

He accused Lungu, the country's election commission and court judges of all being guilty of fraud over the August 11 election, which Lungu won by barely 100,000 votes.
IMF chief: a US deal with Deutsche Bank 'better than trial'

IMF chief Christine Lagarde said Thursday that Deutsche Bank would be better off reaching a deal with the United States over its sale of toxic mortgage bonds than fighting it in court.

With the German financial giant now negotiating to lower the Justice Department's proposed $14 billion payout to settle the case -- a sum which would cut deeply into the bank's relatively weak capital foundations -- Lagarde said a compromise sooner is better than protracted litigation.

"I'm a lawyer by background. So I think that a bad settlement is always better than a good trial," the International Monetary Fund's managing director told Bloomberg Television.

Deutsche Bank is now negotiating to lower the US Justice Department's proposed $14 billion payout to settle a case Daniel Roland (AFP/File)

"We're not in a trial mode clearly in the case of Deutsche Bank," she said.

"But a settlement would certainly be welcome because it would deliver some certainty as to what weight the bank will have to carry and whether it matches with its provisions or not. So the sooner, the better."

Deutsche Bank had put aside 5.5 billion euros ($6.1 billion) for its pending legal costs. The main one is US charges that it knowingly sold high-risk housing loan securities as low-risk investments before the 2008 financial crisis.

The bank was shocked by the Justice Department's $14 billion initial proposal, and strongly rejected it. Last week sources close to the matter told AFP that discussions were focused around a $5.4 billion figure.
Israeli tanks fire on Gaza in response to rocket

Israeli tanks shelled the Gaza Strip after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave hit an open field on Thursday, the second such exchange of fire in two days, officials said.

The rocket slammed into the Eshkol area of Israel bordering the Gaza Strip, which is run by Islamist movement Hamas, the Israeli military said in a statement.

The Israelis retaliated with tank fire targeting farmland east of the Al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, said a Hamas security source.

Smoke raises from western Gaza City following an Israeli military strike Mohammed Abed (AFP/File)

Israel usually retaliates to rocket fire from the Gaza with strikes, but recent responses have been stronger than in the past.

That has led some analysts to question whether the change is in part the result of a new policy by hardline Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who took office in May.

The minister, speaking on public television, said Israel was not seeking an escalation.

"But when it comes to the security of Israelis, there will be no concession ... Hamas has firm control over the Gaza Strip. When it wants to make or prevent other groups from firing, it knows how to do it," said Lieberman.

Following the latest exchange, Israel's military issued a brief statement only saying it "targeted the Hamas terror infrastructure inside the Gaza Strip using tanks".

No casualties were reported on either side, and there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the rocket attack.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces retaliated with air strikes and tank shelling of Hamas posts in Gaza after a rocket crashed onto a road in the Israeli city of Sderot.

That rocket was claimed by the small Salafist movement Ahfad al-Sahaba, followers of an ultra-conservative brand of Sunni Islam who oppose Hamas and sympathise with Islamic State group jihadists.

Israel however holds Hamas responsible for all such rocket fire.

No casualties were reported from the rocket or the Israeli strikes on Wednesday.
Minnesota mall attacker was 'radicalized': FBI

The Somali immigrant who stabbed 10 people at a Minnesota mall before he was fatally shot by an off-duty police officer was "radicalized," the US authorities said Thursday.

They released graphic videos of the September 17 attack, showing parts of 20-year-old Dahir Ahmed Adan's rampage through the Crossroads Center mall, and his fatal confrontation with off-duty officer Jason Falconer.

All 10 people survived their injuries. Falconer shot Adan six times as he repeatedly tried to attack the officer, the authorities said.

Security car patrols outside the Crossroads Center mall on September 19, 2016 in St Cloud, Minnesota Stephen Maturen (Getty/AFP/File)

Soon after the rampage, the Islamic State group said it was carried out by an IS "soldier," appearing to claim credit. However, the federal authorities on Thursday said they are still investigating Adan's motives and life.

The immigrant Somali community where he lived in St. Cloud described him as a high-achieving college student.

"He went from being an excellent student with a high GPA to flunking out of college almost overnight," FBI Special Agent Rick Thornton told a news conference.

The FBI is sifting through digital, social media and other data, and trying to access Adan's locked iPhone, he added.

Adan had shown "an increased interest in Islam" in the last several months that he had not expressed before, Thornton said.

"His actions were consistent with the philosophies of violent Islamic groups," Thornton said, adding that Adan was "radicalized either with the influence of others or on his own."

Falconer, who has been hailed as a hero, identified himself as police officer and repeatedly asked Adan to drop his two knives, according to Janelle Kendall, the Stearns County Attorney charged with evaluating the officer's conduct.

His actions were "justified and lawful," she said, announcing the close of her investigation, while the federal probe continues.

The authorities have pieced together a detailed account of Adan's movements and statements prior to the rampage they say show his actions were premeditated.

He remained in his security guard uniform after he came home from work, having told his boss he wouldn't return for his next shift, Thornton said.
Thousands of Afghans flee fighting in Kunduz

Thousands of Afghan civilians have fled the northern city of Kunduz to escape days of fighting between the Taliban and government forces, with dozens arriving daily in Kabul with little more than the clothes on their backs, recounting stories of horror.

The insurgents launched an assault on Kunduz on Monday, triggering intense fighting with Afghan forces backed by NATO and sending frightened residents fleeing to other cities including the capital.

Those who arrive in Kabul after a journey in an overcrowded taxi head for the lawn outside parliament, where their children were shivering in the dark late Thursday after their hasty departure.

An Afghan National Army commando aims his weapon amid ongoing fighting between Taliban militants and Afghan security forces in Kunduz on October 5, 2016 Bashir Khan Safi (AFP/File)

Abdullah paid 10,000 afghanis (more than $150), a sum equivalent to the monthly salary of a senior police officer, for a taxi to ferry his family to Kabul.

He had left Kunduz in September 2015 after a previous attack on the strategic northern city close to the border with Tajikistan.

Mohammed also arrived with seven relatives. "The situation is terrible. We couldn't even take clothes. There was a barrage of rockets, shelling," he said.

Up to 10,000 civilians have fled Kunduz, the UN said Thursday, to escape fighting which was ongoing despite government claims that Afghan forces had retaken the city on Monday night.

The government on Monday said Afghan forces had repelled the assault but Taliban reinforcements had apparently arrived and fighting flared up even in the city centre, according to Mohammed, who managed to leave on Wednesday morning.

Like the other men around him, he received hourly calls from relatives still in Kunduz who reported continuing rocket attacks in the streets of the city centre.

- 'Taliban burning everything' -

"Kunduz is on fire!," said one young woman in a burqa, Parmin, her voice shaking with indignation.

"The Taliban are there destroying and burning everything. There is a barrage of rockets and prices (of food) are rising. It's total chaos," she said.

"Everyone in town is trying to flee. The Taliban warned: 'If you leave your home you will be shot'. They burned the homes of those who refused them shelter."

A new convoy arrived as the night wore on. On the lawn outside parliament they are welcomed by Kunduz lawmaker Fatima Aziz.

Mobile phone in hand, she takes hundreds of call from her constituents and negotiates a little support from compassionate businessmen to find shelter for the night and some food.

"It gets worse and worse every minute," she said.

"The Taliban are taking up positions in every house, every street.

"People are still trapped there and suffering a food shortage, but there is not enough transportation, even when the people can afford to pay up to 15,000 afghanis, a life's savings."

Aziz sought help from the minister for refugees, "but he was in Brussels," she says, for a conference where international donors pledged $15.2 billion to Afghanistan for the next four years, hoping for peace in exchange.

But the country is struggling to manage the flow of displaced people fleeing the proliferation of conflict across the country from north to south and in the east, and the insecurity that results.

A total of more than 1.2 million displaced people, including 270,000 just since the beginning of the year, swell the basic population of major cities including Kabul.

The OCHA said Thursday it was "deeply concerned about large scale displacements as a result of the recent fighting in Kunduz city," which has been attacked by the Taliban for the second time in a year.

Amnesty International also said "the Afghan government and Taliban forces should urgently facilitate swift and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief into Kunduz, where thousands of civilians are trapped in increasingly dire conditions".

It said the civilian hospital had run out of medical supplies and sustained rocket and gunfire attacks on Wednesday.

The same hospital, then run by Medecins Sans Frontieres, was hit by a US air strike during the fighting in October last year, killing 42 people.
New York plans new museum for Statue of Liberty visitors

The 4.3 million annual visitors to the Statue of Liberty -- that most recognizable symbol of American freedom -- will be greeted by a modern multimedia museum in future, New York officials said Thursday.

The celebrated statue, designed by sculptor Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel -- donated by France on the 1876 centenary of US independence and inaugurated on Liberty Island in 1886 -- has not had a museum worthy of the name since 2001.

Stringent security regulations put in place after the September 11 attacks had reduced the capacity of the exhibit space inside the monument, so that only 20 percent of visitors to Liberty Island could enter, said the National Park Service, which manages the site.

Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg (C-L) and Stephen Briganti (C-R), Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation President and CEO, attend a grounds breaking ceremony for a new Statue of Liberty Museum in New York on October 6, 2016 Kena Betancur (AFP)

The private foundation that raises funds for Liberty Island and nearby Ellis Island -- and which has already renovated the immigration museum on Ellis Island -- broke ground on the new museum Thursday. Enclosed in floor-to-ceiling picture windows, the building will cost an estimated $70 million.

When it opens in 2019, the museum will offer a stunning view of Manhattan as well as a "multisensory experience" and a chance to "reflect on the very notion of liberty," according to its creators.

While the current museum is situated in the pedestal of the statue, the new Statue of Liberty Museum will be located on the opposite point of the small island. Its grass-covered roof will include a large terrace offering sweeping views of New York Harbor.

At a time when Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has been sharply critical of uncontrolled immigration, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio -- himself descended from Italian immigrants -- said his hope was that "this museum will be one of the bridges that helps us finally come to peace with who we are."

Officials in New York, which welcomes some 60 million visitors a year, also hope the new museum will boost tourism to Liberty and Ellis islands, which can be reached on the same ferry boat from the southern tip of Manhattan.
Arab Fashion Week flaunts 'ready couture' in Dubai

Arab Fashion Week opened Thursday with hopes of establishing Dubai as a top destination for the "ready couture" genre and as a major fashion capital.

It is the first time that a fashion week has been dedicated to the form, described by organisers as a blend of haute couture and ready-to-wear or pret-a-porter.

"In Milan, we celebrate high-end ready-to-wear. In Paris, we celebrate high-end haute couture," said Jacob Abrian, the head of the Dubai-based Arab Fashion Council (AFC).

A model presents a creation by Emirati fashion designer Lamya Abedin at the Arab Fashion Week in Dubai on October 6, 2016 Nezar Balout (AFP)

In Dubai and the Arab world, "we want to be innovative", he said, with off-the-rack clothing that is tailored to haute couture standards and can be customised.

For the first time in the region, the five-day show will also present a unisex collection signed by Rad Hourani, a Canadian-Jordanian designer known for his genderless creations.

The fashion week opened with a "ready couture" collection for women from Emirati designer Lamya Abedin in the first of more than 20 Spring/Summer 2017 collections from more than 10 countries.

The collection drew applause from an audience of mostly women -- some in mini-dresses and others covered from head to toe in the black traditional Abayas and even a niqab.

The show ended with Abedin's young daughter taking to the catwalk with a model in a peach-coloured lace wedding dress.

Now in its third edition, Arab Fashion Week aims to attract fashion conscious women from the Gulf, as well as luxury-orientated buyers from Russia and China.

The event, founded in 2014 to represent the fashion industry in the 22 countries of the Arab League, introduced "ready couture" after an in-depth study of the market, Abrian said.

The form follows in the footsteps of limited ready-to-wear collections that can be customised, from famous fashion houses Roberto Cavalli and Dolce & Gabbana, he said.

- 'Peace through fashion' -

AFC spokeswoman Daline Eluar said the group "aims to strengthen the role of the UAE, through Dubai, to become the fifth international fashion capital alongside New York, London, Paris and Milan".

The fashion week seeks to show the world that the Arab region is not just "war and conflicts" but also "creativity, art and beauty", she said.

The Gulf city state is a growing tourist destination, a magnet for investors and home to one of the world's largest shopping malls.

"Dubai has become a fashion capital after international capitals" attracting tourists and designers alike, said Emirati haute couture designer Maryam al-Shaibani who spoke to AFP after the opening show.

The cosmopolitan city state has been spared the wave of unrest that has rocked other Arab countries since 2011.

Abrian said the AFC wanted to "tailor peace through fashion" by promoting Arab designers and attracting Western brands to manufacture in the region.

During the week, the council will promote a Jordan-based initiative to set up the Arab world's first factory able to manufacture garments to international standards, he said.

The initiative is part of a drive towards setting up a creative economy based on the region's art and culture within 10 years, he added.

But much remains to be done, Abrian said, as customers still trust Western designers over their Arab peers.

"Everything that comes from Paris, from Milan is more appreciated," he said.

- 'We have reached the world' -

The AFC hopes to counter this by promoting brands that are "made in Arabia".

Shaibani however appeared more optimistic.

"International designers are starting to enter the world of Arab fashion designing" by creating garments such as traditional Abayas worn by women in the Gulf region, she said. "This means that we have reached the world."

Early this year, Italy's Dolce & Gabbana launched their first line of hijabs and Abayas for Muslim customers in the Middle East.

Islamic fashion will be on display throughout the event with brands from Malaysia and Indonesia, at a time of growing controversy in the West over Muslim women's clothing.

"We believe that Islamic wear is very important and international brands are targeting" it, said Abrian, adding that Muslim spending on fashion could reach $500 billion annually by 2019.

A model presents a creation by Emirati fashion designer Lamya Abedin at the Arab Fashion Week in Dubai on October 6, 2016 Nezar Balout (AFP)
Boy, 16, identified as victim of Los Angeles police shooting

A person killed by Los Angeles police over the weekend has been identified as a 16-year-old Latino boy who police said was carrying a realistic-looking replica of a pistol, the coroner's office confirmed Thursday to AFP.

The death Sunday of Daniel Henrique Perez was the city's second at police hands during the weekend.

An 18-year-old African-American, Carnell Snell, was killed the previous night following a foot pursuit. Police released body-camera footage that appeared to show him holding a firearm.

Los Angeles police chief Charlie Beck said the boy was holding a replica gun with its telltale orange tip covered by black paint when police approached him Scott Olson (Getty/AFP/File)

Los Angeles police chief Charlie Beck said Perez was holding a replica gun with its telltale orange tip covered by black paint when police approached him.

Beck released a security video he said "clearly refutes" reports that Perez was shot while on the ground, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Amid rising concern over police-involved deaths, two black men in their 30s were killed earlier last week in Southern California: Reginald Thomas, who died after being hit by a police Taser in Pasadena, and Alfred Olango, shot by San Diego police while holding an electronic cigarette that police mistook for a weapon.
Jonathan Mattise named reporter in AP's Nashville bureau

ATLANTA (AP)  Jonathan Mattise, an award-winning reporter who helped lead The Associated Press' coverage of a massive chemical spill in West Virginia, is joining the AP's Nashville bureau.

The appointment was announced Wednesday by Ravi Nessman, AP's interim editor for the South Region, and Scott Stroud, news editor for Appalachia.

"Mattise is a resourceful reporter who has a deep knowledge of the region. His natural storytelling ability and his doggedness, which held state government accountable in West Virginia, will prove assets for our coverage in Tennessee," Nessman said.

Jonathan Mattise is seen in this self-portrait made in Charleston, WV., Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. Mattise, an award-winning reporter who helped lead The Associated Press coverage of a massive chemical spill in West Virginia, is joining the APs Nashville, Tenn. bureau. (AP Photo/Jonathan Mattise)

Mattise has been with the AP in Charleston, W.Va., since January 2014, when a chemical spill polluted the water supply in nine counties. He was recognized by AP for an investigative story revealing that a new company run by some of the same people charged in the spill had been caught committing new environmental violations.

A 2008 graduate of Villanova University and a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Mattise came to AP from Treasure Coast Newspapers in Florida, where he won a statewide Sunshine Award and wrote about damaging freshwater releases into the St. Lucie Estuary, drawing connections to the sugar industry.
Soldier from Maryland killed on patrol in Afghanistan

BALTIMORE (AP)  The Pentagon says a soldier from Maryland was killed after being hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan while on patrol with Afghan forces in a northeastern province bordering Pakistan.

The Department of Defense said in a news release that 31-year-old Staff Sgt. Adam S. Thomas of Takoma Park, Maryland, died Tuesday in Nangarhar Province. Officials say Thomas died from wounds sustained when his patrol triggered an improvised explosive device.
Navy commissions ship in honor of late longtime congressman

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  The U.S. Navy is commissioning the USS John P. Murtha, a new ship named in honor of the late longtime Pennsylvania congressman and decorated Marine Corps veteran.

Thousands are expected to honor Murtha on Saturday at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia during a ceremony to place the ship into active service.

Murtha, a Democrat, served as a U.S. Marines Corps Reserve officer and later as a member of the Pennsylvania House. He was the first Vietnam War veteran elected to Congress and became the longest-serving congressman in Pennsylvania history shortly before his death in 2010.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 file photo, U. S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., smiles as he addresses supporters after his reelection at his headquarters in Johnstown, Pa. The U.S. Navy is commissioning the USS John P. Murtha, a new ship named in honor of the late longtime Pennsylvania congressman and decorated Marine Corps veteran. Thousands are expected to honor Murtha on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016 at Penns Landing in Philadelphia during a ceremony to place the ship into active service. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

The two-time Purple Heart recipient earned a number of other accolades for his service, including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.
The Latest: Man found dead was father of 2 children killed

BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP)  The Latest on a deadly shooting in Oregon (all times local):

7 p.m.

Police say a man found dead in an apartment near Portland, Oregon, was the 36-year-old father of two children who were also found fatally shot.

Beaverton police spokesman Mike Rowe told The Associated Press that when police officers entered the Beaverton apartment on Wednesday, they initially thought, based on the gunshot wounds, that all three people were dead.

As they backed out of the apartment to preserve evidence, Rowe says they heard rustling inside and then a single shot.

Rowe says a tactical negotiation team called to the scene then entered the apartment and confirmed all three people inside were deceased.

Rowe says a major crime team was investigating the incident as a homicide-suicide.

___

6:15 p.m.

Police say an 8-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy were among the three people fatally shot at an apartment complex near Portland, Oregon.

Beaverton police spokesman Mike Rowe said in a news release that officers responded to the apartment in Beaverton Wednesday afternoon after a woman called saying three people were dead inside.

Police say a man was also found dead. A major crime team was investigating the incident as a homicide-suicide and they don't believe there is a risk to the public.

___

5:43 p.m.

Authorities say two children and an adult were killed in a shooting at an apartment complex near Portland, Oregon.

KATU reports (http://bit.ly/2cTA0pg ) that a police spokesperson in Beaverton, Oregon, says the incident appears to be murder-suicide.

No other information was immediately available.
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The Latest: Investigator says mother left girl in car before

JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  The Latest on a 3-year-old girl who died in a car in Kiln, Mississippi (all times local):

7:30 p.m.

An investigator says last week was not the first time that a former police officer left her daughter alone in a car.

Hancock County Sheriff's Investigator Glenn Grannan said Wednesday that investigators have learned that Cassie Barker left her daughter Cheyenne Hyer alone in a car in nearby Gulfport in April 2015.

The Sun Herald (http://bit.ly/2e3Bpd1 ) first reported the previous incident.

Barker was disciplined by the Long Beach Police Department following the 2015 incident.

Friday, Cheyenne died after being left in Barker's patrol car for four hours. Grannan says Barker tells investigators she fell asleep while visiting another Long Beach officer, Sgt. Clark Ladner.

Hancock County Chief Deputy Don Bass says officials plan to charge Barker with manslaughter as soon as she is released from a hospital. Long Beach fired Barker and Ladner Tuesday.

6:15 p.m.

A law enforcement official in Mississippi says a former police officer will face criminal charges in the death of her 3-year-old daughter, who authorities say was left alone in a parked patrol car for four hours last week.

Hancock County Chief Deputy Don Bass told The Associated Press on Wednesday that officials plan to charge Cassie Barker with manslaughter as soon as she is released from a hospital.

Bass says he doesn't know whether Barker has a lawyer to speak for her.

Barker and another Long Beach officer, Sgt. Clark Ladner, were fired Tuesday by that city's Board of Alderman for violating department policies. Authorities say Barker left Cheyenne Hyer strapped in a child seat in a patrol car while inside Ladner's house.

Bass says that officials don't now plan to charge Ladner.

7:11 a.m.

Reports say two Mississippi police officers have been fired after the death of a 3-year-old girl, who authorities say was left alone in a parked patrol car for four hours last week.

Local media organizations report the Long Beach Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Tuesday night to terminate Officer Cassie Barker and Sgt. Clark Ladner.

Chief Wayne McDowell recommended the immediate termination of the officers, who were also suspended without pay during the investigation. Reports said he cited a violation of department policies  conduct detrimental to the public.

Barker's daughter was found unresponsive in her patrol car Friday and pronounced dead at a hospital.

Investigator Glenn Granna in Mississippi's Hancock County said Tuesday no criminal charges have been filed to date.
Husband fights for evidence to help US wife accused in China

BEIJING (AP)  Nine days had passed since Jeff Gillis, at home in Houston, Texas, had last heard from his wife. During that phone call, she told Gillis she was extending her business trip in China, but he grew anxious. He filed a missing person's report with U.S. consular officials whose response left him flabbergasted: His wife, a business consultant, had been detained by Chinese state security agents almost two weeks earlier.

Now, 18 months later, Phan Phan-Gillis is still detained, charged with spying and awaiting trial in China, consigned to an unknown fate in a highly opaque and impenetrable legal system in which even the charges brought against her remain cloudy. Gillis says that his wife appears to have been accused of spying against China two decades ago, although even her Chinese lawyer says he has been barred by Chinese law from providing details.

Despite the scant information, Gillis has set about trying to prove his 56-year-old wife's innocence. He hopes documents he has uncovered will help free Phan-Gillis, known as Sandy to friends. Her lawyer says her trial has been postponed indefinitely from its original Sept. 19 court date.

In this undated photo provided by www.SaveSandy.org, shows Phan "Sandy" Phan-Gillis. The husband of U.S. citizen Phan Sandy Phan-Gillis, who has been charged in China with spying, has spent months trying to prove his wifes innocence with the little information he had. He has collected documents and letters that he hopes can be used as evidence for her defense. (Jeff Gillis/www.SaveSandy.org via AP)

The case speaks to both rising suspicion between Beijing and Washington and China's drive to pursue those accused of crimes occurring outside its borders. Gillis says part of the charge relates to alleged spying carried out within the United States.

"China probably is now more aggressive in pursuing anyone who can be regarded as harming China's interests," said Fu Hualing, a law professor at the University of Hong Kong.

"If they think there's a violation of Chinese criminal law and the impact is felt within China they are willing to pursue that and they think that they probably have the capacity to do that now," he said. "Imagine: The case happened in the '90s. It's not like it happened recently."

___

Phan-Gillis' lawyer, Shang Baojun, said the American is charged with spying, but that he could not provide details because the case involves state secrets. The maximum sentence for spying is the death penalty.

The court in Nanning, a city in southern China near the Vietnamese border, also refused to release specifics about the case.

"It is a closed trial because it involves state secrets, so it is inappropriate for us to release information ... including the date of the trial," said Tang Xingzhong, administrative head at the Nanning Intermediate People's Court. Calls to the prosecutor in charge of the case rang unanswered.

Jeff Gillis, 54, said the charge relates to "beyond ridiculous" allegations that Phan-Gillis went on a spy mission to Nanning in 1996, then returned to the U.S. and recruited Chinese citizens to work for a foreign spy organization within the United States in 1997 and 1998. He says the foreign spy organization is alleged to be the FBI. The bureau's press office declined to comment.

Nanning is the capital of Guangxi, a poor farming region neighboring Guangdong province, where Phan-Gillis' family has its roots. Ethnically Chinese, Phan-Gillis was born in Vietnam and left that country as a teenager after the end of the Vietnam War, ending up via a harrowing boat journey in a refugee camp in Malaysia. She became an American citizen, met Gillis in 2001 and married him a year later.

Gillis said his wife, a consultant who matched investors with projects, traveled to China numerous times on business and as a volunteer to promote cultural and business exchanges and better health care. Most of her trips have been to the southern business centers of Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Gillis said he had never heard his wife mention Guangxi until she brought it up in a phone call during her detention  his first clue in his quest to free her.

Phan-Gillis was detained in March 2015; that September, Gillis took a leave of absence from his job as a U.S. production services manager for an oilfield services company to focus full time on freeing her. He remains in Houston; lawyers told him he should not come to China for the trial.

Gillis started reading up on how Chinese cases work, and knew that he and the lawyers would only have a short window to prepare a defense once charges were filed and revealed to them.

Lawyer Shang said they could read Phan-Gillis' case file only in early September  more than six weeks after she was indicted. Her legal team is not allowed to photocopy or take photos of the hundreds of pages.

"We can only copy it by hand," Shang said.

___

Gillis knew virtually nothing about why his wife was in custody before he received an unexpected phone call about a year ago. At the time, Chinese President Xi Jinping was in the U.S. meeting President Barack Obama, and Gillis had just started a media campaign to coincide with Xi's visit.

It was his wife. She frantically asked him to stop.

"She was pretty much begging me to tell the people who were on the phone in the room with her that I was going to stop the media campaign," Gillis said by phone from Houston. But she was also allowed to tell him that "the case involved some people who she had known from Guangxi over 20 years ago."

Soon, he was digging through his wife's old files, sorting them by year. When he learned more about the accusations he went straight to the boxes labeled "1996," ''1997" and "1998."

"The house still looks like a warehouse. I have boxes stacked everywhere," he said.

Gillis is thankful for his wife's tendency to hoard, because she left behind documents that show she couldn't have been present for the offenses he says she is accused of committing.

"I have the passport that shows that she didn't even have a visa in '96, no entries or exits. I have her pay stubs that show that she was not off on extended leave."

He has found old receipts and a newspaper article with a photograph of Phan-Gillis attending a horse event in Houston when she is alleged to have been in China. He has submitted the documents to his wife's lawyers, and has pressed politicians to write letters on her behalf.

U.S. consular officials are allowed to visit Phan-Gillis once a month. Gillis said she told them that threats and relentless interrogation sessions caused her to suffer a heart attack.

"Hearing how they had treated her, it made me cry," he said. He said that, together with the knowledge that Chinese authorities have charged his wife with spying, and "with allegations that were easily provable to be false," is why he has decided to publicly discuss her case.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said that China "continues to withhold many details of the case."

"We remain deeply concerned about Ms. Phan-Gillis' welfare and continue to monitor her case closely," he said in a statement.

In this Oct. 4, 2016, photo, Jeff Gillis sits in front of a computer screen showing the SaveSandy.org website in Houston, Texas. The husband of U.S. citizen Phan Sandy Phan-Gillis, who has been charged in China with spying, has spent months trying to prove his wifes innocence with the little information he had. He has collected documents and letters that he hopes can be used as evidence for her defense. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

In this Oct. 4, 2016, photo, Jeff Gillis sits in front of a computer displaying a website supporting his wife's release in Houston, Texas. The husband of U.S. citizen Phan Sandy Phan-Gillis, who has been charged in China with spying, has spent months trying to prove his wifes innocence with the little information he had. He has collected documents and letters that he hopes can be used as evidence for her defense. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Police: College students shot while trying to buy car

OXFORD, Ohio (AP)  Police are searching for two suspects who they say shot and wounded two Ohio college students during an apparent robbery.

The Miami University students were both shot Tuesday night at a house near the Oxford campus.

The Dayton Daily News (http://bit.ly/2dM6fTx ) reports 23-year-old Volodymyr Kovalenko says he arranged to buy a car for $4,000 that he saw on Craigslist.

In this Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016 photo provided by The Miami Student, a university newspaper, police officers leave the crime scene after an investigation in Oxford, Ohio, where two Miami University students were shot and wounded near the campus. The male students were shot and wounded while trying to buy a car that was posted for sale on Craigslist, police said. The students were shot during an apparent robbery Tuesday night at a house near campus. (A.J. Newberry/The Miami Student via AP)

Police say the alleged seller and another man drove the vehicle from Cleveland and they met at the Oxford house.

During the transaction, police say one man pulled out a gun and shot 20-year-old Jared Goldhamer in the leg.

Kovalenko says he then tried to get the gun away from the shooter when it went off, hitting him in the leg.

Both victims were taken to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

___

Information from: Dayton Daily News, http://www.daytondailynews.com

In this Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016 photo provided by The Miami Student, a university newspaper, police officers investigate a crime scene in Oxford, Ohio, where two Miami University students were shot and wounded near the campus. The male students were shot and wounded while trying to buy a car that was posted for sale on Craigslist, police said. The students were shot during an apparent robbery Tuesday night at a house near campus. (A.J. Newberry/The Miami Student via AP)
Prosecutors: Police killing of unarmed man was justified

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP)  The fatal shooting of an unarmed burglary suspect by a sheriff's deputy was justified because the deputy thought he was in danger of being shot, state prosecutors said Thursday.

Franklin County Deputy Sheriff Nicholas Palmier shot Jesse Beshaw six times and grazed him with a seventh shot last month in Winooski after Beshaw, who police said was known to carry a gun, advanced on him with his hand concealed, prosecutors said.

Given Beshaw's actions and what Palmier knew, a reasonable person in Palmier's position would have believed he was in danger of being killed or seriously injured, so firing his gun at Beshaw was "justified as being lawful defense of himself," said Bram Kranichfeld, deputy state's attorney in Chittenden County.

Palmier was returning home to Winooski, just outside Burlington, from work in Fairfax when he saw Winooski police cruisers parked outside a residence and stopped to offer help on Sept. 16.

He was told by a police officer that Beshaw, who was wanted for several burglaries, was inside the apartment and had always been armed with a gun, prosecutors said. Another officer told Palmier they were looking for Beshaw in relation to armed bank robberies and a recent burglary.

Police said they previously went to a house when Beshaw was burglarizing it and he had a gun in his hand but threw it in a trash bin, where it was recovered.

"He's definitely carrying," an officer told Palmier, according to prosecutors.

When Beshaw abruptly came out of the apartment and ran down a street Palmier ran after him.

In a paved area behind a community center, Beshaw stopped and positioned himself with his right hand concealed at his waist, prosecutors said.

Palmier heard Beshaw say, "I'll pull a gun out," authorities said, although what Beshaw said was inaudible in a body camera video released Thursday.

Palmier drew his gun and aimed at Beshaw, shouting, "I'll shoot you. I will shoot you."

Palmier told Beshaw to show his hands. Beshaw backed up and then advanced on Palmier in an aggressive manner, moving his concealed right hand behind his back and shouting, "Do it! Do it!"

Palmier told Beshaw to step back, but Beshaw continued to advance, saying, "Do it." Palmier fired eight shots.

Officers, including Palmier, administered emergency medical aid until emergency crews arrived, but Beshaw died at the scene. No weapon was found on him.

It's the third fatal officer-involved shooting in the Burlington area in 10 months, which Chittenden County state's attorney T.J. Donovan called "troubling." Law enforcement is committed to working with the community to find a solution, he said.

Donovan added that police are being asked to respond to mental health crises and need the proper training to do so.

"Any training, best practice that would allow police to peacefully deescalate situations I'm supportive of," he said.

___
West Point honors former FBI director Mueller

WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP)  Former FBI Director Robert Mueller is being honored with an award from West Point.

The U.S. Military Academy's Association of Graduates will present the Thayer Award to Mueller on Thursday evening.

The Thayer Award is given to citizens whose service in the national interest reflects the academy's motto of "Duty, Honor, Country." Past recipients include Dwight D. Eisenhower, Bob Hope, George H.W. Bush and Tom Brokaw.

FILE - In this April 21, 2016 file photo, attorney and former FBI Director Robert Mueller, right, arrives for a court hearing at the Phillip Burton Federal Building in San Francisco. Mueller has been overseeing settlement talks with Volkswagen, the U.S. government and private lawyers. Mueller is being honored with an award from West Point. The U.S. Military Academys Association of Graduates will present the Thayer Award to Mueller on Thursday evening, Oct. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
Sharon Gray was caught up in violent demonstrations which followed a massacre in Ethiopia

An American scientist from University of California, Davis has been killed in Ethiopia after her car was hit by rocks thrown by protesters.

Sharon Gray, a postdoctoral researcher in the university's plant biology department, was killed when the vehicle she was riding in was struck by rocks on the outskirts of the capital, Addis Ababa.

The university said Dr Gray was in the East African country for a meeting about her research when she was killed on Tuesday by rioting Oromo tribesmen.

The university said what happened was unclear but spokesman Andy Fell confirmed to the Sacramento Bee that she was killed in an area that has seen months of deadly protests.

UC Davis said another member of the plant biology department who was traveling with Dr Gray was not injured and is now heading home.

Dr Gray was the first foreigner killed in a wave of anti-government protests that have claimed the lives of hundreds of protesters since November 2015.

Protesters run from tear gas being fired by police at a festival in the Ethiopian town of Bishoftu this week

The Oromo are a large ethnic minority who live in central and southern Ethiopia who feel they have been marginalized by the government, who are dominated by people from the Tigray region in the north.

The trigger for the riots was the government's plans to change provincial boundaries, enlarging Addis Ababa and reducing the size of Oromia.

An Oromo religious festival on Sunday ended in tragedy when police fired tear gas on anti-government protesters, sparking panic in the massive crowd and triggering a stampede.

The government said 58 people died but the opposition said the death toll was much higher.

Sharon Gray (pictured) was carrying out postdoctoral research in Ethiopia when she died

Michelle Kagari of Amnesty International,said: 'Given the contradictory accounts, it is critical that an investigation be held to unearth the truth and to identify law enforcement officers criminally responsible.'

Following Sunday's massacre Oromo protesters continued to throw rocks at cars on Monday and Tuesday and that is how Dr Gray was killed.

The government has now shut down the country's mobile phone network in a bid to close down the protests.

International rights groups estimate at least 500 demonstrators have been killed in a bloody crackdown on protests over the past 10 months.

Police fire tear gas to disperse protesters at the weekend at an Oromo religious festival. The clashes ended with at least 58 people dead and led to more rock-throwing incidents, like the one which killed Sharon Gray

Protests have subsequently broken out in several parts of the Oromia region and elsewhere, some targeting foreign companies which are regarded as supporting and being backed by the central government.

The Oromos now seem to be finding common cause with the Amhara - Ethiopia's biggest tribe - in protesting against the country's Tigrayan leaders.

The ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) came to power in 1988 after a long war in which it deposed the communist Derg regime.

The EPRDF was dominated by the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front, whose leader Meles Zenawi was prime minister until his death in 2012.
Research group confirms white shark nursery off Long Island

BOSTON (AP)  A privately funded great white shark research group has confirmed the waters off Long Island's Montauk Point are a "nursery," a first in the study of great whites in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, the organization and other leading scientists say.

But the OCEARCH expedition, which is wrapping up months of work in the region Friday, is generating more than just scientific intrigue as it works off Long Island and Nantucket.

The Park City, Utah-based organization has also been embroiled in a public spat with shark researchers in Massachusetts, who complain OCEARCH is operating too close to state waters where they don't have a permit and possibly compromising the state's own white shark research with its tactics.

In this Aug. 23, 2016 photo provided by OCEARCH, a juvenile male great white shark named Paumanok swims away after researchers tagged and sampled him off the point of Montauk, N.Y. The expedition said it has confirmed that waters between southern Massachusetts and New York's Long Island point are a nursery where the powerful predators spend much of the first year of their lives feeding and growing. (Robert Snow/OCEARCH via AP)

OCEARCH founder Chris Fischer maintains his team has legally remained in federal waters off Nantucket and that there's "no scientific basis" for the concerns over his team's methods, which include using fish chum to lure sharks, hooking them, and then lifting them out of the water to take samples and apply GPS monitoring devices.

"I'm saddened and shocked by the whole issue," Fischer said Wednesday from Nantucket. "We're generating really priceless data. We're thrilled with what we've accomplished. We just didn't expect to take a beating along the way."

The nonprofit, which operates largely on corporate funding, gained headlines in late August after confirming evidence of a white shark nursery off Long Island's Montauk Point.

Robert Hueter, the OCEARCH expedition's chief scientist, said earlier this week that the nine newborn sharks they tagged have largely remained in the area, bolstering the organization's claim that the waters are a "true nursery" where great whites spend the first year of their life, and possibly even where the sharks mate and give birth.

"The tracking confirms they're in fact hanging around this area, feeding and growing," he said.

Scientists not affiliated with the project say the waters around Montauk Point as well as those as far north as Cape Cod and as far south as New Jersey have long been considered part of a regional white shark nursery.

But the phenomenon hasn't been as well-studied on the East Coast as it has along coastal California, Mexico, Australia and other white shark hot spots, acknowledges Christopher Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at California State University in Long Beach.

"It's not necessarily new, but it's new for there," he said. "It will be interesting data for sure. But it's not the invention of sliced bread, either."

Newborn white sharks, which are roughly five feet long and weigh about 50 pounds at birth, aren't reared by their mothers and must immediately start to fend for themselves. That's why they're drawn to shallow, coastal areas where easily captured prey is plentiful and predators, like older sharks, are few, Lowe says.

Years of study on white shark nurseries in the Pacific suggest water temperature is also a factor for young sharks, Lowe added. He expects the Montauk Point newborns to begin moving to warmer southern waters as winter approaches.

Gregory Skomal, a leading Massachusetts shark biologist who is among those raising concerns about OCEARCH's work off Nantucket, cautioned it's too early to conclude the area off Montauk Point is a birthing or mating site for white sharks.

The powerful predators have never been documented mating or giving birth, and sharks in general have been known to travel great distances in their first year of birth, he says.

Hueter, who also serves as director of the Center for Shark Research at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida, says the OCEARCH team will be returning to the northwest Atlantic in the coming years to continue studying newborn and mature white sharks.

"The stuff we're doing is groundbreaking," he said. "It simply hasn't been done out here."

___

Follow Philip Marcelo at twitter.com/philmarcelo. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/journalist/philip-marcelo

In this Aug. 28, 2016 photo provided by OCEARCH, Capt. Brett McBride kneels beside a juvenile female great white shark named Montauk after researchers tagged and sampled her off the point of Montauk, N.Y. The expedition said it has confirmed that waters between southern Massachusetts and New York's Long Island point are a nursery where the powerful predators spend much of the first year of their lives feeding and growing. (Robert Snow/OCEARCH via AP)

In this Aug. 23, 2016 photo provided by OCEARCH, researchers draw blood from a juvenile male great white shark after named Paumanok after tagging him off the point of Montauk, N.Y. The expedition said it has confirmed that waters between southern Massachusetts and New York's Long Island point are a nursery where the powerful predators spend much of the first year of their lives feeding and growing. (Robert Snow/OCEARCH via AP)
Gaza-bound boat docks at Israeli port after interception

ASHDOD, Israel (AP)  A boat carrying 13 pro-Palestinian female activists was escorted to shore and docked at an Israeli port on Thursday after being intercepted by the navy while trying to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, the military said.

The military said the women on board, who included a Nobel peace laureate, "were transferred to the appropriate authorities for further processing."

Sabine Haddad, spokeswoman for Israel's Interior Ministry, said 11 of the passengers were being detained for 96 hours and would then be deported.

A Palestinian walks on a boat decorated with national flags as they await the arrival of an international boat trying to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, at the fishermen port in Gaza City, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. A boat carrying 13 pro-Palestinian female activists was escorted to shore and docked at an Israeli port on Thursday after being intercepted by the navy while trying to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

Haddad said the women were given the option to leave Israel before that time but they refused. The two other women, both journalists, were deported immediately and left Israel Thursday morning.

The boat, docked in the port city of Ashdod, was sponsored by the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a collection of pro-Palestinian groups mostly based in Europe.

The coalition has sent several aid boats to Gaza in an effort to draw attention to Israel's blockade of the territory, but last successfully reached the area in 2008.

The Dutch-flagged boat was carrying 13 female activists from different countries, including Mairead Maguire, an Irish Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Organizers said the Israeli navy intercepted the boat about 40 miles (60 kilometers) from the Gaza coast on Wednesday and took over the vessel without any resistance.

In 2010, Israel raided a Turkish-led flotilla bound for Gaza, killing 10 Turks in an incident that sparked a years-long rift with Turkey that is only now being mended.

The boat's arrival coincided with a flare-up of violence along the Gaza border. Gaza militants launched a rocket that slammed into the Israeli city of Sderot, while Israel responded with airstrikes targeting infrastructure belonging to the Islamic militant group Hamas which rules Gaza.

Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on Gaza after the Hamas militant group seized power in 2007. The blockade has stifled Gaza's already weak economy, where unemployment is over 40 percent, and prevented tens of thousands of people from traveling abroad for jobs, studies and other visits overseas.

Israel says the restrictions are needed to prevent Hamas from importing weapons, and says it has eased the blockade to allow more goods into the territory. It considers Hamas, an armed group sworn to Israel's destruction, a terrorist group, and the sides have fought three wars since the Hamas takeover.

Israel has called on groups wanting to deliver aid to Gaza to do so through its official channels rather than trying to breach the blockade. Virtually all supplies to Gaza enter through Israeli-controlled border crossings after undergoing security checks.

Fishing boats, decorated with national flags, await the arrival of an international boat trying to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, at the fishermen port in Gaza City, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. A boat carrying 13 pro-Palestinian female activists was escorted to shore and docked at the Israeli port of Ashod on Thursday after being intercepted by the navy while trying to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

Fishing boats, decorated with national flags, await the arrival of an international boat trying to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, at the fishermen port in Gaza City, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. A boat carrying 13 pro-Palestinian female activists was escorted to shore and docked at the Israeli port of Ashod on Thursday after being intercepted by the navy while trying to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)
Ride the Ducks suspends operations in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  The operator of the popular Philadelphia duck boat tours has suspended operations in the city "indefinitely," the company said.

Branson, Missouri-based Ride the Ducks announced on its website Wednesday that it made the move due to financial reasons.

"Due to circumstances outside of our control including a 330% increase in our insurance premiums, continued operations in Philadelphia are not financially feasible at this time," the company said in a statement.

FILE - In this April 21, 2011 file photo, a Ride The Ducks tour splashes into the Delaware River, in Philadelphia. A company that uses amphibious sightseeing vehicles to show tourists the sights on land and water says its suspending operations in Philadelphia indefinitely. Ride the Ducks announced on its website Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, that it has suspended operations due to financial reasons, including a 330 percent hike in insurance premiums. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Ride the Ducks, which uses amphibious sightseeing vehicles to show tourists the sights on land and water, began operations in the city in 2003.

The company's statement did not address accidents involving duck boats that have occurred in Philadelphia.

In May 2015, a duck boat struck and killed a 68-year-old Texas woman who was crossing the street. And in July 2010, a tugboat-guided barge struck a duck boat on the Delaware River, killing two Hungarian tourists. The tug pilot, who was talking on his cellphone at the time, was sentenced to a year in prison. The duck boats did not operate for eight months afterward.

An attorney whose law firm represented the families of the victims of both duck boat accidents in Philadelphia said the city is a safer place now that Ride that Ducks has suspended operations.

"Through our extensive experience representing victims of duck boat disasters we've determined those vehicles are fatally flawed," Robert J. Mongeluzzi said in a statement. "They're death traps on the water due to their hazardous canopy design and on land they are engineered to restrict the peripheral vision of the operator, creating significant blind spots."

Company officials did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

On its website, Ride the Ducks bills itself as "the nation's largest amphibious tour operator and licensor," with nearly 100 vehicles currently in use around the U.S. and Guam.
US farmers make foray into quinoa as demand for grain grows

SEQUIM, Wash. (AP)  To the south of Nash Huber's farm fields are the Olympic Mountains, peaking at nearly 8,000 feet. Due north is the end of a channel of Pacific Ocean waters that separate the United States from Canada.

Yet in this corner of the country is where the 75-year-old Huber hopes the South American grain quinoa takes root.

Last month, Huber harvested quinoa commercially for the first time on about 30 acres, making him the latest addition to a small number of U.S. farmers trying to capitalize on American eaters' growing demand for the Andean grain.

In this Sept. 13, 2016 photo, farmer Sam McCullough uses his combine to harvest quinoa near Sequim, Wash. Quinoa, a trendy South American grain, barely has a foothold in American agriculture, but a handful of farmers and university researchers are working toward changing that. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

"It's a beautiful crop," Huber said as he surveyed his combine grinding the plants and spitting out the seeds. He chose a variety called Redhead, which turned his field lipstick red for a couple of weeks before harvest. "We're still learning. I kind of stepped off the end of the dock here with a bit of a bite this year."

Americans consume more than half the global production of quinoa, which totaled 37,000 tons in 2012. Twenty years earlier, production was merely 600 tons, according to the United Nation's Food and Agricultural Organization.

Yet quinoa fields are so rare in American farming that the total acreage doesn't show on an agricultural census, said Julianne Kellogg, a Washington State University graduate student monitoring quinoa test plots around the Olympic Mountains, including one next to Huber's field. A rough estimate puts the country's quinoa fields at 3,000 to 5,000 acres.

Quinoa's nutritional punch has pushed the grain beyond health food stores and into general consumption, propped up by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey.

It has all the amino acids humans need, making it a complete protein, Kellogg said. That's hard to find in grain crops, she said. It's also gluten-free.

The grain's future is marked with possibilities, including milk, beer, cereals, hair products, snacks  products well beyond the salad bar.

"I think we're witnessing the start of a staple," said Sergio Nunez de Arco, a Bolivia native whose company, Andean Naturals, has been instrumental in bringing quinoa north, distributing to Costco, Trader Joe's and others.

The spike in demand from the U.S. and Europe led big farm operations in Peru to enter quinoa farming a few years ago. That resulted in an oversupply, and prices have been falling.

According to a July report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, quinoa prices plummeted about 40 percent between September 2014 and August 2015.

"Farmers are rotating out of quinoa," Nunez de Arco said. "They went back to the city to look for work. It was good while it lasted, so it's back to rural migration."

Nunez de Arco has opened a California processing plant for the bitter coating that covers the quinoa grains. It wasn't welcome news for his Bolivian farmers.

"There needs to be some improvement to practices and they're gonna get that through some healthy competition," said Nunez de Arco, now based in San Francisco. "My push has been to protect the smaller farmer in a top-shelf niche, where they will have the demand."

In Washington state, Huber's quinoa will head to Lundberg Family Farms, a California-based company that has been a leader in domestic quinoa production. This year, Lundberg and its network of contracted farmers along the West Coast hope to harvest 2 million pounds of quinoa.

"It's great to have product available where folks are consuming it," said Tim Schultz, vice president of research and development at Lundberg. "You have less food miles on it."

For more quinoa to grow in the United States, farmers and researchers must find the right mix of varieties and environments. The Washington State University plots are testing varieties for heat resistance and late-summer sprouting, among other benchmarks. Next year, they'll test plots in Maryland and Minnesota.

"From a farmer's perspective, it's more options for rotations," said Kevin Murphy, an assistant professor at the university.

That's an option that attracted Huber. Quinoa represents his first commodity crop. On a harvest day, he eyeballed a lower yield than he wanted, in part because the elk that roam the nearby woods frolicked in the quinoa fields.

"I hope I break even," he said with a laugh. "If we break even or make a little bit of money, that'll be good because I learned quite a few things here."

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Manuel Valdes can be reached at http://twitter.com/ByManuelValdes

In this Sept. 13, 2016 photo, farmer Sam McCullough uses his combine to harvest quinoa near Sequim, Wash. Quinoa, a trendy South American grain, barely has a foothold in American agriculture, but a handful of farmers and university researchers are working toward changing that. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

In this Sept. 13, 2016 photo made with a fisheye lens, farmer Sam McCullough uses his combine to harvest quinoa near Sequim, Wash. Quinoa, a trendy South American grain, barely has a foothold in American agriculture, but a handful of farmers and university researchers are working toward changing that. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Malaysian court lets off 'Budgie 9' who partied in swimsuits

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Nine Australians who spent four nights in police detention after stripping down to skimpy swimsuits printed with the Malaysian flag at that nation's Formula One Grand Prix walked free Thursday without a conviction after pleading guilty to causing a public nuisance and apologizing.

The nine were detained since Sunday after they partied in their swimwear and drank beer from shoes in full view of thousands of spectators at the Sepang track after Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo won the race.

Australian media dubbed them the Budgie Nine. A budgerigar is an Australian parrot that is a popular household pet and the Australians' swimwear is colloquially known as budgie smugglers.

In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 photo, Australian men pose for a photo in Budgy Smuggler-brand swimsuits decorated with the Malaysian flag at the conclusion of the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia. Malaysian authorities who have detained nine Australians for three nights would regard their actions in stripping down to their briefs and drinking beer from shoes as premeditated, Australia's foreign minister said Wednesday. (AP Photo)

The name plays on nine Australians arrested in Indonesia for heroin trafficking in 2005 who became known as the Bali Nine.

Their Australian families flew to Malaysia as the police warned the friends faced potential two-year prison sentences.

Defense lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the court accepted his argument that it was a trivial offense and that the nine, mostly dressed in suits in the court, were ignorant of the local culture and remorseful. He said one of them read out an apology to the court, admitting to an "error of judgment."

Shafee said their actions were not illegal in most countries, including Australia.

"We are sensitive about it, but they didn't know. They sincerely thought it was a respect and a celebration with Malaysians," Shafee said.

"The court accepted my mitigation that this was a trivial offense and under extenuating circumstances because they misunderstood the local culture. They have been admonished by the court and released without conviction," he added.

He said one of the men fainted in court briefly due to dehydration.

The nine, mostly Sydney University graduates in their 20s, left the court without speaking to reporters. The men included Jack Walker, an adviser to Australian Defense Industry Minister Chris Pyne.

His father John Walker said they were very thankful.

"There's no charge, there's no fine and the boys apologized. They recognized what they did was unacceptable but they have been completely cleared and are free to travel and resume their lives," he said.

Ricciardo, the driver whose success inspired the Australians' beer-fueled revelry, described the incident as "pretty harmless."

"I respect the laws of Malaysia, but beyond that I don't think they deserve any further punishment," Ricciardo told Sydney's The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

"In Australia, it's a bit different, but I'm very sure they didn't intend to offend anyone," he said.

In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 photo, Australian men celebrate in Budgy Smuggler-brand swimsuits decorated with the Malaysian flag at the conclusion of the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia. Malaysian authorities who have detained nine Australian men for three nights would regard their actions in stripping down to their briefs and drinking beer from shoes as premeditated, Australia's foreign minister said Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. (AP Photo)

In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 image made from video supplied by Umar Akif Jamaludin, an Australian man dances in Budgy Smuggler-brand swimsuits decorated with the Malaysian flag at the conclusion of the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia. Nine Australians, including a government adviser, have been arrested in Malaysia for stripping down to their briefs and drinking beer from shoes after Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo won the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix, officials said Tuesday. (AP Photo)

Branden Stobbs, center right, and Thomas Laslett, center left, two of the nine Australian men arrested arrive at the Sepang Magistrate in Sepang, Malaysia, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Nine Australian friends who have spent four nights in Malaysian police detention will appear in a court for the first time on Thursday after stripping down to their briefs and drinking beer from shoes at the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix, an official said. (AP Photo/Joshua Paul)

John Walker, father to Jack Walker, one of the nine Australian men arrested, is surrounded by journalists as he arrives at the Sepang Magistrate in Sepang, Malaysia, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Nine Australian friends who have spent four nights in Malaysian police detention will appear in a court for the first time on Thursday after stripping down to their briefs and drinking beer from shoes at the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix, an official said. (AP Photo/Joshua Paul)
As Saudis hold naval drill, Iran general suggests regicide

TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  As Saudi Arabia holds a naval drill in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a powerful Iranian general has been quoted as suggesting the kingdom's deputy crown prince is so "impatient" he may kill his own father to take the throne.

Harsh rhetoric has been common between the two rivals since January but the remarks by Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani's take things to an entirely different level by discussing Saudi King Salman being killed.

Meanwhile, Iran already has warned Saudi Arabia to stay away from its territorial waters as heavily armed Saudi frogmen and warships take part in the Gulf Shield 1 drill across the larger Persian Gulf, adding to the tensions between the two rival Mideast powers.

In this Sept. 18, 2016 photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, center, attends a meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Revolutionary Guard commanders in Tehran, Iran. As Saudi Arabia holds a naval drill in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Soleimani, a powerful Iranian general was quoted, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, by the semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies as suggesting the kingdom's deputy crown prince is so "impatient" he may kill his own father to take the throne. While harsh rhetoric has been common between the two rivals since January, the outrageous comments by Soleimani take things to an entirely different level by outright discussing Saudi King Salman being killed. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

In Iran, the semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies on Wednesday night said Soleimani made the comments at a mourning ceremony for an Iranian general killed in Syria.

Shiite power Iran supports embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad's government in his country's civil war, now in its sixth year, while Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia supports opposition fighters trying to oust Assad.

Soleimani, head of the paramilitary force's expeditionary Quds force, referred to Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman while talking about the Syrian war. He alleged the deputy crown prince told Syrian officials in a meeting also attended by Russians that "if you do not have ties with Iran, everything will end"  apparently meaning that the conflict would end.

Soleimani added that Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed "is very impatient and might kill his king."

The young Saudi deputy crown prince and defense minister, whose father put him as third in line to the throne in April 2015, has been viewed as ambitious for proposing economic initiatives in the kingdom and helping lead its ongoing war in Yemen.

But Soleimani's suggestion of the young royal committing regicide is likely to be met with anger in Saudi Arabia, which saw King Faisal assassinated by his nephew in 1975. There was no immediate reaction Thursday in Saudi state media.

Soleimani's comments come as Saudi Arabia conducts its naval exercise in the Gulf, including waters Iran considers part of its sphere of influence. The exercise includes firing live ammunition "to raise the combat readiness and professional performance for units and employees of the naval forces in preparation for the protection of the marine interests of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia against any possible aggression," the state-run Saudi Press Agency said Tuesday.

The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, based in Bahrain, is not taking part in Gulf Shield 1, Lt. Ian McConnaughey said. Commanders in the 5th Fleet, however, have reported an uptick in provocative acts at sea by Iran since it struck deal with world powers over its contested nuclear program.

Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic relations to Iran after protesters stormed two Saudi diplomatic posts in the Islamic Republic. Those violent demonstrations came after Saudi Arabia executed a prominent Shiite cleric in January along with 46 others.

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Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

FILE -- In this Feb. 11, 2016 file photo, Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani attends an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, in Tehran, Iran. As Saudi Arabia holds a naval drill in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Soleimani, a powerful Iranian general was quoted, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, by the semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies as suggesting the kingdom's deputy crown prince is so "impatient" he may kill his own father to take the throne. While harsh rhetoric has been common between the two rivals since January, the outrageous comments by Soleimani take things to an entirely different level by outright discussing Saudi King Salman being killed. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File)

In this undated photo released by Saudi Press Agency, SPA, the Royal Saudi Navy conducts military exercises dubbed Gulf Shield One in the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman. As Saudi Arabia holds a naval drill in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a powerful Iranian general has been quoted as suggesting the kingdoms deputy crown prince is so impatient he may kill his own father to take the throne. While harsh rhetoric has been common between the two rivals since January, the outrageous comments by Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani take things to an entirely different level by outright discussing Saudi King Salman being killed. (Saudi Press Agency via AP)

In this undated photo released by Saudi Press Agency, SPA, the Royal Saudi Navy conducts military exercises dubbed Gulf Shield One in the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman. As Saudi Arabia holds a naval drill in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a powerful Iranian general has been quoted as suggesting the kingdoms deputy crown prince is so impatient he may kill his own father to take the throne. While harsh rhetoric has been common between the two rivals since January, the outrageous comments by Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani take things to an entirely different level by outright discussing Saudi King Salman being killed. (Saudi Press Agency via AP)

In this undated photo released by Saudi Press Agency, SPA, Saudi military personnel conduct military exercises dubbed Gulf Shield One in Saudi Arabia. As the Saudis holds a naval drill in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a powerful Iranian general has been quoted Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, as suggesting the kingdoms deputy crown prince is so impatient he may kill his own father to take the throne. While harsh rhetoric has been common between the two rivals since January, the outrageous comments by Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani take things to an entirely different level by outright discussing Saudi King Salman being killed. (Saudi Press Agency via AP)
Upset with Turkey, Iraq seeks UN Security Council session

BAGHDAD (AP)  Iraq has requested an emergency U.N. Security Council session over the presence of Turkish troops in northern Iraq, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday, a development that highlights increasing tension between the two neighbors.

Turkey however, remained defiant, with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim vowing on Thursday to maintain Turkish troop presence "no matter what Baghdad says."

Turkey-Iraq relations became strained after Ankara sent troops late last year to the region of Bashiqa, northeast of Mosul, to train anti-Islamic State fighters there  a move Baghdad labeled a "blatant violation" of its sovereignty. Iraq has demanded a Turkish withdrawal but Ankara has ignored the call.

FILE - In this Monday, Sept. 5, 2016 photo, an army commander informs Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, left, on a Turkey-Iraq border map, in Cukurca, Turkey. Iraq's Foreign Ministry has summoned Turkeys' ambassador to Baghdad over "provocative" comments by Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim about the planned operation to dislodge Islamic State militants from the city of Mosul. (Prime Ministry Press Service, Pool photo via AP, File)

Baghdad is now asking the Security Council for the emergency session to discuss "Turkish violations on the Iraqi soil and the interference in its internal affairs," said the Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ahmad Jamal.

Jamal said Iraq also asked the council to "shoulder its responsibility and adopt a resolution to end to the Turkish troops' violation of Iraq's sovereignty" and "intensify international support" ahead a major Iraqi military operation to take back Mosul from the Islamic State group.

In Ankara, Yildirim, the prime minister, said Turkish troops would stay in northern Iraq to prevent "efforts to forcibly change the demographic structure in the region"  an apparent reference to Turkish fears that once Mosul is liberated from IS, Kurds or Shiite groups may take Mosul over and push out Sunni Arabs or ethnic Turkmens.

"It is a waste of time for the Iraqi government to focus on Turkey's presence there, when there are troops from 63 different countries" to fight IS, Yildirim said.

The spokesman of the U.S.-led international coalition, which consists of 65 nations, Col. John Dorrian told a press conference in Baghdad on Thursday that the Turkish forces stationed in Iraq are not part of the coalition, but on their own. Dorrian added that the coalition position is that every force "should be here with the coordination or and with the permission of the government of Iraq."

Earlier this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed Ankara's willingness to join the imminent battle for Mosul. Yildirim later warned that the operation could spark Shiite-Sunni sectarian tensions if the majority Sunni region around Mosul were to be placed under Shiite militia control after the offensive.

Meanwhile, Iraq's parliament adopted a resolution denouncing the extension of Turkish troops' presence, asking the government to consider them as "occupation forces." Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Ankara's insistence on maintaining troops in Iraq could lead to "regional warfare."

Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, is the Islamic State group's last remaining urban stronghold in Iraq. The government is now gearing up for the Mosul offensive and has pledged to recapture the city from IS this year.

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Allegations jobs smoothed with cash payments at Trump Tower

NEW YORK (AP)  Six years after George Gjieli left federal prison, where he'd been sent for trying to break out a triple murderer, Donald Trump gave him a job running Trump Tower, where the billionaire businessman lived and worked.

For a decade the Albanian immigrant, whom federal prosecutors had described as having "utter disdain for the laws of our country," was the live-in residential superintendent of Trump's most prized Manhattan high-rise. Meanwhile, he was accused in court papers of coordinating a cash-for-jobs racket inside the building, an Associated Press review has found.

Trump's decision to entrust responsibility of his namesake Fifth Avenue skyscraper to Gjieli adds to a growing public accounting of men with questionable backgrounds whom Trump has hired or partnered with. The AP and others have reported they include a Mafia-linked government informant whom Trump named as a senior adviser and a convicted cocaine dealer whom Trump supported in a letter to a federal judge.

FILE - In this March 16, 2016 file photo, Trump Tower is seen in New York. Trump once hired a man convicted of trying to break a triple murderer out of prison to oversee residential operations inside Trump Tower. The man was later accused by former workers of perpetuating a cash-for-jobs scheme. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

Gjieli, who said Trump wrote him a recommendation letter when he left Trump Tower in 2001, denied taking kickbacks including cash in envelopes delivered to his 29th floor office. In an interview, he called the allegations "bulls--t," likely made by Romanian building workers harboring generations-old European ethnic rivalries.

The AP uncovered no evidence that Trump knew of money being paid for jobs. His presidential campaign spokeswoman, Hope Hicks, declined to address whether Trump ever conducted a background check before hiring Gjieli. She said Trump wasn't familiar with the kickback allegations.

"Mr. Trump's management style has led to the creation of one of the great private companies anywhere in the world," she said.

Trump himself has said he cares more about his supervisors' ability to get things done than their tactics or pasts, writing approvingly in his best-selling "Art of the Deal" about a "con man" project manager who likely stole $50,000 annually from the company, including from his secretaries' funeral fund used to buy flowers.

"Even so, I was probably getting a bargain," Trump wrote, saying the con man  it was not Gjieli  was a good manager.

When Trump hired Gjieli after a face-to-face interview in 1991, the man didn't mention his criminal past and Trump didn't ask him about it, Gjieli said. Records of his conviction were publicly available at the time and recently reviewed in detail by the AP.

They show that government wiretaps from the 1980s captured Gjieli's efforts to bribe a U.S. Treasury agent with $100,000 to get a fellow Albanian immigrant serving life terms for triple murder out of a Michigan state prison.

Gjieli told the agent that the imprisoned man "shot the f  k out of them. Boom," using a racial epithet to describe the three black men killed during a 1976 robbery attempt, according to a transcript. Gjieli and two associates were later convicted in the jailbreak plan.

"The fact that (Gjieli and his associates) offered a special agent a bribe lets you know what they think of law enforcement," said Jim Covert, then an Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent, according to excerpts from the grand jury testimony from the 1980s. "They just figure they can buy anybody."

Paying kickbacks was also at the center of a wrongful termination lawsuit against Trump and the Local 32BJ labor union, which is associated with the Service Employees International Union, filed in 2004 by a fired elevator operator named Ioan Ghilduta. He alleged Gjieli had forced workers to pay for their positions.

"Sure, all the guys pay the money," Ghilduta said in a 2005 deposition , according to court documents obtained by AP, describing the $1,000 in cash and a gold crucifix he said he was made to give to his boss in 1994. "It was a common practice when you get the job."

Ghilduta didn't respond to phone calls, text messages and an in-person visit to his home.

The Local 32BJ union declined to comment for this story. The lawsuit was settled shortly after a judge ruled there were issues of fact a jury should hear. Ghilduta walked away with $7,500 apiece from Trump and the union, neither of which admitted wrongdoing.

In a close-knit service industry, word of Gjieli's influence spread, drawing in workers like Gabriel Mitrea, who recalled in an interview with the AP taking the elevator up to Gjieli's Trump Tower office in the late 1990s with $2,000 cash in an envelope to secure a doorman job at a non-Trump-owned building near Central Park.

Internal Trump Tower employee manuals show workers are expected to remain discreet about their duties, and some workers declined to discuss their experiences with the AP because they said they didn't want to get into trouble.

Discretion remains a Trump imperative: Earlier this year he settled a lawsuit against a campaign worker whom the billionaire had sued for $10 million, claiming he violated a non-disclosure agreement.

Still, some workers, like Cornel Nedelcu, spoke glowingly about Trump and recalled receiving gifts from him, such as pairs of used Gucci shoes and trousers.

Nedelcu was named in a deposition as having known about kickbacks. He denied to the AP that he paid for his job but acknowledged that "others may have."

Ilie Malancea did pay, according to his family. His wife recalled that, in the early 1990s, they had to purchase a gold chain that cost between $500 and $1,000 as a mandatory "gift" for Gjieli.

For Malancea, who worked at Trump Tower for two decades, that payment foreshadowed further troubling interactions with his bosses, including Gjieli's successor, according to journal entries provided to the AP.

In one case, Malancea raised concerns of a faulty elevator and wrote he was lambasted for suggesting to a resident it was unsafe rather than merely out of order. In another, he complained his pay was withheld after coming late from a doctor's appointment following heart surgery.

He wrote in an undated journal entry that a supervisor was hostile "towards me (without apparent reason) lately using threats of being fired, choice words, constantly accusing me of breaking the rules, not being a team player?!?, being late etc."

"Gjieli had a criminal past," said Jennie Malancea, 27, the daughter of the elevator operator, who is now deceased. "That's a pretty big deal for someone that you're hiring, and is hiring other people."

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Associated Press researchers Jennifer Farrar in New York and Monika Mathur in Washington, and AP writer Alison Mutler in Bucharest, Romania, contributed to this report.

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Follow on Twitter: Jake Pearson at https://twitter.com/JakePearsonAP and Jack Gillum at https://twitter.com/jackgillum

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Online:

Read related documents at http://apne.ws/2bBtfJo .

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump tours a classroom during a visit to the International Church of Las Vegas, and International Christian Academy, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

FILE - In this June 16, 2015 file photo, Donald Trump announces that he seek the Republican nomination for president, in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York. Trump once hired a man convicted of trying to break a triple murderer out of prison to oversee residential operations inside Trump Tower. The man was later accused by former workers of perpetuating a cash-for-jobs scheme. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

FILE - In this April 9, 2016 file photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump acknowledges supporters while leaving Trump Tower in New York. Trump once hired a man convicted of trying to break a triple murderer out of prison to oversee residential operations inside Trump Tower. The man was later accused by former workers of perpetuating a cash-for-jobs scheme. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
NSA contractor arrest highlights challenge of insider threat

WASHINGTON (AP)  The arrest of a former National Security Agency contractor for allegedly stealing classified information represents the second known case since 2013 of a government contractor being publicly accused of removing secret data from the intelligence agency.

The latest case comes as the NSA has worked to reform security after the Edward Snowden disclosures, especially with regard to insider threats.

Harold Thomas Martin III, 51, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, was arrested by the FBI in August, after federal prosecutors say he illegally removed highly classified information and stored the material in his home and car. A defense attorney said Martin did not intend to betray his country.

FILE - In this June 6, 2013 file photo, the sign outside the National Security Administration (NSA) campus in Fort Meade, Md. A contractor for the National Security Agency has been arrested on charges that he illegally removed highly classified information and stored the material in his house and car, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. Harold Thomas Martin III, 51, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, was arrested by the FBI in August after authorities say he admitted to having taken government secrets. A defense attorney said Martin did not intend to betray his country. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

The arrest was not made public until Wednesday, when the Justice Department unsealed a criminal complaint that accused Martin of having been in possession of top-secret information that could cause "exceptionally grave danger" to national security if disclosed.

It's not yet clear when the documents were removed. But the fact that Snowden and Martin  both working for Booz Allen Hamilton as contractors for the NSA  were accused of leaving the NSA with highly classified documents raises questions about the effectiveness and adequacy of the intelligence agency's internal security controls. The NSA, which put security upgrades into place following the Snowden disclosures, has declined to comment.

"One key thing we don't have visibility into now is how he was caught, because that would provide some insight into whether the reforms that were put in post-Snowden were effective or not, or their relative efficacy," said Rajesh De, who was the NSA's general counsel when the Snowden story broke. Snowden's 2013 theft of documents that were leaked to journalists revealed the NSA's bulk collection of millions of Americans' phone records.

Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the senior Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said in a statement that "it is painfully clear that the intelligence community still has much to do to institutionalize reforms designed to protect (U.S. government secrets) from insider threats."

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the federal government has made important changes since Snowden's disclosures. He said the government has reduced the number of people who need security clearances by 17 percent and has enhanced the quality of background checks.

Martin's arrest appears to illustrate the difficulty of guarding against an insider threat given that employees, by virtue of their clearance level and jobs, must be entrusted with the nation's secrets.

It's unlikely that "you're going to be able to stop every incident of somebody taking documents if they're determined to do so. But the real question is how quickly can you detect it, how quickly can you mitigate the harm of any such incident," De said.

Adm. Mike Rogers, who heads the NSA, has repeatedly spoken since 2013 about efforts the agency has taken to ensure that such a thing doesn't happen again. He has said the agency tried to strike a balance so as to not overly upset workers who are law-abiding citizens with aggressive internal security mechanisms.

Among the classified documents found with Martin, the FBI said, were six that contain sensitive intelligence  meaning they were produced through sensitive government sources or methods that are critical to national security  and date back to 2014. All the documents were marked as classified information, an FBI affidavit says.

The complaint does not specify which documents Martin is alleged to have taken. He was arrested around the same time U.S. officials acknowledged an investigation into a cyber leak of purported hacking tools used by the NSA. That toolkit consists of malicious software intended to tamper with firewalls, the electronic defenses protecting computer networks. Those documents were leaked by a group calling itself the "Shadow Brokers." The complaint does not reference that group or allege a link to Martin.

The New York Times first reported the arrest of a NSA contractor who worked for Booz Allen Hamilton. Booz Allen said in a statement that after learning of the arrest of one of its employees, it contacted law enforcement authorities to offer its cooperation and fired the worker.

At Martin's home, investigators found stolen property valued at "well in excess of $1,000," the complaint said.

"Martin at first denied, and later when confronted with specific documents, admitted he took documents and digital files from his work assignment to his residence and vehicle that he knew were classified," the affidavit says. "Martin stated that he knew what he had done was wrong and that he should not have done it because he knew it was unauthorized."

He has been in custody since his arrest in August. The complaint charges him with unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials and theft of government property.

"There is no evidence that Hal Martin intended to betray his country," his public defenders, James Wyda and Deborah Boardman, said in a statement. "What we do know is that Hal Martin loves his family and his country. He served honorably as a lieutenant in the United States Navy, and he has devoted his entire career to serving his country. We look forward to defending Hal Martin in court."

Dinah Winnick, director of communications at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, confirmed that Martin is a student in the university's information systems graduate program. The university has a partnership with the NSA, which gives students prospects for jobs, training and scholarship support. Martin enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1987 and left the service in 2000, the Navy said.

In 2013, journalists relying on classified documents taken by Snowden revealed the NSA's bulk collection phone records and spurred a national debate on privacy and national security.

Rogers has said that since those revelations, he's repeatedly reminded the workforce of their agreement to never divulge the sensitive information they've been given access to. In prior comments, Rogers has said security isn't just about technical and insider threat preparation, but also about ensuring professional behavior.

"At times, I have some people telling me, 'Hey, what this should show you is you can't trust contractors,' " Rogers said in a speech at Stanford University in 2014, noting that some of the biggest compromises of information came from direct U.S. employees. "This idea that you can't trust contractors, I just don't think I'm concerned about the long-term implications of that."

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Associated Press writers Ben Nuckols, Nancy Benac and Deb Riechmann in Washington and Brian Witte in Glen Burnie, Maryland, contributed to this report.

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Follow Tami Abdollah at https://twitter.com/latams and Eric Tucker at https://twitter.com/etuckerAP.
Once lauded as a peacemaker, Obama's tenure fraught with war

WASHINGTON (AP)  Seven years ago this week, when a young American president learned he'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize barely nine months into his first term  arguably before he'd made any peace  a somewhat embarrassed Barack Obama asked his aides to write an acceptance speech that addressed the awkwardness of the award.

But by the time his speechwriters delivered a draft, Obama's focus had shifted to another source of tension in his upcoming moment in Oslo: He would deliver this speech about peace just days after he planned to order 30,000 more American troops into battle in Afghanistan.

The president all-but scrapped the draft and wrote his own version.

FILE - In this Dec. 10, 2009, file photo, President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Barack Obama poses with his medal and diploma at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at City Hall in Oslo. Seven years ago Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. On matters of war and peace, Obama has proven to be a confounding and contradictory figure, one who stands to leave behind both devastating and pressing failures, as well as a set of fresh accomplishments whose impact could resonate for decades. (AP Photo/John McConnico, File)

The speech Obama delivered  a Nobel Peace Prize lecture about the necessity of waging war  now looks like an early sign that the American president would not be the sort of peacemaker the European intellectuals of the Nobel committee had anticipated.

On matters of war and peace, Obama has proven to be a confounding and contradictory figure, one who stands to leave behind both devastating and pressing failures, as well as a set of fresh accomplishments whose impact could resonate for decades.

He is the erstwhile anti-war candidate, now engaged in more theaters of war than his predecessor. He is the commander-in-chief who pulled more than a hundred thousand U.S. troops out of harm's way in Iraq, but also began a slow trickle back in. He recoiled against full-scale, conventional war, while embracing the brave new world of drone attacks. He has championed diplomacy on climate change, nuclear proliferation and has torn down walls to Cuba and Myanmar, but failed repeatedly to broker a lasting pause to more than six years of slaughter in Syria.

If there was consensus Obama had not yet earned his Nobel Peace Prize when he received it in 2009, there's little such agreement on whether he deserves it today.

"I don't think he would have been in the speculation of the Nobel committee now, in 2016, even if he had not already won," said Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the Peace Research Institute of Oslo, and a close watcher of the Nobel committee. Harpviken said he views Obama's foreign policy as more conventional and limited than he expected, particularly regarding his use of multilateral cooperation and institutions.

When it comes to finding new instruments for peace, he said, "Obama has been stuck in the old paradigm."

By some sobering measures, the case for Obama the peacemaker is difficult to make. Analysts who track conflict, refugee populations, terrorist attacks and political upheaval say the world has only become less peaceful during Obama's tenure, a trend that began just before he took office.

Instances of terrorism have peaked, deaths in battle around the world are at a 25-year high, and the number of refugees and displaced people has reached a level not seen in sixty years, according to the 2016 Global Peace Index, a report on international stability produced by the nonpartisan think-tank the Institute for Economic and Peace. The researchers attributed the trends to the expanded warfare in the Middle East and North Africa and broad ripples across the region and in Europe.

Few would blame global strife on one man, even the commander of the world's most powerful military. And if anything, Obama's legacy and his supporters would say his strength  is a steady wariness of limits of using that military without triggering unintended consequences.

That wariness has led to a seven-year debate over whether the president has used the tools of war to try to make peace too much or little.

The president's Nobel acceptance speech delivered to Oslo in December 2009 is something of a roadmap to Obama's thinking on use of force. In it, the president affirmed his readiness to wage war in self-defense and called for new thinking on the concept of "just war."

"More and more, we all confront difficult questions about how to prevent the slaughter of civilians by their own government, or to stop a civil war whose violence and suffering can engulf an entire region," Obama said, years before war broke out in Syria. "Inaction tears at our conscience and can lead to more costly intervention later. That's why all responsible nations must embrace the role that militaries with a clear mandate can play to keep the peace."

Critics do not see Obama heeding his own call to responsible nations. Obama's refusal to use force to depose Syrian President Bashar Assad, cripple his air force or more aggressively engage in diplomatic efforts to end the fighting have been a steady source of criticism. Many view it as an unfortunate overcorrection from the George W. Bush-era Iraq war.

"The president correctly wanted to move away from the maximalist approach of the previous administration, but in doing so he went to a minimalist, gradualist and proxy approach that is prolonging the war. Where is the justice in that?" said Ret. Lt. Gen. Jim Dubik, a senior fellow at the Institute for the Study of War and the author of the book, "Just War Reconsider." Obama should have worked harder to rally a coalition around a shared vision of a stable Middle East:, he believes. "Part of the requirement of leadership," Dubik said, "is to operate in that space between where the world is and where the world ought to go."

The president's advisers contend such criticism comes from a misguided presumption that more force yields more peace. Cold-eyed assessments of the options in Syria show no certainty of outcomes, they say, only risk of broader conflict.

"In Syria, there is no international basis to go to war against the Assad regime. Similarly, there's no clearly articulable objective as to how it would play out. What is the end that we're seeking militarily?" said deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes. "The president doesn't believe you can impose order through military force alone."

But Obama has in many other cases been willing to use limited force to achieve limited objectives, even risking unintended consequences.

He has ordered drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Syria that have killed civilians and sparked tension in those countries and across the international community. What began as a secret program has become more transparent as Obama has aimed to leave legal limits for his predecessor on the use of unmanned warplanes.

But he has left unanswered the question of how or when those actions will lead to peace, some argued.

Looking back on Obama's Nobel speech, that dilemma was already there, said Jon Alterman, a Middle East expert and former State Department official.

"What's strikes me most is how different our concept of war was seven years ago," he said. "We are engaged in a whole series of infinitely sustainable, low-level actions that have no logical endpoint. When do we stop doing drone attacks in Yemen and Pakistan? What level of terrorism is acceptable? ... We're engaged in battles with a whole range of groups that are never going to surrender, so how do you decide to stop it? How do you decide what winning looks like?"

FILE - In this Dec. 10, 2009, file photo, President Barack Obama, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, pumps his fist as they watch the torch parade from the balcony of their hotel in Oslo, Norway. Earlier, President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize. Seven years ago Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. On matters of war and peace, Obama has proven to be a confounding and contradictory figure, one who stands to leave behind both devastating and pressing failures, as well as a set of fresh accomplishments whose impact could resonate for decades. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
WHY IT MATTERS: Race and Policing

WASHINGTON (AP)  THE ISSUE: Policing in the United States' minority communities has been a flashpoint since the deaths of Michael Brown in Missouri, Tamir Rice in Ohio, Sandra Bland in Texas and others. The increasing number of graphic photos and videos depicting the deaths of black men, women and children at the hands of police officers has sparked unrest around the nation. The perception that law enforcement officers are rarely, if ever, punished for what some consider unethical behavior, brutality and even criminal acts against black Americans has led to the rise of new social and civil rights movements like Black Lives Matter.

Police in turn have complained of being unfairly stereotyped as the enemy by minority communities in which they serve. They have noted that they've increased monitoring of officer behavior through cameras placed in their vehicles and carried by officers during interactions with the public and increased training for officers and personnel.

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FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2016. file photo, protesters block I-277 during a third night of unrest following the police fatal shooting of Keith Lamont Scott in Charlotte, N.C. Policing in the United States minority communities has been a flashpoint since the deaths of Trayvon Martin in Florida, Michael Brown in Missouri, Tamir Rice in Ohio, Sandra Bland in Texas and others. The increasing number of graphic photos and film depicting the deaths of black men, women and children at the hands of police officers has sparked unrest around the nation. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

WHERE THEY STAND

Hillary Clinton has been criticized by activists for some of her positions  she once, for example, supported "superpredator" laws that were meant to combat a supposed wave of lawless children. During the Democratic primary she used the phrase "All Lives Matter"  words that some have invoked as pushback against the concerns of Black Lives Matter while others have uttered the phrase without intending to challenge the movement. She's also expressed regret for talking about superpredators in the past. Clinton has offered proposals, such as legislation that would help end racial profiling, provide federal matching funds for more police body cameras and overhaul mandatory minimum sentencing.

Donald Trump has described himself as the "law and order" candidate. He has said some of the videos and photos depicting the deaths of people of color at the hands of police were "hard to witness," but has called police "the most mistreated people in this country." Trump endorsed a former New York City police policy called "stop and frisk" after unrest in Charlotte, North Carolina, over the police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott. A federal judge ruled the procedure violated the rights of minorities.

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WHY IT MATTERS

The relationship between minority communities and majority-white police forces is turning into one of the most visible civil rights issues of this age.

The U.S. has a long history of using law enforcement to enforce now-illegal actions like slavery and segregation, leading to distrust between law enforcement and some of the communities it serves. Increasing numbers of civilian video and photos showing questionable actions by police officers, sometimes contradicting the official account originally released by law enforcement, have eroded trust between law enforcement and parts of the growing diverse population of this country even more.

In addition to sparking movements like Black Lives Matter, the debate over race and policing has helped usher in more monitoring of police through dash cams, body cameras and increased training for officers. Officials also have started pushing for more statistics about police shootings  fatal and nonfatal  in the United States, so the public can have an idea of the numbers involved instead of having to judge through anecdotal evidence.

No matter which candidate wins the presidency, it is unlikely that there will be an immediate change in the relationship between people of color and the police. A president can only do little to bring about a quick change in police-community relationships, given that it's such a local issue. But police officers and the public might take their cues from an effective leader, who uses the president's bully pulpit to influence the mood of the country and shape whether the relationship between law enforcement and communities of color strengthens or weakens.

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Government to pick plans for displaced health law customers

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Obama administration is worried that insurers bailing out of the health law's markets may prompt their customers to drop out, too. So it plans to match affected consumers with remaining insurance companies.

The hope is to keep people covered, but there's concern that the government's match-making will create confusion and even some disappointed customers.

The new backstop was outlined in an administration document circulating among insurers, state regulators, and consumer groups. It also calls for reaching "discontinued consumers" with a constant stream of reminders as the law's 2017 sign-up season ramps up. Open enrollment for HealthCare.gov starts Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 31.

FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2015, file photo, the HealthCare.gov website, where people can buy health insurance, is displayed on a laptop screen in Washington. Worried that insurer exits from the health laws markets may cause many people to lose coverage, the Obama administration plans to automatically pick a plan from a different carrier for affected consumers. But policyholders could get an unwelcome surprise if their government-recommended plan isnt what theyre used to. The elaborate backstop was outlined in an administration document circulating among insurers and state regulators. It also calls for reaching affected consumers with a constant stream of reminders as the health laws 2017 sign-up season goes into full swing. HealthCare.govs open enrollment for 2017 starts Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 31. A copy of the plan was provided to The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

The insurance markets were envisioned as dynamic engines of private competition. But in many states, they have run into problems.

Some consumer advocates say this latest effort will help people retain coverage in a challenging year when premiums also are rising. Other advocates, however, worry it will cause confusion. Insurers fear a backlash from customers disappointed with reduced options. The administration says consumers have the last word on accepting any "alternate" plan they're offered.

"I'm concerned that the alternative plan will look like a 'recommended choice' by the marketplace," said Elizabeth Colvin, director of Insure Central Texas, an Austin nonprofit that helps people sign up for coverage.

"The way it is presented could be interpreted as, 'This is a plan we recommend,' or 'This is a plan we think will work for you,' or 'this is one of the better plans,'" Colvin said.

The administration said it isn't able to provide an estimate of the number of people who'll get notices about their new plans. It could range from several hundred thousand to 1 million or more, say independent experts.

Big-name insurers are leaving the market because of financial losses and nonprofit insurance co-ops are collapsing. Insurers say customers have turned out to be sicker than expected. Many younger, healthier people have stayed away, even at the risk of fines for being uninsured.

Markets such as HealthCare.gov provide subsidized private coverage for people who don't have a job-based plan. About 11 million people are currently covered.

The original idea was that competitive markets would force insurers to offer quality coverage at affordable prices. That tends to work in metro areas. But many rural communities and small cities will have just one carrier next year.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is calling for a stronger government role through the introduction of a public insurance plan.

With the markets struggling, administration officials worry that insurer exits could complicate their desire to deliver strong sign-up numbers in the president's last year. So they are leaving nothing to chance.

The administration document says affected consumers may get 20 or more reminder messages just between Nov. 21 and Dec. 15, which is the deadline for selecting coverage effective Jan. 1.

That could lead to problems if the government can't turn off the notices after a customer has picked a new plan. "Consumers panic and think something went wrong," said Colvin, the program director in Austin.

The earliest notifications will start this month. Around the second week of November, consumers whose insurers are leaving the market will get a notice that HealthCare.gov has matched them to another plan. They also could receive materials from the new insurer, including a welcome kit and a bill.

Christen Linke Young, an administration official overseeing the health care markets, stressed that consumers are under no obligation to accept the new plan.

"Under no circumstances is anyone going to be enrolled in a plan or need to pay anything without their consent," she said. "Consumers are getting an option, but they are not getting enrolled into that product without their consent."

Last year, most renewing customers checked their options before paying their first month's premium. But this year, they may not have other viable choices if they live in an area reduced to one insurer.

Displaced customers who fail to sign up by the end of open enrollment will get another chance to do so in 2017, what's termed a "special enrollment period."

The new policy will be effective in most states. In some cases, state regulators may have different rules.

Some consumer advocates say the administration is taking a reasonable step, since losing more customers would further weaken the markets.
Jurors begins to deliberate in case against police officers

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  Jurors began deliberating Thursday in a murder case against two former New Mexico police officers who prosecutors said killed a mentally ill homeless man as he tried to surrender and defense attorneys countered was armed with two knives and posed a threat.

The three-week trial scrutinized how and when police should deploy force or deescalate encounters with people suffering from mental illness at a time when shootings by police have become a national conversation.

The final seconds of an hours-long standoff between Albuquerque police and James Boyd in the foothills of the Sandia Mountain have been in dispute since the 2014 shooting touched off protests and calls for police reform in Albuquerque, the largest city in the state.

Former Albuquerque police Detective Keith Sandy, stands next to a life-size cut out of himself while assisting the prosecution in demonstrating the distance he maintained during the time of the shooting, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016 in Albuquerque, N.M.. Attorneys in the jury trial of two former police officers charged in the killing of a homeless camper have attempted to reconstruct the scene of the standoff that ended with the officers fatally shooting the man in the arms and back. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche)

In police video, a flashbang-grenade goes off and a K-9 unit advances on the camper during a rushed and failed attempt to take him into custody with less-lethal force. Boyd briefly shifted from side to side with two knives in hand before he started pivoting to his left away from the officers and was shot by then-Officer Dominique Perez and detective Keith Sandy, said special prosecutor Randi McGinn.

She disputed a contention by defense attorneys that Boyd took a step toward the K-9 officer, prompting the use of lethal force. McGinn called it a "phantom step."

"You can see that Mr. Boyd never moves toward the officers," she said. "He never closes distance."

Both former officers are charged with second-degree murder, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Jurors must decide whether they were justified in shooting Boyd to protect the life of the K-9 officer or whether they violated their training when they decided to open fire. Sandy's shots hit Boyd in each arm, while Perez's struck him in the back.

"The way the society should handle the mentally ill should be addressed but not in this courtroom," Sandy's attorney Sam Bregman told jurors. "The way the Albuquerqu Police Department handled this situation in general also should be addressed but not in this courtroom."

He urged jurors to block out those larger issues and focus their deliberations on the actions of the two officers.

Perez and Sandy were among 18 officers charged in 2015 with murder or manslaughter stemming from on-duty shootings, said Philip Stinson, a criminologist at Bowling Green State University who tracks shootings by police. Like the Boyd shooting, a majority of those cases were captured by police lapel or dashcam cameras, or bystander video.

Both sides in the New Mexico case said the most important evidence is the video taken by police and a nearby homeowner.

"Here's the thing about the evidence in the video: It cannot lie. It is what it is," McGinn told jurors. "Don't listen to the words, look at the video."

She added during her closing argument that "no one should be above the law."

Boyd was 38 and camping in the foothills when a resident reported his illegal campsite several hundred feet behind a neighborhood. Two officers responded with weapons drawn and called for help after they tried to pat down Boyd and he pulled knives.

Nineteen officers responded over the next several hours with rifles, handguns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and smoke bombs. During the standoff, Boyd shouted death threats at the officers from his perch on a hillside and expressed fears they would shoot him.

McGinn spent much of the trial underscoring the role she says Sandy played in making a series of flawed decisions that agitated Boyd, starting with calling other members of his tactical team, known as the Repeat Offenders Project, to respond to the standoff with him. The unit has since been dismantled under the terms of a U.S. Justice Department settlement agreement to change the culture of the Albuquerque Police Department, where officers were accused of numerous instances of excessive force.

Sandy responded to the standoff with Boyd because a sergeant had requested a Taser shotgun. He arrived at the same time as a State Police sergeant he knew. The sergeant's dashcam video recorded Sandy calling Boyd "a lunatic."

During the trial, he said for the first time publicly that he deeply regretted the remark. His testimony also denied accusation that he was a decision-maker during the standoff.

Perez was among the last to arrive after his SWAT sergeant asked him to respond.

He drove to the campsite hearing other officers say over radio traffic that Boyd was threatening officers and that he also had a history of violence against police.

A few minutes after Perez arrived, he yelled for Sandy to detonate the flash-bang grenade, which went off near Boyd's feet but not close enough to startle him so officers could take him into custody. Sandy opened fire seconds later, and then Perez, whose helmet camera video shows his finger moving onto the trigger as Boyd faces the K-9 handler while holding two knives.

"These are the tense, uncertain, rapidly evolving circumstances they had to work with," said Luis Robles, the lead attorney for Perez. "He had to make life or death decisions in moments."

Sandy's lapel camera failed to record the shooting, he said.

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This story corrects a previous version to say the prosecutor argued the camper was turning away from officers not toward a K-9 handler.

Sam Bregman, representing now retired Dectective Keith Sandy demonstrates the distance at which Sandy stood during the moment James Boyd was shot, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016 in Albuquerque, N.M.. Attorneys in the jury trial of two former police officers charged in the killing of a homeless camper have attempted to reconstruct the scene of the standoff that ended with the officers fatally shooting the man in the arms and back. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche)
Morning Pointe Senior Living and Independent Healthcare Properties (IHP) announced the grand opening ceremony of Morning Pointe of Danville on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 1375 Perryville Road in Danville.

A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m., and tours of the new senior living and Alzheimers memory care community will be given from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The new senior community is accepting residents.

Special guests and dignitaries will give remarks during the ceremony, including Mike Perros, Mayor of Danville, Terry Gilbert, Secretary/Treasurer of the Danville-Boyle County Economic Development Partnership, Richard W. Trollinger, Vice President of College Relations at Centre College, and Bari Lewis, Chapter Director of Programs for the Alzheimers Association of Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

The senior care building hosts 60 spacious apartments, featuring fine dining areas, life enrichment programs, and professional health and wellness services. Sixteen of the apartments will be located in The Lantern  a secure wing dedicated to the care of residents with Alzheimers and other memory care needs.

Innovative therapeutic programs developed by the Morning Pointe team, such as SimpleC Companion services, Cuddle Therapy and the Meaningful Day, are incorporated into daily activities to ensure the highest quality of care for residents. The building also features halls of historic artwork depicting Centennial Park and Perryville Road among other iconic areas in Danville and Boyle County.

With the growing number of individuals living longer who want to reside closer to home and their families, Morning Pointe is expanding to provide seniors with more options and choices that enrich the quality of life, said Greg A. Vital, president and CEO of IHP and Morning Pointe. We are continuing Morning Pointes tradition of providing senior care services for more than 15 years by expanding our services across central Kentucky.
The Latest: Syrian gov't: rebel shelling of Aleppo kills 8

BEIRUT (AP)  The Latest on developments in Syria (all times local):

9:30 p.m.

Syrian state media says eight civilians have been killed in presumed rebel shelling on government-run areas inside the divided city of Aleppo.

This Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016 photo, provided by the Syrian Civil Defense group known as the White Helmets, shows Civil Defense workers from the White Helmets digging in the rubles to remove bodies and look for survivors, after airstrikes hit Bustan al-Basha neighborhood in Aleppo, Syria. The U.N. on Wednesday released stark satellite images showing the most recent destruction of Syria's embattled northern city of Aleppo, pounded by Syrian and Russian airstrikes since the collapse of a U.S.-Russia brokered cease-fire two weeks ago. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP)

The state news agency SANA says another 55 were wounded Thursday in shelling on the Jamiliyeh neighborhood on the western side of the city.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict through local contacts, says several of the wounded are in a grave condition and may not survive.

The city's west, which houses over a million residents and displaced civilians, has been subjected to a steady hail of shelling while pro-government forces and Russian and government jets batter the rebel-held east.

Syria's military command announced Wednesday it will scale back its bombardment of eastern Aleppo to allow civilians to evacuate

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5:20 p.m.

The Russian military is warning the United States against striking Syrian government forces, saying it's ready to use its air defense weapons to protect them.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov warned Thursday that the Russian military won't have time to contact its U.S. counterparts if they see missiles on way to target indicating it would strike back without warning should Syrian forces be attacked.

Konashenkov voiced concern about media reports alleging that Washington is considering strikes on Syrian troops. He said that strikes on government-controlled areas could threaten Russian forces there.

A U.S-led coalition airstrike killed over 60 Syrian government soldiers last month. The U.S. said the strike was unintentional and had been targeting the Islamic State group, but Moscow questions this account.

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3:30 p.m.

The U.N. envoy for Syria has urged al-Qaida-linked fighters in the rebel-held eastern parts of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo to leave the area.

Staffan de Mistura also asked Russian and Syrian forces if they would immediately stop their "aerial bombing" of Aleppo, providing militants from the Fatah al-Sham Front group  formerly known as the Nusra Front, which has been linked to al-Qaida  leave the city.

De Mistura said if the militants lay down their weapons "in dignity" and leave, he would "personally" accompany them out. He said the militant are in essence holding "hostage" roughly 275,000 people in Aleppo. The U.N. considers the Nusra Front a terrorist group.

De Mistura says a maximum of 900 Nusra Front fighters would "need some guarantees" that they would be allowed safe passage to Idlib province. He spoke to reporters in Geneva on Thursday.

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2:30 p.m.

The U.N. envoy for Syria says only an estimated 8,000 rebel fighters are holed up in the eastern parts of Aleppo amid a government offensive in this northern Syrian city  and that no more than 900 insurgents there are from the al-Qaida affiliate in Syria.

Staffan de Mistura's remarks underscore the brutality of the fighting in Aleppo, where a besieged population of 275,000 in the eastern, rebel-held part of the city, is in desperate need of aid.

At a press conference in Geneva, de Mistira sharply revised downward his earlier estimate announced at the U.N. Security Council last month that more than half of all fighters in the northern city were from the al-Qaida-linked Fatah al-Sham Front, formerly known as the Nusra Front.

The Russian-backed Syrian offensive on rebel-held parts of Aleppo has in part spurred the United States to suspend its cooperation with Russia in trying to achieve a cease-fire in Syria.

In a BBC interview last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that 50 percent of opposition fighters in Aleppo were from Nusra Front, "as confirmed by the United Nations," according to a transcript posted on Russian diplomatic websites.

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1:30 p.m.

Syria's President Bashar Assad has denied reports that his government is targeting hospitals and civilian infrastructure.

Syrian opposition activists and international relief agencies have said Syrian and Russian warplanes have been hitting hospitals and infrastructure in the northern city of Aleppo, which has been the epicenter of the Syrian civil war in recent months.

Assad told Denmark's TV2 station that "to say that this is our aim as a government, (that) we give the orders to destroy hospitals or schools or to kill civilians, this is against our interest."

Still, Assad said mistakes are sometimes committed by individuals in any war. Excerpts from the interview were released by Assad's office on Thursday. A full version is to be aired later.

Assad says that had his government been "committing all these atrocities," he could not have remained president.

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12:45 p.m.

The Russian defense minister says the military will rely on its experience in the Syrian conflict to further improve its weapons.

Sergei Shoigu said on Thursday that new Russian weapons have "shown their reliability and efficiency" in Syria. The military has used the campaign to test some of its new weapons for the first time in combat.

Shoigu particularly mentioned the X-101 cruise missiles, which have been launched by Russian strategic bombers at targets in Syria, as well as long-range cruise missiles which have been fired by Russian surface ships and submarines.

Moscow has conducted its air campaign in Syria since Sept. 30 2015, turning the tide of war and helping Syrian President Bashar Assad's military win some key ground.

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11 a.m.

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a deadly bombing in a northwestern Syrian village that killed at least 20 people, including many Turkey-backed opposition fighters.

The IS-linked Aamaq news agency says a suicide car bomber struck a convoy of rebels on the Syrian side of a border crossing point in the village of Atmeh.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the blast killed at least 20 people and wounded dozens. An activist collective in Idlib province known as Ariha Today put the death toll at 24.

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10:30 a.m.

Syrian activists have raised the death toll from an explosion in a northwestern village near the border with Turkey to at least 20 killed, including Turkey-backed rebels.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the blast in Atmeh on Thursday morning was either caused by a suicide bomber or a remotely detonated bomb. Another group, the Local Coordination Committees, says the blast was caused by a bag filled with explosives that went off on the Syrian side of a border crossing.

An activist collective in Idlib province known as Ariha Today says the blast killed 24.

The Observatory says the killed rebels have been fighting along with Turkish forces against the Islamic State group since August.
Pakistani army chief lashes out at India as tensions spike

ISLAMABAD (AP)  Pakistan's powerful army chief lashed out at India Thursday, warning that any act of aggression from New Delhi would not go unpunished as tensions spiked between the two countries over the divided region of Kashmir.

Gen. Raheel Sharif said in a televised speech that Pakistan's armed forces will react with a "befitting response" to aggression from India.

"Pakistan is a responsible country and remains committed to follow the policy of friendship with all other countries based on the principles of equality and mutual respect. While doing so, the armed forces of Pakistan remain fully prepared to give the most befitting response to any kind of internal and external threat posed to our nation," he said.

Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party burn the representation of Indian flags during a protest in Peshawar, Pakistan, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. Officials in Islamabad say Pakistan and India are trying to de-escalate border tensions after their troops exchanged several rounds of gunfire over the last week in the disputed Kashmir region. (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)

Sharif also asked the international community to condemn what he called India's "insinuations and fabrications" about Pakistan, adding that Islamabad has made "unparalleled contributions in the global fight against terrorism."

His remarks came more than a week after New Delhi launched a cross-border attack that it claimed had destroyed "terrorist launching pads" used by Pakistan-backed militants. Pakistan said the attack killed two of its soldiers.

Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria warned on Thursday that the curfew in Indian-controlled Kashmir was leading to shortages in food, water, medicine, and emergency care and could create a "human catastrophe of huge proportions."

In rhetoric that reflected the extent of the tension between the two countries, Zakaria said Indian security forces were committing "crimes against humanity" and "genocide" in India-controlled Kashmir, accusing the country of putting "humanity to shame." Zakaria also demanded the release of Kashmiri leaders and political activists detained in India.

Indian security forces have killed dozens of protesters in recent months at demonstrations against Indian rule. Kashmir is split between Pakistan and India and is claimed in its entirety by both nuclear-armed neighbors.

Indian villagers living near the line of control, which divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan, collect fodder for their cattle in Hamirpur village, 62 kilometers from Jammu, India, Wednesday, Oct.5, 2016. Pakistan and India traded fresh accusations of cross-border fire in Kashmir on Tuesday, a day after top officials discussed ways of de-escalating tensions over the disputed Himalayan region. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

Pakistani protesters burn an effigy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally in Lahore, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Pakistan's powerful army chief lashed out at India Thursday, warning that any act of aggression from New Delhi would not go unpunished as tensions spike between the two countries over the divided region of Kashmir. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Pakistani supporters of civil society rally against India in Karachi, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Pakistan's powerful army chief lashed out at India Thursday, warning that any act of aggression from New Delhi would not go unpunished as tensions spike between the two countries over the divided region of Kashmir. Placards read "give rights to Kashmiris." (AP Photo/Shakil Adil)

Pakistani protesters burn an effigy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally in Karachi, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Pakistan's powerful army chief lashed out at India Thursday, warning that any act of aggression from New Delhi would not go unpunished as tensions spike between the two countries over the divided region of Kashmir. (AP Photo/Shakil Adi)
Why the torrent of N. Korean weapons? Maybe the US elections

Over the past 10 months, the young ruler of North Korea has ordered an unprecedented torrent of weapons tests, forging an increasingly sophisticated arsenal. There have been truck-launched missile tests, two nuclear explosions, experiments with powerful rocket engines and more than a dozen other major missile trials.

But why the rush now, after so many years of a North Korean weapons program that progressed relatively slowly?

It's all about Nov. 8, and the U.S. presidential elections, according to a growing number of experts who study North Korea.

FILE - In this Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, file photo, a South Korean army soldier watches a TV news program showing images published in North Korea's Rodong Sinmun newspaper of North Korea's ballistic missile believed to have been launched from underwater and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, at Seoul Railway station in Seoul, South Korea. North Koreas torrent of weapons tests in 2016 has strengthened Pyongyang militarily, but the real reason behind the rush is the U.S. presidential elections, according to a growing number of experts on North Korea. Kim Jong Un has forged an increasingly sophisticated arsenal. There have been truck-launched missile tests, two nuclear explosions, experiments with powerful rocket engines and more than a dozen other major missile trials. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

"It's clearly targeted toward the next administration, and wanting to demonstrate they are a nuclear weapons state to the new president," said Victor Cha, the head of Asian affairs at the National Security Council during the George W. Bush administration, and now a professor at Georgetown University. "Whether that is for the purposes of negotiation, or to say, 'You better leave us alone,' no one knows for sure."

From the perspective of Pyongyang, President Barack Obama already looks like a lame duck. While the U.S. has pressed for more sanctions on North Korea in the wake of all the testing, and now plans to install a sophisticated missile defense system in South Korea, there are few worries in the North that Obama would risk a dramatic move now, like a military strike against its nuclear facilities. Even after the elections, the next president will need at least a few months after the swearing-in to set the administration's diplomatic, military and intelligence agendas.

To Pyongyang, that means time to build up its arsenal, putting it in a powerful position by the time the new U.S. president has settled into office.

North Korea is now "fully equipped with nuclear attack capability," leader Kim Jong Un announced proudly after the August launch of a submarine-launched missile.

He was exaggerating, but not by much. The strings of tests indicate that North Korea may have medium-range missiles capable of striking American military bases in the Pacific in the next couple years, experts say. Some believe Pyongyang may be able to hit the western United States as early as 2020.

For some in the North Korea-watching world, Pyongyang's objective with the weapons tests is clear.

"North Korea thinks there will be one chance with the next (U.S.) government," said Sangsoo Lee, a researcher focusing on East Asia with the Institute for Security and Development Policy, a Stockholm-based research group. "Every government has their ambitious goals, and if the next government solves the sticky North Korea nuclear issue, then it's huge, a big achievement."

"I don't know if it will succeed or not," he continued. "But North Korea expects this one chance and they will use it."

North Korea has a long track record of provocative moves, such as nuclear and missile tests, around elections in both the U.S. and South Korea.

For years, North Korea's nuclear program had been seen by most diplomats, scholars and government officials as more of a bargaining chip than a military tool, a way for Pyongyang to pressure the outside world into offering it international legitimacy, promises of non-aggression or billions of dollars in aid. Few experts worried that Pyongyang posed a near-term danger to mainland America.

But under Kim Jong Un, who rose to power following his father's death in 2011, North Korea has seen steady progress in its nuclear and missile programs. Kim has overseen three nuclear tests, including two this year. There have been repeated tests of the Musudan, a medium-range ballistic missile with a range of 2,500 to 4,000 kilometers (1,500 to 2,500 miles), far enough to reach all of Japan and South Korea and, at the outer end, U.S. military bases in Guam.

Today, while North Korea remains unable to hit the continental U.S., most experts see that possible in just a few years.

"I think that they're struggling with getting the (intercontinental ballistic missile) program up and operational," U.S. Gen. Vincent Brooks, now the head of U.S. forces in Korea, said in Senate hearings earlier this year. But "over time, I believe we're going to see them acquire these capabilities if they're not stopped."

Euan Graham, a former charge d'affaires at the British Embassy in Pyongyang, and now an international security researcher based at the Lowy Institute for International Policy in Sydney, said that while the U.S. elections are part of Pyongyang's calculations, he believes the flurry of testing is driven now by the successes of its program.

"They're so close to acquiring the holy grail: a miniaturized (nuclear) device and a missile they can loft it on," he said.

Pyongyang is believed to have made progress on many of its goals, including shrinking nuclear explosives so they can fit on missiles, improving its rocket technology and mastering the re-entry science required so ICBMs can re-enter Earth's atmosphere from space.

"Ultimately, what they want is to reach a deal with the U.S. to have recognition as a nuclear weapons state," Graham said.

U.S. officials have said  loudly and repeatedly  that North Korea will never get that recognition. But once Pyongyang has a nuclear missile that can strike the U.S. mainland, it will be more difficult to deny Pyongyang that status.

North Korea has said little directly about the U.S. elections. But last month, a Japan-based newspaper closely tied to North Korea warned that Pyongyang would not slow its weapons program, saying it "will be pursued to the ends without the slightest hesitation."

Chosun Sinbo added that it was already clear what the biggest security issue would be for the next U.S. president: North Korea's nuclear weapons.

___

Follow Tim Sullivan on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ByTimSullivan
Theranos closing labs, laying off 340 following sanctions

PALO ALTO, Calif. (AP)  Embattled blood testing company Theranos says it will shut down its clinical labs and wellness centers and lay off more than 40 percent of its full-time employees.

In an open letter released late Wednesday, Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes says the shutdowns "will impact approximately 340 employees in Arizona, California, and Pennsylvania." Theranos has laboratory facilities in Newark, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona.

Holmes personally lobbied the Arizona Legislature and Gov. Doug Ducey in 2015 to pass a bill that allows people to get a blood test without a doctor's order.

FILE - In this Nov. 2, 2015, file photo, Elizabeth Holmes, founder and CEO of Theranos, speaks at the Fortune Global Forum in San Francisco. Holmes announced Oct. 6, 2016, that Theranos will close its labs and wellness centers and lay off about 340 employees in Arizona, California and Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Holmes now says the Palo Alto, California-based company will now focus on its miniLab portable blood-testing product.

The move comes nearly three months after federal regulators banned Holmes from owning or running a medical laboratory for two years. Theranos is appealing the ban, which stems from an investigation of the California facility. The probe followed reports by The Wall Street Journal in which former employees said the company's tests were unreliable.

The company's struggles mark a setback for Ducey, who championed a law that allowed Theranos to open 40 wellness centers in Walgreens stores in the state as the first step in a plan to eventually expand the service across the nation.

Ducey touted the law as a way to open the state up to new and innovative businesses, and he signed the legislation with Holmes standing directly behind him. He's made it the focus of his administration to lure companies and jobs to Arizona by passing business-friendly legislation and eliminating regulations.

As Theranos began to falter, it continued operating five wellness centers in the Phoenix area and had a Scottsdale laboratory. All will close under the announced plan.

The governor's spokesman, Daniel Scarpinato, had no immediate comment on the Theranos development, but noted that other companies have jumped into the patient-directed blood testing market as a result of the law.

Theranos pitched a revolutionary technology that used a tiny amount of blood for routine tests. But problems with the machines led the company to do most tests using standard testing equipment.
Polish women hail victory in abortion standoff and seek more

WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Polish women are declaring victory in a dramatic showdown that pitted them against an anti-abortion group and the conservative government this week. Three days after the women donned black, boycotted work and staged giant street protests, lawmakers on Thursday voted overwhelming against a complete ban on abortion  a proposal they had supported just two weeks earlier.

The victory merely maintains the status quo, which is one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe, but feminists hope they have gained the momentum to attack that next.

Agnieszka Graff, a prominent feminist commentator, said she and other feminists have struggled in vain for years to reach younger Polish women, and that this was the first time she has seen them mobilized in huge numbers.

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo addresses lawmakers in the Polish parliament amid a heated debate on a proposal to restrict the abortion law in Warsaw, Poland, on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Polish lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to reject a proposal by an anti-abortion group that would have imposed a total ban on abortion, caving in to massive outrage by women who have been dressing in black and waging street protests across the country. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

"The feeling on the street was revolutionary. Women were angry but they were also elated at seeing how many of us there were. The black clothes created this secret-but-open signal that connected strangers on the street," Graff said.

While the women protested to defend the current law, she believes there is a good chance the events might have the paradoxical result of creating "a whole generation of pro-choice women."

Members of the ruling Law and Justice party voted two weeks ago to consider the proposal  brought to parliament by an anti-abortion group  sending it to a parliamentary commission for further consideration. At the same time, they voted to refuse to consider a separate proposal to liberalize the law.

In a complete reversal, lawmakers voted 352-58 on Thursday to reject the proposal. Law and Justice leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski warned lawmakers that further restrictions risked bringing about the "exact opposite effect."

Whether the women activists are able to maintain their momentum still remains to be seen  sometimes revolutions peter out in the long, hard slog of bringing social change.

But certainly abortion is a matter of widespread debate in a way that it hasn't been since 1993, when the current law took force after difficult negotiations between religious and secular Poles. Often referred to as a "compromise," the law bans abortion in most cases, but does make exceptions in cases of rape or incest, when the woman's life is in danger or the fetus is badly damaged.

In practice, though, many doctors are declared conscientious objectors who refuse to perform even legal abortions. Polish women seeking abortions  those who can afford it  typically get them in Germany or other neighboring countries, or order abortion pills online.

The proposal for further tightening the law came from a citizens' initiative that gathered some 450,000 signatures in this nation of 38 million. While supported by some conservative Catholics, it was highly unpopular with most Poles, with people balking at the idea that a teenage rape victim should be forced to have her baby, or that a woman whose health was badly compromised would be forced to carry to term. The proposal also called for prison terms of up to five years for women who sought abortions. The only case in which a doctor could intervene in a woman's pregnancy would be if the woman were dying and required an emergency intervention to save her life.

With abortion already illegal in most cases, many women said what frightened them the most in the proposal was that it could have led doctors to be afraid to perform prenatal tests or that women who suffered miscarriages could fall under criminal suspicion.

That is what prompted Karolina Lignar-Paczocha, 37, to don black on Monday, and  after dropping her 2-year-old daughter off at nursery school  join other women at a protest in front of the ruling party headquarters in Warsaw.

"I had the very bitter experience of having a miscarriage a few times and it's horrible to think a woman who suffers that would be questioned and fall under suspicion," said Lignar-Paczocha, a sociologist. "I would never want my daughter to face something like this."

Even worse, she said, would be the pressure a tougher law could have put on doctors to withhold prenatal tests like amniocentesis, which can detect birth defects including Down Syndrome. The proposal called for prison terms for doctors whose actions could result in abortions, and many feared that doctors would not want to administer such a test, which in itself carries a small risk of miscarriage, and whose results prompt some women to seek abortions.

What she wasn't fighting for was a more liberal abortion law, saying that she was at peace with the current compromise.

That law marks a huge change from the communist era, when abortions were easily available and cheap. In the 1960s and early 1970s, when abortions were mostly banned in Sweden, Swedish women would even make the trip across the Iron Curtain into Poland for abortions.

The fact that today it is Polish women who cross in the other direction was an irony noted during an emotional debate Thursday evening in the European Parliament on the situation of women in Poland.

The law of1993 was part of a broader moral backlash in this mostly Catholic country against the "godless communism" that the nation had only recently shaken off.

Only time will tell if the tide of history is turning yet again.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, right, head of the ruling Law and Justice party, votes in a parliament to reject a proposal to restrict the abortion law in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. He was one of the lawmakers who objected a proposal by an anti-abortion group that would have imposed a total ban on abortion. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, head of the ruling Law and Justice party, addresses lawmakers in the Polish parliament amid a heated debate on a proposal to restrict the abortion law in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Polish lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to reject a proposal by an anti-abortion group that would have imposed a total ban on abortion, caving in to massive outrage by women who have been dressing in black and waging street protests across the country. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

A sea of thousands of umbrellas of women and men participating in a nationwide iBlack Mondayi strike to protest a legislative proposal for a total ban on abortion, in downtown Castle Square is pictured in Warsaw, Poland, Monday, Oct. 3, 2016. Massive protests were held in the rain in the streets of Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw and elsewhere across the largely Catholic nation led by a conservative government. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, right, addresses lawmakers in the Polish parliament amid a heated debate on a proposal to restrict the abortion law in Warsaw, Poland, on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Polish lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to reject a proposal by an anti-abortion group that would have imposed a total ban on abortion, caving in to massive outrage by women who have been dressing in black and waging street protests across the country. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, right, head of the ruling Law and Justice party, talks to party members before votes in the parliament to reject a proposal to restrict the abortion law in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016., 2016. He was one of the lawmakers who objected a proposal by an anti-abortion group that would have imposed a total ban on abortion. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)
Germany's Merkel renews warning on Britain and immigration

BERLIN (AP)  German Chancellor Angela Merkel says that granting Britain full access to the European Union's internal market while allowing it to limit EU immigration would lead to a free-for-all in Europe.

Merkel's comments Thursday to Germany's main industry lobby group marked the second consecutive day that she stressed to businesspeople the importance of upholding the EU's "fundamental freedoms," including free movement of EU citizens.

British Prime Minister Theresa May plans to formally trigger EU exit talks by the end of March, and appears prepared to prioritize immigration controls. Merkel said "they won't be easy negotiations."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, Jordanian Queen Rania, center, and Federation of German Industry (BDI) President Ulrich Grillo attend the Day of German Industry 2016 conference in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. (Fabrizio Bensch/Pool Photo via AP)
UK Treasury chief to reassure NY bankers over London future

LONDON (AP)  Britain's Treasury chief has a message for major bankers in New York: London will keep its leading position on the financial stage even after it leaves the European Union.

Chancellor Philip Hammond intends to meet with the chiefs of Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and other major players in a series of meetings in New York on Thursday.

He aims to lower concerns about London's future as a financial services hub raised by the Brexit vote in June. His office says he will emphasize that London's strength as a global player will not be diminished.

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond speaks on the second day of the Conservative party conference in Birmingham, England, Monday Oct. 3, 2016. Philip Hammond told the BBC on Monday that Britain will face a couple of years, or longer, of uncertainty as Britain goes through the process of leaving the 28-nation trading bloc. (Joe Giddens/PA via AP)

He will also attend the International Monetary Fund's annual meeting while he is in the United States.
Rapper Fetty Wap brings $165K to court, pays $360 fine

CEDAR GROVE, N.J. (AP)  Fetty Wap (WAHP') says he brought about $165,000 in cash to a New Jersey municipal building where he admitted to charges including driving with tinted windows and a suspended license.

The 25-year-old rapper, whose name is Willie Maxwell II, was ordered to pay $360 in fines. The Paterson native appeared in a Cedar Grove court on Wednesday with wads of cash sticking out of his pockets.

Maxwell also pleaded guilty to failing to replace lost, destroyed or defaced license plates and a false burglar alarm that went off at his home more than twice.

FILE - In this Feb. 14, 2016, file photo, Fetty Wap arrives at the 2016 Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Fetty Wap (WAHP) says he brought about $165,000 in cash to a New Jersey municipal building on Oct. 5, 2016, where he admitted to charges including driving with tinted windows and a suspended license. (Photo by John Salangsang/Invision/AP, File)

Maxwell's attorney says his client has applied for a medical exemption for the tinted windows.

He says Maxwell, who's blind in one eye due to a childhood eye affliction, has glaucoma.

CORRECTS SOURCE TO THE RECORD, NOT NJ ADVANCE MEDIA - Rapper Fetty Wap appears in Cedar Grove Municipal Court in Cedar Grove, N.J., on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, after he was stopped for tinted windows and other minor infractions. Also known as Willie J. Maxwell II, he pleaded guilty to all four charges, with fines totaling $360. Afterward in the parking lot, Maxwell claimed he had been pulled over for "DWB  driving while black." (Viorel Florescu/The Record via AP)
Inside Russian 'spy base' in the Balkans

NIS, Serbia (AP)  In the command room there are large surveillance screens, in the warehouse rescue equipment; an unfinished gray concrete building serves as a training site. Is this a Russian-run disaster relief center in Serbia as Moscow claims, or is it an outpost for Kremlin spies in the heart of the Balkans?

Some Western NGOs and military analysts say the Russians have created a thinly disguised military base that is eavesdropping on American military interests in the Balkans. While Serbia is still close to Russia, its neighbors are increasingly distrustful of Moscow's intentions and presence, especially ex-Soviet bloc states like Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, which suffered under iron-fist communist rule for decades after World War II.

If it is a military operation, the base would be the Kremlin's first in Europe outside the former Soviet Union since the collapse of the Warsaw Pact in the early 1990s.

In this Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 photo, humanitarian aid delivered from Russia in a warehouse is stored in a "Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center" near an airport in the town of Nis, Serbia. Some Western NGOs and military analysts say the Russians have created a thinly disguised military base that is eavesdropping on American military interests in the Balkans. While Serbia is still close to Russia, its neighbors are increasingly distrustful of Moscows intentions and presence, especially ex-Soviet bloc states like Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, which suffered under iron fist communist rule for decades after World War II. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

The Western analysts say the base  jointly run by the Serbian and Russian governments and located near an airport in the southern Serbian town of Nis  is the Kremlin's response to NATO's expansion in the region. Every country around Serbia is either in the Western military alliance or wants to be.

The Russian partner in the center is its Ministry for Emergency Situations, a powerful semi-military outfit whose activities do include disaster relief, but it also carries out jobs for Russia's security services. The ministry has long played a role in Serbia, including de-mining and clearing of unexploded ordnance from the 1999 NATO bombing of Serbia.

At the center's opening ceremony in 2012, Sergei Shoigu  then Russia's emergency minister, now its defense minister  said the longstanding speculation that Russia wants to create a military installation in Serbia is "a pure fabrication."

NATO officials have refused to comment on the nature of the base, only saying they are not too worried about its role, whatever it is. EU officials have said that if Serbia becomes a member of the bloc, as it wants to, it will have to join the EU's emergency relief programs and ditch the Russian ones.

During a recent visit to the so-called "Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center" there was little visible evidence that the site was used for anything else but fighting floods, forest fires or other natural disasters. The images on the video screens in the command rooms shown to AP reporters were largely from surveillance cameras located throughout the installation. The warehouse contained an ambulance, a Russian-made Lada Niva jeep, packet tents, rubber boats and mostly firefighting equipment.

"Look at that James Bond technology," joked the base's Russian co-director, Viacheslav Vlasenko, as screens came rolling down for a video presentation of the center's recent activities. Outside, Russian instructors were training Serbian firefighters.

Vlasenko said the center is far from equipped for spying on neighboring Romania, where U.S. anti-ballistic missile interceptors were recently installed, or Kosovo, where NATO peacekeeping troops and an American base are located.

"Those are only rumors," Vlasenko said, adding: "It is not possible to change this center into a spy center. It is very small; we have a staff of only three Serbian citizens and five Russians and nothing more ... and the building is not even ours."

He complained that neighboring countries, such as NATO- and EU-member Croatia, or aspiring members Macedonia and Bosnia, have been reluctant to accept Russian help even during major natural or humanitarian disasters such as the recent refugee crisis, which last year saw nearly 1 million people cross the Balkans.

Vlasenko said the Croatians have, "without any explanation," refused to let in giant Russian firefighting planes during recent major forest fires on the Adriatic coastline, and even rejected tents offered during the refugee crisis. Bosnia has not responded to an offer to sign an "agreement of understanding" that would spell out terms of joint action in case of natural disasters, he said.

"It's only politics," Vlasenko said. "They say Vladimir Putin is bad, Russia wants to dominate. ... The political motivation should get out of humanitarian aid."

Serbia  a traditional Russian Slavic ally  also wants to join the EU, but straddles the line between Russia and the West and has refused to participate in U.S.-EU sanctions against Moscow over Russia's actions in Ukraine. Russia strongly opposes Serbia's possible NATO membership.

The U.S.-led 1999 bombing of Serbia turned its people strongly against the West and toward Russia. The residents of Nis  which suffered heavy casualties during a cluster bomb strike  were divided when asked what they think of the Russian presence in their town.

"I would rather see our (Russian) brothers in our town than that Western scum," said Radovan Mihajlovic.

Petar Jovanovic shared widespread local suspicion about the role of the base.

"There's a lot of talk about (the Russian base) but the public does not know the whole truth," he said. "I think there is something happening there which the public doesn't know."

In this Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 photo, Russian instructors, left, train Serbian firefighters for rescue missions in an unfinished concrete building in a "Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center" near an airport in the town of Nis, Serbia. Some Western NGOs and military analysts say the Russians have created a thinly disguised military base that is eavesdropping on American military interests in the Balkans. While Serbia is still close to Russia, its neighbors are increasingly distrustful of Moscows intentions and presence, especially ex-Soviet bloc states like Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, which suffered under iron fist communist rule for decades after World War II. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

In this Thursday. Sept. 29, 2016 photo, Russian co-director of "Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center", Viacheslav Vlasenko, arrives for an interview in the town of Nis, Serbia. Some Western NGOs and military analysts say the Russians have created a thinly disguised military base that is eavesdropping on American military interests in the Balkans. While Serbia is still close to Russia, its neighbors are increasingly distrustful of Moscows intentions and presence, especially ex-Soviet bloc states like Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, which suffered under iron fist communist rule for decades after World War II. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

In this Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 photo, rubber boats with stickers in Russian that read: "From Russia to Serbian people" in a warehouse in a "Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center" near an airport in the town of Nis, Serbia. Some Western NGOs and military analysts say the Russians have created a thinly disguised military base that is eavesdropping on American military interests in the Balkans. While Serbia is still close to Russia, its neighbors are increasingly distrustful of Moscows intentions and presence, especially ex-Soviet bloc states like Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, which suffered under iron fist communist rule for decades after World War II. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

In this Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, clocks on the wall, one telling the time in Belgrade and the telling the time in Mosco, in a command room in a "Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center" near an airport in the town of Nis, Serbia. Some Western NGOs and military analysts say the Russians have created a thinly disguised military base that is eavesdropping on American military interests in the Balkans. While Serbia is still close to Russia, its neighbors are increasingly distrustful of Moscows intentions and presence, especially ex-Soviet bloc states like Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, which suffered under iron fist communist rule for decades after World War II. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

In this Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 photo, a training site in an unfinished concrete building in a "Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center" near an airport in the town of Nis, Serbia. Some Western NGOs and military analysts say the Russians have created a thinly disguised military base that is eavesdropping on American military interests in the Balkans. While Serbia is still close to Russia, its neighbors are increasingly distrustful of Moscows intentions and presence, especially ex-Soviet bloc states like Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, which suffered under iron fist communist rule for decades after World War II.(AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

In this Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 photo, a shadow of Serbian firefighter who prepares for rescue missions training in an unfinished concrete building in a "Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center" near an airport in the town of Nis, Serbia. Some Western NGOs and military analysts say the Russians have created a thinly disguised military base that is eavesdropping on American military interests in the Balkans. While Serbia is still close to Russia, its neighbors are increasingly distrustful of Moscows intentions and presence, especially ex-Soviet bloc states like Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, which suffered under iron fist communist rule for decades after World War II. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

In this Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 photo, a worker passes by a rescue mission van in a warehouse in a "Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center" near an airport in the town of Nis, Serbia. Some Western NGOs and military analysts say the Russians have created a thinly disguised military base that is eavesdropping on American military interests in the Balkans. While Serbia is still close to Russia, its neighbors are increasingly distrustful of Moscows intentions and presence, especially ex-Soviet bloc states like Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, which suffered under iron fist communist rule for decades after World War II. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Obama warns of taking dramatic steps that could harm economy

WASHINGTON (AP)  Breaking up the nation's biggest banks or erecting steep tariffs on imports may sound appealing, but the economy cannot be redesigned and put back together again without harmful consequences for many Americans, President Barack Obama says in an essay published in the Economist Magazine

Instead, Obama in the article published Thursday urged less dramatic steps to boost labor productivity, combat rising income inequality and ensure that everyone who wants a job can get one.

In an essay titled "The Way Ahead," Obama wrote about areas of unfinished business in his presidency. He said a major source of the slowdown in labor productivity has been self-imposed constraints, namely an anti-tax ideology that rejects virtually all sources of new public funding and a fixation on deficits at the expense of maintaining the nation's infrastructure.

Obama wrote that the political system has become so disagreeable that even previously bipartisan ideas like bridge and airport upgrades are nonstarters. He also voiced support for lowering tax rates for businesses but tied such cuts to closing "loopholes" and making public investments in research and technology.

Obama said that the U.S. had often accepted more income inequality than other nations because Americans are convinced that hard work can lead to an improved station in life. He wrote that income gains last year were largest for those at the bottom and middle of the income ladder. He also noted that the top 1 percent of households now pay more in taxes. But he said those efforts still fall "well short" of what's needed

Looking to the future, he called for unions to play a critical role by helping workers get a bigger slice of the pie while being flexible enough to adapt to global competition. He also pushed for increasing the federal minimum wage and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit.

To help more people participate in the workforce, Obama proposed increasing access to community colleges and providing wage insurance to those workers who can't find a job that pays as well as their previous one. He said paid leave and guaranteed sick leave would also encourage flexibility that could lead to more people working.
Doris Adkins Ellis, who has worked at local television station WDEF-News 12 since 1967, was honored at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo in celebration of her retirement. Doriss brother, Ray Adkins, emceed the event, which was attended by dozens of local radio and TV personalities, elected officials, friends, and family.

Doris's career at WDEF began shortly after graduation from Central High School and ran the gamut from switchboard, sales department, traffic manager to director of programming and community service. She has served as president to several civic and business organizations including the Chattanooga Valley Lioness Club, American Women in Radio and Television and The Chattanooga Ad Federation. Also, Doris was the recipient of the prestigious Silver Medal Award, which recognizes men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the advertising industry.







During her career, Doris worked with well-known local radio and television personalities of the present and the past, including Harry Thornton, Ruth Bloyer, Judy Corn, Mort Lloyd, John Gray, Don Welch and David Carroll, and with support team members Jimmy Sampley, Tommy Eason, and David Moore. She said, The staff at WDEF News 12 are like family, they will always be close to my heart. According to News 12 Reporter Bill Mitchell, "Doris is our unofficial den mother, she always makes sure those of us who work holidays, have plenty of food to eat and are well taken care of."

Doris worked closely with the late local radio and TV icon Luther Masingill and said she still has and treasures the make-up kit I used every day for Luther before he went on the air. Luther's wife, Mary, she noted, gave me a shadow box with Luther's favorite tie at my retirement celebration. This has become one of my most prized possessions.

She said, I've had the wonderful opportunity to work with some of Chattanooga's most privileged citizens, with those most in need and with all of those in between, and hope that in some small way have helped make a difference.


US, European Union demand South Sudan adhere to cease-fire

JUBA, South Sudan (AP)  South Sudan's government and rebel forces should immediately adhere to a permanent cease-fire, the United States, European Union, Britain and regional states said Thursday, calling continued conflict in the troubled nation "senseless."

The statement issued by the State Department is the first such call for a permanent cease-fire since deadly fighting erupted in South Sudan's capital in July and rebel leader Riek Machar fled to Sudan and called for armed resistance.

The collective statement, which also comes from a group of East African countries, condemned Machar's call to arms.

Civil war broke out in South Sudan in late 2013, and the violence has never stopped despite a year-old peace deal. Hundreds have died in fighting around the country since July. Tens of thousands have been killed overall.

In an interview with The Associated Press, government spokesman Michael Makuei denied recent fighting and said the government is adhering to a cease-fire called during the July chaos.

Spokespeople for Machar were not available for comment.

Machar's recent call for armed resistance was echoed by war calls from other armed groups that are part of a constellation of militias in South Sudan.

Reports of fighting in the country continue. The U.N. refugee agency has said ongoing government military operations have trapped around 100,000 people in the southern town of Yei amid reports of women, children and babies being hacked to death.
Sean Hannity says Fox colleague Megyn Kelly backs Clinton

NEW YORK (AP)  Sean Hannity has hurled what many of his Fox News Channel viewers would consider an insult at colleague Megyn Kelly: He accused her of being a Hillary Clinton supporter.

Hannity reacted by Twitter on Wednesday night after Kelly had a segment on her show about the presidential candidates tightly controlling press access. She noted that Republican Donald Trump "will go on Hannity and pretty much only Hannity and will not venture out to unsafe spaces these days."

Hannity responded on Twitter, writing "u should be mad at @HillaryClinton. Clearly you support her. And @realDonaldTrump did talk to u." When another Twitter user told Hannity he should stand by his colleagues, the host said, "Sure. When they stand by me."

FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2016 file photo, Moderator Megyn Kelly waits for the start of the Republican presidential primary debate in Des Moines, Iowa. Kelly's Fox News colleague, Sean Hannity, accused Kelly of backing Hillary Clinton on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. The spat began Wednesday night on Kellys program, when the anchor criticized both GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump and the Democratic candidate, Clinton, of avoiding tough media interviews. Kelly said Trump will go on Hannity and pretty much only Hannity. Hannity responded on Twitter that Kelly clearly supports Clinton. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)

Trump has been a frequent Fox guest in recent months, particularly on Hannity and the morning "Fox & Friends" show. Hannity, a conservative talk-show host, has said he supports Trump and has given him campaign advice. He appeared in a Trump campaign video without his network's knowledge, but was told not to do that again.

Trump's rocky road with Kelly, dating to the first GOP primary debate in summer 2015, is well documented. He did appear as an interview subject on a Fox broadcast network special done by Kelly in the spring.

Kelly had no response to Hannity on social media. Fox representatives had no immediate response to requests for comment Thursday.
122 immigration detention facility workers to get $4.8M

NEWARK, N.J. (AP)  More than 100 workers at a New Jersey immigration detention facility are receiving $4.8 million in back wages and benefits under a settlement between federal regulators, county officials and a company that ran the facility.

The U.S. Labor Department says in a statement dated Sept. 29 that Essex County and Community Education Center, Inc. paid workers at Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark lower wages than is legally required.

CEC provides re-entry and in-detention treatment services.

Federal regulators had said 122 "detention officers" who monitored immigrant detainees were wrongly classified as "operations counselors."

Detention officers made $30.97 an hour. Counselors made $11.29 an hour.

CEC says it feels the employees worked under a collective bargaining agreement and didn't have the duties or skill sets of "detention officers."
The Latest: Kaine needles Pence over 'that Mexican thing'

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Latest on the U.S. presidential campaign (all times EDT):

11:15 p.m.

Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine is criticizing his debate opponent, Republican Mike Pence, for saying "that Mexican thing" during their Tuesday faceoff.

Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine uses a Donald Trump book as a talking point during a rally on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Rebecca Droke/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP)

Kaine says Pence has shown disrespect to "an entire group of people who are entitled to dignity and respect."

Pence made the comment as he tried to brush aside criticism of Donald Trump's comments about Mexican immigrants being criminals and rapists.

Kaine asks, "Who talks like that?"

Kaine made the comments Thursday at the carpenters' union hall in Las Vegas. The senator from Virginia also stressed Hillary Clinton's commitment to labor unions, saying Clinton would ensure that her nominees for the U.S. Supreme Court would be sympathetic to the labor movement.

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8:20 p.m.

An organization representing more than 6,000 Latino evangelical churches in the U.S. is endorsing Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump.

In a statement Thursday, the group OPEN USA says Clinton has proven her willingness to engage in difficult conversations, listen to contrasting opinions and engage faith leaders.

OPEN USA says faith has played a central role in the lifelong commitment to public service of both Clinton and her running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine. The group says the Democrats' commitment to public service is exemplified through their campaign's focus on embracing diverse perspectives and creating an inclusive America

The group offers no direct criticism of Trump, but says it is confident that Clinton and Kaine will represent the community well.

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8:12 p.m.

Donald Trump is sending his thoughts and prayers to the millions who may be affected by Hurricane Matthew.

Trump is telling a New Hampshire town hall audience that he spoke with Gov. Rick Scott of Florida earlier Thursday.

The GOP nominee says that, "Whatever happens, we're with everybody because it looks like it's going to be a very bad  maybe the worst in a long period of time."

Trump says he has a lot of friends, investments and employees in the regions the hurricane is expected to hit. His home in Palm Beach  Mar-a-Lago  is in the path of the storm.

Spokeswoman Hope Hicks said earlier that Trump spoke with his employees there and urged them to take safety precautions.

Trump said in New Hampshire to the millions of people in the storm's way: "Please know that we are praying for you and everyone in the path: You've got to take care of yourself, you've got to get out of the area, you've got to listen."

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8:06 p.m.

Donald Trump's town hall event in New Hampshire is the same general format as Sunday's debate against Hillary Clinton. There's a two-minute clock timing each of his answers. And standing off to the side is New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who coaching the Republican presidential candidate for Sunday's showdown.

But Trump is staunchly denying the event has anything to do with preparing for Sunday's town hall-style presidential debate.

Trump told the crowd, "This isn't practice. This has nothing to do with Sunday." He added that "We're just here because we just wanted to be here."

He's also lashing out at rival Hillary Clinton, claiming that she's not really preparing, but "resting."

Trump said he wants "to be with the people from New Hampshire," adding without evidence, "and she wants to rest."

Trump has held only a handful of town hall-style events over the course of his campaign, preferring giant rallies instead.

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7:50 p.m.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott is turning down a request from Hillary Clinton's campaign to extend the state's voter registration deadline.

The deadline for Floridians to register is next Tuesday. The Clinton campaign says the deadline should be pushed back because Hurricane Matthew is threatening to wreak havoc on the state.

But Scott says "everyone has had a lot of time to register" and he doesn't intend to make any changes.

Scott is a Republican who is a strong supporter of GOP nominee Donald Trump and is chairman of a Super PAC running Clinton-bashing television ads. Normally, Scott would have no say over the state's voter registration deadline, but he has emergency powers during a hurricane that could allow him to push it back.

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5:55 p.m.

Hurricane Matthew is scheduled to hit Donald Trump's prized Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where the Republican presidential candidate often spends his winter down time and has held numerous campaign events.

The club hasn't opened for the season yet. But campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks said that, "Mr. Trump spoke with employees yesterday to ensure they are safe and following instructions from local officials.

She added: "Sounds like they are taking the necessary precautions. We are hoping everyone is safe."

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5:02 p.m.

A dozen business leaders, including lifelong Republicans and independents, have written an open letter saying they cannot support Republican Donald Trump for president because he would be bad for the economy.

They write that, "American business needs as much predictability, reliability and stability in our government as possible."

A copy of the letter was given to The Associated Press ahead of the group's push for others to sign on, as well as the release of the group's new website on Friday.

Signatories of include Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, chef Jose Andres and Carlos Gutierrez, U.S. secretary of Commerce under President George W. Bush and the former chief executive officer of the Kellogg Company.

Andres is tussling with Trump over his decision to pull his restaurant out of Trump's new Washington hotel.

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4:40 p.m.

Democratic strategist Steve Schale said he doesn't believe Hurricane Matthew changes the political situation in politically critical Florida.

Schale helped President Barack Obama win the state in 2008 and 2012 and says presidential campaigns are never going to be pretty in Florida."

He says "there's just not a lot you can do" to change the fact that presidential elections in Florida can be expected to always be close. He says both Donald Trump's and Hillary Clinton's campaigns are "doing what they should be doing, which is get their staffs out of harm's way and suspend activities" until the storm clears south Florida.

He acknowledges that lost ballots might happen on a bigger scale than usual because of the storm. But he says there are many checks in place to prevent disruption.

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4:25 p.m.

House Speaker Paul Ryan says he's not appeared until now with Donald Trump because "I've been busy doing my job."

The Wisconsin congressman said during a brief interview that he wants to win "up and down the ballot," but his primary responsibility is the re-election of enough Republicans to maintain the House majority. He spoke during a campaign stop for GOP House candidate Lloyd Smucker, who is expected to win an open Republican seat near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Ryan and Trump are scheduled to appear together on Saturday at an annual fall festival in Wisconsin that is expected to attract other state politicians.

The two men have had an uncomfortable relationship, with Ryan initially reluctant to endorse Trump before coming around. Ryan has criticized Trump over his call for a Muslim ban and slow disavowal of a white supremacist.

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4:23 p.m.

Donald Trump is suspending campaign operations statewide in Florida as Hurricane Matthew nears landfall.

Florida campaign spokesman Chad Tucker said the suspension begins at 6 p.m. Tucker said Trump aides will assess the situation after the storm passed and decide when to reopen offices and resume voter outreach and events.

In an earlier statement, the GOP nominee urged Floridians to heed evacuation orders.

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3:40 p.m.

The Clinton campaign is calling on Florida officials to extend voter registration deadlines because of Hurricane Matthew.

Voters in the state must register by Tuesday to be eligible to vote in the November election.

Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook said: "We would hope a little bit more time would be given."

Mook said the campaign is focused on ensuring the safety of residents and staff in affected states and will "get back to campaigning when it is appropriate."

The hurricane has killed more than 100 people across the Caribbean and is headed toward Florida.

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3:30 p.m.

Donald Trump is urging residents in the pathway of Hurricane Matthew to stay safe and heed officials' warnings.

The Republican presidential nominee said in a statement that residents should listen to governors and emergency officials urging at-risk communities to evacuate.

Trump said: "Nothing is more important than the safety of your family."

Trump is also thanking law enforcement and first responders and extending his condolences to the families of those killed in Haiti.

He said: "The news reports that over a hundred people are feared dead saddens us all." He said the U.S. should offer help.

The hurricane has killed more than 100 people across the Caribbean and is headed toward Florida.

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3:10 p.m.

Tim Kaine is mocking Donald Trump for changing the title of his latest book from "Crippled America" to "Great Again."

Kaine said the book's new cover makes Trump look like a used car salesman. The Democratic vice presidential nominee was speaking to supporters Thursday at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

Kaine said: "You can change the title of your book, but you are not going to change who you are, Donald Trump."

Politico reported Thursday that Trump and his publisher recently changed the title of Trump's book and cover to include a picture of Trump smiling instead of scowling.

Kaine often uses Trump's book as a prop on the campaign trail, saying it reflects Trump's overly pessimistic view of the U.S. and its citizens

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3:05 p.m.

Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka toured a southwest Ohio manufacturing plant and met with workers and businesswomen in a Republican-dominated region in the swing state.

Angela Phillips, the owner of Middletown Tube Works, guided Ivanka Trump on the visit Thursday that included a forum with local businesswomen.

Middletown is some 30 miles north of Cincinnati. It's a steel-mill city within a stretch of counties that have voted heavily for the Republican nominees in recent presidential elections.

The Trump campaign scrubbed a planned fundraising event featuring Ivanka Trump later Thursday in hurricane-threatened Florida.

Trump's eldest daughter is one of his closest advisers and has played a highly visible role in the campaign, including appearing in a recent TV ad.

Her father plans an Oct. 13 rally in downtown Cincinnati.

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12:55 p.m.

Hillary Clinton's campaign is canceling ads that were to air on Florida stations that carry the Weather Channel. The decision comes as Hurricane Matthew gains strength.

Clinton spokesman Jesse Fergus said Thursday that the campaign asked the stations to delay the ads until after the storm passes.

The Florida Weather Channel ads were part of a multimillion-dollar reshuffling of Clinton ads to reach voters the campaign sees as critical to winning the election.

In the past few days, Clinton had added numerous local cable stations, including some carrying the Weather Channel in Florida and in New Hampshire.

FILE - In this Oct. 4, 2016 file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks in Harrisburg, Pa. For Clinton, October is the month when she's likely to win or lose the election, not the official Election Day on Nov. 8. By the third week of this month, her campaign hopes to have a solid enough sample of the early vote to know whether the Democrat is on track to win the White House. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a town hall, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Sandown, N.H. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J., waits for the arrival of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to a town hall, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Sandown, N.H. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, in Reno, Nev. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

House Speaker Paul Ryan of Ws. meets with workers at Wenger Feeds, an animal feed producer in Rheems, Pa., Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, after appearing at a campaign event with Pennsylvania GOP House candidate Lloyd Smucker. (AP Photo/Alan Fram)

Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., speaks at a campaign event at the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 19 Hall, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Ivanka Trump, daughter of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends a round-table discussion with local businesswomen after touring Middletown Tube Works, a welded steel tube supplier, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Middletown, Ohio. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
More than 3,800 flights have been canceled, Amtrak services have been suspended and streets are gridlocked as the US braces itself for Hurricane Matthew.

The dangerous storm, which has already killed at least 340 people in the Caribbean, made landfall on the Sunshine State late on Thursday.

Both Miami and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airports halted operations earlier on Thursday.

Fort Lauderdale experienced a wint gust of 59mph as rain starting sweeping over South Florida.Airports typically shut down their operations when crosswinds exceed 30mph.

Orlando International Airport closed to commercial flights starting at 8pm on Thursday.

Amtrak is also temporarily suspending services in the south due to severe weather impacting the east coast of Florida.

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Close for business: There were no lines to board flights at Palm Beach International airport today after flights in and out were cancelled

Ticketing machines are covered in plastic and flights in and out of the Palm Beach International airport; More than 3,800 flights have been cancelled

The Silver Star 91 & 92 (New York City to Miami), Silver Meteor 97 & 98 (Miami to New York City), and the Auto Train 52 & 53 (Lorton, Va., to Sanford, Florida) services have all been cancelled for Thursday and Friday. No alternative service will run.

The Jacksonville International Airport website also advises travelers to check flight status with the airlines before heading to the airport. While the Palm Beach International Airport website doesn't say when flights will be suspended, but asked travelers to stay away, noting that the airport is not intended for use as a shelter.

American Airlines, South Floridas largest carrier, has already canceled most flights slated to depart Thursday from Florida's main airports.

The dangerous storm, which has already killed at least 340 people across the Caribbean, is set to make landfall in the Sunshine State today, before moving up the East Coast

Hurricane Matthew is seen approaching the East Coast of the United States in this image from NOAA's GOES-East satellite taken October 6

Limited departures took off before noon Thursday, but all other departures are canceled thereafter, said Alexis Aran Coello, a spokeswoman for the airline.

Most airlines, including the likes of American Airlines and Delta, are letting fliers change to a later flight with no penalty.

Policies vary by airline, but passengers heading to or from most airports in the Southeast can essentially move to any flight within the next week or so for free, although a difference in fare may apply in some cases.

Cruise lines are shuffling ship itineraries as PortMiami, PortEverglades and the PortMiami Tunnel were shut down.

Ships already at sea have been rerouted to the western Caribbean, such as the Carnival Elation  which is currently in the middle of a five-day cruise  which will skip Half Moon Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas, adding in an extra day at sea and an extra day in Key West, Florida. The Carnival Conquest skipped a stop in the Dominican Republic for an extra day at sea.

Other cruises have been delayed or have reduced scheduled to try and avoid the worst of the storm.

Disney meanwhile has announced that all its theme parks and properties would close at 5pm on Thursday in preparation for the storm.

Disney has closed three previous times for hurricanes, back in 1999 for Floyd and twice in 2004 for Frances and Jeanne.

Universal Orlando is also closed Friday while Sea World Orlando will shut at 2pm and all day Friday.

The powerful hurricane intensified into a 'catastrophic' category-four hurricane on Thursday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center with maximum sustained winds of 140mph and gusts of 165mph.

Flights are cancelled, Amtrak services are suspended and streets are gridlocked as Florida braces itself for the deadly Hurricane Matthew (A man looks at a board announcing all the cancelled flights at Lynden Pindling Airport in the Bahamas due to Hurricane Matthew)
Military: Israel shells Gaza following rocket; no injuries

JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops fired tank shells into the southern Gaza Strip Thursday in response to a rocket launched from Gaza that landed in an open area in southern Israel, the Israeli military said.

No one was hurt in the exchange but it came a day after another rocket landed in the town of Sderot, also without casualties.

Israel carried out airstrikes in response to Wednesday's rocket attack. An Israeli air force pilot who participated in those strikes was killed in a plane crash.

Israel typically responds to any rocket fire, holding Gaza's Hamas rulers responsible for all attacks emanating from the territory.
South African investigator questions Zuma for last time

JOHANNESBURG (AP)  A South African investigator who reported on a spending scandal that seriously weakened President Jacob Zuma is rushing to complete another investigation involving the president's conduct, just one week before she leaves her post.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, head of South Africa's state watchdog agency, has been widely praised for her probe into more than $20 million in state spending on Zuma's home. That case went to the Constitutional Court, and Zuma eventually was instructed to pay back more than $500,000 for security upgrades.

Madonsela met Zuma for four hours on Thursday as part of a separate, preliminary investigation into whether the Guptas, an Indian immigrant family with close ties to the president, sought to influence the selection of some Cabinet minister picks, the News24 media outlet reported.

FILE - In this June 7, 2016 file photo, Public Protector Thuli Madonsela addresses journalists in Johannesburg. Madonsela, whose report on spending irregularities at President Jacob Zuma's home galvanized public anger over alleged government graft, leaves her post this month. (AP Photo/Stuart Graham, File)

Zuma, who has denied allegations of wrongdoing, argued that the matter should be handed to Madonsela's successor because there isn't enough time to conclude the investigation, News24 said, citing a statement from Madonsela. Zuma agreed to answer questions in an affidavit, it said.

Zuma has appointed lawyer Busisiwe Mkhwebane to replace Madonsela on Oct. 15. The new public protector has yet to comment on the alleged meddling in Cabinet selections, a scandal that raised concern about transparency in government and the economy.

Madonsela encouraged her staff at a farewell event in her honor Wednesday, saying: "I am certain that the next public protector is going to take this team to the next level."

The scandals swirling around Zuma stoked public anger and contributed to the election losses this year of Johannesburg and other key municipalities that had been held by the ruling African National Congress party since the end of white minority rule in 1994.

Madonsela faced harsh criticism from ruling party factions after the release of her 2014 report that said Zuma benefited inappropriately from state spending on his home, and anonymous accusations that she is a CIA spy have persisted until recently. The CIA has declined to comment. Her supporters say she has been the target of a smear campaign.

Yet South Africa's ruling party, often made uncomfortable by Madonsela's inquiries, had kind words for her at the farewell event.

"You also, in a number of occasions, saved us from ourselves," said Gwede Mantashe, the party's secretary general.

Madonsela, a former high school teacher and human rights lawyer with a calm demeanor, worked in the trade union movement during the anti-apartheid struggle in the 1980s and helped draft South Africa's constitution after the end of white rule.

Recently, she waded into the tense national debate over student protests for free education that have shut some universities. Madonsela said the standoff posed a threat to South African democracy and appealed for dialogue to resolve it.

In 2014, she spoke about her report on Zuma's home spending to students at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

"We get the society we deserve. We create the societies we live in," she said. "We can't point fingers at anyone and say they are responsible for our fate."

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Follow Christopher Torchia on Twitter at www.twitter.com/torchiachris
Haiti death toll jumps as receding waters reveal more bodies

LES CAYES, Haiti (AP)  Haiti's death toll jumped late Thursday after rescue crews began reaching remote corners cut off when Hurricane Matthew slammed into the country's southwest peninsula, the first Category 4 storm to hit Haiti in more than a half century.

At least 283 people died in just one part of Haiti's southwest, the region that bore the brunt of the storm, Emmanuel Pierre, an Interior Ministry coordinator in Les Cayes, told The Associated Press.

The overall death toll in Haiti is not clear. Shortly before Pierre spoke, the headquarters for Haiti's Civil Protection Agency had put the number of confirmed deaths for the whole country at 122.

Saintanor Dutervil stands with his wife in the ruins of their home destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Two days after the storm rampaged across the country's remote southwestern peninsula, authorities and aid workers still lack a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

Authorities expect the number of deaths to rise, with mayors and other local officials in marooned areas reporting higher numbers. Most deaths are thought to have occurred in the southwest region.

Bodies started to appear as waters receded in some places two days after Matthew's 145 mph (235 kph) winds smashed concrete walls, flattened palm trees and tore roofs off homes, forcing thousands of Haitians to flee.

Those killed in Haiti included a woman and her 6-year-old daughter who frantically abandoned their flimsy home and headed to a nearby church to seek shelter as Matthew surged in early Tuesday, said Ernst Ais, mayor of the town of Cavaillon.

"On the way to the church, the wind took them," Ais told The Associated Press.

At least 12 people died in his town, and Ais said he expected the number to increase.

Officials were especially concerned about the department of Grand-Anse on the northern tip of the peninsula, where they believe the death toll and damage is highest. The 283 deaths reported late Thursday did not include Grand-Anse or other nearby areas.

"Devastation is everywhere," said Pilus Enor, mayor of the town of Camp Perrin. "Every house has lost its roof. All the plantations have been destroyed. ...This is the first time we see something like this."

People faced an immediate hunger crisis in Grand-Anse's largest city of Jeremie, said Maarten Boute, chairman of telecom Digicel Haiti, who flew there in a helicopter.

In the nearby seaport of Les Cayes, many people searched for clean water as they lugged mattresses and other belongings they were able to salvage.

"Nothing is going well," said Jardine Laguerre, a teacher. "The water took what little money we had. We are hungry."

Authorities and aid workers were just beginning to get a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years.

Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph said food and water were urgently needed, noting that crops had been leveled, wells inundated by seawater and some water treatment facilities destroyed.

Officials with the Pan American Health Organization warned Thursday about a possible surge in cholera cases because of the widespread flooding caused by Matthew. Haiti's cholera outbreak has killed roughly 10,000 people and sickened more than 800,000 since 2010, when it was introduced into the country's biggest river from a U.N. base where Nepalese peacekeepers were deployed.

Before hitting Haiti, the storm was blamed for four deaths in the Dominican Republic, one in Colombia and one in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Haiti's government has estimated at least 350,000 people need some kind of assistance.

International aid groups are already appealing for donations for a lengthy recovery effort in Haiti, the hemisphere's least-developed and most aid-dependent nation.

When Category 4 Hurricane Flora hit Haiti in 1963, it killed as many as 8,000 people.

In the coming days, U.S. military personnel equipped with nine helicopters were expected to help deliver food and water to hard-hit areas.

While recovery efforts continued in Haiti, Matthew pummeled the Bahamas on Thursday. There were no immediate reports of casualties in the capital of Nassau, but the storm ripped off roofs, uprooted trees and caused flooding that trapped some people in their homes. Authorities urged people to stay indoors while they conducted search and rescue operations.

"This is the most intense hurricane I have ever been through," a Nassau resident, 43-year-old Jose Ageeb, said in a message to the AP. "And I have been through many."

He rode out the storm with his family, including his 73-year-old mother, as he posted a video on Facebook of winds peeling off a nearby roof.

"I am completely terrified," he wrote, adding that his home was almost intact except for floors being covered in water.

In Cuba, Matthew blew across that island's sparsely populated eastern tip Tuesday night, destroying dozens of homes and damaging hundreds in the island's easternmost city, Baracoa. But the government oversaw the evacuation of nearly 380,000 people and strong measures were taken to protect communities and infrastructure, U.N. officials said.

A girl lugs buckets of drinking water after the passing of Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Two days after the storm rampaged across the country's remote southwestern peninsula, authorities and aid workers still lack a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

Residents repair their homes destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Two days after the storm rampaged across the country's remote southwestern peninsula, authorities and aid workers still lack a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

Homes lay in ruins after the passing of Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Two days after the storm rampaged across the country's remote southwestern peninsula, authorities and aid workers still lack a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

Girls hold hands as they help each other wade through a flooded street after the passing of Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Two days after the storm rampaged across the country's remote southwestern peninsula, authorities and aid workers still lack a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

Personal items are set out to dry as homeowners cull through the debris of their homes destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Two days after the storm rampaged across the country's remote southwestern peninsula, authorities and aid workers still lack a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

Residents carry a mattress to a shelter after homes were destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Two days after the storm rampaged across the country's remote southwestern peninsula, authorities and aid workers still lack a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

Trees are down outside a damaged church after the passing of Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Two days after the storm rampaged across the country's remote southwestern peninsula, authorities and aid workers still lack a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

A resident repairs his home destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Two days after the storm rampaged across the country's remote southwestern peninsula, authorities and aid workers still lack a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

A boy stands inside a church after it was damaged by Hurricane Matthew in Saint-Louis, Haiti, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. Rescue workers in Haiti struggled to reach cutoff towns and learn the full extent of the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew as the storm began battering the Bahamas on Wednesday and triggered large-scale evacuations along the U.S. East Coast. ( AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

Hurricane Matthew moves through Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. The head of the Bahamas National Emergency Management Authority, Capt. Stephen Russell, said there were many downed trees and power lines, but no reports of casualties. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)

A truck negotiates a road damaged by Hurricane Matthew, in Petit Goave, Haiti, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. Rescue workers in Haiti struggled to reach cutoff towns and learn the full extent of the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew as the storm began battering the Bahamas on Wednesday and triggered large-scale evacuations along the U.S. East Coast. ( AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

Residents carry food down a street strewn with rubble caused by Hurricane Matthew in Baracoa, Cuba, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. The hurricane rolled across the sparsely populated tip of Cuba overnight, destroying dozens of homes in Cuba's easternmost city, Baracoa, leaving hundreds of others damaged. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
Lawmaker from fractious UKIP hospitalized after party clash

LONDON (AP)  Feuding in Britain's fractious, right-wing U.K. Independence Party erupted into violence Thursday that left a member of the European Parliament hospitalized with a head injury after an "altercation" with a colleague.

Steven Woolfe  the front-runner to be UKIP's next leader  suffered seizures and lost consciousness after clashing with another lawmaker Thursday morning during a meeting of party lawmakers at the legislative building in Strasbourg, France.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said Woolfe was initially in a serious condition and "things were pretty bad." But he said Thursday afternoon that Woolfe was "in a much better place than he was a few hours ago."

British UK Independence Party Member of the European Parliament Steven Woolfe lies on the ground after losing consciousness in the European Parliament building in Strasbourg France Thursday Oct. 6, 2015. Britain's fractious, right-wing U.K. Independence Party erupted into violence Thursday that left Steven Woolfe hospitalized with a head injury after an "altercation" at a party meeting. Woolfe  the front-runner to be UKIP's next leader  suffered seizures and lost consciousness after the clash Thursday morning during a meeting of party lawmakers at the legislative building in Strasbourg, France. (ITV News/ via AP)

Farage said he was launching an inquiry into the violence, which he said "shouldn't have happened." He declined to identify the other party member involved in what he termed "an altercation."

Strasbourg police said the incident had not been reported to the force.

According to media reports, Woolfe was punched during a fistfight with another lawmaker, hit his head and collapsed a little while later.

UKIP said Woolfe had two "epileptic-like fits" and lost consciousness. An image published by ITV News showed a man resembling Woolfe apparently unconscious on a walkway inside the Strasbourg building, just outside the parliament chamber.

Several hours later, Woolfe reported that he was conscious and recovering. He said in a statement that a CT scan had revealed he did not have a blood clot on the brain.

"I am feeling brighter, happier and smiling as ever," he said. "I am sitting up, and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left-hand side of my face."

The party said Woolfe would remain in the hospital overnight awaiting the results of more tests.

A lawyer of mixed English, Irish, Jewish and black American heritage, Woolfe represents his home region of northwest England in the European Parliament and is considered one of UKIP's rising stars.

A small party full of forceful personalities, UKIP has a long history of clashes between senior members  though they are usually verbal rather than physical. UKIP European parliamentarian Roger Helmer said Thursday's incident followed a party meeting that featured "some lively exchanges of views."

Woolfe, who turned 49 on Thursday, annoyed some party colleagues when he said recently that he had considered joining Britain's Conservative Party because he was "enthused" by new Prime Minister Theresa May's commitment to social reform.

Founded in 1993 with the aim of removing Britain from the European Union, UKIP has moved from the fringes of British politics to a position of serious influence. Over the past few years, the party has won over large numbers of Conservative and Labour voters by appealing to concerns about globalization and large-scale immigration.

UKIP was instrumental in getting Britain to hold a referendum on EU membership, which ended in a June 23 vote for the U.K. to leave the 28-nation bloc.

The result was an enormous political triumph for UKIP, but since gaining its long-sought goal the party has been torn by infighting.

Long-time leader Farage stepped down after the June referendum and was replaced by Diane James. She quit Tuesday after just 18 days, citing personal reasons  leaving Farage, a popular but divisive figure, as interim leader.

Woolfe had announced his intention to run in an upcoming leadership contest and was bookies' favorite to win. He was blocked from competing in the leadership contest won by James because party officials said he missed the application deadline by 17 minutes.

UKIP has just one seat out of 650 in Britain's House of Commons, but  despite its vociferous opposition to the EU and all it stands for  it holds more than 20 seats in the bloc's parliament of 751 seats.

Although Britain has voted to leave the EU it will remain a member until a formal divorce is negotiated  a process that could last two years or more.

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Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.

FILE - In this Wednesday, June 22, 2016 file photo, UK Independence Party's Steven Woolfe, a Member of the European Parliament, speaks at the final press conference before the referendum on Britain's vote to leave or remain in the EU, in London. Britains right-wing U.K. Independence Party says one of its European Parliament members is in serious condition in a hospital after an altercation with colleagues. Party leader Nigel Farage said Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of UKIP MEPs this morning ... Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

FILE - In this Wednesday, June 22, 2016 file photo, UK Independence Party's Steven Woolfe, a Member of the European Parliament, right, listens as then leader of the party Nigel Farage speaks at the final press conference to the referendum on Britain's vote to leave or remain in the EU, in London. Britains right-wing U.K. Independence Party says one of its European Parliament members is in serious condition in a hospital after an altercation with colleagues. Party leader Nigel Farage said Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of UKIP MEPs this morning ... Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2014 file photo, Steven Woolfe speaks in London. Party leader Nigel Farage said Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of UKIP MEPs this morning ... Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious. (Gareth Fuller/PA via AP, File)
Liberal Jewish groups take battle over holy site to court

JERUSALEM (AP)  Groups representing liberal streams of Judaism appealed to Israel's Supreme Court Thursday to force the government to implement its decision on equal prayer at a key Jewish holy site.

Israel's government agreed in January to enlarge and recognize a mixed-gender prayer area at the Western Wall, in Jerusalem. The wall, believed to be a retaining wall of the Second Temple, is the holiest site where Jews can pray. The compromise came after Israeli and American Jewish leaders negotiated with Israeli authorities for three years.

But the prayer site was never established.

The groups' legal petition signals their frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, which is propped up by two ultra-Orthodox parties. The Western Wall is run by an ultra-Orthodox rabbi who opposes liberal Jewish customs at the holy site.

Among the plaintiffs in the case were the Israeli branches of the Reform and Conservative movements, along with Women of the Wall, a group of women demanding gender equality at the site. The groups accuse the government of violating the right to equality and freedom of worship by not implementing its decision.

"Netanyahu has chosen to make small survivalist deals with the ultra-Orthodox parties instead of representing the will of his citizens," said Anat Hoffman, chair of Women of the Wall.

Yair Sheleg, an expert in religion and state at the nonpartisan think tank the Israel Democracy Institute, said in a statement the court would likely find in favor of the liberal groups. He speculated that Israeli leaders were shifting responsibility to the court to implement its decision "so they can say the liberal, secular Supreme Court decided this, not the government."
The BlueCross Medicare Advantage plans have set a new record with total enrollment topping 100,000 members.



"BlueCross remains the fastest growing carrier in Tennessee, increasing its membership by 223 percent since 2008. That growth makes BlueCross the second largest carrier in the state. According to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicare Advantage enrollment has grown 81 percent nationally over the same time," officials said.



The rising enrollment numbers are evidence that Tennesseans are turning to a company they trust to deliver quality Medicare services, said Todd Ray, vice president and general manager of senior products for BlueCross. We arent a distant national company. We are based right here in their communities, and we are committed to delivering the very best service and a wide variety of coverage options.



The national growth in Medicare Advantage enrollment reflects the large number of seniors aging in to Medicare as well as beneficiaries switching from traditional Medicare to Medicare Advantage, the report states.

"The growth in the BlueCross Medicare Advantage plan is the result of excellent products, personal service and trust in a local health care partner. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee holds a quality rating of four out of five stars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services," officials said.



Becoming a senior citizen isnt all that bad - thanks to BlueCross, said Frankie Lucas, a BlueCross BlueAdvantage (PPO)SM member. My husband always had an eye for quality. Thats why we have stayed with BlueCross for the past 54 years. They have great service and make us feel very special.


MIAMI (AP)  The Latest on Hurricane Matthew and Tropical Storm Nicole (all times local):

7:45 p.m.

Hurricane Matthew prompted two college football postponements, and has the NFL plotting just-in-case scenarios for games scheduled in Tampa and Miami this weekend.

People stand on the pier as waves crash below as Hurricane Matthew approaches on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 in St. Augustine, Fla. Leaving more than 100 dead in its wake across the Caribbean, Hurricane Matthew steamed toward heavily populated Florida with terrifying winds of 140 mph Thursday, and 2 million people across the Southeast were warned to flee inland. (Matt Stamey/The Gainesville Sun via AP)

A pair of college games set to be played Saturday  LSU at No. 18 Florida, as well as Charlotte at Florida Atlantic  were postponed.

Saturday night's game that has No. 23 Florida State visiting No. 10 Miami remains on as scheduled, though officials remain somewhat cautious. The fate of Saturday's Georgia at South Carolina football game also remained unclear.

A major issue with games in Florida this weekend isn't the weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday, because those days look to be generally fine around the state. It's whether police, first responders and other key personnel needed at football games that draw massive crowds will be deployed to assist in areas that will take the brunt of Matthew's wrath.

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7:30 p.m.

The Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency says authorities have rescued at least 30 people who were trapped in their homes by floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew on the island of New Providence.

There has been extensive flooding across the island but no reports of any deaths or injuries. The island includes the capital, Nassau.

New Providence was drenched by Hurricane Matthew throughout Thursday. Forecasters predicted up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain and storm surge of around 15 feet (5 meters) over normal tide across the most populous island in the Bahamas.

Agency spokeswoman Lindsay Thompson said the government was still conducting a full assessment of damages across the island chain east of Florida and were waiting until the storm was clear of Grand Bahama before declaring the all clear for the country.

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From Associated Press writer Ben Fox in Miami

6:45 p.m.

President Barack Obama has declared an emergency in South Carolina and has ordered federal aid to help respond to Hurricane Matthew.

Earlier Thursday, Obama made the declaration for Florida. Obama's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate efforts to protect lives, property and alleviate the suffering caused by the hurricane.

Emergency declarations are designed to help provide emergency services to protect lives and property, and to lessen the threat of a catastrophe.

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6 p.m.

The White House says President Barack Obama has spoken by telephone with each of the governors in states bracing for Hurricane Matthew.

The most powerful storm to threaten the U.S. Atlantic coast in more than a decade is moving toward Florida with winds of 140 mph.

The White House says Obama committed to providing the necessary federal resources to help the states respond to the hurricane.

The calls were with Govs. Nathan Deal of Georgia, Nikki Haley of South Carolina, Pat McCrory of North Carolina and Rick Scott of Florida. All are Republicans.

The White House says people in the path of the hurricane need to take the storm seriously and says Obama has "directed his team to be as proactive as possible" in its response.

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NASA is bracing for its first hurricane without space shuttles to worry about. Now it's SpaceX and Boeing fretting about hurricane-force wind and equally devastating storm surges.

Before the shuttle fleet's retirement in 2011, rollbacks from the launch pads were commonplace during hurricane season at Kennedy Space Center. Now both pads are empty, at least for the time being.

NASA is modifying Launch Complex 39B for its still-in-development Space Launch System mega-rockets intended for outer-space travel. SpaceX is leasing the other pad, 39A, from where Apollo astronauts departed for the moon and multiple shuttle flights began.

SpaceX was counting on this historic pad to get its rockets flying again, possibly in November, once modifications were complete. The SpaceX pad at neighboring Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was damaged Sept. 1 when a Falcon rocket exploded during prelaunch testing.

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5:30 p.m.

Police are patrolling St. Augustine, Florida, neighborhoods, announcing through a bullhorn that the area is in a mandatory evacuation zone as Hurricane Matthew approaches the state.

Dana Harrison, who lives on a barrier island across from Anastasia State Park, said she planned to wait out the storm with an out-of-town friend and her cat.

The 57-year-old Harrison says she used to live in St. Thomas and survived Hurricane Hugo in 1989, though the storm destroyed her house. She said she feels more secure in her current home.

About 1.5 million people in Florida have been told to flee inland as the dangerous and life-threatening Category 4 storm makes it way toward the state.

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5 p.m.

Officials in the Florida Keys say the island chain got lucky and did not receive major damage from Hurricane Matthew.

Monroe County spokeswoman Cammy Clark said any schools, libraries, parks and government offices that had closed would be reopened on Friday.

All roads and bridges in the islands are open. The Key West and Marathon airports will open Friday, though flights may be delayed or canceled due to the hurricane's effects elsewhere.

Coastal waters throughout the Keys were expected to rise up to 2 feet above ground, flooding some neighborhood roads but not the narrow Overseas Highway that links the islands with Florida's peninsula.

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4:15 p.m.

South Carolina officials are extending the deadline to register to vote in this fall's elections due to Hurricane Matthew.

The South Carolina Election Commission said Thursday that applications postmarked by Tuesday, October 11 will be accepted.

South Carolina's deadline to register to vote by mail had been set for Saturday, October 8. Post offices are closed Monday due to the Columbus Day federal holiday, and that's another reason officials say they're moving the deadline.

Online, email or fax applications are due by midnight, October 9. Due to Hurricane Matthew, some counter voter registration offices are closed through Saturday.

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4 p.m.

Turns out this wasn't the best week to plan a cruise  at least for those who signed up to float from Baltimore to the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos on the Carnival Cruise line's Carnival Pride.

A total of 1,600 passengers bought tickets for a seven-day trip to Freeport and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, and the island of Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos. The ship was rerouted at the last minute before it set sail Sunday, and instead of going to the Caribbean, headed north to New York.

After it left the Big Apple, the ship was supposed to make a stop in Saint John, New Brunswick, before heading south back to Baltimore. But because of heavy weather conditions, it was forced to enter the Chesapeake Bay. It is now scheduled to arrive back in Baltimore next Sunday.

Annette McKenny Neufeld of Ontario, Canada, is one of the disappointed passengers.

Neufeld had been dreaming about a tropical beach vacation, but after several days aboard the rerouted ship, she says the only thing she wants "is to get off and head home."

Neufeld shared her thoughts with The Associated Press through Facebook Messenger on Thursday, while still 478 nautical miles from Baltimore's harbor.

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2:45 p.m.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg says that although the city that draws millions of tourists a year is known widely for its hospitality, he wants everyone to leave town as Hurricane Matthew approaches.

City officials warn that the heavy rains and storm surge from Matthew could combine to cause flooding worse than the floods the city saw a year ago.

During a news conference Thursday afternoon, Tecklenburg asked residents to pack up what they need, secure their property and get out of town.

City officials say that the first rains from the storm are expected to move in late Friday and conditions will deteriorate into Saturday.

Police Chief Greg Mullen warns that at the height of the storm, police and emergency personnel will be pulled off the streets and there won't be the usual rapid response to 911 calls.

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2:15 p.m.

The National Weather Service is posting flash-flood watches for the entire South Carolina coast and warning that the combination of storm surge and rains from Hurricane Matthew could cause worse flooding in downtown Charleston than the October storm of a year ago.

During the October 2015 flooding, the city was closed for several days.

Forecasters are posting flash-flood watches on the coast from Friday morning through Saturday night.

An advisory warns that 8 to 14 inches of rain are expected with locally higher amounts. It said residents should be prepared for the possibility of widespread street flooding and property damage on the Charleston peninsula.

Forecasters say the storm could bring severe flooding even though the center of Matthew is expected to stay offshore.

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1:50 p.m.

President Barack Obama has declared an emergency in the state of Florida and has ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal, and local response efforts to Hurricane Matthew.

Obama's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate efforts to alleviate the suffering caused by the hurricane. The directive applies to more than two dozen counties in Florida.

Emergency declarations are designed to help provide emergency services to protect lives and property, and to lessen the threat of a catastrophe.

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1:45 p.m.

Airlines are canceling hundreds of flights as Hurricane Matthew pelts the Florida coast with high winds and heavy rain.

The Fort Lauderdale airport shut down on Thursday morning, and farther north the Orlando airport expected to do the same by nighttime.

Before 2 p.m. Eastern time, flight-tracking service FlightAware.com reported that 1,500 Thursday flights within the U.S. had been scrapped, with the largest numbers at Fort Lauderdale and Miami. American Airlines, which has a major hub in Miami, was the hardest-hit carrier, followed by Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways.

FlightAware said airlines had already canceled 1,300 more flights scheduled for Friday. Delta Air Lines said cancellations were likely to spread to coastal Georgia and South Carolina on Saturday.

Airlines often cancel flights before storms hit to prevent passengers from being stranded at airports and to keep their planes in position to recover after the bad weather passes.

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1:30 p.m.

With dangerous Hurricane Matthew approaching Florida's coastline, officials at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld say they'll be shutting down until the storm passes.

Disney officials said on the company's website Thursday afternoon that theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, the miniature golf course and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex would close at 5 p.m. The theme park will remain closed through Friday.

Alyson Lundell is director of public relations for Universal Orlando. She said in a statement that Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Citywalk would close at 5 p.m. and remain closed on Friday.

Earlier Thursday, SeaWorld announced on its website that the park would close at 2 p.m. and remain closed on Friday.

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1 p.m.

The death toll in Haiti from Hurricane Matthew has risen to at least 108.

Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph announced the figure in the capital on Thursday as authorities and aid workers work to gauge the extent of the deaths and damage in the impoverished country.

Details on the deaths were not immediate available.

Previously, officials said there had been at least 23 deaths from the storm in Haiti. There were also four people killed in the neighboring Dominican Republic, one in Colombia and one in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Hurricane Matthew roared across the tip of the peninsula on Tuesday but authorities have struggled to reach people in the most remote areas including around the town of Jeremie and throughout the Grande Anse area.

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12:30 p.m.

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are warning that large waves pushed by Hurricane Matthew could threaten lives and property hours before the Category 4 storm's eye nears the shore.

Jamie Rhome is leader of the storm surge team at the hurricane center in Miami. Rhome says levels were up to a foot higher than normal as far north as Jacksonville on Thursday as a strengthening Matthew tore through the Bahamas toward Florida.

Rhome said parts of Florida, such as the Cape Canaveral area or communities along the St. Johns River, could see waters rise up to 9 feet above ground  a level well overhead for most adults.

Rhome says such levels are life-threatening because they are accompanied by "waves and currents and floating debris."

The hurricane center has issued storm surge watches and warnings for life-threatening flooding from Boca Raton in South Florida all the way up the coast north of Charleston, South Carolina.

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12:30 p.m.

Forecasters are warning that Hurricane Matthew could inundate the coast of South Carolina just a year after what was called a 1,000-year flood closed Charleston for several days.

A forecast map issued by the National Weather Service shows that as much as 14 inches of rain could fall in the Charleston and Georgetown areas between Thursday night and Sunday night as the hurricane passes at sea.

It was just a year ago that as much as 2 feet of rain fell in some areas of South Carolina. Streets in Charleston were flooded so badly that police kept people from coming downtown to the peninsula for several days.

A section of Interstate 95 near Orangeburg was also closed for a time. The Matthew forecast predicts between 5 and 8 inches of rain could fall in that area before the weekend is over.

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11:45 a.m.

The White House is imploring Americans in areas affected by Hurricane Matthew to follow any evacuation orders given.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest says the Category 4 storm's impact is likely to be "quite significant." He says the White House is strongly encouraging people to heed the warnings and instructions given by local officials.

Earnest is also urging people to stay abreast of the latest weather forecasts. He said Thursday was a "pivotal day" for preparations, as some parts of the Florida coast were expected to experience tropical storm conditions as early as the afternoon.

President Barack Obama received his latest update about hurricane preparations on Thursday morning.

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11:30 a.m.

Gov. Rick Scott is warning Florida residents living in evacuation zones to "get out."

Scott was in Stuart on Thursday afternoon to address concerns as powerful Hurricane Matthews barreled toward Florida.

He said anyone living in low-lying areas or on barrier islands should "evacuate, evacuate, evacuate." He says tolls have been lifted on all roadways to help make evacuations easier. Scott says more than 1.5 million people are living in evacuation zones.

Remarking that "this is game day," Scott warned people to stay off beaches up and down Florida's Atlantic coastline Thursday, adding that "no one needs to be on the beach doing anything."

The governor has activated another 1,000 National Guard members, bringing the total to 2,500. He says they'll be available to help with evacuations and getting people to shelters.

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11:30 a.m.

Gov. Nathan Deal has ordered mandatory evacuations along the entire Georgia coast as Hurricane Matthew approaches.

Deal said Thursday that everyone east of Interstate 95 should flee Georgia's six coastal counties  Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh, Glynn and Camden. Those counties have a combined population of more than 522,000 people.

The governor had asked coastal residents to evacuate on a voluntary basis Wednesday. He called for mandatory evacuations as the National Hurricane Center placed all 100 miles of coastal Georgia under a hurricane warning Thursday.

Officials say powerful winds and heavy rains from Matthew could begin to arrive in coastal Georgia late Thursday. The storm is forecast to pass Saturday.

The Georgia coast hasn't seen a hurricane evacuation since a near-miss with Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

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11 a.m.

Hurricane Matthew has strengthened to a catastrophic Category 4 storm as it barrels toward the heavily populated coast of Florida.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storm's maximum sustained winds had strengthened to 140 mph as of late Thursday morning and were expected to maintain their strength as the storm approaches the Florida coast.

Hurricane conditions were also still affecting the Bahamas. The storm was expected to start affecting Florida by early afternoon Thursday.

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10 a.m.

Gov. Nikki Haley says parts of two counties along South Carolina's northern coast are being evacuated ahead of Hurricane Matthew.

Haley told reporters Thursday morning evacuation orders go into effect at noon Thursday for parts of Horry and Georgetown counties.

Haley warned anyone in an evacuation zone not to take the orders lightly. She says surge from the storm could be as high as 8 feet and affect not only the coast but also areas farther inland.

So far, Haley says 175,000 people have evacuated from the coast. On Wednesday, the state reversed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 26 from Charleston to Columbia, allowing more motorists to move inland at once.

Forecasters say they expect Matthew to strengthen to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall in Florida, turning north and passing just off the South Carolina coast late Friday or early Saturday.

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9:45 a.m.

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory says the latest predictions show that his state will avoid a direct hit from Hurricane Matthew.

But emergency workers are continuing to prepare for high winds, rain and storm surge.

McCrory says North Carolina cities like Jacksonville and Morehead City could still see wind gusts of up to 60 mph beginning Saturday. Widespread power outages are possible. There could be a foot of rain in some areas.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the hurricane is strengthening and called it dangerous and life-threatening. About 1.5 million people in Florida have been ordered to evacuate.

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9:05 a.m.

A motorist shot during an altercation with South Carolina deputies over a Hurricane Matthew evacuation route has died.

Berkeley County Chief Deputy Coroner George Oliver says 35-year-old Lucas M. Felkel of Moncks Corner died shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Sheriff Duane Lewis says it happened about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Moncks Corner when a motorist came to a checkpoint, knocked down some traffic cones and sped off.

The sheriff says when deputies finally caught up with the driver a few miles away he pointed a gun at deputies and started shooting. The sheriff says the deputies shot back, wounding the man who was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

No deputies were wounded, but the sheriff says that four deputies have been placed on administrative leave.

The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating. The coroner says an autopsy is scheduled.

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9 a.m.

Officials at Florida's major airports are monitoring conditions as Hurricane Matthew bears down on Florida.

On its website, Fort Lauderdale International Airport announced plans to close at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Officials advised travelers to check with individual airlines about flight plans.

In Miami, officials at Miami International Airport will continue monitoring the storm and warned of possible flight cancelations. On its website, officials noted that generally "airports don't' operate in sustained crosswinds that exceed 35 mph."

On Twitter, Miami airport officials said 341 arrivals and 305 departures had been canceled by midmorning Thursday, "which is about 90% of our daily flight schedule." Officials also tweeted that "it's expected by noon most flights will stop flying," but the airport "technically remains 'open' and ready for when flights resume."

The Palm Beach International Airport website doesn't say when flights will be suspended, but asked travelers to stay away, noting that the airport is not intended for use as a shelter.

In Orlando airport officials are preparing for hurricane conditions. In a note on its website, officials at Orlando International Airport say they plan to being "reducing flights into Orlando and altering schedules starting Thursday, lasting through Friday." They, too, advise travelers to get in contact with individual airlines for flight plans.

The Jacksonville International Airport website also advises travelers to check flight status with the airlines before heading to the airport.

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8:30 a.m.

City officials in Charleston, South Carolina, which weathered Category 4 Hurricane Hugo almost 30 years ago, say the city has run out of sandbags after distributing more than for any other storm.

The city has distributed more than 15,000 sandbags as residents prepare for Hurricane Matthew. There were long lines of motorists waiting to get sandbags at one distribution point on the city's north side late Wednesday.

Charleston is prone to flooding even in summer thunderstorms and if people need to sandbags now, they will have to get them at hardware or home stores.

The upscale community of Kiawah Island southwest of Charleston plans to close at noon Thursday when officials barricade the entrance to the gated community. Fire and emergency equipment will be moved to the mainland.

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8 a.m.

Forecasters say the first outer rain bands from Hurricane Matthew already have begun to approach Florida as the big storm crosses the Bahamas toward the state.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says Matthew is still a Category 3 hurricane as of 8 a.m. Thursday, packing top sustained winds up to 125 mph. It's still expected to become an even more powerful Category 4 storm in coming hours as it approaches Florida's east coast starting Thursday night.

The storm is centered about 215 miles southeast of West Palm Beach, Florida and moving northwest toward the state at 12 mph.

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7:45 a.m.

Authorities say a motorist in South Carolina was shot and wounded by deputies during an altercation over a Hurricane Matthew evacuation route.

Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis tells local news outlets it happened about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Moncks Corner when a motorist came to a check point, knocked down some traffic cones and sped off.

The sheriff says when deputies finally caught up with the driver a few miles away he pointed a gun at deputies and started shooting. The sheriff says the deputies shot back, wounding the man who was taken to the hospital. His name and condition were not immediately released.

No deputies were wounded, but the sheriff says that four deputies have been placed on administrative leave.

The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating.

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7:20 a.m.

Officials at Florida's major airports are monitoring conditions as Hurricane Matthew bears down on Florida.

On its website, Fort Lauderdale International Airport announced plans to close at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Officials advised travelers to check with individual airlines about flight plans.

Officials at Miami International Airport will continue monitoring the storm and warned of possible flight cancellations. On its website, officials noted that generally "airports don't' operate in sustained crosswinds that exceed 35 mph."

The Palm Beach International Airport website doesn't say when flights will be suspended, but asked travelers to stay away, noting that the airport is not intended for use as a shelter.

In Orlando airport officials are preparing for hurricane conditions. In a note on its website, officials at Orlando International Airport say they plan to being "reducing flights into Orlando and altering schedules starting Thursday, lasting through Friday." They, too, advise travelers to get in contact with individual airlines for flight plans.

The Jacksonville International Airport website also advises travelers to check flight status with the airlines before heading to the airport.

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6:55 a.m.

With Hurricane Matthew approaching Florida, patients are being transferred from two waterfront hospitals and a nursing home near Daytona Beach to facilities away from the coast.

Florida Hospital Oceanside in Ormond Beach and Florida Hospital New Smyrna moved about 85 patients Wednesday. The emergency room at Oceanside also was closed on Wednesday, but the emergency room at Florida Hospital New Smyrna remained open.

Halifax Health Medical Center, a public health system in Daytona Beach, plans to be fully staffed during the hurricane's passage. Spokesman John Guthrie tells The Daytona Beach News-Journal (http://bit.ly/2d5oIg4) the hospital is ready to take care of any medical emergencies during the storm.

One of the area's largest nursing homes, meanwhile, is relocating about 170 patients to five facilities in the area. Receptionist Sandy Longenecker at Ocean View Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in New Smyrna Beach told the newspaper the moves are being made before a bridge to the mainland would close to traffic.

___

6:30 a.m.

Officials say some 3,000 people have already checked into shelters in Florida ahead of Hurricane Matthew's approach.

According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, 48 shelters are already providing refuge for 3,015 people in Florida. Another 13 special needs shelters are already housing 31 people.

The shelters are all in schools in areas where evacuations  either mandatory or voluntary  are underway. The Florida counties include Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Glades, Martin, Duval and Brevard.

Special needs shelters are designed to aid people with disabilities. Shelters are listed at floridadisaster.org.

____

6:10 a.m.

The murder trial of a man accused of intentionally leaving his toddler son in a hot SUV to die is being put on hold as Hurricane Matthew heads toward the Georgia coast where the man's being prosecuted.

Local news organizations report a judge said the trial of Justin Ross Harris would be in recess Thursday and Friday and resume Monday.

Prosecutors have said Harris intentionally killed his 22-month-old son, Cooper, by leaving him for hours in a vehicle parked outside the father's workplace in Cobb County near Atlanta. Cooper's lawyers say the death was accidental.

The trial was moved to Brunswick on the coast because of pretrial publicity.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal on Wednesday urged residents of several coastal counties, including the one where Brunswick is located, to evacuate.

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Two men run for cover as rain ahead of Hurricane Matthew begins to fall Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Jacksonville Beach , Fla. Leaving more than 100 dead in its wake across the Caribbean, Hurricane Matthew steamed toward heavily populated Florida with terrifying winds of 140 mph Thursday, and 2 million people across the Southeast were warned to flee inland. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

A life guard patrols a the beach ahead of Hurricane Matthew Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Jacksonville Beach , Fla. Leaving more than 100 dead in its wake across the Caribbean, Hurricane Matthew steamed toward heavily populated Florida with terrifying winds of 140 mph Thursday, and 2 million people across the Southeast were warned to flee inland. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Michael Blackman, left, and Sam Titus board up a bar a few blocks off the beach Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Hurricane Matthew continues to churn its way toward Florida's east coast. The bar is planning on staying open during Matthew. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Steff Chalk checks his phone as he waits at the Palm Beach International airport after the hotel he was going to stay in was evacuated as Hurricane Matthew advances, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in West Palm Beach, Fla. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storm's maximum sustained winds had strengthened to 140 mph as of late Thursday morning and were expected to maintain their strength as the storm approaches the Florida coast. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Ticketing machines are covered in plastic and flights in and out of the Palm Beach International airport in the afternoon as Hurricane Matthew advances, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in West Palm Beach, Fla. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storm's maximum sustained winds had strengthened to 140 mph as of late Thursday morning and were expected to maintain their strength as the storm approaches the Florida coast. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Emily Vulpi, 29, laughs as the winds pick up as she walks along the beach with Ryan Bell, 28, ahead of Hurricane Matthew in Daytona Beach, Fla. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Matthew steamed toward Florida with winds of 140 mph Thursday as hundreds of thousands of people across the Southeast boarded up their homes and fled inland to escape the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade. (Will Vragovic /Tampa Bay Times via AP)

Ryan Bell and Emily Vulpi walk along the beach ahead of Hurricane Matthew in Daytona Beach, Fla. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Matthew steamed toward Florida with winds of 140 mph Thursday as hundreds of thousands of people across the Southeast boarded up their homes and fled inland to escape the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade. (Will Vragovic /Tampa Bay Times via AP)

Michael Blackman, left, and Sam Titus board up a bar a few blocks off the beach Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Hurricane Matthew continues to churn its way toward Florida's east coast. The bar is planning on staying open during Matthew. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Clouds cover the sky over the beach near the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier ahead of Hurricane Matthew in Daytona Beach, Fla. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Matthew steamed toward Florida with winds of 140 mph Thursday as hundreds of thousands of people across the Southeast boarded up their homes and fled inland to escape the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade. (Will Vragovic /Tampa Bay Times via AP)

Fred Danise prepares lines to secure boats at the Fort Pierce City Marina, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Fort Pierce, Fla. Hurricane Matthew continues to make a path for Florida's east coast from the Bahamas. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Lisa's Gifts at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier stands closed and boarded up ahead of Hurricane Matthew in Daytona Beach, Fla. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Matthew steamed toward Florida with winds of 140 mph Thursday as hundreds of thousands of people across the Southeast boarded up their homes and fled inland to escape the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade. (Will Vragovic /Tampa Bay Times via AP)

Alec Manning drills holes into plywood to cover the windows of a business during storm preparations for Hurricane Matthew, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Darien, Ga. The hurricane picked up steam as it closed in, growing from a Category 3 to a Category 4 storm by late morning. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

Shrimp boat Captain Wynn Gale, left, and Earnest White, right, fill a ice box with 900 pounds of ice during storm preparations for Hurricane Matthew, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Darien, Ga. Hurricane Matthew steamed toward Florida with terrifying winds of 140 mph Thursday, and 2 million people across the Southeast were warned to flee inland. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

CORRECTS DAY OF WEEK TO THURSDAY, NOT WEDNESDAY - This GOES East satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), shows Hurricane Matthew moving northwest of Cuba towards the Atlantic coast of southern Florida, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Matthew was upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane late Thursday morning, with top sustained winds of 140 mph. The storm was blamed for more than 100 deaths in Haiti alone, and officials in Florida urged residents of the Sunshine State to prepare for what could be widespread and massive damage. (NOAA via AP)

Jim Manning cuts plywood as he helps a friend cover the windows of his business during storm preparations for Hurricane Matthew, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Darien, Ga. The hurricane picked up steam as it closed in, growing from a Category 3 to a Category 4 storm by late Thursday morning. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

Sven Lara and Carlos Castillo load plywood onto a pickup truck outside Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant in Boca Raton, Fla., as they prepare to board up homes ahead of Hurricane Matthew on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Matthew steamed toward Florida with winds of 140 mph Thursday as hundreds of thousands of people across the Southeast boarded up their homes and fled inland to escape the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade. (Adam Sacasa/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

Power crews with Pike Electric from all over the United States including Texas, Georgia and North Caroline prepare their trucks in Pembroke Pines, Fla., for response as needed to power outages due to Hurricane Matthew Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Hurricane Matthew returned to Category 4 strength Thursday morning and could be producing "extremely dangerous" sustained winds of 145 mph by the time it approaches South Florida later today, the National Hurricane Center said. (Taimy Alvarez/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP) Taimy Alvarez, Sun Sentinel ...SOUTH FLORIDA OUT; NO MAGS; NO SALES; NO INTERNET; NO TV...

Employees from the City of Deerfield Beach Environmental Services fill sandbags for residents on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Deerfield Beach, Fal. The city gave out sandbags to residents of Deerfield Beach in preparation for Hurricane Matthew, which is forecasted to hit South Florida late Thursday or early Friday. (Maria Lorenzino/Sun Sentinel via AP)

Supplies for power outage response and power crews with Pike Electric from all over the United States including Texas, Georgia and North Caroline wait to be called out as needed in Pembroke Pines, Fla., as dark clouds from the outer bands of Hurricane Matthew loom over head Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. (Taimy Alvarez/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

Gas pumps are rapped with plastic for protection at a Speedway gas station in Sunrise, Fla. People doing last minute prep before Hurricane Matthew approaches Broward County on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. (Carline Jean/The Sun Sentinel via AP)

People settle in at the shelter at Boynton Beach Community High School as Hurricane Matthew makes its way toward South Florida, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Hurricane Matthew steamed toward heavily populated Florida with terrifying winds of 140 mph Thursday, and 2 million people across the Southeast were warned to flee inland. (Jim Rassol/Sun Sentinel via AP)

Savannah residents line up as they board a bus Thursday during an evacuation to Augusta, Ga., ahead of Hurricane Matthew Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. (Josh Galemore/Savannah Morning News via AP)

Two swimmers take advantage of the high surf with winds associated with Hurricane Matthew Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Matthew steamed toward Florida with winds of 140 mph Thursday as hundreds of thousands of people across the Southeast boarded up their homes and fled inland to escape the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Onlookers take photos of the waves and wind churned up by Hurricane Matthew at Ocean Inlet Park, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Boynton Beach, Fla. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storm's maximum sustained winds had strengthened to 140 mph as of late Thursday morning and were expected to maintain their strength as the storm approaches the Florida coast. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Miroslava Roznovjakova stacks sandbags in font of a boarded up store ahead of Hurricane Matthew in Daytona Beach, Fla. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Matthew steamed toward Florida with winds of 140 mph Thursday as hundreds of thousands of people across the Southeast boarded up their homes and fled inland to escape the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade. (Will Vragovic /Tampa Bay Times via AP)

Pumpkins are seen under fencing outside the First United Methodist Church as Hurricane Matthew approaches on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 in St. Augustine, Fla. (Matt Stamey/The Gainesville Sun via AP)
PICTURED: Human tower building in Catalonia complex

TARRAGONA, Spain (AP)  The tradition of building human towers, or castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia in northeast Spain.

"Colles," or teams, compete to build the tallest, most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity.

Each tower is carefully engineered, with members positioned according to weight and strength. The strongest, heaviest men interlock their arms to form a stable base, saving the lightest, youngest members for the tower's upper levels. Every team uses different building techniques, resulting in complex patterns when viewed from above.

FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 file photo, members of "Vella de Xiquets de Valls" form their human tower during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. The tradition of building human towers, or Castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia. "Colles, or teams, compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)

Teams are considered successful if they can build and deconstruct their towers without a fall. The assembly is complete once all members have climbed into their designated places and the "enxaneta" a girl normally as young as 5  crowns the top and raises one hand with four fingers held up.

The gesture is said to symbolize the stripes of the Catalan flag. The "enxaneta" then scrambles back down before the whole thing collapses.

Accidents are rare but there have been fatalities. In 2006, a 10-year-old girl fell to her death during a competition in Mataro. The youngest members now wear foam-padded helmets.

Before this week, the highest castell was one containing 10 levels of four people each in 2015.

But this record was beaten Sunday at the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, when the Castellers de Villafranca team won the final with a 10-level structure having only three people per level. The teams compete over five rounds, with points awarded for height and complexity.

This year's Concurs de Castells in Tarragona was contested by 32 teams from around Catalonia and one from China. A tense final saw the group from Vilafranca del Penedes triumph for the eighth consecutive time.

FILE In this Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 file photo, Xiaotong Feng, 24, from China, reacts as she looks at members of Xiquets de Hangzou trying to complete their human tower, during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. The tradition of building human towers, or Castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia. "Colles, or teams, compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)

In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 photo, members of the Marrecs de Salt form the base to make their human tower during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. The tradition of building human towers, or Castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia. "Colles, or teams, compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 photo, young members of Xiquets de Hangzou wait their turn to jump on their human tower, during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. The tradition of building human towers, or Castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia. "Colles, or teams, compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 photo, members of the colla Xiquets de Reus form their human tower during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. The tradition of building human towers, or Castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia. "Colles, or teams, compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 photo, members of the "Castellers de Villafranca" celebrate after completing their human tower during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. The tradition of building human towers, or Castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia. "Colles, or teams, compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 photo, women from Chine react as they look at members of Xiquets de Hangzou making their human tower, during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. The tradition of building human towers, or Castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia. "Colles, or teams, compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 photo, members of the "colla Vella de Valls" form a base to construct a human tower during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. The tradition of building human towers, or Castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia. "Colles, or teams, compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 members of "Vella de Xiquets de Valls" form their human tower during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. The tradition of building human towers, or Castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia. "Colles, or teams, compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 photo, members of "Marrecs de Salt" react after completing in their human tower during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. The tradition of building human towers, or Castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia. "Colles, or teams, compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

FILE - In this on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 file photo, members of the "Castellers de Villafranca" get positions to form their human tower during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)

In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 photo, members of "Vella de Xiquets de Valls" form their human tower during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. The tradition of building human towers, or Castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia. "Colles, or teams, compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 file photo members of the "Castellers de Villafranca" complete their human tower during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. The tradition of building human towers, or Castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia. "Colles, or teams, compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)

FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 file photo, members of the "Castellers de Villafranca" celebrate after completing their human tower during the 26th Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain. The tradition of building human towers, or Castells, dates back to the 18th century and takes place during festivals in Catalonia. "Colles, or teams, compete to build the tallest and most complicated towers. The structure of the castells varies depending on their complexity. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)
Wells Fargo grateful woman returned excess cash ATM spit out

GLENOLDEN, Pa. (AP)  Wells Fargo says a Pennsylvania woman did the right thing when an automatic teller machine spit out hundreds of dollars that weren't hers: She returned the money.

Kristina Edwards tells the Delaware County Daily Times (http://bit.ly/2dHbMhK ) that she went to a Wells Fargo bank ATM in Glenolden on Sunday morning to withdraw $60.

When the machine instead popped out $380, she tried to chase down the customer in line in front of her to see if the money belonged to him. When she found out it didn't, she called Wells Fargo and was told to return the money to a bank branch when she could.

The 35-year-old single mother of two did that Monday.
Number of Italian emigrants rose more than 6 percent in 2015

MILAN (AP)  The number of Italians who moved abroad rose by more than 6 percent last year, according to new figures released Thursday that set off a debate about the root causes of the exodus.

A report by the Italian Catholic Bishops Conference's Migrant Foundation, citing official government statistics, put the net number of Italian emigrants last year at 107,529, with young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 comprising more than one-third of the total.

Opposition politicians blamed the government for failing to create economic opportunities at home, while Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said the figures provide momentum for his reform policies.

"The young people who want to go have all the right to do so," Renzi said in Turin. "We must create a climate that allows them to return."

Northern League leader Matteo Salvini seized on the report to suggest Italians were being driven out by migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Libya.

Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Benedetto Della Vedova, called the assertion "absurd" and said it created a culture of hatred.

"The reason for which Italian emigration is rising is the same for which immigration is going down, in heavy decline compared to a few years ago: a long economic crisis with serious implications for employment," Della Vedova said.

The report Catholic Bishops report listed Germany as the top destination for Italian emigrants, followed by Britain. The prosperous northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto had the most people leaving, followed by Sicily.
Wal-Mart plans to slow new store openings, invest in online

NEW YORK (AP)  Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to slow its new store openings and pour more money into its online efforts, technology and store remodels, the company said Thursday.

The world's largest retailer completed its more than $3 billion buyout of the fast-growing online retailer Jet.com last month, showing how heavily it's willing to invest to boost online sales that totaled $13.7 billion last year  still just a fraction of its annual revenue.

"This company is going to look more like an e-commerce company," CEO Doug McMillon told analysts at the company's annual investment meeting.

FILE - This Sept. 19, 2013, file photo, shows the sign of a Wal-Mart store in San Jose, Calif. Wal-Mart said Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, it plans to slow new store openings as it looks to pour more money into its online efforts, technology and store remodels. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Wal-Mart also tempered its outlook, saying it anticipates fiscal 2018 earnings per share being about flat with its fiscal 2017 adjusted earnings per share. It foresees fiscal 2019 earnings per share growth of about 5 percent.

The company's shares fell $2.12, or 3 percent, to $69.55 in afternoon trading. Still, the outlook wasn't as bad as a year ago, when executives said earnings per share could fall 6 percent to 12 percent this year because of investments in higher salaries and e-commerce. That day, Wal-Mart shares plunged 10 percent.

But Wal-Mart's flurry of moves  online and in the stores  have been gaining traction, and its shares were up 17 percent this year ahead of the meeting.

Like its direct store rivals, Wal-Mart is trying to be more nimble as it fights off competition from online leader Amazon.com. And it faces competition from dollar stores and traditional grocers like Kroger, which are ramping up promotions.

Wal-Mart launched a number of changes, from making sure its vegetables look good to cleaning up its stores to being sharper on keeping prices low. The company has 150 fresh food managers working to train sales associates.

The company is also melding online services with its massive fleet of stores. It rolled out a mobile payment system to speed checkouts. And it's pushing ahead with online grocery and pick-up services. Greg Foran, CEO and president of Wal-Mart's U.S. namesake business, told analysts Thursday that by the end of the year, it will have grocery online pickup services at 600 U.S. stores.

Wal-Mart had raised its annual profit outlook in August after reporting its eighth straight quarterly increase in revenue of stores opened at least a year.

In contrast, rival Target reported that a key revenue measure was down 1.1 percent in the second quarter, after seven straight quarters of gains. And it saw fewer customers in the store for the first time in a year and a half.

Wal-Mart's online sales rose 11.8 percent in the second quarter  up from 7 percent in the first quarter but still trailing the 20 percent increases from less than two years ago. Officials said Thursday they believe its global online sales will be up 20 percent to 30 percent in the second half of this year.

Wal-Mart also reiterated that its earnings per share for the current year on an adjusted basis would be $4.15 per share to $4.35 per share on an adjusted basis.

McMillon stressed to analysts Thursday that he believes the Jet.com acquisition will help the company attract higher-income and younger customers. Wal-Mart plans to incorporate some of Jet.com's technology that lowers prices in real time. As part of the deal, Marc Lore, co-founder and CEO of Jet.com, is overseeing both the site and Walmart.com.

"I look around and see the vast assets," Lore told investors Thursday. "This is the perfect time to accelerate the business."

Foran said that Lore will be working to increasingly get the store and online selections to match, so if customers see something in the store, they'll know they can find it online.

The retailer still has plenty of challenges. Analysts questioned whether the price cuts that Wal-Mart is taking will be sustainable as rivals respond. And they asked executives how much profit they would be willing to risk. Wal-Mart had said it is spending several billion dollars in its plans to lower prices, but haven't given any specific details. McMillon declined to talk about how much farther they would be willing to go.

Wal-Mart did say Thursday it would spend $11 billion on capital expenditures this year, and the same for the following fiscal year. In the fiscal year ended in January, the company spent $11.5 billion on capital expenditures. But Wal-Mart said it will be investing more of that money in e-commerce and digital initiatives.

The company also said it plans to open 130 U.S. stores this year, but that's below its forecast issued last year that it would open 135 to 155 new stores. In its last fiscal year, it opened 230 U.S. stores. It said it plans to open another 55 U.S. stores next year. By type of store, Wal-Mart plans to open 60 supercenters and 70 of the smaller-format Neighborhood Markets this year. For next year, the breakdown is 35 supercenters and 20 smaller-format stores.

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AP Business Writer Michelle Chapman contributed to this report.

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Germany convicts 4 of supporting terrorist group in Syria

BERLIN (AP)  A German court has convicted four men who procured tens of thousands of euros (dollars) worth of supplies for the ultraconservative Ahrar al-Sham group in Syria of supporting a terrorist organization.

Lebanese citizen Kassem El-R., 33, was sentenced to 3  years in prison Thursday by the Stuttgart state court. Hassan A.S., 30, also Lebanese, 32-year-old German-Lebanese dual citizen Ali F., and 50-year old German Nuran B. received suspended sentences.

Their last names weren't given in accordance with German privacy rules.
German court: No compensation for Afghan airstrike relatives

BERLIN (AP)  A German federal appeals court ruled Thursday that relatives of 91 Afghans killed in a NATO airstrike near the northern Afghan city of Kunduz in 2009 aren't owed further compensation.

The Federal Court of Justice said there was no evidence that the German officer who called in U.S. jets to bomb two hijacked fuel tankers had been in dereliction of duty, or violated humanitarian rules protecting civilians, upholding lower court rulings.

It also found that there was no legal basis to hold the German government liable for actions by the German military on a mission abroad.

FILE - In this Sept. 5, 2009 Afghan soldiers and police inspect the site where villagers reportedly died when American jets bombed fuel tankers hijacked by the Taliban, outside Kunduz, Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, file)

Brig. Gen. Georg Klein, a colonel at the time, ordered the airstrike because he feared that insurgents would use the tankers to attack his troops.

Germany paid $5,000 each to the families of civilians who were killed as they tried to syphon fuel from the tankers but some relatives had sought additional compensation from the German government.
The Latest: Italian FM: EU should compromise with Turkey

KAPITAN ANDREEVO, Bulgaria (AP)  The Latest on the migrant influx in Europe (all times local):

7:45 p.m.

Italy's foreign minister says the European Union and Turkey can find a compromise to an impasse threatening the future of a deal to stop thousands of migrants from crossing the Aegean Sea into Greece.

A child paints next to a picture showing the symbol of peace at the Kara Tepe camp for refugees and other migrants in Lesbos island, Greece, on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. More than a million migrants and refugees crossed through Greece and on to other EU countries since the start of 2016, while over 60,000 have been stranded in the country since the EU-Turkey deal took effect and the Balkan transit route north was closed. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

The EU has agreed to provide Turkey 3 billion euros in 2017 and 2017, to fast-track EU membership talks and to ease visa restrictions for Turkish citizens in return for Turkey's cooperation in stopping migrants. The visa deal, however, has stalled over Turkey's refusal to meet an EU demand that it relax its anti-terrorism laws.

Foreign Minister Paulo Gentiloni said during a joint news conference with his Turkish counterpart Thursday that the EU should be "open" to relaxing its conditions without "renouncing its principles." He says the deal with Turkey had been successful in curbing the flow of migrants  and could be a model for tackling migrant influxes elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu complained that the EU was slow in disbursing the funds to improve the lives of the nearly 3 million Syrian refugees in Turkey.

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4:50 p.m.

The foreign minister of Libya's Western-backed unity government is urging European nations to find solutions to the refugee crisis other than pushing migrants to countries outside the EU.

Libya is embroiled in factional violence that excludes it from any EU list of "safe countries" for migrant returns.

But other North African countries have reached agreement with the EU to receive rejected asylum-seekers. Mohammed Taher Siyala criticized any attempts to "export responsibilities and burdens ... as a result of illegal migration by dumping them on our shoulders and other countries."

The influx to Europe via Turkey across the Aegean to Greece has slowed because of the EU-Turkey migrant returns agreement, while increasing from Libya to Italy.

Siyala was speaking Thursday at a Vienna conference on migration and extremism.

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4:20 p.m.

They have come a long way, spent most of their money on smugglers and camped in the open for weeks. For Afghan migrants stranded in the Balkans there is no turning back, even as the most likely prospect they face in the European Union could be deportation back to their country.

Thousands of young Afghan men remain in Serbia looking for ways to reach wealthy EU nations, despite closed borders and reports that their government in Kabul has agreed to cooperate on the return of its citizens that have been rejected for asylum.

Some migrants in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, said Thursday they have no future in Afghanistan and that the EU should let them in. Sulaiman Zazai, 18 says: "If they send us back, that will break our hearts."

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11:00 a.m.

A new European border and coast guard force was officially launched Thursday at a checkpoint on the European Union's external border with Turkey in Bulgaria.

The new task force, launched at the Kapitan Andreevo crossing, was built from the border management agency Frontex because national coast guards were overwhelmed by the refugee emergency.

"From now onwards, the external EU border of one member state is the external border of all member states  both legally and operationally," said Dimitris Avramopoulos, the EU commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship.

The service will have more than double Frontex's staff and new powers. EU countries will establish a pool of 1,500 guards and technical equipment to rapidly deploy to countries facing heavy migration flows.

Liaison officers would be stationed in EU states with external borders to monitor movements.

Fabrice Leggeri, the executive director of Frontex, said the agency will be able to offer operational support to neighboring non-EU countries asking for assistance at their border and share intelligence on cross-border criminal activities.

Frontex has been unable to effectively control the external borders of the EU due to its limited powers and lack of sufficient staff.

The uncontrolled stream of migrants entering Europe led some countries to build fences on their borders, cutting off routes used by migrants to travel to northern European countries.

According to the EU, the long-term aim is to scrap border controls inside the bloc and to restore the passport-free Schengen Zone across the continent.

The new agency will be involved in efforts to repatriate migrants whose asylum claims are rejected or are considered a security threat. It also will be able to carry out border operations, including search and rescue operations on its own initiative, without waiting for a request from the country concerned.

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Veselin Toshkov in Sofia, Bulgaria and Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report.
10 hurt in bomb attack near Istanbul police station

ISTANBUL (AP)  A bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded Thursday near a police station in Istanbul, wounding at least 10 people, a senior official said.

Vasip Sahin, the governor for Istanbul, told reporters at the scene in the Yenibosna district that none of the injured was in serious condition, retracting an earlier statement that one person was seriously hurt.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, which could be heard from the city's nearby Ataturk Airport. Sahin said the investigation was ongoing and of the victims Thursday were civilians.

A masked Turkish police officer cordons off the area of a blast in Istanbul, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. A bomb placed on a motorcycle has exploded near a police station Thursday, wounding several people, Vasip Sahin, the governor for Istanbul, said. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)

The private Dogan news agency said police were searching for a person spotted leaving the scene carrying a motorcycle helmet.

Turkey has been rocked by a wave of bomb attacks in the past year that have killed hundreds of people and been blamed on Kurdish rebels or Islamic State group militants.

The Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which has been waging a three-decade long insurgency, has been targeting police and military in its campaign for Kurdish autonomy in southeast Turkey.

A fragile 2 -year cease-fire between Turkey and the PKK collapsed last summer. Since then, more than 600 Turkish security personnel and thousands of PKK militants have been killed in clashes, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency. Rights groups say hundreds of civilians have also been killed in the clashes.

The Dogan news agency said several parked cars and nearby windows were damaged in the blast.

Police work at the scene of a blast in Istanbul, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. A bomb placed on a motorcycle has exploded near a police station Thursday, wounding several people, Vasip Sahin, the governor for Istanbul, said. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
75 years later, seaman killed in Pearl Harbor to return home

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  Three-quarters of a century after he was killed during the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the remains of a young Navy sailor finally are heading home to Kansas.

Lewis Lowell Wagoner was a 20-year-old Navy seaman second class when he perished and was declared missing after the Dec. 7, 1941, attack that propelled the United States into World War II. Wagoner was aboard the USS Oklahoma when that battleship, along with other U.S. warships, was doomed by torpedoes while helplessly moored in Pearl Harbor.

Wagoner's body, unidentified at the time, eventually was recovered, along with several hundred fellow shipmates. All of them were buried as "unknowns" in a Hawaii cemetery. But last year, the U.S. military dug up the mass graves and began a painstaking push by special military laboratories to put names to the remains, using pre-war dental records and modern advances in DNA testing.

This undated family photo provided by Ron Wagoner shows Lewis Wagoner. Seventy-five years after Lewis Wagoner was killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy seamans remains are returning to Kansas. Wagoner's remains that were buried in a Hawaii cemetery were recently identified through DNA testing. They are to be flown Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, to Wichita, with a memorial and interment ceremonies scheduled the next day in Harvey County. (Courtesy of Ron Wagoner via AP) )

Wagoner's remains are to be flown Friday to Wichita, Kansas, a day before a memorial service and interment with military honors at a family plot in Harvey County's Whitewater Cemetery. A bronze grave marker  noting the Missouri-born serviceman's status as a Purple Heart recipient  already awaits him in a row of final resting places for three of his seven brothers. Just one brother, 87-year-old Carl Wagoner of Syracuse, Utah, is still living.

While saying "it's a joy that we're finally able to bring Uncle Lewis home," 70-year-old Wichita niece Linda Guinn called it bittersweet in that only one sibling is able see it happen.

"When his brothers all were younger, they were always talking about Lewis and wondering if he could ever be brought home," said Doris Wagoner, Lewis Wagoner's sister-in-law. Her husband  Merle Wagoner, a Navy veteran of the Korean War  died three years ago at the age of 79.

Japanese planes hit the Oklahoma with a blitz of torpedoes, quickly capsizing the battleship. Thirty-two men were rescued via holes cut through the hull, but 415 sailors and 14 Marines didn't make it.

All told, more than 2,400 sailors, Marines and soldiers died in the Pearl Harbor attack that sank or damaged 21 U.S. vessels. The Oklahoma's casualties were second only to the USS Arizona, which lost 1,177 men.

The Pentagon has offered no public account about how Wagoner died, though Guinn said a shipmate friend of Wagoner's has said the two men dove off the torpedo-ravaged ship into the water ablaze with leaking oil and fuel. The friend survived and since has died; Wagoner was "not a good swimmer" and was never seen alive again, Guinn said.

The Navy spent more than two years recovering remains from the Oklahoma, eventually laying them to rest in mass graves in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in an extinct volcanic crater known as Punchbowl. But last year, the Pentagon's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency began unearthing the remains from 45 gravesites, disinterring 61 caskets, many containing comingled remains of multiple people.

On Sept. 30, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that scientists identified Wagoner's remains through dental comparisons and DNA that matched two brothers, who relatives said supplied genetic samples to the military about a decade ago.

The same day, the agency also announced it had identified the remains of Navy Lt. j.g. Aloysius Schmitt of St. Lucas, Iowa, who was also aboard the Oklahoma. A visitation was held for the chaplain Wednesday in his hometown and a burial will be held in Dubuque, Iowa, on Saturday, The Telegraph Herald newspaper reported.

Schmitt was among a group of sailors who discovered a small porthole as the ship was filling with water. He had the chance to escape but refused and hoisted others through the porthole and out to safety, according to the newspaper.

By 2020, the accounting agency expects to identify 80 percent of the Oklahoma's unknown.

Lt. Brian Lewis, left, and Pat Leonard prepare to fold the flag before a Mass of remembrance for Chaplain Aloysius Schmitt on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, at St. Luke's Church in St. Lucas, Iowa. Schmitt, a St. Lucas, native, died on Dec. 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. After nearly 75 years, his remains have been identified. (Jessica Reilly/Telegraph Herald via AP)
Officials with the city of Chattanooga on Thursday announced the launch of business.chattanooga.gov, a web-based tool where entrepreneurs and startups can efficiently and conveniently start or expand a business by accessing and completing specific licenses, permits, and requirements online.

Chattanoogas small businesses are the engine of our local economy, said Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke. By making the permitting process more convenient and efficient, business owners can focus on what matters most - running their business, supporting their family, and creating local jobs.

The new site, business.chattanooga.gov, which is powered by OpenCounter, helps applicants who are about to embark on complex projects, like starting a new business or a renovation, by guiding them through the permits, fees, and licenses they will need to complete the project. To ensure the most accurate data is being accessed, the online tool is informed by the citys zoning and land use permits as well as building and business license rules.

We're aiming to increase communication and efficiency on both sides of the process, said Nick Wilkinson, deputy of Economic Development. City staff will have access a powerful suite of administrative tools while citizens will find a high level of service that reduces processes from weeks down to a few minutes in some instances.

By moving this process online, the city will be able to provide instant and specific feedback to entrepreneurs around the clock and provide a new level of insight into economic trends in the community. The site sends info instantly to relevant city departments and helps applicants who may have limited experience in permitting and licensing to access nearly everything they need to make their new business venture successful.

Visit business.chattanogoa.gov to experience the new business development site, and watch how it works in this video clip at https://vimeo.com/181983473.
8-year-old Congolese refugee dies after arriving in Chicago

CHICAGO (AP)  Authorities are trying to determine what caused an 8-year-old refugee from Congo to die not long after his arrival in Chicago.

WBBM-AM reports (http://cbsloc.al/2cUO257 ) that the boy, identified as David Dieme, arrived at O'Hare International Airport from Dubai on Tuesday with his father and several other children. The group was planning to fly on to Texas when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer noticed that David was unresponsive.

Authorities say the boy was sick before boarding the flight to the U.S. but that he reported no symptoms on the plane. He was examined by Centers of Disease Control and Prevention personnel before being taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Cook County medical examiner's office performed an autopsy Wednesday. Results are pending.

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The Latest: UKIP launching inquiry after lawmaker is injured

LONDON (AP)  The Latest on the U.K. Independence Party altercation that left a lawmaker hospitalized (all times local):

5:35 p.m.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage says he is launching an inquiry into an incident in which European lawmaker Steven Woolfe was hospitalized after a clash with a party colleague.

FILE - In this Wednesday, June 22, 2016 file photo, UK Independence Party's Steven Woolfe, a Member of the European Parliament, speaks at the final press conference before the referendum on Britain's vote to leave or remain in the EU, in London. Britains right-wing U.K. Independence Party says one of its European Parliament members is in serious condition in a hospital after an altercation with colleagues. Party leader Nigel Farage said Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of UKIP MEPs this morning ... Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

Farage says the violence is "not good. It shouldn't have happened."

Farage declined to name the other person involved in what he termed an "altercation." Soon after the incident, Woolfe suffered two seizures and fell unconscious at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

Farage says Woolfe "hit the ground pretty hard" and "things were pretty bad." But he says Woolfe is "now in a much better place than he was a few hours ago."

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3:05 p.m.

A European Parliament member from Britain's right-wing U.K. Independence Party says he is conscious and "feeling brighter" after collapsing following what the party called an altercation with colleagues.

Steven Woolfe was taken to hospital Thursday after the dustup during a meeting of UKIP lawmakers at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Party leader Nigel Farage said his condition was serious.

According to media reports, Woolfe was punched, hit his head and collapsed some time later.

In a statement released by the party, Woolfe said a CT scan had revealed no blood clot on his brain.

He said, "I am feeling brighter, happier and smiling as ever."

The statement said Woolfe would remain in the hospital overnight awaiting the result of more tests.

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1:58 p.m.

UKIP says it is awaiting an update on European Parliament member Steven Woolfe's condition.

Party leader Nigel Farage said Woolfe was hospitalized in serious condition following an altercation at a meeting of UKIP MEPs" at the parliament in Strasbourg, France.

According to media reports, Woolfe was punched early Thursday afternoon, hit his head and collapsed some time later.

An image published by ITV News showed a man resembling Woolfe apparently unconscious on a walkway inside the Strasbourg building, just outside the parliament chamber.

European Parliament spokeswoman Marjory Van Den Broeke confirmed that emergency services were called after Woolfe had a medical incident in front of the European parliament chamber at 12:40 p.m. on Thursday.

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1:20 p.m.

Britain's right-wing U.K. Independence Party says one of its European Parliament members is in serious condition in a hospital after an "altercation" with colleagues.

Party leader Nigel Farage said Thursday that "following an altercation that took place at a meeting of UKIP MEPs this morning ... Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious."

The euroskeptic party was instrumental in getting Britain to hold a referendum on EU membership, which ended in a June 23 vote to leave. Since then, however, it has been torn by infighting.

Long-time leader Farage stepped down after the referendum, and was replaced by Diane James. She quit Tuesday after just 18 days  leaving Farage interim leader.

Woolfe had announced his intention to run in an upcoming leadership UKIP contest.
The Russian military has warned the United States against striking the Syrian army, saying that its air defence weapons in Syria stand ready to fend off any attack from US planes.

The statement underlined high tensions between Moscow and Washington after the collapse of a US-Russia-brokered Syria truce and the Syrian army's offensive on Aleppo backed by Russian warplanes.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said any US strikes on areas controlled by Syrian President Bashar Assad's government could jeopardise the lives of Russian servicemen.

Maj.-Gen. Igor Konashenkov warned the United States against striking Syrian government forces and issued a thinly-veiled threat to use Russian air defense assets to protect them.

Members of the Army of Mujahedeen attack the Assad regime forces' headquarters during an operation at Rashideen neighborhood

He said Moscow was worried by media reports saying that Washington was considering the possibility of striking Syrian army positions.

'I would recommend our colleagues in Washington to carefully weigh possible consequences of the fulfillment of such plans,' Konashenkov said.

In Washington, State Department spokesman John Kirby said 'We're looking at the full range of options here and those comments notwithstanding, we still have a responsibility as a government to consider all those options.'

'I don't find them (comments like the warning) helpful to moving forward, to reach some sort of diplomatic solution here. But the Russians should speak for themselves and why they're saying that kind of thing,' he said.

Syrians inspect the damage caused by an artillery attack in the al-Jamiliyeh neighbourhood yesterday

Workers from the White Helmets carry a body as they walk through the rubble of a destroyed building after airstrikes hit the Bustan al-Basha neighborhood in Aleppo

Russia said it was unhappy with the US-led coalition's air raid on Syrian army positions near Deir el-Zour that killed 60 Syrian soldiers on September 17, rejecting the explanation from the American side that the attack was a mistake.

Konashenkov said 'we have taken all the necessary measures to prevent any such 'mistakes' with regard to Russian servicemen and military facilities in Syria.'

He said the range of Russia's S-300 and S-400 air defense missile systems deployed to Syria would be a 'surprise' to any country operating its aircraft over the country.

Konashenkov added that the Syrian army also has various Soviet- and Russian-built air defense missile systems, which have undergone modernization over the past year.

Fighting broke out in the government-controlled side of the northern city of Aleppo between regime forces and rebels

A photo provided by the Syrian Civil Defence group known as the White Helmets, shows a body under the ruble of a destroyed building following an airstrike, at Bustan al-Basha neighborhood in Aleppo

Since Russia has launched its air campaign in Syria in support of Assad's forces a year ago, the Russia and the U.S. militaries have maintained contacts to prevent any midair incidents between Russian warplanes and the aircraft from the U.S.-led coalition in the skies over Syria.

Konashenkov warned, however, that the Russian military won't have time to use the hotline if it sees missiles on their way to targets in Syria.

'It must be understood that Russian air defense missile crews will unlikely have time to clarify via the hotline the exact flight program of the missiles or the ownership of their carriers,' he added.

Workers from the White Helmets dig through rubble to remove bodies and look for survivors, after airstrikes hit the Bustan al-Basha neighborhood in Aleppo

Members of the opposition attack the Assad regime forces' headquarters during an operation in the Rashideen neighborhood of Aleppo

In an apparent hint at the U.S. stealth aircraft, he added that any 'dilettante illusions about stealth planes could collide with disappointing realities.'

The Russian military announced Tuesday that a battery of the S-300 air defense missile systems had been sent to Syria to protect a Russian facility in the Syrian port of Tartus and Russian navy ships off the Mediterranean coast.

Tartus is the only naval supply facility Russia has outside the former Soviet Union.

The deployment has added more punch to the Russian military force in Syria, which already includes long-range S-400 missile defense systems and an array of other surface-to-air missiles at the Hemeimeem air base in Syria's coastal province of Latakia.
Debate minefield: Town hall will test candidates' stagecraft

WASHINGTON (AP)  President George H.W. Bush conspicuously checked his watch. Al Gore got too close for comfort. Mitt Romney strode across stage to confront President Barack Obama face to face.

For presidential candidates, a town hall debate is a test of stagecraft as much as substance. When Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump meet Sunday night in St. Louis, they'll be fielding questions from undecided voters seated nearby. In an added dose of unpredictability, the format allows the candidates to move around the stage, putting them in unusually close proximity.

"There's a lot more interaction, physical interaction," says Judd Gregg, the former New Hampshire senator who helped President George W. Bush prepare for debates. He said a candidate who is too aggressive in a town hall, either with the voters or a rival, "can come across looking really chippy, not looking presidential."

FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2016 file photo, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump shake hands during the presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. For presidential candidates, the town hall debate is a test of stagecraft as much as substance. When Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump meet in the Sunday, Oct.9, 2016, contest, theyll be fielding questions from undecided voters seated nearby. In an added dose of unpredictability, the format allows the candidates to move around the stage, putting them in unusually close proximity to each other. (Joe Raedle/Pool via AP, File)

After an uneven showing in his first debate, Trump's candidacy may rise or fall on his ability to avoid falling into that trap. The Republican repeatedly interrupted Clinton in their opening contest and grew defensive as she challenged his business record and recited his demeaning comments about women.

The GOP nominee has reviewed video of this year's first presidential debate, and his aides have stressed a need to stay calm and not let Clinton attacks get under his skin in the second of three contests. The campaign has built in more rehearsal time ahead of Sunday's showdown in St. Louis.

Trump, who prefers drawing big crowds to rallies, has done only sporadic town halls and has rarely been challenged by voters face to face, except when his rallies are interrupted by protesters. In a nod to the challenge posed by Sunday's format, he agreed to advisers' suggestion that he get in some practice at a real town hall Thursday night in New Hampshire  but then publicly pushed back on the idea that he needed to rehearse.

"This isn't practice, this has nothing to do with Sunday  this isn't practice, we just wanted to be here," Trump told a small, invitation-only crowd in Sandown. He was joined by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who excelled at the town hall format during his failed presidential run and is helping coach Trump.

While the event had some of the trappings of what Trump will face Sunday, including a two-minute countdown clock on answers, it was hardly a rigorous rehearsal.

Trump didn't actually interact with the audience, instead only conversing with a friendly moderator who read the questions  which were nearly all softballs.

Presidential town hall debates, meanwhile, are typically serious affairs and lack the liveliness of campaign trail events.

Clinton is far more practiced in the format and prefers smaller events with more direct voter engagement. Aides said she won't shy away from raising recent revelations about Trump's tax history or reminding voters of his pre-dawn Twitter attacks on a Miss Universe winner, but will aim to keep her focus more on the voters sitting on stage.

Seeking to raise the bar for the businessman, Clinton advisers said they do expect Trump to be more measured than in the last debate.

"But even if he does show up a little more disciplined than last time, I don't think he'll get a second chance to make a first impression," Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon said of the town hall format.

The first town hall debate was held during the 1992 election and featured incumbent President George H.W. Bush and challenger Bill Clinton, along with third-party candidate Ross Perot. As a voter stood to ask Bush about the national debt, the president glanced down at his watch  a fleeting moment but one that seemed to reinforce criticism that he didn't have empathy for Americans.

The wild card in the town hall debate is the physical choreography on stage. Candidates are seated but with no lectern or table to hide behind. They're given hand-held microphones and are free to roam the stage to answer questions or challenge each other.

Four years ago, Obama and Romney circled each other on stage throughout the night. During one particularly heated exchange, Romney kept moving toward the standing president until they were arguing with just a few feet between them.

During the 2000 election, George W. Bush was answering a question on leadership when Vice President Gore stood up from his chair and walked unnaturally close to his Republican rival. Bush turned to Gore, and with a slightly puzzled look on his face, gave him a nod and smile. The audience broke into laughter.

That seemingly natural Bush reaction? It was well-rehearsed, according to Gregg, who played the role of Gore in Bush's debate prep. Gregg said he'd expected Gore would try to intimidate the Texas governor, so he practiced walking close to him during their mock debates.

"His reaction was the exact same with Al Gore as it was with me  to look at me with a bemused smile and move on to his answer," Gregg said. "We practiced."

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Lemire reported from Sandown, New Hampshire. Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC and Jonathan Lemire at http://twitter.com/JonLemire

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump arrives at a town hall-style forum, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Sandown, N.H. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump arrives for a town hall, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Sandown, N.H. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J., waits for the arrival of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to a town hall, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Sandown, N.H. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

FILE - In this Oct. 15, 1992, file photo President George H.W. Bush looks at his watch during the 1992 presidential campaign debate with other candidates, Independent Ross Perot, top, and Democrat Bill Clinton, at the University of Richmond, Va. For presidential candidates, the town hall debate is a test of stagecraft as much as substance. When Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump meet in the Sunday, Oct.9, 2016, contest, theyll be fielding questions from undecided voters seated nearby. In an added dose of unpredictability, the format allows the candidates to move around the stage, putting them in unusually close proximity to each other. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File)

FILE - In this Oct. 16, 2012 file photo, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, left, and President Barack Obama spar during the second presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. For presidential candidates, the town hall debate is a test of stagecraft as much as substance. When Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump meet in the Sunday, Oct.9, 2016, contest, theyll be fielding questions from undecided voters seated nearby. In an added dose of unpredictability, the format allows the candidates to move around the stage, putting them in unusually close proximity to each other. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
As Merkel set to visit Africa, migrant crisis is top issue

JOHANNESBURG (AP)  German Chancellor Angela Merkel is making a three-nation visit to Africa next week, with the migrant crisis leading the agenda.

A German official said Thursday that Merkel will visit Mali on Sunday, Niger on Monday and Ethiopia on Tuesday. Another top issue is support for the fight against terror. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with department rules.

Niger is a major transit point for African migrants making their way north toward Europe, and Merkel is expected to visit a center run by the International Organization for Migration. On Thursday, Merkel said in a speech to Germany's main industry lobby group that some 90 percent of the migrants who reach the Libyan coast come through Niger.

Libya has been a launching point for thousands of migrants setting off toward Europe on often deadly voyages across the Mediterranean.

Merkel said it's important to help ensure "that the first thing young Africans say when they get a smartphone in their hands isn't 'I have to go where I see a better world,' but rather (that they) live in a country in which things are at least getting better step by step."

Ethiopia is the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, according to the United Nations, taking in more than 700,000 people fleeing conflicts in South Sudan, Somalia and elsewhere.

Merkel is expected to meet with Ethiopia's prime minister and address the country's recent unrest. She also will meet with opposition representatives. Months of sometimes deadly protests have demanded wider freedoms in what is one of Africa's best-performing economies.

The German official on Thursday stressed Ethiopia's role as a "regional heavyweight."

In Mali, Merkel will meet the president and is expected to focus on the implementation of a peace deal reached in June 2015 between Mali's government and armed groups in the northern part of the country. Unrest continues in the region, and Germany contributes more than 550 soldiers to the U.N. peacekeeping mission there.

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Iowa State president: 'Learned my lesson' on use of planes

AMES, Iowa (AP)  Iowa State University President Steven Leath said he will be more cautious about mixing personal and official business after facing criticism over his use of university airplanes and a $1.1 million private land deal with his boss.

Leath told the university's student government Wednesday night that he misjudged how both issues would be perceived by the public and that "I've learned my lesson." He apologized for the negative attention his actions have brought the school of 36,000 students and said he would do many things differently in hindsight.

"I'll be different," said Leath, who has been at Iowa State since 2012. "We will be very, very mindful of what we do going forward. I've learned from this."

This undated photo provided by the Bloomington Normal Airport Authority shows a damaged wing of a Cirrus SR22 single engine plane at the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington, Ill. Iowa State University President Steven Leath caused "substantial damage" to the university airplane he was piloting when it made a hard landing at the Illinois airport last year. ISU pilots have flown Leath and his wife to and from the North Carolina town where they own a home and business on several occasions, costing thousands of dollars in university donations. (Bloomington Normal Airport Authority via AP)

Leath spoke before the student government approved a resolution calling on the Iowa Board of Regents to order an independent inquiry into his frequent use of two university airplanes. The board had already announced a "compliance review" of university policies on equipment use and travel hours earlier.

A pilot, Leath has been under fire after The Associated Press revealed that he damaged a university plane in a hard landing on his way home from a vacation in North Carolina last year. He has acknowledged taking that plane on four trips to North Carolina, where he owns a mountain home and business, that mixed personal and official affairs.

For the first time Wednesday, Leath also admitted to mistakes in his use of the university's second aircraft flown by school pilots. He said he regrets transporting his brother and sister-in-law on the plane to and from an NCAA basketball tournament game in 2014. He also said the plane should not have been sent to pick him up on June 1 in North Carolina after he took a few days off at his home there.

Leath said he would pay more attention to the details of his travel and limit how often he flies in university planes. He had already vowed to stop flying himself.

The plane controversy has revived questions about a land purchase involving Leath and Board of Regents President Bruce Rastetter, a powerful agribusinessman who is Leath's boss and would oversee any investigation into Leath's conduct.

Leath said Wednesday that he and his wife, Janet, were looking for recreational land to build a home in central Iowa last year and were advised by real estate experts that "finding an affordable farm" there would be difficult.

He said that a 215-acre plot came up for sale in Hardin County that was "bigger than we wanted." Leath said that he and Rastetter looked at the property and decided to split it up if they could buy it together.

The two agreed on a bid price and Rastetter's company, Summit Agricultural Group, bought the land for $1.14 million at a public auction, Leath said. Once a survey was completed, a Leath family corporation purchased 145 acres for $623,000 in January while Summit kept the farmland.

Leath said that he didn't get any special treatment on the purchase, and that it should be seen as a positive that he and his family wants to settle in Iowa. But he said he understood why critics would question his private business with Rastetter.

"If I had to do it all over again, I probably wouldn't do it the same way, which is a sad thing," he said.
Ohio, federal agency reach deal on dredging Cleveland harbor

The federal agency that maintains shipping channels along Lake Erie will keep open Cleveland's harbor this year after reaching an agreement with Ohio's environmental regulators in a long-running dispute over costs.

The deal calls for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the Cleveland shipping channel, where cargo ships have been forced to lighten loads because of accumulated sediment.

Either the Corps or the state will pay the additional disposal costs once a lawsuit between the two is decided, according to the agreement announced late Wednesday.

The Corps and Ohio's environmental agency have been locked in a yearlong legal battle over where the sediment can be disposed and who should pay for it.

Ohio's Environmental Protection Agency says the sediment is loaded with PCBs  a chemical linked to cancer  and is a threat to water quality and fish. The Corps says the sediment is clean now and it would be much cheaper to dispose of it in the open waters of Lake Erie.

The Corps said in a statement Wednesday that it stands behind its science that says the sediment from the Cuyahoga River is suitable for open-lake disposal. The state says it used methods approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency to determine that the chemicals within the sediment posed too much of a risk.

The Ohio EPA sued the federal agency last year after it threatened to stop dredging until Ohio paid $1.4 million to put the material in a containment facility. A federal judge ordered the dredging to continue, but the lawsuit over who pays is still to be decided.

Environmental regulators have long sought to end dumping of dredged sediment throughout the lake.
Bill Cosby's legal team has filed a motion to have his sexual assault case thrown out, claiming the star can never have a fair trial because he is blind, forgetful and black.

The 79-year-old has been accused by a string of different women of drugging and sexually assaulting them. The accusations range from alleged incidents in 1969 to 2004.

The only criminal charges to be brought against him allege that he drugged and molested Andrea Constand when she was 31 in 2004 at his suburban Philadelphia home.

Her lawyers hope to include testimony from other women who have accused him of similar crimes but whose cases have never been brought forward criminally.

On Thursday Cosby's defense team tried to have the case, which is set to go to trial in June, thrown out, listing a 'perfect storm' of reasons why they say it should not proceed.

Bill Cosby's legal team has filed a motion to have his sexual assault case thrown out, claiming it is impossible to defend the star against the historic accusations

They say the comedian has no chance of a fair trial because he is African American, while his alleged victims are mostly white; he is blind and therefore cannot identify his accusers, and that key elements of the 12-year-old case are too old to be relied upon.

'The Commonwealth chose thirteen women to testify against Mr. Cosby. Only one of those women self-identifies as African-American,' they wrote in their motion to dismiss the case which was viewed by The Daily Beast.

Brian McMonagle, one of his lawyers, claimed the deaths of 'key' witnesses and closure of places where crimes are meant to have taken place make the case unfeasible.

The star's defense team also took aim at civil rights lawyer Gloria Allred, slamming her for 'parading her clients' claims before the media'.

They argued that Cosby would not be given a fair trial due the delay in his arrest and public attention surrounding the case.

'Numerous actors  the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; a federal judge with a baseless theory; a lawyer who parades her clients' untimely, unverifiable claims before the media; and a district attorney who publicly branded a celebrity for his own political gain  created a perfect storm of prejudice, bias, and delay,' they wrote to the court.

'One of the commonwealth's proposed witnesses claims that her agent arranged for her to have dinner with Mr. Cosby in Toronto, Canada in 1969.

Cosby (seen being led into a courtroom in July) is now blind. His lawyers say he will not be able to recognize his accusers in court and testify whether they have ever met

Andrea Constand (left) says she was drugged and molested by the comedian in 2004. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele (right) arrested the star in December on the basis of her historical accusations

Gloria Allred, a civil rights lawyer, has been accused of 'parading' Cosby's accusers before the media

'Her agent died in 2011. She claims they dined with a famous football player. He died in 2012. The restaurant where she claims they dined closed in 1990.

'Without his eyesight, Mr. Cosby cannot determine whether he has ever even met his (1969) accuser.'

Constand filed a civil lawsuit against him in 2005 and was given a settlement after agreeing to sign confidentiality agreements. At the time prosecutors chose not to pursue criminal charges due to lack of evidence.

The depositions from the lawsuit were however unsealed last year by a federal judge who said he believed the actor had surrendered his right to privacy by publicly speaking about his family life.

Brian McMonagle, one of his lawyers, (right) claimed the deaths of 'key' witnesses and closure of places where crimes are meant to have taken place make the case unfeasible. The star is seen being led into court by another associate (left) in September

It also came in the wake of several other public accusations of abuse made by other women.

Cosby (seen above in his mugshot) was arrested in December last year after decades of accusations of abuse

In his deposition from the case, Cosby admitted to extra-marital affairs. He also told how he had been given the sedatives quaaludes from a doctor in the 1970s and said he gave them to women before having sex with them.

He admitted giving Constand Benadryl, an over-the-counter drug.

But his legal team claim he only made the statements willingly, waiving his right to invoke the fifth amendment, because he had been given assurances he would not face criminal prosecution by the then district attorney's office.

A new Montgomery County prosecutor was elected afterwards and chose to pursue the case.
The Latest: Attorney: Attacker's family shocked by crime

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP)  The Latest on the investigation into last month's stabbings at a Minnesota mall (all times local):

12:15 p.m.

The attorney for the family of the man who stabbed 10 people at a central Minnesota mall says his relatives had no idea he expressed interest in Islam and was planning last month's attack as authorities have indicated.

Abdulwahid Osman said Thursday following a news conference by the FBI and other officials that the family did not see a change in Dahir Ahmed Adan's behavior as investigators have claimed. Law enforcement officials say Adan took a recent interest in Islam, withdrew from his friends and encouraged female relatives to be more religious.

Osman says Adan's parents and other close family members viewed video evidence from the mall attack earlier Thursday. He says Adan's parents said that is "not the son they knew" and that it is beyond their understanding that he committed the crime.

An off-duty officer shot and killed Adan after he wounded the 10 people at Crossroads Center mall.

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11 a.m.

The FBI says the 20-year-old man who stabbed 10 people last month at a central Minnesota mall may have become radicalized recently and that the attack likely was premeditated.

FBI Special Agent Rick Thornton said Thursday at a news conference that Dahir Ahmed Adan took interest recently in Islam, withdrew from his friends and encouraged female relatives to be more religious.

Thornton also said investigators were told that said Adan yelled "Islam, Islam" and "allahu akbar" during the attack.

Thornton said the investigation is ongoing, including his online history, and that authorities are trying to obtain permission to unlock Adan's iPhone.

FBI Director James Comey said last week it appeared Adan was at least partly inspired by extremist ideology.

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This item has been corrected to show that Adan encouraged female relatives, not his sisters, to be more religious.

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10:45 a.m.

Authorities say the 20-year-old man who stabbed 10 people last month at a central Minnesota mall asked several people whether they were Muslim before attacking.

Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall said Thursday at a news conference that Dahir Ahmed Adan was armed with two steak knives. The Sept. 17 stabbings began outside of the Crossroads Center mall and then moved inside.

FBI Director James Comey said last week it appeared Adan was at least partly inspired by extremist ideology.

Kendall also said the off-duty officer from a nearby city who shot Adan six times and killed him inside a Macy's store won't face charges.

St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis asked that people continue to think about those who were injured as well as those who saw the attack.

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12 a.m.

Authorities are planning to update the public on their investigation into last month's stabbing that wounded 10 people at a central Minnesota mall.

The FBI has said it was investigating the Sept. 17 attack in St. Cloud as a potential act of terror, but details haven't been released.

Last week, FBI Director James Comey said it appeared 20-year-old Dahir Ahmed Adan was at least partly inspired by extremist ideology.

Authorities say Adan went to the Crossroads Center mall with what appeared to be a kitchen knife and stabbed or cut 10 people before he was shot and killed by an off-duty police officer. None of his victims' injuries were life-threatening.
UNESCO-backed exhibit in Rome features 3 destroyed treasures

ROME (AP)  Three archaeological treasures damaged or destroyed by fighting in Syria and Iraq have been reproduced for a UNESCO-sponsored exhibit at the Colosseum.

The exhibit, which opened Thursday, features life-size replicas of the Temple of Bel at Palmyra, the human-headed bull at Nimrud and the Royal Archives at Ebla.

Three Italian companies, guided by archeologists and art historians, used technologies including 3-D printers and materials mimicking sandstone and marble to reconstruct the artifacts. They will be on display until Dec. 16.

Two defaced busts dating back to the 2nd and 3rd century are displayed inside the Colosseum as part of an exhibit titled "Reborn from the Destructions" which will run from Oct. 7 to Dec. 11, in Rome, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. The two damaged busts were recovered by the functionaries of the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums of Damascus in the Museum of Palmyra, after the liberation from the Islamic State group armed forces. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Islamic State militants destroyed ruins of the 2,000-year-old Temple of Bel in Palmyra in August 2015 and bulldozed the archaeological site at Nimrud, in Iraq, a few months earlier. The Royal Archives at Ebla, including thousands of cuneiform tablets, have suffered extensive damage during Syria's war.

A photographer takes pictures of two defaced busts dating back to the 2nd and 3rd century displayed inside the Colosseum as part of an exhibit titled "Reborn from the Destructions" which will run from Oct. 7 to Dec. 11, in Rome, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. The two damaged busts were recovered by the functionaries of the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums of Damascus in the Museum of Palmyra, after the liberation from the Islamic State group armed forces. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The damaged face of a defaced busts dating back to the 2nd and 3rd century is displayed inside the Colosseum as part of an exhibit titled "Reborn from the Destructions" which will run from Oct. 7 to Dec. 11, in Rome, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. The two damaged busts were recovered by the functionaries of the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums of Damascus in the Museum of Palmyra, after the liberation from the Islamic State group armed forces. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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Likely new UN secretary-general sees 'huge challenges' ahead

LISBON, Portugal (AP)  The United Nations' probable next secretary-general said Thursday he faces "huge challenges" and hopes to see unity and consensus during his expected term at the international body.

Antonio Guterres praised the U.N. Security Council for its swiftness and unity in approving him by acclamation in a formal vote earlier in the day.

"I sincerely hope that that was symbolic and displays an increased ability on the part of the Security Council to  through unity and consensus  be able to take the swift decisions which the troubled world we live in demands," Guterres said in a brief statement at the Foreign Ministry in Lisbon.

The newly appointed Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, reads a statement at Lisbon's Necessidades palace after the formal election took place this morning at the organisation's headquarters, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. The probable next U.N. secretary-general says he faces "huge challenges" and hopes to see unity and consensus during his expected term at the international body. (AP Photo/Steven Governo)

Guterres, 67, a former Portuguese prime minister who for 10 years was the U.N. high commissioner for refugees, is almost certain to replace Ban Ki-moon as secretary-general. He said his focus as U.N. chief would be on helping the victims of war, poverty and injustice.

He spoke without notes in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. He did not take reporters' questions.

"I have just two words to express my feelings at this moment: humility and gratitude," Guterres said.

He praised the "intelligence and dedication and commitment" of his rivals for the secretary-general post as well as the Portuguese diplomats who campaigned for him.

The newly appointed Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, reads a statement at Lisbon's Necessidades palace after the formal election took place this morning at the organisation's headquarters, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. The probable next U.N. secretary-general says he faces "huge challenges" and hopes to see unity and consensus during his expected term at the international body. (AP Photo/Steven Governo)

The newly appointed Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, reads a statement at Lisbon's Necessidades palace after the formal election took place this morning at the organisation's headquarters, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. The probable next U.N. secretary-general says he faces "huge challenges" and hopes to see unity and consensus during his expected term at the international body. (AP Photo/Steven Governo)

The newly appointed Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, reads a statement at Lisbon's Necessidades palace after the formal election took place this morning at the organisation's headquarters, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. The probable next U.N. secretary-general says he faces "huge challenges" and hopes to see unity and consensus during his expected term at the international body. (AP Photo/Steven Governo)
HBO can't film Somali-American drama at Minnesota high rise

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Residents have barred HBO from filming at a Minneapolis high-rise apartment building for what the company describes as a Somali-American family drama series.

Minneapolis Public Housing Authority had provisionally approved the filming of "Mogadishu, Minnesota" outside the Cedar-Riverside area building if residents agreed and would be paid location fees.

But MPR News (http://bit.ly/2e5fBxJ ) reported that the residents voted against the move Wednesday night, citing the potential disruption to their daily lives and concerns that Somali Americans would be portrayed in a negative light.

"And anybody who knows HBO, no one is watching that to talk about a Somali family. They don't care about that," said Burhan Mohamud, a student. "They care about what is happening in Minneapolis. They care about all these headlines."

The show's writer and director, Somali-Canadian musician K'naan, said in a statement that the show's objective is to accurately portray Muslim Americans' lives.

"When national and international discourse is driven by a perceived Islamic threat, 'Mogadishu, Minnesota' intends to look behind the generalizations and assumptions to reveal the truth about what daily life is like for Muslim Americans across a range of religiosities," K'naan said in the statement.

Producers of the HBO show said in a statement that they will respect the tenant's wishes and not film at the Cedar-Riverside area building. However the company will still shoot at about a dozen other locations in Minneapolis.

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Chicago lawmaker wants Trump's honorary street sign removed

CHICAGO (AP)  A city lawmaker in Chicago is calling for Donald Trump's name to be removed from an honorary street sign in the city.

Part of Wabash Avenue near Trump's hotel carries the honorary title "Trump Plaza."

Democratic Alderman Brendan Reilly has proposed removing the sign, saying Trump doesn't deserve the honor because of his negative comments about the city. During last week's first presidential debate, the GOP nominee noted the number of shootings in the city this year and questioned whether it was part of "a war-torn country."

Reilly says what he calls the "skewed narrative" of Trump, "can only hurt Chicago."
German airline Tui fly was forced to cancel over 100 flights on Friday due to a staff shortages.

Many of the airline's crew and pilots were said to have called in sick at short notice, leaving the flights unstaffed.

The flights affected were all departing from or travelling to Germany, including several domestic flights.

German airline Tui fly was forced to cancel over 100 flights on Friday due to a staff shortages (file photo)

Tui fly, which belongs to tour operator Tui, said on Thursday that 108 flights would be cancelled, 54 each to and from Germany.

According to The Local, as many as 9,000 passengers will be affected by the disruptions.

The company is chartering planes from other companies to help bring home passengers. It said there may be further cancellations in coming days.

The flights affected were all departing from or travelling to Germany, including several domestic flights (file photo)

On social media, the company tweeted at 12.55pm on Friday that it's currently unable to give any information regarding flights on Saturday and Sunday.

The airline has seen less severe disruption over recent days, with 47 out of Thursday's 110 planned flights cancelled because of pilots and cabin crews reporting sick.

The problems come amid uncertainty over the company's future.

On Wednesday, struggling Air Berlin said it will hold discussions with Tui and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad on possibly merging part of Air Berlin's business with Tui fly.
Redstone deposition put on hold in Viacom shareholder suit

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)  A Delaware judge on Thursday granted a request by attorneys for Sumner Redstone to halt evidence gathering, including a possible deposition of the ailing media mogul, in a Viacom shareholder lawsuit until he rules on a defense motion to dismiss the complaint.

After hearing arguments from attorneys, Chancellor Andre Bouchard agreed to put the case on hold until he hears arguments in January on the motion to dismiss and issues his ruling.

The shareholder plaintiffs are challenging actions taken by Viacom's board in re-nominating Redstone as a director earlier this year amid concerns about his health and mental capacity, and efforts by Redstone and his daughter, Shari, to change the company's bylaws and oust certain directors.

Redstone's attorneys argued that he has a serious speech impediment, and that subjecting him to a deposition would exacerbate his health problems while providing little if any useful evidence regarding the actions and intentions of other board members.

"It really ends up being nothing more than an assault on this man's dignity," said Robert Klieger, an attorney for Redstone.

Eric Zagar, an attorney for the plaintiffs, argued that Redstone's health is unlikely to improve, and that a deposition would shed light on his capacity to make and communicate decisions as a director and controlling shareholder of Viacom.

"Ultimately, we are challenging his capacity to make any corporate decisions since at least the summer," Zagar said.

While agreeing to put evidence gathering in the case on hold, Bouchard directed attorneys to talk about a protocol for deposing Redstone, given statements by his attorneys that it could cause him anxiety, likely exacerbating problems with his sleeping and swallowing, while increasing his blood pressure.

"In other circumstances, I might be skeptical about assertions like this ... but I believe they should be taken seriously when we are talking about the health risks of a 93-year-old man," he said.

The judge also suggested that an independent medical examination of Redstone may be more useful than a deposition in addressing questions about his competency.

The lawsuit is one of several legal battles that have played out over the past year involving Redstone and the future of the media empire he controls through National Amusements Inc., a private movie theater company that holds controlling shares in both Viacom and CBS. Redstone stepped down as executive chairman of both companies earlier this year. Viacom owns the Paramount Pictures movie studio and pay TV channels such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and BET.

Earlier this year, longtime Viacom CEO Phillipe Dauman was pushed out following a legal battle with Shari Redstone over control of the company. The fight ended with Shari Redstone as a Viacom director and president of National Amusements.

In May, Sumner Redstone stripped Dauman and George Abrams, another longtime adviser, of key positions as trustees and board members of National Amusements.

The two argued in response that Redstone wasn't mentally competent and was being manipulated by his daughter.

Similarly, the plaintiffs in the shareholder lawsuit argue that Viacom directors breached their fiduciary duties in continuing to keep Redstone on the board even though, as they claim, he is unfit to serve. They also argue that certain bylaw changes orchestrated by Redstone should be invalidated if it is shown that he was not competent to authorize them.

Klieger acknowledged that his client is dealing with some serious health issues, but he noted that advanced age and physical health problems do not necessarily mean his cognitive abilities are impaired.
US wants to strengthen agreement to ban Arctic Ocean fishing

PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  The United States is trying to broker an agreement between a host of nations to prohibit unregulated fishing in the international waters of the Arctic Ocean.

Such an agreement would be binding and include more countries than a non-binding agreement that the U.S. entered into with Norway, Denmark, Russia and Canada last year to avoid fishing in the area.

Adm. Robert Papp, the U.S. special representative for the Arctic, said a binding, multinational agreement would prevent fishing in the Arctic high seas before scientists can determine what is sustainable. He said the issue is especially important as Arctic ice melts, making the area more open to potential commercial fishing.

"We don't want people fishing in there until we have the science of what's happening," Papp said. "It's a pre-emptive effort to be able to sustain fisheries into the future."

The U.S. would like to get nations such as China, Korea, Japan and members of the European Union on board with the fishing shutdown, Papp said. He estimated that such an agreement is most likely a couple of years away.

The issue of Arctic Ocean fishing was one of many Arctic issues discussed this week at a diplomatic meeting of the Arctic Council's Senior Arctic Officials in Portland, Maine, that ended Thursday.

Arctic fishing also is on the radar of environmental organizations, such as The Pew Charitable Trusts, which has argued for a binding agreement signed by many nations to shut down fishing. Pew has called the current non-binding agreement "laudable" but also said a broader deal is needed because unregulated fishing could do damage to the Arctic Ocean's ecosystem as waters continue to warm.

The U.S. State Department said last year that the non-binding agreement, signed in Oslo, acknowledged that commercial fishing in the central Arctic Ocean  an area bigger than Alaska and Texas combined  is unlikely to happen soon. But it also acknowledged that the reduction of Arctic sea ice and the limited scope of scientific knowledge about marine life in the area make it necessary to prevent unregulated fishing.
Years later Obama's peace prize still tangled in war debates

WASHINGTON (AP)  Seven years ago this week, when a young American president learned he'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize barely nine months into his first term  arguably before he'd made any peace  a somewhat embarrassed Barack Obama asked his aides to write an acceptance speech that addressed the awkwardness of the award.

But by the time his speechwriters delivered a draft, Obama's focus had shifted to another source of tension in his upcoming moment in Oslo: He would deliver this speech about peace just days after he planned to order 30,000 more American troops into battle in Afghanistan.

The president all but scrapped the draft and wrote his own version.

FILE - In this Dec. 10, 2009, file photo, President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Barack Obama poses with his medal and diploma at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at City Hall in Oslo. Seven years ago Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. On matters of war and peace, Obama has proven to be a confounding and contradictory figure, one who stands to leave behind both devastating and pressing failures, as well as a set of fresh accomplishments whose impact could resonate for decades. (AP Photo/John McConnico, File)

The speech Obama delivered  a Nobel Peace Prize lecture about the necessity of waging war  now looks like an early sign that the American president would not be the sort of peacemaker the European intellectuals of the Nobel committee had anticipated.

On matters of war and peace, Obama has proven to be a confounding and contradictory figure, one who stands to leave behind both devastating and pressing failures, as well as a set of fresh accomplishments whose impact could resonate for decades.

He is the erstwhile anti-war candidate, now engaged in more theaters of war than his predecessor. He is the commander-in-chief who pulled more than a hundred thousand U.S. troops out of harm's way in Iraq, but also began a slow trickle back in. He recoiled against full-scale, conventional war, while embracing the brave new world of drone attacks and proxy battles. He has championed diplomacy on climate change and nuclear proliferation and has torn down walls to Cuba and Myanmar, but also has failed repeatedly to broker a lasting pause to more than six years of slaughter in Syria.

If there was consensus Obama had not yet earned his Nobel Peace Prize when he received it in 2009, there's little such agreement on whether he deserves it today.

"I don't think he would have been in the speculation of the Nobel committee now, in 2016, even if he had not already won," said Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the Peace Research Institute of Oslo, and a close watcher of the Nobel committee. Harpviken said he views Obama's foreign policy as more conventional and limited than he expected, particularly when it comes to using multilateral cooperation and institutions.

When it comes to finding new instruments for peace, he said, "Obama has been stuck in the old paradigm."

In many respects, Obama's tenure has been a seven-year debate over whether the president has used the tools of war to try to make peace too much or little.

Obama has been sharply criticized for his refusal to use force to depose Syrian President Bashar Assad, cripple his air force or more aggressively engage in diplomatic efforts to end the fighting. Many view Obama's policies as an unfortunate overcorrection from the George W. Bush-era Iraq war.

"The president correctly wanted to move away from the maximalist approach of the previous administration, but in doing so he went to a minimalist, gradualist and proxy approach that is prolonging the war. Where is the justice in that?" said Ret. Lt. Gen. Jim Dubik, a senior fellow at the Institute for the Study of War and the author of the book, "Just War Reconsider." Obama should have worked harder to rally a coalition around a shared vision of a stable Middle East, he said.

"Part of the requirement of leadership," Dubik said, "is to operate in that space between where the world is and where the world ought to go."

The president's advisers dismiss such critiques as a misguided presumption that more force yields more peace. Cold-eyed assessments of the options in Syria show no certainty of outcomes.

"In Syria, there is no international basis to go to war against the Assad regime. Similarly, there's no clearly articulable objective as to how it would play out. What is the end that we're seeking militarily? " said deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes. "The president doesn't believe you can impose order through military force alone."

But Obama has in many other cases been willing to use limited force to achieve limited objectives, even risking unintended consequences.

He has ordered drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Syria, actions that that have killed civilians and sparked tension in those countries and across the international community. What began as a secret program has become more transparent and Obama has aimed to leave legal limits for his predecessor on the use of unmanned warplanes.

But he has left unanswered the question of how or when those actions will lead to peace, some argued.

Looking back on his Nobel speech, that dilemma was already there, said Jon Alterman, a Middle East expert and former State Department official.

"What's strikes me most is how different our concept of war was seven years ago," he said. "We are engaged in a whole series of infinitely sustainable, low-level actions that have no logical endpoint. When do we stop doing drone attacks in Yemen and Pakistan? What level of terrorism is acceptable? ... We're engaged in battles with a whole range of groups that are never going to surrender, so how do you decide to stop it? How do you decide what winning looks like?"

FILE - In this Dec. 10, 2009, file photo, President Barack Obama, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, pumps his fist as they watch the torch parade from the balcony of their hotel in Oslo, Norway. Earlier, President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize. Seven years ago Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. On matters of war and peace, Obama has proven to be a confounding and contradictory figure, one who stands to leave behind both devastating and pressing failures, as well as a set of fresh accomplishments whose impact could resonate for decades. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
California Taser death victim went 14 minutes with no care

LOS ANGELES (AP)  A 66-year-old man who died this week after California police stunned him with a Taser during a struggle lay on the ground for 14 minutes without medical assistance because officers were in a standoff with his brother, who was threatening them with a gun, authorities said Thursday.

Officers carrying riot shields to protect themselves were eventually able to drag Thomas Binkley away from the house in Burbank so he could be treated by paramedics, but he died at the scene, said police Sgt. Claudio Losacco.

Police initially responded Tuesday to the nearby suburban home of a woman who said Binkley, her ex-father-in-law, had left after threatening to kill her, Losacco said.

Then they went to the home that Binkley shared with his brother, where Binkley argued with them from the front lawn and then assaulted the officers, Losacco said. During the struggle an officer discharged his Taser at Binkley.

The brother, Steve Binkley, 65, then came to the door and threatened officers before arming himself with a gun and barricading himself inside, Losacco said.

"They saw him with a handgun, so they took cover and called for backup," he said.

Officers dragged Thomas Binkley off the front yard once they had the metal riot police shields to protect themselves. He had been on the ground for 14 minutes, Losacco said.

The standoff with Steve Binkley ended with his surrender 40 minutes after he had barricaded himself inside the house.

"He was walking out and he put his hands over his head, got on the ground and they took him away," neighbor Nancy Harrington said.

Police recovered a handgun.

Steve Binkley was held for lack of $25,000 bail and was due to make his first court appearance Friday, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department records. It wasn't known Thursday if he had an attorney.

An autopsy was planned to determine the cause of death, the Los Angeles County coroner's office said.

The Binkley brothers' elderly mother also lived at the home about 10 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles and was inside it with her caretaker during the standoff.

Neighbors told police and reporters that the brothers frequently fought among themselves.

"They've kind of had a feud for a long time," Harrington told KABC-TV.
For tourists, storm is Hurricane Who Shall Not Be Named

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)  Voldemort couldn't stop Harry Potter, but Matthew did.

Three of the world's most popular tourist attractions, Universal Studios (home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter), Walt Disney World and SeaWorld all made a rare decision to close their theme parks Thursday ahead of Hurricane Matthew's arrival. Soggy tourists rushed to cram in a few more rides before their vacations ended, or tried to figure out how to pass the time instead.

"I never get time off," said Amber Klinkel, 25, of Battle Creek, Michigan, who was visiting the Universal Studios park with her mother and younger sister. "I'm a little sad."

Park guests depart from Universal Studios, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. Leaving more than 100 dead in its wake across the Caribbean, Hurricane Matthew steamed toward heavily populated Florida with terrifying winds of 140 mph Thursday, and 2 million people across the Southeast were warned to flee inland. In inland Orlando, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld announced plans to close early today(AP Photo/Janelle Cogan)

Universal and Walt Disney World both closed at 5 p.m. Thursday, and SeaWorld shut its gates at 2 p.m. The parks are among the most-visited tourist destinations in the world.

Anthony Leotta, who arrived Thursday from Long Island, New York, said he was going to try to get a refund at Universal. Leotta, who is visiting with his wife, said they are leaving on a cruise Sunday and will probably have just a single day at the theme park.

"I paid for three days at the park and I'm only going to be able to use one," Leotta said.

Carlos Rodriguez, who said he lives in New Jersey but didn't give a hometown, planned to do as much as possible at Universal before it closed Thursday.

"We will try not to walk away empty-handed," he said. "Can't blame them for a hurricane. But you can blame them for closing too early."

The scenario was a bit unfamiliar for Emma Bassett, 24, of Middlesbrough, England, a self-described "massive Harry Potter fan" whose flight home was rescheduled.

"We're not used to stuff like this," she said. "You don't get hurricanes in England."
Professor: American killed in Ethiopia had bright future

DAVIS, Calif. (AP)  An American researcher killed in a rock attack by protesters in Ethiopia this week was a talented scientist with a bright future, family members and mentors said Thursday.

Sharon Gray, 31, was a leader in the study of how climate change affects plants, said Savithramma Dinesh-Kumar, chairman of Gray's plant biology department at the University of California, Davis.

"She's really an always-smiling slip of sunshine. She's a smart, energetic scientist," Dinesh-Kumar said. "She had a very bright future ahead of her. And everyone knew she was going to be the star in the plant biology research area."

In this September 27, 2016, photo provided by Margo Smit, is Sharon Gray instructing lab members on how to harvest tomato roots from field experiments on the University of California, Davis campus in Davis, Calif. An American researcher killed in a rock attack by protesters in Ethiopia this week was a talented scientist with a bright future, the chairman of her department at the University of California, Davis said Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Gray, 30, a post-doctoral researcher, was in the East African country for a meeting to kick off a research project when she was killed Tuesday. She was traveling in a car in the outskirts of the capital, Addis Ababa, an area that has seen months of deadly protests. (Margo Smit via AP)

Gray, a post-doctoral researcher, was in the East African country for a meeting to kick off a research project when she was killed Tuesday. She was traveling in a car in the outskirts of the capital, Addis Ababa, an area that has seen months of deadly protests.

A family statement said Gray was "such a bright human being."

"Sharon was a passionate scientist, friend, spouse, sister, daughter, aunt, godmother, and a colleague," the statement said. "We are picking each other up and growing together in her absence."

The family has started a fundraising webpage aimed at mentoring young women in science in her name.

Gray is the first foreigner killed in the massive anti-government protests that have claimed the lives of hundreds of protesters since November 2015. At least 55 were killed in a stampede last weekend when police tried to disrupt a demonstration amid a massive religious festival that has been followed by clashes between security forces and protesters.

The circumstances of the attack that killed Gray are still unclear, Dinesh-Kumar said. Another UC Davis professor who was in Ethiopia was shaken but not hurt and is returning home, he said.

The U.S. Embassy on Wednesday attributed the death to head injuries from a rock thrown by "unknown individuals."

Gray earned her doctorate at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2013 before moving to UC Davis with her husband, who is also a post-doctoral researcher. She was recently awarded a three-year National Science Foundation grant to study how growing levels of carbon dioxide affect plants.

She traveled to Ethiopia for her first meeting to discuss a separate research project she planned to conduct with the Netherlands Institute of Ecology and charitable organizations.

The U.S. State Department is assisting Gray's family, said UC Davis Interim Provost Ken Burtis and Mark Winey, dean of the College of Biological Sciences, in a message to the campus community.

"On behalf of the entire UC Davis campus, our hearts and condolences go out to Sharon's husband and extended family," they wrote. "Even in tragedy, we hope that we all can find some comfort in the wonderful work Sharon was engaged in that will better the lives of so many around the world."

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This story has been corrected to show that Gray is 31, not 30.

Plant Biology Department Chair Savithramma Dinesh-Kumar, at the University of California-Davis, discusses the death of UC Davis researcher Sharon Gray, who was killed Tuesday in Ethiopia, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in Davis, Calif. Gray, 30, a postdoctoral researcher, was in Ethiopia to attend a meeting related to her research when the she was struck by a rock as the passenger van she was riding in was hit by rocks. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Rae Young Bond, chief executive officer of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society and Medical Foundation of Chattanooga, has been elected to the board of directors of the American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE). AAMSE is the professional association of more 1,300 county, state, and specialty medical society executives nationwide.

Through its more than 300 member organizations, AAMSE advances the profession of medicine through education, communication of knowledge, leadership development and collaboration.

Member organizations include county, regional, state, state specialty, national, national specialty and international medical societies, as well as affiliated health care organizations and industry partners.

Formed in 1946 as the Medical Society Executive Conference with 69 members, AAMSE positions medical society executives, and the organizations and physicians they serve, to reach the highest standard of professionalism and quality in the field of organized medicine.

The needs of patients receiving medical care, as well as those of the physicians who provide that care, are constantly evolving. Medical society professionals assess those needs and lead in the development and implementation of innovative solutions to health care's biggest challenges.

Ms. Bond has served twice as the CEO of the Medical Society and Medical Foundation, most recently joining the foundation in 2002 to begin the Project Access initiative, and being named CEO of the both organizations in 2005. She is vice chair of the Hamilton County Regional Health Council and serves on numerous other boards and committees to address health-related issues. Prior to moving to Tennessee in 1994, she served in various capacities in Washington, DC, including as a congressional press secretary and ten years as Director of Public Affairs for the National Governors Association. Earlier, she was a journalist in her native Idaho.
Niger: 20 soldiers dead in attack on post near refugee camp

NIAMEY, Niger (AP)  A local official says gunmen have killed around 20 Niger soldiers guarding a camp of Malian refugees.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the press, said Thursday the assailants targeted a military post near the camp in the Tasara region. He could not say how many gunmen were involved or where they came from. He said that besides the fatalities, three soldiers were injured and had been transported to the town of Tahoua for treatment.

Northern and central Mali remain unstable nearly four years after France led a military intervention to drive out Islamic extremists.
White knight? Colombia peace deal hinges on hardliner Uribe

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)  Former President Alvaro Uribe fanned widespread resentment of Colombia's largest rebel group as he crisscrossed the country, campaigning for weeks against a peace deal he said would appease "terrorists" or lead the country down the path of communist Cuba.

But Colombians now look to the conservative hardliner as a potential savior of the accord that hangs by a thread following voters' shocking rejection of the deal in a referendum Sunday.

Colombia's political landscape was upended by the referendum. President Juan Manuel Santos, who has staked his presidency on trying to end the half-century conflict, was weakened by the vote while Uribe was seen as the big winner.

Colombias former President Alvaro Uribe, fourth from left, reads a statement after meeting with President Juan Manuel Santos at the presidential palace in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2016. Uribe, who was a vocal critic of a peace deal signed between Santos and rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, is flanked by Carlos Holmes, left, Oscar Ivan Zuluaga, second from left, Marta Lucia Ramirez, third from left, Alejandro Ordonez, fifth from left, and Ivan Duque, six from left. The meeting between Santos and leaders who opposed the terms of the accord came three days after it was narrowly rejected in a referendum. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

After trashing the agreement as a gift to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, whose rebels are blamed for dozens of atrocities, Uribe sounded conciliatory in victory and offered to be part of a "national accord" aimed at ending the conflict.

Santos quickly accepted the offer and the two met Wednesday at the presidential palace that Uribe occupied in 2002-10. The meeting was in itself a political milestone as the two men hadn't seen each other since 2011.

"Colombians, we're very close to achieving peace," Santos said after the meeting. "If everyone shows good will, and contributes with responsibility, realism and celerity, we will get there."

Talks between the government and the opposition to alter the accord are a high-stakes gamble that could fail if FARC leaders don't go along.

Uribe's hatred of the FARC is personal. Rebels killed his father in a failed 1983 kidnapping attempt at the family's farm in Antioquia state. Shortly afterward, Uribe abandoned his legal career and entered politics, finally getting revenge two decades later as president when he leveraged U.S. military support to drive the rebels back to the edge of the jungles.

Santos was Uribe's trusted defense minister during some of the government's biggest military blows against the rebels, including a 2008 raid into Ecuador that killed a top FARC commander and the rescue of three Americans held hostage for five years.

But the two angrily split shortly after Uribe helped elect Santos as his successor. Uribe regularly blasts Santos to his 4.5 million followers on Twitter  almost the same number as the president  to the point that Colombians joke it would be easier for Santos to achieve peace with the FARC than patch things up with his former ally.

Before the referendum, polls initially showed the "yes" vote winning by an almost 2-1 margin. But Uribe took on the government's well-funded publicity blitz with a grassroots campaign giving voice to millions of Colombians, especially the poor and rural voters, who bristled at provisions in the 297-page accord that spared jail time for rebel leaders who committed violent crimes and set aside congressional seats for FARC members.

"Uribe is a political animal who better than anyone can look into the soul of the Colombians and speak a language they understand," said Jaime Castro, a former mayor of Bogota who opposed the accord but is also critical of Uribe's strident rhetoric.

On the day of the peace deal's signing ceremony in Cartagena last week, as world leaders and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon were arriving, Uribe spoke to a crowd of some 500 supporters gathered outside the historic city's colonial ramparts.

"The democratic world would never allow Bin Laden or those belonging to ISIS to become president," Uribe said standing in the blazing midday sun on the back of a pickup truck. "So why does Colombia have to allow the election of the terrorists who've kidnapped 11,700 children or raped 6,800 women?"

In the past, the FARC has expressed a begrudging respect for Uribe, with rebel leader Timochenko last May inviting to meet anywhere the former president wanted to voice his concerns about the negotiations.

"President Uribe, we are willing to talk calmly with you about the future of our nation," Timochenko wrote in an open letter. "With hate you can't go anywhere. We're very clear that passion and polarization are bad influences, that nobody is the owner of the absolute truth and that peace must be built collectively."

Uribe never responded to the invitation. It's now unclear if the FARC rebels will sit down with their longtime enemy.

A FARC representative, who spoke on condition of anonymity to prevent disrupting attempts at dialogue, said rebels could be reluctant to renegotiate the accord with someone who long sought their extermination. The rebel negotiator said Uribe is likely to support stiff penalties for guerrillas, who insist they not serve jail time.

Uribe, in the past, supported some concessions to rebels that he now criticizes as acts of impunity, fueling hope a compromise could be reached. As a lawmaker in 1992, he sponsored legislation giving a "total pardon" to M-19 guerrillas, an unrelated rebel group, who attacked the Supreme Court and killed 11 magistrates.

Still, some worry that despite his offer of conciliation, Uribe could ultimately obstruct peace efforts to maximize his political advantage ahead of the 2018 presidential election. Uribe is banned from running again, but he'll likely dominate any candidate from his Democratic Center party.

"I would not be surprised if Uribe pressed for an agreement with the FARC on his own terms, one that is acceptable to most Colombians. In this way he would wrest credit for being the peacemaker from Santos," said Michael Shifter, who attended the peace signing ceremony as president of the Washington-based Inter-American Dialogue. "Nothing would make him happier. Egos and petty politics will have a great deal to do with how this all works out."

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Joshua Goodman is on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjoshgoodman . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/journalist/joshua-goodman .

Colombias President Juan Manuel Santos leaves the podium after speaking to journalists on his meeting with opposition Senator and former President Alvaro Uribe at the presidential palace in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2016. Uribe was a vocal critic of a peace deal signed between Santos and rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, and led a successful campaign for voters that narrowly reject the deal in a referendum. on Oct. 2. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Demonstrators hold candles during a march for peace in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. The march was organized on social media by student groups and social movements to ask the political establishment and leftist rebels to not give up on a peace deal that was narrowly rejected by voters in a referendum on Oct. 2. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Demonstrators light candles during a march for peace in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. The march was organized on social media by student groups and social movements to ask the political establishment and leftist rebels to not give up on a peace deal that was narrowly rejected by voters in a referendum on Oct. 2. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Women hold candles during a march for peace in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. The march was organized on social media by student groups and social movements to ask the political establishment and leftist rebels to not give up on a peace deal that was narrowly rejected by voters in a referendum on Oct. 2. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
Senators call for criminal investigation of Wells Fargo

WASHINGTON (AP)  Fourteen senators are calling on the Justice Department to open a criminal investigation of Wells Fargo executives after revelations that bank employees opened millions of fake bank and credit card accounts.

A bank teller who steals bills from a cash drawer is likely to face charges, the senators said in a statement, but "an executive who oversees a massive fraud that implicates thousands of bank employees and costs customers millions of dollars can walk away with a hefty retirement package and millions in the bank."

House and Senate hearings last month with Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf "raised serious questions" that point to possible wrongdoing by Stumpf and other high-ranking executive, said the senators, all but one of them Democrats.

U.S. and California regulators have fined San Francisco-based Wells Fargo $185 million, saying bank employees trying to meet aggressive sales targets opened up to 2 million fake deposit and credit card accounts in customers' names. Regulators said employees issued and activated debit cards and signed people up for online banking without permission. The abuses are said to have gone on for years, unchecked by senior management.

In their letter, the senators urged Attorney General Loretta Lynch to hold Wells Fargo accountable as a corporation and also prosecute individual executives who may have broken the law.

"Every time the Department of Justice settles a case of corporate fraud without holding individuals accountable, it reinforces the notion that the wealthy and powerful have purchased a higher class of justice for themselves," the senators said.

The letter was led by Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and signed by 12 other Democrats, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Patrick Leahy of Vermont. Warren and Merkley serve on the Senate Banking Committee, while Leahy is senior Democrat on the Judiciary Committee.

Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine also signed the letter.

In a related development, 11 Democratic senators, including Hirono, Merkley and Warren, signed a separate letter calling on Wells Fargo to comply with laws intended to protect military service members from predatory financial practices.

The Justice Department and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency announced a total of $24.1 million in civil penalties against the company for alleged violations, including failure to honor an interest cap on debts owed by service members.

In a settlement with the Justice Department, the bank is paying $4.1 million to resolve allegations it repossessed 413 cars owned by service members without obtaining court orders.

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Lawsuit says California could have stopped prison slaying

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  A federal lawsuit claims California officials could have stopped what it says was the "assassination" of a notorious California inmate who was stabbed 19 times just days after he was released into the general prison population last year.

Prison officials should have known that Hugo Pinell, 71, would be quickly targeted at the maximum security prison east of Sacramento, alleges the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Pinell's daughter, Allegra Casimir-Taylor.

Pinell was a convicted killer who had been isolated ever since a bloody escape attempt at San Quentin State Prison in 1971 that left six dead. He was known as one of the San Quentin 6 and helped slit the throats of prison guards during the failed jailbreak.

The decades in isolation were often for his own protection after repeated attempts on his life, the lawsuit claims, citing two attacks in the 1980s. A white inmate threw a homemade bomb at him and he was stabbed twice in the back by a black inmate, a member of a faction of Pinell's own purported prison gang.

He said in 1987 that he would refuse to leave his cell to avoid his enemies because "they're not going to give up now," says the complaint filed in federal district court in Sacramento. The lawsuit claims that the department's own paperwork warned that Pinell should not be released into the general inmate population for fear he would be killed.

California began emptying its infamous Pelican Bay security housing unit under pressure from reform groups. After 45 years in isolation, the longest such stint of any inmate, Pinell was integrated into the general prison population in August 2015.

The lawsuit claims, without providing evidence, that correctional officials bet among themselves on how long the Pinell would survive.

He was slain after two weeks.

Corrections department spokeswoman Terry Thornton said Thursday that she can't comment on the pending wrongful death lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages. She specifically declined comment on the betting allegation, and said she couldn't discuss whether there were warnings in Pinell's paperwork because inmate files are confidential.

The suit claims that Corrections officials knew of multiple credible death threats by various groups against Pinell, including one by the white supremacist Aryan Brotherhood. It says his two alleged attackers, Jayson Weaver and Waylon Pitchford, are white inmates with "an extensive history of racially motivated attacks on other inmates."

The Aryan Brotherhood wanted to kill Pinell for his purported involvement in the Black Guerrilla Family prison gang with San Quentin 6 ringleader George Jackson, who was killed in the 1971 escape attempt, Pinell's attorney, Keith Wattley, said after his client's death. He said Pinell long denied any gang connection, but rallied other black inmates who refused to accept some prison policies decades ago.
FBI: Minnesota mall attacker newly interested in Islam

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP)  The man who stabbed 10 people at a Minnesota mall had become interested in Islam in the last several months, withdrew from his friends and encouraged female relatives to be more religious, the FBI said Thursday.

"We were told (he) had not previously shown an interest in religion," but after 20-year-old Dahir Ahmed Adan did, he went from being a high academic performer to failing out of college "almost overnight," Minneapolis FBI Special Agent in Charge Rick Thornton said at a news conference in which authorities gave the public its first look at surveillance video of some of the Sept. 17 attacks.

"The totality of Dahir Adan's behavior and the actions suggest he may have been radicalized either with the influence of others or on his own," Thornton said.

Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall reads a letter Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, clearing off-duty officer Jason Faulkner in the shooting of Dahir Adan after Adan stabbed multiple people at Crossroads Center in St. Cloud, Minn., on Sept. 17. The man who stabbed multiple people at Crossroads Center had become interested in Islam in the last several months, withdrew from his friends and encouraged female relatives to be more religious, the FBI said Thursday. (Dave Schwarz/ the St. Cloud Times via AP)

The attorney for Adan's family, Abdulwahid Osman, said his parents and close family members did not see the behavioral changes that investigators described. "They believed he was doing as good as he used to do," Osman said. "That is not the son they knew."

Witnesses told the FBI that Adan, who was armed with two steak knives and later shot and killed, referenced Islam during the attack at Crossroads Center mall.

"We have numerous credible witness accounts of him asking victims during the attack if they were Muslim and at least one instance yelling 'Allahu akbar' while stabbing one of his victims and others heard him yelling "Islam Islam" during the attack," Thornton said, adding that it appeared to be premeditated.

Aside from Adan's supposed increased interest in the religion, Thornton offered no other evidence linking Adan, who was Somali-American, to extremist groups. Right after the attacks, an Islamic State-run news agency claimed Adan was a "soldier of the Islamic State" who had heeded the group's calls for attacks in countries that are part of a U.S.-led anti-IS coalition.

Thornton also said investigators are looking at Adan's digital footprint, including social media accounts, and are assessing "legal and technical options" to unlock his iPhone. He didn't elaborate, and agency spokesman Kyle Loven said he couldn't comment further because of the ongoing investigation.

The FBI hired an outside company to help it hack into an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino, California, shooters, Syed Rizwan Farook, who with his wife killed 14 people at a 2015 holiday work gathering. Apple had rejected the government's demand that it create software to bypass the phone's security features. The FBI has refused to name the company that developed the tool or say how much it paid for it.

The mall videos shown at the news conference showed Adan swinging wildly at an electronics store clerk and stabbing him at least once before the man scrambled away, as well as customers running from a candy store and the store's clerk pulling down a barrier just as Adan approached.

Another graphic video showed a bloody Adan crawling and trying to get up after he was shot six times by an off-duty officer.

Law enforcement shared the videos with the family Thursday, Osman said.

"They continue to mourn and grieve for the loss in their family and express profound sympathy to the victims," he said.

In arguing that it appeared the attack was premeditated, Thornton said compelling evidence included Adan not changing out of his security guard uniform between shifts as he usually did, telling his family he had "work to do tonight." He then texted his boss to say he was not coming to work.

Less than a half-hour before the attack, he went to a convenience store. When the clerk said he would see Adan later, Adan replied: "You won't be seeing me again," Thornton said.

Minnesota has the nation's largest Somali community, with census numbers placing the population at about 57,000. Young Somalis have been a target for terror recruiters. Since 2007, more than 20 young men have joined the militant group al-Shabab in Somalia. In addition, roughly a dozen people have left to join militants in Syria, and nine Minnesota men face sentencing on terror charges for plotting to join the Islamic State group.

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This story has been corrected to show Thornton's title is special agent in charge and that the FBI says Adan encouraged female relatives to become more religious, not his sisters.

St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis speaks during a press conference Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, at the St. Cloud Police station, in St. Cloud, Minn. Kleis asked that people continue to think about those who were injured in last month's stabbing at a Minnesota mall, as well as those who saw the attack. (Dave Schwarz /St. Cloud Times via AP)

St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis speaks during a press conference on the recent mall stabbing Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2016, at the St. Cloud Police station in St. Cloud, Minn. The man who stabbed multiple people at Crossroads Center had become interested in Islam in the last several months, withdrew from his friends and encouraged female relatives to be more religious, the FBI said Thursday. (Dave Schwarz/ the St. Cloud Times via AP)
National sheriffs group pledges help with pipeline policing

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  A national law enforcement group said Thursday it is lending its support to authorities who are policing the Dakota Access pipeline protest in North Dakota.

Sheriffs around the country are willing to send officers and lend their expertise to Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier, said Laramie County, Wyoming, Sheriff Danny Glick, who is the past president of the National Sheriffs' Association and has spent the last few days in North Dakota.

"When we get a call from Sheriff Kirchmeier that he needs assistance, we are ready to respond," Glick said during a news conference in Bismarck.

Kirchmeier said his department of 34 officers welcomes the help. He said a total of 268 local law enforcement officers and 154 Highway Patrol troopers from around the state have been in Morton County over the last two months.

"We have basically tapped the resources to a level that we have never seen in North Dakota for one particular incident," Kirchmeier said.

Thousands of people have joined the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe encampment in what has been called the largest gathering of Native American tribes in a century. Some of the protests have expanded to other construction sites along the pipeline route, which crosses through North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois.
Despite attention on Aleppo, Syria aflame on several fronts

BEIRUT (AP)  The battle for Aleppo has gripped the world, but it is hardly the only major front among the tangle of adversaries clashing across war-torn Syria.

Opposition forces are on the offensive in the country's center trying to sever the government's connection between Aleppo and the capital, Damascus, which is itself at the edge of a major theater of the war. In the northwest, Turkish-backed opposition forces are battling Islamic State militants, while to the east government forces are weathering an Islamic State siege of Deir El-Zour.

Here's a look at some of the battles around Syria:

FILE - In this Oct. 4, 2016 file photo, In this still image taken from video provided by the Syrian government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media, government troops patrol inside the Bustan Al-Basha neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria. he battle for Aleppo has gripped the world, but it is hardly the only front in Syria: Opposition forces are on the offensive in the countrys center hoping to sever the road connection between Aleppo and the capital Damascus, which is itself a front; in the northwest, Turkish-backed opposition forces battle Islamic State militants; to the east, government forces weather an Islamic State siege of Deir El-Zour. (Syrian Central Military Media via AP, File)

HAMA

In the central province of Hama, insurgent groups led by the extremist Jund al-Aqsa have been on the offensive since late August, capturing dozens of villages and towns in areas close to the northwestern rebel stronghold of Idlib.

The insurgents are now about 15 kilometers (nine miles) north of Syria's fourth-largest city, also called Hama.

The militants aim to eventually block the main road used by the government to send supplies to the northern province of Aleppo, where the fighting has intensified in recent weeks.

Among the major towns and villages captured by insurgents in Hama province are Halfaya, Maan and Soran. The government and its Russian allies have responded to the offensive with intense airstrikes.

DAMASCUS AND THE SOUTH

After retaking the once-opposition-held hub of Darya, on Damascus's southern outskirts, and forcing the evacuation of the 6,000 or so civilians and fighters trapped inside, the military and allied militias have turned their attention to the steadily shrinking zone of rebel control to the capital's northeast.

The rebels in Douma and al-Nashabiyeh are beset by factional infighting over control of the limited resources that leak through the government's blockade. The opposition holds two pockets in northeastern Damascus, in the Jobar and Barzeh neighborhoods, from which they carry out daily shelling attacks on the city's government-held areas. Pro-government forces are close to sealing off these pockets from the larger rebel-controlled swath of territory on the capital's outskirts.

Meanwhile, fighting rages between the ideologically-diverse rebel factions and pro-government forces in Daraa province, along the Jordanian border. A government crackdown against popular demonstrations in Daraa in 2011 sparked the ongoing civil war. And in neighboring Qunaitra province, Israeli jets are sporadically striking Syrian military positions near the occupied Golan Heights as stray shells fall on Israel.

THE NORTHWEST

Opposition fighters backed by Turkish ground and air forces continue to erode the Islamic State group's hold over northern Syria while also containing the U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces that control most of the country's northern border. Turkey sees the Kurdish forces as an extension of its own outlawed Kurdish rebels.

The fighting has not come without a cost to Turkey, which has lost nine soldiers on Syrian soil since intervening in August.

The Turkish-Syrian opposition coalition is advancing in the direction of Dabiq, which occupies a central place in IS propaganda. The extremists, citing ancient prophecy, believe Dabiq will be the scene of an apocalyptic battle between Christianity and Islam. The group named its online magazine after the town, which it has occupied since August 2014.

DEIR EL-ZOUR

Syrian government forces and Islamic State militants are locked in battle over control of Deir El-Zour province, which is also the setting of some of the fiercest international coalition air raids against the extremists.

The U.S.-led coalition is targeting bridges up and down the Euphrates River, leading the Syrian foreign ministry to accuse the air campaign of destroying the country's infrastructure.

The extremists have kept the provincial capital, also called Deir el-Zour, under siege since 2014, but pro-government forces have withstood the encirclement thanks to air-dropped humanitarian assistance from the U.N. and weapons and ammunition flown into the nearby airport, which remains under government control.

ALEPPO

Rebel groups, President Bashar Assad's government and the government's international backers have committed thousands of fighters to the battle for Aleppo, Syria's largest city. The fierce fighting has prompted the U.N.'s special envoy to warn that thousands of civilians could be killed and the city "destroyed" if the Russian and Syrian air forces do not halt their bombardment of its rebel-held eastern neighborhoods.

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has described conditions in eastern Aleppo, where 275,000 people are trapped under a government siege, as "worse than a slaughterhouse."

On Wednesday, Syria's military command announced it had scaled back its assault in order to allow civilians to evacuate, two weeks after it declared an all-out offensive for the east.

In an urgent plea on Thursday, U.N. Special Envoy Staffan De Mistura proposed evacuating the estimated 900 al-Qaida-linked fighters holed up in the east in exchange for an end to the Russian and government bombardment.

But rebel commanders said they could not trust the government to stop bombing, while Assad said there was no distinction between the al-Qaida-linked militants and the other estimated 7,000 opposition fighters in the city.

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Associated Press Writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report.

FILE - In this Oct. 22, 2015 file photo, a Syrian APC moves raising dust in Harasta, northeast of Damascus, Syria. he battle for Aleppo has gripped the world, but it is hardly the only front in Syria: Opposition forces are on the offensive in the countrys center hoping to sever the road connection between Aleppo and the capital Damascus, which is itself a front; in the northwest, Turkish-backed opposition forces battle Islamic State militants; to the east, government forces weather an Islamic State siege of Deir El-Zour. (Alexander Kots/Komsomolskaya Pravda via AP, File)
Judge orders UberX, Lyft to halt services in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  A judge has ordered UberX and Lyft to stop operating their ride-hailing services in Philadelphia.

An Uber spokesman says the company is reviewing the decision and calls on state lawmakers to adopt a ride-hailing bill "as soon as possible."

The order from Common Pleas Judge Linda Carpenter stems from a lawsuit filed by the president of the Taxi Workers Alliance of Philadelphia and others in July.

State lawmakers gave the ride-hailing services temporary authorization to operate in Philadelphia before the Democratic National Convention that month. But that legislation expired last week.

The order states the San Francisco-based companies could be held in contempt of court if they operate after Thursday.

Lyft says it's also reviewing the decision. The more expensive Uber Black service is still available.
UN authorizes EU to stop migrant-smuggling vessels off Libya

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution Thursday authorizing the European Union and individual countries to seize migrant-smuggling vessels on the high seas off Libya for another year.

The resolution, adopted by a vote of 14-0 with Venezuela abstaining, stressed that the council's aim is "to disrupt the organized criminal enterprises engaged in migrant smuggling and human trafficking and prevent loss of life."

Britain's U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said after the vote that he wanted to make clear that the EU's Operation Sophia "is only targeting smugglers and empty boats." He said migrants found during the operation are taken to Europe.

Since the U.N. authorized the interdictions in October last year, Rycroft said, the Operation Sophia flotilla has directly apprehended 90 suspected smugglers and has made over 300 smuggling vessels unusable.

The EU operation is also estimated to have rescued over 26,000 people, he said.

"But the smuggling networks have not been defeated," Rycroft stressed.

"The migration crisis remains one of our greatest shared challenges," he said. "Thousands have perished crossing the Mediterranean and thousands more continue to risk their lives to find a safer future. And so many, perhaps all of them, have been exploited."

Rycroft said action against smugglers on the high seas is only part of the solution and he urged all countries to do more to tackle the root causes of migration including poverty, conflict and human rights abuses. He said more must also be done to help countries hosting refugees.

Venezuela's U.N. Ambassador Rafael Ramirez, who also abstained on last year's resolution, said his government had the same objection  the crisis requires a broader approach.

The resolution authorizes the EU and other states to inspect vessels off Libya's coast that they have reasonable grounds to believe are engaged in migrant smuggling  provided they make "good faith efforts to obtain the consent" of country whose flag the vessel is flying. And it authorizes the seizure of those confirmed as being used for migrant smuggling.
A road dedication in Chickamauga will be on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 4068 S. Highway 341, Chickamauga, in honor of Private First Class Charles W. Bradshaw

who sacrificed his life in the service of his country in Korea, on Oct. 22, 1954.

The road intersection of Cove Road at Camp Road will become PFC Charles W. Bradshaw Memorial Intersection.



The alternate location will be in the church fellowship hall.



Charles William Bradshaw was born Sept.

17, 1932, to Technical Sargent (TSARG) William Jackson and Anna Hall Bradshaw. He was the oldest of five children, having two brothers, James and Earl and two sisters, Mary and Joy Bradshaw. He resided in Kensington, Ga., and attended Pond Springs Elementary, Gordon Lee High School and then Berry High School in Rome, Ga.On Jan. 12, 1951, Charles enlisted into the United States Marine Corp. He was stationed in Paris Island, S.C. through Basic Training. He was then assigned to the USS SARASOTA in 1952 and toured Europe. On March 27, 1957, after his death, he was awarded the Navy Occupation Service Medal with the Europe Clasp for his service.Charles was assigned to Korea and during his tour on March 20, 1953, he was wounded as a result of enemy action and was awarded The Purple Heart.The last letter from the Secretary of the Navy dated July 58, 1954, stated, in Korea, on the night of the 25th and early morning of 26th April 1953 Charles served as the Fire Team Leader and the participating with a ten-man patrol in defense team, Charles detected an enemy force approaching within a few yards and opened fire killing the leading element of the hostile patrol and holding off the attackers until accurate fire could be brought by his comrades. Charles was severely wounded when the enemy hand grenades landed upon his position. Charles refused to be evacuated when it was apparent his outpost would be overrun by the enemy. He delivers fire upon the enemy until he was unable to continue. Charles handed his weapon to another member of the patrol and he voluntarily remained in position in order to allow his comrades to make a quick withdrawal. In another letter from the Headquarters of USMC stated, when it was safe for his comrades to returned to the hole where Charles was last seen there was no trace of Charles except his helmet. Due to his self-sacrificing efforts, Charles was instrumental in saving the lives of other and He courteously gave his life for his country.As noted from the Headquarters of the United States Marine Corps. the actual date of Charless death is not definitely known. A board of officers carefully reviewed all evidence. In view of the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the laps of time without word of his whereabouts, the fact that he lost his life in Korea is conclusive and inescapable. The findings of death were made on April 26, 1954.In July, 1954 Charles was awarded the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism for action against the enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on the night of 25-26, April 1953.On Oct. 22, 1954, Charles was awarded the Purple Heart with gold star lapel button. This star is in lieu of a second Purple Heart. He was also awarded the United Nations Service Medal for his service in Korea.In May, 1955, Charles was awarded the Wharang Medal with Gold Star and certificate by order of the President of Korea.On March 26, 1957, Charles was awarded the Navy Occupation Service Medal with the Europe Clasp while on the USS SARASOTA as mentioned earlier, the Navy Unit Commendation with ribbon bar, the National Defense Service Metal, and the Korean Service metal.The Ultimate Sacrifice was made by Charles and he will never be forgotten by all that knew him.According to MIA facts 1,626 MIA Military are still unaccounted for.
Colombia's ELN rebels free hostage, moving closer to talks

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)  Colombia's second-largest rebel group took another step in the direction of peace talks with the government by freeing a politician Thursday after holding him more than three months.

Fabio Ardila, a former mayor in eastern Colombia, was handed over to the International Red Cross by the National Liberation Army in the same area near the Venezuelan border where the rebels released a rice farmer a week ago.

President Juan Manuel Santos praised the release, saying it brings the two sides closer to initiating peace talks that were announced in March but have been frozen over the government's insistence that the group release all captives.

Ardila said that he hoped to deliver a message to the president sent by the rebels and that he hopes his release will clear the way for others held by the group to be reunited with family and loved ones.

"This ordeal is something I don't wish upon even my worst enemy," Ardila said, saying he lost considerable weight and suffered other health problems during his captivity.

The move comes as a peace deal with the much-larger Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia is in limbo following its shock defeat in a national referendum Sunday.

On Thursday, representatives from Santos' government and the opposition led by his predecessor, Alvaro Uribe, met for the first time to find ways to secure peace with the FARC after voters narrowly rejected the deal just days after it was signed in front of world leaders and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The meeting produced no concrete results, but both sides described the environment as respectful and promised to continue their dialogue in the days ahead.

"We need to act quickly," Santos said. "If we extend these meetings and decisions for too long the peace process will break into a thousand pieces."

Ardila said he hoped to meet with Uribe and work to bring about peace with the FARC. He said that during his captivity he was accused of collaborating with the hard-line conservative Uribe because of a photo he had taken with the former president when running for mayor in the town of Charala in 2012.
FCC proposal: internet providers must ask to share your data

A new privacy proposal unveiled Thursday will require broadband providers like Verizon and Comcast to get your permission before sharing with advertisers what you've been doing on your phone or computer.

The Federal Communication Commission has changed its broadband-privacy plan since it was initially proposed in March. The wireless and cable industries had complained that under the initial plan, they would be more heavily regulated than digital-ad behemoths like Google and Facebook, which are monitored by a different agency, the Federal Trade Commission.

The FCC explained its new approach Thursday and plans to vote on it Oct. 27. The revised proposal says broadband providers don't have to get permission from customers ahead of time to use some information deemed "non-sensitive," like names and addresses. The previous plan called for customers to expressly approve the use of that information.

FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2014, file photo, a Samsung Galaxy S5 is demonstrated at the Mobile World Congress, the world's largest mobile phone trade show in Barcelona, Spain. A new privacy proposal up for a vote in October 2016 will require broadband providers like Verizon and Comcast to get your permission before sharing with advertisers the websites or apps youve been using on your phone or computer. The Federal Communication Commission plans to vote on it Oct. 27. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)

This time around, customers still need to OK broadband providers' using and sharing a slew of their data, like a phone's physical location, websites browsed and apps used, and what's in emails.

And customers must be told what types of information is kept and how it will be used. Agency officials said customers can also still say no to internet service providers using other data, like names and addresses.

Drawing on customer information could help broadband providers make more money from digital advertising. Verizon, for example, bought AOL last year for $4.4 billion and is spending $4.8 billion more to buy Yahoo in a bid to build an ad business .

The FCC proposal also requires broadband providers to tell customers within 30 days if their data has been hacked.

In a statement, Verizon's chief privacy officer, Karen Zacharia, said that the company was encouraged that the FCC "seems to be moving" to an approach that was more consistent with how the FTC regulates internet companies. But trade groups for the cable and phone-company industries chided the plan because of differences with the FTC approach to regulating consumer privacy.

Several consumer-advocacy groups praised the FCC's plan. The proposal was a good defense "against internet service providers' unpermitted use of personal information," Free Press Policy Counsel Gaurav Laroia said in a statement.
Government approval of fracking scheme 'a total denial of local democracy'

The Government has been accused of denying local democracy after it gave the green light for a controversial fracking scheme in Lancashire.

A scheme to drill up to four wells and frack for shale gas at Preston New Road, Fylde, which had been turned down by Lancashire County Council, has been given the go-ahead by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid following an appeal.

A second site in Lancashire, Roseacre Wood, has not yet been given the green light amid concerns over HGV traffic and road safety in the area.

Anti-fracking protesters demonstrate against the Lancashire schemes at the public inquiry

Environmentalists and local campaign groups reacted angrily to the decision, which they said went against the wishes of residents and threatened the environment.

But business groups welcomed the "important step forward" for developing new domestic gas sources to provide energy and reduce the UK's dependence on imports.

When David Cameron was prime minister, he said the Government was going "all out for shale" to boost the economy, jobs and energy security, and soon after she took over as PM, Theresa May launched a consultation which could see home owners receive individual payments for fracking wells drilled nearby.

But the process - in which liquid is pumped deep underground at high pressure to fracture shale rock and release gas - remains highly controversial, with many protesters turning out for the public inquiry.

Opponents of fracking fear it can cause earthquakes, pollute water, lead to damaging development in the countryside and hit house prices.

With the Government set to ratify the global Paris Agreement on cutting greenhouse gases before the end of the year, environmentalists argue fracking for fossil fuels is not compatible with tackling climate change and the focus should be on renewables.

The two bids by shale gas company Cuadrilla to frack between Preston and Blackpool were turned down by Lancashire County Council last year, although officials had backed the Preston New Road scheme.

Cuadrilla appealed and following a public inquiry earlier this year , the planning inspector recommended giving planning permission to the Preston New Road scheme, but said the bid for Roseacre Wood should be dismissed.

Mr Javid said he was giving Cuadrilla and other people further opportunity to address concerns about the Roseacre Wood site, and was "minded" to allow the appeal and grant planning permission if issues surrounding highway safety could be dealt with.

Mr Javid agreed that "all material, social, economic or environmental impacts that would cause demonstrable harm would be reduced to an acceptable level and that the projects represent a positive contribution towards the reduction of carbon".

Pam Foster, co-founder of Residents Action on Fylde Fracking, who lives in nearby Lytham St Annes, said she was "absolutely disgusted" that the Government had disregarded evidence that fracking is bad for public health and the environment.

"This is a total denial of democracy. Our parish council, our borough council, our county council all threw out this application.

"We have pursued every democratic channel we can do, there's nothing left for us. We're pretty disgusted and very upset."

She insisted the campaigners would continue to fight fracking "peacefully and legally".

Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services Marcus Johnstone said the applications were one of the biggest put before a council, with tens of thousands of responses to the consultation.

"Our development control committee carefully considered many hours of evidence both for and against the proposal, and the committee members ultimately cast their vote based on the evidence they heard and whether they thought the proposal was acceptable in planning terms.

"A local council, made up of councillors democratically elected by local people, and charged with serving their interests, is exactly the right body to make decisions on local matters.

"It is clear that the Government supports the development of a shale gas industry, but I would ask them to do more to address the concerns of local communities and the councillors who represent them by supporting the best environmental controls."

Mr Javid said: "The decisions follow extensive consideration of all the evidence, including an independent planning inspector's report and evidence submitted during a two-week public inquiry.

"Shale gas has the potential to power economic growth, support 64,000 jobs, and provide a new domestic energy source, making us less reliant on imports.

"When it comes to the financial benefits of shale, our plans mean local communities benefit first."

Local Government Association (LGA) environment spokeswoman Judith Blake said: "It should be up to local communities to decide, through their locally democratic planning systems, whether or not to host fracking operations in their areas.

"Ensuring communities feel safe is important.

"Any company that applies for a fracking licence must assure residents through their council that environment and safety concerns can and will be adequately addressed before planning permission is considered.
Prevent anti-extremism strategy 'fuelling distrust among Muslim communities'

The Government is facing renewed calls to overhaul its controversial Prevent anti-extremism strategy amid warnings that it is fuelling distrust among Muslim communities.

The independent reviewer of terror legislation, David Anderson QC, said some Muslims felt the programme - intended to stop people becoming radicalised - was targeting the practice of Islam itself.

While he acknowledged the fears were exaggerated, he said there needed to be greater openness on how the scheme was operating, with more dialogue with the communities involved, if trust was to be restored.

David Anderson QC has called for reform of the Government's Prevent counter-extremism strategy

"There is a strong feeling in Muslim communities that I visit that Prevent is, if not a spying programme, then at least a programme that is targeted on them," he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

"In some cases it is even felt that it is targeted not just at Islamists and terrorism or extremism, but at the practice of Islam - people who pray or wear the veil, for example, are sometimes felt to be under suspicion.

"I am sure those fears are exaggerated - and they are certainly not what the programme is supposed to be about - but the fact is they are very real.

"It is frustrating for me to see a programme, whose ideals are so obviously good, falling down on the delivery to the point where it is not trusted in the community where it principally applies."

His concerns follow criticism of the Prevent programme by leading opposition figures, including shadow home secretary Andy Burnham who is Labour's candidate for mayor of Greater Manchester.

Mr Anderson acknowledged there was a "serious problem" with Islamist extremism and some form of anti-extremism strategy was necessary.

However, he said there should be much greater transparency on the research used by the programme and the results achieved with independent reporting to Parliament and the public on how it was working.

At the same time, he called for better engagement with Muslim communities across the country, saying it was "extraordinary" that there was no dialogue between the Government and the Muslim Council of Britain.

"It (Prevent) may be effective but people need to know that and they need to believe that," he said.
Ben Needham search police examine new site on Kos

Detectives searching for missing British toddler Ben Needham on Kos are examining a new site on the Greek island.

The second search area is close to where Ben, then 21 months old, disappeared from a farmhouse in 1991, and was reportedly brought to the attention of British police in June.

Detective Inspector Jon Cousins, from South Yorkshire Police (SYP), told The Mirror the search of the new site would take several days.

Police are searching for missing toddler Ben Needham on the Greek island of Kos

He told the paper: "Work has been ongoing for the past few days on the second site that has been discussed. That work is continuing this morning in the planning and organising of getting that land ready so we can continue the work."

It came as Ben's grandfather, Eddie Needham, visited the island, where an SYP team has been searching for 10 days in a bid to discover what happened to the youngster.

Mr Needham told ITV's Good Morning Britain he hoped to get answers about his grandson's fate before he dies, but found it hard to go to the island.

He told the programme: "To be honest, I nearly did turn around and not come. I was going to cancel because I felt shocking, my stomach was churning.

"I didn't know what I was going to be met with, or what they'd found or, you know what I mean?"

South Yorkshire Police began digging at the farmhouse after new evidence was found that Ben, from Sheffield, may have been killed and buried there, yards from where he vanished while his grandfather was renovating the property.

A 19-strong team was sent to the island to investigate claims that the toddler might have been killed by a digger driver working on the 2.5-acre site.

Konstantinos Barkas, also known as Dino, was clearing land with an excavator close to where the youngster was playing on the day he vanished and may be responsible for his death, a friend of the builder reportedly told police following a TV appeal in May.

The driver reportedly died of stomach cancer last year.
Jos Buttler not motivated by revenge as England meet side that triggered rebirth

Revenge is not on the mind of Jos Buttler as he leads England for the first time in a one-day international against Bangladesh on Friday.

It was the Tigers who inflicted one of the most painful defeats on England in recent times with a shock 15-run victory in Adelaide that sent Eoin Morgan's men crashing out of last year's World Cup and prompted much soul searching.

Morgan has presided over a stunning metamorphosis of the limited-overs sides and their fearless batting, in particular, has won plenty of admirers.

Jos Buttler hopes to lead England to one-day series glory against Bangladesh in Dhaka

They go into the first ODI in Dhaka with an opportunity to set the record straight but Buttler, who was England's top-scorer with 65 in their last meeting against Bangladesh Down Under, does not see it like that.

He believes, however, that the tourists will be underdogs against a team that have won their last six ODI series on home soil, a record that has seen them overcome Pakistan, India and South Africa.

Buttler said: "There's no real motivation for revenge. It's going to be a fantastic challenge for us as a group, this journey that the ODI side has been on in the last two years, it's a different one that lost to Bangladesh in the World Cup in Australia.

"It's not going to be easy for us. The first match is very important, it's important for us to lay down a good marker to start well and starting a series well is something we feel is very important.

"Bangladesh are very strong at home in their own conditions, and you look at the recent successes they've had in the ODI series. We don't mind being underdogs at all - that's something that probably suits us."

Buttler is leading the side in the absence of Morgan, who, along with opening batsman Alex Hales, misses the tour due to security reasons.

The issue has been well-documented in the build-up and England have been given presidential levels of protection, with armed guards inside and outside their team hotel and a heavily fortified convoy taking them to and from stadiums.

When the fleet nears the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Friday, which hosts the first two ODIs and the second and final Test, the surrounding area will be blockaded to other vehicles while those attending can expect to be subjected to body searches.

On the eve of the first ODI, the venue saw an evacuation rehearsal inside the stadium led by the Rapid Action Battalion, the special security force of the Bangladesh police.

Buttler said: "It is very visual and I was actually watching and saw the pictures. It's quite eye-opening and something you hope that we will never ever have to see - it's a shock and it's sad that it has to be there.

"Everything has been in good order. Travel to and from the ground has been great for us although I'm sure it's been a bit frustrating for the locals. Security has been great so far, I think the guys within the group haven't even mentioned it."

Buttler led England last winter in a Twenty20 international against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, but this will be his first experience as skipper of the 50-over side.

The 26-year-old, whose unbeaten 80 led England to a warm-up win over a Bangladesh Cricket Board Select XI earlier this week, said: "Hopefully I can continue Eoin's success.

"But it's a great honour to be captain here and I very much see myself as standing in. I want to take ownership of this series and be the captain of England who wins the ODI series in Bangladesh."

While Buttler was coy over the starting line-up, England are likely to name the same XI that triumphed over the BCB XI on Tuesday.
Prolific thief jailed after riding moped through market in bid to evade police

A prolific mobile phone thief who forced pedestrians to scatter as he rode his moped at speed through a street market has been jailed for more than three years, Scotland Yard said.

Cavell Hutson, 21, tried to evade police by riding through the packed shopping area in Hackney, east London, after an hour-long crime spree spanning five London boroughs.

He and an accomplice abandoned the vehicle - which had false number plates - in Kingsland Market before running off, in scenes caught on camera by a police helicopter overhead on September 3.

CCTV of Cavell Hutson and an unknown accomplice as they prepare to snatch a woman's phone. (Picture: Metropolitan Police)

Hutson, of Highbury New Park in nearby Islington, was arrested a few streets away and 21 stolen mobile phones were found in his clothes and a bag he was carrying. His accomplice remains at large.

Hutson was jailed for three years and four months on Monday, Scotland Yard said on Thursday.

He admitted 21 counts of mobile phone theft and one of dangerous driving at an earlier hearing.

Scotland Yard said officers from Operation Attrition, which focuses on mobile snatch-thefts, found the owners of all 21 phones and returned them.

Hutson's crime spree targeted people in Camden, Islington, Hackney, Westminster and Tower Hamlets between 1pm and 2pm that day.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Heatley said: "This was an excellent result, which has seen a perpetrator of an audacious crime, which not only endangered members of the public but himself and his accomplice, receive a robust jail sentence.

"These criminals are often involved in a range of other offences. When we catch them we seek to bring far more serious charges against them, which reflect the organised nature of their crimes and ensure the sentencing powers available reflect the seriousness of the offending."
Chakrabarti and Abbott handed key jobs in Corbyn shadow cabinet

Shami Chakrabarti, the former Liberty director who carried out a controversial investigation into anti-Semitism in the Labour Party, has been appointed to the shadow cabinet.

Baroness Chakrabarti, who was made a life peer by Jeremy Corbyn after her report was published, is to be the new shadow attorney general, the Labour leader announced.

Mr Corbyn also handed a major promotion to his long-time ally Diane Abbott, making her shadow home secretary, as he began reshuffling his top team in the wake of his leadership victory.

Lady Shami Chakrabarti has become shadow attorney general

While Sir Keir Starmer, the former head of the Crown Prosecution Service who stormed out of the shadow cabinet in June, has been invited back as shadow Brexit secretary - a move that will bring on board one of the major moderate figures in the party.

The Labour leader is rebuilding his frontbenches after the mass walk-out of shadow cabinet members who opposed him in the aftermath of the Brexit vote in June.

Dozens of posts were left unfilled, with many Corbyn loyalists "double jobbing" in multiple roles.

Mr Corbyn said: "Keir brings vital experience to this role at what is a crucial time for Britain."

In a surprise move, the Labour leader made veteran Nick Brown - a long-standing ally of former leader Gordon Brown - chief whip, replacing Rosie Winterton after six years in the role.

Clive Lewis, who only became an MP for the first time last year, has risen sharply through the ranks - from shadow defence secretary to shadow business secretary, replacing Jon Trickett.

Mr Corbyn has so far been resistant to calls from former shadow cabinet members for the body's membership to be decided by a ballot of MPs.

But the appointment of Mr Brown and Sir Keir may be a signal from the Labour leader that he wants to reach out to critics on the back benches - while those who have previously expressed a lack of confidence in him show they are prepared to return after his landslide re-election by the membership.

However, a number of anti-Corbyn MPs, such as failed leadership challenger Owen Smith, have insisted they could not serve under him.

Former whip Tom Blenkinsop was quick to hit out at the leader over his reshuffle, accusing him of rowing back on his promise to unite the party.

He said: "Clear Corbyn wants submission not unity. Ignoring wishes of the PLP and just sacking and appointing regardless."

The high-profile role for Lady Chakrabarti comes after she was forced to defend herself over her peerage nomination, which was announced just a month after her anti-Semitism inquiry into the Labour Party concluded amid claims from critics that it was too soft.

The appointment was met with fierce criticism from prominent Jews and Labour MPs, who questioned her independence.

She has insisted there was "nothing remotely transactional" about her report when pressed if there were any talks about a peerage before it was completed.

Mr Corbyn has also appointed Sarah Champion to the role of shadow women and equalities minister, and Jo Stevens as shadow Welsh secretary.

Ms Champion was one of dozens of Labour frontbenchers who quit in protest at Mr Corbyn's leadership in June - only to ask for her job back a month later.

She was reinstated as shadow home office minister for preventing abuse and domestic violence and received Mr Cobyn's backing after she admitted she "lost control" and ended up in a police cell during an argument with her ex-husband back in 2007.

With Dawn Butler given the shadow minister for black and minority ethnic communities portfolio, Mr Corbyn said: "I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dawn to my shadow cabinet. I am very proud that the Labour Party now has five MPs in our shadow cabinet from the BAME community - the highest number ever in any cabinet or shadow cabinet."

With shadow chancellor John McDonell expected to stay in place as shadow chancellor, and Emily Thornberry likely to retain the foreign affairs brief, the four most senior positions in the body will all be held by London MPs.

In a bid to stress regional balance in the top team, Mr Corbyn said the appointment of Jonathan Reynolds to the role of shadow economic secretary to the treasury meant there were 10 MPs from the north of England on the front bench.

The former shadow transport minister was another frontbencher to quit his role before later indicating his willingness to work with Mr Corbyn again.

Mr Trickett has been moved to shadow Lord President of the Council and Labour's national campaigns co-ordinator and Nia Griffith becomes shadow defence secretary.

A Labour Party spokesman said: "Jeremy has today spoken to a number of colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party and will continue to do so throughout the day. He has begun the process of appointing a new front bench team."

Shami Chakrabarti has been appointed to the shadow cabinet
Michael Bisping expects "ridiculous" atmosphere for UFC bout with Dan Henderson

Michael Bisping expects there to be a "ridiculous" atmosphere for him to feed off when he puts his UFC middleweight title on the line in front of a home crowd against Dan Henderson this weekend.

The rematch with American Henderson at Manchester Arena will be Bisping's maiden defence of the belt he won in June, with victory over Luke Rockhold in Los Angeles, to become Great Britain's first UFC champion.

The 37-year-old from Clitheroe has competed twice before at the venue for this contest, registering victories at UFC 105 in 2009 - his next fight after losing to Henderson earlier that year - and UFC 70 in 2007.

Michael Bisping will have home support behind him at Manchester Arena

And at a media event in Manchester on Thursday ahead of Saturday's UFC 204, Bisping said of his return to the arena as a champion: "It's going to be incredible.

"When I walk out there in the early hours of Sunday morning at a sold-out arena, the energy is going to be ridiculous.

"I remember one time when I fought in Manchester, the first time at the arena, and I was so taken aback by the support, the roar that the fans made, that I sprinted to the ring like a mad man - I was just so high on adrenaline.

"I learned from that, and with a little bit of luck there will be the same sort of energy this weekend because it was amazing then. I'm very excited.

"Manchester is obviously a city very close to my heart, and I'm proud to be fighting here."

Bisping admits he will be feeling some nerves as he looks to avenge his brutal second-round knockout defeat by Henderson at UFC 100 in Las Vegas.

"For all the bravado I have, there is going to be nerves on the night," Bisping said.

"The guy is going to be capable of knocking me out, of course he is - I know that.

"I have suffered it once - I was unconscious. It took me an hour just to figure out where I was and who I was, and I had to go to hospital.

"This is a dangerous fight, but I want to go at it again and set the record straight."

An image of Henderson about to land his final blow on Bisping during the first meeting between them has been made into a logo that the 46-year-old posted on social media over the summer.

Bisping on Thursday made it clear he is riled by the logo.

"Yes, it gives me a bit of motivation," Bisping said.

"I guess every time I see that image that he has, his logo, I think 'you b*****d'."

That response is something Henderson, who is set to retire after the Bisping fight, says he welcomes.

The Californian said: "It (the logo) is something that fans made originally and I kind of liked it.

"I've put it online a number of times over the years. I have clothing with it on that I wear quite often.
Slaughter in Aleppo is 'demonic' and 'evil', says Archbishop of Canterbury

The slaughter being mercilessly inflicted on the Syrian people in Aleppo is "evil" and an "absolute contempt for the human spirit," the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has said.

It is not just the death and devastation which has caused a frustrated Archbishop to speak out, but also the failure of diplomatic efforts to tackle the situation.

Asked if there is evil at work in Aleppo, he told ITV News: "What is being done is evil both in the strict theological sense and in the general sense.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

"It is demonic. It's the absolute contempt for the human spirit. For the dignity of the human being.

"It's the brushing aside of the poor and the weak and the fragile in a way that is as bad as anything we've seen in the last century.

"It compares with some of the great atrocities of the last century and there have been terrible atrocities."

Syria's embattled northern city of Aleppo has been pounded by Syrian and Russian planes since the collapse of a US-Russia brokered ceasefire two weeks ago.

A stepped-up offensive by Syrian pro-government forces is attacking the city from the south in a bid to penetrate opposition-controlled areas, where the UN estimates 275,000 people are trapped in a government siege.

The Archbishop told ITV News: "What is happening in Syria and bits of Iraq is so unspeakable, so appalling, particularly Aleppo at the moment. It's more than frustrating.

" We always have the sense if only someone did X it would change things but of course no one knows what X is.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is soliciting comments for its 2017-18 waterfowl and other migratory bird hunting regulations, including sandhill cranes. This is an opportunity for the public to provide ideas and share concerns about hunting regulations with TWRA staff. The comment period is open Oct. 15-Nov. 15, 2016.

Due to recent changes in the timing of the federal regulation process, waterfowl and other migratory game bird hunting seasons are now proposed to the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission at its January meeting and voted upon at its February meeting.

Public comments will be considered by TWRAs Wildlife Division staff and may be presented as proposals for regulation changes. Comments may be submitted by mail to: 2017-18 Hunting Season Comments, TWRA, Wildlife and Forestry Division, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204 or emailed to twra.comment@tn.gov. Please include Waterfowl Season Comments on the subject line of emailed submissions.
Swiss prosecutors probe suspected $800 mln misappropriation from Malaysia's 1MDB

By Joshua Franklin and Saeed Azhar

ZURICH/SINGAPORE, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Swiss prosecutors are investigating whether the country's banks were used to misappropriate $800 million belonging to a former subsidiary of Malaysian state investment fund 1MDB.

Switzerland's Office of the Attorney General (OAG) said on Wednesday a Ponzi scheme may have been set up to conceal the alleged fraud, adding it was seeking further help from Malaysia for its investigation.

It is the latest development in a number of investigations around the world related to allegations of the misappropriation of funds and money-laundering surrounding 1Malaysia Development Berhad, commonly known as 1MDB.

Founded by Prime Minister Najib Razak, who chaired its advisory board, 1MDB is currently the subject of money-laundering investigations in at least six countries including Switzerland, Singapore and the United States.

Najib has denied any wrongdoing and said Malaysia will cooperate with the international investigations.

Speaking in Singapore, Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber said on Wednesday there was a "serious suspicion" that Swiss banks were involved in alleged criminal activities linked to 1MDB.

Lauber's office has been running an investigation around 1MDB for more than a year and has so far opened criminal proceedings against four people and one bank.

In a statement on Wednesday it said it had found new evidence of "suspect transactions involving the Swiss financial sector".

"Firstly, the sum of $800 million appears to have been misappropriated from investments in natural resources made by the SRC sovereign fund," the OAG said, referring to a former 1MDB subsidiary now owned by Malaysia's finance ministry.

"Secondly, it is suspected that a 'Ponzi' scheme fraud ... was committed to conceal the misappropriations from both the SRC fund and from 1MDB."

A Ponzi scheme involves paying the returns on initial investments from funds obtained from subsequent investors, rather than from legitimate revenue from the investments.

The aim of the latest Swiss OAG request for Malaysian legal assistance is to gather further evidence to support these findings, Lauber's office said, adding an initial request for assistance in January was still pending.

1MDB said in a statement any queries should be addressed to the relevant authority and that it had not been contacted by the OAG or any other foreign agency regarding their investigations but would cooperate fully with any of the authorities.

Malaysia's Attorney General's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In May the OAG said it had opened criminal proceedings against Lugano, Switzerland-based BSI bank as part of its investigations surrounding 1MDB. BSI is in the process of being bought by EFG International.

BSI did not directly comment on the proceedings at the time, but said that group CEO Stefano Coduri had stepped down with immediate effect and it had undertaken steps to strengthen management, including introducing a new chief risk officer and appointing a new group legal counsel.
How Fidelity's owners get richer at everyday investors' expense

By Tim McLaughlin

BOSTON, Oct 5 (Reuters) - The mutual fund giant Fidelity Investments, founded seven decades ago and run ever since by the Johnson family, has won the trust of tens of millions of investors.

The company's tradition of putting clients' interests "before our own is a big part of what makes Fidelity special," the fund firm says in its mission statement.

In at least one lucrative field, however, the Johnson family's interests come first. A private venture capital arm run on behalf of the Johnsons, F-Prime Capital Partners, competes directly with the stable of Fidelity mutual funds in which the public invests. It's an arrangement that securities lawyers say poses an unusual conflict of interest.

That conflict can be seen in the case of Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc, a promising biotech start-up. In 2011 and 2012, the Johnsons' F-Prime Capital invested a total of $11 million on Ultragenyx before the start-up made an initial public offering of its stock.

The pre-IPO investment effectively prevented Fidelity mutual funds from making the same play. If both the private fund and Fidelity's ordinary funds had invested, they would have violated U.S. securities laws, which prohibit affiliated entities from buying substantial stakes in the same companies at the same time.

The managers of Fidelity's public funds eventually did purchase Ultragenyx shares, but not until after the stock price skyrocketed in the firm's January 2014 initial public offering. The Fidelity funds bought about 1.1 million Ultragenyx shares in the second quarter of 2014. The average price for the stock was $41.17 during that three-month period - 12 times higher than the $3.55 a share paid by F-Prime Capital.

By the end of June 2014, the Johnson family and an elite circle of Fidelity insiders were sitting on a gain of $128 million - or about 1,000 percent - on the Ultragenyx investment. Several of Fidelity's mutual fund rivals, including American Funds and BlackRock Inc, did just as well or better on the Ultragenyx play by investing at about the same time as the Johnsons, U.S. regulatory filings show.

GRAPHIC: A 6,101-percent gain: http://tmsnrt.rs/2dr0vAD

Fidelity declined to comment on the specific investments examined by Reuters and declined to detail how it balances the interests of Fidelity funds and the Johnsons' F-Prime funds in cases where they might compete for the same investment.

Fidelity's chief executive, Abigail Johnson, declined to comment for this story.

Yale University law professor John Morley said Fidelity runs the risk of losing investors by competing with the funds that serve them.

"What they're doing is not illegal, not even unethical," Morley said. "But it's entirely appropriate for mutual fund investors to take their money elsewhere because Fidelity has made a decision to take away some of their potential returns."

Alan Palmiter, a business law professor at Wake Forest University, called the arrangement more problematic because it directly pits the interests of Fidelity fund investors against those of Fidelity's owners and elite managers.

"It's hard to imagine a clearer corporate conflict of interest," Palmiter said.

SEC spokeswoman Judith Burns said the agency could not comment on a specific company.

Reuters analyzed 10 pre-IPO investments since the beginning of 2013 by the Johnson-led venture capital arm. The analysis found that, in six of those cases, Fidelity's mass-market mutual funds made major investments later and at much higher prices than the insiders' fund, resulting in lower returns for Fidelity fund shareholders. In the other four cases, Fidelity funds did not invest at all in companies in which the Johnson-led venture arm already had a sizable stake. Fidelity's internal guidelines prevent such investments when the Johnsons' venture holdings are "substantial," a standard that Fidelity declined to define to Reuters.

The Reuters examination also found:

 Over the past three years, U.S. regulatory filings show, the Johnson-led venture arm has beaten Fidelity mutual funds to some of the hottest prospects in tech and bioscience - including the best performing IPO of 2015.

 Fidelity mutual funds became one of the largest investors in six bioscience and tech companies backed by F-Prime Capital after the start-ups became publicly traded. Legal and academic experts said that major investments by Fidelity mutual funds - with their market-moving buying power - could be seen as propping up the values of the Johnsons' venture holdings.

 Key compliance executives have held dual roles overseeing investments by Fidelity and F-Prime Capital. For three years until September, the chief compliance officer for Fidelity mutual funds, Linda Wondrack, also served as chief compliance officer for Impresa Management LLC, the advisory firm that manages the investments of F-Prime Capital. Fidelity's James Curvey also wears two hats: He chairs a board of trustees that oversees many Fidelity stock mutual funds, and also serves as a trustee for one of the owners of Impresa. Curvey has been involved with the Johnsons' private investments for more than 20 years and has made millions of dollars from them.

 Some portfolio managers for Fidelity's mass-market funds receive lucrative partnership interests in the private F-Prime funds. Star portfolio manager Will Danoff, for instance, donated $4 million worth of Alibaba Group stock to Harvard University in 2015 that he received through the venture arm for $3,432, according to his family's charitable foundation.

Fidelity spokesman Vincent Loporchio said Fidelity executives declined to grant interviews for this story. In a written statement, Fidelity said it follows the law relating to potential conflicts of interest between its mutual funds and the venture capital arm.

"We strictly adhere to all legal and regulatory requirements that apply to our management of our mutual funds and other client accounts and our proprietary venture capital investments," Fidelity said. "Where there is the potential for such investments to overlap, we apply internal guidelines designed to ensure that our mutual funds comply with relevant legal and regulatory restrictions on their ability to acquire securities issued by companies in which Fidelity has a pre-existing proprietary investment."

Fidelity declined to comment on whether its mutual funds were interested in making the same pre-IPO bets as F-Prime Capital.

Over the past three years, however, the mutual funds have been among the nation's biggest investors in pre-IPO companies, U.S. regulatory filings show. The pressure on Fidelity to produce market-breaking returns has never been higher. Since the end of 2008, investors have pulled nearly $100 billion from Fidelity's actively managed mutual funds, while net deposits into Vanguard Group's index funds approached $700 billion, according to Morningstar Inc data.

Fidelity's two top rivals, BlackRock and Vanguard, said they do not operate separate investment arms that might compete with their mutual funds. Vanguard Chairman and CEO William McNabb goes a step further, investing almost all of his personal financial assets in Vanguard funds, because he wants to ensure his interests are aligned with those of his customers, said company spokesman John Woerth.

Fidelity Investments is owned by privately held FMR LLC, which is controlled by the Johnson family. The family, along with a small group of FMR employees and shareholders, are also investors in F-Prime Capital, the private venture capital arm.

GRAPHIC: Investing for the elite. http://tmsnrt.rs/2dprVdt

Johnson family members and Fidelity insiders also own Impresa Management, which runs partnerships and investments on F-Prime's behalf, overseeing about $2.6 billion in assets, according to SEC disclosures. Impresa's strategy is to bet on promising bioscience and tech start-ups.

If F-Prime controls 5 percent or more of a private company's voting stock, then that ownership prevents the Fidelity mutual funds from buying the same security before or during an IPO, according to the Investment Company Act of 1940. Fidelity told Reuters that it concurs with that reading of the law, which is enforced by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SEC rules aim to ensure that the interests of mutual funds are on at least equal footing with the interests of affiliates, said Joseph Franco, a law professor at Suffolk University Law School in Boston. The rules seek to prohibit a situation where, for instance, a mutual fund might invest in a pre-IPO company at an above-market price with the intent of boosting the value of an earlier, lower-priced investment by an affiliated entity.

The rules also seek to ensure that mutual fund managers are not influenced by the interests of an affiliated entity, such as Fidelity's in-house venture operation, Franco said.

The law would not prevent purchases of stock owned by an affiliated entity after an IPO, in the open market. But Fidelity said it applies its own guidelines, which prevent such purchases when there is a "substantial" level of ownership by F-Prime. The guidelines are meant to address potential conflicts of interest and questions of fairness for investors in Fidelity mutual funds, the company said.

John Bonnanzio, an editor at Fidelity Monitor & Insights, which makes independent recommendations on Fidelity funds, said the Johnson-led venture investing has been a good way to reward and retain star portfolio managers such as Danoff.

"Hedge funds have siphoned off a lot of good portfolio managers from mutual fund companies," Bonnanzio said.

HEIR APPARENT

Founded in 1946 by Abigail Johnson's grandfather, Edward Johnson II, Fidelity's mutual fund business manages $1.2 trillion in assets. Privately held Fidelity is still controlled by the family and has been the linchpin of their fortune. The clan's net worth is estimated at $26 billion by Forbes magazine, making them the 9th-richest family in the United States.

The founder eventually turned the reins over to his son, Fidelity's chairman, Edward "Ned" Johnson III, who is now 86. Today, Abigail Johnson, 54, is heir apparent. The oldest of Ned's three children, Abigail spent her career preparing for the top job, starting at Fidelity as an intern before moving on to portfolio manager and now CEO. She lives in the home once owned by her grandfather.

Abigail and her younger siblings, Elizabeth and Edward Johnson IV, are investors in F-Prime Capital, according to disclosures by the venture fund.

The family's private investments sometimes dovetail with members' personal interests. In 1985, Ned Johnson used venture funding to launch a limousine service after it took too long to hail a taxi at Boston's airport, according to accounts in the Boston Globe. Abigail Johnson's husband, Christopher McKown, co-founded a healthcare start-up, Iora Health, that has received multiple rounds of investment from F-Prime.

OPPORTUNITY COSTS

Over the years, F-Prime and other venture investing entities have generated billions of dollars in gains for the family and company insiders, according to financial disclosures made by Fidelity.

Ned Johnson has used part of his wealth to amass a collection of antiquities worth nearly $260 million through his nonprofit Brookfield Arts Foundation, according to the charity's 2014 annual report. The nonprofit's purchases include a 200-year-old Chinese merchant house that Johnson had moved from that country and reassembled at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. The house and its contents are worth $17 million, according to Brookfield's 2014 disclosure to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Other beneficiaries of the venture investments include top Fidelity officials such as Peter Lynch, the legendary Magellan fund manager and Fidelity vice chairman, and current portfolio managers such as Danoff, who manages about $109 billion in assets at Fidelity's Contrafund.

The Ultragenyx investment illustrates the opportunity cost Fidelity investors face when a mass-market fund encounters a conflict of interest with F-Prime.

TIMELINE: Owners vs. investors. http://tmsnrt.rs/2dr0kFI

Ultragenyx was hardly a hidden gem. Several of Fidelity's rivals, including American Funds, BlackRock and Columbia Management, also got in on the early action before the company's initial public offering. Columbia's Acorn Fund, for example, invested $10 million at the same time as F-Prime and had an unrealized gain of nearly 1,100 percent, or $108 million, in mid-2015 before unwinding part of its position, U.S. regulatory filings show.

In the third quarter of 2014, Fidelity funds boosted their collective stake in Ultragenyx by 3.3 million shares to become the biotech firm's largest mutual fund investor, with nearly 4.6 million total shares. By then, the average closing price of the stock had moved up to $50.24 from $41.17 in the second quarter. During the same quarter, F-Prime unwound most of its stake in Ultragenyx by distributing the stock to limited and general partners, U.S. regulatory filings show.

Asked about F-Prime, Fidelity said in a statement that its mutual funds get priority over the Johnson family's interests. "When both our proprietary venture capital group and our funds express interest in investing in the same private companies, the funds always prevail," the company said in a statement.

CONFLICTED REFEREES

One person who has been refereeing potential conflicts between Fidelity and Johnson family investments is Linda Wondrack. Until September, she doubled as chief compliance officer for the mutual funds and for Impresa Management, which manages the F-Prime assets. She served in both capacities for three years.

In September - after Reuters asked whether Wondrack's dual role presented a conflict of interest - Fidelity hired another executive to replace Wondrack in one of the two positions. The fund appointed a company veteran, Chuck Senatore, as chief compliance officer of Impresa Management.

A single person could not effectively perform both jobs, said Wake Forest University's Palmiter, who called the arrangement "nearly laughable."

Wondrack would have felt feel pressure to side with the venture capital arm because her ultimate boss is Abigail Johnson, said Palmiter, who has written extensively on the fund sector and is a critic of its governance standards.

Wondrack, 52, is paid as an employee of Fidelity, U.S. regulatory filings show. She joined Fidelity in 2012, after working at mutual fund company Columbia Management.

Loporchio, the Fidelity spokesman, said the company identified the need for a change in a "periodic review of its processes."

Another key overseer of Fidelity fund investors' interests, however, continues to serve in a similar dual role.

James C. Curvey - a long-time top lieutenant of Fidelity Chairman Ned Johnson - is chairman of the board of trustees for a number of Fidelity mutual funds, including ones that invest in the same companies as F-Prime.

Fund trustees are responsible for protecting the interests of investors. Ned Johnson chose Curvey for the role when Johnson gave up his duties as chairman of the board of trustees for individual Fidelity funds.

Curvey also serves a trustee for one of the owners of Impresa Management LLC, the manager of the F-Prime Capital's venture investments. It's not clear exactly who Curvey represents in that role; the stake is held in a trust, whose owners are not disclosed. But other filings indicate that Impresa is owned by the trusts of Johnson family members and Fidelity insiders.

Curvey's history with the Johnsons' private investing entities dates back more than two decades. In 1996, along with Abigail and Ned Johnson, Curvey sought and received an SEC exemption in 1996 that gave Impresa more latitude to invest on behalf of high-ranking Fidelity employees, SEC records show.

Partnership distributions to Curvey from venture investing have made him a lot of money. Curvey, for example, made millions of dollars from the venture capital arm's investment in Britain's COLT Telecom. In 2000, he donated some of those gains, nearly $3 million, to his family's charitable foundation, according to an annual filing with the IRS.

Curvey and Wondrack declined to comment for this report. Fidelity declined to comment on the potential conflict of interest in their dual oversight roles.

THE YEAR'S BEST-PERFORMING IPO

Shareholders in the regular Fidelity mutual funds include millions of investors saving for retirement as well as employee 401(k) plans at top corporations such as Facebook, IBM and Oracle.

Those mom-and-pop investors missed out on 2015's best-performing IPO. Fidelity funds stayed on the sidelines as shares of Aclaris Therapeutics Inc skyrocketed after the drug maker listed its stock in October 2015.

F-Prime invested $16.3 million in Aclaris before the IPO - a stake whose value soared to $83.2 million in the first three months after the public offering, U.S. regulatory filings show.

Even if Fidelity fund managers had wanted to buy Aclaris shares after the IPO, in the open market, F-Prime's stake of nearly 20 percent stake may have prevented them from doing so because of Fidelity's guidelines on investing in companies in which the venture arm has a "substantial" stake.

Aclaris was 2015's top public debut, its shares appreciating 145 percent over the $11 IPO price, according to Renaissance Capital, an IPO research and management firm.

At the end of June, F-Prime still held nearly 2.8 million Aclaris shares, a 13 percent stake, worth $51.5 million, according to Fidelity's latest quarterly holdings disclosure. Fidelity funds did not own any Aclaris shares.

Fidelity fund competitors had no restraints on investing in Aclaris. Franklin Templeton funds bought nearly 1.2 million shares in the company in the month of the IPO, Franklin disclosures show. The Fidelity competitors, including the Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund, saw their combined initial stake of $17.3 million more than double in less than two months.

The Johnson-led venture arm scored another big payday when Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc went public in May 2015. F-Prime's $8 million pre-IPO investment in the bioscience company surged in value to more than $41 million in the weeks after the IPO, Fidelity disclosures show.

Investors in the American Funds SmallCap World Fund , a Fidelity competitor, capitalized, too. The SmallCap World Fund made a similar-sized pre-IPO investment and saw a similar return, American disclosures show.

The Fidelity Select Biotechnology Portfolio bought about 1.5 million Adaptimmune shares the month after the IPO. But the biotech fund paid at least four times more for its shares than rivals did, Fidelity Select disclosures show.

As pre-IPO investors, F-Prime and the rival SmallCap World Fund got their Adaptimmune common stock, on a converted basis, for about $3.54 each, disclosures show.

The exact amount paid by the Fidelity biotech fund was not disclosed. But it was at least $14 a share, which was the low point for Adaptimmune shares the month of the IPO.

Adaptimmune traded recently at nearly $7 a share, which represents a big loss for the mass-market Fidelity biotech fund but a rich gain for the Johnsons' F-Prime.

PILING IN

In the six cases Reuters examined where Fidelity bought into investments that were already held by F-Prime, Fidelity funds became the largest or one of the largest shareholders.

In general, newly minted public companies need long-term shareholders such as mutual funds in order to ride out the ups and the downs of the stock market, especially right after a public debut, said Bob Ackerman, founder and managing director of Allegis Capital, a venture firm based in San Francisco.

An investment by Fidelity - the third-largest mutual fund firm in the United States - is a boost for any new public company. A big fund's investment broadens the shareholder base and makes it easier for venture capital investors to exit their investment at a profit.

"It's a validation of the company and the exit strategy, especially if it's a huge amount," said Hans Tung, managing partner at GGV Capital. "It's a good validation that a company has a lot of long-term growth potential ahead."

Fidelity said there has never been a situation where F-Prime has directed a Fidelity mutual fund to make an investment in one of F-Prime's portfolio companies.

Corporate governance and securities law specialists say that big Fidelity investments in companies owned by F-Prime could be interpreted as propping up the family's interests and helping F-Prime's exit strategy.

"It does raise a potentially serious question," said James Post, a professor emeritus of markets, public policy and law at Boston University. "The uniqueness of the Fidelity arrangement requires the highest level of integrity."

***

METHODOLOGY: How we analyzed the Johnsons' trading

Reuters combed through public securities filings to explore overlap between the investing activities of Fidelity Investments, which serves some 20 million clients, and proprietary investment vehicles of the family that controls Fidelity, the Johnsons. Reuters identified 10 investments in which F-Prime Capital Partners, controlled by the Johnsons, was competing on the same turf as Fidelity mutual funds. The examination covered a three-year period, from 2013 to the present. During this time, Fidelity mutual funds began ramping up their strategy of investing in pre-IPO start-up companies. It is possible that the examination missed other relevant examples among F-Prime Capital's many investments.
Moscow is bankrolling Ukraine rebels: ex-separatist official

By Anton Zverev

MOSCOW, Oct 5 (Reuters) - A former senior official from breakaway eastern Ukraine said Russia directly finances pensions and public sector salaries in the two pro-Russian regions there.

The assertion by former separatist minister Alexander Khodakovsky contradicts Moscow, which says it does not bankroll the separatist administration and, as a consequence, cannot influence the rebels to make peace with Kiev.

Khodakovsky was State Security Minister and then Security Council Secretary in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic before he was fired this year following a dispute with the separatist leader.

Asked in an interview with Reuters if Russia was funding pensions and state wages in the Donbass, made up of Donetsk and neighbouring Luhansk, Khodakovsky said: "Yes. These are the main areas. The budget sector and pensions, which need to be covered as a priority."

"Without outside help, it's impossible to sustain the territory even if you have the most effective tax-raising system. The level of help from Russia exceeds the amounts that we collect within the territory," he said in a Moscow hotel.

A spokeswoman for the Russian finance ministry reiterated on Tuesday that the federal budget made no payments for pensions or public sector wages in the Donbass.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is under international pressure to persuade the rebels to implement their commitments under a peace deal for eastern Ukraine, where more than 9,500 people have been killed since spring 2014.

Moscow, which blames the pro-Western administration in Ukraine's capital, Kiev, for the lack of progress in the deal, says it is just a broker in the process and cannot force compliance from the separatists, who took up arms after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine.

Kiev has stopped paying pensions and public sector wages to people registered as living in separatist-controlled areas and much of the heavy industry on which the Donbass depends for revenue has stopped operating.

OUTSPOKEN

Russian official data contains no information about public money being transferred to eastern Ukraine. About a fifth of budget spending is designated secret.

A spokesman for the finance ministry in the Donetsk separatist administration said sources of financing could not be disclosed for security reasons. The finance ministry in the Luhansk People's Republic, could not be reached for comment.

Khodakovsky is one of the most outspoken of the separatist leaders who declared the mainly Russian-speaking regions independent of Kiev after mass protests overthrew Ukraine's pro-Russian former president.

In July 2014, he told Reuters in an interview that the separatists had a Buk anti-aircraft missile of the type which, according to a report released last week by a team of international investigators, shot down Malaysian Airlines flight MH17, killing all 298 people on board.

He did not confirm the rebels had used the missile and said that if they had, it would only have been because Ukraine had provoked them. He remained loyal to the rebels and subsequently held senior roles in the separatist administration.

Khodakovsky acknowledged disagreements with the rebel leadership but gave no indication he had lost interest in the separatist cause.

He said the cost to Moscow would only rise because of the dwindling capacity of the two regions to support themselves and that the only solution was for them to split completely from Ukraine and join Russia.

Between them the Donetsk and Luhansk regions had a combined population before the separatist uprising of 6.55 million, according to Ukrainian state statistics, or roughly the same as the population of Russia's second city St Petersburg and the surrounding region.

Data published by the Donetsk separatists shows that since March 2015 the total cost of pensions and welfare benefits in the region has been about $750 million. That figure does not include public sector wages, or any spending in Luhansk.

That kind of expenditure is small when set against Russia's projected budget spending for this year of about $250 billion, but money is so tight that Moscow is planning to increase borrowing and has introduced unpopular measures like a pension freeze for people who work beyond retirement age.

Ukraine and Western governments say Russia has also provided military help to the separatists, including sending troops and hardware into eastern Ukraine to fight Kiev's forces.
Michal Kovac, first president of independent Slovakia, dies at 86

BRATISLAVA, Oct 5 (Reuters) - The first president of independent, post-communist Slovakia, Michal Kovac, died on Wednesday aged 86 after suffering from Parkinson's disease, President Andrej Kiska said.

Kovac, an economist and banker, was elected by lawmakers after the amicable break-up of Czechoslovakia in 1993, four years after the Velvet Revolution toppled socialism.

He became a symbol of resistance to authoritarian Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar. Under Meciar's rule Slovakia rejected an initial invitation to join the EU and NATO along with its central European post-communist neighbours, and Madeleine Albright, then U.S. Secretary of State, called the country "the black hole of Europe".

The animosity between Kovac and Meciar escalated in 1995 over the kidnapping of the president's son, at that time subject to an international arrest warrant for financial crimes, allegedly by the secret service that Meciar controlled.

The kidnapping of Kovac's son and his removal to Austria was never fully investigated, as Meciar proclaimed an amnesty on all crimes linked to the event after taking over as acting president when Kovac's term expired in 1998.

A police investigation hinted at the secret service's involvement in the case, but the probe was interrupted when Meciar issued the amnesty.

Kovac spent the last few months of his presidency in sight of a giant clock - installed by Meciar's party at a building facing the presidential palace - counting down his remaining time in office.

Meciar was only in power for a few months. His party lost its majority in a 1998 election and was ousted by a centre-right, centre-left coalition led by Mikulas Dzurinda, putting the country back on track to join the EU and NATO in 2004.

"Kovac was a key partner for foreign diplomats during Meciar's authoritarian rule so that they didn't completely shut Slovakia out. He has always emphasized Slovakia's place in the EU," said Marian Lesko, a columnist at the Trend weekly.
Colombia's Santos, rival Uribe willing to work on peace deal

By Julia Symmes Cobb and Helen Murphy

BOGOTA, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and opposition rival Alvaro Uribe met on Wednesday in a bid to resolve differences over a peace deal with Marxist FARC rebels that was unexpectedly rejected in a plebiscite, leaving the country in limbo.

The two expressed willingness to seek an end to the 52-year war that has killed more than 220,000 people and displaced millions more.

Sunday's shock referendum result, which confounded pollsters and was a political disaster for Santos, plunged the country into uncertainty over the future of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, who had been expected to disarm once the deal was passed by voters.

After more than three hours of talks, former President Uribe emphasized the need for "adjustments and proposals" to ensure the deal includes all Colombians.

Without giving any concrete proposals, Uribe, 64, said Santos had shown he was disposed to changes.

Uribe, a former lawyer and cattle rancher, opposed Santos' peace talks from the start and said the final deal, which was reached in August after four years of painstaking negotiations in Havana, gave too many concessions to the rebels.

He spearheaded the "no" campaign, urging Colombians not to approve the accord, which would have given the FARC guaranteed congressional seats and immunity from traditional jail sentences. "No" carried the day by less than half a percentage point.

"We identified that many of their worries come from points that need clarification or precisions. Today we began to work with them to firm up those points and resolve their doubts," Santos said in a brief statement.

The future of the deal seems to hang on whether the FARC will accept tougher conditions for demobilization, perhaps combined with a softening of Uribe's hard-line demands.

Santos once served in Uribe's cabinet, but the two have not met since late 2010.

The government has said the decision to re-open talks lies with rebel leadership.

Government negotiators are in Havana to confer with guerrilla commanders who have said they will remain "faithful" to the accord.

Thousands, many wearing white, marched in cities across the country in support of the deal on Wednesday. Members of Santos' cabinet joined marchers in Bogota's main square.

A senior U.S. State Department official said both sides are committed to dialogue.
AGCO eyes comeback in South America after political shifts

By Marcelo Teixeira

FOZ DO IGUACU, Brazil Oct 5 (Reuters) - AGCO Corporation , a leading agricultural machinery maker, believes political changes in Brazil and Argentina could spur renewed farm investment in South America's two largest countries and revive the region's status as a growth area.

After seeing sales dive in the two grain-producing nations plagued by deep recessions, AGCO is betting the arrival of more business friendly governments will prompt a revival in investment in the agricultural powerhouses, its chief executive told Reuters in an interview.

The company even expects to see its first sales increase since 2013 as early as next year, chief executive Martin Richenhagen said on the sidelines of a four-day meeting with South American dealers in Foz do Iguacu, a Brazilian city bordering Argentina and Paraguay.

In Brazil, the world's biggest exporter of coffee, sugar and soy, centrist Michel Temer formally took over the presidency in August when left-leaning Dilma Rousseff was dismissed from office by the Senate on charges of breaking budget rules, in the midst of the worst economic downturn in decades.

In Argentina, also a major exporter of soy and corn, President Mauricio Macri has steered the country to the center-right since taking office in December.

"Yes, we are pleased with the political changes," Richenhagen said. "When Brazil comes back, it does so big time. So, we need to make sure we have the ability to react quickly."

The head of the Duluth, Georgia-based company also pointed to promising signs in Argentina after Macri scrapped most taxes on food exports and introduced new financing measures for farmers.

The German-born executive had branded the export taxes, introduced by the previous government of left-leaning Cristina Fernandez, a "stupidity."

He has also criticized the way Brazil's former left-leaning government had stalled on granting farmers' requests for financing, saying Brasilia was slowing down the process to reduce spending.

AGCO sales in South America have been falling since 2013. Its production in the region went from 85,000 units per year in 2013 to 52,000 in 2015, and should fall by about 5 percent this year.

But the company expects to see the first sales increase in 2017, by an estimated 12 percent. That should help compensate for smaller sales in the United States as lower grains prices cut investments by American farmers.

Despite recent setbacks, Richenhagen said that AGCO's investors were aware of Latin America's importance in a cyclical business environment.

"Around 80 percent of our business is done outside the U.S., which gives us a balanced portfolio so when things don't go well in a region they can be compensated in another," he said.

AGCO has seven plants in Brazil and one in Argentina. The company believes demand for agricultural machinery from the region will remain strong if financing is adequate.

Farming data showed there was ample scope for increased investment, he said.
Peru's La Oroya smelter to be auctioned in first quarter of 2017

By Mitra Taj and Marco Aquino

LIMA, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Peru's nearly 100-year-old polymetallic smelter La Oroya and the nearby copper mine Cobriza will likely be offered up in an auction in the first quarter of 2017, the head of the company tasked with finding a buyer said Wednesday.

Pablo Peschiera, director of consulting firm Dirige, said the two assets of the now-bankrupt company Doe Run Peru would likely fetch at least $100 million, though investments to upgrade the smelter could cost $700 million.

Peschiera said he was optimistic about the new bidding round that follows an August 2015 auction that failed to draw any offers as investors fretted over environmental standards, past pollution and demands from workers.

Dirige has asked the government to ease sulfur dioxide emission limits in La Oroya and to tweak rules to clarify that a new operator would not be liable for Doe Run Peru's obligations.

Dirige has also connected potential buyers with workers to broker preliminary deals, Peschiera said.

"The market is in charge. We'll launch the auction with whatever conditions are in place and hope that by then these changes will have been made," Peschiera said in an interview.

The smelter in Peru's central Andes was shuttered in 2009 when Doe Run Peru, owned by New York billionaire Ira Rennert's Renco Group, ran out of money to buy concentrates and pay for environmental upgrades.

The company left $650 million in debts unpaid, including $90 million to $100 million owed to workers, Peschiera said.

The smelter now only processes some zinc, employing a fraction of some 2,200 mostly furloughed workers.

A workers' strike scheduled next week to demand the rest of the smelter restarts could hurt sale prospects, Peschiera said, adding he hopes to persuade the union to call off the stoppage.

President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's promise to revive La Oroya as part of his plan to boost the value of the country's mineral exports has sparked fresh interest from investors, Peschiera said.

Kuczynski, who took office in July, convinced Congress to give La Oroya more time to find a buyer and has slammed Peru's emissions standards as too strict, saying upgrading La Oroya's copper circuit would cost $500 million under current rules but only $200 million if Canadian standards applied.

Peru relaxed the sulfur emissions limit for La Oroya in 2014, but Peschiera said standards should be loosened further.

Kuczynski's environment minister told Reuters last month that air and water quality standards are under review.
Colombian journalist honored for tackling taboos on wartime rape

By Anastasia Moloney

BOGOTA, Oct 6 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - When journalist Jineth Bedoya went to Bogota's maximum-security prison 16 years ago to interview an infamous paramilitary warlord, little did she know the visit would mark her life and convert her into a leading rights activist.

Bedoya never made it to the interview but instead was kidnapped, gang-raped, tortured and left on the side of a road.

She kept quiet for years but in 2009 broke her silence and began campaigning against the taboos and stigma suffered by victims of sexual violence, which was used as a weapon by all sides in Colombia's 52-year-war.

For her activism, Bedoya was awarded on Thursday the annual Reach All Women in WAR (RAW in WAR) Anna Politkovskaya Award.

"To defend the truth is one of the most difficult missions anyone could undertake, and its price can even be that person's life," Bedoya said in a statement. The award is named for a Russian investigative reporter shot dead in 2006.

"For her, and for thousands and thousands of women who gave their last breath for their work, we cannot fail. We cannot falter," said Bedoya, 42, who is deputy editor at Colombia's El Tiempo newspaper.

Bedoya has become the public face for women in Colombia seeking justice in cases of sexual violence crimes. Nearly 16,300 Colombians, most of them women and girls, have been victims of rape and sexual violence, government data shows.

"Jineth is the embodiment of bravery. As a reporter she suffered a brutal attack and abduction for exposing atrocities committed by paramilitaries," said Jimena Sanchez-Garzoli, Colombia rights advocate at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).

"She then transformed her personal pain into a beacon of light for all women who have suffered abuse at the hands of illegal armed groups," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Despite receiving death threats, Bedoya started a campaign "It's not time to be silent" on behalf of women and girls raped during Colombia's conflict.

A peace accord to end the conflict, signed between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), is in limbo after being narrowly rejected by voters as too lenient on the rebels in a referendum on Sunday.

Under the accord, both sides had pledged to ensure perpetrators of sexual violence would not be eligible for amnesty.

About 98 percent of rapes have gone unpunished, according to Bedoya.

But in a rare conviction this year, two paramilitary fighters were sentenced for Bedoya's kidnapping, torture and rape.

The award marks the tenth anniversary of the killing of Politkovskaya, a investigative reporter who uncovered state corruption and rights abuses, especially in Chechnya.

She was killed in the lobby of her Moscow apartment block at age 48 on October 7, 2006.

"The bullets that took her life are the same that ended the life of over 200,000 Colombians. The business of war has not only contaminated the souls of those who profit from it, but it has also made our society hardened and intolerant," Bedoya said.

RAW in WAR, a London-based non-governmental organisation supporting women human rights defenders and victims of war, also honoured Russian rights activist Valentina Cherevatenko, who provides legal and psychological help to civilians affected by violence in the North Caucasus, Armenia, Georgia and Ukraine.
Lenovo in talks to take over Fujitsu's PC business - source

TOKYO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - China's Lenovo Group Ltd is in talks to bring Fujitsu Ltd's personal computer business under its control, allowing the Japanese company to focus on IT services and other businesses, a source with direct knowledge of the talks said.

The two companies aim to reach a deal this month, with some 2,000 Fujitsu workers likely move to Lenovo, the Nikkei business daily said on Thursday, without saying where it got the information.

The deal, if realized, will make Fujitsu the second Japanese PC assembler after NEC Corp to seek the help of the world's largest PC maker to stay competitive in the thin margin market. Lenovo and NEC set up a PC joint venture in 2011.

Fujitsu's shares gained 7 percent in early trade to hit their highest level since January, compared with a 0.6 percent gain for the broader market. Lenovo shares were up 2 percent.

Fujitsu may transfer its design, development and manufacturing operations to a joint venture led by Lenovo or Lenovo may opt to buy a majority stake in the Japanese company's PC unit, the Nikkei said. It did not mention potential financial terms.

Fujitsu said in a statement it was considering various options for the PC unit but had not yet made a decision on its future. Lenovo declined to comment.

Fujitsu had initially negotiated with Toshiba Corp and unlisted Vaio Corp, which was spun off from Sony Corp , for a three-way merger of their PC businesses. But the talks fell through earlier this year as the companies were unable to agree on the details.

Global demand for PCs has been squeezed by sales of smartphones and tablet computers. Smaller makers less able to benefit from large scale production face an uncertain future.

In the second quarter of this year, worldwide shipments of PCs were stronger than expected, but nonetheless shrank 4.5 percent from a year earlier to 62.4 million units, according to technology research company IDC.

Lenovo accounted for 21.2 percent of those shipments, followed by HP Inc with 20.8 percent, and Dell Inc with 16 percent. Asustek computers Inc had a 7.2 percent share while Apple Inc held 7.1 percent.
Indonesia prosecutors seek 20 years in coffee poisoning case

JAKARTA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Indonesian prosecutors said they are seeking a 20-year jail term for a woman charged with murdering her college friend by poisoning her coffee.

Jessica Kumala Wongso, a resident of Australia, is accused of the murder of Wayan Mirna Salihin at a Jakarta cafe in early January.

The case has grabbed widespread media attention in Indonesia and neighbouring Australia, with the cafe turning into a tourist spot and coffee products being named after Wongso. Weekly court hearings are televised live.

President Joko Widodo's administration said in June Wongso would not be executed. The deal was made with Australia in order for Australian police to assist in the investigation.

"The public prosecutor in this case demands the panel of judges ... sentence the defendant Jessica Kumala Wongso to 20 years in prison," prosecutor Melanie Wuwung said at the court hearing in Jakarta late Wednesday.

Wongso's lawyers say there is no evidence that she poisoned her friend's coffee.
6 STRONG MEDIA, a local video production and motion design studio, announced the expansion of its leadership team with the addition of Mandy Senn as vice president of marketing.





We are thrilled to have Mandy on board to help us establish a more dominant position as the leading provider of creative video services in the local market, said VP of Production Chris Braly. Our company has had much success with national and international clientele since our inception in 2010.





6 STRONG MEDIA felt compelled to establish this position to assist businesses and organizations to capitalize on the growth Chattanooga is experiencing.It is time to turn our attention back to serving companies in our own backyard, said Mr. Braly. "Mandy is perfect for this position because her experience and connections will accelerate our efforts to communicate the value we can offer to Chattanooga businesses.





Ms. Senn joins the company after serving as a long-time client of 6 STRONG MEDIA in previous roles with the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and Girls Preparatory School.





It has been a privilege to work with the 6 STRONG MEDIA team for a number of years on a variety of video and animation projects, said Ms. Senn. Im excited to be a part of this incredible team of experts and look forward to helping local companies and organizations use video to achieve their marketing and internal communication goals. This company really sets the bar for how a creative firm should partner with its clients.





6 STRONG MEDIA works with creative agencies, large corporations, successful small businesses, and forward-thinking non-profit organizations. Its studio is located downtown in Jacks Alley at 417 Market Street.
Syrian army warns rebels and families to leave eastern Aleppo

BEIRUT, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Syria's army has said that anybody who remains in the city of Aleppo after offering those who wish to leave an opportunity to do so would face their "inevitable fate".

A statement issued late on Wednesday said the army had cut off insurgents' supply lines into the northern city and that it had accurate information about the location of all their positions and arms stores. It urged all fighters there to lay down their arms and leave.

Earlier on Wednesday, the army said it was reducing its air strikes and shelling of rebel-held eastern Aleppo to alleviate the humanitarian situation and allow people to depart for safer areas if they wanted to do so.

The army, backed by Shi'ite militias from Iraq and Lebanon, as well as Russia's air force, began an offensive against eastern Aleppo on Sept. 19 after the collapse of a week-long truce. The offensive began with one of the war's most intense bombardments.

The scale of destruction in Aleppo since the offensive began has prompted mounting international concern and caused the United States to break talks with Russia on attempting to renew a ceasefire.
Asia flows boost shipping rates, displace U.S. crude imports

By Catherine Ngai and Liz Hampton

NEW YORK/HOUSTON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Robust Asian demand for West African crude is fueling a worldwide surge in shipping rates for the largest oil tankers that is being felt from Houston to Singapore.

Chartering rates for Suezmaxes and very large crude carriers (VLCCs) have recovered rapidly in recent weeks after plunging to their lowest in more than year this summer.

The spike in rates comes as Asian refiners return to the market after a seasonal turnaround period, and as several key streams of West African crude are finally loading for export after supplies were constrained because of pipeline disruptions in Nigeria.

The higher rates, which imply fewer imports into the United States, could support benchmark oil prices in coming weeks.

Increased demand from Asia for this crude has tied up ships and barrels that might have otherwise moved to the United States. The higher prices are leaving brokers and traders scrambling to secure vessels, particularly for common routes from West Africa to the U.S. East Coast or Western Europe.

Chinese loadings of West African crude are set to average 1.1 million barrels per day in October, the highest since April.

The interest in Suezmaxes comes at a time when two key West African crudes, Nigeria's Qua Iboe and Forcados, return to the global market after a months-long force majeure. Rebels hit a sub-sea pipeline operated by SPDC, an affiliate of Royal Dutch Shell, in February, forcing the company to stop exports of the Forcados stream of oil.

Exxon stopped exporting Qua Iboe in July after a leak on the line feeding oil to the export terminal.

On Tuesday, Reuters tracking data showed that the first cargo since July of Qua Iboe loaded at a local terminal.

"Nigerian loadings are now scheduled to reach some 1.9 million barrels per day next month. The pick-up has had a clear effect on freight markets," JBC Energy said in note last week. Nigeria exported some 1.4 million bpd in September.

Transporting oil on larger vessels is more cost effective, especially for longer voyages.

In September, Suezmax volumes rose by nearly 60 percent from August, according to one ship broker, pushing the rates for the popular West Africa-to-United Kingdom route up to 110 percent of the World Scale, a shipping rate benchmark. In August, that route was as low as 35 percent, another broker said.

That rate has since leveled off this past week but remains elevated.

The spot rate for a Suezmax from the U.S. Gulf to Japan or South Korea is around $3.5 million, brokers say, more than double the rate for the same route two months ago.

Meanwhile, VLCC fixtures for October loading from West Africa are up 50 percent month-over-month, the first ship broker said. Last week, a VLCC moving from the Caribbean to Singapore was priced at about $3.85 million, up from $3 million just a week prior, a third broker said.

With higher rates, fewer imports could come into the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast, reducing overall inventories. That could boost oil prices as refiners draw from existing storage, traders said.

U.S. crude imports in October are expected to be the lowest since September 2015, according to preliminary data from Thomson Reuters Eikon's shipping data.

While the Suezmax market softened slightly this past week, more opportunities in coming weeks should limit further downside, according to a note from shipbroker Charles Weber Co available via Capital Link Weekly on Thomson Reuters' Eikon, citing the resumption of additional exports.
Six killed in suspected Islamist attack in Kenya - governor, media

NAIROBI, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Six people were killed in an attack in northeast Kenya on Thursday by suspected Islamist militants from the Somali group al Shabaab, the regional governor and Kenyan media reported, the latest strike in an area by the militants.

The governor of Mandera county where the attack took place, Ali Roba, told Reuters that six people had been confirmed killed, confirming his comments made on Twitter.

Kenya's Daily Nation said on its website that the attack, which it blamed on al Shabaab, occurred early in the morning.
Hong Kong stocks rise, led by financials; Lenovo up

HONG KONG, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Hong Kong stocks rose on Thursday, lifted by financial and resource shares, following an overnight surge in oil prices and support as some investors built positions ahead of next week's reopening of the China market.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index climbed 0.5 percent at 23,902.69 points while the China Enterprises Index gained 1 percent to 9,907.64 points.

China's stock market is closed all this week for the National Day holiday. It reopens on Monday.

"Players started to build up their position ahead of the reopening of the China market," said Alex Wong, Hong Kong director of Ample Finance Group, adding that "the underlying tone is seen as solid,"

Shares of China's Lenovo Group Ltd rose 2.5 percent on media reports that it is in talks to bring Fujitsu Ltd's personal computer business under its control.

A sub-index measuring Hong Kong financial stocks rose 0.8 percent. Shares of China Shenhua and PetroChina climbed more than 3.5 percent, and China Life was up 2.4 percent.

Chinese property stocks slid on concern over further cooling measures to curb mainland property prices.

China Resources Land fell 1.9 percent. China Evergrande and China Overseas Land were down about 1.5 percent.
Somali Islamist militants kill six in Kenya attack

NAIROBI, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Islamist militants from the Somali group al Shabaab killed six people in an attack in northeast Kenya on Thursday, the latest in a series of raids by the group in the region.

Mandera on the Somali border has often been targeted by al Shabaab, which says it will continue its campaign of attacks in Kenya until the Kenyan government withdraws its troops from Somalia where they are part of an African force.

"We have suffered another sad attack," the governor of Mandera county, Ali Roba, wrote on Twitter, saying six people had been confirmed killed.

"If not for the quick response by our security forces, we would be talking of many more casualties now," Roba told Reuters by telephone. "From the nature and style of the attack, it will obviously be al Shabaab."

Kenya's Daily Nation said on its website that the attack occurred early in the morning at a public works site.

"We are behind the Mandera attack in which we killed six Christians," Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab's military operations spokesman, told Reuters, adding they had also hit a police vehicle using a roadside bomb.

Repeated in attacks in Kenya by al Shabaab have killed hundreds of people in the past three years or so and hammered the country's vital tourism industry.
Berlin pursues discreet talks with U.S. officials on Deutsche Bank

By Paul Carrel and Noah Barkin

BERLIN, Oct 5 (Reuters) - The German government is pursuing discreet talks with U.S. authorities to help Deutsche Bank secure a swift settlement over the sale of toxic mortgage bonds, according to sources in Berlin.

Until now, German officials have played down their role in the standoff, saying it is up to Deutsche to work out a deal with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which is demanding up to $14 billion to settle claims the lender mis-sold mortgage-backed securities before the financial crisis.

But government officials in Berlin, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters they hoped to facilitate a quick deal that would buy Deutsche Bank time to regain its footing.

One senior government official told Reuters there was "contact at all levels" between German and American officials.

Another source said Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble was not planning to meet DOJ officials during a trip to Washington this week for International Monetary Fund meetings, but added: "You can hold talks. It doesn't have to be the minister."

Deutsche has been engulfed in crisis since news of the $14 billion U.S. demand emerged last month. It is fighting the fine but could have to turn to investors for more money if it is imposed in full.

The resolution of the crisis through a reduced settlement is crucial for Chancellor Angela Merkel, who faces a federal election next year. It could be political poison for her government to rescue a bank that got into trouble through speculating. At the same time, officials recognise that Germany's biggest bank, which employs around 100,000 people, cannot be allowed to fail.

"Everyone knows the significance of the bank," said a third government official.

Berlin is hoping a near-term settlement well below the mooted $14 billion will ease pressure on Deutsche Bank.

The first government official said the ideal solution for Germany in the longer term would be a merger between Deutsche and its smaller domestic rival Commerzbank, even if it would be better to wait several years until both banks were cleaned up before sealing such a deal.

Berlin has previously declined to comment on the topic of bank mergers. The official's comments about an all-German tie-up mirror the view of others in Berlin who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, although it is unclear whether they represent official policy in the Chancellery.

"We are not Austria," the official said. "We are the biggest economy in the European Union, one of the world's leading exporters. We need a big bank with a European and international presence but which is anchored here in Germany."

The official added that merging Deutsche with a European rival was fine in principle but only if Germans controlled the combined entity.

OPPOSITION

Worries over a major bank in Europe's largest economy have stirred painful memories of the 2007-2009 financial crisis and sent tremors through global markets.

For Merkel, Deutsche's woes could hardly have flared up at a worse time. Her Christian Democrats are losing support to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and are at loggerheads with their Bavarian allies over migrant policy.

With her strength in a fractured post-Brexit European Union also sapped, the last thing Merkel needs in the run-up to the election is Deutsche turning to her government for help.

"Rescuing Deutsche Bank would not be popular," the senior government official said. "No government in the world ... wants to have to save banks before an election. But I don't believe this will be necessary."

The German Finance Ministry has denied it is working on a rescue plan for Deutsche. But government sources said it was crucial that trust was restored in the bank.

While this will take time and Deutsche's business model still needs work, agreeing a settlement with the DOJ would help alleviate the pressure on the bank, buying time for asset sales and possibly another capital hike.

Comments on Sunday from Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, a Social Democrat, accusing Deutsche of making speculation its business, were a signal that Merkel's opponents will not hesitate to use the Deutsche issue to score political points.

"The German government would face stiff opposition if it decided to help Deutsche Bank," said Joerg Rocholl, president of the ESMT business school in Berlin and member of an economic advisory board to the German finance ministry.

"I would expect opposition parties to seize on this in a massive way to question the credibility of the government in the run-up to the federal election next year," he added.

In an Emnid survey for Focus magazine on Saturday, 69 percent of those polled opposed state aid for the bank, with 24 percent in favour. Lawmakers in Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) have said they do not want to see the government jump to Deutsche's aid.

"Deutsche Bank caused these problems itself," said Eckhard Rehberg, a budget expert in the CDU parliamentary party. "At the present time, I rule out capital assistance."

Complicating the calculus are new EU bail-in rules meant to shield taxpayers from shouldering the cost of failing banks. Germany pushed hard for rules that say investors and creditors representing 8 percent of a bank's balance sheet must be tapped before there can be any government support.

LESSONS LEARNED

As the German government considers its next moves, officials say that a number of previous cases involving European firms and U.S. authorities are shaping its approach.

In pushing for a settlement with the U.S. DOJ, Berlin is opting for a discreet approach, in part because it saw how France's aggressive public lobbying several years ago against a $9 billion fine imposed on BNP Paribas for violating U.S. sanctions against Iran, Cuba and Sudan seemed to backfire.

The lessons of the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal have also left their mark. The Wolfsburg-based carmaker initially tried to resolve the costly dispute by dispatching lower level officials to negotiate with the United States.

When VW CEO Matthias Mueller finally addressed the issue during a visit to the Detroit car show in January, he stumbled during an English-language interview with NPR, attributing the scandal to a "technical problem" and denying the company had deliberately deceived.

The ensuing storm forced him into an embarrassing backtrack.

"I think it has been understood after the VW case, that you can't send third-level people. The chief must go himself," said the senior government official, referring to Deutsche CEO John Cryan, a Briton who will also be in Washington this week.

"The advantage in this instance is that he's a native speaker. This could help resolve this despite all the challenges," the official added. "VW gave the impression they weren't taking it seriously."

For Merkel, the case of German carmaker Opel, may also be influencing her thinking.
PRESS DIGEST - Bulgaria - Oct 6

SOFIA, Oct 6 (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.

-- The next Secretary General of the United Nations would neither be a woman, nor from Eastern Europe, after Bulgarian candidates for the post, Irina Bokova and Kristalina Georgieva ranked fourth and eighth, respectively, in the sixth secret ballot. Portugal's Antonio Guterres is poised to be the next U.N. chief. (24 Chasa, Trud, Standart, Telegraph, Sega, Capital Daily)

-- Bulgaria's defence ministry will hold direct talks for the supply of the army with 10 engines for its ageing fleet of MiG-29 jet fighters, after a tender for the engines failed. (Trud, Standart, Sega, Duma, Monitor)

-- Bulgaria will not call back its troops from Afghanistan after the European Union reached a deal with Kabul for re-admission of migrants, Prime Minister Boiko Borisov said. (Trud, Telegraph, Standart, Sega, 24 Chasa)

-- Four new companies have expressed interest to reserve capacity in the natural gas pipeline between Bulgaria and Greece, Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova said. The deadline for binding bids for capacity for the IGB pipeline expires at the end of October. (Standart, Monitor, Trud, Capital Daily, 24 Chasa)
Bomb blast kills at least 16 Turkish-backed rebels in northern Syria - monitors

BEIRUT, Oct 6 (Reuters) - A bomb blast in northern Syria near the border with Turkey killed at least 16 Turkish-backed rebel fighters and wounded others on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

Two witnesses in the area separately told Reuters the blast killed at least 20 people and wounded many more.

The British-based Observatory said it was not clear if the blast near the Atmeh border crossing was from a suicide attack or a bomb placed in the area. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
China eyes progress at APEC for China-backed free trade area

BEIJING, Oct 6 (Reuters) - China hopes to see progress at next month's summit in Peru of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) bloc in pushing ahead with a Chinese-backed trade liberalisation framework, China's foreign minister said while on a trip to Lima.

At an APEC summit in Beijing two years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged members to speed up talks on the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) being pushed by Beijing.

APEC approved work towards the establishment of FTAAP, which Xi said then was a "historic step".

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said a feasibility study on FTAAP had been basically completed and China hoped to present it at this APEC summit, his ministry said in a statement.

China "hopes it's approved by the meeting and that the next steps can be jointly agreed on upon this basis", the ministry cited Wang as saying.

"China hopes that the negotiations process for FTAAP can start in due course."

APEC needs to send a positive signal against a tide of rising protectionism and anti-globalisation and so China would like APEC to reach consensus on FTAAP, Wang said.

Some see FTAAP as a way to divert attention from the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement backed by the United States.

China is not part of the TPP and has not been enthusiastic about it.

China fears the TPP is being used by the United States to either force it to open markets by signing up or else isolate it from other regional economies as trade is diverted to TPP signatories.

The TPP is seen as the economic backbone of U.S. President Barack Obama's "pivot" to Asia, which some experts view as an attempt to balance China's rise by establishing a larger U.S. presence in the region.

Wang said the various trade proposals on the table should be "open, not closed, and inclusive, not exclusionary".

China is also keen on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which groups the 10 members of the Association of South East Asian Nations plus China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.

"No matter whether it's TPP or RCEP, they all lead to the path of FTAAP," Wang said. "The rules of international trade should be decided via equal consultations of all parties, not just one or two parties having the final say."

Trade rules should not be politicised or have some political aim, he added.
Many hospital medics forced to flee embattled Afghan city, jeopardising care - officials

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Fighting in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz has forced many hospital staff to leave for safety, officials said on Thursday, further jeopardising medical care for hundreds of people.

Street-to-street gun battles have continued for four days after Taliban militants slipped past the city's defences on Monday.

Government troops, backed by U.S. special forces and air strikes, have repeatedly declared that they are in control of the city, but residents report that heavy fighting has forced many people to flee.

Among those fleeing Kunduz are about 70 percent of the staff at the city's main public hospital, which was struck by several rockets and small arms fire, said Marzia Yaftali Salaam, a doctor.

The 200-bed public hospital is the main provider of medical care in Kunduz after a more advanced trauma centre run by Medecins Sans Frontiers was destroyed by an American air strike last year.

In the past three days, the hospital has been inundated by at least 210 patients, many of them civilians, including women and children, injured in the fighting, Salaam said.

"Many of the wounded had to be carried to clinics in surrounding districts and private clinics in the city," she said. "If the situation remains the same, we may be forced to halt our services."

During a lull in the fighting on Wednesday, nearly 50 casualties were rushed to the hospital in the span of a few hours, said Hameed Alam, head of the public health department in Kunduz.

Thousands of residents have fled the city, with those who remain facing serious water, food and electricity shortages, as well as threats from the fighting.

The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 to 2001, are seeking to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul and reimpose Islamic rule.

"There is fighting in every street and the situation is critical," said Ismail Kawasi, a spokesman for the Public Health Ministry in Kabul.

Additional medical supplies and personnel were positioned in neighbouring provinces, but they must wait for the fighting to subside before they can be flown to Kunduz, he said.
AVA hosts a traveling exhibit to celebrate Tennessee Watercolor Society's 45th Anniversary during October and the opening reception will be Friday from 5:30-8 p.m.

The Tennessee Watercolor Society rotates its Biennial Exhibition around the state at respected galleries. The 35th Juried Exhibition was hosted by the Arts and Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville at The Emporium Center this year. Upon its closing on June 24, 30 of the 55 paintings selected by juror John Salminen began a seven-month tour of the state. The Traveling Exhibit will be installed at the Association for Visual Arts at 30 Frazier Ave.

The highlight of this exhibition is 14 of the 16 award-winning paintings are included - the best of the best, receiving from $1,200 to $250 each, donated by sponsors. The 14 are: Old Soul, Dear Heart by Kate Aubrey, In the Spotlight by Judy Lavoie, Untitled by Lana Wilson, War Path by Joan Clark, The Proposal by John Wilkison, Rue Royale by Angela Broyles, Cafe du Monde Waiters by Sandra Carpenter, Death of Innocence by Claudia Balthrop, Alma Sue and J.O. by Susan Miller, Dandelion Fun by Tim Hacker, White Lily by Noriko Register, On the Boardwalk by Barbara Jake Wilson, Shards by Sandra Washburn and Musing by Pam Francis.

Two of the award winners, Clark and Washburn, are from Chattanooga. Other local artists are Sandy Boone, Helen Burton, Harriet Chipley and Jennie Kirkpatrick.



Featured artists are: Kate Aubrey, Judy Lavole, Lana Wilson, Joan Clark, John Wilkison, Angela Broyles, Sandra Carpenter, Claudia Balthrop, Susan Miller, Tim Hacker, Noriko Register, Barbara Jake Wilson, Sandra Washburn, Pam Francis, Sandy Boone, Helen Burton, Harriet Chipley, Glenna Cook, Kay Coop, Lee Edge, Robert Eoff, Susan Hyback, Linda Johnson, Jennie Kirkpatrick, Frank Lott, Mary Spellings, Jim Stagner, Laurie Szilvagyi, Ulla Veiro and Thomas White.

AVA hours are Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m.-5p.m. and the first Saturday of the month from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free and open to the public.
Bomb kills 25, mostly foreign-backed rebels in north Syria - witnesses

BEIRUT/AMMAN, Oct 6 (Reuters) - A bomb claimed by Islamic State at a Syria-Turkey border crossing killed at least 25 people, most of them foreign-backed Syrian rebels, and wounded dozens more on Thursday, witnesses said.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group put the death toll at least 21.

The attack targeted rebels from factions which have been battling the jihadist group with Turkish military support along another stretch of border further to the northeast, the witnesses and the Observatory said.

It took place on the Syrian side of the Atmeh crossing, west of Aleppo. A photo sent by a witness in the area, purportedly of its aftermath, showed the bloodied corpses lying on the ground.

Islamic State claimed the attack in an online statement.

The witness said most of the rebels were from the Failaq al-Sham group, which has been fighting alongside other Turkish-backed factions in Ankara's offensive, dubbed "Euphrates Shield".

That operation, taking place along the border northeast of Aleppo, has also targeted Kurdish militants.

The rebels use the Atmeh crossing to move between Idlib province, through Turkey, to the areas where anti-Islamic State operations are taking place, the Observatory said.

Residents told Reuters they also use it to evacuate wounded fighters.

Among the dead from the Atmeh blast were the head of the top civil judicial body in rebel-held eastern Aleppo, Sheikh Khaled al-Sayyed, and a judge who worked with him, a witness and a rebel official said.

Syria's Idlib province, where Atmeh is located, is a bastion of the Turkey-backed opposition to President Bashar al-Assad's rule. A multi-sided civil war has raged in Syria for more than five years.

Islamic State is fighting against all sides, including the Syrian government, foreign-backed rebels and other U.S.-backed fighters.

Aleppo, further to the east, has been divided for years between government- and rebel-held areas. The opposition have set up their own administrative bodies in the east.
Amazon keeps up UK investment push with Daventry centre

LONDON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Online retailer Amazon said on Thursday it would create over 300 new jobs next year when it opens a distribution centre in central England, maintaining a wave of investment in Britain.

Plans for the centre in Daventry follow announcements in August that the firm will open fulfilment facilities in Tilbury, south east England, and Doncaster, northern England in 2017, creating 2,000 jobs.

The new jobs in Daventry, Tilbury and Doncaster are in addition to the 3,500 it expects to create in Britain in 2016, spanning head office, research and development centres, customer service centres, a fashion photography studio, Amazon Web Services and distribution centres.

Those jobs will take Amazon's total full-time permanent UK employees to over 15,500 by the end of 2016.

Amazon is increasing the size of its UK distribution network to meet customer demand, driven in part by the 40 percent growth last year in the number of independent businesses selling on Amazon and using its fulfilment services.

Amazon's new UK manager Doug Gurr said in July Britain's decision to leave the European Union had not affected its investment plans for the country.
South Africa's Zuma quizzed over rich friends' links to power

By Joe Brock

JOHANNESBURG, Oct 6 (Reuters) - South African President Jacob Zuma was questioned for four hours on Thursday over allegations his wealthy business friends influenced political appointments, in the final investigation by an anti-graft chief who has been a thorn in his side.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela won popular acclaim when her investigation into $16 million of improper state spending on Zuma's private home was upheld in the constitutional court and the president was forced to repay some of the funds.

As part of her final inquiry, Madonsela spoke to Zuma and his lawyers behind closed doors over accusations the Gupta family played a role in selecting cabinet members and used their relationship with the president to gain favour in terms of government tenders, payments and licenses.

Madonsela's office said for most of the four-hour meeting, Zuma's lawyers argued that the investigation should be deferred to her successor, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who was confirmed by the president earlier on Thursday.

"The president and his advisers further advised that the President had not had time to prepare answers," the public protector's office said in a statement, adding that Madonsela wrote to Zuma about the allegations against him on March 22.

Madonsela is due to release her findings by Oct. 14, the day before her seven-year term comes to an end.

The Guptas deny any wrongdoing and say they have been victims of a "sustained political attack".

"If the report finds serious wrongdoing by the president, it will be extremely damaging and will embolden his opponents inside and outside the ruling party," said Prince Mashele, analyst at the Centre for Politics and Research.

"Madonsela knows this is her final farewell and I don't expect her to be mild. She'll hit this one hard."

THE GUPTAS

The three Gupta brothers moved to South Africa from India at the end of apartheid in the early 1990s and went on to build a business empire that stretches from technology to the media to mining.

They became household names in South Africa after Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas said in March they had offered to secure him his boss's job.

Zuma's son, Duduzane, quit as a director of a firm owned by the Guptas in April because of "aspersions" about his family and after large South African banks cut ties with the Guptas.

Opposition parties have called for Zuma's resignation over his links with the Guptas and top members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) have condemned what they call "state capture" by private interests, without naming the president.

But analysts say there is little appetite in the ANC to remove a second party president in a row, following the recall of Thabo Mbeki in 2008, since this would be a boon to opponents.

Zuma is expected to stand down as ANC leader late next year at a party conference before his second and final term as South African president finishes in 2019.

"The public protector's report could be very damaging for Zuma, but a slow, incremental decline is more likely than an unceremonious exit," said political analyst Daniel Silke.

"The top echelons of the ANC will likely wait for a natural retirement as the forces aligned to Zuma begin to switch loyalties to his successor and the ANC divides widen."
PRESS DIGEST - RUSSIA - OCT 6

MOSCOW, Oct 6 (Reuters) - The following are some stories in Russia's newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

VEDOMOSTI

www.vedomosti.ru

- Next year Russia will cut spending on healthcare by 5.8 percent and by a further 4.6 percent on education, the daily writes, adding that at the same time spending on defence and security will grow significantly.

- Russia's Defence Ministry has prepared a draft bill allowing short-term contract service in the army for a period of anti-terrorists operations, including those taking place abroad.

- Russian diamond producer Alrosa is asking the Finance Ministry to allow exports of diamonds by individuals if the price of a batch exceeds $25,000.

- Heineken, the world's third-largest brewer, is halting its third production plant in Russia, explaining it by high excise duties and heavy state control over the market, the daily says.

KOMMERSANT

www.kommersant.ru

- Alexei Likhachev, who was in charge in export operations in the Economy Ministry, was appointed on Wednesday to head Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom.

- Russia and Kazakhstan plan to invest up to $169 million in construction of a new logistics centre near Moscow's international airport of Domodedovo. The centre will provide its services to container carriers from China to Europe via Russia and Kazakhstan, the daily says.

IZVESTIA

www.izvestia.ru

- The Defence Ministry has completed forming a new division of heavy bombers in the Far East on the basis of strategic missile carriers Tupolev-95MS and long-range bombers Tupolev-22M3, which will patrol the Pacific ocean above the triangle of Japan-Hawaii-Guam, the daily says.

- Russia has provided Syria with enough anti-missile and anti-aircraft weapons to enable it to protect its territory from air attacks, the daily writes, adding that Moscow could also impose a no-fly zone in the region with its S-300 air defence missile systems recently deployed to Syria.

NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA

www.ng.ru

- Russia will view any attack on its base in Syria as invasion of Russian territory after parliamentarians ratify on Friday Moscow's agreement with Damascus on permanent deployment of Russia's aviation to Syria, the daily writes.

- Almost a half of Russian banks reported on the amount of their assets which in fact do not exist, according to analysts who compared Russia's banking system with a time bomb.

ROSSIISKAYA GAZETA

www.rg.ru
Zambian opposition leaders to be charged with sedition -police

LUSAKA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Zambia's main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema and his deputy Geoffrey Mwamba are due to be charged with sedition by a court on Thursday, police said, a move his party said was an attempt by the ruling party to silence dissent.

Two months ago, Hichilema's United Party for National Development (UPND) denounced President Edgar Lungu's re-election as fraudulent but attempts to mount a legal challenge have been unsuccessful.

Hichilema and Mwamba were detained on Wednesday accused of holding an assembly without a permit in connection with an impromptu address he gave on Sept 26 to a group of supporters in the central city of Mpongwe, police said.

Sedition in Zambia is defined by conduct inciting people to rebel against the authority of the state, and carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.

"This is a scheme by the party in power to harass the opposition and instill fear in them," UPND spokesman Charles Kakoma said.

"They know that they did not genuinely win the last elections and want to instill fear in those who want to speak out against what happened that they risk being arrested."
Job ads for foreign maids in Asia, Middle East highlight poor pay - study

By Beh Lih Yi

JAKARTA, Oct 6 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A survey of ads for jobs in Asia and the Middle East found that foreign domestic workers are paid most in Hong Kong, yet earn a fraction of what they would make if they worked in wealthier countries.

Activists said the survey highlighted the need for action to tackle the low salaries of migrant domestic workers in the two regions and help stamp out exploitation.

Of the major countries employing migrant domestic workers in Asia and the Middle East, salaries are highest in Hong Kong, at $567 a month, according to the study by HelperChoice, a website that connects employers with domestic workers seeking jobs.

Domestic workers, mostly women from poorer South and Southeast Asian countries, often earn more than they could back home, but far below the monthly minimum wage domestic workers earn in countries such as Australia ($2,230) or France ($1,866), based on 40 hours of work per week, HelperChoice said.

"What the survey shows is how poorly paid domestic workers are in Asia and the Middle East," said Eman Villanueva, a spokesperson from the Hong Kong-based Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, an umbrella group representing foreign domestic helpers in the financial hub.

He said a foreign domestic worker's salary in the city - about $1 to $1.40 an hour based on 12 to 16 hours of work a day - is only a third of Hong Kong's minimum wage.

"If other countries in Asia and the Middle East are even lower, that's a really, really sad situation for domestic workers," Villanueva told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Activists said the findings highlight the poor treatment of maids in Asia and the Middle East, where nearly half of the world's 52 million domestic workers are employed, according to the International Labour Organization.

Families in Asia and the Middle East rely heavily on domestic workers to cook, clean and care for children as well as the elderly.

Hong Kong, which has more than 300,000 foreign domestic workers, mainly from the Philippines and Indonesia, has set a minimum wage for these workers at $556 per month, but Villanueva said they have been pushing for a hike to at least $645 a month and better terms.

He said current employment regulations - similar across Asia and the Middle East - require a domestic worker to live with their employers without regulated working hours, encouraging abuse and exploitation.

"It creates a situation where a worker is working 24 hours non-stop. When the baby cries or when there is something to attend to, the employers can just knock on our door," said Villanueva, a Filipino who has been a domestic worker in Hong Kong for 25 years.

The average salary for a domestic worker is $439 in Singapore, $431 in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and $388 in Kuwait, according to the HelperChoice study.

By comparison, in Thailand, the average salary for foreign maids from neighbouring Myanmar is between $123 and $143, according to a survey by the MAP Foundation, a migrant rights group based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Heathrow expansion would not break European pollution law, study finds

LONDON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - London's Heathrow airport could build a third runway without breaking European pollution laws, according to research published before a British government decision on airport expansion, the BBC reported on Thursday.

Europe's busiest airport is battling Gatwick, London's number two airport, for government approval to build an extra runway, with a final decision due in the next few weeks after more than two decades of deliberations due to local protests about noise and pollution.

Heathrow, Britain's biggest port which handles a third of the country's non-EU exports, says it can build more routes with trading nations but has faced greater scrutiny over its environmental impact. Gatwick says it can build a new runway at a lower cost and with less harm to the environment.

In a potential boost to Heathrow, research from the University of Cambridge showed that any increased levels of poisonous nitrogen oxide from a new runway would be offset by lower pollution from traffic nearby as cleaner car models become more common, the BBC said.

The research, with no formal links to the airport or the government, used small sensors dotted around the airport to pick up changes in air quality more comprehensively.

"There will be more pollution (from the projected runway at Heathrow) but it will be against a background of reduced pollution from the wider area, and so the general pollution level will drop, we think below the critical level we now have for health impacts," Professor Rod Jones told the BBC.

However Cait Hewitt, deputy director of Britain's Aviation Environment Federation, told the BBC that basing a decision on the assumption car emissions would decline was "irresponsible in the extreme" because there was no supporting evidence.

Heathrow has said it will comply with an extended ban on night flights and meet European air quality rules if the project gets the green light.

It has also said it will meet 11 conditions set out by Britain's Airports Commission, including a requirement on air quality which states that new flights will only be permitted if air quality does not breach EU limits.
Polish parliament rejects near-total abortion ban after protests

By Pawel Sobczak and Marcin Goettig

WARSAW, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Poland's parliament overwhelmingly rejected plans for a near-total ban on abortion on Thursday after mass protests by tens of thousands of women, marking an embarrassing setback for the conservative government and the powerful Catholic Church.

The ruling Law and Justice party (PIS) had originally backed the draft proposals drawn up by an independent anti-abortion campaign group but was badly shaken by Monday's protest rallies across Poland attended by up to 100,000 women dressed in black.

Poland already has one of Europe's most restrictive abortion laws but the new proposals would have limited it only to cases where the mother's life was in direct danger - a step too far even for many women who helped vote PiS into power a year ago.

Under the rejected plan, women and doctors would have faced up to five years in jail for performing an abortion.

"PiS continues to back the protection of life," party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski, a devout Catholic, told parliament. "And it will continue to take action in this respect but it will be considered action."

In the vote 352 lawmakers rejected the proposals against 58 in favour, but liberal opposition deputies warned of possible further attempts to tighten the law by the PiS government, which has a big parliamentary majority.

"We have to remain vigilant because we don't know what the future holds for abortion rules in Poland. We can't be sure that PiS won't come up with a new proposal," said Joanna Schmidt, a lawmaker with the new liberal Modern party.

Under current rules, enshrined in a 1993 law that ended the liberal approach of communist times, abortion is allowed in cases of rape, incest, danger to the mother's health or when prenatal tests show serious, irreversible damage to the foetus.

But activists say women are sometimes denied an abortion in such cases when a doctor invokes moral or religious objections.

Poland remains one of Europe's most staunchly Catholic nations, although the clergy has seen its influence steadily eroded by more than two decades of democratisation and market reforms since the 1989 fall of communism.

Ahead of Thursday's vote, the Bishops' Conference said in a statement: "We support all law proposals that call for the full protection of life from conception to natural death. But we do not support rules that would punish women who have an abortion."

PIS PRAGMATISM

Explaining her party's U-turn, Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said the government would introduce fresh proposals by the end of the year but hinted that any new restrictions would be modest, if any.

She also announced more money to help families with disabled children.

Also on Thursday deputies withdrew draft legislation that would have severely restricted access to in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures for infertile couples.

PiS has already halted state funding for IVF, which the Catholic Church views as a sinful procedure, reversing the previous centrist government's policy.

PiS managed to win last year's election by broadening its appeal beyond its traditional base - mainly poorer, rural, less educated voters - to include more women and younger people attracted by its promises to introduce family benefits and increase other forms of public spending.

The PiS candidate for the presidency, Andrzej Duda, was also elected head of state last year on a similarly broad platform.

"PiS voters have included conservative people who previously voted for the centrists or those voting for the leftists who support the PiS welfare ideas," said Zuzanna, a 35-year-old educator from Warsaw who voted for Duda.

"This proposal (on abortion) could have led to a decline in support among those whom they had attracted with welfare programmes," she said.

PiS may have already suffered consequences. An opinion poll by Millward Brown pollster conducted after Monday's protests showed support for PiS easing to 30 percent from 33 percent in July, though it remains well ahead of its rivals.

Earlier this year its popularity barely budged when it tried to reform the Constitutional Court in moves critics - including the European Union - said undermined democratic standards.
Iraq's reaction to Turkish military presence 'incomprehensible' - PM

ANKARA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Iraq's reaction to Turkey's military presence at the Bashiqa army base north of Mosul is "incomprehensible" and the soldiers will remain there to ensure the region's demographics do not change, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Thursday.
Iraq requests U.N. emergency meeting on Turkish troops in north

BAGHDAD, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Iraq has requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the presence of Turkish troops on its territory as a dispute with Ankara escalates.

Turkey's parliament voted last week to extend the deployment of an estimated 2,000 troops across northern Iraq by a year to combat "terrorist organisations" - a likely reference to Kurdish rebels as well as Islamic State.

Iraq condemned the vote, and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned Turkey risked triggering a regional war. On Wednesday, Ankara and Baghdad each summoned the other's ambassador in protest at remarks from the other camp.

"The Iraqi foreign ministry has presented a request for an emergency meeting of the Security Council to discuss the Turkish violation of Iraq's territory and interference in its internal affairs," said a statement on the ministry's website.

Turkey says its military is in Iraq at the invitation of Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdish regional government, with which Ankara maintains solid ties. Baghdad says no such invitation was ever issued.

Most of the Turkish troops are at a base in Bashiqa, north of Mosul and close to Turkey's border, where they are helping to train Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga and Sunni fighters.

Tensions between Baghdad and Ankara have risen with expectations of an offensive by U.S.-backed Iraqi forces to retake Mosul, the last major Iraqi city under Islamic State control, captured by the militants two years ago.

Turkey has said the campaign will send a wave of refugees over its border, and potentially on to Europe.

Ankara also worries that Baghdad's Shi'ite Muslim-led forces will destabilise Mosul's largely Sunni population and worsen ethnic strife across the region, where there are also populations of Turkmens, ethnic kin of the Turks.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim echoed this worry again on Thursday, saying the presence of Ankara's troops in Bashiqa will continue to ensure that the demographics of the region will not change. Iraq's hostile reaction is "incomprehensible", he added.

However, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu sought to play down the spat over Bashiqa in comments later on Thursday.

"We do not see a serious problem there and we think this problem will be overcome," he told a news conference with his Italian counterpart in Ankara. "Iraq must leave the rhetoric aside so we can assess how to resolve this subject."
Duterte wants to liberate Philippines from U.S. shackles -foreign minister

MANILA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - The president of the Philippines wants to liberate his country from a "shackling dependency" on the United States which can not guarantee its help when Philippine sovereignty is under threat, its foreign minister said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, in the most forceful show of accord from a top official with President Rodrigo Duterte's tough anti-American stance, said the president was "compelled to realign" Philippine foreign policy and not submit to U.S. demands and interests.

"Breaking away from the shackling dependency of the Philippines to effectively address both internal and external security threats has become imperative in putting an end to our nation's subservience to United States' interests," Yasay said in a Facebook post.

Yasay's assessment of U.S. ties follows a diplomatic storm over Duterte's declarations over the past eight days that joint U.S.-Philippines military exercises would cease, a defence agreement would be reviewed and at an undisclosed time, he might "break up" with the United States.

On Monday, Duterte said U.S. President Barack Obama should "go to hell", the latest rebuke stemming from U.S. concern about Duterte's deadly war on drugs.

On Thursday, Duterte said the United States and European Union should withdraw their assistance to the Philippines if they were unhappy with his crackdown.

RHETORIC AT ODDS WITH REALITY

Asked about the ongoing criticism from Manila, U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said the United States was 'mindful of the rhetoric but we believe that it is at odds with the kind of cooperation that we have right now."

Kirby told a briefing in Washington that U.S. assistance to the Philippines in the fiscal year that began Oct. 1 was $180 million "and we're committed" to delivering that and working on areas of mutual interest.

"We remain committed ... to our very real commitments from a security perspective to the Philippines," he said. "What we're focused on now are the assistance efforts that are in place and ensuring that they best benefit the Philippine people and are compliant with U.S. laws and regulations."

Yasay, a former securities regulator and lawyer who practiced in the United States, said the Philippines would be forever grateful to its former colonial ruler for "many significant countless things" over their decades-old alliance, but it remained underdeveloped and weak militarily.

He said that in the South China Sea, the United States could not guarantee it would help the Philippines protect its sovereignty, as it is bound to by a 1951 treaty between them.

"Our defensive forces remain grossly incapable in meeting the security threats that we face from potential foes, not to mention their stagnating impact on our development," Yasay said.

"Worse is that our only ally could not give us the assurance that in taking a hard line towards the enforcement of our sovereignty rights under international law, it will promptly come to our defence under our existing military treaty and agreements."

Yasay's tone contrasted sharply with that of Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who on Wednesday said Duterte may have been misinformed when he said U.S.-Philippine military exercises were of no benefit to his country.

The Philippines won an arbitration ruling in July by a tribunal in The Hague, which declared invalid China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. Manila's relations with Beijing have been strained over the case.

Since independence from the United States 70 years ago, it had never allowed the "little brown brothers" of the Philippines to become truly free, Yasay said.

The Philippines would seek to engage with China, Yasay said, and would be mindful of the lessons it had learned from being too close to Washington.
SoftBank's robot Pepper gets to work in Taiwan

TAIPEI, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Pepper, SoftBank Corp's humanoid robot, greeted customers at a Taiwan bank and a life insurer on Thursday, one of the first countries outside Japan to use the shiny machine in a front-line role with clients.

The robot was handed an employee ID card at a First Commercial Bank branch in Taipei and joined staff in an exercise routine before meeting the public.

"I think this is pretty good for customers ... to kill time or to have more fun interacting with Pepper," said bank customer Chang Cheng-Kang.

First Commercial, a unit of First Financial Holding Co which plans to roll out 20 Peppers islandwide, said the robots would mainly interact with customers.

Pepper also started work on Thursday for Cathay Life Insurance, an arm of Cathay Financial Holding Co, which plans to deploy 10 robots.

Pepper is a key plank in SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son's vision of future technology centered on the "internet of things", a network of devices, vehicles and building sensors that collect and exchange data.

The robot, which costs 198,000 yen ($1,900), is being used as a waiter, salesman and customer service representatives in about 500 companies in Japan, including Nestle, Mizuho Bank and Nissan.
Shots fired at centre where France wants to rehouse Calais migrants

PARIS/NANTES, France Oct 6 (Reuters) - Shots were fired at a planned migrant centre in the French seaside resort town of Saint Brevin overnight, an attack the housing minister called "an act of extreme racism".

Bullets smashed windows in the building on France's western coast, one of a number of properties across the country where the government is planning to rehouse people moved out of the crowded "Jungle" refugee camp in Calais, said officials.

In another sign of resistance to the rehousing plan, the mayor of the southern village of Allex sought to hold a local referendum on whether to accept its government-imposed quota of 50 migrants. Regional officials blocked the vote in court.

As record numbers of people flee war and strife in countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Sudan, public concern over a big influx of migrants has intensified in several European countries including France.

With presidential and legislative elections in the second quarter of 2017, the Socialist government is under pressure to strike a balance between humanitarian duties and voter concern.

The main conservative opposition party, Les Republicains, has launched a petition against a plan that it says will merely shut the Calais camp and replace it with dozens of mini-Calais sites nationwide.

Housing Minister Emmanuelle Cosse condemned the shooting in Saint Brevin.

"We can't just stand by and leave these people in the street and the mud when it is a matter of the right to asylum," she told Europe 1 radio.

A local group campaigning against the planned migrant residence condemned the shooting, but also attacked the central government's decision to bypass local authorities on the rehousing project.
UKIP EU lawmaker in hospital after "altercation" with colleague

By Gilbert Reilhac and Michael Holden

STRASBOURG/LONDON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Steven Woolfe, a candidate to be the new leader of Britain's anti-EU UK Independence Party, was recovering in hospital after suffering seizures on Thursday following an "altercation" with a colleague at a meeting about the party's future.

Described as "unseemly behaviour" between "two grown men" by UKIP's leader, the incident took place as the UKIP members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Strasbourg, sought to clear the air amid factional infighting which has grown since Britons voted to leave the European Union in June.

Brexit has shaken all parties across the British political spectrum, leading to Conservative Theresa May replacing David Cameron as prime minister, a leadership election in the opposition Labour Party and deep division in UKIP as to its purpose now it has achieved its goal of securing EU withdrawal.

The party was plunged into chaos on Wednesday when its leader Diane James quit just 18 days after being elected to replace Nigel Farage, the high profile party chief who announced he would step down after the vote for Brexit.

Woolfe had angered some in his party when he said he would stand as a leadership candidate to replace James but then also admitted he had considered defecting to join May's ruling Conservatives.

"It shouldn't have happened. We're talking about a dispute that finished up physically," Farage, who has resumed his role as interim UKIP leader, told reporters outside the Strasbourg hospital where Woolfe was recovering.

"It's two grown men getting involved in an altercation. It's not very seemly behaviour. It's made us look like we're violent."

He declined to name the other man involved and said there would be an inquiry. Roger Helmer, one of the UKIP MEPs at the meeting where the altercation occurred, said there had been "a lively exchange of views" at the meeting.

Several British newspapers cited an aide to another MEP Mike Hookem, UKIP's defence spokesman, denying reports that he had punched Woolfe. "Mike did not touch him," the unnamed woman was quoted as saying, adding it was a purely "verbal altercation".

Hookem, 62, could not be reached for comment. On his website, the former army commando describes himself as "a working class lad from ... Hull, who calls a spade a spade".

Woolfe collapsed about two hours after the incident and lost consciousness outside the EU legislature's chamber after taking part in votes. Pictures showed him sprawled face down, still clutching a briefcase on a walkway in the parliament building.

Farage said Woolfe had passed out and suffered two seizures, one quite major, but scans had shown no blood clot or bleeding on the brain.

"I am sitting up and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left-hand side of my face," said Woolfe, who marked his 49th birthday on Thursday, in a statement.

He should be discharged from hospital on Friday, Farage said.

'HIT HEAD ON WINDOW'

UKIP's Welsh leader Neil Hamilton, who was not at the meeting but said he had been given an account of what had happened by an eyewitness, told BBC TV that Woolfe had picked a fight and then been knocked over and hit his head on a window.

French police and prosecutors in Strasbourg told Reuters that they were not investigating the case for the time being.

Once dismissed by former prime minister Cameron as "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists", UKIP now has 22 MEPs, two more than either the Conservatives or Labour, after winning the May 2014 European Parliament election on a surge of eurosceptic sentiment.

That pushed Cameron to agree to hold a referendum on quitting the EU but since then the party, which has only one Westminster lawmaker, has struggled with its identity.

Farage resumed overall leadership of the party on Wednesday after James quit less than three weeks into the job saying she did not have sufficient authority or the full support of UKIP MEPs.

Hours later Woolfe said he would put his name forward to be leader but caused consternation when he said he had flirted with leaving the party.

"I have been enthused by the start to Theresa May's premiership," he said in a statement announcing his candidacy.

"The growing evidence that she is committed to a clean Brexit prompted me, as it did many of my friends and colleagues, to wonder whether our future was within her new Conservative Party."
France plans prison expansion to tackle overcrowding and Islamist radicalisation

By Chine Labbe

PARIS, Oct 6 (Reuters) - France unveiled plans on Thursday to build 33 new jails and renovate older ones in a bid to ease chronic overcrowding that justice officials say breeds conditions for Islamist radicalisation of prisoners.

France's prisons rank third in Europe for overcrowding according to the International Centre for Prison Studies, with official figures showing there are 68,253 people incarcerated but places for only 58,587.

Some 325 prisoners are deemed to have links with terrorist groups. A further estimated 1,400 members of the prison population have been won over to fight for radical causes by Islamist militant recruiters.

The issue is an emotive one in France which has been the scene of bloody militant Islamist attacks, including in the capital, some of them carried out by people who had served time in French jails.

Justice officials hope the new prison expansion, which starts next year, will help alleviate the problem.

"Evangelisation prospers in overpopulated prisons because of this overcrowding and the loss of hope among some of those detained," Justice Minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas said last month.

In a first phase, nine new institutions and other extra facilities will add more than 5,000 cells to a system of 187 prisons.

"The situation is critical, especially in the short-term prisons (for people sentenced to two years or less), where overpopulation is 140 percent," said Prime Minister Manuel Valls in announcing the proposals.
Amid South China Sea uncertainty, Indonesia stages a show of force

By Eveline Danubrata

RANAI, Indonesia, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Indonesian warplanes on Thursday staged a large-scale exercise on the edge of South China Sea territory claimed by Beijing, a show of force that adds to regional uncertainty sparked by the Philippines' sudden tilt away from the United States.

President Joko Widodo watched from Ranai, capital of the Natuna Islands archipelago, with hundreds of military officials as about 70 jets carried out manoeuvres that included a dog fight and dropping bombs on targets off the coast.

"The president has a policy that all the outer islands that are strategic will be strengthened, be it air, maritime or land," Gatot Nurmantyo, commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, told reporters.

"Our country needs to have an umbrella. From corner to corner, we have to safeguard it."

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters in Ranai that the exercise was "routine", but it was also Indonesia's biggest so far and follows a move by Widodo in June to hold a cabinet meeting on board a warship off the Natuna islands.

Indonesian officials described Widodo's visit at that time as a strong message to Beijing following a spate of face-offs between Indonesia's navy and Chinese fishing boats in the gas-rich southern end of the South China Sea.

China, while not disputing Indonesia's claims to the Natuna islands, has raised Indonesian anger by saying the two countries had "overlapping claims" to waters close to them, an area Indonesia calls the Natuna Sea.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion worth of trade passes each year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea.

While Indonesia is not part of the dispute over the South China Sea, it objects to China's inclusion of waters around the Natuna Islands within its 'nine-dash line', a demarcation line used by China to show its claims there.

Jakarta has traditionally taken a neutral position on the South China Sea itself, acting as a buffer between China and fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that have the most at stake, the Philippines and Vietnam.

"The overall strength of ASEAN depends in great part on the willingness of Indonesia to play that role of diplomatic broker ... and that's where I think we're seeing some of this wobbliness," said Euan Graham, director of International Security at the Lowy Institute, a Sydney-based think-tank.

"A VERY FLUID SITUATION"

Diplomats and analysts say that, even before the Indonesian military exercise, recent events had thrown the status quo around the South China Sea into doubt, with some countries buttressing long-held positions and others moving towards Beijing.

An open war-of-words between Singapore and China, and Vietnam letting two U.S. warships visit its highly-strategic naval base at Cam Ranh Bay this week, contrasted with more pro-Beijing moves taken by the Philippines and Malaysia.

"We're facing a very fluid situation right now," said Ian Storey, a South China Sea expert at Singapore's ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute.

"We can see some countries taking actions that effectively reveal their consistent positions and others are being much more deferential to China, rolling over and waiting for a tummy rub from Beijing."

Storey and other analysts said the hostility towards the United States from new Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, and his questioning of the decades-old security alliance between Manila and Washington, would fuel uncertainty long-term.

The potential for a much closer security relationship between China and Russia, which recently staged their first joint exercises in the South China Sea, was another driver.

"Make no mistake, if Duterte follows through on his rhetoric it has the potential to shift the overall dynamics of not just the South China Sea issue, but broader strategic assumptions across Southeast Asia," he said.

Zhang Baohui, a mainland security expert at Hong Kong's Lingnan University, said China may be swift to exploit a tilt away from Washington by Duterte.

"Some Chinese elites are seeing this as a God-sent gift to China," Zhang said. "This represents a huge potential shift."
In Brazil's precarious favelas, poor residents make their own media

By Chris Arsenault

RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct 6 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Unhappy with the portrayal of her community in the mainstream press, single mother Carla Siccos decided to create her own media platform to highlight a different side of life in Rio de Janeiro's infamous City of God.

The growth of community-run media in the City of God, internationally notorious because of the gangster movie that bears its name, is part of a broader trend in Rio's often-violent slums or favelas, media experts said.

The explosion of free social networking platforms has allowed poor residents of favelas, communities where residents often lack formal property rights and worry about being displaced, to tell their own stories.

"Reporters from outside come for the bad news, but the good news just flows away," said Siccos, editor of CDD Acontece (City of God Happenings), a volunteer-run media portal covering the community.

"I created this to show people the good news inside the community," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"I work to tell stories that connect people to each other," she said, standing beside small brick houses in the neighbourhood 20 km (12 miles) from central Rio.

With more than 53,000 likes on its Facebook page and several thousand more receiving updates through a WhatsApp group, the platform publishes news about local events, new training courses, business openings or parties.

COMMUNITY MEDIA 'BOOM'

The site has shone a spotlight on local residents who have made it big, including a dancer who went on to join the Cincinnati ballet in the United States, Siccos said.

Judoka Rafaela Silva who grew up in the City of God won Brazil's first gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, bringing a wave of positive local media coverage to the community.

City of God Happenings is part of a "boom in community-focused media in Brazil's favelas", said Stuart Davis, a communications professor at Texas A&M University.

While the site focuses on good news stories, other favela media projects tackle controversial issues, such as rights abuses, corruption or displacement in untitled neighbourhoods, he said.

"There is a rise in very local media projects: people focusing on neighbourhood issues," Davis told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

One of the best known is media collective Papo Reto (Straight Talk), which was set up in the Complexo do Alemao favela to document abuses by security forces and counter stereotypes.

There isn't a lot of data on how many favela-based news services are operating in Rio or nationwide, said Vicky Mayer, a professor at Tulane University who studies independent media, as volunteer-run projects frequently shut down or shift focus.

But the platforms are important because citizens who don't have secure ownership of their homes and can face displacement "need to have representation in the media", Mayer told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"It's about establishing one's citizenship in the favela."

PRECARIOUS COMMUNITIES

Home to more than 20 percent of Rio de Janeiro's population, many of the city's favelas began as hillside squatter communities whose residents lacked formal property titles or land rights.

The City of God, in contrast, was purpose-built in the 1960s for Brazilians displaced by natural disasters in other parts of the country or people forced out of favelas near wealthy enclaves of Rio.

Initially a planned neighbourhood, its first wave of residents had formal property title deeds allowing them to buy and sell their small homes in the market, unlike nearby favelas.

Designed for 15,000 people, City of God now has more than 60,000 residents, said community activist Rodrigo Vieira.

"Most of the people here have a formal postal code, and addresses unlike other favelas," Vieira told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

A volunteer at an old folks' home, he welcomes media projects challenging the stereotypes of the area that followed the movie City of God, in 2002.

The community was the second favela in Rio to receive police units under the city's so-called "pacification" programme, which combined aggressive enforcement targeting gangs with public investment in low-income areas.

But violent crime persists and has grown worse in the last 18 months, Vieira said, as Brazil's recession leaves people desperate.

"Gangsters will sometimes call and say 'don't let the old people out of the home tonight - there's going to be a shooting'," Vieira said.

Walking past a graffiti mural of gun-toting characters from the City of God movie, Siccos the editor said she wants to focus on positive coverage of the neighbourhood, despite its problems.

Since its launch in 2011, the site has expanded quickly. Siccos attended journalism school to pursue the project, but has no plans to move the site beyond digital platforms.
Indonesia restricts visitors from popular volcano after eruptions

JAKARTA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Indonesian authorities are restricting tourists from visiting the country's most popular volcano because of concern a small eruption on Thursday could be a precursor to something much bigger.

Villagers, hikers and tourists were not allowed within 2.5 km (1.5 miles) of Mount Bromo, in the east of Java island, as the volcano spewed smoke hundreds of metres into the air, said disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

"Mount Bromo is still unstable. It is estimated that the eruptions will continue," Nugroho said.

Flights bound for nearby Malang airport were diverted as a precaution to East Java's capital, Surabaya.

Indonesia straddles the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly seismically active zone, where different plates on the earth's crust meet and create a large number of earthquakes and volcanoes.
U.S. graft probe of Brazil's Embraer eyes Mozambique deal -report

SAO PAULO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - A U.S. investigation of Brazilian planemaker Embraer SA is looking into alleged bribery in the sale of aircraft to Mozambique's state airline in 2008, newspaper Folha de S.Paulo reported on Thursday.

Investigators were looking into a deal that sent two E190 commercial jets to Linhas Aereas de Mocambique for an undisclosed sum, Folha reported, with providing sources.

The newspaper had reported that a probe into potential violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act was scrutinizing the sale of three surveillance aircraft to India in 2008 and two E170 jets to Saudi Aramco in 2010.

Embraer reaffirmed in a statement on Thursday it has been cooperating and negotiating a formal accord with U.S. officials after voluntarily expanding an internal investigation.

Embraer first acknowledged the probe in 2011, stemming from suspicions of bribery in a $92 million deal with the Dominican armed forces for eight Super Tucano light attack planes. Folha reported that the probe had expanded to business in nine countries, with evidence of irregularities in four of them.
Austria's RHI to buy Brazilian rival Magnesita for $500 million

VIENNA Oct 5 (Reuters) - Austrian fireproof industrial materials maker RHI said it has agreed with key shareholders of rival Magnesita to take over the Brazilian company in a $500 million deal to create a global player.

Both companies supply the steel, cement and glass industry with fireproof refractory materials, but RHI derives 40 percent of its sales from slow-growing developed economies like Western Europe, while Magnesita is focused on North and South America.

The deal, however, will involve RHI taking on more debt, a source of concern for investors who sent the company's shares skidding 13 percent after it was announced.

Vienna-based RHI said in a first step it will acquire at least 46 percent but no more than 50 percent plus one share in Magnesita in cash and shares. The transaction will be financed by additional debt and the issuance of 4.6 million new shares.

A new company called RHI Magnesita will be listed in London with RHI ceasing its listing in Vienna.

RHI's Chief Executive Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer said the new company would be headquartered in the Netherlands not Britain, with Britain's decision to leave the EU a factor in its decision.

"Had there been no Brexit, I suppose that the ... holding company would have been established in London," Ruttenstorfer told a conference call. "Because there is Brexit, however, and the European merger directive is perhaps no longer applicable in London at the close (of the deal) in 18 months, it was the task to find a place other than London."

In a second step the new company plans a mandatory tender offer for the remaining Magnesita shares and to delist Magnesita from the Brazilian stock exchange as well.

The complete deal will cost RHI around 450 million euros ($503 million), Chief Financial Officer Barbara Potisk-Eibensteiner said.

"The rationale of the deal is to create the world's leading refractory company with an enhanced growth profile; namely in focusing on growth regions in North and South America and in complementing our product portfolio," Ruttenstorfer said.

While the new company will be based in the Netherlands, it will be operationally managed from Vienna. No decisions about the new management have been made yet, Ruttenstorfer said.

"But you can assume that the current top management of RHI and Magnesita will be represented in the future management team," he said.

RHI's shares, which have outperformed the Austrian blue-chip index ATX by around a third since the beginning of the year, dropped as much as 13.4 percent to 20.75 euros, their lowest in nearly two months.

Kepler Cheuvreux analyst Thomas Neuhold, who has a "buy" rating on the RHI stock, said the debt burden will increase significantly and the leverage of the combined entity will soar to four times net debt/EBITDA in the short term.

Such a high ratio is often seen as an indication that it may be difficult for a company to be able to handle the debt and take on additional debt if needed.
Morocco's Islamists test gains in parliamentary election

By Patrick Markey and Aziz El Yaakoubi

MOHAMMEDIA, Morocco, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Chanting slogans and jokes in local Darija dialect, Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane knows how to turn on the populist charm as he campaigns for his Islamist party for an election on Friday they seem set to win.

Five years ago, Benkirane's style helped his Justice and Development Party to a sweeping victory after the king gave up some powers to defuse protests for democratic change.

This time, though, the PJD faces a resurgent royal establishment.

Morocco's second parliamentary election is testing a constitutional monarchy where an elected government works with limited powers in the shadow of a royal palace uneasy at sharing authority with popular Islamists.

After a campaign coloured by accusations of royal meddling and creeping Islamist extremism, Benkirane's PJD jostles with main rivals, the Authenticy and Modernity or PAM party, who critics portray as palace loyalists seeking to roll back the PJD's influence.

Benkirane has rallied support playing up the PJD's economic reforms and its popular anti-corruption stance, hoping to extend the moderate Islamist party gains and dismissing PAM's claims he harbours a hidden hardline agenda.

"Some people give you 200, 300 or 500 dirhams for your vote. Don't sell your vote. Vote for someone who will defend you," the Islamist leader told supporters at a rally in the working-class, industrial town of Mohammedia.

Whereas Tunisia, Libya and Egypt toppled long-standing rulers with uprisings five years ago that ushered Islamist parties into power, Morocco's king eased tensions with a combination of limited reforms, higher spending and tougher security.

The North African kingdom presents itself as a model for economic stability and gradual reform in a region where violence and instability is more the norm. Morocco's Islamists have been standard-bearers for co-existence rather than rebellion.

Other groups more harsh in criticising the king, especially the main opposition, Islamist Justice and Spirituality party, and leftist organisations, boycott elections because the king retains most powers.

But analysts said defeats for Tunisia's Islamist Ennahda party and the overthrow of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood may tempt Morocco royalists to push back against PJD where the palace once ceded to Islamists as an escape value for tensions in the past.

"The regime used the PJD in 2011 to stifle the protests," said Omar Bendorou, constitutional expert in Rabat University. "Now some think the party could be a threat if it maintains its grip on different offices."

ECONOMIC REFORMS, TESTY TIES

Benkirane's PJD-led coalition has been fiscally sound, pushing reforms in public finances. It cut the budget deficit, overhauled a cumbersome subsidy system and froze public sector jobs -- all praised by international lenders.

Under Morocco's election system, though, no one party can win an outright majority, forcing winners into negotiations to form coalition governments and limiting political influence.

The premier is chosen from the winning party. But the king heads a judiciary council, the security apparatus, and the council of minsters that must approve laws. Some key posts such as the interior ministry are also crown-appointed technocrats.

Just before the election, Benkirane's justice minister accused the technocrat interior minister of trying to control vote preparations, hinting at potential fraud. PJD campaigners also said the ministry was ordering local officials under its control to promote PAM in their neighbourhoods.

The interior ministry denied any attempts to influence elections and royal officials say the king keeps his distance from all political parties.

Benkirane himself has been cautious, playing down any friction with the king, if not with PAM, whose former founder is a close friend of the king and now works as a palace advisor.

"I never had a dispute with his majesty, he is my boss. In my Islamic culture, I must obey him by the Koran," Benkirane told Reuters in an interview. "But it does not mean that we always agree from the start."

Ilyass El-Omari, PAM's general secretary, rejected claims his party acts on behalf of the palace. Instead he has promised to review the PJD's economic programme, especially a contested pension scheme overhaul.

Still, PAM had already gotten more support in last year's municipal elections, winning more local seats than PJD, even if the Islamists took the capital and major cities like Casablanca and Tangier for the first time since its 2011 victory.
U.N. says situation 'rapidly deteriorating' in embattled Afghan city

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Fighting in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz has led to a "rapidly deteriorating" humanitarian situation, officials said on Thursday, leaving thousands of people with limited access to food, water, or medical care.

Street-to-street gun battles have continued for four days after Taliban militants slipped past the city's defences on Monday.

Government troops, backed by U.S. special forces and air strikes, have repeatedly declared that they are in control of the city, but residents report that heavy fighting has forced many people to flee.

The fighting has forced as many as 10,000 people from their homes in Kunduz, the United Nations reported, with those who remain facing serious water, food and electricity shortages, as well as threats from the fighting.

"Many families were unable to bring their possessions with them and are in a precarious position," Dominic Parker, head of the U.N.'s humanitarian coordination office, said in a statement. "We have had reports that some families have been forced to sleep out in the open and many have few food supplies."

Among those fleeing Kunduz are about two-thirds of the staff at the city's main public hospital, which was struck by several rockets and small arms fire, said Marzia Yaftali Salaam, a doctor.

The 200-bed public hospital is the main provider of medical care in Kunduz after a more advanced trauma centre run by Medecins Sans Frontieres was destroyed by an American air strike last year.

In the past three days, the hospital has been inundated by at least 210 patients, many of them civilians, including women and children, wounded in the fighting, Salaam said.

"Many of the wounded had to be carried to clinics in surrounding districts and private clinics in the city," she said. "If the situation remains the same, we may be forced to halt our services."

During a lull in the fighting on Wednesday, nearly 50 casualties were rushed to the hospital in the span of a few hours, said Hameed Alam, head of the public health department in Kunduz.

The U.S. military command in Kabul said Afghan forces are "defeating Taliban attempts to take Kunduz," with reinforcements on the way and commandos continuing to clear "isolated pockets" of Taliban fighters.

The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 to 2001, are seeking to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul and reimpose Islamic rule.

"There is fighting in every street and the situation is critical," said Ismail Kawasi, a spokesman for the Public Health Ministry in Kabul.
Chile Bachelet's approval rating picks up in Sept after historical low

SANTIAGO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Chilean President Michelle Bachelet's approval rating ticked higher in September, breaking a recent downward trend that had pushed her ratings to an historical low a month earlier, pollster Gfk Adimark said on Thursday.

Center-left Bachelet, who ruled in 2006-2010 and then returned for another four years in 2014, had enjoyed sky-high ratings after her first term.

But those numbers plummeted as her ambitious second-term reform agenda to tackle inequality and education of the poor stalled after a sharp drop in the price of Chile's top export copper hurt investment and the economy at large. Her ratings were also hit by a series of high-profile scandals involving corrupt or dubious practices by politicians across the spectrum.

Bachelet's approval ratings rose to 23 percent in September from an all-time low of 19 percent in August, while her disapproval ratings fell to 72 percent from 77 percent the prior month.

"An approval rating of 23 percent in September can hardly be called positive but it certainly leaves behind an especially harsh (Southern Hemisphere) winter for the president," said Adimark.

Bachelet's image got a boost as the public's attention turned to Chile's 2017 presidential election, and the start of Spring and the Sept. 18 national independence day holiday boosted the public's morale. People were also encouraged by the appearance of more unity among her cabinet members than in previous months, according to the pollster.

The Socialist president secured tax reforms in the first year of her second term that have helped pay for changes to education, and also tweaked the electoral system. However, other aspects of her pledged reform drive, that would have been ambitious at the best of times, have struggled.
MIDEAST STOCKS-Banks, petchems boost Saudi shares, rest of Gulf weak

By Andrew Torchia

DUBAI, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market continued rebounding on Thursday, led by bank and petrochemical shares, but most markets in the region weakened.

The Saudi index rose 0.8 percent, although trading volume shrank to a modest level, suggesting many investors were staying out of the market.

The banking index, beaten down in past days by news that banks would have to reschedule consumer loans and housing mortgages as government austerity steps cut their customers' incomes, rose 1.1 percent.

Some petrochemical shares were also strong after Brent oil futures rose as high as $52.09 per barrel overnight, the highest since early June.

National Petrochemical, which had surged 8.2 percent on Wednesday, climbed a further 3.0 percent to 15.60 riyals; NCB Capital and SICO upgraded their views of the stock this week, with targets of 17.30 and 19.00 riyals respectively.

National Industrialisation (Tasnee), which has petrochemical assets, gained 4.0 percent.

But telecommunications firm Zain Saudi pulled back 3.9 percent after rising in the previous two days on hopes it would benefit from deregulation. Many stocks directly exposed to consumer demand continued to slide because of the austerity policies; retailer Al Hokair also fell 3.9 percent.

There was massive trade in Takween's rights on their last day of trade; the rights sank 37.6 percent as the underlying stock rose 6.4 percent.

Dubai's index slipped 0.2 percent as shares in Dubai Financial Market fell 2.4 percent. VTB Capital said MSCI might exclude the stock from its MXAE index in its November review, to be announced on Nov. 14, because of its low capitalisation; in order to remain in the index, the stock will have to rise 8 percent by late October, VTB calculated.

Abu Dhabi's index edged down 0.1 percent while Qatar fell by the same amount. Egypt's market was closed for a national holiday.

THURSDAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

SAUDI ARABIA

* The index rose 0.8 percent to 5,631 points.

DUBAI

* The index fell 0.2 percent to 3,355 points.

ABU DHABI

* The index edged down 0.1 percent to 4,390 points.

QATAR

* The index edged down 0.1 percent to 10,357 points.

KUWAIT

* The index dropped 0.7 percent to 5,320 points.

OMAN

* The index edged down 0.1 percent to 5,610 points.

BAHRAIN

* The index fell 0.2 percent to 1,137 points.
Libya's Zueitina loads first crude export cargo since 2015

BENGHAZI, Libya, Oct 6 (Reuters) - A tanker on Thursday loaded the first crude export cargo at Libya's Zueitina oil terminal since late last year, a port official said.

Zueitina is one of three previously blockaded ports in Libya's oil crescent region that reopened last month after forces loyal to eastern commander Khalifa Haftar took control of the terminals.

The port official said the Ionic Anassa was loading 800,000 barrels of oil for export to China.

The reopening of Zueitina, Ras Lanuf and Es Sider has helped boost Libya's oil production, which had been slashed to a fraction of the 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd) that the OPEC member was producing before its 2011 uprising.

Zueitina had been shut since early November 2015, and Ras Lanuf and Es Sider since December 2014. Exports have already resumed at Ras Lanuf but are yet to restart at Es Sider, which was badly damaged in fighting.

A Libyan oil official said national production stood between 505,000 bpd and 510,000 bpd on Thursday, just up on levels recorded at the start of the week. Before the ports changed hands on Sept. 11-12, Libya's output had been hovering between 200,000 and 300,000 bpd.

Haftar's forces have pledged to leave the ports in control of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) in Tripoli.

The NOC has said it hopes to raise production to as much as 900,000 bpd by the end of the year, but that reaching this target depends on funding for operating costs and the reopening of blockaded pipelines in western Libya.
Creditors of Kuwait's Investment Dar team up to consider $2.7 bln debt plan

By Tom Arnold

DUBAI, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Creditors of Kuwait's debt-laden Investment Dar, whose assets include property and finance, are close to forming a team to negotiate a deal on the company's latest plan to restructure 813 million dinars ($2.7 billion) in debt.

Investment Dar, whose assets include a stake in the owner of Dubai's "The World" islands project, has made several efforts to restructure its debt since running into trouble in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis, but with mixed success. It paid off some creditors after signing a deal linked to other assets in 2011 covering about 1 billion dinars.

Saudi Arabia's Al Rajhi Bank, the Islamic investment company's largest creditor, is taking charge of forming the committee, which will be responsible for representing the roughly 70 to 80 creditors in negotiations with Investment Dar, two sources familiar with the matter said.

The committee will seek to galvanise some of the many creditors accused of preventing previous deals from gaining sufficient support by remaining inactive.

In its latest debt restructuring plan, unveiled in May, Investment Dar offered to hand assets to creditors immediately.

Any deal remains complicated, however, by a rise in the number of legal cases being more actively pursued in the Kuwaiti courts since a stay on litigation against Investment Dar was lifted in February.

That followed the failure of its previous plan after Kuwait's Court of Appeal rejected an application under the country's financial stability law to impose it on all creditors.

Kuwait's Gulf Investment House, Bahrain's Al Baraka Banking Group and Saudi Arabia's Bank Albilad are all pursuing litigation through the Kuwaiti courts against the company. Another creditor, Noor Investments of Kuwait, applied in July to Kuwait's Court of Appeal to have Investment Dar declared bankrupt.
Zambian opposition leaders granted bail in sedition case

LUSAKA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Zambia's opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema and his deputy were granted bail on Thursday after being charged with sedition, a move his team said was an attempt by the ruling party to silence dissent.

Two months ago, Hichilema's United Party for National Development (UPND) denounced President Edgar Lungu's re-election as fraudulent but attempts to mount a legal challenge have so far been unsuccessful.

Hichilema and Geoffrey Mwamba were detained on Wednesday accused of holding an assembly without a permit in connection with an impromptu address he gave on Sept 26 to a group of supporters in the rural town of Mpongwe, police said.

"They have been taken to court and charged with an offence of unlawful assembly and seditious practices. They have been granted bail," Hichilema's lawyer Jack Mwiimbu told Reuters.

Hichilema and Mwamba both pleaded not guilty and will appear again in court on Oct. 19, Mwiimbu added.

Sedition in Zambia is defined by conduct inciting people to rebel against the authority of the state, and carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.

"This is a scheme by the party in power to harass the opposition and instill fear in them," UPND spokesman Charles Kakoma said.

"They know that they did not genuinely win the last elections and want to instill fear in those who want to speak out against what happened."

Hichilema continues to dispute the August election outcome and in a statement before his arrest compared the government's conduct to the limitation of freedoms experienced when Zambia was still a British colony.

Lungu told Western and Asian diplomats in Lusaka on Thursday he was happy that many local and international observers, including the European Union and African Union, considered the elections credible and largely peaceful.
Pro-coal Poland approves climate deal

WARSAW, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Poland signed up to the Paris climate agreement on Thursday, ending doubts that the coal-dependent nation might defy other European Union members that have endorsed the shift away from fossil fuels.

The Paris agreement is due come into effect on Nov. 4 after clearing a final hurdle on Wednesday when seven EU countries signed up. U.S. President Barack Obama called it a "historic day" and a potential "turning point" in protecting the planet.

Poland, whose economy is heavily dependent on coal, has often been the least enthusiastic of EU nations in climate policies, fearing it will face big costs, but has come round to support the Paris agreement.

On Thursday, Polish President Andrzej Duda signed the ratification bill for the climate deal, after 402 lawmakers voted in favour in parliament earlier in the day, versus just 36 who voted against.

"We are very happy that the majority of MPs has acceded to our proposal. We hope for a smooth completion of the legislative process," the environment ministry's spokesman said.

The Paris accord, signed by almost 200 nations in December, aims to slash greenhouse gas emissions by shifting away from fossil fuels to limit global warming to "well below" two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) compared to pre-industrial times.

EU nations Germany, France, Portugal, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Malta formally joined up on Wednesday, adding to major emitters led by China and the United States.

The EU ratifications pushed support for the pact to nations representing 58.82 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, above a threshold for entry into force of 55 percent.
Indian police seek kingpins in tax scam aimed at Americans

By Rajendra Jadhav and Rahul Bhatia

MUMBAI, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Americans were swindled out of tens of millions of dollars in an alleged tax scam that was run for about a year from call centers on the outskirts of Mumbai, a senior investigator said on Thursday, predicting more arrests on top of the 70 made so far.

Assistant police commissioner Bharat Shelke told Reuters the alleged scammers posed as U.S. Internal Revenue Service officials and left victims voicemails accusing them of tax evasion and threatening them with arrest.

"Fearing arrest, some used to call back, and employees at the call center then demanded a few thousand dollars to settle the case," he said. In lieu of cash, employees also accepted alternatives such as numbers from unused iTunes and gift cards.

The 70 people arrested were among more than 700 detained when police raided makeshift call centers - a bungalow, an office building and a shopping center in the Mumbai suburb of Thane - late on Tuesday. Shelke said an estimated $36.5 million was extorted from U.S. residents.

On Thursday, a court granted police custody of all 70, including the owner of one of the call center buildings, until Oct. 10. But police said they have not yet captured the ring leaders of the scheme, which they suspect was run out of the western Indian state of Gujarat.

Authorities say callers were trained to switch their Indian accent for a passable American one. They studied a script six pages long that explained how conversations would develop, with tips on tackling doubts and suspicions.

According to training documents seen by Reuters, if targets asked for permission to speak to an attorney, workers were told to reply (sic): "This would be termed third party discloser, as per the federal law and if you go ahead and do that IRS will have completes right to go ahead discloser to national television, local newspaper and your employer. Moreover, it would be a penalty charges up to 50,000$."

A police official said several of the call center workers were high school graduates who were "very convincing in recorded conversations."

UNLIMITED BONUSES

Callers were paid between 10,000 rupees ($150) and 70,000 rupees ($1,050) every month, police said.

An advertisement placed on Aug. 30 by one of the companies raided by police said it was a seeking a "call centre executive" to handle calls to the United States and Australia. Experience was not necessary. The salary was described as a "good hike" and the bonus "unlimited."

Tax agencies in countries including the United States, Canada and Australia have all issued warnings over scam callers.

Last year, a Pennsylvania man who helped coordinate a fraud in which India-based callers preyed on vulnerable Americans by pretending to be U.S. government agents was sentenced to 14-1/2 years in prison.

Police told the court on Thursday that employees applauded when victims transferred large sums electronically to the call center. "Employees were aware of the fraud, but since they were getting a good salary, they remained silent," Shelke said.

The organizers of the scheme were cautious about paper trails, said another police official, Mukund Hatote. "Workers did not receive employment letters ... and [the organizers] rented office space without paperwork."

The 70 detainees were driven to court in large vans. Most were young men who walked with heads bowed, their faces obscured by a raised hand or a tied kerchief. Inside, the judge heard arguments from about two dozen defense lawyers who insisted their clients were following orders, and that the scheme's masterminds were still at large.

"I got to know we are doing illegal things within a week after joining," one defendant told Reuters as he returned to a police van, "but I saw many getting good performance bonuses. So I didn't leave."
Nearly 1,000 Bank Austria staff volunteer for redundancy package

VIENNA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Nearly 1,000 employees at Bank Austria, which is owned by Italy's UniCredit, have volunteered for a redundancy package that is part of a cost-cutting plan, the lender said on Thursday.

The bank will make a final decision on how many jobs to cut at the end of this month, a spokesman for Bank Austria said.

UniCredit announced in December that it would restructure Bank Austria, seeking cost savings of 300 million euros ($335 mln) by 2018, but it has not set a target for job cuts.

"There are 959 employees in total," the spokesman said, referring to the number of staff members who have registered their interest in accepting the company's redundancy package with Austria's unemployment service, as required by law.

The Austrian bank had 6,739 full-time-equivalent employees at the end of June, according to its half-year results.
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German FinMin - no comment on whether Berlin could rescue Deutsche

WASHINGTON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said on Thursday he had no comment on whether the German government would be ready to rescue Deutsche Bank .
Burundi says plans to quit the International Criminal Court

NAIROBI, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Burundi plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, a deputy to President Pierre Nkurunziza said on Thursday, six months after the court's prosecutor said it will investigate violence which killed hundreds of people.

Burundi slid into political crisis last year when Nkurunziza announced his intention to seek a third term in office, which he went on to win in an election boycotted by opposition parties.

The Hague-based International Criminal Court's prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said in April the court would investigate incidents of violence in Burundi that have killed at least 450 and forced hundreds of thousands to flee abroad since the crisis erupted in April 2015.

"We have sent to the national assembly a draft law for adoption ... to withdraw from the ICC," First Vice President Gaston Sindimwo said after a cabinet meeting.

"We found that it was necessary to withdraw from that organisation so we can really be free," he said in comments broadcast on state-run radio.

A notice of a cabinet meeting held earlier in the day in Gitega, some 100 km (60 miles) from the capital Bujumbura, said among the items to be discussed were a draft law revising a 2003 law that Burundi ratified to be a signatory of the Rome Statute of the ICC.

Opponents say Nkurunziza's decision to seek a third term violated the constitution and a peace agreement that ended a civil war in 2005. The president and his supporters cite a court ruling that said he could run again.

Preliminary examinations at the ICC, based mainly on publicly available information, can last months or years before leading to a possible full investigation. Only then can criminal charges be brought against individuals suspected of war crimes or crimes against humanity.
Assad offers rebels amnesty if they surrender Aleppo

By Ellen Francis and Tom Miles

BEIRUT/GENEVA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Rebels holed up in Aleppo can leave with their families if they lay down their arms, President Bashar al-Assad said on Thursday, vowing to press on with the assault on Syria's largest city and recapture full control of the country.

The offer of amnesty follows two weeks of the heaviest bombardment of the five-and-a-half-year civil war, which has killed hundreds of people trapped inside Aleppo's rebel-held eastern sector and torpedoed a U.S.-backed peace initiative.

Fighters have accepted similar government amnesty offers in other besieged areas in recent months, notably in Daraya, a suburb of Damascus that was under siege for years until rebels surrendered it in August.

However, rebels said they had no plan to evacuate Aleppo, the last major urban area they control, and denounced the amnesty offer as a deception.

"It's impossible for the rebel groups to leave Aleppo because this would be a trick by the regime," Zakaria Malahifji, a Turkey-based official for the Fastaqim group which is present in Aleppo, told Reuters. "Aleppo is not like other areas, it's not possible for them to surrender."

Washington was also sceptical of government motives: "For them to suggest that somehow they're now looking out for the interests of civilians is outrageous," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, citing the heavy civilian toll from air strikes and bombardment.

The army announced a reduction in shelling and air strikes on Wednesday to allow people to leave. It backed that up with an ultimatum: "All those who do not take advantage of the provided opportunity to lay down their arms or to leave will face their inevitable fate."

The government also sent text messages to the mobile phones of some of those people trapped in the besieged sector, telling them to repudiate fighters in their midst. More than 250,000 people are believed to be trapped inside rebel-held eastern Aleppo, facing dire shortages of food and medicine.

Speaking to Danish television, Assad said he would "continue the fight with the rebels until they leave Aleppo. They have to. There's no other option."

He said that he wanted rebels to accept a deal to leave the city along with their families and travel to other rebel-held areas, as in Daraya. Neither Assad nor his generals gave a timeline for rebels to accept their offer.

Washington accuses Moscow and Damascus of war crimes for intentionally targeting civilians, aid deliveries and hospitals to break the will of those trapped in the besieged city. Russia and Syria accuse the United States of supporting terrorists by backing rebel groups.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the relentless Russian and Syrian bombardments could result in the fall of rebel-held eastern Aleppo within "weeks if not days".

"It's unclear how long they will last, but considering the destruction of infrastructure that supports life, they are hanging by a thread," the U.S. official said. "There is only so much they can endure.

The war has already killed hundreds of thousands, made half of Syrians homeless, dragged in global and regional powers and left swathes of the country in the hands of jihadists from Islamic State who have carried out attacks around the globe.

The United States and Russia are both fighting against Islamic State but are on opposite sides in the wider civil war, with Moscow fighting to protect Assad and Washington supporting rebels against him.

Storming Aleppo's rebel-held zone, which includes big parts of the densely populated Old City, could take months and cause a bloodbath, the U.N. Syria envoy warned on Thursday.

"The bottom line is in a maximum of two months, two and a half months, the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate may be totally destroyed," said Staffan de Mistura, invoking the 1990s atrocities of the Rwandan genocide and Yugoslavia's civil war.

LIGHTER BOMBARDMENT

Residents of eastern Aleppo said the aerial bombardment was significantly lighter overnight and on Thursday after the government's statement, but they said heavy fighting continued on the frontlines and people were afraid.

The army and its allies, Iran's Revolutionary Guards and Shi'ite militias from Iraq and Lebanon backed by Russian air power, seized half of the Bustan al-Basha quarter of Aleppo, north of the Old City on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, reported.

"The bombardment decreased a lot in the eastern districts, but there's a sense of foreboding ... people are still scared. And because there's still the siege, there's nothing at all in the shops," said Ibrahim Abu al-Laith, a Civil Defence official in eastern Aleppo.

Amir, a resident of the rebel-held district who did not want to be identified with his family name, said it was true that air strikes had diminished, but that he had not yet seen any way for civilians to leave the area. "It's not true that there are safe crossings," he said.

Residents in eastern Aleppo forwarded to Reuters text messages they said had been sent by their telecom provider carrying a government warning urging them to distance themselves from rebels and to depart.

"Our people in Aleppo: save your lives by rejecting the terrorists and isolating them from you," read one message. "Our dear people in the eastern districts of Aleppo! Come out to meet your brothers and sisters," read another.

Meanwhile, rebels continued the shelling of residential areas of government-held western Aleppo, where dozens of people have also been killed since the end of a ceasefire two weeks ago. The Observatory said 10 people were killed 52 wounded in government-held areas of Aleppo city by rebels on Thursday.

The government-held western districts of the city are still home to more than 1.5 million civilians who face far less daily danger than in rebel-held areas. Video footage obtained by Reuters showed people in the city enjoying a night club in the Seryan district, while war rages in the east.

MILITANT GROUP

Russia says it is targeting the Nusra Front, al Qaeda's Syrian branch which changed its name in July and says it broke ties with the network founded by Osama bin Laden.

The U.N. envoy De Mistura on Thursday urged Moscow and Damascus to accept a deal under which the fighters of that group would leave the city, while other insurgents and civilians would be allowed to remain.

He said there were fewer than 1,000 members of the hardline Islamist group inside Aleppo, part of a contingent of around 8,000 rebel fighters, and offered to lead them out of the city himself to guarantee their safety.

Russian presidential envoy Mikhail Bogdanov said it was "high time" such an offer was made, but it was not immediately clear if Moscow was also willing to stop the bombing.

A U.S. State Department official said he could not confirm De Mistura's estimate of less than 1,000 Nusra fighters in Aleppo, though he said Washington believed the group's adherents were a minority of the opposition fighters in the city.

"We're not able to verify that that's accurate," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

Asked if De Mistura actually carried out his proposal to escort the fighters out of Aleppo it might simply make it easier for Syrian forces to take the city because some of their most effective opponents would have been removed, the official replied: "potentially."

Distinguishing between fighters from the former Nusra Front and other groups has been difficult in the past, including during the week-long ceasefire which collapsed last month when the army launched its offensive.

Russia accused the United States of failing to ensure that other rebels separated themselves from Nusra, which Moscow and Washington both regard as a terrorist group excluded from the ceasefire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Paris on Oct. 19 to discuss Syria with his French counterpart Francois Hollande, the only diplomatic track still active over efforts to bring peace to the country.

In his Danish TV interview, Assad accused Washington of using Nusra as a proxy, and said this was why the ceasefire had collapsed.
Two big hedge funds unwind bets against Deutsche in sign of confidence

By Maiya Keidan and Svea Herbst-Bayliss

LONDON/NEW YORK Oct 6 (Reuters) - Two leading hedge funds which made big bets on Deutsche Bank shares falling are now reducing their "short" positions, in a sign of confidence in the stability of the lender.

Germany's biggest bank has been in turmoil since mid-September when it said U.S. authorities were demanding up to $14 billion to settle claims that it missold U.S. mortgage-backed securities before the financial crisis.

Hedge funds can take bets against companies - known as short positions - by borrowing the stock in the hope it will lose value and they can repay the loan for less, pocketing the difference.

Marshall Wace, a $25 billion hedge fund co-founded by British financier Paul Marshall and U.S. billionaire Robert Citrone's Discovery Capital Management had been among the funds with the biggest short Deutsche positions, dating from before the crisis erupted three weeks ago.

However official filings by the funds to German authorities show both have been unwinding their short positions over the past week, indicating that they believe the bank's share price has bottomed-out. The stock dropped to a record low on Sept. 30 but has since rebounded slightly.

London-based Marshall Wace and Connecticut-based Discovery Capital both declined to comment on the reasons for their transactions.

Data indicates the reductions could reflect a wider trend in the "short interest" market, which is dominated by hedge funds.

The total amount of short positions in Deutsche dropped to 5.34 percent of the bank's stock on Wednesday, having peaked at 6.39 percent a day earlier following a rapid rise from below 2 percent in mid-September, according to data from Markit.

Marshall Wace, which had borrowed 1.03 percent of Deutsche's total share capital, began to unwind its short on Sept. 29, reducing its position to 0.94, the filings show. It has since cut it further, to 0.88 percent.

Discovery Capital Management, which had 0.61 percent, cut its bet to 0.51 percent on Sept. 30 and has since gone down to 0.1 percent.

European law requires short investors to declare their positions if they borrow more than 0.5 percent of a company's shares. This makes it possible to chart their activity.

It is not clear if the transactions of Marshall Wace and Discovery Capital represent a wider hedge fund trend, given the Markit data offers only a snapshot, and some other big funds have not reduced their short positions in Deutsche.

Highfields Capital Management retains the 0.74 percent position it had before September, while fellow U.S. fund AQR Capital Management took a 0.5 percent position on Sept. 28 and still has it, filings show.

Both funds declined to comment.
France's says EU must be tough after Britain opts for "hard" Brexit

PARIS, Oct 6 (Reuters) - French President Francois Hollande said on Thursday the European Union needed to remain firm with Britain after it appeared that Prime Minister Theresa May had opted for a tougher exit from Europe.

"Britain wants to leave, but doesn't want to pay. That's not possible," Hollande said in a speech at the Jacques Delors Institute in Paris.
American killed in Ethiopia protests was California university researcher

By Dan Whitcomb

LOS ANGELES, Oct 6 (Reuters) - The U.S. citizen killed in Ethiopia during a wave of protests over land and political rights this week was a 31-year-old postdoctoral researcher at a California university, the school said.

Sharon Gray from the University of California, Davis was in Ethiopia working on a project for the Department of Plant Biology when she died during the demonstrations, Ken Burtis, interim provost, said. The university announced Gray's death on its website on Wednesday.

A colleague from the Department of Plant Biology who was traveling with Gray was not hurt and was on her way back to the United States, Burtis said.

He said the U.S. State Department was assisting in bringing Gray's body home. A university spokeswoman said on Thursday Gray was originally from the Chicago area.

"On behalf of the entire U.C. Davis campus, our hearts and condolences go out to Sharon's husband and extended family. Even in tragedy, we hope that we all can find some comfort in the wonderful work Sharon was engaged in that will better the lives of so many around the world," Burtis said in a statement.

State Department spokesman John Kirby confirmed that an American citizen had died on Tuesday but declined to provide the name or further details.

"We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and to the loved ones. We are providing all possible consular assistance. Out of respect for the family, we must decline further comment," Kirby said.

Asked if the United States believed that the person had been deliberately targeted or had just been in the wrong place at the wrong time, Kirby replied: "As for the situation itself, that's really for the local authorities to speak to in terms of the investigation and how they are looking into it."

On her Twitter page, Sharon Gray described herself as "NSF Postdoctoral Fellow in Plant Biology at UC Davis, outdoor adventurer, traveler, foodie."

The U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia on Wednesday said that an American woman was killed on Tuesday when stones were hurled at her vehicle on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Residents there have said that crowds have attacked other vehicles since a stampede at a weekend protest killed at least 55 people.

That stampede began when police fired teargas and shots in the air to disperse anti-government demonstrations during a festival in the Oromiya region, south of the capital, which has been a focus for demonstrations by locals who say land has been seized to build factories and housing blocks.

Protests have also increasingly turned to broader issues of political freedom.

The death toll from unrest and clashes between police and demonstrators over the past year or more runs into several hundred, according to opposition estimates. The government says such figures are inflated.
Brazilian recovery not threatened by rash of poor data -Meirelles

BRASILIA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - A rash of poor data does not threaten an economic recovery in Brazil, and its government is on track to approve sweeping reforms to shield the nation from global downturns, Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles told Reuters on Thursday.

In a telephone interview from the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank fall meetings in Washington, Meirelles said he is confident a wave of protectionism in the United States and Europe will be short-lived.
Finland says suspects Russian aircraft violated airspace

HELSINKI, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Finland's defence ministry said on Thursday it suspected a Russian fighter jet violated Finnish airspace earlier in the day, after it scrambled jets to identify the SU-27 fighter over the Baltic Sea.

"The suspected violation... continued approximately one minute, and was in Finnish airspace for about 13 kilometres at a maximum of about one kilometre depth," the ministry said in a statement.

Finland has accused Russia of several breaches of its airspace since the Ukraine crisis began in 2014. In April, two Russian warplanes flew simulated attack passes near a U.S. guided missile destroyer in the Baltic Sea.
Venezuela doctors sound alarm on reported return of diphtheria

By Alexandra Ulmer

CARACAS, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Venezuelan doctors on Thursday warned of a diphtheria outbreak in the crisis-stricken country, calling on the government to boost availability of scarce vaccines and antibiotics to stem the disease which local media and the opposition report has killed some two dozen people.

Diphtheria is an infectious disease that chiefly affects the throat and upper airways and is spread through physical or respiratory contact. It is fatal in around 5 to 10 percent of cases, according to the World Health Organization.

Last seen in Venezuela in 1992, diphtheria has been spreading in the southern jungle state of Bolivar, according to a statement by two local public health associations on Thursday.

"We're very worried because there could be an epidemic in the rest of the country," infectious disease specialist Doctor Ana Carvajal, one of the authors of the report, told Reuters.

The statement said 17 people had died from diphtheria in Venezuela, citing local media. Opposition lawmaker and oncologist Jose Manuel Olivares earlier this week put the number at 22.

Reuters could not independently confirm the reports.

The leftist government of Nicolas Maduro, which has stopped publishing weekly health statistics, has not spoken about the alleged outbreak. The Health Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Venezuela's economy is in a tailspin, with shortages of items from disinfectant to chemotherapy drugs crippling the health sector and leaving 30 million Venezuelans struggling to access basic medical care.

The ruling party governor of Bolivar said this week that there was no proven case of diphtheria but that the state was already vaccinating people.

"400,000 doses of vaccines have arrived for Bolivar to guarantee all citizens can be vaccinated," governor Francisco Rangel said on Twitter, criticizing those seeking to spread "panic." He tweeted pictures of people being vaccinated.

Venezuela's opposition, which is pushing to remove the unpopular Maduro in a recall referendum this year, has slammed what it says is the government's attempt to hide the outbreak.

"The resurgence of diphtheria shows the failure of health policies," lawmaker Olivares said.
U.S. and Australia to share cost of Marines deployed in Darwin

By Tom Westbrook

SYDNEY, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Australia and the United States have agreed to share the cost of the U.S. military's presence in Australia's tropical north, a critical part of President Barack Obama's "pivot" to Asia, Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne said on Thursday.

Payne met U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter in Washington this week to discuss plans to double the number of U.S. Marines in the northern city of Darwin from the current 1,250 by 2020, a goal that was delayed earlier this year from 2017 as originally planned.

Australia and the United States signed a "force posture agreement" in 2014 to provide for joint exercises and for U.S. naval and air-force deployments. Operational costs until now had been split on an ad-hoc basis, with infrastructure spending withheld.

In March, they discussed basing U.S. long-range B-1 bombers in Darwin, bolstering U.S. military presence close to the disputed South China Sea. Darwin is closer to Indonesia than it is to the Australian capital, Canberra.

However, in charting a course between its most important ally the United States and its biggest trading partner China in the contested region, Australia has drawn rebukes from both superpowers. China has criticised Australian freedom-of-navigation flights in the area and a senior U.S. soldier has called on Australia to do more there.

Payne said in a statement on Thursday that supporting the Marines in Darwin was "consistent with Australia's long-standing strategic interests in supporting U.S. engagement in our region in a manner that promotes regional security and stability".

The two countries will share more than A$2 billion ($1.52 billion) in infrastructure investment in northern Australia and other costs linked to the 25-year deployment.

There are plans for combined training and exercises, potentially including other partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

Payne's office declined to provide a breakdown of the cost-sharing deal or give further detail on how and when the troop numbers would be increased.

A spokesman for the U.S. Defense Department, Commander Gary Ross, said Australia and the United States had concluded negotiations "in-principle" on cost sharing, while details of Marine deployments after 2017 "remain subject to discussions."

"The two sides will now finalize a cost sharing implementing arrangement to capture the terms, pursuant to the force posture agreement," he said.

Ross said they were working to ensure the cost-sharing was "well-considered, equitable and sustainable."
Li Baohua, a pediatrician of Shandong Steel hospital in Shandong province, died from stab wounds reportedly inflicted by a patient's father on Monday. [Photo: weibo.com]

Medical staff around China have once again called for the protection of their rights and safety after a pediatrician from east China's Shandong province was killed by the father of a patient, dzwww.com reports.

Thirty-five-year-old Li Baohua from the Shandong Steel hospital was attacked with a knife on Monday morning. In all he received 27 cuts to his head and body, and died from his injuries in the afternoon.

The attacker is said to be the father of a baby who died from a severe congenital disease. He was reportedly consumed with anger in the belief that Li Baohua hadn't done all in his power to save his child.

The suspect is currently being held in police custody.

About one thousand people gathered to mourn Li Baohua on Tuesday afternoon, with some shouting "goodbye Baohua and severe punishment for the murderer."

Colleagues recalled that Li worked hard and loved his job and was popular at the hospital.

The National Health and Family Planning Commission and the Ministry of Public Security have again condemned crimes against medical staff and have requested severe punishments to be given to such criminals.

According to official statistics, over 70% of medical staff have suffered from "violence" in the work place.

Just one day before Li Baohua's accident, a doctor in Zhejiang province was severely injured by a patient and is now receiving treatment in hospital.

In July 2016, a hospital in Jiangsu province set up a screening procedure for patients waiting to see a doctor, finding several knives in just one morning.
Canada to start visa-waiver entry for some Bulgarians in May -Bulgaria

SOFIA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Canada will introduce a visa waiver entry for some Bulgarians as of next May and will work to allow visa-free travel for all by the end of next year, the Bulgarian government press office said late on Thursday.

The arrangement is likely to ease Bulgarian concerns about a contentious European Union free trade deal with Canada, which Brussels hopes EU governments would agree to this month.

In May, Bulgaria and Romania expressed reluctance to back the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) if Canada does not apply its visa-waiver entry system to their citizens.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to lift entry visas for business representatives, prior visitors to Canada and for Bulgarians who hold U.S. visas as of May 1, 2017 in a telephone call to Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov.

"The Canadian government will make efforts that all other Bulgarians can travel without visas by the end of 2017," the government press office said in a statement.

The timeline for the full visa-free travel introduction can be extended until May 2018 at the latest if there are technical obstacles in rearranging the entry systems, the press office said.

On Wednesday, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that bloc needed to ensure that a deal agreed with Canada two years ago entered into force within months.
At least 22 Niger soldiers killed in attack on refugee camp

NIAMEY, Oct 6 (Reuters) - At least 22 soldiers were killed in Niger on Thursday when unknown assailants attacked a camp for Malian refugees, the West African nation's Prime Minister Brigi Rafini said.
At least 22 Niger soldiers killed in attack on refugee camp

NIAMEY, Oct 6 (Reuters) - At least 22 soldiers were killed in Niger on Thursday when unknown assailants attacked a camp for Malian refugees, the West African nation's Prime Minister Brigi Rafini said.

The attack targeted a camp in the village of Tassalit in Niger's Tahoua region, around 525 km (326 miles) northeast of the capital Niamey.

"We received information of an attack on the camp in Tassalit. For the moment we are told there are 22 dead, but that is not a total death toll," he said in comments broadcast on state-run television TeleSahel. "The death toll could increase."

Rafini gave no further information concerning the suspected identities of the attackers or whether any civilians had been killed or wounded.

The camp's residents are Malians who fled to neighbouring Niger after Islamist militants, some with links to al Qaeda, seized Mali's desert north in 2012. A French-led military intervention drove back the insurgents a year later but violence is on the rise across the region's arid Sahel band.

Niger's small army is currently battling Boko Haram militants who launch raids across its southern border from Nigeria while seeking to prevent an overflow of attacks from Mali.
Handful of wealthy donors dominated Brexit campaign funding -report

By Peter Hobson

LONDON, Oct 7 (Reuters) - More than half the money donated to groups campaigning in Britain's EU membership referendum was given by 10 individuals or companies, according to research published on Friday, raising questions over the outsize influence of the wealthy on politics.

Anti-corruption campaign group Transparency International UK also said 95 percent of donations to the 'Leave' and 'Remain' campaigns in the run-up to the June 23 Brexit vote were made by only 100 donors.

"The debate around the biggest question we have faced in a generation was financed by an astonishingly small group of exceptionally wealthy donors. That's a dangerous place for any democracy," said Duncan Hames, Transparency International UK's director of policy.

"It illustrates the general dependency of our country's political parties on a millionaires club of some 50 donors, many of whom also sit in the House of Lords," he added in a statement, referring to parliament's upper chamber.

Transparency International said public trust in politics was falling, with 76 percent of respondents to a poll run by the group saying wealthy individuals were using influence on government to benefit their own interests and 28 percent saying most or all members of parliament were involved in corruption.

It said the two largest donors in the Brexit vote were David Sainsbury, the former chairman of the supermarket Sainsbury's, who donated 4.2 million pounds ($5.32 million) to Remain between January and June, and stockbroker Peter Hargreaves, who gave 3.2 million to the Leave campaign.

The third-largest donor, a group called Better for the Country which donated 2.1 million pounds to Leave, had not declared the source of its income, Transparency International said.

Britons voted to leave the EU by 52 percent to 48 percent, launching the country into its biggest constitutional shift since World War Two and resulting in downgrades to its economic outlook.

Transparency International recommended a cap on political donations of 10,000 pounds per donor per year, as well as tighter rules over declaring and companies donating.

It said one-sixth of reported donations to political parties since 2001, or 125 million pounds, were made by companies.

Current rules do not limit the size of donations but require political parties to declare large sums.
During the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign, when Narendra Modi claimed to possess a 56-inch chest, his detractors, especially the Congress leaders, mocked and derided him.

They reminded him that for the prime minister, it wasn't the size of chest that mattered, but an inspiring vision for the nation to take it forward.

Consensus

After India's surgical strike across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir by specially trained commandos of Bihar and Dogra regiments, who destroyed seven terror launch pads, killing scores of terrorists, no one would ever doubt that Modi possesses, besides his 56-inch chest, exceptional leadership qualities.

For the first time since the Kargil conflict, the entire nation stands as one. Even Modi's bete noire Rahul Gandhi grudgingly admitted that Modi has acted as a PM should.

Why do we need national crises to unite? Why shouldn't there be a national consensus on vital issues despite ideological and political differences?

It was a meticulously planned operation based on credible intelligence, coordinated to perfection and executed flawlessly. Some overexcited admirers of Modi have rushed to compare Modi's leadership to Indira Gandhi.

When not a single Muslim country stood by India, midwifing the birth of Bangladesh in 1971, coping with ten million refugees and not getting intimidated by the Seventh Fleet of the US, was a totally different ballgame.

However, in the past one week, Modi has amply demonstrated that during a crisis he won't be less than Mrs Gandhi!

Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif. (Photo credit: AP)

All prime ministers of India since 1947 have attempted good neighbourly relations with Pakistan.

But none has staked so much political and personal prestige as Modi did when he stopped over in Lahore in December 2015 to wish Nawaz Sharif on his birthday.

Alas, the Pakistani PM didn't realise the enormity of Modi's simple but symbolically historic gesture. Barely a week later, the terror attack at the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot gave ammunition to critics to trash his Pakistan policy as naive and disconnected with ground realities.

A deeply disappointed Modi was also stung by Sharif's scathing criticism in Pakistani Parliament of violations of human rights in J&K. Sharif hailed Burhan Wani, commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, who carried an award of Rs 10 lakh on his head.

Modi decided to take his velvet gloves off and show his iron fist. Methodically, he tried to isolate Pakistan by sensitising the international community about the scourge of terror and relentlessly reiterating where terror was coming from. He also authorised Indian diplomats to highlight violations of human rights in Pakistan.

His mention of excesses committed in Balochistan in his Independence Day speech was part of a campaign.

Diplomacy

Modi left no one in doubt at the G-20 summit and the ASEAN summit when he singled out the country that exported terror and used terrorism as its state policy.

For the first time, the Indian ambassador raised the issue of violations of human rights in Balochistan at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Unmistakable thrust was: Pakistan was the hub of international terrorism.

The diplomatic offensive started paying dividends soon as two Congressmen in the US introduced a proposal to get Pakistan declared a terrorist state.

Some members of the European Union also demanded that economic sanctions should be imposed on Islamabad for human rights violations in Balochistan.

Earlier, during the Strategic & Commercial Dialogue in Delhi, US secretary of state John Kerry endorsed India's view on terror. Barring China, Pakistan has very few friends left.

The forthcoming SAARC summit in Islamabad has also been called off after India led its boycott.

Attack

The brazen attack on the military base camp in Uri last month that left 19 Indian soldiers dead was the most blatant provocation by Pakistan. They had underestimated Modi's resolve to hit back.

Despite the pressure to act, the PM has been statesmanlike during these tough days.

The cross-border surgical strike has shown how much Modi has grown in the last two years. Within hours after the strike, the Pakistani army was informed.

Our commandos struck only terrorist launch pads along the LoC and there was no strike at military posts.

Briefing Sonia Gandhi and leaders of other political parties was also wise and helped create a sense of national unity.

The shrewd politician and a consummate diplomat that he is, Modi killed several birds with a single stone.

The surgical strike was a warning shot to the Pakistani civilian and military establishment - that if you harbour terrorists and wage proxy wars, it won't go unpunished any more.

The likes of Masood Azhar will now fear for their lives. There was also a subtle message for China: that if it supports a terrorist state, one day it will face jihadi attacks.

Modi also benefited personally, as he emerged as a mature leader who will defend India's national interest but has no interest in escalating tensions with its neighbours.

The message was loud and clear: India is fighting terror and the world should join in this endeavour.

(Courtesy of Mail Today.)
On September 29, the Indian military came out in the open about its surgical strikes on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control in Kashmir, asserting that it inflicted "significant casualties" on militants waiting to infiltrate.

Pakistan's military immediately denied that any such strike occurred, but at the same time admitted its two soldiers were killed. Considering the previous track record, it was expected that no one outside Pakistan would take the Pakistan Army's denial seriously.

However, for a week now, Pakistan has mounted an international effort to disprove the Indian Army's claim. The refusal of the Indian government to share evidence and conflicting claims over the scale of its strike by some ministers have helped Pakistan convince a large and influential section of the international media to buy its story.

The Indian government's decision to openly claim the success of this "surgical strike", and to use it for political purposes, had unnerved the Opposition. However, probing international media reports and refusal of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) on the strikes have encouraged some key opposition leaders and political commentators in the last two days to ask the government to come out clean.

Instead of providing some evidence to put the record straight, the BJP has decided to use its favourite "anti-national" attack mode against the opposition voices asking for more information - absolute trust in the Army is a must, anyone who questions the Army is anti-national.

It is a matter of grave concern that in Indian democracy, it has become taboo to ask pertinent questions to the armed forces even on vital matters of national interest. Even in Pakistan, there is no such blanket branding of Army critics. This ultra-nationalistic position in India by the ruling party and a section of the media puts a question mark on the state of Indian democracy.

To respect democratic principles and fundamental rights, all state institutions in India including the Army need to stay under democratic control. Unlike Pakistan, the control of the armed forces in India thankfully remains in the hands of democratically elected civilian authorities.

Democracy is difficult to imagine in the absence of civilian primacy over the military. However, the democratic accountability of the armed forces is not only limited to parliamentary control, it also includes being answerable to public opinion, media and society in general.

Civilian audit of the military is one of the cornerstones of democracy. It is essential to maintaining the accountability of armed forces' personnel to the people, and that legitimises their role and power both at home and abroad. Thus, the Indian Army for its own credibility should appreciate public debate over its actions and effectiveness.

In Indian democracy, a citizen has a right to know what the military does and the Army needs to be transparent. In this hyper-information era, it is almost impossible to hide facts from the public domain for long.

The intentional manufacturing of confusion by the government helps it to trap the Opposition into a patriot versus "Pakistani" binary. (Photo credit: PTI)

It is important to win the perception battle than with arms and ammunition. Being honest about its operational successes and failures and maintaining transparency creates a positive image for the Army to take an upper hand in this context.

However, the majority in military leadership in India usually suffers from a Brahminical mindset and tends to believe that they are the only ones qualified to evaluate their engagements and have no need to answer the common man.

Thus they tend to consider public accountability as an unnecessary errand and public debate as useless distraction. That comes out clearly when someone listens to many retired generals in TV debates.

The Army cannot expect that everything they do or claim to do should be glorified without any question being asked. Public evaluation of its genuine achievements and lapses is critical to improve itself and build genuine public trust. If information is suppressed or misreported, it will likely lead to misinterpretation and damage the public image of the armed forces.

It is critical that there should be as much as possible transparency and accountability in the activity of the armed forces. That will reduce the danger of civil-military gap and will help build confidence, cooperation and capacity of a democratic society.

Breaking from past practices, it is the political leadership's prerogative in deciding to come out openly about the surgical strikes of the Army. However, the leadership also is duty-bound to protect the Indian Army from being used in political one-upmanship.

There are many of examples in India's neighbourhood of the military taking advantage of its strength (physical and institutional) and capturing power through a coup, or superseding civilian leaders or imposing leaders of its own choice. For democracy to survive and to protect its values, the objective of the Indian government must be to keep its armed forces politically neutral.

Taking the cover of maintaining secrecy to protect national interest, the Indian government is not sharing evidences to substantiate its claim of the successes achieved through surgical strikes. Unfortunately, the government sees political gain in keeping the "surgical strike" debate going as it helps keep focus on its so-called muscular approach vis-a-vis Pakistan in the public domain.

Even way back in 1973, quoting Justice Polak, Justice KK Mathew had observed in the Supreme Court: "The secrecy system has become much less a means by which government protects national security than a means by which the government safeguards its reputation, dissembles its purpose, buries its mistakes, manipulates its citizens, maximises its power and corrupts itself." This is exactly what the government is doing now.

There is no convincing reason in support of the government's decision to not make photographic evidence of surgical strikes public, as most of the powerful armies in the world regularly do it to support their cases.

This intentional manufacturing of confusion by the government helps it to trap the Opposition into a patriot versus "Pakistani" binary, but at the same time it raises serious questions over the reputation of the Indian Army.
For Pakistan's army, the terrorists it breeds are expendable. India's surgical strike last week killed scores of jihadis assembled at launch pads in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

The strike caused the Pakistani army international humiliation. But till Pakistan's top generals feel the pain, they will not change. Terrorism against India will not stop.

There is now a new path to inflict that pain. The US Congress has just passed into law the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA).

The Act will allow relatives of American victims of the 9/11 terror attack 15 years ago to directly sue Saudi Arabia for any role it may have played in the 9/11 plot.

President Barack Obama had vetoed the Bill, arguing that it would jeopardise the US government for the acts of its military or intelligence personnel accused of war crimes abroad.

For the first time in Obama's eight-year presidency, both the Senate and the House of Representatives voted to override the presidential veto.

Snubbing

The snub was unprecedented and for Obama personally galling because it was bipartisan: Virtually every Democrat and Republican voted to override the presidential veto.

In the Senate, the vote was 97-1; in the House of Representatives, it was 348-77. The new law, among other strictures, allows US courts to seize the assets of a terrorist-sponsoring nation.

US lawmakers have given their citizens a powerful legal weapon to hold to account a sovereign nation like Saudi Arabia or Pakistan that is complicit in terrorism and other war crimes.

The law may well be tweaked during the "lame duck" session of Congress in November (when the transition from Obama to the new president-designate begins) to introduce safeguards against prosecution of US interests abroad.

But the basic law and its uncompromising clauses against terror-sponsoring entities (including sovereign nations) and individuals will stand.

The Saudis have reacted with fury to JASTA. For months they lobbied with US lawmakers against the Act.

But the intense campaign by the relatives of American citizens who died in the 9/11 terror attack prevailed over the Saudis' clout.

Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf. (Photo credit: AP)

The development represents a dramatic change from what transpired in December 2012. Relatives of US citizens killed in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in November 2008 had sued general Shuja Pasha, then head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in a federal court in New York.

The US administration, however, told the court that Pasha had immunity from prosecution for the Mumbai attack because "the ISI was part of a foreign state within the meaning of the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act (FSIA)."

There was outrage at this decision among the kin of US citizens who died in the Mumbai attack. But the UPA government did not file a protest with the US government and the ISI's Pasha escaped prosecution.

Not for much longer. Depending on the interpretation of the newly-legislated JASTA, Pasha, Gen Parvez Kayani and even Gen Pervez Musharraf, who were all allegedly complicit in planning the Mumbai attack from 2006 onwards, could face prosecution.

There are other precedents for prosecuting political and military leaders for war crimes - and state-sponsored terrorism against citizens of another country qualifies as a war crime.

In March 2016, the Serbian strongman Radovan Karadzic was found guilty of war crimes in Srebrencia by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Earlier Slobodan Milosevic, the former president of Serbia, was prosecuted by the ICTY and kept in a prison cell in the Hague. He died in March 2006 before a verdict could be reached in his trial for war crimes and genocide in the Balkans.

Genocide

The Pakistani army and the ISI have been responsible for waging an undeclared war on India through proxy terrorism for decades. They have been accused of genocide in Balochistan.

Surgical strikes and other measures are necessary to impose a cost for such acts of state terrorism.

But the generals in Rawalpindi who mastermind the terror war on India do not pay a price. And unless they do, proxy terrorism from Pakistan will not end. It may pause, but not stop.

A first step in prosecuting Pakistan's top generals - including Musharraf, Kayani, Pasha and Raheel Sharif - is for the Indian government to implead itself in a fresh case in the US under the new Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act along with the relatives of US citizens killed in the November 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

Sanctions

The case in the US should include a call for imposition of travel sanctions on the prosecuted generals and freezing of their illegal foreign bank accounts.

Pakistan's army generals have built personal fortunes over the years. The army is one of Pakistan's biggest landowners.

The military's top brass owns up to a third of Pakistan's business corporations directly or through a maze of benami firms.

To impose a cost on Pakistan for terrorism, the strategic response we have seen in recent days is necessary but not sufficient.

The real culprits responsible for the death of thousands of Indian soldiers and citizens over the years are at the top of Pakistan's military food chain.

Only when they experience the pain of prosecution for war crimes under the new US JASTA and are slapped with punitive travel and financial sanctions even as they stand trial, as Milosevic and Karadzic did, will the battle against terrorism be won.

(Courtesy of Mail Today.)
The Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to the same China and the mainland's will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity remains rock-solid, a mainland spokesman said Thursday.

Adhering to the 1992 Consensus that stresses the one-China principle, is unshakable, said An Fengshan, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, commenting on Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen's latest remarks made in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

"Our position is steadfast on opposing any 'Taiwan-independence' activities. Any forces and any people do not underestimate the resolution of more than 1.3 billion people on the mainland," An said.
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Hurricane Matthew bore down on the Bahamas on Wednesday, after lashing eastern Cuba late Tuesday and through the night.

People walk on a street in Santiago de Cuba, in eastern Cuba, on Oct. 5, 2016. Hurricane Matthew battered the eastern tip of Cuba on Tuesday evening with strong winds, heavy downpours and floods along the coasts of Guantanamo Province. [Xinhua]

Though downgraded to a category 3 hurricane as it headed northwards towards The Bahamas and Florida, the storm was still considered "severe" by the Miami-based U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).

"Severe Hurricane Matthew bearing down on The Bahamas and aiming toward Florida," the agency's latest weather advisory said.

In the Bahamas, Prime Minister Perry Christie has been urging residents "to take the threat of Matthew seriously" since at least Monday, the capital's Nassau Guardian daily reported on its website.

The concern is that Matthew is expected to make landfall on the most populated of the Bahamas' 700 islands and islets.

"New Providence, where 85 percent of our population lives, will take a direct hit," Christie warned during a press conference Tuesday, adding "what I'm telling you is get off the coastline."

Cuba's government lifted the hurricane warnings and watches for its eastern provinces.

While still a category 4 hurricane, Matthew made landfall in Cuba at 6 p.m. local time (2200 GMT) Tuesday, in Punta Caleta, in the province of Guantanamo.

With gusts between 200 and 250 kilometers per hour, and heavy rains, Matthew blew the roof off homes, damaged buildings, including the area's iconic Hotel La Rusa, knocked down trees and electric poles, caused coastal flooding and washed away at least one bridge, Guantanamo's main newspaper, Venceremos, reported.

Area residents contacted by Xinhua via cell phone said rains continued in Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba early Wednesday, but the island's emergency response system appears to have prevented casualties.

The U.S. states of Florida and North Carolina have declared a state of emergency, while South Carolina on Wednesday ordered the evacuation of coastal residents.

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Banc of California, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Banc of California, National Association that provides banking products and services in the United States. The company offers deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, retirement, and interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing demand accounts, as well as certificate of deposits. It also provides various commercial and consumer loan products, such as commercial and industrial loans; commercial real estate and multifamily loans; construction loans; single family residential mortgage loans; warehouse and indirect/direct leveraged lending; home equity lines of credit; small business administration loans; and other consumer loans. In addition, the company offers automated bill payment, cash and treasury management, foreign exchange, card payment, remote and mobile deposit capture, automated clearing house origination, wire transfer, direct deposit, and internet banking services; and master demand accounts, interest rate swaps, and safe deposit boxes. Further, it invests in collateralized loan obligations, agency securities, municipal bonds, agency residential mortgage-backed securities, and corporate debt securities. As of December 31, 2020, the company operated 29 full-service branches in Southern California. The company was formerly known as First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. and changed its name to Banc of California, Inc. in July 2013. Banc of California, Inc. was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Santa Ana, California.
Assured Guaranty Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides credit protection products to public finance, infrastructure, and structured finance markets in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Insurance and Asset Management. It offers financial guaranty insurance that protects holders of debt instruments and other monetary obligations from defaults in scheduled payments. The company insures and reinsures various debt obligations, including bonds issued by the United States state governmental authorities; and notes issued to finance infrastructure projects. It also insures and reinsures various the U.S. public finance obligations, such as general obligation, tax-backed, municipal utility, transportation, healthcare, higher education, infrastructure, housing revenue, investor-owned utility, renewable energy, and other public finance bonds. Further, it is involved in insuring and reinsuring of non-U.S. public finance obligations comprising regulated utilities, infrastructure finance, sovereign and sub-sovereign, renewable energy bonds, pooled infrastructure, and other public finance obligations; and the U.S. and non-U.S. Structured finance obligations, including residential mortgage-backed securities, life insurance transactions, consumer receivables securities, pooled corporate obligations, financial products, and other structured finance securities. Additionally, the company offers specialty insurance and reinsurance that include life and aircraft residual value insurance transactions; and asset management services comprising investment advisory services, including management of collateralized loan obligations, and opportunity and liquid strategy funds. It markets its financial guaranty insurance directly to issuers and underwriters of public finance and structured finance securities, as well as to investors in such obligations. Assured Guaranty Ltd. was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
The following companies are subsidiares of BorgWarner: Akasol AG, B80 Italia S.r.l., BERU AG, BW El Salto S.A. De C.V., BWA Receivables Corporation, BWA Turbo Systems Holding LLC, Borg Warner Europe Holdings (PDS) B. V., BorgWarner (China) Investment Co. Ltd., BorgWarner (Reman) Holdings L.L.C., BorgWarner (Thailand) Limited, BorgWarner Aftermarket Europe GmbH, BorgWarner Alternators Inc., BorgWarner Arden LLC, BorgWarner Arnstadt RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Asia Inc., BorgWarner Automotive Asia Limited, BorgWarner Automotive Components (Beijing) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Wuhan) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Brasil Ltda., BorgWarner Chungju Co. LLC, BorgWarner Comercial e Distribuidora de Pecas para Veiculos Automotores Ltda., BorgWarner Comercializadora PDS S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner Componentes PDS S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner Cooling Systems (India) Private Limited, BorgWarner Cooling Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Diversified Transmission Products Services Inc., BorgWarner Drivetrain Engineering GmbH, BorgWarner Drivetrain Management Services de Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner Drivetrain de Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner Electric Motors L.L.C., BorgWarner Emissions Systems (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Emissions Systems (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Emissions Systems Holding LLC, BorgWarner Emissions Systems India Private Limited, BorgWarner Emissions Systems LLC, BorgWarner Emissions Systems Portugal Unipessoal LDA, BorgWarner Emissions Systems Spain S.L.U., BorgWarner Emissions Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner Emissions Talegaon Private Limited, BorgWarner Engineering Ketsch RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Engineering Kibo RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Esslingen GmbH, BorgWarner Europe GmbH, BorgWarner Europe Holding S.a. r. l., BorgWarner Gateshead Limited, BorgWarner Germany Holding GmbH, BorgWarner Germany Holding Services GmbH, BorgWarner Germany REH GmbH, BorgWarner Germany REM GmbH, BorgWarner Germany Verwaltungs GmbH, BorgWarner Global Holding S.a. r. l., BorgWarner Heidelberg I RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Heidelberg II RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Heidelberg REH GmbH, BorgWarner Heidelberg REM GmbH, BorgWarner Holding Inc., BorgWarner Holdings Limited, BorgWarner Hungary Kft., BorgWarner IT Services Europe GmbH, BorgWarner India Holdings Inc., BorgWarner Investment Holding Inc., BorgWarner Ithaca LLC, BorgWarner Ketsch Plant RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Ketsch REH GmbH, BorgWarner Ketsch REM GmbH, BorgWarner Kft., BorgWarner Kibo RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Korea Holdings (PDS) B.V., BorgWarner Korea Holdings LLC, BorgWarner Korea LLC, BorgWarner Limited, BorgWarner Ludwigsburg GmbH, BorgWarner Ludwigsburg RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Markdorf Plant RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Markdorf REH GmbH, BorgWarner Markdorf REM GmbH, BorgWarner Massachusetts Inc., BorgWarner Mauritius Holdings Ltd., BorgWarner Mexico Holding BV, BorgWarner Mexico Holdings II LLC, BorgWarner Mexico Holdings LLC, BorgWarner Morse Systems India Private Limited, BorgWarner Morse Systems Italy S.r.l., BorgWarner Morse Systems Japan K.K., BorgWarner Morse Systems Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner Muggendorf RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner NW Inc., BorgWarner Netherlands Holdings (PDS) B.V., BorgWarner Oroszlany Kft., BorgWarner PDS (Anderson) L.L.C., BorgWarner PDS (Changnyeong) LLC, BorgWarner PDS (Indiana) Inc., BorgWarner PDS (Livonia) Inc., BorgWarner PDS (Ochang) LLC, BorgWarner PDS (Thailand) Limited, BorgWarner PDS (USA) Inc., BorgWarner PDS Brasil Produtos Automotivos Ltda., BorgWarner PDS Irapuato S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner PDS Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner PDS Technologies L.L.C., BorgWarner Poland Sp. z o.o., BorgWarner Pyongtaek LLC, BorgWarner Romeo Power LLC, BorgWarner Rzeszow Sp. z o.o., BorgWarner Shenglong (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner South Asia LLC, BorgWarner Southborough Inc., BorgWarner Spain Holding S.L.U, BorgWarner Sweden AB, BorgWarner Systems Lugo S.r.l., BorgWarner Thermal Systems Inc., BorgWarner Thermal Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems Beijing Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Tralee Ltd., BorgWarner Transmission Products LLC, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Arnstadt GmbH, BorgWarner Transmission Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Korea LLC, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Tulle S.A.S., BorgWarner Trustees Limited, BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems France S.A.S., BorgWarner Turbo Systems Engineering GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems LLC, BorgWarner Turbo Systems Worldwide Headquarters GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner Turbo and Emissions Systems de Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner UK Financing Ltd., BorgWarner UK Holding and Services Ltd., BorgWarner US Holding LLC, BorgWarner USA Industries L.L.C., BorgWarner United Transmission Systems Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Waterloo Inc., BorgWarner Wrexham Limited, Cascadia Motion LLC, Creon Insurance Agency Limited, Delphi Technologies, Dytech ENSA, Gustav Wahler GmbH u. Co. KG, Haldex, Kuhlman LLC, Kysor Europe Limited, M. & M. Knopf Auto Parts L.L.C., NSK-Warner (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., NSK-Warner K.K., NSK-Warner Mexico S.A. de C.V, NSK-Warner U.S.A. Inc., New PDS Corp., Old Remco Holdings L.L.C., Old Remco International Holdings L.L.C., Remy International, SeohanWarner Turbo Systems LLC, Sevcon, Sevcon New Energy Technology (Hubei) Company Limited, and Transmission Systems AutoForm LLC.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Mohawk Industries: A&S Energie NV, A&U Energie NV, Aladdin Manufacturing Corporation, Aladdin Manufacturing Of New York LLC, Aladdin Manufacturing of Alabama LLC, Alsace Logistique S.A., Avelgem Green Power CVBA, Avon Pacific Holdings Ltd, B&M NV, BGE Mexico S. de R. L. de C.V., Berghoef GmbH, Berghoef-Hout B.V., Bienes Raices y Materiales del Centro S. de R.L. de C.V., C.F. Marazzi S.A., Canterbury Spinners Ltd, Carpet Foundation Ltd, Cevotrans BV, Ceramus Bahia S/A  Produtos Ceramicos, DT Mex Holdings LLC, DTM/CM Holdings LLC, Dal Italia LLC, Dal-Elit LLC, Dal-Tile Chile Comercial Limitada, Dal-Tile Colombia S.A.S., Dal-Tile Distribution Inc., Dal-Tile Group Inc., Dal-Tile I LLC, Dal-Tile Industrias S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile International Inc., Dal-Tile Mexico Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Operaciones Mexico S. De R.L. De C.V., Dal-Tile Peru SRL, Dal-Tile Puerto Rico Inc., Dal-Tile Services Inc., Dal-Tile Shared Services Inc., Dal-Tile Tennessee LLC, Dal-Tile of Canada ULC, Daltile, Daltile, Dekaply NV, Durkan, Dynea NV, Eliane Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Eliane S/A - Revestimentos Ceramicos, Emilceramica India Pvt Ltd., Emilceramica S.r.l, Emilgermany GmbH, Emilgroup Asia Ltd, Explorer S.r.l., F.I.L.S. Investments Unlimited Company, Feltex Carpets Ltd, Feltex Carpets Pty Ltd, Feltex New Zealand Ltd, Fibremakers Australia Pty Ltd, Flooring Foundation Ltd, Flooring Industries Limited S.a r.l., Flooring XL B.V., Floorscape Limited, Godfrey Hirst & Co Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Group, Godfrey Hirst NZ Ltd, Hytherm (Ireland) Limited, IVC BVBA, IVC Far-East Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., IVC France S.a r.l., IVC GROUP LIMITED, IVC Green Power NV, IVC Group, IVC Group GmbH, IVC Luxembourg S.a r.l., IVC Rus OOO, IVC US Inc., International Flooring Systems S.a r.l., International Vinyl Company - Vostok OOO, KAI Group, KAI Keramica Ltd, KAI Mining EOOD, KERAMA CENTER OOO, Kerama Baltics OOO, Kerama Export OOO, Kerama Marazzi OOO, Kerampromservis (LLC), Khan Asparuh - Transport EOOD, Khan Asparuh AD, Khan Omurtag AD, Koninklijke Peitsman B.V., Kraj Kerama OOO, MG China Trading Ltd., MI Finance SRL, MUD (Holding) Brazil Ltda., Management Co EAD, Marazzi Acquisition S.r.l., Marazzi Deutschland G.m.b.H., Marazzi France Trading S.A.S., Marazzi Group, Marazzi Group F.Z.E., Marazzi Group S.r.l., Marazzi Group Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Marazzi Iberia S.L.U., Marazzi Japan Co. Ltd., Marazzi Middle East FZ LLC, Marazzi Schweiz S.A.G.L., Marazzi UK Ltd., Mohawk Assurance Services Inc., Mohawk Australia Pty Ltd, Mohawk Canada Corporation, Mohawk Capital Finance S.A., Mohawk Capital Luxembourg SA, Mohawk Carpet Distribution Inc., Mohawk Carpet Foundation Inc., Mohawk Carpet LLC, Mohawk Carpet Transportation Of Georgia LLC, Mohawk Commercial Inc., Mohawk ESV Inc., Mohawk Europe BVBA, Mohawk Factoring II Inc., Mohawk Factoring LLC, Mohawk Finance S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Acquisitions S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Funding S.a.r.l, Mohawk Foreign Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Investments Inc., Mohawk Global Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Holdings International B.V., Mohawk Industries Inc., Mohawk International (Europe) S.a r.l., Mohawk International (Hong Kong) Limited, Mohawk International Capital N.V., Mohawk International Financing S.a.r.l, Mohawk International Holdings (DE) LLC, Mohawk International Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk International Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk International Netherlands B.V., Mohawk International Services BVBA, Mohawk KAI Luxembourg Holding S.a r.l., Mohawk KAI Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Capital S.A., Mohawk Luxembourg Financing S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Pacific S.a r.l., Mohawk Marazzi International BV, Mohawk Marazzi Russia BV, Mohawk New Zealand Limited, Mohawk Operaciones Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Mohawk Operations Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Pacific Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Resources LLC, Mohawk Servicing LLC, Mohawk Singapore Private Limited, Mohawk Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mohawk Unilin Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk United Finance B.V., Mohawk United International B.V., Mohawk Vinyl Financing S.a r.l., Molber Beheer B.V., Monarch Ceramic Tile Inc., P.F. Onroerend Goed B.V., PF Beheer B.V., Pergo, Pergo (Europe) AB, Pergo Holding BV, Pergo India Pvt Ltd, Polcolorit S.A., Premium Floors Australia Pty Limited, RR Apex LLC, Rata International Pty Ltd, Recubrimientos Interceramica S. de R.L. de C.V., Riverside Textiles Pty Ltd, S.C. KAI Ceramics SRL, Sibir Kerama OOO, SimpleSolutions USA LLC, Soft Step (Australia) Pty Ltd, Spano Group, Spano Invest BVBA, Spano NV, Stroyagromekhzapchast ChaO, Stroytrans OAO Orelstroy, Summit Wool Spinners Ltd, The Flooring Federation Ltd, Tiles Co OOD, Unilin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Unilin ApS, Unilin Arauco Pisos Ltda., Unilin BVBA, Unilin Beheer BV, Unilin Distribution Ltd., Unilin Distribution Ukraine LLC, Unilin Finland OY, Unilin Flooring India Private Limited, Unilin Flooring SAS, Unilin GmbH, Unilin Holding BVBA, Unilin Insulation BV, Unilin Insulation SAS, Unilin Insulation Sury SAS, Unilin Italia S.R.L., Unilin North America LLC, Unilin Norway AS, Unilin OOO, Unilin Panels SAS, Unilin Poland Sp.Z.o.o., Unilin SAS, Unilin Spain SL, Unilin Swiss GmbH, Unilin s.r.o., World International Inc., Xtratherm, Xtratherm Limited, Xtratherm S.A., and Xtratherm UK Limited.

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Suncor Energy Inc. operates as an integrated energy company. The company primarily focuses on developing petroleum resource basins in Canada's Athabasca oil sands; explores, acquires, develops, produces, transports, refines, and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally; markets petroleum and petrochemical products under the Petro-Canada name primarily in Canada. It operates through Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; Refining and Marketing; and Corporate and Eliminations segments. The Oil Sands segment recovers bitumen from mining and in situ operations, and upgrades it into refinery feedstock and diesel fuel, or blends the bitumen with diluent for direct sale to market. The Exploration and Production segment is involved in offshore operations off the east coast of Canada and in the North Sea; and operating onshore assets in Libya and Syria. The Refining and Marketing segment refines crude oil and intermediate feedstock into various petroleum and petrochemical products; and markets refined petroleum products to retail, commercial, and industrial customers through its other retail sellers. The Corporate and Eliminations segment operates four wind farms in Ontario and Western Canada. The company also markets and trades in crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products, and power. The company was formerly known as Suncor Inc. and changed its name to Suncor Energy Inc. in April 1997. Suncor Energy Inc. was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
Mistras Group, Inc. provides technology-enabled asset protection solutions worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Services, International, and Products and Systems. It offers non-destructive testing services; predictive maintenance assessments of fixed and rotating assets; inline inspection for pipelines; and develops enterprise inspection database management software and plant condition management software. The company also provides maintenance and light mechanical services, such as corrosion removal, mitigation and prevention, insulation installation and removal, electrical, heat tracing, industrial cleaning, pipefitting, and welding; engineering consulting services primarily for process equipment, technologies, and facilities; and utilizes scaffolding and rope access to access at-height and confined assets. In addition, it offers certified divers for subsea inspection and maintenance; unmanned aerial, land-based, and subsea systems for inspection applications; online condition-monitoring solutions; quality assurance and quality control solutions for new and existing metal and alloy components, materials, and composites. Further, the company designs and installs monitoring systems, as well as provides commissioning, training, reporting, technical support, and annual maintenance services; Web-based solutions; and custom-developed software. Additionally, it designs, manufactures, and sells acoustic emission sensors, instruments, and turnkey systems for monitoring and testing materials, pressure components, processes, and structures, as well as automated ultrasonic systems and scanners. The company serves oil and gas, commercial aerospace and defense, fossil and nuclear power, alternative and renewable energy, industrial, public infrastructure, petrochemical, transportation, and process industries, as well as research and engineering institutions. Mistras Group, Inc. was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Princeton Junction, New Jersey.
Emergent BioSolutions Inc., a life sciences company, focuses on the provision of preparedness and response solutions that address accidental, deliberate, and naturally occurring public health threats (PHTs) in the United States. The company's products address PHTs, which include chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives; emerging infectious diseases; travel health; and emerging health crises and acute/emergency care. It offers BioThrax, an anthrax vaccine; ACAM2000, a smallpox vaccine; Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent to treat botulinum disease; vaccinia immune globulin intravenous that addresses complications from smallpox vaccine; raxibacumab for the treatment and prophylaxis of inhalational anthrax; Anthrasil to for inhalational anthrax; reactive skin decontamination lotion kits; and Trobigard, a combination drug-device auto injector product candidate; and Trobigard, a combination drug-device auto injector product candidate. The company also provides NARCAN, a nasal spray for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose; Vivotif, an oral vaccine for typhoid fever; and Vaxchora, a single-dose oral vaccine to treat cholera. In addition, it is developing AP003, a Naloxone multidose nasal spray; AP007, a sustained release Nalmefene injection for treatment of opioid use disorder; AV7909, an anthrax vaccine; CGRD-001, a pralidoxime chloride/atropine auto-injector; CHIKV VLP, a chikungunya virus VLP vaccine; COVID-HIG for the treatment of SARS-CoV2; EGRD-001, a diazepam auto-injector; SIAN, an antidote for the initial treatment of acute poisoning of cyanide; and UniFlu, a universal influenza vaccine. Further, the company provides contract development and manufacturing services comprising drug substance and product manufacturing, and packaging, as well as technology transfer, process, and analytical development services. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
The Boeing Company is the worlds largest manufacturer of airplanes and commands more than 50% of the market in some channels and categories. The company and its family of subsidiaries design, develops, manufacture, sell, service, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight, and related services worldwide. The company operates through four segments including Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital providing products and services to end-users in 150 countries.

Boeing got its start in 1910 when William E. Boeing developed a love for aircraft. Soon after he takes his first plane ride which leads him to build a hangar and begin construction of his first plane. The onset of WWI helped spur the companys growth but business was cut drastically in its wake. The start of WWII was another milestone for the company and one that led to its current position of dominance. The company was incorporated in 1916 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. Boeing employs over 140,000 people in 65 countries making it one of the most diverse employers on the planet.

The Commercial Airplanes segment is built around the iconic 7-series which includes the 737, 747, and 787. The segment provides commercial jet aircraft for passenger and cargo requirements, as well as fleet support services for regional, national, and international air carriers and logistics and freight companies. In terms of global volume, the company estimates about 90% of all air freight is carried aboard one of its jets. This segment also includes the Dreamliner family of planes. The Dreamliner is a game-changing airplane for many carriers as it opens up the potential for new one-stop destinations because of its capacity and range.

The Defense, Space & Security segment develops and manufactures a range of systems including manned and unmanned aircraft, missiles, missile defense systems, satellites, communications equipment, and intelligence systems for governments. Among the many iconic brands within this segment are the AH-64 Apache, Air Force One, B-52, C-17 Globemaster, Chinook, F/A-18, and the V-22 Osprey VTOL aircraft used by the Marines.

The Global Services segment offers a range of products and services that include supply chain and logistics management, engineering, maintenance, upgrades, conversions, spare parts, pilot and maintenance training, technical and maintenance documents, and data analytics to its commercial and defense customers.

Boeing is also a leader in innovation, leveraging its many decades and avenues of experience to further aerospace and defense technology. Among the many innovations is the MQ-25 Stingray which will be the worlds first autonomous aircraft. The Stingray is only one of many areas of research that also include drones and undersea vehicles.
Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops and provides a portfolio of healthcare products worldwide. The company offers peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis, and additional dialysis therapies and services; intravenous therapies, infusion pumps, administration sets, and drug reconstitution devices; remixed and oncology drug platforms, inhaled anesthesia and critical care products and pharmacy compounding services; parenteral nutrition therapies and related products; biological products and medical devices used in surgical procedures for hemostasis, tissue sealing and adhesion prevention; and continuous renal replacement therapies and other organ support therapies focused in the intensive care unit. It also provides connected care solutions, including devices, software, communications, and integration technologies; integrated patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies to help diagnose, treat, and manage a various illness and diseases, including respiratory therapy, cardiology, vision screening, and physical assessment; surgical video technologies, tables, lights, pendants, precision positioning devices and other accessories. In addition, the company offers contracted services to various pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. Its products are used in hospitals, kidney dialysis centers, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, doctors' offices, and patients at home under physician supervision. The company sells its products through direct sales force, as well as through independent distributors, drug wholesalers, and specialty pharmacy or other alternate site providers in approximately 100 countries. It has an agreement with Celerity Pharmaceutical, LLC to develop acute care generic injectable premix and oncolytic molecules. Baxter International Inc. was incorporated in 1931 and is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois.
United Parcel Service, Inc. provides letter and package delivery, transportation, logistics, and related services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States. The International Package segment provides guaranteed day and time-definite international shipping services in Europe, the Asia Pacific, Canada and Latin America, the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East, and Africa. This segment offers guaranteed time-definite express options. The company also provides international air and ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage, distribution and post-sales, and mail and consulting services in approximately 200 countries and territories. In addition, it offers truckload brokerage services; supply chain solutions to the healthcare and life sciences industry; shipping, visibility, and billing technologies; and financial and insurance services. The company operates a fleet of approximately 121,000 package cars, vans, tractors, and motorcycles; and owns 59,000 containers that are used to transport cargo in its aircraft. United Parcel Service, Inc. was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
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When Charlottesville resident Sally Mank was looking for volunteer opportunities in the late 1990s  after a career as an urban planner and community organizer  she remembered helping her father, who suffered from a cognitive impairment, understand his Medicare statements.

I realized how hard it had been for him, how hard it is for many seniors, Mank said, and thats when I knew what I wanted to do.

Mank began volunteering with the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) at the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA) in 1997, providing individual insurance counseling to residents older than 65. And as a VICAP coordinator for five years, she increased the number of clients served from 30 a month to more than 100.

In 2008, Mank started the New to Medicare workshops that have become so popular at JABA, and that same year, she received the Virginia Governors Volunteer Award. In 2013, Mank received the Presidents Volunteer Service Awards highest honor, the Presidents Lifetime Achievement Award, for contributing more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service.

After nearly 20 years as an insurance counseling volunteer, Mank has tried to bring the same compassion to the many clients shes helped as she did to her father all those years ago.

Like the time she recalls helping a woman who suffered a heart attack and had nearly $30,000 in hospital bills.

The woman, who lived on just $800 a month, was visiting family in New Jersey at the time, and when she was rushed to the hospital, her family members forgot to show her Medicaid card, said Mank. When she returned to Virginia, massive bills began arriving.

Mank said she spent a spent a month calling providers and writing letters trying to persuade them to bill Virginia Medicaid. In the end, the woman only had to pay about $500 out of pocket.

Many people are very concerned and anxious, she said, and its either about fixing a problem or letting them know there isnt a problem  and simply helping them understand.

Indeed, according to Randy Rodgers, JABAs Insurance Counseling manager, many seniors make mistakes or bad choices when they sign up for Medicare that can have devastating consequences  such as getting fined or suffering a delay in their coverage for missing their enrollment period deadline, missing out on supplemental coverage altogether, or choosing a Medicare Part D prescription plan that doesnt cover the drugs they need.

Rodgers said surveys have shown that close to 90 percent of seniors are on the wrong Medicare Part D drug prescription plan for them.

Last year, we helped 1,150 people choose plans that better matched their prescription needs, saving them nearly half a million dollars, Rodgers said. Our New to Medicare classes and one-on-one New to Medicare counseling helps many people setup their Medicare insurance the best way for them.

As Mank points out, the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit went into effect in 2006, following an outcry over the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs  and it has been a problem for Medicare beneficiaries ever since.

JABA ended up needing more counselors because of the Part D benefit, says Mank, because it was new, and because many seniors didnt  and still dont  feel confident to take it on. They also feel that asking family members to help is asking too much. So, now, theres a kind of mythology that figuring out Part D is scary and complicated.

Indeed, since Medicare was enacted in 1965, an array of program changes and supplemental plans offered by private insurance companies have come online to help reduce costs for Medicare beneficiaries  as healthcare costs today are eight times higher than they were in 1965  making the options and choices more complicated.

But Mank likes the challenge, and the way helping people makes her feel.

There isnt a perfect solution out there, admits Mank, but its a good system with the right help. And If Im unable to resolve the problem entirely, I try to find other people and programs that might. I always feel relief for the person Ive helped, and proud that Ive been able to help.

David McNair handles publicity, marketing, media relations and social media efforts for JABA. David is an experienced writer, editor and publicist and has worked for a number of publications in the U.S. and Europe. He was a staff writer for The Hook in Charlottesville for eight years.
Charlottesville police are investigating a shooting that happened Wednesday night in the area of Monticello Avenue and Second Street that sent one victim to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police responded to the area at about 7:10 p.m. after receiving reports of a man with an apparent gunshot wound, according to city police.

Officers discovered the victim, a 19-year-old male, in the 200 block of Monticello Avenue with a gunshot wound, who was then transported to the University of Virginia Medical Center for treatment. He is currently in stable condition.

A suspect has not yet been identified, city police spokesman Lt. Steve Upman said.

Police are still investigating the incident and ask that anyone with any information related to it call (434) 970-3280 or Crime Stoppers at (434) 977-4000.
Charlottesville staff and officials will be available to meet with the public on the Downtown Mall during the City Services Fair on Friday.

Community members are welcome to talk with employees about the services and programs offered by the city. The event, which is free and open to the public, will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City Hall Plaza on the Downtown Mall.
Paul Reyes, deputy editor of Virginia Quarterly Review since 2013, has been named the magazine's 10th editor.

Reyes has been the interim editor of VQR since W. Ralph Eubanks left in the summer of 2015. Reyes is the literary magazines third editor since 2012, when then-editor Ted Genoways left following a controversy surrounding the 2010 suicide of managing editor Kevin Morrissey.

Genoways  accused by some of Morriseys family members of bullying him  was cleared of wrongdoing after an investigation by university officials.

Donovan Webster took over as interim editor in 2012, and served in that position until Eubanks arrived in 2013.

In 2015, Webster pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter following a fatal crash that occurred in 2014.

Last week, the magazines publisher, Jon Parrish Peede, announced he was stepping down after five years to focus on his writing career.

Peede was the magazines first publisher, and there are no plans to replace him, said Allison Wright, VQRs managing editor. Wright said she plans to take on many of Peedes duties, and the magazine is conducting an internal university search for an administrative assistant to help out.

VQR has published narrative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, essays, criticism and journalism since 1925.

Reyes is an award-winning journalist and author with work published in the Oxford American, Harpers, The New York Times and Mother Jones. He joined the staff of VQR in 2012.
RICHMOND  Sen. Tim Kaine's aggressive interruptions of Mike Pence Tuesday during their debate at Longwood University surprised some longtime observers of Virginia politics, who gave the Indiana governor an edge on style points.

But analysts said the theatrics largely will be forgotten by Sunday, when presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton hold their second debate at Washington University in St. Louis.

"Kaine was far more the litigator than we've ever seen in his political career," Robert Holsworth, a political analyst formerly at Virginia Commonwealth University, said of the U.S. senator from Virginia.

Pence "did quite a good job remaining cool under attack," he added.

"Stylistically, I would agree with most people who thought Pence had an advantage," he said, "in part, due to the constant interruptions."

But Holsworth said Pence "never attempted to defend Trump" on some key controversies.

"Pence did himself some good, but it's an open question of whether he did Trump any good," Holsworth said.

Kaine, the Democrat, was in Farmville with one purpose - to keep the focus on Trump - "at probably some personal cost to his reputation" as someone who ordinarily is "more subtle in his approach" Holsworth said.

While Kaine "probably lost the debate stylistically," there likely is "little regret in the Clinton camp" because the overall dynamics of the race likely are unchanged, Holsworth said.

Robert Denton, head of the Department of Communication at Virginia Tech, said he is not sure that Kaine helped the Democrats' case with "leaners or undecideds."

"We know he's an excellent debater," Denton said of Kaine. "We know he's very smart."

But "the Tim Kaine we saw last night was not the Tim Kaine I have known in previous debates."

Dan Palazzolo, chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Richmond, said Kaine's goal was "to make sure he pushed Pence on some of the more controversial aspects" of Trump's campaign. That affected the tenor of the debate, he said.

Fair-minded voters will come away from the debate concluding that either Kaine or Pence could step in and serve as president, Palazzolo said.

"They both passed the capability test."

Pence "really set himself up well for 2020" should Clinton win the election on Nov. 8, and the Indiana governor seek the next GOP presidential nomination, Palazzolo said.

As for Kaine, the image of aggressiveness might not have a long-term effect, Palazzolo said, particularly if the Democrats win on Nov. 8.

"If you serve as vice president that is the best place to be" in order to seek a presidential nomination someday, Palazzolo said.
Both Culpeper Food Lions  the one in Town Square and the other in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center  will temporarily close their doors Oct. 14 as the grocery chains new owner transitions all operations, signage and employees to Weis Markets, according to Food Lion spokeswoman Christy Phillips-Brown.

The Culpeper stores will reopen on Oct. 21 under Weis, a Pennsylvania-based food retailer, which announced in July that it purchased 38 Food Lion supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

This transaction provides us the opportunity to expand into markets that are contiguous to our current trade area, particularly in Maryland where we are adding 21 stores  essentially doubling our store count in a state where we have steadily grown in recent years, Jonathan Weis, Weis Markets chairman, president and CEO, said in a press release this summer. Were also looking forward to expanding our operations into two adjacent states with the addition of 13 stores in Virginia and four in Delaware.

Weis spokesman Dennis Curtin said Thursday transitions typically last about three weeks. So far, Weis has hired more than 90 percent of Food Lion employees to transition as Weis workers.

Our goal will be continuity, said Curtin.

In March, the Culpeper Food Lion in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center on Madison Road and the one located in Culpeper Town Square off James Madison Highway went up for sale following the merger between Delhaize Group, Food Lions parent company, and Ahold USA, which is Martins/Giant parent company.

The joint venture included the sale of 86 stores.

Selling stores is a difficult part of any merger process, given the impact on our associates, customers and communities in which we operate, Frans Muller, president and CEO of Delhaize Group, said in July. We believe we have made every effort to identify strong buyers for these locations, and we want to thank our loyal associates and customers who have shopped our stores and supported us for so many years.

So far, the Culpeper Martins Grocery store didnt make the sale list.

Of the 38 stores Weis recently purchased, the family-owned grocery chain also bought 11 Fredericksburg-based Food Lion stores including Spotsylvania and Stafford counties.

Reached by email Thursday, Phillips-Brown said, We appreciate the support of our customers and associates over the years and thank them for supporting Food Lion.

Martins opened its first and only Culpeper store on Montanus Drive on Aug. 26, 2009 with about 225 full- and part-time associates.

The Food Lion located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center opened June 4, 1984 and the Culpeper Town Square location opened on Dec. 8, 1999.
The Cintas on Bus. 29 in the town of Culpeper has been cleared following a reported bomb threat to an employee Thursday morning, according to a Culpeper Police Department social media update around 1 p.m..

The police department was notified around 10 a.m. of the bomb threat to the worker of the rental uniform services at 555 James Madison Highway.

Officers immediately responded to Cintas and evacuated the building.

Virginia State Police assisted with coordinating a search of the building with K-9 units and the building was deemed safe around three hours later.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 540/727-7900 or Crime Solvers at 540/727-0300.
Tim Kaine and Mike Pence sounded as if they prepared for two different debates.

The two vice-presidential candidates clashed at Longwood University in Farmville Tuesday night, each trying to disparage the candidate at the top of his opponents ticket.

Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump carry the heavy baggage of damage-laden histories, giving plenty of opportunities to find negatives about their campaigns or characters.

But Democrat Kaine did a much better job of attacking Donald Trump than Republican Pence did in either defending Mr. Trump or attacking Hillary Clinton. For most of the 90-minute debate, Mr. Kaine kept his opponent on the defensive.

The encounter was labeled a debate, and Mr. Kaine treated it as the kind of free-form give-and-take that  outside the realm of formalized political encounters  the layperson might associate with the word. In fact, after being called to order by the moderator for interrupting Mr. Pence one too many times, Mr. Kaine said he thought the format allowed for that sort of argument.

Mr. Pence seemed to have prepared for the typical political debate in which a moderator asks questions, the candidates respond and rebut, and the questioning moves on to another topic.

Thats not to say that Mr. Pence, governor of Indiana, didnt interrupt his opponent as well.

But Mr. Kaine came across as far more aggressive  even abrasive. That assertiveness served him well in getting his points across, but it also sometimes made him seem like a bully  an approach that might or might not backfire.

We had predicted that the encounter could produce a substantive discussion of issues. That turned out to be only partly accurate.

Moderator Elaine Quijano of CBSN asked thoughtful and pointed questions that sometimes succeeded in eliciting specific, detailed responses.

But candidates also employed the annoying technique of ignoring question and using the allotted time to make the statement they wanted to make.

As the first candidate to speak after winning a coin toss, Mr. Kaine did this markedly in his response to a question about his qualifications to serve as vice president and, potentially, as president. He launched into a prepared statement about his ties to the civil rights movement and Farmvilles place in that history, before finally trying to tie the answer back to the question. Mr. Pence followed suit with a statement about his own story as the product of a small-town upbringing and as a son of the common people.

Subsequently, however, Mr. Kaine did a better job than Mr. Pence of citing statistics and laying claim to facts.

Various national news organizations have pointed out that each candidate stretched the truth about his own ticket and distorted the truth about his opponents. Well leave it to you to search out those commentaries.

But as for winning the debate  if winning is defined as domination  wed say Mr. Kaine had the edge.
MOSCOW - Russia - Could Putin come out of the cold? It is not too late to make the right decision for the Russian people.

The data does not look good. Here is a strongman, Putin, seemingly fearless standing over his foes and adversaries, and yet his countrys economy resembles a ruined pile of smouldering rubles.

Sanctions and low oil prices have seriously weakened Russia, and its economy. According to the World Bank the Russian economy has plummeted by over 40% since last year. Cut off from the global economy, the Russians are being starved out of their obstinate stupor by global restrictions and other methods of withholding economic sustenance.

As is the case in most semi-totalitarian states, the military always comes first, therefore Putin is putting his all behind funding his war chest, however, if the economic decline continues, this strategy will suffer too. Keeping jets in the air is not cheap, and missiles can cost more than a Russian citizen earns in a lifetime.

Unfortunately for Putin, this is the cost of being a maverick in a globalised world where all is entwined.

Since the Ukrainian incident, Putin has been the bad boy, but there is still a way back from the desert if he so wishes to comply.

Putin therefore has two choices only, stand his ground like a good Russian and wait for war, or rejoin the globalists, albeit at the back of the queue. By rejoining, Putin would be on probation for some time, and he may have to give up Syria and Ukraine, but at least Russias economy would once again regain its zing.

The choice is yours Vlad, death or life.
Indonesia's air force is expected to hold its largest military exercise in some of its island near in the South China Sea this week.

This is to show of sovereignty over the gas-rich area on the fringe of its territory that China is claiming.

President Joko Widodo recently launched a campaign last June to bolster fishing, oil exploration and defense facilities around the Natuna island chain after a series of face-offs between the Indonesian navy and Chinese fishing boats.

Indonesian raised anger to China because of its continuous claims to the Natuna islands by saying the two countries had "over-lapping claims" to waters near them, an area in Indonesia.

According to Jemu Trisonjaya the spokesperson for Indonesia's air force that they wanted to show existence in the area for the reason that they have a good enough air force to act as a deterrent.

Trisonjaya added that there are more than 2,000 air force personnel were involved and took theor part of the two-week long exercise, which includes the deployment of Indonesia's fleet of Russian Sukhoi and F-16 fighter jets.
A hard rain fell on Wednesday morning as Federal Emergency Management Agency workers began surveying damage left by a Sept. 21 storm that pounded the area with as much as nine inches of rain.

Two FEMA workers, Craig Ceschi and Richard Foody, started their tour of hard-hit sites in Chippewa County on Wednesday by looking at damage to an embankment off of Bear Den Road in Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls.

They toured about a dozen sites in Chippewa Falls and the towns of Lafayette, Sigel, Edson, Delmar and Goetz.

They and others from FEMA are looking at damage in Chippewa, Jackson, La Crosse, Crawford, Richard, Vernon, Columbia and Eau Claire counties.

Preliminary damage assessments from the storm are $14 million public and $7.2 million private.

These assessments are really the first step to determine if were going to be eligible for federal disaster assistance, said Tod Pritchard, a public information officer for Wisconsin Emergency Management.

The reports will help Gov. Scott Walker decide whether to seek a federal disaster declaration from President Barack Obama.

If that status is granted, under the Public Assistance program, the federal government will pay 75 percent of the cost to clean up and repair infrastructure, with the balance split between state and local government. Some nonprofit organizations also are eligible for aid.

Wednesdays tour by FEMA officials focused on the estimated $395,060 damage to infrastructure in Chippewa County, such things as roads and bridges.

The total for the highway department is fairly low, said Dennis Brown, emergency management director for Chippewa County.

Thats because some of the damaged roads would qualify for funds from other kinds of federal programs.

The storm damage estimates are: $33,296 for the Chippewa County Highway Department; $16,881 for Lake Hallie; $4,544 for Stanley; $25,574 for Cadott; $51,106 for Chippewa Falls; and $5,432 for Boyd. Initial damage estimates for towns include: $6,090 in Arthur; $35,819 for Delmar; $80,549 for Edson; $49,768 for Goetz; $32,452 for Lafayette; $39,760 for Sigel; and $13,784 for Wheaton.

Another $100,000 damage was estimated by Wisconsin Emergency Management for equipment for the Canadian National Railroad property in the county.

Wednesdays tour did not include the estimated $400,000 damage the storm did to 52 homes, including major damage to three houses.

Pritchard said the state is asking Chippewa County residents to contact the countys Brown to report damage to homes and businesses.

The eight House representatives and two Senators sent a letter Tuesday asking President Obama to promptly approve any requests he might receive from the governor.
Gabby Giffords didnt take up gun control as a cause when her 2011 shooting was the main story. The holes in gun ownership laws that enabled her shooter to leave her brain damaged and six others dead in a supermarket parking lot near Tucson, Ariz., had not been a focus of her political career. Nor would it be until about a year after the Jan. 8, 2011, attack on her, after another gunman in another state opened fire at an elementary school.

After the Sandy Hook school shootings killed 20 students and six adults in Newtown, Conn., the former congresswoman and her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, had seen enough. They co-founded a political action committee called Americans for Responsible Solutions, using their voices to push lawmakers for tighter gun laws.

In Giffords case, the will is stronger than the voice. The 46-year-old understands everything but is only able to call up a few words at a time. Its called aphasia, a memory glitch resulting from trauma to the brain that makes words temporarily unavailable when she needs them.

Children, she explained in a Des Moines, Iowa, interview Monday. So sad.

So her 14-state, six-week bus tour of the country includes a nurse and aides who help her communicate. She does speech therapy sessions via Skype so she can travel and help spur voters to elect candidates who favor common-sense gun control measures.

The tour kicked off last week in Orlando, Fla., site of the deadliest mass shooting America has seen, which claimed 49 lives at the Pulse nightclub in June.

On Monday, the bus pulled up in front of the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, where Giffords was joined by Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate and House and members of the Iowa Legislature who favor gun reforms. But she said only a few public words at the event. Afterwards, I got to spend half an hour with her. We were joined by some of her traveling companions, including Isabelle James, deputy political director of Americans for Responsible Solutions.

Giffords courage, confidence and resoluteness in the face of her limitations are remarkable. She walks with a limp and cannot drive, but she rode 40 miles on her bicycle last year. She misses riding her motorcycle but looks forward to the advent of self-driving cars. And she notes her vocabulary has improved since she was in rehab and could say only what and chicken  over and over.

Had she craved chicken, I asked. No, she replied, making a face. It was just the word that came.

Since Sandy Hook, there have been 1,126 mass shootings in America. But earlier pledges to make guns harder to come by have fallen short as members of Congress or state legislators, funded by the National Rifle Association, block any such measures. In fact, laws like Iowas have gone in the opposite direction. As state Sen. Janet Petersen said in remarks Monday, before the Iowa Legislature passed the shall issue law, there were less than 50,000 gun permits issued. Now there are about a quarter million.

So the campaign aims to go directly to voters.

Giffords and Kelly dont oppose the Second Amendment, James said. They own guns, as does Giffords mother Gloria, who lives on a ranch where they all do target shooting. Not one candidate is talking about taking away anyones right to own a gun, James said in response to an anti-Clinton ad that shows a pajama-clad woman unable to defend herself late at night because she cant own a gun. The campaign is about keeping them out of the hands of people who shouldnt have them through expanded background checks.

Giffords shooter, Jared Lee Loughner, had been diagnosed with a mental illness and showed growing signs of violence, according to James. She says his family knew he shouldnt have a gun, but there was nothing they could do. So the campaign is supporting extreme-risk protection orders, which she says would give families and law enforcement the tools to remove guns from someone whos a risk. Though a mental illness is not sufficient grounds to disarm someone, the campaign says people convicted of domestic abuse, hate crimes or stalking should not be allowed to carry weapons.

Giffords believes public attitudes are more favorable to gun control since her shooting. The gun-safety side is also raising enough money to be competitive with the gun lobby, James said. Yet the awful truth is that 30,000 Americans die each year from gun violence. Every day, eight people under age 20 are killed by guns.

Mass murderers dont look at voter registration cards before they unload. Yet disappointingly, the only people who spoke at the event Monday were Democrats.

I asked Giffords if she still has nightmares about the shooting. Move ahead, she said. Asked how she stays grounded and upbeat, she rattled off a list that included yoga, prayer, medication, Spanish language and French horn lessons. Learning the latter two were New Years resolutions she has kept.

Back in 1993, I interviewed University of Iowa student Miya Rodolfo-Sioson, another shooting survivor. Shed been one of six victims of graduate student Gang Lus shooting rampage in 1991, and the only one who lived. (She has since died).

She suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the neck down. But like Giffords, she showed extraordinary courage and grace. Asked why she didnt feel sorry for herself, Rodolfo-Sioson said: I always compare my situation to the situation of people in other countries like Central America. I had the benefit of a lot of really good medical care that allowed me to go on living and doing the same kind of work.  Im still very privileged living here in the U.S.

Yes, America is extraordinary for its medical and technological advances that keep people alive and able to function; for the equal rights the law requires for people with disabilities (thank you, Sen. Tom Harkin); and for the vibrant, resilient spirit that thrives in so many in spite of their hardships.

But America is backward in this way: Our people are 20 times as likely to be murdered by guns than people in other developed countries.

That has got to stop. This election is a good place to start.
Wisconsin parents could pay for K-12 school expenses  including tuition at private schools  with a taxpayer-funded savings account under a program Assembly Republicans are considering.

Whats known as Education Savings Accounts would be set up for parents to pay for tuition, textbooks and tutoring, according to a proposal in the Assembly Republican caucus agenda for 2017, released last month.

The accounts  dubbed the next generation of school vouchers by education policy experts  would add an option for Wisconsin parents, who already have a variety of alternatives to their designated public school, including open enrollment to other public schools, voucher-assisted private schools and independent charter schools.

Critics say the accounts represent the latest attempt to erode public schools.

Assembly Republicans wont actively explore introducing such savings accounts until January, when the new legislative session starts, said Kit Beyer, spokeswoman for Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester.

But the use of the education accounts in five states  Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, Nevada and Tennessee  offer clues about how they might work here if lawmakers pursue the idea.

In general, parents of eligible children  typically students with disabilities or low-income students or those attending schools that dont meet state education standards  receive several thousand dollars from the state to pay educational expenses.

Parents can use the money to pay for tuition at private schools, books, tutoring or other costs, including in some cases extracurricular activities. In some states, any leftover funds can be saved for college.

Hunter Railey, a policy researcher for the Education Commission of the States, said in the states where ESA programs exist, parents cant use the money to send children to a different public school district.

Beyer said last month that Assembly Republicans were just beginning to research the savings accounts. She characterized the agenda proposal as a broad outline of goals.

Jim Bender, president of School Choice Wisconsin, said theres not a single idea about Education Savings Accounts at this point that is taking hold among lawmakers, lobbyists and others.

He said multiple options are being discussed, but lawmakers are waiting to see how much money is available for the 2017-19 state budget for K-12 education.

We are just starting to meet with folks to discuss ideas, but the real conversations will take place after the elections, Bender said.

Department of Public Instruction spokesman Tom McCarthy said lawmakers havent contacted the department for input on drafting legislation.

McCarthy said part of that discussion, if it begins, will likely include how to measure the accounts effectiveness on improving students academic achievement and keeping track of how the money is spent.

New school choice vehicle

Education Savings Accounts for K-12 schools first appeared in 2011, and are popular among conservatives.

The conservative group American Legislative Exchange Council, which helps lawmakers write model legislation, released model policy language on Education Savings Accounts this year. In Wisconsin, the conservative legal group Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty released a study on the accounts in July.

Assembly Education Committee chairman Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt, R-Fond du Lac, said in theory, the accounts provide parents with more flexibility because the money doesnt just have to be spent on private school tuition like in the states taxpayer-funded school voucher program.

But Thiesfeldt said he has no plans to introduce legislation to create the accounts.

The system we have in place is the way we intend to go and I intend to stick to the path, he said.

Vouchers in Wisconsin are offered only to students with disabilities or whose family incomes are equal to or less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level, or 300 percent of the federal poverty level if the student lives in Milwaukee or Racine. Under vouchers, the state sends taxpayer money directly to the schools and parents do not have access to it.

Rep. Dale Koo-yenga, R-Brookfield, said the Education Savings Account idea is in its infancy in Wisconsin and will require discussions with school district officials and other education experts before it can take shape.

We have a lot of school choice already, and so the question is, how do we marry these concepts? Kooyenga said. He said he likes the idea of the savings accounts because students from all backgrounds and income levels should be able to choose the best education for them.

I think having a lot of different opportunities, it creates a customized education experience because our kids (are not) one-size-fits-all, he said.

He said he hasnt made up his mind about whether to introduce a bill creating the accounts.

Among the states that offer Education Savings Accounts, just Nevada has implemented a program that allows any parent  regardless of income or a childs ability status  to use the accounts.

But on Friday, the Nevada Supreme Court struck down the law that provides them, saying the program violated the states constitution by sending money reserved for public schools to parents who could use it to pay for private school tuition.

Bender said the Nevada court endorsed the idea of education accounts but rejected the funding mechanism.

Funding a concern

Public school advocates characterized the accounts as similar to a school voucher, which typically takes money that would otherwise go to public schools as students leave the schools to attend private schools.

Kooyenga said lawmakers must ensure money isnt taken from public schools before drafting legislation to create the accounts.

Assistant Assembly Minority Leader Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, said she would like to know more about where the money would come from.

Is it going to come at the cost of our public school funding? I wanted to know more about the proposal, she said.

Jon Bales, executive director of the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, said such education accounts could require significantly more taxpayer funding.

I think the larger question, if they do something like this, is youre still giving up state revenue, which is already limited and essentially now trying to fund a much broader base of students  not just public, but private-parochial (students), he said. How in the world would we fund that?

Bales also said that education accounts, if broadly applied, represent further privatization of education.

Dan Rossmiller, lobbyist for the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, said creating a program in Wisconsin would raise questions about rules governing public school districts.

Districts could be on the hook to pay teachers they dont need if, for example, a large number of students leave from one year to the next.

Rossmiller also said the states public school districts cannot charge tuition, raising questions about whether public school districts could be part of the program and receive money from parents using the accounts.

A spokesman for Gov. Scott Walker, a strong supporter of school choice efforts, said Walker wants to hear more details from Assembly Republicans on the idea. The spokesman said it would be premature to say if ESAs would be included in Walkers budget proposal.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, declined to comment on the idea until more details are released.

Editor's Note: This story has been corrected to accurately report Katrina Shankland's title.
Returning to Wisconsin for the first time since he won the state's presidential primary in April, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders campaigned on Wednesday in Madison for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and former Sen. Russ Feingold.

Sanders spent a half-hour encouraging a crowd of about 1,200 to vote for Clinton and Feingold, after introductions from Feingold and environmental advocate Tia Nelson.

He tied his argument to a long list of progressive causes including voting rights, raising the minimum wage, pay equity, health care access, college affordability, immigration reform and maintaining Social Security.

Sanders also made an impassioned case for Wisconsinites to maintain the state's "fantastic progressive heritage" by electing Feingold to the Senate seat he held for 18 years, until Republican Sen. Ron Johnson unseated him in 2010.

Feingold touched on similar themes in his own pitch to voters, arguing the only candidate who can make progress in those areas is Clinton.

The former senator thanked Sanders for his candidacy in the primary, calling it a "contribution to democracy."

Carrie Bernhardt, of Madison, agreed. She supported Clinton in the primary, but said she appreciated Sanders' influence, moving Clinton farther to the left on some issues.

"At first I was a little worried he was pulling too many people away. Now Im worried about third-party voters. They dont realize thats not going to work," Bernhardt said.

The stop from Sanders is part of an effort to dissuade his supporters from writing in his name or voting for a third-party candidate.

Several Sanders supporters interviewed at the rally said they immediately shifted their allegiance to Clinton after she earned the nomination.

"I like Bernies big ideas, but said I would support whoever the Democratic nominee is," said Hans Klopp, a University of Wisconsin-Madison Ph.D. student. "Some people I know are having a hard time coming around."

Bernhardt said she doesn't think Clinton is "perfect," but said she thinks the candidate's opponents have worked for a long time to vilify her in the public eye.

"A woman  if you come on sweet, youre too weak. If you come on strong, you know, its the 'b word.' You cant win," Bernhardt said.

Pete Meachum, state director for Donald Trump's presidential campaign, countered that a Clinton presidency would be "Wisconsin's worst nightmare."

"Shes a 30 year corrupt politician with a proven record of only looking out for herself and her Wall Street friends," Meachum said, adding that "not even Bernie Sanders" could help her campaign in Wisconsin.

Feingold thanked millennials and members of his generation for their activism in the election. Sanders benefited greatly from the enthusiasm of young supporters, an area where Clinton has struggled.

"I thought it would be a younger crowd," Nelson said at one point during her speech.

Aisha Moe, who spoke at the beginning of the rally, is a fellow at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. She said she wasn't interested in politics until her 9-year-old brother asked whether her Muslim family would have to move if Donald Trump were elected president.

That sentiment fueled what Sanders said is the "most important" reason to vote for Clinton and not Trump.

"We have struggled too hard, too many people have died in these struggles, have gone to jail to say America is moving in the direction of a nondiscriminatory society, to go back to a candidate that has made bigotry the cornerstone of his campaign," Sanders said.

Sanders was set to visit supporters in Green Bay later Wednesday afternoon.
Maruti Suzuki launched the Baleno in October 2015 and the premium hatchback has been one of the popular cars in the Indian auto market since its launch. The sales figure for the Baleno have crossed one lakh mark in less than a year's time. The car is being exported to more than 100 countries and its demand has only shown an upward trend. Maruti Suzuki lacked an offering in the premium hatchback segment and it was the growing popularity of the Elite i20, a premium hatchback from Hyundai, that encouraged the Japanese carmaker to launch the Baleno.

The Japanese carmaker always lacked a car in the premium hatchback space and the growing popularity of the Elite i20 (clocking nearly 10k sales per month) encouraged the company to join the bandwagon. The introduction of the Baleno in October last year mainly attracted new buyers and Swift aspirants (shrinking sales of the Swift being proof), and the Baleno has earned the tag of being one of Maruti Suzuki Indias best-selling cars.

Commenting on this achievement, R.S. Kalsi, executive director, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki, said, Baleno is one of the big success stories of the Indian auto industry. Baleno carries our new design philosophy and is equipped with several high-end features and technologies like Apple CarPlay that have attracted young customers. Our engineers have ensured that, built on an innovative new platform, Baleno offers superior ride and handling, besides best-in-class fuel efficiency. Safety features like dual airbags and ABS wiith EBD are standard in Baleno  another first for this segment. It is truly a symbol of Make-in-India.

In order to address the problem of the cars long waiting periods, he said, We have optimised our production so that we can deliver their cars in the committed timeframe while ensuring the highest levels of quality.

Retailed through the premium NEXA dealerships, the Baleno is available in two engine options  1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel. To push the hatchs demand further, Maruti Suzuki will be adding the powerful 1.0-litre BoosterJet motor to its line-up. However, it would be offered only in the Baleno RS trim.

With the festive season around the corner, sales of the Baleno are likely to swell. Lets see how Maruti copes with the increased demand for its first premium hatch.

Source: CarDekho.com
Japanese motorcycle brand, Kawasaki, has revealed the 2017 Ninja 650 at the ongoing INTERMOT motorcycle show in Germany. The said bike, which is the latest edition of the popular Ninja 650 tourer motorcycle, comes with cosmetic as well as mechanical updates. It gets sharp and aggressive styling, courtesy the design cues inspired from the Ninja ZX-10R. The split-seat design replaces the old single piece one and the seat height for rider has been reduced to 790mm with a narrow front.

Underneath the fairing, the 2017 Ninja 650 is powered by the same 650cc twin-mill motor but is now Euro-4 compliant. Kawasaki has highlighted that the power delivery has been concentrated towards the mid-range for a smoother ride. The underbelly exhaust from the previous generation continues to be offered for the 2017 edition.

The 2017 Ninja 650 gets a new multi-tubular aluminium chassis that weighs only 15 kg, resulting in an overall weight of 195 kg, which is 19 kg less than its predecessor. Other cycle parts include 41mm telescopic forks at the front and monoshock at the rear which is horizontally mounted above the swingarm. Braking duties are handled by dual discs at the front and a single disc at the rear, which now come with Bosch 9.1 ABS technology.

The 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 is available with a choice of three colour schemes - Metallic Spark Black, Blizzard Pearl White and Candy Burnt Orange. Following the launch in the international market, expected the new Ninja 650 to reach Indian shores by mid-2017 with a slight hike in price.

Source: BikeDekho.com
The company had in January this year won in-principle approval to retail aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to airlines in India. (Photo: Representational Image)

New Delhi: BP Plc, Europe's third-biggest oil company, has received government approval to set up petrol pumps to retail petrol and diesel in India.

BP will be the tenth player to enter the lucrative fuel retailing business that is seeing double digit growth, not seen anywhere in the world.

The UK-based firm, as also Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd, was given approval by the Oil Ministry to retail petrol and diesel just a few days ago, sources said.

When contacted, a BP India spokesperson said: "BP sees a strong future for transportation fuels in India. We are keen to be involved in this market and contribute to its development."

The company had in January this year won in-principle approval to retail aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to airlines in India. A few months later, it got full approval for that.

Now, the company has also got permission for retailing petrol and diesel.

"We can confirm we have been granted approval for marketing for ATF and have additionally applied for an authorisation to market MS (petrol) and HSD (diesel)," the BP spokesperson said.

For a licence to retail auto fuels petrol, diesel and ATF, a company should have invested a minimum of Rs 2,000 crore in exploration or production of oil and gas, oil refining, gas or product pipeline or terminals leading to additionality to the existing assets or creation of new assets in the eligible activities.

BP, which had in 2011 bought 30 per cent interest in 21 exploration blocks of Reliance Industries for USD 7.2 billion, had cited investment of nearly USD 500 million in oil and gas exploration and production for gaining the licence.

India currently has about 56,190 petrol pumps, with public sector firms operating a majority of them.

Private sector operators are limited to Essar Oil and Reliance Industries, which between them have some 3,500 petrol pumps. Royal Dutch Shell operates 82 petrol stations.

Numaligarh Refineries Ltd (NRL) and Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) are late entrants and have six outlets between them.

State-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC) owns 25,363 petrol pumps, Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) 13,802 stations and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) 13,439 outlets.

Kolkata-based Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) was the latest company to get fuel retailing rights and BP now is the 10th player in the arena.

In ATF or jet fuel retailing, there are 205 aviation fuel stations, 100 of which are owned by IOC, 40 by BPCL and 37 by HPCL. RIL has 27 aviation fuel stations at airports while joint venture of Shell and MRPL owns one.

India is currently the ninth largest aviation market in the world. Its jet fuel market is circa 5.9 million tonnes per annum and is expected to continue to grow significantly to support the growth of the Indian economy.
Washington: India strongly supports the capital increase in the World Bank, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said and expressed the country's readiness to take a larger share in the global lender than the dynamic formula.

In his meeting with World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, Jaitley acknowledged the long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship between the World Bank Group and India since its inception and called on the Bank to work together with the member countries to explore innovative financing solutions.

Jaitley arrived here from Canada to attend the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. He also appreciated the support of the World Bank to the many significant achievements of India in its development process, especially in the six priority areas identified by the Prime Minster for Multilateral Development Banks' assistance, a statement released by the Indian Embassy here said.

"While discussing the policy issues related to the World Bank Group, he indicated India's strong support for the capital increase and its readiness to take a larger share than the dynamic formula," it said.

The World Bank uses a dynamic formula, using economic weight (based on GDP) and development impact, to determine countries' shareholding and thus voting power in the Bank. Jaitley also emphasised that the World Bank Group should work together with the member countries to explore innovative financing solutions, the media release said.

The Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland also met the Finance Minister. Later in the evening, he interacted with several US State Department officials during a reception hosted in his honour. Separately, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das held a bilateral meeting with US Treasury Under-Secretary Nathan Sheets.

After exchanging notes on the state of their respective economies, both sides took stock of the work done on technical cooperation on NIIF, public debt management and municipal bonds and agreed to expedite progress on these issues.

During the course of their interaction, Das also highlighted the sustained rapid growth of Indian economy and its ambitious reform agenda including the landmark Goods and Services Tax, passage of the recent national bankruptcy law and liberalisation of foreign direct investment.

Jaitley is accompanied by RBI Governor Urijit Patel, Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian and Das among others.
The first major transformation has been the improved access to end markets, thanks to the advent of e-commerce and the potential implementation of GST.

New Delhi: Brokerage firm Ambit Capital has a GDP forecast of 7.3 per cent for India in the next fiscal, expecting positive results from a range of policy decisions triggered by election of PM Narendra Modi, appointment of former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan and the advent of technology.

According to the firm, the election of Modi, appointment of Rajan and advent of technology have been "disruptive" in the short run, but the policy decisions triggered by these resets have propelled a silent revolution in 'access' to end-markets.

Ambit expects 2017-18 GDP at 7.3 per cent. Its report expects that the combination of superior physical infrastructure and rollout of GST will boost access to end-markets and inputs.

"Cross-country experience suggests that such reforms boost productivity in a gradual manner," it said.

Further, Modi's black money crackdown is likely to result in reduction in the cost of debt capital in India.

"We expect the cost of debt capital in India (proxied by the SBI lending rate) to fall by around 360 bps by 2019-20," it said.

"Based on these two macro impacts, we expect GDP to undergo a U-shaped improvement and expect GDP growth in 2017-18 to be recorded at 7.3 per cent year-on-year," Ambit Capital said.

The first major transformation has been the improved access to end markets, thanks to the advent of e-commerce and the potential implementation of GST.

The second transformation would be access to 'capital' in recent years owing to increased competition among banks as well as competition to banks from NBFCs, corporate bonds and other financial technology driven offerings.

Besides, there has been improved access to capital for SMEs through schemes like MUDRA and credit extended by e-commerce majors, and improvement in access to consumer finance through schemes like PMJDY and lenders competing to provide retail credit.

The report further noted that NDA government's focus on improving physical connectivity (via roads, railways, air and waterways) holds the potential of dramatically improving mobility of labour as well as raw materials.
RBI official says a majority of players in the segment use the 'minimum details' or the 'no-KYC' wallet.

Mumbai: A senior Reserve Bank official today lambasted prepaid payment instrument (PPI) providers for laxity in meeting KYC norms, saying it is leading to opacity in the movement of funds.

PPIs are creating wallets "automatically" without proper consent from customers, said Nanda Dave, chief general manager overseeing the payments and settlement systems at the central bank.

Dave was speaking at a Payment Council of India event here.

A majority of players in the segment use the 'minimum details' or the 'no-KYC' (know your customer) wallet while onboarding a customer, she said.

"The customer is being identified by his or her mobile number, period. And such wallets have been used for routing money which has been fraudulently taken from bank accounts," the RBI official said.

She wondered whether a "conduit" is being provided by not having necessary details of the end use of funds. "When we have no details of customers with us, it is very difficult to even trace where that money has gone," she said.

It can be noted that following repeated terror attacks across the world, regulators have increased KYC requirements to trace both the source and end use of funds.

Banks are routinely fined for overlooking such critical aspects.

Dave, however, admitted that PPIs are "subject to very light regulations" with low entry barriers which have seen "mushrooming" of many entities.

Flagging protection from frauds and monitoring as an issue, Dave said the RBI's "suasion" has not worked. "We may...be forced then to come out with rules and guidelines," she said.

She also came down heavily on PPIs for targeting the same affluent class, which does not help the agenda of getting more people into the formal financial system.

"Are we all following the same customers or are we bringing unique, new customers onto our platforms or services? It appears that more and more players are targeting customers who are already aware of banks or have some choices," she said.

Terming "financial inclusion" as a "magical" word, Dave said it facilitates players to cater to many segments. She also made the RBI's displeasure public on PPIs being used only for jobs like remittances and recharges and not for merchant purchases as much.

The central bank also has concerns over outsourcing of back-end work to a select few parties and also mis-selling by PPIs, she said.
Evacuations ordered as Hurricane Matthew heads towards Florida; volunteers standing by Editorial Staff | 05 October, 2016 by Joni B. Hannigan

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Christian Examiner)  From the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula to New England, residents are making preparations for Hurricane Matthew, a Category 3 storm which is the most powerful in the Atlantic since Hurricane Felix in 2007.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a State of Emergency for all of Florida's 67 counties ahead of the impact of what could be a Category 4 storm if it makes landfall in the next 24 hours; while South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said 1.1 million of the state's 4.8 million people needed to evacuate from the state's coast.

"Our goal is to make sure you get 100 miles away from the coast," Haley said.

In Miami, lines at the grocery store were reported long Wednesday morning near Miami Beach, while gas stations were already out of gas, according to residents.

In Jacksonville to the north, hardware stores were reporting they were out of generators with emergency shipments on the way. Gas lines there were long as well, with major grocery store chains busy. Major Lenny Curry has ordered an evacuation for Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic and Neptune ahead of the storm, and some low lying and riverfront areas of Jacksonville.

"We need to evacuated the beaches," said Curry, who is closing the city for non-essential personnel Thursday and Friday. Residents are told to prepare for power outages.

Some families were making emergency plans  with some looking to leave the area altogether, heading west or north to escape the storm  while most were planning to hunker down. Facebook was alive with "hurricane party" plans in zones were no evacuations would be anticipated.

School closures began mid-morning Wednesday, with First Baptist Jacksonville Academy already reporting Thursday and Friday classes dismissed at their infant through middle school campus.

Florida Baptist disaster relief volunteers, according to a news story posted on the Florida Baptist Convention website, were already making preparations for the storm.

The huge mass of about 5,000 volunteers, well recognized for their ongoing response in Florida and throughout the nation and the world during mass disasters, are trained in mass feeding, emergency response, damage assessment, clean-up and recovery, childcare, chaplain support, and other areas.

Two Florida Baptist mass feeding units are being staged at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center near Leesburg for rapid response, according to the news report.

"The Disaster Operation Center at Lake Yale will stage equipment out of the warehouse," said the report. "Trained mass feeding volunteers are expected to be called out on Thursday. FBDR officials have asked Southern Baptist state partners west of Pensacola to be on standby, including Texas, Mississippi and Alabama."

Delton Beall, Florida's disaster relief director, said the state's Emergency Operations Center estimates there will be more than 300,000 meals needed daily if the state takes a direct hit.

Florida Baptists, in anticipation of Hurricane Matthew, had pre-staged food, water and other resources, according to the report.

With an extra eye on Haiti and Cuba where Florida Baptists have had long-term ministry, they have reported they have been in contact with mission partners in Eastern Cuba and in Western Haiti since the storm went through there Wednesday. Western Haiti was damaged by floods, the report indicated.

Craig Culbreth, catalyst for the Florida Baptist Convention's Missions and Ministries Team, said the Mission House of the Confratenite Missionaire de Haiti in Port au Prince did not, however, sustain damage. He plans to travel there Saturday.

A team of Florida Baptist is set to travel to Santiago, Cuba, next week to repair church roofs and other damage.

The Florida Baptist Convention's Facebook page will post updates.

To donate to the Florida Baptist DR relief effort send a check to the Florida Baptist Convention, 1230 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207. Designate "Florida disaster relief." To make a donation by credit card, call 800-226-8584, att. Mike Gilley, ext. 3047 or Flor Ramirez, ext. 3100.
New Delhi: Use of technology, transparent processes and ease of doing business will help India pull off 8 per cent growth over the next couple of decades, the government today said.

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said states are also working in concert with the Centre in this regard.

"It (8 per cent growth) is achievable and with this commitment, the government is working. And across the states, we find that urge now that they want to get out of the rigmarole and see brighter ways," she said here at the India Economic Summit jointly organised by CII and WEF here.

According to the minister, awareness about the issues and difficulties on which the Centre and the states need to work is helping politically too.

"... the kind of issues on which we have to come together and get over the difficulties are actually helping politics. If only you succeed in removing these obstructions and if you are committed to moving forward on using technologies, making sure transparent processes are established, I can see that 8 per cent growth is moving. So, it is achievable," she asserted.

She further said the government is working on three important pillars, including the goods and services tax, JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile) and ease of doing business to promote growth and investments.

The government is using technology to remove corruption and bring in transparency, the minister said, adding that "we need to work harder and we need to take the states on board and we are working together".

In the next 4-5 months, "our attention would be to work together with them, take out all those which are obstructionists and ensure businesses feel far more assured that the ease is actually coming in".

FDI is coming in, "but we have to translate that into meaningful investments and rapidly get them on to translate into job creation... so, these are things on which we are working," Sitharaman said.

"There is a comprehensive agenda of work which is pending, which is ongoing but more to achieve. So, there are going to be an inter-ministerial work assessment and also ensuring work moves fast. The inter-ministerial will also be happening just to ensure this goal is achieved."

She added that South and South-East Asia are going to be the engine of growth for the world.
The official said that power sector constitutes to around 78 per cent of CIL's overall coal off-take.

New Delhi: In view of weak demand for power in the country, the dispatch of coal by CIL to power sector declined by 12.7 per cent to 26.4 million tonnes (MT) in August this year.

State-owned Coal India (CIL), which accounts for over 80 per cent of domestic coal production, dispatched 30.25 MT of coal in the same month last fiscal, according to government data.

Company's supply to power sector in the first five months of the current fiscal also dropped by two per cent to 157 MT, against 160 MT in the corresponding period of previous fiscal.

Coal dispatch by Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL), declined by 9.4 per cent to 3.6 MT in August 2016. SCCL is a coal mining firm jointly owned by Telangana and the Coal Ministry.

Expressing concerns over lack of power demand, Coal Secretary Anil Swarup yesterday wondered as to what would the government do with its ambitious 1 billion tonnes of production target for fossil fuel by 2020.

He had stressed upon the need to increase the demand for power. He had further said that the government is on a sticky-wicket where it doesn't know what to do with the surplus coal.

In fact, in the current financial year, there was cut down in coal production so the fossil fuel does not catch fire at the pit heads.

"On March 31 this year we had a balance of 56 MT as inventory at pitheads and around 32 MT at the power plants. People ask me how do you manage this situation of surplus," Swarup had said.

The official said that power sector constitutes to around 78 per cent of CIL's overall coal off-take. Brimming over with coal has also led to stock piling up at pit-heads, a situation that CIL wants to avoid.
Mumbai: Even after delivering three back-to-back hits in the year, Akshay Kumar is working hard and not letting complacency affect him. The superstar has been shooting for his next film Jolly LLB 2 and has been posting pictures from the shoot in Lucknow, Kashi and along the banks of river Ganga.

It seems that the shooting of the film is going at a great pace and the cast and crew will be shooting for the last schedule in Manali. Akshay shared a picture as soon as he reached Manali, and also expressed how he will miss the cast and crew after the wrap of the schedule.

Akshay, who plays a lawyer in the film, has been sporting a moustache for the film. But this picture just sees him with a light stubble.

Incidentally, Salman Khans Tubelight is also being shot there. Lets see if the two superstars meet each other and if that does happen, it would be a visual delight for the locals.
'Raees' also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the role of a cop.

Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan is reportedly planning to release the trailer of Raees on his 51st birthday. The superstar will be launching the trailer at the annual event that he hosts at his bungalow on November 2, his birthday.

Shah Rukh khas decided against releasing it along with the two big Diwali releases, Shivaay and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

On the contrary, Hrithik Roshans Kaabil which is headed for a Republic Day, 2017 clash with Raees will be releasing its trailer with the Diwali releases.

Earlier, Aaamir Khan had also decided to release Dangals first trailer a week before Diwali, breaking usual pattern.

Raees which has Pakistani beauty Mahira Khan debuting in Bollywood, wont be affected by the ban on Pakistani artistes, as the films that are complete would be spared the ban.

'Raees,' helmed by Rahul Dholakia, also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the role of a cop.
Mumbai: After scores of Bollywood celebrities like Karan Johar, Salman Khan, Nana Patekar and Javed Akhtar opened up on the ban on Pakistani artistes in India, it was Akshay Kumar's turn to do it.

The actor shared an explosive video of him rambling bluntly about the Uri terror attacks, the retaliatory surgical strikes and their repercussions.

"Today, I'm not speaking to you as a star or a celebrity. I am speaking to you as an army man's son," he clarifies before adding, "I have been noticing our countrymen fighting amongst themselves since a few days. A few of them are asking for a proof of the surgical strike, while others have been asking for the artistes to be banned, while some others are just concerned if a war might happen at all."

The actor who seemed to be in the mood to not mince words said that people should be ashamed of themselves.

"The fights can wait. What needs to be understood is that someone's already died on the frontier. The 19 soldiers who were martyred in the Uri terror attacks and the 24-year old Nitin Yadav who was martyred in the Baramulla attack... Do you think their families are concerned about the release of a film or a ban on an artiste? No. Their only concern is their future and our concern should be securing their present and their future," the actor lashed out.

Akshay who's been working on Subhash Kapoor's 'Jolly LLB 2' was visibly emotional about the issue and posited that the citizens live in peace because the armymen guard the nation's borders.

Akshay, a blatant patriot, concluded his monologue saying 'Jai Hind.'

Watch the video here:
The craze for item songs in Telugu films is on the rise, even though not too long ago, the industrys leading ladies considered it as a taboo. But now that producers are shelling out huge sums, actresses are agreeing. For just a four-day shoot, the remuneration is almost on par with that of the films heroine.

Producers say they are often pressurised by distributors to include an item number by a well known star in film, to attract more viewers. This has worked in Bollywood too.

According to reliable sources, Tamannaah charged nearly Rs 75 lakh for her latest item number in the upcoming film Jaguar. These item songs are always attractive and hype up the film, especially when a newcomer is the lead actor, explains Anil Sunkara, one of the producers of Dookudu. He added that the film gets the necessary propaganda when they cast a leading actress for the same.

Sometimes, distributors and exhibitors pressurise us to sign a big actress for a special song, he says. They had roped in Shruti Haasan for their film Aagadu opposite Mahesh Babu. According to a source, the makers paid her Rs 40 lakh for the song.

In the recently released Janatha Garage, Kajal Aggarwal did an item number with Jr NTR. The makers paid her nearly Rs 50 lakh for the appearance, and it became the highlight of the film. I dont want to use the word item, so I call it a special song. I want to highlight that it is a decent song and thats why I requested my producers to cast a leading actress. says Koratala Siva, director of the film.

Accepting the fact that she did charge a high fee for the song in Jaguar, Tamannaah says an item song adds glamour to the film. The actress had earlier done item songs in Alludu Seenu and Speedunnodu. Word has it that in both the films, she charged nearly Rs 1 crore. Bellamkonda Suresh had paid an advance of `1 crore to Tamannaah to star opposite his son Srinivas in a film. But the film didnt start as per schedule and in return, the actress agreed to do two item numbers in his sons films, explains a source.

Its usually the big budget films that cast lead actresses in item songs, since the makers dont hesitate to pay hefty amounts. When the regular item girls like Hamsa Nandini, Mumaith Khan, and the likes charge between Rs 20-30 lakh, producers are ready to shell out Rs 50 lakh to a leading actress for the same song, says the source.

Top of the chart

Tamannaah: Rs 75 lakh (Jaguar)

Kajal Aggarwal: Rs 50 lakh (Janatha Garage)

Shurti Haasan: Rs 40 lakh (Aagadu)

Anjali: Rs 45 lakh (Sarrainodu)

Tamannah: Rs 1 crore (Alludu Seenu and Speedunnodu)

Parvati Melton: Rs 35 lakh (Dookudu)

Charmme: Rs 40 lakh (Naayak)

Hamsanandini (Item song specialist: Rs 25 lakh)

Mumaith Khan (Item song specialist: Rs 25 lakh)
Fever is not covered in insurance policies, and hospitals therefore list the complications that could necessitate a stay in the hospital. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: Treating fevers in private hospitals is costing up to Rs 50,000 a patient. When the fever persists for more than 72 hours, a slew of diagnostic tests are prescribed to rule out dengue, swine flu, malaria and chikungunya.

Fever Hospital superintendent Dr K. Shanker said, When fever persists for more than 72 hours, the symptoms have to be evaluated and tests carried out. According to the protocol, malaria comes first, followed by dengue due to its high prevalence. We don't test for all the diseases at the same time.

Most private hospitals do just that. A senior general physician said, "If the fever persists for more than 72 hours, relatives ask why tests are not being done. They want to rule out all possibilities quickly. Hence, its a double-edged sword where we cant ignore a single test because we want to wait and see what the test results of two or three diseases are."

Senior general physicians, who have been treating fevers, said that panic was being created deliberately. Dr G.V. Reddy, who practices at Lakdikapul, said, Once the patient goes to the hospital they are told about the increasing dengue, swine flu and chikungunya cases and that convinces them to opt for tests as they want to rule out all possibilities. The moot point is that once affected with high fever, and after taking medicines, it is important to rest. The rest factor is completely missing as the body is not being given a chance to heal.

According to hospital administration sources, those who have insurance are subjected to a lot of tests and patients are willing to take them as they know that they are covered.

Ms Kavitha Vasvani, an insurance agent, said, Only in cases of reimbursement are the patients careful as they have to shell out a huge sum initially and reclaim it later. In such insurance covers, patients do not allow unwanted expenses and monitor the outgoings all the time."

Fever is not covered in insurance policies, and hospitals therefore list the complications that could necessitate a stay in the hospital. There have been more than five lakh fever cases recorded in the state in the last three months and more than 60 per cent opted for treatment in private hospitals.

A senior government official said, We need to have proper government facilities in the existing units of public health centres and at the Fever Hospital to treat a simple thing like fever as many patients are being subjected to expensive treatment when they don't need to be.

Unnecessary tests, big bills

Diagnosing fever profiles has become a huge business for diagnostic centres and hospitals. A fever profile, according to protocol, involves complete blood count, complete urine test, kidney function test and test for malaria parasite.

Dr Yadgiri Rao, senior general physician and member of the Indian Medical Asso-ciation said, These tests cost only `300 but thats not being done. Instead, on the very first day, for most patients, dengue, chi-kungunya and other tests are being carried out. Patients are charged `2000 to `3,500 for all these tests on the first day.

Fever cases had increased after the recent floods and there was a beeline of patients to even the smallest of clinics in the city.

A senior doctor said, Whoever comes with very high temperature and complains of body ache, joint pains and a runny nose is sent for all tests. All of them do not require the tests but there is no mechanism in place to stop this practice.

Senior doctors say patients are being sent to diagnostic centres that give commissions. A senior doctor said, Only a handful of old and charitable diagnostic centres are not giving commissions. They have clearly told doctors that no money will be paid to them. Due to this there is a major quarrel going on and many of them are upset that such cheap rates still exist in the market.

Most patients are going on their own and getting their profiles done in these diagnostic centres in Abids, Secunderabad, Nampally, and Alwal.
Townsville: A 6-year-old boy who died after a teen gunman opened fire at a South Carolina elementary school will be remembered Wednesday as a superhero.

Jacob Hall's family has encouraged people to dress as superheroes to celebrate what he enjoyed. "We want to honor Jacob, celebrate Jacob, in a way he would love," his great-aunt, Rebecca Hunnicutt, told the Anderson Independent-Mail (http://bit.ly/2dPTSqO).

His funeral comes a week after authorities say a 14-year-old boy killed his own father before driving a pickup to Townville Elementary School and crashing into a playground fence. Jacob, a classmate and a first-grade teacher were struck by bullets as they left for recess. That student and teacher were treated and released from a hospital later that day. A bullet struck Jacob in a main artery in his thigh, and he was airlifted to a Greenville hospital, where he died Saturday.

Supporters released hundreds of balloons Sunday in his honor following a prayer service at Oakdale Baptist Church, where the funeral will be held in this small rural town near the Georgia border.

People packed the church Tuesday evening for Jacob's visitation, many of them wearing superhero costumes and T-shirts. At the front, large posters showed Jacob as Superman and being held by Jesus. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stickers decorated his blue casket, and "God's Super Hero" was written inside. Superheroes in his floral spray included the Ninja turtles and Captain America. He was dressed as Batman, another favorite. Life-size balloons of superheroes around the church included Batman. Family members said Jacob told them he was out saving Townville as others slept.

"He loved anything to do with goodness," Jacob's mother, Renae Hall, told WYFF (http://bit.ly/2drFQvL). "He loved anything to do with being able to help somebody. That's why I say Jacob was going to make a difference and he still is going to make a difference." Students won't return to Townville Elementary until Thursday.

But the district's other five schools will honor Jacob by participating in Superhero Day. All employees and students are invited to come to school in costume, and any who want to attend the 11 a.m. funeral are excused, said District Superintendent Joanne Avery.

Townville teachers will take a bus to the funeral and wear superhero capes, she said. A moment of silence will be observed at 1:42 p.m. district-wide, marking one week since the shooting.

According to a Facebook page created for Superhero Day, schools across the state planned to participate. But schools in central and coastal South Carolina were closed for the rest of the week because of the approach of Hurricane Matthew.

The 14-year-old faces two murder charges in the deaths of his father and Jacob. He also is charged with three counts of attempted murder, as well as five counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Local media report a replica of the Batmobile will be at Jacob's funeral.

John Buckland, the founder of Heroes 4 Higher in West Virginia, has posted on Facebook as he drives south in what he calls the Hope-Mobile.
Chennai: The Government Railway Police (GRP), who are probing the assault of a city college student in Kotturpuram MRTS station, arrested two persons, including the friend of the victim's spurned girlfriend in college, on Tuesday.

The two were identified as Billa alias Saravanan and Rithesh. Billa alias Saravanan is a historysheeter who has three attempt to murder cases pending with the local police.

Ritesh

A release from Railways SP P. Vijayakumar stated that the two were subsequently remanded to judicial custody. The getaway car, knife used on the attack and two mobile phones used by the gang were recovered from their possession. The third person involved has been identified as Sathish and efforts are on to trace him.

Investigations revealed that the victim, Thyran Michael Murray pursuing M.S.W at a private college located on Canal Bank Road, Adyar, had fallen out with his former girlfriend who is also from the same institution. The girl had confided the development to her friend Rithesh who ganged up with his accomplices and hacked Thyran.

Thyran was spending time with his current girlfriend at platform 1 of the Kotturpuram MRTS when he was assailed by two attackers at around 8.15 am on Monday in full public view.

The girl with him did not suffer any injuries since the hit squad had chased her away from the scene before they took Thyran to task.

Following the incident, the State Human Rights Commission had called for a comprehensive report from the Railways IGP, and from the City Police Commissioner as to what safety measures are in place in all the MRTS stations, in particular to women commuters.

The release observed that the GRP, in coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), surveyed and identified the vulnerable stretches in MRTS and deployed teams (both in khakhis and civvies) on platforms and as well aboard trains for passenger security, focused on women safety.
This evening he took Krish and Neharika to the terrace of their house and suddenly slashed them with a blade on their hands and neck. (Representational image)

Nagpur: A 32-year-old man attacked two children, aged seven and four years, with a razor blade in a drunken state before trying to kill himself at Geeta Nagar in Mankapur area here this evening, police said.

The children Krish Digambar Wakode (7) and his sister Neharika (4) lived next-door to the accused Vilas Bhujade. According to Mankapur police, Bhujade often created ruckus under the influence of liquor.

This evening he took Krish and Neharika to the terrace of their house and suddenly slashed them with a blade on their hands and neck.

As the kids started screaming, their family members rushed to their help. On seeing them, Bhujade tried to cut his own throat with the same blade. He then fled, but was caught. All three were rushed to the hospital.

Police said they are trying to ascertain the motive behind the act.
Legal Action Exposes: President Lied About 'Complaints' on Transgender Policies

Public Advocate Exposes Obama Transgendered Bathroom Fraud "Not Chorus, not even Octet" says Group Head



Contact: Eugene Delgaudio, Public Advocate, 703-845-1808, eugenedelgaudio@rcn.com; twitter: @eugenedelgaudio, @publicfreedom



FALLS CHURCH, Va., Oct. 6, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Public Advocate, a non-profit group, announced today they have uncovered proof that the President, and two federal agencies, lied when telling the nation in an address and posted statements earlier this year that a "growing chorus" had complained and that he was responding to a national outpouring about transgender bathroom and shower policies.



In response to a legal review of 424 pages of documents provided by the federal government, Public Advocate's President Eugene Delgaudio stated today October 6, 2016 in a statement from his Falls Church, Virginia office that:

"Public Advocate has now exposed the lies underlying this lawless transgendered bathroom decree.



"Two Obama departments claimed that in opening the girls bathroom and showers to boys that it was acting in response to the requests of a 'growing chorus of educators, parents, and students' who demanded it. But we now know that this claim is a fraud upon the American people.



"There was no 'growing chorus' of Americans supporting transgender access to the bathroom of their choice - in fact there were only six individual letters - not even an octet. In fact, if there is a 'growing chorus' who communicated their views - it was made up of those hundreds of parents who strongly opposed what the Obama Administration has now done. Public Advocate has obtained over 100,000 likes, petitions, and shares on just a handful of websites responding negatively and in opposition to President Obama's transgender policies. (publicadvocateusa.org/news/article.php?article=10573)



"We now see that Obama based this grotesque social experiment on the views of only six troubled and confused Americans, along with 27 pre-written 'form letters.' Meanwhile, the Department of Education completely ignored the over 4,000 Americans who wrote it to oppose the idea."

Timeline and Discoveries of Legal Action By Public Advocate



On May 13, 2016, the Obama Administration, acting jointly through the Department of Education ("DOE") and Department of Justice ("DOJ"), issued what it called a "guidance letter" to the nation's public schools, threatening to withhold federal funding unless schools permit students to use the bathroom or locker room which they feel like using on that particular day.



The Department of Education's Official Blog (blog.ed.gov/2016/05/helping-schools-ensure-the-civil-rights-of-transgender-students), on that same day explained the reason for this change. It represented to the American people that this massive social science experiment with our nation's children was necessary because such guidance had been demanded from:

"a growing chorus of educators, parents, and students around the country about the need for guidance on how schools can successfully support transgender students and non-transgender students in compliance with federal civil rights laws."

The Department of Justice also used this same language in its blogpost of May 13, 2016. (www.justice.gov/opa/blog/helping-schools-ensure-civil-rights-transgender-students)



The only supposed request cited by either department was from the National Association of Secondary School Principals ("NASSP"). The NASSP document was actually only a draft policy (www.principals.org/news-and-resources/media-relations/news-releases/nassp-states-support-for-rights-of-transgender-students?SSO=true) put out for public comment - just in time to be referenced in the DOE/DOJ letter.



Public Advocate smelled a rat in the DOE/DOJ claim of a "growing chorus" of people demanding that the federal government issue needed "guidance" on bathroom desegregation. To learn more, Public Advocate filed Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") requests with both DOE and DOJ late on the very same day the guidance was issued, seeking copies of all -letters, emails, petitions, etc.- that these departments have supposedly received from individuals concerning school bathroom desegregation.



DOE was the first to respond, and released 424 pages of documents in response to Public Advocate's FOIA request on September 12.



DOJ, now under the control of Attorney General Loretta Lynch, has slow-walked the Public Advocate FOIA request, but has recently advised Public Advocate that the DOE instead would have any such records, and there is only an "outside possibility" that DOJ has any records at all.



Public Advocate has now had a chance to review the documents DOE produced. As it turns out, our suspicions were confirmed. Contrary to the Obama Administrations assertions that a

"growing chorus" of individuals have asked for bathroom desegregation, just the opposite is true!



Here is what was found from the review of these documents:

DOE received only six letters from individuals actually supporting transgendered bathrooms. On the other hand, it received 42 letters from individuals specifically asking DOE not to give in to transgender bathroom demands. That means seven times as many people wrote opposed the DOE's plan than wrote to support it!



In addition to individual letters, DOE received 27 pre-written "form letters" in favor of bathroom desegregation, but it received at least 4,101 petitions asking that DOE not desegregate school bathrooms! That's 157 times more people opposed to the idea than in favor of it! One Public Advocate social website post on facebook has 50,000 opposed to the policy.



Additionally, DOE received a handful of letters from pro-homosexual/transgender lobbying groups - all special interest groups - much different from the individual "educators, parents, and students," as DOE and DOJ had claimed.

CONCLUSION:

Public Advocate hit the nail squarely on the head. The Obama Administration continues to force radical, leftist policies on this country that are opposed by a majority of Americans. And by the way, DOE eventually agreed to waive the Freedom of Information search fees associated with the Public Advocate request.



This statement posted here

publicadvocateusa.org/news/article.php?article=10794
On September 30, the NCB seized 221 kg of Amphetamine from Miyapur and 10 kg Amphetamine from a lab in IDA Bollaram on October 1. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: A huge racket in narcotic drugs was operating in Miyapur, Cyberabad and in IDA Bollaram right under the noses of agencies like the police and excise but they could not find it till the Narcotics Control Bureau came in.

The police and the excise are empowered under the NDPS Act and the Drug Control Administration (DCA) under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act but citing lack of intelligence, staff and jurisdictional issues they did not bother about what was happening.

On September 30, the NCB seized 221 kg of Amphetamine from Miyapur and 10 kg Amphetamine from a lab in IDA Bollaram on October 1. The value of the seized narcotic is estimated to be Rs 45 crore.

The confession of IAF wing commander G. Rajasekhar Reddy who was arrested by the NCB revealed that a drug ring had been operating in Jeedimetla and IDA Bollaram since years. Rajasekhar Reddy said that Amphetamine was made in a lab at Trident Fine Chem and Laboratories in IDA Bollaram.

TS DCA joint director M. Amruth Rao said, We are not empowered under the NDPS Act. This happened in a chemical factory and not a pharma company. So there was no lapse from our side.

The TS DCA has no vigilance wing like the one in AP to keep tabs on drug rackets. A DCA official said, We are facing a staff crunch. There are no funds even to collect samples. We can book cases under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act if therapeutics are misused. Amphetamine was removed from the list of therapeutics. The NDPS Act has more teeth than the Drugs Act and the NCB can track them down. We are tied up with licensing issues.
Hyderabad: Protests for Narayanpet district rocked Mahbubnagar on Tuesday, while demand for Bhadrachalam district also cropped up. Stung by the protests, TRS Narayanpet MLA S. Rajender Reddy decided to send his resignation from the Legislative Assembly to Speaker S. Madhusudhana Chary, expressing anguish over the denial of district status to Narayanpet.

The High-Powered Committee, headed by MP K. Kesava Rao met on Tuesday to study the feasibility of district status to Jangaon, Asifabad, Sircilla and Gadwal. The committee will submit its report on October 7.

We expected Narayanpet to be fourth new district in existing Mahbubnagar district, but it was denied. I requested district ministers to pursue the case. People of my constituency are very angry. In tune with their desire, I have decided to resign my Assembly seat, Mr Rajender Reddy told DC.

Narayanpet town, famous for sarees and gold ornaments, is presently part of Mahbubnagar district. It is also the oldest municipality in the district. On Tuesday, the Zilla Sadhana Samiti, headed by Manohar Goud and others, blocked the roads to press their demand. Scores of protesters were arrested and later released. Mahbubnagar district is being divided into Mahbubnagar, Gadwal, Nagarkurnool and Wanaparthy districts.

The High-Powered Committee will take feedback from the people on the demand for four new districts and go by majority opinion. We will submit a report on October 7, energy minister S. Jagdish Reddy said after the meeting.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Mohd. Mahmood Ali, ministers Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and Jogu Ramanna.

While Kothagudem TRS MLA Jalagam Venkat Rao undertook a thanksgiving padayatra to Sri Sita Rama temple at Bhadrachalam, local CPM unit secretary, MLA Sunnam Rajaiah and others demanded district status to Bhadrachalam.

Government is biased towards this backward region. Bhadrachalam suffered after bifurcation of the state and need special support, Mr Rajaiah said.

Meanwhile, TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy met Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma and submitted a petition requesting the government to make Huzurnagar in Nalgonda district a Revenue division. Elsewhere, Congress MLA Vamsi Chand Reddy lashed out at the CM for denial of Revenue division status to Kalwakurthy. The CM has already asked officials to study its feasibility.
With the release of the current list, AAP has till now announced a total of 11 candidates for the 40 seats in Goa Assembly. (Photo: Representational Image/ PTI)

Panaji: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday released a list of seven more candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls in Goa, taking to 11 the number of its nominees to the 40-member House so far.

The formal announcement was made after AAP's Parliamentary Affairs Committee in Delhi cleared the list.

53-year-old Devendra Prabhu Parsekar Desai, a former MGP leader and teacher has been fielded from North Goa's Mandrem constituency which is represented by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and considered a BJP bastion for sometime now.

Desai had left MGP to join AAP recently and is also associated with the People for Mopa movement supporting the construction of international airport in Pernem taluka.

With the release of the current list, AAP has till now announced a total of 11 candidates for the 40 seats in Goa Assembly. AAP is contesting all the seats. It had announced the first list of four candidates last month.

Former Congress MLA Giovanni Karl Vaz will contest from Mormugao constituency, which is currently represented by the BJP. Vaz was a Congress legislator between 2002-2007 before losing the assembly elections. His father was also a MLA from Mormugao constituency.

AAP also announced the candidature of Olencio John Simoes, a fishermen leader and teacher by profession, in Cortalim constituency.

Simoes, who is on the forefront of several social movements, is the joint secretary of Goenchya Ramponkarancho Ekvot, an organisation of traditional fishermen. He is also general secretary of All Goa Fishermen Union.

Cortalim constituency is currently represented by BJP's minister Alina Saldanha, who had got elected in the bypoll after demise of her husband Mathany Saldanha.

In Benaulim constituency currently represented by Goa Vikas Party, AAP has fielded Royla Clarina Fernandes, who is an architect by profession and is former member of Youth Congress. She is the only woman candidate announced by AAP till date.

Former BJP Yuva Morcha leader Sitaram Gauns will be contesting on the AAP ticket in Poriem constituency, which is a bastion of Congress leader and former chief minister Pratapsinh Rane.

AAP has fielded Prithvi Amonkar in Siolim constituency currently represented by BJP's minister Dayanand Mandrekar. Amonkar is a doctor of alternative medicine.

In Marcaim constituency, currently represented by MGP leader and Transport minister Sudin Dhavalikar, AAP has fielded Surel Tilva, a lawyer by profession.
A series of security measures, including random baggage check, physical check of hand baggage after X-Ray, enhanced vigil at cargo terminals, truck dock and car parking checks will be undertaken. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: Indian intelligence agencies have warned of a possible terror attack at 24 airports across the country, including in Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir.

According to reports, the airports have been sent detailed warnings and authorities have confirmed high security measures are being implemented.

The Civil Aviation Security Bureau has also written to the police chiefs in each state, the CISF or paramilitary force which guards airports, as well as to state-run and private airlines alerting them to the security threat, said reports.

A series of security measures, including random baggage check, physical check of hand baggage after X-Ray, enhanced vigil at cargo terminals, truck dock and car parking checks will be undertaken, said the reports.

Agencies are concerned about a terror attack in retaliation for last week's surgical strikes in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Home Minister Rajnath Singh is set to meet the Chief Ministers of the four border states on Friday to discuss the situation of cross-border terrorism.

NSA Ajit Doval briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, on security at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Intelligence agencies have warned that nearly 100 terrorists are planning to infiltrate across the Line of Control (LoC) to carry out terror strikes in India.

Ceasefire violations along the LoC have become rampant, and infiltration bids have been foiled on an almost daily basis. On Thursday, soldiers killed four Pakistan terrorists who tried to target an army base in the border district of Kupwara in Kashmir. Maps and arms recovered established that they were from Pakistan.

On September 18, terrorists attacked an army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 19 Indian soldiers. India retaliated by carrying out surgical strikes across the Line of Control, destroying several terror camps.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Tourism Department has decided to take back the land handed over to sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan to begin a school of music at Veli Tourist Village. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by tourism minister A C Moideen here on Wednesday.

Sources said that Ustad Amjad Ali Khan will be soon informed of the decision.

The preliminary work on the school had already begun. The foundation stone for the International School of Music was laid in the presence of the sarod virtuoso on May 19 this year, just a week before the LDF government was sworn in.

Since a new government was not yet in place at that moment, it was chief secretary S M Vijayanand who unveiled the foundation stone plaque during the function. There were also reports that Amjad Ali Khan had met Pinarayi Vijayan in New Delhi after he had taken over as Chief Minister.

No senior officials were available for comment. However, here is the reason cited by the Tourism Ministers office for taking back the 'gift': The land can be used only for tourism purposes and not for any other activities. A terse press release after the high-level meet did not mention the Ustads name but merely said that the major recommendation of the meeting was to reclaim the land in Veli given to a private party during the UDF tenure.

The school was to come up in two acres within the 25-acre Veli Tourist Village. Amjad Ali Khan, during his visit to the state, had said that the school would follow the gurukal system, and would have residential facilities for the students. For good results, it was important for the students to live along with the teachers, the Ustad had said.

Former tourism minister A P Anil Kumar said that the LDF move to ask the land back from the Ustad was unfortunate. It was the Ustad himself who had put forward the request for land during a meeting he had with the then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Mr Anil Kumar said.

When the Chief Minister sought our opinion, we were only happy to part with the land. The decision to hand over the two acres was unanimous. We thought it was an honour to have a legend like him associated with our state, he added.
Bengaluru: Wing Commander G. Rajashekhar Reddy, who was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act on October 3 from Nanded in Maharashtra, was the elusive Krishna in the recent anti-narcotic drugs operations and arrests made by the Zonal Narcotics Control Bureau, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Reddy, who was posted in Delhi, was under surveillance not only by the NCB but by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) after he fell in the radar of the surveillance agencies for alleged involvement in the international drug trafficking of amphetamine, which spans from across the country to South East Asia and Nigeria, sources told this newspaper.

Amphetamine is a potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and is used as an aphrodisiac and euphoriant. It is banned under the NDPS Act of 1985.

Reddy, who was posted at the Air Headquarters in Delhi, was reportedly operating under the alias of Krishna in the illicit drug trafficking trade. He was introduced to the trade by his neighbour in Hyderabad, who was earlier arrested under the NDPS Act and the Air Force officer had helped him with his bail. Though Reddy had joined the drug cartel a year ago, he had gone up the ladder because of his contacts and the credibility factor, the officer said.

The IAF officer was arrested by the Nanded police after a joint team of NCB, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai on October 3 seized about 231 kg of amphetamine worth Rs 45 crore from various locations in Hyderabad and Bengaluru from the possession of three people, including a scientist, Venkat Rama Rao, his wife and another accused  Ravi Shankar Rao. The NCB, which was tracking Reddys movements, had alerted the Maharashtra police, who arrested him and seized Rs 7.5 lakh cash, five mobile phones, a hard disc and a laptop from him. Reddy and Rao were classmates, and Reddy allegedly wanted to set up his own unit to manufacture amphetamine, which costs Rs 20 lakh per kg in the grey market in India and the price varies between Rs 1 & 2 crore in the underworld markets abroad, said the officer.

The NCB had started closing in on Reddy after they first seized 221 kg of amphetamine from two people at Miyapur in Hyderabad on September 30. He has been remanded in judicial custody till October 18, said NCB sources.
New Delhi: Stepping up its attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, BJP on Thursday expressed "shock" over his silence on media reports giving "conclusive" evidence of the surgical strikes across the LoC and questioned the reason behind his "refusal" to believe the army.

"Does his silence mean that he trusts Pakistani media over Indian media? Does his silence mean that he does not believe that the surgical strikes happened? Does his silence mean that he still does not trust the Indian Army?

"We are fine with him for not believing the government. We are also fine with him for not believing our party. But what could be the reason that he still refuses to believe the Indian Army after conclusive evidence by Indian media?" its national secretary Shrikant Sharma asked in a statement.

Taking a jibe at the AAP leader, he said they are "in awe of" Kejriwal as he is often the first person to comment on any issue under the sun and they also "admire" his movie reviews on Twitter which has become a "regular feature".

Sharma said it was unfortunate that he fell victim to Pakistani media propaganda and began questioning the army. "He also alleged that India is getting isolated globally but perhaps he lives in a different world."

"But we are surprised as well as shocked at his silence at two different media reports that have surfaced today giving details about the surgical strikes.

"Now that there is ample evidence in the media, we wish Kejriwal also starts blunting the Pakistani propaganda. He has more than 9 million followers on Twitter, and there cannot be a better reason for him to tweet. After all, blunting Pakistani propaganda is all he wanted, isn't it?" he wondered.

Does Kejriwal's silence, the BJP leader questioned, means that he trusts Pakistani media over Indian media? Does his silence means that he does not believe that the surgical strikes happened, Sharma asked.

Kejriwal in a video message had asked the Modi government to counter Pakistan propaganda refuting claims of surgical strikes and had cited international media reports in this regard.

BJP said he was seeking proof of the strikes and attacked him for question the army's assertion.
Mumbai: A senior civic official was allegedly harassed by MNS workers led by its two leaders who forced him to hold a placard at a public site in Dadar stating that he is "responsible for potholes in the city", prompting the official to lodge a complaint.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when a group of workers, led by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Sandeep Deshpande and corporator Santosh Dhuri met BMC Chief Engineer (Roads department) Sanjay Darade at his office in Worli, an official of Shivaji Park police station said.

According to a senior BMC official, MNS workers had come to meet Darade at his office and asked him to accompany them to a spot between Sena Bhawan and Plaza Theatre in Dadar area.

"After reaching the spot, he was forcibly made to hold a placard which read, 'I, Chief Engineer of Roads Department, am responsible for potholes in the city. Citizens should take note of this'," the official said.

Action could be initiated against both the leaders in the meeting of the House of the civic body, he said, adding that the BMC Commissioner has also taken note of the incident.

Pictures of the incident have been making rounds on social media and mobile messaging platforms since yesterday.

Following the incident, Darade filed a complaint with Shivaji Park Police Station against the two leaders and other MNS workers, the official said.

"We have received a written complaint filed by BMC chief engineer and we are looking into the merits of the complaint," the police official said.

When contacted, Deshpande said that he had done "nothing wrong" and would continue to raise such issues in the interest of the common man.

"If I am arrested for raising such an important issue then I not will seek bail till all potholes of the city are filled up. We are the representatives of our voters and we are only responsible towards them," Deshpande said.

Meanwhile, sources in the BMC Engineers Union said that they strongly condem the incident and were planning to hold a protest shortly.
New Delhi: Residents of Bisada village in Uttar Pradesh wrapped a national flag on the body of Ravin Sisodia, an accused in the Dadri lynching case who died in a Delhi hospital on Tuesday, apparently due to dengue.

The villagers refused to allow cremation of Sisodias body.

According to a report in Hindustan Times, while Sisodia died of renal and respiratory failure, his family has alleged that he was beaten to death inside the jail.

Ravin Sisodia was jailed, along with 17 other youths, for allegedly lynching Mohammad Akhlaq and injuring his son Danish over allegations of slaughtering a cow and storing its meat in September last year.

He did not die, he was killed. He was innocent. Akhlaqs family had named him in the FIR as we are their neighbours, said Ranveer Sisodia, father of the deceased.

The villagers have also demanded the arrest of Mohammad Akhlaq's brother, Jaan Mohammad, who has been named along with other members of his family in a case of alleged cow slaughter.

However, doctors at the Lok Nayak hospital said that the deceased had no injury marks on his body.

As the residents wrapped the tricolour around Sisodias body, the police said it would investigate whether any disrespect was shown to the national flag, and take legal action.

Additional forces have been deployed in the village, said police.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Sadhvi Prachi also reached Bisada and addressed a crowd of over 500 people who were staging a protest demanding a compensation of Rs 1 crore for Ravins family and a government job for his wife.

We will not tolerate this. The government has to ensure safety of the 14 other boys who are behind the bars. They should be shifted to a jail outside UP for trial, Sadhvi Prachi was quoted as saying.
Pachauri has been allowed by the court to travel over a dozen times to various countries. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi: Former TERI chief R K Pachauri,accused in a sexual harassment case, was once again allowed to travel abroad by a Delhi court on Thursday.

Pachauri, currently on bail, was granted permission by Metropolitan Magistrate Shivani Chauhan to travel to USA, Croatia and Norway from October 13 to November 12. He had returned on September 27 from a month's trip to USA, Mexico, China and Kazakhstan.

The court allowed the application filed by Pachauri, through his counsel Ashish Dixit, noting that he has been allowed to travel abroad on earlier occasions too and asked him to file a copy of his travel tickets and intimate the court after his return or any changes in his travel itinerary.

Pachauri was also directed to furnish an undertaking that he shall appear in court in person or through counsel and not dispute his identity at a later stage.

The court had on July 11 granted bail to Pachauri and allowed him to travel abroad after he appeared before it pursuant to the summons issued against him.

Pachauri has been allowed by the court to travel over a dozen times to various countries including USA, UK, China, Japan, France, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Kuwait, Mexico, Somalia and Saudi Arabia, during pendency of the probe and proceedings.

The former TERI chief was summoned as accused by the court after it took cognizance of the charge sheet filed against him for allegedly sexually harassing an ex-colleague.

The court, while taking cognisance of the charge sheet, had said there was sufficient material to proceed against him under sections 354A (sexual harassment), 354B (assault against woman with intent to disrobe), 354D (stalking), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of woman) and 341 (wrongful confinement) of the IPC.

The charge sheet, filed by Delhi Police on March 1 last year, had arrayed 23 prosecution witnesses, many of whom are present and former employees of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

Pachauri was granted an anticipatory bail in the case on March 21 last year and an FIR lodged against him on February 13 last year.
An Inspired Alternative for Frustrated Christian Voters Contact: Tonya Nichols,



TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 6, 2016 /



Each participant is asked to share their stories on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CastAnEternalVote and challenge three friends to "pay it forward."



"Neither candidate stands solidly in the Christian camp on the issues most of us hold dear," said Jim Morgan, president of Meet The Need Ministries, which equips thousands of churches and charities across the country to serve their communities. "That's left many of us wondering about the future of our country  yet feeling powerless to do much about it."



"We can only cast one vote for president but we can cast countless Eternal Votes  simple acts of service in Jesus name that will have an impact lasting far longer than just the next four years," said Morgan.



Morgan was inspired by Matthew 20:25-26: "Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.'"



"It's the perfect verse to express our need as Christians to worry a little less about rulers and authorities and be servants instead," said Morgan.



A quick look back in Matthew 20 led Meet The Need to turn 2016 into 20:16 with Vote for Eternity 20:16. Matthew 20:16 states their mission even more succinctly  "So the last will be first, and the first will be last."



Vote for Eternity 20:16 offers a servant-minded alternative for Christians who previously saw their only options as "Vote for Trump 2016" or "Vote for Hillary 2016."



During this electoral season, Vote for Eternity 20:16 reminds us that God is in control. Politicians battle for supremacy in this nation but Jesus remains Lord of all. The winds of political and moral change are blowing  no doubt Christians face stiff headwinds. Our task is to engage in the culture war  but the most powerful weapon at our disposal is the love of Jesus Christ.



To learn more go to



About Meet The Need: Meet The Need (

Share Tweet Contact: Tonya Nichols, Meet The Need , 813-215-8599, tnichols@meettheneed.org TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 6, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- For Christians, particularly those finding it difficult to rally around either presidential candidate, Meet The Need has launched an "Ice Bucket Challenge" for service and evangelism called Vote for Eternity 20:16. The goal is to encourage 1 million Christians to turn their attention more toward who winds up in God's House than in the White House by following Jesus' example of letting kindness open the door to sharing the gospel  with a neighbor, coworker or complete stranger  by Election Day, November 8th.Each participant is asked to share their stories on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CastAnEternalVote and challenge three friends to "pay it forward.""Neither candidate stands solidly in the Christian camp on the issues most of us hold dear," said Jim Morgan, president of Meet The Need Ministries, which equips thousands of churches and charities across the country to serve their communities. "That's left many of us wondering about the future of our country  yet feeling powerless to do much about it.""We can only cast one vote for president but we can cast countless Eternal Votes  simple acts of service in Jesus name that will have an impact lasting far longer than just the next four years," said Morgan.Morgan was inspired by Matthew 20:25-26: "Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.'""It's the perfect verse to express our need as Christians to worry a little less about rulers and authorities and be servants instead," said Morgan.A quick look back in Matthew 20 led Meet The Need to turn 2016 into 20:16 with Vote for Eternity 20:16. Matthew 20:16 states their mission even more succinctly  "So the last will be first, and the first will be last."Vote for Eternity 20:16 offers a servant-minded alternative for Christians who previously saw their only options as "Vote for Trump 2016" or "Vote for Hillary 2016."During this electoral season, Vote for Eternity 20:16 reminds us that God is in control. Politicians battle for supremacy in this nation but Jesus remains Lord of all. The winds of political and moral change are blowing  no doubt Christians face stiff headwinds. Our task is to engage in the culture war  but the most powerful weapon at our disposal is the love of Jesus Christ.To learn more go to www.meettheneed.org/voteforeternity www.facebook.com/meetneeds or twitter.com/meet_the_need About Meet The Need: Meet The Need ( www.MeetTheNeed.org ) is a nonprofit organization providing free software and services to connect those in need with those who can help. Meet The Need bridges communication gaps in cities across the country between churches, charities and businesses. Meet The Need also works with national partners to build solutions to alleviate hunger, homelessness and child neglect.
The incident took place at a welding shop. Several fire engines have been pushed into service. (Photo: ANI Twitter)

Kolkata: A major fire broke out at the Tangra area of Kolkata on Thursday afternoon, killing 3 people.

According to reports, the incident took place at a welding shop.

Tangra is close to China town, a place known for housing some of the best Chinese restaurants in the city.

Several fire engines have been pressed into service.

More reports are awaited.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday met the families of 39 Indian nationals held captive in Iraq, and assured them that they are alive. She said the government is leaving no stone unturned to reach out to the stranded people there.

Swaraj told media in Delhi that "this was our tenth meeting with the family members of the 39 Indian nationals held captive in Iraq."

"As per the information that we are receiving from different places, they are alive, but we don't have proof. As far as their death is concerned, there is no information or proof for that," Swaraj said.

"I have told them before and this is what I told them today as well that we certainly have the information that they are alive and not dead, but we do not have the proof. We are trying our best that wherever we find a government that can be helpful for us, our Prime Minister also raises the issue," she added.

Stating that Minister of State MJ Akbar recently visited Venezuela, she said, "The latest information, which he received, is that they are alive. This is what I asked them that they should be patient. The situation that is there right now, a war is going on."

The minister further said, "The people have been held captive, but we are not leaving no stone unturned and their search is going on. However, there is a need to maintain calm as of now."

The Indians taken hostage by ISIS in June 2014 from Mosul in Iraq.

This was the tenth meeting between Swaraj and the families since the abduction of the Indians from the war-torn country in June 2014.
New Delhi: India will formally take up with China its blocking of the United Nations ban on terror mastermind Maulana Masood Azhar.

According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Chinese President Xi Jingping next week at the BRICS summit in Goa.

China first blocked India's move on Masood Azhar in April by objecting to the request, a decision which was seen as support for Pakistan. Last week, seven days before its veto was to expire, China extended its "technical hold" - which amounts to a veto.

India has accused Azhar of planning two deadly terror attacks this year  in Pathankot air base in January and Uri in September.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup on Thursday said that the United Nations must proscribe Masood Azhar as a terrorist, as it will send a dangerous message if it fails to act.

"UN is expected to proscribe Masood Azhar under the 1267 sanctions regime, on the basis of our submission. This will send a strong signal to all terror groups that the international community will not pursue or tolerate selective approach to terrorism, Swaup added.

14 countries were on one side (on Masoods blacklisting) and 1 on the other, so that lead to this extension," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup on China extending its hold on the move to ban Masood Azhar.

The Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has already been blacklisted by the 15-member United Nations Security Council, but not its leader, Maulana Masood Azhar. China is the only country among the 15 which has stopping the blacklisting.

If Azhar is blacklisted, he would face a global travel ban and asset freeze, said reports.
President Pranab Mukherjee shakes hands with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Putting cross-border terrorism on top of the SAARC agenda, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday said tensions between India and Pakistan do have an impact on the forum, wondering whether the 8-nation group can continue.

The economic activity among the 8-member nation block is low and there is virtually no integration in the South Asian sub-continent, he said, while asking if SAARC is willing to go in for deeper cooperation and integration.

When asked about impact of the current tension between India and Pakistan that has resulted in the cancellation of SAARC summit, Wickremesinghe said: "These are issues that South Asia has to grapple with. It has an impact on SAARC, whether SAARC can continue or not?"

Addressing a press conference at the India Economic Summit in Delhi, he further said: "Cross border terrorism is on top of the agenda. Even though we don't want it to be, it has got there."

Stating that most of the issues are between Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, he said: "Let's hope things are resolved."

Commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian political leaders, including Congress President Sonia Gandhi and ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh, for being very restrained and for far sighted approach, Wickremesinghe said:

"It is a very very difficult situation in which media can drive you to take extreme steps which are not conducive... I know the difficulties, I have gone through that. You have been taking a really diplomatic approach.

"...it shows the maturity as far as the world leadership is concerned and I think the approach should be to back the political leaders."

On economic co-operation among SAARC members -- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- Wickremesinghe lamented that the activity is low and there is virtually no integration in the South Asian sub-continent.

"Is SAARC willing to go in for deeper cooperation and integration?" he wondered.

With such low integration, he said, already, SAARC members, including Sri Lanka, have organised /BIMSTEc "but its progress (too) is very slow".

"While others are organising regional fora, we are going for bilaterals. India is bigger than the West European sub continent. There can be diverse economic models around India... India is a regional power," Wickremesinghe said.

The number of bilateral agreements between countries in South Asia can well be built up into one regional agreement. It will be far more focused, he added. On Sri Lanka's expectations, he said the country has much in common with South Indian states.

"There should be deeper integration and at the same time carve out a special area that is Sri Lanka and five other Southern Indian states which has about USD 500 billion GDP," he said.
In a statement, the NIA said that the accused had conspired to carry out terror activities in the country and was planning to collect chemical explosives from cracker manufacturers in Tamil Nadu. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: A suspected ISIS operative, who got battle training in Iraq, was believed to have been plotting to target a few judges of Kerala and foreign tourists visiting the coastal state before he was arrested by the NIA.

The accused, identified as Subahani Haja Moideen, a resident of Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, was arrested by the NIA on Wednesday in connection with an alleged conspiracy to carry out terror attacks in India.

Sources on Thursday claimed that Moideen was planning to target some judges posted in Kerala as well as foreign tourists visiting beach resorts in the state.

Moideen was under watch of the security agencies and when he was giving shape to the plans to carry out the terror attacks in Kerala, NIA arrested him soon after, sources said.

Moideen is said to be the only Indian who got hardened battle training in Mosul in Iraq, they said.

In a statement, the NIA said that the accused had conspired to carry out terror activities in the country and was planning to collect chemical explosives from cracker manufacturers in Tamil Nadu.

The accused was radicalised and recruited in ISIS through social media platforms, the statement said, adding that he had left India for Istanbul from Chennai last year on the pretext of performing 'Umrah'.

After reaching Istanbul, he crossed over along with other people who hailed from Pakistan and Afghanistan to Iraqi territory under control of ISIS.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa needs to stay in hospital for a longer period, Apollo Hospital said on Thursday.

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa needs to stay in hospital for a longer period and will be examined by a team of three doctors from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Apollo Hospital said in a statement on Thursday.

The doctors said she remains on respiratory support.

According to reports, the three-member team includes pulmonologist GC Khilnani, cardiologist Nitish Naik and anaesthetist Anjan Trikha, who were flown in to Chennai on Wednesday.

Based on the detailed deliberations and clinical examination, the expert group of doctors Apollo Hospitals have drawn up a detailed medical management plan, keeping in view the Chief Ministers known history of diabetes and winter bronchitis in inclement weather, The Hindu cited excerpts from the statement.

The present treatment regimen includes continued respiratory support, nebulisation, drugs to decongest the lungs, antibiotics, nutrition, general nursing care and supportive therapy, the statement said.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai on September 22 for fever and dehydration.

Dr. Richard John Beale, , consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at Guy's and St.Thomas Hospital, was earlier called to Chennai to examine the chief minister who was admitted to Apollo Hospital on September 22 for fever and dehydration.

The opposition party in Tamil Nadu demanded the AIADMK release her photograph to confirm her illness.

A social activist, Traffic Ramaswamy, had filed a petition in the High Court, seeking a detailed report from the government on the chief minister's health. However, the Madras High Court dismissed the petition on Thursday.
Army soldiers patrol near the highly militarized Line of Control in Pallanwal sector, about 75 kilometers from Jammu. (Photo: PTI)

Srinagar: Three militants were killed on Thursday in an encounter with security forces after they attacked an Army camp in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, the army said here.

The militants opened fire on an Army camp at Langate in Kupwara district at around 5 am, which was retaliated by the alert jawans, an Army official said.

After repulsing the attack, the security forces launched a search operation in the area, during which the militants fired upon them, leading to an encounter.

Army and police sources said that the militants targeted the battalion headquarters of Armys counterinsurgency 30 Rashtriya Rifles at Langaet, 80-km northwest of Srinagar, with rifle fire and grenades. The troops quickly retaliated by opening fire forcing the militants to flee the spot.

Later, during the search operations, the militants were cornered by the armed forced in a nearby apple orchard and were gunned down after a 20-minute standoff, the sources said.

Superintendent of Police (Handwara), Ghulam Jeelani, confirmed the killing of three militants and said that three AK 47 rifles have been recovered. The identity of the slain terrorists is being ascertained. Searches in the area are on, he said.

The officials believe that these militants could have be a part of fresh group of infiltrators, who may have sneaked into J&K from across the LoC) overnight.

Apart from 3 AK assault rifles, ammunition, 4 radio sets, 3 Global Positioning System (GPS) device, medicines and other war like stores were also recovered from the slain militants.
Chennai: The Madras High Court on Thursday said that the Tamil Nadu government will not be ordered to name a stand-in for Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa while she is in hospital.

Jayalalithaa, 68, has been in hospital since September 22. The AIADMK had first said that she had been admitted due to fever and dehydration. However, after she spent several days in the hospital, doctors attending to her said she is on a respiratory support and is responding well to treatment, but must remain in their care for a few more days.

Read: Madras HC rejects publicity petition seeking details on Jayalalithaa's health

The Madras HC on Thursday also dismissed Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by Traffic Ramaswamy seeking a detailed report from the government on the health of Jayalalithaa.

When the PIL came up, the first bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul observed, "This forum should not be used for political purposes and it is publicity interest litigation."

"The hospital is already issuing health bulletins. PIL is dismissed," the court said.

Earlier, DMK chief M Karunanidhi had demanded that the Tamil Nadu government release photographs of Jayalalithaa to assure the people that she was fine. However, the state government had declined the 93-year-old DMK chiefs request.
Jaisalmer: Home Minister Rajnath Singh will arrive in Jaisalmer on Friday to review the security situation along the Indo-Pak border with Chief Ministers of four states whose boundaries touch Pakistan and top Border Security Force (BSF) officials.

During the two-day visit, Singh will hold meetings with top BSF officials and chair meetings with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, officials said.

The Home Minister will tour border areas of Rajasthan and will visit border outposts to asses the situation along the Indo-Pak border.

Barmer Collector Sudhir Sharma said the Home Minister will hold meeting with BSF officials in Barmer on October 8.

Elaborate arrangements are being made for the visit, he said.
New Delhi: Raising questions on Rohith Vemula's Dalit status, a commission constituted by the Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry after the Hyderabad university scholar's death has said the material on record did not establish it and attributed his suicide to personal reasons.

The Justice Roopanwal Commission, in its report to the HRD ministry, has given a clean chit to Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Bandaru Dattatreya, sources said.

The University authorities too have been absolved of any blame for Vemula's death as the Commission has held that they were not working under political pressure.

The Commission is learnt to have raised questions about Vemula's caste status as a dalit saying that there is no proof that his mother V Radhika belonged to "Mala" community.

The commission is learnt to have said that Vemula's mother could have given the statement that she belonged to the 'Mala' community to support the caste certificate which was issued to Vemula.

The Commission in its report noted that Vemula's mother was not told the names of her biological parents by her foster family, according to the sources.

It is therefore unlikely that she would have been told the caste of her biological parents, the Commission is understood to have said.

HRD ministry officials have, however, maintained that ascertaining the caste status of Vemula was not part of the Terms of Reference of the Commission. Therefore they would only focus on those recommendations which aim at ensuring that such incidents do not happen in the future.

The suicide of Vemula had triggered a huge political furore with the then HRD minister Smriti Irani coming under attack along with Labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya for having written a letter related to the matter.

It is learnt that the Commission felt that Vemula have committed sucide because of his "personal frustrations".

In its recommendation, the Commission has emphasised that there should be a proper counselling mechanism not just for students but also for research scholars.

The sources said that in its recommendations, the Commission has also emphasised that there should be proper grievance redressal mechanisms and equal opportunity cells so that unfortunate incidents like Vemula suicide can be prevented.
Faithful readers of this column know that I am not timid about reporting on the exponential increase of police abuse currently taking place in our country. This tragic phenomenon is a clear and present danger to the overall health and wellbeing of our society. And it is not a fabrication of leftists. The abuse of power by many police officers is very real. And as I have attempted to point out previously, the reason for this sad state of affairs is largely due to the recruitment and training of police officers today. More and more frequently, the ranks of civilian law enforcement are being filled with former military personnel. This is not necessarily wrong in and of itself, but the purpose of law enforcement is entirely different from that of the military. Policemen are not soldiers. And American citizens are not enemy combatants. For example, back in 2012, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), an office of the Department of Justice, offered 220 U.S. cities $114.6 million in incentive grants to hire post-9/11 veterans to fill 800 law enforcement positions. But soldiers cannot bring their military training into police work without inflicting horrific consequences upon society. And this does not even take into account how many veterans who suffer from PTSD will be filling the ranks of law enforcement. Add the stress of police work to the trauma of war and the results could be devastating on Americas streets where the line between American citizens and enemy soldiers could easily be blurred in the minds of these warriors-turned-cops. Plus, more and more often, police officers are being trained by military personnel (including foreign military personnel), and the equipment provided to law enforcement is increasingly military in nature. Look at the average police officer today: his equipment, dress, and mannerisms more resemble a special ops military soldier than a peace officer. And it is the military training of police officers that is precipitating the avalanche of unnecessary and unjust police shootings of American citizens. Previously, I reported on the police shooting and killing of an unarmed man in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Fortunately, the district attorney in Tulsa rightfully charged the officer with manslaughter in the first degree. Within days, police released video footage of a similar incident that happened in Marksville, Louisiana. This time, the victim included a little boy. Six-year-old Jeremy Mardis (an autistic child) was shot and killed with five bullets to his head and chest by two police officers in Marksville, and his father was seriously wounded. The father was unarmed, yet the two officers fired a total of 18 rounds into his vehicle. The little boy was killed instantly, and the father was seriously wounded. There were no warrants out for the father. A third police officer who recorded the incident on his body cam said that the father was not acting aggressively toward the officers, and Colonel Mike Edmonson, head of the Louisiana State Police, who saw the videotape, said, That video was incredible. I mean, as a father, much less head of the state police, I looked at that tape, I said this is incredibly disturbing. The two police officers have been rightly charged with second degree murder in the death of the little boy and attempted second degree murder in the shooting of the boys father. See the report here: Community To Say Goodbye To 6-Year-Old Killed By Police And here is the video tape of the shooting that was recently released by police: Body Camera Footage Released In Marksville Police Shooting That Killed 6-Year-Old In this case, the police officers were black and the shooting victims were white. Thats probably why you havent heard about it. If the police officers had been white and the shooting victims were black, the mainstream media and Black Lives Matter would have made it national Page One news. Which leads me to the second part of the problem. President Barack Obamas White House, the national news media, and the leaders of Black Lives Matter have made these police shootings a racial issue. Along with Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, et al., they are experts at race-baiting. BUT THIS IS NOT A RACIAL ISSUE. If the poor, suffering souls within Americas inner cities who have too long endured the injustices of police abuse (and many of them have--people of every color) would stay focused on their legitimate complaints and stop letting the Al Sharptons of the world turn it into a racial issue, they would be much further ahead in gaining the sympathy of the general public to their plight. But by letting the race-baiters turn it into a racial issue, too many white people mistakenly see this as a good cop versus black thug issue. Are there black thugs? Yes! Are there white thugs? Yes! Are there Hispanic thugs? Yes! Are there Asian thugs? Yes! Crime is crime no matter what the race of the person is who commits it. Law and order is NOT a racial issue. But the media has allowed the race-baiters, such as Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, to turn it into a racial issue. I say again: the problem is NOT race; the problem is the increasing militarization of police. The other problem in Americas inner cities is that most of these cities are managed by rabid anti-Second Amendment liberals. Cities such as Chicago, Boston, Newark, N.J., Washington, D.C., etc., are heavily gun-controlled: meaning, the only people who have guns are the bad guys--and the bad guys know it. For example, last month (September 2016) alone, there were 358 shootings in the heavily gun-controlled city of Chicago, Illinois. There have been over 3,200 shootings so far this year in The Windy City. See the report: Gun-Controlled Chicago: 358 Shooting Victims In September Alone Thanks to the gun-control laws of the city of Chicago, citizens there are little more than fodder for the violent criminal element of that town. Instead of promoting stop and frisk laws, Donald Trump should be promoting the fact that the law-abiding residents in Chicago (and everywhere else) should be allowed to lawfully arm and defend themselves against the violent criminals of their communities. What race-baiters Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson fail to acknowledge is that most of the violent crimes committed against black people are perpetrated by black people--just as most of the violent crimes committed against white people are perpetrated by white people. Again, law and order is NOT a racial issue. And police abuse is not a racial issue; as Ive said, it is a training issue. Ever since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was invented by President G.W. Bush, our local and State police departments and sheriffs offices have been increasingly militarized. Police officers are not attorneys. They are not trained in constitutional law. Not only do most police officers demonstrate a serious lack of constitutional acumen, some police officers even demonstrate a serious animus AGAINST the Constitution. These same officers consider people who believe in the Constitution to be anti-police. Such an attitude does nothing but insure increasing abusive behavior against the very people police officers are sworn to protect: the American citizenry. One wont read this in a DHS police training manual, but for all intents and purposes, police training procedures teach officers to shoot first and let the courts work out the details. Police officers know that seldom will they be held accountable for a bad shooting (thankfully, that is currently not the case in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Marksville, Louisiana). They often carry throw down guns to use after a bad shooting in case the victim was unarmed, to make it appear as though the victim was armed; they know that most of their fellow officers will not rat on them even when they are clearly guilty of police abuse; and they know that the local prosecutors and judges are on their side. It is mostly a one-sided judicial system for sure, and police officers know it. And the fact that more and more policemen are ex-military means that their military training runs much deeper than their law enforcement training. In fact, many times they are hired as police officers BECAUSE they are former military, as noted above. Since I have been writing on this subject, many retired and active duty police officers have written me to confirm what Im saying and to thank me for saying it. Im sure the percentages are with the good cops, but as the DHS-sponsored militarization of local and State police agencies continues to intensify--and as the good cops continue to retire--the bad cop problem is only going to get worse. Here are the facts: police abuse is very real, and race-baiting is, likewise, very real. It is the perfect storm. In the political arena, conservatives blame Black Lives Matter and liberals blame white cops. In truth, constitutionally illiterate, us-versus-them, trigger-happy policemen AND race-baiting, opportunistic charlatans like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are equally to blame. This problem will not be resolved until the American people begin looking at and dealing with this issue without the obfuscation of race or political partisanship. Little Jeremy Mardis was not a Democrat or a Republican; he was not a liberal or a conservative; he was a little, six-year-old, innocent, autistic boy who was brutally murdered and violently taken from the home of a loving father by poorly trained police officers. Black folks in Americas inner cities need to stop shouting at white folks and instead start demanding that their crooked, self-absorbed politicians (both black and white) start honoring their oaths of office to the Constitution and eviscerate the gun-control laws that make residents easy prey for the criminal element within their own neighborhoods so that people can start lawfully defending themselves. And conservative white folks need to get their heads out of the sand and realize that there is a REAL problem with police abuse in this country and start demanding that their local judges and prosecutors start holding these lawless lawmen accountable to the same laws that the rest of us are held to. Again, the issue is not black or white--or even black or blue. The issue is justice and constitutional government. Lady Justice is supposed to be color blind. She should also be blind to whatever uniform a person is or isnt wearing and whatever political label one has or doesnt have. As I have said repeatedly, we either have justice for all or we have justice for none. You will remember that when you are on the receiving end of police injustice. P.S. I again strongly urge readers to order the expert presentation that my constitutional attorney son delivered, entitled Police Contact: How To Respond. In this DVD, attorney Tim Baldwin focuses directly on the "Dos and Don'ts" of dealing with police contacts. Tim discusses how to--and how not to--react to police traffic stops and other contacts. He clearly and simply shows citizens their rights and duties under the Constitution and why it is so important that citizens understand these rights. This material will help citizens preserve liberty in their communities, and it will help policemen be better peace officers. This is an excellent presentation. And what you do NOT know about this presentation can, and very likely will, hurt you. I urge readers to order one for themselves and one for a loved one. Order Police Contact: How To Respond here: Police Contact: How To Respond

 Chuck Baldwin *If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may be made by credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link: Chuck Baldwin Live Donate Form I also have many books and DVDs available for purchase online. Go here: Chuck Baldwin Live Store To subscribe to my weekly columns, click here: Subscribe to Chuck's Column Related
The Marshall Islands had maintained that by not stopping the nuclear arms race Britain, India and Pakistan continued to breach their obligations under the treaty. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: India on Thursday said the decision by UN's highest court to throw out a bid by Marshall Islands to sue it for failing to halt the nuclear arms race vindicates its "principled approach" to nuclear disarmament.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday threw out landmark cases brought by the tiny Marshall Islands against India, Pakistan and Britain for allegedly failing to halt the nuclear arms race.

"The court upholds the objection to jurisdiction" raised by each of the countries, presiding judge Ronny Abraham had said in separate rulings.

Read: No jurisdiction in India nuke case: UN top court rejects Marshall's suit

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "We believe the judgement vindicates our responsible and principled approach to nuclear disarmament."

"By appearing at the ICJ and engaging on the Application brought forward by the Marshall Islands, India has underlined its respect for international law and for the sentiment in the international community for taking forward nuclear disarmament," he said.

However, Swarup stated that this is not an issue to be adjudicated legally between two states and is a subject for inter-governmental negotiations involving all essential parties.

"As a responsible nuclear weapon state, we remain strongly committed to negotiations on global, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament at the CD (Conference on Disarmament) in Geneva," he said.
New Delhi: In a stinging criticism of the handling of dengue and chikungunya menace in Delhi, the Supreme Court on Thursday said the authorities in Delhi were "not interested" and the people have been "left to suffer".

It also expressed disappointment over the outcome of Wednesday's meeting between the Lieutenant Governor and Delhi government on curbing vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya and asked them to hold another meeting this evening to firm up steps to check the diseases.

"We have gone through the minutes of meeting held yesterday and we are quiet disappointed with the outcome," a bench of justices M B Lokur and Amitava Rao said.

"These people are not interested and the people of Delhi are left to suffer," the bench observed and asked the LG and Delhi Government to hold a meeting at 5.30 pm on Thursday to discuss the matter.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, appearing for Delhi Chief Secretary, told the bench that LG Najeeb Jung would convene a meeting in which those officers, who were directed to attend the meeting by the court in its October 4 order, would be present.

The bench also asked senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who is an amicus curiae in the matter, to participate in the meeting and express his views on how to tackle the menace of these vector-borne diseases.

The bench directed that the participants should discuss the steps to be taken to prevent the problem faced by the people of Delhi this year and also the future measures.

"We expect the participants to keep the interest of people of Delhi in mind while doing the entire exercise," the bench said, adding "we expect that the action taken is collaborative and cooperative".

It fixed the matter for further hearing on October 17.

The apex court had on October 4 directed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Satyendar Jain to hold a meeting with LG Najeeb Jung, which was held on Wednesday, to chalk out a strategy for curbing vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya in the national capital, while warning Delhi government against indulging in blame game.

The bench had refused to go into allegations and counter-allegations over power tussle between the LG and the Arvind Kejriwal-led government and said "no substitute" should attend the meeting with LG, except whose names have been proposed.

The court had asked Union Health secretary P K Mishra, Chief Secretary K K Sharma, commissioners of South Delhi Municipal Corporation, East Delhi Municipal Corporation, North Delhi Municipal Corporation and New Delhi Municipal Council, CEO of Delhi Cantonment Board to attend the meeting with LG.

Apart from the officials of civic bodies, the court had asked amicus curiae Colin Gonsalves, Chairman of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, General Manager of Northern Railway and Vice Chairman of Delhi Development Authority to attend the meeting to discuss the steps to be taken to check the menace.

The apex court had on October 3 imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Jain for failing to file an affidavit disclosing names of officials whom he had alleged of not cooperating in checking the menace of dengue and chikungunya in Delhi.

It had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of the death of a seven-year-old boy due to dengue last year after being allegedly denied treatment by five private hospitals and the subsequent suicide by his parents.

The five hospitals -- Max hospital in Saket, Moolchand Khairatiram Hospital in Lajpat Nagar, Aakash Hospital in Malviya Nagar, Saket City Hospital and Irene Hospital, Kalkaji, were issued show cause notices to explain why their registration should not be cancelled for allegedly refusing to admit the boy.
Patna: With the Supreme Court scheduled to hear on Friday the Bihar government's appeal for cancellation of his bail in rape case of a minor, suspended RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav on Thursday met party chief Lalu Prasad and said he has no grudge against the state government.

Emerging from the meeting at 10 Circular Road residence of former Chief Minister Rabri Devi where he met RJD president Lalu Prasad, Raj Ballabh Yadav told reporters it was a courtesy visit to extend greetings of Durga Puja.

There was no word from Lalu Prasad on the meeting. The office at Rabri Devi's house also maintained it was a usual courtesy visit.

Read: 'My rapist is out of jail': 15-yr-old sends frantic message to Nitish Kumar

Raj Ballabh Yadav, MLA from Nawada, said he has no complaint against the state government for going against his bail in the apex court.

"Government works according to a system. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has not gone into appeal ... I do not have any grievance against the state government. Why you (mediapersons) are raising question about the system," he said.

Replying to questions, Yadav said, "There is no serious charge against me. There is no FIR or statement of the victim under 164 CRPC against me."

The third term RJD MLA was suspended from the party in the wake of the rape allegation against him. The girl, a resident of Rahui in Nalanda, was raped allegedly at the MLA's house under Mufassil police station on February 6.

He was arrested in the case but got bail from the Patna High Court on Friday last.

Bihar government has moved the Supreme Court challenging the bail granted to Raj Ballabh Yadav.

The court has listed the matter for hearing on Friday.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Prasad Yadav told reporters that the government was doing its duty and it is up to the court to see if the accused MLA is guilty.

"Let us leave the matter to the court to decide," Tejaswi Yadav, who is also leader of RJD Legislature party in the state Assembly, said.
Bengaluru: It could well be a case of too little too late for farmers of Mandya district as the state governments decision to release Cauvery water for irrigation would not help save withering crops of paddy and sugarcane sown in about 70,000 hectares.

Of this year's target of 2,00, 200 hectares, crops have been sown on 1,34,123 hectares during Khariff season with farmers pinning hopes on a good monsoon. With scanty rainfall, the government turned its focus to supplying drinking water to lakhs of residents of Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Maddur, Channapatna, Ramanagaram and other villages than save standing crops. Later, the government released water from June 28 to August 30 following protests by farmers. The Irrigation Consultative Committee (ICC), chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was scheduled for September 10 but was postponed after the Supreme Court directed Karnataka to release 15,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu for Samba crop. The governments gesture to release around 3000 cusecs into four canals for ten days helped farmers who owned farms close to the canal while others waited in vain for a delayed monsoon.

A top official of agriculture department told Deccan Chronicle: So far, we did not have any idea about how many days water will be released to canals. Today, water is flowing in our canals and it will take at least ten days to reach tail-end farmers in Malavalli and Maddur. Out of 1.34 lakh hectares (sown till now), 68,680 hectares are in rain fed areas, while the rest have access to canal water. Crops (paddy and sugar cane) in 68,680 hectares has already started withering and revival is impossible unless the receding monsoon becomes active. Only crops in irrigated areas of 70,000 hectares may get a fresh lease of life thanks to release of water from KRS.

The official explained that farmers incur an expenditure of Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 an acre for cultivation of paddy.
New Delhi: As Union Minister Hansraj Ahir revealed on Wednesday that the Indian Army had handed over to the government, video clips of the cross-LoC surgical strikes, and a political slugfest erupted over surgical strikes, amid a growing chorus that evidence of the operation on terror launch pads in PoK be made public, the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by PM concluded that the fallout, if edited portions of the evidence was released, would only help Pakistan decipher the Indian Army's modus operandi.

The report by the countrys two top intelligence agencies, Research and Analysis Wing and Intelligence Bureau, both strongly advised against releasing any form of evidence related to the surgical strikes. The intelligence agencies whose report was shared with the CCS, by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval have categorically stated that releasing the evidence would hugely compromise the possibility of any such operations in future. In fact, top Government sources confirmed to this newspaper that the security establishment had enough evidence regarding the military operation both in terms of video footage as well as still photographs. One of the two intelligence agencies have also provided the Government with satellite images of the launch pads which were targeted at four different locations at Lipa, Kel, Tatapani (Hotspring), and Bhimber by Special Forces commandos. Through the satellite images the intelligence agency was closely monitoring developments at the launch pads and sharing it with the Army to help them plan their operation. The manner in which intelligence for the surgical strikes was developed was a critical component of the entire operation.

Any evidence provided at this stage would be analysed by the Pakistani agencies and they will not only figure out our weak points but also nail the modus operandi of our security forces. It is for this reason that the intelligence agencies are strongly opposing releasing evidence in any form. Even the domestic constituency which is asking the Government for evidence needs to understand this, a senior security official said. With the Army and key intelligence agencies submitting all the evidence in form of video footage, still photographs and satellite images to the Government, sources said the decision on releasing the evidence will have to be a political one now.
New Delhi: As November 30 approaches, speculation is high regarding who will replace Mr Anil Sinha as CBI director. Two women officers being in the reckoning have made matters more interesting.

The women officers in the fray are Ms Archana Ramasundaram, the first female IPS officer to head a paramilitary organisation, the Sashtra Seema Bal, and Ms Meera Borwankar, director-general, Bureau of Police Research and Development.

With CBIs two previous directors  Mr A.P. Singh and Mr Ranjit Sinha  caught in controversial maelstroms, the agency had lost a lot of sheen and lustre.

The agency is once again in the news for all the wrong reasons, after the recent suicides by senior bureaucrat B.K. Bansal, who was fighting a corruption taint in the Elder Pharma case, and his family, perceived to be due to pressure being exerted by the agency.

The appointment of the new CBI director against this backdrop makes it even more intriguing. And if a woman is named to head the agency, it will be a first.

Special director Rupak Kumar Dutta is the senior-most CBI officer in line for succession and the collegium may consider him for he is an insider who knows the systems and processes of the probe agency.

A 1981 batch IPS officer from the Karnataka cadre, Mr Dutta took over as special director in the CBI headquarters in July, 2015 after serving as additional director and looking after the anti corruption (HQ) zone, Patna, Hyderabad and Chennai zones, Economic Offences Zone-I, Bank Securities & Frauds and Delhi.

Before joining the CBI, he was DGP, CID, Special Units & Economic Offences in Karnataka. The buzz in the CBI is that two insiders never get the top job in succession, but that may well change this time.

Other eligible candidates include Delhi Police commissioner Alok Ver-ma, a 1979 batch IPS officer who is considered a no-nonsense, non-controversial and apolitical officer.

Mr Verma assumed charge when Delhi Police was in a confrontational mood with the AAP government under his predecessor B.S. Bassi. The panel is also likely to include Ms Rama-sundaram, a 1980 batch officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, who was earlier special director, National Crime Records Bureau.

The officer was in the news in 2014 for her appointment as CBI additional director which was challenged in the Supreme Court by the Tamil Nadu government. She was then moved to the NCRB as its chief. Ms Meera Borwankar, has also worked with Maharashtras elite Anti-Terrorism Squad.

Other contenders include Maharashtra DG Satish Mathur. Known as perhaps the first National Security Guard-trained 1981 batch IPS officer, Mr Mathur has held several crucial postings, including his tenure with the CBI when he was one of the officers who prosecuted the 1993 blast accused.

Mr Mathur was also director-general, Legal and Technical, the first person to hold the post after it was created by the state government to improve the conviction rate in Maharashtra.
Hyderabad: The single-person judicial committee headed by Justice Ashok Kumar Roopanwal to inquire into events leading to the suicide by Dalit PhD scholar Rohith Vemula in January this year at the University of Hyderabad has attributed the suicide to personal reasons.

As per sources, the committee has exonerated Union ministers Smriti Irani and Bandaru Dattatreya in the issue and also the university authorities, including vice-chancellor Prof. Appa Rao Podile.

The committee held that the university authorities were not under political pressure. The judicial inquiry committee also raised questions about Rohiths caste stating that there was no proof that his mother Radhika Vemula belonged to the Scheduled Caste Mala community.

As per sources, the committee said in its report that Vemulas mother could have given the statement that she belonged to the Mala community just to support the caste certificate issued to Rohith.

Panel focuses on reforms, not caste

The committee noted that Rohiths mother was not told the names of her biological parents by her foster family so it was unlikely that she would know her caste.

As the terms of reference of appointing the judicial committee did not include ascertaining Rohiths caste, the HRD ministry has maintained that it would focus on recommendations which aim at ensuring that such incidents do not happen again.

The commission emphasised that there should be a proper counselling mechanism in the university even for research scholars and that there should be grievance redressal mechanisms and equal opportunity cells in UoH. University vice-chancellor Appa Rao Podile expressed happiness over the commissions report.
Hyderabad: A TRS MLA passing through Gadwal was stumped at the sight of people conducting Palabhisekham to a photo of Congress MLA D.K. Aruna after Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar asked the High Powered Committee to study the feasibility of district status to the area. What shocked the MLA was the sloganeering for Ms Aruna, but not for Mr Rao who accepted the demand.

Though Ms Aruna thanked the CM, she is being credited with achieving Gadwal district. I was really shocked. We accepted the district demand, but credit went to the Congress leader since she fought for it, the MLA said.

Though the TRS government has got the credit for carving out 21 new districts, in the process it has helped the Opposition, especially the Congress, which rallied the people on the issue.

A case in point is Sircilla. Initially, the CM, minister K.T. Rama Rao and others ruled out Sircilla district as unviable. Soon after, locals backed by the Congress, TD and BJP leaders took up an agitation and got support from the people, forcing the government to concede to the demand.

For Sircillas sake, KCR agreed to Jangaon and Gadwal districts, a Congress leader claimed. Ditto with Jangaon, where former PCC chief Ponnala Lakshmaiah, supported by leaders of all parties, led the fight and achieved district status.
Kochi: P. Safwan, who was arrested by the NIA from Kannur, was a member of the Popular Front of India. After the arrest, the Malappuram unit of the PFI sacked him from the organisation for engaging in anti-party activities. He was also a staff member of a vernacular daily. According to sources, the extremists were planning to carry out 12 attacks in Kerala. BJP leaders Kummanam Rajasekharan and K. Surendran and two Kerala High Court judges were in the hit list.

They even planned a Paris-model attack by driving a truck through a public meeting in Kochi. Sources say that with the arrest of six men from Kanakamala, the NIA managed to thwart the threat of the extremists. Several habeas corpus petitions have been filed before Kerala High Court alleging the ISIS links recently. The petitioners allege that Muslim youths are behind the radicalisation. As many as 12 persons from Kerala recently pledged their allegiance to IS and left Kerala. The police and the NIA are still probing the case.

This is for the first time that the NIA openly admitted IS activities in Kerala. On its official website, the NIA mentioned that six persons of an ISIS-inspired module were arrested for conspiring to commit terrorist acts. According to the NIA, credible information was received that some youth from Kerala and Tamil Nadu along with their accomplices had entered into a criminal conspiracy to commit terrorist acts by collecting explosives and other offensive materials for targeting important persons and places in various parts of South India.
Devi and another border resident Raj Kumar said their hamlet along the LoC has been deserted. (Photo: PTI)

Pallanwala: A chain of border hamlets along the LoC wear a deserted look with villagers abandoning their houses to escape the shelling and firing from across the border.

Mortar marks on the walls of houses and shutters of shops in the area are a mute testimony to the firing from across the border.

Border dwellers have fled the LoC hamlets of Panjtoot, Channi Dewano, Mogyal Lalo, Somwa, Chapriyal, Gigriyal, Paltan, Mili Di Khae and Jodian in Pallanwala belt.

Pallanwala market town is also shut down for the past three days following heavy shelling.

"Market is closed for the past three days since the firing and shelling", Suresh Kumar, a resident said.

Forced to leave their hamlets and cattle, the border residents want the Narendra Modi government to take strong action against Pakistan so that it does repeat the terror attacks and ceasefire violations along LoC.

"Nobody wants a war but we border people, who have been forced to desert our homes and hamlets every time during ceasefire violations almost annually, want that Pakistan should be taught a lesson so that it does not dare to violate the ceasefire again", Sita Devi, who along with her family has taken shelter in a camp setup at Radha Swami Ashram in Khour, said.

Devi and another border resident Raj Kumar said their hamlet along the LoC has been deserted.

However, some residents have been making trips during the day time to look after their cattle.

"Some of us had gone to provide fodder to animals in the afternoon yesterday, when Pakistani troops started raining mortar shells and heavy firing. We though we are dead",Gigriyal resident Ashok Kumar said.

"We managed to save the lives of our domestic animals and some people, who had vehicles, ferried women and men out of the shelling zone yesterday", he said.

Pakistan troops have repeatedly violated the ceasefire and resorted to heavy mortar shelling and firing on civilian areas in Pallanwala sector of Akhnoor tehsil of Jammu district.

The areas targeted by Pakistani troops include Gigriyal, Platan, Damanu, Channi, Palanwala and Somwa areas of Pallanwala sector of Jammu district.

In the migrant camp at Naiwala, border dwellers have also protested about scarcity of ration and water.

"We demand food and water supply at the camp," Santosh Devi Jodian said.

As many as 60 families of Jodian had fled their LoC homes and took shelter in the camp here but authorities told them to go to Khadah Khadi camp but they refused triggering protests.
The project will also reduce the dependence on imports and create a strong base for the growth of indigenous and domestic industry by providing access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology

Chennai: The citys extended suburb will boast of the first medical devices manufacturing park in the country very soon with the Union Cabinet on Wednesday allowing HLL Lifecare, a miniratna public sector firm, to sub-lease over 300 acres of land for the purpose.

Part of Narendra Modis ambitious Make in India campaign, the first medical park of the country would be set up at Chengalpet near Chennai and it will be funded through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with HLL being a 50 per cent shareholder.

The proposed Medipark would be the first manufacturing cluster in the medical technology sector in the country, and is expected to play a significant role in the development of medical devices and technology industry and allied disciplines.

The Medipark project will be the first manufacturing cluster in the medical technology sector in the country, envisaged to boost local manufacturing of hi-end products at a significantly lower cost, resulting in affordable healthcare delivery, particularly in diagnostic services to a large section of people, an official statement said.

The Medipark will be developed in phases, spread over seven years for completion and in the first phase, physical infrastructure will be developed while the plots will be leased from the third year onwards. Knowledge management center will be developed in the second phase.

HLL will sublease 330.10 acres of land to investors, through a transparent bidding process to investors desirous to set up manufacturing units for medical equipment and devices, officials said.

In the initial phase, the land cost to the qualifying entrepreneurs from medical device and equipment, manufacturing industry will be at a subsidised rate to attract others and the rate will go up gradually as the demand picks up, they said.

The project will also reduce the dependence on imports and create a strong base for the growth of indigenous and domestic industry by providing access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology. HLL Lifecare, through a subsidiary, is also setting up an Integrated Vaccine Complex in Chengalpattu to manufacture various vaccines.
Kochi: The National Investigation Agency on Thursday produced Islamic State terrorist Subahani Haja Moideen, 31, a Thodupuzha native, who helped the IS in the war-zone at Mosul in Iraq, before the Ernakulam NIA court. Subahani was radicalised and recruited to ISIS by recruiters active on the social media platforms. He left India to join IS and spent two weeks in Iraq but left the organisation as he could not withstand the violence and war misery at Mosul. He then left the IS and came back to India after getting help from the Indian consulate in Istanbul in Sept. 2015.

The NIA informed the court that Subahani was planning attacks in India by collecting firearms in Tamil Nadu. According to the NIA, the accused left India for Istanbul from Chennai on a visit visa. After reaching Istanbul, he crossed over along with others, including people from Pakistan and Afghanistan, to the ISIS-held territory in Iraq. He was taken to Mosul in Iraq, where he underwent detailed course in Shariya followed by combat training.

On completion of the training, including in automated weapons, he was sent to the war zone at Mosul for security duties in ISIS-held territory, which he performed for almost two weeks. He was being paid USD 100 per month as subsistence allowance by the ISIS along with common available accommodation and food without any additional charges, the NIA said. According to the NIA, the accused decided to leave the organisation after two of his friends were burnt alive before him in a shell attack. On conveying his decision to quit the organisation, he was imprisoned by ISIS at Mosul and was subjected to extreme torture.

He, along with other similar deserting foreign fighters, was produced before a judge of the ISIS, following which he was again incarcerated at Raqqa in Syria. Later, for reasons yet to be ascertained, he was allowed to leave ISIS-controlled territory and return to Turkey along with five other foreign nationals. Subahani Haja Moideen, residing at Kadayanallur, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, was arrested by the NIA on Wednesday for joining and supporting the activities of the ISIS, proscribed under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. He originally hails from Maliyekkal House, Market Road, Thodupuzha, Idukki district, Kerala, the NIA said.

The NIA searched his house at Kadayanallur, Tirunelveli, on October 3 and he was summoned to the NIA branch office, Kochi, for further examination. During his examination, he revealed that he had gone to Iraq on April 8, 2015 to join the ISIS and fight for the organisation. He had left home telling his parents and wife that he was going to perform Umrah. After his release from IS custody, he stayed illegally in Istanbul for about two weeks before he approached the Indian consulate for returning to India.
YSRC chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has not changed his residence or the state party office to Amravati.

Vijayawada: The fact that the YSR Congress, which was one of the few parties to adopt a strong Samaikyandhra stand before the state was bifurcated, has not shifted its party to the AP capital region is giving its detractors ammunition to attack it with.

While most of the other political parties and the AP Secretariat have shifted offices to Amaravati, the YSRC still operates from Hyderabad. Even the AP unit of the Congress, which does not have even a single seat in the Assembly, functions from Vijayawada.

YSRC chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has not changed his residence or the state party office to Amravati. He has not visited Vijayawada or Amaravati in over two months, sending a wrong message among the cadre.

At the time of bifurcation, the YSRC took the stand of Samaikyandhra (united Andhra), due to which it suffered great losses, while the TD, which focused on both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh regions, successfully formed the government in residuary AP.

Mr Jagan Mohan Reddys reluctance to shift to the AP capital region has given the TD the opportunity to allege that the YSRC has a secret understanding with the TRS and its president failed in AP because of his legal cases.

AP TD chief Kala Venkat Rao said the YSRC was not functioning from AP as Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy has been exposed before the people.

Refuting the allegations, YSRC MLA G. Srikanth Reddy said: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was caught red-handed in vote-for-note case and ran from Hyderabad. We have 10 years of flexible time to establish Secretariat in AP.

We shall move to Amaravati as early as possible and Chandrababu Naidu has no right to accuse us. We shall fight against his corruption and raise our voice along with people in a democratic way, he said.

Political analyst K. Sudhakar Chary said, It is the need of the hour that the YSRC has to make its presence felt in AP or else it might project the wrong impression among the people and other parties.
Claiming ownership of anything  property, discovery or achievement  makes it obligatory to provide proof if the title right is challenged. In case of property, such evidence is the deed or legal document. In case of discoveries, it is either the product or demonstrating the process in public. For accomplishments or triumphs, visual and other proof is required. In past decades, several mountaineers have fraudulently claimed scaling Mount Everest, forcing the Nepalese to regularly scrutinise all such claims. In June this year, an Indian couple declared they were the first married duo to have conquered the peak. Congratulatory messages, including from the Maharashtra government and the state police, poured in for the couple, both state police officers. But their claim was questioned by fellow mountaineers. Nepal Tourism later cancelled their climbing certificates and banned the couple from climbing any mountains in Nepal for the next 10 years as the photos the couple had submitted were forged.

After eyewitness reports were published in the media, it may not be fair to say that the Indian Army had falsely claimed to have executed successful surgical strikes. But by declaring on September 29 that the entire operation had been documented, the government has put itself in a severe bind.

Sooner or later, someone on this side of the border had to demand that if the government was so blatantly marketing its military action, it must also submit proof of its success. If military success is to be politically exploited, the ruling partys opponents are well within their rights to demand that these claims be substantiated. Till mavericks like Sanjay Nirupam and Digvijay Singh had sought release of the video evidence, this demand had not been a part of the mainstream discourse. This is evidence of the Sangh Parivars success in imposing its ultra-nationalistic agenda on the political system. Despite the matter being raised, the government has made it clear there is yet no necessity to release the video recording and photographs. But by contending that asking the government for evidence was akin to toeing Pakistans line, and thereby an act of grave anti-nationalism, the Centre has needlessly boxed itself into a situation where brazenness is its sole defence. Accusing its adversaries of being anti-national has become a ruling party ploy since the events at Jawaharlal Nehru University unfolded in February. Whenever anyone asked an awkward question or pointed to an obvious inaccuracy, a flaw in an argument or a gaffe, the establishment has hit back by questioning the individuals loyalty to the nation. Ever since the Uri strikes and more so after the Indian response on September 29, the definition of nationalism has become narrower than ever. Any person, group or party who questions government action or policy is seen with suspicion.

Because the heart of the matter involves Indias security, sceptics are being, without second thought, branded as terrorist supporters, following which individuals, groups or organisations are declared anti-India and pro-Pakistan. Each of these accusations is breathlessly hurled, giving no chance to people to argue that scrutinising government action is not an unpatriotic act. If that was the case, no institution can be more treasonous than the Comptroller and Auditor-General. After all, does it not examine all government accounts, including several expenses that are made to safeguard the nation-state? By hyperventilating at people seeking more information on the strikes, the government has scored a self-goal. Lets go back to September 29, when the government announced its success at hitting back at terror groups in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and their Pakistani handlers. Its celebratory tone was not backed by exhaustive details of attacks on the three launchpads. If the government had concluded that making the visual recordings of the operation public would compromise military strategy that may be deployed in future, the information that such evidence was available either should not have been made public or the government should have declared that for reasons stated, the video and photos would not be put in the public domain.

The Congress has provided three dates over a span of several years when similar attacks were launched on PoK installations. The government of the day, however, had decided not to publicly announce these strikes as it wanted to keep a veil of secrecy on covert operations. As it did not consider it appropriate to disclose the details, the Manmohan Singh government made no dramatic claim like the Narendra Modi government. If this government desires to convert the covert strikes into a feat and seeks to be feted for it, its leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, must be ready to pay a price. In todays world, this price must necessarily be in the form of information. Quite clearly, the way in which non-disclosure of evidence is boomeranging on the government shows the Centre and the Army can do with better public relations management.

The government has given no reasoned arguments to back its decision of not providing proof of the strikes. But even if one factors in credible Indian media reports that the strikes actually took place as claimed by the government, there is the disconcerting possibility that the scale of success may not have been what is claimed. True, the government has not given any figures, but it also hasnt denied the speculative reports in which the precise figure of 38 or upwards was given for fatalities in the attacks. The government is in a further spot as media reports have claimed that the Indian Army has no objection to release of the video footage and photos of the surgical strikes, but the final decision rests with the PMO. The governments decision raises the suspicion that its claims were grossly exaggerated. Alternatively, the visual proof is so clinching and the damage to terrorist facilities more pronounced than believed that the ruling party would like to cash in on this at a more opportune moment, possibly closer to the Assembly elections looming in some states. The Modi government has allowed the desperation that it was losing public support to play on its nerves. Consequently, it decided to play to the bhakts gallery without realising that it could eventually get trapped in a game of its own making.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been quick to realise the gravity of the situation and urged his colleagues on Wednesday to avoid chest-thumping on the issue of the Indian Armys cross-LoC strike, but has he been quick enough? Across poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, BJP posters and hoardings have gone up heavily politicising the Army action of September 28-29. These arent just in praise of the Army but also PM Modi. From the start, the use of the expression surgical strike, rather than something more realistic in keeping with the scale of action, was evidently intended to yield a political dividend for the ruling party. In some measure this is unavoidable. But ministers with high-profile portfolios then dipped into Hindu mythology to make fun of Pakistan when the latter denied that a cross-LoC punitive Indian incursion had occurred.

This was the complete opposite of the sober public statement by the director-general of military operations after the surgical strike. The statement made clear it was an anti-terrorist action and nothing more, and hinted at this countrys readiness to resume normal ties. Its plain that the PM has no wish to escalate tensions, a direction in which Pakistan may want things to go in an effort to show its commitment to its Kashmir cause, a misleading description to hide its territory-grabbing efforts. Its posture of denying the post-Uri event seems designed to instigate a disclosure of documentary proof of the cross-LoC gambit. Our ministers and some leaders in the BJP played into Islamabads hands with their hyper-nationalistic observations.

It is this tendency that Mr Modi appears to want to curb, as it became evident in his remarks at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). A full disclosure of the cross-LoC action by our special forces is not advisable as this will reveal important tactical information to our adversaries. This has indeed been the advice of the military and the intelligence agencies to the CCS. But in the light of the sceptical coverage by the global media, from which Pakistans propaganda gains, our military could release tightly-edited images of the terrorist launch pads after their destruction by Indian commandos. But no matter what, Islamabad seems to be stepping on the gas. The CCS was informed by top security officials that some 100 terrorists were close to the infiltration point on Pakistans side of the LoC, and that around 200 had already entered Kashmir. Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif has openly voiced his desire to punish India. The escalation is clearly not in our control post-Uri, and we need to be ready for any eventuality.
Block obsolescence. Yes, every conscientious Indian needs to know it. Today, I say with all humility and conviction, based on credible open source information, that owing to the block obsolescence of its frontline fighters, the Indian Air Force is facing a situation, despite the recent signing of the contract for 36 readymade French Rafale multi-role combat aircraft. Why? Because 36 aircraft means only two squadrons, and these cant be operational before 2019! Its yet another case of too little, too late. Despite the deployment of these 36 advanced fighters three years from now, block obsolescence is unlikely to evaporate as a number of other obsolete aircraft, still in use with IAF squadrons, will definitely be retiring by then. One also has to take into account the normal wear and tear of flying machines and the inherently hazardous nature of the profession.

In short, therefore, the best of the IAFs operational plans to prepare for a war on two fronts is likely to emerge as a theory; and in its worst form, perhaps as a bad dream. For this, as a conscientious citizen of India, I would like to hold successive rulers of our country culpable, for over the past two decades, for their inability to lead, give direction, take decisions, and look beyond horizon on what it takes a nation of 1.25 billion to be counted amongst the comity of nations. One look at the inventory of the IAFs contemporary assets, gleaned from open source information, makes things clear. First, not a single fighter is made in India. Some, true, may be produced in India via technology transfer in various units of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, but theres simply no indigenous product yet. The only India-produced light combat aircraft, Tejas, is still going through trials and tests.

Second, lets do a reality check. Start with fighters; the first of over 750 MiG-21 Fishbed was first delivered 1973; at least 60 are still flying. Just imagine! 43 years on, it is still airborne? Thanks to the IAFs professionalism. Again, 37 years ago, Anglo-French (deep penetration) Jaguar IS ground attack/strike aircraft were delivered. Over 110 are still in service. The first of 40-plus French Mirage-2000 interceptor and air defence planes came to India in 1985. After 31 years, they are still the backbone of the IAFs offensive operations. Similarly, the first of over 150 Soviet-made MiG-27 ML (Flogger-J) fighters, despite mishaps, are still operating for ground attack and strike operations, ever since 1985. Over 80 Soviet-origin MiG-29 (Fulcrum-A) are still going strong, serving India since their first induction 30 years ago, in 1986.

The Indian Navy too got its first long-distance maritime attack capability 30 years ago, in 1986, with the introduction of Anglo-French Jaguar IM. This apart, various types of MiG-21 Bison and MiG-29 aircraft have also been upgraded from time to time. Amid such a variety of vintage aircraft, the only modern multi-role IAF fighter continues to be the Sukhoi-30 MKI, first delivered in 2002. This is virtually the sole offensive capable aerial platform with superior avionics, weapons system, communications, payload, range, speed and endurance. These are deployed all across the country. It must be remembered that the IAF is only an operator/user of the imported flying machines, and cant be expected to produce or manufacture aircraft on its own. This is the duty of the Government of India, and if the IAF doesnt have a single indigenously-produced combat aircraft yet, the responsibility falls fairly and squarely on the nations leadership, and on the civilian bureaucracy dealing with national defence, security and industrial activity.

The sole point of pride of Indias indigenous aviation enterprise could be HALs Avro 748-M, first inducted into the IAF way back in 1964. Around 52 years later, this rock-solid Indian transporter still flies through the air turbulence of varying intensity and unpredictable velocity at remote airports across India. In comparison to the IAF, one is well aware of the strength and fleet age of the Pakistan Air Force. However, the Chinese Air Force is less familiar to military watchers in India. Since a two-front situation could be more than a probability in the near future, it is more than necessary to delve into Chinas air capability to understand its psyche. The Chinese too, of course, have an obsolete fleet in their inventory. Beijings 80-strong H-6 bomber fleet is 48 years old. The 250-plus Q-5 ground attack/strike fighters have been in use for 46 years, since 1970. Two squadrons of J-8B interceptor/air defence fighters are being operated for 28 years, since 1988. But unlike India, all these vintage aircraft are Made in China, and the rise of its Air Force fighters in the 21st century has been impressive, mainly owing to its continuous indigenisation enterprise.

In fact, the post-Tiananmen Western sanctions since 1989 appear to have been a blessing in disguise for China. Beijing was forced to transform from being an aircraft importer to an aircraft exporter. The transformation led to the Chinese induction of J-10A Meng Long multi-role fighters in 2001; J-7G and J-8F fighters in 2003; JH-7A ground attack/strike fighters in 2004 and J-10B multi-role fighters in 2009. More, however, are in the pipeline and newer models too are likely to be inducted. The Chinese example has been cited only to make a point on how successive rulers in India appear to have either ignored, or been ignorant of, the need to modernise and indigenise the assets of the Indian Air Force.

One simply cannot fathom why all the efforts and enterprise have failed to deliver a proper fighter aircraft power plant of 25,000-30,000-pound static thrust? It is well known worldwide that no single-engine modern fighter is likely to be a success in combat situations without a minimum 25,000-pound static thrust. That is the bottomline. A sustainable performance, and a fair-fight capability, needs at least a 30,000-pound static thrust engine. India will thus have to give top priority to the building of aircraft body (fuselage) and engines in its indigenisation programme to enhance the Air Forces capabilities. Much time, money, energy and labour have already been wasted chasing and preferring imported material from the West, that in turn has stunted and blunted the potential growth of Indias military air technique and technology. Its time to wake up and prepare to take on the Chinese by emulating their techniques. The Indian State must ensure the end of block obsolescence of its Air Force inventory and assets.
Jupiter: Hurricane Matthew, the fiercest Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, slammed into the Bahamas on Thursday and intensified as it barrelled toward the southeastern United States after killing at least 102 people, including 98 in struggling Haiti, on its northward march.

Haitis civil protection service put the toll in the impoverished Caribbean nation at 23 dead with many of them killed by falling trees, flying debris and swollen rivers. The Interior Ministry, a mayor and other local officials confirmed 42 other deaths to Reuters across Haiti.

That included 24 people killed in the coastal town of Roche-a-Bateau. Four people were killed earlier in the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.

Matthew, which displaced thousands of people in Haiti, smashing homes and inundating neighbourhoods, was predicted to strengthen from a Category 3 to 4 storms en route to Florida's Atlantic coast, making landfall there on Thursday night, the US National Hurricane Center said.

The centre extended its hurricane warning area farther north into Georgia and more than 12 million US residents were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel.

Roads in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as the storm approached, carrying with it strong storm surges, heavy rain and sustained winds that accelerated overnight to about 125 miles per hour (205 kph).

The damage could be "catastrophic" if Matthew slammed directly into Florida, Governor Rick Scott warned, urging some 1.5 million people in the state to heed evacuation orders.

If you're reluctant to evacuate, just think about all the people who have been killed, Scott said at a news conference on Thursday. Time is running out. This is clearly either going to have a direct hit or come right along the coast and we're going to have hurricane-force winds."

A storm surge of up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) was expected.

"Do not surf," Scott said. "Do not go on the beach. This will kill you."

The four US states in the path of the hurricane, which was 215 miles (346 km) southeast of West Palm Beach at about 8 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT), declared states of emergency, a move empowering their governors to mobilize the National Guard.

It was too soon to predict where in the United States Matthew was likely to do the most damage, the Hurricane Center said.

Shelters in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina were opened for evacuees. Federal emergency response teams were coordinating with officials in all four states and stockpiling supplies, President Barack Obama said.

Schools and airports across the region were closed on Thursday and some hospitals were evacuated, according to local media. Hundreds of flights were cancelled in and out of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida, industry website Flightaware.com said early on Thursday.

Matthew was heading northwest at about 12 mph (19 kph) and was expected to continue on this track on Thursday, turning north-northwest on Thursday night, the National Hurricane Centre said. The eye, or centre, of the storm was expected to pass near Andros Island and New Providence in the northwestern Bahamas on Thursday.

In Nassau, the Bahamas capital located on New Providence, it was raining steadily on Thursday morning and high winds were bucking palm trees. Minor damage to roofs was reported but there was no flooding yet or reports of injuries.

Devastation in Haiti

On Tuesday and Wednesday Matthew, the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck Central America in 2007, had whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mph (225 kph) winds and torrential rain, pummelling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes.

The devastation in Haiti, where officials said on Thursday at least 35 people were killed, prompted authorities to postpone a presidential election.

In Florida, fuel stations posted "out of gas" signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up.

Some residents prepared to wait out the storm and stocked up on water, milk and canned goods, emptying grocery store shelves, local media said.

Residents and business owners boarded up windows with plywood and hurricane shutters and placed sandbags to protect property against flooding.

"All boarded up and ready to bunker down. God be with us," West Palm Beach resident Brad Gray said in a Tweet.

Scott said he activated 1,000 more members of the state National Guard on Thursday morning, bringing the total number of those summoned to 2,500. Another 4,000 stood ready to respond if needed, he said.
About 30 percent of the recruits told the extremist group what positions in the force they wanted. (Representational Image)

Washington: Recruits into the Islamic State group are better educated than their average countryman, contrary to popular belief, according to a new World Bank study.

Moreover, those offering to become suicide bombers ranked on average in the more educated group, said the newly released study titled "Economic and Social Inclusion to Prevent Violent Extremism".

The study, which aimed to identify socioeconomic traits that might explain why some are drawn to the Syria-based extremist group, made clear that poverty and deprivation were not at the root of support for the group.

Almost without exception, fighters joining IS's Syria and Iraq-based forces had several more years of education in their home countries -- whether in Europe, Africa or elsewhere in the Middle East -- than the average citizen.

The data shows clearly, the report said, that "poverty is not a driver of radicalization into violent extremism."

Out of 331 recruits described in a leaked Islamic State database, only 17 percent did not finish high school, while a quarter had university-level educations.

Only those from Eastern Europe were below the average, and only marginally so, according to the study.

"Foreign recruits from the Middle East, North Africa and South and East Asia are significantly more educated than what is typical in their region," the Bank report said.

About 30 percent of the recruits told the extremist group what positions in the force they wanted. Around one in nine volunteered for suicide operations, and their educational levels were on par with those who sought to be administrators, the report said.

"The proportions of administrators but also of suicide fighters increase with education," it said.

Most of the 331 recruits also reported having a job before traveling to join the Islamic State group, also known as Daesh, according to the study.

However, it noted that a significant number of those choosing "suicide fighter" as their preferred option when enlisting said that they had not been employed back in their home country, or that they were in the military before joining the group.

"An important finding is that these individuals are far from being uneducated or illiterate. Most claim to have attended secondary school and a large fraction has gone on to study at university," the report said.

"We find that Daesh did not recruit its foreign workforce among the poor and less educated, but rather the opposite. Instead, the lack of economic inclusion seems to explain the extent of radicalization into violent extremism."
Houston: A group of Muslim-Americans have put up a blunt billboard in Missouri, the United States, denouncing ISIS, saying that people should stop conflating the terrorist group with Islam.

A new billboard on Manchester Road in Missouri reads, "HEY ISIS, YOU SUCK!!! From: #ActualMuslims."

"We as a community are trying to get the word out, you know, that we are as much affected by this ISIS issue," said

Tariq Malik, a Chesterfield resident who helped organise the effort behind billboard. "We need to let people know that we are much against ISIS as anyone else, if not more," the local media stltoday.com reported.

Billboards like this one are popping up across the country. The campaign started in Chicago with a non-profit called Sound Vision Foundation and has spread to cities like Miami and Phoenix.

Malik said Muslims are trying to stop people from conflating the terrorist group with Islam. The billboard quotes the Quran, Islam's holy book, where it says, "Life is sacred." Malik said he and his peers also want to halt a perception that Muslims aren't speaking up enough against ISIS.

"These acts are being done in the name of religion, which really has nothing to do with the religion," Malik said, speaking of terrorism. "It just has to do with radical people taking on their own agenda and hijacking the name of Islam."

This St. Louis billboard was the work of community members like Malik and the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, he said.
United Nations: The "sell-by date" of Pakistan's "anachronistic approach" is long over and the country should "abandon" its "futile quest" for Kashmir, India has said in a strong rebuttal to Islamabad's allegations that New Delhi is escalating the current situation.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin strongly rejected remarks by Pakistan's envoy Maleeha Lodhi, who said during a General Assembly debate on 'Report of the Secretary General on the Work of the Organisation' that India has created conditions that pose a threat to peace and security in the region by its recent "declarations and actions."

Akbaruddin responded sharply by saying that Pakistan's claims in the UN are finding no resonance and it should abandon its quest for Kashmir, which is an integral part of India.

"Our response to Pakistan is consistent. Abandon your futile quest. The state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so," Akbaruddin said asserting that no amount of "misuse" of international platforms by Pakistan will change that reality.

"The sell-by date of Pakistan's anachronistic approach is long over," he said yesterday.

Akbaruddin said claims by Pakistan, a global epicenter of terrorism, on Kashmir find no resonance amongst the international community, with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif raising the Kashmir issue in his General Assembly address also finding no support.

"We have heard one such lone voice again a short while ago, making claims to an integral part of my country. This comes from a country which has established itself as the global epicenter of terrorism. Such claims find no resonance amongst the international community," he said.

The Indian envoy emphasised that during the recently concluded high-level UN General Debate, there was "a singular lack of support" for Sharif's "baseless claims". "Need one say more," he said.

In a reference to the surgical strikes conducted by India, Lodhi said "in the past few weeks India has engaged in unprovoked shelling across wide territory along the Line of Control. This continues to this day and even as I speak."

Lodhi dwelled at length on Kashmir in her remarks to the General Assembly, saying Pakistan is ready to engage with India in dialogue but it is New Delhi which will have to take the first step as India had "escalated" the current situation.

"Pakistan wants peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes, especially Kashmir, the settlement of which is more urgent today than ever. But it is for India to take the first step because it is India which has escalated the current situation," she said.

Lodhi said India "does not even allow" the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan to 'fully function' according to its mandate and to report to the Security Council.

She said India's "continuing denial" of the right of self-determination to the people of Jammu and Kashmir has sparked "another indigenous and popular uprising" in Kashmir and also led to tensions in the region.

"The UN is obliged play a role in bringing an end to human rights abuses and facilitate a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, through a free and fair plebiscite under its auspices," Lodhi said.

She also reiterated Pakistan's demand for an independent inquiry into the alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir and welcomed the call by the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights for "unfettered and unconditional access to enable impartial monitoring of the human rights situation there."

She also blamed India for continuing to reject the offer of good offices of the Secretary General to resolve "longstanding disputes in our region".

Akbaruddin said the international community must address the growing terrorism, which is the most dangerous of scourges faced by nations, yet it looks away. "We look away as some amongst us stall our collective efforts, as they use terrorists as proxies in their territorial quests," he said in a reference to Pakistan.

Akbaruddin also strongly criticised the world body's inaction to come up with concrete policies and measures to deal with the growing scourge of terrorism.

He said the world's public consciousness is being ravaged daily by incessant acts of terrorism targeting innocent people, civilizational heritage as well as the socio- economic infrastructure of societies, especially in vulnerable developing countries. "Yet, on the issue of terrorism the UN is yet to come up with a coherent policy let alone take the lead on one of the biggest threats to global peace and security," he said.

The Indian envoy noted that as many as 31 entities within the United Nations deal with some aspect of countering terrorism, saying this is a classic example of ?too many cooks spoil the broth.

"This is clearly the case as coherence and coordination is missing. It is near impossible to argue the case of relevance of the UN on the issue of terrorism where even adoption of an international norm to 'prosecute or extradite' terrorists evades us despite 20 years of talk," he said, referring to the long-pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

On peacekeeping, Akbaruddin said the "leitmotif" of the UN is under great stress. "A plethora of tasks and Christmas tree mandates without adequate funding; departure from well-established principles of impartiality; avoidance of the primacy of politics and focus instead on 'band aid' solutions through peace keeping; and an unwillingness to walk away from quagmires into the sunset; are all part of the burgeoning philosophical dilemma facing peace keeping," he said.

He also voiced concern over the "appalling" cases of sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers. "Peacekeepers turning into predators is our worst nightmare come true," he said.

Pakistan exercised the Right of Reply to India's statement and said the issue of Kashmir could not be wished away by "fanciful rhetoric and claims".

The Pakistani representative said Kashmir is not an integral part of India and is on the agenda of Security Council.

The "core issue" of Kashmir cannot be "cast aside by empty rhetoric" and has to be resolved in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions. "There is a need to start a dialogue with Pakistan and the true representatives of Jammu and Kashmir and resolve the issue according to the will of the Kashmiri people," she said.
For Guterres to be formally recommended to the 193-member General Assembly for election, the Security Council still needs to adopt a resolution behind closed doors. (Photo: AFP)

United Nations: Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres is poised to become the next United Nations Secretary-General after none of the five UN Security Council veto powers voted against him in a sixth secret ballot on Thursday, diplomats said.

The 15-member Security Council cast secret ballots for each of the 10 candidates with the choices of encourage, discourage or no opinion. Guterres received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes.

"Today after our sixth straw poll we have a clear favorite and his name is Antonio Guterres," Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters with his 14 council colleagues standing behind him.

"We have decided to go to a formal vote tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, and we hope it can be done by acclamation," said Churkin, who is council president for October.

For Guterres to be formally recommended to the 193-member General Assembly for election, the Security Council still needs to adopt a resolution behind closed doors. The resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes to pass.
Washington: America is "no longer a world power" and Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's envoys have said in Washington.

"(The) US is no longer a world power. It is a declining power. Forget about it," Special Kashmir Envoy of Sharif, Mushahid Hussain Syed was heard as saying yesterday after the conclusion of an interaction at the Atlantic Council, one of the top American think-tanks.

Syed and Shazra Mansab, another Kashmir Envoy, are in the US as part of the Pakistani effort to apprise the global community of the current situation in Kashmir and allegations of human rights violations in the Valley.

Syed has gone to the extent to warn US that Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered.

He was apparently responding to a question from a member in the audience after the conclusion of the 90-minute interaction during which he expressed his frustration over the lack of response to his point of view on Kashmir and India.

The remarks of Syed were not recorded on camera, but were heard prominently by those inside the room.

Thereafter, he was quick to point out China and newly perceived relationship with Russia, which he had mentioned during his interaction at the Atlantic Council.

Syed submitted a dossier of alleged human rights violation in Kashmir to Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Olson.

With no takers for Pakistan's Kashmir policy, Syed said China is now an important factor in South Asia and described Beijing as part of what he termed as Greater South Asia.

"There has been slow and steady building of relationship between Moscow and Islamabad," he said, referring to the joint military exercise between Pakistan and Russia.

Syed said the Putin government has for the first time agreed to sell arms to Pakistan and the US should take note of this changing regional alignment.

"Unfortunately under the Obama administration, there was a drift in American foreign policy towards our region, towards Afghanistan. There was confusion and there was a lot of flip-flops. I think, the Obama administration could not figure out this region Afghanistan and Pakistan and as a consequence this region suffered.

"With policies one step back and one step (forward), announcing surge, announcing a cut off time for exit. Asking sometime Pakistan that please we want to talk to the Taliban and then saying that we want to take on the Taliban and finally they said there would be no American troops and then they end up having 8,500 troops stationed in Afghanistan. It leaves this to the next administration," he said.

Syed said Pakistan feels that the US should look at the region as a whole.

"Whether it is Pakistan, India, China, Afghanistan and there is plus also, the Iran nuclear deal... because all these countries can contribute to the stability and security of the region.

"And what Pakistan would like to have from the US, I am talking about the incoming administration, because Mr Obama is a guest for the next few months as January 20, 2017 there will be a new administration, that they have to see the region, where they have a more comprehensive perspective, and do not try to compartmentalised peace and security, because that is not possible," he said.

"When you talk of peace in Kabul, you have to ensure that Kashmir is not burning. The US has a long-term interest in Kashmir. They are a party to the UN resolutions. The US has played a very legitimate role in supporting oppressed people, oppressed Muslims (in) Bosnia, Kosovo and even the Kurds.

"So Kashmiris today should not suffer, just because Kashmir has no oil or Kashmir is not part of Europe or Kashmiris belong to a certain religious denomination, because we cannot have double standards on those issues," Syed said.

He said Pakistan has a long standing relationship with the US and "we would like that (to continue). But of course, we have options also. With the greater Russian involvement in the region, they are also interested coming into CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor). Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest in joining CPEC".

He also called for dialogue between India and Pakistan. "Issues cannot be brushed under the carpet. People thought Kashmir issue is suppressed and buried. It has come back with a bang. It is more significant as (former) president (Bill)

Clinton called as a potential nuclear flash point. The two nuclear neighbors should learn to talk to each other.

"We feel that the way forward is that the region calls for statesmanship and what I call a Nixonian transformation of Mr (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi. If he can have that outreach and develop that statesmanship which Richard Nixon demonstrated in 1971 courtesy Pakistan. I think, the options are there, opportunities are there. The ball is in Modi's court, can he rise to the occasion as a leader of 1.2 billion people to build a better and peaceful tomorrow," Syed said.

Alleging that US has done a U-turn of its policies on India, which started from the civic nuclear deal, he said the US is loosing sight of the other interests in the region.

"The most important interest of the US is stability of Afghanistan and counter terrorism. And for that they like it not they need Pakistan's cooperation, which they have been getting and we have been providing and we are also suffering in the process. We see the shift (of US policy from Pakistan to India). And that shift would be detrimental to America's own security and interest in South Asia," Syed added.
Khairuldeen Makhzoomi was yanked from flight after mentioning terrorist group during a conversation. (Photo: Twitter)

Santa Clara, California: A rights organization has filed a complaint with federal authorities against Southwest Airlines for what the group says was racial and religious profiling of a Muslim passenger.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations filed a complaint with the Department of Transportation Wednesday on behalf of Khairuldeen Makhzoomi.

Makhzoomi, a student at the University of California, Berkeley, was yanked in April from a Southwest Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Oakland after mentioning a terrorist group's name during a telephone conversation in Arabic.

He has said he made a passing reference to ISIS while telling his uncle about a speech he had attended by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Southwest Airlines says another Arabic-speaking passenger heard Makhzoomi mention the terrorist organisation during his conversation and reported him to the crew.

The organisation says it is calling federal authorities to hold Southwest Airlines accountable for its actions against Makhzoomi.
French police officials have blamed Kardashian for flaunting her jewellery on social media as it attracts thieves.

New York: Planning a robbery and executing it might have been an easy task for thieves who stole Kim Kardashian's jewellery worth millions, but they would find it difficult to find a buyer for it as the jewellery is too famous.

On Monday, Kardashian, America's highest paid TV star, was dragged out of the bedroom, tied up with zip ties and was thrown on the floor by five masked men, before she was robbed of her jewellery worth USD 10 million.

The robbers zip-tied Kardashian's hands with plastic handcuffs, duct-taped her mouth and ankles and dumped her in the bathtub.

They made off with a ring worth around four million euros ($4.5 million) and a case of jewellery with a value of five million euros ($5.6 million), a police source said. Two mobile phones were also taken.

Kardashian has always flaunted her ring and other jewellery on social media. "Everyone knows that ring. It won't be easy to get rid of it," said a police source.

Recently, she had posted a photograph of herself on Instagram wearing a ring, believed to be gifted by her husband Kanye West.

"These are not everyday jewels. These are unique pieces," said Sandrine Marcot, acting president of the French union of jewellers and watchmakers.

On the other hand, French police officials have blamed Kardashian for flaunting her jewellery on social media as it attracts thieves.

The chief spokesperson for Paris police department, Johanna Primevert, also said that Kardashian's celebrity status made her an easy target. "It was really the celebrity who was targeted, with possessions that had been seen and noticed via social media, and it was these goods that the attackers targeted," Primevert was quoted as saying.

The reality TV star's spokeswoman said, "two armed masked men dressed as police officers" burst into her room.

Another member of the gang restrained the building's security guard during the robbery, police said, adding that the guard was unhurt. The assailants may have fled on bicycles, investigators say.

The star's bodyguard, Pascal Duvier, was absent at the time, providing security for Kardashian's sister Kourtney at a Paris nightclub, an investigation source said.

It is not known whether Kardashian's two young children were with their mother at the time of the robbery.

Soon after the incident, Kardashian left France on a private jet after being questioned by police about the robbery. She had been in the French capital attending Paris Fashion Week, including catwalk shows by Balenciaga and Givenchy.
A 10-year-old special needs boy was set on fire allegedly by bullies on Sunday in Kerrville, Texas. (Photo: Pixabay/Representational)

Kerrville: A 10-year-old specially-abled boy was set on fire allegedly by bullies on Sunday in Kerrville, Texas. The United States' police on Wednesday took a child into custody for setting the minor on fire.

According to a report in WOAI NBC News, Kayden Culp was playing with two other children in a park off Wallace Street in Kerrville on Sunday afternoon when one of them poured gasoline on him, while another set him alight.

The boy has suffered 20 percent burn injuries from ears to belly and has been kept on induced coma at University Hospital. His organs are also failing, according to the victims family.

The Kerrville Fire Marshal said in a statement that the juvenile taken into custody is "responsible for causing the victims severe burns."

Meanwhile, Culps aunt Kelly Mack alleged that the incident was premeditated.

The other kids are saying that he was going to be riding his bike like he always is, my nephew Kayden is going to be riding his bike, and they said were going to grab him and take him inside and burn him, Mack said. If it wasnt premeditated, it still is attempted murder, she added.

According to a report in Houston Chronicle, Culps mother, Tristyn Hatchett, also said, The other boys who were there having been telling kids at school that it was not an accident, that it was intentional.

She said Culp was not doing well as he is being fed through tube and is suffering from a lung infection.

My son is a special guy. He was rowdy and he liked to have fun. He considered these guys his friends, but they would make fun of him and pick on him and tease him. He was usually the brunt of that kind of joke, but he kept playing with them, she said on Wednesday.
White House railed at the construction of 300 housing units on land "far closer to Jordan than Israel." (Photo: AP)

Washington: The White House accused Israel of a betrayal of trust Wednesday, in an unusually sharp rebuke over its plans to build hundreds of new settlement homes deep in the West Bank.

Days after Obama approved a $38 billion Israeli military aid package and attended former president Shimon Peres's funeral in Jerusalem, the White House railed at the construction of 300 housing units on land "far closer to Jordan than Israel."

Warning that the decision jeopardizes the already distant prospect of Middle East peace as well as Israel's own security, press secretary Josh Earnest said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's word had been called into question.

"We did receive public assurances from the Israeli government that contradict this announcement," he said.

"I guess when we're talking about how good friends treat one another, that's a source of serious concern as well."

The sharper-than-normal comments come as the White House weighs a last-ditch effort to get the peace process back on its feet before Obama leaves office in January.

While serious talks seem unlikely, US officials are weighing the possibility of a major speech outlining the parameters for peace.

Peace efforts have been comatose since a US-led initiative collapsed in April 2014.

A sharper tone over settlements now could help put Israel on notice that future ties are at risk and give Washington more credibility with Palestinians and their Arab allies.

'Perpetual occupation'

In a similarly strong-worded statement, the State Department said building the units "is another step toward cementing a one-state reality of perpetual occupation."

The plan not only undermines hopes for peace with the Palestinians but "is fundamentally inconsistent with Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state," spokesman Mark Toner argued.

Washington has long opposed Israel's policy of building Jewish settlements on land in the West Bank that would be claimed by the Palestinians in any negotiated "two state" peace deal.

US officials have adopted a more forceful tone with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in recent weeks, accusing it of recklessly accelerating the program despite international concern.

The Middle East Quartet -- a contact group comprising the United States, Russia, European Union and United Nations -- issued a report in July calling on Israel to halt settlement building.

But the practice has only accelerated since then, Washington says, with new housing blocks being approved, local administrative boundaries moved and illegal settlements retroactively approved.

Washington has condemned a recent deadly wave of Palestinian attacks on Israeli civilians and police, urging Palestinian leaders to refrain from incitement or provocative language.

Obama and Netanyahu have had an extremely difficult relationship during the last eight years.

The White House was apoplectic when the Israeli leader agreed to address the Republican-controlled Congress to lobby against Obama's signature nuclear deal with Iran.

There were fresh tensions when Netanyahu -- seeking reelection at the time -- said that Palestinians would never get their own state on his watch.

Some considered that pandering to right-wing voters, others said it was Netanyahu showing his true colors.

At last week's funeral for former president Shimon Peres, Obama pointedly spoke about the "unfinished business of peace."

"He believed that the Zionist idea would be best protected when Palestinians, too, had a state of their own," he said of the late elder statesman.

"Of course, we gather here in the knowledge that Shimon never saw his dream of peace fulfilled."
New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University is honoring its first black student by naming a classroom for him.

The New Haven Register reports that the school will hold a ceremony tomorrow to name a divinity school classroom after James W.C. Pennington and hang his portrait in the room.

Divinity school graduate Lecia Allman led the effort to honor Pennington, who escaped slavery in Maryland in 1837. Allman says it was illegal in Connecticut then to educate African-Americans from other states, but Pennington was allowed to attend classes.

He just wasn't allowed to speak, use the library or earn a degree.

Pennington later became an abolitionist and formed an organization to provide former Amistad captives an education.

Divinity School Dean Gregory Sterling says honouring Pennington "recovers part of our past that has been neglected."
Washington: US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has shrugged off allegations that he would be too close to Vladimir Putin if elected, saying he was unsure of his relationship with the Russian President.

I dont love. I dont hate. Well see how it works, 70-year-old Trump said at an election rally in Reno, Nevada, a day after Senator Tim Kaine, Democratic vice presidential candidate slammed him for praising Putin.

Well see. Maybe well have a good relationship. Maybe well have a horrible relationship. Maybe we'll have a relationship right in the middle. I can say this. If we got along with Russia and Russia went out with us and knocked the hell out of ISIS, thats OK with me, folks. Thats OK with me, Trump, who had described Putin as a better leader than US President Barack Obama, said.

Trump alleged that the allies of the US are not paying their fair share. Foreign countries like Russia and China do not respect us. Do you ever see Hillary Clinton when she wants to talk tough about Putin? They say, Donald Trump loves Putin, he said, adding that he has no strong feeling about the Russian leader. The Republican nominee alleged that countries like China, Japan are printing huge sums of money.

The devaluation of currencies is staggering as to what it represents to our country, our businesses, our citizens, and our jobs. Every time we start making progress, China devalues its currency and we go right back to the drawing board. Because you cant compete against that. Its cheating, he alleged.
Imran Khan, stabbed his wife Nasreen, 38, to death with a kitchen knife eight times during a furious row on April 18 at their home in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. (Representational image)

London: A 38-year-old Pakistani-origin Muslim man in the UK has been sentenced to life imprisonment for brutally stabbing his care assistant wife to death because she "looked after men" and refused to quit.

Imran Khan, stabbed his wife Nasreen, 38, to death with a kitchen knife eight times during a furious row on April 18 at their home in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport.

He admitted to murder at Manchester Crown Court yesterday where he was sentenced to life imprisonment and with a minimum requirement to serve 20 years, the Daily Express reported.

Amid investigation, police also found a text message sent to Nasreen reading, "If you go to men's houses and lie to me I get angry. If you play games I get angry." he said.

In the time leading up to the murder, the court was told that he had warned his wife.

The judge rejected the notion that the murder was a result of a culture clash as he said both Khan's parents and sister were supportive of his wife's choice of job.

"Nasreen worked hard to support her family and was good at that job but by contrast you are a selfish and controlling man, did little to support your family and your wife, instead you sought to determine how she should live her life, expressing your disapproval of her choice of work," the judge said.

"You did not want Nasreen to have contact with other men, even though they were her clients, and her duties involved no more than administering medication and warming their food," he added.

The judge also spoke about Khan's jealousy of his wife's independence and the resentment he felt towards her. Nasreen had taken up a job in December 2015 where she looked after vulnerable men and women telling relatives she wanted to "gain experience and independence, and help support her family".

On the day she was killed, Nasreen confided in her boss about her husband's behaviour saying, "I can't take it anymore, I don't know what to do."

Khan claimed in court that he killed his wife at a time when he was "shocked and devastated" after his wife told him "she never loved him and the marriage was over."

Khan's sentencing was told that he met her in Pakistan in 1998, where her family remains, and that they married in Stockport the year after.
Inked outside the French capital in December by 195 nations, the world's first universal climate treaty vows to cap global warming at well under two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). (Photo: AP)

Paris: The landmark Paris climate deal will enter into force in 30 days, after being ratified by 72 countries accounting for more than 56 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the UN's climate body said Wednesday.

"On October 5, 2016, the threshold for entry into force of the Paris Agreement has been achieved," the UNFCCC announced on its website.

Inked outside the French capital in December by 195 nations, the world's first universal climate treaty vows to cap global warming at well under two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

At least 55 countries accounting for 55 percent of heat-trapping emissions needed to ratify the pact before it could go into force.

The European Union, which signed as a single party, and some EU member states have now pushed it over that threshold.

"The EU and European countries that have already ratified the agreement at a national level have now also submitted ratification documents to the UN," French environment minister Segolene Royal said.

The move was widely hailed.

"This is a welcome development after years of frustratingly slow progress," said Andrew Steer, president of the World Resources Institute, a Washington-based thinktank.

"With the agreement in full force, countries can shift their focus from commitment to action."
Steven Woolfe was hospitalised after altercation with colleagues at the parliament in Strasbourg, France.

London: A European Parliament member from Britain's right-wing UK Independence Party  the front-runner to be its next leader  was in serious condition in a hospital after an "altercation" Thursday with colleagues.

Party leader Nigel Farage said, "Following an altercation that took place at a meeting of UKIP MEPs" at the parliament in Strasbourg, France, "Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious."

The party said it was awaiting an update on Woolfe's condition. According to media reports, Woolfe was punched at the Thursday morning meeting, hit his head and collapsed some time later.

An image published by ITV News showed a man resembling Woolfe apparently unconscious on a walkway inside the Strasbourg building, just outside the parliament chamber.

European Parliament spokeswoman Marjory Van Den Broeke confirmed that emergency services were called after Woolfe had a medical incident in front of the parliament chamber at 12:40 pm on Thursday.

Founded in 1993 with the goal of removing Britain from the European Union, UKIP has moved from the fringes of British politics to a position of serious influence. Over the past few years the party has won over large numbers of Conservative and Labour voters by appealing to concerns about globalisation and large-scale immigration.

UKIP was instrumental in getting Britain to hold a referendum on EU membership, which ended in a June 23 vote for Britain to leave the 28-nation bloc.

The result was an enormous political triumph for UKIP, but since then the always-fractious party has been torn by infighting.

Long-time leader Farage stepped down after the June referendum and was replaced by Diane James. She quit Tuesday after just 18 days, citing personal reasons  leaving Farage as interim leader.

Woolfe had announced his intention to run in an upcoming leadership contest and was bookies' favorite to win.

He was prevented from running to replace Farage in the leadership contest won by James because party officials said he missed the application deadline by 17 minutes.

Woolfe, who turned 49 on Thursday, said recently that he had considered joining the Conservative Party because he was "enthused" by new Prime Minister Theresa May's commitment to social reform. He said he decided to remain with UKIP because working-class people "need to have a voice against the elites."

UKIP has just one seat out of 650 in Britain's House of Commons, but  despite its vociferous opposition to the EU and all it stands for  it holds more than 20 seats in the bloc's parliament of 751 seats.
London: A TV presenter who used to be a man named Jonathan returned to UK screens on Tuesday as a woman named 'India' and Britain's first transgender TV news reporter.

Jonathan Willoughby underwent a 14,000-pound gender reassignment operation to become India Willoughby.

"One of the reasons I decided to stand up and be counted as trans was because of all the mis-information out there.

Historically it has been branded as anything from a perversion to a joke, rather than something that is biological," the 51-year-old told the 'Daily Mirror'.

"There is so much rubbish talked about the subject even now. By telling my story I hope that I can help break down any ill-conceived pre-conceptions," she said.

As Jonathan, she was a familiar face to millions of viewers on the UK's ITV channel.

The father-of-one struggled for years with what she describes as life "trapped in the wrong body".

"I had a secret. I was ignoring what I knew deep down that I didn't belong in that body," she recalled.

She changed her name by deed poll to India Willoughby in 2010 and for years lived as a woman from Monday to Friday after landing a PR job in Newcastle before heading back to Cumbria as a man to see her son.

Now divorced from the mother of her son, she has just landed a job as a reporter with ITV's Tyne Tees, covering the northeast England region.

ITV welcomed her back, saying: "We're pleased to have India working with us as a freelancer on the ITV News Tyne Tees reporting team."
London: Adolf Hitler was a gibbering super-junkie whose veins were all but destroyed by thousands of opiate injections and the Nazi dictators heavy reliance on drugs was behind his increasingly erratic decision-making in later stages of World War II, a new book has claimed.

According to Norman Ohler, an award-winning German author, the Fuhrer became addicted to a heroin-like substance called Eukodel which was prescribed following a nervous breakdown in 1944.

Ohlers book Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany, which British historians have praised as a remarkable work of research, argues that the heroin-like opiate was largely to blame for Hitlers erratic and paranoid behaviour towards the end of his life, The Telegraph reported.

It brings to light extracts from the journal of Dr Theo Morell, Hitlers personal physician, who once complained he could no longer inject the drug as nearly all of his patients veins had collapsed. I cancelled injections today, to give the previous puncture holes a chance to heal, one entry reads. Left inside elbow good, right still has red dots (but not pustules), where injections were given, it says.
Israeli tanks shelled the Gaza Strip after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave hit an open field on Thursday. (Photo: AFP/File)

Jerusalem: Israeli tanks shelled the Gaza Strip after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave hit an open field on Thursday, the second such exchange of fire in two days, officials said.

The rocket slammed into the Eshkol area of Israel bordering the Gaza Strip, which is run by Islamist movement Hamas, the Israeli military said in a statement.

The Israelis retaliated with tank fire targeting farmland east of the Al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, said a Hamas security source.

Israel usually retaliates to rocket fire from the Gaza with strikes, but recent responses have been stronger than in the past.

That has led some analysts to question whether the change is in part the result of a new policy by hardline Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who took office in May.

Following the latest exchange, Israel's military issued a brief statement only saying it "targeted the Hamas terror infrastructure inside the Gaza Strip using tanks".

No casualties were reported on either side, and there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the rocket attack.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces retaliated with air strikes and tank shelling of Hamas posts in Gaza after a rocket crashed onto a road in the Israeli city of Sderot.

That rocket was claimed by the small Salafist movement Ahfad al-Sahaba, followers of an ultra-conservative brand of Sunni Islam who oppose Hamas and sympathise with Islamic State group jihadists.

Israel however holds Hamas responsible for all such rocket fire.

No casualties were reported from the rocket or the Israeli strikes on Wednesday.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008 and there are frequent flare-ups along the border.
On March 31 this year, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, had blocked Indias move to get JeM chief Masood Azhar designated a terrorist by the UN. (Photo: AP)

Beijing: Days after extending its blockade on Indias move to impose a UN ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar, China on Wednesday called for a stronger global response to curb cross-border movement of foreign terrorists.

Speaking at a meeting on counter-terrorism in New York, Wu Haitao, Chinas deputy permanent representative to the UN said frequent cross-border flow of foreign terrorist fighters has caused ever greater harm to international security and stability, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The report defined foreign terrorist fighters as individuals who travel to a state other than their states of residence or nationality for the purpose of participating in terrorist acts.

Read: On Masood Azhar, India says UN Security Council 'unresponsive and ineffective'

The UN and the relevant international agencies should set up counter-terrorism data bases as soon as possible and share intelligence so as to create conditions for effectively curbing the cross-border movement of foreign terrorist fighters, he said.

Wus speech against the cross border movement for foreign fighters followed Beijing extending the technical hold on Indias pending petition to ban Azhar for his involvement in the Pathankot terrorist attack.

Announcing the extension of the technical hold on October 1, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, said, China always maintains that on the listing matter, the 1267 Committee should stick to the principles of objectivity, impartiality and professionalism, base its judgments on solid evidence and decide upon consensus among the members of the Security Council.

China, a veto-wielding member had put a technical hold on the move to impose a ban on Azhar six months ago in the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council (UNSC) comprising of 15 members of the council including the five permanent members.

China was the lone country which put the technical hold at the last minute which drew strong criticism from India.

However Chinas stand against movement for foreign terrorists could raise eyebrows in Pakistan as both Azhar and Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed are Pakistanis.

India has been highlighting the cross-border terror threat emanating from Pakistan and tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad are on the rise since last months Uri attack in Jammu and Kashmir which killed 19 Indian soldiers.

Last month, India and China held their first counter- terrorism dialogue.
Islamabad: Pakistan wants peaceful relations with all its neighbours, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said and accused India of resorting to "double standards" on the Kashmir issue.

Sharif's remarks came as General Peter Pavel, Chairman Military Committee NATO, called on the Prime Minister. According to an official statement, Sharif said on the occasion that India was creating problems and has resorted to double standards on the issue of Kashmir.

He said that "India unfairly blamed Pakistan for Uri attack without investigating the incident," according to the statement.

He said Pakistan would continue to extend moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmir cause. Sharif said that "the atrocities by the Indian forces have resulted into the loss of precious human lives and blinded hundreds through the use of brutal force".

Sharif also reiterated desire for peaceful ties with India.

"We want peaceful relations with all of our neighbours," he said.

According to the statement, Pavel said, "I have listened to your yesterday's speech in the Parliament where you eloquently raised the issue of Kashmir. The Kashmir issue has to be addressed as two nuclear powers are party to it and the world cannot remain indifferent and must be concerned."

The Prime Minister said that the Pakistani armed forces have rendered matchless sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
A judicial commission constituted by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Thursday examined a boat used by 10 LeT terrorists to reach India for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attacks. (Photo: File)

Karachi: A judicial commission constituted by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Thursday examined a boat used by 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists to reach India for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attacks and recorded the statement of an investigator.

"A Pakistani commission, comprising prosecution and defense lawyers, today inspected Al-Fauz boat (used by Mumbai attack terrorists) in port city of Karachi in the presence of a trial court judge," an official said.

He said the commission also recorded the statement of an official of the Federal Investigation Agency who had collected evidence about Al-Fauz.

"The commission recorded the FIA official statement and received evidence," the official said.

"There will be no further inspection of the boat as the commission will submit its report to the trial court on next hearing on October 19," he said.

The commission was constituted during a hearing into the Mumbai terror attack case by anti-terrorism court (ATC) Islamabad, which held the hearing at the Adiala Jail Rawalpindi last month, and heard that the boat was used by the terrorists in the attacks in which 166 people were killed.

The ATC judge accepted the request by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to send a judicial commission to examine the boat as it was difficult to produce the vessel before the court.

Earlier, the Islamabad High Court had set aside the verdict of a trial court of not allowing to send a commission to Karachi, terming it "flawed and not in accordance with law" and allowed examination of the boat in the port city.

In May, the prosecution had challenged the trial court's decision to reject its plea to form a commission to examine the boat so that the vessel could be made a "case property".

According to the FIA, the attackers used three boats - including Al Fauz - to reach Mumbai from Karachi.

Al-Fauz is in the custody of Pakistani authorities in Karachi, from where 10 militants, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades, had left for India to carry out the Mumbai attack.

A Federal Investigation Agency's report says along with the engine and the boat, a bank and a money exchange company were also traced which were used for the transaction of money.

10 LeT militants had left Karachi on the boat on November 23, 2008. En route to their destination, they hijacked another boat, killing four of its crew.

They forced the vessel's captain to take them close to the Indian shores. The captain was killed when the vessel reached Mumbai's coast.

Mastermind and LeT operations commander Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum are accused of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack.

Lakhvi is living at an undisclosed location after being released from jail on bail a year ago. The other six suspects are in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. The case has been going on in the country since the last six years.
Army today foiled three infiltration bids assisted by Pakistani posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.





"Three infiltration bids were foiled in two separate sectors on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on the intervening night of October 5-6," an army official said here.



He said while two infiltration bids were foiled in Naugam sector, one such attempt was foiled in Rampur sector.



"The infiltration attempts were assisted by Pakistani posts," the official added.
In a hit and run case in West Delhis Ranhola area, one person died and another one got injured when a speeding car hit their scooter on which they were riding.





The car absconded leaving the victims behind, said police. A case has been registered and efforts are on to nab the culprit driver. We are using CCTV camera footage of the area and speaking to passersby to identify the car, said a senior police officer.



Despite polices efforts no lead towards the identification of the car has been found. Police are waiting for the injured person to recover to record his statement and help them identify the driver.



The accident happened on Tuesday night when Satish, 25, and his relative Rajesh, 45, were going from Khyala towards Ranhola to their homes. A passerby informed the police and a PCR van reached the sspot and took the two to a nearby hospital.



Satish was declared brought dead by the doctors, said police. Rajesh is still at the intensive care unit of the hospital and is being operated upon. His condition is said to be serious.



In another incident which happened in Outer Delhis Alipur on Wednesday, a government school student, studying in class six, had a narrow escape when he fell down from a DTC bus while going to school, police said.



The incident happened around 8.30 am when Jasan Preet, son of Lakhwinder Singh and a resident of Khampur boarded the bus coming from Narela to Alipur, a police officer said.



Rajesh, the driver of the vehicle, started driving it when the victim was still on the gate following which the minor lost control and fell off the bus, and his left hand came under the rear tyre of the bus, he said.



The injured, a student of Government Boys School, Alipur, was rushed to a hospital by his parents, the officer said, adding, the driver has been arrested.
As the city is grappling with the chikungunya outbreak, municipal sanitation workers have threatened to go an indefinite strike from October 20 seeking regularisation of the contractual employees.





Demanding wages as per the 7th pay commission, arrears and cashless health cards, municipal sanitation workers met Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung on Wednesday.



Scores of safai karamcharis gathered at Raj Niwas on Wednesday morning. We did not get any assurance from the LG. We have been asked to meet Director Local Bodies. What can he do when the LG is the administrative head of the city, said Raju Kohli, president of Akhil Bharatiya Safai Mazdoor Sangh, Delhi.



If our demands are not met, we will go on an indefinite strike from October 20, he told Deccan Herald.



The strike is called by Swatantra Majdoor Sanyukt Morcha, which has an affiliation of over 37 employees' unions.



If we go in strike, the agitation will be joined by class IV employees from other departments like engineering and health, among others, said Kohli.



The last strike by the sanitation employees from January 27 to February 8 threw life out gear here with heaps of garbage dumped on roadside.



On Monday last, Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung had asked the civic agencies to lift garbage from streetside dumps twice a day. Sanitation workers unions complained of lack of trucks for lifting waste.



The corporation has discontinued private trucks which used to lift garbage from dhalaos. How can the garbage be lifted twice when there is lack of trucks, said Rajender Mewati, general secretary of United Front of MCD Employees.



The sanitation workers strike will adversely affect the city governments fight against the vector borne diseases.



During the last strike, the Delhi government waited for a week before offering additional funds to cash-starved North and East Corporations while the city was held to ransom by the protesting municipal sanitation workers and other employees causing much inconvenience to people.



Demonstrators paralysed the city by dumping garbage on the streets turning areas under the east and North Delhi into a huge dumpyard, which in turn led to frequent traffic snarls giving commuters a harrowing time in reaching their destinations.
Averting a major agitation by government lawyers, the Delhi Government has agreed to relieve them within two months of the responsibility of vetting police chargesheets before these are filed in courts be the investigators.





Had the prosecutors executed their threat of not scrutinising chargesheets, work in criminal courts would have been crippled.



Police investigators would have been handicapped in filing documents before judges. Apart from accused getting discharged for delay in filing of chargesheets, there could also have been a pile-up of cases.



Prosecutor manhandled



At the bottom of the problem is a recent incident at Saket court where a prosecutor was manhandled by a woman accused from south Delhi after he gave tips to an investigating officer on making the assault case against the woman strong.



Agitated prosecutors threatened to stop reviewing the police chargesheets alleging that the professional advice given to the Investigating Officer was unethically leaked to the woman who manhandled the APP in his office.



We are in touch with the Raj Niwas to get an old decision on creating a separate Delhi Police legal cell implemented, said a Home Department official, confirming the temporary 60-day understanding reached with Delhi Prosecutors Welfare Association for not disrupting the present system of scrutinising chargesheets.



Assistant Public Prosecutor Ratnesh Kumar Gupta, with whom the woman misbehaved, said in a complaint to Home Minister Satyendar Jain: The entire prosecution branch witnessed the untoward incident in which she was threatening me with dare consequences and now it is very difficult to work in these circumstances where an accused can have free access to our office.



Gupta said he filed an FIR over the womans misbehaviour on September 16 and she retaliated by getting a counter FIR registered against her by levelling allegedly false charges against him.



I request to have a fair inquiry/investigation of the entire incident so that truth can be revealed and also take necessary action to boost the trust and morale of the officials in the office of prosecution, wrote Gupta in his letter to Jain.



With the help from the authorities, Saket court prosecutors have now got a security guard posted at the entrance of their room and visitors are being allowed only after seeking permission.



No free-access



This has now started angering the investigating officers who do not like seeking permission to meet prosecutors as the free-access practice has been in vogue for decades, said a Gaurav Singh, president of the DPWA.



The task of scrutinising chargesheet by prosecutors has been continuing from the days when police and prosecution branch were part of the same department.



The prosecution branch has now been made independent and there is no official obligation to help the IOs make stronger chargesheets for higher conviction rates, said Singh.



We want the Home Department to expedite the implementation of the Lieutenant Governors decision of 2013 on creation of separate legal cell  within Delhi Police  to scrutinise chargesheets. This would relieve the prosecution branch of the responsibility, he said.
Paralympic silver medalist Deepa Malik has alleged rude behaviour by a cabin crew member of TATA-SIA-run Vistara, prompting the airline to issue an apology.





Malik, who was travelling on Vistara's Mumbai-Delhi flight UK 902 yesterday when the incident happened, also complained to the airlines about "poor handling" of wheelchair-bound passengers by the airline staff.



In her onboard written complaint to the airline, she alleged that one of the cabin crew members behaved rudely with her when she was informing her mother on the phone that her flight from Mumbai was delayed.



"Crew member Priyanka was very rude in the flight. She told me to speak softly when I called parents to inform them about the delay in flight," she wrote in the complaint.



"On objecting, she said 'sweetheart, chill'," Malik wrote, adding plus wheelchair handling is so poor that you do not know how to shift a person from seat to cabin chair. The entire staff stands and looks at each other for 10 minutes. No action."



She alleged that the cabin crew was not ready to help her reach the cabin seat as they were not trained. Later, in a series of tweets, she urged the airline to treat physically challenged passengers with dignity. She also tagged her tweets to Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot.



"Very poor handling of wheelchair passenger in De boarding and fragile items. Rude n ill mannered crew. Sad experience. @airvistara (sic)," she tweeted.



"Hope @airvistara takes note of my complaints and revert. More dignity for physically challenged passengers @socialpwds @TCGEHLOT (sic)," she said in another tweet.



After Malik, who made country proud by becoming first Indian woman to win a medal in Paralympic Games in Rio last month, went public about her complaint on the mirco-blogging site, Vistara apologied to her and assured her of a through probe and necessary action.



"As a team, we would like to sincerely apologise Deepa for her disappointing experience. We have been in touch with Deepa and are grateful for the feedback shared by her. We are investigating the incident thoroughly and will take all necessary corrective actions to ensure something like this never occurs again," Vistara said in a apology letter to Deepa.
Facing international isolation, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in an unprecedented move has warned the powerful military not to shield banned militant groups and directed authorities to conclude the Pathankot terror attack probe and the 2008 Mumbai attack trial, a leading Pakistani daily reported today.



Sharif's orders came after a series of meetings between military and civilian leaders, Dawn newspaper said.



The government delivered a "blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning" to the military leadership and sought consensus on several key actions, including action against banned militant groups, the paper quoted unnamed individuals, who were involved in the meetings.



However, asked about the report, Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said, "The story you are referring to is purely speculative and as the author himself acknowledged that 'none of the attributed statements were confirmed by the individuals mentioned'."



"Such speculative stories on matters of national security are not helpful for national causes," he said.



According to the paper, at least two sets of actions have been agreed as a result of the most recent meeting, an undisclosed one on the day of the All Parties' Conference, which took place on Monday.



ISI Director General Rizwan Akhtar, accompanied by National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua, will travel to all provinces with a message that military-led intelligence agencies should not interfere if law enforcement agencies act against militant groups that are banned.



Sharif directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attack trial in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court.



Those decisions, taken after an extraordinary verbal confrontation between Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the ISI DG, appear to indicate a high-stakes new approach by the PML-N government, the paper said.



Separately, on Monday Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry made a separate presentation in the Prime Minister's Office to a small group of civil and military officials.



The presentation by the Foreign Secretary summarised the results of the recent diplomatic outreach by Pakistan, the crux being that Pakistan faces diplomatic isolation and that the government's talking points have been met with indifference in major world capitals, the paper said.



On the US, Chaudhry said that relations have deteriorated and will likely further deteriorate because of the American demand that action be taken against the Haqqani network.



On India, Chaudhry said that the completion of the Pathankot investigation and some visible action against Jaish-i-Mohammad (JeM), which India says was behind the January 2 attack, were the principal demands.



Chaudhry said while China has reiterated its support for Pakistan, it too has indicated a preference for a change in course by Pakistan.



Specifically, while Chinese authorities have conveyed their willingness to keep putting on technical hold a UN ban on JeM leader Masood Azhar, they have questioned the logic of doing so repeatedly, the report said.


Noted special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam today said that any demand for proof of army's surgical strikes across the LoC is "illegal and unjustified".





"Such a demand for disclosure of evidence on surgical strikes is not only illegal but also not justified, because if the evidence is disclosed by way of video footage or photographs it would endanger the Indian Army and the security of India.



"This would give an opportunity to the enemy country to adopt counter steps in future by attacking us," Nikam, who was the Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, told PTI.



He was responding to the government's stand that it has the proof but would not disclose it in public.



Nikam said, a similar situation on disclosure of evidence on fight between army and terrorists had occurred during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks trial.



He said the special court wanted to know how National Security Guards (NSG) commandos had fought the terrorists who had come from Pakistan and attacked targets in Mumbai such as hotel Taj, Trident and other places.



The terrorists included Ajmal Kasab, the lone attacker captured alive who was later sentenced to death.



"I was asked by the court to examine NSG commandos as witnesses so as to know how they had countered the terror attack, but I refused to do so," Nikam said.



Eventually, the Maharashtra government and NSG had challenged the order of special court (to examine NSG guards) in Bombay High Court which ruled that such evidence, i.e., strategy adopted by armed guards in fight against terrorists, could not be disclosed in public interest, he said.



The law of the land also prohibits the authorities to disclose the details of surgical strikes launched by India on terrorists camps in Jammu and Kashmir, he further said.



"To ask for the proof of surgical strikes is not only ridiculous but this would help the enemy country as they would benefit by knowing our warfare tactics and might employ counter strategy to defeat India, Nikam said.



"Few persons who have raised a hue and cry by asking for proof of surgical strikes by India are grabbing headlines in Pakistani media. Are they really aware of the implications of what they are demanding?", he said.



Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on Monday released a video clip in which he "saluted" PM Narendra Modi for the surgical strikes by Indian Army but also urged the prime minister to clear the air around "Pakistan's false propaganda".



He was later criticised by Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. "It was most painful and unfortunate that the AAP leader was in Pakistani media headlines today as his remarks yesterday gave it a chance to question India Army's claim," the BJP had leader said.
Opposition parties in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh today alleged a design in Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the historic Aishbagh Ramlila here on Dussehra next week, saying BJP is trying to "hijack" a religious function to serve its political ends.





"The BJP should not use the religious occasion for furthering its political motives...his trip to Lucknow for Dusherra seems a bit illogical," Samajwadi Party spokesman Ashok Bajpai said.



"Had he gone to his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, it would have looked logical but celebrating in Lucknow could only be termed as a move to gain political mileage," he said, adding that the Prime Minister addressing the people during Dusherra festivities will look odd.



Echoing similar views that the BJP is "hijacking" the Dusshera function, Congress spokesman Maroof Khan alleged that the party was trying to use the religious platform for political purposes.



"Though the Army has made all Indians proud by successful surgical strikes in the PoK, the BJP is trying to take all credit for it," he said, adding that the saffron party has always used religious functions for its advantage.



"Since the Prime Minister is deviating from the established practice and visiting poll-bound state, no other motive can be derived from it," he said.



BSP supremo Mayawati has already cautioned the Modi government not to get carried away by the success of surgical strikes in the PoK.



"This is not the time for the Modi government to either celebrate in over-excitement or make the wrong attempt to take political and electoral advantage of the issue," she had stated.



Breaking from tradition, the Prime Minister will attend the historic Aishbagh Ramlila in Lucknow, seen as yet another attempt to connect to the people of poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.



He will participate in the 'aarti' and then fire the symbolic arrow to burn the effigy of demon king Ravana, BJP vice president and Lucknow Mayor Dinesh Sharma, who is also the Ramlila's patron has said.



Besides taking part in the Ramlila function, Modi will also be addressing the gathering at the mela ground, Sharma said.



Modi will be accompanied by Union Home Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh.

To stress that the function is an apolitical event, Sharma has also sent an invitation to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav but has yet to personally make a request to him.



BJP has also organised a public reception for Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

"The workers are upbeat after the success of the Indian Army and it is natural for them to express themselves by according a warm reception to all those connected with it, including the Defence Minister," a BJP spokesman said.



Usually, the Prime Ministers have celebrated the festival in the national capital.

Modi's visit assumes an added significance because of assembly polls due next year in Uttar Pradesh where the saffron party is making a concerted bid to come back to power after a gap of 15 years and is up against ruling Samajwadi Party and main opposition Mayawati-led BSP.



The Aishbagh Ramlila is also seen as a symbol of pluralistic culture, also called 'Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb', as Muslim rulers patronised it and allotted it space equal to Eidgah, which is situated right next to it.



In the absence of strong regional leaders, BJP is again banking on Modi's appeal to power its campaign in the state, which it swept in the Lok Sabha polls riding on a national wave in his support but where it is perceived to have slipped since.



The party had earlier said that Modi will be in the state every month before the campaign picks up when he is expected to address rallies and attend more events.



In May, he had launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana from Uttar Pradesh's Ballia under which cooking gas would be provided to poor families in the country.



During his July visit, he laid the foundation stones for an AIIMS and a fertilizer plant in Gorakhpur.


Former TERI chief R K Pachauri, accused in a sexual harassment case, was once again allowed to travel abroad by a Delhi court today.





Pachauri, currently on bail, was granted permission by Metropolitan Magistrate Shivani Chauhan to travel to USA, Croatia and Norway from October 13 to November 12. He had returned on September 27 from a month's trip to USA, Mexico, China and Kazakhstan.



The court allowed the application filed by Pachauri, through his counsel Ashish Dixit, noting that he has been allowed to travel abroad on earlier occasions too and asked him to file a copy of his travel tickets and intimate the court after his return or any changes in his travel itinerary.



Pachauri was also directed to furnish an undertaking that he shall appear in court in person or through counsel and not dispute his identity at a later stage.



The court had on July 11 granted bail to Pachauri and allowed him to travel abroad after he appeared before it pursuant to the summons issued against him.



Pachauri has been allowed by the court to travel over a dozen times to various countries including USA, UK, China, Japan, France, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Kuwait, Mexico, Somalia and Saudi Arabia, during pendency of the probe and proceedings.



The former TERI chief was summoned as accused by the court after it took cognizance of the charge sheet filed against him for allegedly sexually harassing an ex-colleague.



The court, while taking cognisance of the charge sheet, had said there was sufficient material to proceed against him under sections 354A (sexual harassment), 354B (assault against woman with intent to disrobe), 354D (stalking), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of woman) and 341 (wrongful confinement) of the IPC.



The charge sheet, filed by Delhi Police on March 1 last year, had arrayed 23 prosecution witnesses, many of whom are present and former employees of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Pachauri was granted an anticipatory bail in the case on March 21 last year and an FIR lodged against him on February 13 last year.
Outlining a timetable for Britain to leave the European Union in the spring of 2019, Prime Minister Theresa May October 3, put immigration at the centre of her strategy for withdrawal, suggesting that Britain could be headed for a hard Brexit, or clean break, from the bloc.



In a speech at the start of the Conservative Partys annual convention here, May said Britain would formally begin exit negotiations by the end of March. Those talks will be governed by a two-year deadline unless all members of the bloc agree to prolong them.



Previously, May had said only that the talks, under Article 50 of an EU treaty, would not begin before the end of this year  a delay designed to buy time for the government to work out its negotiating stance.



On October 3, May also began to lay down her priorities for a deal on withdrawal, known as Brexit, including the power to control immigration and reject EU rules that allow people to move and settle across national frontiers.



We have voted to leave the European Union and become a fully independent, sovereign country, May said to applause from delegates. We will do what independent, sovereign countries do. We will decide for ourselves how we control immigration. And we will be free to pass our own laws.



That position strikes at the heart of the usual trade-off by countries that have unfettered access to Europes internal market of about 500 million people, but that also accept the freedom of Europeans to cross frontiers and live and work in any member state.



While May said she wanted the maximum scope for British companies to trade inside the EUs single market, she added that Britain would not accept the right of EU law to trump national legislation, another pillar of the single market.



May also spoke of striking free-trade deals with new partners, suggesting that Britain would leave Europes Customs Union, which lays down common tariffs but prevents member states from making independent arrangements with other countries.



Her speech left many details unclear and undoubtedly represents a tough opening bid before next years talks, which are likely to be complex and fraught with disagreement.



She argued that the countrys new relationship with the European Union would be unique, and rejected the idea that there was a clear division between a hard Brexit and a soft one with closer economic ties, although there are signs of deep differences within her Cabinet on the issue.



Ideally, May would like to regain the ability to limit migration from the Continent while keeping full access to the EUs single market.



In an interview in The Sun published on Saturday, Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, argued that Britains policy was having our cake and eating it. Yet across the English Channel, there has been no sign of compromise, and European politicians have made it clear that a trade-off is required from Britain.



Overall, Mays speech suggested that she would emphasise the right to limit immigration even if that meant securing less favourable access to European markets.



David Davis, the minister responsible for negotiating Brexit, underscored the position that trading arrangements were not the only, or even the most important, part of the British equation.



We want to maintain the freest possible trade between us, without betraying the instruction we have received from the British people to take back control of our own affairs, Davis told the convention.



May insisted in her speech  the first of two to the convention  that Scotland would leave the European Union, too, and had no opt-out from Brexit. In the referendum that determined Britains exit from the union, the majority of Scots voted to remain.



She also announced plans to start the domestic legislative process for Brexit next year by asking Parliament to repeal the 1972 European Communities Act, which allowed Britain to join the EUs predecessor.



Although this new legal step would not come into effect until Britain left the bloc, it would transfer European legislation  including laws to protect labour rights  into British law. UK Parliament would then be able to decide at a later point which laws to keep.



In a statement, Carolyn Fairbairn, the director general of the nations main business lobby group, the Confederation of British Industry, welcomed that development but highlighted the anxieties of many companies.



With a rapid timetable pointing to an exit from the EU in spring 2019, businesses need to know the governments ambition on the fundamental issues of skills and barrier-free access to EU markets as soon as possible, she said. Businesses cannot continue to operate in the dark, she added, because the decisions they face today are real and pressing.



Financial fears



There have been warnings in recent weeks from manufacturers, including carmakers that fear they may face tariffs, and from financial services companies that worry about their ability to do business across Europe from London.



Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of Nissan, said last week that he would be unable to make investment decisions in Britain unless the government guaranteed compensation for any tariffs that might be imposed after Brexit.



Still, the outcome of the June referendum was interpreted by many politicians, including May, as a rejection of the EUs policy of free movement of people, which has allowed hundreds of thousands from Southern and Eastern Europe to settle in Britain. May served as home secretary for six years and devoted much of that time to an ultimately ineffective attempt to reduce immigration.



Normally, there would be no high-profile speeches on the opening day of a Conservative convention, but party leaders hope to get the EU issue out of the way so they can focus on less contentious subjects during the rest of the gathering, which will conclude on Wednesday.



The European Union aims to guarantee the free movement of goods, capital, services and people across its frontiers, and for many of Europes policymakers it would be a betrayal to allow Britain to enjoy the economic benefits while rejecting free movement of people.



In a recent interview with the BBC, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy said it would be impossible to give British people more rights than others outside the European Union.



The president of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, has said that Britain should not be granted any special favors on single-market access and that any outcome should ensure that all participants are subject to the same rules.


As many as 55 bird and 66 butterfly species visit and breed on the Christ University campus amid the hustle and bustle of Hosur Road.





Guhanagari - A Book on Urban Wildlife at Christ University, brought out by two BSc (Wildlife) students of the university, documents the flora and fauna on the campus in the last three years.



The university published the book compiled by Pradeep Hegde and Sathya Chandra Sagar H S in August 2016. We studied the biodiversity of the campus, spread across 25 acres for three years. In the first two years, we prepared a checklist of birds, butterflies, insects and mammals. During our final year, we started working on the book. I photographed most of the fauna on the campus while Sagar focused on the writing part, recollected Hegde.



Students and members of the campus Green Army will use it as a database to continue adding more species. I am from Sirsi taluk in Uttara Kannada district and Sagar is from Chikkamagaluru. We were amazed to see such a healthy biodiversity amid such an urban sprawl. Initially, we spent hours photographing and documenting Dark Blue Tiger butterfly on the campus and on bird-watching. The passion grew and we compiled everything on campus, Hegde said.



The two completed their BSc in Wildlife Biology in 2015. They say that this book has provided them a sound experience to make a foray into documenting biodiversity.



Already, they are busy documenting wildlife in the Western Ghats, wildlife in Northeastern states besides going for higher studies. Sagar left for France in August on a European scholarship to study MSc in Applied Ecology.



Hegde has got a scholarship to study MSc in Science Communication and Natural History in filming in New Zealand starting January 2017.

DH News Service
The Manmohan Singh-led UPA government carried out four surgical strikes but it never publicised the operations, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar said on Thursday.



When Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, there were four attacks like the surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). However, we never went to town with it. One operation was also done through Nagaland, Pawar, who was the agriculture minister in the UPA government, told a gathering in Nagpur.



Pawar, who was also the defence minister in the P V Narasimha Rao-led Congress government, said that when the strikes were carried out in the aftermath of Uri attacks, he had fully backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



The Uri attacks came as a shock to people...It was imperative to give a befitting reply...Indian soldiers and commandos entered PoK and destroyed the terror camps there, the NCP chief said, adding: We all congratulated the government.



However, Pawar said, he was concerned over the way in which it was being publicised. That is why the prime minister had to pull up his party workerssuch actions (of armed forces) should not be publicised (for political mileage), he said.

DH News Service

CPM targets Modi on terror, J&K

The CPM has asked the Modi government to desist from sabre-rattling vis-a-vis Pakistan and bend its energies towards strengthening the border security apparatus to counter cross-border terrorism, DHNS reports from new Delhi.



The party has also suggested that the Kashmir situation be given urgent political attention.



If the Modi government has a modicum of national interest in mind, it will desist from sabre-rattling vis-a-vis Pakistan and bend its energies towards strengthening the border security apparatus to counter cross-border terrorism. It should make it prohibitive for any extremist group to cross the LoC, stated the editorial of the upcoming issue of the party mouthpiece Peoples Democracy.
India on Thursday said that Chinas repeated attempts to shield Pakistan-based terrorist leader Masood Azhar from United Nations sanctions will send a dangerous message.





Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to Goa for the BRICS summit and his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sideline, New Delhi talked tough on Beijings policy of blocking moves to impose UN sanctions on the terrorists based in Pakistan.



India said proscribing Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar under the 1267 sanction regime of the UN will send a strong signal to all terror groups around the world that the international community will no longer pursue, or tolerate, selective approaches to terrorism.

DH News Service
In a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused him of profiteering from the blood of soldiers who carried out surgical strikes.





You are hiding behind our soldiers who have shed their blood in Jammu and Kashmir and carried out surgical strikes. You are profiteering from their sacrifices (khoon ki dalali). This is wrong, Rahul said at a public meeting at the end of the nearly 3,500-km Kisan Yatra that traversed through poll-bound Uttar Pradesh (UP).



Rahuls jibe drew an angry reaction from the BJP, with several leaders saying that the Congress vice president was speaking out of frustration.



Rahuls remarks were reminiscent of Congress president Sonia Gandhis maut ka saudagar comment targeted at Modi, who used it to his political advantage. Rahul is speaking out of frustration. He is unable to digest the praise Modi is getting for the surgical strikes, BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said.



Only last week, Rahul had praised Modi for carrying out the surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads. He had said it was for the first time since assuming office Modi had done a job befitting the office of the prime minister.



However, the Congress appeared to be under immense pressure after the groundswell of support for the Modi government in the aftermath of the surgical strikes.



Rahuls remarks came on a day when Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar rejected demands for providing evidence of the strikes while addressing two separate rallies in UP.



The Indian Army has done its job, you do your work, Rahul told Modi and accused him of not fulfilling the promises he made during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking it to direct the authorities to release real facts of Chief Minister Jayalalithaas health condition.





A bench of Chief Justice S K Kaul and Justice Mahadevan said the case filed by social activist Traffic Ramaswamy was to seek publicity and they dismissed it.



The petitioner, in his plea, also asked the court to direct the government to consider appointing an interim chief minister as per the law.



Amid frenzied speculation over Jayalalithaas health, the petition wanted to know the real facts of the Chief Ministers health as the hospital bulletins were unable to offer any detail on the nature of the illness and the treatment given.



After hearing the case on Tuesday, the court directed State Additional Advocate General (AAG) to get instructions from the authorities on the health condition of the Tamil Nadu chief minister and adjourned the case to October 6.



Publicity interest

However, the first bench Judges not only dismissed the case on Thursday but also termed the PIL as "Publicity Interest Litigation". Chief Justice Kaul and Justice Mahadevan also warned the petitioner not to use the court for political purposes. The judges also declined to hear Ramaswamys petition seeking appointment of an interim chief minister.

DH News Service


The ruling Congress has suffered yet another major jolt in Manipur, where it has been ruling for the last 15 years.





A senior Congress MLA and vice-president of the state unit of Congress Nongthombam Biren Singh resigned from the state Assembly and the primary membership of the party on Thursday.



Biren, a former minister, is the second heavy weight Congress leader from Manipur after former minister Yumkham Erabot Singh who resigned and joined the BJP last month. Biren has, however, not said if he has joined the saffron party which is trying to poach power from the Okram Ibobi Singh government. Biren was made the vice-president of the state unit a few months back after he gathered over 30 MLAs in his favour and led a subtle dissidence against Chief Minister Ibobi and asked for a leadership change in the state.



Once a key minister in the Ibobi Cabinet and a close aide of the chief minister, both developed bad blood after the 2012 Assembly polls, when Ibobi did not include him in his Cabinet. The Congress had 47 MLAs in the House of 60 member Assembly in Manipur but after Erabots switch over last month and Birens resignation, the number has come down to 45.
A 31-year-old man, who returned from Iraq's Mosul after fighting for the Islamic State (IS) last year, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for conspiring to carry out terror strikes in the country.





Subahani Haja Moideen, who originally belongs to Thodupuzha in Idukki district of Kerala and had settled in Tamil Nadus Tirunelveli, was taken into custody on Wednesday after questioning in Kochi since October 3, the NIA said on Thursday.



He is part of the IS module operating in Kerala under the leadership of Omar al-Hindi. Six people, including al-Hindi alias Manseed, were arrested last Sunday.

Moideen had got in touch with the IS handlers over Internet and was planning to collect explosives and precursor chemicals from Sivakasi.



He had travelled to Chennai, Coimbatore and other places to meet local contacts to collect money and procure explosives as guided by his handlers.



The youth had rejoined the IS during his stay in Tamil Nadu, soon after leaving the outfit only months ago as he could not withstand the violence in Mosul. Moideen, who was radicalised by recruiters over online platforms, reached Iraq on April 8, 2015, after he told his parents and wife that he was going to perform Umrah. He flew to Turkeys Istanbul and crossed over to Mosul with Pakistanis and Afghans.



In Mosul, he underwent a detailed course in Sharia and combat training. He was sent to war zone for two weeks. He was paid $100 a month as subsistence allowance, accommodation and food. But the violence around him prompted a change of mind. However, he was subjected to torture when he informed IS leaders about his plans to quit. Later, he was allowed to return to Turkey.



After Turkish Police issued a clearance certificate, Indian Consulate helped him return to Tirunelveli in 2015, where he got a job as a salesman. He was staying with wife. However, he again got in touch with IS handlers, the NIA said.



NIA picks up two suspects in TN

*NIA sleuths on Thursday detained two youths with suspected IS links in Chennai, DHNS reports.

*NIA team from Kerala picked up Sadique and Sahul from a hotel.

*Sadique was let off, while the NIA took Sahul for further interrogation.


The fake call centres operating from Mira Road, that was busted by the Thane police, could be just a tip of the iceberg and part of a larger international racket.





According to the investigations by the police, these call centres were engaged in duping United States citizens by posing as revenue officials and siphoning off money from their accounts.



At least nine call centres  comprising a total of nine floors  operating from three buildings on Mira Road, a busy western suburb, located nearly 50 km away from downtown Mumbai, were raided by a team of Crime Branch-CID of the Thane police. It could be much bigger. This is just tip of the iceberg and the issue has international ramifications, Thane police Commissioner Parambir Singh said.



The callers, who were trained to speak English with American accent would get in touch with Americans through VOIP calls and pose as internal revenue services officers and seek details of their finances and accounts.



The confused, worried and unsuspected people at the other end would share details and immediately the money would be siphoned off.



It is a very big fraud something which is very difficult to imagine, said an official of the State Intelligence Department. Looking at its enormity and ramifications, other agencies need to be involved in the investigation, he added.



Police sources said that Director General of Police Satish Mathur was briefed about the investigation.



During the raid, 772 people were rounded up, of whom 70 have been arrested, while 630 are listed as suspects but not arrested yet. Around 70 others have been let off for not having any direct benefit from the operations.



The three call centres that were raided are Hari Om IT Park, Universal Outsourcing Services and Oswal House.

DH News Service
The rigours of getting court permission every year to organise their Durga puja has made sex workers of Sonagachhi discontinue their celebrations this time.





Started in 2013, the community puja has been shelved because sex workers are tired of begging for permission, hoping the state administration would grant their wish.



The Durga puja at Sonagachhi, arguably the largest red light district in Asia, has been organised by Durbar Mahila Samannay Committee, a body that represents the voice of thousands of sex workers operating from hundreds of buildings in an area spread over nearly 2 sq km in north Kolkata. After organising Durga puja for the last three years, they decided to shelve it this year, unhappy that the government makes it difficult every year.



We cannot run from pillar to post every year to obtain permission, Durbar secretary Bharati Dey said. She pointed out that since they started the community Durga puja in 2013, they have faced hurdles from the police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Every year for the last three years we had to move court to obtain permission after the police and KMC turned down our application. This year we dont want to so much trouble, she added.



Durbar members, who include both working sex workers as well as retired ones, pointed out that traditionally they have played an integral role in Durga puja since idol makers can start working on a Durga idol only with a lump of clay from the doorstep of a brothel.



Despite this, we have been made to beg for permission when we wanted to organise our own Durga puja, said Shikha Das, another Durbar office-bearer. Among the nearly 2,500 community Durga puja marquees in Kolkata, the one at Sonagachhi was the only one organised by sex workers.



Dey pointed out that the first year they organised Durga puja with a budget of Rs 2 lakh, armed with a Calcutta High Court directive. The next two years too, they faced obstacles from the authorities until the court stepped in. In 2015 they held the puja at a rented community hall in the neighbourhood. We dont want to go to court every time we want to organise Durga puja. Local clubs organise community pujas in the area without hassles but authorities have problems when it comes to us, Dey complained.



The objections of the city police and the civic body have remained unclear. This time they havent applied so I cannot comment on it, was all Deputy Commissioner (North) Subhankar Sinha Roy of Kolkata Police said. While a senior police official stated that permission to Durbars Durga puja faces problems every time because they hold it in a narrow lane, causing congestion.
Under pressure from some saffron leaders, Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui was forced out of a Ramlila at his home town in Uttar Pradeshs Shamli district.





According to police sources, Nawazuddin was to play the role of Maricha (the demon who assumed the form of a golden deer and helped Ravana kidnap Sita) at the Ramlila organised at the Chandni Wala mandir in Budhana. But he had to bow out following objections from some local saffron leaders, who said that it could fuel tension in the communally sensitive town. We will not allow any Muslim to act in the Ramlila, said a Shiv Sena leader from Budhana.



Police sources said the office-bearers of the Ramlila committee had met Nawazuddin at his residence on Wednesday night and apprised him about the opposition from some quarters. Later, the actor withdrew from the programme.
The BJP is pushing the Modi government to give an enhanced relief package to the parched Bundelkhand ahead of the elections in Uttar Pradesh, as it eyes an opportunity to improve its performance in the 19 Assembly segments of that region.





The Centre had released under the Bundelkhand package, conceived by the former UPA government, more than Rs 4,000 crore for the region spread across UP and Madhya Pradesh, and UPs share was Rs 1,845 crore.



Sources in the BJP said the party leaders have approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him to announce special assistance, drawn from the Union water resource ministry, to offer long-term drought mitigation solution for poor people of the Bundelkhand region.



The 19 Assembly constituencies of UP are housed in seven districts of Lalitpur, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Mahoba, Banda, Hamirpur and Jalaun.



The initial plans worked out by the BJP was that Modi would address a rally after offering prayers at Shakumbhri temple in Saharanpur on Dussehra -- October 11. In that rally, he would have reached out to the people of Bundelkhand region, but that did not work out and Modi will now be celebrating Dussehra in Lucknow.



The water resource ministry was in fact asked to be ready with information about the region so that the prime minister could obtain resource material if the plan clicks, said sources.



But the party leaders have not given up hope. The BJP fared badly in this region in the 2012 polls, picking up only three of the 19 seats , said sources.


A day before the Supreme Court is slated to hear the Bihar governments plea to cancel his bail in a rape case, accused MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav met RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Thursday.





The meeting, which lasted for two hours, has kicked up a fresh row. Raj Ballabh, who was charged with raping a minor girl at his residence in February, was suspended from the RJD after he was imprisoned in March.



After remaining in jail for six months, he was granted bail by the Patna High Court on September 30, and was released on October 2.



His release put a dent on Chief Minister Nitish Kumars image as the Opposition charged him with shoddy prosecution and weakening the case so that the rape accused could be granted bail.



After coming out of Lalus residence on Thursday, Raj Ballabh, the legislator from Nawada, showed no remorse. I have not sought any favour from Lalu Prasad, he said.



When asked if it was improper to meet the chief of a ruling ally at a time when the Nitish government has challenged his bail in the Supreme Court, Raj Ballabh said: Nitish has not challenged my bail in the Supreme Court. The Bihar government has done so. Yeh toh system hai (Its the system) where you have to undergo the legal process and scrutiny, otherwise no charges have been proved against me.



Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav asked the media not to brand anyone guilty till pronounced so by the court. The court, and not you or me, will decide whether he is guilty or not. And, dont read much into the meeting which he had with Laluji, said Tejaswi, who is Lalus younger son.



War of words

The BJP blasted Nitish over a rape accused meeting Lalu. Notwithstanding Nitishs claim of good governance, it has been proved beyond doubt that this government is of the criminals, by the criminals and for the criminals. The recent episodes have brought to the fore the criminal-politician nexus in Bihar, said BJP spokesperson Vinod Narayan Jha.

The JD(U), however, rubbished BJPs charges.



Nitish Kumars USP is rule of law. No matter how much one indulges in Ganesh parikrama, if someone has done wrong, he will have to face the legal consequences, said JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar.

DH News Service
With China blocking a tributary of Brahmaputra to build a multi-purpose dam in Tibet, New Delhi is set to ask Beijing once again to be mindful of the interests of India while building any project in the upper reaches of the cross-border river.





We have conveyed to the Chinese side that they should be mindful of the interests of the lower riparian while undertaking any projects on these rivers, said Vikas Swarup, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs. He was replying to a query on New Delhis view on recent reports that China had blocked a tributary of Yarlung Tsangpo to build a hydro-electric project.



The reports came at a time when India started reviewing its own Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan in the wake of the September 18 terror attack on an Indian Army camp at Uri in north Kashmir.



The Brahmaputra, which originates from the Angsi glacier in western Tibet, is known as Yarlung Tsangpo before it enters India. On Thursday, Swarup said Beijing had conveyed to New Delhi on several occasions that China was only undertaking run-of-the-river hydro power projects, which did not involve diversion of the waters of the Brahmaputra.



He noted that India and China had a bilateral agreement to share information on cross-border rivers, including Brahmaputra and Sutlej. We also have an expert-level mechanism which meets regularly to discuss issues concerning cross-border rivers. We have a data-sharing arrangement under which the Chinese side provides us data on Brahmaputra and Sutlej during the flood season, Swarup said.



He said the India-China bilateral arrangement on cross-border rivers had been useful in preventing damage during the flood season, which create temporary dams. All relevant issues which occurred after the last meeting will be taken up at the next meeting of the expert level mechanism, he added.
The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has maintained silence over the findings of an enquiry commission set up to probe the suicide of Rohith Vemula.





The panel was reported to have concluded that Vemula, , a Hyderabad University Dalit scholar, ended his life for personal reasons.



His (Vemula) suicide note shows that he had his own problems. He was feeling frustrated for reasons best known to him. He wrote that there was no urgency for understanding love, pain, life and death but he was rushing after them. It indicates that he was not happy with the activities going around him. He also wrote that he was all alone from childhood and was an unappreciated man. He did not blame anybody for his suicide, the panel noted.



The one-man commission headed by a former judge of the Allahabad High Court, Justice A K Roopanwal, has reportedly concluded that there was no political pressure on the university administration to take action against Vemula, giving a clean chit to Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Bandaru Dattatreya.



The commission has also reportedly stated that Vemula was not a Dalit as his mother Radhika branded herself as a member of the Mala community and managed to obtain a Scheduled Caste certificate from a Corporator, Uppalapati Danamma, with whom she stayed for more than a year.



The evidence on record shows that she belongs to Vaddera Community and, therefore, the Scheduled Caste certificate issued to Rohith Vemula cannot be said to be a genuine one and he was not a Scheduled Caste person, the commission has reportedly noted.



The commission has reportedly given a clean chit to vice-chancellor Appa Rao Podile too, justifying the varsitys action against the research scholar and his friends.



The panel has also rejected claims that the universitys decision to expel Vemula and his batchmates from the hostel was taken under any political pressure, dismissing the possibility that he could have faced discrimination.



Since the universitys decision to suspend Vemula and his batchmates from the hostel was challenged in the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad, and the matter was pending on the day of his suicide, it could not have been the reason for Vemula killing himself, the inquiry commission reportedly concluded. The publication of the commissions findings in a section of the media has created a flutter in political circles.



We do not know anything about the report and its findings. The report was submitted to the ministry in a sealed envelop. We do not know how the contents of the report were leaked to a newspaper, a senior HRD Ministry official told DH. The report was submitted to the ministry in August.

DH News Service
Three heavily armed militants were killed in an encounter that erupted after they attacked an army installation in north Kashmirs frontier Kupwara district on Thursday.





Elsewhere, at least four militants were killed as the army foiled three infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir.



The army confirmed it killed three militants who had attacked the camp of the 30-Rashtriya Rifles at Langate in Handwara, 75 km from here, around 5 am.



In an Uri-style attack, terrorists tried to storm the army camp in Langate area at daybreak. The terrorists fired indiscriminately on our sentry posts and the jawans who were resting, commanding officer of 30-RR Col Rajiv Sharang told reporters. He said the militants were shot dead before they could enter the camp. Besides, three AK-47 rifles, grenade launchers, food and medicines with Pakistani markings were recovered from the possession of the slain militants. This suggests they were Pakistani nationals, he said.



Sources said the slain militants were in combat dresses just like the Uri attackers. These militants were wearing combat dresses and carrying enough weapons and ammunition to inflict maximum causalities on the army. However, due to the alertness of the troops, the militants couldnt breach the defences of the camp, a source said.



On September 18, four fidayeen (suicide) militants of Jaish-e-Mohammed had stormed the Brigade headquarters in Uri and killed 19 soldiers, besides wounding 18 others.



Meanwhile, sources said four infiltrating militants were killed after the army foiled an infiltration bid in Nowgam sector along the LoC. The bodies of the militants are yet to be recovered, and a search is on.



Defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia confirmed the killing of the four militants.



Militants made two other abortive bids to infiltrate into Kashmir during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday in Nowgam and Rampur in Uri along the LoC. The army said the infiltrating militants were assisted by Pakistani posts who violated ceasefire and pounded Indian forward posts. This was for the first time since India carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir last week.

DH News Service
The Centres high-level technical team set up to assess ground realities in the Cauvery basin arrived in Bengaluru on Thursday. The team is scheduled to tour the basin region for two days, on Friday and Saturday.





Sources in the Water Resources department said arrangements have been made for the team members to stay at Lalit Ashok, a five-star hotel, on Kumara Krupa Road.



The Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) has booked eight rooms (four luxury and four executive) for the members. The rent for a luxury room at the hotel is Rs 14,000 per day, while executive room costs Rs 12,000 per day.



The government has decided to consider the team members as state guests. Arrangements have been made to ferry them to the four reservoirs in a helicopter.



Two helicopters are kept ready to fly the team, besides officers of Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is learnt to have directed the DPAR officials to ensure that the team members feel comfortable during their stay in Bengaluru, the sources added.



Water Resources Minister M B Patil told reporters on Thursday that the state government will submit a memorandum to the team before it commences the field visit on Friday.



A power-point presentation will be made to the team members on the ground situation. Later, the team is scheduled to visit four Cauvery reservoirs of Krishnaraja Sagar, Kabini, Harangi and Hemavathi. They will be interacting with farmers.



Set up as per the direction of the Supreme Court, the team will also assess damage to crops due to non-availability of water and examine availability of water for drinking purpose for people in the basin region and Bengaluru.



The three-member technical team is headed by G S Jha, the chairman of the Central Water Commission. Representatives from all four riparian states  Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry - will accompany the team.



As many as nine members are expected to be part of the visiting team. The first stopver would be in Maddur and later in KRS.



The team is likely to visit Mettur dam in Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening. The SC has directed the team to submit its report on the ground realities on October 17.


The controversy involving a government PU college lecturer in Doddaballapur town for reportedly making objectionable remarks against Prophet Muhammad died down after a peace meeting with local leaders on Thursday. MLA T Venkataramana chaired the meeting of local Muslim leaders and Hindu organisations at the sub-divisional office.





Leaders of both the communities decided to maintain peace and end the controversy over the issue.



Local BJP and Hindu organisations leaders demanded that the police withdraw the case against T R Rame Gowda, the lecturer. They also sought action against some persons for barging into the college without permission and arguing with the principal. They also wanted police protection for Gowda.



Local Muslim leader Azeem Pasha clarified that there was no agenda for lodging a complaint against Gowda. He said the complaint would be withdrawn.



Bengaluru Rural district Additional SP Narayan clarified that there was no provision in the law to withdraw cases without any reasons. The police would investigate the case as per the law and no action would be taken against the lecturer if he is not found guilty.



The SP said that stern action would be taken against those trying to stage protests and taking out processions over the issue.



Local Muslim leaders lodged a complaint against Gowda after four girls complained that he had made objectionable remarks against Prophet Muhammad while delivering a lecture on Hindu, Muslim Marriage Acts on October 3. The police registered a case and arrested Gowda.



There was a protest in front of the Doddaballapur town police station the next day seeking action against Gowda. Leaders of Hindu organisations had objected and claimed that the lecturer was arrested without any reason.

DH News Service
The Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedics lacks two crucial diagnostics tools -- computerised tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) -- which are essential for attending to patients with serious injuries.





One of the citys best-known trauma centres run by the state government, the institute has therefore been referring hundreds of patients every month to private diagnostics centres. While the existing CT scan equipment is defunct, the hospital never had MRI scan equipment.



According to a top source in the hospital, the CT scan equipment in the hospital has not been functional for the last one year. Purchased in 2007, the machine stopped working in October 2015 . The hospital has just a six-slice CT scan machine compared to the latest 124-slice machines in private hospitals.



The hospital caters to several patients with serious orthopaedic injuries. Even patients who are immobile are refered to private hospitals for a CT scan. Moving patients with grievous injuries is risky, a source told DH.



When DH visited the hospital, an acquaintance of one of the patients spoke about the struggles. A victim of a road accident, Ramu (name changed), was rushed to the hospital on recently. Even as the patients face was bleeding profusely, he had to travel to and fro between Clumax Diagnostics, a private lab, and the hospital for the CT scan as the facility was not available at the institute.



For patients with severe injuries to the soft tissue, an MRI equipment is essential, explained the source. The hospital, despite requests from several previous directors who headed the institute, is yet to get an MRI scan equipment. This is a major trauma centre and MRI is needed. Both CT scan and MRI facilities are available at Nimhans. With their daily patient load, referring our patients there would only mean an additional burden on them, the source added.



Dr B G Tilak, director, Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedics, said he had been trying to get permission to replace the machine and had informed the government in this regard.



Price disparity

While at the Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedics the cost of a CT scan would be just Rs 1,200, patients are forced to cough up anywhere between Rs 4,000 and Rs 8,000 at private diagnostics labs. As a temporary arrangement, the hospital has signed an agreement with Clumax Diagnostics. However, patients only get a 50% rebate in the rate.

DH News Service
The police set-up in Bengaluru is set for an overhaul. Some police stations will disappear, while new ones will come up. The aim is to equally distribute the workload among police stations and ensure an effective mechanism to redress grievances.



We have proposed the rationalisation of the Bengaluru police organisation. The proposal ensures equal distribution of work to DCPs, ACPs and police inspectors, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) R Hithendra, who is also in charge of administration, told DH.



Bengaluru Police Commissioner N S Megharikh said the proposal was being considered at the government level.



Under the proposal, nine existing police stations will be abolished to make way for as many new ones. But the number of police stations will remain unchanged. Bengaluru has 153 police stations  110 of law and order and 43 of traffic. An independent police division (Whitefield) will be created, too.



Four police stations and two SP-rank positions from the Excise and Lottery (E&L) wing were added to the Bengaluru police in 2015 after the government abolished it. The post of DCP (Traffic-North) was created using an SP-rank position of the E&L wing. Another SP-rank position of the wing will be used for creating the Whitefield division. Creating the Whitefield division will spare the residents of the IT hub the hassle of going all the way to Koramangala if they want to meet the jurisdictional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast).



Hithendra spoke of how unequal distribution of workload was burdening the police stations. Police stations such as Madiwala and Peenya record the highest number of cases, while Victoria and Bowring Hospital police stations the lowest (less than 10 per year), he said. We are going to restructure the set-up in such a way that all police stations get equal workload and comparable jurisdiction, he explained.



Presently, the workload is grossly unequal among police divisions. The Southeast division records around 12,000 cases a year, Northeast 2,000, Central 4,000, West 1,000, and South, North and East 900 each. Accordingly, some police stations get more workload, while others far less. This has affected both the police and the public, the officer said.



Whats more, police stations like Banashankari and Basaveshwaranagar are located in adjacent areas. Local residents end up wasting time, energy and money while approaching the right police station. Inspectors of such police stations often get complaints from neighbouring jurisdiction.



Names of certain areas and their pin codes dont match with the jurisdictional police station pin codes. This has made passport verification problematic. The restructuring will fix such problems, Hithendra said.

DH News Service

MLAs oppose abolishing police stations

Some MLAs have opposed the proposal to restructure the police set-up in Bengaluru as their constituencies will lose police stations. They have requested Chief Minister

Siddaramaiah to reject the proposal. Home Minister G Parameshwara, however, is keen on implementing the proposal in toto.



Police stations to be abolished: City Market, Airport (HAL), Thyagarajanagar, Victoria Hospital, Bowring Hospital, Lingarajapuram and three stations under the Excise and Lottery (E&L) wing.



New police stations: Bandepalya, Bellandur, Marathahalli, Begur, Gurappanapalya, Konanakunte, Puttenahalli, Bagalagunte and Annapurneshwari Nagar (Moodalapalya).
Sylva Kelegian

Courtesy Twitter

Hollywood actress Sylva Kelegian earlier, has has spent much of the last decade immersed in a world of dog rescue. Her experiences from innocent dog walker to rescuer of more than 500 dogs (and some cats and a few horses) are recounted in her Book Excellence Award winning memoir, "God Spelled Backwards: The Journey of an Actress into the World of Dog Rescue." I had mentionedearlier, has has spent much of the last decade immersed in a world of dog rescue. Her experiences from innocent dog walker to rescuer of more than 500 dogs (and some cats and a few horses) are recounted in her Book Excellence Award winning memoir, "God Spelled Backwards: The Journey of an Actress into the World of Dog Rescue."





Sylva will be signing that book and also her award winning childrens book, "The Dolphin Princess," an engaging story that will take readers on a magical journey full of hope at The Bookstore in the Grove on October 29 from 1 to 4 pm



I had a chance to ask Sylva the 10 With Tom Questions.













TOM: I read somewhere that you lived for a few years on Anna Maria Island, is this the island south of Tampa? That's my favorite place in Florida, tell me about life there. It's such a small island, is there much to do for a child?





SYLVA: My mother had visited Anna Maria when she was young and decided to take her children there when she divorced my father. We had moved from New York so swimming in the Gulf, walking out in high tide, and strolling barefoot through town was paradise to me. I talk about the beauty of Anna Maria in my memoir and the island in my children's book is based on it. I still spend a week almost every summer there as it's my favorite place in the world.





TOM: You mother was a dancer with American Ballet Theater and your father a pianist at The Metropolitan Opera House. Do you dance and/or sing?





SYLVA: Though I love to dance and sing, I have never done either professionally. My husband has a great 50's/60's band and I sing with him sometimes and dance with all our friends on those nights, but it's just for fun.





TOM: How did you end up in the dog rescue field?





SYLVA: I needed a more balanced life and found myself wanting to give back in some way after years of focusing on myself and acting. I adopted a dog named Sammy, who's the dog on the cover of my memoir and my life changed. I couldn't stand the thought of anything bad happening to her and it opened my eyes to the enormous need of animals in our country. I then spent the next twelve years in-between acting jobs, rescuing and or re-homing over 500 dogs.





TOM: How many dogs do you currently have?





SYLVA: We only have 3 dogs now. Mazie, our 15 year old Shiba Inu mix that Bill Foundation pulled from the South Central Shelter, 9 year old Shadow, a Shepherd/Lab/Coyote mix who was feral when I rescued him from a landfill and 10 year old Nate, our Cocker Spaniel/Dachshund mix who had been dumped at a car lot. I spent three weeks be-friending the tough little guy before I was able to rescue him.





TOM: You are married to actor Jude Ciccolella, how does he feel about all those pets?





SYLVA: My husband is the reason I've been able to save hundreds of dogs. Most of my money over the years has gone into rescue while he covered everything else. I'm lucky as he loves our dogs as much as I do.





TOM: What is the last book you read?





SYLVA: I just finished a book called "RenWomen" by Dale Griffiths Stamos and W. Scott Griffiths. It's a book of interviews with women who are multifaceted and multi-talented. I loved it.





TOM: Who is the most famous person you have met?





SYLVA: I would have to say Clint Eastwood as you can't get any more famous than he is. His daughter, Alison, is my friend and one of my writing partners on "Unleashed," a half hour dark comedy centered around Hollywood and dog rescue that we are in the process of pitching.





TOM: Favorite decade? And why?





SYLVA: The 70's. I love the music!





TOM: What's something you wanted to do as a child, but never got to do?





SYLVA: I had a great childhood and traveled often. My step-father was a Coast Guard Captain so we lived in Guam and went to the Philippines, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia. But to answer your question, the only thing missing was that I never got to have a close relationship with my real father.





TOM: What advice do you have for pet lovers to help make their pets live a happy, healthy life?





SYLVA: Always make your pet part of the family and have them live inside the house with you, not outside. Leaving dogs outside 24/7 is one of the cruelest things you can do to them as they are more social than people and need to be with their family. Exercise your dog daily. Always keep an ID tag on your pet and a microchip in them with updated information. Never walk a dog on a collar as it can slip over their head. Always use a harness or nylon choke. Never leave your dog unattended in a car, tied outside a store, or left alone in a front yard. Dogs are stolen every day, everywhere. And PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS.





Thanks, Sylva. See you at The Bookstore!
A fortnight before the collapse of the under-construction building in Bellandur, the then Town Planning committee chairman of BBMP C R Lakshminarayan had written to the BBMP, to curb the illegal building menace.





Speaking to DH, Lakshminarayan, the Domlur corporator, said a few days before his tenure was over, he had written to the government in view of the mushrooming of illegal structures.



He said he had highlighted how the builders from outside the state were duping people by constructing substandard buildings which may endanger the lives of inhabitants.



Lakshminarayan said he had suggested to the government to introduce a system where the builder, contractor, owner or the general power of attorney holder and the architect submit an affidavit to the BBMP. Along with the affidavit, there should be a detailed soil test report, building plan, structural design plan and attested copies of PAN card, Aadhaar card, voter ID and photographs of these people.



The Domlur corporator had also suggested that the BBMP or any civic agency should withhold 15% to 20% of the area of the residential or commercial complex, if the buildings are meant for sale. Until all the criteria mentioned in the affidavit are met, the held-back property should not be returned, he had said. But no action was taken on the suggestions in the letter.



The BBMP has lodged a complaint against seven people, including the builder and architect, at the HSR Layout police station in connection with the building collapse incident.



In the complaint, BBMP assistant engineer has named Daggolu Vinay Kumar Reddy, T Lalith Kumar Reddy, T Ravi Kumar Reddy, K Prathima Reddy, J Jyotsna and Dr R Pradeep.



The architect of the building is M R Hema of R K Associates at RHB Colony, Mahadevapura.



While Vinay Kumar Reddy and T Ravi Kumar Reddy are from Warangal, Telangana, and Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, respectively, the rest are residents of Bengaluru.

DH News Service
Surfing legend Bing Copeland has had an incredible front-row seat to not only the birth of surfing, but the evolution of the sport and Southern California as a whole.

The founder of his namesake company Bing Surfboards, which is headquartered in Encinitas, Copeland spent much of his life building his famed boards by hand to worldwide acclaim. Despite the fact he now resides in Idaho, where hes currently busy taking care of his ailing wife, Copeland keeps close ties to the North County scene and the craft he helped grow into the ubiquitous platform it enjoys today.

Now 80 years old, Copeland reflected on the ups and downs of his incredible journey, from his first impressions of the idea of taking boards out on the ocean to navigating the rough waters of the industry itself.

Q. Theres quite a legendary story associated with you about how you first got into surfing at 13 when you saw someone with an early board on the water. Im wondering what that feeling was like, and if at the time you had any idea that itd soon become such a huge part of your life?

I remember that day vividly in my mind. It was in 1949. I lived three blocks south of the Manhattan Beach pier and two blocks from the ocean. All through the second World War, we lived through black outs and air raid warnings. The beach in front of our place was barricaded off by barbed wire and the coast guard was patrolling the beach. It wasnt until after the war when we started body surfing and skim boarding. One day I saw these guys standing up and riding on something and I was just mesmerized by it. At one point a lifeguard, (early board maker and soon-to-be surfing legend) Dale Velzy, asked if we wanted to try riding this thing made out of red wood and balsam which weighed around 80 pounds. Once you started paddling it, it took about 10 strokes before it actually got moving. I remember the first time I stood up I was just enthralled; I knew I had to do this. I had no idea what I wanted to do until then.

How did it turn from this fun thing into something so much more?

Well, me and my friends started hanging around a lot and there was at a surf club underneath the pier at Manhattan Beach. On the weekends, we all slept on the beach. It was cool because the police would come out on the pier and would shine their spotlight down on us to see if we were alright. Looking back on the whole thing, I feel really lucky that I grew up at the time I grew up, in the era I grew up in. I was lucky I got into the surfboard business early on in 1959. When I got into it, it was a natural progression; it just sort of happened.

You opened Bing Surfboard in 1959 when you started making these boards by hand. What were those early days of the business like?

I opened my first shop right on the beach in Hermosa Beach with (former partner) Rick Stoner, who I had gone to Hawaii with. The first year, we were working as lifeguards and it was pretty casual; we didnt have families at that time. I really wasnt thinking of it being a real success. During that first year, Rick decided to get married. He sort of felt there wasnt a big future in surfing and he devoted his time to being a full-time lifeguard. Thats when it became Bing Surfboards and I was selling mostly to my lifeguard friends. Word spread and it grew over the years. In the mid-60s, we were making 40-plus surfboards every single day. A lot of guys at the time enjoyed building surfboards, but didnt deal with it as a business, and I think that really helped the success of my company.

Now surfing has grown into such a huge, corporate business. What are your thoughts about its immense growth?

Ive watched all these clothing companies come and go. I was good friends with Duke Boyd who started Hang Ten. I watched that grow and he wound up coming out of it with a million-dollar check. Its bittersweet (to see its growth) because I enjoyed it the way it used to be when it was more small town. Theres been a lot of money made and a lot of money lost.

You still keep roots in the North County and are here often, but I know you moved to Idaho awhile back. What spurred that move?

I moved to Idaho in 1974 during the shortboard era and once I got here, I got into Catamaran sailing and windsurfing on the lakes. In the 70s a lot of surfers quit, our customer base dwindled, and having a board with a company name on it wasnt cool anymore. It was the end of the surfboard industry as we knew it. That went on for a good 10, 12 years, and it was one of the better moves I ever made. It wasnt until the early to mid-90s when the industry revitalized.

What do you think of surfing today?

Well, I quit surfing when I was 75 because it hurts my feet (to pop up on the board). But near my house we used to surf uncrowded, and now its more of a mass thing.

Youve surfed countless beaches throughout your life. Do you have a favorite?

The number one beach that I enjoyed my entire life was Ala Moana (on Hawaiis Oahu island). I had a woody station wagon I bought and sailed on weekends with a couple who had a yacht. Then Id surf until dark.
Dozens of people recently packed Del Mar City Hall for the first of two council candidate forums.

About 90 community members filled the room, some sitting outdoors, to hear the six candidates share their opinions on a variety of issues facing Del Mar during the Sept. 29 forum in the council chambers at Southfair.

Incumbents Mayor Sherryl Parks and Councilman Al Corti, along with challengers Jim Benedict, David Druker, Ellen Haviland and T. Patrick Stubbs are vying for three open seats. Councilman Don Mosier has decided not to run for re-election.

Council candidates had an opportunity to share their top priorities for the city as well as discuss several top issues in Del Mar during the forum, which was moderated by the League of Women Voters of North County San Diego.

Parks and Corti said they would like to finish the work they have started on a variety of projects, including completing the new Del Mar Civic Center.

City officials and community members kicked off the construction of the complex with a groundbreaking ceremony in September. The roughly $18 million project is expected to be completed in spring 2018.

Working together weve accomplished a lot that we can be proud of today, Parks said. I am running for council to finish what we started.

Over the last four years, weve accomplished much  and weve done it all in a fiscally responsible manner, Corti added. I ask you now to allow me to serve you another four years because there is much to do and finish.

From revitalizing downtown to maintaining safe access to the beach and bluffs, to solving the citys short-term rental issue, incumbents and challengers agreed on most priorities. Druker, who previously served on the council from 1996 to 2008, disagreed with the other candidates on two key issues.

Druker opposed a proposal to end the citys law enforcement contract with the Sheriffs Department and build a standalone police department. Instead of creating its own department, he said the city should expand its contract with the Sheriffs Department.

We do not need our own police force, Druker said. The added bureaucracy, the added potential liability, could kill Del Mar.

Since its incorporation in 1959, Del Mar has contracted with the Sheriffs Department for law enforcement services. The city began exploring its law enforcement options more than three years ago when residents raised concerns over the cost of services, the lack of police presence in the community, and the slow response to low-priority calls. There have also been concerns over the rising cost of services.

Benedict, a member of the citys finance committee, spoke in support of the proposal. The sheriffs subcommittee, an offshoot of the finance committee, has studied the costs and supported the idea of a standalone department.

Benedict said he would like to hold a public workshop after the New Year so community members can learn more about the proposal.

Stubbs also supported making a change and Corti, a liaison to the finance committee, agreed.

The security services that our community desires and needs is not being met by the Sheriffs contract and the Sheriffs contract is spiraling out of control, Corti said.

Parks and Haviland both said they need more information before they can make a decision on developing a police department.

I think there are a lot of questions that need to be answered before I can support having our own police department, but I do think that as a community, we should look at ways to better address community policing so people feel like the individual characteristics of their neighborhood are understood by the law enforcement community in our city, Haviland said.

Del Mar voters will voice their opinions on a variety of issues this November.

In addition to selecting three candidates to fill three council seats, voters will have their say on two Del Mar initiatives. Druker also disagreed with the other candidates on one of these initiatives.

Driven by opponents of the controversial Watermark project, Measure R, if passed, would require voter approval for development projects in any commercial zone that are 25,000 square feet or larger by amending the community plan, housing element and municipal code. The council in July agreed to place the initiative on the November ballot rather than adopt an ordinance they didnt support.

There is no history of a runaway council in Del Mar, Parks said. Time and again, when a big project had a split vote or confusion in the community, our council has brought that project to the vote of the citizens.

Druker argued that Del Mar residents should be able to decide on large developments.

Del Mar residents should have the ability for direct say on major developments, Druker said. Measure R gives us this ability to have a say on changes to the community plan on development only that are larger than 25,000 square feet.

All candidates, however, said they supported Measure Q, another ballot initiative that would increase the citys sales tax by one cent to help cover the costs of various city services and infrastructure projects.

The finance committee initially proposed the sales tax increase earlier this year as a way to help pay to underground utility poles throughout the city. The council later decided that revenues could also help pay for other projects, such as implementing the Shores Park master plan and improving streetscapes.

Supporters have said the measure would create a way for visitors to help pay for some of the city services and infrastructure. Many local business owners, however, have opposed the measure and argued it would create a burden on local businesses.

When discussing the possible negative impacts of the initiative, Stubbs said it could set a tone for how Del Mar feels about visitors, while Druker said it could serve as a disadvantage to businesses.

This tax may have some impact on the businesses in town and make them uncompetitive with businesses in neighboring communities, Druker said. So therefore, I believe, we need to help the businesses with some of this money by doing Camino del Mar streetscape so that they will have, and we will have in turn, a more inviting atmosphere to serve the tourists.

While acknowledging the concerns of local businesses, Haviland said she thinks the tax is justified.

We have a lot of city improvements that are currently unfunded that I think we need and will greatly benefit the city  not just the residents, but also the businesses, Haviland said. I would want the funds to go to the top priorities that are determined by our residents and how those funds get spent would also require citizen oversight.

If the measure passes, candidates agreed that the citizens should set the funding priorities.

I would be looking back to the community as to how you want us to prioritize that money and I would support that decision, Corti said.

Benedict was the only candidate who gave his personal opinion on how he wished the money would be spent. He championed undergrounding the citys utilities.

They will never come down unless we find a way to fund it, he said. I think this is a wonderful way for us to improve the quality of life for our city and improve our safety.

Another forum to discuss Measure R is scheduled for 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 5, also in the council chambers.

Del Mar council candidates will have another opportunity to share their views on issues facing the city in the second candidate forum from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Powerhouse Community Center. Hosted by the Del Mar Times, the forum will be moderated by former NBC San Diego news anchor Susan Taylor, who now serves as director of external affairs at Scripps Health.
A top-ranked proposal that could transform the Solana Beach Transit Center into a bustling city hub was recently brought before the Solana Beach council.

Cardiff-based real estate development company RhodesMoore presented its Cedros Market concept during the Sept. 28 council meeting, outlining a project that would feature a boutique hotel, restaurants, retail stores, office spaces, residential apartment homes and a three-story parking structure.

This project is really a key connector that this city badly needed, said architect Torgen Johnson, who is leading the design team.

Plans to redevelop the train train station and adjacent 1.5-acre site at the corner of Cedros Avenue and Lomas Santa Fe Drive have been in the works for more than a decade. The council rejected the previous $72 million proposal known as Cedros Crossing in 2008.

With approval from the Solana Beach City Council, the North County Transit District in 2014 solicited and received proposals for a mixed-use development at the train station and adjacent property, both of which are owned by the district. After the selection process, which included a short-list of four proposals, the transit districts source selection committee ranked the proposals and listed RhodesMoore as the highest ranked proposer.

Johnson said the Cedros Market concept closely follows the citys 35-page design guidelines for the site. He added that the project aims to create an attractive commercial destination with sensitivity to community character, context, scale, traffic, parking and preservation of views along the Highway 101 corridor.

The mission of this project, in essence, is to complete a 20-year vision of seamlessly reconnecting Solana Beachs west side development with the city east of the train tracks, Johnson said. That bisecting of the city occurred about 20 years ago when the tracks were put three levels below grade for safety reasons. There were benefits to doing that but the drawbacks were this bifurcating of the city.

The existing Quonset hut-shaped train station, which reaches 56 feet at the top of the tower, will remain the tallest building on the site. It will, however, be remodeled into the flagship restaurant on the property.

The design team said the other buildings will be a mix of one- and two-story structures, scaled to preserve existing views of the city.

Part of the charm of Solana Beach is that its not urban; its something different, Johnson said. Its dense, its walkable, but its also charming. Its got character.

The current concept results in about 48,000 square feet of commercial space that includes roughly 14,000 square feet in restaurant space for three main restaurant sites, 24,000 square feet in retail space, and 8,000 square feet in office space. The proposed boutique hotel is about 32,000 square feet, which would be about 45 rooms. Another 30,000 square feet in residential space would result in about 30 units.

The three-story parking garage would be partially below ground, with the capability of more than 1,250 parking spaces. The plan currently calls for about 750 parking spaces for transit district commuters and 325 spaces for residents, employees and visitors. The development also includes 89 diagonal parking spaces on the street.

Plans also include a proposed bridge for vehicles and pedestrians across the tracks at Estrella Street, which would connect Highway 101 to North Cedros Avenue. There would also be public plaza and green space.

The design teams presentation did not include project costs or construction dates. City Manager Greg Wade explained that the team is still subject to further negotiations with the transit districts source selection committee, which is expected to make a recommendation to the districts board of directors by the end of the year.

They would then come back to the city for submittal, he said. I want to underscore that no entitlement permits have been submitted at this point. Its just too early in the process.

The council will have the opportunity to later weigh in and approve discretionary permits, he added, as well as certify an environmental document.

The Cedros Market concept was one of four competing proposals introduced during two informal public workshops in November 2015 at Solana Vista School and Skyline Elementary School. The design team brought a large-scale model of its proposed concept.

It was a really useful way to engage with the community, and get community feedback and really understand what people wanted, one of the members of the design team said about the workshops.

Lesa Heebner and Mike Nichols were the only council members who were sitting on the council when it rejected Cedros Crossing in 2008.

I think that the council stood up and did the right thing, Heebner said. NCTD at the time was not the NCTD it is today.

Heebner encouraged community members to look over the current project and continue to provide feedback. She also thanked the transit district for collaborating with the city and listening to the communitys concerns.

This looks a lot different from the other one  a whole lot different, Heebner said.

Im pleased with the feedback and the good relationship that weve developed with NCTD. I know this is meeting your needs as well as our communitys needs.

Nichols and his council colleagues agreed.

You have made this a priority to have an all-inclusive attitude on this project, which is so different than it was before, Nichols said to Matthew Tucker, executive director of NCTD. I think that says a lot about the success that has happened to date.
"...king of the hate left..."--

"As my friend Capper -- the best Wisconsin blogger ever -- says, there will be more. There's always more." - karoli

"...the psychiatrically attuned Capper..."--

"This is really great of you! I'm so proud to know someone like you"--

"Capper, a reasonable (and maybe even likeable) Lefty..."--

"capper, the Sidney Freedman of the hate left..."--

"I love capper because, well, what's not to love. But I also hate capper for alerting me to nonsense like this."---

"Capper, you really have a knack for this kind of writing. Really."--

"Crap. I agree with capper. Can Armageddon be far behind?"--

"capper is right. OMG, did I actually say that?"--
28 September 2016 (WMO)  Dramatic and unprecedented warming in the Arctic is driving sea level rise, affecting weather patterns around the world and may trigger even more changes in the climate system. The rate of change is challenging the current scientific capacity to monitor and predict what is becoming a journey into uncharted territory. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is therefore contributing to the first ever White House Arctic Science Ministerial which aims to increase international collaboration on Arctic science, research, observations, monitoring, and data-sharing. The Arctic is a principal, global driver of the climate system and is undergoing an unprecedented rate of change with consequences far beyond its boundaries, said WMO President David Grimes, who is one of the keynote speakers at the ministerial in Washington on 28 September. The one-day meeting brings together ministers of science, chief science advisors, and other high-level officials from many countries around the world, as well as representatives from indigenous groups, The United States of America currently holds the chairmanship of the Arctic Council. The changes in the Arctic are serving as a global indicator  like a canary in the coal mine  and are happening at a much faster rate than we would have expected. We need to establish an Arctic observatory to help us monitor, predict and cope with these changes, said WMO President Grimes. Global temperatures are rising as a result of climate change, with 2014, 2015 and the first eight months of 2016 breaking records. The Arctic is warming at least twice as fast as the world average, in places even faster. For instance, Inuvik in the Northwest Territories in Canada has warmed by almost 4 Celsius since 1948.

Arctic sea ice melt

The extent of Arctic sea ice at the peak of the summer melt season now typically covers 40 percent less area than it did in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its minimum extent (after the melt season) on 10 September 2016, was 4.14 million square kilometers (1.60 million square miles) which tied the second lowest in the satellite record, according to provisional data from the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center. The maximum Arctic sea ice extent in March 2016 was the lowest on record, as was northern hemisphere snow cover. The Greenland ice sheet also began its melt exceptionally early this year, according to the Danish Meteorological Institute. The melting of snow and ice cover is having far reaching environmental consequences and may potentially contribute to changes in circulation patterns in the ocean and atmosphere. The Arctic changes have also been a factor in unusual winter weather patterns in North America and Europe, The thawing of the frozen permafrost in Arctic regions has the potential to release vast quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These are part of the vicious circles of climate change which are the subject of intense scientific research, said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.  The first luxury cruise ship crossed the Arctic through the Northwest Passage last month. It wont be the last, said Mr Taalas. The melting of Arctic sea ice opens up new transport, tourism and exploration possibilities and will cut shipping journeys between Europe and east Asia. But it also increases the risk of accidents in hazardous waters and oil spills which will be much harder to clean up than elsewhere. Less ice does not mean less danger. There is a need to enhance the Arctic weather and marine service and related weather observation capacity to ensure safety of Arctic marine transportation, said Mr Taalas. The opportunities and risks were addressed by the Arctic Marine Shipping Report published by the Arctic Council. WMO is working with partners and with the tourism and shipping industry to improve weather, water, ocean, wave and sea ice forecasting in the Arctic . But the challenges are considerable. The Arctic represents about 4% of the Earths surface but it is one of the most data sparse regions in the world because of its remoteness and previous inaccessibility. Lack of data and forecasts in the Arctic does impact on the quality of weather forecasts in other parts of the world.

Year of Polar Prediction

Improved research and observations for Polar and High Mountain regions is one of WMOs top strategic priorities. WMOs Global Cryosphere Watch programme seeks to support and promote observation, monitoring and research into the cryosphere, including sea and freshwater ice, snow, glaciers and ice caps, ice sheets and permafrost. In a bid to meet the demand for better weather and climate services in Polar regions, WMO is sponsoring the Year of Polar Prediction which will take place from mid-2017 to mid-2019, in order to cover an entire year in both the Arctic and Antarctic. The Year of Polar Prediction is designed to increase investment in observational networks and prediction capabilities to address immediate safety requirements and climate services needs in the Arctic region, and ensuring social, economic and environmental sustainability. It also seeks to foster greater international cooperation to support public and private sector strategic planning and enhanced global security in the face of climate change. WMO President Grimes will use his address to the Whitehouse Arctic Science Ministerial to increase awareness of the need for better Polar predictions and observations. The ministerial has four key themes:

Arctic Science Challenges and their Regional and Global Implications.

Strengthening and Integrating Arctic Observations and Data Sharing.

Applying Expanded Scientific Understanding of the Arctic to Build Regional Resilience and Shape Global Responses.

Arctic Science as a Vehicle for STEM Education and Citizen Empowerment.

David_Grimes_speech White House Fact Sheet
COLUMBUS  Theres no shortage of major projects planned in Columbus over the next few years.

Viaducts, a new library/cultural arts center and public safety building may be popping up soon and the Loup River levee, wastewater treatment plant and local streets are receiving upgrades.

These projects come with significant price tags, but the men looking to lead the city over the next four years say Columbus can continue to move forward without putting a significant burden on local taxpayers.

Mayor Mike Moser said hes seeking a fourth term to see these projects through while continuing to emphasize conservative municipal spending.

Im looking forward to the future and what we have to accomplish in Columbus, and the challenges that we face, Moser said during last weeks mayoral forum.

The owner of Columbus Music was first elected mayor in 2004. Hes facing his first opponent since then in longtime City Councilman Jim Bulkley, who works for Pillen Family Farms.

A lot has been accomplished during Mosers 12 years in office, including construction and expansion of Pawnee Plunge Water Park, completion of Lost Creek Parkway and significant progress on the projects mentioned above.

Moser said Columbus has been able to take on this work while continuing to operate with fewer municipal employees per 1,000 residents than similar-sized Nebraska cities and lower pay for these workers.

I think weve been pretty conservative in how we operate the city, Moser said, something he plans to continue if hes re-elected.

I think people want value for what tax money we collect, he said.

The city tax rate has remained flat for several years and the budget for the current fiscal year shaves one cent off the mill levy, saving the owner of a $100,000 home $10 on their annual tax bill. Although the total amount of property taxes collected by the city continues to rise as Columbus grows and properties are reassessed.

Both mayoral candidates believe Columbus is in good financial shape, but Bulkley said municipal department heads must be challenged to look for ways to operate the city more efficiently.

Columbus is lean compared to other Nebraska cities, he said, but that doesnt mean we cant do better.

Hes stressing the need to consider wants versus needs when finalizing the spending plan each year.

We have to ask, is it needed or is it nice? Bulkley said.

Bulkley, who is finishing his fourth term on the city council, said city officials must be diligent when considering expenses while continuing to offer the amenities needed to keep young families here and draw new residents to Columbus.

Our goal is to continue to keep Columbus growing, he said.

Both mayoral candidates believe the proposed library/cultural arts center is an important part of the citys future, but they also want to make sure the price is right.

The project had a preliminary cost of $15 million, but the design firm and construction manager at-risk are working with city officials on ways to lower that figure before presenting a guaranteed maximum price for council consideration.

Bulkley has recommended setting a $10 million limit on the project, with half of that amount coming from bonds repaid with local sales tax revenue and the remainder coming from private donations, grants and library foundation money.

He argued that the city council should set a budget for certain projects, then design a building based on that figure, rather than design something then present a cost for approval. He feels the same way about the proposed public safety building for the police and fire departments.

Why do we always have to let them come up with all their wishes and wants and then bring it back to us? Why cant we say, heres what we got, live with it? Bulkley said.

Moser said he expects the library projects price tag to come in lower than the original estimate by a considerable amount.
Junko Yoshida, EETimes

10/4/2016 10:08 AM EDT

PARIS  Without any visible end products to justify its proponents ultra-low-energy promise, FD-SOI has struggled to overcome the skepticism of many engineers in the semiconductor industry.

These skeptics keep asking: Wheres the beef? Is there a real product on the commercial market? What are its real benefits?

Well, finally, now its official. And its a watch. Sony Corp.s GPS chip  built on 28-nm Fully Depleted Silicon On Insulator (FD-SOI) process  is powering a smartwatch rolled out in China last month by Huami, Xiaomis sub-brand.

Click here to read more ...








Junko Yoshida, EETimes

10/6/2016 10:36 AM EDT

PARIS  At a time when Deep Learning isnt just hot but approaching the hype-cycles boiling point, nobody should be surprised at the emergence of another deep-learning, vision processing startup.

This one is called ThinCI (pronounced Think-Eye), founded by Dinakar Munagala, an accomplished engineer/architect with an Intel pedigree.

Surprising about ThinCI (El Dorado Hills, Calif.), however, is its well-heeled, big-name backers with credible technological expertise, and a unique massively parallel architecture which Munagala describes as an engine purposely built for vision processing and deep learning.

Click here to read more ...








LINCOLN  A Nebraska State Penitentiary staff member was assaulted in the prison yard about 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Two inmates used homemade weapons to strike a staff member multiple times, Nebraska Department of Correctional Services spokeswoman Dawn-Renee Smith said in a news release.

Prison staff used chemical agents to stop the assault and gain control of the inmates. The staff member who was attacked was taken to a local medical facility and released after treatment.

As a result of the assault, the penitentiary was placed on modified lockdown.

No other information was available Thursday.

Last week, former Sen. Steve Lathrop, counsel to the Nebraska Legislature's special committee that is investigating problems in the prison system, called the recent increase in staff assaults systemwide alarming. He said it can be tied to staff shortages and an absence of programming.

As of August, at least 142 staff assaults have occurred this year, 10 with serious injuries. The number includes more minor incidents, such as inmates throwing bodily fluids at officers. In all of 2015, the department recorded 143 assaults, five with serious injuries. In 2014, the number was 78.
Vodafone M-Pesa is simplifying mobile money payments and cash collection with businesses by implementing Ericssons M-Commerce Interconnect (EMI) service.

The first deployment under the deal will connect M-Pesa with the growing network of Grundfos safe water kiosks throughout Kenya and Tanzania, with other countries to follow. This integrated payment service simplifies payment for safe water. M-Pesa is the global brand for Vodafone's Mobile Money service, now present in 10 countries.

Michael Joseph, Director of Mobile Money, Vodafone, says: "Vodafone is delighted to enable access to affordable, safe water for our M-Pesa customers as a result of the partnership with Ericsson M-Commerce Interconnect for Grundfos systems."

Grundfos' intelligent and connected water kiosks dispense safe drinking water in the developing world. Across rural Africa, 50,000 water supply points have failed, mainly due to lack of funds and capacity for operations and maintenance. Ericsson and Vodafone address this critical challenge via efficient cash collection, reducing the risks of cash management and overhead costs for a scalable safe water solution.

Peter Heuman, Head of Mobile Financial Services, Ericsson, says: "Breaking down the walls that exist in the mobile money ecosystem represents a significant leap forward in creating much-needed connections between wallet providers and enterprises. When digital payments become pervasive in cash-based societies, new opportunities that were previously unimaginable become reality."
The popular site was hacked a day after posting a report claiming to expose a member of the group

Several BuzzFeed posts were recently vandalised by the hacking group OurMine. Their reason for doing this is apparently retaliation for a story by BuzzFeed on Tuesday that claimed OurMine wasnt actually a group but a single Saudi Arabian high schooler.

BuzzFeeds site was attacked the morning following the post. OurMine, changed the titles of various BuzzFeed posts to read Hacked by OurMine and advertise their own website Ourmine.org. The altered articles also had a body of text warning BuzzFeed not to share fake news about us (OurMine) again. Furthermore, they also claimed that they had BuzzFeeds entire database and would have no qualms about publishing it if they didnt heed their warning.

The hack occurred after BuzzFeed ran a story on OurMine which also identified a teenager who was apparently a member of the group. OurMine initially denied the post claiming that the person who made the report was just a fan of their hacking. However, todays attack seems odd after making a denial like the one they did.

BuzzFeed didnt have anything more to say regarding how OurMine was able to hack or breach into their systems. OurMine has been able to successfully use passwords leaked in large-scale hacks to hack into accounts where the same password was re-used. The group is known for taking credit for the hack and claims it does to so test peoples security and of the dangers of reusing the same password.

This isnt the first time OurMine has been in the news for hacking, though, they have taken responsibility for a number of social media hacks in the past few months, including taking over the accounts of CEOs of Facebook, Google, and Twitter. Earlier this year they also broke into Varietys website, also sending out an email to its subscribers which said OurMine was just testing your security.

BuzzFeed, on the other hand, was quick to take down the vandalised pages. The site via tweet says its now working to restore the articles, including the original OurMine report.
Viv is a new personal assistant based on Dynamic Program Generation. The same has been developed by the team behind Apple's Siri.

Samsung is all set to enter the AI assistant race and instead of developing their own personal assistant for Galaxy phones, the South-Korean company is simply buying one of the most promising personal assistants out there. Created by the the team behind Apples Siri, Viv is a smart digital assistant based on Dynamic Program Generation (DPG). This means that Viv can write complicated programs on the go.

The real difference between current personal assistants and Viv is its ability to use DPG to scale the user's query as compared to hard coded programs fed into existing assistants like Siri. Back in May, Siri Co-founder, Dag Kittlaus showcased the impressive new AI assistant at Techcrunch Disrupt in New York. The powerful digital helper will be direct competition for the likes of Google Assistant, Siri and Amazons Alexa. With this acquisition, Samsung will finally have a competing digital assistant for its numerous products ranging from Galaxy phones, Smart TVs, Smart refrigerators, and more.

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT VIV
The Lenovo PHAB2 Pro is all about Augmented Reality, and was unveiled at Lenovo's Tech World conference earlier this year.

The Lenovo PHAB2 Pro, the worlds first smartphone based on Googles Project Tango technology, will finally go on sale this November. It was unveiled earlier this year at Lenovo Tech World conference in June 2016. With Googles Project Tango 3D depth sensing technology, the PHAB2 Pro can scan its surroundings in 3D, creating depth-based maps to augment reality, and can even be used in AR gaming. Unlike VR, which is a virtually synthesised world, augmented reality merges virtual objects over real world scenarios.

Googles head of VR, Clay Bavor, confirmed to CNET that the device will go on sale this November. According to the report, the PHAB2 Pro would retail at around $499 (Rs. 33,250 approximately). The highest variant of the Lenovo PHAB2 Pro is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 SoC, along with a large, 6.4-inch IPS LCD display with screen resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. It comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. There is a 4050mAh battery, and an 8MP front camera. On the rear, the PHAB2 Pro has a 16MP camera with phase detection autofocus, depth sensing and motion tracking sensors. These sensors, powered by the ISP and DSP, can quickly process and time stamp sensor data simultaneously, allowing the phone to create a 3D experience.

While the Lenovo PHAB2 Pro has integrated Project Tango technology, it wont support Googles newly-launched Daydream View VR headset. Only Google's Pixel phones are Daydream compatible at the moment, and Google is also working closely with other mobile manufacturers to bring Daydream VR compatibility to more devices. We expect the Daydream VR headset to launch within a few weeks of the Pixel's launch in India. Preorders for the Google Pixel phones begin October 13, and prices start at Rs. 57,000.
Independent marketing and media analytics consulting company Ebiquity launched a new offering on Thursday - Strategic Media Consultancy.

The AIM-traded firm said that, due to the increased demand for clarity in the context of a rapidly evolving digital media ecosystem, a specialist team will provide consultancy services to advertisers globally.

Ebiquity said the launch marks a key milestone in its Growth Acceleration Programme announced at the Interim Results on 28 September.

The international team, spread across Ebiquity's offices in 14 countries, will help clients to address their strategic, tactical and operational challenges in a complex media landscape.

It will advise clients on data, adtech, operations, agency management, and strategy and also provide training.

Forming part of the company's Media Value Management division, Strategic Media Consultancy will be led by Laetitia Zinetti, the former head of media for Nissan in Europe who joined Ebiquity in 2010 as managing director of its French operations.

Advertisers are under ever-increasing pressure to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their marketing spend, Zinetti said.

Our consultants across the world will help them to improve all aspects of their media strategy and operations from data management and analysis to the selection of technology providers and agency partners.

At 1135 BST, shares in Ebiquity were up 0.78% to 102.9p.
Deutsche Bank has agreed to axe a further 1,000 jobs in Germany on top of previously announced 3,000 cuts in the country, taking the total reduction to 9,000 around its offices globally.

Deutsche was reported to have reached an agreement on the restructuring measures with local unions, Reuters said.

The giant German lender, which has been causing widespread concern about the European banking sector after the Department of Justice slapped it with a $14bn fine for mis-selling mortgage-backed securities in the run-up to the financial crisis, was boosted earlier on Thursday by backing from German government officials and those at the International Monetary Fund.

Reports emerged that the German government has begun talks with US authorities to try and help Deutsche Bank swiftly gain a much reduced settlement, having previously distanced the state's role in the standoff.

With the IMF suggesting the lender was too big to be allowed to fail, Reuters cited German officials in Berlin who had suggested the behind-the-scenes intervention could help Deutsche Bank seal a quick deal.
Yahoo's scanning of its customers' emails at the behest of US intelligence authorities has provoked a reaction from the European Union, and instigated doubt about the new trans-Atlantic data sharing deal.

On Wednesday, it was reported that Yahoo complied with a directive from US security agencies to scan emails, searching for specific information.

Now the lead European regulator on data issues has stepped in to say he will be looking into the matter.

"Any form of mass surveillance infringing on the fundamental privacy rights of EU citizens would be viewed as a matter of considerable concern," Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner said in a statement.

Yahoo has not yet said whether European accounts were accessed as a result of the search.

The email incident could have consequences for European businesses, such as British-listed Sky and BT, which use Yahoo email servers.

A new data-sharing deal was announced in February between the USA and Europe, known as the "Privacy Shield", and some European politicians have said that Yahoo's actions would not be consistent with the deal.

A spokesperson for the European Commission, the EU's executive branch, said that the US will be held responsible if there is any breach of the deal.

"The U.S. will be held accountable to these commitments both through review mechanisms and through redress possibilities," the spokesman said.
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry said Wednesday a U.S. Postal Service inspector general's report makes it unclear to him whether mail processing and delivery problems in his congressional district have been resolved, and he will continue to pursue the issue.

Fortenberry represents eastern Nebraska's 1st District, which includes Columbus, Lincoln and Norfolk.

Earlier this year, the congressman asked the inspector general to investigate "numerous constituent reports of problems with the mail system in Nebraska."

Fortenberry said he is reviewing the conclusions reached after that investigation and will "continue to engage with postal officials to address concerns in the (resulting) report."

"I suspect the root cause of the problem has been the consolidation of mail processing in Omaha," the congressman stated earlier this year in announcing his decision to request an inspector general's review.

"Even a letter going across Lincoln now has to go through Omaha first," Fortenberry said.

During an onsite visit, the inspector general's report noted, "we observed mail arriving in Omaha from other originating processing facilities too late to be processed for its intended delivery day.

"From January through April 2016, the Omaha (center) recorded an average of 3,604 trays of mail per month as late arriving.

"The Omaha (center) does not have a system in place to notify origin facilities of late-arriving mail so they can correct the causes of delays."

The result is that the Omaha center was "not meeting the established processing times to meet service commitments," the report stated.

"Delayed mail increases the risk customers will lose confidence in the Postal Service's ability to provide trusted and reliable service," the inspector general concluded, and that could lead customers to seek alternative delivery options and ultimately reduce postal revenue.
Passengers and crew were evacuated from a flight in the US on Wednesday as electronics giant Samsung admitted one of its Galaxy Note 7 replacements caught fire moments before the aircraft was due to take off.

The Southwest Airlines flight from Louisville, Kentucky, was supposed to leave for Baltimore in the morning but was evacuated on the runway as a passenger reported that his Samsung smartphone was emitting smoke.

The Note 7 received a global recall after numerous claims of explosions and fires when charging, with 2.5 million devices being offered an exchange.

Some 60% of US consumers had swapped their devices for replacements by the end of last month, while sales were suspended.

The passenger, identified as Brian Green, told ABC News that the Note 7 was a replacement.

The world's largest smartphone maker said on Wednesday that it was unable to confirm which device was involved in the incident.

"We are working with the authorities and Southwest now to recover the device and confirm the cause," the statement said. "Once we have examined the device, we will have more information to share."

The recall of the phone came at an inopportune time for Samsung, as Apple released its rival iPhone 7 in the same month, and Google announced that it was introducing its new Pixel phone to the market.
US-based blood-testing firm Theranos is to close its testing labs in a move which will see 340 employees, or around 40% of its workforce, losing their jobs.

The company is making a move towards its miniLab medical data processing product, after being grilled by regulators about the validity of its testing products.

Chief executive officer Elizabeth Holmes was banned from the clinical lab industry in July, but she rejects the claims from regulators.

"We will return our undivided attention to our miniLab platform," Holmes said. "Our ultimate goal is to commercialize miniaturized, automated laboratories capable of small-volume sample testing, with an emphasis on vulnerable patient populations, including oncology, pediatrics, and intensive care."

Theranos has been constantly questioned about the accuracy and viability of its technology despite initially being heralded as a potential breakthrough in the medical testing industry.
Wal-Mart Stores is attempting to tighten its grip on its position as the world's largest retailer by making a significant investment in its e-commerce operations.

In the last year, the US company has doubled its number of warehouses to 10 in an effort to compete with e-commerce leader Amazon.

It has also installed new technology such as automated product sorting and improved package tracking in order to become a powerhouse in the competitive online retail market.

"We have doubled our capacity in the last twelve months and that allows us to ship to a majority of the US population in one day," said Justin Traweek, vice-president of e-commerce supply chain and fulfillment.

Wal-Mart's investment in e-commerce has increased from $300m in 2013 to $1.1bn this year so far.

It has also made several acquisitions during the same time, including 15 e-commerce start-ups. Most recently, its purchase of Jet.com and appointment of its founder Marc Lore as head of e-commerce business within the company signalled its intent.
US carmaker Ford Motor's executive chairman Bill Ford said on Wednesday that he had met with presidential candidate Donald Trump in order to discuss his verbal attacks against the company.

Trump has criticised Ford for expanding production in Mexico at the apparent expense of jobs in the United States.

"Our jobs are fleeing the country. They are going to Mexico," Trump said last week during the first presidential debate. "So, Ford is leaving  thousands of jobs. Leaving Michigan, leaving Ohio. They are all leaving."

Bill Ford said that the two had a productive meeting, but did not divulge further information during a speech at the Economic Club of Washington, DC.

"I've had a very good meeting with him," Ford said. "He's a very good listener and he knows the facts."

The car manufacturer announced last month that it was shifting its production of Focus and C-Max models to plants in Mexico in 2018, bringing 2,800 jobs with it. It said that it would not affect jobs at its Michigan plant.
The USA is the next stop for Hurricane Matthew after it pummeled the Bahamas on Thursday, with over 1.5 million people being advised to leave their homes.

The natural disaster caused destruction to many parts of Haiti on Wednesday as major infrastructure was disabled and reports that at least 23 people had died.

The hurricane is expected to rise to a category 4, hitting Florida either late on Thursday or narrowly missing it and moving out to sea.

It would be the first hurricane to make it to the United States since Wilma in 2005.

Florida governor Rick Scott warned residents and tourists who were based along the coast to evacuate.

"This storm will kill you," he said. "Time is running out. We don't have much time left."

"Our number one priority is protecting lives," Scott said. "The storm has already killed multiple people and we should expect the same impact in Florida if people do not take this seriously."

Scott has already asked President Obama to declare a pre-landfall emergency and canceled tolls in the affected areas.

The total destruction caused by the storm in Haiti is still unknown to humanitarian workers in the region, due to inaccessibility to various areas.
US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gave financial contributions to the campaigns of state attorneys general while his businesses were undergoing reviews, according to reports on Wednesday.

According to the report in the Wall Street Journal, his family and business colleagues have donated large amounts to New York state attorneys offices since the 1980s, including current office holder Eric Schneiderman.

Trump has consistently criticised presidential rival Hillary Clinton for being part of a "corrupt" political sphere which is affected inherently by "outside influences".

"In total, Mr Trump has given about $140,000 to a dozen people who either were state attorneys general or running for the post from 2001 to 2014, according to donation records," the WSJ said.

Previous reports have said that Trump donated money to Florida attorney general Pam Bondi as she was reported to be launching an investigation into Trump University.

The businessman's foundation ended up paying a fine of $2,500 for that incident.
Markets in Asia finished higher on Thursday, driven by an overnight uptick in crude prices, with Seoul particularly underpinned by a surge in technology giant Samsung Electronics.

Japans Nikkei 225 added 0.47% to 16,899.10, with a weaker yen contributing to rises in a number of domestic stocks.

The yen was last 0.14% weaker against the greenback at JPY 103.65 per $1.

Shares in Fujitsu soared 5.67%, amid unconfirmed reports that the company was looking to offload its ailing PC division, potentially to the Chinese PC buyout king Lenovo.

In South Korea, the Kospi added 0.6% to 2,065.30, after Typhoon Chyba slammed into southern parts of the peninsula late on Wednesday and through the night.

Carmaker Hyundai Motor finished 0.71% lower due to the storm, amid reports that two of its factories were offline due to flooding.

The benchmark was supported, however, by the weighty Samsung Electronics, which surged 4.45% after a letter was published by US activist hedge fund Elliot Management.

The fund called for a raft of corporate governance changes, including an increase in the dividend and splitting the corporate behemoth.

Samsung responded by saying it believes in constructive and open dialogue, and confirmed it would consider the proposals.

Its construction arm was also boosted by the dialogue, further assisting the Kospi as it jumped 7.89%.

Further south, Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index was 0.69% higher at 23,952.50.

A rise in oil prices overnight helped to boost markets in the region, after the US Energy Information Administration reported a fall in crude stockpiles, with a three million barrel drawdown last week.

It was the fifth surprise weekly drawdown stateside.

Price did fall after Asian markets closed, however, and Brent crude was last down 0.08% at $51.82 per barrel, with West Texas Intermediate losing 0.28% to $49.69.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 climbed 0.55% to 5,483.03, supported by the energy sector - which added 1.97% - and the weighty financials subindex, up 0.7%.

Estia Health fell 3.03% by closing time in Sydney, paring back earlier losses of almost 7%.

The aged care provider took the secateurs to its earnings guidance during the session, following on from the August announcement from regulators that the industry could not charge residents for capital maintenance of their facilities.

Analysts fear [the guidance cut] will follow recent negative trends in the aged care sub-sector, and trigger further selling, noted CMC Markets chief market strategist Michael McCarthy.

The sunburnt country posted a lower-than-expected seasonally adjusted trade deficit for August during the session, at AUD 2.01bn.

Import and export values were unchanged, however, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

In New Zealand, the S&P/NZX 50 bucked the regional trend for the second day in a row, falling 1.02% to 7,197.30.

It was led lower by rurally-focused lender Heartland Bank, which lost 2.7%

The great southern chicken fiasco also continued, with chicken producer Tegel Holdings declining 1.3%, adding to the falls of the last three weeks, which have come with no apparent catalyst.

Local analysts have pointed to the impending IPO of Tegels Australian competitor Ingham Group, suggesting some institutional investors have worked to drive the price of Tegel stock down in a bid to force a lower initial price for Ingham.

The down under dollars were both weaker against the greenback, with the Aussie last retreating 0.54% to AUD 1.3192 and the Kiwi off 0.32% to NZD 1.3985 per $1.
FTSE 250 specialist healthcare group BTG lifted its revenue guidance for the year on the back of the weak pound.

In an update for the six months to 30 September, the company said it now expects reported full-year revenue to be ahead of its previously-announced range of 510m to 540m.

BTG said that on a constant currency basis, it delivered double-digit revenue growth in the period, in line with its expectations, and the outlook for full-year underlying revenue growth is unchanged.

In Interventional Medicine, revenue growth was underpinned by continued good performances from Interventional Oncoloy and from EKOS.

The group said Specialty Pharmaceuticals delivered a good performance across the portfolio.

Chief executive officer Louise Makin said: We have had a strong first half, delivering double-digit constant currency revenue growth as we have continued to grow the business. The acquisition of Galil Medical has strengthened and diversified our interventional oncology portfolio, which also saw the US launch and approval in Canada of our innovative visible bead LC Bead LUMI."

Also on Thursday, BTG said its subsidiary, Biocompatibles, has reached a settlement with the US government in relation to the Department of Justices investigation of the marketing of embolic bead LC Bead.

Biocompatibles has agreed to settle all allegations and to pay a total penalty of $36m. BTG said it is not required to enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement as part of the settlement.

At 1450 BST, BTG shares were up 4.9% to 678.50p.
The FTSE 250 retreated further away from its all-time high on Thursday, stung by Brexit worries and investor caution that it may be vulnerable to the reaction to Fridays US non-farm payrolls report.

After business group's stressed the importance of immigration to government earlier in the week, comments from Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel inextricably linking freedom of movement and the single market were a blow to the domestically focused index.

"An apparent shift in UK politics under the wing of Teresa May towards an interventionist and anti-business agenda was not received well in markets," added analyst Jasper Lawler at CMC Markets.

"Weak corporate results and a degree of political uncertainty generated by Prime Minister Teresa May weighed on British stocks."

With the pound sent lower, a strong dollar and renewed US rate hike hopes combined to put pressure on gold, with the risk of strong US payrolls a further factor.

This decline in price of the yellow metal led to Hochschild Mining leading the fallers, with Acacia Mining and Centamin down but not as badly hit.

Homeware retailer Dunelm was down as its first quarter update painted a gloomy picture of recent trading. Like-for-like sales dropped 3.8%, against consensus forecasts for a 2.7% decline, as unseasonable weather was blamed for lower store footfall.

Noting that the shares' premium to the sector has narrowed in recent weeks, broker Canaccord said Dunelm's poor start to the year pushes the onus for delivering full year estimates onto the subsequent three quarters.

"This said, the reported LFL comparatives do weaken across the rest of the year however, and we reduced our FY17 LFL assumption to +2.0% in the wake of the prelims last month. We are therefore leaving our forecasts unchanged at this early stage of the year."

Fashion retailer Ted Baker was down ahead of its results next week, with its shares having given up 11% since early September as rivals report difficult trading conditions.

Going the other way fast was Tullow Oil as crude oil prices strengthened, while a positive note from Barclays provided a further fillip.

Analysts at the bank set a new 340p price target and said Tullow offered "attractive leverage to a steady improvement in oil prices", with the South Lokichar oil discoveries onshore Kenya provide an important component of the investment case, "particularly as recent improvements in the oil price and first oil from the TEN development chip away at investor anxiety about the balance sheet".

Specialist healthcare group BTG was another rapid riser as it lifted its revenue guidance for the year on the back of the weak pound.

BTG said that on a constant currency basis, it delivered double-digit revenue growth in the period, in line with its expectations, and the outlook for full-year underlying revenue growth is unchanged.

FTSE 250 - Risers

Tullow Oil (TLW) 277.10p 5.84%

BTG (BTG) 678.50p 4.87%

Aldermore Group (ALD) 192.00p 1.96%

Croda International (CRDA) 3,607.00p 1.38%

Smith (DS) (SMDS) 396.80p 1.30%

Victrex plc (VCT) 1,656.00p 1.22%

Fidelity China Special Situations (FCSS) 185.00p 1.09%

Tate & Lyle (TATE) 770.00p 1.05%

William Hill (WMH) 308.50p 0.98%

Aggreko (AGK) 975.50p 0.93%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Hochschild Mining (HOC) 247.60p -4.77%

Dunelm Group (DNLM) 823.50p -3.97%

Euromoney Institutional Investor (ERM) 1,049.00p -3.76%

Ted Baker (TED) 2,454.00p -3.46%

Countrywide (CWD) 209.10p -3.37%

Entertainment One Limited (ETO) 225.10p -3.22%

Restaurant Group (RTN) 369.20p -2.94%

Hansteen Holdings (HSTN) 114.10p -2.89%

Polypipe Group (PLP) 280.90p -2.87%

IP Group (IPO) 164.30p -2.72%
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Blue Jackets goalie Merzlikins, family threatened verbally

Aleksandra Merzlikins, the wife of the Blue Jackets goalie, has posted online about verbal abuse and threats directed at her family by fans.
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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.
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Photo courtesy of Runberg Architecture Group [enlarge]

The 361-unit Juxt apartments in booming South Lake Union has sold for $150.4 million, according to King County records. The seller was Nash-Holland 810 Dexter Investors LLC, which is associated with Vancouver-based developer Holland Partner Group.





. . .
Rumbling tanks, riot police, tear-gas grenades and hungry citizens standing in lines for bread and meat rations.

These could be scenes from many war movies or deployments, but they are not. These are Capt. Tomasz Nowaks memories from his childhood in Communist Poland in the early 1980s.

Nowak, who is an Individual Mobilization Augmentee Judge Advocate at the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, immigrated with his family to the United States as refugees in 1985. He was six at the time and his homeland had just undergone a period of social unrest, government crackdown and martial law.

Waiting in line for food at the meat market or bakery was commonplace but I didn't know it was different anywhere else, he said. I didn't want for anything but at the same time I didn't know what life was like [in the United States].

The contrast he found in his new life near Dallas, Texas, complete with supermarkets and NASCAR, helped shape a worldview that would lead him to become a lawyer and develop into a desire to serve his adopted country.

The path Nowak took to military service was unlike those taken by many other officers, such as Reserve Officer Training Corps or the Air Force Academy. Instead, Nowak established an entire legal career prior to entering the Air Force.

After earning his legal degree from Baylor Law School, where he met his wife (shes now a federal magistrate judge), he served for a number of years as a felony prosecutor, specializing in the areas of child abuse and drugs.

Nowak said that despite his success, military service was always in the back of his mind as something he had to do. He ties that urge to a desire to make his grandfather, a World War II veteran, proud. He also felt he owed it to America for the life and freedoms his adopted country provided him after emigrating from Poland.

However, it wasnt until he found a direct-to-commissioning opportunity with the Air Force Reserve as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee that he found his path to service. He said he was searching online for opportunities and all of his research pointed him to the Individual Mobilization Augmentee program as the best fit for his life and career.

IMAs are Air Force Reservists assigned to active-duty organizations. They are required to serve between 24 and 36 days each year, depending on their position but may volunteer to fill additional needs. There are more than 7,200 IMAs assigned to major commands, combatant commands and government agencies around the world.

[The IMA program] allowed me to stay on my legal career path, keep my day job with minimal disruption other than Commissioned Officer Training (COT) and Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course, and [they were] actively looking for the trial skill set I possessed, he said.

Nowak interviewed with the legal staff at Dyess Air Force Base and was hired. He attended Officer Training School in 2012. He said the new military lifestyle was completely foreign but he loved everything about it except the first two days of COT.

Not only did the commissioning opportunity offer Nowak a path to service, it also provided the Air Force a highly skilled and qualified Airman; Nowak came to the Air Force having already tried over 100 cases as a civilian prosecutor.

Since joining the Air Force, Nowak has shifted gears in his civilian practice and is now a defense attorney, working with some of the worst criminals in Texas. His Air Force career has also grown. In addition to supporting the 7th Bomb Wing Judge Advocates office with their day-to-day operations when hes on duty, he has also earned his Air Force trial certification.

I go from meeting clients in the jail to meeting with Airmen about their wills and offering legal assistance, he said.

Being a Citizen Airman allows Nowak to bring all of his civilian experience, including expertise on state and local laws, to the team at Dyess.

Lt. Col. Justin Dalton, the staff judge advocate at Dyess, said Nowaks contributions to the mission at the 7th Bomb Wing are many.

Dalton, who came to Dyess only a year ago, said he had never led a legal office that consisted of both active-component Airmen and Reservists. What he quickly found was that Reserve support was critical to mission success.

I can say we could not have accomplished the mission at Dyess without the Reserve Component, including Capt. Nowak, said Dalton.

Nowak happened to be pulling duty during Daltons first week in the office, and the Reservist quickly proved his worth to his new boss by stepping in to support a special court-martial trial. The deputy staff judge advocate was deployed and two additional judge advocates were away attending training, leaving only two active-duty captains. Even though Nowak only had one other military trial under his belt, Dalton called on him to serve as a third trial counsel based on his extensive experience prosecuting criminals in the civilian court system.

Dalton said the captain skillfully handled preliminary examination of witnesses, responding to defense motions, the direct examination of a sixteen-year-old victim, multiple cross examinations, and the sentencing argument. He added that the military judge praised Nowaks extensive experience in the civilian sector and noted how well-prepared, professional, and confident the Citizen Airman was in the court room.

Another recent contribution from Nowak where his civilian experience came to bear happened when the wing commander at Dyess wanted to implement a vehicular concealed carry weapons policy. Dalton said this was a very complicated legal puzzle and his Reservist was the person he turned to for local gun law advice. Nowaks talking paper on the issue was instrumental in Dyess Air Force Base becoming the first in Air Force history to allow members to carry private, loaded weapons on base. Dalton added that Headquarters Air Force is now reviewing that work to provide guidance to other Air Force installations that want to follow Dyess lead.

Nowak hopes his effort to repay his debt to the United States will help others see that the way of life in his adopted country is worth the effort of maintaining it. Whether its an Airman who needs a reminder that their work serves a purpose, or a citizen who needs a reason to feel good about where their taxes go, he wants people to see the contrast between life in the United States and places where freedom is suppressed.

Dalton, for one, believes Nowak has achieved that goal, calling him an incredible ambassador for the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, [judge advocate corps], and America."

For Nowak, though, his service boils down to freedom.

I had to do it, but [it was] because I live here and I had the choice and opportunity to do so, not because someone else forced me or told me to, he said.

To learn more about opportunities in the IMA program, visit www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/HQRIO.aspx.
Flipkart mopped up Rs1,400 crore on Monday, its highest-ever single day sales, giving India's largest online retailer a much-needed edge over American rival Amazon, which has been snapping at its heels with a massive war chest to woo the Indian market. This is more than twice what the Bengaluru-based e-retailer recorded as its peak sales in a single day last year. Flipkart's co-founder and chief executive Binny Bansal told The Times of India in an interview that crossing the Rs1,000-crore mark was a milestone for the company, which began its existence by selling books nine years ago. It is the first instance of any of the domestic online retailer publicly sharing gross sales, or GMV, numbers during the sale season. Both Amazon and Snapdeal have so far only put out units sold during their annual sale events, steering clear of giving out gross sales. "This number is far more than what the modern Indian retail industry clocks daily (Rs1,070 crore), signalling the evolution of ecommerce and its adoption among consumers," said Bansal, who stepped into the chief executive position earlier this year. Industry estimates suggest that collectively local e-retailers will garner around Rs12,000 crore in sales during the lucrative festive season against Rs7,000 crore a year ago, managing to grow the market significantly . GMV is overall sales on an online marketplace, excluding discounts and returns, out of which e-ewtailers take a share ranging from 5-15 per cent as their margin. GMV had been the key metric for all e-retailers in India to show rapid growth and ratchet up their valuations in multi-billion-dollar fund-raises over the past two years. But with sales staying flat or declining, most ecommerce players are now starting to focus on returning customers. A Snapdeal spokesperson said, "We do not track GMV as a metric of performance. In the first 16 hours of the sale on Day One, more than 11 lakh buyers bought 1.67 million products on Snapdeal. We recorded our highest ever sales by both volume and value on any single day , establishing a new record for ourselves."










Portugal's Antonio Guterres to be next UN Secretary-General

Antonio Guterres, former UN High Commissioner for Refugees and a former prime minister of Portugal, has emerged as the clear favourite to become the next United Nations Secretary-General following the sixth secret ballot held on Wednesday by the UN Security Council.

Ambassador Vitaly Churkin of Russia, which holds the Security Council presidency for the month, announced the decision at a press conference in New York attended by all 15 diplomats on the Security Council, including his American counterpart, Samantha Power.

The decision was taken at the sixth informal ''straw poll'' for the position of Secretary-General held earlier in the day.

The council will announce its formal decision Thursday (6 October) at 10:00 am and forward Guterres' name to the 193-member General Assembly for final confirmation, Mogens Lykketoft President of the UN General Assembly said.

In addition to Guterres, who served as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015, there were 12 other candidates in the running to succeed the current UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, who leaves office at the end of the year.

The selection of a new United Nations Secretary-General, traditionally decided behind closed-doors by a few powerful countries, has for the first time in history, involved public discussions with each candidate campaigning for the world's top diplomatic post.

These so-called 'informal briefings' between the candidates, UN member states and civil society representatives kicked off on 12 April, when the first three candidates presented their 'vision statements' and answered questions on how they would promote sustainable development, improve efforts to create peace, protect human rights, and deal with huge humanitarian catastrophes should they be selected to lead the organization.

In addition, this past July, the UN held its first-ever globally televised and webcast townhall-style debate in the General Assembly Hall, where the confirmed candidates at the time took questions from diplomats and the public at large.

Referring to the process as ''a game changer'' for the United Nations Organization, the President of the 70th General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft said: ''I am very proud that we broke new ground with unique transparency in the selection process. The two-hour presentation of each of the candidates in the General Assembly dialogues, and their collective Global Townhall debate, were important highlights and helped to include the global public in the debate about the future of the UN.''

Guterres was one of the founding members of Portugal's Socialist Party, following the country's Salazar-Caetano dictatorship. After leaving the premiership in 2005, Guterres assumed the presidency of the Socialist International.

Guterres spent the bulk of his decade at UNHCR tightening bureaucracy and warning of the impending migrant crisis now gripping Europe. His three-year post was extended multiple times, and Ban, who is in Rome to celebrate the inauguration of the first annual Conference on Sport and Faith with the Vatican, resisted pressure to keep him on another year. Guterres was often a voice of support for efforts made by front line nations Greece and Italy, often scolding the larger European Union for turning a blind eye to the worsening problem.

''The selfless generosity of private citizens and civil society organizations reaching out to welcome and help the new arrivals is truly inspiring. And there has been exemplary political and moral leadership from a number of countries. But overall, Europe has failed to find an effective common response, and people have suffered as a result,'' Guterres had said months before he retired.

Portugal, an EU member-state as well as one of the charter members of NATO, an unlikely winner considering that most of this year's contenders hailed from the Balkans or former Soviet satellite countries.

Also, the US and the United Kingdom were pushing for a woman, the first in history, to take over from Ban. In recent days, Guterres's closest opponent was latecomer Kristalina Georgieva, the European commission's vice president, who only joined the race last week.


Ski, a small city outside Oslo, is going through major urban changes as a consequence of the in-development high-speed train connection to Oslo. Local youths have been participating in the planning process and have especially expressed the need for meeting spaces in the city.

Eriksen Skajaa Arkitekter, Temporary Meeting Point, Ski, Norway, 2016

The temporary meeting point, designed by Eriksen Skajaa Architects together with a group of local youths is a space where young people can hang out in the city. It is the first of a series of temporary installations with the purpose of making Ski an attractive and vibrant place.

Eriksen Skajaa Arkitekter, Temporary Meeting Point, Ski, Norway, 2016

The box contains different rooms where you can sit alone or in a small group. If you want, you can climb up under the roof and get an overview of what is happening on the square, but you can also sit slightly hidden inside the box. Artist Christoffer Furru has decorated the box with youngsters.

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Photography Arne B. Langleite

Published 06 October 2016





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Eriksen Skajaa Arkitekter, Temporary Meeting Point, Ski, Norway, 2016



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Outstanding Success at Young Engineering Awards

Congratulations to four of our Engineering students and the Engineering Dept. in their success at the Young Engineering Regional Awards in Letterkenny last week. Cian Duffy and Martin Mc Manus won First and Second Place at Higher Level respectively. In Ordinary Level, Shane Begley won First and Daire Doyle won Second. All four students will go on to represent the region in the National Finals later this month.

Head Girl & Head Boy Elected

Lauren Moore was elected Head Girl and Francis Barron was voted Head Boy after a tough election campaign against formidable opponents last week. We have every confidence that they will acquit themselves honourably over the course of the year, acting as role models to younger students and as voices of the student body at meetings and official functions.

First Year Walk

Over 100 students took part in our annual 10km First Year Walk through the Knather Woods recently. The walk is a bonding experience to encourage new students to make new friends with one another. Students also raised money for school activities and trips through sponsorship. Although the weather conditions were not ideal everyone was in high spirits for the duration of the walk and lots of fun was had by all.

TY- Busy First Month

Our TY students have been very busy in the first month back. Their first major activity was the annual bonding trip to Delphi, with three days of outdoor activities including kayaking, archery and team-building exercises. Since then they have taken part in a Gender Equality Workshop, attended Psycho Spaghetti in Sligo, and are currently involved in Carnival Workshops with Maura Logue. The theme of this years carnival is Army Dreamers: Donegal 1916 and takes place on Saturday Oct. 8th at 7.30pm in Ballyshannon.

Connect Mental Health

We have a lot of activities arranged for all year groups for the Connect Mental Health Week which runs from October 8-15. There are plenty of events taking place outside of school too. Take a lookwww.connectmentalhealth.ie for more information.

LC English Trip to London

Twenty Higher Level Leaving Cert English students and their teachers travelled to London recently to attend a production of Macbeth in Shakespeares Globe Theatre and the West End show The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Both shows were a big hit with the students, presenting a great contrast in style, although some of the students would have preferred one of the hard wooden seats in the Globe to standing as a groundling in the traditional fashion! The group also visited the British Museum, the Tate Modern, and enjoyed a Sunday morning stroll around Westminster and Buckingham Palace.

Allingham Festival

Many of our students are busy putting the finishing touches to their poems and short stories for this years Allingham Festival Schools Competitions. The deadline for entries is October 17th, so there is still plenty of time to enter. Visit allinghamfestival.com/school- competitions for more info, or see Mr. Beattie in the Library at lunch for an application form. Best of luck to all!
There has been an increase in the number of patients awaiting admission to Letterkenny University Hospital overnight.

Figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Association (INMO) show there were 14 patients awaiting admission from the emergency department on Thursday morning, an increase from ten on Wednesday. Nine patients were on trolleys and five on wards.

Meanwhile at Sligo regional Hospital just four patients were awaiting beds. Nationally, 371 patients were waiting in beds this morning.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) said on Wednesday that it had implemented its full capacity protocol to deal with the pressure and efforts were being made to identify patients who could be discharged.

The hospital encouraged members of the public to attend the emergency department only in the case of real emergencies and contact their GP or GP Out-of-Hours service in the first instance.

The hospital apologised to all patients and their families for any distress caused as a result of these delays.

The overcrowding situation has been a regular problem at the hospital in recent weeks.

The increase in the overcrowding overnight followed a call from a Letterkenny member of the HSEs Regional Health Forum West for decisive action to be taken.

Councillor Gerry Crawford said that those in responsible positions within the HSE "and above" need to implement a plan when such occasions arise.

"It has happened so often that a plan needs to be put in place to deal with this issue because whatever plan is in place is simply not working, he said.

"Those in positions of authority in the HSE and above need to take decisive action."
A Donegal man described as a visionary and pro-active giant of the Irish language will be recognised with an IFTA award for his Outstanding Contribution to the television industry and to the Irish language.

Micheal O Meallaigh, a native of Lettermacaward, is TG4s Commissioning Director. This Friday, the Irish Film & Television Academy will present him with an Irish Academy Award for Outstanding Contribution, as part of IFTA's celebration of TG4's 20th anniversary of broadcasting.

A spokesperson for the IFTA, said, Micheal O Meallaigh, who has just retired, is beloved by the Irish television and film industry and by the Irish community as a whole.

He is seen by all concerned as a visionary, a pioneer of new ideas and approaches, and a pragmatic and brave decision-maker when it comes to commissioning new and accessible Irish language TV Drama, feature films and documentaries on small budgets.

He has been instrumental in providing a training ground for new crew and screen talent as Gaeilge which has resulted in a vast new resource of creative talent working in both the Irish and English language across television and film.

He has been a tower of strength for TG4 across his service of 20 years and his professionalism and his enormous ambition for the Irish language in making the language and the stories accessible to all types of audiences both in Ireland and internationally, has been his legacy.

TG4s reputation for quality and diversity, largely through Micheals commissioning, is known for its consistently strong innovative programming and award-winning excellence in creative output.

Aine Moriarty, Chief Executive of IFTA, said, Micheal has undoubtedly been the most positive influence on Irish language production in Ireland. He has broken the mould when it comes to great vision and brave commissioning decisions that have consistently delivered world-class film and drama to audiences around the world.

Micheal O Meallaigh said, Ba mhaith liom buiochas a ghabhail le IFTA as ucht an onoir seo nach raibh aon suil agam leis. Se an saothru ar son na Gaeilge, fite fuaite le gra don scealaiocht, a mheall me i dtreo gno na teilifise ar dtus, agus uaidh sin fuair me deis ar leith clair den iliomad genre a choimisiunu agus a chothu i bpairt le leiritheoiri agus stiurthoiri den scoth. Ta me thar a bheith sasta glacadh leis an t-aitheantas pearsanta seo mar chuid den gaisce ata bainte amach ag TG4 le scor bliain anuas.

I wish to express my appreciation to IFTA for this unexpected honour. In my 20 years in TG4 the most important thing has always been the storytelling, and connecting to an audience, and IFTA nominations and awards for TG4 programmes have been an appreciated recognition of success and a source of pride over the years. I am delighted on this occasion to accept this personal recognition and join the eminent list of previous recipients. My sincere appreciation agus buiochas o chroi do IFTA.

The awards will be presented at a gala ceremony, in the DoubleTree by Hilton in Dublin, and broadcast on TV3.
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Scottish nurse Pauline Cafferkey, who contracted Ebola in Sierra Leone in 2014, was admitted to hospital today under routine monitoring.

A registered NHS nurse, Ms Cafferkey, who has close Donegal connections, had been in Sierra Leone as a volunteer with the Save the Children charity.

Ms. Cafferkeys late grandmother was originally from the townland of Rannyhaul, near Kincasslagh.

The National Health Service of Greater Glasgow and Clyde reported today that Ms. Cafferkey was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow under routine monitoring by the Infectious Diseases Team.

Her condition remains stable and she is undergoing further investigations, the NHS reported.

Following a detailed assessment we can provide re-assurance that there is no risk to the public, the NHS of Greater Glasgow and Clyde said.

Earlier today Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, tweeted, Sending my very best wishes to Pauline Cafferkey. She has already suffered way too much - & all for trying to help others. Thoughts with her.

Last month, Ms Cafferkey was cleared of misconduct after it was claimed that she concealed her temperature at a screening when she returned to the UK. The Nursing and Midwifery Council said in a statement last month that an independent panel found her actions did not amount to misconduct, following a fitness to practice hearing.
Students from schools across Donegal are preparing to celebrate Maths Week Ireland 2016 which kicks off on Saturday 15th October and runs right through until Sunday 23rd October.

Teachers from schools across Donegal have so far registered 2,581 students to take part in Maths Week events in their schools with many more expected to make it the biggest Maths Week celebration to date

The festival, now in its eleventh year, is the largest festival of Maths in the world and promises to be a true celebration of numbers.

Throughout the week a host of national and international mathematicians will demonstrate the importance of maths while also entertaining the Donegal students with an array of maths games, teasers, challenges and magic maths shows.

Speaking about the week, Eoin Gill Founder of Maths Week Ireland said: Maths Week would not be the success it is today without students from across Ireland, including those in Donegal.

Its a true partnership of people working together for a common aim, promoting mathematics for all. With events up and down the country during the week there is something for everyone, young or old. You can find out more about what is happening in your area by logging onto www.mathsweek.ie and by following us onwww.facebook.com/MathsWeekIreland or Twitter @MathsWeek

Co-ordinated by Calmast at Waterford Institute of Technology, Maths Week is run as a partnership of over 50 public and private sector institutions and groups, including the universities and institutes of technology, professional bodies, libraries and visitors centres who are committed to promoting an interest in mathematics, as well as many of Irelands flagship employers
October is National Bullying Prevention month. We have all heard the phrase bullying, but what does it actually mean? Bullying is defined as unwanted aggressive behavior; observed or perceived power imbalance; repetition of behaviors or high likelihood of repetition.

Bullying is unfortunately a reality for far too many in our communities both young and old. Much like any other form of violence, bullying is not isolated to any particular age group, gender or demography. Just about everyone of us can look back in our lives and recall a time where either we were personally bullied or witnessed one of our friends or schoolmates being bullied. Its hard to believe that with all of the advancements and awareness, this type of behavior still exists, but it does and with the advent of social media, it had actually gotten much worse. This is because unlike in the past, the bully not only impacts your life on the playground or classroom; they now are able to follow you into your personal life due to the constant presence of social media.

There is good news in that we have learned a great deal about what creates these bullies and how to neutralize their ability to isolate and intimidate. The key is for those in authority to respond to reports of bullying immediately to show without question that bullying will not be acceptable. That message needs to follow to our homes with the messages we send our children not only by what we say but by our own actions in how we treat fellow adults. Bullying is without question a learned behavior. It is learned on the playground, in the classroom and follows through to the workplace and social interactions as adults. We need to send a strong message to our own children, a message of empathy and compassion not of ridicule and rumor.

Who are at risk of bullying the most? Typically those who are bullied have one or more of the following risks:

Are perceived as different from their peers, such as being overweight or underweight, wearing glasses or different clothing, being new to a school, or being unable to afford what kids consider cool

Are perceived as weak or unable to defend themselves

Are depressed, anxious, or have low self esteem

Are less popular than others and have few friends

Do not get along well with others, seen as annoying or provoking, or antagonize others for attention

However, even if a child has these risk factors, it doesnt mean that they will be bullied. The important lesson is that we as adults set the tone for how the next generation will interact with each other. Chances are if we show acceptance of others, our children will show acceptance of others. If we engage in demeaning others or spreading rumors, our children will follow suit. So often we as adults underestimate the influence, we have not only on our own children but even those who dont know us but witness our behavior.

While school or workplace policies are an important component, the only way to truly decrease bullying is by denying the bully their victim. We do this by raising strong, confident, resilient children, and speaking out and supporting those who find themselves on the receiving end of this type of behavior. We are all teachers in life lessons and we teach by our actions. Lets all be aware of what we teach.
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Living in the lap of luxury can be tough at times.

Visiting a petrol station and filling up your million dollar machine with fuel can always seem a bit below those who have managed to enter the realms of the well-heeled fraternity. And from the car maker that has given us the $200,000+ fishing set, the $300,000 clock and the $55,000 picnic set now comes another testament to man's push for convenience.

Bentley owners - in California at least - can now do away with that menial task of filling up their somewhat prized possession will a few gallons of Texas' finest thanks to a new app.

The app, Filld for Bentley, is a collaboration with an American app developer that will deliver fuel to you anywhere in California.

All owners of a Bentley have to do is choose a delivery time and a mobile petrol station will arrive at their location. Using the car's connected technologies, the app pinpoints the Bentley's exact location and will unlock the fuel cap so that owners don't have to mix with the help.

Bentley has even flagged that in the future the car may be able to order fuel for itself making this service even more convenient.

This app goes to the core of Bentley's philosophy, and as Bentley's director of product and marketing, Christophe Georges, so eloquently put it, "Bentley ownership is about more than just the vehicle  it's the entire luxury experience. We are continuously investigating ways in which to offer our customers tailored, convenient, smart services that afford them the greatest luxury of all: more time."
Home Off beat 'Passioni Tricolori' Celebrated In True Italian Style With Lamborghini And Ducati oi-Rajkamal

To celebrate the very best of Italy, sportscar manufacturer Lamborghini joined forces with motorcycle manufacturer Ducati and the Italian Air Force for a special event called 'Passioni Tricolori'.

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Authorities north and south of the border have vowed once again to crack down on cross border organised crime.

Tanaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald and the North's Justice Minister Claire Sugden have welcomed the publication of a new strategy which aims to further enhance co-operation between the PSNI and An Garda Siochana.

The ministers were speaking at the annual Cross Border Organised Crime seminar.

Developments in the past year include the establishment of the cross jurisdictional Joint Agency Task Force following the Fresh Start Agreement.

The Cross Border Policing Strategy which was launched at the conference by Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan and PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton will act as the over-arching Delivery Strategy for the work of the Task Force. Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said North-South cooperation in policing and criminal justice is a priority for the Irish Government.

The levels of cooperation between the law enforcement agencies in both jurisdictions are already outstanding, but will continue to be further enhanced.

We experience the same tasks in both parts of the island with regard to combating crime, she said.

I welcome the new Cross Border Policing Strategy as the latest expression of this cooperation.

The new Strategy updates the objectives for cross border cooperation across a range of policing areas and will be of significant benefit to keeping our communities safe and secure.

The work of the Task Force demonstrates the commitment on the part of law enforcement agencies, north and south, to tackling organised crime and paramilitarism. I congratulate all who are involved. she said.
Its still hard to know where the Brits are going with Brexit. Theresa May gave a populist speech at the Tory party conference last week describing the Brexit referendum as a  quiet revolution, a message from the voters that they voted for change and change is going to come.

So a change is gonna come. But when? And what?

Paddy Malone, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, has been interviewed by journalists from all over Europe on the subject of Brexit and has been nominated for the Taoiseachs All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit and how it will impact on this country.

He believes there are positive signs to look at.

If British universities drop out of Horizon 20/20 (the EU research programme) and if an English speaking alternative is needed, then we here in Dundalk and county Louth are well placed, said Paddy.

Financial companies looking for an EU passport may move out of London.

In that case, Dundalks location could prove attractive.

We are 40 minutes from Dublin and Belfast airports and when SIRO is fully delivered it will give Dundalk broadband speeds four times faster than what is available in the IFSC.

Property, both residential and commercial, is more expensive in Dublin, so

All of this makes would make Dundalk an attractive location for relocation.

But he also pointed out the downside of a Brexit move.

Dundalk Institute of Technology has close links with Queen's University and other institutions, so how will Brexit impact on that.

Theresa May was accused of stoking anti-immigrant feeling at her party conference by playing fears and concerns about immigrants taking British jobs.

So if there is going to be a hard border here how will it impact on people in this area - many of whom have to cross the border to go to work - and on business in the region?

One of the main concerns is the impact Brexit could have on our food exports.

If the British put a buy British Union Jack on all their food products and a tariff on Irish food products, then we will have a problem.

And then there is our tourism industry.

How will that be affected by Brexit?

The chairman of Dundalk Municipal District Committee, Cllr Mark Dearey, has stressed from the outset, the need for Dundalk and north Louth to be represented in any dialogue on how we handle Brexit both north and south of the border.

Louth County Council, Newry and Mourne District Council, and Down District Council have already signed up to a memorandum of understanding, a cultural and economic alliance for the region.

Sinn Fein Cllr. Edel Corrigan, is the joint chair of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Committee and she has expressed her concerns about the possible impact on the local economies of Brexit.

"Cross border trade is integral to any business that is based in the region, or anywhere along the border, Cllr Corrigan said.

We would fear that businesses, particularly in Dundalk and the wider area, would be directly impacted due to an introduction of tariffs or restrictions on movement by products or even by people."

"We already know that there will be some impact as a result, but that remains an unknown at the minute and has created an air of uncertainty and apprehension. The issue of funding is not something which should be underestimated and the shortfall needs to be dealt with at some stage."

Meanwhile, the all-island Civic Dialogue on Brexit with hold its first meeting, hosted by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, on 2 November in Dublin.

Dundalk needs to be represented.
Kipling in SM Mall of Asia recently re-opened with the release of the limited edition Kipling x Alexandra Levassuer Collection and the Fall 2016 bag and purses collection.



Diamond Blacks, Vibrant Reds and Jazzy Blues were incorporated in the Kipling x Alexandra Levasseur. It featured steely toned blooms and winter florals, taking inspiration from flora and faunda and elements of Kiplings trademark monkey that definitely brings out the signature mish mash design signature of this famous Canadian painter.

This Experience S Backpack in Alex BloomFirst flew off the shelve right away during the opening and this was my first and last look of it. I just turned my back for a bit and boom some woman took it right away and head straight towards the counter and paid for it.

They only displayed some of the collection and each store has limited stocks so I guess this was the last one for the day that day!

Some of the items that made up the collection includes this Luestagious in Diamond Black, large a4-ftting shoulder bag with leader handles.

I also like this overnight bag, perfect for those last minute overnight at a friend, or even during a gym session! Huge enough to fit your outfit and shoes change after a workout!



On the other hand, the Basic EMO Kipling shoulder bag is perfect for someone whos hustling and bustling and picking up stuff (or shopping) on an erratic rainy and then sunny tropical weather of ours. I love that it has so many pockets and compartments and that it is water resistant!



Kipling held an incredible sale during the re-opening where everything in the store is 50% off while the new releases were sold for 30% off! No wonder we were carrying all this Kipling Make Happy shopping bags!





Some triva about Kipling Philippines

Did you know?

 Kipling is almost celebrating their 30-year birthday!

 Kipling started in Belgium but is now available in 67 countries around the world

 That the bags are made out of crinkled nylon because its easy to clean and lightweight but still water repellent!

 That Kipling takes its name from the author of the Jungle book, Rudyard Kipling

Now you know!

Stay gorgeous everyone!
The website of prominent security blogger Brian Krebs is back online this week after sustaining one of the largest distributed denial of service attacks in Internet history.

DDoS attacks typically disrupt service at a website by flooding it with junk traffic. In this case, garbage traffic assaulted Krebs site at 620 gigabits per second. By comparison, consumer bandwidth is in the 10-15 megabit per second range; businesses, 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps.

The attack may have been even larger than reported so far, maintained Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare.

There was evidence that a lot of the upstream providers were getting congested and dropping packets upstream, he told TechNewsWorld.

When thats taken into account, this attack could have been close to a terabit attack, Prince said.

Akamais Exit

The attack was so large that Akamai, the company that had been protecting Krebs site from DDoS attacks for years, had to withdraw its support from the blogger.

Let me be clear: I do not fault Akamai for their decision, Krebs wrote in a Sunday post.

I was a pro bono customer from the start, and Akamai and its sister company Prolexic have stood by me through countless attacks over the past four years. It just so happened that this last siege was nearly twice the size of the next-largest attack they had ever seen before, he explained.

Once it became evident that the assault was beginning to cause problems for the companys paying customers, they explained that the choice to let my site go was a business decision, pure and simple, said Krebs.

Akamai had to assess what the attack was costing it in manpower and network overages, said Martin McKeay, a senior security advocate at the company.

An attack of this size has serious financial costs, he told TechNewsWorld.

Google to the Rescue

Krebs had to pull the plug on his website until he could find a new safe harbor. He found one behind Googles Project Shield, which uses the search giants massive infrastructure to protect independent news sites from DDoS attacks.

Although it isnt known who launched the attack on Krebs website, Akamais McKeay doesnt believe it was a nation-state actor because it exposed a valuable asset to discovery.

Its very unlikely a state-actor because its burning this botnet, he said.

Theres enough people looking at this that this botnet will not last very long, McKeay observed. Its somebody who doesnt care if this botnet is useless in a week or two.

It may be someone with a short tenure on freedom.

When large attacks like this happen, the people behind them arent long for walking around freely, Cloudflares Prince suggested.

When you look at the history of attacks like this, in almost every case, the individuals behind them are tracked down and prosecuted, he added. Its hard to generate this much traffic and create this much pain without leaving fingerprints.

IoT Culprit

A botnet of hijacked Internet of Things devices  routers, IP cameras and digital video recorders that are exposed to the Internet and protected with weak or hard-coded passwords  mounted the attack on Krebs site.

There are hundreds of thousands of cameras connected to the Internet that have a vulnerability that allows an attacker to abuse them and start sending attack traffic at a victim, Prince pointed out.

An attacker sends a message to an IoT device and spoofs the return address, explained Slawek Ligier, vice president of engineering for security at Barracuda Networks.

Those responses are directed at the victim, so the victim receives a flood of data from IoT devices from around the world, he told TechNewsWorld.

The IoT is opening the floodgates for DDoS hackers, said Akamais McKeay. When people create IoT devices, unless theyre secured properly, youre opening up the possibility of it being used for just about any malicious purpose that you want.

While the attack on Krebs site appears abnormal now, it may not be in the future, he said. Within two years, this will probably be the new norm.
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.
Overruling local authority, the British government gave the go-ahead on a new shale gas fracking permit in Lancashire County today, opening the door to a massive expansion of shale gas development in the UK. A second permit is likely to be approved.

Protestors respond to decision to allow fracking in Lancashire. BBC

Environmental groups, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party, condemned the decision. This morning, protestors showed up in the area where the fracking project will commence. BBC North West environment correspondent Judy Hobson wrote, This decision was never about fracking. For those against it, that argument has already been lost. The government wants a shale gas industry and on a big scale.

The Lancashire County Council had denied the permit last year, but Cuadrilla Resources, a local exploration and production company, appealed. The site on Preston New Road will be the first horizontal fracturing well in the U.K. Fracking is expected to start by the end of 2017.

Fracking was suspended in the U.K. in 2011 after test wells drilled by Cuadrilla triggered two small earthquakes. In the U.S., Oklahoma now has more earthquakes than California since it became a center of fracking operations.

UK shale resources Oil & Gas Authority

Trillions of cubic feet of shale gas are believed to underlie parts of the U.K. More than 200 exploration licenses have been granted. The two sites in Lancashire are part of eight that Cuadrilla is exploring, according to the companys own website.

In a post published Tuesday on RenewEconomy by energy experts Peter Strachan and Alex Russell, the authors wrote:

The continuing vision for the northern powerhouse seems to be predominantly based on fracking apart the shale beds of England. The prize is claimed to be: glittering new tax revenue; the transfer of oil jobs from the Jurassic North Sea oil and gas industry to onshore; and, cheaper and more secure gas supplies.

Reaction by residents in Lancashire has been angry.

Jackie Sylvester told The Guardian, Theyve gone against the will of the people. I think the people of England dont realize that once this starts its not going to stop and theres going to be hundreds of drills.

Another resident, Heather Speak, said, Im so, so angry that a government minister has turned their back on local democracy.

But stopping the Lancashire project at this point may be impossible. Opponents would have to prove that the decision was reached unlawfully.

This fudged decision shows the government is struggling to force fracking on a reluctant nation, Greenpeace campaigner Hannah Martin said.

Greenpeace opens a fracking site in Parliament Square in February 2016 to bring the local impacts of fracking to the heart of democracy. David Holt / Flickr

In March, a report by the independent Committee on Climate Change found that the exploitation of shale gas on a significant scale is incompatible with the U.K.s carbon budgets. The report advises that production emissions from gas wells will have to be offset through emissions reductions elsewhere, and warns of the dangers of methane emissions associated with fracking.

Left entirely unregulated, the emissions footprint of shale gas production could be substantial, the report states.

In making its decision, the Theresa May government said these concerns were irrelevant to its decision.
By Claire Bernish, AntiMedia

After the mammoth methane gas leak that spewed uncontrollably from a damaged well in Californias Aliso Canyon was finally capped last week, residents of nearby Porter Ranch began trepidatiously returning to their homes. Lingering doubts over whether Southern California Gas Company will continue using the underground storage field have left many wondering if concerns for their safety are being considered at allparticularly considering the company has, so far, only been charged with misdemeanor violations.

A massive leak from a Texas fracking operation dwarfs the infamous methane leak in Californias Aliso Canyon. Photo credit: Scott Towery / Flickr

All told, the Aliso Canyon leak thrust an estimated 96,000 metric tons of potent methanenot to mention benzene, nitrogen oxides and other noxious substancesinto the atmosphere over a period of months. So vast was the impact of the leak, it has been likened in impactful scope to BPs Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

California, however, isnt the only state dealing with mammoth methane leakage.

Texas is dealing with a comparable disaster that has been overlooked by officials and the media, in part, because the states methane emanates from a powerful industrys infrastructure. According to the Texas Observers Naveena Sadasivam:

Every hour, natural gas facilities in North Texas Barnett Shale region emit thousands of tons of methanea greenhouse gas at least 20 times more potent than carbon dioxideand a slate of noxious pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and benzene.

The Aliso Canyon leak was big. The Barnett leaks, combined, are even bigger.

At its peak, the SoCal Gas leak emitted 58,000 kilograms of methane per hour. By comparison, researchers with universities in Colorado and Michigan, partnering with the Environmental Defense Fund, estimate around 60,000 kilograms are spewed every hour by more than 25,000 natural gas wells in operation on the Barnett Shalewith the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex at the center. This amounts to around 544,000 tons of methane every year. But contrary to the magnitude of the Aliso Canyon event, emissions caused by oil and gas extraction from the Barnett Shaleand a second large formation, Eagle Ford Shalewont cease as long as hydraulic fracturing remains the boon it has been to the fossil fuel industry.

An eight-month long study of Eagle Ford by the Center for Public Integrity, Weather Channel and InsideClimate News found a system that does more to protect the industry than the public.

Due to a scarcity of air quality monitoring stations, with only five permanent monitors to cover Eagle Fords nearly 20,000 square miles, state officials simply dont know the extent of pollutants in the air. Many facilities are permitted to police themselves and arent required to submit those findings. Not that regulators would have an easy time enforcing a reporting mandate, as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which regulates most air emissions, doesnt even know some of these facilities exist.

David Sterling, chair of the University of North Texas Health Science Center, told InsideClimate News, As much as I would like to believe that industry can police itself, history has shown that that has not worked without sufficient oversight. With TCEQs budget having fallen 34 percent between 2010 and 2014, its virtually impossible to imagine such oversight increasing in the future.

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There is a dearth of accountability for lawbreakers in Texas oil and gas industry. As the study discovered, in a period of nearly two years beginning in January 2010, 284 complaints against the industryand 164 documented violationsled to just two non-punitive fines, the larger of which was a mere $14,250.

Though alarming, that gap in accountability isnt a surprise.

Texas officials tasked with overseeing the industry are often its strongest defenders, stated the study. The Texas Railroad Commission, which issues drilling permits and regulates all other aspects of oil and gas production, is controlled by three elected commissioners who accepted more than $2 million in campaign contributions from the industry during the 2012 election cycle, according to data from the National Institute on Money in State Politics.

Texas lawmakers are often personally tied to the industry, as nearly one in four state legislators or his or her spouse, has a financial interest in at least one energy company active in the Eagle Ford, according to an analysis of personal financial forms by CPI cited by the study.

Residents located in the two Texas shale production regions experience many similar symptoms to those in Porter Ranch near Aliso Canyon, such as nosebleeds, dizziness, nausea and various respiratory ailments. Those symptoms could be due to any number of pollutants and toxins. As the study described:

Chemicals released during oil and gas extraction include hydrogen sulfide, a deadly gas found in abundance in Eagle Ford wells; volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, a known carcinogen; sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which irritate the lungs; and other harmful substances such as carbon monoxide and carbon disulfide. VOCs also mix with nitrogen oxides emitted from field equipment to create ozone, a major respiratory hazard.

Studies show that, depending on the concentration and length of exposure, these chemicals can cause a range of ailments, from minor headaches to neurological damage and cancer. People in the Eagle Ford face an added risk: hydrogen sulfide, also known as H2S or sour gas, a naturally occurring component of crude oil and natural gas that lurks underground.

Texas shale facilities are responsible for 8 percent of the nations methane emissions, already; but the combination of faulty equipment and lack of monitoring sites mean occasional large methane releases from wellscalled super-emitterswont necessarily be noticed immediately.

If one well was a super-emitter the day we measured them, it could change the next day, explained Daniel Zavala-Araiza, lead researcher of a 2015 Barnett Shale methane study by the Environmental Defense Fund, in the Observer. Its not just about finding a handful of sites. You need to be looking continuously to keep finding the ones that are malfunctioning  If you dont have frequent monitoring, theres no way youre going to know when one of these super-emitters begins spewing.

In fact, a recent study by Harvard University points the finger at the U.S. as the cause of an enormous spike in global methane emissions over the past decade, accounting for 30 to 60 percent of all human-caused atmospheric emissions.

I believe the U.S. probably is responsible for this much of an increase in global methane emissions, said Roger Howarth, a methane researcher at Cornell University, who is unaffiliated with the Harvard study, the Guardian reported. And, the increase almost certainly must be coming from the fracking and from the increase in use of natural gas.

Texas residents unfortunate enough to find their homes positioned near oil or gas facilities arent left with much recourse to combat the states infamous industry. Shale gas production more than doubled between 2009 and 2014, though it has slowed slightly with the recent glut. As InsideClimate News reported, state Representative Harvey Hilderbran tellingly asserted to a media panel in 2014:

I believe if youre anti-oil and gas, youre anti-Texas.

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A study released in Science Advances Wednesday finds strong evidence for severe, long-term droughts afflicting the American Southwest, driven by climate change. A megadrought lasting decades is 99 percent certain to hit the region this century, said scientists from Cornell University, the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University and the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

Historically, the Colorado emptied into the Gulf of California. Today, what little remains of the Colorado River when it reaches Mexico has been diverted to irrigate the farms of Mexicali Valley. The rest of the river exists mostly as a dry memory. ProPublica

Historically, megadroughts were extremely rare phenomena occurring only once or twice per millennium, the report states. According to our analysis of modeled responses to increased GHGs, these events could become commonplace if climate change goes unabated.

Rising temperatures will combine with decreased rainfall in the Southwest to create droughts that will be worse than the historic Dust Bowl of the 20th century and last far longer. The Dust Bowl lasted no longer than eight years, and affected 100 million acres around the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles and adjacent lands in Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico. Dust storms swept through large swaths of former farmland, depositing dust as far east as Chicago, New York and Washington. It is estimated that more than half a million people were made homeless, and some 3.5 million Dust Bowl refugees migrated west, in hopes of finding work.

Maps show risk of megadrought under different levels of global temperature rise. Science Advances

The megadrought study looked at conditions under a 2-degree Celsius level of global warming, 4 degrees and 6 degrees. With 4 degrees of warming, which is the rate the planet is currently heading for, megadroughts are almost a certainty. If the rise in global temperatures is kept to 2 degrees, which is the upper-limit goal of the Paris climate agreement, the risk of megadroughts is between 30 and 60 percent.

Currently, 62 percent of Californiahome to 39 million peopleis under severe or worse drought conditions. The state is entering its sixth consecutive year of drought, with record-low levels of precipitation and snowpack. Moderate or worse drought covers 45 percent of Arizona and 37 percent of Nevada. The water level in many of Californias lakes and reservoirs remains below historic averages.

Much of the Southwest relies on the Colorado River and its tributaries for some or all of its water. Beginning as a trickle seeping out of the ground above 10,000 feet, just west of the Continental Divide, the Colorado feeds critical farmland, public water supplies and helps generate hydroelectric power. Thirty to 40 million people rely on Colorado River water.

Historically, the Colorado emptied into the Gulf of California. Today, what little remains of the Colorado River when it reaches Mexico has been diverted to irrigate the farms of Mexicali Valley. The rest of the river exists mostly as a dry memory.

The Colorado River is one of the most dammed and diverted rivers on the planet, said Gary Wockner, executive director of Save The Colorado, in an interview with EcoWatch. In fact, every drop of its water, over 5 trillion gallons of water per year, is diverted out and the river no longer meets the Gulf of California.

California and the Southwest rely on the Colorado River for much of their water supply. Colorado River Water Users Association

Under the 4-degree scenario plotted by the study, all but the extreme southeast corner of California is at a 90 to 100 percent risk of megadrought. The Colorado River supplies 55 to 65 percent of water for Southern California. ProPublica reported last year that more people are entitled to Colorado River water than the river can supplyor has supplied, on average, for the past 110 years.

Much of the water is lost, overused or wasted, stressing both the Colorado system, and trickling down to California, which depends on the Colorado for a big chunk of its own supply, ProPublica reported.

https://twitter.com/NormanBuffong/statuses/773885769211576321

In Californias San Joaquin Valley, over-pumping of groundwater for irrigation has caused the land to sinkin some places, as much as two to three feet. A NASA study, conducted last year, showed the extent of the problem.

One spot near the California Aqueduct sank eight inches in just four months. Toxic algal blooms have affected more than 40 lakes and waterways this year, the greatest number on record. A shift in electric power generation in the state away from dwindling hydropower sources to natural gas has cost Californians $2 billion and increased carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 10 percent.

Toxic algae blooms set historic records from coast to coast>>https://t.co/yjlKVN7uWt via @EcoWatch pic.twitter.com/FkZFYuUb4W  Earthjustice (@Earthjustice) October 2, 2016

A megadrought occurring again in the Southwest in the coming decades would impose unprecedented stresses on water resources of the region, and recent studies have shown that they are far more likely to occur this century because of climate change compared to past centuries, stated the authors of the megadrought study. They call for a mix of adaptation policies, including reducing demand, greater water efficiency, and shifts to groundwater supplies, as well as further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The implications are that the river is already severely depleted and the reservoirs are at near historic lows and all the predictions are that it is going to get worse, said Wockner. And so people who manage water supplies need to be managing for less water.
This is

not us trying to be The Onion. Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has officially proclaimed Oct. 13 Oilfield Prayer Day to raise awareness for the states declining oil industry. Heres her official

signed proclamation.

Michael Vadon / State of Oklahoma Executive Department

The document states:

Whereas Oklahoma is blessed with an abundance of oil and natural gas; and  Christians acknowledge such natural resources are created by God  Christians are invited to thank God for the blessings created by the oil and natural gas industry and to seek His wisdom and ask for protection.

A series of Praying for the Patch breakfasts will take place in other cities before culminating at the

sixth annual Oilfield Prayer Breakfast on Oct. 13 in downtown Oklahoma City, an event that Fallin has made preliminary plans to attend.

Tom Beddow, coordinator of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahomas Oil Patch Chaplains ministry, is one of the organizers of the Praying for the Patch initiative that was also created in partnership with the Oilfield Christian Fellowship.



The organizers have invited Oklahoma residents and churches to simultaneously pray for the states energy industry, which directly or indirectly employs

one-quarter of all job holders in the Sooner State.

Governor Mary Fallin has issued an Executive Proclamation designating October 13 as Oilfield Prayer Day https://t.co/rWQhBY1wFm pic.twitter.com/8bBJpiNOCY  ??? ??????? (@RobTVLA) October 5, 2016

The oil field is hurting right now, Beddow told The Oklahoman. Were asking churches all over Oklahoma to open their doors, put on a pot of coffee and pray for the oil field, and not only for the oil field but the state, because the economy of our state is so connected to the oil field.

According to The Oklahoman, Beddow is a former oil field welder who attends First Baptist Church of Ada. He wants churches to pray for people, schools, mental health agencies and other businesses and organizations

affected by the energy industrys downturn.

The faith community is experiencing the same economic disaster, and it seems to have the same need, the recovery from financial loss, Beddow also said, according to the

The Baptist Messenger. Once again, the need goes much deeper. The greatest need of the faith community is to develop a broken-hearted compassion for the oilfield and related industries. This is the type of compassion described in Neh. 1:1-5. Real compassion results in a more dynamic prayer life, which, in turn, leads to action.

Jeff Hubbard, with the Oilfield Christian Fellowship in Oklahoma City, told The Oklahoman he supports the prayer initiative.



We have a saying: The oil field trickles down to everyone, he said.

He added that the prayer breakfasts bring together energy industry workers of all stripes.



Youve got guys in coveralls and guys in suits and ties, said Hubbard, who is also a senior account manager at Schlumberger oil field equipment supplier and member of Crossings Community Church.

Oklahomas economy has indeed

fallen on hard times partly due to cheap oil triggering energy industry losses. Not only that, the states oil and gas production has also been tied to the states alarming swarm of earthquakes.

Last month, a record-breaking 5.8-magnitude earthquake rattled the the city of Pawnee. Geologists are investigating whether the earthquakewhich occurred 25 miles north of the worlds largest oil-storage complex in Cushingwas triggered by wastewater fluid injection from oil and gas production in the area.
Honors Program Presents Students, Programs for 2016-17

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, 33 Elizabeth City State University students were presented as Honors Scholars during the E is for Excellence event held at Johnson Hall.

The director of the honors program, Dr. Kenneth E. Jones, hosted the program that honored the students and presented faculty and staff with presentations by Jones and the honors students.

The honors program is designed to challenge our most highly academic students, said Jones during the presentation.

The goal of the program, he said, is to assist the universitys high achievers in focusing their studies and preparing them for a world beyond ECSU, one that would likely include graduate school.

Addressing the moderator, honor student Ama Agyapong, Dr. Arnold Banerji asked how students are preparing for graduate school. Agyapong assured the natural sciences professor that with hard work, time management and the guidance of professors and advisors, many of the honors program students were putting their gaze on graduate programs.

Dr. Jones spoke at length about the program, highlighting many of the activities these students have been and will be involved with. One of the most notable, he said, is the National Association of African American Honors Program conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

Three of our students will be presenting scholarly papers and we will field a debate team, said Jones.

The NAAAHP chose this years debate topic, Millennial College Students Should Vote for Democratic Nominee Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Presidential Election. The ECSU team pits honors freshmen against honors juniors in a debate over the wisdom of the claim. For the Tuesday presentation, the team demonstrated what will hopefully be an award-winning moment for the university.

The ECSU Honors Program offers students an opportunity to compete with other universities through a number of venues including debate and academic quiz bowls. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in international studies, internships and fellowships.

It is also, an honors curriculum designed to maximize your academic potential and prepare you to effectively compete as a professional upon graduation.
(Photo:  Peter Williams / WCC)The Grand Imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar mosque and university, Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyeb, greets Dr. Agnes Abuom, moderator of the World Council of Churches main governing body on Sept. 30, 2016 during historic meetings at the headquarters of the World Council of Churches in Geneva with the WCC general secretary, Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit looking on.

Religious leadership, both Christian and Muslim, needs to be more courageous than it has been, says Dr. Agnes Abuom, moderator of the World Council of Churches main governing body.

"Without directly supporting attacks on the other religion, there have been some occasions when religious leaders have given a sort of silent approval to what their followers are saying and doing," Abuom said .

She spoke during two-day discussions between the Muslim Council of Elders and the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 after which they issues a joint declaration.

Two historic sessions of talks, hosted by the WCC, involved discussions on key aspects of peacebuilding and interreligious dialogue, paying special attention to combating religious extremism leading to violence in many parts of the world.

"The WCC is to be commended for inviting us to this important meeting," said Ahmed al-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in a speech Oct. 1 at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey near Geneva.

ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITIES

He said the meetings had taken place "with the presence of eminent scholars and religious leaders representing the monotheistic religions, meeting in the heart of Europe, in the beautiful and peaceful city of Geneva, so that we may assume our responsibilities both to our conscience and to the message of Allah the Almighty.

"In this way, may we contribute to the revival of hope in the hearts of millions of people living in fear and distress and restore happiness to the faces of those in despair, orphans and widows, who regrettably become victims of armed conflicts imposed on them."

On Oct. 1 the WCC and the Muslim Council of Elders issued a joint statement rejecting all forms of extremism and discrimination based on religion, race, gender and ethnic origin in which they committed to working on the presentations of religions.

In his keynote speech the Grand Imam said, "Please do not let your minds and thoughts accept those false messages that link Islam with terrorism; you are best at understanding that religion and violence are inconsistent.

"I do not have any doubt that you all admit that all religious messages have one unique aim, which is the happiness of humankind and to avoid falling into tragedy and disbelief.

"I am underlining the fact that religious armed groups advocating religious messages are in reality betraying their religions and their souls; that using religious messages in order to perpetrate crimes, slaughter, destruction is to be seen as unacceptable and reprehensible.

"All of you know that the horrible and abject deeds perpetrated in the past in the name of Christianity, using a false interpretation of the holy books, and causing the killing of many Muslims can never be linked to Christianity, and no Muslim has ever accused this religion of all that happened," he said in an apparent reference to the Crusader era.

The Muslim reiterated, "that all these forms of terrorism with their different names and slogans are rejected by Islam and we have to find the real roots of terrorism outside the context of the holy Qur'an and the precepts of Islam; otherwise the approach will be an aberration of sound logical reasoning.

"The parties that are promoting these false accusations need to find the real causes of terrorism that are linked, as mentioned before, in biased policies and double standards as well as the greed of a minority defending its international and regional interests through the arms race and flourishing arms markets, forgetting the divine message of all religions and instead using mockery against God's prophets, books and messengers."
(Photo: Reuters / Omar Ibrahim)Christian clerics hold candles during a candle-lit vigil at the Balamand Monastery in Koura, near the north Lebanese city of Tripoli, to call for the release of bishops kidnapped in northern Syria two months ago, June 22, 2013. Greek Orthodox Patriarch John Yazigi led the candle-lit vigil on Saturday for Greek Orthodox archbishop Paul Yazigi and Syriac Orthodox archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim, appealing to their kidnappers to free them and urging Syrian security forces to do more to win their release.

The Ecumenical Institute for the Middle East is to launch in Beirut at the end of July in a region where Christians are face challenges different to those believers face in most other parts of the world.

Initiated by the World Student Christian Federation  Middle East, the Ecumenical Institute for the Middle East aims to promote and nurture ecumenism and interchurch collaboration in the Arab world.

It will also build bridges with people of other faiths for the sake of truthful dialogue.

Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches said on a visit to Lebanon that the institute is "promising and inspiring" in its attempt to train young Christians in ecumenical thought and history.

"With theologically well qualified teachers, the institute is introducing students to biblical studies and the diversity of Christian traditions, training them to continue with the legacy of the ecumenical movement," he said.

The WCC general secretary met with organizers, students and faculty of the Ecumenical Institute for the Middle East on July 20 during a visit to Beirut.

Some 40 students participating in the institute this year come from Lebanon, Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Iraq, representing diverse Christian traditions and denominations.

As a Christian youth body founded in 1895, the WSCF has offered experience in ecumenical training of young people in the Middle East region for more than 43 years.

After meeting with the students, Tveit said that amid the challenging situation of the region, the Ecumenical Institute for the Middle East holds a significant value for the churches.

Tveit called the institute "one way of supporting churches in the troubled region of the Middle East, an expression of solidarity and a viable way of building relations".

"I trust churches in the region will support this initiative and it can continue working," said Tveit.

(Photo:  WSCF  Middle East) The WCC general secretary Olav Fykse Tveit with students, organizers and faculty of the Ecumenical Institute for the Middle East in Beirut, Lebanon on July .  WSCF  Middle East

The Ecumenical Institute for the Middle East promotes unity in diversity, peace building and security for all, by training participants who are interested in engaging in ecumenical training and thought.

Some of the training sessions will include inter-church dialogue, ecumenism, its definition, history and vision, ecumenism in the Middle East.

Courses will look at the history of the churches in the region and worldwide, ecumenical institutions, history and achievements.

Among other topics will be interfaith dialogue, biblical studies, ecumenism in church and society, contemporary issues and their impact on Middle Eastern populations, human rights and women's rights, education, development and diakonia.
Advocates and researchers dealing with school choice and early childhood are pleased that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has released plans addressing those issues after having had little specific to say about K-12 for most of his campaignbut not necessarily for his proposals level of detail, or what those details actually are.

At the most general level, many of those working on school choice and early childhood say they believe Trumps recent forays into their policy areas have helped raised the subjects political profile in the campaign and contributed to the surrounding debates. The Republicans 2012 presidential nominee, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, did not release a detailed proposal for expanding or overhauling child-care programs and policies; however, Romney was an enthusiastic backer of school choice.

But observers also expressed concern not only that the substance of Trumps plans lack detail or leave many unanswered questions, but also could cause problems down the road if he were to actually push them in a presidential administration.

Trumps campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

Plans on the Table

Trump and his rival, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, take distinctly different approaches on early-childhood and choice issues.

Clinton, for example, proposed capping child-care costs at 10 percent of a familys income. She also has proposed doubling the investment in the federal Early Head Start program and expanding preschool to every 4-year-old over the period of a decade. (A similar Obama administration preschool proposal has a $75 billion price tag.) Clinton has not released a specific proposal on school choice, although she has praised provisions to expand high-quality charter schools in the Every Student Succeeds Act, while opposing private school vouchers.

Trump released his school choice plan before rolling out an early-childhood proposal. Last month, he proposed a $20 billion federal plan to promote access to private, charter, magnet, and other schools for impoverished students. Trump said other federal money would be redirected to pay for the initiative, but did not provide more information on that point. Combined with state and local investments, Trump said that 11 million such students would have access to schools of their choice.

In his Sept. 8 speech at a Cleveland charter school, Trump pitched his plan as a way for students to escape not just struggling public schools but also the education bureaucracy, which he assailed in his speech at the Republican National Convention in July.

There is no policy more in need of urgent change than our government-run education monopoly, Trump said in Cleveland.

Separately, Trump in August supported creating a new federal tax deduction for child-care costs, an idea that attracted criticism for not addressing the problems many low-income families have paying for child care.

Then last month, the GOP nominee released a more detailed menu of proposed child-care policies. They include guaranteeing six weeks of paid-maternity leave; allowing a family with a stay-at-home parent to deduct child-care costs from taxes; creating dependent-care savings accounts that families could use, along with a federal subsidy, to pay for a variety of child-care and educational services; and offering incentives to employers to provide child-care services.

Focus on Who Needs It

Questions linger about the specifics of the early-childhood plan, howeverfor example, whether its realistic to assume that six weeks of maternity leave can be paid for by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in federal unemployment insurance, as Trump asserted.

In addition, Trumps proposal simply doesnt do enough to help out lower-income parents, said Elaine Maag, a senior research associate at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center at the Urban Institute, who focuses on support programs for low-income parents and children. She noted that a low-income family in which one adult does not earn an income would not receive any sort of tax-related benefit under Trumps plan.

Im very concerned about the quality of child care for very-low-income families, Maag said. That is not a situation the Trump proposal is trying to address.

Its also fair to question if subsidizing the child-care costs of those households making $150,000 or $200,000 annually is a smart use of public resources, said Katharine B. Stevens, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, who studies early-childhood-education initiatives.

Stevens is worried that if the next president takes office with a grand vision but no plans to consider more evidence or debate, it could short-circuit a growing public conversation to help us come to a collective understanding about why this is important and what we should do.

Were going to have a limited pot of money for children under 5. And weve kind of divided up that money, without realizing it, into child-care costs and preschool costs. But really, it should all be in one pot, Stevens said. I dont feel that any candidate is really pulling all the pieces together.

Voucher Debate

Trumps school choice plan, meanwhile, lacks the detail shown by Romneys 2012 campaign when it released policy proposals for choice, along with other education issues, said Chad Miller, the education policy director at American Action Forum, a nonprofit organization that supports free markets and limited government.

Theres not a whole lot of thought put into this from the Trump campaign, or at least it appears that way, Miller said, adding that the Republicans campaign still has time to surprise us and continue to flesh out and press the issue. (Millers group has no official position on Trumps candidacy.)

Miller identified numerous other concerns with Trumps plan, including the 13 million students eligible for free or reduced-price meals who are not included in his proposal; the possibility that many students in rural areas could be left out; and the various regulations and strings that could be attached to any such federally backed choice fund, reminiscent of the Race to the Top competitive grant program created by President Barack Obamas administration.

Trumps plan puts the conversation out there that we need to have and takes a bold approach that stands in contrast to the timidity Democrats sometimes show on school choice issues, said Kevin Chavous, a board member of the American Federation for Children, which backs choice.

But Trump as the messenger for choice doesnt have nearly the political and moral force of someone like former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a longtime proponent of choice and a one-time rival of Trumps for the GOP nomination, Chavous added: Lord knows, hes not the right person to try to do it.

The possibility of leveraging Trumps popularity and platform to foster broader support for school choice is appealing, Miller said. At the same time, Trumps lack of any previous material support for or involvement in school choice efforts could make advocates skeptical leads Miller to be worried that his proposal will become just another campaign promise.

Its one thing to get up there and say, I support school choice. But can you answer the next question of how youre going to enact your plan? Miller said. You become less helpful if you cant answer that question.
At long last, technology is at its fastest track not only to inform but also to warn of possible dangers coming from outside the earth. It is common knowledge that the solar system is a very complicated but beautiful creation by God and orbiting in it are just as powerful as the earth itself.

Each component, like the sun, the asteroids and other planets would likewise emit its own energy to preserve itself or just simply a natural phenomenon. In the case of solar flares, it varies on its strength and distance from the earth.

Observatories have already documented many incidents that these have caused damage to earth. But the question still remains. Up to what extent can people be informed to be saved?

On Oct 1, a recent tool was developed by researchers from the University of Michigan and Rice University in order to track where these solar storms and tell where it is heading, as per a recent report of SpaceDaily.

Before a solar storm has caused so much damage to communication satellites, power grids and transformers, this situation can even pose a threat to a nation's security. One example of which is the "Carrington event" in September 1859, wherein telegraph wires were damaged up to the extent of blazing papers.

Good thing though that in those times, there were not any transformers to burst and demands of electricity. Usually, this phenomenon of solar storms hitting the planet will destroy everything mankind need now in their everyday lives. All the more if the damage will leave a power outage for a long time.

It is definitely one of the most important tools for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center, which in using this new geospace forecast mode. It "can give utilities up to 45 minutes of warning of severe solar activity", wrote Popular Science.

With the images captured by satellite DSCOVR, this forecast model can interpret the strength of the magnetic field of a solar storm.Now with this, regional operators of power grids and transformers will be forewarned of an impending danger of a magnetic attraction from the solar storm and from the Earth's own.

Hopefully, technology will be used to improve life on earth and provide safety to all mankind. Obviously, researchers and scientists are not stopping in innovating tools for this thus professionals are encouraging them to provide more and to refine their models.
Curious and Curiouser:

When Patriot filed for bankruptcy in 2015  its second time in three years  environmentalists and regulators were prepared for the company to figure out ways to shunt liabilities and maximize returns. But no one could have envisioned what happened next.

Patriot handed over millions of dollars of environmental obligations to a nonprofit company run by a man named Tom Clarke, who owned a chain of nursing homes and a tourist attraction that had fallen behind on its bills. Until that day in April, Mr. Clarke, 61, had never been in a coal mine.

Patriot sold not only the troubled Federal mine to Mr. Clarke, but also several other mines that were no longer in operation, including a sprawling surface mine carved from the top of a mountain in southern West Virginia. Mr. Clarkes new company agreed to clean up the shuttered mines and reclaim the land that had been ravaged.

As part of the deal, the miners union invested $10 million in the Federal mine operation, which was supposed to keep producing coal for Mr. Clarke to sell. But the mine has struggled from low coal prices. ...

Why then, would someone like Mr. Clarke want to take over a troubled mine and the environmental obligations that Patriot Coal was seeking to get rid of? As improbable as it may seem, Mr. Clarke said the Patriot deal had played to his advantage  helping start his grand plan to remake coal mining into a greener industry.

He is not only reclaiming Patriots mines that are no longer in use. He has come up with a model, he said, for how the industry can keep producing coal, while reducing its impact on the climate.

The plan involves creating pollution credits by planting or preserving trees around the world to offset the carbon emitted from burning coal. For every ton of coal he sells, Mr. Clarke attaches some of the credits.

Mr. Clarke has had trouble, however, persuading buyers of his coal, like utilities and steel companies, to pay extra for the credits.

Mr. Clarke hoped electric utilities would be able to count his green-coal credits toward the carbon-emissions goals that the Obama administration has set for states in its Clean Power Plan, now before a federal court. But administration officials have effectively ruled that out. ...

Ultimately, Mr. Clarke hopes to offset all of the expected emissions from the coal he is producing with pollution credits. But right now, he is offsetting only 10 percent. That worries environmentalists. Its all I can afford, he said.

Mr. Clarke says he has been absorbing the costs personally until he can persuade utilities and steel mills to agree to pay for credits. He is hoping that states, led by West Virginia, will allow utilities to pass through the costs of his credits to ratepayers. Those discussions are continuing, he said.
Younited Italia, Nicola Manzari e il nuovo Coo, Luca Faccini e Head of Growth e Domenico Petraroli e General Counsel
Daniele Fattibene (Istituto Affari Internazionali)

Over the past few decades, the concept of food security has undergone a considerable development. It can be perceived on two levels. First, in a broad sense, it refers to the ability of the state to provide adequate food supplies for its population and, second, it describes the access of individuals to food. Relevant EU authorities are in charge of the phenomenon of food security and their increasing activity only affirms its ever-increasing importance. However, there is a considerable scope for streamlining the EUs actions and policies in this area. How exactly could this be done?

The EUs attitude to food security has been gradually changing since the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty. The Union is currently dealing with food security at several levels, whether at the level of the Commission, where it is mainly the Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development and the Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection in charge of this issue, or at the international level, where the European Union cooperates with many international and regional players. The EUs food safety is, however, retaining its excessive sectoral approach and still lacks a clear strategy, which would have to include the widest spectrum of security dimensions that are linked to food security.

In recent years, a relatively broad debate has been initiated that highlights the link between food security, political instability and migration flows. The so-called Arab Spring is a prime example that confirms this connection. An overall lack of basic foodstuffs and the constantly increasing prices were only two of many other reasons that eventually boiled over into considerable social unrests. Data also confirms that a large number of migrants come from countries where citizens have a difficult access to basic foodstuffs. To this end, in 2015, the EU responded to this fact by creating a special fund that should address the root causes of migration.

In the context of an increasing importance of the phenomenon of food security, the Union should further strengthen its activities in this area. A greater participation of the European External Action Service (EEAS) is especially desirable as it is already playing an important role in the coordination of the various steps that the EU takes in food security through the involvement of individual EU delegations. The EU must therefore change the current sectoral approach and develop a clear strategy for food security, which will reflect current problems that arise in this area.

(The study can be downloaded here:http://www.iai.it/sites/default/files/iaiwp1617.pdf)
The Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, co-hosted by the European Union and the Government of Afghanistan, was launched on Tuesday (4 October) with an event focusing on regional economic cooperation and women empowerment in Afghanistan. The overall aim of the conference is to bring the attention of international community back to the country and thus boost support for the Afghan reform process. The event also aims to ensure continued international political and financial support to bolster Afghanistans economic stability, development and state-building processes over the next four years.

The conference, which took place in Europes Capital City on 4-5 October, was attended by leaders from more than 70 countries worldwide, 20 international organizations and agencies, and a vast range of stakeholders. The opening event on the empowerment of Afghan women was attended also by the countrys First Lady, Rula Ghani. The discussions revolved around the ways and means of empowering Afghan women to build a stable and prosperous country, as well as reinforcing the political and human rights of Afghan women and how to realize and materialize those rights in everyday life.

The empowerment of women is not only a matter of human rights and social justice; it is also about development; it is about human growth; its about security; it is about fulfilling the potential of Afghanistan, said the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini. A commitment towards women is a commitment towards stronger, richer and more just societies and as the European Union we are supporting this process both politically and as the biggest financial contributor to the countrys new National Action Plan for Women, she added.
The European Parliament on Tuesday (4 October) voted to ratify the Paris Agreement, thus making the deal ready to become binding before this years COP 22 in Marrakesh, which will focus on practical solutions to climate change. The Paris Agreement shall enter into force on the 30th day after the date on which at least 55 Parties to the Convention accounting in total for at least an estimated 55 percent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, or approval.

The EU vote in Strasbourg was observed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and brought the deal over the threshold of 55 parties. Representatives from the 28 European Union member countries voted 610 to 38 in favor of the agreement. It is truly an honor to be able to witness the historic moment, Ban Ki-Moon commented after the vote passed, and said he looked forward to the Paris agreement entering into force as soon as possible, in just a few days time. Martin Schulz, President of the EU Parliament said that the entry into force of the Paris agreement less than one year after its signature is a massive achievement, given that it took eight years for the Kyoto protocol.

The EU vote was never in doubt, though it is considered a success as it was necessary to bypass some less motivated states, such as Poland or Italy. Moreover, it has a very symbolic meaning as it manages to bring the deal into effect before the next UN climate conference begins. Once the agreement officially goes into effect, it is binding for all the countries that ratified it for four years. Then, the UN has to decide how to monitor and enforce the deal. Each nation that has signed the Paris Agreement also has to submit a plan for how to achieve the targets outlined in the deal.
On this years Nobel Prize winners in chemistry, pioneers in nanotechnology, thoughtful reader Eric beats us to the punch:

Youve likely noticed that the chemistry Nobel Prize has been awarded to three chemists for the contributions to the study of molecular machines. They made impressive progress in being able to carefully arrange molecules so as to make machines that work. As I read some of the articles about their work, I notice statements about how it required exceptional insight, great skill, and much intentional work to devise ways to arrange molecules so that they will function usefully. Yet we are expected to believe on faith that uninterested and unthinking natural processes accidentally produced cells filled with coordinated functioning molecular machinery.

Right. Weve called irreducibly complex molecular machines prima facie evidence for intelligent design, posing a mystery addressed by the revolutionary thinking of Michael Behe. See our upcoming documentary Revolutionary: Michael Behe & The Mystery of Molecular Machines. For doing things nature is supposed to have done by a series of fortunate accidents, meanwhile, these synthetic chemists  Jean-Pierre Sauvage, J. Fraser Stoddart and Bernard L. Feringa  received the highest honor that science has to offer.

From the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which recognizes the trio for their design and synthesis of molecular machines:

The first step towards a molecular machine was taken by Jean-Pierre Sauvage in 1983, when he succeeded in linking two ring-shaped molecules together to form a chain, called a catenane. Normally, molecules are joined by strong covalent bonds in which the atoms share electrons, but in the chain they were instead linked by a freer mechanical bond. For a machine to be able to perform a task it must consist of parts that can move relative to each other. The two interlocked rings fulfilled exactly this requirement. The second step was taken by Fraser Stoddart in 1991, when he developed a rotaxane. He threaded a molecular ring onto a thin molecular axle and demonstrated that the ring was able to move along the axle. Among his developments based on rotaxanes are a molecular lift, a molecular muscle and a molecule-based computer chip. Bernard Feringa was the first person to develop a molecular motor; in 1999 he got a molecular rotor blade to spin continually in the same direction. Using molecular motors, he has rotated a glass cylinder that is 10,000 times bigger than the motor and also designed a nanocar.

The New York Times talked with famed synthetic chemist James Tour, who has advanced this work with his own nanocar design (3 Makers of Worlds Smallest Machines Awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry). Tour is a signer of our Dissent from Darwinism list, but of course they dont mention that:

James M. Tour, a professor of chemistry at Rice University in Houston, said the Nobel would bestow legitimacy on the field and help convince people that nanomachines are not just fantastical science fiction of the far future. No one is making money on these right now, but it will come, he said. These men have established and built up the field in a remarkable way. Dr. Tour predicted that the first profitable use of the technology might be machines that open up cell membranes in the body to deliver drugs. Its really going to be quite extraordinary, he said.

That is exciting. Tour has also observed that his experience of this new technology underlines the enigma of lifes origin. On chemical evolution, he has written in an admirably slashing style:

Life requires carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. What is the chemistry behind their origin? Biologists seem to think that there are well-understood prebiotic molecular mechanisms for their synthesis. They have been grossly misinformed. And no wonder: few biologists have ever synthesized a complex molecule ab initio. If they need a molecule, they purchase molecular synthesis kits, which are, of course, designed by synthetic chemists, and which feature simplistic protocols. Polysaccharides? Their origin? The synthetic chemists do not have a pathway. The biologists do not have a clue.

He calls for exposing students to this fact:

Those who think scientists understand the issues of prebiotic chemistry are wholly misinformed. Nobody understands them. Maybe one day we will. But that day is far from today. It would be far more helpful (and hopeful) to expose students to the massive gaps in our understanding. They may find a firmer  and possibly a radically different  scientific theory. The basis upon which we as scientists are relying is so shaky that we must openly state the situation for what it is: it is a mystery.

The origin of life is a mystery, yet among faithful materialists, stating that plainly is akin to a thought crime, a concession to the deplorable creationists. Not an advocate of intelligent design, Tour nevertheless acknowledges that what nature accomplished by synthesizing life puts what he does in the laboratory in the shade:

Designing nanoncars is childs play in comparison to the complexity involved in the synthesis of proteins, enzymes, DNA, RNA, and polysaccharides, let alone their assembly into complex functional macroscopic systems.

Meaning no disrespect, what these three newly minted Nobel winners did is also childs play compared to whatever succeeded in minting the first life. The implications of that are profound, but naturally ignored by the popular science media.

Photo: Fraser Stoddard via Northwestern University.

Im on Twitter. Follow me @d_klinghoffer.
While Brexit news has been dominating the headlines for most the week, the IMFs global debt warning triggered Australian Dollar (AUD) and New Zealand Dollar (NZD) exchange rates movement.

The Pound to Australian Dollar exchange rate today: 1 GBP = 1.63894 AUD

The Pound to New Zealand Dollar exchange rate today: 1 GBP = 1.73418 NZD

Pound Sterling Australian Dollar (GBP AUD) Update: Pound returns to 3-year low

Pound returns to 3-year low IMF Debt Warning Reduces Risk Appetite: AUD, NZD exchange rates remain pressured

AUD, NZD exchange rates remain pressured AUD Currency Forecast: Will the GBP AUD exchange rate extend gains?

The Pound ultimately struggled to recover against either the Australian Dollar or New Zealand Dollar by Friday afternoon, remaining near three-year-lows versus the Aussie and record-lows against the Kiwi.

Giving up a solid recovery against the New Zealand Dollar from earlier this week, GBP NZD floundered on Friday afternoon. The antipodean duo were also boosted by lower USD sentiment after a disappointing US Non-Farm Payroll report.

A market selloff of the British Pound continued on Thursday, and as a result the Pound to Australian Dollar exchange rate headed towards its 2016 lows once again.

On the other hand, the Pound to New Zealand Dollar remained well above the record-lows seen on Tuesday thanks to lower demand for the risky Kiwi. The Aussie has benefitted compared to its antipodean rival due to lower long-term bets of interest rate cuts from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

A more marked narrowing of the Australian trade deficit in August was not enough to improve the appeal of the Aussie on Thursday morning, allowing the GBP/AUD exchange rate to regain some ground.

However, with Brexit-based anxiety still weighing heavily on the minds of investors the GBP/NZD exchange rate has remained on a downtrend

Earlier in the week the Pound Sterling to Australian Dollar (GBP AUD) exchange rate hit a multi-year low as investors ditched Sterling amid Brexit fears while commodity currencies firmed.

But recent buoyant levels of risk appetite in the global markets receded yesterday following the publication of a report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The austere body issued a stark warning to market participants that medium term dangers existed across both developed and less developed nations.

Pound Sterling Australian Dollar Exchange Rate Recovers to 1.6761

GBP AUD rose from 1.6710 to 1.6785 after the report, but the Pound held declines against the New Zealand Dollar GBP NZD.

The IMF missive was particularly firm on the threat posed by extreme levels of governmental debt across the world economy,

At 225pc of world GDP, the global debt is currently at an all-time high. Two-thirds, amounting to about $100 trillion, consists of liabilities of the private sector which can carry great risks when they reach excessive levels, the IMF said in its fiscal monitor.

The Pound Australian Dollar exchange rate gains were limited as hard Brexit worries kept demand for Sterling depressed.

The Aussie was also supported by slightly better-than-forecast Australian trade data.

Current Pound Sterling Australian Dollar (GBP AUD) Exchange Rates

On Monday the Euro to British Pound exchange rate (EUR/GBP) converts at 0.859

At time of writing the pound to euro exchange rate is quoted at 1.164.

FX markets see the pound vs us dollar exchange rate converting at 1.156.

The pound conversion rate (against australian dollar) is quoted at 1.806 AUD/GBP.

NB: the forex rates mentioned above, revised as of 31st 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.

IMF Report Weighs on Higher Risk Currencies like AUD, NZD

The report went on to state that,

The sheer size of debt could set the stage for an unprecedented private deleveraging process that could thwart the fragile economic recovery.

The IMFs publication expanded on the point of individual debt by raising concerns about a worldwide lack of political cohesion, counselling that,

The political climate is unsettled in many countries. A lack of income growth and a rise in inequality have opened the door for populist, inward-looking policies.

These developments make it even harder to tackle legacy problems, further expose economies and markets to shocks, and raise the risk of a gradual slide into economic and financial stagnation. In such a state, financial institutions struggle to sustain healthy balance sheets, which weakens economic growth and financial stability.

Further Losses Forecast for Australian Dollar, New Zealand Dollar Exchange Rates?

Global stock markets wobbled in response to these words, with Londons FTSE 100 shedding over 0.75% on the session, while the eurolands bourses recorded similar falls.

On the currency markets, the risk-driven Australian Dollar (currency : AUD), New Zealand Dollar (currency : NZD) and Canadian Dollar (currency : CAD) all gave up a portion of Tuesdays gains against the Pound Sterling (currency : GBP). Analysts forecast that there could be further losses to come for these Commodity Dollars.
first post - I have tried to search on this topic but cant seem to find a suitable response.



We moved to Abu Dhabi this year as my wife had secured a teaching job. So her company is paying for accommodation, kids schooling, medical etc for all of us.



I have just been offered a job under my own visa (as I have been informed I cannot work on my wife's visa) and I am just going through the on boarding process.



My question is, aside from coming off my wife's Visa onto my own, I assume I am able to avail the benefits of the package been offered to me (e.g. flights, accommodation allowance)? Will my employment change any aspects of my wifes contract/terms of employment as I don't see anything?



I have assurances from my new company all is ok, but various people who I talk to seem to cast doubt on this.



Thanks
San Antonio insurance-adjusting firm IAS Claim Services efforts to pursue fraud claims in connection with its 2011 acquisition of a California adjuster have backfired.

A federal judge on Wednesday entered a final judgment against IAS for more than $1.6 million in its dispute with Anaheim, California-based Jim Buckley & Associates Inc. IAS had alleged it was defrauded in the $3.6 million deal for JBA and sought the return of a $2.4 million payment, cancellation of a $1.2 million note and punitive damages from the company and its former president and namesake founder.

Instead, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery in San Antonio awarded JBA and Buckley more than $1.6 million in damages.

JBA and Buckley had filed a counterclaim against IAS for breach of contract and breach of an employment agreement.

Biery, who is fond of sprinkling quotes and nuggets of history into his opinions and orders, wrote in an August order that the parties would have been better off settling their differences. Included with his order was a photograph of Abraham Lincoln with some sage advice from the former president, as taken from The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Discourage litigation, he said. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can.

Biery held a bench trial on the business spat in July, noting that it was only a short distance from where the legendary line in the sand was drawn in a bloody dispute that did not end well for either side, for one at the Alamo and for the other at San Jacinto.

He then added, The good news for the San Antonio economy in this bloodless battle is that the parties spent far more on hotels and restaurants than did Colonel Crockett and General Santa Ana.

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The JBA acquisition was touted as moving IAS a step closer to being a national firm, according to a news release at the time. IAS bills itself on its website as one of the nations largest independent insurance adjusting firms. CEO Larry Cochran couldnt immediately be reached for comment.

IAS alleged it was misled about JBAs customer base, causing it to grossly overpay for the business.

A lawyer for JBA couldnt immediately be reached for comment.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD
To read more stories from Korean veterans, click here.

The cease fire was hours away. On July 27, 1953, Fred Ragusa and the soldiers in his artillery battery fired one last mission against Chinese forces in the Heartbreak Ridge sector in Korea.

Ragusa was 23 then, a first lieutenant with the 981st FA Bn, Charlie Battery of the 40th Infantry Division.

On that day, our orders were to get rid of the ammo, Ragusa, now 86 and a San Antonio retiree, said.

A forward observer, 2000 meters ahead of them, guided the batterys 155mm howitzers toward their target, an enemy column transporting troops. The units aim was to fire a smoke round near the enemy, which would be the signal for nearby jets to bomb that area.

It did not go as planned that day.

Ragusa was in the mess hall when a Korean helper told him the number three gun blew up. Around this time, defective shells had been exploding in the breech and killing crews.

I thought they were all dead, Ragusa said.

He arrived at the gun but could only see white smoke.

It was not until I was right next to it that I realized the gun was intact, and more importantly, the men were intact, Ragusa said.

The round that had exploded in the tube had been a smoke round, not a high explosive round.

About the time they began to realize they were not dead, Ragusa said, we began to laugh uncontrollably to relieve the tension.

Then they remembered the smoke marked the location for a bombing run. The bombs were filled with napalm.

Ragusa told the men to scatter, but it would have been useless, he said. The jets had enough napalm to wipe out the battery. They saw the planes above them.

We noticed the lead jet come over us, Ragusa said, waving his wings and going back.

The forward observer, 2000 meters ahead, had looked behind him just in time to radio that the marking round exploded over Ragusas artillery, and not the enemy.

Thats how we spent the last day before the ceasefire, Ragusa said.

To read more stories from Korean veterans, click here.
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KERRVILLE  Authorities here are investigating a fire in which a local boy, who relatives say was often picked on by playmates, suffered severe burns that some have said were deliberate.

Kayden Culp, 10, was in an induced coma Wednesday at University Hosptial in San Antonio, where hes being treated for burns over 20 percent of his body, according to Tristyn Hatchett, his mother.

She said a relative of one of the other youngsters present during the incident Sunday afternoon later called and told her that a boy doused Kayden with gasoline and another boy set him alight.

Theres no reason they should not already be incarcerated, said Hatchett, 29. The other boys who were there have been telling kids at school that it was not an accident, that it was intentional.

The incident occurred in a hardscrabble section of town known by locals as The Hood, generally west of Holdsworth Drive and north of Texas 16, characterized by modest homes on narrow streets and alleys.

Its a pretty rough neighborhood here, said Manuel Valero, whose home on Wallace Street is beside the vacant lot, marked by piles of dirt and a dilapidated shed, where the fire that burned Kayden occurred.

Valero, 50, said he paid little attention to shouting outside his house Sunday until police and firefighters arrived, then watched as Kayden was carried from the shed on a stretcher.

He said the family of one of the boys allegedly involved in the fire packed up and moved out Tuesday night.

It was the second incident last weekend in The Hood that left a youngster clinging to life. A 7-year-old girl was shot about 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Paschal and Schreiner streets, about five blocks from the fire scene, as an argument between her father and another man escalated, police said.

The girl was taken to University Hospital, where she was in critical condition, a police spokesman said Wednesday. Police did not release her name.

Kerrville Fire Marshal Chris Lee referred questions about the fire to city spokeswoman Kaitlin Berry, who said it was being investigated as a possible arson.

Ive heard the rumors (about Kayden being deliberately set afire), but thats not something we can confirm at this time, Berry said Wednesday. Thats why the fire marshal is investigating.  There is a potential that arson was involved.

Kayden often bore the brunt of other kids harassment, possibly because of a speech disorder linked to his hearing impairment, according to relatives who said he also had behavioral issues.

They make fun of him. He gets beat up in Carver Park every time hes goes up there. Thats just the way it is. The kids are really mean, said Alike Richardson, his aunt.

Shes been caring for the three other children of Bobby and Tristyn Hatchett while Kayden is in the hospital.

Richardson, 39, has heard the talk that Kayden was deliberately torched but hopes thats not the case.

Were hoping it was an accident. Who wants kids to hurt each other like that? What kids think about burning other kids up? she said.

Ashley White, 27, a family friend who lives on Wallace Street, said she was alerted to the incident by the sound of approaching sirens, then watched as firefighters tackled the smoking shed and police officers went to the home of one of the boys.

She called Bobby Hatchett to inquire about Kayden because shed seen him playing with the kids there earlier.

They later said a lady up the street had helped put the fire on Kayden out, White said.

Im praying it was an accident, but if it wasnt an accident, justice needs to be served, because no child deserves to go through what hes going through, she said.

Tristyn Hatchett said she last spoke to her son while he was in the ambulance, when he asked for a hug and a kiss and said a specific boy needs to go to jail.

She said Kayden isnt doing well, unable to breathe on his own, fed through a tube and fighting a possible lung infection.

My son is a special guy. He was rowdy and he liked to have fun, she said Wednesday. He considered these guys his friends, but they would make fun of him and pick on him and tease him. He was usually the brunt of that kind of joke, but he kept playing with them.

zeke@express-news.net
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The Malt House, a cultural icon for decades on the West Side, may soon be razed under a city panels decision Wednesday on plans to replace it with a convenience store.

Under local codes, no demolition can actually occur until plans for a new construction are approved by the Historic Design Review Commission, officials said. The commission asked 7-Eleven to return with better plans to include buffers and historical interpretive features that reflect the sites significance.

Since 1949, the restaurant has been a popular gathering spot, often a casual rendezvous for politicos, community leaders and families, with affordable Mex-Tex and American fare. But the family that has owned the business since 1990 has said it no longer can make a profit at the location, due to a decline in patronage and the buildings poor condition.

The only option for our family is to sell the property, Ivan Gonzalez said in a letter to the citys Office of Historic Preservation.

But Susan Beavin, the San Antonio Conservation Societys first vice president, was the first of more than a dozen people who said the Malt House building should be preserved at Wednesdays meeting before the HDRC. Recalling other historic West Side structures that have been demolished, Beavin said she sympathized with the Gonzalez familys financial plight.

Rehabilitation and reuse options need to be explored first, Beavin said.

In order to acknowledge the sites cultural heritage in the neighborhood, 7-Eleven offered to incorporate the restaurants historic signage in the design of the store, along with similar exterior colors and geometry, and outdoor canopies, benches and tables. But the cost of redeveloping the existing structure at 115 S. Zarzamora St. as a restaurant represents an unreasonable economic hardship, Bill Kaufman, a lawyer for 7-Eleven in the case.

We believe its functionally obsolete, Kaufman told the HDRC, after writing in a letter to the city that the only way to revitalize this property is by way of demolition.

Unfortunately people arent coming like they used to, especially after building code violations have been reported by the media, Kaufman said.

According to the letter, engineering reports place the cost of redeveloping the existing structure at $1.8 million, including asbestos removal, roof replacement, foundation repairs, new air-conditioning, electrical and plumbing systems, replacement of rotting wood and other repairs. Family members said they are about $400,000 in debt on the business.

Keeping up the building is hard, Gonzalez told the panel.

The 7-Eleven proposal also included coordination with VIA Metropolitan Transit to provide Malt House branding at a new bus station on the site that VIA has proposed in a planned expansion of its premium bus service, known as Primo. After hearing residents comments pleading that the building be saved, Kaufman said there also has been discussion of placement of archival photos on the site.

We hear the passion thats been expressed today, he said.

In 2013, the city declared the site a local landmark as part of a broad-based community effort to preserve structures on the heavily Hispanic West Side that possess distinctive architectural or cultural significance. The Malt House, considered a remnant of the early American automobile age, is where former City Manager Alex Briseno would meet initially with job candidates to give them a feel for his roots and philosophy of gerencia con corazon  management with a heart.

Briseno, who grew up less than two blocks from the Malt House, recalled before the meeting that his older brother Jimmie, now deceased, would take him there for shakes, onion rings and crispy dogs under an outdoor canopy, and would flirt with the carhops.

He asked the HDRC to give the owners time to find an investor to reopen as a restaurant, after closing early this year.

The Malt House is the corazon of the West Side, said Briseno, one of 21 people who spoke against demolition, often conjuring memories that stirred heartfelt emotions about family gatherings, celebrations and moments to escape troubled times.

I think it would be appropriate, for a minimum, to postpone a decision for 90 days, Briseno said.

Several speakers quoted comments from some of the hundreds of people who supported an online petition to save the building that had been created by the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center.

There is nothing worse than a 7-Eleven with eight gas pumps to be built on the site, West Side preservation activist Susana Segura told the panel.

Segura said she also is concerned about junk food and beer being sold there, in place of an iconic West Side landmark at a busy intersection that holds memories of graduation dinners and family Sunday lunches. She said she wished the family would find a developer to keep the Malt House a hangout for decades more to come, keep the signage, keep the menu.

We need to push back on developers so that we challenge them to think creatively, Segura said.

shuddleston@express-news.net

Twitter: @shuddlestonSA
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San Antonios per-capita homicide rate is projected to rise 50 percent this year to the highest rate it has been in at least a decade, according to a recent report by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University.

As of mid-September, there have been 110 homicides in San Antonio  including 20 in August alone  surpassing the 94 homicides in all of 2015. Already, its the deadliest year since 2008 when there were 116 homicides total.

Police Chief William McManus said there is no one reason why homicides have risen so sharply.

I wish I knew why that was, he said. I cant put my finger on it.

The Brennan Center report also found:

If the trend continues, there would be 144 homicides by end of December, according to its projections, exceeding the peak number in at least a decade  122 in 2007.

Violent crime in San Antonio is expected to reach nearly 11,800 incidents by years end, a 55.5 percent increase from the year before. Violent crime includes murder, non-negligent homicide, aggravated assault and robbery.

Per capita, the violent crime rate is projected to climb 52.5 percent, the highest increase among 21 of the nations largest cities.

But crime experts caution against comparing cities because police departments define crime differently, creating inaccuracies when data are compared.

In fact, San Antonios violent crime rate may be even higher, as the Brennan Center doesnt include rape in its 2015 or 2016 numbers because the FBIs Uniform Crime Report  which the Brennan Center bases its analysis on  has a changing definition of rape, creating inconsistencies.

The report's authors suggest murder and violent crime rates could be increasing in some cities due to socioeconomic conditions, like high rates of poverty and unemployment, gang violence, a decrease in the number of law enforcement officers employed nationally, and profound distrust of police, which makes it harder for police to solve crimes when they rely on tips and cooperation from the community.

But McManus said many of those factors arent prevalent in San Antonio. For example, in the past couple years, there have not been correlations in violent crimes or homicides based on where the crimes are occurring, the type of crime, whos committing them and the motive.

Theres no one thing driving it, McManus said. These shootings seem to be all over the place when it comes to a motive. Were seeing a lot more cases of shootings caused by someone looking the wrong way at someone.

Why the increase?

Experts caution against alarm, explaining violent crime and homicides tend to fluctuate year to year, sometimes dramatically and without cause.

For example, there were 86 homicides in San Antonio in 2005, according to the FBIs Uniform Crime Reporting Program, which compiles data from local law enforcement agencies. In 2006, there were 119 homicides in San Antonio but by 2009, the number was back down to 99.

It could also be that more people are reporting crime, which is desirable, because you want people to report crimes, said Ames Grawert, a lawyer at the Brennan Center who helped write the report.

Nonetheless, Roger Enriquez, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Texas at San Antonio and director of the Policy Studies Center, said the increase in violent crime and homicide is puzzling because factors that contribute to high crime rates  high poverty rates or unemployment rates, for example  arent prevalent here.

For example, about 18 percent of people in the city limits and 15 percent of the population in the San Antonio-New Braunfels metro area live in poverty, according to 2015 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. That compares to 15 percent nationally.

However, while the areas overall poverty rate is comparable nationally, experts say there are large income discrepancies. For example, the median household income in Terrell Hills is $170,500, compared to $16,800 on the West Side, census data show.

McManus said poverty can be a symptom of crime, but it is not the primary cause. Additionally, the department isnt seeing crime confined to areas of high poverty.

Jesse Salame, spokesman for the SAPD, said there have been small clusters of crime in the past year that can be explained. For example, there was a spike in crime on the East Side at the beginning of the year that was tied to the same few suspects. Once those suspects were arrested, and patrols increased, crime in the neighborhood decreased.

However, there has not been one driving factor for the overall crime trend.

Theres no gang war, its not narcotics, McManus said. Historically, crime jumps around, but now its even more scattered.

Salame admitted that staffing levels are lower than usual, which can affect the departments ability to fight crime.

Traditionally, the department has about 60 vacancies, and right now it has 100. That does not include positions that are currently open as cadets complete training.

We did have high attrition rates do to retirements, McManus said. By spring, though, we should be back to a normal staffing level. We are on the verge of being able to return to historic levels in terms of our vacancy level.

Moving forward

McManus said the department is doing everything it can to fight crime. Every day, the department hosts formal and informal meetings among officers to discuss recent crimes and brainstorm about what can be done.

McManus cautioned against arresting the problem away, saying its more important to focus on the root cause  though that may not be known yet.

Moving forward, McManus said its also important for the department to continue to build a good relationship with the community, which helps officers who rely on crime tips from the public and cooperation among witnesses during trials.

Thats essential in maintaining the departments high clearance rate, or the rate of solved murders. This year, the departments clearance rate hovers between 73 and 80 percent, above the rest of the nation, Salame said.

We do get a good amount of cooperation, Salame said. Thats because our department mirrors what the community looks like.

Earlier this year, the department applied for a grant from the Justice Departments Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS, but it didnt receive the grant.

McManus said he still plans to use the resources the department set aside to match the grant to hire additional officers.

Theres nothing were not doing that we should be doing, McManus said.

I would predict, and this is the way it goes, he added, that crime will go back down for no reason next year.

eeaton@express-news.net

Twitter: @emilieeaton
A 48-year-old man has been identified as the victim of a drive-by shooting that occurred Monday just a block south of Lanier High School.

Rudy Rodriguez died from gunshot wounds to the head in a homicide, the Bexar County Medical Examiners Office confirmed Wednesday.

The shooting occurred sometime before 1:30 p.m. Monday in the 500 block of Torreon Street, where officers found two gunshot victims outside a home. Rodriguez died at the scene, while another man in his 50s was transported with non-life-threatening injuries to an area hospital.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said investigators believe the shooting was related to narcotics and beyond.

Police were searching for a silver or white four-door sedan that witnesses said fled the scene, but no suspect has been arrested.

The shooting prompted a lock out at Lanier High School and several streets were shut down.

A small crowd gathered at the intersection of Torreon and San Jacinto streets and were crying and hugging one another.

Police have yet to release more details on the incident.

twhite@mysa.com

Twitter: @tylerlwhite
AUSTIN  The Texas Ethics Commission, already facing scrutiny from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and several prominent tea party groups, came under fire from Senate Republicans who grilled two of the agencys top officials for more than an hour Wednesday.

The commission, which serves as the states campaign finance and lobby regulator, has been embroiled in a long-running clash with conservative groups over disclosure of donors to politically active nonprofits. The agency has also recently been involved in public spats with the offices of Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton.

A hearing before the Senate State Affairs Committee quickly turned into a public platform in which senators and others teed off on the commission over a range of issues.

State Sen. Brian Birdwell methodically questioned commission Chairman Chase Untermeyer for several minutes before declaring that some of the agencys officials have been acting haughty. He also compared the commission to the ever-loathed federal agency that handles airport security.

And Birdwell wanted to know whos watching over the ethics watchdogs.

If you are untouchable, weve got a problem, Birdwell, R-Granbury, told Untermeyer.

Untermeyer, a former state lawmaker and ex-U.S. ambassador, defended the commission by saying it does not have a political agenda and only works to enforce statutes passed by the Legislature.

The only guidepost we have is the law, Untermeyer shot back.

However, Birdwell wasnt alone in raising concerns. Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, questioned the commissions priorities and asked how often commissioners report back to the officials that appoint them.

And state Sen.Van Taylor, R-Plano, opened the hearing by quizzing the commissions executive director about her thoughts on free speech. The back-and-forth, which lasted several minutes, ended with a rebuke from Van Taylor.

The hearing comes as the commission is embroiled in a 4-year investigation of the conservative politically active 501(c)4 Empower Texans and its president, Michael Quinn Sullivan.

Empower Texans, along with several other tea party groups, has asked state officials to either change the makeup of the commission or do away with it altogether. Two commissioners have since resigned amid pressure from tea party groups.

Untermeyer also recently took public a squabble with the attorney general, telling a panel of budget staffers the commission can no longer depend on Paxtons office to defend it in court.

And Patrick last month requested that a sitting member of the commission resign a full year early, saying he thought it is time for the Commission to move in a new direction. Commissioner Hugh Akin rejected Patricks call, and his letter turning down the lieutenant governor was obtained by several media outlets.

Early in the hearing, Untermeyer addressed the idea that the commission should move in a new direction.

In my view, that means only one thing and that means moving away from enforcing the law, and each one of us  is sworn to uphold that law, he said.

However, Birdwell was unimpressed.

The senator had pointed questions about former longtime ethics Commissioner Tom Harrison, who resigned in June amid allegations he illegally gave gifts to lawmakers while serving as director of the states largest pension fund. Empower Texans has since filed a criminal complaint against Harrison.

Birdwell also took issue with how Akin handled Patrick's request. He said the commission may have an attitude problem.

It speaks to an untouchability that I think is the concern of the members up here, Birdwell said. None of us want to stand up here and say were against ethics but that wanting ethics doesnt give free rein to, shall I say, haughty or arrogant performance of duty.

He added: I believe what is happening with the Ethics Commission at the 30,000-foot level is were turning political discourse into what the (federal Transportation Security Administration) has turned air travel into. You are absolutely necessary, just like the TSA is, but were making it pretty damn unpleasant.

drauf@express-news.net
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WASHINGTON  Even Duane Bucks lawyer recognized the terrible facts of his crime: the execution-style shootings of his ex-girlfriend and a man in her Houston apartment in 1995, while her three children looked on.

In arguing against Bucks death sentence Wednesday before the U.S. Supreme Court, however, NAACP attorney Christina Swarns said Buck is simply on death row because he is black.

Mr. Buck was condemned to death and is facing execution based on a death sentence that was contaminated by racial bias, she said afterward on the courthouse steps.

Justices on both sides of the ideological divide seemed to agree that something went awry in a Harris County courtroom 20 years ago when an expert psychologist was allowed to testify that Bucks race increased the odds that he posed a future danger to society, the threshold for imposing the death penalty in Texas.

From the left, Justice Elena Kagan called it wildly prejudicial, the more so because the testimony was elicited by Bucks own trial lawyer.

More Information Timeline July 1995: Buck arrested at crime scene after ex-girlfriend Debra Gardner and Kenneth Butler shot to death 1997: Buck convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death 1997: Buck files first of a series of state court appeals 2000: Faced with questions about testimony in seven death-sentence cases including Buck's, Texas Attorney General John Cornyn agrees not to oppose new sentencing hearings for these defendants. 2002: New Attorney General Greg Abbott backs up on Cornyn's promise, opposing new sentencing hearing. The other six defendants received new sentencing hearings. 2002: Buck files first of a series of federal appeals 2011: Buck's first execution date set 2013: Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rejects Buck appeal 2015: 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejects Buck appeal 2016: U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear Buck appeal Source: Court records See More Collapse

From the right, Justice Samuel Alito said what occurred at the penalty phase of this trial is indefensible.

At issue amid a tangle of state and federal appeals in Bucks case is whether the law requires the courts to revisit his death sentence, as his lawyers and a host of civil rights and anti-death penalty groups have demanded over the past two decades.

The crux of the dispute comes down to the decision by Bucks trial lawyer to present testimony from a psychologist, Walter Quijano, who identified race as a risk factor in his sentencing.

Its a sad commentary that minorities, Hispanics and black people, are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, Quijano testified.

A Harris County prosecutor followed up: The race factor, black, increases the future dangerousness for various complicated reasons - is that correct?

Yes, Quijano testified.

To Bucks supporters, Quijanos testimony was an explicit appeal to racial stereotypes that should have had no bearing on Buck individually. This evidence puts the thumb heavily on the death scale, Swarns told the justices Wednesday.

Texas authorities have conceded the error, but have resisted reopening Bucks case, in part because it was Bucks own lawyer who elicited the testimony about race.

We are not defending the defense counsels actions, Texas Solicitor General Scott Keller told the justices.

Keller also argued that Quijanos testimony played a limited role in Bucks death sentence, suggesting instead that it stemmed from the brutality of the shootings of Debra Gardner and her friend, Kenneth Butler. Keller pointed to aggravating evidence of executing a mother in front of her children and laughing about it, and saying that the mother, quote, got what she deserved.

Also shot in the rampage was Bucks stepsister, Phyllis Taylor, who survived.

The high court has seen Bucks case before. In 2011, he was minutes away from a lethal injection when the justices issued a reprieve to consider an appeal alleging prosecutorial misconduct.

Buck, a former auto mechanic with a criminal record, lost that appeal, though several justices expressed misgivings about his own lawyers competence. Alito, joined by Stephen Breyer and the late Antonin Scalia, called Quijanos testimony bizarre and objectionable. Kagan, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, also raised doubts about Bucks sentence, writing that his case deserved encouragement.

Sotomayor also noted at the time that in 2000 the states attorney general  now Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn  promised new sentencing hearings for Buck and five other inmates who had been put on death row in cases in which Quijano had testified, citing the infusion of race as a factor.

That decision subsequently was reversed in Bucks case, owing to the peculiarity of his own lawyer, not the prosecution, first eliciting the statements on race.

During Wednesdays hearing, Sotomayor continued to press her concerns. Why does it matter who uses race? she said. We say neither should use race in a negative way against a defendant.

She was joined by Breyer, adding, The issue here is, is there some good reason why this person shouldnt have been able to reopen his case? I mean, thats the question. Whats the reason?

After Greg Abbott succeeded Cornyn as attorney general in 2002, Texas prosecutors continued to oppose Bucks appeals on procedural grounds, arguing in part that he forfeited his rights by failing to bring them up earlier in the lengthy appeals process.

Cornyn, for his part, told Texas reporters in a conference call last week that he no longer is involved in the case. I would just say that my position, I believe, was correct, he said, and I havent changed my views on the correctness of the decisions I made when I was attorney general.

Abbott, now the governor of Texas, declined through a spokesman Wednesday to comment on the case. Houston state Sen. Joan Huffman, one of the prosecutors in Bucks 1997 trial, did not return a call seeking comment.

Buck, now 53, is not challenging his conviction, which it took a jury only 17 minutes to render. His case extends only to his death sentence, which came after he turned down a state-offered plea bargain for a life sentence.

For Buck, the appeal is his third before the nations high court. Another appeal was turned down in 2014. His lawyers then filed another appeal under a federal rule citing extraordinary circumstances.

A decision by the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals went against him, setting up his third try before the U.S. Supreme Court. Swarns suggested the review could put a spotlight on the 5th Circuit, which she said has a record of denying similar criminal appeals.

Bucks supporters also hope to draw attention to Texas standing as the nations death penalty leader, with a record 537 executions since the Supreme Court allowed capital punishment to resume in 1976.

While expressing skepticism about Bucks sentence, Chief Justice John Roberts voiced concerns about a fashioning a ruling in the coming months that could open a floodgate of death penalty challenges.

Its a unique case, Roberts said, so this would be an odd platform to issue general rules.

Bucks lawyers, however, indicated that they are aiming for as broad a ruling as possible.

Left uncorrected, trial counsels injection of explicit racial discrimination into Mr. Bucks capital sentencing profoundly undermines confidence in the integrity of both Mr. Bucks death sentence and the criminal justice system over all, Bucks lawyers wrote in their appeal.

kevin.diaz@chron.com

twitter.com/DiazChron
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In the grand digital tradition of American political debates, the audience tends to seize upon singular phrases or gestures that, at least for a few hours, seem to define the evenings discussion.

After Tuesday evenings vice presidential debate between Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, it was clear that Mexican thing had become a phrase of choice.

When Donald Trump says women should be punished, that Mexicans are rapists and criminals, or John McCains not a hero, he is showing you who he is, Kaine said, after repeated efforts during the 90-minute debate to try and persuade Pence to explain or defend Trumps past comments about immigrants.

Senator, youve whipped out that Mexican thing again, Pence replied. He  look ...

Can you defend it? Kaine said.

There are criminal aliens in this country, Tim, who have come into this country illegally who are perpetrating violence and taking American lives, Pence said.

You want to use a big tar brush against Mexicans on that? Kaine countered.

He also said and many of them are good people, Pence said. You keep leaving that out of your quote. And if you want me to go there, Ill go there. But he then turned back to the question, which was about abortion.

The internet, naturally, did go there. Mexican-Americans adopted the hashtag to share stories about their relatives.

#ThatMexicanThing is my abuelita who moved to San Antonio without speaking English & slept in a barn while picking lettuce every summer, user Matthew Duarte tweeted.

User Frank Ramirez tweeted, #thatmexicanthing is my mom who immigrated to this country, pays her taxes and put two kids through college while managing a business.

Some also reminded Twitter about which way they would vote.

Being proud of my heritage, becoming a citizen, & showing up to vote against hate this November #ImWithHer, user Maria ML tweeted.

And one enterprising individual bought the domain name ThatMexicanThing.com. That web address redirects to Hillary Clintons campaign website. According to a report from Wired, it wasnt the work of Clintons campaign, but of a Portland-based man named Danilo Alfaro.

I registered the domain and pointed it at hillaryclinton.com on my own, without any contact with the campaign beforehand, Alfaro said. (He did add that Clintons campaign reached out to thank him.)

An email request for further comment from the Trump campaign was not immediately returned Wednesday, but it was clear that Pence had the support of his running mate.

Mike Pence won big. We should all be proud of Mike! Trump wrote on Twitter, before sending another tweet that criticized Kaine for frequently interrupting Pence.
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The city granted approval on Wednesday to a proposed 18-story tower facing Main Plaza that would be a rarity in downtown for blending hotel and office space.

Local hotel development group REM Hospitality plans to break ground in December on the roughly $45 million tower, which will have 45,000 square feet of class A office space and 184 rooms of the boutique Cambria hotel brand by Choice Hotels International, said Anand Bhakta, one of the partners.

The tower, which is expected to finish construction by early 2018, will give downtown its biggest infusion of class A space in at least four years  at least until the Frost Tower is built two blocks away, adding 400,000 square feet of space.

Pratik Patel, who is Bhaktas investment partner, said they perceived a need for class A space close to Geekdom and were emboldened by recent development activity downtown. City officials encouraged them to add office space, which will take up four of the 18 floors.

The tower will also feature 15,000 square feet of retail space, and the developers are in talks with Starbucks to move into the ground floor, Bhakta said. Theyre looking for a local chef to open an upscale restaurant on the second floor, and they will put a bar on the roof.

The offices and the other stuff gives you a fixed tenant income, and the hotel is a variable component, he said.

Bhakta and Patel said they will hold a competition between local artists to design artwork that would span several stories of the buildings north side. Theyre looking for art to reflect the propertys history; Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna put his headquarters there after the fall of the Alamo, according to a plaque installed in 1922 by the Daughters of the Heroes of Texas.

The tower will add modern flair to Main Plaza, which is ringed by historic buildings such as the Bexar County Courthouse and the Municipal Plaza building that houses City Council chambers.

But more activity is coming to the area. High-profile downtown developer Weston Urban plans to start construction later this year on the sleek new Frost Tower nearby. It is also set to take ownership of the Municipal Plaza building and other properties as part of the proposed deal with Frost Bank and the city of San Antonio. The city and county are considering bids to develop more than 7 acres of land they own in the area.

The city Historic and Design Review Commission approved the REM Hospitality hotel, but the developers will have to return for approval of landscaping and signage.

The HDRC also granted conceptual approval on Wednesday to plans by military contractor Quality Services International to rehabilitate a four-story building close to Alamo Plaza into office space, ground-floor retail and apartments. The company will have to return with more detailed designs for final approval.

This is a hopeful project, HDRC Chair Michael Guarino said. Buildings of this scale are so very difficult to refurbish downtown  I hope we see more of these.

The company plans to restore the buildings facade, create a storefront for 1,650 square feet of retail, and move its offices into two floors of the building, which dates to 1908.

The president of Quality Services, Francisco Arevalo, would live in one of three apartments on the top floor, while the other two would be used as corporate apartments, said Valerie Valdez, the companys contract administrator.

rwebner@express-news.net

@rwebner
Hello, northeast Ohio farmers.

On Sept. 20-22, Ohio State held the Farm Science Review in London, Ohio, which attracted almost 126,000 people.

There was something for everyone at the review. Attendees got to choose from a ton of educational sessions and field demonstrations as well as see the newest in farm equipment.

It was especially neat this year, to see the new autonomous concept tractors. It is amazing how technology is advancing in agriculture.

At the review, I had the opportunity to serve as one of the moderators for the Ask the Expert panel. Each day, 15 experts were questioned over a 20-minute period on some of the hottest farm management issues that we are currently facing.

These sessions were eye opening especially given the financial downturn that we are facing in agriculture. Today, I would like to share some of the notes I jotted down during these sessions.

2017 crop prices

Matt Roberts from Ohio States Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, did not paint a rosy picture for crop prices in 2017.

Matt reported three consecutive record crop harvests in the Midwest have led to a huge supply and it does not appear that a huge price shift is likely.

Even though parts of the eastern corn-belt had drought conditions this summer, the western corn-belt is having a record crop. He reported that he believes we have seen the bottom of the prices for this year.

He stated that by storing corn, farmers may be able to pick up 5 cents per month through the first five months of 2017. This session did not even venture into the low milk and beef prices.

So it looks like an extremely bumpy road for most sectors of agriculture in 2017. One which as my grandfather used to say will separate the wheat from the chaff. Time to sharpen the pencil.

2017 budgets

Barry Ward, assistant professor in OSU Extensions department of agricultural and natural resources, was a panelist and was able to share his budget forecasts for 2017. Sadly, these numbers do not look too promising.

While most of our input costs for corn, soybeans, and wheat should remain flat in 2017, net profit is looking slim at best because of the excess supply.

After paying all the variable and fixed costs per acre, his budgets indicate there will be only $91 per acre for corn; $172 per acre for soybeans, and $23 per acre for wheat to cover land rent/expense and for family living withdrawal.

Add these two factors in, and all three budgets show negative returns. So it is imperative that producers examine their budgets to see where they can trim costs.

Any producer who would like the OSU Extensions 2017 budget estimates for corn, soybeans, and wheat should call the Ashtabula County Extension office at 440-576-9008 or drop me an email at marrison.2@osu.edu and I will send it to you.

2017 rental rates

Given the low profit margins in 2016 and similar projections for 2017, both Barry Ward and Dr. Michael Langenmeier from Purdue University indicated that rental rates should drop over the next few years. In fact, they indicated that all signs are putting to a retraction up to 25 percent.

I know this is a hard pill for many landowners to swallow given the run-up of our CAUV property tax rates. Something will have to give, as it will be hard for many producers to continue to operate with such low margins.

Tips for surviving low margins

Dr. Chris Bruynis, OSU Extension Educator, was also a panelist and provided tips for producers on how to survive tight margins.

His first suggestion was to complete a financial analysis. Knowing where the business stands financially will be critical in developing a plan to survive.

His second suggestion was to lower the cost of production. Items such as cash rent, input costs, operating costs and equipment depreciation should be scrutinized heavily.

He also mentioned not to hide from your financial lender. They can help you assess your current situation and make suggestions. I know some farmers whom have already met with their lender to restructure their intermediate debt to weather this storm.

Chris also suggested now is really a good time to sharpen your grain marketing skills. He suggested that producers set realistic price targets based on your true cost of production.

I think we all know that it is a lot easier to be profitable with $5.50 bushel corn versus $2.90 per bushel. He also advocated for farmers to look for other revenue streams and to look at ways where neighboring farmers can pool their resources to make bulk purchases or to share equipment.

It definitely is the right time to think outside of the box!

Final thoughts

There was not a lot of good news from the Experts with regards to profitability in 2017 for agriculture producers.

I cannot stress the need for producers to develop sound budgets for next year and to improve their record keeping systems. A dollar an acre saved here and a dollar saved there will make a huge difference in 2017.

To close todays column, I would like to share a quote from Dr. Al Lorin who stated, One ceases to recognize the significance of mountain peaks if they are not viewed occasionally from the deepest valleys.

Have a good and safe day.
War letters line the exhibit hall of the Ashtabula Arts Center depicting the homefront to the battlefield.

ASHTABULA, Ohio  War letters line the display gallery of the Ashtabula Arts Center, the words within the letters communicate the battlefield, homefront and a range of emotions.

There is heart, horror and humor in these letters, said Amanda Fraizer, marketing and public relations director.

The exhibit was inspired by the play, If All the Sky Were Paper by Andrew Carroll. Meeghan Humphrey, executive director and former visual arts director of the center developed the idea.

If All the Sky Were Paper runs for one more weekend, Oct. 7-9. Advance sale tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, students and military and $11 for children 12 and under; for tickets at the door add $2. There are free tickets are still available for active duty and veterans, call to purchase or claim free tickets 440-964-3396.

Carroll is also the founding director of the Center for American War Letters at Chapman University in Orange, California.

This national effort has amassed approximately 100,000 previously unpublished letters and emails from every war in U.S. history, from all 50 states and 40 countries.

Local effort

The Ashtabula Arts Center teamed up with the Ashtabula County District Library and collected letters and pictures from May through Sept. 3, 2016.

The library had just launched the Ashtabula Memory Project and this gathering of war letters will also serve as the inaugural collection for the new memory project, said Fraizer.

We didnt expect as many people to respond, Fraizer said.

In all, they had 24 contributors, sharing more than 600 pieces; photos, letters, envelopes, etc. All the contributors are from Ashtabula County, but the letter authors are from various places, Fraizer said.

They received correspondence from the Civil War to Afghanistan, with the most coming from World War II and the least from the Vietnam and Korean Wars.

The letters give a look into life serving in foreign countires, uncertanty and family dynamics  insights that reveal the ways war affected our culture, Fraizer said.

Coded letters

One of the most interesting pieces in the collection is from a husband and wife team who coded their letters. What makes this unique is that the two handwritten keys to the code are also on display.

The letters were between Bert C. Drennen and Ethel Mae (Mitzi) Drennen.

Within the code, each family members name is equated to a different location. If Bert was going to signal to Ethel a new location, he would start the letter My Beloved so she would know to look for a name within the letter revealing where he was stationed.

The couples letters range from April 1942 to May 1945, which includes when their first son was born.

One of the keys to the code is in great shape on a piece of paper, the other you can see the folds, bends and creases in the paper reflecting that Bert would have keep is key folded up and tucked away in a pocket, not to be discovered.

Even today, letters and emails from U.S. service men and women are censored. Throughout the display, you will see areas crossed out or inserted comments from a censor.

Story telling is important to art and especially this display. Our community cares about hearing these stories, Fraizer said. War didnt define these peoples lives, but these letters are about personal life and the impacts of war.

The letters will have a two-month stint on display, ending Oct. 30. After the exhibit comes down, it will be stored in their archive for future educational sharing, said Fraizer.

Toilet paper

Another interesting letter contributed to the art center was written on toilet paper. The letter was from Stanley W. Meredyk to his sister, Jean Meredyk. Sgt. Meredyk was captured by the German Army in Germany and remained a prisoner for eight months.

When he was rescued, he was able to send his sister the letters he had written on toilet paper while in captivity.

Grief

Not all the letters lead to such freedom. There is a set of letters from Henryetta and John Cokor Sr. to John Cokor Jr. informing Cokor Jr. of the death of his best friend Marco Baruzzi in Vietnam. These letters are stained with tears.

From the joy of birth to the grief of death, these letters portray the life of those deployed in service. All the items collected for this display have also been digitally archived in Ashtabula County Librarys memory project, to be preserved for years to come.

The arts center continuously features local artists work along and serves as an educational outlet for the community.

Details. The gallery is open to the public free of charge; Ashtabula Arts Center, 2928 West 13th Street, Ashtabula.
By Susan Crowell

editor@farmanddairy.com

HAVANA, Cuba  After two days and nearly eight hours of meetings, the natives were restless. Ready to mutiny, in fact.

How do you expect 20 farm journalists to write about Cuban agriculture when all weve seen is the inside of conference rooms? And the officials we listened to parroted the same refrain: The U.S. needs to end its trade embargo (they call it a blockade), and extend credit terms for imports to Cuba.

Cuba isnt likely to become a major U.S. trading partner, but if the embargo is ended, the U.S. does stand to gain from opening ag exports to the island.

My trip to Cuba, Sept. 19-23, included visits to the ministries of commerce and agriculture; the Universidad Agraria de la Habana (Agriculture University of Havana); Gecomex, the entity that oversees foreign trade, and Alimport, its food import subsidiary; presentations from economists with the University of Havana; and the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology  and I came home with a broad, but shallow, overview of Cuban agriculture. (Scroll down to see a photo gallery from the trip.)

Note: Editor Susan Crowell was selected to travel to Cuba in September with a group of 20 agricultural communicators. The trip was coordinated by the American Agricultural Editors Association, and she received a partial travel stipend from the associations Professional Improvement Foundation to participate. Read more: The paradox of Cuba

Trade with Cuba: Its complicated

Cuban agriculture at a glance

Ag overview

In a nutshell, Cuba imports up to 80 percent of its domestic food requirements, and is intent on increasing Cuban food production. Recent reforms expanded private farm production and that of cooperatives, and granted use of land to those producers via medium- or long-term leases accompanied by performance clauses. (Read: Cuban agriculture at a glance). But challenges facing those small units remain:

Farming technology, infrastructure and post-harvest handling and storage is obsolete, which keeps production low and post-harvest losses high.

There is limited technical capacity and training, as well as limited availability of that technology or any mechanization.

Farmers and co-ops have poor access to inputs and credit.

State control still dictates availability of inputs as well as the marketing chain. Theres no private sector source for inputs.

Farm visit

We visited only one farm, an organic farm cooperative about an hour outside of Havana, so we certainly cant make any broad assumptions from that one visit. But its clear that, while there is a national effort to get more people on the farm, the state still controls agriculture, either by controlling inputs like seed, fertilizer or equipment, or by controlling sales  and certainly by owning the land.

The growth of organic production in Cuba was not necessarily by ideology, but triggered by necessity. In the 1990s, following the collapse of the former Soviet Union and the loss of the Soviet subsidies and support, there were few chemical herbicides or pesticides available.

The farm we visited was roughly 25 acres and had 120 employees, including pensioners, or retirees from other state jobs. It produced 300 varieties or organic ornamental plants or herbs, like mint, as well as vegetables, primarily lettuce, beans, cucumbers, radishes and green onions. Production and harvest was very labor-intensive, as we witnessed plowing by hand with oxen, and hand planting, hoeing and harvesting.

The farm sold some of its produce to the state, but also via contracts with hotels and restaurants in Havana, as well as by direct market at the farm.

Truth is camouflaged

We quickly uncovered one truth about Cuba, as voiced by University of Havana economist Dr. Jorge Mario Sanchez: In regard to the Cuban economy, or U.S.-Cuba relations, if you feel you understand it, almost for sure youre wrong.

Almost everything is either distorted, dysfunctional or counterproductive.

Get used to the complexity, he added, and later change your mind.

We ag journalists wanted to frame everything from our own perspectives of democracy, but had to shift gears with the realization that its a different social and political reality in Cuba. And even as the government recognizes the need for reforms, there is major social resistance to these reforms.

Trade relations

The U.S. first imposed economic restrictions on Cuba in 1960 when Fidel Castro seized control of and nationalized all companies without compensation. In 2000, Congress eased U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba, but maintained restrictions on credit and financing. Basically, Cuba has to pay in cash up front, or go through a web of third-party financing from another country.

In December 2014, President Barack Obama announced diplomatic efforts to restore more normal relations with Cuba; in May 2015, the State Department removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism; and in July 2015, the U.S. and Cuba reopened embassies in their respective capitals. In March 2016, President Obama visited the island.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has indicated that basic commodities like U.S. rice, wheat, dry beans and dried milk could gain market share in Cuba under normal trade relations. In return, opening the U.S. market to Cuba could mean imports of tropical fruit and vegetable products.

Legislation has been introduced in Congress to ease economic sanctions in Cuba, including the ban on providing private financing and credit for the sale of agricultural goods to Cuba. Accompanying our group was Paul Johnson, co-chair of the U.S. Ag Coalition for Cuba, which is lobbying Congress to end the embargo.

The current Cuban goal for agriculture is to increase domestic food production to replace imports, which total around $2 billion and account for 69 percent (another source told us 80 percent) of Cubas food. Officials we spoke to said they hope to increase production to reduce that figure to 35-40 percent.

To do so, however, will require the importation of machinery, inputs and other supplies, as well as the export of products, they say, to generate income.

Long road ahead

Of the land that can be used for farming in Cuba, 70 percent is being farmed by an individual or cooperative group, and 30 percent managed by the government, according to Dr. Armando Nova Gonzalez, economics professor at the University of Havana who spoke to us Sept. 20.

Cubas new land transfer program has contributed to stop the exodus of rural people from the farm. The 200,000 people who have received an initial grant of 13.2 hectares (33 acres) have an additional three to four family members involved, which means employment for 800,000.

But, Gonzalez pointed out that offering all of this land is a necessary condition, but not enough, because not everyone has the skills or knowledge to farm, even on these small-scale, subsistence-level farms.

The new ag model, through these land transfers, requires a new management level, he added, as well as a better chain of supplies, which is still in the process of being created, but its not enough.

Individual producers still need access to inputs in a more independent way, he said, as well as the ability to decide what they are going to produce and how they are going to sell it. There is also not enough current processing capacity, storage, transportation and other food chain infrastructure.

The cooperatives and individuals who received these new transfers also received bank credit, and sometimes their debt has been forgiven or a repayment period extended.

Gonzalez added, however, that any model of Cuban agriculture is going to take social aspects into consideration, and not just production or profit.

There are some results, but not enough results yet, Gonzalez said. Theres still a long road to take.

Its a TV soap opera that goes several seasons, added Dr. Jorge Mario Sanchez, another economics professor at the University of Havana who also spoke to us Sept. 20. You have land, you have credit, but that doesnt mean that you will behave as a competitive, efficient producer. You will continue to preserve the old habits in the new environment with a new language.

Soviet shock wave

Cuba is still reeling from the loss of the Soviets in the early 1990s as a trading partner, and as a prop to its economy. Overnight, the island lost 90 percent of its energy supply, 100 percent of its fertilizers and chemicals, and 70 percent of its spare parts and raw materials. No one anticipated the crack in the socialist bloc, Sanchez said, and likened the impact to a tsunami or civil war.

Still today, we are living that shock.

Facing its own economic collapse, Cuba was forced to shift from a socialist bubble to figuring out how to compete in an aggressive global market. They opened to foreign investment, to foreign banks, and accumulated high foreign debt.

This is a small island, we rely on foreign trade, Sanchez said. Without foreign trade, we dont have income. (Information on current trade restrictions continues below the slide show.)

Group shot @ Ministry of Agriculture CubaHavana The group of ag communicators on the AAEA trip at Ministerio de la Agricultura (Jim Patrico photo) < > < > 1 View Group shot @ Ministry of Agriculture CubaHavana The group of ag communicators on the AAEA trip at Ministerio de la Agricultura (Jim Patrico photo) 2 View housing near farm The farm cooperative outside of Havana pulls workers from housing like this large apartment building nearby. 3 View Moraima Cespedes Morales Cuba Havana Cuba Havana Moraima Cespedes Morales Director of International Affairs Ministerio de la Agricultura 4 View horse and cart Through our bus window, a glimpse of a horse and cart on the road. 5 View Cuban farm landscape At an organic farm cooperative outside of Havana. 6 View farm manager.2 Miguel Angel Salcines Lopez, president of the farm cooperative. 7 View farm worker bananas A worker on a farm cooperative near Havana, Cuba. 8 View Cuban farm worker.2 9 View Guatemalen worker Lisette is in Cuba from Guatemala, studying organic agriculture on this farm cooperative near Havana for three months. She is planting stevia, used as a sweetener. 10 View plowing w oxen.2 This farm cooperative outside of Havana was very labor-intensive, including hand plowing with oxen. 11 View Organic produce at Cuban farm This cooperative farm outside of Havana, Cuba, raised organic produce. 12 View rabbits at Cuban farm Rabbits raised for meat at a farm cooperative outside of Havana, Cuba. 13 View spraying at Cuban farm A worker at the farm cooperative near Havana. 14 View cows in barn A few cows at the farm cooperative near Havana, Cuba

Existing U.S. restrictions on trade with Cuba

In 2000, Congress loosened trade sanctions against Cuba. From 2012 to 2014, U.S. ag exports to Cuba averaged $365 million/year. Exports are primarily chicken (leg quarters), corn, soybean meal and soybeans.

The primary economic restrictions that remain in place include:

A prohibition on the provision of credit and financing for U.S. exports.

No access to government programs or commercial facilities that otherwise would be available to promote U.S. ag exports to Cuba.

A ban on general U.S. tourism to Cuba.

A ban on U.S. imports of goods from Cuba, with a recently introduced exception for goods produced by Cuban entrepreneurs.

 

The U.S. International Trade Commission estimates that if U.S. restriction on trade with Cuba was lifted, exports of ag commodities  wheat, rice, corn, soybeans/soy products, pulses (dry beans/legumes), poultry, pork, beef and dairy  could increase by 155% within five years to a total of $800 million (from 2010-2013 average of $300 million).

There are legitimate concerns that U.S. imports of Cuban products, like fruits and vegetables, would be subsidized competition, specifically for Florida producers, and there are also real concerns about the introduction of pests or diseases into the U.S.

Currently, the European Union and Brazil rank as Cubas largest suppliers (CY2014).

According to Jorge Duany, director of the Cuban Research Institute at the Florida International University, serious impediments remain to the full normalization of relations. Cuba, for example, insists on four major conditions for normalizing relations:

Lifting the U.S. embargo

Returning the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo

Repealing the Cuban Adjustment Act (which grants asylum to Cuban emigres who touch U.S. soil)

Discontinuing U.S. broadcasting activities to Cuba (i.e. Radio and TV Marti)

While such key political figures as Sens. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz oppose the lifting of the embargo, a 2016 survey by Florida International University reported that just 37% of Cuban-Americans in Miami-Dade County support continuing the embargo, a figure that has been declining from an average of 84 percent in the 1990s.
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The history of agriculture is the story of humankind's development and cultivation of processes for producing food, feed, fiber, fuel, and other goods by the systematic raising of plants and animals.

Historian journalist Deborah Barham Smith gives FarmingUK an exclusive in-depth journey into the history of humankind's greatest invention.

Click here to read Part One of the story of agriculture.

We are so used to seeing fields of cows, most commonly the Holstein-Friesian breed - which represents 90% of the British herd; and the black and white one that most school children would draw.

Other breeds can include the Ayrshire, Jersey and Guernsey, but does it occur to many of us to wonder how the humble cow evolved?

In the first part of a history of farming, we saw the development of land preparation and crop growing, from the Fertile Crescent through to the advent of mechanisation.

Now is time to explore cattle in greater depth, since without some of their ancestors, ploughing and land preparation might still be in the Dark Ages.

About half the world's crop production is thought to still depend on animal traction for land preparation, such as ploughing.

The importance of cattle - such as oxen

Whilst the horse clearly played a large part in the development of farming, ploughing, pulling wagons and tree felling, pack horse trains distributing goods, etc, little is mentioned about the significant role contributed by cattle such as oxen.

It appears that as few as 80 cattle (first domesticated in southeast Turkey about 10,500 years ago) were the predecessors from which all our modern herds evolved.

Some societies consider cattle the oldest form of wealth, and cattle raiding consequently was one of the earliest forms of theft.

Nazi zoologists were commissioned by the Nazi party to produce a breed of cattle based on aurochs (the Aryan Cow)

In remote areas of the UK, rustling can still be a considerable and costly issue for farmers; some are even, in desperation, resorting to dyeing their sheep in garish colors such as orange to protect them.

In years gone by, owners of stock had predators to worry about that no longer are an issue in most parts of the UK  the wolf was a serious threat to livestock and human life, but was exterminated from Britain through a combination of deforestation, active hunting and bounty systems.

In 950 several criminals, rather than being put to death, were ordered to provide a certain number of wolf tongues annually.

The Norman Kings employed servants as wolf hunters, and many held lands granted on condition that they fulfilled this duty.

The Anglo Saxon Chronicle states that January was known as Wolf manoth, as the first full month of wolf hunting by the nobility.

Officially, this hunting season would end on March 25; to encompass the cubbing season, when wolves were at their most vulnerable, and their fur of greater quality.

Wolves were so numerous in Northumbria, that it was virtually impossible for even the richest flock-masters to protect their sheep, despite employing many men for the job.

In 1577, wolves caused such damage to the cattle herds of Sutherland that James VII made it compulsory to hunt wolves three times a year, while bounties were still maintained in the East Riding until the early 19th century.

One family called Wolfhunt, lived in Peak Forest in the 13th century; their occupation as their name suggests was to clear the wolves from the area.

It was reported that the last wolf killed in England was at Wormhill Hall (Derbyshire) in the 15th century, (a fact disputed by other places).

Another close ancestor to modern breeds was the Auroch - a species of wild bull, that originally ranged throughout the forests of Europe, North Africa and much of Asia; they were hunted to extinction in the 17th century.

Historically becoming restricted to Europe, the last known individual died in Poland, in about 1627.

Nazi-engineered cows for Hitler's Germany

Hitlers obsessive drive to produce the perfect Aryan race was not merely confined to people  it also extended to this specially bred herd of Nazi-engineered cows.

A pair of oxen may be called a yoke of oxen, and yoke is also a verb, as in "to yoke a pair of oxen"

Zoologist brothers Heinz and Lutz Heck (in Munich and Berlin respectively) were commissioned by the Nazi party to produce a breed of cattle based on aurochs (the Aryan Cow).

They attempted to recreate cattle of similar appearance by crossing traditional types of domestic cattle, creating the Heck cattle.

Lutz in Berlin used Spanish fighting bulls, whereas Heinz experimented with a mixture of Hungarian Greys, Highland, Corsican, Murnau-Werdenfels, Angeln, Black-pied lowland, White Park, and Brown Swiss cattle.

The Berlin breed did not survive WWII, so all modern Heck cattle derive from the Munich experiments.

In 2015 Derek Gow, a farmer in West Devon imported more than a dozen of the Heck super-cows in 2009 (nearly a century after they had been engineered)but was forced to slaughter seven of the herd since they were so extremely aggressive.

They repeatedly tried to kill his staff, so they ended up in what he described as very tasty sausages tasting a bit like venison.

The Heck cows, bred from wild genes extracted from domesticated descendants of the aurochs, had such muscular physiques and deadly horns that they were used in propaganda material during WWII as a further illustration of the Third Reichs strength.

"There was a thinking around at the time that you could selectively breed animals for Aryan characteristics, which were rooted in runes, folklore and legend.

"What the Germans did with their breeding programme was create something truly primeval," said Mr Gow.

"The reason the Nazis were so supportive of the project is they wanted them to be fierce and aggressive.

"When the Germans were selecting them to create this animal they used Spanish fighting cattle to give them the shape and ferocity they wanted."

Bull-baiting in early England

One horrendous thing that happened in early England was bull-baiting, not only practised as a form of recreation, but because of many towns by-laws.

These regulated the sale of meat, and stipulated that bulls' flesh should be baited before any were slaughtered and put on sale.

It was believed that baiting improved the flesh!

These laws continued through the eighteenth century, but by the early nineteenth century were starting to die out, mainly because the baiting caused a public nuisance and not because of new ideas about animal cruelty.

The RSPCA would have had a field day!

A Bill to suppress the practice was introduced to the House of Commons in 1802 but was (perhaps indicative of those times) defeated by 13 votes.

It was only finally outlawed when the Cruelty to Animals Act was passed in 1835.

Still coming under the umbrella term of cattle, oxen are often given little recognition for what they contributed in the past in the UK - an ox (known as a bullock in Australia and India) is a large bovine trained as a draft animal.

Oxen are commonly castrated adult male cattle, making them far easier to control; they could well be nicknamed the Living Tractor for their strength.

Oxen are thought to have first been harnessed, yoked and put to work around 4000 BC.

They are able to pull heavier loads, and for a longer period of time than horses depending on weather conditions.

When hauling freight, oxen could move very heavy loads slowly and steadily, but are at a disadvantage compared with horses when needed to pull a plough or load of freight quickly, unable to cover as much ground in a given period of time.

For agricultural purposes, oxen were more suitable for the heavy tasks such as breaking sod or ploughing in wet, heavy, or clay-filled soil.

For millennia, oxen also could pull more substantial loads because of the use of the yoke.

Yoke - a wooden beam used between a pair of oxen

A yoke is a wooden beam normally used between a pair of oxen or other animals to enable them to pull together on a load when working in pairs, as oxen usually do.

There are several types of yoke, used in different cultures, and for different types of oxen.

A pair of oxen may be called a yoke of oxen, and yoke is also a verb, as in "to yoke a pair of oxen".

Until the invention of the horse collar which allowed a horse to engage the pushing power of its hindquarters in moving a load, horses could not pull with their full strength because the yoke used on oxen was incompatible with their anatomy.

For 2000 years or more, oxen were the main beasts of burden on roads and farms in Britain.

Two oxen yoked together and carefully matched for size, strength and height could compete with any single horse and had the advantage of being more robust and less likely to be injured.

Plus they could exist on poor food such as dodgy straw and mouldy hay that no horse would eat, and at the end of their lives, still made good beef!

Oxen had to be shod which was not the easiest job since they have cloven hooves, which involved fitting two half-moon shaped iron shoes or cues to each foot, and securing them with flat headed nails.

Oxen could not lift each foot to be shod  if this was tried, they fell over.

So the oxen must be lifted entirely off the ground with a hoist and straps to be shod.

When they needed their hooves worked on, a tipping table was the only thing that would work & even then one had to restrain their legs & head.

An oxen frame had a crank-up hoist for picking the animal off the ground.

If a frame was not available, the animal would be thrown with ropes, then its legs tied to a wooden stave so it couldnt move; then a lad had the job of sitting on its head - like a horse - if it cannot raise its head, it wont be getting up!

In Cornwall, oxen were still ploughing at Bodrugan in Cornwall, and also in the same county at the manor of Tregear, but mostly were not used after 1850.

The latter belonged to the Bishop of Exeter and was important enough to have its own resident blacksmith to shoe the oxen  a pair of ancient ox shoes was discovered there, as near Buxton recently.

In Western Europe, records dating from before the Norman Conquest mentioned oxen being shod by rural farmers.

The demise of the oxen

They all but vanished in the years between 1800 and 1840 due to social reforms, industrialisation and the need for more speed.

The Enclosures Act of 1801 was greatly instrumental in their demise, since a large team of oxen harnessed together in pairs could not negotiate the smaller fields whereas the horses could do. Enclosure also robbed the common man  pushing him off the land and into towns.

But then before much longer came the steam traction engine with far superior horse power, and the world of farming was transformed for ever. Mechanisation had arrived.

How times have changed...

How times have changed - many farmers have had to diversify to stay in the business of farming, which is now, of necessity, profit driven.

Milking facilities used to be in shippens in the not too distant past with cows tied individually and handled by the cowman, some even had names like Buttercup and Bluebell; now numbers have taken the emotion out of the whole process and added to the paperwork.

Now it can be fully automated mobile parlours out in the field, which are moved to be in the right place for the cows who take themselves in to the milking stalls themselves when they feel the need to be milked and everything happens like clockwork with computerised records.

It used to be a collection of country folk working a farm.

I remember as a child on summer holidays, helping to stacking sheaves to dry and irritating my uncle when we made houses out of them, travelling home on the top of the trailers piled high with straw bales and feeling so important, with no thoughts of Health and Safety constraints, building hayricks, autumn harvest suppers, picnics in the harvest field  the memories are endless. Seasons also were more distinguishable, although my children dispute that, putting it down to maternal amnesia!

Will future generations have gentle recollections such as the ones I cherish?

Some of the things that seem to have been lost to modern, intensive farming techniques include the craft of hedge cutting and laying; now rarely seen although it can outlast some fences, confine stock more securely whilst providing habitat for varied wildlife.

And long ago vets and their expensive bills were often not required as the cattle themselves would know what plants to root out as would the farmer also know how to treat them.
The 2016 annual poultry industry charity clay shoot, held by IEC, has raised 1,500 for the Midlands Air Ambulance.

It provided visitors with the unique opportunity to explore the companys brand new poultry site, prior to opening.

The charity clay shoot, which took place on Wednesday 14 September, attracted 39 teams made up of over 150 of IECs biomass boiler customers, Softlay bedding customers, farmers, suppliers and representatives from local organisations

The money raised by the event has now been calculated and 1,500 will be donated to the Midlands Air Ambulance.

IECs previous charity shoots in 2014 and 2015 also raised 2,000 for the charity.

For this year only, the annual event moved from IECs headquarters at Old Springs Farm in Market Drayton to its brand new poultry site in Woodseaves.

The charity shoot

IEC Poultry is an extension to the business which already provides large scale biomass heating installations and Softlay bedding to the agricultural industry.

Sam Kenworthy, Softlay sales manager at IEC and organiser of the shoot, explained: Timings fell that our brand new poultry site would be almost complete at the same time as our annual charity shoot.

"It seemed like a great opportunity to enable our guests to have a look around the innovative site before the birds are moved in.

"These new-build broiler sheds have already been contracted to leading poultry producer Moy Park and are completely heated by a biomass heating system installed by IEC.

"Its an excellent example of how we use our extensive agricultural experience to create different forms of profitable, sustainable solutions for the farming community."

'Best practice in hygiene and biosecurity measures'

IEC has worked with the Applied Group and contractors including Knights Construction, Morspan, RMW Electrical Services Ltd and AC Jackson to create the new poultry site which comprises four broiler sheds, sited in parallel and with a central corridor providing access and viewing windows into each building.

Each shed measures 116m x 24m and each of the four will house 58,000 birds. The site has been designed to develop best practice in hygiene and biosecurity measures.

Incorporated features include: showers at the entrance and exits to the central corridor, dedicated control rooms and specific protective clothing for each shed, dead bird cool stores at midway points and separate areas and facilities for catchers.

Feed bins have also been erected, outside of the clean concrete shed aprons, allowing feed to be blown into bins and then delivered by augers under the concrete floors.

To significantly reduce energy costs, the full heat demand of the 11,696m bird areas, plus four future sheds, will be met by four Linka biomass boilers, installed by the IEC Heat Solutions team.

An extra addition, to maximise the use of space and productivity onsite, is a drying floor incorporated into the energy building, also heated by four Linka biomass boilers.

Sam Kenworthy added: It was a fantastic day with a great atmosphere and we are so pleased that all of our guests had such a good time.

"We have already received very positive feedback and the event goes from strength to strength each year.

"The shoot attracted several sponsors and we are always very grateful for their generous support."
The deadline for farmers applying for the Scottish government's National Loan Scheme is only a week away.

The loan scheme, announced by Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing in September, has the potential to inject 300 million into the Scottish rural economy in early November and was introduced in response to a request made by NFU Scotland.

Around 17,300 farmers and crofters will have been notified of the scheme, which offers eligible businesses a sum equivalent to 80 percent of the Basic Support Scheme and Greening payments they would expect to receive from their claim to 2016 CAP schemes.

The loan scheme has been established at a time when farmer confidence in the troubled IT system being fit to deliver 2016 CAP payments remains low.

'Misinformed'

Several hundred Scottish farmers and crofters who have Region 3 land (hill ground) on their claim were initially misinformed of the value of the loan available to them.

They will have been contacted by phone by Scottish Government officials last week, will receive a new claim letter and will have until 19 October to apply.

NFU Scotlands Chief Executive Scott Walker said: In light of the ongoing difficulties in delivering CAP monies, we wanted Scottish Government to do all it could to avoid a repeat of the crisis in the rural economy seen last spring.

"We suggested and welcome the introduction of this loan scheme for 2016 payments and urge all Scotlands farmers and crofters to consider applying.

"The deadline for application for the vast majority is now only a week away  on 12 October - while those hill farmers and crofters who have been notified of an error on their original letter will have received a new loan claim form and have an extended deadline of 19 October."
The government has overturned Lancashire county councils rejection of a fracking site, paving the way for shale company Cuadrilla to drill in the county next year.

There has been drawing outrage from local groups, environmentalists and politicians.

The council cited visual impact and noise when it turned down the companys two planning applications to frack on the Fylde last year, but a month later Cuadrilla submitted an appeal.

On Thursday, the communities secretary, Savid Javid, said he had accepted the appeal for one of the sites, at Preston New Road.

The move marks a major step up in the scale of exploratory fracking in the UK, as it green lights four wells compared to the single well approved for fracking in North Yorkshire earlier this year.

The consequences of fracking

Only one shale gas well near Blackpool, in Lancashire, has so far been fracked in Britain, but was later abandoned when some of the work undertaken triggered an earth tremor.

That resulted in an 18 month ban on the hydraulic fracturing technology used to extract gas from shale rock.

Some farmers have been critical of fracking and the direct consequences of the activity on nearby farms.

A North Yorkshire farmer has spoken of her fear of pollution after a local authority gave the go-ahead for fracking operations in the UK for the first time in five years.

She told FarmingUK that her cattle were reliant on water from a borehole, which she feared could be contaminated by the fracking operations.

The farmer said that evidence was emerging from the United States, where fracking has been used for some years, that water sources had been polluted.
The finding of livestock-associated MRSA in samples of pork sold in supermarkets 'should not be seen as a surprise or as a significant public health risk', according to experts in the field.

On Monday, the Guardian reported on tests showing three samples out of 97 UK-produced pork products sold in Asda and Sainsburys were contaminated with the superbug strain which it said can be resistant to even the strongest antibiotics.

The Guardian, working with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ), said it had also established that a loophole in import regulations is leaving an open door for MRSA CC398-infected live pigs from countries such as Denmark, where the disease is rife.

Scientists involved in the field have sought to reassure consumers the risks remain low.

Nicola Williams, Professor of Bacterial Zoonotic Disease at the University of Liverpool, said: "Current data does not suggest that livestock-associated MRSA is common among UK pig herds.

"Even if herds are infected with significant levels of the bacteria, the extent of contamination of meat with MRSA will be much lower than compared to food-poisoning bacteria such as Salmonella, so the risk of transmission to people will be lower."

'Well-known, but rare safety risk'

She advised that adopting good hygiene practices in the kitchen and washing your hands when handling raw meat and cooking meat properly should minimise any risk.

"LA-MRSA is of negligible risk to the health of the general public, with the main risk being to agricultural workers"

She added: "It is important to remember that even if someone does become colonised with MRSA it does not mean they will necessarily develop disease or illness.

"People can carry MRSA in their nose and throat without it causing an infection; however, it does mean that by carrying the bacteria you may be more likely to develop a subsequent infection - if you undergo surgery for example, or if you are immunocompromised.

Prof Mark Woolhouse FMedSci, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh, said: "Livestock acquired MRSA is a well-known, but rare, food safety risk.

"It has been found in food animals, in food and occasionally in people for many years.

"It must be taken seriously but it has shown no sign of causing a pandemic and this small study does not change that assessment.

"However, the study does indicate the value of continued surveillance and monitoring of all food-borne bacteria, especially those that are resistant to antibiotics."

Prof Ross Fitzgerald, Chair of Molecular Bacteriology at The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, said: "The identification of MRSA CC398 in UK supermarket samples has been reported previously and is not surprising considering the high prevalence of MRSA among pig populations in some countries in Europe.

However, even in Denmark, food-borne transmission of MRSA to humans is very limited. There is no evidence that the presence of MRSA in pork will lead to a pandemic in human populations."

'Sensationalist' reporting

The National Pig Association has also responded to the MRSA claims, with NPA chief executive Zoe Davies calling the sensationalist report needed to be put in context.

"LA-MRSA is of negligible risk to the health of the general public, with the main risk being to agricultural workers with prolonged exposure to livestock," said Miss Davies.

"Defra and the National Pig Association recommend that anyone importing breeding pigs to Britain should have them screened for LA-MRSA.

"The NPA Imports Protocol, which is a requirement under Red Tractor Assurance (92% of the pigs produced in the UK), recommends that live pigs intended for import and the herds from which they originate are tested for MRSA.

"The Government is currently reviewing options for increased surveillance of LA-MRSA, which will be proportionate to the very low health risk.

"There is no specific UK or EU legislation for the control of MRSA in companion animals or livestock.

"Government is constantly reviewing the range of surveillance and control options available for new and emerging disease situations, including those involving AMR, but clearly such measures must be demonstrably proportionate to the risk to human and animal health.

"Nonetheless, we as an industry need to ensure we do everything we can to minimise the introduction of LA-MRSA into the UK pig breeding herd as these stories can be reputationally damaging.

"We therefore strongly urge anyone importing breeding pigs to Britain to have them screened for LA-MRSA," Miss Davies concluded.
Additional funding to raise interest in careers in farming among Scotlands young people has been announced by the Rural Economy Secretary.

During a statement to Parliament, Mr Ewing announced that Scottish Association of Young Farmers (SAYF) has been awarded 20,000 to create a peer support network in rural communities to support Scotlands young farmers.

The funding will be used to complement existing careers advice for young people so that more chose subjects in school that lead to careers in farming and food production.

"It is vital that we continue to explore all possible ways to encourage and support more of our young people to choose a career in farming"

"Supporting and encouraging the next generation of farmers is a key priority to help build growth in our rural economy and create thriving communities," said Mr Ewing.

"In my many conversations with people involved in farming and food production across Scotland, a recurrent theme is the need to encourage children and young people to recognise that a career in farming and food production is a good choice to make.

I am therefore pleased to announce today additional funding of 20,000 to Scottish Association of Young Farmers to support them to create a peer support network so that young people can provide the sort of informal support directly to other young people that we know can make a positive difference.

"With the average age of our farmers now at 58, it is vital that we continue to explore all possible ways to encourage and support more of our young people to choose a career in farming and food production, to ensure that we can continue to drive forward Scotlands rural economy."

Sarah Allison, Chair, SAYFC said: "SAYFC welcome this investment from the Scottish government in the future members of Scottish agriculture.

"It is testimony to the hard work of Sayfc staff and members who have worked hard to promote Sayfc as an organisation who can lead the way for young people starting out on the agricultural pathway and we look forward to working with Scottish government on implementing this project."
Scottish officials are being given a deadline to deliver commitments made to the Audit Committee on 2015 CAP payments.

NFU Scotland is looking for the Scottish government to draw a line under the 2015 CAP payments 'debacle' by ensuring all eligible farmers and crofters receive what they are due by the 15 October.

In giving evidence to the Scottish Parliaments Audit committee last week on the CAP Futures programme, government officials indicated that payments to those involved in private contract clauses or had been subject to inspection or were cross-border claims were imminent.

The union estimates that more than 20 million remains outstanding from these schemes

During evidence an official said: "We should start paying the inspection cases, which are affected by the private contract clauses, next week.

"We would expect to start paying the cross-border cases from the end of next week or the beginning of the week after.

"That puts us in a good place to complete the vast majority of those caseswith the financial value that remains outstandingby 15 October."

209 applications yet to receive 2015 payments

It is estimated that 209 applicants have still to receive a final 2015 instalment and 401 have still to receive a CAP payment.

Payments made under Scotlands livestock headage schemes and as part of Scotlands Rural Development Programme (Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme and Agri-Environment) are not subject to the commitment given to deliver payments by the 15 October deadline.

The union estimates that more than 20 million remains outstanding from these schemes.

NFU Scotlands Chief Executive Scott Walker said: "The strain on those businesses who have only received some and in some cases none of the CAP funds that they were due for 2015 has been enormous.

"Last weeks session of the Scottish Parliaments Public Audit committee critically examined officials over when every last 2015 payment will be delivered and the middle of October is the date by when it will be paid.

"We have to get a line drawn under this sorry debacle. All outstanding claimants need to be paid by that date.

"Should this not be met, then the Scottish Parliaments Public Audit committee must not hesitate in pulling the same officials in front of it again.

"Farmers and crofters need to know that those responsible are rightly held to account," concluded Mr Walker.
If the EU is unable to lower milk production to an appropriate volume within its own borders, European producers will not be the only ones affected by the resulting rock-bottom prices, the European Milk Board has warned.

West African milk producers arrived in Brussels for two days to discuss a responsible dairy policy with the EU.

Through this visit, Rene Millogo and Mariam Diallo from the organisations PASMEP (platform to support dairy cattle herders in Burkina Faso) and UMPL/B (National Micro-dairies and Local Milk Producers Union of Burkina) were looking to gain further insight into the objectives of EU policy.

'Disastrous consequences'

They also wanted to share with EU policymakers their experiences of the 'disastrous consequences' of the current EU strategy on West African markets.

When the EU produces too much, the surplus often ends up in markets in developing countries at dumping prices.

"It is important for policymakers to speak with the people affected by their decisions, outside the EU as well," says Schaber.

Rene Millogo explains the problem by referring to the current milk prices in Burkina Faso: "The average shop price for a litre of locally-produced milk is 600 CFA (about 91 eurocents).

"In comparison, milk produced from imported milk powder costs only 225 CFA (34 cents).

"This puts the local production at risk and destroys opportunities for local pastoral communities to earn a living."

Mariam Diallo said: "We hope that our European counterparts will consider the information derived from our talks in future decisions about dairy policy.

"It is important for them to strongly advocate a sustained reduction in overproduction in the EU.

"African countries that can fulfil their own needs are better for Europe as well. If the local socio-economic situation is not favourable, immigrating to Europe or other continents will be the only option, especially for young people."

'Positive actions'

Romuald Schaber from producer association European Milk Board (EMB) and Kerstin Lanje from the German development aid organisation Misereor welcomed the African-European exchange.

"It is important for policymakers to speak with the people affected by their decisions, outside the EU as well," says Schaber.

"In this way, the human fate behind sterile figures becomes clear, people should be the main focus of policies.

"Our actions and decisions in the EU should be as positive as possible, or neutral at the very least, for developing countries  in no way should they have negative effects.

"Production in West Africa has potential, but it can only be fully exploited if external distortions are kept to a minimum and the market is not flooded with cheap EU products," says Kerstin Lanje, emphasising the importance of responsible policy-making in the EU.

'Overproduction'

Thanks to the regular contact between producers from Burkina Faso and the EU over the last few years, West African producers have also gained useful insight into the situation of their European colleagues.

"We can see that overproduction is destroying prices within the EU as well," says Millogo.

"Therefore, we are not only here to explain the effects of the EU overproduction policy in our countries.

"We also want to support our European colleagues by appealing to EU policymakers to set up crisis instruments that will bring the chronic overproduction in the EU under control.

"Without a doubt, European and African producers are bound by solidarity to the extent that their concerns are the same," Millago concludes.
Food valued at 1.8bn wasted on UK farms each year, report says
This acquisition not only increases the size of HPPLs Wagyu herd, but the furtherance of high quality Fullblood genetics ensures that the herd will be able to sustainably produce premium Wagyu beef products into the premium domestic and export markets.
Warrenton, VA (20186)

Today

Steady light rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High near 65F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
Manassas, VA (20110)

Today

Overcast with rain showers at times. High near 65F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Steady light rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 56F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Did Cumberland County Commissioners break the NC Open Meetings Law?

The commissioners met behind closed doors to discuss a pay raise for the vice chair position.
The first thing is that I am incredibly intelligent, with a face and figure like Marilyn Munroe, I have a glorious singing voice, and dance like a diva. Sadly, all this is a lie, but then I am a fiction writer. I am a granny with voice like a foghorn and as for the figure I love tea and buns.

Milly Adams

My roots are in Tyne and Wear. I spent school holidays with my Uncle Stan and Auntie Isobel who ran the shop my mum grew up in. I've written about her life from time to time. It's in my bones.

I live near London, close to my four children, and three grandchildren. The grandchildren lead me astray and are my shining stars. We dive into The Wellington on the Strand for lunch, where they are thoroughly spoilt.

A few years ago I started to help at Words for the Wounded founded by Margaret Graham after she met a young ex-serviceman who had been shot through the neck in Helmand, leaving him tetraplegic. She runs it with two other grannies and the charity raises money through writing events and competitions, not to mention skydiving or scrambling over military assault courses.

I write novels and I love creating characters that do exactly as I tell them in the world I have created. I wonder if I'm a frustrated megalomaniac or is it because I seem to be in control of little else.

I have an interesting set of relatives. My father was from a large family. One of my cousins grew up in South America on a ranch, which is where she learned to fly. She came to Britain to fly for the Air Transport Auxiliary in the war so it seemed right and proper to write about them in Sisters at War.

I like hands on research so flew a Spitfire simulator, crash landing through a barn. Not something to be proud of. For Above us the Sky we found one of my husband's first submarines, Ocelot, in dry dock at Chatham, so were able to scramble over that, which helped me with the book. He used to swing through the hatches, but there was none of that going on, I can assure you.

I teach and mentor creative writers. I do wish more people would write. Apart from fiction, memoirs should be put together. Too much social history is being lost, and there is interest in everyone's life and times.

To keep me up to date and out of mischief I contribute to Frost Magazine which means I receive books and wine to review, and exhibitions. It keeps me up to date with all the new things coming out. Fantastic

Finally, on the home front I have 'him indoors', an ex-submariner, who understands all things maritime and has helped enormously with my novels, a cat and two dogs; a cockerpoo and a cavachon, who bring us undiluted joy.
Elizabeth Hurley won't allow her son Damian to drink alcohol in front of her.

Elizabeth Hurley

The 51-year-old actress and model, who has 14-year-old son with Steve Bing, has admitted her child is "not allowed" to let a sip of alcohol pass his lips when she is "looking", although it is not illegal for a 14 year old to have an alcoholic beverage whilst at a private event.

Speaking about a photograph, which was taken during Tania Bryer's wedding and saw Damian holding a flute of champagne on ITV's breakfast show 'This Morning' on Thursday (06.10.16), the brunette beauty said: "He's not allowed to drink when I'm looking, but he probably was handed one and held it to join in."

Meanwhile, Elizabeth - who plays the role of Queen Helena in 'The Royals' - has admitted she is very proud of her offspring who starred in a one-off episode in the shows third season alongside her.

Speaking about Damian's acting, which saw him play Prince Hansel von Leichtenstein in the programme, she said: "One of the best things on this series is that my son is a guest star."

And the Hollywood actress revealed she performed the role of her son's chaperone for the short period he spent on set.

She explained: "He only shot for one day; they did all his scenes on one day. And I was the chaperone; my job was to pass him water and to pull his chair and to say 'I think he needs a rest' which he never did."

However Damians' bossy ways are not unusual for Elizabeth, who has revealed the teenager bosses her around "non-stop".

Speaking previously, she said: "Damian bosses me around non-stop about what I should be posting. He begs me daily for a public Instagram account but I'm making him wait until he's 16."
Prince George wears shorts because trousers on young boys are considered "suburban".

Prince George

The three-year-old son of Prince William and Duchess Catherine is often pictured with his knees exposed and etiquette expert William Hanson has explained it is the traditional way the royals, upper classes and aristocracy choose to dress their children as it would look "quite middle class" to put them in trousers.

He said: "It's a very English thing to dress a young boy in shorts.

"Trousers are for older boys and men, whereas shorts on young boys is one of those silent class markers that we have in England. Although times are (slowly) changing, a pair of trousers on a young boy is considered quite middle class - quite suburban. And no self-respecting aristo or royal would want to be considered suburban. Even the Duchess of Cambridge...

"The modern habit of upper class families choosing to dress their boys in shorts will deliberately hark back to a bygone age. The British upper set are always keen to hold on to tradition, and this one also silently marks them out from 'the rest'."

And it seems George has a few years of freezing his knees ahead of him as if William and Catherine stick to tradition, he won't be wearing trousers until 2021.

William added to Harper's Bazaar online: "The usual custom is that a boy graduates to trousers around eight years old.

"This is, historically, perhaps due to the practice of 'breeching', which dates back to the sixteenth century. A newborn boy would be dressed in a gown for their first year or two (these gowns have survived as the modern Christening robe) and then he was 'breeched' and wore articles of clothing that more resembled shorts or trousers than dresses."
Laura Whitmore has taken to Twitter to reveal the extent of her 'Strictly Come Dancing' injuries.

Laura Whitmore

The 31-year-old blonde beauty has posted a picture of the bruises she has suffered on her arms while practising with her professional partner Giovanni Pernice.

Alongside images of her painful-looking bruises, Laura wrote: "I've always known I bruise like a peach ... But this is ridiculous."

The post prompted a speedy reply from professional dancer Gorka Marquez, who said: "thats normal when u dance with @pernicegiovann1. (sic)"

Giovanni then replied: "Irish white skin guys!!! It's not my fault #justsaying. (sic)"

This comes shortly after Gleb Savchenko bet 100 Giovanni will look to romance Laura on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

The Russian dancer - who appeared on the show last year - isn't surprised the Italian hunk has split from actress Georgia May Foote, who he met on the programme in 2015.

Gleb is convinced he'll now try his luck with the blonde presenter.

He said: "I'm not shocked [he's split with Georgia]. He's young and he's Italian. You know what Italians are like! They were never going to get married, have kids and live happily ever after.

"I bet you 100 Giovanni will get with Laura this year. And next season I'll bet you another 100 he will get with his new partner!"
Tom Gillford has been booted off 'The Great British Bake Off'.

Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry

The former teacher was sent packing on the BBC One show after failing to impress in Desserts Week with his Hipster Picnic showstopper.

Speaking after his exit, Tom said: "I think right until the moment your name's called you kind of think, 'Oh, it'll be someone else.' But I knew it was going to happen. I knew it was going to be my name.

"I would love to be in the tent right through to the end but someone has to go each week and it had to be me. There was no else it could be this week."

Whilst judge Paul Hollywood added: "To get through to this stage in 'The Great British Bake Off', he should feel very proud of himself.

"This is the first time in 'Bake Off' history that we've lost the winner of Bread Week. They normally reach the finals so I do feel sorry for him. He is a great baker."

Selasi Gbormittah nearly missed out on a place in the quarter final after Paul deemed his mini mousses were too big.

He said: "That's a very close escape. It doesn't mean I'm still safe. I'm in the quarter final; I don't know how."

Elsewhere in the show, aerospace engineer Andrew Smyth was awarded the star baker honour and was "super chuffed" by the commendation.

He said excitedly: "Finally! I'm really delighted. I'm super chuffed."

The remaining contestants will battle it out in another 'Bake Off' first next week - Tudor Week.
Davinia Taylor is back in Hollyoaks as fan-favourite character Jude Cunningham, as those viewers who watched tonight's E4 episode of the soap will have discovered, airing again tomorrow (October 7) at 6.30pm on Channel 4.

Credit: LIMEPICTURES

Having first announced the character's return in May, fans have had to wait some time to see Jude return, but it was tonight that saw the reason for her comeback revealed.

Pretending to be a property developer named Mrs Windsor-Davenport, Jude set up a meeting with Marnie Nightingale (Lysette Anthony), who was desperate to impress and secure investment in her new flats.

Jude's witty put downs left Marnie humiliated however, but that was only the start, as she realised the true horror of the situation when she found out Jude was Cindy's (Stephanie Waring) big sister.

Credit: LIMEPICTURES

Chatting about the return earlier this year, executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said: "Davinia's portrayal of Jude Cunningham made her one of my favourite ever Hollyoaks characters; the original bad girl, Cindy's big sister and a bona fide star.

"Jude has been on the run in Spain and Davinia has kept an equally low profile, so I am delighted that both are going to be back in the spotlight. Long-standing viewers and new ones alike are in for a real treat."

Davinia added of her return: "I'm thrilled to be going back into Hollyoaks and bringing Jude back. I am desperate to see what on earth she has been doing for the past 18 years and what trouble she will no doubt cause!"

Credit: LIMEPICTURES

And a spokesperson for the soap teased: "The residents of Hollyoaks are in for a shock when a familiar face returns in style to bring a touch of class to the village - Jude Cunningham. She's the girl with a heart of gold whose luxurious lifestyle dazzled Cindy, who's always put her big sister on a pedestal.

"To Cindy's delight, Jude is more than a match for her arch-nemesis Marnie but just like Cindy, Jude always had a knack for causing chaos wherever she goes. Is her return really all it seems?"

by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk

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Quantico actresses Priyanka Chopra and Yasmine Al Massri are on a sightseeing spree in New York. The two actresses, who have been fighting for their countrymen in the show, finally took time off to explore New York in each other's company.



Bajirao Mastani actress, Priyanka posted a picture of them sitting on a ferry with Statue of Liberty in the background. The duo is seen pointing towards the Statue of Liberty.



READ ALSO:

Priyanka Chopra is shy no more; gets intimate on Quantico



Priyanka, who plays the role of Alex Parrish in the show, shared the picture on Instagram and wrote, "So much fun being a tourist with you @jazmasri I'm proud of u. #celebrations #nofilterneeded #girlsdayou."





She posted another picture of hers with her gang of girls posing like the Statue. She wrote, "Lol! We r all statues of liberties ! Boat ride along the Hudson. I'm in a New York State of mind.. @jazmasri @chopramm2001 @mdesante."





Priyanka seems to be having the time of her life after all the hard work and effort she has been putting in her debut Hollywood project and her international show.



Daddy's little princess, as she calls herself, Priyanka also took her mom out for a relaxing hair spa. She shared a picture of the two of them being pampered at a hair salon. She wrote, "She gets her hair did!!! @madhuchopra #mommybesties #mommybetidays @tedgibson @jasonbacke love the hair."





Priyanka has taken the world by storm and her popularity is incomparable. She has made her country proud by featuring as the lead in Quantico and her debut opposite Dwayne Johnson in Baywatch is something that all her fans are looking forward to.



WATCH: Priyanka Chopra at Times Square





Next Story : Not Your Average Gift: Our Handpicked Thoughtful Diwali Gifts
AATCC, the Association of Textile , Apparel & Materials Professionals, and SGIA, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association for digital imaging companies, have partnered together to offer a unique educational conference named 'Digital Textile Printing: The Future is Now', to be held from December 6 to 7, 2016, at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham, NC, US.The program will feature the textile industry's most well-known and respected experts presenting topics essential for those involved in digital textiles. The two-day event will deliver unprecedented content to conference registrants who will leave with a wealth of understanding and inspiration to take back to their respective jobs.

AATCC, the Association of Textile, Apparel & Materials Professionals, and SGIA, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association for digital imaging companies, have partnered together to offer a unique educational conference named 'Digital Textile Printing: The Future is Now', to be held from December 6 to 7, 2016, at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham, NC, US.#

The first day includes a manufacturer's panel, colour management for digital textiles, finishing, meeting your customer's sustainability objectives, product testing for quality assurance, and research findings from North Carolina State University College of Textiles.The second day includes designing for digital printing of textiles, fabric factors impacting digital printing, digital print inspiration and design, web-to-print, and digital manufacturing.Some of the topics to be discussed at the event include Digital Textile Printing Technology Overview by Johnny Shell from SGIA, Which Ink Do I Use? By David Clark, Huntsman, Manufacturer's Panel Discussion by Durst, Expand/MS, Mimaki, Arioli, Kornit, EFI Reggiani, and SPG, Fabric Printing: Colour 101 by Dave Brewer, Image Options, Now that You've Printed the Fabric, What Next? Digital Finishing Pitfalls and Opportunities by Steve Aranoff, Mikkelsen Converting Technologies, etc.Johnny Shell, SGIA vice president of technical services said, The partnership between AATCC and SGIA for this conference dovetails nicely with both organisation's mission and purpose. Each organisation compliments the other and I'm very excited to have this opportunity. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Texworld Paris, the international trade show for fashion fabrics, trimmings, and accessories, held from September 12 to 15, 2016, at Paris-Le Bourget, managed to attract some global visitors and ended on a successful note. The expo was able to draw around 13,591 from top five countries like France, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, and Turkey.Moroccan clothing producers who came to procure materials and trimmings at Texworld Paris numbers grew by 22 per cent this year. The American continent visitors grew up by 5 per cent with visitors from Latin America and Mexico.

Texworld Paris, the international trade show for fashion fabrics, trimmings, and accessories, held from September 12 to 15, 2016, at Paris-Le Bourget, managed to attract some global visitors and ended on a successful note. The expo was able to draw around 13,591 from top five countries like France, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, and Turkey.#

This seasons show marked an interest in the fashion services adjoining the actual exhibition. The General Forum designed by Louis Gerin and Gregory Lamaud set the tone and trends for the 17-18 autumn/winter season with its theme of polarity.Exhibitors observed an increase in the number of contacts they made thanks to the forums dedicated to specific segments: those of Denim and Elite in particular drew enthusiastic customers towards businesses. All rounded off with a relevant presentation, which was very well attended, and a Pantone presentation on colours, visitors accumulated plenty of information, fashion inspiration to help make their choices, which they could verify using the free trend book.The show was marked by the high calibre of meetings, productive discussions that were open and informal and sometimes extended, having led to business transactions.Texworld Paris presented the ELITE segment for the very first time. It groups the companies which are most responsive and able to arrange for customised services. Exhibitors applauded the atmosphere and the wealth of dedicated services, as well as the elegant and discreet backdrop in the ELITE space with light panels from Dacryl, decorated by Olivier Lapidus. Closed stands allowed the discretion desired by exhibitors for this concept, which is intended to maximise buyers visiting time. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Hello peeps! A good news for all the Deepika Padukone's crazens out there. The stunning diva was quite away from the limelight owing to her post shoot work schedule of xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage. But now, oue bae is back and we got our hands on the latest picture of hers, in which she is slaying.

From Kareena To Aishwarya; Unseen Pics Of Actresses With Baby Bumps!

The actress is all set to promote her upcoming Hollywood film, xXx in Mumbai and her look for the day is just too hot to handle! But today, rather than focusing on her, we have also brought to you a few pictures of Deepika's favourite make-up and hairstylist, who always makes sure that Deepika looks wow!

We're talking about Daniel Bauer and when we filtered his Instagram account, we're bowled over the pictures of other actresses too including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma and Dia Sharma, whose make-up and hairstyle is done by him!

Wanna Check Them Out? Here We Go...

Deepika Padukone For XXX Promotion A few minutes ago, Daniel posted this picture on Instagram and wrote, "And so it begins, the countdown to the XXX Return of Xander Cage, kicking off promotions in Mumbai, makeup and hair by me, Anaita and her Style Cell team on styling#deepikapadukone." Daniel With Aishwarya Rai Bachchan "Hair and makeup for Aishwarya tonight. Styling by Aastha #sarbjit #aishwaryarai #aishwaryaraibachchan #danielbauermakeupandhair #indianactress #bollywood #bollywoodactress #aasthasharma #mostbeautifulwomanintheworld," captioned Daniel. Hairstyle By Daniel For Anushka "Working with the fabulous Anushka today - hair by me, Puneet on makeup and Allia styling #danielbauermakeupandhair #anushkasharma #sultanmovie," captioned Daniel. Daniel's Work On Gauri's Face "Latest cover with Gauri Khan in Savvy for Satya Paul #gaurikhan #dabbooratnani #danielbauermakeupandhair #satyapaul #savvy #magazinecover #shaleenanathani," wrote Daniel. Daniel With Jacqueline "A truly beautiful star shinning bright in New York City #nyfw #tresemmeindia #danielbauermakeupandhair #jacquelinefernandez #tresnyfw" posted Daniel. The Gorgeous Dia Mirza The make-up and hairstyle done by Daniel is just too perfect! He wrote, "Elegance personified, hair and makeup for Dia Mirza today #danielbauermakeupandhair #lakmefashionweek #danielbauer #tulsisilks #diamirza." Daniel With Lisa Haydon "It's getting hot in here... #lisahaydon #lakmefashionweek2016 #indianbeauty #bollywood #danielbauermakeupandhai r#sexygirlz #monishajaising #illuminateandshine #lakmefashionweek," wrote Daniel. Daniel With Shruti Haasan "Rocking it and illuminating it with Shruti today at Lakme Fashion Week #anushreereddy#shrutihassan #danielbauermakeupandhair#lakmeindia #lakmefashionweek#illuminateandshine" posted Daniel. Katrina Kaif "Makeup for Katrina tonight #voguebeautyawardsBianca on hair and Tanya on styling #danielbauermakeupandhair #katrinakaif #beautyoftheyear #indianbeauty," posted Daniel. Daniel With Deepika Among others, Daniel's Instagram account is inundated with the pictures of Deepika Padukone. Even during the IIFA 2016, Deepika was seen having a blast with her team that also includes Daniel Bauer.

Coming back to Deepika Padukone, 2016 is not going to be one exciting year for her fans as there are no release of her movie in this year. This year, we might get to see a few 'on the sets' pictures of Deepika Padukone from her upcoming film, which will be directed by Sanajy Leela Bhansali.

Reportedly, the film will be based on the life of Rani Padmavati and Deepika will play the lead character. However, the film is in the headlines owing to all the wrong reasons. We hear that SLB is keen to cast Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh but it's their ego tussle which is giving the director a tough time!

The trio is expected to begin the shoot of the film soon and we hope everything goes according to the plan of Mr Bhansali!
Since the title clearly mentions that the 'Dead Men Tell No Tales', we are here to tell you all the tales that you can expect from this most anticipated pirate movie.

Walt Disney recently came up with the first official trailer of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. It is their the fifth addition to the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise.

The movie most obviously will feature Johnny Depp, who will be seen reprising the role of 'Capt. Jack Sparrow', the intrepid explorer and eternally drunk pirate. But that apart, here are five most unique aspects, that the audiences can expect from this upcoming movie.

1. Going Back To The Roots

The Pirates of the Caribbean is looking forward to revive its past glory by going back to the roots with the revival of old characters and storyline originating from the first film, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

Though it will mark the continuity of timeline from the previous films, it is still regarded as a "reboot." Therefore, it will be interesting to see how the writers have prepared the storyline in this movie which lingers in both the past and present at the same time.

2. Captain Jack Sparrow's Quest For The Trident Of Poseidon.

The Pirates Of The Caribbean 5 will take you to places as Captain Jack Sparrow sets a quest for the legendary and ancient 'Trident of Poseidon.' This will give Jack Sparrow, the control over the entire oceans.

However, this time, he seeks the 'Trident of Poseidon' not for his own use, but to save the world and defend the seas from a deadly Evil Pirate and his crew.

3. Three New Major Characters Show Up In The Movie

Kaya Scodelario - The newcomer Scodelario, much remembered for her role as Teresa, in The Maze Runner, will portray the character of 'Carina Smyth' in the film. She is one academically intelligent young woman, also in the hunt for the 'Trident of Poseidon'.

Brenton Thwaites - Speculation is rife as Brenton will play the role of 'Henry Turner', son of Will and Elizabeth. He will be seen aiding Jack Sparrow in his quest for Trident.

Javier Bardem - This legendary Spanish star will be seen portraying the role of the most deadliest villain as 'Captain Salazar', who comes to seek revenge, after surviving Devil's Triangle, with his crew of ghostly sailors. He is also in the hunt for the Trident to gain eternal control of the seas and oceans.

4. Return Of Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom will be coming back in his role as 'Will Turner' in this upcoming movie after skipping the fourth installment.

He will be seen as always the good guy Will Turner, who sets out on a journey to find his son, but ultimately he will end up aiding Jack, on his quest.

5. Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow Isn't The Lead Character This Time

Though the story is weaved upon Capt. Jack Sparrow's quest for Trident, here it appears that newcomer Brenton Thwaites (Henry Turner) will lead the story ahead in the film, much similar to what Orlando Bloom did in the first part.

Above all else, it is fitting to enjoy Captain Jack Sparrow in smaller doses.
So far, we have kept you guys updated with all the latest updates about Star Plus' upcoming show, Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil. TV Czarina Ekta Kapoor, is leaving no stones unturned to make the show, a magnum opus, considering that fact that some of the big names from the world of television have joined the cast.

She has managed to bring two of the most popular names from the world of television on board. No points for guessing! It's Arjun Bijlani and Drashti Dhami.

While Arjun has been constantly keeping his fans updated about his latest project, Drashti on the contrary, remained tight-lipped about it. The actress recently left for Vienna and we had informed you about the same.

Although, she didn't mention the reason behind the trip, her Instagram post hinted that she has begun shooting for her upcoming magnum opus. Later, her co-star and good friend Arjun Bijlani also landed in Vienna after wrapping up Naagin 2 and Kawach.

The actor took to twitter and shared a message. He wrote, "Reached Vienna .. #PardesMeinHaiMeraDil @StarPlus ..let's rock and roll." His tweet put an end to all the speculations.

Apart from Arjun, a few other actors including Laksh Lalwani, who will play a parallel male lead in the show. Recently, Laksh shared a picture of himself along with Arjun and Drashti and captioned it as "Shooting mode ON#enthusiasm##shooting #shootdiaries#actorslife#fun."

Drashti and Arjun are looking great together. Isn't it? The actress is looking bright and gorgeous as always and the male leads have nailed it in their formal look!

With this, our excitement levels have definitely raised!
SINGAPORE -- (Marketwired) -- 10/05/16 -- PSB Academy (PSBA), one of Singapore's leading private education institutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NTC Group, a leading private education community in Cambodia.

The agreement covers a three-year partnership that highlights areas of cooperation with respect to the adaptation of PSBA's educational frameworks and ideas for the development of academic courses and workshops for NTC Group's five institutions in Cambodia, the provision of training and development opportunities for NTC staff and students which includes the opportunity to apply for PSBA's merit scholarships, as well as the facilitation meaningful cultural exchange between students from each campus.

This partnership reinforces PSBA's growth momentum across Asia, where it -- in response to the academy's unique approach to quality, industry-ready higher education -- has established four other colleges in Vietnam and China, and comes at the back of further expansions in Singapore with a new 100,000+ square foot campus in the heart of the city-state.

"Anticipating double-digit growth this year, we announced our expansion in Singapore with a city campus in Marina Square, and this partnership with NTC Group marks another great milestone in our development in Asia, in response to growing demand from students in the region for PSBA's approach to grooming graduates for the future economy. PSBA is scaling from a solid track record of graduating students who are sought after by industry and with NTC, we look forward to bringing our unique brand of industry-ready education to the 35,000 students who will be ready to tackle the demands of the future workforce in Cambodia," said Viva Sinniah, Executive Chairman, PSB Academy.

"This partnership with PSB Academy is testament to our commitment to being one of the leading educational communities in Cambodia by providing quality education for both our local and foreign students. With PSB Academy's proven track record of grooming industry-ready students, we are confident that our student community will benefit from the institution's modern teaching methods and sharing avenues for collaborative learning with both teachers and students from Singapore," said Oknha Chea Thilay, General Director, NTC Group, Cambodia.

Image

Viva Sinniah, Executive Chairman PSB Academy and Oknha Chea Thilay, General Director NTC Group marks PSB Academy's expansion into Cambodia

http://release.media-outreach.com/i/Download/5728

Logo

http://release.media-outreach.com/i/Download/4694

About PSB Academy (PSBA)

Productivity is at the heart of PSB Academy. Once known as the Productivity and Standards Board, PSB Academy today ranks as one of Singapore's leading private education institutions. Our full-time and part-time diploma, degree and post-graduate programs focus on what really matters: performance in the real-world. We aim to appeal to millennials looking for an industry-ready education as well as early to mid-career professionals looking to upgrade themselves.

We have over 300 part-time and full-time lecturers delivering lessons to over 11,000 local and international students. Our main campus is situated at Delta and our city campus is in Marina Square. Learn more at: www.psb-academy.edu.sg.

About NTC Group Cambodia

NTC GROUP is committed to being one of the leading educational communities in Cambodia that is locally and internationally recognized for the formal and non-formal education that are being offered to Cambodians and non-Cambodians, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, in the development of human resources in Cambodia.

Media contact:

Melody Uy

Email Contact

+65 6213 6997




Fujitsu Limited Public and Investor Relations Tel: +81-3-3215-5259 URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

TOKYO, Oct 6, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited and Kyoto University today announced that their R&D project to build a clinical genome knowledge and information platform will be adopted into the Project to Create an Integrated Database for Clinical Genome Information under the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED). Under the project, led by Professor Yasushi Okuno of the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Fujitsu will lead the drive to develop AI technology in support of doctors and other healthcare professionals' efforts to provide clinical interpretation. Plans are for the project to continue for a period of five years (until 2020).This research project has as its goal the realization and spread of genomic medicine, which is the use of genetic information in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. It aims to build an integrated clinical genome database that provides highly reliable and accurate clinical interpretation to the public, integrating databases of clinical information and genomic information for each type of condition, such as cancer, along with all sorts of public databases, which AMED is already working on creating.Background and GoalsIn bringing about the realization of genomic medicine, in which genetic information is used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, an issue that has arisen is the building of an Integrated Database for Clinical Genome Information, as a knowledge platform for enabling the use of this information more broadly in clinical settings. In the US, for example, as a framework for aggregating gene polymorphism information related to diseases and associated clinical interpretation, databases that can be freely accessed by specialist organizations are being built and announced as quickly as possible.There have been issues, however, in the reliability and accuracy of the data that depends on the clinical facilities and organizations which provide the clinical interpretation. For this reason there are ongoing efforts to improve reliability and accuracy, such as by systematizing a mechanism for evaluation by experts. In Japan, as well, the construction of database platforms is moving forward, and there is a demand for initiatives to standardize and systematize data aggregation and the provision of clinical interpretation.Project EffortsWorking together with Kyoto University, Fujitsu is now developing a curation system to formulize and put algorithms into the process of aggregating data, which was previously done by experts by hand, and to support the aggregation of data by experts. With this curation system, Fujitsu aims to support the provision of highly accurate and rapid clinical interpretation by developing unique machine learning and AI technology.In the development of this curation system, Fujitsu is working on R&D for the below technologies to infer clinical interpretations for gene polymorphisms for which the relationship to disease is not currently clear.- Fujitsu is building a knowledge base that aggregates academic literature and public databases in the medical field, using the Fujitsu Laboratories-developed Linked Open Data (LOD) utilization platform(1).- Using this knowledge base, Fujitsu aims to build a system that uses the unique machine learning technology that makes up Human Centric AI Zinrai, Fujitsu's AI technology, to infer clinical interpretations, and to supply the evidence for that inference and candidate treatments.Fujitsu plans to develop these technologies, and build a business around them as AI technologies that support R&D at companies and universities, not only in healthcare but in a variety of fields.(1) LOD utilization platformFujitsu and DERI Revolutionize Access to Open Data by Jointly Developing Technology for Linked Open Data (Fujitsu press release, April 3, 2013, http://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/2013/0403-02.html)About Kyoto UniversityKyoto University is one of Japan and Asia's premier research institutions, founded in 1897 and responsible for producing numerous Nobel laureates and winners of other prestigious international prizes. A broad curriculum across the arts and sciences at both undergraduate and graduate levels is complemented by numerous research centers, as well as facilities and offices around Japan and the world. For more information please see: www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/enAbout Fujitsu LtdFujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 159,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702; ADR:FJTSY) reported consolidated revenues of 4.7 trillion yen (US$41 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.* Please see this press release, with images, at:http://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/Source: Fujitsu LtdContact:Copyright 2016 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.




-Provides customer support and collaboration from pre-clinical through full-scale production in a non-GMP environment

-Hands-on customer access to Merck's product portfolio, technical expertise

-Manufacturing simulations encompass full end-to-end process development

INCHEON, South Korea, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced the opening of an M Lab' Collaboration Center in the Songdo district of Incheon, Korea, one of the fastest growing biotech hubs in Asia. The center provides biopharmaceutical manufacturers with a shared, exploratory environment where they can closely collaborate with Merck scientists and engineers to solve their toughest challenges and accelerate development and production of new therapies.

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/Merck-Oct5.mp4

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415619

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415620

"With a rapidly growing biopharmaceutical industry in Korea and demand for novel and cost-effective therapies worldwide, there is a clear need for innovative concepts like our M Lab' Collaboration Centers," said Udit Batra, Member of the Merck Executive Board and CEO, Life Science. "At our new center in Incheon, our customers will benefit from our deep technical expertise to develop processes for manufacturing drugs faster, safer and more effectively than ever before."

The new M Lab' Collaboration Center replaces a smaller facility in Seoul and will better suit the needs of Korea's growing biopharmaceutical market. The new, state-of-the-art center will include a simulated manufacturing environment and offer full end-to-end process development support. In addition, education on best practices and new approaches to develop, optimize and scale-up processes and simplify global technology transfer will be available to customers.

With 1,865 square meters of space and more than ten highly trained scientists and engineers, the M Lab' Collaboration Center will serve local biopharma manufacturers, spanning the spectrum from multinational organizations like Samsung Biologics to emerging companies developing biologics to treat rare diseases or different types of cancer.

"The new M Lab' Collaboration Center will play a great role in providing technical support and training of Korean biopharmaceutical employees," said TH Kim, CEO of Samsung BioLogics. "Merck's decision to invest in Songdo, fast growing as world largest biologics manufacturing hub with 520 KL of plant capacity by 2018, represents a significant milestone in the development of the Songdo Bio Cluster, which will accelerate the future growth of Incheon as well as Korean Biopharmaceutical industry."

The new M Lab' Collaboration Center in Incheon is one of nine such centers around the world. Each center allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to explore new ways to increase productivity, improve processes and mitigate risks by giving them access to a world-class team of experts. Customers have access to sizing and simulation tools and methodologies as well as analytical and modeling support. Formal bioprocessing educational courses are also available, including traditional classroom-style training and interactive, hands-on sessions.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Stephan Auer (German Ambassador), Prof. Dr. Gerhard Sabathil (Ambassador & Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea), Seung Tack Park (Director General for Investment Policy, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy), Dr. Jeong Bok Yoo (Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City), Young Geun Lee (Commissioner, Incheon City government), Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp (Chairman of the Executive Board and the Family Board, E. Merck KG) and Dr. Udit Batra (Member of the Merck Executive Board and CEO, Life Science).

All Merck news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the Merck website. Please go to www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Merck

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life - from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2015, Merck generated sales of  12.85 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. The company holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/merck-unveils-new-state-of-the-art-m-lab-collaboration-center-in-korea-300340217.html


BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The New Zealand dollar continued to be weak against other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday, as crude oil prices retreated after yesterday's solid rally.



Crude for November delivery is currently down by -0.34 cents to $49.49 per barrel.



Crude oil prices rose on Wednesday, helped by new U.S. government statistics that showed a decline in oil stockpiles. The Energy Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Energy, revealed that crude oil inventories dropped 3 million barrels last week.



Meanwhile, the Venezuelan oil minister Del Pino said that Venezuela and other oil producers are likely to discuss output at informal Istanbul talks on October 12.



Wednesday, the NZ dollar fell 0.51 percent against the U.S. dollar, 0.05 percent against the yen, 0.57 percent against the euro and 0.52 percent against the Australian dollar.



In the Asian trading, the NZ dollar fell to more than a 3-month low of 1.5658 against the euro and nearly a 2-month low of 1.0635 against the Australian dollar, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.5610 and 1.0619, respectively. If the kiwi extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.59 against the euro and 1.07 against the aussie.



Against the U.S. dollar and the yen, the kiwi dropped to 0.7152 and 74.01 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.7171 and 74.20, respectively. The kiwi may test support near 0.70 against the greenback and 72.00 against the yen.



Looking ahead, the German factory orders for August is due to be released in the pre-European session at 2:00 am ET.



Swiss CPI data and Markit's German construction PMI, both for September, are slated for release later in the day.



At 3:15 am ET, European Central Bank Chief Economist Peter Praet is expected to speak at the Global Implications of Europe's Redesign conference in New York.



At 7:30 am ET, European Central Bank accounts of the monetary policy meeting is due to be published.



In the New York session, Canada building permits for August, and U.S. jobless claims for the week ended October 1 are set to be published.



At 10:50 am ET, European Central Bank Board member Ignazio Angeloni is expected to speak at The Netherlands Days organised by De Nederlandsche Bank in Amsterdam.



At 11:50 am ET, Bank of Canada Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Wilkins is expected to speak at the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Destatis released German factory orders data for September in the pre-European session on Monday at 2:00 am ET. After the data, the euro changed little against its major rivals. As of 2:01 am ET, the euro was trading at 0.8902 against the pound, 1.0815 against the Swiss franc, 1.1065 against the U.S. dollar and 115.49 against the yen. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian dollar weakened against the other major currencies in the pre-European session on Thursday. The Australian dollar fell to a 10-day low of 1.4772 against the euro, from an early high of 1.4694. Against the U.S. and the Canadian dollars, the aussie dropped to more than a 2-week low of 0.7577 and nearly a 2-week low of 1.0023 from early highs of 0.7624 and 1.0045, respectively. The aussie slid to 78.53 against the yen, from an early high of 78.91. Against the NZ dollar, the aussie edged down to 1.0585 from an near 2-month high of 1.0635. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.49 against the euro, 0.74 against the greenback, 0.98 against the loonie, 77.00 against the yen and 1.04 against the kiwi. 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.
Hosted by Duetto, Hotel Industry Experts from Across the Continent to Discuss Revenue Strategy, Distribution, and Preparing for a Possible Industry Downturn

LONDON, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As the international travel community prepares to gather at the World Travel Market just a few miles away, hospitality innovators and brand executives from companies such as NH Hotels, citizenM, Google and HVS will convene 7 November at the Amba Charing Cross Hotel for the second annual Revenue Strategy Forum (RSF), a spirited discussion and networking event focused on how hotels can create value in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

RSF is a thought leadership event organized by Duetto, the market leader in hotel profit optimization technology.

Registration is now open, click below for more details:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/revenue-strategy-forum-london-tickets-26971337998

Last year's inaugural Revenue Strategy Forum drew more than 100 hotel industry professionals, discussing increasing challenges from the growth of third-party intermediaries and the further commoditization of the hospitality industry. Attendees concluded that hotels must develop a holistic approach to Revenue Strategy, which optimizes channel mix to achieve greater profitability and retain and create market share.

On 7 November, discussion turns to the state of the industry today, with challenges intensified further and hotel performance entering a new period of uncertainty and disquiet.

"Entering its second year in Europe, RSF has quickly become a critical program to develop new ideas that will shape the future of hospitality," said Patrick Bosworth, Co-founder and CEO of Duetto. "As macroeconomic trends and forces impacting the industry become even more volatile, we are excited to expand this forum to bring hotel professionals together and develop new revenue strategies alongside owners, asset managers, brands and fellow innovators."

The agenda and topics to be discussed at the conference, include :

Welcome and opening remarks

Patrick Bosworth, CEO, Duetto

Keynote Address

The Distribution Cost Conundrum: Are OTAs Actually Good Value for the Money ?

Peter O'Connor, Professor of Information Systems and Director of the Global MBA and the MBA in Hospitality Management (IMHI) programs, Essec Business School

Merging on the Digital Highway: Loyalty, Airbnb, Book-Direct Initiatives and the Fight for Today's Consumer Intensifies

Moderator: Patrick Bosworth, Duetto

Panelists:

Terri Scriven, Head of Hospitality UK, Google

Remy Merckx, VP of Marketing, The Rezidor Hotel Group

Fernando Vives, CCO, The NH Hotel Group

Lennert de Jong, CCO, citizenM

Break the Cycle and Win the Next Downturn

Moderator: Jill Barthel, Senior Associate - Consulting & Valuation, HVS

Panelists:

Olivier Jager, CEO, Forward Data SL

David Taylor, Chief Officer, Global Sales & Revenue Management, glh Hotels

Clinton Campbell, Revenue Director, Apex City of London Hotel

Annemarie Gubanski, Founder & CEO, Taktikon

Beyond RevPAR: What Lies Beneath

Special presentation by:

Jonathan Langston, Co-Founder, HotStats

Ben Godon, Vision Asset Management

*****

For more information on Duetto and its industry education initiatives worldwide, visit www.duettoresearch.com.

About Duetto

Duetto delivers the most powerful Revenue Strategy solutions to the world's leading hotels and casinos, allowing them to better manage pricing, revenue and business-mix decisions with superior, actionable data.

The unique combination of hospitality experience and technology leadership enables Duetto to provide new insights on pricing and demand as a true cloud-based software-as-a-service. With Revenue Strategy and Revenue Intelligence solutions that address the challenges of today's hospitality industry, Duetto helps hotels and casinos optimize profits and guest loyalty.

Thanks to rapid marketplace adoption, Duetto is expanding in key markets throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. More than 1,200 hotel and casino properties in more than 60 countries have partnered to use Duetto's Revenue Strategy and Revenue Intelligence platforms.

Contact: Michael Frenkel, MFC PR - New York

For Duetto

(212) 808-6559

michael@mfcpr.com






JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Marintec Indonesia (November 23-25, 2016, Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran), established in 2014 as one of the leading exhibitions in Asia within the maritime sector, is to bring solutions to support the Indonesian government's long term plan to build what will be the largest integrated seaport in Southeast Asia by facilitating a recurrent high quality event in Indonesia.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161006/415865

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121014/HK92339LOGO-d

Organised by UBM Asia, Marintec Indonesia combines a high-caliber conference and sharply focused exhibition - unique in the country - to provide marine industry professionals the only specialized platform in the field and the best opportunity to meet decision makers, policy makers, influencers and researchers.

Geo-position, land and sea extensions, economic growth, population, security concerns, national and international interests, all concur to make Indonesia a pivotal player in the maritime industry in the region. The economy of the maritime sector is expected to reach 5 billion US dollars per year, as Indonesia develops the three archipelagic sea lanes (ALKI) with an intrinsic very high potential of trade value (Source: World Food Programme (FAO)).

In order to advance development at a fast pace, the government aims at attracting foreign direct investments by cutting red tape, facilitating business and operations. A platform like Marintec Indonesia, with its international conference and workshops - and international participants already confirmed from China, India, Japan, Korea, Panama, Portugal, the UK, the Netherlands and Singapore - is therefore instrumental in the process.

In anticipation to the opening of the event in November, on July 29th Marintec Indonesia held a conference attended by the Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs, the Ministry of Industry, the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), and the Chairman of Indonesia's Shipbuilding & Offshore Association (IPERINDO).

Topics ranged from President Jokowi's vision of making Indonesia the world's maritime axis, the existing legal framework, regulations, the developing national industrial policies for the maritime sector, investment opportunities and the exciting path ahead of us.

The conclusion was clear: Indonesia can grow its role in South East Asia from regional to a global status, and Marintec Indonesia -- part of a network of marine exhibitions in countries such as mainland China, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Panama and India - can definitively help in the process.

ABOUT the organizer

Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is the largest trade show organiser in Asia and the largest commercial organizer in China, India and Malaysia. Established with its headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia and in the US, UBM Asia has a strong global network of 31 offices and 1,300 staff in 24 major cities. We operate in 20 market sectors with 230 exhibitions and conferences, 21 trade publications, 18 online products for over 2,000,000 quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world. www.ubmasia.com

Contact:

Abdi Fajrin

+62 21 2930 5959

Abdi.Fajrin@ubm.com
TEANECK (dpa-AFX) - Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. (CTSH), a provider of IT, consulting, and business process services, announced Thursday that it has been selected by Future Group, an Indian multi-brand retailer, as a strategic partner to transform its consumer goods business Future Consumer Limited into a connected enterprise. As part of the engagement, Cognizant will build a platform for Future Consumer to simplify, automate and secure business processes, speed up collaboration, and maximize synergies across all lines of business and corporate functions. The platform will be built using SAP's S/4HANA business suite. It will enable Future Consume to optimize the supply chain and improve business throughput. Cognizant will also help Future Consume harness digital technologies, including mobile and data analytics, for real-time performance and operational insights to accelerate decision-making, innovation and time-to-market. 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.
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 3:00 am ET Thursday, the Swiss KOF Institute is slated to release Autumn Economic forecast. Ahead of the data, the Swiss franc showed mixed trading against its major rivals. While the Swiss franc fell against the euro and the U.S. dollar, it rose against the pound. Against the yen, the Swiss franc held steady. As of 2:55 am ET, the Swiss franc was trading at 1.0924 against the euro, 1.2407 against the pound, 0.9759 against the U.S. dollar and 106.11 against the yen. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LONDON, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

First Major Programme Designed to Boost Digital Health Acceleration within NHS

Lumeon a digital health company focused on innovative Care Pathway Management (CPM), announced that it's been selected as part of the first cohort for the DigitalHealth.London Accelerator Programme. Lumeon was one of 32 companies accepted into the pioneering programme designed to help digital health businesses adopt and refine their innovations to improve the lives of patients and the efficiency of the NHS and wider healthcare sector.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160913/406910LOGO )



Robbie Hughes, CEO, Lumeon, said, "It's an honor to be selected amongst an elite few for the first cohort of the Accelerator programme. Our Care Pathway Manager delivers the measurability, predictability and control that could greatly value the NHS in delivering care, so we're looking forward to working with the Accelerator to engage with the NHS."

The Accelerator sits within the DigitalHealth.London programme, which aims to accelerate the adoption of digital health solutions in the heart of the capital. 119 companies initially competed for a place in the programme's very first 2016-17 cohort, and a group of over 60 senior NHS, commercial and technical experts assessed each company's business credibility and the likely benefit their innovations could deliver at a pan-London level.

Jenny Thomas, Accelerator Programme Director, said: "We're delighted to welcome our very first Accelerator cohort and look forward to working with them closely over the next year. This is a completely new and innovative programme - the first of its kind in London - that works by engaging with businesses, the NHS and wider healthcare sector, to close the gap between product development and the uptake of new solutions within hospitals and other healthcare settings. With ever-increasing pressures on health and care services, our ambition is to speed up the adoption of innovations at scale, ensuring that greater numbers of patients benefit from emerging new technology, more rapidly."

For more about Lumeon visit http://www.lumeon.com.

For more information about the DigitalHealth.London programme, please visit http://digitalhealth.london/accelerator/about-the-accelerator/.

About Lumeon

Lumeon is a digital health company that has defined the market for Care Pathway Management (CPM). From scheduling and revenue management to clinical reporting and aftercare, by looking across the end-to end care pathway, Lumeon addresses the system, and not just the symptom, behind healthcare transformation. Lumeon's customers number among Europe's fastest growing and most innovative healthcare providers including BUPA, Nuffield Health, Alliance Medical, HCA and Optegra. It is headquartered in London employing over 90 people. For more information about Lumeon please visit http://www.lumeon.com.


Joseph Smith will oversee all commercial operations in the EMEA region and be responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of Qubit

Qubit, the pioneer in data-first customer experiences, has announced the appointment of Joseph Smith, a former Hootsuite executive, as its General Manager for Europe. Smith, who is based in the company's worldwide headquarters in London, will lead the vision for long-term growth in the EMEA region. He brings over twenty years of leadership experience in technology and finance roles.

"This appointment is hugely important to Qubit's continued growth. Establishing the company in Europe and building on the success we have in the UK is imperative," said Graham Cooke, CEO and founder of Qubit. "As the market continues to move quickly, we need those with a proven track record in scaling technology businesses to ensure Qubit can capitalize on the opportunity."

Joseph Smith joins Qubit from Hootsuite where he was responsible for go-to-market strategy, revenue and operations across EMEA and APAC. Smith is a seasoned executive who has enjoyed significant success building highly productive international sales, professional services, marketing and operations teams with both BMC Software and SmartFocus. His knowledge of the global SaaS industry will allow Qubit's management team to deliver against ambitious expansion plans. Smith will oversee all of Qubit's commercial operations in the EMEA region and provide the strategic direction and leadership for the company's sales, partnerships, operations, marketing, and customer teams.

"Qubit's technology platform will set new benchmarks for digital experiences. Coupled with a C-suite focus on customer-centricity means it promises to be an exciting time," said Smith. "I am thrilled to be on board as we work to make Qubit one of the most important technology platforms in customer-driven businesses."

About Qubit

Qubit is the pioneer in delivering data-first customer experiences. Our digital experience hub integrates analytics, data and experience management with the Visitor Cloud, a customer data platform connecting data across all your brand touchpoints through an elastic customer record.

Whether it's creating highly targeted personalizations or acting on data science, we ensure marketers are never held back by digital roadblocks.

To date, we have received over $76 million in funding from Goldman Sachs, Accel, Sapphire Ventures, Balderton Capital and Salesforce Ventures.

Find out more at: http://www.qubit.com/

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161006005463/en/

Contacts:

Qubit Contact

George Barker

+44 7762 672687

george@qubit.com
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Swiss franc weakened against most major currencies in the early European session on Thursday. The Swiss franc fell to 1.0939 against the euro and 1.2435 against the pound, from an early 2-day high of 1.0911 and more than a 5-year high of 1.2396, respectively. Against the U.S. dollar, the franc dropped to 0.9779 from an early high of 0.9735. If the Swiss franc extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.10 against the euro, 1.27 against the pound and 0.98 against the greenback. 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) - Theranos Inc., a privately held health-technology and medical laboratory services company, said late Wednesday that it has decided to close its clinical labs and Wellness Centers. Theranos's Founder and Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Holmes in a post on the company blog said the restructuring will impact approximately 340 employees in Arizona, California and Pennsylvania.



Holmes stated that the company now intends to focus on its recently announced new blood-testing device miniLab platform. The device, which is about the size of a printer, is yet to be approved by regulators. The company also aims to develop and sell products outside laboratories.



'Our ultimate goal is to commercialize miniaturized, automated laboratories capable of small-volume sample testing, with an emphasis on vulnerable patient populations, including oncology, pediatrics, and intensive care,' she said.



The planned job cuts represent more than 40 percent of the workforce of the company, which was grown on its low-price blood tests offering to reach a market valuation of $9 billion in 2014. As of August 1, it had 790 full-time employees.



Theranos is facing regulatory sanctions and is under criminal investigation by federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission into whether it misled investors. However, the company has denied any wrongdoing.



In July, regulators also sought to ban Holmes from owning or operating any lab for two years. Theranos appealed her ban, which hasn't taken effect. As per reports, Holmes controls a majority voting stake in the company and can't be easily removed from her position.



As part of Theranos' appeal of regulatory sanctions, the federal Department of Health and Human Services' Departmental Appeals Board reportedly would conduct a hearing, and the proceedings are set to start December 1.



In June, Walgreens, which had a partnership with Theranos, ended their deal and closed all of the connected blood-collection locations.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
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.
HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704) (TSE: 4704), a global leader in security software, has reaffirmed its commitment to providing security and peace-of-mind to its customers with the release of an updated version of Trend Micro PC-cillin Maximum Security 10. The new software has expanded capabilities that safeguard users from ransomware, malicious threats, identity theft and new malware varieties by providing reliable protection against 250 million threats a day.

Trend Micro's comprehensive security solution defends users against well-known dangers, but it also addresses the risks of new attacks, including the extremely disruptive online threat called "ransomware," which locks computers or mobile devices and can encrypt files, holding them for ransom unless victims pay a set fee. Attackers can then delete photos and documents, or permanently lock a computer. Industry experts recently recognized Trend Micro PC-cillin as blocking 100 percent of ransomware threats(i) and 100 percent effective protection against web threats as well,(ii) ensuring customers can effectively protect their valuable personal data with Trend Micro.

"Cybercriminals are everywhere, watching and waiting for their next victim to get too comfortable and relaxed with their digital footprint," said Eva Chen, CEO, Trend Micro. "With Internet accessibility at the push of a button, falling into a ransomware trap or finding your devices riddled with viruses is easier than ever. We think the best defense is a good offense. Our security software ensures users are fully protected and able to access the Internet without fear of losing their private information, identity or money."

With the growing presence of ransomware and other malicious threats, the latest version of Trend Micro PC-cillin provides an additional layer of protection for your most valuable files and memories. Its robust security features block ransomware threats lurking on compromised websites, hidden in spammed emails, or wrapped in other malware. Trend Micro's new Folder Shield feature also prevents ransomware from maliciously encrypting irreplaceable PC files.

It's important to keep mobile devices protected as well. Android mobile ransomware threats have grown 15 times higher than they were in April 2015(iii). Mobile ransomware masquerades as a legitimate app or can be distributed to visitors of pornographic sites, forum sites, SMS texting spam, and third party app stores (No ransomware currently found on Google Play app store). While ransomware for PCs still outpace Android ransomware quantity, these malicious mobile threats are infiltrating homes in clever ways like infecting Android-based Smart-TVs (as first reported by Trend Micro(iv)).

Trend Micro Mobile Security for Android, included with select Trend Micro PC-cillin subscriptions, delivers 99.9 percent malicious app detection(v) and keeps its users safe from ransomware attacks while online. In addition to tailoring new and updated mobile security features to protect specifically against ransomware, Mobile Security now offers new defenses, including notifying you before connecting to an unsecured wireless network and scanning apps for vulnerabilities.

These vulnerabilities could be exploited by cybercriminals hijacking your phone or files. Mobile Security also blocks users of WhatsApp from dangerous links, helping keep them safe from identity theft.

From safeguarding your digital photo collection to protecting sensitive financial records, Trend Micro Security protects the information and files dearest to you.

"As technology and cybercrime continue to evolve, so do the security threats that come with it," said Chen. "It's our goal to not only continue offering our customers the best in threat defense, but to also stay ahead of the curve and ensure our customers are able to safely enjoy all facets of an online, cloud-connected life. We believe Trend Micro PC-cillin 10 provides the comprehensive protection needed in today's digital landscape."

For more information on Trend Micro PC-cillin or to try for free at www.trendmicro.com.hk

The new Trend Micro PC-cillin portfolio is now available online and in stores. All current customers are able to upgrade to the latest version for free here.

Image

An updated version of Trend Micro PC-cillin Maximum Security 10

http://release.media-outreach.com/i/Download/5740

Company Logo

http://release.media-outreach.com/i/Download/3868

About Trend Micro

Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in cyber security solutions, helps to make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Our innovative solutions for consumers, businesses, and governments provide layered security for data centers, cloud environments, networks, and endpoints. All our products work together to seamlessly share threat intelligence and provide a connected threat defense with centralized visibility and control, enabling better, faster protection. With more than 5,000 employees in over 50 countries and the world's most advanced global threat intelligence, Trend Micro enables users to enjoy their digital lives safely. For more information, visit www.trendmicro.com.

(i) AV-TEST Institute Report commissioned by Trend Micro, July 2016

(ii) AV Comparatives "Whole Product Dynamic Real-World Protection Test," April-June 2016.

(iii) Trend Micro Mobile App Reputation Service database, June 2016.

(iv) "Flocker Mobile Ransomware Crosses to Smart TV" http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/flocker-ransomware-crosses-smart-tv/

(v) Per AV-TEST Institute during 2014-2016 bi-monthly testing periods, compared to the industry average of 98% (May 2016).

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Claudius Lam

Tel: 852.2214 3288 / 852.9022 0876

Email Contact




CAMPBELL, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Friendable, Inc. (the "Company") (OTC PINK: FDBL), announced today it has been negotiating with the holder of specific technology that it believes will allow the Company to extend its brand and begin to uniquely monetize the Friendable app.

The Company believes this technology will allow it to execute a multiple channel revenue model that has the potential for a high conversion rate based on its target audience and demographic.

"We are viewing this opportunity in two parts, an extension of the Friendable app and the next generation of the Friendable brand," stated Friendable CEO, Robert A. Rositano Jr. "As we review the first three quarters of the year, we must attribute app download surges to our various celebrity initiatives and relationships to date. Friendable appeared in the music videos of Jennifer Lopez, Redfoo, Fifth Harmony & Fetty Wap, and Daya as well as a promotion with Epic Records for a Meghan Trainor concert ticket giveaway. Additionally, Friendable was used by teen celebrity Austin Mahone to organize a live meet up event for his fans in the Los Angeles, Ca. area."

"As a result we have analyzed these initiatives to better understand what this could mean for Friendable if we were to deliver a unique offering and experience to each celebrity's fan base. We believe that with a successful acquisition of this technology, Friendable will reach new heights and begin to monetize," said Rositano Jr.

Friendable will provide updates in the coming days on the status of its negotiations.

About Friendable:

Friendable, Inc. is the mobile-social network focused on the future, rather than sharing the past. It is all about having location specific and nearby opportunities to connect with others. The Friendable brand represents a "friends first" approach and takes all the pressure off its users, making it simple to create new connections, create meet up style events, or simply tell others what you are "Friendable" for. Based upon shared interests and locations, users can engage with what makes sense for them. Increased user interactions will allow Friendable to offer advertising and sponsorship opportunities to local venues/businesses and begin to generate revenue by providing these venues with location specific opportunities to reach potential customers when it matters most. As of September 2016, Friendable has exceeded over 1 million total downloads since the Company's inception and launch of the app in June 2013 under its previous brand name.

For more information about Friendable, Inc. please visit: www.Friendable.com

For Additional Investor Information and to Receive Company Updates: http://www.friendable.com/fdbloptin

To View our latest Video Overview: https://vimeo.com/friendable/2016

Visit our social media properties at: Facebook: http://facebook.com/friendable

Twitter: https://twitter.com/friendableapp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendableapp/

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The words or phrases "would be," "will allow," "intends to," "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimate," "project," or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements." Actual results could differ materially from those projected by Friendable, Inc. The iTunes rankings should not be construed as an indication in any way whatsoever of the future value of the Friendable's common stock or its present or future financial condition. The public filings of Friendable, Inc. made with the Securities and Exchange Commission may be accessed at the SEC's Edgar system at www.sec.gov. Statements made herein are as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as of any subsequent date. Friendable, Inc. cautions readers not to place reliance on such statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, Friendable, Inc. does not undertake, and Friendable, Inc. specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences, developments, unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statement.

CONTACT:

Investor Relations & Financial Media:

Ticker Media Group

585-563-8053

info@TickerMediaGroup.com



COMPANY:

Friendable, Inc.

(855) 473-7473

Info@friendable.com




ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- The economy is expected to contract in Newfoundland & Labrador this year, but growth will follow in 2017, according to the BMO Blue Book released today by BMO Capital Markets Economics and BMO Commercial Banking.

Much like the U.S. Federal Reserve's Beige Book, the BMO Blue Book combines the expertise of BMO's economists with information about current national and provincial business conditions provided to BMO's commercial bankers by local businesspeople.

"Real GDP is expected to contract by 2.0 per cent this year-among the weakest performances in Canada-after a 2.2 per cent decline in 2015," said Robert Kavcic, Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets. "Longer term prospects are less dire, however based on our forecast for WTI oil grinding back toward $60 by the end of 2017, which should support longer-term development of the offshore sector and ease the strain on government finances."

"Newfoundland & Labrador's oil sector makes up roughly 22 per cent of provincial GDP and more than 7 per cent of employment-both shares are just slightly smaller than in Alberta," said Mr. Kavcic. "As a result, the slide in oil prices has hit incomes hard in the province. Production also continues to drift down after peaking in 2007, at least until the pipeline is filled with new output, such as Hebron in late-2017."

The report also notes that employment has been gradually declining since 2013, with retail sales slowing and average home prices down.

"Many businesses across Newfoundland & Labrador are facing great challenges with the decline in global energy prices," said Lynda Taylor, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Provinces Divisions, BMO Bank of Montreal. "The oil and gas industry is a big part of the province's economy. The bright side is oil fields are still operating viably because of low operational costs."

Meanwhile, the fishery industry in Newfoundland & Labrador, like the rest of Atlantic Canada, is experiencing a great upswing. "Rising global demand, strong catches and the favourable foreign exchange rate are letting those in the fishing industry drive growth across the province," said Ms. Taylor.

Ms. Taylor noted that BMO is here to help with a highly-skilled team of experts that can make lending decisions at the local level to help its commercial clients boost productivity, expand into new markets and make strategic investment decisions that will help propel growth and drive success.

The full BMO Blue Book can be downloaded at www.bmocm.com/economics.

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of $692 billion as of July 31, 2016, and over 45,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Valerie Doucet, Montreal

valerie.doucet@bmo.com, (514) 877-8224



Peter Scott, Toronto

PeterE.Scott@bmo.com, (416) 867-3996



Internet: www.bmo.com

Twitter: @BMOmedia




WINNEPEG, MANITOBA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Manitoba's growth is maintaining momentum yet again, as the region seems poised to mark seven consecutive years of increases of at least 2.3 per cent, should forecasts from the new BMO Blue Book, released today, hold true. No other area in the country can claim the same consistency.

Much like the U.S. Federal Reserve's Beige Book, the BMO Blue Book combines the expertise of BMO's economists with information on current national and provincial business conditions provided to BMO's commercial bankers by local businesspeople.

A very low GDP stake in oil production, coupled with a strong manufacturing and transportation sector, has contributed to the province's high economic standing.

"Manufacturing output has had a solid run since 2010 despite dipping last year, and should continue to benefit from the combination of a weaker Canadian dollar and still-solid U.S. demand," said Robert Kavcic, Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets. "Additionally, the transportation sector has been strong in recent years, with orders rolling in from various municipalities for public transit and U.S. cities with improved fiscal backdrops and higher state spending."

Notable job gains in construction and professional services are helping to keep unemployment comfortably below the national average even in a soft labour market. This is reflected in the province's business climate, with construction, in particular, set for a good year based on stable housing demand and the development of new residential buildings and offices.

"Confidence among Manitoba businesses is on the rise and a number of sectors are looking forward to a successful year. In particular, we're hearing positive feedback from our manufacturing, service and agricultural customers," said John MacAulay, Senior Vice President for Prairies and Central Canada, BMO Bank of Montreal.

Mr. MacAulay adds that for agricultural businesses, land acquisitions seem to be continuing and a successful harvest could generate more equipment purchasing where a slight pullback has been noted. There is a small increase in requests for pre-approvals from producers, which could be a sign of another productive end to the year.

BMO is here to help with a highly-skilled team of experts who can make lending decisions at the local level to help the bank's commercial clients boost productivity, expand into new markets and make strategic investment decisions that will help propel growth and drive success.

The full BMO Blue Book can be downloaded at: www.bmocm.com/economics.

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of $692 billion as of July 31, 2016, and over 45,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Michelle Agnelo, Toronto

michelle.agnelo@bmo.com, (416) 867-3996



Matthew Duffin, Toronto

matthew.duffin@bmo.com, (416) 867-3996



Internet: www.bmo.com

Twitter: @BMOmedia




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- (NYSE: EFX) -

Equifax Canada, a leading provider of anti-money laundering (AML) compliance solutions, today announced its new capabilities designed to assist Canadian financial institutions with the recently amended Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) regulations.

Among other changes, the regulations set out new methods aimed at providing regulated entities with greater flexibility in how they carry out identity verification. The accompanying guidelines issued by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) expressly state that a Canadian credit file from, or identification product issued by, your Canadian credit bureau are methods that can be used.

"We have worked closely with FINTRAC and Department of Finance regulators during the re-issue of the guidelines that will be in force effective June 30, 2017," said Tara Zecevic, Vice President, Customer Insight at Equifax Canada. "By leveraging that knowledge, our expertise and insights, Canadian businesses can be confident that our solutions deliver actionable results that help them identify risk to strengthen AML compliance, and to ensure their methods of client authentication meet guideline requirements."

The consequences for non-compliance include criminal and monetary penalties and reputational risk. FINTRAC has imposed fines totaling more than $3.5 million on 79 persons or entities subject to the PCMLTFA since December 30, 2008.

"Employing Equifax as their trusted AML partner allows our customers to focus on growing their business, not compliance," Zecevic adds.

About Equifax

Equifax powers the financial future of individuals and organizations around the world. Using the combined strength of unique trusted data, technology and innovative analytics, Equifax has grown from a consumer credit company into a leading provider of insights and knowledge that helps its customers make informed decisions. The company organizes, assimilates and analyzes data on more than 820 million consumers and more than 91 million businesses worldwide, and its databases include employee data contributed from more than 5,000 employers.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. It is a member of Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol EFX. Equifax employs approximately 9,200 employees worldwide.

Some noteworthy achievements for the company include: Ranked 13 on the American Banker FinTech Forward list (2015); named a Top Technology Provider on the FinTech 100 list (2004-2015); named an InformationWeek Elite 100 Winner (2014-2015); named a Top Workplace by Atlanta Journal Constitution (2013-2015); named one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies (2011-2015); named one of Forbes' World's 100 Most Innovative Companies (2015). For more information, visit www.equifax.com

Contacts:

Andrew Findlater

SELECT Public Relations

afindlater@selectpr.ca

(416) 659-1197



Tom Carroll

Media Relations

Equifax Canada

MediaRelationsCanada@equifax.com

(416) 227-5290




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Following equally strong economic results in 2015, British Columbia remains on pace to lead growth in Canada this year, according to the BMO Blue Book released today. Assuming real estate and spending trends are sustained, the actualized forecast will be the province's strongest three-year performance since '07.

Much like the U.S. Federal Reserve's Beige Book, the BMO Blue Book combines the expertise of BMO's economists with information on current national and provincial business conditions provided to BMO's commercial bankers by local businesspeople.

Housing prices have dominated market conversations in B.C. this year, resulting in the introduction of a 15 per cent foreign buyer tax to try to stabilize prices that had risen to the highest in the country - increasing more than 30 per cent compared to last year. However the fact that the province simultaneously holds the lowest unemployment rate in the country suggests its labour market can support a higher cost of living more than elsewhere.

Robert Kavcic, Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets, notes that doesn't mean home buyers in B.C. are in the clear. "The measures the B.C. government put in place are working to soften sales, particularly at the high end of the market. On the supply side, housing starts have broken out of the stable range led by a record number of multi-units," said Mr. Kavcic. "Some budding signs of speculation recently, plus this coming wave of condo supply, could be a risk to watch in the year or two ahead."

Additional bright spots in the region expected to maintain the current landscape into 2017 include:

-- Benefits to the agriculture sector as a result of lower fuel costs; -- Growth potential of Aboriginal businesses; and a -- Boost in U.S. and intra-Canada tourism as a result of the low dollar.

According to Mike Bonner, Senior Vice President and Regional Head, British Columbia & Yukon Division for BMO, "the B.C. economy continues to outpace provincial peers and foster optimism among our local commercial customers, that they will see a good return in the investments they've made to grow their businesses." Mr. Bonner added that availability of capital and a weaker Canadian dollar is further diversifying the economy with momentum in the knowledge-based industry sector.

However, Mr. Kavcic added that, unlike its neighbours, who face the implications of a large dependence on oil and gas, B.C.'s reliance on exports to Asia could pose risks if the Chinese market slows.

BMO is here to help with a highly-skilled team of experts who can make lending decisions at the local level to help the bank's commercial clients boost productivity, expand into new markets and make strategic investment decisions that will help propel growth and drive success.

The full BMO Blue Book can be downloaded at: www.bmocm.com/economics.

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of $692 billion as of July 31, 2016, and over 45,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Michelle Agnelo, Toronto

(416) 867-3996

michelle.agnelo@bmo.com



Matthew Duffin, Toronto

(416) 867-3996

matthew.duffin@bmo.com



Internet: www.bmo.com

Twitter: @BMOmedia




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Ontario's economy is anticipated to outperform the national average for a third straight year in 2016 as it benefits from U.S. demand, a weaker loonie and a robust housing market, according to the BMO Blue Book released today by BMO Capital Markets Economics and BMO Commercial Banking.

Much like the U.S. Federal Reserve's Beige Book, the BMO Blue Book combines the expertise of BMO's economists with information on current national and provincial business conditions provided to BMO's commercial bankers by local businesspeople.

"Real GDP is on track to expand 2.6% this year, and a still-solid 2.3% in 2017. Firm U.S. demand, a weaker currency, low oil prices and a strong housing market are all at work," said Robert Kavcic, Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets.

Exports and manufacturing have been supported by the macroeconomic backdrop. "Real exports have risen above previous record levels seen before the recession in 2007, and the real trade balance is steadily improving, adding to economic growth. However, longer-term issues remain as relatively high labour costs continue to pose challenges for the auto sector versus Mexico and the Southern U.S.," stated Mr. Kavcic. "Indeed, while manufacturing has rebounded strongly earlier in the recovery, growth has softened in the past two years as firms have filled up production capacity, but have been shy to deploy new capital investment and hiring."

Meanwhile, Ontario's labour market is thriving, with employment up 1 per cent year-over-year through August. "The jobless rate is now trending below the national rate for the first time since 2006," said Mr. Kavcic.

The housing market continues to perform well -- particularly in Toronto, where resale prices are above average ranges and condo and townhouse demand is growing.

The provincial budget deficit is set to decline by $1.4 billion in FY16/17, marking a third straight year of reduction and weighing in at a manageable 0.7 per cent of GDP. "The Province continues to target FY17/18 for a balanced budget," stated Mr. Kavcic.

Eastern Ontario

According to Victor Pellegrino, Senior Vice President, Eastern Ontario Division, BMO Bank of Montreal, the story for Eastern Ontario businesses has been consistently stable this past year. "We continue to see good momentum across sectors we support and predict continuous commercial growth given the provincial economy's strengthening. For instance, on the agriculture side, we continue to see growth in the dairy and crop industries, including a record crop in grain last year," Mr. Pellegrino said. "There is an uptick in farm consolidation, led by a 10 per cent increase in land value over the last three years."

He added, "We note a surge of movement in Ottawa as new, larger projects, such as the Light Rail Transit, the National Arts Centre and LeBreton Flats, leverage sturdy economic conditions and last year's federal election result to create new opportunities. We predict this business confidence will lead to more home purchases, renovations and retail sales, and subsequently benefit a number of trades and services."

Southwestern Ontario

"Southwestern Ontario businesses continue to expand, with a number of encouraging prospects on the horizon," reported Julie Barker-Merz, Senior Vice President, Southwestern Ontario Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. "While there's still uncertainty given commodity prices, the strength of economic growth and the impact of the U.S. election, our commercial customers continue to show cautious optimism."

The high-tech industry continues to accelerate in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge-London area and venture capital is on the rise.

In agriculture -- a key component of the regional economy -- David Blyth, Regional Vice President, Commercial Banking, Southwestern Ontario, BMO Bank of Montreal, sees a recess in capital spending and a trend toward diversifying and mitigating risk.

The Greater Toronto Area

"The Greater Toronto Area is large, diverse and a significant driver of both the provincial and national economies," said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice President, GTA Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. "With renewed economic strength visible in Ontario -- particularly in the area of infrastructure from a number of both new and traditional commercial enterprises -- there's a lot of excitement in the GTA's business community."

Mr. Murphy added BMO is here to help with a highly-skilled team of experts that can make lending decisions at the local level to help its commercial clients boost productivity, expand into new markets and make strategic investment decisions that will help propel growth and drive success.

The full BMO Blue Book can be downloaded at www.bmocm.com/economics.

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of $699 billion as of January 31, 2016, and close to 47,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Michelle Agnelo, Toronto

michelle.agnelo@bmo.com

(416) 867-3996



Matthew Duffin, Toronto

matthew.duffin@bmo.com

(416) 867-3996



Internet: www.bmo.com

Twitter: @BMOmedia




VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - October 06, 2016) - GoldQuest Mining Corp. (TSX VENTURE: GQC) (FRANKFURT: M1W) (BERLIN: M1W) ("GoldQuest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has been re-granted the 1,311.5 hectare Aguita Fria exploration concession extending the Company's land position in the highly prospective Tireo Formation by approximately 8 kilometres to the south-east. This is in addition to the granting of the Valentin concession, for an additional 300 hectares, at the north western tip of the concession package which extends the package for a further 2 kilometres.

"Expanding our exploration footprint in the highly prospective Tireo Formation is good news for our Company as we systematically search for new discoveries in the belt," commented Bill Fisher, GoldQuest's Executive Chairman, "We are pleased that the government of the Dominican Republic continues to support us. This support is encouraging as we work with the Ministry of Mines on the Mining License Application for our Romero Gold/Copper Project."

The Aguita Fria concession covers the south-eastern extension of the Tireo Formation, (see map http://www.goldquestcorp.com/images/press_release/GoldQuest_granted_new_exploration_licenses_October_2016_Map.pdf) and was actively worked by GoldQuest up until 2010. Historical work identified several areas of favorable hydrothermal alteration.

Further mapping and sampling leading to ground geophysics will commence in due course, to tie into the exploration to the northwest of this concession, where the Company is currently carrying out a 40 hole, 10,000 metre scout drill program with results to be released in batches.

GoldQuest is actively exploring the favorable Tireo Formation which hosts the Romero deposit discovered in May 2012. Recently the Company released results from the Pre-feasibility study ("PFS") on the Romero Project (see the Company's September 27, 2016 news release) showing reserves of a 1.117-million-ounce gold equivalent mine, grading 4.9 g/t AuEq. over a 7.2 year mine life with a pre-tax Net Present Value (5% discount rate) of $317 million (after tax $203 million), pre-tax Internal Rate of Return of 36% (after tax 28%) and all in sustaining operating costs (AISC) on a co-product basis of $595/ ounce of gold.

Mineral Reserve Estimate for Romero Project

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Reserves Tonnes Au Ag ------------------------------------ (Cut off $70 NSR)(2) (g/t) (oz) (g/t) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Probable 7,031,000 3.72 840,000 4.33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Reserves Ag Cu Au Eq (1) ------------------------------------------------ (Cut off $70 NSR)(2) (oz) (%) (M lb) (g/t) (oz) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Probable 980,000 0.88 136 4.91,117,000 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gold equivalent metal prices $1,300/oz Au, $20.00/oz Ag and $2.50/lb Cu Cut-off NSR metal prices: Cu $2.50/lb Au $1,250/oz Ag $17.00/oz; Recovery: Cu-96.8 Au-71.7 Ag-54.4, Payable: Cu-96.5 Au-90.0 Ag-95.0, TCRC: $257.83/dmt, Cu concentrate 20%

Qualified Person:

Jeremy K. Niemi, P.Geo., VP Exploration of the Company, is the Qualified Person who approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

About GoldQuest

GoldQuest is a Canadian based gold focused mining company with development and exploration projects in the Dominican Republic. GoldQuest is traded on the TSX-V under the symbol GQC and in Frankfurt/Berlin with symbol M1W.

Forward-looking statements:

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking information that involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's plans and exploration programs for its mineral properties, including the timing of such plans and programs, the merits of the Company's mineral properties, increase of the Company's land package through the application for additional concessions, PFS results, the discovery of new mineral resources, mineral resource estimates, and future studies. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "has proven", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "potential", "goal", "proposed", "appears", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "at least", "intends", "hope", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved".

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the application for additional concessions, uncertainties inherent in the preparation of the PFS and in the estimation of mineral resources; commodity prices; changes in general economic conditions; market sentiment; currency exchange rates; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's ability to raise funds through equity financings; risks inherent in mineral exploration; risks related to operations in foreign countries; future prices of metals; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; title disputes or claims; limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of litigation. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Company and may cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, do not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements are made as of the date of this news release and the Company is under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable, including expectations regarding the PFS parameters and inputs, mineral exploration and development costs; expected trends in mineral prices and currency exchange rates; the accuracy of the Company's current mineral resource estimates; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

GoldQuest Mining Corp.

www.goldquestcorp.com



Julio Espaillat

President & Chief Executive Officer

+1-829-919-8701

JEspaillat@GoldQuestCorp.com



Bill Fisher

Chairman -- Toronto

+1-647-271-4505

BFisher@GoldQuestCorp.com
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 02/28/17 -- On January 3, 2018, trade execution and research become fully unbundled in Europe under MiFID II. The change will give investors an unprecedented degree of transparency into the true cost of trading versus research.

"For the sell side, with execution and advisory services soon to unbundle as part of MiFID II, trade execution teams need to sharpen their message to the buy side on why they differ from the pack," states Howard Tang, Institutional Investor Research's Product Director. "Best execution of course is important, but the services and service levels provided by the sell side to asset managers are an increasingly important element of trade partner selection."

In this dynamic market Institutional Investor, the trusted brand for rankings, has launched its Global Trade Execution rankings, beginning this year with Europe and eventually covering the U.S., Asian, and Latin American markets.

In Europe, Institutional Investor collected nearly 9,600 votes and connected with 330 heads of trading and traders and 280 buy-side firms. Voters were some of the largest funds and commission payers on the buy side, with almost 30 percent of voters managing on average over $5 billion in assets and over a quarter of the respondents paying from $5 million to more than $30 million in commissions to the Street.

The Europe trade execution ranking reveals the best high-touch, electronic, and portfolio trading providers along with the firms providing the best unique market color to the buy side. Institutional Investor highlights the top teams in an article in its "Masters" section, launched today, February 28.

Trade execution providers will have the opportunity to purchase the in-depth data for 29 attributes across high-touch, electronic, and portfolio trading, and unique market color -- a vital tool for seeing how they fared against their peers and helping them understand their performance across various funds, geographies, and wallet sizes.

The extended data also includes hundreds of responses on key market trends, tackling such issues as how investors will pay for research in a post-MiFID II world and the acceptance of a single point of contact at the trading desk.

Rounding out this year's top European High-Touch Trading Leaders:

1. Bank of America Merrill Lynch

2. Morgan Stanley

3. Citi

European Electronic Trading Leaders:

1. J.P. Morgan

2. Credit Suisse

3. UBS

European Portfolio Trading Leaders:

1. UBS

2. Credit Suisse

3. J.P. Morgan

The new ranking was officially launched online today at institutionalinvestor.com and can be viewed here.

For more information, please contact Augusta McKie at Augusta.McKie@institutionalinvestor.com or (212) 224-3149.

About Institutional Investor

For 50 years Institutional Investor has consistently distinguished itself among the world's foremost financial publications with groundbreaking journalism and incisive writing that provide essential institutional asset management intelligence for a global audience. In addition, Institutional Investor offers a host of proprietary research and rankings that serve as respected industry benchmarks. For more information, visit institutionalinvestor.com.
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: CGRW), a Liaison and Consultant providing turnkey solutions to licensed growers in the legal Cannabis industry, today announced that on September 26, 2016, Delmar Janovec attended the monthly meeting of the Huerfano County Water Conservatory District. He appeared on behalf of NuGro Industry, Landowner and developer of the Colorado Buffalo Ranch Facilities I, to request an additional one (1) acre foot of water for the 2017 Substitute Water Supply Plan (SWSP). After minimal discussion and board approval, the request was granted and the (SWSP) will be submitted by HCWCD to the State of Colorado, Division of Water Resources for approval.

Delmar Janovec, CEO, comments, "Individuals involved in the Cannabis Industry in Southern Colorado understand the importance of a sufficient water supply in operating a successful Grow Facility. Now that the first five (5) acre facility is occupied and in production, I will be redirecting my attention toward expansion and development of the unoccupied fifteen (15) acres of the existing CannaGrow twenty (20) acre lease. Once the 2017 SWSP is approved by the State, future Sub-Lessees can be confident of a clean and sufficient water supply for future developments."

Janovec went on to say, "CannaGrow Holdings, will continue as Liaison and Representative for NuGro Industries in Huerfano County, Colorado. The Company will also continue to assist Category One Botanicals, LLC, as Facilities Manager, at the Colorado Buffalo Ranch Facility I. Our Staffing Program will remain the primary provider of employees and consultants for the Licensed Grower, Category One Botanicals. CannaGrow has already received numerous inquiries from additional perspective tenants and is also exploring ancillary business ventures within this industry that could further enhance shareholder value. I would encourage interested parties to contact us in regard to potential Cannabis projects in Southern Colorado. Our Team of Consultants has a proven track record in the planning, permitting, construction, and licensing of commercial recreational grow facilities."

The Colorado Buffalo Ranch Facility I site plan, grading plan, and phasing plan that was submitted by NuGro Industries, the landowner and developer, can be viewed on our website at: http://cannagrowholdings.com.

About CannaGrow Holdings, Inc.:

CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. has entered the Medical/Recreational Cannabis Industry as a Lessor, Liaison, and Consultant to licensed Growers providing them with turnkey Growing Facilities in the State of Colorado. The Company intends to expand this business model within this industry as business opportunities evolve whereby providing for the highest return to its shareholders.

CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. does not and will not, until such time as Federal law allows, grow, harvest, distribute or sell marijuana or any substance that violate the laws of the United States of America.

CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. encourages the public to read the above information in conjunction with its year-end statement for December 31, 2015, and the quarterly statements filed in calendar year 2016, at www.otcmarkets.com.

The information contained in this press release may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements usually contain the words "may," "could," "possibly," "feel," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," or similar expressions that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the Company's uncertain profitability, need for significant capital, uncertainty concerning market acceptance of its services, competition, limited service facilities, dependence on technological developments and protection of its intellectual property. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3064668



CONTACT:

CannaGrow Holdings, Inc.

Delmar Janovec

Investor Relations

info@cannagrowholdings.com

http://cannagrowholdings.com/




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX: DML)(NYSE MKT: DNN) is pleased to report the completion of a safe and highly successful summer 2016 drilling program on the Company's 60% owned Wheeler River project, located in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region in northern Saskatchewan. The summer program included 37 drill holes for a total of 23,622 metres, which were focused on expanding the mineralization in the vicinity of the Gryphon deposit and completing an initial set of infill and delineation holes. The program's objectives were exceeded, demonstrating the Gryphon deposit is part of a large and robust mineralizing system that remains open in numerous directions. Key highlights for the program include:

-- Continued expansion of the D series lenses along strike in both directions (see Denison's Press Release dated September 7, 2016). The D series lenses are not included in the current NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate for the Gryphon deposit; -- Discovery of additional high-grade mineralization down-dip and up-dip of the A and B series lenses (see Denison's Press Release dated September 22, 2016). These results are also located outside of the current NI 43- 101 mineral resource estimate for the Gryphon deposit; -- Discovery of basement-hosted mineralization on the K-West conductive trend, located approximately 500 metres west of the Gryphon deposit (see Denison's Press Release dated August 4, 2016), which presents a compelling target for the discovery of a new basement-hosted deposit in close proximity to the Gryphon deposit; and -- Completion of an initial set of infill and delineation holes on the Gryphon deposit, which reinforce the high-grade nature of the deposit and included highlight results of: -- 1.5% eU3O8 over 14.4 metres (including 2.3% eU3O8 over 7.9 metres and 1.5% eU3O8 over 1.0 metre) in drill hole WR-668D2, and -- 0.93% eU3O8 over 14.1 metres (including 2.1% eU3O8 over 3.7 metres and 1.4% eU3O8 over 1.3 metres) and 2.4% eU3O8 over 7.3 meters (including 3.7% eU3O8 over 4.5 metres) in drill hole WR-668 (reported previously, see Denison's Press Release dated July 19, 2016).

Grade results in this Press Release are reported as radiometric equivalent U3O8 ("eU3O8") from a calibrated total gamma down-hole probe. Radiometric equivalent U3O8 results are preliminary in nature and all mineralized intervals will be sampled and submitted for chemical U3O8 assay. The infill and delineation holes reported herein were drilled at a high angle to mineralization to allow for better evaluation of true thicknesses which are expected to be approximately 75% of the intersection lengths.

Denison's President and CEO, David Cates, commented, "The summer drilling program at Wheeler River was highlighted by the sheer number of mineralized results. The large majority of holes drilled returned potentially meaningful mineralization and have left us in the enviable position of having several target areas, on the D lenses and at the main Gryphon deposit, that remain open in multiple directions and will require follow-up in 2017. Our Saskatoon based exploration team continues to deliver results as we focus our attention on increasing the resource base at or around Gryphon. Quite simply, we are using the drill bit to improve what are already compelling economics at Wheeler River - which include an estimated cash operating cost of just over US$14 for the Gryphon deposit, according to the Preliminary Economic Assessment or 'PEA' filed for the project earlier this year."

Further Exploration Drilling Results

Denison completed a further four exploration drill holes in the vicinity of the Gryphon deposit subsequent to the Company's Press Release dated September 22, 2016:

-- Drill hole WR-675D1 was drilled approximately 40 metres up-dip of drill hole WR-675 on Section 5000 GP, which intersected 1.36% eU3O8 over 1.0 metre (see Denison's Press Release dated September 22, 2016). The hole was designed to test for continuation of the A and B series lenses on the up-dip, up-plunge area of the Gryphon deposit and evaluate for D lens mineralization deeper into the stratigraphy (lower footwall). The hole intersected 0.12% eU3O8 over 1.2 metres and 0.43% eU3O8 over 3.1 metres indicating expansion of the A and B lenses in the up-dip direction (see Figure 3) where mineralization remains open. Weak fracture-hosted D series lens mineralization was intersected further down-hole at approximately 696 metres associated with strong clay alteration and hydrothermal hematite. Additional drill testing for D series lens mineralization is warranted up-dip of this intersection in a target area considered more optimal for D series lens mineralization. -- Exploration drill hole WR-679 was drilled on the up-plunge area of the Gryphon deposit to test for continuation of A and B series lenses approximately 40 metres down-dip of WR-584B on Section 4800 GP (see Figure 3). No significant mineralization was intersected, however weak bleaching and clay replacement was present. -- Two further drill holes were completed at K-West, approximately 500 metres west of the Gryphon deposit, to follow-up on the basement-hosted mineralization intersected in previous drill hole WR-663. This hole intersected 0.039% eU3O8 over 1.1 metres, 0.04% eU3O8 over 2.0 metres and 0.021% eU3O8 over 5.2 metres including an extensive alteration zone with an estimated true thickness of approximately 50 metres (see Denison's Press Release dated August 4, 2016). Follow-up drill holes WR- 676 and WR-663D1 were drilled approximately 50 metres up-dip and down- dip of WR-663 respectively (see Figure 4). No significant mineralization was intersected in either hole however a similar extensive alteration zone was encountered indicating continued potential for higher grades. The zone is open along strike within the basement and, given the proximity to Gryphon and similar favorable geological setting, additional follow-up is warranted.

Infill and Delineation Drilling Results

On July 19, 2016 Denison announced the initiation of a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the Wheeler River project. An important step in completing the PFS involves increasing the level of confidence of the previously released inferred resources estimated for the Gryphon deposit to an indicated level. An infill drilling program was designed to achieve this objective by increasing the previous 50 x 50 metre drill spacing to an approximate 25 x 25 metre spacing across the A, B and C series lenses of the Gryphon deposit. The program, which is expected to require approximately 40 drill holes, includes delineation holes designed to potentially close-off areas where mineralization is still open. The program is designed with drill holes oriented steeply toward the northwest in order to intersect the geology and mineralized lenses at high angles which will provide for an accurate evaluation of the true thickness of the mineralization and optimal information for geological modelling and mineral resource estimation.

To reduce drilling costs, drill time to mineralization and improve drilling accuracy, a directional drilling method was employed, which involves drilling of a single parent hole from surface with multiple "daughter holes" drilled from part way down the parent hole. The daughter holes are steered to their respective targets using specialized drilling equipment. A total of five initial infill and delineation drill holes, totaling 2,620 metres, have been completed as part of the summer 2016 program including single parent hole WR-668 and subsequent daughter holes WR-668D1 to WR-668D4. The holes pierced their respective targets within 6 metres or less of the planned location and cost savings were realized owing to the lesser amount of drill metres required (a total of 2,620 metres drilled in comparison to 4,247 metres if the holes were drilled from surface). Due to the operational success of the initial set of directional holes, continued infill and delineation drilling was deferred to 2017 to allow for additional exploration holes during the summer 2016 program. Results for the initial five infill and delineation drill holes are provided in Table 1 and drill hole locations are shown in Figures 2 and 3. The results confirmed high grade results previously reported for the Gryphon deposit and, on initial evaluation, are consistent with A and B series lens interpretations and inferred block model grades for this area of the Gryphon deposit.

Table 1: Mineralized intersections from infill and delineation drill holes completed during summer 2016

Section From Length Lens Series Drill Hole (m) To (m) (m)5 eU3O8(%)1,2 Designation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5025 GP WR-668D13 763.5 768.6 5.1 0.33 A WR-668D33 738.6 739.6 1.0 0.12 A ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5050 GP WR-6683,6 754.7 768.8 14.1 0.93 A (including)4,6 756.1 759.8 3.7 2.1 A (including)4,6 765.5 766.8 1.3 1.4 A (and)3,6 772.6 779.9 7.3 2.4 B (including)4,6 773.8 778.3 4.5 3.7 B WR-668D23 768.9 783.3 14.4 1.5 A (including)4 772.0 779.9 7.9 2.3 A (including)4 781.7 782.7 1.0 1.5 A WR-668D43 795.4 796.4 1.0 0.20 A ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes:

1. eU3O8 is radiometric equivalent U3O8 from a calibrated total gamma down- hole probe. eU3O8 results are preliminary in nature and all mineralized intervals will be sampled and submitted for chemical U3O8 assay. 2. Composites are compiled using 1.0 metre minimum mineralization thickness and 2.0 metres maximum waste 3. Intersection interval is composited above a cut-off grade of 0.1% eU3O8. 4. Intersection interval is composited above a cut-off grade of 1% eU3O8. 5. As the drill holes are oriented steeply toward the northwest and the basement mineralization is interpreted to dip moderately to the southeast, the true thickness of the mineralization is expected to be approximately 75% of the intersection lengths. 6. Results reported previously.

Illustrative Figures & Further Details

A property location and basement geology map is provided in Figure 1. A plan map of the northeast plunging Gryphon deposit mineralized lenses, projected up to the simplified basement geology at the sub-Athabasca unconformity, is provided in Figure 2. The plan map shows the location of the D series lenses interpreted from winter 2016 drilling results, the previously reported summer mineralized intercepts as yellow stars (see Denison's Press Releases dated September 7, 2016 and September 22, 2016) and the location of intersections from the A and B series lenses reported herein as light blue stars. Figure 3 shows an inclined longitudinal section of the Gryphon deposit A series lenses. Shown on the section are drill hole pierce points of the A series plane indicating which holes intersected A and/or B series lens mineralization. Drill hole pierce points in the upper right of the section relate to drill holes that were targeting the D series lenses, which are located footwall to the A series lenses (further into the page) and are therefore not visible in this section. Similarly, the B and C series lenses occur footwall to (behind) the A series lenses and are therefore also not visible in the section. Figure 4 shows a cross-section along section line 5050 GP highlighting the intersection of mineralization and alteration at K-West in drill hole WR-663. Follow-up drill holes WR-676 and WR-663D1, drilled approximately 50 meters up-dip and down-dip respectively, are shown.

Further details regarding the Gryphon deposit and the current mineral resource estimates are provided in the NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Wheeler River project titled "Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wheeler River Uranium Project, Saskatchewan, Canada" dated April 8, 2016 with an effective date of March 31, 2016. A copy of this report is available on Denison's website and under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

Qualified Persons

The disclosure of a scientific or technical nature contained in this news release was prepared by Dale Verran, MSc, Pr.Sci.Nat., Denison's Vice President, Exploration, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101. For a description of the assay procedures and the quality assurance program and quality control measures applied by Denison, please see Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 24, 2016 filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

About Wheeler River

The Wheeler River property is a joint venture between Denison (60% and operator), Cameco Corp. (30%), and JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Limited (10%), and is host to the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix uranium deposits discovered by Denison in 2014 and 2008, respectively. The Gryphon deposit is hosted in basement rock and is currently estimated to contain inferred resources of 43.0 million pounds U3O8 (above a cut-off grade of 0.2% U3O8) based on 834,000 tonnes of mineralization at an average grade of 2.3% U3O8. The Phoenix unconformity deposit is located approximately 3 kilometres to the southeast of Gryphon and is estimated to include indicated resources of 70.2 million pounds U3O8 (above a cut-off grade of 0.8% U3O8) based on 166,000 tonnes of mineralization at an average grade of 19.1% U3O8, and is the highest grade undeveloped uranium deposit in the world.

On April 4th, 2016, Denison announced the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Wheeler River Project, which considers the potential economic merit of co-developing the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix deposits as a single underground mining operation. The PEA returned a base case pre-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 20.4% based on the current long term contract price of uranium (US$44.00 per pound U3O8), and Denison's share of estimated initial capital expenditures ("CAPEX") of CAD$336M (CAD$560M on 100% ownership basis). Exploration results from the winter and summer 2016 drilling program have not been incorporated into the resource estimate or the PEA. The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. On July 19th, 2016 Denison announced the initiation of a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the Wheeler River property and the complimentary commencement of an infill drilling program at the Gryphon deposit to bring the inferred resources to an indicated level of confidence.

About Denison

Denison is a uranium exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan. Including its 60% owned Wheeler River project, which hosts the high grade Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits, Denison's exploration portfolio consists of numerous projects covering over 350,000 hectares in the infrastructure rich eastern Athabasca Basin. Denison's interests in Saskatchewan also include a 22.5% ownership interest in the McClean Lake joint venture, which includes several uranium deposits and the McClean Lake uranium mill, which is currently processing ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement, plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest deposit and a 63.01% interest in the J Zone deposit on the Waterbury Lake property. Both the Midwest and J Zone deposits are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill.

Denison is also engaged in mine decommissioning and environmental services through its Denison Environmental Services division and is the manager of Uranium Participation Corp., a publicly traded company which invests in uranium oxide and uranium hexafluoride.

Follow Denison on Twitter @DenisonMinesCo

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Denison. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or the negatives and/or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the following: exploration (including drilling) and evaluation activities, plans and objectives; potential mineralization of drill targets; the estimates of Denison's mineral resources and the results of its PEA.

Forward looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Denison to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Denison believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable but there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and may differ materially from those anticipated in this forward looking information. For a discussion in respect of risks and other factors that could influence forward-looking events, please refer to the "Risk Factors" in Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 24, 2016 available under its profile at www.sedar.com and in its Form 40-F available at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. These factors are not, and should not be construed as being, exhaustive.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Denison does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this press release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in its expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources: This press release may use the terms "measured", "indicated" and "inferred" mineral resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

To view Figure 1: Wheeler River property location and geology, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/denison_images%201.pdf

To view Figure 2: Plan map, Gryphon deposit, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/denison_images%202.pdf

To view Figure 3: Inclined longitudinal section, Gryphon deposit A series lenses, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/denison_images%203.pdf

To view Figure 4: Section 5050 GP Gryphon deposit, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/denison_images%204.pdf

Contacts:

David Cates

President and Chief Executive Officer

(416) 979-1991 ext. 362



Sophia Shane

Investor Relations

(604) 689-7842




DJ EQS-News: Major Expresses' Listing Competition Turning White-hot, Model Analysis of the Alliance System

EQS-News / 06/10/2016 / 18:07 UTC+8 Major Expresses' Listing Competition Turning White-hot, Model Analysis of the Alliance System ZTO express published its U.S. prospectus on September 30, 2016, indicating its entrance into the final dashing phase in its U.S. listing process. With ZTO's publication of its prospectus on the New York Stock Exchange, all the four major expresses with an alliance system in China, also known as the "Three Tong and One Da", have proposed their listing plans. Besides the ZTO's U.S. listing, YTO Express (Logistics) Co., Ltd., STO Express and Yunda Express all planned to go public on China's A share market through backdoor listing. Industry insiders believed the "listing competition" in the express industry showed the competition has expanded to the capital market from the low-price competition. Based on the needs of infrastructure construction and capital operation, going into the capital market first will provide them with a leading advantage over other competitors and leave other companies far behind. Besides the differences in listing locations, the "Three Tong and One Da", though all with alliance system, have showed big differences in gross profit margins due to different settling models of delivery charges, based on the comparisons of related materials published. *The "Listing Battles" Among Expresses* Judging by the listing process, YTO is the fastest among the four, with its backdoor listing plan of replacing Dayang Chuangshi Co. being approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). Its completion of asset transfer with the target also made it the first express entering into the A share market. Meanwhile, STO Express and Yunda Express also plan to list on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, with their listing plans under CSRC's examination and their entries into the capital market seen in the near future. Judging by the listing locations, YTO chose to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, STO and Yunda chose the Shenzhen Stock Exchange while ZTO preferred the NYSE. Different capital markets have different requisitions and different processes for listing, and will have different impacts on the coming capital market operations. Another significant difference between listing in China and in the U.S. is valuation. For Chinese companies listing on the domestic market, local investors will have a direct observation of their services and products, and thus the companies will win higher recognitions compared with companies listing in the U.S. and will be more easily understood by investors. All these will be significantly demonstrated in the investors' valuation towards the companies. Chinese companies usually have higher price/earning ratios in A share market, and that's why many Chinese companies listing in the U.S. chose to return to A share market in recent years. While ZTO's main business is based in China, why it is seeking a publication in the U.S.? Industry participants think it is highly related to its share structures. ZTO has introduced dollar funds, such as Sequoia Capital, Warburg Pincus and Hillhouse Capital, in its early development. However, foreign companies are not allowed to invest in China's express business with mail delivery, according to the country's Post Law and Express Business' Operation and License Regulations. As a result, ZTO may face law risks if it goes public on the local market. Meanwhile, the process for listing on the NYSE, a matured capital market, would be fast, and it is believed to be a major reason for ZTO choosing to list in the U.S. *The Market Positions of "Three Tong and One Da"* The "Three Tong and One Da" are well recognized as the bellwethers in China's express enterprises with alliance systems. According to the public information, China's express volume totaled 20.67 billion pieces in 2015, of which 10.68 billion pieces were done by the "Three Tong and One Da", which accounted for more than 50% of the total market. The "Three Tong and One Da" have similar operating models, and their market positions and business scales are similar as well. However, industry participants said these companies have their own characteristics in their development, showing the differences. YTO and ZTO are more focused on direct operations in their transiting services, having set up direct transiting central networks covering major operating areas. While STO have many franchisers participating in its transiting center operations. According to the public information, STO hasn't set up any direct transiting centers in first line cities such as Beijing and Guangzhou, or mid and western provincial capitals such as Wuhan, Changsha, Zhengzhou and Xi'an. Yunda, though lags behind STO, YTO and ZTO in business volumes, managed to become one of the leading companies in the industry with its differential competing strategy of concentrating on big packages delivery. What a coincidence is not only the four companies all chose to land on the capital market in 2016, but also the three of which, STO, YTO and Yunda, are very similar in restructure valuation and profits promise. But further analysis of their financial data showed that their key financial indicators such as operating revenues and gross profit margins were quite different. The business volumes of YTO, STO, ZTO and Yunda in 2015 were 3.03 billion pieces, 2.57 billion pieces, 2.95 billion pieces and 2.13 billion pieces, respectively, while their operating revenues were 12.096 billion yuan, 7.711 billion yuan, 6.086 billion yuan and 5.053 billion yuan, respectively. Their gross profit margins of the main business were 13.42%, 16.32%, 34.30% and 30.91%, respectively. These differences puzzled a lot of investors. Industry participants explained the reasons behind such differences. They said the profitability shouldn't be quite different among the four companies, and the big differences were mainly attributed to long business chains, complicated revenue and cost models related and different accounting treatments as to the revenue allocation, cost allocation and charge allocation. STO and YTO put more revenue and expense directly into operating revenue and operating cost categories, leading to the much higher revenues and costs and the comparatively lower gross profit margins than the other two. Of these differences the most significant one is the different dealing models towards "delivery charges" accepted by the four companies. *Different Business Logic* Under the operating model of alliance express enterprises, packages are collected and delivered by alliance franchisers at departure and destination, respectively, and the delivery charges are directly paid to the package collecting franchisers by the senders. Thus the collecting franchisers need to pay the express headquarter with fees such as extra express receipts and transiting fees, and pay the delivering franchisers with delivery fees. STO and YTO put the above delivery fees into operating revenue and operating cost, separately, while ZTO and Yunda take the external circulation model, with delivery fees not represented in their financial data. The delivery fees of ZTO and Yunda in 2015 were estimated at 4.1 billion yuan and 3 billion yuan, respectively, based on the calculations of delivery fee per piece disclosed by STO and YTO. Under the alliance express service network, package delivery is an important link in the express service chain, and the dealing of delivery fee is also the key point in the business operation. The two different dealing models above are express companies own choices, and shouldn't be judged. However, industry insiders said the different model actually has tricks hiding behind. The model taken by ZTO and Yunda is not in line with the business logic and business characters of alliance express enterprises. On the one hand from the cooperation model prospect, an alliance express enterprise takes the model of "core enterprise + alliance network", with the business operation flow, fast delivery flow, capital flow and information flow all linked through the express headquarter, and there are no direct business exchanges among alliance franchisers. There are no service contracts signed between collecting franchisers and delivering franchisers, and their connections are automatically assigned by the core company's information system based on the packages' delivery paths. On the other hand, the core enterprise not only acts as a fund settlement platform, but also manages through the whole process from collection and transition to transportation and delivery. Express delivery and delivery charge balance, as the core part of the business chain, could not operate independently without the management of the core enterprise. Meanwhile, the delivery charges are adjusted by the core enterprise in accordance with the market development to balance the benefits of the whole network. What's more, from the package direction and deposit responsibility's point of views, transiting packages from collection franchisers to the core enterprise means the core enterprise is entrusted (by the collection franchiser) to complete the following process of transition; while at the same time, when the packages are passed onto the delivery franchisers by the core enterprise, the delivery franchisers are entrusted (by the core enterprise) to complete the following process of delivery. On each stage, risks and payments related to the express are passed on to the next link from the previous one, showing the service providing relationship and purchase relationship. So the model of putting the delivery charges into revenue and cost, such as taken by STO and YTO, is good for the core enterprise to manage its franchisers, and the transfer of capitals and bills as well as the accounting management will be more standardized. Then why did ZTO and Yunda take the model of external settlement? *Looking Beyond the Different Settlement Models* It is believed the external circulation model is very possibly a temporary

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October 06, 2016 06:08 ET (10:08 GMT)

measure taken to avoid tax risks. According to the Notice of Putting Railway Transportation and Post Industries Into Value-added Tax Trial Instead of Business Tax (Financial Tax [2013] No.106) jointly published by the Ministry of Finance and State Administration of Taxation, related industries including the road transportation should carry out the VAT instead of business tax nationwide from Jan. 1, 2014, in accordance with the revised Trial Measures for Implementing Value-added Tax Instead of Business Tax. As a result, a VAT rate of 6% is applied to the collection and delivery of express service under the category of modern service and logistics supplementary. From the VAT mechanism's point of view, the practice of STO and YTO reflected a unified mechanism of capital flow, goods flow and receipts flow, with clear capital links between upstream and downstream as well as distinct tax responsibilities among different subjects. The core enterprises also take important social and legal responsibilities during the tax collecting process. However, under the practice by ZTO and Yunda, the capital flow and goods flow are not unified; the value-added chains are unclear while the tax collecting efficiency is far lower than STO and YTO. For example, if there are 3,000 franchisers, with the practice of STO and YTO only 6,000 invoices will be needed (that is 3,000+3,000), while with the practice of ZTO and Yunda theoretically 9 million invoices will be needed (that is 3,000*3,000). However in the daily practice, franchisers are unlikely to write VAT invoices, greatly challenging the tax supervision and easily causing the tax losses. As a result, ZTO and Yunda will pay less taxation. We could see from the above that the delivery fee dealing model of STO and YTO is more regulated and reasonable, and is good for the management of franchisers by the core express company and the industry's long-term development. But that also leads to the much higher tax cost and operating cost than ZTO and Yunda. According to the published financial sheets, the delivery fee revenues of STO and YTO in 2015 were 3.93 billion yuan and 4.24 billion yuan, respectively, indicating higher taxation of 240 million yuan and 250 million yuan by franchisers, respectively, based on the VAT rate of 6%. To maintain the stability and competing ability of their service network, however, the higher taxation costs are finally charged with STO and YTO through adjusting the settlement prices with their franchisers, damaging the headquarter's profitability to a certain degree. *Where Will the Competition Goes Under the Capital Market?* Industry participants said the alliance express enterprise is a new business model in a new industry, and there are no specified laws and regulations regarding the financial practice and tax practice of delivery fees. "Although ZTO and Yunda put delivery income and expense outside their own legal subject, whether such a model could successfully avoid tax risks is not optimistic, as the direct payment and issuance of invoice among franchisers are not supported by service contracts and an actual business cooperation background" an industry person said, adding that putting delivery income and expense into core enterprise's VAT flowing links is more reasonable from the business operation's angle. The year 2016 is the stock listing debut of Chinese express enterprises, indicating the development of express industry to be fostered by the wings of capital. Meanwhile, the industry's competition structure will be upgraded and switched. The capital operation ability and resources integration ability will be the strategic peak in future competitions, besides the usual competing measures of product prices, service networks and service quality. In an industry with super high speed development, all express companies competing in a free environment is good for the enterprise development, market development and the services to customers. It is possible in the initial developing stage. But with the leading companies making plans to go public and landing on the capital market to accept investors' examinations, further development will be more supported by capitals. The companies will be under more strict capital market supervision and investors' inquiries. For now, the curtain of express industry landing on the capital market is raised. Who will be the final winners in the coming competitions? Time will show us the answer. Document: http://n.eqs.com/c/fncls.ssp?u=DNLPUGKRQT [1] Document title: Major Expresses' Listing Competition Turning White-hot, Model Analysis of the Alliance System Key word(s): Miscellaneous 06/10/2016 Dissemination of a Press Release, transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com 509317 06/10/2016 1: http://public-cockpit.eqs.com/cgi-bin/fncls.ssp?fn=redirect&url=ec82c7a6f7aa5848de57fa661c3bd40a&application_id=509317&site_id=vwd&application_name=news

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October 06, 2016 06:08 ET (10:08 GMT)
TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - October 06, 2016) - Primero Mining Corp. ("Primero" or the "Company") (TSX: P) (NYSE: PPP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Damien Marantelli as Chief Operating Officer effective October 6, 2016.

Mr. Marantelli brings over 35 years of international experience in the mining industry, including senior management positions with First Quantum, Inmet and WMC Resources. Mr. Marantelli has successfully managed development, construction and operations across a variety of commodities and is an experienced mining engineer. Previously, Mr. Marantelli held the role of General Manager of the Sentinel copper mine in development by First Quantum Minerals, where he was responsible for leading approximately 3,500 employees through the final stages of commissioning and ramp-up of open pit operations. He was also the Managing Director of First Quantum's (previously Inmet's) Las Cruces copper mine and the Managing Director of the Aayeli underground copper and zinc mine. Prior to his experiences with First Quantum/Inmet, Mr. Marantelli was the General Manager of BHP Billiton's (previously WMC Resources) Mount Keith operations and oversaw the expansion of annual capacity from 18 million to 40 million bank cubic metres per year over a two year period.

"I am very pleased to welcome Damien to the Primero team," said Ernest Mast, President & Chief Executive Officer. "He brings to Primero strong international mining experience and a hands-on approach in the areas of health and safety, business improvement and strategic planning. He has a robust background in operations and a track record of increasing productivity in challenging operational environments. I look forward to working with him to achieve our goal of building Primero into a leading mid-tier gold producer."

Mr. Marantelli received a Diploma of Engineering (Mining) from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and a Diploma of Business (Frontline Management) from Excel Consulting Australia. He is a long standing member of the Australian Institute of Mining & Metallurgical Engineers.

About Primero

Primero Mining Corp. is a Canadian-based precious metals producer that owns 100% of the San Dimas gold-silver mine and the Cerro del Gallo gold-silver-copper development project in Mexico and 100% of the Black Fox mine and adjoining properties in the Township of Black River"Matheson near Timmins, Ontario, Canada. Primero offers immediate exposure to un-hedged, below average cash cost gold production with a substantial resource base in politically stable jurisdictions. The Company is focused on becoming a leading intermediate gold producer by building a portfolio of high quality, low cost precious metals assets in the Americas.

Primero's website is www.primeromining.com.

Attachment Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/10/5/11G117078/PR23-16_COO_Appointment_Final-ee217feb089cae889ce43c5e7617b5da.pdf

For further information, please contact:



Evan Young

Manager, Investor Relations

Tel: (416) 814-2694

eyoung@primeromining.com
QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Nemaska Lithium Inc. ("Nemaska Lithium" or the "Corporation") (TSX: NMX)(OTC: NMKEF) is pleased to provide an update on the advancement of its Phase 1 Plant and site preparation of the Whabouchi Mine in Quebec, Canada.

Phase 1 Plant

The Phase 1 Plant is on time and on budget. Electrical lines have been installed at the Phase 1 Plant facility and Nemaska Lithium has signed a 5 year natural gas contract. Construction modifications to the interior of the Phase 1 Plant building are nearing completion in anticipation of receiving plant equipment. To date, all the major equipment items have been ordered from suppliers and certain items have been received. The electrolysis cells are expected to be received by the end of October with commissioning to commence in November and December 2016.

Lithium Hydroxide Samples to Customers in Q1 and Q2 2017

Initial shipments of battery grade lithium hydroxide from the Phase 1 Plant are expected to commence to Johnson Matthey Battery Materials (JMBM) in Q1 2017 under a tolling agreement. As previously announced, Nemaska Lithium is targeting to ship battery grade lithium hydroxide commercial representative samples to JMBM and other potential customers in Q2 2017. These lithium hydroxide samples will be shipped to customers to enable them to qualify Nemaska Lithium's hydroxide products while the Corporation builds its commercial mine and Hydromet Plant.

"I recently returned from Japan where I had an opportunity to meet with numerous end users," commented Guy Bourassa, President and CEO of Nemaska Lithium. "The overriding message from these battery material producers was that there is an absolute need for new lithium suppliers. Indeed, supply of high quality lithium salts is very tight at the moment. Without exception every customer requested samples from the Phase 1 Plant in order to start qualifying our product."

Whabouchi Mine Site

Bulk Sample and Modular DMS Mill

A 60,000 t bulk sample is expected to start in November 2016. The bulk sample area has been selected and is mine representative material. This bulk sample will be processed in the dense media separation (DMS) modular mill. Nemaska Lithium is expecting to receive the Certificate of Authorization to install and operate the modular mill before the end of October 2016. The DMS mill is in transit to the mine site with installation expected to be completed in approximately one to two months following receipt of the permit. The DMS modular mill is designed to produce a 6% Li2O DMS concentrate. This concentrate will be shipped to Shawinigan where it will be processed into a lithium into battery grade lithium hydroxide for customer evaluation and qualification.

Whabouchi Mine Infrastructure Construction

In tandem with the installation of the modular DMS mill, Nemaska Lithium has started site preparation at the mine. Year round commercial access roads on the mine site are currently being built. Clear-cutting, excavation and blasting/leveling of the commercial concentrator area as well as other areas of the mine site are underway and progressing as scheduled. In addition, one mine building is under construction with a target for enclosures to be completed before winter.

"I am very pleased with the work that is happening at both sites," Bourassa continued. "We are working to tight timelines and budgets and the team has risen to the challenge and is consistently delivering results."

Drilling Update and NI 43-101 Resource Estimate Update

Diamond drilling on the newly discovered Doris lithium zone was completed in mid-September 2016. The drill results are expected by mid-October 2016 and will be released as soon as possible thereafter. The new lithium zone coupled with the other in-pit infill drilling and drilling at depth will all be incorporated in a new NI 43-101 resource estimate which should be completed by mid to end of November 2016. DRA Global Met-Chem has been mandated to update the reserves of the Whabouchi mine once the new resources estimate is completed.

About Nemaska Lithium

Nemaska Lithium intends to become a lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate supplier to the emerging lithium battery market that is largely driven by electric vehicles, cell phones, tablets and other consumer products. The Corporation is developing in Quebec one of the most important spodumene lithium hard rock deposit in the world, both in volume and grade. The spodumene concentrate produced at Nemaska Lithium's Whabouchi mine will be shipped to the Corporation's lithium compounds processing plant to be built in Shawinigan, Quebec. This plant will transform spodumene concentrate into high purity lithium hydroxide and carbonate using the proprietary methods developed by the Corporation, and for which patent applications have been filed.

This document may contain forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and include risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from forecast results. Management assumes no obligation beyond what is required under the law to update or revise forward-looking statements pursuant to new information or future events.

Further information regarding Nemaska Lithium is available in the SEDAR database (www.sedar.com) and on the Corporation's website at: www.nemaskalithium.com

Contacts:

Mr. Victor Cantore

Investor Relations

514 831-3809

victor.cantore@nemaskalithium.com



Mrs. Wanda Cutler

Investor Relations

416 303-6460

wanda.cutler@nemaskalithium.com

www.nemaskalithium.com




DENVER, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Ubiquitech Software Corp. (OTC PINK: UBQU), with pending symbol and name change to HempLife Today is pleased to report that revenues from its Popular line of hemp derived CannazALL CBD products exceeded $906,000 for the current quarter, and earnings rose to $81,324 from a loss of $(24,884) in the year ago period.

The company achieved and exceeded its goals of 3rd quarter growth through its proprietary and strategic marketing campaigns and valuable robust word-of-mouth viral advertising. In addition to its new CannazALL products, that continue to bring in new customers, the company has also continued to lower its customer acquisition costs from a high of $200 per customer at this time last year, to under $25 per customer in 3rd quarter 2016.

CEO of HempLife Today James Ballas said, "We have a solid plan for growth and profits for the company and this is what allows us to grow at an ever increasing rate. Everything we have done up to now, our first three years in this business, was to get us into this position and ready to become the major player in the industry. We are pleased, but not surprised, at what we have already accomplished."

The company currently has plans (previously released), to more than triple the number of customers for its CannazALL CBD products in 2017. This is being done through an increase in Internet awareness of the company and its products, increased Referrals, increased social media, direct mail campaigns, and the incredible viral "word of mouth" advertising the company experiences.

"I keep saying it because we mean it," adds James Ballas. "If people think this year has been good just wait and see what we have planned for 4th quarter 2016 and throughout 2017, because we are set up for nothing but growth."

The company also has a new name (HempLife Today) and symbol change pending and will release this information as soon as possible.

About Ubiquitech (HempLife Today)

Ubiquitech Software Corp, through its subsidiaries is a dynamic multi-media, multi-faceted corporation utilizing state-of-the-art global internet marketing, Direct Response (DRTV) Television, Radio, and traditional marketing, to drive traffic to the new and emerging multi-billion dollar industries like its subsidiary HempLifeToday.com

HempLifeToday focuses on the exciting and dynamic new thinking in the world today that recognizes the important health and life enriching enhancement that CBD Oil from the Hemp plant can bring. Through its network of quality USA growers HempLifeToday.com has developed multiple and proprietary CannazALL CBD oil products that include; It's popular CBD Tinctures, Oils, GelCaps, CBD Powder, Skin Salve, Wax Crumble, and e-liquid, all offered @ www.HempLifeToday.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects", "intends', "believes', and similar expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development and market acceptance of products and technologies, the ability to secure additional sources of finance, the ability to reduce operating expenses, and other factors described in the Company's filings with the OTC Markets Group. The actual results that the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statement due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward- looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

Contact:

Investor Relations

E-mail: Investors@UbiquitechSoftware.com




WEST PALM BEACH, FL--(Marketwired - October 06, 2016) - Comvest Partners ("Comvest") is pleased to announce that it has completed the sale of Convey Health Solutions ("Convey" or the "Company"), a specialized healthcare technology and business process outsourcing provider, to New Mountain Capital. Comvest acquired its original ownership stake in Convey in July 2009.

Convey Health Solutions provides comprehensive, technology-enabled solutions to clients that offer Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Advantage Plans, and other related provider benefit programs. For nearly a decade, Convey has managed large-scale end-to-end health insurance processes for clients, including eligibility and enrollment processing, member services, premium billing, payment processing, reconciliation, and other related services.

Michael Falk, Chairman and Managing Partner at Comvest Partners, said, "Steve Farrell and the rest of Convey's management team have been great partners. During our ownership period, we were able to transition the Company from principally a Medicare focused durable medical equipment company to a leading provider of technology solutions for government-sponsored health insurance plans due to management's excellent execution. We firmly believe Convey is well-positioned to achieve continued success."

"With Comvest's support and financial stewardship, Convey's business has grown significantly over the last few years," said Steve Farrell, CEO of Convey. "We enjoyed working with the Comvest team and appreciate the strategic guidance they have provided to the company."

Houlihan Lokey acted as exclusive financial advisor and Foley & Lardner acted as legal advisor to Convey Health Solutions in connection with the transaction.

About Convey Health Solutions:

Convey Health Solutions is a specialized healthcare technology and business process outsourcing firm that is committed to providing clients with healthcare-specific, compliant member support solutions utilizing technology, engagement, and analytics. Through its centers in Florida, Arizona, Illinois, and the Philippines, Convey Health Solutions creates better business results and better healthcare consumer experiences on behalf of business customers and partners. The company's clients include some of the nation's leading health insurance companies and pharmacy benefit management firms. Their healthcare-focused teams help several million Americans each year to navigate the complex Part D Medicare and Medicare Advantage landscape. Learn more at www.ConveyHealthSolutions.com.

About Comvest Partners:

Comvest Partners is a private investment firm providing equity and debt capital to middle-market companies across North America. Since its founding in 2000, Comvest has invested $2.3 billion in over 140 companies. Today, Comvest's funds have $2.3 billion of assets under management. Through our extensive capital resources and broad network of industry relationships, we offer our companies financial sponsorship, critical strategic and operational support, and business development assistance. For more information, please visit www.comvest.com.

For more information:

Louis Colosimo

Managing Director, Investor Relations

l.colosimo@comvest.com



Carlos Soto

Senior Vice President, Business Development

c.soto@comvest.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Goldmoney Inc. (TSX: XAU), a financial technology company operating a global, 100%-reserved gold-based financial network, today announced the release of the new and improved Goldmoney App for iOS and Android devices - the only mobile app that allows users to easily and securely buy gold at the touch of a button, send and receive payments for free, and view real-time gold prices in 150 currencies.

"Up until now, we've concentrated our efforts on building and completing the core infrastructure of the Goldmoney platform - and our new app, complete with Goldmoney Business and Wealth integration and functionality is a major accomplishment," said Paul Mennega, Lead Engineer, Goldmoney Inc. "From this point forward, we will be more focused on mobile optimization and performance improvements in order to bring Goldmoney technology to more devices and form factors."

"Our new mobile app makes it even easier for users to access the platform and manage their Goldmoney accounts while on-the-go," said Darrell MacMullin, CEO, Goldmoney Personal & Business Network. "Goldmoney Personal users can expect an improved experience, while Business account holders now have access all Dashboard features within the app, and can send invoices, make and accept payments in gold, and check on the status of cash flow and payments anytime, anywhere."

Goldmoney App Features

Goldmoney Personal and Business

-- Free Goldmoney account sign up. -- Real-time gold price chart in 150 currencies. -- Secure 100%-reserved and allocated gold deposits in choice of vaults. -- Free instant gold transfers to anyone via email and mobile phone. -- Goldmoney Mastercard Prepaid card request and activation. -- Multiple redemption options: Goldmoney Mastercard Prepaid, bank transfer, Goldmoney Physical (10g Cubesr, 1kg bullion bars, sovereign coins, and more). -- Goldmoney Business account management and tools, including: Invoices, payouts, and payment status tracking.

Goldmoney Wealth

-- Goldmoneyr Holding access and management. -- Goldmoney Mastercard Prepaid card request and activation. -- Secure 100%-reserved and allocated precious metals deposits (gold, silver, platinum, and palladium) in choice of vaults. -- Precious metal buy, sell, and exchange. -- Client contact with personal Relationship Manager.

Availability

The new Goldmoney App can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Supported devices currently include iPhone (iOS 8.0 or later) and Android smartphones (4.1 and up). Support for iPad and Android tablets will be available at a later date.

About Goldmoney Inc.

Goldmoney Inc. (TSX: XAU) is a mission-driven financial technology company that operates the world's largest 100%-reserved gold-based savings and payments network. Goldmoney provides financial services as a trusted third-party, combining the unique attributes of gold with technology-driven innovation. Through the Goldmoney Network, comprised of Goldmoney Personal and Goldmoney Business, anyone with internet access can buy, sell, transfer, earn, or redeem physical allocated gold. Goldmoney Wealth offers bespoke precious metals custody and wealth services, trading and execution, card services, tax-free retirement accounts and independent research to high net worth individual investors and institutions. Goldmoney Inc. has more than 1.26 million user signups from more than 150 countries and $1.8 billion in client assets under administration (as at October 5, 2016). Together, Goldmoney Personal and Business are regulated as a Dealer in Precious Metals by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada. Goldmoney Wealth is regulated as a Money Services Business by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. For more information about Goldmoney, visit goldmoney.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains or refers to certain forward-looking information. Forward-looking information can often be identified by forward-looking words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "may", "potential" and "will" or similar words suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. All information other than information regarding historical fact, which addresses activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information does not constitute historical fact but reflects the current expectations the Company regarding future results or events based on information that is currently available. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking information will not occur. Such forward-looking information in this MD&A speak only as of the date of this MD&A. Forward-looking information in this MD&A includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: growth of the Company's business, expected results of operations, acquisition of Schiff Gold Inc., and the market for the Company's products and services and competitive conditions.

This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time it was made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: the Company's limited operating history; history of operating losses; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; fluctuations in the market price of the Company's common shares; the effect of government regulation and compliance on the Company and the industry; legal and regulatory change and uncertainty; jurisdictional factors associated with international operations; foreign restrictions on the Company's operations; product development and rapid technological change; dependence on technical infrastructure; protection of intellectual property; use and storage of personal information and compliance with privacy laws; network security risks; risk of system failure or inadequacy; the Company's ability to manage rapid growth; competition; effectiveness of the Company's risk management and internal controls; use of the Company's services for improper or illegal purposes; uninsured and underinsured losses; theft & risk of physical harm to personnel; precious metal trading risks; and volatility of precious metals prices & public interest in precious metals investment; and those risks set out in the Company's most recently filed annual information form, available on SEDAR. 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 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by law.

Contacts:

Media and Investor Relations inquiries:

Jacquelyn Humphrey

Director of Global Communications

Goldmoney Inc.

jac@goldmoney.com



Josh Crumb

Chief Strategy Officer

Goldmoney Inc.

647-499-6748




Launch lessor customer of E-Jets second generation of commercial aircraft

AerCap Holdings N.V. ("AerCap") (NYSE: AER) today announced it has confirmed placement of three Embraer E190-E2s and two E195-E2s to Turkish carrier, Borajet Airlines. The aircraft, on long term lease from AerCap's order book with Embraer, will begin delivering to Borajet Airlines in 2018. The announcement was made at the Istanbul Airshow.

AerCap is the launch lessor customer of Embraer's E-Jets E2 second generation of this family of commercial aircraft with a total of 50 Embraer E190-E2s and E195-E2s on order.

AerCap Head of EMEA Leasing, Kenneth Wigmore, said, "We are pleased to confirm our lease of five E-Jet family aircraft to Borajet Airlines and especially pleased to be the launch lessor customer of the aircraft type. The E-Jets E2 aircraft offer greater capacity and operational efficiency which will support Borajet's growing network. We look forward to continuing to work with the Borajet team as the airline optimizes its fleet."

Fatih Akol, Chairman of Borajet Airlines, said, "We are the fastest growing regional airline in Europe. We are adding to our fleet because of this success which is based on our strategy and the operation of current generation Embraer Jets. Borajet's future plans include the addition of further next generation Embraer aircraft to our fleet. Our target investment is USD 1.5 billion. The first step of our investment is the induction of the five E-Jets E2 jets announced today. Our investment is a proof of our commitment to, and confidence in, the Turkish airline industry. With special thanks to our passengers who have supported us and demanded this growth, we will continue to give our guests the 'private aircraft comfort' and quality of service they have learned to expect from Borajet."

"This agreement opens a new chapter in the relationship between AerCap, Borajet and Embraer. The E2 is the fleet smart solution that maximizes profitability and return on investment for airlines and lessors, while maintaining the leadership in passenger comfort achieved by the current E-Jets generation. For Borajet, the cockpit communality between the E-Jets generations, which requires less than three days of transition, minimises training costs, reduces complexity, and provides greater operational flexibility in aircrew utilisation," said Arjan Meijer, Vice President, Europe Middle East, Embraer Commercial Aviation.

About Embraer

Embraer is a global company headquartered in Brazil with businesses in commercial and executive aviation, defense security. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, providing customer support and services. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. About every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 130 seats. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.

About AerCap

AerCap is the global leader in aircraft leasing with, as of June 30, 2016, 1,637 owned, managed or on order aircraft in its portfolio. AerCap has one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 200 customers in approximately 80 countries with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and has its headquarters in Dublin with offices in Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Shannon, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Singapore, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Seattle and Toulouse.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements, estimates and forecasts with respect to future performance and events. These statements, estimates and forecasts are "forward-looking statements". In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "predict," "potential" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are based on various underlying assumptions and expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. As a result, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate or correct. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future performance or events described in the forward-looking statements in this press release might not occur. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to, and will not, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information regarding AerCap and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.aercap.com and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/aercapnv.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161006005688/en/

Contacts:

AerCap Holdings N.V.

For Media:

Gillian Culhane, +353 1 636 0945

Vice President Corporate Communications

gculhane@aercap.com

or

For Investors:

John Wikoff, +31 20 655 9661

Head of Investor Relations

jwikoff@aercap.com
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The European Central Bank has published the minutes of the monetary policy meeting of the governing council held on September 8. The euro changed little against its major rivals following the release. The euro was trading at 1.1181 against the greenback, 116.02 against the yen, 1.0940 against the franc and 0.8827 against the pound around 7:31 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.
BioProcess International (BPI) has named Selexis Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Igor Fisch, PhD, as the winner of the 2016 "Excellence in Leadership Award." This honor is part of the 2016 BioProcess International Awards, which recognize the outstanding people, organizations, and technologies that define excellence and enable more effective, less expensive biotherapeutic development and manufacturing. The winners were announced at a special ceremony during the 2016 BioProcess International Conference on Wednesday, 5 October 2016, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, MA.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161006005694/en/

Selexis Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Igor Fisch, PhD, receives the 2016 "Excellence in Leadership Award" at last night's 2016 BioProcess International Awards in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo: Business Wire)

"I am very honored to receive this recognition from such a very well-respected and experienced industry source like BioProcess International. This award is truly a reflection of the tremendous group of people at Selexis that support me and the important work in which we collectively engage as an organization," said Dr. Fisch. "Just as our company enables cell line development services that help our biopharmaceutical partners identify and deliver innovative therapies to patients, my team enables me to do my best work on a daily basis. I also extend my congratulations to all of the finalists in this year's program, as they have also led their teams to accomplish critical work for the biopharma industry."

Selexis, which is a pioneering life sciences company and global leader in mammalian (suspension-adapted CHO-K1) cell line generation, achieved several notable milestones in 2016, including:

the launch of its novel addition to the SURE technology Platform, SURE CHO-Mplus Libraries, which were designed and constructed to address a broad range of issues surrounding recombinant protein secretion including metabolic limitations, trafficking backlogs, improper folding and altered post-translational modifications;

Platform, SURE CHO-Mplus Libraries, which were designed and constructed to address a broad range of issues surrounding recombinant protein secretion including metabolic limitations, trafficking backlogs, improper folding and altered post-translational modifications; signing commercial license agreements with leading international biotechnology companies, such as Laboratorios Liomont, SA; Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:PGNX); and Pieris Pharmaceuticals;

expanding its collaboration with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) to develop high-performance research cell banks to manufacture multiple HIV envelope proteins;

the advancement of Symphogen's Sym015 clinical candidate, which is a multi-targeting monoclonal antibody (MAb) mixture that targets the MET receptor, into a Phase 1 dose escalation trial in patients with solid tumors, following Symphogen's use of the Selexis SGE (Selexis Genetic Elements) to facilitate the rapid, stable, and cost-effective expression of Sym015; and

entering a service agreement with ASLAN Pharmaceuticals for development of a proprietary cell line for expression of ASLAN004, a novel fully human monoclonal antibody targeting IL-13R-alpha1 for potential uses in a range of allergic disorders and oncology indications as both monotherapy and in combination with existing immunotherapies.

The BPI awards, hosted by industry publication BioProcess International, celebrate the outstanding individual and team achievements, recognize emerging companies and their technologies, groundbreaking business collaborations and strategies, and corporate responsibility and technology applications that will allow the industry to deliver better, more effective treatments to a global patient base. BioProcess International hand selected and created a distinguished panel of twelve independent biopharmaceutical experts who reviewed each nomination and provided a grade (1-5) based upon rigorous criteria in order to select finalists. Twenty-four finalists were announced for eight awards covering excellence in leadership, emerging companies, corporate citizenship, excellence in facility design or retrofit, business collaborations, and best technology applications in upstream processing, downstream processing and analytical technology applications.

About Selexis SA

Selexis SA is a pioneering life sciences company and a global leader in mammalian (suspension-adapted CHO-K1) cell line generation, providing unparalleled proprietary technology and the highly specialized expertise that is necessary to translate scientific innovation into life-saving medicines for patients. Selexis' SUREtechnology Platform facilitates the rapid, stable, and cost-effective production of virtually any recombinant protein and provides seamless integration of the bioproduction continuum, spanning discovery to commercialization. With more than 95 partners worldwide, nearly 80 drug products in clinical manufacturing and two commercial products utilizing its cell lines, Selexis has a history of empowering scientists and biopharmaceutical companies around the world to realize the full potential of their research. More information is available at www.selexis.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

- Web www.selexis.com

- LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/selexis-sa

- Twitter www.twitter.com/SelexisSA

- Facebook www.facebook.com/SelexisSA

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161006005694/en/

Contacts:

Media Inquiries for Selexis

Sam Brown Inc.

Mike Beyer, +1 312-961-2502

mikebeyer@sambrown.com

or

Company Inquiries for Selexis

Robert Meister

Head, Corporate Communications

+1 602-953-1716

robert.meister@selexis.com


BENTONVILLE (dpa-AFX) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) reiterated its profit outlook for fiscal year 2017. The company expects GAAP earnings per share for fiscal year 2018, to be relatively flat to fiscal year 2017 adjusted earnings per share. It expects earnings per share growth to be about 5% for fiscal year 2019. The company remains on track to generate about $80 billion in operating cash flow from fiscal year 2017 through fiscal year 2019.



At its 2016 Investment Community Meeting today, Wal-Mart Stores will outline the company's strategic framework to grow by serving customers across all channels, creating a seamless shopping experience.



Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon noted that ongoing success will be driven by a number of factors. These include continued momentum in the U.S. business; solid growth in key international markets, including Mexico and Canada; a sharpened focus in China; and e-commerce investments.



The company reiterated fiscal year 2017 GAAP earnings per share guidance of $4.29 to $4.49, or adjusted EPS1 guidance of $4.15 to $4.35.



For fiscal year 2018, the company expects GAAP earnings per share to be relatively flat to fiscal year 2017 adjusted earnings per share. The company expects continued momentum in its store business. Incremental U.S. e-commerce operating investments, including Jet.com, are expected to accelerate e-commerce growth.



For fiscal year 2019, the company expects earnings per share growth to be about 5%.



The company currently has $11.7 billion remaining on its $20 billion share buyback authorization approved in October 2015 and currently expects to complete this buyback around the end of fiscal year 2018.



The company's capital expenditure plan is expected to be approximately $11.0 billion in fiscal year 2018 as the company moderates new store openings, accelerates the pace of remodels and invests in e-commerce and digital initiatives.



The company remains on track to generate approximately $80 billion in operating cash flow from fiscal year 2017 through fiscal year 2019.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
Acquisition further enhances A&E Medical's temporary pacing wire and cable portfolio and expands A&E's geographic footprint into Europe

Vance Street Capital LLC, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, and A&E Medical Corporation ("A&E Medical"), a leading cardiovascular medical device OEM, announced the acquisition of Medical Concepts Europe ("MCE"). MCE is the first add-on acquisition for A&E Medical, which was acquired by Vance Street Capital LLC in February 2016. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, MCE is a leading provider of bi-polar, quad-polar and mono-polar temporary pacing wires and single-use patient extension cables specifically for cardio-thoracic surgeries. MCE's products are found in the leading cardiovascular hospitals throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.

"MCE is a strong strategic fit with A&E Medical and will enable the combined businesses to provide an even broader portfolio of single-use medical products to the world's leading cardiovascular hospitals," said Brian Martin, Partner at Vance Street Capital.

"The addition of MCE not only furthers A&E Medical's position as a leader in the temporary pacing and connecting cable space, but also provides A&E Medical with a strategic footprint in continental Europe," said Mike Janish, Partner at Vance Street Capital.

"We are excited to partner with the MCE management team to build on the world-class platform they have created to better serve the combined company's customers," said Eric Sklar, President of A&E Medical. "We believe our customers will benefit from the addition of MCE's bi-polar and quad-polar pacing wires and are excited about the opportunity to provide MCE's customers with A&E Medical's industry-leading DoubleWire sternum closure systems."

Paul Hastings LLP acted as legal advisor to Vance Street Capital. R. Lips Healthcare GmbH served as financial advisor to Medical Concepts Europe. Vance Street partnered with Lexington Partners, Neuberger Berman Private Equity funds, RCP Advisors and Madison Capital Funding LLC, all of whom co-invested equity alongside Vance Street in support of the transaction.

About Medical Concepts Europe

Headquartered in the Netherlands, Medical Concepts Europe is a leading provider of bi-polar, quad-polar and mono-polar temporary pacing wires as well as single-use patient extension cables for various cardiovascular procedures. MCE's products are found in the leading cardiovascular hospitals throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.

About A&E Medical Corporation

Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Farmingdale, New Jersey, A&E Medical is a leading designer and manufacturer of the DoubleWire high strength sternum closure system along with a wide variety of MYO/Wire temporary cardiac pacing wires and extension leads, MYO/Wire II stainless steel sutures, MYO/Punch surgical punches, electrosurgical instruments, and neurosurgical scalp clips.

About Vance Street Capital LLC

Vance Street Capital is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm which invests in middle-market businesses in the medical, aerospace, defense and industrial sectors. For over two decades, Vance Street's partners have worked with management, family owners and other co-investors to accelerate revenue growth, improve operations and acquire strategic assets for the companies in their investment portfolio. For more information please visit: www.vancestreetcapital.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161214005307/en/

Contacts:

Prosek Partners

Maya Pogoda, (310) 785-0810

mpogoda@prosek.com
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Glen Eagle Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: GER) ("Glen Eagle" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Cobra Oro, a wholly owned subsidiary of Glen Eagle, has purchased 15 000 square meters of land in Choluteka, Honduras. Based on the transaction, Cobra Oro acquires its own free trade zone which will reinforce its past exemption to pay a minimum 25% flat tax on profits, 25% duty tax on imports, reduce from 6% to 3% the sales tax on export and cancelled $8 000 in monthly rent as a tenant. The acquisition will further secure Cobra Oro's ongoing expansion project supported at its core by an asset strategically located in one of the fastest economic growth area of all Honduras due in part to its low criminality rate among other factors.

The transaction was finalized after several months of negotiations for approximately $350 000 Canadian dollars and represents 20% discount over the municipal evaluation. Cobra Oro's gold processing plant is strategically located next to Pepsi Cola bottling plant and the Chamber of Commerce Headquarters for southern Honduras. Furthermore, the plant is enclaved in a larger free trade zone encompassing over 600 000 square meters within one kilometer from the Pan American Highway. Cobra Oro's gold processing plant will also border with three crossroads giving access to the larger zoning area of the industrial park from the main entrance.

The investment was based on the confidence that Cobra Oro's project could expand threefold in the near future and generate substantial cashflow for the Company.

Gilles Laverdiere, P.Geo., a qualified person under NI 43-101 has approved the content presented herein.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Jean Labrecque

President

450-745-0446

www.gleneagleresources.com




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2016) - CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQB: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7N), ("CanAlaska" or the "Company") wishes to announce the grant of incentive stock options to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,510,000 common shares of the Company pursuant to the Company's share option plan. The options are exercisable for a period of two years at a price of $0.41/share.

About CanAlaska Uranium

CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQB: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7N) holds interests in approximately 500,000 hectares (1.2 million acres), one of the largest land positions in Canada's Athabasca Basin region - the "Saudi Arabia of Uranium." CanAlaska's strategic holdings have attracted major international mining companies Cameco, Denison, KORES, KEPCO, and the De Beers Group of Companies. CanAlaska is a project generator and is positioned for discovery success in the world's richest uranium district. For further information visit www.canalaska.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Peter Dasler"

Peter Dasler, M.Sc., P.Geo.

President & CEO

CanAlaska Uranium Ltd.

Contacts:

Peter Dasler

President

Tel: +1.604.688.3211 x 138

Email: info@canalaska.com

John Gomez

Corporate Development

Tel: +1.604.484.7118

Email: jgomez@canalaska.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking information

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.
NEW ORLEANS, LA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/21/16 -- Playworld, a leading commercial playground equipment manufacturer committed to saving outdoor unstructured play, will debut Unity Connect at the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Annual Meeting and Expo in New Orleans (October 21-24, 2016). A towering, modern and modular play system, Connect encourages older kids to put down technology, get out of the house and engage in face-to-face interactions and physical activity,

Visitors to Playworld's booth (#621) will have the opportunity to experience Connect firsthand. Created for ages 5-12, the system focuses on bringing children together by providing areas for them to meet, move and define their own paths of play. Various play components of this system feature networks of rope, providing children with dynamic movement, unpredictable challenge and open-ended play opportunities. With both traditional and brand new play events, Connect offers kids a wealth of physical, sensory and social benefits.

"Connect showcases the endless play opportunities that emerge from meaningful design," said Michael Laris, vice president, Global Innovation for PlayPower, Playworld's parent company. "The simple yet unique system allows children to create their own experiences while promoting cooperation. Whether it be playing or relaxing, Connect offers everyone a space for face-to-face interaction, and we're excited to watch ASLA attendees experience it for themselves."

Connect is a hub of the larger Unity Collection -- freestanding products that marry exceptional design with unprecedented play value and form a decentralized playground layout, allowing children to move around, explore and discover new ways to play.

Also featured in Playworld's booth are PlayCubes, iconic structures revived through a partnership with architect Richard Dattner. The distinctive, modular design was recreated for even more physical, social and cognitive play value and engagement. The geometric form invites imagination and exploration with undefined paths and varying handholds for climbing. Negative spaces invite kids to play in, on, and through PlayCubes.

About Playworld

Playworld, a division of PlayPower, Inc., believes The World Needs Play. Play is vital to everyone's health and well-being. It's something you are never too young or too old to enjoy. We develop playground environments where creativity is king, belly laughs are welcome and children make the rules. Playworld equipment is designed to unleash the transformational power of play so bodies grow stronger and imagination can take flight. For 45 years, Playworld has created innovative, inclusive and meaningful outdoor play experiences for all ages and abilities. Come play with us. Playworld.com

About PlayPower, Inc.

PlayPower is a global leader in the recreation industry. The company is headquartered in North Carolina, with manufacturing facilities in Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, Sweden and the United Kingdom. PlayPower brands include Playworld, Miracle Recreation, Little Tikes Commercial, Soft Play, HAGS, EZ Dock and USA Shade. PlayPower's vision is To Inspire the World to Play through its mission of Creating Outstanding Play Environments for All Ages and Abilities. More information is available at PlayPower.com. PlayPower is a portfolio company of Littlejohn & Company, LLC and is actively seeking add-on acquisitions.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3070820



Media contact:

Jennifer Leckstrom

RoseComm for Playworld

215-681-0770

jleckstrom@rosecomm.com




Meropenem for injection now available

Amneal Biosciences has launched its second generic medication for the healthcare institutional market.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161024005967/en/

Amneal Biosciences launches generic meropenem for injection (Photo: Business Wire)

Meropenem for injection, USP (I.V.), an AP-rated generic equivalent to Merrem, is available in 500 mg per vial and 1 g per vial strengths, each sold in a 10-count package. The product began shipping October 7th through wholesalers, distributors and directly to the trade.

"We're very pleased that meropenem is now available to healthcare providers in institutional settings who depend on affordable, reliable supplies of these critical medicines," said Charles Lucarelli, Amneal Biosciences president. "We will continue to focus our product development and long-term strategy on meeting the needs of hospitals, clinics and other health facilities which are often the first line of care for patients."

Amneal Biosciences (www.amnealbiosciences.com), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, is dedicated to the commercialization of high-barrier-to-entry generic and specialty pharmaceuticals such as injectables, oncologics, anti-infectives and support care for healthcare providers and patients of all ages. The company's expertise and focus on the unique needs and logistics of this market ensure the same level of quality and service for healthcare institutions and professionals that Amneal delivers to its retail customers.

About Amneal

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, a privately-held company headquartered in Bridgewater, New Jersey, is one of the largest and fastest growing generics pharmaceutical manufacturers in the United States. Founded in 2002, Amneal now has more than 4,000 employees in its operations in North America, Asia, Australia and Europe, working together to bring high quality affordable medicines to patients worldwide. Amneal has significantly expanded its portfolio of generic products to include complex dosage forms in a broad range of therapeutic areas.

All trademarks listed in this release are property of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161024005967/en/

Contacts:

Amneal Biosciences

John Niemi (sales)

Vice President, Sales

jniemi@amneal.com

or

Apurva Saraf (business development)

Vice President, Global Corporate Development

M: 631.742.7674

apurvas@amneal.com

or

Cheryl Lechok Communications

Cheryl Lechok (media)

President

Dir: 203.961.9280

clechok@optonline.net
IRW-PRESS: TRIMETALS MINING: TriMetals Mining Inc. beruft neuen Chair des Board of Directors

TriMetals Mining Inc. beruft neuen Chair des Board of Directors

23. November 2016, Vancouver, British Columbia-TriMetals Mining Inc. (TSX: TMI und TMI.B, US OTCQX: TMIAF und TMIBF), freut sich, die Bestellung von Robert van Doorn zum Chair des Board of Directors des Unternehmens bekannt zu geben, wodurch die Funktionen des Chair und des CEO getrennt werden. Ralph Fitch ist weiterhin President und CEO des Unternehmens.

Herr van Doorn ist ein Bergbauingenieur mit 40 Jahren Erfahrung und sitzt seit Mai 2015 im Board of Directors des Unternehmens.

Herr van Doorn ist ebenfalls ein Mitglied des Boards von Cardero Resources. Zuvor sa er im Board of Directors von Romarco Minerals (bis zu dessen Ubernahme durch Oceana Gold), Leydenburg Platinum, Golden China und Mundoro Mining, wo er ebenfalls Chair war.

Herr van Doorn konnte in dieser Industrie Erfahrung als Senior Mining Analyst bei Loewen, Ondaatje, McCutcheon, als Global Gold Analyst bei Morgan Stanley und als Business Development Manager bei Royal Dutch Shell sammeln. Zu seinen Errungenschaften zahlen Anlageempfehlungen und Finanzierungen fur Great Basin Gold, Pangea Minerals Ltd., Platexco Inc., Argentina Gold und Arequipa, dessen Entdeckungen allesamt zu groen Bergbaubetrieben ausgebaut wurden. Wahrend seiner Tatigkeit bei Rio Narcea wirkte Herr van Doorn mageblich beim Erwerb des Projekts Tasiast in Mauretanien (nun im Besitz von Kinross) mit.

Ralph Fitch, President, CEO und Director des Unternehmens, sagte: Wir freuen uns sehr, dass Robert mit dieser Ernennung nun den Vorsitz unseres Board of Directors haben wird. Er ist angesichts seiner Erfahrung, Branchenkenntnisse und nachweislichen Erfolge eine groe Bereicherung fur unser Board und wird die Geschaftsleitung des Unternehmens mageblich unterstutzen.

Uber TriMetals Mining Inc.

TriMetals Mining Inc. ist ein wachstumsorientiertes Mineralexplorationsunternehmen, das durch die Exploration und Erschlieung des Projekts Gold Springs in den bergbaufreundlichen US-Bundesstaaten Nevada und Utah mit seinen oberflachennahen Gold- und Silbervorkommen Werte generiert.

Im Geschaftsmodell des Unternehmens werden die Erfolge des Teams bei der Entdeckung und Erschlieung groer Projekte, die fundierten Betriebs- und Verfahrenskenntnisse sowie der Fokus auf Beziehungsarbeit mit den Gemeinden und nachhaltiger Erschlieung vereint. Das Management verfugt uber umfangreiche Erfahrungen im internationalen Explorations- und Bergbausektor.

Die Stammaktien und Klasse-B-Aktien des Unternehmens werden an der Toronto Stock Exchange unter dem Kurzel TMI bzw. TMI.B sowie im OTCQX-Markt der USA unter dem Kurzel TMIAF bzw. TMIBF gehandelt. Bitte beachten Sie, dass die Inhaber der Klasse-B-Aktien mit Ausnahme eines Gesamtanspruchs auf 85 % der Geldmittel (netto, nach Abzug samtlicher Kosten, Steuern und Auslegungen und des Anteils des Drittgeldgebers), die TMI u. U. aus einem Schiedspruch oder Vergleich in Zusammenhang mit dem Schiedsverfahren von der Tochter des Unternehmens, South American Silver Limited, gegen Bolivien hinsichtlich der Enteignung des Projekts Malku Khota im Jahr 2012 erhalten konnte, keinen Anspruch auf die Vermogenswerte des Unternehmens. Weitere Informationen zu TriMetals Mining Inc. erhalten Sie unter www.trimetalsmining.com und auf SEDAR unter www.sedar.com.

Zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen

Bestimmte Aussagen in dieser Pressemitteilung sind zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen. Zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen blicken in die Zukunft und bringen eine Meinung im Hinblick auf die Auswirkung bestimmter Ereignisse und Trends auf die Geschaftstatigkeit zum Ausdruck. Zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen konnen Ausdrucke wie wird, generiert und ahnliche Ausdrucke enthalten. Diese zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen basieren auf aktuellen Erwartungen und bergen verschiedene Risiken und Unsicherheiten. Die tatsachlichen Ergebnisse konnen sich erheblich von den Erwartungen unterscheiden, wenn bekannte und unbekannte Risiken oder Unsicherheiten unsere Geschaftstatigkeit beeinflussen oder sich unsere Schatzungen und Annahmen als unrichtig erweisen. Zu den Faktoren, die dazu fuhren konnten, dass sich Ergebnisse oder Ereignisse erheblich von jenen unterscheiden, die in den zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen zum Ausdruck gebracht oder impliziert werden, zahlen unter anderem: das Urteil im international Schiedsverfahren, einschlietlich des Zeitpunkts und des Umfangs des Schadensersatzes, die Erwartungen der Unternehmensleitung hinsichtlich des entgultigen Betrags der Kosten, Gebuhren und sonstigen Aufwendungen und Verbindlichkeiten, die im Rahmen mit dem Schiedsverfahren anfallen, und die Unfahigkeit oder Verzogerungen bei der Erhebung des Werts eines moglichen Schiedsurteils oder Vergleichs, und Risiken der Mineralexplorationsindustrie, welche den weiteren Ausbau der Projekte Gold Springs und Escalones beeinflussen konnten, u.a. mogliche Abweichungen bei den Mineralressourcen oder Erzgehalten, Gewinnungsraten und Metallpreisen, die Verfugbarkeit ausreichender Finanzmittel zur Finanzierung weiterer erforderlicher Arbeiten im vorgesehenen Zeitrahmen und zu angemessenen Bedingungen, die Verfugbarkeit von Maschinen und Geraten sowie qualifizierten Fachkraften, unerwartet auftretende maschinelle oder verfahrenstechnische Mangel, Anderungen bei den Projektparametern im Zuge der Detailplanung sowie sonstige Risiken, die umfassend im Jahresbericht und anderen offentlichen Bekanntmachungen des Unternehmens (auf SEDAR unter www.sedar.com erhaltlich) beschrieben sind. Die Annahmen, die bei der Erstellung der zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen getroffen wurden, basieren auf: der Fahigkeit des Unternehmens, einen Mehrwert aus seinen Investitionen in Bolivien zu schopfen; der Durchfuhrung des Schiedsverfahrens wie ublich und in Einklang mit Procedural Order Nr. 1 (in der geanderten Fassung); und der Erfullung der vertraglichen Pflichten durch den Drittgeldgeber; der Genauigkeit der aktuellen Ressourcenschatzungen und der Auswertung der Bohrergebnisse, der Ergebnisse der metallurgischen Untersuchungen und anderer Explorationsergebnisse; der laufenden Unterstutzung der Bergbauaktivitaten durch die Regierungen in Nevada, Utah und Chile; der Verfugbarkeit von Maschinen und Geraten sowie qualifizierten Fachkraften fur den weiteren Ausbau des Projekts Gold Springs; und der Umsetzung der bestehenden Plane und weiteren Explorations- und Erschlieungsprogramme des Unternehmens fur das Projekt Gold Springs, welche sich aufgrund von Meinungsanderungen des Unternehmens oder infolge neuer Informationen, die eine Plan- oder Programmanderung nahelegen, andern konnten.

Den Lesern wird empfohlen, sich nicht vorbehaltslos auf die zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen in dieser Pressemeldung zu verlassen. Das Unternehmen ist nicht verpflichtet, zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen zu erneuern oder zu andern, weder aufgrund neuer Informationen bzw. zukunftiger Ereignisse noch aus sonstigen Grunden, es sei denn, dies wird gesetzlich gefordert. Wenn nicht anders angegeben, beschreiben die zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen in dieser Pressemeldung die Erwartungen des Unternehmens per 23. November 2016.

TriMetals Mining Inc. - Ansprechpartner:

Ralph Fitch President & CEO 303.584.0606 ralphfitch@trimetalsmining.com- Matias Herrero Chief Financial Officer 303.584.0606 mherrero@trimetalsmining.com

Die Ausgangssprache (in der Regel Englisch), in der der Originaltext veroffentlicht wird, ist die offizielle, autorisierte und rechtsgultige Version. Diese Ubersetzung wird zur besseren Verstandigung mitgeliefert. Die deutschsprachige Fassung kann gekurzt oder zusammengefasst sein. Es wird keine Verantwortung oder Haftung: fur den Inhalt, fur die Richtigkeit, der Angemessenheit oder der Genauigkeit dieser Ubersetzung ubernommen. Aus Sicht des Ubersetzers stellt die Meldung keine Kauf- oder Verkaufsempfehlung dar! Bitte beachten Sie die englische Originalmeldung auf www.sedar.com, www.sec.gov, www.asx.com.au/ oder auf der Firmenwebsite!

Die englische Originalmeldung finden Sie unter folgendem Link: http://www.irw-press.at/press_html.aspx?messageID=38252 Die ubersetzte Meldung finden Sie unter folgendem Link: http://www.irw-press.at/press_html.aspx?messageID=38252&tr=1

NEWSLETTER REGISTRIERUNG:

Aktuelle Pressemeldungen dieses Unternehmens direkt in Ihr Postfach: http://www.irw-press.com/alert_subscription.php?lang=de&isin=CA89626 T1030

Mitteilung ubermittelt durch IRW-Press.com. Fur den Inhalt ist der Aussender verantwortlich.

Kostenloser Abdruck mit Quellenangabe erlaubt.

ISIN CA89626T1030

AXC0243 2016-11-23/17:56
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- International Wastewater Systems Inc. (the "Company") (CSE: IWS)(CSE: IWS.CN) (FRANKFURT: IWI) (OTC PINK: INTWF) is pleased to announce the establishment of an Advisory Board consisting of industry leaders from the renewable energy, construction and real estate sectors. Immediately, the Advisory Board will consist of Mr. Bruno Thiemann and Mr. David Hatherton.

Bruno Thielmann has played a key role in many of the largest development projects in the Greater Vancouver Area as well as the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, with 40 years' experience in multi-family, commercial and industrial land developments. As Director of Land Development at WesGroup Income Properties LP, Mr. Thielmann provided construction management and land development expertise for a wide range of projects . Mr. Thielmann has worked with numerous First Nations groups throughout his career aiding their vision of economic independence through run-of-river power projects, forestry, and aqua-culture. He currently serves as a Director for the Klahoose First Nation Development Corporation and advises the Musqueam First Nation in the development of a 22-acre site for 1.25 million square feet of mixed use residential projects.

David Hatherton has been a leader in the domestic and international geothermal, renewable, and energy efficiency industries for 25 years. Companies that Mr. Hatherton has co-founded have installed over 250,000 systems, accounting for approximately US$2.5 billion in retail sales. David was the co-founder of companies including EarthSystems/WaterFurnace Canada, WaterFurnace International (Fort Wayne, Indiana), and NextEnergy Inc. Among his many contributions to industry associations, Mr. Hatherton was the founding President of the Canadian Earth Energy Association and initiated the Ontario Hydro GSHP incentive program with 7,000+ installations. During the administration of President Clinton, Mr. Hatherton was the key industry representative providing successful congressional testimony in the launch of the US$100 million Department of Energy (DOE) - Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium's National Earth Comfort Program, part of the Clinton/Gore Climate Change Action Plan.

Lynn Mueller, CEO of IWS commented: "We are very pleased to welcome David Hatherton and Bruno Thielmann to IWS's newly formed Advisory Board. Both David and Bruno are highly regarded industry experts; they provide ongoing advice and access to their vast networks to facilitate the adoption of IWS's world-leading thermal heat recovery equipment. "

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Lynn Mueller, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

About International Wastewater Systems Inc.

International Wastewater Systems Inc. is a world leader in thermal heat recovery. IWS systems recycle thermal energy from wastewater, generating the most energy efficient and economical systems for heating, cooling & hot water for commercial, residential and industrial buildings. IWS is publicly traded in Canada (CSE: IWS)(CSE: IWS.CN), the United States (OTC PINK: INTWF) and Germany (FRANKFURT: IWI).

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Yaron Conforti, CFO and Director

(416) 716-8181

yaron.conforti@iws-sharc.com




BOSTON, Massachusetts, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Leading Companies Only Able to Answer 28% of Queries via Web, Email and Social Media

Despite the growth of digital channels, insurers seem to be stuck in an analog world, unable to respond accurately, quickly or consistently to customer queries asked via the web, email, Twitter, Facebook or chat, according to new research from multichannel customer engagement software provider Eptica.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161006/415942 )



Insurers could only answer 28% of queries across digital channels, and 14% of companies failed to respond successfully on either email, social media or chat. While email was the strongest channel for answers, with a 37% success rate, the average time to receive a response was nearly two days (1 day 23 hours 38 minutes).

These are the topline findings of the 2016 Eptica Insurance Multichannel Customer Experience Study, which evaluated 100 leading U.S. insurers, spread across ten sectors, on their ability to provide answers to routine questions via email, the web, chat, Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, 1,000 consumers were polled on how long they were willing to wait for responses on these channels.

The Study measured the ability of insurers to provide answers to 10 routine questions via the web, as well as their speed and accuracy when responding to email, Twitter, Facebook and chat. Questions were deliberately similar to those that consumers ask, such as around purchasing or administering policies online, discounts for multiple products and when cover would start.

As well as 37% of emails, insurers provided answers to 30% of questions on their websites, 23% in response to Facebook messages and 12% to tweeted queries. There were big differences between particular sectors - pet insurers answered 57% of questions online, compared to 15.5% amongst long term care providers. One dental insurer responded to an email in 13 minutes - yet another took over 6 days to answer the same question.

"The insurance industry is at a crossroads, with the rise of digital disrupting traditional ways of doing business," said Olivier Njamfa, CEO and Co-founder of Eptica. "To succeed in this new world insurers need to prioritize the digital customer experience, yet the Eptica study shows that they are struggling to adapt and move away from analog channels. Digital doesn't just benefit consumers, but also drives greater efficiency and enables innovation - it is therefore time for insurers to learn from their peers in other industries and apply best practice to their operations to meet changing customer needs."

The research found that insurers are out of step with consumer expectations. While over half of consumers (57%) expect a response on Twitter within half an hour, just 26% of insurers met this deadline, with the majority of replies then not answering the queries. 61% of consumers complained that they could not find information on company websites half the time they looked for it.

On social media speed varied wildly. One long term care insurer successfully responded to a tweet in under 2 minutes, while 13 companies answered on Facebook within 5 minutes. Yet at the other end of the spectrum 20 insurers took over 6 hours to respond on social media, with three taking a day or more. There was little consistency between different channels, showing that many are taking a silo based approach to customer service that pushes up costs and slows down service.

Additional key findings included:

68% of responses on email, Twitter and Facebook asked the researcher to change channel and call, even for the most basic queries

47% of insurers failed to provide consistent answers between different channels

Just one company replied on all four channels of email, Facebook, Twitter and chat

17% of insurers claimed to offer chat, yet only 5% had it operational when they were evaluated

Nearly half (46%) of consumers said they'd spend just 5 minutes searching for information on a company website before giving up and going elsewhere

U.S. performance trails the U.K., where insurers answered 54% of all questions, 80% asked via email and 45% via the web.

Eptica Insurance Multichannel Customer Experience Study methodology

In total 100 company websites across 10 different insurance sectors were evaluated in September 2016:

For their ability to answer ten basic, sector-specific questions via their website, such as Can I purchase my policy online or How can I cancel my policy? On the speed and accuracy of their response via the email, Twitter, Facebook, and chat channels. On the consistency of responses across the web, email, Twitter, Facebook and chat.

Consumer research on channel expectations was conducted by Toluna with 1,000 American insurance buyers in September 2016.

The full 2016 Eptica Insurance Multichannel Customer Experience Study, which includes a full listing of companies evaluated, a detailed sector by sector breakdown of performance and full analysis, can be downloaded from http://www.eptica.com/insurance-multichannel-customer-experience-study.

An infographic illustrating the results is available from:

PDF: http://www.eptica.com/infographic-insurance-multichannel-cx

JPG: http://www.eptica.com/infographic-2016-insurance-eptica-multichannel-cx

-Ends-

About Eptica

Eptica provides brands with intelligent and collaborative digital customer engagement platforms driving customer satisfaction and boosting competitive edge. It enables millions of individual worldwide to engage in meaningful and high quality conversations with businesses, making their daily life easier.

Eptica's multilingual software provides more than 400 companies worldwide with flexible and efficient solutions for digital interactions, across channels including email, web, social media and chat. Customers include AccorHotels, AirAsia, Egencia - a division of Expedia, TUI, Virgin Holidays, AXA, Credit Agricole, Hastings Direct, ING, Capita, Debenhams, Dixons Carphone, Laithwaite's Wine, L'Occitane en Provence, New Look and The White Company.

For more information visit www.eptica.com, connect with us on LinkedIn, follow us on Twitter, Facebook or read our blog.
PHILADELPHIA, PA--(Marketwired - October 06, 2016) - Rittenhouse Realty Advisors is pleased to announce the sale of The Charter Court Apartments in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. The iconic property, located at 5450 Wissahickon Avenue, contains 500 units in two connected, eleven story towers. Existing amenities include a pool, parking garage, club room, theater, yoga studio, and fitness center.

Ken Wellar, Managing Partner of RRA, stated: "The seller renovated roughly half of the apartments and was getting close to $100 more in rent per upgraded unit at the time of sale. The new owner plans to enhance the amenities package, as well as finish upgrading the rest of the units."

Charter Court is close to Philadelphia University, Drexel University College of Medicine and some of the top high schools in the city, Germantown Friends School and William Penn Charter School. It is also walking distance to the Queen Lane stop on SEPTA regional rail, providing an easy commute to Center City, Philadelphia.

"Given the buyer's background and success with similar value-add deals throughout the country, I am sure Charter Court will be a huge success for both them and the surrounding community," noted Corey Lonberger, Managing Partner at RRA.

Mark Duszak, Director at RRA, added: "This is the second significant high-rise apartment sale within a 4% cap rate range in the last 12 months that our team has closed, which indicates the strength of the Philadelphia market."

For more information on current rates or to view our available listings visit www.RittenhouseRealty.com.

Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rittenhouse Realty Advisors is a real estate advisory firm with an extensive focus in the brokerage of multi-family communities throughout the northeast region of the United States. Formed in February 2013 by a group of advisors with more than 30 years of commercial investment sales experience, our focus is on multi-family and mixed-use properties with significant residential components.

www.RittenhouseRealty.com

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/10/6/11G117161/Images/exterior-8391a1247e98a13dbb210be86db18540.jpg

Press Contact:

Corey Lonberger and Ken Wellar

Managing Partners

215-454-2852
LOS ANGELES, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Dr. Michael Fulbright, a dentist offering sleep apnea treatment in Los Angeles and the Redondo Beach area, is unveiling a state-of-the-art website focusing on sleep apnea. Designed to provide a helpful resource on a common health concern that affects people of all ages across the nation, the new site for Fulbright Snoring & Sleep Solutions covers a comprehensive range of information on obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. These are conditions that often go unnoticed by those who suffer from them and can cause debilitating -- even life-threatening -- health problems.

Dr. Fulbright's new site has been developed utilizing a responsive website design, which allows it to be easily accessed and navigated on a variety of digital platforms, including desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, and tablets. The website includes a plethora of informative content to help viewers understand the causes of sleep apnea, the risks of sleep apnea, and the new snoring and sleep apnea treatment options available. In addition, the site offers several tips on how to improve "sleep hygiene" and how one can enhance both their health and livelihood by simply making sure they are sleeping well.

An estimated 20% of healthy adults in the United States are affected by sleep apnea. It's also been estimated that 1 to 4% of children have a sleep breathing disorder, and 3 to 12% of children consistently snore during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea can cause dangerous breathing pauses of multiple seconds while one is sleeping, and ultimately raise the risk of serious health conditions, including sudden cardiac death. Since the condition can cause a number of symptoms that individuals may not associate with a sleep disorder, many people are unaware they suffer from it unless a loved one has observed their sleeping habits.

Dr. Fulbright hopes his new website, developed with San Diego-based dental website design firm Rosemont Media, will help individuals who may be suffering from sleep apnea find the information they are looking for. He says that the array of innovative, custom-designed treatment options available at his practice -- one of the few in the greater Los Angeles area that is Medicare-approved for certain kinds of sleep apnea appliances -- may offer an effective solution that can help patients achieve a much healthier, more restful night's sleep.

About Michael Fulbright, DDS

Dr. Michael Fulbright is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the West Los Angeles Dental Society, and many other organizations. After earning his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Dr. Fulbright pursued continuing dental education at the Pacific Implant Institute and at UCLA's Advanced Aesthetic Continuum. He is experienced in a full range of advanced treatment techniques for both adults and children suffering from sleep apnea and snoring. In addition to procedures for sleep apnea, Dr. Fulbright offers a comprehensive array of cosmetic, general, and restorative dental treatments at Fulbright Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry. He is available for interview upon request.

For more information about Dr. Fulbright and his practice, visit fulbrightsleep.com or facebook.com/FulbrightDental.

To view the original source of this press release, click here:

https://www.rosemontmedia.com/dentists-blog/sleep-apnea-dentist-in-los-angeles-and-redondo-beach-area-launches-new-website/

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3064502



Michael Fulbright, D.D.S.

1815 Via El Prado, Ste. 200

Redondo Beach, California 90277

(310) 316-4477



Rosemont Media

858-200-0044

www.rosemontmedia.com




LONDON (dpa-AFX) - BTG plc (BTG.L), the specialist healthcare company, said that its Biocompatibles, Inc. subsidiary has reached a settlement with the US government in relation to the Department of Justice's investigation of the marketing of LC Bead. The investigation focused on the period pre-dating BTG's acquisition of Biocompatibles in January 2011. Biocompatibles has agreed to settle all allegations and consequently to pay a total penalty of $36 million. BTG is not required to enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement as part of the settlement. 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.
ATLANTA (dpa-AFX) - Thousands of flights have been canceled as Hurricane Matthew crossed the Bahamas early Thursday and headed towards the United States. More than 2,700 flights at U.S. airports have already been canceled from Wednesday through Friday, mostly in Florida, according to FlightAware.com. The number of cancellations are expected to increase as airlines braced to suspend flights from Florida after tracking the hurricane's path. Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are among the most impacted airports and both will be shut down Thursday. All flights at Fort Lauderdale will be suspended at 10:30 a.m., while Miami would be shut by noon. The Miami International Airport said in a statement that most commercial airlines do not take off or land when crosswinds exceed 35 miles per hour, unless absolutely necessary, numerous cancellations are expected on Thursday. Matthew remained a Category 3 storm Thursday, with sustained wind speeds of 125 miles per hour. However, it is predicted to strengthen to Category 4 later in the day. Delta Air Lines said in a statement that based on the projected path of the storm and the severity of the winds and facility constraints at coastal airports, it has canceled 120 flights to and from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach airports beginning about noon Thursday. The airline expects arrivals into Miami to resume late Thursday evening after Matthew passes, while a reset of flying to and from Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach is expected Friday morning. Meanwhile, American Airlines said it has canceled all flights scheduled to arrive at Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport on Thursday. Based on current forecasts, the airline plans to resume reduced operation at 8 a.m. on Friday, and full operation by noon Friday at all three airports. 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, DC--(Marketwired - October 06, 2016) - Using data to help improve educational opportunities for all American children, GreatSchools and Education Cities demonstrated a prototype for an innovative technology platform called the Opportunity Dashboard at the White House today. GreatSchools and Education Cities answered a call to action from the Obama Administration to participate in an 8-week technology sprint to develop a big idea to address a problem statement described by the U.S. Department of Education.

As part of the White House's Opportunity Project, a public-private initiative expanding access to opportunity for all Americans, GreatSchools and Education Cities were among a select group of organizations chosen to present their big ideas to an audience of federal policy leaders.

The Opportunity Dashboard prototype uses advanced applications of open data to identify educational opportunities and disparities in how public schools are serving students from different backgrounds.

Underlying the Opportunity Dashboard is the largest collection of educational data of its kind. It includes information compiled from all 51 state education agencies and from the U.S. Department of Education's Civil Rights Data Collection at subject and grade level, disaggregated by student subgroup, for all K-12 schools in the nation. This prototype is a bold undertaking and important step in the fight for educational equity. For the first time, difficult to access and painstaking to analyze data on school resources and outcomes could be available nationwide. Advocates, parents and policymakers would have the opportunity to use this information to identify disparities across student groups and better inform local decision-making about how to allocate resources across our schools.

"Our mission at GreatSchools is to ensure that all parents have the best possible data and insights to help their children succeed in our nation's public school system regardless of their income, where they live, or their background," said Samantha Olivieri, Vice President of GreatSchools. "With the Opportunity Dashboard, a grassroots organizer can help parents make an evidence-based case to school and district officials that education must improve for their community."

The dashboard prototype is designed with the goal of fundamentally changing how our education advocates and the parents they serve can improve access to a good education. What sets this prototype apart is the depth and breadth of data, along with intuitive visualizations that could help our leaders -- governors, legislators, mayors, superintendents, principals -- make critical decisions and take action to support our most underserved students.

"Along with providing parents, educators and policymakers with the data they need to demand change, the dashboard also aims to identify schools that are beating the odds. It's important to highlight the schools and cities where students from traditionally underserved families are making dramatic progress, and asking what conditions enable these students to succeed," said Carrie Douglass, Managing Partner, Education Cities. "We won't be able to live up to our values as a country until we provide a high quality education to every student."

This is the second time GreatSchools has been invited to present at the White House Opportunity Project. In March 2016, GreatSchools demonstrated technology designed to make it easier for parents to look for housing while comparing schools that provide the best education opportunity for their children.

About GreatSchools

GreatSchools is the leading national nonprofit empowering parents to improve educational opportunities for their child. GreatSchools' trusted ratings and school quality information help parents find the right school for their family and take action to improve schools in their communities. The thousands of articles, tips and interactive tools help parents support their child's learning and well-being every day. Families, community leaders and policy-makers turn to GreatSchools for the school information they need to guide children to great futures.

About Education Cities

Education Cities is a nonprofit network of 31 city-based organizations in 24 cities working to dramatically increase the number of great public schools across the country. Education Cities members are nonprofit organizations that invest in schools, support great teachers, engage their communities, and advance pro-child and pro-teacher policies.

Contact:

Carrie Goux

cgoux@greatschools.org

774-563-0295
OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, will be at Sheridan College to announce infrastructure funding for the college and to highlight the benefits of the Government of Canada's Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund.

Date: Friday, October 7, 2016 Time: 10:30 a.m. Location: Sheridan College Energy Centre (outside), Skilled Trades Centre 7899 McLaughlin Road Brampton, Ontario

Follow Minister Bains on social media.

Twitter: @MinisterISED

Contacts:

Philip Proulx

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Innovation,

Science and Economic Development

343-291-2500



Media Relations

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

343-291-1777

ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca




This morning Utah developer sPower announced a truly massive financing transaction for a portfolio of solar projects in Southern California. The company reports that it has completed a tax equity investment and syndicated construction and term loan facility which totals $786 million, from a consortium of European and American banks. sPower states that the funds will be used to finance a group of nine solar projects totaling 339 MW-DC near the city of Lancaster in the northern part of Los Angeles County. Two of these totaling 52 WM are already completed, and the other seven totaling ...

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 second US presidential debate saw Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump firing personal attacks against each other amid Trump's recently leaked tapes with derogatory comments about women.



Clinton said Trump is unfit to be the president for his remarks against women, hispanics, Muslims and people with disability, while Trump wowed to appoint a special prosecutor and put her in jail over her scandalous emails, if he becomes president.



The 90-minute presidential debate held at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri turned nasty and bitter at most times, which is said to be the worst personal exchanges ever seen on a presidential debate stage. It started without a formal shake-hand as they met at centre stage.



As a departure from the first debate, the presidential nominees replied to the questions from audience. On the heated topic of Trump's videos, asking for his comments, Trump said it was just a locker room talk, and he is not proud of it. Instead, Trump attacked her husband and former president Bill Clinton, saying that Clinton's extramarital affairs and his abuse of women were actions and were much higher in damage than words. Trump also accused Hillary Clinton of viciously attacking those women.



In a last-minute effort to distract from the latest controversy that had threatened to stop his White House campaign, Trump, just before the debate, held a short press conference with three women who were in the midst of accusations against Bill Clinton.



The Washington Post on Friday had released tapes from 2005 in which Trump can be heard saying his fame allows him to do anything to women. On Saturday, Trump issued his apology, but the videos resulted in widespread anger with a few prominent Republican leaders pulling out their support, including former presidential nominee and senator John McCain. Many of them have also asked him to withdraw from the race.



In the second crucial debate before the presidential election in November, the nominees faced audience's questions that varied from healthcare, tax laws as well as US policy towards Muslim refugees from countries such as Syria.



Trump was also asked about his comments of proposed ban on Muslims into America. From her side, Clinton had a tough time dealing with questions on her use of a private email address and server when she was secretary of state, and for describing Trump's fans as deplorables.



The debate ended with audience's request to name one positive thing about each other, for which Clinton cited Trump's children for being incredibly able and devoted. Trump called Clinton to be a fighter.



The third and the final debate will be on October 19.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - October 06, 2016) - Propel Fuels, the top retailer of low carbon fuels in California, was recently named as a finalist for the prestigious 2016 Platts Global Energy Awards. As a finalist for the Industry Leadership Award, Propel was recognized for driving low carbon fuel volumes six-times the national average through unparalleled innovation customer experience, mobile communication and retail technology. Propel's branded network of stations has created a new consumer category in the multi-billion dollar retail fuel industry, redefining customer loyalty and breaking the stronghold of big oil brands.

"We're excited to be among the finalists for these awards, recognizing Propel's leadership in one of America's largest consumer categories," said Rob Elam, CEO of Propel Fuels. "We're transforming the industry in real time, Propel has more than twice the customer loyalty of major oil brands, and millennials are Propel's fastest growing customer segment."

Propel is a low carbon fuels pure play platform that has overcome the typical barriers impeding public access to alternatives. The company's unique business model offers established gas stations a new revenue stream by seamlessly adding the fuels with no cost to the station owner. Propel's customer base prioritizes better value, higher performance and healthier communities while exhibiting loyalty rates matching that of America's strongest brands, including Starbucks and Trader Joe's.

Propel recently published its consumer study revealing groundbreaking research into the everyday people adopting low carbon fuels in California. Published by Propel's Silicon Valley Workshop, Low Carbon Fuels in California: Motivators and Barriers to Use illustrates the surprising demographics of this user base including:

Millennials are the company's fastest growth segment.

Low carbon fuel consumers are highly diverse, representing the socioeconomic demographics of California including strong Latino, African-American and Asian demographic groups.

Consumers are extremely loyal to low-carbon fuels, choosing Propel branded fuels 90% of the time.

Because low-carbon fuels are more affordable than petroleum to mainstream populations and can run in a variety of vehicles, middle- and lower-income families, as well as young people, can afford these cleaner energy options.

As a finalist for the Industry Leadership Award, Propel is joined by Alkol Biotech, BDI -- BioEnergy International AG/Brau Union Austria, China Everbright International, Neste Corporation, Proton Power and PTT Global Chemical Public Company. Winners of the 2016 Platts Global Energy Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday, December 8 th . Platts receives more than 200 nominations each year, coming from more than 25 countries including Brazil, India, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Russia, Switzerland, Argentina, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States.

About Propel

Propel was founded in 2004 with a mission to connect people to better fuels. With 34 Flex Fuel and 32 Diesel HPR locations across California, Propel provides new fuel choices that are higher in performance, deliver better value and create healthier communities. Propel also provides commercial and bulk availability for business and government fleets. Propel is ranked among 2015's top 10 private companies in Silicon Valley and is recognized by Inc. Magazine's "Inc. 500". More information is available at propelfuels.com and by following Propel at facebook.com/propelfuels and on Twitter at @PropelFuels.

Locations and real time pricing can be found on Propel's mobile app in the Android and Apple app stores.

Apple iOS: itunes.apple.com/us/app/propel-station-locator-e85/id912207853?mt=8

Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.propelfuels.stnlctr

Editor's Note:

Video testimonials from Propel customers are included in a new video "A day at Propel", reflecting the diverse ethnic and socioeconomic makeup of the company's customers.

More information, screen shots, B-Roll video and photography for download and use is available at: propelfuels.com/media_kit.

Media Contact



Jaime Quick

ChangeUp for Propel Fuels

206-229-5183 (mobile)

jq@changeupadvisors.com
PORTLAND, Oregon, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, "World Thin Film Semiconductor Deposition Market-Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014-2022," the global thin film semiconductor deposition market is expected to garner $22 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 14% from 2016 to 2022.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 )



Summary of the Semiconductor Deposition Market Report can be accessed on the website at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/thin-film-semiconductor-deposition-market

Thin films are extensively used in applications such as DRAM, solar panels, and flexible OLED & AMOLED displays. Moreover, increase in demand for efficiency and circuit miniaturization has supplemented the growth of TFS deposition market.

Thin film deposition technology is bifurcated into three types that include, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), and others. Among all, CVD technology holds a significant revenue share in the world TFS deposition market, owing to its low manufacturing cost, comparatively easier manufacturing process, and extensive use in fastest growing photovoltaic technology. In addition, CVD technology is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, with a CAGR of 14.7%. The growth would be driven by increase in demand of microelectronic components, electronic devices, and its expanding usage in sensors for smartphones which are growing rapidly across the globe.

Among all industry verticals, electronics accounted the largest market share in overall TFS deposition market. This is mainly due to increase in demand of thin film semiconductors in PCs, smartphones, and OLED displays. Moreover, increase in demand for personal computers, electronic gadgets, and home appliances has supplemented the growth of TFS in electronics industry. However, energy & power, is anticipated to witness the highest growth rate among others owing to increase in investment by various countries and replacement of conventional silicon by thin film semiconductors on the panels.

'Escalating solar projects in developing nations, growing number of smartphones and OLED displays is expected to shoot up the demand in global thin film semiconductor deposition market. Among all the deposition technologies, CVD have innumerous competitive advantages over other technologies such as low manufacturing cost, easier process and produces thin films of enhanced quality, consecutively it holds the largest share in the market and is growing with fastest rate among others. The combined effect of all these factors is expected to foster the growth in the global thin film semiconductor deposition market,' states Rakesh Singh, Assistant Manager, Semiconductor and Electronics, Research at AMR.

Asia-Pacific is the largest revenue-generating region in this market owing to the presence of largest electronic equipment producers and consumers in the region followed by North America and Europe. Among the Asia-Pacific countries , China is the largest market with nearly 50% revenue share of the overall Asia-Pacific market due to heavy investment by the country in solar power and electronic giants setting up manufacturing facilities. Furthermore, the market in Asia-Pacific is anticipated to exhibit the highest growth, registering a CAGR of 14.9% during the forecast period.

Key findings

CVD technology would lead the market throughout the analysis period, with over 50% revenue share in 2015.

Energy is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of during the forecast period.

In 2015, IT & Telecom contributed the highest revenue share owing to extensive usage in displays and smartphone sensors.

Asia-Pacific held the largest market share in 2015 and is expected to grow at a significant growth rate.

Key players in the market have heavily invested in R&D activities to develop high-quality & high efficiency TFS to cater to the growth in demand of TFS across various applications. Further, TFS deposition market is fragmented, as top four leading players, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron Limited, Lam Research, and Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd contribute around 40% of the overall market revenue. The key strategies adopted by these leading players are product launch, expansion, acquisition, partnership, and agreement to strengthen their market position and expand their geographical presence.

Summary of similar reports can be viewed at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/semiconductor-and-electronics-market-report

About Us

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

Contact:

Arun Narayan

5933 NE Win Sivers Drive

#205, Portland, OR 97220

United States

Direct: +1-503-894-6022

Toll Free: +1 (800) 792-5285 (U.S. & Canada)

Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975

E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com

Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Donald Trump Campaign has condemned the Obama administration's ratification of the Paris Climate Accord, saying it is a bad deal that undermines the interests of the American people. Following President Obama's announcement Wednesday concerning the Paris Climate Agreement, Dan Kowalski, Deputy Policy Director for the Trump-Pence Campaign, issued a statement: According to Trump, the deal will cost the American economy trillions of dollars, impose enormous costs on American households through higher electricity prices and higher taxes, and more coal miners will be forced out of work. The Paris climate agreement is set to enter into force next month after the European Union and Canada ratified the agreement overnight. Trump believes this deal allows China to increase emissions for more than a dozen years, while the U.S. makes drastic cuts beginning right now. 'The President of the United States should be fighting for the best interests of American workers, not giving China another unfair, competitive advantage'. Trump challenged President Obama and Hillary Clinton to submit the climate deal for a vote to the Senate, as the Constitution requires. The Republican nominee called on America's scientists to continue studying the scientific issues of greenhouse gas emissions, but without political agendas getting in the way. While Clinton says that global warming is the most consequential, urgent challenge America faces as a nation, Trump believes that many other priorities are more urgent than global warming, such as defeating radical Islamic terrorism and bringing jobs back to the U.S. 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.
BOSTON, MA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- The third annual Mass Innovation Nights Women Founders event is kicking off Boston's Women Entrepreneurs Week (WE BOS) Monday, on October 17, 2016 at 6pm. The event is in partnership with the City of Boston's Women Entrepreneurs Boston (WE BOS) program and will be held at District Hall in Boston's Seaport District.

The popular product launch party and networking event draws attendees from the entire region. Over the past 7 years, it has launched more than 900 products which have collectively received more than $1.3 billion in funding.

"Our women founder events are an important vehicle for bringing female entrepreneurs to the forefront," said Bobbie Carlton, the founder of Innovation Nights, and Innovation Women. "By increasing the visibility of talented women entrepreneurs, we increase their access to customers, connections and funding."

"Women represent half of our population, but are significantly underrepresented in the start-up sector," said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "Boston has a large and rapidly growing community of women entrepreneurs and kicking off WE BOS week with Mass Innovation Women Founders Night is a great way to showcase our women led start-ups."

Several of the startups for this event will be companies from Babson's Women Innovating Now (WIN) Lab, the University partner for this event. "We've been a partner of Mass Innovation Nights Women Founders events since their inception," said Ashley Lucas, Director of the Boston WIN Lab. "Events like these are key to raising awareness of the great ideas and companies founded by women, while demonstrating that they are driving innovation across industries in Boston and beyond."

Free and open to the public, MIN #91 "Women Founders" features experts, networking, tabletop presentations with new local products and presentations from the winners of online voting. The products include:

AVA

Black Girls Nutrition

BondVoyage

CliqBit

ConquerX

Date My Wardrobe

Describli

EventHues

Little g Ice Cream

Luna and Stella

Polis Canvassing

Vissenger

WegoPremium

Womentum

Experts from:

Adastra Speech

Science Club for Girls

WE BOS, City of Boston

WIN Lab Accelerator, Babson College

West Hill Technology Counsel

Guests are encouraged to use hashtags MIN91 WomenFounders and WeBOSweek to share their photos and commentary. The gatherings typically generate hundreds of tweets, Facebook posts, blogs, and videos, and are key visibility drivers for these companies. To attend, please RSVP.

About Mass Innovation Nights

Mass Innovation Nights (MIN) offers an opportunity for people interested in innovative new products to connect live and online. Each month, different companies launch new products with Innovation Nights and the social media community helps spread the word. MIN is currently seeking hosts and sponsors for the 2017 season. Contact the organization for additional information. Follow MIN on Twitter or visit the website.



Media Contact:

Kristen Avini

510-221-8122

Kristen@innovationnights.com

Mass Innovation Nights




SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - October 06, 2016) - Zephyr Real Estate is pleased to support Mill Valley's 39 th Annual Film Festival. The Festival opens on Thursday, October 6, at 7 pm, with La La Land, a musical starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, who sing and dance their way through this light-hearted tribute to filmmaking. The Cine Arts Sequoia Theatre in Mill Valley is the venue, and special guests are Emma Stone and director, Damien Chazelle.

The Opening Night Gala will follow at 9 pm at the Marin Country Mart in Larkspur. The Ethan Tucker Band will be on deck, with their trademark acoustic roots and bluesy vocals. Food and beverages from local purveyors will round out the festivities.

Other films include the premiere of The Architect, starring Eric McCormack and Parker Posey; A Quiet Passion, starring Cynthia Nixon; The 3D Sideshow, Molly Monster, Kepler's Dream and many, many more. Screenings will take place in Mill Valley, San Rafael, Larkspur, Corte Madera and other locations around the area. A full schedule of times, dates, venues and ticket purchases is available at http://www.mvff.com.

The Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) began in 1977 as a small three-day showcase. It has since evolved into its present 11-day event packed with new films, both American independent and foreign, as well as award-winning notables in the industry. More than 200 filmmakers participate from around the globe to share their work in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. MVFF is presented by the California Film Institute, which promotes film as art and education at the Festival as well as year-round exhibitions.

MVFF typically draws nearly 70,000 attendees over the course of the celebration, which includes much more than the films. Panel discussions, featured guests, spotlight presentations, live music performances and gala parties take place at a variety of locations throughout Marin County. MVFF has an enviable history of premiering films and debuting filmmakers and often provides a sneak preview of potential Academy Award winners. This year's offerings carry on that tradition.

"We are excited to be a part of this prestigious event and to experience the community's involvement in the filmmaking industry," commented Erinn Millar, Sales Manager at Zephyr's Marin Office.

About Zephyr Real Estate

Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco's largest independent real estate firm with nearly $2.3 billion in gross sales and a current roster of more than 300 full-time agents. Zephyr's highly-visited website has earned two web design awards, including the prestigious Interactive Media Award. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate; global luxury affiliate, Mayfair International; and local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco. Zephyr has six offices in San Francisco, a brand new office in Greenbrae, and two brokerage affiliates in Sonoma County, all strategically positioned to serve a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit www.ZephyrRE.com.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/10/5/11G117056/Images/mvff-92e24e69741fa13abb0258c137ef652c.jpg

Contact:

Melody Foster

Zephyr Real Estate

San Francisco, CA

415.426.3203

Email contact


The mood was uncomfortable when Baroness Neville-Rolfe started her speech at the Clean Energy Live show, by announcing that her presentation would revolve around the U.K.'s direction approaching 2020. The clear answer given by Neville-Rolfe, in a powerfully happy voice, was that we are heading out of the European Union. This was met by silence from the audience, not even a clap. No assurances were offered to the storage industry professionals in attendance, other than Brexit. She did of course say that batteries, solar and wind will be part of the U.K.'s future generation mix. But this is not the future; these technologies are taking hold right now, and the government doesn't seem to know how to face it. She also confirmed that the U.K. will ratify the Paris agreement in the following months. A soft victory for the clean energy sector, but, in the current Brexit climate, maybe the only small thing to celebrate. Finally, always bringing things back to Brexit, she warned the audience that as the U.K. exits the European bloc, it will need to look to places like California and India to see how storage ...

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.
MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- The Government of Canada is taking action, through collaborative science, to support the recovery of declining Atlantic salmon stocks on Canada's East Coast.

Parliamentary Secretary Serge Cormier, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, today announced that Fisheries and Oceans Canada will be providing more than $600,000 to Atlantic salmon science and conservation experts to further our understanding of Atlantic salmon and to help us make decisions on potential recovery strategies.

Approximately $360,000 of this funding will go towards targeted academic and Indigenous research projects to increase our knowledge of Atlantic salmon and the threats affecting their recovery. Approximately $250,000 will go towards the Atlantic Salmon Federation's monitoring program to better understand Atlantic salmon migration routes, behaviours, and areas of high mortality. The remaining $50,000 will support the coordination activities of a new joint venture for Atlantic salmon research.

The Atlantic Salmon Research Joint Venture is Canada's first collaborative forum for bringing Atlantic salmon science and conservation communities together. Made up of experts from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Indigenous groups, provincial agencies, non-government organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders, the Atlantic Salmon Research Joint Venture will promote the sharing of scientific research with the goal of conserving and rebuilding the species. The Joint Venture held its inaugural meeting on September 29 and 30, 2016, in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Quotes

"Atlantic salmon is an important cultural, recreational and economic species to Indigenous peoples, anglers and communities throughout the Atlantic provinces and Quebec. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting new science that could help improve salmon populations, and we are proud to support Canada's first collaborative forum for sharing research on this precious species."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"The Government of Canada is committed to improving Atlantic salmon stocks, but we can't go about it alone. By collaborating with science and conservation experts, and supporting their research, we will all be more effective in encouraging their recovery."

Serge Cormier, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick Facts

-- The $660K funding comes from a new $5 million Priorities and Partnership Fund as part of the Budget 2016 investment of $197.1 million in ocean and freshwater science. The Priorities and Partnership Fund aims to support and leverage new partnerships and collaborations within Canada's ocean and freshwater science community, which will enhance our ability to make informed, evidence-based decisions on priority issues. -- The funding will support research projects led by the Atlantic Salmon Federation, the Nunatsiavut Government in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Universite de Moncton, and the University of New Brunswick. -- The creation of the Atlantic Salmon Research Joint Venture is a direct response to recommendations stemming from the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Atlantic Salmon and forms part of Canada's Forward Plan for Atlantic Salmon.

Related Product

Backgrounder - Collaborative Atlantic Salmon Research Initiatives

Associated Links

Establishing an Atlantic Salmon Research Joint Venture

Forward Plan for Atlantic Salmon: Departmental strategy to advance the recommendations of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Atlantic Salmon

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Follow us on Twitter!

www.Twitter.com/DFO_MPO

www.Twitter.com/DFO_Science

Contacts:

Media Relations

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

613-990-7537

Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca



Patricia Bell

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

613-992-3474

Patricia.Bell@dfo-mpo.gc.ca




OVERLAND PARK, KS--(Marketwired - October 06, 2016) - The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) www.acbsp.org, the only global accrediting body to accredit business, accounting, and business-related programs at all degree levels, is one of 10 global organizations invited by the PRME Secretariat to serve on the PRME Steering Committee.

The mission of PRME is to transform management education, research and thought leadership globally by providing the Principles for Responsible Management Education framework, developing learning communities and promoting awareness about the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

PRME is governed, along with the United Nations Global Compact, by this Steering Committee, comprised of the main business school accreditation bodies, and specialized and regional associations. The PRME Steering Committee meets quarterly to provide direction in furthering the mission of the UN Global Compact.

PRME Steering Committee

UN Global Compact

AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)

European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)

Association of MBAs (AMBA)

Central and East European Management Development Association (CEEMAN)

Association of African Business Schools (AABS)

Latin American Council of Management Schools (CLADEA)

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

The Academy of Business in Society (ABIS)

Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI)

"The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) is very honored to join such an esteemed group of visionaries in management education," said Jeffrey Alderman, ACBSP President/CEO. "We look forward to lending our voice in providing a platform for dialogue and leadership for increasing awareness and resources in responsible management education."

The Six Principles of PRME are inspired by internationally accepted values, such as the United Nations Global Compact's Ten Principles, and provide an engagement structure for academic institutions to advance social responsibility through incorporating universal values into curricula and research. They seek to establish a process of continuous improvement among institutions of management education in order to develop a new generation of business leaders capable of managing the complex challenges faced by business and society in the 21st century.

About ACBSP

ACBSP, www.acbsp.org, is a leading specialized accreditation body for business education. ACBSP's mission is to promote continuous improvement and recognize teaching excellence in the accreditation of business education programs throughout the world. ACBSP accredits business, accounting, and business-related programs at the associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctorate degree levels. Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in 2001 and again in 2011, ACBSP was the first to offer specialized business accreditation at all degree levels. ACBSP currently accredits business programs at more than 1,200 campuses in 57 countries. FAQs / Accreditation FAQs

Contact:

Melinda Dorning

913-339-9356

mdorning@acbsp.org
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Financial markets focused technology provider, Tecnologika, announces today that Alex Shender, the former Chief Information Officer of leading high frequency trading firm, Tower Research Capital LLC (TRC), has been appointed to its advisory board as non-executive director. Shender will head up a strategic technology initiative, bringing together prominent and leading edge vendors from connectivity and market data providers to semiconductor and FPGA manufacturers to drive innovation and HFT focused solutions. He will also help Tecnologika launch a number of international opex based services for prop shops that want to access and scale their presence and infrastructure in markets that are new to them.

Shender joined TRC in 2000 and has had an instrumental influence in the company's technological direction, helping them to grow from a start up to a global market leader. Although he has stepped down from day-to-day operations at the firm, he will remain a partner.

"Alex has a wealth of experience within Fin-Tech and as a pioneer of the HFT industry, we're excited to welcome him as an advisor on our board of directors," states Joseph Castle, Co-Founder of Tecnologika and Subsidiaries. "As we continue to diversify our range of services and technology offerings, we believe that Alex's experience working in a rapidly scaling Fin-Tech firm along with our ambition for growth, will continue to develop Tecnologika as a one-stop-shop solutions provider for the capital markets industry, in Europe, the Americas, and Asia."

"As we grow on an international scale, we want to retain what makes our service great, namely our ability to minimize complexity within the supply chain and providing a reliable service," adds Nick Jordan, Co-Founder of Tecnologika and Subsidiaries. "We're excited to work with Alex, who understands the logistical challenges around deploying a wide range of technologies across multiple territories."

"I decided to step back from the day to day running at Tower Research because I missed the start-up culture," comments Shender. "I joined TRC when it had 13 employees over 15 years ago. I helped grow the company into a global organization with over 600 members on staff. I still believe in its vision and have full confidence the company will thrive moving forward, which is why I remain a partner to this day. I've worked with Joe, before he co-founded Tecnologika, and trusted what he's set out to achieve from day one. I have a great deal of respect for both Joe and Nick's approach to business, and seeing Tecnologika mature into an international organization with a start up culture still very much at its center makes me excited to join its board of directors. I look forward to contributing to the organization's future success."

FIA EXPO 2016

To schedule a meeting and learn more about Tecnologika's latest initiatives at the FIA Expo in Chicago, Illinois, October 18-20, contact our marketing manager at cbigsby@tecnologika.co.uk.

About Tecnologika

Tecnologika was founded in London in 2009 and since then has grown to have regional operations in the US and Singapore. They primarily provide low-latency and high performing infrastructure solutions, professional and managed services. They're also the team behind the world's first enterprise class, air-cooled, overclocked server range Race-Zero (RZ).

For more information, contact:

Joseph Castle

Co-Founder Tecnologika

E. Email Contact

T. +44 (0) 203 432 5120




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- A British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) panel has sanctioned William Raymond Malone, a Richmond, B.C. resident, for breaching an order prohibiting him from acting as a director or officer of any issuer and engaging in investor relations activities.

On January 29, 2009, Malone entered into a settlement agreement with the BCSC. As part of the settlement, Malone was subject to an order prohibiting him from acting as a director or officer of any issuer and from engaging in investor relations activities before the later of January 29, 2012, or the date Malone successfully completed a course of study satisfactory to the executive director concerning the duties and responsibilities of directors and officers.

In August, the panel found that during the time period when the order was in effect, Malone breached the order by acting as a de facto director and/or officer of Lion King Resources Inc., a private B.C. company that was in the business of promoting and developing an iron ore property in the Atacama region of Chile.

The panel also found that Malone breached the order by conducting investor relations activities on behalf of Lion King when he solicited a B.C. resident to purchase securities of Lion King.

In its decision, the panel noted that Malone represents a significant risk to B.C.'s capital markets, stating "He was previously sanctioned for misconduct in our capital markets and, despite the Order, simply carried on conduct in breach of the regulatory restrictions imposed on him. This raises questions about whether Malone will allow himself to be regulated."

For his misconduct, the panel has ordered that Malone pay an administrative penalty of $60,000. He must also resign any positions he holds as, and is prohibited from becoming or acting as, a director or officer of any issuer. Malone is also banned from becoming or acting as a registrant or promoter, acting in a management or consultative capacity in connection with activities in the securities market, and engaging in investor relations activities.

Malone's bans are to remain in effect until the later of the date that he pays his administrative penalty, the date he successfully completes a course of study satisfactory to the executive director concerning the duties and responsibilities of directors and officers, and October 3, 2023.

You may view the sanctions decision on our website www.bcsc.bc.ca by typing William Raymond Malone or 2016 BCSECCOM 334 in the search box. Information regarding disciplinary proceedings can be found in the Enforcement section of the BCSC website.

Please visit the Canadian Securities Administrators' Disciplined List for information relating to persons and companies disciplined by provincial securities regulators, the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and the Mutual Fund Dealers Association (MFDA).

About the British Columbia Securities Commission (www.bcsc.bc.ca)

The British Columbia Securities Commission is the independent provincial government agency responsible for regulating capital markets in British Columbia through the administration of the Securities Act. Our mission is to protect and promote the public interest by fostering:

-- A securities market that is fair and warrants public confidence -- A dynamic and competitive securities industry that provides investment opportunities and access to capital

Learn how to protect yourself and become a more informed investor at www.investright.org.

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Alison Walker

Media Relations

604-899-6713



Public inquiries:

604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393 (toll free)

inquiries@bcsc.bc.ca




OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, along with Juergen Boos, President of the Frankfurt Book Fair, announced that Canada will be the Guest of Honour country at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2020. Minister Joly formally accepted the invitation today during a meeting with representatives from the Frankfurt Book Fair and book industry stakeholders.

The Frankfurt Book Fair serves as the largest global marketplace for publishers, retailers, librarians, editors and authors to network, generate new business, and buy and sell book rights and licences. The Fair is a central hub showcasing technology and innovation in the book publishing sector, with around 275,000 visitors and 10,000 media representatives attending each year.

As the Guest of Honour country, Canada will be responsible for designing and building a pavilion that will feature our country's rich talent and cultural diversity. The pavilion, which will occupy the Fair's main stage, will be filled with various Canadian cultural exhibitions; it will also offer programming such as author readings, dance, film and music that will promote Canadian artists and cultural entrepreneurs on the international scene.

Frankfurt 2020 will showcase Canadian culture and creativity in the world and provide an opportunity to expand export opportunities for the cultural sector and help increase our competitive position on the international stage.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to ensuring that readers everywhere have access to a wide range of Canadian-authored books, and I look forward to showcasing Canada's book industry-as well as our country's artistic and cultural sector-at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2020. This is a fantastic opportunity to enable Canada's artists and cultural entrepreneurs to maximize their full export potential, to help increase their competitive position on the international stage, and to ensure long-term sustainability, which will contribute to Canada's overall economic and social prosperity."

- The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Given the high levels of cultural exchange between Canada and Europe, we believe there is strong international interest in learning more about Canadian publishers, authors, culture and media. Canada brings to the world stage a strong commitment to its bilingual tradition and embraces the diverse immigrant cultures that contribute to its society. We are pleased that Canada accepts this invitation to showcase its rich literary, cultural and linguistic heritage to global industry representatives."

- Jurgen Boos, CEO and President of the Frankfurt Book Fair

"The Canadian publishing industry has worked united for the past three years for this project, so it is with great enthusiasm that we welcome this fantastic news. Frankfurt Book Fair is the international hub of the publishing world; being its Guest of Honour will provide extraordinary opportunities to showcase our world-class literature, books and Canadian culture."

- Caroline Fortin, Quebec-Amerique and President of the Frankfurt Book Fair 2020 Committee

"The Frankfurt Book Fair is one of the most important events of its kind in the world. As Guest of Honor in 2020, Canada will have the opportunity to showcase the literature and culture of its people. Reflecting its broad geography, multicultural nature, official bilingualism, and First Nation, Metis and Inuit contributions, we look forward to engaging with a whole new generation of fans for Canada's world-class literature and talented new authors."

- The Honourable Stephane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick Facts

-- Through the Canada Book Fund, with its annual budget of $39.1 million, the Department of Canadian Heritage provides financial support to around 300 Canadian book publishers and industry organizations each year. -- About $1.6 million from the Canada Book Fund is allocated to supporting export initiatives and international marketing on an annual basis. -- Canada will make its first-ever appearance as Guest of Honour country at the Fair in 2020.

Associated Links

Frankfurt Book Fair

Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr.

Contacts:

Pierre-Olivier Herbert

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage

819-997-7788



Media Relations

Canadian Heritage

819-994-9101

1-866-569-6155

pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- United Hunter Oil & Gas Corp. (TSX VENTURE: UHO) ("UHO" or the "Corporation") announces the appointment of Dr. Arthur Halleran to the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

Dr. Halleran obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Calgary, Department of Geology & Geophysics and has over 30+ years of domestic and international experience in petroleum exploration and development. In addition, Dr. Halleran has extensive experience in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects. Previously, Dr. Halleran was a consulting geologist for Rally Energy Corp. and initiated the companies drilling program which discovered the prolific producing fractured reservoir trend and provided scientific data for a successful EOR recovery project. Dr. Halleran was part owner and Vice President Exploration for Canacol Energy Ltd., a company with interests in Colombia, Guyana and Brazil. During Dr. Halleran's tenure as VP, Canacol Energy acquired producing assets in Colombia and Brazil and participated in the discovery of one of the largest oil fields in Colombia in several years.

Since leaving the Corporation as CEO, in 2013, Dr. Halleran served as Vice President of Exploration & Development for United Hydrocarbon International Corp., a company with oil interests in African Rift System in Chad. Concurrently, Dr. Halleran has been reviewing and providing prospect consulting services to the Corporation on various prospective prospects in both North and South America.

Mr. Tim Turner, CEO, remarked that, "Dr. Halleran, with his extensive technical experience in EOR projects, will be an integral part of the Corporations plans going forward. We have always welcomed his input and would consider his technical experience to be a valuable addition to the Corporation's Board of Directors."

United Hunter Oil & Gas Corp. (www.unitedhunteroil.com) is a Canadian based corporation with management very experienced in the energy industry. United Hunter Oil & Gas Corp. is publicly traded on TSX Venture Exchange (TSX VENTURE: UHO). The Corporation's public filings may be found at http://www.sedar.com.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable Canadian and US securities laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based upon forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, 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) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Timothy Turner

CEO

(832) 487-0813

info@unitedhunteroil.com



Jeff Ratcliffe

CFO

(778) 987-3925

jratcliffe@unitedhunteroil.com




PALO ALTO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Adaptive Insights, the only pure-play cloud vendor to be named a leader in strategic cloud corporate performance management (CPM), today announced it is has also been named a leader in the Forrester Research, Inc. October 2016 report, The Forrester Wave: Enterprise Performance Management, Q4 2016. The report evaluated 10 vendors based on 36 criteria, including current offering, strategy, and market presence.

According to the report, Adaptive Insights' solution is "easy to use and has a straightforward planning and modeling capability that makes it faster and less costly to deploy than most EPM solutions." According to Forrester, Adaptive Insights is a good choice for both "medium-size organizations with a preference for SaaS as well as large companies looking for rapid time-to-value and planning flexibility."

"We believe being named a Leader in this report reinforces the significant impact cloud-based solutions are having on business-critical functions, such as finance," said Tom Bogan, CEO, Adaptive Insights. "Our top scores in the usability and integration and data quality criteria are, in our opinion, consistent with our continued focus to enable our customers -- finance and business users alike -- to access and analyze data from across the organization and maximize corporate performance."

The Adaptive Suite is cloud-based corporate performance management software (also known as enterprise performance management or EPM software) that delivers incredibly intuitive budgeting, planning, forecasting, reporting, and dashboards. Designed for finance and business users alike, it is accessible from anywhere and enables users to visualize performance, plan effectively, and monitor results.

Key to the widespread adoption of the Adaptive Suite is its unified, in-memory architecture, which provides real-time access to accurate information across the organization. The modern architecture stores one set of data in memory -- without requiring it to be "replicated" to multiple persistent stores -- which results in fast propagation of data for real-time analytics and reporting. This ensures accuracy and allows finance and business users alike to confidently operate from a single source of data. Today, more than 3,000 organizations worldwide use the Adaptive Suite for corporate performance management.

A complimentary copy of The Forrester Wave: Enterprise Performance Management, Q4 2016 report is available for download today.

To learn more about the report, read the Adaptive Insights blog, "New Forrester Wave Provides Great Ride for SaaS Vendors."

About Adaptive Insights

Adaptive Insights is the recognized leader in cloud corporate performance management (CPM). Via its software as a service (SaaS) platform, the company offers capabilities for budgeting, forecasting, reporting, consolidation, dashboards, and analytics that empower finance, sales, and other business leaders with insight to drive true competitive advantage. The Adaptive Suite is sold direct or is available through Adaptive Insights' robust cloud CPM channel ecosystem of 200+ partners, including Accenture, Armanino, BDO, CohnReznick, Deloitte, Intacct, KPMG, McGladrey, Plex Systems, and Workday. NetSuite also offers Adaptive Planning as its NetSuite Financial Planning Module.

More than 3,000 companies in 85 countries use Adaptive Insights. These range from midsized companies and nonprofits to large corporations, including AAA, Boston Scientific, CORT, Epcor, NetSuite, Philips, P.F. Chang's, and Siemens. Adaptive Insights is headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif. For more information, visit www.AdaptiveInsights.com, the Adaptive Insights Blog, and follow Adaptive Insights on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Media contact:



Laura Pelkey

Adaptive Insights

Email: mediainquiries@adaptiveinsights.com




HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwired - October 06, 2016) - Christian Brothers Automotive is celebrating 20 years of franchising in the auto repair industry. Their Nice Difference shines through in every aspect of the experience for the over 500,000 guests that visit one of the more than 150 Christian Brothers locations every year.

Founder and CEO Mark Carr's Christian faith inspired him to make sure Christian Brothers Automotive was different. Everything in the shops, from the immaculate lobbies and repair bays to the highly trained technicians to the courtesy shuttle, is geared toward making the auto repair experience better for guests.

Like any good business, Christian Brothers is centered around people. Franchise owners, their employees and guests are the reasons for 20 years of franchising success.

The secret to success

Outstanding service is Christian Brothers' secret; it makes guests happy, and happy guests come back again and again. They spread the word throughout the community about the great experiences they have.

Christian Brothers has been blessed with steady, focused growth that has led to more than 150 locations across the country. More than 200 families have lived the American dream by owning their own businesses and sharing that success by employing more than 1000 people nationwide.

Building the future every day

Not only has the company grown far beyond its humble beginnings, it has also never closed a single location. The business model ensures that franchise owners have the support and resources they need to thrive in this business, even if they've never worked a day in the auto industry before.

In fact, few of the owners come from the automotive industry, which helps them bring an outside perspective, just like Carr had when he founded the company. Franchisees enter into the business with backgrounds in business and management and Christian Brothers offers the extensive training and support new owners need to run the business.

Beyond the initial training, there's ongoing support with anything a franchisee might need, from accounting assistance to HR support. The corporate team can even connect with technicians to remotely troubleshoot issues with cars.

A pipeline for continued success

Each franchise owner creates a great workplace for their highly trained technicians. Except for a few Saturdays when a location first opens, each Christian Brothers is open only from Monday through Friday, giving employees and owners some much-needed rest on the weekends to spend with family and friends.

On top of that, franchise owners are committed to providing a true career and industry-leading work environments for employees. Initiatives like the Future Franchise Academy attract the best and brightest while creating a long-term talent pipeline that leads employees to become managers or even own franchises, ensuring continued success for years to come.

Founded in Houston in 1982 and franchising since 1996, Christian Brothers Automotive operates based on a core philosophy of honesty, integrity, reliability and exceptional service. The company provides full-service automotive repair for all domestic and foreign vehicles, and provides a pleasant, professional and clean automotive service experience every time.

To learn more about Christian Brothers Automotive's growth, as well as the stories of franchisees, visit www.christianbrothersfranchise.com.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/10/6/11G117210/Images/CBAhood-3c0a03b7492fbe9bb0077b5b916780f9.jpg

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/10/6/11G117210/Images/service-desk-baby-908ab4423a948cc1939423cccd31dee8.jpg

Kendall Troncoso

Christian Brothers Automotive

kendall.troncoso@cbac.com

(855)866-9222
OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- "Working women can't wait two more years for pay equity legislation," said a disgusted Heather Kelley, IAM Grand Lodge Representative and Women's Rights advocate.

Kelley was speaking about a News Release issued by the Federal Government late yesterday afternoon: "Despite the Federal Government recognizing that pay equity is a human right, their release shows that this human right can wait, explained Kelley. "The government spent the last two years hearing from women across the Country, and we have examples of Provincial Pay Equity plans already working."

IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall concurs: "This report does nothing for working women today; it just doesn't go far enough. Two more years of waiting for the legislation and then whatever time it will take for implementation. We know that the Gender Wage Gap is real; will there be retroactivity for working women?"

"The Liberal government's strategy is very transparent," said Kelley. "They're dragging their feet - two years of consultation followed by another two years on how to frame and implement this legislation will bring them to the end of their mandate - providing them with the perfect election platform to attract women voters. It's manipulation of women's rights pure and simple."

The IAM joins the Canadian Labour congress in calling on Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Government to step up now with pro-active pay equity legislation.

"Why," asks Pickthall. "Because it's 2016."

Contacts:

Heather Kelley

IAM Grand Lodge Representativ

Women's Issues-Human Rights coordinator

416-225-9003/905-993-2078



Bill Trbovich

IAM Director of Communications

416-386-1789 Ext #6331

416-735-9765




BELLINGHAM, WA--(Marketwired - October 06, 2016) - eXp Realty, the Agent-Owned Cloud Brokerage (eXp World Holdings, Inc.) (OTCQB: EXPI) today announced a new strategic relationship with Commissions Inc. (CINC), the leading provider of web-based real estate marketing and CRM software for elite agents and teams across North America. Under this new relationship, CINC will become eXp's primary enterprise lead generation and CRM platform for eXp's 1800 agents in the U.S and Canada.

To date, CINC has been heralded by high performing teams as the most effective online lead generation and CRM platform on the market. When the system goes live in early 2017, eXp will be the only large brokerage firm where all eXp agents will have access to the CINC tools and resources at no additional cost. Every eXp agent will receive a consumer website that integrates with local MLS data, a comprehensive CRM platform through which agents can manage clients from lead to close, and three mobile apps (CINC Agent App, Houses.net, and Open Houses by CINC).

"eXp Realty puts our agents and brokers first in every decision we make and we are continually looking for valuable partnerships which will deliver long term sustainable value to them," stated eXp Realty CEO Jason Gesing. "While there are plenty of lead-gen and CRM choices in the marketplace, there are only a handful of companies that provide best in class tools and systems and CINC is at the top of that list. As third party portals continue to proliferate, we believe that providing a fully integrated CRM and IDX-based consumer search experience, the ability for agents to easily feature their own listings on their websites and the ability to promote themselves as part of a custom 'portal strategy' is an essential part of our vision as a leading technology-based brokerage. We are honored to be selected by a company with the stellar reputation like CINC as their first Enterprise client and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship."

"We have been searching for a company that shares both our dedication to make agents successful and our belief that having the best technology is a critical part of the agents growth," said Alvaro Erize, COO of Commissions Inc. "eXp, with its extremely rapid growth and agent focused values, is the perfect opportunity to get CINC in the hands of the right agents, knowing they are already part of a family geared for success."

The announcement came at eXp's international convention, eXp Con, in San Antonio, Texas where more than 600 broker and agent owners from the U.S. and Canada gathered to learn, share and motivate and celebrate eXp as the brokerage model that is quickly gaining national attention.

About eXp World Holdings, Inc.

eXp World Holdings, Inc. is the holding company for a number of companies most notably eXp Realty LLC, the Agent-Owned Cloud Brokerage as a full-service real estate brokerage providing 24/7 access to collaborative tools, training, and socialization for real estate brokers and agents through its 3-D, fully-immersive, cloud office environment. eXp Realty, LLC and eXp Realty of Canada, Inc. also feature an aggressive revenue sharing program that pays agents a percentage of gross commission income earned by fellow real estate professionals who they attract into the Company.

eXp World Holdings, Inc. also owns 89.4% of First Cloud Mortgage, Inc. a Delaware corporation launched in 2015 and now licensed to originate mortgages in Arizona, California, Virginia and New Mexico. First Cloud Mortgage has positioned itself as a Planet Friendly Mortgage Company via the purchase of carbon offsets for homeowners offsetting the first year of the Carbon Footprint of the typical home on each mortgage originated through First Cloud Mortgage, Inc.

As a publicly-traded company, eXp World Holdings, Inc. uniquely offers professionals within its ranks opportunities to earn equity awards for production and contributions to overall company growth.

For more information you can follow eXp World Holdings, Inc. on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, or visit eXpWorldHoldings.com. For eXp Realty please visit: eXpRealty.com and for First Cloud Mortgage, Inc. check out FirstCloudMortgage.com.

About CINC

Founded in Marietta, Georgia in 2011, CINC (Commissions Inc.) is the leading provider of web-based real estate marketing and CRM software for elite agents and teams across North America. The solution includes a consumer website that integrates with local MLS data, a complete CRM platform that allows real estate agents to nurture clients and monitor their business, and access to three mobile apps (CINC Agent App, Houses.net, and Open Houses by CINC). Built with the support and input of some of North America's top brokers, CINC powers the business for thousands of agents and connects them with millions of consumers every month.

The statements contained herein may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update them. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company's expansion, revenue growth, operating results, financial performance and net income changes. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in forward-looking statements include changes in business or other market conditions; the difficulty of keeping expense growth at modest levels while increasing revenues; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Investor Relations Contact Information:

Glenn Sanford

Chairman & CEO

eXp World Holdings, Inc.

glenn@expworldholdings.com

360-389-2426



Trade and Media Contact Information:

Jason Gesing

CEO

eXp Realty

jason.gesing@exprealty.com

617-970-8518
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Canada's leading private-sector union is, "disappointed that the federal government is insisting women wait two more years for basic equality," says Paul Meinema, the national president of UFCW Canada (United Food and Commercial Workers union).

On Wednesday, the federal government announced that women will have to wait until 2018 for pay equity legislation for federally regulated workplaces to be tabled in Parliament.

"Although the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, has stated that, 'having a gender wage gap in Canada in 2016 is unacceptable,' the government's announcement that pay equity legislation will not be tabled until 2018 states the opposite," says Meinema.

"The government's postponement of pay equity legislation means that working women will have to wait even longer for equal pay," says the UFCW Canada leader. "Pay equity is a basic human right. Equity delayed is equity denied, so we the call on the federal government to act swiftly to introduce proactive pay equity legislation before the end of 2016."

UFCW Canada's new campaign Closing the Gap calls on the federal and provincial governments to commit to closing the gender wage gap as an urgent human rights priority. Add your voice and send a message to make equal pay for equal work a reality for all working women at www.ufcw.ca/closingthegap.

UFCW Canada is Canada's leading and most progressive private-sector union, representing more than a quarter of a million workers in Canada's fastest growing industries. UFCW Canada is the country's most innovative organization dedicated to building fairness in workplaces and communities. To find out more about UFCW Canada and its innovative work, please visit www.ufcw.ca.

Contacts:

UFCW Canada

Debora De Angelis

Regional Director, Ontario

(416) 675-1104 x2251

debora.deangelis@ufcw.ca

www.ufcw.ca




ROME (dpa-AFX) - A California Chrysler dealership blames Anton Yelchin, the Star Trek actor, for the accident that killed him few months ago after his Jeep rolled backward and crushed him between a metal gate and a brick pillar. The car agency was responding to the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Yelchin's parents with a court filing of its own. The dealer says Anton's death was the result of his own 'misuse, misapplication, or damage' of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Actor Anton Yelchin is popular for his role as Pavel Chekov in the new 'Star Trek' series. He died on June 19 after his Jeep Grand Cherokee struck him and pinned him between a brick postbox pillar and a fence after it rolled backward down a steep drive at his Studio City home. The Jeep that killed Yelchin was part of a safety recall the government issued two months ago before Yelchin was killed, however, according to his attorney a recall notice was mailed to the actor only seven days after his death. The dealership has asked the judge to remove them from the lawsuit. 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.
Combined fleet of 910 aircraft with value of over US$43 billion

Avolon Holdings Limited, the international aircraft leasing company, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bohai Capital Holding Co., Ltd. ("Bohai"), the equipment and transportation lessor listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SLE:000415), announces an agreement to acquire the aircraft leasing business of CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) (the "Transaction"). The Transaction will create a leading aircraft leasing business with an owned, managed and committed fleet of 910 aircraft valued at over US$43 billion. The Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017.

Transaction Rationale

Transaction will double the scale of the Avolon business and create the world's third largest aircraft leasing platform.

Complementary businesses which expand Avolon's existing customer base by 69 airlines in 20 countries to 154 customers in 61 countries enhancing the global footprint of the business to drive growth and balanced, risk adjusted returns.

Combined business will have approximately one third of in-service aircraft leased into each of the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions, providing balanced geographic exposure.

Attractive pipeline of future deliveries for 282 new technology aircraft which underpins growth objectives.

Business is well capitalised to pursue further growth opportunities across multiple acquisition channels; balance sheet is strong with a long-term strategic shareholder committed to the sector.

Transaction Highlights

Avolon to acquire the CIT Group aircraft leasing business including 334 owned and managed aircraft; and 133 aircraft on order or committed.

Avolon will acquire total assets as of 30 June 2016 of US$11.1 billion and associated liabilities. Avolon will pay US$10.0 billion for US$9.4 billion of net asset value ("NAV") as of 30 Jun 2016, which represents a premium of 6.7%.

The combined owned, managed and committed fleet comprises 910 aircraft valued at over US$43 billion.

Combined orders and commitments of 349 aircraft includes 282 new technology aircraft comprising: 195 Airbus aircraft (A320neo family, A330neo and A350); 59 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft; and 28 Boeing 787 aircraft.

Pro-forma owned, in-service fleet of 511 aircraft has an average aircraft age of 4.6 years, the youngest owned, in-service fleet among the world's top three aircraft leasing companies, with an average remaining lease term of 6.7 years.

The combined business will have a proven, experienced management team with the operating and financial disciplines that have driven Avolon from launch in 2010 to become the world's third largest aircraft leasing business in six years.

Avolon CEO, Domhnal Slattery, said: "From a standing start we will have built Avolon into a leading global player in six years. We are delighted to announce an agreement to acquire the CIT aircraft leasing platform. It is a strong business with an excellent reputation in the market. While this transaction is strategically compelling and will double the scale of Avolon, it is not the summit of our ambition. Avolon has a strong brand, a best-in-class fleet, a proven business model and a long-term strategic shareholder committed to the sector. We look forward to continuing to drive the disciplined growth of the business in the years ahead."

Chris Jin, CEO of Bohai, said: "Our vision at Bohai is to build each of our transportation finance businesses into global leaders. Our decision to acquire Avolon in 2015 was a key step towards that objective. The Avolon team has already delivered remarkable growth in building a new platform into a leading industry franchise. They are now taking a further exciting step towards our collective goal to become a true global leader in transport finance. We are confident in the prospects for the enlarged business which has a strong, proven team and the operating disciplines to drive sustainable performance."

Combined Business Key Metrics

Avolon CIT Total Fleet (aircraft) 910 Total Fleet (value) US$43+ billion Owned Managed In-Service Fleet (aircraft) 561 Orders Commitments (aircraft) 349 Average Fleet Age (years: based on 511 owned, in-service aircraft) 4.6 Average Lease Term Remaining (years) 6.7 Customers 154

Note: Fleet numbers as of 30 June, 2016

Closing Conditions Regulatory Approvals

The Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and certain required regulatory approvals. The Transaction is subject to Bohai shareholder approval. HNA Group, Bohai's largest shareholder, has agreed to vote its shareholding in Bohai in favour of the Transaction. The Transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017.

Transaction Terms Financing

Avolon will acquire total assets of US$11.1 billion as of 30 June 2016 and associated liabilities. Avolon will pay US$10.0 billion, a premium of 6.7% to the 30 June 2016 NAV of US$9.4 billion. The purchase price is subject to adjustment for changes in NAV between 30 June 2016 and the closing date of the Transaction. The Transaction will be financed by a combination of Avolon's cash; new equity contributed by Bohai; and acquisition debt financing of US$8.5 billion that has been committed by Morgan Stanley Co. LLC and UBS Investment Bank.

Transaction Advisors

Avolon's financial advisors for the transaction were UBS Investment Bank and Morgan Stanley Co. LLC. Weil, Gotshal Manges LLP and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer acted as Avolon's legal advisors. KPMG and E&Y also advised on the transaction.

About Avolon

Headquartered in Ireland, with offices in the United States, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai, Avolon provides aircraft leasing and lease management services. Avolon is a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of Bohai Capital Holding Co., Ltd., a Chinese public company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

Website: www.avolon.aero

Twitter: @avolon_aero

About Bohai Capital Holding Co., Ltd.

Bohai Capital Holding Co., Ltd. is a Chinese public company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SLE: 000415), a CSI 300 index company, and is the only listed leasing company on the Chinese A-Share stock market. Bohai owns a portfolio of world class equipment and transportation asset leasing companies and is a majority controlled subsidiary of the HNA Group. See www.bohaileasing.com/en/

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document includes forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions, including statements with respect to Avolon's business, financial condition, results of operations and plans. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and all of which are based on our management's current beliefs and expectations about future events. Forward-looking statements are sometimes identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe," "expects," "may," "will," "could," "should," "shall," "risk," "intends," "estimates," "aims," "plans," "predicts," "continues," "assumes," "positioned" or "anticipates" or the negative thereof, other variations thereon or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161006006476/en/

Contacts:

FTI Consulting for Avolon

Jonathan Neilan

US Europe

T: +353 1 663 3686

M: +353 86 231 4135

avolon@fticonsulting.com

or

Sean Pattwell

Asia

T: +852 3768 4543

M: +852 9227 8321

avolon@fticonsulting.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Chobani, the company that makes Greek Yogurt brand, announced it will offer six weeks of 100 percent paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers. Both hourly and salaried employees will be eligible for the new parental leave policy, the company said. The program extends to both mothers and fathers for the birth, adoption or placement of a foster child into the home. It will begin next year. Many companies in the US offer fewer weeks of paid parental leave to its hourly workers than its salaried employees, according to reports 'As a founder and a new father, my son opened my eyes to the fact that the vast majority of workers in this country don't have access to paid family leave when they have a new child,' said Hamdi Ulukaya, founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chobani. 'That's especially true when it comes to manufacturing and that needs to change in this country and Chobani needed to be part of that change.' 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) - CIT Group Inc. (CIT), Thursday said it agreed to sell CIT Commercial Air, its commercial aircraft leasing business, to Avolon Holdings Limited for $10 billion. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2017, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. CIT has received a 'non-objection' from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for its Amended Capital Plan subject to the closing of the transaction. The plan authorizes CIT to return $2.975 billion of equity to shareholders from the proceeds of the sale and return up to an additional $0.325 billion of common equity contingent upon the issuance of a similar amount of Tier 1 qualifying preferred stock; and pay common dividends totaling $64 million per year after the transaction is completed. 'The sale of CIT Commercial Air represents an important milestone for CIT and follows an extensive dual-track process that was designed to maximize shareholder value. This transaction will strengthen our balance sheet, simplify our business and enable us to return significant capital to our shareholders,' said Ellen Alemany, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of CIT Group. 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.
HATFIELD, England, October 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

FOR EMEA MEDIA ONLY: NOT FOR AUSTRIAN/SWISS MEDIA

People with radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer treated with lenvatinib had greater tumour shrinkage than with placebo in targeted sites of metastases (lung, liver, lymph nodes and bone), in exploratory subgroup analyses of the pivotal phase III SELECT study, presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2016.[1],[2]Lenvatinib is indicated in the European Union for the treatment of adult patients with progressive locally advanced or metastatic, differentiated (papillary, follicular, Hurthle cell) thyroid carcinoma (DTC) refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI).[3]



In these subanalyses, patients showed greater tumour shrinkage in all targeted sites following treatment with lenvatinib compared with placebo.[1]The mean maximum change in sum of target lesions from baseline in patients treated with lenvatinib versus placebo in the lungs was -15.1mm vs 1.4mm, in the liver -17.7mm vs 2.5mm, in lymph nodes -17.4mm vs -0.8mm and in bone -6.7mm vs 3.4mm.[1]Tumours were assessed by independent radiologic review at baseline and at eight week intervals.[1]

"These data provide insight into the activity of lenvatinib in specific sites of metastases in radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer. The study population was shown to have tumour shrinkage in all of the metastatic sites studied when treated with lenvatinib," comments Martin Schlumberger, Primary Author on SELECT and Professor of Oncology, Institut Gustave Roussy, University Paris Sud, Paris, France.

In an investigational phase II study, lenvatinib showed activity in patients with RET fusion positive adenocarcinoma of the lung.[4]Adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung carcinoma, one of the most common forms of lung cancer.[4]RET fusions activate RET kinase and occurs in only 1-2% of patients.[4]Lenvatinib is a multi-kinase inhibitor whose targets include RET. Twenty five patients with RET-positive lung adenocarcinoma received lenvatinib 24mg/day in 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.[4]The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) and patients treated with lenvatinib had an ORR of 16%.[4]



Twenty-three patients (92%) had grade 3 treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs).[4]The most common any grade TEAEs included hypertension (68%), nausea (60%), decreased appetite (52%), diarrhoea (52%), proteinuria (48%), and vomiting (44%).[4]Of three fatal AEs, one was possibly related to lenvatinib (pneumonia).[4]



A further study investigated the VEGFR and FGFR signalling pathway participation in tumour growth and angiogenesis in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) xenografts treated with the combination of lenvatinib plus everolimus.[5]



The results show that the combined activity of lenvatinib plus everolimus is based on the enhanced inhibition of VEGF and FGF-driven angiogenesis, and the simultaneous impact of the antiangiogenic activity of lenvatinib and the antiproliferative activity of everolimus.[5]These data also suggest that both VEGFR and FGFR pathways participate in the combined activity observed of lenvatinib plus everolimus in RCC xenograft models.[5]In August 2016, lenvatinib in combination with everolimus was approved in the European Union for the treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC following one prior vascular endothelial growth factor targeted therapy.[6]



"These non-clinical data tell us more about the activity of the combination of lenvatinib and everolimus in renal cell carcinoma. These agents were successfully combined in a clinical study, the first time in Europe for treatments inhibiting TKI and mTOR, and led to the recent approval of the combination in renal cell carcinoma following one prior anti-angiogenic therapy," comments Alton Kremer, Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Medical Officer, Oncology Business Group at Eisai.



An ongoing open-label, multicentre phase 1b study investigated the maximum tolerated dose of lenvatinib, when used in combination with pembrolizumab in selected solid tumours.[7]In the study, patients (18 years) with non-small cell lung cancer (n=2), renal cell cancer (n=8), endometrial cancer (n=2) and melanoma (n=1) received either 24mg/day, 20mg/day, or 14mg/day of lenvatinib (oral) plus 200mg of pembrolizumab (intravenous) given once every three weeks.[7]Lenvatinib had a maximum tolerated dose of 20mg/day when used with pembrolizumab.[7]



A preclinical study analysed immune response to single agent lenvatinib and combination of lenvatinib plus PD-1 blockade treatment in syngeneic murine (mouse) tumour models.[8]The study examined activity in lung cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer models. The combination showed more potent inhibition of tumour growth in all three (syngeneic) mouse tumour models investigated than either single agent.[8]Complete tumour regressions were detected with the combination treatment in some mice in the liver cancer model.[8]



The development of lenvatinib reflects Eisai'shuman health care (hhc)mission, the company's commitment to innovative solutions in disease prevention, cure and care for the health and well-being of people worldwide. Eisai is committed to the therapeutic area of oncology and to address the unmet medical needs of patients and their families.



Notes to Editors



About Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer forms in the tissues of the thyroid gland, located at the base of the throat near the trachea.[9]Thyroid cancer affects more than 52,000 people in Europe each year.[10]



About Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

Kidney cancer is among the ten most frequently occurring cancers in Western (countries) communities. About 270,000 cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed globally each year and 116,000 people die from the disease. Approximately 90% of all kidney cancers are renal cell carcinomas (RCC).[11]



About Adenocarcinoma of the Lung

Adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung carcinoma, is one of the most common forms of lung cancer.RET(rearranged during transfection) fusions activate RET kinase and occur in 1% to 2% of these patients.[4]



AboutLenvatinib

Lenvatinib is an oral multikinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1-3, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1-4, platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha, and RET and KIT proto-oncogenes.[12],[13]



Lenvatinib is indicated in the European Union for the treatment of adult patients with progressive locally advanced or metastatic, differentiated (papillary, follicular, Hurthle cell) thyroid carcinoma (DTC) refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI).[3]Lenvatinib is approved for the treatment of refractory thyroid cancer in the United States, Switzerland, the European Union, Canada, Russia, Australia, South Korea, Israel, Singapore, Japan and Brazil.[3]



In August 2016, the European Commission issued Marketing Authorisation for lenvatinib in combination with everolimus for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following one prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy.[6]



About SELECT[2]

SELECT ( S tudy of ( E 7080) LE nvatinib in Differentiated C ancer of the T hyroid) is a multicentre, randomised,

double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III study of patients with radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, treated with once-daily, oral lenvatinib (24mg). The study enrolled 392 patients in over 100 sites in Europe, Americas, Asia, and Australia.



About Study 205[14]

Study 205 is a pivotal randomised phase II study that evaluated 153 people living with unresectable advanced renal cell carcinoma who had progressed after one previous VEGF therapy.[14]Patients experienced a median progression-free survival of 14.6 months when treated with lenvatinib in combination with everolimus (n=51), compared with 5.5 months for those who received everolimus alone (n=50) (HR 0.40; 95% CI: 0.24-0.68; p=0.0005).[14]Updated median overall survival in the study population was 25.5 months in the lenvatinib plus everolimus group compared with 15.4 months in the everolimus group (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36 - 0.97).[14]



For lenvatinib in combination with everolimus, the most common any-grade treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) reported in the lenvatinib plus everolimus group were diarrhoea, decreased appetite and fatigue.[14]The most common TEAEs of Grade 3 or higher were diarrhoea, fatigue and hypertension.[14]



About Eisai Co., Ltd.

Eisai Co., Ltd. is a leading global research and development-based pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. We define our corporate mission as "giving first thought to patients and their families and to increasing the benefits health care provides," which we call ourhuman health care(hhc) philosophy. With over 10,000 employees working across our global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to realise ourhhcphilosophy by delivering innovative products in multiple therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs, including Oncology and Neurology.



As a global pharmaceutical company, our mission extends to patients around the world through our investment and participation in partnership-based initiatives to improve access to medicines in developing and emerging countries.



For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visithttp://www.eisai.com.

References



1. Robinson B,et al. Responses in Specific Metastases Following Treatment with Lenvatinib (LN): Results from the Phase 3 SELECT Trial. European Society for Medical Oncology 2016; Poster: 962P

2. Schlumberger M,et al. Lenvatinib versus placebo in radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer. NEJM 2015; 372: 621-30. Available at http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1406470. Accessed October 2016

3. SPC lenvatinib (updated June 2015). Available at: http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/30412 .

Accessed October 2016

4. Velcheti V,et al. Phase 2 study of lenvatinib (LN) in patients (Pts) with RET fusion-positive adenocarcinoma of the lung. European Society for Medical Oncology 2016; Poster 1204PD

5. Kimura T,et al. The Antitumor Activity of Lenvatinib (LEN) in combination with Everolimus (EVE) in Human Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) Xenograft Models Is Dependent on VEGFR and FGFR Signaling. European Society for Medical Oncology 2016; Poster: 6P

6. Kisplyx SMPC, September 2016. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/32335 . Accessed October 2016

7. Taylor M,et al. A Phase 1b Trial of Lenvatinib (LEN) plus Pembrolizumab (PEM) in Patients with Selected Solid Tumors. European Society for Medical Oncology 2016; Poster: 776PD

8. Kato Y,et al. Lenvatinib Mesilate (LEN) Enhanced Antitumor Activity of a PD-1 Blockade Agent by Potentiating Th1 Immune Response. European Society for Medical Oncology 2016; Poster: 2PD

9. National Cancer Institute at the National Institute of Health. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/thyroid/Patient/page1/AllPages#1 . Accessed October 2016

10. EUCAN 2015. Available at: http://eu-cancer.iarc.fr/EUCAN/Cancer.aspx?Cancer=35. Accessed October 2016

11. Ljungberg B,et al. Epidemiology of Renal Cell Carcinoma. European Association of Urology, 2011; 60; 615-21

12. Matsui J,et al. E7080, a novel inhibitor that targets multiple kinases, has potent antitumor activities against stem cell factor producing human small cell lung cancer H146, based on angiogenesis inhibition. Int J Cancer 2008;122:664-671

13. Okamoto K,et al. Distinct Binding Mode of Multikinase Inhibitor Lenvatinib Revealed by Biochemical Characterization. ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letter 2010

14. Motzer, R,et al. Lenvatinib, everolimus, and the combination in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a randomised, phase 2, open-label, multicentre trial. Lancet Oncology 2015;16:1473-82





October 2016

Lenvatinib-EU0076


CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Trinidad Drilling Ltd. (TSX: TDG) (Trinidad) is pleased to announce that it will release its third quarter 2016 results after market close on Wednesday, November 2, 2016. The news release will provide consolidated operating and financial information. The full management's discussion and analysis as well as the consolidated financial statements will be posted on the Investor Relations section of Trinidad's website at www.trinidaddrilling.com and will also be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Conference Call: Thursday, November 3, 2016 9:00 a.m. MT (11:00 a.m. ET) 866-393-4306 (toll-free in North America) or 734-385- 2616 approximately 10 minutes prior to the conference call Conference ID: 94701631 Archived Recording: 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406 Conference ID: 94701631 https://www.trinidaddrilling.com/investors/events- Webcast: presentations

Trinidad is a corporation focused on sustainable growth that trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TDG. Trinidad's divisions currently operate in the drilling sector of the oil and natural gas industry, with operations in Canada, the United States and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, through joint venture arrangements, Trinidad operates drilling rigs in Saudi Arabia and Mexico, and is currently assessing operations in other international markets. Trinidad is focused on providing modern, reliable, expertly designed equipment operated by well-trained and experienced personnel. Trinidad's drilling fleet is one of the most adaptable, technologically advanced and competitive in the industry.

Contacts:

Lisa Ottmann

Vice President, Investor Relations

403-294-4401

investors@trinidaddrilling.com




CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/16 -- Employees and donors to Calgary's cause to end homelessness were celebrated today at the 8th Annual Arthur R. Smith Awards ceremony. This celebration was for those who have taken up our city's ultimate call to action: helping those experiencing homelessness; our most vulnerable Calgarians.

The awards, presented by Trevor Daroux, Deputy Chief of the Calgary Police Service and Betty Ann Smith, honourary patron of the Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) and wife of the late Arthur R. Smith, celebrated the front-line staff and volunteers who provide housing and support to those at risk of or experiencing homelessness in our city. Today's winners were chosen because they reflect Arthur's compassion and determination to help all his neighbours.

"Today's awards are important because they recognize all of the work that is done behind the scenes to help people experiencing homelessness in our city," says Diana Krecsy, President & CEO of the Calgary Homeless Foundation. "As a community we've housed over 8,000 people since 2008; today we get to celebrate a few of the people who have made that possible."

This year, not only were awards presented to front-line difference makers, but to donors who have contributed to CHF. Despite these tough economic times, these individuals and corporations continue to do their part to ensure Calgary continues to meet its vision of ending homelessness.

The three awards presented to people on the front-lines are the Volunteer Award, the Front-Line Employee Award and the Front-Line Team Award.

KAIROS, the winner of the Volunteer Award, was instrumental in paying off the $1.5 million mortgage for Acadia Place, spending thousands of hours working alongside CUPS staff to help set up households as families and individuals moved in.

Devon Oulette, a member of the Calgary Police Service since 2010, is the recipient of the Front-Line Employee Award for his work on the Vulnerable Persons Unit, working hand-in-hand with service providers like Alpha House to help keep individuals successfully housed. On occasion, Devon has been known to play ping-pong with clients at the Pathways to Housing office.

The Community Treatment Order team, awarded the Front-Line Team Award, helps service providers work with individuals living with complex mental illnesses who are also experiencing homelessness. This team has developed a strong partnership with Pathways to Housing, increasing the stability of their clients in housing.

The Arthur R. Smith Awards were created in the name of the Calgary Homeless Foundation's late founder as a way to recognize and honour innovative, committed and caring front-line employees and volunteers within the homeless-serving sector. A small committee consisting of three CHF Board Members and one staff member reviewed and selected the honourees from community nominations.

About CHF

The Calgary Homeless Foundation is a catalyst and enabler for Systems and Service Agencies to optimize client success. CHF focuses on four strategic pillars of work; Research and Development, Community Mobilization, Funder of Outcomes and Impact, and Public and Political Will. CHF addresses gaps and identifies best practices to improve the system of care. Through mobilization of collective impact, CHF is committed to moving forward in partnership with the many homeless-serving agencies, the private sector, government partners, the faith community, other foundations and all Calgarians to end homelessness in Calgary. For more information, visit calgaryhomeless.com.

Contacts:

Calgary Homeless Foundation

Louise Gallagher

Director, Communications

Media Line: 403.615.7607

louise@calgaryhomeless.com




Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA), a Des Moines, Iowa-based business accelerator focused on developing and growing innovative insurtech startups, added two new insurance companies to the eight insurers* who already invested in the program.

EMC Insurance Companies (EMC) of Des Moines, Iowa, and Markel Corporation (Markel) of Richmond, Va., have confirmed annual investments in the GIA, which help fund a seed investment in insurtech startups accepted into the GIA program going forward.

As investors, EMC and Markel also commit staff and company expertise to mentor startups through the early stages of business growth, potential launch situations, recruiting and onboarding initial customers, and seeking additional funding.

Now in its third year, GIA is focused solely on the insurance industry and home to more than 80 insurance companies and tens of thousands of insurance professionals.

Selected startups participating in its annual cohort are invited to Des Moines for a 100-day program, which provides business support, education and assessment from program mentors, and exposure to insurance company professionals, industry influencers and potential additional investors as well.

The program culminates each year in April by providing startups the opportunity to pitch live onstage at the Global Insurance Symposium.

The GIA investors have an opportunity to acquire a financial stake in some of the top insurtech startups in the country and participate as mentors and engage in startups early business and product evolution.

As a part of the GIA, insurer investors are exposed to the newest industry-specific technology trends ahead of competitors, and, are therefore better able to evaluate future engagement with, and potential investment in, emerging technologies.

The GIA is now accepting applications for its third cohort, happening mid-January through April 2017. Startups can apply at www.globalinsuranceaccelerator.com. The application deadline is 9 a.m. CST, Nov. 7.

FinSMEs

06/10/2016

* American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, Delta Dental Plans Association, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance of Iowa, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, IMT Insurance Company, Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company and Principal Financial Group
Metabrain Research, a Chilly Mazarin, France based innovative biotechnology company focused on the early development of drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and inflammatory diseases announced today the signature of an agreement with Medicxi, a European life sciences venture capital firm, for the inception of Kymo Therapeutics Ltd, incorporated in Cambridge (UK).

Under the terms of the deal, Kymo will receive up to 10m from Medicxi.

Kymo Therapeutics formation aims to move forward Metabrain Researchs proprietary program on kynurenine metabolism (KMO) inhibitors towards clinical proof of concept, before seeking partners to complete development and ensure commercialization.

Led by Dr. Valerie Autier, CEO, Metabrain is an innovative biotechnology company focused on the early development of drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and inflammatory diseases. Benefiting from its R&D platform, it leverages its expertise on kynurenine metabolism to bringing therapeutic customized solutions to elderly and frail patients and allowing their treatment efficacy tracking.

FinSMEs

06/10/2016
Enterprise application software giant SAP (NYSE: SAP) has teamed up with University College London to launch its UK Next-Gen Innovation Lab.

The new partnership will provide students with key digital skills focused on the financial services sector. The program  starting today at the UCL School of Management  will focus primarily on the digital, financial services and insurance sectors, providing UCL students access to industry executives, visiting lecturers, training courses, conferences and commercial projects.

The Lab will act as a hub for SAPs University Alliances activities across London and the rest of the UK, and will also work in coordination with other University Alliance Next Gen Labs in locations such as New York and Palo Alto.

FinSMEs

06/10/2016

PRESS RELEASE

SAP and UCL launch SAPs first UK Next-Gen Innovation Lab

A new partnership to furnish students with key digital skills focused on the financial services sector

SAP Newsbyte  October 6th 2016  SAP is today announcing a partnership with UCL (University College London) to launch its first UK-based Next-Gen Innovation Lab.

The program starting today at the UCL School of Management will focus primarily on the digital, financial services and insurance sectors, providing UCL students access to leading industry executives, visiting lecturers, training courses, conferences and commercial projects.

To kick off the collaboration, 150 UCL students are participating in a Design Thinking workshop, focusing on an interactive challenge set by Lloyds Banking Group, in collaboration with SAP and UCL.

Were delighted by the addition of the SAP Next-Gen Innovation Lab. Its another means to enrich the learning experience for students and will provide an unrivalled opportunity to access industry expertise that will help kick start their careers in the digital economy, commented David Chapman, Deputy Director at UCL School of Management. This is the kind of collaboration that is a win-win for all involved: students get a brilliant learning experience, the industry gets more skilled graduates, and UCL is able to expand its world class education offering.

As part of SAPs University Alliances program, which works with 2,900 member institutions in over 103 countries, the Next-Gen Innovation Lab program aims to help meet the digital skills gap in the financial services sector.

Martin Gollogly, Director of University Alliances at SAP UK & Ireland said: With the Government-backed industry initiative Your Life estimating that over 40,000 STEM related jobs are unfilled each year, and more than 100,000 STEM graduates are needed annually in the UK, this is a vital initiative. The rapid growth in the Internet of Things, and the interconnectedness of people and objects is leading to vast amounts of real-time intelligence that will further increase the demand for STEM skills. They will also redefine what those skills are  emphasising real time extraction, analysis, business intelligence and entrepreneurship. Fast growth sectors, such as fintech, will demand even more of these abilities, and ensuring that the UK has the digital credentials needed to realise the potential of this acceleration is vital. Were committed to playing our part to helping create a vibrant pool of talent for the future.

The Lab will act as a hub for SAPs University Alliances activities across London and the rest of the UK, and will also work in coordination with other University Alliance Next Gen Labs in locations such as New York and Palo Alto.

Aneet Morar, Head of Digital Partnerships at Lloyds Banking Group, also added: With the rise of digital devices changing the way we all interact with our banks, the financial services sector is increasingly looking to digital innovation to find new tools and applications that can deliver for customers. The opportunity to collaborate with the new Next-Gen Lab launch will help nurture that next generation of talent by allowing us to share the insights of the challenges and opportunities that come with scale, and an engaged customer base to provide a deeper understanding of the market.
Seacoast Capital, a Boston, MA and San Francisco, CA-based private equity firm, closed its fourth lower middle market fund, at $239M.

Limited partners include banks, private pension funds, private foundations, insurance companies, family offices and high net worth individuals. Along with support from private limited partners, Seacoast received approval from the U.S. Small Business Administration for its fourth Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) license. Over 85% of investors from the firms 2012 vintage $150MM fund, Seacoast Capital Partners III, L.P., returned to invest in Seacoast IV.

Consistent with the investment strategy of its predecessor funds, Seacoast Capital Partners IV, L.P., will make non-controlling investments in privately held lower middle market companies. Seacoast specializes in dealing directly with company owners or management teams, although the firm opportunistically considers investments led by professional investor groups.

Led by Tim Fay (San Francisco), Tom Gorman (Boston) and Jeff Holland (San Francisco), the fund will invest from $3 million to $20 million in any combination of junior securities for any one company.

FinSMEs

06/10/2016
On Thursday evening, 6 October, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar released a statement about the Uri attacks, surgical strike and the cultural war of attrition being played out between India and Pakistan on his Twitter handle.

In a short video clip of about a minute-and-a-half, Kumar laid out his viewpoint for his followers.

He prefaced it with a caption that read: "[This is] something which has been on my mind since the past few days and I just had to say it. Not intending to offend anyone..."

Akshay says in the video:

I'm not talking as a star or celebrity, but as the son of an Army man.

For the past few days, I have been seeing the discourse in the press, on social media, in conversations.

Some are asking for proof of the surgical strikes, others are asking for a ban on Pakistani actors, still more are debating whether or not there should be war.

What I feel is  leave all this aside.

Can we spare a thought first for all those martyrs who lost their lives at the border [in the Uri attack?] Nineteen of our soldiers died at Uri. A 24-year-old jawan, Nitin Yadav, died during the Baramulla attack.

Do you think the families of the soldiers who were martyred, or the relatives of all the thousands of soldiers who serve in the army are concerned about whether or not a film releases?

No, theyre concerned about their future.

And our concern should be ensuring that their present, and their future, is good.

Theyre there, thats why Im here. Theyre there, thats why youre here. Theyre there and thats why India is here.

Jai hind!

Watch the clip of Akshay's statement here:

Something which has been on my mind since the past few days and I just had to say it. Not intending to offend anyone...so here goes pic.twitter.com/ASaLwobWgu  Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 6, 2016

Over the past few days, several Bollywood celebrities have come forward to explain their stance on the current bilateral tensions. From Salman Khan to Nana Patekar, read their comments in full here.
Now that one week has passed after Indias surgical strikes against terrorists camps in Pakistan, can we please stop congratulating ourselves? Can we please sit down and calmly look at issues raised? Specifically, can all of us walk into a cinema hall and look at what happened to Bollywood?

In the beginning of this tragic-comedy drama, the Maharastra Navnirman Sena gave a 48-hour ultimatum to all Pakistani actors to leave India. They protested outside Karan Johars Dharma Productions office.

They said they will not allow Dharmas Ae Dil Hai Mukshil (which features Pakistani actor Fawad Khan) to release on Oct 28th.

They have also threatened to stop the release of Excel & Red Chillies forthcoming film Raees (which features Pakistani actress Mahira Khan in a leading role opposite Shahrukh Khan).

I am puzzled by what gives MNS the right to demand this? Could it be sheer goonda power?

After all this is a party which won one seat out of the 219 it contested in the 2014 elections and its lone MLA from Junnar, SB Sonawane has already launched another party.

But then MNS is not just the comedian we see on our screen. Soon the BJP, Shiv Sena, Congress, NCP and others also asked Bollywood to boycott Pakistani artistes. Many well-known personalities (many from Bollywood themselves), TV news anchors and media companies also called for a boycott. The accusation leveled at Bollywood: How can you use Pakistani artiste when your Jawans are being killed by Pakistan-supported terrorists?

I am no admirer of Fawad Khan or Mahira Khan. I think India has far better actors if they are given a chance. But I fail to understand: Why didnt the government of India which is directly affected by cross border terrorism ban the use of Pakistani talent in India? How can the Modi sarkar issues visas (since 2014) to Pakistani artistes when our Jawans are being killed by Pakistan-supported terrorists?

Is it because Pakistan artiste operating in Bollywood is a not really such an important issue for the government? Is it because the government wants officially to project that we dont want to mix art with politics or military actions? The answers to these questions are not what party officials, Arnab Goswami, or rabble rousing military experts would want to hear.

Whilst we are seated inside the cinema hall and watching this Bollywood-under- attack dramedy, let us take a commercial break:Indias exports to Pakistan in 2015-16 was $2.17 billion. Indias imports were less than $500 million during the same period. Simply put, India makes more from Pakistan than Pakistan from India.

This year in Pakistan there has been a surge in demand for Indian cotton, dairy products and sugar. Incidentally, Pakistan was the largest buyer of Indian cotton in the 2015/16 season.

So in the last six months as an anti-Pakistan fever was gripping us, Indian companies were happily sending cotton and sugar from Mumbais port to Karachi. Have you ever seen the Shiv Sena or the MNS threatening to beat up these Mumbai based trading companies or Mumbai Port Trust officials?

In the case of cement it is the reverse scenario. Because of Indian demand, there is a surge in cement imports from Pakistan. Cement from Pakistan turns out to be cheaper. The average price of a sack of an Indian brand is around Rs 550 but Pakistani supplies are sold at Rs 480-500.

Have you ever seen Arnab scolding Indian businessmen on how dare they import cheaper cement from Pakistan when thousands of innocent Indians are being killed in Pak-sponsored terrorist acts?

Remember, these are all official Indo-Pak trades authorized by the Indian government.

According to an ICRIER report released in July 2016, Indias annual informal trade with Pakistan is about US$ 4.71 billion. Of this, Indias exports to Pakistan are estimated to be USD 3.99 billion and imports from Pakistan USD 0.72 billion.

The ICRIER report gives an interesting example of informal trade: The New Textile Market is a major textile hub in Surat with about 50,000 members. About 42,000 of its members are exporting overseas. The main export items of these exporters are Salwar Kameez Dupatta (SKD) and dyed and other fabrics etc. About 90 percent of these exporters export to Pakistan via Dubai and only 10 percent do it directly.

I have not yet seen any nationalistic party asking how dare these Surat traders send Salwar Kameez Dupatta to Pakistan?

Enough of this blaming Bollywood dramedy or as the Anupam Khers and Ashok Pandits exemplify nautanki.

Even though its a cliche this is true: Bollywood is a soft target.

Today you will hear these psudeo-nationalists call for a ban on Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. In some days you will hear them asking to ban Amazon which is planning to launch Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in its paid digital video service. Next year they will ask Salman Khan and Kabir Khans Tubelight to be banned because it features Chinese actress Zhu Zhu and China is supplying weapons to Pakistan or because Salman Khan made a stupid statement.

The Indian government will turn a deaf ear to all this threats or shrug it off and say this is not our official policy. India will officially continue doing business with Pakistan and making pots of money, terrorism be damned.

And then our nationalists and our countrys conscience keepers will wait for another chance to hit Bollywood and grab eyeballs.

(Mahesh Nair is a writer and film maker)
The 2016 Nobel Prize winners rolled out this week. So far, we have this year's winners in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine. The laureates for the literary and peace prizes are to be rolled out before 7 October 2016.

The Nobel Prize winners receive the highest form of adulation and adoration for their scientific, literary and peace contributions to the world. This means that millions of biographers, reporters and filmmakers follow their life stories with great interest.

Apart from films like A Beautiful Mind where Russell Crowe plays the troubled physicist and Nobel laureate John Nash and Invictus which documents Nelson Mandela's life story, here are a few unknown but amazing films about Nobel laureates:

Selma (2014)

Based on the life of: Martin Luther King Jr.

Who won the Nobel laureate for: King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his nonviolent resistance to racial prejudice in America.

The film:

There are countless films, books and documentaries chronicling the life of Martin Luther King Jr but the one that stands out the most is Ava DuVernay's film Selma. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement.

Copenhagen (2002)

Based on the life of: Physicists Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg

Who won the Nobel laureate for: Niels Bohr made foundational contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum theory, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922. Werner Heisenberg won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1932.

The film:

In 1941, physicists Niels Bohr (Stephen Rea) and Werner Heisenberg (Daniel Craig) meet to discuss atomic energy and the Nazis in Copenhagen. BBC's television adaptation of Michael Frayn's Tony award winning play shows Heisenberg leading a faltering German research program into nuclear energy, and middle-aged and isolated Bohr as someone who is in contact with allied agents but stills holds a position of great influence in the nuclear physics research community. Did they speculate and come up with the formula of the atomic bomb?

Madame Curie (1944)

Based on the life of: Marie Curie

Who won the Nobel laureate for: She shared the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics with her husband Pierre Curie and with physicist Henri Becquerel. She also won the 1911 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

The film:

Marie Sklodowska (Greer Garson) is a poor, idealistic student living in Paris struggling to pay her bills. She comes across Pierre Curie, an extremely shy and absentminded man completely devoted to his work as a scientist. They fall in love and get married. The film documents the couples's passionate research and lab work.

Rabindranath Tagore (1961)

Based on the life of: Rabindranath Tagore

Who won the Nobel laureate for: Bengali writer Rabindranath Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913 because of his profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill, he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, a part of the literature of the West.

The film:

The Film Division's of India documentary details the life of Rabindranath Tagore by Satyajit Ray. The documentary was made to celebrate Tagores birth centenary in May 1961 and the film comprises of dramtized episodes from the poet's life and archived images and documents. Ray was conscious that he was making an official portrait of Indias celebrated poet and hence the film does not include any controversial aspects of Tagores life. However, it is far from being a propaganda film.

My Boy Jack (2008)

Based on the life of: Rudyard Kipling

Who won the Nobel laureate for: Nobel Prize for literature in 1907

The film:

My Boy Jack is based on the 1997 play by English actor David Haig.

Kipling looses his son who is a soldier in the first World War. The title comes from Kipling's 1915 poem My Boy Jack. The poem is recited in its entirety in the film, which was first produced as a play in England in 1997 and was then adapted for English television last year. The film stars David Haig as Rudyard Kipling, Daniel Radcliffe as Jack Kipling and Kim Cattrall as Kimberly Kipling.

The time is 1914, just before the onset of World War I. Jack Kipling, 17, desperately wants to enlist, but his eyesight gets him rejected from the Royal Navy and then the Army. Even more than a desire to fight the Germans, he is determined to leave home to make a life of his own in which he wont have to live in the shadow of his famous father.
New Delhi: Looking at advancing the date of Budget presentation to February 2 or even earlier, the Finance Ministry today briefed a Parliamentary panel on the proposed change as also the government's decision to merge railway budget with general budget.

Explaining the objective behind the proposed budget reforms, sources said, Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa informed the members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance of different aspects of the reform process.

As per the practice, the general budget is unveiled in Lok Sabha on the last working day of February.

Lavasa answered queries of members about the pros and cons of merging the Union and Railway budgets. Some members raised queries about the fate of dividend received by railways from its PSUs, sources said.

Railway Board Chairman is scheduled to brief the panel headed by former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily on October 21.

As per the sources, Finance Ministry is contemplating to present the general budget between January 30 and February 2 with a view to completing the whole process by March 31.

The ministry said that advancing budget presentation date assumes significance as the GST would be implemented from the start of the new financial year from April 1, 2017, they added.

There is uncertainty about the revenue collection of the central government as there could be teething problems in the initial phase of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) roll out.

The government would need about 8-9 weeks for completing the budget process in Parliament.

As per government's plan, the budget could be presented latest by February 2 and then Parliament would go in for recess around February 10 and meet again around March 10.

Thereafter, the parliament would have time to discuss and pass the Budget and Finance Bill by March 31, the last day of the financial year.

The Cabinet last month approved the Finance Ministry's proposal on landmark budgetary reforms relating to merger of Railway Budget with the General Budget and the advancement of the date of presentation from the last day of February.

The Cabinet has also given its permission to the merger of the Plan and the Non-Plan classification in the Budget and Accounts.

The presentation of separate Railway budget started in 1924, and has continued after independence as a convention rather than under Constitutional provisions.
New Delhi: Ahmedabad-based Zydus Group has got into an in-licensing agreement with Switzerland-based Neovii to launch Grafalon, an immunosuppressant used in solid organ transplants and stem cell transplant, in India.

"The Zydus group will market this therapy through Zydus Trans-immune, a division that offers a range of therapies related to transplant medicine," group firm Cadila Healthcare said in a filing to BSE.

Grafalon offers a specific advantage of efficacy and better safety profile through targeted immunosuppression, it added.

"More than 200,000 patients till date, in over 50 countries, have been treated with Grafalon," Cadila Healthcare said. Transplant outcomes can be improved significantly by the use of immunosuppressant drugs like Grafalon, it added.

"Currently, an estimated 10,000 solid organ transplant and stem cell transplants are taking place annually across 200 plus transplant centres in India," the company said.

The stock of Cadila Healthcare was today trading at Rs 386.50 in the afternoon trade on BSE, down 0.54 per cent from its previous close.
By Fayaz Bukhari

| SRINAGAR, India

SRINAGAR, India Indian soldiers shot dead seven suspected militants who tried to attack two army bases in northern Kashmir on Thursday, police said, prompting anger from Pakistan as a crisis between the two neighbours over the disputed region grows.The attacks came after India and Pakistan exchanged more gunfire across the frontier in Kashmir overnight, the Indian army said, despite a 2003 ceasefire. The latest round of tensions started in July when protests erupted after Indian forces killed a separatist leader. Three suspected militants were shot in an orchard near the army base in Kupwara district near the Line of Control, the de facto border that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan, which both claim the Himalayan, Muslim-majority region.Another four suspected militants were killed after they fired at the Indian troops in Nowgam sector of North Kashmir, said police superintendent Ghulam Jeelani.India accuses Muslim Pakistan of backing the separatists and helping them infiltrate Indian-ruled Kashmir. Pakistan denies this, saying it only offers moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their campaign for self-determination.Last week India announced its special forces had carried out a strike against militants camped on the Pakistan side of Kashmir and inflicted significant casualties.

Pakistan denied such a strike had taken place and accused India of fabricating the raids for political reasons.Pakistan's military chief said Pakistan would not hesitate to take respond. "Any aggression, born out of deliberate intent or even a strategic miscalculation, will not be allowed to go unpunished and will be met with the most befitting response," said General Raheel Sharif, the head of Pakistan's military.

India said it has ample evidence to prove that a strike was conducted but concerns regarding national security will be assessed before releasing any proof.On Wednesday night, militants from Pakistan unsuccessfully tried to breach the Line of Control at two points in the Nowgam sector and one at Rampur, an Indian army spokesman said. Another army officer said that when soldiers fired at them, the suspected militants fled back to Pakistan.

The two sides traded artillery fire across the Line of Control in Nowshera, Pallanwala and Mendhar sections overnight, the Indian army said. Pakistan said India initiated the shelling, which often increases along the Line of Control during periods of tension. (Additional reporting by Drazen Jorgic and Asad Hashim in ISLAMABAD Editing by Paul Tait, Robert Birsel and Raissa Kasolowsky)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
New Delhi: Body of an 11-year-old girl, who was missing since Tuesday, was found stuffed in a sack in northeast Delhi's New Usmanpur area on Wednesday.

The girl, a resident of Gautampuri in the area, had gone to buy some household items on Tuesday afternoon but did not return and on Wednesday, her body was found, metres away from her house, police said.

Her body was found at around 7 am by a rag-picker who saw the sack lying in one of the lanes of Gautampuri area and opened it, thinking it must be containing garbage.

He raised an alarm when he saw the girl's body and police was informed, a senior police official said.

The deceased was a student of class V in an MCD school in the area and had returned home early Tuesday since she was not feeling well.

Around noon, her mother had sent her to buy an adhesive but the girl did not return for a long time, following which the mother then informed her husband, an autorickshaw driver, and her relatives.

They approached the police and a case was registered.

The girl's family alleged that she was sexually assaulted before being killed, as there were injury marks on the body.

"A case of murder has been registered and we are awaiting post-mortem report to find out whether she was sexually assaulted," Deputy Commissioner of Police (North East) Ajit Kumar Singla said.

Police is suspecting the involvement of someone known to the victim's family since there was no ransom call or threat call received by the family.

"The girl's family has expressed suspicion on a relative who had enmity with their over some property and could have plotted the kidnapping. The person will be called for questioning," said a senior police officer.
In September last year, parents of a seven-year-old boy named Avinash ran from hospital to hospital, trying in vain to save their dying child. They begged everyone to admit their child, who was suffering from dengue, but by the time someone consented to treat their son, it was too late.

The parents, not able to cope with their loss, committed suicide by jumping off a four-storeyed building in south Delhi's Lado Sarai.

Following a Times of India report, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) passed an order on 16 September, 2015 to treat the case as a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

The petition came up for hearing on 4 October. After hearing from all the parties in the case  CU Singh, senior counsel appearing on behalf of the government of Delhi, the Solicitor General appearing for the government of Delhi, the Amicus Curiae  the court held that as all the parties have expressed the view that everybody would like to co-operate for the benefit of the people of Delhi. In our opinion, for the general interest of the people of Delhi and considering the fact that a large number of people are affected by dengue and chikungunya, it would be appropriate if a meeting is convened by the Lieutenant Governor on 5 October, 2016 at 2 pm.

The order further read, The participants should resolve issues relating to the better management of the problems faced by the people of Delhi due to dengue and chikungunya  and other issues, if so advised. The interests of the people of Delhi are paramount.

According to the 4 October order, the Solicitor General stated that he will request the chief secretary of the government of Delhi to convey this to the Lieutenant Governor and the participants in the meeting will be: the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal; Health Minister Satyendra Kumar Jain; Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, commissioner of South Delhi Municipal Corporation; Mohanjeet Singh, commissioner of East Delhi Municipal Corporation; PK Gupta, commissioner of North Delhi Municipal Corporation; Naresh Kumar, chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation; Mangu Singh, chairman of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation; AK Puthia, general manager of the Northern Railway; KK Sharma, chief secretary of Delhi; CK Mishra, union health secretary; Uday Pratap Singh, the vice-chairman of the Delhi Development Authority and B Reddy Sankar Babu, chief executive officer of the Delhi Cantonment Board.

Further, it was agreed that the Amicus Curiae will also be present in the meeting and the L-G will be assisted by an officer of his choice in the meeting.

The meeting, however, did not bear any results as reflected in the 6 October order of the apex court when the petition was called on for hearing again. The apex court in its order observed, We have gone through the minutes of the meeting held yesterday and are quite disappointed with the outcome.

The order states that the Solicitor General informed that another meeting will be convened on Thursday by the Lieutenant Governor at 5.30 pm with the amicus and the officers mentioned in the order dated 4 October, 2016. However, as stated in the order, senior counsel CU Singh stated that the chief minister is unwell and perhaps may not be able to attend the meeting. Also, that the Delhi Development Authority does not have any incumbent vice-chairman and that the chief secretary, KK Sharma, is on leave and in their place other persons in charge would participate in the meeting.

The court also made an important observation that it was pointed out to us by learned amicus on 4 October, 2016 that there is a huge amount of garbage lying in and around the city and that is also one of the reasons for vector-borne diseases.

The participants will discuss effective ways to have the garbage cleared so that standards of sanitation and hygiene are maintained in and around Delhi, the court stated in its order.

It further states that we expect the participants to keep the interests of the people of Delhi in mind and look out at the entire exercise in a positive manner and think about the future rather than the past. We also expect the efforts to be consultative, collaborative and cooperative."

As on 30 August, as reported by PTI, a massive surge in vector-borne diseases in the national capital was observed. Chikungunya and dengue cases in the city shot up to 423 and 487 respectively. According to the report released by the civic authorities, 423 chikungunya cases were diagnosed in Delhi till 27 August, while 368 out of the 487 dengue cases were recorded in August.

The PIL that is being heard by the apex court is a reminder of the sad episode involving Avinash's parents and stands testament to the fact that vector-borne diseases, when not tackled sensitively, can shatter lives. In this context, the role of civic authorities becomes most important and any lethargy on their part is sure to create 'disappointments'.
New Delhi: A proposal to ban celebrities from endorsements if found guilty of being part of a misleading advertisements is being considered by the Consumer Affairs Ministry, Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said on Thursday.

Paswan was however non-committal on a Parliamentary panel recommendation for jail term to celebrities found guilty.

A group of ministers, headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had in late August, asked the ministry to look at laws of other countries related to misleading ads by celebrities before finalising the amendments to the Bill based on the recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee.

The Committee had recommended a jail term of up to five years and a fine of Rs 50 lakh for celebrities endorsing misleading advertisements.

"We will take action against celebrities endorsing misleading advertisements. We have studied the laws prevailing in other countries on celebrities for misleading ads. There are penalties in some countries. There is a provision for ban of three years for celebrities in some countries and a life time ban in case of repeated offence," Paswan told reporters.

"All these suggestions are under consideration. We will soon go to the Cabinet," he said on the sidelines of an Assocham event 'National Summit & Awards on FMCG'.

He declined to comment whether the ministry will accept the Parliamentary panel's recommendation of jail term for celebrities.

Paswan said his ministry is preparing a cabinet note for moving additional amendments to the new Consumer Protection bill 2015, which has already been introduced in Lok Sabha to repeal the 30-year-old Consumer Protection Act.

"We hope the bill will be passed in the coming session of Parliament," he said, adding that the new law would have stringent provisions for adulteration.

Paswan asked the industry not to indulge in misleading ads and said that celebrities should endorse only what is mentioned on the products.
A day after she declined to give a categorical answer, BJP MP and veteran actress Hema Malini on Wednesday said she was against Pakistani artistes working in India.

"I would like to say that I am 100 per cent with our jawans (soldiers) who are fighting and dying for our country and do not support Pakistan artistes working here. Jai Hind!" Hema tweeted on Wednesday.

The 67-year-old actress lauded the Indian Army for carrying out surgical strikes on terror launch pads along the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistani territory last month.

"Our army has done a great job with the surgical strikes and the whole country should be supportive of them. Why ask for proof of action? Unheard of!" she added.

On Tuesday, however, Hema Malini said she appreciated the work of Pakistani actors and didn't say if they should be allowed to work in India or not.

Asked about her view on the ban on Pakistani artistes in India, the Lok Sabha member from Mathura said: "I don't want to comment much on this controversial question. But all I can say is that we are artistes and so are those who come from there (Pakistan) to perform here.

"As an artiste, I can appreciate their work. But whether they should stay here or not, I can't comment."

The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association has passed a resolution deciding to ban Pakistani artistes from working in Indian movies until tensions between the two countries subside, following a terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir that left 19 soldiers dead.
New Delhi: The official Twitter handle of India Post on Wednesday tagged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a tweet, berating him for "becoming headlines" in the Pakistani media for "political gains", but later deleted it and issued an apology.

"@ArvindKejriwal you have failed us big time Mr. Kejriwal, for you petty political gains you can become headlines for Pakistani press (sic)," the tweet, which was put out around 12 pm read.

When contacted, an official of the India Post said it may have been the result of "hacking or technical loophole".

"Corrective action was taken as soon as we learnt about it. We have apologised for the tweet. It may be an act of hacking or any technical loophole. We are looking into the matter. India Post does not intend to hurt anyone, which is clearly known to everyone," the official said.

"Account hacked & some negative message @ArvindKejriwal has been posted. We sincerely apologies for inconvenience @manojsinhabjp @rsprasad (sic)," India Post later tweeted.

Account hacked & some negative message @ArvindKejriwal has been posted. We sincerely apologise for the same. @manojsinhabjp @rsprasad  India Post (@IndiaPostOffice) October 5, 2016

Aam Aadmi Party's IT head Ankit Lal dismissed the clarification as the "same old and lame excuse".

He mocked Union IT & Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, urging him to give a new phone to the "bhakt" who is being paid for running the departments Twitter handle.

This is not the first time that a government Twitter handle has run into troubled waters. The official handle of Indian Railways had retweeted a critical comment made by a user against Kejriwal on 8 September.

The official handle of Digital India had last month shared a poem hailing the security action and killings of civilians in Kashmir. It was later deleted and the person who had tweeted it suspended.

AIR had, through a tweet, taken on Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi the same month, while in July, Startup Indias Twitter account had shared two tweets targeting journalists and Pakistan.
New Delhi: India on Thursday said it will review the Most Favoured Nation status granted to Pakistan by it based on the security and trade interests, asserting that terror cannot be the commodity exported. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said that the speech by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hailing Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani in Parliament shows Pakistan's complicity in terrorism directed against India and was "self implicating". Sharif had hailed Wani as "son of the Kashmiri soil" while addressing the joint session on Wednesday.

"Promoting shared prosperity with neighbours has been government's priority but terror cannot be the commodity exported. We will undertake a review based on our security and trade interests," he said when asked if India will review the MFN status given to Pakistan by India, unilaterally.

Asked about the recent conversation between the National Security Advisors of India and Pakistan, he said the Prime Ministers of the two countries had in January agreed that their NSAs will remain in touch and the details should not be made public. "India remains committed not to make it public." Earlier this week, Pakistan Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz was quoted as saying by Pakistani media that India has agreed to reduce tensions after their NSAs spoke over phone.

This was first such contact after the Uri attack and India's retaliatory surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC. Swarup also refused to react to the reports in Pakistani media that Sharif has asked the powerful military not to shield banned militant groups and directed authorities to conclude the Pathankot terror attack probe and the 2008 Mumbai attack trials.

On the reports that Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), an umbrella group of jihadi and Islamist outfits as Hafiz Saeed's JeM, organising a rally in Pakistan on 28 October, he said India has always voiced its concerns at the freedom available to such internationally designated terrorists in Pakistan to conduct and promote anti India activities openly. "It is up to the government of Pakistan to abide by its assurances that it will deny the use of its territory for such purposes," he added.
Chennai: The Madras High Court dismissed the petition seeking government's statement on Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaas health and the name of an interim chief minister. The court observed that it was a publicity petition, reports ANI.

A three-member doctors team from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Aiims) will examine Jayalalithaa admitted in Apollo Hospital since last month, said reports.

According to reports, the three-member team  pulmonologist GC Khilnani, cardiologist Nitish Naik and anaesthetist Anjan Trikha  will examine the 68-year old Jayalalithaa.

However, officials of Apollo Hospials and the state government were not available to comment.

The AIIMS medical team comes after a British doctor Richard Beale, consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at Guy's and St Thomas Hospital, London examined Jayalalithaa.

According to Apollo Hospitals, the treatment plan was based on detailed discussions with Beale.

The treatment plan included appropriate antibiotics, respiratory support and other allied clinical measures presently being continued to treat the infection.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on 22 September for fever and dehydration.

While Apollo Hospitals initially said Jayalalithaa was cured of fever, later it said she was being treated for infection. She was advised some more days stay in the hospital.

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court on 4 October directed Tamil Nadu's Additional Advocate General to get instructions from the government on Jayalalithaa's health.

Social activist Traffic Ramaswamy filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Madras High Court seeking the real status of Jayalalithaa's health.

The court also observed that people were anxious to know about the Chief Minister's health.

Traffic Ramaswamy sought to know whether Jayalalithaa was in sound health to take important decisions and hold meetings of officials and ministers.
Nagpur: NCP Chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday supported the Narendra Modi government over surgical strikes by Army in PoK, saying it was necessary to teach a lesson to terrorists and those exporting terror and similar action were taken during the UPA regime but the then government did not boast about them.

The former Defence Minister also slammed those seeking evidence of the Army action, saying they were "foolish and most irresponsible". "The government and Indian Army's decision (to carry out the cross-LoC surgical strikes) was absolutely right for teaching a lesson to the terrorists and those exporting terror," Pawar said during a meet-the-press programme.

He, however, said it would not be in the national interest to discuss about the Army operation. "No other government or country normally discusses such things on public platforms...No country is insane to talk publicly about the military operations," he said.

"It is foolish and most irresponsible on the part of those demanding evidence of surgical strikes by the Army...It will be unnecessarily discussing the operational details of Army in public domain," the NCP chief said. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Sanjay Nirupam have sought proof in support of the claim that the Indian Army had conducted the strikes across the LoC in PoK targeting seven terror launch pads.

Earlier, while speaking at a party convention here, he said, "There were four surgical strikes (across the LoC) when we (UPA) were in power. However, we did not publicise it." Congratulating the Modi government over the surgical strikes, Pawar objected to the Army operation being made public. "Some things should not be made public," he said.

"Our government carried out surgical strikes in Myanmar, but our operation was limited and we never tried to capitalise on it," he said. About PM telling his cabinet colleagues not to create hysteria over the strikes, Pawar said the BJP leaders should avoid making statements (over the Army operation). "There is no need to make such statements," Pawar said.
New Delhi: A senior Pakistan police officer has admitted that India indeed carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and killed at least five soldiers and several militants in an operation that Islamabad denies happened.

The Superintendent of Police (Special Branch) of the Mirpur Range in Paksitani Kashmir, told CNN News18 TV channel that the strikes took place at many sectors on the early hours of 29 September.

The news channel said on Wednesday that one of its journalists, Manoj Gupta, posed as Inspector General of Police Mushtaq while speaking to to the SP over telephone.

The channel aired excerpts of the conversation, quoting the SP as saying that he personally knew about the strikes.

The Indian operation, he said, occurred at Samana in Bhimber, Hazira in Poonch, Dudhniyal in Neelam and Kayani in Hathian Bala, the border sectors on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control (LoC).

The SP said the Pakistan Army cordoned off all these areas immediately after the Indian incursion.

"Sir, that was night... you can say roughly 3-4 hours... between 2 a.m. and 4 or 5 a.m... The attack continued between that time.

"There were attacks on separate places... Several places were attacked... They also met (with) resistance," the SP said.

The news channel said the SP stated that the Pakistan Army was caught unawares by the Indian attack and lost five soldiers. The channel said it had the names of the slain Pakistani soldiers but didn't reveal them.

The Mirpur police officer also claimed that the bodies of an unknown number of terrorists were quickly removed by the Pakistani military and taken away in ambulances.

He said the bodies many have been buried in villages.

The SP also revealed that the Pakistani Army facilitates the movement of terrorists in forward areas and arranges for their crossing over to India, the channel said.

"The army brings them, sir... it is in their hands," the SP said.

He said he doesn't know about the accurate number of terrorists killed because the Pakistan Army protects the jihadi infrastructure from even the local authorities and police.

The admission by the senior police officer came even as Pakistan has repeatedly trashed Indian claims that its commandos crossed the LoC and destroyed seven terror launch pads and killed an unknown number of militants.

Pakistan even took a group of local and foreign journalists to some areas near the LoC to claim that the surgical strikes never happened.

The Indian Army carried out the operation to avenge the September 18 killing of 19 Indian soldiers in a terror attack on a military base in Jammu and Kashmir.

India said the suicide attackers were from the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and infiltrated from Pakistan.
Jaisalmer: Home Minister Rajnath Singh will arrive in Jaisalmer on Friday to review the security situation along the India-Pakistan border with Chief Ministers of four states whose boundaries touch Pakistan and top BSF officials.

During the two-day visit, Singh will hold meetings with top BSF officials and chair a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, officials said.

The Home Minister will tour border areas of Rajasthan and will visit border outposts to asses the situation along the India-Pakistan border.

Barmer Collector Sudhir Sharma said the Home Minister will hold meeting with BSF officials in Barmer on 8 October.

Elaborate arrangements are being made for the visit, he said.
The one-man judicial commission set up to probe the circumstances that lead to Rohith Vemula's suicide has submitted its report stating that Vemula's mother "branded" herself a Dalit only to obtain the caste benefits, and that the Hyderabad University's decision to expel Vemula from hostel was "most reasonable".

The 41-page-report, accessed by The Indian Express, reportedly puts the varsity authorities in the clear stating that the disciplinary actions taken by the administration were "not politically motivated" and that personal frustration, not discrimination led to Vemula's suicide. The report further hands out a clean chit to Union ministers Bandaru Dattatreya and Smriti Irani, who it was alleged put undue pressure on the university to act against Vemula, stating that they were "merely discharging their duties as public servants".

The one-man committee, constituted 11 days after Vemula's suicide by the then Human Resource Development minister Smriti Irani to probe Vemula's death, is based on the deposition of close to 50 people, most of whom are University staff and teachers, according to The Indian Express.

The report compiled and submitted by the former Allahabad High Court judge AK Roopanwal dismissed the allegations that Vemula was driven to suicide or faced any discrimination, according to The Quint. It came to the conclusion citing a five-day-gap between the nine-member proctorial committee's report advising that strict action be taken against Vemula on ABVP student leader's complaint and the letter written by Union Minister of Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya to HRD minister Smriti Irani requesting strict action against Vemula.

Who was Rohith Vemula?

Rohith Vemula was a 26-year-old PhD scholar at the Hyderabad University, who committed suicide on 17 January, 2016, after he and four other students were suspended from the college hostel following a disciplinary action initiated by the University administration on the complaint of a ABVP student leader lodged in August. The ABVP student had alleged that Vemula and other members of the the Ambedkar Students Association (ASA) had roughed him up and demanded an apology for posting an 'angry' Facebook post, after the ASA protested against the hanging of Yakub Memon. After the ABVP leader's complaint, the University's proctorial board launched an enquiry into the matter and recommended strict action against Vemula and others.

The research scholars, following this, were expelled from their hostel in December. They were denied access to hostels and other buildings on the campus, except their classroom, library and conferences and workshops related to their subject of study. They were evicted from their rooms in January and since then they were forced to sleep in a makeshift tent on the campus. It is this committee report that the Roopanwal commission drew from, in assuming that the disciplinary action was recommended five days before Dattatreya wrote a letter to the HRD ministry, hence ruling out the possibility of political interference. The judiciary panel probe report also observes that it is highly unlikely that all nine members of the proctorial committee will come under political pressure when none of them were directly under any of the ministers, according to The Quint.

Why is Vemula's caste important?

Ever since Vemula committed suicide his caste identity has been mired in mystery and has been at the eye of the storm. One reason for it could be that if it is established that Vemula was a Dalit and was led to suicide due to discrimination, then legal action against all accused, including Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya and Hyderabad university Vice-Chancellor Appa Rao Podile will be taken as per the more stringent SC/ST Atrocities (Prevention) Act.

If found guilty, not only will the quantum of punishment be stringent, but according to the new law, there is a presumption to the offence clause in the act according to which the court may assume that the accused was aware of the victim's caste identity unless proved otherwise.

Vemula's caste has been mired in controversy as his father was a Vaddera (OBC) and his mother, who is separated from his father and brought Vemula up considers herself a Mala (SC). According to a report in Hindustan Times, Vemula's mother was apparently a Mala by birth and was adopted into a Vaddera family. She was thereafter married to a Vaddera but after the couple seperated after marriage, she went back to assume her Mala identity.

The report compiled and submitted by the former Allahabad High Court judge AK Roopanwal dismissed the allegations that Vemula was driven to suicide or faced any discrimination

A probe was launched by the HRD ministry into the caste identity of Vemula and contrasting evidence have surfaced thus far. First, a report published in The Hindu on 15 June states that the Guntur district collector heading the enquiry into Vemula's caste has stated that he was a Dalit. However, later the collector in a U-turn stated that a fresh probe is needed to determine his caste as it is shrouded in 'ambiguity.'

The Roopanwal commission has however is of the view that Vemula's mother "branded" herself a Dalit to avail the benefits of reservations. The commission questioned that Vemula's adoptive grandmother never revealed his mother's biological parents' identity so how can she be sure about their caste, according to The Indian Express report.

However, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairman PL Punia on Thursday rejected the reported finding of the Roopanwal Commission that Rohith Vemula did not belong to the SC community as "totally wrong". NCSC chairman said the statutory body and the district collector have, in separate reports, found that the Hyderabad Central University research scholar belonged to the Dalit community, and not Other Backward Class (OBC).

However, according to a PTI report, HRD ministry sources have earlier said that in its recommendations, the Roopanwal commission has also emphasised that there should be proper grievance redressal mechanisms, equal opportunity cells so that unfortunate incidents like Vemula's suicide can be prevented.

"The government will focus that those recommendations are implemented that will ensure that proper mechanisms are in place," a source said.

The government will not go into those aspects of the report which were not in the commission's terms of reference including determination of Vemula's caste, sources added.

It is also understood that in the report, the commission has held that Vemula could not be held to be a Dalit. However, sources maintained that the ministry would focus on implementation of recommendations and prefer not go into aspects like determination of Vemula's caste.
Ahmedabad: The state government on Wednesday opposed the demand for a CBI probe into the Una Dalit atrocity incident before the Gujarat High Court, saying that the investigation done by the CID was "immaculate".

In an affidavit filed before the division bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice VM Pancholi, the government also said that Thangadh Dalit killing incident of 2012 had "a completely different set of facts that cannot be equated with the facts of the present (Una) case".

The government's reply came in response to a public interest litigation seeking a CBI probe in the Una case where some Dalit youths were flogged in public on the suspicion of having killed a cow.

The petition said the probe by state CID may remain inconclusive, as in the case of death of three Dalit youths in police firing at Thangadh in Surendranagar in 2012.

The government's affidavit said that while in the Thangadh case CID filed a closure summary report (saying there was no evidence), in the Una incident CID had filed a chargesheet against all the accused, including four policemen.

"The (Thangadh) incident has a completely different set of facts....In so far as the present case is concerned, immaculate investigation has been carried out by the team (of CID)," it said.

Witnesses' statements and reports of the Forensic Science Laboratory and material evidence had made the prosecution's case strong, the government said.

"The charge sheet has been filed in less than two months against 34 accused and other charge sheets for other accused will be filed in due course," it said.

Advocate Ratna Vora, the lawyer for petitioner Kantibhai Chavda, today argued that he suspected there was a "larger conspiracy", which CID had not probed.

The HC asked the petitioner to file a reply by 18 October.
Chennai: Observing that it should not be used for "political purposes", the Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL seeking a detailed report from the government on the health of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, undergoing treatment at a hospital here since 22 September.

When the PIL came up, the first bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul observed, "This forum should not be used for political purposes and it is a publicity interest litigation."

"The hospital is already issuing health bulletins. PIL is dismissed," the court said.

The petitioner 'Traffic' Ramaswamy, a social activist, had submitted that the people of Tamil Nadu were eager to know about the health condition of Jayalalithaa.

The PIL also sought releasing of photographs of the meeting Jayalalithaa is said to have had with her cabinet colleagues and officials in the hospital.

The 68-year-old AIADMK leader was admitted to the Apollo Hospital after she complained of fever and dehydration.
Suspended RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav, who is accused of raping a 15-year-old minor girl, called upon the RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday and said he has no grudge against the state government, ahead of the hearing against his bail plea in the Supreme Court, according to a report in Times Now.

Emerging from the meeting at 10 Circular Road residence of former Chief Minister Rabri Devi where he met RJD president Lalu Prasad, Raj Ballabh Yadav told reporters it was a courtesy visit to extend greetings of Durga Puja. There was no word from Lalu Prasad on the meeting. The office at Rabri Devi's house also maintained it was a usual courtesy visit.

Raj Ballabh Yadav, MLA from Nawada, said he has no complaint against the state government for going against his bail in the apex court. "Government works according to a system. Chief Minister

Nitish Kumar has not gone into appeal ... I do not have any grievance against the state government. Why you (mediapersons) are raising question about the system," he said.

Replying to questions, Raj Ballabh said, "There is no serious charge against me. There is no FIR or statement of the victim under 164 CRPC against me." The third term RJD MLA was suspended from the party in the wake of the rape allegation against him.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Prasad Yadav told reporters that the government was doing its duty and it is up to the court to see if the accused MLA is guilty.

"Let us leave the matter to the court to decide," Tejaswi Yadav, who is also leader of RJD Legislature party in the state Assembly, said.

Raj Ballabh Yadav, a RJD loyalist, was granted bail on 30 September by the Patna High Court, which was challenged by the Bihar government  formed in alliance with Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal  in the Supreme Court. The matter is due for hearing on Friday.

Earlier, the victim in the alleged rape case expressed concern for herself and her family's safety even as the Bihar government on Wednesday had appealed against the bail order. In a desperate bid to draw attention to her apprehensions, the Nalanda schoolgirl sent out a a WhatsApp message to reporters saying she and her family were "living in fear" after the release of Yadav.

"He (Yadav) is out of jail...I am scared and afraid for my family. What will happen to them? I am already dead after what happened to me. I have nothing more to lose," the victim said in her message.

She said she was scared that her family might be "eliminated", along with her. The victim, after the trauma of the sordid event, had to write her matriculation papers at a secluded centre due to fear. The state school examination board facilitated the separate exam and the girl cleared the examination in first division. According to

The girl a resident of Rahui in Nalanda, was allegedly raped by Raj Ballabh on 6 February at his Bihar Sharif residence, around 70 km from Patna . While the crime was committed in February, The Times of India, reported that it was in April that the Nalanda police had filed an FIR and Raj Ballabh was named as the key accused. The police chargesheet also names a woman and her relatives for allegedly supplying girls to the RJD lawmaker.

RJD suspended the accused from party membership a day after his arrest.

Amid fear that his many properties might be confiscated, Yadav had surrendered before a local court in March, after evading arrest for over a month.

Meanwhile, according to a report by NDTV, the Opposition has been cornering the Nitish Kumar-led government over the links of the accused with the RJD, a partner in the ruling alliance. The BJP accused Bihar government of not pursuing cases against tainted politicians linked to RJD so as not to upset its key political ally.

The Bihar government has also been under fire after RJD strongman Mohammed Shahabuddin, accused in over 40 cases of murder, extortion and kidnapping, managed to secure a bail from the High Court. However, Shahbuddin surrendered after the apex court set aside his bail order on 30 September, on Bihar government's plea.

With inputs from PTI
On Tuesday, BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in a press conference had lashed out at AAP and Congress for asking for proof of the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army against terror launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"In matters of national security, one should not raise frivolous questions just because of political rivalry," Prasad had said in that press conference.

"Politics has its own place. Please do not do or say anything which insults the Indian Army," he had also said.

Ironically, just a day later, ANI reported that this had happened in Varanasi:

Seen in Varanasi (UP), posters featuring PM Modi as Lord Rama, Pak PM as Ravana, and Arvind Kejriwal as Meghanada. pic.twitter.com/BLrPu38qCS  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 5, 2016

While the BJP is adamant on portraying the Opposition parties in a poor light for questioning the surgical strikes, it conveniently ignores this poster put up by members of its Maharashtra ally Shiv Sena. This poster not only insults the intelligence of people and turns the issue highly political, but also insults the Indian Army, something Prasad had accused Opposition parties of doing.

Portraying Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Lord Ram, Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif as Ravana and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal as Meghanad (son of Ravana) makes it seem like all the credit for the strike should go to Modi.

If asking for proof of the strikes is an insult to the army, using the surgical strikes efficiently conducted by the Indian Army as political tool to try and get credit and thus, votes in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls is also petty politics and an insult to the army's efforts.

Moreover, it is also factually incorrect. The surgical strikes were not against Nawaz Sharif or Arvind Kejriwal or even Pakistan. The surgical strikes were extremely well-planned strikes against terrorists operating at camp across the LoC.

Yet another poster allegedly put up by local BJP leaders in Uttar Pradesh included a photo of PM Modi, Amit Shah and some other local leaders with the following message: "Hum tumhe maarenge aur zaroor maarenge. Lekin vo bandook bhi humaari hogi, goli bhi humaari hogi, waqt bhi hamaara hoga, bas jagah tumhaari hogi (We will definitely kill you. But the gun, bullet and time will be decided by us. Only the place will you be yours)."

This poster drew a lot of flak from Opposition leaders like Omar Abdullah and AAP leader Ashutosh.

And some people will lecture others about politicising the army action all the while turning a blind eye to hoardings like these that sprout pic.twitter.com/i1hdMC9MDx  Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) October 4, 2016

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar also spoke on the surgical strikes in a rally in Agra and said, "We carried out a 100 percent perfect surgical strike. Our nation carries the heart and courage to carry this task out."

"Some ex-servicemen wrote to me and said that they are ready to fight on the border if need arises. I salute them," Parrikar said. He also said that the work of the Defence Minister was actually being done with the support and the guidance of the Prime Minister.

With inputs from agencies
Hyderabad: Telangana Congress on Thursday attacked the TRS government for allegedly not releasing third instalment of Rs 4,000 crore of the loan waiver scheme to the farmers, leaving them at the mercy of private lenders as banks have stopped giving them loans.

Telangana PCC President N Uttam Kumar Reddy said the amount was supposed to be released in March as part of the government's commitment to waive off Rs 4,000 crore annually for four years to implement the Rs 17,000 crore scheme, but has not done it so far.

"Farmers expecting that the government will pay, have not paid the banks; now the banks are not lending to farmers in rural areas in Telangana. So, the farmers are at the mercy of private money lenders who charge as high 36 to 48 per cent interest per annum, and its a precarious situation," he said.

Farmers had borrowed from private money lenders, and they are in distress now following crop loss due to the recent heavy rains, he said.

"It has affected 37 lakh farmers whose 'pattadar' passbooks are with the banks. Three lakh women farmers had mortgaged their gold with the banks," Reddy claimed.

"Moot point is while this government is paying water grid and irrigation contractors to the tune of Rs 2,000 crore a month, they are not able to honour their commitment of Rs 4,000 crore this fiscal for farmers, for loan waiver," he said.

Reddy, who visited Mahbubnagar on Wednesday and is scheduled to tour other districts, alleged that heavy rains led to crop damage on lakhs of acres but the government has "shockingly" not taken up enumeration to assess the loss.

As much as 90 per cent of Maize crop in Mahbubnagar district is "completely wiped out", he claimed.

He alleged that input subsidy of almost Rs 800 crore given by the Centre earlier for distressed farmers of Telangana had been "diverted" by the state government.

Reddy also said the Centre last year released Rs 790 crore after the Telangana government sent a report to it assessing the loss to agricultural and horticulture crops following drought and cyclone effect at Rs 3,000 crore but "not even a single rupee has been paid to farmers".
By Nick Carey

| CHICAGO

CHICAGO Hundreds of flights have been canceled, Florida airports are being shuttered and train services suspended as Hurricane Matthew heads toward the U.S. southeastern coast, with passengers and goods likely to be stranded or delayed through Saturday.Atlanta-based Delta Airlines said 130 flights were canceled on Thursday after the airline halted operations at southern Florida airports including Miami. A further 150 will be canceled on Friday as Florida airports further north such as Orlando are affected. Additional cancellations are expected for Georgia and South Carolina on Saturday, the airline said. A spokeswoman for Chicago-based United Airlines said the company canceled 180 flights from Wednesday through Saturday affecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Jacksonville. "This is a very fluid situation, so we are ready to change and cancel more flights as needed," she said. American Airlines has canceled flights in southern Florida starting Thursday afternoon, which should resume by midday on Friday. The airline said Orlando flights will cease late on Thursday afternoon, with a reduced service resuming Saturday morning. Jacksonville flights will cease on Friday morning and reduced service will resume on Saturday.

Southwest Airlines Co said it had canceled 60 flights for Thursday due to the hurricane.A FedEx spokeswoman said the package delivery company is implementing unspecified contingency plans but warned of potential service delays or disruptions.

"Contingency plans are being implemented to ensure that shipments arrive at their final destinations as quickly as conditions permit," said Glenn Zaccara, a spokesman for rival United Parcel Service Inc.Operations on No. 3 U.S. railroad CSX Corp's main Florida line from Auburndale into Jacksonville would cease late on Thursday afternoon, spokeswoman Melanie Cost said. Services from Florida into Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina would be curtailed until after the storm passes, she added.

No. 4 U.S. railroad Norfolk Southern Corp is moving equipment away from Southeast coastal areas and transferring shipments inland to secured rail yards. Traffic en route to affected regions is being held at yards throughout the Norfolk Southern system to alleviate congestion in those areas. Miami-based trucking and logistics company Ryder System Inc will close its headquarters during the storm, spokesman David Bruce said. But he added that Ryder is "repositioning rental trucks to the affected areas and working to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply for our customers in the days after the storm passes." (Reporting By Nick Carey; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Eveline Danubrata

| RANAI, Indonesia

RANAI, Indonesia Indonesian warplanes on Thursday staged a large-scale exercise on the edge of South China Sea territory claimed by Beijing, a show of force that adds to regional uncertainty sparked by the Philippines' sudden tilt away from the United States.President Joko Widodo watched from Ranai, capital of the Natuna Islands archipelago, with hundreds of military officials as about 70 jets carried out manoeuvres that included a dog fight and dropping bombs on targets off the coast."The president has a policy that all the outer islands that are strategic will be strengthened, be it air, maritime or land," Gatot Nurmantyo, commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, told reporters."Our country needs to have an umbrella. From corner to corner, we have to safeguard it."Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters in Ranai that the exercise was "routine", but it was also Indonesia's biggest so far and follows a move by Widodo in June to hold a cabinet meeting on board a warship off the Natuna islands. Indonesian officials described Widodo's visit at that time as a strong message to Beijing following a spate of face-offs between Indonesia's navy and Chinese fishing boats in the gas-rich southern end of the South China Sea.China, while not disputing Indonesia's claims to the Natuna islands, has raised Indonesian anger by saying the two countries had "overlapping claims" to waters close to them, an area Indonesia calls the Natuna Sea.China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion worth of trade passes each year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea.

While Indonesia is not part of the dispute over the South China Sea, it objects to China's inclusion of waters around the Natuna Islands within its 'nine-dash line', a demarcation line used by China to show its claims there.Jakarta has traditionally taken a neutral position on the South China Sea itself, acting as a buffer between China and fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that have the most at stake, the Philippines and Vietnam."The overall strength of ASEAN depends in great part on the willingness of Indonesia to play that role of diplomatic broker ... and that's where I think we're seeing some of this wobbliness," said Euan Graham, director of International Security at the Lowy Institute, a Sydney-based think-tank.

"A VERY FLUID SITUATION"

Diplomats and analysts say that, even before the Indonesian military exercise, recent events had thrown the status quo around the South China Sea into doubt, with some countries buttressing long-held positions and others moving towards Beijing.An open war-of-words between Singapore and China, and Vietnam letting two U.S. warships visit its highly-strategic naval base at Cam Ranh Bay this week, contrasted with more pro-Beijing moves taken by the Philippines and Malaysia."We're facing a very fluid situation right now," said Ian Storey, a South China Sea expert at Singapore's ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute.

"We can see some countries taking actions that effectively reveal their consistent positions and others are being much more deferential to China, rolling over and waiting for a tummy rub from Beijing."Storey and other analysts said the hostility towards the United States from new Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, and his questioning of the decades-old security alliance between Manila and Washington, would fuel uncertainty long-term.The potential for a much closer security relationship between China and Russia, which recently staged their first joint exercises in the South China Sea, was another driver."Make no mistake, if Duterte follows through on his rhetoric it has the potential to shift the overall dynamics of not just the South China Sea issue, but broader strategic assumptions across Southeast Asia," he said.Zhang Baohui, a mainland security expert at Hong Kong's Lingnan University, said China may be swift to exploit a tilt away from Washington by Duterte."Some Chinese elites are seeing this as a God-sent gift to China," Zhang said. "This represents a huge potential shift." (Additional reporting by Greg Torode in HONG KONG and Lincoln Feast in SYDNEY; Writing by John Chalmers; Editing by Alex Richardson)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
MANILA The president of the Philippines wants to liberate his country from a "shackling dependency" on the United States which can not guarantee its help when Philippine sovereignty is under threat, its foreign minister said.Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, in the most forceful show of accord from a top official with President Rodrigo Duterte's tough anti-American stance, said the president was "compelled to realign" Philippine foreign policy and not submit to U.S. demands and interests."Breaking away from the shackling dependency of the Philippines to effectively address both internal and external security threats has become imperative in putting an end to our nation's subservience to United States' interests," Yasay said in a Facebook post.Yasay's assessment of U.S. ties follows a diplomatic storm over Duterte's declarations over the past eight days that joint U.S.-Philippines military exercises would cease, a defence agreement would be reviewed and at an undisclosed time, he might "break up" with the United States.On Monday, Duterte said U.S. President Barack Obama should "go to hell", the latest rebuke stemming from U.S. concern about Duterte's deadly war on drugs.On Thursday, Duterte said the United States and European Union should withdraw their assistance to the Philippines if they were unhappy with his crackdown.RHETORIC AT ODDS WITH REALITY

Asked about the ongoing criticism from Manila, U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said the United States was 'mindful of the rhetoric but we believe that it is at odds with the kind of cooperation that we have right now."Kirby told a briefing in Washington that U.S. assistance to the Philippines in the fiscal year that began Oct. 1 was $180 million "and we're committed" to delivering that and working on areas of mutual interest."We remain committed ... to our very real commitments from a security perspective to the Philippines," he said. "What we're focused on now are the assistance efforts that are in place and ensuring that they best benefit the Philippine people and are compliant with U.S. laws and regulations."Yasay, a former securities regulator and lawyer who practiced in the United States, said the Philippines would be forever grateful to its former colonial ruler for "many significant countless things" over their decades-old alliance, but it remained underdeveloped and weak militarily.

He said that in the South China Sea, the United States could not guarantee it would help the Philippines protect its sovereignty, as it is bound to by a 1951 treaty between them."Our defensive forces remain grossly incapable in meeting the security threats that we face from potential foes, not to mention their stagnating impact on our development," Yasay said."Worse is that our only ally could not give us the assurance that in taking a hard line towards the enforcement of our sovereignty rights under international law, it will promptly come to our defence under our existing military treaty and agreements."

Yasay's tone contrasted sharply with that of Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who on Wednesday said Duterte may have been misinformed when he said U.S.-Philippine military exercises were of no benefit to his country.The Philippines won an arbitration ruling in July by a tribunal in The Hague, which declared invalid China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. Manila's relations with Beijing have been strained over the case.Since independence from the United States 70 years ago, it had never allowed the "little brown brothers" of the Philippines to become truly free, Yasay said.The Philippines would seek to engage with China, Yasay said, and would be mindful of the lessons it had learned from being too close to Washington."Our past mistakes in fostering and strengthening our friendship with our white big brother will be instructive for this purpose," he said. (Reporting by Martin Petty; additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed in Washington; Editing by Robert Birsel and David Gregorio)

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United Nations: Former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres is poised to be the ninth United Nations secretary-general and is expected to be formally recommended to the 193-member General Assembly for election by the Security Council on Thursday, diplomats said.

Russia's UN ambassador Vitaly Churkin, president of the 15-member council for October, said he hoped the council would unanimously recommend Guterres, who was also the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.

Guterres, 67, would replace Ban Ki-moon, 72, of South Korea, who will step down at the end of 2016 after serving two terms. Guterres was Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002.

"Today after our sixth straw poll we have a clear favourite and his name is Antonio Guterres," Churkin told reporters with his 14 council colleagues standing behind him on Wednesday.

"We wish Guterres well in discharging his duties as the Secretary-General of the United Nations for the next five years," Churkin said.

The council has been holding informal secret ballots since July in a bid to reach consensus on a candidate. Members had the choices encourage, discourage or no opinion. Guterres has come out on top of all the polls and on Wednesday received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes.

"In the end, there was just a candidate whose experience, vision, and versatility across a range of areas proved compelling," US ambassador Samantha Power told reporters.

"If we have these trans national threats and we don't have somebody at the helm of the United Nations that can mobilise coalitions, that can make the tools of this institution ... work better for people, that's going to be more pain and more suffering and more dysfunction than we can afford," she said.

Diplomats said one of the no opinion votes was cast by one of the five veto wielding powers, which are Russia, China, the United States, France and Britain.

The Security Council will adopt a resolution, traditionally behind closed doors, recommending that the General Assembly appoint Guterres for a five-year term from 1 January, 2017. The resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes to pass.

"We hope it can be done by acclamation," Churkin said.

Thirteen people were nominated in the race to become the next UN chief, but three had already withdrawn before Wednesday's secret ballot. In a bid for more transparency in the opaque selection process, the candidates were for the first time able to make election campaign-style pitches to the General Assembly.

When Guterres spoke to the General Assembly in April, he said he was a candidate to become secretary-general because "the best place to address the root cause of human suffering is at the centre of the UN system." He spoke in English, French and Spanish during the two-hour long town hall meeting.

Guterres, a devout Catholic, spoke about his decade as the UN refugee chief as "an extraordinary privilege but a terrible frustration because there was no humanitarian solution for their plight." He said the solution was always political.

He described a UN chief as "acting with humility, without arrogance, without giving lessons to anybody, but working as a convener, as a facilitator, as a catalyst and behaving like an honest broker, a bridge builder and a messenger for peace."

Seven of the candidates for secretary-general were women amid a push by civil society groups and a third of the 193 UN member states for the first woman UN chief in the 71-year history of the world body, which has had eight male leaders.

The WomanSG lobby group described the win by Guterres as "a disaster for equal rights and gender equality" and said it was an outrage that it appeared the female candidates were "never seriously considered."

In April, Guterres pledged to present a roadmap for gender parity at all levels of the United Nations if elected.

Britain's UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft paid tribute to all the candidates and in particular the women.

"Although it's high time for a woman ... the most important thing for the UK was the qualities of leadership of this position," he told reporters.

He said Guterres was the person to "provide a convening power and a moral authority at a time when the world is divided on issues, above all like Syria."

The UN director at Human Rights Watch, Louis Charbonneau, said: "Ultimately, the next UN secretary-general will be judged on his ability to stand up to the very powers that just selected him, whether on Syria, Yemen, South Sudan, the refugee crisis, climate change or any other problem that comes his way."
By Joseph Guyler Delva

| PORT-AU-PRINCE

PORT-AU-PRINCE The death toll from Hurricane Matthew rose to at least 69 people, including 65 in struggling Haiti, local officials said, as the storm headed northward on Thursday to the Bahamas and Florida.Haitis civil protection service put the toll in the impoverished Caribbean nation at 23 dead with many of them killed by falling trees, flying debris and swollen rivers. The Interior Ministry, a mayor and other local officials confirmed 42 other deaths to Reuters across Haiti.That included 24 people killed in the coastal town of Roche-a-Bateau.

"I've never seen anything like this," said the town's delegate, Louis Paul Raphael.Four people were killed earlier in the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.

Matthew is the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix in 2007. On Tuesday and Wednesday it whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mile-per-hour (225 kph) winds and torrential rain, pummeling towns, crops and homes and killing livestock.

The devastation in Haiti prompted authorities to postpone a presidential election scheduled for Sunday. (Reporting by Joseph Guyler Delva; Writing by Simon Gardner; Editing by Bill Trott)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Stockholm: A French, British and Dutch trio of scientists won the Nobel Chemistry Prize on Wednesday for developing the world's smallest machines that may one day act as artificial muscles to power tiny robots or even prosthetic limbs.

Jean-Pierre Sauvage of France, Fraser Stoddart of Britain and Bernard Feringa of the Netherlands "have developed molecules with controllable movements, which can perform a task when energy is added," the jury said. Inspired by proteins that naturally act as biological machines within cells, these synthetic copies are usually made up of a few molecules fused together. Also called nanomachines or nanobots, they can be put to work as tiny motors, ratchets, pistons or wheels to produce mechanical motion in response to stimuli such as light or temperature change. Molecular machines are a fraction of the width of a human hair but strong enough to move things 10,000 times their size.

Stoddart, Sauvage and Feringa were "the very closest of friends... We're almost what I would call scientific brothers, said Stoddart."Feringa, a 65-year-old professor at the University of Groningen, told reporters at the Nobel press conference the prizewinning research offered great opportunities for the future. "I feel a little bit like the Wright brothers, who were flying 100 years ago for the first time. And then people were saying, 'why do we need flying machines?' And now we've got the Boeing 747 and the Airbus," he said by video link.

"We will build those smart materials in the future. That is a big opportunity  materials that will reconfigurate, that will change, that will adapt themselves, that have properties that can change because they pick up a signal."

The first step towards a molecular machine was taken by Sauvage in 1983, when he succeeded in linking together two ring-shaped molecules to form a chain. Normally, molecules are joined by strong bonds in which the atoms share electrons, but in the chain they were instead linked by a freer mechanical bond. "For a machine to be able to perform a task it must consist of parts that can move relative to each other. The two interlocked rings fulfilled exactly this requirement," the Nobel jury said.

Sauvage, 71, told AFP he was "very surprised" and "felt enormously happy" to win the prize. He is the director of research emeritus at France's National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS).

The second step was taken by Stoddart in 1991, when he threaded a molecular ring onto a thin molecular axle and demonstrated that the ring was able to move along the axle. "Among his developments... are a molecular lift, a molecular muscle and a molecule-based computer chip," the jury said.

Stoddart, 74, is a professor of chemistry at Northwestern University in the US. Growing up on a farm in Scotland without electricity or any modern-day conveniences, he occupied himself doing jigsaw puzzles, a pastime that helped him recognise shapes and see how they can be linked together. His fascination with shapes continued in his research: the ring-shaped molecule mechanically attached to an axle that he developed is called a "rotaxane". Honoured by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II with the title of knight bachelor in 2006, Stoddart told AFP of his Nobel prize: "I'm surprised, I'm thrilled, I'm overjoyed".

His wife died of breast cancer in the late 1990s, said their technology could be used to treat cancer in the future. "You can control a drug and not have it come all at once, so it can last much longer and be used much more efficiently with a smaller dose than the often hard-core cancer treatments, for example."

Feringa was meanwhile the first person to develop a molecular motor  in 1999 he was able to make a molecular rotor blade to spin continually in the same direction. Using molecular motors, he has also designed a nanocar.

Like Stoddart, Feringa was raised on a farm and was attracted to chemistry by its endless opportunities for creativity. When he produced the first molecular motor in 1999, he succeeded in getting it to spin in one direction. Normally, molecules' movements are governed by chance; on average, a spinning molecule moves as many times to the right as to the left. But Feringa was able to design a molecule that was mechanically constructed to spin in a particular direction.

The work of the three laureates has created a molecular toolbox to build increasingly advanced creations, the Nobel jury said. "The molecular motor is at the same stage as the electric motor was in the 1830s, when scientists displayed various spinning cranks and wheels, unaware that they would lead to electric trains, washing machines, fans and food processors".

The diminutive devices have yet to find practical use in nanoscale engineering, but scientists look forward to the day when microscopic motors or delivery vehicles will be omnipresent, whether in the human body or a microchip. Some potential uses can be found in medicine, biomimicry and electronics. Their use for localised drug-delivery is "probably the most short-term achievable" application, according to Nicholas White of the Australian National University's Research School of Chemistry. The tiny machines, constructed from groups of molecules, may be used to protect the human body from exposure to the toxic effects of certain medicines, such as chemotherapy. According to Mihail-Dumitru Barboiu, research director at France's CNRS research institute, molecular machines could also be used as valves on implanted drug reservoirs, releasing a pre-programmed dose when prompted, and then closing up again.

Jacques Maddaluno, a chemistry researcher at the CNRS, imagines a world in which nanobots mimic the function of human cells or even organs."We could try to make an artificial cell  molecular machines that do the same thing as living cells," he told AFP."These creations could even function outside the body... such as a filter made of artificial cells detoxifying blood" in imitation of the liver. The tiny devices may also cause electronics and computer hardware to shrink ever further, experts say. "We will see memory bits"  the smallest unit of computer storage  "reduced to the molecular level," said Barboiu. For White, molecular machines may one day replace electronic components such as switches on circuit boards

Molecules rev up for worlds tiniest race https://t.co/d39ZrTfIe5 @HorizonMagEU  The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 5, 2016

The three laureates will share the eight million Swedish kronor (around $933,000 or 832,000 euros) prize equally.

In the first presendtial debate on 26 September, Hillary Clinton had suggested that he had refused to release his tax returns to which Trump had responded with the answer "that makes me smart". The New York Times later published a bombshell based on a leaked copy of his 1995 tax documents, showing he declared a loss of nearly $1 billion, and could have likely avoided paying taxes for almost two decades. Stoddart made a reference to this in the press conference to celebrate his win, saying "I am not very smart. The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) will run off with a third of it (his portion of the award money)."

Stoddart, who said he has lived in the United States for 20 years, did not press any deeper into politics, but said he wants to use whatever is left of his prize money to help others. "One of the things that drives academia in this country is philanthropy," said Stoddart.

"What I want to do, of course, is give back."

Stoddart listed a number of his favorite universities as potential recipients, including his alma mater, the University of Edinburgh, the University of California Los Angeles, Northwestern University, and the universities of Birmingham, Sheffield, Cambridge, Durham and Imperial College. He also urged young people to press on with their goals, even if they face detractors and doubts."Through the early years you take some criticism because people don't understand why you are doing what you are doing," he said."But that eventually ebbs away and then the recognition starts to come."

"Did you all get that? I'm not very smart," Stoddart had said, to laughter and applause during a champagne-fueled press conference to celebrate the Nobel win.
Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg was the talk of social media recently. This time it wasn't wasn't for her articulate rebuttal to Facebook for deleting a post on her page with the iconic Napalm Girl image, but because of Pokemon Go!

Yes Pokemon Go fever isn't dead yet, as Pokemon trainer Erna proved with this development. The politician's image was published in the newspaper Klassekampen and has been going viral ever since. We wonder what species of Pokemon the legislature of Norway aka the Storting has to offer! According a report by The Guardian, the image's caption states that Erna was busy catching Pokemon when Liberal party leader Trine Skei Grande was on the podium for the debate.

But you'll be surprised to know that the leader of Opposition was surprisingly okay with Erna's antics. When asked about the incident on Twitter, she said that, "she (Erna) heard what I said, we ladies can do two things at the same time, you know?"

@eivindtraedal @erna_solberg hun hrte nok hva jeg sa vi damer klarer to ting samtidig veit du.  Trine Skei Grande (@Trinesg) October 5, 2016

Her empathy for the prime minister could be on account that she herself was caught playing Pokemon Go. The minister was caught playing the addictive augmented reality game during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, as reported by CNN.

But then, Erna has always been a die hard Pokemon Go fan. The conservative leader even took a break from her official duties in Slovakia to catch some Pokemon, as this footage from the channel TV 2 indicates.

While this may have been a bit embarrasing for Erna to admit to her party members, it's still better than multiple occasions of ministers being caught watching porn in the Indian Parliament, we think!
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is currently on his second visit to India within two years since the unlikely 'rainbow' coalition of his United National Party (UNP) and the faction of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) under President Maithripala Sirisena came to power in a stupendous election in January 2015. One of the earliest promises made by Wickremesinghe's government was to restore ties with India which, under the former government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, had sunk to their lowest levels.

We will improve relations and seek stronger economic ties with India, Wickremesinghe had told this writer in an interview on the eve of the historic election that had brought the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe combine to power. But that does not mean we will be hostile to China or Pakistan.

Despite cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and repeated attacks on Indias civilian and military establishment, New Delhi is not so naive as to expect other countries, no matter how closely linked to India through religion or culture, to entirely break off diplomatic relations with, or launch hostilities against the two other nuclear powers in the neighborhood. After all and despite the Uri attack and all the continuing aggression by Pakistan, New Delhi itself has not cut off all ties with Islamabad. (Yet).

Still, it was a welcome and clear signal of solidarity that Bhutan, Bangladesh and even Afghanistan (with whom India does not share a marine or land border other than in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir), also pulled out of the Saarc summit scheduled in Islamabad. More importantly, those countries clearly gave the same reasons as India for doing so: terrorism sponsored by Pakistan and growing interference in their domestic affairs by "one country".

But for about three days after four Saarc countries had pulled out of the summit, Colombo was relatively silent. At one point, the silence was so deafening that it almost seemed as though Pakistan and Sri Lanka would hold the summit on their own.

When the statement from Sri Lankas foreign office finally came, it referred vaguely to an "unconducive environment" as a reason for Colombo's withdrawal from the summit. The statement however, repeated the mandatory denouncement of terrorism "in all its forms". There was a careful and obvious avoidance of referring to "Pakistan".

When questioned by this writer at a press meet earlier this week, Wickremesinghe shrugged and said that the delay in withdrawing from the Saarc summit was due to logistical reasons. As far as not mentioning Pakistan is concerned, he said it was merely because Sri Lanka itself had not faced terrorism at the hands of that country.

To be fair to Sri Lanka, New Delhi has nobody to blame except itself. It is no secret that India under Rajiv Gandhi hosted, trained and armed the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which waged a brutal 30-year-long civil war in Sri Lanka. That Sri Lanka had objected to that support in protest of at least one earlier Saarc conference and was ignored by India, is also a known fact.

But after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi by an LTTE suicide bomber in 1991 and despite the extremely loud  and at times downright criminal  antics of some Tamil Nadu groups ostensibly for 'the Tamil cause' in Sri Lanka, New Delhi steered well clear of Sri Lanka's war against the Tigers.

While western countries, with an eye on Sri Lanka's crucial geographical location (at the cross-roads of oil tanker shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean) and immense natural resources, have predictably slammed Colombo for alleged "human rights excesses" during the war, India preferred to sit on a fence for the most part. It was in pursuit of a quieter bilateral policy with Colombo instead.

The turning point in Sri Lanka-India relations came when the former Sri Lankan government under Rajapaksa decided  wisely  to ignore repeated western interference and enforced ceasefires  and gave the Sri Lankan army a free hand to decimate the Tigers. Before it could do so in May 2009, the Sri Lankan army needed help. But when India refused everything other than 'soft equipment', Colombo turned to the willing arms of Pakistan and China. That was the beginning of the beautiful relationship between Islamabad and Colombo  one that permeated even Colombos intelligentsia. It bloomed to the extent that the editor-in-chief of a leading independent daily of Sri Lanka tried unsuccessfully to order this Delhi - based writer to desist from using the P - word even in passing (hard to do, when writing a piece on Kashmir or on Nobel Prize winner Malala Yusufzai), admittedly under stern instruction from the Pakistan high commission in Colombo.

Undoubtedly, the relationship between Colombo and New Delhi is far warmer under Sri Lankas new government. And in any case, juggling diplomacy to the benefit of ones own country is the prerogative and raison d'etre of any foreign office.

But if Rajapaksa was accused of "playing China against India", then it is obvious  if understandable  that the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government is now doing the same with Pakistan.

At the press meet in Delhi, Wickremasinghe, whose advise to India to "address cross-border terrorism through dialogue" on the heels of Indias surgical strike was absurdly similar to the very utterances by the West that Sri Lanka ultimately rejected to defeat the Tigers, even hinted that if India did not do so, Sri Lanka could form "other alliances".

The not-so-subtle 'hint' will go down well with India-bashers who abound in Colombos elite circles (though not in formerly war-savaged areas where India has built railways, dredged and cleared harbours, conducted de-mining operations and built houses for the displaced) and secure votes for the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe combine, should these become necessary again in the near future.

But Wickremesinghes 'threat' is hardly going to make India quake in her boots.

Sri Lankas own official websites list India as the country's largest trading partner. It is the largest export destination for Sri Lankan products. Indian tourists make the largest single group of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka. India is among the top five investors in Sri Lanka.

Of course, Colombo can form new associations with Pakistan and China, the two countries that came to its aid in its hour of need. But would such a grouping find other takers within South Asia? Or western nations willing to bypass India to trade with a group that includes a country which has proven itself as the epicenter of terrorism? And in any case, to what extent would any group without India be a 'South Asian' one?

Further, it is no secret at all that Saarc is now defunct. At the best of times, the grouping has been a mirror image of the over-bloated and in the interim, equally irrelevant and humongous overpaid bureaucracy called the United Nations (UN).

To that extent and given Prime Minster Narendra Modis keenness to get the development wagon rolling with or without Pakistan, the events leading to the cancellation of the Saarc summit in Islamabad have provided the optimal opportunity to sound Saarc's death knell. New Delhi will now work with renewed vigor at the forthcoming joint summit of the Brics countries with BIMSTEC, a joint forum that will hold the promise of larger outreach for debt-ridden countries like BIMSTEC member-state, Sri Lanka.

India has set itself on the path to isolating Pakistan, both internationally and regionally. Sri Lanka will have to understand and accept this fact if it wants good relations with India and is keen to hop on the bandwagon of economic growth led by regional superpower India.

But Colombo would be well-advised to closely calibrate its relations with Islamabad. That is, if it doesnt want its Muslims  the countrys fast-growing, second largest minority  to be overwhelmed, swamped and ultimately dominated by Pakistans dangerous, home-grown and bloody breed of Waha'bi groups who kill with impunity in the name of establishing Islam. To seek India's help at that stage may be too late.
By Gilbert Reilhac and Michael Holden

| STRASBOURG/LONDON

STRASBOURG/LONDON Steven Woolfe, a candidate to be the new leader of Britain's anti-EU UK Independence Party, was recovering in hospital after suffering seizures on Thursday following an "altercation" with a colleague at a meeting about the party's future.Described as "unseemly behaviour" between "two grown men" by UKIP's leader, the incident took place as the UKIP members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Strasbourg, sought to clear the air amid factional infighting which has grown since Britons voted to leave the European Union in June.Brexit has shaken all parties across the British political spectrum, leading to Conservative Theresa May replacing David Cameron as prime minister, a leadership election in the opposition Labour Party and deep division in UKIP as to its purpose now it has achieved its goal of securing EU withdrawal.The party was plunged into chaos on Wednesday when its leader Diane James quit just 18 days after being elected to replace Nigel Farage, the high profile party chief who announced he would step down after the vote for Brexit. Woolfe had angered some in his party when he said he would stand as a leadership candidate to replace James but then also admitted he had considered defecting to join May's ruling Conservatives."It shouldn't have happened. We're talking about a dispute that finished up physically," Farage, who has resumed his role as interim UKIP leader, told reporters outside the Strasbourg hospital where Woolfe was recovering."It's two grown men getting involved in an altercation. It's not very seemly behaviour. It's made us look like we're violent." He declined to name the other man involved and said there would be an inquiry. Roger Helmer, one of the UKIP MEPs at the meeting where the altercation occurred, said there had been "a lively exchange of views" at the meeting.Several British newspapers cited an aide to another MEP Mike Hookem, UKIP's defence spokesman, denying reports that he had punched Woolfe. "Mike did not touch him," the unnamed woman was quoted as saying, adding it was a purely "verbal altercation".

Hookem, 62, could not be reached for comment. On his website, the former army commando describes himself as "a working class lad from ... Hull, who calls a spade a spade".Woolfe collapsed about two hours after the incident and lost consciousness outside the EU legislature's chamber after taking part in votes. Pictures showed him sprawled face down, still clutching a briefcase on a walkway in the parliament building. Farage said Woolfe had passed out and suffered two seizures, one quite major, but scans had shown no blood clot or bleeding on the brain."I am sitting up and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left-hand side of my face," said Woolfe, who marked his 49th birthday on Thursday, in a statement.He should be discharged from hospital on Friday, Farage said.

'HIT HEAD ON WINDOW'

UKIP's Welsh leader Neil Hamilton, who was not at the meeting but said he had been given an account of what had happened by an eyewitness, told BBC TV that Woolfe had picked a fight and then been knocked over and hit his head on a window. French police and prosecutors in Strasbourg told Reuters that they were not investigating the case for the time being.

Once dismissed by former prime minister Cameron as "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists", UKIP now has 22 MEPs, two more than either the Conservatives or Labour, after winning the May 2014 European Parliament election on a surge of eurosceptic sentiment.That pushed Cameron to agree to hold a referendum on quitting the EU but since then the party, which has only one Westminster lawmaker, has struggled with its identity. Farage resumed overall leadership of the party on Wednesday after James quit less than three weeks into the job saying she did not have sufficient authority or the full support of UKIP MEPs.Hours later Woolfe said he would put his name forward to be leader but caused consternation when he said he had flirted with leaving the party."I have been enthused by the start to Theresa May's premiership," he said in a statement announcing his candidacy."The growing evidence that she is committed to a clean Brexit prompted me, as it did many of my friends and colleagues, to wonder whether our future was within her new Conservative Party."Woolfe had been the original favourite to take over from Farage but was excluded from the leadership ballot after submitting his nomination papers late. (Additional reporting by Alastair Macdonald in Brussels and Estelle Shirbon, Kylie MacLellan and Kate Holton in London; Editing by Stephen Addison and Robin Pomeroy)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
A replaced Samsung Galaxy Note7 reportedly caught fire on a US flight on Wednesday. The latest incident comes weeks after Samsung said it had replaced over half of the recalled Note7 devices in the US.

The incident took place on a Southwest Airlines Co flight to Baltimore from Louisville, Kentucky in the US before the it went airborne. The phone belonged to Indiana passenger Brian Green told The Verge that the Note7 was replaced by AT&T on Sept. 21 and its box had a black square and green battery icon to indicate it was safe. According to Green, he had powered down the device at the request of the crew and put it in his pocket when it began smoking.

Samsung said in a statement,

Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note 7. We are working with the authorities and Southwest now to recover the device and confirm the cause. Once we have examined the device we will have more information to share.

It is surprising to see that the incident occurred on the replaced Galaxy Note7. In case of India, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has lifted the ban on using the latest Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone in flights.

Source
MediaTek has teamed up with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), India, Indian Cellular Association (ICA) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs(MOEA),Taiwan to introduce a smartphone design training program.

The move comes from the mobile chipmaker to facilitate talent for Indias fast-growing handset industry. MediaTek will share its smartphone design expertise and support the program. Scheduled to start later this year, the two-and-a-half-month program, provides hands-on training to managers and senior engineers from India on efficient planning and execution of handset design projects. The guidance and education offered through the training program will give engineers expertise to advance handset design in India.

About 50 professionals, with at least five years of experience in Research and Development (R&D) in electronics, will be selected from key handset makers across the country to take part in the training program.

Mediatek said it will propel the Make in India initiative. Earlier this year, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the country is now producing 100 million mobile phone units.

Ming-Kai Tsai, Chairman and CEO of MediaTek said,

We appreciate the effort the Indian Government is making towards building a global manufacturing base for the electronics sector in the country. MediaTek, as a key partner to the countrys growth story, is taking its commitment a step further to support domestic innovation and production. We are happy to offer our expertise in the design domain to help set the framework of this skill development program.

Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary, MeitY said,

We have observed that hardware design in the handset industry, especially integration of key components, is lacking in India so the idea of this program is to pick professionals working in the hardware domain and further train them in handset specific design to narrow the current gap in the local industry. We appreciate MediaTeks support in achieving this target. This program is also expected to substantially accelerate the governments Make in India and Digital India initiatives.
The oil and gas industry claimed its latest victim when galvanizing and electrical products company AZZ Incorporated (AZZ 3.07%) disappointed the market with its second-quarter results. Let's take a closer look at what went on in the quarter.

AZZ Incorporated's second quarter: The raw numbers

The headline figures:

Second-quarter revenue of $195 million represents a 9% decline from $214.2 million last year.

Operating income declined 44% to $14.9 million from $26.4 million last year.

Incoming orders in the quarter were $193.7, million resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 0.99, compared with 1.09 in last year's second quarter.

Even given that the second quarter tends to be a seasonally weaker one for AZZ, and that the company's earnings also tend to be lumpy, it was still a disappointing result that caused management to lower full-year guidance:

Full-year fiscal 2017 revenue is expected to be "slightly below" the previous guidance range of $930 million to $970 million.

Full-year fiscal 2017 EPS, excluding impact of the divestiture of the nuclear logistics business, is also expected to be "slightly below" the previous guidance range of $3.15 to $3.45.

CEO Tom Ferguson explained why management wouldn't give an updated specific guidance range: "Given the uncertainties noted above and the potential charges related to the sale of Nuclear Logistics LLC, we will suspend our guidance for a short window until we have more clarity on these issues and the effect on EPS and sales."

What happened in AZZ Incorporated's second quarter?

The company reports out of two segments -- galvanizing, and an energy segment that makes electrical products -- and both were hit by weaker capital spending conditions in the oil and gas industry. It's doubly disappointing because management was expecting growth and margin expansion in both segments in 2017.

Segment Revenue (Millions) Growth Operating Income (Millions) Growth Margin Change (Basis Points) Energy $97.6 (11.9%) $8.2 (9%) 8.4% 30 Galvanizing $97.4 (5.8%) $15 (41%) 15.4% (910) Total $195 (9%) $14.9 (43.6%) 7.6% (470)

Galvanizing segment

The dramatic decline for the galvanizing segment occurred because the company "made the strategic decision to reduce capacity in the Southern U.S. by closing production at two of our galvanizing plants" while "repurposing" a third plant. The result was a realignment charge of $7.3 million.

If you add this back to the operating-income figure, it results in a galvanizing operating income margin of 22.9% -- not bad, but still a far cry from the 25% margin management is targeting.

Earlier in the year, management had discussed some pricing pressure in the galvanizing segment, and its exposure to oil and gas spending in the Gulf Coast is well known -- West Texas and Oklahoma were particularly hard hit. These pressures came home to roost in the second quarter, and management was forced to take action that hit its earnings and full-year outlook.

Energy segment

Turning to the energy segment, Ferguson outlined how "we have also taken steps to reduce management costs in our specialty welding business, which is feeling the effects of reduced turnarounds in domestic refineries." Consequently, the energy segment took a realignment charge of $0.7 million, which held back margin expansion in the quarter.

Looking ahead

The next step for investors will be to look out for the updated guidance and hope for a long-awaited pick-up in capital spending in the oil and gas industry. As management explained on the earnings call, galvanizing is a business that doesn't operate with long lead times, so any kind of downturn (or upturn) will be felt quickly in AZZ revenues.

The impact was negative in the current quarter, and investors will be hoping for a more positive surprise in future. All told, the weakness in energy spending hit home in AZZ's quarter, but it may not prove to be a lasting issue.
The technology from that AT&T (T 2.50%) is developing via Project AirGig could help the company bring high-quality broadband to markets which currently lack internet service, and it could also help consumers in all markets by giving them another provider to choose from, increasing competition among the various companies. In this clip from Industry Focus: Consumer Goods, Vincent Shen and Daniel Kline look at the longer term prospects for AT&T's efforts.

A full transcript follows the video.

This podcast was recorded on Sept. 27, 2016.

Vincent Shen: Frankly, there's going to be more and more need in terms of high-speed access to the internet. Gartner estimates that right now, there's six billion devices that are connected in the world. That number could explode to over 20 billion in the next four years, when you have more mobile devices, more wearables, smart appliances, smart cars, and the countless other technologies that companies are connecting right now to make them more effective and efficient and usable.

A few quotes that I pulled from the AT&T announcement -- one thing they mentioned is, "This technology will be easier to deploy than fiber, can run over license-free spectrum, and can deliver ultra-fast wireless connectivity to any home or handheld wireless device." The thing that really jumped out to me is the license-free spectrum. I know all the technical details aren't there, but what we do know, and we talked about it in the past, is the fact that companies have spent billions upon billions of dollars in the past two decades at spectrum auctions. So it's interesting to see where that goes.

Daniel Kline: The other thing this does, when we talk about spectrum -- if you're AT&T, which has already invested tens of billions of dollars in your wireless network, if you create a nationwide internet network across power lines, you're also creating the ability for hotspots for your phones. We see this with T-Mobile, where they're saying, "Hey, we don't really have great service in your area. We'll actually give you a device that makes your house a better hotspot so you can make phone calls." In theory, AT&T could supplement its already very good wireless network with this Wi-Fi network created by this technology. So, it might lower the value of spectrum for some of its competitors that have spent billions. T-Mobile and Dish come to mind as people sitting on a lot of spectrum. So, this really could be a game changer. But, they have to prove that it works.

Shen: Yeah. And something else I should clarify on the more technical side is, with these radio stations that they're adding to the antennas, the core of this Project AirGig, the connection is still originating, based on comments from the company, either from their current cell towers or the main hubs they use to connect, for example, a lot of their home subscribers.

Another quote from that press release, "Project AirGig delivers this last-mile access without any new fiber-to-the-home, and it is flexible enough to be configured with small cells or distributed antenna systems," like the ones you mentioned, Dan, that they stress are very low-cost. No need to build new towers, no need to bury new cables in the ground.

The thing that's interesting, Sarah and I talked last week about drones, and a big potential they had in shipping and logistics comes from the coverage of that last mile, which, in that case, is really costly for carriers. In this case, having cables laid down on your property, if you want cable broadband access, I was just looking this up, costs tens of thousands of dollars, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's a big problem for people in new developments, more rural developments, depending on your location and distance from the nearest hub. So, potentially another way this technology is addressing a very costly problem.

Kline: Yeah, it solves the problem, especially in underpopulated areas. I referenced my family home in New Hampshire. The reality is, I have maybe 10 or 15 neighbors in two or three miles. It isn't worth it for whoever the cable provider -- it's satellite television for most of us. But, in the more populated parts of the town, whoever the cable provider is, it isn't worth it to them to run underground or even above-ground cable to my house. What are they getting out of it? An extra $80 a year from me? How many years will it take? And we've seen stories about individual houses even in populated areas that don't have cables run, and Comcast will want $15,000 to $20,000 -- I'm making those numbers up a little bit, but it's very high numbers -- in order to bring the wires that last mile.

This solves that problem. And it also gives an alternative. I know I live in a high-rise building now, and I have one provider. I have no choice. I have to go with whoever has wired my building. But, there's power lines directly outside my window. So, if AT&T had this, might I be able to use that for leverage, and say, "Yeah, I'm going to get AT&T, lower my price." This takes it a step. If we have one nationwide internet provider that can serve most people, then internet becomes a commodity and prices start to go down.

Shen: Yeah. Essentially, as long as your apartment has line of sight to that radio station that they set up with AirGig --

Kline: Absolutely. I have AT&T DirecTV, so unfortunately, an AT&T alternative may not work. But, let's pretend I had Dish. Dish could say to me, "We're the only provider, we're going to go up 50%." Now, of course, my building could say, "When the contract's up, we're going to kick you out." But then they have to wire somebody else. Our previous location where we lived did that. They changed providers, and it cost the homeowners association $350,000 in new equipment. These are not easy decisions. But if you take the technology out of it, then it becomes a free-for-all. When I walk into a store, if Coke and Pepsi are different prices, I can decide based on which one I want and based on cost without some of the limitations I have with internet service.
Wall Street never misses a chance to render its opinion on that hardest of topics: the future. Whether it be corporate earnings, economic growth, or even the likely winner of an election, Wall Street is there with its crystal ball. Case in point: Goldman Sachs (GS 1.38%) recently released its regular statement on its forecast for the price of oil. In this clip from Industry Focus: Energy, Motley Fool analysts Sean O'Reilly and Taylor Muckerman talk about what the investment bank had to say about the oil industry and a potential production cut from OPEC.

A full transcript follows the video.

This podcast was recorded on Sept. 29, 2016.

Sean O'Reilly: Everybody's favorite investment bank, Goldman Sachs, always broadcasting their views, came out with an oil call.

Taylor Muckerman: This was before the OPEC meeting.

O'Reilly: Yeah, granted, it was before the OPEC meeting.

Muckerman: They did address it, though. They addressed, "Hey, these are our thoughts if OPEC does X/Y/Z."

O'Reilly: How are they analyzing all this?

Muckerman: They're looking at U.S. production, they're looking at the fracklog --

O'Reilly: Which is what you were talking about earlier.

Muckerman: They're looking at Libya and Nigeria bring back production. They're looking at major projects around the world that are coming online in Kazakhstan, Australia, things like that. And they're also looking at Russia and Saudi Arabia producing at record levels. They basically adjusted their prices downward for the end of 2016, they left their 2017 expectations at $52 per barrel.

O'Reilly: Which we're almost at.

Muckerman: Yeah, we're only a few dollars shy of that right now.

O'Reilly: Are they being too conservative? The supply and-demand balance next year.

Muckerman: I don't think it's all that conservative when you look at the overhang of wells that are not only drilled and uncompleted, but wells that could be drilled and completed next year in the United States at $50 to $60 per barrel.

O'Reilly: When you say that, are you talking about the Permian rush?

Muckerman: The Permian, Eagle Ford, all these basins can still be produced in -- well, not all of them, but a significant portion of these heavy-producing basins, the Eagle Ford, the Bakken, and the Permian, which is the darling of the day right now, can be produced in that $50 to $60 range. So, there's definitely some downward pressure as you see upward movement in prices. I don't think that overhang is gone. We still have that accessible oil that can weigh on prices whether it's being produced or not, because there's always a threat of production. So they've lowered their global oil price forecast for the end of this year from $50 per barrel to $43 per barrel. They did say that any OPEC decision could add some near-term upward momentum. And we saw that 5% to 6% jump yesterday. But, "near-term" is the key term there. I do think in the next couple years there's going to be downward pressure. I don't think, unless it's just a temporary spike, $70 is way out of the picture in my mind for the next year or two.

O'Reilly: Again playing devil's advocate, Goldman in the end of 2014 was in the "$90 forever" camp.

Muckerman: The unpredictability of OPEC, right? If something happens, that unpredicted spike that we talked about could happen. But if OPEC only lowers production by 500,000 to 750,000 barrels, you don't see any civil arrest in countries like Iran, Nigeria, Libya --

O'Reilly: There's always a nice little possibility.

Muckerman: There is. I think, now, that would have an impact on prices.

O'Reilly: Because things are a little bit tighter.

Muckerman: When you look back to 2014 or 2013, there was a lot of unrest. In 2012, you had all of Arab Spring going on --

O'Reilly: That's why I always thought the drop was all the more surprising.

Muckerman: You didn't see any upward movement when countries like that were shutting in production due to some volatility among the countries there. That should have been a warning sign for a lot of people, when countries that are heavy oil producers, that impact the global supply, are shutting in supply, and prices aren't spiking.
Barrick Gold (GOLD -1.10%), in compliance with a government request, temporarily suspended operations at its Veladero mine in Argentina in September, following the spill of process solution from the leach pad. This week the company announced that operations have resumed. Initially, management seemed confident that the incident was far from serious, stating in a press release that it did "not anticipate any material impact to Veladero's 2016 operating guidance."

The company may have underestimated the severity of the event, though. Failing to affirm its original estimate, management recently stated that it "will continue to assess the impact of the temporary suspension on Veladero's production for 2016" in a recent press release.

Getting to know Veladero

Veladero is Barrick's only operating mine in Argentina. In 2015, Veladero produced 602,000 ounces of gold with all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of $946 per ounce -- a decline in performance from 2014, when it produced approximately 722,000 ounces of gold with AISC of $815 per ounce. Based on existing reserves and production capacity, management forecasts the expected mine life to be eight years for mining and process operations.

In 2015, Veladero -- one of Barrick's five core mines -- accounted for approximately 10% of the company's total gold production. The mine may hold an even more prominent role in the company's portfolio this year. In the company's last annual report, it had forecast gold production at Veladero to fall between 630,000 and 690,000 ounces -- about 12.5% of the company's annual total gold production.

Attributing the increase over its amounts in 2015 to higher mined grade and improved mining activity, management also identified "better operational management of the leach pad" as a contributing factor to the growth in production. It remains to be seen if the numerous factors will compensate for the failure in the management of the leach pad and enable the company to achieve its guidance for the year.

A fine line

Currently, it's unknown if the Argentine government intends to fine Barrick for the recent spill. Based on recent history at Veladero, though, it should come as no surprise if Barrick is asked to dig into its pockets to pay for the operational miscue.

In 2013, the company paid $1.2 million in fines resulting from an excess accumulation of process solution at the site. More recently, in March of this year, the Provincial mining authority imposed a $9.5 million administrative fine related to a 2015 event, in which a valve failure on a leach pad pipeline led to the release of cyanide-bearing process solution into a nearby waterway. Evidently, the spill -- which did not reach any waterways -- is not as egregious as the previous one; furthermore, management reports that "Environmental monitoring of surface and sub-surface water has been intensified, and no anomalies have been detected."

Compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations is a paramount concern for companies in the mining industry; consequently, the failure to adhere to these regulations is a constant risk.

Although the risks are considerable, miners hardly find the incurring of fines to be a common occurrence. For example, Newmont Mining Corp. and Yamana Gold, two of Barrick's leading competitors, haven't paid a fine in more than five years.

Hot off the press

Although Barrick had believed that it had addressed all of the Argentine government's requests, last week, an Argentine judge, who said he would allow the company to resume operations if the company adequately addressed the spill, found that Barrick's actions had been insufficient.

The judge had based his decision on a report from provincial police that found Barrick had failed to install the required security cameras and sensors, which would help to prevent future spills.

Days after the judge's ruling, provincial authorities deemed the measures which Barrick implemented to prevent future incidents were adequate, and they approved the resumption of normal operations.

The takeaway

Although the suspension of operations may compromise the mine's performance for the year, the incident is far from catastrophic. Because the spilled process solution failed to reach any waterways, it's possible that the Argentine government decides against imposing administrative fines, further suggesting that the spill will not have too deleterious an effect on the company's financials.

Barrick reported $9.03 billion in revenue for 2015, so even if it receives a fine, it would most likely have a negligible effect, just as the recent $9.5 million fine will hardly be noticed. Of course, the investigation is ongoing, and new findings may prove that the spill was worse than previously expected. The number of incidents at Veladero is noteworthy, though, and portends future operating failures. Should these events occur, though, the impacts would probably be trivial.
Yahoo responded again Wednesday to a report that it scanned incoming email to hundreds of millions of accounts for the U.S. government.

In a carefully worded statement that stops short of a denial, the company said a Tuesday Reuters report is "misleading," saying that "the mail scanning described in the article does not exist on our systems."

Reuters reported that Yahoo built custom software for the scans. Yahoo's latest statement does not say whether it has conducted such email scans in the past, or whether that software might exist outside its systems.

On Tuesday, Yahoo said only that it complies with U.S. law. On Wednesday, it said it interprets every government request for data "narrowly" to "minimize disclosure."

Yahoo is currently selling its online operations to Verizon for $4.8 billion.
When I look at where computing is headed, its clear to me that were evolving from a mobile-first to an AI-first world. - Sundar Pichai, Google CEO

Im watching the Made by Google launch event and wondering why the Silicon Valley search giant suddenly decided to roll out a bevy of branded devices: Pixel smartphones, Home digital assistant, Chromecast Ultra streaming TV and Daydream virtual reality headset. Theres plenty more to come, Im sure.

Of course, Alphabet chief executive Larry Page and Google CEO Sundar Pichai didnt just wake up one day and say, Lets become an integrated device company. This is clearly part of a long-term strategy, but it is an enormous strategic shift, nevertheless. The question is why?

Then it hit me: This is not an offensive move but a defensive one  an attempt to thwart an existential threat with the potential to blow up the companys business model.

At the event, Pichai said, Its clear to me that were evolving from a mobile-first to an AI-first world. Indeed, AI  more specifically, deep learning AI  is a disruptive core technology capable of transforming the competitive landscape. And Google is more likely to be disrupted than a disruptor in that transformation.

Deep learning is when theres enough data and computers are powerful enough to program themselves. Gone are the algorithms Google uses to power search queries. With deep learning, computers write their own code. They figure it all out for themselves based on enormous amounts of data. And that renders Googles algorithmic-based programming obsolete.

We are currently in the early stages of a transformation from algorithmic to AI-based queries. Lets call the latter Smart Search. The problem is, Google makes 90% of its revenue off search advertising. The question is, what happens to that revenue stream when todays text-based search becomes subsumed under voice-based Smart Search queries? What happens to the ads? Thats right, they disappear, along with the text.

Granted, you can have voice-based ads, but theyre not nearly as effective as text-based ads because voice is streaming. Since you cant listen to two things at once, you cant see the results and ads simultaneously as you would with text. And nobody wants to sit there listening to an ad while waiting to hear the results of their query.

More important, Googles smart Assistant will compete with the likes of Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Microsoft Cortana, which dont use ads. Thats simply not their business model. Google, on the other hand, is dependent on its dominance in search advertising. Eventually, that dominance will break down  and its beginning to look like eventually is coming sooner than anyone thought.

The deep learning AI revolution is developing very quickly. Microsoft, Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Google are all scooping up startups, hiring talent and starting projects by the thousands. Which means the competitive landscape for Smart Search is up for grabs. And may the best AI platform win.

That will not happen all at once, of course, and its certainly not an all or nothing scenario. Users will still do text-based searches on their devices. But over time, theyll be doing more and more queries verbally, and listening to responses that dont have ads. Which means Googles enormous ad revenues and profits will come under pressure.

There is one more factor, however. Augmented reality is coming, and when it does, all our screens will disappear. Well interact with the computing world in a more human or visual way. Thats when ads will return. In the interim, Google will face an increasingly competitive Smart Search environment made up of at least three or four AI query platforms.

Keep in mind that Googles business interests are not necessarily aligned with those of Samsung, Xiaomi and other Android device-makers. Thats why it needed to develop and brand its own mobile devices which, incidentally, are made by Taiwans HTC.

As for Googles decision to go up against Apples venerable ecosystem, that was an easy call. Facebook dominates in social media. Amazon dominates in retail. Microsoft dominates in corporate. The only viable strategy was to leverage its Android platform and take on Apple in the consumer device space.

Its been a long time coming, but Google and Apple are finally, unquestionably, head-to-head competitors. You have to laugh at the irony.

When the FCC forced then-Google CEO Eric Schmidt off Apples board, he claimed that his company was not an iPhone competitor. That was in 2009, nearly two years after Android magically evolved from a Blackberry-like device with a physical keypad into practically an iPhone clone.

Steve Jobs would later vow to spend every penny of Apple's $40 billion in the bank, to right this wrong, he said in Walter Isaacsons biography. I'm going to destroy Android, because it's a stolen product. I'm willing to go thermonuclear war on this." If he were alive today, I doubt if Jobs would find Googles new strategy the least bit funny.
Shopify is helping retailers turn conversations into sales via Facebook Messenger.

The e-commerce company, which already allows merchants to chat directly with customers, has launched the ability to conduct in-app business as well. Now, when potential patrons in Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK start a conversation with one of Shopify's vendors, they will be met with the option to "Shop Now"; tap the button to view the company's product catalog.

"With Shopify and Messenger, you can connect with your customers, put a face to their names, and offer them a real-time, personalized service," Shopify product lead Brandon Chu wrote in a blog post aimed at retailers.

To get started, merchants can add the Messenger channel in Shopify, connect their Facebook Business Page, and choose the products they'd like to sell through the app. Customers can then ask questions in Messenger, and get automatic order tracking and shipping updates upon purchase.

"This can help you build the same strong, one-to-one relationships neighborhood store owners once built with their customers," Chu continued. "Establishing those deep, personal relationships is how you build brand loyalty; it's how you build a company people love."

According to TechCrunch, Shopify intends to launch its messaging tools for use with other platforms in the future. But for now, the Canadian company is focused on Facebook Messenger.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
Federal investigators are working to extract data from an event recorder on board a New Jersey commuter train that crashed last week, killing a woman and injuring more than 100 others, but say it may be a few days before they release the information.

National Transportation Safety Board investigators recovered the data recorder, a video recorder and the train engineer's cellphone from the front car of the NJ Transit train on Tuesday afternoon. The equipment was sent to an agency lab in Washington for analysis, officials said.

"We are extracting the data and will be providing a characterization of the data within the next few days," NTSB spokesman Chris O'Neil said Wednesday.

At a news briefing on Tuesday afternoon, NTSB Investigator James Southworth said he didn't yet know whether the recorders had any useful data. A second event recorder that was retrieved from the locomotive in the rear of the train wasn't functioning on the day of the crash, officials have said.

The recorder that was retrieved on Tuesday appeared to be in "fairly good shape," Southworth said.

"We expect the recorders will be able to provide the investigators with speed information, throttle positions, braking system information, and about 100 other parameters, as well as a video image of the accident," Southworth added.

A woman standing on a platform at Hoboken Terminal was killed by debris in Thursday's crash as the train smashed through a concrete-and-steel bumper and caused a section of the station's roof to collapse. More than 100 people were injured.

The train's engineer, Thomas Gallagher, told investigators that he had no memory of the crash and only remembered waking up on the floor of the engineer's cab, but said he was operating at 10 mph as he approached the station, said T. Bella Dinh-Zarr, the NTSB's vice chair.

A U.S. official told The Associated Press on Tuesday that based on the damage caused to the station, investigators estimated the train was going between 20 and 30 mph  above the station's 10 mph speed limit. The official, who was briefed on the investigation, wasn't authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

That estimate was based on the extent of damage caused by the crash, not on information from the train's instruments, the official said.

Last Thursday's crash caused far more damage than a 1985 crash at the station in which a train hit an end-of-track bumper at 10 mph. That crash buckled a concrete platform and toppled a few metal gates, but the train remained within the track area, according to photos, video and witness accounts at the time. Federal investigators blamed that wreck on slippery gel left on the tracks after wheel testing,

NJ Transit has not responded to repeated requests for comment.

___

Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak in Philadelphia contributed to this report.

___

This story has been corrected to show the dateline is Hoboken, N.J, not Hoboken, N.Y.
A federal judge has expressed skepticism that a San Francisco ordinance setting fines for Airbnb if it processes bookings of units not registered with the city violates federal law.

U.S. District Court Judge James Donato said Thursday that the ordinance does not prevent Airbnb from listing the ads if they are for non-registered rentals.

He says the ordinance only penalizes Airbnb if the company books an unregistered unit for a renter.

The ordinance carries fines of up to $1,000 per violation.

Airbnb lawyer Jonathan Blavin says the ordinance would force the company to screen and remove listings.

Airbnb has argued that the ordinance would put it in an editorial role that would illegally treat it as the publisher of third-party ads.

San Francisco passed the ordinance earlier this year.
Hurricane Matthew has killed at least 39 people, the death toll in struggling Haiti alone rising to 35, local officials said, as the storm headed northward on Thursday battering the Bahamas en route to Florida.

Haitis civil protection service put the toll in the impoverished Caribbean nation at 23 dead, many killed by falling trees, flying debris and swollen rivers. The interior ministry and a local mayor confirmed 12 other deaths to Reuters across Haiti.

Four people were killed earlier in neighboring Dominican Republic.

Matthew is the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck in 2007. On Tuesday and Wednesday it whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mile-per-hour winds and torrential rain, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes.

The devastation in Haiti prompted authorities to postpone a presidential election originally planned for Sunday.

(Reporting by Joseph Guyler Delva; Writing by Simon Gardner)
Seven members of a union representing Boston-area transit workers, including its president, were arrested early Thursday while protesting plans to privatize the system's cash handling system.

The arrests occurred after picketers assembled outside the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's so-called "money room" to prevent workers and armored cars from entering the facility in the city's Charlestown section.

Hours later, the MBTA's Fiscal and Management Control Board voted 4-0 to award Virginia-based Brink's a five-year, $18.7 million contract to oversee the money room, a move expected to save the agency about $8 million annually.

Union officials said outsourcing would cost workers their jobs, though MBTA officials said dozens of money room employees would be offered jobs driving buses  which many had done prior to their current positions.

Carmen's Union president James O'Brien and other members of the executive committee were charged with unlawful assembly, union spokeswoman Cayenne Isaksen said, after padlocking a gate outside the building during the pre-dawn protest. The seven pleaded not guilty during court appearances and were released on personal recognizance.

The privatization plan followed an outside review that found widespread security issues at the facility that collects and counts an estimated $119 million in cash annually placed by riders in fare boxes and ticket vending machines. The lapses included security doors that were propped open, allowing unsecured access from outside the building.

"Change is never easy," Brian Shortsleeeve, MBTA acting general manager, said before the control board's vote. "But frankly the status quo at the T just isn't cutting it."

In a letter sent Wednesday to board members, O'Brien criticized the review as a "scorched Earth audit," that included "baseless" claims of MBTA workers cutting sunroofs into money room trucks.

O'Brien argued that privatization was being pushed largely without public scrutiny and that MBTA officials and Republican Gov. Charlie Baker were determined to pursue outsourcing before negotiating an agreement with the union or considering other alternatives.

"We are dealing with a broken system that needs investment, end of story," O'Brien wrote. "We don't need to hand the keys over to a private company seeking to make a profit off of our public tax dollars and riders' fares."

The control board was created last year in the aftermath of a severe winter that crippled the MBTA and exposed widespread managerial and financial weaknesses. The Legislature also gave the transit system a temporary exemption from a state law that sharply limits privatization of government services.

Baker said he supports the union's right to protest unless it interfered with MBTA operations.

"You can't lock the gates or get in the way of the trucks. At some point we have to be able to serve the public," Baker said in defending the decision by transit police to arrest the picketers.

Labor leaders said they expect the Brink's contract to be the first of many privatization deals for the nation's fifth-largest transit system, which has struggled with chronic operating deficits and aging infrastructure. The board recently acknowledged in a report to lawmakers that outsourcing of bus drivers and maintenance operations also is being considered.

"Charlie Baker isn't fixing the T, he's gutting it," said Steve Tolman, president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO.

A fifth board member, Brian Lang, did not attend Thursday's meeting but told colleagues he would have voted against the contract had he been there. Lang is an official with the city's hotel workers union.

___

This story has been corrected to show union members were not charged with disorderly conduct.
Wall Street never misses a chance to render its opinion on that hardest of topics: the future. Whether it be corporate earnings, economic growth, or even the likely winner of an election, Wall Street is there with its crystal ball. Case in point:Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS)recently released its regular statement on its forecast for the price of oil.In this clip fromIndustry Focus: Energy, Motley Fool analystsSean O'Reilly and Taylor Muckerman talk about what the investment bank had to say about the oil industry and a potential production cut from OPEC.

A full transcript follows the video.

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.

This podcast was recorded on Sept. 29, 2016.

Sean O'Reilly: Everybody's favorite investment bank,Goldman Sachs,always broadcasting their views,came out with an oil call.

Taylor Muckerman:This wasbefore the OPEC meeting.

O'Reilly:Yeah,granted, it was before the OPEC meeting.

Muckerman:They did address it, though. They addressed, "Hey, these are our thoughts if OPEC does X/Y/Z."

O'Reilly:How are they analyzing all this?

Muckerman:They're looking at U.S. production, they're looking at the fracklog --

O'Reilly:Which iswhat you were talking about earlier.

Muckerman:They're looking atLibya and Nigeria bring back production. They're looking atmajor projects around the worldthat are coming onlinein Kazakhstan, Australia, things like that. And they're also looking atRussia and Saudi Arabia producing atrecord levels.They basically adjustedtheir prices downwardfor the end of 2016, they left their2017 expectations at $52per barrel.

O'Reilly:Which we're almost at.

Muckerman:Yeah, we'reonly a few dollars shy of that right now.

O'Reilly:Arethey being too conservative? Thesupply and-demandbalance next year.

Muckerman:I don't think it's all that conservativewhen you look at the overhang of wells that are not only drilled anduncompleted, but wells that could be drilled andcompleted next year in the United States at $50 to $60 per barrel.

O'Reilly:Whenyou say that, are you talking about the Permian rush?

Muckerman:ThePermian, Eagle Ford,all these basins can still be produced in -- well,not all of them, but a significant portion of these heavy-producing basins, the Eagle Ford,the Bakken, and the Permian, which is the darling of the day right now, can be produced in that $50 to $60 range. So, there'sdefinitely some downward pressureas you see upward movementin prices. I don't think that overhang is gone. We still have thataccessible oil that can weigh onprices whether it's being produced or not, because there's always a threat of production. So they've lowered their global oil priceforecast for the end of this year from $50 per barrel to $43 per barrel. They did say that any OPEC decision could add some near-termupward momentum. And we saw that 5% to 6% jump yesterday. But, "near-term" is the key term there. I do thinkin the next couple years there's going to be downward pressure. I don't think, unless it's just a temporary spike, $70 isway out of the picture in my mind for the next year or two.

O'Reilly:Againplaying devil's advocate, Goldman in the end of 2014 was in the "$90 forever" camp.

Muckerman:The unpredictability of OPEC, right? Ifsomething happens, that unpredicted spike that we talked about could happen. But if OPEC only lowers production by 500,000 to 750,000 barrels, you don't see any civil arrest incountries like Iran, Nigeria, Libya --

O'Reilly:There'salways a nice little possibility.

Muckerman:There is. I think, now, that would have an impact on prices.

O'Reilly:Because things are a little bit tighter.

Muckerman:Whenyou look back to 2014 or 2013,there was a lot of unrest. In 2012, you had all of Arab Spring going on --

O'Reilly:That'swhy I always thought the drop was all the more surprising.

Muckerman:Youdidn't see any upward movementwhen countries like that were shutting in production due to somevolatilityamong the countries there. That should have been a warning sign for a lot of people, whencountries that are heavy oil producers, thatimpact the global supply, are shutting in supply, and prices aren't spiking.

Sean O'Reilly has no position in any stocks mentioned. Taylor Muckerman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Hurricane Matthew heads toward the U.S.

-Residents in Florida have been warned to prepare for a direct hit as Hurricane Matthew makes its way toward the coast. The storm is expected to make landfall on Friday. Two million people have been asked to evacuate their homes along the coasts of Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.

Find out how Home Depot (NYSE:HD) and Lowes (NYSE:LOW) are activating emergency preparedness centers here.

And for live tracking of the storm, tune in to Cavuto: Coast to Coast, beginning at 12 p.m. ET!

All eyes on Twitter

-Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) is a stock to watch today, after reports that Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:DIS) will not be putting in bids to buy the tech company. Twitter shares were down more than 15% pre-market, and could fall further during the trading day.

To see how Twitter closes the day today, watch After the Bell at 4 p.m. ET.

The EpiPen saga continues

-The federal government now says that EpiPen maker Mylan (NASDAQ:MYL) overcharged on Medicaid by misclassifying the drug for years. If these allegations are true, this would mean that the company made billions of dollars at the taxpayers expense.

Starting at 3 p.m. ET, Liz Claman will have all the latest on this story on Countdown to the Closing Bell.

How to get a meeting with Donald Trump

-Ford (NYSE:F) chairman Bill Ford says he met with the Republican presidential nominee over the infuriating comments Trump made about the automaker outsourcing jobs to Mexico. The meeting supposedly took place in New York a few months ago.

Dont forget, Clinton and Trump will square up in their second presidential debate this Sunday! FOX Business live coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET with a special edition of The Intelligence Report with Trish Regan, followed by Lou Dobbs Tonight at 7 p.m. ET and pre- and post-debate analysis on Cavuto: Coast to Coast starting at 8 p.m. ET.
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How American Honey lead Sasha Lane was discovered sounds like the first half of a "Dateline" crime special: A Texas State freshman travels to Florida for spring break. A stranger eyes her on the beach, and begins watching her in secret.

Fortunately for Lane, that creeper was Oscar winner Andrea Arnold, who'd written a script for a dreamy road movie and was looking for her star (literally: a character named Star). After a few days of observation, Arnold introduced herself and proposed an on-the-spot audition at Lane's hotel.

The next morning, recalls Lane, we hopped in a car and just went from there.

"American Honey" follows a roving band of scuzzy runaways, thriving like weeds on the edge of the law. (Their racket: door-to-door magazine sales.) As Star, Sasha Lane is magnetic, sparking a vivid connection with every actor, especially the troupe's rat-tailed leader, played by Shia LaBeouf.

Lane and LaBeouf's red-blooded chemistry is so potent that you're often envious of their energy. Their sex scenes, one in quasi public, are unsettling, flustering, and hot. The key to getting them right, says Lane, is breathing and eye contact. (The pair were later photographed holding hands offscreen.)

Throwing herself into things headlong is typical of Lane. I'm big on signs, she says, making you wonder how your own life might be improved by lying on the beach and paying closer attention to Mercury's retrograde. Until Arnold arrived, did Lane even want to be an actress?

I always said if someone were to find me, then I'd do it.

Turns out go with the flow is a solid career plan.
Scientists are narrowing in on why many of us find certain foods so irresistible. In a new study, researchers in the United Kingdom found that people with a particular gene mutation have a much stronger preference for fatty foods than those without the mutation.

These same people who preferred the fatty food also showed far less desire for sweet foods compared with other study participants, the researchers found. Although the mutation is rare, affecting less than 1 percent of the population, the findings suggest that all kinds of food preferences may be hard-wired into our brain circuitry, and defined by our genetics, the researchers said.

Understanding these genetic underpinnings of food preference may lead to better appetite-suppressing drugs that could help people avoid overeating, the researchers wrote in a study published Oct. 4 in the journal Nature Communications.

Most people find high-fat foods appetizing. This craving likely had evolutionary advantages because fat has twice as many calories per gram as protein and carbohydrates, and securing a sufficient number of calories was crucial for survival, according to Sadaf Farooqi of the Wellcome TrustMedical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science at the University of Cambridge, who led the new study.

"When there is not much food around, we need energy that can be stored and accessed when needed," Farooqi said. "As such, having a pathway that tells you to eat more fat at the expense of sugar [a carbohydrate], which we can only store to a limited extent in the body, would be a very useful way of defending against starvation."

A craving for fat

Previous studies in mice have shown that disruption of a particular neural pathway in the brain involving the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) can lead to mice eating a lot more fat and a lot less sugar. This led researchers to speculate that the MC4R gene may be involved in appetite control.

Farooqi's group wanted to see how this mutation might affect the foods that people choose to eat. So, they devised a straightforward study involving some people with a rare mutation of the MC4R gene, and others without that mutation. Some of the people with the mutation were obese.

In a study, the researchers offered study participants an all-you-can-eat buffet of three different versions of chicken korma, a creamy curry dish. The three options in the buffet were manipulated to look and taste the same, but in fact the fat content was very different, containing either 20 percent (low), 40 percent (medium) and 60 percent (high) of the total calories.

Study participants fell into three categories: lean people, obese people and people who were obese because of the defective MC4R gene. After tasting a small sample of each dish, the participants were allowed to eat freely, unaware of the fat-content difference.

Although each group ate the same total amount of food, those with the defective MC4R gene ate about twice as much of the highest-fat option compared with the lean people. They ate about 1.5 times as much as the obese participants who did not have this gene mutation.

Then, in part two of this study, subjects were offered a dessert called Eton mess, a sweet mixture of strawberries, sugar, meringue and whipped cream. This time, the three options varied in their amount of sugar, but all had the same amount of fat.

In a caloric turnabout, the lean participants and the obese participants without the gene mutation went for the option with the highest sugar, while those with the mutation seemed to dislike that option and ate significantly less of all three desserts, compared with the other two groups, the study found.

A way to target hunger

With no perceptible difference in the look, smell and texture of the foods, the difference in preferences could only be explained by a genetic underpinning, not learned behavior, which may make it hard for some people to control their eating habits, the researchers concluded.

But manipulating this neural pathway that controls appetite in humans is proving to be difficult, according to Dr. Bradford Lowell, a professor of medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, who led earlier research on the melanocortin-4 receptor in mice.

"The MC4R is indeed a potential drug target for treating obesity," Lowell told Live Science. "However, its activation, in addition to causing decreased hunger, also causes adverse cardiovascular effects. This is a problem made worse by the fact that individuals with obesity often are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease."

Lowell said his research team is continuing to investigate in mice the specific neural pathways that mediate the hunger-versus-cardiovascular effects of MC4Rs with the goal of activating only the appetite-control aspect of this neural pathway.

Farooqi told Live Science that there are "many other genes to explore, several of which seem to modulate the same pathways" and that she hopes to study them in the future.
Women who have heard for years that they face a declining sex life can take heart in new research that says sex gets better with age. University of Pittsburgh researchers found that while the frequency of sex declines, the quality makes up for it.

We were surprised to find a group of women who said that sex actually got better for them as they got older, says lead author Holly Thomas.

As doctors we were assuming that sex gets worse for women. After interviewing 39 women between ages 46 and 59, Thomas and her team cited several factors behind women who experienced a better sex life, including knowing their bodies better and increased self confidence to ask for what they want.

A larger survey from Case Western of 505 women between the ages of 40 and 75 found much the same, reports Today. "They had a better knowledge and understanding of their own bodies as they got older. And they felt more comfortable and empowered to communicate their sexual needs to their partner than when they were younger," Thomas said, per WebMD.

When women weren't experiencing good sex, they pointed to other side of the bed, citing their partner's low libido or erectile dysfunction. Lower libido was also a complaint of some women in the study, along with vaginal dryness.

The new research builds on Thomas' previous findings that women over 60 were having a lot of sex, contrary to popular notions. Other research has found that older women who have frequent sex experience benefits such as lower blood pressure, while the opposite is true for older men who risk heart attacks.

This article originally appeared on Newser: For Women, Sex Gets Better With Age
Louise Delage joined Instagram on Aug. 1 and quickly racked up nearly 65,000 followers with her pictures of a seemingly glamorous life in France. The photos, which have since garnered more than 50,000 likes altogether, show the 25-year-old strutting the streets of Paris, setting sail on a boat, lying on the beach, and hanging out with well-dressed men. But in her latest post, from Sept. 22, the rising star revealed a surprising truth: that the account belongs to a person who doesnt exist and was created to raise awareness about the dangers of alcoholism.

In every one of her 150 posts, the fake social media phenom who is actually a model posing as Delage is holding a glass of alcohol, The Guardian reported.

Addict Aide, a French organization focused on raising awareness of alcoholism among young people, jump-started the campaign. The agency created the account because it had been struck by the difficulty of detecting the addiction of someone close to you, Stephane Xiberras, creative director and president of BETC Paris, told AdFreak.

Fashion bloggers helped inform the content of Delages posts all the way down to the filters it used, The Guardian reported.

Xiberras told AdFreak he was disappointed that few of Delages followers picked up on her serious alcohol problem and that he hoped the campaign would serve as an eye opener to help those struggling with addiction.

In the United States, about 12 percent of adult women report binge drinking three times a month, averaging five drinks per binge, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For men, about 23 percent report binge drinking five times a month, averaging eight drinks per binge. About 2.5 percent of women and 4.5 percent of men met the diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence in the past year.

Excessive drinking is associated with numerous health problems, including high blood pressure and pancreatitis, unintentional injuries, and violence.
The music of Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Toby Mac and other popular Christian artists is no longer welcome on public school buses in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

The school district recently directed a bus driver to refrain from playing a Christian radio station while transporting children, television station KFSM first reported.

Click here to join Todds American Dispatch: a must-read for Conservatives!

The edict was handed down after a complaint was filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Wisconsin-based assortment of perpetually offended atheists, agnostics, free-thinkers and other radical rabble rousers.

The FFRF alleges they were contacted by a parent who objected to his child listening to contemporary Christian music on Bus 24.

To continue reading Todd Starnes' column on ToddStarnes.com, click here.


A failed state, a terrorist haven, four dead Americans  this is the Hillary Clinton record in Libya we know about.

But new evidence -- and a review of the public record -- reveals that Hillary Clintons actions in Libya were not just disastrous policy, but a violation of U.S. anti-terrorism law.

A recent report to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the British House of Commons concluded that Western intervention in Libya was based on "inaccurate intelligence" and "erroneous assumptions." Advocates failed to recognize that the threat to civilians was overstated and that the rebels included a significant Islamist element," and the failure to plan for a post-Qaddafi Libya led to the "growth of ISIL" in North Africa.

However, inaccurate intelligence doesnt fully describe the whole story. A closer examination of the run-up to the Libya debacle on September 11, 2012 leads to the irrefutable conclusion that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton knowingly armed radical Islamist terrorists in Libya.

False pretenses

The American public was told that the intervention in Libya was necessary to prevent a humanitarian crisis. But just as Hillary Clinton would describe the attack on our Benghazi diplomats as a spontaneous protest over a video, the military intervention that led inexorably to the debacle in Benghazi was sold on false pretenses: to prevent an imminent massacre of civilians engaged in a pro-democracy uprising.

Hillary Clinton described the 2011 Arab Spring rebellion in eastern Libya as a spontaneous pro-democracy uprising, but the Libyan connection to radical Islamic extremist groups was well known long before 2011.

The region where the rebellion began was a fervid recruiting ground for jihadis who killed American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The leaders of the civilian uprising that Hillary Clinton supported were members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) who had pledged allegiance to Al Qaeda. They refused to take orders from non-Islamist commanders and assassinated the then leader of the rebel army, Abdel Fattah Younes.

The LIFG had been jailed under Qaddafi until hundreds of their members were released through a de-radicalization program. That program was spearheaded by an exiled Muslim Brotherhood affiliated Libyan cleric based in Qatar named Ali al-Sallabi. The jihadis pledged they would never use violence against Gaddafi again.

But nearly as soon as the LIFG was released they took up arms against the Qaddafi regime.

Just as there was ample evidence that Hillarys pro-democracy protestors were radical Islamists, there was no truth to the assertion a civilian massacre was imminent.

Libyan doctors told United Nations investigators that, of the more than 200 corpses in Tripolis morgues following fighting in late February 2011, only two were female. This indicates Qaddafis forces targeted male combatants and did not indiscriminately attack civilians. Nor had Qaddafi forces attacked civilians after retaking towns from the rebels in early February 2011.

While Muammar Qaddafi had a 40-year record of appalling human rights violations, his abuses did not include large-scale attacks on Libyan civilians. We restored full diplomatic relations with Qaddafi in 2007 and he was a key partner in counter-terrorism efforts.

LIFG and affiliated jihadis received at least 18 shipments of arms from Qatar with the blessing of the U.S., the Wall Street Journal reports. The arms shipments were funneled through none other than Ali al-Sallabi, the Qatar cleric who brokered their release from prison.

The Islamists were able to pay for the weapons because Clinton had convinced Obama to grant full diplomatic recognition to the rebels, against the advice of State Department lawyers and the Secretary of Defense.

As the Washington Post reported, this move allowed the Libyans access to billions of dollars from Qaddafis frozen accounts.

These arms shipments are significant for several reasons. It led to the indictment of American arms dealer Marc Turi who was charged with selling weapons to Islamist militants in Libya through Qatar. The charges were dropped this week after Turi threatened to reveal emails showing Clinton had approved the sales.

Heres where it gets very sticky for Secretary Clinton. The rebel leaders were on the State Departments Foreign Terrorist Organization list. It is a direct violation of the law to provide material support for terrorist organizations under 18 U.S. Code 2339A & 2339B. Penalties for providing or attempting to provide material support to terrorism include imprisonment from 15 years to life.

Nor is the Qatar connection insignificant. Qatar has donated anywhere from $1 to $5 million to the Clinton Foundation, and emails reveal members of the Qatari royal family were privileged with back channel meetings with Secretary Clinton at the State Department. While whipping up support for the Libya military campaign, Clinton told Arab leaders, its important to me personally, the Washington Post reported.

Hillary Clintons prosecution of foreign policy in Libya crossed several lines: she showed extremely bad judgment by ignoring military and intelligence officials, she let personal interests conflict with U.S. foreign policy and, most importantly, she may have broken the law -- again.

Any one of these transgressions should disqualify her from holding any kind of leadership role in our government, let alone president of the United States. The last one qualifies Hillary Clinton for government housing, though not in the White House.
ObamaCare is on the ropes, and everybody knows it. President Obama knows it. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump know it. Our 535 members of Congress know it. The millions of health care providers and insurers who are dedicated to providing quality health care for all of us know it. And the 20 million people who signed up for the program and now are seeing plans disappear and premiums skyrocket on those that remain know it.

Even Bill Clinton knows it. Speaking in Flint, Mich., on Monday, the former president called ObamaCare the craziest thing in the world.

Youve got this crazy system where all the sudden 25 million more people have health care, then the people are out there busting it, sometimes 60 hours a week, and wind up with their premiums doubled and their coverage cut in half, the former president said.

So while President Obama can proudly say that the Affordable Care Act  the signature achievement of his eight years in office  has provided health insurance to millions of people who previously didnt have it or couldnt get it, he has to recognize that it is hemorrhaging badly, and that it wont take a Band-Aid to stop the bleeding. It will require a tourniquet.

The most serious concern right now is the risk corridors that were created to cover the health exchanges losses if they underestimated the costs of providing insurance. According to the law, the government is supposed to reimburse the exchanges for their shortfall.

But nobody envisioned that the risk corridors would be underfunded to the tune of $2.5 billion in 2014 and a still-undisclosed amount in 2015, and that 175 health plans would be lining up to be compensated for their losses. And nobody envisioned that ObamaCares opponents in Congress would call the refunds a bailout of the insurance industry, and that they would block the Department of Health and Human Services from paying the bill.

The math behind the Affordable Care Act was flawed from the start, and the equation needs to be fixed immediately.

Now, according to a report in The Washington Post, the administration is maneuvering to pay health insurers billions of dollars the government owes  through a move that could circumvent Congress  refunding the exchanges not through HHS but through a rarely used Judgment Fund that the Treasury Department can tap to cover federal legal claims.

But even if the administration does this, it will be just a short-term fix. Whether its HHS or the Treasury Department that pays the bill, it will only kick the can down the road a bit. It wont solve anything long-term, because the problems that got us here will remain.

As things stand now, the people getting health coverage through ObamaCare are older and sicker than we anticipated. And the younger and healthier adults who were expected to offset their elders high costs arent buying into the program. Instead, theyre choosing to pay a small fine and gamble that their good health will continue.

So refunding the insurance companies for their losses will keep ObamaCare afloat for another year, but it wont provide long-term relief, because:

Some major insurers are pulling out of the system in many states due to their huge financial losses, effectively reducing the number of plans available to consumers in those states. Some of those major insurers are also seeking mergers, which would limit competition.

The insurers still havent figured out how to calculate exactly what coverage they need to provide, and what they must charge consumers who need it.

The government has failed to hold insurers accountable in terms of their efficiency, which is critical not only for providing quality care but for managing their own operations.

Nobody seems inclined to address a problem that led to the failure of many new companies and co-ops: ObamaCares Medical Loss Ratio mandate, which prevents insurers from spending more than 15 or 20 percent of their income on administrative costs. This has crippled the insurers  especially the startups  because the money they spend on getting accredited, putting their provider networks in place, examining their efficiencies and reaching out to potential customers is not included in their administrative costs.

The administration and the insurance companies are squabbling over fixed indemnity plans, inexpensive supplements for people with high-deductible plans that are exempt from ObamaCare's minimum criteria on what health care plans must include. The administration contends that people who buy these plans think they meet the minimum criteria and often arent aware that they must also buy a health care plan.

Until all these problems are fixed, paying back the health exchanges for their losses wont change a thing. Well be throwing good many after bad, and well find ourselves right back in the same old boat, taking on water again, next year and the year after that and on and on.

The bottom line is that the math behind the Affordable Care Act was flawed from the start, and the equation needs to be fixed immediately.

There are many proposed solutions. One is single-payer, the Medicare for all plan that that was touted by Bernie Sanders.

Another is adding a public option, that would empower the government to provide Medicare-like policies that people can compare with private insurance, even if its only in counties where only one policy or sometimes none at all is available. Such a plan has the support of Hillary Clinton and President Obama.

Another proposed solution is to repeal the law entirely, to toss ObamaCare into the fireplace and light a match. This is Donald Trumps approach. He advocates creating a new system that would allow insurance policies to be purchased across state lines and permit everyone to set aside funds for the inevitable rainy day in tax-exempt health savings accounts.

But whatever the solution, some things wont change. Americans will no longer tolerate denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions; they wont stomach yanking young adults off their parents policies on the day they turn 18, or on the day they graduate from college; and they wont stand for the adoption of a health care system that tells poor people they are not entitled to receive the quality health care their more fortunate neighbors get. Not in this country. Not in this millennium.

Theres only way to save ObamaCare, or to replace it with something better. Immediately after taking office, our next president must bring together representatives of the new administration, Congress, health insurers and health providers and read them the riot act. They must sit down and get to work  as a group  on hammering out a health care plan that is solvent and sustainable. And they must be made to understand that failure to compromise is not an option.

But why wait until January? President Obama and Congress can demonstrate their willingness to stanch the bleeding right now by working together to address the Medical Loss Ratio. They can  and should  immediately pass an amendment to the Affordable Care Act that allows insurers to factor the costs of consumer marketing and building provider networks into their refundable losses.

That sort of cooperation would go a long way toward clearing the three-way stalemate that exists among Congress, the insurance companies and the White House. And it would set the stage for the harder work that is essential to achieving a lasting solution that ensures quality, affordable health care for everyone.
Do you agree that students shouldnt have to hide their faithor be ashamed of itat school?

Thats the question we recently posted on Facebook while discussing our annual event for studentsBring Your Bible to School Daywhich is on Thursday, Oct. 6.

One of the first people to respond was an educator who stated that she disagreed with the whole concept: I teach at a public high school and no one hides their faith.

Her comment drew multiple responses that illustrate why this initiativewith more than 155,000 participants last year and an expected 300,000 this yearhas caught on like wildfire. Heres a sampling of those responses:

Well my son was sent to iss [in-school-suspension] in 1st grade for silently praying before lunch.

My son was told he could not pray for lunch. Living in Iowa.

 one of our youth group kids was told not to bring his Bible back to school. That is a fact.

My son at 5th grade was told he could not bring nor read his Bible on his own time ...

If you pay any attention to news headlines, you know that stories like these are becoming more common. Why?

Our public schools are a microcosm of our larger culture, and they reflect the ongoing tension over efforts to stifle free expression of faith in the public square.

But heres a counter-cultural idea: the free expression of faithin a loving and civil manneractually helps restore respect and unity in our schools, in addition to bolstering academic goals. I want to share three reasons why.

1. Religious freedom is a core element of our nations most cherished traditions and constitutional principles. Therefore, it should be celebrated in our schools, not censored.

Basic expressions of faith such as reading a Bible during free time, bowing ones head in quiet prayer before eating, or sharing a Scripture verse with a friend before class are all protected by the First Amendment.

Rather than shutting these expressions down in knee-jerk reactions of fear or political correctness, public school officials would better serve students by using them as teachable moments to explain the ideals our Founding Fathers had in mind when they wrote the Constitution.

After all, conservatives and liberals alike agree on these principlesas evidenced by the fact that the ACLU defended a student who wanted to read the Bible during an after-school program. And officials in President Obamas Justice Department, recently lauded efforts to protect Christian students rights to observe Ash Wednesday without fearing an unexcused absence, as well as Sikh students rights to wear turbans at school.

2. Allowing students to freely and respectfully express their faith is consistent with our societys esteem of tolerance and nondiscrimination.

Students today receive a lot of encouragement to be true to yourself and to create a safe place to be who you are.

These sentiments are repeated by our highest-level education officials: No student should ever have to go through the experience of feeling unwelcome at school or on a college campus, John B. King Jr., the secretary of the Department of Education, said in a statement. We must ensure that our young people know that whoever they are or wherever they come from, they have the opportunity to get a great education in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and violence.

But far too often, our schools seem willing to demonstrate tolerance for every possible tradition and belief except that of individuals who want to openly acknowledge their faith in the Bible or Jesus Christ.

This reality was illustrated by the experience of a sixth-grade student, Mackenzie, who was given the assignment to create a presentation for her class titled All About Me. Apparently her school didnt really want to know all about herbecause when she included a slide in her PowerPoint presentation with one of her favorite Bible verses, John 3:16, she was told to remove it.

The fact is, a majority of Americans believes the Bible contains essential knowledge needed to live a meaningful lifeand two-thirds of Americans believe the Bible is the inspired word of God.

So if a goal of academic instruction is to expose students to the wide range of beliefs they will encounter in a diverse society, it only makes sense for educators to allow kids to hear the faith-based perspectives of their classmates. For one thing, exposure to classmates biblical beliefs augments academic knowledge by helping students understand the faith that inspires so much of our historical literature. Shakespeare, for instance, refers to the story of Cain and Abel more than 25 times in his works.

But forcibly eradicating any expression of the Christian faith actually hinders learning. It creates a falsely sanitized environment devoid of the real-life experience students will encounter outside their school walls, and it also puts school officials at risk of illegally demonstrating hostility toward religion.

3. The love thy neighbor ethics that Christian students bring to the table are an asset to culture and to any school environment.

At a societal level, Jesus command to do unto others as you would have them do unto you has translated into millions of dollars and millions of volunteers each year for social service programs from churches, charities, and religious organizations. In schools, where concerns about violence and bullying abound, why would we want to marginalize or exclude students who are likewise invested in following Jesus words Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13)?

That love was reflected in the two students  Lexie and Chase  that I recently had the privilege of interviewing on our Focus on the Family broadcast about Bring Your Bible to School Day.

Chase, who defended his right to have a Bible study during free time at his school, explained his motivation: Its a matter of being someone that can show love to others because I have received such love. Why not give it away, why would I not want to show other people?

Reaching out to others in lovethat sounds like something any public school principal would welcome!

In the end, Bring Your Bible to School Day is a chance to unite around the cherished principles that bring us together as Americansa love for freedom, especially religious freedomand an admiration for courageous young people who dare to graciously and unashamedly speak about what they believe in schools across the nation.
An arms dealer who had threatened to reveal potentially damaging information about Hillary Clinton's alleged role in arming Islamist militants until federal prosecutors abruptly dropped their case against him Tuesday, told Fox News the case has cost him everything.

Federal prosecutors faced a Wednesday deadline to turn over discovery documents to the legal team of American Marc Turi, who had been charged with selling weapons to Libyan rebels. Late Tuesday, an announcement came that the government was dropping the case, which was set to go to trial on Nov. 8  the day American voters choose between Clinton and GOP nominee Donald Trump. The move may avert a release of potentially explosive documents.

I am glad this horrific five-year ordeal is over and I am pleased to be able to move on with my life," Turi told Fox News in a statement. "The American public has the right to know that an injustice was committed against an innocent American."

Turi said his legal team advised him to accept the deal and avoid a trial, but insisted that his actions were in furtherance of his ongoing support of U.S. foreign policy. He said defending himself in a case that has now been dropped has cost him everything.

"The government took away my life, my savings, and my company that I worked so hard to build to serve our nation, and for what?" he said. "I still dont really know who the unjust actors were who launched this attack against me from the shadows. I just hope that someday there will be someone that will be held accountable."

Last year, in his only extended television interview, Turi provided Fox News with documents and email exchanges he had with high-level members of Congress as well as military, and State Department employees to back up his claim that the Obama administration authorized in 2011, at the height of the Arab Spring, a covert weapons program that spun out of control.

"That's where I came up with this 'zero footprint' Arab supply chain, whereby, our foreign ally supplies another, Arab country," Turi said. In this case, the US would supply conventional weapons to a U.S. ally-Qatar, who would inturn supply them to Libya, as a kind of workaround.

"If you want to limit the exposure to the US government, what you simply do is outsource it to your allies," Turi said, describing the practice. "The partners-the Qataris, and the Emiratis did exactly what they were contracted to do."

Turi told Fox he never supplied any weapons to Qatar, and it was in the hands of the U.S. government and the State Department's Bureau of Political and Military Affairs which was headed by a key Clinton aide, Andrew Shapiro. Shapiro was responsible to oversee the export control process at the State Department.

They dont want this stuff to come out because it will look really bad for Obama and Clinton just before the election, an associate of Turi told Politico, claiming that information sought by Turis team would show Clintons own role in arming Libyan rebels fighting former strongman Col. Muammar Qaddafi while she was secretary of state.

Fox News, citing federal records, reported last year that documents showed U.S. officials supported Turis effort to channel weapons to Libyan rebels while Clinton was secretary of state.

Many of the arms destined for Libyan rebels ultimately fell into the hands of Islamist militants, reportedly including those in Syria.

"When this equipment landed in Libya, half went one way, and the half went the other way," Turi previously told Fox News, emphasizing that poor oversight, allowed individuals hostile to the United States to get arms. "The half that went the other way is the half that ended up in Syria."

In their motion for dismissal, federal prosecutors acknowledged that discovery rulings from U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona Judge David Campbell factored into the decision. The motion includes a request that Campbell accept a confidential agreement to settle the case civilly, further fueling claims the deal was struck to keep potentially damaging disclosures under wraps.

Turi adviser Robert Stryk accused prosecutors of bringing the case against Turi in order to cover up Clintons mishandling of Libya. Clinton was secretary of state on Sept. 11, 2012, when jihadists mounted an attack on two American facilities in Benghazi, killing four Americans including Ambassador Christopher Stevens.

The attack came just weeks before President Obama stood for re-election against Mitt Romney, and the administration initially  and falsely - claimed it was a spontaneous event triggered by an obscure anti-islam video. It later became evident that it was a coordinated terror attack by extremists linked to al Qaeda and Ansar al-Sharia.

Neither the Justice Department nor the White House responded to requests for comment on the case or the settlement.

Turi was indicted in 2014 on charges of arms dealing in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and lying to the State Department in official applications. Prosecutors said he falsely claimed the weapons were destined for Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. His lawyers said the arms shipments were part of a government-authorized effort to arm Libyan rebels.

The claims by Turis legal team were supported by documents related to the case and obtained by Fox News last year.

"It was then, and remains now, my opinion that the United States did participate, directly or indirectly, in the supply of weapons to the Libyan Transitional National Council," career CIA officer David Manners said in a sworn declaration dated May 5, 2015.

The timing was critical, because in the spring of 2011, the Libyan opposition was not formally recognized, and the direct supply of arms was not authorized. At that time, the CIA director was David Petraeus.

Manners testified before a grand jury investigating Turi prior to his indictment. Manners was an 18-year CIA officer who had previously been posted in Prague and Amman. At the time of his declaration, he said he was the executive assistant to the deputy director of the National Security Agency."

Manners declaration supported statements made exclusively to Fox News by Turi about what President Obama's team and members of Congress knew about weapons flowing into the region during the chaotic Arab Spring of 2011.

"When this equipment landed in Libya, half went one way, and the half went the other way," Turi said, emphasizing that poor oversight, allowed individuals hostile to the United States to get arms. "The half that went the other way is the half that ended up in Syria."

As part of Fox's ongoing investigation of the 2012 terrorist attack that killed Stevens, Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith, as well as former Navy Seals Ty Woods and Glen Doherty, Turi spoke exclusively to Fox News.

Turi was one of several thousand U.S. arms contractors licensed by the State Department to sell and move weapons around the world.

"I got involved in this business in the 1990s," Turi said. "I've been involved in all type of operations, regarding transportation, logistics, and liaising with those foreign governments."

Licensed arms contractors require painstaking compliance in order to obtain the necessary approvals set by strict U.S. government regulations. While Clinton served as secretary of state, American arms dealers were awarded a record number of export licenses to sell sophisticated weapons, military parts and technology internationally.

"That's actually been a huge, policy position, of the Obama administration," Celina Realuyo, a professor of national security at the Perry Center at the National Defense University, told Fox News in 2012.

Realuyo has served two presidents with expertise in tracking down money and weaponry used in what are called "dark networks" that can channel weapons to criminal and designated foreign terrorist organizations.

More than 86,000 licenses with a value of $44.3 billion were granted in 2011 . . . a surge of more than $10 billion from the previous year.

In the spring of 2011, Turi says his high-level contacts both inside and outside of the U.S. government, encouraged him to explore options to arm the Libyan opposition as they tried to overthrow Qaddafi. He says his associates included Manners, and that the government worked through private contractors to limit its own exposure.

As Fox News first reported, Clinton, in a heavily redacted, April 8, 2011, email released to the Benghazi Committee last year, expressed interest in arming rebels using contractors.

"FYI. The idea of using private security experts to arm the opposition should be considered," Clinton wrote, using her private email address. Significantly, the emails released by the State Department blacked out this line, but the version given to the Benghazi Select Committee was complete.

Turi got approval to sell arms to Qatar  which was apparently cover for sending weapons to Libya - in May, 2011. But in July 2011, his Arizona home was raided by federal agents.

"They came in the full body armor, and weapons and, they take my computers and my cellphones and that was it. That was the last time I saw them. And they've been chasing me all over the world for the past three years, speaking to associates of mine all over the United States and looking into my records and my past."

Turi believes he was being blamed for a program that went off the rails, much as Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, whose Internet film, The Innocence of Muslims, was initially blamed for the Benghazi attack.

"At some point, I may be that Internet video excuse," Turi told Fox News. "I don't know. But, it's really strange that the U.S. government would invest three years, a multi-year investigation, fly all over the world interviewing people, for an application."

In her only congressional testimony to date on Benghazi in January 2013, Clinton was asked by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., about the flow of weapons.

"I will see what information is available," then Secretary Clinton responded. "I don't have any information on that."


Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said Wednesday that "Donald Trump's vision to make America great again" was the winner of Pence's vice presidential debate against Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine.

"If we did any good last night, it was that we got to communicate that vision and the choice the American people face," Pence told Fox News' Sean Hannity on "Hannity."

Political analysts praised Pence's performance in the debate at Virginia's Longwood University, while Kaine was criticized for frequently interrupting Pence and moderator Elaine Quijano. Some observers said Pence's performance could help steady the Trump campaign after the real estate mogul's recent performance against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

Wednesday night, Pence criticized Kaine for reciting what the Republican called a "litany of insults" against Trump and his supporters.

"Then [Kaine] said, 'and heres the insult driven campaign'. That must have been focus-grouped somewhere," Pence told "Hannity." "Hillary Clinton said half of Donald Trumps supporters were a 'basket of deplorables.'"

For his part, Kaine told an organizing event in Philadelphia Wednesday night that he "got dinged a bit, even by my wife, about interrupting."

"The debate was a little feisty, I have to admit it," Kaine said. "I am Irish."

Pence also addressed Donald Trump's 1995 income tax returns, in which the GOP candidate claimed a $916 million loss.

"The tax returns that came out in the last week showed that 20 years ago, Donald trump hit some hard times," Pence said. "He had enormous losses in his businesses yet he found a way, using the laws of this country, to brilliantly steer his way back from those operating losses to create a business that is worth billions."

"That's the kind of comeback America needs today. Donald Trump is going to lead an American comeback."
Buried in the 189 pages of heavily redacted FBI witness interviews from the Hillary Clinton email investigation are details of yet another mystery -- about two missing bankers boxes filled with the former secretary of states emails.

The interviews released earlier this month, known as 302s, also reveal the serious allegation that senior State Department official Patrick Kennedy applied pressure to subordinates to change the classified email codes so they would be shielded from Congress and the public.

The details about the boxes are contained in five pages of the FBI file  with a staggering 111 redactions  that summarize the statements of a State Department witness who worked in the Office of Information Programs and Services (IPS)." The employee told the FBI that, Initially, IPS officials were told there were 14 bankers boxes of former Secretary of State Hillary CLINTONs emails at CLINTONs Friendship Heights office. Friendship Heights is a neighborhood that straddles the Northwest neighborhood of the District of Columbia and Maryland.

The State Department witness further explained to the FBI that on or about December 5, 2014, IPS personnel picked up only 12 bankers boxes of CLINTONs emails from Williams & Connolly.

The officials were not sure if the boxes were consolidated or what could have happened to the two other boxes. 

Clintons chief lawyer at Williams & Connolly, who leads all Clinton-related legal matters, is David Kendall. He has successfully represented Bill and Hillary Clinton together and separately throughout decades of their legal entanglements since the 1980s, ranging from the former presidents sex scandals to missing billing records for Hillary Clintons work as a partner in The Rose Law Firm on behalf of the failed Madison Guaranty Savings and Loan and Capital Management Services.

In the documents provided by Kendalls law firm, the witness told the FBI they were unable to locate any of her emails from January-April 2009. This timeframe is crucial as it covers the start of Clintons term as secretary of state and when she set up a private server for all government business, in turn skirting public records laws.

In the same Aug. 18, 2015, interview, on page 42, the State Department witness also told the FBI there was a deliberate effort to change sensitive Clinton emails bearing the B(1) code -- used in the Freedom of Information Act review process to identify classified information -- to the category of B-5. That category covers Executive Branch deliberations, interagency or intra-agency communications including attorney client privileges, and makes material exempt from public release.

Over five pages of the single-spaced summary notes, the witness, whose name is redacted, alleges Clintons team which included Undersecretary for Management Patrick Kennedy played classification games to confuse and obfuscate the formal FOIA review process.

(Redacted) believed there was interference with the formal FOIA review process. Specifically, STATEs Near East Affairs Bureau upgraded several of CLINTONs emails to a classified level with a B(1) release exemption. (Redacted) along with (redacted) attorney, Office of Legal Counsel called STATE's Near East Affairs Bureau and told them they could use a B(5) exemption on an upgraded email to protect it instead of the B(1) exemption."

In early May 2015, the witness reported, " KENNEDY held a closed-door meeting with (redacted) and (redacted) DOJ's Office of Information Programs where KENNEDY pointedly asked (redacted) to change the FBI's classification determination regarding one of CLINTON's emails, which the FBI considered classified. The email was related to FBI counter-terrorism operations.

This appears to be one of two emails that kick-started the FBI probe in the summer of 2015. Fox News first identified the two emails containing classified information as well as sensitive law enforcement information sent by Clinton aides Huma Abedin and Jake Sullivan to Clintons unsecured server.

State Department spokesman John Kirby consistently has stated the majority of the 2,100 Clinton server emails containing classified information were "retroactively classified" and not classified at the time they were sent and received. But that explanation is disputed by seasoned intelligence officials. Even the State Department witness cast doubt on the claim in the FBI interview:

"(Redacted) heard the argument that some of CLINTON'S emails were unclassified back in the 2009-2012 timeframe when they were initiated, but were later classified due to various circumstances. It was very rare for something that was actually unclassified to become classified years after the fact."

Asked this week about the FBI 302 and the claims Kennedy, one of the department's most senior executives, tampered with the FOIA review process, State Department spokesman Elizabeth Trudeau said they "strongly refute those claims."

She added, "The department has complete confidence that the  attorneys performed the highest professional and ethical standards, including, with connection, with the review and release of Secretary Clinton's emails."

Kennedy, in his FBI interview on Dec. 21, 2015, categorically rejected the allegations of classified code tampering. While the section is partially redacted, it appears the FBI asked Kennedy about the credibility of the accusing witness. He said she says it like it is and has no fear of telling truth to power.

The conflicting statements indicate either the junior State Department employee or Kennedy misled or lied to federal agents which can be a criminal offense.

Fox News first reported on the intelligence communitys deep concerns that the process was tampered with, as lawyers with Clinton ties were alleged to be involved at the State Department.

Fox News was told in August 2015 that Kennedy was running interference on Capitol Hill. Two sources confirmed that Kennedy went to Capitol Hill and argued one of the emails that kick-started the probe did not contain classified material, citing a 2011 Irish Times newspaper report to claim the information was already public.

According to congressional testimony, at least one of the lawyers in the office where the changes were made is Catherine Kate Duval, who was at the IRS during the Lois Lerner email scandal and later handled the release of documents to the Benghazi congressional committee.

Duval once worked for the same firm as Kendall and has since left the State Department.
Hurricane Matthew is poised to hit Washington, D.C.

Hear this out for a moment.

Forecasters predict the storm will tear through the Florida, Georgia and Carolina coastlines over the next two days. It could be the most-potent hurricane to crash the U.S. mainland in more than a decade. Just a few days ago, severe weather specialists pondered the chances of Matthew lashing the outskirts of the nations capital, a la Hurricane Hazel in 1954. But a big trough in the jet stream is too far north to suction Matthew into the Beltway region. The storm is now expected to perform a curly-q once it whipsaws the southern U.S. rather than drifting northward.

But alas, those are the meteorological models.

Check out the political models.

If past is prologue, Hurricane Matthew could well be a full-blown Cat 5 on the political version on the Saffir-Simpson scale when it makes landfall in Washington.

Congress is out of session until after the election. Lawmakers just approved a temporary spending bill last week to avoid a government shutdown. Its likely Congress will wrestle with a broad, so-called omnibus package to again fund the government come Christmastime. And if Matthew is as bad as meteorologists expect, a debate about emergency assistance for Florida could dominate the conversation.

Keep in mind that lawmakers just stitched aid for flooding in Louisiana onto last months temporary spending measure. A storm of Matthews magnitude could prompt a reprise of such efforts  only for a different part of the country.

In politics, Mother Nature is the most democratic force in the universe. Earthquakes rattle California. Wildfires char the mountain west. Floods soak the Mississippi delta. Tornadoes spin through the Great Plains. Blizzards grip the Midwest. Ice storms paralyze New England. Hurricanes boil just off the Gulf Coast. Volcanoes belch in Hawaii.

Every part of the country has its own type of disaster. So when the earthquakefirefloodtornadoblizzardicestormhurricanevolcano strikes a given lawmakers district or state, theyre calling on Washington and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to chip in.

This goes for Democrats and Republicans. You thought all politics was local? Natural disasters are even more quintessentially provincial.

For years, a natural disaster would strike and Congress would quickly attach some disaster relief dollars onto the next big appropriations bill. It was just how they did things in Washington. Members of Congress  regardless of party  were loath to oppose any of those packages. Why? Well, this month it might have been a wildfire out west. But if youre a congressman from New England, winter and an ice storm are coming. An earthquake may have just jolted San Francisco. But senators representing the Great Plains know tornado season is up next spring.

Congress infused FEMA with plenty of cash ahead of time a few years ago to sidestep these appropriations crises. That approach mitigated some spending fights after each individual natural disaster. But its impossible to anticipate whats necessary following each calamity.

Resistance to providing some emergency relief after various natural disasters materialized in 2011 and 2012 as Republicans won control of the House of Representatives. In 2010, voters elected Tea Party-affiliated lawmakers to specifically slash spending. Coughing up additional aid heaped billions of dollars onto the deficit.

Superstorm Sandy punished the East Coast in late October, 2012. Then-House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, struggled to engineer enough votes to approve an aid package. There was hope Congress would pass the assistance package in late December of that year. But it was not to be.

Congress finally approved the Sandy aid plan in early 2013. The House okayed the plan 241-180. But despite holding the majority, a scant 49 Republicans joined 192 Democrats to vote aye. The vote on the Sandy measure represented the fewest members of the majority party to vote for a major piece of legislation which the House passed in years.

That roll call revealed something fascinating: almost all Republicans in favor were either members of leadership, committee chairs, moderates  or represented areas near the Gulf Coast subject to hurricanes. In other words, Sandy wrecked New York City and the northeast U.S. But those lawmakers who endured Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and other storms knew they couldnt oppose such a plan to help another region. A nay vote would be hypocritical.

Of course no one knows what devastation Matthew might mete out. But one things for sure: storms thousands of miles away from Washington often rip through the Beltway. Examine the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and how it helped tarnish the GOP brand. That helped Democrats score House and Senate control in 2006.

Another example is Category 5 Hurricane Andrew which smashed southern Florida in late August, 1992. The Administration of President George H.W. Bush failed to order an evacuation ahead of Andrew. Moreover, FEMA didnt distribute the necessary aid.

Where in the hell is the cavalry on this one? exploded Kate Hale, head of the Dade County, Florida Emergency Management division. For Gods sake, where are they?

The biggest concern with many of these hurricanes is the storm surge. Thats the wall of water that tears through communities. Congress must figure out a way to fund the government again this fall. And complicating those efforts could be a political storm surge washing through Capitol Hill that wasnt on anyones radar screen when lawmakers left a few days ago.

Capitol Attitude is a weekly column written by members of the Fox News Capitol Hill team. Their articles take you inside the halls of Congress, and cover the spectrum of policy issues being introduced, debated and voted on there.
Kellyanne Conway, Donald Trumps campaign manager, tweeted that it was sexist for Tim Kaine to be constantly interrupting moderator Elaine Quijano.

She denied reports that Trumpwho live-tweeted the VP debate, of coursewas not pleased with how Mike Pence defended him.

And pundits are speculating that Pence passed up numerous opportunities to parry attacks on Trump because he was more interested in establishing his own brand with an eye on 2020.

To some observers, it was a sign that the Indiana Governors debate strategy was also designed to protect his own political future in the event of a Trump loss, says Time.

Welcome to the post-debate spin wars, which, as it turns out, rage as hot and heavy after the running mates face off as after the Trump-Clinton clash.

The usual standards dont apply to this one, since it was a proxy war about the top of the ticket with the two candidates pursuing starkly different strategies. A CNN snap poll had Pence winning 48 to 42 percent, but that may be beside the point.

As I sat watching the chaotic 90 minutes in Farmville, Va., I thought it was odd that Kaine, usually a gentlemanly senator, attacked Trump so relentlessly and repetitively that it seemed he had had 29 cups of coffee.

But Kaine apparently didnt care if he won or lost. His job was to throw as many anti-Trump grenades as possible, even if he got hit by the shrapnel. Kaine repeatedly ignored Quijanos questions in the process, at one point turning a discussion of 9/11 into a talking point about Trump apparently not paying federal income taxes. By some accounts, Kaine interrupted the Indiana governor 72 times.

Pence, with a background as a radio talk show host, had a more dignified demeanor. But he let a number of the attacks on Trump go unanswered, or with just a minimal responsesuch as saying, when Kaine invoked Trumps announcement speech involving Mexican rapists, youve whipped out that Mexican thing again.

That may be viewed as not sufficiently defending his guy. But it was also a case study in not taking the bait, as Trump often did with Hillary Clinton.

But some on the right saw Pence as ducking the hard ones.

Pence evidently decided to pretend that he is on a ticket with an utterly conventional Republican foreign policy. Pences sidestepping of Trump is the big asterisk on his night, says National Review Editor Rich Lowry.



In fact, a lot of the pundit chatter has been about whether Trump would adopt the Pence performance as a model on how to deliver a disciplined message. Which is a bit silly, since Trump is Trump. And thats how he won the nomination, beating 16 Pence-like conventional Republicans.

The view from the left is that Pence prevailed on style but lost on substance, such as his failure to offer an adequate explanation of Trumps legal tax avoidance. Whether Kaine or Pence was polished and polite matters less than whether they gave a fair and good-faith accounting of themselves and their politics to the public. And by that standard, says Slate, Mike Pence was a clear and abysmal failure.



Does any of this matter? People dont vote for vice president, and the ratings werent even as good as the debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan four years ago. By the time Clinton and Trump face each other in St. Louis on Sunday, the undercard will be a fading memory.

But Pence accomplished one thing, changing the conversation after a rough stretch for Trump. The media coverage has focused heavily on Clintons bump in the polls after Hofstra, Trumps tax situation and his questioning whether Hillary was loyal to Bill.

What happened in Farmville is a bit of a reset as Trump preps for what he hopes will be a more successful outing at the second debate.
Supporters for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Sen. Harry Reid attacked Donald Trump after the Republican presidential nominee told his supporters about the correct way to pronounce Nevada.

Trump, during a rally Wednesday in Reno, insisted the correct way to pronounce the name of the Silver State was Neh-VAH-da. He declared that nobody says it the other way.

Clinton supporters and Reid, a Democrat from Nevada, both used the moment to assail Trump.

American Bridge immediately put up a video declaring that Trump was looking like an idiot for getting the name wrong.

A statement from Reid declared that Trumps stop in Reno was disastrous.

"If Donald Trump wants to come down from the penthouse his daddy bought him to lecture us on how to say Nevada, he could at least pronounce it correctly, Reid said in a statement. "Instead, Trump told us we pronounce the name of our state wrong minutes before he refused to take a position on Yucca Mountain.

I have news for Donald: it's pronounced Nev-AD-a and Yucca Mountain is dead.

Trump made a stop at the International Church of Las Vegas and the International Christian Academy before his rally in Reno. He said the Pledge of Allegiance with schoolchildren at the school.

He also visited with Hispanic business leaders at a Mexican restaurant before departing for northern Nevada.

Fox News Chad Pergram and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Russian government is ratcheting up warnings  on Twitter  to the U.S. government not to interfere with its military operations in Syria, even suggesting American aircraft could be targeted by its air defense systems.

In a provocative tweet Wednesday, the Russian embassy in Washington posted a side-by side photo of White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest and the Russian S-300 missile system.

With the military apparatus pointed toward the image of Earnest, a caption says Russia wants the system because they never really know what kind of assistance terrorists might get. The tweet says Russia will take every defensive measure necessary to protect their personnel in Syria.

All jokes aside, #Russia will take every defensive measure necessary to protect its personnel stationed in #Syria from terrorist threat. pic.twitter.com/6vc4X9lGyT  Russian Embassy, USA (@RusEmbUSA) October 5, 2016

The tweet comes after the U.S. and Russia suspended direct talks over Syria operations -- and amid heightened tensions between the two countries over the bloody civil war in which Vladimir Putins forces are backing Bashar Assad while the U.S. tries to focus on taking out ISIS.

Asked what message the Russians might have been trying to send, Earnest tried to laugh off the social media salvo.

I have no idea what message they were trying to send. If theyd like better pictures, though, I'm happy to send some, Earnest joked at Wednesdays briefing.

The photo coincides with other recent threats by Russian officials that Moscow would respond militarily to any perceived interference as the country boosts its military presence in Syria.

Fox News first reported that the SA-23 Gladiator anti-missile system, which is part of the S-300VM system, has been deployed to Syria  marking the first time its been deployed outside Russia.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov claimed the system was sent to defend against attacks by terrorist groups, including ISIS and Nusra, which is an Al Qaeda-linked group based in Syria.

And the Russian embassy in the U.K. used its Twitter feed to poke fun at Western officials who view the deployment as concerning.

The S-300 in Syria shouldn't frighten anyone. It's a defensive weapon. It cannot be more transparent, said the tweet.

However, Defense Department spokesman Peter Cook noted in his Tuesday briefing that neither ISIS nor Nusra have air forces that would warrant using a defensive missile system.

Russia has been conducting air strikes in support of Assad since September 2015, but the diplomatic situation has deteriorated since Russian fighters reportedly bombed a United Nations convoy bringing aid to Aleppo on Sept. 19.

Moscow denied any responsibility and the Russian embassy in Canada this week blamed the attack on a well-prepared hoax.

Since the disintegration of talks, Russian embassies around the world have been posting tweets to mock the U.S. role in Syria and applaud its own military prowess.

On Wednesday, their embassy in Canada posted photos purportedly from Aleppo that showed no damage or destruction.

On Thursday, Konashenkov reportedly warned that there would be no time to alert counterparts if they detect a threat.

Russian S-300, S-400 air defense systems deployed in Syria's Hmeymim and Tartus have combat ranges that may surprise any unidentified airborne targets. Operators of Russian air defense systems won't have time to identify the origin of airstrikes, and the response will be immediate. Any illusions about 'invisible' jets will inevitably be crushed by disappointing reality," he reportedly said.



The Washington Post recently reported the Obama administration is weighing potential strikes against the Assad regime  the White House has neither confirmed nor denied the report.

Following Konashenkov's comments, Cook said Thursday that the U.S. will "continue to conduct our operations as we have for months now over Syria" and "continue to take every possible step we need to to ensure the safety of our air crews [and] coalition air crews in Syria."

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.
Rare letters that provide a fascinating glimpse into life on Titanic and the liners fateful final moments are up for auction in the U.K.

A letter written by Titanics second officer Charles Lightoller provides an incredible snapshot into the ships sinking in 1912. Lightoller, the highest ranking surviving crew member, gives a first-person account of his farewell to crew members including the ships assistant surgeon Dr. John Simpson.

Titanic struck an iceberg at 11:40 p.m. ship's time on April 14 1912 and sank just over two hours later with the loss of more than 1,500 lives, including Simpson.

I deeply regret your loss, which is also mine, Lightoller writes, in the letter sent to Simpsons friend R.W. Graham of Holt & Co. in New York. I may say I was practically the last man to speak to Dr. Simpson, and on this occasion he was walking along the boat-deck in company with Messrs. McElroy, Barker, Dr. O'Loughlin and four assistant pursers.

They were all perfectly calm in the knowledge that they had done their duty and were still assisting by showing a calm and cool exterior to the passengers, he added. Each one individually came up to me and shook hands. We merely exchanged the words 'Goodbye, old man.' This occurred shortly before the end and I am not aware that he was seen by anyone after.

Lightollers letter was written on board S.S. Adriatic on May 1 1912 when he was returning to the U.K. after giving evidence at the U.S. inquiry into the loss of the White Star Lines Titanic.

Another letter up for auction was the first written on board Titanic by Simpson. In the letter to the Adjutant of the First Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment, Simpson, a British Army reserve doctor, requests a transfer to the militarys inactive list so that he can perform his duties on Titanic. The letter was sent on April 9 1912, the day before Titanics fateful maiden voyage, and is written on the ships official stationary.

The content of these letters is among the most important we have ever handled, to have an account of the last moments of the ship written by the ship's most senior surviving officer on his return from the American Titanic enquiry is unprecedented, Henry Aldridge & Son auctioneer Andrew Aldridge told FoxNews.com.

The letters have pre-sale estimates of $12,648 to $18,973 and $37,946 to $63,243, respectively and will be auctioned by Henry Aldridge & Son with other Titanic, White Star Line and ocean liner artifacts in Devizes, U.K. on Oct. 22.

A number of artifacts from the doomed ship were auctioned in the U.K. earlier this with the sextant used by the captain of rescue ship Carpathia selling for just under $97,000. Three photos and a handwritten note detailing the grisly discovery of Titanics last lifeboat were sold for $6,800.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
A bloody assault by Roman legions on a hill fort in Scotland around 1,800 years ago is being pieced together using the remains of Roman missile weapons that were used in the attack.

The excavations at Burnswark Hill, in the Dumfries region of southwest Scotland, have unearthed the largest cache of Roman lead sling bullets yet discovered  part of the huge arsenal of missile ammunition used by the attacking legions to subdue the native defenders of the hilltop fort.

So many sling bullets and other Roman missiles have now been found at Burnswark Hill that archaeologists think the raid was staged as a warning to anyone who resisted Roman rule: an act of "exemplary violence" designed to terrorize the Scottish tribes into submission, the researchers said. [See Photos of the Roman Sling Bullets Discovered at Burnswark Hill]

"You've got a relatively small hill fort [under attack by] a relatively large Roman force, using a relatively large amount of missile material," John Reid, an archaeologist with the Trimontium Trust, the Scottish historical society directing the investigation at the Burnswark Hill site, told Live Science. "Exemplary violence is nothing new, and it's certainly not unique to the Romans  but the Romans did it on a grand scale."

The researchers estimate that up to 5,000 Roman soldiers took part in the attack, based on the size of two Roman army camps that were built to the north and south of the hilltop fort.

The number of people in the hill fort is not known, but judging by the size of the force used to attack them it may have been between 1,000 and 2,000 armed defenders, Reid said, as well as their families and other non-combatants who had taken refuge there from the Romans.

North of the wall

Burnswark Hill lies just a few miles north of the chain of forts and ramparts known as Hadrian's Wall, which was built across southern Scotland during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (A.D. 117 to 138) and served for many years as the northern border of the Roman Empire.

But Hadrian's successor, Antoninus Pius, who reigned from A.D. 138 to 161, ordered the Roman armies in Britain to subdue the tribes north of the wall. Burnswark Hill may have been first in the firing line, according to the archaeologists.

"We think that the sling-bullet event at Burnswark Hill was part of the Roman invasion of lowland Scotland, and it may have been the opening event," Reid said.

The key to the study has been the discovery of more than 800 lead bullets buried in the ground of the ancient battlefield. The location of the bullets were mapped with specialized metal detectors and used to recreate some of the events of the assault. Similar techniques have been used by battlefield archaeologists to map battles from the early modern period, based on the distribution of lead musket balls. [7 Technologies That Transformed Warfare]

But the Burnswark Hill investigation may be the first time the technique has been used to map a battle from the ancient world.

"Normally, ancient battlefields are entirely invisible, because the projectiles are not detectable: iron will rust away and wood will disintegrate, while stone is undetectable," Reid said. "So we are lucky in that Burnswark represents one of the few places in Britain where we know that lead projectiles were used, and we've got metal detector technology that can pick up the distribution of these lead sling bullets and work out the choreography of the action."

Mapping the battle

Several different types of sling bullets have been found at the site, from small lead bullets drilled with holes that the researchers think were designed to make a whistling noise in flight and terrorize their targets, to the largest lemon-shaped sling bullets, which weigh up to 2 ounces.

Archeologist Andrew Nicholson, who led the excavations at Burnswark Hill in September, explained that the different bullets found at different places on the battlefield hinted at the progress of the raid. [Photos: Ancient Roman Fort Discovered]

"The interesting thing is that all the whistling sling bullets are from the Roman camp on the south face of the hill fort, so clearly they are using different sling bullets for different purposes," Nicholson told Live Science.

"Our distribution plan clearly shows that the south side, where we think the final assault took place, is where the whistling bullets are, which is what you would expect for their psychological effect," he said. "[But] the north camp, which we've always seen as blocking the escape, simply has the very large, very lethal lemon-shaped bullets."

The researchers are now preparing samples of lead from the sling bullets for isotope analysis, which they hope may help them pin down the date of the Roman assault on the hill fort.

"We know that some of the Roman sling bullets found on Burnswark Hill in the past were made from the same batch of lead as some of the sling bullets found at the Roman fort at Birrens, a mile and half away  and the ones at Birrens are very tightly dated to the early Antonine period," Nicholson said.

The researchers are also studying several acorn-shaped sling bullets found at Burnswark Hill that appear to match bullets found at other Roman sites in Scotland, but nowhere else in the former Roman Empire.

The acorn-shaped bullets "might mark a particular batch of bullets that would end up being allocated to a particular unit or group of units, and this might become an identifier for tracing the movements of those units," Nicholson said.

Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones are back in the news after one of the phones reportedly caught fire on a Southwest Airlines flight Wednesday while the plane was still at the gate in Louisville, Kentucky. The Note7 was recalled on September 15 after a series of explosions. According to initial press reports, this new fire involved one of the replacement phones issued to Note7 owners in the past few weeks.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says it is now gathering information. CPSC is moving expeditiously to investigate this incident," the agency said in a statement. "Agency staff has already reached out to the FAA and Samsung to gather the facts about the incident. Agency staff will also reach out to the consumer who experienced a serious incident with his phone.

In Consumer Reports' experience, it is unusual for there to be a problem with a replacement product resulting from a recall.

If there is a problem with the replacement phones, this will be just the latest in a string of serious stumbles for Samsung. The Note7 was introduced in August as a flagship model, but sales were quickly halted after the fires surfaced and were linked to the phone's battery. By the time the recall was announced, more than 90 incidents had been confirmed. Adding to the company's problems were the reports of exploding washing machines, a situation Consumer Reports is continuing to monitor.

Earlier today, Samsung issued this statement: "Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note7. We are working with the authorities and Southwest now to recover the device and confirm the cause. Once we have examined the device we will have more information to share."

Copyright  2005-2016 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission. Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this site.
Compared with Amazon's Echo, Google Homea compact speaker you can ask to turn off the lights, check the weather, and play musicmight seem like a latecomer to the smart home party. It doesn't arrive until November, while the Echo has been conversing with connected home enthusiasts for nearly two years and has two spin-off devices, the Echo Dot and Tap.

But the $129 Google Home has one huge advantage over the Alexa-powered Echo, Siri, and every other personal digital assistant on the market: Google already knows everything about you and pretty much everything that's on the Internet. That omnipotence was on full display at Home's debut in San Francisco yesterday, where PCMag got to play with it.

All you have to do is say is "OK, Google, tell me about my day," and the diminutive speaker launches into a monologue about your life. It will tell you the weather, how long it will take you to get to work, what's on your calendar, and a news briefing from a source of your choice. All of that is pulled from Google products you probably already use, like Gmail, Calendar, and Maps, though you can disable access to certain corners of the Google ecosystem if you want to.

Of course, Google Home also has access to Google's Web search, which means instant answers to a huge variety of questions, from the New England Patriots' season record (3-1) to the name of the Canadian prime minister (Justin Trudeau).

Google Home also works well as a music server, beaming songs from a variety of cloud sources. At launch, you'll be able to chose from Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, Google Play Music, and TuneIn. Like everything else, playing audio is customizable. You can simply tell Home to play some jazz, or you can ask it to play a curated Spotify playlist on your living room surround sound system, with Google Cast making the connection. To accomplish the latter, you'd say something like "OK, Google. Play Beyonce on my speakers," assuming they're connected to a Chromecast Audio.

Google Home is always listening, and you can say "OK, Google" any time you want it to respond. In the crowded demo room, with many journalists and Google employees all speaking at once, it only understood about half of the commands I tried. But Google says that its omnidirectional microphone is designed to filter out anything that's not a human voice, so it should work well in a quieter room.

To adjust the volume, there's a touch interface on the top of the speaker that's reminiscent of an iPod click wheel or a rotary telephone. You slide your finger in a clockwise circular motion, and lights illuminate to indicate increased volume.

The device's design is inspired by wine glasses and candles, so it looked great in the Martha Stewart-esque demo room. It will also likely bring a touch of class to your living room or kitchen whether or not you've hired an interior designer. The speaker grille, which takes up the bottom of the device, is interchangeable and snaps on with a magnet. Both metal and fabric grilles in various colors are available.

If you want Google Home to temporarily stop listening, you can press the mute button on the rear of the speaker. It's the only physical button, which seems appropriate for a device that's designed for voice interaction.

Google Home will come with an Android and iOS companion app, which is still under development. It can do things like adjust which news sources or music libraries are connected, as well as control your home's lights and temperature while you're away. (For automation, Home works with Philips Hue, Nest, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT). I was only offered a brief glimpse of the companion app and wasn't allowed to take photos, but it appeared similar to the Alexa app, albeit with Google's trademark fonts and colors.

The big question with Google Home, other than how it stacks up against Echo, is whether or not you're comfortable with giving it so much access to your digital life. Google says you'll be able to prevent Home from accessing certain information sources, but then you'd be robbing the speaker of much of its functionality. Google knows so much about your life anyway that allowing Home to offer that information to you in spoken form probably won't increase your risk of snooping or identity theft.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
A Nokia phone reportedly saved a mans life in Afghanistan when a bullet lodged in the device.

A Nokia phone I worked on a few years ago saved the life of a man in Afghanistan last week, tweeted Peter Skillman, a general manager at Microsoft Tuesday. Skillman was previously a design executive at Nokia, which was purchased by Microsoft in 2014.

A Nokia phone I worked on a few years ago saved the life of a man in Afghanistan last week. The embedded bullet.... pic.twitter.com/O2zBxadkDO  peter skillman (@peterskillman) October 5, 2016

It is unclear whose life was saved by the phone, as are the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Telegraph reports that the phone pictured is a Nokia 301, which was released in 2013.

This is not the first time that a phone has reportedly stopped a bullet. Other incidents include a Lumia 520 that prevented a bullet from hitting a Brazilian police officer in 2014 and an HTC Evo 3D that helped save a gas station clerk in Florida in 2013.
Two American Samoan businessmen have filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Transportation allegeding they may have been the target of discrimination after being weighed while boarding a recent flight from Honolulu.

In the complaints, the men also say they were assigned new seats on the aircraft that they did not originally select, to ensure that the weight on the flight was evenly distributed.

Airlines and aircraft manufacturers have been debating different ways to deal with fliers expanding waistlines, but a spokeswoman for Hawaiian Airlines tells FoxNews.com that it has not implemented a policy of weighing passengers before all flights. Instead, the flight in question was part of a survey period in which the airline weighed each flier traveling between Hawaii and the American Samoan capital Pago Pago.

This action resulted from the recognition that over time our fuel burn on Pago Pago (PPG) flights was consistently much higher than projected, indicating that our weight assumptions were inaccurate. We review weights on any flight within our route network that demonstrates such a discrepancy, Hawaiian communications director Alison Croyle confirmed to FoxNews.com. Contrary to existing reports, Hawaiian says it has performed the weight survey on other routes.

For example, we surveyed our Japan and Korea flights in 2015 and our new Narita flight earlier this year.

RELATED: 'Real Housewives' star Kandi Burruss claims she was kicked off Hawaiian Airlines flight

The survey period lasted six-months and was conducted in accordance with FAA protocols, says Croyle. The results confirmed that the aircraft cabin weight was heavier than projected and passengers were reassigned seats to fill empty rows and ensure even weight distribution.

But Avamua Dave Haleck, one of the men who filed a DOT complaint, isnt buying the explanation.

. Hawaiian is saying that 'yes it is a safety issue' but, you know, weight distribution, Haleck told Radio New Zealand, so have we been flying unsafe for all these years?"

Hawaiian Airlines has been flying the Boeing 767-300 aircraft to American Samoa since 2003. The station argued that the plane used on the Honolulu-Pago Pago route can safely fly 269 passengers a distance of 6,835 miles. The distance between the two cities is just under 2,600 miles.

Some have suggested that the move by the airline may be driven by the fact that American Samoa, according to the CIAs World Factbook, has the highest rate of obesity in the world. Over 74 percent of its adult population is considered obese. Those figures from 2007-2008 may be outdated, however, with more recent claims landing the rate around 95 percent.

In 2013, Samoa Air became the world's first airline to charge passengers according to size. Those flying on the South Pacific carrier were asked to pay for each kilo that they-- combined with their baggage-- weighed.

The DOT says that it is currently investigating the complaints against Hawaiian Airlines to determine if any type of discriminatory practice occurred.
The U.S. Navy is commissioning the USS John P. Murtha, a new ship named in honor of the late longtime Pennsylvania congressman and decorated Marine Corps veteran.

Thousands are expected to honor Murtha on Saturday at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia during a ceremony to place the ship into active service.

Murtha, a Democrat, served as a U.S. Marines Corps Reserve officer and later as a member of the Pennsylvania House. He was the first Vietnam War veteran elected to Congress and became the longest-serving congressman in Pennsylvania history shortly before his death in 2010.

The two-time Purple Heart recipient earned a number of other accolades for his service, including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.

Ships like the USS John P. Murtha support military and humanitarian missions.
The Pentagon says a soldier from Maryland was killed after being hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan while on patrol with Afghan forces in a northeastern province bordering Pakistan.

The Department of Defense said in a news release that 31-year-old Staff Sgt. Adam S. Thomas of Takoma Park, Maryland, died Tuesday in Nangarhar Province. Officials say Thomas died from wounds sustained when his patrol triggered an improvised explosive device.

Thomas was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, Colorado.
A Los Angeles County sheriff's sergeant was shot and killed while responding to a burglary call, authorities said Wednesday evening.

A suspect was arrested approximately 90 minutes after the shooting at an apartment complex in Lancaster, about 70 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.

Sgt. Steven Owen, 53, died at a hospital about two hours after he was gunned down. His mother, adult son and daughter and his wife, who is a detective in the Sheriff Department's Arson/Explosives Detail, were at his bedside when he died, said Neal B. Tyler, the Sheriff's Department interim sheriff and executive officer.



"This is the thing we all dread," Tyler said at a news conference.



Owen, who also is survived by another adult son, was a 29-year decorated veteran, authorities said.

He was shot in the face with a large-caliber bullet that fragmented, said Mayor R. Rex Parris, who knew Owen for 10 years.

"I just left 100 officers crying. It's indescribable seeing that many sheriff's deputies in tears," Parris said.



"They brought him back three times. They worked on him for an hour but they were never able to stabilize him," Parris said.



Another deputy received injuries and was examined at a hospital but he wasn't shot, authorities said.



Owen was shot in the backyard at around 12:30 p.m. local time after he answered a report of a burglary in progress at an apartment building on West Avenue J-7.



Investigators said another deputy in front heard gunfire, ran around the building and found Owen wounded.



It wasn't immediately clear whether Owen managed to shoot back, sheriff's homicide Capt. Steven Katz said.



The deputy chased the gunman, who ran to Owen's radio car, got in and tried to steal it. The suspect was shot at twice, once as he tried to take the patrol car and again as he backed up and rammed a second patrol car, Katz said.



As deputies sealed off the neighborhood, the gunman ran to a house where a teenage boy and girl managed to hide and use a cellphone to text sheriff's deputies, authorities said.



It wasn't clear whether the attacker knew they were there, Katz said.



SWAT team members entered the home to rescue the pair and the suspected gunman fled out the back door and was captured after climbing over a wall, officials said.



News reports showed a bloody, shirtless man on his knees being handcuffed.



The man, identified only as a parolee, was taken to a hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to his upper body, investigators said.

Katz said a weapon was found.



In 2014, Owen was one of several deputies from the Lancaster station who were honored by the Sheriff's Department after they captured a gunman in a bulletproof vest who had taken a driver hostage and used him as a human shield after a police chase.

Owens and the others received the Meritorious Conduct Medal, Gold.

Fox News' Adam Housley and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Authorities say two children and a man were killed in a shooting at an apartment complex in Oregon.

Beaverton police spokesman Mike Rowe said in a news release that officers responded to the apartment Wednesday afternoon after a female relative called saying three people were possibly dead inside.

Police arrived and confirmed that an 8-year-old girl, 6-year-old boy and a man were dead in the apartment. A major crime team was investigating the incident as a homicide-suicide and they don't believe there is a risk to the public.

No other information was immediately available.

Beaverton is about 8 miles west of Portland.
There is no astonishment as to how meaningful push notifications have become for mobile. We all understand that a significant amount of a companys success hinges on their presence in the mobile world. This means that a plausible portion of your business strategy should be based around mobile marketing, while push notifications should be a front runner within that section.

What I learned while managing push notifications at Facebook is that there are a few things to consider when trying to create a mobile presence through push notifications. You should be able to measure it, increase the impact of your program once established and also determine what other channels you should utilize.

1. Measure success.

The question many have is what metric should you use as your KPI to measure the success of your push notifications? The open rate of your notification is the biggest performance indicator when utilizing push. In other words, what percentage of push notifications were opened by users?

The higher the better.

Of course, its inevitable to not lose users as they go down the funnel. However, getting users to open your notification to begin with at least brings them into the funnel. Push notifications are more effective when going down a funnel anyway. Therefore, open rate is the metric that is crucial for you to examine, and optimize accordingly.

Open rate does, however, depend on the platform theyre getting delivered to.

Android Vs. IOS

When deciding which platform works best for push notifications on mobile, we can analyze data from Android and IOS. Leanplum.com shows that the open rate for push notifications is roughly 1.77 percent for iPhones, and 3.48 percent for Androids. Meaning, delivering your push notifications to Android Users will create more engagement with your brand and/or app by placing them in your funnel.

This statistic is due to user experience, another important part of making push notifications successful on mobile.

Android and IOS notifications function in different ways. With IOS, as soon as a user unlocks their phone, the notification is out of sight. While Android users have no other option but to acknowledge the notification eventually since it sticks in their notification section.

Related: 3 Push Notification Strategies to Increase App Engagement

2. Personalize.

When increasing the impact that your push notification program has, your first objective should be to educate users on the benefits of receiving these notifications. This allows them to think about whether or not they want to opt out of receiving these.

Your second objective should be looking at how many people you currently send them to. While theres no right or wrong push frequency, you need to experiment and see what frequency works best for your particular platform. If you notice that users are opting out, then maybe youre being to spammy and need to lower how many you send. If not, you should increase the number you send out.

However, my recommendation to guarantee a much more prodigious impact is personalizing your notifications. It has been discovered that brands who personalize their push notifications leads to an increase of open rates to roughly 800 percent.

Related: Mobile Marketing and the Magic of Push Notifications (Infographic)

3. Leverage all channels.

After youve developed an app for your brand, you begin sending push notifications and utilizing techniques to increase the impact of your program. Now what? Do you stick to this method of bringing individuals into your funnel or do you utilize other channels as well?

Many companies are wondering whether or not they should send an email, after theyve already sent a push notification. The fact is that you should be utilizing multiple channels besides push. You want to send these notifications to every channel possible to maximize reach.

What other channel can you use? As I mentioned above, email notifications are one, along with SMS and in-app notifications.

Email notifications is second to welcome emails when it comes to open rates as well. A push notification coming to a users phone is fine and all, but how about also sending it to their inbox, a tool many Americans check every day. By doing so, you maximize deliverability as well.

But what if youre scared that you may annoy users by sending to multiple channels?

It would be worse if a user missed a piece of information than if they got it twice. Ultimately, you should think about your notification channels (email, push, in-app, SMS) holistically as a universal inbox.

Related: Push Notifications -- Finally a Non Annoying Way to Promote Your App

Push notifications are influential drivers to maximizing mobile presence. Measuring the open rate, utilizing multiple channels to reach your users, and personalizing your notifications are surefire ways to receive the full benefit of push notifications.
You get paid to think. But because thoughts are invisible, theyre hard to improve until you write them down. Then you have a snapshot of your mind on the page before you, which you can alter it at will, like a metaphysical brain surgeon.

Writing gives you complete control over your thoughts. And anyone who can write can learn to think better -- no matter your IQ. But most entrepreneurs never do. They believe that intelligence is fixed by genetics, so they dont put in the effort to think smarter. Not you.

With a pen and pad, the only limits to your mind are effort and consistency.

Writing is thinking refined.

To become a better writer, you must become a sharper thinker. Each word must connect intelligently to the next, just like each sentence, and each paragraph. Otherwise you lose your reader. Your finished product, whether an article, a memo, a proposal or a novel, is nothing more than polished thoughts rearranged to make the most sense.

If your thinking is muddy, your sentences become muddy. Your subjects disconnect from their predicates and the action is swamped by excess adverbs. You lose a sense of direction. You lose competence to convey your meaning. You lose command of yourself, and everything connected to your thoughts -- like your business.

But, with a pen, paper and persistence, you will learn to refine your thoughts bit by bit.

After a week youll have more clarity. A month will sharpen your persuasiveness and give you greater control of your business decisions. A year will reveal the genius you never knew you had.

So clear space in your schedule for 30 minutes of writing -- of refined thinking -- each weekday. Then follow these seven directives to reach higher levels of thinking. Itll make you rich.

1. Know what you want to say.

If you dont have crystal clarity on what you want to say, your audience -- employees, investors, clients --will be left in the dark, possibly cussing under their breaths.

So take time to make the thing clear in your mind before writing. Do as much research as necessary, then do more. Define your purpose of writing. Then deliver your first line with the weight of your purpose behind it.

Related: 7 Reasons All Entrepreneurs Should Strive for Better Writing

2. Let it flow.

Since most of writing is actually rewriting -- the first draft merely serving as a platform for refinement -- you dont need to worry about perfection. Just let flow. You can make your writing more perfect with each rewrite.

I'm not a very good writer, but I'm an excellent rewriter. James A. Michener, famed author of over 40 books.

Some people can enter the flow of writing easier than others, but anyone can improve by practicing non-judgment. It doesnt matter how good or how bad it is. With sufficient rewrites, you will make it better.

If you cant seem to peck a key, just start writing about anything -- even if its about how you cant write. Simply typing will condition your brain to release your thoughts onto the paper or screen without judgment. Then you can rewrite and refine until youve crafted a powerful and compelling train of thought.

Once youve found your flow, its time to hone your focus.

Related: The 5 Skills You Need to Become a Successful Content Writer

3. Keep the focus.

You need flow, but you also need focus -- a level platform on which to build your thoughts. If your focus weaves this direction, then that, if it dips and rises and veers and disintegrates, you wont have much to refine. So keep tabs on your focus while writing.

If you feel youre losing track of the theme, stop yourself, then go back to the point where you left your focus. Youll have to strike a balance of flowing and pulling back, flowing, and pulling back. But in time, youll intuitively stop yourself during a tangent to resume the construction of your theme. Even stopping will be part of the flow. But it takes time.

So practice shifting from focus to flow until they become one in the same. Check yourself mid-flow and ask if youre contributing to your central point. If not, go back and refocus. This simple writing habit will revolutionize your thinking both on and off the page.

4. Keep track of your subject and predicate.

People are story oriented. We crave action and drama and impact and feeling, but all of that substance is lost when the subject strays from the verb. So keep your actors and action connected if you want to connect with your audience.

Take this sentence for example:

I am writing this sentence.

You know what Im talking about, and youre ready for the next bit. But watch what happens when I separate the subject from the predicate.

I am writing, so beautifully, so thoughtfully, so intelligently and so eloquently, this sentence that so well instructs my audience on sentence design.

The reader has no time to rest because hes wandering through a maze of adverbs and phrases that keep the actor from the action. The main clause of I am writing this sentence is all lost. It is difficult to read.

The trick is to keep track of your main clause -- the subject and predicate -- keeping it connected so that readers neednt do mental gymnastics to arrive at your point. Once youve connected your subject and predicate, then you can embellish on everything else that adds to your point.

Imagine the main clause as a locomotive engine. When placed at the beginning or end of the train, it thrusts your message forward.

Related: The Psychological Benefits of Writing: Why Richard Branson and Warren Buffett Write Regularly

5. Choose strong verbs.

Part of persuasiveness is making the reader feel your action. Strong nouns and verbs aid. Adverbs detract. Take these two examples:

The Dow tanked.

The Dow just dropped really quickly.

The first sentence uses three words to convey a rapid fall. The readers understand and theyre ready for resolution.

The second sentence uses six words to relate the same thing. The adverbs dilute the sentence, they tire the eye and they render the reader non-receptive to the next message. Just like a human life only has so many heartbeats, the attention span only has so many words. Choose those words with purpose.

Dont just think deeply; contemplate. Dont write quickly; scribble or jot. Using fewer words to describe the same thing amplifies clarity and pronounces power. It also forces you to think better.

6. Delete hackneyed phrases.

To think clearly, you cant lean on the thoughts of dead writers. You must be original in every line. I recently wrote, jumped to conclusions and I realized that wasnt my thought. I didnt jump. I just stole a tired phrase that some dead guy devised a hundred years ago, which still happens to be popular. So I used my brain and refined my thoughts. Instead of jumping to a conclusion, I presumed. Much better.

During your rewrites, go through and delete every tired phrase that people say just because people say. Then think about what you really want to convey in your own words. Use that. Tease it if you want to make it interesting, or play it straight. But make it original.

When readers see your message littered with hackneys, they assume you dont have your own brain, and that your message isnt important enough for original thoughts and words.

7. Use parallel construction.

Parallel construction makes for effective communication. Take Abraham Lincoln, JFK and Martin Luther King for instance:

and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

Notice how these famous authors arranged similar ideas with similar words and structures. Feel the power as each sentence builds. Notice how you remember things like of the people, by the people, for the people.

Parallel construction primes the reader to comprehend like ideas. It guides your audience to easy understanding. And it aids the memory.

If you operate a business, thinking is your bread and butter. So start thinking better today. Start a writing habit today.
Three-quarters of a century after he was killed during the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the remains of a young Navy sailor finally are heading home to Kansas.

Lewis Lowell Wagoner was a 20-year-old Navy seaman second class when he perished and was declared missing after the Dec. 7, 1941, attack that propelled the United States into World War II. Wagoner was aboard the USS Oklahoma when that battleship, along with other U.S. warships, was doomed by torpedoes while helplessly moored in Pearl Harbor.

Wagoner's body, unidentified at the time, eventually was recovered, along with several hundred fellow shipmates. All of them were buried as "unknowns" in a Hawaii cemetery. But last year, the U.S. military dug up the mass graves and began a painstaking push by special military laboratories to put names to the remains, using pre-war dental records and modern advances in DNA testing.

Wagoner's remains are to be flown Friday to Wichita, Kansas, a day before a memorial service and interment with military honors at a family plot in Harvey County's Whitewater Cemetery. A bronze grave marker -- noting the Missouri-born serviceman's status as a Purple Heart recipient -- already awaits him in a row of final resting places for three of his seven brothers. Just one brother, 87-year-old Carl Wagoner of Syracuse, Utah, is still living.

While saying "it's a joy that we're finally able to bring Uncle Lewis home," 70-year-old Wichita niece Linda Guinn called it bittersweet in that only one sibling is able see it happen.

"When his brothers all were younger, they were always talking about Lewis and wondering if he could ever be brought home," said Doris Wagoner, Lewis Wagoner's sister-in-law. Her husband -- Merle Wagoner, a Navy veteran of the Korean War -- died three years ago at the age of 79.

Japanese planes hit the Oklahoma with a blitz of torpedoes, quickly capsizing the battleship. Thirty-two men were rescued via holes cut through the hull, but 415 sailors and 14 Marines didn't make it.

All told, more than 2,400 sailors, Marines and soldiers died in the Pearl Harbor attack that sank or damaged 21 U.S. vessels. The Oklahoma's casualties were second only to the USS Arizona, which lost 1,177 men.

The Pentagon has offered no public account about how Wagoner died, though Guinn said a shipmate friend of Wagoner's has said the two men dove off the torpedo-ravaged ship into the water ablaze with leaking oil and fuel. The friend survived and since has died; Wagoner was "not a good swimmer" and was never seen alive again, Guinn said.

The Navy spent more than two years recovering remains from the Oklahoma, eventually laying them to rest in mass graves in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in an extinct volcanic crater known as Punchbowl. But last year, the Pentagon's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency began unearthing the remains from 45 gravesites, disinterring 61 caskets, many containing comingled remains of multiple people.

On Sept. 30, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that scientists identified Wagoner's remains through dental comparisons and DNA that matched two brothers, who relatives said supplied genetic samples to the military about a decade ago.

The same day, the agency also announced it had identified the remains of Navy Lt. j.g. Aloysius Schmitt of St. Lucas, Iowa, who was also aboard the Oklahoma. A visitation was held for the chaplain Wednesday in his hometown and a burial will be held in Dubuque, Iowa, on Saturday, The Telegraph Herald newspaper reported.

Schmitt was among a group of sailors who discovered a small porthole as the ship was filling with water. He had the chance to escape but refused and hoisted others through the porthole and out to safety, according to the newspaper.

By 2020, the accounting agency expects to identify 80 percent of the Oklahoma's unknown.
Nearly four dozen Afghan troops training in the U.S. have vanished in less than two years, officials confirmed Thursday.

At least 44 Afghan troops have left their assigned bases since January 2015, calling into question their training programs' screening processes. Of those 44, 25 were reported Absent Without Leave, or AWOL, in 2015, and 19 have gone AWOL this year.

At a press briefing Thursday, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said 32 of the missing Afghans had been located.

One of the eight Afghan students who disappeared in September of this year turned up at the Canadian border, the Pentagon reported. Police caught the student. FoxNews.com has reported that many Afghans who go AWOL from training in the U.S. have made their way through a pipeline running from Texas to Toronto.

A U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the frequency of Afghan troops disappearing from military training was truly concerning and out of the ordinary.

The Defense Dept. is assessing ways to strengthen eligibility criteria for training in ways that will reduce the likelihood of an individual Afghan willingly absconding from training in the U.S. and going AWOL, Pentagon spokesman Adam Stump told Fox News.

The network helping Afghans move along the pipeline from the U.S. to Canada includes the students' relatives, women living in the U.S. illegally who transport the Afghans to bus stations or airports, and an Iranian taxi driver who shuttles them across the Canadian border, FoxNews.com has learned.

When foreign troops who leave military training in the U.S. are gone for more than 24 hours, officials alert Homeland Security, according to the Pentagon.

Afghans who train at U.S. military bases are vetted to make sure they dont have a sketchy background or ties to militant groups in the Middle East, Stump added. The defense official told Reuters there was no evidence that those who vanished posed any threat to the U.S.

The military training program, on which the White House has spent billions of dollars since 2002, brings in troops from around the world to train at U.S. bases.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.

Click for more from Reuters.
A driver shot during a confrontation with South Carolina deputies over a Hurricane Matthew evacuation route outside Charleston has died, officials announced Thursday.

Lucas Felkel of Moncks Corner died shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday, Berkeley County Chief Deputy Coroner George Oliver said.

The confrontation unfolded around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Moncks Corner when Felkel came to a checkpoint, knocked down some traffic cones and sped off, Sheriff Duane Lewis told reporters.

When deputies finally caught up with the 35-year-old driver a few miles away he reportedly pointed a gun at them and started shooting. The sheriff said the deputies shot back, wounding the man who was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

No deputies were wounded, but the sheriff said four deputies were placed on administrative leave.

The State Law Enforcement Division was investigating. The coroner said an autopsy was scheduled.

Moncks Corner is a 40-minute drive north of Charleston.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Former Washington state NAACP leader Rachel Dolezal, who was criticized last year for passing herself off as black, has been tapped to speak at a North Carolina Martin Luther King Day celebration in January.

The Raleigh News & Observer reported the theme of the MLK Dreamfest Celebration in Cary, North Carolina, "Healing Race Relations through Conversation and Participation."

Event organizer Al Cohen told the newspaper that Dolezal was "depicted as a major villain through media because of her preference of racial identity." He says Dolezal committed no crime, adding that "She only had an affinity for a group of people, and she served her community well."

Dolezal has acknowledged that she is "Caucasian biologically," but says she identifies as black.
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Lawyers began making their final case to jurors on Thursday in the trial of two former Albuquerque police officers charged with second-degree murder in the on-duty shooting death of a mentally ill homeless man that was captured on police video and set off protests in New Mexico's largest city.

The closing arguments by a special prosecutor and defense attorneys for now-retired Detective Keith Sandy and former Officer Dominique Perez follow nearly three-weeks of testimony that focused on whether James Boyd was posing a threat or turning away when he was shot in March 2014.

Defense attorney Sam Bregman says Sandy and Perez opened fire on Boyd to protect a K-9 handler who was near him.

The trial also scrutinized how and when police should deploy force or deescalate encounters with people suffering from mental illness at a time when shootings by police has become a central national topic. Boyd had paranoid schizophrenia.

"You were not supposed to hold him personally responsible for being mentally ill," special prosecutor Randi McGinn stated Wednesday during pointed questioning of Sandy.

She added during her closing argument Thursday that ""no one should be above the law."

Perez and Sandy were among 18 officers charged in 2015 with murder or manslaughter stemming from on-duty shootings. Like the Boyd shooting, a majority of those cases were captured by police lapel or dashcam cameras, or bystander video.

"Here's the thing about the evidence in the video: It cannot lie. It is what it is," McGinn told jurors. "Don't listen to the words, look at the video."

Boyd was 38 and camping in the Sandia Mountain foothills when a resident reported his illegal campsite several hundred feet behind a neighborhood. Two officers responded with weapons drawn but not pointed at Boyd and called for help after they tried to pat him down and Boyd pulled knives.

Nearly 20 officers responded over the next several hours with rifles, handguns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and smoke bombs. During the standoff, Boyd shouted death threats at the officers from his perch on a hillside and expressed fears they would shoot him.

McGinn spent much of the trial underscoring the role she says Sandy played in making a series of flawed decisions that agitated Boyd  from interrupting negotiations between Boyd and an officer trained in crisis intervention to rushing a failed plan to take him into custody with less-lethal force.

McGinn questioned him on the witness stand about being fired from the State Police over his involvement in a time card fraud scandal, and the year and a half he spent on the Repeat Offenders Project, an aggressive Albuquerque police unit that was dismantled shortly after the shooting under a settlement agreement with the U.S. Justice Department.

A Justice Department investigation found that Albuquerque police engaged in a pattern of excessive force, especially in encounters with mentally ill people and others in crisis who could not comply with officers' commands.

Sandy responded to the standoff with Boyd because a sergeant had requested a Taser shotgun. He arrived at the same time as a State Police sergeant he knew. The sergeant's dashcam video recorded Sandy calling Boyd "a lunatic."

"It was just a word I used," Sandy testified. "I regret saying it deeply ... I have not used the word since."

Perez was among the last to arrive after his SWAT sergeant asked him to respond.

He drove to the campsite hearing other officers say over radio traffic that Boyd was threatening officers and that he also had a history of violence against police, including one instance in which he broke an officer's nose.

A few minutes after Perez arrived, he yelled for Sandy to detonate a flash-bang grenade, which went off near Boyd's feet but not close enough to startle him so officers could take him into custody. Perez and Sandy opened fire seconds later.


The Islamic terrorist who wounded 10 people during a September attack at a Minnesota mall used a pair of steak knives to stab his victims in the head, neck and chest while frantic shoppers hid and workers struggled to close store gates, the FBI revealed during a Thursday news conference.

Dahir Ahmed Adan, 20, was shot and killed by an off-duty police officer who had been shopping at a Bath & Body Works as the Sept. 17 incident unfolded. Video footage released by the FBI and tweeted out by a Minneapolis Star Tribune reporter showed Adans final moments, the extremist crawling in a pool of blood  still armed with a knife  toward Officer Jason Falconer. Adan, armed with a knife in each hand, previously had charged Falconer twice. Falconers shooting was deemed justified and he will not be charged, officials said.

The knives Adan was carrying. pic.twitter.com/jTsKfzwbPk  Jennifer Brooks (@stribrooks) October 6, 2016

We are very grateful that off-duty police officer was in the mall that night, St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis said.

Authorities believe Adan had been radicalized recently. They said he had flunked out of school and lost interest in his typical hobbies before turning more deeply to Islam. The FBI was trying to unlock Adans phone and was still working to figure out if he self-radicalized or was radicalized by others.

"We were told (he) had not previously shown an interest in religion," FBI Special Agent Rick Thornton said.

Adan yelled Islamist phrases during the attack and, at one point, approached Falconer and asked him if he were Muslim, investigators said. That encounter preceded the foot chase and shooting that ended in Adans death.

"We have numerous credible witness accounts of him asking victims during the attack if they were Muslim and at least one instance yelling 'Allahu akbar' while stabbing one of his victims and others heard him yelling Islam Islam during the attack," Thornton said.

Falconer ultimately fired 10 shots, hitting Adan six times. After killing Adan, Falconer showed his police badge to horrified shoppers who were unsure of what was unfolding in front of them.

While driving to the mall, Adan struck a cyclist  who rolled across the cars hood. Adan did not stop and later ran a red light en route to his planned attack.

FBI Director James Comey said last week it appeared Adan was at least partly inspired by extremist ideology. When the attacks happened, the Islamic State-run news agency claimed Adan was a "soldier of the Islamic State" who had heeded the group's calls for attacks in countries that are part of a U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition. It wasn't immediately known whether the extremist group had planned the attack or knew about it beforehand.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A man freed from prison after spending 18 years behind bars for a murder he said he didn't commit is fighting for a declaration of innocence that could allow him to receive compensation.

Anthony Lemons sought a new trial and proved that shoes used to connect him to the case weren't made at the time of the 1994 shooting of Eric Sims, Cleveland.com reported (http://bit.ly/2dVd3Q5). Prosecutors dropped charges against him in December 2014. He was declared not guilty by a judge, but prosecutors stopped short of conceding his innocence.

Lemons then pursued a wrongful conviction certificate from another judge. That certificate could decide whether he can collect the $500,000 he believes he's owed for his time spent behind bars.

Lemons' attorneys called five witnesses during a hearing held in May, including Denise Kovach, the detective who investigated Sims' killing. During the civil proceeding, where evidence barred in the retrial was allowed, Kovach said she "still considers Anthony Lemons a murderer who was appropriately convicted."

Judge Daniel Gaul also reviewed the transcript of the original testimony from the crime's only witness, who died in 1996. The transcript was barred from Lemons' criminal retrial.

The judge denied Lemons' request to be declared innocent, writing in his decision that the court found a transcript from original testimony from the crime's only witness and Kovach's testimony the most persuasive of the trial.

Lemons has appealed to state court and prosecutors have until Tuesday to file a response.

___

Information from: cleveland.com, http://www.cleveland.com
A major U.S. department store is pulling a drug-themed clothing line from its stores following complaints the fashion line glamorizes prescription drug abuse.

Moschino, a high-end Italian clothing company, recently debuted its "Capsule Collection SS17" line featuring an oversized prescription drug bottle shoulder bag -- priced at $950 -- and a smilarly-themed mini dress for $950 among other drug-inspired garments and accessories.

On Thursday, Nordstrom told FoxNews.com that it is no longer selling any items from the Moschino collection in its stores or online.

The clothing and accessories, also sold at upscale department stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, have drawn fierce criticism from drug addiction advocates, doctors and parents nationwide who charge the fashion makes pill popping look "chic and cool."

"It's promoting drug use," said Randy Anderson, an alcohol and drug counselor in Minnesota who started an online petition calling for the merchandise to be pulled from shelves at the Mall of America and other locations.

"Im really disgusted that any retail store thinks this is OK, especially when our country is going through what the CDC has called a drug overdose epidemic," he said.

Anderson cited an alarming trend known as "Skittles Parties," in which teenagers raid their parents' medicine cabinets and bring whatever prescription drugs they have on hand to a home where they pool them from a communal bowl.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that in 2014, more people died from drug overdoses than in any year on record.

Opioids, such as OxyContin and Vicodin -- which are prescription drugs -- and heroin -- an illegal opiod -- killed more than 28,000 people in 2014 alone, according to the CDC. At least half of all opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid.

"While there is definitely a need for pills for many people in many situations, this 'Capsule Collection' makes it appear that pills are always a good thing when the reality is that thousands of people are dying every year from prescription pills," said Judy Rummler, whose son, Steve, died in 2011 from such an overdose.

The Moschino pill-themed line was created by American designer Jeremy Scott, who is based in Los Angeles and from Kansas City. In an email to FoxNews.com Wedneday, the company defended its fashion, saying, "There was never any intent to promote prescription drug abuse.

"The Moschino capsule collection was inspired by a play on the word 'capsule' translated literally as a collection of 'capsule-themed' products," the company said. "A lesser exposed but equally relevant piece of the collection clearly states 'Just say MoschiNO' referencing the 'Just Say No' anti-drug campaign.

"We are disheartened to hear that there has been a misunderstanding of the underlying theme of the collection," the email said.

A prominent display of the Capsule Collection line at Saks Fifth Avenue's flagship store in Manhattan drew mixed reactions from customers Wednesday afternoon.

"We are a generation of pills and this line cleverly mocks America's obsession with prescription drugs," said one sales associate, as she clutched the bright, over-sized drug bottle shoulder bag in her hands.

"It makes you stop and look and start a conversation about it," said the woman. "And it captures Moschino's sarcasm."

One customer said the clothing line could "help the stigma" surrounding mental illness and prescription drugs, while another claimed it was offensive and only "glorified" drug use.
Professional clowns are getting fed up with the recent reports of frightening incidents across the U.S. that has put many communities on high alert and tarnished the image of the performers.

The clown community in Tucson, Arizona organized a Clown Lives Matter march Wednesday thats set to take place Oct. 15 in reaction to the reports of killer clowns terrorizing communities and the rumors on social media fanning the fears of clown attacks, according to KGUN9-TV.

The station reported that attendees are invited to participate in full clown makeup or masks.

This is a peaceful way to show clowns are not psycho killers, a flyer seen in Tucson read. We want the public to feel safe, and not be afraid. So come out, bring the family, meet a clown and get a hug!"

More than 100 clowns are expected to show up in the so-called first ever Clown Lives Matter protest.

Authorities across the nation have been forced to take all clown threats seriously, even though dozens of rumors have turned out to be a hoax. Schools have even been forced to conduct lockdowns and cancel classes.

"There are many other emergencies and calls for service that troopers and other first responders need to get to without being misdirected to a prank," Connecticut state troopers said in a statement.

Officials at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, ordered students to shelter in place for more than 30 minutes Monday night and evacuated a dorm after social media reports that an armed clown could be on campus.

The clown situations "waste valuable resources and can lead to injuries to both first responders and members of the public," Connecticut state police said. The pranks "can cause major disruptions leading to schools, businesses and neighborhoods being placed into lockdown unnecessarily."

And it's not just at colleges. A false report last month of a clown grabbing a woman by the throat and threatening Reading, Ohio, schools led to classes being canceled for the day.

A 13-year-old student at Utley Middle School in Rockwall, Texas, was charged this week with making a terroristic threat after posting a purported clown's hit list. Police told Dallas-Fort Worth television station KDFW that the student put herself on the list and told authorities she was only trying to stop any "real" clowns from attacking her school.

Several teenagers in Connecticut were arrested Wednesday on charges of making threats, accused of posting clown hoaxes on Instagram that led to extra security at several school districts.

Police also warned that anyone making credible threats could be charged with a more serious felony under a law passed this year in response to the 2012 Sandy Hook school massacre. The law calls for up to 10 years in prison for anyone intending to cause the evacuation of a school or school grounds with a threat.

New Haven public schools banned clown costumes this Halloween season after an Instagram account emerged with pictures of menacing clowns and captions telling several area schools to "watch out" and "wait and see" whether the threats are fake.

According to Fox 43, clown fears have tarnished the business of Pennsylvanias Snuggles the Clown. The performer said he was having a hard time trying to convince kids hes not trying to hurt them.

Everyone took this as a joke but its really become serious now, and I just want all these teenagers to know that its not a game anymore, Snuggles, whose real name is Jordan Jones, told the station. Youre ruining my job and other actors around the world.

The performer also said he hopes people could look up to him and take the profession seriously.

"They need a positive role model like myself. Yes, I'm in the clown suit, but at the end of the day I'm a brother, I'm a nephew, I'm an uncle, I have a family," he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Six Fort Campbell soldiers were among eight people indicted by a federal grand jury on accusations they engaged in a conspiracy to steal and sell military sniper telescopes, machine gun parts, grenade launcher sights and other sensitive equipment to the highest bidder online  including several buyers in hostile foreign countries.

The soldiers are charged with stealing more than $1 million worth of equipment, such as flight helmets, communications headsets, body armor and medical supplies, according to a Justice Dept. news release issued Thursday. Two of the men are charged with selling some of the equipment to customers in Russia, China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Mexico, among other nations.

The actions of the soldiers charged today should in no way stain the honor of the brave men and women who proudly serve in our countrys armed forces and selflessly give everything to protect Americas freedom, U.S. Attorney David Rivera said. To the contrary, we never want to allow the illegal and self-serving actions of a few to cast a shadow on the thousands of military heroes who every day place themselves in harms way to protect this great nation.

Those indicted on Wednesday were John Roberts, 26; Cory Wilson, 42; U.S. Army Sargent Michael Barlow, 29; Sargent Jonathan Wolford, 28; Specialist Kyle Heade, 29; Specialist Alexander Hollibaugh, 25; Specialist Dustin Nelson 22; and Specialist Aaron Warner, 24.

Each man is charged with conspiring to steal or receive U.S. Army property and to sell or convey U.S. Army property without authority. Roberts was also charged with 10 counts of wire fraud and one count of violating the Arms Export Control Act. Wilson was charged with seven counts of wire fraud, one count of money laundering and one count of violating the Arms Exports Control Act. Barlow was charged with three counts of selling or conveying U.S. Army property without authority.

If convicted, on the conspiracy counts, each man could face up to five years in prison. Roberts and Wilson face up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count. Barlow could get up to 10 years if convicted on the conveying charge.

Fox News Matt Dean contributed to this report.
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A St. Louis County police officer and a suspect are both critically injured after exchanging gunfire.

The shooting happened about 5:15 a.m. Thursday in the small municipality of Green Park in south St. Louis County. Police were called there about a disturbance.

Police spokesman Sgt. Shawn McGuire says investigators are still gathering information. Another police spokesman, Benjamin Granda, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/2e52Va8 ) that the suspect and the officer are both critically hurt but still alive. Granda says he doesn't know who fired the first shot.

Granda says Police Chief Jon Belmar is at the hospital with the officer's family.

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Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, http://www.stltoday.com
An 18-year-old man was charged Thursday with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of a Missouri police officer.

St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCullough told reporters that Trenton Forster was being held on $1 million bail. McCullough said Forster was also charged with armed criminal action and added that more charges may be filed.

With a heavy heart, we confirm that on today's date one of our officers

died in the line of duty. He was a 4 yr veteran. #stlcountystrong pic.twitter.com/JHAq8mTeTm  St. Louis County PD (@stlcountypd) October 6, 2016

Authorities say Forster was trying to enter a house early Thursday when he was approached by St. Louis County officer Blake Snyder, 33. Police said Forster shot Snyder one time, killing the officer "almost immediately."

Forster was then shot and wounded multiple times by a second officer, and was in stable condition at a local hospital.

McCullough said Forster was already on bond from a pending felony marijuana charge. It was not immediately clear whether the shooting had any connection to that case.

Police were called shortly after 5 a.m. about a disturbance in Green Park, Miss., in south St. Louis County. St. Louis County Chief Jon Belmar said the suspect was banging on the door of a house demanding to be let in. Police spokesman Shawn McGuire said Forster had a relationship with a young woman who was inside the house.

A neighbor told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that an older woman, her daughter, and a 16-year-old granddaughter lived in the house Forster was trying to enter. The neighbor told the paper the 16-year-old's mother described Forster as the girl's boyfriend.

Belmar said Snyder saw the suspect in the car and demanded that he show his hands. McCullough said Snyder was shot once with a 9mm pistol.

Snyder, who was married and the father of a 2-year-old son, was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

Snyder and the other officer were not wearing body cameras and St. Louis County police vehicles do not have dashboard cameras, Belmar said. Forster, Synder and the unidentified officer who shot Forster are all white.

Belmar and other county officers wore black mourning bands over their badges Thursday. People in the halls of police headquarters in Clayton stopped to console each other. A large flag in a courtyard of the facility was lowered to half-mast.

"It's been a tough day," a somber Belmar said.

Snyder's death "demonstrates the extreme danger that first responders face every day," St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger said in a statement.

"Our police have my steadfast support and I pledge to do everything I can to provide them with all the resources they need to ensure their safety," Stenger said.

It was the first on-duty death involving a St. Louis County officer since Oct. 31, 2000, when Sgt. Richard Weinhold was killed while investigating a disturbance.



The Associated Press contributed to this report.


A sheriff's deputy shot a suspect who attacked a doctor inside a Houston hospital Thursday, local media reported.

Officials identified the suspect as 46-year-old Harris County Jail inmate Ricky Lynn Hall. He was in the custody of the Harris County Sheriff's Office and faced a charge of aggravated family violence, Fox 26 reported.

The suspect was at Ben Taub General Hospital after he reportedly complained he'd been getting seizures. Days after he was admitted, he grabbed a weapon and attacked a doctor, the Houston Chronicle added.

The deputy reportedly shot the suspect after he refused to drop that weapon. Fox 26 reported the weapon had a blade.

Hall was in surgery with wounds to his upper body and was expected to survive, Deputy Thomas Gilliland told the Chronicle.

It's not clear whether the doctor was seriously hurt.

Click for more from Fox 26.
A 16-year-old boy shot dead last weekend as he pointed a fake gun at police wanted to kill himself, Police Chief Charlie Beck said Thursday.

Before an officer shot him Sunday, Daniel Enrique Perez used his cellphone to call 911 to report "a man with a gun matching his own description" in South Los Angeles, Beck told reporters.

Twenty minutes later, officers found a man matching the description and approached him but Perez turned and pointed a gun at them and was shot, police have said.

The gun turned out to be a replica with an orange tip that had been painted black.

The teen left a farewell note to his family, Beck said, and had a "prior history" reported by relatives.

Beck declined to disclose details of that history, saying they would hurt the boy's family.

"I cannot even imagine how they are suffering right now," he said.

Based on the 911 call, the note and the boy's history, "we believe that this officer-involved shooting was a result of his desire to end his own life," Beck said.

The officer who shot the boy is devastated, Beck said.

The teen's killing was one of two deadly LAPD shootings last weekend.

On Saturday, police shot and killed Carnell Snell Jr., 18, in South Los Angeles. Officers said he fled when they stopped a suspected stolen car and had a gun.

That killing prompted angry protests. Beck took the unusual step of publicly disclosing video showing Snell holding the gun.
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Belgian prosecutors say a suspect has been charged with attempted murder in a terrorist context and participating in the activities of a terrorist group in connection with a stabbing attack that injured two Brussels police officers.

The Federal Prosecutor's Office, in a statement Thursday, also said suspect Hicham D.'s younger brother, Aboubaker D., has been detained, and that an investigating judge specializing in terrorism cases will decide whether he should be kept in custody Friday.

Two police officers in the Schaerbeek neighborhood of Brussels were attacked on the street Wednesday by a man with a knife, who was overpowered by another police patrol.

Hicham D. was identified by prosecutors as a 43-year-old Belgian national. Media reports said he was a veteran of the Belgian army who was discharged in 2009.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is making a three-nation visit to Africa next week, with the migrant crisis leading the agenda.

A German official says Merkel will visit Mali on Sunday, Niger on Monday and Ethiopia on Tuesday. Another top issue is support for the fight against terror.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the visit.

Niger is a major transit point for African migrants making their way north toward Europe, and Merkel is expected to visit a migration center there.

Ethiopia is the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, according to the United Nations.

Merkel also is expected to meet with the country's prime minister and address Ethiopia's recent deadly unrest.

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Associated Press writer Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.
An bomb mounted on a motorcycle exploded Thursday not far from Istanbul's Ataturk airport, wounding at least 10 people, Turkish officials said.

SON DAKIKA! Yenibosna'daki 75. Yl Polis Merkezi yaknlarnda patlama oldu. Ayrntlar HT TV istihbarat sefi Umut Tutuncu aktaryor pic.twitter.com/CbNuoLlNgx  Haberturk TV (@HaberturkTV) October 6, 2016

The blast unfolded outside a police station in the city's Yenibosna district, northeast of the airport, where people reported they could hear the explosion.

The victims were civilians, Vasip Sahin, the governor for Istanbul, told reporters at the scene. He said none of the injured was in serious condition, retracting an earlier statement that one person was seriously hurt.

Police were searching for one person spotted leaving the area on a motorbike, NTV television reported, citing unidentified security officials.

No groups immediately claimed responsibility for the blast. Turkey has been rocked by a wave of terror attacks in the past year carried out by Kurdish rebels or Islamic State group militants.

The Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, has been targeting police and military in its campaign for Kurdish autonomy in southeast Turkey.

A fragile 2 1/2-year cease-fire between Turkey and the PKK collapsed last summer. Since then, more than 600 Turkish security personnel and thousands of PKK militants have been killed in clashes, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency. Rights groups say hundreds of civilians have also been killed in the clashes.

Video from local media showed several damaged cars, shattered windows and broken glass on the ground as police investigated.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A German court has convicted four men who procured tens of thousands of euros (dollars) worth of supplies for the ultraconservative Ahrar al-Sham group in Syria of supporting a terrorist organization.

Lebanese citizen Kassem El-R., 33, was sentenced to 3  years in prison Thursday by the Stuttgart state court. Hassan A.S., 30, also Lebanese, 32-year-old German-Lebanese dual citizen Ali F., and 50-year old German Nuran B. received suspended sentences.

Their last names weren't given in accordance with German privacy rules.

In 2013 and 2014, they provided the group with 7,500 boots and 6,000 jackets and other goods worth 130,000 euros ($146,000), procured through B.'s army-surplus company in Amstetten and in a delivery organized by El-R.  who also provided five ambulances.
A new poll suggests that German Chancellor Angela Merkel's popularity is recovering after hitting a 5-year low last month.

The ARD television survey of 1,003 people found that 54 percent of respondents were satisfied with Merkel's work, up from 45 percent a month earlier.

Merkel's poll numbers have been volatile in recent months, apparently reflecting events surrounding Europe's refugee crisis. The new poll published Thursday found that satisfaction with Bavarian governor Horst Seehofer, the most prominent domestic critic of the chancellor's welcoming approach, was down seven points to 37 percent.

The poll, conducted by telephone Tuesday and Wednesday, had a margin of error of up to 3.1 percentage points.
The death toll from Hurricane Matthew rose to at least 283 in Haiti, an emergency official told Reuters on Thursday, as rescue workers started getting a closer look at the extent of the devastation across the Caribbean nation.

The number of dead included "several dozen'' in one coastal town on a part of the southwestern peninsula that authorities and rescue workers were only beginning to reach days after the storm, officials told the news agency.

The storm killed four other people in the neighboring Dominican Republic, the news agency added, reporting that many in Haiti were killed by falling trees.

As the weather began calming, convoys and helicopters have begun venturing to marooned corners of the country to assess the damage and determine how to help thousands of people who lost homes, livestock and crops.

In Haiti's southern peninsula towns where Matthew arrived around daybreak Tuesday with 145 mph winds, there was wreckage and misery everywhere.

"The floodwater took all the food we have in the house. Now we are starving and don't have anything to cook," said farmer Antoine Louis as he stood in brown water up to his thighs in the doorway of his deluged concrete shack.

In Aquin, a coastal town outside the battered city of Les Cayes, people trudged through mud around the wreckage of clapboard houses and tiny shops.

Cenita Leconte was one of many who initially ignored calls to evacuate vulnerable shacks before Matthew roared ashore. The 75-year-old was thankful she finally complied and made it through the terrifying ordeal with her life.

"We've lost everything we own. But it would have been our fault if we stayed here and died," she told The Associated Press as neighbors poked through wreckage hoping to find at least some of their meager possessions.

Marie Alta Jean-Baptiste, head of the civil protection agency, said the storm also made roads impassable and knocked out communications in the Grand Anse department, on the opposite side of the narrow peninsula from where Matthew first hit.

"We do know there's a lot of damage in the Grand Anse, and we also know human life has been lost there," Jean-Baptiste said, though the official death toll did not yet include reports from there.

Civil aviation authorities reported counting 3,214 destroyed homes along the southern peninsula, where many families live in shacks with sheet metal roofs and don't always have the resources to escape harm's way.

The government has estimated at least 350,000 people need some kind of assistance after the disaster, which U.N. Deputy Special Representative for Haiti Mourad Wahba has called the country's worst humanitarian crisis since the devastating earthquake of 2010.

International aid groups are already appealing for donations for a lengthy recovery effort in Haiti, the hemisphere's least developed and most aid-dependent nation.

In coming days, U.S. military personnel equipped with nine helicopters were expected to start arriving in the capital to help deliver food and water to hard-hit areas.

Jean-Michel Vigreux, the country director in Haiti for the nonprofit group CARE, his group hadn't yet been able to communicate with its team in Grande Anse. "It is very scary," he said.

With answers slow to come, some Haitians in the crowded capital were convinced their homeland had been largely spared the kind of suffering that severe weather has wrought in the past.

"The news on the radio doesn't seem nearly as bad as it could have been," upholsterer Daniel Wesley said as he walked down a rain-slicked street in downtown Port-au-Prince which was largely spared from the storm.

When Category 4 Hurricane Flora hit in 1963, it killed as many as 8,000 people.

Matthew was pummeling the Bahamian capital of Nassau on Thursday with winds of 125 mph.

The head of the Bahamas National Emergency Management Authority, Capt. Stephen Russell, told The Associated Press there were many downed trees and power lines, but no reports of casualties.

Authorities shut down the power grid to protect it against the winds.

In nearby Cuba, Matthew blew across that island's sparsely populated eastern tip, destroying dozens of homes and damaging hundreds in the island's easternmost city, Baracoa. But the government oversaw the evacuation of nearly 380,000 people and strong measures were taken to protect communities and infrastructure, U.N. officials said.

Early Thursday, Matthew was pounding the central the Bahamas on a path forecast to take it close to the U.S. East Coast as a category 4 storm, where authorities were carrying out large-scale evacuations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Iraqi militia fighters are pouring into Syria to reinforce the Assad regimes siege of rebels in Aleppo, further complicating the tangled web of alliances the U.S. relies on to fight Islamic State, which can turn an ally on one side of the border into an enemy on the other.

The Shiite militias, who have fought alongside U.S.-backed Iraqi government forces against Islamic State in Iraq, are now fighting Syrian Sunni rebels, some of them armed and trained by the U.S.

More than 1,000 Iraqi Shiite militants have traveled from Iraq since early September, joining the ranks of as many as 4,000 others already on the ground near Aleppo, the militia leaders and Syrian rebels said. They make up about half of the regimes estimated ground force of 10,000.

The siege they are helping to enforce has tilted the battle there in favor of President Bashar al-Assad, whose ruling Alawite sect has drawn on fellow Shiite powers to shore up government forces depleted by deaths, defections and attrition over five years of war: Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps, Lebanons Hezbollah militia and Afghan Shiite fighters.

The regime, along with its ally Russia, has been heavily bombarding rebel areas of the divided city over the past few weeks. The offensive has killed hundreds, including scores of children, and caused the collapse this week of joint U.S.-Russian efforts to forge a lasting cease-fire and restart talks on a political solution

In an update on the Aleppo situation published on Tuesday, the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said living conditions for the roughly quarter of a million people in besieged neighborhoods of eastern Aleppo have deteriorated, and an assessment conducted in eastern Aleppo city concluded that 50% of the inhabitants expressed willingness to leave if they can.

Hashem al-Mosawwi, a commander of the Iraqi Shiite militia Al Nujaba, or The Noble Ones, said his group deployed 1,000 fighters to Aleppo in Septemberthe latest influx of Shiite fighters in recent weeksand that he sees their involvement as part of a larger regional struggle against terrorism. Other militia leaders said they also sent fighters recently, without giving numbers.

Mr. Mosawwi claimed the rebels in Aleppo are part of an extremist Sunni axis sponsored by Saudi Arabia and the U.S.

Thoseterrorist groups cause all problems in the region and the world and they should be stopped, he said, naming several Sunni opposition groups in Syria he deems synonymous with the Sunni extremists of Islamic State. The Syrian opposition is dominated by the countrys Sunni majority.

Click for more from The Wall Street Journal.
Norways education minister on Wednesday said the country sought to ban Islamic full-face veils in schools and universities, AFP reported.

Many political parties in Norwegian government  including the opposition Labour Party  supported a ban. But Education Minister Torbjorn Roe Isaksen made clear he wasnt seeking to limit expressions of faith, and that the ban didnt apply to Islamic headscarves such as the hijab, only to cloths that covered the wearers face.

I want a young Christian girl who wears a cross to be able to show it, Roe Isaksen told parliament. I want a Jewish boy who wears a kippa to be able to show it. And I do not want a ban on the hijab.

Several European countries are attempting to ban the full-body burqa and niqab, which is a cloth that covers the face.

Bulgaria has banned women from wearing the full veil in public and Switzerlands lower house approved a draft bill for a nationwide ban. France and Belgium have already banned the burqa and niqab in public.
Portugal's former prime minister Antonio Guterres, who was formally approved on Thursday to be the next U.N. secretary-general, said he faces "huge challenges" and hopes to see unity and consensus during his term.

Security Council President Vitaly Churkin, Russia's U.N. ambassador, said Guterres was approved by acclamation for a 5-year term during a closed-door meeting on Thursday.

The Security Council's recommendation now goes to the U.N.'s 193-member General Assembly, which is expected to vote on Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's successor next week. Ban's second 5-year term ends Dec. 31.

Speaking at the Foreign Ministry in Lisbon, Guterres said that he hoped the consensus vote would turn out to be symbolic, bringing "swift decisions which the troubled world we live in demands."

Guterres topped all six informal polls in the council after receiving high marks from almost every diplomat for his performance in the first-ever question-and-answer sessions for candidates in the General Assembly. He was the only candidate of the 10 in the race to receive no "discourage" votes in Wednesday's poll, which was the first to use colored ballots to distinguish the votes of the five veto-wielding permanent members -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France.

The result disappointed campaigners for a woman or an East European to be the world's top diplomat for the first time.

"Antonio Guterres has won this race because he was the best candidate for the race," Britain's U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said before entering Thursday's meeting. "It was a crowded field, it was a strong field and I'm delighted that seven of the 13 candidates were women but I and others have always been clear that while now is the right time for a woman that we were going to pick the strongest person."

The veteran politician and diplomat said in an interview with The Associated Press and two other news organizations during his campaign that if he got the job his aim would be to work with all countries to help solve the myriad problems on the global agenda.

Guterres will almost certainly select a woman as deputy secretary-general and he said in the interview that one of the things that is "crucial" at the male-dominated United Nations is "to have gender parity."

He said that his 10 years as the U.N. high commissioner for refugees, which ended in December, were "excellent preparation" for a secretary-general who needs to be an honest broker and be seen by countries as independent in order to promote consensus and overcome crises.

"I think we are living in a world where we see a multiplication of new conflicts, and you see an enormous difficulty in solving the conflicts," Guterres said. "There is a clear lack of capacity in the international community to prevent and to solve conflicts."

What's needed, he said, is a new "diplomacy for peace" which requires discreet diplomatic contacts and shuttling among key players in conflicts and disputes. The secretary-general should also engage as much as possible and "act with humility to try to create the conditions for member states that are the crucial actors in any process to be able to come together and overcome their differences," he said.

The 10 years as high commissioner were "the most remarkable experience you can imagine," he said. "It's the most fascinating work you can have, very demanding ... and I gained a lot of experience in dealing with all crises and all governments" involved in crises everywhere.

After his term ended, Guterres said, he felt an obligation to do something "having had this dramatic experience of dealing with people that are suffering enormously" as refugees and having no solution to their plight.

He said the place where he could probably contribute the most to solve that problem and other global crises was at the United Nations so he decided to apply to be secretary-general.
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The Russian military on Thursday strongly warned the United States against striking the Syrian army, noting that its air defense weapons in Syria stand ready to fend off any attack.

The statement underlined high tensions between Moscow and Washington after the collapse of a U.S.-Russia-brokered Syria truce and the Syrian army's offensive on Aleppo backed by Russian warplanes.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said any U.S. strikes on areas controlled by Syrian President Bashar Assad's government could jeopardize the lives of Russian servicemen.

He said Moscow was worried by media reports alleging that Washington was pondering the possibility of striking Syrian army positions.

"I would recommend our colleagues in Washington to carefully weigh possible consequences of the fulfillment of such plans," Konashenkov said.

Russia responded with dismay to the U.S.-led coalition's air raid on Syrian army positions near Deir el-Zour that killed 60 Syrian soldiers on Sept. 17, rejecting the U.S. explanation that the attack was a mistake.

Konashenkov said "we have taken all the necessary measures to prevent any such 'mistakes' with regard to Russian servicemen and military facilities in Syria."

He said the range of Russia's S-300 and S-400 air defense missile systems deployed to Syria would be a "surprise" to any country operating its aircraft over the country. Konashenkov added that the Syrian army also has various Soviet- and Russian-built air defense missile systems, which have undergone modernization over the past year.

Since Russia has launched its air campaign in Syria in support of Assad's forces a year ago, the Russia and the U.S. militaries have maintained contacts to prevent any midair incidents between Russian warplanes and the aircraft from the U.S.-led coalition in the skies over Syria.

Konashenkov warned, however, that the Russian military won't have time to use the hotline if it sees missiles on their way to targets in Syria.

"It must be understood that Russian air defense missile crews will unlikely have time to clarify via the hotline the exact flight program of the missiles or the ownership of their carriers," he added.

In an apparent hint at the U.S. stealth aircraft, he added that any "dilettante illusions about stealth planes could collide with disappointing realities."

The Russian military announced Tuesday that a battery of the S-300 air defense missile systems had been sent to Syria to protect a Russian facility in the Syrian port of Tartus and Russian navy ships off the Mediterranean coast.

Tartus is the only naval supply facility Russia has outside the former Soviet Union.

The deployment has added more punch to the Russian military force in Syria, which already includes long-range S-400 missile defense systems and an array of other surface-to-air missiles at the Hemeimeem air base in Syria's coastal province of Latakia.

Russia has conducted an air campaign in support of Assad since Sept. 30, 2015, saving his army from imminent defeat and helping it win key ground.
A Syrian family who escaped ISIS' de facto capital of Raqqa has described seeing an 11-year-old boy's arm chopped off as punishment by the terror group's religious police.

The family, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of retribution against them or their family members, told Sky News the boy was a orphaned neighbor who attempted to exchange a stolen car battery for food. The man he tried to bargain with informed the ISIS authorities.

''They used a sword  they put a block of wood underneath his hand, put his hand on it and said this stole a car battery  they didn't say he was an orphan," the family's mother said. "They said this hand has stolen and he had to be punished and they cut his hand off."

Another mother spoke of her anguish at being pressured into "selling" her 14-year-old daughter in marriage to an Egyptian ISIS fighter who was 29.

The woman was trying to bring up her four sons and daughter alone after her husband was killed in an airstrike. She said the ISIS fighter offered her $500 worth of gold in return for her daughter.

"My daughter said, 'My mother, do you think if my father was alive, he would accept this marriage?'" the woman said.

The teenager told Sky News, "He told me to carry a weapon and to stay with them. I told him, 'please I want to leave now."

"She is a baby. How can they let her carry a weapon?" her mother added. "At her age, she should be in the ninth grade. She is still playing on the swings with her little friends. She's not interested in guns. When you enter their areas, it is terrifying: you see ammunition and weapons."

There are growing signs of tension among the fundamentalists in the city - and an increase in people attempting to flee.

There are reports too that ISIS fighters are building tunnels in expectation of a tremendous battle to try to retake the Syrian city.

Click for more from Sky News.


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A Myanmar court has sentenced a Dutch citizen to three months in prison for interfering with a religious observance by unplugging an amplifier blasting a late-night Buddhist sermon near his hotel in Mandalay, the country's cultural capital.

Klaas Haytema, 30, and his girlfriend embraced and wept as he left the courtroom after his sentence was announced Thursday.

Haytema was arrested in late September after a crowd gathered around his hotel in protest when the loudspeakers at a nearby religious hall were turned off.

The man who was reciting the sermon pressed charges against Haytema.

Haytema was also fined 100,000 kyats (about $100) for violating visa regulations requiring him to respect the culture. He could have been sentenced to two years in prison for insulting religion in the predominantly Buddhist country.
Iraq has requested an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council over the presence of unauthorized Turkish troops in northern Iraq.

The troops, which are training anti-Islamic State fighters near the Iraqi city of Mosul, have caused a spike in tensions between the two neighbors.

Iraqi state TV reported on Thursday that the Foreign Ministry has asked the council to "shoulder its responsibility" and "intensify international support" ahead a major Iraqi military operation to take back Mosul from Islamic State militants.

Relations between Iraq and Turkey have become strained since late last year when Turkey sent troops to the region of Bashiqa, northeast of Mosul to train anti-IS fighters there.

Baghdad considers this a "blatant violation" of Iraq's sovereignty and has demanded Turkish withdrawal, a call Ankara has ignored.
Police in Zambia have charged two opposition leaders, including a recent presidential candidate, with sedition.

Copperbelt Province Police Commissioner Charity Katanga on Thursday confirmed the charge against United Party for National Development leader Hakainde Hichilema, who lost the election to incumbent President Edgar Lungu.

Also charged is Hichilema's deputy, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba. The two were yet to appear in court.

They were arrested in Luanshya town, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) from the capital, Lusaka.

They are accused of addressing a crowd last week without a police permit and reportedly urged people not to recognize Lungu's re-election.

Police used tear gas to disperse angry party supporters who protested Tuesday's arrests and arrested more than 20 of them.
Olivia's Christmas trip to Venice, Italy , should be a holiday dream come true. But when her unattended luggage becomes the focus of a handsome Italian policemans bomb investigation, she worries she won't even make it out of the Marco Polo Airport. Practically handcuffed to the best-looking man shes ever seen, can Olivia convince him she isnt a terrorist before he writes her off for good? Christmas in Venice is the perfect little treat to start the holidays off with a smile.

(This short story is adapted from the first chapter of Meadow Taylors newest full-length novel, Midnight in Venice, available now.)

Kindle: 506 KB

506 KB Print Length: 100 pages

100 pages Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (December 4, 2012)

HarperCollins Publishers (December 4, 2012) ASIN: B00ADVB4YC













READ IT FREE!









AUTHOR BIO:

Meadow Taylor is the author of the romantic novels Midnight in Venice, The Billionaire's Secrets, and Falling for Rain, as well as the short stories Christmas in Venice and Christmas in Bruges. Join her Facebook page . She also tweets @MeadowTaylor1.









REVIEW:

So sweet!

I'm glad Alessandro gave Olivia his number at the end, geez, I was thinking they would walk away from each other with no look back. After the moment they had filled with all that chemistry, there was no denying they needed to get together. Well, that did not happen, but a number is a start.

I did get a laugh from this short story though. In was funny in ways I least expected. Which was good!

Can't wait to read, Midnight In Venice. This sounds like a perfect romance series for me and my tastes!! Not only do I get the sweetness of watching people fall in love, but what a better setting than in Italy!



4/5








What do current prostate cancer screening guidelines say?

First, screening guidelines are issued by various organizations and each has its own take.

The latest guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, issued in 2012, recommend that men without symptoms receive no prostate-specific antigen, or PSA test, at any age. The American Cancer Society guidelines, issued in 2010, recommend average-risk men have a discussion with their doctor about whether screening is right for them starting at age 50. High risk men should start having that discussion at 45. Those with multiple first-degree relatives with prostate cancer are advised to have the screening talk starting at age 40. After that discussion, they should decide whether they want to be screened and should not be screened unless they have that discussion. The American Urological Associations 2013 guidelines drill down a little deeper, recommending that average-risk men between the ages of 55 and 69; men under 55 who are at high risk (i.e., theyre African American or have a family history of the disease); and healthy men over the age of 70 all talk to their doctors about screening with no PSA tests recommended for asymptomatic men outside those ranges.

Dr. Ruth Etzioni, a Fred Hutch biostatistician whose research specifically focuses on the effectiveness of screening for both prostate and breast cancers, acknowledged that multiple recommendations can make it very confusing for the public but said it helps to keep in mind the mission of each organization. The Task Force is made of primary care doctors and thus, is more concerned with a whole healthy population, while the American Cancer Society is all about reducing deaths from cancer so their guidelines may be more rigorous.

What do our experts recommend?

Dr. Pete Nelson, a clinical researcher and prostate cancer oncologist at Fred Hutch and its treatment arm Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, said both the American Urological Association and the American Cancer Society guidelines seem reasonable.

I suggest all men get screened or at least get a baseline at 50, he went on. If theres any family history of prostate, breast, ovarian, and pancreatic, they may want to get screened earlier. And if theyre African American, they should certainly get that baseline at 40 or 45 as well as participate in studies.

Etzioni sympathized with Stiller, who said he believed men over the age of 40 should have the opportunity to discuss the test with their doctor and learn about it so they can have the chance to be screened.

But, she said, screening guidelines are designed for the masses, not the outliers.

Indeed, there are men who are young and who get bad prostate cancer and it really is a terrible thing, she said. The issue is this happens very rarely among white men without any family history.

The thing that people have to realize about screening is this: screening cannot save everyone, she said. If we screen to save everyone we would have to screen so early and so often that it would not be reasonable from a cost and a morbidity perspective. The issue with screening is How do we save the most lives in a manner that is acceptable from a population health perspective? Im afraid that screening all men in their 40s is not going to satisfy this. It is a needle in a haystack situation. Making screening policy means making really difficult decisions because inevitably you will not be able to screen in a way that saves everyone.

Etzioni co-authored the AUA guidelines "so (does) like them better than USPSTF."

Why is there such back and forth about prostate screening?

Why is there such a controversy about when men get screened? Its all about balancing the harms (false positives, overtreatment and complications) with the benefits (finding and treating aggressive cancers early).

Cancer is so common in the prostate, if you go looking for it, youll more than likely find it, said Nelson. But not all prostate cancers are created equal.

Nelson said a large subset of cancers are indolent; theyre slow moving and will never cause harm. Another subset behaves very aggressively and may progress so rapidly that even surgery and radiation wont be able to help; the cancer will spread and the patient will eventually die. Another subset, he said, is destined to spread but if caught early, can be treated and cured.

Thats where the benefit of screening comes in, he said. Youre detecting cancers that would be lethal at the point when theyre still curable. But the screening tests dont distinguish. You need a biopsy to distinguish whats indolent or aggressive.

So why not just screen all men?

Nelson said the Task Force guidelines used to recommend a more liberal approach to screening but further research demonstrated many men were being tested, diagnosed and then treated for cancers that werent aggressive. So the guidelines were revamped.

They were being overtreated, he said. These men with low grade, low volume indolent-appearing cancers were being treated with radical treatments like surgery and radiation. Theres been a sea change since then and theres no question that they changed it for the better.

Etzioni said the Task Forces 2012 guidelines concluded screening was so ineffective  and treatment so morbid  that theres was no way to make it acceptable from a population health perspective.

Theres no question that we need a better test, said Nelson. A PSA test has a lot of vagaries. The bottom line is we need better markers and a better screening test, ideally one that would only identify the aggressive cancers.

Nelson is currently working on finding both.

Were trying to identify genetic risks in the urine that would associate with the more aggressive prostate cancers, he said. And also blood-based [screening] tests. Were also following men to show that you dont have to treat prostate cancer right when its diagnosed. You can safely watch these cancers over time and catch them at a point where they appear to be more aggressive.

What should men keep in mind?

Nelson said the biggest issue is not when men are screened, but whether men who are screened and subsequently diagnosed should go through treatment.

I dont recommend they automatically get treated, he said. Thats the big distinction. Determining they have a cancer by biopsy is key, but they dont automatically have to have treatment. Active surveillance is becoming more accepted now and urologists are becoming better at describing it to patients. Theyre not saying, Dont do anything ever. Theyre saying, Dont do anything now.

Stiller's doctor used what Etzioni called "close monitoring," with his patient, a nuanced approach that monitors the PSA situation without rushing towards biopsy. Necessary for diagnosis, biopsies are also invasive and can cause complications like infection which can lead to hospitalizations and even death, though rare.

My doctor  watched my PSA tests rise for over a year and a half, testing me every six months, Stiller wrote. As the numbers continued to rise, he sent me to the urologist, who gave me a slightly invasive physical check in his office using a gloved finger. This took all of 10 seconds  After this exam, and looking at my rising PSA numbers, he suggested an MRI to get a roadmap of my prostate.

After his MRI, Stillers doctor recommended a biopsy. The biopsy came back positive for cancer.

The key, Nelson said, is finding the sweet spot for not overtreating and not undertreating the population. Thats why PSA screening is still very reasonable. And obtaining a biopsy is still very reasonable. When theres a decision point, thats where discussion needs to occur with a specialist who will say, You need treatment or We need to watch this. For most men, they need to watch it.

Are there new guidelines on the horizon?

According to the Task Force, new guidelines are in the process of being created.

As with all of its recommendations, the Task Force reviews evidence on the benefits and harms of preventive services that apply to patients without symptoms or signs of the disease, it said in an emailed statement. When the Task Force last reviewed the evidence on prostate cancer screening in 2012, evidence showed that there is a small potential benefit to screening for prostate cancer and there are significant known harms. As such, the Task Force recommended against routine screening of all asymptomatic men at average risk for prostate cancer.

However, they added, the Task Force encourages any man who is concerned about his risk of prostate cancer to talk to his doctor about whether screening is appropriate. This recommendation does not preclude a man choosing to be screened."
Hutch high-school internship program widens educational clout

The summer interns have now departed Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center labs for their own classrooms, but those 43 students  and their mentors  embody the programs growing impact on high schools in the Puget Sound region, said the programs leader.

Whats incredible is that you take kids who have no idea where they stand in the continuum of performance because theyre all from different schools, and you make them believe in themselves, said Dr. Beverly Torok-Storb, a transplant biologist at Fred Hutch and director of its intern program.

They go away knowing that they belong, and they reach higher than they would have otherwise, Torok-Storb said.

This marked the sixth year of the Hutch summer internship program  a paid, eight-week research experience that allows each participating student a chance to learn and conduct hands-on science within one of the centers five divisions.

The program is geared toward, but not limited to, students from racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds often underrepresented in science. The goal is to provide them with education and opportunities and to have them eventually contribute to diversifying the biomedical workforce.

At its onset in 2011, four interns participated. For this session, Torok-Storb and her Hutch colleagues received and assessed more than 250 applications.

Kids come with different levels of preparation (depending on the high school they attend). What you have to convince the kids who dont come from good schools is that any deficiency they perceive in their own knowledge is just content-based, Torok-Storb said. They can make up for the fact that they didnt get the content (in their school). But what you have to engender in them is a willingness to work and a belief that they can do it.

I have myself as an example to tell them about, said Torok-Storb, who comes from an impoverished background. Growing up, she said, she didnt know that job opportunities like those at the Hutch existed.

As the number of interns has steadily expanded, so has the number of Hutch mentors eager to accept kids into their labs to guide and work with them on various scientific projects.

Since 2013, 38 mentor labs have joined the internship program. The participating mentors represent these labs: Andrasik, Bai, Bedalov, Bedford, Bloom, Bradley, Emerman, Etzioni, Geballe, Georges, Ghajar, Harkey, Hockenbery, Kiem, Lampe (Paul), McIntosh, Matsen, Meshinchi, Moens, Nelson (Lee), Nelson (Peter), Oehler, Omberg, Overbaugh, Paddison, Parker, Parkhurst, Peichel, Porter, Radich, Salama, Stanford, Stephan, Stirewalt, Storb, Subramanian, Thompson and Torok-Storb.

Many, many faculty members have come to the good side, Torok-Storb said. The faculty and their support is tremendous and absolutely essential. We wouldnt do the program without the faculty commitment to it."

That support, she said, includes being championed by Fred Hutch President and Director Dr. Gary Gilliland.

Funding for Fred Hutch high school internship programs comes from public and private sources, including the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, AT&T, Inspirus Credit Union, the Richard C. Goldstein Private Foundation and other donors.

Torok-Storb and her colleagues expect to accept new applications for 2017 Fred Hutch high school internships starting in late February or early March. Participants must, by the summer of 2017, have completed 11th grade but not have graduated high school.

We get fabulous letters from these kids (in the years after their internships) saying things like they were just accepted into (prestigious academic) programs because of their internship at the Hutch, and that it just changed their life, she said.

They become confidant that they can compete and that they belong.

 By Bill Briggs / Fred Hutch News Service
Endearment & Power Of Positive Thinking School Of Love Development Site Launched

The School of Love, a new self development site, has launched. It offers a range of free and subscriber courses on the power of love, the power of positive thinking, and the ways to improve someone's life.

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A new self development website has launched following research that shows that the more someone spends on their wedding, the shorter their marriage is likely to be. Economics professors from Emory University explain that couples who spend more on their engagement rings also experience higher rates of divorce, which could be triggered by financial stress. The self development website, called School of Love, focuses on positive thinking, happiness, love and emotions, seeking to improve people's lives.

More information can be found on the School of Love website at: http://schooloflove.ca.

The School of Love and happiness features a wide range of courses broken down into categories to make them easier to browse. These include Love and Happiness, School of Love, Mortal Trinity, Self Sufficiency, Living in the Moment, Purpose of Emotions and a module on Emotional Protection, just to mention a few.

Within these broad modules, individual subjects are discussed at length with in depth features, articles and reports. The report focusing on unconditional love explains how the meaning has changed over the years, emphasizing that while people may be afraid to call true love unconditional, it is still something that the heart yearns for.

In the Preparing for a Relationship course, the School of Love explains that love can come when someone least expects it. It says that if someone prepares for love, they will increase their chances of finding it because love is within everyone. It goes on to say that it's also important for people to set standards for themselves to help them focus on who they want to let into their life.

When someone does fall in love, the School of Love explains, they will discover their true self, the one they hid far away from everyone and first and foremost themselves. They will rediscover the person they almost forgot, and through this process they will be able to see themselves whole and complete, all the beauty and imperfection, all the power and pain.

The site underscores that this is because they have found someone to love for who they are, and whose only requirement is that they be themselves.

For more information, please visit http://www.schooloflove.ca/

Contact Info:

Name: Tania Berlin

Organization: EmoLogic Inc

Address:



Release ID: 136110

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Utah Attorney General to Speak at Direct Selling Edge Conference

MLM attorney Kevin Thompson and compensation plan consultant Jay Leisner invite owners and employees of network marketing and party plan companies to attend a two-day corporate the Direct Selling Edge Conference, in Farmington (Salt Lake City), UT on October 20 and 21, 2016.

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The Attorney General of the State of Utah, Sean Reyes, will be a special guest speaker at the 15th Direct Selling Edge Conference on October 20-21, 2016 in Salt Lake City. AG Reyes will discuss the legal issues within the industry. Then, questions will be answered.

Held since 2011, the Direct Selling Edge Conference is a two-day corporate school for new and established network marketing and party plan direct selling companies.

The Direct Selling Edge Conference is hosted by MLM lawyer Kevin Thompson of Thompson Burton and MLM compensation plan consultant Jay Leisner of Sylvina Consulting. Each of the faculty members of the Direct Selling Edge Conference is a leading expert in his or her respective fields.

In a recent interview, MLM attorney Kevin Thompson said, "Our mission is to teach attendees what they need to know and do to launch and grow successful network marketing and party plan companies. We educate direct selling companies on compensation plan design, company recruiting, legal compliance, social media for direct selling companies, merchant accounts, MLM software, asset protection and much more."

Jay Leisner added, "After you attend the Direct Selling Edge Conference, you will return home with action steps you can take right away to build or grow your business faster."

In addition to the education, attendees will have an opportunity to meet privately with speakers in consulting appointments at the end of each day. They can receive up to four hours of consultation from industry experts at no additional charge.

Direct selling entrepreneurs who are launching or growing network marketing or party plan companies will gain step-by-step knowledge on all of the following:

o how to design or improve a compensation plan

o what is needed to know about current legal regulations

o what to teach company representatives about how to use social media the right way

o what matters most in a relationship with a merchant account provider

o how to attract field leaders o how to build a great company culture

o how to build an effective distributor compliance department

o what should be done before obtaining MLM software

how to protect personal and company assets and more, including a fast answers speaker panel that will answer many questions.

Instant access to the October 20-21, 2016 event information can be obtained at the Direct Selling Edge website at www.directsellingedge.com.

For media inquiries, please visit http://www.directsellingedge.com

For more information, please visit http://www.dsedge.com

Contact Info:

Name: Jay Liesner

Organization: Direct Selling Education, Inc.

Address:

Phone: (619) 977-5022

Release ID: 136415

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Entrance Consulting Launches Flexible Subscription-Based Consulting Model

Entrance as a Service (EaaS) offers a unique and innovative new approach to delivering software and IT consulting services.

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Entrance Consulting today announced the launch of Entrance as a Service (EaaS), an innovative and unique monthly subscription-based approach to delivering customized IT and software consulting services. EaaS shatters the traditional consulting model by allowing companies and organizations to enjoy access to a truly diverse knowledge base on an as-needed and low-cost monthly subscription basis.

The service is designed to appeal to companies of all sizes who are looking for a high degree of consulting service flexibility with a simplified and affordable monthly pricing structure.

Greater Flexibility

Entrance as a Service provides unparalleled flexibility when it comes to technological consulting. It achieves this by having the ability to provide expert knowledge across a wide variety of software and IT skillsets.

Most consulting services offer guidance along a limited range of knowledge boundaries. With EaaS, clients are able to tap into the extensive array of Entrance Consulting's experts as they are needed. This provides the flexibility of having knowledgeable resources when they are required, and being able to shift to new ones as priorities evolve.

Simplified Pricing

EaaS alters the landscape when it comes to providing simplified software and IT consulting pricing. With a streamlined six-tiered pricing model, large and small companies alike can take advantage of the full range of Entrance's consulting services.

Pricing for small projects is offered in monthly blocks of 15, 30, and 60 hours. Large projects can benefit from all of Entrance Consulting's services in packages of 120, 240 and 480 hours, as well as gain access to additional features such as strategic initiative planning, 3-month alignment meetings, and monthly status updates.

EaaS gives companies the peace of mind that comes from having full control over their consulting spend and provides access to a selection of monthly plans that will fit any budget.

About Entrance Consulting

With expertise spanning a wide array of industries, Entrance Consulting specializes in helping companies acquire, build and integrate software that helps them reach their business goals. They offer expertise on a broad range of IT and software topics ranging from custom web app development and Microsoft Sharepoint customization to applications and data management. Entrance Consulting provides expert knowledge to industries such as oil & gas, manufacturing, engineering, construction and health care.

For more information, please visit http://www.entranceconsulting.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Nathaniel Richards

Email: info@entranceconsulting.com

Organization: Entrance Consulting

Address: 2500 E. TC Jester Blvd. Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77008

Phone: 888-343-5669

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/entrance-consulting-launches-flexible-subscription-based-consulting-model/136488

Release ID: 136488

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Puro Rabjohn Donates Drinking Fountain To Santa Teresita School

Santa Teresita School in southern California received a gift just in time for children to return to school this fall, which is also a time of very high temperatures.

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Santa Teresita School in southern California received a gift just in time for children to return to school this fall, which is also a time of very high temperatures. Puro Rabjohn donated a water cooler that will provide another drinking water source for students and teachers alike in the school. Puro Rabjohn is a water equipment company, which has been supplying drinking fountains for schools, businesses, parks, indoor and outdoor purposes for more than a century.

Traditional school water fountains are unfiltered, frequently have warm water, and they are designed without refillable, reusable bottles in mind. The donated drinking fountain will solve these problems while allowing the students to stay hydrated with better tasting water. The drinking fountain will result in waste reduction and save landfill space by encouraging the use of refillable water bottles instead of disposable bottled water.

Michael Hernandez-Soria, President of Puro Rabjohn said, "Our business is dedicated to delivering drinking fountains to schools and businesses and we are proud to be able to donate one of our fountains to a fine elementary school in need. Our installation of the drinking fountain will make sure that there is a steady supply of filtered drinking water for all the students, faculty, and staff."

Sister Mary Catherine Antczak, the school's Principal, and Kathleen Fitzpatrick, the school's development Director, penned a thank you letter to Puro Rabjohn in which they said, "I want to thank you for your generous gift of the water cooler for our 2nd-floor grades. With our California August and September heat, this new cooler is so appreciated and will be used at great extent to keep our students hydrated."

About Puro Rabjohn:

Puro Rabjohn has built a reputation as the largest service and warranty company for drinking fountains, water coolers, water filtration systems and other commercial water equipment in the greater Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange County areas. Puro Rabjohn is the most experienced specialist in the business of water hydration devices and bottle-less water equipment through water fountains, filtered water, ice machines and more. Puro Rabjohn delivers exceptional hydration solutions for all your chilled and hot water needs.

For more information, please visit http://purorabjohn.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Mike Hernandez-Soria

Organization: Puro Rabjohn

Address: 1833 Daly Street Los Angeles, CA, United States of America, 90031-3307

Phone: 323-221-9163

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/puro-rabjohn-donates-drinking-fountain-to-santa-teresita-school/136126

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Pass The Lemongrass: Maple Holistics Releases New Lemongrass Essential Oil

Maple Holistics has announced the development and release of their new Lemongrass Essential Oil, available for purchase now through the Maple Holistics website or via Amazon.com.

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Continuing to build their impressive roster of natural oils, Maple Holistics has announced the release of their new, all-natural Lemongrass Essential Oil. Available for purchase now through the Maple Holistics website or via Amazon.com, Maple Holistics Lemongrass Essential Oil can supplement a healthy lifestyle in a number of different ways. Providing an array of benefits when applied topically to the hair or skin, Maple Holistics Lemongrass Essential Oil is high in antioxidants and can be used as a natural skin moisturizer or massage oil.

Maple Holistics Lemongrass Essential Oil contains vitamins A, B, C, and E, all of which are easily absorbed by the hair and scalp. Adding Maple Holistics Lemongrass Essential Oil to any hair care routine can have a positive effect, promoting shinier, stronger, and healthier hair. Vitamin E in particular is a natural moisturizer and moisture retainer, for the skin as much as for the hair. The antioxidants contained within Maple Holistics Lemongrass Essential Oil fight free radicals to provide an anti-aging effect in the skin, by improving the skin's collagen and elastin. Vitamin E helps prevent damage caused by UV rays, which can otherwise contribute to signs of premature aging. Vitamin A (retinol) further helps to prevent free-radical damage and can also increase collagen production. In terms of massage, Maple Holistics Lemongrass Essential Oil is a great option. Lemongrass works best in a blend, and due to its non-greasy texture and its light viscosity, can be combined with other essential oils for a wonderful massage experience. The natural vitamins within keep skin hydrated and soft.

Maple Holistics Lemongrass Essential Oil is 100% pure and contains no impurities or fillers. The Lemongrass Essential Oil is cruelty-free, paraben-free, made in the USA, contains no artificial colors or harmful ingredients, and is packaged in environmentally friendly, BPA-free bottles.

About the Company

Maple Holistics provides industry leading, all-natural hair, body, and skin products. The company offers a natural, holistic range of premium products which can enhance hygiene, health and daily living. Company products are made in the USA.

For more information, please visit http://mapleholistics.com

Contact Info:

Name: Benjamin Ellis

Email: support@mapleholistics.com

Organization: Maple Holistics

Address: 603 Twin Oaks Drive

Phone: (844) 346-2753

Release ID: 136325

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Learn About Essential Oils At A New Aromatherapy Website Just Launched In N.Z

Qualified New Zealand Aromatherapist, Samantha Stevens has just launched a brand new website in an effort to teach the general public about the many benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils and how to use them safely and effectively.

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It seems that everyone is talking about pure essential oils these days and this is a trend that is likely to continue as more and more people discover the healing benefits of what is essentially (no pun intended) plant-based medicine. In order to engage and educate what is very much a growing market globally, New Zealand based Aromatherapist, Samantha Stevens has just launched a brand new website at http://aromatherapists.co.nz.

In a recent interview, Samantha stated, "Essential oils and aromatherapy are such wonderful natural healers, however, care must be taken when using these oils as they are highly potent. I've built this website in an effort to help educate people not only the many benefits of using essential oils, but also on how to use them safely and effectively." Samantha also plans to add a practitioner directory of qualified Aromatherapists in New Zealand and also in other countries throughout the world so that people searching for experienced aromatherapy practitioners can more easily find and connect with them.

The website currently has several easy to read articles on the most popular essential oils, such as lavender, frankincense, tea tree, lemon, and peppermint oils. Miss Stevens plans to add dozens more articles to her website over the coming weeks and also invite other qualified practitioners to contribute content to the site as well. The ultimate aim is to provide interested people a rich, comprehensive, and accurate resource on aromatherapy and essential oils consisting of hundreds of articles (she also plans to add video content as well). This content, of course, will be 100% free to the public. Those who would like to learn more about the healing power of 'pure and natural' essential oils (also known as 'aromatic compounds') as well as the ancient art of aromatherapy can visit Samantha's website and connect with her directly at http://aromatherapists.co.nz.

For more information, please visit http://aromatherapists.co.nz

Contact Info:

Name: Samantha Stevens

Email: info@aromatherapists.co.nz

Organization: Samantha Stevens Aromatherapy NZ

Address: 89 Gambia Place



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The Hindley Burgmaier Group Reports on Burgmaier's Dental Community Presentation

The presentation focuses on ways to maintain and enhance the financial value of a dental practice, announces HindleyBurgmaierGroup.com

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The Hindley Burgmaier Group proudly announces the hosting of a presentation to the dental community by Eric Burgmaier. This presentation focuses on ways to maintain and enhance the financial value of a practice, of great importance during a dental practice purchase and sale. Mr. Burgmaier serves as a Certified Valuation Analyst in the area of dental practice valuation, thus he understands what is looked for during an analysis of this type by buyers and/or sellers and their representatives. The presentation is designed to share this information with those in the field.

"Many people consider a dental practice as a great way to allow them to live the lifestyle they have dreamed of, yet it is much more than this. It's a financial asset that comes with risk, as all investments do. When a person pays attention to their practice and devotes time to it, the practice appreciates in value. The factors responsible for making a practice valuable at the time of its sale also make it more profitable now, and the presentation explains how and why this is the case, " Eric Burgmaier, spokesperson for The Hindley Burgmaier Group, states.

The presentation will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at the Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen located at 5011 Pan American West Fwy NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87109. Light Hor d'oeuvres and wine will be served at this event, yet limited space is available. Those wishing to attend need to RSVP to Kelly Sanchez at Kelly@myABOcpa.com or (505) 299-8383 promptly.

"This event will fill up quickly, as all who own or operate a dental practice will benefit from attending. Don't miss out, as you want your practice to be the most profitable it can at all times. With the information obtained at this event, achieving this goal becomes a much easier task," Burgmaier states.

Eric Burgmaier serves as a Certified Public Account and Certified Valuation Analyst. Mr. Burgmaier operates his own CPA, doing so since 2010, and focuses on Dental CPA services. In addition, he functions as a guest speaker at the University of New Mexico Dental Residency Program.

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About The Hindley Burgmaier Group:

The Hindley Burgmaier Group supplies a complete end to end strategy that centers around the crucial aspects of acquiring, growing and the eventual sale of a dental practice. HBG likewise offers CPA services to dental practices located in Texas and New Mexico.

For more information, please visit http://www.hindleyburgmaiergroup.com

Contact Info:

Name: Eric Burgmaier

Organization: The Hindley Burgmaier Group

Address: 4425 Juan Tabo NE, Suite 250, Albuquerque, NM 87111

Phone: 505-299-8383

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/the-hindley-burgmaier-group-reports-on-burgmaiers-dental-community-presentation/136572

Release ID: 136572

For more information visit r



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Grey's Anatomy Season 13 Spoilers, Latest News & Update: Arizona Robbins Returns on Third Episode; See Her Opening Scenes

"Grey's Anatomy" Season 13 is just wounding back to the TV, but already, the medical drama is making a huge statement in the TV world. After the dramatic court scenes wherein Alex (Justin Chambers) was summoned for assault charges, Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) is now back in the scene. There confrontation about Alex's predicament will not go well, but only because she's concerned and Alex is stressed out.

In "Grey's Anatomy" Season 13, episode 3, Arizona is back, carrying the weight she felt when Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) left for New York. Of course, the storyline is dedicated to the actual leaving of Ramirez from the show. "Grey's Anatomy" Season 12 showed how nasty their divorce and child custody case went. In the end, Arizona won the case and regain full custody of their daughter Sophia.

Now, the all new season of "Grey's Anatomy" will see how the medical surgeon will perform her job without her wife Callie around. Her opening scene, as you can see in the video below is an apparent conversation with Alex in the stockroom. Despite her concern and words of advice, Alex seem to not welcome them and asked her to just shut up and backoff.

Meanwhile, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Nathan (Martin Henderson) are on the edge. Torn between telling her sister Maggie (Kelly McCreary) about their relationship or not. Nathan asks him to come clean, but Meredith can only say "She's my sister, you think I like telling her she can't have the good thing?" Her statement will only fire up Nathan in taunting her, he's been tagged as a "good thing."



"Grey's Anatomy" Season 13 airs Thursdays on the ABC network at 8pm. Do you want your weekly dose of "Grey's Anatomy" Season 13 spoilers? Make sure to read them here on GameNGuide.
Xiaomi Mi Note 2 Release Date, News & Update: Powerful Smartphone Confirmed; Details Revealed by CEO! Impressive Specs, Features & Price Revealed

Many people have been waiting for some concrete details regarding the development and release of Xiaomi Mi Note 2. Despite its hype, the Chinese tech company has managed to stay silent about the upcoming device; however, new reports have emerged suggesting that Xiaomi is currently in the mass production stage of Mi Note 2. According to the report, the announcement was made on the Chinese social media site Weibo by Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun himself.

Although Lei Jun and the rest of the team have yet to provide the release date details of the handset, fans are expecting the new Xiaomi Mi Note 2 to be launched in November. According to reports, the highly anticipated device will arrive in the market in two different variations. One version will carry a curved dual-edge screen from LG with a resolution of 1440 x 2560, while the other model will sport a 5.15-inch flat screen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.

The Xiaomi Mi Note 2 is expected to compete with Apple's latest iPhone 7 and Samsung's Galaxy Note 7, which is current having some issues with its release. The two variant of the handheld device will be powered by a Snapdragon 821 processor from Qualcomm paired with the Adreno 530 graphics technology.

Apart from its powerful processor, the new Xiaomi Mi Note 2 will carry 4 GB of RAM and a 64 GB internal storage capacity. The high-end model of Xiaomi Mi Note 2 will be sporting 6 GB of RAM and a whopping 256 GB onboard storage. The top-tier variant with the LG curved dual-edge screen is also expected to come with dual cameras at 12 MP, while the other model will carry a single camera feature with OIS.

More details to be revealed soon as the company is preparing for the launching of Xiaomi Mi Note 2 next month. The high-end variant of the device is expected to carry a US$400 price tag.
The Punisher Release Date, News & Update: Frank Castle Turns Into Meaner Vigilante? Crime Confirmed As Working Title?

"The Punisher" Frank Castle is back in Netflix with a new title, "Crime" as revealed by Comicbook. Photos have been shown that filming has taken place with Jon Bernthal as the vigilante. The series of photos seems like a kick off from Castle's first appearance in "Daredevil" Season 2.

The photos released by Just Jared shows an image of Frank Castle beaten almost to death, blood all over his face, with plenty of beard to be noticed. Fans speculate that with the vigilante's experience, he will be a meaner character in "The Punisher." Early on, we know that Frank was a United States Marine Corps that rose to the rank of a captain. His wife and two children were killed by a group of mobster in Central Park, New York. Unfortunately, the NYPD was related with the Mafia that killed his family.

Joining Frank Castle's character in "The Punisher," Ben Barnes is also reported to be meaner in the Netflix series. Barnes is rumored to be the villain of the vigilante, playing the role of Bobby Saint. His family is related to illegal drugs and weapons. Barnes, 35 years old, is more popularly known as Prince Caspian in the movie "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian."

Having a working title "Crime" seems appropriate for "The Punisher" since Frank Castle has vowed to fight crime after his family was killed by the mafia. He uses state of the art weapon and his training in the US Marine Corps was used very helpful. Unlike other super heroes, Frank Castle has no super human powers but has a level 6 fighting power.

"The Punisher" is reported to be filming this year and is set to be released on 2017 together with "The Defenders" and "Iron Fist." Stay tuned to GameNGuide for the latest news and update of "The Punisher."
Rotary got started in Long Beach in 1917 when seven local businessmen met with a New York Rotarian who talked about his club there.
This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department, Oregon State Police and Benton County Sheriff's Office. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.

Corvallis Police Department

TUESDAY, OCT. 4

BURGLARY: 6:40 a.m., 1700 block of Southwest Brooklane Drive. A woman reported that someone entered her apartment and stole five rings, the most valuable of which was a gold wedding ring with a large diamond valued at around $8,000. There was no reported evidence of forced entry and no known suspects.

BUS FIGHT: 3:18 p.m., Northwest Third Street and Monroe Avenue. An officer responded to a report of a fight between a bus driver and a passenger. The officer reported that the incident started when Brenton Waller Garman, 43, no address listed, allegedly caused a disturbance and "pushed a plexi-glass partition" onto the bus driver. The driver reportedly grabbed Garman by his hair and pulled him to the floor. Garman was later arrested and charged with harassment and second-degree disorderly conduct. He was booked into the Benton County Jail, cited and released.

Benton County Sheriff's Office

SUNDAY, OCT. 2

CHASE: 1:23 a.m., Southwest Third Street and Adams Avenue. A deputy reported that while he was performing a traffic stop on a red Suburban the driver accelerated away, prompting a chase. The Suburban later crashed on Highway 99 and Elliot Circle. Christian Daniel Wirth, 21, of Albany was arrested and charged with attempting to elude, second-degree criminal mischief, reckless endangering and kidnapping. Wirth was booked into the Benton County Jail.
The Oregon Legislature seems primed to dive in again into workplace issues, thanks to a proposal that would require some employers to offer what's known as "flexible scheduling."

Sen. Michael Dembrow, a Portland Democrat, plans to introduce legislation next year that could require certain businesses to give early notice of schedule changes to their workers.

The precise details haven't yet been worked out, but comments Dembrow made to The Oregonian suggest that he's concerned primarily with the retail and hospitality industries.

A flexible scheduling ordinance that recently went into effect in Seattle may offer some clues to what Dembrow has in mind, and so may the history of earlier proposals in the state Legislature.

In general, these proposals seek to provide employees with greater certainty about the shifts theyre expected to work and can be helpful to single parents or people with second jobs. But the proposals duplicate what smart employers already are doing: Those employers understand that schedule stability is good for workers and for business.

The 2015 session was kicking around a proposal, House Bill 3377, which eventually died in committee. Among other provisions, that bill would have penalized businesses that made changes in work schedules less than three weeks in advance. For example: If an employer had to change a work schedule with less than three weeks notice, the employer would have been obligated to pay an employee for one additional hour in addition to the time actually worked. If an employer had to change a shift with less than 24 hours notice, the business would have to pay an additional four hours in addition to the time actually worked.

That bill was set aside so that legislators could focus on another workplace-related proposal: the bill to require sick leave at all but the very smallest businesses. But it always was clear that legislators wanted to revive the notion, and recent moves by Seattle and San Francisco to adopt scheduling ordinances have kept the fire burning.

Dembrow and another Democratic legislator, Rep. Paul Holvey of Eugene, recently convened a work group to examine "schedules that work" and invited a number of business organizations to join. After the first meeting, though, all the business groups dropped out, saying they believed that advocates of flexible scheduling had no regard for the legitimate concerns of employers.

Regardless, Dembrow is pushing ahead, and signs are that the opposition from business groups will continue as well: The president and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance, Sandra McDonough, argued that some of these rules actually may have a negative impact on employees.

The 2017 Legislature has another option it can follow: In 2015, it placed a moratorium on the ability of municipalities to enact their own flexible-scheduling rules. Legislators could kick this debate back to the local level by eliminating the moratorium, giving the green light to cities to pursue scheduling ordinances, instead of saddling businesses across the state with yet another one-size-fits-all workplace mandate. Or, maybe better yet: Legislators could just kill the idea entirely.
Interview with Hyeonseo Lee : I saw my first execution when I was seven

Bonn Author and activist Hyeonseo Lee escaped the hell of North Korea. On Wednesday evening she was in Bonn and Jasmin Fischer met her.

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Famines, torture, oppression: Hyeonseo Lee is one of the few people who knows about everyday life in one of the most isolated countries on earth. She escaped from North Korea at 17 years old. Today she lives in South Korea and campaigns for other defectors.

What did you hope for coming to Bonn?

Info Hyeonseo Lee Hyeonseo Lee (35) escaped aged 17 from North Korea over the frozen River Yalu on the North Korean-Chinese border. As an illegal immigrant, she hid for years there with relatives. She took a new identity six times so as not to be traced. Hyeonseo Lee is the seventh name she has had during her life. She finally sought asylum in South Korea after a risky journey. Lee was lucky to be able to also get her mother and brother out. She has described her extraordinary journey in an autobiography called Black Magnolia: How I escaped North Korea.

Hyeonseo Lee: The reason for my first visit to North Rhine-Westphalia is the anniversary of German reunification. It is my dream, and that of 30,000 other defectors who today live in South Korea, that Korea can also one day overcome the ongoing tragedy of division. Germany will perhaps bring us good luck. In the meantime I want to draw attention to the fate of the North Korean people.

What is the current situation in North Korea?

Lee: The situation is deteriorating. There are no longer hundreds of thousands of people dying like in the famine in the nineties, but life in general is becoming more difficult. The young dictator Kim Jong-un is being tougher than his father. The North Koreans have now lived under a dictatorship for 73 years, are brainwashed and do not know what is happening in the world. When you talk to them about life, about the freedom outside North Korea, they think you are mad. They are modern day slaves.

How strong is the desire for regime change?

Lee: Some North Koreans are now hoping for reunification, but under South Korean leadership. Others see China as their saviour. No-one would say anything in public; it would mean certain death.

You saw executions as a child.

Lee: The first execution I can remember seeing was when I was seven. Im sure I also saw them when I was younger because executions were and are part of daily life in North Korea. A man was hanged before our eyes, before a huge crowd. No-one spoke, no-one laughed. Their faces were sombre.

You escaped when you were 17 years old and brought your mother over later. Did the rest of your family in North Korean suffer any reprisals?

Lee: Last year, when I had just finished my book and began to engage with the public, some of my aunts and uncles were put in prison. One uncle was tortured to death. I prepare myself for bad news every day. It is also not easy to see my mother worrying about her siblings. I have become another person: one who, although it is not outwardly visible, is living a sort of war, with all my memories and the hurt that goes with them.

Do you fear for your own safety?

Lee: Not in Bonn, but in London for instance I use bodyguards so I am not abducted. I have to be very careful.

What are your plans?

Lee: I have founded the charitable organisation North Star in New York, which looks after defectors from North Korea. In the long term I will also move there, because I think I can live there safely.
Same Chipset

Both the Lenovo PHAB 2 Pro and Xiaomi Mi Max has the same octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 chipset along with Adreno 510 chipset. So, we expect them to perform almost similar.

Click Here for New Android Smartphones Best Online Deals

4GB of RAM on PHAB 2 Pro

Accompanied with the chipset is 4GB of RAM on the Lenovo PHAB 2 Pro, which is nearly 33 percent higher than the Mi Max, which comes with only 3GB of RAM. The Tango phone is a clear winner in this segment.

Almost Same Display

Both are undoubtedly the massive smartphones out there in the market. The PHAB 2 Pro comes with a 6.4-inch display and the Mi Max has a 6.44-inch display. However, the Lenovo phone has a QHD panel, which is way better than the Mi Max's 1080p display.

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Fingerprint Sensor on the Back!

Both the smartphones feature a fingerprint sensor on the rear within reach of your finger. We know that the sensor on Mi Max is fast and reliable.

Three Rear Cameras on Tango Phone

As said earlier, the PHAB 2 Pro is the first Tango phone and has some special capabilities to take control of the augmented reality technology. There are three 12MP cameras on the rear side of the smartphone along with an 8MP front-facing normal shooter.

On the other hand, the Xiaomi Mi Max comes with a 16MP sensor on the rear with dual LED, autofocus, and PDAF support. Also, it comes with a 5MP front-facing sensor.

Click Here for New Android Smartphones Best Online Deals

Big Batteries!

Both the Mi Max and PHAB 2 Pro come with mammoth battery capacity. The Mi Max comes with a 3,850mAh battery and the PHAB 2 Pro comes with a 4,050mAh battery. That said, the Mi Max is a clear winner in this segment and it just has a 1080p panel, which consumes less battery than the QHD display on PHAB 2 Pro.

Pricing and Verdict

The Lenovo PHAB 2 Pro will retail at a price tag of $499 (approx. Rs. 33,500) and the Xiaomi Mi Max is already available at a price tag of Rs. 14,999, which is a great deal. But, the PHAB 2 Pro has some special features for augmented reality technology and the Mi Max is just a normal smartphone.

Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals
'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.
Maryland Man Charged With Removal of Classified Materials and Theft of Government Property

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, October 5, 2016



A criminal complaint has been filed charging Harold Thomas Martin III, 51, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, with theft of government property and unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials by a government employee or contractor.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBIs Baltimore Field Office made the announcement today.

According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Martin was a contractor with the federal government and had a top secret national security clearance. Martin was arrested late on Aug. 27, 2016. The complaint was filed on Aug. 29, 2016 and unsealed today.

On Aug. 27, 2016, search warrants were executed at Martins residence in Glen Burnie, Maryland, including two storage sheds, as well as upon his vehicle and person. During execution of the warrants, investigators located hard-copy documents and digital information stored on various devices and removable digital media. A large percentage of the materials recovered from Martins residence and vehicle bore markings indicating that they were property of the U.S. government and contained highly classified information, including Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). In addition, investigators located property of the U.S. government with an aggregate value in excess of $1,000, which Martin allegedly stole.

The complaint alleges that among the classified documents found in the search were six classified documents obtained from sensitive intelligence and produced by a government agency in 2014. These documents were produced through sensitive government sources, methods and capabilities, which are critical to a wide variety of national security issues. The disclosure of the documents would reveal those sensitive sources, methods and capabilities.

The documents have been reviewed by a person designated as an original classification authority, and in each instance, the authority has determined that the documents are currently and properly classified as Top Secret, meaning that unauthorized disclosure reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security of the U.S.

If convicted, Martin faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison for the unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials and ten years in prison for theft of government property. An initial appearance was held for Martin in U.S. District Court in Baltimore on Aug. 29, 2016. Martin remains detained.

A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked the Maryland State Police for its assistance. Mr. Rosenstein and Mr. Carlin thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary A. Myers and Harvey E. Eisenberg, and Trial Attorney David Aaron of the National Security Divisions Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, who are prosecuting the case.

16-1161

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Maryland

Topic:

Counterintelligence and Export Control

National Security

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Yahoo secretly scanned users' emails for US intelligence agencies

Iran Press TV

Wed Oct 5, 2016 1:2AM

A report says the US Internet giant Yahoo scanned hundreds of millions of users' emails in 2015 at the request of US intelligence agencies.

According to the report published by Reuters on Tuesday, the company secretly built a custom software program last year to search all users' incoming emails for specific information requested by US intelligence officials.

Several former employees of the Internet company said the scanning of Yahoo Mail accounts was at the behest of the National Security Agency (NSA) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

"The request to search Yahoo Mail accounts came in the form of a classified edict sent to the company's legal team," they noted.

The company did not reject the report and without providing any further details, said, "Yahoo is a law abiding company, and complies with the laws of the United States."

Some experts said the move represents the first case in which a US Internet company agrees to a spy agency's demand to search all arriving messages.

"It is deeply disappointing that Yahoo declined to challenge this sweeping surveillance order, because customers are counting on technology companies to stand up to novel spying demands in court," Patrick Toomey, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement.

In a separate incident last month, Yahoo said "state-sponsored" hackers had gained access to 500 million customer accounts in 2014.

On several occasions, Internet companies have complained that the US government tried to force them to give away their users' information.

Yahoo reported earlier this year that some 200 million accounts may have been accessed and that hacked data was being offered for sale online.

The users of Yahoo's online services were urged to review accounts for suspicious activity. They were also asked to change passwords.

The NSA has previously come under fire for spying on Americans' phone calls and Internet communications.

Countless leaks by American whistleblower Edward Snowden have detailed the highly sophisticated tools used by the NSA to collect data in bulk from unsuspecting people, including American citizens.

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Second Snowden? Feds Arrest NSA Contractor For Stealing Classified Data

Sputnik News

19:25 05.10.2016(updated 22:32 05.10.2016)

According to the New York Times, the contractor, who worked for the same company as Edward Snowden, was arrested for stealing highly-classified 'source codes' developed by the NSA to hack foreign government systems.

According to the Justice Department, 51-year-old Harold Thomas Martin, who was employed by Booz Allen Hamilton  the company responsible for most of the NSA's most sensitive cyberoperations  faces up to 10 years in prison for theft of government property and one year for removing classified material. The materials he is believed to have stolen are "critical to national security", Justice Department officials added.

"Among the classified documentswere six classified documents obtained from sensitive intelligence and produced by a government agency in 2014," the release stated. "These documents were produced through sensitive government sources, methods and capabilities, which are critical to a wide variety of national security issues. The disclosure of the documents would reveal those sensitive sources, methods, and capabilities."

This incident marks the second time in 3 years that an insider has stolen top secret information from the National Security Agency.

"If convicted, Martin faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison for the unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials, and ten years in prison for theft of government property," the release stated.

He made an initial appearance in US District Court in Baltimore on August 26, 2016.

A statement released by Martin's attorneys stressed that "there is no evidence that Hal Martin intended to betray his country."

"What we do know is that Hal Martin loves his family and his country. He served his nation honorably in the US Navy as a lieutenant and he has devoted his entire career to protecting his country," the statements reads. "We look forward to defending Hal Martin in court."

Edward Snowden also took to Twitter to comment on the story, asking if this will expose flaws in US products.

A former NSA contractor, whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed the extent of the United States' domestic spying operation in 2013. He currently resides in Moscow after being granted asylum in Russia on the basis that he could face spying charges in the US. Human Rights Watch, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Amnesty International have all called on President Barack Obama to pardon Snowden.

 Sputnik

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Yahoo Denies Accusations of Scanning Users Emails at Request of US Intelligence

Sputnik News

16:36 05.10.2016

Reports on Yahoo scanning all customers' emails for information at the request of US intelligence agencies are false, a Yahoo statement obtained by Sputnik on Wednesday said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Reuters reported on Tuesday that Yahoo Inc. built secretly last year software to scan all emails of their users for information at the request of US intelligence officials and conducted the surveillance after receiving a classified demand from the National Security Agency or the FBI. The article cited three former Yahoo employees and another unidentified person familiar with the matter.

"The article is misleading. We narrowly interpret every government request for user data to minimize disclosure. The mail scanning described in the article does not exist on our systems," the statement said.

On September 22, Yahoo announced that a state-sponsored actor hacked its networks in late 2014, stealing information about some 500 million users including contact information, passwords and birth dates.

Yahoo! Inc. is a US Internet corporation based in Sunnyvale, California. Well-known for its search engine, the company offers a number of online services, including e-mail service Yahoo mail.

 Sputnik

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FBI Arrests NSA Contractor for Allegedly Stealing Computer Codes

By VOA News October 05, 2016

A National Security Agency contractor has been arrested and is being investigated for taking "highly classified" information, according to a statement by the Department of Justice.

The suspect, 51-year-old Harold Thomas Martin III of Glen Burnie, Maryland, was arrested in late August, the statement said, adding that he had a top secret national security clearance.

The statement did not specify the nature or quantity of the information taken, but spoke of six documents "obtained from sensitive intelligence and produced by a government agency in 2014."

Top secret

After review, investigators found that the documents were classified as Top Secret, "meaning that unauthorized disclosure reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security of the U.S."

The New York Times reported the contractor is suspected of stealing sensitive NSA source code meant to break into the computer systems of foreign governments such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. It said he worked for the consulting organization Booz Allen Hamilton.

In a statement, Booz Allen Hamilton said that as soon as it learned of the arrest of one of its employees, "we immediately reached out to the authorities to offer our total cooperation in their investigation, and we fired the employee.

"We continue to cooperate fully with the government on its investigation into this serious matter," the company said.

The Justice Department did not mention what, if anything, the contractor may have done with the allegedly stolen information, which it said was found during a search at Martin's residence, including two storage sheds.

Search details

During the search, investigators found "hard-copy documents and digital information stored on various devices and removable digital media," the statement said. "In addition, investigators located property of the U.S. government with an aggregate value in excess of $1,000, which Martin allegedly stole."

If convicted, Martin faces a maximum of one year in prison for the unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials and ten years in prison for theft of government property, the Justice Department said.

"During the interview, Martin at first denied, and later when confronted with specific documents, admitted he took documents and digital files from his work assignment to his residence and vehicle that he knew were classified," the complaint said.

It is not clear how close the situation is to that of ex-NSA contractor Edward Snowden, who stole 1.5 million sensitive documents in 2013 and used them to leak details of several secret U.S. surveillance programs. The U.S. government filed espionage charges against Snowden, who would face 30 years in prison, if convicted. He has been granted asylum in Russia.

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Counter-ISIL Strikes Target Terrorists in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Oct. 5, 2016  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 14 strikes in Syria:

-- Near Abu Kamal, four strikes destroyed three ISIL oil-well heads, six supply routes and an oil pump jack.

-- Near Shadaddi, two strikes destroyed two ISIL front-end loaders.

-- Near Ayn Isa, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed four ISIL oil collection pools, three oil well heads and two vehicles.

-- Near Mara, five strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units, destroying three fighting positions and a mortar system. A heavy machine gun firing position was suppressed.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 14 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government:

-- Near Hit, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.

-- Near Kisik, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, destroying a vehicle, a tunnel and a weapons cache. A mortar firing position was suppressed.

-- Near Mosul, six strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, destroying three fighting positions, an oil tanker truck, an ISIL-held building, an explosives cache, a weapons cache, a command-and-control node and a vehicle. An oil tanker truck was damaged.

-- Near Qayyarah, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL-held building. A repeater tower power generator was damaged.

-- Near Ramadi, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, destroying a tractor, a vehicle, a vehicle bomb, a supply cache, a tunnel and an ISIL-held building. A second ISIL-held building was damaged.

Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat it poses to Iraq, Syria, the region and the wider international community. The destruction of targets in Syria and Iraq further limits ISIL's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.

Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

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NATO Secretary General: We will continue to support Afghan security forces

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

05 Oct. 2016

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reaffirmed NATO's commitment to Afghanistan's security upon arrival at the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan on Wednesday (5 October 2016). He stressed that the efforts of the international community to promote Afghanistan's development and NATO's efforts to strengthen security go hand in hand. "Without security there can be no lasting development and without development there can be no lasting security," he said.

Mr. Stoltenberg underlined the Alliance's commitment to support Afghan security forces. At the Warsaw Summit, Allies agreed to sustain NATO's Resolute Support Mission beyond 2016, with around 13000 troops, and continue to fund the Afghan army and security forces to 2020. The Secretary General highlighted that recent fighting in Kunduz and Helmand demonstrates the importance of training local Afghan forces.

Addressing conference participants, the Secretary General paid tribute to the bravery of Afghan security forces and all those serving as part of NATO's Resolute Support Mission. He encouraged the international community to continue to support the government of Afghanistan and urged the Afghan leadership to stand strong and united, and implement necessary reforms.

Focusing on recent peace efforts, Mr. Stoltenberg said he was greatly encouraged by the agreement between the Afghan Government and Hezb-i-Islami. "This is an important step forward in the peace and reconciliation process and essential for a credible long-term peace deal," he added.

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Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, Pacific Surface Action Group Link Up in South China Sea

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161005-08

Release Date: 10/5/2016 9:17:00 AM

From Expeditionary Strike Group 7 Public Affairs

SOUTH CHINA SEA (NNS) -- The Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHR ESG) joined two guided-missile destroyers from the Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG) for a series of interoperability drills in international waters, Oct. 3-4.

The BHR ESG employed the capabilities of USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Decatur (DDG 73) to practice defense in depth of the amphibious ships, including anti-submarine warfare and air defense scenarios and live-fire events with embarked helicopters from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49 and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

"As I said in April when the PAC SAG deployed, this type of training with the BHR ESG will pave the way for the inaugural deployment of an ESG embarked with joint strike fighters (F-35B Lightning II) and escorted by a SAG like this one, which I call an up-gunned ESG," said Adm. Scott H. Swift, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "Being able to concentrate and disperse all of that capability based on the situation will provide commanders with tremendous operational flexibility."

The BHR ESG, commanded by ESG 7, consists of amphibious ships included in a traditional amphibious ready group along with the staff structure to deploy with surface ships, expanding the mission sets and survivability of the ESG.

The PAC SAG deployed in April as part of a three-ship group consisting of Spruance, Decatur, USS Momsen (DDG 92) and embarked helicopter detachments of HSM 49 to conduct maritime security operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While Spruance and Decatur conduct routine patrols in the Western Pacific, Momsen is conducting an Oceania Maritime Security Initiate (OMSI) mission.

Under the operational control of U.S. 3rd Fleet, the PAC SAG is commanded by Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 31, and assumed the role of sea combat commander during the time the two groups operated together. As sea combat commander, CDS 31 managed the maneuvering of all ships and oversaw execution of planned drills.

"Integrating with the ships of the BHR ESG and associated staffs has been a great experience for us as we wind up the PAC SAG's deployment in the Western Pacific," said Capt. Charles Johnson, commander, CDS 31. "As we operate in the South China Sea, building on the work the ESG and SAG have accomplished, it demonstrates the flexibility of our Navy to operate forward and bring the right capability to the arena."

The BHR ESG is currently on a routine patrol in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the region. The BHR ESG is commanded by Rear Adm. Marc Dalton and the ESG 7 staff, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan.

BHR ESG units include flagship amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20), amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU consists of Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/4, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 31, and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 Reinforced.



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NMCB 5 Relieves NMCB 4 as Forward Deployed Seabee Battalion

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161005-04

Release Date: 10/5/2016 8:28:00 AM

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam Henderson, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 assumed charge of all Western Pacific Region Naval Construction Force missions during a Relief in Place/Transfer of Authority ceremony at Camp Shields in Okinawa, Oct. 1.

The relief in place and transfer of authority ceremony (RIP/TOA) marked the official end of NMCB 4's deployment.

"NMCB 4 completed a very successful deployment by executing a detailed and meticulous turnover at all sites. NMCB 5 spent a year in homeport getting ready, and we are," said Cmdr. Matthew Riethmiller, commanding officer of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5. "Our country, Navy, families and friends, as well as our hosts in nearly a dozen countries across the Pacific expect us to be the very best - prepared for any conflict or disaster. It's daunting, but the men and women of five have consistently redefined what is possible for a Seabee Battalion. We have the watch."

Riethmiller relieved Cmdr. James Cho in officially assuming all duties and responsibilities from the previous battalion.

Before a RIP/TOA can occur, a weeklong inspection and review is conducted of all equipment, supplies, projects, facilities, and civil engineering support equipment (CESE).

"This is my first time in Okinawa and I am looking forward to not only working here but to also getting to see and experience the culture," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Maria Correa.

When a Seabee battalion deploys, they do not travel with their equipment. Instead, all of the construction equipment and supplies that they will use are already at their deployment sites. A detailed turnover must be conducted before the oncoming battalion commences work.

"The equipment and supplies that the battalion uses is called a table of allowance (TOA). For an NMCB, the entire TOA, which is worth more than $70 million, is designed to support operations and sustainment of approximately a 600 (person) Seabee battalion, conducting forward contingency and humanitarian assistance operations anywhere in the world, said Ensign Andrea Villarreal, NMCB 5's assistant supply officer.

Construction equipment and support equipment (CESE) undergoes a more thorough inspection, in a process called the Battalion Equipment Evaluation Program (BEEP). The BEEP inspection is designed to transfer all special knowledge of CESE maintenance, operations, and techniques to the relieving battalion. "If any tools, parts, or other supplies are found to be missing during the inspection, they need to be on order or placed on order," said Villarreal. "We have to maintain the TOA at 100 percent readiness."

The equipment will be used to complete construction tasking in locations across the Pacific.

NMCB 5 is the forward deployed Pacific NMCB ready to support major combat operations and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations, and to provide general engineering and civil support to Navy, Marine Corps and joint operational forces. Homeported out of Port Hueneme California, NMCB 5 has 14 detachment sites deployed throughout the United States and Pacific area of operations, including two locations in the Philippines, Timor Leste, Palawan and Cambodia.

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USS Frank Cable Concludes Vietnam Engagement

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161005-03

Release Date: 10/5/2016 8:12:00 AM

From USS Frank Cable Public Affairs

CAM RANH BAY, Vietnam (NNS) -- The submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) completed a successful technical and good will visit port visit to Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, Oct. 4.

Frank Cable, along with the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), were the first U.S. ships to moor in the port facility. The port visit followed the conclusion of the sea phase of Naval Engagement Activity Vietnam.

NEA Vietnam has evolved from annual port visits to Da Nang by U.S. Navy ships, which began more than a decade ago, to a multi-day bilateral naval engagement ashore and at sea.

"This was a great opportunity to visit a culturally-rich country and continue to develop a relationship based on friendship and mutual respect," said Capt. Drew St. John, Frank Cable's commanding officer. "Frank Cable Sailors and Civilian Mariners continued their reputation of being great ambassadors. With the assistance of our gracious hosts, we were able to provide a small amount of support for the needs of the S.O.S Children's Village. Whether it was through the community relations project or just getting off the ship and exploring the area, the lasting impression we made here during our short visit, I hope, pays dividends in the future."

During the visit, Sailors and Military Sealift Command Civilian Mariners explored, learned and engaged with the people of Vietnam.

Sailors also volunteered for a community relations project at the S.O.S Village, helping foster a better understanding between the U.S. and the people of Vietnam.

July marked the 21st anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam, and these activities are designed to foster mutual understanding, build confidence in the maritime domain, and develop relationships between the people and navies of both nations.

More than 500 Sailors and Civilian Mariners make up Frank Cable's crew are currently deployed to provide vital flexibility to the fleet commanders, extending the range and impact of U.S. naval forces.

"We still have a mission to do," said St. John. "The crew is prepared to support the fleet in the Indo-Asia Pacific region, strengthening ties and demonstrating our flexibility as a repair ship in the U.S. 7th Fleet."

USS Frank Cable is one of two forward-deployed submarine tenders and is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to conduct maintenance and support of deployed U.S. naval force submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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Nimitz Begins Sea Trials Following 20-Month EPIA

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161005-22

Release Date: 10/5/2016 3:12:00 PM

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Samuel Bacon, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) got underway Oct. 5 for sea trials, following a 20-month Extended Planned Incremental Availability (EPIA) that started February 2015 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.

Nimitz entered the shipyards for its fifth major maintenance period and completed the largest maintenance period to date without bringing the carrier into dry dock, according to Cmdr. Mark Yates, Nimitz chief engineering officer and native of Smithfield, Virginia.

"We've repaired and replaced quite a few systems," said Capt. John Ring, commanding officer of Nimitz. "It's been a great relationship over the last two years working with Shipyard Project Superintendent Brian Fazio and his team, dealing with the many challenges we've had in the yards."

During this period more than 14 major upgrades were made to Nimitz with more than 600,000 man-days of work accomplished by ship's force and civilian personnel.

"Teams from Combat Systems Department removed, refurbished and reinstalled over 150 antennas, saving over $3 million in contractor costs," said Cmdr. David Gast, Nimitz combat systems officer and native of Miami. "We've updated every element of the ship's satellite communication, and information processing suites were upgraded or replaced."

Combat systems also completely modernized the ship's Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) capability with numerous upgrades. The ship's integrated network was updated to the new Consolidated Afloat Network Enterprise Services (CANES) system.

"It provides a more secure and robust system for the 21st century," said Yates. "This brings us on par with the most advanced IT systems comparable to the civilian world."

During the EPIA, modifications were made to the ship's defenses, adding two MK-38 anti-ship guns and a anti-torpedo defense system.

A rebuild of the ship's second service turbine generator was completed, as well as a complete overhaul of all four distilling units creating fresh water for the ship.

The interior of the ship wasn't the only focus of the makeover. Over 100,000 square feet of flight deck non-skid was removed, and the ship performed major repairs to the jet blast deflectors and ship structure.

Nimitz also implemented new training programs for its Sailors to get ready for sea and maintain at-sea readiness.

Nimitz was the first afloat command Navywide to implement the Navy Afloat Training Strategy (NAMTS) program. The program has earned Sailors critical naval enlisted classifications (NECs) that will allow Nimitz to make critical repairs on board without being contracted out.

"I'm excited to see the ship going into full operational mode again," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Dallymae Arce, a native of San Diego. "I've always heard stories about what being underway is like. It's nice to finally experience it on my own."

The work completed by shipyard and ship-force personnel will be reviewed in the coming months by the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) Material Inspections (MI).

"We are working on the oldest carrier, and this is one of the most complex availabilities I think the Navy has seen in recent years," said Brian Fazio, the shipyard project superintendent. "We have had an incredible partnership with continued respect for one another, and we worked hard to get our work done safely."

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Philippine president threatens to 'break up' with US

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:07, October 05, 2016

MANILA - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday that he would "eventually" cut ties with the United States.

Duterte again hit out at the United States and its president, the European Union and the United Nations for using human rights to criticize his campaign to curb the illicit drug menace in the Philippines.

"I am very emotional because America has certainly failed us," Duterte added.

"I will be re-configuring my foreign policy," Duterte said in a speech before the Jewish Association of the Philippines in Makati City.

He added, "Eventually I might in my time break up with America. I would rather go to Russia and to China. "

In another speech earlier, Duterte vowed to continue the war on drugs amidst the "hypocrisy" of the US, the EU and the UN.

"I will not stop despite the hypocrisy of the EU, and America and Obama. They seem to refuse to understand," Duterte said.

Duterte said he has no plan to stop his rant again his critics.

Duterte again apologized to the Jewish community. "I am not one of the racist member of this republic," he said.

"But it was only because that they pictured me to be killing so many persons of the drug problem. And I would say that it is true but not all were killed with their hands tied behind their backs. That would have been an exaggeration," he explained.

Last Sunday, Duterte apologized to the Jewish community who were outraged by his comments that made reference to Adolf Hitler who ordered the cold-blooded killings of the Jews.

"I would like to make it (clear) now, here and now, that there was never an intention on my part to derogate the memory of the six million Jews murdered," Duterte said in a speech in Bacolod City in the central Philippines.

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Kerry Urges Taliban To Strike Peace Deal With Kabul

RFE/RL October 05, 2016

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has urged the Taliban to follow the recent example of an Afghan warlord and strike its own peace deal with the Kabul government.

Speaking in Brussels at an international donors conference for Afghanistan on October 5, Kerry said that "there is a path toward an honorable end to the conflict that the Taliban have waged -- it is a conflict that cannot be won on the battlefield."

He said that a peace deal signed last week by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who heads the Hezb-e Islami group and was a key figure in Afghanistan's civil war in the 1990s, was a "model for what might be possible."

Kerry added that a peace deal is the only way for the Taliban to end the fighting, ensure lasting stability, and "achieve a full drawdown of international military forces, which is their goal."

"Let me repeat it," he said. "The [Taliban's] goal of ridding Afghanistan of external forces will not occur by the demand or by the continued insurgency. It will come through peace."

Last week's agreement requires Hekmatyar to cease violence, cut all ties with international militant groups, and accept the Afghan Constitution, including its guarantee of rights for women and minorities.

"In return for keeping these commitments, Hekmatyar's group will be able to emerge from the shadows to rejoin Afghan society," Kerry said.

The agreement grants Hekmatyar amnesty for past offences and the release of certain Hezb-e Islami prisoners. The Kabul government also agreed to press for the lifting of international sanctions on Hekmatyar.

However, the two sides agreed to disagree over Hezb-e Islami 's continuing demand that all foreign soldiers immediately leave the country.

There has been no immediate reaction from the Taliban to Kerry's remarks. The Taliban penetrated the center of the northern city of Kunduz on October 3, and is testing the defenses of two other provincial capitals in the south of the country.

The Brussels conference, which includes representatives of more than 70 countries and dozens of agencies and nongovernmental organizations, is expected to see pledges of more than $3 billion a year of development aid to the Afghan government through 2020.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini announced that the 28-nation bloc would pledge 1.2 billion euros ($1.5 billion) a year and said that "I would expect similar levels of engagement from our partners."

On the eve of the conference the EU and Kabul announced they had reached a deal to speed up Afghanistan's taking back of migrants from Europe. Under the deal, Kabul is to accept the return of 80,000 Afghan asylum-seekers now in EU states.

Addressing the conference on October 5, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani pledged that his government would continue efforts to rein in corruption and reduce poverty in Afghanistan -- two issues considered to be strong recruitment cards for insurgents.

"We are going to be relentlessly focused on reduction and elimination of poverty as our central task," he said, noting that 39 percent of the Afghan population lives on less than $1.35 a day.

'Encouraging Dividends'

Kerry said international support for Afghanistan has already produced "encouraging dividends" since the United States and its allies toppled the Taliban in 2001. The United States invaded Afghanistan after the Taliban refused to expel Al-Qaeda's leadership from the country following the 9/11 attacks.

"Since 2001, maternal mortality in childbirth in Afghanistan has gone down by 75 percent" Kerry said. "Average life expectancy has risen from 42 years to 62 years. Access to basic health care has skyrocketed from nine percent to 67 percent."

The top U.S. diplomat also called on Afghanistan's regional neighbors to do more to help it make peace with the Taliban and build on its economic progress.

"There are several countries that actually could help come together, and I urge Russia, China, Pakistan, India, and Iran to think about the special role that they could play in this region in order to help make a major difference not only in the long-term economy and future social structure of Afghanistan but in reaching peace with the Taliban," he said.

He added that the more integrated Afghanistan is with its neighbors, the "more expansive economic growth will be and the more jobs that will be created."

The EU sought hosted the United States, China, India, and Pakistan at a dinner as the conference opened October 4 in an effort to build cooperation between them. Washington and New Delhi say Pakistan continues to harbor Afghan Taliban leaders and must do more to bring them to the negotiating table.

Mogherini said on October 5 that there was an understanding "to work on a common basis for regional political support for the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan."

Separately, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told RFE/RL on the sidelines of the conference that the alliance is confident that Afghan security forces can stand on their own in the fight against the Taliban.

"We handed over the full responsibility for security in Afghanistan to the Afghan forces themselves in 2015 and, of course, there are challenges, there are attacks, and we still see violence, but we also see that the Afghan Army is able to retake ground and to answer in a very decisive way to the attacks of the Taliban," he said.

He added that NATO decided at its summit in Warsaw in July that the alliance would maintain its deployment of some 13,000 troops in Afghanistan at least through 2017 and will continue to fund the Afghan security force at least until 2020.

With reporting by AFP, AP, and Reuters

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan- kerry-urges-taliban-peace- deal/28033314.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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More Than $15 Billion Pledged Through 2020 At Afghan Donors Conference

RFE/RL October 05, 2016

Senior officials from world powers attending a donors conference in Brussels have pledged more than $15 billion in aid for Afghanistan during the next four years.

Meanwhile, the European Union's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said on October 5 that there is support to revive a stalled peace process after almost 40 years of conflict in the war-torn country.

The Brussels conference brought together senior representatives from more than 70 countries and dozens of agencies and nongovernmental organizations in a bid to attract development aid for Afghanistan's through 2020.

But Afghanistan is required to agree to a series of political, economic, and social reforms in return for the funds.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani told the conference that his government already is making progress on reforms to improve human rights and rein in corruption.

The EU also wants Kabul to take back Afghan migrants whose asylum applications in the EU have been rejected -- although EU donor money is not linked to the demand.

Mogherini announced that the EU was pledging 1.2 billion euros ($1.5 billion) in aid a year and called for "similar levels of engagement from our partners."

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the conference, EU diplomats focused on trying to get peace negotiations back on course by bringing together four key international players in the peace process  the United States, China, India, and Pakistan.

Mogherini said after those talks that there was an understanding "to work on a common basis for regional political support for the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan."

Washington and New Delhi say Pakistan continues to harbor Afghan Taliban leaders and must do more to bring them to the negotiating table.

Speaking at the Brussels conference on October 5, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called on Afghanistan's regional neighbors to do more to help it make peace with the Taliban and build on its economic progress.

He said Russia, China, Pakistan, India, and Iran should "think about the special role that they could play in this region in order to help make a major difference not only in the long-term economy and future social structure of Afghanistan but in reaching peace with the Taliban."

Kerry also urged the Taliban to follow the recent example of an Afghan warlord and strike its own peace deal with the government in Kabul.

He said "there is a path toward an honorable end to the conflict that the Taliban have waged -- it is a conflict that cannot be won on the battlefield."

Kerry said that the peace deal signed last week by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who heads the Hezb-e Islami group and was a key figure in Afghanistan's civil war in the 1990s, was a "model for what might be possible."

He said a peace deal is the only way for the Taliban to end the fighting, ensure lasting stability, and "achieve a full drawdown of international military forces, which is their goal."

He said "the [Taliban's] goal of ridding Afghanistan of external forces will not occur by the demand or by the continued insurgency. It will come through peace."

There was no immediate reaction from the Taliban to Kerry's remarks.

But as Kerry was speaking, fresh fighting raged for a third consecutive day between Taliban and Afghan security forces in the northern city of Kunduz.

Taliban fighters penetrated the center of Kunduz on October 3 and were testing the defenses of two other provincial capitals in the south of the country.

Ghani told donors at the Brussels conference on October 5 that his government will be "relentlessly focused on reduction and elimination of poverty" as its "central task."

Separately, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told RFE/RL on the sidelines of the conference that the alliance is confident that Afghan security forces can stand on their own in the fight against the Taliban.

"We handed over the full responsibility for security in Afghanistan to the Afghan forces themselves in 2015 and, of course, there are challenges, there are attacks, and we still see violence, but we also see that the Afghan Army is able to retake ground and to answer in a very decisive way to the attacks of the Taliban," he said.

He added that NATO decided at its summit in Warsaw in July that the alliance would maintain its deployment of some 13,000 troops in Afghanistan at least through 2017 and will continue to fund the Afghan security force at least until 2020.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan correspondent Mustafa Sarwar in Brussels, Reuters, AP, and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan- donors-conference-brussels- billions-dollars/28032848.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Afghan Forces Free Kunduz of Taliban, Militants 'Sustain Heavy Losses'

Sputnik News

16:31 05.10.2016(updated 16:34 05.10.2016)

An attempt by Taliban militants to seize the city of Kunduz in northern Afghanistan failed. The attackers sustained heavy losses and retreated, spokesperson for the Afghan Defense Ministry Dowlat Vaziri said.

On Monday, Taliban militants launched an offensive and captured several areas in Kunduz. Local media reported that the militants took control over the National Security Directorate building and were heading towards the governor's administration office.

On Tuesday, it was reported that the center of Kunduz had been freed from Taliban. Over two dozens of militants were killed in clashes between Taliban and Afghan security forces.

"During the last two days, Taliban militants were not able to seize a single army checkpoint in Kunduz. The militants were kicked out of the town," Vaziri told Sputnik Dari.

According to him, initially militants entered the city and occupied some residential building. In order to prevent civilian casualties, security forces decided not to conduct airstrikes.

"The Afghani Special Forces backed by police forces conducted an operation to contain terrorists inside the city. The militants sustained losses. You can see their bodies in the streets. Those who survived escaped," he added.

The Taliban militants were able to seize some territories in Helmand and Uruzgan regions over the last two months.

Militant groups are still holding positions in areas south, southwest and west of Kunduz. A counterterrorism operation is currently underway in those areas. Security forces have managed to establish a "security belt" between the Kunduz, Helmand and Uruzgan provinces.

Vaziri underscored that the Afghani security forces are very capable and resolved to repel any further militant attack.

Recently, the security situation in Afghanistan deteriorated. The Taliban seized vast rural areas and launched an offensive on major cities. The presence of Daesh terrorist group has also significantly grown in the country.

Kunduz is the most important administrative, military and strategic center in northern Afghanistan. In 2015, the city was seized by Taliban militants but soon was liberated by the Afghan military.

 Sputnik

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Norway Concerned by Modernization of Russia's Armed Forces in Arctic

Sputnik News

10:36 05.10.2016(updated 10:37 05.10.2016)

Norway's defense chief expressed concern about Russia's military modernization in the Arctic region.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia's military modernization in the Arctic region is a source of concern for Norway, Chief of Defense of Norway Adm. Haakon Bruun-Hanssen said.

"The equality between Russian military capability and Western military capability has started to come very close to each other, like it used to be in the Cold War," Adm. Bruun-Hanssen told The Wall Street Journal in an interview on Tuesday.

He added that while Russia's scale of operation in the region is smaller that during the Cold War but "the difference is now we are talking about new types of platforms, new types of sensors, new types of weapons systems that are far more flexible and far more capable than we had during the Cold War."

NATO officials share Norway's worries and responded with stepping up naval exercises, the newspaper added.

On Monday, US Navy Chief of Operations Adm. John Richardson said that the US military would continue to strengthen its ability to operate in the Arctic Ocean while prioritizing other needs around the world.

Russia has been stepping up its military, trade and exploration activities in the Arctic region. It has been building transport and energy production infrastructure, as well as installing military facilities and developing the Northern Sea Route linking Europe to Asia.

The importance of the Arctic region has been increasing in recent years as the melting of the region's sea ice has opened the possibility for further exploration of petroleum reserves in the area, as well as for navigation through the Northern Sea Route.

 Sputnik

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Joint Declaration for the Export and Subsequent Use of Armed or Strike-Enabled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

October 5, 2016



The following Joint Declaration was issued today by the United States and the governments of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Uruguay.

[Begin Text]

Joint Declaration for the Export and Subsequent Use of Armed or Strike-Enabled

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

An increasing number of States are acquiring and employing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to support a range of missions, including military missions that promote peace and security. Individual States may already have laws and policies in place to ensure the responsible export and use of UAVs that are armed, or that include equipment related uniquely to the deployment or delivery of weapons. However, recognizing that misuse of armed or strike-enabled UAVs could fuel conflict and instability, and facilitate terrorism and organized crime, the international community must take appropriate transparency measures to ensure the responsible export and subsequent use of these systems. In this context, we continue to recognize the following principles, none of which should be construed to undermine the legitimate interest of any State to indigenously produce, export, or acquire such systems for legitimate purposes:

A. The applicability of international law, including both the law of armed conflict and international human rights law, as applicable, to the use of armed or strike-enabled UAVs, as with other weapon systems;

B. The importance of engaging in the responsible export of armed or strike-enabled UAVs in line with existing relevant international arms control and disarmament norms that help build confidence as to the peaceful intention of States;

C. That the export of armed or strike-enabled UAVs should be done consistent with the principles of existing multilateral export control and nonproliferation regimes, taking into account the potential recipient country's history regarding adherence to its relevant international obligations and commitments;

D. The importance of appropriate voluntary transparency measures on the export of armed or strike-enabled UAVs including reporting of military exports through existing mechanisms, where appropriate, and with due regard to national security considerations; and

E. That in light of the rapid development of UAV technology and the benefit of setting international standards for the export and subsequent use of such systems, we are resolved to continue discussions on how these capabilities are transferred and used responsibly by all States.

We call upon other governments to support this declaration.

[End Text]

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Secretary Kerry's Phone Call With Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

October 5, 2016



The below is attributable to Spokesperson John Kirby:

Secretary Kerry spoke with President Santos yesterday, and reaffirmed U.S. support for Colombia as it seeks to secure democratic peace and prosperity for all Colombians.

The Secretary voiced his support for President Santos' call for unity of effort in an inclusive dialogue as the next step towards achieving a just and lasting peace. He acknowledged that difficult decisions lie ahead for Colombia, and welcomed the statements by Senator Alvaro Uribe and FARC leader Rodrigo Londono reaffirming their commitment to peace and openness to dialogue.

Secretary Kerry reinforced continued U.S. partnership with Colombia through our "Peace Colombia" strategy. Finally, the Secretary confirmed to President Santos that Special Envoy for the Colombian Peace Process Bernie Aronson is traveling to Havana at the request of the peace negotiators to support Colombia's work for a lasting peace.

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Approval of New West Bank Settlement

Press Statement

Mark C. Toner

Deputy Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

October 5, 2016



We strongly condemn the Israeli government's recent decision to advance a plan that would create a significant new settlement deep in the West Bank.

Proceeding with this new settlement, which could include up to 300 units, would further damage the prospects for a two state solution. The retroactive authorization of nearby illegal outposts, or redrawing of local settlement boundaries, does not change the fact that this approval contradicts previous public statements by the Government of Israel that it had no intention of creating new settlements. And this settlement's location deep in the West Bank, far closer to Jordan than Israel, would link a string of outposts that effectively divide the West Bank and make the possibility of a viable Palestinian state more remote.

It is deeply troubling, in the wake of Israel and the U.S. concluding an unprecedented agreement on military assistance designed to further strengthen Israel's security, that Israel would take a decision so contrary to its long term security interest in a peaceful resolution of its conflict with the Palestinians. Furthermore, it is disheartening that while Israel and the world mourned the passing of President Shimon Peres, and leaders from the U.S. and other nations prepared to honor one of the great champions of peace, plans were advanced that would seriously undermine the prospects for the two state solution that he so passionately supported.

Israelis must ultimately decide between expanding settlements and preserving the possibility of a peaceful two state solution. Since the recent Quartet report called on both sides to take affirmative steps to reverse current trends and advance the two state solution on the ground, we have unfortunately seen just the opposite. Proceeding with this new settlement is another step towards cementing a one-state reality of perpetual occupation that is fundamentally inconsistent with Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state. Such moves will only draw condemnation from the international community, distance Israel from many of its partners, and further call into question Israel's commitment to achieving a negotiated peace.

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'Keep Afghanistan on the path towards stability,' Ban tells Brussels Conference

5 October 2016  Addressing a conference aimed at charting a way forward for conflict-ravaged Afghanistan, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged the international community to sustain its commitment to support the country and its people, while stressing the importance of holding both donors and the Afghan Government accountable for aid effectiveness.

"In their efforts to rebuild their country, the people of Afghanistan have been able to count on international development assistance," Mr. Ban told the gathering of representatives from some 70 countries and 20 international organizations and agencies in the Belgian capital of Brussels, which was co-hosted by the European Union and the Afghan Government.

"To consolidate gains, international support will remain necessary for years to come," the UN chief said, stressing the importance of ensuring that assistance is predictable, shaped by sustained commitment to mutual accountability and aid effectiveness, and aligned with the priorities of the Afghan Government as set out in its national peace and development framework.

Afghanistan has been in protracted conflict for almost 35 years, which has seen an ever-growing number of civilians killed and poverty reduction and development efforts seriously hampered.

The Brussels conference comes two years after the London conference, which provided a platform for then newly-elected president Ashraf Ghani to set out his Government's vision for reform and for the international community to demonstrate enduring solidarity and support for Afghanistan. The Government outlined a clear path toward a better future, including measures to tackle corruption, advance governance reforms, and address the illicit economy.

The Brussels conference is also a follow-up from the 2012 Tokyo conference where the international community agreed to provide four billion euros a year in funding until the end of 2016, based on a partnership of mutual accountability.

"The commitments of this [Brussels] Conference provide a crucial window of opportunity for the next four years," Mr. Ban said.

He highlighted important headway the Government has made since the London conference towards promoting transparency, accountability, and improving public services, despite complex challenges.

"Of course, the ultimate goal of the reform agenda is real change in people's lives," he said. "The substantial levels of assistance that this Conference is seeking can only be justified  to the people of Afghanistan and of donor countries  if the lives of Afghans are visibly and sustainably improved."

In this regard, he said Afghanistan's women must be provided greater space to play their full role as political actors and peace-makers. He went on to welcome the Government's commitment to implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda (SDGs) which is crucial to reduce poverty, address food insecurity and child malnutrition, improve literacy rates and empower women and girls.

However, conflict remains the main obstacle to the prosperous future that the people of Afghanistan deserve, Mr. Ban warned.

"I am deeply concerned by the record numbers of civilian casualties and growing numbers of people forced from their homes," he said, citing that this year alone, more than one million Afghans will be on the move within Afghanistan and across borders.

In an interview with the UN News Centre ahead of the Brussels conference, Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission there (UNAMA), said that the most fundamental challenge in the country is security, which affects all activities of life.

After the drawdown of the international forces in 2014, the Taliban has tested the ability of Afghan national forces to defend the country, creating a rather difficult situation in 2015, when the Taliban insurgency was able to make headway in terms of expanding their areas of control, Mr. Yamamoto said.

In today's address, the Secretary-General stressed the need to support a peace process for Afghanistan and the region, calling on all of Afghanistan's regional partners to seize opportunities for cooperation and do their part to help build a prosperous and peaceful future.

"My message is clear: Keep Afghanistan on the path towards stability, accountability and greater self-reliance. Build bridges. Put the Afghan people first," Mr. Ban said.

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Yemen: Security Council strongly condemns attack on vessel by Houthi forces

5 October 2016  The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned an attack by Houthi forces on a United Arab Emirates vessel operating near Bab al-Mandeb Strait on 1 October.

"The members of the Security Council take threats to shipping around Bab al-Mandeb, a strategically important shipping passage, extremely seriously," a statement issued by the 15-member body said. The Council also stressed that the continued exercise of freedom of navigation in and around Bab al-Mandeb Strait in accordance with relevant international law must be upheld.

The members of the Security Council called for such attacks to cease immediately and urged necessary steps to be taken to de-escalate the situation.

They also reiterated their support to the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, to pursue his efforts to find a political solution to the conflict in Yemen.

To support the consultations of the Special Envoy, and avoid further loss of life, the members of the Security Council urged all parties to recommit to and fully respect the terms and conditions of the cessation of hostilities entered into on April 10, which will include a complete halt to ground and air military activities.

Further, the Council called on all sides to resume working through the De-Escalation and Coordination Committee to facilitate the strengthening of the cessation of hostilities.

Yemen has been engulfed in violence for several years now  a confrontation between the country's Houthis (Ansar Allah) and the Government of Yemen in early 2014 led to a Houthi advance on the capital, and an ensuing conflict which has involved support from outside parties. The UN has been heavily involved in efforts to resolve the crisis.

While peace talks between a Yemeni Government delegation and a delegation of the General People's Congress and Ansar Allah continued, serious violations have occurred in Marib, al Jawf, Taiz and in the border areas with Saudi Arabia. Those UN-facilitated talks ended on 6 August.

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US Military Conducts Airstrikes in Troubled Afghan City

By Ayaz Gul October 05, 2016

The United States military says it conducted airstrikes in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz Wednesday to defend government forces who are battling resilient Taliban insurgents for a third day in a row.

The fighting comes as key international and regional stakeholders met in Brussels on the sidelines of a conference and agreed to renew efforts to promote peace and reconciliation between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Afghan government in control of Kunduz

The NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan said Wednesday the Afghan government still controls Kunduz and there is sporadic fighting within the city as national security forces continue to secure the area.

"U.S. forces today conducted two air engagements to defend friendly forces who were receiving enemy fire and continue to assist [Afghan partners] as needed," the alliance said in a brief statement.

The Islamist insurgency staged a multi-pronged pre-dawn assault on the key provincial capital Monday and forced its way deep into the center of Kunduz, capturing territory and key installations.

Afghan authorities reported on Tuesday a counter offensive by government forces pushed out Taliban rebels from most parts of the city, killing dozens of enemy fighters. However, they admitted there were still insurgent pockets in civilian neighborhoods on the edges of Kunduz and a clearing operation was underway to overcome them.

A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, disputed official claims and released videos on Wednesday purportedly showing the insurgents in control of installations and firing at Afghan forces in parts of Kunduz. It was not possible to immediately verify the authenticity of the footage.

Mujahid also dismissed as "propaganda" claims the Taliban suffered heavy casualties or retreated from the city.

Truce efforts to continue

In Brussels Wednesday, EU High Representative Federica Mogherini said she organized a meeting of the foreign ministers of the U.S., China, Pakistan and India along with the U.N. secretary-general to discuss how international and regional players can jointly work to promote the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. She spoke just before the start of the second day of an Afghan donors conference.

Without discussing further details, she emphasized that Afghans will have to lead and own the peace process with the support of the regional players.

"It is also very clear that it has to be a process led by the Afghans within the framework of their constitution on the basis of democracy and it will have to have an element of inclusiveness with the Taliban," Mohgerini asserted.

She apparently hinted at opposition from certain sections of the Afghan society that do not support peace talks between their government and the Islamist insurgency unless the Taliban stops using violence.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's national unity government has previously attempted to engage in peace talks with the Taliban but those efforts have not produced results.

Kabul alleges sanctuaries in neighboring Pakistan and that country's covert support have enabled the Taliban to prolong the war, charges Islamabad rejects as baseless.

Kerry's appeal

Addressing Wednesday's session of the meeting in Brussels, Secretary Kerry urged the Taliban to lay down their arms and engage in a peace process with Kabul.

"It is a conflict they cannot and will not win on the battlefield. A political settlement negotiated with the Afghan government is the only way to end the fighting, ensure lasting stability and achieve a full drawdown ultimately of international military forces, which is their goal."

The Taliban has so far refused to hold talks with Kabul unless international forces withdraw from Afghanistan. It reiterated its stance ahead of the Brussels meeting.

"In the opinion of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban), if this conference is truly for the economic well-being of the Afghans, then it is the moral and ethical duty of the participants to decide on ending the occupation before all other matters," according to a Taliban statement it released to media.

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Local farmers and conservation officials hope to get a significant boost from $28.7 million in funding announced this month, which will go toward Pennsylvanias environmental efforts to reduce runoff into the Chesapeake Bay.

The announcement comes at a pivotal time, as the state has tasked local conservation agencies with carrying out farm inspections and issuing compliance actions, rather than serving solely as technical advisors as they have previously.

We dont know how much of this will actually go toward funding best management practices, or technical services, or other on-the-ground efforts, said Carl Goshorn, Cumberland County Conservation District manager. Hopefully, we will see some additional resources in these programs.

The total funding package comes from three sources, according to BJ Small, spokesman for the Pennsylvania chapter of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

The United States Department of Agriculture is putting just under $13 million into Pennsylvania, in conjunction with nearly $12 million in funding from the commonwealth itself. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has simultaneously allocated $4 million.

The funding announcement comes shortly after the CBFs call last month for the USDA to provide $20 million of federal environmental remediation funds toward five south-central Pennsylvania counties, including Cumberland.

These five counties, the CBF found, contain the vast majority of the agricultural runoff that is responsible for Pennsylvania falling behind its commitments to the federal Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint.

We dont know the specific distribution of the funds yet, but the governors office is mentioning high-priority areas, and you would certainly get the most bang for your buck with the five counties we identified, Small said.

Blueprint

The federal blueprint, started in 2010, identifies reduction goals for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment inflows to the Chesapeake Bay. These three parts of the water supply are largely responsible for changes in bay chemistry that have resulted in algae blooms, fish stock declines, and other issues.

The blueprint calls for 60 percent of pollution reduction practices to be in place by 2017, and the rest by 2025. Pennsylvania, however, is throwing the plan off track. Nitrogen runoff, for instance, should be cut by 40.7 million pounds per year by 2017, but is tracking to only 18.7 million pounds.

Of this 22 million pound shortfall, 86 percent is attributable to Pennsylvania agriculture, according to a Bay Foundation study.

The issue is Pennsylvanias high concentration of farms, particularly in Cumberland, York, Lancaster, Franklin and Adams counties. These five counties combined produce 40 percent of the states livestock sales.

Individual farmers, however, may find it difficult reduce their output of bay contaminants without help. Funding and technical assistance is needed to create planting buffers around streams, install better manure pits, introduce new tilling patterns, and take on other practices that reduce runoff and erosion.

Grant funding to help farmers in these efforts comes from state and federal sources, although Goshorn noted that money for more capital intensive efforts had dwindled prior to recent renewed efforts.

In the past, the states Chesapeake Bay Program had funds available for the physical construction in best management practices, Goshorn said. In the last couple years, there hasnt been much money available for those; its been more passive practices like tilling, buffer crops, etc.
Zimbabwe Opposition Takes Street Ban Appeal to Supreme Court

By Sebastian Mhofu October 05, 2016

A day after a lower court in Zimbabwe upheld a month-long ban on anti-government street protests, opposition and civil society groups are appealing the decision to the country's highest judicial body, the Supreme Court.

Politician Tendai Biti, with Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Wednesday filed the appeal. The move came after the High Court of Zimbabwe dismissed an application that called into question the legality of the ban imposed by police.

"Quite clearly, the judgment of the High Court is wrong," he said. "So we are entitled to appeal. For constitutionalism, the right to protest as defined in our new constitution is so compelling such that I would not think that any court would refuse the insurmountability of those arguments."

Last month, the High Court ruled that an earlier ban on the protests in Harare was "invalid" because it was not done procedurally. That decision led to the second ban, which was upheld Tuesday.

Before the bans, Zimbabwe had been rocked by an unprecedented wave of protests calling for President Robert Mugabe's government to fix the moribund economy and respect human rights. Police then resorted to force and arrests to quell the protests.

Activist Linda Musarira was released last week after spending 82 days in jail for protesting. Musarira said she thinks it is time to change strategy to challenge the 92-year-old president's leadership.

"The demonstrations have failed, people are being beaten up, people are being abused. Why should we continue with a strategy which is making people get into situations that we do not want? We are fighting against those injustices.

The constitution allows us to demonstrate, but they are unleashing the reign of terror using police officers and state security agents against activists so that they instill fear in us so that they silence us. But we will not be silenced. We are tired of this regime. We want change; we want to restore Zimbabwe back as the breadbasket of Africa," Musarira said.

Hunger and poverty are two of the issues that have brought Zimbabweans into the streets since July. The country has about a quarter of its 13 million population depending on international aid for survival.

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Weakened IS May Find Havens in Rural Iraq, Syria

By Sirwan Kajjo October 04, 2016

If expected military offensives rout the Islamic State group from the cities that are its strongholds in Syria and Iraq, military analysts and Kurdish commanders say the extremists would establish bases in rural areas to further their regional terrorism.

"When they run out of options, and soon they will, [IS fighters] will act more violently outside their areas of control," said Radwan Badini, a politics professor at Salahaddin University in Irbil, in northern Iraq.

"In the countryside of rural provinces in Syria and Iraq, IS will continue to have an influence and it will try to use these areas as operation centers to stage attacks on their immediate enemies."

Since 2014, IS has used Iraq and Syria as centers for the establishment and expansion of its self-designated caliphate, virtually changing the map of those two war-torn nations.

Losing territory

However, an array of opposition to Islamic State - including a U.S.-led coalition, government forces, local forces and militia and foreign troops - has left the militant group reeling, and slowly returned parts of Iraq and Syria back to local control.

"We've deprived [IS] of about 25 percent of the territory it once controlled in Syria and more than 50 percent it once controlled in Iraq,"Antony J. Blinken, deputy U.S. secretary of State, said last week during a congressional hearing.

In western Iraq, IS has suffered a series of defeats in Anbar province in recent months.

In the north, Islamic State is fortifying its stronghold in Mosul and planning for a massive attack by Iraqi forces trying to regain control of the city, which had a population of more than two and one-half million when IS captured it more than two years ago. Analysts say the loss of Mosul would leave extremist fighters scattered across a region that is mostly desert.

Mosul loss could doom 'caliphate'

The "liberation of Mosul would contain IS expansion in Iraq," said Khaled Akkasheh, head of the National Center for Security Studies in Cairo, and ensure the gradual demise of "their so-called caliphate."

Others say IS would still be a menacing force in Iraq even after losing control of Mosul.

Islamic State is supported by some of the Sunni tribes in Anbar province, according to Aras Dizayee, a military strategist in Irbil. "The group will be relevant as long as it has popular support in these areas," he said.

Sunni tribes feel alienated from the Shi'ite-dominated Iraqi government in Baghdad, and some see IS as an alternative power base. And some Sunni tribes have profited from doing business with Islamic State - smuggling in oil and goods from IS-controlled territory.

"IS would continue collaborating with these Sunni tribes because that gives it legitimacy among people and a sort of military alliance," Dizayee said.

Turning old tactic

The Irbil-based analyst said it will be difficult to eliminate IS influence, because the extremist group's members and sympathizers are dispersed among the general population, and from there they can employ an old tactic.

"They know a moment will come where they no longer control territory," Dizayee said. "So they have trained many suicide bombers, mainly children, to carry out attacks."

Islamic State's influence in Suinni areas of Iraq likely will spread into Syria, Kurdish commanders say.

"IS has many strong pockets along the Iraq-Syria border," said General Sime Usali, a commander of Kurdish Peshmerga forces near Mosul. "They will likely be concentrated in those areas when they have been pushed out of Mosul."

It remains to be seen who will lead IS in Iraq and Syria in the future.

The U.S. military has been targeting IS leadership for months, killing IS commanders in September, 13 of them in the Mosul area. Many more IS leaders are likely to lose their lives in the Mosul battle, analysts say.

"Most of the top-tier IS leaders who have been targeted by U.S. strikes possessed skills that their successors don't necessarily have," said analyst Akkasheh. "But that doesn't mean that [IS] can entirely be weakened."

The spillover effect from an IS retreat from Mosul will likely coincide with a depleted IS in Syria.

The U.S.-led coalition, Turkey and Arab forces are planning an assault in the group's Syrian stronghold, Raqqa, after pushing IS out of northern Syria in recent weeks.

Routing IS from Raqqa could further complicate the chaotic situation in the Syrian civil war, analysts say. IS is increasing its presence in areas once held by Syrian rebel forces, and is battling both Damascus government forces and rebels in central and southern Syria.

"Symbolically, removing [IS] from its self-proclaimed capital is significant," Akkasheh said in an interview with VOA. "Strategically, however, it would perhaps allow IS to search for newer footings."

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National Guard Assists Southeastern States as Hurricane Matthew Approaches

From a National Guard Bureau News Release

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 5, 2016  National Guard members in four southeastern states were at the ready today as Hurricane Matthew approached the United States.

South Carolina had at least 1,100 Army National Guard troops on duty, and evacuations were underway.

"Our goal is to make sure you get at least 100 miles away from the coast," South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley told residents.

In Florida, about 200 Guard members are helping with preparation, and more may be called up, as needed, officials said.

'We Are Preparing for the Worst'

As reported in news media, Florida Gov. Rick Scott said, "We are preparing for the worst, hoping for the best, and not taking any chances."

Neither Georgia nor North Carolina had any Guard troops on duty, but 300 personnel in North Carolina were on standby, National Guard Bureau officials said. Georgia personnel were conducting pre-operations checks, they reported.

The powerful storm was 35 miles north-northwest of Cuba's eastern tip. By tomorrow, officials expect it to move very close to Florida. By Oct. 9, the storm may progress as far north as Massachusetts, forecasters said.

(Steve Marshall of the National Guard Bureau and Cheryl Pellerin of DoD News, Defense Media Activity, contributed to this article.)

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Police chief confirms IS target name list, says authenticity is low

ROC Central News Agency

2016/10/05 17:27:13

Taipei, Oct. 5 (CNA) Taiwan's National Police Agency (NPA) general director has confirmed that there is a name-list of Taiwanese nationals who have been listed by Islamic State (IS) as targets for abduction, but said it has no concrete evidence to prove the authenticity of the list.

"The authenticity (of the list) is relatively low, and there are doubts regarding its accuracy," said Chen Kuo-en () during a hearing of the legislative Internal Administration Committee Wednesday.

Faced with questions from lawmakers about the list, Chen said that domestic anti-terrorist units and departments obtained the list in June, and have been checking it since then.

The police chief urged the public to remain calm, saying that the authorities are in control of all anti-terrorism data and will monitor every possible enemy.

Local media outlets reported the previous day that IS has listed 69 Taiwanese people as targets for abduction after Taiwan was listed among the participants of the U.S.-led Inherent Resolve operation against IS. The targeted persons include academics, experts and wealthy businessmen, according to the reports.

At the legislative Foreign and National Defense Committee on Wednesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lee () revealed that the ministry received a telegram from its representative office to the United Kingdom in June that contains the list.

As soon as the ministry received the message, it passed it on to the relevant authorities, including the National Security Bureau, the NPA and the Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Justice, Lee said, adding that while the matter involves the problem of whether the name list is fabricated or not, it is not within his ministry's authority.

Anna Kao (), director-general of European affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), said later at the legislative committee that the name list was handed over to the representative office by the Metropolitan Police Service in London before the office's staff sent it back to the MOFA's Taipei headquarters as a confidential report.

The remarks, however, prompted opposition Kuomintang Legislator Lu Yu-ling () to ask "while it has been clearly classified as confidential, why was the name list leaked?"

In response, Lee said he has spoken with National Security Bureau (NSB) Director-General Yang Kuo-chiang () about the revelation, who promised an investigation.

(By Tang Pei-chun and Elizabeth Hsu)

ENDITEM/J

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Russia Concerned About Afghan Wing of Daesh  Russian Foreign Ministry

Sputnik News

21:56 05.10.2016

Russia is concerned about emergence of a Daesh wing in Afghanistan, which may result in a wave of migration from Central Asia to Russia, Zamir Kabulov, the Russian Foreign Ministry's director of the Second Asian Department said Friday.

BRUSSELS (Sputnik)  He noted that there are 5 million migrants from Central Asia in Russia and if the situation in the region is destabilized by Daesh terrorists, their families may also flee to Russia.

"A new formation  the IS [Daesh] Afghan wing  poses a great threat to us. That is dangerous for us because they are really global jihadists, that is the same as al-Qaeda was at the beginning of its way in Afghanistan and they customized to Central Asia with all consequences for us," Kabulov told Russian journalists in Brussels.

He also said that western countries did not pay enough attention to the rise of Daesh in Afghanistan.

"Just six months ago US generals commanding in Afghanistan said that was not significant, did not deserve attention. And now they say that the problem needs serious approach," Kabulov said, adding that the number of Daesh terrorists in Afghanistan reached almost 2,500.

He noted that the international forces were supporting the Afghan army against Daesh but at the same time they were also bombing civilians, which increased the number of Daesh followers.

Afghanistan is in a state of political and social turmoil, with government forces fighting the continuing Taliban insurgency, while other extremist groups, such as Daesh group, outlawed in many countries including the United States and Russia, have also expanded their activities both in the country and in neighboring states.

The US-led NATO combat force withdrew from Afghanistan in December 2014, 13 years after the invasion. However, more than 10,000 US military personnel remain in the country as part of the Resolute Support mission.

 Sputnik

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US Move Against North Korea Seen as Unprecedented

By Lee Jee-eun October 04, 2016

After North Korea's largest-ever test of a nuclear device in early September, the United States is taking an unprecedented hardline stance to curb the reclusive regime's accelerated pursuit of nuclear development.

The U.S. Treasury announced last week that it had sanctioned China's Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development and four of its executives. The Treasury accused the firm of laundering millions of dollars via U.S. banks for North Korea's Kwangson Banking Corporation, which has already been blacklisted by the U.S. and United Nations for its involvement in the North's nuclear and missile development.

Daniel Fried, coordinator for sanctions policy at the U.S. State Department, indicated at a recent Congressional hearing that more Chinese companies could be under U.S. investigation for suspected breach of North Korean sanctions.

Crackdown on Chinese firm

"We have crossed a line here," said Bradley Babson, former World Bank adviser and chair of the DPRK Economic Forum at the U.S.-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

"We are now doing things that we have never done before in trying to chase down the way North Korea tries to evade sanctions," Babson said.

Gordon Chang, an author and columnist who writes extensively on China, said there has been growing frustration within the U.S. government over illicit trade between China and its ally.

"We've been much too tolerant, but nonetheless we are going to see a change in attitude on the part of the administration, which is already starting to manifest itself," Chang said.

Babson said the sanctions are likely to limit Chinese companies  both sanctioned and unsanctioned  from engaging in business activities with North Korean entities.

"Sanctioning means they won't be able to work through the American banking system for their business interests, and I think it would make the business community in China very wary about doing business with North Korea," he said.

Diplomatic pressure

Washington is also stepping up diplomacy to further isolate Pyongyang from the international community. Last week, Daniel Russel, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, told a Congressional hearing that the U.S. mobilized its embassies around the world to ask host governments to take further additional actions to "downgrade or sever diplomatic and economic ties" with the North.

Critics are warning that the U.S. move to use domestic law to crack down on a Chinese firm could trigger a diplomatic backlash from Beijing. In response to the U.S designations, Beijing criticized Washington for carrying out what it called "long arm jurisdiction."

Chang said the U.S. is not likely to relent in the crackdown despite the Chinese opposition.

"Eventually, the U.S. sanction will have an effect largely because as China stalls, the United States is going to take more and more coercive measures," the China expert said.

The U.S. is also accelerating a plan to deploy its advanced anti-missile defense system in South Korea. The deployment plan has sparked public fear about potential health risks and drawn protests from neighboring China. Despite the controversy, Washington and Seoul are moving forward with the deployment.

This report was produced in collaboration with VOA Korean Service.

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Velayati rules out Iranian involvement in any conflict abroad

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Oct 5, IRNA -- Head of the Strategic Research Center of the Expediency Council Ali-Akbar Velayati said on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not directly involved in any conflict in other countries.

Velayati made the remarks on the sidelines of a meeting with former Swedish Foreign Minister and Prime Minister Nils Daniel Carl Bildt.

He said that regarding the experience the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iran offers military advice to Iraq on the request of Iraqi government.

He noted that in Mosul or other operations in Iraq or any other place abroad, for instance Syria, Iran has been providing military advice on the request of the Syrian government.

'Or else, Iran has not been directly involved in any conflict.'

To a question on the media reports that Kurdish President Masoud Barzani will pay a visit to Iran imminently and that whether the visit had something to do with liberation of Mosul, Velayati said the visit is irrelevant to the issue.

Barzani will as official of the northern Iraqi region and old friend of Iran will visit the country is natural and the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes him, he added.

He said that Iranians have friendly ties with Iraqi government and people and that the chief of Iraqi Kurdistan administration, the Sunni Muslim leader, the Arab and Shia Muslim friends from Iraq can visit Iran whenever they wish and they will be warmly welcomed.

'Let's say the key to the Syrian crisis should be based on principles, including such principle that government of Bashar Assad is legal and the legitimacy should be recognized by all because Assad has been elected on public votes; and that, we stress maintaining Syrian territorial integrity and oppose any disintegration there. And that, cooperation between Iran and Europe can lead to peaceful settlement of the humanitarian plight in Syria and campaign against terrorism because the terrorism in Syria is a calamity for all the world people and will not be restricted to Syria.'

1420**1416

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Iran to develop 4 oil fields based on new contract model

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Oct 5, IRNA -- Iran is to develop four of its oil fields using models based on new oil contracts (IPC). This is the first time the Iranian Petroleum Ministry is using the IPC for its projects.

According to the contracts signed Tuesday in the presence of Petroleum Minister Bijan Zangeneh to enhance the recovery of four oil fields.

The general framework of the contract guarantees increase in the recovery factor of Yaran, Kupal and Marun oil fields as well as Bangestan reservoir. Deputy Petrolum Minister and Head of National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) Ali Kardor and a number of other officials of Persia Oil And Gas Industry Development Company were present in the signing ceremony of the contracts.

The contract which values $2.2b was sealed by Deputy Managing Director of National Iranian Oil Company Gholamreza Manouchehri and the Managing Director of Persia Oil And Gas Industry Development Company Naji Sadouni.

Yaran oil field is located 130 km west of Ahvaz in southwestern province of Khuzestan. It is a joint oil reservoir with Majnoon oil field of Iraq.

Speaker of Majlis (Parliament) Ali Larijani has recently communicated new oil contracts model to the government.

According to the spokesman of parliament's energy commission, Iranian government, in its third draft, considered the concerns of the critics and sympathizers of the establishment; and the board on conformity declared the new oil contract in compliance with upstream regulations.

The Petroleum Ministry with the aim of accelerating the development of oil and gas fields especially the joint ones, has attempted to proclaim new model.

The IPC is a framework that lays out the basic structure - and some details - regarding all future petroleum contracts in Iran. It was earlier announced that the country plans to boost oil production to 5.7 million barrels a day and gas output to 1.4 billion cubic meters a day by 2021.

Iran's current oil production is estimated to be around 2.8 million barrels per day of which about one million barrels are exported.

By holding 157.8 billion barrels of recoverable crude oil reserves, Iran possesses the world's fourth largest reserves of crude oil.

The Islamic Republic also holds 34 trillion cubic meters of proven gas reserves, sharing 18.2 percent of total global gas reserves.

By: Ali Izadi

Edited by: Vahide Dindari

9376**1424

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IS Plans Widespread Destruction in Mosul as Conditions Worsen for Residents

By Jamie Dettmer October 04, 2016

Kurdish officials say Islamic State militants are planning to meet a liberation offensive in Mosul with mass killings and widespread destruction of the historic Iraqi city.

IS fighters have been instructed to wreak as much destruction as they can, if they're unable to hold the city against Iraqi troops and Kurdish peshmerga militiamen, according to Saeed Mamuzini, an official with the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Iraqi Kurdistan's ruling party.

In an interview in Irbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, with Rudaw television, Mamuzini said the terror group has been preparing for the long-anticipated offensive on Mosul, which could start possibly this month. Mosul is the last major stronghold of the terror group in the country.

"IS is prepared to fight and they have new tactics of war. For example, they have built tunnels inside Mosul," he said.

The jihadist defenders are also thought to have "planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in most places" and are organizing suicide bombers.

"But the new strategy that was sent from [IS leader] Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is: If you can defend Mosul, do it, and if you can't then escape, but leave devastation and mass killings behind," the Kurdish official added. Top IS leaders are leaving the city, he says, and the group has been transporting out archeological pieces, money and other valuables. European and Middle Eastern fighters have also left, according to Iraqi and Kurdish officials, leaving the defense of the city to a mixture of locals, Turkmen and Chechens.

Iraqi officials estimate IS has about 5,000 fighters in the city. And they have been busy preparing defenses, including digging an elaborate network of tunnels and a moat filled with oil ready to be set ablaze. The smoke will make it harder for coalition pilots to mount close-support airstrikes to help advancing Iraqi troops.

To the south of Mosul, where Iraqi forces have been making slow progress in retaking villages, the militants have already set fire to oilfields; plumes of dark smoke add to a blighted landscape full of destroyed dwellings, some demolished by airstrikes and artillery shelling, others by mortar and rocket fire.

Worsening conditions for Mosul residents

"Daily, people are detained and killed in Mosul by IS. People are in a very bad situation," says Mamuzini. Food and medicines are in shorty supply and Kurdish officials claim IS has executed in the past month more than 200 young men for refusing to join IS.

The trickle of people, mainly women, escaping the city, confirm IS militants are forcing young men to join their ranks on pain of death. One woman, who fled into Kurdish peshmerga-controlled territory to the east of Mosul, told a VOA translator that her brother had been executed by the terror group but "two cousins had joined" the jihadists.

"They didn't want to but they wanted to live," she explained tearfully.

Iraqi officials have vowed to recapture Mosul by year's end but there have been delays in a push on the city that IS captured more than two years ago.

After a months-long offensive in western Anbar Province, Iraqi troops  backed by a 60-nation coalition led by the U.S. and with peshmerga support  have captured an increasing number of villages around Mosul, but they are still struggling to get the kind of foothold they will need before mounting an assault on the city itself.

IEDS are slowing them down as is IS resistance involving nighttime mortar attacks and commando raids. On July 9, Iraqi forces captured the Qayyarah air base, once known as Saddam Airbase, 80 kilometers south of Mosul. But in the three months since, the Iraqis have only advanced about another 20 kilometers.

A budgetary shortfall for the Kurds following a massive cut in oil-revenue was one of the hold-ups. But in August, U.S. envoy Brett McGurk managed to broker an oil revenue-sharing deal between the government of Iraqi Kurdistan and the Iraqi government, which had quarreled for months over export revenues.

The oil deal has helped with negotiations between the Kurds and Baghdad over the deployment of forces for the offensive on Mosul. A Joint Operations Room has been set between the two sides, and peshmerga has agreed not to enter the Sunni-Arab city during the final assault. They have also agreed, say U.S. officials, to allow the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) to use territory now controlled by the peshmerga to east and north of the city.

Making way for an offensive

On Monday, the governor of Kirkuk, Najmadin Karim, told reporters that the Kurdistan Regional Government and Baghdad are rebuilding relations, saying the "iceberg" between the two governments is melting. He credited a recent high-level visit to Baghdad by Kurdish President Masoud Barzani.

"The visit was a great beginning to lay the groundwork of preparations for the Mosul liberation operation," said Najmadin Karim.

Another hold-up has yet to be solved  the ISF has a manpower shortage. The Iraqi forces are thinly stretched.

"Security forces are overextended across Iraq due to increased IS attacks and provincial security issues," according to Emily Anagnostos, an analyst with the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank.

"IS continues to strategically open offensives in northern and western Iraq in order to stretch ISF forces thin and reduce their ability to retake terrain," she wrote in a research note. This has meant that forces earmarked for a Mosul assault have been tied up. "Meanwhile, IS continues to launch spectacular attacks in central Baghdad, despite the ISF's concentration in the capital and surrounding belts," she adds.

On Tuesday, IS claimed responsibility for three blasts in the Iraqi capital which killed 10 people and wounded 18 others. On Monday, the terror group launched three suicide bombings targeting Shi'ite religious processions in Baghdad. Tuesday's blasts killed at least 10 and injured dozens of others.

IS violence in the Iraqi capital has increased over the last few months, and on Sunday, a United Nations report estimated that in September in Baghdad province 289 civilians had been killed and 838 wounded mainly in terrorist attacks.

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'Sad of state affairs' in Iraq as last month's surge in violence leaves more casualties - UN

5 October 2016  The United Nations in Iraq has reported that civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict in the country, with a more than 28 per cent spike in fatalities and a 17 per cent increase in injuries from August to September this year.

"It is a very sad state of affairs that the numbers of Iraqis killed and injured remains very high and unacceptable. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence," said Jan Kubis, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Iraq said in a news release issued by the UN Assistance Mission in the country (UNAMI), which he heads.

Of the 1,003 people killed in September, 609 were civilians. Of the 951 injured, 922 were non-military persons. Both categories were comprised of members of the federal police, Sahwa civil defence, personal security details, facilities protection police and fire department constituted the balance of casualties.

The 394 Iraqi Security Force members killed included Peshmerga, SWAT and militias fighting alongside the Iraqi Army, excluding Anbar Operations. An additional 208 were injured (excluding Anbar casualties).

With 1,127 civilian casualties, Baghdad, the worst affected governorate, suffered 289 deaths and 838 injured. Elsewhere, Ninewa tallied 42 fatalities and 55 injured; Salahadin had 23 killed and 10 injured; Kirkuk endured 23 killed and nine injured; and two people in Babil were killed and four injured.

According to information obtained by UNAMI from the Health Directorate in Anbar, the governorate suffered 254 civilian casualties  including 219 killed and 35 injured  according to figures updated to include 28 September.

"The Holy month of Muharram has started and I sincerely hope that the killings will stop during this month," Mr. Kubis concluded.

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Authorities in Cumberland County are searching for a man who failed to appear in court after being convicted of sexually assaulting a child.

Anatoliy Venskyy, 32, of Carlisle, was convicted on Sept. 21 of felony aggravated indecent assault of a child and two counts each of felony and misdemeanor corruption of minors and indecent assault, according to court records.

Venskyy was found not guilty of rape of child and had several other charges withdrawn, court records show.

In September 2015, he was arrested and accused of sexually assaulting two children, one as young as 6 years old, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed by North Middleton Township Police.

Venskyy had posted $100,000 bail prior to his conviction and was ordered to post an additional $200,000 bail to remain out of jail while awaiting sentencing, according to court records.

The additional bail, along with Venskyys passport, were to be remitted to the court by Sept. 25.

A bench warrant for Venskyys arrest was issued on Sept. 27 after he failed to meet those conditions, according to court records.

Venskyy is described as a white man, about 5 foot 8 inches tall, with brown hair and green eyes, weighing about 150 pounds, according to Cumberland County Crime Stoppers.

He is believed to have relatives in New Cumberland, Mechanicsburg, Boiling Springs, Carlisle and Harrisburg, as well as New Jersey.

Anyone with information about Venskyys whereabouts is asked to contact Cumberland County Crime Stoppers at 855-628-8477.

Venskyy is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 3.
Iraqi PM Tells Mosul Residents Liberation Approaching

By Edward Yeranian October 05, 2016

Tension between Iraq and Turkey rose a notch Wednesday after a warning by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi that the presence of Turkish troops in the north of the country risked provoking a larger regional confrontation. The growing spat came as military efforts to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul intensified.

The Iraqi government issued a protest to the Turkish ambassador Wednesday, following a late night vote condemning the presence of Turkish troops in the north of Iraq.

The diplomatic dispute comes as Iraq prepares for an impending military operation to retake the country's second-largest city of Mosul from Islamic State militants.

Prime Minister Abadi warned Turkey that it was risking a regional war by keeping troops inside Iraq, insisting that he's "warned Ankara more than once against intervening."

The Turkish parliament voted last week to extend Turkey's presence in Iraq for another year to "fight terrorist organizations." Ankara insists that its troops are present in northern Iraq with the accord of the government in Baghdad.

U.S. military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel John Dorrian told Iraqi state TV that Turkey is "not part of the international coalition" fighting against Islamic State in Iraq.

Abadi's warning to Turkey came after he told residents of Mosul that military operations to liberate the city were closer than ever, calling on them to cooperate with government forces that are participating in the operation.

Sectarian factor

Ezzedin Dowla, who represents Mosul's Turkmen minority in the Iraqi parliament, warned that the presence of Shi'ite and Kurdish militiamen in the government force to liberate the city could inflame sectarian tensions.

He said that as "zero hour" approaches for the liberation of Mosul, the news in and around the city is worrisome and that a sectarian war of revenge is possible. He warns that the Mosul suburb of Tal Afar, inhabited by the ethnic Turkmen minority, could be turned into rubble by both Shi'ite and Kurdish militias.

Khattar Abou Diab, who teaches political science at the University of Paris, told VOA that the U.S. "will have a delicate balancing act" in preparing for which forces participate in the actual operations to liberate Mosul.

Iraq's minister of refugees, Jassem Mohammed, told journalists that his ministry was preparing for humanitarian operations surrounding the battle to liberate Mosul.

He said plans to evacuate the city will be made as military operations evolve. He added that his ministry is expecting 750,000 residents to flee the city (of approximately 1.5 million people), with 500,000 going to refugee camps, and 250,000 to nearby abandoned villages.

Jassem said he was expecting the liberation of Mosul to be a "crisis," but "not a catastrophe." Former U.S. ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad insisted last week in a press interview that military operations could create over a million refugees.

Current U.S. Ambassador Daniel Silliman told journalists Tuesday that the U.S. will spend $180 million to help Iraqi refugees from the ongoing conflict against Islamic State militants.

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Pakistan Premier's Envoy Sees India Tensions Easing

By Masood Farivar October 04, 2016

Recent contacts made by the national security advisors of Pakistan and India should help de-escalate tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, a prominent Pakistani politician said Tuesday.

Mushahid Hussain, chairman of the Pakistani Senate's Defense Committee and a special envoy of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said the prime minister's advisor Sartaj Aziz has made contact with his Indian counterpart "in the last 48 hours" after India turned down repeated Pakistani proposals of regional and international mediation.

"Instead of talking at each other, we're now talking to each other," Hussain said, speaking at event sponsored by the Pakistan American League at the International Republican Institute, a Washington-based advocacy organization.

He called the contacts "a step forward" in easing tensions between India and Pakistan.

"I feel there is a lot of room for cautious optimism," Hussain said. "I hope better sense prevails because both Pakistan and India are nuclear powers."

The Pakistani senator along with a member of Pakistan's National Assembly, Shezra Kharal, is visiting Washington and other world capitals as part of a Pakistani diplomatic and PR offensive aimed at countering India's version of the latest flare-up in Kashmir.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated last week after India said its elite troops had crossed an old cease-fire boundary in the region to carry out "surgical strikes" against terrorist targets in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.

Pakistan has dismissed the claim as Indian propaganda, saying an exchange of fire across the so-called Line of Control killed two Pakistani soldiers and injured several others.

Pakistan says India's claim of a bold military operation deep into Pakistan-controlled territory was meant for consumption by a roused up domestic audience demanding retaliation against a September 18 militant attack on an army base in Indian-ruled Kashmir that killed 18 Indian soldiers. India has long accused Pakistan of arming and sheltering the militants.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "took the hype to such a level that he had to say, 'We've done something,'" Hussain said.

Kashmir is seeing its largest protests against Indian rule in recent years, triggered by the July 8 killing of a popular rebel commander by Indian soldiers.

Hussain said "India wishes to divert attention from the uprising and scapegoat Pakistan" and accused India of "human rights violations."

"At the immediate level, steps should be taken to alleviate the suffering of the Kashmiri people," he said.

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Seoul to Get Dozens More Bunker-Busting Missiles from US

Sputnik News

22:20 05.10.2016(updated 22:33 05.10.2016)

South Korea's purchase of Taurus long-range air-to-surface missiles comes only a month after North Korea's September 9 nuclear test, amid frequent ballistic-missile tests by its northern neighbor.

"The military has recently decided to acquire 90 more Taurus missiles to further beef up its anti-nuclear and anti-missile capabilities. The process to purchase the additional missiles is underway," the Yonhap News Agency reported October 4, citing a defense ministry official.

"At a time when North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities are becoming a reality, our targets have increased so we have decided to acquire 90 additional Taurus missiles," a military official said about the purchase October 4, according to Korea Joongang Daily.

The Taurus KEPD 350K missiles can be carried by South Korean Air Force fighter jets.

There are currently 170 Taurus missiles scheduled to be deployed with the country's air force, Yonhap reported. With that deployment, South Korea will become the first Asian nation to use the German-made missile system, which has a range of 500 kilometers.

The system is designed to detect and hit targets hidden behind concrete walls as thick as six meters, and is not affected by North Korean jamming, according to Yonhap.

The range of the Taurus indicates that, if fired from near the border between the two countries, all of North Korea will be within its range, Korea Jonngang Daily reports. The ability to see through and penetrate concrete means they are likely intended to be a key part of South Korea's Kill Chain missile defense program and its policy of "active deterrence," in which the country has vowed to preemptively detect and destroy active nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

 Sputnik

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U.S. Says Russia's Suspension Of Weapons-Grade Plutonium Deal 'Big Mistake'

RFE/RL October 05, 2016

The United States has called Russia's decision to suspend a cooperative program that commits the two countries to eliminating parts of their weapon-grade plutonium stocks "a big mistake."

State Department spokesman Joshua Baker told RFE/RL's Current Time TV on October 4 that the agreement "was about cooperation in the sphere of nuclear security," adding that the United States would like that cooperation "to continue."

President Vladimir Putin suspended the deal on October 3, before Washington announced it was suspending talks with Russia on trying to end the violence in Syria.

"[Moscow and Damascus] did not want a truce, they did not want agreements, they did not want cessation of violent actions," Baker said. "That is exactly why we considered that it would be better for the United States to focus mainly on humanitarian assistance and closer cooperation with our other partners in Syria."

In a bill submitted to parliament on October 3, Putin sets pre-conditions for the nuclear accord to be resumed -- including lifting all U.S. sanctions against Russia and compensation for the damage they have caused, and reducing U.S. military infrastructure and troops in Eastern Europe.

Baker said the sanctions imposed on Russia over its actions in Ukraine will remain until the Minsk agreements aimed at putting an end to fighting between government forces and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine are fulfilled.

He said Moscow should also return the annexed Crimean Peninsula to Ukraine.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/u-s-russia- plutonium-deal-suspension- mistake/28033623.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Kremlin Deplores Use Of 'Russia Card' In U.S. Presidential Campaign

RFE/RL October 05, 2016

The Kremlin says it is unhappy with frequent references to Russia and President Vladimir Putin in the U.S. presidential campaign.

"To our regret, we know that the Russian card and mentioning our president have practically become an inseparable part of America's election campaign," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on October 5.

The remark appeared aimed at reminding Russians and the world of Moscow's influence on the international scene and did not address U.S. officials' recent warnings that Russian intelligence agencies might be determined to disrupt or otherwise affect November's U.S. elections, including through computer hacks on voting systems and the Democratic Party.

Peskov said the rhetoric of all participants in the U.S. election campaign is "subject to opportunistic change."

Peskov made the comments after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on October 4 that Russia had broken a deal with the United States over a cease-fire in Syria and that Putin does not respect U.S. leaders.

Later in the day, Trump's running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, said the United States should use military force against Syrian government targets if Russia continues its "barbaric attack" on the northern Syrian city of Aleppo.

During the first and only vice presidential debate, Pence repeatedly defended Trump against charges from Democratic candidate Tim Kaine that the real estate mogul idolizes Putin and his strong-arm tactics.

"Donald Trump, again and again, has praised Vladimir Putin, and it's clear that he has business dealings with Russian oligarchs...that he refuses to disclose," Kaine said.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014 and its military intervention in Syria -- where it has allied itself with President Bashar al-Assad, who Washington and allies have said must go -- have posed serious foreign-policy challenges to the United States.

Based on reporting by Reuters, TASS, and Interfax

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russia-unhappy- presidential-campaign/28033339.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Locked and Loaded: Russia Develops Unique Reloading Vehicle for MSTA Howitzers

Sputnik News

18:11 05.10.2016

Russian self-propelled guns (SPG) will soon have the possibility to replenish ammunition with the help of unique support reloading vehicle, newly designed for the Russian military.

Currently known under the technical name Izdelie 2-F66-1, the vehicle was developed by the Burevestnik Central R&D Institute. It is based on the KamAZ-6560 eight-wheel chassis.

The new vehicle is equipped with a special manipulator which enables instant resupplying of an SPG without involvement of its crew.

"As for now, the vehicle has undergone government tests. Deliveries to the armed forces will begin next year," a Burevestnik representative told the Russian newspaper Izvestia.

The newest vehicle will be delivered along with MSTA-SV self-propelled howitzers, which were contracted by the Defense Ministry in September.

On the outside, the new reloading vehicle looks like an ordinary truck with a container mounted in the cargo box. Inside the box, there is a revolver-type reloading system which contains 92 artillery shells. Controlled by the operator, the system rotates and delivers a projectile to a special manipulator resembling a human's arm. The manipulator grabs the projectile and puts it in the loading mechanism of an SPG.

Until now, having run out of ammo, SPG units had to leave artillery positions for a safe place where they could replenish ammo. Traditional reloading is time-consuming because it is done manually by the crew. The new reloading vehicle will accelerate the procedure several-fold. If previously reloading usually took up to several hours, the 2F66-1 can reload 50 shells in just several minutes.

"Each artillery division will receive one 2F66-1 reloading vehicle. Its capabilities will increase the firing rate of artillery units by 2-3 times and seriously reduce the reloading time," a Defense Ministry source told Izvestia.

Currently, analogues of the 2F66-1 are used with the newest Swedish howitzer Archer. It is based on the Volvo A30D chassis and can carry over 40 shells. Analogous reloading vehicles are also in service with the French military, working with the Caesar self-propelled gun.

The introduction of the 2F66-1 is a serious step to accelerate and facilitate the work of artillery units, military expert Viktor Murakhovsky said.

"In addition to an automated fire management system, a support reloading vehicle is an important step to increase the efficiency of the Russian artillery," he said. "The MSTA can perform eight shots a minute and, as a result, it runs out of ammo in just a few minutes. The use of automated reloading vehicle allows for rapid reloading and increased firerate."

 Sputnik

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Why Does Russia Need More Missiles in Syria?

By Carla Babb October 04, 2016

The Pentagon is questioning Russia's decision to add more air defense missiles to its military operation in Syria.

Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook called on Russia to "explain" why it would deploy S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Syria. The weapons were developed to defend against aircraft and cruise missiles.

"ISIL doesn't have an air force and neither does Nusra [Front], which are the two groups the Russians have said they're most concerned about," Cook said, using an acronym for the Islamic State.

The only aircraft known to be flying in Syrian airspace are either Syrian, Russian or part of the U.S.-led coalition.

Cook told reporters at the Pentagon that the U.S. will do everything to ensure the safety of coalition air crews.

"Those air crews as well, I should point out, have the inherent right to self-defense," Cook said.

While diplomatic bilateral discussions have ceased, the Pentagon said U.S. and Russia will maintain military-to-military communications in order to avoid incidents in the skies over Syria.

'Defensive move'

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said Tuesday a battery of the S-300 systems were sent to Syria as a defensive move to protect Russian navy ships off the Mediterranean coast and a Russian facility in the Syrian port of Tartus.

Russia already deployed the S-400 air defense missile system to Syria last November. Moscow had said it was part of a security boost after Turkey shot down a Russian jet that Turkey said was in its air space.

"They have air defense systems in Syria; we've seen them," Cook told reporters at the Pentagon.

News of the recent S-300 deployment comes a day after the U.S. State Department announced the suspension of bilateral talks with Russia, which were set up to sustain a cessation of hostilities in Syria.

"This is not a decision that was taken lightly," State Department spokesman John Kirby said.

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Pence: U.S. 'Should Use Force' In Syria If 'Barbaric' Aleppo Attack Continues

October 05, 2016

Republican Donald Trump's running mate said the United States should use military force against Syrian government targets if Russia continues its "barbaric attack" on Aleppo, in what was one of the talking points of a charged debate with his Democratic opponent that often focused on Russia.

"If Russia chooses to be involved and continue...in this barbaric attack on Aleppo, the United States of America should use military force to strike the targets of [Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's] regime," said Indiana Governor Mike Pence during the first and only vice presidential debate on October 4.

Pence's comments on the possibility of using U.S. force to break the joint Syrian-Russian assault on Syria's largest city went well beyond Trump's own rhetoric. Earlier in the day, Trump had suggested Russia broke a cease-fire agreement in Syria because it did not respect the United States, but he did not say he would take military action in response.

The Pence statement on Syria was among the few news items coming out of the only vice presidential debate before the November 8 election.

During the debate, the Republican nominee had to repeatedly defend Trump against charges from Democratic candidate Tim Kaine that the real estate mogul idolizes Russian President Vladimir Putin and his strong-arm tactics.

"He loves dictators," said Kaine, a Virginia senator who is Hillary Clinton's running mate. "He's got like a personal Mount Rushmore: Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, Muammar Qaddafi, and Saddam Hussein."

"Donald Trump, again and again, has praised Vladimir Putin, and it's clear that he has business dealings with Russian oligarchs...that he refuses to disclose," Kaine said.

Because Trump has not disclosed his finances, Kaine said Americans should wonder whether the billionaire could meet with Putin and put national interests above his own.

Pence tried to turn the tables by accusing the Democrats of stoking Russia's belligerence.

"The weak and feckless foreign policy of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has awaked an aggression in Russia that first appeared in Russia a few years ago," Pence said.

What the United States needs to respond to Russia is "strength, plain and simple," Pence said.

While Pence echoed Trump's message of military strength during the debate, he also distanced himself from Trump's praise of Russia at two points, calling Putin a "small and bullying" leader, and asserting that the U.S. political and economic system is "superior to the crony corrupt cabal system in Russia in every way."

In response to Pence's charges, Kaine said that Clinton repeatedly showed strength and "stood up" to Putin when she was President Obama's first secretary of state.

"Hillary Clinton has gone toe to toe with Russia," including over Russia's invasion of Georgia, he said.

Pence recalled that Clinton sought to "reset" relations with Russia when she first took the top diplomat job in 2009, but that effort failed. He asked Kaine what happened

"What went wrong with the Russian reset? Vladimir Putin," said Kaine. "You've got to be tough on Russia, so let's start with not praising Vladimir Putin."

With reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, and dpa

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/indiana-governor-pence- trump-runing-mate-threatens-us-force-syria-over- russia-bombing-aleppo/28032664.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Ankara Denies Claims Civilians Killed in Turkey's Airstrikes Near Aleppo

Sputnik News

16:26 05.10.2016(updated 16:27 05.10.2016)

The reports of civilian deaths in a Turkish air force strike near Syrian Aleppo are not true and are a provocation, the general staff of the Turkish armed forces said Wednesday.

ANKARA (Sputnik)  Earlier in the day Risan Haddou, a member of the Syrian Democratic Council told Sputnik that 28 people died and over 100 were injured in a Turkish airstrike in Al Bab in rural eastern Aleppo.

"Some media reports emerged with information that civilians were killed as a result of today's aerial operation of the Turkish air force. This is an absolute provocation. The operation in the region is carried out extremely carefully, and airstrikes are carried out only after the selected targets have been confirmed several times," the general staff statement, obtained by RIA Novosti, read.

On August 24, the Euphrates Shield operation was launched by the Turkish army with support of US-led coalition aircraft to clear the Syrian border town of Jarablus and the surrounding area of the Daesh jihadist group, outlawed in Russia and many other countries. Following the move, Syrian Kurds and Damascus accused Ankara of violating Syria's territorial integrity.

 Sputnik

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New Satellite Imagery Confirms Extensive Bombing Damage in Aleppo

By Lisa Schlein October 05, 2016

New satellite imagery of heavily bombed eastern Aleppo in northern Syria shows extensive damage to civilian areas since a temporary cease fire broke down on September 18.

The U.N. Operational Satellite Program began mapping the extent of destruction in eastern Aleppo on September 18 as the bilateral U.S.-Russian cease fire agreement was falling apart. The collection of satellite imagery continued until October 1.

Unsurprisingly, an analysis of the images confirm the citizens of Aleppo have taken a big beating from the relentless bombing by Syrian government forces and their Russian ally.

Significant damage

UNOSAT research advisor, Lars Bromley tells VOA a comprehensive damage assessment of Aleppo shows a very significant increase in the levels of destruction this year compared to the previous three years of analysis.

"As for what has happened in the last week or so, over the last 10 days since the cease-fire has broken down, you certainly see an awful lot of new damage or plenty of new damage," Bromley said. "However, remember that the areas that are being bombed have largely been bombed continuously for quite some time... What you see is the formerly blasted and blown up areas are experiencing a great deal of additional damage."

Aid convoy bombing confirmed

About two weeks ago, a U.N. convoy carrying desperately needed aid to thousands of Syrians trapped in rebel-held eastern Aleppo was bombed, killing at least 20 people. Both Russia and Syria deny they had anything to do with this attack.

Bromley says UNOSAT cannot assess blame, but satellite imagery definitely confirms that the bombing took place.

"The humanitarian convoy a couple of weeks ago, we had an image of that and could clearly see the damage there as well," he said. "With our analysis, we determined it was an airstrike and I think multiple other sources have said that as well."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has established an internal U.N. board of inquiry to investigate the attack. UNOSAT says it has not receive a request from the investigators for information, but has shared its satellite images with interested parties.

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The Midstate may not see a big impact from Hurricane Matthew this weekend, but that doesnt mean rain isnt in the forecast for Saturday.

A cold front is expected to keep Matthew well to the south of central Pennsylvania Friday and into the weekend, but that same cold front is expected to bring rain this weekend.

Scattered showers aided by some moisture from Matthew and the front will be around starting Saturday morning and will likely last into afternoon, according to abc27 Meteorologist Dan Tomaso. The abc27 forecast calls for around  to  inch of rain from these showers. By Sunday the clouds and showers clear, leaving behind sunshine and warmer weather by next Monday and Tuesday.

Leaving more than 100 dead in its wake across the Caribbean, Matthew steamed toward heavily populated Florida with terrifying winds of 140 mph Thursday, and 2 million people across the Southeast were warned to flee inland.

It was the most powerful storm to threaten the U.S. Atlantic coast in more than a decade.

The storm has already killed people. We should expect the same impact in Florida, Gov. Rick Scott said as the skies began darkening from Matthews outer bands of rain.

The hurricane gained fury as it closed in, growing from a possibly devastating Category 3 storm to a potentially catastrophic Category 4 by late morning.

It was expected to scrape nearly the entire length of Floridas Atlantic coast beginning Thursday evening. From there, forecasters said it would most likely push along the coast of Georgia and South Carolina before veering out to sea  perhaps even looping back toward Florida in the middle of next week as a tropical storm.

Millions of people in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina were told to evacuate their homes, and interstate highways were turned into one-way routes to speed the exodus. Scott said Florida could be looking at its biggest evacuation ever.

Many boarded up their homes and businesses and left them to the mercy of the storm.

Daniel Myras, who has lived for 25 years in Daytona Beach, where he owns the Cruisin Cafe two blocks from the boardwalk, struggled to find enough plywood to protect his restaurant.

Were not going to take any chances on this one, he said.

He added: A lot of people here, they laugh, and say theyve been through storms before and theyre not worried. But I think this is the one thats going to give us a wake-up call.

President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency for Florida, freeing up federal money and personnel to protect lives and property.

The Fort Lauderdale airport shut down, and the Orlando airport planned to do so as well. Airlines canceled more than 2,800 flights Thursday and Friday, many of them in or out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Amtrak suspended train service between Miami and New York, and cruise lines rerouted ships to avoid the storm, which in some cases will mean more days at sea.

In inland Orlando, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld announced plans to close early.

I never get time off. Im a little sad, tourist Amber Klinkel, 25, of Battle Creek, Michigan, lamented at Universal.

Patients were transferred from two Florida waterfront hospitals and a nursing home near Daytona Beach to safer locations.

Hotels inland in places such as Charlotte, North Carolina, reported brisk business.
Abnormal vibrations in F-16 jet wheel forces Chiayi airport closure

ROC Central News Agency

2016/10/05 18:00:13

Taipei, Oct. 5 (CNA) An Air Force F-16 jet fighter encountered abnormal vibrations in one of its wheels as it was returning to the Chiayi airport Wednesday morning, forcing the joint civil/military facility to close for about three hours.

The abnormal vibration occurred at 10:49 a.m. in the twin-seat fighter, which was landing at its base in Chiayi after a routine training mission, Air Force officials said.

Despite the abnormality, the pilots were able to land the plane without any injuries.

The fighter sustained minor damage and an initial examination found that a wheel on the left side had become loose, which could have been the cause of the vibrations, the Air Force said.

Due to the incident, the Chaiyi airport was closed for about three hours, and did not re-open until around 2 p.m., the Air Force said.

A UNI Air passenger plane that was scheduled to land in Chiayi had to change its route and land in Kaohsiung instead because of the closure of the airport. UNI Air is one of Taiwan's main domestic carriers.

The Air Force apologized for the disruption.

The U.S.-made F-16 is one of Taiwan's main combat aircraft, along with the locally developed IDF and the French-made Mirage 2000-5.

(By Lu Hsin-hui, Huang Kuo-fang and Elaine Hou)

ENDITEM/J

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Gulen mulls fleeing US to avoid extradition: Turkish minister

Iran Press TV

Wed Oct 5, 2016 6:21AM

Turkey's justice minister says intelligence shows that Pennsylvania-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is blamed for the mid-July failed coup, is seeking to flee the US following Ankara's request for his extradition.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Bekir Bozdag said followers of the Gulen movement are trying to accommodate their 75-year-old leader in a country other than the US, stressing that Washington has not taken any concrete measure concerning Ankara's extradition request.

"We have not received any response yet. US authorities have not requested new information and a file. Actually, we have provided them with very clear evidence, confirming Gulen's culpability as the mastermind of the failed July 15 coup attempt," Bozdag said.

The Turkish justice minister had hinted on July 28 that Gulen could flee to Australia, Mexico, Canada, South Africa or Egypt, which do not have extradition treaties with Turkey.

Last month, the Turkish government sent an official request to the United States demanding the arrest of Gulen on charges of "ordering" the abortive coup.

Washington has so far refused to extradite the Turkish cleric, saying it needs "genuine evidence that withstands the standard of scrutiny."

A section of the Turkish military declared itself in charge of the country on the night of July 15. Renegade military personnel made use of battle tanks and helicopters to fight loyalists to the incumbent government in Ankara and Istanbul.

The coup attempt was later put down as tens of thousands of people flooded streets across Turkey to support the government.

At least 246 people lost their lives and more than 2,100 others sustained injuries in the botched putsch.

Turkish authorities have dismissed or suspended thousands of people from work over suspected links to Gulen. The US-based Muslim preacher and opposition figure has censured the coup attempt and strongly denied any involvement in the violence.

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Number of Turkish Soldiers Falls Drastically After Attempted Coup

Sputnik News

19:42 05.10.2016

The number of army personnel in the Turkish military has been reduced drastically due to a series of dismissals following the failed coup attempt in July, media reported on Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to Hurriyet daily news, the number of military personnel has fallen from 518,166 two weeks before the attempted coup to a total of 355,212 currently.

In July 15, a coup attempt took place in Turkey and was suppressed the following morning. Approximately 26,000 people have been arrested since the attempted overthrow of the Turkish government that led to over 260 deaths. Officials alleged that self-exiled Turkish Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara believes is seeking to overthrow the current government, was linked to the thwarted coup.

Thousands of military officers, high-ranking civil servants, judges and teachers suspected of being Gulen supporters have been detained or sacked in Turkey after the failed coup attempt.

 Sputnik

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Ankara Summons Iraqi Envoy Over Resolution on Turkish Military Presence

Sputnik News

11:30 05.10.2016(updated 11:31 05.10.2016)

The Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned the Iraqi ambassador over Baghdad's resolution calling the Turkish troops stationed in a military camp in northern Iraq an occupying force, a spokesperson from the ministry told RIA Novosti Wednesday.

ANKARA (Sputnik)  On Tuesday, the Iraqi parliament adopted a resolution voicing a protest against the Turkish military presence in Iraq's town of Bashiqa, located about 19 miles northeast of the city of Mosul. The lawmakers demanded the Iraqi authorities to take necessary legal and diplomatic measures, including a review of the economic relations between the two countries. Ankara has condemned the resolution.

"Ambassador Hisham Ali Akbar Ibrahim Al-Alawi was called to the ministry where we raised concerns over the Iraqi parliament's resolution and accusations against Turkey voiced by some Iraqi officials," the spokesperson said.

On December 4, Turkey deployed about 150 troops and 25 tanks to northern Iraq reportedly to help national forces to reclaim the city of Mosul from Daesh jihadists, prohibited in Russia and many other countries.

Following the deployment, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi demanded the withdrawal of the Turkish troops, sent into the Bashiqa camp without Baghdad's approval.

Mosul is Iraq's second-biggest city and capital of the northwestern province of Ninawa. It has been occupied by Daesh since June 2014 and declared the Iraqi capital of its so-called caliphate.

 Sputnik

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ST. HELIER, Jersey, Oct. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While he awaits the decision of the Saudi authorities in response to the request by Ras Al-Khaimah ('RAK'), a part of the United Arab Emirates ('UAE') for his extradition, Dr Khater Massaad, the Chief Executive of Star Industrial Holdings, today issued the following statement in Saudi Arabia and the UAE following his detention in jail in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 20 September 2016:



"As a Swiss national who lived and worked for over 23 years in RAK out of a 30 year career in the UAE which included holding many important official positions such as the CEO of RAK Ceramics and Ras Al-Khaimah Investment Authority, I played a vital role in the economic success of RAK, an emirate not endowed by oil wealth.

"It is fair to say that my efforts greatly contributed to making RAK a highly respected and important regional manufacturing hub. Since I left RAK in 2012, I have focused my business activities on investing the bulk of my personal wealth alongside a major Saudi partner in a substantial ceramics factory in Saudi Arabia.

"I have been told that the request by RAK for my extradition is based on two criminal judgments against me and others in the RAK courts dating from 2015. These allegations are made by the emirate itself acting as the owner of the businesses.

"However, I have never been served with a summons for either of the two cases made against me which means I have never been able to defend myself in court. Indeed, I do not even know the particulars of the allegations, nor seen any of the documents attempting to substantiate the allegations, nor been served with the judgments nor even had sight of any other documents which claim to make a case against me in these seemingly secret and even mysterious legal cases.

"In short, this is a total and absolute abuse of anyone's understanding of what might be the proper judicial due process. There has consequently been a fundamental violation of my human rights in respect of such allegations which at worst are no more than a straightforward business or civil dispute. By any international standard of judicial co-operation or even common decency, it is clear that there is no legitimate basis for my extradition, and certainly none back to a jurisdiction so clearly lacking any of its own proper judicial procedures.

"As regards my own credentials, I am asking the pertinent authorities in Saudi Arabia and RAK to judge me on my personal, business and academic background as well as the many people of high standing and regard who will vouch for my own good standing and attachment to strong business ethics and morals.

"However great might be the brotherly feelings among the members of the Gulf Co-operation Council, surely the judicial authorities in Saudi Arabia, after consultation with the diplomatic officials in my home country of Switzerland, will act fairly to deny RAK's request to grant my extradition and so release me from detention just as any self-respecting decision maker or jurist would do.

"And for good measure, and as a further demonstration of my good faith in justice, I am prepared to answer all and any of the allegations in a court of arbitral forum in any jurisdiction where the independence of the judiciary is accepted and where fair and just judgments and arbitral awards can be assured, which could be either in Saudi Arabia or in Switzerland.

"Moreover, my Saudi business partner is prepared to provide a letter of guarantee.

"In reality however, I am the one who is still owed considerable sums by RAK and not only for my contributions to the development of the emirate but now also for damages for the false charges which amount to nothing more than extortion.

"Finally, I am grateful to the Saudi authorities for the conditions they have provided me with during my detention as well as to the Saudi legal counsel (Sheikh Salah Al-Hejailan) and my Swiss legal counsel (Mr Alexander Troller of LALIVE), concerned Swiss officials, my Saudi business partner and my family for their support at this personally trying time."

The Law Firm of Salah Al-Hejailan

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

6 October 2016

For press inquiries, please contact +966 50 541 3782 / +966 53 385 3987 or newsrelease@ctfcomms.com

Arabic version of the press release
Is the loss of mental capacity one of your fears about aging?

Similarly to physical muscle mass and strength, brain power can suffer from lack of use. Our brains have something called cognitive reserve, which is the networks of connections that exist among brain cells. Cognitive reserve differs with individuals, and research has demonstrated that those with greater reserve tend to function mentally at higher levels.

These connective networks can be preserved, and even improved, with mental exercise. More challenging exercises will lead to increased benefits. A 2012 Harvard Health Publication recommends socialization, physical exercise (to increase blood flow to the brain), lifelong learning activities, and getting out of ones comfort zone as methods to help maintain cognitive reserve.

It can be easy for adults of any age to become comfortable with preferred friends and activities, but when our minds arent stretched by new experiences and social contacts, we run the risk of losing cognitive reserve by becoming stuck in a rut. Actively engaging in the world around us in a variety of ways will encourage our brains to create new connections among cells, which can help us avoid these ruts and stay mentally sharp.

Volunteer work is an excellent way to share your talents with others or practice skills that may not otherwise be used often. One can volunteer occasionally, such as participating in United Ways Day of Caring (coming up on Oct. 14; call 717-243-4805 for information or register at www.uwcarlisle.org).

If you prefer regularly scheduled service with a community organization, church ministry, school program, nonprofit group, etc., volunteer opportunities in our area for those who are 55+ are available through RSVP of the Capital Region (717-541-9521 or visit www.rsvpcapreg.org), or you can contact a program of interest directly.

Participation in local events and activities is another way to enhance a daily routine. Local newspapers offer a community calendar listing of local happenings, as well as advertisements about special events. Bulletin boards in libraries and grocery stores may be another source of information.

With a number of colleges nearby, opportunities abound to attend lectures, art exhibitions, vocal and instrumental musical programs, theatrical performances, and other cultural events given by students, professors and well-known visiting professionals. Some events may be free while others may charge for admission.

Colleges may also offer members of the community the option of taking non-credit courses designed to teach new skills or expand ones knowledge about a specialized topic. For example, HACC has upcoming classes in sign language and glass lampworking, while York College is offering digital photography and self-defense. Courses may be only a couple of hours on a single day, or may stretch across an entire semester, and fees vary by course.

Travel can provide opportunities to fulfill all of the brain-stimulating methods mentioned earlier; socialization, physical exercise, obtaining new knowledge and skills, and stepping out of established comfort zones. Planning the details of a trip can certainly promote brain function, but for those who wish to focus on the trip itself, there are organizations that will manage the daily components of travel such as lodging, transportation and scheduling for you.

One such organization that specializes in educational travel for older adults is Road Scholar. Formerly known as Elderhostel, they offer over 5,000 programs in 150 countries. Travelling with an established group may be less intimidating for those who would otherwise be going solo. Intergenerational trips are available if you wish to travel with your grandchildren. Trips primarily are all inclusive and specify an activity rating, so you can match your budget and physical ability with an appropriate adventure.

Road Scholar does offer grants for some folks who have financial limitations or who are caregivers in need of respite. Each trip also has a suggested reading list for those who wish to obtain background information and maximize their learning. For those who wish to combine travel with volunteer work, volunteer vacations are growing in popularity.

An internet search of volunteer vacations for seniors will connect you with a number of companies that offer these opportunities, including some trips that are tax-deductible. To avoid surprises, do your homework before booking a trip and speak with a local travel professional to learn about reputable companies.

Are you ready to explore something new? Keep an open mind when seeking opportunities. Take inspiration from Doreetha Daniels, who started college at age 92 and graduated from College of the Canyons, California, in 2015 at the age of 99; or Nola Ochs, who received her undergraduate degree in 2007 at age 95 and her masters degree in 2010 at age 98 from Fort Hays State University in Kansas.

Stretching your brain could lead to some amazing life experiences.

Keystone Elder Law will host free seminars on Thursday, Oct. 20 about legal issues for older adults and long-term care planning. Join us at the Hampton Inn in Mechanicsburg to learn something new. For times, please call our office at 697-3223.
Jonah  We have come a long way together  and I like it! Thank you!

That right there is the full extent of my personal communications with Donald J. Trump. He wrote it by hand in broad felt pen on the very page my column appeared in the New York Post, mostly in ALL CAPS, followed by his signature (which looks a bit like an EKG reading). It came to me as a PDF via email on Sept. 4, 2015, under the subject header From the office of Donald J. Trump.

Apparently he does this sort of thing a lot. I know several other columnists whove received similar missives from the GOP nominee. But I like mine the best. It came after months of feuding with Trump. We had an epic battle on Twitter in which he insisted I should be fired. He told an NBC reporter that I dont know how to buy pants (Im still trying to figure that one out.) But, in my column, I had given Trump a backhanded compliment.

I noted that according to the polls, the No. 1 thing his fans liked about him was that he tells it like it is. I disagreed with that then  and now. (I think he makes stuff up on the fly, which is different.) But I did concede that Trump was refreshingly unfiltered. The one thing you can be sure of, I wrote, is that he hasnt consulted with a political consultant about how to talk.

My theory was that Trump, a bridge-and-tunnel populist with a chip on his shoulder, never cared what the muckety-mucks at The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, or even the pinheads at National Review (where Im a senior editor) thought about him, so long as they wrote about him.

Id be willing to bet that if theres a single newspaper in the country that Trump cares about, its the New York Post, I wrote. The Big Apple Narcissus has spent his entire career looking for his reflection on Page Six of New Yorks true paper of record.

And thats why I loved Trumps missive. Oblivious to the irony, The Big Apple Narcissus proved my point perfectly.

I have no idea whether or not he thought his mash note would win me over. But Im glad it didnt. Because it seems that whenever people put their faith in Trump, he sets out to punish them for it.

For 18 months he promised to pivot and become presidential. But once he secured the nomination, he vowed he wouldnt change. Just hours after Paul Ryan endorsed him, Trump doubled down on his bigoted attacks against an American judge of Mexican descent. After rising in the polls for a while, Trump started his verbal war on the parents of a slain Muslim-American soldier.

Last week, a group called Scholars & Writers for Trump issued their endorsement of the GOP nominee. One of the groups leaders, law professor F.H. Buckley, wrote, I have some sympathy for people who can imagine a better Republican candidate this year, but from the very beginning I always thought that Donald Trump was perfect.

Two days later, Trump the Perfect was tweeting at 3:20 a.m. about Alicia Machado, the Miss Universe he humiliated 20 years earlier. At 5:30 a.m., he instructed his millions of followers to check out her nonexistent sex tape.

These are just a few of the highlights. When he announced Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate, he couldnt be bothered to stand next to him on stage at their initial press conference. In their joint interview on 60 Minutes, Trump treated Pence like he was an unwanted intern. Poor Chris Christie has been abused like a valet in the court of the Romanovs.

The man is so incapable of taking advice, his aides have started leaking constructive criticisms to the press. A beleaguered Newt Gingrich had to go on Hannity the other night and essentially beg a man hes favorably compared to Reagan, Thatcher and Churchill to stop the nighttime tweeting. Theres no excuse. Ever.

Its all for naught. Even if the New York Post itself blared on its cover Donald Get Your Act Together, it wouldnt work, because The Big Apple Narcissus thinks its better to be attacked in the limelight than to succeed out of it. Instead of taking the Posts advice, hed have his secretary send the editors a nice note thanking him for the front-page placement.

Jonah Goldberg is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior editor of National Review. You can email him at goldbergcolumn@gmail.com.
Three students have filed an anti-discrimination complaint against Danville Public Schools, saying the school district unintentionally discriminated against both black students and students with disabilities in its discipline process.

Danville Public Schools policies are cutting short the futures of countless African-American students and students with disabilities, David Weilnau, staff attorney for Virginia Legal Aid Societys Danville office, said in a news release. The school division needs to take a hard, uncompromising look at its disciplinary practices and their long term impact on vulnerable populations in its student body.

The Virginia Legal Aid Society  which filed the complaint with U.S. Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights  uses 2014-15 discipline data to argue that black students and students with disabilities were much more likely than their peers to face out-of-school suspensions in Danville Public Schools.

This disparate treatment is the result of vague disciplinary policies that give disciplinarians too much discretion in determining appropriate punishments for minor offenses, the complaints news release explains.

The students who filed the complaint include an elementary school student and two high school students. The complaint describes how each of the students has been written up and suspended multiple times for what the complaint says are minor infractions.

In the case of one of the students, the complaint describes how school response plans for their learning and behavioral disabilities were not implemented by their teachers.

In May, the Charlottesville-based Legal Aid Justice Center published a study saying Danville was among the 15 highest-percentage districts for short-term and long-term suspensions, based on data from 2010-15.

This school year  partly in response to a letter to the editor from a George Washington High School student last November  Danville implemented several changes to its discipline system. Principals now hear long-term suspension appeals, rather than the school board. Also, additional security officers are in place at GWHS.

The complaint recommends positive behavioral interventions and restorative justice processes, among other solutions, in order to stop the discriminatory practices. Danville Public Schools is already implementing the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports system at area schools  continuing to train all teachers and staff members in the discipline system.

Weilnau said lawyers had not asked if the school district has implemented the behavioral program before writing the complaint. Danville Superintendent Stanley Jones said the district has already implemented many improvements to the discipline process.

The things that they are recommending are things we are already doing, Jones said.

Jones noted a 70 percent drop in August suspensions at GWHS as an early sign of improvement.

We would absolutely like to work with the school system, and thats what were asking for, Weilnau said.

In issuing the complaint, the attorneys notified the school board attorney and Danville Mayor John Gilstrap.

But parents and community members also have said during school board meetings that the school is system is not giving teachers enough power  rather than too much  to take misbehaving students out of the classroom. Weilnau said the complaint was firmly against stricter punishments for students.

There isnt any data that out of school suspensions help the student that are acting out or the students that are left, Weilnau said.
A 41-year-old man died from multiple gunshot wounds Wednesday evening, according to Danville police.

At 7:55 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to the 300 block of Chatelaine Avenue for a reported shooting, according to a Danville Police Department news release.

Police and EMS crews arrived at Chatelaine Avenue to find the man lying in the street.

The man was transported to Danville Regional Medical Center, said Sgt. H.S. Richardson.

Shortly before midnight, the victim died at the hospital. He was identified as Jonathan McDonald Hamlett, 41, of Danville.

His body will be sent to the Medical Examiner's Office in Roanoke for an autopsy.

Crime scene tape went up near the intersection of Chatelaine Avenue and Albert Street. Articles of clothing were seen in the street as well.

Some residents walked down the street past the clothing on their way to their home. Members of True Holiness: The Holy Tabernacle of Jesus Christ on Southampton Avenue could be heard singing and worshipping from inside the church.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Danville Crime Stoppers at (434) 793-0000 orcrimetips@danvilleva.gov. Information given will remain confidential.

Residents who contact Crime Stoppers by telephone may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Advance Auto Parts announced Wednesday that it has hired a former executive with Amazon and General Motors as the company's new chief financial officer, continuing a transition of top management that began in January.

Tom Okray, 53, assumes the CFO role Oct. 31, replacing Mike Norona. Advance announced in May that Norona would leave after the naming of a successor. The company said Wednesday that Norona will remain as an advisor until year's end.

A news release from Advance reported that Okray "brings more than 25 years of experience in finance, operations and supply chain to Advance Auto Parts." He has worked most recently as vice president, finance, global customer fulfillment at Amazon, based in Seattle.

Advance Auto continues to describe Roanoke as the headquarters of the company, which sells aftermarket auto parts to both professional mechanics and do-it-yourself customers. Yet most of its key executives work in Raleigh, North Carolina, where Okray will work.

Advance acquired former competitor General Parts International, based in Raleigh, in January 2014. Advance has said the integration of GPI and its brands, including Worldpac and Carquest, has been challenging.

Former Advance CEO Darren Jackson retired in January. Analysts suggested his departure might have been linked to a hedge fund that in 2015 acquired a 3.7 percent stake in Advance. The fund, Starboard Value, had said Advance was under-performing peers in the automotive parts sector.

In April, Advance announced it had hired Tom Greco to replace Jackson as CEO. Greco came to Advance from Frito-Lay North America.

In May, Jeffrey Smith, CEO of Starboard Value, became chairman of Advance's board of directors.

In July, Advance said its president, George Sherman, would leave that post in August but stay with the company through 2016. Greco's title now includes president in addition to CEO.

On Wednesday, Advance said Okray is "very familiar with a supply chain that must respond rapidly to online demand," noting that this response "will be increasingly critical to accelerating our growth at Advance going forward."

Advance said that Okray's annual base salary is $500,000 and that he will receive a $380,000 cash signing bonus, along with other compensation and incentives.

Separately, Advance reported Wednesday that Jill Livesay, chief accounting officer, had announced her resignation, with plans to stay with the company until Oct. 29. Company spokeswoman Laurie Stacy said Livesay's resignation was not connected to Okray's hiring as CFO.

She said Livesay, who has been with the company since 1995, "is leaving Advance to pursue another opportunity and we wish her well."

Advance's major competitors include AutoZone and O'Reilly Automotive.

As of July 16, Advance operated 5,066 stores and 126 Worldpac branches and served about 1,300 independently owned Carquest branded stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.

Advance has about 74,000 employees, including about 1,300 in the Roanoke region, the company said.
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Oct 5, 2016) - BACANORA MINERALS LTD. ("Bacanora" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:BCN)(AIM:BCN), the Canadian and London listed lithium exploration and development company focused on Mexico, is pleased to provide an update regarding the operational progress made at the Sonora Lithium Project in Mexico ("Sonora" or the "Project"). A Feasibility Study ("FS") at the Project, led by its experienced lithium team, is on track to be delivered in late Q1 2017 in line with Bacanora's strategy to independently develop Sonora into a world class lithium carbonate operation, with previously announced attractive production economics.

Recent Developments:

Successfully completed a 4,000 metre infill drilling programme focused on upgrading a portion of the current Mineral Resource from the Indicated to Measured category, in conjunction with geotechnical and hydrological drilling for the FS



Sonora currently has a large Indicated Resource currently comprised of 259 Mt averaging 3,200 ppm Li for 4.5 Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent ("LCE 1 ")





SRK Exploration has started to update the resource model and an updated Resource is anticipated to be published in Q4 2016 sequential with the commencement of mine planning and open pit designs for the FS





Ongoing refinement and optimisation of the lithium carbonate flow sheet, developed at the pilot plant operations in Hermosillo, will continue over the next 18 months



Benefits Bacanora by ensuring that operator training programmes are maintained during the construction of the full scale plant, thereby minimizing potential delays during project commissioning





Battery grade lithium carbonate samples from the pilot plant have been distributed to Japan for preliminary appraisal and testing by potential end-users



Facilitates a positive dialogue between customers and Bacanora's technical team during the ongoing lithium carbonate flow sheet optimisation process



Continued strategic focus on the larger lithium carbonate supply chain in Asia, rather than the smaller lithium hydroxide market







1 LCE is the industry standard terminology for, and is equivalent to, Li 2 CO 3 . 1 ppm Li metal is equivalent to 5.32 ppm LCE / Li 2 CO 3. . Use of LCE is to provide data comparable with industry reports and assumes complete conversion of lithium in clays with no recovery or process losses.

Bacanora CEO Peter Secker said, "The Sonora Lithium Project has demonstrated its potential to deliver high grade lithium carbonate to the market with operating costs which could position it very favorably in comparison to its peers. The team continues to prove that it has the lithium operations and mine development expertise to attain key milestones and incrementally build project and shareholder value, something recognised by the Company's institutional backing."

"We have demonstrated our ability to produce battery grade lithium carbonate at our wholly-owned pilot plant in Hermosillo, Mexico and also confirmed that the deposit is both long life and scalable, positioning it to supply the rapidly growing market for lithium carbonate, at a comparatively low cost, for over 20 years. The continued growth of the electric vehicle, combined with the commercial developments being made in delivering large-scale renewable energy storage capacity makes the lithium carbonate market a compelling place to do business. Accordingly, our in-house operations, both current and future, are dedicated to ensuring that we secure the right development path to deliver the best possible product at the lowest possible price."

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.

ABOUT BACANORA:

Bacanora is a Canadian and London listed minerals explorer (TSX-V: BCN and AIM: BCN). The Company explores and develops industrial mineral projects, with a primary focus on lithium. The Sonora Lithium Project, which consists of ten mining concession areas covering approximately 100 thousand hectares in the northeast of Sonora State. The Company, through drilling and exploration work to date, has established an Indicated Mineral Resource (in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101")) of 4.5 million tonnes (lithium carbonate equivalent) and 2.7 million tonnes Inferred. A Pre-Feasibility Study completed in Q1 2016 demonstrated the positive economics associated with becoming a 35,000 tpa lithium carbonate and 50,000 tpa SOP producer in Mexico. The Company is led by a team with lithium expertise which have proven mine development, construction and operational experience.

Reader Advisory

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: commodity price volatility; general economic conditions in Canada, the United States, Mexico and globally; industry conditions, governmental regulation, including environmental regulation; unanticipated operating events or performance; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, capital, skilled personnel and supplies; changes in tax laws; and the other risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Former ISRO Chariman UR Rao becomes first Indian to be inducted into IAF Hall of Fame

Published: October 5, 2016

Former ISRO Chairman and space scientist Prof Udupi Ramachandra Rao became the first Indian to be inducted in the Hall of Fame of International Astronautical Federation (IAF).

He was inducted during the closing ceremony of the 67th IAF Congress 2016 held at Guadalajara, Mexico for his outstanding contribution to the progress of astronautics.

About UR Rao

He had served as Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from 1984 to 1994.

Under his guidance, ISRO had designed more than 20 satellites including Indias first satellite Aryabhatta.

Under his leadership, India had initiated the development of the geostationary launch vehicle GSLV and the development of cryogenic technology in 1991.

He was also responsible for successful launch of INSAT satellites during his stint at ISRO.

He also had served as the first Chairman of Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of the ISRO. He has published more than 260 scientific and technical papers in various journals.

He had played pivotal role in promoting the use of space technology for broadcasting, meteorology, education, disaster warning and remote sensing.

Awards and Honours: Padma Bhushan (1976). He was inducted into the Satellite Hall of Fame, Washington in March 2013 by the Society of Satellite Professionals International.

IAF Hall of Fame: It consists of a permanent gallery of these personalities, including biographical information, citation and a picture in a special part of the IAF web presence.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2016

Topics: Awards  ISRO  Persons in News  Space technology  UR Rao

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct 5, 2016) -

Kaizen Discovery Inc. (TSX VENTURE:KZD) announces drilling results for its eight-hole, 4,009-metre 2016 drilling program at the Ketchan porphyry copper-gold prospect at the Aspen Grove Project in southern British Columbia, Canada.

Highlights from the program include:

62 metres grading 0.46% copper and 0.10 g/t gold (0.55% copper-equivalent) in drill hole K16-06 including 28 metres grading 0.90% copper and 0.17 g/t gold (1.05% copper-equivalent); and





8 metres grading 1.29% copper and 0.84 g/t gold (2.05% copper-equivalent) in drill hole K16-07, and 60 metres grading 0.36% copper and 0.15 g/t gold (0.50% copper-equivalent).

The 2016 drilling program was directed towards expanding known zones of mineralization and testing undrilled areas within the Ketchan Stock. All holes intersected potassic or calc-potassic alteration and all but one returned intervals of copper and gold mineralization. Mineralized intervals cited above represent apparent, not true widths, as true widths are not known.

"While the exploration results to date do not support the probability of a near-surface, open-pittable copper-gold deposit at the Ketchan prospect, our recent drill holes K16-06 and K16-07 intersected structurally-controlled higher-grade copper-gold mineralization at depth, the significance of which remains to be determined," said Eric Finlayson, Interim CEO.

Ketchan prospect description

The Ketchan alkalic porphyry copper-gold system is hosted by the Ketchan Intrusive Stock, a dioritic to monzonitic intrusion at least 1,800 metres by 500 metres in size. Drill holes completed by Kaizen in 2015 and 2016 have intersected low-grade copper (chalcopyrite and/or bornite) mineralization, often accompanied by gold, across the known length of the intrusion. Throughout the Ketchan porphyry system, moderate-to-strong magnetic anomalies and weak-to-moderate chargeability anomalies are associated with the strongest mineralization.

Drill holes K16-01, K16-02 and K16-05A were designed to expand the mineralized system in the northeastern lobe of the Ketchan Stock. K16-01 intersected 170 metres of hydrothermal breccia with several low-grade mineralized intervals. K16-05A intersected an interval of 8 metres of 0.68% copper and 0.45 g/t gold within a wider interval of 36 metres of 0.43% copper and 0.21 g/t gold.

Drill holes K16-03 and K16-04 tested the northwestern margin of the exposed Ketchan porphyry system, where 2015 drill hole K15-10 intersected 26 metres of 1.05% copper before being abandoned in a fault zone (see Kaizen press release, November 3, 2015). Drill hole K16-03 was successful in locating narrow mineralization of similar character, intersecting two metres of 0.94% copper and 1.75 g/t gold from 338 to 340 metres. These high-grade mineralized occurrences are separated by more than 150 metres and are hosted by a unique monzogabbro phase of the Ketchan Stock.

Drill holes K16-06 and K16-08 were designed to follow up on high-grade surface samples and on mineralization in hole K15-01, which intersected 266 metres of mineralization from surface including 78 metres grading 0.50% copper and 0.15 g/t gold (see Kaizen press release, July 20, 2015). K16-06 intersected similar mineralization to that in K15-01 and included the 28-metre, higher-grade interval reported above. K16-08 was drilled to confirm the continuity of higher-grade mineralization but failed to encounter the zone.

Drill hole K16-07 targeted a weak-to-moderate chargeability anomaly with a moderate magnetic response. The hole intersected a shallow high-grade interval of 8 metres of 1.29% copper and 0.84 g/t gold from 121 metres depth, and a deeper broader interval of 60 metres of 0.36% copper and 0.15 g/t gold from 278 metres depth.

Jim Logan, P.Geo., an independent geological consultant with extensive alkalic porphyry experience, and formerly with the British Columbia Geological Survey, was retained by Kaizen to construct a holistic geological model for the Ketchan prospect. Mr. Logan's work included re-logging of drill core, lithogeochemical sampling and thin section petrographic study and has highlighted new controls to copper-gold mineralization on the property.

Table 1. Drill hole intercepts from 2016 Aspen Grove exploration drilling program

DDH From

(m) To

(m) Width*

(m) Copper

(%) Gold

(g/t) Copper Eq**

(%) K16-01 23 37 14 0.44 0.18 0.61 K16-01 257 293 36 0.32 0.24 0.53 K16-01 315 337 22 0.34 0.05 0.38 incl. 331 337 6 1.04 0.09 1.11 K16-02 None significant K16-03 334 348 14 0.24 0.34 0.55 incl. 338 340 2 0.94 1.75 2.53 K16-03 406 478 72 0.11 0.42 0.48 K16-04 5 53 48 0.11 0.14 0.24 K16-05A 299 335 36 0.43 0.21 0.62 incl. 299 307 8 0.68 0.45 1.08 K16-06 347 409 62 0.46 0.10 0.55 incl. 367 395 28 0.90 0.17 1.05 K16-07 121 129 8 1.29 0.84 2.05 K16-07 278 338 60 0.36 0.15 0.50 K16-08 9 37 28 0.34 0.09 0.42 K16-08 151 167 16 0.35 0.13 0.47 * Width refers to drill-hole intercept. True widths have not been determined. ** Copper equivalent is used to express the combined value of copper and gold as a percentage of copper, for illustrative purposes. No allowances have been made for recovery losses that would occur in a mining scenario. Calculated on the basis of $2.15 per pound of copper and $1,330 per troy ounce of gold, using the formula copper eq = [(%copper)(22.0462)($lbcopper)+(gptgold)(1/31.1035)($ozgold)]/[(22.0462)($lbcopper)]

Figure 1. Location of the Ketchan and Par prospects at Kaizen's Aspen Grove Project: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Kaizen%20Images.pdf

Figure 2. Interpreted geological features of the Ketchan Stock, with 2016 and 2015 drill holes indicated: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Kaizen%20Images.pdf

Table 2. Collar details of drill holes from 2016 program

DDH Azimuth Dip Easting Northing Total Depth (m) K16-01 090 60 676151 5517180 459.33 K16-02 250 60 676430 5517073 380.09 K16-03 300 60 676201 5517409 511.15 K16-04 260 60 676101 5517586 459.33 K16-05 305 -60 676704 5516701 57.00 K16-05A 295 -65 676708 5516695 715.37 K16-06 310 -60 676257 5516893 544.68 K16-07 310 -60 676344 5516775 386.18 K16-08 310 -50 676267 5516909 495.91 Coordinates: UTM NAD83 zone 10N

Aspen Grove Project description

The Aspen Grove Project is located in southern British Columbia, near the city of Merritt. The project is approximately 112 km2 (11,237 ha) in area and covers part of an extensive belt of porphyry copper-gold mineralization hosted by Early Triassic Nicola Group volcanic rocks and Late Triassic to Early Jurassic intrusions.

Title to the Aspen Grove property is held by KZD Aspen Grove Holding Ltd., a subsidiary owned 60% by Kaizen and 40% by ITOCHU. Three claims (13.75 km2) at Aspen Grove outside of the Ketchan prospect area are subject to a 2% net smelter return royalty, 1% of which can be purchased at any time for $3.0 million.

Qualified Person

Kaizen's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release for the Aspen Grove Project has been reviewed and approved by Nils Peterson, M.Sc., P.Geo., a geological consultant for Kaizen, who is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Peterson is not independent of Kaizen for purposes of NI 43-101.

Drill-core samples (2-metre sample length) for the Aspen Grove Project were prepared at Kaizen's core logging facility in Merritt, BC, and samples were shipped to ALS Minerals' preparation lab in Kamloops, BC. Ketchan samples were analyzed at ALS's ISO 17025:2005-certified North Vancouver laboratory for gold, platinum and palladium by fire assay and ICP-AES and for 35 elements, including copper, molybdenum and silver, by ICP-AES using an aqua regia digestion. Overlimit (>1%) copper analyses also were completed by ICP-AES with aqua regia digestion. Core intervals cited above represent apparent, not true widths; true widths are not known. Assay intervals above have been calculated with no cutoff value. Blanks, standards and duplicate samples were inserted regularly into the sample sequence with a ratio of approximately one QA/QC sample out of five. The 2016 Aspen Grove drilling program and sampling protocol was supervised by Nils Peterson, M.Sc, P.Geo., a geological consultant for Kaizen. Mr. Peterson has verified the Aspen Grove data disclosed in this news release.

More information on Kaizen is available at www.kaizendiscovery.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cypress Development Corp. (TSX-V:CYP) (OTCBB:CYDVF) (Frankfurt:C1Z1) ("Cypress" or the "Company") is pleased to announce, further to its News Release of September 8th, that the Company has received assay results from Cypress' initial Phase 1 exploration program on its new Dean Clayton Valley Lithium Brine/Clay Project in Esmeralda County, Nevada.

Cypress' Dean Clayton Valley Lithium Project, Nevada claims map:http://www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com/i/maps/CYP-Dean-Claims-2016.jpg

Cypress' Dean Project is located in the heart of the Clayton Valley lithium brine exploration area of Esmeralda County, Nevada. The Company's 2700 acre Dean Claim Group is located adjacent to producing lithium brine wells belonging to the Albemarle Silver Peak Mine on its west boundary, Pure Energy's resource area on its southwest boundary and Cypress' existing Glory Clayton Valley Project, optioned to Pure Energy, on its southern boundary.

In September, Cypress initiated a Phase 1 detailed surface sampling program on the Company's new Dean Project. 55 samples were collected and submitted for analysis for lithium content from the abundant, green evaporite-rich volcanoclastic claystone exposure on the property and have returned very positive lithium results ranging between 340 ppm Li to 2,940 ppm Li with an overall average grade of 925 ppm Li achieved.

Cypress' Dean Clayton Valley Lithium Project sampling map:

http://www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com/i/maps/CYP-Dean-Sampling-Map-oct-2016.jpg

SAMPLE ID Li

ppm SAMPLE ID Li

ppm SAMPLE ID Li

ppm Dean-1 1010 Dean-20 560 Dean-40 820 Dean-2 1770 Dean-21 920 Dean-41 1100 Dean-3 1480 Dean-22 790 Dean-42 1030 Dean-4 1250 Dean-24 2940 Dean-43 1000 Dean-5 930 Dean-25 950 Dean-44 1890 Dean-6 1130 Dean-26 640 Dean-45 360 Dean-7 1560 Dean-27 900 Dean-46 650 Dean-8 1720 Dean-28 1350 Dean-47 910 Dean-9 2090 Dean-29 960 Dean-48 670 Dean-10 830 Dean-30 510 Dean-49 1100 Dean-11 680 Dean-31 350 Dean-50 1250 Dean-12 440 Dean-32 960 Dean-51 1020 Dean-13 370 Dean-33 1440 Dean-52 1380 Dean-14 690 Dean-34 610 Dean-53 1200 Dean-15 500 Dean-35 340 Dean-54 600 Dean-16 460 Dean-36 460 Dean-55 670 Dean-17 390 Dean-37 400 Dean-18 390 Dean-38 550 Dean-19 440 Dean-39 530

The Esmeralda geological formation is the known host rock unit for both lithium brine production and for lithium mineralized evaporate rocks currently being explored by Cypress in Clayton Valley. Known structures on the Dean Claims include the dominant Angel Island fault, a district-scale strike slip fault which trends through strongly fractured surrounding rock units. This zone of pervasive fracturing is being targeted as a pathway for brines to invade the underlying ash layers and also as a zone of high porosity which itself could host lithium brine zones along strike. Deformation along the Angel Island fault is a complicated but highly prospective zone for the existence of structural traps for lithium brines.

Don Huston, President, stated: "Cypress is very pleased with the results attained from its initial sampling program for lithium on the Company's new Dean Claims. The initial lithium numbers encountered to date are very encouraging. Cypress will now establish a detailed grid pattern across all 2700 acres of the property and proceed with a further tightly controlled sampling program coinciding with a detailed geological mapping program. Cypress has been proactive in exploring the central Clayton Valley for lithium since late 2015. The Company's objective continues to be the assembling of prospective land packages with lithium-rich exploration potential concentrated on ground immediately adjacent to current lithium production as well as tied on to the best advanced-stage exploration projects undergoing active development for new lithium resources in the basin. The acquisition of the Dean Claims is the latest result in this effort."

Lithium Leach Testing of Claystones at Cypress' Dean Project:

Initial surface sampling of the Dean Claims Group has revealed a large area of strong lithium mineralization in calcareous, volcanoclastic, mudstones, clay stones and volcanic ash units. The mineralization is essentially identical to the acreage now being jointly explored by Cypress and Pure Energy Minerals on the south boundary of the Dean Claims. Cypress is proceeding with additional solubility studies with the Dean assays to determine the amount of lithium extraction possible from claystones. A modified weak aqua regia (weak acid) process (ME-MS41W) and a de-ionized water leach process (ME-MS03) will be done by ALS / Chemex in Reno to provide further data on the feasibility of a large scale leach extraction method of lithium from the abundant mineralized claystone.

Previous leach test results on Cypress' Glory Claims to the immediate south of the Dean Claim Group have showed an impressive average of 35% recovery of Li using the de-ionized water leach, and 95% recovery of Li using the weak acid water process.

Data suggests that a readily soluble non-hectorite mineral form of lithium rich claystone exists at surface over wide areas of Cypress' Glory Clayton Valley project.

Quality Control and Quality Assurance:

All samples were submitted to ALS Chemex Labs in Reno, Nevada, for analysis using an ME-ICP61, 33 element four acid digestion ICP method.

Robert Marvin, PGeo, Exploration Manager for Cypress Development Corp., is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved of the technical information in this release.

About Cypress Development Corp.:

Cypress Development Corp. is a publicly traded lithium and zinc exploration company that continues to acquire and develop potentially viable mineral projects in the State of Nevada, U.S.A.

Cypress is very active in Clayton Valley, Nevada with its team committed to systematically exploring its properties for both a lithium-brine resource and expanding exploration relating to the potential for lithium that exists within the recently discovered non-hectorite "claystones", that has seen recent high grade lithium assays recovered from these same "claystones".

Cypress Development Corp. has approx. 26.4 million shares issued and outstanding.

To find out more about Cypress Development Corp. (TSX-V:CYP), visit our website at www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com.

Cypress Development Corp.

"Don Huston"



DONALD C. HUSTON

President

For further information contact myself or:

Don Myers

Director

Cypress Development Corp.

Telephone: 604-687-3376

Toll Free: 800-567-8181

Facsimile: 604-687-3119

Email: info@cypressdevelopmentcorp.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.
Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX-V: BAY) (Aston Bay or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company has completed the summer exploration program at the Storm Property, Somerset Island, Nunavut and is providing a preliminary update. Further updates will be provided as results are received.

During the 2016 exploration season, the Company drilled 1,951.1 metres (m) of core in 12 drill holes and collected 2,005 soil samples over an area of approximately 120 km north-south and 20 to 40 km east-west on the property. Exploration drilling was conducted at a number of specific geophysical and structural targets in the vicinity of the 4100N Zone, the 2750N Zone, and at the Tornado and Hurricane target areas.

Assays for much of the drill core and soil samples are pending. The Company encountered visual copper mineralization in three of the 12 holes; results for these three holes have been received and a summary of the assays is provided in Table 1, below. All three of these holes intersected copper mineralization, potentially extending the 4100N Zone up to 225 m east and 100 m north of its known extent, with a best intersection of 16 m of 3.07% copper (Cu) and 12.26 grams per tonne (g/t) silver (Ag) in hole STOR1601D, starting at a downhole depth of 93 m. The drill hole intersection contains a higher grade zone of 8 m of 5.45% Cu and 22.73 g/t Ag (Table 1). The true widths of the intersected zones are unknown but are estimated to be approximately 75 to 100% of the core width intersected.

Table 1. Preliminary Results from the 2016 Drilling Program

Hole ID Prospect From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Ag (g/t) Cu (%) STOR1601D 4100N Zone East 93.00 109.00 16.00 12.26 3.07 Includes 93.00 101.00 8.00 22.73 5.45 STOR1602D 4100N Zone East 72.00 76.00 4.00 4.04 1.17 STOR1608D 4100N Zone East 86.00 106.00 20.00 1.69 0.44 Includes 104.00 106.00 2.00 3.94 0.97

Assays for the remaining core and soil samples are pending, with results expected within the next six to eight weeks. In addition, borehole electromagnetic (EM) surveys were conducted on several of the holes, and 60 core samples from the current program and historic core were taken for geophysical properties measurements.

The significance of these mineralized intersections is greater than just a potential increase in the extent of the 4100N Zone, stated Thomas Ullrich, COO and EVP Exploration for Aston Bay. The drill program interrogated the historic geophysical database and successfully identified copper mineralization associated with an untested geophysical target. The knowledge gained from this, together with the borehole EM surveys and geophysical properties measurements, greatly increases our ability to effectively guide potential geophysical surveys and intelligent drill hole targeting for future programs at Storm.

Further to Aston Bays news release dated May 31, 2016, the field season was funded pursuant to the Companys Option Agreement with BHP Billiton (the Option Agreement).

Qualified Person

As per National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Michael Dufresne, M.Sc, P.Geol., P.Geo., a Director and a consultant to Aston Bay, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting its exploration activities on the Storm Project.

Quality Assurance - Quality Control

Once received from the drill and processed, all drill core samples are sawn in half, labelled and bagged. The remaining drill core is stored in Yellowknife at a secure facility. Numbered security tags are applied to lab shipments for chain of custody requirements. The Company inserts quality control (QC) samples at regular intervals in the sample stream, including duplicate samples, blanks and reference materials with all sample shipments to monitor laboratory performance. The QAQC program was designed and approved by Michael Dufresne, the Qualified Person.

Drill core samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistry's analytical facility in Yellowknife where the samples are initially prepped and then sent to North Vancouver, British Columbia for additional preparation and analysis. The ALS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for precious and base metal assays and all analytical methods include quality control materials at set frequencies with established data acceptance criteria. The entire sample is coarse crushed with approximately 250 grams extracted and pulverized. Samples are initially analyzed using a 48 multi-elemental geochemical package by a 4-acid digestion, followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS).

About Aston Bay Holdings Ltd.

Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX-V: BAY) is a publicly traded mineral exploration company focused on the 976,066-acre (395,000-hectare) Aston Bay Property located on northwest Somerset Island, Nunavut. The Aston Bay Property hosts the Storm Copper project and has been optioned by BHP Billiton. Historical drilling has confirmed the presence of sediment-hosted copper and zinc mineralization on the property.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Benjamin Cox, Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: (360) 262-6969

For further information about Aston Bay Holdings Ltd or this news release, please visit our website at www.astonbayholdings.com.

About BHP Billiton Ltd.

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: bhpbilliton.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made. In the event that managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

We seek Safe Harbor.

THIS PRESS RELEASE, REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE CANADIAN LAWS, IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IN THE UNITED STATES. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED OR EXEMPT THEREFROM.

To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/astonbay10062016.pdfSource: Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX Venture:BAY)

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Copyright  2016 Filing Services Canada Inc.
VANCOUVER, Oct. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Nevsun Resources Ltd. ("Nevsun") (TSX: NSU) (NYSE MKT: NSU) advises that the British Columbia Supreme Court has refused to permit a claim against Nevsun to proceed as a common law class action. The court did permit the lawsuit by the three named plaintiffs to continue.

Today's court decision addresses only preliminary legal challenges to the action raised by Nevsun. The judgment makes no findings with respect to the plaintiffs' allegations, including whether any of them were in fact at the Bisha Mine. The judge also emphasized that the case raises novel and complex legal questions, including on international law, which have never before been considered in Canada.

Nevsun is studying the court's decision and considering an appeal of the decision that the action can proceed at all.

Nevsun remains confident that its indirect 60%-owned Eritrean subsidiary, Bisha Mining Share Company ("BMSC") operates the Bisha Mine according to international standards of governance, workplace conditions, health, safety and human rights. There are contractual commitments in place that strictly prohibit the use of national service employees by BMSC's contractors and subcontractors.

BMSC is committed to managing the Bisha Mine in a safe and responsible manner that respects the interests of local communities, workers, stakeholders and the natural environment. Nevsun's and BMSC's commitment to corporate social responsibility is detailed in Nevsun's 2015 Corporate Social Responsibility report, available at this link: http://nevsuncsr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/NevsunCSR-2015_Digital.pdf. Nevsun and its partner, Eritrean National Mining Corporation, also commissioned a 2015 human rights audit of the Bisha Mine which is available at this link: http://nevsuncsr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Bisha-HRIA-Audit-2015.pdf

About Nevsun Resources Ltd.

Nevsun Resources Ltd. is the 60% owner of the high grade Bisha Mine in Eritrea. Bisha has over nine years of reserve life, generating revenue from both copper and zinc concentrates containing gold and silver by-products. Nevsun has a strong balance sheet with no debt and pays a peer leading quarterly dividend. Nevsun is well positioned to grow shareholder value through exploration at Bisha and the newly acquired Serbian assets that include the high-grade copper-gold Timok Project.

Forward-Looking Statements

The above contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "hopes", "intends", "estimated", "potential", "possible" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are statements concerning the Company's current beliefs, plans and expectations about the future, including but not limited to statements and information made concerning: statements relating to the business, prospects and future activities of, and developments related to the Company, anticipated dividends, goals, strategies, future growth, planned future acquisitions and explorations activities, the adequacy of financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future, and are inherently uncertain. The actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, the risks that the Company is subject to any adverse ruling in any of the pending litigation to which it is a party and other risks are more fully described in the Company's Management Information Circulars dated May 18, 2016 with respect to the proposed arrangement between Reservoir Minerals Inc. and Nevsun, and the Company's Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, which are incorporated herein by reference. The Company's forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and the Company assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements in the future, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements.

Further information concerning risks and uncertainties associated with these forward-looking statements and our business can be found in our Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2015, which is available on the Company's website (www.nevsun.com), filed under our profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov) under cover of Form 40-F.





NEVSUN RESOURCES LTD. "Cliff T. Davis" Cliff T. Davis

President & Chief Executive Officer



SOURCE Nevsun Resources Ltd.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 6, 2016) -

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Resource Capital Gold Corp., (TSX VENTURE:RCG) ("RCG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, it has completed the first tranche (the "First Tranche") of its previously announced non-brokered equity private placement (the "Offering"). The First Tranche consisted of the issuance of 2,000,000 units (the "Units") of the Company at a price of $0.20 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $400,000. Each Unit comprises one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one whole common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable to purchase one additional Common Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.30 per Common Share for a period of twenty-four months from the closing date of the Offering.

The Common Shares and Warrants issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a hold period expiring on February, 7, 2017. Any Warrant Shares issued upon exercise of Warrants prior to February 7, 2017, will also be subject to a hold period until such date.

No finder's fees were associated with the completion of the First Tranche.

The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Offering to complete the purchase of the Forest Hill, Tangier, and other mineral properties and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Resource Capital Gold Corp.

George S. Young

Chairman and CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release include statements about the expected use of proceeds of the Offering.

All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.
National American Indian Heritage Month: history through the lens

Edward S. Curtis stands as a monument in photography and anthropology. In photographys infancy, he took the simple art and the soul of the Native American people and culture, now both of which are almost lost.



In the late 1800s and early 1900s Native American culture was in a steep decline that went so low it still hasnt recovered, not even close. As the westerners expanded east, the natives were being forced out of their land and relocated into reservations. Most famous of which, the Trail of Tears. This culture, existing thousands of years, was suddenly unraveling at an alarming rate. None seemed to care, and at first, neither did Curtis.



If anything, Curtis was indifferent. It was seemingly by chance that a miniscule encounter launched his life into a new direction.



While walking the streets of Seattle, he saw an elderly native woman. So captivated by her age and seemingly outward wisdom so apparent on her face, he asked to take her portrait. Reticent at first, she eventually agreed and went with him to the studio he worked.



This was the beginning. Of all the old native women he could possible photograph, he picked Princess Angeline, daughter of Chief Seattle, for which the Emerald City is named. Her death marked an end of an era, as her fathers ancient bloodline was now gone from history. And history would have no record of her appearance, essentially her essence, had not Curtis took the initiative to take her photo.



As tragic as this is, Princess Angeline stands immortal.



Over the next few years, Curtis was hired to document excursions led by anthropologists and scientists. One was the scaling of Mt. Rainer. On this excursion Curtis met George Bird Grinnell, Anthropologist of Yale University.



It was through Grinnell that Curtiss life changed radically. Interested in Curtiss photographic talent, Grinnell, in the year of 1900, asked Curtis to accompany him and a few other colleagues to meet with the Blackfoot Confederacy in Montana. It was here Curtis truly saw the natives. He was so engrossed with their culture that he knew from here what he had to do: he had to preserve the culture of these peoples before it was too late.



From here he launched an expedition spanning across America. He enslaved himself to his craft. He saw the decline of Native American culture and he realized that it could all vanishbefore his death.



He did everything he could to document the lives of the remaining tribes in North America. Curtis ruined his marriage, his image as a father, and even bottomed out broke, resulting in him seeking financial help from the titan himself, John Pierpont J.P. Morgan.



He created a series spanning 20 volumes cataloguing the natives of America.



These are not like those which anyone has seen, said Grinnell. The results which Curtis gets with his camera stir one as one is stirred by a great painting.



Grinnell further complimented his ability to allow the subject to speak for itself, rather than Curtis adding his own flair, while Curtis is first of all an artist, he does not think solely of his art.



At first glance, his photos seem ordinary. Getting natives to pose for a photo is nothing extraordinary. But his photos dont readily explain the context of the times. Back then, the relations with the natives were so bad that no white men, except a very chosen few, were allowed anywhere near the natives. Even after approval, non-Indians were kept at arms length and were viewed with heavy suspicion.



Even Curtis, with the sweetest of intentions ran into trouble with the natives. One story in particular that sticks out is when Curtis, in an effort to save his marriage, brought his family down to Arizona to stay with the Navajo. The night they arrived went smoothly, but the next night everything turned to shambles. A woman of the tribe went into labor that second night, and was suffering greatly. The problem, as the elders took it, was the presence of Curtiss family on their land. Curtis was friends with a few of the members and when they caught wind of the suspicions they rushed to escort Curtiss family off the reservation. And their worries werent without warrant: a group was assembled to kill them.



That interaction was an exception, but it is telling of the tumultuous relationship the westerners and the natives shared. Throughout his expeditions Curtis was constantly using his charm and persuasion to gain trust of the natives. They had to have trusted him and his mission, for it was a pure one to simply immortalize their culture before it was washed away. Curtis himself knew he could do next to nothing to save their culture, but he could record it. Though he felt that wasnt enough, he did it greatly.



Another testament to his sincerity and dedication to his duty is that he worked for free. The deal he struck with J. P. Morgan was such that his travel, his equipment and his guides were all paid for. But him? He wouldnt make a dime. He was personally relieved upon this news, because he just wanted to bring his vision to life.



His wife, however, wasnt too excited about being married to a man with no income. She divorced him.



Cant save everything.



Curtis is now remembered as a man who lived up to the very word photographer. Because of him we have legends preserved in the flesh, in a still frame of reality. Curtis is proof and a strong reminder of the importance of photography, not just as an art form, but as a literal preserver mankind and their story. Because of him the heritage of the Native Americans is forever saved. The faces of the past are now forever.
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By Samantha Bomkamp Chicago Tribune (TNS)

CHICAGO  Fifteen McDonalds workers from eight states have filed charges against the worlds largest burger chain and some of its franchisees, alleging they were victims of sexual harassment on the job, backers of the Fight for $15 movement announced Wednesday.

Complaints have been filed on behalf of each worker with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the group said.

In one complaint highlighted by the group, Kristi Maisenbach, a former McDonalds worker in Folsom, Calif., alleged that her supervisor grabbed (her) breasts on several occasions and rubbed up against her. The complaint alleges the same supervisor became hostile when Maisenbach complained to a general manager.

She said that as a result of her complaint, her hours were cut and the situation led her to quit.

In another, Cycei Monae, who worked at a McDonalds in Flint, Mich., said she was verbally and physically assaulted by her supervisor on a daily basis. Monae said she reported the incidents to her manager and to an official at McDonalds corporate, but quit after nothing was done.

Fight for $15 officials said that the issue of pervasive sexual harassment among fast-food workers had come to their attention as they talked to workers over the last several years.

The Fight for $15 movement, which is backed by the Service Employees International Union, began in 2012. The group has organized protests and strikes across the country to put pressure on McDonalds and other fast-food companies to improve their pay and working conditions. McDonalds, headquartered in suburban Chicago, has been a main target of the group because of its size and scale. It is the second-largest restaurant chain by locations, behind Subway, although McDonalds dwarfs Subway in sales.

There is no place for harassment and discrimination of any kind in McDonalds restaurants or in any workplace, McDonalds said in a statement. We take any concerns seriously and are reviewing the allegations.

The EEOC said the agency is strictly prohibited by law from confirming or denying the existence of discrimination charge filings, investigations or administrative resolutions, a spokeswoman said.

The cases backed by Fight for $15 include 14 franchised stores and one corporate-operated location. Fight for $15 said protests will be staged in about three dozen cities Thursday during lunchtime to raise awareness of the issue.
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By Federico Martinez, Federico.Martinez@gosanangelo.com @Federico_SAST

San Angelo residents raised many concerns during a town hall meeting with U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway on Wednesday  touching on national security, immigration, welfare fraud, the economy, education and veterans' benefits.

Conaway repeatedly pointed to President Barack Obama as the source of the country's ills.

Conaway, who spoke to about 100 people at the McNease Convention Center, blamed Obama for dividing the country and creating an environment that prevents Republicans and Democrats from working together.

"The president for the past seven years has been trying to divide us, and then he just sits back and laughs," said Conaway, who then broke into a sinister laugh meant to imitate the president. "It really makes me mad that I have to support anything about him."

That reticence to agree with President Obama remained when an audience member asked the congressman whether he supports Obama's effort to provide more funding for cancer research.

"I can't say that I support cancer research because that money would have to come out of somebody else's pocket," he said. "I can't pander to you."

Conaway told several upset veterans that Republicans under a President Donald Trump would immediately address their problems and concerns, especially making sure they receive benefits more quickly. He blamed the Obama administration for not doing enough to help veterans.

"Donald Trump has already promised that if elected he is going to create an ombudsman position in The White House who veterans will be able to call directly," Conaway said. "Trump has promised more oversight and hands-on leadership, which we haven't had from The White House for the past seven years."

When pressed by several members of the audience on whether he though Republicans could trust Trump to champion Republican causes, Conaway wouldn't offer a strong endorsement. The most important issue for Republicans to consider, he said, is that Trump is more likely to appoint more conservative U.S. Supreme Court justices than Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton would during the next four to eight years.

"It's a one-issue to me," Conaway said. "I think he'll do less damage than Hillary.

"But I don't want to over promise and under deliver."
<p>Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne at 25 and has reigned since 1953.</p>

SHARE This photo made available on Sept. 8, 2015, shows Britain's Queen Elizabeth II taken July 2015 and released by Buckingham Palace to mark the Queen becoming the longest reigning British monarch. The photograph, by Mary McCartney, shows The Queen seated at her desk in her private audience room at Buckingham Palace, with one of her official red boxes which she has received almost every day of her reign and contains important papers from government ministers in the United Kingdom and her Realms and from representatives across the Commonwealth and beyond. (Mary McCartney/Queen Elizabeth II via AP) FILE - This is a Dec. 21, 1984 file photo of from left to right, the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William, Prince Harry and the Prince and Princess of Wales after the christening ceremony of Prince Harry in London. (PA, File via AP)A

By Sylvia Hui

LONDON  Queen Elizabeth II has reached a major milestone by becoming the longest-reigning monarch in Britain's history.

She passes Queen Victoria, her great-great-grandmother, who was on the throne for 63 years and 7 months.

Prime Minister David Cameron said Wednesday that millions on Britons would celebrate the queen's "historic moment."

"Over the last 63 years, Her Majesty has been a rock of stability in a world of constant change and her selfless sense of service and duty has earned admiration not only in Britain, but right across the globe," Cameron said.

"It is only right that today we should celebrate her extraordinary record, as well as the grace and dignity with which she serves our country."

Buckingham Palace marked the event by releasing an official photograph of the queen taken by Mary McCartney, a photographer who is the daughter of former Beatle Paul McCartney.

Elizabeth came to the throne in 1952 upon the death of her father King George VI. She was touring a remote part of Kenya when news of her father's death arrived.

Her official coronation came the following year and was one of the first major public events to be televised in Britain.

The 89-year-old monarch has cut back on her international travel and has lightened her work load somewhat, but she still carries out many royal duties.

5 things to know about Queen Elizabeth II

Fun facts about Queen Elizabeth II as she becomes Britain's longest reigning monarch.

CORGIS, SWANS, ROYAL FISH

Elizabeth's love of the corgi is well known. Her father, George VI, introduced the breed to the royal famiy in 1933 when he bought a corgi called Dookie. The animal proved popular with his daughters, and the queen was given her first corgi, Susan, for her 18th birthday. She has owned over 30 corgis during her reign  many were direct descendants from Susan.

Elizabeth also introduced a new breed of dog known as the "dorgi" when one of her corgis was mated with a dachshund named Pipkin.

As monarch, Elizabeth technically owns all the thousands of pairs of mute swans in open British water, and an annual census dating back to the 12th century  "Swan Upping"  takes place every year in southern England. The queen also officially has the right to claim all "Royal Fish"  sturgeons, porpoises, whales and dolphins  according to a statute from 1324.

"GREAT MIMICKER"

Elizabeth often gives the impression of seriousness and many have noted her "poker face." But those who know her describe her as having a relaxed sense of humor and a talent for mimicry in private company.

Bishop Michael Mann, the monarch's domestic chaplain, once said that "the queen imitating the Concorde landing is one of the funniest things you could see." Ian Paisley, the Northern Irish clergyman and politician, also noted that Elizabeth was a "great mimicker" of him.

Royal commentator Hugo Vickers, who has met the queen several times, describes her as "quite fun" and much more well-informed than one would expect.

"Once I suddenly said something completely obscure" about a New Zealand Maori chief, he said. "She knew exactly what I was talking about."

POLITICIANS AND POPES

Over her reign Elizabeth has given regular Tuesday evening audiences to 12 British prime ministers, from Winston Churchill to Margaret Thatcher to David Cameron. Tony Blair is the first prime minister to have been born during the queen's reign. Thatcher served the longest, more than 11 years.

Elizabeth's reign also oversaw seven popes, from Pius XII to Francis. As the titular head of the Church of England, the queen received John Paul II at Buckingham Palace in 1982  the first pope to visit Britain for 450 years. She also received Benedict XVI to Britain in 2010.

JET-SET MONARCH

It's safe to say that Elizabeth has traveled more than any other monarch in history. Since her first official overseas visit to South Africa in 1947, she has made hundreds more trips to more than 110 countries. Among her most visited are her "major realms": 24 times to Canada, 16 to Australia, 10 to New Zealand and six to Jamaica.

Elizabeth was the first British monarch to have made state visits to China (1986), Russia (1994), and Brunei and Malaysia (1998). She was also the first British monarch to have set foot in the Republic of Ireland since the 1911 tour by her grandfather, George V, when it was part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

At 89 the queen is still traveling  in November, she plans to fly to Malta for a Commonwealth event.

HALL OF FAME

Elizabeth is the longest-reigning female monarch in the world today. Her years on the throne are second only to King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, 87, the world's current longest-serving head of state. The king, who came to the throne in 1946, has reigned for 69 years and is widely revered by Thais.

Other current heads of state who have reigned for more than 50 years include 87-year-old Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, the constitutional monarch of Malaysia.

___

Key milestones in Queen Elizabeth II's life

Queen Elizabeth II is set to become Britain's longest-reigning monarch on Wednesday, surpassing her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria. Here are the key milestones in her life:

April 21, 1926: Born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary in Mayfair, London, the first child of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, later called the Queen Mother.

Oct. 13, 1940: Elizabeth makes first public speech at age 14 on the BBC Children's Hour to reassure children who had been separated from their parents during the Blitz.

Nov. 20, 1947: Elizabeth marries Prince Philip Mountbatten of Greece and Denmark at Westminster Abbey.

1945: Elizabeth is made a Subaltern in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, serving for Britain during World War II.

Nov. 14, 1948: Prince Charles, now Prince of Wales, heir-apparent to the throne, is born.

Aug. 15, 1950: Elizabeth's second child and only daughter, Anne, Princess Royal, is born.

June 2, 1953: Crowned Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey at the age of 25, upon the death of her father George VI. Many Britons bought their first television in order to watch the ceremony. The new monarch sets out on a tour of the Commonwealth, visiting places including Bermuda, Fiji, Tonga, Australia, and Gibraltar.

Feb. 19, 1960: Elizabeth's third child, Prince Andrew, is born.

March 10, 1964: Elizabeth's fourth child, Prince Edward, is born.

May 1965: Elizabeth makes historic visit to West Germany, the first German visit by a British monarch in 52 years.

1977: Elizabeth celebrates her Silver Jubilee, which marks 25 years on the throne.

1992: Elizabeth has what she describes as an "annus horribilis," or a "horrible year." The year sees marriages for three of her four children end. Also that year, a fire damages Windsor Castle. Public outcry over the cost of repairs amid a recession prompts the queen to volunteer to pay income taxes.

Aug. 31, 1997: Princess Diana dies in a car crash in Paris. Under public pressure to demonstrate her grief, Elizabeth makes an unprecedented TV broadcast in tribute to Diana's memory.

2002: Elizabeth marks 50 years of reign with her Golden Jubilee. The year also sees the deaths of Elizabeth's mother and her sister, Margaret.

Dec. 2007: Elizabeth becomes longest living British monarch, overtaking Victoria, who died at age 81.

May 2011: Elizabeth makes historic visit to Ireland  the first visit by a British monarch since Irish independence.

2012: Elizabeth marks 60 years of her reign with Diamond Jubilee.
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Donations likely topic of 17 Legislature

By Marty Schladen, USA Today Network Austin Bureau mschladen@gannett.com

AUSTIN  Dark money, or political expenditures from sources that don't have to be disclosed, is likely to stir controversy during the 2017 legislative session.

The debate kicked off Wednesday in a Texas Senate State Affairs Committee hearing that covered dark money and other ethics topics.

Under Texas and federal law, some politically active nonprofits don't have to say who's giving them the money they're spending on politics. Critics say that violates the principal of transparency in elections.

When the U.S. Supreme Court in 2010 issued its controversial decision in Citizens United v FEC, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that corporations had a right to make independent campaign expenditures. But he also emphasized that disclosure of the sources of political expenditures was essential to an informed electorate.

Even so, dark money expenditures nationally grew rapidly in the wake of Citizens United, the watchdog group Open Secrets reported.

In 2015, an ethics bill that would have required nonprofits in Texas to disclose the sources of their political money was rejected by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who sets the agenda for the Texas Senate and who set the agenda for Wednesday's committee meeting.

In her 2016 book "Dark Money," investigative reporter Jane Mayer wrote of wealthy donors who have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on the American political process since 2009 without publicly disclosing their activism.

During Wednesday's hearing, state Sen. Van Taylor, R-Plano, asked officials with the Texas Ethics Commission, which regulates political spending, whether "Americans have a right to anonymous speech."

Chase Untermeyer, chairman of the commission, said it's up to the courts to decide constitutional questions, but he did not believe it violated the First Amendment to require disclosure of the sources of political money.

Steve Bresnen is an Austin lobbyist whose clients include El Paso County. But in the early 1980s, he went to work for then-Comptroller Bob Bullock in the scandal-plagued Texas Capitol.

"We had gentlemen passing out $10,000 checks on the Senate floor," said Bresnen, who explained he was testifying as a citizen, not a lobbyist. Bullock asked Bresnen and a colleague to craft an ethics and accountability plan that served as the basis for a law passed after Bullock became lieutenant governor, Bresnen said.

Now Texas needs an ethics bill that balances the rights of the public and those who disclose from where their political money is coming against the rights of those who don't, Bresnen said. He said the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment requires it.

"We have a First Amendment, Sen. Taylor," Bresnen said. "But it's not the only amendment."

Benjamin Barr is general counsel for the Washington, D.C.-based Pillar of Law Institute, which works for "the protection of political privacy." On Wednesday, he testified it was "laughable" to claim dark money and huge corporate political expenditures drown out average voices in the political process.

As proof, he said, Americans spent more on Taco Bell and potato chips than they did on the 2014 midterm elections.

The debate over dark money is unlikely to end soon.

State Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, has vowed to reintroduce disclosure legislation in January despite opposition from Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott.

Twitter: @martyschladen
Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and European Union on water cooperation

Published: October 6, 2016

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and European Union in the field of water resources.

The MoU envisages strengthening technological, scientific and management capabilities of India and EU in field of water management on basis of reciprocity, equality and mutual benefit.

Key Facts

The MoU aims to identify key environmental issues and approaches to sustainable development in the field of water management between EU and India.

Under it, exchange of experiences and cooperation will take place between India and EU to strengthen and further develop cooperation in the field of water management.

It provides technical exchange on water issues including on integrated water resource management plans within river basins and through study visits.

It envisions sustainable management of water resources in India for tackling challenges posed by water management in the context of a changing climate, growing population, and competing water demands.

Under the MoU, a Joint Working Group will be formed to monitor the activities to be carried out for its fulfillment.

Background

The Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has been envisaging bilateral cooperation with other countries in the field of water management and resources development.

India has decided to benefit from experience and expertise from EU keeping in view of their success in distribution of water resources, water pricing and water use efficiency

The EU member states have adopted water pricing policies to provide adequate incentives for users to use water resources efficiently thereby contributing to environmental objectives.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2016

Topics: Cabinet Defisions  India-EU  National  Water Cooperation

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By Jennifer Ransom Rice

Whether you're a parent, an educator or a policy maker, each of us has a vested interest in boosting the overall academic performance of Texas students. These children represent the future of our state, and the impact of the education they receive today will have a positive ripple effect for generations.

One proven strategy that can help our students advance is increasing access to quality arts instruction throughout their elementary, middle and high school years.

It is unlikely that students will ever be evaluated on primary vs. secondary colors, the duration of a quarter note, or their ability to memorize and deliver a soliloquy. But this doesn't mean that fine arts classes don't have a significant positive effect on students' performance in all subject areas. Indeed, they do.

Consider this: Based on a new investigation of statewide data, students in Texas public school districts that met the state accountability standard had more than two times as many arts courses to choose from, and earned up to 26 percent more arts credits than students in districts that "need improvement."

We now have easy access to this information because the Texas Cultural Trust recently created and published comprehensive statewide data on access to arts education at the district level. The data is publicly available at www.ArtCanTexas.org, and includes demographic statistics about each district in the state, allowing comparisons between them, and breaking down information among elementary, middle and high schools.

This data will allow us to identify both bridges and barriers to access to arts education in our schools, and collaborate and share best practices across the state.

For those who aren't compelled by state standardized testing outcomes, consider that across all grade levels, greater arts course completion was associated with higher attendance rates, with the greatest impact at the high school level. Now that's a positive outcome that everyone can get behind.

According to the 2015 State of the Arts Report, Texas high school students who took three or more arts credits had an attendance rate that was 3.3 percentage points higher than their peers who were not engaged in the arts. That's the equivalent of an entire extra week of class attendance, which incidentally equals more money in district coffers.

Arts engagement also benefited students who were at risk of dropping out. These students were only half as likely to drop out if they completed a least one arts course credit in the ninth grade, as compared to their at-risk peers who were not enrolled in arts. And graduation rates for students engaged in the arts in the ninth grade were nearly four percentage points higher than their peers who were not.

Enrollment in higher education in the fall semester following graduation was 11.5 percentage points higher for arts-engaged students as well.

Put simply, if we can capture a student's imagination through the arts, whether it be through music, visual arts, dance or theater, they are more likely to attend and participate in school. The evidence couldn't be clearer: Arts education for Texas students makes a difference  and it's worth the investment.

So then, what can we do to ensure that more Texas students have access to quality arts education?

A great first step is to get educated about arts opportunities in your local school districts. And the new Art Can website is a tremendous multimedia resource. The comprehensive data set includes information  in both English and Spanish  on arts credits, teachers and courses for each public school district in the state, all visually integrated and overlaid on a map of Texas.

Research shows 80 percent of Texas voters support increased funding for the arts in schools. The Art Can campaign provides a vehicle to turn that support into action. At the click of a button, Texans can reach out to their local school boards and legislators to express their support for continued and expanded access to increased arts education. It is vitally important for our children's success. And it will help all of us to build a stronger, more creative and prosperous Texas, for years to come.

Jennifer Ransom Rice is the executive director of the Texas Cultural Trust. Find out more about arts education and the Trusts new campaign at www.ArtCanTexas.org.
American faces a serious choice in this election. Thinkstock

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By Cal Vick

Who does not know there is a storm brewing when they have heard the thunder and seen the dust clouds boil?

Who does not expect a fire when they see smoke?

As a sleeping giant never should, we have ignored the thunder too long, then felt the pain. Will we throw off the comforter, rise and lock down our shutters before the real storm hits? Will we keep ignoring while invaders build enclaves and fortresses within our shores until they decide that our flag does not represent their ideology or culture?

What will it take to rekindle the fires of pride for America's sovereignty?

Who is it that is telling England to change the emblem on its 200-year-old flag? The English ignored, too long, the thundering hooves of both their invited and their uninvited guests who turned out to be treacherous invaders with murderous conquest on their minds.

The little island nation that has done most of the organizing, conquering and civilizing of this world during the past few centuries has ignored the recent thunder and is now forced, in self-defense, to lock its gates and close itself in for a long defensive battle for survival with the bloodthirsty Islamic ideological invaders who never intended to assimilate as British.

Like the sailor who gets drunk because he is confused from having seen too much of the world, America and Britain are both drunk on the fumes of the appeasements they have heaped upon their hordes of pretentious invaders of all stripes over the years, thinking erroneously that they were only buying internal accord and friendly voting support.

America faces a very serious choice  either more herdership for four more years of apologetic appeasement or leadership demanding immigrants assimilate to America's values and principles or else do not bother coming here.

Americans, this vote is for America's future. It's time to think past the rumblings of your gut, greed and hormones, time to decide which choice guarantees freedom for your grandchildren in this republic passed to you for keeping by your grandparents.

Think! How could a vote for godless, unprincipled, liberal, self-serving government dependence ever result in freedom or pride or self-satisfaction or any other quality that will make your grandchildren proud to be an exceptional American? No way! The easy road never leads to the top of any mountain unless it is a mountain of trash in a swamp.

America cannot remain the land of the free unless we Americans are truly brave, brave enough to stand upright and face reality. We must realize that nothing short of an evil fiefdom would dismantle America and offer it up as if it were a burnt offering to the world's evil forces as a wimpish cowardly apology.

America need make no apology for having led the world out of reclusive obscurity that was the death grip of medieval anarchy  in less than two and a half centuries. American patriots will not tolerate more of the anti-constitutional godless paganism of the Clinton-Obama era, the liberal religion of organized godlessness.

Their unbelievable restrictions on free speech and curriculum on America's college and university campuses has rung the final bell on the "anti-everything American" liberal Democrat era begun by Woodrow Wilson, who deceitfully titled it progressivism. This has to be the end of treacherous godless catering to mortal weaknesses for votes, lying for votes, fake political fronts and prohibiting politically incorrect speech. (Don't say "Islamic terrorism" or "illegal immigrants"; we might lose some votes.)

We have heard the thunder, smelled the brimstone, seen the dust fly and felt the shame of being herded in a drove behind wimpish vindictive conniving cowardice for the last time.

What an insult to human intelligence Democrat liberal progressivism has been. Nail that coffin shut.

Vote Trump-Pence and click conventionofstates.com to help your states clean house in Washington, D.C., with constitutional Article 5 amendments. Swap your dismay for permanent hope.

Fly the flag, keep your boots in the stirrups, kick hard and don't look back. The America we lost is straight ahead, just past that next election.

Cal Vick lives in San Angelo.
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By Carol Kohutek

When my husband was diagnosed with oral cancer in July 2012, we went through the "normal" process of surgery: removing the tumor that was underneath his tongue and undergoing radiation on his mouth  "just to make sure it is all gone."

Eating was a huge challenge for him from then on, as his mouth and tongue were damaged from the radiation. Then the next year he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Pat's battle with this awful disease was the inspiration for me to join the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

This month I traveled to Washington, D.C., with more than 700 other cancer patients, survivors and loved ones to make cancer a national priority. We had three asks of those who represent us on the Hill: Increase funding for cancer research at the National Cancer Institute by $680 million; support the Palliative Care and Hospice Education Training Act; and, finally, support the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Screening Act.

In Texas, it is estimated that more than 3,500 people will die from colorectal cancer this year alone. This tragic number could be much lower, because colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be completely prevented through early screening.

And that is why members of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, an organization co-founded by the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are embracing a shared goal to increase the nation's screening rate to at least 80 percent by 2018.

But for too many, the screenings either aren't covered by their health insurance or they can't afford the out-of-pocket costs. Patients using Medicare are frequently blindsided by a coinsurance bill when their colonoscopy includes the removal of a precancerous polyp, because that life-saving intervention reclassifies a screening as a therapeutic procedure.

The potential for someone on a fixed income to get a $300 bill could stop them from getting what could be the most important screening of their life. And that is where the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Screening Act comes in.

If passed, the act would correct this oversight, allowing men and women on Medicare to receive these screenings without risking coinsurance responsibilities. Passage of this act will help increase screening rates, and in turn reduce colorectal cancer's heartbreaking footprint. This is a huge opportunity to improve  and possibly save  the lives of thousands of Americans.

When I met with Congressman Mike Conaway's legislative assistant Michael Horder in Washington, I told him that Congress should seize these opportunities to put partisanship aside and make ending cancer as we know it a top national priority. I received some positive feedback from Michael, and I personally believe Conaway will look at our issues more carefully. I am grateful that we had the chance to talk while I was visiting Washington.

Here in San Angelo, 14 percent of our neighbors are 65 or older, making them eligible for Medicare. But every single one of us is just one degree from cancer. Whether it's a spouse, parent, grandparent, other relative, friend, co-worker or even you, we all know someone who has faced this disease. For me, it was my husband, Pat.

Please join me in spreading the word. If you haven't been tested, talk to your doctor to find out what is recommended for you. Then talk to your family and friends. Make sure they know the facts and encourage them to get tested. Together, we can help reduce the number of adults who develop and die from colorectal cancer. To find out more about what you can do to help end cancer, visit www.acscan.org.

Carol Kohutek, of San Angelo, is a volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
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By Kenneth L. Stewart, Casey Jones and Andrea Chavarria

San Angelo's state Rep. Drew Darby, speaking at the last Chamber of Commerce luncheon, said one of his priorities for the upcoming legislative session is to provide more funding for public education. Recently, a separate analysis of national data by the University of Southern California's Program for Environmental and Regional Equity shows an emerging form of segregation of students of color in the nation's public schools.

Reported in PERE's National Equity Atlas, the emerging pattern is strongest at the primary school level. Texas joins Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia as the four states leading the pack toward school segregation.

The PERE data shows 59.7 percent of Texas elementary students of color attend schools where at least 75 percent of their peers live in poor or low-income households. Only 13.6 percent of non-Hispanic white students go to such schools.

The PERE study also shows wide variation across the 10 most populous Texas metropolitan areas. Only 32.5 percent of minority elementary students in the Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood metro area attend schools with high levels of economically disadvantaged enrollment. The number is 90.1 percent in Brownsville-Harlingen.

El Paso is the only West Texas urban area included in the PERE study because it covered only the 100 largest U.S. metro areas. We retrieved data from the Texas Education Agency to extend the analysis to Abilene, Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo and Wichita Falls, in addition to El Paso.

The data covers enrollments in 279 public elementary schools serving the eight core cities of West Texas during the 2014-15 school year. Our statistical results match the PERE study to reveal elementary school segregation in West Texas cities. The results are eye-opening.

Amarillo, El Paso, and Lubbock are the largest West Texas cities. Students of color in these cities are heavily concentrated into elementary schools with 75 percent or more enrollment from low-income families. Between 68 and 71 percent of minority students go to such schools, while non-Hispanic white students attend similar schools at rates ranging from 21 percent (Lubbock) to 36 percent (El Paso). The differences between whites and students of color mirror the statewide numbers from the PERE study.

Midland and Odessa provide a contrast. Booming oil-based economies in these cities have reduced household poverty to low levels. Midland's poverty rate among elementary school aged kids is just 8 percent; Odessa's is 15 percent. Segregation based on income is limited in high-flying cities like these as long their booming economies are able to float the lowest families to incomes above the poverty level.

San Angelo, Abilene and Wichita Falls are demonstrating more moderate segregation in elementary schools. San Angelo's 48 percent of minority students attending low-income schools is well below the statewide mark. It combines with 23 percent of non-Hispanic whites attending the same schools, which is slightly above the statewide number.

Looking at causes

At first blush, uncovering these facts about segregation in West Texas, we wondered what could be going on in schools to cause such a divisive trend. A closer look taught us that public school districts across the region make substantive efforts within their resource limits to work toward integration of students across income levels.

San Angelo ISD's decision to locate a magnet school for elementary-level gifted and talented students in the predominantly low-income Fort Concho neighborhood is a particularly effective example of mitigating the potentials for income-based segregation in the district.

Today, according to TEA data, economically disadvantaged students comprise 49 percent of Fort Concho School enrollment. Non-Hispanic whites comprise 44 percent of students, 56 percent are students of color, and 38 percent of all students in the school participate in the gifted and talented education program.

The Census Bureau recently touched on something that helps understand community forces that encourage school segregation in places such as San Angelo. According to the Bureau, the most recent national income and poverty estimates indicate a 5.2 percent year-over-year growth in median household income. The number was widely reported as big news because it was the first increase since 2007, just before the so-called Great Recession.

The Bureau's announcement of the number of people living in poverty made more big news. That number fell by 3.5 million, lowering the official national poverty rate to 13.5 percent, its lowest level since 2008.

The same census data set shows families in San Angelo matched the nationwide 5 percent income increase by reaching a $60,243 median level. That number also is 27 percent higher than the $47,275 median income for local families at the start of the Great Recession back in 2008. Local income gains are impressive compared to the country as a whole. However, there is a spoiler in the San Angelo story.

Unlike the big news for the nation, the poverty rate did not fall in the local community. In fact, it increased by 1.3 percent from 16.1 in 2014 to 17.4 percent in 2015. Poverty among local elementary school-age children is actually higher at 19.3 percent, and a gap of about 10 points separates the 11 percent rate of non-Hispanic white kids from higher poverty levels among Latinos and other children of color.

One of the telltale signs of rising income inequality in a community is when median income growth combines with stagnant or increasing poverty. Furthermore, the Gini Index, the economists' most commonly used metric for household income inequality, confirms the trend in San Angelo.

The Gini Index represent degrees of inequality on a 0 to 100 point scale, with lower scores indicating greater equality and higher scores showing more inequality. The Census Bureau's set of annual measures peg San Angelo's Gini Index in 2008 at 41, well below the national score of 47 for that year.

With our own oil boom recovery, however, the local Gini Index climbed to 49 by 2011, spiked at 56 in 2014, and then landed at 47 for 2015. Overall, household income inequality increased by six points on the Gini scale between 2008 and 2015. Over the same years, the Index for both Texas and the nation increased by only one point from 47 to 48.

HEED THE TRENDS

People are inclined to see these community trends as outcomes of entirely understandable and natural things such as the efforts of parents to invest in the best possible education for their children. Nevertheless, there are at least two reasons why it is perilous for community leaders to neglect systemic trends like increasing income inequality and emerging school segregation in places such as San Angelo.

First is pure demographics. Today, 52 percent of all students enrolled in Texas schools are Hispanic children, and other students of color make up another 19 percent. Latinos drive 59 percent of San Angelo ISD's enrollment, and another 7 percent are other minority students. A majority of San Angelo's total population will soon be made up of Latinos and other people of color. Texas is already a so-called minority-majority state.

The second reason is a growing body of research showing segregation of students into predominantly low-income schools, which leads to many negative effects. Students face scarce resources, long-lasting school achievement problems, failing health, serious skill mismatches while struggling to enter the labor force, and a vicious cycle of increasing public resentment and resistance toward policies to address the problems of low-income schools.

Rep. Darby's commitment to provide more funding for public education is encouraging. We hope it will be shared by his colleagues. We even dare to hope that efforts to keep public school funding up to speed will turn into a state government priority lasting well beyond a single session in the series of biennial legislative meetings.

That kind of commitment is necessary if Texas finally is going to make good on the promise of education for all its children. And the future of San Angelo and Texas depends on it.

Kenneth L. Stewart is director of Community Development Initiatives at the ASU Center for Community Wellness, Engagement, and Development. Casey Jones is retired professor of political science at ASU. Contact them at casey.jones@angelo.edu or kenneth.stewart@angelo.edu. Andrea Chavarria, research assistant at ASUs Community Development Initiatives, contributed to this article.
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Tom Harris, executive director, International Climate Science Coalition, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Regarding the letter in last Thursday's Standard-Times, "Don't doubt climate change":

Of course climate change is real. Were there no climate change, we would be stuck in the same conditions as the Little Ice Age, which ended in the late 1800s.

Contrary to the implications of the writer, global warming, about 1.5 degrees in the past century, has been a good thing. Whether the warming restarts after its current 19-year pause is unknown. With increasing populations at risk, however, it is now more important than ever that we help people adapt to climate change as it occurs. But aid agencies are unable to adequately support vulnerable populations.

Overconfidence about our ability to forecast and even control future climate states has encouraged governments to dedicate most of the public money spent on climate finance to mitigation, trying to affect events that may, or may not, someday happen. The San Francisco-based Climate Policy Initiative demonstrated that, in 2014, 83 percent of all public climate finance went to mitigation, with only 17 percent going to adaptation.

When you count funds spent by private enterprise in the total, 94 percent of the more than $1 billion spent worldwide every day on climate finance is dedicated to mitigation, leaving a relatively trivial 6 percent to help people today.

One of the reasons for this imbalance is that mitigation projects are far more profitable for large corporations than are the smaller scale boots-on-the-ground strategies needed to help populations adapt. By focusing their activism on mitigation, environmentalists unwittingly encourage a continuation of this travesty.
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Bobby D. Lacy

I am not one of those who think that all police are racist. In fact, I have had the honor of speaking at the funeral services of two of San Angelo's finest officers, George Riles and Fred Kelly, who served our community with much dignity and unabashed trust.

During their stints as officers, if ever there was a matter of someone going to jail, we all knew that that person deserved to go. Although they did not tolerate criminal wrongdoing, the officers were fair and they were truly respected.

Practices such as "stop and frisk" were not implemented by those two, nor by any others assigned to the community. It was not needed, as there was sincere service and protection and earnest, two-way respect.

All of that seems to be gone now, not only around our nation, but here in our fair city as well. We understand it, those of us who are often victims of undue mistreatment, but our cries of foul seem to fall on deft ears.

It reminds me of when President Obama dared to comment after a white police officer arrested a black college professor for entering his own home with his key, opining that the officer acted stupidly. It was widely considered wrong for the leader of this great nation to suggest such a thing, but surely it would be considered a stupid act if the same thing happened to a white man.

On the other hand, such does not often happen, if ever, to a white man. Neither does getting fatally shot for sitting in one's car and waiting for one's child, as happened recently in North Carolina. Interestingly, there seems to be an effort to change the perspective of that incident by making it known that the officer who shot the black man also was black.

Two questions: Why does the color of the officer's skin matter? And, if it does, what would we say if that same black officer had shot a white man in that very same manner? Would the outcry be the same on the opposite side of the situation, or would they be allowed to really and openly express their dissatisfaction, because no doubt there is something wrong here?

That thought is analogous to those prescribing "stop and frisk" as a solution to our urban ills, although to many of us, that unconstitutional practice, directed mainly at minorities, is part of the problem we have in our cities now.

Over the years, we have arrested many black men and other minorities for little or no reason and subsequently placed them in the unfair system of justice, only to make so many of us unacceptable for gainful employment when later released and hence placing so many in an inescapable, downward spiral. How, then, can we, the victims of the system, do anything other than that which keeps us in that pit of doom and gloom?

Yet that has not been considered part of the existing problem in some areas. It's as if "the powers that be" do not understand. But how could they? These things do not happen to them, although they know of it, because many of them are the very lawyers who unsuccessfully plead our cases in court.

I do not consider the policemen in our great nation to be racist, because a policeman represents a noble profession. However, there are some who adhere to their governing rules in different ways in different areas.

Consider that the legendary and "untouchable" Eliot Ness had to fight gangsters as well as cops who catered to those gangsters in his never-ending battle to stamp out crime. Even today, some who don the "officer blue" are not as they appear, no matter the color of their skin.

I just wish we could take that into consideration during the presidential debates, and national debate, and maybe we might be able to really discuss the issues that divide our nation. Perhaps even before someone else is unduly killed.

And maybe we could somehow understand why some of us are intent on doing whatever we have to do, legally, to get some needed attention to what is happening. After all, some of those who are treated so badly are veterans who fought for America to be the great nation that we consider her to be. We have helped to keep the flag, America's symbol of freedom, majestically flying high, but saluting that flag does not guarantee us our rights.

Saluting the flag should have the same meaning to all of us if it represents America. If it does not, then maybe we should reassess our elected officials. Something is still not perfect.

Bobby D. Lacy lives in San Angelo.
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By Joe DiMiceli

To paraphrase Shakespeare, "How do I con thee? Let me count the lies."

I'll bet that you know you've been lied to and that we have entered what the pundits are calling post-truth politics. Both candidates lie, but not proportionally. Donald Trump holds the title for the number and outrageousness of his lies because he knows that his followers don't care. To them he is the channel of their frustration, the change agent who is going to tear down Washington, the strongman.

Trump claims to represent the middle class and working class, but are you being played? At a At a Republican presidential debate last November, Trump said "wages are too high." On the minimum wage Trump said that he was going to abolish it, then he said he would not increase it, then he said he would leave it to the states, depending on what day of the week it was.

On taxes he is going to give everyone a tax cut. Almost true. The most meaningful tax cuts go to the wealthy. Currently, the highest (marginal) income tax rate is 39.6 percent, but most millionaires pay an effective (actual) rate of 14-16 percent. In 2012, Mitt Romney paid 14 percent in income taxes, and in Trump's debate with Hillary Clinton he seemed to acknowledge he hasn't paid any taxes in years.

Trump's plan would reduce the marginal rate to 33 percent, which implies that the actual rate for the wealthy could be lower than his middle-class rate of 12 percent.

Trump makes a big deal out of eliminating the estate tax because he says it hurts farmers and small businessmen. I hope they are very rich farmers and small businessmen, as there is an exclusion of $5.9 million for individual returns and $10.8 million for joint filers. Note that Trump and his family, with their reputed wealth, would benefit substantially from eliminating the estate tax; how about you?

Is Trump an agent of change, someone who is going to upset the status quo? Hardly. He follows the Republican Party line in every category except trade. He wants to redraft or void our major trade agreements and institute a protectionist trade program, including tariffs. What does this accomplish? A trade war? What change is he talking about?

And do you really want a "strongman" in the White House? There is some history here: Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Benito Mussolini, Saddam Hussein, Vladimir Putin (Trump's crush), Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun. Enough said.

As to good jobs, both Trump and Clinton are blowing smoke. We have moved from an industrial economy to a service economy and there is no going back to the high-paying, minimal-skill and unionized jobs. The global wage structures foreclose any return of industry to the U.S. regardless of any boasts about making America great again.

Also, most job loss in the past 40 years has been to automation, not slave-waged foreigners as Trump would have you believe.

Finally, the new industries that have been and that are continuing to be created are either low-paying, low-skill, minimum-wage service jobs, or jobs in high-tech industries that require far fewer and mostly high-skill employees. With respect to jobs, both candidates are playing you.

So as we walk arm-in-arm toward the polling station, try to answer these questions:

1. Do you really believe the Republican mantra that if we just make the rich richer, it will solve all of our problems?

2. Do you really believe that a man who talks constantly about himself, his money and his (very dubious) business acumen and who wants to cut wages, eliminate the minimum wage and cut taxes (mostly) on the rich cares about working men and women?

3. Do you really believe a man who wants to make the military strong on Monday and then wants to slash military spending on Tuesday?

4. Do you really believe a man who claims to know more about ISIS than the generals do and then derides them as weak and merely rubble on Monday, but wants to enlist their skills to devise a plan to defeat ISIS on Tuesday, a plan he was already supposed to have?

5. Do you really believe a man who advocates the spread of nuclear weapons, undermines our NATO allies and admires Vladimir Putin will keep us safe?

6. Do you really believe a man who has demonstrated his authoritarianism, narcissism, vindictiveness and profound ignorance on both domestic and international issues deserves to be president?

I am no admirer of Hillary Clinton, but when it comes to the pants-on-fire prize, Trump wins by a mile.

Joe DiMiceli is a retired college professor living in San Angelo. Contact him at socrateslite@gmail.com.
A local man faces several charges after running from police.

Thomas A. Wallace, 30, of Farmington, was wanted on four active warrants included three for misdemeanor issued through Desloge, Leadwood and Park Hills, along with a felony forgery warrant issued from Montgomery County, Texas.

Farmington Police Chief Rick Baker said an officer was conducting surveillance on an address on North A Street on Sept. 27 for a person with outstanding warrants.

Around midnight, the officer observed a person he believed to be matching the description of the person we were looking for hop on a purple motorcycle and then drive south on A Street, Baker said.

A second officer was notified of the direction of travel of the motorcycle. That officer located the driver, later identified as Wallace, on Perrine Road driving 55 mph in a 40 mph speed zone.

The second officer activated his lights and siren and attempted to make a traffic stop, Baker said. The motorcycle immediately accelerated at a high rate of speed and crossed U.S. 67 at Overall Road.

At that time, Baker said, while attempting to make a right turn onto Progress Drive, Wallace lost control of the motorcycle, with the bike and driver traveling off the roadway and the bike overturning. Wallace was ejected.

A search of the driver turned up a pill bottle with small plastic bags containing a white powdery substance believed to be methamphetamine, a small amount of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a substantial amount of cash.

EMS crews from the St. Francois County Ambulance District transported Wallace to a nearby emergency room, but he was later flown by Air Evac to St. Johns Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.

The Farmington Police Department is submitting a report to the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorneys Office seeking charges of possession of a controlled substance except marijuana, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony resisting arrest, driving while revoked and several other traffic related charges.
Its been more than a week since Haley and Sophia Moyers were in a horrendous car crash leaving them seriously injured and in a hospital in Florida a long way from home.

Their parents, Greg and Sarah Moyers, didnt survive the accident.

Family members and close friends quickly made their way to the hospital to be with the girls.

Sophia, 8 was originally listed in serious condition, but was eventually downgraded after her injuries were assessed and it was determined he most severe physical injury was a broken leg. Her sister Haley, 13, was another story. She was placed in a drug-induced coma to allow her body to recover from some pretty traumatic injuries. She also had to have surgery on a broken leg in addition to her other injuries.

An uncle to the two girls, Richard Moyers, provided an update on the girls condition.

He said Haley was weaned off some of her medication a couple days ago to allow her to slowly come out of the drug-induced coma. She is awake and responsive and is being monitored closely by doctors for the next few days, she still has a long road ... but all signs point toward a good recovery, said Richard. Doctors are very pleased with Sophia's progress as she continues to be monitored by doctors and supported by family and friends."

Many family members have made the trip to Florida to support both girls and monitor their medical care. Its unknown when they will both be released and return to Missouri.

The Moyers family was enjoying a Disney vacation with another family in Florida and had reportedly went separate ways from their friends after enjoying the theme park together. They were reportedly heading to the beach when tragedy struck.

Gregs dad has opened up Gregs shop, Moyers Muffler and Auto, in Park Hills, to complete unfinished work on Gregs behalf and to help make sure the bills are being paid. They are open for business.

Anyone wanting to make a donation to the family can visit any First State Community Bank location and donate to the "Greg and Sarah Moyers Memorial Fund." Also a GoFundMe account was established and can be found at www.gofundme.com/4gregandsarah.

The GoFundMe has had an overwhelming response and the family cant thank everyone enough. All funds raised will go toward the support and care of Sophia and Haley as they recover and begin a much different life than they had before.

A Facebook page has been set up titled Greg and Sarahs Angels to help update the public on the girls progress. If anyone wants to mail a donation, card or anything else for the girls it can be sent to P.O. Box 1443 Farmington, Mo 63640-1443.
Nearly two decades after voters made California one of the most restrictive states for bilingual education in public schools, residents on Tuesday reversed that decision.In California -- which has the nation's highest rate of students who speak a non-English language at home -- fewer than 5 percent of public schools now offer multilingual programs. But by approving Proposition 58, school districts can now offer regular dual-language programs.In 1998, voters approved Prop. 227, a law passed amid anti-immigrant fervor that said students whose first language isn't English can only take one year of intensive English instruction before transitioning to English-only classes.Parents who wanted bilingual classes for their kids beyond that had to sign a waiver each year.Prop. 58 essentially repeals the waiver system but keeps intact the part of the law requiring proficiency in English. It cruised to victory Tuesday night by a nearly three-to-one margin.Critics of the waiver system said it creates a lot of inconsistency between school districts. For example, the San Diego Unified School District has dozens of dual-language programs in elementary schools, while Fresno Unified offers just a few even though its share of English learners is higher.Bilingual education, particularly for primary school children, has become increasingly popular among native English speakers over the past decade, said Santiago Wood, executive director of the National Association for Bilingual Education, which supported Prop. 58. That's primarily because studies have shown that a multilingual brain is nimbler and better able to deal with ambiguities and resolve conflicts. Some research shows multilingual people are even able to resist Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia longer.California was one of four states -- the others are Arizona, Massachusetts and New Hampshire -- with laws constraining the use of bilingual education programs, according to the U.S. Department of Education Meanwhile, seven states -- Delaware, Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Utah and Washington -- have launched major efforts to promote bilingual education in public schools in recent years.Utah, for example, started a program in 2008 that offered instruction half in English and half in eitherChinese, French or Spanish. It started with kindergarten, and the intention was to add one grade to the program each year. Two years later, the program expanded beyond elementary schools, and by 2014, more than 25,000 students were enrolled in dual-language programs at 118 schools.Callifornia's proposal immediately impacts about 1.4 million students in public schools who are English learners. But given the increasing popularity for English-speaking students to enroll in dual-language immersion programs, the total number of students could be much higher.Prop. 58 was supported by the state's education establishment, major business groups and many of the states top politicians, including Gov. Jerry Brown.One of the most active campaigners against Prop. 58 was Ron Unz, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who was a leading force behind the 1998 law. In numerous op-eds on the issue, Unz has said that the old system of sheltering non-English-speaking children in their own classes led to halted education development and frustrated parents. In fact, in 1996, a group of Latino immigrant parents in Los Angeles protested against their local elementary schools for ignoring their requests to teach their kids in only English.But supporters of Prop. 58 argued that the new proposal wouldnt doom California back to the days when non-English-speaking students were languishing in Spanish-only classes. Instead, they point to scores of research that shows that bilingual education -- when executed effectively -- has benefits for all students because it stimulates the learning center of the brain.For anyone today to not want to not recognize this as a fact of life and as a 21st Century pathway, it would be an act of folly, said Wood. Why not let your child be part of the larger world?
The two major candidates for governor battled Wednesday night over their personal backgrounds in business and on topics ranging from the minimum wage and the economy to gun control.But their sharpest attack during their first televised debate was support for state contracts for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England.Republican Executive Councilor Chris Sununu of Newfields defended his 2015 vote against Planned Parenthood contracts and criticized Gov. Maggie Hassan for failing to put those contracts on hold while other states investigated whether that national organization sold fetal body parts."She refused to simply look into it and provide more information," said Sununu, 41."When the governor is not willing to be accountable, I am not going to support that."State probes concluded there was no evidence of wrongdoing by Planned Parenthood.Democratic hopeful Colin Van Ostern of Concord said Sununu can't be trusted to support reproductive rights for women."It's stunning that Chris can talk about votes and try to put blame on people and not recognize the harm it did to thousands of people," Van Ostern declared. "This isn't about politics; this is about peoples' lives."Hassan is not seeking re-election as governor, but instead is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.Near the outset of the debate at New England College in Henniker, Sununu belittled Van Ostern's business experience, saying his opponent is best known as a political consultant."When he was working with the John Edwards presidential campaign, I was cleaning up asbestos landfills in downtown Nashua," Sununu said.Van Ostern, 37, said he got valuable experience working for Stonyfield Yogurt in Londonderry and Southern New Hampshire University.Van Ostern counterpunched that ski trips to Waterville Valley resort have dropped significantly since Sununu became its CEO in 2010."Unfortunately, I don't think we can allow the kind of mismanagement of Waterville Valley for our state," Van Ostern said.Sununu said Waterville Valley is the only ski resort in the East undergoing a major expansion. "That is success," Sununu said.The two also tangled over whether to restore a state minimum wage and raise it.Van Ostern said he supports as a starting point raising it from the federal minimum of $7.25 to $12 an hour though he expects the Legislature would move to raise it "somewhere in the middle.""Right now we have the lowest minimum wage in the nation; it's the same as Alabama," Van Ostern said.Sununu said Van Ostern proposes raising the minimum wage much higher than any state has in recent years."Let's be clear; the minimum wage as my opponent has proposed it would be disastrous for New Hampshire," Sununu said.They also broke over gun control; Van Ostern said he agrees with Attorney General Joseph Foster and believes New Hampshire should end its status as the only New England state that doesn't share its mental health information about gun applicants with the national criminal background check system."I do think we should do it in a responsible way that respects the Second Amendment," Van Ostern said.Sununu said he does not believe gun owners in New Hampshire should be subject to federal definitions of mental health care."If we go down the path of what the federal government says is mental health issues, that's a slippery slope and I oppose that," Sununu said. "This is the live free or die state; this is the state where we cherish personal liberties."
Shoestring budgets and bureaucratic hurdles are preventing some of the state's top researchers and forensic experts from identifying hundreds of the remains found on or near the Texas border, members of the Texas Forensic Science Commission said Wednesday.During its quarterly meeting in Austin, the commission discussed the progress it has made in identifying the hundreds of remains found in border counties since 2010.In 2015, state lawmakers tasked the commission with implementing a plan to streamline the process of identifying remains that belong to undocumented immigrants who have died in the border region after illegally crossing into Texas.While the remains of about 60 bodies have been identified and at least seven repatriated, hundreds more remain a mystery, said commission member Sheree Robyn Hughes-Stamm, an assistant professor of forensic science at Sam Houston State University. She said that is in part because of how and where biological information is stored.This major limitation, why this is so low, is because we dont have access to those reference samples, she said, referring to the more than 2,000 samples of genetic material provided by family members to help establish a tie between them and the deceased.The reference samples are taken as part of a joint effort between the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team, or EAAF, a nonprofit, nongovernmental entity that conducts forensic analysis and human rights work, and BODE, a private company. The actual biological information from the remains found, however, is stored in an FBI database.The problem: Those two dont talk to each other, Hughes-Stamm said.The FBI are the custodians of the [domestic] DNA database, and theyre the ones that have to agree that the criteria are met, that they can accept into the database, she said. We dont want to put the quality of the database in jeopardy.To remedy that, the commission is preparing a memorandum of understanding that will be sent to foreign governments in Mexico, Argentina and Central America to ensure that all parties are using the same collection methods and not compromising the integrity of the FBIs database.There were also some issues with the consent language and consent forms and the environment in which some of the samples were collected," Hughes-Stamm said. [For example], there was no law enforcement or criminal justice presence.The other challenge is the funds counties have available to perform autopsies or train non-medical examiner justices of the peace to examine bodies more closely.In the 32 counties the state designates as border counties there are 170 justices of the peace who have the authority to determine cause of death and sign death certificates. If a cause of death is incorrectly determined or a body is buried or cremated, it might never be identified.Sometimes the JPs dont go to the site and dont look at the body. They just make the call from the office, said Lynn Garcia, the commissions general counsel. The autopsy is obviously the gold standard in terms of making sure all the data is collected. But some of the counties do not have the money to do an autopsy.Some of the counties cant afford toxicology tests after car wrecks involving their own citizens or even send the justices of the peace to annual conferences.The argument is, why are we having to fork out and slim down and find money for all of the migrants when we cant even do an adequate job for all of our citizens? said Hughes-Stamm. And we are sensitive to that, we understand that.That problem isnt as easy to fix because its out of the commissions purview. What the entity can do is make recommendations, but ultimately it is up to the county commissioners to set budgets and decide how to allocate resources.Commission member Nizam Peerwani suggested Wednesday that the states medical examiners pitch in and offer to do some of the autopsies on a pro-bono basis. Peerwani, the medical examiner in Tarrant, Parker, Denton and Johnson counties, said hed be willing to take 20 or 30 himself.We go out all over the world and do pro bono autopsies. In our own state we dont do that? Its shameful, he said. Its a humanitarian issue.While the pro-bono effort would have to be something the medical examiners decided on their own, Hughes-Stamm said, the idea is something the commission can encourage.Thats not something the commission can enforce, but its something that we can recommend. And thats something that has been discussed, she said. Its a good idea.
Description

GIS - 06 October, 2016: The tea sector support scheme to give a new boost to the tea industry was launched yesterday at Nouvelle France by the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Mahen Seeruttun.

In the 80s, Mauritius used to produce some 8 000 tonnes of tea annually but now we produce some 1 500 tonnes only and exportation brings a turnover of around Rs 13 million only to the economy, recalled the Minister, adding that this scheme will help better contribute to the development of the sector.

Mr Seeruttun announced that pruning shears have been ordered from South Africa and these shears will be distributed freely to 1 400 tea planters for the picking of tea leaves. Moreover, with regard to the industry, Budget 2016-2017 makes provision for a new tea nursery to be established at La Brasserie, he said.

Other Budget measures include providing seedlings free to growers and giving a subsidy on fertilizers as well as the reopening of ex-Dubreuil tea factory which was closed in the late 1990s to promote tea and other agro-processing activities.

According to the Minister, foreign investors are showing great interest in helping Government relaunch this sector, and on the other hand, Government must see to it that when investors come, they have the workforce required to develop their business. A chinese businessman has already invested some Rs 200 million for the opening of a tea factory in Mauritius, he added.

Moreover, the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security will work with the Tea Research Institute of China for the diversification of the tea industry and the production of new tea varieties.
GETTING CONNECTED

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

MORE THAN CHANGING LIVES

THE VISION

(TNS)  Thirteen-year-old Christopher Richardson doesnt have internet access at home. The Forest Hills Middle student uses the internet at a community center for free to complete his homework online. His mother, who is working to secure him and his brother a better future by attending school herself, cant afford it.But that is about to change for Christopher and his family.During National Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castros visit to Wilson Tuesday, the city announced a new partnership with the Wilson Housing Authority to provide affordable Greenlight broadband service to public housing residents.This program is very good because it is allowing us to do our homework at home, Christopher told a crowd of leaders, community members and Castro at the secretarys final stop at the Freeman Roundhouse. Thats why it will be good for this program to go forward for young females and males to have a brighter future.Castro, along with city and community leaders, spent the afternoon touring Wilson and various HUD investment sites here. Castro traveled through neighborhoods, looking at the WHAs newest and oldest properties as well as other investments within the city.His first stop was Pinnacle Point, a senior apartment building on Starmount Circle, as well St. John Community Development Corp.s Save-A-Youth Center on Walnut Street in the Whitfield Housing section.Tuesdays tour ended at the Freeman Roundhouse where dozens gathered for a special program for the public.Wilson is more than a city with a vibrant past, Castro said. It is also a community that is doing great things today and a community with a great future. Its a city thats investing in the education of its youth, providing ladders of opportunity for their parents.Castro said the internet touches every single human being in our nation in one way or another. And, he said, its amazing how technology has affected peoples lives. He said children who have access to the internet can get help with homework and research assignments.Teenagers can apply for a job or college online, Castro continued. Their parents can apply for jobs on the internet or start their own businesses or connect with customers. We know these days that the internet is not a luxury, access to it is really a necessity in this 21st-century global economy. And we want to make sure every single child in our nation has access to it.Castro said fortunately, Wilsons leaders decided how much a family has or doesnt have shouldnt determine whether they have access to the internet.Castro said Wilsons initiative resembles HUDs visionary pilot program, ConnectHome, which connects affordable and public housing communities nationwide to the internet.Our goal is that every single public housing resident have access to the internet, Castro said. I know ConnectHome helped inspire some of the partnerships and the announcement today.While the announcement is a typical bulk customer agreement for Greenlight, nationally it is of major significance because many private telecom companies are not currently offering similar agreements, city officials said.One of Greenlights core principles is to enhance the quality of life for all residents, making high-speed internet available for everyone, City Manager Grant Goings said during the announcement Tuesday. Its an important step in bridging the digital divide. And its something we work toward every day. Wilson is a community charging forward despite challenges.And Castro said he was amazed to hear about the fiber-optic network in Wilson. He said it was a powerful tool and hopes Wilson will expand well into the future.Kelly Vick, WHA president and chief executive officer, highlighted several programs including the housing authoritys partnership with local agencies to end homelessness in Wilson.In the past year, WHA has provided permanent housing through its Housing Choice Voucher program and provided public housing units to 70 families who were once homeless.Iris Batts, who is one of those the programs has helped lift out of homelessness, was overwhelmed with joy when leaders, including Castro, acknowledged her and others in the program Tuesday.I was homeless for a period of time, she told the crowd. I just needed an opportunity to rebuild and get back on my feet.Batts moved into her new home nearly six months ago.Im so thankful, she said.Other WHA initiatives highlighted for Castro included the family self-sufficiency and homeownership programs.Castro said Wilson also answered President Barack Obamas call to tackle the homelessness crisis in the nation.Its communities like Wilson who are leading the way, he said. Those stories of personal triumph were possible because Wilson is a community that is committed to not leaving anybody behind.Castro also thanked Vicks leadership and the team at WHA for all that they are doing to improve the lives of those who need someone in their corner the most, he said.You are doing more than changing lives, he said. You are helping to change the trajectory for an entire generation for folks in this community.He also thanked Mayor Bruce Rose for his efforts in helping people in Wilson.U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield, who initiated Castros visit, also spoke during Tuesdays ceremony. He said the city of Wilson has done tremendous work over the years in helping families access economic opportunity.We are headed in the right direction and headed on the right track, he said.Butterfield called Vick a dynamic leader for the WHA. He also said Vick  along with the WHA board  has a vision.If we would just buy into their vision and support them in their work, you are going to see Wilson greatly improved  he said.And broadband access is a big deal, Butterfield added.It is necessary in todays economy, he said. Broadband access is important for education. Its important for economic development. Places that do not have broadband  they fall behind. Todays announcement could not come at a better time.Castro said in closing that HUD is proud to stand with the families of Wilson.We are proud to work with you and invest with you to help this great city become once again the envy of North Carolina, Castro said.
Buying the Right Policy Because there are no standard policies, getting cyberinsurance can be a lengthy process for any government agency. Here are some tips:



// Get enough coverage

The cost of breaches can be astronomical. Following its breach in 2013, retail giant Target has incurred more than $291 million in costs associated with the compromise, only $90 million of which was covered by insurance. Government agencies should construct breach scenarios to estimate the insurance limits needed. The city of Phoenix, for example, bought $10 million in insurance to cover potential losses.



// Beware of exceptions

When Georgia looked at initial policy proposals, there were too many exemptions. The biggest differentiator for many insurers is what incidents and triggers they exempt from coverage. Some companies exempt breaches involving unencrypted data, while others require that USB drives must be barred from use. When the Georgia Technology Authority looked for a policy, it had to sift through them and decline those with too many exemptions, said CTO Steve Nichols. In one case, they basically wanted to exempt lost laptops, and that does not help us at all, he said.



// Test all scenarios

To check policies and prepare for possible breaches, government agencies should regularly run incident-response exercises. Such tabletop exercises are particularly important when evaluating insurance policies to make sure common incidents are covered, said Gary Hayslip, San Diego CISO. You do incident-response tabletop exercises where you go through different types of scenarios: how bad could it actually get, how will you respond and what kind of damage you would take, he said. Then you start taking a look at what you can handle in house, what you have to outsource and what would be covered by an insurance policy. By doing that, you can figure out whether the insurance policy is worth the paper its written on.




On Oct. 5 in Boston, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe unveiled an initiative aimed at developing state strategies for strengthening cybersecurity practices  and nearly 30 states have joined the cause.At the first of several National Governor's Association (NGA) regional summits dedicated to furthering Meet the Threat objectives, McAuliffe's initiative as chair of the NGA, he said the goal is to replicate the work done in Virginia to best position all states and territories for meeting the cyberthreat  and to connect policy leaders from every state with private-sector experts and federal partners to highlight innovative practices and identify ways state-driven solutions can be replicated nationwide.I know firsthand from my work in Virginia that governors and states play a critical role in confronting the ever-growing and sophisticated challenge of cyberattacks," he said at the summit, adding that the Meet the Threat website will serve as a library of resources for states. "As the year progresses, we will add to the library and encourage state policymakers to use it."The next regional summit will be held in San Jose, Calif., in spring of 2017, and the initiative will conclude in Virginia with the National Summit on State Cybersecurity. This final summit, McAuliffe said, will bring together representatives from each state, commonwealth and territory to share best practices and lessons learned."These are ambitious goals. With your engagement, however, I know we can succeed," he said. "The initiative has the potential to shape the nations response to the growing cyberthreats we face by underscoring the critical role state leaders play in securing the cyberenvironment."
If youre looking for proof that cybersecurity has become a national security issue, no evidence should be more indicative than informal testimony from one of President Barack Obamas trusted homeland security advisers.Ats Cybersecurity Summit in Washington, D.C., held Oct. 6, Lisa Monaco, assistant to the president for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, shared the administrations concerns and strategies for dealing with the evolving cyberthreat landscape.Monaco, who has a substantial service record within the Department of Justice and the FBI, said affronts by malicious online actors play an almost daily role in security briefings and are a growing part of the national security conversation.While some breaches are tied to other nations, criminal enterprises and domestic actors are also considerations in the cybersecurity and national security landscape.The 2016 theft of Democratic National Committee (DNC) emails, seemingly perpetrated by Russian hackers, and the 2014 hack of Sony Pictures, which was attributed to North Korea, highlighted the some of the more public examples of international cybersecurity threats.When asked bynational security reporter Ellen Nakashima whether the United States was moving toward aframework of deterrence, Monaco, a former federal prosecutor, said the she opposes the idea that one was not already in place and operational.It will come as no surprise to you, I suspect, or to your audience, that I disagree with the critics that we dont have a strategy or a deterrence policy, she said. And its this: One, we believe very strongly that there needs to be a set of norms around cyberbehavior. And what youve seen is the president working very hard and very carefully over the last several years to build a set of norms and to build international support for a set of norms.These norms, Monaco went on to explain, center on the malicious use of technology for critical infrastructure attacks, espionage and the suppression of dissenters. Through unified international support, she said violators of the commonly accepted standards could face sanctions and equivalent action.And so, when countries violate those norms, there is an isolation of that country," she said. "There is an agreement that you can impose sanctions, maybe there is a consideration that there is an act of aggression if those norms are violated. There is a framework there."The homeland security adviser also discussed the nature of the United States election systems amid the recent speculation of a perceived threat to the integrity of the larger system, saying that the diffused and diversified system would require an extensive effort to hack Because states and counties deploy their own election systems, some of which still rely on paper ballots, she argued that the threat from an internal or external force would have to be considerable to make any significant change in the elections results.While she confirmed continued probing in the general elections environment, she said there was no evidence of any successful manipulations.
Work continues on a new electric substation just off U.S. 67.

The city of Farmington's new substation is a $1.1 million project expected to be completed in November.

The project included the construction of the facility, in addition to purchasing the Ameren UE transmission line to supply the substation, and the construction of interconnect lines back to the Farmington grid.

With that 12 megawatt system added, it gives us 89 megawatts of distribution capability within the city against a peak load of 50 to 51 megawatts on a really hot summer day, Farmington City Administrator Greg Beavers said. We have sufficient capacity on this system that if a substation is down for maintenance or we have a trouble call on a substation, we can reroute power and keep the full load of the city taken care of. We felt like that was a critical part of the service we provide.

Beavers said adding the substation allows the city to stay ahead of the capacity required by the sewer treatment facilities, water production facilities and electric distribution to business and residential customers.

The property, located on the far north end of the city limits along Woodlawn Drive, was purchased in September of 2016 for $175,000.

The city received a grant from the Missouri Public Energy Pool (MoPEP) in June of 2015 to support construction of the new substation. The grant is part of the MoPEP Power Infrastructure Modernization Grant Program.

The Missouri Public Energy Pool (MoPEP) is a group of municipal electric utilities that purchase power collectively through their participation in the Municipal Electric Utility Commission, a nonprofit commission established in 1979. The MoPEP group began operations in 2000 and has grown from 19 municipalities to 35 since that time.

The substation project will help Farmington meet its growing commercial power needs, said Duncan Kincheloe, president and general manager of the Missouri Public Utility Alliance. Projects like Farmingtons that strengthen local infrastructure also bring greater reliability and efficiency to the entire MoPEP partnership.

The grant from MoPEP covers about 15 percent of the cost of the project, with the other 85 percent coming from local funding.

The Farmington City Council approved a lease purchase financing agreement with First State Community Bank for the substation in December of 2015. The agreement is $955,000 for a period of five years.

The MoPEP Power Infrastructure Modernization Grant Program assists MoPEP municipal utilities to invest in long term capital assets of their local electric systems to improve reliability and efficiency of electric infrastructure for systems supplied through MoPEP. Funds requested under the program must be used for acquisition of capital assets used in the operations of the electric utility.

MoPEP includes the following Missouri cities: Albany, Ava, Bethany, Butler, Carrollton, Chillicothe, El Dorado Springs, Farmington, Fayette, Fredericktown, Gallatin, Harrisonville, Hermann, Higginsville, Jackson, La Plata, Lamar, Lebanon, Macon, Marshall, Memphis, Monroe City, Odessa, Palmyra, RockPort, Rolla, St. James, Salisbury, Shelbina, Stanberry, Thayer, Trenton, Unionville, Vandalia, and Waynesville.
Niki Lauda has rubbished a claim Red Bull pushed Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton so hard in Malaysia that it caused the Briton's engine to fail.

Dr Helmut Marko told F1's official website that Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen were so competitive at Sepang that it "very likely forced him (Hamilton) into that engine failure".

F1 legend and Mercedes team chairman Lauda hit back: "I have never heard such nonsense.

"I do always admire Helmut's optimism," the triple world champion said of his Austrian compatriot.

"I think he always tries to find reasons why he would have won," Lauda told Auto Motor und Sport, referring to Marko.

Indeed, Lauda said Hamilton would have easily won last Sunday if his engine had not failed, as the Mercedes package had plenty in reserve.

"The fact that Nico pulled himself up from last place to third place is the only evidence you need," he said.

(GMM)
DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost two years, although we have known each other for almost seven years now. He is sweet, compassionate, always puts me first and is the best friend and romantic partner I could ever wish for.

My question is, is two years too soon to know that I want to spend my life with him? We have discussed getting married and we would both like to, but I have heard countless stories about couples divorcing because they didn't wait long enough before getting married, and I don't want to be one of those people. Please help. -- LOVING IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR LOVING: In many cases, two years is long enough for a couple to meet, know they are compatible, become engaged and marry. Having known this man for a total of seven years, I would like to think that you have had a chance to observe him in many situations and possibly in other relationships. I would hope that you have both dated others and gained some experience.

What concerns me is that you felt the need to write and ask me this question, because it makes me wonder if you are completely convinced that your marriage would last forever. Premarital counseling might put your mind at ease, and that's what I recommend.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for two years. He keeps asking about a tattoo I have on my ankle and making fun of it. The tattoo is small and has my initials, or so I tell him. I think he knows I'm lying. A guy I dated had the same initials and we got matching tattoos, but I have never admitted it to my husband. Am I lying? Should I tell him whose initials those really are? -- INITIALLY CONFUSED

DEAR INITIALLY CONFUSED: Many people today have tattoos, and some of them include the names or initials of former boyfriends, girlfriends and spouses. You should have fessed up at the time you were being married. The problem with lying about something as trivial as this is that it makes one wonder what else you would lie about.

I see several possible solutions: First, tell your husband the truth. The second would be to have the tattoo removed. The third would be to add your married initial to the ones already on your ankle, at which point they WILL be your initials and yours alone -- unless you're still using your maiden name.

DEAR ABBY: I have noticed that you often tell people to talk to a spiritual adviser. As an agnostic, I am curious whom you would recommend I speak to. -- RICK IN DENVER

DEAR RICK: In a case like yours, talk to someone who is not personally or emotionally involved with you, such as a licensed counselor.

DEAR ABBY: My husband travels frequently with a work crew. It is not unusual for them to be gone for months at a time. During these absences, some of the married men on this crew cheat on their wives, who are at home with their children.

I feel guilty knowing they are cheating. I don't want them bringing home any sexually transmitted diseases to their unsuspecting spouses. My husband says I should stay out of it because it's not my business, but I feel bad saying nothing.

Should I speak to the wives? I have seen the cheating firsthand, so I'm certain it is happening. I would want to know if it were me. -- TORN IN THE NORTHEAST

DEAR TORN: You have a moral dilemma, one that I can't decide for you. It is extremely important that you talk further with your husband about this. While I respect your motivation to disclose what you have seen to the wives, before doing anything you must carefully consider what the consequences could be. If you do what you are contemplating, your husband is sure to be ostracized by his co-workers. He could lose his job, and you your marriage.

DEAR ABBY: I'm a 14-year-old girl with two younger brothers. They fight all the time, which I understand is normal. The problem is, my dad favors my youngest brother. If there's a conflict between my brothers, he always punishes the oldest whether he deserves it or not. I have come to realize this is because of my dad's own bad relationship with his older brother and that this is his way of getting revenge.

It's taking a toll on my brother emotionally because he already struggles with school and sports. I'm afraid he will become depressed. My mom will never speak up about it, and when I do, despite my good relationship with my dad, he punishes me. Sometimes I'm afraid he'll become violent. I feel boxed in, Abby. Please help. -- STUCK SISTER

DEAR SISTER: You're a brave girl, and I'm glad you wrote. Regardless of how dysfunctional your father's relationship may have been with his older brother, it does not give him the right to abuse your brother. Your mother may be afraid of your father or she would have put a stop to it years ago.

You say you are afraid your father will become violent with you, which suggests that you have seen it happen to other family members. If you try to discuss this further with your dad, you might be at risk for violence.

It's important that you find an adult you trust who can intervene on your brother's behalf -- a teacher, a relative or even a neighbor. Another strong male may be what it takes to protect your brother.

P.S. If this doesn't solve the problem, please write to me again and let me know.

DEAR ABBY: I have a brother and a sister. I'm the oldest. My husband and I have a 3-year-old child and no plans for more children.

We have been blessed to be able to afford nice things for our daughter, and I have saved them in the hope of giving them to my brother and his fiancee, who are being married this year. My brother and I are very close, and I love his fiancee. They are not financially well off, so I know it would mean a lot to them.

Now something unexpected has happened. My sister -- the youngest -- just announced that she's engaged and is being married in three months. She plans on having children ASAP, whereas my brother and his fiancee want to wait a year or two after the wedding.

My mom and my sister say whoever has a baby girl first is entitled to all my stuff, but I don't want to give all my "treasures" to my sister. We have never gotten along, and she wouldn't appreciate them like my brother would. Am I wrong for feeling the way I do? What should I do? -- FEELING COERCED IN WASHINGTON

DEAR FEELING COERCED: Cross your fingers and hope your sister's production line produces all boys. (Just kidding.) Your baby items belong to you, not your mother and not your sister. No one is "entitled" to them. If you prefer to give them to your brother's wife, that's your privilege. Your reasons seem valid to me.

DEAR ABBY: I'm 17 and have been in a relationship with "Zane" for three years. We get along beautifully, but of course we have our issues to work through. What upsets me is adults who think our relationship isn't real because I'm under 18. No, Zane and I don't have bills to pay or children to raise, but we talk to each other. That's what I have always thought is the most important thing between two people.

We have fun together, go to church and have meaningful discussions about almost everything. The only thing my divorced parents agree on is that they both love Zane. We know our relationship isn't perfect, but we're committed to working on it, becoming closer and understanding each other.

But I keep getting comments from teachers, my friends' parents, strangers and even Zane's grandma about how we should be prepared for our romance not to last because we're so young. It's annoying and disheartening. How can I prove to these "non-believers" that teens feel love and can have stable relationships, too? -- SERIOUSLY IN LOVE IN MAINE

DEAR SERIOUSLY IN LOVE: I don't blame you for feeling frustrated, because being patronized is annoying. The way to prove to "non-believers" that they are wrong is simply to continue successfully in your relationship. You appear to be mature, grounded and treat each other well. I don't know what your plans are for after high school, but if you keep the lines of communication open, I see no reason why this couldn't lead to marriage one day -- and a good one, based on mutual respect and compromise.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a senior in college. This summer, I adopted a rabbit. I left this rabbit at home, with my parent's permission, and planned to take it in the second I had my own place after college. I still live on the college campus as a resident assistant, and animals are prohibited in the rooms.

Two days ago, my mother called to me to tell me they had surrendered my rabbit to a shelter a week ago because I wasn't home to take care of it. I feel like I let down this animal, and I am furious at my parents. The rabbit has been re-homed (I called the shelter), but I feel so betrayed by my parents. They didn't see that this rabbit was important to me. -- Runaway Rabbit, Chicago

DEAR RUNAWAY RABBIT: I hate to tell you this, but you cannot blame this situation on your parents. You are the one who adopted a pet before you were ready to care for it. It was irresponsible of you to leave a live animal with your parents, forcing them to be responsible for it until you had the wherewithal to take it back. It would have been nice for your parents to call to give you the heads up that they were going to take the rabbit to the shelter, but I'm sure they didn't because you would have begged them to keep it.

Caring for pets is a serious responsibility that you cannot force on someone else, even your own parents. What's great is that the rabbit is alive and being cared for by someone who has the time, space and attention to do so properly.

You should apologize to your parents for putting them in this compromised situation, forgive yourself for trying to do more than you could at the time you adopted the rabbit, and chart your course more carefully from here on out. Before you get another pet, evaluate your life to be clear as to whether you can care for it properly.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I live in the same town as an acquaintance I went to high school with. We run into each other more frequently than I would like, and every time we speak, he asks for my attendance at his lectures. I don't want to spend money watching him speak, and I certainly don't want to share my contacts list for him to begin harassing my friends. At first I thought this was avoidable by slighting him whenever possible, but evasion is no longer working. Is it time to be direct with him? -- Not Your Audience, Boston

DEAR NOT YOUR AUDIENCE: You can be direct with this person. Next time he asks you to attend a lecture, wish him luck with it as you add that you will not be attending. If he asks why, tell him that you spend your free time pursuing your personal interests. Wish him well as you state that his area of expertise is not one of your passions. If he pushes you for referrals, tell him no, that you are not comfortable sharing your contacts with him.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My children are in elementary school, and I have been reading mommy blogs about how to incorporate children into chores. I have tried to make washing dishes into a fun game, but I get a lackluster response from my two boys. The same goes for other cleaning and outdoor work. I explained that if they help, mommy has more time to have fun. They didn't care. Are some kids just less inclined to do chores or help around the house? I know I never got a break from sweeping and dishes growing up. -- Sweeping Sons, Chevy Chase, Maryland

DEAR SWEEPING SONS: Think back on what motivation your parents used to get you to do chores. I doubt they talked about the incentive of fun. I suggest that you teach your sons that it is the responsibility of every member of a household to contribute to the maintenance of the house, inside and out. This is not optional, and it is not so that you can have more fun. As you see, that can backfire because children are focused on having fun for themselves.

Give your boys specific, manageable tasks to complete. Let them know that they will not be allowed to play outside or inside, including playing computer games, until their chores are complete. You will then have to be true to your word. If the dishes aren't washed or the yard work is incomplete, make sure that the TV is off, the video games are powered down, the phones are in your possession and basically that anything that they would consider fun is out of reach. Consequences help to drive actions.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My family has a history of breast cancer, and I am nearing an age where my rate of developing cancer is getting higher. I have been considering getting a preventive double mastectomy. Although this is not necessary for me right now, I want the closest thing to 100 percent certainty that I will see my grandchildren get married.

I have spoken to my doctor, and he recommends waiting on the mastectomy, provided I get frequent checkups to see if I develop something. However, he does note that I should do whatever I am most comfortable with. My husband has told the rest of my family about my medical dilemma, and now I am getting opinions from all sides. I want my medical opinions coming from my doctor only. -- Risky Business, Washington, D.C.

DEAR RISKY BUSINESS: It is understandable that you would be nervous about your health, given your family history. But it is also wise for you to consult with your doctor -- and to get a second opinion. Consult another cancer specialist, and have that doctor review your medical history to give you a second recommendation. I have spoken to many women who have a family history of breast cancer who have made a range of choices based upon medical input and their own instincts.

There now are a host of tests that can help to pinpoint the likelihood of you getting cancer. Take advantage of the new technology before taking extreme action. By all means, stay on top of your health.

DEAR HARRIETTE: Upon moving into my house, my landlord said utilities were included in my rent. After a month of living here, I received an electricity bill and called my landlord. He didn't pick up, but texted me that it was my responsibility. His statement about utilities wasn't in the lease, but he made a verbal promise to me. Is there any way I could make him honor his promise now that he's trying to make me foot the bill? -- Lights Off, Jackson, Mississippi

DEAR LIGHTS OFF: This is why you must read the fine print. It is your word against your landlord's, and your rental agreement does not support your word. If at all possible, try again to have a direct conversation with your landlord. Appeal to his humanity. Tell him that you created a tight monthly budget based upon numbers that are now changing because he has changed his terms. Ask him to help you out. Remind him how much you enjoy living in this house, but you really need his help by honoring the verbal agreement he made with you.

If you cannot get to him in person, you can try having this conversation via text. If you get him to admit that he did verbally agree to paying the utilities, you could take him to court. But it is likely that you are going to have to pay this utility bill. You will have to balance out whether the headache, time and possible cost of attempting to get your landlord to honor his word is worth it.

Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106
In the race for Wyomings lone House of Representatives Seat in Washington, D.C., much of the money donated has gone to Republican candidate Liz Cheney.

According to the Federal Election Commission filings, Cheney has raised more than $1.4 million in her bid to represent the Cowboy State, more than 14 times the $98,540 amount raised by her opponent, Democrat Ryan Greene. Contributions to Cheneys campaign in Wyoming total $287,786, representing 19.6 percent of her total contributions. The filings represent the period between Jan. 1 and July 27.

Cheney received $375,250 from donors in F...
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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
October is the month when most think of Halloween. Over here at the Sweetwater County Library, we think of Harry Potter. For years now, we have worked hard each October to create the best, most realistic, and most fun Harry Potter party for you. We love doing it and we hope you love coming to it.

The party starts at 1 pm.. on Saturday and this year, were celebrating Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth book in the seven-book series. Everything is new this year  activities and crafts that youve never seen before. Begin by meeting Professor McGonagall and lettin...
Newspapers across the county are celebrating National Newspaper Week, an observance usually made by printing verbose editorials celebrating the newspapers importance to the community it serves.

We decided to take a different tactic. We decided to show you how a newspaper can continue to be valuable, even now. On the front page of the newspaper this week, we published two articles involving campaign finances. One focuses on what was spent in the local political contests for city council and county commission while the other highlights campaign contributions made to Liz Cheney and Ryan Gre...
In Wyoming, we know how devastating floods can be to our communities. With Senate passage of a bipartisan water bill, towns across Wyoming are one step closer to improving dam safety and better preparing for floods.

Senate Passes Bill to Help Wyoming Communities Prepare for Flood

On Sept. 15, the Senate passed the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) by a vote of 95 to 3. This bill authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to improve and maintain dams, inland waterways, ports, and projects to prevent flooding and ensure water delivery to communities. As a member of the committe...
Oct. 7GREENSBORO  The last of Guilford County's federal COVID-19 money will go to a variety of government and nonprofit initiatives.
TSR Ladies Apparel & Accessories is hosting Ladies Day & Night Out from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. There will be in-store specials and refreshments. You can find a savings coupon on the stores website, www.ShopAtTSR.com.

And TSR will have an embroidery party Oct. 12-15. The store will offer free embroidery on select TSR items in the store, including handbags, casserole carriers, tote bins and wraps.

Both events will be held at the store, 4500 Groometown Road. For more details, visit the website or call (336) 294-3354.

Gem, jewelry event at Simon Jewelers

Simon Jewelers (1345 N. Main St., High Point) is hosting a gem show from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The show features the worlds largest traveling Smithsonian-style gem and jewelry collection, according to the store, and it is being presented by Gary Bowersox, author of The Gem Hunter.

There will be more than 60,000 gems on display for sale, including emeralds, rubies and sapphires. There also will be more affordable gemstones, such as amethysts, garnets, citrines and blue topaz.

For more information, contact Gary Simon at (336) 887-9394, or email gary@simonjewelers.com.

New stores coming to High Point center

A Kentucky real estate company is revamping a High Point shopping center and adding new stores.

BC Wood Properties, owner of Southwood Square Shopping Center, said that a Planet Fitness, Roses department store and dds Discounts (a division of Ross stores) will fill the 104,000-square-foot vacancy left by Kmart when it closed.

The stores will open by spring 2017, joining Dollar Tree, Save-A-Lot, Jackson Hewitt, Nationwide Insurance and Shoe Show in the shopping center.

Weve strategically filled the vacant Kmart box with three tenants we feel will meet the needs of the local community. ..., said King Offutt, president of BC Wood Properties. We believe the addition of dds Discounts, Roses and Planet Fitness will bring new customers to the center and will attract new tenants.

Southwood Square Shopping center is on the corner of South Main Street and West Fairfield Road.

BC Wood Properties, based in Lexington, Ky., owns and operates over 5 million square feet of retail real estate.

West Elm now open, features N.C. products

Home retailer West Elm has opened in the Shops at Friendly Center.

Customers unfamiliar with the Brooklyn, N.Y.,-based brand can expect to find signature, modern pieces inside the 11,000-square-foot store.

West Elm stores support local communities. The Greensboro store includes a local section that features products made by North Carolina residents. Postcards by Nadia Hassan, a Greensboro designer and illustrator, are among the local items customers can find in the store.

The products of seven other North Carolina artists are also sold in the store.

The store features mini-shops, designed for customers doing quick shopping. There is an entertainment shop where you can pick up dinnerware and flatware, and a storage shop to buy items to organize your home.

Having trouble figuring out just how to decorate your home with West Elm pieces? Free design services are offered in the stores design lab for all those dilemmas.

The stores normal hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. It is located at 3316 W. Friendly Ave., Suite 105, between Whole Foods and the Apple store.

West Elm is teaming up with Whole Foods for Party Hosting Made Easy from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. Stop in to see West Elms eco-friendly line of kitchen and table linens and get treats and recipes from Whole Foods.

Shop Tanger, help breast cancer charity

Tanger Outlets in Mebane is asking shoppers to participate this month in its breast cancer awareness campaign.

The Tanger PinkSTYLE campaign runs through Oct. 31. Tanger Outlet shoppers can support the campaign by buying a $5 Pink Card at the outlets Shopper Services (located next to Talbots), or purchasing a mobile Pink Card by visiting www.tangeroutlet.com/pinkstyle.

Both versions offer a 25 percent discount on a single item in participating stores.

Proceeds from the campaign will benefit Little Pink Houses of Hope, which provides support for breast cancer patients and their families.

Tanger Outlets is also hosting a food truck festival on Saturday and Sunday, with 10 percent of all sales going toward breast cancer charity.
GREENSBORO - At noon on Thursday, fast food workers and their supporters will hold a rally at McDonald's at 2347 Randleman Road.

The rally is a protest against alleged widespread sexual harassment of employees at McDonald's restaurants.

The action follows a nationwide filing of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints against the fast food giant.

According to media reports, Fight for $15 - a non-profit advocating for higher wages and fair treatment of fast food workers - filed complaints against McDonald's on behalf of 15 of the chain's workers from eight states who claim they are victims of sexual harassment on the job.

Fight for $15 has posted a video on it's site of McDonald's workers talking about experiences of alleged sexual harassment.

Protesters at the rally will carry signs that read "Put Some Respect in My Check" and demand McDonald's enforce the zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment outlined in its Operations and Training Policies for Franchisees.

The Greensboro protest is part of dozens of organized lunchtime protests being held in cities across the country.
GREENWICH  Opponents of the plan to erect a new Neighbor to Neighbor headquarters on Christ Church property said this week they have been unfairly maligned in the public debate over the proposal.

I am neither uncharitable nor unphilanthropic, I am merely shocked at the hubris of this project, said Joanna Stohn, a resident of Putnam Hill Apartments, which are adjacent to the proposed building site. Watergate was not about the break-in, it was about the cover-up, and there are a lot of things in this project that have not been forthcoming.

About 70 people packed a meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission on the issue this week, with slightly more than half against the proposal.

Neighbor to Neighbor, which provides food and clothing to those in need, currently operates out of rooms in the churchs basement, space it outgrew years ago, according to agency officials.

Tensions have been escalating between the sides for months. Zoning commissioners did not decide on the fate of the project at the meeting, held Tuesday night at Town hall, but are scheduled to do so within the next two months.

After public comment concluded, commission members discussed changes they could order to assuage some of the neighbors concerns  including after-hours lighting and traffic limits, design tweaks and parking cutbacks.

Many of those in opposition are concerned about the effect on the Tomes-Higgins House, the last standing structure in the state designed by noted architect Calvert Vaux. The new building and its parking lot would occupy what is not the lawn beside the house.

The architect for Neighbor to Neighbor, Rich Granoff, went over some of the changes he had made to the design to comply with suggestions the commission made in early September.

We are creating a hybrid, referring to Tomes-Higgins and a barn-like structure, Granoff said.

The windows and some other elements match the historic house, but they tried to compliment rather than mimic the structure, Granoff said.

Other residents are concerned the new building could have an adverse impact on the residential feel of their neighborhood.

You talk about this being a residential zone? said nearby resident John Considine. Its a super residential zone.

Nancy Coughlin, executive director of Neighbor to Neighbor, said the staff leaves after business hours and all the lights will be off by that point.

She countered comments throughout the meeting that the agency could easily build elsewhere in town. The church is leasing the property to the charity for $1 a year.

Its important to remember that what the neighbors are characterizing as a commercial operation has been taking place at the church for 40 years, Coughlin said. Its been suggested that Neighbor to Neighbor donors will purchase any building, anywhere. Its not true. As generous as the Greenwich community has been over the years, none has been as generous as Christ Church.

The proposal includes the addition of 19 parking spaces to the site, and commissioner Andrew Fox suggested that might be more than they need.

You have irreparably harmed a beautiful residential community if you approve this project, said Mark James, a resident of Putnam Park apartments. There is no doubt that our economic status will see a significant downturn.

pfrissell@hearstmediact.com; @PeregrineFriss
New York state officials are objecting to a federal agencys plan  already endorsed by their Connecticut counterparts  to dump dredged silt in Long Island Sound.

The Associated Press reports that Rossana Rosado, New Yorks secretary of state, formally objected in a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Rosado said the EPA needs to consider alternate sites, and the cumulative effects of the dredging.

The EPA wants to continue underwater dumping of toxic dredge material at a site in the Eastern Long Island Sound that had been scheduled to close at the end of the year.

The New London disposal site will instead be partially closed and expanded beyond its existing underwater footprint to increase capacity. The EPA intends to close the existing Cornfield Shoals disposal site near the mouth of the Connecticut River.

We are proposing to go from two sites to one, Mel Cote, chief of the surface water branch for EPAs New England region, told Hearst Connecticut Media earlier this year. We are also adding new restrictions and procedures.

Dennis Schain, a spokesman for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said the agency supports the EPA plan, and pointed out that the dredged material to be disposed of at underwater sites is already in the Sound

We are pleased that EPA continues to recognize the need to preserve options for open water disposal of dredged materials, Schain said. Connecticuts ports, harbors and marinas rely on periodic dredging projects to remain open and available to serve the needs of our state.

A recent Hearst review of a dredging plan developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and now proposed by the EPA found multiple government studies confirming that dredged material stays put after placement, but little science detailing the impact on nearby fish and marine life  or on the 20 million people who live near the Sounds shores.

The review also found stiff opposition to the dredging plan in New York State, in part because Connecticuts maritime economy and dredging needs dwarf New Yorks. Connecticuts sediment is far more polluted, due to generations of industrial factories that dumped pollutants into rivers and the Sound.

Environmentalists in Connecticut have also sharply criticized the plan, noting the material is classified as toxic.

Staff writer Bill Cummings contributed to this story.
NEW HAVEN  A former Connecticut judicial marshal faces up to four years in prison after admitting guilt in a drug distribution case.

Jeffrey Gentile, 34, of Ansonia, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of using a telephone to facilitate the distribution of amphetamine, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly.
Also makes for great fondue. Photo: Courtesy of Murrays Cheese

In its 75 years in existence, Murrays Cheese has never actually made its own cheese, so Annelies  which it created from initial concept into R&D, and then aged in its own caves  is a big deal. Murrays worked with world-famous cheese-maker Walter Rass of Kaserei Tufertschwil, and the product (named after Rasss wife, aw) is aged for three months in Switzerland and then another nine months here in New York. The project took three years in total.

All of that effort culminated in a raw cows-milk cheese thats slightly sweet, with subtle flavors of roasted hazelnuts, butterscotch, and cocoa. Its light enough that it makes for a perfect snacking cheese, but it also melts beautifully, which is ideal for New Yorks imminent fondue weather. You dont have to be in the city (or Rasss tiny village in Switzerland, where its also sold) to try it, though; fortunately, its sold online. Serve it at your next party and brag about its impressive origin story; itll put all of the other cheeses to shame.
If you are in the UK, and are planning to purchase the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL, you'll be glad to know that the Windows 10-powered device is now available for 299.99 via Amazon.

A quick look at Microsoft's UK website reveals that the Redmond, Washington-based company is selling the same model for 339.00, a price difference of around 40, but is including a free Display Dock.

Source 1 2
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Haiti - Humanitarian : First aid from the European Union





Following the passage of the Matthew hurricane, the strongest since Sandy in 2012 that has hit hard Haiti on October 4th, the European authorities, in cooperation with the international community, have deployed risk management tools to assist populations affected in several departments of Haiti.



The European Union (EU), through its Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), has immediately allocated a first allocation of 255,000 euros for assist worst affected victims. A team of three EU humanitarian experts is deployed on the ground to assess the most urgent needs.



At the request of the Haitian government and in coordination with Member States, the European Union activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, in order to mobilize additional means of intervention.



Vincent Degert, Ambassador of the European Union in Haiti, declared "The European Union expresses its solidarity with the people confronted with this particularly violent disaster. Besides, a first financial assistance to provide, through the International Federation of the Red Cross, health services, water and emergency shelters in the worst affected areas, the European Union and its Member States, will deploy in the coming days, civil defense resources to provide, according to the needs, support to the most affected populations."



The EU, which is also involved in Haiti in the coordination to the National Emergency Operations Centre (COUN) closely following the evolution of the consequences of Matthew and continue to provide additional assistance to the victims. Moreover, the Copernicus system of management of EU emergency has provided satellite maps to assess the damage and identify the most affected areas.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18840-haiti-matthew-at-least-350-000-people-need-assistance.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18839-haiti-agriculture-heavy-preliminary-assessment.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18837-haiti-politic-privert-overflight-the-great-south.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-18836-icihaiti-flash-matthew-23-dead-partial-provisional-assessment.html

https://developers.facebook.com/tools/debug/og/object?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.haitilibre.com%2Fen%2Fnews-18822-haiti-flash-matthew-be-careful-it-s-not-over.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18821-haiti-flash-the-bridge-ladigue-collapses-situation-west-pap.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18816-haiti-flash-blackout-on-port-au-prince-les-cayes-flooded.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18812-haiti-flash-matthew-the-situation-across-the-country.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18809-haiti-flash-hurricane-matthew-the-current-situation.html



HL/ HaitiLibre
























Haiti - Humanitaire : $1M of additional assistance from USAID for Haiti





Wednesday, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced an additional $1 million in humanitarian assistance for communities in Haiti affected by Hurricane Matthew. This brings total USAID humanitarian assistance for regional hurricane relief efforts to $1.5 million.



This additional amount will help provide food vouchers, food rations, cash transfers, and meals at evacuation shelters. It will also allow the agency's network of humanitarian partners in Haiti to scale up relief operations. USAID is also providing $500,000 to international partners in Haiti to provide logistics support and distribute critical relief supplies, including safe drinking water, hygiene kits, emergency shelter materials, blankets, and household goods.



This new funding comes a day after USAID activated a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) in the central Caribbean. The DART, an elite team of disaster experts, has deployed to Haiti, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, where they are coordinating with governments of the affected countries and humanitarian organizations on the ground to bring vital humanitarian assistance and logistics support to communities in need.



In addition to deploying staff throughout the region, USAID has also pre-positioned relief supplies and is gearing up to airlift additional needed supplies from its warehouse in Miami (Florida), for assist victims of Matthew.



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Haiti - News : Zapping politics...





FLASH: US Embassy still closed

Due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew the Embassy of the United States to Port-au-Prince will remain closed on Thursday October 6th. All visa interviews will be rescheduled.



Resumption of commercial flights

The Toussaint Louverture International Airport, reopened yesterday Wednesday for humanitarian flights. Commercial flights resume that Thursday, October 6th.



Jude Celestin for the respect of February 7

Jude Celestin described as "wise" the decision of the CEP to postpone "sine die" elections of October 9 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18834-haiti-flash-the-elections-of-october-9-postponed.html But it requires by con on February 7 for the installation of a newly elected President, is respected at all costs.



"Damages are enormous," dixit Privert

Wednesday, de facto President had a head to head with US Ambassador Peter Mulrean before leaving for the Great South , to conduct an aerial assessment of the situation https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18837-haiti-politic-privert-overflight-the-great-south.html

He described what he has seen so far of "catastrophic [...] damages are enormous and it will take as soon as possible we return to work not only to assist victims but also to begin infrastructure rehabilitation."



https://www.youtube.com/embed/5qe3jEodP70?rel=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>



Word of Sauveur Pierre Etienne

Sauveur Pierre Etienne Coordinator of OPL, which withdrew from the presidential race in favor of Jude Celestin, said the postponement of the poll did not give carte blanche to the government nor to the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) that it invited to consult all major political stakeholders to secure the new dates of the elections, stressing that in no case there may be an extension of the transition...



Jovenel Moise feet in the water with the population

Tuesday Jovenel Moise, the presidential candidate under the banner of PHTK wento to Leogane despite the weather. The feet in water alongside the population, while the hurricane hit hard Haiti, Jovenel had come to investigate the situation and determine how to respond to as quickly in a city plagued by floods of rare violence. He was to go later in the South and the Grand'Anse to assess the situation and provide support to victims.



Sandra Honore at the National Palace

Wednesday at the National Palace, Sandra Honore, the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the UN came to show solidarity to the de facto President Jocelerme Privert following the passage of Hurricane Matthew.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Grace Chapel Worship, the worship team from Grace Chapel in the beautiful small town of Leiper's Fork, Tennessee, situated in the rolling hills south of Nashville, is thrilled to announce the release date for their stunning new full-length worship CD, So Loved, on the Grace House Music label. The highly anticipated new project will make its debut on Friday, October 7, 2016, through iTunes, Amazon Music and Google Play. Fans can pre-order So Loved on iTunes.

Grace Chapel Worship called on the inestimable talents of Grammy-nominated, multi-Dove Award winning producer Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets, Hawk Nelson, Stellar Kart, Remedy Drive) to helm the new project.

"What a joy to capture the passion and excitement in a recording of what I've personally witnessed at Grace Chapel for almost a decade," says Eskelin.

A true ensemble project, So Loved includes 12 songs, penned by nine songwriters, and features lead vocals by seven different artists.

The CD kicks off with the exuberant, electric guitar driven call to worship, "Meet Us Here," written by music industry veterans Mia Fieldes ("Proof of Your Love," "He Knows My Name"), Rick Cua ("I Can, I Will," "Above All Else") and Jonathan Allen ("All of Me," "Mighty Redeemer"), with Allen handling the lead vocals. Logan Pringle takes over lead vocals on "Crown Him (Forever)," a reimagined and updated version of the beloved hymn, "Crown Him With Many Crowns." Allen resumes lead vocals on the beautiful anthem of adoration, "One True Love," then Pringle tags back in on the praise song, "Name Above."

The acoustic piano-driven, "Christ Be All," written by Chris Eaton ("Breath of Heaven") and Allison Allen, features lead vocals from Adie Camp, with background vocals from her husband, multi-Dove Award winner Jeremy Camp. Debi Selby takes over on the peace-evoking "Greater Still," and Janine Jones lends lead vocals on the reverent piano-based prayer, "Face to Face." Jonathan Allen leads worship on "My Victory," and "Love," while veteran CCM recording artist Amy Morriss Lowry contributes lead vocals on "Just The Thought Of You" and "Redeemed." Dove Award winner Alisa Childers (ZOEGirl) lends a sense of soul yearning to the achingly beautiful "The Table," which was co-written by Eskelin and Jonathan Allen.

"One thing about this project that I love is that we didn't intentionally sit down to write songs for a live recording," says Grace Chapel worship pastor Jonathan Allen. "During a sermon series, the Lord really just poured these songs out to the worship community. Steve Berger, our pastor, was doing a series entitled 'So Loved,' and that is how the project got its title. Because God loved us first, we just want to tell Him that we love Him, too. Our prayer is that these songs say just that."

Contemporary Christian music pioneer and Grace Chapel pastoral care pastor Rick Cua credits Grace Chapel worship pastor Jonathan Allen with creating an atmosphere of worship that was conducive to producing the project. "Jonathan Allen's nurturing leadership has made a way for the worship team to pour it all out for Jesus each time we worship, while at the same time get out of the way so the congregation can stay focused and draw close to the Lord," says Cua. "Every track on Grace Chapel Worship's new worship album, So Loved, is a reflection of what God is doing musically from week to week and song to song at our church. The foundation of it all is our desire to worship God by giving back everything He's given us."

In keeping with Grace Chapel's heartbeat for missions and in response to God's call to "look after orphans" (James 1:27), a portion of the proceeds from all Grace Chapel Worship sales will go towards Josiah's House, a boy's home started by Grace Chapel in the Dominican Republic.

About Grace Chapel Worship: Grace Chapel Worship is a community of gifted artists who love to worship God and love serving the church. They serve as the worship team from Grace Chapel in the beautiful small town of Leiper's Fork, Tennessee, situated in the rolling hills south of Nashville. Grace Chapel Worship values authenticity and passionate biblical response to God. It is their heart's cry to look at the God who loved us first and say "I love You too."

Grace Chapel Worship's new full-length worship CD, So Loved, reflects worship as the natural response to the overwhelming love poured out by God on His children, and features a collection of original songs penned by members of the worship community at Grace Chapel. For more information about Grace Chapel, Grace Chapel Worship and Grace House Music, visit gracechapel.net.

About Josiah's House:Located in San Pedro De Marcoris, Josiah's House, once completed, will be a complex of four homes housing a total of 32 boys, along with one married couple (house parents), in a family setting. The mission of Josiah's House is to give each child an education, Biblical guidance, life skills, and daily affirmation of God's love for them. In partnership with SCORE International and Grace Chapel, Josiah's House provides destitute boys with a place of hope. The vision is to expand the project to include a similar facility for destitute girls. For more information about Josiah's House, visit josiahshouse.net.

Tags : grace chapel worship Grace Chapel so loved grace chapel worship news grace chapel worship interview
Worship leader and songwriter Darlene Zschech will be the keynote speaker at 'Designed for Life Women's Conference'. From October 6 to 15 in Springfield, MO, Zechech will join speakers such as Christine Caine, Lisa Harper, Sheila Walsh, Bianca Olthoff, and conference founder Debbie Lindell as they lead two back to back conferences for women. This conference seeks to encourage women to experience the beauty and design God has created for us.

"At the core of its message is this truth, that every woman and girl is beautifully and magnificently designed by God and altogether loved and valued by Him. It carries an invitation for you to be a part of an ever-expanding sisterhood movement that is rising up in strength - united in friendship, heart and purpose - women of all ages, backgrounds and personalities, committed to using their connected lives, talents and resource to change the world around them."

In addition, Zschech will be recording her brand new live worship album at her home church, HopeUC in Central Coast, NSW in Australia, in the first weekend of November. This will be Zschech second solo live album following 2013's Israel Houghton-produced "Revealing Jesus." Prior to that, Zschech has been the worship pastor of Hillsong Church for over 20 years. She was the one to spearhead the church's worship and brought it to an international level. Zschech has been known for writing some of Hillsong Worship's classics including "Worthy is the Lamb," "Potter's Hands," and "Shout to the Lord."

Also, Zschech has recorded a new song for Integrity Music's October 21st released project "Majesty in a Manager." The album features 10 Christmas songs from Paul Baloche, All Sons & Daughters, Dustin Smith, Travis Ryan, Seth & Nirva, Michael Neale, and Christine D'Clario. "Gloria (Our Savior Has Found Us)" is the title of Zschech's contribution to the festive record.

Tags : Darlene Zschech hope uc hillsong worship hillsong church designed for life's women conference darlene zschech new album darlene zschech news
Published on 2016/10/04 | Source

Actor Lee Min-ho recently filmed a commercial for Georgia, a Coca-Cola brand coffee. The commercial presents him as a smooth fall guy.

Advertisement

Lee Min-ho is feeling the scent of the coffee and he looks like a dream in the pictures.

His visual, acting skills and popularity blends in well with Georgia Gothika.

Coca-Cola claims the nationally famous actor and his popularity should inflict good influence on the coffee brand.

Meanwhile, the commercial will be released in October.
Published on 2016/10/06 | Source

Added episode 14 captures for the Korean drama "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" (2016)

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Directed by Baek Sang-hoon, Kim Seong-yoon

Written by Kim Min-jeong-II, Lim Ye-jin

Network : KBS

With Park Bo-gum, Kim Yoo-jung, Chae Soo-bin, Jin Young, Kwak Dong-yeon, Kim Seung-soo,...

18 episodes - Mon, Tue 22:00

Synopsis

'Moonlight Drawn by Clouds' is a palace romance inspired by the genius Crown Prince Hyomyeong in the later era of Joseon, who loved etiquette and music. The drama will tell the coming-of-age story of youthful romance in Joseon era which was unwritten in the history.

Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2016/08/22

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Harlow is a former New Town in Essex with a population of 86,000. Located in the upper Stort Valley, it was built in the decades after the Second World War to ease overcrowding and London and provide homes for people bombed out during the Blitz. It includes Britain's first pedestrian precinct and first modern residential tower block, The Lawn. Old Harlow, the historic part of the town, was mentioned in the Domesday Book. David and Victoria Beckham's former home, Rowneybury House, nicknamed 'Beckingham Palace', is nearby.

09:44, 30 OCT 2022
BECKS PURCHASES FORMER BASF SEED RESEARCH FACILITY IN KAUAI, HAWAII

News Release from Becks, OCTOBER 4, 2016

Atlanta, Indiana  Becks, the largest family-owned, retail seed company in the United States, announced today the purchase of the former BASF Seed Research Facility on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Built in 2012, the 13,000 square foot facility includes offices, laboratory space, storage and drying for corn breeding nurseries, as well as agricultural equipment needed to grow seed corn and research-focused plant materials.

We are excited to acquire this state-of-the-art research facility, said Dr. Kevin Cavanaugh, director of research at Becks. The southwest side of the island of Kauai provides a perfect environment to grow corn year round, allowing Becks to intensify its research efforts and provide farmers with the highest yielding seed products.

As part of the purchase agreement, Becks will assume a license for approximately 1,000 acres of productive land on the island to advance generations of breeding nurseries year round. The land will also be used for parent seed increases and limited hybrid production to quickly deliver Becks newest seed innovations to farmers.

The Beck family is focused on helping farmers succeed by increasing corn yields, explained Scott Beck, president of Becks. This investment is essential to providing our corn breeders with the tools necessary to develop the next generation of world-class seed genetics for farmers.

Becks will immediately begin moving most of its winter research operations to the facility. The Kauai, Hawaii facility will initially employ seven full-time employees and up to fifty part-time employees at peak operating times.

For more information about Becks products and services, visit www.BecksHybrids.com.

###

About Becks

Becks is a family-owned and operated seed company that serves farmers in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. According to a recent media survey, Becks ranks as the sixth largest seed company in the United States and the only one in the top six that is family-owned, making Becks the largest retail, family-owned seed company in the United States. To learn more about Becks, please visit www.beckshybrids.com. Follow Becks on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BecksHybrids, like Becks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BecksHybrids, or visit the Becks Blog at www.beckshybrids.com/blog.
Hawai'i Free Press Current Articles | Archives Thursday, October 6, 2016 Supreme Court Hearing Hanalei Boatyard Case Today

By Robert Thomas @ 3:48 PM :: 5555 Views :: Kauai County, Land Use Oct 6, 2016: HAWSCT Oral Argument In Eminent Domain Case: Do Parcels Need To Touch To Be Part Of A "Larger Parcel" by Robert Thomas, Inverse Condemnation, October 5, 2016 Thursday, October 6, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at Aliiolani Hale, the Hawaii Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case we've been following (we filed an amicus brief in the case, supporting the property owner on the first Question Presented), County of Kauai v. Hanalei River Holdings, Ltd., No. SCWC-14-0000828. The case is a taking by the County of several parcels on the north short of Kauai, but the main issue in the case -- do parcels need to physically touch in order for the jury to consider them part of a larger economic parcel -- goes well beyond this one case. The Honolulu rail project, probably the biggest eminent domain project in Hawaii's history, is underway, and the larger parcel issue could arise is more than a few cases there. What we thought was settled doctrine in Hawaii law was thrown into question by the Court of Appeals' decision in this case. The case involves three parcels on Kauai -- one of which is owned by a fellow who has been a thorn in the County's side -- which were condemned by the County for the expansion of a public beach park. The County was taking Parcels 49, 33, and 34. Sheehan owned 49, and HRH, a corporation, owned 33 and 34. Sheehan asserted his use of Parcel 49 stretched across 33, 34, and Area 51 -- a portion of another Parcel but not a separate record lot. He claimed to use Area 51 pursuant to an easement. Parcel 49 (green) -- Parcel 33 (pink) -- Parcel 34 (yellow) -- Area 51 (blue) The court of appeals held that Hawaii law requires that two parcels abut before a jury can consider them part of a larger parcel. The property owned by the condemnee was separated from the other parcel he claimed to use, and not physically connected. The condemnee claimed he used the two parcels together as a boat yard, and therefore the taking of his property damaged his use of the other. The ICA held that the owner "cannot satisfy the physical unity requirement because the two parcels Petitioners claim to use together are separated by two others. County of Kauai v. Hanalei River Holdings, Ltd., No. CAAP-14-0000828, slip op. at 31; 2016 Haw. App. LEXIS 224, at *10 (2016). The ICA asserted the "must touch" test was established by the Hawaii Supreme Court in City and County of Honolulu v. Bonded Investment Co., Ltd., 54 Haw. 523, 511 P.2d 163 (1973), which, in the ICA's view, required "that all of the pertinent lots abut one another." Slip op. at 20. Here is the description of the case and the Questions Presented from the Judiciary's web site: Petitioners/Defendants-Appellants Hanalei River Holdings, Ltd. (HRH) and Michael G. Sheehan (Sheehan) apply for writ of certiorari, challenging the Intermediate Court of Appealss (ICA) May 11, 2016 Judgment issued pursuant to its March 31, 2016 Published Opinion. The ICA affirmed the Final Judgment As to All Claims and All Parties of the Circuit Court of the Fifth Circuit (circuit court), filed on April 25, 2014, except with regard to the award of blight of summons damages. The ICA vacated the award of blight of summons damages and remanded to the circuit court for further proceedings. This case arises from the County of Kauais (the County) condemnation of three parcels of property owned by HRH and Sheehan. The County deposited $5.89 million with the circuit court as estimated just compensation, and the circuit court issued an order of possession in favor of the County. In addition to HRH and Sheehan, Patricia Wilcox Sheehan also claimed an interest in the properties. Almost a year later, HRH and Sheehan submitted an application to withdraw the estimated just compensation. The County opposed their application arguing that it still had not been determined that HRH and Sheehan were the owners of the properties and that an updated appraisal showed that the value of the properties on the date that the condemnation action was filed was only $4.86 million. The County also moved to withdraw the $1.03 million excess from its original deposit. Subsequently, Patricia Wilcox Sheehan waived her claims, and HRH and Sheehan entered into an agreement with the County, whereby the County agreed to HRH and Sheehans withdrawal of $4.86 million on the condition that Sheehan indemnify the County for any failure of HRH to return excess payments. HRH and Sheehan withdrew $4.86 million, and the circuit court granted the Countys motion to withdraw the remaining $1.03 million. Prior to trial, HRH and Sheehan claimed that they had a right to severance damages for a piece of property referred to by the parties as Area 51, that was actually a part of a larger parcel owned by Patricia Wilcox Sheehan. The County opposed HRH and Sheehans claim and moved for partial summary judgment on the severance issue. The circuit court granted partial summary judgment in favor of the County, holding that there was no unity of title because Area 51 was owned by Patricia Wilcox Sheehan, no unity of use because Sheehans permits to operate a boatyard on the condemned parcels and Area 51 had been revoked, and no physical unity because Sheehans parcel did not abut Area 51. At the end of the jury trial, the jury determined the total value of the condemned parcels to be $5.8 million. The circuit court also awarded HRH and Sheehan blight of summons damages on the jury verdict from the date of the summons until the date that the County deposited $5.89 in estimated just compensation and from the date that the County amended its deposit to $4.86 million to final payment on the $940,000 difference between the jury verdict and the amended deposit. HRH and Sheehan appealed to the ICA, arguing that the trial court erred when it permitted the County to withdraw a portion of the estimated of just compensation, when it granted summary judgment in favor of the County on the issue of severance damages, and in its calculation of blight of summons damages. The ICA affirmed the circuit court on the first two issues. However, the ICA disagreed with the circuit courts calculation of blight of summons damages and held that the interest should have been tolled from the date that the County made its unconditional deposit of estimated just compensation until the date that Patricia Wilcox Sheehan waived her claims and it became clear that HRH and Sheehan were entitled to receive the compensation. HRH and Sheehans application for writ of certiorari present the following questions to this court: 1. Must two parcels physically abut in order for the jury to consider whether they are part of a larger parcel? 2. Where there are multiple properties being condemned from different owners, does statutory interest on a conditional deposit only accrue after each condemnee establishes an entitlement to its portion of the deposit? 3. Does Hawaii Revised Statutes  101-19 enable a condemnor to withdraw a portion of its estimate of just compensation after deposit with the Court and after taking possession of the property? Stay tuned. The court usually posts oral argument recordings shortly after the case is submitted. We'll bring you some post-argument thoughts as warranted.
COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE

What impact will the rise of contingent workers likely have on team performance?



Chandler Macleod refers to a teams dynamics and composition as collective intelligence. For a teams potential to be achieved it needs to be leader-driven, the team composition needs to be considered, and the environment needs to encourage a culture of collaboration. By understanding the collective intelligence of your workforce, and specific teams, you can have a greater chance to achieve the desired outcome, says Bennetts. In this day and age, to have a high-performing workforce you need to have a focus on the team, not just the individual  its the sum of parts.



To tap into collective intelligence, HR must know how to source, assess and build a workforce of highly engaged and productive individuals, and support the collective intelligence of teams and the company as a whole.

BEFORE YOU ENGAGE

Thinking of using an outsource provider for talent? Here are Chandler Macleods top tips:



 Take the time to ensure culture and values alignment with your company and the sourcing company; go slow to go fast.

 Focus on the outcomes and the human aspects first and then the costs second.

 Have a vision and strategy to support integration with an outsourcing provider.

 Engage with your prospective partners and seek out a truly trusted partnership. Like any partnership, you will get out of it what you put in.

 Its important that HR has a louder voice in an organisation where contract decisions are Procurement or Supply led, so involve yourself in the decisionmaking process.

 Challenge your providers to propose ideas to help improve your organisation in areas important to your business: culture, quality, diversity, cost, and risk.

CHANDLER MACLEOD GROUP

Chandler Macleod Group is a comprehensive suite of human resources services and product offerings that address complex workforce challenges. With more than five decades of providing talent solutions that are the BestFit with Australian organisations, they are uniquely positioned to manage flexible and skilled workforces to deliver operational excellence, improve productivity, minimise risk, and develop opportunities for revenue generation.

business leaders were asked to pick just one pressing issue that has featured highly on their agenda over the past five years, labour productivity would feature prominently. As far back as 2012, Chandler Macleod s white paper, The Five Faces of Productivity, found that many organisations were not focusing on the right productivity initiatives. For example, while organisations concentrated on people management, training and process innovation, this was often at the expense of increased employee mobilisation (across sites, teams, projects and countries), workforce planning, product innovation and skills utilisation  the things that will truly drive productivity.Australia is not alone in this push for greater labour productivity  every business across the globe needs to review the productivity and efficiencies of their talent. However, due to the significant cost of labour in Australia, the need is more acute.As a workforce we need to be focused and strategic around talent decisions, says Steve Bennetts, GM Innovation and Client Services, Chandler Macleod People Insights. What this means is that Australia is the epicentre for leading the world in the most productive and efficient talent models, to create and maintain a productive and engaged workforce.Talent strategies are not static; they must move with the times. Its imperative that talent strategies are agile and future driven, says Bennetts. In reality, the high-potential employees of today want mobility; they want to move project to project and focus on outcomes. As a result, our conceptualisation of talent and how to retain it is changing at rapid pace.Jamie Devitt, GM Client Development at Chandler Macleod Staffing Services, says this focus on productivity has another far-reaching impact on talent management. Instead of acquiring talent, organisations must become more adept at engaging talent to get the job done in the most efficient manner possible.This is challenging how and where they source talent and ultimately the model of engaging talent, he says. The traditional model of full-time, permanent employment that is restricted to an office or workplace is shifting and changing the workforce dynamics.He adds that this has major repercussions not just for employers but for the Australian government and the community as a whole as they adapt to this rising contingent labour market.Coinciding with the changing business definition of talent is a new view of work from employees. Contrary to popular belief, it is not so much the different demographic groups in the workplace that are shifting their conceptualisation of work; instead its technology that is opening up the opportunity to think differently about workplaces.We should no longer be thinking of flexible work at an individual level, but at the organisational level, says Bennetts. Were seeing the shifts from all age groups. They are moving away from full-time, permanent roles being 9am5pm.Bennetts cites 2014 research from the University of South Australia, which found that just 15% of respondents (of a sample of nearly 3,000) said flexible arrangements were not available or possible in their current position. We are no longer being anchored to a physical location, which enables individuals to create the most productive environment to work in, he says.The composition of the flexible workforce is also changing, and Bennetts says the idea of the blended workforce is already a reality: part-time working arrangements have increased by a factor of three; full-time jobs are down by 10%; and one in three people are working casually.We observe leading organisations as truly embracing flexible work practices and improving how they define high performance from doing their hours to delivering an outcome, which is opening up a variety of possibilities as to how to get the job done, says Devitt.Fortunately, there is help at hand. Outsource talent providers can help with developing and engaging the flexible workforce of the future, thus enabling the focus to be on outcomes and productivity, which in turn allows the mitigation of risk and reduction in costs.For this to happen, its critical to ensure that, from a culture perspective, all workers are still seen as part of the organisation. A disengaged group will have an impact on productivity, performance and then indirect costs for the organisation. Bennetts cites an example of embedded outsourced workers: most people would not know that the many housekeepers working in hotels around Australia have been sourced from AHS Hospitality (part of Chandler Macleod), because they are embedded within the culture of their workplace. This is the ultimate aim for outsourcing companies, he says.There are other benefits to employers. For example, CM People Insights (CMPI) consultants partner with businesses to ensure that talent decisions are informed and support the company through various aspects of the employee experience. From the candidates perspective, they see CMPI consultants as a part of the business that they may work for in the future (recruitment) or may already work for (development). From our research, the outsourcing model works the best when the two companies are aligned on their cultures, values and beliefs, Bennetts says.Specialist outsource providers typically manage large networks or pools of talent, which enables them to access that talent quickly, identify the best-matched talent in the market to the job to be done, and go further to evaluate the best mode of engagement in order to meet the risk, cost and efficiency objectives of an organisation.Indeed, as workforce management is their stock in trade, this translates into benefits to the host employer, such as more effective and efficient management in the areas of safety, risk, legal, Industrial and Employee Relations, rostering, and performance management.Specialist providers typically also have access to best-in-market technology application, trends, and the ability to advise employers on general market trends. That includes insights around where to source talent and at what cost or salary level.Where organisations need the flexibility to scale back or ramp up quickly, outsourced organisations are well placed to deliver to that and the strategic outcomes, says Devitt. We have one recent example where a particularly large project involved a number of strategic imperatives in the diversity space. Through a targeted and relationship-based sourcing approach, we were able to source over 160 Indigenous workers and deliver a workforce with over a 20% Indigenous representation.With the opportunity for day-to-day management to be handled by the expert outsourcing company, HR is able to look more strategically at shaping company culture, using predictive workforce planning and working with technology to determine the best workforce for the future.Ultimately, HR teams need to redefine their definition of what the future workforce will look like, and adapt accordingly. Our classic processes of succession planning, development, and engagement  to name a few  will need to be adapted to a new shared definition, says Bennetts.For many years, HR leaders have fought for a seat at the strategic table; this is the time to fight to keep the seat.
TRACY MELLORS TIPS FOR WINNING OVER SCEPTICAL CFOS



Balance, whether its with a balanced benefits offering or a balanced benefits budget, is key to creating robust and sustainable benefits. Benefits, such as those providing savings to employees, can be extremely helpful in achieving this balance, as they are low cost and low effort but provide high engagement. This means that each dollar goes further to deliver an ROI to the business. Compare this to a benefit which costs two or three times more and has significantly lower utilisation, meaning each dollar has a lower ROI.



Also, remember that the most expensive thing you can give your employees is cash  a pay rise; you pay payroll tax and super and they pay income tax. So instead of giving them a 3% pay rise, which means significantly less to them and costs you more, you can give them discounts as a benefit, which costs you less than 0.1% of payroll and theyre going to save around 5% of their salaries  saving money on things they would be buying anyway, like groceries, petrol, holidays and insurance. If this doesnt put a smile on your CFOs face, then nothing will!

REWARD GATEWAY

Reward Gateway provides employee engagement technology to the worlds leading companies. Over 1,200 clients, including Optus,



If you would like further information on employee benefits solutions you can talk to Tracy Mellor, Reward Gateway group people director, on 0434 336 830, or Kylie Green, Reward Gateway sales director, on 0407 944 289; Reward Gateway provides employee engagement technology to the worlds leading companies. Over 1,200 clients, including Optus, KPMG and McDonalds, use the companys products to attract, engage and retain the best employees. The companys products power employee communications, employee recognition, and employee benefits through a single employer-branded hub called SmartHub.If you would like further information on employee benefits solutions you can talk to Tracy Mellor, Reward Gateway group people director, on 0434 336 830, or Kylie Green, Reward Gateway sales director, on 0407 944 289; www.rewardgateway.com

happens time and time again: a benefits program is launched amid much fanfare and genuine interest from managers and employees. Six months on, the dust has settled, the buzz has gone, and engagement with the benefits program has dipped. Worse still, the CFO has started questioning the value of such a program.This neednt be the case. Indeed, Tracy Mellor, managing director for Australia and New Zealand and group people director at Reward Gateway , says keeping benefits offerings alive for clients is something she enjoys most about her current role.Its been rewarding helping businesses see their utilisation of benefits skyrocket as they create a plan to ensure their teams know whats available, she says. One-off emails telling people where things are on the dusty intranet dont work. Whats needed is an ongoing and comprehensive approach to communication. And youre not fi nished there, because if you source your own deals with gyms or car companies, for instance, they need to be up to date and obtain a great deal too  actually, the best!Mellor knows this first-hand. Prior to joining Reward Gateway  she was in fact one of their first customers  she was general manager, people and culture, at Rebel Group.I was so fed up of negotiating with suppliers, particularly gyms, only to find that there was a better deal for those that just walked in off the street. It was so frustrating  and the employees let me know too, which was even more frustrating, she explains.Mellor also knows that sometimes its the internal communication systems  the aforementioned dusty intranets  that leave a lot to be desired.Conversely, Mellor has also seen userfriendly benefit platforms operating through company intranets. The reason for their success is that they have evolved to be more in line with how online technology looks and feels outside of the workplace, so from an employee experience perspective it looks and feels very natural to them.For example, the Reward Gateway employee discounts platform has many features and steps that resemble how employees would shop on the internet, so when they go into this benefit it feels natural, creating a positive and easy user experience. The more providers can stay connected with the outside world, the better chance we have of making it easy and accessible for our employees, Mellor says.Its just as important for benefits programs to be easy for HR to administer. Some HR professionals that Reward Gateway works with want to leave all the heavy lifting work to their employee engagement partner. Reward Gateway will therefore help clients create a centralised and branded hub for their benefits, and work closely to drive adoption of the benefits from day one. Other employers, of course, want more hands-on control.In that case any solution they use should have the same consumer-like feel as the product the employees are experiencing, and can easily be a place they can manage all their benefits, reward and recognition solutions, and employee communications, Mellor says.HRD outlined the importance of segmented communications in Issue 14.9, and Mellor reiterates the central question to ask. If we want HR communications to stand out and stick, we need to address the WIIFM factor  whats in it for me, she says. So give them something which appeals to them as individuals. Segmentation is the perfect tool to do this, helping us target the answer to this question for our various employee groups.To answer the WIIFM question, employers need to offer a wide breadth of benefits. Key elements of a comprehensive benefits package are benefits that increase the disposable income of employees, says Mellor.Staying fresh also means being across constantly evolving technology  for example, providing real-time access to discount benefits. Mellor recalls a recent conversation with Helen OReilly, chief HR officer at Teachers Mutual Bank: Helen described it perfectly  people dont want to plan to buy something. Whether its the weekly shop at Woolworths or Coles , a fashion frenzy at David Jones or Myer, or a one-off big purchase in Good Guys or JB Hi-Fi, they want it now. In fact, they want it whilst theyre in the store, after theyve chosen what it is they want to buy  and they want it on their phone with a great user experience.Mellor adds that employees also want to see how much theyve saved and how far their salary has been stretched. It makes them feel good and feel loved by their employer, she says.With discount benefits sorted, all other benefits must be located somewhere thats easy to access on a smartphone, so that people commuting on a bus or train, or sitting on the sofa at home, can find all the precious things that HR has spent hours sourcing or spent money on funding. If they can single sign-on thats even better, says Mellor. Who wants to have five different passwords and search on different parts of an intranet that they have to be in the office to log on to?A final tip is to ensure your benefits program is cost-effective. Reward Gateways group reward director, Debra Corey, says HR should be using data to help create and present an ROI (return on investment) and VOI (value on investment) to the board. Whether its for a new benefit, a recognition program, an HRIS system or a communications portal, presenting these can help you get your board on board. They answer the key why, as in, why spend the money, time and effort on this new HR program?By paying attention to the ROI and VOI of your programs, youll ultimately be able to answer that all-important question of why, says Mellor. Your board, your CEO and your unconvinced CFO or COO will take your programs more seriously as a result, and youll have the flexibility to expand upon your great ideas. Youll also be able to pinpoint  without emotion  whats working, and what isnt. And thats key to implementing any HR program.Whats the difference between these measures, and which is better? Mellor says the simple way of explaining them is that ROI focuses on tangible measures (eg sales, revenue) and VOI focuses on intangible measures (eg engagement, turnover).I believe that in order to answer the question why you need to present both. Some say that you should shake off ROI and embrace VOI, but I believe they both have an important and significant part to play, she adds.In theory, calculating the ROI and VOI for an HR program is pretty straightforward. It requires looking at the cost of the program and comparing it to the savings (either tangible or intangible) that the program would return, thus showing the return/value on the investment. The cost is usually quite easy to calculate, but the savings, especially intangible savings, can sometimes be a challenge.
The 45-acre Elk River Fire is burning on U.S. Forest Service land on top of Little Pine Mountain in Avery County, NC, near the Tennessee state line.

The fire is creeping and smoking and is expected to grow in size with dry, windy conditions forecasted over the next few days. It is currently only in North Carolina but it is expected to eventually reach Tennessee within containment lines.

Firefighters from the National Forests in North Carolina, Cherokee National Forest, North Carolina Forest Service, and Elk Park Volunteer Fire Department are on scene and creating hand lines in the area.

The fire began around 5 pm on October 4 on the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest and was approximately 20 acres when discovered.

For firefighter and public safety, the public is asked to stay away from the fire area.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

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While there is certainly no shortage in this state of attention devoted to candidates for president, governor or the U.S. Senate, judicial elections are another matter.

But the candidates seeking election to North Carolinas Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Superior Court and District Court are essential to our system of justice and the preservation of democracy and the rule of law.

Thats why the North Carolina Bar Association, through funding provided by the NCBA Foundation, supports two outstanding public service programs that provide information about these important candidates.

One such program is the Judicial Performance Evaluation survey, from which reports are generated and made available to the public and members of the media in advance of the primary and general election. The 2016 General Election Report is now available at ElectNCJudges.org.

The general election report includes evaluations of those Superior Court and District Court candidates who filed during the original filing period last December. Candidates who filed during special filing periods that occurred after the surveys were conducted are not included.

Media members are encouraged to reproduce the side-by-side comparisons and graphics in their publications and on their websites, with attribution to the North Carolina Bar Association. This is the third election cycle for which the survey reports have been made available to the public.

The reports are provided as a public service by the North Carolina Bar Association and its Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee, and are not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of any candidate.

For North Carolinas appellate courts, the NCBA works in partnership with UNC-TV to provide televised forums featuring candidates for the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. The forums will be broadcast multiple times on UNC-TVs North Carolina Channel and are also accessible now on its YouTube platform landing page or by direct link to each contest:

N.C. Supreme Court

Robert H. (Bob) Edmunds and Michael R. (Mike) Morgan

N.C. Court of Appeals

Rickye McKoy-Mitchell vs. Valerie Zachary

Richard Dietz vs. Vince Rozier

Bob Hunter vs. Abe Jones

Phil Berger, Jr. vs. Linda Stephens

Margaret Eagles vs. Hunter Murphy

The North Carolina Bar Association appreciates your interest in our states judicial elections and your willingness to share this information with your readers, viewer, listeners and followers.

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This article is reviewed by a team of registered dietitians and medical doctors with extensive, practical clinical and public health experience.

All articles are produced independently. When you click our links for purchasing products, we earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about how we earn revenue by reading our advertise disclaimer.

Ritual Prenatal Multivitamin An enjoyable experience with the noteworthy cit rus

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A prenatal vitamin is a processed supplement that contains all of the recommended minerals and vitamins to ensure a healthy pregnancy. The levels of both minerals and vitamins are appropriate for those trying to conceive, those who are pregnant, and those who are breastfeeding.

Each prenatal vitamin contains a dose of essential nutrients, including folic acid or folate, choline, iron, Vitamin D, and calcium. Its almost impossible to find all these nutrients in the levels needed from a single diet; thats why a prenatal vitamin is more than necessary.

As with all multivitamins, prenatal supplements come in different forms, including liquids, gummies, soft gels, and capsules. Each type has its good side and its bad side. Gummies, for instance, have a good taste and are easier to ingest, but theyre iron deficient.

A high-quality OTC (over-the-counter) supplement could be equally effective as a prescription alternative based on your average nutritional requirements. Its advisable for women to try out different supplements before settling for the one that doesnt have adverse effects like constipation or nausea.

When Do You Need Prenatal Vitamins? The best time to start incorporating prenatal supplements is before conception for all women of childbearing age, not on birth control. The folate content greatly lowers the risks of neural tube conditions such as spina bifida. A fetuss neural tube develops into the spinal cord and the brain within the first month of pregnancy. Spine formation in the womb occurs even before you notice youre expectant. Thus, folate is essential for the babys neural tube development. Thats why most specialists recommend that you start taking supplements as soon as you notice youre pregnant. Others will recommend that you begin consumption at least a month or two before pregnancy. A study[1] from 2016 showed that a whopping 45 percent of pregnancies within the US are unintended. Taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before pregnancy will prevent a host of problems such as preterm labor, congenital defects, miscarriages, and so on. Keep taking prenatal vitamins post-delivery, more specifically when breastfeeding. You dont need to take prenatal vitamins if youre not expectant and youre on birth control.

When To Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?

If youre pregnant, its not too late to start taking prenatal vitamins. However, its strongly recommended that you begin taking prenatal vitamins the moment you find out youre expecting to provide important vitamins for good nutrition for a healthy pregnancy.

Pregnant women require a relatively higher amount of vitamins and minerals as they support their developing fetus.

Theres no specific time of day for taking prenatal vitamins. When you remember to take your vitamins, simply do it without fail.

Your body will still absorb all the nutrients from the supplements regardless of when you take them. However, for optimum absorption with the least side effects, take it with a meal[2].

The Line Up At A Glance

The 7 Best Prenatal Vitamins for Pregnancy

Ritual Prenatal Multivitamin See Ritual Reviews Promotes brain health via these key nutrients: folate, choline, and Omega-3 DHA

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Fairly easy to digest, and swallow.

Zero synthetic ingredients Extravagantly expensive compared to most other brands.

Theyre a subscription service, meaning that you need to wait until the next month if your supply runs out. Ritual supplements were established by Katerina Schneider. It began with a couple of dietary supplements and later on expanded to incorporate vitamins for kids, teens, women, and men. With Ritual prenatal vitamins, youre assured of almost-instant results. This is due to the highest quality of traceable ingredients in each capsule. Theyre regarded as traceable because the manufacturers can share their suppliers, the kinds of nutrient forms they use, the dosages, and other important information you may want to know. Ritual Vitamins are void of all the nine allergens. Theyre also 100% vegan and gluten-free.

Beli Prenatal Multivitamin 15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL See Beli Reviews Overwhelming positive online reviews.

Free shipping within the US.

Both men and women can benefit from pre-and post-natal vitamins.

Keto-friendly, gluten-free, allergen-free, soy-free, vegan, and non-GMO.

30-day money-back guarantee on the first months purchase. They do not ship outside the US.

Can only be bought via the brands online store. Beli vitamin supplements may help improve fertility, embryo development, and the formation of the babys central nervous system in women. The Belibaby pills are designed to be easily digestible and have a minty smell to keep new moms from feeling nauseated. High-quality iron, methylation folate, B vitamins, and TRAACS minerals are all included. All of these substances are good for your stomach. Choline, essential for a babys brain and spinal cord development, is the key element in Belibaby womens formula. Folate, magnesium, iron, and zinc are among the other components. The flagship ingredient in the Belibaby for Men mix is shilajit, an adaptogen demonstrated to boost sperm count and overall sperm quality. Zinc, vitamin D, vitamin E, and folate are among the nutrients found in this keto-friendly, gluten-free, allergen-free, vegan, non-GMO vitamin.

Care/of Prenatal See Care/of Reviews Promotes easy digestion with its organic yeast content and unique design

Highly convenient services.

Fairly convenient services

Each capsule contains a naturally occurring folate, e.g., methylfolate Their health claims may be [3] unreliable or misleading

unreliable or misleading Inaccurate shipping and orders Care/Of is a splendid option for ladies who want a personalized nutrient plan. Prior to gaining access to their services, Care/Of will present you with a fun and relatively interactive quiz that theyll use to draft vitamin pill packs specifically for you. Unlike other prenatal vitamins, Care/Of gives you special capsules complete with 22 key nutrients that will benefit you and your unborn baby. Trustpilot gives Care/Of an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars. The moment you place an order of Care/Of Vitamins, you get 30 days worth of supplements. Care/Of understands that their products are not scientifically proven, and they try to be as open as possible about it to their customers.

Persona Prenatal Vitamin See Persona Reviews Certified nutritionists are always on call to answer your queries

The organic ginger content helps to relieve your nausea

Zero animal testing

Gluten-free, non-GMO

Programs are 100% customizable

Zero artificial colors and chemical-based fillers No third-party testing

Eight Better Business[4] Bureau Complaints in the past three years Persona was established in 2016 and had an exceptional 4.3 out of 5 stars rating on TrustPilot. The Persona vitamin pack is designed to cater to all your health needs. The team behind this extraordinary supplement is strongly determined to promote good health and well-being for anyone who uses their products. Persona is founded on four core values: Education, Care, Personalization, and Transparency. Persona Nutrition frees you from the stress and confusion that comes with buying prenatal vitamins. They do the research, the sourcing, the packaging and oversee the delivery to your doorstep. The best part about their packaging is how personal they are. They may include a handwritten note along with other heartwarming gestures. Mama Bird AM/PM Prenatal Multi+ See Best Nest Wellness Reviews Extensively researched

Extremely easy to digest.

Attractive scent

No discernible taste

It contains a high vitamin concentration Considerably expensive compared to most other brands. Youve probably bumped into this brand plenty of times in the supermarket or pharmacy. Mama Bird is the best organic, vegan-friendly prenatal vitamin alternative for consumers who dont want anything fancy or costly. Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+ contains an impressive variety of pro-vegan nutrients in a single dosage. Its composed of ingredients such as calcium, iodine, iron, zinc, choline, and a wide host of vitamins, including Vitamin A, B12, D, and D3. When nutrients are in the right amounts, prenatal multivitamins are essential for a healthy baby and mom. The rich blend of probiotics, pregnancy-friendly botanicals, and digestive enzymes set it aside from the rest. All these work together to alleviate nausea symptoms. Another reason to buy a bottle of Mama Bird is its methyl folate content. Its a type of folic acid in naturally occurring form and of higher bioavailability (7x that of folic acid[5]) than synthetic folic acid. It is packed in dosages of 600 mcg in each pill. Garden of Life Prenatal Multi Shop Amazon See Garden of Life Reviews Superb list of ingredients (folate, Vitamin D3, C, K, Zinc, Calcium, etc.)

Offers 30-day money-back guarantee

Prevents nausea with a special combination of peppermint and ginger

Zero artificial preservatives.

Excellent customer support

Exceptional taste. You need to take a gummy thrice a day, which may be a problem to remember.

Fairly expensive. Garden of life contains a total of 27 whole-food ingredients. Each nutrient is fully vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free. This prenatal vitamin is perfect for ladies with diet restrictions or allergies. Garden of Life is great, but it still lacks some vital vitamins (e.g., choline) that are common among other prenatal vitamins. This makes it crucial for the pregnant woman to continue with a balanced diet full of calcium-rich foods if she chooses this daily prenatal vitamin. Each bottle of Garden of Life Raw Prenatal contains 180 gummies. You dont have to worry about consuming Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or toxins since all the ingredients are certified organic. Garden of Lifes prenatal formula is perfect for ladies who are trying to conceive or breastfeed their newborn. Garden of Life doesnt cause that annoying stomach upset thats associated with most other varieties. Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin Shop Amazon See Nature Made Reviews Widely available in most grocery shops

Contains zero preservatives, flavors, and artificial colors

Reasonably priced

Wide variety of vitamins

Easy to swallow

Attractive packaging Only available in most parts of the US. Nature-made is one of the best prenatal vitamins with Docosahexaenoic Acid( DHA). Its a fairly affordable brand that incorporates DHA (a type of healthy fat found in salmon, cod, and other types of fish) with a host of other essential ingredients like iron, folic acid, and all the eight B vitamins, as well as the fat-soluble vitamins. This unique combination of high-quality ingredients works together to give the best in terms of prenatal care. If you pass up seafood meals often for fear of throwing up or fear of feeling nauseous, Nature Made Prenatal is just for you. A single bottle contains 90 soft gels, which are fully packed with high folic acid and the recommended 200 milligrams of DHA. The high DHA content helps in brain development. Their simple form also makes them easy to swallow and digest. Whats more, they dont have the same fishy taste as most prenatal vitamins with DHA. Pink Stork Total Prenatal Vitamin Shop Amazon See Pink Stork Reviews High-quality ingredients

Helps with nausea and morning sickness

Non-GMO and gluten-friendly.

Vegan-friendly.

Tested by third-party labs. The rich iron content gives it a metallic taste. And finally, we have Pink Stork. If youre not so much into tablet prenatal, try out a liquid prenatal supplement instead. What better option than Pink Stork? You can consume it on its own, or you could add it to a juice or soft drink. We recommend the latter since it has a fairly strong taste when taken on its own. Similar to all the ingredients on this list, Pink Stork offers all the critical nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. In fact, it promises the complete daily requirements of the most essential nutrients. Pink Stork is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and non-GMO. The brand claims the iron content in this supplement is non-constipating.

How To Choose The Best Prenatal Pills?

Ingredients

This should be the first and most important feature to look out for when purchasing prenatal vitamins. Seek out a prenatal vitamin that contains iron (18 milligrams) and folic acid of approximately 600 and 800 micrograms.

The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for iron for expectant mothers stands at 27 milligrams. Youre more likely to meet your needs faster if you take iron-rich foods and supplement them with a high-quality prenatal vitamin.

Types of Pills

Prenatal vitamins come in four forms: liquids, gummies, capsules, and tablets. Be clear on the dosage before deciding which ones best for you. Keep in mind that the one you pick will be the only kind you take for the whole month.

Its important to note that gummies (and other vitamins) dont often include all the critical elements that are needed to see you through your pregnancy. That means you need to go for liquid or tablet prenatal vitamins for the full effect.

Third-Party Testing

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has zero control of vitamin content, its difficult to determine the accuracy of the ingredients promoted by different companies.

One of the best ways to ensure the prenatal vitamins youve purchased are worth your buck is to check if the firm conducts third-party testing.

Third-party verification assurances show that a company is sure of its doses and contents. They shouldnt mind if further research is done on them in such a case.

Cost

Most ladies might go for a highly-priced supplement with the assurance that theyre spending on a high-quality product. Unfortunately, thats not always the case.

Sometimes, generic brands are just as good as popular kinds. If you really have to go for the costly kinds, ensure you have insurance that will cater to the hefty costs.

What Ingredients Are Included in Prenatal Vitamins?

Iron

Iron is critical for the healthy development of the fetus and the placenta. It also helps in multiplying the number of red blood cells in the mother. Expectant mothers should take approximately 30 milligrams[6] per day of iron supplements to stave off iron-deficiency anemia.

Folic Acid

Folic acid plays a critical role in the development of the fetus brain and spinal cord, and it also helps to keep it safe from neural tube defectsthe CDC advocates for the consumption of 400 micrograms[7] of folic acid among expectant women. Folic acid is also necessary for the formation of healthy red blood cells and in the prevention of anemia.

By taking methylated folate, you may bypass the enzymatic defect in processing folic acid and thus avoid associated birth defects and have a better pregnancy outcome.

Methylated folate is the natural form of folate found in foods, whereas folic acid is synthetic, and both forms are found in prenatal nutrients.

Vitamin D and Calcium

These two ingredients are essential in the formation of the fetus skeleton. Pregnant and lactating women should have about 800 milligrams[8] of calcium per day for healthy bone development.

This amount should satisfy the needs of 50% of this population. The National Academy of Sciences recommends 1,000 mg of calcium per day for pregnant or lactating women.

Pregnant or lactating women should get 600 IUs[9] or 15 micrograms of Vitamin D per day.

Iodine

Iodine aids in the functioning and development of the thyroid gland, and iodine deficiency may trigger hyperthyroidism in the baby or the mother. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should take[10] daily doses of iodine ranging between 220 and 290 mcg.

Zinc

A zinc deficiency often leads to slow growth, and a healthy supply of this nutrient aids in the normal development of your baby and increases its birth weight.

Pregnant moms need 11 mg, and breastfeeding moms need 12 mg of zinc per day to protect the fetus or infants cognitive, physical, and immune development.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A ensures normal eye development, and a deficiency of this nutrient often leads to night blindness. Pregnant women must consume at least 770 mcg of Vitamin A every day.

Other compounds to consider in a prenatal vitamin include Vitamin B12, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and omega-3 fatty acids. Your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) should advise you on the way forward and recommend a suitable vitamin preparation.

Final Thought

Taking prenatal vitamins may increase[11] fertility and boost egg quality. There are lots to learn about them and huge decisions to make, but picking a quality prenatal vitamin should be your topmost priority.

Prenatal supplements should in no way replace a healthy diet. They only ensure that you and the unborn baby are getting that extra vitamin boost for conventional growth and development. If youre not sure what prenatal vitamin you should take, stay in constant communication with your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins? As soon as you confirm your pregnancy. Since the first few weeks are critical for your fetuss development and well-being, you need to supplement your diet with prenatal vitamins for all-around nutrition. It is wise for all women of childbearing age to take a prenatal multivitamin if they are not on birth control. What Time Should I Take Prenatal Vitamins? Theres no specific time for taking prenatal vitamins. Take them whenever you feel its convenient. If you get regular rounds of morning sickness, take the vitamins after a meal or later in the day. For optimum absorption and minimal side effects, however, take it with a meal. What are the Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins? Whether or not you eat healthily, prenatal vitamins should be an integral part of your diet. They help you to stay well-nourished and ensure the well-being of your growing fetus. Its worth noting that its still important to eat healthily and mindfully throughout the course of your pregnancy. How Should You Consume Prenatal Vitamins? Prenatal vitamins come in various forms and sizes. If you take the tablet form and you get stomach distress from it, try chewable or liquid supplements instead. However, since gummies are significantly deficient in iron, a vital nutrient, you may need additional supplementation.
Finland strongly condemns the intentional targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals. The situation in Aleppo, in particular, is unbearable and the city is now facing a humanitarian disaster, the foreign policy leadership stated in a press release , after discussing various aspects of the crisis, such as the role of Russia in it, on Tuesday.

Finland has joined the growing list of countries that have condemned the bombings of civilians and civilian infrastructure in Syria.

Both Prime Minister Juha Sipila (Centre) and Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini (PS) have since been accused of being reluctant to condemn the role of Russia in the bombings in Syria.

Soini, for example, estimated that Russia has had a key role in the bombings but stopped short of drawing comparison between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Syria is the one that is taking action against its own citizens, he replied to an enquiry from Lannen Media on Tuesday. Then there are loads of international stakeholders. I won't start putting them in order, but the one murdering his own people is al-Assad.

Sipila, meanwhile, stated that the bombings must come to a halt and revealed that Russia, as well as its role in the bombings, will be on the agenda of the next meeting of the Council of Europe, reported YLE.

Emma Kari (Greens) voiced her puzzlement with the reluctance of senior foreign policy-makers to acknowledge the role of Russia in the brutal and continuing bombings of civilians by the Government of Syria.

Everyone agrees that Syrian President al-Assad is a war criminal. Finns are yet again on pins and needles in the face of Russia, she slams.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
A 28-year-old student who will be scarred for life after being viciously attacked by a nightclub bouncer has been awarded 15k damages.

Elaine Bennett told the Circuit Civil Court that she had been celebrating New Year 2014 when she and her friends decided to go to Krystle Nightclub in Dublin's Harcourt Street.

She said her friends had gone inside while she stayed outside for a smoke.

Attacked

When she had wanted to get in, she was refused entry because, according to bouncers, she was "too drunk".

She had drunk seven glasses of wine that day.

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Ms Bennett, who is from Cork, said she left the area but came back half-an-hour later as her friends were inside and she was alone on the street. She was refused entry a second time.

She told the court that when she asked again if she could be let in, a female bouncer suddenly attacked her, pulling her to the ground by her hair.

Mr Justice Raymond Groarke heard that Ms Bennett was punched and kicked on her body and face before another security guard separated them.

Ms Bennett told her barrister Mr Mark O'Connell that she had been helped up by people on the street before gardai had arrived on the scene.

She had gone to her GP a few days later, complaining of bruising on her face and body. Her wounds had left a permanent scar under her right eye.

Ms Bennett, of Glenary, Glencoo Park, Boreenmana Road, Cork, sued Triglen Holdings Ltd, which trades as Krystle Nightclub, and P&B Security Services Ltd (now in liquidation), with a registered address at Newhall, Naas, Co Kildare.

The defendants had denied liability and claimed that Ms Bennett had been extremely and racially abusive towards the security staff.

They said she had pushed female bouncer Dawn Cleary down the entrance stairs, calling her a "bitch" and a "Polish lesbian". She had called another bouncer a "Polish b******."

Licensed

Judge Groarke said that although it was his view that the bouncers had an obligation to refuse Ms Bennett entry because she was intoxicated, he was satisfied she had been viciously assaulted.

He said he could not believe a word that Ms Cleary had said in the witness box.

She had also refused to co-operate with gardai who investigated the incident and, in the judge's view, she should not be licensed to work in security.

The judge awarded Ms Bennett 15,000 damages and adjourned the case to a date this month to determine which of the two defendants was liable to pay.
Dublin Airport has advanced negotiations to establish a direct service between Ireland and China.

Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) chief executive, Kevin Toland, recently met the administrator of the Civil Aviation Authority of China, Feng Zhenglin, as well as China's ambassador to Ireland, Yue Xiaoyong, to discuss the possibility of a direct route.

The DAA has been working for years on securing an air link between Dublin and China. Momentum for the route has been building over the past year in particular.

Last year, the chief executive of Beijing Airport said Dublin is one of the international cities he wants to connect with.

During the summer, an executive with Hainan Airlines owner, HNA, said in Dublin that a route between the two capitals is under serious consideration.

HNA management also held talks at the Chinese embassy in Dublin about the possibility of launching the route. The airline already operates a direct service from Manchester to Beijing.

Mr Toland met Chinese officials during an international route development event in the city of Chengdu.

Discussions

"Dublin Airport is always exploring the potential for new services with new and existing airline customers, but we never comment on whether or not we are in specific discussions in relation to a new service," said a DAA spokesman.

Mr Zhenglin also recently met Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, in Dublin. They signed a memorandum of understanding to help facilitate the launch of a new direct route between the countries. Mr Ross said such a service is an "important priority" for the Government.

The former Chinese ambassador to Ireland, Xu Jianguo, who completed his tenure during the summer, said earlier this year that "great efforts" are being made to establish the service. The IDA and Tourism Ireland are among the State agencies that have a keen interest in seeing such a route launched.

The number of visitors from China to the island of Ireland rose 11pc in 2015 to over 44,000. Tourism Ireland expects the figure to hit 50,000 next year.

The total level of Chinese investment in Ireland now exceeds $3bn (2.6bn), and a number of Irish companies also have a presence in China. The chairwoman of the Ireland China Business Association, Susan Barrett, said recently that the lack of a direct air link between the two countries represents a "significant barrier" to the further development of trade between the countries.

However, she told the 'Ireland China Trade Journal' that she expects such a route to be established "in the not-too-distant future".
Simon May of Bread Naturally with a selection of his award-winning bread outside his shop in Raheny Picture: Tony Gavin

He swapped figures for flour only 18 months ago and it's already paying off for retired accountant Simon May whose baguettes have been hailed as the best in Ireland.

The 65-year-old's bakery Bread Naturally is in high demand from locals in Raheny - and often welcomes more than 200 customers on Saturdays.

Simon was over the moon this week after being honoured at the Blas na hEireann Food Awards.

"We won two golds, a bronze and a silver this year. The golds were for a baguette and a white sour dough, the silver was for a batard, and the bronze was for a multi-grain sourdough," he told the Herald.

Healthier

Simon, who comes from Zimbabwe, started baking 32 years ago when he was looking for healthier alternatives for his son who suffered from food allergies.

"My grandfather was Irish, he was a Kilkenny man. I knew nobody in Ireland when I came so I headed for the big smoke and looked for work. I didn't have a job, I didn't know anyone.

"It (the business) started 18 or 19 months ago when I retired as an accountant and decided to start a bakery and was basically looking for something to do in retirement to keep working," he said.

Needed

"I decided a fully blown bakery was vitally needed in Raheny.

"On a daily basis I get about 140-odd people through the door and on a Saturday it's over 200."

Simon carries several different types of produce from focaccia to doughnuts but claimed his bread is much healthier than what is sold in multi-chain bakeries.

"It's prepared naturally, it has no additives or preservatives," he said.

"It has nothing in it but flour, salt, water and yeast. Big bakeries do it different.

"They don't produce bread that is real bread.

"Bread is very healthy. It's a staple food. We don't put any sugar into it."

Prices in Bread Naturally range from  2.70 to 4.50.
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The days are shorter, but not the list of things you can do.
Matthew Shepard Eighteen years ago today, Matthew stopped into the Fireside Bar in Laramie, Wyoming, to take a break from his studies at home. By the following morning, a family, and a nation, was changed forever by an act of senseless violence.





We continue to grieve and share Matts story with the world, and every October we are reminded of the strength we have because of you, our supporters. Even after 18 years, the Matthew Shepard Foundation, through its programs and partnerships, has never been more necessary and has never reached more people in need than it does today. With each passing year, we honor Matt by continuing to achieve monumental steps toward true equality, and we honor you for making it possible. We remember Matt and all those who have suffered discrimination, harm and loss at the hands of bigotry and hatred, and we continue our work to prevent others from experiencing a similar fate. - The Matthew Shepard Foundation - The Matthew Shepard Foundation





Matthew

Matthew Wayne "Matt" Shepard (December 1, 1976  October 12, 1998) was an American student at the University of Wyoming who was beaten, tortured, and left to die near Laramie, Wyoming on the night of October 6, 1998. He died six days later at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado, on October 12, from severe head injuries.





Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson were arrested shortly after the attack and charged with murder following Shepard's death. Significant media coverage was given to what role Shepard's sexual orientation played in the killing. During McKinney's pretrial and trial, testimony was given that the pair had pretended to be gay to gain Shepard's trust and rob him.





McKinney's prosecutor argued the murder was premeditated and driven by greed, while McKinney's defense counsel argued that McKinney had only intended to rob Shepard, but had killed him in a rage when Shepard made a sexual advance. McKinney's girlfriend told police that he had been motivated by anti-gay sentiment, but later recanted her statement, saying that she had lied because she thought it would help him.





Both McKinney and Henderson were convicted of the murder and each sentenced to two consecutive life sentences.





Shepard's murder brought national and international attention to hate crime legislation at the state and federal levels.





In October 2009, the United States Congress passed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (commonly the "Matthew Shepard Act" or "Shepard/Byrd Act" for short), and on October 28, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the legislation into law.





Following her son's murder, Matthew's mother Judy Shepard became a prominent LGBT rights activist and established the Matthew Shepard Foundation.





Murder





On the night of October 6, 1998, Shepard met Aaron McKinney (then 22), and Russell Henderson (then 21), at the Fireside Lounge in Laramie, Wyoming.





It was decided that McKinney and Henderson would give Shepard a ride home. McKinney and Henderson subsequently drove the car to a remote, rural area, and proceeded to rob, pistol-whip, and torture Shepard, tie him to a fence, and leave him to die. Media reports often contained the graphic account of the pistol-whipping and his fractured skull. It was reported that Shepard was beaten so brutally that his face was completely covered in blood, except where it had been partially washed clean by his tears.





Both of their girlfriends testified that neither McKinney nor Henderson was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time.





According to their court testimony, McKinney and Henderson discovered Shepard's address and intended to steal from his home as well.





After the attack Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson returned to town and McKinney picked a fight with two Hispanic youths, Emiliano Morales and Jeremy Herrara, leading to head wounds for both Morales and McKinney.





Police officer Flint Waters arrived at the scene, apprehended Henderson, and soon found the bloody gun and Shepard's shoes and credit card in McKinney's truck.





The fence where Matt Shepard was found by a passing cyclist who initially

mistook him for a scarecrow. Shepard never regained consciousness. Henderson and McKinney later tried to persuade their girlfriends to provide alibis for them and help them dispose of evidence. Henderson and McKinney later tried to persuade their girlfriends to provide alibis for them and help them dispose of evidence.





Still tied to the fence, Shepard, who was in a coma, was discovered 18 hours after the attack by Aaron Kreifels, a cyclist who initially mistook Shepard for a scarecrow. Reggie Fluty, the first police officer on the scene, found Shepard alive but covered in blood.





Shepard had suffered fractures to the back of his head and in front of his right ear. He experienced severe brainstem damage, which affected his body's ability to regulate his heart rate, body temperature, and other vital functions. There were also about a dozen small lacerations around his head, face, and neck. His injuries were deemed too severe for doctors to operate.



Shepard never regained consciousness and remained on full life support. While he lay in intensive care, and in the days following the attack, candlelight vigils were held around the world.





Shepard was pronounced dead at 12:53 a.m. on October 12, 1998, at Poudre Valley Hospital, in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was 21 years old.





Arrests and trial





Russell Henderson (L) and Aaron McKinney (R) McKinney and Henderson were arrested and initially charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery.



Their girlfriends, Kristen Price and Chasity Pasley, were charged with being accessories after the fact. After Shepard's death, the charges were changed from attempted murder to first degree murder. McKinney and Henderson were arrested and initially charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery.Their girlfriends, Kristen Price and Chasity Pasley, were charged with being accessories after the fact. After Shepard's death, the charges were changed from attempted murder to first degree murder.





At McKinney's November 1998 pretrial hearing, Sergeant Rob Debree testified that McKinney had stated in an interview on October 9 that he and Henderson had identified Shepard as a robbery target and pretended to be gay to lure him out to their truck, and that McKinney had attacked Shepard after Shepard put his hand on McKinney's knee.



Detective Ben Fritzen testified that Price stated McKinney told her the violence against Shepard was triggered by how McKinney "[felt] about gays".





In December 1998, Pasley pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to first degree murder.





Henderson pleaded guilty to murder and kidnapping on April 5, 1999 and agreed to testify against McKinney to avoid the death penalty; he received two consecutive life sentences. At Henderson's sentencing, his lawyer argued that Shepard had not been targeted because he was gay.





At McKinney's trial in October and November 1999, the prosecutor, Cal Rerucha, alleged that McKinney and Henderson pretended to be gay to gain Shepard's trust.





Price, McKinney's girlfriend, testified that Henderson and McKinney had "pretended they were gay to get [Shepard] in the truck and rob him". Rerucha argued that the killing had been premeditated, driven by "greed and violence", rather than by Shepard's sexual orientation.





McKinney's lawyer attempted to put forward a gay panic defense, arguing that McKinney was driven to temporary insanity by alleged sexual advances by Shepard. This defense was rejected by the judge. McKinney's lawyer stated that the two men wanted to rob Shepard but never intended to kill him.





The jury found McKinney guilty of felony murder and not guilty of premeditated murder. As they began to deliberate on the death penalty, Shepard's parents brokered a deal , resulting in McKinney's receiving two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.









In the years following Shepard's death, his mother Judy Shepard has become a well-known advocate for LGBT rights, particularly issues relating to gay youth. She was a main force behind the Henderson and McKinney were incarcerated in the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rawlins and were later transferred to other prisons because of overcrowding.In the years following Shepard's death, his mother Judy Shepard has become a well-known advocate for LGBT rights, particularly issues relating to gay youth. She was a main force behind the Matthew Shepard Foundation , which she and her husband Dennis founded in December 1998.









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Lawyers for 33 death row inmates will argue Thursday before the Tennessee Supreme Court that the state's execution methods are "cruel and unusual."





It's a case that could help determine whether lethal injection remains legal in the United States.





The suit, Stephen West, et al. v. Derrick Schofield, et al., is one of several across the country that challenge lethal injection. It differs from many others in that it centers on the use of a particular sedative called pentobarbital.





20 states have either used the drug or have plans to. But it's never been determined to be constitutional, says the Death Penalty Information Center's Robert Dunham.





He says it's likely the federal courts will be asked to take up the question regardless of how the Tennessee Supreme Court rules.





"If it turns out in favor of the state, it's very likely that the death row prisoners will file what's called a petition for certiorari asking the United States Supreme Court to review the decision," says Dunham. "And if the prisoners win, and they win on federal law grounds, it's likely that the state prosecutors will ask the United States Supreme Court to review the decision."





The case also raises interesting legal questions about whether states can break their own laws or federal statutes in order to perform an execution, Dunham says.





The plaintiffs in the West case argue Tennessee's contract with its supplier prohibits it from using pentobarbital in a way that hasn't been approved by federal regulators. Lawyers for the state of Tennessee say that's a matter between the government and the supplier - not one that concerns prisoners on death row.





Lethal injection remains the main method of execution nationwide, though it faces an uncertain future. Pharmaceutical companies have stopped supplying the drugs needed, leading Tennessee and many other states to turn to compounding pharmacies. States have fought to keep the identities of these suppliers confidential, to prevent them from being pressured into not selling the drugs.





Courts have also questioned whether the current methods are as painless as states have claimed. Other states have used a sedative called midazolam, instead of pentobarbital, but in executions involving that drug, witnesses have reported seeing prisoners snoring, gasping for breath or waking in the middle of the procedure.





Those are among the reasons why Tennessee hasn't put anyone to death for nearly 7 years.





Gov. Bill Haslam has not shown any inclination to speed executions, but if the courts do strike down lethal injection, Tennessee lawmakers have approved a fallback - the electric chair.





But that method also faces constitutional questions that would likely have to be resolved before the state of Tennessee could use it in executions.

 | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; send a submission; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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Source: nashvillepublicradio.org, October 5, 2016
"Tens of thousands of dollars evaporated into thin air."

Senator asks State Auditor for investigation of missing $54k spent on illegal drugs





LINCOLN, NE  A law professor who is recognized as an expert in lethal injection drugs said today that even if Nebraskans vote to bring back the death penalty on November 8, it will be difficult for the State of Nebraska to obtain the drugs necessary to carry out a sentence.





Pharmaceutical companies dont want their products used in executions and are taking steps to prevent states from using their medicines in this way. So its hard for states to get the drugs they need, said Eric Berger, a University of Nebraska College of Law Professor. Berger has written extensively about lethal injection and in January 2009, testified before the Judiciary Committee of the Nebraska legislature about a bill to institute lethal injection.





Also on Thursday, Senator Burke Harr requested Nebraska State Auditor Charlie Janssen investigate the status of the $54,000 Governor Ricketts spent on illegal lethal injection drugs.





At a time when the state is facing income shortfalls, and state agencies are being forced to tighten their belts, its unacceptable that we have allowed this administration to let tens of thousands of dollars evaporate into thin air, Harr said.





So today, I sent a letter to Nebraska State Auditor Charlie Janssen, asking his office to investigate the status of the $54,000 the Governor spent on illegal lethal injection drugs, and what is being done to recoup those state funds.





State Senator Colby Coash also questioned the waste of funds.





Its been 17 months since Governor Ricketts declared a solution to our states lethal injection quagmire and paid $54,000 for illegal lethal injection drugs weve never seen, Coash said.





Berger said Nebraska has a track record of not fulfilling promises to carry out executions.





Given its track record, Nebraska shouldnt be trusted to be able to find the drugs. Indeed, time after time the State has promised to fix the problem, but its been nearly 20 years since Nebraskas last execution, and state officials havent given any reason to think that they can get it right this time.





Additionally, added Berger, even if the State can somehow get the drugs, that doesnt mean they will be able to get the drugs on a permanent basis. Drugs expire after a short time, so if voters reinstate the death penalty, Nebraska will face this problem of getting the right drugs over and over again.





It is unacceptable that the Governor is fighting so hard to have a death penalty system that he has been unable to enact for 17 months - and no one in the state has been able to enable in almost 20 years -- when we are being forced to cut other vital services, Coash said.





Last week, Corrections Director Frakes admitted there is an additional expense to housing death row inmates. This is in addition to the extra cost of 3-part death penalty trials, the Supreme Court mandated appeals only available in capital cases, and the costs of trying to get usable lethal injection drugs. These are the expensive components of our death penalty, which Creighton University economist Dr. Ernie Goss has shown costs the state an extra $14.6 million annually, Coash said.





The Nebraska State Patrol said the potential eight percent budget cut would require it to eliminate an estimated 28 sworn officer positions. Our symbolic death penalty law isnt making our state any safer, but police officers do. This is an irresponsible use of resources.





There are more important things our state should be focusing our energies on. We cant continue to waste time, energy, and money on the charade of a death penalty.





The cost of capital punishment, and our states continued inability to use the punishment, show the death penalty is dead wrong for Nebraska, Coash said.





Source: Retain a Just Nebraska , october 6, 2016. Retain a Just Nebraska is a public education campaign to urge the retention of LB 268, the Nebraska Legislatures vote to end the death penalty. Supporters include fiscal conservatives, law enforcement officials, faith leaders, murder victims families, and Nebraskans from all walks of life. It is a statewide coalition conducting public education on the smart alternative of life in prison without parole, which protects society without the many problems of our death penalty system.

 | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; send a submission; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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Zulfiqar Ali

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) is calling for President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to pardon Pakistani death row inmate Zulfiqar Ali, saying he is innocent and should be released after already having been imprisoned on a drug conviction for a decade without any concrete evidence.





"We ask the President to pardon Zulfiqar Ali for the sake of justice and humanity and release him from all punishment as soon as possible," Komnas HAM commissioner Hafid Abbas said in a statement on Wednesday.





Komnas HAM had also conveyed a set of recommendations to Jokowi on Sept. 27, one that had also been given to then president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono more than 2 years ago.





Ali escaped the 3rd round of executions of drug convicts on the Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, on July 29.





Hafid noted that the judges had succumbed to public pressure and went beyond the demands of prosecutors, who had sought a life sentence, for the mere sake of their public image, since public opinion deemed corruption, terrorism and drug-related offenses to be extraordinary crimes.





"That also influenced the atmosphere of the trial, so the judges imposed a more severe punishment than the prosecution demand for the death penalty," he said.





Police arrested Ali based on a statement from Gurdip Singh, an Indian national arrested on allegations of heroin possession at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Aug. 24, 2004.





Gurdip retracted his statement against Ali. However, the court went on to sentence him to death in June 2005.

 | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; send a submission; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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Source: The Jakarta Post, October 6, 2016
Blog Hinangai

While there is much discussion in Guam about the economic benefits of increasing the islands military presence, the damages/dangers that they represent are rarely mentioned. This blog, a supplement to the Peace and Justice for Guam Petition, is meant to counter that by providing information about the US military in Guam, with the hopes of steering policy away from a dangerous unilateralist course to more sustainable notions of regional development and a strengthening international solidarity.
This weekend, the United States and ASEAN states held an informal defense ministers meeting in Hawaii.

As expected, U.S. officials stressed that the U.S.-ASEAN Defense Ministers Informal Meeting was a testament to ASEANs importance in the Obama administrations rebalance to the Asia-Pacific as well as the Pentagons ongoing force posture improvements. Substantively, the meeting addressed a range of security issues, from terrorism and the rise of the Islamic State to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Unsurprisingly, maritime security was also a central focus, in so small part due to ongoing tensions in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. As Ive written previously, the United States has already been unveiling a series of measures to address this during the Obama years, including the Southeast Asia Maritime Security Initiative (MSI).

Though the United States already has been expanding and multilateralizing its exercises with individual Southeast Asian countries over the past few years, these region-wide developments are significant (See:  Interview: The Future of US Military Exercises in the Asia-Pacific ).





The growing involvement of the U.S. Coast Guard in maritime security cooperation with Southeast Asian states is also notable. Rear Adm. Vincent Atkins, the Coast Guards 14th District Commander, also joined the meeting over the weekend. But during his opening remarks at the meeting, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter also unveiled some new maritime security initiatives. He said the United States would host several U.S.-ASEAN events in this area, including an ASEAN maritime dialogue and a maritime domain awareness exercise. But during his opening remarks at the meeting, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter also unveiled some new maritime security initiatives. He said the United States would host several U.S.-ASEAN events in this area, including an ASEAN maritime dialogue and a maritime domain awareness exercise.

In an effort to facilitate the sharing of best practices, Carter also invited his ASEAN counterparts to visit the U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force South in Florida to see how U.S. military law enforcement agencies work with partner countries. Promoting inter-agency cooperation continues to be a central preoccupation of both U.S. and ASEAN officials given the complexity of the traditional and non-traditional security challenges they have to address.

To build on these discussions, Carter also revealed that he had asked the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), a U.S. Department of Defense academic institute, to host a workshop next year to identify and address gaps in U.S.-ASEAN cooperation. Though he did not offer any specifics, it was yet another signal of the significance that Washington is placing in engaging ASEAN in this area.




HICKORY  Sometimes parents just need a little help understanding their role in their childs education, and sometimes they need help to bridge the gap between them and their childs school.

In Hickory, there is a new but familiar place parents can turn to for this help  the Parents Association for Childrens Education (P.A.C.E.). The organization is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 2007 by Patricia Wilson. It recently refocused primarily on helping grades K-6.

Once a child is in middle and high school and theyre behind, its so hard to get them caught up, Wilson said. Thats why the new focus of P.A.C.E. is on that age group.

Wilson started the organization with the goal of encouraging parents to be more involved in their childrens education. P.A.C.E. offers several programs: "You Are Not Alone", a support group for parents and "Ready, Set, Go, Get Involved", for parents connected with the Twinkle Little Star Reading group.

Sometimes parents dont know how to or they feel, especially if maybe they didnt finish school, they really dont understand that process of what they can do to help their child or who they can get to help them, she said. With the parents, we work with the teacher and the school to help the child be academically successful.

Once parents give Wilson permission to help their child, she gets permission from the childs school and school system to act as an advocate for the student. Then she goes to work.

If their reading level is low, then I can take that information back to the parent and help the parent with some things that could help their child, Wilson said.

Last year, P.A.C.E. partnered with Long View and Southwest Elementary Schools to help with small-group reading. It also ran a summer reading program at the Ridgeview Branch of the Hickory Public Library. There is also a program for girls called Girl Power, Pathways to Achievement.

With the organizations new direction, Wilson is looking forward to collaborating with Eugene Brown, founder of Big Chair Chess Club in Hickory.

Were going to use chess as a backdoor approach to tutor learning, Brown said. What chess does, with all the attributes of it, its ideal for this population because it gets them to sit down and start to focus and concentrate, and it gets them to build up various skills so that it transfers into their learning process.

Once they understand that life is about choices and decisions, we can implement a learning process by using references they understand.

He added it was the shared passion to help local students that brought the two organizations together. They are looking to bring in more volunteers to help with new programs.

I dont believe parents dont want to be involved, sometimes they just dont know how, Wilson said. My passion is to see the children be successful and in order for the children to be successful the parents have to be on board.

Wilson received training from the North Carolina Justice Center in Education Leadership, training from Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy, also received training from Exceptional Children's Association Center which has equipped her with knowledge concerning special education law and individual education plans. She is a Certified Nurturing Parent Facilitator and North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission Certified Mediator.

For more information or to help as a volunteer, visit Parents Association for Childrens Education on Facebook, email parentingassist@gmail.com, visit paceadvocate.com or call (828) 352-4303. Also visit bigchairchessclub.org.
HICKORY  Opening doors and bridging gaps is what the Startup Academy at Lenoir-Rhyne University is all about this semester.

The Center for Commercial and Social Entrepreneurship (CCSE) program at LRU recently partnered with Hewlett Packard (HP) and Centro Latino with a focus on helping energize local Hispanic businesses.

The HP Life program offers free online micro-courses in seven languages to anyone with a computer and internet access, according to life-global.org. The 25 self-paced courses provide basic business, IT (information technology) and entrepreneurship skills training that's especially effective in communities where economic development is needed most.

The core business areas of communications, operations, marketing and finance are covered, as well as special topics such as effective leadership, energy efficiency and social entrepreneurship.

Were putting these students in the same room together and building community around entrepreneurship and also mentoring them and building relationships, CCSE Director and Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship Dr. Ralph Griffith said. So were taking what was just a basic online DIY (do it yourself) in your own home on your own time and creating a whole system around it.

Centro Latino (Catawba County Hispanic Ministry) helped match local Hispanic entrepreneurs with the LRU program.

Centro Latino provides a Christian response to critical needs of Latinos looking to integrate themselves into Catawba Valley and seeks to bridge the cultural gap between Spanish and non-Spanish speaking members of the community through education, advocacy and outreach programs, according to centrolatinohickory.com.

It seemed like the perfect organization to help the university connect with the individuals who would be able to make the most of the program, Griffith said.

The Startup Academy is offered free at LRU but is limited to 10 students per session. They attend five two-hour classes for five months.

Griffith completed his pilot semester of the program last year with LRU students and staff.

We were brainstorming how we could make the Start-up Academy not just better but also invite a group of people who may take the incites and run with it, Griffith said. There is a different kind of intensity this team has this year because they are not native English speakers so the resources werent always there for them.

Stephanie Huitron is the LRU graduate assistant helping with the program this semester, leading the sessions in Spanish and working as a translator between the students and Griffith.

Definitely this is stuff they could learn by themselves but being in that community setting is whats going to excel what they already know, Huitron said. You get just one point of view from HP and whatever resources are on there and then youre point of view, but in the last session all these different opinions were coming in and broadened peoples perspectives.

The class looked at different ways of finding startup funds and one specific question that garnered plenty of discussion was whether an individual should cut his or her salary to help the business grow.

Its just different conversations like that, I think wouldnt have happened had it not been for the group setting, Huitron said. The idea is to network with each other as well, so we definitely give time for that.

Along with the four basic concepts covered by HP Life, the academy also tries to cater the sessions to meet the specific needs of the students.

Nicholas Albares is just at the beginning of starting his own business and is hoping the HP Life program through LRU will be the spark hes looking to get him going. He is interested in creating an import business and was looking forward to the marketing module in the course.

Jonathan Agreda is also hoping the Startup Academy will give him the tools needed to create his own business.

Hopefully after taking the course, I will see what it really takes to have a basic understanding of how to manage it, how to get ready for it, Agreda said. Many people start businesses and they dont know how to handle it and they fail too soon.

This use of HP Life in a structured setting is something Hewlett-Packard is watching with interest, to see if it can be recreated at other institutions, Griffith said. He plans on running the program in English next semester.

This whole thing is just to create better companies in our community that last longer, that are recession proof and hopefully can hire new employees and grow our local (economy), he said.

For more information about the program visit lr.edu or life-global.org.
NEWTON  The first annual Foothills Folk Art festival got an early start when folk artist Minnie Adkins and author Mike Norris presented their work recently to North Newton Elementary School students.

Adkins shared memories of her childhood through wood carving demonstrations. Norris sang songs related to the childrens book while playing the guitar and harmonica. The books and art reflect the culture of the Appalachian region of the Eastern United States.

After the presentation, the schools fifth-graders also got to participate in an art project with Adkins.

With us being a global school and weve got a big focus on culture within our school and bringing that into our curriculum, this fits perfectly into what were doing, North Newton Elementary Principal Shane Whitener said. Any time its interactive kids obviously are able to pick up on it a lot better, and its more enjoyable for them.

The festival  formerly known as Lake Norman Folk Art Festival  is making Downtown Newton its new home through a partnership between Downtown Newton Development Association and Hickory Museum of Art, a City of Newton press release said.

It was Marion McClure, the elementary art teacher for the Newton-Conover City Schools system, who helped arrange the folk art event with Ginny Zellmer from the Hickory Art Museum. He heard the festival was looking to reach out to a local school and knew North Newton would be a good fit.

Im for anything that helps teach students to love art, McClure said. This kind of event just helps them connect to an art festival like Foothills Folk Art, and if they can go there and recognize some of the basic elements we talk about at the festival, even better.

North Newton fifth-grader Caroline Gargis enjoyed every part of Adkins and Norriss visit.

Im having a lot of fun because we get to do art crafts I love art, Gargis said. When we got to sing along and say no a lot in one of the songs, that was fun.

We get to do a lot of art stuff in school thats really cool. I think it helps me with art. I feel a lot more creative because of art.

She went on to create an owl from a paper plate during the craft session with Adkins at the end of the event.

Norris and Adkins have collaborated on several childrens books, including Sonny the Monkey, Bright Blue Rooster Down on the Farm, and Mommy Goose: Rhymes from the Mountains. Adkins illustrates the books with photos of her wood carvings relating to the stories Norris writes.

Its a lot of fun, a lot of joy, Adkins said. I love working with children.

Adkins has received numerous awards for her work, including the Individual Artist Award of the (Kentucky) Governors Awards in the Arts, and the Distinguished Artist Award from the Folk Art Society of America.

At the end of the presentation, North Newton third-grader Jacob Ross, a sight impaired student, received the bear Adkins whittled while Norris was telling stories.

The project was funded by a grant from the Unifour Foundation, which is administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation.
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Lebanon community leaders presented why the city should become the next Blue Zones demonstration community on Wednesday afternoon at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital.

Blue Zones demonstration communities seek to mimic the healthy living habits of areas where a larger percentage of people live to be 100. The idea came after researcher Dan Buettner found five such communities throughout the world, and he discovered several aspects of what makes them healthier.

Lebanon was announced as a finalist for Oregon's second demonstration community last week.

Blue Zones Project Oregon Executive Director Aaron Patnode said that the Wednesday meeting was a way for Lebanon to showcase itself.

"This adds some personality into the paper application," he said.

Lebanon Community School District Superintendent Rob Hess was among the community leaders who presented. He said that the Lebanon City Council, school board and Aquatic District all voted unanimously in support of becoming a demonstration community.

"We are gritty; we don't give up," he said. "We relish the opportunity."

Build Lebanon Trails president Rod Sell discussed how that organization was able to transform Cheadle Lake from an unused logging pond into a recreational area.

"Anything is possible with a strong community and strong leadership," he said.

If Lebanon is chosen, the Blue Zone program will provide $1.2 million per year as a funded program for three years to support policies and programs that support healthy choices. The selected community must make a financial contribution of $200,000 to $400,000 each year for three years.

Klamath Falls is the only other demonstration community in the state.

Blue Zones organizers are meeting with several other communities during the next two weeks. Blue Zones Project Oregon will announce its decision in November.

For more information, visit http://www.healthways.com/bluezonesproject.
On Thursday morning, Pakistans Dawn newspaper reported that at an unprecedented and orchestrated meeting, the government told the military-intelligence establishment that the country was facing international isolation and needed to crack down on Lashkar, Jaish and the Haqqani network.

As a result, the director general of the all-powerful ISI is travelling to all provinces to ensure that there is no interference to block actions by law enforcements agencies against militant groups. The Pathankot and Mumbai trials will be expedited.

The report also suggests the meeting -- and conversations where the foreign secretary pointed to diplomatic isolation of Pakistan and Punjab chief minister and the Prime Ministers brother, Shahbaz Sharif, accused the agencies of interfering in legal processes -- was planned by Nawaz Sharif to push policy adjustments.

The news report created a stir and generated diverse reactions on social media and among policy wonks.

Three ways to read the story:

What you read is what you get

The first reading would be to accept the story the way it is. This, then, marks the beginning of a fundamental shift in the Pakistani polity. The meeting happened, the conversations happened, and there was a consensus between political leaders, the foreign office and the ISI that militants had to be acted against.

This would mean that the political establishment now has the courage to do some straight talking with the army and the ISI -- a message that wouldnt be music to their ears and compromise their assets.

The balance of power, or the lack of it, has, so far, not permitted such a conversation. It would also mean that the ISI is willing to listen and abide by the governments instructions and act against militant groups.

This indicates a rethink of instruments it has used so far. And, it would mean that Indias mix of diplomatic offensive and coercive instruments has worked in reshaping internal equations in Pakistan and the costs of supporting terror are suddenly too high for them to bear.

This, of course, is just one -- and from an Indian point of view, the most optimistic and hopeful -- reading of the story.

Playing to the gallery

The second way to read the Dawn report is to see it as a replay of what is already known -- a fundamental divide in the Pakistani polity between the civilian government and the military establishment.

What happened in the meeting was not new. It was just a formal expression of the divide, where civilians may have got some more confidence to express their views.

The bureaucracy pointed to the hazards of continued use of terror; the Punjab CM pointed to the ISIs obstructionist role. And while the military establishment played along, it is only going through the motions to send a message internationally.

For long, India has known this fault line and has believed that the democratic government represents a moderate constituency but there are limits to its power.

Manmohan Singh believed that one could strengthen this constituency by engaging with it. His successor Narendra Modi, too, began with the same assumption but has now concluded that New Delhi cannot wait forever and has to inflict costs on Pakistan -- if the civilian government benefits from it, so be it and if the military consolidates further then the true character of the regime would be exposed and India will deal with that too.

In the same vein, the report also suggests that Indias recent moves have partly emboldened the civilian government. This could give Nawaz Sharif more say in deciding the fate of army chief Raheel Sharif and also in picking his successor. It has also deliberately leaked the story to send a message of its intent to the international audience. But the prospect of any real change is too distant.

So, there is possibly some recalibration but no fundamental shift.

More of the same

The third way to read the story is that the good cop, bad cop routine is at play.

This means that while the meeting happened, and there is pressure on Pakistan internationally, it has decided to deal with it by resorting to sending signals.

The international community has always given the benefit of doubt to an elected government. So play to that strength. Signal that the democratically elected government is willing to crack down and that all instruments of the state are on board.

Pick a journalist known for his integrity and his own conviction that support to terror should end to get the story out. Take it easy for a while and get militant assets to cool off till international attention shifts. And then reignite and revive the covert war against India.

Read | Armys surgical strikes 100% perfect, dont need to give any proof: Parrikar

This is cynical but not entirely implausible reading. The Pakistani establishments investment in its deep assets is old and valuable. It is a tool of warfare which no one would give up.

While Pakistan is embarrassed, it is definitely not staring, yet, at the prospect of the international community ostracising it. A giveaway line in the story is that the ISI DG indicated that they should do nothing that would seem like giving into Indian pressure, which indicates that Rawalpindi still does not think it needs to get rid of terror groups for its own good.

Whether there is a fundamental shift, a tentative recalibration without any major change or it just theatre will be known in the coming weeks. The real test is in action.

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Around 20 years ago, when I just started university, a fundamentalist Muslim group called Hizb ut-Tahrir hit upon a genius idea to attract attention. Overnight they plastered posters on campuses everywhere, declaring The Khilafah is Coming. Their annual events started attracting thousands of young, idealistic Muslims who wanted to help build the perfect Islamic state. It didnt matter how vague or unattainable the dream was, it worked brilliantly as a tactic to get more followers and popularise an idea. Hu-T has largely fizzled out now but their dreams still live on. Just ask Islamic State.

Have you heard that if you put a frog in hot water it will jump out immediately, but put it in cold water and turn up the heat and you can cook it alive? It is a myth, but this tale describes us humans perfectly. We are too busy living our lives until one day some big event makes us stop and take notice. Only then we wonder: Who are these people? Where did they come from?

This is the problem with religious fundamentalism. We rarely see it build up around us until it is too late. We rarely ask where it comes from, much less how it becomes so powerful. But the biggest mistake we make is not realising the biggest threat from religious fundamentalists is always to their own communities. We dont realise that until its too late. We are good at seeing intolerance in other communities and with other religions but not among those closer to home.

In my last column a fortnight ago, I wrote about the trend of increasing intolerance among Sikhs in Britain. But there is a bigger picture here  Sikh groups are going down a path already trodden by British Muslims and Hindu groups in India. In 20 years of watching and writing about this issue Ive learnt one thing. They may hate each other but all extremists learn from each other and follow the same script. Today I want to talk about that script.

Read: The rise of Sikh fundamentalism in Britain

The first step of all religious fundamentalism starts with the promise of a perfect state. It is always a vague utopia, free from oppression, poverty and disunity. Without utopia there is nothing to dream about and nothing to work towards. For Muslim groups the Khilafah was that dream. For Sikh groups it is Khalistan, for fundamentalist Hindus it is India as a Hindu-only state.

Utopias dont exist of course. A religious state is no more than a glorified dictatorship. But thats beside the point -- idealists like big dreams, not a slow increase in living standards.

But even a dream isnt enough. The second step is to get more followers. A big dream needs a core group of fervent believers and a larger group of supporters who feel guilty they arent following their religion properly. To recruit, fundamentalists create controversies and campaigns that bring attention. For Hindu groups in India there was the Babri Masjid and rath yatras. More recently there is the focus on religious conversions and beef-eating. For Sikh groups in Britain the drive against inter-faith marriages fits the bill perfectly.

Read: UK: 55 arrested after trying to stop interfaith wedding at gurdwara

For British Muslims the opportunity came in 1988 with Salman Rushdies Satanic Verses. It didnt matter what his book actually said, it was enough that some claimed Muslims had been insulted. An angry mob doesnt wait for fact-checkers. In Britain, the Rushdie controversy brought fame, money and power to Muslim groups. It also created a blueprint for others to follow, as the Sikhs did recently with the movie Nanak Shah Fakir.

The third step is to build up your enemy into a powerful force and paint yourselves as helpless victims. Every movement needs a scapegoat. For British Sikhs it is the RSS and the Indian government; for Hindu groups there is Pakistan, Muslims, Christians and secularists. For Muslim fundamentalists the blame usually lies with western governments and Israel. They are even blamed for creating ISIS.

Im being slightly tongue-in-cheek here but this issue isnt a joke.

Read: Fight the evil of terrorism using weapons of love: Pope on Easter

Religious fundamentalism is dangerous because it isnt about connecting with God; it is obsessed with taking power. Someone who believes they have God on their side doesnt worry about the potential of doing evil. They want to reshape society in their own image even if that means using force. It is this desire for power over peoples lives that makes it so dangerous. It leaves no room to disagree with them, no room to hold them accountable, no room to vote them out.

It wasnt always like this. Hindu, Sikh and Islamic history is replete with examples of debates, diversity and consensus building. Our modern-day religious fundamentalists get powerful by scrubbing out that history and exploiting us for themselves. If we dont hold them in check and speak out, slowly but surely they will boil us to death.

Sunny Hundal is a writer and lecturer on digital journalism based in London. The views expressed are personal.

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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs reported directive to authorities to conclude the probe into the Pathankot attack and resume the stalled Mumbai attacks case to tackle Pakistans growing isolation has created a buzz in India, coming as it did against the backdrop of heightened tensions.

But the experience of past decades has shown that it is easier said than done for a civilian government in Pakistan to get the military and intelligence set-ups to toe its line and crack the whip on jihadi groups, especially those that target India.

The Dawn newspapers extensive account of the civilian governments blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning to the military leadership contains a lot of detail on the ruling PML-N partys plans for action against banned militant groups.

In some ways, this is reminiscent of the scenario that existed soon after it became clear that the terrorists who targeted Mumbai in November 2008 were members of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). For almost two weeks, there were numerous reports in Pakistani newspapers and TV channels of LeT and Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) offices being sealed and members of the two groups being taken into custody.

LeT founder Hafiz Saeed was placed under house arrest in December 2008, as were several of his key aides. The action was not taken not because of pressure from the US and India, but because the JuD was sanctioned by the UN Security Councils al-Qaeda and Taliban Sanctions Committee.

But less than six months later, Saeed was let off by the Lahore high court after a government law officer admitted before judges that the JuD was not a banned organisation under Pakistans Anti-Terrorism Law.

The case against the seven suspects arrested for the Mumbai attacks, including LeT operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, has dragged on for more than seven years while the judge has changed eight times and a dogged prosecutor who pursued the case was assassinated in Islamabad in 2013.

A few days ago, the anti-terrorism court in Islamabad was debating whether it should travel to Karachi to examine a boat allegedly used by the attackers, or the boat could somehow be presented in Islamabad.

After India blamed the Jaish-e-Mohammed for the attack on Pathankot airbase in January, there were similar reports of JeM facilities being sealed. An FIR was filed by anti-terror officials in Pakistani Punjab and officials, including foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz, said JeM chief Masood Azhar had been placed in protective custody.

Though India took the unprecedented step of allowing a team of Pakistani investigators, including an ISI operative, to visit the Pathankot airbase, nothing of substance emerged in the following weeks and months.

This too is not surprising as most cases in Pakistans anti-terrorism courts collapse because of poor investigation and prosecution and the intimidation of witnesses.

It was surprising to note in the Dawn report that it was Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif, the younger brother of the premier, who made a bold intervention at a meeting of civil and military officials and told ISI chief Lt Gen Rizwan Akhtar that the security establishment worked behind the scenes to free members of militant groups arrested by civilian authorities.

Indeed, not too long ago, in March 2010, Shahbaz Sharif had during a speech in Lahore asked the Taliban to spare his province from attacks because his government and the militants had similar positions on Pakistans sovereignty.

Such vacillation has only undermined the credibility of past Pakistani civilian governments claims of exercising any control over either its military or the militant groups operating on its soil.

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When he was Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh had famously called child malnutrition a national shame. He could have very well added another one to that  the learning crises in Indias schools. But an even bigger shame is that rigorously proven and scalable solutions are attacked by critics  politicians and academics alike  without offering any reliable facts or evidence.

Take, for instance, what seems to be happening with the Delhi governments efforts in education, particularly its initiative to improve basic reading and maths skills of students of government schools. Acknowledging the grim reality that a majority of class 6 students cannot read or perform maths operations of class 3, the Delhi government launched a new initiative. This new programme aims to improve basic learning outcomes by restructuring classroom instruction to the level and pace of the student, rather than letting it remain anchored to the rigid expectations of a class-wise curriculum. The objective is to ensure that low-performing students quickly pick up basic skills and start making progress. The government argued that without foundational skills like reading and comprehension in place, it is almost impossible for a child to access the textbooks for his/her grade.

Read: Half of Class 6 students in Delhi govt schools cant read at all

No doubt any new effort has supporters and critics alike. But the critiques recently published in a leading national newspaper of the above-mentioned initiative are especially striking because they rely almost entirely on anecdotes and casual observations rather than on scientific evidence. If not politicians, at least academics should know that policy advice should be based on systematic studies and that rigorous research is produced by painstaking field work. Remarkably, the critiques completely ignore 15 years of robust research  perhaps the most important piece of actionable research on elementary education in India that shows what works to improve basic learning outcomes.

Researchers affiliated with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) recently published a working paper that summarises this research. In summary, over the last decade, these researchers conducted a series of randomised evaluations of NGO Prathams learning improvement model, called Teaching at the Right Level, across multiple states, time frames and contexts: from learning camps in a government primary school to a village/community setting, implemented by volunteers and/or by government school teachers, using high-quality and low-cost materials. In each instance, a clearly articulated learning goal motivated the effort; the core model involved grouping children in grades 3 to 5 by their actual (rather than expected) learning level, and using interactive and level-appropriate learning materials for each group, along with frequent testing.

The researchers found that the core pedagogy of Teaching at the Right Level, when implemented, had a consistently significant impact on basic literacy and numeracy skills of primary school children. In Uttar Pradesh, where baseline learning levels were among the lowest in India, the researchers found that 50 days of active teaching through this pedagogy resulted in enormous learning gains and erased years of stagnation in learning. Within 100-120 hours of instruction, UP students were on a par with an average student of Haryana, among the top states by learning achievement for the same grades (ASER 2014).

Read: NCERT survey to check Chandigarh students level of learning

The researchers also pointed to a set of overarching lessons: That it was possible to implement this model successfully in government school systems at scale, that well-trained volunteers and school teachers alike could lead this improvement when tasked with a single focus that is not competing with curriculum completion, and that ongoing mentoring support to government school teachers by trained supervisors could go a long way in sustaining improvements.

In a separate study, published in Science in 2013, the researchers conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of 30 different primary school programmes targeting learning outcomes in developing countries, and concluded that pedagogical reforms that matched teaching to students learning levels were among the most cost-effective and had the highest impact on basic reading and arithmetic.

Read: Virtual classrooms make debut in govt middle schools in MP

Based on this robust evidence, Zambia, Ghana and several Indian states have begun scaling this model (with initial technical support from Pratham), and with very promising results. In a recent effort by Andhra Pradesh, the Teaching at the Right Level model was implemented last year in classes 3 to 5 of 1,700 schools of Anantapur district  chosen since it had among the lowest achievement levels among all districts of the state. After three months of implementation, the basic reading skills of these students surpassed those of the best-performing district in Andhra Pradesh, Warangal (according to ASER 2014). From our field experiences, we find an overwhelming majority of teachers and students support this programme.

To be sure, scaling up this model with impact wont be easy. It requires not only implementing this model at scale with all the key elements we believe have worked, but also making them sustain through the resistance of school bureaucracy and changing political priorities. Here again, carefully designed process monitoring systems that can regularly provide reliable data on the progress in learning outcomes through this programme, and highlight the most crucial factors for a successful implementation, will be important.

On the whole, the education policy landscape in India and the developing world has shifted substantially over the last decade. Policymakers now have access to a plethora of scientific evidence on what works, and what doesnt, as well as the tools to generate their own answers in collaboration with researchers. Many problems, such as persistently low learning levels in Indian schools, exist not because of the lack of proven and scalable solutions. They persist because policymakers continue to make decisions based on ideology, instincts, or based on the advice of experts who base their arguments on because-I-am-telling-you-so. They would do well to heed Narayana Murthys famous quote: In god we trust, everybody else bring data to the table.

Shobhini Mukerji and Jasmine Shah are executive director and deputy director, respectively, at the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab South Asia, Institute for Financial Management and Research.

The views expressed are personal.
Candidates from Madhya Pradesh, who are seeking admission to MBBS and BDS courses through NEET counselling, on Wednesday hailed the Supreme Courts order for status quo in seat allotment list released on October 2.

They said with the order justice had finally prevailed. They have been waiting to get admission in the medical colleges of the state for the past one month through NEET counselling being held at Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal.

The apex courts order, the students from the state said, would also bring curtain down on their long-drawn legal battle. They had moved to the High Court and the Supreme Court eight times for the reprieve.

On Tuesday, I had lost all hopes because neither government nor directorate of medical education (DME) was coming out with any statement clarifying the situation. We were only told that they were following the Supreme Courts order, said a female candidate.

Officials of directorate of medical education too heaved a sigh of relief after the courts order.

For the past 10 days, we faced lot of trouble. It was painful to see candidates crying at the gate for admission. The apex courts judgment has come as a relief even for us, said an official who didnt wish to be named.

He said following the court order domicile students would get first preference in the admission process and after that if seats remained vacant, those could be allotted to students from other states.

This will also take care of vacant seats of private colleges, he added.

The state government, however, continued to draw flak for its role in the issue.

We are happy as the courts decision has saved one year of many of the students. But at the same time we are upset over the role played by chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the entire episode, a father of a candidate said.

Vyapam scam whistleblower and RTE activist Dr Anand Rai blamed the government for the hardship faced by the students.

This judgment of the Supreme Court clearly showed that the state government deliberately took the side of the Association of Private Medical and Dental College (APMDC). But when the students presented their case, the apex court gave the decision in their favour. If government wanted to protect the interest of the candidates of MP, they could have done it on October 3.

Former MLA Paras Saklecha too flayed the state governments role in the case while distributing sweets among the candidates after the judgment.

Congress MLA Jitu Patwari even went on to allege that the entire episode was indicative of a major scam in the whole process.
Actor Sushant Singh Rajput has not yet spoken about why his six year long relationship with actor Ankita Lokhande ended and he plans to maintain his stance.

Discussing my relationship also concerns the other party. I cannot talk about her (Ankita Lokhande) without her permission. A relationship talks about two different individuals, and thats why Im not ready to discuss the details with anyone, says Rajput, who parted ways with Lokhande in April this year.

The actor who is winning critical acclaim for his latest release, further explains, I dont mind talking about it, but when everything was going well (in my relationship), then there was no justification of me not discussing that. Then why now?

According to reports, Lokhande created a scene at a party after getting drunk and accused Rajput of being a womaniser. However, the latter trashed the reports through a single tweet.

Actor Ankita Lokhande underwent a major transformation after she broke up with Sushant Singh Rajput. (Yogen Shah)

Talking about what triggered that action, the 30-year-old actor clarifies, "I wouldnt read newspapers or watch television when such stuff is being talked about. So I cant comment on that. But when it reached a point where people would come to me and tell me personally about what is being said, then it became slightly nasty. It was then I took it to twitter to say what I wanted to. The very next moment, I was not concerned about those tweets.

Rajput has often been linked to actor Kriti Sanon, as the two would be sharing screen space in an upcoming film.

On being asked if he expected his newly-acquired single status had triggered such rumours, he says, I didnt think that way of course, but rumours started eventually. After a while, you get immune to it and you resort to ways that keep you away from such things.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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In a few weeks time, Shraddha Kapoor will venture into a different world. She will play the role of gangster Dawood Ibrahims sister, Haseena Parker, in director Apoorva Lakhias next film Haseena. Whats interesting is that her real brother, Siddhanth Kapoor, will play her reel brother, Dawood.

How nice is that (to have her brother starring in the film)? It all happened very organically. Actually, Apoorva sir was in talks with him first. He approached me much later. I am excited [to work with Siddhanth], says Shraddha.

Great journey

Shraddha and Siddhant are not the only family members who are working together in a film. Sonam Kapoor  after Aisha (2010) and Khoobsurat (2014)  will once again star in her sister Rhea Kapoors production venture Veere Di Wedding. I am proud of Rhea. I am so happy that she has made a mark as a producer. People acknowledge the fact that she is doing different things, says Sonam.

Anushka Sharma, who turned producer with NH 10 along with her brother, Karnesh Sharma, is working on multiple films with him now. (HT Photo)

Experts also feel that such associations are advantageous. When you work with your dad, sister or brother, it surely helps in terms of creativity. More than the director, your near and dear ones will know certain traits about you that no one else does. Those traits can be exploited well on screen, says exhibitor-distributor Akshaye Rathi.

Shraddha Kapoor is readying to play gangster Dawood Ibrahims sister, Haseena Parker, in Apoorva Lakhias Haseena that will have her real brother Siddhant Kapoor play her reel brother, Dawood. (HT Photo)

Anil Kapoor, who will team up with his nephew Arjun Kapoor in Mubaraka, says Arjun is a fantastic actor. His career has just started. Aage aage dekho kya karta hai woh (see what he does in the time to come). Im looking forward to teaming up with Arjun. Its going to be a good journey, he says.

Beyond acting

Interestingly, such collaborations extend to work that happens behind the camera too. For instance, Alia Bhatts sister Shaheen Bhatt is working on the script of Aashiqui 3, which is most likely to feature Alia and Sidharth Malhotra.

Shaheen is a talented writer. I am waiting for her to pen her own feature film, which she is working on currently. She is the only genius in the family. She is funny and witty, but at the same time, she is a simpleton, says Alia.

Sonam Kapoor  after Aisha (2010) and Khoobsurat (2014)  will work with her sister, Rhea, again in Veere Di Wedding. (HT Photo)

Similarly, Varun Dhawan, who worked with his father David Dhawan in Main Tera Hero (MTH; 2014) and with his brother Rohit Dhawan in Dishoom, is set to team up with his father again in Judwaa 2. Dad is more of a friend. He is not strict. But he can get strict if he has to. We are now getting ready [to work on the film], and I feel as if its my first project. I am dying to start working with him, says Varun.

Rathi feels that the personal equation an actor shares with his or her director adds to the performance. The way David extracted comedy out of Varun in MTH was unmatched. In such cases (family members working together), it helps in zeroing in on certain special qualities (of the actor) and highlighting them, especially since you know the actor on a personal level, he says.

Anil Kapoor will be teaming up with his nephew Arjun Kapoor in their next film, Mubaraka. (HT Photo)

Another pair is Anushka Sharma and her brother Karnesh Sharma. The two turned producers with NH 10 (2015), and are working on multiple films together. Anushka agrees that she and Karnesh have never had a difference of opinion. Our approaches may differ, but our final result is the same. We are very close. If we didnt have such a strong relationship, things wouldve been different. He is my best friend, she adds.

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The summer placement season in business schools has begun, and with a bang!

Recruiters are offering 15% to 20% higher salaries this year, and most schools have wrapped up the process within three days.

The offers are likely to go up further once the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) begin their placements, analysts tracking business schools said.

We completed the summer placement of over 300 students in just two-and-a-half days, said Kanwal Kapil, professor in charge of placements at Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon.

XLRI Jamshedpur completed its summer placement in three days and New Delhi-based Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) finished the process within four days.

The International Management Institute (IMI) in New Delhi, run by the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, also said it was almost through with the process.

Summer placements are a precursor to final campus placements and are indicative of the jobs environment in the country.

We have seen a good number of companies hiring in double digits and thats perhaps the reason why B-schools are completing the process faster, said Pinaki Dasgupta, dean of placements at IMI. As many as 50 students of the 2015-17 batch have bagged pre-placement offers, up 37 from last year, he added.

The average salary package at the institute has risen 15% this year, said Dasgupta, similar to that at IIFT and Birla Institute of Management and Technology in Greater Noida.

At MDI, salaries offered were 20% more this time than the previous season.

Read the full story on LiveMint
A $25,000 contribution from a Colorado-based business to a political action committee advocating for legal recreational pot sales in Albany has some opponents chafing.

The PAC, called "Keep Albany Open for Business," wants to sway Albany and Linn County voters, who will decide in November whether to legalize recreational pot use. Voters in 2014 narrowly passed the measure, but forces within city and county government opposed to the drug have successfully put the issue back on the ballot.

Now, the PAC, formed by Albany city councilors Dick Olsen and Ray Kopczynski, wants to affect the outcome in November, arguing, as the name implies, that recreational pot is good for Albany's bottom line.

To date, the PAC has raised $27,288.37. But the $25,000 out-of-state donation, says councilor Rich Kellum, is "at its very best, unseemly." He said the outside donation is one more example of the recreational pot lobby in Albany refusing to live by the rules.

It is in fact legal for a PAC to accept out-of-state donations, and there is no limit on the amount. While Kellum acknowledges this fact, he maintains the practice is not in the spirit of the law.

"The spirit of the law says you have to have knowledge of who the donor is, where the donor is, and what their interest is," said Kellum.

According the Oregon Secretary of State, the donation came from a Boulder, Colo., medical and recreational marijuana dispensary called The Genetic Locker, but Kellum nonetheless questions the source of the donation.

"I don't know if it's a genuine person sending the money, or if it's an organization wanting to hide it," he said, suggesting the donation could be a move to "launder" cash earned through marijuana sales, which under Federal law still may not be deposited to a federally insured bank.

PAC consultant Jake Weigler dismissed the claim, saying the donation only reinforces the support legal pot has in the region.

"It seems like an incredibly inefficient way to (launder cash)," he said. "Especially since the funds are registered with the Secretary of State."

Weigler said the donation indicates the emergence of a regional market for legal marijuana. He and others believe Albany and Linn County could be locking themselves out of that market.

"We've heard from a bunch of folks who are very interested in expanding their operations," he said. "We see this as a huge economic opportunity."

Weigler said legal recreational pot brings a suite of other economic drivers along with it. While growers, wholesalers, retailers, concentrate producers and testing facilities are subjects of pending Oregon Liquor Control Commission regulations, Weigler cites construction, security and accounting as other fields that stand to benefit.

Kellum and other opponents do not embrace Weigler's assertion, but instead maintain the drug is still illegal on a federal level, saying pot advocates routinely bend the laws and circumvent the rules to win their case.

"There has been a history with the marijuana people of being less than open," he said.

Kellum also cited the PAC's three campaign signs, on display in Albany, that he says are out of compliance with city code because they are too big. In a September 23 email, Kellum and Mayor Sharon Konopa asked Public Works Engineering and Community Development Director Jeff Blaine for advice, arguing the signs were not only too big, but also a violation because they conveyed a political message at a place of business.

"If they are attempting to use Freedom of Speech in this case, then the majority of our sign code is of no use," wrote Konopa. "The sign pole can be used, but it should be the political sign size of 8 sq feet in commercial zones."

Blaine responded, saying he cannot consider the content of the sign, but rather the size limitation for the particular zone.

"Staff is not supposed to make decisions regarding signs based on their content, which would have been the case had I requested to review the content, determined that it was political in nature, and required the sign size be reduced," he wrote. "Rather, I simply evaluated the request based on the size of the sign and the fact that there was an existing sign pole with no other signs on it." Blaine also wrote the signs were below the maximum 160 square feet sign size permitted in the zone.

"It's a political sign," Kellum maintained, complaining that the PAC was bending the rules "just like they do with other things."

Asked whether the large Trump for President political signs were out of compliance as well, Kellum said they were.

"The difference is that the Trump signs are out of compliance, while with the other signs, they're trying to pull something," he said. "it's just sneaking around the edges."

While Weigler did not comment of the size and placement of the PAC signs, he argued that a regional market for recreational pot is forming, and the donation as well as the efforts of the PAC are just part of the process.

"There's a number of people from the country and the region who are very interested in the cannabis industry in Oregon," he said. "So there's a big interest in helping."

The Genetic Locker declined to answer questions concerning its donation.
Recruiters prefer to recruit from individual Delhi University (DU) colleges over the central placement cell (CPC) to fill specialised roles, a look at job profiles and salaries reveal.

While students at individual colleges have been offered profiles such as management associates and analysts, through the CPC students were largely roped in as management trainees, article assistants and customer support associates among others.

The pay packages we offer to these graduates (recruited from individual colleges) are slightly better as we believe other recruiters too woo them with better packages says SV Nathan, chief talent officer at Deloitte.

According to CPC office, Deloitte has not hired through CPC for the past three years. This year, Deloitte has hired students from Hansraj and Ramjas colleges at a salary of 4.25 lakh per annum.

E-commerce giant Amazon, a common recruiter in both these modes, offered 15.5 lakh  the highest so far this year  for the post of software development engineer at Hansraj. Meanwhile, it hired foreign language graduates through the CPC between 5 lakh and 5.7 lakh per annum.

At the CPC, students can get placed based on their merit alone, as CPC doesnt disclose the names of the colleges. While it is a good way for graduates from lesser-known colleges to bag a job, the packages and roles remain less attractive.

But Parthenon EY, Deutsche Bank and Bain Capability Centre, which are among highest paying recruiters, have stayed away from CPC.

At Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Parthenon EY has offered 29. 2 lakh for the role of an associate.

However, S Varadarajan, chief HR officer, Vistara, said: Vistara has no preference among CPC and individual colleges, and the salaries offered are also equable.

United Health Group was the top recruiter through CPC in 2015 with an offer of 6 lakh per annum for the role of business analyst. CPC has its benefits. We find diverse, bigger and a mixed pool of talent at CPC. Therefore it is convenient for us. We encourage them to grow with us, said Praveer Sinha, CEO and managing director of TPDDL, which hires 40 students through the CPC each year at 2.75 per annum.

Wipro hired nearly 200 graduates through the CPC in 2015 .

This year CPC registration will start mid-October.

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NEW DELHI: Ailing underworld don Chhota Rajan alias Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje will be treated at All India Institute of Medical Sciences and not at Tihar jail. A special court here allowed his plea on Tuesday.

Rajan is suffering from hernia and there have been reports of bleeding from his nose and constant stomach pain. Rajan, in his plea, said that there was no ultrasound facility available in the jail.

Jail treatment can harm me, I need treatment from AIIMS doctors, his plea read.

Counsel appearing for Rajan, Anshuman Sinha, said, The judge has allowed Rajan to get treatment at AIIMS. For security reasons, it would, however, be better if doctors from AIIMS treat him at the jail itself.

The exact date on which he would be escorted to the hospital for treatment has not been revealed due to security reasons, he added.

Spokesperson of Tihar Jail said, We will write to the AIIMS authorities because in some cases treatment is not possible in jail as there are several medical equipment, which cannot be brought to the jail.

Rajans plea read that he had undergone a bypass surgery in 2011. After the bypass surgery he reportedly had a prostate operation.

He is lodged in the Tihar Jail in connection with an alleged fake passport case. He was deported to India after being on the run for 27 years. The 55-year-old gangster was once a close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim was brought to the country to face trial in more than 71 cases of murder, extortion, and drug smuggling lodged against him in Delhi and Mumbai.
BISADA (GREATER NOIDA): An Uttar Pradesh village where a Muslim man was lynched last year over suspicion of cow slaughter bristled with tension on Wednesday after one of the accused died in judicial custody, sparking allegations of foul play by police.

Abhishek Yadav, superintendent of police (rural), Gautam Budh Nagar, said a company of the provincial armed constabulary and 200 constables, besides senior officials, have been deployed at Bisada in Dadri.

The lynching of 55-year-old Mohammad Ikhlaq had sparked nationwide outrage a midst allegations that the B JP-led government at the Centre had failed to rein in fringe groups curbing freedom of personal choice.

Police said the accused, identified only by his first name Ravin, 22, died on Tuesday night at a Delhi hospital, apparently due to kidney and lungs failure.

Ravin was among 18 others who were arrested for allegedly lynching Ikhlaq and injuring his son Danish on September 28, 2015.

Villagers on Wednesday burnt effigies of CM Akhilesh Yadav and Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and accused the police of a biased probe.

Villagers also demanded Rs 1 crore as compensation to his family and a government job for his wife.

The family of the deceased said that they will not perform his last rites till their demands are met.

ML Yadav, superintendent of the Greater Noida district jail, however, denied any foul play.

The National Human Rights Commission issued notices to the DGP and director general of prisons of UP and sought a response within four weeks.

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A 19-year-old student was allegedly thrashed to death after he failed to repay the money he had borrowed from his neighbour. The incident was reported from northeast Delhis New Usmanpur area on Wednesday.

On Tuesday night, Anshul stepped out of the house to meet friends but failed to return. His family tried to search him in the neighbourhood but were unable to find him.

They later received a call from one of Anshuls friend saying that he had met with an accident and was admitted to a private hospital.

Anshul was referred to Lok Nayak hospital where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

According to the police, the doctors suggested that he was beaten to death.

There were marks on his neck and arms. There were injuries on the head and resistance marks on the body. Though the cause of death is still unknown, it appears to be a case of murder and not accident. We have initiated an inquiry and sections will be added to the FIR once the autopsy report is out. The body has been sent for a postmortem, a senior police officer said.

Anshuls uncle told the police that a boy in the neighbourhood had been threatening him for over a month. He said that Anshul had borrowed money from him and had even returned R 2,200 but he was demanding interest.

Anshul had refused to pay the interest and the two had a scuffle over the issue in the past. The family, however, never thought that it will escalate to this level. They said that the night Anshul was killed, he stepped out of the house to meet his neighbour along with his friend to settle the matter, the officer said.

Police have accessed the call records of Anshuls phone to identify the person who called him to meet on Tuesday. Police have also accessed the CCTV footage from the area and are analysing it.
The North Delhi Municipal Corporation commissioner said on Wednesday senior officials of the civic body were involved in the theft of over 20,000 blank birth and death certificates, 49 of which were used to apply for passports.

Commissioner Praveen Gupta said the information is based on preliminary findings of a probe conducted by the north corporations vigilance department.

On May 18, Hindustan Times had reported about the theft of 20,000 pre-printed (blank) birth/death certificates from the Karol Bagh Zone office of the north corporation.

After the incident, the sub-registrar concerned was suspended and an FIR was filed. The investigation was later handed over to the vigilance department.

Worried about the possible misuse, the corporation had put out a public notice mentioning the serial numbers of the stolen certificates. People were requested to not accept certificates with those serial numbers.

Within a month, similar complaints were received from the Civil Lines and Rohini zones. But the exact number of certificates stolen from these zones were not confirmed by the agency.

The matter became more complicated after some stolen certificates were found to have been used to apply for passports.

Read: 20K birth and death certificates stolen from Delhi municipal office

The passport department had confirmed 49 fake death and birth certificates after verification, said a senior North Corporation official.

The corporation is waiting for the final report of the vigilance department.

We received reports for two zones but some of our queries are still unanswered. The names of the tainted officials will be disclosed by next week after the final report is out, said Gupta during the standing committee meeting. He assured of stringent action against the defaulters.

The opposition accused the BJP-ruled Municipal Corporation of delaying the matter and not taking the responsibility for the lapse.

How can a person remember all the fake serial numbers? People can be fooled easily. Moreover, chances of misuse of the documents is high, said Mukesh Goel, leader of opposition.

Pravesh Wahi, standing committee chairman, asked the civic body officials concerned to immediately mention the serial numbers of the stolen certificates on notice boards of the six zonal offices.

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Over 1,100 government schools will hold the second mega parent-teacher meeting on October 15, two months the first such event.

The focus of this PTM will be on sharing results of the first term exams held after the government started its ambitious Chunauti 2018 scheme to improve learning levels and take feedback from parents. The target is to make sure that all children are able to read by November 14.

The report card of first term exams will be given to parents on the day of the PTM. The directorate of education has sent a detailed circular to schools asking them to prepare for the meeting.

The Delhi government enrols nearly 16 lakh students in its schools. In the first PTM held on July 30, parents of at least 70% students showed up at schools - many for the first time.

For morning shift schools, the PTM will be held between 8am and 1pm and for evening shift schools, it will be held from 2pm to 7pm, officials said.

However, some teachers have objected to the move citing inability to prepare results due to the Dussehra vacations.

The Government Schools Teachers Association (GSTA) said that the first term exams will get over on Thursday and vacations will be from October 7 to October 12.

It is not possible to make the results in just two working days - October 13 and 14 - before October 15, said Ajay Veer Yadav, general secretary GSTA.

Yadav added that many teachers will be out of town during the holidays. Guest teachers are on protest, outstation teachers will be away during Dussehra vacations and several teachers are down with dengue and chikungunya. Instead, a normal PTM should be held a week after this, he said.

At the PTM, schools have been asked to brief parents of Class 9 students about the no-detention policy. The criteria regarding minimum 25% score in summative assessments will be made clear to the parents. Importance of attendance will also be explained to parents. 75% attendance is compulsory to appear in final exams, a DOE circular said.

Schools have to show the answer sheets if parents ask for it, officials said. While the feedback received from parents will be noted down by teachers, they have also been asked to show classwork and homework notebooks, a principal said.

For primary classes, teachers have to brief parents regarding punctuality, regularity and cleanliness.

For classes 6 to 8, parents will be briefed about monitoring the activity of children at home and report cards will be given to them.

Reading tools will be given to parents of students who are unable to read so as to help them practice at home, an official said.

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Following alerts by the intelligence agencies about terror strikes in Delhi during the ongoing festivals, Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Najeeb Jung on Thursday held a meeting with top Delhi Police officers and asked them to maintain high vigil across the city.

The meeting, organised at Raj Niwas, was attended by Delhi Police commissioner, Alok Kumar Verma, special commissioners of police (law and order), SBK Singh and P Kamaraj, and joint commissioners of all the six ranges. The L-G gave instructions to the officers to ensure incident-free Navratras, Durga Puja, Dusshera and Diwali celebrations.

Taking a serious note of the non-functional CCTV cameras at markets, shopping malls, and other crowded public places, Jung directed the police officers to repair such cameras.

A total 3,677 cameras have been installed by the police at important markets, streets and border areas that witness maximum footfall every day.

In the meeting, the L-G also expressed concern over the inadequate training of private security personnel deployed at shopping malls, cinema halls, etc.

The L-G instructed that police personnel should be deployed on streets for the safety of the citizens during Ramlila, Dussehra, Moharram and other festivals. He maintained that safety and security of sensitive installations in the city should be given priority.
The last day of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhis Kisan Yatra threw traffic out of gear during peak morning and evening hours in the Capital on Thursday.

The 26-day yatra across poll-bound Uttar Pradesh culminated at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Heavy traffic and subsequent snarls were reported from all across the Capital with motorists remaining stranded for hours as Rahul entered the city from Ghazipur in east Delhi and marched tp Jantar Mantar.

Central Delhi and its surrounding areas were among the worst hit with the ripple effects of the jams being felt in most parts of the city.

Eyewitnesses said parts of east and south Delhi, including stretches of Ring Road, were badly hit.

According to the Delhi traffic police, jams were reported from multiple locations because Gandhis entourage stopped at different points.

This slowed down traffic movement. The traffic helpline received calls from Inderpuri, Nigambodh Ghat, Geeta Colony, ITO and Laxmi Nagar and around Khan Market among several other locations, an official said.

Agitated motorists rued about the inadequate preparations of the traffic police for the rally. There were diversions without an advisory. The stretch from Ashram Chowk to Central Delhi was choked. For the first 15 minutes of the jam, there were no traffic police officers to be seen either, said Jitesh Rai, a resident of Mayur Vihar Phase 1.

Read: Rahul attacks PM Modi, says he is hiding behind the blood of soldiers

Joint commissioner of police (traffic) Garima Bhatnagar said that the cops could not have issued an advisory as the organisers had not provided the exact number of people expected to attend Thursdays rally. She added that the turnout proved to be bigger than what the police expected.

We expected the traffic volume to be heavier than the usual most days, but did not anticipate so many people would come and attend the gathering, said Bhatnagar. She claimed that the traffic slowed down at several places but never stopped.

Explain the horror that she faced on her way back home from work, a commuter Raina Jha said: During evening peak hours, traffic usually moves slow on the old ITO bridge. But on Thursday it was bumper-to-bumper. Had I known that the situation was so bad, I would have taken the Rajghat route.

A demonstration led by some Congress workers further blocked the already congested Vikas marg, especially the stretch from Preet Vihar to Nirman Vihar in east Delhi.

Some motorists stuck in the jam were also seen complaining about the absence of traffic police officers in easing the chaos.

The right turn opposite the School of Planning and Architecture was closed. On days, such as these police should have opened that route. A lot of congestion would have cleared within minutes, a commuter added.
A sense of unease prevailed in Bisada village, around 50km from Delhi, on Thursday as villagers refused to cremate the body of lynching suspect Ravin alias Robin.

The Muslim families living in the village, however, said there was no communal discord, as a huge police force kept guard to prevent any untoward incidents.

Our neighbours have a tussle with the government. They will not harm us. It has been a year since (Mohd) Ikhlaq died and nobody has intimidated us over our religion, said Bano Begum, 54, who lives near the mosque.

The police said there was no communal tension and two companies of provincial armed constabulary, 200 constables and over 50 police officers have been deployed in the village as a preventive measure. Around one-fourth of the force, an officer said, had been deployed near the mosque and areas where Muslims lived.

The force has been deployed as a precautionary measure. No untoward incident has been reported. People are protesting, but peacefully, said Abhishek Yadav, superintendent of police (rural), Gautam Budh Nagar.

Bisada village, about 50 km from Delhi, has a population of over 10,000 people. Most of the residents are Hindu Rajputs. Only 50 Muslim families live in the village.

Read: Bisada residents put national flag on body of accused in Dadri lynching case

This is our home. We trust our neighbours. Whatever happened last year was unfortunate. There is no threat to us here. The atmosphere is tense as expected. A young man has died without trial. But none of our Hindu neighbours have caused any trouble for us, said a resident requesting anonymity.

There are more than half a dozen barber shops in the village, mostly owned by Muslims. One such barber, who lives near the mosque, said he felt uncomfortable only when saffron leaders visited the village and delivered hate speeches against Muslims.

We dont think about communal tension until we hear a saffron leader spewing venom against Muslims. We think there wont be any problems if leaders avoid making such statements, he said.

He said the Muslim community of the village discusses about the threats of such leaders behind closed doors. However, they know that a majority of villagers refrain from attending such speeches.

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As has traditionally been the case, the announcement of a new United Nations secretary-general gives grounds to speculate as to what could have been. The UN, for all its many faults, still symbolically represents the Kantian ideal  a single worldwide entity dedicated to the peaceful and negotiated solution of disputes between nations and larger global concerns. The new secretary-general, former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres is a more political animal than Ban Ki-moon, the former South Korean diplomat he replaces. But otherwise he is cut from the same cloth that most UN heads are. He comes from a small country, has a record of not saying or doing anything remotely controversial and, finally, there is a consensus among the major states that he will not stir the UNs stagnant waters.

Read | India welcomes Antonio Guterres as next UN secretary general

The UNs effectiveness waxes and wanes on exactly this point: How strong is the consensus on international issues among the great powers. Increasingly, this consensus now includes countries like India and Brazil as well as the traditional permanent five Security Council members. The UN was remarkably effective in the immediate years after the Cold War, thanks to the bonhomie that existed between Washington, Moscow and Beijing. Today, the world is criss-crossed with faultlines and not just between these three. The result is international agreement by the lowest common denominator and the selection of colourless UN heads. This problem is not exclusive to the UN  the European Union chooses its commissioners through a similar formula.

It would be nice to think that in some important capitals around the world there would be a sense that a dynamic statesman might be what a system in crisis needed. Shareholders of a major corporation on the brink would. Voters of a nation stuck in a rut prefer the change candidate. The opposite happens in the UN. The worse the state of the world, the less willing the international community is to choose someone who could push them into finding solutions.

Read | Bittersweet results: Twitter reacts to selection of Guterres as UN chief

Mr Guterres appointment also dashes hopes that the UN would at least score one symbolic victory in being headed, for the first time, by a female. A surprising seven out of the 13 candidates for the position were women this time so, at the very least, there can some expectation that this blue glass ceiling will be broken sometime in the coming years. As former head of the UNs refugee agency, Mr Guterres will at least be familiar with some of the pressing problems facing his organisation today  state collapse in Syria and Iraq, boat people in the Mediterranean and climate change-induced migration. The UN maintains a constant global approval rating of about 65% even while expectations for a UN chief are generally just above rock bottom. Mr Guterres has an opportunity to be a different kind of UN leader and prove the conventional wisdom wrong.
We've been watching with interest as the Sweet Home City Council searched for a new city manager. The search reached a climax of sorts this week, when the council voted to begin contract negotiations with its top candidate, Raymond Towry of Ephrata, Washington.

Assuming that the city and Towry are able to negotiate a contract, Sweet Home appears to have landed a manager of considerable talent and potential.

But the process of getting to this point involved was perhaps a little bumpier than Sweet Home's elected officials thought it would be, and the reasons why may be instructive.

Sweet Home's previous city manager, Craig Martin, resigned after serving in that position for 18 years. It's fair to say that Martin and the current City Council came to a parting of the ways, and that happens; every city manager knows that he or she serves at the will of the City Council, and every time the makeup of the council changes, the job is at risk.

The mid-valley has had a number of city managers who have logged lengthy tenures: Wes Hare, who has announced plans to step down, has served Albany for a decade. Jon Nelson served as Corvallis city manager for an 18-year run, both of those stretches are impressive, considering that managers are working with the possibility of having a brand-new batch of bosses every two years.

Our hunch is that the days when city managers settled into their jobs for decades are going away fast: Jim Patterson, the city manager who followed Nelson in Corvallis, left after three years, although it was a dream job at the Oregon State University Foundation that lured him away.

In the case of Sweet Home, councilors liked Towry, but they were concerned that he lacked experience as a city manager. (He has extensive experience as a parks and recreation department head, and works closely with the city administrator in Ephrata.)

Would Towry have been a stronger candidate for Sweet Home if he had city manager experience? Possibly.

Would he have been interested in the Sweet Home job if he had city manager experience? That's another question entirely.

Eventually, after doing a considerable amount of legwork into Towry and his work elsewhere, the council made the decision to take a little bit of a chance with a promising administrator who's looking to take the next step up in his career. And although you never know for sure how these hiring decisions will work out, this certainly seems like a gamble worth taking.

Assuming that the negotiations between Towry and the city are successful, you'd expect him to take his time learning about his new community and its government.

And there's a role for the council and Mayor Jim Gourley in this as well: If hired, Towry will receive performance reviews and guidance after three, six and 12 months. Those early discussions are opportunities for city officials and Towry to make sure they're on the same page. Frankly, part of the officials' responsibilities in this case (and something that often is forgotten) is to help their managers get ready for their next job, wherever that may be.

Although it's unlikely, that could come as early as next year, if all four open council seats up for election go to newcomers who decide Towry's not their guy. But that's the occupational risk city managers everywhere face.

More likely, Towry will work hard, with the help of the town's elected officials, to improve the community. In the long run, regardless of how long he lasts in the job, that's the only thing that matters.
Nationalist hysteria in India has been at a fever pitch for a week now following the news of the Indian Armys strike on Pakistan-based terrorist targets along the Line of Control (LoC) on September 29. Political leaders and enthusiasts on TV talk shows and on social media have been celebrating the strikes; they refer to Pakistan in disparaging terms and many have called for more reprisals. In a welcome move, Mr Modi has reportedly cautioned his Cabinet colleagues against chest thumping and creating a hysteria over Indias strikes, and has indicated that only those authorised should speak on the Armys actions.

Read | Kejriwal again urges Centre to expose Pakistan

There are sound reasons for tamping down on the febrile climate. First, attempts to gain political capital out of India-Pakistan crisis can provoke a measure of pushback from the Opposition. It is not surprising that the Congress, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and others called for evidence of the strikes. The Army has handed over the video footage to the government but the Centre has wisely decided against its release. Islamabad has all along denied that there has been a strike and it is looking for a face-saving option to avoid an escalation of hostilities, which is also in New Delhis interests. If the footage was to be released and the full extent of the damage on the other side unveiled, then the Sharif government and the Pakistan military will be hard-pressed to not undertake retaliatory action in an attempt to restore a measure of pride. Those egging the government on to do more do not seem to understand that their form of support for the government effectively boxes in the Centre and limits the options of the political leadership. A government cannot pursue a process of de-escalation while the public sphere is in a charged mode.

Read | Cross-border terror Saarcs main concern: Sri Lankan PM

Those clamouring for war or more reprisals also do not seem to understand the purpose of the strike. It was about communicating to Pakistan that India would take a stern attitude to cross-LoC infiltration and that Islamabad had to rethink the existence and purpose of the India-oriented militant infrastructure it maintains. The strikes were about establishing new realities on the LoC and signalling intent, not an invitation to a full-blown conflict. But the triumphalist narratives of some political leaders and over-the-top chatter among the commentariat are bound to create misperceptions in Pakistan about Indias future approach  a recipe for further instability. Leaders in the ruling party and beyond must wise up to the wider impact of their rhetoric.
Seven years after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) implemented the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) in its affiliated schools, the board is now reviewing the system and the optional Class 10 board exams.

CBSE chairperson RK Chaturvedi said the board wished to address the problems being pointed out in the CCE system, such as it having the more than 100 parameters, and many of them being vague.

Majority wants a rationalisation and removal of redundant elements in CCE. For Class 10 board, most people say dual exam system is confusing and want a single system. Review is in place and the issues will be addressed, he said.

Many schools have welcomed the move and said that while CCE is a great system in theory, the implementation has practical constraints.

Read | CBSE to scrap re-evaluation of Class 12 answer sheets from next year

Reducing exam stress

Unlike earlier when one written board exam at the end of year decided the merit of student, the CCE evaluates students throughout the year based on activities and exams, and weightage is given to both.

Teachers say this has helped reduce stress but also made students lax in their attitude.

A student with 90% and another with 95% will be in the same grade. There is no motivation to work hard. Students know they will pass the exam even if they dont do well in written exam, said Chitra Nakra, principal Veda Vyas DAV Public School.

Another teacher said, But when they come in Class 11, it becomes a problem as they are faced with the marks system. 



Record keeping

Teachers say a major chunk of their time is spent in maintaining files in which they keep the records of each student.

If we do one activity like a play, we give remarks on various parameters such as originality of thought, presentation, and confidence. Many such activities are done so imagine the amount of paper work teachers have to do, said Jyoti Arora, principal Mount Abu Public School, Delhi.

Ashok Pandey, principal Ahlcon International School, said, There are many vague parameters like a students attitude towards school... There is no set way to make remarks about these things.

Individual attention

Teachers are expected to make daily remarks about each students development in academics, activities and behaviour. But schools say it is only possible when number of students is less than 40 in each class.

Even schools which maintain student-teacher ratio as per Right to Education (RTE) Act, it is a challenge to give individual attention, said Priyanka Gulati, principal Evergreen Senior Secondary School, Vasundhara Enclave.

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The three-room building resembles a cowshed, tied to hardwood poles rigged to the ground and a coat of dung paste on cracked walls. Bereft of furniture, a dust-covered blackboard is the only sign that it is actually a school.

But there is no student, no teacher. And its not a holiday either.

This primary school at Khervaray Ka Pura-Sangoli village, about 465km north of Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, mocks at the governments right to education, which guarantees basic schooling for all children in India.

The school established specifically for Dalit children about a decade ago has 30 students from Class 1 to Class 5 and sanctioned staff strength of two teachers, who are to teach all subjects.

But classes are rare, and teachers from a nearby middle school said some of the students passing from the primary dont even know the alphabets.

At the root of this neglect is a deep-seated caste divide, villagers complained.

The lone permanent teacher, who was also the headmaster, belongs to a higher caste and he was allegedly prejudiced towards the Dalit children under his care. He was accused of telling students who will work in higher caste peoples farms if they were educated.

As the school is in Harijan Basti, the students are untouchables for the teacher. The teachers hardly come. This is why we now keep our cattle there, said Radheshyam Jatav, a villager, who blamed the headmaster for ruining the future of a generation.

Headmaster Ramkumar Tomar dismissed the allegations, saying he has been honest in work and doesnt believe in casteism and untouchability.

But villagers suspect his honesty. They said the teachers enroll every newborn in Harijan Basti to the school without even informing the parents.

The enrolment is done to get a higher quota of mid-day meal for students, which is, however, served occasionally to children studying in the school, said Suraj Jatav, a student.

That is perhaps why six-year-old Guddu studies in class 5, though his age requires him to be in class 1. Likewise, seven-year-old Devesh passed class 5.

The school kitchen is in a shambles much like the rest of the building. People used it to store cattle feed and cow dung  used as manure and to make sun-dried cakes for fuel.

The designated mid-day meal cook, Angoori Devi, said: The teacher ordered me to cook food occasionally, only 250 grams of dal and rotis. The kitchen is full of dung, so I cook at home and ask children to get their own plates.

Block education officer Badam Singh confirmed that the department had received complaint from villagers. That is why we transferred the teacher to a nearby school 20 days ago and appointed another, named Kanchan Singh, he said.

Villagers wondered if a teachers transfer could change the school and offset the loss their kids suffered in the past 10 years.

The new teacher, who belongs to Dalit community, has come only twice to the school. He is probably following in Tomars footsteps, said Deep Singh, a villager.
Giving a major relief to domicile candidates seeking admission to MBBS course through NEET counselling, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered to give preference to medical aspirants from the state by maintaining status quo on the allotment list released on October 2.

The apex court made it clear that the students who have already completed the counselling process, held until September 30, should not be disturbed and that the list released on October 2 based on the process stands valid, Madhya Pradeshs additional advocate general Purushaindra Kaurav said.

Directorate of medical education (DME) said the admission process would start from Thursday following the court order.

Like before, we will follow the court order and start the admission process from Thursday. The choice filling for the unfilled seats will start after assessing the status, director of medical education GS Patel said.

Meanwhile, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed the DME to double the strength of officers and employees involved in counselling so that the whole process could be completed by October 7. At present 1000 officials are engaged in the admission process.

Vividly relieved domicile candidates, who have been waiting for the past one month to get admission in the medical colleges of the state through NEET counselling being held at Gandhi Medical College, here, hailed the court order saying justice had finally prevailed.

The division bench of the Supreme Court has held that in private medical colleges of Madhya Pradesh seats should be filled by the domicile students only who have participated in the counseling held on September 30, counsel Aditya Sanghi, who pleaded the case on behalf of petitioner Abhinav Dubey of Gwalior said.

In the second allotment list released on October 2 domicile candidates had been given preference for the admission. But the list was cancelled on October 3 by the DME after the Supreme Court directed to allot vacant seats to domicile students.

The allotment list was released for the admission to 92 seats in government medical colleges and 1674 in private medical colleges.
In an innovative exchange deal, the Indore Smart City Development Limited (ISCDL) proposes to acquire land of the under-utilized government schools to construct multi-level parking facilities, promising high-tech makeovers for some of these institutes in return.

A senior ISCDL official told the Hindustan Times that a survey was being carried out within the area where a smart city project is being implemented to identify the government schools which were in a dilapidated condition and operating with a very few students and teachers.

The plan is to construct several multi-level parking facilities around the smart city area, by taking over the land of these under-utilized schools, the official said.

In return ISCDL would give some of these schools a facelift by introducing digital classrooms and other facilities, the official added.

As part of the ambitious project, the ISCDL also plans to designate some areas within the smart-city jurisdiction exclusively for pedestrian by making them no vehicle zones.

Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) Commissioner Manish Singh said, We will talk to education department to give us land available with them in the smart city area. We will construct smart schools for them in return.

In the 742-acre smart city area there are several primary and secondary schools which are in pitiable conditions with meager student strength.

After the completion of the survey, we plan to create digital classrooms, introduce interactive learning methods in some of these schools in the area and shift students there from the nearby under-utilized institutes by amalgamating them, Singh said.

The ISCDL aims to develop the historic Rajwada area, Sarafa market and Tilak Path into heritage walk space, and restrict entry of vehicles in these localities.

We want to develop a pollution-free smart city. To do so restricting vehicular movement is a must, he said.

Unless we provide ample space for parking, creating no-vehicle zones and strictly enforcing parking rules cannot be possible, the commissioner added.

The ISCDL also plans to introduce about 200 e-rickshaws in the smart city region to make commuting hassle and pollution free.

The plan is expected to materialize in next two-three years, claim ISCDL officials.
Three specialists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences will assist a medical team at Chennais Apollo Hospital where Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa is undergoing treatment, sources said on Thursday.

Hospital sources confirmed on Thursday morning that AIIMS doctors --pulmonologist Dr GC Khilnani, cardiologist Dr Nitish Naik and anaesthetist Dr Anjan Trikha  will be assisting the medical team attending Jayalalithaa.

We can say something after rounds by doctors are over and there is some update, a hospital source said. The doctors team from Delhi had left for Chennai, the hospital source confirmed. One of the doctors reached Chennai late last night.

The announcement came on a day the Tamil Nadu government is likely to inform the Madras high court about the chief ministers health condition following feverish speculation on the subject across the state.

Read: The health of Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa is a matter of public concern

Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital on September 22 for fever and dehydration and is recovering and responding to treatment, the hospitals latest health bulletin issued on Tuesday night said.

She is under close observation by the team of doctors and has been advised rest for few more days, the bulletin said. Dr Richard Beale, a specialist in intensive care medicine from the Guys and St Thomas Hospital in London, had advised the team of doctors attending on her on treatment plan and clinical measures.

But her hospitalization has triggered a heated political war-of-words between her party, the AIADMK, and bitter rivals, the DMK, which demanded photographic evidence of her recovery, only to be rebuffed.

Read: CM Jayalalithaa in hospital, her adviser is in Tamil Nadu hot seat

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For the first time since the armys surgical strikes against Pakistan, defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday hit out at those questioning the authenticity of the army action against terror camps operating from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

While hinting at more surgical strikes if Pakistan continued to export terror to India, the minister said that those demanding proof of the action feared that Prime Minister Narendra Modis image has gone up even further after the move.

The defence minister said he has told the soldiers, who have been hearing that laying down ones life for the country was the supreme sacrifice, to change their mindset.

Our motto now is taking enemy life is more supreme than laying down ones life. We will spare none, all terrorists targeting India would be neutralised, Parrikar said at a public felicitation organised by the Rashtra Raksha Sankalp Manch.

For nearly two decades or more, we have been living with the scourge of terrorism. Frustration was building up within the country which wondered whether we lacked the capability to act or whether it was due to lack of permission, he said.

The armys capability was never in doubt. The political decision to act was taken by the government. The surgical strikes changed the countrys mindset and mood.

Read: Why the opposition is wrong in demanding proof of surgical strikes

National security the only determinant: MEA

In New Delhi, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said that national security was the sole determinant on what the government makes anything public.

To a question about the demands to make public the video of the surgical strikes along the Line of Control (LoC), MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said: What the government puts out or not is determined solely by national security and will continue to be so. I have nothing more to say.

He hit out at Pakistan for being in denial of terrorism sponsored from its soil against its neighbours.

Elimination of Osama bin Laden and Mullah Mansoor was met with similar denials. But we all know the truth, he said.

Swarup said the army was given a task which it carried out with surgical precision. The desired result has been obtained, he said.
Trouble is brewing in Jharkhand for the states two main parties, as the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress are struggling to tackle a public flare-up following the death of four people in a police firing in Hazaribagh district last week.

In recent times, land acquisition for an NTPC project had been sparking protests in north-central Jharkhand. More than 500 villagers from different villages of Barkagaon have been staging a Kafan satyagrah at the site in Chirudih area for the past ten days.

A report by local administration has blamed two senior Congress leaders for creating unrest that led to the October 1 casualties. Former minister Yogendra Sao and his legislator wife Nirmala Devi led the protest in Chirudih area of Hazaribag, which turned violent causing grave injuries to senior police officers. Devi was arrested on October 1 but freed by the mob, which confronted police while it was returning from the spot.

The report submitted to the home department blamed that the mob attacked two government officials with axe and other weapons and injured them gravely. They were near-dead, it said. The administration claim police resorted to lathi charge, teargas shelling and other means before opening fire on the mob, which turned violent.

Read | Jharkhand: 4 villagers killed in police firing over land row; 2 officers injured

Earlier this year, Sao wrote to an NTPC contractor to sublet work to a company of which his son is the managing director. In the January letter, Sao also asked the NTPC contractor to get in touch with his son in this regard. It did not materialize.

We are probing this angle, too, as a possible reason behind the unrest, a source in the chief ministers office told HT. Sao was arrested on Tuesday, but his wife is missing.

The incident spelled fresh trouble for chief minister Raghubar Das, who is pushing industrialization in the tribal state. The Chirudih firing happened when Das was in the United States seeking investment in the state, which was ranked third in a World Bank report about ease of doing business in India.

The Opposition has called for a bandh on October 24.
The Patiala House court on Thursday asked the Delhi State Election Commission to file a certificate to support the affidavit filed by it of Union minister Smriti Irani for contesting the Lok Sabha election from Chandni Chowk constituency in 2004.

Metropolitan magistrate Harvinder Singh, who was expected to pronounce the order on whether to summon the politician as accused in the case, has now given the commission a deadline of October 15 to produce the certificate.

Rajesh Inamdar, counsel appearing for the complainant, said, The Election Commissions officials do not have original copies of documents that Irani would have submitted, so the court has asked them to file a certificate in support of the documents they have produced.

Under the IT Act, the court does not recognise photocopies unless they are certified, he added.

In June last year, a case was filed by freelance writer Ahmer Khan and student activist Nalin Narottam accusing Irani of providing contradictory affidavits about her educational qualifications in different elections.

They said that Irani, in her affidavit for the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, stated her educational qualification as BA from Delhi University (School of Correspondence).

However, while filing the affidavit in her Rajya Sabha nomination papers from Gujarat in 2011, she said that her highest educational qualification was B.Com, Part 1 (correspondence course) from Delhi University.

Khan had alleged that Irani had knowingly furnished misleading information about her qualifications and that a candidate, deliberately giving incorrect details, could be punished under provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under section 125A of the Representation of the People Act (RPA).

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Haryana Congress chief Ashok Tanwar sustained injuries on Thursday during a scuffle here between his and Bhupinder Singh Hoodas supporters. Tanwar was admitted to a hospital where the party vice-president Rahul Gandhi visited him.

A party leader said that supporters of former Haryana chief minister Hooda and Tanwar attacked each other with sticks over mounting posters and banners of their respective leaders near Bhairon Mandir, while waiting for Gandhis Kisan yatra to arrive there.

The incident has brought to the fore the differences between different factions of the party and is likely to have political repercussions.

The faction headed by Hooda is seeking the ouster of Tanwar as Pradesh Congress chief.

Tanwar received injuries on his head and other parts of the body. He was taken to RML Hospital for treatment, party sources said.

Hospital authorities, when contacted, said, Tanwar was admitted in the ICU. He is also having bouts of vomiting.

However, party sources said that he was later discharged from the ICU.

Gandhis visited Tanwar after completing his Deoria to Delhi Kisan yatra, which concluded on Thursday.

Police said the groups of supporters clashed near Bhairon temple in central Delhi around 5.30pm, half an hour before Gandhi was due to arrive.

Police said that they intervened to stop the scuffle. However, we havent received any police complaint from the party or from those who were injured, said a senior police officer.

The RML authorities said that about 12-15 Congress workers, who had sustained minor injuries in the scuffle, were brought here and administered first-aid.

The Congress has taken a serious view of the incident and will take action against those party members who were involved in the clash, said a senior party leader.

Besides Gandhi, many Congress leaders, including Bhupinder Singh Hooda, his son Deepender Hooda, Motilal Vora, Digvijaya Singh, Janardhan Dwivedi visited the hospital to see Tanwar at RML, party sources said.

Asha Kumari, former AICC secretary incharge of Haryana, who is now handling Punjab affairs of the party also visited Tanwar besides a number of sitting Haryana MLAs.
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless.

A right delayed is a right denied.Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true.

Martin Luther King Jr.

No one is born hating another person People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.

Nelson Mandela

We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist

James Baldwin

There is a fine line between free speech and hate speech. Free speech encourages debate whereas hate speech incites violence.

Newton Lee

The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.

Albert Einstein
Pakistan Army chief General Raheel Sharif on Thursday sought to portray Indias surgical strikes against terrorists along the Line of Control as a distortion of facts, saying any aggression would not go unpunished.

Sharif used a passing out parade at the air force academy in Risalpur to speak on last weeks surgical strikes that the Indian Army said caused significant casualties. This was the first time he has publicly spoken on the issue.

We have recently witnessed an unfortunate display of utter desperation playing out inside Occupied Kashmir and along Line of Control through a litany of falsehoods and distortion of facts by India, Sharif said.

Read | Pakistan military dismisses surgical strikes as Indias illusion

Any aggression, born out of deliberate intent or even a strategic miscalculation, will not be allowed to go unpunished and will be met with the most befitting response. We will be highly relentless in defending our motherland against entire spectrum of threat, he said, according to a statement from the military.

Sharifs remarks came against the backdrop of a report in the Pakistani media that the civilian government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had delivered a blunt warning to the military that Pakistan faced international isolation on the issue of terrorism.

The army chief said Pakistan expected the world community to condemn Indian insinuations and fabrications about a nation that has made unparalleled contributions in the global fight against terrorism.

Read | We want to settle all issues, including Kashmir, with India, says Pak PM Sharif

He said Pakistan is committed to a policy of friendship with all countries based on equality and mutual respect. At the same time, the armed forces are prepared to give the most befitting response to any kind of internal and external threat, he added.

Sharif said Operation Zarb-e-Azb had turned the tide against terrorism and there had been success in uprooting the terrorist infrastructure. The army was eliminating a residual threat in the form of facilitators and their sympathisers through intelligence-based and combing operations.

The army general was referring to a joint operation by Pakistans armed forces, started in June 2014, to crack down on militants in the state.

For more on India-Pakistan tensions, click here.
India has welcomed the selection of Portugals former premier Antonio Guterres as the next UN secretary general to replace Ban Ki-moon at the beginning of next year.

Congratulations & Best wishes. India welcomes Antonio Manuel de Olivera Guterres as next Secretary General of @UN, Indias ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.

Congratulations & Best wishes.

India welcomes Antonio Manuel de Olivera Guterres as next Secretary General of @UN pic.twitter.com/E7pEQWbSBQ  Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) October 6, 2016

Akbaruddins tweet was accompanied with a picture of Guterres shaking hands with external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. Guterres had met Swaraj during his visit to New Delhi in July this year.

Guterres, the 67-year-old former head of UNs refugee organisation for 10 years, emerged as a leading candidate in all of the Security Councils straw polls.

The 15-nation council conducted a sixth straw poll on Thursday in which Guterres received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes. None of the five veto-wielding permanent members voted against him, clearing the way for Guterres to become the 9th secretary general.

Today after our sixth straw poll we have a clear favourite and his name is Antonio Guterres, Russias envoy to the UN and President of the Council for October Vitaly Churkin told reporters after the straw poll.

Flanked by the Permanent Representatives of the 14 Council members, Churkin said the Council will meet again to take a formal vote, which is expected to pass by acclamation. That decision would then be formally submitted to the General Assembly for its consideration.

We wish Guterres well in discharging his duties as the Secretary General of the UN for the next five years, Churkin said.

Churkin also informed President of the UN General Assembly Peter Thomson that Guterres had emerged as the unanimous choice after the sixth informal and first colour-coded straw poll for the position of Secretary-General.

The President thanked him for the information and said he was ready to further progress the process of appointing the next Secretary-General in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, Thomsons office said.

Bans Deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters at the daily press briefing that the Secretary-General, who is currently in Rome, is aware of the latest developments and will await the official action by the General Assembly on his successors formal selection.

Guterres was Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and then served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015.

After the UNSC formal vote, Guterress name will be forwarded to the 193-Member General Assembly for final confirmation.

Ban is the 8th Secretary-General in the organisations 70-year history. He took office in January 2007 and will be ending his 10-year tenure on December 31, 2016.

Guterress selection for the post of the worlds top diplomat slashed hopes for a woman to succeed Ban Ki-moon. PTI YAS AMS NSA AMS
Subhani Haja Moideen, hailing from Idukki in Kerala, has not been able to resist the lure of jihad.

The 31-year-old, who returned from Islamic State-held Iraq last year after witnessing unbearable violence there, was found collecting money and explosives for a group of Indian sympathisers of the terrorist organisation which controls vast territories in Iraq and Syria.

On Wednesday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested him in Kochi, three days after it took seven of his associates into custody for planning a hit on Jamaat-e-Islami conference in Kochi last month and other terrorist actions, including killing prominent RSS leaders and rationalists in Kerala, and Jewish tourists in Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu.

Moideen is the second Indian after Mumbai youth, Areeb Majeed, to go to the IS-held territories, fight there and come back to India. Majeed also spent six months with the IS in 2014 but came back through Turkey and was arrested on his return.

According to investigators, Moideen was recruited by the IS after he was radicalised via internet. On the pretext of going on a religious journey, he left for Istanbul in April last year and crossed over to Iraq to join the IS.

There, he was asked to do a course in Islamic jurisprudence and later given combat training for two weeks, following which he was sent to Mosul to perform security duties at a salary of $100 per month.

A shell attack on Mosul last year, in which two of his friends were charred to death, left him shocked and wanting to leave. On being found out, he was tortured, imprisoned and produced before a person designated as judge by the terror outfit.

For reasons yet to be ascertained, Subhani was allowed to leave IS territory along with five other foreign fighters, the agency said.

Moideen crossed back to Istanbul, and after contacting his family and the Indian consulate, returned to India on September 22, 2015.

After staying there (in Istanbul) illegally for two weeks, he got in touch with his family and Indian consulate. His family sent him air ticket and following a clearance from the Turkey police, the Indian consulate provided him an emergency document to travel back to India, an NIA statement said.

He went to his ancestral place Tirunelveli and started a new life with his wife and even got a job as salesman in a jewellery shop, it said.

But soon, he got back to his old ways and touched base with his IS handlers, on whose commands he visited Chennai, Coimbatore and other places to meet local contacts and collect explosives, which led to his arrest, NIA investigators said.

A court has remanded Moideen into NIAs custody for 14 days.

During interrogation, Moideen revealed that his handlers had asked him to get explosives and precursor chemicals from Sivakasi, a cracker manufacturing hub, they said, adding that he will be questioned further at its Kochi office.

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The Madras high court on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking information on Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa, saying that it was meant for publicity.

A bench comprising chief justice Sanjay Kaul and justice R Mahadevan heard the petition, which was filed by activist KR Traffic Ramaswamy, who said the public had a right to know the real status of the CMs health.

The PIL was filed on Monday, with the veteran social activist urging the court on Tuesday to treat it as a matter of utmost importance.

The HC on Tuesday observed that the people of Tamil Nadu were anxious about Jayalalithaas health, and had instructed the government pleader to respond to the PIL after consulting with the government.

Read | The health of Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa is a matter of public concern

They added that though the hospital authorities have issued some statements, the government is duty bound to provide status of her health.

With the dismissal of the petition on Thursday, the state government is no longer bound to inform the high court about the ailing chief ministers health condition.

In his petition, Ramaswamy said that there were several rumours floating around about Jayalalithaas health after her hospitalisation on September 22 that had yet to be dispelled, and that despite the governor and senior ministers visiting her on separate occasions, there were no details on the nature of her illness and her treatment.

Read | Jayalalithaa is recovering, there is no need for photographs: AIADMK

The 68-year-old CM was admitted to Apollo hospital for a high fever and dehydration, a period of time that has seen Tamil Nadu almost come to a standstill with rumours mills working overtime.

Despite press releases by the staff of the hospital, there is still little clarity of what exactly is ailing her, with cryptic references to illness and respiratory support.

On Friday, a British doctor was brought in to help consult and said that he was satisfied with the line of treatment provided. He has subsequently left the city.

A special team of three doctors from AIIMS has been flown down to further observe the ailing chief minister.

Read | Even from hospital bed, CM Jayalalithaa keeps reins firmly in hand

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Security forces gunned down seven militants in Kashmir on Thursday including three who tried to storm an army camp in northern Kashmir, the second such strike in the Valley after the September 18 Uri attack.

Four infiltrators were killed when the army repelled three infiltration bids along the line of control, a signal that Pakistan has stepped up the offensive after Indian forces struck militants preparing to sneak into India from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 29.

Two global positioning system sets and two wireless sets with code sheets of the kind used by Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group were recovered from the militants who attacked the 30 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) camp at Langate in Kupwara district, intelligence sources said in Delhi.

The terrorists fired indiscriminately on our sentry posts and on our jawans in the resting area. However, alert action by the jawans forced the militants to retreat, colonel Rajiv Sarang, commanding officer of 30 RR, said.

After repelling the attack, security forces launched a search operation, forcing the militants into an orchard. Three militants were killed in the two-hour gunfight.

A large cache of arms, including three AK-47 rifles and grenade launchers, food and medicines bearing Pakistani markings were also recovered from them, the army said.

The army overnight beat back two infiltration bids in Naugam sector in Kupwara and one in Rampur in Uri along the LoC, the third such attempt after Indias surgical strikes.

Four bodies were recovered during the combing operations in Naugam, an army spokesperson said.

The Langate camp is not too far from the military post in Baramulla targetted by six militants on October 2 that left a Border Security Force jawan dead.

The strike came within days of the worst attack against the army in the border state when 19 soldiers were killed by suspected Pakistani militants in Uri.

India crossed the line of control, the de facto border, to avenge the strike, worsening the ties with Pakistan which says the so-called cross-LoC raid was nothing but cross-border firing.

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Security forces engaged militants near a paramilitary camp at Langate in Handwara, Kupwara district, after militants opened fire on the camp on Thursday morning.

Militants attacked around 6 am, firing at a Rashtriya Rifles camp for over 20 minutes before fleeing the spot. The area was cordoned off and search operations were launched, leading to an encounter in a nearby apple orchard.

The militants had reportedly tried to breach a perimeter fence but were pushed back.

Live updates:

10.03am: Army spokesman says three militants have been killed in the combing operations. Three AK-47s have also been recovered. #JKOps. Firing on Langate RR Camp. Three terrorists killed , three weapons recovered. @adgpi  NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) October 6, 2016

Army spokesman says three militants have been killed in the combing operations. Three AK-47s have also been recovered. 9.39am: ANI reports that a third militant has been killed. Says AK-47s have been recovered. No official confirmation yet of any deaths or arms recovery. #WATCH: (Visuals deferred) Terrorists open fire outside an Army camp in Langate in Handwara (J&K). 3 terrorists gunned down; op continues. pic.twitter.com/kko2Nk9CMM  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

ANI reports that a third militant has been killed. Says AK-47s have been recovered. No official confirmation yet of any deaths or arms recovery. 8.12am: Army says militants are dressed in combat outfits. Combing operations on to catch the perpetrators.

Army says militants are dressed in combat outfits. Combing operations on to catch the perpetrators. 8am: Two militants have been gunned down in the crossfire, reports ANI.

#FLASH 2 terrorists killed at the Army camp in Langate in Handwara (J&K) where firing was on  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

7.30am: Firing resumes outside the Rashtriya Rifles camp at Langate.

#SpotVisuals (visuals deferred) Firing resumed outside an Army camp in Langate in Handwara (J&K) after a 15 mins stand off pic.twitter.com/jGIY747T9H  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

7am: No casualties reported yet. Firing dies down at the paramilitary camp. Militants reportedly flee the spot.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army said that three infiltration bids along the Line of Control had been foiled on Wednesday night. Militants made two bids in Naugam sector and one in Rampur sector, assisted by Pakistani posts.

The attack at Langate is the second such offensive on a military camp since the fatal September 18 attack on an Uri army camp killed 19 soldiers -- 18 died on that day while one more soldier succumbed to his injuries almost a fortnight later.

Militants struck again on October 2 in northern Kashmirs Baramullah, killing one Border Security Force jawan. At least six militants are believed to have launched the attack.

India blames Pakistan for sponsoring the militants who have been carrying out the border incursions, a charge that has led to frosty relations between the two countries, and a breakdown in diplomatic ties.

Read | India calls Pak epicentre of terror, asks it to abandon quest of Kashmir

On September 29, the Indian army announced that it had carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control, damaging seven militant launchpads. The army operation was largely seen as a response to the Uri attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

For more on the India-Pakistan tensions, click here.

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J Jayalalithaa will have to stay in hospital for a longer duration, the Apollo Hospital said on Thursday in the first detailed bulletin on the ailing Tamil Nadu chief minister that could potentially intensify speculations on her health condition.

The Madras high court also dismissed on Thursday a petition seeking information on Jayalalithaas medical condition, saying it was meant for publicity.

The hospital statement came within hours of calling in three specialists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi to assist the team attending to the chief minister, whose hospitalisation on September 22 has sparked rumours ranging from her death to an incurable disease.

The trio  comprising pulmonologist GC Khilnani, cardiologist Nitish Naik and anaesthetist Anjan Trikha held detailed discussions on her medical condition through the course of the day. Dr Richard John Beale, a world-renowned specialist and consultant from London, also visited Chennai a second time to assist the team in an advisory role.

The hospital said a panel of medical experts arrived at the consensus that the current line of treatment  comprising decongestion of lungs, nebulisation for breathing, administration of antibiotics, supportive therapy, and general nursing care  should continue.

A detailed medical management plan has been drawn up in view of Jayalalithaas history of diabetes and winter bronchitis, it added.

Read: How is Jayalalithaa? Rumour abuzz on Twitter despite denials, health reports

The chief minister was hospitalised after she complained of high fever and dehydration, and the rumour mills have been running overtime since then. Initial press releases from the hospital failed to throw any light on the exact nature of her ailment, creating further confusion.

Earlier in the day, the high court dismissed a petition seeking information on Jayalalithaas medical condition, saying it was meant for publicity.

A bench comprising chief justice Sanjay Kaul and justice R Mahadevan took this action after hearing a public interest litigation filed by petitioner KR Traffic Ramaswamy on October 3.

The veteran social activist, who has often found himself at loggerheads with the AIADMK government, claimed that the public had the right to know the actual status of the chief ministers health.

Ramaswamys petition cited several rumours regarding Jayalalithaa that had been doing the rounds, causing concern among party workers and well-wishers.

Stressing on the need to dispel such talk, he said no information had emerged on the nature of the patients illness despite senior state ministers and Tamil Nadu governor Vidyasagar Rao visiting her on separate occasions.

Also read | Jayalalithaa: A timeline of a movie star-turned-politician
Sri Lankan Naval personnel allegedly attacked Tamil Nadu fishermen with stones besides ramming and sinking a mechanised boat and destroying fishing nets of several other vessels off Dhanushkodi, a Fishermen Association functionary said on Thursday.

The Lankan naval personnel cut fishing nets of about 70 boats and pelted stones and bottles forcing more than 2,000 fishermen to flee and return to the shore here this morning, Tamil Nadu Mechanised Fishermen Association president P Sesuraja told reporters.

Windscreens of some of the boats suffered damage, he said.

Read | 400 Tamil Nadu fishermen chased away by Sri Lankan navy

The fishermen from this region had put out to sea in 437 mechanised fishing boats on Thursday night and were fishing off Dhanushkodi sea when Lankan Naval personnel allegedly rammed their vessel against one of the boats, Sesuraja said.

Under the impact of the collision, the boat broke into two pieces and sank, he claimed, adding five fishermen on board were left to struggle in the sea till fellow fishermen rescued them.

The latest incident comes a day after five fishermen from Pudukottai District were detained by Sri Lankan Naval personnel along with their boat.

Condemning the incident, Sesuraja said such an attack taking place when Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was on a visit to India and holding talks with his counterpart Narendra Modi caused deep anguish.

When the Prime Ministers of the two countries are holding talks, the attack on Indian fishermen has taken place. It causes deep anguish. The two leaders should find a permanent solution to the recurring problem, he told PTI.

Stating that the livelihood of the state fishermen was at stake, he said the two countries should hold talks and find a permanent solution to the problem of fishing in the Palk Strait.

An early resolution of the issue was important as more than 100 seized boats of Tamil Nadu fishermen were anchored in Lankan waters and faced the danger of suffering damage in view of the coming North East monsoon, he added.
Intelligence reports indicate that the Pakistan Army has beefed up its positions all along the Line of Control (LoC). More troops have been inducted in the area north of Sialkot and heavy artillery guns have been moved into the theatre this week in what is an apparent reaction to Indias cross-LoC strike of September 29.

The intelligence assessment, top sources have revealed, is that Pakistans additional deployment is to prevent any cross-LoC strike by the Indian Army in the near future.

Pakistans aggressive LoC posture has been reported to the highest levels of Modi government, and counter-measures have been initiated.

The Army is also strengthening its defences in cities like Muzaffarabad and other important towns in PoK as well as major cities like Lahore, said a senior official.

Meanwhile, two global positioning system (GPS) sets, two wireless sets with code sheets of the kind used by Muridke-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group has been recovered from bodies of three terrorists who were killed when they tried to attack a Rashtriya Rifles camp in Handwara in Kashmir.

Read: From custom-made apps to GPS: How militants used smart gear in Kashmir

Top sources said that Pakistan violated the ceasefire at five places on the LoC using area weapons and mortars to target Indian positions. The aggressive Pakistani action was noticed after deployment of more troops and guns into area under the control of Rawalpindi-based X Corps and Gilgit based Force Commander Northern Areas.

Although both Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his envoy to India Abdul Basit have made peace overtures to India, intelligence officials say militants already in the Valley will make the coming winter hot for the security forces.

They, however, dismiss reports of 100 militants ready to infiltrate across the LoC from Pakistan as military deployment on both sides has been beefed up.

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Police is no more a strong arm of the state, its a tool in the hands of the strong, said Haryana director general of police (DGP) KP Singh on Wednesday, while adding that extra-legal institutions are using arm-twisting practices and questionable manners to deviate police from their right path.

The state police chief went on to blame tainted recruitments, manner of postings and transfers, personal weaknesses for the falling professional and ethical standards of policemen.

The occasion was a seminar on Policing in India: The Challenges Ahead here, which brought together people performing different roles after the violent Jat agitation in February.

Sharing dais with the DGP were former DGP Prakash Singh (who had slammed the police in his fact-finding report on the agitation) and senior advocate Anupam Gupta (amicus curiae in the case of alleged gangrapes in Murthal during the same agitation). Also present were Justice Suryakant and Punjab DGP Suresh Arora.

The Haryana DGP also used the occasion to blame the police failure to gather evidence in the Jat agitation on the legal system. Direct witness, which is said to be the best evidence, is not sustainable in modern world, he said, adding that we need to give credence to newspaper reports and CCTV images especially in mass agitations like the one in Haryana where we didnt have direct evidence.

Mass agitations and social order created by the dominated caste are among the new threats to the rule of law, he said.

Anupam Gupta, however, tore into the DGP in his address, saying he (DGP) was referring to strange excuses. The fact, he said, was that the state had withered away in Haryana in the face of Jat agitation and its officers took to its heels. He recalled how an IGP used force to protect himself. He said the cowardice as shown by Haryana Police was inexplicable in a uniformed force.

He was equally unsparing on the Punjab Police which, he said, had once valiantly battled terrorism. There is a complete lack of professionalism in police in both Punjab and Haryana, complete indiscipline, politicisation and above all complete brutalisation, he said in his impassioned speech.

While recalling the crisis that Haryana faced during the agitation when deputy commissioners and police chiefs expressed helplessness to help the residents, Prakash Singh emphasised the need to have police reforms. If you have a capable DGP, half of the problems will be solved, he said.

Punjab DGP Suresh Arora said terrorism was the biggest challenge cops faced in the state when terrorists continued to get training on foreign land. He said cops were also human beings who needed rest and time for their families, which will help improve their performance.

Justice Suryakant said police needed professionals in different streams such as law and order, investigation, human rights and human behaviour.

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Staunch supporters of Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, who has been in the hospital for a fortnight now, have taken to several unconventional methods to pray for her recovery. From public prayers and pujas to strange feats, fans of Amma, as the 68-year-old AIADMK leader is reverentially known, know no bounds when it comes to hoping for her well being.

1. Occupying Apollo Hospital

For the last 13 days, Greams Road and Greams Lane in Chennai have seen a flurry of activity, with hundreds of supporters initially gathering outside of Apollo Hospital to pray for Jayalalithaa. Though that number has considerably dwindled, cadres from the ruling AIADMK and party supporters are still maintaining their vigil.

2. Public pujas

Public pujas have been held since day one for the ailing CM, with party MLAs across Tamil Nadu using temples to show their devotion. Its not confined to one religion either: Her Muslims supporters also prayed for her last week.

3. Self-immolation

One cadre took his devotion to Amma a little far when he attempted self-immolation in Virudhachalam of coastal Cuddalore district on Wednesday. The man sustained 30% burn injuries, according to a Tamil news channel. Last month, a former police constable and AIADMK supporter in Salem also attempted to set himself on alight.

4. Heights of devotion

A man, strung by hooks pierced into his back, was suspended from a crane for 45 minutes at Senniamman temple in RK Nagar, Chennai. (V Srinivasulu/HT Photo)

Mondays procession in the chief ministers constituency of RK Nagar saw something a little more different. Hundreds of workers assembled with pails of milk, while one even hung from a crane by means of hooks pierced into his back  an act usually done in devotion to Lord Murugan.

5. Support from all ages

Even children werent spared from the excesses of Jayalalithaas supporters, with multiple images of young girls and boys with their cheeks pierced with arrows (again, a common practice among Murugan devotees) being circulated across regional media.

This hasnt gone unnoticed, however. On Wednesday, PMK leader S Ramadoss said it was a human rights violation.

There were more than 20 children, from 5 to 12, who had their cheeks pierced. Children cannot be forced to do such things, he said.

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Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhis 26-day Kisan Yatra across poll-bound Uttar Pradesh will culminate at Delhis Parliament Street on Thursday.

During the yatra that started from Deoria in Gorakhpur division on September 6, Gandhi travelled 3,438km, covering 48 districts and 141 assembly constituencies.

Along with Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur, the politically important state of Uttar Pradesh goes to polls in February-March next year.

Gandhi also held 26 khat sabhas (interactions with farmers on cots), 26 roadshows and collected 75 lakh application forms from farmers seeking loan waiver. Our target is to collect two crore forms from Uttar Pradesh by October 31, Congress spokesman RPN Singh said.

Before concluding his yatra, Gandhi will pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat and Sangharsh Sthal of late Chaudhary Devi Lal, a prominent farmer leader and founder of the Indian National Lok Dal.

The Congress is expected to raise the issue in the upcoming winter session of Parliament and also in other parts of the country.

We will put pressure on the government to announce loan waiver and reduce the electricity bill by half. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi can waive off loan of industrialists, why cant he do the same for crores of farmers? asked Singh.
Lets talk about rape: Eight eminent Indians write open letters in Hindustan Times to discuss the reality of sexual assault in India.

In Part 4 of the series, Shashi Tharoor writes an open letter to fellow politicians.

My dear fellow political leaders and workers:

How do I, a man, write to you, mostly men, about rape? Its not a subject we have talked about; indeed, had I attempted to raise it, you would have felt uncomfortable. We politicians talk about everything under the Sun, but not rape.

That has to change, if we want to make a difference.

Understanding the problem means acknowledging that some remarks politicians make about rape are simply wrong. It is wrong to claim that rapes take place in cities and not in villages. Some of the most horrific rapes have taken place in rural India, especially of women who have gone out into the fields at night to relieve themselves. Recently, a Santhal woman was raped by twelve men for the crime of having fallen in love with a man from another community. This happened on the orders of a tribal court called a salishi sabha. While the Supreme Court has been expanding the rights of women in a series of recent judgments, traditional bodies like khap panchayats have been narrowing womens freedoms. We politicians must stand on the side of women and not with the khaps.

It is wrong to blame rape on the victims. Too many politicians point to the way women dress or behave for the violence inflicted upon them. Jeans and short skirts have each been blamed, as has being out with a boy late at night. Why do politicians place the onus on the girl to dress in a certain way rather than the boy to behave properly?

Its our job to work to create a safe society where a woman can go anywhere at any time without having to fear assault -- not to excuse the criminals who prey on women who dress a certain way.

We politicians must also stop making excuses for rapists. It is wrong to suggest that boys will be boys, they make mistakes or that laws mandating the death penalty should be changed. The law should be supported -- and boys should be responsible citizens of our society, not just boys.

Rape is not an acceptable response to changing social mores. Rapes have been blamed by a sitting CM on men and women interacting freely, and by a former CM on the absence of child marriage. One criticised girls carrying mobile phones, since his mother never needed one. Phones do not make women more vulnerable, of course. And turning back the clock on progress never actually changes the time.

But all these comments point to the real problem: politicians have not fully been able to come to terms with the growing emancipation of women in our society, their increasing freedoms, their autonomy from male control -- on everything from how they dress to where they go, when, and with whom. When some men react to unfamiliar circumstances with violence and assaults, some politicians are reluctant to condemn and punish them, because at heart they share the same resentment the rapists feel.

At the same time, we politicians, even the women amongst us, express patriarchal attitudes. We see rape not just as physical assault but as respect-depriving tragedy; the trauma of rape is compounded by the level of social stigma attached to it. The victim is made to feel that she has been defiled, violated and shamed publicly, and is no longer fit to lead a normal life  even a woman minister lamented that a rape victim was a zinda laash (a living corpse). Politicians must not reinforce social control of female sexuality and male sexual entitlement, which we do, for instance, when we oppose criminalisation of marital rape. We have a duty to reiterate that rape is not about sex: it is about violence.

And though our job is to protect women, we sometimes act as if sexual violence is not a priority for us. You are safe, why are you bothered? one CM asked a reporter who questioned him about rapes increasing in his state. Our tendency is to dismiss rape as a womens issue. Its not. Its an issue that affects all of us, male or female, because it affects all of society.

As political leaders, we should also speak out more against social attitudes that, by diminishing womens value in our society, could one day prompt or justify violence against them. Preferential treatment given to boys over girls in our homes and workplaces. Abuse of women on social media. Attacks on women journalists and writers. Sexist portrayals of women in popular culture that legitimise male harassment, whether the songs of Honey Singh or movies that glamourise men stalking women.

We must stop confusing our idea of a familys honour with confining women behind a lakshman rekha that they must not cross -- and believing that if a woman transgresses it, she deserves what she gets. Such attitudes must be fiercely opposed, and as leaders, we are uniquely placed to challenge them.

We dont need to write new laws. The 2013 rape law is strong, but its implementation still has a long way to go. Women are often reluctant to report rapes, and policemen to record them. Successful rape prosecutions are all too rare. Sexual violence is rife in rioting, but lost in the clamour around the riot itself. We politicians know that while we can pass laws that protect women, we have to ensure the authorities actually enforce them. Too many politicians seek to undermine law enforcement, rather than support it.

Dear netajis, what I am calling for in this letter is zero-tolerance for rape by politicians. If we set the example, the nation will follow. Let us honour Bharat Mata and truly ensure her jai.

Yours sincerely,

Shashi Tharoor

(The writer is a Congress leader and a former minister of state.)

Join the conversation about rape, tweet to @httweets with #LetsTalkAboutRape. To read all the coverage, visit http://bit.do/letstalkaboutrape

Want to have your voice featured in the Hindustan Times? Send us your entries at htwebresponse@hindustantimes.com and we will feature the best responses.
More than a year since the Taj Mahal began sporting scaffoldings on its minarets, a mudpack on the famed monument of love to restore it to its ivory-white splendour will disappoint tourists over the next two seasons.

Set to start from next fiscal, the cleaning works can turn out to be a major eyesore till its completion in 2018.

It was in end-September 2015 that the ongoing maintenance work began on the 17th-century marble mausoleum to reverse the yellowing of the four towers. If the sight of the planks and poles distracted one from the famed picture-perfect sight, workmen will be next be seen scrambling over the dome.

Scaffoldings on the cupola (dome) may come in the 2017-18 fiscal. We may start from its rear side, said Dr MK Bhatnagar, who is in charge of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)s chemical branch.

We have to first assess the domes bearing capacity; how much weight of metal it can take, he added, saying the current work pertains to one of the minarets on the eastern side of the mausoleum.

Bhatnagar further said the ASI cannot predict the time the scaffoldings will cover the dome. It depends on the requirement of the work. Even the velocity of wind matters.

The ASI initiated a cleaning project at the start of the 2015-16 fiscal, applying additives-laced Multani Mitti (Fullers earth). This anti-corroding and non-abrasive technique is more scientific as well as detailed than the ones the government agency employed in the past quarter century to clean parts of the Taj wall  in 1994, 2001 and 2008.

The dome is 240-feet-tall with a diameter of 58 feet and is built over a 17-acre plot. Originally ivory-white in colour, the 1653-constructed tomb alongside the Yamuna has been losing sheen due to increasing industrialisation in the area. As public anxiety and expert criticism grew over a slow death of the UN-deemed world heritage site, authorities stepped in with fresh conservation plans.

The project received international focus this April when Britains Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton, on their maiden India visit, posed for a picture in front of the Taj, scaffoldings and all; the ASI said it could not remove the structures.

Those from the tourism and hospitality industry plan on asking for minimising the work period during which they expect a decline in visitors.

The beauty of the Taj lies in the totality of its view, said Rajiv Tiwari, chairman of the Federation of Travel Association in Agra. Already, the scaffolding on the minarets has affected the sight, but their coming up on the main dome would totally take away the charm. It will affect our trade for another year.

The tourist body wants the ASI to cut short the maintenance period or complete it in phases. We are not against cleaning the Taj, but the authorities should look at all parties associated with tourism, said Tiwari.

The last time the Tajs dome bore scaffoldings is said to be in 1940-42 during the World War II. The monument was later covered twice  during Indias wars in 1965 and 1971 with Pakistan.

Dr Bhatnagar notes that mudpack therapy per se does not take long. It is laying and the removal of scaffoldings that involves months of work.

The ASIs superintending archaeologist at Agra office, Dr Bhuvan Vikram, said the current work on the eastern wall of main mausoleum will be followed by the other three sides. It is only after these we will come to the dome.

The brass pinnacle over the dome will also be attended to, officials said.

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As Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa recovers in a hospital, the state government is slated to respond to a Madras high court directive seeking details of her condition on Thursday.

The high courts order followed a PIL filed by social activist Traffic Ramaswamy on Monday that sought a clarification on the chief ministers health, saying the public had a right to know.

A fortnight ago, Jayalalithaa was admitted at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai with complaints of high fever and dehydration. But with little information being made public since, her health condition has become a political issue, with the Opposition posing questions and seeking proof of her well being.

Such has been the speculation that the Chennai Police even issued a warning stating that anyone spreading misinformation will be booked under the IT Act.

Read | The health of Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa is a matter of public concern

But an ugly political spat has ensued after DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi sought a visual proof of the chief minister in addition to the bulletins being given out by the hospital. His demand evoked a sharp response from the ruling AIADMK, with its senior leadership rejecting the demand.

We never asked why Stalin keeps going abroad or sought any proof from anyone. It is clear that on every front the DMK is losing and has no issue to go to the people and is taking up issues that no one should, AIADMK spokesperson, CR Saraswathi, told Hindustan Times.

It is very cheap politics for the DMK chief to ask a lady who is unwell for her pictures. Did Karunanidhi or his family release any pictures when Murasoli Maran was in hospital for two years. We never asked for such things as we do not do such cheap politics. It is the forte of the DMK and its chief, she added.

Also read | CM Jayalalithaa in hospital, her adviser is in Tamil Nadu hot seat
The Siege of Jadotville

Director - Richie Smyth

Cast - Jamie Dornan, Mark Strong, Guillaume Canet, Jason OMara

Rating - 2.5/5

In September 1961, approximately 150 Irish soldiers, part of a UN peacekeeping force stationed in Jadotville, the Congo, were attacked by over 3000 mercenaries. They fought for 6 days, outnumbered, outgunned, and utterly overwhelmed.

Very soon, it was clear that no aid would come. Their ammunition, appropriate for a UN peacekeeping force but not for an army under assault, would soon run out. The enemy would keep returning, stronger than the day before. But A Company, led by Commander Pat Quinlan, kept fighting, against all odds  right to the bitter end.

Jadotville was a disputed territory because of its rich mineral deposits and the Congos role as a proxy conflict during the Cold War. (Netflix)

More than 1000 mercenaries were wounded. 300 were killed. Not a single Irish soldier died. Before you protest, lets agree that it is not a plot spoiler if it happened 50 years ago.

The Siege of Jadotville, a new Netflix original film from debutant director Richie Smyth, has the brute willpower of the soldiers it so loudly celebrates. It will be attacked from all sides  often times, deservedly so, but its a film made with the purest of intentions: To honour these brave men, because for over 40 years, they were deemed cowards.

In fact, if youre still wondering why you cant recall reading anything about this battle, youre not alone. You see, for decades, this entire episode was swept under the rug by Irish government.

But its a fascinating story, one that Im glad I now know about. Its a story of heroism in its truest sense. These men werent fighting for their country  although their country, and its relatively non-confrontational identity define who they are  but they were fighting for something more sacred, something more abstract: Honour and duty.

The Siege of Jadotville is a story that deserves to be told. (Netflix)

Leading the show is Jamie Dornan, whos made a career out of playing psychopaths. But here, as Pat Quinlan, Commander of the Irish troops, hes a straight shooter (pun somewhat intended). Dornans performance sort of encapsulates this film. While its heart is in the right place, theres very little Grey (that one was totally intended).

Jamie Dornan attempts to reason with a French mercenary in Netflixs The Siege of Jadotville. (Netflix)

This is definitely a story that needs to be told, and its put together with skill. But watching it, theres always a nagging feeling that there was so much more that couldve been done with it. By setting its targets exclusively on the siege, the film blocks out some equally interesting detours it couldve taken. The backroom politics that caused the trouble in the first place is very tangential to the main narrative, which is paced like an express train that just refuses to stop at any station.

Then, there is also the matter of the troops eventual surrender (hence, cowards)  and their month-long imprisonment. We see none of it.

The characters are basically faceless men with guns. There is absolutely no attempt made at fleshing out anyone but Jamie Dornans Commander Quinlan. It helps if you convince yourself that the Irish army as a whole is a character in itself. And it also helps that theyre a lively bunch, so by the time the action comes blaring, youre fully on their side.

Somewhat surprisingly, the action in The Siege of Jadotville is the best thing about the film. (Netflix)

And speaking of the action, its all very well done. It avoids that trap which most modern action films fall into. Despite the inherent chaos of the events it is depicting, the film never becomes incoherent. We know exactly whats going on: Where the enemy will strike from, the kind of weapons both sides have, how theyre short on ammo These are details that are usually glossed over, but are so important to keep us invested in whats going on.

So if you enjoyed Black Hawk Down, Lone Survivor, Michael Bays recent 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, or even 300, chances are youre going to have a good time with The Siege of Jadotville. Its a little rough around the edges, but its got its heart in the right place.

And you cant really fault a film for a lack of ambition if it doesnt pretend to have any in the first place can you?

Follow @htshowbiz for more

The author tweets @NaaharRohan

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The chief engineer (roads) of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has filed a police complaint against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena corporators and workers on Wednesday for humiliating him in public.

The corporators had taken chief engineer Sanjay Darade for a site visit but once they were there, he was made to hold a board which read, I, chief engineer (roads), am responsible for these potholes. Citizens, please take note.

The incident occurred near Gomantak hotel in Dadar on Wednesday afternoon. Darade submitted a written complaint at Shivaji Park police station that evening.

The corporators he has named in the complaint include MNS group leader Sandeep Deshpande and Santosh Dhuri. Municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta confirmed the complaint. We are going ahead with a police complaint and will pursue the case, he said.

Sources said that the administration is also looking at debarring corporators from important committees. Both Deshpande and Dhuri are members of the standing committee.

Deshpande said that MNS had already warned the official of their step if he failed to repair the potholes between Sena Bhavan and Kabutarkhana in Dadar, his constituency.

What am I supposed to do when citizens ask me about the bad roads? I am tired of repeating the issue in BMC meetings as there is no action taken. Last week, I had warned Darade during the standing committee meeting but nothing happened. This is why we took this move. Let them file any complaint. We did not harass him, said Deshpande .

Sources in the civic body also said that Darade had planned to submit his resignation on Wednesday. He was called by the MNS for a site inspection but forced to hold the board in front of all the workers. He held in fear of MNS workers, the source added.

Darade did not want to comment on the issue.

Shiv Sena, the ruling party in BMC, condemned MNS for the incident. Trushna Vishwasrao, Sena corporator, said, Nobody can deny that the city roads are in a bad shape but we cannot hold one official responsible for it.

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NEW DELHI: The army has handed over video evidence of its September 29 surgical strikes on terrorist launchpads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir but the government doesnt see the need to make them public, two senior ministers said on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked his ministers not to indulge in chest-thumping over the raid, sources said, adding the army, too, is not in favour of making public the details of the sensitive operation.

Urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu rejected the oppositions demand for proof of the strikes, saying any further discussions would be an insult to the army. There is no need to respond to such irresponsible comments and demands. Fortunately, the Congress has also realised its mistake and distanced itself from the comments of its leaders, Naidu told mediapersons a day after he said that the proof would be presented at an appropriate time.

Defence minister Manohar Parrikar has also concurred with the army. Parrikar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were shown unedited footage of the September 29 operation on October 1, followed by a presentation of an edited version the next day by the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO). After seeing the visuals, Parrikar conveyed to the Prime Minister that he was satisfied and felt there was no need to release the footage.

Hindustan Times had reported on October 3 that Modi had on September 23  five days after an army camp in Uri was attacked by militants that India says were based out of Pakistan  first told Parrikar and Doval of his decision to strike across the LoC.

The opposition should understand the difference between a covert and overt strike. And it is not incumbent on the Indian army to release video footage every time they do their duty, a senior official said on conditions of anonymity. South Block sources said there was no need to rub Pakistans nose in the dirt after the successful surgical strike.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and a section of Congress leaders have been calling for evidence, couching it as a must to debunk Pakistan propaganda that the raid was nothing but cross-border fighting. The Congress repeated its demand on Wednesday but tempered it by saying the government should provide proof only after considering national security. Saying it had unequivocally supported the armed forces and the government on the cross-LoC action, the Congress said it was time to expose the malicious lies and false propaganda of Pakistan.

Several ministers had taken on the opposition for questioning armys courage in demanding evidence for the raid. I dont think any Indian citizen has got any doubt It would be an insult to the army if we further discuss, Naidu said. Only Pakistan is saying something because they have to say something. They are not in a position to conduct funeral or last rites of their own citizens... This is their culture.

Sources in the army said the force was not in favour of releasing the evidence though the final decision lay with the government. The army would like to keep under wraps the tactics of its special forces.

The army, they said, was proud of its apolitical and secular credentials and didnt want to be dragged into political wrangling.
NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved jail term of up to two years for discriminating against HIV-positive people, making sweeping changes to a proposed law that aims to safeguard an estimated 21 lakh population living with the health condition.

Besides jail term, violators could also be fined up to Rs1 lakh under amendments to the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill 2014, health minister JP Nadda said.

The changes will protect HIV-positive people from discrimination at workplace and educational institutions, Nada said, adding that insurance companies cannot deny them protection owing to their health condition. India has an estimated 21 lakh people with HIV/AIDS, the third highest in the world after South Africa and Nigeria.

Afflicted by unprotected sexual contact and use of infected intravenous needles, especially by drug addicts, HIV/AIDS patients face constant discrimination in India due to the social stigma attached to the disease.

Introduced in Parliament more than two years ago by the previous UPA government, the NDA government has pulled the bill out of cold storage and plans to reintroduce it with significant changes. The original bill aimed to make antiretroviral treatment a legal right of HIV/AIDS patients.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) consists of a combination of drugs to suppress the HIV virus and stop progression of the disease.

Its their (HIV-positive people) right not to reveal their HIV/AIDS status and if they do, no company can deny them insurance on the basis of their declaration , N add a said. Apart from addressing HIV related discrimination, the bill seeks to strengthen the existing programme by bringing in legal accountability and establish formal mechanisms for inquiring into complaints and redressing grievances.

The health minister said the bill mandates that the health condition of individuals can be made public only with their consent or by a courts order, if required.

Privacy concerns of HIV-positive persons have also been addressed. No one can publish information or advocate feelings of hatred against HIV-positive persons and those living with them.

A government-controlled health programme has been successful in cutting the number of new infections by half over the past decade. The proposed law are expected to provide essential support to the National AIDS Control programme in arresting new infections and help achieve the target of ending the epidemic by 2030.

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Elaborate arrangements are being made for exiled Baloch leader Brahamdagh Bugtis stay in India taking into account the possibility that he might form a government-in-exile of Independent Balochistan.

We have asked Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) to provide an assessment on how many Balochs living in exile will follow Bugti to India. Accordingly we will decide on the place where he will be asked to stay, said a senior home ministry official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The home ministry is also looking for place with suitable climatic conditions for Balochs to stay and feel being at home, added the official.

Bugti had held talks with Indian diplomats in Geneva last month to seek political asylum in India.

The ministry of external affairs had forwarded his application to the home ministry to take a final call.

Read | Pakistan shocked by Indias new Baloch policy, says columnist Tarek Fatah

We have one such past experience when Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, along with his followers, sought political asylum in India in 1959 and formed a government-in-exile in Dharamshala. Officials of the home ministry are looking at the process followed then, said the official.

The founder-president of the Baloch Republican Party, Bugti is the grandson of Nawab Akbar Bugti, a Baloch nationalist leader killed by the Pakistan Army in 2006.

Pakistan has strongly opposed India giving asylum to Bugti, calling him a terrorist who is being propped by R&AW.

Read | After Modis remarks, Pak media has started mentioning Balochistan: Analysts

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A 22-year-old man accused of lynching a Muslim villager was hailed as a martyr on Thursday and his body draped in the Tricolour in Bisada village even as a controversial saffron leader declared that the sacrifice of the young boy will not go in vain.

Though the state government announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of Ravin alias Robin  who died on Tuesday in a hospital while in judicial custody  villagers refused to perform the last rites till their demand for Rs one crore relief.

The villagers consider my son a martyr. He died without trial as he was tortured in jail at the behest of the government, said Ranveer Sisodiya, father of Ravin.

The lynching of 55-year-old Mohammad Ikhlaq on September 28 last year over suspicion of cow slaughter for consumption had sparked nationwide outrage and BJP-led government at the Centre pilloried by opposition parties allegedly failing to rein in fringe groups curbing freedom of personal choice.

A host of prominent historians, litterateurs, scientists and filmmakers had returned different awards as a mark of protest against what they said was growing intolerance in the country.

Ravin was among 18 people arrested for allegedly lynching local Ikhlaq and injuring his son Danish.

On Thursday, the state government also agreed to a CBI probe into the death of Ravin, who is said to have succumbed to respiratory and renal failure, but the villagers refused to relent. They are also demanding a government job for Ravins wife.

We have formed a committee of villagers who will discuss the demands with the administration. We are also trying to resolve the issue, said Hariom Sisodiya, husband of village pradhan Kaushalya Devi.

Nearly 300 residents of the village continued a protest demonstration in front of Ravins house even as the administration deployed a large number of security personnel in the village.

We are trying to pacify the protesters. The last rites will be done once the villagers agree, said NP Singh, district magistrate, Gautam Budh Nagar.

Pro-Hindutva leader Sadhvi Prachi, who visited the village on Thursday defying prohibitory orders, accused the state government of favouring the Muslims.

Hindus shall unite against the government. They are testing our patience, Prachi said.

The police, however, said that people who wanted to visit the deceaseds house were allowed to enter the village.

There is no communal tension in the village. People are tensed as a person has diedAlso, we are video recording the speeches of all people, said Dharmendra Singh, senior superintendent of police, Gautam Budh Nagar.

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Suspended RJD MLA Rajballabh Yadav on Thursday met party chief Lalu Prasad -- a day before the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the Bihar governments appeal for the cancellation of his bail in the rape case of a minor. The secret meeting between the two has sent tongues wagging in the state, with JD(U) asking RJD, its alliance partner, to follow the morality of alliance.

Emerging from the meeting at 10 Circular Road residence of former chief minister Rabri Devi where he met the RJD president, Rajballabh denied seeking favours from Prasad. I just went to greet him for Durga Puja. I didnt ask for any help from him with regard to case. I have full faith in the judiciary, he told the media.

The visit had lasted nearly two hours.

There was no word from Lalu Prasad on the meeting. The office at Rabri Devis house also maintained it was a usual courtesy visit.

Read: Nalanda rape victim fears for her life after accused MLA gets bail

Yadav, an MLA from Nawada, denied rape allegations against him, saying that he had been falsely implicated.

There is no serious charge against me. There is no FIR or statement of the victim under 164 CRPC against me.

He told journalists that he had no complaint against the state government for going against his bail in the apex court. I dont have any grudge against (chief minister) Nitish Kumar. There is a system in government. Nitish Kumar has not gone to the Supreme Court... the government has. Government works according to a system. Why are you (mediapersons) raising questions about the system? he asked.

The three-term RJD MLA was suspended from the party in the wake of the rape allegation. The purported victim, a resident of Rahui in Nalanda, alleged rape at the MLAs house under Mufassil police station on February 6.

He was arrested but got bail from the Patna high court last Friday.

The Bihar government has moved the Supreme Court challenging the bail and the court has listed the matter for hearing on Friday.

Read: Rape accused MLA Raj Ballav Yadavs properties attached

However, Thursdays meeting appeared to have hurt the JD(U), which advised its alliance leaders to stop Ganesh Parikarma (leader worship).

Moral values have an important place in any alliance. Making round of political masters will not do any good to a tainted person. The rule of law is the USP of the Nitish Kumar government, said JD(U) spokesperson and MLC Neeraj Kumar.

However, deputy chief minister Tejaswi Prasad Yadav told reporters that the government was doing its duty and it is up to the court to see if the accused MLA is guilty. Let us leave the matter to the court to decide, Tejaswi Yadav, who is also leader of RJD Legislature party in the state Assembly, said.

This is not the first time the JD(U) has sermonised the RJD over its tainted leaders in recent times. A month ago, the leaders of the two parties were locked in a verbal duel after former Siwan MP Mohammed Shahbuddins remark on Kumar being a circumstantial chief minister.

(With PTI inputs)
Visitors to Panjab University (PU), students and staff were inconvenienced and held hostage wherever they were as around 200 members of the Students For Society (SFS) blocked gate number 1 (facing Sector 15) and gate number 2 (facing the PGIMER) for over three hours on Wednesday. The blockade began at 10am and was lifted around 2pm.

The protesters were demanding rollback of the recently announced examination fee hike and the cancellation of cases registered against 20 of their ilk around a fortnight back.

Meanwhile, the traffic wanting to enter or exit the university was diverted to gate number 3  leading to chaos and inconvenience for students and teachers.

Police watched, helpless

The police were present in riot-control gear but didnt intervene to lift the blockade. The protest started outside the vice-chancellors office and initially blocked traffic on the T-point near the campus market for an hour.

We have been protesting outside the V-C office, but no one has even bothered to listen to our demands. So, we decided to block traffic. Instead of resolving the issue, we received threats from PU officials.

A fire tender was also called to fire water cannons to disperse us. Cops put on their riot-gear to intimidate us, said SFS president Damanpreet.

A riot squad at gate number 2 did not intervene. (Karun Sharma/HT Photo)

The V-C had gone to pacify them but they did not listen. Students have the right to protest if there is fee hike. However, the varsity cannot take back its decision because of a fund crunch. It is wrong to close the gates, said dean students welfare (DSW) Navdeep Goyal.

People did face inconvenience, but students boycotted classes because their right to education is being snatched. If the examination fee is hiked, a large section of students will have to leave college, the SFS president claimed, adding that the varsity had been shifting the financial burden on to the students.

The Modi government has been slashing the education budget, he claimed. The varsity had taken a decision to hike examination fee by 30.4% in July to generate about `35 crore. The fourth meeting of think tank, formed to suggest measures to generate varsitys revenue, on July 9, had said that funds for varsity could be generated only by examination fee and not tuition fee.

PU chief security officer Jatinder Grover said, The V-C went to speak to students at gates 1 and 2 but they did not end the protest. If students do it again, we will take disciplinary action.
The Punjab Congress on Thursday rejected the state governments move to convert alleged misappropriation of Rs 31,000 crore into a loan and said it would approach the court to scuttle the move.

The Congress has also demanded resignation of food and supplies minister Adaish Partap Kairon for the alleged misappropriation.

The move comes a day after the HT report Punjab to borrow Rs 31,000 cr to settle procurement loan.

Reacting to the admission made by the state government about missing foodgrains to the tune of `31,000 crore, Punjab Congress vice-president and chief spokesperson Sunil Jakhar said: You cannot convert a theft into a loan and put the liability on the people of the state for another 20 years.

Also read | Punjab will borrow Rs 31,000 cr to settle procurement loan

Earlier, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the consortium of 33 banks refused to provide cash-credit limit (CCL) guarantee to Punjab over what was earlier thought to be a Rs 21,000-crore scandal.

Jakhar demanded that instead of putting the liability on the people of the state, responsibility should be fixed and the theft amount recovered from the personal properties of those responsible.

The truth has finally come out and the state government has to eventually admit the fraud despite the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre desperately trying to shield it under the patronage of Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, he said.

In a statement, Congress MP Ravneet Bittu said the Akali-BJP government in Punjab did not deserve to be in power after the expose. The Badal regime is leaving an additional debt of Rs 31,000 crore that the people of Punjab will have to repay to the commercial banks. This is exactly the value of missing stock in the custody of Punjab government godowns, which has been stolen, mismanaged and misappropriated by the state government, Bittu alleged.

Demanding Kairons resignation, leader of opposition Charanjit Singh Channi said: After confessing to the foodgrain scam, chief minister Parkash Singh Badal should also have the courage to name the beneficiaries, even if they are his family members, Channi stated.

AAP SEEKS CLARIFICATION

Terming the Punjab government move to take central loan against the allegedly embezzled foodgrain stocks worth Rs 31,000 crore as a cover up exercise by both the Centre and the state, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday said that the Union government should clarify what action it has taken in the alleged multi-crore scam.

AAP state convener Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi said the party had raised the issue when the amount was Rs 12,000 crore, but by taking a loan of `31,000 crore, the government is trying to cover up the scam.
After witnessing financial loss last year, the white-gold is paying dividends to cotton growers.

From Rs 4,800-5,450 per quintal which is higher than the minimum support price (MSP), farmers in Malwa region are getting hefty prices. Due to damage by white fly, the farmers got Rs 3,800-4,200 per quintal, last year.

Director Agriculture Punjab, Jasbir Singh Bains said due to lower production last year, demand for cotton at national and global level shot up this year, which is one of the main reasons behind farmers getting higher prices. Awareness regarding tackling of pest attack and appropriate use of pesticides helped farmers to improve quality of cotton, he said.

CCI general manager Brijesh Kumar said so far, 43,500 bales of cotton yield have been brought across purchasing centres in Punjab. Enhanced yield per acre is the reason behind farmers getting better offers, we are expecting at least 8 lakh bales of production, he said.

The CCI will start procurement only if prices fall below MSP. Presently, the private players are offering best prices to meet domestic and commercial consumption, he said.

Despite steep fall in area covered under fibre crop, Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) is expecting increase in the yield to 8.05 lakh bales (every bale weighs 140 kg) than 6.50 bales last year. The area in the Malwa belt reduced to 2.48 lakh hectares from 4.50 lakh hectares as growers feared possibility of pest attack.

Gurmail Singh, a farmer from Talwandi Sabo, said he had sown cotton in 7.5 acre of area and remunerative prices after first session of picking may help farmers to cover last years losses. I took risk especially after last years financial damage but this year my produce has yielded positive results, Gurmail said. Even per acre yield has increased to 11-12 quintals than five to six quintals last year. Another farmer Samardeep Singh of Kutinal Khurd village said better prices have brought much-needed relief to cotton farmers. It is the right time, to bring the yield to markets, to get decent prices, he said.

Relief for cotton-related industry too

The positive start to procurement season has brought relief to cotton industry. Jatinder Singh, secretary, Indian Cotton Association Limited (ICAL), said industry is based on farmers and if they are getting hefty prices, it will be beneficial for both entities.

Cotton minimum support price (per quintal)

Rs 4,060 Medium staple

Rs 4,160 Long staple

Also read | Doom for Punjab: Paddy yield to be all-time high, good news or bad?

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Two unidentified assailants stabbed an elderly Dera Sacha Sauda follower to death at the deras Bhama Kalan village branch, which is about 30km from here, on Wednesday.

The victim, Gurdev Singh, 70, of Panjeta village, was rushed to Satguru Partap Singh Apollo Hospital, Sherpur Chowk, where he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.

The police suspect radical Sikh elements behind the murder.

Gurdev, who ran a canteen at the dera, was stabbed thrice by the turbaned men who gained entry faking as customers. After his death on Thursday, a large number of cops were deployed in the area to avoid an untoward situation. Dera followers were holding a prayer meeting when the incident took place.

A case under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered at the Koomkalan police station.

Gurcharan Singh of Jugiana, also a dera follower, told the police that he was working in the dera farm when profusely-bleeding Gurdev came to him and told that he had been stabbed.

The assailant duo asked for something in the canteen and when Gurdev turned around, they stabbed him in the back and stomach.

Koomkalan station house officer (SHO) Surjit Singh Nagra said they had launched a manhunt to nab the attackers. Investigations are on.
Farmers across the state held a state-level protest cum Karza Mukti (debt waiver) conference here at a grain market in Moga on Wednesday.

Protestors led by seven major farmers outfits including Bharti Kisan Union (BKU) Ekta, Bharti Kisan Union Dakonda, BKU Krantikari, Bharti Kisan Union Krantikari Punjab, Kirti Kisan Union, Kisan Sangarsh Committee and Azad Kisan Sangarsh Committee have been demanding waiving of debt completely.

Protestors blamed government for forcing more than three lakh farmers and farm labourers of the state to commit suicides. Protestors have also demanded loans on minimal interests, five lakh compensation and a government job for a family member of farmer who have committed suicide, spare land for poor farmers, withdrawing of first information reports (FIRs) on protesting farmers and 24 hours electricity supply. Protestors also asked for a solution to curb cattle menace.

Joginder Singh, representative of BKU Ekta while addressing the gathering said that if government can waive-off millions of rupee loans for international companies then why at the time of farmers the excuse of empty exchequers is being given.

If the government fails to listen to our demands, farmers unions will be forced to intensify protests across the state, he said.
Farmers across Punjab can now lodge paddy procurement-related complaints with deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal at toll-free helpline 1905 or through email (sukhbirsinghbadal@punjab.gov.in), a spokesman said. The farmers could also report their complaints with the sub-divisional magistrate or with the district food supply officer and the deputy commissioner concerned, the spokesman said.

Workers remove rainwater from the paddy in Attari grain market ((Photo by Gurpreet Singh/Hindustan Times))

Three state PSUs get sr vice-chairpersons

In another decision, the Punjab government appointed Ravinder Singh Cheema, Gurdial Singh Nijjer and Harvinder Singh Harpalpur as senior vice-chairpersons of the Punjab Mandi Board, Punjab Agro Industries Corporation and Punjab Khadi and Gram Udyog Board, respectively.

Cheema was earlier the vice-chairperson of Punjab Mandi Board and the position has been now given to Mandeep Singh, a spokesman said here on Thursday.
Commenting on the statement of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal regarding evidence of surgical strikes by the Army against Pakistan, Shwait Malik, member of the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday said it was unfortunate that a person sitting in such a high position delivers a meaningless and baseless comment.

In a press release issued here, he said, At this time when the entire nation is mourning the loss of our soldiers and the whole nation needs to be united to expose Pakistans true face, Kejriwal tried to gain cheap popularity for political mileage.

Need no proof: Amarinder breaks ranks with Cong on surgical strikes

Terming Kejriwal as an opportunist, the MP said This is not fair for a politician of India who claims himself as a true patriot. Can any citizen of India deny the fact that a politician like Kejriwal does not know such military operations/strikes are seldom made public, as they are most sensitive and top secret. Asking proofs of such operations weaken Indias security because it reveals military strategies. They also give a chance to Pakistan to spread anti India propaganda, he added.

Dont politicise strikes: Bakshi

Gurdaspur: Former Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSB) member and a senior Christian Congress leader Kanwal Bakshi said here on Wednesday that it was unfortunate that Kejriwal

and a few Congress leaders are questioning the genuineness of the strikes carried out by the Army.

Bakshi said that inter-party politics stands nowhere when it comes to national security. By giving irresponsible statements, these so-called leaders have put the Army into the witness box, Bakshi said.

Even Muslim countries of the world have not reacted to this incident.

The United States and Russia have expressed their solidarity with the Government of India. But, strangely, a few designer leaders from within the country are debating on the surgical strikes issue, he said.

He said it was not the first time that Indian forces have carried out such strikes across the LoC. Earlier also in Manmohan Singhs regime, such strikes were carried out successfully in the 2011, 2013 and 2014, but media at that time didnt highlight those strikes so strongly.

Bakshi appealed to the leaders, who have indulged in such alleged anti-national statements, to restrain themselves from the statements which can work against the high morale of the Army.

Kejriwal, who has allegedly played against the nationalist sentiments, will have to face the ire of the people in the upcoming Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections, Bakshi said.
Despite being one of the oldest and prominent medical colleges across the region, the Government Medical College here has failed to provide livable accommodation to future doctors, residing on the college premises. The eight hostels built in this historic campus, established in 1864, narrate a story of neglect and reveal a dismal state of affairs for young professionals keen on building their medical career.

There is heavy growth of wild grass around the boys hostel which has not been cleared for a long time; the medical professionals, who have the responsibility of curing patients, are themselves vulnerable to diseases due to heaps of garbage around this residential place.

Not only is this is strange but the presence of wild grass plays a potential home for various insects and snakes. There is also lack of parking space for these students. The students are compelled to park their vehicles inside the hostel, on the pavement and in some blocks; the bikes could be seen parked in the mess. The bathrooms are dirty, there is little sanitation. The corridor on the first floor has no electricity, there are dogs, sitting and waiting for the students.

Vehicles parked inside the mess of boys hostel block-D. (Sameer Sehgal/HT Photo)

The boys hostel in D and E block are in the same condition. Students are forced to purchase their own water bottles as there is no RO system, and the existing water capacity is not sufficient.

One of the students, on the condition of anonymity, said, These hostels are not fit for living, there is no electricity back-up , making it extremely difficult for the students. Thefts are common here.

Loose electric wires

One of the biggest problems in these old hostels is of loose and hanging electric wires. The wires are not arranged properly. The lives of studnts are always at a risk. A student said, Just look at these things. Toilets are in a bad condition. We have adjusted ourselves. There are dogs roaming freely in the hostels. I guess the hostel was meant for humans!

A stray dog in the hostel-F of GMC in Amritsar. (Sameer Sehgal/HT Photo)

Girls hostel in better state

The condition of the girls hostel is still better. There are small problems of sanitation, space and improper bathroom fittings as these were renovated recently.

Dr Ranbir Singh Pannu, eye specialist and an alumuns of the college said,  My batch mates and I were planning for a meet, We visited the college but I am sorry to see the state of the college hostel.
A 45-year-old woman and her two daughters were crushed to death by an overloaded tipper on a busy section of the Ludhiana-Ferozepur national highway on Thursday morning.

The accident took place opposite the senior superintendent of police (SSP) office here.

The tipper (HP 31 B 0398), belonging to Continental Construction Projects Limited, was being reversed to unload the sand for construction of an over-bridge when Aruna Devi and her daughters, Savita (5) and Sarita (10), got crushed under it, resulting in instant death.

Tippers driver Gurcharan Singh, a resident of Ghal Khurd village in Ferozepur, said he didnt see that the trio were behind the tipper.

The deceased were natives of Sahnewal in Ludhiana and had been residing in the slum near the grain market from almost a decade.

Paramjit Singh (18), Devis son who was accompanying, in his first information report (FIR), stated that all of them were returning home after getting medicine. While crossing the road, the tipper driver, who was reversing his vehicle, crushed his mother and sisters.

A huge crowd gathered at the spot following the incident. The bodies have been taken to the Moga civil hospital.

Kulwant Singh, assistant sub-inspector (ASI)-cum-investigating officer said that after conducting post-mortem the bodies will be handed over to the family members.

Police have impounded the truck and arrested the driver after registering a case under Sections 304-A (causing death by negligence) and 279 (rash driving on a public way) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
CapitaLand , one of Asias largest real estate companies headquartered and listed in Singapore, has announced plans to open two more malls in India over the next three years, bringing the number of its operational malls managed by its shopping mall business, CapitaLand Mall Asia, to six by the end of 2019.

CapitaLands wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has also announced that it has secured a contract with Sandhya Hotels Private Limited to manage three new serviced residences in India. Two properties are in the major technology cities of Hyderabad and Bengaluru and a third serviced residence is in Sri City, less than an hours drive from Chennai.

The announcement was made at The Celebration Mall, Udaipur, in the presence of Singapores prime minister Lee Hsien Loong. The Celebration Mall is wholly owned by CapitaLand Mall India Development Fund, which is managed by CapitaLand. CapitaLand shared with Prime Minister Lee that the mall has played a key role in catalysing the economic development of its neighbourhood. It opened in July 2011.

Lim Ming Yan, president and group CEO, CapitaLand, said: As the worlds fastest growing and third largest economy with a population of 1.3 billion, India is experiencing strong demand for quality real estate products and solutions as it undergoes rapid urbanisation and attracts more foreign direct investment. Specifically, India has been looking to tap Singapores experience in urban planning as it plans to upgrade and build 100 cities. India thus presents opportunities for CapitaLand to share our expertise in real estate development and management, particularly in integrated developments where we have established a strategic advantage, as well as in the shopping mall and serviced residence sectors where we have already gained a foothold in the country.

CapitaLands two upcoming malls are Forum, Mysore, and Forum, Cochin, opening next year and in 2019 respectively. Both are developed in partnership with local real estate developer Prestige, with whom CapitaLand also partners for three other operational malls, namely The Forum Neighbourhood Mall, Bengaluru; The Forum Sujana Mall, Hyderabad; and The Forum Fiza Mall, Mangalore. Including two other malls under development in Jalandhar and Nagpur, CapitaLand is Singapores largest shopping mall developer and manager in India with a total of eight malls.

With more liberal rules on foreign direct investment in real estate, CapitaLand has been presented with a number of opportunities including greenfield projects, properties under construction as well as operational-ready projects in key Tier 1 cities. We are also in discussion with several parties on management contracts for shopping malls and serviced residences. As the Indian real estate market opens up, CapitaLand looks forward to greater contribution in the development of the market through quality projects, benefitting end-users and at the same time creating opportunities for investors, he said.

Jason Leow, CEO, CapitaLand Mall Asia, said: In Asia, India is the next big retail prize after China. India has a large and growing middle class with aspirations for a better life, and more than 400 million young consumers between 15 and 34 years of age who are driving purchases in categories such as mobile phones, fashion, accessories and F&B. Such favourable demographics are drawing retailers interest to Indias fast-growing consumer market, which is expected to be worth US$1.3 trillion by 2020, registering a compounded annual growth rate of 9.7% from 2000 to 20201. Coupled with the relaxation of rules for foreign single-brand retailers entering the country, retailers demand for shop space in quality malls at strategic locations in India is set to rise. As one of Asias leading shopping mall developers, owners and managers, we are able to leverage our retail expertise and industry leading network of about 15,000 leases to support local and international retailers who are keen to do business in India.
Kim Kardashians bodyguard Pascal Duvier had reportedly filed for bankruptcy for his German security company ProtectSecurity ten weeks ago before the reality TV star was robbed in a Paris hotel room. Duvier has also removed all mentions of any association with Kardashian from all social media profiles.

The company has reportedly racked up over $1.12 million in debt. Duvier lodged a claim for company insolvency at Heidelberg administrative court on July 22. There is so much debt. There are many claimants. I cannot say the exact number. Lots. It was known to me that Herr Duvier is the bodyguard of Frau Kardashian, the insolvency lawyer on the case told dailymail.co.uk.

Duvier was last seen at his company building in Eppelheim in recent weeks. A woman who runs a hairdressing salon across the street, said: He came here with his secretary but didnt stay long. Since then the blinds have been down and there has not been a soul here.

Duvier has removed every mention about Kim on his social media account, including photographs and all references to him working for her, but he is not fired.

The clients of Duviers security company also include Kanye West and Black Eyed Peas, Stacy Ferguson, Will.i.am, Pussycat Dolls, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Lana del Rey and Katy Perry.

Duvier had issued a warning post the robbery saying: The events in Paris was one of the most sickening things I have seen or heard. We have tips and leads and we will find you - that I promise you. You messed with the wrong one.

Kim, 35, was ambushed in a Paris hotel room in the early hours of Monday. She was bound, gagged and thrown into a bathtub by masked gunmen dressed as French police.

According to varied media reports, the robbers reportedly took jewellery worth over six million euros, among other items.

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With one candidates ignorance of foreign policy specifics and anothers outstanding arrest warrant, the odds arent looking very good for Americas third party presidential candidates.

Hopes were higher than usual for the Libertarian Partys Gary Johnson and the Green Partys Jill Stein, the USs third- and fourth-largest parties. The nature of the American electoral system itself places them at a disadvantage, but voters are clearly not satisfied with their current leaders.

Thus the success of outsider candidates such as Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, running on platforms denouncing the rigged system and the influence of money on politics.

But the prospects of the Libertarian and Green Party dont matter  what matters is their mere presence in the race.

The real concern is the spoiler effect. With a little more than a month to go for the November 8 election, the gap between the two major party candidates, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, has witnessed ups and downs.

Johnson or Stein could siphon votes from these candidates but what is unclear is who would suffer more  will unsatisfied Republicans flock to Johnson? He shares many of their worries about big government. Or will disaffected Sanders supporters choose to support third parties?

Even a modest swing could cost either major party candidate a state. If Johnson or Stein manage to win even one state between them and no candidate wins a majority of electoral votes, the president would then have to be chosen by the House of Representatives.

Incidentally, Americans will also be electing all 435 members of the House of Representatives, 34 senators and 12 governors, among others, on November 8.

With the current political climate, the wider recognition of these third party candidates could have an effect down the ticket as well. If they are unwilling to cast their vote for a third party in the presidential election, the voters could be more willing to do so in congressional elections to register their disappointment.

A shift of voters to third party candidates could turn the tide of several close races and, say, deliver a majority in the US Senate to the Democratic Party. Although third parties have done poorly in recent years, this unusual election year could end up with an unusual outcome.
Former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres will be the next Secretary General of the United Nations. The UN Security Council, which gets to pick the candidate, will on Thursday formally commend Guterres to the General Assembly for election.

According to Reuters, the 15-member Security Council has been holding informal secret ballots since July to reach a consensus on a candidate. Members had the choices: encourage, discourage or no opinion. Guterres has come out on top of all the polls and on Wednesday received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes, the Reuters report said.

In the end, there was just a candidate whose experience, vision, and versatility across a range of areas proved compelling, U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power told reporters.

The selection of Guterres, who led the UNs refugee agency for a decade, invited a range of responses on social media. Helen Clark, former prime minister of New Zealand and one of the contenders for the job, sent in her congratulations:

Congratulations to Antonio #Guterres: The clear winner in the #NextSG selection. We 1st met as Prime Ministers, & served together at the UN.  Helen Clark (@Helen4SG) October 5, 2016

Others posted congratulatory messages and recollections of having worked with Guterres:

Just congratulated Antonio #Guterres #NextSG #UN. A good friend, man of vision, heart and action. EU-UN cooperation will grow even stronger  Federica Mogherini (@FedericaMog) October 5, 2016

UK ambo @MatthewRycroft1 : Guterres will be"a very strong, effective SG of the UN at a crucial time for the world and for this organisation"  Julian Borger (@julianborger) October 5, 2016

Guterres becomes 9th man to run the UN despite strong women candidates. But he's not the bland, lowest-common-denominator SG many had feared  Julian Borger (@julianborger) October 5, 2016

A memory from Antonio #Guterres' visit to Yida refugee settlement, #SSudan in 2012. Congrats to the former boss! https://t.co/Usk3qnrB90 pic.twitter.com/LhvCvku2BT  Kathryn Mahoney (@MissMahoo) October 5, 2016

In 2008 I was editing this essay by Antonio Guterres for @ForeignAffairs UNSC has chosen him the new UN Secy Genhttps://t.co/6tJq4KyxFM  Basharat Peer (@BasharatPeer) October 5, 2016

Some pointed out that there was politics behind the selection:

#Guterres is sound selection but also compromise with Moscow as #Putin veto independent East European - What about Women Candidates? https://t.co/eMNWz7DJQ6  Amb.Muhamed Sacirbey (@MuhamedSacirbey) October 5, 2016

Big question now is who will be Deputy Secretary-General. Did #Russia make any demands on this in return for agreeing to #Guterres?  James Ker-Lindsay (@JamesKerLindsay) October 5, 2016

Anger and disappointment that women candidates missed out again:

Congratulations, women of the world! The next world leader is.... another man! Again! #Guterres #NextSG  Bea Lindstrom (@BeaLindstrom) October 5, 2016

Disappointing outcome @UN Member states couldn't find a woman in the world as qualified as Gutterres #SDGfail #shame https://t.co/P7ej9dxN6f  Elizabeth Halpin (@ElizabethHalpin) October 5, 2016

I truly respect #Guterres BUT 70 years and still no female #SG .There were 7 women, many of them outstanding candidates. #glassceiling #UN https://t.co/S23ZeHOKHX  Sini Maria (@SMHeikkila) October 5, 2016

Guterres could be as feminist as they come but the #UNSC proved today that the structures behind him don't give a shit. So.  Erin Ryan (@erinryanau) October 5, 2016

In times of rising xenophobia, misogyny, racism, UN fails to elect a woman as new head.

Utterly tragic.  Maxim Eristavi (@MaximEristavi) October 5, 2016

First time a former prime minister becomes Secr General for @UN Not a woman. #Guterres said to be a good choice  Alice Petren (@alicepetren) October 5, 2016

I am not in favor of #womenquotas because that undermines our competence.Curious NONE of the female candidates were suitable to be #NextSG https://t.co/CRDdK69gp4  Sara Dumitrana (@SaraDumitrana) October 5, 2016

..and acceptance of the Guterres selection:

We all wanted a woman but Guterres was the best candidate #fairplay #UN  Salima Yacoubi S. (@salimay) October 5, 2016

Bittersweet results #NextSG. Bitter: not a woman. Sweet: by far the best man in the race. Congrats Antonio Guterres! We are all with you.  Christiana Figueres (@CFigueres) October 5, 2016
Britains 1.5 million-strong Indian community - traditionally a strong Labour vote bank - has largely moved away to the Conservatives in recent elections, but there are few signs the party will regain its trust after Jeremy Corbyns re-election as leader.

Not only leaders and party members of Indian or Asian origin, but several Labour MPs were uneasy after Corbyn was declared elected on September 24 with more support than he received in September 2015, and he reaffirmed his socialist plans for the party.

After the re-election and despite the uneasiness, Corbyn leading Labour to victory in the 2020 elections is no longer seen as an impossibility, given the reality of Britain under the Conservatives and the growing appeal of his socialist plans.

The Indian community in Britain is in limbo after Labour was hijacked by left and ultra-left wing elements, Anasudhin Azeez, the Kerala-origin editor of Manchester-based publication Asian Lite, told Hindustan Times.

Besides Labours left orientation under Corbyn, a large section of the aspirational Indian community is uneasy with his support to groups seeking to introduce caste-based discrimination in British law - an issue that has already divided the community.

The community feels there are fewer prospects of Labour returning to the agenda of combining economic credibility with a strong commitment to social justice, which won it three successive elections under Tony Blair.

Way before Jeremy became leader, many felt that Labour no longer represents their values. At the grassroots level, the party sometimes seemed to be reaching out to the Muslim, largely Pakistani, community to such an extent that if you were Indian and Hindu, you felt shunned, said Manoj Ladwa, chair of the Indians for Labour group.

Since his victory, however, Corbyn has said he wants to reach out to his opponents...That gives me cause for hope. But I do know that if he is sincere about reaching out, he could show it by starting with our community.

While some see a parallel between Corbyns return with more support and the support that swept Narendra Modi to power in May 2014, Corbyns leadership is also seen as a challenge to India, given that his approach towards the country has historically been forged mainly through the prism of human rights.

He often raised alleged rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab and the 2002 Gujarat riots in Parliament, and condemned the launch of the Agni missile in a parliamentary motion, but also opposed Britain stopping aid to India.

Jasdev Singh Rai, who once worked with Corbyn in campaign group Liberation, said: Labour party will not be the same again. Either some of the leading rebels will leave Labour or fall in line. These are politicians who matured in the Blair era. They were generally pragmatic and took a diplomatic approach to world affairs, including South Asia.

But Corbyn is different. He is driven by idealism. Labour under Corbyn will be an uphill battle for India. Personal experiences can often influence political policies. To date Indias relationship with Corbyn is not one that can be called special. Corbyn raised human rights issues when (Prime Minister) Modi visited the UK. Indian diplomats have their work cut out.

Well versed with Indian realities, Corbyn, who has visited India several times, said during a House of Commons debate: It cannot be right that a country with Indias aspirations to modernity and to taking its place in the world, including a permanent place on the UN Security Council - a country that is obviously a major power in every aspect - can allow such (caste) discrimination to continue.

In 2013, he was awarded the Gandhi International Peace Prize by UK-based Gandhi Foundation for consistently upholding Gandhian values in his parliamentary career.

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The European Union (EU)s beefed-up version of its struggling border force goes into operation on Thursday, as the squabbling bloc struggles to find a unified strategy to tackle its worst migration crisis since World War II.

EU officials were due to inaugurate the new task force at the Kapitan-Andreevo checkpoint on the Bulgarian-Turkish border, the main land frontier via which migrants try to enter the bloc to avoid the dangerous Mediterranean sea crossing.

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (EBCG) will have at the ready some 1,500 officers from 19 member states who can be swiftly mobilised in case of emergency such as a sudden rush of migrants.

Brussels hopes the revamped agency will not just increase security, but also help heal the huge rifts that have emerged between western and eastern member states clashing over the EUs refugee policies.

The long-term goal is to lift the border controls inside the bloc and restore the passport-free Schengen Zone.

A day before attending the launch, EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos hailed the inauguration as a historic moment for Europe.

Read | Refugee crisis is more about EU than migrants problem

The boosted force is an expansion of Frontex, founded in 2004 to help coordinate Europe-wide efforts to combat people smuggling and illegal migration.

The agency, based in Warsaw, proved inefficient last year when it was caught off guard by the hundreds of thousands of people that began trekking up from Greece along the so-called western Balkan route towards northern Europe.

The uncontrolled arrival of well over a million people, many fleeing war in Syria, triggered chaos on the continent, prompting key transit nations along the migrant trail to seal their borders with fences.

Migrants scuttle through a hole in a barbed-wire fence at the Hungarian-Serbian border near Roszke on September 10, 2015. (AFP )

The flow also sparked fierce tensions inside the bloc, with eastern and central European nations lambasting Germanys open door policy which they say allowed Islamist radicals to pose as refugees and help carry out attacks inside Europe.

However, in a rare show of unity, all 28 member states agreed on the creation of the new border agency earlier this year.

Crucially, it will provide support to all member states and be able to identify and intervene to address weaknesses in advance, and not when its too late, the European Commission, the EUs executive arm, said in a statement in June.

The agency will also be involved in the repatriation of migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected or who are considered a security threat.

(The agency) represents a boost for our efforts to guarantee the safety of Bulgarian and European citizens, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said recently.

Bulgaria has already strung up a barbed wire fence that will soon cover most of its 259-kilometre (160-mile) border with Turkey.

Migrant deaths in the Mediterranean. (AFP Graphic)

The estimated 13,000 migrants stranded inside the country remain modest compared to the 60,000 stuck in Greece or the 140,000 who have crossed the Mediterranean to Italy so far this year.

But with its migrant centres overflowing, the EUs poorest member is still worried it will become a buffer state if a shaky EU deal with Turkey breaks down after the July coup attempt.

It is unclear how the new border force will help tackle the growing influx from North Africa to Italy.

More than 3,500 migrants have drowned in the Mediterranean so far this year, latest figures show.

Also read | Germany, EU ignored migrant crisis for too long: Merkel admits made mistakes
Some three million people on the US southeast coast faced an urgent evacuation order Thursday as monstrous Hurricane Matthew -- now blamed for more than 100 deaths in Haiti alone -- bore down for a direct hit on Florida.

Up and down the coast, highways clogged as people fled inland to escape the storm, which blasted its way through the Caribbean starting Tuesday.

Poor and vulnerable Haiti remained essentially cut in half. Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph said at least 108 Haitians have died, with 50 killed in a single town in the south where the coastline was described as wrecked.

US President Barack Obama on Thursday declared a federal state of emergency in Florida as Hurricane Matthews powerful winds began to be felt along the states southeast coast.

He ordered federal aid to supplement state and local efforts to deal with the devastating storm, authorizing the Homeland Security Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate disaster relief efforts.

In its latest target, the storm slammed the Bahamas, blowing off roofs, downing trees and knocking out power. Weather forecasters working out of Nassau airport had to flee for their lives.

A hotel employee in Nassau described the whole glass entrance of the building being blown in by fierce 100 mph (160 km) winds.

You could see the wind was pushing it and pushing it, and it was shaking, said the woman, who asked not to be named because she did not speak for the hotel. I screamed out as it shattered in the lobby.

Read: Hurricane Matthew leaves at least 108 dead in Haiti, says interior minister

Matthew is predicted to be very near or over the east central coast of Florida Thursday night or early Friday.

As US gas stations ran dry, frantic shoppers flocked to stores for essentials.

They snapped up batteries, transistor radios, bread, canned goods, bottled water, ice, pet food, toilet paper and other stuff to gird for what Florida Governor Rick Scott warned would be a devastating, killer storm, with winds howling at up to 150 miles per hour (240 kph).

Evacuate, evacuate, evacuate, Scott told a news conference. Time is running out.

Matthew has regained strength as it approaches Florida and was upgraded a notch Thursday to Category Four by the National Hurricane Center on its 1-5 scale.

Around 1.5 million coastal dwellers are under an evacuation order in Florida alone. More than a million others in South Carolina and other coastal states were also told to escape the path of the storm, which first made landfall in Haiti Tuesday.

Mandatory evacuations were also ordered in six coastal counties in Georgia that are home to some 520,000 people.

Read: Hurricane Matthew hits Bahamas as US prepares for storm

Miami International Airport cancelled 90 percent of its incoming and outgoing flights on Thursday.

The National Hurricane Center called Matthew the strongest in the region in decades.

It said waves whipped up by the hurricane could be as high as 18 feet (5.5 meters) -- nearly as tall as a two-story building. Debris tossed into the air by the storm will be capable of blasting through buildings and cars, the NHC said in a bulletin.

Sixty elementary and other schools in Florida have been turned into shelters, and so far some 3,000 evacuees are in them, Scotts office said. South Carolina has also opened 38 shelters.

Haiti had not been hit head on by a Category Four storm in 52 years. The countrys presidential election, scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed.

The United Nations office for coordinating humanitarian affairs said half of Haitis population of 11 million was expected to be affected.

At least 350,000 people in Haiti, where thousands have lived in tents since the massive earthquake in 2010, need immediate assistance, the UN said.

In Cuba, where some 1.3 million people were evacuated, there were no reported fatalities but four cities in the east were cut off because roads were blocked by large chunks of rock hurled by the storm.
The Ghanaian government has decided to relocate a statue of Mahatma Gandhi from the University of Ghana near Accra, following a move by a group of lecturers to have the statue pulled down over alleged racist views expressed by Gandhi.

The decision was taken to ensure its safety and to avoid the controversy on the Legon Campus becoming a distraction from our strong ties of friendship that have existed over the years, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The unfortunate verbal attack on Mahatma Gandhi is effectively an attack on an Indian nationalist hero and icon, who is revered and cherished by over one billion people who are either citizens of India or persons of Indian decent, the statement said.

The petitioners seeking relocation of the statue were led by a former director of the Institute of African Studies at the Legon university.

Last month, Professor Akosua Adomako Ampofo led a group of lecturers to petition the University Council to remove the statue and listed, among other things, some remarks that Gandhi had made as far back as 1894 in South Africa.

They quoted Gandhi as saying: A general belief seems to prevail in the Colony that the Indians are little better, if at all, than savages or the Natives of Africa. Even the children are taught to believe in that manner, with the result that the Indian is being dragged down to the position of a raw Kaffir, and contended that these were racist comments.

The group based their arguments on what, they said, had happened at other world class universities recently and mentioned Yale University in the US where it said: Former bastions of slavery, apartheid and white supremacy, statutes and other symbols associated with controversial persons have been pulled down or removed.

The ministry said it had followed with deep concern the acrimony generated by the recent campaign by a group of lecturers and students of the University of Ghana for the removal of the statue of the Indian national leader, Mahatma Gandhi, from the campus of the University of Ghana on grounds of the latters alleged past racist comments.

The statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled by President Pranab Mukherjee during his state visit to Ghana in June this year.

The statement said Ghanas relations with India date back to the early 1950s when Ghanas then President Kwame Nkrumah struck a strong bond of friendship with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Diplomatic relations were soon established after Ghanas independence in 1957. The two countries have since shared common positions on many issues of international concern, it said.

Ghana and India have championed the struggle for the liberation of oppressed peoples around the world and were strong in their condemnation of the obnoxious policies of the apartheid regime in South Africa, it added.

It is worthy of note that the statue of Mahatma Gandhi was erected on the University of Ghana campus with the consent of the university authorities. It was not compelled by the government to accept the statue, the ministry said.

The statement acknowledged that human as he was, Mahatma Gandhi may have had his flaws, and said, we must remember that people evolve. He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

In a global interconnected world where conversations that take place on social media are shared in real time, there is the potential to create disaffection not only at the level of government relations, but also between people not only in our country but all over the world, the statement added.

It also urged Ghanaians to look beyond the comments attributed to Mahatma Gandhi and acknowledge his role as one of the most outstanding personalities of the last century who demonstrated non-violence.
Adolf Hitler was a gibbering super- junkie whose veins were all but destroyed by thousands of opiate injections and the Nazi dictators heavy reliance on drugs was behind his increasingly erratic decision-making in later stages of World War 2, a new book has claimed.

According to Norman Ohler, an award-winning German author, the Fuhrer became addicted to a heroin-like substance called Eukodel which was prescribed following a nervous breakdown in 1944.

Ohlers book, Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany, which British historians have praised as a remarkable work of research, argues that the heroin-like opiate was largely to blame for Hitlers erratic and paranoid behaviour towards the end of his life, The Telegraph reported.

It brings to light extracts from the journal of Dr Theo Morell, Hitlers personal physician, who once complained he could no longer inject the drug as nearly all of his patients veins had collapsed.

I cancelled injections today, to give the previous puncture holes a chance to heal, one entry reads.

Left inside elbow good, right still has red dots (but not pustules), where injections were given, it says.

Ohler said Hitler began the drugs regime after narrowly surviving the 1944 assassination attempt known as Operation Valkyrie, in which the German resistance planted a bomb in a briefcase under his desk.

The explosion shattered both of Hitlers eardrums, riddled his body with splinters from a wooden table that shielded him from the blast and turned him into a nervous wreck.

Im afraid that from 1944 onwards, Hitler did not spend a single day sober, Ohler was quoted as saying.

Before then, he was a very public person...but the attempt on his life left him withdrawn, paranoid and anxious. He demanded that Dr Morell restore him to his former confident self, so from that point on he received thousands of injections - most frequently Eukodol, which is like heroin but with a greater potential to make you euphoric, he said.

In an extract from the book itself, Ohler writes: Germany, land of drugs, of escapism and worldweariness, had been looking for a super-junkie.

And it had found him, in its darkest hour, in Adolf Hitler, it says.

As the drugs took their toll, Hitlers decision-making became more erratic.

Antony Beevor, a British war historian, said the books findings explained Hitlers completely irrational military tactics during the Battle of the Bulge, which was the dictators last-ditch attempt to defeat the allies.

All of these elements show how he was really no longer in control of himself, but he was still in control of the German armies, he told the BBCs Today programme.
The Indonesian air force Thursday held a major exercise around its islands in the South China Sea where there have been clashes with Chinese vessels in waters claimed by Beijing.

Thousands of personnel as well as F-16, Sukhoi and Hercules planes took part in the drill around the remote Natuna islands in the far northwest of the archipelago, with President Joko Widodo in attendance.

Military spokesman Tatang Sulaiman said the exercise was aimed at making preparations in case of potential threats and to face challenges.

We are conducting this exercise so that if there is an operation in this area, we know what to do, he said.

Chinese fishing and coastguard vessels have been embroiled in repeated confrontations with Indonesian patrol boats and navy ships in waters around the Natunas this year, sharply raising tensions between Jakarta and Beijing.

Indonesia is bolstering its defences around the Natunas -- a remote scattering of islands, home to rich fishing grounds -- and plans to deploy extra warships, fighter jets and surface-to-air missiles.

Unlike some of its Southeast Asian neighbours, Jakarta has long maintained it has no maritime disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea and does not contest ownership of reefs or islets there.

But Beijings expansive claims in the sea overlap Indonesias exclusive economic zone -- waters where a state has the right to exploit resources -- around the Natunas.

China has defended its incursions into Indonesian waters around the islands, saying its trawlers are operating in traditional Chinese fishing grounds. But Jakarta disputes this.

Widodo flew to the Natunas early Thursday to watch the air force drill, inspect weapons systems and observe the development of the fishing industry, his second visit to the islands in recent months.

In June he toured the islands on a warship to send a strong message to China to respect Indonesian sovereignty.

Beijing asserts sovereignty over almost the entire, resource-rich South China Sea.

In July a UN-backed tribunal in The Hague ruled against Chinas claims, finding in favour of a challenge from the Philippines which has long-running territorial disputes with Beijing in the waters.
The US is facing another potentially embarrassing leak of top secret documents and intelligence by a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor after the arrest of Harold Thomas Martin III in August was disclosed in court filings on Wednesday.

At the time of his arrest, Martin, 51, had left the NSA and was working as a contractor with the defence department. He was attached to Booze Allen Hamilton, a consulting firm still reeling from the fallout of the arrest of another employee, Edward Snowden.

Though the exact damage caused by Martin is not yet known, his arrest will be damaging for the Barack Obama administration,which had been hit by a series of disclosures starting with WikiLeaks releasing thousands of documents from the state and defence departments in 2010, and leaks by Snowden in 2013, all by insiders.

According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found thousands of pages of documents, and dozens of computers and electronic devices at Martins house in Maryland, a state abutting Washington DC that is home to the powerful NSA.

Among information allegedly stolen by Martin was a computer code used by the NSA to hack into the computer networks of Russia, China, North Korea and Iran.

But it was not yet clear what he did with the stolen information and documents  whether he leaked the information, passed them on to a third party, a country or entity, or merely downloaded them and stored them on his devices.

The stolen information and documents were different, according to reports, from those leaked by Snowden, which were about surveillance and eavesdropping programmes with sweeping reach in US and abroad, including on world leaders.

The NSA had spied on German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande, for instance, Snowdens leaks had shown, sparking international outrage and forcing Obama to offer personal assurances that leaders of allied countries would be out of bounds.

The US was also snooping on embassies and foreign missions, including those of India, which reacted rather stoically, with officials saying in off-the-record remarks that this was standard practice around the world  implying they do too.

More is likely to come out about Martins theft in coming days. In his first interviews with the FBI, he denied taking documents and digital files which he knew to be classified but later admitted to the crimes, according to the complaint.

The FBI complaint said the documents contained information concerning national defence and foreign relations of the US and their unauthorised disclosure would cause unexceptionally grave damage to the national security.
Pakistani politicians have called for action against non-state actors who are bringing the country into disrepute, with one lawmaker from the ruling PML-N questioning why nothing was being done to rein in LeT founder Hafiz Saeed.

A leading opposition politician, former interior minister Aitzaz Ahsan, said on Thursday that Pakistan is isolated because it gives freedom to non-state actors who may have had a hand in the Uri attack.

Speaking at a meeting of the National Assemblys standing committee on foreign affairs, PML-N lawmaker Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan specifically named Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed while demanding action against non-state actors, BBC Urdu reported.

Read | Sharifs directive to Pak army: Experience shows its easier said than done

Khan questioned why Pakistan was turning a blind eye to Saeeds activities. The efficacy of our foreign policy speaks for itself when we couldnt curtail Hafiz Saeed, he said.

India has built such a case against us about the JuD chief that during meetings abroad on Kashmir, foreign delegates mention (Saeed) as the reason for bad relations between Pakistan and India, he added.

Khan, who was recently sent to France as a special envoy on the Kashmir issue, said Saeeds name was repeatedly brought up by his French interlocutors. Noting that Saeed was considered a notorious character in international circles, he questioned whether Saeed was good for the Kashmir cause.

While backing the Pakistan governments stance on Kashmir, Khan said banned groups were a source of embarrassment for the country.

Speaking during a special joint session of Parliament convened to discuss tensions with India, former minister Aitzaz Ahsan said: The government has been completely unsuccessful in imposing restrictions on non-state actors according to the National Action Plan (NAP).

He criticised the cabinets denial of Pakistani involvement in the terror attack on an Indian Army camp at Uri in Kashmir that killed 19 soldiers. Saying we believe Pakistan has no hand in the Uri attack is not a categorical denial, he said.

This implied Pakistan did not know if our non-state actors are behind it, Ahsan said, according to the website of Dawn newspaper.

When you cannot completely implement NAP and then something like this happens, the blame will fall on Pakistan and we will be isolated. Then Bangladesh and Afghanistan will not speak to you, and Bhutan and Nepal will begin supporting India, he said.

You have isolated Pakistan, said Ahsan, who is considered one of Pakistans leading lawyers.

Ahsan, who also served as law minister, held Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif responsible for Pakistans diplomatic isolation as the premier also holds the foreign affairs portfolio. Pakistans isolation is Nawaz Sharifs personal failure, he said.

Nawaz Sharif did not anticipate the Uri attack. Our defence minister said that perhaps India did it themselves to divert attention away from KashmirI agree, it is possible, but then why is it Pakistan which is isolated now? It is because you have given freedom to non-state actors.

He implied non-state actors continue organising protests and rallies and making speeches in Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi. I dont want instability in any country, as the blame of that will then fall on us because of these non-state actors, he said.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to conclude the probe into the Pathankot attack and resume the stalled Mumbai attacks case after the civilian leadership warned the military that Pakistan faces growing international isolation, according to a media report on Thursday.

The civilian government delivered a blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning to the military leadership and sought consensus on several key actions, including action against banned militant groups, the Dawn newspaper quoted unnamed individuals, who were involved in the meetings between the civil and military leadership, as saying.

Sharif has directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials, the report said.

Inter-Services Intelligence chief Lt Gen Rizwan Akhtar and national security advisor Nasser Janjua will travel to the four provinces with a message for provincial apex committees and ISI sector commanders  military-led intelligence agencies are not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action.

Read | The choice now is Pakistans: Terror or talks

Akhtars tour began with a visit to Lahore, the report said, adding that the decisions were made after an extraordinary verbal confrontation between Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif and the ISI DG. The decisions apparently indicated a high-stakes new approach by the PML-N government, the report said.

The move comes against the backdrop of a spike in tensions between Pakistan and India, which blamed the terror attacks on Pathankot airbase and an army camp at Uri in Kashmir on militants backed by Islamabad. India last week carried out surgical strikes against terrorists across the Line of Control.

Take visible action

The Dawn reported that the decisions followed an undisclosed meeting between the civilian and military leadership on Monday when Sharif had also chaired a meeting of Pakistans political parties to forge a united front on the issue of tackling the tensions with India.

The report said foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry, while making a presentation in the Prime Ministers Office to a small group of civil and military officials on Tuesday, said Pakistan faces diplomatic isolation and the governments talking points have been met with indifference in major world capitals.

Referring to India, Chaudhry said the completion of the Pathankot investigation and some visible action against Jaish-e-Mohammed were the principal demands, according to the report.

Chaudhry said relations had deteriorated and will likely further deteriorate because of the American demand that action be taken against the Haqqani network.

The report added: Then, to a hushed but surprised room, Mr Chaudhry suggested that while China has reiterated its support for Pakistan, it too has indicated a preference for a change in course by Pakistan. Specifically, while Chinese authorities have conveyed their willingness to keep putting on technical hold a UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar, they have questioned the logic of doing so repeatedly.

Chaudhrys unexpectedly blunt conclusions triggered an astonishing and potentially ground-shifting exchange between the ISI DG and several civilian officials, the report said.

ISI chief Akhtar asked what steps could be taken to prevent the drift towards isolation and Chaudhry reportedly replied that the principal international demands are for action against Masood Azhar and the Jaish-e-Mohammed; Hafiz Saeed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba; and the Haqqani network.

Akhtar offered that the government should arrest whomever it deems necessary.

Read | We want to settle all issues, including Kashmir, with India, says Pak PM Sharif

Extraordinary, unprecedented directive

Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif, the younger brother of the prime minister, then addressed Akhtar and complained that whenever action has been taken against certain groups by civilian authorities, the security establishment has worked behind the scenes to set the arrested free.

Astounded onlookers describe a stunned room that was immediately aware of the extraordinary, unprecedented nature of the exchange. To defuse tensions, Prime Minister Sharif himself addressed Gen Akhtar and said that policies pursued in the past were state policies and as such they were the collective responsibility of the state and that the ISI DG was not being accused of complicity in present-day events, the report said.

The Dawn quoted several eyewitnesses to the incredible events of Monday as saying they believe the foreign secretarys presentation and Shahbaz Sharifs intervention were orchestrated by the prime minister to stir the military to action and led to the decision to despatch the ISI chief on an inter-provincial tour.

Before his exchange with Shahbaz Sharif, the ISI chief said the militarys policy is not to distinguish between militant groups and that the military is committed to that policy prevailing.

Akhtar mentioned concerns about the timing of action against several groups, citing the need to not be seen as buckling to Indian pressure or abandoning the Kashmiri people. He agreed to issue fresh orders to ISI sector commanders and meet with provincial apex committees to chalk out specific actions that need to be taken in various provinces, the report said.

The daily quoted unnamed government officials as saying that Mondays confrontation was part of a high-stakes gamble by Prime Minister Sharif to try and forestall further diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

In separate meetings with the army chief, participants describe an animated and energised Mr Sharif, who has argued that Pakistan faces real isolation if policy adjustments are not made, it said.

Late on Thursday evening, the Prime Ministers Office rejected the report, describing it as misleading and factually incorrect. A spokesman said: It is an amalgamation of fiction and fabrication. The spokesman also said Pakistans intelligence agencies, particularly ISI, are working in line with the state policy in the best interest of the nation to counter terrorists of all hue and colour without any discrimination.

For more on India-Pakistan tensions, click here.

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Pakistan is isolated because it gives freedom to non-state actors who may have had a hand in the Uri attack, a senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader told a special joint session of Parliament convened to discuss tensions with India.

Former interior minister Aitzaz Ahsan told the Parliament on Thursday, The government has been completely unsuccessful in imposing restrictions on non-state actors according to the National Action Plan (NAP).

He criticised the cabinets denial of Pakistani involvement in the terror attack on an Indian Army camp at Uri in Kashmir that killed 19 soldiers. Saying we believe Pakistan has no hand in the Uri attack is not a categorical denial, he said.

This implied that Pakistan did not know if our non-state actors are behind it, Ahsan said, according to the website of Dawn newspaper.

When you cannot completely implement NAP and then something like this happens, the blame will fall on Pakistan and we will be isolated. Then Bangladesh and Afghanistan will not speak to you, and Bhutan and Nepal will begin supporting India, he said.

You have isolated Pakistan, said Ahsan, who is considered one of Pakistans leading lawyers.

Ahsan, who also served as law minister, held Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif responsible for Pakistans diplomatic isolation as the premier also holds the foreign affairs portfolio. Pakistans isolation is Nawaz Sharifs personal failure, he said.

Nawaz Sharif did not anticipate the Uri attack. Our defence minister said that perhaps India did it themselves to divert attention away from KashmirI agree, it is possible, but then why is it Pakistan which is isolated now? It is because you have given freedom to non-state actors.

He implied that non-state actors continue organising protests and rallies and making speeches in Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi. I dont want instability in any country, as the blame of that will then fall on us because of these non-state actors, he said.

Ahsan asked the government to fight the India Waters Treaty case and present Pakistans stance on Kashmir. We are with you, he said, reiterating the PPPs stance of unity with the government on Kashmir.
Voices favouring action against terror groups are growing louder in Pakistan, with ruling as well as opposition lawmakers asking the government to stop protecting terrorists like Hafiz Sayeed whose activities have plunged the country into diplomatic isolation.

Rana Muhammad Afzal, a ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker, on Thursday questioned the governments failure to act against Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba and the head of its frontal charity Jamaat-ud-Dawa.

Which eggs is Hafiz Saeed laying for us that we are nurturing him, Afzal said in a meeting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, according to BBC Urdu.

Afzal, a member of the parliamentary panel, questioned the efficacy of Pakistans foreign policy and said it had become such that we have not been able to get rid of Hafiz Saeed so far.

Sayeed, one the most wanted terrorists in India, has been blamed for masterminding terror attacks in Kashmir and other parts of India, including the 2008 Mumbai carnage that killed 166 people.

The lawmaker said New Delhi had created such a worldwide impression about the terrorist leader that during the meetings on Kashmir, foreign delegates mention Hafiz Saeed as the bone of contention between Pakistan and India.

He said the country needed to be freed of such elements that have led the world to start isolating us and trying to declare (Pakistan) a terrorist state.

He recalled a trip to France where he had gone on a diplomatic mission to make Paris aware about alleged atrocities committed by Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

But Saeed was brought up time and again during his meetings in France, Afzal said.

He questioned whether Saeed was good or bad for the Kashmir cause and said that banned terror outfits, like the Lashkar and Jaish-e-Mohammed, were a source of embarrassment for Pakistan.

Opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Aitzaz Ahsan told a joint session of Parliament that the country was diplomatically isolated because it gives freedom to non-state actors.

The government has been completely unsuccessful in imposing restrictions on non-state actors according to the National Action Plan (NPA), the Dawn newspaper quoted Ahsan as saying.

He implied that such elements continued to hold protests and rallies and give speeches in places such as Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi.

I dont want instability in any country, as the blame of that will then fall on us because of these non-state actors, he said.

He said the failure to curb terrorists would isolate Pakistan. Then Bangladesh and Afghanistan will not speak to you, and Bhutan and Nepal will begin supporting India.

You have isolated Pakistan, he said, adding that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was responsible for Pakistans diplomatic isolation as he was also the foreign minister.
The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously backed Antonio Guterres, the former prime minister of Portugal who was the UNs refugee chief for a decade, to be the next secretary-general.

During a closed-door meeting, the 15 council members adopted a resolution formally presenting Guterres as their choice to be the worlds diplomat-in-chief to the General Assembly.

Applause rang out in the chamber following the adoption of the measure recommending Guterres for a five-year term from January 1, diplomats at the session told AFP.

The 67-year-old socialist politician, who will be the first former head of government to become UN chief, has pledged to revamp the global diplomatic body to boost its peacemaking efforts and promote human rights.

Guterres, who was in Lisbon on Thursday, was due to make a statement at 1600 GMT.

A vote by the assemblys 193 member-states to endorse the successor to Ban Ki-moon is expected next week, probably on Thursday.

The unanimous backing for Guterres followed an informal vote on Wednesday during which 13 of the 15 members supported his candidacy and none of the five veto-holding powers blocked him.

Speaking in Rome, Ban hailed Guterres as a superb choice, saying that his wide knowledge of world affairs and lively intellect will serve him well in leading the UN in a critical period.

The choice of Guterres confounded some UN diplomats who did not expect such an outspoken candidate with strong political experience to win support from the permanent council members: Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States.

Guterres will be confronted with a long list of pressing world crises when he takes over the world body in January, from the war in Syria to the refugee crisis.

The role of the UN has never been as important as it is today and for that Mister Guterres is the right leader, said French Ambassador Francois Delattre.

Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko said Guterres must return leadership to the United Nations to address crises in Syria and Ukraine, African conflicts and the Middle East.

Guterres, who served as prime minister from 1995 to 2002 and as UN high commissioner for refugees until December, won the number-one spot in all of the informal votes held by the Security Council.
A bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded Thursday near a police station in Istanbul, wounding at least 10 people, a senior official said.

Vasip Sahin, the governor for Istanbul, told reporters at the scene in the Yenibosna district that none of the injured was in serious condition, retracting an earlier statement that one person was seriously hurt.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, which could be heard from the citys nearby Ataturk Airport. Sahin said the investigation was ongoing and of the victims Thursday were civilians.

The private Dogan news agency said police were searching for a person spotted leaving the scene carrying a motorcycle helmet.

Turkey has been rocked by a wave of bomb attacks in the past year that have killed hundreds of people and been blamed on Kurdish rebels or Islamic State group militants.

The Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which has been waging a three-decade long insurgency, has been targeting police and military in its campaign for Kurdish autonomy in southeast Turkey.

A fragile 2 -year cease-fire between Turkey and the PKK collapsed last summer. Since then, more than 600 Turkish security personnel and thousands of PKK militants have been killed in clashes, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency. Rights groups say hundreds of civilians have also been killed in the clashes.

The Dogan news agency said several parked cars and nearby windows were damaged in the blast.
The White House on Wednesday accused Israel of a betrayal of trust, in an unusually sharp rebuke over its plans to build hundreds of new settlement homes deep in the West Bank.

Days after President Barack Obama approved a $38 billion Israeli military aid package and attended former president Shimon Peress funeral in Jerusalem, the White House railed at the construction of 300 housing units on land far closer to Jordan than Israel.

Warning that the decision jeopardizes the already distant prospect of Middle East peace as well as Israels own security, press secretary Josh Earnest said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus word had been called into question.

We did receive public assurances from the Israeli government that contradict this announcement, he said.

I guess when were talking about how good friends treat one another, thats a source of serious concern as well.

The sharper-than-normal comments come as the White House weighs a last-ditch effort to get the peace process back on its feet before Obama leaves office in January.

While serious talks seem unlikely, US officials are weighing the possibility of a major speech outlining the parameters for peace.

Peace efforts have been comatose since a US-led initiative collapsed in April 2014.

A sharper tone over settlements now could help put Israel on notice that future ties are at risk and give Washington more credibility with Palestinians and their Arab allies.

The Israeli foreign ministry denied that the planned units amounted to a new settlement, insisting they were to be located in an existing one, although Peace Now, a settlement watchdog said the site was around a kilometre away. (REUTERS)

Perpetual occupation

In a similarly strong-worded statement, the State Department said building the units is another step toward cementing a one-state reality of perpetual occupation.

The plan not only undermines hopes for peace with the Palestinians but is fundamentally inconsistent with Israels future as a Jewish and democratic state, spokesman Mark Toner said.

Washington has long opposed Israels policy of building Jewish settlements on land in the West Bank that would be claimed by the Palestinians in any negotiated two-state peace deal.

US officials have adopted a more forceful tone with Netanyahus government in recent weeks, accusing it of recklessly accelerating construction despite international concern.

The Middle East Quartet -- a contact group comprising the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations -- issued a report in July calling on Israel to halt settlement building.

But the practice has only accelerated since then, Washington says, with new housing blocks being approved, local administrative boundaries moved and unauthorised outposts retroactively approved.

The 300 units the White House was referring to would constitute a new settlement in the heart of the West Bank, roughly halfway between the Palestinian cities of Ramallah and Nablus, according to settlement watchdog Peace Now.

Plans for 98 of the 300 units have so far been advanced, the group said.

The Israeli foreign ministry denied that the planned units amounted to a new settlement, insisting they were to be located in an existing one, although Peace Now said the site was around a kilometre (more than half a mile) away.

Israel remains committed to a solution of two states for two peoples, in which a demilitarized Palestinian state recognizes the Jewish state of Israel, the ministry said.

Washington has condemned a recent deadly wave of Palestinian attacks on Israeli civilians and police, urging Palestinian leaders to refrain from incitement or provocative language.

Read | Israel uncovers illegal Palestinian weapons-making network in West Bank

Obama and Netanyahu have had an extremely difficult relationship during the last eight years.

The White House was apoplectic when the Israeli leader agreed to address the Republican-controlled Congress to lobby against Obamas signature nuclear deal with Iran.

There were fresh tensions when Netanyahu, seeking re-election at the time, said that Palestinians would never get their own state on his watch.

Some considered that pandering to right-wing voters, others said it was Netanyahu showing his true colours.

At last weeks funeral for Peres, Obama pointedly spoke of the unfinished business of peace.

He believed that the Zionist idea would be best protected when Palestinians, too, had a state of their own, he said of the Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Of course, we gather here in the knowledge that Shimon never saw his dream of peace fulfilled.
GENEVA: Analysis of satellite imagery of a deadly attack on an aid convoy in Syria last month showed that it was an air strike, a UN expert said on Wednesday.

Some 20 people were killed in the attack on the UN and Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoy at Urem Al-Kubra near the northern city of Aleppo that also destroyed 18 of 31 trucks, a warehouse and clinic.

The US blamed two Russian warplanes which it said were in the skies above the area at the time of the incident. Moscow denies this and says the convoy caught fire. We had an image of that and could clearly see the damage there. With our analysis we determined it was an air strike and I think multiple other sources have said that as well, Lars Bromley, research adviser at UNOSAT (UN Operational Satellite Applications Programme), told a news briefing.

For air strikes, what you are usually looking out for is the size of the crater that is visible and the type of crater, he said. A giant crater was caused almost certainly (by) air dropped munitions as opposed to artillery or mortars, he said.

The United Nations has referred officially only to an attack, which led to a brief suspension of its convoys in Syria. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies initially referred to air strikes in a statement.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said he would set up an internal inquiry to probe the attack and urged all parties to fully cooperate.
DHAKA: A Bangladeshi court on Wednesday freed a Canadian university student of all charges of involvement in a terror attack on a restaurant in July that left 20 hostages dead.

Dhakas Metropolitan Magistrate Nur Nabi passed the order after counter-terrorism investigator Humayun Kabir appealed for clearing Tahmid Hasib Khan, 22. The ruling ends a formal investigation against the undergraduate student of the University of Toronto.

Khan was arrested in August and has been held for interrogation since then even as his family claimed he was innocent and just a victim of the situation.

Abdullah Abu, a public prosecutor, said Khan was cleared of suspicion that he was involved in the July 1 siege of the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhakas Gulshan diplomatic zone. Seventeen foreigners including an Indian student were among the killed.

Khan did not face any formal charges as he was arrested under a law that allows security agencies to detain or arrest any persons on suspicion for investigation. The court has cleared him of the case as investigators found no evidence against him, Abu said. The court, however, said Khan would continue to face trial for his initial non-cooperation with the investigators.
WASHINGTON: The vice-presidential debate was never going to be about them, both Tim Kaine, the Democratic nominee, and Mike Pence, the Republican, must have known. It was to be about their respective running mates. And so it was.

And mostly about Donald Trump, who Pence was pushed to defend by a combative Kaine again, and on an entire range of issues  from his refusal to release his tax returns to not paying taxes at all to remarks about women, Mexicans, Muslims, African Americans, nuclear bombs, and Vladimir Putin.

Silver-haired Pence, who was such a contrast to Trump in style, manners and demeanour, gave back as well, bringing up Clintons use of a private email server, the Clinton Foundation and her record as secretary of state. That was expected.

While the outcome of Tuesday will be debated for days to come, based on polls, a narrative had begun to take shape clearly with a few minutes of the candidates leaving the stage  Pence, who had clearly impressed everyone, had not been an effective defender of his running mate.

Here is how exchange played out. Donald Trump cannot start a Twitter war with Miss Universe without shooting himself in the foot, Kaine said. He does not have a plan. He said, I have a secret plan, and then he said, I know more than all the generals about ISIL (another name for Islamic State), and finally he said, I am going to fire all the generals. He trash talks the military...John McCain is no hero, NATO is obsolete.

He has a personal Mount Rushmore of Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, and Saddam Hussein, he added.

Pence shot back, brightly, that had a lot of creative lines in it, and proceeded to offer a response that was a standard Republican critique of President Barack Obamas foreign policy  and by extension of Clinton, his one-time secretary of state.

But he did not defend Trump, not adequately.
UNITED NATIONS: Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres is poised to become the next United Nations secretary-general after none of the five UN Security Council veto powers voted against him in a sixth secret ballot on Wednesday, diplomats said.

The 15-member Security Council cast secret ballots for each of the 10 candidates with the choices of encourage, discourage or no opinion. Guterres received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes.

Today after our sixth straw poll we have a clear favourite and his name is Antonio Guterres, Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters with his 14 council colleagues standing behind him.

We have decided to go to a formal vote tomorrow morning at 10 oclock, and we hope it can be done by acclamation, said Churkin, who is council president for October.

For Guterres to be formally recommended to the General Assembly for election, the Security Council needs to adopt a resolution behind closed doors.
BEIJING: Adulterated food caused tens of thousands of deaths in China in 2015, a government report has said, putting the resultant economic loss at more than $750 million.

Millions of people of in China are exposed to food that is toxic because of large-scale soil and water pollution, and there is rampant use of fertiliser in agriculture, said the report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), one of the countrys top research institutions.

At least two million acres of farmland across China have been contaminated. Eighty percent of pesticide goes directly into the soil, which poses a direct threat to the vegetables and crops people eat every day, China Central Television (CCTV), the national broadcaster, quoted the report as saying.

The academy said China accounts for 35% of global use of chemical fertiliser every year, with the country using as much as the US and India combined, it added.

The full report is yet to be published but the synopsis gave enough indications about the dangerous levels of food adulteration that Chinese citizens have to deal with. China has more than 11.85 million food businesses with licenses, and monitoring them is a tough task.
Over the past few months, there are speculations that Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom could part ways due to irreconcilable differences. However, the couple slammed the rumor and is considering of tying the knot in 2017.

A report published by Hall of Fame Magazine stated that Perry and Bloom are yet to finalise the location of their new home.

Bloom wanted to continue living at his bachelor pad in Malibu with his son Flynn while Katy wanted a home in Montecito, where her family lives. The disagreement is said to be the reason for the postponement of their wedding.

Radar Online quoted Katy Perry saying, "My boyfriend lives in Malibu and getting used to that [drive] was, like, 'Are you kidding me? What kind of life is this?' I get the whole... living by the beach thing. But it's so far! Nobody [who lives in town] is going to come see you."

The "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor is currently busy shooting for his upcoming film, "Smart Chase: Fire & Earth."

The couple recently enjoyed a fun-filled day at Shanghai's Disneyland Park. They were seen riding roller coasters, taking photos with the characters, shopping for souvenirs, and even riding the kiddie rides.

The couple even bought matching Mickey and Minnie socks. Perry shared a photo of their socks along with the caption, "When you find your prince" along with red heart emojis.

A report published by Inquisitr revealed that the couple will tie the knot in 2017, around the same time when Perry set to release her new album on a world tour.

Fans are eager to know about the couple's engagement and wedding dates. Reportedly, Bloom has already put down money for a $1 million engagement ring and it's already clear that Bloom and Perry are madly in love with each other.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Xiaomi Mi Note 2 is perhaps the best thing set to come out of the Chinese tech brand's roster of smartphones. For a company considered as the "Apple of the East," the new smartphone may be described as a much-awaited latecomer, but its arrival nonetheless provides tough competition to the current flagship top-dog, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

Exploding batteries aside, the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 is set to have a competitive edge over the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in terms of features. Of course, with the brand's key appeal centered on pricing, it won't be surprising for anyone to regard the Mi Note 2 as an affordable alternative to the South Korean giant's flagship smartphone.

GSMArena reminded its readers that among the previous rumors involving the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 include the following specifications: two choices of memory configurations (6GB RAM/64GB or 8GB/256GB), Snapdragon 821 SoC processor, 8-megapixel front camera, and 13-megapixel dual-rear camera. Xiaomi's top-of-the-line handset might be unveiled between late October and early November, the report added.

In an earlier report, Android Authority released a set of photos claiming to be leaked renders of the Xiaomi Mi Note 2. Some of the photos depicted the handset as having a dual curve edge display, akin to that of Samsung's S7 Edge and Note 7. Music fans may heave a sigh of relief, as the handset may include a 3.5mm headphone jack, if the leaked photos are to be relied on.

The International Business Times further added more thrilling details about the upcoming Xiaomi flagship. The report said that the Mi Note 2 is set to come out with two variants - Note 2 and Note 2 Pro, both of which pertain to the two rumored memory configurations. The handset's battery may also range within 3,600-4,000 mAh, and is purported to have a 2K resolution, 5.7-inch display.

With a rumored price of around USD 400, the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 can serve as a serious competitor to the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, what with its cheaper price and impressive specs. Such add positive points to the Mi Note 2's image as a serious yet more affordable alternative to the Galaxy Note 7 - its reputation having been tarnished as of late due to issues on its faulty battery.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
SpaceX has long been in a stark rivalry with its rival, the United Launch Alliance. Just recently, an employee from SpaceX went into the ULA's facility in Cape Canaveral, Florida. There, the person asked clearance to enter the roof of one of its buildings.

The weird part is that two weeks before this happened, an explosion happened on a SpaceX rocket. With this, an investigation took place putting the possibility of a sabotage to be likely. Three officials turn out to be witnesses of the incident.

Possible Sabotage on SpaceX Rocket Put into Likelihood

Another proof is that one of SpaceX's video footages show an odd looking shadow appear out of nowhere. This happens simultaneously with the white spot seen on the roof of the building that was owned by the ULA.

Knowing that ULA is a rival of SpaceX and that it is inside the heart of SpaceX territory, then it makes perfect sense if ever this speculation really is true. According to Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, the incident was indeed "the most difficult and complex" problem the company has experienced.

Public Cooperation on SpaceX Explosion

One week after the rocket explosion, Elon Musk tells the public to turn in whatever audio, photo or video footage that they had during the explosion of the SpaceX rocket. Whichever the case is, SpaceX is more vigorous than ever to return to space by November this year, a plan that is surrounded by scepticism inside the space industry.

If the sabotage speculation turns out to be positive, then this would surely clean up the image and reputation of SpaceX, as well as put a shed of blood on the people who are responsible for the sabotage on the explosion of the SpaceX rocket. Either way, investigations are currently ongoing, so it's best to wait for conclusive reports first rather than continue to speculate.

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On Wednesday, October 5, Hurricane Matthew charged on the Caribbean. Officials issued a warning of evacuation to thousands of people along the Atlantic Coast.

In South Carolina, Governor Nick Haley announced the evacuation of an estimated 250 million people from its vulnerable coastline. In Florida, residents on barrier islands and flood-prone areas were ordered to pack and move away.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott said his state could see its biggest evacuation ever. "If you're able to go early, leave now," he added.

On Wednesday, Matthew was dubbed a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 120 mph. At 5 p.m. On the same day, Matthew was central in about 205 miles south-southeast of Nassau in the Bahamas. Matthew was heading northwest at 12 mph and was expected to be close in on Florida's Atlantic coast.

The federal government's preparations on Wednesday were reported to U.S. President Barack Obama. He told reporters that now is the time to "hope for the best but we want to prepare for the worst."

Hurricane warnings are in effect from Broward County to the Space Coast which leads to officials closing schools for the rest of the week. Students were sent home on Wednesday after the cancellation of their school activities from their school districts. Colleges and universities started canceling their class on Wednesday evening.

Hurricane watch where hurricane force winds could occur is in effect starting from Sebastian Inlet to Daytona Beach area.

States of emergency were declared in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, and President Obama visited the headquarters of Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said, "Matthew - recently a Category 4 storm and at one brief point a fierce Category 5 - will remain a powerful storm at least through Thursday night." It added that "while maximum winds decreased slightly in recent hours, further fluctuations in intensity are possible in coming days."

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Google is all set to release its super efficient 4K HDR Chromecast Ultra, the media streaming device, next month. Valued at $69, it is being touted as the big thing in the market and is expected to give stiff competition to Roku and Amazon.

This new video player is an upgraded version of the supremely popular Chromecast streaming dongle of Google, reports PC World. The announcement was made on Tuesday at a big launch event where the Chromecast Ultra was also unveiled before the audience. It will become available for purchase from next month and is priced at $69. The previous version will also stay in the market and its price also expected to remain stable at $35.

According to Google, the Chromecast Ultra will support 4K HDR video from Vudu and Netflix apart from supporting YouTube 4K videos and Google Play Movies & TV. It will also be compatible with Dolby's flavor of HDR on televisions. The most exciting part is that it allows content to load 1.8 times faster. The wi-fi performance is also improved and it measures 0.25 inches wider in terms of diameter.

However, the design is still old and directly plugs into an HDMI slot. The same holds true for working as it works in a similar way as the older version, which is to say that it is controlled through the phone, tablet or the desktop browser. As for video and music services, they can be streamed through a "Cast" button that starts playback.

The attractively priced Chromecast Ultra really sounds like the next big thing and it seems Roku, Amazon and others of its ilk will get tough competition from the video player, claims Tech Times. The HDR quality is sure to make a difference as it is a very clear improvement. Given the price and the HDR ability to support HDR10 as well as Dolby vision formats, it can easily catch the attention of buyers.

It is worth mentioning here that the original $35 Chromecast dongle was launched in 2013 and became an instant hit but started looking outdated after other set-top devices entered the market.

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel urges EU to stiffen position in the negotiation with UK over Brexit. She makes the statement as a response to British Prime Minister Theresa May's speech that signals the UK to strengthen its control over its immigration policy.

Merkel also made an appeal to German companies to show a united front with EU governments over the Brexit on Wednesday, as reported by The Guardian. In her speech to German exporters on Wednesday, she said that the EU needs support from the business to uphold the principle of four freedoms as the sole condition to access the single market.

"If any one country was allowed an exception, you can imagine how all countries will put put conditions on free movement with other countries," she said. "And that would create an extremely difficult situation."

She said there is no exception to the EU's four freedoms, which include free movement of people, goods capital and services as reported by The Independent. The four freedom she mentioned is the core foundation of the EU law.

While in her Sunday speech at the Tory's party annual event, British Prime Minister Theresa May said that her priorities in the Brexit negotiations is to regain control of British immigration policies. UK will start the official process to separate from EU in March next year.

Prime Minister May made a tough stance to show her determination to strengthen the UK. She insisted that the government needs to be more active and unafraid to poke its nose in when things when the market fails to provide or when business practice is unfair according to BBC.

Her decision is a change of direction from her predecessor in the UK Conservative party. She focuses her policy on the center ground and shows empathy for working and regional middle classes in the entire UK. Prime Minister May stressed that she encourages free markets and creates meritocratic society and improve the finances of the poor.

EU and Britain are strengthening their stance for the upcoming tough negotiation process to begin formal process of UK's separation from the bloc in March 2017.

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The production of "Sense8" Season 2, a sci-fi Netflix series, has reportedly been completed. However, speculations are high that the show may soon be cancelled because of the high expenses that the production team incurs while making the show.

"Sense8" Season 2 belongs to the brigade of some of the most expensive shows, according to Parent Herald. Since the eight Senates described in the sci-fi drama are present in different locations across the world, the production team if required to make visit to different cities with the entire cast and crew members. This further ups the total budget.

This, in turn, fueled the rumors that the "Sense8" Season 2 may soon serve as the finale for the show. On top of that, some of the cast members shared group photos with the cast on the final day of production, which made fans think that the show could be long gone - for forever.

"Sense8" Season 2 actor Brian J. Smith captioned a similar photo on Twitter, indicating the wrap of the show. He further stated that for him, it was the adventure of a lifetime." This triggered a wave of concern among fans, who thought that the show is ending. However, Smith made clear that the show is still on, and his photograph only marks the end of production.

But he did not end with only this news. Smith further revealed the release date of the show, which is set for December. Netflix is planning to release a special episode around Christmas, before the new "Sense8" Season 2 episodes hit the small screen in January 2017.

Meanwhile, there are rumors that the Korean actress Doona Bae would leave the show after this season and return doing South Korean drama, according to MNR Daily. She plays a key role in "Sense8," and her absence will surely affect the popularity of the show.

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Indian Police on Wednesday arrested more than 750 bogus call centre employees in the western province of Maharashtra for stealing millions of dollars from U.S. citizens by posing as American tax officials.

The accused used to telephone U.S. citizens after obtaining the lists of US tax defaulters and used threats to obtain their bank details, failing which they would allegedly threaten them with dire consequences, including legal action.

After obtaining the bank details of Americans, the scammers used to withdraw money from their accounts.

During the call they acted as officials from the United States Internal Revenue Service. The fraud had been going on for over a year.

According to reports, around 200 police officers raided the call centres in Thane city of western province following a tip-off. The scam is estimated to be more than worth $150,000 (118,000) a day.

Indian police is investigating the case and they have also contacted FBI officials to help them solve the one of the biggest scams in Indian history.

"A total of 772 employees were detained, investigations against them are going on," Police spokesperson Sukhada Narkar told reporters.

As per the reports, Indians shared 70 percent of the earnings while 30 percent was shared to their American counterparts.

Police have also recovered 851 hard disks, high-end servers, and other electronic equipment that were being use in the bogus call centre to dupe Americans. India is hub of major call centre which provide back office services to American companies dealing in IT, Banking etc.

In India call centre employees are expected to ape the western employees they have replaced in terms of accents, slang and even names. Cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, NCR, Mumbai and Pune are major location of these call centres.

Meanwhile, there have been reports in American media about similar-sounding scams, which authorities have said might be operated out of India.

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The health department of the Philippines disclosed that the country is currently monitoring 12 new cases of Zika virus infection.

The latest addition in the list of infected persons was a 22-year-old pregnant woman from Cebu province.

Zika virus, proliferated through Aedes aegypti mosquitos, posts dangers to new born babies.

From South America, Zika has infected several countries including the U.S. In Asia, it was first reported in Singapore.

Doctors and health specialists fear that the number of cases could rise significantly.

Women are generally prone to Zika virus infection than the men. In the Philippines, almost 90 percent of the reported victims are women.

The age range varies, but recent reports confirmed that any woman who is pregnant has a chance of getting infected by Zika. Infected pregnant women could result to a microcephaly disorder to the newborn child.

The health department of the Philippines said they are taking proper measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

There is no vaccine for the disease yet. To prevent infection, it is recommended that people must use repellant to prevent Aedes aegypti mosquitos.

People infected with Zika are also advised to prevent from sexual contact as the virus could be transmitted through sexual activities.

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"The K2" drama made a successful debut by giving its viewer a rollercoaster ride at the start of the series. What surprises await main characters Je-Ha and Anna in this week's episode on Friday?

In the last week episode, Je-Ha was assigned to monitor Anna, the daughter of presidential candidate Jang Se-Joon. Anna suffered from a trauma in her childhood, giving her phobia on bright light as well as on meeting other people.

Upon looking to Anna, Je-Ha was overwhelmed recalling that he had met her six months ago in Spain. He even helped her from someone who tried to rob her.

Anna was placed in an orphanage in Spain since she was a little girl. Her father Se-Joon is a chaebol who did not want to accept her because she is an illegitimate daughter.

When Se-Joon runs for president, he brought Anna back to Korea to hide her so nobody will be able to dig his past.

Je-Ha was hired by Se-Joon's wife, Choi Yoo-Jin, to take care of Anna. However, there are many secrets in Se-Joon's family that can endanger both Anna and Je-Ha.

In his past, Je-Ha is a renowned secret service agent of the JSS and highly trained in combat arts. However, during one of his missions in Iraq, something went wrong. He became a fugitive and hunted by everyone including his own country, according to a synopsis by Osen.

After his problem was resolved, Je-Ha returned to Korea.

The "K2" is a high action and thriller drama, which jumps straight into the action from the very beginning of its first episodes. After a non-stop action and so many puzzles in the first three episodes, Episode 4 began to slowdown.

But there are more actions and mysteries that await viewers in this week episode. What will it be?

Catch "The K2" is every Friday and Saturday on tvN at 8:00 p.m KST (GMT+9). International viewers can watch the drama via designated cable channel provider that partnered with tvN in their respective country.

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Packed with horrifying winds of up to 140 mph, Hurricane Matthew has killed nearly 300 people in Haiti while destroying thousands of homes along its path.

Francois Anick Joseph, interior minister of Haiti, said the numbers will likely climb as the country immediately pushed for the immediate reconstruction of affected communities and major infrastructures.

There are a lot of areas in the country that have been affected; a lot of places that are difficult to access, he said as quoted by Miami Herald.

Initial estimates from the Haitian government revealed that more than 28,000 houses were totally damage as Hurricane Matthew battered that coastlines of the Caribbean nation.

Haiti interim President Jocelerme Privert lamented the onslaught of Hurricane Matthew while asking the international communities to help rebuild his battered and beaten nation.

The situation is catastrophic. The situation is critical. There are a lot of areas in the country that have been affected; a lot of places that are difficult to access," he said.

The Haitian government said it welcomes international assistance and vows to take charge of the reconstruction.

The cry for help came as the Haitian people saw thousands of houses destroyed, towns totally wiped out, and communities remain under floodwaters.

At least 350,000 people need immediate humanitarian aid such as food and water as many of them have to drink coconut water to survive.

After leaving a massive devastation at the Caribbean, Hurricane Matthew continue its onslaught and is now threatening the U.S. Atlantic coast. The Category 4 hurricane was the most powerful storm to hit the area in more than a decade.

Ahead of the hurricane's landfall, millions of residents in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina took the interstate highways fleeing in search for safety.

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There seems to be increasing evidence of an ancient Martian civilisation, whose ruins are visible on images snapped by earthlings, claim UFO seekers. They base their theories on photographs taken by NASA's Curiosity Rover, convinced that intelligent life might once have existed on the Red Planet.

Martine Grainey, an avid seeker, was the first to examine and post images of a Martian "wall" on her Facebook page.

An alien conspiracy theorist wrote in a blog post titled 'Alien City Ruins on Mars? In Official NASA Images': "In fact, nearly every single image beamed back by NASA's rovers on Mars seems to show at least one particular 'object' which appears to be artificially carved or created. While most of these objects are the result of pareidolia, other findings cannot be dismissed so easily."

Pareidolia takes place "when the brain tricks the eyes into seeing familiar objects such as faces or animals in textures, patterns or clouds." But again, could such a long parade of images for so many theorists be due to pareidolia?

"What if tens of millions of years ago, when Mars was a planet like Earth is today, an alien civilization flourished there, developed and created massive monuments, structures, temples and cities, just like we have done throughout Earth's long history?" asks a conspiracy theorist website.

The claims were validated by UFO hunter Scott C Waring, of the UFO Daily Sightings Website. He explains that you can find buildings with windows there.

Being an avid believer that a thriving civilisation once existed there, but has been camouflaged by NASA, he wrote: "NASA had to release the photo to the public to say 'we didn't hide it, we released it to the public. This way they won't get caught for hiding evidence later. But we know that trick, and we are onto them."

YouTube/ArtAlienTV - MARS ZOO

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As Disney releases the much-anticipated Queen of Katwe, based on the inspiring story of a young Ugandan woman, a De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) PhD graduate reveals her own research experience in the slums where the film is based.

The story of chess star Phiona Mutesi, from one of Kampalas poorest slums, told in the film, highlights the poverty faced by many who live in this community and, in particular, the often unrecognised potential of young women.

The research by Dr Addy Adelaine, who completed her doctorate in 2016, took place in the heart of these slums in the Katwe area of Ugandan city Kampala, as well as in other slums, and an area where other researchers have rarely gained access.

Now Director of not-for-profit organisation Ladders 4 Action, Dr Adelaine spent a year and a half working with 20 young women whose experiences of life were similar to that of Phiona, studying how effective youth-led research is in empowering young people and increasing the accountability of charities.

Working with local charity Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL) and two local facilitators in 2013, Dr Adelaine began supporting young people in exploring issues important to them, unemployment and urban crime. Prior research had not been previously undertaken on urban crime in the area, one of the issues highlighted in the Queen of Katwe.

Her PhD, in international social work and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), reveals that research carried out by young people can improve how organisations demonstrate and ensure they are working responsibly.

Recognising that understanding the extreme poverty in large cities can be challenging, Dr Adelaine said: Very few researchers manage to capture data from the slum areas, which can be very difficult for outsiders to gain access to and which have highly mobile and unrecorded populations.

After more than 10 months securing access, she became one of the few outsiders to become familiar with the streets which feature in the Queen of Katwe, and said: By training and supporting young people from the area, it was possible to overcome many of the barriers that other researchers face.

Her research details how the young women, some of whom had never attended school, were able to design, conduct and analyse surveys from more than 500 community members on the subjects they chose.

One of the studies, carried out by the women, exposed the fact that 97 per cent of those surveyed had experienced crime in the past year, a much higher percentage than the city-wide average. Their research, supported by Dr Adelaine, found that the reporting of rape, for example, was much more likely to be reported to local leaders than to the police.

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Negotiating permission, with the help of Makerere University, Dr Adelaine describes the relationships she had to build: Stereotypes were challenged and trust was established between the young people, local leaders, the charity and researchers. It is, perhaps, these relationships that will have the longest lasting impact.

Facing poverty, inequality and crime as part of daily life, Dr Adelaine observed how the talents of young people are often masked by their circumstances. She said: Young women, like Phiona who is portrayed in the film, experience stereotyping which can limit their potential.

The process of empowerment is a personal journey and takes time, especially when you have been told by others, from day one, that you are not worthy or capable.

Dr Adelaine demonstrated that, with the right approach, young people can positively contribute to international development, adding: Because these women were community insiders, they were able to offer insights and acquire access that outsiders just cant achieve.

Dedicated to adopting an innovative approach to her research methodology, Dr Adelaine who also completed Youth Work and Community Development PG Dip at DMU, said: The university allowed me to be creative in my design and approach.

Very few people have the opportunity to carry out international research and work with young people in the way I have been able to. My PhD was designed to inform practice.

The European Premiere of the Queen of Katwe is being shown on Sunday 9 October at the Odeon Leicester Square.
There has been a great deal of "news" in our industry regarding the implementation and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) within the travel industry.

How will this happen and what will the adoption rate look like? More importantly, in a service based industry, what percentage of traveler will be open to this new wave of technology and who will dismiss it?

The emergence of cloud and cluster technology enables the wide implementation of AI and Machine Learning. One of the most obvious choices for this new technology to be adopted is within the B2B framework of our industry. Revenue Management platforms that are being delivered to their clients using the cloud can now make recommendations to both airline and hotel companies based upon a huge amount of data. This data can be sliced and diced and then refactored to help the attributed users of RMS to make the proper pricing decisions on the fly. Now, don't get me wrong, I still think that even though this is indeed capable, it will take a little while for Revenue Managers and their respective companies to just "set it and forget it."

Virtual assistants are at the core of AI adoption. Siri, Amazon's Alexa, Google Now and the highest profile solution, IBM's Watson, will become the next evolutionary step in the delivery of service within the hotel industry. The explosion of knowledge that the hotel and travel industry is now able to sift through enables these platforms to become highly intuitive and thus highly leveraged.

Skift outlined within an article back in July 2016 that there are a number of startups looking to leverage AI and Machine Learning to change the way service is delivered, or data is consumed and then refactored. These companies include GuestU, Exa, SnapTravel, 30 Seconds To Fly and HelloGbye. Some of the companies are leveraging platforms already in existence, and some are creating chatbots to book the right room or to help out with corporate travel. I am positive there are more out there - however like most startups - they will need the capital to succeed, followed by the speedy and widespread adoption of the solutions. We'll see.

In a recent New York Times article, there was a delicious discussion regarding Google and how it is investing resources and money to develop what the author of the article called "Turning the Google Assistant into a 'Star Trek' computer. This is pretty mind-blowing if you think about it. The 'Star Trek' computer can do anything. Anything at all! Imagine having a personal assistant to help with deciding where to go, booking travel, purchasing just the right outfit for the trip and also notifying friends, etc. about your upcoming excursion. Then, if there are any disruptions along the way, the assistant will take care of things for you and help you along the way. The opportunities to implement AI and machine learning are boundless.

AI and machine learning technology will take some time to become widely adopted by both the companies that are good targets for these platforms, as well as the end user. However, you can rest assured that this level of advanced data gathering, analysis and the instant return of applicable answers and solutions will only continue to develop and grow, until one day, we may all have our very own personal 'humanoid' assistants like Sophia, Hanson Robotic's latest robotic creation, introduced at SXSW.

So what do you think? Will Sophia and her robotic cousins someday bring about a Terminator-style Judgment Day?

About Puzzle Partner

Puzzle Partner Ltd. is a boutique marketing agency focused exclusively on complex B2B initiatives for the travel and hospitality technology industry. We are experts at combining strategy and tactical execution in a way that doesn't just maximize a company's potential; it redefines it. By delivering influential content, marketing services, and public relations rooted in the skills of our team and tested through real-world experience, we help our clients gain visibility, raise their profile and ultimately increase their sales revenues. We incorporate a holistic blend of paid, earned and owned media, along with creative services, into an integrated communications strategy to drive brand awareness ahead of competitors and deliver impactful business results.

To learn more visit puzzlepartner.co.

Alan Young

CEO

Puzzle Partner Ltd.
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As previously reported last week, there was a tragic shooting in Townville, South Carolina in an elementary school perpetrated by a teenage assailant. Just prior to the incident, the teenager murdered his father, and up until a few days ago, that person was the only fatal casualty of the incident. Unfortunately just a few days ago, it was announced that 6-year-old Jacob Hall had tragically succumbed to his injuries.

To honor Jacob, his community in Townville hosted a superhero-themed funeral and ceremony (superheroes were his favorite), and an insane amount of people actually showed up, many in costume.

One of those mourners was a man named John Buckland, who came in a movie-quality Batsuit and Batmobile.

Jacobs casket was decorated with some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toys, a Captain American action figure, and a Batman mask inside the casket.

Its been said that when a person dies young, they are mourned by more people. In Jacobs case, one of those funeral atendees was the State Governor Nikki Haley. And even outside of the town, groups around SC dressed up as superheroes in solidarity with Jacob Hall and his mourners.

Prayers for Jacob Hall and Townville, South Carolina.

Jacob Hall
In todays horrific news, a 9-month old baby named Emmaleigh Barringer has been declared deceased by West Viriginia authorities after she was sexually assaulted by Benjamin Taylor, her mothers 32-year old boyfriend. According to the police department of Ripley, WV, this is the grisliest sexual assault case they have ever dealt with. Taylor will be charged with first-degree sexual assault, and now that the baby has been confirmed dead, murder charges as well.

Tony Boggs, the countys sheriff, explained to the press that Benjamin Taylor did in fact have a criminal record prior to this horrendous incident: This investigation is ongoing, but as far as his past and what she did or didnt know, he didnt have anything obviously of this nature in his past, or he wouldnt have been out (of jail) period.

Taylors bail has been set at $2 million.

Benjamin Taylor
Get your satisfaction December 2, 2016.

Taken from Little Walter's 1959 song 'Blue and Lonesome,' the Rolling Stones spun out a new album in under three days. For starters, the 12-track album Blue & Lonesome delves into bluesy material from legends Howlin' Wolf and Otis Rush.

The songs take The Rolling Stones back to the band's birth in 1962. Blues great, Muddy Waters, is embedded in their namesake with the title taken from the 1950 song 'Rollin' Stone'

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The release will be the band's first studio recorded album since 2005's A Bigger Bang. Check out a teaser of the cover for Little Walter's 'Just Your Fool' below.
The recording was made for the newly opened Seamus Heaney HomePlace literary centre.

UKs National Poetry Day launched this morning with a radio broadcast of a new recording of Seamus Heaney's poem 'The Shipping Forecast' read by The Prince of Wales

Hitting the airwaves on BBC Radio 4's Today this morning, Prince Charles' recording was made for the newly opened literary centre Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, Co Derry, which is dedicated to the late Nobel Laureate.

The prince's voice will be heard by visitors to the centre, which last week celebrated opening its doors with a weekend of festivities entitled The Nib Uncapped, which saw a venerable smorgasbord of literature, music, theatre, poetry, song, reading and talks.

Heaney was a regular teacher at the annual Summer School run by The Princes Teaching Institutes (PTI)  and consequently became a firm favourite of the next in line to the English throne.

HomePlace has been developed by Mid Ulster District Council, who are understandably chuffed to receive the royal approval. Chair, Councillor Trevor Wilson, said: To have a contribution from Prince Charles is testament to the esteem in which Seamus Heaney was held and the great influence of his work. This is a wonderful addition to our exhibition and when better to announce it than on National Poetry Day when we celebrate writing and our great writers.
Most notably, the film will be called Logan.

James Gold returns to direct Logan, a film loosely based on the cult comic miniseries Old Man Logan. We do mean loose, since the majority of the characters appearing have their film rights back at Marvel Studios, including Hawkeye and Red Skull. But judging by the plot details of the film, the only things those two stories have in common is the basic premise of an ageing Wolverine going on a road trip in a dystopian future.

Seen in the poster is a young child, presumably a girl, holding Hugh Jackmans hand. If the rumors are to be believed, that girl is X-23, or someone who is similar enough to be X-23 in all but name. For those of you who are not huge comic book geeks, X-23 is a clone of Wolverine, created by the same nasty people that experimented on Wolverine to give him his adamantium skeleton. Both of her hands can pop out two metal claws, each. Patrick Stewart will also reprise his role as Professor X, playing a major part in the story.

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The movie will receive an R rating in US markets, which is the American equivalent of IFCOs 16 certificate. The film will have its US release on 3 March, 2017, with a UK release sure to follow.
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The seed industry, already dominated by just five companies, is about to get even more concentrated, likely meaning higher costs for Texas farmers already struggling with low commodity prices.

Those five companies - Monsanto, Bayer, Dow, Dupont, and Syngenta - could soon be whittled to just three. Monsanto, the largest seed vendor in the world, has announced plans to sell itself to the German chemical company Bayer for $57 billion. Dow and Dupont are seeking to merge, and the Swiss firm Syngenta is being bought by the state-owned Chinese company ChemChina.

If this all goes through, farmers in Texas and across the country could end up paying more for seeds, which can account for as much as 20 percent of growers' operating costs, according to an analysis by Texas A&M University. And it's hardly a good time for farmers to absorb those costs.

The latest agricultural survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas shows farmers are under considerable stress. The survey, which asked banks that loan to farms about different parts of their business, found that repayment rates are down while loan extensions are up - signs that farmers are not generating enough income to pay off their debt.

There are a number of reasons behind this trouble on the farm. Although drought has eased in many parts of the state, those conditions have often been replaced by torrential rains. While still elevated above historic averages, prices for cotton, beef, wheat and soybeans are far below their peak of a couple years ago.

And unlike the last period of low prices, the 2014 Farm Bill thinned out a lot of the supports that growers relied on when times were tight.

As one of the respondents to the Fed's banking survey put it: "Corn, milo and cotton all look near record-yield potential. Cattle performed well this summer, both on pasture and in the feedlot. Unfortunately, none of these things matter much with commodity prices at their current levels."

Into this strained situation come the mergers among seed companies.

All of those combinations still have regulatory hurdles to clear either in the United States or the European Union. The question that the U.S. Department of Justice will look at most closely is whether the mergers will create so much concentration in similar markets that the companies will have the power to raise prices without meaningful competition.

In their public statements, both before Congress and on slick websites trumpeting synergies, the merger hopefuls have described how getting bigger will help them roll out more innovations in the current low-price environment.

Size, however, can also have the opposite effect - especially in a situation like this one, when the whole industry is consolidating, not just a couple of players.

Monsanto, for example, has acquired many of its most valuable products by buying up the smaller companies that created them.

What happens when there are no more upstarts to come up with something different?

Fewer players in an industry can also mean higher prices for customers.

Researchers at Texas A&M's Agricultural Food Policy Center used a standard economic modeling procedure to estimate the mergers would raise seed prices for corn by 2.3 percent and soybeans by 1.9 percent - not a welcome development, but not a huge hit. Cotton seeds, however, would rise by 18.2 percent.

Of course, it's not just a problem in the seed industry.

The decline of independent physicians, for example, seems to have raised prices for doctor's visits. Airports with just a few large car rental companies seem to have higher prices than those with many competitors.

Sectors from banks to broadband to beer have gotten so concentrated that consumers sometimes don't have any choice at all.

It's even gotten attention on the presidential campaign trail, with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton including a plank in her economic platform about reviving antitrust policy, which in recent years has been significantly relaxed.

Her election would probably be too late for the megamergers now in the pipeline. But the problem isn't going away.
U.S. corporations have parked more than $2 trillion of offshore profits in foreign banks because they don't want to pay U.S. taxes.

To address this problem, economists at financial services company S&P Global have a proposal for Congress: Drop the 35 percent corporate tax on companies if they agree to spend 15 percent of the profits on infrastructure ranging from new roads to expanded high-speed Internet.

"If American companies repatriated just half of the untaxed income they hold overseas, that would pour $150 billion into infrastructure investmentand repatriation of just one-quarter of the total would mean a windfall of $75 billion," the proposal says. "This, in turn, would have far-reaching beneficial effects on U.S. productivity and growth."

The idea is elegant. While the official tax rate is 35 percent, the effective tax rate most companies pay is 14 percent. But the CEOs and boards of these companies can choose where their money goes and feel confident that politicians won't waste the money.

Google could spend the cash expanding fiber-optic networks. Apple could build better roads where it has major offices. Some oil companies might even build better storm drainage systems in Houston to fight flooding.

If companies spent $150 billion, S&P Global calculates that would create 307,000 infrastructure-related jobs in the first two years. Every dollar spent would generate a $1.30 increase in gross domestic product.

"Aside from the near-term boost, the country's productive capacity and output would also likely increase once the infrastructure is built and absorbed into the economywhich means the investment would likely add jobs long after the initial effects have subsided," the authors wrote. "Naturally, any increase in employment leads to more tax revenue for the federal government, acting as a further offset to the taxes that would be 'lost' under our plan."

The problem is that Congress hasn't been interested in solving problems lately. Politicians are more interested in allowing problems to fester than coming up with ways to place blame on the other party.

Neither do politicians want to lose control over the cash. How can they take credit for a new road, if the money didn't pass through the U.S. Treasury? How can they reward special interests with contracts, if a corporation is making the investment directly, not the government?

The business people I speak to on a regular basis complain constantly about lousy roads, inadequate water and drainage systems, and they have real concerns about whether the state is educating a workforce capable of filling tomorrow's jobs. Most business people understand that they need infrastructure to be successful, and most would embrace a way to ensure their taxes are used wisely.

S&P Global has a great idea here. Let's hope our politicians will take it seriously.
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A high-end furniture retailer preparing to leave the Houston market and revamp its business in the Texas Hill Country is citing a shift in shopping habits that has driven other upscale retailers to downsize sprawling showrooms.

Austin-based Louis Shanks is closing its store on Fondren Road after more than 20 years there. It's marking down $15 million worth of inventory and plans to use the cash from that closing sale to open smaller, more specialized stores alongside its existing locations in San Antonio and Austin.

"The retail shopping environment has changed dramatically over the last couple years in terms of the way people shop," said Mike Forwood, the company's president. "We can't sit there and do the same thing and expect to be successful with it."

At 120,000 square feet, the Fondren store and distribution center is the largest of the company's three locations, occupying nine acres in west Houston inside Beltway 8. Its relative isolation from busier shopping areas has hampered store traffic in recent years, Forwood said. "We used to have the destination shopping ... but that's really changed dramatically," he said.

In addition to declining "cross-shopping in the area," Forwood said Louis Shanks has faced growing competition from national furniture retail chains with different business models. Restoration Hardware and West Elm, for example, sell upscale-looking goods in smaller stores often in or near retail centers such as Highland Village.

Louis Shanks also plans to sell the building and the land on Fondren and invest the proceeds in its rebranding efforts. Forwood said the new locations in San Antonio and Austin will be about 8,000 to 15,000 square feet and cater to specific submarkets. A store in a trendy area might carry more contemporary furniture, for example.

"We want to do a different format with smaller stores that are relevant to the community they're in," he said. "I think they'll have to be responsive to what the customers want."

Broader trend

The company's efforts to reinvent its offerings align with a broader trend among high-end furniture retailers. Faced with competition from cheaper imports, some stores have begun focusing on custom furniture, decorating services and other business in order to compete, Jerry Epperson, founder and managing director of Richmond, Va.-based Mann, Armistead & Epperson, an investment banking and research firm that covers the furniture industry, said in an email.

"Across the country, many of the high-end furniture stores are adjusting their stores to be more special order and designer-oriented, and not just showrooms of lots of furniture," he said.

High-end stores

He said much of the shift happened after the recession, when several high-end furniture stores closed their doors. Florida-based Robb & Stucky, for example, liquidated its entire inventory in 2011. Under new management, it has reopened several stores that offer more American-made furniture with custom options.

Epperson said he couldn't think of any high-end retailers that have tried an approach similar to Louis Shanks' plan, but he noted that Gorman's, a high-end furniture company based in Michigan, operates a store that specializes in contemporary furniture. Both Gorman's and Louis Shanks offer interior design services.

Efforts to downsize or specialize are mostly limited to the upscale side of the furniture industry, said Ed Wulfe, CEO and founder of Wulfe & Co. Less expensive big-box retailers such as Rooms to Go and Gallery Furniture continue to open in big stores that draw customers from a wide radius, while high-end retailers that serve a smaller market have more of a reason to target specific areas, he said.

"Their customer is in a certain neighborhood with a certain demographic," he said.

Return to Houston?

Forwood said Louis Shanks might reopen in the Houston area if its new approach proves successful in San Antonio and Austin.

"The geography of Houston dictates that more than one location will be in the cards for us when we come back," he said. "We're going to be more accessible to the consumer."

But for now, everything must go.

The company is kicking off its public sale Oct. 14, and Forwood said he expects it to continue into early next year.

"We've taken some pretty dramatic discounts, some of the products are going to be brand new," he said. "It's amazing how much stuff there is to sell."
When the sun seemed to change from gold to green to blue, Nat Turner saw it as a sign that he had to make a move.

A solar eclipse in February 1831, and another strange appearance of the sun six months later, galvanized Turner to round up seven other slaves in Southampton County, a 600-square-mile area of southeastern Virginia bordering North Carolina.

They retreated deep into the woods the night of Aug. 21 and strategized what would become one of the bloodiest slave revolts in American history that, in two and a half days, left 60 white people dead. Some sources estimate that more than 200 slaves and free blacks were killed in retaliation. Their heads were posted on pikes along roads in Southampton County.

Turner was later hanged, beheaded and skinned, his remains used in the making of soap and purses.

Much has been written about the insurrection in the last 180 years. Some of it has been distorted in the service of myth. A new movie may continue to do that for some, while it also illuminates the brutality of slavery.

"The Birth of a Nation," directed by and starring Nate Parker, who raised in Norfolk, Va., which is north and east of Turner's historic upraising, hits theaters today. It's the first big-budget Hollywood film to center on Turner and the uprising.

Reviews so far have been glowing and there's legitimate Oscar buzz around it. Justin Chang at Variety called it "a biographical drama steeped equally in grace and horror," that "the film is perhaps even more accomplished as a theological provocation, one that grapples fearlessly with the intense spiritual convictions that drove Turner to do what he had previously considered unthinkable. Over the years, Turner has been reduced to a story of an archetype - the irrational, villainous black man, an early American harbinger to the "dangerous thug." Drawings of Turner through the years have often depicted him as a threatening, dark-skinned man. But in historical records, he was described as a "mulatto," a man of mixed race whose complexion was probably much lighter than Parker's.

Some historians wonder what "The Birth of a Nation" will add or take away from Turner's legacy.

"I find that the history of something is far more interesting than any fake Hollywood stuff thrown out there," said Cassandra Newby-Alexander, professor of history at Norfolk State University. "I know that the history of Nat Turner has too often been told from a singular standpoint. And his story really represents a very complicated story."

At the heart of "The Birth of a Nation" is a man born into slavery. By the time he was 31, the year of the revolt, Turner's ownership had changed hands at least four times.

Most historians agree that what is known of his personal life defies the standards for most slaves.

Although the law didn't acknowledge marriage between slaves, Turner had a wife named Cherry. They had children, but how many is unknown. Slaves also were forbidden from learning to read and write, but Turner was literate and said to be "unusually intelligent" in some accounts. His reading was confined to his Bible, now on display at the new National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C.

Turner's literal interpretations of the Bible's stories, particularly the one of Moses, shaped his political ideas about slavery. He saw himself as the chosen one who, like Moses, would lead his people to freedom.

At least a decade before the revolt, Turner started paying close attention to celestial signs, changes in the sky and weather to direct or confirm what he felt was a divine mission. This part of Turner's narrative is conveyed in Parker's film. But the motivation for the revolt as shown in "The Birth of a Nation," the rape of Turner's wife and the wife of a fellow slave, distorts the facts.

"Rape was never a part of Nat Turner's narrative. I don't know why Parker introduced that," Newby-Alexander of Norfolk State said. "That makes it personal as opposed to focusing on slavery and the institution itself, and the horrors this man was probably experiencing. I can see his hatred of slavery and the institution itself as being the real villain."

About the time of Turner's insurrection, the Tidewater region of Virginia was heavily populated by slaves. Southampton, a poor, rural county, was predominantly black at the time. The area also boasted one of the state's bigger populations of free blacks.

White historians who have written about Turner and the insurrection over the years have overlooked or dismissed oral traditions among blacks that may have offered some insight into the community, Newby-Alexander said. Initial reports about the revolt mostly centered on white panic and hysteria.

The mythology that grew around Turner and the gruesome nature of the murders deepened racial hatred for decades.

The white response to the revolt was immediate. The state executed more than 50 blacks who may or may not have been associated with the insurrection as mobs and militia killed more than 200 others in retaliation, according to historical records.

The Virginia General Assembly eventually passed legislation against teaching slaves to read and write and restricted all blacks from religious gatherings without the presence of a white minister. Free blacks, also subject to retaliation and often kidnapped and sold into slavery, escaped to the North in droves.

"There were black people who were killed who had nothing to do with the revolt. There were black people killed as far away as Mississippi because of the revolt," Newby-Alexander said.

"My question is always, 'I get that you're horrified that Nat and his group killed those people. But what did they do to him and those people who participated?' We're assuming that these are innocent victims. We don't call the black people who were killed victims, but we call the white people victims. In 2016, we're still telling the same story we told in 1836 and 1916. I find that to be more disturbing than anything else."
Prophets of Rage sees itself as a band born out of necessity.

The group formed earlier this year as a voice for the "disenfranchised" who are unhappy with the current state of politics. It features Tom Morello, Brad Wilk and Tim Commerford from the politically heavy rock band Rage Against the Machine; Chuck D and DJ Lord from the message-centric hip-hop group Public Enemy; and B-Real from Cypress Hill, a hip-hop act that, among other things, is known for its promotion of marijuana.

"We can no longer stand on the sidelines of history. Dangerous times demand dangerous songs. It's time to take the power back," reads a message on the band's website.

Prophets of Rage took its name from a Public Enemy song and doesn't support any political party, though they've labeled presidential hopeful Donald Trump "particularly dangerous." The group performed outside the Republican National Convention in July, kicking off the Make America Rage Again Tour, which includes Saturday's show at The Woodlands Pavilion. An EP of new songs, "The Party's Over," was released in August.

Wilk, the band's drummer who also played with Audioslave, talked about Prophets' all-star lineup and the ultimately uplifting message.

Prophets of Rage When: 7 p.m. Saturday Where: The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins, The Woodlands Tickets: $20-$69.50; 281-363-3300 or livenation.com See More Collapse

Q: How have fans been receiving the band on tour?

A: I don't take playing these songs or this band for granted. The audience has been incredible so far. It's really nice to be touring a catalog of these (Rage) songs, new songs and reworking some old Public Enemy and Cypress Hill songs as well. Public Enemy and Cypress Hill were such huge influences on Rage Against the Machine. They're both just incredible in their own right.

Q: Does it feel like the audience is putting your messages into action?

A: I get messages, and I meet people all around the world, that say, "Your band inspired me to do this differently" or to think differently or to become more aware or to become a musician. If we get that from one person in the entire audience in one night, then I think that's one person in the world who's maybe more present or more awake. I want to believe that a lot of people are getting something, at the very least, out of the universal language - which is music.

Q: Was it easy to find a groove in the beginning?

A: We got in a room, and that was the first rehearsal. It was great. Chuck D's voice is just iconic. When we got B-Real in the mix, something really clicked and started happening. Having said that, playing all this stuff, we had to put our heads down and do the work. No matter how long Tom and I have been playing, when you add three people, you just have a brand new chemistry. We had to work that chemistry out. It got better and better every day. By the time we played our first show, because we did the homework of playing a lot together, our first show felt to all of us like we were a band.

Q: Music and politics can be a precarious balance, but you've never shied away from it.

A: I always think something like this is a good idea for bands that have something to say and also can create a positive inspiration. I feel like we've done that with Rage Against the Machine. And we've done that now with this band. In the back of my head, I guess I am always thinking that it's a good time for bands like this to be around because there aren't many of them. I'm a musician first and foremost, so my job is to create music and inspire people. If that inspiration comes in a person rethinking their position on a political topic or whether it comes from someone going, "I could do that onstage," that's a cool thing.

Q: Several big-league acts - Beyonce, Dixie Chicks, Mana - are driving home similar messages this year.

A: I think anytime that people can create more of a presence or more of an awareness is good. It's just a really important time in the U.S. right now. Of course, what happens here affects Mexico. It makes complete sense to me on Mana's end as well. I'm friends with Alex (Gonzalez, drummer for Mana). The more bands that are speaking up, the better.

Q: Prophets' mix of rock and rap is heavy and aggressive - so was it important that the ultimate message be hopeful?

A: Absolutely, 100 percent. We want a better world. We're not doing this just to create chaos. We want people to think for themselves and stand up for the things that they believe and create a better country and not just wait for politicians. We feel like we're able to be a voice for people who maybe feel like they don't have a voice in this time. We want a better place. That's it.
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When Gabrielle Langley wakes up in the middle of the night, she often has a line in her head.

This germ of a poem will slip away if she goes back to sleep, so Langley scrambles for the nearest notepad or taps the line into her phone, "trying to capture it so it won't escape me."

Langley will read some of those lines Sunday at the Houston Poetry Fest. The festival, an annual Houston event since 1985, offers three days of readings and workshops that celebrate poetry and poets.

Starting Friday night, more than two dozen juried poets will take the microphone this weekend at the Willow Street Pump Station downtown. The selected poets -including Saba Husain, Matthew Riley, Weasel Patterson, David Cowen and Carolyn Dahl - are spread out over three sessions; they'll be joined by a few guest poets (Alice Anderson, Pablo Miguel Martinez, Saba Razvi and Martha Serpas) and this year's featured poet, Choonwha Moon.

This year's group is a wide variety of ages and ethnicities, and they'll be reading a mix of poems that are personal and political, quiet and dramatic, funny and devastating.

More Information Houston Poetry Fest When: Friday-Sunday (Juried poets read at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; open readings are at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, and workshops are 2-4 p.m. Sunday) Where: Willow Street Pump Station, 811 N. San Jacinto Info: Free; houstonpoetryfest.info See More Collapse

Langley has worked in the not-for-profit sector for 20 years; "poets do not typically make a living writing poetry," she points out. Writing is what she does in her spare time, usually in the middle of the night. But in recent years, Langley has had several poems published in literary journals, and in the Huffington Post last fall, Houston writer Anis Shivani declared her one of "five emerging Houston poets you should know about."

Langley is also a co-editor of "Red Sky," a forthcoming anthology that addresses the issue of violence against women.

The idea came when friend and fellow poet Stacy Nigliazzo lost a colleague: In 2015, Caroline Minjares was stabbed to death by her estranged boyfriend, a Houston firefighter, in a murder-suicide. Nigliazzo wrote a poem in response to the news coverage and showed it to Langley.

"I told her, there has to be some way to do an anthology," Langley says. So they put out a call for submissions and received more than 1,000 of them from all over the world. Proceeds from sales of "Red Sky" (Sable Books, $19.95) will go to the Global Fund for Women.

Langley's own submission to the anthology is "Berlin, May 1945," about the waning days of World War II, when Russian soldiers raped thousands of German women in Berlin: "Into the ruins / on hob-nail boots," she writes, they "hunted down / the youngest / the prettiest / made her pay / for Hitler / for Stalingrad  ."

The most powerful aspect of any poem is "what's between the lines," Langley says. "One of the things I'm always looking to do is let the reader's imagination work. I don't want to tell the reader what my philosophy is. I would rather leave the reader with questions."
As any parent in the Houston region knows, the array of school options can be dizzying. Magnets. Charters. Private schools. Parochial ones. The campus down the street. In the city or in the suburbs?

Houston mother Malkia Hutchinson had been chronicling her journey on Facebook over the last year, as she searched for a school for her daughter to enroll in kindergarten this past fall. After talking with other confused and concerned parents, she decided to pen an essay, published Wednesday by the Texas Observer, about her experience as an Ivy League graduate trying to flesh out the choices. Hutchinson wrote in part:

Never did I think I would find myself sitting in the lobby of an elite Presbyterian private school in Houston's Museum District with my 4-year-old taking an admissions test down the hall. But there I was, in late January, hoping that my daughter was sufficiently prepared. Later that day, she said she'd spent the morning playing with puzzles and drawing for the test while, down the hall, I finished reading for my graduate class on multiculturalism in public health

So much had happened between giving birth to my daughter and finding myself in that moment, in that school, on that day. I'm a black single mother who left a tumultuous relationship shortly after my child was born in Washington, D.C. We moved to Arlington, Texas, for a year before settling down in Houston. My daughter was not yet 2 when we moved here, but I already knew that finding a school for her would be a battle.

Hutchison's essay is timely. Even though it seems like summer break just ended, the application period for magnet schools in the Houston Independent School District is now open for the 2017-18 academic year.

Here are five fast facts to help get you started in the school choice process:

1. Applications for Houston ISD magnet schools, which can be submitted online (click "parent login" here), are due Dec. 9 for consideration in the first round. There's no advantage to applying early, but do not miss the Dec. 9 first-round deadline.

2. Parents can pick five magnet school choices in HISD, down from 10 last year, and must rank them in order of preference. The ranking matters. Students will not be put on waiting lists for their lower-ranked schools, if they are accepted into a higher one. For example, if a student is not accepted into his or her No. 1 school through the lottery, the student will be placed on that school's waiting list. If the same student is accepted into a second-choice school, he or she will not be accepted into third, fourth or fifth choices. However, if a spot opens up in his or her top choice, the student can forgo a spot at the No. 2 pick.

3. During the application period, any HISD school is open for touring on the following Thursdays: Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27; Nov. 3, 10 and 17; and Dec. 1 and 8. Tours at elementary and K-8 schools start at 9 a.m. The middle and high school ones begin at 1 p.m.

4. Applications for Houston's biggest charter school networks  KIPP, YES Prep and Harmony  become available Nov. 1 and are due Feb. 10.

5. Want to see magnet school, charter school and private school options all in one place? Families Empowered, a Houston nonprofit, is holding a school choice fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 12 at the Houston Community College West Loop campus, 5601 West Loop South.

And some parting words from Hutchison, during a phone interview Wednesday: "I would want particularly parents of color to be encouraged there are options out there. It's just kind of hard to navigate."
There are few worse ways to awaken a person than with a needle stick in the arm to draw blood. If you have ever spent the night in a hospital, chances are the first thing that happened in the morning was a vampiric nurse or lab technician, following doctors orders, standing over your bed and greeting you with a needle and a set of vials.

Most of us just grit our teeth, maybe close our eyes, and deal with it. After all, these tests are critical for our health, right?

Actually, as many as half of labs ordered may not be necessary. Cutting back can not only minimize the ouch but can also help lower costs. We and a group of colleagues have looked into this issue, and we found some interesting conclusions.

There are many reasons doctors order too many tests. According to a recent survey of resident physicians, these doctors-in-training attribute overordering of lab tests to longstanding social norms within their hospitals.

They cited various reasons. Sometimes, they are trained to order routine morning labs for every single patient in the hospital. There is a paucity of faculty role models who celebrate restraint. Some said that faculty physicians are unlikely to explain and lay out clear expectations on which clinical situations warrant daily labs and which do not. They also cited a lack of transparency about the costs of tests.

At the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center, a group of resident physicians sought to decrease the number of times their patients were getting stuck with needles while in the hospital. We led a program there focused on improving care of patients and decreasing areas of overuse, so they came to us for help. The findings were interesting and may suggest that many needle sticks in the hospital can be avoided.

Think twice, stick once

Other hospitals have recently focused efforts on decreasing the number of labs ordered in the hospital, but we werent aware of any that looked at actual needle sticks.

Since multiple lab tests can often be run from a single sample of blood, these are not the same thing. Two series of lab tests run on blood drawn once in the morning is surely different from two series of lab tests from two separate pokes.

What really matters most to our patients  and thus to the doctors caring for them  is the discomfort of the needle rather than what was done with the blood after it was obtained.

Based on data available in the electronic medical record, patients at UCSF Medical Center were on average getting stuck more than twice each day they were in the hospital. Some days, such as the first day they were admitted, were often even worse.

The UCSF resident physicians launched a program called Think Twice, Stick Once. They began educating their colleagues about how to appropriately decrease the number of sticks for patients. They handed out red circle buttons featuring their slogan, which were soon adorned on white coats throughout the hospital. They made a poster with a prominent, well-respected teaching physician and hung it in the work room to further disseminate the campaign.

We also created a way to give feedback to doctors about the number of times their patients were stuck each day. Using an online dashboard platform that was updated nightly with data from discharged patients, we provided data on the average number of times a doctor and her teams patient were stuck each day in the hospital.

The team members could drill down to individual patients and open their charts from the dashboard for further investigation if necessary. We believe this approach both empowered doctors to believe that data they received were accurate and allowed them to see real examples of patients they treated that could have avoided a stick or two.

Save money and tears

A lot of money might be saved  not to mention pain and tears  from cutting back on needle sticks. At University of Utah Health, a program led by hospital medicine physicians that reduced labs is estimated to be saving more than US$250,000 annually in that system.

They too provided a robust online data dashboard tool that allowed physicians to see their own accurate and detailed cost data for the care they provided, from the level of a diagnosis or procedure down to the cost for specific patient encounters.

While there is a lot of overuse of lab tests in the hospital, the outpatient setting contributes its fair share as well. A common source of unnecessary lab draws is prior to minor surgical procedures, such as cataract surgery or outpatient plastic surgery procedures. Multiple studies have shown routine preoperative medical testing for many low-risk procedures does not improve outcomes nor decrease the incidence of adverse events, yet the practice remains common.

Physicians and nurses should always ask themselves how a specific test would be used to change management of the illness of the patient. If it would not lead to a change in management, then the test should not be done. Also, many blood tests can be added on to prior samples from the hospital stay rather than requiring a new stick.

Too many tests

Other than the pain of a needle stick, how could more testing be bad for patients?

One of the problems with overtesting is that when the probability of a specific disease is low, then the likelihood of a false-positive test is much higher than the likelihood of a true-positive result  a phenomenon known as the false-positive paradox.

False-positives can be a serious problem as they often lead to undue worry, further testing and procedures.

From a systems perspective, attacking a problem so deeply ingrained in habit and culture requires a dedicated, multipronged strategy. We applied a framework, developed by the global nonprofit Costs of Care, for programs that seek to effectively decrease overuse of specific health care interventions.

The framework is COST: Culture, Oversight, Systems and Training. We addressed each of these aspects with the Think Twice, Stick Once campaign. The resident physicians focused on changing their culture of ordering labs with an educational campaign and provided training on reviewing data on needle sticks per day. We provided the data oversight and systems to make this as easy as possible.

Ultimately we saw a sustained decrease in needle sticks for our patients.

If you happen to find yourself in a hospital, unless you are critically ill, perhaps kindly suggest to your physicians that when they order your lab tests they could think twice, and stick once.

Christopher Moriates is assistant dean for healthcare value at Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin.

Victoria Valencia is assistant director for healthcare value at the University of Texas at Austin.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Bookmark Gray Matters. It minimizes the ouch.
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WASHINGTON - Even Duane Buck's lawyer recognized the "terrible facts" of his crime: the execution-style shootings of his ex-girlfriend and a man in her Houston apartment in 1995, while her three children looked on.

In arguing against Buck's death sentence Wednesday before the U.S. Supreme Court, however, NAACP attorney Christina Swarns said Buck is simply on death row because he is black.

"Mr. Buck was condemned to death and is facing execution based on a death sentence that was contaminated by racial bias," she said afterward on the courthouse steps.

Justices on both sides of the ideological divide seemed to agree that something went awry in a Harris County courtroom 20 years ago when an "expert" psychologist was allowed to testify that Buck's race increased the odds that he posed a future danger to society, the threshold for imposing the death penalty in Texas.

From the left, Justice Elena Kagan called it "wildly" prejudicial, the more so because the testimony was elicited by Buck's own trial lawyer.

From the right, Justice Samuel Alito said "what occurred at the penalty phase of this trial is indefensible."

At issue amid a tangle of state and federal appeals in Buck's case is whether the law requires the courts to revisit his death sentence, as his lawyers and a host of civil rights and anti-death penalty groups have demanded over the past two decades.

The crux of the dispute comes down to the decision by Buck's trial lawyer to present testimony from a psychologist, Walter Quijano, who identified race as a risk factor in his sentencing.

"It's a sad commentary that minorities, Hispanics and black people, are overrepresented in the criminal justice system," Quijano testified.

A Harris County prosecutor followed up: "The race factor, black, increases the future dangerousness for various complicated reasons - is that correct?"

"Yes," Quijano testified.

To Buck's supporters, Quijano's testimony was an explicit appeal to racial stereotypes that should have had no bearing on Buck individually. "This evidence put the thumb heavily on the death scale," Swarns told the justices Wednesday.

Texas authorities have conceded the error but have resisted reopening Buck's case, in part because it was Buck's own lawyer who elicited the testimony about race.

"We are not defending the defense counsel's actions," Texas Solicitor General Scott Keller told the justices.

Keller also argued that Quijano's testimony played a limited role in Buck's death sentence, suggesting instead that it stemmed from the brutality of the shootings of Debra Gardner and her friend, Kenneth Butler. Keller pointed to "aggravating evidence of executing a mother in front of her children and laughing about it, and saying that the mother, quote, 'got what she deserved.' "

Also shot in the rampage was Buck's step-sister, Phyllis Taylor, who survived.

History with high court

The high court has seen Buck's case before. In 2011, he was minutes away from a lethal injection when the justices issued a reprieve to consider an appeal alleging prosecutorial misconduct.

Buck, a former auto mechanic with a criminal record, lost that appeal, though several justices expressed misgivings about his own lawyer's competence. Alito, joined by Stephen Breyer and the late Antonin Scalia, called Quijano's testimony "bizarre and objectionable." Kagan, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, also raised doubts about Buck's sentence, writing that his case "deserved encouragement."

Sotomayor also noted at the time that in 2000 the state's attorney general - now Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn - promised new sentencing hearings for Buck and five other inmates who had been put on death row in cases in which Quijano had testified, citing "the infusion of race as a factor."

That decision subsequently was reversed in Buck's case, owing to the peculiarity of his own lawyer, not the prosecution, first eliciting the statements on race.

During Wednesday's hearing, Sotomayor continued to press her concerns. "Why does it matter who uses race?" she said. "We say neither should use race in a negative way against a defendant."

She was joined by Breyer, adding, "The issue here is, is there some good reason why this person shouldn't have been able to reopen his case? I mean, that's the question. What's the reason?"

After Greg Abbott succeeded Cornyn as attorney general in 2002, Texas prosecutors continued to oppose Buck's appeals on procedural grounds, arguing in part that he forfeited his rights by failing to bring them up earlier in the lengthy appeals process.

Cornyn, for his part, told Texas reporters in a conference call last week that he no longer is involved in the case. "I would just say that my position, I believe, was correct," he said, "and I haven't changed my views on the correctness of the decisions I made when I was attorney general."

'A unique case'

Abbott, now the governor of Texas, declined through a spokesman Wednesday to comment on the case. State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, one of the prosecutors in Buck's 1997 trial, did not return a call seeking comment.

Buck, now 53, is not challenging his conviction, which it took a jury only 17 minutes to render. His case extends only to his death sentence, which came after he turned down a state-offered plea bargain for a life sentence.

For Buck, the appeal is his third before the nation's high court. Another appeal was turned down in 2014. His lawyers then filed another appeal under a federal rule citing "extraordinary circumstances."

A decision by the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals went against him, setting up his third try before the U.S. Supreme Court. Swarns suggested the review could put a spotlight on the 5th Circuit, which she said has a record of denying similar criminal appeals.

Buck's supporters also hope to draw attention to Texas' standing as the nation's death penalty leader, with a record 537 executions since the Supreme Court allowed capital punishment to resume in 1976.

Among those who have supported his bid was Linda Geffen, an assistant district attorney in his case, and Taylor, who survived a point-blank rifle shot to her chest and has pleaded for Buck's life to be spared.

While expressing skepticism about Buck's sentence, Chief Justice John Roberts voiced concerns about fashioning a ruling in the coming months that could open a floodgate of death penalty challenges.

"It's a unique case," Roberts said, "so this would be an odd platform to issue general rules."

Buck's lawyers, however, indicated that they are aiming for as broad a ruling as possible.

"Left uncorrected, trial counsel's injection of explicit racial discrimination into Mr. Buck's capital sentencing profoundly undermines confidence in the integrity of both Mr. Buck's death sentence and the criminal justice system overall," Buck's lawyers wrote in their appeal.
Near the end of the recently released movie "Hell or High Water," a bank robbery in a small West Texas town leads to a wild shootout involving customers, security guards and the robbers. It's an ugly scene. Innocent people die.

Things turned out better for most of those involved in a real-life exchange of gunfire during a robbery Monday afternoon at Jeff's Jewelry in Conroe. Initial news accounts indicated that the owner, Jeff Turner Jr., and at least three employees returned fire after four men robbing the strip center store began shooting. Later, police said it was uncertain whether anyone other than Turner and the robbers had discharged their weapons.

What's clear is that when the guns fell silent, one of the robbers, 21-year-old Javian Jackson, lay dead amid broken glass in the doorway. Turner had shot Jackson with an AK-47. The next day, Turner told the Conroe Courier's Catherine Dominguez that he opened the door of a back office and Jackson fired at him from about 5 feet, and he shot back.

"I didn't want him to die," Turner told Dominguez. "I just wanted to stop him."

This event fits perfectly into the "good guy with a gun" narrative embraced by opponents of restrictions on firearms. Under this reasoning, responsible, armed citizens can protect their own lives and those of other innocent people when they are threatened by gun-wielding criminals.

Emotions run high in these episodes, though, and even the best-intentioned people don't always hit their targets. As Texas legislators expand legal access to weapons through measures such as last session's "open carry" and "campus carry" bills, the potential for public shootouts - and for unintended consequences - seems likely to increase.

Texas requires citizens to undergo four to six hours of classroom training to obtain a handgun license. Yet the civilians who obtain these licenses may find themselves facing the same split-second, life-or-death decisions as police officers who train for hundreds of hours and undergo regular recertification, former Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia noted.

"If the mission is the same," Garcia told me, "so should be the training."

Over the past six months, the Chronicle has reported on at least six additional Houston-area incidents involving citizens who fired their weapons after witnessing, or being victims of, crimes. The casualty count: three actual or suspected criminals shot to death, one robber wounded and one robbery victim killed.

In northwest Harris County in May, a homeowner shot and killed a man sitting in a car outside his home. The homeowner told authorities that when he ordered the man to get out of the vehicle, the man appeared to have an object in his hand, so the homeowner fired a shot "fearing for his safety." The case was referred to a grand jury.

In Fort Bend County that same month, a homeowner fatally shot a man who demanded money from him at gunpoint. A month earlier, in The Woodlands, a customer tried to shoot out the tires of a vehicle in which three men suspected of robbing a sporting goods store were fleeing. The men got away; no one was hurt.

Even pro-gun activists take a dim view of such tactics. "You do not draw your firearm and fire at a fleeing suspect that is of no threat to yourself or others," Concealed Nation, an organization that advocates the legal carrying of concealed weapons, wrote on its website after a similar incident in Michigan last year.

Last May in the Dallas suburb of Arlington, T.J. Antell, a 35-year-old ex-Marine and father of three, was shot to death when he retrieved a gun from his vehicle and tried to stop a fleeing man who had just wounded his wife in a pharmacy parking lot. "He's a father, he's protective by nature," Antell's pastor, Marc Lowrance, told reporters. "And he thought he could help everyone involved, and tragically it went a different way."

There is always the chance it will go a different way. "You have to keep in mind how frantic and chaotic some of these situations are," said Sarah Tofte, the research director of Everytown for Gun Safety, which advocates for universal criminal background checks for gun purchasers. "These are hard situations even for the most-trained good guy with a gun."

In a state where gun laws grow steadily more permissive, where the story of a citizen dispatching a criminal is celebrated with high fives, perhaps it's not surprising to see the occasional knucklehead shooting at the tires of a car full of fleeing criminals. If we insist on making it easier for our citizens to arm themselves, let's at least keep in mind that sometimes the good guy with a gun, like T.J. Antell in Arlington, is the guy whose family ends up in mourning.
A reported gas leak and evacuation notice at Lone Star College's University Park campus may be behind digital message alerts that were sent to students at several colleges in Houston and across the country on Wednesday night.

The vague messages were sent out about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and told students they needed to evacuate buildings. The alerts apparently did not offer many details about the reason for the evacuations.
Houston residents soon will be able to hail a city cab via smartphone app, after City Council signed off on a plan Wednesday to consolidate dispatching in a single program.

The Arro app, already operating in New York, Boston, San Francisco and Chicago, is expected to be fully operational in Houston by the end of the month, combining dispatch for Houston's 146 taxi companies. The city is requiring all of its roughly 3,500 licensed cab drivers to participate, and limo drivers have the option of doing so.

"It is innovative. It's taking advantage of technology that exists to create a centralized dispatch service," Mayor Sylvester Turner told City Council. "If you go to the airports, you've got cabs that are sitting there pretty much six, eight hours a day, waiting on a customer. Under this system, they can be out there servicing Houstonians. They don't lose their place in line, and when it's time for them to do something, they get a ping."

Cab and limo companies had urged the city to develop an alternative to Uber, which dominates Houston's ride market. Uber and other ride share drivers would not be included in the Arro app.

No taxpayer money will be used to develop or advertise the app, though city staff will coordinate with Arro, and elected officials could devote time to promoting the program.

Riders who use the app would pay $1.50 on top of the cab fare, and drivers would pay 50 cents for each app-generated trip, plus 3 percent of the total fare for a credit processing fee.

City Councilman Greg Travis objected to requiring drivers to use the app, saying, "I don't really like government having to mandate anything."

He also worried about Arro's ratings - 2.5 stars in the Apple iTunes store - and pointed to other apps with better reviews.

Turner said many of the companies Travis cited do not operate in the United States.

"Let's not compare what we have competitively bid with companies that do not do business on the North American continent," Turner said.

The mayor added that the city is requiring all licensed cab drivers to participate in part because some of them have contracts that otherwise would prevent them from using the app.
Freddie Byrd found out that his father's plumbing business had caught fire from watching television news.

At first, he thought it was the building next door, so he tried to call his 83-year-old father to alert him. No answer.

It wasn't until he saw paramedics trying to revive his father in an ambulance near the shop that reality began to set in.

"He died being where he wanted to be at, and that was his business," Byrd said Wednesday, sitting outside of his home in Sunnyside. "He loved his company."

Family and friends were shocked Wednesday by the death of Frederick Byrd, 83, a man they described as a beloved neighbor and active member in the Sunnyside community where his business had been a 30-year fixture.

Fire investigators are still investigating the cause of the one-alarm blaze that began Tuesday morning at Byrd Plumbing Supply on Cullen.

Another worker was able to escape the burning building and call 911. But Byrd apparently went back inside the building to retrieve something, his son said. Firefighters found him on the first floor.

"He went back in for something and nobody really knows why he went back in," Byrd said. "If he wouldn't have gone back in, you probably wouldn't be talking to me right now."

A dream from the start

Even at an early age, Byrd knew he wanted to be a plumber.

He moved to Houston to attend Texas Southern University in 1951, leaving Nacogdoches with nothing but the clothes on his back, his son said.

He received a degree in Industrial Technology from TSU in 1956 and then shortly after married his college sweetheart, Rosa.

Byrd's son said his father had a plumbing company in Nacogdoches, but also started one in their old neighborhood in the Third Ward, where he and other employees would go out into the community to service homes.

"He loved people," Byrd said. "He loved helping people. All the other plumbers looked up to him."

Byrd eventually built his plumbing supply store on Cullen brick by brick by himself with the help of his son in 1986. He would hold seminars for the community at the store, teaching people how to service their own toilets or how to install a sink.

His son remembered him as a family man who loved fishing and playing dominos, and taking the family to amusement parks every summer. Their mother, Rosa, died six years ago.

He said his father was planning to retire soon from the plumbing company but kept postponing it because he loved his business.

"He had been saying for several years that he was going to retire, but he never did because he had that will to work," Byrd said.

A pillar in the community

The windows of the blue-and-gray tinted Byrd Plumbing were boarded up Wednesday, with the only activity the cars that zoomed by on the busy southeast Houston street.

Charles Battle remembered Byrd as he stood at the lawn mower repair shop right across the street from Byrd Plumbing Supply.

Battle, 70, had known Byrd for more than 20 years and they both belonged to an antique car club. They would ride in their cars during homecoming parades for Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University.

"He was well-known and well-liked," Battle said of his friend. "Just a country boy who came to the city and did well."

He said Byrd drove a 1965 red-and-white mustang, and his favorite song was the classic "Mustang Sally."

Michael Marshall, 37, at Pal's Barber Shop just down the street from the plumbing shop, said he cut Byrd's hair about once or twice a month. He said he couldn't believe someone who had remained in the community for so long was gone.

"I think how he died hurts more," Marshall said about Byrd. "He was real good to the community."
I am a retired newspaperman. I am 69 and live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 45 years, Lou Ann. We grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather.

More on who I am is here.

Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com
A Houston woman accused of stabbing her boyfriend to death with a stiletto high heel earlier this year was released Thursday on $100,000 bail.

State District Judge Brock Thomas on Friday told Ana Lilia Trujillo that she would have to surrender her passport under the terms of her release. Trujillo, 44, is also forbidden from drinking alcohol and is required to wear a GPS monitor on her ankle.
Lawyers for convicted Houston double-killer Duane Buck for a second time are petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court, asking that it review claims that their client's rights were violated when a defense witness told jurors blacks and Hispanics were "over-represented in the criminal justice system."

That statement, which further was underscored by the prosecutor in final statements, arguably influenced jurors to conclude Buck would present a "future danger," one of the issues juries must weigh before assessing a death sentence.

Although judges who have previously been asked to hear the claims have expressed concern over the testimony, Buck's appeals thus far have not gained traction in the courts.

The Supreme Court stayed Buck's scheduled September 2011 execution to consider taking up the case, but later decided not to do so. Buck's current legal team is hoping that subsequent high court rulings dealing with the consequences of poor defense representation will open a route to a court review. They claim Buck's trial attorney was "constitutionally ineffective."

Buck, 52, was condemned for the July 1995 shooting deaths of his former girlfriend, Debra Gardner, and her friend, Kenneth Butler. Buck also shot his sister, Phyllis Taylor, in the chest, but the woman recovered and later advocated sparing the gunman's life.

Buck's appeal centers on the statements of psychologist Walter Quijano made to jurors when called as a defense witness during the initial trial's punishment phase.

In response to a question from Buck's lawyer, Quijano told jurors that age, sex, race, social economics and substance abuse might predict a convicted killer's future dangerousness. Then he said, "It's a sad commentary that minorities, Hispanics and black people, are over-represented in the criminal justice system."

In 2000, then-Texas Attorney General John Cornyn identified Buck's conviction and that of five other capital killers as possibly tainted by race-related testimony from Quijano. The other five received new hearings and again were sentenced to death; Buck's case was tied up in state court at the time and he never received a new hearing.

In a dissent to the Supreme Court's earlier decision not to take up Buck's case, Justice Sonia Sotomayor characterized the matter as "a death sentence marred by racial overtones and a record compromised by misleading remarks and omissions made by the state of Texas."

Although the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals did not act in Buck's favor in a previous appeal, Judge Elsa Alcala, joined by two other judges, observed that the case "reveals a chronicle of inadequate representation at every stage of the proceedings, the integrity of which is further called into question by the admission of racist and inflammatory testimony of an expert witness."

More than 100 judges, lawyers, ministers and civil rights advocates, including former Texas Gov. Mark White and former Harris County Assistant District Attorney Linda Geffin - a prosecutor in Buck's trial - have called for a new punishment hearing for Buck.

"The U.S. Supreme Court is now quite literally the court of last resort," said Laura Burstein, spokeswoman for Buck's current legal team.

"It is up to the Supreme Court to ensure that Mr. Buck does not face the ultimate sentence based on his race," she said.

In October, Juan Garcia, 35, whose case was among those Cornyn thought potentially tainted by Quijano's testimony, was executed for the September 1998 robbery-murder of former Mexican missionary Hugo Solano.
If Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte were a politician in the West, his invocation last week of Adolf Hitler as a personal inspiration would have meant the swift end to his career.

"Hitler massacred 3 million Jews [sic]. Now there are 3 million drug addicts [in the Philippines].. . . I'd be happy to slaughter them!" So declared Duterte in describing his ongoing war on drugs, adding cheerfully that his own Nazi-like police action would "finish the [drug] problem of my country and save the next generation from perdition."

In the Philippines, however, Duterte's reference to Hitler didn't even qualify as a gaffe. There is no indication it hurt him at all; in fact, there's good reason to believe that it will only bolster the president's huge popularity among Filipinos as a man who speaks his mind and gets things done.

Americans and Europeans are probably thinking that something of Duterte's speech has gotten lost in translation. But the context that's missing isn't rhetorical - it's cultural. Duterte's positive perspective on Hitler has long been commonplace in the non-Western world and remains so today. If there's an aberration, in other words, it's the West's own image of Hitler as a paradigmatic political villain.

In the West, Hitler is known above all as a practitioner of race-based genocide, the architect of the Holocaust. He is also remembered as the hypernationalist who, in the hope of expanding German power across all of Europe, and later the entire globe, plunged the world into the most destructive war in the history of mankind.

Yet in much of the developing world, where ignorance regarding the Holocaust and Hitler's fantasies of world domination is rife, he is perceived less as a mass murderer and ideologue of global conquest than as a stern disciplinarian who addressed social ills in a briskly efficient manner. His is a legacy of "law and order," not of horrific chaos and collapsed cities. Additionally, and crucially, in the non-Western world the name Hitler can connote "anti-imperialist rebel" due to the German leader's nationalistic struggle against "Anglo-French-American-Zionist domination." Thus we have President Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's 92-year-old strongman, comparing himself not only to Christ but to Hitler. "I am still the Hitler of [this] time. This Hitler has only one objective: justice for his people, sovereignty for his people, recognition of the independence of his people and their rights over their resources. If that is Hitler, then let me be Hitler tenfold. Ten times, that is what we stand for," he said in 2003.

Indonesia is another case in point. Indonesia's second president, Gen. Suharto, saw Nazi Germany as a model for his highly centralized, military-dominated "New Order." But the country's first president, Sukarno, who led his nation's independence movement against the Dutch, openly revered Hitler's Third Reich for its spirit of proud nationalism.

In 1955, President Sukarno hosted a pioneering conference of nonaligned Asian and African nations, many of them newly independent, in the city of Bandung, at which delegates deployed Nazi-style rhetoric in their denunciations of lingering colonialism and latter-day "Zionist imperialism." These days Bandung boasts a Nazi-themed restaurant called Soldatenkaffee, replete with swastikas, propaganda posters, and photos of the Fuhrer. If you ask the cafe owner about his decorative taste, he will note that Nazi symbolism is perfectly legal in Indonesia. He's certainly right about that. Nazi imagery is abundant across the country - as is cluelessness about the Holocaust.

"Indonesian students know nothing about the persecution of the Jews," said a prominent history professor at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. "They see Hitler as a revolutionary, similar to Che Guevara, not as someone responsible for the death of millions of Jews." Yet a genuine embrace of authoritarian ideals, along with pervasive ignorance, seems to be at the core of much of modern Indonesia's fascination with Hitler. As a respected businessman put the matter: "We need an Adolf Hitler in order to fully restore law and order." This man undoubtedly thought he'd found the answer to his prayers in Prabowo Subianto, a popular general whose narrowly unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2014 included a music video sung by popstar Ahmad Dhani dressed in a replica Nazi uniform.

It's no news that pro-Hitler views are commonplace in today's Middle East, yet it bears noting that Turkey, the country with the longest tradition of democracy in the region, has its share of such sentiment. As in Indonesia, this phenomenon in Turkey has a prominent pedigree. The Turkish Republic's founding father, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, served as an inspiration for Hitler in the latter's own self-styled "revolution." Hitler was particularly impressed by the secularist Ataturk's suppression of political Islam. Although Ataturk himself did not have much use for the German Fuhrer, some of his close associates certainly did. Upon visiting Nazi Berlin, Recep Peker, the secretary-general of the Kemalist Republican People's Party (and later prime minister), expressed open admiration for national socialism. Reverence for Hitler's dictatorial style, if not for his distrust of clerical politics, survived Kemalism's recent displacement by Islamic-infused authoritarianism under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In his current push to expand the powers of his office, Erdogan cited Hitler's Germany as a positive case study in how such an uber-presidency might work. Many Turks expressed astonishment at Erdogan's choice of role models, but in light of the president's ever-increasing absolutism, the Fuhrer reference seems more apt than odd.

Meanwhile, Egypt's latest dictator, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has thus far resisted trying to legitimize his evolving tyranny by deploying open comparisons to Hitler. Some of his followers, however, have not been so reticent. On the eve of Sisi's seizure of power, Soheir al-Babli, a once popular TV actress, expressed confidence that her countrymen "know that Egyptians need a man as strong as Hitler to punish citizens for any violations they commit." Many Egyptians blanched at Babli's advice to emulate the Fuhrer, but Sisi apparently did not. His self-glorification, classification of political opponents as "enemies of the state," suppression of independent media, ultranationalism, and xenophobia have occasioned frequent comparisons to Hitler among his fellow Egyptians (albeit from the sanctity of foreign shores).

In Pakistan, like Indonesia, a veritable Fuhrer cult flourishes in the open. Although admiration for Hitler might be, as many Pakistanis would insist, a minority phenomenon, this minority is sizable enough to make the term "Hitler" common coinage for anyone who "sticks to his guns regardless of the cost." Encounters with Hitler admiration understandably shock visitors from the West, especially ones from Germany. According to a story by German journalist Hasnain Kazim in Der Spiegel, after getting a haircut in Islamabad, Kazim complained to the hairdresser that the cut made him look like Hitler. "Yes, yes, very nice," the barber beamed. Nor was it uplifting for him to drive behind a white Mercedes bearing a bumper sticker that read, "I like Nazi."

Venturing into neighboring India, one encounters more signs of fascination with the Fuhrer. As a report in the Jerusalem Post notes, bookstores display Hitler's Mein Kampf prominently in windows. "It's a classic for us. We have to sell it," a floor manager of New Delhi's most iconic bookstore, Bahrisons, told the Post. Some Indians claim that Hitler's popularity in their country derives from "ignorance about the Holocaust" or "curiosity about a really sick and evil mind." Others see Hitler and Mein Kampf tying in with India's rising Hindu nationalist movement, with one person saying: "[Mein Kampf] can be used to support a purist Hindu India where Muslims are persecuted." Still other Indians see anti-Semitism behind Hitler's popularity or cite Indians' desire to believe that a strong leader can transform society for the better. As in Pakistan, "Hitler" connotes "strong disciplinarian."

Of course, leaders in the developing world are fully capable of deploying the name Hitler as a smear as well as an inspiration. "Hitler" is often deployed as a pejorative in today's South America, where so many Nazis found refuge after the war and where not only the Fuhrer legacy lived on for many years but also, according to numerous reports and sightings, the Fuhrer himself. (He was said to have fled to Paraguay, where he lived in seclusion until 1971. Alternatively, he opened a Volkswagen repair shop in Buenos Aires or, showing his true self, administered to disadvantaged children in the Andes.) Former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez compared Germany's Angela Merkel to Hitler, and he didn't mean it as a compliment. The Germans were naturally appalled, but they could take some consolation in the fact that Chavez's opponents at home were likening their own leader to Hitler - and, again, not as a compliment.

In Hitler's own home ground, the West, rejecting this child of the Occident and his poisonous legacy goes hand in hand with a respect for human rights, racial diversity, and due process (which does not mean that these ideals are without their native detractors and potential saboteurs). Across much of the globe, though, openly expressed admiration for the Hitler legacy can be seen as just one more indication of the tenuousness of these social and political values in our modern world.

---

Large is a fellow with the Institute of European Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Among his many books are "Nazi Games: The Olympics of 1936."
A federal contractor suspected of leaking powerful National Security Agency hacking tools has been arrested and charged with stealing classified information from the U.S. government, according to court records and a law enforcement official familiar with the case.

Harold Thomas Martin III, 51, who worked for consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, was charged with theft of government property and unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials, authorities said. He was arrested in August after investigators searched his home in Glen Burnie, Md., and found documents and digital information stored on various devices.

The breadth of the damage Martin is alleged to have caused was not immediately clear, though officials alleged some of the documents he took home "could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security of the United States." Investigators are probing whether Martin was responsible for an apparent leak that led to a cache of NSA hacking tools appearing online in August, according to an official familiar with the case.

Those tools included "exploits" that take advantage of unknown flaws in firewalls, for instance, allowing the government to control a network.

The NSA and Booz Allen are no strangers to having classified material removed by one of their own. In 2013, contractor Edward Snowden passed a massive trove of documents to journalists, embarrassing the agency and shedding light on massive government surveillance programs that have faced criticism since they were revealed. Snowden also was charged criminally but has successfully sought asylum in Russia.

Military records and an online profile show that Martin was a decorated former Naval officer and reservist with a broad interest in cyber issues. His attorney said he was a Navy lieutenant, and records show he served for more than a decade, spending some years on the USS Seattle before ending his military career in the inactive reserves. Among the awards he received were a Joint Meritorious Unit Award, a Navy Expeditionary Medal and a National Defense Service Medal.

Prosecutors did not reveal in the criminal complaint against Martin what precisely they recovered, though they alleged that some documents were produced in 2014 and were "critical to a wide variety of national security issues."
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BEIRUT - Syria's military command said it would scale back its bombardment of the contested city of Aleppo on Wednesday to allow civilians to evacuate besieged rebel-held neighborhoods.

The announcement, broadcast on state TV, followed 16 days of airstrikes and shelling that have killed over 300 civilians and damaged hospitals and water facilities. Satellite images released Wednesday by the U.N. show the scale of the destruction since a U.S.-Russia brokered cease-fire collapsed two weeks ago.

'Scorched earth tactics'

The government is accused by opponents and international observers of using violence to forcibly depopulate areas seen as disloyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad.

"The government has used scorched earth tactics against us, and then blesses us with an opportunity to leave? Of course this is refused," said Ammar Sakkar, the military spokesman of the Fastiqum rebel faction.

Doctors inside the city said attacks lessened on Wednesday, after weeks of airstrikes in which Russian and Syrian government jets targeted underground hospitals with bunker-busting bombs.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 316 civilians in eastern Aleppo have been killed in the past two weeks' violence. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has described conditions in eastern Aleppo, where 275,000 people are trapped under a government siege, as "worse than a slaughterhouse."

The U.N.'s satellite imagery program released images it said showed the most recent destruction to eastern parts of Aleppo.

"Since the cease-fire has broken down, you certainly see an awful lot of new damage," said Lars Bromley, a research adviser at UNOSAT.

The images, from DigitalGlobe and obtained by the U.N. agency through a licensing arrangement with the U.S. State Department, show mostly "formerly blasted and blown-up areas" during Syria's five-year war "experiencing a great deal of additional damage," said Bromley.

'Signature' of airstrike

At the White House, spokesman Josh Earnest called the images "deeply troubling." But he added that it "tragically is not particularly surprising."

"Ordinarily you would be heartbroken to learn that this was the result of some sort of accident. But it's clear that the Syrian regime -backed by the Russians - is engaged in a strategy of bombing those civilians intentionally to try to get them to bend to the will of the Assad regime," he said.

The images primarily consist of before-and-after pictures from mid to late September showing the destruction of buildings, including houses, after the short-lived cease-fire broke down. Several images are from northern Aleppo neighborhoods, where government forces have advanced against rebel fighters who are battling back.

Some of the images depict large craters, a "signature" that airstrikes have done the damage. Artillery or mortar fire creates a different pattern of destruction, Bromley said.

The U.N. satellite images could provide significant insights in the aftermath of high-profile, disputed attacks - such as a deadly attack on a U.N.-backed humanitarian aid convoy west of Aleppo last month.

A top U.S. military officer has said he believes Russia bombed the convoy. Russia and Syria have denied responsibility, with Russia saying the damage was caused by a cargo fire.
Sixteen months ago a man crashed his vehicle nearly head-on into a pickup at an intersection in eastern Montgomery County. Even though this would be his ninth DWI conviction, Donald Middleton was driving with a valid Texas driver's license at the time of the crash, according to Chronicle reporter Andrew Kragie.

Although in this case the driver of the pickup wasn't injured, it's dangerous to permit repeat DWI offenders, particularly those who have been convicted more than four or five times, to regain their licenses, especially when the licenses are unrestricted.

It's not enough that Texas law allows for suspensions of up to two years. The Legislature should act to give judges the discretion to permanently revoke the licenses of some who have failed to rehabilitate after multiple DWI convictions.

Other states have set limits: North Carolina and New York allow permanent revocation after a third offense, and Florida mandates it after a DWI manslaughter conviction. While it's difficult to say the number of offenses that should be tied to permanent suspension, it's outrageous if someone with eight previous DWI convictions is licensed to drive on Texas roads without restrictions.

One option already available under existing law is often overlooked. More judges ought to issue occupational driver's licenses to convicted DWI offenders, giving them the opportunity to drive to work and to rehabilitation, while an interlock device monitors their sobriety, according to Harris County Judge Diane Bull.

Bull is one of the five judges in Harris County misdemeanor courts who volunteer their time for a docket under the SOBER - Saving Ourselves By Education and Recovery - program. Harris County operates five of these SOBER misdemeanor criminal courts - one for youth, one for females who are mostly trauma survivors, one for veterans, one for non-English speakers, and one catch-all court. These courts attempt to address the root cause of the problem by offering offenders access to rehabilitation. Offenders who graduate from the SOBER court programs are significantly less likely to re-enter the system than if they received a jail sentence or paid a fine.

It's too late to determine whether any remedy would have helped here. Middleton, who, according to his sister, ran a local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, was given a life sentence for his repeat DWI convictions. He joins 34 other inmates serving a life sentence for multiple DWI convictions that do not include offenses such as assault or manslaughter.

It's too late for the taxpayer, too. Incarcerating more than 6,600 repeat DWI offenders in 2015 cost taxpayers about $153 million a year, according to the state Department of Criminal Justice as reported by Kragie. Prevention is the key. There weren't any SOBER courts in the area when Middleton was first convicted in 1979. By directing more resources to rehabilitation, lawmakers can help ensure that taxpayers aren't asked to foot the lifetime bills for repeat DWI offenders.
Thousands of people have died while in custody of the Texas criminal justice system over the last decade, according to mandatory state reporting, but it turns out the number of deaths in police custody is even greater than we knew.

As a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis, I recently launched the Texas Justice Initiative, a project documenting custodial deaths in Texas. Under a decades-old law, law enforcement, jails and prisons must report to the state attorney general when a person dies in their custody. As part of the initiative, we created an online interactive database with information on the close to 7,000 deaths that were reported to the Texas Attorney General's office in 2005-2015.

While 7,000 deaths is a jarring figure - that's close to a death every other day in Texas's criminal justice system - in fact there are more people who died in state custody during this period. Scott Bowman, Howard Williams and Jordan Taylor Jung, of Texas State University, have documented more than 200 police shootings that were not reported to the AG's office, but should have been. This is around 15 percent of the total deaths in police custody that were missing, and when looking at the subset of deaths by police shooting, more than 25 percent were unreported.

There is no excuse for law enforcement not complying with the law.

Texas is a vanguard in custodial death data collection with its reporting laws (California is the only other state with similar requirements). But without compliance and accurate reporting, the law cannot serve its purposes of providing a clear picture of custodial deaths in our state and increasing transparency in our criminal justice system.

Right now, compliance with the custodial death reporting statute is tied to a criminal penalty for failing to report, a Class B misdemeanor. But actual enforcement of the law requires that local law enforcement investigate, and local prosecutors prosecute, local law enforcement violations. Unsurprisingly, I could not find a single prosecution under this law in its 30-plus year history.

Instead of relying on an apparently never-been-used criminal penalty that depends on police policing the police, compliance should be tied to funding and enforced by state authorities.

Withholding funding for failing to report custodial deaths is currently being discussed on the federal level. In recent years, the Bureau of Justice Statistics in the U.S. Department of Justice has been under fire for state and local law enforcement agencies' underreporting in the federal custodial-death reporting program. In response to recent proposed rule changes by the BJS, a coalition of organizations led by the ACLU and NAACP wrote a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch calling on the DOJ to "condition federal criminal justice grants on data collection and reporting on police-civilian encounters."

Texas should do the same. In fact, there's precedent in our state for withholding grant funding from local authorities that fail to comply with criminal justice data-reporting requirements. In 2012, when counties were not adequately updating criminal history records as required by state law, the Criminal Justice Division under Gov. Rick Perry conditioned eligibility for CJD grants on counties' 90 percent or above compliance with the reporting law. Within eight months of the CJD's announcement, 172 counties became compliant with the minimum reporting standard.

Strengthening Texas' custodial death statute by withholding funding from counties not complying with the law could be accomplished by executive action through the governor's office, or by the Legislature amending the law to explicitly condition certain grants upon reporting compliance. Texas needs new incentives that encourage law enforcement to report in-custody deaths and deter agencies from concealing them.

Woog is project director of the Texas Justice Initiative, which has been studying police use-of-force data and related deaths. The Texas Justice Initiative will be updating its database to include these 200& unreported deaths. You can explore the database at www.texasjusticeinitiative.org.
The Court of Criminal Appeals serves as our state's supreme court for criminal matters. It draws the line between individual liberty and government's police power. It has the duty of deciding between life and death. The nine judges should be comprised of experienced jurists, the finest legal minds and the best attorneys that Texas has to offer.

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2: Lawrence "Larry" Meyers

Accusing someone of having "the feels" seems more at home in a teenager's Facebook argument than in a dissenting opinion from the Court of Criminal Appeals, but that's what Judge Lawrence "Larry" Meyers wrote in State v. Furr, alleging that his colleagues cared more about their feelings on the case than the objective standards of law. After 24 years on this bench, the long-serving member of Texas' highest criminal court has certainly given up on the usual collegiality.

"We're not there to get along," Meyers, 68, said during a meeting with the Chronicle editorial board. "We're there to do the right thing under the law."

This attitude is a bit out of the ordinary, but so is Meyers: He switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party in 2013 to run for the Texas Supreme Court. Independent and feisty, the former associate justice on the Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth and University of Kansas School of Law graduate said that tries to help Judge Elsa Alcala, who has led a wave of healthy skepticism against government overreach. The record doesn't totally back his claimed allegiance, but if he's changed parties then maybe he's changed his heart, as well.

His Republican opponent, Mary Lou Keel, has served on the 232nd Criminal Court since 1994, where she is well-respected by her peers and has a good judicial temperament.

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5: Scott Walker

Consider this race as evidence against electing judges.

Democrats are offering a candidate who was removed from the Bexar County appointed attorney list after she refused to represent defendants who wouldn't plead guilty - Betsy Johnson.

Republicans are running a Dallas-area defense attorney with a politically famous name and no record of public service - Scott Walker.

We were ready to toss this one up or take a look at third-party candidates, but in his meeting with the Chronicle editorial board, Walker demonstrated a workman's experience in the criminal court trenches that earned our endorsement. The 63-year-old graduate of the Baylor Law School has spent nearly two decades doing criminal defense work at the trial and appellate level. He's never taken a death penalty case, and he admitted that he hadn't spent much time reading U.S. Supreme Court opinions. But in doing the blue-collar work of our criminal justice system, Walker has a first-person perspective on the challenges facing the bulk of defendants in Texas courts - it is a perspective hard to find at the highest level.

"I strongly believe in getting justice for victims, but also believe in due process for the criminal defendant, and there's been a lot of cases over the years where people were convicted without getting their due process," Walker told the editorial board.

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 6: Robert Burns

It doesn't take a deep look at the Texas judiciary to see that the prosecutor's office is often the first step towards earning a bench. The relationship between district attorneys, police and judges is a tight one, and years of wearing the black robes can give even the most dedicated neutral arbiter an unconscious tunnel vision that undermines fairness in our criminal justice system.

Robert Burns, who was first elected to a Dallas County criminal district court in 2006, understands that problem well.

"Too many judges want to side with the state or the police and not be fair and impartial," Burns, 52, told the Houston Chronicle editorial board. "Just call it right down the middle. Be fair, and when you do make procedural decisions, make sure they're decisions that result in guilty people getting convicted and innocent people being set free."

At a time when tensions are high between police departments and the citizens they're supposed to protect, Burns, a Democrat, puts the burden on the judiciary for failing to strike a better balance: Judges keep bail too costly; they excuse police misconduct; they're afraid to upset the law enforcement officers and prosecutors with whom they work.

Burns served as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney before his election to the bench, where he has been praised for his steely resolve in the face of political pressure. A graduate of the SMU Dedman School of Law and board certified in criminal law, Burns has twice been selected by his colleagues as local administrative judge, and voters should elect him to the Court of Criminal Appeals.

Burns' Republican opponent, Michael E. Keasler, has served on our state's highest criminal court since 1998 and is certainly qualified to hold the position. However, Keasler has developed a reputation for focusing more on giving law lectures than ensuring justice is served in Texas.

No matter what, Keasler won't be on the bench for long. Due to the state mandatory retirement age of 75, he'll be forced to resign in four years and will be replaced by a gubernatorial appointment. This move denies Texans an opportunity to have their votes truly count.
A group of parents forming a Parent Teacher Organization for Houston Elementary School is holding an informational meeting tonight.

The drop-by style format is from 6-7:30 p.m. at Olivia Andrew Photography studio in the McCloud Center on S. U.S. 63. It is hosted by Shauna Wells.

Plans for the meeting include volunteering, sharing ideas and learning the purpose of the organization. Those with elementary students are encouraged to attend.
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The remarkable legacy of United States Navy reformer Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr. will be honored when the Navy commissions the USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000), a guided missile destroyer and the first ship to be named for the late admiral who bucked conventional wisdom to modernize the Navy. The ship will be commissioned in Baltimore on Oct. 15 and then homeported at Naval Base San Diego. A veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam and a humanitarian in retirement, Zumwalt (1920-2000) was bold, innovative and caring. He is remembered for his efforts to reduce racism and sexism in the Navy and his lasting commitment to enlisted personnel and minority sailors. This is the stuff of a real leader. Be a human being, but be a strong one. Accomplish your mission and get things done despite challenges and pushback from superiors. Be decisive. Do the right thing. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, take note and learn from this distinguished leader: actions speak louder than campaign promises. In my latest book on leadership, Truth, Trust + Tenacity: How Ordinary People Become Extraordinary Leaders, I discussed lessons in leadership from the military how courage is one trait that must be embodied in servicemen and women in leadership positions. Zumwalt, the youngest person to serve as chief of Naval Operations, faced a multitude of problems internal to the Navy as well as criticism from the press and Washington...
CATEGORY: Top Corporate Leader Award - Over 35 RANK: 16 Name: Amy Stratbucker Title: Lead Consultant Company: AJS Consulting Number of people you lead: Clients and project committees Email: astratbucker@aol.com Our editorial team interviewed Amy Stratbucker from AJS Consulting at the Leadership Excellence Awards this past February. Here are some excerpts from the exclusive interview. What is your strongest characteristic you think has made you a great leader? Being a leader is a responsibility. Ive always felt this strong responsibility and have been committed to furthering my capabilities as a leader of self and others. I believe strong leaders are willing to do a self-appraisal and ask themselves where they can do better.where they must do better. This requires courage and resilience. Ive had the courage to do the right thing, often the more difficult route to take. Taking risks requires courage. Ive been willing to take risks, fail and exercise courage and resilience to get back up and learn from the mistakes and successes. Understanding when it is more appropriate to follow than lead is also an important aspect of being a leader and it takes courage to follow, particularly when you would prefer to lead. Ive had the courage to ask the tough questions, when the answer may not be ideal, yet willing to listen and sometimes go...
Workers standing by the production line at a shoe factory on the outskirts of Hano. Photo by Reuters/Kham

Cheap labor costs and tax breaks are attracting foreign firms.

Last year, Microsoft closed two manufacturing facilities in China and transferred its production line to a plant in northern Vietnam.

The software-focused companys phone manufacturing will be focused in Vietnam, Reuters quoted Stephen Elop, the former CEO of Nokia who now runs Microsoft's devices unit, as saying.

Microsoft is part of a rapidly growing number of global companies that view Vietnam as a new manufacturing power house.

The tide has changed

Labor costs in Vietnam are about half of those in southern China, with factories paying their workers about $4,000 per year. Meanwhile, the price in China is on the rise. Since 2001, hourly manufacturing wages in China have risen by an average of 12 percent a year, according to the Economist. By the end of last year, the average annual wage of a Chinese worker had reached $9,000.

Some believe this means that Chinas days as the worlds manufacturing hub are numbered.

We are aggressively looking for offshore production sites, said Stanley Szeto, chief executive of Hong Kong-based Lever Style, which produces clothes for top brands like Armani, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.

Higher wages in China are making labor-intensive production in industries like our apparel manufacturing less competitive than before, Stanley explained.

Just about 18 months ago, we used to be 100 percent in China. Now 5 percent of our manufacturing is outside China. Hopefully within a year of two, we get to 20-25 percent outside China, said Stanley in an interview

Cheap labor costs are not the only thing Vietnam has to offer, with the government offering incentives such as cutting corporate income tax rate and land rent.

Foreign companies are also being lured to the Southeast Asian country to take advantage of tariff incentives that Vietnam is expected to gain through new-generation free trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and a pact with the European Union (EVFTA). For instance, the TPP will either cut or eliminate tariffs in various sectors for exports from Vietnam to other member countries.

Statistics show foreign-direct investment (FDI) into Vietnam has surged since the country concluded a number of free trade agreements last year.

The country has received an estimated $11.02 billion in actual foreign direct investment (FDI) from January to September, up 12.4 percent on-year and on the track to hit this years target of $15 billion, up from a record $14.5 billion received in 2015, government data shows.

Soaring demand for factory space

In the first half of the year, industrial parks in Vietnam expanded factory space for rent by 2 percent to 41,000 hectares. The occupancy rate during the period was estimated at 70 percent, Hanoi-based real estate agency Savills said in a new report.

According to the report, industrial parks in the southern provinces of Binh Duong and Dong Nai managed to attract approximately $1 billion from foreign manufacturers from January to June.

The high factory rental rate growth has shifted the attention of foreign property service providers to Vietnam.

Recently, Japan's Daiwa House, which is mainly involved in providing construction and real estate services, has announced plans to quadruple the floor space of the factories it operates in an industrial park near Ho Chi Minh City at a cost of $19.7 million.

In a survey conducted by the Japan External Trade Organization asking Japanese companies about which countries and regions they would like to expand their businesses, Vietnam ranked fourth behind China, Thailand and the United States.

Related News:

> Vietnam to shake up supporting industries to seize TPP opportunities

> Chinese furniture firms move to Vietnam to avoid US tariffs

> Japanese investors ready to pour $2 bln into Vietnams real estate market
rieved employees may start eschewing the ERA if the Human Rights Review Tribunal continues to hand out high awards  thats the warning from one employment law firm which says Colin Craigs case could be instrumental in such a shift.Employees who believe they have been sexually harassed or discriminated against in their employment have a right to elect whether to pursue their claim under the Human Rights Act 1993 (HRA) or the Employment Relations Act 2000 (ERA), according to Simpson Grierson partner Phillipa Muir.The Tribunal's recent awards could signal a more lucrative pathway for aggrieved employees who have the option of pursuing a claim under the HRA, she continued.Earlier this week, the Human Rights Review Tribunal released its decision in the highly-publicised case featuring Conservative politician Colin Craig and his former press secretary Rachel MacGregor.Craig was ordered to pay nearly $129,000 for breaching the confidentiality of a settlement with MacGregor - $120,000 of that was for humiliation, loss of dignity and injury to feelings, signalling a continuing upward trend in human rights damages awards."It's very significant in terms of awards of compensation for distress because we've had the Court of Appeal in the employment arena say that awards of around $25,000 to $35,000 were pretty much the high-water mark," explained Muir."That's in relation to Authority and Employment Court decisions. Here we have got the Human Rights Review Tribunal, a separate institution, deciding that for serious wrongdoing they are going to go well over $100,000."However, the Employment Court is far from ignorant when it comes to the imbalance between awards.There has been an express acknowledgement from the Employment Court of a need to recalibrate these awards, says Chapman Tripp senior associate Marie Wisker They have been so stagnant for so long and there has been some high profile decisions coming out from the Human Rights review tribunal decisions where there have been substantial awards made for conduct that, in the employment jurisdiction, you wouldnt see those levels of awards at all.
anisations all over the world are changing at a faster and more frequent pace than ever before but while the increased agility is necessary for businesses to thrive, one HR leader has warned it can leave employees feeling overwhelmed and uncertain.Every business is undergoing change  there is no business in the world which is not undergoing some sort of change or transformation in terms of keeping up with their audience, their customers, whoever theyre serving, or whatever product theyre providing, says Kylie Goodwin , talent acquisition director at Fairfax Media.While constant and concurrent change is found in every professional field, the media industry is arguably one of the most significantly affected  both globally and locally.The sheer amount of change that this industry is going through is enough to challenge the strongest people, says Goodwin. If you look at our business 24 months ago, it was a very different business to what it is now and if you look at the mix of people who were in our business 24 months ago, its a very different business right now.The Sydney-based HR head says its impossible to ignore the impact change has had on employees throughout the company.The effect of new media and us creating a long-term sustainable media business has been really challenging for those continuing in the business, she told HRM.It has been incredibly tough but we dont shy away from the fact that its been hard on our people and we dont hesitate to communicate that it is a constant, a way of life these days.In a battle to mitigate change fatigue, Goodwin says the organisation has been arming its employees with the tools and techniques required to thrive in a constantly changing environment.Over the past two years, weve had a curriculum for all of our front line leaders to go through change and resilience workshops and they have been delivered face-to-face in a room with an external trainer who talks them through how to protect themselves and also how to protect their people from a mental wellbeing perspective and a career wellbeing perspective, she told HRM.Weve been really strong on change fatigue for quite a long period of time, stresses Goodwin, who notes the company has started wrapping the workshops into other initiatives which are delivered via its online Learning Hub.Designed and built in-house at Fairfax Media, the Learning Hub provides a portal for all employees to learn in real time, create content, share and collaborate.The Learning Hub has all sorts of different tools that are available to anyone within the business to be able to support their own well-being, she said.
Fox News isn't exactly a stranger to controversy, but a recent segment has landed the network in a maelstrom of outrage both online and off.

For a segment on "The O'Reilly Factor," reporter Jesse Watters took to New York City's Chinatown to ask locals about the U.S. election.

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The clip's intended premise seems innocent enough. The show's host, Bill O'Reilly, said the idea was inspired by the number of times China was brought up during the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

But critics say the "Watters' World" segment, which aired Monday, stereotyped Asians and even amounted to stalking and harassment.

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In the clip, Watters asks people about the presidential candidates, but footage from movies like "Chinatown" and "The Karate Kid" is played throughout the segment.

Watters also asks two women if he is "supposed to bow to say hello and inquires whether a vendor's watches were "hot."

Watters even gets a foot massage at one point and asks the masseuse if she could play "this little piggy went to market."

This is cringeworthy, and it's unbelievable that it was aired on TV in 2016. https://t.co/HcWmuqzToD  Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) October 6, 2016

Activists and politicians are participating in a protest planned for Thursday outside the channel's headquarters in Manhattan, according to NBC New York.

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"It's 2016," Said Paul Cheung, president of the Asian American Journalists Association in a statement sent to Fox.

"We should be far beyond tired, racist stereotypes and targeting an ethnic group for humiliation and objectification on the basis of their race."

The segment also received a lot of flak on social media:

This is shockingly racist, even by Fox standards https://t.co/9IocTVPhlZ  Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) October 5, 2016

The worst part about @jessebwatters is that his #racist tropes aren't even original. ignorant, lazy journalism. a disgrace @FoxNews#FoxNews  Jooyoung Lee (@theyoungjoo) October 6, 2016

So @FoxNews went to Chinatown to do "comedy" mocking immigrants with poor English. I'm sending a crew to Fox to interview them in Japanese.  George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) October 6, 2016

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New York Mayor Bill de Blasio described Watters' actions as vile and racist.

The vile, racist behavior of Foxs Jesse Watters in Chinatown has no place in our city. @FoxNews  keep this guy off TV.  Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) October 6, 2016

After the clip sparked a storm of controversy, Watters took to Twitter on Wednesday to say that the segment was meant to be a "light piece." He also apologized if anyone was offended by it.

As a political humorist, the Chinatown segment was intended to be a light piece, as all Watters World segments are.  Jesse Watters (@jessebwatters) October 5, 2016

My man-on-the-street interviews are meant to be taken as tongue-in-cheek and I regret if anyone found offense.  Jesse Watters (@jessebwatters) October 5, 2016

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Spectacular Fox News FAILS See Gallery
Sorry world, but don't expect to see too much of Kim Kardashian West on social media anymore.

 A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Sep 29, 2016 at 12:40pm PDT

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West, who previously didn't shy away from posting images of her personal wealth, including the $4.5 million ring that was stolen during the robbery, is reportedly taking a month off work following the robbery, and will "pull back in a big way on social media," a source tells TMZ.

The source also says she will be "less ostentatious with the promotion of her fashion line."

 @lorraineschwartz A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on May 3, 2016 at 12:22pm PDT

An Us Weekly insider says the whole ordeal was "a completely life-changing event for Kim."

"She realizes she was living in a bubble doing what she was doing. She loved flaunting her wealth and being so public," the source continued. "She felt safe and never really thought about her vulnerability. Now she knows she was so naive. Everything has to change going forward."

GIVENCHY COUTURE A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Oct 1, 2016 at 9:40am PDT

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Following the news of Kim's robbery, several celebrities have spoken out about the incident. And while some offered their support to the mother-of-two, others scolded her for flaunting her wealth, including fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld.

"(She is) too public, too public ... we have to see in what time we live. You cannot display your wealth then be surprised that some people want to share it,'' Lagerfeld said after the Chanel show on Tuesday. "I don't understand why (Kardashian) was in a hotel with no security and things like this. If you are that famous and you put all your jewelry on the net you go to hotels where nobody can come near to the room."

Kim Kardashian has yet to speak publicly about the incident, though her spokesperson said the reality star was "badly shaken but physically unharmed."

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An image of a can of 333 beer is seen at the Sabeco office in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam October 5, 2016. Photo by Reuters/Stringer

The slow crawl to the stock market cost Vietnam an estimated $15 billion.

Interest groups allegedly put the brakes on the listing of several state-owned enterprises following their initial public offerings, costing the government of Vietnam an alleged $15 billion.

Two of those companies are key beer producers -- Saigon Beer, Alcohol, Beverage Corp. (Sabeco) and Hanoi Beer Alcohol and Beverage Joint Stock Corp. (Habeco), the Vietnam Association of Financial Investors (VAFI) said in a letter sent to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Wednesday.

The letter attributed the delay to the limited capacity of the individuals appointed to the brewers' boards, a lack of transparency in their corporate management and interference in the listing of public shares.

Many interest groups have maliciously attempted to conceal company information in order to seize control of equitized state-owned enterprises. In doing so, they manage to seize assets from private shareholders and the State, despite the fact that they do not hold a majority of shares in the companies, said VAFI.

VAFI alleged that the interest groups achieve this feat by lowering the price of company shares and then buying out the state's stake through brokered transactions or auctions.

Unlike most other countries, Vietnam treats initial public offerings (IPOs) and listings as two separate processes that are sometimes separated by years.

Legally speaking, companies are required to list shares on the local market within a year of an IPO. However, the maximum fine for violating that rule is a mere VND150 million (roughly $7,000). The country also prohibits the listing of "unqualified" stocks, a rule that may be used to legitimize delays.

In its recent letter to the Prime Minister, VAFI listed several signs that leaders at government ministries sought to postpone the listings. The group said certain officials had appointed unqualified relatives to key positions in targeted companies, doing serious damage to the trust investors placed in the enterprises.

The association called on the government to punish any state representative or ministry leader involved in delaying the listings.

This isn't VAFI's first such letter.

Another correspondence posted on the group's website, dated June 13, asked former Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang to explain why he appointed his son Vu Quang Hai to key positions at Sabeco, Vietnam's biggest brewer.

Former Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang at a National Assembly meeting in 2013. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Ha

The ministry managed to hold onto the government's stake in Sabeco eight years after its IPO.

In its June letter, VAFI alleged that former minister Hoang delayed transferring the governments shares in Sabeco to the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC), a fund created in 2005 to manage state assets.

VAFI also claimed Hoang had delayed Sabeco's listing on the stock market, enabling him to appoint his son and his secretary to senior positions at the brewing company.

Hoang once served as a cabinet member in former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dungs government and stepped down in April. He was Minister of Industry and Trade for two tenures, from August 2007 to April 2016.

During a briefing held on Tuesday, Chairman of the Office of the Government Mai Tien Dung announced that the current prime minister ordered the Ministry of Industry and Trade to list the two brewers on the stock markets by the end of this year.

On Wednesday, Sabeco's CEO Le Hong Xanh told Reuters that the company's listing could come as early as late November. Vice Minister of Industry and Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong added that the ministry will submit a report on the Sabeco appointment to the prime minister during the same month.

Xanh's comments come a day after Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Hoang Quoc Vuong said listings of Sabeco and smaller brewer Habeco could be delayed until the first quarter of 2017.

Related news:

> Listings by top Vietnamese brewers seen delayed to Q1 2017

> Vietnams former industry minister under fire over son's promotions
Family photographer Kirsten Lewis is calling out Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for the ridiculous double standards on his social media site.

The Denver, Colorado mom was recently banned from Facebook for 24 hours after she posted a link to her website that showed a photo of a three-year-old peeing in the sunroom of his house.

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Lewis took issue with this ban for two reasons. First, she did not agree with the message she received suggesting that my post was sexual in nature. And second, she found countless examples of Facebook content which violated the sites policy regarding nudity.

As a result, the 39-year-old photographer wrote a powerful open letter to Zuckerberg asking him to rethink his community standards.

I spend anywhere between 24-72 hours with families simply documenting their life just as it is, Lewis wrote on her website. Kids like to be naked. They like to feel free. They like running around the house, in the sprinkler, through their front and back yards, sans clothing. Its what they do.

Lewis revealed that she included the photo of the boy peeing in her portfolio because its fucking funny. And its real life. While she did try to change the image when it appeared in her link, she was unable to do so.

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I figured because it was a link to a family photography website that it didnt break the rules, and I was not actually posting the image, but apparently that didnt matter, she said.

There is absolutely NOTHING sexual about the picture that was flagged nor any other image I have in my portfolio, and to suggest otherwise is not only incredibly insulting it can also be damaging, she continued.

Why does it matter what warning pops up when you flag and delete an image of mine? Because it suggests that I am violating the very essence of childhood... But beyond me, my biggest concern is what happens when this message appears to a parent who posts a picture of their own child being free, being innocent. You are in some way suggesting to them that the pictures of their own child are wrong. They are sexual and dirty.

Besides asking Zuckerbergs team to change its message to users when flagging inappropriate content, Lewis also addressed a very important point.

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I must ask that if we family photographers, mom, dads, etc, if we must all comply to your rules as stated in my original notification, that everyone else must as well. Correct? That means the poor workers in your DELETE and BLOCK department have some catching up to do, she wrote.

You are in some way suggesting to them that the pictures of their own child are wrong. They are sexual and dirty.

The 39-year-old then took screenshots of three public Facebook pages as examples of sexual content found on the site. All pages are in violation of Facebooks community standards, which state: We remove content that threatens or promotes sexual violence or exploitation. Our definition of sexual exploitation includes solicitation of sexual material, any sexual content involving minors, threats to share intimate images, and offers of sexual services.

Based on this, Lewis demanded that Facebook be held accountable for its actions.

Facebook is seemingly inundated with sex workers soliciting their services from all over the world, she wrote. I am someone expecting that there be some exposure and accountability regarding this double standard that I am experiencing... while there are individuals, pages, groups and photographs existing on your social media website CLEARLY not in compliance with the rules you have set forth.

Less than 24 hours after posting her open letter, Lewis received tons of positive feedback. On Facebook, users couldn't help but agree with the photographer.

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"I always question people who see an innocent nude child and somehow relate that to sexualized. Makes me wonder, one wrote.

Another said: "Very well said and exactly what went through my mind a couple years ago when this happened to me.

This isnt the first time a mother has argued against Facebooks nudity policy. Back in 2014, North Carolina mom and photographer Jill White was banned from the site after she posted an image of her daughter recreating the famous Coppertone sunscreen ad. She was only able to re-upload the image after she censored it.





And earlier this year, Vancouver photographer Morag Hastings also argued against the hypocrisy of Facebooks policy after her childbirth photos were removed countless times. In particular, Hastings questioned why sexual photos of Kim Kardashian were allowed on Facebook, while birthing photos were not.

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CORRECTION - Oct. 7, 2016: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified Kirsten Lewis as Kristen. All mentions have been corrected.

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There's no debate here that Prince George and his sister Princess Charlotte are some of the most adorable royal tots around. And for those of you who were following the royal tour of Canada, we're sure you didn't miss a moment.

But if you weren't about to keep up with the kids, watch the video above to see all of their cutest moments while in the Great White North!

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What was your favourite moment from the royal tour? Let us know in the comments below!

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Dry mouth, headache, nausea... Thanks to a synthetic alcohol developed by a British scientist and former adviser to the U.K. government, by 2050 the harmful consequences of a boozy night on the town may be a thing of the past.

Scientist and a professor at London's prestigious Imperial College, David Nutt has applied for patents for 90 different synthetic alcohol compounds. Two of them are now being seriously tested and could soon be on sale to the general public. Between now and 2050, the scientist believes that his discovery could replace alcohol as we know it today.

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In concrete terms, synthetic alcohol is a drug that mimics the positive cerebral effects of alcohol, but does away with the negative ones, allowing drinkers to experience euphoria without the inconvenience of a hangover. It also benefits from a limited impact on the brain, which makes it impossible for drinkers to feel drunk.

Unlike compounds that have already been tested, the current version of Nutt's synthetic alcohol is not based on a derivative of benzodiazepine, which is used in anti-anxiety drugs. However, the researcher, who aims to keep his recipe secret, refuses to offer any further details. All we know for certain is that the substance should be added to other ingredients when mixing a cocktail.

The scientific team working on the development of synthetic alcohol hopes that its research will have a revolutionary impact on public health and reduce the consequences of alcoholism.

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Telus is retreating from its open support of the Liberal government's carbon pricing plan after it came under attack from right-wing Twitter users.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled a new carbon price: $10 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions in 2018, rising to $50 by 2022.

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In response, Telus tweeted the following:

@TELUSBusiness Guess I gotta go looking for another company...been with telus for 41 years... sad to leave you, but no carbon tax for me! pic.twitter.com/gH6rnj1KpD  Barb Gulka (@barbguE) October 5, 2016

Conservative MP Michelle Rempel slammed the corporation in Parliament on Wednesday.

"To Telus management, the inconvenient truth is that for your customers, your employees, my constituents, and all Canadians, for all of them, you have made the future a lot less friendly by blindly supporting this tax."

Many social media users also took swings at Telus.

Couldn't hate a company any more than I do Telus right now https://t.co/vtwYGKdavX  Dean Skoreyko (@bcbluecon) October 5, 2016

I hope people cancel their @TELUS contracts first when they have to choose between heating and other bills. https://t.co/vss857xysS  Sheila Gunn Reid (@SheilaGunnReid) October 5, 2016

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I'm sure the 63% of your Alberta customers who don't want a carbon tax disagree #ableghttps://t.co/FoPoq767MI  Brian Jean (@BrianJeanWRP) October 5, 2016

The company apologized for the tweet on Wednesday:

Our carbon pricing tweet late yesterday was not meant to be partisan or political, but we know it appeared that way, and were sorry.  TELUS (@TELUS) October 5, 2016

We take your input very seriously and your feedback will inform our sustainability policies and initiatives going forward.  TELUS (@TELUS) October 5, 2016

Telus is a founding member of Smart Prosperity, a coalition of business leaders, think tanks, Indigenous peoples, and more, who are looking to build a stronger economy while minimizing environmental harm.

Telus' apology wasn't enough for former "Dragon's Den" star Brett Wilson  who said he helps to fund Smart Prosperity.

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However Smart Prosperity later contacted The Huffington Post Canada and said that Wilson does not fund the organization.

@TELUS then announce that on reflection the model announced is Ill conceived and divisive to Canada. If you think about it and care.  * W. Brett Wilson * (@WBrettWilson) October 5, 2016

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley has said she won't support the carbon price plan unless the federal government helps realize a pipeline that would carry oilsands product to Canadian coasts.

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this story cited a tweet by Brett Wilson suggesting that he funds Smart Prosperity. Smart Prosperity says this is not the case.

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Two men are being credited with saving a University of British Columbia student from a terrifying dorm attack.

Adam Casey and Luca Berg, who also study at the school, were near UBC's Salish House residence on Tuesday when they heard distraught students saying a girl was being assaulted, according to CBC News.

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"She was screaming," witness Chantel Almeida told the outlet. She said the attacker had injured the woman's throat with a knife.

Two UBC students rescue a young woman from attacker in her dorm room. Thank you, Adam Casey and Luca Berg! https://t.co/lDgZeErk2K  mercedes f duran (@mercedesfduran) October 6, 2016

Casey, an engineering student from Edmonton, said when he got to the scene, he saw the suspect attacking the woman.

"I tried to get his hands off of her neck but he was holding quite tightly," he told CTV News. "I had to go to him and put him in a chokehold."

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Berg, who arrived shortly after Casey, told CBC that he went for the suspect's legs  which were around the victim's neck.

The pair, along with other students, helped hold the suspect down until police arrived.

Thamer Almestadi, 18, has been charged in the attack with attempted murder, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon, according to police on Wednesday. CTV reports Almestadi is an engineering student from Saudi Arabia who also lived in Salish House.

Teen arrested following assault at UBC dorm https://t.co/HDtKZZ2KQQpic.twitter.com/NpuxaziDJy  The Province (@theprovince) October 5, 2016

The victim, a first-year student, is in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Vancouver Sun.

UBC president Santa Ono said in a statement that the school is focused on assisting the victim and her family.

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"We are also deeply concerned for the students who witnessed the assault or who have been affected in any other way and we are providing the help they may need. I appreciate this incident may make some of you feel anxious," he said.

He added that the suspect has been banned from the campus, and that RCMP confirmed there is no risk to the community.

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OTTAWA  A motion condemning all forms of Islamophobia failed to get the unanimous consent of the House of Commons Wednesday  after some Conservative MPs stood opposed.

NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair, who proposed the motion, expressed his profound disappointment.

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NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair talks with media in Ottawa on Sept. 28, 2016. (Photo: Matthew Usherwood/CP)

I cant see how anybody can speak out against a motion that seeks to condemn a form of hatred, he said. Were here to condemn all forms of hatred in our society, whether its hatred against gender identity, hatred against a persons ethnic or cultural origin and, in this case, against peoples religions.

Mulcair thought there would be consent, having discussed the motion with all parties more than a week ago, his office said.

After question period, Mulcair, acting on an e-petition sponsored by Liberal MP Frank Baylis, asked the House to join the more than 66,000 Canadians urging parliamentarians to condemn all forms of Islamophobia.

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While most MPs yelled out: Agreed. A handful of Conservatives said: No.

The motion was denied.

Petition notes 'infinitesimally small number of extremist individuals'

The petition, e-411, notes the contributions Muslims have made to the development of human civilization and states that while an infinitesimally small number of extremist individuals have conducted terrorist activities while claiming to speak for the religion of Islam, their actions do not reflect the values or the teachings of Islam.

We categorically reject all their activities. They in no way represent the religion, the beliefs and the desire of Muslims to co-exist in peace with all peoples of the world, the petition instigated by Samer Majzoub, the president of the Canadian Muslim Forum, states.

Liberal MP and parliamentary secretary for consular affairs Omar Alghabra tweeted his shock at the Conservative MPs actions.

It's sad that Conservatives denied to give a unanimous consent to a motion in the House of Commons to condemn all forms of Islamophobia  Omar Alghabra (@OmarAlghabra) October 5, 2016

Its very difficult to understand what anyone's objection would be to condemn any form of racism or discrimination, he told The Huffington Post Canada.

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Either the Conservatives are too partisan and cant accept any good ideas from other parties  or they have a fundamental disagreement with what the motion asks for, he said.

Liberal MP Omar Alghabra rises in the House of Commons on April 11, 2016. (Photo: Adrian Wyld/CP)

Its troubling. Its a very non-partisan, symbolic, good, positive motion. And I thought it would be like apple pie and motherhood type of statement, Alghabra said.

Majzoub, who was in Ottawa to witness his motion pass, told reporters it was sad to see representatives of the Conservative party stand against inclusion.

[It is] really encouraging, in a way, discrimination and bigotry against Canadian youth and Canadian women, men and children. To see someone standing up or refusing to have a condemnation of an agreed-upon discrimination, it is beyond the speculation of the imagination, he said.

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Canadian Muslim Forum president saddened

Do I go and speak to my kids who were born in Quebec, in Canada, to tell them some of your representatives accept that you are being targeted, they are being discriminated, they are being attacked on the streets physically and verbally? They are being bashed... Because of your religious background or your culture. It is sad. It is outrageous, he said.

Majzoub said he planned to come back with an even larger petition to make sure Islamophobia is denounced.

While Baylis also expressed his disappointment, he said a message of positiveness and hope had also emerged from the petition.

Towards the end of the signature drive, more than a thousand people were signing up a day, he told reporters. All the faiths in his Quebec riding of PierrefondsDollard had come together to help, he said, The rabbi helped. The priest said yes.

We reached out to the Sikh community because 30 years ago this was a Sikh problem. If you wore a turban and you were a man, you were called a terrorist. Today, we say that about Muslim people, he said.

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"Do I go and speak to my kids who were born in Quebec, in Canada, to tell them some of your representatives accept that you are being targeted, they are being discriminated, they are being attacked on the streets physically and verbally?"

Thirty years from now, I dont know who well say that about, but it was wrong then, its wrong today.

So while a handful of people here have let us down, let us all down, Baylis said, he wanted Canadians to know that the country as a whole, Liberals and New Democrats, were all standing together.

That shows, in my estimation, the true Canadian values here, he said.

Conservative party spokesman Jake Enwright told HuffPost he had no comment for now.

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Last winter, when I shared the news with my seven-year-old son that I was taking a job as president of an organization, he responded: "But I thought only men were presidents."

Despite my careful, concerted efforts to raise a son who believes in a just and equal world, the prevailing image he saw was that of the American president. He saw a president as a man.

From Hollywood blockbusters to the daily news cycle to social media streams, the dominant image of power is male. Words are only so persuasive -- but seeing is believing.

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As a child growing up in North America, a continent where every country is led by a man, my son simply expressed what he saw. Imagine how different it would have been had we lived in Iceland during the presidency of Vigdis Finnbogadottir, the first and the longest-sitting woman president in the world. Because of what they saw, children began asking the president if a man could ever be elected to her role.

Imagery and symbolism are powerful forces, especially to children. It is vital that our younger generations see women in leadership positions.

Plan International Canada Youth Ambassador, Nyagua, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Bill Morneau. Photo by Plan International Canada

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Last week, girl ambassadors from Plan International Canada used #GirlsBelongHere to challenge Canadian leaders to give up their seats leading up to October 11th -- the fifth International Day of the Girl. I, along with federal ministers, members of Parliament, ambassadors, school board directors and CEOs answered the call by inviting a girl to take the lead for a day.

In fact, a group of remarkable girls joined political leaders on Parliament Hill for a day as powerful agents of change this week.

The Canadian #GirlsBelongHere initiative is part of a global movement in celebration of International Day of the Girl, with over 160 leadership roles being filled by girls in over 50 countries. The world will see girls in leadership positions, bringing forward a triumphant narrative -- and a powerful picture -- of gender equality and empowerment.

Plan International Canada Youth Ambassador, Diviya, with Rachael Harder, Conservative MP and Critic for Youth and Persons with Disabilities. Photo by Plan International Canada)

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When I entered adolescence, I experienced a distinct shift in how I was valued and measured by society. Though I had the highest grades in my class, my teachers and peers expressed disbelief that a teen girl was the top student.

Of course, devaluing girls and women is a symptom of larger, systemic gender inequality that persists in every country in the world.

As I navigated my career as a young woman, I wish it had been society's belief rather than disbelief that ignited my drive and determination.

Growing up, there were few women in executive and leadership positions for me to see and draw inspiration from.

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Today, we are seeing more women leaders on the international stage, trailblazers like Christine Lagarde, Angela Merkel, and Hillary Clinton. Here in Canada, we have seen strong political figures such as Elizabeth May, Rona Ambrose, and Kathleen Wynne.

This November in the United States, a woman has the chance to shatter that highest, hardest glass-ceiling. If history is made, the headlines we see that day will shape and reshape the worldviews of young girls and boys everywhere.

As I navigated my career as a young woman, I wish it had been society's belief rather than disbelief that ignited my drive and determination. Too often, I was fuelled by the desire to disprove those who doubted that I could achieve my goals.

Despite the barriers I have faced, as the President and CEO of Plan International Canada, an organization that strives to empower girls and women on an international scale, I know that I am privileged.

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A girl in Ghana on her way home after collecting water from a river. Photo by Plan International / Nyani Quarmyne

Millions of adolescent girls around the world remain marginalized and invisible, and are bypassed by global progress. They bear the brunt of poverty, are denied an education, forced into marriage, subjected to violence and barred from decision-making roles.

As Plan International Canada's Global Ambassador Madame Sophie Gregoire Trudeau declared last week, we will show girls here and around the world that they belong in the seats of classrooms, boardrooms, senates, courtrooms, press rooms, corner offices, and everywhere else where decisions are made.

I urge all Canadians to join the movement by sharing a message of support online using #GirlsBelongHere, taking a selfie sitting in a symbolic leadership seat at the Eaton Centre in Toronto from October 9 -- 11th , and of course by calling on leaders to make gender equality a reality.

As a girl growing up, I could only imagine a world in which true gender equality existed.

It's 2016. Let's build a world where girls don't have to imagine. Because seeing is believing.

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The Canadian House of Commons is one of few parliaments in the world to have formally acknowledged and denounced one of the worst crimes against humanity in recent history.

In the summer of 1988, the still-fledgling Iranian theocracy initiated a crackdown on political dissent, partly to save face at the end of the humiliating eight-year Iran-Iraq War. Ayatollah Khomeini issued a religious edict ordering the death of any political prisoner who failed to demonstrate loyalty to the regime.

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After a long series of "trials," some lasting as little as one moment, 30,000 men and women -- mostly activists of the opposition People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) -- were executed.

Every Canadian citizen and policymaker can be proud that their country is ahead of the curve when it comes to recognizing the emergence of new information about the Islamic Republic.

Over the course of several weeks, the mullahs' agents hanged thousands of people with ruthless efficiency, killing not only adult men but also pregnant women and minors as young as 15. Active dissidents were hanged alongside people whose only crimes were reading opposition newspapers or expressing vague sympathy for the PMOI. The orgy of death in 1988 established patterns that continue on a smaller scale to the present day as Iran continues to execute people on the flimsiest pretenses, in such numbers that the Islamic Republic consistently ranks as the country with the highest rate of executions per capita.

The international community recognizes those statistics, but appears to attach little emotional weight to them. Knowledge of Tehran's obsession with the death penalty does not necessarily translate to an understanding of the full extent of the regime's brutality. Widespread ignorance about the 1988 massacre contributes to that lack of understanding. If more parliaments would adopt resolutions such as Canada's, which "condemns the mass murder of political prisoners in Iran in the summer of 1988 as constituting crimes against humanity," then more populations would understand the severe peril that Iranian democrats and dissenters face daily.

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Although it took Canada 25 years to acknowledge formally the #1988massacre and to express ongoing solidarity with Iranian political prisoners, every Canadian citizen and policymaker can be proud that their country is ahead of the curve when it comes to recognizing the emergence of new information about the Islamic Republic.

As the catalogue of such information continues to expand and reach a wider range of countries, Canada has earned a unique opportunity to help guide international policy in more intelligent and realistic directions with regard to Iran's human rights abuses.

Recently, an audio recording emerged after 28 years, providing Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri's condemnation of the massacre of PMOI supporters. At the time, Montazeri was designated to be the Islamic Republic's second supreme leader, but he was driven out of the regime as a result of his refusal to sign off on the campaign of violent repression.

Despite his later status as an outsider, the information he conveyed in the audio recording cannot be questioned. Although Iran is notorious for its national propaganda, the regime has not attempted to deny the veracity of Montazeri's account.

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Consequently, the 1988 massacre has garnered unprecedented attention inside Iran, and conversations about it are finally beginning to be heard in the West. The recording could realize Montazeri's promise that the names of those involved in the massacre "will be etched in the annals of history as criminals." More governments and legislators will receive domestic and international requests to condemn formally the individual perpetrators, many of whom still hold power in Iran.

How can any country which understands the 1988 massacre and the ongoing human rights crisis in Iran seek expanded relations with the fundamentalist theocracy? In light of the unanimous consent for Canada's 2013 resolution of condemnation, we should demand an inquiry into the 1988 massacre by the United Nations and also push for the surviving architects of the massacre to be charged with crimes against humanity.

This action would be an important first step toward bringing an end to Iran's widespread political repression and thus ultimately clearing the way for a secular, democratic government in the Middle East.

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The industry is also working to meet higher sourcing standards.

The Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association (Viforest) is seeing a bright future ahead for the industry, saying new free trade agreements will help boost shipments.

Nguyen Ton Quyen, chairman of the association, told a recent conference that the industry is expecting an annual growth rate of 15-20 percent, without specifying if thats for total revenue or exports only.

There are significant opportunities for the industry to expand its market thanks to a number of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that have and will slash tariffs on Vietnamese wood products, Quyen was quoted by local media as saying.

Vietnamese wood products are available in about 120 countries and territories. Last year the industrys exports hit $7 billion and are expected to rise to $7.3 billion.

At the conference, the association also discussed the need to meet international standards on sourcing, particularly the requirements of the U.S., Europe, Japan and Australia.

Industry data show that the import volume of non-certified wood from high-risk sources declined from 60 percent of all imported logs in the 2013-2014 period to 50 percent in recent years. Specifically the amount of precious wood from Laos and Myanmar has been sharply reduced.

Sawn wood from high-risk sources also fell from 30 percent to 20 percent.

Vietnam's wood exporters are preparing to increase shipments to take advantage of new trade deals. Photofrom doanhnhansaigon.vn

Related news

> Vietnamese wood enterprises forced to branch out overseas

> Vietnams border guards suspended following precious wood logging near Laos

> Brexit to affect Vietnams wood exports to UK: experts
Lee Jae Won / Reuters People hold a large banner, which reads,

When the Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang was visiting Ottawa, a large privacy wall was erected in front of The Westin Ottawa hotel. It was later revealed that the Chinese delegation had requested the hotel to erect the wall so that Mr. Li would not suffer the displeasure of seeing the protesters outside the hotel.

What is now dubbed as "The Great Wall of Westin" is a shame to us all because it has revealed Canada's lack of awareness on the sufferings of people under undemocratic regimes in East Asia. People in China and even "democratic" countries like South Korea continue to suffer from deteriorating human rights conditions and undemocratic practices.

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Although China under Deng Xiaoping had opened its doors to the global market, the Chinese people were not allowed to have the freedom that we take for granted. The infamous Tiananmen incident occurred because Deng ordered the military to end the protest by any means necessary. The Chinese authority's inhumane treatment towards Falun Gong and the dissidents are well-known throughout the world.

But of all the East Asian countries, South Korea has suffered one of the worst deterioration in human rights and democracy in recent years. Once a bastion of democracy in East Asia, which was successfully restored after almost 40 years of authoritarian rule, it has now become the deathbed for democracy.

Seoul, the capital of South Korea. Image from Pixabay.com

Although it is not widely known in the West, the fall of South Korean democracy is old news. Since 2011, Freedom House has rated the freedom of the press in South Korea as only being "partly free." Government critics and social activists are often harassed by ultraconservative activists and "Internet trolls."

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The incumbent South Korean President Park Geun-hye, is the daughter of South Korean strongman dictator Park Jung-hee, who ruled South Korea between 1963 and 1979. Her presidency was nothing close to being democratic from the beginning. Numbers of sources had suggested that the South Korean military and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) manipulated public opinion on web and the number of votes for Park during the presidential election in 2012.

In 2012, South Korean democracy was taken off its life support. The South Korean Constitutional Court disbanded a pro-labor opposition party by ruling its existence as "unconditional" and for being "pro- North." It was an incident that sent a shock throughout the nation. A political party with elected members in the National Assembly was dissolved in broad daylight by the judges loyal to Park.

We have to pay close attention to the deteriorating human rights condition in East Asia.

Many South Koreans still care for democracy. But they face insurmountable challenges in countering the conglomerate of the government, the ultraconservative media, and Park's loyal supporters.

Mr. Baek Nam-gi is the most recent victim of the Park administration. A lifelong democracy activist and the advocate of farmers' rights in South Korea passed away on September 25th. In November 2015, he suffered a serious cerebral hemorrhage after the police water cannon blasted him to the ground. At the time he was participating in a major pro-democracy demonstration in Seoul.

The New York Times have confirmed that whoever was operating the water cannon had deliberately targeted Mr. Baek's head and blasted him with the cannon, operating at maximum output. Neither the South Korean government nor the police have taken responsibility for Mr. Baek's death.

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In addition to "The Great Wall of Westin," the tragedy of Mr. Baek should be taken as a warning that the deterioration of democracy and human rights in East Asia may reach the breaking point in near future. We have to pay close attention to the deteriorating human rights condition in East Asia.

In recent years, we have seen crisis erupting in many places around the world that have suffered under the undemocratic regime. And nothing says East Asia is an exception to the trend.

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Last month, Toronto hosted 6 Degrees Citizen Space 2016, a symposium that included leading thinkers such as Canada's former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, who spoke of Canada's inclusiveness and the ongoing need to build citizenship in our communities.

Our country is known for its commitment to welcoming newcomers -- consider the arrival of 30,862 Syrian refugees to date. It makes sense for a young country like Canada, which is made up of newcomers (my own mom arrived in Toronto from Trinidad as a child), to prioritize inclusiveness and to offer lessons to other countries on how to do this successfully.

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I enjoyed learning more about inclusiveness at 6 Degrees, particularly given that I work for Canada's largest airport. In fact, the area that surrounds the airport is home for many communities of new Canadians: people with energy and enthusiasm who are looking for employment opportunities -- not just to earn a living, but also to build connections within their new home. I happen to believe that airports have a unique opportunity to engage those around us and welcome newcomers to the neighbourhood. After all, our surrounding communities rely on one another to grow and thrive, and without one, we do not have the other.

Like other airports situated outside of city centres, Toronto Pearson is surrounded by some of the most underserved neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area. The regions of Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown, Elms-Old Rexdale and Humber Summit all scored far below the Neighbourhood Equity Benchmark that the City of Toronto releases each year. For new Canadians who start their lives in these neighbourhoods, finding support in the forms of employment and community can be particularly challenging.

We're constantly looking to change the status quo, and are taking steps to ensure that the airport serves as an effective hub to our neighbours in as many ways as we can. Not only do we want to help; it's within airports' best interests to help build the communities that surround them, improve the quality of life and provide employment opportunities to those who live in our backyards.

For example, through the Propeller Project, we've helped give Syrian newcomers transit passes to assist them navigate and travel through Toronto. We're not alone in these types of efforts: similarly, London's Heathrow Airport funds a grant-making charity (Heathrow Community Fund) devoted to improving the communities surrounding the area. As we move forward, the Propeller Project will continue to evolve, and will focus on building pathways to employment and developing diverse talent pipelines.

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Like some of the largest companies in the world, airports employ thousands and thousands of people, with a variety of skills and expertise. And as air passenger traffic continues to increase year over year, the need to find employees in the surrounding communities will only become more urgent.

The largest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, employs approximately 56,000 people. At Toronto Pearson, we currently have 49,000 employees - a number that has grown 23 per cent since 2010. When we think of that size, it's easy to see why airports, including Heathrow Airport (London) and Calgary International Airport, turn to their neighbourhoods for support.

Airports have a responsibility to contribute to their communities by supporting the surrounding neighbourhoods and identifying job opportunities for those living nearby. Inclusiveness is a not just a goal but it is our responsibility to ensure this is reflected in the work we do beyond our doors.

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Alex_533 via Getty Images New construction of high-rise building in Burnaby city

By Rob Bernhardt, Jennie Moore and Karen Tam Wu

In less than 10 years, near-zero emissions homes and buildings will be the new normal in Vancouver. We think the city's Zero Emissions Building Plan will serve as a blueprint for the rest of B.C. and beyond. In addition to reducing emissions and energy use, the plan will lead to improvements in the quality of homes and buildings. This plan will be an important catalyst in the local, clean, low-carbon economy.

Builders in Vancouver have already incorporated a near-zero emissions approach to their projects. For example, the Passive House standard, the leading standard for energy efficient buildings with near-zero emissions is rapidly being adopted in Vancouver. Twelve projects are currently in development around the city, totaling more than half a million square feet of floor space.

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Throughout B.C., from Fort St. John, to Bella Bella, to Smithers and around the world, buildings are being constructed to Passive House standards. The total number of Passive House units in North America has quadrupled in the last year from 500 to over 2,000 units.

Energy bill savings in these homes are so impressive that heating bills can be reduced to as little as $60 per year.

The difference in such buildings is notable; they are draft-free, soundproof, have warm floors, moderated summer temperatures and fresh, filtered air. These are the results of incorporating simple elements such as extra insulation, high-quality windows, and ventilation systems that recover heat into the buildings and eliminate heat losses to the outside. This also means far less energy is needed to heat these homes. Energy bill savings in these homes are so impressive that heating bills can be reduced to as little as $60 per year.

Currently in B.C. there are over 10,000 "green" homes and buildings, built to a higher standard of energy efficiency, including Passive House. Over 23,000 jobs in constructing new buildings and upgrading existing homes exist in this sector. Vancouver's plan will grow these job numbers.

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In response to increasing interest in and demand for tradespeople and professionals to build near-zero emissions buildings, the School of Construction and the Environment at British Columbia Institute for Technology (BCIT) is offering certificates and master's degrees in areas such as building energy modeling and building science to advance construction skills, knowledge and innovation in the building sector. Recently, BCIT launched its new High-Performance Building Lab.

Students will have a hands-on venue to practice and perfect techniques required to build high-performance envelopes, such as constructing super insulated walls, eliminating points of air leakage and testing air tightness. This practical know-how will be highly coveted in the expanding market in Vancouver -- and elsewhere -- for energy efficient buildings. BCIT's High Performance Building Lab is a critical piece in supporting government and industry leadership in delivering energy efficient buildings that are an important part of the climate solution.

The market for low emissions energy efficient homes and buildings is well underway abroad. The European Union passed a directive in 2010, requiring that all new buildings be nearly zero energy by the end of 2020. In the U.S., the state of California, and cities like Boulder and New York have committed to similar targets by 2030.

In Canada, Vancouver is not alone in this move to near-zero emissions buildings. All levels of government across Canada are putting in place policies that will shift our communities and our economies to low carbon, including the way we build and heat our homes and buildings.

B.C.'s new Climate Leadership Plan sets a goal for new buildings to be net-zero ready by 2032; by 2030 all new buildings in Ontario will be net-zero ready. We expect the federal government to echo similar intentions under the national climate strategy to be revealed this fall.

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As other governments wrestle with how to make good on commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Vancouver has laid down a plan that will result in higher quality homes and buildings, boost the economy, and accelerate us farther along the path to low carbon. We're proud to be part of this leading edge of the low-carbon economy.

Rob Bernhardt of Bernhardt Contracting is a builder and homeowner.

Jennie Moore is associate dean of building design and construction technology at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Karen Tam Wu is director of the buildings and urban solutions program at the Pembina Institute.

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JGI/Tom Grill via Getty Images Hispanic nurses working in hospital

I ran to the Code Blue: a woman, 60's, just diagnosed with metastatic cancer, was found unresponsive -- in other words, dead.

With seconds to act, somehow, we brought her back and hooked her up to life support. This was a rural Ontario hospital so we initiated the transfer process to a larger center with a full-scope ICU.

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As I walked out, a doc caught my sleeve: "Don't go too far," he said, "I might need your help: mom of 2, thirties, generally healthy, bilateral influenza pneumonia and decompensating steadily."

A sick feeling settled in the pit of my stomach.

All around Ontario, doctors and nurses do what they can with what they have. More often than not, we simply don't have enough so we stretch resources to meet patient need. This holds true in glossy downtown Toronto hospitals as well as small community hospitals. With luck, grace, wit and grit, we get by -- but not always.

This particular hospital had two life support machines. Two ventilators. 99% of the time, two was enough. Until one of them broke. So, I faced a hard decision: who gets our one and only ventilator? The 67-year-old mom with metastatic cancer whose son requested more time? The 30-year-old mom with overwhelming pneumonia and two babies waiting at home?

I have been thinking a lot lately about physicians, Medicare, the government and the politics of rationing care.

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In the podcast, "Playing God", journalist Sheri Fink discusses the concept of triaging. Her setting: a New Orlean's hospital during Hurricane Katrina. She speaks of doctors and nurses faced with hard decisions: the power's out, the back-up geni's going, who gets evacuated first? Who gets saved? Who is left to die?

Triage means you don't have the wherewithal to help everyone so a calculated decision is made to prioritize some over others. You serve the greater good even as you sacrifice the individual.

A John Hopkins physician posed this question to a group of volunteers. The setting: a hypothetical flu pandemic and limited ventilators. She didn't ask doctors or nurses. Instead, she asked regular people. Their reasoned responses mirrorred conversations I have with my colleagues on an almost weekly basis.

Granted, my setting is neither a pandemic nor an environmental disaster. But, I know that doctors and nurses on the front-lines across Ontario are forced to ration care each and every week.

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Years of under-funding and mismanaging health care led to an obvious mismatch between available resources and overwhelming patient need. The sickest get the doctors, nurses, hospital beds, ORs, imaging and investigations. The rest wait -- many of whom become sicker, some of whom even die.

Access to a waitlist is not access to health care.

We simply do not have enough to give everyone the care they need right when they need it. In an ideal world, we would. That is the definition of timely, universal health care. But in real-world Ontario, we are forced to triage patients and ration health care. Too many people, too few publicly-funded resources.

Emergency Departments are a microcosm reflecting this system. No patient is turned away. But resources -- doctors, nurses, bed and equipment -- are finite.

People walk in with trifling concerns: hangnails, splinters, constipation. People walk in with non-emergent concerns: twisted ankles, cat scratches, months of stable back pain or abdominal pain.

People also arrive with horrible concerns: limbs accidentally amputated by table saws; heart attacks where the docs and nurses literally bring them back from the dead; 3-year-olds with broken faces from car accidents and improper carseat use; stabbings, gun shot wounds, burns, blood infections, drownings.

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Their setting: tiny stalls crowded with ER stretchers where the curtains brush against the doctor's hip as they lean over to examine the patient. Machines beep. Patients moan. The smell of bleach and antiseptic mingles with vomit and blood. The nurses are run off their feet. The docs have no legislated breaks -- meals are skipped because the need is overwhelming. "Logged 8000-9000 steps each shift," texted a colleague.

They are some of the unsung heroes of our chaotic health care system.

Doctors try to focus on each patient's story, but they worry: the woman in trauma bay with a gaping head wound; the boy in room 4 with the dislocated shoulder; the 87-year-old woman with stomach pain; the 17-year-old who overdosed on Percocets. Then the ambulance arrives with more. They juggle such stories of pain, fear, trauma.

Nearly every hospital now faces a perpetual bed crisis. The downstream effect on the Emergency Department means sick patients line up in hallway stretchers, waiting for a ward bed. Last month, one doc counted 60 patients waiting for beds in an urban hospital ER -- far beyond capacity. They were farmed out to neighboring hospitals.

With such overwhelming need and insufficient resources, ER doctors make hard decisions: who to send home? Who to park in a waiting room chair for more investigations? Who to admit?

Wait-times are long, tempers are short. With no one else to blame, patients snap at those trying to help. And at least once a shift, a patient threatens lawsuit or complaint.

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"We as a profession can literally bend over backwards to give people an awesome customer service experience in a broken system, and it doesn't matter," said an ER colleague, crying in the backroom, something she hasn't done in decades.

This is Ontario. Our system is broken. And all around, doctors, nurses and patients are breaking. We cannot hide from this frightening truth.

This conversation needs all of our voices. Not just politicians who manage health care at arms' length. Not just the highly-educated doctors and nurses who have to look patients in the eye.

Ontario must answer: too many patients, too few resources, how do we choose who gets what when we simply don't have enough?

Details in story have been altered to protect patient identities.

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Alicia_Garcia via Getty Images A black calf looking at the camera from behind a country gate, England, UK.

News that Canada's largest dairy farm is to plead guilty to animal cruelty charges is another blow to an industry under pressure.

The B.C. company, Chilliwack Cattle Sales, was charged in March with animal cruelty after an undercover video taken in 2014 showed animals on the farm being routinely whipped, kicked, and punched in their faces, bodies and testicles. Still more animals were documented on video suffering from untreated gruesome injuries and infections.

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The video, taken by animal advocacy group Mercy for Animals Canada, was a key piece of the evidence handed to Crown Counsel by the BC SPCA, which investigated the allegations. The case rocked the Canadian dairy industry, with the disturbing video being carried on television news across the country. It responded by painting Chilliwack Cattle Sales as a bad apple "We strongly believe this to not be the norm," said a B.C. Dairy Association spokesperson.

Such extreme cruelty may not be widespread, but documents obtained by the Vancouver Sun in September revealed that 25 per cent of B.C. dairy farms failed to comply with a provincial Code of Practice related to animal welfare during an 18-month period.

The documents, according to the Sun, showed that inspections by the B.C. Milk Marketing Board found "overcrowding, lame or soiled cattle, tails accidentally torn off by machinery, branding and dehorning of calves without pain medication, cows lying on concrete, and failure to produce a manual outlining management practices on individual farms."

Clearly, leaving it to the industry to police itself is not an effective way to enforce animal welfare standards and prevent abuse.

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But even if criminal abuse could be prevented, would "the norm" on dairy farms be acceptable to the public? A recent University of B.C. study suggests not. The study involved taking 50 members of the public on a tour of a dairy farm considered to be "good" by industry standards and conducting before-and-after surveys about their perceptions of animal welfare on the farm.

Perception improved for only 12 of the participants, with the majority being more critical or having no change in their perceptions. The study concluded that "... it would seem that the farm visit did not result in an overall increase in confidence, as would have been predicted by the knowledge deficit model of public understanding."

In other words, learning about the dairy farm did not alleviate concerns about animal welfare for most of the visitors. Key issues for the study participants concerned lack of access to pasture and the separation of calves from their mothers.

The problem for the dairy industry -- and for all modern animal agriculture -- is that many people find their practices disturbing and unacceptable. And "educating" consumers by showing them exactly what happens on farms is hardly going to help, as the UBC study's authors point out: "The implication is that the livestock industries cannot expect one-way education efforts (even immersive experiences such a farm tour) to resolve societal concerns about animal welfare."

The meat and dairy industries are in an awkward position. They like to say that consumers (especially urbanites) are "out of touch" with farming. Why not put us in touch, then?

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Show photos of calves being separated from their mothers on milk cartons. Show cattle standing in manure in crowded feedlots on fast-food burger ads. Show pigs being slaughtered on bacon packages.

Not likely, is it?

Instead we will continue to see advertising and packaging with images of little red barns and farm animals frolicking in fields. That's the only way the livestock industry can market itself. Because the reality of its treatment of animals is a pretty hard sell.
 Handicap International / A. Shivji during a mission for Handicap International in Haiti in 2010

Seeing the images of Haiti devastated by Hurricane Matthew moves me and gives me a feeling of deja vu. I have been lucky enough to work in Haiti over several years and loved my time spent alongside some incredible Haitians. But it also brings back memories of facing a terrible disaster - this is sadly not the first time Haiti has faced a major humanitarian catastrophe, and, unfortunately, not the last time either.

Back in 2008, the first of many times I would set foot in Haiti, the country was hit by four successive hurricanes. Thousands of people were affected, many lost their home and belongings, and massive landslides destroyed entire communities. Then, in 2010, the world was shocked by the heart-breaking pictures of destruction and desperation left after the violent earthquake that killed 230,000 people and injured a further 300,000.

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In both of these disasters, as it will be the case with Hurricane Matthew, people with disabilities are often disproportionately affected. In 2008, I remember wading through thick grey mud to speak with a blind man. Before the hurricane he was independent and ran his own shop. But when I met him, he was housebound, unable to find his way around through the mud. I met countless other people whose wheelchairs or walking aids had been damaged, and who could no longer move around independently.

Fast forward two years and the 2010 earthquake had an equally catastrophic impact on the population. I still vividly remember how the actions of my team on the ground at the time were a question of life or death for thousands of Haitians. Some people had terrible injuries that, left untreated, could turn into life-long disabilities. In a country where the only rehabilitation centre was reduced to dust, 4,000 people lost a limb in the earthquake and needed prosthetics to walk again. Thousands more were already in a situation of disability and found themselves in very difficult circumstances - unable to access food, water or shelter.

Sadly I know from experience that, in a disaster such as Hurricane Matthew, people with disabilities and injuries struggle to access the care they need and can easily find themselves excluded and forgotten. As one of Handicap International's surveys 'Disability in humanitarian context' highlighted, a shocking 75% of people with disabilities believe that they have insufficient access to essential humanitarian services.

This is the reason why we will do everything we can to ensure that after Hurricane Matthew, vulnerable, disabled and injured people are not left behind.

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Handicap International's teams in Haiti are assessing the damage and the essential needs of people affected by the hurricane. A backup team is also arriving this week to help organise the emergency response and facilitate access by other humanitarian organisations to areas worst hit by Hurricane Matthew.

At the moment, with the main bridge between the capital and the affected area cut off and mobile communications on the brink, it's very difficult to know the exact situation. But we do know a few things:

1.Haiti is an extremely impoverished country. Many people live in very precarious circumstances and are still recovering from the deadly earthquake of January 2010. In this context of widespread poverty, a hurricane like Matthew has the power to completely devastate entire communities and the conditions for people with disabilities are alarming.

2.Haitians are resilient. Having spent a long time working alongside and supporting some fantastic people, I know they will overcome this hurricane, yet another disaster to hit their country.

3.Sadly, in a few weeks or even days, the fate of Haitians will drop out of the news and the world's attention will move on. But Haitians will still need our help once the camera leaves. The Haitian government has called for international assistance, and we have a responsibility to support them. To help us give life-saving and practical help to disabled, injured and vulnerable people affected by Hurricane Matthew you can make a donation on our website.

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My heart goes out to each and every Haitian. A natural disaster is an awful experience to live through and very tough to overcome. Haitian people need our help and support to get through it and get their life back on track.
Resting on one's laurels, and getting lazy whilst relying on a good reputation simply will not do in the catering and hospitality industry. The best restaurants in London know all too well that they've got to stay edgy, current, and keep on changing things up to meet the customer's desires!

Cue Hawksmoor, a very highly renowned British steakhouse and cocktail bar chain, that have been doing just that, and very, very well indeed. If you haven't heard of the Hawksmoor chain, and you're a Londoner with a love for all things meaty, take note. Famed for its succulent steaks and first class service, it's an impressive restaurant that I implore you to visit. Hawksmoor was founded in 2006, and its original establishment is based in Spitalfields, Shoreditch, near to where the architect Nicholas Hawksmoor built Christ Church (hence the name).

It's not the only site where you'll find a Hawksmoor restaurant however, in fact In London there are four more; Seven Dials, Air Street (a two minute stroll from Piccadilly Circus underground, Knightsbridge and Guildhall (in the City). From what I've seen and heard, all are somewhat unique in character, but simultaneously true to the Hawksmoor style. Google Hawksmoor and it will inform you that the Hawksmoor chain is 'high-end', but do not get nervous, don't think for a second that substance has in any way been compromised for style, as is so often the case in London. Within these restaurants it's very much a case of style meeting substance and shaking it firmly by the hand.

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I am fortunate enough to have indulged on juicy steaks at the Hawksmoor on several occasions. Each time was lip-snacking, and better than the last. This time was different, and the departure from the norm had me unsure as to what to expect.

I had heard that Hawksmoor's Executive Chef Richard H Turner had been on the search for something a little different to put on the menu. After weaving his way through the colourful and buzzing streets of Manila and the quaint neighbouring City of Tagaytay, in a hunt for culinary inspiration, he came up with... The Filipino Burger. A major foodie myself, I had to try it, so I headed along to Hawksmoor Sevendials. It's a burger with a difference. In short, it's a succulent grilled pork patty, topped with Richard's personal twist on original pork Adobo (the hallmark dish of the Philippines, made of juicy marinated pieces of pork), then topped with a sizeable chunk of Buffalo Mozzarella and a squeeze of Banana Ketchup. Ketchup lovers fear not, the banana ketchup is not as strange as it sounds, it's delicious, and compliments the burger to a tee. On the side you'll get pork chicharrones and coconut vinegar. If you want to know more about how the Filipino Burger is made, or feel you need convincing before ordering, ask your waiter or waitress. You'll see the service is second to none. When I visited I was looked after by Tristan, who provided the most impressive waiter service you could imagine, the whole evening long. He talked me through my order before it arrived, and also spoke very proudly of the Hawksmoor brand, and all its culinary delights, saying that he loves his job. I quizzed him on the menu, and he did a good job of convincing me that In time I need to return to try each and every item on the menu! Tristan described the chicharrones that accompany the burger it for me, 'think pork cracking that literally melts in your mouth'. He was right, they were incredible.

Filipino food might not be something that you know much about. Perhaps you have not yet tried it- I certainly hadn't, but this Filipino-inspired cheeky flavour fusion at the Hawksmoor opened my eyes, and broadened my palate to a series of flavours that has left me craving more. Through his travels around the Philippines, Chef Richard clearly mastered the art of cooking the Filipino way, and this cheeky burger made me realise that sometimes, it's worth stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new.

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Following the recent announcement that the Calais Refugee Camp faces immediate closure and demolition, the 10,000 + residents will now need to be re-homed and moved (1,000 of which are unaccompanied children). Each have been forced together through mutual desperation, from many nations, different tribal groups or religious sects: Kurds, Syrian Alawis, Sunnis, Shi'ites, and countless others united under the vague banner of the refugee.

There, in Calais, they have made their home, their only hope, at times, have been fruitless attempts to sneak across the border.

In July this year I turned up to volunteer at Calais, carrying nothing but good intentions and a high-vis jacket. .

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The camp, obviously, is not a place for tourists. This was detailed to us daily; daily, too, was the assertion that nobody would be sent to the camp unless they had a specific job to do, and those sent there had to have been working at the warehouse for some time and thus will have been in Calais for a long time as it was important for those in the camp to know who to look out for and to be used to certain faces. Going to the camp against this policy seemed to me exploitative, and badly affecting the dignity of those who have been forced to call that scrap of land their home. Though I felt that it was important to understand the full picture of the operation and the reasons for being there (indeed working in the warehouse feels at times disconnected from the larger issue) my interest and curiosity, I decided, was simply outweighed by the privacy and dignity of those living there.

I never saw the camp myself. Instead I helped out across the warehouse, and each job I did, no matter what it was, there was never a sense that I wasn't contributing, or I wasn't helping. In each job, and the many other jobs or roles I didn't engage in, there was a beautiful sense of camaraderie. Each person I met there was unfailingly welcoming and good company. In conversation I learned a great deal about the operations of the charity, and the lives of those in the camp.

I learned of an Iraqi who had a PhD in Political Science and spoke many languages, who now, nightly, tried to sneak underneath lorries and vehicles to cross to the UK. I heard that there were a number of men in their early 20s who lacked any education at all and studied, diligently, with small children (a large number of whom reside in the camp alone). Someone mentioned that they saw a family of three, who were extremely well dressed and wealthy-looking, arrive at the camp as refugees. Such stories are in their thousands in the Calais camp alone, let alone Dunkirk, or the many other similar camps across the continent.

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In much the same way I met an Ecuadorian who has spent their summer break volunteering in the warehouse as well as teach French (and I think Spanish) to some refugees. I met people who have volunteered there for seven months with only a handful of breaks; people who volunteer at both Calais and Dunkirk at the same time, and each one there were equally great and inspirational.

However, despite all this promise, and the huge number of donations we all had to deal with, there were often shortages. Though we had a near constant flood of clothes, there were rarely enough shoes for the thousands of refugees.

Food too was often insufficient. I heard it mention that at the Eid Feast, there wasn't nearly enough food to feed them all; some went without even one meal per day, despite the tireless efforts of the volunteers.

I was, at times, bothered by a thought that, if my concern was to truly be as useful as I could be, considering my skills weren't particularly useful to them, then surely I would be better served simply donating the fairly reasonable amount of money I spent to be there.

I wasn't turning up with any real skills, my being there was more a case of me, subconsciously patting my privileged self on the back for doing something apparently good. That this was the underlying reason that I was there, and no matter what I did there, all it amounted to was voluntourism. But despite everything, all my concerns were meaningless.

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The Refugee crisis in northern France, (there is another camp in Dunkirk) has caused tensions and great aggravation to the governments of Britain and France, despite the fact that the number of refugees in France and the UK are borderline insignificant compared to the numbers gladly received in smaller nations like Lebanon who have taken over one million Syrian refugees alone.
This past weekend, Jon Holmes was allegedly fired from the Now Show on BBC Radio Four to make way for its new diversity stimulus. The Mail on Sunday went with the headline, "I Was Sacked For Being a White Man". Holmes has since declared that he never said these word nor was he contacted for comment. However, he has asked the question (very tentatively I should add):

"Should I, as a white man (through no fault of my own), be fired from my job because I am a white man? Arguably, yes. You may well think I'm c**p on The Now Show, and that's fine, but to be told it's because I'm the wrong sex and colour? I'm just not sure that's helpful to anyone's cause."

Given the nature of the UK comedy industry and your average social justice wanker, before everyone jumps down Holmes' throat, let's just remember, all he did was ask a question and address a very complex issue.

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The short answer to Holmes' query is yes, yes you should lose your job for being a white male to make way for diversity. Is this racism and sexism? The short answer, again, is yes, yes it is. The longer answer is: and it's a good thing, it's a teeny tiny window into what sexism and racism feels like. Straight white men like myself are discovering empathy for the first time and naturally we're a little confused. But empathy and broader perspective in comedy is a good thing. It actually makes us all better comics. Oddly enough, I'd written about exactly this on comedy website Chortle last week here.

Firstly let's address the idea that the straight white male is the new "minority". The uncomfortable truth, anthropologically speaking, is, we are. Last time I checked there are a lot more of practically every other kind of human in this world than there are straight white males. We're just overexposed and over-represented in the media.

Secondly, let's look at the institution of Radio 4 comedy itself, it's an ongoing joke amongst stand-ups that radio 4 comedy is a bit of a stuffy, puffed-up, white English nightmare. The punchline being, it's nothing but a bunch of straight, middle class white males, making jokes about what a racist/sexist/homophobe Nigel Farage or whomever the latest bete noire is.

Is that irony tickling the back of your neck? I know white Britain thinks it has a monopoly on the concept, which is why literally billions of Asian and black folks laugh so hard when white Britain refers to them as minorities.

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Since the BBC's diversity initiative launched every panel show has to have one woman and one "ethnic" leading to cries of tokenism and reverse discrimination. And it is unfair, deeply unfair. It is racism and it is tokenism. Because do we know what would actually be fair and equal footing? If it wasn't always just one. That maybe once in a while there was only one white male on the bill.

Before you respond with, "Well this is typical Huff-post PC gone mad". Ahem, allow me to introduce myself: I'm Brendon Burns and almost no one likes me. Political correctness has never been a friend to me or my comedy. But also, trust me when I say, this is where PC comes from. It places white male culture at the centre and almost everyone else as outsiders looking in. With less diverse bills come less diverse audiences. And without diversified bills and audiences I, for one, find there's not a lot left to joke about.

So I offer a solution, since writing the Chortle piece I've been contacted by several club runners to host a "token white male" night. Where there is only ever one straight, white, able-bodied male on the bill. At first I balked, because I see the inherent hypocrisy of trying to get myself a gig off the back of black, brown, Asian, gay, women and disabled people. But after speaking to Alfie Noakes at the "We Are Funny Project" in Dalston. I figured I'd pitch in to get things started and hand over the reins once it's up and running. Our hope being that with diversified bills, comes the diversified audience I've been longing for.

This is not an attack on Jon Holmes either, he asked a perfectly reasonable question, humbly and with good humour. As I've discovered hosting the Dumb White Guy podcast, it's never bigoted to ask a question regarding gender, sexuality or race. It is however, to never accept a good answer and change. So this is actually an open invitation to Holmes and those like him. To come and be the token straight white male one time. I'm pretty sure we'll all discover that there are plenty of gay, black, Indian, Pakistani, disabled, trans-gendered and female comics all perfectly capable of taking our "spot". Hell, I'm even offering mine.

Brendon's latest tour show: Brendon Burns, Black Comedian is on sale here

For more info on the "We are Funny People" diversified project go here
In the West, when we think 'minimalism,' we often think of the arts: the simple expressions of Frank Stella, Dan Flavin or Donald Judd; the sleek lines of Dutch interiors by De Stijl or the stark architecture of Le Corbusier, for example. But in fact, its roots are far older, deeper and more spiritual than that.

It's hard to say exactly when and how minimalism originated, but some would say it began with Buddhism centuries ago. After all, many of its principles are aligned with minimalist values, such as:

Letting go of attachment

Reducing suffering and increasing happiness

Mindfulness and focus

Kindness and compassion

Buddhist monks live highly minimalist lifestyles because these principles flow with their belief systems. All true Buddhists believe that everything is impermanent and clinging to or wishing for goods, relationships and even concepts constitutes desire and attachment, which are at the root of all suffering. So the secret to happiness is - contrary to all we've been indoctrinated with in the West - to simply want less stuff.

No surprises that the tiny, 'undeveloped' Buddhist nation of Bhutan is said to be the happiest in the world: famously, since 1971, the country has rejected GDP as the only way to measure progress. Instead, Bhutan championed a new approach to development which measures prosperity through formal principles of gross national happiness (GNH) and the spiritual, physical, social and environmental health of its citizens and natural environment.

Their attitude towards spiritual over material development is evident in many ways: rather than advertisements visually littering the streets, you will find mantras like: 'Let nature be your guide' or 'Life is a journey - enjoy it!'. Instead of exploiting the natural world for material gain, nature is at the heart of public policy, and environmental protection is even enshrined in the constitution. The country has pledged to remain carbon neutral and to ensure that at least 60% of its landmass will remain under forest cover in perpetuity. It has banned export logging and has even instigated a monthly pedestrian day that bans all private vehicles from its roads. People here live simply, with very few possessions; it was also the last nation in the world to get television (in 1999 - which is said to have caused a rise in crime). But it is 'the happiest nation in the world'.

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How Minimalism Makes You Happier

You don't need to be Bhutanese to benefit from minimalist living. In fact, virtually everyone we've spoken to about making such a lifestyle choice has said it has benefitted them enormously.

For example, Rob Greenfield, the 'Dude Making a Difference', gave up a cushy job in marketing, his house, car and most of his material goods slowly over the course of almost a decade. Today, he's a bit of a nomad, sometimes 'tenting it' in South America with his girlfriend, living in his 'teeny greeny' house in San Diego, or biking around America to show people how dumpster diving behind supermarkets can not only feed you (and a small army) for free, but also highlights how wasteful our society is. After making such radical changes, Rob says he's 'never been happier.' You can see more about Rob's journey to a minimalist lifestyle here.

Bea Johnson is another supporter of a minimalist lifestyle. She's the author of a book on the subject, and runs the Zero Waste Home blog where she regularly writes about how living with less is possible, even in a family of four: she makes her own cosmetics, takes Mason jars to fill when doing the shopping, and wears only a few items from a capsule wardrobe. The mother of two believes this lifestyle is the only way forward if we are to preserve the planet for generations to come.

In fact, the benefits of minimalist living aren't just good for the planet, they're good for all of us. Just a few gains we could all benefit from include:

Saving money

Travelling more lightly

Being able to move house faster and more easily

Worrying less about upkeeping and maintaining possessions

Appreciating what little you do have, much more

Creating far more space at home

Spending less time cleaning and washing things

Spending less time on acquisition and more time on introspection

Living minimally doesn't mean your life need be bereft of style: minimalist designers like Fransisco Costa, Issey Miyake and Bruno Pieters and others create timelessly beautiful clothing with a 'less is more' aesthetic. In the 1970s, Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called 'Wardrobe,' came up with the idea of the 'capsule wardrobe' which involves mixing and matching a few essential items such as a skirt, white shirt, trousers, jeans, tee shirt, flats and jacket, which could then be accessorised with seasonal pieces like scarves, coats, hats, and accented with jewellery. It's exactly this sartorial philosophy that Bea Johnson follows, and she's as stylish as you'd expect any French woman to be!

It's Easy To Change

Minimal living is easy: just start downsizing by giving away stuff - especially anything you haven't used in around a year. You'll be glad you did - you'll feel lighter, and scientists have even proven you will feel happier. For example, a 2010 Do Good Live Well Survey of 4,500 American adults showed that of those in their study who gave their time or belongings to charity, 68 percent reported that it made them feel physically healthier; 89 percent that it "has improved my sense of well-being" and 73 percent reported feeling lower stress levels.

And other studies back those findings: Elizabeth Dunn, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia in Canada, discovered that those who donate to charity have lower blood pressure, even when controlling for factors like income, wealth, age and exercise, which suggests the giving itself is responsible.

Step two is simply: appreciate what you have. Revel in the space you've created and focus on the wonderful things you do have - these are the things you have selected as being most useful or beautiful. Treasure them!

Finally, the last step is: just stop buying crap. We've all shopped to raise our mood or out of boredom, and bought things impulsively or due to peer pressure. It's time to be more conscious, not only of what we put onto and into our bodies (with respect to organic cosmetics and food), but also to what we put into our homes and on our backs. Advertising is powerful, but less so when you realise it's playing into your insecurities. Do you really think following trends makes you a cooler person? Do you really believe owning a lot of luxury goods will make you happier?

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Think of it this way: for every single thing you buy - be it a new top or a new sofa - that involves taking precious resources from the Earth and destroying the planet a little bit more. And those resources will probably not return to the Earth; instead they will transform into some form of pollution, whether it's landfill, smog (from rubbish incinerators) or sewage. Is having new furniture worth ruining forests for? Is that new jewellery worth ripping a mountain apart for a mine?

Every dollar you spend also represents some amount of your time that you've spent working instead of doing something more fun. Wouldn't you rather spend less and work less? Or spend that money on an experience with loved ones?

When you look at it that way, is any frivolous purchase ever really worth it? Sure, owning less is great, but wanting less is the key here - once we realise that owning 'things' will not make us more attractive, happier or better people, but connections to those we love and the planet that sustains us will, minimal living seems to be the best kept secret for maximum peace of mind.
An exodus of Chinese firms fleeing U.S. anti-dumping action instills fear in local furniture makers.

Vietnamese furniture manufacturers say Chinese furniture makers seeking to capitalize on the country's tariff-free trade with the United States will ultimately ruin it.

Last year, the U.S. imposed anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese-made beds, nightstands and other wood products in an attempt to protect domestic manufacturers from undervalued foreign competition.

Ngo Sy Hoai, vice chairman of the Vietnam association of timber and wood products (Vifores), said the U.S. slapped tariffs ranging from 55 and 120 percent on Chinese furniture, while scrapping duties on similar goods coming out of Vietnam.

Many Chinese furniture companies responded by quickly moving their manufacturing to Vietnam. Official statistics hold that a third of Vietnam's foreign-invested furniture companies are Chinese-owned.

The Vifores executive predicted that these Chinese firms will soon enjoy the benefit of Vietnam's free trade agreements, like the pending Trans Pacific Partnership and EVFTA. He suggested local firms faced a significant threat from the rising quantity of low-priced products leaving Vietnam's ports.

Huynh Van Hanh, vice chairman of Ho Chi Minh Citys association of handicraft and wood business, said Chinese companies have recently stepped up their efforts by acquiring majority stakes in local producers.

An export surge, no matter what the industry, could lead to a situation in which Vietnamese companies are accused of dumping, Hanh said.

Americans spend over $2 billion on Vietnamese furniture every year, a sum that makes up roughly 30 percent of the country's total exports, said To Xuan Phuc, an industry expert from Forest Trend. Furniture exports grow at 10 -15 percent annually, he added.

U.S. furniture imports from China total roughly $12 billion annually, according to data from the U.S. Customs Service.

Vietnam has exported more than $4 billion worth of wood products, globally, during the first nine months of the year, and is on track to achieve its target of $7.6 billion in 2016.

Related News:

> Chinese furniture firms move to Vietnam to avoid US tariffs

> Vietnamese wood enterprises forced to branch out overseas

> Brexit to affect Vietnams wood exports to UK: experts
TheaDesign via Getty Images

This week's Conservative Party plan to make some companies disclose how many foreign workers they employ may be controversial. But is a positive step forward for transparency, and could take the wind out of the sails of those peddling racist myths about immigration. Britain should learn from the Philippines, where radical transparency around foreign worker permits is already a legal requirement.

Open any widely circulated newspaper in the Philippine capital of Manila, and you might see something that would shock Britain's mollycoddled, left-leaning political commentariat to the core: A list of just about each and every foreign citizen applying for the right to work in the South East Asian country.

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And the information isn't just being provided for passive public consumptions. Local workers can get actively involved in the system - and have their fair say: If anyone spots an illicit permit application in the public list, they have 30 days from publication to file an objection with employment authorities. If they can prove Filipino workers are willing and able to do the job applied for by the foreign national, the permit can still be revoked to protect local jobs.

Compare this to Britain's deeply intransparent, scrutiny-averse system for granting foreign work permits: Few ordinary people have any idea of the number of jobs in their local area being filled by foreign workers. Many low-income workers, particularly in the North, feel like their concerns about immigration are being ignored by a metropolitan, London-based political elite. Even if accurate statists about the impact of immigration exist, they are hidden behind a burdensome, time-consuming Freedom-of-Information process or buried deep in government reports filled with so much bureaucratic gobbledygook that you'll want to stop reading at the first page.

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In the absence of easy access to accurate, balanced information about immigrant workers, people become vulnerable to large-scale misinformation from far-right hate peddlers, and self-interested clickbait journalists. The physically quite tiny far-right hate group Britain First is able to broadcast its wildly xenophobic distortions and partisan exaggerations to over one million people via social media alone. Comprehensive research on public attitudes to immigration in Britain has shown that many ordinary people "are grossly wrong on the scale of immigration, on average estimating that it is more than twice the actual level".

London's chatting classes may use this as a disingenuous reason to discount the opinions of the rest of the country: But if people are never provided with full, factual information because the political elite are afraid of people power, who can blame them for accepting xenophobic propaganda at face value? And when ordinary citizens are condescendingly denied a fair, democratic chance to influence immigration policies because London's self-righteous elites look down upon them as "uneducated" "bigots", who can blame them for turning to deceptive, hardline populists like UKIP, who at least pretend to "listen" and take them seriously?

A Philippines-inspired, transparent foreign work permit system would give people back trust in the fairness of the immigration system. They could see, with their own eyes, irrefutable proof in their local newspaper that foreign worker numbers locally are in fact not as high as the far-right rabble rousers purport. Reading the job descriptions, they would realise that most foreign workers are in fact doing vital, community-sustaining jobs in sectors, such as healthcare, where there is a dire shortage of skilled professionals. And in the unlikely case they are not, people would have, via the objections process, a direct way of raising their voice to put things right; Ensuring no rogue employer can secretly undercut locally resident workers' wages by deliberately bringing in unskilled, under-paid workers from abroad. The racists and extremists would no longer have the fertile soil of instutional disenfranchisement and informational disconnect to plant their ideology of hate in.

Sadly, in The Philippines themselves, transparency rules such as those on work permits aren't able to fulfil their full potential. The recently-elected, brutal wannabe-dictator Rodrigo Duterte is destroying the rule of law and subverting human rights - against a backdrop of long-standing, endemic official corruption that already debilitates institutions. But nonetheless we in Britain can learn from the ingenious, radical spirit of accountability that the Phillipine work permit rules represent as an idea. As Britain moves to leave behind the small-minded shackles of the EU and take its place in a globalising, multicultural world, there is absolutely no reason for not learning from international best practice standards. The Phillipine migrant labour rules also mandate that foreign workers have to transfer their special skills via training to least two local employees. This too has the potential to empower as well as connect both migrant and local workers. It can turn immigration from a percieved zero sum game into a clear win-win situation.

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Real transparency around work permits would finally bring democratic decision making authority about immigration where it belongs: To ordinary people in local communities across the UK, rather than over-paid Whitehall bureaucrats with multiple postgrad degrees in law and jurisprudence. The Tory plans are a step in that direction, but more action is needed.
I've been a nurse for nearly 50 years, many of them on the front line in the care of sick children. It's a proud, positive and much loved profession. But as I write today, children's palliative nursing is facing a crisis: the number of children with life-limiting conditions that need care and support is increasing but the number of nursing posts to provide that support is failing to keep apace.

Demand for children's nurses rising

There are over 50,000 children and young people in the UK with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and the number is rising(1). Palliative care differs greatly between children's and adult palliative care. These children often have complex or rare conditions and they need to be cared for by health professionals with specialist skills and experience. Children and families rely on children's nurses to provide expert holistic care, pain and symptom management from the moment of diagnosis until the end of their life. Community children's nurses, in particular, make all the difference to the day to day lives of families looking after children with complex health needs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Impact on service provision

Despite the increasing number of children and young people who need palliative care, there is a shortage of skilled professionals with the right experience and knowledge to care for them. This shortage threatens to undermine the development of children's palliative care across the UK and is already impacting on the amount of care provided to children and families. Nurse vacancy rate among voluntary sector organisations providing children's palliative care is currently 10%, which is higher than the overall NHS nurse vacancy rate.

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Care for seriously ill children being hit hard

Two thirds of voluntary services surveyed by Together for Short Lives have told the charity that a shortage in nurses is resulting in a reduced offer of care to families. Beds are being closed; respite care is reduced; and continuity of care is being affected. This negative impact on services is increasing year on year - in 2014 43% of respondents said they reduced the service offered to families as a result of vacancies, in 2015 this had increased to 65%. If this worrying trend continues it will be even harder for children and families to be offered the right care and support in future years.

Why are we seeing these vacancies?

We know that some nursing staff may have their own anxieties about death and dying and these may be significantly more polarised if their patients are children. This may affect their career choices before they have had the opportunity to discover the positive aspects of working in the palliative care environment. Nurses may feel they will lose some clinical skills if they choose to move into children's palliative care. In reality this is not the case, indeed their skill set is enhanced by opportunities to spend time with the whole family often in their own setting to plan holistic care for their patients thereby fulfilling a strong patient advocate role. The sector has an additional recruitment challenge caused by the difference in terms and conditions between NHS and voluntary sector providers - the most commonly suggested reasons for nursing vacancies were: terms and conditions, including salary, shift systems and annual leave.

In addition to this over a quarter of nurses in the sector are over 50 years of age, which could mean greater shortages in the future as nurses retire.

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Gaps in care mirrored in NHS

NHS children's nursing is also a critical part of the children's palliative sector with community teams often providing the bulk of the day-to-day support on offer to families. Worryingly, we are also seeing a shortage of nurses in the NHS with an overall current vacancy rate of 7%. In addition to this a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) survey (2015) showed that nearly a third of children's nurses said they don't have the resources to deliver adequate care in the home setting. While it is recommended that at least a minimum of 20 whole-time-equivalent Community Children's Nurses (CCNs) are required for an average-sized district with a child population of 50,000, only 17 CCNs were due to qualify in 2014/15 across the UK.

Also concerning are the RCN findings which show that 31% of children's nurses said they lacked the confidence to discuss end of life care options with children and their families. Children die in hospital, at home, in hospices - nurses work in all of these settings - all nurses need to be able to discuss options; it isn't only the remit of the specialist nurse who might not be there alongside the family when the conversation needs to happen.

Bridging the care gap

The children's palliative care sector urgently needs skilled nurses now. It also needs a plan to deal with the growing demand for nurses in the future.

We need to build a strong and sustainable nursing workforce with the skills, knowledge and time to deliver care to children and young people who are expected to die young. Families need to know there are enough skilled nurses to care for their children today and in the future. People considering a career in nursing need to know that working in children's palliative care is highly rewarding and can have a hugely positive impact on families who are living through the most difficult of circumstances.

We also need to give nurses the support they need to have difficult conversations with young people and families about planning for end of life care. And we need to change perceptions about childhood death and children's palliative care so nurses and care professionals are not afraid to work with children and young people who will die young.

You Can Be That Nurse

Realising these ambitions requires a concerted effort from a wide range of people and organisations, including children's palliative care providers, government, workforce planners and universities. This is why Together for Short Lives has launched the You Can Be That Nurse campaign with a new, inspiring film which tackles some of the taboos around children's palliative care. It highlights the variety of career opportunities this sector brings. The varied nature of their role and the opportunity to provide holistic care to the child and their family make this one of the most rewarding roles in nursing.

We need to work together to highlight these issues and make sure that children and families in the most challenging circumstances get the care and support they need today and in the future. These families simply don't' have time to wait for this to change.

Reference

1.The prevalence of children and young people with a life-limiting condition in England is both rising and higher than previously estimated. Fraser et al. (2012). "Rising National Prevalence of Life-Limiting Conditions in Children in England". Paediatrics, 129(4), pp. 923-929. Available from: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2012/03/07/peds.2011-2846
In a welcome twist of events, the May government adopted Labour Party policy this week. Described as more "Balls than Osborne", Chancellor Philip Hammond announced that Conservative economic policy = fiscal discipline + investment for growth.

Whilst this positively Keynesian economic approach is welcome, two things need to happen.

Firstly, Government borrowing should stimulate economic growth through an active industrial policy focussed on the future digital economy. With hard Brexit now on a timer, Britain can't afford to fall off the European Digital Single Market without a coherent vision of a Digital Britain.

And secondly, Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell need to set out how Labour's economic strategy will deliver on Jeremy's promise of bringing the Keynesian economic approach of the 20th century into the 21st century.

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At Labour Party conference last week, I chaired a fringe on the future of the Brexit Digital Economy. Former Business Secretary Chuka Umunna said that the digital future of the British economy is an agenda that Labour "needs to own". Here at Future Labour we couldn't agree more, because a future digital economy led by the Tories would be one in which an unfettered capitalism would further divide the haves and the have nots. Labour should be making it clear that digital equality, investment in education and skills, protection of workers rights, the civil liberties of the digital age and an active digital industrial policy supported by appropriate Government borrowing, is proudly at the heart of our approach.

Britain is one of the world's leading digital economies today. We have some of the best connectivity in Europe and a technology and innovation scene which rivals the silicon valley. But as Theresa Griffin pointed out at the Future Labour fringe, 12.6 million adults in the UK today don't have the skills to use a computer and 5.8 million adults have no access at all. With the so called "uberisation" of the workforce, a Government approach of digital first to public service deployment and a Brexit Britain competing with California and Berlin for talent, we have no time to lose but to invest in education and skills - not just at school but for workers up and down the country.

Unfortunately, the Government shows little vision for a bold policy approach to Britain's role within the fourth industrial revolution. The Digital Economy Bill currently before Parliament was rightly described by Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire as a "christmas tree covered in balls balls but full of holes". At our fringe, TechUK's director of policy, Charlotte Holloway, noted that the UK digital economy grew from 120bn in 2010 to 180bn in 2015. The Boston Consulting Group, which originally reported these figures, showed that this huge growth resulted in digital contributing 12.4% of GDP in the UK - compared to a mere average of 5.8% of GDP within the G20.

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A policy fringe on the final day of any party conference is always at risk of failing to fill the room, but the Future Labour fringe had standing room only. The labour movement has a crucial role to play in ensuring the future British economy is one that works for the many and not the few, and the Labour Party must set out a new political vision of the left that's fit for the next century. This isn't just about access to the internet or the ability to shop online, it's about showing how a strategic state can work in partnership with reformed public services and an entrepreneurial and innovative private sector to ensure our collective future success. One audience member somewhat flatteringly said that the Future Labour fringe might have been the last on the agenda, but it was the most important.

As Britain embarks on a new chapter outside of the European Union, now is the time to invest in its digital future.
PA/PA Wire

With Jeremy Corbyn's recent re-election, for the moment, at least, it seems that he has packed in his fight for the scrapping of Trident.

Nevertheless, this does not mean that others should stop trying to change the public's view. This is an issue that can only be tackled from the bottom up; public opinion has to sway first.

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Mid-July, the House of Commons voted, with a majority of 355, to renew the Trident system, thereby extending its life until the 2060s.

It won't come as much of a surprise to those who know me that I think that this was not just a resolutely awful, but also an unequivocally naive, decision.

A naive decision? You may ask. How can this be so, when the mainstream has, for so long, depicted nuclear disarmament advocates as being, in fact themselves, the naive ones?

Nuclear weapons are a 20th century issue and we now live, if our grammar school-peddling and little-Englander politicians have not quite forgotten, in the 21st Century. The year is 2016.

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Defenders of Trident argue that its renewal is integral for our 'national security'.

Aside from groaning that the term 'national security' is an empty shell of a phrase, simply a social construct that can mean whatever any one speaker should wish to bequeath to it, I respond: if you were to ask me, born in 1995 and so barely tainted by 20th century standards, what I believed the three greatest threats to our 'national security' would be, I would list the following: environmental degradation; cyber-attacks; and terrorism.

Nuclear attack wouldn't even come into my list of the top ten!

Between the years 1994 and 2013, EM-DAT recorded that 1.35 million lives were claimed by natural disasters worldwide, and since 2000 the number of climate-related disasters has increased by 44% in comparison to the period between 1994 and 2000.

Between the start of the 20th century and today, cyber-systems have become more and more sophisticated, both the ones we use, and those used by hackers who would seek to do us harm - just wonder how much economic, political and personal damage could be done if we were shut off from online, even for just a day.

Between the years 2000 and 2015, the number of deaths caused by terrorist attacks increased by nine-fold (though it should be equally remembered that over 78% of terrorist deaths are concentrated in five, non-European countries, Iraq, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Syria).

In comparison, over the 21st century so far, how many people have actually died from a nuclear attack? The answer: zero.

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In fact, aside from the absolute horrors that were Hiroshima and Nagasaki, how many people died from nuclear attacks in the 20th century? Hint: also zero.

We, further to the point, live in a finite world, with finite resources; every political decision comes with an opportunity cost. And estimated to cost over 40bn over the course of its lifetime, renewing Trident is a hell of a big one.

How is it not naive to plunge such copious resources into an outdated threat instead of those very, real issues that the British public actually lie awake at night worrying about?

Earlier in September it was reported that North Korea launched its biggest nuclear test to date. Yeah, so, okay, North Korea still sees value in nuclear weapons, but who else actually does?

If we are seriously contemplating a 40bn defence policy due to the actions of a crazed, one-hit wonder lookalike dictator, who oversees a population of just under 25 million, then our political masters are further gone then I previously imagined. I mean, just go home North Korea, it's 2016, you're over 70 years late to the nuclear weapons club party.

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And so, as we usher in the post-Brexit vision of renewed British international leadership, why don't we actually make the UK a world leader, and lead the way with unilateral disarmament?

David Cameron's legacy is one of hurt, mishap and foreign policy disaster. Theresa May's could be one of peace.
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University students love to claim that they are 'misunderstood' creatures, but it seems we have actually misjudged their character after all.

While most of us would assume students' nightmares are populated by overpriced shots, undercooked food and laundry, new 'research' suggests they are most terrified of Freshers' Week - that seven-day period in the university calendar when even Grandma Joan will forgive you for splurging your student loan on cheap drinks and cheaper morals.

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Yes, according to the general secretary of the Headmasters and Headmistresses Conference (HMC), new students aren't fans of boozing, and instead 'want to start studies in the first week'. The HMC also concluded that squares are round, the sky is pink, and Jeremy Corbyn has a tattoo of Thatcher on his chest.

Naturally, when a group of middle-aged headmasters and headmistresses claim to speak for a bunch of 20 year olds, we should be instantly sceptical. No doubt the HMC heralded the rise of Tinder as evidence for an increased interest in bushcraft.

The suggestion that students want to substitute a week of clubbing for a spot of Hegel is laughable. Freshers' week has just finished at most universities, and judging by the number of photos cropping up on social media, not much time was spent in the library.

The fallacious nature of the claims made by the HMC become palpably clear when we take a quick glance at the spurious methodology that informs them. It obtained its evidence by asking 2,132 teenagers online what they were least looking forward to at university. 16 per cent pointed to Freshers' Week.

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Is freshers' week a waste of time and money? https://t.co/OVZelmCFF4  The Guardian (@guardian) October 5, 2016

But rather than simply acknowledge that Freshers' hype can be a bit intimisating, the HMC decided to crudely extrapolate conclusions from the data that conform to their own views of university.

Its General Secretary pontificated that students are uneasy because Freshers' Week 'got out of control 10 years ago', clearly forgetting that, despite this, students somehow survive Freshers' every year.

Another headmaster warned that for many prospective students, 'almost every second is mapped out. They go to university and find that is not the case.'

According to his logic, students should start studying straight away to help them regiment their lives. Not only is the assumption that students are oversized children who need help organising their lives profoundly infantilising, but also factually incorrect.

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The vast majority of students look forward to turning the music up and letting their hair down. And while even sticky dance floors and funky-coloured lighting often fail to conceal the forced nature of Freshers, students still embrace it.

Headteachers say private school students want to scrap freshers' week https://t.co/rHx8gP7y6f  Metro (@MetroUK) October 5, 2016

Of course, it would be a mistake to suggest that today's students are bastions of the hardcore rave, and the HMC's observations aren't completely unwarranted. Survey after survey has revealed that today's generation of students are the most boring since records began. We're drinking less alcohol, smoking fewer cigarettes and taking fewer drugs than our predecessors.

And the suggestion that students should be shielded from Freshers' is merely a natural extension of the view propagated by a number of university unions that students need protecting anything abnormal.

Given the nation-wide endorsement of trigger warnings and safe spaces on university campuses, is it so shocking that a bunch of teachers believe students aren't interested in strobe lighting and heavy bass? It's not surprising the HMC thinks students need shielding.

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Worryingly, the anecdotal claims made by the HMC are part of a wider trend of booze-bashing. Student Minds, a mental health charity, called on students to substitute taking scandalous pictures of nights out for tweeting photos of them being sensible at home.

Universities, too, are starting to endorse this view. At the start of this year's Freshers' Week at UCL, union officers demonstrated they are in dire need of a few pints by suggesting 'mocktails are a great way to start the night'. In 2014, Lancaster University even warned students they could face a fine of 200 if caught drunk on campus.

In its 'Alcohol Impact' drive, the National Union of Students, called for universities to reduce the advertising of booze on campus and suggested unions 'run one or more quality non-alcoholic events' - an oxymoron if there ever was one.
So in Theresa's May first speech as Tory party leader and PM yesterday, she said that she wanted to tackle injustice and unfairness and make sure the country works for everyone and not just the privileged few. She stated quite dramatically that the vote to leave the EU was a "revolution" and that with stagnating wages and failing schools a lot of the working class felt the system wasn't working for them and thus voted against the system. She also stated that politicians haven't listened to working class people and belittled their views on crime and immigration. She stated that some politicians felt the public's view on crime was "illiberal". There is quite a significant proportion of people in this country that want to bring back capital punishment. Should politicians give in to people's demands to illiberal policies because it is popular? Just because something is popular, doesn't mean it is right. Politicians are meant to persuade people of ideas and meant to become signpost's to a vision of Britain that they believe is right, not become weathervane's and blow whichever way public opinion is going. Of course people's concerns should be taken into account but not at the expense of evidence-based policy making.

Going back to the idea she mentioned that people feel the system isn't working for them, Theresa May is right. However, she has been at the heart of a government for six years that has been the cause of the system failing the working class. If she really cared about it that much, you would have thought she would have had a little word in Dave's ear when he was in charge. Of course she blamed stagnating wages on low skilled immigration coming in rather than the public sector pay freeze and lack of a genuine living wage for everyone. She even had the temerity to accuse the Labour Party of peddling the politics of hate and division and referred to them as the new "nasty party". Never mind Theresa that over the last few days you and your ministers have been openly spouting hate towards foreign workers and doctors and trying to blame them for our country's ills.

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She also believes that she can prevent resentment and division and make sure that no one in this country lives in fear. This is undermined by far right policies such as making firms list foreign workers and "phasing out" foreign doctors by 2025. Also EU residents that are "cards" in our Brexit negotiations will be fearing their future now.

On education, she apparently wants a system where people's talents will take them as far as they can go. She said she wants to build on Michael Gove's education reforms. She says that still over a million pupils do not go to a good school. However, this has been caused by Michael Gove's education policies over the last six year. It is also clear that Gove's increase in rigorous testing and focus on "core subjects" has stifled creativity and undermined people fulfilling their potential and not allowing their talents to flourish as May so wishes to happen.

If she really wanted to create a system where everyone can achieve their potential, she'd look at the Finnish model and invest in a comprehensive education system where schools collaborate and share best practice, where there is a little homework, school hours are shorter and the teaching style is more interactive rather than standardised. Alas, none of this was mentioned and it seems that once again her empty platitudes will be undermined by the continuation of failed education policies over the last six years.

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I was gobsmacked when she payed tribute to Jeremy Hunt as an "advocate for doctors and patients". Rather than being an advocate for Doctors, he has forced an unpopular and damaging contract onto them. This shows how out of touch and arrogant May is on this issue. She also claimed that the Tories have been protecting the NHS and claimed that the biggest wave of privatisation happened under the last Labour government. However, it was the Tories in the 1980s who began an internal market in the NHS and it was Major's government who started the PFI deals.

She will also apparently review workers' rights policies and enhance them by seeking to get workers on the boards of companies. Fair enough, that is a good idea. However will she get rid of the pernicious Trade Union Act? What about employment tribunal fees and the long wait for unfair dismissal claims? I won't hold my breath on those.

She also made vague promises on being an outward looking nation by ratifying the Paris Climate Agreement despite the fact her government got rid of the Climate Change department. She also promised to build "more affordable homes". What types of homes will these be? Yet another empty platitude, just like the promise of going after tax dodgers despite the fact the Tories have been in power for six years and done sod all to do that. Her husband also works for a company that invests in tax dodgers such as Amazon so I doubt she'll act on that promise.

At the heart of her speech was the promise of making us a fairer country and tackling injustice but this was doublespeak. On one hand she talks about fairness and the next, she gets a round of applause for having a go at "activist left wing human rights lawyers harassing armed forces". This was referring to the promise to take the military out of the convention of Human Rights. How is it fair that the military should be able to get away with human right's abuses?
Three weeks ago a 14 year old boy from Afghanistan left his shelter in a flooded disused landfill site in Northern France to climb onto a truck. His motivation was to be with his brother and Uncle who live in England. Tragically he fell off the lorry and was killed by a hit and run driver. Neither driver stopped.

Another life lost. Another dream smashed. Another family broken.

I have recently returned from 9 months as a full-time volunteer in Calais. Back here in the UK I can see behind all the headlines, the rhetoric, the political business of sustaining the fear of Other. I have seen the smiles, the pain and the heartache of boys like this, of thousands of people who by a cruel twist of geographical fate have been born into a story so different to mine; a life that has led them to journey halfway across the world to seek (and be denied) refuge and protection. I have witnessed their distress and despair at a world that pronounces and announces them as the enemy when all they want is peace. This boy is one of the hundreds of children in the Calais refugee camp that have been abandoned by the British government - children that have a legal right to be here and that the Dubs Amendment, passed in May, was meant to protect. After months of inaction however, and with eviction imminent, I imagine he thought the day of safe passage would never come and that he believed he had no choice but to take matters into his hands. Our government has his blood on their hands.

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Returning to the UK is as if I am standing in the audience at a pantomime, shouting at the ignorant on-stage public masses 'Look behind You!' I plead. 'Open Your Eyes!' But the majority play out their parts in blissful oblivion, determinedly pursuing their prescriptive path without bending or twisting or looking behind. The politically powerful prompt with cues from off-stage; a media masquerade adeptly distracts, diverts and directs a fear of difference so that the real backstage tragedy unfolding in Calais is not apparent or appreciated - not unless you really choose to look.

Are we supposed to disregard this boys appalling death in the same way? Does this public pantomime of anesthetized amnesia impress immunity to a fellow human's pain? When bumping into a friend this week, she told me of a recent conversation that has been resonating and reverberating deep in my mind ever since. She had been talking about, musing and pondering the idea of Kindness as Rebellion. As a volunteer working with hundreds of other volunteers in a space where organisations are wholly absent, where states can think only of fences, of miles of barbed wire and of now building a wall, kindness in Calais is a currency that is utterly without value to them and yet we prize it above almost everything else. There are a million acts of kindness in Calais every day, between people in camp and volunteers; acts that demonstrate solidarity and compassion. Acts that say 'I see you'. Acts that communicate breathtaking love and humble generosity. If this is a rebellion then I want to be part of such a mutiny. There is no place for sedated denial in Calais; kindness requires you to recognise another's suffering and need and respond. It obliges you to acknowledge a shared humanity, a togetherness of humankind. Is it accident or fortune that kindness starts with 'kin' I wonder? The backstage tragedy unfolding in Calais every day is so challenging, it's incredibly uncomfortable and it hurts so much to see it. Yet if we look away from the hard bits we become blind to the reality for another one of Us.
Economists and research analysts today are increasingly forecasting the onset of a Fourth Industrial Revolution and looking to outline the key determinants that drive such a revolution. Their wish-list of components to fuel this advanced phase of human civilisation include speedy production, low costs attached to such production, reduced reliance on human resources, innovative products and services, markets that study consumer trends and seamlessly offer big data to manufacturers, new energy resources, innovative production trends, and a novel culture of consumption.

While the Fourth Industrial Revolution may constitute all of these aspects as indicated by economists and researchers, we need to examine if they truly provide solutions to our needs as human beings and the looming challenges we may face in the future.

Since the beginning of evolution, mankind has proven recurrently that 'necessity is the mother of invention'. Human beings invented basic life tools to meet their varied needs and developed these tools gradually to address evolving demands. As societies started to take shape, inventions and discoveries offered an integrated system of production meansand shaped lifestyles - these in turn helped develop unified economic and social ecosystems.

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Undoubtedly, every invention or discovery belongs to all of humanity - without distinction. The main goal behind any invention is to meet people's demands and enhance their daily lives. Given this premise, how do we explain the rise of poverty, hunger, and marginalisation of large societies? Why do we still have large swathes of people suffering from debt and poor levels of education in advanced industrial countries? How can we explain the recurrent crises in the global economy? Most importantly, how do we leverage our inventions and technological advancements to resolve urgent issues and problems? Also, how do we improve our ethical standards to align with our scientific and technological progress? The answers to these questions may help us better understand what we need to achieve in the next phase of development.

We are not arguing here against technological advancement. We believe that such achievements are inevitable for the progress of individual lives and the civilisation at large. They arise from the constant human pursuit of a better life and manifest the human ambition that should not be limited but allowed to thrive while adhering to standards of justice and sustainability. What we are trying to understand is how the Third Industrial Revolution and the imminent Fourth Industrial Revolution can help resolve critical issues such as social disintegration, and ignite the human consciousness - even while shaping standards and priorities and providing mankind with modern tools and techniques. In our view, these 'revolutions' should have a mandate to enhance people's social status and not remain confined to developing material instruments.

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Many economists have already highlighted the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, examined the likely challenges that can emerge as a result of this new system of production. In an article in Project Syndicate, that publishes and syndicates commentary and analysis on topics including global affairs, economics, finance, and development, Schwab said: "The Fourth Industrial Revolution has the potential to empower individuals and communities, as it creates new opportunities for economic, social, and personal development. But it also could lead to the marginalisation of some groups, exacerbate inequality, create new security risks, and undermine human relationships."

In the same article, Schwab called for a 'new collective and moral consciousness' to put an end to individualism and elite supremacy while driving technology towards uplifting human knowledge, and enabling it to serve as a tool to achieve stability and long-term sustainability.

Klaus Schwab and other economists of his ilk demonstrate a responsible attitude towards the future - one that we at Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre wholly concur with. Given our proposition of Islamic economy as a new ecosystem that coexists with modern industrial revolutions, we need to offer clear-cut answers to the questions and concerns posed by experts and laymen alike.

The approach we adopt to deal with challenges of the future is based on responsible financing and investment in future projects and products. Responsible investment and finance measures should serve the ultimate goal of fulfilling the needs of the majority rather than merely answering the demands and ambitions of the elite.

For instance, if we are asked to choose between financing scientific research on medication that could change the colour of human eyes or research that aims to develop medication to treat cancer, diabetes and polio in developing countries, we would most definitely pick the second option. Similarly, if we are asked to decide between financing the manufacturing of expensive food products or financing solutions for agriculture and animal husbandry, we will inevitably choose the latter.

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Investing in basic needs that are required by the vast majority is a sustainable and profitable exercise. Most importantly, such investments will create diverse job opportunities and enable us to effectively utilise natural resources to solve problems in different countries. At the same time, investing in the demands of the elite is a high-risk, non-guaranteed and short-term investment that is beyond the purview or goals of human economic agendas.

The new technologies that the next industrial revolution will deliver are set to provide golden opportunities for all human beings. They will create new businesses and tools to solve scientific challenges and climate issues. They will also provide communities in the third world with the opportunity to reduce costs and establish new factories and enterprises. In addition, these technologies will decrease the cost of healthcare, education, transportation and online communication systems. If technology succeeds in reducing the cost of education, it will be much easier to access knowledge. Knowledge will serve as a significant component of future competition - particularly with the growth of the digital economy.

The human element is key in defining the trends of the next industrial revolution. Scientific and technological advancements need to be developed in parallel with a conscious consideration of the world's most pressing needs. Today we all agree that sustainability and social stability are the ultimate goals behind any future activity.

The need of the hour is to empower human resources among new generations and to also factor in the cultural and ethical empowerment of the pioneers of tomorrow. These potential leaders have grown up in a troubled economic era where greed and the desire to make quick profits - regardless of the costs - have overtaken the values and standards that regulate all human behaviour.

We need a knowledge revolution that revives our collective consciousness. One in which modern communication would heighten the sense of belonging to the community at large and achieve a lasting impact on our lives.
Bryan Adams, CEO and Founder, Ph.Attraction

The war for talent is well and truly upon us.

All around, companies are scrambling to interview, vet and secure todays leaders and tomorrows visionaries. In the midst of this shuffling, brands have forgotten about the most important person in this scenario: the jobseeker.

At Ph.Attraction, we recently polled 1,200 workers about their last job application process.

Get this: nearly one in four jobseekers sever ties with brands following a bad job application experience! This follows our work with Virgin Media, which showed that poor candidate experience was costing its brand over $6m in lost revenue every single year.

So what does this mean for businesses? Well, the tide is turning. Younger jobseekers increasingly want to work for brands where they shop. In fact, over 75% of 16 to 24 year olds say they had applied for a job at a company where they were an existing customer. This means that HR departments are becoming more and more consumer-facing by the day.

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If your brands candidate experience isnt top notch, youre going to alienate existing customers, lose out on the war for talent and seriously jeopardize brand value. However, all hope is not lost!

Lets explore why recruitment has strayed off course, analyse the negative cost impact of poor candidate experience, and discover how you can turn your HR department into a lively profit centre.

Whats Gone Wrong?

The statistics dont lie. Candidates who apply for roles at companies where they shop are becoming increasingly frustrated with outdated recruitment practices  to the point that theyre taking their business elsewhere.

Why? Well, ask yourself a simple question. Would you continue to buy from a company that didnt hire you (or worse, one that left you feeling used and unwanted afterwards)? Its not rocket science, its just common sense! For brands that hire thousands of staff and interview hundreds of thousands to fill those positions every year, the costs of poor candidate experience can be drastic.

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Believe it or not, 86% of in-house recruiters believe they deliver an exceptional candidate experience, yet a whopping 37% of jobseekers believe theyre more likely to win the Lottery than receive detailed job feedback from their next interview. Clearly somethings gone horribly wrong!

For too long the candidates wants and needs have been ignored. This has led to a marked breakdown in understanding and relevance, causing jobseekers to feel dismayed, upset and let down by the brands they try so hard to work for. This breakdown means that just one in five candidates felt informed during their last job application process.

Our research uncovered that:

Nearly two thirds of candidates felt either nervous, uncomfortable or frustrated during their last job application process

18% of workers felt more valued by receptionist than interviewer

One in four jobseekers believe interviewers dont care about their goals or aspirations

Poor Candidate Experience is Costing You Big-Time

How can this divide in perception be so big? And, more importantly, what does this mean for businesses? Well, first and foremost: its costing you money. And lots of it!

1 in 4 believe candidate experience more revealing about brand culture than customer experience

Weve already seen that one in four jobseekers have given up on a brand simply due to a bad candidate experience. For companies with large numbers of staff (big retailers, telecoms providers, etc.), the effects of poor candidate experience are felt with a considerable sting. This problem is compounded when you consider the trend: more and more jobseekers want to work for brands where they shop.

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Two in three candidates are more likely to apply for a job at a brand where theyre an existing customer

25% of jobseekers would immediately switch to another brand if they had a poor candidate experience with that company

In 2014, more than 130,000 candidates applied to work at Virgin Media. We discovered that 18% of these applicants were existing Virgin Media customers. As a direct result of poor candidate experience, more than 7,500 candidates cancelled their subscriptions and switched to competitors.

Those 7,500 customers  on various subscription packages  equated to roughly 4.4m in lost revenue, or nearly the entire sum of Virgin Medias HR budget. We have since worked with Virgin to turn this loss into a profit by redesigning their careers website and improving their candidate experience.

How Can You Turn Your HR Department into a Profit Centre?

Good question. Chances are you havent yet realised the value that great candidate experience can add to your business  not just in terms of landing top talent, but also in terms of creating happy brand advocates.

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29% of jobseekers would consider becoming a customer of a brand if they had a positive candidate experience

Everyone that visits your careers website, talks to your team via Skype or comes into the office for a formal interview is experiencing your brand first-hand. If you have great candidate experience across all touchpoints, you can maximise every single brand interaction along the recruitment process.

15% of workers would immediately switch to another brand if they had a positive candidate experience when applying for a role at that company

Remember, recruitment offers jobseekers a window into the soul of your company, so-to-speak. If the view isnt pretty, youre not just losing talent  youre losing customers! The flip-side presents a very different image:

Jobseekers would feel more positive about their next candidate experience if they received detailed job feedback (57%), had help finding another role (34%) and if the interviewer took an interest in their goals (28%)

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Common rapped at the recent Success Academy Charter School Network rally for charter schools in Brooklyn. Ambitious minority politicians like Bronx Borough Present Ruben Diaz Jr. and Brooklyn Congressional Representative Hakeem Jeffries addressed the crowd. Both want to run for mayor of New York City and they want the endorsement and money of Eva Moskowitz and her hedge-fund buddies.

Parents often have to make difficult decisions when selecting schools for their children, especially minority parents living in inner-city communities with under-performing schools. Charter school groups push themselves as miracle answers to educational problems, but their promises and record of performance is suspect.

This summer, the NAACP and a coalition of groups affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement denounced the charter school movement in the United States for increasingly racial segregation in schools by the way they recruit, select, and discipline students. They charged that the recruitment of academically higher performing students helped undermined support and funding for public schools and education for the majority of children who remain in traditional schools. Cornell Brooks, President of the NAACP, described charter schools as one step in the "preschool to prison pipeline."

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An article in the New York Times claimed the resolutions passed by the groups represented a major "rift" in Black communities. They quoted Black pro-charter school spokespeople, including Dr. Howard Fuller, founder of the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO), Shavar Jeffries, President of Democrats for Education Reform, and Chris Stewart, Director of Outreach and External Affairs at Education Post. What the Times article left out is that each of these pro-charter spokespeople makes a significant part of their livelihood as a charter school advocate.

In 2003, People for the American Way, published a report on prominent Black advocates for charter schools. The report focused on the leadership of and funding for Black Alliance for Educational Options. BAEO presented itself as a coalition of African American community leaders committed to tax-funded voucher programs, private school scholarships, tuition tax credits, charter schools and public/private partnerships. Its primary funders were right-leaning pro-school voucher groups including the Walton Family Foundation, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, the American Education Reform Council, and the Milton and Rose Friedman Foundation. It also gets money from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

BAEO was founded by former Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Howard Fuller in 2000 to increase African-American support for the school voucher movement. As superintendent, Fuller had supported legislation to rewrite Wisconsin charter laws to allow private firms to run public schools without the use of district employees. As an African American academic who supports charter schools, Fuller is a featured speaker at charter school conferences, including in June 2016, as a keynote speaker at the annual conference of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

Shavar Jeffries, a lawyer, is the founding Board President of TEAM Academy Charter School in Newark, New Jersey, where he ran an unsuccessful bid for mayor, before he moved to Democrats for Education Reform, a group that receives large hedge-fund donations to campaign for charter schools and against teacher tenure. It was founded by Whitney Tilson, manager of the Kase Capital Hedge Fund. Tilson helped start Teach For America and has ties to the KIPP and Achievement First charter school networks.

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Besides his work for Education Post, Chris Stewart is founder and CEO of Yielding Assets, LLC, a "grassroots consultancy helping government, nonprofit, and foundation clients create self-sustaining, social good projects," and a major conference speaker for pro-charter groups. As Citizen Stewart, he published a blog defending the closing of New Orleans public schools, laying off thousands of Black public school teachers, replacing the public schools with charter schools, and replacing the veteran Black teachers with low-paid uncertified Teach for America type recruits who were predominately White.

Again, parents must make difficult decisions about what offers the best possibilities for their own children. But let's not get confused. The rift here is a rift between Black leaders who are trying to improve public education in their communities and people who work for the charter schools and their deep-pocket funders.

One argument for choosing a charter school over a traditional public school is that students in the charters perform better on Common Core aligned tests so they will be better prepared for college and careers. According to Carol Burris, executive director of the Network for Public Education, this claim is just not true. Writing in the Washington Post, Burris analyzed the results of the New York State Common Core English Language Arts test administered last April. Overall, charter schools in New York City did outperform public schools. Burris reported the proficiency rate for charter schools was 43% compared to 36% for the traditional public schools. However if you do not factor in students with disabilities and English language learners, groups that are disproportionately attending the traditional public schools, the city's public school test performance surpassed the proficiency rate for charter schools by 50% to 46%.
Vietnam's tough laws have not managed to stop drug trafficking crimes from getting rampant. Photo by Vietnam Plus

The ring mailed five kilos from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City using an express courier in April 2015.

A court in Hanoi sentenced three Vietnamese to death for mailing five kilograms of methamphetamine from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, last year.

Dam Trong Thang, 53, Hoang Bich Ngoc, 31, and Nguyen Huy Thong, 34, received the death penalty for drug trafficking. Ta Chung Thanh, 25, received a life sentence for the same crime; another woman received 18-months imprisonment for failing to report the criminal activity.

Investigators say Thang and Thong first met in March 2015.

Roughly a month later, Thang gave Ngoc VND670 million (approximately $30,000) and told him to use it to buy methamphetamine from Thong and Thanh in Hanoi.

Once in the capital, Ngoc parcelled the drugs out and express mailed them to Ho Chi Minh City. Thong and Ngoc were stopped with thousands of ecstasy pills at Noi Bai Airport in late April 2015.

Investigators say Thang has ties to another drug ring currently being investigated in HCMC.

Vietnam has some of the worlds toughest drug laws. Those convicted of possessing or smuggling more than 600 grams of heroin or more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine face the death penalty.

The production or sale of 100 grams of heroin or 300 grams of other illegal narcotics is also punishable by death.

Related news:

> Vietnam drug kingpin, 8 henchmen get death sentence for heroin smuggling

> Vietnamese cop shot during drug raid at Laos border
"...or it might mean that somehow all three are inextricably mixed together..." "Lies will flow from my lips, but there may perhaps be some truth mixed up with them."

Let's begin with an anecdote.

At the end of August, I dropped by a local Rite Aid to pick up a new prescription. Before handing me the bottle, the pharmacist asked me if my doctor had reviewed the drug's risks with me. I'd been through this routine with other medications, and since I'd researched the drug on my own, I answered truthfully (as I sometimes do when I'm not thinking), "Not really."

She looked intently at me: "There are...a few reasons that women take this drug, but it's usually prescribed to men."

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Ah -- I'd forgotten that.

After a brief, awkward pause, she asked me, "Are you planning on getting pregnant?"

I laughed. "No, I'm a little old for that!"

"Well make sure any friends you have over aren't exposed to it, because women who want to get pregnant shouldn't even touch it."

"No worries there," I laughed again, "they're all old like me."

In and of itself, I admit, it's not much of a story. Perhaps it would be better to think of it as the introduction to a longer story, for besides being brief, it does something a lot of introductions do, it presents readers with a mystery: why did I say parenthetically that telling the truth is something I do "when I'm not thinking"? Rather than answer that question, I'll deepen the mystery (such as it is) a bit: much of what I said in the above exchange wasn't, strictly speaking, true. Not all of my friends are that old, though I didn't lie about my own age (I'm 52). But my ability to bear children wouldn't be in danger even if I were a nubile sixteen year old because I'm transgender. That revelation raises further questions: why did I choose to masquerade as a post-menopausal cisgender woman? More generally, am I implying some relationship between being trans and truth-telling?

Janet Mock employs a similar narrative strategy at the start of her 2014 memoir, Redefining Realness. Granted, her initial anecdote has more intrinsic interest: a girl-meets-boy story, told with giddy, glossy sentimentality and an eye for detail. But like me, she's hiding something. "I'm afraid you won't love me once you know me, I wanted to say. Instead, I led with another truth: 'I'm afraid of getting too close to anybody'" (p. 7, italics in original). Her beau surely wants to know why she's afraid. The great majority of her readers presumably know the answer to that question already from the hype surrounding the book (or the back cover), but have others: how will he react once he knows the truth you're withholding? And when and how will you tell him?

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Hooking readers with a mystery is a tried and true trick of the storytelling trade. But in the case of the stories those of us who are trans tell, it's more than a mere trick. As I'll use the above examples to bear out, our storytelling is necessarily strategic for reasons that go beyond the desire to pique curiosity. In the first place, because of prevailing beliefs about gender and the many lingering misconceptions about and prejudices against us, our truth cannot fully emerge inside conventional narratives like girl meets boy that are about or feature gender. As such, telling our stories entails "redefining" the kinds of truth those narratives can be used to tell to make room for ours. Effecting this revision successfully, moreover, requires us to proceed with an eye to our audience's misconceptions and prejudices, and to counter them as we go so that our own truth has a chance of being heard. Put another way, we must simultaneously untell stories previously told by others about us as we tell others our stories.

To complicate things still further, telling our stories isn't "simply" about separating our truth from others' falsehoods. All those misconceptions and prejudices have typically played an integral role in our stories because we've heard them too, all our lives. And we've had to untell them to ourselves again and again in order to survive psychologically while we've engaged in the painful and at times traumatic process of recognizing and embracing who we are. Our truth, in short, is "murky," to quote Mock, "layered" with the different survival strategies we've adopted along the way -- the denials, evasions, and compromises -- and the effects those strategies have had on us, unique in each case. Thus untelling you the things you think you know about us isn't just a way of preparing you to hear our truth, it's also a way of dramatizing an important part of that truth.

In sum, because of its complex relationship to our stories, our truth fully emerges only when we un/tell it to you in a way that engages you not only in the final product, but also in the process. It's by adopting a layered approach like this that those of us who are trans can answer trans gender theorist Sandy Stone's challenge from a quarter century ago to "authentically represent the complexities and ambiguities of [our] lived experience."

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Let's return now to the two stories I started with. My masquerade and Mock's girl-meets-boy tale are doing the same closely related things (though in different ways): they're telling you part of our respective truths -- our concerns about being accepted; and they're untelling the same basic misconception about trans women -- that we're not ("real") women.

The concern about acceptance in my own little anecdote is obvious enough, I think. To come out and tell the pharmacist, "No worries, I'm trans," would have instantly changed her view of me in ways I had little to no way of knowing; and while my personal safety wasn't at stake in this exchange, my desire to be seen for who I am was. And here's where my anecdote, slight as it is, reveals a "murky" part of my truth: I was "masquerading" as cisgender and post-menopausal, but not as a woman. In deciding to pass myself off as I did, then, I was choosing which part of me I wanted her to see -- the female part (to me the far more important) rather than the trans part -- because I had doubts about whether she would be able (or willing) to see me as both.

This choice, in turn, was informed by other layers of my truth that, if my anecdote were the introduction to a longer tale, I would proceed to flesh out: how the fraught conversation about "passing" influences my decisions about self-presentation, for example, and how certain reflexes, burned deep within my synapses and sinews by the virulent transphobia I internalized during the four-plus decades I was closeted, were activated in the moment I marked with the brief comment, "Ah -- I'd forgotten that." And my description of those reflexes would reenact in its essentials my own coming to awareness of them, and attempts to untell myself over the years the automatic response they spur me to: feeling like a faggot, a freak, a monster, etc.

Mock's decision to begin in New York City in 2009 rather than in Honolulu two decades before functions similarly. From the start, we're encouraged to see her in effect as her lover does: engaging, smart, attractive, a bit aloof, at ease in Manhattan's young, fashionable social spaces. And if we find her appealing, we, like he, will be anxious to know what comes after the deep breath and "I have something to tell you" with which she ends the intro (p. 11). In this respect, her beginning in the present does create some compelling drama. More basically, and importantly, though, it shows us not a young trans woman, but simply a young woman. As I did in my exchange with the pharmacist, that is, Mock chooses to present this part of herself to us as more important than her transness (and as she confirms late in the book, the choice to do so in this or any other interaction is "my decision to make" (p. 248)). Only when her womanhood is patently there in front of us does she give us our first glimpse of a seven year old named Charles, avowing this other part of her gender identity.

Opening her story this way addresses the question of her "realness" as a woman by countering a prevalent belief about gender that's fueling the nasty ongoing pushback against trans rights across the nation, genital fundamentalism. According to this belief, our gender is clearly and immutably configured by God and/or nature in our natal nether regions, and any attempt to tamper with this foundational Truth about us (read: act on our transness) is a perversion. Mock's decision flips this simpleminded script by implicitly pressing the following arguments: (1) that destinations are more important than origins -- we "proclaim, create, and evolve into who we know ourselves to be" (p. 172), not fall away from some ideal of puling newborn perfection; and (2) that our brains are the primary locus of our identity, not our crotches. And her decision does so using the same sort of "common sense" seeing-is-believing evidence that the genital fundamentalists employ. They say, "If it has a penis, it's a boy." Mock in effect responds, "If you can't recognize my womanhood, your powers of penetration are most feeble indeed." (NB: This is an argument not all trans women will be able to make as compellingly, as she freely acknowledges (see pp. xv-xvii).)

Once she transports us back to her childhood and launches into the main part of her memoir, Mock employs other strategies to un/tell her story. I'd like to consider just one of these strategies, to me the most striking: her free mixing of genres. The book's moving autobiographical episodes are peppered with passionate outbursts of political advocacy and snippets from sociological, psychiatric, and medical discourse, confronting readers with a kaleidoscope of conventional storytelling and analytical asides. The bouncing back and forth can feel awkward at times, but it's critical to her purpose of "authentically represent[ing]" her life's "complexities and ambiguities," or as she herself puts it, expressing "the murkiness of my shifting self-truths" (p. 16).

The most obvious way her use of these other discourses addresses this purpose is by directly countering readers' misconceptions and prejudices. Joining her intimate portrait of her personal struggles with gender dysphoria within a supportive if at times dysfunctional family, with statistics on the percentage of homeless/runaway youths in the U.S. who identify as LGBTQ (p. 109), for example, is a simple but effective way of putting a human face on the latter issue. The same can be said of her decision to punctuate her account of being a sex worker with brief social and economic analyses of the sex trade (e.g., pp. 205-6).

More fundamentally, Redefining Realness's narrative mashup itself mirrors or embodies the "complexities and ambiguities" of Mock's experiences, "the layered identities I carry within my body" (p. xvi). Her insistence on this "layering" runs very much counter to conventional thinking about what constitutes good writing. Prevailing wisdom about the writing of memoirs, for example, considers frequent analytical intrusions anathema, or at least bad form. Consider the following recommendations from a 2012 piece in Writer's Digest:

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"A reflective voice might tell the story, might analyze events, but it tends to stay in the background, tends to let the action do the work. Research can support the storytelling, but the point isn't a display of facts or information. A memoir lays out the evidence of a life, lets the reader make the conclusions."

In similar fashion, the persistent highlighting of "complexities and ambiguities" tends to be frowned upon by both practitioners and consumers of popular storytelling. The introduction of uncertainty (mystery) does generate necessary conflict -- without it, of course, there isn't much of a story. The general expectation, however, is that the storyteller will tie up these loose ends over the course of the tale and reconcile the conflicting forces in the end -- or expel or eradicate one or more of them -- in order to present a picture of restored harmony and wholeness.

These conventional expectations are fatal to our stories, however, and to us. They evoke a not so distant past, stretching back through the centuries, when "letting the reader make the conclusions" meant far more often than not our expulsion or eradication if we dared present them with our truth. Our primary means of avoiding this fate, if we didn't remain in the closet, was to pass successfully, and to smudge out our transness by, as Stone puts it, "learning to lie effectively about [our] past," so that we could disappear into the cis majority. Erase or be erased, in short. Nor of course is this past safely in our rearview mirror. Our very existence continues to generate conflict that threatens our well being, and at times our lives, as all the stoopid bathroom bills and the rash of murders of trans folks, in particular trans women of color like Mock, in the past two years clearly evidence. The appeal of disappearing ourselves, whether by going stealth or staying closeted or taking our own lives, remains strong. All this despite the fact that the greatest threat we pose is to people's comfort. As Mock's childhood friend Wendi tells her in one of the memoir's more poignant moments, however, "Mary! Life is uncomfortable...I don't care what people say about me because they don't have to live as me. You gotta own who you are and keep it moving" (p. 117). For the psychological cost of not doing so, of "living by other people's definitions and perceptions," as Mock herself puts it later, is to "shrink us to shells of ourselves" (p. 249).

Owning who she is is no mean feat, not only because it requires courage, but also because of the incredible variety of the life experience she must embrace. Being a trans woman of color (and of mixed African-American/Hawai'ian heritage) is complicated enough, and it only begins to scratch the surface: the labels socioeconomically disadvantaged, homeless, mallrat, sex worker, honor student, elite college graduate, freelance magazine writer, and fashionable Big Apple denizen can all be affixed to different parts of her young life. How to convey all of them in a single narrative? The conventional stories about a number of these groups, and not just trans folks, are largely derogatory and require their own untelling. Moreover, many of them typically aren't paired with each other in the same person -- sex worker/NYU grad? poor trans woman of color/mallrat? -- outside of Hollywood or cable TV melodrama. Yet this is the girl who meets the boy at the start of the memoir. This is the girl who makes the decision to reveal all these layers of herself, hoping not to be rejected.

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Which brings us back to the beginning of Redefining Realness. The sentimentality of the girl-meets-boy story gives it the feel of a fairy tale romance, and raises readers' hopes from the get go for a happy outcome. And on the face of it, the memoir seems to deliver: Mock comes through the trials of her childhood, completes her physical transition, becomes a successful writer, and gets her man -- a veritable fairy tale ending! Look more closely, though, and you'll see that she has begun with this old story about the most basic of human wants -- love -- in order to "redefine" it to make it capable of conveying her, and our, truth. As she reveals her life's "complexities and ambiguities" over the course of the memoir, readers are forced to accept not simply that she isn't the typical fairy tale princess, but also, and consequently, that the obstacles the prince must confront to win her hand similarly stray from the usual script. He must for example stand face to face with scars from her past that she neither expects will fully heal nor wants to forget or conceal. But the greater challenge awaiting him is a deep antipathy residing not in some distant monster's lair or in the breast of a jealous father or wicked stepmother, but in the very fabric of the culture he, she, and her readers inhabit -- a set of prohibitions, phobias, gut-level shit, centuries to millennia old, burned into his, her, our synapses and sinews. It's an antipathy of which he, like Mock's cis readers, is doubtless unconscious for the most part, and the effects of which probably neither he nor they can more than partially grasp even after becoming aware of them. Yet this antipathy has played an integral role in making her, and the majority of us who are trans, who we are. And to know her truth, our truth, those of you who are cis must step inside our complexly fractured/splintered/stratified lives and let us reveal our shards or layers to you, and untell you so many things you think you know about us, so that you might feel -- at least for a moment, in some measure -- the incommensurability at the heart of that truth.
To combat the 'throwaway consumer culture', Sweden has announced tax breaks on repairs to clothes, bicycles, fridges and washing machines. On bikes and clothes, VAT has been reduced from 25% to 12% and on white goods consumers can claim back income tax due on the person doing the work.

The incentives are intended to reduce the environmental impact of the things Swedes buy. The country has ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but has found that the impact of consumer choices is actually increasing.

You can be surprised by how a small change in fees changes behaviour



The scheme is expected to cost the state some $54million in lost taxes, which will be more than outweighed by income from a new tax on harmful chemicals in white goods. Moreover, Sweden's economy is growing strongly and the government has an $800million budget surplus.

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Apolitical interviewed the man behind the scheme, 45-year-old deputy finance minister Per Bolund, who is a member of the Green party and a biologist by training. He spoke to us about nudging people towards better choices; creating jobs for skilled manual workers; and Sweden's six-hour working day.

Will these tax breaks be big enough to change people's habits?

I think many of us have had a bike standing around broken and we don't fix it and then start using other modes of transportation. This will expand the number of companies giving these kinds of services, so it'll be easier for consumers to have things repaired.

And sometimes you can be surprised by how a small change in fees can really change behaviour. We've seen that in the congestion charging here in Stockholm, how a fee of only 10 or 20 krona ($1-2) can really change the patterns.

And in white goods, the tax break is actually quite substantial since most of the cost of repair is actually labour, so it can really make a quite big difference.

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Is part of that an increased tax on new fridges, washing machines and so on?

It's actually a tax on chemicals. So if the appliance has harmful chemicals in the production process or incorporated in it there will be a levy, but if, on the other hand, you decrease the amount you can actually get a much lower levy, or even a zero increase. So that will give an incentive to producers to decrease the use of harmful chemicals, and we know that appliances are a major contributor to the amount of them in the everyday environment.

The idea is to make it easier for consumers to act responsibly

Does that mean you're using 'nudges', that is, behavioural economics?

Yes, we've just increased resources to expand our knowledge and expertise of nudging. The idea is to help the private and municipal sectors use nudges to make it easier for consumers to act responsibly and reduce their environmental impact with everyday choices.

Can you give an example of a nudge you're using?

When choosing your pension scheme, we have an opt-out alternative, a fund where you have quite high standards of environmental and social sustainability, so even if you don't make a deliberate decision to use a green fund, you actually get a good result from the big part of the population that does not invest the time and energy to make an active choice.

Won't it hurt the economy if people buy less?

We don't have any anticipation that this will make people avoid buying things overall, but hopefully it will be easier for people to buy high-quality products because they know it's affordable to have them fixed if something breaks. So it's a lessened incentive to buy as cheap as possible and then scrap something.

We believe this will create skilled manual jobs



And we also know that repairs are more labour-intense than production, which has been largely automised, so expanding repairs could actually contribute to an expanding labour market and a decrease in unemployment. Especially because repair services often require high skills but not very high education, so we believe there's a currently unemployed part of the labour force that could benefit.

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And these jobs would be in Sweden rather than abroad.

Of course it is a boost for the local labour market because repairs are by their nature done near where you live. So hopefully this will contribute to the growth of jobs locally all over the country. Whereas large-scale manufacturing is very centralised and can only happen in a few locations around the nation and internationally.

Is the point of this plan also to cut emissions from other countries, which you can't directly control?

Absolutely. We've managed quite well to decrease emissions within Sweden - by some 25% since the early 1990s - but we see that the environmental effects of consumption are actually moving in the opposite direction, they're increasing. And since Sweden wants to be a leader in sustainable development on a global scale, we feel a responsibility to do what we can domestically to decrease the impact of consumption. And increasing the purchase of environmentally labelled products and the sustainable use of the products we buy could make a valuable contribution to that.

The sharing economy could be a game-changer

What do you think of the six-hour working day, which is being tried in Sweden?

There's no national scheme, but municipalities and private employers have tried it, and in general found it quite beneficial for the labour force. They experience better working conditions and you can see some effects when it comes to health, you get fewer sick days. We're doing some research into it.

How do you see shopping becoming more sustainable in future?

We see that consumers are increasingly concerned and also increasingly active, showing in practice that they want to be part of the solution. We've seen increases of 40% when it comes to sales of Fair Trade products, for example, and that's a really strong statement. It's really encouraging and I think something that is just starting.
War is the greatest scourge of mankind. Unsentimental Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman remarked: "I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, for vengeance, for desolation. War is hell."

War not only kills and maims on an industrial scale, it also destroys liberty by creating an Executive Leviathan. James Madison presciently taught:

"War is in fact the true nurse of executive aggrandizement. In war, a physical force is to be created; and it is the executive will, which is to direct it. In war, the public treasures are to be unlocked; and it is the executive hand which is to dispense them. In war, the honours and emoluments of office are to be multiplied; and it is the executive patronage under which they are to be enjoyed. It is in war, finally, that laurels are to be gathered; and it is the executive brow they are to encircle. The strongest passions and most dangerous weaknesses of the human breast; ambition, avarice, vanity, the honourable or venial love of fame, are all in conspiracy against the desire and duty of peace.

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Hence it has grown into an axiom that the executive is the department of power most distinguished by its propensity to war: hence it is the practice of all states, in proportion as they are free, to disarm this propensity of its influence."



Since war is hell, the United States Constitution champions peace except in self-defense. It does so by exclusively entrusting Congress with decisions to cross the Rubicon from peace to war. Thus, Article I, section 8, clause 11 gives Congress power "to declare war." Its authors knew the congressional personality would be highly risk-averse or timid, which would deter declarations except in cases of actual or perceived aggression against the United States itself. James Wilson, delegate to the constitutional convention and future Justice of the Supreme Court, elaborated to the Pennsylvania ratification convention:

"This system will not hurry us into war; it is calculated to guard against it. It will not be in the power of a single man, or a single body of men, to involve us in such distress, for the important power of declaring war is vested in the legislature at large;--this declaration must be made with the concurrence of the House of Representatives....[which is elected every two years by the people]"

The Constitution prohibits congressional evasion of its responsibility for war and peace by delegation to the Executive Branch. It would condemn a statute authorizing the President to initiate war whenever the White House believes the public interest requires it. The Constitution's separation of powers is intended to safeguard liberty irrespective of the willingness of one branch to surrender its powers to another. Chief Justice John Roberts explained in Wellness Int'l Network Ltd v. Sharif (dissenting): "[W]e have emphasized that the values of liberty and accountability protected by the separation of powers belong not to any branch of the Government but to the Nation as a whole. A branch's consent to a diminution of its constitutional powers therefore does not mitigate the harm or cure the wrong."

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More than 225 years of experience under the Constitution have vindicated its expectation that Congress will declare war only in self-defense. Congress has done so on but five (5) occasions, and each was a response to actual or perceived aggression against the United States itself.

1. War of 1812. Congress declared war against Great Britain after receiving a war message from President James Madison. It asserted, among other things, that the British had committed acts of war against the United States; had kidnapped thousands of American sailors from American flagged ships sailing on the high seas in violation of international law; had plundered neutral American merchant ships; had spilt the blood of American citizens within our territorial jurisdiction; and, had provoked Native American Indian savagery against American civilians.

2.1846-48 Mexican-American War. Congress declared war against Mexico after receiving a war message from President James K. Polk claiming that the Mexican military had declared war against the United States, had killed or wounded 16 American soldiers on American soil, and had taken scores of others prisoner. (In fact, American soldiers had not been killed on American soil, but Congress acted on the assumption that they had).

3.1898 Spanish-American War. Congress declared war on Spain after receiving a war message from President William McKinley claiming that hostilities between Spain and Cuba were causing American deaths and the destruction of American property. The President also insinuated that Spain was responsible for the explosion of the Maine in Havana harbor and the consequent deaths of hundreds of American sailors and marines. He amplified:

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"The destruction of that noble vessel has filled the national heart with inexpressible horror. Two hundred and fifty-eight brave sailors and marines and two officers of our Navy, reposing in the fancied security of a friendly harbor, have been hurled to death, grief and want brought to their homes, and sorrow to the nation.

The Naval Court of Inquiry, which, it is needless to say, commands the unqualified confidence of the government, was unanimous in its conclusion that the destruction of the Maine was caused by an exterior explosion, that of a submarine mine. It did not assume to place the responsibility. That remains to be fixed.

In any event, the destruction of the Maine, by whatever exterior cause, is a patent and impressive proof of a state of things in Cuba that is intolerable. That condition is thus shown to be such that the Spanish government cannot assure safety and security to a vessel of the American Navy in the harbor of Havana on a mission of peace, and rightfully there. . . ."

4.World War I. Congress declared war against Germany after receiving a war message from President Woodrow Wilson asserting that Germany had made war on the United States, and that "American ships have been sunk, American lives taken, in ways which it has stirred us very deeply." He maintained that Germany had put us in a state of war, and was asking Congress to act defensively:

"I advise that the Congress declare the recent course of the Imperial German Government to be in fact nothing less than war against the Government and people of the United States; that it formally accept the status of belligerent which has thus been thrust upon it, and that it take immediate steps not only to put the country in a more thorough state of defense but also to exert all its power and employ all its resources to bring the Government of the German Empire to terms and end the war."

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5. World War II. Congress declared war against Japan after receiving a war message from President Franklin D. Roosevelt advising that a state of war existed because of Japanese naval and air attacks against the United States.

Since World War II, no President has asked Congress for a declaration of war. The White House either initiates wars on its own, or asks Congress to authorize the President to decide whether and when to go to war through unconstitutional delegations of the war power.

Presidents have done so because they know Congress will not declare war against any foreign country or non-state actor except in response to war already commenced against the United States itself. None of our multiple wars since World War II has been in self-defense, and none has been declared by Congress, for example, Korea, Libya, Bosnia, Kosovo, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Al Qaeda, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. The 9/11 abominations were not acts of war by a non-state actor, but industrial scale murder. Accordingly, the 20th hijacker, Zacarias Moussaoui, was tried and convicted in a federal court of, among other things, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism and conspiracy to murder. He was not accused of war crimes. The 2001 Authorization to Use Military Force (AUMF) declines to characterize the 9/11 crimes as a war of aggression against the United States. The text references "treacherous violence" and "grave acts of violence."

Our multi-trillion dollar warfare state can be ended by following rather than flouting the Constitution's allocation of war powers. We need presidential candidates who will sign "no presidential war" pledges, congressional candidates who will pledge to impeach a president for initiating presidential wars, and voters who will boycott presidential and congressional candidates who refuse to make these respective pledges. There are no better ways to avoid the scourge of war.
Perhaps the couch potato's life isn't always bad -- especially when mammoth powers shove us down, sit on us, and give us an excuse. We can't get up. It's not our fault. We're forced to renew our perspectives, nurture our prayer lives, and learn from other captives. Christian activists like me might even rekindle the "Christian" part.

Such has been my experience.

Not that this is the most opportune time: I've been cooped up and rendered speechless while our nation gazes over the Earth's jagged edge, seemingly ready and willing to swim with the sea monsters. One science-denying party gives us an unhinged candidate wallowing in resentment over a former Miss Universe while extolling a Russian bully. He thinks the monsters are our friends. The other nominates a veteran stateswoman with little political acumen. Both parties drift far from their foundations.

I should be speaking, joining committees, and writing volumes in such times, but I've morphed into a limbless potato. A recurrence of tongue cancer chased me to the operating table on August 24th last year, where reconstructive surgery replaced 60 percent of my body's strongest muscle with skin from my left arm. I was intelligible by early December and eating pureed food, which surely meant I could rejoin the fray and play my small role in backing us from that edge.

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Not so fast. The cancer re-surged in January and blanketed my lower mouth. I was spitting blood. My life soon revolved around three week-long inpatient chemotherapy sessions, spaced by two-week breaks. Five once-a-week outpatient chemotherapy injections and radiation treatments followed, topped by inpatient radiation delivered in high doses through surgically implanted tubes. I lay in the ICU and caught pneumonia, which imprisoned me on that man-eating couch throughout July.

How does a Christian activist act when forces beyond his control stymie his action?

A renewed perspective

I've rediscovered that dormancy isn't always bad.

First, I've seen, once again, the issue with which religion grapples and all other disciplines evade: Despite medicine's laudable advances, for which I am deeply thankful, humanity's death rate lingers at one hundred percent. We all die, which means the activist's remedies for earthly issues are inevitably tentative.

Suddenly, the age-old questions revolving around Heaven and Hell reek of relevancy despite their unpopularity at cocktail parties, especially when my mouth bleeds and poison drips into my veins. Our causes -- even our vital campaigns over human-induced climate change -- pale when measured against Eternity. In the words of CS Lewis,

We are very shy nowadays of even mentioning Heaven. We are afraid of the jeer about "pie in the sky" and of being told that we are trying to "escape from the duty of making a happy world here and now into dreams of a happy world elsewhere." But either there is "pie in the sky" or not. If there is not, then Christianity is false, for this doctrine is woven into its whole fabric. If there is, then this truth, like any other, must be faced, whether it is useful at political meetings or no.

The eternal perspective, on which a healthy contemplative centers, gives context to my temporal causes. And, strangely, it makes me a better activist. Lewis sheds insight again:

A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great [people] who built the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the slave trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become ineffective in this. Aim at heaven and you'll get the Earth 'thrown in': aim at earth and you will get neither.



A healthy eternal perspective, ironically, revitalizes and deepens our action because it illuminates human potential: Who we are now shapes our distant future. The kindly old woman may evolve into something magnificent in a thousand years. We might mistake her for a goddess. The famous CEO may fade into a growling, pale shadow. The woman embraces God and thrives in intimacy with the divine. That's Heaven. The CEO sees God as a threat and ducks for cover. That's Hell.

Some may suspect that I just read CS Lewis's The Great Divorce. They'd be right. I find his Heaven-Hell portrait compelling.

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Our earthly actions are crucial for the same reason a pregnant woman nurtures the child in her womb. Perhaps her conduct, including her overall emotional state, makes little apparent difference as the baby sucks its thumb in the amniotic fluid; her influence plays out after the child is born and grows. Likewise with the Christian activist vis-a-vis humanity's earthly prenatal existence. We care about the present precisely because we've glimpsed timelessness.

Perhaps that's why I itch to rejoin the fray. I've seen the eternal perspective. I long to be one of God's many catalysts through whom Heaven's atmosphere comes into the present. It's an atmosphere of love and harmony instead of competition, including harmony with God's creation.
Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa

There is a major political debate currently happening in many parts of this country, but the astonishing thing is that most politicians -- especially those on the national stage -- seem to want to pretend the debate doesn't even exist. We saw this previously on the issue of gay marriage, when even the Democratic candidates for president in 2008 wouldn't support the idea for fear of losing votes -- even though it was obviously the right thing to do. Both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton would only support half-measures whose time had already passed, saying they were in favor of "civil unions," but that "marriage" was too sacred a word to use for these unions. That was only eight years ago, and the political shift since then has been monumental. These days, it would be hard for any Democrat to get elected who didn't wholeheartedly support marriage equality for all. The people led, and the leaders eventually followed.

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The next issue where this is already happening is marijuana legal reform. The arc of history is clear, and it is bending in one obvious direction. But politicians from Hillary Clinton on down refuse to show more than lukewarm support for half-measures which are already outdated. This is nothing short of political cowardice. Hillary Clinton is a special case, because her husband was the first United States president to admit smoking marijuana, although even this admission was hedged in lawyerly fudging ("I didn't inhale"). But that was almost 25 years ago, and in the meantime public opinion has shifted dramatically.

On Hillary Clinton's campaign website there are only a few desultory mentions of marijuana legal reform. Clinton, to her credit, says she is for letting the states be laboratories of democracy (without specifying what exactly this means), and for rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule II. The only time she's been asked about marijuana, at a primary debate, she responded that she was willing to let further studies of medical marijuana happen. This is simply not enough, though. Further studies? Half of the United States have already legalized medical marijuana. Half. It's not an issue that's even really up for debate anymore -- politically akin to civil unions in 2008, in fact. And yet Clinton can't even come out in full support of medicinal marijuana -- she's content to just "further study" the issue for now. This is not leadership, folks.

This November, citizens of at least five states will be voting on legalizing recreational use of marijuana by adults, and the polls now indicate that all five ballot measures may win. Four states and Washington D.C. have already legalized recreational use, meaning we could have a total of nine states next year where marijuana is fully legal for anyone of age to consume without fear of being arrested or having their lives ruined by the Draconian drug laws which have outlawed marijuana for the past century. These states are in open rebellion against federal law on the matter, it bears pointing out. Federal law is unequivocal: marijuana is a dangerous illegal drug that has no medical use and is prohibited everywhere in the country, period. Federal law trumps state law, so any of the state-level experiments could be overturned by the federal courts at any time -- if federal law does not change to accommodate them, that is. All it would take would be a drug-warrior president who wanted to continue fighting the futile federal War On Weed.

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Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, doesn't much seem like an extreme drug warrior. I doubt he'd go after Colorado and all the other legal recreational marijuana states. But this wasn't true for all the candidates on the Republican side this year -- Chris Christie even explicitly said he'd crack down on Colorado during a primary debate. As things stand right now, legal marijuana is in limbo, subject to the whims of whoever sits in the Oval Office (and whoever is running the Justice Department). That is what needs to fundamentally change. This limbo has gone on long enough. Luckily enough, these changes can largely take place without the input of Congress (where the political cowardice might be too overwhelming).

These changes must be sweeping and absolute, not half-measures. Even Clinton's timid support for rescheduling marijuana wouldn't make a bit of difference in the states with legalized recreational usage. It might make it easier for state-legal medicinal marijuana to coexist with federal law, but it wouldn't do a thing for recreational use.

There really is only one possible answer, and that is that the federal government is going to have to completely toss in the towel on the War On Weed. The Catch-22 nature of federal marijuana laws has to end. The states have led, and the federal government needs to admit that it has completely lost all control of the way the public debate is now heading. This will happen sooner or later, but there's an excellent chance it'll happen during the next president's term in office, which is why some leadership now on the issue would be sorely welcome.

There are several concrete steps that the federal government must take to dismantle the anachronistic War On Weed. The first and biggest would be for the president to announce that the federal government was done with its pointless stance that has been frozen in time since roughly the 1980s, and that individual states would now be free to make their own decisions on marijuana sales. States could continue banning sales altogether, states could allow medical use, or states could allow any adult to grow, sell, buy, and consume marijuana to their heart's content. But the federal government wouldn't interfere at all. That is the leadership that is needed on the issue. Punt the issue to the states, and get out of the enforcement business altogether.

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Marijuana needs to not just be rescheduled, but rather descheduled -- taken off the list of "controlled substances" for good. Marijuana possession or use would no longer be illegal under federal law. Regulation of marijuana needs to be taken away from the Drug Enforcement Agency entirely and handed over to the agency which currently regulates alcohol and tobacco. All onerous restrictions on medical research need to be abolished completely. Furthermore, both banking and tax law need to be reformed to treat marijuana businesses like any other business in America instead of as major drug traffickers, as they are today (even in states that have legalized such businesses). And finally, individual possession of marijuana should be universally legal, even in states that don't allow sales. This would allow people to travel freely with marijuana in their vehicle -- in exactly the same fashion that people today can legally drive through a "dry" county with an unopened bottle of alcohol in their car, without fear of arrest.

That is where America is heading, as evidenced by the popularity of recreational legalization on ballot measures so far. This November, California may legalize recreational use, which would mean over ten percent of the country's population (over 30 million people) would suddenly become the biggest legal marijuana marketplace in the country. Maintaining the federal fiction that marijuana is still illegal is going to be hard to do when almost 20 percent of the states are blatantly ignoring this law (assuming it passes in all five states).

This is where the lack of political leadership will become most apparent. For almost the entire election season, all the presidential candidates have (for the most part) not even been asked by journalists where they stand on one of the fastest-moving political issues this year. That is a failure by both the media and by the cowardly politicians afraid of losing some votes by taking a clear stand. The transition from the War On Weed to a sane approach towards regulating marijuana is going to happen eventually, but the next president will have an enormous influence on how smooth (or bumpy) this transition will be -- and how fast it will happen. This is precisely why they need to be specifically asked about it now.

This Sunday night will be the only presidential debate where normal people will get the chance to pose questions to the two remaining candidates. I am hoping at least one voter will ask for clear details on what the candidates would do as president on federal marijuana legal reform. And I don't mean just a generic, gauzy question on medicinal marijuana, either. If I were sitting in that audience, here are the questions I would ask:

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"Given that, after November's election, nine states may have legalized recreational adult usage of marijuana, would you recognize this new reality by not just rescheduling marijuana -- which would still leave recreational use federally illegal -- but by descheduling it altogether and handing off all federal marijuana regulation to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, where it really belongs? Furthermore, would you support changing the tax code and federal banking regulations so that state-legal marijuana businesses can freely operate without fear of being federally prosecuted as major drug traffickers?"

Chris Weigant blogs at:
In Standing on the Sun and (more briefly!) the HBR, Julia Kirby and I argued that sensors of all kinds--from Copenhagen Wheels to Kenyans with Ushahidi on their phones to body cameras--would bring information about negative externalities such as pollution, civil violence, and abuse of authority to the attention of consumers/citizens, who would consequently care more about the behaviors that caused them.

(We titled this "Sensors and sensibilities." Couldn't help ourselves.) The consequence would be people voting with their wallets and ballots to endorse choices that respected all constituents.

Our point was that data on "intangibles" that have gone unmeasured by GDP and GAAP accounting would enable society to express its collective desires more effectively. The result would be a world better balancing the needs of all stakeholders. (This happened in the early 20th century; after industrialization concentrated power, anti-trust legislation, labor laws and financial regulation redistributed it to consumers, workers and savers.)

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But we did not foresee the next stage--as the demand for such information grows, it becomes a business opportunity.

Thomson Reuters' ad, above, shows that it can be. And of course it makes sense that a news organization would see the growing mainstream desire for such information as a new market.

I expect some will react negatively to a for-profit organization taking up a "cause" and express more trust in NGOs to supply this kind of information. My view is that the embrace of a powerful company that knows how to do the information gathering and presentation (see more of their work here) will accelerate a positive feedback cycle, fueling awareness and concern that leads to bad actors seeing better behavior in their best interests.

Update

A late-breaking example: the October 1st New York Times reports that brands including Verizon, General Mills, and HP Inc. are "[asking] ad agencies for action on diversity hiring."

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According to the chief creative officer of General Mills "You don't need to be a mom to make some Cheerios ads, but if we have more moms on the team...maybe we increase the probability we do work that connects with moms. That's really where our drive for diversity came--it wasn't some sort of moral high-horse stance about the failing ad industry."
What will happen with the one U.S. Supreme Court vacancy after the death last February of Justice Antonin Scalia will undoubtedly be decided after the results of November's election. But the high court new term, which began October 3rd, already includes several major cases that could redefine the validity of sentences handed down to many inmates and the penalties they can legally face.

One such case is Beckles v. United States, which addresses the issue of how far-reaching the Supreme Court's 2015 decision will be on Johnson v. United States, which voided as unconstitutionally vague one part of a federal criminal law, the Armed Career Criminal Act, or ACCA.

That law imposes sentences ranging from a 15-year minimum to a lifetime maximum for people convicted of crimes involving firearm use, if the convict had earlier been convicted of at least three "serious" drug violations, or "violent" felonies. To define a violent felony, the ACCA said an offense had to involve the threatened, attempted or actual use of physical force against someone, or involve arson, burglary, explosives, extortion, or otherwise--in the so-called "residual clause"--involve conduct presenting a "serious potential risk of physical injury" to another person.

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The Supreme Court's 8-1 Johnson decision found that catch-all residual clause, by not spelling out what conduct might be considered to present risk of physical injury, was unconstitutionally vague. Later last year, the high court ruled Johnson applied retroactively to sentences which had been handed down before the Johnson decision was issued, opening the possibility of new appeals for many inmates.

Now, in the Beckles appeal, the Supreme Court is asked to decide whether a part of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines with language identical to the ACCA's residual clause is similarly void for vagueness--which might open new appeals for inmates serving longer sentences due to that provision.

The new term also includes a case (Moore v. Texas) on how to interpret the Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment, which the Court, as far back as its 2002 decision in Atkins v. Virginia, forbids execution of people with serious intellectual disabilities. Most recently, in its 2014 Hall v. Florida decision, the Supreme Court held that states could not automatically deem all inmates with IQ scores higher than 70 as exempt from that restriction.

Even so, states have used diverse standards on how an inmate's intellectual disabilities are to be measured and proved, and the Moore v. Texas appeal could provide an opportunity for the high court to lay down new rulings in those areas.

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Bobby James Moore, with an IQ a fraction above 70, failed every school grade until dropping out in ninth grade. Convicted at age 20 of being one of three participants in a botched robbery of a grocery, in which a worker was fatally shot, he has now been on Texas's Death Row for over 35 years, mostly in solitary confinement.

Despite IQ scores and expert evaluations showing him to be within the range of mild retardation, the state Court of Criminal Appeals found him eligible for execution, saying he had not proved he qualified under an older test the state uses. His lawyers are seeking to have him evaluated by more current standards.
The image of three-year-old Alan Kurdi lying dead on a Turkish beach etched the plight of Syrian refugees into America's consciousness. If only the world had felt his dinghy capsize, been thrown into the churning waters after fleeing a rubble-worn country. Maybe more would be willing to act.

Now, virtual reality promises to mimic these experiences, with tools to view and hear and feel the world as a Syrian refugee, or a girl fetching water in East Africa. If our brains can be tricked into the immediacy of these events, our emotions could follow.

We are hardwired for empathy. A landmark 2012 study found that human interactions are unique because of a neurological overlap in our understanding of the self and those closest to us. Our brains don't differentiate -- our loved ones' emotions affect us the same as our own.

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We've all experienced this physiological connection when we've felt the pain of a friend. But what about people in distant countries? Virtual reality can close that gap. The technology could revolutionize empathy.

Professor Jeremy Bailenson has been researching the neurological and psychological impact of virtual reality for 15 years at Stanford's Virtual Human Interaction Lab. Visual, auditory and dynamic spatial cues mimic real-life responses in the brain; he's found that the immersive quality of this technology leaves an indelible mark on users in a way that still images don't.

Bailenson's lab is harnessing this potential, pioneering simulated experiences that create selfless behaviours. One recent study found that giving test subjects super powers in virtual reality, like the ability to fly, made them more likely to help a lab technician with a task in real life.

Virtual reality is inspiring people to become everyday superheroes. It's no surprise that non-profits are leveraging this technology. In the face of charity fatigue and whiplash-quick news cycles that lurch from crisis to crisis, there's a more intimate way to connect donors to a cause.

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Hundreds of people donned simulation goggles at a charity gala in New York last year. They experienced the daily routine of a 13-year-old girl in Ethiopia as she trekked for miles to fetch 25 litres of water for her family. The event raised U.S. $2.4 million for clean water projects, far more than projected.

Journalists, too, have harnessed virtual reality to lift their stories off the page, and screen. Nonny de la Pena's Project Syria puts users on the ground in a refugee camp. It debuted at the 2014 World Economic Forum in Davos, giving some politicians a rare chance to experience the conflict themselves. Refugee camps don't make for good memories, but they're something everyone should see.

We visited Dadaab, a sliver of land in Northern Kenya, during the 2011 drought that plunged East Africa into crisis. It was home to 300,000 refugees fleeing conflict and famine. Aid workers went without sleep, mothers starved to save food rations for their children. Because of our history and infrastructure in the region, our partner communities fared better. Still, as a non-profit, we struggled to get the world to pay attention, taking photos and writing stories that didn't do justice to the crisis.

We hope the next frontier for virtual reality is the classroom, where it promises to immerse students--our future leaders--in worlds beyond textbooks. In a small way, we wanted to do the same for young people and guests at our WE Day events across North America this year, with goggles that take users to one of our partner communities in Kenya. Walk a mile, or several, with a Maasai woman collecting water.
Contemporary playwrights influenced by Anton Chekhov outnumber those who haven't been--and by overwhelming numbers. Most of them leave implicit their debt to the master. For instance, British playwright N. C. Hunter, whose A Day by the Sea is currently being smartly revived at the Mint.

Brian Friel took a more direct approach in 2002 with Afterplay, just revived at the Irish Repertory. (Don't confuse this Afterplay with Anne Meara's After-Play, which is her homage to influencer J. B. Priestley.) Friel lifts Chekhov's sad, disappointed Sonya from Uncle Vanya (1897) and spoiled, aimless violin-playing Andrey from The Three Sisters (1900). Chekhov sees them when they're young and only beginning to face life's disillusions. Friel has them meet not really cute in a Moscow cafe a few decades later.

If you're thinking he's written extended epilogues for both comedy-dramas, you're on the right wavelength. Here's Sonya (Dearbhla Molloy), discovered on John Lee Beatty's set redolent of 1920s Russia, shuffling papers--just as she is at the Uncle Vanya fade-out. Only now, she eventually explains, she's examining troubling bank documents regarding the farm she runs on her own after Vanya's death 19 years earlier.

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Andrey (Dermot Crowley), turning up almost immediately in shabby formal wear (Fabio Toblini's costumes) and carrying his violin case, has obviously accomplished what his sisters always insisted they would do. He's returned to the Moscow where the siblings were born and which they left when young. Andrey repeats to Sonya, whom he'd met the previous evening at the same cafe table, that he's just finished rehearsal for the following night's La Boheme performance at the nearby opera house.

As she finishes tea and tipples from the bottle of vodka she hides in her satchel and as he spoons cabbage soup and munches on fresh brown bread, they exchange confidences that in time occasionally are lies. Recognizing failings in each other as a result of knowing themselves too well, they are drawn together even as they intuit that any hope they harbor for lasting bonds is nonexistent.

Friel's palpable success with Afterplay is the extent to which he's composed a play that might have fooled Chekhov himself into believing he'd come up with but just can't remember when. That's how persuasive it is for the 60 minutes or so during which Andrey and Sonya reveal the heavy melancholy of their marginal existences--marginal existences extending to Andrey's estranged children, Bobik and Sophie, and to Dr. Astrov, for whom Sonya's longtime unrequited longing still endures.

As directed with Chekhovian sensitivity by Joe Dowling, Crowley and Molloy play together with doleful beauty. Both their performances are underpinned by fathoms of vulnerability and hurt. Attempting to retain kindness and enjoyment in her soft face, Molloy allows Sonya's worries to emerge at the edges of her pleasantries. Crowley does a grand job of depicting Andrey's embarrassment at constantly needing to dissemble merely to be accepted.

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During the conversation, Andrey becomes upset at the thought of his sisters Olga and Irina at home still dreaming that one day they, too, will be back in Moscow where they belong. (Masha is deceased, he reports.) As audience members listen, more than one will likely be thinking that Friel, who died a year ago at 86, has been so clever about filling in these Chekhov lives that perhaps some other spiritual Chekhov sons and daughters might be prompted to tell us what's become of the playwright's other unforgettable characters.

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Horton Foote often said that the many plays in which he included people living either in the fictional town of Harrison, Texas or having once lived in Harrison are based on the stories he heard when he was growing up in Wharton, Texas, the southeastern town not too far from cosmopolitan Houston.

In other words, he was happy to make it seem as if he were merely transcribing first-hand what he'd listened to and remembered from all those natural-born Texas storytellers around him when he was growing up. That's certainly what he suggests in The Roads to Home, the three related one-acts at the Cherry Lane, where frequent Foote purveyors Primary Stages are now based.

Two of the pithy pieces take place at the middle-class Votaugh home in 1924, and the third takes place in 1928 during a prom at a nearby asylum. Since Foote, who died in 2009, was born in 1916, the scenes "A Nightingale," "The Dearest of Friends" and "Spring Dance" represent conversations he overheard or perhaps had repeated to him when he was 8 and 12.

There's no question that "A Nightingale"--maybe the strongest of the trio--comes across as a verbatim exchange between and among its four participants. Mabel Votaugh (our leading Foote interpreter Hallie Foote) and Vonnie Hayhurst (Harriet Harris) are in the kitchen shooting the Texas breeze about the backgrounds and genealogy of seemingly everyone they know when Annie Gayle Long (Rebecca Brooksher), whose problematic mental health they'd already gossiped, arrives.

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Annie Gayle's first gesture is to extend her hand as if she's carrying a gun (remember this is Texas) and then making firing sounds. Immediately, her mental health registers as more than problematic. Nevertheless, Mabel and Vonnie do everything they can to calm the visitor, who did watch a family friend shoot and kill her father. Attempting to remind her about the children she's presumably left at home, the ladies do what they can until Annie Gayle's worried husband, Mr. Long (Dan Bittner), comes to lead her home.

The slice-of-Texas-life tenor of "The Nightingale" (Annie Gayle does some impromptu sing as well) continues in "The Dearest of Friends," which has Mabel and drowsy husband Jack (Devon Abner) in the living room of Jeff Cowie's cannily authentic set joined by Vonnie and eventually her husband Eddie (Matt Sullivan). It transpires that Vonnie can't pay attention to the crazy-hearts card game she's playing with Mabel because she's learned that Eddie is having an affair with a Harrison woman they all know. Worse yet, he's asked for a divorce.

Having composed that unresolved but totally convincing glimpse of the Votaugh-Hayhurst friendship, Foote in "Spring Dance" jumps four years to an asylum for well-heeled locals. Here, Annie Gayle is now institutionalized and converses now coherently, now distractedly with the silent Dave Dushon (Bittner) and Greene Hamilton (Sullivan), to whom she refers several times in "A Nightingale," and to new character Cecil Henry (Abner).

Perhaps because this scene seems less likely to be one that the young Foote might have had described to him, it's the least convincing of the three one-acts. But again it's well performed by these Horton Foote players in the latest Primary Stages tribute to possibly the company's favorite author.

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Golden Girls fans who can't get enough of the long-running Bea Arthur-Betty White-Rue McClanahan-Estelle Getty television series have a treat in store. It's The Golden Girls Show!, created and directed by Jonathan Rockefeller, at DR2. In it Emmanuelle Zeesman, Cat Greenfield, Michael LaMasa and Arlee Chadwick, all dressed in black, wield, respectively, Sophia, Blanche, Dorothy and Rose puppets. Zack Kononov, who holds no puppet, plays Stan.
Supporters of Palestinian rights are boycotting targets associated with Israel. Many see all such boycotts as justified. Many supporters of Israel maintain instead that no such boycott can be justified. And many academics argue that academic boycotts, in particular, can never be justified.

With all due respect, I disagree with everyone. I argue here that some boycotts aimed at Israel are justifiable, potentially including some academic boycotts, but a general boycott of all Israeli colleges and universities is not.

Let me start with a recent case at Syracuse University that raised the question of boycotting an individual because he is Israeli, though it appears now that no one at Syracuse thinks this can be justified. Here is the convoluted tale of a boycott that was not really a boycott but rather a disinvitation that was blamed on a boycott and then followed by denials, apologies, and a re-invitation.

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Meet Shimon Dotan, an award-winning Israeli filmmaker who has taught at universities in Israel, Canada, and the United States. Dotan was invited to present his new film The Settlers at a spring 2017 conference on "The Place of Religion in Film" at Syracuse University. But then he was disinvited by the conference organizer, who wrote that her colleagues "have warned me that the BDS faction on campus will make matters very unpleasant for you and for me if you come."

BDS is a nonviolent movement for Palestinian human rights that relies on boycotts, divestment, and sanctions. Responding to negative publicity about the disinvitation, Syracuse faculty affiliated with BDS denied that they had played any role. On the contrary, they noted, BDS boycotts institutions, not individuals. Boycotting an individual because he or she is Israeli and/or Jewish would be inconsistent with BDS policy.

Also responding to the negative publicity, Syracuse University observed that a boycott of Israelis would violate its policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of citizenship or national origin. As the 2016-17 academic year began it announced that it would invite Professor Dotan after all, but apparently not for the spring 2017 conference.

Meanwhile, the conference organizer issued a statement apologizing for the disinvitation. She had "overstate[d] concerns expressed by some of my colleagues," she wrote, and "allowed my own fear of controversy to rule over good judgment and good teaching." It remains unclear just what happened here, but I'm content with the apparent consensus that individuals must not be boycotted on the basis of nationality, ethnicity, religion, or other such characteristics.

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Consider, by contrast, the boycotts of Hewlett Packard, Caterpillar, SodaStream, Ahava, G4S, and other corporations complicit in Israeli violations of international human rights law. The purpose of these boycotts is to pressure companies not to participate in violating Palestinian rights and thus force Israel to comply with international law regarding refugees, settlements, home demolitions, freedom of movement, ethnic discrimination, imprisonment, and torture.

These boycotts target specific companies that are directly complicit in specific human rights violations. Each company is free at any time to end the boycott by changing its behavior. One can argue about the usefulness of any particular boycott but boycotts of this sort are often justifiable and even morally admirable.

And academic boycotts? The American Association of University Professors opposes academic boycotts but maintains a list of censured institutions that anyone is free to boycott. But to get onto the AAUP list an institution must seriously violate basic academic standards, as when the University of Illinois rescinded its job offer to Professor Steven Salaita because of objections to his anti-Zionist tweets. And colleges can get off the list by changing their policies and practices.

An academic boycott of all colleges and universities in an entire country, in contrast, removes its targets from the international academic community for reasons beyond their control. Such boycotts threaten the important ideal of academia as an autonomous international community that transcends national divisions.
October 6, 2016 | 03:00 pm PT

The first Live Painting Session in the city: 3 artists painting 3 surf boards, live on stage

Theme: Higher Consciousness, Spirituality & Distorsions



Featuring:



Dede La Plume (France)



Dede la Plume is the kind of artist you could call a schizophrenic.

She paints, draws, illustrates, designs fashion and textiles and dances; this French girl never stops creating.

"I arrived in Vietnam a year ago. Came here to meet, learn and live with local minorities of Vietnam.

Creating is an essential for my life; like we all breath, I need to create.

People we meet are my source of inspiration; everything they share with me transforms into art."

So live, love, eat and create!



Lucie Doan (VN-UK)



Lucie is a half English, half Vietnamese multidisciplinary fine artist, designer, photographer and poet. As an avid traveler with ethnic and cultural traces from Germany, England, Vietnam, France and America, she considers herself to be a global citizen before anything else.



She is now working in Saigon as a professional creative after having studied in Brighton, England. Her unique experiences have continually moulded her body of work and allowed it to evolve as she explores themes such as racial empowerment, political corruption, spirituality, environmentalism, existentialism and the concept of self, among many others.



Adele H (France)



Adele Hughes is a young video director and illustrator from Paris. A former graphic designer, her work focuses on experimental and psychedelic themes. She's been living in Saigon for a year and makes collaborations with artists in many disciplines such as hip hop, dance and video projection. Discover her crazy personality at the first Live Painting Session at Indika



Music: Psychedelic & Dub Tunes



Extra:

Saigon Circus meet up will happen the same day.

Juggling, acroyoga and other cool performances will be randomly happening throughout the night.



Entrance fee: VND50,000 ($2.3)
If you were angered by the recent revelations in the New York Times that Donald Trump probably has not been paying his fair share of taxes, you've got a lot of company.

Even though I think the Intercept has been unfair to Hillary Clinton in this election, the Intercept's Jon Schwarz does good work in laying out precisely how Trump might have avoided taxes for years. He interviews David Cay Johnston, whose 2007 book, "Free Lunch," I just happened to pick up. Johnston writes in the book that "Donald Trump benefits from a tax that was enacted to help the elderly and the poor, but part of which was diverted to his casinos." The examples of Trump looking out only for himself compound to the point of redundancy. Yet they're very important to understanding how horribly he would run the country.

Schwarz writes, "(I)n 1995, Trump created a company called Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts, and sold stock in it. And Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts became the legal owner of his casinos, not Trump himself. So, Johnston believes, Trump kept the upside (i.e., the losses he could use to cancel out future income and avoid taxes) while transferring the downside (the more heavily-taxed casino property) to the company's shareholders."

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What is the rationale for Trump avoiding his responsibility to give back to the American public? Oddly, he says he wants to help entrepreneurs. Schwarz continues, "Just as importantly, Trump shows no sign that he believes the government should protect shareholders from ruthless businessmen willing to screw them. In fact, just the opposite -- his core belief is that we need to get the government off the backs of long-suffering entrepreneurs like himself."

As far as the plight of entrepreneurs goes, you'll find a lot more cutting-edge ideas in the social sciences and hard sciences than in business schools. As Joseph E. Stiglitz has put it, many of these hardworking scientists who come up with game-changing discoveries aren't being paid like the CEOs who profit from their ideas.

I've written recently about the politics of responsibility. While it may be necessary for the left to rework our stance on responsibility to understand the factor of individual agency, it is ironic how we expect the poor, minorities and disadvantaged to be so responsible when not all white collar businesspeople are held to the same moral standards.

Additionally, whole systems of algorithms are now being used to oppress vulnerable groups that can't afford outside counsel, as Cathy O'Neil describes in her book 'Weapons of Math Destruction.' She writes about the case of Duane Buck, a man whom authorities sentenced to death after using a recidivism prediction tool. As Nick Kristof writes, "Duane Buck ... was sentenced to death after 'expert' testimony that he was more likely to commit violent crimes in the future because he was black. What can that be called but racism?"

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Despite all the disgust with pharmaceutical price gouging and the public shaming of CEOs like Heather Bresch of EpiPen infamy and "pharma bro" Martin Shkreli, we've yet to see any concrete steps to actually cut drug prices.

Now California voters can take matters, and their health, into their own hands - and set a national model by passing Proposition 61 in November.

Writing for the industry website PharmExec.com Tom Norton branded California "Ground Zero" for their perennial war to protect their windfall profits. The initiative, he frets, "would establish an incredibly deep, mandatory discount ... for the public purchase of prescription drugs in America's largest state."

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That could happen through a simple approach taken by Prop. 61 - adapting a price cut to the one public agency that has full federal authority to demand lower prices, the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Prop. 61 would direct California to pay no more for medications for patients it covers through state health programs than the prices paid by the DVA, which could cut prices for those patients by up to 40 percent - and save the state billions of dollars in drug purchases.

To head off that nightmare for the drug profiteers, the industry is pouring money up to $100 million into California to flood the airways and social media with a misleading campaign of deceit and scare tactics.

At the heart of the fear mongering, and their brass knuckles campaign, is a threat that drug prices for veterans will jump if Prop. 61 passes.

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Except for one fact. Federal law requires substantial discounts in drugs sold to the VA, and the drug companies will not be able to increase out of pocket costs for veterans no matter how much they try to retaliate for Prop. 61.

"People need to see beyond the deception of those saying it will hurt veterans, it won't," says Iraq war veteran Steve Dunwoody.

What the pharmaceutical industry and those held in its thrall refuse to acknowledge is the crisis that nurses and patients see every day as a result of skyrocketing drug prices.

Families who say they can't afford the co-pays for the medications their children need to continue treatment for illnesses like leukemia and face becoming homeless or giving up other basic necessities to care for their child. While the price of a drug like Gleevac, for leukemia patients, has shot up from $26,400 for an annual treatment regimen in 2001 to $120,000 today.

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Diabetic patients admitted to the hospital with elevated blood glucose levels because they couldn't fill their medications while insulin prices have doubled and tripled in price. A diabetic who rations insulin can suffer organ damage, blindness, loss of limbs, heart attacks or strokes.

Coronary patients with heart stents who can't afford the follow up drugs to prevent blood clots in the new stent who come back to the ER with chest pain, if they don't die from a heart attack or stroke before getting back to the hospital.

Opponents of Prop. 61 suggest waiting until lawmakers in Washington or Sacramento set limits on the drug pirates. We might as well wait until the sun sets in the east.

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Congress has repeatedly blocked legislation to permit Medicare to negotiate bulk discounts, the way virtually every other country uses the power of government to curb the price gouging, or to allow patients to buy cheaper drugs from Canada.

Why are our elected leaders unwilling to act?

Since 1998, the pharmaceutical industry has spent $3.4 billion in federal lobbying, nearly twice as much as even that other behemoth the oil and gas industry. In 2015 alone, the pharmaceutical industry employed 1,400 federal lobbyists, nearly enough to assign three lobbyists to every member of Congress.

The drug giants are also lavish spenders in elections. Since 1990, it has handed out $340 million in campaign cash to candidates for Congress.

In California, even with substantial Democratic majorities, pharmaceutical lobbyists successfully buried two bills this year, SB 1010 and AB 463, both of which would have just provided more transparency on charges without even cutting prices.

Big Pharma spends big in California to intimidate lawmakers as well, $75 million on lobbying and $17 million on contributions for candidates to state offices since 2000.

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The result of all this influence peddling has been a green light for the industry to charge whatever it wants. Since 2008, the price of brand name drugs has risen by 164 percent.

Everyone has heard of EpiPen, with its 500 percent increase for a two pack of a longtime family staple to deliver epinephrine to block potentially fatal allergeic reactions to peanuts, shellfish or bee stings.

But EpiPen is hardly an outlier.

One of the most notorious is Sovaldi, the breakthrough drug for people struggling with hepatitis C. But maker Gilead charges $1,000 a pill or $84,000 for a 12-week treatment course, so much that it has threatened to bankrupt public programs which now commonly ration the drug.

Those who don't get Sovaldi "can die some of the worse deaths I've ever seen," New Mexico nurse practitioner Laura Bush told The Atlantic last September.

Today one in 10 Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control, don't take their prescribed medications, while the world's top 50 drug companies made $1.6 trillion in profits the past 20 years.

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If you think all that wealth is being put back into developing cures for cancer or vaccines for the latest epidemics, think again.

Nearly all drug companies spend more, usually far more, on marketing than research, much of it funded by taxpayers and conducted at public universities.

Consider the current race to find a vaccine for the Zika virus. The biggest obstacle is how much profits Big Pharma can make from a vaccine. The French firm Sanofi SA jumped in, but only after getting $43 million in funding from the U.S. government, aka us taxpayers. Did Sanofi really need the help? It made $4.6 billion in profits in 2015 alone, and $83 billion in profits the past 20 years.

It doesn't have to be this way. In Egypt Gilead sells the Sovaldi for just $900 for the same 12-weeks of care for which it charges $84,000 in the U.S. Overall, prices for the world's top 20 selling meds are three times higher in the U.S. than in Britain, six times higher than in Brazil.

The Big Pharma drug cartel, which would make a credible stand-in for the next season of Netflix' show "Narcos," certainly knows what's at stake.

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"Adoption of VA pricing by the State of California," Norton warns in PharmExec.com, "would be a pricing disaster for the entire U.S. drug industry" and "would shake the rafters of every single public state drug program in the nation."

Good. Let's stop rewarding the arrogance of this out of control industry.
Following the accident, U.S. forces recovered DNA which provided enough information to positively identify Gilbert. His funeral, with full military honors, followed Dec. 11, 2006 at Arlington National Cemetery. In September 2012, some additional, but very limited, remains were recovered and interred during a second service Dec. 11, 2013.

Then, on Aug. 28, an Iraqi tribal leader approached a U.S. military advisor near al Taqaddam, Iraq, and produced what he claimed to be evidence of the remains of a U.S. military pilot who had crashed in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Iraqi said he was a representative of his tribe, which had the remains and the flight gear the pilot was wearing when he went down.

The tribal leader turned over the evidence to the U.S. advisor who immediately provided it to U.S. experts for testing at the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. AFMES confirmed the evidence Sept. 7 through DNA testing.

With this verification, U.S. military advisors in Iraq reengaged the tribal leader who subsequently turned over the remains, including a U.S. flight suit, flight jacket and parachute harness.

Gilbert's remains, promptly prepared for return to the U.S. for testing, arrived Oct. 3 at Dover AFB. Airmen at Dover conducted a dignified transfer upon arrival at the base, which was attended by Gilbert's family, base officials and senior Air Force leaders, to include the Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Goldfein, Rand, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Cody.

AFMES confirmed Oct. 4 through dental examination and DNA testing that all remains received were those of Maj. Gilbert. His lost remains had been recovered and fully repatriated.

[::]

Now, finally, a decade later, Gilbert has returned to the country he so valiantly served. At the request of his family, his remains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in the coming months along with the remains originally recovered in 2006 and 2012.
Watching the U.S.-Israel relations through the prism of the White House and State Department statements regarding the latter is not a procedure recommended to those suffering from migraines. This is a roller coaster of praise and condemnation, of positive and negative, of pledges and veiled threat. In sum, something which can be referred to as a typical family feud. The more you love, the more you are frustrated when the recipient of your love seems to be misbehaving. May seem to be, but not really. The roller coaster has still a direction, it pinpoints to a significant development awaiting Israel.

Some context is needed here. Israel and US signed a far-reaching security aid deal, one which aroused a mixture of praise and criticism in Israel. The latter directed mainly at Netanyahu, arguing that his speech in Congress against the Iran nuclear deal soured irreversibly the political relations with the Obama Administration, so that the security deal was adversely affected by that. Not a moot point, and this blog, for one, was critical of both the tone and contents of Netanyahu's objections to the nuclear deal. In the signing ceremony of the security deal, Susan Rice declared that US commitment to the security of Israel and its citizens is permanent. Then came Peres's funeral, and President Obama's nice gesture of coming and delivering a eulogy. While in Jerusalem, the Capital of the State of Israel, now and always, the White House crossed off the word Israel when referring to Jerusalem. For many Israelis, this was the true expression of American feelings. Then comes another Israeli announcement about a small building project in a settlement, the historic Jewish town of Shiloh, and the White House came out strongly, somehow connecting the Israeli announcement to the security aid deal, something which shocked many Israelis. Roller coaster? Well, a signal, and arguably a very clear one. It is, that the U.S. distinguishes between supporting Israel's security needs and its Palestinian policy.

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For the Obama administration, the settlements are THE litmus test to the viability of the two states solution, and Israel shows its objections to this solution by continuing to build settlements and/or expanding existing ones, and therefore it is the American priority to advance it in face of Israeli so-called intransigence. The truth is, that Israel does not build new settlements, hardly actually expanding existing ones and what happens is announcements about INTENT to build, designed to placate the Right Wing in the Netanyahu coalition, a typical Israeli ritual, and a VERY damaging one. Netanyahu should stop the pandering to his coalition partners, stop making announcements which will materialize, if at all, in a matter of years, and concentrate on the immediate and most important priority and this is, to NOT providing the Obama Administration any excuse to support or not to veto an anti Israel resolution in the Security Council.

Here is the most important time bomb awaiting Israel-a French initiative to pass a resolution in the Security Council which will give a time limit of two-three years for the termination of Israeli-Palestinian talks leading to an independent Palestinian state in the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and this time WITHOUT American veto. Such a resolution maybe forwarded by France, or any other member of the Security Council, but the suspicion in Jerusalem is, that it already has a tacit American support , if not actual encouragement, and this is what REALLY is the legacy which President Obama wants to leave behind. Needless to say, the scenario is, that such a resolution will be discussed and voted on AFTER 8 November.

So, can Netanyahu thwart such a resolution? Possibly, but not at all likely if he is not in tune with the Obama Administration. Official Israeli announcement about suspension of any settlement will not bring about a resumption of talks with Abbas, and this was proved years back, when an official Israeli suspension of nine months failed to bring Abbas to the negotiations table. However, repeated announcements on constructions in the settlements can and will lead the Administration to more sharp rebuke of Israel and less motivation to oppose any resolution in the Security Council.

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As I watched the recent debate between our two main political candidates in the US, I couldn't help but think that these days we are getting more of smoke-in-your-eyes campaigns than an actual race between parties. While many of my Facebook friends claimed a victory for Ms. Clinton after the debate, I felt a sense of hopelessness. I sensed that no matter who I would vote for, we as Americans would be stuck in a vortex of promises never made true and policies that were all basically the same, only worded and delivered differently. Political parties all over the world have become a single fraternity of power, with only one common policy among them: Keep the little guy down.

But the little guy, when pushed into this kind of political corner, can become indeed a mighty lion.

In a beautifully shot, perfectly made documentary titled An Insignificant Man, filmmakers Khushboo Ranka and Vinay Shukla explore just that idea. What happens when in the world's largest democracy, one common man starts a party for the everyday people based on the principles of anti-corruption, lower prices and more power to the masses? Well, when the country is India, the man Arvind Kejriwal and his party the Aam Aadmi Party, it's the stuff cinematic documentary dreams are made of.

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But lets start from the very beginning. After Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi led India to independence, the populous country became the world's largest democratic power, to be led by the people. The first Prime Minister of this independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru delivered in 1947 that famous 'Date with Destiny' speech, which included this passage: "At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance."

OK, that sounded promising enough, but as all good politicians do, Nehru made some wonderful promises he simply couldn't keep.

Fast forward to an India that has stepped into the 21st Century and the country's two supposedly opposing political parties, the Congress and the BJP had clearly become comfortable bedfellows. Until late in 2012, when a new voice came -- no wait, better say burst onto the scene. The Aam Aadmi Party, which literally translates to the "Common Man's Party".

AAP founder Arvind Kejriwal packs a powerful punch and I can only equate his power and passion at rallies and on screen with the kind of powerful passion I felt coming from the filmmakers of An Insignificant Man. The film takes the audience on a journey, but it's one so full of great insight, twists, turns, joy, tragedy and surprises that I felt like I was watching a narrative political thriller, not a documentary about politics.

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Perhaps the key to this palpable enthusiasm I experienced while watching the story of the AAP and their rise to power -- in the Delhi Assembly Election of 2015 they won an unprecedented 67 out of the 70 seats -- can be summed up best by what Shukla confessed to me before the screening, "As filmmakers you make films about yourself."

While of course the story is about Kejriwal and AAP co-founder Yogendra Yadav and all the leaders and volunteers who made the AAP dream a reality, An Insignificant Man is ultimately about us. Us being the world voters, those who wish to have a conversation with our leaders and actually be heard, those of us who still believe that our little, single, solitary vote can and will matter, make a difference. That the world could be, as a result of that vote, a better, safer, more satisfactory place for all of us.

Filmmaker Ranka explained how serendipitously, they followed the AAP's story nearly from the very beginning: "When we began making this film we realized pretty quickly that it would be great if it was an election film, if we had access to the other parties as well. Even though we approached them first, we quickly started approaching the other parties. But because we didn't get access we had to limit it to them, [the AAP] and it just so happened that they ended up doing so unexpectedly well. It was almost a coincidence of sorts in that sense, that the particular organization that gave us access also became the frontrunner."

When asked about the obvious comparisons between Kejriwal and Western anti-establishment politicians like Jeremy Corbyn and Bernie Sanders, Ranka replied: "I think it's great to draw parallels because that establishes a sort of universality to such a phenomenon. Of course there are nuances and differences... For example when we were in the US and Canada people drew comparisons with Bernie Sanders and while we were like, yes, we can see why this comparison comes up, we were also cautious enough to say that Sanders is a career politician whereas these guys -- they were complete outsiders to politics. This anti-establishment, setting yourself away from the status quo in contrast to the status quo, is consistent, not just with Corbyn and Sanders but even Trump for that. For us it was a portrait of democracy. We have grown up completely alienated from the political process and the picture of India as a democracy."

Co-director Shula added to that: "I think what is happening is this is the generation that we're living through and we can speak about it now. People are seeking a more direct engagement, a more participative and result-oriented process. People really want the result they are seeking and they want to participate in the political process to get to that result. And of course it's a long drawn process, each country comes with its own complications and each hero comes with his or her own shortcomings and tragic endings."

An Insignificant Man is produced by Anand Gandhi, a gutsy, innovative movie maker based in Bombay who earlier made Ship of Theseus, one of the most interesting films to come out of India in the last twenty years. Knowing this was enough to put the documentary on my radar of course.

But beyond the great talents at work behind the scenes of An Insignificant Man, a film, especially a documentary film, has to have a grab-me-at-first-sight rhythm and can't-turn-my-eyes-away tempo that gets under my skin. In a good way. An Insignificant Man kept me propped up in my chair, at the edge of my seat and with my eyes focused on the screen in front of me for its entire 90-minutes duration.

As some famous last words, I asked Gandhi to disclose what drew him to the project and he kindly replied:

Khushboo and Vinay are the finest filmmakers I have come across -- they display a rare clarity of insight, a deeply rigorous logic and a vast range of empathy and emotion. Their courage, foresight and craftsmanship have inspired me all through the making of the film. There is a great vacuum of transparency and introspection in our mainstream political discourse. I am deeply curious about our democratic processes and the future of policy. I feel that curiosity resonates with many of us throughout the world. Yet, it is rare to find narrative cinema documents that shed light on this churning dialogue between people and their systems. I was convinced that Khushboo and Vinay will make an enlightening film in this space and therefore, I felt privileged to participate.

An Insignificant Man screens at the BFI London Film Festival on October 8th and 9th, after having world premiered in Toronto at TIFF.
Wells Fargo, the largest U.S. bank, has provided us with a great example of the power of pay as a motivator. Its incentive program, which provided payouts to managers, employees and executives for opening new accounts, resulted in millions of new, falsely opened accounts.

Once again, it is made clear that pay can be a powerful motivator of behavior. This tends to be forgotten when articles are continually written about the importance of non-financial rewards such as meaningful work and social purpose.

However, the high motivational power of pay does not mean that it should serve as a motivator throughout organizations and under all conditions. Money should only be used when reasonable goals can be set and measures of how these goals are achieved are present.

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When excessively high or difficult goals are set, individuals either do not try to achieve them or try to achieve them by beating the system. When the method in which the goals are achieved is not measured, as in the Wells Fargo case, some individuals will use unacceptable means to achieve them.

It is clear when money should be used as an incentive. First, there needs to be sufficient money available so that a significant reward can be given for outstanding performance. Second, money should be used when it can be tied to clearly specified goals that are achievable and do not represent an excessive amount of "stretch." Third, it should be used when individuals' performance can be measured accurately and comprehensively.

When significant financial rewards are being offered, if there is a way, some individuals will inevitably try to beat the system. While the employees who try to beat the system are to blame, they are not the only problem. They may not be the major problem; rather, it lies with the management and culture of an organization that does not develop a comprehensive approach to measuring how goals are achieved.

Financial rewards can be powerful motivators of behavior but should be used with caution and only in situations where management has created a culture and goal-setting process that leads to reasonable goals and the comprehensive measurement of individual behavior. Thank you, Wells Fargo, for reminding us of this.
If, like us, you are already sick and tired of pumpkin spice everything, then here is your frothy salvation. These breweries know that beer is anything but basic, and are crafting some great brews with no hint of the orange gourd.

The Bruery: Autumn Maple

Placentia, California

The Bruery knows that there are two kinds of people: those who love pumpkin everything, and everyone else. This beer is made for everyone else. This dark ale is brewed in the same way as pumpkin beers, but with....wait for it...yams! Somehow, it manages to not be too sweet, even with maple, cinnamon and cloves help balance it out.

Upland Brewing: Oktoberfest

Bloomington, Indiana

Upland brews a delicious Bavarian-style lager, perfect for a fall day - or, a Notre Dame tailgating party.

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Deschutes Brewery: The Hop Trip

Portland, Oregon

Leave it to Portland to do things differently: this pale ale is brewed with fresh instead of preserved hops, and packs a citrusy and fall spice punch.

Revolution Brewing: Oktoberfest

Chicago, Illinois

Revolution's got a definite edge on the American fall beer game: this German-style brew is made with Hallertau Gold hops, which are only grown on one farm in Bavaria.

Founders Brewing: Harvest Ale

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Founders Brewing mixed stone fruits, hops, and toasted malt to create their seasonal, harvest-inspired ale. Points for no pumpkin.

Thomas Hooker Brewing Company: Octoberfest

Bloomfield, Connecticut

An exclusive, seasonal lager that tastes like caramel and toasted malt, the brewers only make this available from Labor Day until October 31st each year.

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Heavy Seas Brewing: Marzen

Halethorpe, Maryland

Heavy Seas followed in German beermasters' footsteps with this aptly-named marzen beer (marzen beers are named for the month - March - in which they've historically been brewed.) The well-aged amber is toasty, biscuity, and slightly sweet - and available year-round, but tastes best in fall.





Rogue Brewery: Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar Ale

Portland, Oregon

You could say they went

rogue

: this hazelnut-ty, toasty brown ale is warm and smooth, a perfect accompaniment to those chilly fall nights.





Ballast Point Brewing: Dead Ringer Oktoberfest

San Diego, California

Fall in San Diego...is like summer everywhere else. San Diegans are still at the beach, for crying out loud. So Ballast Point knew not to make a heavy ale - instead, their subtle flavor blend of fall spices, toffee, and stone fruits make this medium-bodied brew perfect for the mild temperature drop and dry Santa Anas. Plus, it's only 5.7% ABV, so you can down a few at the beach. Well played, Ballast Point, well played.

Founders Brewing: Sumatra Mountain Brown

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hailing from one of the coldest states in the nation, Founders knows how to make a versatile beer that's perfect for cold weather - meaning, it's good for fall AND winter. And a blend of caramel, chocolate malt, and rich Sumatra coffee (bonus!) is a delightfully heady, smooth, and oh-so-comforting seasonal brew.
"AT SOME POINT WE DECIDED TO STOP BEING SILENT AND OUR REVOLUTION STARTED." - Hussein Ghrer, human rights activist, Syria

December 17, 2010 Tunisia: Street trader Mohamed Bouazizi sets himself on fire in protest against police harassment. The moment sparks an unprecedented outburst of popular protest and demands for reform throughout the Middle East and North Africa. The Arab Spring begins.

The Laquan McDonald video showing this 17 year old black male being shot 16 times by Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke and the alleged coverup by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, former Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy and outgoing State's Attorney Anita Alvarez still sparks and inflames a season of civil resistance and engagement in Chicago that is growing stronger by the day. I feel the same spirit of resistance and revolution in Chicago and other American cities that I have witnessed since the self-immolation of Tunisian street trader Mohamed Bouazizi.

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Chicagoans are facing off with our own Mayor and elected officials over the reformation of a civilian oversight board - which instead of sweeping a half billion dollars of taxpayer monies under Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) rugs - will evenly and justly deal with issues of police misconduct. The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) may strike on October 11th thereby freeing teachers, students and parents to overflow downtown streets with pain, power and purpose. Our overtaxed and underserved citizens are talking about term limits in a Machine city like Chicago. Go figure...
By, Jacob Smith

On Sept. 11, Terrence Sterling was shot by a D.C. police officer while riding his motorcycle home after attending a bachelor party.

"At approximately 4:30 am, an officer observed a motorcyclist driving recklessly near the 1700 block of U Street, Northwest," said Metropolitan Police Department in a press release.

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Sterling was spotted a few minutes later near 3rd Street and M Street, Northwest, where two officers attempted to stop him.

"When the officer was exiting the passenger side of his marked police cruiser to stop the driver, the motorcyclist intentionally drove into the passenger door and the officer fired his service weapon," stated in the

press release.

Sterling suffered bullet wounds to the back and neck and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

According to NBC 4 Washington, several witnesses dispute the events described by the press release.

"Several witnesses said the collision was unavoidable," said the news station, and even that the officer did not exit the vehicle, but instead, "rolled his window down and shot Sterling from inside the car."

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The dispute only grew when the public demand for police footage was answered with a video that only captured footage after the shooting had occurred.

Metropolitan Police Department website says, "Our policy is that officers outfitted with a camera will turn it on when an interaction with a member of the public is initiated - such as the arrival on the scene of a call for service or a crime."

According to a police statement following the incident, the officers were placed on administrative leave for failing to adhere to protocol.

In the heat of the controversy, many took to Twitter to voice their questions and concerns using the hashtag #TerrenceSterling.

While groups like Black Lives Matter and citizens nationwide protest to demand answers, a community mourns the loss of a friend and family member.

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"Terrence was a very good friend, we affectionately called him 'KFC' or 'chicken'," said Jerry Formey. "If you had a chance to meet him, you would know that he's a special kind of guy and all these accusations just don't fit."

Sterling was a VAC technician and was known by friends to be faithful and hardworking.

"He wasn't a troublesome person at all," said Sean Brown, a longtime friend of Sterling. "31-years-old with 20 years on the same job. Born and raised in the church and still went to church on Sunday."

Sterling was also known by his friends and co-workers for brightening up the day of those around him.
Francesco Clark and Mark Reay understand adversity in a way that others may not. In this premier episode of the new HooplaHa original series "Stories That Inspire", Francesco Clark, President of Clark's Botanicals and a quadriplegic, talks with actor, photographer, and model, Mark Reay about his past homelessness and together they share the positive side of adversity!

Clark's Botanicals was born when founder and president, Francesco Clark, suffered major central nervous system injuries when he accidentally dove into the shallow end of a swimming pool, unable to walk again. With a 19 percent chance to live, the odds were not in his favor, but that didn't deter his motivation. "My life didn't just go on.. it got better", said Clark.

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Mark Reay, who was a featured subject on 60 Minutes and in the award-winning documentary Homme Less, speaks out about the six years when his home was a rooftop in New York City's East Village... after going broke living the fast life of a fashion photographer in the South of France. Mark Reay's advice to us all is to "give to others." Living on a rooftop didn't stop Mark Reay from volunteering his time to others and in fact, winning awards for his efforts.

Together, Francesco and Mark share their stories of adversity and the obstacles they've faced in overcoming them. And they teach us that with courage, strength, and determination anything is possible!

This video was produced by Lucia Nazzaro, shot by John Houghton and William Trotta, designed and edited by Denis Troi.
October 6, 2016 | 06:00 am PT

For Tango lovers

Saigon Tango Club wishes to invite you to Tango Flash Mob Dance in Saigon, from 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

What is Flash Mob?

Flash Mob is a social activity. A flash mob is an organized routine of a group of performers working together on a large scale to surprise and amuse the public for a temporary period of time with a spontaneous performance. Flash mob performances can include dances, songs or even record-breaking attempts. While doing something with a lot of people on a large scale can be difficult, if you manage to pull off a flash mob, it can be very rewarding for both those participating and observing it.

Why Tango Flash Mob Dance?

Tango Flash Mob Dance is one of the most usual activities in Europe, especially Germany to promote Tango for the local community

Saigon Tango Club will gather in front of the information desk area around 5:15 p.m. and move to the 2nd Floor, link-bridge area where we are going to dance tango.

For those who may arrive late, please go to the 2nd Floor, link-bridge area or you can just follow the music and you will find the group.
The Paris Climate Agreement is now a reality. More than 55 countries representing over 55 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions have ratified the pact, which means the historic agreement is set to enter into force faster than was ever anticipated. As we celebrate this landmark and get ready to grapple with the next steps of how to implement it--a key topic of discussion at COP 22, the upcoming international climate conference in Marrakesh, Morocco--the U.S. Congress may soon vote on the massive Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with 11 other countries, and the Administration continues to negotiate the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the European Union.

The key question, therefore, is do our trade and investment agreements--current and proposed--create the space, send the right signals, and clear the path for the U.S. and other countries to meet their Paris commitments? The answer, on all fronts, is a resounding 'no.'

At the core of the Paris Agreement is a commitment to keep global temperatures to "well below" two degrees Celsius, with a goal of keeping warming below 1.5 degrees. To meet that goal, each country in the Agreement must submit an emissions reduction target, officially called a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and construct a plan to meet that target.

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The U.S., for example, set a target of reducing its emissions by 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. While the U.S. has a number of policies in place or proposed to help meet that goal, most notably the Clean Power Plan, it, like other countries, will need to do more than it is doing now in order to meet its target.

There are several ways, however, in which status quo trade deals make it more difficult for countries, including the U.S., to put in place the policies necessary to fulfill their Paris commitments.

First, trade and investment agreements commonly include rules that empower multinational corporations to directly challenge government policies in private tribunals. In these tribunals, corporate lawyers can order governments to pay unlimited cash compensation if a new climate or other policy cuts into corporate profits. This "investor-state dispute settlement" system has already empowered multinational corporations - including big polluters like Shell, BP, and Chevron - to launch more than 700 cases against the policies of more than 100 governments.

While numerous public interest policies are at risk, environmental policies have been a favorite target of corporations. Half of the new investor-state cases in 2014 targeted policies affecting power generation, mining, or oil and gas extraction, for example.

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If the TPP and TTIP were to go into effect, cases challenging environmental and climate policies are likely going to be even more common. The TPP and TTIP would more than double the number of fossil fuel corporations that could challenge U.S. climate and environmental safeguards in private tribunals. (The Sierra Club's new map shows how the TPP and TTIP would grant extraordinary new protections to more than 400 polluting projects across 48 states.) And of course it's not just U.S. policies at risk; the two pacts would newly empower the U.S. parent corporations of more than 70,000 firms to challenge the policies of TPP and TTIP governments.

One need not look back far in history to see how a vast expansion of the investor-state system could interfere with the new policies that will be necessary to implement the Paris Agreement. In November 2015, after years of engagement from farmers, ranchers, Indigenous people, and millions of activists, the Obama Administration rejected TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline. The rejection was historic not only because helped avert 8.4 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, but also in that it marked the first time the U.S. denied a major fossil fuel project over climate change concerns. Just months after the rejection, however, TransCanada used the investor-state system in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to sue the United States, in a private tribunal, for more than $15 billion.

This is troubling for several reasons, but of utmost concern is that this investor-state case, like many others, sends a signal that countries which put in place policies to meet their climate goals are vulnerable to multi-billion dollar trade litigation before unaccountable and unpredictable tribunals. Losing an investor-state case over a new policy could cost a government well over a billion dollars while there is no financial penalty for not meeting one's Paris climate commitment. This creates a perverse incentive for governments to meet trade obligations over climate obligations that could undermine the Paris Agreement by deterring countries from putting in place the new policies that are required to meet NDCs. We cannot afford to create new stumbling blocks to climate action by dramatically expanding this corporate tribunal system through the TPP and TTIP.

Another way in which current and proposed trade agreements threaten the ability of governments to fulfill their Paris commitments is by deepening our reliance on dangerous fossil fuels such as fracked gas.

Meeting the U.S. NDC, for example, will require the U.S. to stop the enormous natural gas buildout that is underway. Yet the TPP and TTIP would put in place rules that would actually facilitate expanded gas exploration and infrastructure. The TPP, for example, would require the U.S. Department of Energy to automatically approve all exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries in the agreement including Japan, the world's biggest LNG importer. TTIP would require the U.S. to automatically approve exports of fracked gas to the EU, the world's third-largest LNG importer.

To safeguard the Paris agreement, we urgently need to bring trade policy into alignment with climate policy. The first step to alignment is to stop Congress from approving the TPP this year. Now is the exact wrong time to lock in a new trade deal that would undermine our climate goals.

Second, we need to engage in a serious conversation about how to transform our trade policy so that it supports--not undermines--climate policy. This could include, for example, writing into trade agreements rules that prevent challenges to climate policies. It could include mandating that countries put in place and implement the policies necessary to fulfill their Paris climate commitments. It could include replacing the investor-state system with new rules that help protect investments in renewable energy. And it could include rules that not only protect the ability of governments to limit fossil fuels and encourage clean energy, but actually require such forward-thinking policies.

2016 is the best opportunity we have to move away from a high-emissions trade model and toward trade policies that support our climate goals. Let's start by rejecting the TPP and then turn our focus to building a new, climate-friendly, model of trade that will help countries exceed their Paris commitments.

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To learn more about these issues, join Ilana Solomon (@ilana_solomon1) at the 11th Annual Columbia International Investment Conference: Climate Change and Sustainable Investment in Natural Resources: From Consensus to Action. For more information, see here.
On Monday, September 26, Hofstra University and CBS hosted the first U.S. Presidential Debate of 2016. Lester Holt moderated. Secretary Hillary Clinton for the Democrats and Mr. Donald Trump for the Republicans opposed each other in the arena. Around 84 million people eventually viewed the debate.

I'd like to share my thoughts on what I see as red flags in the first debate, since even if you disagree with me, the most entertaining part of politics is exchanging views with each other.



Mr. Trump's Microphone

You may recall that, after the first debate, Mr. Trump complained that there was something wrong with his microphone. Apparently it kept cutting out. Both he and the live audience could hear the problem, but the 84 million people viewing the debate remotely could not. As a debater, I can tell you that a bad microphone is very distracting. It is a genuine audio handicap.

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The next day, Secretary Clinton ridiculed him for complaining. A couple of days ago, First Lady Michelle Obama also ridiculed Mr. Trump about the microphone.

It turns out that Secretary Clinton and the First Lady were making fun of someone who was genuinely audio impaired. On Friday, September 30, The Hill reported Mr. Trump was correct.



The Commission on Presidential Debates issued a one-sentence statement Friday [emphasis added] admitting "issues" with Donald Trump's audio in this cycle's first debate Monday. "Regarding the first debate, there were issues regarding Donald Trump's audio that affected the sound level in the debate hall," the statement read.

After Mr. Trump pointed out the problem, and after Secretary Clinton made a point of ridiculing her opponent as if she disbelieved him, the debate commission issued its statement consisting of one sentence at the slowest point of the news cycle, a Friday afternoon. Even First Lady Michelle Obama--who would never intentionally ridicule someone audio impaired (and after all, the debates should be fair)--missed it.

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It seems the commission owes us a fuller explanation about the bad microphone and the timing of the statement.



The Folder

Now let's have some fun. At the very end of the debate, an unidentified man collected a folder from Secretary Clinton's podium. Nothing was collected from Mr. Trump's podium. Then, it appeared as if the man handed off the folder to moderator Lester Holt. But to see this, you have to watch your own DVR recording (or other full recording), because neither the CBS or NBC uploaded versions include this incident at the very end. If it has not already been censored, you may still be able to view it on this Twitter feed, or at this YouTube account.

The mystery man walked up to Holt, gave a slight nod, and seemed to hand Holt the folder. But there is room for doubt. It isn't clear from the video that the mystery man actually handed the folder to Holt. He may have simply shifted hands to shake Lester's hand. The full debate footage cuts away at the key moment.

I love a mystery. Who is the man with the folder, and why hasn't anyone asked him and Mr. Holt about it? What was in the folder, and why was there a folder only at Secretary Clinton's podium? The Commission on Presidential Debates seems to have dropped the ball again.



The Questions

Why didn't Holt ask Secretary Clinton even one juicy question along the lines of what Diane Sawyer asked about Benghazi, Libya? According to ABC News, "Hillary's war" was the overthrow of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Her friend, Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens, his aide Sean Smith, and two Navy Seals were killed during the attack on the compound in Benghazi.

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In a segment titled "Hillary Clinton: Public and Private," Diane Sawyer conducted a one-on-one interview with Secretary Clinton (ABC News, June 9, 2014.) Sawyer notes that the last words in the Ambassador Stevens' diary were: "never ending security threats..."

Sawyer asked whether then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did everything she could or should have done to secure the U.S.'s Benghazi compound in Libya on the 2012 anniversary of 9/11. Here is the key exchange (@22:00):

Clinton: There is a long list of countries where there are security threats to American interests.



Sawyer: But these were the highest, among the highest security threats. Clinton: No, well, it would be in the top twenty-five. Sawyer, clearly skeptical, gives Clinton the look. Clinton: It was, it was not... Sawyer: Not in the top five? Top ten? Benghazi? Clinton: Maybe, maybe, in the top upper ten, but there were places where we had much more concern. Sawyer's voice over in a cutaway to footage of the attack: "But should she have known the situation in Benghazi was deteriorating fast? A cable in August, a month before the attack, warns about vulnerability. There had been two bomb attacks on the mission in the last six months. The Red Cross had pulled out of Benghazi. The British had left too. Sawyer again to Clinton: You know the criticism is, it was a glaring flashing red crisis there. The British were pulling out. There had already been attacks. There were cables being sent. Did you miss it? Did you miss the moment to prevent this from happening? Clinton: No.

Yet four men are dead, including the U.S. Ambassador to Libya.



Lester Holt asked Mr. Trump whether he supported the Iraq War, and even seemed to debate him when Mr. Trump said he had not. But Holt did not ask Secretary Clinton the same question. At the time, she was a Senator, and she voted for the Iraq War. Unlike Trump, as a Senator, she had access to better information. Yet he, and not she, was grilled. I'm for equality; why did Holt pass over Secretary Clinton?

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Then there's the FBI investigation that revealed Secretary Clinton lied to the public for years about her email server. Her server was a breach of national security protocol. The Clinton Foundation accepted money from foreign donors while Secretary Clinton was in a position to cut deals, and did cut deals. That isn't to say the money directly influenced Secretary Clinton's decisions, but any conscious person would ask about it. Yet, Holt did not ask the tough questions.

The Next Debates
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker pauses as he speaks at a news conference Monday, Sept. 21, 2015, in Madison, Wis., where he announced that he is suspending his Republican presidential campaign. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

On September 14th, The Guardian newspaper published 1,500 leaked documents collected by the Wisconsin prosecutors who were investigating suspected campaign violations by Scott Walker, the state's Governor. The Guardian analysis found that these documents "speak to the cozy relationship between politicians and big business, and to the frustration of millions of Americans who feel disenfranchised by an electoral system that put (sic) the needs of corporate donors before ordinary Americans."

The documents show how individual billionaires came to the rescue of the right-wing, anti-union Governor of Wisconsin when he was threatened with defeat in a recall election. They reveal that the Walker campaign solicited "dark money" donations from rich supporters, money that was directed to 501(c)(4) organizations, the most important of which was the Wisconsin Club for Growth. The Club for Growth then used the money to fight the recall campaign. As Walker's top fundraiser put it in a leaked email, it was important that all the ads on his behalf "run thru one group to ensure correct messaging."

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By coordinating this effort, the Walker campaign broke the law. 501(c)(4) organizations like the Club for Growth are designated as social welfare organizations. They are able to take unlimited donations - Sheldon Adelson, for example contributed $200,000 to the Walker effort, while John Menard and Stephen Cohen each gave $1 million. But such organizations are prohibited from coordinating their activities in any way with campaigns. When Scott Walker and his fundraising team explicitly directed his donors to give to these organizations to help him fight the recall, they were engaged in a brazen violation of campaign finance laws. Indeed, a campaign consultant reported that the Wisconsin Club for Growth alone "raised 12 million dollars and ran a soup to nuts campaign...Polling, focus groups and message development was a collaborative effort."

What makes this case all the more outrageous is that it was thrown out of court by Wisconsin Supreme Court justices who themselves had demonstrable conflicts of interest. For example, one judge was the recipient of $1.5 million for his own judicial race from the same Wisconsin Club for Growth.

An appeal to this verdict is now before the United States Supreme Court. But no matter how that ruling comes down, there are three lessons that the campaign finance reform community should learn from The Guardian's expose.

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The first is that many rich political campaign donors do not believe that rules and laws apply to themselves. Convinced of the legitimacy of the privileges that come with their mega-billions, they feel free to disregard legal restrictions in the name of their self-interested politics. They skirt the law by having their lawyers and accountants find loopholes. But when that is not possible, they will, as in the Walker this case, simply disregard any limitations.

The second is that the power of wealth shapes the course of history. If Walker had been recalled, Wisconsin would have been set on an altogether different path than the anti-labor agenda promulgated by the Governor. Limiting the political power of wealth is not simply a "good government" issue, though it is that. It is a tool to democratize politics. With reform the policies that are adopted by legislatures would serve the interests of more than the handful of individuals who now underwrite the political process.

The third lesson is the most difficult one. Laws and rules restricting donor contributions will not adequately curb the political power of wealth. The only way to do so is with public taxpayer money funding campaigns, and it will take a lot of it to be successful. Candidates and the political process itself must be freed from having to depend on wealthy funders.

It is true that both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have endorsed the public funding of campaigns. But neither has addressed the level of funding they would support, or how the changes they seek will be paid for. As a result, reformers have not been adequately armed for the struggle that will ensue once transformation of the current system appears on the legislative agenda. Publicly funded candidates will not necessarily have to match the level of donations that their privately funded opponents receive. But they will require more than a bare-bones allocation to be competitive.

We live in an era when it is clear to all who care to look, that the political process has failed the American people. They in turn deeply distrust politicians. Yet the society has to be governed: politics is both necessary and inevitable. It important to establish that there is an alternative funding system that will serve the electorate better than the one we have. But that alternative will not be inexpensive.

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The following is an excerpt from the keynote address I delivered on 20 September 2016 as part of New York Climate Week's Urban Innovation for Liveable Cities event. The specific portion of the conference was themed: Promoting Innovative Energy Partnerships.

The last few days have been a great personal learning experience for me and have given me the opportunity to do some personal reflection.

It was refreshing to listen to all the good work that is being done towards the sustainable development goals, and at the same time very worrying. The words from the National Geographic video during the opening day event really struck home for me:

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"We are the first generation to feel the sting of global warming, and the last generation who can do something about it."

This is based on the concept that there is a lot of negative inertia in the system and things will get worse before they get better.

Ernest Moniz, the United States Secretary of Energy, said that he is an optimistic physicist in his approach to climate change. I am a physicist too, or at least I was one when I studied. I am a big fan of this discipline and I believe a bit of physics can help us in boiling down the issues and identifying the real constraints we need to address.



So let's start with the definition of sustainability. In reading a sustainability report and asking people what they think sustainability is, words like the "triple bottom line" and all sorts of complicated language come up. I think it is helpful to bring it down to the core and be clear on what we mean.

The British sustainability scholar, John Blewitt defines sustainable development as "the idea that the future should be a better and healthier place than the present" Another subject matter expert, William Adams, defined it as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".



So our job in this room is to ensure we leave a better place than the one we found when we arrived and at the moment I am not sure we can say that we do.

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So lets get back to physics and try to define the constraints and the real core issues we need to address. From my perspective there are two main objectives:

1. Courageous and smart public private partnerships

2.Partnering with the consumer

Courageous and smart public private partnerships

We must utilize public private partnerships to take on and solve the biggest problem first. For in the problem also lies the solution: energy renovation. Let me explain.

Existing buildings are one third of the problem and one third of the solution. Why you might ask? More than one third of all CO2 emissions and energy consumption is from buildings. In addition, more than one third of all waste stems from the building and construction sector.

Over the next 15 years our global population will grow by more than 1 billion with all of this growth happening in cities. These additional billion people, like the rest of us, will spend 90% of their time indoors in buildings within cities where huge amounts of CO2 are emitted.

To cater for the needs of more housing and a higher population, we need to build new buildings and ensure the old buildings are maintained. It is not difficult to build the new structures with net-zero energy technology. Since no one is living in the buildings while they're being constructed, and net-zero energy building technology exists already, there is rarely political opposition to building new, energy efficient buildings. Controls are needed, however, to ensure no shortcuts are taken during the construction.

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The bigger challenge, AND solution, is in existing buildings. Today we typically only renovate at a rate of 0.5% per annum i.e. we upgrade existing buildings at a rate of once every 200 years. Remember this is the stock that in Europe consumes about 40% of ALL energy and more that 30% globally and also emits the same percentages of CO2. After running the calculation, one can quickly conclude that it is not enough to leave the existing houses as they are if we want to halt climate change.

By increasing the energy renovation rate to about 3% and applying existing insulation technologies we can drastically drop energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This in a necessary step to meet the COP 21 2050 target. In addition, an insulated building is an excellent complement to renewable energy as it can acts as a energy storage as well as maintaining a consistent temperature for so long.

Public & private sector challenges

Drastically increasing the renovation rate through public private partnerships doesn't come without challenges. A few of these challenges are:

People are currently living in all these houses - some renovation work can only be done when homes are unoccupied.

Energy is cheap today and urban housing is expensive. While the environmental payback is absolutely essential and quick, the economic payback for a complex renovation projects can be as long as 5-10 years. When considering renovation, many think: "Why not just put the money towards a new kitchen instead?"

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ENERGY RENOVATION must happen and the rate should be increased to at least 3%. To reach 3%, renovation must be incentivized and financed. A potential way to achieve it would be if energy renovation is required anytime buildings change owners creating a window of time where no one is living in or using the buildings. These conditions and others are required or else we will never approach the 3% renovation rate. This requires some brave, smart and necessary political decisions, with very significant benefits ranging from the positive environmental impact, an improved indoor climate and a boost in the number of local construction sector jobs.

On the private side, the challenge will be delivering the renovation. Increased renovation will create many new jobs, but unfortunately productivity improvements in the construction sector have been at a standstill for a very long time. We need to raise productivity on energy renovation to reach a 3% renovation rate.

Partnering with the consumer

GDP/Consumption is commonly used as a metric for welfare - the higher the level of consumption - the higher quality of life. Consuming less and sharing more help.

When we talk partnerships, the consumer is often not considered a key stakeholder or decision maker. Couldnt we derive a greater force and a stronger signal to the private business sector by involving the consumer directly?

Lets look at a few sustainability dilemmas and examples we as consumers face every day:

Should I take the bicycle to work?

Should I buy the latest smart phone or could I clean up the memory of the one I have and try to use it another year.

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Should I buy organic food or would it be better for the planet if the food that I buy is locally produced avoiding transportation?

How about eco cleaners? Do they actually clean? Is the Eco claim really true?

Finally, what about electric vehicles and the grey energy payback? What about the battery life? What is the total life cycle impact of it for my use case? Is it better if I buy an electric car instead of a vehicle with a traditional engine?

The answers to these questions are not easy and sometimes humans favor short term pleasure before suffering long term pain. I think it is wrong to assume that people always take short term decisions. I think part of the problem is that consumers often do not trust companies and that it is too complex for them to consistently make informed decisions.

Its complicated to apply life cycle physics to calculate the approximate impact and simplify it down to one metric - but I think it is possible - at least to make an approximation. If it was easier for people, me included, to make better decisions and make it easier for us to show that we care, we could perhaps help to lead the change towards products that are lighter in their environmental footprint.

In conclusion, I hope the private and public sectors will focus on initiatives that foster increased energy renovation while at the same time keeping the consumer in mind as a key partner and driver of change. The consumer can only drive this change if we as businesses think them in from the beginning and clearly communicate the impact of their purchasing decisions.

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After family deaths, two mortgages, and over 350,000 layoffs in the global oil industry, one West Texas homeowner anguished over the fate of his beloved family home. Days before Thanksgiving, he was laid off from his job at a Houston oil company. He sought relief from banks and lenders, but was repeatedly faced with rejection. "When I sent payments to these lenders, they would send them back, telling me they needed more," he explained. "Lenders would ask for $6,000 when I only had $378 to give them."

His quaint blue ranch was once a family haven. Aunts, uncles, and relatives of all kinds would come and go, staying for various durations but always finding a welcoming shelter beneath its roof. He hoped the home could become a residence for nieces and nephews attending a nearby college. But when his aunt and uncle passed away, the homeowner could no longer afford to keep the home.

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While struggling to maintain a second mortgage, the homeowner lost his job as the global oil industry crashed. "I was fired when oil companies basically got rid of everybody. It was unexpected because I was told my job was good for another year, and then a week later, I was given two week's notice," he said.

A 70% plunge in oil prices spanning only two years led to rampant industry layoffs. Domestic drillers cut costs by cutting jobs. With the rise in unemployment came a rise in foreclosures. In 2015, North Dakota saw a 387 percent increase in foreclosure rates. In Oklahoma, the rate increased by 38 percent, while foreclosures rose 15.7 percent in Texas.

Unemployed with a wife and two daughters to support, the homeowner was unable to pay his mortgage. He contacted the bank for help, but instead of making the loan more affordable, the lender slapped the family with thousands in penalties and fees. "They were unreasonable," he stated. After searching for solutions, the homeowner was still left forsaken. "They wouldn't accept monthly payments, only one large sum."

American Homeowner Preservation purchased the defaulted mortgage at a discount in June, and promptly contacted the homeowner to offer a sustainable solution: AHP agreed that the homeowner could resume his $378 per month payment, plus crafted a viable payment plan on the $9,000 delinquency. "I really appreciate that we are going to keep this house. It's a safety net for our family," said the homeowner.

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AHP's ability to assist this family is a result of President Obama's JOBS Act, which was signed in 2012. Regulation A +, a provision of the Act, expands investment possibilities in part by allowing companies to raise money from non-accredited investors. The JOBS Act and Regulation A + intended to support the funding of small businesses, and companies have utilized the act to fund assorted ventures, including beauty products, real estate, aircraft and fuel-efficient vehicles. AHP has raised funds under Regulation A+ to purchase and workout nonperforming mortgages. The ability to accept investments from both accredited and non-accredited investors, coupled with a minimum investment of $100, makes investing viable for a large swath of America's population.
It's been 60 years since the "A Diamond is Forever" slogan was written. And it's been such a success that even a James Bond movie and a song entitled "Diamonds Are Forever" was created. But time takes it's toll, and the ad campaign has brilliantly fulfilled it's goal. Whether the new slogan can carry on the legacy or not, only time will tell.

And who would have thought that the successor of one of the most famous advertising campaigns ever would be made in Denmark?

Who would have thought that seven of the largest diamond mining companies would call a Danish company to borrow diamonds for the new project?

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(The door to the studio where the filming was made)

Honestly, I was quite sceptical, when I recently recieved a call from The DPA (Diamond Producers Association), who wanted to borrow some of "my" diamonds to create a campaign.

Soon I realized, though, that the Danish director, Casper Balslev, was in charge of the new campaign footage. Now it started to make sense. It would have been way too complicated, and way too costly to send diamonds from the US to Copenhagen.

So ... after several phone conversations, a lot of mails, and a certain insurance certificate, we had a deal! My company, Copenhagen Diamond Exchange, was to deliver diamonds to help out with the production of the new campaign.

(There's a bit of a mess at the table in the studio)

New target group - new message

The new advertising provided a fresh approach to targeting " Millennials" (born 1982-2002), and was created to ensure that the drift towards more informal relationships and rituals did not challenge the sense of the diamond as the ultimate gift of love. It also promised to broaden the use of diamonds beyond the traditional bridal category and make diamonds relevant for celebrating every significant relationship moment.

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Consequently an American advertising agency, Mother New York, was hired to come up with a brand new concept. And following an intensive research program over the course of six months to understand millennial relationships and the perceptions of diamonds they found out that you got to communicate on a very different frequency, if you are to sell diamonds to youngsters.

How do you sell diamonds to a generation, that does not believe that anything really lasts? "The Millennials" are brought up in a "use and throw-away"-culture. Everything has an expiration date. Phones, computers, even relationships.

One plus one equals three

"They tend to look at relationships in a whole new perspective. First of all they have more romantic relationships compared to older generations. They don't want what they perceive as the traditional 'codependent relationship'. And they don't need another person in order to define themselves", says Thomas Henry from Mother New York. "It's much more about one plus one equals three", he continues.

"For younger millennials, 'forever' is not an end in itself," says DPA strategic consultant Emmy Kondo. "They are used to constant flux. They don't expect to work at a company for 20 years and get a gold watch. To them, there is an artificiality in thinking of 'forever' as being the ultimate goal in a relationship. They are more interested in the journey, and if it is forever, all the better."

If diamonds have always been associated with tradition, commitment and eternity, how do you sell them to a generation, which does not believe in any of these concepts?

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Millennials want genuineness and authenticity

My four children are Millennials, and I have spent enough time with them and their friends to know that the world described above is the world they live in. But as individuals, as human beings, that's not what they are like. Don't be fooled. They are perfectly capable of distinguishing between what's fake and what's real - in all aspects. They are craving for relations which are true, meaningful and honest, and for things which are genuine and valuable.

(One ct. River IF soon burried in soil)

"Real is rare"

As as result, the campaign "Real is rare. Real is a Diamond" was born. "Young people associate diamonds with authenticity and sincerity which is why diamonds should not only be associated with love, but also with achievement. It can be a reward that's self-purchased after an accomplishment, or a gift to celebrate something special", says Jean-Marc Lieberherr, CEO at DPA. Future diamond-campaigns should be about real people and real stories.

(The diamonds had a rough ride. It was necessary to check them on the way)

Congratulations to the Diamond Producers Association

As usual, there will be a reaction, when things change. The news of the major upcoming campaign is met with both praise and harsh critisicm within the industry.

I belong to the first part, and I would like to congratulate The DPA on the campaign that kicks off in the US, which is the industry's largest market. Who ever came up with the new slogan "Real is rare" - I bow to you. It's ingenious and true in so many ways.
With many Asian countries considered as emerging markets and forces to be reckoned with, many investment opportunities have been presenting themselves to many foreign investors. Although countries in Southeast Asia haven't had that much success in their economies for the past years, the recent years witnessed various economic growth in Asian countries, particularly in Southeast Asia.



Image Credit: Andrea Schaffer

In fact, the whole ASEAN region's economy grew by 4.7% last year and expected to continue the momentum in the upcoming years. This was due to the swift growth of the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam whose economies grew significantly during the last year. In 2016, the ASEAN region is expected to grow by 4.6% and 4.8% by next year thanks to the individual performances of each country.

With these figures, Southeast Asia is definitely a great place to invest, especially in property. With the economies in South East Asian countries growing, you can tell that property will also be appreciating since tourism is also booming. Now will be the best time to start scouting and buying. Here are some of the best cities in Southeast Asia to invest in real estate.

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1.Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is one of the cities in Southeast Asia with blooming potential since 2011. Chiang Mai is in fact a very beautiful city that a lot of people may want to retire in. The lifestyle of the city is not as fast paced when compared to other cities such as Bangkok and Pattaya, making it a very liveable city and one of the world's best places to live and retire.

Even though this city runs at a slower pace, this doesn't mean it is without modern infrastructures like in the capital. Chiang Mai has the biggest number of shopping malls next to Bangkok which is a very big attraction to shoppers both locally and internationally. What makes things even better is that the cost of living in Chiang Mai is low. You can buy property in Chiang Mai at a very low price and still get a high annual yield.

Since Bangkok has already been saturated with regard to population, many locals and expats have been moving to other regions of the country to live in. With Chiang Mai as one of the best choices, both local and foreign investors have started moving over to Chiang Mai to look for property. The biggest foreign investors in Chiang Mai property are actually the Chinese from mainland China.

Chiang Mai is definitely one of the best cities to buy property these days. As Simon Bradshaw, director of Perfect Homes said that, "This just proves that, as we have said before, people are willing to pay for quality. Without a doubt, the quality of projects in Chiang Mai, both in terms of design and finishes, has improved greatly over the last 2-3 years".

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With this much growth and potential, investors can be sure that their investment in Chiang Mai properties will be very profitable and foreigners could own their condo outright - 100%, freehold at that! Take a look at this condo for 999,000 near the Chiang Mai Airport for example (that's less than $30,000 USD). This is definitely what makes Chiang Mai the best place in South East Asia for real estate investments.

2. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Another great investment hotspot in Southeast Asia is Kota Kinabalu. This city is one of the fastest growing ones in the region. What makes it a great place for investors are the natural attractions. Along with recent developments, the city can expect to see more tourists coming in because Kota Kinabalu or KK for short, is like a combination of a city and a town. The shopping is great, the attractions are beautiful, and the lifestyle is not as fast paced as in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. This is great for foreigners looking for a nice vacation.

On the side of the investors, new real estate projects are springing up everywhere in the region. This is to cater to both locals and foreigners who are interested in buying units or apartments in this ripe city that is full of potential. Cost of living is also quite low here so you can buy a unit or apartment for just a low price and expect a good return of your investment. Plus, it's one of those great places to watch the sunset!

3. Davao City, Philippines

Just like Kota Kinabalu, Davao city is one of the fastest growing cities in the entire region. As compared to the capital city of the Philippines, Manila City, Davao city is not yet as saturated which means there is room for growth, especially in the property market. The city government is very much active in developmental projects and infrastructure which will attract more investors to join in, both local and international.

Also, Davao has a very low cost of living since it started out as a simple provincial area before modernization started. With this, property in this area is still very cheap and great for investors. Furthermore, Philippines is reported to have the highest yields for property investments in the ASEAN. With both affordable prices as well as high yields, investors can easily tell that Davao is a great place to invest in property right now.

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Sometimes, it takes a long time for a movement to gain traction within the mainstream Muslim American community. Collaboration and coalition building between National Muslim organizing and advocacy groups and Native Americans is one of them. For Native/ First Nations Muslims/Indigenous people, and the Muslims who answered the call for national mobilization to Support Standing Rock, this type of work makes a lot of sense. In fact, it reflects a long intertwined history between Black Muslims and Indigenous people, from escaped slaves in maroon communities to Native delegates at the Nation of Islam's Justice or Else Million Man March. In the groundbreaking, border collapsing song R.E.D., First Nations DJ trio A Tribe Called Red collaborated with Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def), Narcicyst, and Black Bear, a drum group from the Manawan Atikamekw Nation in Quebec. This creative production is an indication of the type of synergy that happens when people from diverse backgrounds come together. The Prophet of Islam, Muhamamad said, "The people are partners in three things: water, pastures and fire."

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Melanie, Asmae, and LaTanya at Sacred Stone Camp

Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative and MPower Change have joined together in an indigenous people's rights and environmental justice campaign. The have started a LaunchGood campaign #SuppportStandingRock to send a delegation of Native/Indigenous Muslims to send supplies to the Sacred Stone Camp. The campaign was inspired by the efforts of North Dakota's Standing Rock Sioux community, who are fighting an oil pipeline that crosses just a mile north of their Standing Rock Reservation. While farmers and others have fought the 3.7 billion pipeline which crosses four states from western North Dakota to Illinois, Native tribes have brought the issue to the national spotlight. But what is the American Muslim community doing to support the cause? Many are joining the cause. By supporting Indigenous people defend and preserve their way of life, Muslims can fulfill a sacred duty to stand for justice; and by doing so, we can do our part as custodians of the Earth.

Indigenous people have been on the forefront of conservation efforts and advocating for clean energy alternatives. Indigenous people have been disproportionately affected by the toxic industrial contamination; they have been subject to environmental racism, with many tribes coping with irradiated land and contaminated groundwater. Jennifer James , Creek-Chocktaw Muslim woman, said "The Native thinking is congruent with Islamic thinking that the Earth does not belong to us. Without natural resources, we cannot live. Who would poison their children?" Leslie Henderson (Ki'che'), a Spanish speaking Indigenous Muslim woman, shared her experiences at Standing Rock. She said, "Protecting our planet is part of our job as Muslims." Importantly, as the video produced by MPower Change highlights, Supporting Standing Rock is standing up for justice. After centuries of broken treaties and violation of water and land rights, we cannot tolerate our government breaking another promise.

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While the political climate and media rhetoric is particularly xenophobic, the original people of this land are struggling to protect their sacred lands and way of life. Dave Thompson writes that Standing Rock has sparked a renewal of Native American activism, but their activism and organizing has been on going. It just hasn't been as visible in mainstream media. The invisibility of Native resistance, as well as their suffering is another form of violence against the indigenous peoples of this land. WBut an unprecedented moment is happening, as indigenous people from all over the world are joining Standing Rock and showing solidarity. Rosa Aqeel, the Associate Director of PolicyLink and Advisory Board member of MuslimARC wrote in a social post while visiting the camp, "This is the most beautiful act of unity I have ever witnessed. 200 Native Nations in one place, in prayer and as protectors."

As the weather cools, foreboding a bitter cold winter, Indigenous people and their allies are asking for support in the long drawn out legal struggle. As part of MuslimARC's commitment to advancing justice, we are supporting the Standing Rock and raising awareness beginning with crowdfunding awareness campaign. MuslimARC's #SupportStandingRock campaign goals are as follows:

Educate the public about Native resilience and how we can be accomplices in decolonization and anti-racism, ultimately, in the liberatory project that frees us all.

Inform readers about #NoDAPL and the protection of sacred lands, as well as amplify Indigenous led environmental justice efforts

Amplify the voices of Native Muslims by supporting their delegations to standing rock. Native Muslims on Twitter include @mocosamoments, @AlyaJessC , @kamirarin, and @kuumbalynx. Turtle Island Muslims is a Facebook group for and by Native Muslims.

By supporting campaign highlighting the importance of replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous People Day of Action and Reflection

Raise money to support Native Muslims delegations to #SupportStandingRock through the LaunchGood crowdfund.

On Monday September 19th, MuslimARC organized our first national call in for #SupportStandingRock. Nearly 60 Muslims from across the country joined the call. That call listed practical items that we can take as individuals and the community. As Leslie points out, "This kind of attention is a starting point." In truth, it was, on October 3rd, MuslimARC organized second national call in, with Indigenous Muslims Leslie Henderson Oaxaca and LaTanya Barlow and Mexica activist, Naui Ocelotl Huizilopochtli. They discussed solidarity efforts and the upcoming Muslim delegation to Sacred Stone Camp.

Many Native Muslims feel that their issues are largely ignored by Muslim Americans. Others warn of appropriation of Indigenous struggles, where so called allies benefit from co-opting the struggle. This is the case in immigrant rights. Native Americans have challenged the illegal immigration rhetoric, however Gyasi Ross points out that many have reduced Native Indians to memes in debates about Syrian refugees. These memes depict Native people as passive, welcoming European invasion when in reality there was resistance. Secondly, we must understand the Indigenous cause is global and that there are indigenous groups that are oppressed by Muslim majority states. When we come to Native people as allies, we must understand that their distrust comes from historical experience.With that in mind, for those of us with settler privilege, who have embraced the "we are all immigrants" rhetoric, we must come to terms with how we have benefitted from genocide against the indigenous people of this land. Other oppressed people were used settle stolen territory and displace Indigenous people, as was the case of Buffalo soldiers. We must constantly be vigilant about our intentions and center Native people. As Leslie points out, we must be ready to sacrifice. We have a long road in relationship building and getting to know each other, including our similarities and differences. This is an important turning point, so let us be on the right side of history. Supporting Standing Rocks means we are also supporting environmental and racial justice. We send our thoughts and prayers for this sacred struggle. We pledge to support this struggle with our bodies, words, and hearts.

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People with Alzheimer's disease sometimes have personality changes that can be quite negative. Formerly sweet loved ones can become argumentative and verbally, emotionally or even physically abusive.

Things had gotten so bad I wanted to end my relationship with Ed, my Romanian life partner of 30 years. He had become impossible to be around. He was incredibly irritable, angry, mean and emotionally abusive. What's more he was making scenes in public on a regular basis, which was immensely embarrassing.

Plus, although he had always liked his beer, wine and hard liquor, he had begun drinking prodigious quantities of them. He began drinking before noon and he drank into the wee hours of the morning while waiting for his New York Times, which arrived around 3 AM.

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Then he started falling frequently. I had to take him to the emergency room more than once. I suspected his drinking was not only causing these falls, it was also contributing to his depression and belligerence. But I couldn't convince him to drink less.

I loved Ed, but I just didn't think I could tolerate it anymore. Yet I couldn't possibly end our relationship either. First because I loved him too much. Second, it would have been morally reprehensible. He couldn't have gotten along on his own for even one day.

Furthermore, he was often really confused. One Saturday evening he actually called the New York Times and yelled at them because he hadn't yet r-r-r-eceived his 'Sunday paper.' When I reminded him it was Saturday he got angry.

He got angry over the smallest things. Before that we had been able to discuss things we disagreed about, but if I expressed a contrary opinion then, he became hostile.

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In a last ditch effort to save the relationship I called Irene Moore, a friend of mine who was a geriatric social worker, and asked her for advice on what to do with this angry, aggressive, antagonistic Romanian.

The first thing she told me was that she thought he might have dementia.

"Dementia?" I repeated, immediately dismissing the notion. "Well, I don't care what it is. I just don't know how much longer I can take it."

I didn't want to hear about or think about dementia.

Here's the advice she gave me:

1. Don't bring up topics you think may upset him or lead to a disagreement.

2. If he starts to get agitated, abruptly change the subject.

3. Don't argue with him. Agree with everything he says, no matter how absurd.

She said she couldn't promise following those rules would stop all the fights, but she said it would help. She advised me to try it for a while and see what happened.

I protested, saying I couldn't agree with him when he said stupid things.



"When that happens' she said, just ask yourself, 'Do I want to be right or do I want to have peace?'"

I resisted at first, especially with item number two. I was stubborn and didn't want to agree with some of the nonsensical things Ed said - such as that I'd promised to do an errand for him when I hadn't.

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In addition, not only did I find some of these approaches very difficult, I kept forgetting them.

Nonetheless, when I finally mastered all three strategies, the results were dramatic. The number of nasty arguments decreased significantly and our closeness returned to its former state, which was a blessing after so many months of constant unbearable bickering.

And that's how it came to be that as Ed became more demented I agreed with him about more and more. Important things, unimportant things; political issues and mundane day-to-day issues; silly things and serious things.

As many people with dementia do, he soon began mixing up day and night. One afternoon, when he woke up disoriented after a nap, I agreed with him that it was the middle of the night. Late one evening a few weeks later, I agreed with him that it was noon when it was actually 7 PM.

Although this whole plan seemed ridiculous at first, I found that it did stop most of our nasty fights. It was definitely worth the effort and sacrifice to have the warmth, peace and tranquility between us restored.

So the next time you find yourself ready to argue with your loved one with Alzheimer's disease, ask yourself, "Do I want to be right or do I want to have peace?"
Why must this one bear a Biblical name?



I have known many big storms.

I have purposely placed myself in their paths for the stories that might follow. I have waded in wreckage of storms already passed.

But this one's personal.



Matthew, building to Category Four at this writing, apparently will be raking the eastern coast of Florida with a ferocity like few others. And instead of steering out to sea and riding that warm Gulf Stream north as eastern seaboard hurricanes often do, this one is projected to brush the northeastern Florida barrier island my family calls home.



We've been in the path of these nuisances once before. Years ago, a low-grade storm washed over Tallahassee, the forested town where we lived for many years, while we were away from home. We returned to find several Southern pines, their shallow roots easy picking for a big blow, laying in a circle around our unscathed house in the woods.



Stationed in Tallahassee, as longtime chief of The Miami Herald's state capital bureau, I represented a sort of forward operating base for storm chases across the northern Gulf of Mexico coast. My mission: Get ahead of them, seek shelter -- preferably on the second floor of a motel, always simple because they'd been vacated -- and wait. There was a certain skill in selecting one's lair before the landfall.



My first journey carried me to Lafitte, Louisiana. Hurricane Juan had barreled up the Gulf in the fall of 1985, sinking an offshore oil platform and leaving several people dead or injured. This time, I'd arrived in the near aftermath, on deadline, only to find flooded streets and a graveyard where mausoleums had flooded with water and sealed coffins where bobbing on the floodwaters. It was good enough to grab a quote and a dateline, file for the mid-afternoon edition of the newspaper known as "Street" and head north to New Orleans for an early dinner.

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At K Paul's Louisiana Kitchen, they had a policy of filling every seat. A party of two waited in line for another party of two before taking a table of four. This party of one waited for a party of three, which arrived in the personage of a chip salesman, his wife and child -- potato chips, that is. He was the regional rep for a well-known brand in Syracuse, New York. We struck up a ready conversation about newspapers and potato chips, and the three of them watched in amazement as I sampled nearly everything on the menu and topped it off with a fat slice of sweet potato pecan pie and a cognac. These were the days of expense accounts.

One night, parked in Panama City, Florida, for the arrival of another less memorable storm -- I'd learned not to worry much about Category Ones -- I hitched a ride in a military Humvee with a National Guardsman for a tour of flooded streets and delivery of emergency supplies for elderly, stranded storm-sufferers. As the truck descended into a deep pool of water, the driver eased my concern by explaining that, so long as the "snout" atop the hood of the vehicle remained clear of the water, the massive engine would roar. This, as the storm water rose to our waists inside the cabin.



Back at the emergency command post, where I witnessed the biggest cardboard box of frosted donuts I'd ever seen, I stepped outside long enough to watch metal strips of roofing fly through the dark air. Cat One or no, I was staying inside.



As it turned out, a lot of this served as dress rehearsal for the big ones. I was an amateur, flying by the seat of my pants. The old Radio Shack plastic laptop computers ran on AA batteries, the syrup-slow modem connecting to pay phones with rubber couplers -- and I came to learn that pay phones generally worked during the onslaught of tropical storms and worse. One night in a booth, I fumbled the phone and dropped the computer on the cement floor. Keys popped off the keyboard. When I turned it on again, oh say, I could see, my story was still there.

The real pro was my colleague, Phil Long, stationed for the Herald in Vero Beach. He kept "go-boxes" in his garage, pre-packed milk crates carrying the essentials for an array of storms, from smallest to largest. The largest included a generator -- it would serve him, and the dispatched Herald staff as well, in the storm to come.



In the summer of 1992, Hurricane Andrew made landfall south of Miami in the middle of the night. It arrived as a Category Five, the top of the Saffir-Simpson scale, storms with sustained winds exceeding 155 mph: By the scale: "Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet ASL and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5 to 10 miles of the shoreline may be required." Autopsies of the damage later suggested it actually may have broken the scale, winds approaching 200, a category of its own.

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In the morning, Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham boarded a small state plane in Tallahassee. At first, there was a question about an available seat for this reporter. I explained in no uncertain terms: "The Miami Herald is getting on this plane." We flew along the black back wall of Andrew as it lumbered west out toward the Gulf. We landed at Opa-locka to board two Blackhawk helicopters. Strapped in at the shoulders and waist, we flew open-doored for a long low-altitude survey of Homestead, a long landscape of ripped-off roofs and homes reduced to rubble. As we swung around, the brick-sized Motorola cell phone I was using to dictate observations to the Herald fell on the floor of the chopper. Unable to bend down, I worried that some poor homeless hurricane victim below was about to take a falling brick on his head. A National Guardsman lifted the phone with his feet and returned it to me. One of the more startling scenes as we circled north along Biscayne Bay was the sight of seagrass on the bed of the bay all laying in one direction, the same direction that the fallen Australian pines of southern Key Biscayne were pointing. We slept in a hotel without power, light or air -- the windows sealed on a steamy summer night.

My byline led the first story in the Herald.

The next morning, we flew back to Homestead for a ground-level survey, trudging through the wreckage of people's homes, not only the roofs, but also walls gone. It remains the worst hurricane I've ever witnessed -- though I had missed its actual onslaught. This was one of those times I was fortunate not to get ahead of it.



My experience was earning me some creds in disaster reporting. I'd made good personal contacts with some of the many good people who work for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is not a bureaucracy so much as a posse that stands up local help when trouble arrives. When trouble arrived in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 1997, I was summoned to town. The Red River, in a surge of 100-year flooding, had breached the dikes and inundated Grand Forks. Downtown, buildings not only flooded but also burned to the ground -- including the local paper, the Herald, a sister paper of mine in the Knight Ridder family.



A swarm of editors and reporters from around the country arrived in Grand Forks to publish a paper whose staff was literally underwater, their lives devastated. We were publishing from the computer lab of a little school up the road, a roomful of old Macs and actual floppy disks. We emailed our work to another sister paper in St. Paul, Minnesota, which printed it before its own went to press, and trucked it back to Grand Forks. I was asked to work the disaster forces at FEMA. But my own state editor, who'd arrived before me, pulled me aside for one special assignment: "I want you to find out who this 'Angel' is."

An anonymous angel had donated more than $20 million for flood relief while asking to remain nameless. Apparently, few but the bank president, governor and senators knew the donor's identity. I went to work at the state university library, on Harvard Street, where the Internet was still working. Then, after narrowing the field to a few suspects, a tipster informed us one night that a private jet had landed at the airport. We ran the tail number. It was one of my candidates: Joan Kroc, widow of the McDonald's hamburger mogul. Only the governor, senators and other leaders could confirm this for me. When I wrangled a confirmation -- and a cussing-out by one certain U.S. senator who likened me to a lousy carpetbagger -- the paper went to press with a front page story, ignoring the threats of the community's powerful heads. The publisher of the paper stood in the little computer lab that Sunday and told us: "This is what we do. This is why we're journalists."

After a few weeks of roaming around much of northern North Dakota in a rental -- a Chevy Blazer II -- my red ride was caked with dirt. I thumb-printed the phrase "Come Hell and High Water" along the doors on both sides. This was the theme of the paper that never missed a daily beat, despite the flood and burning. At a gas station, someone asked me: "Was that professionally done?" Yes, I replied, I am a professional.

After months of courageous reporting, the staff won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. We visitors were given certificates: "Loaner Pulitzers."



The next year, as Hurricane Georges wreaked Category Four havoc in the Caribbean, ran over the Florida Keys and put a bead on New Orleans, my Herald dispatched a small army of photographers and reporters to do what we do in the face of storms: Get in front of them.



There was a lot of work to do. In the middle of the night, I received a call from my state editor: "We've got a problem. The Herald trucks can't get into the Keys. The police are stopping them." I called the police and explained the importance of people getting emergency information. They were unswayed. It was so important, I said, that I'd have to call the governor and wake him up (pondering, as I uttered these words, how unlikely that was). "No, don't wake up the governor,'' a cop said. "I'm gonna have to wake him up," I warned. Next call received:"Trucks rolling."

I headed west in a rental car -- one never takes one's own into a storm. As I drove toward New Orleans, I received a call that Georges was shifting eastward toward Biloxi, and New Orleans should be clear. Trouble was, one of our photographers had been stranded there and needed a way out. I drove on. As I started crossing the causeway at the eastern approach to the city, water was rising in the roadway. Soon I was having trouble seeing the road ahead. I backed up and made a wide loop over the top of Lake Pontchartrain and approached the city from the west. Police officers at a blockade stopped me and warned that I couldn't continue. I explained that I was rescuing a photographer, a colleague, a woman alone without transportation there, and that we needed to get to Biloxi.

I doubt it was the damsel-in-distress story that convinced them. They probably figured, two less reporters.



By the time Georges landed at Biloxi, it was significantly weakened. But it had knocked the power out, and we traveling Herald reporters and photographers were asked to stay for a few days and help the Sun-Herald publish. No prize this time.



By the time a big one finally reached New Orleans, I had left The Herald and left Florida. But as the White House correspondent for the Chicago Tribune, I had the privilege of catching a ride to the Gulf Coast with President George W. Bush in the days after Hurricane Katrina, Cat 5, assaulted New Orleans and the coast, this time flattening Biloxi with its punch. This was the "Heckuva job, Brownie" tour in which the president commended FEMA chief Michael D. Brown for his response to the storm -- a federal response that ultimately went down as the worst ever. We rode flatbed trucks through blocks of New Orleans -- though not the worst-hit parts. It seemed to me that the French Quarter looked pretty much as it might on any Saturday morning. We slept in rock-band tour-buses parked on a dock.



Katrina was the last big storm I've reported on -- instead following up with assessments of how badly the federal response affected the presidency of the leader who first made a lonesome Air Force One flyover of the storm's devastation before actually going for a first-hand look. I even had a chance to catch up with Brown again to find him in Colorado, among other pursuits, working as a contractor with FEMA repairing cell phone towers downed by big storms. This made for a pretty good story at The Tribune. The days of the pay phones and the rubber couplers are long gone. "I probably, at any one time, have a half-dozen clients involved in different things having to do with homeland security or government in general," Brown said in our interview. "I am called corporate advisor. Some places, I am called vice president for corporate relations. I am called all kinds of names."



Now Matthew, a Four.

By the Saffir-Simpson scale: "More extensive curtain-wall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain continuously lower than 10 feet ASL may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas inland as far as 6 miles."

(Update Friday morning: Matthew has lost 20 mph of its sustained winds, a Cat Three now, and has spared the southeastern coast of Florida its wrath after ravaging Haiti. Still the day is long, and the tide will be low this evening on the Northeast coast, so these are welcome signs.

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Nevertheless, this is what a Three involves, according to the National Hurricane Center: "Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.")



I'm not getting in front of this one.

My family's gotten out of the way. And if there is any story to tell, I may well be telling it to my insurance company.

(Final postscript: Saturday after the storm: Matthew rumbled 30 miles offshore past the beaches of our community, downgraded to a Cat Two and tossing tropical storm-force winds ashore. The beaches took a beating, but the bridges from the mainland were reopening to traffic today and we'd learn soon what, if any, damage our neighborhood bore: None. Free and clear.

The mayor of Jacksonville Beach was on TV today saying: 'By the Grace of God, that thing went a little bit to the East.")

Biblical to the end?
Partnership makes all things possible. The people of Burundi have greater access to life-saving medicines with the assistance of the United States.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) recently announced the successful completion of two five-year projects aimed at enhancing the supply of essential medicines for malaria and HIV/AIDS in Burundi.

During the Project Closeout event which took place in Bujumbura, USAID Country Representative Victoria Gellis praised the efforts of all partners in strengthening the health system and reiterated the commitment of the United States Government to support Burundi to meet the health needs of the people.

Through the two projects, Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceuticals and Services, or SIAPS, and Supply Chain Management System, or SCMS, the United States Government collaborated with the Government of Burundi, Management Sciences for Health and other partners to procure and distribute essential medicines and supplies for HIV/AIDS and malaria, including nine million ACT drugs for malaria, seven million rapid diagnostic test kits for malaria and HIV, and diagnostic supplies for laboratories.

Implemented by Management Sciences for Health, the SIAPS and SCMS Projects supported the development and roll-out of a logistics management system that provides timely information about the inventory and consumption of commodities at districts and health facilities. The Projects also supported the upgrade of the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse (CAMEBU) to prevent the unnecessary expiration of essential drugs and commodities by improving the storage and management practices of the warehouse.

The U.S. Government, through USAID, provided more than $18 million U.S. dollars over five years for the procurement and distribution of health commodities in Burundi through the SCMS and SIAPS Projects. The United States Government provides more than $40 million U.S. dollars annually to support HIV/AIDS, malaria, nutrition, and family planning programs in Burundi.

The United States is proud to work with its partner, Burundi to help meet the health needs of the Burundian people.
What would you give to know who'll win the election? A lot, I bet -- not because you'll know whether to get out of the stock market, but because the anxiety is killing you. What if someone could tell you whether that sweetie you're flirting with is truly your bashert, your intended, or whether Alzheimer's is in your future, or even how Game of Thrones will end? The promise of clairvoyance keeps psychics and pundits in business. Knowing the ending is the storyteller's superpower. Omniscience is God's ace in the hole. If we knew what God knows about us, if we foresaw our fate, maybe we'd choose to live like angels. But if fate is a crock, then Einstein is playing dice with the universe, and Judgment Day is just magic thinking. Not long ago I read in my alumni magazine that a guy I knew when I lived in Washington, D.C., who later became a judge in Los Angeles, had been killed by a car as he was crossing the street near his home in Pico-Robertson. When I first met him, he was a lawyer at a federal agency who moonlighted as a standup comic. I saw his act once, at a comedy club on Connecticut Avenue; he was actually pretty good. His passing brought to mind another man's obit, also in my alumni magazine. I didn't know him, but I've never forgotten it. A 40-year-old astrophysicist, a Stanford professor, was visiting his father in New Jersey for Father's Day. He was sitting alone in a Starbucks, catching up on work on his laptop and sipping coffee, when out of nowhere a red Mustang GT crashed through the Starbucks window and killed him. The professor had taught a popular undergraduate class called "The Nature of the Universe"; his research interests included cosmology and dark matter. The driver was unharmed. What is the nature of a universe that can contain such darkness? The mind struggles to make sense where there is no sense; the soul weeps. Man plans; God does standup. On the Day of Atonement a few days from now, in unison with my fellow congregants at Temple Israel of Hollywood, I will recite the U'Netaneh Tokef prayer. On that day, we will say, our fate is sealed:

Do you believe in fate? Or is fate a name for our vain effort to impose necessity on chance? Can repentance avert fatality, or will it be our bad luck, not our bad behavior -- a chaotic cosmos, not a sinful soul -- that will pin us against the Mustang's grill?



Leave it to Jews, 10 days after the festive celebration of Rosh Hashanah, to devote 25 hours to simulating our own deaths. I wish you everything good, darling, a healthy and sweet New Year -- Hey! Not so fast, kiddo, suck on this: You're gonna die.



Yom Kippur is when devout Jews, twice-a-year Jews and everyone in between heads to shul to rehearse our own deaths. From sundown to sundown, we fast; corpses don't eat or drink, nor do we. We wear white, the color of the kittel, the traditional burial shroud. No showering, no shaving, no brushing your teeth, no makeup, no sex -- just like in the cemetery. We say the Vidui, the deathbed prayer. We confess our sins and forgive those we've sinned against. Full of dread, we inventory the ways we may die. We repent, and we pray to avert our fate. If we wrestle with the taboo truth that bad things do happen to pious people, we keep it to ourselves.



And then, when three stars can be seen in the sky, the shofar blows, we kiss our families and friends, we break our fasts with bagels and lox and we return to our regular lives, imbued -- for a while, anyway -- with renewed awe at our existence and gratitude for our endurance.



This descent and return from death is not just a Jewish journey, and not just the path of the believer. Anyone, religious or secular, who has survived a terrible illness or accident; who has lost or nearly lost a loved one; who has experienced the arbitrary, minuscule gap between their lot and the tragedies of others -- all lifetime long, we are all summoned to private Yom Kippurs, to revelations of the good luck of being and the bad joke of nothingness.



These awakenings are not the exclusive province of misfortune. Art, music, literature, nature, love: these, too, can loft us to a sublime whose transcendence inevitably entails mortality. "Death," Wallace Stevens wrote in "Sunday Morning," "is the mother of beauty." If there were no endings, there could be no stories. But here's the rub: Artistic genius may take us out of time, but immortality belongs to the artwork, not to us.



I believe in the story of a God who writes and seals my fate in a Book of Life each year, but I don't believe in such a God, and I can't accept that concept of fate. Here's what I do accept, because I have to: Fatality, which fate inheres in, doesn't depend on my believing in it or not.
"It just takes one second to decide to stop. The main reason not to eat meat and fish is to spare others' lives. This is not an extreme perspective. This is a most reasonable and compassionate point of view." -- Matthieu Ricard

My first Buddhist teacher, Kangyur Rinpoche, was a very strict vegetarian. I was inspired by him and also by a deep inner reasoning that suddenly became obvious to me. I never hunted in my life, but did go fishing sometimes when I was a little boy in Brittany. When I was 13 years old, a thought bloomed in my mind: "How can I do something like that?" I realized that I was totally avoiding putting myself in the place of the other being. And when I was 20, I gave up eating meat. That was 50 years ago.

The heart of the Buddhist path is compassion. That means to value others. If you value others, you value their well-being and are concerned by their suffering.

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We can find means to survive without causing suffering to others. In India for example, there are over 400 million vegetarian people who survive well. They are not sacrificing their health or reducing their life span. In fact, even from a selfish standpoint, it is better to be a vegetarian. Many studies have shown that red meat increases the incidence of colon cancer and other illnesses.

Fruit Stall, Barcelona

However, the main reason to stop eating animals is to spare others' lives. Today, 150 billion land animals and 1.5 trillion sea animals are killed for our consumption. We treat them like rats and vermin and cockroaches to be eliminated. This would be called genocide or dehumanization if they were human beings.

Hens in Battery Cages, Sao Paulo, Brazil

We even go one step further with animals: we instrumentalize them. They become objects. They become the pig industry, sausage or meat factories. Ethically you cannot imagine progressing toward a more altruistic or more compassionate society while behaving like this. Eating meat reveals another level of selfishness in terms of fellow human beings. Rich countries consume the most meat: about 200 kilos per year per inhabitant in the USA, compared to about 3 kilos in India. The more the GDP of a country increases, usually so does the amount of meat consumption.

In order to produce one kilo of meat, you need ten kilos of vegetable protein. This is at a cost to the poorest section of humanity. With two acres of land, you can feed fifty vegetarians or two meat eaters. The 775 million tons of soy and corn that are used for industrial farming could be used to feed people in need.

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The United Nations International Panel on Climate Change, a group that is not particularly fanatical about being vegetarian, recommends that we start by just eating less meat. This is one of the easiest ways to reduce global warming and could make a huge difference to the rate of climate change. The main reason is that industrial farming causes the production of methane. Methane is ten times more active in causing global warming than CO2. It is the second main factor for global warming before transportation!

It just takes one second to decide to stop. It doesn't create any huge chaotic changes in our life. It's just that we eat something else. It's so simple. A small effort can bring a very big result for animals, for the disadvantaged, for the planet, for our own health. A sensible mind can see this is not an extreme perspective. This is a most reasonable, ethical, and compassionate point of view.
Far from being an artifact of the early years of the Internet, and despite several claims to the contrary, a website is still a necessity for a variety of organizations, from start-ups to health care companies to government agencies. And yet, based on this report from a business-to-business research firm, 46% of small businesses do not have a website for their respective brands.

Notwithstanding this rather negative piece from Forbes, the corporate websiteindeed, the vast majority of websitesshould not die; because any such site contains vital information that is too expansive for Twitter, too separate for Facebook, and too different for Instagram. One need only read this post entitled "Why Every Small Business Should Have A Website," to understand the power of a website to make an impressionand attract impressions, toowhile articulating a message that captures the essence of this or that company.

Consider, too, this column from a fellow contributor to The Huffington Post, which implores business owners to optimize their websites for mobile users. The broader point is as clear as it should be convincing to small business owners and other denizens of the online world of news and commerce: It is easyand affordableto have a site that tells a story, that tells your story, in a way that other options cannot match or even attempt to equal.

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Indeed, your own website is the one place where you can highlight everything, from the biographies of individual executives, and the strengths of a company's products and services, to listing the most basic but crucial material about an organization's location and contact information. Why, in other words, should anyone forgo the chance to say somethingto say everythingwithin the flexible parameters of a website?

According to Chad Otar, of small business funding specialist Excel Capital Management:

"A website is a savior, of sorts, for a small business owner. It allows this individual to express him or herself without the limitations of a character count or some other barrier to creativity. In fact, a website is no less criticalit is no less timelythan e-mail, a service that continues to thrive in spite of the false predictions about its demise by one expert after another."

"By giving people the facts, and by doing so with a sense of purpose and personal conviction, a website can honor the thoughts and virtues of a business owner with plenty of ambition and an abundance of ambitious ideas."

Or, to quote from an additional member of this community of writers for The Huffington Post, "You have a better chance of controlling the conversation around your content by supplementing it on your own web page. That way, you can cultivate an audience that will be more receptive to your content."

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Gary Johnson, 2016 Libertarian presidential nominee, listens to questions from audience members during a campaign event at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016. Johnson said he was 'incredibly frustrated' with himself after failing to recognize the name of the Syrian city of Aleppo in a TV interview last week. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images

For anyone who cares about climate change, I have a simple message: If you're thinking of casting a protest vote for Gary Johnson, fugetaboutit.

And if you have friends, family and associates who are thinking about voting for Johnson (or Stein, or not voting) do everything you can to dissuade them. Friends don't let friends who care about climate change vote to for Gary Johnson or do anything else to allow Donald Trump to win the White House.

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Quite simply, Gary Johnson is opposed to the government taking again action to combat climate change.

Here are comparisons between Gary Johnson's and Hillary Clinton's responses to questions about climate change and other environmental issues:

Q. Should the government increase environmental regulations to prevent climate change?

Gary Johnson answer: No.

Hillary Clinton answer: Yes, and provide more incentives for alternative energy

Should the government give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry?

Gary Johnson answer: No.

Hillary Clinton answer: Yes, the government should support more sustainable energy technologies.

Q. Should the U.S. expand offshore oil drilling?

Gary Johnson answer: Yes, and deregulate the energy sector to let the free market determine the best energy sources.

Hillary Clinton answer: No, and provide more incentives for alternative energy production.

Of course Donald Trump -- who's the real-life alternative to Hillary Clinton to become president -- says he believes climate change is a hoax cooked up by the Chinese to bankrupt America.

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President Trump would tear up the Paris Climate Accord, or stop implementing it on Day 1 in office. Trump would encourage the burning of more fossil fuels. He would appoint Supreme Court Justices who would overturn President Obama's Clean Power Plan which was put on temporary hold by a 5-4 vote of the Supreme Court shortly before Justice Scalia died. The case is likely to come back to the Supreme Court, and whether Clinton or Trump appoints the next Justice will likely determine its fate. (Trump is also likely to appoint young Supreme Court Justices -- who could serve for 30-40 years -- and would go even farther than Citizens United in permitting unrestrained political contributions by billionaires and corporations, uphold discriminatory voter suppression laws, and might well overturn Roe v. Wade which would send hundreds of thousands of women to back alley abortionists).

With climate change advancing so rapidly, the planet may not survive four or eight years of inaction and sabotage by a President Trump.

So you might think Hillary Clinton is flawed. I agree. I was a strong Bernie Sanders supporter and am frequently critical of Clinton. But a protest vote for free-marketer Gary Johnson is effectively a vote for Trump. Although Jill Stein has better positions on the environment than Johnson, a protest vote for her, or not voting at all, is also is effectively a vote for Trump.

What kind of protest is it to vote in a way that makes it more likely that climate change denier Donald Trump will be the next president? Can the planet survive that kind of protest?

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If climate change denier Donald Trump is elected president and you helped because you voted for Johnson or Stein or decided not to vote as a protest, how will you feel on November 8th knowing that the next president will do nothing to combat climate change and will undo the progress made to date?

If you think Hillary Clinton's policies aren't strong enough, if she's the next president, then show up in front of the White House with 100,000 of your closest friends urging stronger action.

But don't help put Trump in the White House by lodging a protest by voting for Johnson or Stein or not voting.
Beyond adding further tension to an important alliance, the U.S. Senate's passage of a bill that would allow private citizens to expose Saudi Arabia to 9/11 legal claims will impact how international law is practiced, with serious ramifications for the United States. Congress overriding President Obama's veto of the bill has opened floodgates that discards of international law in favor of the law of the jungle. The violation of the immunity of a sovereign state by a foreign government contradicts the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, from the immunity of diplomats to the inviolability of missions, and undermines the authority of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government.

The United States has a State Department and a diplomatic corps staffed by some of the most brilliant men and women in the field. Since senators must have some idea of the role of U.S. diplomats in the daily advancement of America's global interests, their pursuit of this bill seems cynically populist at best. At worst it is destructive: having private citizens take nation states to task over their grievances is akin to someone who knows little about medicine looking up their symptoms on WebMD and deciding to medicate, or perform surgery on, themselves. And what happens when foreign nationals who have suffered collateral damage as a result of U.S. operations decide that the American taxpayer is funding everything from drone strikes to Guantanamo thus opening the door to countless lawsuits against the U.S. Government? Will foreign governments insist on defending the sovereign immunity of the United States if the U.S cannot reciprocate? "If the Saudis did not participate in this terrorism, they have nothing to fear about going to court," said Senator Chuck Schumer of New York. "If they did, they should be held accountable." Mr. Schumer, a graduate of Harvard Law School, should know better than to speak about a nation state as though it were a moral entity. Nations are not individuals and cannot be held to the same moral standards as individual human beings. All nations, especially powerful ones like the United States, periodically have to make unsavory decisions in the interests of the "greater good". The 9/11 commission report concluded that "It does not appear that any government other than the Taliban financially supported al Qaeda before 9/11" and that "Saudi Arabia has long been considered the primary source of al Qaeda funding, but we have found no evidence that the Saudi government as an institution or senior Saudi officials individually funded the organization." On three separate occasions, lawsuits in federal court (2006, 2008 and 2015) that accused the kingdom of sponsoring terrorism were dismissed. And regarding the redacted 28 pages of the 9/11 Commission Report that pundits claim will offer revelations about Saudi "support" for the attacks, the cold truth is that it is the Bush Administration that has resisted declassifying the entire report for fear of compromising intelligence sources. The Saudis themselves have been urging the U.S. to unseal the 28 pages for over a decade now. "We want to see them for two reasons,"said Saud Al-Faisal. "If there are accusations against Saudi Arabia, we want to respond to it, because we know we are clear of any accusations. But if there are any also information about possible supporters of terrorists, we want to know about them to take care of the situation." It is not sufficient to say that Saudi Arabia does not sponsor terrorism. It must be noted that Saudi counterterrorism has been active and has broken up plots against the United States. Saudi-US intelligence cooperation has made both countries safer. As former head of Saudi Intelligence Prince Turki Al-Faisal said in an open letter to President Obama, "we shared with you our intelligence that prevented deadly terrorist attacks on America". As former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ford Fraker noted at a conference on US-GCC relations, despite the political noise, "down here where we operate day-to-day in counterterrorism and intelligence exchanges we are rock solid and even getting stronger. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's contribution of $100 million to the U.N. Counterterrorism Center, which spearheaded a counterterrorism coalition comprising over 30 Muslim-majority nations, clearly indicates where Riyadh's financial and ideological priorities lie. We are fast approaching August 23rd which, this year, will mark the 20 year anniversary of Osama Bin-Laden's official declaration of war on both the United States and Saudi Arabia. The House of Saud, Saudi Arabia and other U.S. allies in the Gulf have been engaged in mortal combat with these extremists since well before the sickening attacks of September 11th 2001. The Saudi Government was not funding the people who were bent on its decimation. As Prince Saud Al-Faisal said, "These people are attacking us. They are killing us. It sounds morbid to say that we would protect those who would kill us."

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A bit of history of modern Saudi society and governance is in order. When King Abdulaziz (Ibn Saud) set out to unify the tribes of the peninsula in his drive to form the modern Saudi State, he encouraged the old practice of tribal intermarriage. The House of Saud today is more akin to a diverse conglomeration of tribes representing the bloodlines of many prominent families (among them the Al Sudairis, the Shammar Tribe, Al Jiluwis and so on) than a traditional European royal house. This is not a society in which a son necessarily inherits the "throne" from his father but rather one in which the concepts of Shura consultation and the social and political discussions of the majlis are taken seriously and are central to the legislative lifeblood of the nations. Understanding the nuances of this "extended family" approach to the state can explain a lot in Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf. In the neighboring, more liberal, United Arab Emirates, the crown prince as well as the Prime Minister, foreign minister and other high-ranking government officials all have paid visits to the families of 42 Emirati soldiers who were killed during the Saudi-led initiative against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. This system of government will need to evolve and develop in order to remain sustainable as populations expand. That's exactly what is happening in the UAE, for example, through the progressive empowerment of the Federal National Council. Also encouraging are the economic reforms recently announced by Saudi Arabia, which will greatly enhance its stability and security. In addition, as Jan Kalicki

, the reforms will bring "new economic cities and science and technology centers as building blocks. Not least, this represents a substantial commercial opportunity for the United States." All cooperation, whether military, commercial, diplomatic, scientific or otherwise must have cultural and humanistic understanding on both sides as its bedrock. The survivors and families of victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks have suffered losses that cannot be quantified. Despite the anger and despite the hurt, suing foreign countries will not bring justice to the situation nor will it make the world a safer place for America and its friends. This is a world in which we need our alliances, cooperation and understanding to be at their strongest. A year ago, the prominent Saudi writer Kowther al-Arbash sat down to write what I imagine was the most heart-wrenchingly difficult statement of her life. On May 29th, 2015, her son Mohammed al-Isa was killed together with his cousin while the two young men

an ISIS suicide bomber in the Eastern Saudi city of Dammam. They the terrorist's plot and saved hundreds of worshippers in the process. In al-Arbash's statement, titled Goodbye Forever, My Son, she writes not as a political figure, nor as an influential writer, but rather simply as a mother: "...nobody knows the story of my son Mohammed as I do - I am his mother. I will never end my efforts to tell his story to everyone I can reach. He was a lively, sweet and good-natured boy. But more important than that: he was pure. Now, it feels as if his behaviour as a child was meant to tell me something: that his relationship with our present world was to be transient and brief." Later in her statement, al-Arbash illuminates a basic truth. "These attacks won't stop", she says, "unless we identify the real enemy: ignorance." And that cuts to the heart of the matter. Whether it is in Saudi Arabia, the United States, or elsewhere, it is only through the rejection of extremism, ignorance and the calls to violence that threaten to poison the body politic of the world's nations that we can look forward to healing and coexisting in a safer future. Until the mother of this young man and the mother of a young man murdered on 9/11 and all who have suffered like them can recognize the loss in each other's eyes and join hands together in leading us all towards a less divisive future, I fear that the criminals who seek to terrorize us all will have the upper hand.
Nimesh P. Nagarsheth, MD

Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Associate Director of Gynecologic Oncology

The Mount Sinai Hospital



The Problem with Ovarian Cancer Screening Tests

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning against the use of products marketed as ovarian cancer screening tests. While these products may be useful in limited scenarios, such as monitoring cancer treatment, the FDA does not want physicians or their patients to be misled into thinking the tests can accurately detect ovarian cancer. The FDA advises against relying on them to guide treatment decisions, because they often provide inaccurate results leading to false diagnoses.

The Need for Effective Ovarian Cancer Screening Tests

Screening for cervical cancer through the use of PAP smears and human papilloma virus tests is a quintessential example of a successful cancer screening program: one that allows doctors to detect cancer early or find a precancerous lesion before it turns into cancer. The medical community is trying to replicate that model for ovarian cancer, a potentially devastating disease usually found at an advanced stage, when it has already spread beyond the pelvis. A successful ovarian cancer screening program would enable us to detect the cancer earlier, when it is localized to the ovary and treatment is more effective.

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Tests Are Unproven, Despite Marketing

Extensive research has been conducted in this area, and some of that research has developed into products marketed to physicians as ovarian cancer screening tests. Companies are bringing more and more of these products to market and encouraging physicians to employ them. The most widely used is the CA-125 blood test, which measures a type of protein that is a marker for ovarian cancer. But the bottom line is that, despite all the research and available products, none of them have been shown to be truly effective in detecting ovarian cancer early. Nor have they been demonstrated to improve the survival rate of patients who develop ovarian cancer.

Accept No Substitutes

At this point, these tests are no substitute for guidance based on a patient's history, physical examination, clinical data collected, and judgment of her physician, or for a consultation with a gynecologic oncologist (a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system). The concern is that these tests often return "false-positive" and "false-negative" results, possibly leading to life-threatening consequences.

For example, a false-positive result indicating a high chance that a lesion is cancerous even though no cancer is present could cause a woman to unnecessarily undergo surgery and possibly end up with a severe surgery-related complication.

A false-negative result can be equally devastating because the patient might actually have a lesion that should cause concern, but if the test shows negative, she might decide against having it removed, and then months later end up with advanced ovarian cancer.

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High-Risk Concerns

In addition, some women at high risk for developing ovarian cancer, such as those with a significant family history of breast or ovarian cancer or those with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation, may think, falsely, that they are protected when they use these tests to watch for cancer. The FDA is especially concerned that relying on these unproven tests could lead these patients to delay or forgo potentially life-saving preventive treatment, such as surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Watch for Symptoms

Ovarian cancer is very treatable, even when caught late, but patients who are diagnosed early have significantly better survival rates. Since there are no recommended screening tests, the best way to catch ovarian cancer as early as possible is to be aware of the symptoms and see a doctor if you have any concerns. Unfortunately, the warning signs can be vague and are often missed or mistaken for gastrointestinal ailments.

Here are things to watch for:

Early satiety--when eating, feeling full sooner than you normally do;

Unusual bloating and increased abdominal girth;

Pelvic pain or pressure;

Constipation;

Nausea while eating.

If a symptom lasts longer than four or five days, do not hesitate to call your physician for advice. In general, pay attention to your body. Know what is normal for you and what is not, so you will recognize when there is a change.

Hopes for Future Screening
Nature is constantly changing, even before the dawn of humanity. From the breakup of Pangaea to the extinction of dinosaurs, from the Sahara Pump to the Ice Age, Earth has completely changed from what it was millions of years ago. Beyond these spontaneous events, initiated by Nature itself, Humans are continuously adapting the Planet to accommodate their needs through careless interaction with their surrounding environment.

The current situation

The influence of anthropogenic factors is now intruded into every aspect of the environment. Emissions of chemical compounds into the air have greatly altered and modified the composition and energy balance of the atmosphere, thereby accelerating the pace of climate change. Additionally, the expansion of human activities into the natural landscapes, mostly manifested by urbanization and agriculture developments, has led to the reduction and fragmentation of wildlife habitats and loss of valuable Fauna and Flora. Furthermore, the discharge of industrial and agricultural runoff has contaminated rivers and streams, which severely disrupts the natural food-chain in the aquatic ecosystem and reduces the amount of freshwater, something that is indispensable for the survival of the species. It seems that human beings, who are always regarding themselves as the dominant species because of their cleverness and inventiveness, are pushing the earth into a danger zone.

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Human-induced environmental issues are not new. The problem of deforestation, desertification, water pollution, climate change and the extinction of species have been present throughout the antiquity. However, with today's advanced science and technology, people can do greater damages to the nature and do it more quickly. The impacts are further compounded. On the other hand, due to population growth, humans are prompted more than ever to exploit natural resources to meet the demands of the blooming population. But most of all, the effect of human-created environmental modifications are no longer restricted to a local or regional level, but are extending through the whole planet.

Root of environmental degradation

The cause of environmental degradation is deeply rooted in human culture. Through hundreds of years of industrialization and exploitation of natural resources, humans are acting on the assumption that we are the dominant species on earth. because of our cleverness, science and power and the pursuit for materialism has deprived human of due reverence to nature. In a world emphatically and unabashedly upholding materialistic standard, people are motivated to exploit more natural resources, since personal wealth is becoming the ultimate measure of success in the eye of society.

At the same time, the emergence of scientific materialism has fostered the belief that nature is nothing but physical matter rationally organized according to physical law but devoid of any spirit, soul or inner purpose. As stated by French philosopher Rene Descartes, the main theme of modern science is to equip humans with the tool to conquer over matter and become lords and master of nature.

Why should we protect nature?

Nature is not simply a warehouse of resources to serve human needs. Rather, it is a highly integrated, interdependent functioning system upon which all life forms, including the soil, water, plants, animals and humans depend for survival. In fact, Modern science has provided extensive empirical evidence which indicated that nature was a complex collection of water, air, soil, animal, plants and human beings. The components were sufficiently interdependent that the failure of one part of the system could undermine the productivity of other parts. As a result, it is necessary for us to treat the natural environment with love and respect because the failure of the system would ultimately threaten the subsistence of human beings.

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Aldo Leopold, the father of American conservation movement, has mentioned a thought-provoking story in his essay, "Thinking like a mountain". In the 1930s, when Leopold was working as an officer for the U.S. Forest Service in Arizona's Apache National Forest, he was actively advocating the killing of wolves. He believed that "fewer wolves meant more deer, that no more wolves would mean a hunters' paradise." However, the eradication of wolves in the mountain didn't lead to a hunters' paradise as Leopold expected but to a hunter's nightmare: rapid increase of deer and elk herds led to overgrazing and soil erosion, followed by overgrazing of plant life and erosion, eventually resulted in starvation and population collapse. In response to the ecological predicament, Leopold changed its position and began to advocate preserving the wilderness and forest and protecting the wolves.

The wolf hunting story is not a unique case. There are thousands or millions of cases like this where humans presumptuously made a decision to alter the nature for its own benefit, but the results are always bleak. The truth is nature integrity is the basis for economic prosperity. For the society to truly flourish, it is obliged for us to fulfill our responsibility to preserve nature. Nature is feelingless, but it shows leniency and generosity to humans all the time by providing us with abundant resources and enduring the ravage of our exploitation. Thus, we should be grateful in our hearts, but not tread on nature's vulnerability.

What can we do?

The problems we are facing now are tough. However, the good news is that, you don't have to be an expert or a millionaire to save the Planet - everyone can help to do their bit for the environment. In other words, if each of us can be more conscious of environmental issues and willing to take some simple steps to save the Planet, we can make a huge contribution.

Nowadays, with increasing environmental awareness among the public, people around the world are coming together to fight for a greener future, and the effort has achieved great results. As a pioneering member of environmental advocacy community, Better World International is always committed to improve and take care of our surrounding environment, by providing practical tips to its members on the things they can do to live more sustainably and save the Earth .

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Sen. Mike Lee is warning the White House that a push to increase the U.S. military's involvement in Syria would require congressional approval.

The Utah Republican said reports that the administration is considering using airstrikes to target the Assad regime ... would represent "a major departure from our current strategy."

"[It] carries potentially cataclysmic consequences which the American people have never debated in Congress," he said in a statement. "If President Obama and his advisors want to increase the involvement of the United States in Syria in any manner -- including attacks against the Assad regime -- they have a constitutional responsibility to ask for a declaration of war from Congress."[...]With lawmakers out of Washington until after the November elections, Lee added that if Obama moves "ahead without authorization, then Congress must be called back into session to fulfill its obligation to debate and determine whether our nation should once again go to war."
I'm standing on the edge of my life, as if on the shores of a cold but beautiful lake. I want to dive in but I'm scared, only the fear doesn't sound like fear as much as doubt, anxiety, uncertainty, and ambivalence. What if I make a mistake? What if the water is too cold and I can't breathe? What if there's a better lake out there: warmer, smoother, less dangerous? I'm here but I do not move, too scared to fail, too scared to risk, too scared to live.

One of the hallmark characteristics of being on the sensitive-anxious-creative spectrum is the tendency to lean toward safety and away from risk. As sensitives who can see and imagine all possibilities, we're constantly scanning the horizon and imagining everything that can go terribly awry in any situation. As I've written in other blog posts, this quality served us very well when we were living in the wild and had to be constantly on guard for physical threats like predators, enemies, and natural disasters. But as modern humans living in relative safety, this primal brain pattern harms us more than it serves. In fact, the more we try to safeguard against the risk of loss, the smaller and more narrow our lives becomes and the more we eclipse our capacity to feel joy.

Nowhere does attempt to avoid risk harm us more than in intimate relationships. Yes, there's a time and a place to "scan the horizon" and make sure that you're with a loving, honest, well-matched partner with whom you share values and vision. But beyond the initial and thorough check, the anxious mind often spins into overdrive as it looks for a guarantee that the relationship will not end in failure. The anxious thoughts jolting you awake in the middle of the night and causing the squirrel of doubt to gnaw away at your serenity is likely what brought you to my site. If we could simmer relationship anxiety down to one sentence it would be this: The need to find certainty and avoid the risk of loss that causes incessant doubt in an otherwise solid, loving intimate relationship.

Of course, it's not just relationships that suffer from risk aversion. When people find their way to my virtual doorstep, even if the initial cause is relationship anxiety, they quickly realize that they fall into the common mold of personality that underscores my work, and they see that their aversion to risk has caused them to have difficultly making decisions and committing in many other areas in their lives. I've worked with clients who suffered over everything from deciding which college to attend to what to choose from the menu at a restaurant.

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Let's drop down out of the thought realm and ground this in one of our greatest teachers: animals. A few weeks ago, on a brilliant autumn day, I was observing our cat in the yard. As both predator and prey she's on high alert for the hunt and the danger, and I watched her vacillate easily from sheer, embodied delight at chasing a leaf or a squirrel to ears-pinned-back alert every time a car passed or a dog walked down our road. She understands viscerally, beyond the realm of conscious mind, that a full life moves fluidly between joy and fear, excitement and anticipation. Or maybe it's all joy, for as a creature who doesn't split and compartmentalize into the duality of good/bad and right/wrong she only knows one state of being: the present moment.

As her human caregivers, we know the risk involved in letting her adventure daily in our yard and beyond. We live on the edge of open space and a few miles from the mountains, and we've seen predators of all kinds exploring our property. Just last weekend, in fact, we saw a coyote at our back deck. While we hear them howling nightly, we've never seen a coyote so close to the house, but with summer's bounty waning and winter's scarcity just around the corner, they're searching more intently for food. My husband and I ran outside to scare it away and then spent hours looking for our cat. She finally sauntered nonchalantly over to us as my little one was swinging on the rope swing, perfectly fine and without a fur out of place.

After the coyote incident, I saw some neighbors walking their dogs as I was getting into my car. They asked me to thank my husband for posting about the coyote on the neighborhood email group and asked if our cat was okay. "Yes, she's fine, thank God! I don't know what our boys would do if anything ever happened to her."

"Well, keep her inside!" the neighbor replied.

"We can't do that. She gets so depressed and it's against her nature. She has an amazing life on our land."

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"Better depressed than dead," the neighbor remarked as she continued down the road.

Those words stuck with me: Better depressed than dead. And I had to wonder, "Is that true?" When I shared the exchange with my husband later he said, "Eventually the depression might kill her anyway. We can't keep her in." And our boys concurred.

Our cat isn't interested in living a narrow life, and we're not interested in cramping her style. Every few months we we hold an informal family meeting to make sure we're all on the same page regarding the risk we take letting her roam the land, and every time the vote in unanimous: Despite the danger, we must let her live her life fully. When my older son expresses concern, I say to him, "You love flying, right? Can you imagine if I said to you, 'I'm not going to let you become a pilot or fly in airplanes because it's too risky?' I would be crushing your passion, which would crush your soul. Despite how scared I feel every time you go up in a Cessna with a pilot I've never met before, I will never stand in your path. You have a passion, which is such a gift. Your dad and I will do everything we can to support you, which means working with our own fear that wants to keep you on the ground. The same is true for Tashi, yes?"

(By the way, by no means am I suggesting that all indoor cats are depressed, nor am I suggesting that everyone should or can let their cat outdoors. What I'm sharing here applies to our cat, and I'm simply using it as an inroad to talk about the connection between risk-taking and joy.)

He nods his head vigorously, imagining what a frustrating and ultimately soul-crushing existence it would be if we tried to clip his wings.

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My son is in his highest self when he's flying, which, of course, is a risk. Our cat is the embodiment of joy when she's prancing and prowling around the yard which, of course, is a riskier life than keeping her inside. The willingness to take risks comes from self-trust because in order to risk you have to be willing to make a mistake, fail, or even die (if not literally then metaphorically).

We know that one of the attributes of happy people is the willingness to take risks. As an article from Psychology Today entitled "What Happy People Do Differently" reports:

Truly happy people seem to have an intuitive grasp of the fact that sustained happiness is not just about doing things that you like. It also requires growth and adventuring beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone. Happy people, are, simply put, curious. In a 2007 study, Todd Kashdan and Colorado State psychologist Michael Steger found that when participants monitored their own daily activities, as well as how they felt, over the course of 21 days, those who frequently felt curious on a given day also experienced the most satisfaction with their life--and engaged in the highest number of happiness-inducing activities, such as expressing gratitude to a colleague or volunteering to help others. Yet curiosity--that pulsing, eager state of not knowing--is fundamentally an anxious state. When, for instance, psychologist Paul Silvia showed research participants a variety of paintings, calming images by Claude Monet and Claude Lorrain evoked happy feelings, whereas the mysterious, unsettling works by Egon Schiele and Francisco Goya evoked curiosity. Curiosity, it seems, is largely about exploration--often at the price of momentary happiness. Curious people generally accept the notion that while being uncomfortable and vulnerable is not an easy path, it is the most direct route to becoming stronger and wiser. In fact, a closer look at the study by Kashdan and Steger suggests that curious people invest in activities that cause them discomfort as a springboard to higher psychological peaks.

If our cat were to run a cost-benefit analysis about going outside versus staying in (which she seems to do every morning in a split, nonverbal moment as she lingers at the threshold of the door) the benefits would clearly outweigh the costs. Yes, coyotes and cars lurk as fatal risks, dogs cause the tail to bush in fear and alarm, and stray cats pose the riskiest danger, but how can she resist the chase of the squirrels, the hunt of the mouse, not to mention the fresh air and pure sunshine? (Luckily she doesn't seem to have knack for hunting birds.) Her entire life is motivated by her curiosity! And I'm remembering the common adage: Curiosity killed the cat. Satisfaction brought it back. We must become curious if we're to live fully, which involves pushing ourselves our of our comfort zone and becoming vulnerable.

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As our wonderful current forum moderator, Ekeko, shared recently in response to a member's question about ROCD and HOCD:

As someone who has struggled with intrusive thoughts about my relationship as well as being gay, what I've come to realize is that my mind was looking for ANY WAY that it could find to minimize risk. I was recently talking with Sheryl about this, as people on the sensitive-anxious spectrum we're often severely risk adverse and we want to cover all of our bases in order to insure that we won't get divorced, break-up, etc. The problem is, when your mind is asking questions like "What if I'm gay?" or "What if I don't love my boyfriend enough?" those questions can never be answered with 100% certainty. Because of that it's extremely easy to get sucked down the rabbit hole of anxiety if we allow ourselves to be hooked by the question. At a certain point you have to breathe and come to peace with the fact that you will never know any of the answers to these questions with 100% certainty... and then you have to leap and trust that it will all be okay.

How do we leap and trust that it will all be okay? By cultivating a practice of self-trust, which connects us to the well of our deepest knowing where the answers to the unanswerable questions live. And these aren't answers so much signposts or hints at the paths we want to walk, the decisions we want to make, the risks we're willing to take. Because death exists life cannot be anything other than risk. Because loss exists relationships are the ultimate risk to our hearts and how can we do anything other than forgive our ego - that part of us that desperately attempts to safeguard against pain - for trying to protect us in the only way it knows how?

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But risk we must if we're to live a full life (like our cat). People who take risks are happier because they live their lives more fully, without fear at the helm of their ship charting the course (which means they venture out to open seas). They not only jump out of airplanes and off mountaintops - as my son is itching to do - but they dive into the murky waters of the greatest emotional risk of all: relationships of all kinds. They risk their hearts (which do not heal as easily as a broken bone). And they do so from a platform of self-trust, which is the launching pad for all of life's decisions, big and small.
When your prospective customers and clients hear your name, and the name of your products and services, what image and thoughts come to their minds? Are you making a good impression, and is it the impression that you want?



Do You Have a Real Brand?

What are you and your business known for? At what do you truly excel? How do you stand out from the rest of your competitors?

If your clients don't have a firm image of what you and your products and services stand for, then you really must be honest with yourself and ask yourself if you have really done the work that you need to fully establish your brand and reputation?

After all, it takes more than just having a logo and website for your business to build your brand!

Why Does Your Brand Matter - Why Should Clients Choose You?

In the past, many businesses increased their sales simply by having an online presence, but, in today's growing and increasingly competitive environment that is no longer enough. It is no longer enough to invest time and resources into driving traffic to your website, you need a website that increases your conversion rate.

This is why it's important for your website to be designed in such a way as it clearly defines your brand, what you and your services stand for, to your clients. It's up to you to make your brand matter!

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Traffic is Meaningless without Conversion - Which is Directly Linked to the Strength of Your Branding!

YouTube videos, email newsletters, posting on your Facebook page and in the various groups, are all great ways to drive traffic to your site, but if your site isn't designed to fully brand your business and get your traffic to convert and take the actions that you want them to take, all of these efforts mean very little in terms of increasing your cash flows or bottom line.

Ideally, your website should be designed to clearly define what you and your services stand for, it should establish your authority in this area of expertise, and it should compel visitors to want to take action on your brand and sign up, buy or otherwise convert on the site. If your website it getting a steady traffic stream, but few conversions, the issue probably lies in the way that you have defined yourself and your brand on your site.

Branding and designing a site that increases conversion rates are areas that many creatives struggle with since the steps that are necessary to take to build your brand and site can be a bit complex as well as time consuming. As discussed in an article earlier this year, outsourcing those tasks that take you away from your core business can help to free up your time to focus on more important aspects of your company and allow others to use their expertise in a specific area to increase your level of success. After all, you do not have unlimited amounts of energy and time, so if you are having difficulty you're your conversion rates and the issue is some difficulty in the way that your brand has been defined, consider outsourcing the redesign and marketing of your site so that it better supports your brand and your vision!

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Sophie Andrews is the author of The Creative Collection, Director of the Australian Bookkeepers Association and CEO of The Accounts Studio, a bookkeeping and cash flow consulting agency specializing in working with creatives and entrepreneurs.
The United States is partnering with Uzbekistan to provide food assistance to those most in need. On Wednesday, September 14, 2016, the Ambassador of the United States to Uzbekistan, Pamela L. Spratlen; Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Laziz Tuichiev; and Chairperson of the Board of the International NGO Charitable Foundation Soglom Avlod Uchun, Svetlana Inamova announced the arrival of a new food aid shipment provided by the USAID International Food Relief Partnership Program.

In cooperation with the Government of Uzbekistan and other partners USAID will distribute over 112 metric tons of enriched food aid to 21,200 people across Uzbekistan.

Representatives from four of Uzbekistans Ministries including Health, Public Education and Foreign Affairs, along with the U.S. Embassy, Resource and Policy Exchange, Inc. and other partners took part in announcing the sixth round of this food relief program.

The program, which runs through June 2017, will provide nutritious food for children with disabilities, tuberculosis patients and patients in medical facilities. The current shipment, valued at $311,447 will be provided to residents of 139 local institutions, including the Muruvvat and Sahovat homes, and other specialized treatment facilities across Uzbekistan.

The food assistance includes dried lentil blends enriched with vitamins and minerals that will be used to prepare soup for the residents of these institutions. Soglom Avlod Uchun will deliver the food aid to the recipient institutions and monitor their distribution.

Since 1992, USAID has provided more than $356 million in assistance to Uzbekistan.

The U.S. proud to work with its longtime partner Uzbekistan to help Uzbekistans most vulnerable meet their critical nutrition needs.
I'm just spit-balling here, but I have a hunch that most people who have ever lived have made at least one mistake or faced some kind of failure. Probably more than one. There's also a belief in many circles that making a mistake can have some positive effects. The stipulation, in most cases, is that you first recognize that you actually made the mistake or had a failure. Do I really need to list the more than 10,000 profound quotes about how failure, mistakes and obstacles, when learned from, can provide powerful benefits?

Okay. One.

A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner. --English Proverb

Or in other words, the problem comes not from the problem, but by not understanding there is a diamond in the rough.

In this year's presidential campaign there's plenty of mistakes to go around, even for the third party candidates - "What is Aleppo?" Clinton has been far from perfect.

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"...you could put half of Trump's supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables."

Her apology was pretty shaky.

"Last night, I was 'grossly generalistic' and that's never a good idea."

I see. "Baskets of deplorables" is fine. Only the percentage of deplorables was off.

Nice.

Still, she has closed the barn doors on any additional "deplorable" use. Did she learn anything? Possibly.

Donald Trump, when not on Fox News, has made Twitter his 24/7 bullhorn of choice. Through it he has made some missteps. Missteps, plural. What's worse, they are the same missteps. Most recently, instead of ending his early morning personal attacks against former Miss Universe, Alisha Machado, attacks that were taking the focus of what had been a growing credibility of his "change" message, he doubled, tripled and quadrupled down. He even suggested that people make a 5 A.M. search for a supposed sex tape.

While this was the first scavenger sex tape hunt in presidential campaign history, Trump's penchant for chronic personal attacks have triggered lowering polls most every time he tweets a zinger. From Meghan Kelly to Khizer Khan to Machado, Trump not only hit once or twice, but in each case he seemed not to learn he was hurting himself by creating at least of week of squeamish news headlines and unwinnable wars.

His supporters excuse the Trump verbal and twitter political by explaining that he is not a politician. He doesn't speak in canned political statements. Instead he plain-speaks what's on his mind and sometimes when he does that he slips into comments and issues that he wouldn't say if he were a politician.

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Not being a politician may seem an encouraging move to a different method of governing, but different does not mean better nor beneficial to anyone. I know a lot of people who are not politicians. I love my mother, who is not a politician, but you wouldn't vote her into the presidency, unless you want to be made to feel guilty from not calling her enough.

What about Trump the successful businessman? You know, the business acumen that took a near billion dollar loss in 1995 perpetuating a possible eighteen years of paying no federal taxes. If so, no crime. Some may question the professional (in)competence of being able to lose a billion in a single year. Then again, there is nothing illegal about it. And there would be nothing illegal with taking deductions eighteen years to reduce his taxes to zero. Unfortunately, there is no tax deduction available to the country.

I know a number of successful business people who are wonderful and others who are creeps. None of them would get my vote based solely on their business success.

There's no question that stepping into the Oval Office for the first time and running the most powerful country in the world, mistakes will be made. Failures will happen.

John Kennedy admitted responsibility for the Bay of Pigs failure. Bill Clinton apologized for his scandal with Lewisnsky saying it was entirely of his own making. His popularity soared. President Reagan took responsibility participation in the Iran-Contra Scandal. He said: "Now, what should happen when you make a mistake is this: You take your knocks, you learn your lessons, and then you move on."

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The question is, will the next president be someone who is courageous enough to admit and learn from his or her mistakes?

We can only hope.


...in the last fifty years the nutso born-agains have twisted everything up and what they call their "religion" no longer has anything to do with anything Christ ever said or taught -- it's about using Christ's name to gain secular power. Let me explain. Jesus Christ did not preach hate. He did not tell people to oppress other people. He did not ever say that he hated gay people. He did not tell his apostles to run for political office after he died so they could change the laws of Rome.

I'm not even a Christian, and even I know this stuff. So let me take a moment to explain some of it to you.

There was a story about a Good Samaritan. Have you heard of it? Do you understand it? The message isn't that you should help strangers. That story is about violating taboos. The Samaritans and Jews weren't strangers to each other -- they hated each other. Like, seriously hated. Like, Jews weren't supposed to talk to Samaritans or they'd be unclean and need cleansing or something. But wait, there's more. One of the guys who wouldn't touch the beaten Jew was a priest. The other guy was a Levite -- meaning, a big deal super-duper high-class extra-holy Jew. You know why those two guys walked by the injured Jew and didn't help? Because it was considered unclean to touch a dead body, and they figured that if they tried to help the guy and the guy turned out to be dead, they would be defiled. So they walked by.

Do you get it now? Jesus, your big hero, was saying that if you have some rule or conventional wisdom that causes you to do harm to people, violate the goddamn rule. You probably cannot understand how shocking this story was when Jesus told it. Because this was really, really shocking. First, he's saying that the priests and Levites are jerks; and second, he's saying that Samaritans, the skankiest, nastiest, grossest, most reviled people in that part of the world, were better than priests and Levites.

Continuing in this vein, check out the story about Jesus asking a Samaritan woman to pull him a bucket of water from her well. Again, total taboo breaking. First of all, he's not supposed to talk to a woman in public. Second, he's definitely not supposed to discuss theology with a woman. Third, he's not supposed to drink water from a well that belongs to a skanky old Samaritan. Fourth, the woman is described as being a bit of a whore. Fifth, oh yeah -- did I mention that she was a Samaritan?

Taboo breaking happens all over the place in the Jesus myth. (And let's be clear. This is all a myth. But it's actually an instructive myth, if you understand it.) Jesus heals a woman who's suffering from menstrual flow; she touches his robes. This makes him unclean. Does he get pissed off? No, he blesses her and calls her "daughter." He heals the son (or possibly servant) of a centurion. He heals people on the Sabbath.

Or let me digress to the story of the Prodigal Son, which you presumably also do not understand, despite your claim to be Christians. The point of that story is not that it's great to forgive sinners like the younger son who asks for his inheritance, leaves, squanders it, and then returns in shame after tending pigs (a Jew tending pigs -- get it? ) and falling on hard times. No, the point of that story is the older son. He's the dipshit who thinks he's such a great, obedient, law-abiding, straight-arrow goody-goody, and who gets all pissed when Dad celebrates the return of the younger son, and complains about this, because -- pay attention -- he's a hypocrite. He follows the rules, and does everything he's supposed to do. But you know what? He's the bad guy in this story.

So let's move on and return to our discussion of hating the homos. Let him who is without sin cast the first stone? Ring any bells? Or how about this: Judge not, lest ye be judged?

Oh, and here's one that you even put on your own Manhattan Declaration document, which is ironic because you don't seem to understand what it means and in fact what you're doing is the exact opposite of what this statement intended: Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's. In other words, do not become entwined with the state. Focus on the next world, not on this one. Or, to be more blunt: Stay the hell out of politics, you boneheads. If a state or federal government wants to marry gay people, that's their decision. Leave it alone. Go say some prayers.

Yet somehow you've twisted this around and interpret it to mean that you should impose your will onto others by passing laws that would force other people who do not share your beliefs to be bound by the rules of your Bible, even though (a) your Bible is fiction and (b) you're not even interpreting the fiction correctly.

It's bad enough that you're hateful bigots. But to dress up your hate and bigotry as an expression of Christianity? That, my friends, is pure evil. If you want to go around hating people, fine. Go for it. It's stupid, and pointless, but whatever. Go hate people. Just don't go around saying Jesus told you to do it.
Iraqi security forces wait for vehicles travelling to Mosul to fight against militants of Islamic State at an Iraqi army base in Camp Taji in Baghdad, February 21, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed Saad TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Torture, suicide bombings, beheadings, mass killings, sex slavery -- these are among the horrors that ISIS uses to terrorize people and countries. While most people feel this is just a new genocide with brutal criminality practised under a fake umbrella of religion, a few extremists believe such actions are necessary to establish the religious, social and political power of the Islamic State.

And the perpetrators of the violence? Well, they probably don't feel guilty at all.

Viewing ISIS's acts from a criminological, rather than theological, perspective offers some provocative insights into the minds of its fighters. Studies have shown that criminals commonly use five techniques to justify their acts - allowing them to effectively neutralise their guilt.

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Denial of responsibility and injury



The first recourse is the "denial of responsibility". In this way, terrorists might refer to forces beyond their control, relieving them of responsibility for their actions.

After declaring the founding of a new Caliphate in June 2014, one of ISIS's most senior officials, Abu Muhammad al-Adnani declared a compulsory oath for all worldwide Muslims to vow their absolute allegiance to the Caliph Ibrahim, leader of ISIS and since 2014 the head, or caliph, of the Islamic State. This means, in effect, that the ISIS power structure is an authoritarian one in which the caliph holds total, tyrannical power over his followers.

Second, ISIS terrorists employ "denial of injury" to justify violence. This technique of neutralisation centres on the injury or harm involved in the delinquent act. Any acts of cruelty hurt people, of course, and it is hard to deny the injury done by terrorists to their victims. But terrorists may believe that their actions will not have consequences to themselves since their cruelty will lead them to paradise, a better world under the Islamic rule of ISIS.

In 2015, for example, the ISIS online magazine Dar al-Islam claimed:

the one that follows the path of Islam and then Jihad should know that the road is long ... and could lead him, if Allah wants this, near him in his Paradise.

Just deserts and condemning the condemner

The terrorists also use a technique called "denial of the victim". For zealots, the population in the United States, France, Spain, United Kingdom or Germany deserves punishment; any injury is just retaliation for their society's hatred of Muslims and Islam. Many jihadists even consider the civilians of Western countries as enemy fighters, since they support the politicians leading the war against ISIS.

In an adjunct attack to the January 2016 Charlie Hebdo attack, for instance, the perpetrator who attacked a Jewish supermarket in the surburbs of Paris, Amedy Coulibaly, justified killing a police officer and his deadly hostage-taking by claiming that the French government had decided to attack jihadists in Mali. He declared in a video that the French population was supportive of this French military action therefore, attacking French civilians was, for him, a "normal punishment".

Similarly, in a recent audio message, Abu Muhammed al-Adnani, the Islamic State spokesman, said:

Know that in the heart of the lands of the Crusaders there is no protection for that blood, and there is no presence of so-called civilians.

The fourth tactic used by criminals to neutralise their guilt is to "condemn the condemners". Rather than explain their actions, terrorists attack those who disapprove of their deviance. For them, the condemners - journalists, judges, police officers, and the like - are corrupted, depraved, brutal hypocrites and deviants, because they are kafir (non-believers). Thus the jihadists widely employ takfir - the branding of others as infidels who deserve death.

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To justify such atrocities, ISIS members will call their victims infidels, crusaders, fornicators, drunkards, sodomites, and so on. This neutralisation technique allows criminals to shrug off denunciation of their actions by questioning those segments of society that critique terrorism.

Appealing to higher loyalties

Finally, terrorists appeal to "higher loyalties" to explain their crimes. Social control may be neutralised by sacrificing the demands of larger society for the demands of smaller social groups to which the terrorists belong, such as ISIS and its sibling groups.

The rhetoric of Islamic State makes much of its promises of brotherhood and friendship, and assures that ISIS endows its fighters with the gift of a shared higher meaning in life.

Dar al-Islam said in a 2016 article:

When they sacrifice their life for their religion, for their brothers and their sisters, we cry for them, really knowing that they are now with our Lord in his Paradise.

In such a situation, the terrorists can neutralise any sense of guilt by demonstrating the noble spirit of their criminal actions, carried out as a sacrifice at the request of their small, tight-knit group community (ISIS). Acting for the sake of your "siblings" in terrorism is portrayed as an honourable act of loyalty.

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As these diverse neutralisation techniques show, it's unlikely that even the most violent ISIS members suffer any feelings of guilt. Using total justification in their quest to achieve ISIS global domination, terrorists give themselves free reign to strike any supposed enemy, by any means necessary - even to kill innocents, non-Muslims and Muslims alike.


By Bill Bigelow

The movement to abolish Columbus Day and to establish in its place Indigenous Peoples Day continues to gather strength, as every month new school districts and colleges take action. This campaign has been given new momentum as Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas assert their treaty and human rights. Especially notable is the inspiring struggle in North Dakota to stop the toxic Dakota Access Pipeline, led by the Standing Rock Sioux.

Dave Archambault, chairperson of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, explains that the oil pipeline "is threatening the lives of people, lives of my tribe, as well as millions down the river. It threatens the ancestral sites that are significant to our tribe. And we never had an opportunity to express our concerns. This is a corporation that is coming forward and just bulldozing through without any concern for tribes."

The "bulldozing" of Indigenous lives, Indigenous lands, and Indigenous rights all began with Columbus's invasion in 1492. Columbus's policies toward Indigenous peoples in the Caribbean were genocidal. On the island that became Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Columbus ordered Taino people's hands chopped off if they did not deliver sufficient quantities of gold. His men took women and girls as sex slaves. He had Tainos chased down by vicious dogs. He ordered his men to "spread terror" among Tainos who resistedand they did resist. And he launched the transatlantic slave tradefrom the Americas to Europe, as well as from Africa to the Americas. "Let us in the name of the Holy Trinity go on sending all the slaves that can be sold," he wrote.

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Through the conventional story of the "discovery of America," the school curriculum has taught students to celebrate colonialism and racism, and to disregard the lives of the Tainos, and other Indigenous peoples. The Columbus-discovers-America story has long been a kind of secular book of Genesis"In the beginning there was Columbus..." the original Only White Lives Matter myth. And it has played a central role in the curricular erasure of the humanity of Indigenous peoples.

I taught high school social studies for almost 30 years. One of my first activities in my high school U.S. history classes was to steal a student's purse. Yes, I wanted to capture students' attention at the beginning of the school year, but I also wanted them to think about whose lives are valuedand whose aren'tin the traditional curriculum.

I began by loudly calling for everyone to watch carefully, and then I'd snatch a purse off a student's desk. Frankly, purses worked better than backpacks, because they are more personal, and my theft seemed more, well, invasive.

"This is my purse," I would announce to looks of disbelief and annoyance. But annoyance turned to outrage when I opened the purse and started taking things out. (The student who owned this purse, let's call her Maria, knew what was coming, and had agreed to it, but I'd alerted no one else.) "This is my comb. This is my pen. This is my lipstick." And when students protested, I demanded that they prove that the purse was Maria's and not mine. "That's her stuff in there." "We saw you take it." "She knows everything that's in there, and you don't."

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"Alright, alright. Then let's say I discovered the purse. That makes it mine, right?"

Students quickly saw where I was going, as we compared my purse-stealing to Columbus's "discovery": The people who were here firstthe Tainoshad "stuff" in their land, they had lived there a long time, they knew the land better than Columbus, etc. "So why do some people call it discovery? Why don't we use the same language that you used to describe what I did to Maria's purse? Columbus stole the Tainos' land. He ripped it off. And because he came armed, he invaded it."

At the heart of all our schooling is a narrative about whose lives matterwho counts in the world. Even today, if I stand in front of a class of high school students and start rhyming, "In Fourteen Hundred and Ninety-Two ...," large numbers of students will finish with "... Columbus sailed the Ocean blue." But few of them know the name of the people who were here when Columbus arrivedthe Tainos. This tells us that too often our schools still teach young people to celebrate Great White Men and disregard the lives of the "discovered" and dominated.

The Uruguayan writer, Eduardo Galeano, used the term los nadies, the nobodies. Nobodies can be ignored and ruled, removed and slaughtered, without consequence. They are people who don't matter:

Who don't speak languages, but dialects.

Who don't have religions, but superstitions.

Who don't create art, but handicrafts.

Who don't have culture, but folklore.

Who are not human beings, but human resources.

Who do not have faces, but arms.

"With 50 men we can subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want," Columbus boasted in his journal about the Tainoslos nadies, the nobodieson just his third day in the Americas.

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This disregard for the lives and rights of Indigenous peoples has long been mimicked in the school curriculum, and so often it begins with the Columbus-discovers-America myth. Students readily learn whose lives matter and whose don't. Whose lives are they invited to imagine? Whose stories are featured in history classes and the literature read in the language arts curriculum?

The good news is that this is changing. The Black Lives Matter movement has denounced our society's failure to value all lives equallychallenged the continuous war waged especially on Black men, but on people of color more broadly. And high school students, educators, and communities of color are winning demands for more ethnic studies in the schoolscurriculum that interrogates racial inequality and features historic struggles to make society more equal.
As the streets of Philadelphia become more congested, bicyclists are giving up their bikes because they no longer feel safe.

I sold my bike five years ago when I put it up for sale on Craig List. I sold it to a Methodist minister from New Jersey. As he arranged the bike on the back of his pickup truck, I felt relieved that I would no longer have to dodge speeding cars. Yes, I would be spared being hit from behind by a crazed drug dealer, or hit head on by a trucker who had one too many pitchers at the local pub.

In 2014 4,884 pedestrians and 726 bicyclists were killed in crashes with automobiles. If you were to round that out that would come to two people everyday of the year. According to the Pedestrian and Bicyclist Information Center, the 2014 numbers are slightly lower than they were in 2013, when 749 bicyclists were killed by cars. California, Florida and Texas lead the nation in cycle fatalities. 88% of all bicycle fatalities are male and 71% occur in urban areas.

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In the early morning hours on Friday, September 2, 42 year old Matthew Matteson was driving his mountain bike to his second job along the 5700 block of Frankford Avenue when he was hit head on by a driver in a silver Buick Century going in the opposite direction. Something happened to make the Buick swerve into Matthew's path, but what? Was the driver drunk, texting a friend or perhaps talking on the phone? Matteson was safely in the bike lane on the other side of the road with his safety lights flashing when the Buick crossed the median strip and struck him, sending him on the hood of the vehicle, then 114 feet into the air until his body landed on the side of the road. His mangled bike lay nearby, its safety lights still flashing.

A life ended, just like that.



The driver of the Buick ditched his car and left the vicinity, turning himself in later to police who took him away for questioning. Matthew was given a Matteson family funeral on Monday September 12, ten days after the tragedy. It is now almost one month after the tragedy and the name of the driver of the Buick has still not been released by the Philadelphia Police. Can this accident that seems so cut and dried be so hard to investigate?

I did not know Matt Matteson but I have a close friend who is a friend of his uncle's, so I was privy to some information about the deceased. Matt lived a pretty satisfying life with his father, worked two jobs and had just sold his car because he was concerned about pollution and making the world more 'green' friendly place. I heard that Matt did not own a computer and that he lived very cheaply. He lived pretty much like a monk who had taken a vow of poverty.

The precise manner of Matt's death, his being hit by a car going in the opposite direction after it swerved in his direction, seems pretty cut and dry. There have been engineered "accidents" like this in James Bond movies where the villain slams his vehicle head on into the car of the hero. Certainly there have been drivers who have had heart attacks while behind the wheel, then lost control and gone over to the other side where they hit a pedestrian or a tree. I once spoke with a young guy who said that he had a stroke while driving on the expressway. He blanked out, after which his car swerved to the other side of the street where he rammed into a tree. He survived with very few injuries.

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When I first heard about Matteson's death I assumed that the killer car had come up behind Matteson and hit his bicycle from behind. In all my years as a cyclist my biggest fear was that a car would jump the road and hit the bike accidentally. There are drivers, after all, who have a mortal fear of driving too close to oncoming traffic because they fear head on collisions, so they drive too close to the culvert, sometimes hitting road signs or going into the culvert itself. These were the drivers I had to watch out for as a cyclist.

Hearing that the killer car hit Matt Matteson head on was a troubling thing to imagine. Presumably the car had been traveling in a straight path all along and then, suddenly, as if by osmosis, it swerves into the opposite bike lane as soon as a cyclist appears? Talk about a nasty coincidence.

There's a pronounced curve in the road at 5700 Frankford Avenue. At night the curve is an extremely dark (unlighted) patch of highway.

It's been almost a month since Matteson's death and the DA still hasn't finished its investigation. When I called PPD Media relations for an update on the case, I was told that the investigation was still "ongoing," and that at some point a "verdict" will be reached. At that time an arrest warrant could be issued to the driver of the Buick.

When I heard about the Matteson tragedy, I was reading a biography of French writer Albert Camus. Camus, who was born in French controlled Algeria in 1911, grew up in poverty but managed to become one of France's leading writers and journalists, winning the Nobel prize for Literature in 1957. Camus died at age 46 when the car he was a passenger in suddenly started to wobble sideways, went off the road and hit a tree, then wrapped itself around a second tree. Camus was killed instantly (he thrown out the back windshield) while the driver later died in hospital. The two women passengers survived, but a small dog disappeared.

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Camus always had a fear of speed, and on several occasions during that fatal road trip he had asked the driver to slow down. The driver did not listen. At the time of the accident the car was traveling on a beautiful country road bordered by a canopy of trees. It has just started to rain before the car began to wobble.

As Camus biographer Olivier Todd noted, "The dashboard clock, which had been thrown into a nearby field, was stuck at 1:55 p.m. Camus had often told friends that nothing was more scandalous than the death of a child, and nothing more absurd than to die in a car accident."

Dying while riding a bicycle is just as absurd as dying in a car crash. When the PPD eventually announces the name, age and profession of the driver of the Buick Mercury, we may have a better understanding of this tragedy.

Some possible verdicts:

1.The driver was an 80 year old man who mistook the accelerator for the break.

2. The driver was a 20 year old drug running hooligan who had just ingested a gram of speed.

3. The driver was somebody important, a public figure, and this is the reason for the long investigation.

4.The driver was just your average drunk driver coming from a bar on Lehigh Avenue where they shoot pool.
As a communications expert, I'm obsessed by what makes for effective communications. So I was both surprised and delighted to discover a new book that looks at miscommunication. Risk Communication and Miscommunication analyses some famous disasters, such as the Columbia Shuttle explosion and the Horizon BP blowout in the Gulf of Mexico. The author highlights how engineers, scientists and technical experts' poorly written emails, memos and PowerPoint slides created chains of bad decisions that resulted in catastrophes.

If technical experts would read this book and apply its principles, they could prevent future disasters and save lives. I interviewed the author, Carolyn Boiarsky, a professor of English at Purdue University Northwest-Calumet Campus, to find out more about her research:

Question 1: What was the role of miscommunication in the Columbia Shuttle disaster?

Answer: There were two major situations in which miscommunication occurred. The first occurred when an engineer offsite wrote a rambling email to the engineers who had been working 24/7 to figure out to what extent the tile had damaged the shuttle. The engineer came very close to figuring out what had probably happened but because he rambled on about personal issues at the beginning of the message, the engineers did not read it.

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The second error occurred when the engineers were reporting their findings to NASA in a PowerPoint presentation. The mathematical model they had used to determine the extent of the damage was invalid for damage that was as large as this was but the engineers only indicated this at the bottom of the slide where few people would notice it.

Question 2: What was in an engineer's email that led to the BP Deepwater Horizon blowout in the Gulf of Mexico?

Answer: One of the engineers on the rig wrote an email to his manager who was on land basically crying for help in making some controversial decisions about closing off the well. The manager responded to the engineer by indicating that he was going dancing that evening and would be in touch with the engineer the following day. The message from the engineer on the rig rambled, including personal information, so that the tone appeared to be a whine rather than a request for an immediate decision. The writer needed to recognize the reader's psychological context: he had been receiving emails related to problems on the rig for several weeks. This one did not appear different from the others. In addition, the tone and rambling style of the writer's message was similar to messages found on social media. Thus. the reader's response was similar to one he might have written in response to a message on social media; he failed to recognize the difference. The engineer on the rig either needed to indicate at the very beginning of the message that this problem was different from the others, that the consequences could be more disastrous, and that the reader's response was needed immediately or he needed to speak directly to the person via telephone rather than rely on electronic media to convey his message.

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Question 3: After analyzing these fatal miscommunications, what's your advice to scientists, engineers and other technical experts for communicating effectively?

Answer: All messages need to be reader-based. In other words, think of how the reader will read the message. A good rule of thumb is to start off immediately by (1) stating the purpose for the message, (2) providing a one-sentence summary of what the e-mail is about and (3) indicate the number of requests to which you need a response.

Question 4: Can you give an example from your book where technical experts communicated well and prevented a disaster?

Answer: When the Mississippi River was rising in 2011, the Army Corps of Engineers in the Kansas District Office realized that the Morganza Floodway might need to be opened to prevent flooding in New Orleans. If that were the case, the residents on the land that would be flooded when the Spillway opened would need to be evacuated along with any livestock. They would also need to remove all hazardous materials and waste that could leak into the water. The Corps recognized that potentially the action could anger the residents for being uprooted and frustrate them in terms of knowing when and how they would know that they would need to move.

To remind residents that they had been warned about the possibility of their land being flooded when they acquired their property as well as to alleviate residents' anxiety over being uprooted and to motivate them to evacuate, if necessary, the Corps wrote two letters. The first, sent annually in January, reminded residents of their contract with the government that included their possible need to evacuate the area should there be a need to open the Floodway. The second was sent in late spring and got to the point immediately - their land might be flooded if the Mississippi River continued to rise. The letter provided residents with instructions on what to do and how they would be notified if the Floodway had to be opened. The letter also indicated that the damage they would sustain should they decide to remain would be considerable.

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Question 5: What can corporations, governments, and other decision-making bodies do to improve the quality of their internal communications?

Answer: For managers:

1. Provide a safety-conscious environment.

2. Ensure a non-threatening environment so that problems can be discussed without fear of retaliation.

3. Provide complete explanations of potential or actual problems.

For Writers

1.Always think of how your readers' will read your message and write accordingly.

2.Focus on a single purpose for each message.

3.Include information readers not only want but may also need.

4.Provide the most important information in the first paragraph.

Carolyn Boiarsky, professor of English at Purdue University Northwest-Calumet Campus, specializes in technical communication. She's the author of 3 books on communication, including Risk Communication and Miscommunication: Case Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering Government and Community Organizations.

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For more information: http://upcolorado.com/university-press-of-colorado/item/2915-risk-communication-and-miscommunication
An Egyptian war correspondent recalls some of the most critical moments in the Egyptian revolution, as seen from Tahrir.

As Egypt's revolution progressed, Egyptian journalist and war correspondent Yehia Ghanem was in Tahrir Square with the protesters. Here he recalls some of the most critical moments in that uprising as they were seen and experienced from the Square. Read the rest of this series, Caged, here.

On the night of January 28 - or "Angry Friday" as it became known - mobs of bullies began to circle the protesters gathered at Tahrir Square. On each side of the Square, small groups of 10 to 15 started charging at the demonstrators. It was a test; a way of assessing how those inside the Square would react.

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By the following night, more of them had arrived - positioning themselves on the nearby Sixth of October Bridge, on the roofs of buildings overlooking the Square and at the entrances to the streets leading from it. The protesters were under siege.

Behind them, another siege was forming - this one manned by the army.

I sensed that something bad was about to happen; that a massacre was being planned.

But the protesters seemed determined to carry on. For them, the end would come only in the form of freedom or martyrdom. Nothing else would make them budge.

When the bullies began their attack - throwing Molotov cocktails from the tops of buildings and shooting from the Sixth of October Bridge, the protesters could respond only with stones and the bricks they had been able to rip from the pavements. It was an unequal and desperate battle, and the number of casualties within the Square was high.

The following day, the Muslim Brotherhood urged their followers to join the revolution. It was a development that would help the protesters to hold their ground as members of the Brotherhood took over responsibility for securing the perimeters of the Square. They established a primitive but effective early warning system to alert protesters to incoming attacks and a round-the-clock watch inside the Square and along its borders, where they moved in formations of 2x2, 4x4 and 8x8. They were well-organised and efficient.An emotional address

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Beyond Tahrir, President Hosni Mubarak was desperately attempting to put a lid on the boiling cauldron. He dismissed the government of Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif, assigning his long-time air force friend, Lieutenant General Ahmed Shafik, in his place. He also dismissed parliament, which had come into existence 10 weeks before the revolution after rigged elections. And he announced that he had never intended to run for a sixth term as president after his fifth expired in 2012.

But it was by then obvious that the revolution was on auto-pilot and far out-pacing any partial concessions offered by the government. The people wanted Mubarak out and they wanted it now.

On February 1, Mubarak delivered a well-written and emotionally charged speech in which he implored the people to let him stay until the end of his term and to allow him to retire in peace. He wanted to live, die and be buried in Egypt, he explained.

I watched the speech with protesters in Tahrir Square. I could see that some of the older people gathered there were touched by his words. Some even considered leaving. But the majority of the young protesters, including my good friend Mohamed, who I had known since he was just a young boy urging me to take him to Sarajevo so that he might help the besieged Bosnians during the war there, would not even contemplate leaving.Fearing a massacreOn February 2, yet more bullies appeared. But this time they were riding camels and horses. They charged the protesters, killing some in what became known as the Battle of the Camels.

Later that day, I was quoted on a private television channel, ONTV: "I thought it was staggering politically, but after what happened today, I believe the regime has fallen ethically and morally."

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After the dust settled, those who had been moved by Mubarak's emotional speech felt betrayed and became even more determined to stay until he stepped down. Moreover, tens of thousands of others who had until that point refrained from joining the protests, came out.

The scene was unprecedented: university professors sitting on pavements besides shoe shiners, street vendors strategising through the night, streets turned into beds and dining tables, where people from all walks of life shared the little bread they had.

But away from the solidarity of the Square, I feared that trouble was brewing.

It arrived before nightfall on February 3, when snipers began firing at protesters from the rooftops of buildings surrounding the Square. As a war correspondent who had covered conflicts in countries across the world, I could tell that these were professionals. Some of those killed were shot between the eyes, in the heart or through the neck. They were lethal strikes that could only be executed with such precision by highly trained gunmen.

And these would not be our only assailants. Word got out that the bullies were surrounding the Square, getting ready for a massive offensive aimed at ending the revolution once and for all.

It seemed we were on the verge of a massacre.
Millennials are the most diverse generation in American history, but most polls of young voters don't include enough people of color to draw meaningful conclusions about their attitudes. This year, the University of Chicago's Black Youth Project with the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research launched "GenForward," a first-of-its-kind monthly survey of racially and ethnically diverse young adults. Youth Radio talked with Cathy Cohen, one of the authors of the survey, about one particular question that appeared on the July survey:



"What do you think is more important: to protect the right of Americans to own guns, or to control gun ownership?"



YOUTH RADIO: Where did this question come from and why was it important to ask?

CATHY COHEN: The question initially came from a survey we asked almost two years ago. We asked the initial questions, do you own a gun in your house? And young whites reported more gun ownership than young folks of color. There's a narrative out there of young people of color being in inner cities and owning guns and shooting each other. [But] young whites actually own guns.

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Part of it is there are young whites in rural areas who have a different relationship to guns and the way gun ownership is often represented when it's associated with cities. So we thought, how do people relate to these guns? There's an argument about second amendment rights that says the most important thing you can do is protect the right to gun ownership. There are others who believe the most important thing is to think about how do we control gun ownership? So we said, let's pose a question where people have to take a position, and see what happens.

We didn't know exactly how the numbers would emerge. But young folks of color-- meaning in our survey, African American, Asian American, Latino/a young adults-- overwhelmingly, at least 50% agree that the most important thing is to control gun ownership. The only group where we see the numbers flipped a little bit was young whites, 53 percent [of whom] thought it was more important to protect the rights of gun owners.

YR: What's going with that? Like, why do majorities of young people of color say they value gun rights over gun control but the majority of young white people say the opposite?

I think about people's experience with gun violence-- we know that young folks of color, particularly African american or Latino are more likely to have experienced gun violence personally or to be in situations where there is gun violence. So it's maybe not surprising the fact that they would support the idea of controlling gun ownership. When we think about young whites and their relationship to guns, which we rarely do, some of it is the safe environment of cities where maybe they've tightened gun ownership and gun violence but there's also experiences with guns in rural areas where people are protective of the idea of owning guns and there's a fear of politicians coming to take your guns away.

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YR: What's the takeaway from all of this-- what are we really looking at here?

CC: It reminds us of never assuming the monolithic position of groups of people. Many would say millennials are just more tolerant. They are, I think, relative to other generations. But we're always trying to pay attention to the differences that exist there and the way people's lived experience can really shape their political perspective, even among young people. I think quite often we either ignore young people or we kind of lump them together. In this situation, what we're seeing is young folks of color, who might have more exposure to gun violence, saying the most important thing here is we have to stop the gun violence. That's not to say young whites don't also feel that way. But there's a substantial majority of white, unlike people of color, who don't feel threatened by gun violence, who maybe have a different lived experience because of privilege or because of an urban-rural divide. They believe it's more important to protect the right to gun ownership.

I don't want to suggest that one is right and one is wrong. What I want to say is, how do we begin to dig deeper and understand why there are those differences? To me, instead of saying, "This is exactly what's driving it"-- we don't really have the data to tell us exactly what's driving it. It just reinforces the importance of these questions, and reminds us that these different groups of young people will sometimes look very different.

YR: Are there certain issues where you saw demographic trends or schisms in people's attitudes?



CC: In the July survey, which asks about guns and gun ownership, there's also a question that asks about the three most important problems that you think face the country. In that month, [young adults of color] ages 18-30 all listed racism as the most important issue, in part because of the heightened attention to police killing of black individuals. For non-hispanic whites, the most important issue to them was terrorism and homeland security. So, again, one's personal experience can and does shape what you think is the most important issue.

We also see these differences in our data evaluating the candidates. There is much greater support among African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos for Hillary Clinton, and it's really only among young whites when you see a real split between Clinton and Trump. For almost every question we ask, there are significant differences shaped by race, ethnicity, gender and class.

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YR: How should we be careful when trying to interpret this statistic on guns, and what are the questions we should be asking?



CC: We have to understand we're looking the physical representation of groups in terms of their difference. This is the danger that we see with surveys or reporting by journalists when they're looking at data. Because then they want to ascribe a reason for those differences. The truth is without further analysis we don't know what's driving those differences.

The most important thing we have to understand when we're working with data is what it tells us, but also what it doesn't tell us. Quite often what data will do is open the door of inquiry, pique our curiosity to make us do more analysis. Sometimes that comes from analyzing more data, or talking with folks and doing more qualitative research. But we always want to be careful not to believe the statistics are the reason we're seeing the numbers we do. There's really a second level of analysis that has to happen to help explain what we're seeing.

YR: Going forward, do we expect it to be any different? How likely is it that gun legislation will be passed in the future?

CC: I don't think the issue has to do with passing gun legislation, it has to do with the public. There are overwhelming numbers of the public that support a nationwide ban on semiautomatic weapons or more stringent criminal background checks. A lot of the problem with passing legislation has to do with congressional members and the influence of the NRA, less about the partisan division in the country. But is there general agreement among millennials on the importance of addressing gun violence? Our data suggests there is.

In this July survey, we asked questions about four different policies that are meant to address gun violence. Overwhelmingly, across racial groups, there was significant support for these policies. Young people agreed with a nationwide ban on automatic weapons, criminal background checks for all gun sales, more armed security guard in public places, different penalties for folks who are convicted of violating gun laws.

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I don't think the problem with passing this type legislation lies with the divisions among the population or among millennials, but rather partisan differences and politics as usual that happens in congress.

YR: I'd think those go together but I guess it's more complicated than that.
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This year's 'Best of' goes to local
Immigrants from Italy, the Lipparelli family settled in Elko and embodied the American Dream. Through hard work and determination, members of the family became business owners, educators and professionals in Elko and around the state.

Sositinio Sam and Argentina Lipparelli immigrated to America from Italy in the early 20th century. Their children, Dora, Delia, Pauline, Adolph, Caesar and Leo, lived on the Mary Larson Ranch and then moved to Elko when Sam became employed by Western Pacific Railroad. All the children attended school, each graduating from Elko County High School.

Adolph, Caesar, and Leo joined the armed services during World War II. Ceasar served with the Fourth Marine Division, notably as part of the invasion of Japanese islands that also included Iwo Jima. Leo enlisted with the U.S. Armys 108th Medical Battalion and Adolph was stationed with the Navy in San Francisco.

Another branch of the Lipparelli family included Sams nephews, Leland and Harry Lipparelli, who also lived in Elko. Leland worked for Wright Motors as a mechanic while Harry was part owner of Club 449er with Lido Puccinelli.

Upon returning to Elko, Adolph and Leo resumed their jobs working for the Post Office. Caesar owned the Spur Drive-In and served as Elko County Chief Juvenile Probation officer.

Adolph married Jean Griswold in 1940 and had four sons, Dennis, Michael, Barry, and Lorry. He started Occidental Insurance in 1949, Lipparelli Real Estate in 1962 and served on the Elko City Council for 16 years.

Barry, Lorry and Dennis remained in Elko. Lorry became city manager and Dennis joined Adolphs company in 1978. Barry entered the business after Adolphs unexpected death that year.

Remembering Adolph, his son Barry explained that it was his hard work and determination to learn the English language that made Adolph a success.

He was a real kind and generous person; a lot of wisdom and prudence, Barry said. He helped a lot of people.
Tech pundits labeled the subscription service  a mess  and Soundcloud's  latest sad death rattle . The service's community became unsatisfied when the service suddenly started geoblocking tracks, sometimes unbeknownst to the original artist. Then, earlier this month, it announced a decision to limit API access , now requiring an application before getting an API key which lets you power an mobile or web app with Soundclouds music.

As Soundcloud appears to be hitting a dead end, with usage supposedly having peaked in 2014 , its clear why an acquisition would be great news for the company. But whats in it for Spotify? Mark Mulligan lists two important advantages:

, if Spotify can sort out the licensing - perhaps with the help of Dubset

The big question is, what would Spotify do with Soundcloud?

scale up its ad supported footprint. After all, YouTube - particularly in terms of music sharing behaviour. With YouTube being open and accessible to everyone, people tend to grab a YouTube link instead of a Spotify link when sharing music to social media. Some experts are pointing out that Soundclouds a great platform for Spotify to. After all, $10 is not a mainstream price point , so Spotify should maximize monetization of users that wont convert. Or could it be that Spotifys considering a mid-tier price point? It also helps it compete with- particularly in terms of music sharing behaviour. With YouTube being open and accessible to everyone, people tend to grab a YouTube link instead of a Spotify link when sharing music to social media.

Many fear Soundcloud will be shut and turned into Spotify, but I think thats an exaggerated fear for now. Soundcloud is a powerful brand and has a different meaning to fans and musicians than Spotify. Incorporating the user generated content and community, both valuable assets, would require a lot of work on Spotifys side, especially if they have to build their own tools for it. One could imagine a scenario where Soundcloud stays as it is and lets artists on paid accounts opt-in to let their catalogue be used on Spotify. This is probably the most light-weight and community-friendly way for Spotify to gain a lot of original content not found elsewhere.

As we near the years end, here are some things to expect:

Resolution in TIDALs case, perhaps through an acquisition, some extra cash from current investors, or closure

Soundcloud to be acquired, but by whom remains the question

Spotify to file for IPO
It's critical to help clients make the most of the plans they have
High workers compensation rates in Louisiana may be exacerbated by ongoing opioid abuse, as new information suggests that state is one of eight that has more opioid prescriptions than it does residents.According to new information published by Workers Compensation Research Institute and IT company IMS Health, Louisiana has the sixth highest prescription-per-capita rate at 1.03 pain-killer prescriptions written per resident in 2015.This is certainly not a list Louisiana wants to top, said Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon. In addition to the costs to individuals and families that these drug abuses and opioid dependencies cause, there is also a cost to the insurance system as a whole. Louisiana workers have a higher frequency of opioid use when injured than most other states. This is a dangerous trend that has reached crisis proportions.Workers compensation rates do spike alongside opioid use and abuse. In a survey conducted by Health Strategy Associates, 33% of front-line case managers said opioid use led to an increase in costs and claims. Even more worrying, 30% of employers said they were unable to identify opioid-related claims that would benefit from interventions and less than 24% say they are working with insurance professionals to address opioid issues.Another 30% say they believe managing opioids is not a priority.Dwight Robertson, medical director for small business insurer EMPLOYERS, said insurance professionals should play an important role in providing education to companies and their workers on the negative impacts of opioids.When involved parties identify and address such potential issues early, outcomes can be improved, Robertson said.The report comes on the heels of an August analysis from Fair Health that found the number of private insurance claims related to opioid dependence soared by more than 2,300% from 2007 to 2014.Private insurance claims related to opioid abuse also rose by 317%.
ELKO  Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital is hoping to bring a lot more patients into its hospital for their mammograms this month.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month NNRH is offering mammograms for $90 for all patients who visit the hospital or their other facility at Elko Diagnostic Imaging.

NNRH CEO Rick Paligi said there are too many women who have not had their mammogram and he is hoping the reduced cost can motivate them to get checked for breast cancer.

May women in our community are insured but many are not, he said. We wanted to offer $90 mammograms regardless if they were insured or not and see if we cant increase the number of women that get a mammogram.

Paligi went on to say the most recent data showed that 55 percent of eligible women in Elko County didnt get their annual mammogram last year.

Prior to October, the hospital started its No Woman Goes Without a Mammogram campaign to help raise awareness about the importance of getting an annual breast cancer screening. NNRH also partnered with the PACE Coalition, Nevada Health Center, Elko Cancer Network and other organizations in the community to highlight the importance of annual screenings.

With the importance of early breast cancer detection clearly apparent, Paligi doesnt want cost to be an obstacle that stops a woman from receiving early breast cancer screenings.

Some of us arent understanding what a reason might be for a person who needs one not to get one. It certainly helps that early detection helps in curing it, he said. If we can get it at a reduced rate, or we need to give a mammogram to somebody that cant pay at all, then well figure out how to do that. But, that shouldnt be a reason for people not to get it.

Though the campaign to bring patients into the hospital for mammograms is in its early stages, lead mammographist Sandy Greenlund said she has already seen an increase in the number of mammograms she has given since the month started.

The last few days we have seen an increase in numbers and Im sure its because of our special for the month of October and also because of all the awareness that happens in the month of October to remind women to get their mammograms, she said.

Greenlund also said she makes sure to remind the women in her family to get regular screenings, and said working with two breast cancer survivors highlights how rewarding her job is.

We have two other techs here who have both had breast cancer, she said. Its such an important thing for women to be comfortable and get those exams and I enjoy doing what I do.
Ken Ryan, business manager for Covanta Pittsfield, discussed the use of the money with the subcommittee on Wednesday.

Pittsfield Subcommittee Endorses Plan To Save Covanta



Mayor Linda Tyer said the city's role is just one in a collaborative effort to keep the company operating and if successful, the city would advert a large annual increase in cost. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Whether it be because of city finances, local jobs, or the environment, the Committee on Community and Economic Development feels spending $562,000 to keep Covanta open makes sense.

The City Council subcommittee voted 4-1 in favor of allocating the money from the Pittsfield Economic Development Fund to help Covanta replace a backup boiler, and cover the area recyclables are processes to comply with a state requirement.

In return, the company promises to stay open for at least the next four years.

"I think that in many ways, I feel like we've gotten a stay of executions," said Mayor Linda Tyer.

The city's funds are just part of a "three-legged stool" which aims to keep the company in operation. Covanta notified its employees earlier this year that the waste burning plant is eyed to close the facility in March of 2017

Among the waste collected there, it is also where where Republic Services disposes of some 17,000 tons of trash collected from the city's curbside pick up. Many other companies from neighboring communities pay to dump there, some of which goes back to the city.

Between the revenue from other towns and a projected increased price for waste disposal, Tyer estimates it will cost the city an additional $960,000 per year should the plant close, and leave yet another large industrial facility vacant.

"If we can create a situation where Covanta can stabilize their viability, then that is a win for us," Tyer said.

Since July, the city, Covanta, and the companies which buy the steam, Crane & Co. and Neenah Technical Materials, have been meeting to discuss the options. Covanta says the plant was no longer financially viable. The waste-to-energy facility is one of the smallest the company runs throughout the country.

State officials stepped in to help with the passage of an omnibus energy bill which includes new tax incentives for those facilities. That serves as one leg of the stool.

Crane & Co. and Neenah both stepped in to renegotiate their individual contracts - upping the revenue for Covanta - to serve as the second leg. And the city's capital investment is eyed to be the final piece to keep the plant from closing.

"Without these three things, we wouldn't be able to operate," said Ken Ryan, Covanta Pittsfield's business manager.

Richard Rowe, president of U.S. Government products with Crane, said his company hired a consultant to help find alternatives, but to no avail. The consultants couldn't find another company to buy the facility, and it was determined to be a "challenging plant" to run.

Then the state's energy bill opened a door, he said. All sides started meeting to craft a plan which serve all parties.

"In the end, I think this is the right answer," Rowe said. "We have to make a decision very soon. The clock is ticking."

Not the entire committee, however, is supportive of the expense. Councilor At Large Melissa Mazzeo voiced concern that Covanta wouldn't be required to stay open for an extended amount of time.

"I feel like I need to have more guarantees. I need to really know that this is going to be a viable business for longer than four years," Mazzeo said.

Mazzeo said the city hasn't looked for other companies to take it over, and doesn't have a clear picture of Covanta's finances to know if even in four years if the company will still be operating. The $560,000 expense to help the company does include some clawback provisions should the company close before then, but does not specifically restrict the company from closing at all.

"We don't really know what was said in there, how much they are paying, how much they are not paying," Mazzeo said of the new agreements with Covanta and the private companies for the steam. "We are the only ones talking out loud about how much we are ready to invest."

The contract with the city only requires a 150-day notice for Covanta to close, which is intended to give the city a chance to seek out alternatives for pick up.

"We haven't officially notified the city of the closure," Ryan said, clarifying that those days haven't begun when it comes to this proposed closure.

Ryan said the company is committed to stay in Pittsfield for the long-term, and now with these other options for assistance he believes it can. He said the company agreed to the city's four-year agreement because that coincides with other contracts needed to keep operations going.

Mazzeo, however, isn't so sure. The city's $562,000 isn't going to help the revenue stream whatsoever, she said. The company plans to use the city's funding to replace the backup boiler which is used rarely, when the primary boilers are malfunctioning. And the money is going to help the company comply with the Department of Environmental Protection's request to enclose all processing areas, an environmental project and not financial.

"Nothing we are doing is going to increase productivity or the bottom line," Mazzeo said.

Ward 6 Councilor John Krol said that while he doesn't like the position the city is put in because of situation, the move does make financial sense. The city receives some $250,000 in revenue from "host community fees" which comes from $3.42 cents per ton that goes to the facility from outside waste haulers - such as private collections in nearby towns. That is compounded with more than $700,000 in increased cost per year to haul the city's garbage elsewhere.

Essentially, Krol said that by voting against the $562,000 expenditure now that is essentially adding $900,000 to the annual budget while getting no additional services.



Ward 3 Councilor Nicholas Caccamo said the investment made both financial and environmental sense. "The alternative is, at a time when we are talking about taxes being high, our budgets being tight, to absorb a lose in revenue likes this and additional costs with having to outsource this, is completely unacceptable." Krol said.

Councilor At Large Peter White said the one-time expenditure will keep 25 local jobs as well as help Crane & Co and Neenah, which offer high-paying jobs to many city residents. He said essentially that translates to the city paying $22,480 per Covanta employee to keep the jobs here for at least four more years.

"To me the benefits are overwhelming on this," White said. "We may want to look more into what could be done but this is four years."

The fund has been used for a number of different projects over the years, including helping Barrington Stage or Ice River Springs. Mayor Tyer said this investment may be even more important than those because of the far-reaching impacts Covanta has on the city and neighboring towns.

"We are investing in a company to keep it open, to keep people employed. It is a lot easier to do that than recruit new businesses," Tyer said.

Ward 3 Councilor Nicholas Caccamo added that keeping the plant open has environmental benefits. He said every ton of waste combusted at Covanta offsets a ton of carbon dioxide going into the environment.

"This has some far reaching environmental benefits we have to be keenly aware of," Caccamo said. "It is a good investment economically, and it is a good investment environmentally."

Caccamo added that by making capital investments in the facility, that enhances the opportunity for another company to take it over should Covanta still find the location to be a losing venture.

"These investments make the plant more attractive to a new buyer," Caccamo said.

None of the committee members liked the provision in the contract that the company notifies the city with just 150 days. But, that is a separate contract. That provision is included with the city's contract with Covanta through 2020.

However, Crane & Co. requires a full year's notice, so if Covanta later determines it is still not working, Crane will be notified early enough to let the city know.

"I do not like to spend any money. So I see $562,000 as a significant amount of money. But, I see it as an amount of money we need to spend," Amuso said.
Back row: Police Chief Michael Wynn, Firefighter Wayne Ovitt, EMT Max Koivisto of Action Ambulance, Kevin Wall from Action Ambulance, Rev. Timothy Weisman, Alicia Aldam of Zion Lutheran, and Fire Chief Robert Czerwinski. Front Row: Officer Thomas Bowler Jr., Officer Darren Derby, Officer Sean Klink, and Firefighter Mike Marran.

Zion Lutheran Church Donates Hand Warmers To Pittsfield First Responders

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Often during the winter first responders are out in bitter cold weather for extended periods of time.

The Zion Lutheran Church recognized that and decided to help keep them warm. On Thursday the church donated 840 hand and foot warmers for the Police Department, Fire Department, and the two ambulance services to share this winter.

"Come the winter time, it gets cold, it gets bitter out there and it is just comfortable to be able to warm you hands up," Fire Chief Robert Czerwinski said. "Even last night, it was a fall evening but I did notice how cool it had gotten by 10, 11 o'clock last night. You needed to have a jacket. In the next couple weeks and months, these are going to be welcomed on long duration events."

The church has what it calls "God's Work, Our Hands" fundraising event and this year the local congregation pooled money and reeled in a grant to help first responders.

"It fell on Sept. 11 this year and we were brainstorming, and I was talking with one of the detectives who is at Guidos all of the time, and it was 'what can we do for as many departments that is practical?' The idea of the hand warmers came up. You guys are out in some nasty elements and weather," said Alicia Aldam, of Zion Lutheran. "We figured this would be the best bang for the buck."

Rev. Timothy Weisman said the church took in donations in just a two-week period and bought as many as they could afford.

"I am a believer in if you are going to donate something to support police, fire, and ambulance, you might as well ask them what they need. That's exactly what Alicia did rather than give you all something you don't need," Weisman said.

"This idea of God's work, our hands, of you all doing God's work, hand warmers seem to be a really nice connection."

The gift is very practice, said Police Chief Michael Wynn, because currently many officers purchase them on their own but hand warmers aren't something the department supplies. The hand warmers were divvied up between the agencies but Wynn says first responders typically share such responses regardless of each individual's role in an incident.

"We will let our people take some of these and put them in their patrol bags so they are with them. But we will also put them in our operations trucks and when the operations trucks are deployed, it doesn't matter. If I walk to EMS and they've got them, they'll hand them to me," Wynn said.

The instances when the hand warmers will be useful seem endless. Wynn said some 20 times a year officers are handling perimeter work, and the Special Response Team can find themselves in extended operations, and even the officers handling traffic during the annual Christmas tree lighting will use them.

But ideally, the agencies won't needed them.

"We hope you don't have to use them because you are inside and nothing is going on," Aldam said.
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Montreal, 6 October 2016  ICAOs Member States concluded the UN aviation agencys landmark 39th Assembly today, delivering an historic agreement on a new global market-based measure (GMBM) to offset CO 2 emissions from international flights and a comprehensive roadmap for the sustainable future of international aviation.

Aviation can now claim its Paris moment, declared ICAO Council President Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, Air transport is not only the world's first major industry sector to adopt a global approach to international emissions reduction, but very importantly States representing more than 83% of international flight operations have volunteered to participate in the GMBM from its earliest stages in 2021.

The GMBM will serve as an important new tool to complement the wide-ranging emissions reduction progress already being achieved under aviations basket of measures, noted ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu in her Assembly closing remarks, namely through technological innovation, modernized procedures, and the ever-expanding use of sustainable alternative fuels.

Significant and far-reaching 39th Assembly progress was achieved across all of ICAOs five Strategic Objectives for Aviation Safety, Air Navigation Capacity and Efficiency, Aviation Security and Facilitation, the Economic Development of Air Transport, and Environmental Protection.

ICAO Member States delivered very clear endorsements for the targets and approaches being pursued globally under ICAOs comprehensive strategic plans, and supported the need for it to provide similar leadership at the global level in the form of two new Global Plans now to be developed for Aviation Security and Air Transport Economic Development.

They also showed their clear appreciation and support for ICAOs recent reprioritization on assistance and capacity-building under its No Country Left Behind strategy, aided by more intensive global partnerships and resource mobilization.

Other decisions of note included agreement to amend the Chicago Convention to increase the number of States on ICAOs Governing Council and its supporting Air Navigation Commission.

The Council President and I have been very encouraged to see such a high level of interest from Member States and industry in the work of ICAO, recognizing and supporting our leading role in global aviation, Dr. Liu concluded. This Assembly has benefitted from the participation of more than 2,200 delegates from 185 Members States, non-Member States and 56 observer delegations  the highest number we have ever hosted  and we have achieved 30% more work than at any previous event of this kind.

ICAO Assemblies are conducted once every three years, with the agencys 40th set to take place during its 75th Anniversary year in 2019.

A more detailed review of the specific items endorsed at the 39th Assembly, under each Strategic Objective for global aviation, may be found below.

ICAO 39th Assembly  Summary of Main Conclusions

Safety

 Endorsement of the ICAO Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) as the strategic direction for ICAOs technical work programme in air navigation:  - New edition maintains objectives from previous, focused on effective safety oversight for States and safety management for operators. GASP objectives going forward will be to:  Continue to work on Safety Management System (SMS) implementation.  Work with State regulators on State Safety Programme implementation activities, including safety performance measurement.  Develop safety performance indicators and continue evolution toward predictive risk management once SMS implementation is complete.  Endorsement of continuation of ICAO's Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Safety in Africa (AFI Plan) activities beyond 2016, and within the work programmes of the regional offices, as well as its expansion to cover all safety areas.  Noted and appreciated ICAOs progress on items resolved at the last ICAO High Level Safety Conference (2015).  Endorsement of an ICAO strategy on emergency preparedness and response.

Noteworthy Extra:

 First Council Presidents Certificates for Safety Audit performance improvement were presented during the opening ceremonies to 14 objectively selected States.

Air Navigation Capacity and Efficiency

 Endorsed the Fifth Edition of the ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) as the strategic direction for ICAOs technical work programme in air navigation. Additions to the current version include:  - ATM Logical Architecture.  - Notion of minimum path.  - Performance-based approach.  - Financial aspects (MDWG).  Urged States to continue PBN implementation



Look ahead : proposed topics for the 2018 ICAO 13th Air navigation Conference:

 Convergence on the next generation of Datacom  Agreement on the system architecture for a Global SWIM  Introduction of the Basic Building Blocks for the GANP (BBBGs)  Introduction of the business case templates for the individual ASBU modules for Block 1 and their associated influence diagrams  Agreement on the Air navigation Capacity and Efficiency Indicators  Consolidation of the work programme required for Block 2  Development of a new ASBU Block 4

Security & Facilitation

 Endorsement to commence development of the ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan, which will provide direction to all entities involved in AVSEC enhancement, with focus on internationally agreed goals and targets.  Endorsement of the following as ICAO's AVSEC and FAL key priorities for the coming triennium:  - New and evolving threats, including cybersecurity, landside security and insider threats.  - Technical assistance and strengthened regional coordination.  - Adoption of the first-ever cybersecurity resolution, which stresses the importance of information sharing and coordination across civil aviation safety and security fields of expertise to address this important area of risk.  -  Priorities of the FAL Programme and activities for 2017-2019 triennium.  - The ICAO Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) Strategy, including travel documents, the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD), and the provision of related assistance and training to States.  Continued support for the Universal Security Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach, including by seconding short- and long-term experts and by participating in training courses and regional seminars.  Support for the creation of a Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Security and Facilitation (SECFAL) in the Middle Eastern Region and continued support for the existing plan, AFI SECFAL, in Africa.

Economic Development of Air Transport

 Acknowledgement of need to consider a new ICAO Global Air Transport Plan.  Endorsement of action plan for the finalization of the international agreements being developed by ICAO for the liberalization of market access, air cargo and air carrier ownership and control.  Endorsement of the action plan for further customization of long term traffic forecasts for global and regional forecasts for aviation personnel (Doc 9956) to meet the requirements of the ICAO Next Generation Aviation Professional (NGAP) programme.  Promote the strengthening of partnerships in the area of data sharing and analysis with the UN, its agencies, international, regional organizations and academia to increasing financing and investments for the development of air transport activities.  Increased awareness and promotion of various updated policy guidance and tools.  Increased awareness and promotion of the ICAO long-term vision for air transport liberalization and core principles on consumer protection.  Increased awareness and promotion of various tools and analysis jointly developed by partners.

Environmental Protection

 Endorsement of a global market-based measure (GMBM), the first-ever market-based measure adopted by an entire industry sector.  Recognition of the ongoing work to develop a new supersonic noise Standard for future aircraft, and that the possible certification of a supersonic aeroplane in the 2020-2025 timeframe.  Recognition of the development of a new non-volatile Particulate Matter (nvPM) emissions Standard for all turbofan and turbojet aircraft with rated thrust greater than 26.7kN (first-ever).  Support for the ICAO aspirational goals on CO2 emissions reduction and recognition of progress on all elements of the Basket of Measures  Recognition of the development of a new global CO2 emissions certification Standard for New Type and In-production aeroplanes (first-ever).  Welcome the partnership agreement between ICAO and ACI that focuses on various cooperative initiatives for greener airports.  Recognition of significant achievements in assisting States to develop their State action plans for CO2 emissions reduction, leading to the submission of 101 State plans to ICAO  Request for advancing on emerging issues such as: environmental aspects of aircraft end-of-life (e.g. aircraft recycling); and climate change risk assessment on international aviation, including identification of adaptation measures



Other

Assistance and Capacity-building:

 Endorsement of the continuation of the No Country Left Behind (NLCB) initiative

UN Sustainable Development Goals

 Encourage States to contribute to achieving the SDGs through the implementation of ICAO Strategic Objectives and work programmes.  Direct ICAO to further assist its Member States in enhancing their air transport systems and ensure that no country is left behind so that all can foster sustainable development and benefit from improved air connectivity.



Next Generation of Aviation Professionals

 Endorsed the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme and highlighted the work of ICAO to create greater awareness of the impending shortages of personnel, promote gender equality in aviation and assist the global aviation community in attracting, educating and retaining skilled personnel.

Accident Victims

 Recognize Councils adoption of Amendment 25 to Annex 9  Facilitation (12 June 2015), which includes a provision for States to establish legislation, regulations and/or policies in support of assistance to aircraft accident victims and their families.

Technical Assistance



Endorsement that that ICAO continue its work on the development and implementation of technical assistance under the respective Strategic Objectives, in partnership with States, international and regional organizations, and industry.



Technical Cooperation

 Recognition that the ICAO Technical Cooperation Programme continues to be a permanent priority activity of the organization; and one of the main instruments of ICAO to support States in remedying deficiencies and implementing improvements in the field of civil aviation





Composition of ICAO Council and Air Navigation Commission

 Agreement to amend Article 50 (a) of the Chicago Convention to increase the membership of the ICAO Council from 36 to 40 States.  Agreement to amend Article 56 of the Chicago Convention to increase the membership of the Air Navigation Commission from 19 to 21 States.



Resources for Editors



ICAO's 39th Assembly

GMBM FAQs



Contact



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




iciHaiti - Matthew : France in solidarity with Haiti





During a press briefing, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France stated "Hurricane Matthew has hit hard the Haitian people and caused extensive damage, especially in the departments of South and Grande Anse, with whom communications are cut.



Upon approach of Matthew, the Haitian authorities have triggered an alert plan, taken preventive measures and set up an Evaluation Committee and of coordination with which our Embassy in Port-au-Prince is in contact.



France expresses its solidarity with the Government and people of Haiti in this event."



IH/ iciHaiti


















ELKO  An Oregon woman was killed Tuesday evening in a crash on U.S. 95 about 40 miles north of Winnemucca.

A minivan driven by Kathleen Dobbel from Baker City was traveling south at 6:57 p.m. when she veered into the northbound lane, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol, and struck the front of a pickup truck driven by Cole Stremler from Fallon.

Dobbel sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the pickup truck sustained non-life threatening injuries and was not transported to a hospital.
ELKO  Public comments  especially from law enforcement  helped county commissioners select Tyler Ingram as the new district attorney.

Commissioners unanimously voted Wednesday for Ingram to fill the unexpired term that was left vacant after Mark Torvinen died Aug. 15 of natural causes. Chief Civil District Attorney Kristin McQueary had served as interim district attorney since Aug. 17.

Ingram, McQueary and William Schaeffer applied for the position. Schaeffer withdrew his application Monday.

During his introduction, Ingram told the commissioners since he applied for the position he had been accepted into a masters program at the University of Nevada, Reno for justice management with an emphasis in administration of criminal justice agencies.

I am the person that has for the last six years, along with one or two other attorneys in our office, been the constant point of contact with law enforcement, Ingram said. Weve always made ourselves available to law enforcement at any time, day or night, for any questions that may need answered. I think its partly because of that, that I have the large majority of our law enforcement agencies standing behind me today.

He received endorsements from officers associations from Elko County sheriffs deputies; Elko, Carlin and West Wendover police; and Nevada Game Wardens Association.

Ingram said the district attorneys office cases are mostly criminal. The office has 3,410 active criminal cases and about 499 active civil cases.

By my calculation our office is 87 percent criminal, he said.

Ingram said he is the applicant that has the experience to handle criminal cases. He also said if he was selected, McQueary would remain as the chief civil district attorney.

After answering questions from the board, the public was given a chance to speak.

Clair Morris, who has served as Elko police chief and most recently as Elko County undersheriff, was the first to speak in support of Ingram.

Morris said he wasnt there to discredit Torvinen. He said Torvinen was one of the hardest working attorneys he has seen.

But having said that, I think weve had a disconnect between the DAs office and law enforcement for a number of years, Morris said. I think Tyler has been making an effort to fix that.

Morris said Ingram made an effort to sit in on interviews and talk with officers before trials.

Detective Sgt. Mike Palhegyi spoke on behalf of the Elko Police Officers Association in support of Ingram.

He goes above and beyond in every case that he gets, Palhegyi said.  He communicates well with law enforcement  I dont want to say anything disparaging about prior administrations  but something thats been missing as long as Ive been a police officer in Elko is communication with the DAs office. Theres been a culture down there (that) theyre like a separate entity, when in reality were all on the same team.

When it came time for the commissioners to vote they all said it was a tough decision.

Commissioner Demar Dahl said he doesnt know Ingram, and he thinks he would be a great district attorney, but he knows McQueary and has worked with her for years. He said his choice would be McQueary for the position.

Commissioner Glen Guttry said he lost count of the number of people who called him in support of Ingram for the position. He said the people he talked to didnt have anything bad to say about either applicant, but they were concerned with the amount of criminal case knowledge needed to be district attorney.

Its important that you did weigh in and you expressed your opinion on who you would prefer, he said to the officers in the room. That carries a lot of weight with me.

Commissioner Rex Steninger said McQueary is the best qualified to take on natural resource issues, but his decision came down to who was the best choice to take on the crime in the county.

He also received numerous calls from law enforcement, lawyers, business owners and the college.

Were tasking our law enforcement agencies with the problem of cleaning up our town and theyre asking us to give the tool of Tyler and I cant turn my back on that request, Steninger said.

Commissioner Cliff Eklund said if the county office was a private business the senior person would be promoted. He also acknowledged that the county has received complaints about how the district attorneys office has handled criminal cases in the past.

Commissioner Delmo Andreozzi said he wanted to do what was best for the whole community. He said he doesnt know Ingram but has known McQueary for years.

I look at our community and Im saddened. Im not pointing any fingers at any one person. I just want my safe community back, he said.

Andreozzi said his vote for Ingram was not a vote against McQueary.

Im saddened that we are tasked with this difficult, difficult choice, but I think its an opportunity for a brand new start, he said.

Despite Dahl saying his choice would be McQueary, he voted with the board to show his support to Ingram as the new district attorney.

Ingrams appointment will end Dec. 31, 2018.
Imperial Valley News Center

Brussels Conference on Afghanistan

Washington, DC - The Brussels Conference was opened by H.E. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and H.E. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and concluded by H.E. Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The event was co-chaired by H.E. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, H.E. Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, H.E. Salahuddin Rabbani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and H.E. Eklil Hakimi, Minister of Finance of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

(1) We, the National Unity Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (hereafter called the Afghan Government) and the International Community along with other partners, met on 5 October 2016 in Brussels to renew our partnership for prosperity and peace.

(2) We underline our collective commitment to deepen and strengthen our cooperation to achieve Afghanistan's Self-Reliance in the Transformation Decade (2015-2024) and to create a political, social and economic environment that will allow Afghanistan to consolidate peace, security, sustainable development and prosperity.

(3) Important progress has been achieved on Afghanistans way to a functioning, accountable and increasingly sustainable state, but the substantial challenges that the country still faces require further efforts to safeguard and build on these joint achievements. To foster this progress, we reaffirm our commitment to the following three pillars over the Transformation Decade:

Afghan-led state- and institution building as outlined by the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework and the Self Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework (SMAF);

Sustained international support and funding at or near current levels through 2020 with increased aid effectiveness;

Regional and international support for ending violence to foster economic development and improve regional economic cooperation, and for a political process towards lasting peace and reconciliation.

Section 1: The Reform Agenda

(4) The International Community welcomes the new Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework (ANPDF) setting out Afghanistan's strategic policy priorities towards achieving self-reliance and the presentation of five new National Priority Programs (Citizens Charter, Women's Economic Empowerment; Urban Development; Comprehensive Agriculture and National Infrastructure) to improve the conditions for advancing sustainable development and stability.

(5) We note the successful completion of the International Monetary Fund's Staff Monitored Program (SMP) and take note of the recent agreement between the Afghan government and the International Monetary Fund on the Extended Credit Facility supported arrangement that aims to preserve macro-financial stability and sets out a structural reform agenda with a focus on institution building, fiscal and financial reforms, and measures to combat corruption. We acknowledge the significant progress being made by the Afghan government to increase domestic revenue collection and implement the public financial management roadmap, which coupled with economic growth, are key to realizing self-reliance over the longer term. We welcome the government's commitments to undertake additional reforms to promote higher and more inclusive growth and maintain financial stability.

(6) Credible, inclusive and transparent elections will lead to greater political stability, and strengthen sustainable democracy in Afghanistan. While some progress has been made, concrete steps will be taken by the government to implement in 2017 the essential electoral reforms and prepare for elections to further restore trust and confidence in the electoral process and its institutions. Effective democratic and inclusive governance in accordance with the Constitution remains essential for our partnership.

(7) The International Community welcomes the priority the Afghan government has placed on fighting corruption, which remains a major obstacle to development and stability. The International Community welcomes steps taken so far. The government will effectively implement its anti-corruption measures to ensure that core government functions such as procurement, appointments, financial management and policy making are transparent, accountable and consistent, and that violations are met with legal, timely and consistently applied sanctions. The International Community welcomes the establishment of the High Council on Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption and the Anti-Corruption Justice Centre and looks forward to their effective operation.

(8) We underscore the urgency of reducing poverty in Afghanistan by creating employment and addressing particularly widespread problems such as child malnutrition, food insecurity, poor sanitation, and conflict related impoverishment. This requires specific actions and inclusive reform approaches in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and rural and urban development as envisioned in the new National Priority Programs. The International Community recognizes the Afghan leadership in community based development and endorses the proposed investments for improved delivery of essential public services to poor rural and urban communities, in particular for women and girls.

(9) We stress the importance of strengthening the rule of law and pursuing important judicial reforms to strengthen state legitimacy, while protecting the safety and security of judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys. Of particular importance is ensuring all Afghan citizens have access to a formal justice system that is fair and respected in its application of the law. Institution building remains central, including police and civilian policing, the Attorney Generals Office, the court system, and the provision of legal aid.

(10) The protection and implementation of the constitutional rights and international human rights in Afghanistan remains essential. Special consideration needs to be given to the rights of women and children, including measures to prevent violence against women and children and forced marriage, and to combat torture or ill treatment as well as discrimination. The International Community welcomes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Ombudsman of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC).

(11) We stress the key role of women in development, justice and peace and the continued commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls, increasing their access to health and education services, improving their capacity for self-reliance, and expanding their opportunities and participation to achieve economic prosperity. This includes tangible support for the new National Priority Program on Women's Economic Empowerment and our funding for the National Action Plan to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, as well as the Afghan government's commitment to ensure participation of women in all peace processes. Of particular importance is empowering rural women as key agents for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Section 2: Development Partnership

(12) The alignment of international support with Afghanistans national priorities as outlined in the ANPDF is essential. As set out in the Tokyo Declaration (2012) and reaffirmed at the London Conference on Afghanistan (2014), international partners remain committed to providing significant but gradually declining financial support towards Afghanistans social and economic development priorities throughout the Transformation Decade, as the Afghan government continues to deliver on its commitments as part of this renewed partnership under the mutual accountability framework.

(13) We note the exceptional development support, which Afghanistan has received and continues to receive from international partners. We reaffirm that the renewed partnership depends upon the principle of mutual accountability and on both sides delivering on their commitments. Donors are committed to build on the gains that have been made by the Afghan people with international support since 2002 and to provide effective assistance including through close alignment with the ANPDF.

(14) Building on the donor communitys achievement of Tokyo commitments to increase the level of development assistance channeled through the National Budget of the Afghan Government, we are committed to further increase aid effectiveness. We recognize the need to promote a high degree of Afghan ownership through use of country systems and joint programming, and in line with the commitments under the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation. In addition to bilateral agreements and based, amongst others, on implementation of the agreed reforms, in particular progress on the Public Financial Management (PFM) roadmap, we will explore possibilities for different forms of flexible on-budget assistance, including State Building Contracts and expanding programs in support of Afghan development priorities, notably through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) and related incentives or reimbursement schemes. On-budget support will continue to be contingent on improvements to accountability and audit mechanisms.

(15) We strongly welcome and equally value all other development assistance and project support that Afghanistan receives from its international partners to support Afghan National Development Priorities.

(16) We recognize the progress made under the SMAF and endorse the new set of SMART SMAF indicators for implementation in 2017/18.

(17) For the period 2017-2020, international partners commit and confirm their intention to provide $15.2 billion in support of Afghanistan's development priorities. We particularly welcome the contributions from new donors to Afghanistan as well as other announcements of bilateral assistance.

(18) We recognize the role of civil society and media in Afghanistan's development and the need to include civil society in the political processes. We welcome the Afghan civil society's contributions to the Conference and recognize also the contributions of international NGOs, both for Afghanistan's development and in partnership with Afghan civil society, including in the provision of humanitarian assistance.

(19) We recall the critical role that the private sector will play in Afghanistans path to sustainability. We welcome the first steps being taken and intend to make greater efforts to facilitate private sector development and an enabling business and investment climate. As set out in London (2014), there is urgent need to prioritize a stronger, more consistent regulatory framework enabling a stronger and more competitive business environment, as well as investment in energy and infrastructure, agriculture and the extractive industries to help encourage private sector investment and more sustainable economic growth. This includes effective measures to counter the threat of conflict and corruption around the extractive industries. The International Community welcomes the Afghan governments commitment to encourage and provide incentives for public-private partnerships.

(20) Afghanistans potentially large extractive industry reserves should build the economy and benefit national development. The Afghan government will take further steps to implement its commitment to the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative and supports the efforts to improve mining governance and transparency that are presented in the ANPDF. The Afghan government highlighted plans to combat illegal mineral extraction and to ensure fully transparent tendering for mine development so that the Afghan people benefit in full from natural resource development.

Section 3: Peace, Security and Regional Cooperation

(21) A secure, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan is vital to peace and stability in the region as a whole.

(22) Development and security are interconnected challenges for Afghanistans state-building process, and need to be underpinned by genuine political support at the regional level.

(23) We remain determined to counter all forms of terrorism and violent extremism as fundamental threats to international peace and stability.

(24) Stability and security in the region are not divisible. They can only be achieved and maintained with an approach that promotes security for all states in the region.

(25) The International Community welcomes the undeterred willingness of the Afghan Government to engage with all armed groups in a political process without preconditions. The only way to a durable end to the conflict in Afghanistan is through a lasting political settlement. In order to reach a peace settlement, we remain fully committed to supporting an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process representing all Afghan citizens and their legitimate interests that preserves Afghanistans unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and equal rights of all Afghans under the Constitution of Afghanistan. We reaffirm that such a process must lead to the renunciation of violence and breaking of all ties to international terrorism and the respect for the Afghan Constitution including its human rights provisions, notably the rights of women and children. We welcome all initiatives to create a conducive environment for such a process, particularly the efforts undertaken by the Afghan government, and call on all parties to engage in such a process.

(26) Stressing that the stability of Afghanistan affects the stability of the entire region, we are committed to preserving the independence of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as a democracy, bound to the rule of law and the respect of human rights as enshrined in the Afghan Constitution.

(27) We welcome the commitment of the regional and key international stakeholders to respect, support and promote a political process and its outcome in order to ensure peace, security and prosperity in Afghanistan and the wider region.

(28) Noting the increasing number of civilian casualties, we condemn all attacks targeting civilians or civilian facilities, which must be protected. We recall the responsibility of all parties to protect civilians in accordance with their obligations pursuant to International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.

(29) We recognize the sacrifices and achievements of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) as well as the sacrifices made by the international partners. We welcome the commitments in support of the ANDSF expressed by the international partners of Afghanistan.

(30) We underline the importance of close and effective cooperation in the field of irregular migration and of the multilateral, regional and bilateral processes and political agreements in this regard, including the Joint Way Forward on Migration Issues between Afghanistan and the European Union. We are committed to effectively addressing the growing pressure of irregular migration in accordance with international commitments and obligations, including the human rights and legal rights of all migrants as recognized in international laws.

(31) We recognize the challenge to Afghanistan and the region in meeting the protracted needs of displaced people and refugees. We commend regional countries, in particular Iran and Pakistan, for their efforts in hosting millions of Afghans, in the spirit of good neighborly relations, over several decades. In this regard, we call on the International Community to further support and assist the refugees and the countries and communities hosting and receiving them. We reaffirm our common objective to their voluntary, safe and orderly repatriation and resettlement in a timely and dignified manner. We recognize the need to provide support and assistance, including enhancing the capacities of Afghan communities and local authorities to help returnees and internally displaced persons. Root causes of displacement must be addressed.

(32) We reaffirm our joint commitment and the need for a sustained and integrated approach in effectively reducing the illicit production and trafficking of narcotics and precursor products, and fighting organized crime, including money laundering, corruption and the financing of terrorism. We also note the importance of continuing our important work in treating and rehabilitating those with substance abuse disorders. We underline the need for renewed efforts to support countries concerned in addressing these challenges within relevant regional frameworks including through the implementation of the Afghan National Drug Action Plan.

(33) We welcome the important initiatives for regional connectivity, notably in the frameworks of the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA) and the Heart of Asia Confidence Building Measures to further improve transit, transport and energy corridors and facilitate increased trade throughout the region. We welcome continued efforts on implementing the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement and welcome the progress on projects such as CASA-1000, TAPI gas pipeline, and important regional railway infrastructure projects. We welcome the signing of the Chabahar Agreement by Afghanistan, Iran and India and welcome the agreement on the Lapis Lazuli Transit Trade & Transport Route.

(34) Following the ministerial meeting of the Heart of Asia/Istanbul Process in Pakistan in 2015, which allowed for an important advance in the regional political and security dialogue, the International Community looks forward to maintaining and deepening this cooperation at the upcoming meeting in Amritsar, India on 4th December 2016. We appreciate the Turkish government for the organization of the RECCA Business Forum in Istanbul in November 2016 and Turkmen government for convening the 7th RECCA in Ashgabat in 2017.

Section 4: The Way Forward

(35) We look forward to the Senior Officials Meeting in 2017 and the next Ministerial Meeting on Afghanistan in 2018.

(36) The Afghan Government expressed its appreciation to the European Union for co-hosting the Brussels Conference and the Participants for their continued extraordinary support for the security and development of Afghanistan.

(37) Participants affirm the central role played by the United Nations in Afghanistan, including their role in coordinating international support.
When flexibility isnt a virtue: Tips from the Supple case

Washington, DC - As consumers age, they want to remain supple, as in limber, lithe, and flexible. Ads for the beverage Supple claimed the product would provide complete and long-lasting relief from joint pain and treat chronic pain caused by arthritis and fibromyalgia. But according to the FTC, the marketers of Supple were a little too flexible  with the facts, that is. The FTCs lawsuit also challenges the independence of the doctor who endorsed the product.

Ads featuring company president Peter Apatow represented that Supple rebuilds your entire joint structures and eliminates pain so you dont have to worry about pain in your bones, muscles and joints. One consumer claimed the glucosamine and chondroitin beverage  which set buyers back $140 for a 48-day supply  kept her out of the surgeons office and out of a wheelchair.

The defendants also took to social media to promote their product. For example, in response to a consumer whose doctor had recommended knee replacement, a company representative said on Facebook that Supple will help the process of repairing cartilage and that many people who have been bone on bone . . . actually get to take their life back and not have to go into surgery. Supple employees made similar promises in online chats with consumers.

Dont just take the word of customers, the ads advised. Look to the medical research, which Mr. Apatow described as irrefutable. The active agents in Supple are the most highly recommended joint rebuilding agents by the greatest medical experts in all of Europe, he claimed, with over 20,000 human clinical studies, observational studies, laboratory studies, meta-analysis, expert review.

Supple ads also featured the glowing recommendation of Dr. Monita Poudyal. In addition to touting the product on an infomercial, she appeared in online ads that said Doctors recommend Supple for complete revolutionary joint relief. The company prominently disclosed lots of information about Dr. Poudyal  for example, that shes Yale-trained, board-certified in internal medicine, and committed to educating the public about natural and safe ways to maximize musculoskeletal health.

But there was something the FTC says wasnt prominently disclosed: At the time of the ads, she was married to Supple CEO Peter Apatow.

Most of the ads made no mention of that fact and the one that did  an infomercial  could serve as a how-not-to checklist for other marketers. Teeny-tiny mouseprint in white run simultaneously with the much larger competing on-screen message Can you end joint pain, arthritis pain, back pain & bone pain naturally? Check, check, and check.

And consider it in context. Here is what the company flashed for 7 seconds just once in the 30-minute ad. Set yourself a timer for 7 seconds and imagine how tough it was for consumers to spot the nugget Supple buried: Monita Poudyal, M.D. is board certified in internal medicine, received her training and fellowship at a top Ivy League institution, completed clinical research training at the National Institutes of Health, recently joined Mr. Apatow in matrimony, and is now assisting Supple, LLC with research and public education.

The complaint challenges a host of deceptive claims about the products ability to treat pain, repair cartilage, rebuild joints, and restore mobility. The FTC also alleges that the defendants falsely claimed that Supple was clinically proven to eliminate joint pain. In addition, the complaint charges that Dr. Poudyal was not an independent, impartial medical expert and that her marriage to Supples CEO was material information that wasnt adequately disclosed to consumers.

The settlement includes a $150 million judgment, most of which has been suspended based on the financial condition of Supple and Apatow. Among other things, Supple, Apatow, and Poudyal will need human clinical testing to support a long list of representations related to treating pain and rebuilding joints. A claim that a product can treat or cure any disease will need human clinical testing, too.

Whats the message for other companies?
Secretary of State John Kerry's Phone Call With Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos

Washington, DC - Secretary Kerry spoke with President Santos yesterday, and reaffirmed U.S. support for Colombia as it seeks to secure democratic peace and prosperity for all Colombians.

The Secretary voiced his support for President Santos call for unity of effort in an inclusive dialogue as the next step towards achieving a just and lasting peace. He acknowledged that difficult decisions lie ahead for Colombia, and welcomed the statements by Senator Alvaro Uribe and FARC leader Rodrigo Londono reaffirming their commitment to peace and openness to dialogue.

Secretary Kerry reinforced continued U.S. partnership with Colombia through our Peace Colombia strategy. Finally, the Secretary confirmed to President Santos that Special Envoy for the Colombian Peace Process Bernie Aronson is traveling to Havana at the request of the peace negotiators to support Colombias work for a lasting peace.
Central taxation is the fairest and most efficient way of funding a health service, the Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Healthcare has been told by a leading UK health expert.

A strong legal framework backed by political consensus in favour of a National Health Service Bill for Ireland would be an essential first step in any 10-year plan for health, Prof Allyson Pollock has argued.

This was necessary to achieve universal healthcare and access to rational and essential medicines, according to the professor of public health research and policy at Queen Mary, University of London, who was presenting to the Committee by video link from London.

The author of NHS plc, which looked at the gradual privatisation of the NHS, stressed to Committee members the importance of political accountability and control, along with primary care and social care rooted in strong information systems.

However, commercial contracting became virtually compulsory when the British Secretary of States duty to provide key health services throughout England ended in 2012, she explained. Foundation Trust hospitals were now structurally 49 per cent private, which had diverted their focus to private income, said Prof Pollock.

In England, 75 per cent of foundation trusts were in serious financial deficit, but by contrast no hospital was going to the wall in Scotland  which had retained the universal single-tier integrated public NHS model. She added that hospitals and community services in Scotland were integrated into and directly managed by the health boards.

Over-treatment, denial of care, healthcare fraud, catastrophic costs and spiralling health spending were in her view the hallmarks of US healthcare, and those countries that had adopted the US model of mixed (public and private) funding, together with public and private provision, have more marketisation, higher administration costs, as well as the greatest inequalities in access and health outcomes.

Such countries also tended to have a lack of health coverage and the highest out-of-pocket payments  the latter being a major barrier to access, she said.

Prof Pollock cited British GP and author Dr Julian Tudor Harts inverse care law, which states that the availability of good medical care tended to vary inversely with the need for it in the population served. This operated more completely where medical care was most exposed to market forces and less so where such exposure was reduced.

The US, with health expenditure of around 18 per cent of GPD, denied more than one-in-five of its population access to healthcare, she added.

Markets operated through selection and exclusion, transferring risks and costs back to the users of services and denying care to those that needed it most.

Risk selection and exclusion was built into the design of market administration. In contrast, inclusion and redistribution must be built into systems of public administration for universal health systems as risk selection and risk avoidance mechanisms undermined the goals of access and universality, Prof Pollock added.

gary.culliton@imt.ie
Its human nature to look out for people who cant fully look out for themselves  the very young, the very old, and those suffering from serious infirmities, who have no one to turn to. Its also human nature to take advantage of the weak and helpless for our own gain.

Elko District Judge Nancy Porter and a crew of other professionals have worked hard for the past year and a half to see that Nevada residents choose the former path and will be less tempted to follow the latter path.

Besides working on the Nevada Supreme Court commission, Porter has been beefing up Elko Countys capability to deal with guardianship crimes, as only Clark and Washoe counties have full-time compliance officers.

These are vulnerable people and there needs to be really serious court oversight, Porter told us. A convicted felon in prison has more rights than a ward in a guardianship.

Weve seen cases of apparent abuse in the local news, including the arrest in July of a man accused of stealing from his own mother.

Porters role in the commission was focused on the other end of the spectrum, revising the laws related to minor children who end up as wards.

The guardianship commission was created after the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on flaws in the system and a lack of guardian oversight. Judging from the laundry list of changes proposed by the panel, its hard to believe that our states guardianship system has been so lax for so long.

Under the new system, guardians would be prohibited from selling assets, such as a wards house or car, without court approval. Guardian fees would be capped, and lawyers, investigators and accountants could be enlisted on questionable cases.

Sounds like common sense when you are putting private individuals in charge of caring for someone they dont even know.

County governments have some capacity to serve wards, but it is limited  especially here in Elko, where Public Guardian Kathy Jones is limited to assisting no more than 25 people at a time. Many of those have already been victimized.

Probably at least 60 or 70 percent of the people I get have been exploited, Jones told the Free Press last year.

Others have simply lost the mental or physical capacity to care for themselves, or to see that their own bills are paid.

The commission proposed a Bill of Rights that includes 17 statements, including the right to an attorney before guardianship is imposed; consideration of medical treatment preferences; the right to remain as independent as possible; to be treated with respect and dignity; to receive phone calls, mail and visitors; and to ask the court to review management if disputes cannot be resolved.

We look forward to seeing many of these changes passed in the next legislative session, and our state doing a better job of protecting those who have no one else they can count on.
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24 May 1994

The killing goes on. It could get worse. For seven weeks now, the massacres have continued. Who knows how many have died. No one has counted, no one could. Thousands of bodies, bleached and bloated, are turning up in Lake Victoria, washed down by the river Kagera from the killing grounds 150 miles away.

Yesterday Ugandans were burying bodies washed up on the shore of Lake Victoria in mass graves, while others gathered on the lakeside to pray for the victims of Rwandas genocide. Some say half a million people have been butchered so far. What is certain is that a great many more will die before it is finished. With Kigali about to fall to the rebels the war is at a turning point.

Have human beings ever before killed each other like this? Parallels and precedents are hard to find. Pogroms in the past have either been carried out with horrible military precision for ideological or racial reasons, as in Nazi Germany or Pol Pots Cambodia; or they have been the sudden outburst of deep-seated anger, one communitys hatred of another, as happened in India in 1947. Rwanda seems to have both elements. The first killings were organised; the gangs of killers had lists of names. But they went on and on. All over this crowded little country. And they killed with psychopathic cruelty; direct, personal, by hand. Chopping, hacking, stabbing. Many victims had their feet cut off and were left to die slowly. Pregnant women, still alive, slit open. Men tied, their genitals cut off and stuffed into their mouths.

Some phrases stick in the mind: The graves are only half full  we must complete the task ... We made the mistake 30 years ago of letting them flee into exile, this time none will escape ... When you kill the rat do not let the pregnant one escape. These are words heard from the Hutu killer gangs egged on by their radio station, Radio Milles Collines. They are not killing to retaliate or punish, nor even to drive people away. These killings are to exterminate. This is Rwandas final solution.

Most of the murder has been carried out by Hutu militias. Their targets were all Tutsis and any Hutus suspected of willingness to live in peace with their Tutsi neighbours. The militias were set up and armed by the government of President Juvenal Habyarimana. When his aircraft was shot down on 6 April they went to work. One observer said then: The Godfather has died and his children  85 per cent of the population  want revenge. Revenge meant genocide.

There is little or nothing to be done to stop it. Eight African countries  Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Namibia, Senegal, Zambia and Congo  have agreed to contribute troops to the UN mission in Rwanda but they have not got the necessary finance and logistics to move their troops. Yesterday there was supposed to be a 48-hour ceasefire to allow the United Nations special representative, Iqbal Riza, to visit both sides in Kigali to discuss the deployment of the UN force. The guns fell silent at 8am but at 9.30 an artillery barrage began and Mr Riza had to turn back.

Until yesterday the rebels of the Rwanda Patriotic Front, who are largely Tutsi, had been restrained and did not let their military struggle degenerate into revenge. But even if they maintain their discipline, their advance into the capital, expected in the coming days, will create more panic. Hundreds of thousands of Hutus are expected to flee south and the Hutu militias, retreating with them and with nothing to lose, will seek out more targets among the Tutsi refugees who are unable to escape.

This is perhaps the ghastly conundrum at the heart of Rwanda. The RPF is mainly made up of the children of Tutsis who were driven out by a Hutu uprising in the early 1960s. Traditionally the Tutsis were an aristocracy who dominated the Hutus in Rwanda and Burundi. The two groups had a symbiotic relationship though the Hutu always outnumbered the Tutsi by about ten to one. In 1990 the exiles formed the RPF and invaded. They were well organised and disciplined and had a non- ethnic ideology. They wanted to come home and fought for a share of power  not a complete takeover. However, fed by government propaganda, many Hutus believed the RPF was a Tutsi army which would restore the Tutsi overlords. In Ngara camp there are 250,000 Hutus  and some Tutsis  who will tell you the RPF carries out the massacres. So even if the RPF maintains its discipline and takes over the country, it may not be accepted by Hutus.

But there are signs that their discipline is slipping. Reliable reports yesterday said groups of RPF soldiers have murdered Hutus. As more and more RPF fighters realise their own families have been wiped out, how long will they maintain their self-control? If this spirit of revenge spreads, the future is unimaginable.
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22 December 2013

Who was the most successful leader in the Middle East in 2013? It is a hoary tradition of newspapers and magazines to produce end-of-year league tables listing the successful and the unsuccessful. The results are often anodyne or quirky, but in the Middle East over the past 12 months such an approach has the advantage of cutting through the complexities of half a dozen distinct but inter-related crises by focusing on winners and losers.

In this year of turmoil, a shortlist is not so difficult to draw up, because so many leaders were in more trouble at the end of the year than they were at the beginning. The Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for instance, would have been an easy winner in previous years for his undoubted success in ending the era of military coups and for presiding over unprecedented economic prosperity. But in the past few days he has watched the sons of his most powerful ministers being arrested amid accusations of corruption while his maladroit intervention in the Syrian civil war blasted Turkeys hopes of becoming a regional power. Hubris brought on by three election victories probably explains why Mr Erdogan has lost his touch.

Another contender to top the list of successful leaders in the region in previous years would have been Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Always an under-rated politician internationally, he has been highly successful in manipulating the threat of war to get what he wants while being careful not to fire a shot. His threats to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities, always discounted as a well-sustained bluff by this column, led to severe sanctions against Iran and diverted attention from the Palestinians. For all Mr Netanyahus denunciations of the interim deal between the US and its allies and Iran, he has not lost much, even if his influence on American policy is diminished.

The most astute and experienced politician in the Middle East is probably the Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani, President of Kurdistan Regional Government and head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, who has pursued Kurdish self-determination, so far within the context of Iraq, through victory and defeat. His has been an extraordinary career, with abrupt reversals, such as total defeat in 1990 being followed by sudden triumph when the Kurds took advantage of Saddam Husseins debacle in Kuwait to seize back their heartlands in Iraq. The KRG is now one of the few places on earth enjoying a genuine economic boom, thanks to the discovery of oil and gas. Mr Barzani has balanced between the US, Iran, Turkey and the Iraqi central government in Baghdad without becoming the pawn or the victim of any of them.

Given the hostility between Turks and Kurds, one of the most remarkable sights of the year was Mr Barzani in full Kurdish uniform standing on a platform with Mr Erdogan in Dyabakir, effectively the Kurdish capital in Turkey, in November and speaking of Kurdish-Turkish brotherhood. Kurdish nationalism is close to winning a degree of autonomy not far from self-determination in Iraq, Turkey and Syria. Unlike other successful leaders, Mr Barzani has a certain modesty and realism that keeps him from overplaying his hand when times are good.

Mr Barzani has had a particularly good year but his outstanding abilities are scarcely news. Less calculable are the achievements of Hassan Rouhani, who won the Iranian presidential election in June on a platform of greater civil rights, an improved economy and a rapprochement with the West. Almost anybody would look good compared with his predecessor, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, but Mr Rouhanis visit to the US was successful and was followed by the interim deal with the P5+1 (the permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) on the Iranian nuclear programme signed in Geneva on 24 November.

But the deal leaves Mr Rouhani vulnerable because Iran froze and, to some extent, rolled back its nuclear programme in return for very minor concessions on sanctions  perhaps worth as little $6bn  which will make no economic difference to Iran. It may be that the US is now talking so tough to placate Congress and Israel, but if it turns out that Iranian negotiators reached a one-sided agreement that will bring few political or economic benefits to Iran, then the future prospects for Mr Rouhani do not look so bright. It may also be that his domestic opponents  in the Revolutionary Guard Corps and elsewhere  are holding back because they are convinced that the meagreness of his achievements will become apparent. President Obama publicly put the chances for a final agreement at 50:50. The US may believe that, if sanctions have brought Iran so far, further pressure will eliminate for ever its capacity to produce a nuclear device. At this stage the prospects for long-term agreement do not look so good.

But there is one leader in the Middle East who can look back on the achievements of the past year with unmitigated satisfaction. He leads an organisation that was supposedly on its way to extinction or irrelevance three years ago, but today it is an ever more powerful force in the vast triangle of territory in Iraq and Syria between Mosul, Baghdad and the Mediterranean coast.

Unfortunately, the most successful leader in the Middle East this year is surely Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, also known as Abu Dua, the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, which changed its name this year to the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (Isis) and claims to be the sole al-Qaida affiliate in Syria as well as Iraq. The US says al-Baghdadi is based in Syria and is offering $10m to anyone who can kill or capture him.

One of the most extraordinary developments in the Middle East is that 12 years after 9/11 and six years after the surge in Iraq was supposed to have crushed al-Qaida in Iraq, it is back in business. It is taking over its old haunts in northern and central Iraq and is launching attacks on Shia civilians that have killed 9,000 people so far this year. Yesterday it killed a general commanding a division in an ambush in Anbar province. Al-Qaida has benefited from the Iraqi government failing to conciliate the Sunni Arab protest movement that began a year ago, with the result that it is mutating into armed resistance. In July, a carefully planned Isis attack on Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad freed 500 prisoners, many of them al-Qaida veterans.

Even more spectacular has been the rise of Isis in Syria, where it is the most effective single military group aside from the Syrian Army. It has taken control of Raqqa, the one Syrian provincial capital held by the rebels, and has started killing off leaders of the Western-backed Free Syrian Army that do not come over to its side. Jessica D Lewis, in a study published by the Institute for the Study of War, writes: AQI [al-Qaida in Iraq] in 2013 is an extremely vigorous, resilient and capable organisation that can operate from Basra to coastal Syria. The resurgence of al-Qaida is already a crucial factor in promoting horrific sectarian conflicts in both Iraq and Syria.
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21 August 1998

Four days ago, as President Bill Clinton was testifying to Kenneth Starr about his relationship with Monica Lewinsky, foreign diplomats in Pakistan were told that all foreigners in Afghanistan were in danger.

European embassy staff suspected that the United States, with the help of the Pakistani authorities, was about to assault Osama bin Laden, the Saudi dissident opposed to Washingtons continued presence in Saudi Arabia. One foreign embassy official in Islamabad told me the sources were American.

Now we know why. But the results are likely to be incalculable. President Clinton says that Mr Bin Laden declared war on the United States. Now Mr Clinton has declared war on him  which is exactly what Mr Bin Laden, guilty or otherwise of the American embassy bombings, will have wanted. Mr Clinton wants to destroy Mr Bin Laden. Now Mr Bin Laden will want to destroy Mr Clinton. He can count on the support of millions of Muslims who will never be persuaded that the strikes against Afghanistan and Sudan were anything but a cynical ploy to distract attention from Mr Clintons sexual adventures. They are also aware that the camp in Khowst, in Paktia province, which the Americans bombed, was originally set up by the CIA to train Afghan  and Arab  guerrillas in their war against the Soviet army.

For, in the 1980s, Mr Bin Laden and his men were regarded as freedom fighters rather than terrorists and were encouraged to use British- made Blowpipe anti-aircraft missiles against the Russians.

Mr Bin Laden demands the withdrawal of US troops from his native country of Saudi Arabia  some of whose officials give him considerable support. None of this, of course, was finding its way into the American news reports from Washington last night.

Of one thing we can be sure, that in the coming days the story will change. We will hear of civilian casualties. We will ask why Mr Bin Laden survived. We may even hear of secret deals  rumoured in the Middle East these past five days  between Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and the United States that would prepare the ground for the lifting of UN sanctions against Libya in return for its support in the war against Palestinian terror: the story that Abu Nidal, the cruellest of Palestinian militants, has been secretly sent from Tripoli to Cairo in a semi-comatose state, persists.

Egypt, it is said in the Arab world, has demanded action against its domestic enemies  which may be why the United States helped extradite five Egyptians from Albania to Egypt and bombed Sudan.

And what was the Khowst base that Mr Clinton bombed in Afghanistan? When I saw Mr Bin Laden last year  ascetic, cautious, intelligent and very ruthless  we met at a mountain camp near Khowst. He possessed  a few metres from his tent  a massive air-raid shelter, cut into the rock of a mountainside, protection against anything bar nuclear attack and built during the height of his war against the Soviet army. Was this the base that Mr Clinton thinks he bombed?

Sudan was bombed, too. But was it not Sudan which, at Americas request, ordered Mr Bin Laden out of Khartoum in 1996? Was it not Sudan which handed over Carlos the Jackal to French intelligence agents in August 1994?

Was Sudan  a ramshackle dictatorship if ever there was one  really making precursor chemical weapons?

Meanwhile, the very word terrorist will incite the fury of Arabs. Yes, bombing embassies is an act of terrorism. But so is murdering Muslim worshippers in a Hebron mosque or assassinating an Israeli prime minister  carried out by Israelis but never called terrorism. Double standards will be on the lips of every Arab this morning.

And if the word terrorism is now little more than racist terminology against Arabs, it also serves to silence the question Why?

Last night not a single hint came from Washington as to why Mr Bin Laden  now taking the place of Abu Nidal, Colonel Gaddafi, Ayatollah Khomeini and Colonel Nasser in our book of hate  should loathe America. No suggestion that he wants US troops to leave Islams holiest land.

No clue that he was obsessed  as he still is  with the Israeli massacre of 106 Lebanese civilians at the UN base at Qana in 1996, a slaughter (the Israelis said it was a mistake) for which he also blames the United States.

So President Clinton is declaring war on terrorism, is he? If only he would, the Arabs will say today. And if only he would start by seizing the two leading terrorists in Europes own backyard: General Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadjic, responsible for the massacre of tens of thousands of Muslims.

But they are not the sort of terrorist Mr Clinton is looking for. Instead, he has decided to assault his enemies with their own weapons of violence. And Americans, as well as Arabs, are likely to pay the price.

I think we could be in for some very difficult times, a European diplomat told me on the phone from Islamabad last night. He can say that again.
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22 October 2011

The blood had been washed off and the faces, eyes shut, were in repose. But the terrible wounds of the last violent moments were left uncovered by the shrouds of white cloth that had been hastily thrown over them. The bodies were on stretchers, Muammar Gaddafi in a temporary military barracks, Mutassim Gaddafi in a container.

These were temporary resting places for the former dictator and his son. After being brought back to Misrata from Sirte, the scene of the killings, the corpses had been moved from place to place  at one point to the home of a former rebel official and then to a meat warehouse. Officials of the new government said this was to prevent the residents of this city, who had suffered a long and bloody siege at the hands of the regime, from venting their anger on their dead enemies.

But it was as if no one wanted responsibility for disposing of these grisly symbols of the revolutions triumph after such a bitter civil war. Some of the countrys rulers talked about handing them over to Gaddafis tribe for burial. Others were adamant that a shrine should not be created and the best course of action would be a burial at sea.

Looking down at the body of Colonel Gaddafi, Firuz al-Maghri, a 55-year-old schoolteacher who had been allowed into the barracks by a friend in the opposition militia, shook his head as he recalled a brother and a cousin who had died in Tripolis Abu Salim prison, a place of fear and despair. Twelve hundred prisoners were murdered there, he said. It is difficult for outsiders to understand, but he was responsible for so many lives lost, families who never found out what happened to those who disappeared. We feared him, I was afraid. But seeing him like this...

Captain Rahim Abu-Bakr, an engineer who became a fighter, patted Mr Maghris shoulder. It does not matter, he said. He cannot hurt people any longer. What happened at the end to him and his son was bound to happen. But this was a bad death. I do not like being here.

Colonel Gaddafi appeared to have been shot in the head, the bullet wound clearly visible under his previously curly hair for which he was famous  it now lay lank. Mutassim had injuries to his chest and stomach. But exactly what happened when the final reckoning came at Sirte remains unclear.

Libyas new government, the National Transitional Council, has declared that tomorrow will be National Liberation Day to commemorate the departure of Colonel Gaddafi. But no one really believes the account given by Mahmoud Jibril, the Prime Minister, that Colonel Gaddafi was killed when loyalist forces made a last-ditch attempt to rescue him. He was already under arrest and he was hit in the crossfire, Mr Jibril said.

For many of the rebels at Sirte, it had been another day of frustration in the long and grinding battle for Gaddafis birthplace, with the last pockets of loyalist fighters offering obdurate resistance. What was somewhat unusual were prolonged and fierce Nato air strikes, something that had become less frequent with the oppositions victory. They were French warplanes hitting a convoy of vehicles leaving Sirte at high speed. It had become the policy of Nato not to attack retreating regime soldiers because they did not pose any obvious danger to civilians and to avoid unnecessary bloodletting  and facilitate reconciliation.

But the attacks had taken place after the interception of messages by Western intelligence, suggesting high levels of remnants of the regime were on the move. Eleven vehicles were destroyed and the rest split into groups. But these, too, were hunted down from the air and a few, including the one carrying Colonel Gaddafi, returned to the outskirts of Sirte.

Colonel Gaddafi and a handful of his men then abandoned their vehicles and crawled into two drainage pipes. The rebels chased the fugitives, but say they were still unaware of who they were. Then, a little later, a man ran out waving a piece of white rag. My master is here, he has been injured, it is Muammar Gaddafi, Muammar Gaddafi, the man apparently said. The soldier, a member of the Leader Guard, was dragged away.

Those there at the time describe a sense of astonishment among the rebel fighters when they discovered that the figure emerging from a ditch with a pistol in hand, but looking cowed, was indeed Colonel Gaddafi. This turned to elation, mocking of the former master of Libya  then vicious rage. I dont think anyone thought he would be there, we all thought that he would be in the south, or maybe across in Niger or Algeria. We were as shocked as he was at first, said Abdullah Hakim Husseini, who had taken part in the brutal investing of Sirte from the start. We were so happy when we knew it was him. I thought, at last, its all over.

Because there had been little expectation of catching the main prize, there was no procedure in place for what to do with him. Mr Husseini said some of the officers tried to call headquarters in Tripoli and Misrata. But the rebels, an egalitarian bunch with little respect for rank, pushed them aside.

Mr Husseini said: OK for sure, he was being beaten, kicked, with rifle butts, boots. He looked confused and afraid, he was saying help me, help me, but his voice was really strained, he was croaking. A few of us were around him, we thought we should get him somewhere we could question him about the others. But he was then taken away in a wave of people and then there were shots.

Other reports described him being told as he was hit: This is for Misrata, you dog. Colonel Gaddafi replied: Do you know right from wrong?
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9 November 1994

Late one night in Vaclav Havels local basement pub, at the height of the velvet revolution, I asked the veteran Czech dissident (and soon to be foreign minister) Jiri Dienstbier what he thought would come after the revolution. Taking a deep swig of beer, he replied: Either the counter-revolution or a Western consumer society.

Amid the euphoria, it was a pretty sober guess. What none of us quite anticipated, however, was that in some places it might be a bit of both: consumer society and counter-revolution. All over post-Communist Europe there has been this fantastic release of raw entrepreneurial energy, and conspicuous consumption cheek-by-jowl with conspicuous immiseration. Even in Russia, where it was often said that all traces of entrepreneurial spirit had been eradicated by 70 years of Communism, the entrepreneurs are back  albeit in the guise of gangsters.

On the other hand, there has been the extraordinary return of the former Communists. We have seen this most recently in the former East Germany. Despite (or partly because of) the uniquely swift and comprehensive incorporation of that former Communist country into a Western state, with financial transfers from the West of about 60bn a year, nearly one in five of the easterners who turned out for the Bundestag elections last month voted for the post-Communist PDS. As a result, Berlin-Mitte, the borough that includes the Brandenburg Gate and used to be hidden behind the Berlin Wall, now has an MP put up by the direct successor to the Communist party that was responsible for building the Berlin Wall. It is a rum way to mark the fifth anniversary of the fall of the Wall.

The complexities of post-Communism dont end there. For that MP is not an old functionary but a former dissident writer, Stefan Heym, who stood on the PDS ticket as a gesture of protest against what he saw as the inequitable consequences of reunification. Elsewhere, post-Communists have been voted back into parliament, and in Poland, Hungary, Lithuania and Ukraine also into power, on the votes of the losers from the traumatic process of economic transformation: the unemployed, the pensioners, the unskilled workers and state employees who can barely make ends meet.

Yet at the same time, former Communist functionaries are to be found among the most successful businessmen, bankers and speculators. Many of them initially used the wealth of the old Communist parties (and the states those parties effectively owned) to set themselves up in business. Now some of them repay the favour by contributing a little of their new riches to their new-old parties. The apparatchiks who were smart enough to swap their political power for economic power before (or while) the combination of Gorbachevs reforms and their own peoples anger was taking it from them, have now partly reconverted their economic power to political power.

At this point  at the very latest  one has to say that of course the differences between the post-Communist countries are now so great that it is impossible to generalise about them. The distance in political experience between Bosnia and Bohemia is much greater than that between Bohemia and Bavaria. Even in the worst cases, this is not a return of Communism as a system. (In that sense, to talk of counter-revolution is obviously a deliberate overstatement). But it is the return of former Communists, and of some bad old ways of governing and doing business which mean that the transition from Communism will not necessarily be the transition to democracy.

In the best cases, however, the distance travelled since 1989 has been immense. I am writing these lines in Prague. Five years ago, this city was still locked in a time warp, frozen under an unreformed Brezhnevite regime. Now all around me there roars and blares the evidence of a Western-style consumer society, fuelled by a tourist boom which has swamped the city with millions of foreign visitors and turned Prague into the Venice of Central Europe.

The change is not merely superficial. A friend of mine, a writer, was recently invited to talk to secondary-school children about life under the Communists. A veteran of 32, Jachym told them how in those days you could be stopped by the police and arrested simply for not carrying your identity card. No, incredible! said these teenagers. And then, said Jachym, you had to stand up with your hands behind your back when the teacher came into the classroom. You must be joking! laughed the lounging pupils. When it was their turn to question him, they asked: how many video shops were there in Prague before 1989? And again, they were incredulous when he told them: none. So swiftly has history moved on, so self-evident has the new freedom become.

Yet even in fortunate Prague, it is a messy thing, this new freedom. The emphasis placed by the Czech Republics Thatcherite prime minister, Vaclav Klaus, on the primacy of economic transformation, with massive, rapid privatisation, has resulted in a certain free-for-all, Klondike atmosphere, with all the associated corruption. The recent Liznergate scandal  with the head of the so-called voucher privatisation, one Mr Lizner, apparently caught red-handed taking a bribe of nearly 200,000 in cash  is but the latest example.

Speed is more important than accuracy, says Klaus. But his critics say that accuracy really means the most basic standards of public life and the rule of law. Moreover, the businessmen  the heroes of this time  are a motley crew, with former secret policemen and former dissidents jostling for position in the race for riches.

The result is that many people are disoriented. I talked to a young woman who was in the front line of the student demonstration of 17 November 1989, which started the velvet revolution. She told me that while everyone appreciates the immense progress, the freedom, she is worried that her generation has no obvious role models  beyond the get-rich-quick businessmen  and no clear hierarchy of values.

When he came here in the bad old days before 1989, the American writer Philip Roth memorably observed that whereas in the West everything goes and nothing matters, in Prague nothing goes and everything matters. In this respect, Prague seems to have caught up all too rapidly with the West. And the ideologues of the Klaus government positively embrace this cacophony of the market, with a curious kind of neo-liberal post-modernism: anything goes ... Against them, President Havel tries to reassert a more traditional hierarchy of values, a broader understanding of culture, a spiritual dimension to politics. His voice is not heard as widely as it was at the beginning, although it may yet be once again.

The overall orientation remains the return to Europe. (The road to the airport used to be called Leninova; its now Evropska, Europe Road.)

But here too there is confusion, because the real institutional Europe of the EU has turned out to be so very different from the idealised, philosophers Europe of which they dreamed for so many years under Communism. Measured by its own previous standards, the EU/EC has done more for East Central Europe than for any other part of the world. But measured against Czech or Polish or Hungarian expectations, it has been a great disappointment: slow-moving, polit-bureaucratic, a protectionist cartel. The former Czech prime minister Petr Pithart compares their experience in the return to Europe to Columbus setting out to discover India  and finding America instead. Except that America would have been more generous.

So the biggest question for Central Europe five years on is actually quite close to the biggest question for us, in Britain, as we enter the next round of our great European debate. That question is not: Do we want to be in Europe? It is: What kind of Europe do we want to be in? That was the most fundamental question posed five years ago by the revolution of 1989. Maastricht was no answer to it. Lets hope we do better this time.
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10 July 1996

Osama bin Laden, the fiercest opponent of the Saudi regime and of Americas presence in the Gulf, has warned Britain that it must withdraw its servicemen from Saudi Arabia if it wishes to avoid the fate of the 19 Americans killed by a truck bomb in the Kingdom last month. In an interview with The Independent in a remote mountainous area of Afghanistans Nangarhar province  to which he has returned from Sudan with hundreds of his Arab mujahedin guerrillas  the 40-year-old Saudi dissident declared that killing the Americans marked the beginning of war between Muslims and the United States.

Although taking no personal responsibility for the bombings, which have sent tremors through the vulnerable, oil-rich states of the Arabian peninsula, Bin Laden insisted that the killing of the Americans in Khobar (Dhahran) just over two weeks ago demonstrated the depth of hatred for Americans in Saudi Arabia. Not long ago, I gave advice to the Americans to withdraw their troops from Saudi Arabia, he said. Now let us give some advice to the governments of Britain and France to take their troops out  because what happened in Riyadh and Khobar showed that the people who did this have a deep understanding in choosing their targets. They hit their main enemy, which is the Americans. They killed no secondary enemies, nor their brothers in the army or the police of Saudi Arabia I give this advice to the government of Britain.

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Bin Laden, most of whose immensely wealthy family have remained loyal to King Fahd, has been accused by Western and Arab governments of being the financier of an Islamic international army, training fighters to oppose the governments of Algeria and Egypt as well as Saudi Arabia. And in his long and sombre interview, he expressed his contempt for the Saudi monarchy and its failure to abide by Islamic sharia law, adding that the evils of the Middle East stemmed from Americas attempt to take over the region and from its support for Israel. My journey to him took me across miles of devastated villages and fields in the rocky mountainsides of the country where he once fought Soviet invaders, and it culminated in a remote village where dozens of his mujahedin, dressed in Afghan clothes, stood guard as he spoke.

In Saudi robes  and sitting next to his two teenage sons, Omar and Saad  Bin Laden revealed that he had arrived here from Sudan on 18 May with his fighters, after the Saudis and Americans had put pressure on the Khartoum military government to expel him. He claimed that he would carry on a campaign from Afghanistan to set up a true Islamic state under sharia law in Saudi Arabia which, he said, had been turned into an American colony.

When I asked if he was declaring war on the West, he replied: It is not a declaration of war  its a real description of the situation. This doesnt mean declaring war against the West and Western people  but against the American regime which is against every Muslim.

As he spoke, armed Egyptians, Saudis, Algerians and Afghans patrolled the night-time fields around us, their presence revealed by a single hissing gas lamp. At one point, Bin Laden broke off our conversation to pray, alongside his Arabs, on straw matting laid out in the field. Every few minutes, gunfire could be heard from the mountains to the east. The explosion in Khobar, he said, did not come as a direct reaction to the American occupation but as a result of American behaviour against Muslims, its support of Jews in Palestine sic and the massacre of Muslims in Palestine and Lebanon  of Sabra and Chatila and Qana  and of the Sharm el-Sheikh anti-terrorist conference.

Bin Ladens arrival back in Afghanistan after five-and-a-half years in Sudan marks a new stage in the campaign of the Organisation of Advice and Reform.

He accused the Saudi royal family of promising sharia laws while allowing the United States to westernise Saudi Arabia and drain the economy. He blamed the Saudi regime for spending $25bn in support of Saddam Hussein in the Iran-Iraq war and a further $60bn in support of the Western armies in the war against Iraq in 1991, buying military equipment which is not needed or useful for the country, buying airplanes by credit  while at the same time creating unemployment, high taxes and a bankrupt economy.

The safest place in the world for me is Afghanistan, he said.

When I suggested to Bin Laden that Afghanistan was the only place  rather than the safest  in which he could campaign against the Saudi government, he and some of the Arab fighters around him burst into laughter. There are other places, he replied.

Did he mean Tadjikistan, I asked? Or Uzbekistan? Or Kazakhstan? There are several places where we have friends and close brothers  we can find refuge and safety in them. When I said that he was already a hunted man, he dismissed my comment with contempt. Danger is a part of our life  do you not realise that we spent 10 years fighting against the Russians and the KGB?  When we were fighting the Russians here in Afghanistan, 10,000 Saudis came here to fight over a period of 10 years.

Osama Bin Laden clearly believes he now represents the most formidable enemy of the Saudi regime and of the American presence in the Gulf. Both are probably right to regard him as such.
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1 April 2004

The bodies were hanging upside down on each side of the bridge. They had no hands, no feet, one had no head. My old Iraqi friend had been driving into Fallujah just after the massacre, the stoning, the burning. He was shaking as he told me what he saw. They were hanging upside down above the highway, on the old railway bridge, now a road bridge. The people of Fallujah were just driving over the bridge as if nothing was happening, right past the bodies. The bridge is on the west side of the Sunni Muslim city, across the Euphrates river, and the corpses had been tied to the girders about six feet above the road. When we left, there were no helicopters, no police, no soldiers, it all seemed quite normal  except for the bodies. They were burnt brown. I couldnt tell if they were men or women.

In fact, there were four Western men slaughtered in Fallujah yesterday  all contractors for the Americans, some apparently armed  and they had been dragged from their cars, mutilated, stoned, burnt, beaten with iron pipes. One of them was decapitated, then dragged through the streets behind a car. What the Anglo-American occupation power later called a particularly brutal crime  a somewhat restrained comment in the face of such barbarity  was all too real on the videotapes filmed by Iraqi camera crews in Fallujah but which were not shown on Western television stations last night.

Another man gave a chilling description of how the men were dragged from their car, begging for their lives. They had gasoline splashed on them and were set alight, he said.

It was an especially terrible day in Iraq. Five US Marines were killed only 20 miles from Fallujah by a roadside bomb and 15 Iraqis were wounded by a car bomb in the city of Baquba which had been intended for an Iraqi police convoy.

As usual, Iraqi dead were not counted by the occupation powers. But it will be the tapes that will be remembered by all who saw them  and by Arabs who were able to watch most of them, uncensored, on their own broadcasting channels.

They show the two burning vehicles and two men lying beside them. One, clearly a Westerner, is lying on his back, in brown trousers but with his shirt pulled up to his chest, staring at the sky. A tide of burning petrol embraces the corpse and his hands are standing claw-like above his chest. A crowd of screaming civilians  many shouting Allahu Akhbar (God is Great), and Fallujah will be free  then use a metal hook to drag another smouldering body from beneath the second vehicle. The youths are making V-signs at the camera as a man picks up an iron pipe and smashes it repeatedly on the charred remains. A second man steps forward to kick the head until it is completely severed from the body.

These were the horrors of Iraq yesterday, pictures which would have reminded the world of the American debacle in Somalia had they been shown outside the Middle East. For the crowd truss up one of the bodies with yellow tape, tie it to a car and then drag it down the main street towards the Euphrates bridge, all the while jumping up and down and laughing.

Cars and trucks can be seen hooting in impatience to overtake this obscene cortege as if such horrors were an everyday occurrence. There were many Westerners in Iraq last night who were praying that they would not be. One of the dead men  who were, in the words of one Iraqi in Fallujah, slaughtered like sheep  appeared to be carrying military identification tags. A US passport lay next to another. One local civilian said the mujahedin, holy warriors, had thrown two grenades at each car before dragging the occupants onto the road.

In the past few weeks, attacks on foreigners have happened almost daily. Two Finns have been killed, along with a British and Canadian contractor, two American aid workers  one of them a woman  and two US missionaries, including another woman. The Americans have not suffered their current scale of casualties for more than two months.

Only a day earlier, Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt, the American deputy director of military operations in Iraq, was boasting that the US Marines in Fallujah were encountering fewer security problems and were quite pleased with how they are moving progressively forward. Even more ironic was General Kimmitts extraordinary distinction at a press conference between terrorists and insurgents. He characterised the violence in Fallujah  the scene of yesterdays little massacre  as the work of insurgents; there was a difference, he said, between former regime elements, perhaps trained in the Iraqi army and who attacked soldiers and the Fallujah police station and terrorists who went in for suicidal, spectacular attacks which attack Iraqi army barracks, hotels, mosques and religious festivals in Karbala and Baghdad. These, he insisted, involved al-Qaida, Abu Mussab al-Zarkawi  the latest bogeyman whom the Americans publicised last month  and other groups.

The truth is that most US units have reported no foreign fighters in their areas of occupation and, despite General Kimmitts claims, the US military largely believes the growing number of attacks in Iraq are being carried out by home-grown guerrilla organisations. Its the same problem the Americans have faced from the start: explaining how Iraqis whom they allegedly came to liberate should want to kill them.

The headquarters of the US administrator, Paul Bremer, is now surrounded by massive walls of concrete and steel, checkpoints of sandbags and iron gates and squads of heavily armed US troops. Yet the palace grounds are hit by mortar fire almost nightly. So what foreigner  or Iraqi for that matter  is now safe here?

I was outside one Western television office in Baghdad yesterday, observing yet another concrete wall being erected around it. Armed Iraqi militiamen stood at every corner of the compound and British security men were on guard inside. If Mr Bremers old presidential palace with its triumphal gateway now resembles the seat of the old British Raj, the office I visited was beginning to look like those fading photos of the British residency at Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny. For this is what we have now come to in Baghdad: foreigners on the run.
On Channel 4, poems by young refugees and migrants will air before each programme, taking the place of the normal introductory shorts.

The Prince of Wales has recorded a reading of Seamus Heaney's poem The Shipping Forecast which will be heard on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

The Royal Mail are postmarking items for National Poetry Day, while 40 local BBC radio stations will each broadcast a poem commissioned by a poet from their respected areas.

St Pancras International station will distribute poetry-themed tickets to travellers, who will also be treated to poets performing throughout the day.

PJ Harvey will collaborate with young poetry producers who will be curating readings, films, performances and workshops at the Southbank Centre.

In Wales, four poets are attempting to compose 100 new poems in 24 hours, with their subject matter chosen by the public.
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The group 'F**k Rape Culture' - which consists of artists, filmmakers, and women in Hollywood - will stage a silent sit-in for a local screening of Nate Parker's The Birth of a Nation.

The Hollywood Reporter states the protest will take place at ArcLight Cinemas' Hollywood location at 7PM on Thursday, 6 October; in response to the controversy surrounding a 1999 trial in which Nate Parker and Jean Celestin (who co-wrote The Birth of a Nation) were accused of raping an 18-year-old woman while unconscious, when studying at Penn State.

Parker was acquitted in 2000, though Celestin was found guilty and sentenced to six months in prison, later appealing the verdict in a second trial which was thrown out due to the victim's inability to testify again. It emerged over summer that the woman at the centre of the case had repeatedly attempted to commit suicide in the weeks and months following her accusation, later dying in 2012 at age 30.

A statement from 'F**k Rape Culture' reads, "We recognize the need to hold space for those celebrating the advancement of people of color in Hollywood while continuing to fight for the victims of sexual assault and rape around the world."

Distributor Fox Searchlight, having paid a record $17.5 million for the film after its critically lauded debut at Sundance Film Festival, has tightly controlled the film's publicity since the controversy ignited; with the film's Toronto International Film Festival press conference growing heated under the moderator's total avoidance of questions about the scandal.

The Women's Law Project, who represented the accuser in her complaint against the unversity's handling of her case and alleged harrassment by the accused, has released a statement saying they would not be supporting the boycott of Parker's film. "While we have compassion for sexual-assault survivors and advocates who choose to not see the film, we do not personally support a boycott of Birth of a Nation," stated Carol E. Tracy, executive director of the group.

 The Birth Of A Nation - Trailer

Parker recently appeared on 60 Minutes, the first interview since the scandal erupted; responding to Anderson Cooper's question on the subject with, "I dont feel guilty.As a Christian man? Just being in that situation, yeah, sure, he says. Im 36-years-old right now, and my faith is very important to me, you know, so looking back through that lens, I definitely feel like its not the lens I had when I was 19 years old."
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Kate Tempest takes a particular interest in other peoples lives. The former Mercury Prize nominee and judge concerns herself with characters: their nine-to-five jobs; their idiosyncrasies and worst habits; the ways they punch the clock. Several of these strangers make up her new album Let Them Eat Chaos, a collection of songs centred around an apocalyptic storm that, while wreaking havoc, manages to bring seven lost souls together.

Theres a real problem if youre not thinking about where other people have been or where theyre going, she says, sitting on a bench outside Deptford market in south-east London in the blazing, late September sun. This happens to be the perfect place to people-watch, and many passers-by  unaware of Tempests celebrated status  make quick conversation with the musician, poet, screenplay writer and author. Its moments like these where London shows itself to be brilliantly alive, a source of endless fascination.

If you live in a big city, the impact that will have on you is pretty relentless, Tempest says, to the soundtrack of blaring traffic and buzzing market stalls. I understand the kind of toll it takes on people to be so surrounded by life. And obviously the coping mechanism is to exclude as much as you can from your field of vision, so you can focus on the things that youve got to do. But I think its making people pretty unwell. Just look again. Remember that all of these people are human beings, theyve been through a hell of a lot that day, that week, that month, that year. Reinvest yourself with a sense of empathy that extends beyond your exhaustion, your particular panic.

Recommended Read more Kate Tempest announces new album Let Them Eat Chaos

Let Them Eat Chaos centres around one specific time and place  a near-silent London street at 4.18am, with all but seven strangers fast asleep. The restless ones are caught up in their own personal turmoil. Pete is chasing a paycheque, spending it on booze, ending up more broke than the previous month. Pious cant discover love and finds himself hooked on one night stands. Zoe is packing her life into cardboard boxes, wondering where she goes next. All of these characters are in a lonely rut. With their stories unfolding, the album then finds Tempest painting a picture of the world today. She captures the confusion of a modern world, stampeding over harsh realities using dagger-sharp lyricism and equally tight, abrupt production from Dan Carey.

One lyric, on the sprawling Europe Is Lost, is especially eye-opening. Massacres, massacres, massacres/New shoes, she chants, instantly distracted from tragedies thousands of miles from home. That is the reality, she says, when asked to unravel that line. Its a fleeting concern for the loss of life, if its on a grand enough scale that pricks your attention. And then theres a much more pressing concern. I saw these shoes. Theyre so nice. Its just reality for people.

There are a dozen harsh lessons in each of these songs, but Tempest doesnt want to come across as judgemental. I hope it doesnt feel like theres any blame in it. Its just a description of whats happening, she claims. Its just f**king hysteria. We are living in this absolute madness. Absolute f**king madness. No wonder everyones feeling so mental. The conversations that Ive had with people, theyre saying this is always the way its been. People have always felt terrified about where the world is heading. In the Cold War, people were living with the very real threat of the end of the world. And I do understand that. But in terms of where were heading, with the daily advancements and the impossibility of seeing anything as a whole  Im talking about economics, technological advancements, humans fusing with cyborgs, nano-robots that cure and detect diseases, international relations  nobody can see where were heading.

Tempest makes writing music sound like a primal process: something that just happens (Neil Gavin)

Beyond an end-times sense of impending doom, her new album has one silver lining. When a storm breaks, Let Them Eat Chaoss seven strangers are forced to flee their homes. They all realise theyre part of something much bigger than themselves, she sums up. In that moment, theres something beautiful. Thats the redemption.

Theres similar optimism to be sourced from the real worlds state of disarray, she says. Its really helpful and amazing to have music, literature, poetry at these times. And its true that Tempest isnt the only musician to be casting an eye on whats going on today. A wave of young musicians are expressing concern, anguish and protest without being strictly classed as political songwriters. They wrestle with gender, identity and race in ways that help make more sense of the world. Tempest is right up there with the best of them in forging magic out of madness, which is why Let Them Eat Chaos is her first release to be met with anticipation on such a big scale. Writing music with a sharp moral compass isnt something she strives for, however. When the idea comes, it doesnt come from you, she says. So all you can do is equip yourself to express these things adequately, and then realise that youll never get it right and youll always have to keep trying.

Fans stop Tempest in the street to thank her for being a 'big inspiration' (Neil Gavin)

For Tempest, the downside to capturing so much anger and frustration in this kind of vivid detail is having to explain it further in interviews. The way she describes making music, it sounds like a primal process, something that just happens. Looking back on these songs, tracing steps and delving deeper is far from her idea of fun, to say the least. A couple of times, when pressed to explain the meaning behind one thought or the other, she seizes up. Its so useless me even talking about this, she quips, midway through describing peoples reaction to the Syrian refugee crisis. Its not that shes being hostile, more that shes pointedly aware of how broad statements could be taken out of context.

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People  especially journalists  seem to be hankering after a political statement or stance. But if youve just made a whole album that expresses some quite nuanced views on a given situation, the last thing you want to do is sum that up in a couple of sentences that will come nowhere near to expressing the scope and the complexities of how things feel at the minute.

She ends on a cutting, bleak note. To be even more frank, its too late. Its too late now. Its gone beyond somebody being right and somebody being wrong. Its far too late. Were in the middle of a massive humanitarian crisis. The planets on its way out. Well, we are. Its too late to be tiptoeing around.

At this moment, a fan recognises her in the street and thanks her for being such a big inspiration. Whether she chose to become one or not, Kate Tempest is one of the countrys most vital songwriters. Weve experienced a year where very little makes sense and tomorrows problems are even more frightening, but this only goes to further establish the importance of musicians who can at least attempt to make sense of whats happening.

Let Them Eat Chaos is out on Friday
Across Nevada, county election officials have resigned at notable rates in the past two years. Its a trend seen across the country, yet amplified in this Western swing state where toss-up races across the ballot feature GOP candidates who have cast doubt on election security and vote-counting. An Associated Press tally shows there has been turnover with 10 of Nevadas 17 county clerk or voter registrar positions from the 2020 election through the midterms. In the secretary of states elections department only three of 11 employees have remained since the 2020 election. Five additional employees have come and gone from the elections department since the 2020 election.
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A renowned economist who helped persuade the world to start taking climate change seriously has warned the global economy could self-destruct if countries fail to ditch fossil fuels and embrace a clean, green, high-tech future.

Professor Lord Nicholas Stern was credited with bringing about a sea change in attitudes when he calculated the cost of failing to tackle the problem in 2006. While dealing with global warming would cost one per cent of the worlds gross domestic product, doing nothing would be up to 20 times more expensive, he concluded.

Now Professor Stern, former Mexican president, Felipe Calderon, and other leading figures from politics, finance and science have launched a major new report saying Governments and businesses must change course  and quickly.

The challenge is urgent: the investment choices we make even over the next two to three years will start to lock in for decades to come either a climate-smart, inclusive growth pathway, or a high-carbon, inefficient and unsustainable pathway, said the report by The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate.

The window for making the right choices is narrow and closing fast  The time is ripe for a fundamental change of direction.

It called for an end to vast subsidies paid to support fossil fuels by 2025 at the latest, saying these represented fundamental price distortions in the market.

An estimated $550bn (about 430bn) in fossil fuel subsidies was paid out worldwide in 2014 skewing investment away from sustainable options, the report added.

There was also a need to transform the financial system to deliver the scale and quality of investment needed.

The report said a total of $90 trillion (70 trillion)  about five times the USs annual GDP  would have to be spent on infrastructure over the next 15 years, more than value of the entire amount that exists today.

This money could either be spent in the traditional inefficient, sprawling and polluting way or invested in a clean, low-carbon, high-tech future.

Speaking ahead of the reports publication, Professor Stern, chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment in London and also president of the British Academy, said building a green economy could help the world finally recover from the 2008 financial crash.

The world is struggling to revive its growth, its never really picked up, he said.

What hasnt been tried properly is strong investment in sustainable infrastructure  thats the growth story of the future.

This will set off innovation, discovery, much more creative ways of doing things.

"This is the story of growth, which is the only one available because any attempt at high-carbon growth would self-destruct.

In the report, infrastructure was taken to include everything from energy, public transport, buildings, water supplies and sanitation to natural resources such as forests, wetlands and waterways.

We will be more than doubling the infrastructure we already have, Professor Stern said.

If we build that as we have been building in the past, then well have those cities where you cannot move, cannot breathe and cannot be productive.

Well have locked in high-carbon infrastructure which would take away any chance of holding to well below two degrees [of warming]. That would be deeply damaging.

He condemned the current levels of air pollution  much of it from transport, heavy industry and power stations that burn fossil fuels  in particular.

Were poisoning the lungs and health of the young people. In some places its like smoking a pack of cigarettes or more, Professor Stern said.

Air pollution is deeply problematic and its getting much worse. Currently around four million people are killed each year due to fossil fuel-related air pollution. This is clearly unsustainable.

Were damaging the lungs of the planet, forests, in a very strong way through climate change and emissions of greenhouse gases.

Climate change protests around the world Show all 25 1 /25 Climate change protests around the world Climate change protests around the world People rally to promote climate protection in Rome, Italy Climate change protests around the world Hundreds of demonstrators gather in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world People hold hands to form a human chain during a gathering called by ecologist organisations in Marseille, southern France, to protest against global warming a day ahead of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP21) held in Paris Climate change protests around the world Demonstrators clash with French riot police during protests on Place de la Republique, ahead of the COP21 World Climate Change Conference 2015 in Paris, France Climate change protests around the world Demonstrators clash with French riot police during a protest on Place de la Republique ahead of the COP21 World Climate Change Conference 2015 in Paris, France Climate change protests around the world A group of people perform during a rally to promote climate protection in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Climate change protests around the world A protester sits next to his sign that reads 'Monsanto the Devil Incorporated ' as he joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Environmentalists dance during a protest near the Place de la Republique after the cancellation of a planned climate march following shootings in the French capital, ahead of the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21), in Paris, France Reuters Climate change protests around the world People protest next to characters dressed as wild animals during a march against climate change near the Monument to the Revolution, in Mexico City AP Climate change protests around the world Protesters carries a banner while they take part in a protest about climate change at New York City Hall steps in lower Manhattan, New York Reuters Climate change protests around the world People take part in a protest about climate change around New York City Hall at lower Manhattan, New York Reuters Climate change protests around the world People rally to promote climate protection in Piazza Castello, Turin, Italy Climate change protests around the world A woman holds a globe during a protest for the global climate day in Lugano, Switzerland Climate change protests around the world Yemenis hold banners as they participate in the Global March for Climate in the old city of Sanaia, Yemen Climate change protests around the world Protesters dressed as Santa Claus take part in a protest about climate change at New York City Hall steps in lower Manhattan, New York Reuters Climate change protests around the world People gather at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, during the Global Climate March to demand action on climate change telling world leaders on the eve of a crunch UN summit that there is "no planet B". From Sydney to London, humid Rio to chilly New York, at least 683,000 hit the streets in 2,300 events across 175 countries at the weekend, co-organiser and campaign group Avaaz said, calling it the largest number of people to protest over climate change all at once Getty Images Climate change protests around the world Climate change protests around the world Demonstrators participate in the Global March for Climate in Athens, Greece Climate change protests around the world A man wearing a Bernie Sanders mask leads hundreds of demonstrators who marched near City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Patricia Hauser joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California Climate change protests around the world A woman holds a poster of a sick Earth as she joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Hundreds of demonstrators march around City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world A demonstrator holds cut-out of US Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders as she joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world George Patten holds a sign that reads 'No Fracking Ever!' as he joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA Climate change protests around the world Gabrielle Sosa wears 'Rising Sea Levels' sign as she joined hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, California EPA

The report was published a day after the Paris Agreement on Climate Change reached the threshold of countries required to bring it into force as an international treaty, which will now happen next month.

The treaty saw nations agree a target of restricting global warming to as close to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels as possible, a goal that looks unlikely as this is already at 1 degrees and global carbon emissions are still increasing.

Pledges to cut emissions made by countries at the Paris summit also would potentially lead to warming of up to 3.1 degrees, according to a paper published in the journal Nature. This scenario has been described as catastrophic for humanity.

However, Caio Koch-Weser, a former vice-chairman of Deutsche Bank and a member of the commission, said private investors could become an increasing factor  because those putting money into fossil fuels might one day find their investment is worthless.

He said he was a strong believer that shareholders could play a critical role in insisting companies spell out how they will adapt to a world where greenhouse gas emissions must be dramatically reduced.

I see enormous potential here  stranded assets is one major motivator, he said.

The Big Debate: Should we aim to stop climate change or adapt to it? Show all 2 1 /2 The Big Debate: Should we aim to stop climate change or adapt to it? The Big Debate: Should we aim to stop climate change or adapt to it? 8524.bin The Big Debate: Should we aim to stop climate change or adapt to it? 680.bin

Among the international figures who praised the Stern Review in 2006 was Paul Wolfowitz, a US Republican who served as Deputy Defence Secretary under President George W Bush and was then president of the World Bank.

He described it as a much needed critical economic analysis of the issues associated with climate change.

However a politician once regarded as a right-wing neo-con recently said he might have to vote for Hillary Clinton instead of the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump.

Mr Trump has been described as a threat to the planet by world-leading climate scientist Professor Michael Mann.

The UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy  which is responsible for climate change following Theresa Mays decision to scrap the dedicated department  said: We are already upgrading the UKs energy infrastructure with reliable, clean and affordable sources like nuclear and renewables so that everyone has access to the energy they need now and in the future.

The UKs commitment to tackling climate change, internationally and domestically, is as strong as ever as we push ahead with ratifying the Paris Agreement.
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One of the worlds first commercial-scale, kite-driven power stations is set to be created near Stranraer in Scotland in what could be a major step towards finding the magic solution to humanitys energy problems.

While kites have until now largely been flights of fancy that have entranced generations of children, Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci and poets like Robert Louis Stevenson and Joyce Carol Oates, their practical uses have seemed limited.

But those behind the new power station believe their system could cut the price of offshore wind energy in half.

It is so cheap, they say, that there will be no need for any Government subsidy  something currently required to build any new kind of power generation, renewable or fossil fuel.

Recommended Read more International Kite Festival in India

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who is investing billions in green technology, has said he believes there is a 10 per cent chance that kite power is the magic solution to the worlds energy problems.

Other companies are also investigating the potential of kytoons  kite/balloon hybrids  or even flying turbines that can capture the energy of the jet stream at altitudes of 20,000ft, where the wind is constant.

The firm behind the Stranraer project, Kite Power Systems has already demonstrated a small kite-driven power station in Essex.

But it now plans to build a 500-kilowatt system at the Ministry of Defences West Freugh Range near the southern Scottish town after securing planning permission. This will be the first of a significant scale in the UK and only the second in the world after a research project in Italy.

The kites fly to heights of up to 450m in a figure-of-eight pattern, pulling a tether as they rise which turns a turbine that produces electricity.

By having two kites working in tandem, one going up as the other floats back down, electricity can be generated continuously.

David Ainsworth, business development director at Kite Power Solutions, the firm behind the system, told The Independent that the system was mainly designed to be used offshore with the West Freugh power station designed to demonstrate its capabilities.

Our systems basically float and the cost of the mooring is much lower than a wind turbine, he said.

It will be tariff-free, we just dont need Government to support it. Our potential investors believe its going to take off in a big way."

The company now plans to relocate from Essex to Dumfries and Galloway. Mr Ainsworth said staff were looking forward to relocating to this beautiful area of Scotland and developing this world-changing technology in this tremendous environment.

He said traditional offshore wind turbines needed to be kept upright in the sea, so the mooring had to be quite rigid, adding to the cost.

They are talking about 10 euro cents per kilowatt-hour [for the electricity produced], were basically going to halve that, he said.

Were very optimistic well have several hundred megawatts installed by 2025.

A full-sized kite will be 40 metres wide and be capable of generating two to three megawatts of electricity, about the same as a 100m conventional turbine.

A field of just over 1,000 kites would produce as much electricity as the planned Hinkley Point C nuclear power station if the wind blew constantly.

According to the Met Office, Scotland is home to eight of the top 10 windiest places in the UK.

The wind blows so consistently on the unsheltered Atlantic coast that some people cannot stand to live there because of the noise and buffeting.

The number of days we wont be generating is very few, less than 10 days a year, Mr Ainsworth said. The number of really, really still days you get offshore is very small.

On the rare still days, a small fan is used to keep the kite aloft so it can start generating as soon as the wind picks up.

The project has received backing from oil company Royal Dutch Shell and the UK Government.

Mr Ainsworth added that the system was less susceptible to storms and so could be used in places like the Pacific Rim despite the powerful typhoons that affect the region.

Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, said: Kite-power technology offers the prospect of an exciting new way to harness the power of the wind, particularly in places where it might be impractical to erect a wind turbine.

Alongside energy reduction schemes and other renewables, this technology could contribute to helping us to end our addiction to climate-changing fossil fuels.
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A lingerie firm has recruited a black transgender model to help front their latest Photoshop-free ad campaign.

New Zealand brand Lonely has unveiled their newest photo series called Nine of a Kind - un-retouched portraits of influential women from across social media, including trans model Aurel Haize Odogbo, Vogue sex columnist Karley Sciortino, ballerina Anna Collins, artist Ajani Lucid, and Canedos own mother, Rogeria.

One of the models - Paloma Elsesser - said: "Its not just about plus-size or skinny, its all of the in-betweens, like scars and stretch marks and lopsided boobs.

"Its so funny when people are like Its so real, its so raw. Its crazy that its so groundbreaking, because its normal."

This isnt the first time Lonely has curated realistic portraits of women; earlier this year the label joined forces with Lena Dunham after she got into a highly publicised debate about retouching with Spanish magazine Tentaciones.

Joined by fellow Girls star Jemima Kirke, the pair stripped down to their underwear for a Photoshop-free, body positive campaign.

Nine of a Kind Show all 9 1 /9 Nine of a Kind Nine of a Kind Paloma Elsesser for Lonely Nine of a Kind Marcela Jacobina for Lonely Nine of a Kind Karley Scortino for Lonely Nine of a Kind Georgia Pratt for Lonely Nine of a Kind Gabrielle Richardson for Lonely Nine of a Kind AUREL wears Lilith in Black Nine of a Kind Anna Collins for Lonely Nine of a Kind Ajani Lucid for Lonely Nine of a Kind Rogeria Canedo for Lonely

This latest series highlights the brands intention to celebrate beautifully diverse women of all ages, body types and ethnicities. In a statement June said, (These are) independent women who can collectively say they are proud to be themselves.

Through intimate portraits of nine inspiring women, we celebrate our differences, our different ages, our different bodies, our different stories, the differences that make us who we are.

Earlier this year, the label joined forces with Girls stars Lena Dunham and Jemima Kirke

Zara Mirkin, who styled the campaign, said: I just want women to accept who they are and appreciate what they bring to this world and very importantly be proud of what they look like. Any size or skin colour.

The campaign also features Art Hoe Collective founder Gabrielle Richardson, stylist Marcela Jacobina, designer Georgia Pratt and model Paloma Elsesser.

Take a look at the full collection here.
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Another Samsung phone has exploded leading to an evacuation of a plane, in the most damaging spontaneous combustion of the companys new Note 7 yet.

Samsung announced last month that there was something wrong with its Note 7 phone that meant it could explode while it was charging. That led to a global recall, and Samsung indicated that it would give replacement phones to anyone affected and that those would be safe.

But the new explosion appears to be the result of a replacement phone, according to its owner. That might indicate that even those judged safe by Samsung actually arent.

Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Show all 7 1 /7 Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Here are some pictures of exploded phones that are circulating online Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures

The device created smoke and led to a plane being evacuated at Louisville International Airport, according to officials. It was evacuated before it could depart as planned for Baltimore, Louisville Metro Arson Capt. Kevin Fletcher told news outlets.

That led to 75 people being quickly moved from the fight, and nobody was injured. There was some damage to the planes carpet where the device was dropped.

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Sarah Green, of New Albany, Indiana said that her husband Brian had said that the Galaxy Note 7 made a popping noise and then started smoking when he powered it down, according to the local Courier-Journal. The phone was a replacement that had been received two weeks ago as part of the recall, Ms Green said.

Airlines including Southwest, whose flight was affected, advise that people with the Samsung phone must carry them on rather than putting them in their luggage. They should also be kept turned off and not be plugged in, and passengers should make sure they cant accidentally be turned on, the airline said.

That came after a Federal Aviation Administration advisory that passengers shouldnt use or charge the phone while on board. They also shouldnt be put in checked bags, the report said.

 Samsung suffers $2bn loss with Galaxy Note 7 recall

But phones with the green battery icon on them are exempt from that advisory. That is supposed to indicate that the phone is a replacement  but is said to have been included on the phone that blew up on the plane.

Samsung said in a statement that the company can't confirm that the new Note7 was involved in the incident and is working with authorities to recover the device and confirm the cause.
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Having endured countless baby showers, a couple who had vowed to never have kids decided it was their turn for a bit of fun.

So, they decided to throw a vasectomy party.

The invitations summoned their loved ones to a house filled with sharp furniture and exposed outlets to mark the occasion, and instead of a baby name suggestions jar they asked loved ones to help to name their new boat.

Their version of the price is right game involved a list of the items they could buy with the money they would have spent on college tuition, from leather bedsheets and a holiday to Costa Rica to a 10mm Glock gun.

The anonymous couple shared their story on the ChildFree Reddit community, where people fed up with probing questions about when they will become parents gather to celebrate their lives, and grumble about a world obsessed by kids.

Most seem agree that adults without children deserve a party once in a while, too.

But the gatherings have a serious point said Amy Smith, who threw a surprise vasectomy party with her husband for their friends and family recently.

Always being asked when you are having kids is invasive and frustrating she told the New York Post. So why not just take ownership of the decision and celebrate it?

Marie Assante, who launched her PR agency nine months ago, described how she posted a birth announcement for her new car.

After nine months of hard labour Im excited to welcome Stormy Sonata into my family of one. She came home at 5.44 p.m. and weighs 3,460 pounds, Assante wrote in the message.

Love and sex news: in pictures Show all 31 1 /31 Love and sex news: in pictures Love and sex news: in pictures What makes a perfect penis? Scientists have now answered one of these great unknowns. According to a new study, general cosmetic appearance is the most important penile aspect when it comes to what women value down there. This is swiftly followed by the appearance of pubic hair, penile skin, and girth. Length comes in at number six, with the look of the scrotum trailing closely behind. The least important facet of the phallus, say the scientists, is the position and shape of meatus, the vertical slit at the opening of the urethra. Getty Love and sex news: in pictures Half of divorcees had doubts on their wedding day Over half of divorcees considered abandoning their husband or wife-to-be at the altar on their wedding day, a new study has revealed. On top of likely worrying about wedding favours and making sure guests behave on their big day, 49 per cent of divorcees admitted they were unsure before the ceremony that their marriage would last. Some 15 per cent of divorcees polled said they were so wracked with doubt that they felt physically sick in the run up to their wedding. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Students who marry after studying the same subject Picking a university subject is already difficult enough for young people. But heres an extra piece of data to weigh on your decision: you may be picking a life partner as well. Dan Kopf of the blog, Priceonomics, analysed US Census data and found that the percentage of Americans who marry someone within their own major is actually fairly high. About half of Americans are married, according to the 2012 American Community Survey (part of the Census). And about 28 per cent of married couples over the age of 22 both graduated from college. (The survey didnt recognise same-sex marriages for the 2012 data, but it will for 2013 onwards, says Kopf). Sean Gallup/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures How much sex we have (and how much we'd like) As a nation, we dont have as much sex as we would like, a survey has (somewhat unsurprisingly) confirmed. In a poll of 1523 people by YouGov, 64 per cent of Britons said they would wish to have sex at least a few times a month. The same sample said that only 38 per cent had sex at least a few times a month. In addition, 10 per cent said they wished to have sex every day, a goal which only 1 per cent admitted reaching. Rex Love and sex news: in pictures The new female condom Picture an internal condom. The chances are youre thinking of something which resembles a carrier bag. However, this could all be about to change with the new VA w.o.w. Condom Feminine. Not only is it a wireless, Bluetooth enabled, vibrating interactive device, which comes available in the shape of a heart, but the manufacturers think youll love it more than not using a condom at all. Love and sex news: in pictures One in five Brits admit to having had an affair One in five British adults admits they have had an affair, according to a new poll. 20 per cent of male respondents and 19 per cent of female respondents admitted to having had an affair in a new poll of 1660 respondents by YouGov. Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures The UK's favourite sex position Casting aside the myth that Brits are a prudish bunch, a new survey has revealed that doggy style is the nations favourite sex position. As many as a quarter of UK adults surveyed said doggy style was their favourite way to indulge with a partner. Missionary, which is sometimes scoffed at the most boring position, was favoured by a fifth of the 1,000 people surveyed by high street sex shop Ann Summers, seeing it come in as third under "woman on top". Caiaimage/REX Love and sex news: in pictures Who's most likely to cheat? Men and women who are economically dependent on their spouses are more likely to cheat, a new study has revealed. Researchers have found that men who are solely financially dependent are more like to cheat than women, at 15 per cent and 5 per cent respectively. Men who are rely on their wives may cheat because they are undergoing a masculinity threat by not being the primary breadwinner as is culturally expected, said study author Christin L. Munsch, a UConn assistant professor of sociology. Eye Candy/REX Love and sex news: in pictures Jailed for loud sex noises A woman who breached a court order barring her from causing nuisance by making "loud sex noises" was sent to jail. Gemma Wale, of Small Heath, Birmingham, was given a two-week prison sentence after a civil court judge concluded that she had breached the order by "screaming and shouting whilst having sex" at a "level of noise" which annoyed a neighbour. Rex Features Love and sex news: in pictures Photo of wedding guest proposing to girlfriend in front of bride and groom goes viral When the staggering amount time, money, and effort that goes into to planning a wedding is considered, it seems pretty obvious that all guests have is to do is turn up with some gifts, and not upstage the couple. But this fact seems to have escaped one man, whose grinning face has gone viral after he decided to propose to his girlfriend in front of the bride and grooms top table. The photo, which has been viewed over 1.4 million times on Reddit, shows a boyfriend perched on one knee in front of his crying girlfriend. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Sexual fantasies The results of a sex survey are busting the myth that Britons are sexually repressed, by revealing how the majority of women have lived out their sexual fantasies. As many as 81 per cent of women and 77 per cent of men have shared and acted out fantasies with a partner  with having sex in public topping the list of turn-ons. The study also laid bare the influence of TV and film on our desires, with three-quarters of couples saying they had inspired them. Meanwhile, a further three quarters of women and over half of men have played out a fantasy theyd found in a book. LEO RAMIREZ/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures The world's sexiest nationalities Irish men are the worlds sexiest, according to a survey of thousands of jet-setting women. In a poll of 66,000 of single American women who use MissTravel.com, as many as 8,000 said that Irish men are the sexiest. Around half of the females who took said they were turned on by Irish men said their accent influenced their choice, according to the Irish Times. ANDREW COWIE/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures More sex = happiness? Couples were asked to double the amount of sex they had each week over a three month period by researchers at the Carnegie Mellon University, who compared them to couples who had their normal amount of sex. Their findings, published in the Journal of Economic Behavior, went against advice given by the average self-help book  having more sex doesnt automatically make a person happier. Instead, couples who were instructed to have more sex reported a decrease in happiness levels. Mood Board/Rex Love and sex news: in pictures Most sexually satisfied countries It is often considered the most amorous nation on the planet, but France doesn't even feature in a new list of the most sexually satisfied countries. According to a Durex global survey of 26,000 people, aged 16 and older, across 26 countries, only 44 per cent of people are fully satisfied with their sex lives. In the wake of these results, AlterNet has compiled a list of the 12 most sexually satisfied countries, with Switzerland, Spain and Italy topping the list. INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Sex o'clock They say women are from Venus and men are from Mars  but a new sex survey suggests that members of the opposite sex seem to operate in different time zones too. While women like to get steamy between 11:21pm on average, men are more likely to be turned on at the rather inconvenient time of 7:54am. These times fall into the broader timeslots of 11pm and 2am for women, and 6am and 9am for men. PIERRE ANDRIEU/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures More sex = more money People who have more sex are likely to earn more, new research claims. The research, partly conducted from the responses of 7,500 people, found employees who have sex two or three times a week earn 4.5 per cent more than colleagues who do not. Rex Love and sex news: in pictures The effects of watching porn Contrary to suggestion that porn desensitises viewers to sex, a study has found that it doesn't "negatively impact sexual functioning" and in fact boosts couples' sexual attraction to one another. In research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, scientists at the University of California tested the effects of visual sexual stimuli on men in relationships, finding that it "is unlikely to negatively impact sexual functioning, given that responses actually were stronger in those who viewed more VSS." Rex Love and sex news: in pictures 'I have herpes' A woman diagnosed with herpes at the age of 20 has written an emotional essay about living with the common condition to fight the stigma surrounding it. Ella Dawson, now 22, said she had never had unprotected sex and thought she wasn't the sort of person STDs happened to when the symptoms first appeared during her time at university in the US. She wrote that the diagnosis initially felt like a punishment for her values and relationships and worried her that telling boyfriends would ruin her love life. Ella Dawson Love and sex news: in pictures More sleep, better sex A new study could have a simple answer to enhancing your sex life  just get a good nights sleep (if you are a woman at least). A study conducted by a team at the University of Michigan Sleep and Circadian Research Laboratory found women who get an extra hour of sleep at night reported higher levels of sexual desire and were more likely to have sex with their partners. Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Swipe right A woman has detailed her experiences of a week of always swiping right on Tinder. By opening the floodgates, as Ms Caster describes it, she receives scores of messages from different men  and not all are terrible. Love and sex news: in pictures The most adulterous town in the UK Ever wondered what the neighbours are up to? Well if you live in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, then the answer is probably... having an affair. The bustling East Midlands town has been granted the dubious honour of being the UK's top spot for infidelity  with a total of 941 affairs reportedly taking place right now. According to The Official Infidelity Index 2015, which was released this week, 2.54 per cent of the towns population are currently seeing someone they shouldn't. REX FEATURES Love and sex news: in pictures Average penis size revealed Scientists have measured more than 15,000 mens penises in an effort to find out what size is normal. Researchers at Kings College London and a London NHS trust said they hoped the review would help address the concern that some men have about their penis size and aid people suffering from anxiety and distress. They revealed that the average flaccid penis is 3.6ins (9.16cm) long, or 5.2ins (13.24cm) when stretched, and 3.7ins (9.31cm) in circumference. Erect penises are 5.1ins (13.12cm) long on average and 4.5ins (11.66cm) in girth. Rex Love and sex news: in pictures One true love Men fall in love more times in their life than women, according to a new survey. 2,000 adults were asked about relationships, and discovered that more than half of men say they've loved more than one person their lifetime. For women, it's markedly fewer, with only 45 per cent saying they've had multiple loves. Love and sex news: in pictures Dating site for 'beautiful people only' A self-proclaimed elite dating website has removed around 3,000 members because they were "letting themselves go". BeautifulPeople.com describes itself as the largest internet dating community exclusively for the beautiful and puts peoples photographs to a members vote to decide if they are allowed in. But administrators have now shown that the rigorous 48-hour selection period is not a permanent pass by taking thousands of profiles down, mainly because of weight gain and graceless ageing. Love and sex news: in pictures Sex is a 'miracle cure' Regular exercise  including sex, walking and dancing  are miracle cures staring us in the face and could dramatically cut our risk of cancer, dementia, heart disease and diabetes, leading doctors have said. In a new review of existing evidence which reveals the full extent of benefits that can be accrued from exercise, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said the improvement in health and savings to the NHS could be incalculable. Susannah Ireland Love and sex news: in pictures Pornhub searches by age of user Pornhubs prolific Insights blog fires out many reports of sociological interest, none more so than its latest on age, which lays bare different age groups' sexual proclivities. Looking at the most popular searches among 18-24s, there are several familial terms including 'step mom', 'milf', 'mom' and 'step sister', a trend that seems to die out somewhat in users' 30s. By 65, 'massage' becomes the top term, while 'granny' perhaps unsurprisingly also hits the top ten. PlaceIt/Just Another IKEA Catalog Love and sex news: in pictures Mature sex Research into the sexual lives of more than 7,000 men and women between the ages of 50 and 90 in England reveals that half of men and almost a third of women aged 70 and over were still sexually active, with around a third of these sexually active older people having sexual intercourse twice a month or more. Around two-thirds of men and over half of women thought good sexual relations were essential to the maintenance of a long-term relationship or being sexually active was physically and psychologically beneficial to older people. Getty Creative Love and sex news: in pictures The secret to an eighty year marriage Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that 42 per cent of marriages in England and Wales end in divorce, and the average British marriage which ends in divorce lasts 11 years and six months. Helen and Maurice Kaye, now aged 101 and 102, have been married for 80 years, and say the secret is: I think its important to have patience and tolerance. You're two entirely different people who suddenly live together, which can't be easy. But if you love each other, you get over the difficulties. Love and sex news: in pictures Valentine's Day porn Pornhub saw a (slight) drop in traffic on Valentine's Day as people focused on pleasuring their partners rather than themselves. Everywhere, it is, except for London. Overall UK traffic dipped 3 per cent across the UK, with Plymouth and Oxford seeing the biggest drops of 11 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. In fact every major city spent less time watching porn bar London, the Pornhub audience for which grew by 2 per cent. Getty Love and sex news: in pictures 1 in 10 men paying for sex A tenth of British men have admitted to paying for sex, according to a new study. Professionals aged 25 to 34 who binge drink and take drugs were found to be the most likely to have used the services of prostitutes, based on findings from a study of 6,108 men. Around 11 per cent of subjects, in the study published in the Sexually Transmitted Infections journal, have ever paid for sex in their lifetime and four per cent admitted to doing so in the last five years. Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Questions that determine if you're in love The existence of love and its nature is something that has troubled philosophers for centuries, but a pair of scientists believe they have a set of questions that yield "clear empirical evidence" of it, or at least whether your relationship will end in divorce. They are: 'How happy are you in your marriage relative to how happy you would be if you weren't in the marriage?' and 'How do you think your spouse answered that question?' Columbia

Other childfree people have applauded their boldness.

Absolutely brilliant! Made me LOL, especially the wording on the invitation, the clever cake, and the advent calendar! Congratulations, by the way and have a happy childfree life! one user replied to the anonymous vasectomy party post on Reddit.

All a baby shower is is a party to celebrate that you had sex. That a sperm managed to hit a fertile egg, argued GreenPandaPower. A vasectomy shower is a party to celebrate soon to be sex.
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BAE Systems has disclosed it is in talks to secure a multi-billion pound arms contract with Saudi Arabia, despite alleged war crimes by the Middle Eastern kingdom using British-made weapons in war-torn Yemen.

Discussions between BAE Systems, the UK Government and Saudi Arabia are progressing, the London-headquartered defence company said in a trading update on Thursday.

BAE said it was working to define the scope and terms of the next five-year Saudi British Defence Cooperation Programme.

Last month MPs called for a halt to British arms exports to Saudi Arabia pending an investigation into reported breaches of humanitarian and human rights law using British-made weapons.

In a report seen by BBCs Newsnights Gabriel Gatehouse, The Committees on Arms Export Controls said: The weight of evidence of violations of international humanitarian law by the Saudi-led coalition is now so great, that it is very difficult to continue to support Saudi Arabia.

It said that it was inevitable that any such breaches would have involved British arms, meaning the UK would itself be in contravention of international law.

The UK Government said it had received assurances from Saudi Arabia that its armed forces had not committed any violations in Yemen.

The Saudi-led coalition has opened investigations into a number of incidents and has repeatedly stated it is is committed to full respect for international humanitarian law in the conduct of our operations in Yemen.

The current contract is a five-year programme between BAE, the UK Government and Saudi Arabia. Under the deal, BAE, which relies on the Saudi regime for more than one fifth of its revenues provides training, support and upgrades for its Hawk aircraft. BAE also hopes to sell 48 Eurofighter Typhoon jets for a reported 4bn under a separate deal.

BAE also announced it was trading in line with expectations and its outlook for the year remained unchanged, with the company predicted to register a 5-10 per cent rise in earnings.

 Landmine casualties rise in Yemen's Taiz

Discussions with current and prospective operators of Typhoon aircraft continue to support groups expectations for additional contract awards, BAE said.

The UK has been one of the biggest suppliers of weapons to the Saudi regime for 40 years, including the notorious Al-Yamamah deal.

10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty

BAE was ordered to pay a $400m under a plea bargain with the US Justice Department in 2010 after what was described by the presiding judge as, deception, duplicity and knowing violations of law, I think it's fair to say, on an enormous scale.

A new deal would be a lifeline for aircraft factories in the North East of England. Last year, BAE was forced to cut 371 jobs last year as it scaled back production of its Typhoon jets from 1.3bn to 1.1bn.

However, in July it won a 2.1bn support services agreement with the Ministry of Defence and this week was awarded a further 1.3bn contract to build the replacement for the Trident nuclear submarines.
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Paul Watson, the leader of Sunderland council, said people are worried about Nissans threat to scrap a potential new investment in the citys car plant, which provides work for 7,000 people.

Last week Carlos Ghosn, the chief executive of the Japanese car giant, said investment in his company's giant Sunderland car plant would be put on hold, unless the British government pledges to reimburse the firm for the hit it could take from the UKs vote to leave the EU.

Speaking on the BBCs Today programme Watson said: People have heard that and they are worried about it.

Recommended Read more Nissan demands Brexit compensation deal before making UK investment

"The butchers, bakers, candlestick makers may not see it as directly affecting them, but it will," he added.

However, Watson, Labour and Co-operative leader of the city council since 2008, added that Sunderland is used to the vagaries of the world economy having big effects at home.

The plant in Sunderland, which produces about a third of the UKs car output, is heavily dependent on exports to the single market.

SMMT

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

Ghosn said: If I need to make an investment in the next few months and I cant wait until the end of Brexit, then I have to make a deal with the UK government.

The site in Sunderland is Nissans biggest factory in Europe. It employs almost 7,000 people and supports a further 20,000 in the local supply chain.

Ghosns comments came only two days after Hanno Kirner, executive director at Jaguar Land Rover, said that post-Brexit trade barriers imposed on the UK car industry would frankly be disastrous if the right deal is not reached.

If Britain failed to conclude a free trade deal with the rest of the EU and was forced to fall back on basic World Trade Organisation, British car exporters could face tariffs of up to 10 per cent.
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Embattled German lender Deutsche Bank has announced plans to cut 1,000 jobs in Germany, as part of a restructuring plan. This brings the total of jobs being cut in the country to around 4,000.

The jobs are part of the 9,000 role reductions worldwide, which were previously announced as part of the bank strategy to make the group more competitive.

Recommended Read more Deutsche Bank chief Cryan issues reassurance as shares wobble

"We consistently implement our strategy to make the bank more efficient," said Karl von Rohr, member of Deutsche Bank's management board, in a press release on Thursday.

"We are fully aware that today's decision is a difficult change with significant personal impact for many employees. We will ensure that any staff reductions are carried out in a socially responsible manner," he added.

The most recent round of job cuts will mostly affect employees in the banks chief operating office, with the rest spread over several departments such as human resources, communications and corporate finance.

Deutsche Bank has struggled to reverse a slide in shares after US authorities announced in September that they wanted the firm to pay a $14bn (10.6bn) fine to settle civil claims regarding its handling of mortgage-backed securities in 2008.

The German bank is among many financial institutions being investigated over dealings in discreditable mortgages in the run-up to the financial crisis. The US government has accused banks of misleading investors about the quality of their loans.

Biggest business scandals in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Biggest business scandals in pictures Biggest business scandals in pictures Volkswagen emissions scandal VW admitted to rigging its US emission tests so that diesel-powered cars would looks like they were emitting less nitrous oxide, which can damage the ozone layer and contribute to respiratory diseases. Around 11 million cars worldwide were affected. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Martin Shkreli and Turing Pharmaceuticals Martin Shkreli became known as the most hated man in the world after his drug company, Turing, increased the price of a 62-year-old drug that treated HIV patients by 5,000% to $750 a pill. He was charged with illegally taking stock from Retrophin, a biotechnology firm he started in 2011, and using it pay off debts from unrelated business dealings. Shkreli, who maintains he is innocent, and says there is little evidence of fraud because his investors didn't lose money. Biggest business scandals in pictures Panama Papers: Millions of leaked documents expose how worlds rich and powerful hid money - April 2016 Millions of confidential documents have been leaked from one of the worlds most secretive law firms, exposing how the rich and powerful have hidden their money. Dictators and other heads of state have been accused of laundering money, avoiding sanctions and evading tax, according to the unprecedented cache of papers that show the inner workings of the law firm Mossack Fonseca, which is based in Panama. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Google's tax avoidance Google reached a deal with the HM Revenue and Customs to pay back 130 million in so-called back-taxes that have been due since 2005. George Osborne championed the deal as a major success. But European MEPs have since called for the Chancellor to appear in front of the committee on tax rulings to explain the tax deal. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Rogue trader A French court cut the damages owed by rogue trader Jerome Kerviel from 4.9bn (4.2bn) to just 1m (860,000). The court ruled on that Kerviel was partly responsible for massive losses suffered in 2008 by his former employer Societe Generale through his reckless trades. Kerviel has consistently maintained that bosses at the French bank knew what he was doing all along. AP Biggest business scandals in pictures Barclays CEO under investigation for trying to identify whistleblower - Monday Paril 10 Authorities have launched an investigation into Barclays chief executive officer Jes Staley for trying to identify a whistleblower, the bank said on Monday. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) are both investigating Mr Staley after the bank notified them that Mr Staley had tried to identify the author of two anonymous letters, which were sent to the board and a senior executive in June 2016. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures UK to crack down on bank money laundering after reports of 65bn Russian scam, City minister says - March 2017 The Economic Secretary to the Treasury has vowed that the Government will crack down on money laundering practices, after several of the UK's biggest banks were accused of processing money from a Russian scam, believed to involve up to $80bn (65bn). Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Former HBOS bankers convicted of bribery and fraud over 245m loan scam - February 2017 Two former HBOS bankers were among six people found guilty of bribery and fraud that cost customers and shareholders hundreds of millions of pounds, the BBC reports. Lynden Scourfield, 54, a manager at HBOS, forced struggling clients to use the services of his friends David Mills, 60, and Michael Bancroft, 73. In return, the two businessmen arranged sex parties, cash and lavish gifts. On Monday, the three were convicted at Southwark Crown Court on accounts including bribery, fraud and money laundering. Mark Dobson, another manager at HBOS, Alison Mills, and John Cartwright were also convicted. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Lloyds chief apologises for damage caused by affair allegations - August 2016 Antonio Horta-Osorio, the chief executive of Lloyds Bank, has broken his silence over allegations about his private life admitting he regrets any "damage done to the group's reputation". In a message sent to the bank's 75,000 employees, the banker said that anyone can make mistakes while insisting that staff had to maintain the highest professional standards. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Christine Lagarde faces court over 340m Bernard Tapie payment - July 2016 The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, must stand trial in France over a payment of 403 million (now 340m, then 290m) to tycoon Bernard Tapie, a France's highest appeals court has ruled. The court rejected Ms Lagarde's appeal against a judge's order in December for her to stand trial over allegations of negligence in her handling of the affair. Ms Lagarde could risk a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of 15,000 euros if convicted. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures HSBC senior manager arrested in FX rigging investigation at JFK airport in New York - July 2016 A senior executive at HSBC has been arrested at New York's JFK airport for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to rig currency benchmarks, according to reports. Mark Johnson, global head of foreign exchange cash trading in London, was reportedly arrested on Tuesday. He will appear before a federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Bloomberg said. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Former PwC employees found guilty in 'Luxleaks' tax scandal - June 2016 Two ex- PricewaterhouseCoopers staffers were found guilty in Luxembourg of stealing confidential tax files that helped unleash a global scandal over generous fiscal deals for hundreds of international companies. Antoine Deltour and Raphael Halet face suspended sentences of 12 months and 9 months and were ordered to pay fines of 1,500 (1,230) and 1,000 (822) for their role in the so-called LuxLeaks scandal. Despite the minimal sentences, the ruling was described by Deltours lawyer as shocking and a terrible anomaly. The ruling puts on guard future whistle-blowers, Deltour told reporters.The LuxLeaks revelations sped beyond Luxembourg, causing European Union regulators to expand a tax-subsidy probe and propose new laws to fight corporate tax dodging, while EU lawmakers created a special committee to probe fiscal deals across the 28-nation bloc. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Goldman Sachs dealmakers lavished Libyan officials with prostitutes to win contract - June 2016 A former Goldman Sachs dealmaker trying to persuade Gadaffi-era Libya to invest $1 billion with the investment bank procured prostitutes and invited Libyan officials to lavish parties in the hope of winning the business, the High Court heard on Monday June 13.The Libyan Investment Authority sovereign wealth fund is suing Goldman Sachs for inappropriately coercing its naive staff into giving its sovereign wealth fund cash to the bank to invest in products they did not understand. The products were designed to generate big profits for Goldman, the LIA claims.Goldman denies wrongdoing and says the LIA was treated as an arms-length customer Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Former boss of BHS said his life was threatened - June 2016 Darren Topp, the former boss of BHS, has said former owner Dominic Chappell threatened to kill him when he challenged him over a 1.5 million transfer out of the business. MPs on the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee asked Mr Topp about a 1.5 million transfer Mr Chappell made from BHS to a company called BHS Sweden. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley admits paying workers below the minimum wage - June 2016 Mike Ashley admitted paying Sports Direct employees below the minimum wage at a hearing in front of MPs. The company founder said that workers were paid less than the statutory minimum because of bottlenecks at security in an admission that could result in sanctions from HMRC. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Mitsubishi admits improper fuel tests - April 2016 Mitsubishi has admitted to using false fuel methods dating back to 1991. The scale of the scandal is only just coming to light after it was revealed in April that data was falsified in the testing of four types of cars, including two Nissan cars. AP Biggest business scandals in pictures Quindell, the scandal-ridden insurance firm Quindell was once a darling of AIM but its share price fell in April 2014 when its accounting practices were attacked in a stinging research note by US short seller Gotham City. In August the group was forced to disclose that the 107 million pre-tax profit it had reported for 2013 was incorrect, and it had in fact suffered a 64million loss. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Toshiba Accounting Scandal The boss of Toshiba, the Japanese technology giant, resigned in disgrace in the wake of one of the countrys biggest ever accounting scandals. His exit came two months after the company revealed that it was investigating accounting irregularities. An independent investigatory panel said that Toshibas management had inflated its reported profits by up to 152 billion yen (780m) between 2008 and 2014. Biggest business scandals in pictures FIFA Corruption Scandal Fifa, football's world governing body, has been engulfed by claims of widespread corruption since the summer of 2015, when the US Department of Justice indicted several top executives. It has now claimed the careers of two of the most powerful men in football, Fifa President Sepp Blatter and Uefa President Michel Platini, after they were banned for eight years from all football-related activities by Fifa's ethics committee. A Swiss criminal investigation into the pair is ongoing. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Libor fraudster City trader Tom Hayes, 35, has become the first person to be convicted of rigging Libor rates following a trial at London's Southwark Crown Court. Hayes worked as a trader in yen derivatives at UBS before joining the American bank Citigroup in Tokyo. He was fired from Citigroup following an investigation into his trading methods. He returned to the UK in December 2012 and was arrested following a two-and-a-half year criminal investigation by the SFO. Getty

John Cryan, chief executive of Deutsche Bank, said the company has sought to reassure staff that the banks finances are strong despite waning confidence in the market that sent the lenders shares to record lows on September 30.

The German government has denied that it is planning a rescue for the nation's biggest bank. While leaders of some of Germanys largest firms such as Siemens and Daimler, backed the bank, saying it has their "full confidence".

According to Reuters, Berlin is pursuing discreet talks with US authorities to help Deutsche Bank secure a swift settlement and put the bank back on a firmer footing.
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London will maintain its position as the leading global financial centre after Brexit, Chancellor Philip Hammond will tell Wall Street executives today.

Making his first appearance in the US since taking the top job at the Treasury, Hammond will seek to assuage fears that the UKs position at the centre of a multi-trillion pound industry is under threat after the decision to leave the European Union.

The Chancellor is due to address financial leaders in New York, including bosses of Morgan Stanley, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs, ahead of Fridays meeting of the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC.

Recommended Read more Philip Hammond hints at financial support for UK companies hit by Brex

While the government has not finalised its future approach to our relations with the EU, the governments position is clear; we want the best deal for trade in UK goods and services,

I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the worlds leading international financial center, Hammond said in a statement released by the Treasury.

One of Britains great strengths is the ability to offer and aggregate all of the services the global financial services industry needs.

This has not changed as a result of the EU referendum result and I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the worlds leading international financial centre.

Hammond is expected to say: We will continue to welcome the best and brightest talent and organisations from around the world, including the US. While the Government has not finalised its future approach to our relations with the EU, the Government's position is clear, we want the best deal for trade in UK goods and services, including our world leading financial services industry.

City bosses have expressed widespread concern that lack of access to the single market would severely damage the financial services industry. Many have expressed particular concern about the potential loss of passporting rights, which allow financial firms to trade unhindered across the 27 member states.

Yesterday, a City lobby group issued a report warning that a hard Brexit, where access to the single market is lost, would cost the industry 40 billion and result in the loss of up to 70,000 jobs.

The sector accounts for 12 per cent of UK economic output and 1.1 million jobs, but Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday that the industry would receive no special treatment in Brexit negotiations with Brussels.

What experts have said about Brexit Show all 11 1 /11 What experts have said about Brexit What experts have said about Brexit Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond The Chancellor claims London can still be a world financial hub despite Brexit One of Britains great strengths is the ability to offer and aggregate all of the services the global financial services industry needs This has not changed as a result of the EU referendum and I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the worlds leading international financial centre. Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Yanis Varoufakis Greece's former finance minister compared the UK relations with the EU bloc with a well-known song by the Eagles: You can check out any time you like, as the Hotel California song says, but you can't really leave. The proof is Theresa May has not even dared to trigger Article 50. It's like Harrison Ford going into Indiana Jones' castle and the path behind him fragmenting. You can get in, but getting out is not at all clear Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Michael OLeary Ryanair boss says UK will be screwed by EU in Brexit trade deals: I have no faith in the politicians in London going on about how the world will want to trade with us. The world will want to screw you  that's what happens in trade talks, he said. They have no interest in giving the UK a deal on trade Getty What experts have said about Brexit Tim Martin JD Wetherspoon's chairman has said claims that the UK would see serious economic consequences from a Brexit vote were "lurid" and wrong: We were told it would be Armageddon from the OECD, from the IMF, David Cameron, the chancellor and President Obama who were predicting locusts in the fields and tidal waves in the North Sea" PA What experts have said about Brexit Mark Carney Governor of Bank of England is 'serene' about Bank of England's Brexit stance: I am absolutely serene about the  judgments made both by the MPC and the FPC Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Christine Lagarde IMF chief urges quick Brexit to reduce economic uncertainty: We want to see clarity sooner rather than later because we think that a lack of clarity feeds uncertainty, which itself undermines investment appetites and decision making Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Inga Beale Lloyds chief executive says Brexit is a major issue: "Clearly the UK's referendum on its EU membership is a major issue for us to deal with and we are now focusing our attention on having in place the plans that will ensure Lloyd's continues trading across Europe EPA What experts have said about Brexit Colm Kelleher President of US bank Morgan Stanley says City of London will suffer as result of the EU referendum: I do believe, and I said prior to the referendum, that the City of London will suffer as result of Brexit. The issue is how much What experts have said about Brexit Richard Branson Virgin founder believes we've lost a THIRD of our value because of Brexit and cancelled a deal worth 3,000 jobs: We're not any worse than anybody else, but I suspect we've lost a third of our value which is dreadful for people in the workplace.' He continued: "We were about to do a very big deal, we cancelled that deal, that would have involved 3,000 jobs, and thats happening all over the country" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Barack Obama US President believes Britain was wrong to vote to leave the EU: "It is absolutely true that I believed pre-Brexit vote and continue to believe post-Brexit vote that the world benefited enormously from the United Kingdom's participation in the EU. We are fully supportive of a process that is as little disruptive as possible so that people around the world can continue to benefit from economic growth" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Kristin Forbes American economist and an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England argues that the economy had been less stormy than many expected following the shock referendum result: For nowthe economy is experiencing some chop, but no tsunami. The adverse winds could quickly pick up  and merit a stronger policy response. But recently they have shifted to a more favourable direction Getty

Hopes of a soft Brexit, where the UK maintains access to the single market but implements curbs on immigration, appeared to be severely weakened after German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said that freedom of movement and free access to trade were inextricably linked.

We only say in very general terms that full access to the single market is inextricably linked with acceptance of the four freedoms, including freedom of movement, Merkel said.

Granting exceptions on full access would throw into question the entire EU system and lead to an extremely difficult situation."

Download a free Brexit action plan and investment ideas from Independent partner, Hargreaves Lansdown.
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An Iranian author and human rights activist has been summoned to start her six-year-long sentence for insulting Islamic sanctities and spreading propaganda in an unpublished work of fiction.

Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee received a threatening phone call ordering her to report to Tehrans notorious Evin Prison on Tuesday.

The first charge of five years is because of her unpublished novel, which is about a young woman who watches the film The Stoning of Soraya M - the true story of a woman stoned to death for adultery - and is so angered she burns a copy of the Quran.

The charges against Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee are ludicrous, Philip Luther, Amnestys Director of Research and Advocacy for the Middle East and North Africa, said.

She is facing years behind bars simply for writing a story, and one which was not even published  she is effectively being punished for using her imagination.

Arbitrary arrests and the detention of prisoners of conscience are common in Iran. At least 6,000 people have been arrested since 2009 for their political views or being related to people who oppose the government, The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran says. An estimated 500 human rights activists, lawyers, journalists and students are currently thought to be held in Evin.

Ms Iraee was not tried fairly, Amnesty said. She was sentenced after two brief sessions by an Islamic Revolutionary Guards court in Tehran, where her first lawyer was pressured into dropping her case, and the second was barred from representing her.

She was not given the chance to speak in her own defence because the first session was focused on her husbands activism, and at the second she was in hospital recovering from major surgery. The court rejected her request to adjourn a hearing, even when presented with medical records.

Iran's reformists use key anniversary to defy regime Show all 2 1 /2 Iran's reformists use key anniversary to defy regime Iran's reformists use key anniversary to defy regime 258607.bin AP Iran's reformists use key anniversary to defy regime 258608.bin AP

Ms Iraees ordeal began in September 2014 when she and her husband Arash Sadegh were arrested by four men believed to be from the Revolutionary Guards, the wing of the Iranian military which upholds the Islamic system in Iran. They escorted the couple home without an arrest and searched their home, seizing laptops, notebooks and CDs.

Mr Sadegh, also a human rights activist, was transferred to Evin Prison and sentenced to 15 years for spreading propaganda against the system, gathering and colluding against national security and insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic. Prosecutors used copies of emails and Facebook messages to activists and journalists outside Iran as proof of the charges against him.

When her husband was taken to prison, Ms Iraee was detained in a secret location in solitary confinement for three days without access to a lawyer or her family. During the next 17 days at Evin Prison she said she was interrogated for hours, blindfolded, and threatened with execution, while listening to her husband being slapped, kicked and choked in the next cell.

Both Mr Sadegh and Ms Iraee were denied access to lawyers.

 Iranian women continue to defy cycling ban

Amnesty International is calling on the Iranian authorities to immediately overturn Ms Iraee and her husbands convictions and sentences. Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraees trial was farcical, a statement said. She was denied the right to a defence and her sentence was a foregone conclusion. This is just the latest example of the Iranian authorities utter contempt for justice and human rights.

Stoning, the Sharia punishment for adultery, is legal in Iran.

The Iranian delegation to the UN defended the practice last year, saying it is effective in deterring crimes and protecting morality.

Amnesty says the organisation is aware of at least one woman  Fariba Khaleghi  currently facing death by stoning.
A 57-year-old vet from Segovia has been handed down a four-and-a-half month prison sentence for leaving his wounded dog inside a corpse container at a pig farm. He has also been barred from the profession for 18 months.

A Segovia court has ordered him to pay 854.78 in damages to the Segovia Association for Animal Defense, which brought the complaint against him.

The animal recovered, and the association has found a new home for him

Canelo was run over in December 2012 in Fuentemilanos, a small community close to Segovia, and sustained serious injuries according to the ruling.

The vet, who has not been named, decided to place the animal inside a bag, which he tied shut with a piece of rope and dumped in a container used for dead animals on a pig farm located in a rural area known as Campillo de Torremilanos.

A criminal tribunal found that this increased and prolonged the animals suffering.

An animal breeder found the wounded dog hours later and called the local police. Canelo was taken to a veterinary clinic in Segovia, where the animal was only partially conscious, with multiple bruising, hypothermia and dehydration. His left eye was partially out of its socket

But the animal recovered, and the association has since found a new home for him.

Association spokespeople called the incident horrifying and noted that with the new changes introduced into the law, right now the sentence would have been tougher.

The animal rights group also asked for legislation to expressly acknowledge that animals are sentient beings, as other European Union countries do.

Under Spanish legislation, individuals sentenced to less than two years in prison are unlikely to serve time in jail unless they have a previous record.

English version by Susana Urra.
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It isnt often that Fox News will apologise for causing offence, a common occurrence on a network that has shown anchors claiming Santa is definitely white and suggesting legalising gay marriage could lead to unions between animals and humans.

But presenter Jesse Watters has issued an apology, of sorts, after the correspondent famed for his street interviews ambushed people in New York Citys Chinatown with questions about the US election which were peppered with offensive Asian stereotypes.

For his Watters World segment on the Bill OReily Show, he asked questions such as: Am I supposed to bow to say hello?; Do you know karate?; Do they call Chinese food in China just food? and "Do you have any traditional Chinese herbs for performance?

Some of those interviewed for the five-minute segment were elderly, did not appear to speak English and were ridiculed for not responding to his questions. Conversations were also interspersed with clips from films depicting Asian stereotypes.

The interviews were accused of racism, with Farhad Manjoo, a tech reporter for the New York Times, describing it as one of the most blatantly racist things I have ever seen.

Fox News 'finest moments' Show all 13 1 /13 Fox News 'finest moments' Fox News 'finest moments' Penis pictures are news Pulling photos straight from Twitter moments before going on-air was a nightmare waiting to happen for any network, as Fox-affiliated KDVR found in spectacular fashion when a penis was spliced into coverage of the Seattle helicopter crash Twitter Fox News 'finest moments' Homosexual impulses lead to serial killings A licensed psychotherapist booked to appear on Foxs Justice With Judge Jeanie programme suggested Santa Barbara shooter Elliot Rodger could have been acting upon homosexual impulses when he targeted his victims Fox News 'finest moments' Single ladies rely on government like a husband Fox News host Jesse Watters coined the phrase Beyonce Voters, who depend on government because theyre not depending on their husbands. Watters was critical of this section of the electorate for needing contraception, health care, and they love to talk about equal pay Getty Images Fox News 'finest moments' Its OK to use racial slurs about China Fox News presenter Bob Beckel claimed Chinamen had been taught how to do computers by Americans in a rant about Chinas threat to the national security of the US Fox/YouTube Fox News 'finest moments' Michelle Obama needs to drop a few pounds Foxs psychiatry contributor, Dr Keith Ablow, claimed that Michelle Obama isnt in a position to campaign for healthier eating because she needs to drop a few herself Fox News 'finest moments' Russell Brand is left-wing commie scum Fox presenter Greg Gutfeld called Brand left-wing commie scum after he condemned the news station for hiring a token black person to come on to lament the riots Getty Fox News 'finest moments' Women in the armed forces are boobs on the ground Presenter Kimberly Guilfoyle asked if the UAEs first female fighter pilots role during Isis air strikes could be considered boobs on the ground in Syria Fox News 'finest moments' Sexism awareness videos should themselves be treated with sexism Bob Beckel again. The Fox host addressed the viral video actress Shoshana B Roberts created highlighting catcalling in New York by saying: She got 100 catcalls, let me add 101. Damn, baby, youre a piece of woman Fox News 'finest moments' Young women shouldnt worry themselves with politics Foxs Guilfoyle said young women shouldnt be able to vote or sit on juries because they dont have the same concerns as their elders. I just think, excuse them so they can go back on Tinder and Match.com, he said Fox News 'finest moments' Ignore CIA torture because the US is awesome Foxs National Security Analyst KT McFarland condemned the release of a damning report into the CIA's use of torture as a political manoeuvre designed to show Americans "how were not awesome" Fox News/YouTube Fox News 'finest moments' The Sydney terror siege justifies CIA use of torture Elizabeth Hasselbeck used the hostage situation in Sydney to defend the CIA after it was widely condemned for enhanced interrogation techniques revealed in the so-called 'torture report' Fox News 'finest moments' Videos should be edited to say what you want Fox apologised after editing a video of protesters to make it sound as if they were chanting "kill a cop" during a demonstration over a grand jury decision not to charge the police officer who put Eric Garner in an illegal chokehold YouTube Fox News 'finest moments' The AirAsia plane crashed because of the metric system Presenter Anna Kooiman linked the use of different measurement systems to the safety of flights abroad

Democratic congressman Ted Lieu told Fox using stereotypes was at best, racist and at worst, really racist. New York State Senator Daniel Squadron joined a chorus of voices condemning the piece, telling Watters: Segment in Chinatown is offensive and unacceptable. Welcome to my district - hope you don't come back.

Responding to the backlash, Watters said his segment should be taken with humour and apologised if anyone felt offended by it.

He wrote on Twitter: As a political humorist, the Chinatown segment was intended to be a light piece, as all Watters World segments are.

My man-on-the-street interviews are meant to be taken as tongue-in-cheek and I regret if anyone found offence.

Fox did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Kim Kardashian Wests bodyguard Pascal Duvier has wiped all traces of her from his social media accounts just days after she was the victim of an alleged armed robbery in Paris.

French police say Kardashian West was bound, gagged and held at gunpoint in the early hours of Monday morning. At least two men dressed as police officers broke into the building before entering her luxury accommodation and making off with an estimated 9 milllion worth of jewellery. Parisian authorities have suggested the thieves may have spotted her jewellery on social media.

After a robbery involving one of the most famous and photographed women in the planet, speculation over the circumstances of the crime is rife.

Kardashian West and her family have been uncharacteristically quiet on social media in the aftermath of the ordeal and now her bodyguard Mr Duvier  who was not with her at the time of the robbery as he was reportedly minding her sisters Kourtney and Kendall on a night out in the French capital  has appeared to delete all traces of the reality TV star from his social media.

Kim Kardashian Robbery Show all 10 1 /10 Kim Kardashian Robbery Kim Kardashian Robbery Kim Kardashian West and her husband Kanye arrive back at their town house in New York City last night Rex Kim Kardashian Robbery Kris Jenner is surrounded by security as she leaves the New York residence where her daughter Kim Kardashian West is staying in New York, after her robbery ordeal in Paris, France. AP Kim Kardashian Robbery Security cars and media surround Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's town house in New York City. Rex Kim Kardashian Robbery Media and security personnel are gathered in front of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's town house in New York City. She flew out of France on a private jet on Monday after being questioned by police about the robbery. Getty Kim Kardashian Robbery Security cars and media surround Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's town house in New York City. Getty Kim Kardashian Robbery A close-up on the 'Rue Tronchet' street sign where Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint by masked men during Paris Fashion Week in Paris, France. Getty Kim Kardashian Robbery A french police car is seen outside Kim Kardashian's Luxury Apartment after being robbed at gunpoint by masked men during Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2017 in Paris, France. Getty Kim Kardashian Robbery Journalists stand in front of the entrance of a luxury residence on the Rue Tronchet in central Paris, France, where masked men robbed U.S. reality TV star Kim Kardashian at gunpoint early on Monday, stealing jewellery worth millions of dollars, police and her publicist said. Reuters Kim Kardashian Robbery Getty Kim Kardashian Robbery French police officers exit the residence of Kim Kardashian in Paris Monday, Oct. 3, 2016. Kim Kardashian was unharmed after being robbed at gunpoint of more than $10 million worth of jewelry inside a private Paris residence Sunday night, police officials said. AP

Mr Duvier had previously posted photos of himself standing guard by Kardashian West, her husband Kanye West and other members of her family on Instagram and Twitter which are no longer visible. Instead, a number of inspirational quotes remain on his Twitter feed.

TMZ claim sources "close to Kim and Kanye" say the posts have been removed as a measure of heightened security and add that they do not blame him for the robbery, dismissing suggestions he was fired after he faced accusations of not protecting her online.

Mr Duvier has been a member of Kardashian Wests security team since 2012. The 35-year-old was quick to give him a shout-out on social media last week when a notorious celebrity prankster attempted to kiss her bottom in Paris before being bundled to the ground by Mr Duvier.

Representatives for Kardashian West and Mr Duvier did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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A mother's genetics determines how clever her children are, according to researchers, and the father makes no difference.

Women are more likely to transmit intelligence genes to their children because they are carried on the X chromosome and women have two of these, while men only have one.

But in addition to this, scientists now believe genes for advanced cognitive functions which are inherited from the father may be automatically deactivated.

A category of genes known as conditioned genes are thought to work only if they come from the mother in some cases and the father in other cases. Intelligence is believed to be among the conditioned genes that have to come from the mother.

Laboratory studies using genetically modified mice found that those with an extra dose of maternal genes developed bigger heads and brains, but had little bodies. Those with an extra dose of paternal genes had small brains and larger bodies.

Mothers meeting their newborn babies Show all 9 1 /9 Mothers meeting their newborn babies Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Mothers meeting their newborn babies

Researchers identified cells that contained only maternal or paternal genes in six different parts of the mouse brains which controlled different cognitive functions, from eating habits to memory.

Cells with paternal genes accumulated in parts of the limbic system, which is involved in functions such as sex, food and aggression. But researchers did not find any paternal cells in the cerebral cortex, which is where the most advanced cognitive functions take place, such as reasoning, thought, language and planning.

Concerned that people might not be like mice, researchers in Glasgow took a more human approach to exploring intelligence. They found the theories extrapolated from mice studies bear out in reality when they interviewed 12,686 young people between the ages of 14 and 22 every year from 1994. Despite taking into account several factors, from the participants education to their race and socio-economic status, the team still found the best predictor of intelligence was the IQ of the mother.

However, research also makes it clear that genetics are not the only determinant of intelligence - only 40 to 60 per cent of intelligence is estimated to be hereditary, leaving a similar chunk dependent on the environment.

But mothers have also been found to play an extremely significant role in this non-genetic part of intelligence, with some studies suggesting a secure bond between mother and child is intimately tied to intelligence.

 Chocolate is good for your brain

Researchers at the University of Washington found that a secure emotional bond between a mother and child is crucial for the growth of some parts of the brain. After analysing the way a group of mothers related to their children for seven years, the researchers found children who were supported emotionally and had their intellectual needs fulfilled had a 10 per cent larger hippocampus at 13 on average than children whose mothers were emotionally distant. The hippocampus is an area of the brain associated with memory, learning and stress response.

A strong bond with the mother is thought to give a child a sense of security which allows them to explore the world, and the confidence to solve problems. In addition, devoted, attentive mothers tend to help children solve problems, further helping them to reach their potential.

Of course, there's no reason why fathers can't play as big a nurture role as mothers. And researchers point out that a whole array of other gene determined traits - like intuiton and emotions - which can be inherited from the father are also key to unlocking potential intelligence, so fathers - don't despair.
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Five teenagers arrested after Polish immigrant Arek Jozwik was killed in a possible hate crime in Harlow, Essex, will face no further action due to a lack of evidence, police have said.

A 15-year-old, however, remains on bail in connection with Mr Jozwiks death.

The 40-year-old suffered head injuries after he was allegedly attacked and fell to the ground outside a row of takeaway shops in The Stow, Harlow, on August 27. He died in hospital two days later.

Six teenagers, five aged 15 and one 16-year-old, all from Harlow, were arrested on suspicion of murder between August 28 and 29. Five have now been released without charge due to insufficient evidence.

Detective Inspector Danny Stoten, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "The investigation into Arek Jozwik's death is progressing and I am grateful to the Harlow community for their ongoing support.

"Arek's family has been updated throughout the investigation.

6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Show all 6 1 /6 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you More expensive foreign holidays The first practical effect of a vote to Leave is that the pound will be worth less abroad, meaning foreign holidays will cost us more nito100 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you No immediate change in immigration status The Prime Minister will have to address other immediate concerns. He is likely to reassure nationals of other EU countries living in the UK that their status is unchanged. That is what the Leave campaign has said, so, even after the Brexit negotiations are complete, those who are already in the UK would be allowed to stay Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Higher inflation A lower pound means that imports would become more expensive. This is likely to mean the return of inflation  a phenomenon with which many of us are unfamiliar because prices have been stable for so long, rising at no more than about 2 per cent a year. The effect may probably not be particularly noticeable in the first few months. At first price rises would be confined to imported goods  food and clothes being the most obvious  but inflation has a tendency to spread and to gain its own momentum AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Interest rates might rise The trouble with inflation is that the Bank of England has a legal obligation to keep it as close to 2 per cent a year as possible. If a fall in the pound threatens to push prices up faster than this, the Bank will raise interest rates. This acts against inflation in three ways. First, it makes the pound more attractive, because deposits in pounds will earn higher interest. Second, it reduces demand by putting up the cost of borrowing, and especially by taking larger mortgage payments out of the economy. Third, it makes it more expensive for businesses to borrow to expand output Getty 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you Did somebody say recession? Mr Carney, the Treasury and a range of international economists have warned about this. Many Leave voters appear not to have believed them, or to think that they are exaggerating small, long-term effects. But there is no doubt that the Leave vote is a negative shock to the economy. This is because it changes expectations about the economys future performance. Even though Britain is not actually be leaving the EU for at least two years, companies and investors will start to move money out of Britain, or to scale back plans for expansion, because they are less confident about what would happen after 2018 AFP/Getty Images 6 ways Britain leaving the EU will affect you And we wouldnt even get our money back All this will be happening while the Prime Minister, whoever he or she is, is negotiating the terms of our future access to the EU single market. In the meantime, our trade with the EU would be unaffected, except that companies elsewhere in the EU may be less interested in buying from us or selling to us, expecting tariff barriers to go up in two years time. Whoever the Chancellor is, he or she may feel the need to bring in a new Budget Getty Images

"We have carried out a huge amount of work into the investigation. So far we have taken over 150 witness statements, spoken to over 300 people during house-to-house and general inquiries, and seized over 100 hours of CCTV, which is subject to ongoing viewing.

"In excess of 30 police officers and staff have been involved in the investigation and have committed over 1,200 additional hours."

Mr Jozwicks death had been linked by some commentators to the outpouring of so-called post-referendum racism that followed the June vote. Visiting Harlow in August Arkady Rzegocki, Polands ambassador to the UK, spoke of much more racism occurring since the referendum.

The incident also contributed to European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker using his annual state of the union address last month to condemn attacks on Polish people in the aftermath of the Brexit vote.

Some immigrants in Harlow told The Independent they had thought of leaving the town in the wake of Mr Jozwicks death.

Others, however, insisted that Harlow was not a racist town and questioned whether the incident was more closely linked to anti-social behaviour by bored residents. One British-born resident complained of little scumbags looking for anyone to pick on.

In September a small team of Polish police officers flew to Harlow to patrol the streets alongside British officers in an effort to reassure the public.
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A court has jailed a man for life after he murdered his wife when she refused to stop looking after men in her job as a care worker.

Judge Patrick Field QC told Imran Khan, from greater Manchester, he was a selfish and controlling man who held medieval attitudes towards women.

The 38-year-old, who described himself as a devout Muslim, sent his wife, Nasreen Khan, also 38, a barrage of text messages that claimed she was disobeying Islam.

He told her: If you go to men's houses and lie to me I get angry. If you play games I get angry.

Later the same day he stabbed Ms Khan, a mother of three, to death with a kitchen knife while five children were in the house.

Mr Field described the killing on 18 April at the family's home in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, as a merciless attack.

He told Khan: Behind the traditional line taken in your texts, appeared to lurk an element of jealousy of your wife's independence of mind and a resentment of her defiance of your orders.

She was a devoted mother. She worked hard to support her family and she was good at that job.

Unless anyone should think there was a cultural clash, let it be said the evidence shows your parents and sister were entirely supportive of Nasreen's choice.

Khans lawyer claimed his client was genuinely remorseful. But the court also heard he made a flippant comment to police after the attack: Never get an arranged marriage bro.

The couple were introduced by relatives in 1999, after Imran's family travelled to Pakistan to arrange his marriage. The relationship was reportedly volatile, with the couple repeatedly separating and then getting back together.

The court heard Khan spent family money on himself and complained his wife would pretend to be asleep to avoid having sex with him.

In December 2015, Ms Khan accepted a job with Homecare Services looking after vulnerable men and women. She told relatives she wanted to gain experience and independence, and help support her family.

But Khan  who the judge noted did little to provide for the family  sent her vitriolic text messages claiming: Allah would not approve... It's not halal for you to work with men. I don't give permission. I told you no men when you started.

He continued: If she can't get you a rota with no men then leave the job, I don't give you permission for that, so listen to what I'm telling you, you are my wife, let me remind you you are married.

If you go another man's house again then you are doing Haram. Don't ignore this again and again It's Haram what you're doing.

On the day she was murdered, Ms Khan spoke to her boss about her husband's behaviour and told colleagues she intended to confront him.

The court heard Ms Khan told her husband she wanted him to leave, to which he responded: I've got nothing to lose now have I?

He then phoned his father and told him: I've got no choice. I'm going to kill her and kill myself.

The court was told the five children in the house at the time heard Ms Khan's screams as her husband repeatedly stabbed her in the kitchen. Khan then phoned his father again, saying I did it before hanging up.

He discarded the knife on the driveway of their house before driving off.

Ms Khan died later in hospital.

Khan admitted murder at Manchester Crown Court and will serve a minimum 20 year prison sentence.

Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Show all 10 1 /10 Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Brazilian women march in Sao Paulo during a protest following the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl Rex Features Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl There have been calls for protests to end to what campaigners call Brazil's 'culture of rape' after the attack Rex Features Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl An online campaign has been set up in response to the crime, using the hashtag #EstuproNuncaMais, meaning 'rape never again' Rex Features Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl The 16-year-old victim was attacked in a poor neighbourhood in the west of the city on 21 May 2016 Rex Features Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Two of the attackers posted pictures and video on Twitter of the assault, which has shocked the country Rex Features Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Brazilian women protest in front of the Candelaria Church in Rio de Janeiro AFP/Getty Images Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Seven men have been charged in connection with the attack AFP/Getty Images Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Women's underwear and photos from Brazilian photographer Marcio Freitas displayed on Copacabana beach during a protest by non-governmental organization Rio de Paz (Rio of Peace) against rape and violence against women REUTERS Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Women's underwear smeared with paint is seen during a protest against rape and violence against women in Brasilia, Brazil REUTERS Feminist protests demand end to violence against women in Brazil after gang rape of teenage girl Demonstrators attend a protest against rape and violence against women in Brasilia, Brazil REUTERS

The Senior Investigating Officer, Duncan Thorpe, from Greater Manchester Police said: This is a tragic incident which has left a mother dead and three children without parents. My heart goes out to them; they are the ones who have lost out most here.

1.4 million women in the UK experienced domestic violence last year and two women are killed every week on average in England and Wales by a current or former partner.

The chief executive of domestic violence charity Refuge, Sandra Horley CBE, said: Abusive men frequently deny their abuse outright, suggesting that the women are making it up or that they are crazy. Even if an abuser admits to his behaviour he will make excuses. It wasnt my fault  I was drunk or You know I didnt mean it - Id just had a bad day at work and I took it out on her are typical. An abuser might blame alcohol, a sudden loss of temper, jealousy, the fact that he is unemployed, miserable at work or worried about money  anything and everyone but himself. Religion is just another excuse.

She added that anyone experiencing domestic violence was "not alone and should contact Refuge for information and support.
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Alleged serial killer Stephen Port planted a suicide note on one victim in a wicked attempt to frame him for the death of another, a court has heard.

Over a period of 15 months, Port, 41, surreptitiously plied four young gay men he had met online with fatal doses of date rape drug GHB so he could have sex with them while they were unconscious, jurors heard.

The chef and former male escort allegedly dragged their bodies out of his flat in Barking, east London, and dumped them in or near a graveyard as he tried to cover up what he had done.

Port was jailed for eight months for perverting the course of justice by lying to police about the circumstances of the death of his first alleged victim, 23-year-old fashion student Anthony Walgate.

He had initially claimed not to know Mr Walgate after reporting a man collapsed outside his flat in June 2014, but later confessed to police that he had panicked, jurors were told.

Mr Walgate, an occasional escort, had told a friend details of a planned sleepover with the man he had met through the Sleepyboys website, jokingly saying it was in case I get killed, the court heard.

In an extraordinary twist of fate, Port's second and third alleged victims were found by the same dog walker in a churchyard 400 metres from where he lived, the court heard.

Slovakian Gabriel Kovari, 22, who had been living with Port, was found dead from a drugs overdose on August 28 2014.

Then on September 20 2014, the body of Daniel Whitworth, 21, from Gravesend, was uncovered near the same spot clutching an apparent suicide note.

Recommended Read more Suspected serial killer appeared on Celebrity Masterchef

Prosecutor Jonathan Rees QC told jurors Port had made a wicked attempt to frame Mr Whitworth for the death of Mr Kovari.

The fake suicide note read: I am sorry to everyone, mainly my family, but I can't go on any more, I took the life of my friend Gabriel Kline (Kovari), we was just having some fun at a mate's place and I got carried away and gave him another shot of G.

I didn't notice while we was having sex that he had stopped breathing. I tried everything to get him to breathe again but it was too late, it was an accident, but I blame myself for what happened and I didn't tell my family I went out.

I know I would go to prison if I go to the police and I can't do that to my family and at least this way I can at least be with Gabriel again, I hope he will forgive me.

BTW Please do not blame the guy I was with last night, we only had sex then I left, he knows nothing of what I have done.

I have taken what g I have left with sleeping pills so if it does kill me it's what I deserve. Feeling dizey now as took 10 min ago so hoping you understand my writing.

I dropped my phone on way here so it should be in the grass somewhere. Sorry to everyone. Love always. Daniel P W.

Mr Rees told jurors the note was written to give the impression Mr Whitworth had taken an overdose because he blamed himself for Mr Kovari's death.

At the time, police accepted the apparent suicide note on face value and did not investigate further, he said.

Mr Whitworth's movements before his death were not checked and no attempt was made to find the guy I was with last night, he said.

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Mr Rees said the note turned out to be a sham as handwriting experts found it had been written by Port and not Mr Whitworth.

Port denies 29 offences against a total of 12 men, including four murders, seven rapes, four sex assaults and administering a substance with intent.
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The first victim of alleged serial murderer Stephen Port gave a friend details of their planned date "in case I get killed", a court has heard.

Anthony Walgate, 23, suffered an overdose of the party drug GHB at Port's home in Barking, east London, in June 2014, the Old Bailey was told.

He was one of four men to be killed by the "cruel and manipulative" chef over a 15-month period, jurors heard.

The 41-year-old was allegedly "turned on" by sex with unconscious young gay men whom he knocked out with drinks spiked with the sedative GHB.

The former male escort denies 29 offences against 12 men, including four murders, seven rapes, four sex assaults and administering a substance with intent.

Prosecutor Jonathan Rees QC has told jurors that Port had already drugged two young men and raped one before he contacted fashion student and occasional escort Mr Walgate on a website called Sleepyboys.

He offered the student 800 to visit for an "overnight" on June 17, the court heard.

Before heading off, Mr Walgate sent details to a friend, joking it was "in case I get killed".

He gave her the false name of Jo Dean that Port had given him, jurors were told.

In the early hours of the morning, Port called 999 to report a man collapsed in the communal area of his block of flats in Cooke Street.

Mr Walgate was found dead from an overdose, with a bottle of GHB in his bag.

The defendant went on to lie to police, saying he had discovered him after returning from a night shift, the court has heard.

When police arrested him on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, Port said he had sex with an man called Anthony whom he had met online the previous week but denied he was the same person.

In a second interview, Port claimed that, when he met Mr Walgate for sex, the young man had wanted to have "some stuff to make him horny and high" and saw him with a brown bottle.

When he returned from a night shift and found Mr Walgate passed out in his flat and making a "gurgling noise", Port said he panicked, the court was told.

Recounting the defendant's interview, Mr Rees said: "He picked him up under his shoulders and then carried him outside to the communal front entrance. He had some concerns that he wasn't alive but he didn't want to think about it."

Port was jailed for eight months for perverting the course of justice in connection with the death and was tagged on June 4 2015 after serving half his sentence, the court heard.

Mr Rees said: "The prosecution allege that it was the defendant and not Anthony Walgate who added the liquid GBL (GHB) into the drink that Mr Walgate consumed.

"He did it surreptitiously without Mr Walgate's knowledge or consent.

"Mr Walgate was a cautious person when it came to working as an escort. He was fully aware that it was a risky profession."

The prosecutor told jurors there was no way he would have taken a dose of drugs that made him "vulnerable and defenceless".

Two months after the death of Mr Walgate, Port allegedly killed his second victim, Gabriel Kovari, 22, who was originally from Slovakia and went to stay with the defendant.

Port described him to a friend as his "new Slovakian Twink flatmate", jurors heard.

On August 28, Mr Kovari's body was found by a dog walker in a nearby churchyard by Barking Abbey.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty 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

As with Mr Walgate, he was in a seated position and appeared to have been dragged there.

Mr Kovari was wearing sunglasses and was left with a suitcase of belongings and papers.

His death was initially treated as "unexplained" but a post-mortem examination found he died from a mixed drug overdose.

Mr Rees said the defendant claims he was elsewhere when Mr Kovari died and he was last seen with Daniel Whitworth, his third alleged victim.

Mr Rees told jurors Port had made a "wicked attempt" to frame Mr Whitworth, 21, from Gravesend, Kent, for the death of Mr Kovari.

In an "extraordinary" twist, the same dog walker found chef Mr Whitworth's body on the morning of September 20 2014, he said.

Clutched in his hand was what appeared to be a suicide note.

Reporting by Press Association
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An open letter stating that Donald Trump would make the most reckless president in American history received an enthusiastic response at a literary event.

Signed by 50 former US national security officials including former deputy attorney general Donald Ayer and former secretary of homeland security Michael Chertoff, the letter said that although many have doubts about Hilary Clinton... Donald Trump is not the answer to America's daunting challenges and to this crucial election.

Actor Stephen Mangan read out the letter at the Letters Live event at Freemasons' Hall, central London, which also said Republican White House hopeful Mr Trump appears to lack basic knowledge about and belief in the US Constitution, US laws and US institutions, including religious tolerance, freedom of the press, and an independent judiciary.

Miriam Margolyes, Stephen Mangan and Toby Jones give readings at the Letters Live event (John Stillwell/PA)

It added: Unlike previous presidents who had limited experience in foreign affairs, Mr Trump has shown no interest in educating himself. He continues to display an alarming ignorance of basic facts of contemporary international politics.

Stranger Things actor Charlie Heaton took to the lectern to read a correspondence between a then-unknown budding 17-year-old actor to The Sting director George Roy Hill, asking to be made into a star.

The young actor in question was Tom Hanks - or Thomas J Hanks as he signed off the letter - and made such bold claims as My looks are not stunning. I am not built like a Greek god, and I can't even grow a moustache, but I figure if people will pay to see certain films... they will pay to see me.

Mary Poppins actress Karen Dotrice made a rare appearance as she read a letter penned from producer Samuel Goldwyn to Walt Disney. Goldwyn had previously expressed an interest in making PL Travers' book into a film, but wrote his delight at Disney's reimagining of the literary work.

Dotrice read: Once in a lifetime - and only once - a picture comes along which cannot be compared to any other and to which no other can be compared... You have made it - Mary Poppins.

The letter concluded: I hope everyone in the world will see it - that is the nicest thing I can possibly wish them.

Musician Kelvin Jones opened and closed the show, while a lively performance also came courtesy of actors Toby Jones and Miriam Margolyes.

The pair gave a rousing recital of Napoleon Bonapate's letters to his wife Josephine - Jones reading enthusiastically while a silent Margolyes pulled a variety of bemused expressions. Their performance won the most rapturous applause of the evening from an elated audience.

Other stars taking to the stage included Sherlock actress Louise Brealey, activist Jack Monroe and Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, who declared there's no way I can get my voice as deep as Iggy's, but I'll try, before reciting a letter sent by Iggy Pop to a fan.

Letters Live began in December 2013 to celebrate remarkable letters and the enduring power of correspondence. The event has attracted some of the biggest names to contribute and raise money for literacy charities.

This month the event runs from October 4-8, and past performers have included Benedict Cumberbatch, Jude Law, Dominic West and Gillian Anderson.

Press Association
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The Government has overturned a decision to refuse planning permission for fracking of shale gas in Lancashire.

Ahead of the announcement by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), Friends of the Earth released documents showing one of two proposed sites had been given planning permission, despite local opposition.

The decision is the first indication that Theresa May will continue David Cameron's ambitions to go "all out" for fracking, despite concerns that opening up a new supply of fossil fuels is a retrograde step given the need to reduce carbon emissions.

It came on the same day Professor Lord Nicholas Stern, the leading economist, warned that attempts to deliver economic growth with a high-carbon strategy would "self-destruct".

Some have argued that gas from fracking will help cut greenhouse gases relative to coal, which produces more emissions. But others say rapid developments in renewable energy, batteries and other electricity storage methods have demonstrated there is no need to frack for gas.

Fracking has also been linked to pollution of groundwater and the air, with complaints of health problems by some local people in places like Pennsylvania in the US where it has become common.

Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Communities, said: The decisions follow extensive consideration of all the evidence, including an independent planning inspectors report and evidence submitted during a two-week public inquiry.

Shale gas has the potential to power economic growth, support 64,000 jobs, and provide a new domestic energy source, making us less reliant on imports.

When it comes to the financial benefits of shale, our plans mean local communities benefit first. We will take the big decisions that matter to the future of our country as we build an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.

Friends of the Earth north-west campaigner, Helen Rimmer, said: This is bad news for Lancashire  the community have been fighting fracking for more than five years. This fight continues until this unproven and unpopular industry disappears for good.

Instead of shoving us down a dangerous path that inevitably leads to climate change, the Government should invest in renewables and energy efficiency, an emerging industry that could create 24,000 jobs in the north west alone.

Lancashire County Council voted against allowing drilling for gas using the controversial technique at the two sides in June last year, following more than 18,000 objections.

But the company behind the project, Cuadrilla, then appealed to the Government.

Mr Javid decided to allow fracking at one site, called Preston New Road in the parish of Westby-with-Plumptons, but deferred a decision on the other application, to frack at Roseacre Wood.

The Government planning inspector had recommended allowing the Preston New Road application, but refusing the Roseacre Wood one.

The planning decision document said Mr Javid was "minded" to grant permission for Roseacre Wood if traffic problems identified by the inspector could be resolved.

"He [Mr Javid] has decided to give the appellant [Cuadrilla] and other parties the opportunity to provide any further evidence on highway safety and allow parties to make any representations on that before reaching a final decision on this appeal," the document says.

"Subject to being satisfied that the highway safety issues identified by the inspector can be satisfactorily addressed, the Secretary of State is minded to allow Appeal C [Roseacre Wood] and grant planning permission, subject to conditions."

Cuadrilla welcomed the decisions and said it "looks forward to demonstrating that it will meet these requirements" to enable fracking at Roseacre Wood.

Francis Egan, the company's chief executive, said: We are very pleased that we can now move ahead with our shale gas exploration plans which will start to create new economic growth opportunities and jobs for people in Lancashire and the UK.

"As a Lancashire business we are proud that the county will play such a vital role in securing vitally needed, home-sourced energy.

"We are confident that our operations will be safe and responsible and the comprehensive site monitoring programme planned by regulators and independent academics will in due course conclusively demonstrate this.

"We hope this will reassure the minority of people whom remain sceptical about shale gas exploration.

However Liberal Democrat Climate and Energy Spokesperson Lynne Featherstone said the decision "sets a very dangerous precedent".

Fracking poses a huge risk to our countryside, environment and efforts to tackle climate change, we must continue to fight it at every turn," she said.

At a time when the rest of the world is moving towards low carbon, this Conservative government is taking us in completely the wrong direction.

And Greenpeace campaigner Hannah Martin said the decision raised questions about the UK Government's commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

This fudged decision shows the Government is struggling to force fracking on a reluctant nation," she said.

"Fracking will put our countryside and air quality at risk. Digging up more fossil fuels that we cant burn if we are to honour the international agreement we signed in Paris and is coming into force next month makes little economic or environmental sense.

Theresa May cannot build a 21st-century industrial strategy on a polluting and inexperienced fracking sector that wont deliver for years, if ever.

"If the Prime Minister wants to promote an affordable and fair energy system whilst bolstering business growth and job creation, renewable and smart energy technologies are the way to go.

Local campaign groups also expressed their dismay.

Pat Davies, who chairs the Preston New Road Action Group, said it was "a sad day as it is clear to all that this Government neither listens nor can it be trusted to do the right thing for local communities.

It is deplorable that an industry that has been rejected on every level has inflicted itself on Preston New Road. Westby Parish Council, Fylde Borough Council and Lancashire County Council planning committee all said no to this application. These reasons were based on facts and knowledge, they rejected the site as unsuitable. Profit clearly comes before people.

"This travesty of justice will not be accepted. This is not the end. We will challenge this.

And Barbara Richardson, of Roseacre Awareness Group, said: While we are happy that there will be no fracking in Roseacre, our joy is obviously tempered by the decision to allow fracking to go ahead elsewhere in Lancashire. We will do what we can to support our friends at Preston New Road in their continuing fight.

After researching this industry for over two and a half years we are of the firm opinion that fracking has no place anywhere in the UK. The risks to our health and wellbeing, environment and climate change are far too high and the benefits seriously over-hyped. There is still a significant threat from this industry especially in the North of England.

Fracking is not the solution. It is a backward step in energy policy. Ours is a small and densely populated country, unlike the wide open spaces of the US, which cannot support such an industry without devastating results. Be assured this is about money not people.
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A US-based Muslim preacher who allegedly advocated killing gay people is giving a lecture series in London after being allowed to enter the UK.

The Home Office has been urged to retract the visa of Hamza Sodagar who is giving a series of lectures in the capital city between 3 October and 12 October.

Mr Sodagar appeared in an online video recorded in 2010 in which he details ways in which gay people can be punished for their sexuality, including being beheaded or thrown off a cliff. Footage shows him apparently telling an audience: If theres homosexual men, the punishment is one of five things. One, the easiest one maybe, is cut their head off, thats the easiest. The second is, burn them to death. Third, throw them off a cliff. Fourth, tear down the wall on them so they die. Fifth, a combination of the above.

We have a hadith on that. Now, whether someones going to accept that, thats up to the jurists to read that and understand. Theres definitely some of those apply maybe the combination [fifth option]. These are things which are there.

LGBT rights activist Peter Tatchell called on the Home Office to revoke Mr Sodagars visa. He said: In a free society, Hamza Sodagar has a right to believe that homosexuality is sinful but not to preach about ways to kill lesbians and gay men. Many people with far less extreme views, who have never advocated violence, have been banned from entering the UK. Calling for death to LGBT people crosses a red line.

The Home Office was wrong to grant him a visa and should now revoke it. The cleric should be ordered out of the country.

His lectures are being facilitated by the Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission at the Islamic Republic Of Iran School in London. Literature advertising the lecture series has been posted on the group's website and Twitter feed.

The Mission have defended their decision to host Mr Sodagar, saying his comments did not mean he endorsed murder of gay men and had been taken out of context. In a statement, the group said: The unfortunate rise of right-wing extremism has resulted in a malicious campaign to misconstrue the positions of Islam and dehumanise Muslims.

We are saddened that the UK media is able to publish materials that clearly follow a right-wing extremist agenda of spreading hatred and Islamophobia.

In remarks made in 2010, as part of a series of lectures delivered on mercy, love and hatred in Islam through a commentary of a supplication from the Islamic tradition, Shaykh Hamza explained the position of Islam on homosexuality, and that it is not compatible with Islam. This is a clear and undeniable position that is upheld by Islam as found in Islamic scripture and tradition. In this regard, it must be understood, as was mentioned in the very same lecture series, that Islamic penal code cannot be administered outside the framework of law-enforcement and legal process within a legitimate government.

"De-contextualised excerpts of this series, were used by right-wing media to suggest that Shaykh Hamza was calling for the beheading and burning of homosexuals. This is untrue and a mischievous and malicious accusation to make.

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

When approached by The Independent, a Home Office spokesperson said they were unable to comment on individual cases. They said: An individual can be excluded on the grounds that their presence is not conducive to the public good if it is reasonable, consistent and proportionate based on the evidence available.
Javier Fernandez, chair of the PSOE interim management team. Uly Martin

With Spain in a political stalemate for the last 10 months, the Socialist Party (PSOE) is inching closer to an internal agreement that would allow acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of the Popular Party (PP) to form a minority government.

On Tuesday, only three out of the 26 Socialist deputies who spoke at a meeting insisted on a categorical no to a PP administration. The remainder agreed that the priority is avoiding a third back-to-back election in Spain that could very well yield a similarly fragmented scenario as the previous two.

The grassroots are angry and the division within different groups is very deep

PSOE regional leader

While the idea of helping Rajoy into office by abstaining at an investiture session is unprecedented and has already created huge fracture lines within the PSOE, even this might not be enough to save Spaniards from going to the polls again.

Moving the goalposts

Some PP leaders are saying they will not accept just a technical or strategic abstention from the Socialists, only to watch the latter block every government initiative from the opposition benches.

Conservative leaders have suggested that a Socialist abstention might be nothing more than delaying tactics while the PSOE pulls itself together following last weekends debacle, when its secretary general Pedro Sanchez resigned over his handling of the political impasse. According to this theory, the PSOE might later push for a no-confidence vote and force new elections some time next year.

Pedro Sanchez resigned last Saturday as secretary general of the PSOE. Reuters

We must have the possibility of bringing forward legislation that we can agree on if they want to, said Rafael Hernando, the PPs spokesman in Congress. An abstention cannot simply be a strategic move, it has to be useful to the country. And usefulness is not a government that lasts one day, but is instead one that can actually govern.

Our fear, even after a likely PSOE abstention, is that there will be a short, impossible term of office during which well be unable to get anything done and which will be doomed to permanent failure, and serve only as a step forward towards the inevitable, said one trusted Rajoy aide, alluding to new general elections.

Rajoy speaks out

Faced with Socialist outrage over these statements, on Thursday Rajoy himself sent out a reassuring message.

I will not set out conditions for the PSOE to negotiate the investiture, he said up to three times at a public event in Malaga. The urgent thing, the reasonable and sensible thing is for there to be a government, and this is not about making demands on anyone.

Rajoy did express a preference for a government that will bring stability, security and assurance, and noted that he has personally been pushing for a grand PP-PSOE coalition since the original election of December 20.

If this is not possible, then we are ready to consider any possibility because forming a government is the priority, he added. An abstention would be enough to get the budget passed: all thats required is more votes in favor than against.

Rajoy sent out a final message to the Socialists: Reaching consensus is not a defeat, it is a victory for everyone.

Increasingly concerned El Pais Spaniards concern about the lack of government has grown more than five percentage points, from 6.4% in July to 11.6% in September, according to data released on Wednesday by the Center for Sociology Research (CIS).

Meanwhile, the management team that temporarily took over from Pedro Sanchez last weekend is working around the clock to try to mend the partys internal wounds while conveying the urgent need to decide on a strategy before time runs out and King Felipe, the head of state, is forced to dissolve parliament and call new elections.

While it is now unofficially believed that many party officials favor an abstention  although nobody has as yet said so  convincing the party will be a major challenge.

The grassroots are angry and the division within different groups is very deep, said one regional leader.

Senior Socialist officials accuse the PP of moving the goalposts on Wednesday by demanding not just an abstention at the investiture vote, but also a pledge not to block the government on key issues in the coming years.

The PP is in no position to set conditions for anyone, said Mario Jimenez, the PSOE management teams organization secretary, adding: The PP has been unable to form a majority in Congress.

English version by Susana Urra.
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A Suffolk falconry expert has earned $2.3m from military contracts with the US Pentagon to help protect the lives of its highly trained pilots and fighter jets.

Keith Muttons birds of prey are favourites among families at country shows, but they have also provided him with a lucrative source of income courtesy of grateful generals in the US military.

According to an analysis of US Department of Defence spending with British companies during the past seven years, his Phoenix Bird Control Services firm has been paid $2.3m.

 Phoenix Bird Control services

Phoenixs task is to avert multi-million dollar bird damage to US fighter aircraft taking off and landing at RAF bases in Suffolk and Gloucestershire.

The military refers to this as Bash  Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard.

A single starling flying into a jet engine can set fire to it and potentially wreck the plane. To earn his income, Mr Mutton would drive his van across airbases in Lakenheath and Mildenhall and ensure his birds swoop along the runways and scare off other birds.

Phoenix lost the Suffolk contracts at the end of 2015 after the Defence Department changed its contracting award standards from best value to lowest technically acceptable cost. The company continues to work for the US Air Force at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

The findings form part of a much bigger analysis of Pentagon spending by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, which trawled through 11 million transaction records for 2009-15 and which had a total value of $2.3tn.

Mr Muttons company was among the most unusual UK beneficiaries.

Keith Mutton providing Airport Bird Control to the Royal International Air Tattoo Air show at RAF Fairford (phoenixbirdcontrolservices.com)

He and his employees rear and train predators, including hawks, falcons and owls. A well-trained predator can scatter up to 5,000 other birds, according to an article published by military news service Stars and Stripes.

The firm also worked at the US airbase in Manas, Kyrgyzstan, a major transit point for military flights to Afghanistan. The difference in temperature and altitude from Suffolk required a period of acclimatisation for the birds, according to Alan Marenghi, who runs Phoenix Bird Control alongside Mr Mutton.

Their work is well-known and the company is often called upon for advice by other firms in Europe, but a figure on the companys earnings from the US has never been previously published.

When not undertaking runway sweeps they have performed at Center Parcs and airshows throughout the country.

The UK's top birds 2018 Show all 10 1 /10 The UK's top birds 2018 The UK's top birds 2018 10. Chaffinch Down one place on last year. Birdwatch has released this year's rankings for the most frequently spotted birds in the UK. Results were collected from 420,489 British birdspotters Getty The UK's top birds 2018 9. Long-tailed tit Up one place on last year Getty The UK's top birds 2018 8. Robin Redbreast Down one place on last year Getty The UK's top birds 2018 7. Great Tit Up one place on last year Getty The UK's top birds 2018 6. Goldfinch In the same place as last year Pierre Dalous The UK's top birds 2018 5. Woodpigeon In the same place as last year Getty The UK's top birds 2018 4. Blackbird Down one place on last year Getty The UK's top birds 2018 3. Blue tit Up one place on last year Getty The UK's top birds 2018 2. Starling In the same place as last year Getty The UK's top birds 2018 1. House sparrow In the same place as last year Getty

Mr Marenghi described working for the Pentagon as always a positive experience.

As a British firm we never felt at a disadvantage competing for US military work in the UK, he said, although American rules governing small businesses made it difficult for Phoenix to secure contracts in the US.
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More than half the donations made in the EU referendum campaign came from just ten wealthy donors, new research has found.

The open government organisation Transparency International said its findings would increase fears about public debate, particularly the EU referendum, being prone to political capture by a small millionaires club of ultra-wealthy individuals.

In its report Take back Control: How big money undermines trust in politics, the campaign group found that of the 31,834,885 donated to both sides during the referendum, 16, 444, 905  about 52 per cent  came from just 10 individuals or companies.

While the biggest individual donor Lord David Sainsbury, the supermarket heir ennobled by Tony Blair, gave 4.2 million to Remain, pro-Brexit donors outnumbered EU supporters by six to four in the big money top ten.

The various Leave campaigns received 9,471,671 from donors in the top ten  nearly 2.5 million more than the 6,973,234 total given by Lord Sainsbury, the Trailfinders travel company, the hedge fund owner David Harding and the financier Mark Coombs.

Leaves greater share of elite donations was also matched by its dominance of the overall amounts given during the referendum. Leave received 17.5 million of all donations - almost exactly one vote for every pound given towards the Brexit campaign - compared to Remains 14.2 million.

Transparency International also found that 95 per cent of all money raised during the referendum campaign came from just 100 donors  a tiny fraction of the millions who voted on June 23.

Although all the donations were entirely legal, Transparency Internationals own polling found that 76 per cent of the public now think wealthy individuals are using influence on government to benefit their own interests.

Commenting on the EU referendum campaign, Duncan Hames, the director of policy at Transparency International UK, said: The debate around the biggest question we have faced in a generation was financed by an astonishingly small group of exceptionally wealthy donors. Thats a dangerous place for any democracy.

It illustrates the general dependency of our countrys political parties on a millionaires club of some 50 donors.

The top 10 donors during the EU referendum campaign:

Donor Name  Amount Donated to referendum campaigners (1st Jan  30th June 2016) David Sainsbury (Remain) 4,223,234 Peter Hargreaves (Brexit) 3,200,000 Better for the Country (Brexit) 2,060,375 Jeremy Hosking (Brexit) 1,691,296 Diana Van Nievelt Price (Brexit) 1,000,000 Trailfinders Limited (Remain) 1,000,000 David Harding (Remain) 1,000,000 International Motors Ltd (Brexit) 850,000 Mark Coombs (Remain) 750,000 J C Bamford Excavators Ltd (Brexit) 670,000

The biggest pro-Brexit donor was Peter Hargreaves, co-founder of the investment services company Hargreaves Lansdown, who gave 3.2m to Leave.EU, the unofficial campaign group associated with Nigel Farage, to help it send publicity material to 15 million households.

Ironically, Mr Hargreaves saw millions temporarily wiped off his fortune in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote when shares in Hargreaves Lansdown dropped so dramatically that the companys market value fell 400 million in two days. The share price later recovered and Mr Hargreaves insisted he had no regrets about his donation, saying: I didnt do this for personal gain. I thought it would first and foremost be good for Britain.

Peter Hargreaves (Hargreaves Lansdown)

The second largest Brexit donation, of just over 2 million, came from the company Better for the Country, whose directors include Arron Banks, the co-chair of Leave.EU.

Mr Banks, the founder of Eldon Insurance Services, is a former Conservative supporter who defected to Ukip in September 2014 by giving Nigel Farages party 1 million.

Another Better for the Country director is Andrew Wigmore, Leave.EUs former communications chief. The managing director of his own media group, Mr Wigmore also has a diplomatic position with the Belize High Commission in London, promoting trade and investment into the former British colony.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

Brexit donors in Transparency Internationals top ten also include the private equity investor Jeremy Hosking, and Diana Van Nievelt Price, who in 2005 reportedly bid 440,000 - 15 times over the estimated value  for a painting of Margaret Thatcher at a Conservative fundraising ball.

The tenth biggest donor, giving 650,000, according to Transparency International, was the construction equipment maker JCB, whose chairman Lord Bamford wrote to the companys 6,500 UK employees to explain why he supported Brexit, while stressing: How you vote is entirely a decision for you.

The reach of big donors was perhaps shown in May when Better for the Country was fined 50,000 by the Information Commissioner for sending more than 500,000 unsolicited text messages urging people to back its Brexit campaign.

Leave.EU said it would appeal, and Better for the Country said some of the texts had been sent to people who had registered as supporters of the campaign on its website, while the rest went to individuals whose details had been obtained in good faith from a third party data supplier.

The authors of the Transparency International report said that since Better for the Country was only created in May 2015, it did not need to file annual accounts until February 2017, making it harder to see exactly where its money was coming from before people voted in the referendum.
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Theresa Mays plan to trigger Article 50 without consulting Parliament is the biggest attack on democracy the UK has ever known, a court will be told in the legal case against Brexit, The Independent can reveal.

Lawyers will argue the referendum was marred and undermined by exaggerated concerns and outright falsehoods by Leave campaigners that left many voters uninformed about what they were actually voting for.

Legal documents seen by The Independent detail the court testimonies from anti-Brexit campaigners that will be argued in the High Court in London ahead of the legal bid beginning on 13 October. The People's Challenge group is a crowdfunded campaign taking the Government to court in a bid to force the Prime Minister to get parliamentary approval before triggering Article 50. Ms May recently revealed she plans to do so by the end of March 2017.

(The Independent (The Independent)

The group, represented by lawyer John Halford of the law firm Bindmans, is composed of concerned individuals and includes British citizens living abroad, a Northern Irish person, a Gibraltar person and the British son of Bangladeshi immigrants. Witness statements submitted by the group to the High Court outline the arguments on which their case is based ahead of the hearing.

They are calling for Parliament to approve if or when to trigger Article 50, a legal mechanism provided by the Lisbon Treaty initiating a two year withdrawal period for the UK to leave the EU.

One witness statement to be read to the court says: It seemed to me that the most decisive factors in the campaign were exaggerated concerns about immigration and outright falsehoods ... Even some UK citizens holidaying in the rest of the EU are unaware of the rights and regulations that make doing so so easy.

 UK: Theresa May lays out post-Brexit plan at party conference

Whether used, cherished or not, they are fundamentally important and practical part of the rights and benefits of being a UK and European citizen. People did not have information about the Governments plans as regards what would happen to these rights and freedoms before voting in the 2016 UK referendum. The testimony is signed by Grahame Pigney, a 62-year-old British man who has been living in France since 1998. Describing his identity in the statement, he says: I consider myself English, Scottish (my maternal grandmother was a Ross and I frequently wear the kilt), British and European.

His 22-year-old son Robert Pigney, who has lived in France with his parents since he was three years old, argues in his witness submission to the court: I was aghast when I found out the Prime Minister planned to invoke Article 50 without consulting Parliament, less still allowing it to make decisions in a proper legislative process. I had thought it unthinkable that a Prime Minister with no election mandate and no Parliamentary mandate would make such a momentous decision.

The very act of bypassing Parliament [is] dangerously undemocratic at best ... Peoples jobs and livelihoods are at stake. Peoples security is at stake. The very integrity of the UK is at stake. To exclude Parliament from decision-making process on how to respond to the referendum would, I believe, be the greatest attack on democracy the UK has ever known. It cannot be lawful in a Parliamentary democracy.

A submission to be read in court from Christopher Formaggia, a 49-year-old former RAF man living in Monmouthshire in Wales, says he is horrified by plans for the Prime Minister to trigger Article 50 without consulting Parliament, calling the move a profound abuse of executive power. He also argues the EU referendum seemed to be wholly motivated by a desire to resolve internal division in the Conservative Party.

Representations are also made from Gibraltar and Northern Ireland arguing that Brexit would have a detrimental impact on the regions, which both voted to remain in the EU. Representing Gibraltar, 50-year-old Paul Cartwright, will argue: Gibraltars relationship with Spain is difficult enough. Freedom of movement is what makes it tolerable. Many people like me rely on being able to travel freely through the border for work or businesses, including those supplying goods and services. Families also live on both sides of the border. For example, [my wife] Marie has dual nationality but she relies on the frontier being easy to travel through every day because her father is very sick.

Fergal McFerran, a well-known activist in Northern Ireland and president of the Northern Irish student union body, will also make the case that Brexit could be harmful to Northern Ireland, which voted to stay in the EU by a margin of 56 per cent. As it shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland, concerns have been raised as to how freedom of movement could be affected by withdrawal from the EU and whether this could have an adverse impact on the Northern Irish peace process.

His statement to the court will read: I am 24 years old, reside in Belfast, Northern Ireland ... I am acutely conscious of, and deeply troubled by, the fact that invoking Article 50 using the royal prerogative would be neither transparent nor accountable to Parliament and would eliminate all meaningful involvement of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly.

If and how the UK leaves the EU will immediately raise questions over whether the border will have to be hardened, how that might be done and what its effects on freedom and, in turn, the Common Travel Area between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, might be. It is almost impossible to envisage change that will not lead to the compromising of rights and the need to revisit the Good Friday Agreement.

The High Court will hear the groups arguments in a case beginning on 13 October, expected to conclude on 18 October.

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

Last week, the group secured their first major victory in the case when the Governments legal team was ordered by a judge to disclose their arguments for triggering Article 50 without consulting Parliament.

As a majority of MPs supported remaining in the EU, some anti-Brexit campaigners argue that a parliamentary vote could vote down triggering Article 50 meaning that Brexit does not occur. Others have argued that it would mean MPs are able to soften Brexit by ensuring terms are better for British citizens.

A separate legal challenge is being taken in Belfast by the father of a man murdered by loyalist paramilitaries during the Troubles conflict and a cross-community alliance of local politicians. They argue Brexit could damage the peace process and have called for Stormont to be consulted and approve plans to leave.

Leave supporters have said attempts to stop Article 50 from being triggered are unfair and disregard the will of the people as 52 per cent of voters opted to leave the EU. Prominent Conservative politician and Leave campaigner Iain Duncan Smith has urged Ms May to trigger Article 50 as soon as possible to stop the referendum becoming a neverendum.
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The UKs terror law watchdog has said Muslim communities see the Governments anti-extremism strategy as a spying programme and called for it to be overhauled.

David Anderson QC claimed many people believe the programme targeted the practice of Islam as opposed to the spread of radical beliefs.

He urged ministers to conduct an independent review of the scheme, which is designed to help officials spot individuals who are becoming radicalised.

Mr Anderson said: There is a strong feeling in Muslim communities that I visit, that Prevent is, if not a spying programme, at least a programme that is targeted on them.

In some cases, it is even felt it is targeted not just at Islamist terrorism or extremism, but at the practise of Islam. People who pray or who wear the veil, for example, are sometimes felt to be under suspicion.

He added: Now, Im sure those fears are exaggerated, and they are certainly not what the programme is supposed to be about, but the fact is that they are very real.

So it is frustrating for me to see a programme whose ideals are so obviously good, falling down on the delivery to the point where it is not trusted in the community where it principally applies.

As well as calling for the independent review, which he said should report back to Parliament and the public on the schemes inner workings, Mr Anderson said there should be more transparency, a better system for judging the schemes success and a far greater level of contact between the Government and Muslim communities.

 UN-sponsored German ad encourages non-Muslims to wear the hijab

Speaking to BBC radio, he said: It is extraordinary to me that there is no dialogue, for example, between the Government and the Muslim council of Britain.

Security Minister Ben Wallace said that while the Prevent programme is difficult and challenging work it is making a positive difference.

He said he was meeting civil society groups and project providers today to hear how the programme is being delivered and said the Home Office is attending community discussions in halls, schools and mosques around the country on the matter.

He added: We have provided support for over 1,000 people deemed most at risk of radicalisation through the voluntary Channel programme.

And only yesterday a High Court Judge praised a local authoritys intervention for saving a seventeen year old boys life, who planned to travel to Syria.

Prevent works best when delivered in partnership with communities. That is why Prevent coordinators and civil society groups are working around the country to build close relationships with families and consult communities on how best to respond to the threat to inform local Prevent programmes.
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Nigel Farage and Ukip donor Arron Banks have accused the Conservatives of stealing Ukips clothes, following Theresa Mays new hard-line approach to immigration.

Both Mr Banks and Mr Farage, who returned as interim Ukip leader following Diane Jamess resignation, claimed it showed they had shifted centre-ground politics to the right.

It came as the favourite to be the party's next leader Steven Woolfe revealed he had been tempted to defect to the Tories under Ms May.

Recommended Read more Ukip leader Diane James resigns after 18 days

The strict controls on immigration, and in particular a plan to make companies publish the proportion of their workforce which is foreign, have been slammed by Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

Speaking to Channel 4 News, Mr Farage called Ms May's conference speech "remarkable", before adding: "It made you realise the extent to which Ukip hadn't just pushed for, gained and helped to win a referendum, but actually we've changed the centre of gravity of British politics.

"Virtually everything she said in that speech are things I've said to the Ukip conference over the last five or six years."

On BBC Newsnight, Mr Banks made similar comments, saying: "If you looked at Theresa May's speech today, it was really Nigel Farage giving a speech.

"It's all of the policies he's been condemned for, for a very long time.

 Theresa May on immigration in conference speech

"Shes basically today, rebranded the Conservative Party Ukip."

Mr Banks, the major Ukip donor, went on to say that Mr Woolfe "is the one candidate who can do it" when it comes to replacing Mr Farage as leader.

MEP Mr Woolfe admitted he had considered defecting to the Tories, before deciding to stick with Ukip.

In a statement, Mr Woolfe disclosed he had been "enthused" by Theresa May's start to her premiership, but in the end concluded only Ukip could be relied upon to deliver on Brexit.

He said: "Her support of new grammar schools, her words on social mobility and the growing evidence that she is committed to a clean Brexit prompted me, as it did many of my friends and colleagues, to wonder whether our future was within her new Conservative Party.

 Nigel Farage still Ukip leader after Diane James resignation

"However, having watched the Prime Minister's speech on Sunday I came to the conclusion that only a strong Ukip can guarantee Brexit is delivered in full and only our party can stand up for the communities of the Midlands and the North."

Mr Woolfe was barred from standing in the last leadership contest after submitting his nomination papers 17 minutes late.

Nigel Farage's ex-aide Raheem Kassam is also putting himself forward for the pending leadership contest.

The party's ruling executive committee will now meet on October 17 to agree a timetable for an election to find a permanent replacement for Ms James.

In her resignation statement released late on Tuesday, she said she was standing down for "personal and professional" reasons, citing a lack of support among the party's MEPs and officials.

It is thought that her husband's ill health may also have played a role, while Mr Farage pointed to an incident at London's Waterloo Station in which she was verbally abused and spat at.

Mr Farage said he expects a new leader to be appointed before the end of November.

Former deputy leader Paul Nuttall, former deputy chairwoman Suzanne Evans, who has just returned to Ukip after a suspension, and Lisa Duffy, who came second to Ms James in the last leadership contest, are all said to be considering a bid.
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Owen Smith, the defeated Labour leadership candidate, has warned his party under Jeremy Corbyn needs to do more to be viewed by the British public as one on the centre-left.

In his first interview since the decisive leadership announcement 12 days ago, Mr Smith, Labours former shadow work and pensions secretary, appeared to urge Mr Corbyn to appeal to voters after Theresa May used her final conference speech to make a land-grab for the centre ground of British politics.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, the MP for Pontypridd said he believed politics is fought and won in the centre ground and that Labour needs to be a centre-left party. I dont think at the moment were being perceived as that in the country  that was the core argument I made this summer, Mr Smith said.

But I also made lots of the arguments Theresa May is now making about the need to borrow to invest in infrastructure but I dont think she will do it, I think this is another chimera from the Tories.

Asked whether he had spoken to Jeremy Corbyn since the contest, he replied: I havent spoken to Jeremy since, no  other than to congratulate him on what was obviously a very decisive win. Ive exchanged one text with him and Im sure Ill see him on Monday.

 Owen Smith says he's '10 out of 10' in Labour election

Mr Smith also said he was sticking to the position that he would not rejoin Mr Corbyns shadow Cabinet. Given what Ive said about where weve gone with Jeremy and how we are not making the inroads in with the Tories and into the public popularity that we need in order to form a Labour government and have a prospect for a progressive government in this country then I cant serve alongside him.

He added: I think its now time to unite and present a real alternative to the Tories.

 Owen Smith calls Corbyn 'a lunatic'

In an echo of a speech she had given to her own party a decade ago, Ms May added in her final conference speech: You know what some people call them? The nasty party. When asked about the remark Mr Smith responded: Shes right that weve been nasty to each other a lot recently but I think theres a big difference between a bit of nasty debate within the Labour party and where the Tories have been for the last six years while Theresa May has been part of that Cabinet which has been nasty to the British public.

Truthfully, weve heard all it before  there must be collective amnesia in the press this morning. I remember David Cameron starting his term in office talking about compassionate conservatism but the reality of the last six years has been thousands of pounds cut out of the livelihoods of working-class people in this country.

The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.
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The Scottish Government has pledged not to impose sanctions on unemployed people enrolled in their work programmes.

Responsibility for work programmes will be devolved from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in Westminster to the SNP government in Holyrood in April 2017.

For the first time, Scottish ministers will be able to design their own employment services for disabled people and those at risk of long-term unemployment.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty 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

However, the SNP administration will not have the power over sanctions - which is when a job seekers benefits can be reduced as a result of non-compliance to the requirements of a work programme.

Employability and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn said the Scottish government would set up "voluntary programmes that will treat people with dignity and respect".

Speaking ahead of a debate on how the Scottish Government will approach this, Mr Hepburn said: "Employability programmes should be seen as a way of helping people develop and get into work.

"Instead, the UK Government's approach to sanctions and conditionality has all too often turned them into a threat rather than an enabling process about working with the individual to get into employment.

"While we will not receive powers over sanctions, we want to do what we can to protect those particularly affected, including young people, the disabled and lone parents, from this unfair treatment and stress."

Responding to Mr Hepburn's criticism of the use of sanctions, the DWP said: "Sanctions are an important part of our benefits system and it is right that they are in place for those few who do not fulfill their commitment to find work."
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The favourite to take over as Ukip leader Steven Woolfe collapsed at the European Parliament today and was rushed to hospital with suspected bleeding on the brain, after an altercation at a meeting of his party's MEPs.

Sources reported that Mr Woolfe was punched in the face after exchanges at the gathering became heated, before stumbling and hitting his head.

Interim leader Nigel Farage said the Ukip immigration spokesman was in a "serious condition" after the incident, but later said he had regained consciousness. The latest reports suggested he was talking.

Recommended Read more Ukip leader Diane James resigns after 18 days

Mr Woolfe, Mr Farage and Ukip's other MEPs had attended the meeting at the parliament building in Strasbourg to discuss the party's leadership crisis. But the discussion became tense, with Ukip MEP Roger Helmer telling The Independent: "There were some lively words exchanged."

According to Sky News, Mr Woolfe was punched by a colleague before staggering and knocking his head on a bar. He was seemingly alright after the fight and went to vote.

But later on Mr Woolfe was seen to collapse on one of the building's internal bridges. He reportedly told the person who rushed over to assist him that he had "lost the feeling down one side of his body".

Ukip MEP Nathan Gill, who was at the hospital in Strasbourg, later told Politico reporter Tara Palmeri that Mr Woolfe was "conscious and recovering".

It comes just one day after Mr Woolfe put himself forward to be the partys next leader, following the shock resignation of Diane James.

As early reports of the incident emerged, Mr Farage released a statement which said: "I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of Ukip MEPs this morning, that Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious."

A UKIP Spokesman said: Steven Woolfe MEP was taken suddenly ill in the European Parliament building in Strasbourg this morning.

He has been taken to hospital in the city and he is undergoing tests.

 Nigel Farage still Ukip leader after Diane James resignation

Ms James said: "My thoughts are with [Steven Woolfe] and his wife and daughter at this anxious time and I wish Steven a speedy and full recovery."

Ukip's MP Douglas Carswell said he was "shocked and appalled" to hear what had happened, adding that he was "thinking of him", while fellow Ukip politician Suzanne Evans posted that she was "wishing him well for a speedy recovery."

Only last night he won the backing of the influential Ukip donor Arron Banks, who said Mr Woolfe "is the one candidate who can do it" when it comes to replacing Mr Farage as leader. But reports emerged on Twitter just before noon today that he had been taken ill.

He recently said he was tempted to defect to the Tories after Theresa May took over, before deciding that Ukip was the only party that could ensure Brexit.

In a statement, he said: "Her support of new grammar schools, her words on social mobility and the growing evidence that she is committed to a clean Brexit prompted me, as it did many of my friends and colleagues, to wonder whether our future was within her new Conservative Party.

"However, having watched the Prime Minister's speech on Sunday I came to the conclusion that only a strong Ukip can guarantee Brexit is delivered in full and only our party can stand up for the communities of the Midlands and the North."

Mr Woolfe was forced to pull out of the last leadership contest after handing in his nomination papers 17 minutes late.

Ms James was eventually declared winner on September 16, only to quit 18 days later for "personal and professional" reasons, citing a lack of support among the party's MEPs and officials.

Nigel Farage is the partys interim leader and has said he expects a new chief to be appointed before the end of November.
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Ukip MEP Steven Woolfe has regained consciousness after an altercation at the European Parliament.

Mr Woolfe was rushed to hospital after collapsing minutes after the incident in which A Ukip colleague allegedly punched him in the face.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Mr Woolfe said: The CT scan has shown that there is no blood clot in the brain.

At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier and smiling as ever.

As a precaution, I am being kept overnight awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything is fine.

He added: I would like everyone to know that the parliamentary staff, the Ukip MEPs with me and the hospital staff have been brilliant.

I am sitting up, and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face.

According to Herman Kelly, the director of a European Parliament group affiliated with Ukip, Mr Woolfe suffered two epileptic-like fits.

He did pass out. That has now passed, he added.

Mr Woolfe was hospitalised after collapsing, minutes after an altercation in which a Ukip MEP is alleged to have punched Mr Woolfe in the face.

He was seen to collapse on one of the European Parliaments internal bridges.

The altercation reportedly occurred during a Ukip meeting to clear the air amid the partys ongoing leadership crisis.

Mr Woolfe had been said to be considering a defection to the Conservative party.

Key Faces of UKIP Show all 11 1 /11 Key Faces of UKIP Key Faces of UKIP Nigel Farage Getty Key Faces of UKIP United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) Migration spokesman Steven Woolfe addresses supporters and media personnel in central London Getty Key Faces of UKIP Robert Kilroy-Silk, former television presenter and newly elected member of the European Parliament for the UK Independence Party (UKIP), shows a placard against the European Constitution in front of the Houses of Parliament Getty Key Faces of UKIP Mark Reckless, Director of Policy Development addresses party members during the UK Independence Party annual conference at Doncaster Racecourse Getty Key Faces of UKIP Gerard Batten MEP poses with protesters outside parliament Creative Commons Key Faces of UKIP Diane James gives an address at the UKIP Autumn Conference in Bournemouth Getty Key Faces of UKIP Douglas Carswell MP speaks to party members and supporters during the UK Independence Party annual conference Getty Key Faces of UKIP Suzanne Evans, Deputy Party Chairman of UK Independence Party (UKIP) speaks during the launch of UKIP's election manifesto Getty Key Faces of UKIP Peter Whittle, the UK Independence Party Member of the London Assembly, is interviewed in central London Getty Key Faces of UKIP MEP Mike Hookem during a visit to Concept Metal Products & Co Ltd Getty Key Faces of UKIP Paul Nuttall, Deputy Leader of the UK Independence Party speaks at a Say NO, Believe in Britain debate at Carn Brea Leisure Centre in Pool near Redruthon Getty

But in a statement he said despite being enthused by Theresa May, he came to the conclusion that only a strong Ukip can guarantee Brexit is delivered in full, and only our party can stand up for the communities of the Midlands and the north.

On Wednesday, Mr Woolfe announced his intention to run as the partys leader after Diane James stepped down having spent just 18 days at the helm.
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Ukip leadership favourite Steven Woolfe is apparently in a serious condition in hospital after an altercation at a meeting of the party's MEPs.

Here is a timeline of the party's ups and downs:

:: 1993 - Academic Alan Sked and other members of a cross-party anti-European group called the Anti-Federalist League create the United Kingdom Independence Party.

:: May 1 1997 - Ukip candidates stand in the general election but win no seats. Mr Sked resigns after the election, saying he is concerned about racist elements.

:: June 10 1999 - Under the leadership of millionaire businessman Michael Holmes, Ukip wins three seats in the European Parliament. The little-known Nigel Farage becomes an MEP.

:: June 10-13 2004 - Now under the leadership of Roger Knapman, Ukip comes third in European elections with 12 MEPs. Chat-show host and former Labour MP Robert Kilroy-Silk joins the party during this campaign.

:: January 25 2005 - Mr Kilroy-Silk ends a tumultuous period by quitting the party, labelling it a joke. He establishes his own party called Veritas - Latin for truth.

:: May 5 2005 - Ukip fields 495 candidates in the general election and gains 2.3% of the vote but no seats.

:: September 12 2006 - Mr Farage is elected Ukip leader with 45% of the vote.

:: June 4 2009 - Ukip comes second in European elections with 16.5% of the vote and 13 MEPs.

:: November 26 2009 - Lord Pearson of Rannoch becomes leader, replacing Mr Farage, who stands down to challenge speaker John Bercow for his parliamentary seat.

:: May 6 2010 - Ukip fields 572 candidates in the general election. The party increases its share of the vote by 0.9% but takes no seats. In Buckingham, Mr Farage polls 17% but comes third behind Mr Bercow and John Stevens, the Buckinghamshire Campaign For Democracy candidate.

:: August 17 2010 - Lord Pearson resigns as leader.

:: November 5 2010 - Mr Farage completes his second coming as he is re-elected leader with 60.5% of the vote.

:: May 22 2014 - Ukip gains 27.49% of the vote at European elections - the highest for any British party in that election. It gains 11 MEPs, taking its total to 24.

:: August 26 2014 - Mr Farage is formally selected as the Ukip candidate to stand in the South Thanet constituency at the general election.

:: August 28 2014 - Clacton's Conservative MP Douglas Carswell, with a majority of more than 12,000, forces a by-election by defecting to Ukip and resigning from Parliament.

:: September 27 2014 - Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless forces a by-election by announcing his defection to Ukip.

:: October 10 2014 - Mr Farage claims Ukip is on course to hold the balance of power in the next parliament after it wins Clacton with a 12,000 majority.

:: November 20 2014 - Voters return Mr Reckless with a majority of 2,920.

:: June 23 2016 - Britain votes to leave the EU with 52% of the referendum vote, prompting Mr Farage to stand down as leader again.

:: September 16 2016 - Deputy chairman Diane James is elected to replace Mr Farage after securing 8,451 votes in a landslide victory.

:: October 4 2016 - Ms James quits as Ukip leader after just 18 days in charge, citing personal and professional reasons. Mr Farage insists he will not take another tilt at the job, saying he would not do it for 10 million dollars.

:: October 6 2016 - Mr Woolfe is taken to hospital after an incident at the European Parliament building in Strasbourg.

Press Association
Uribe and Santos at their Wednesday meeting. Efrain Herrera (AP)

More information La reunion entre Santos y Uribe termina sin acuerdos concretos y mantiene estancado el proceso de paz

Six years after their last official meeting, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and his predecessor and arch-rival, Alvaro Uribe, sat down on Wednesday to negotiate the future of the countrys stalled peace process after voters rejected a deal in a referendum on Sunday to end a half-century of conflict with the leftist guerrillas of the FARC. The encounter concluded with no major breakthroughs, leaving Colombia in what Santos has called a risky grey zone.

Santos, who on Tuesday announced that the ceasefire with the FARC will be extended until the end of the month, is trying to pressure Uribe, who leads opposition to the peace deal signed on September 26 after four years of talks in Havana. So far, Uribe has not come up with any alternative proposals to the accord with the FARC, which would see it disarm and become a political party.

So does this mean that the war will continue? FARC leader Rodrigo Londono

Following Wednesdays meeting, Santos said he and Uribe had found a way to conclude and strengthen the accords, warning that this would require all parties concerned to put aside antagonisms and quarrels.

Uribe repeated the main points of his campaign in the run up to the referendum: jail for those convicted of human rights crimes committed during the 52-year conflict, disbarring of anybody convicted of such crimes from politics, and limits on legal action against members of the armed forces.

Also attending the meeting between Santos and Uribe were some 20 ministers, former ministers, senators, military men, members of the government team that negotiated the peace deal with the FARC, as well as the countrys former state prosecutor, the arch-Catholic Alejandro Ordonez, a highly influential figure in Colombias conservative circles.

Talks will continue on Thursday between the no camp and the government, and any outcomes will then be discussed with representatives of the FARC.

Before meeting with Uribe, Santos talked to Andres Pastrana, another former president opposed to the peace deal with the FARC, and who led failed talks a decade ago with the rebels.

Any outcome to talks must be discussed with FARC representatives

Contrary to what a lot of people think, the no victory brought the country together. Now 98% of Colombians support the yes vote, said Pastrana, adding that from now on, the FARC will largely be responsible for what happens. They accepted the idea of a referendum, they have always insisted on a referendum.

It is possible to make adjustments to the main part of the agreement, we are looking at which mechanisms to use to communicate them to the government and the guerrilla, said Pastrana, without clarifying any specifics.

On a personal level, I have always thought that we needed to amend the parts relating to drug trafficking and human rights abuses, he added. Uribe called on the international community not to lose hope and to remain involved in a process it has so far supported unanimously.

Following the meeting between Santos and Uribe, FARC leader Rodrigo Londono, alias Timochenko, tweeted: So does this mean that the war will continue?

Pastor Alape, a member of the FARCs senior leadership then tweeted: All our units should begin to move toward secure positions to avoid provocations.

Immediately after Santos and Uribes meeting, thousands of people took to the streets of 14 of the countrys main cities in response to a call from the countrys universities demanding a quick conclusion to the talks. Barely 40% of Colombians bothered to vote in the referendum, with 50.2% of voters rejecting the deal with the FARC.

English version by Nick Lyne.
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Nigel Farage has described a fellow Ukip MEPs condition as serious after he collapsed during a party meeting at the European Parliament.

Steven Woolfe, a favourite to succeed Mr Farage as leader following the shock resignation of Diane James, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Strasbourg.

Sources reported that he was punched in the face during an altercation and then hit his head, with doctors now treating the politician for bleeding on the brain.

There has been no mention of who else was involved in the incident on Thursday morning, which comes during a tumultuous time for the Eurosceptic party.

Mr Farage said: I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of Ukip MEPs this morning that Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious.

Mr Woolfe, who would have been celebrating his 49th birthday today, pulled out of Ukips post-EU referendum leadership contest after handing in his nomination papers 17 minutes late.

In pictures: Ukip celebrate success at local elections 2013 Show all 11 1 /11 In pictures: Ukip celebrate success at local elections 2013 In pictures: Ukip celebrate success at local elections 2013 uk-pics-0.jpg Reuters In pictures: Ukip celebrate success at local elections 2013 uk-pics-3.png PA In pictures: Ukip celebrate success at local elections 2013 ukip-5.jpg PA In pictures: Ukip celebrate success at local elections 2013 ukip-6.jpg Getty Images In pictures: Ukip celebrate success at local elections 2013 ukip-2.jpg PA In pictures: Ukip celebrate success at local elections 2013 ukip-7.jpg Reuters In pictures: Ukip celebrate success at local elections 2013 ukip-9.jpg PA In pictures: Ukip celebrate success at local elections 2013 ukip-4.jpg PA In pictures: Ukip celebrate success at local elections 2013 uk-pics-8.jpg PA In pictures: Ukip celebrate success at local elections 2013 uk-pics-6.jpg PA In pictures: Ukip celebrate success at local elections 2013 ukip-10.jpg Reuters

But he re-entered his bid after Mrs James resignation after just 18 days in the post earlier this week, leaving Mr Farage as the interim head of the party once more.

The influential Ukip donor, Arron Banks, is among those backing Mr Woolfe, describing him as the one candidate who can do it.
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Clowns have long been a threatened species. In 2014, the World Clown Association (WCA), Americas biggest clown-based organisation, reported that its membership had fallen to just 2,500 from around 3,500 a decade earlier. Elderly clowns were dying out, the group said, while young performers seemed reluctant to replace them. Two years on, clowns are back in the public eye, but many people seem determined to hunt poor Bozo and co to extinction.

In recent weeks, a clown panic has gripped the US, with a string of alleged sightings of scary clowns across at least two dozen states. One Connecticut school district banned clown costumes, while this week some 500 students at Pennsylvania State University took part in a clown hunt, following claims that a strange fellow in greasepaint had been spotted on campus.

The first such sighting came in South Carolina on 20 August, when the property manager at an apartment block in Greenville told authorities that men dressed as clowns had been seen beckoning local children into nearby woods. Those reports were never substantiated, but they inspired a steady stream of copycats.

A 20-year-old man was arrested in Kentucky after police found him dressed as a clown and hiding in a ditch. In North Carolina, another man was arrested after he admitted concocting a story that he had chased off a clown who was trying to snatch local children. In Virginia, two teenagers were arrested for wearing clown outfits.

In Alabama, police detained at least nine people in September for what one police chief described as clown-related activity. This week, a person wearing a clown costume and holding a kitchen knife reportedly chased a teenager from a subway train in New York City. In Lancaster, California, the authorities warned residents that pranksters in clown masks have been filming themselves terrorising unsuspecting strangers.

In pictures: Famous clowns Show all 9 1 /9 In pictures: Famous clowns In pictures: Famous clowns joker-heath-ledger.jpg In pictures: Famous clowns IT.jpg In pictures: Famous clowns ross-noble-stiches.jpg In pictures: Famous clowns joker-Jack-Nicholson.jpg In pictures: Famous clowns J.-G.jpg Wikipedia In pictures: Famous clowns Joseph_Grimaldi-wiki.jpg Wikipedia In pictures: Famous clowns Marks,_J.L.jpg Wikipedia/Creative Commons In pictures: Famous clowns medieval-court-jester.jpg Wikipedia In pictures: Famous clowns clown-mask.jpg Facebook

On Tuesday, the issue reached Washington DC, where White House spokesman Josh Earnest was asked for President Obamas opinion on the clown panic. I dont know that the president has been briefed on this particular situation, Earnest replied, but added: Obviously, this is a situation that law enforcement is taking quite seriously.

Amid all the hysteria, however, there has been not a single substantiated report of a genuine kidnapper clown, while any confirmed clown sightings appear to have been harmless pranksters. We dont see any real threat here, New York Police Deputy Commissioner John Miller told reporters this week. Dont believe the hype and dont be afraid of the clowns.

That may be easier said than done, given the widespread acceptance that clowns are scary. But when exactly did Ronald McDonald become the Joker? In 2008, a University of Sheffield study asked more than 250 children aged four to 16 whether clown images would make a hospital more cheerful. All 250 said no.

Some commentators trace the contemporary fear of clowns, or coulrophobia, to the case of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, who had worked as a childrens party clown before his arrest in 1978. Others attribute the cultural shift in perception to Pennywise, the demonic clown from Stephen Kings novel It, played with chilling glee by Tim Curry in the 1990 television adaptation  and by Bill Skarsgard in a forthcoming film.

Its a fallacy to ask when clowns went bad, because they were never really good, says Ben Radford, the author of Bad Clowns, a recent study of the phenomenon. From a historic, folkloric perspective, they were always ambiguous, trickster figures: the early versions of the clown are court jesters, the harlequin of commedia dellarte, Mr Punch. Sometimes they were funny, sometimes they were horrific. The evil side of the clown character was always there.

The scary clown craze of 2016, Radford explains, is mostly the work of pranksters and hoaxsters in search of attention. The whole premise of these sightings is flawed, he says. Many children are scared of clowns, so if you want to lure them youre not going to dress as a clown. Most people who are genuinely intent on malice dont want to be caught, but if youre dressed as a clown you stand out the cops just have to follow the size 38 footprints.

Yet real-world hysteria about scary clowns is far from a recent phenomenon. In May and June 1981  five years before the publication of It  there were a spate of alleged killer clown sightings by schoolchildren in Boston, Philadelphia and Kansas City, Missouri. Similar sightings occurred throughout the US during the 80s and 90s, none of them substantiated.

The major difference between then and now is, of course, social media. In 2013, clown-based unease afflicted the East Midlands after photos of the so-called Northampton Clown went viral on Twitter and Facebook. The clown turned out to be a non-homicidal, 22-year-old university student.

Thats cold comfort for genuine clowns, such as WCA president Randy Christensen, who recently released a video slamming the scary clown imposters. If somebody dresses like a doctor he is not really a doctor, Christensen said. Whoever is doing this crazy stuff is not a clown. This is somebody thats trying to use a good, clean, wholesome art-form and then distorting it trying to gain access to a child.

Jordan Jones, 22, who works part-time playing a scary clown named Snuggles at Screamland Farms, a haunted house experience in Maryland, was so concerned by current anti-clown sentiment that he launched a Clown Lives Matter movement on Facebook to highlight the issue. I fear for my life, says Jones, People are out there clown hunting. Its becoming a very serious issue. Im scared of peoples reactions when they see me in public.

Radford agrees. Someone fired a gun at a clown last week, he says. In Greenville, residents were shooting into the woods where they thought clowns were. Frankly, Im far more concerned about people overreacting to the clown panic and rumours than I am about anyone dressed as a clown doing bad things.

Even Stephen King stepped in to defend the clowns he has done so much to demonise, writing on Twitter that it was time to cool the clown hysteria, adding: Most of em are good, cheer up the kiddies, make people laugh. In an interview with the Bangor Daily News, the author said that although the clown furor will pass it will come back, because under the right circumstances, clowns really can be terrifying.

Still, the scary clown craze of 2016 seems destined to last at least until Halloween: sales of clown masks are up more than 300 per cent compared to 2015, according to Brad Butler of the US costume chain Halloween Express. Of the years top 10 most popular clown masks, Butler told Eye Opener TV, eight of them are evil clown masks.
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At least 108 people have died in Haiti after Hurricane Matthew swept through the Caribbean country.

Officials are estimating that the death toll will rise.

"The situation is catastrophic," President Jocelerme Privert told The Miami Herald. "The situation is critical."

Severe weather is expected to reach the east coast of the US, and could be the most devastating storm the area has seen for a decade.

The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew Show all 13 1 /13 The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew A man sleeps on a cot inside the National Arena, the main disaster shelter in Kingston, Jamaica before the passage of Hurricane Matthew on October 3, 2016. Hurricane Matthew claimed its first victims, officials said Monday, leaving one dead and one person missing in Haiti as it churns through the Caribbean as the most menacing storm in nearly a decade. Strong winds buffeted the southern coast of the Americas' most destitute country which is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, in part because so many homes and buildings are flimsy. Flooding now is being reported in some areas of Jamaica as the Category 4 storm creeps closer from the south, news reports said. / AFP / Ricardo Makyn (Photo credit should read RICARDO MAKYN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew Evacuees remain at a shelter in Guantanamo, Cuba on October 3, 2016, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Matthew. As the Category 4 hurricane creeps closer, Cuba, in the likely path of destruction, ordered the evacuation of more than 250,000 people from the east of the island. / AFP / YAMIL LAGE (Photo credit should read YAMIL LAGE/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew The road surface on Industrial Terrace is seen washed away due to the rain in Kingston, Jamaica before the passage of Hurricane Matthew on October 3, 2016. Hurricane Matthew claimed its first victims, officials said Monday, leaving one dead and one person missing in Haiti as it churns through the Caribbean as the most menacing storm in nearly a decade. Strong winds buffeted the southern coast of the Americas' most destitute country which is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, in part because so many homes and buildings are flimsy. Flooding now is being reported in some areas of Jamaica as the Category 4 storm creeps closer from the south, news reports said. / AFP / Ricardo Makyn (Photo credit should read RICARDO MAKYN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew Evacuees get their lunch at a shelter in Guantanamo, Cuba on October 3, 2016, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Matthew. As the Category 4 hurricane creeps closer, Cuba, in the likely path of destruction, ordered the evacuation of more than 250,000 people from the east of the island. / AFP / YAMIL LAGE (Photo credit should read YAMIL LAGE/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew AFP/Getty Images The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew A woman watches TV at a shelter in Guantanamo, Cuba on October 3, 2016, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Matthew. As the Category 4 hurricane creeps closer, Cuba, in the likely path of destruction, ordered the evacuation of more than 250,000 people from the east of the island. / AFP / YAMIL LAGE (Photo credit should read YAMIL LAGE/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew CARIBBEAN SEA - OCTOBER 3: In this NOAA handout image, taken by the GOES satellite at 1620 UTC shows Hurricane Matthew in the Caribbean Sea heading towards Jamacia, Haiti and Cuba on October 3, 2016. Matthew is a strong Category 4 hurricane, in the central Caribbean Sea and is poised to deliver a potentially catastrophic strike on Haiti. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images) Getty Images The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew Workers of the Emergency Operation Centre (COE) in Santo Domingo, monitor Hurricane Matthew on October 3, 2016 as it lumbers through the Caribbean Sea. Hurricane Matthew claimed its first victims, officials said Monday, leaving one dead and one person missing in Haiti as it churns through the Caribbean as the most menacing storm in nearly a decade. The now Categor 4 hurricane is expected to hit southwestern Haiti Monday night, packing powerful winds and torrential rain, the US National Hurricane Center said in Miami. Cuba and the Bahamas are also in the likely path of destruction. / AFP / afp / Erika SANTELICES (Photo credit should read ERIKA SANTELICES/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew Residents of Granma Island are evacuated due to the proximity of Hurricane Matthew in Santiago de Cuba on October 2, 2016. / AFP / YAMIL LAGE (Photo credit should read YAMIL LAGE/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew An elderly man sits at the entrance to the National Arena,the main disaster shelter in Kingston, Jamaica before the passage of Hurricane Matthew on October 3, 2016. Hurricane Matthew claimed its first victims, officials said Monday, leaving one dead and one person missing in Haiti as it churns through the Caribbean as the most menacing storm in nearly a decade. Strong winds buffeted the southern coast of the Americas' most destitute country which is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, in part because so many homes and buildings are flimsy. Flooding now is being reported in some areas of Jamaica as the Category 4 storm creeps closer from the south, news reports said. / AFP / Ricardo Makyn (Photo credit should read RICARDO MAKYN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew 84 year-old Lloyd Elwood a retired fisherman lays on a mattress inside the Paradise Street Basic School, used as a shelter for residents of the Rae Town Fishing Village in East Kingston, Jamaica before the passage of Hurricane Matthew on October 3, 2016. Hurricane Matthew claimed its first victims, officials said Monday, leaving one dead and one person missing in Haiti as it churns through the Caribbean as the most menacing storm in nearly a decade. Strong winds buffeted the southern coast of the Americas' most destitute country which is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, in part because so many homes and buildings are flimsy. Flooding now is being reported in some areas of Jamaica as the Category 4 storm creeps closer from the south, news reports said. / AFP / Ricardo Makyn (Photo credit should read RICARDO MAKYN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew A man works on his boat in the Cite Soleil area of Port au Prince, Haiti on October 2, 2016. Hurricane Matthew, the most powerful Caribbean storm in a decade, churned towards Jamaica and Haiti on a path that forecasters said could eventually take it to the eastern United States. Briefly a top threat overnight as a furious Category 5 storm on the 1-5 Saffir-Simpson scale, Matthew has now weakened into a still dangerous Category 4 hurricane, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said. / AFP / HECTOR RETAMAL (Photo credit should read HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images The Caribbean embraces for Hurricane Matthew A motorist drives by a section of the road on Deanery Road in Vineyard Town that was damaged from rain in Kingston, Jamaica before the passage of Hurricane Matthew on October 3, 2016. Hurricane Matthew claimed its first victims, officials said Monday, leaving one dead and one person missing in Haiti as it churns through the Caribbean as the most menacing storm in nearly a decade. Strong winds buffeted the southern coast of the Americas' most destitute country which is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, in part because so many homes and buildings are flimsy. Flooding now is being reported in some areas of Jamaica as the Category 4 storm creeps closer from the south, news reports said. / AFP / Ricardo Makyn (Photo credit should read RICARDO MAKYN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images

The governors of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have all declared states of emergency and are urging residents to evacuate areas that may be at risk.

Florida governor Rick Scott stressed that following the emergency guidelines along the coast could mean life or death.

"Do not surf. Do not go on the beach. This will kill you," he said Thursday. "There is no reason not to leave My goal is to make sure everyone is prepared. Evacuate, evacuate, evacuate."

In Cuba, many structures and buildings have been destroyed by the tropical storm.
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Baylor University has said there is no "imminent threat" to students after a shooting suspect killed one person before heading towards campus.

University authorities in Texas released a statement Thursday afternoon warning students to seek shelter and stay away from windows following a fatal shooting.

"Shooting near campus. Possible suspect [was] seen at Ivy and 7th walking toward campus," the university statement read. "Seek immediate shelter."

In another message on social media to students, the suspect was desribed as a black male in his late teens or early 20s.

Baylor police and the Waco Police Department investigated the case, and soon deteremined there was no longer an "imminent threat".

An hour later, around 3.30pm, the university gave the all-clear and said operations would resume as normal.

The famous for and against US gun control Show all 31 1 /31 The famous for and against US gun control The famous for and against US gun control Against: Robert De Niro Despite the actor being a gun-wielding fast-talker, he told Daily Mail: "There should be more control. It has just gotten out of hand, how easily you can get guns." The famous for and against US gun control For: Brad Pitt "America is founded on guns. It;s in out DNA. Its very strange but I feel better having a gun." Getty Images The famous for and against US gun control For: Angelina Jolie "Brad and I are not against having a gun in the house, and we do have one. If anybody comes into my home and tries to hurt my kids, Ive no problem shooting them." AFP/Getty The famous for and against US gun control For: Johnny Depp "When I was a kid it was a controlled atmosphere, we weren't shooting at humans - we were shooting at cans and bottles mostly. I will most certainly take my kids out for target practice." Getty Images The famous for and against US gun control For: Bruce Willis "Everyone has a right to bear arms. If you take guns away from legal gun owners, then the only people who have guns are the bad guys." Getty Images The famous for and against US gun control For: Clint Eastwood "I have a very strict gun control policy: if there's a gun around, I want to be in control of it." Reuters The famous for and against US gun control For: Whoopi Goldberg "Im an NRA member, as you know or probably dont know... I want to know that theres at least some way to prevent folks who are just getting out from mental institutions [from getting guns]." The famous for and against US gun control For: Vince Vaughn "Banning guns is like banning forks in an attempt to stop making people fat. Taking away guns, taking away drugs, the booze, it won't rid the world of criminality... I support people having a gun in public full stop, not just in your home." Getty Images The famous for and against US gun control For: Donald Trump "Democrats want to confiscate all guns, which is a dumb idea because only the law-abiding citizens would turn in their guns and the bad guys would be the only ones left armed. The Republicans walk the NRA line and refuse even limited restrictions" Getty The famous for and against US gun control Against: Matt Damon I actually hate guns. They freak me out. Rex The famous for and against US gun control Against: Mark Wahlberg "Well, I would love it if they could take all the guns away. Unfortunately, you cant do that so you hope that good people in the world have them to protect the people who cant protect themselves." AP The famous for and against US gun control Against: Sean Connery "It is said that a total ban on handguns, including .22s, would take away innocent pleasure from thousands of people. Is that more or less pleasure than watching your child grow up?" Rex Features The famous for and against US gun control Against: Arnold Schwarzenegger "Im for gun control. Im a peace-loving guy." Lionsgate The famous for and against US gun control Against: Sylvester Stallone "Until America, door to door, takes every handgun, this is what youre gonna have. Its pathetic. It really is pathetic. Its sad. Were living in the Dark Ages over there." Getty Images The famous for and against US gun control Against: Rashida Jones "Gun control is our only road to freedom. Freedom from the fear of senselessly losing children." Getty The famous for and against US gun control Against: Susan Sarandon "How much more suffering & loss will it take before we better regulate the sale of arms in our country?" Getty The famous for and against US gun control Against: Beyonce Queen B was part of the Demand a Plan campaign against guns after Newton shooting, by appearing in a video alongside a bunch of celebrities. AP The famous for and against US gun control Against: Jamie Foxx A Hollywood gang joined Beyonce in the campaign... GETTY IMAGES The famous for and against US gun control Against: Cameron Diaz Took part in the Demand a Plan campaign. Getty Images The famous for and against US gun control Against: Jessica Alba Took part in the Demand a Plan campaign. Getty Images The famous for and against US gun control Against: Jennifer Garner Took part in the Demand a Plan campaign. Getty Images The famous for and against US gun control Against: Jennifer Aniston Took part in the Demand a Plan campaign. Jason Merritt | Getty Images The famous for and against US gun control Against: Jon Hamm The Mad Men actor also appeared in the video... The famous for and against US gun control Against: Reese Witherspoon Took part in the Demand a Plan campaign. Getty Images The famous for and against US gun control Against: Ellen DeGeneres Took part in the Demand a Plan campaign. Reuters The famous for and against US gun control Against: Julianne Moore Took part in the Demand a Plan campaign. The famous for and against US gun control Against: Selena Gomez Took part in the Demand a Plan campaign. GETTY IMAGES The famous for and against US gun control Against: Peter Dinklage The Game of Thrones also appeared in the video... Getty Images The famous for and against US gun control Against: Zooey Deschanel alongside the New Girl star. Getty Images The famous for and against US gun control Against: Steve Carell Took part in the Demand a Plan campaign. Getty Images The famous for and against US gun control Against: Gwyneth Paltrow Took part in the Demand a Plan campaign, too.

CBS Dallas Fort Worth reported that early indications are that a young man approached a group of people who were gambling in a vacant lot off-campus and opened fire, which prompted the warning to students.

Authorities told the outlet that the suspect fled the scene and was heading toward campus.

Waco police said the suspect is still at large.

After authorities gave the all-clear, the university thanked its students and staff fon twitter or their "excellent response" to the university alert system.

The university also apologised to some students for receiving multiple messages that were not in chronological order, and blamed an "overloaded communications sytem" during a crisis.
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When Donald Trump was chosen as the Republican nominee in July, many were shocked. Others were happy. Some were confused. But the tidal wave of momentum that has pushed the Democrat-turned-Republican into the running for the highest office in the world has kept rolling in the months since the Republican convention.

Backed by powerful allies, money, business, family and a large voter base of mostly working class, white voters, it appears that there is little that Mr Trump can say to provoke his supporters to reconsider - no matter how base or insulting.

Although the candidate has made controversial and negative remarks about people with disabilities, women, Hispanics, Mexicans, African Americans, the Chinese, military veterans - to name a few - most polls show he has a relatively minor lag behind his rival, Hillary Clinton.

"Why aren't I 50 points ahead?" Ms Clinton recently asked. She seemed to be as confused as many other voters.

Below is a run-down of her opponent's worst comments.

26 September 2016: "She doesn't have the stamina to be president"

Mr Trump has peddled theories that Ms Clinton is not physically well, jumping on a video of her stumbling as she got into a car after the 9/11 memorial service this year. He also imitated her unsteady walk at a rally.

 Donald Trump does impression of Hillary Clinton faint

27 September 2016: "She was the winner and she gained a massive amount of weight, and it was a real problem"

Mr Trump was referring to his criticism of former Miss Universe winner, Alicia Machado, who he accused of gaining weight and forced to do sit-ups in front of reporters in the mid 1990s. His remarks about the former model resurfaced in the first presidential debate but the Republican did little to reverse his comments in ensuing interviews, calling her the worst winner they had ever had.

 The woman Trump called 'Miss Piggy' appears in video supporting Hillary Clinton

26 September 2016: "That makes me smart"

Mr Trump stunned millions of Americans when he made the retort to Hillary Clinton at the first presidential debate, during which she accused him of evading federal income tax for almost two decades.

 Clinton Slams Trump for Debate Comments

26 September 2016: "Thats business, by the way"

Similarly, at the debate, he responded to Ms Clintons claim that he had rooted for the housing crisis almost a decade ago, when he could take advantage of the fallen value of property.

20 August 2016: "Youre living in poverty, your schools are no good, you have no jobs, 58 per cent of your youth is unemployed - what the hell do you have to lose?"

Mr Trumps last minute and negative pitch to win over African American voters in Ohio, less than three months before the election, was not warmly welcomed. In some polls he has close to zero per cent of the black vote.

 GOP Must Do Better with African Americans' - Trump

6 July 2015: "The Mexican Government is forcing their most unwanted people into the United States. They are, in many cases, criminals, drug dealers, rapists, etc"

His comments to Fox News on 5 July was a staunch defense of earlier comments that echoed the negative sentiment against Mexicans.

He did not fail to add: And some, I assume, are good people.

7 December 2015: "Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on"

The campaign statement said that Mr Trump would propose a temporary ban of all Muslims shortly after the terrorist attacks in Paris. He has not outlined how he would implement the ban and has been accused of consistently smearing Muslims with negative associations.

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

16 November 2015: "[Syrian refugees] could be one of the great Trojan horses"

In November last year, Mr Trump said Syrian refugees could not be allowed into the US, claiming they presented another problem in a country which already has tremendous problems.

He also said at a rally in Connecticut that he would be prepared to look a Syrian child refugee in the face and tell them to go home.

March 2011: "I want to see his birth certificate. Im starting to think that he was not born here"

Mr Trump, speaking to NBC News, spearheaded the birther conspiracy theory that president Barack Obama was not born in the US. It was not until mid-September, after his campaign had publicly denounced the rumor, that he backed down and said the president was born in the US. Period.

 'All of Donald Trump's political activity stems back to 'racist birther lie'

9 August 2016: "If [Hillary Clinton gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people - maybe there is, I dont know"

As Mr Trump appeared to despair over the gap in the supreme court justice roster, he also implied that gun advocates could assassinate his rival.

10 August 2016: [Obama] is the founder of Isis

At a speech in Florida in August, even the crowd behind Mr Trump looked shocked when he announced that the Democratic president founded the terrorist network group. Mr Trump said he was trying to criticise the presidents strategy in the Middle East.

27 July 2016: Russia, if youre listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing. I think youll be rewarded mightily by our press

Mr Trump was accused of treason for apparently encouraging Russian intelligence agencies to hack the Ms Clintons emails, following the hack of the Democratic National Committee, which exposed an attempt to smear Bernie Sanders.

26 March 2016: "Would I rather have North Korea have [nuclear weapons] with Japan sitting there having them also? You may very well be better off if thats the case. If Japan had that nuclear threat, Im not sure that would be a bad thing for us"

Mr Trump told the New York Times in March that if Japan and South Korea had their own nuclear weapons, they would rely less on financial aid from the US. He also countries should reimburse the US for the protection it has already provided, such as Saudi Arabia.

 Tim Kaine says Trump wants to go nuclear in vice presidential debate

30 March 2016: "The answer is there has to be some form of punishment [for women getting abortions]"

His comments to MSNBC in March sparked an outcry from men and women who opposed Mr Trumps proposal to lock up women who decide to abort their pregnancy. He also wants to defund Planned Parenthood. He later retracted his comment and suggested punishment should be focused on the abortion providers.

23 March 2016: "Be careful, Lyin Ted, or I will spill the beans on your wife!"

Mr Trump took the lowest route when he was battling in the polls against the Texas senator in March 2016, posting a my wife is prettier than yours meme alongside the caption: The images are worth a thousand words.

7 May 2016: "She's married to a man who was the worst abuser of women in the history of politics"

Bill Clinton has not escaped the beady eye of Mr Trump. He accused his wife of defending the former president against accusations of extramarital affairs which brought shame and chaos to the country. He also invited Gennifer Flowers to sit in the front row of the first presidential debate to unnerve Ms Clinton, but retracted the invitation.

 Michelle Obama mocks Trump with microphone

2011: "Youre disgusting, youre disgusting!"

Mr Trump reportedly screamed at a female lawyer who had requested to step outside of a deposition to breast feed her child in 2011.

The claim was not disputed by his lawyer, Allen Garten, who was present at the meeting.

October 2004: "And whether people want to say that or not, the fact is it [pregnancy] is an inconvenience for a person that is running a business"

 15-year-old girl: I see with my own eyes the damage Donald Trump does when he talks about women

In an interview with Dateline, the Republican said that pregnancy is "wonderful" - but it might be hard for a woman to come back to work. He also said that despite having five children and seven grandchildren, he has never changed a nappy.
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The governor of Florida has issued a stern warning to citizens to flee from the path of a powerful hurricane bearing down on the state, declaring: Get out, get out, get out.

Governor Rick Scott said around 1.5m people in the state were under evacuation orders as Hurricane Matthew crossed the Bahamas and set course for Florida.

This storm will kill you. Time is running out, he said, speaking on Thursday morning. Palm Beach is the first big place that will be hit. If you dont want 100-150 windsThese are winds that can destroy well-built homes. On the east coast, millions will lose power.

The governor issued his warning about the strengthening Hurricane Matthew at around 8am. At that point, the storm was situated 215 miles south east of West Palm Beach and moving northwest toward the state at 12 mph, according to USA Today.

Mr Scott said the storm would likely bring winds as strong as 150 mph, storm surges up to 9 feet and and widespread power outages.

At least 26 people were killed as the storm passed the Caribbean (AP)

He said while it was still possible that the storm could change course the last minute, it was too dangerous for people to risk their lives by staying in an area that had been designated part of the evacuation zone.

We must prepare for a direct hit, said Mr Scott, who said he had added 1,000 National Guard troops to the 2,500 troops already deployed. Dont take a chance. Time is running out. We dont have much time left.

The storm is currently measured as a Category 3 hurricane, with winds up to 125 mph, but is forecast to intensify to a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds from 130 mph to 156 mph.

The governors of South Carolina and North Carolina have also declared states of emergency along the coast in anticipation of high-winds and life-threatening storm surges as high as nine feet in some areas.

The storm has already killed at least 26 people as it passed the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba. It is currently battering the Bahamas and is forecast to approach the Florida coast on Thursday night. Any slight deviation could mean it making landfall, or heading further out to sea.

 Haiti in crisis after Hurricane Matthew hits

Either way, forecasters say it will come close enough to wreak havoc along the lower part of the East Coast, dumping up to 15 inches in rain in some spots. Storm surge of five to eight feet was expected along the coast from central Florida into Georgia, the Associated Press said.

Everyone in our state must prepare now for a direct hit, said Mr Scott. If Matthew directly impacts Florida, the destruction could be catastrophic and you need to be prepared.

Mr Scott said he was lifting all tolls on roads, meaning that people had no reason not to leave. In many areas cars queued for fuel and residents stocked up on food and hardware supplies to board up their houses

Schools, universities and government offices in some areas are closed. Flights are disrupted, with American Airlines canceling all services in and out of three South Florida airports.
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Emergency responders are scrambling to reach Haitians most affected by Hurricane Matthew, the strongest storm in a decade.

More than 14,000 people have been displaced and at least 11 people have died in Haiti and Cuba.

The presidential election this weekend in Haiti has been postponed, according to officials, as one of the world's poorest countries is just starting to deal with the aftermath of the storm, which battered thousands of people in poorly-built housing with winds of up to 145 miles per hour.

The area of Haiti most affected was the southern tip, which was directly in the storms path, but officials said it was too early to describe the ultimate damage from the storm.

Among the heaviest destruction is a main bridge and communication lines are down.

The worst of the storm may have now passed Haiti, but 10,000 people are still in shelters and hospitals are stretched to their limits, according to UN special representative Mourad Wahba, as reported by the BBC.

The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew Show all 14 1 /14 The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 A woman illuminates her family with a candle as they sleep on the floor in a partially destroyed school used as a shelter after Hurricane Matthew hit Jeremie, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Mist rises off the water as a flooded building is pictured after Hurricane Matthew passes in Lumberton, North Carolina, US Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Children sleep over metal sheets in a partially destroyed school used as a shelter after Hurricane Matthew hit Jeremie, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 People carry the coffin of a woman who died during Hurricane Matthew in Jeremie, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Destroyed houses are seen after Hurricane Matthew passes Grande Cayemite, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Clothes hang in an area destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Les Anglais, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 A woman with cholera symptoms receives medical atention at the health center of Les Anglais, in Les Cayes in the southwest of Haiti Getty The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Residents line up for food after Hurricane Matthew in Anse D'Hainault, Haiti. Nearly a week after the storm smashed into southwestern Haiti, some communities have yet to receive any assistance, leaving residents who have lost their homes and virtually all of their belongings struggling to find shelter and water AP The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 People sick with cholera receive medical assistance at Saint Antoine hospital in Jeremi, Haiti. According to the UN after hurricane Matthew the disease has spread EPA The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 A woman and a child sit on a buckets amid the ruins of their home destroyed by Hurricane Matthew, in Jeremie, Haiti AP The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 UN blue helmets load aid which arrived in US helicopters onto a truck for people affected by Hurricane Matthew, in Jeremie, southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti Getty The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 A UN helicopter lands next to aid sent by the United States for the people affected by Hurricane Matthew, in Jeremie, southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti Getty The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 A boat passes a church in Nichols, South Carolina. Nearly 1 million homes and businesses still did not have power Monday morning in the Carolinas after Hurricane Matthew AP The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 9 October 2016 Boats sit washed up on shore amongst the twisted docks at Palmetto Bay Marina damaged by Hurricane Matthew in Hilton Head, South Carolina AP

Disturbing videos showed people almost being swept away in fast-flowing rivers of mud, while others attempted to cross the swell with their possessions on their backs.

At least four people have been killed in the Dominican Republic due to collapsing walls and mudslides.

Mudslides could continue for days due to rain-soaked ground.

 Hurricane Matthew makes landfall in Haiti

In Cuba, dozens of homes were damaged in the eastern city of Baracoa and several people were reported dead.

Meteorologists predict Hurricane Matthew will barrel towards Florida by Thursday evening and then move eastwards into the Atlantic Ocean, possibly sparing cities like Boston and New York.

Florida governor Rick Scott warned his state was in for a "direct hit" and millions of people across the Sunshine State as well as Georgia, North and South Carolina have been ordered to evacuate.

CNN reported that at least nine out of 14 weather models showed Matthew circling back towards Florida, possibly making landfall in the state twice before dying down.

The storm, currently a category three hurricane, is traveling over the Bahamas on Wednesday evening, and is predicted to dump between eight and 15 inches of rain on the islands.

All air and seat traffic has been halted, and residents are being encouraged to move to higher ground.

Matthew is expected to regain strength over warm water north of Cuba, as reported by the Weather Channel, before hitting parts of Floridas east coast and areas along the coast of Georgia.
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The strongest storm to hit the US in a decade is hours away from making landfall in Florida after pummeling the Bahamas and killing more than 100 people in Haiti.

President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency in Florida and in South Carolina on Thursday afternoon in anticipation of a rare category four storm with 140 mile-per-hour winds, freeing up federal money and sending in emergency teams. Two million people have evacuated.

Airports, train services and cruise lines have shut down, people have boarded up their homes and around 1.5 million people in Florida alone hit the interstate motorways to move inland.

Recommended Read more At least 108 dead in Haiti from Hurricane Matthew

Florida governor Rick Scott did not mince his words when he told Floridians that the storm will kill you.

The storm has already killed people. We should expect the same impact in Florida, he warned.

There are no excuses. You need to leave.

Mr Scott activated 3,500 National Guard troops on Thursday evening to help out with emergency operations during the storm.

Matthew could be the first such storm to make landfall in the country since Charley hit in August 2004, causing $14 billion worth of damage.

As of 5pm ET, the storm was about 100 miles east southeast of Palm Beach, moving northwest at around 13 miles per hour.

Authorities were scrambling to make the necessary preparations along the eastern Florida peninsula and in coastal Georgia and South Carolina.

In South Carolina, eastbound traffic lanes were changed to accommodate the exodus of around half a million people fleeing from coastal areas like Charleston.

The storm is expected to reach Florida early Thursday night, traveling round the north-eastern corner of the state through Friday evening. It will reach the Georgia coast through Saturday morning and the Carolinas by Sunday night.

The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew Show all 14 1 /14 The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 A woman illuminates her family with a candle as they sleep on the floor in a partially destroyed school used as a shelter after Hurricane Matthew hit Jeremie, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Mist rises off the water as a flooded building is pictured after Hurricane Matthew passes in Lumberton, North Carolina, US Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Children sleep over metal sheets in a partially destroyed school used as a shelter after Hurricane Matthew hit Jeremie, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 People carry the coffin of a woman who died during Hurricane Matthew in Jeremie, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Destroyed houses are seen after Hurricane Matthew passes Grande Cayemite, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Clothes hang in an area destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Les Anglais, Haiti Reuters The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 A woman with cholera symptoms receives medical atention at the health center of Les Anglais, in Les Cayes in the southwest of Haiti Getty The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 11 October 2016 Residents line up for food after Hurricane Matthew in Anse D'Hainault, Haiti. Nearly a week after the storm smashed into southwestern Haiti, some communities have yet to receive any assistance, leaving residents who have lost their homes and virtually all of their belongings struggling to find shelter and water AP The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 People sick with cholera receive medical assistance at Saint Antoine hospital in Jeremi, Haiti. According to the UN after hurricane Matthew the disease has spread EPA The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 A woman and a child sit on a buckets amid the ruins of their home destroyed by Hurricane Matthew, in Jeremie, Haiti AP The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 UN blue helmets load aid which arrived in US helicopters onto a truck for people affected by Hurricane Matthew, in Jeremie, southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti Getty The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 A UN helicopter lands next to aid sent by the United States for the people affected by Hurricane Matthew, in Jeremie, southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti Getty The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 10 October 2016 A boat passes a church in Nichols, South Carolina. Nearly 1 million homes and businesses still did not have power Monday morning in the Carolinas after Hurricane Matthew AP The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew 9 October 2016 Boats sit washed up on shore amongst the twisted docks at Palmetto Bay Marina damaged by Hurricane Matthew in Hilton Head, South Carolina AP

The storm could strengthen into a category five hurricane before making landfall on the East Coast, with a dangerous storm surge - coastal water is predicated to rise by up to 11 feet - destructive winds and heavy rainfall.

Weather models show the storm will likely veer out to sea by the end of the weekend, before looping back towards Florida in the middle of next week as another potential tropical storm.

Some of the lowest barrier islands will be completely overtopped with large battering waves and life-threatening flooding. Barrier islands are likely to be breached and it is extremely possible that new inlets will be cut off in the worst affected areas, according to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, Florida.

The same weather service estimated Hurricane Matthew will be much bigger than Superstorm Sandy in October 2012, and potentially disastrous for the Sunshine State.

In Melbourne, Florida, the National Weather Service said in a statement that extensive to devastating impacts will be felt.

 Haiti in crisis after Hurricane Matthew hits

The service warned that the storm could damage properties and vehicles both on the coast and inland, as well as cause widespread power outages.

Some locations could be uninhabitable for months, it added.

In the Bahamas, the capital of Nassau was battered. Authorities reported downed power lines and trees, but no immediate deaths.

108 people died in Haiti, thousands of people were displaced and four people were killed in the Dominican Republic.

Around 10,000 people are in shelters in Haiti and the hospitals are overflowing, authorities said.

Schools have been destroyed and dangerous mudslides are still flowing due to the rain-soaked ground.
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THE MORNING PLUM:

So heres a prediction. With his national and state poll numbers slipping, and his odds in the major forecasts rapidly dwindling, Donald Trump will roll out a new, last-ditch strategy at the debate this Sunday and beyond: Make the real Donald Trump disappear.

A new, self-effacing version of Donald Trump appeared on the campaign trail late yesterday. In Nevada, Trump said this:

A vote for me is a vote for change, and common sense, and a strong military, and great veterans care, and Second Amendment rights, and good health care.But its also a vote directly for you. Because I am a reflection of you.

Youre voting as people who believe in yourselves. You are voting to believe in your future. You are voting to believe in your great country. All together, we are going to make our country wealthy again.And we are going to make America great again.

This isnt about me, its about you is standard political boilerplate, of course. But in Trumps case, it may signal a closing strategy.

In a way, this was telegraphed by Mike Pence at the Veep debate, when he resolutely pretended Trump hadnt said what he actually has been saying for the last year. But now, theres grounds for thinking this could signal a broader shift. Were learning today that top Republicans think Trumps political travails may be worse than even his slide in the public polls suggests, as the New York Times reports:

Private polling by both parties shows an even more precipitous drop, especially among independent voters, moderate Republicans and women, according to a dozen strategists from both parties who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the data was confidential.

As the Times piece adds, GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell has privately expressed concern that Mr. Trump might not have bottomed out yet and could lose even more support among women.

One way to deal with this might be to do everything possible to make bigoted, misogynist, abusive Trump disappear entirely. But theres more to it than this, and I think Pence also telegraphed as much at the debate. In addition to pretending that the real Trump doesnt exist, Pence also laid out a very conventional Republican agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, and Obamacare repeal, which he combined with standard-issue GOP attacks on Clinton over her emails, the Clinton Foundation, and the Obama administrations policies in the Middle East.

This is all about reminding Republican-leaning college educated whites that a vote for the GOP ticket isnt just a vote for Trump  whose racist campaign, erratic temperament, and abusive streak have alienated those voters  but also for the GOP agenda theyve repeatedly voted for in the past. As I argued yesterday, Pence had nothing to say that could reassure those voters about Trumps character and emotional stability, or lack thereof. But as Ron Brownstein has explained, those voters tend to lean Republican and also harbor doubts about Clintons character and honesty. So if Trump can somehow continue to sow doubts about Clinton  say, with the sort of attacks Pence launched on Clintons ethics and Mideast policies  while temporarily suppressing the ugliness hes displayed for the past year and articulating a conventional GOP agenda, he might get back some of those voters.

Of course, this effort would likely suffer yet another setback if Trump makes good on his repeated threat to make an issue of Bill Clintons affairs at the next debate. GOP focus groups have already shown that this line of attack backfires by engendering more sympathy for Hillary Clinton among female voters. Coming from Trump, who is already seen by college educated whites, particularly women, as sexist, the backlash could be even worse. So such an assault could further alienate college educated women by reminding them of Trumps year of attacks on their gender.

And thats why Trump is now telling the New York Post that he wont go after Bills affairs at the next debate, after all. He emailed the Post to say hed be taking the high road, adding that hed be stressing a conventional GOP agenda instead:

I want to win this election on my policies for the future, not on Bill Clintons past. Jobs, trade, ending illegal immigration, veteran care, and strengthening our military is what I really want to be talking about.

Of course, like everything else, this is subject to change, and Trump might relapse on the debate stage. But if he doesnt, the imperative of making the old Donald Trump disappear might explain why.

* HOW THE CLINTON CAMPS DEBATE STRATEGY WORKS:

Abby Phillip reports that Team Clinton is fine with how the Veep debate went, because the real objective was to place Trumps disgusting insults of women, Mexicans, and Obama before the nation:

Kaine had a very clear and simple plan for the debate: remind a national televised audience of all of the offensive things Trump has said and done in this campaign, said Dan Pfeiffer, a former senior adviser to President Obama. The Clinton campaign was smart enough to know that who wins or loses the VP debate doesnt move votes. Instead its an opportunity to communicate a message to a very large audience.

As Ive argued, Pence said nothing to reassure college educated whites and suburban women about Trumps temperament, while Kaine again reminded them why theyre worried about it.

* MAP SHIFTS TOWARDS CLINTON:

The folks at Sabatos Crystal Ball have updated their ratings, and they now see enough states leaning Democratic to give Clinton over 300 electoral college votes, including Florida and North Carolina:

Although polls are still close in Florida and North Carolina, it appears that Clinton is opening up a little bit of a lead in both.Clintons lead in Pennsylvania appears solid right now.Theres also no indication that Trump is improving in Michigan, New Hampshire, or WisconsinPractically speaking, Trump probably cant win unless he carries at least one of those, and maybe twoThats because Colorado and Virginia, two growing, highly-educated states that George W. Bush won twice, have never looked all that promising for Trump.

Clinton can win without either Florida or North Carolina, but they are both must-wins for Trump, meaning hes basically on defense everywhere at this point.

* OBAMAS RISING APPROVAL MATCHES REAGANS:

A new CNN poll finds that President Obamas approval rating has hit 55 percent, the highest approval hes earned during his second term. Note this:

In a further measure of the education rift among whites thats been highlighted by this years presidential race, 55% of whites with college degrees say they approve of Obamas work as president vs. just 44% of whites who do not have degrees. Obamas approval rating is well above President George W. Bushs numbers at this point in his term in office, and about on par with Ronald Reagans numbers at this time in 1988. He is just a hair behind Bill Clintons 58% measure in October 2000.

Barry Obunglers approval is on par with that of Saint Ronald Reagan? Unpossible.

* CLINTON HOLDS SOLID LEAD IN MICHIGAN:

A new Free Press/WXYZ-TV poll finds that Clinton now leads Trump among likely voters in Michigan by 43-32, after Clinton only led by three points last month.

Blue-leaning Rust Belt states like Michigan are worth watching, because if Trump cant manage a surprise pick-up of one of them, Clinton can win by holding Virginia, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, and adding only one more battleground. Along these lines, we need a quality poll of Wisconsin.

* IS TRUMP REALLY UNDER AUDIT?

Trump has justified his refusal to release his tax returns by claiming hes under audit, which is itself bogus, but CBS News raises the question of whether Trump actually is under audit at all:

Trump wont provide proof hes actually under audit. Taxpayers under audit receive a phone call or letter from the Internal Revenue Service informing them their returns are under review.Four emails to Trumps campaign seeking this IRS letter yielded no reply.

As CBS notes, the Trump campaign has pointed to another letter from his lawyers saying his returns have been under continuous examination since 2002, but that doesnt specify which years from 2009 onward that even applies to.

* GOPS MORAL CORRUPTION IN THE FACE OF TRUMP:

Recently GOP Senator Kelly Ayotte said Trump would be a role model for children, then quickly walked it back. E.J. Dionne ties this to Pences debate performance, in which he pretended the real Trump doesnt exist:

He won style points for being smooth, but staying smooth meant ignoring or denying most of what Trump has said and inventing a statesmanlike Trump who doesnt actually exist. So to Trumps many ill effects on our politics, add another: the intellectual and moral corruption of the Republican Party. Too many Republicans outside the Never Trump ranks have to deceive themselves about who Trump is or deceive the public about how they really feel about him.

And by the way, even if some Republicans are secretly rooting for a Trump loss, because they view him as dangerous, thats even worse.

* AND A MEGA-FEUD ERUPTS AT FOX NEWS:

Megyn Kelly, who has been on the receiving end of Trumpian insults on occasion, actually said this last night about Sean Hannity:

Donald Trump, with all due respect to my friend at 10 oclock, will go on Hannity and pretty much only Hannity and will not venture out to the unsafe spaces these days which doesnt exactly expand the tent for either one of them.

Hannity, a Trump supporter, retorted that Kelly supports Clinton, which is probably the worst conceivable insult he could have lobbed at her.

Copyright: Washington Post
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Millions of protesters have joined a six-week silent march across India, demanding justice over the rape and murder of a teenage girl.

Three men of the Dalit - or untouchable - caste were accused of attacking a 14-year-old from the Maratha caste in the village of Kopardi in July, triggering widespread protests and debates relating to the position of Dalits in Indian society.

The march will congregate in the state capital of Mumbai at the end of October - where 10 million are expected to join the demonstration. Although sparked by the violent crime in Kopardi, the rhetoric surrounding the protests has since developed into anger over the treatement of Marathas in general.

The silent marchers call themselves the Maratha Revolutionary Silent Rallies and say the Dalits have been protected by a law which unfairly targets the upper-caste community of central India.

Maratha protesters believe the 'Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Prevention of Atrocities Act', which was introduced in 1989 to prevent and punish violent crimes against Dalits and other minority groups, is being misused in order to target them.

At a rally in the city of Pune, demonstrators told NDTV they believe Dalits have "filed false cases against the Marathas" as they "receive financial compensation for any atrocity committed on them under the act."

The Marathas hold another long-term grudge against the less privileged Dalits, relating to the caste quota on central government positions and education boards which requires 50% of positions to be occupied by people from minority backgrounds, according to BBC News.

The majority of Marathas are middle-class farmers and comprise more than a third of the population of Maharashtra, although fewer than 3,000 families are thought to own 70% of farm land in the state, raising the issue of systematic inequality.

Huge marches have recently taken place in the city of Ahmednagar, with organisers planning further demonstrations.

Human rights attacks around the world Show all 10 1 /10 Human rights attacks around the world Human rights attacks around the world China Escalating crackdown against human rights activists including mass arrests of lawyers and a series of sweeping laws in the name of national security. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Egypt The arrest of thousands, including peaceful critics, in a ruthless crackdown in the name of national security, the prolonged detention of hundreds without charge or trial and the sentencing of hundreds of others to death. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Gambia Torture, enforced disappearances and the criminalisation of LGBTI people; and utter refusal to co-operate with the UN and regional human rights mechanisms on issues including freedom of expression, enforced disappearance and the death penalty. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Hungary Sealing off its borders to thousands of refugees in dire need; and obstructing collective regional attempts to help them. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Israel Maintaining its military blockade of Gaza and therefore collective punishment of the 1.8 million inhabitants there, as well as failing, like Palestine, to comply with a UN call to conduct credible investigations into war crimes committed during the 2014 Gaza conflict. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Kenya Extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances and discrimination against refugees in its counter-terrorism operations; and attempts to undermine the International Criminal Court and its ability to pursue justice. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Pakistan The severe human rights failings of its response to the horrific Peshawar school massacre including its relentless use of the death penalty; and its policy on international NGOs giving authorities the power to monitor them and close them down if they are considered to be against the interests of the country. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Russia Repressive use of vague national security and anti-extremism legislation and its concerted attempts to silence civil society in the country; its shameful refusal to acknowledge civilian killings in Syria and its callous moves to block Security Council action on Syria. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Saudi Arabia Brutally cracking down on those who dared to advocate reform or criticise the authorities; and committing war crimes in the bombing campaign it has led in Yemen (pictured) while obstructing the establishment of a UN-led inquiry into violations by all sides in the conflict. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Syria Killing thousands of civilians in direct and indiscriminate attacks with barrel bombs and other weaponry and through acts of torture in detention; and enforcing lengthy sieges of civilian areas, blocking international aid from reaching starving civilians. Getty Images

However many protesters have expressed concerns the demonstrations are being hijacked by local politicians eager to promote their individual causes and generate publicity, rather than focussing on the aims of the collective.

District politicians are vying with each other to show their rallies are bigger than the rest, a Maratha police officer told The Indian Express. What need to be understood is that people at the grassroots have joined to fight for their rights.

Marathas continue to blame Dalits for a range of crimes - raising concerns of a caste war - despite the fact a report found Dalits were responsible for less than 1% of crimes committed in Maharashtra state last year.
The Costco store in Getafe, Madrid. Santi Burgos

US retail giant Costco has put off the opening of its second store in Madrid, blaming red tape for the delay. But the wholesaler says it still plans to roll out more stores in the country.

The company, the worlds second-largest retail chain after Walmart, currently has a store outside the Madrid city of Getafe and another in Seville, and has already chosen a location for a second outlet in the Spanish capital. But the firm has delayed work on the new store, citing problems with bureaucracy and difficulties in obtaining planning permission.

The lack of government is making itself felt. Everything is going very slowly, a spokesperson for the company has said of progress for the opening of the new site  a project the company says will create 260 new jobs.

Spain was is one Costcos growth areas, according to chief financial officer Richard Galanti

We never start work until we have all the necessary paperwork in our hands. We know that there wont be any problems and that our competitors kick off their projects without having some document or other, because they know that in the end theyll get it. But thats not how we operate, a Costco spokesperson explained on Wednesday.

The company should already have the necessary sign-offs, that spokesperson added. But the bureaucratic process has been larger than expected. The company said the delay would be short, with the new store possibly set to open in September or October 2017.

Costco opened its Seville store in 2014 and then a second in Getafe, on the outskirts of Madrid city center, in 2015. Its unusual business model obliges customers to pay an annual fee  in Spain it is 36  for the privilege of shopping in its outlets. In exchange, customers can take advantage of low prices and special rates at its gas station (Madrid only).

Business has been booming, with the 6.1 million chalked up in sales in 2014 jumping to 24.6 million in 2015. The company also banked 637,000 in fees last year from its 37,979 members in Seville and 4,370 members in Getafe.

The company also expects revenues to be up 28% year-on-year in 2016 but the company is still losing money. Those losses were 16.2 million in 2015 against 11.6 million 12 months earlier as the workforce grew from the equivalent of 150 full-time staff to 266. Costco US pumped 30 million into Spain as it upped capitalization.

The lack of government is noticeable. Everything is going very slowly Costco spokesperson

Despite these losses, the company remains bullish about growth prospects in Spain, with the retail giant saying on Wednesday it was already hunting for new locations in the country.

Last week the companys chief financial officer Richard Galanti said Spain was one of its growth areas. He added that the beginning of operations in Seville had been a little slow but that it was not showing strong signs of growth. Madrid started much better and is also growing very well, he said.

The company plans to open 31 stores around the world in 2017 and now has 705 outlets globally, with 493 of those in the United States.

English version by George Mills.
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An author has criticised the medias use of a phrase she coined to define Japan's sex problem - after the country's National Institute of Population and Social Security Research published a new report into the country's sinking birthrate.

The institute's latest research found that 69 per cent of men and 59 per cent of women in Japan do not have sexual partners. It also found that 42 per cent of both sexes remain virgins and 30 per cent said they have no hope for a relationship.

Maki Fukasawa, a columnist and sociologist, has subsequently objected to her term herbivore men being misued by the press in order to sensationalise the findings.

 Japan has a worrying number of virgins

Ms Fukasawa's term was invented 10 years ago to describe those males who have no interest in getting married or having a girlfriend but do pursue sexual relationships.

More recently, the expression has been popularly used to refer to men with no interest in sex whatsover, which is not what Ms Fukasawa intended.

The author has argued that the concept of female friend has changed over time, which has contributed to the confusion. Thirty years ago, when the government's survey was conducted for the first time, men believed that all relationships with women were potentially sexual and this is no longer the case, The Japan Times reported.

Love and sex news: in pictures Show all 31 1 /31 Love and sex news: in pictures Love and sex news: in pictures What makes a perfect penis? Scientists have now answered one of these great unknowns. According to a new study, general cosmetic appearance is the most important penile aspect when it comes to what women value down there. This is swiftly followed by the appearance of pubic hair, penile skin, and girth. Length comes in at number six, with the look of the scrotum trailing closely behind. The least important facet of the phallus, say the scientists, is the position and shape of meatus, the vertical slit at the opening of the urethra. Getty Love and sex news: in pictures Half of divorcees had doubts on their wedding day Over half of divorcees considered abandoning their husband or wife-to-be at the altar on their wedding day, a new study has revealed. On top of likely worrying about wedding favours and making sure guests behave on their big day, 49 per cent of divorcees admitted they were unsure before the ceremony that their marriage would last. Some 15 per cent of divorcees polled said they were so wracked with doubt that they felt physically sick in the run up to their wedding. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Students who marry after studying the same subject Picking a university subject is already difficult enough for young people. But heres an extra piece of data to weigh on your decision: you may be picking a life partner as well. Dan Kopf of the blog, Priceonomics, analysed US Census data and found that the percentage of Americans who marry someone within their own major is actually fairly high. About half of Americans are married, according to the 2012 American Community Survey (part of the Census). And about 28 per cent of married couples over the age of 22 both graduated from college. (The survey didnt recognise same-sex marriages for the 2012 data, but it will for 2013 onwards, says Kopf). Sean Gallup/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures How much sex we have (and how much we'd like) As a nation, we dont have as much sex as we would like, a survey has (somewhat unsurprisingly) confirmed. In a poll of 1523 people by YouGov, 64 per cent of Britons said they would wish to have sex at least a few times a month. The same sample said that only 38 per cent had sex at least a few times a month. In addition, 10 per cent said they wished to have sex every day, a goal which only 1 per cent admitted reaching. Rex Love and sex news: in pictures The new female condom Picture an internal condom. The chances are youre thinking of something which resembles a carrier bag. However, this could all be about to change with the new VA w.o.w. Condom Feminine. Not only is it a wireless, Bluetooth enabled, vibrating interactive device, which comes available in the shape of a heart, but the manufacturers think youll love it more than not using a condom at all. Love and sex news: in pictures One in five Brits admit to having had an affair One in five British adults admits they have had an affair, according to a new poll. 20 per cent of male respondents and 19 per cent of female respondents admitted to having had an affair in a new poll of 1660 respondents by YouGov. Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures The UK's favourite sex position Casting aside the myth that Brits are a prudish bunch, a new survey has revealed that doggy style is the nations favourite sex position. As many as a quarter of UK adults surveyed said doggy style was their favourite way to indulge with a partner. Missionary, which is sometimes scoffed at the most boring position, was favoured by a fifth of the 1,000 people surveyed by high street sex shop Ann Summers, seeing it come in as third under "woman on top". Caiaimage/REX Love and sex news: in pictures Who's most likely to cheat? Men and women who are economically dependent on their spouses are more likely to cheat, a new study has revealed. Researchers have found that men who are solely financially dependent are more like to cheat than women, at 15 per cent and 5 per cent respectively. Men who are rely on their wives may cheat because they are undergoing a masculinity threat by not being the primary breadwinner as is culturally expected, said study author Christin L. Munsch, a UConn assistant professor of sociology. Eye Candy/REX Love and sex news: in pictures Jailed for loud sex noises A woman who breached a court order barring her from causing nuisance by making "loud sex noises" was sent to jail. Gemma Wale, of Small Heath, Birmingham, was given a two-week prison sentence after a civil court judge concluded that she had breached the order by "screaming and shouting whilst having sex" at a "level of noise" which annoyed a neighbour. Rex Features Love and sex news: in pictures Photo of wedding guest proposing to girlfriend in front of bride and groom goes viral When the staggering amount time, money, and effort that goes into to planning a wedding is considered, it seems pretty obvious that all guests have is to do is turn up with some gifts, and not upstage the couple. But this fact seems to have escaped one man, whose grinning face has gone viral after he decided to propose to his girlfriend in front of the bride and grooms top table. The photo, which has been viewed over 1.4 million times on Reddit, shows a boyfriend perched on one knee in front of his crying girlfriend. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Sexual fantasies The results of a sex survey are busting the myth that Britons are sexually repressed, by revealing how the majority of women have lived out their sexual fantasies. As many as 81 per cent of women and 77 per cent of men have shared and acted out fantasies with a partner  with having sex in public topping the list of turn-ons. The study also laid bare the influence of TV and film on our desires, with three-quarters of couples saying they had inspired them. Meanwhile, a further three quarters of women and over half of men have played out a fantasy theyd found in a book. LEO RAMIREZ/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures The world's sexiest nationalities Irish men are the worlds sexiest, according to a survey of thousands of jet-setting women. In a poll of 66,000 of single American women who use MissTravel.com, as many as 8,000 said that Irish men are the sexiest. Around half of the females who took said they were turned on by Irish men said their accent influenced their choice, according to the Irish Times. ANDREW COWIE/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures More sex = happiness? Couples were asked to double the amount of sex they had each week over a three month period by researchers at the Carnegie Mellon University, who compared them to couples who had their normal amount of sex. Their findings, published in the Journal of Economic Behavior, went against advice given by the average self-help book  having more sex doesnt automatically make a person happier. Instead, couples who were instructed to have more sex reported a decrease in happiness levels. Mood Board/Rex Love and sex news: in pictures Most sexually satisfied countries It is often considered the most amorous nation on the planet, but France doesn't even feature in a new list of the most sexually satisfied countries. According to a Durex global survey of 26,000 people, aged 16 and older, across 26 countries, only 44 per cent of people are fully satisfied with their sex lives. In the wake of these results, AlterNet has compiled a list of the 12 most sexually satisfied countries, with Switzerland, Spain and Italy topping the list. INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Sex o'clock They say women are from Venus and men are from Mars  but a new sex survey suggests that members of the opposite sex seem to operate in different time zones too. While women like to get steamy between 11:21pm on average, men are more likely to be turned on at the rather inconvenient time of 7:54am. These times fall into the broader timeslots of 11pm and 2am for women, and 6am and 9am for men. PIERRE ANDRIEU/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures More sex = more money People who have more sex are likely to earn more, new research claims. The research, partly conducted from the responses of 7,500 people, found employees who have sex two or three times a week earn 4.5 per cent more than colleagues who do not. Rex Love and sex news: in pictures The effects of watching porn Contrary to suggestion that porn desensitises viewers to sex, a study has found that it doesn't "negatively impact sexual functioning" and in fact boosts couples' sexual attraction to one another. In research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, scientists at the University of California tested the effects of visual sexual stimuli on men in relationships, finding that it "is unlikely to negatively impact sexual functioning, given that responses actually were stronger in those who viewed more VSS." Rex Love and sex news: in pictures 'I have herpes' A woman diagnosed with herpes at the age of 20 has written an emotional essay about living with the common condition to fight the stigma surrounding it. Ella Dawson, now 22, said she had never had unprotected sex and thought she wasn't the sort of person STDs happened to when the symptoms first appeared during her time at university in the US. She wrote that the diagnosis initially felt like a punishment for her values and relationships and worried her that telling boyfriends would ruin her love life. Ella Dawson Love and sex news: in pictures More sleep, better sex A new study could have a simple answer to enhancing your sex life  just get a good nights sleep (if you are a woman at least). A study conducted by a team at the University of Michigan Sleep and Circadian Research Laboratory found women who get an extra hour of sleep at night reported higher levels of sexual desire and were more likely to have sex with their partners. Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Swipe right A woman has detailed her experiences of a week of always swiping right on Tinder. By opening the floodgates, as Ms Caster describes it, she receives scores of messages from different men  and not all are terrible. Love and sex news: in pictures The most adulterous town in the UK Ever wondered what the neighbours are up to? Well if you live in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, then the answer is probably... having an affair. The bustling East Midlands town has been granted the dubious honour of being the UK's top spot for infidelity  with a total of 941 affairs reportedly taking place right now. According to The Official Infidelity Index 2015, which was released this week, 2.54 per cent of the towns population are currently seeing someone they shouldn't. REX FEATURES Love and sex news: in pictures Average penis size revealed Scientists have measured more than 15,000 mens penises in an effort to find out what size is normal. Researchers at Kings College London and a London NHS trust said they hoped the review would help address the concern that some men have about their penis size and aid people suffering from anxiety and distress. They revealed that the average flaccid penis is 3.6ins (9.16cm) long, or 5.2ins (13.24cm) when stretched, and 3.7ins (9.31cm) in circumference. Erect penises are 5.1ins (13.12cm) long on average and 4.5ins (11.66cm) in girth. Rex Love and sex news: in pictures One true love Men fall in love more times in their life than women, according to a new survey. 2,000 adults were asked about relationships, and discovered that more than half of men say they've loved more than one person their lifetime. For women, it's markedly fewer, with only 45 per cent saying they've had multiple loves. Love and sex news: in pictures Dating site for 'beautiful people only' A self-proclaimed elite dating website has removed around 3,000 members because they were "letting themselves go". BeautifulPeople.com describes itself as the largest internet dating community exclusively for the beautiful and puts peoples photographs to a members vote to decide if they are allowed in. But administrators have now shown that the rigorous 48-hour selection period is not a permanent pass by taking thousands of profiles down, mainly because of weight gain and graceless ageing. Love and sex news: in pictures Sex is a 'miracle cure' Regular exercise  including sex, walking and dancing  are miracle cures staring us in the face and could dramatically cut our risk of cancer, dementia, heart disease and diabetes, leading doctors have said. In a new review of existing evidence which reveals the full extent of benefits that can be accrued from exercise, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said the improvement in health and savings to the NHS could be incalculable. Susannah Ireland Love and sex news: in pictures Pornhub searches by age of user Pornhubs prolific Insights blog fires out many reports of sociological interest, none more so than its latest on age, which lays bare different age groups' sexual proclivities. Looking at the most popular searches among 18-24s, there are several familial terms including 'step mom', 'milf', 'mom' and 'step sister', a trend that seems to die out somewhat in users' 30s. By 65, 'massage' becomes the top term, while 'granny' perhaps unsurprisingly also hits the top ten. PlaceIt/Just Another IKEA Catalog Love and sex news: in pictures Mature sex Research into the sexual lives of more than 7,000 men and women between the ages of 50 and 90 in England reveals that half of men and almost a third of women aged 70 and over were still sexually active, with around a third of these sexually active older people having sexual intercourse twice a month or more. Around two-thirds of men and over half of women thought good sexual relations were essential to the maintenance of a long-term relationship or being sexually active was physically and psychologically beneficial to older people. Getty Creative Love and sex news: in pictures The secret to an eighty year marriage Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that 42 per cent of marriages in England and Wales end in divorce, and the average British marriage which ends in divorce lasts 11 years and six months. Helen and Maurice Kaye, now aged 101 and 102, have been married for 80 years, and say the secret is: I think its important to have patience and tolerance. You're two entirely different people who suddenly live together, which can't be easy. But if you love each other, you get over the difficulties. Love and sex news: in pictures Valentine's Day porn Pornhub saw a (slight) drop in traffic on Valentine's Day as people focused on pleasuring their partners rather than themselves. Everywhere, it is, except for London. Overall UK traffic dipped 3 per cent across the UK, with Plymouth and Oxford seeing the biggest drops of 11 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. In fact every major city spent less time watching porn bar London, the Pornhub audience for which grew by 2 per cent. Getty Love and sex news: in pictures 1 in 10 men paying for sex A tenth of British men have admitted to paying for sex, according to a new study. Professionals aged 25 to 34 who binge drink and take drugs were found to be the most likely to have used the services of prostitutes, based on findings from a study of 6,108 men. Around 11 per cent of subjects, in the study published in the Sexually Transmitted Infections journal, have ever paid for sex in their lifetime and four per cent admitted to doing so in the last five years. Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Questions that determine if you're in love The existence of love and its nature is something that has troubled philosophers for centuries, but a pair of scientists believe they have a set of questions that yield "clear empirical evidence" of it, or at least whether your relationship will end in divorce. They are: 'How happy are you in your marriage relative to how happy you would be if you weren't in the marriage?' and 'How do you think your spouse answered that question?' Columbia

Ms Fukasawa claimed this change in attitude also explains why there has been a sharp downturn in the reported statistics - as the female friend box is now being ignored.

No one (in the media) called and asked for my opinion, Ms Fukasawa said on the Bunka Hoso radio programme, lamenting haphazard and sensationalist reporting on the subject. They think Im wrong because I say theyre wrong.
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Pakistan MPs have passed a law that stiffens the penalty for convicted honour killers and closed a loophole that often allowed them to go free, in a move aimed at stemming the growing number of such killings.

The bill was passed after a raucous debate on Thursday that lasted nearly four hours, with some of the loudest opposition coming from hard-line Islamist MPs. They wanted the Council of Islamic Ideology, a body of conservative Muslim clerics, to weigh in on it before becoming law.

Supporters of the bill flatly refused, saying the council, which once ruled it was permissible for a man to lightly beat his wife, routinely vetoes legislation aimed at protecting women.

Recommended Read more Pakistani man on why he murdered his sister in honour killing

Laws are supposed to guide better behaviour, not allow destructive behaviour to continue with impunity, said former senator Sughra Imam, who initially put forward the bill.

More than 1,000 women were killed last year in so-called honour killings in Pakistan, often by fathers, brothers or husbands. Such killings are bound up with longtime traditions by which a woman's chastity is vital to the family's honour  so acts like a woman marrying the man of her choice, meeting a man or even being seen sitting with a man could lead to slayings.

But those who carry out such killings are almost never punished. In accordance with Sharia, the country's law allows the families of victims to forgive the killer. Since the killers in these cases are usually close relatives, the family almost always forgives them.

The new law gives a mandatory 25 years in prison to anyone convicted of killing in the name of honor and no longer allows family members to forgive such killers. The law allows forgiveness only of an honour killer is sentenced to death; if the killer is forgiven, he would still have to serve the 25 years in jail.

Honour killings are a cancer in our society. This law is being presented against this cancer, said Naveed Qamar, a member of the opposition Pakistan People's Party, a left-of-centre party once led by Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated in 2007.

 Pakistan: Man defends killing sister in the name of honour

Still, the law angered some conservative Islamists who said it violated Sharia and imitated Western laws that give women too much independence.

Many supporters of the law said they wanted it to go further. MP Nafeesa Shah said she had wanted any form of forgiveness banned in honour killings.

There are still some loopholes, but it meets the problem half-way, she said.

It is one positive development, said Zohra Yusuf, chairman of the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, which documents such killings.

The legislation was originally introduced nearly a year ago by the PPP. But because the practice of forgiveness is part of Sharia, Parliament deferred it to a committee to try to build a consensus. The conservative Pakistan Muslim League took up the bill but added the possibility of forgiveness for the death penalty as a concession to religious parties.

The government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has faced mounting pressure to pass the law after the brother of social media star Qandeel Baloch was arrested in connection with her strangling death earlier this year.

We have to work within certain confines ... but we have taken this step and we have come so far, said Shaista Pervaiz Malik, a government MP.

An anti-rape law, which makes it mandatory that a perpetrator gets 25 years in jail, was also passed in the same parliamentary session.

Associated Press and Reuters
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A court in Burma has sentenced a Dutch tourist to prison time for unplugging speakers at a Buddhist service because the noise was keeping him awake.

Klaas Haijtema will serve three months in jail for disturbing a religious assembly. He paid a fine of around 60 for violating immigration rules in order to avoid further prison time.

The backpacker walked into a prayer hall in Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest city, at around 10pm on 23 September wearing shoes - which are not allowed inside religious buildings in Myanmar - and unplugged an amplifier so he could get to sleep in his nearby hotel.

Army officers had to be deployed to protect him from an angry crowd of local Buddhists.

In an earlier court hearing, Mr Haijtema apologised for his actions, saying he didn't realise the event was a religious sermon.

I was too tired on that day," he said, according to local media site Coconuts Yangon. "I wanted to sleep desperately. I couldnt stand the noise and checked outside the hotel. I saw that children were playing. I thought that they were playing it [the sermon] and disconnected the amplifier. I did not notice that it was a religious building. I am really sorry and I really apologise.

Mr Haijtema was found guilty on Thursday, despite pleading innocent due to ignorance.

I did not do it with intention. I didnt know it was a religious building. So, I am not guilty," Mr Haijtema told the court.

U Hla Ko, chair of the Myanmar Legal Aid Network, who represented Mr Haijtema free of charge, formally entered a not guilty plea.

The lawyer said: Number one, he had no intention [to insult religion] so he should not be convicted under section 295. Number two, he did not destroy anything so, again, he should not be convicted."

The case bears similarity to an incident which happened in late 2014, when New Zealand bar manager Phil Blackwood and two Burmese colleagues were arrested for posting an image on Facebook of Buddha wearing headphones to promote the bar he worked at in Yangon.

Mr Blackwood spent more than a year in Yangons Insein prison, despite criticism of the harsh sentence from Human Rights Watch.

In pictures: Buddhist ordination festival in Thailand Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Buddhist ordination festival in Thailand In pictures: Buddhist ordination festival in Thailand Thailand A Tai Yai boy poses for a portrait in Mae Hong Son In pictures: Buddhist ordination festival in Thailand Thailand Young boys aged between 7 and 14 are ordained as novices to learn the Buddhist doctrines. It's believed that they will gain merit for their parents by ordaining In pictures: Buddhist ordination festival in Thailand Thailand Poy Sang Long is a Buddhist novice ordination ceremony of the Shan people or Tai Yai, an ethnic group of Shan State in Myanmar and northern Thailand In pictures: Buddhist ordination festival in Thailand Thailand On the first day of the festival, the boys have their heads shaved and are anointed with turmeric and dressed up in the colours of a Thai Yai prince, with traditional accessories: long white socks, plenty of jewellery, a headcloth decorated with fresh flowers, a golden umbrella and heavy face make-up. They are then announced to the guardian spirit of the town and taken around the temples In pictures: Buddhist ordination festival in Thailand Thailand Makeup is put on a Tai Yai boy before the ceremony at Wat Don Chedi during the Poy Sang Long festival in Mae Hong Son In pictures: Buddhist ordination festival in Thailand Thailand Poy Sang Long is the most famous and colourful festival in Mae Hong Son, held over the first weekend of April, which celebrates the ordination into the monkhood, for the duration of the schools long vacation In pictures: Buddhist ordination festival in Thailand Thailand A Tai Yai boy wakes before dawn to be dressed and made up for the days festivities in Mae Hong Son In pictures: Buddhist ordination festival in Thailand Thailand Tai Yai boys are carried in a procession by their relatives during the Poy Sang Long Festival in Mae Hong Son In pictures: Buddhist ordination festival in Thailand Thailand Tai Yai boys pray at Wat Don Chedi during the Poy Sang Long Festival in Mae Hong Son In pictures: Buddhist ordination festival in Thailand Thailand The second day of the festival brings general merry-making and a spectacular parade, headed by a drummer and a richly decorated riderless horse, which is believed to carry the towns guardian spirit. The boys, still in their finery, are each carried on the shoulders of a chaperone, accompanied by musicians and bearers of traditional offerings. In the evening, the novices tuck into a sumptuous meal, waited on by their parents and relatives, before the ordination ceremony in the temple on the third day

The three men were released in an amnesty in January.

Local media pointed out that a significant difference in this case is that the sentence is far more lenient. Coconuts Yangon speculated this could be because Buddhist nationalists, who supported the prosecution of Mr Blackwood, now have less influence in the devoutly religious country.

A spokesperson for the Dutch embassy said that Mr Haijtema was doing well, given the circumstances.
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Rotterdam city council has called for mothers, judged to be incapable to raise children, to be given compulsory contraception by court order.

The Dutch council has launched a voluntary contraception drive for 160 women believed to be at risk due to learning difficulties, psychological issues or addiction, nrc.nl reports.

The alderman responsible for youth welfare, Hugo De Jonge, has called for judges to be given the power to force "incompetent mothers" to use contraception such as getting the coil fitted

Mr De Jonge said: "It concerns children who are born into families where it turns everybodys stomach to think that theyre having a child. Our primary concern used to be the interests of the parents, but now we pay more attention to the interests of the child. Not being born is a form of child protection too."

The alderman said the council have earmarked 400 women in the South Holland city for the programme. He stated there would only be a need for 10 to 20 compulsory contraception orders each day.

Mixed reactions in Guatemala to Pope's comments on contraception

There have been stiff resisitance from a number of parties to compulsory contraception orders including the governing VVD and Mr De Jonge's Christian Democrats.

VVD MP Arno Rutte told NOS: "The government can not decide who may or may not have children. The door should not be a little ajar for this type of legislation."
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The demolition of the Calais Jungle will begin on 17 October, the head of Frances human rights watchdog has indicated, while voicing deep concern over the lack of provisions in place for unaccompanied minors.

Jacques Toubon, former French minister of justice, has written a letter to the Interior Minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, urging him to establish arrangements for unaccompanied minors following the demolition.

In a statement released by Frances human rights watchdog, Mr Toubon said: The total destruction of all the camps and its facilities could begin on 17 October.

Yet the provision of shelter for unaccompanied minors is still not in operation, which will make the situation for lone children even more dangerous.

Mr Toubon said there was a lack of sufficient planning as to what will happen to ensure the safety of unaccompanied minors when the camp is demolished. In the absence of certain information, it currently looks as though nothing has been considered for the young people whose asylum applications to be reunited with family in Britain have been filed or are in the process of being looked at."

There is nothing to indicate that they will continue to be accompanied and looked after in their journey after the the camp is dismantled, he continued.

In his letter to Mr Cazeneuve, Mr Toubon demanded more information on the plans, specifically "the number of accommodation places available and their location".

The local authority in Calais denied there was a scheduled date for the demolition of the camp. A spokesperson told The Independent: The date is not yet known. It will begin in the coming weeks.

The agencies are still in the process of preparing the operation of providing shelter. The objective is that the demolition will be finished before the start of winter so these people are not left in this miserable camp this winter.

On the issue of the reported lack of provision, the spokesperson said there would be sufficient places for all of the migrants currently present in Calais and that the state was initiating a comprehensive plan to provide alternative shelter for the camps inhabitants, with particular attention on unaccompanied minors.

He added: The purpose of the operation is to provide shelter for migrants who have fled war and persecutions in their countries and who are currently living in miserable conditions in the camp.

"A particular attention will be placed on minors: every minor will be considered in accordance with their rights to receive the necessary support."

The French government estimates there are currently around 7,000 refugees and migrants living in the camp, but charities on the ground say the figure stands at more than 10,000. Among them are an estimated 400 unaccompanied children who are said to be eligible to come to Britain.

At the start of September Mr Cazeneuve vowed to dismantle the Jungle as quickly as possible, saying the closure would go ahead with the greatest determination in order to unblock Calais.

French President Francoise Hollande pledged that the camp's residents would be housed in one of the country's 164 reception centres, said to hold between 40 and 50 people each for up to four months, while their cases are examined.

Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Show all 8 1 /8 Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Heavy rainfall has turned the camp into a 'swamp' The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Heavy rainfall has turned the camp into a 'swamp' The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Heavy rainfall has turned the camp into a 'swamp' The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' People gather outside the Eritrean church at the camp The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Heavy rainfall has turned the camp into a 'swamp' The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' Heavy rainfall has turned the camp into a 'swamp' The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' A fire at the camp destroyed shelters for 180 people The Hummingbird Project Calais refugee camp is at 'crisis point' A fire at the camp destroyed shelters for 180 people The Hummingbird Project

But concerns have been raised among charity workers and aid organisations over the lack of sufficient provision once the camp is gone. Online emergency appeals have been set up by volunteers to collect donations such as sleeping bags and suitcases in preparation for the demolition.

Charity workers have said they believe it is unlikely they will be given a set date before the demolition begins, saying the authorities are likely to keep everyone guessing to avoid organised resistance.

Last week Unicef called on the UK Government to allow unaccompanied child refugees in Calais to come to Britain, expressing its concern over the planned closure of the camp and the risks of children disappearing before they can be processed.

Mr Hollande recently warned the UK that it must "play its part" in resolving the migrant crisis, and that its "sovereign decision" to leave the EU did not excuse the country of its obligations to refugees in Calais.
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The leader of Germany's main right-wing party is facing a backlash after comparing multicultural societies with migrants and refugees to a "compost heap".

Frauke Petry has caused political uproar since she became leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in July last year, for her anti-immigration and xenophobic rhetoric.

Earlier this year, the 41-year-old was condemned for insisting that the countrys border police should be authorised to shoot refugees trying to enter the country illegally.

Speaking in Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg for German Unity Day on Monday, Ms Petry attacked calls for diversity from other German political parties, in comments which have been labelled by some local media as arguing for an ethically homogenous nation.

According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung she said: What are we to think of these Germany is colourful campaigns? A compost heap is also colourful."

She also reportedly used the phrase "ragged proletariat of the Afro-Arab world" during her speech.

Her remarks have been lambasted as "repulsive" and "despicable" by fellow German political figures, The Local reports.

Refugees settle in Germany Show all 12 1 /12 Refugees settle in Germany Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Zayat, a refugee from Syria, plays with his daughter Ranim, who is nearly 3, in the one room they and Mohamed's wife Laloosh call home at an asylum-seekers' shelter in Vossberg village on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. The Zayats arrived approximately two months ago after trekking through Turkey, Greece and the Balkans and are now waiting for local authorities to process their asylum application, after which they will be allowed to live independently and settle elsewhere in Germany. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity 2015 Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany A refugee child Amnat Musayeva points to a star with her photo and name that decorates the door to her classroom as teacher Martina Fischer looks on at the local kindergarten Amnat and her siblings attend on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. The children live with their family at an asylum-seekers' shelter in nearby Vossberg village and are waiting for local authorities to process their asylum applications. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Kurdish Syrian asylum-applicant Mohamed Ali Hussein (R), 19, and fellow applicant Autur, from Latvia, load benches onto a truckbed while performing community service, for which they receive a small allowance, in Wilhelmsaue village on October 9, 2015 near Letschin, Germany. Mohamed and Autur live at an asylum-applicants' shelter in nearby Vossberg village. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Ali Hussein ((L), 19, and his cousin Sinjar Hussein, 34, sweep leaves at a cemetery in Gieshof village, for which they receive a small allowance, near Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Zayat, a refugee from Syria, looks among donated clothing in the basement of the asylum-seekers' shelter that is home to Mohamed, his wife Laloosh and their daughter Ranim as residents' laundry dries behind in Vossberg village on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. The Zayats arrived approximately two months ago after trekking through Turkey, Greece and the Balkans and are now waiting for local authorities to process their asylum application, after which they will be allowed to live independently and settle elsewhere in Germany Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Asya Sugaipova (L), Mohza Mukayeva and Khadra Zhukova prepare food in the communal kitchen at the asylum-seekers' shelter that is their home in Vossberg village in Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Efrah Abdullahi Ahmed looks down from the communal kitchen window at her daughter Sumaya, 10, who had just returned from school, at the asylum-seekers' shelter that is their home in Vossberg Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Asylum-applicants, including Syrians Mohamed Ali Hussein (C-R, in black jacket) and Fadi Almasalmeh (C), return from grocery shopping with other refugees to the asylum-applicants' shelter that is their home in Vossberg village in Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Zayat (2nd from L), a refugee from Syria, smokes a cigarette after shopping for groceries with his daughter Ranim, who is nearly 3, and fellow-Syrian refugees Mohamed Ali Hussein (C) and Fadi Almasalmeh (L) at a local supermarket on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. All of them live at an asylum-seekers' shelter in nearby Vossberg village and are waiting for local authorities to process their asylum applications, after which they will be allowed to live independently and settle elsewhere in Germany 2015 Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Kurdish Syrian refugees Leila, 9, carries her sister Avin, 1, in the backyard at the asylum-seekers' shelter that is home to them and their family in Vossberg village in Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Somali refugees and husband and wife Said Ahmed Gure (R) and Ayaan Gure pose with their infant son Muzammili, who was born in Germany, in the room they share at an asylum-seekers' shelter in Vossberg village on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity, and are waiting for authorities to process their application for asylum 2015 Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany German Chancellor Angela Merkel pauses for a selfie with a refugee after she visited the AWO Refugium Askanierring shelter for refugees in Berlin Getty Images

The interior minister of Badden-Wuttemberg Thomas Strobl told FAZ: The strategy of these people is to make people scared. Therefore we should not even get involved with them.

[The AfD] is not the saviour but the traitor of the Western world [...] they live for crisis and have no other goal but to expand this in everyday life.

Andreas Stoch of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) of Germany said: Once more the AfD has shown their hateful face. This blunder reaffirms that the AfD is by no means a bourgeois, but rather deeply inhuman.

German trade unionist and SPD politician Leni Breymaier said: "Ms Petry's miserable hatred has at least reached the next level of language. People are systematically humiliated and played against each other. It is not the diversity that threatens social peace in Germany - it is the AfD".

 Germany's AfD says Islam is not welcome

The AfD predicted in September it will become the country's third major party after next year's federal elections following gains they have made against Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU).

Set up three years ago, the AfD has been buoyed by Europe's migrant crisis and the party's success has been attributed to its hard anti-immigration stance in contrast to Ms Merkel's refugee-friendly policy which has inspired widespread opposition.

The party has no MPs in the federal parliament in Berlin, but has members in more than half of Germany's 16 regional state assemblies.

An INSA poll this week showed support for the AfD down half a percentage point from last week at 15 percent but still up around 9 points from a year ago.

Additional reporting by Reuters
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A large explosion has struck outside a police station in Istanbul just hours after an Isis suicide bomber killed more than 20 people near a refugee camp on the Syrian border.

Vasip Sahin, the governor of Istanbul, said a motorbike bomb was source of the blast in the Turkish city's Yenibosna district on Thursday afternoon.

A witness in a nearby school told the Daily Sabah newspaper gunshots were heard after the explosion, while another at a bus station 500 metres away felt the ground shake with the force of the blast.

At least 10 people were injured, with photographs of the scene showing the road strewn with debris and several cars and vans with their windows smashed and bodywork dented by shrapnel.

Mr Sahin said the attack struck Fatih Street, which leads to a mosque along an avenue of busy shops and cafes.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility from militant groups.

The attack in Istanbul came just hours after at least 29 people were killed in a suicide bombing near a refugee camp at the Syrian border.

Isis claimed responsibility for the attack, which killed several Turkish-backed members of the Free Syrian Army, who are fighting both Isis and Kurdish rebels in the country's civil war.

Activists said the opposition fighters had gathered near a small restaurant in Atmeh, which houses a border crossing used by anti-government rebels to transport both fighters and supplies.

Graphic footage of the aftermath of the blast showed about 18 bodies lying on the ground outside what appears to be a clinic, including some wearing military uniforms.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. 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Numan Kurtulmus, Turkey's deputy Prime Minister, described the blast as an inhuman attack, adding that those who perpetrated this committed a crime against humanity.

Turkey has been the target of a string of massacres by both Isis and Kurdish separatists in recent months.

Islamists have attacked tourists and protestsers in Istanbul and Ankara, as well as launching suicide bombings in areas near the Syrian border.

Kurdish militant groups have more frequently targeted police and the Turkish armed forces, who are currently carrying out operations against the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the south-east as a three-decade insurgency continues.

Another group, the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) have also claimed responsibility for attacks including a car bombing that killed 37 people in Ankara in March.
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The burqa veil is to be banned in schools and universities across Norway following similar measures in other European countries, according to the Norwegian education minister.

The country's right-wing government confirmed it was considering national regulations prohibiting the full-face veil in schools and universities, a move supported by the opposition Labour Party.

Education minister Torbjorn Roe Isaksen confirmed the ban would only apply to the full-face veil and not to other Islamic headscarves including the hijab, chador and niqab.

He did, however, defend the right of Norwegians to express their religion in their clothing, in contrast to the strict secularity laws in place in France.

"I want a young Christian girl who wears a cross to be able to show it," he told parliament. "I want a Jewish boy who wears a kippa to be able to show it. And I do not want a ban on the hijab."

Muslim women are rarely seen wearing burqa veils in Norway, according to AFP, but the issue has been widely discussed.

Last week, the parliament of Bulgaria voted to approve a law banning the garment in public places, citing growing fears over Islamic terrorism as its justification.

The covering of the head, eyes, ears and mouth will only be permitted for health reasons, professional necessity and at sporting and cultural events.

In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Demonstrators stage a beach party outside the French Embassy, in Knightsbridge, London, in protest against burkini bans PA In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Jenny Dawkins, a curate from All Saints Church in Peckham, at an anti-burkini ban protest at the French Embassy in London on 25 August Lizzie Dearden In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Demonstrators stage a beach party outside the French Embassy, in Knightsbridge, London, in protest against burkini bans PA In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Somayia Khan's six-year-old daughter at a protest against burkini bans at the French Embassy in London on 25 August Lizzie Dearden In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Friends Rebecca (L) and Hannah (R) at a protest against burkini bans at the French Embassy in London on 25 August Lizzie Dearden In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Demonstrators stage a beach party outside the French Embassy, in Knightsbridge, London, in protest against burkini bans Reuters In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Demonstrators stage a beach party outside the French Embassy, in Knightsbridge, London, in protest against burkini bans EPA In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London Demonstrators stage a beach party outside the French Embassy, in Knightsbridge, London, in protest against burkini bans AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London People participate in a 'Wear what you want beach party' protest outside of the French Embassy in London EPA In pictures: Protest against burkini bans in London A protester holds a sign which reads "Are you Burkini Beach Body Ready?" as she lies on a beach towel outside the French Embassy in London on August 25, 2016, AFP/Getty Images

Women who choose to violate the ban face fines of up to 770 (665), as well as a suspension of various social benefits.

Switzerland last week moved a step closer to imposing a nationwide burqa ban after politicians approved a draft bill by just one vote.

France introduced a ban on face covering in September 2010, including the wearing of burqas. The following year, Belgium outlawed the garment and threatened those who breached the new law with jail.

Senior politicians in Germany have hinted at the possibility of a similar ban, while a recent YouGov poll revealed around 57% of the British public would be in favour of the government outlawing the burqa.
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Aid workers are warning a huge backlog in Italys overloaded refugee processing system could cost lives as migrants are forced to sleep on rescue boats that should be patrolling the Mediterranean.

In a fresh influx of people fleeing war, persecution and poverty, almost 11,000 asylum seekers were picked up in just 48 hours earlier this week, with dozens drowned or suffocated in packed holds.

But those being taken to supposed safety in Italy face the prospect of sleeping in carparks, tents and overcrowded detention centres as the country struggles to cope with the huge number of arrivals.

 Italian coastguard rescues thousands of refugees off coast of Libya

The medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said a backlog in reception centres and designated hotspots where refugees are identified and fingerprinted meant more than 120 people had to sleep on the floor of their rescue ship on Wednesday night.

It arrived in the Sicilian port of Palermo at 7am that morning but authorities did not finish letting its 1,000 passengers off until 8am on Thursday, meaning trapped migrants had to sleep on the ship.

The extraordinary measures delayed the Bourbon Argos return to the search and rescue zone north off the Libyan coast, limiting the number of vessels preventing disasters on what has become the deadliest sea crossing in the world.

Aurelie Ponthieu, an MSF humanitarian specialist on board, told The Independent it was the first time refugees had been forced to sleep in a port  a worrying sign of deteriorating conditions as the refugee crisis continues.

Its a concerning episode for us because the conditions on the boat are very basic, she added.

We dont have enough toilets and no showers, theres no proper food delivery. We just have biscuits and juice and most of them havent eaten for days in Libya.

One woman gave birth to a baby girl on the journey to the port, and was prioritised for medical treatment alongside other pregnant, ill and vulnerable refugees.

A child from African origin is rescued from a distressed vessel 20 nautical miles north of Libya last week (AFP/Getty) (AFP/Getty Images)

Others had to wait on the dock to be transferred to temporary accommodation, sitting until 2am in the cold.

Ms Ponthieu said the Bourbon Argos takes 36 hours to make the journey back to the rescue zone and will not arrive until Sunday because of the delay, as people smugglers continue to send overcrowded and unseaworthy boats in the Mediterranean.

We really hope that this is the exception rather than the rule, she added. "All resources available need to be in postition to prevent deaths at sea.

Were talking about people who are weak, who are traumatised by the violence they suffered, they all talk about the violence in Libya and the fear they were feeling there.

With the migrant route over the Aegean Sea virtually closed by the controversial EU-Turkey deal, which is seeing refugees intercepted, detained in Greece and threatened with deportation, the Central Mediterranean has once again become the dominant sea route to Europe.

At least 140,000 migrants have reached Italy since the start of the year  compared with 154,000 in the entire of 2015 - and around 3,100 have died making the perilous trip.

Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily.

The vast majority of refugees arriving come from African nations including Nigeria, Eritrea, Guinea, Gambia, Sudan, the Ivory Coast and Somalia.

But in a concerning trend, Libyan families are now making the crossing from their home country, which has become the main launching point for people smugglers exploiting widespread lawlessness and conflict between government forces, rebels and Isis.

Traffickers frequently imprison and extort migrants, torturing, beating and even gang raping asylum seekers in exchange for ransoms before letting them attempt the treacherous sea crossing to Europe.

Those who arrive in Italy are met by a lengthy system of processing and checks, with refugees first being registered, photographed and fingerprinted at hotspots where they can be detained for a legal maximum of 72 hours.

Authorities decide if they are eligible to apply for asylum, sending prospective refugees to reception centres and issuing others with notices ordering them to leave Italy by their own means within seven days  an option few take.

But the reception centres are full, forcing asylum seekers to overstay in hotspots and pushing the backlog back to rescue ships themselves.

Valentina Bollenback, from Save the Children, said incredibly distressed refugees are being left in overcrowded and traumatic conditions after surviving disasters at sea.

Refugees struggle not to drown as they wait to be rescued in the Mediterranean Sea, north of Libya on 4 October 2016. (AFP/Getty Images)

Reception centres are at their maximum  if not over capacity, she said.

Unaccompanied children get disheartened by the situation and want to leave, which is very worrying and dangerous as they are so vulnerable.

She gave the example of one 15-year-old Somali boy who had taken four months to travel from his home to Libya, walking for days before being taken on a pick-up truck with smugglers through the Sahara, then being detained and tortured by gangs in Libya.

If he is not given official permission to depart soon - he will attempt the journey to join family in Sweden or Switzerland alone.

The influx continued on Thursday with the arrival of thousands of asylum seekers, as traffickers send huge numbers of boats into the Mediterranean in the last of the calm weather.

It came as the European Union launched a new joint border guard force aiming to stem the flow, after more than 1.3 million people arrived in 2015.

The body, with 1,000 staff and a reserve pool of 1,500 border guards designated by member states has started operations on the Bulgarian border with Turkey on an increasingly favoured land route into Europe.

The new European Border and Coast Guard also incorporates existing Frontex operations in the main arrival points in Greece, Italy and the Western Balkans.

Plans were drawn up to distribute asylum seekers around the EU according to a quota system last year but many countries, including the UK, have refused to take part in the scheme.

On Friday, Italy's foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni said his country would appreciate an agreement between the European Union and African countries similar to the one reached with Turkey to curb migration flows across the Aegean into Greece.

Speaking in Ankara Mr Gentiloni praised the refugee deal struck between the EU and Turkey in March, saying we need to have similar agreement to solve, or at least manage, migration flows from Africa.

The Italian Embassy has not responded to The Independent's request for a comment.
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A gay couple who were set to win a competition to become cover stars on the latest Ikea Russia catalogue have had their entry removed from the contest.

The furniture store's Face from the Cover contest offered members of the public the opportunity to visit a store anywhere in Russia and pose in front of a professional photographer. Participants could then upload their picture to the Swedish chain's website where other people voted for their favourite.

The winning photograph will become the cover of the next Ikea Russia catalogue, the brand said, and the winners will get undisclosed "Ikea prizes".

According to the Ikea website a creative approach and good humour will increase your chances of winning", but actually it was a campaign by young people on Russian social media site VK that helped Lev Polyakov and his boyfriend, who posed together at the Khimki store in Moscow, secure more than 7,600 votes - over 7,500 more than the runner up.

According to Gay Star News the group Straight Alliance for LGBT Equality urged their 20,000 followers to vote for the same-sex couple, propelling them towards victory.

The story attracted international media attention, particularly since a law recently introduced in Russia prohibits any publication from promoting a distorted understanding of gay and heterosexual relations as socially equivalent.

A screenshot of the Ikea competition webpage shows the couple's entry has been deleted, and replaced with a box stating 'The photograph has been removed at the request of participant'

In 2015, Ikea ceased publishing an online magazine in the country amid concerns it was violating the 'gay propaganda' law.

In March, the store released a statement saying they would "observe the legislation of the countries where we work", and therefore had decided to stop producing the magazine which showed same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples enjoying the company's products.

However, on this occasion an Ikea Russia spokesman told Gay Star News on Wednesday they would not censor the entry.

The spokesman said: We at Ikea are for the many. We welcome anybody regardless of their age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, marital or family status, or any other dimension of their identity.

This principal permeates every aspect of Ikea, be it employment, or any event organised by Ikea. In the contest, as in any activities promoted by Ikea, the very same non-discriminating principles apply.

People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Show all 10 1 /10 People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Caitlyn Jenner People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Miley Cyrus Getty People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Kristen Stewart People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Cara Delevingne People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Keegan Hirst People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Ruby Rose People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights St Vincent (who's in a relationship with Cara Delevingne) People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Annie Lennox People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Ellen Page People who made 2015 a landmark year for LGBT rights Justice Anthony Kennedy

But on Thursday, the couple's photograph had been removed. Ikea told The Independent: "The picture was removed from the contest Face from the Cover at the request of the owner."

They added: "This contest is intended to create engagement for inspiring home furnishing. Its not for us at Ikea to decide sexual orientation or anything else of a participants identity."

It was not possible to contact Mr Polyakov or his boyfriend to verify the claim they had asked for the picture to be removed.
Javier Duarte, governor of Mexicos Vera Cruz state, is being investigated for corruption. SAUL RUIZ

More information Mexico es el pais mas corrupto de la OCDE; Venezuela el peor de Latinoamerica

Mexico has once again found itself at the top of a list of nations grappling with one of the developed worlds most complex and common problems: corruption.

According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the North American country is the 13th most corrupt nation in the world thanks to high levels of organized crime. And when developing countries are excluded, Mexico rises to the top of the list.

Corruption is one of the elements that the Swiss organization includes in its annual competitiveness index. The report is based on interviews with 15,000 business leaders in 141 economies. The WEF asks each leader three questions: In your country, how common is illegal diversion of public funds to companies, individuals, or groups? In your country, how do you rate the ethical standards of politicians? In your country, how common is it for firms to make undocumented extra payments or bribes?

On a scale of 1 to 7, where 7 represents highest transparency, Mexico scored 2.5, according to Business Insider.

Investors are jittery about Mexico because of corruption, organized crime and inefficient bureaucracy

The WEF report is not happy reading for Latin America either, with five of the top-10 most-corrupt nations in the world in the region. Venezuela heads the group with a score of 1.7, followed by Bolivia (2), Brazil and Paraguay (2.1) and the Dominican Republic (2.2). But these countries are not members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), as membership in the group requires a developed, industrialized economy.

In June, the organization also published a report based on a survey of political and business leaders that said corruption was the most important problem facing Latin American nations. Scandals such as the bid-rigging and bribery scandal at Brazils Petrobras, allegations against former Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, and bribery accusations against former Guatemalan President Otto Perez-Molina, all kept most countries in the region where they were on that list back in 2014 and 2015.

In Mexicos case, however, its high corruption score is especially alarming because the North American country, unlike its neighbors, is a developed economy. Mexico ranks number 51 in competitiveness among the worlds 138 nations after it climbed up six spots, thanks to strong gains in market efficiency. Yet the country presents a number of factors that scare off investors: corruption, the most serious among them, followed by organized crime and inefficient bureaucracy and tax laws.

The least transparent nations in the developed world According to the World Economic Forum, the most corrupt developed countries in the world are: 1. Mexico (2.5) 2. Slovakia (2.7) 3. Italy (3.1) 4. Hungary (3.1) 5. Greece (3.2) 6. Czech Republic (3.3) 7. Spain (3.4) 8. South Korea (3.5) 9. Poland (3.7) 10. Slovenia (3.7) (Source: Business Insider)

Primary education continues to be a significant competitiveness weakness compared to regional and global leaders, and institutional quality is lagging. The Mexican economy has been hit by falling oil prices, weak global trade, and a resulting fall in industrial production, the WEF says in its report.

Urban environmental crisis

Corruption not only makes it difficult to do business in Mexico, but it also affects the environment, the report says. In March, Mexico City suffered its worst environmental crisis in 14 years: air pollution reached levels that presented a threat to the health of its residents and the citys government quickly implemented a controversial program to reduce contamination.

Yet, according to a WEF report published in May, the city also engages in a number of practices that actually thwart any attempt at improving air quality: bribery at motor vehicle department offices, public transport in the hands of private business leading to lax regulations, and embezzlement in the administration of Mexico City Metros new line, which opened in 2012 and, shortly after, closed for repairs.

English version by Dyane Jean-Francois
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The Syrian regime has said in a surprise move it will reduce its aerial assault on besieged rebel-held east Aleppo, leaving residents cautiously optimistic that the relentless shelling of the past two weeks will ease, and turning their focus to the siege conditions that are starting to starve their neighbourhoods.

In the new, relative calm overnight on Wednesday, teacher Abdelkami al Hamdo sent a video of him mushing up rice to feed his infant daughter because there was no milk to buy for her. He couldn't heat it, because the electricity was out. I couldnt even estimate how many other people are doing this, he said in a Whatsapp message. We are all of us suffering this way.

East Aleppos 250,000 residents have been trapped under siege conditions since July, when President Bashar al-Assads forces managed to cut off rebel supply lines.

A new offensive to retake the citys remaining opposition-held neighbourhoods was announced on September 22nd after the collapse of an internationally-brokered ceasefire, and has been followed up with a ground assault by the Syrian army and allied militias.

The unprecedented Russian-backed bombing campaign, which has involved underground shelter-penetrating bunker buster bombs, cluster munitions, white phosphorous and napalm, has killed at least 377 people, Medicins Sans Frontieres said on Friday.

Monitors in the city and the Syrian civil defense service say the death toll is much higher. One White Helmets volunteer told The Independent he estimated almost 600 people had been killed because of direct strikes on civilian buildings such as hospitals and bakeries.

The UN's special envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, warned this week that the current rate of destruction could level the entire area in the next two months.

This satellite image released by the United Nations shows road damage and craters in the Sha'ar district of Aleppo, Syria, on 25 September 2016 (AP)

Activists with the Aleppo Media Centre reported on Thursday morning that overnight had been relatively calm, with one reported bombing inside the city and no casualties. Friday dawned with reports of shelling in the countryside around Aleppo.

Residents, slightly less distracted by the prospect of imminent death from shelling, now have time to fear dying far more slowly. Inside opposition neighbourhoods, prices have hiked steeply as food and medical supplies slowly dry up.

Children's milk is nowhere to be found in pharmacies and markets, according to Ahmad Aziz, who works for a charity called Big Heart. "One NGO had about 200 cans, they distributed them yesterday, and that's it," he said. Cows' milk is also incredibly rare: even if it can be found, one litre now costs $1 (80p), compared to 25c (20p) before the siege began.

The city council has been trying to ration out bread, but only has the ability to reach about 30 per cent of east Aleppo's residents. Officially, it costs 25c (20p), if residents can find it, but some bakeries are now selling bread for $1.60 (1.29) on the black market, and the price is rising. While $1.60 might not sound like much, the average monthly income for most Aleppans in March 2015 was just $80 (64), the Syrian Economic Forum estimated, and has plummeted since in non government-held areas of the city, although reliable figures are not available.

Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them Show all 13 1 /13 Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office

Markets are now completey out of fresh fruit and vegetables except aubergine, some radish and parsley for tabbouleh, Mr Aziz said. "If you're lucky, you might find a pomegranate," he said.

Modar Sheko, a pharmacist, said his shelves are empty because his last shipment is still at the Turkish border, where it has been waiting for the last three months. Women still come in for pregnancy supplements or antibiotics on autopilot, he said. People dont even have money to buy bread. How could they also buy drugs, even if there were any? he asked.

A statement carried on Syrian state media late on Wednesday said that fighters and their families should use the break in bombing to lay down their arms and to seek amnesty in government-held west Aleppo. Anyone who does not take the opportunity to leave will face their inevitable fate, the message, leaflets dropped on the city and text messages sent to civilians warned.

Both the Syrian and Russian governments have said that humanitarian corridors have remained open for any civilians wishing to leave the area, but residents report that anyone approaching the siege barricades is shot at by snipers.

 A traumatized toddler clings onto a nurse at a SAMS hospital in Aleppo

Siege tactics have been very successful for the regime in other parts of Syria. Siege Watch, an independent monitor, estimates that around a million people across the country currently live under such conditions.

Earlier this year, the Syrian government negotiated the complete evacuation of Daraya, a suburb of Damascus that was at one time a centre of the revolution. The last remaining rebels and their families were bussed out after four years of siege led to the complete collapse of medical infrastructure and left residents despairing and hungry.

At the time, the UN called the arrangement forced displacement, and warned Daraya could not be a precedent for other areas.

In Aleppo, analysts believe that Assad has the upper hand, although the inch-by-inch ground offensive could take months, if not years, before rebels give out.

Recapturing the whole city would be a significant victory, wiping out US-backed rebels from almost all of Syrias urbanised areas. A long-term Sunni guerrilla insurgency is possible even if the rebels lose territory, former US ambassador to Syria Robert Ford warned.
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An Israeli air force pilot has died after he ejected from a fighter jet which had caught fire.

The F-16I jet crash landed while flying in to the Ramon Air Force base in southern Israel.

Deputy squadron commander Major Ohad Cohen Nov was killed as he attempted to escape the flames.

The 34-year-old was reportedly flying his plane back from Gaza, where the Israeli air force says it was launching attacks on Hamas targets in the Gaza strip in an apparent reaction to the bombing of the border town of Sderot earlier in the week.

Major Novs co-pilot was injured during the crash and evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

The families have been notified and an Air-Force commission to review the circumstances of the crash has commenced, the air force said in a statement.

Deputy Squadron Commander, Maj. Ohad Cohen Nov, 34, is the pilot that was killed in the crash earlier today. May his memory be a blessing.

Israeli police said there were no casualties when a rocket struck Sderot but the air force retaliated by attacking three Hamas training camps, believing the group was responsible for the strike.

Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Show all 12 1 /12 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict The fire in my heart is beyond my ribs. You left me beloved - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict Let me get enough of you, as Im still hungry for your smile my son - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict They besiege me in my homeland so I flew to heaven - Rodaina Al Agha, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict And I am still facing the pain all by myself - Lama Shakshak, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My brother, I watched you go while my heart was tearing - Helen Mo'amar, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My new doll is lonely in the rubble - Ayah Sha'ath, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict When a soul hugs another soul they never split, even in death - Ismail Matar, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict Everyone is gone and I stayed alone to make the world witness the injustice done to me - Hamza Shaheen, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict The hand that carries the arms carries roses too - Madeeha Al Majayda, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My eyes tell you about a dream that overcame the fence - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict A childhood caught in an unjust siege - Hadeel Quidh, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict All the details are torn after you - Hamza Shaheen, 17

[The rocket attack] is the direct result of Hamas terror agenda in the Gaza Strip that encourages deliberate attacks against Israeli civilians, army spokesman Peter Lerner said in a statement.

Local reports suggest the rocket was launched by members of Ahfad Sahaba, an Isis-affiliated group operating in the area, and had nothing to do with Hamas fighters.

The group posted a statement on various news websites claiming to have carried out the attack in the name of oppressed brothers and sisters under Israeli occupation.

Hamas is yet to offer any statement regarding the death of Major Nov, but said of the Israeli attacks in Gaza: Hamas stresses it can not keep silent if the escalation continues.

Major Novs funeral is due to be held at Moshav Mazor cemetery on Friday morning, the air force confirmed on Twitter.
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The United Nations, UK and US are condemning a new wave of deeply troubling construction of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Tobias Ellwood, the foreign office minister, said the planned construction of up to 300 new homes for Jewish settlers was a violation of international law, while American officials said the move undermined attempts at lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

But the Israeli government said only 98 new housing units had so far been approved, in the West Bank settlement of Shilo, and would not change its municipal boundary.

A spokesperson for the foreign ministry said they were to accommodate families evicted from an unauthorised outpost of settlers in Amona, where they had built illegally on private land owned by local Palestinians.

The settlement has been the subject of several long-running court cases, with the Israeli Supreme Court ordering the government in December 2014 to completely evacuate and demolish the buildings within two years, after awarding Palestinian claimants thousands of dollars in compensation.

The 98 houses approved by the Civil Administration Planning Commission so far are part of a wider plan for up to 300 housing units and an industrial zone, in an area already inhabited by more than 4,000 Israeli settlers.

Israel remains committed to a solution of two states for two peoples, in which a demilitarised Palestinian state recognises the Jewish state of Israel, a spokesperson for the Israeli foreign ministry said.

The real obstacle to peace is not the settlements  a final status issue that can and must be resolved in negotiations between the parties  but the persistent Palestinian rejection of a Jewish state in any boundaries.

But the construction provoked further alarm in the international community as a year-long wave of violence and security crackdowns continues, with 34 Israelis and two Americans killed in Palestinian attacks and at least 218 Palestinians killed by the Israel Defence Forces, who said the vast majority were attempting stabbings.

The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Show all 10 1 /10 The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Medics evacuate a wounded man from the scene of an attack in Jerusalem. A Palestinian rammed a vehicle into a bus stop then got out and started stabbing people before he was shot dead AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Israeli ZAKA emergency response members carry the body of an Israeli at the scene of a shooting attack in Jerusalem. A pair of Palestinian men boarded a bus in Jerusalem and began shooting and stabbing passengers, while another assailant rammed a car into a bus station before stabbing bystanders, in near-simultaneous attacks that escalated a month long wave of violence AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Getty Images The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinians throw molotov cocktail during clashes with Israeli troops near Ramallah, West Bank. Recent days have seen a series of stabbing attacks in Israel and the West Bank that have wounded several Israelis AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Women cry during the funeral of Palestinian teenager Ahmad Sharaka, 13, who was shot dead by Israeli forces during clashes at a checkpoint near Ramallah, at the family house in the Palestinian West Bank refugee camp of Jalazoun, Ramallah AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies A wounded Palestinian boy and his father hold hands at a hospital after their house was brought down by an Israeli air strike in Gaza Reuters The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinians look on after a protester is shot by Israelis soldiers during clashes at the Howara checkpoint near the West Bank city of Nablus EPA The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies A lawyer wearing his official robes kicks a tear gas canister back toward Israeli soldiers during a demonstration by scores of Palestinian lawyers called for by the Palestinian Bar Association in solidarity with protesters at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, near Ramallah, West Bank AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Undercover Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian in Ramallah Reuters The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinian youth burn tyres during clashes with Israeli soldiers close to the Jewish settlement of Bet El, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, after Israel barred Palestinians from Jerusalem's Old City as tensions mounted following attacks that killed two Israelis and wounded a child

A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, said he was concerned that the establishment of a new settlement near Shilo will make the prospect of a viable, contiguous Palestinian state more remote.

The Secretary-General urges Israel to halt and reverse such counterproductive decisions in the interests of peace and a just final status agreement, he added.

Mr Ellwood said the British Government condemned the plans as the latest example of a series of worrying new settlement announcements in recent months.

He added: Settlements are illegal under international law. As underlined in the July report of the Middle East Quartet, settlement activity undermines trust and makes a two-state solution much harder to achieve.

The American government issued unusually strong statements in the wake of last months agreement to hand Israel $38bn (30bn) in military aid over the next 10 years.

Josh Earnest, the spokesperson for the White House, said every US administration since 1967 has opposed Israeli settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories and that Barack Obamas administration believed the construction undermines a two-state solution.

Mr Earnest said Wednesdays announcement contradicted assurances made by Israeli officials, adding: The actions of the Israeli government in announcing this settlement undermine the pursuit of peace.

 Israel approves spending millions in West Bank settlement security

I guess, when we're talking about how good friends treat one another, that's a source of serious concern as well.

Mark Toner, a spokesperson for the US State Department, said the plan was another step towards cementing a one-state reality of perpetual occupation that is fundamentally inconsistent with Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state.

Such moves will only draw condemnation from the international community, distance Israel from many of its partners, and further call into question Israel's commitment to achieving a negotiated peace, he added.

It is deeply troubling, in the wake of Israel and the US concluding an unprecedented agreement on military assistance designed to further strengthen Israel's security, that Israel would take a decision so contrary to its long term security interest in a peaceful resolution of its conflict with the Palestinians.

He added that the prospective development, closer to Jordan than Israel, would link a string of hardcore settler outposts to effectively divide the West Bank.

Saeb Erakat, a Palestinian MP and chief negotiator, said the proposal affirms Israel's resolve to destroy the two-state solution, and demanded the international community take action.

Israel continues to impede international efforts to achieve peace in Palestine and the region amid the complete inaction by the international community to hold Israel accountable for the crimes it continues to commit against the land and people of Palestine, he said. Concrete measures and actions against all Israeli settlement activities should be taken in accordance with international law and United Nations resolutions.
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has undergone heart tests after being rushed to hospital suffering from chest pains and exhaustion.

Dr Mohammed Al-Batrawi, a heart specialist who treated the 81-year-old, said he went through a number of routine tests, including a cardiac catheterisation - a procedure in which a tube is inserted into a blood vessel leading to the heart.

He said Mr Abbas's arteries looked healthy and the test results were normal.

A Palestinian official earlier told the AP that Abbas was taken to a hospital in Ramallah after complaining of feeling tired on Thursday.

The 81-year-old, who has been in office since 2005, has been the subject of rumours of ill health in the last 12 months.

A statement carried by the official Palestinian news agency WAFA on Thursday and attributed to a presidential spokesperson said Mr Abbas' health condition is very normal.

While Mr Abbas mostly enjoys strong support from the international community for his non-violent pursuit of Palestinian statehood, his political career has been dogged by the seemingly unbridgeable divides between his own party Fatah and Hamas, the militant group in control of the Gaza Strip.

Mr Abbas and former Israeli President Shimon Peres made history in 1993 in brokering the Oslo Accords, in which Israel agreed to recognise Palestine as a negotiating partner in future talks on borders and Israeli settlement building, and created the Palestinian Authority.

Today, after years of very little progress in talks with Israel and constantly postponed local elections, many Palestinians have become disillusioned with what the Oslo Accords promised.

Mr Abbas travelled to Israel for the first time since 2010 last week to attend Mr Peres funeral.

While there he shook hands with current right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a symbolic gesture which earned him praise internationally and criticism at home.

Mr Abbas and Mr Netanyahu have agreed in principle to meet in Moscow for peace talks, the Russian Foreign Ministry said last month. A date has not been specified.
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Rebel-held eastern Aleppo could face total destruction by Christmas and thousands could die if the current assault on the city is not stopped, the UNs special envoy to Syria has warned.

Staffan de Mistura told reporters in Geneva that he was prepared to go to the besieged area of the city and personally escort al-Qaeda-linked fighters out himself in an appeal to stop the current bombing campaign by Russian and Syrian forces.

The bottom line is in a maximum of two months, two and a half months, the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate may be totally destroyed. We are talking about the old city in particular, he said, adding that thousands of Syrian civilians, not terrorists, will be killed.

Approximately 250,000 people are thought to trapped in east Aleppo  where rebel supply lines were cut off by President Bashar al-Assads troops in July. A renewed aerial and ground campaign to retake opposition-held areas has left hundreds of civilians dead, according to the UN, and damaged hospitals, water plants, and bakeries.

There is only one thing we are not ready to do: be passive, resign ourselves to another Srebrenica, another Rwanda, which we are sadly ready to recognise written on that wall in front of us, unless something takes place, Mr de Mistura said.

Syria, backed by Russia, says it is targeting militants in the city who use civilians as human shields. Mr de Mistura said that the presence of about 900 former or current Jabhat al-Nusra  now calling themselves Jabhat Fateh al-Sham  fighters did not justify the destruction that has been wrought on the city in the last two weeks following the collapse of a US-Russian brokered ceasefire. He said that there were about 8,000 fighters in eastern Aleppo in total.

 Syria: Government advance in Aleppo continues as tanks cross front line

Addressing the fighters directly, Mr de Mistura asked if they were willing to decide the destiny of so many innocent people, saying he would ensure their safety if they accepted an amnesty.

If you did decide to leave in dignity, and with your weapons, to Idlib or anywhere you wanted to go, I personally am ready physically to accompany you, he said.

Mr de Mistura also warned that history would judge decision makers in Damascus and Moscow for the misery imposed on east Aleppos citizens through the fighting.

Thousands ... will be killed and many of them wounded ... This is what you, we, the world will be seeing when we will be trying to celebrate Christmas, or the end of the year if this continues at this rate, unimpeded. Homs multiplied by 50. Homs is the rebel-held city recently completely retaken by the regime.

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

He called for shelling of the city to stop immediately, and for the UN to be allowed to take aid supplies into rebel-held areas. East Aleppo has not received any humanitarian assistance in the last three months, and food and medical supplies are running dangerously low.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault also said on Thursday that what he described as the indiscriminate bombing of the Syrian city of Aleppo was feeding terrorism and creating a new generation of Islamist extremists.

Mr Ayrault, who was speaking at a news conference after holding talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, said it was never too late to stop the bombing and that was why he had decided to visit Moscow.

A spokesperson from the Russia Foreign Ministry said that Russia was willing to work on Frances draft UN resolution.

The US broke off talks with Russia on Syria earlier this week, citing Moscow's unacceptable backing for Mr Assads Aleppo campaign.
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The United Nations and aid agencies say they are nowhere near ready to cope with up to 1.5 million people who could be displaced from the Iraqi city of Mosul when an offensive to retake it from Isis begins.

A US coalition-backed operation to take the city back from Isis could start as soon as mid-October, but humanitarian response planning has been woefully underfunded to deal with the scale of the impending manmade crisis, several agencies confirmed to The Independent.

The scope of the required response is something we cant handle, Sandra Black, communications officer for the Iraqi branch of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said. Its simply too little, too late.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the organisations humanitarian response branch, is expecting 200,000 people to flee in the first few days of an attack to retake the city, but says the worst case scenario could be up to 700,000 people. Up to 1.5 million people in the city could be in need of aid.

Currently, agencies on the ground have supplies for about 100,000 of the estimated 200,000 people who will initially need help. Its a race against the clock now, said Lise Grande, the UNs humanitarian coordinator in Iraq.

Setting up emergency infrastructure in the 13 priority sites the government and Iraqi security forces have identified is our top priority. Levelling and clearing these sites, grading them for drainage and staking out plots is as much as we can probably do in the days in front of us.

 Iraq: Fallujah returnees complain about security and services

Mobile health clinics and non-food supplies will have to arrive in a secondary wave of humanitarian assistance provided by partners on the ground.

While the UN and its partner agencies have been preparing for the humanitarian fallout from an attempt to retake Mosul since February of this year, its been very difficult to plan without knowing what's going to happen militarily," Ms Grande said. Efforts have also been hampered by a major funding shortfall.

Although 10 million Iraqis currently need some form of humanitarian assistance, only 54 per cent of the UNs 2016 Humanitarian Response Plan for Iraq has been funded. More than half of the projects included in the appeal have been forced to close or could not start due to lack of funding, UN OCHA says.

An emergency flash appeal for a minimum of $285m (224m) for the Mosul response was put out in July, but to date has only managed to raise half of the necessary funds for the most basic of emergency responses.

Donor governments have been slow to contribute to the Mosul flash appeal because the Syrian crisis crowds out everything, a senior UN official said.

It feels as if the donors dont care that much about Iraq, an aid official told The Independent. Donors have limited budgets and they worry that the emergency sites will turn into permanent camps. I think that right now were all realising just how many lives are at stake. Everyone is asking what they can do. What can we say except: You should have given us money when we asked for it?

IOM already works with more than 3.3 million Iraqis displaced by fighting since Isis took over almost a third of the country in the summer of 2014. Their resources have been stretched by almost 100,000 extra people who have been forced to flee their homes since July, when fighting stepped up in the Mosul corridor, the organisations latest emergency tracking figures show.

The US-backed Iraqi army and Kurdish peshmerga forces have retaken Isis-held villages around Mosul in the last few months and have now established secure supply lines to and from their base in Qayara, about 80 kilometres away, ahead of the offensive on the city itself.

The swift shock-and-awe capture of Mosul  Iraqs second largest city, at the time home to two million people  established Isis as a serious military contender in the Syrian civil war and its spillover. Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the establishment of the so-called caliphate from a Mosul mosque shortly afterwards.

It is estimated that between 1.2-1.5 million people are still trapped in the city, which will be the scene of heavy fighting.

Underground activists resident in Mosul have said Isis is prepared for battle with a well-established network of tunnels to conceal and move supplies, artillery and fighters. It has also built trenches, a moat, and sealed off certain districts using huge concrete blockades across main roads, partly to divide and conquer residents who could rebel against the group when the Iraqi army arrives, and partly to concentrate civilians into pockets for use as human shields.

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. 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The presence of so many civilians has greatly complicated military planning. While several sources say that the Iraqi military has learned lessons from the liberation of Fallujah in June on how to protect them, the battle to free Mosul is still the most complex operation it will have ever undertaken.

It is also unclear if residents are aware of the chaos that will await them if they make it out of Mosul alive.

In an effort to stem the expected stream of people, the Iraqi government has dropped leaflets on Mosul for the past few weeks warning residents to stay inside their homes rather than flee. On Tuesday, a new Iraqi radio station was set up and broadcast into the city. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi made an address in which he promised that details on safe escape routes and emergency assistance would be provided once the offensive begins.

People in Mosul have very few good options whether they leave or stay, Renad Mansour, a fellow with Chatham Houses Middle East and North Africa programme said. Within the city, Isis is growing paranoid and has carried out mass executions cracking down on dissent, he added. In that sense the violence has started already.

Isis has faced several military setbacks in recent months, withdrawing from the Iraqi city of Fallujah and strongholds in northern Syria. Mosul is currently the largest city still under its control, and its loss will herald Isiss defeat in Iraq.

Civilian children stand next to a burnt vehicle during clashes between Iraqi security forces and Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq (Reuters)

Even after the battle is over, what happens next is unclear, Mr Mansour says. Tensions are currently soaring between the Turkish and Iraqi governments on how Mosul, a city previously home to Sunni, Shia, Turkmen, Christian and Yazidi populations, will be governed after Isis is removed.

It is possibly a premature operation, Mr Mansour said. Everyone is anticipating the worst case scenario, but at the same time this is a battle that needs to happen.

The stakes could not be higher, Bruno Geddo of the UNs High Commission for Refugees told reporters in Geneva last week.

We have learned a lot of lessons from Fallujah, he said. The first lesson is that it is too late if you receive funding once the crisis hits the television screen.
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Were halfway through Dyslexia Awareness Week, which for me is an opportunity to highlight the positive attributes often ignored when people discuss this common so-called 'learning disability'.

Being dyslexic myself, I have experienced first-hand the challenges faced when people dont fully understand what being dyslexic means. Ive found my dyslexia to be a gift, not an obstacle, and I truly believe it has been a key factor in my success.

Thats why Im passionate about celebrating and valuing differences, changing perceptions of normal and encouraging schools and organisations to collaborate to embrace the different skills of young people with special educational needs.

Dyslexia is classed as a disability, which automatically generates preconceived notions of the person suffering from it; youre so thick, as I was told many times by my teachers at school. It took me a long time to realise that the perceived barriers of dyslexia were ones that I put in my own way, and that the strength to overcome them came from me, from valuing myself and my own ideas.

I appreciate that everyones experiences are different, but we all have a common goal of succeeding in our respective lives and careers; maybe youd like to be part of a team, or maybe you have entrepreneurial ambitions? Whichever path you would like to take, how can you overcome your own challenges and embrace your dyslexia? Here are some of the things that have helped me in my journey:

Attitude matters

It can be easy to make excuses when you're struggling, but rather than focusing on the negatives, try to exude confidence and positivity in everything you do.

It might sound cliched, but it does work. You can go a long way in changing the attitude of other people if you can display an optimistic outlook and a thirst for life.

Student news in pictures Show all 34 1 /34 Student news in pictures Student news in pictures South Korean policemen detain a student demonstrator during a protest against South Korean President Park Geun-Hye EPA Student news in pictures South Korean policemen detain student protestors during a protest against South Korean President Park Geun-Hye outside the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea. The protesters demanded that the parliament takes steps to impeach President Park Geun-Hye EPA Student news in pictures Filipino demonstrators face off with anti-riot police during a protest near the US Embassy in Manila, Philippine EPA Student news in pictures Hundreds of protesters including Indigenous People, students and militant groups marched towards the US Embassy to protest against the presence of US military troops and condemning the violent dispersal which left at least forty people hurt including twenty police officers and three people who were run over by a police van EPA Student news in pictures A federal judge in Mexico has ordered that a once-fugitive police chief be held on charges of kidnapping in the disappearance of 43 students Student news in pictures A man holds up a photograph of a missing student with a caption reading 'We are missing 43,' during a meeting marking the 25-month anniversary of the disappearances of 43 students in the southern state of Guerrero, in Mexico City. A federal judge in Mexico has ordered that a once-fugitive police chief be held on charges of kidnapping in the disappearance of 43 students AP Student news in pictures Miguel Perez, an intern student from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, puts away his cell phone before walking into the operating room at the Dr. Isaac Gonzalez MartInez Oncological Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Once they complete their general surgery training, many residents are moving to the United States in search of better wages, one of the main factors linked to the current shortage of specialists in the Island Student news in pictures Fewer EU students have applied to start university courses in the UK next autumn. There was a 9% fall in the numbers who had applied for courses, according to admissions service UCAS. PA wire Student news in pictures University students protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela. Masses of protesters jammed the streets of Venezuela's capital on the heels of a move by congress to open a political trial against Maduro, whose allies have blocked moves for a recall election AP Student news in pictures University students protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela AP Student news in pictures Thousands, most of them high school students, march during a demonstration in Madrid, Spain, on a one day strike to protest about the country's education law that increases the number of annual exams AP Student news in pictures Students gather on the west mall to confront the Young Conservatives of Texas student organization over a controversial bake sale on The University of Texas campus in Austin, Texas. The Young Conservatives of Texas chapter at the University of Texas-Austin sparked the protest with an affirmative action bake sale. The club encouraged students to buy a cookie and talk about the disastrous policy that is affirmative action Student news in pictures Donald Parish Jr, right, confronts Electrical and Computer Engineering senior Dewayne Perry over a controversial bake sale on The University of Texas campus in Austin, Texas. The Young Conservatives of Texas chapter at the University of Texas-Austin sparked the protest with an affirmative action bake sale. The club encouraged students to buy a cookie and talk about the disastrous policy that is affirmative action AP Student news in pictures Brigham Young University announced that students who report sexual assault will no longer be investigated for possible violations of the Mormon-owned school's strict honor code that bans such things as alcohol use AP Student news in pictures Students of secondary education march to protest against the final examinations and LOMCE (The Improvement Quality Education Law) law, after a call by trade unions, in Murcia, Spain EPA Student news in pictures South African police have used stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of protesters who had marched to the parliament building to call for free university education, where the finance minister was giving a budget speech AP Student news in pictures Police break up student protests outside the parliament in Cape Town, South Africa Reuters Student news in pictures South African Policemen fire rubber bullets at student protestors in Cape Town, South Africa AP Student news in pictures A student protestor is hit by a rubber bullet in Cape Town, South Africa AP Student news in pictures An injured student is helped by colleagues during protest outside the parliament during South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's medium term budget speech in Cape Town, South Africa Reuters Student news in pictures Plaintiffs and bereaved families of elementary school students killed in the tsunami that followed a major earthquake in northeastern Japan in 2011, show banners that say 'victory in a suit filed with the Sendai District Court' in Sendai. A Japanese court ordered municipalities to pay $13.7 million dollars to families of school children who were swept away to their deaths by the 2011 tsunami Getty Student news in pictures A group of student at Ewha Womans University calls for a thorough investigation into those involved in years of engagement with state affairs backstage by Choi Soon-sil, a personal confidante of South Korean President Park Geun-hye, at the school's front gate in Seoul, South Korea EPA Student news in pictures Students raise placards during a strike action called by the student union, in Madrid against university entry exams Getty Student news in pictures Libyans throw a newly graduated student into a fountain as they celebrate during the graduation ceremony for students from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Al-Arab University in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi Getty Student news in pictures Libyans celebrate as they attend the graduation ceremony for students from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Al-Arab University in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi Getty Student news in pictures Libyans celebrate as they attend the graduation ceremony for students from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Al-Arab University in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi Getty Student news in pictures Thousands of Thai Catholic students take part in mourning tributes and in singing the Thai Royal Anthem to honour late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Saint Dominic School in Bangkok, Thailand EPA Student news in pictures Students of Silpakorn University paint portraits of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the university campus in Bangkok Getty Student news in pictures A student of Silpakorn University paints a portrait of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the university campus in Bangkok Getty Student news in pictures St Andrews University students take part in a foam fight known as Raisin Monday in the Lower College Lawn behind St Salvator's Quadrangle following the Raisin Weekend PA wire Student news in pictures St Andrews University students take part in a foam fight known as Raisin Monday in the Lower College Lawn behind St Salvator's Quadrangle following the Raisin Weekend, an annual tradition where student 'parents' inflict tasks on the unfortunate first-years they have adopted as 'children' as part of a mentoring scheme PA wire Student news in pictures Students at the Cuba's National Ballet School (ENB) in Havana, Cuba Reuters Student news in pictures Students at the Cuba's National Ballet School (ENB) take part in a practice in Havana, Cuba Reuters Student news in pictures Students at the Cuba's National Ballet School (ENB) wait in line to enter a classroom in Havana, Cuba Reuters

Dont be afraid to ask for help

Never let dyslexia stop you from pursuing your dream. It might make you nervous about starting university, but you shouldnt feel ashamed. There will always be the resources available to help you, whether it's the admissions office or through your tutors, so dont be afraid to voice your concerns. Have a quick conversation with your tutors when you start just to bring it to their attention, and ask for print-outs of any presentations ahead of the class, just to help you get your thoughts in order.

There is also the governments Disabled Students Allowance scheme, which can give you that financial boost for specialist equipment, such as computer software, and also includes non-medical helper allowance which offers one-to-one specialist support and a note-taker or reader from your university.

Get creative

For me, my thought process tends to be much more visual and creative - my office space is filled with ideas from team brainstorms and sketches! Most students go into autopilot when taking notes and making longs lists, but dont be afraid to choose diagrams and images instead. My self-termed helicopter view means I bring all my ideas to life through diagrams and images, which I can look down upon as a bigger idea geared towards a certain objective. At the end of the day, the notes are for your benefit and no one elses, so be wild and creative!

Tech is your best friend

Im a huge fan of technology and it has made my life easier in so many ways. My laptop is set up with the latest speech-to-text software, allowing me to dictate my thoughts without the worry of not getting everything noted down. Absorbing information while reading can be a challenge when youre dyslexic, so if you can, invest in text-to-speech software. Companies such as TextHelp offer free trials of their tools and are well worth a try. There are also some great apps which have actually been designed specifically to meet the needs of dyslexic students, including Sonocent and Audio Notetaker in which you can record and share your notes across your devices.

It can be too easy to become bogged down by the perceived challenges faced by the 6 million people with dyslexia in the UK, and this week is our chance to banish this misconception and instead, showcase the gift of dyslexia and how it can be harnessed for good.

Debra Charles is founder and CEO of Novacroft. The Northampton-based smart technology and software solution company has released a short film to highlight the positives of dyslexia and overturn negative preconceptions, to tie in with the start of Dyslexia Awareness Week, which runs from 3rd-9th October 2016.


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In the ongoing Jeremy Hunt versus the NHS saga, the Health Secretary has announced his latest target: medical students.

Lured by promising locations such as Australia, the US and Canada, where salaries are often higher and working conditions more agreeable, many young doctors seek work abroad in the first few years after graduating.

As part of a drive to tackle a major recruitment crisis within the health sector, however, junior doctors could soon be fined if they move abroad in the four years after they finish training.

Mr Hunt proposed that students should have to repay some of the 220,000 cost to put them through medical school should they choose to take their services elsewhere, despite the latest generation of medics expected to pay 9,000 per year in fees.

The controversial plans have been widely scrutinsed by health bodies including the British Medical Association, which suggested the Health Secretary tackle the underlying reasons for doctors opting to emigrate, or quit.

Aislinn Macklin Doherty, a member of the Junior Doctors Alliance, said the issue lay in feeling undervalued and more appreciated elsewhere".

With 50,000 clinical staff missing today, scores of A&E closures and record waiting times, standard of care under Hunt have plummeted. Doctors can no longer cope, she told The Independent.

Here's what four British medical students had to say...

Mita Dhullipala, 4th year Medical Student at Glasgow University

My father was born in India and is an overseas doctor. He has worked in the NHS as a paediatrician for the last 20 years. He is one of the most hard-working people I know, and hes the reason I chose a career in medicine.

Yesterday, the Health Secretary questioned my fathers hard work and commitment to our national health service. I could not be more insulted or horrified.

The junior doctor contract dispute and the consequent handling of it by the government has caused one of the most dangerous falls in morale in the history of the NHS  not just in junior doctors, but in students too.

Would I recommend medicine to school students now? No.

Many of my friends in England simply dont feel it is worth the distress to stay in the career any longer. Morale is low, the good will is disappearing and medical students are considering careers in medical science, technology, pharmaceuticals and law.

Making them work in the NHS for four years is not going to solve any of those problems. Has the Department of Health considered making the NHS an attractive employer and treating NHS staff with respect instead of contempt?

Alyss Robinson, 4th year medical student at Leeds University

It was only ever a matter of time. So long as it is only imposed on new entrants to medical school who are fully informed, I think it is entirely justified.

We are privileged to study at such a comprehensive medical school network, and we are guaranteed a career at the end of it. The government has, and always will, heavily subsidise our course.

However, it will mean serious implications for international students, many of whom study in the UK to return to their home country, and I think this should be respected and allowances should be made.

If these rules were applied to those studying now there will be a large cohort of students left incredibly disappointed.

The first four years are usually the time when doctors want to travel abroad to work, and many will return home and work for the NHS for a long career. It is one of the appeals of becoming a doctor and it would be a deep shame if it was taken away.

Stephen Naulls, Imperial Medical School

After Id properly read the proposals, I felt absolutely livid. I still am livid. If you want doctors to stay in the U.K. after they graduate, don't force them - incentivise their stay by addressing the issues that make them want to leave in the first place.

Im a patriot, I love the NHS and everything it stands for. I consider it an honour that I get to be a part of it.

But when I look back on the excitement I had when I started medical school, I can feel it waning; every time Jeremy Hunt opens his mouth to announce a policy, I can feel my love for the NHS being drained away from me.

I know of a lot of Final Years that have purposely applied to Scotland and Wales to avoid the junior doctor contract. I know of friends that had plans to apply to UK medical schools with intention to practice abroad for a stretch of their career who are now looking to train abroad.

Instead of nurturing homegrown talent, Hunt is driving young talent to different countries before they even begin training, ensuring that the NHS receives absolutely no benefit from them whatsoever.

Anonymous 5th year medical student at Oxford University

My first reaction to the news was frustration. It is another unnecessary, punitive policy which alienates junior doctors from the government.

From a personal perspective, I found it particularly upsetting because I had been planning to spend a year after my foundation training working in Australia, where much of my family live, to gain some experience in another healthcare system in order to develop skills which I would then bring back to the NHS.

This new policy falsely portrays junior doctors as disloyal; the reality is that I want to spend my career working in the UK and a year spent in Australia would make me a better NHS doctor.

Several students in my year group have already left medicine, and many more are considering doing so before they qualify because the working environment we see junior doctors enduring at the moment is so difficult.

On Tuesday, when the plans were announced, two of my colleagues said they would never have applied to study medicine if they had known this would be a policy when they qualified.
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On Tuesday, Pwllheli was detached from the rail network due to a fire on the Barmouth Viaduct. On Wednesday, Chester was cut off from Crewe due to a large-scale variant of the autumn problem of leaves on the line: an entire tree on the track (and yes, services were diverted via a branch line). And on Thursday a level crossing breakdown at North Sheen severed Barnes from Twickenham.

The issues that have faced the Trans-Siberian Railway, which celebrates the centenary of its completion this month, are of a different magnitude: revolution, civil war, world war and the collapse of the Soviet Union, whose backbone it was. But the steel ribbon that takes travellers one-quarter of the way around the world is still attracting travellers.

While Network Rail was dealing with the Cambrian Coast line on Tuesday, Russian Railways announced that passenger turnover (travellers multiplied by the kilometres they travel) rose last month by 8 per cent. Thats despite the availability of cheap flights: between the two ends of the line, Moscow and Vladivostok, its easy to find Aeroflot tickets for 150. If that looks expensive for a one-way domestic flight, bear in mind that the flight is 4,000 miles  further than from London to Chicago.

Talking of Chicago: Novosibirsk, the biggest city on the line between the Russian capital and the Pacific Ocean, is known as the Chicago of Siberia. Its name translates as new Siberia and it is a metropolis created by the railway  and now Russias third-largest city after Moscow and St Petersburg. You can change here for Kazakhstan.

Or, if you have cabin fever after 48 hours travelling east from the capital, just get off the train, head for 85 Gorky Street (just off Lenin Square) and the Hostel Dostoevsky. Here you can pay less than 5 for a bed that doesnt sway and shudder, and consider the wisdom of taking what the great Eric Newby called The Big Red Train Ride.

It is big. But is it clever?

Well, Ive been trundling around Russia by train for three decades. Its a great way to meet the people, often over a drink, and to get a sense of the scale of the worlds biggest country. And I know that lots of travellers have the Trans-Siberian towards the top of their aspirational list of great experiences.

But Im unconvinced that, in 2016, you have to go the distance by train, investing the best part of a week of your life on the journey from Moscow to Vladivostok (or, if you turn right at Ulan-Ude, Beijing).

In the Eighties, there were good economic reasons to travel to Asia by train. The make-believe economics of the Soviet era meant you could buy, from a travel agent in Budapest, a ticket to the far east for 55  at a time when flights typically cost five times as much.

In the 2000s, the Rossiya  the flagship train between Moscow and Vladivostok  provided an engrossing cross-section of a nation in transition. It was also a handy way to hop between some sublime locations, from All Saints church in Ekaterinburg (built upon the cellar where Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed while under house-arrest in 1918) to the boggling scale of Lake Baikal: bigger than Belgium, a mile deep and containing one-fifth of all the worlds fresh water.

Certainly the Trans-Siberian traveller should spend at least as much time off the train, exploring such locations, as on it. But as I wrote a decade ago when approaching the end of the line, It might be murder on the Orient Express, but it can get fairly grim on the Rossiya, too.

The cost of travel has fallen so much that many great rail experiences elsewhere in the world are easily accessible. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway? Etihad and Jet Airways will get you to the nearest big city, Kolkata, for under 450 this month. The Indian-Pacific across Australia? Airlines from Heathrow are queuing up to offer open jaw tickets, out to Sydney and back from Perth, around the 600 mark in October. And probably the most scenic journey through Scotland, from Stranraer in the south-west to Mallaig in the north-west, has an advance fare of 37.

Your travel choices involve opportunity cost. Given that we all have limited time, in both the short- and long- term senses, Im not sure that day after day passing through a blur of birch forests provides the best payback. Sure, sample the scale and power of Moscow; spend a day and a bit on the train to Ekaterinburg, just past the watershed of the Urals marking your arrival in Asia.

But see the city and then overtake the train with a 40, two-hour hop to Novosibirsk on Pobeda. Repeat this procedure (only on S7 Airlines) to Irkutsk. Ive checked, and you wont be missing much  except the camaraderie on board. But youll probably find plenty of interesting souls in the Hostel Dostoevsky in Novosibirsk.
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If Europes two most powerful women were bulls we would say they have now locked horns. But new metaphors are needed to describe the true match of the century. Theresa May is starting a battle with herself, as she insists to her party faithful that the UK must fully leave Europe but, not to worry, trade and single market access will go on as usual.

Yet in Berlin last night, Angela Merkel, flanked by French president Francois Hollande and European Commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, told the European Round Table of Industrialists that Britain could expect no concessions on the fundamental freedoms of Europe. If lorries, investment funds and consultancies can cross European frontiers without let or hindrance then so can European citizens.

For Germany, this has been a fundamental principle since 1950 when continental Europes steel and coal industries were placed under a supranational commission, with a parliamentary assembly and a court to decide on quarrels between the six participating states and their steel and coal firms. Written into that treaty, the forerunner of the European Union, was a clause forbidding hiring based on discriminating between citizens of different nations. It is called free movement but it is really the same as other anti-discrimination clauses which forbid national protectionism in awarding contracts or hiring labour.

Britain has one land frontier with an EU member state: Ireland. It is as open as going from England to Scotland  though not for long after Brexit. Germany, however, has land frontiers with nine other EU states; 380,000 French citizens along cross the frontier every day to work in Germany. Germany will not return to a world of long border waits and extensive customs inspections of lorries and car boots. (These now are inevitable at Dover and Folkestone; once Britain leaves the EU Customs Union, it will have the same relationship to the EU as Mexico or Russia.)

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

When May went to the G20 last month it was the first time she had set foot in China. Few other political leaders get to lead their nation in their sixth decade without having visited that great economic powerhouse. But, other than her fortnight of walking in the Swiss Alps, May has no record of deep interest in or knowledge of other countries, their politics and cultures. She is a pure product of the southern English Conservative Party and has devoted her life, since her schooldays, to grassroots political Toryism.

 UK: Theresa May lays out post-Brexit plan at party conference

It was Socrates who said I am neither Athenian nor Greek but a citizen of the world. When May told her cheering party faithful that to be a citizen of the world was to be a citizen of nowhere, she was returning, not so much to the 1950s, but to the 1930s language of rootless cosmopolitans and to the hate of the pre-war nationalist right and Catholic Church for liberal values.

Recommended Read more Who you should believe and ignore about the economy after Brexit

The bizarre proposal to publish lists of foreign employees  starting with the Bank of England and Premier League clubs?  is also a throwback to Thirties ideas of national preference. Margaret Thatcher was an economic liberal while Old Etonian Tory Prime Ministers like Harold Macmillan and David Cameron were cultural and social liberals, in a word cosmopolitan. In the name of southern English Tory nationalism, May is burying Tory liberalism and internationalism.

Her main statement that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) would have no more say in UK trade issues is impossible to combine with membership of, or even half-way access to, the worlds biggest market on the UKs doorstep across the Channel. The ECJ is essentially a commercial court; it does not send people to prison. How will the worlds investors regard a Britain that appears determined to minimise its access to 450 million middle-class consumers? Merkel has given Brussels its marching orders. For Berlin, Mays singular interpretation of the June anti-immigrant plebiscite is not going to destroy Europe.

So now we will see a confrontation between British capitalism, heavily dependent on foreign investment, and British Conservatism. It is the most important political-economic debate and decision since the great struggle over free trade in the middle of the 19th Century.

Denis MacShane is a former minister of state for Europe and author of Brexit: How Britain left Europe
Acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo. Kiko Huesca (EFE)

Spains Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, is convinced that Gibraltar authorities will start negotiating a joint sovereignty agreement with Spain in March of next year, when Britain begins its formal exit from the European Union.

The minister made this assertion on Wednesday, after hearing Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo say that Spain will never get its hands on the British Overseas Territory.

Gibraltarians will have to choose between being British outside the EU or Spanish-British within the EU

Speaking at the Fourth Commission of the United Nations General Assembly, which deals with decolonization issues, Picardo had stated: No way, Jose! [Spain] will never get its hands on our Rock, in reply to a suggestion by the Spanish ambassador to the UN that co-sovereignty would be beneficial to Gibraltars economy once it is left out of the EU.

Not my hands  I will put up the flag, and much sooner than Picardo thinks, said Garcia-Margallo on state broadcaster RTVEs radio program La noche en 24 Horas.

The Spanish minister predicted that this flag could go up within the next four years. They will understand that the sooner a solution is found, the better, he said.

The current solution is disappearing, and a new one must be found, he added, in reference to the Trilateral Forum for Dialogue, a three-way platform for talks between Spain, the UK and Gibraltar that has been on hold for years.

Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said Spain will not get its hands on the Rock. Garcia Cordero

Theyve even studied the Greenland solution, and they will start to see a formula, insisted Garcia-Margallo, noting that Gibraltarians overwhelmingly voted against leaving the EU.

When Brexit becomes effective, Gibraltarians will have two choices: Being British outside the European Union or Spanish-British within the EU.

Spains offer includes letting Gibraltar access the EU domestic market, tearing down the border  la Verja  between both territories, granting residents dual citizenship, and letting them preserve their self-governing institutions. Spain and the UK would jointly manage issues of defense, foreign affairs, border control, immigration and asylum.

Garcia-Margallo also underscored the benefits for workers on both sides of the border  not just Gibraltarians but the Andalusians living in Campo de Gibraltar (Cadiz).

English version by Susana Urra.
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Just when the Conservatives are threatening to let their conference turn this week into the dullest in recent memory, trust Ukip to start throwing flares. Where Descartes proclaimed I think, therefore I am, the Kippers musings on existence might be boiled down to No pyro, no party.

It was to be expected, really. Ukip are the party of Leavers. They appeal to the left behind. They organised themselves around the idea that the UK should leave the EU. They are made up of members, like Douglas Carswell and Suzanne Evans, who left other parties. Robert Kilroy-Silk left politics, Mark Reckless left the House of Commons, Godfrey Bloom has repeatedly taken leave of his senses, and Nigel Farage enjoys leaving so much he resigned as leader, and then came back to leave all over again. Diane James clearly wanted to continue that noble precedent. But her departure is perhaps the most bizarre in the partys turbulent history.

Recommended Read more Diane James quit as Ukip leader and everyone is making the same joke

In a statement, James claimed she did not have the sufficient authority, nor the full support of all my MEP colleagues and party officers to implement changes I believe necessary. Moreover, it has been reported that the Electoral Commission, when receiving documentation confirming James election, discovered that she had signed by adding, in Latin, the words under duress after her name, giving credence to the rumour that she had been bullied into standing by Nigel Farage.

Its a staggering swipe at a party which has descended into even greater internal turmoil than Labour in the post-coalition landscape. Just think how much wider the margin of the referendum result could have been, or how much more dangerous the party could be electorally, if they had their house in order.

The truth is that the spectre of Farage hovers over Ukip all too ominously. He may have ridden off into the sunset, but like North Koreas Kim Il-sung, he remains the supreme leader, and his portrait beams from every wall. Without his blessing, it simply isnt possible to become leader, but with his blessing comes a ferocious backlash from the likes of ex-Tories Carswell, Evans and Neil Hamilton.

Diane James was caught in the crossfire between old guard and new. Farage and his allies accuse Carswell et al of being political careerists wanting to turn Ukip into their own personal Tory party, while there is a feeling among this latter group that the party needs a cleaner, professional, more modern image  less tweed to succeed, if you will. Both sides have a point.

 Nigel Farage still Ukip leader after Diane James resignation

James, sadly, was never cut out for the role. She was obviously shoehorned into running, and at the lectern never looked or sounded comfortable with those Magpie May comments. She was considered a unifier, but didn't give the impression she could unify the electorate.

The focus now shifts to her successor, and the obvious frontrunners are Suzanne Evans and Steven Woolfe. Evans election would be another symbolic poke in Labours eye (look, comrades, another female leader!) and she is undoubtedly a clever operative, writing the partys entire manifesto in days before the last general election, which saw them return a record number of votes. Paul Lambert, Ukips former head of communications, told Channel 4 News Michael Crick that she was the only person untainted so far.

The Suns Harry Cole, however, was quick off the mark when announcing James decision, tweeting Keep a very beady eye on Steven Woolfe. He had appeared the obvious choice last time round, foiled by the Boris Johnson excuse of not handing in his homework before the deadline, but Woolfe has since appeared on Question Time, where he gave a very polished performance. Well-spoken, well-dressed, without any of the fire and brimstone that so polarised viewers of Farage. He looks an assured speaker; his background is a dream for Ukip, and a nightmare for Labour.

Of mixed-race parentage from Manchesters Moss Side, he is calm, considered, and though privately educated, seems eminently approachable: the failing of countless MPs. If he were running for the Labour leadership, wed be talking of him in terms of a future Prime Minister. As it is, he could be the man to break their stranglehold on Northern constituencies that voted solidly for Brexit, as Labour digs itself ever deeper into self-indulgent student politics. Cole tweeted: There were sighs of relief amongst Labour MPs in leave seats when Woolf [sic] didnt win this time.

Heaven knows what those MPs must be thinking this morning. They thought theyd been granted a stay of execution; it hasnt lasted as long as theyd hoped. Its been Ukip firing flares for a while now, but how long before the distress signals start flooding into Labour HQ?
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Rarely have debates on education electrified party conferences, but yesterday Theresa May won the loudest applause for her promise to bring back the first grammar schools in fifty years. Jeremy Corbyn won an equally giddy reception last when he told Labour conference that he would oppose it.

Though this is retro political comfort food for left and right, it is a distraction from the overwhelming education issue that has barely featured in the conference speeches: a crisis in the recruitment and retention of teachers. In the UK, half of schools think that the teacher shortage is affecting GCSE performance; according to a poll last month by the Association of School and College Leaders 80 per cent say the recruitment situation is worse or significantly worse than a year ago.

While shortages are damaging in the West, their impact in the developing world is catastrophic. Across Africa, the only region of the world with a growing school-aged population, 70 per cent of countries face critical teacher shortages at primary level, and 90 per cent at secondary. In Pakistan, Cambodia and Ethiopia  where class sizes already average 64  attrition rates are so high that the total number of teachers is shrinking year on year.

 Theresa May says grammar schools are why she and Jeremy Corbyn are in leadership

The causes of the crisis are not hard to understand. Throughout the developing world teachers are underpaid, undertrained and under-appreciated. In Kenya, teachers have been in dispute with the government over pay so low that they live a hand-to-mouth existence. Teachers wages across Africa are thought to be lower in real terms now than they were several decades ago.

In India the World Bank estimates that up to 40 per cent of teachers are regularly absent from class. One case emerged of a teacher who has been absent for 23 years of her 24 year teaching career. But teacher idleness is not generally the cause of absenteeism. More often, teachers are out of the classroom working in a second job because they cant rely on their government salary being paid on time.

At the same time, the population explosion in much of the developing world  combined with the (vital) efforts to get every child enrolled in school  is creating a huge additional demand for teachers. Many of those teachers already in the classroom are so badly trained that they cannot teach effectively. Too often they rely on rote learning and dictation from the front of the class, techniques that fail to inspire curiosity or critical thinking. In most countries, a teacher is never tested again or given further training once they have been recruited. In some cases, the problem is not just training but the education levels of the teacher at the front of the class. Just one in five teachers in Uganda meet the minimum proficiency standards in numeracy and literacy.

So how do we recruit and retain the army of well-trained, well-motivated teachers the world desperately needs? Firstly  whether in the UK or in Uganda  we need to raise the status of teachers. Those countries with the best education outcomes  from Finland to the Asian education powerhouses of China, South Korea and Singapore  have a deeply ingrained culture of respect for teaching.

In China, the public likens the status of teachers to that of doctors. According to the Varkey Foundations Teacher Status Index, three quarters of Chinese people would encourage their children to become teachers  far higher than elsewhere in the world. On Chinas Teachers' Day pupils send flowers and write them letters to tell them how they are appreciated. The authorities even had to intervene to prevent parents proffering gifts of iPads and expensive perfumes.

Teacher pay has an obvious correlation with teacher status and recruitment rates. Higher salaries attract the best candidates into the profession and give them an incentive to stay. Research by the economist Peter Dolton shows that a 10 per cent increase in teachers pay tends to result in a five to 10 per cent improvement in a countrys educational outcomes.

Improving teacher quality has a far greater impact on educational success than other expensive investments such as changing the curriculum or even cutting class sizes. Given the stretched finances of developing world governments, the international community should prioritise helping funding good teachers salaries because it simply makes social and financial sense.

Yet international education aid has been falling since 2010  even as spending on global health has continued to grow. Education once again has fallen down the political agenda. Shamefully, the number of children who are out of school is rising again in the developing world. Of those in school, half the children in South Asia and a third of children in Africa lack basic reading skills after four years of education. At current rates of progress, we will be 50 years late in meeting the Sustainable Development Goal commitment of a good education for every child  when todays children will be long past retirement age.

But before despair sets in, we should remember that South Korea was, 50 years ago, in the same situation as many developing countries today, with similarly high levels of illiteracy. Now it is among the best education systems in the world. How? It recruited the best young people into teaching, trained them well and then showed them respect. As Education Secretary Justine Greening rightly said in her conference speech: no other profession has the power to transform futures so much." Empowering teachers is the most important measure that ministers around the world can take to improve education - even if it isnt a message that gets standing ovations in the conference hall.

Vikas Pota is Chief Executive of the Varkey Foundation
Finance Minister Michael Noonan says looking for evidence of political interference in a sale by Nama to Cerberus is a dead end

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has insisted there was no political pressure from Stormont over the controversial sale of a 1.2 billion ( 1.4 billion euro) property portfolio.

Anyone looking for evidence of political interference in the sell-off by the Republic's bad bank Nama to US investment fund Cerberus two years ago was going down a cul-de-sac, he said.

"No-one ever attempted to put political pressure on me," Mr Noonan told a parliamentary watchdog in Dublin which is investigating the sale.

Last week, Nama chairman Frank Daly suggested cross-border diplomatic concerns had played a part in the sale.

The toxic assets agency was influenced chiefly by commercial gain but also the political sensitivities involved at the time and "reconciled the two", he said.

Mr Daly also said removing prominent Belfast businessman Frank Cushnahan from his role as a Nama advisor - on the appointment of the Democratic Unionist Party - would have provoked cross-border tensions.

But before the Public Accounts Committee, Mr Noonan said there were legitimate and obvious concerns in Belfast that a fire sale of the properties could damage the Northern Ireland economy.

Nama would always come up during cross-border ministerial meetings, he said.

But he insisted Stormont leaders were "perfectly in order" to express fears about the impact of a sell-off on the construction sector and never sought to influence him.

"Nothing that the Northern Ireland politicians did in my mind contributed to reducing the price," he said, adding he had no commercial role in Nama.

A probe into the so-called Project Eagle sale by the Republic's Comptroller and Auditor General found Nama undervalued loans associated with the 800 properties.

It said US investment fund Pimco, which pulled out of an earlier bid, alerted Nama to a "success fee" or fixer payment of 15-16 million (17-18 million euro) for three parties behind the scenes.

Pimco said the money was to be shared equally by Mr Cushnahan, Brown Rudnick, a US law firm, and a managing partner of Tughans, a Belfast law firm subcontracted to assist in the deal, the report found.

Mr Cushnahan has denied any wrongdoing.

The Project Eagle deal with Cerberus has been dogged by scandal for more than a year, including 7 million linked to it being found in an Isle of Man bank account.

Former managing partner of Tughans, Ian Coulter, resigned after it was unearthed.

Mr Noonan confirmed he became aware in March 2014 of the alleged fixer fees in the failed Pimco bid.

But he said he had no power to halt the sales process continuing with the other bidders, once Pimco pulled out because of the revelations.

"I have no authority to interfere in a commercial decision on the sale of property," he said.

In any event, he said there was no evidence that such an intervention would have been in the best interest of the Irish taxpayer.

"And I am still of that view," he added.

Mr Noonan said he has full confidence in both Nama and the Comptroller and Auditor General, despite their differences on the price the Project Eagle portfolio should have reached.
Prolonged uncertainty throughout the course of this year has been blamed for an 8pc annual drop in industrial production.

Irish industrial output contracted by 13.7pc on a monthly basis in August, according to the Central Statistics Office, although the CSO said the monthly data has been affected by the 26.3pc surge in GDP in July.

The 8.5pc annual fall will be of greater concern to the Government. Industrial production in Ireland has been extremely volatile so far this year, with the CSO data revealing that manufacturing fell by its sharpest rate in over a decade back in March.

That contraction was linked to uncertainty in the run-up to the Brexit vote. The latest figures reflect an environment of continued uncertainty on behalf of manufacturers, and that situation is unlikely to change in the near future, not least because of the approach being adopted by British Prime Minister Theresa May over Brexit negotiations.

Philip O'Sullivan, economist with specialist bank Investec, said external developments have a significant effect on Ireland as it's a small and open economy.

"Any ripples of uncertainty with any of our main partners can have a major impact on sentiment here," Mr O'Sullivan said.

"Uncertainty is the enemy of investment, and there is plenty of uncertainty at the moment.

"I think it has been a surprise that Theresa May has decided to push the Brexit button so early. It ratchets up the uncertainty a few notches, which is obviously not helpful for Ireland."

It comes as growth in the Irish services sector slowed last month, with activity, new business and employment all rising at weaker rates, with the Brexit vote partly to blame.

Business sentiment also dipped sharply and was the lowest in three years, according to the latest Purchasing Managers' Index for the sector.

In the UK, the services sector slowed fractionally from August but fared better than economists had been predicting, adding to a list of positive economic data suggesting Britain would now likely avoid a recession this year.
Rural Affairs Minister Heather Humphreys is in a Budget battle to turn a one-off allocation she received for 1916 commemorations into an annual payment.

Ms Humphreys and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe are at odds over the money given to her department to fund the centenary commemorations.

It comes as Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar stalled signing off on his deal with Mr Donohoe, insisting he needs more money as a result of the 150m being eaten up by a 5 hike in the old-age pension.

It is understood that Mr Varadkar has received some backing from members of the Independent Alliance - who want a package of measures that would include increases in the fuel allowance and the return of the Bereavement Grant.

Sources say a "game of hardball" was underway ahead of a Cabinet meeting to finalise the key Budget details, which will take place at 6.30pm today.

Mr Donohoe said last night that he is "in the middle of very difficult discussions at the moment with a variety of colleagues".

But he remains "confident" that Budget 2017 will be passed next week and that it will be "fair and will have a positive and good effect on our society and economy".

The Irish Independent understands that Ms Humphreys has told her colleague that she cannot afford to lose all of the 56m that was assigned to her department for 1916 events.

Sources said there is an acceptance all that money cannot be retained for arts and rural development, but the minister wants at least the 18m that was assigned for day-to-day spending on 1916 events.

Read more: Budget 2017: Last-minute demand to reduce funeral costs for grieving families

Read more: Budget 2017: Inheritance tax changes to hurt childless families

Key aspects of the rural affairs budget will include at least another 4m for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, commitments on broadband funding and a pilot scheme to encourage more people to live in town centres.

Junior Minister Michael Ring has also met with Mr Donohoe to seek increases in funding for programmes under his remit, such as Clar and RAPID.

Sources said there is a big push for other ministers to 'rural proof' their own budgets.

"The minister is conscious that rural affairs shouldn't just be seen as an issue for one department and a key part of her budget plan is to impress that on her colleagues," the source said.

The health budget was last night close to being finalised, while Children's Minister Katherine Zappone has agreed her much-anticipated childcare package.

Sources said she was "pleased" with the outcome but her officials now have to work on the exact thresholds at which working families will qualify for the subsidy.

In the Dail yesterday, Taoiseach Enda Kenny hit out at Sinn Fein's alternative budget, describing it as "the most fantastic document that I have read in recent years".

He said they boasted about sorting out "all of the problems of Ireland" and "provide money for every single problem that had existed".

Meanwhile, the Irish Independent has learnt Labour Party finance spokeswoman Joan Burton submitted a range of costing to the Department of Finance to determine the increased revenues that would be generated if every company operating in Ireland had to pay a minimum effective tax rate.

The former Tanaiste will today claim that such a move would have gone a long way towards restoring Ireland's reputation overseas but the Department refused to cost the proposals.

In their pre-Budget submission, Labour have argued against spending one-third of the available funding on tax cuts that will in many cases amount to "less than the price of a cup of coffee".

Their submission includes free dental treatment for working people and large investment in childcare.

The Independent Alliance are due to meet with Mr Donohoe and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe today in order to finalise their package.

The two ministers will also hold a final meeting with Fianna Fail.
Johnny Ronan's RGRE has received approval to begin works on its site at AIB's Ballsbridge HQ

Developer Johnny Ronan's Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE) has said it will commence the development within months of 325,000 sq ft of office space on a site it owns at the front of AIB's Bankcentre headquarters in Ballsbridge.

RGRE's development director Shane Whelan said the company had already been in discussions with its existing funder, Jefferies LoanCore (Europe) Ltd and WLR Cardinal Mezzanine Finance, regarding funding for the project, following the receipt of final approval for the development from An Bord Pleanala yesterday.

Whelan told the Irish Independent the successful outcome of the An Bord Pleanala appeals process had come about following "months of positive interaction" with adjoining landowners, such as the RDS and AIB, and with Dublin City Council.

In giving its approval for the Ballsbridge scheme, An Bord Pleanala requested the removal of a sixth floor, which had been proposed by RGRE for the two office buildings it intends to develop in place of the site's existing vacant office blocks.

Ronan purchased the 1.5 hectare plot opposite the RDS for 67.5m in 2015. The site had previously been acquired in 2006 by the then 'Baron of Ballsbridge' Sean Dunne for an estimated 200m.

Whelan noted that the granting of planning permission for the AIB site had come within days of the company's completion of its 43m purchase from Nama-appointed receivers of a six-acre site at Spencer Dock in Dublin's IFSC.

That deal, which was backed by US-headquarterd Colony Capital, is set to see the creation of Spencer Place, a 300m mixed-use development comprised of offices, residential and leisure.

RGRE expects to employ approximately 1,000 workers on the project and has already engaged PJ Hegarty as main contractor.

The successful acquisition of the Spencer Dock site in the face of competition from Greg Kavanagh's New Generation Homes, Ballymore, Hines and Galliard, provides RGRE with a development pipeline of 1.2m sq ft grade A office space and 200 apartments to be delivered in the next five years, Whelan said.

Apart from its plans for its sites at AIB Bankcentre and Spencer Dock, RGRE is already involved in a joint venture with U+I (formerly Development Securities), the Belfast-born property investor Paddy McKillen and Colony Capital in the delivery of the Vertium building on Dublin's Burlington Road.

The building, which is being developed on the site of insurer Allianz's former Dublin HQ, is to be occupied by online retail giant Amazon upon completion.

Amazon has agreed to pay blended rent of approximately 50 per sq ft for the property, which will extend to 15,992sq m (172,000sq ft).

While the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and its potential impact on the Irish economy remains unclear, Ronan has long since made clear his determination to reap whatever rewards it may bring for RGRE's business.

As previously reported by the Irish Independent, the former Treasury Holdings chief went on the offensive last month, taking out a full-page advertisement in the UK magazine 'Property Week' in a bid to woo UK-based employers over to Dublin.

"Yes Dublin is calling," the advert's headline declared, in a humorous play on the wording of the BBC World Service's wartime 'this is London calling' radio intro, which it used in broadcasts to occupied countries.

Prior to the crash, Ronan and his former partner in Treasury Holdings Richard Barrett delivered a number of Dublin's foremost buildings, including the Convention Centre and PWC's Spencer Dock offices.
Dublin-based aircraft leasing firm Avolon has sealed a $10bn deal to buy the jet leasing business of CIT Group.

The transaction, which will be completed in the first quarter of next year, will propel Avolon to being the third biggest aircraft lessor in the world, with a total fleet of 910 operational and on-order aircraft. It effectively doubles the size of Avolon.

And in an exclusive interview with Independent.ie this evening, Avolon chief executive Domhnal Slattery said the group now aims to become the world's biggest aircraft lessor.

The ambitious aspiration would see it squeeze pass bigger rivals Gecas and AerCap to claim the title.

Gecas, the world's biggest aircraft lessor, currently has a fleet of just under 2,000 aircraft, including 1,700 fixed-wing jets and 250 rotary aircraft.

Avolon has secured committed debt facilities of $8.5bn to finalise the CIT deal, and saw off stiff competition from rivals such as Century Tokyo Leasing and the leasing arm of China's Ping An Insurance.

Mr Slattery co-founded Avolon in 2010, securing $7bn in private equity backing. The company floated on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014 and was sold to China's Bohai Leasing in 2015. Bohai is part of China's HNA conglomerate.

Mr Slattery said he believed CIT got a fair price for its business.

"I think this has been a win-win transaction for both sides," he said, speaking from New York. "CIT have got a very fair price for their business. They've got a premium relative to their own book value. We think about the metal value of an airplane. While we think about price earning and price to book, they're accounting analyses. We look at what the aircraft are actually worth. We've actually bought this business at a slight discount to the fair value of the aircraft fleet. That feels like a good place to be."

He added that price wasn't the only issue at stake.

"It was very stiff competition. But when you get into these large-scale transactions, price clearly is very important, but I think the board of CIT was very comforted by our track record in executing large deals."

Avolon has paid a $500m deposit for the transaction.

"That's the largest deposit that's ever been paid for a corporate transaction of this size," said Mr Slattery.

He declined to give a timetable for when Avolon hopes to become the world's biggest lessor.

"Our aspiration is to be the largest aircraft leasing company in the world, in terms of size, shape and scale," he said. "We've got plenty of work ahead to get to that. Today, the focus is in getting this one closed. Then we'll see where we go next. We have a track record in continuing to grow. I thought we'd get into the top three within five years of doing the Bohai deal. We did it in nine months. So, who knows? We'll see where the opportunities lie."
Sean Mulryan's property firm Ballymore has launched a new business district in Dublin's docklands, that will see the development of five new office blocks.

The million square foot development, dubbed Dublin Landings, will also be home to 273 luxury residential apartments.

Dublin Landings, which will see the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) as its first tenant, is located on North Wall Quay, near the new Central Bank headquarters, the Three Arena, and the Gibson Hotel.

Read More

Development rights for the 2.35 hectare site were secured by Oxley Docklands Quay Limited, who have partnered with Mulryan to build the project over the next four years.

Ballymore chairman Mulryan said North Wall Quay has great potential.

"The calibre of tenants expressing interest in Dublin Landings is a testament to the quality and scale of the development which will, we believe, not only define new standards for mixed-use development in Ireland, but also match international standards," he said.

Read More

Construction of the first two blocks is already underway, with the entire lifetime of the project set to create 2,000 construction jobs. Walls Construction has been appointed as main contractor for block one and two.

Oxley and Ballymore have already worked together, launching and selling one of the fastest selling mixed-use projects, Royal Wharf, in London.

Oxley chairman Mr Ching Chiat Kwong was thrilled by the company's first foray into the Irish market.

"We have great confidence in the Dublin market and particularly the central business district. This unique mixed-use site is unlike any other in Dublin and we look forward to working with Ballymore," he said.

Ballymore predicts 5,500 people will live and work in the area upon completion. The final project will be made up of 700,000 sq ft Grade A office space, as well as the apartments which will come in one, two, and three bed varients.

Its first tenant, the NTMA, is set to move in in Summer 2018.
More information Netflix rompe con Televisa y se mofa de sus contenidos

The video shows a preppy-looking young man with slicked-back hair, buttoned-up shirt and a high-pitched voice. He looks devastated. A young woman walks into the room.

 What is it, my love? Why the long face?

 Netflix took off my favorites series...

This is the beginning of the Netflix Latin America ad explaining that the streaming content company has just parted ways with Mexicos main television station, Televisa.

Netflix is making fun of what was some of its own most-watched content

The break-up means that Netflix no longer offers the content that Televisa was supplying, mostly soap operas. And it has chosen to tell viewers about it in the funniest way possible.

The message is clear: We are eliminating the soaps, but leaving you other much more interesting series.

That is why the woman concerned about the preppy guy thinks that Netflix has canceled Breaking Bad, Stranger Things or Orange is the New Black. But no, he is crying over Rebelde, a Mexican soap opera for teens.

Netflix is saying goodbye to Televisa and saying I dont need you, as though it were a romantic break-up.

Ever since Televisa created its own online content platform, Blim, earlier this year, the relationship had been doomed. Both online providers are in direct competition with one another.

Yet Netflix is making fun of what was some of its own most-watched content. Mexicans consume well-known American shows, but they are also hooked on homegrown soap operas such as El senor de los cielos (The Lord of the Skies), Teresa, Rebelde (Rebel) or La Rosa de Guadalupe (The Rose of Guadalupe), according to a Forbes study.

The US company landed in Mexico in 2011

Televisas online platform has already informed followers of soaps such as El senor de los cielos  loosely based on the life of drug lord Amado Carrillo Fuentes  that if they want to keep watching new episodes, they will have to take out a subscription to Blim. Before October, the series was also available on Netflix.

The US company landed in Mexico in 2011 and boasts over four million subscribers in Latin America, according to its own figures. A monthly subscription in Mexico is 99 pesos (around $5). Blim is slightly more expensive at 109 pesos a month.

But Netflix and Blim are not the only video-on-demand suppliers in the market. There is also Clarovideo, which is owned by America Movil, and HBO GO in alliance with Dish.

English version by Susana Urra.
BREXIT has forced a third mushroom grower to close its doors as industry leaders call on the Government to provide emergency protection to the sector.

Golden Vale Mushrooms, located in Clonmore, South Cahir, Co Tipperary ceased trading early last week.

The family-owned business, headed by James Quinn, employed up to 25 staff and was totally dependent on export to the UK market.

At least 100 other jobs have been lost in the vulnerable mushroom sector since the UK's controversial vote to leave the EU just three months ago.

An estimated 90pc of mushrooms (70,000t), worth 120m, produced in Ireland are exported to the UK - accounting for 52pc of the UK mushroom market. There are currently just below 60 mushroom producers in Ireland, with a total workforce of 3,500, mostly located in rural areas,

Last week, members of the Commercial Mushroom Producers Co-operative Society (CMP) and the IFA Horticulture Committee warned the Government that immediate action must be taken against the dramatic weakening of the sterling.

Decline

Gerry Reilly, chairman of the IFA Horticulture Committee, said a total of 7m in exports has already been lost by the closure of three producers - two in Tipperary and one near Portarlington.

"The industry has been thrown into turmoil. The serious downward price pressure is compounded by serious decline. Contracts were agreed in sterling, when sterling was at a much stronger position against the euro," he said.

"We need a lifeline, we need oxygen and we desperately need short-term action to be taken at national and EU level or else there will be further haemorrhaging," he said.

Speaking at a special Agriculture Committee meeting in Leinster House, Mr Reilly called for the temporary reduction of the lower rate of employer PRSI from 8.5pc to 4.25pc. He also called on the Government not to increase the minimum wage in the upcoming budget as he believes it will exacerbate the mushroom crisis.

Rowena Dwyer, chief IFA economist, said: " Any increase in wages is an increase in production costs and could jeopardise employment numbers," she said.
A self-confessed "poacher turned game keeper", Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill says he is settling in well at Leinster House - though he admits there is a world of difference between agitating about milk prices for dairymen and legislating for the general electorate.

We met after the Oireachtas Agricultural committee took submissions from the farm organisations on the new EU scheme to reduce milk production and on how the matching money from the Exchequer should be used.

"The IFA wanted the beef men to get some of the 11m in extra money", he says with a perplexed look on his face, "but the farmers who are in real trouble at the moment are the grain men. They are having an awful time. They really need help," he says.

This opinion is followed by another pause.

In a previous existence Cahill would have demanded that every red cent should be going to the dairymen, but that was then and this is now.

"There's a real difference between solely representing dairy farmers and then representing all your constituents. But the problems are the same," he explains.

And these problems - farming and political - are numerous and varied.

Cahill's Priorities

Cahill's priorities for this Dail - which he believes will run its course across three budgets to 2019 - are standing up for farmers and rural renewal, creating more rural jobs and improving the delivery of State services, especially those provided by the HSE.

He doesn't think the present Government is doing enough for farmers and claims it is the Department of Agriculture which is causing some of the problems.

The inspection regime is needlessly onerous and detailed and causes unnecessary "drudgery and frustration" among the farming community, says Cahill.

Reform Basic Payment

He also believes there is an urgent need to reform the Basic Payment regime to rebalance the scales in favour of the productive farmers, Cahill says.

Extra investment monies have to be found for organisations like Bord Bia to secure premium prices for Irish farmers; he also says a serious U-turn has to take place on the EU's Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) legislation which is rendering large tracts of farming lands worthless.

Cahill is unimpressed with the Government's performance on agri issues, especially at EU level, where he is underwhelmed by the current agricultural commissioner, Phil Hogan.

He doesn't believe Hogan is giving the Irish farmer the backing at Commission level which is crucial if the economic problems within the sector are to be solved.

"He's no Ray MacSharry. When Ray MacSharry was the EU agricultural commissioner the Irish farmer had a voice in Brussels," he says.

What rural renewal

Cahill is convinced that rural renewal has ceased to be a political priority of Government.

He backs up this assertion up with the fact that his home town of Thurles had 14 thriving factories not so long ago and now has only one.

On rural isolation he says that the drink-driving laws - though prudent and necessary - have resulted in many farmers staying home alone every evening rather than going out to socialise with neighbours and friends.

The laws are necessary but the results can be grim, he says.

"They are impossible to deal with; but it's not funny if you have a cancer and a heart condition and you have to wait for six to 18 months to get the proper treatment for your condition"



Cahill then turns his attention to the "state or lack of state" of public service delivery in the country and promptly launches into a critique of the HSE, which he says is not fit for purpose.

They just get on your nerves and the torture you have to endure from them to get a simple answer is unbelievable

"They are impossible to deal with; but it's not funny if you have a cancer and a heart condition and you have to wait for six to 18 months to get the proper treatment for your condition," he stresses.

However, Cahill expects a serious improvement to the medical services in Thurles and Clonmel before he next faces the Tipp electorate.

This may be optimistic, but Cahill knows that health and wealth are what matter to most voters.

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The Election Bug

His late father, Phil, gave the young Jackie the election bug when he directed him to stand in an ICMSA election for the county.

"He told me not to say a word about the fact that I was standing for that election and I duly stayed silent only to be told at a meeting some time later that there was a shocking amount of canvassing going on for me," he laughs.

Cahill subsequently rose through the ranks of the organisation to become president in 2005 on the first count.

Like a true soldier of destiny, Cahill is certain that Fianna Fail will be in Government next time round and he has ambitions to be minister for agriculture.

In between he will be addressing all the pressing issues in his constituency.

He is also sorting out a farm partnership with his nephew Thomas - a third-year UCD veterinary student - for the 130ac home farm and the 85-strong dairy herd at Killinan outside Thurles.

And in his downtime, he's keeping an eye on the "few dogs" and making sure they do the business on the track, especially the local track in Thurles.
The company that controls the Starbucks franchise in Ireland has had its application to retain a controversial shop in the north Dublin suburb of Howth declared invalid.

The company, Faynon, was ordered by Fingal County Council last month to shut its Starbucks outlet in the town within four weeks.

The council said that Faynon had changed the use of the premises facing the towns famous harbour without securing planning permission.

The store had previously been a bicycle shop, which had relocated following a landslide from an old church and graveyard located above it.

Faynon is controlled by brothers Colum and Ciaran Butler. Theyre behind the Leisureplex business here.

Faynon made the application to retain the Howth shop on September 27  just a couple of weeks after it had been given the deadline to close it.

But the council has declared the retention application invalid. It stated that the address in the newspaper notice informing people where they can purchase or inspect the planning application is incorrect.

Documents on the councils website misspell Faynon as Fanyon.

A number of other Starbucks outlets have been opened in Ireland without the proper planning permission being secured.
THE State-backed Permanent TSB is close to a deal to sell the last of its UK Capital Home Loans mortgage portfolio to Cerberus Capital Management, according to three people with knowledge of the situation.

The US private equity group, best known for its controversial acquisition of Nama's massive Northern Ireland loan portfolio, is understood to have been selected as a preferred bidder for the UK portfolio, the people said.

The mostly buy-to-let mortgage book totals about 2.5bn.

While the sale is not yet finalised, Cerberus is understood to have emerged as a frontrunner for the portfolio, which Ptsb is trying to sell as part of a wider deleveraging effort.

In March 2015, Cerberus bought the other half of the CHL's assets, which also totalled 2.5bn. The group also bought the legal CHL entity as part of the transaction - potentially setting it up with a platform for new lending.

Last year's sale by Ptsb provided a particularly strong boost to the bank because the sale price was flattered by the then weakness of the euro compared to sterling.

In euro terms the valuation of the 2015 sale had been boosted by a massive 300m in a matter of just months by the sharp fall in the value of the euro against sterling, according to the same presentation.

This time around, the currency markets have gone against the bank.

Ptsb originally aimed to sell the rest of the book by the middle of this year to meet the terms of a deleveraging programme agreed with the European Commission.

That timetable slipped because of uncertainty over the impact of the UK's Brexit referendum, but now looks to be back on course.

Ptsb declined to comment. Cerberus did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last year, Cerberus also purchased 13bn in Northern Rock mortgages from the UK government, securitising the bulk of them earlier this year.

The group is also in the process of securitising a part of the CHL mortgages it purchased last year. (Additional reporting Reuters IFR)
Airport Authority chief executive Kevin Toland has met the administrator of the Civil Aviation Authority of China, Feng Zhenglin

Dublin Airport has advanced negotiations to establish a direct service between Ireland and China.

Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) chief executive Kevin Toland recently met the administrator of the Civil Aviation Authority of China, Feng Zhenglin, as well as China's ambassador to Ireland, Yue Xiaoyong, to discuss the possibility of a direct route.

The DAA has been working for years on securing an air link between Dublin and China. Momentum for the route has been building over the past year in particular.

Last year, the chief executive of Beijing Airport said Dublin is one of the international cities he wants to connect with.

During the summer, an executive with Hainan Airlines owner HNA, said in Dublin that a route between the two capitals is under serious consideration.

HNA management also held talks at the Chinese embassy in Dublin about the possibility of launching the route. The airline already operates a direct service from Manchester to Beijing.

Mr Toland met Chinese officials during an international route development event in the city of Chengdu.

"Dublin Airport is always exploring the potential for new services with new and existing airline customers but we never comment on whether or not we are in specific discussions in relation to a new service," said a DAA spokesman.

Mr Zhenglin also recently met Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, in Dublin. They signed a memorandum of understanding to help facilitate the launch of a new direct route between the countries. Mr Ross said such as service is an "important priority" for the Government.

The former Chinese ambassador to Ireland, Xu Jianguo, who completed his term during the summer, said earlier this year that "great efforts" are being made to establish the service.

The IDA and Tourism Ireland are among the State agencies that have a keen interest in seeing a route between Ireland and China being launched.

The number of visitors from China to the island of Ireland rose 11pc in 2015 to over 44,000. Tourism Ireland expects the figure to hit 50,000 next year.

The total level of Chinese investment in Ireland now exceeds $3bn (2.6bn). A number of Irish companies also have a presence in China.

The chairwoman of the Ireland China Business Association, Susan Barrett, said recently that the lack of a direct air link between the two countries represents a "significant barrier" to the further development of trade between Ireland and China.

However, she told the 'Ireland China Trade Journal' that she expects such a route to be established "in the not too distant future".

Dublin Airport handled just over 25 million passengers last year, and the figure is expected to hit over 27 million this year.

It's intending to build a new runway and associated infrastructure in a 320m project that is expected to be complete by 2020.

The airport is pursuing a strategy of being a secondary European hub, driving traffic through the facility from Europe to North America and vice versa.
Irish businesses need to focus on the "here and now" as the UK will be in the European Union for at least another two years, the new British ambassador to Ireland has said.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Robin Barnett said he is concerned that people could get too caught up in the fallout from the June 23 vote in the UK and lose sight of the opportunities that are still up for grabs between the two countries.

"It is really important that we don't focus entirely on the future," Mr Barnett said.

"The UK will be inside the EU for more than two years to come, and one of the things that I'm really anxious is that people are not so focused on issues surrounding Brexit, that they fail to see that there are a lot of economic opportunities between us right now."

Mr Barnett said "there is good business to be done", even with the looming threat of a British exit from the EU.

"I'm really keen to see what more we can do to strengthen economic ties between our two countries. An area that I have noticed, after lots of conversations, that there's real interest in is supply chain.

"Are we really doing as much as we could on supply chain together in areas like construction, like food and drink, like medical and pharmaceuticals? So one of the other things that we need to focus on is the here and now," he said.

Mr Barnett said Ireland and the UK should be looking for more "joint ventures".

"We had a very successful joint trade mission to Singapore, so we should be focused on looking at some of the exciting opportunities out there, and not just one issue," the ambassador added.

He said Brexit should not get in the way of closer economic co-operation, predicting that there will be strong trade between Britain and the rest of the EU after the UK exits. "In recent years, some of Ireland's strongest export growth has been to markets outside the EU such as the US and Asia. Moreover, British companies will continue to trade actively with the EU in goods and services post-Brexit.

"So there are huge and exciting opportunities ahead," he said.

On the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic, Mr Barnett echoed claims made by both the Irish and UK governments that there was no desire to see a return to the borders of the past. He said there was a desire to preserve the common travel area.

Asked whether this was conceivable amid suggestions of a push towards a so-called 'hard' Brexit by the UK government, Mr Barnett said: "An immense amount has changed in the world of immigration.

"I was the director of UK visas from 2002 to 2006, an era when we began to use technology much more to facilitate travel, including for example the first introduction of biometrics, and things have come a very long way since then.

"I think there's a lot that has changed, so yes, my firm view is that we can find a way of ensuring that we don't return to the borders of the past."

Mr Barnett, Britain's former ambassador to Poland since 2011, replaced Dominick Chilcott, who left Dublin to return to London in July.

Asked his views on the fact that both Northern Ireland and Scotland voted to remain, and yet now face the prospect of being out of the EU, Mr Barnett added: "While it is true that Northern Ireland and Scotland voted to remain, the referendum was a United Kingdom vote. The job now is to get the best possible result for the whole of the United Kingdom from Brexit," he said. Mr Barnett, a self described Manchester United fanatic despite being from the south-east of England (his Dad was a fan of the Red Devils), is expected to serve as the UK's ambassador to Ireland for at least four years.

He began his career in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1980 as desk officer for Indonesia and the Philippines. In addition to Ireland, he has been posted to Vienna, New York and Bucharest, where he was ambassador.
'Brexit means Brexit' is about all British Prime Minister Theresa May had to say for the last few months about the UK's future relationship with the EU. What on earth did that mean? Well last weekend we got the answer.

It means the UK will focus on restoring full control of its immigration policy and domestic laws over and above membership of the single market.

Her speech to the Conservative Party conference was full of rhetoric. "A truly global Britain is possible, and it is in sight," she said. "We don't need to punch above our weight because our weight is substantial enough already."

You could almost hear an Elgar composition playing in the background as she talked about how "we will be free to pass our own laws".

In examining the implications for Ireland we have to look at both aspects of Ms May's Brexit equation - immigration control and Single Market membership.

By controlling its immigration policy the UK is saying that if people from outside the UK want to visit or work in the UK they may have to go through a certain process.

EU citizens who want to visit will probably be able to avail of a visa waiver scheme, similar to what Irish people go through when visiting the US. Alternatively, Britain could abandon the idea of a visiting visa entirely for EU citizens. The scenarios here will emerge in the thick of the negotiations.

When it comes to someone from Poland, Latvia, or indeed France or Germany, wanting to live and work in the UK, they will most likely need a work visa.

So where does that leave Irish people? Someone living south of the border, but working in the North might need to apply for a work visa? The British government is on record as saying it wants to keep the free travel area between Ireland and the UK.

If it wants to extend that to work visas, it will confer a definite advantage on Irish people who want to work in Brighton or Belfast. How will the Polish or Latvian Prime Minister feel when their own EU citizens have to apply for visas and we don't?

And therein lies the rub. The Irish Government plans to push for the declaration of the North as a special case in relation to existing North/South political arrangements and the contents of the Good Friday agreement.

We don't know if this argument will wash in Europe. Perhaps for the sake of the peace process, EU leaders will allow exceptions when it comes to the relationship between the two parts of the island, but it is very difficult to say how far that distinctive relationship will be allowed to go.

There is no doubt that some kind of border is on the way back and it will be a giant step backwards.

Much of the negotiations around immigration policy will be taken up with figuring out how to deal with the Germans, French, Poles and Latvians currently living and working in Britain. And of course there is the counter issue of the British living in Spain and France. After Spain, Ireland has the second highest number of British nationals living on its shores. Some pragmatic deal will be struck there. But it could absorb a lot of time and political energy.

On the question of access to the Single Market the situation is even more up in the air. The UK might look as if it is about to commit some kind of economic Hari-kiri with the isolationist policy it is adopting. But in the long run there will be some advantages to the British going it alone.

They obviously feel confident they will get a good deal from the EU on the details of a new trading relationship - otherwise it would be Hari-kiri. We simply don't know if Theresa May and her Brexit ministers are over-estimating their place in the new economic world order. They are certainly playing a tough game.

Currently 30pc of all inward investment to the EU goes to the UK. That is likely to fall in a new complex arrangement around access to European markets. However, the British will be completely free to counter this loss of advantage with other investment incentives. Once out of the EU they will have no restrictions on what tax deals, grants and other inducements they can offer multinationals.

They will seek to make their offering extremely competitive despite possibly losing full access to the Single Market.

And of course nobody knows yet how the big European powers, like Germany, will respond to the possibility of losing the UK as a significant trading partner. Theresa May's government seems to be gambling on the fact that the EU will do a good deal on trade on foot of big investments already made by European companies in the UK.

The better the deal, the greater the chances Hungary, Austria or even Italy will consider leaving and reaching a similar accommodation.

The rhetoric coming from Brexit politicians doesn't inspire much confidence that they have a real grasp of the challenges that face them - especially when it comes to the North.

The DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson was on RTE radio this week suggesting that a farmer in Co Laois had more to be worried about from Brexit than a farmer in Co Fermanagh. His rationale is that a Fermanagh farmer, currently receiving 80pc of his income from the EU will have that income replaced with money from London on the back of all of the savings the UK will make from leaving the EU.

He may even be right for the first few years. But what happens after that? The power of the farming lobby in Brussels, which covers millions of farmers across the EU, is greater than the voice agriculture has in London. There will be no guarantees as to what that farming subsidy will be in a few years' time. Mr Donaldson also talked about the opportunities of making a post-Brexit economy work for Northern Ireland by citing possible trade deals that could be done with countries like Egypt and Brazil. Trade deals are two-way streets. If the UK wants to sell a lot of technology to Brazil, the Brazilians will want to sell a lot of their beef to the UK - not exactly music to the ears of the Fermanagh farmer.

Unfortunately Sinn Fein's incessant talk about a border poll has unionists spooked. After backing a leave vote, only to see the majority in Northern Ireland vote to remain, the DUP seems hesitant about engaging fully with the Republic on matters of common interest.

Irish ministers have perhaps the trickiest job of all in these negotiations. Firstly, direct Irish participation in the EU talks may well be minimal. Secondly, we have to lobby in the EU for the UK to get the best trading deal possible to reduce the impact on Irish exporters.

This could place us in conflict with central and Eastern European members who will feel aggrieved at possible work visa restrictions placed on their citizens who want to live and work in the UK. They will also want a slice of Britain's inward investment.

At the same time Irish ministers and civil servants will have to build an argument as to why Ireland/Northern Ireland is a special case in relation to the movement of people and goods, as well as entitlements to work in the North.

This really is just the beginning of a long process. But it couldn't have got off to a worse start.
The Central Bank has downgraded Irish growth slightly for this year because of a slowdown internationally.

GDP is expected to increase by 4.5pc this year, 0.4 percentage points slower than previously expected.

The projection for 2017 remains unchanged at 3.6pc from the Central Bank's last forecast in the wake of the Brexit referendum.

Central Bank chief economist Gabriel Fagan said the forecast presents a relatively favourable outcome for the economy, despite the Brexit vote.

But he added the risks to the forecasts are heightened because of the referendum.

He said the economy remains vulnerable, as public and private debt remain high.

Mr Fagan said a prudent fiscal policy is required and that European budgetary rules must be adhered to.

He also said that the Government should stick to its plan to reach a balanced budget, and to build up a rainy day fund.

And in the long term, the Government should establish long term debt targets, Mr Fagan added.
The strategy is play to our strengths, so well look at opportunities as well as the threats [from Brexit], says RBS boss Ross McEwan. Photo: Colin ORiordan

Ulster Bank will get the green light to pursue takeovers next year, once the bank has shown its on a solid growth path, RBS chief executive Ross McEwan has told the Irish Independent.

And, with Deutsche bank rocked by a $14bn US fine for its role in the subprime mortgage crisis, the RBS boss says his bank, once also a major player in the sector, has been putting money aside to cope with any bills coming its way.

In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, Ross McEwan said he's open to Irish takeovers, but not buying in other people's problems.

"I've said to the team here: 'Lets clean up our own business first over the next 12 months and once you've proved to me that you've got a really good bank running here again I'm happy to look at assets that may fit'," he said.

"At the same time, I don't want to be buying in somebody else's problems. We've had those loans ourselves.

"I don't need them back again. I would like to grow the business here (in Ireland) but I'm not going to grow it at all costs," he insisted.

"So you've got to be very clear that when you go in you are getting the right assets otherwise you spend a lot of time with regrets, I don't plan to do that. So we are selective in what we look at, we are very clear in our strategy."

Even the idea of buying a bank is a radical turnaround for Ulster Bank, once seen as a possible candidate to exit the market here. The news puts rivals Permanent Tsb and KBC Ireland in the frame for potential tie-ups.

KBC in Brussels is due to decide on the future of its Irish unit later this year.

A senior source at the Central Bank said even a deal involving all three would be unlikely to cause regulatory concerns, given the dominance of AIB and Bank of Ireland.

Mr McEwan took the top job at RBS three year ago, and immediately ordered a review of Ulster Bank operations, prompting speculation he was looking to sell the Irish bank.

It didn't happen. Ulster Bank is a "core franchise", Mr McEwan says now.

After the crash a third of the 45bn cost of rescuing RBS ended up going to prop up the Irish unit.

Ulster Bank is back in profit but Mr McEwan is pessimistic about getting that money back.

"I think it'd take decades to get that amount of money out of a business this size and I think we should just move on and try to create a really good bank out of it so that it does create value long term for shareholders, and that's our objective."

On his bank's controversial sale of problem loans, Mr McEwan is adamant the lender has a right to claw back cash when borrowers don't repay.

At a global level, RBS faces its own potential US fines for its role in the pre crash mortgage market there.

The fine imposed by the US Department of Justice on Deutsche Bank has rattled investors.

"We've been very public about the fact that we've got to settle up the mortgage backed securities issues in the US. We have been building capital over time for these sort of events," Mr McEwan said.

The bank has been working with US authorities, he said.

"We've been very open with them in answering all their enquires and giving them all the information they've required," Mr McEwan added.

Read More:
The popular US cosmetics firm founded by Irish-born Trish McEvoy is suing a rival for trademark infringement in New York, in what's shaping up to be a bruising legal catfight.

Her eponymous company is suing US firm Too Faced Cosmetics over the use of a tagline. Both companies have annual revenues of about $200m.

Trish McEvoy Ltd claims that Too Faced Cosmetics had infringed its trademark - 'The Power of Makeup', and is seeking any damages that might be awarded to be trebled.

Born in Belfast, Ms McEvoy (65) left the city at a young age to live with her grandmother in Berlin. She later moved to the United States, and founded her cosmetics business in New York in the 1970s. She had worked as a make-up artist.

Her brand is now hugely popular, and sells around the world.

Her firm has claimed in a New York court that the 'Power of Makeup' trademark has been used by the company since at least 2004.

"Trish McEvoy's fame and notoriety are well established," the lawsuit notes.

It claims that the alleged use of the trademark by Too Faced Cosmetics is likely to confuse consumers and damage her company's brand.

Lawyers for Too Faced have insisted that Trish McEvoy Ltd has not used the trademark, and that the use of the designation by Too Faced did not violate Trish McEvoy Ltd's rights.
There arent enough conditions for people with disabilities in Armenia

Road film shot by Bars Media documentary film studio has been premiered at Narekatsi Art Union. The film is about people who have movement disabilities, who every day face difficulties connected with roads; inaccessibility of public transport, absence of wheelchair ramps, roads difficult to pass. For people with disabilities in our country moving from point A to point B is extremely difficult; with the help of such activities we want the people to become more demanding as well as to show that irrespective of a disability, these people live a full life and achieve success, notes Director of the film Anzhela Frangyan. Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the RA supported the creation of the film. The representative of the Embassy noted that the film is a call to become better, One is weak, another is strong, but we all are people and must have equal opportunities. We have similar problems also in our country, but for example in the capital, Vilnius, there are many conveniences, for example buses for the people with disabilities operate very well, representative of Lithuanias Embassy told us. By the way, in fact there are 20 buses in Yerevan adjusted to the people with disabilities, but, as we found out, they dont operate well; even the Municipality doesnt provide any information about directions and schedule of those buses.
Key stakeholders from the building industry who are gathering in Croke Park today will be told that infrastructure projects worth 26bn can be delivered over the next decade. GETTY

Developers promise to deliver 75,000 jobs and create 25,000 houses every year if the Government puts a "supportive policy framework" in place.

Key stakeholders from the building industry who are gathering in Croke Park today will be told that infrastructure projects worth 26bn can be delivered over the next decade.

President of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Michael Stone will argue that the recovery of the Irish economy and the construction sector are "intertwined".

"Construction is critical to this country's growth and job creation. For every 10 jobs in construction, another four are created indirectly - meaning we support over 190,000 jobs in Ireland in communities throughout the country," he will say in his keynote address.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe are both scheduled to attend the meeting.

Capacity

They will hear that key targets set by the Government in its Action Plan for Jobs, Capital Programme and the National Broadband Plan are dependent on the capacity of the construction industry.

"Today, the Irish construction industry is starting on a journey that will lead to it becoming an internationally successful industry based in Ireland," Mr Stone will say.

"The global construction market is estimated to grow to $15 trillion by 2030 and the Irish industry will step up to capture these opportunities, generating jobs and growth and increasing exports significantly."
At least 170 jobs are expected to be lost at the Cameron factory in Co Longford.

The announcement was made to staff following a meeting with management at the plant yesterday afternoon.

It is expected that almost 80pc of the workforce will be axed, with the oilfield equipment manufacturer saying it is expected to continue employing in the region of 50 workers.

In a statement, the company blamed the "severe downturn" in the oil and gas industry which had dramatically impacted on the order intake of Onesubsea - which is owned by the same company as Cameron.

"The oil and gas industry is going through the most severe downturn of the past 30 years, with operators significantly reducing their investment.

"It is with great regret that we advised our employees today that potentially manufacturing, assembly and test activities in Longford would cease during 2017.

"We understand the impact of this announcement on our employees and the local community," the statement said.

"This is only a proposal at this stage and we will be conducting consultation with the unions and employee representatives and make every effort to try and mitigate as much as possible the impact on our employees.

"Cameron will maintain a presence in Longford and will continue to operate an R&D and engineering hub in the city.

"It is anticipated that we will continue to employ approximately 50 of our current employees. This again is subject to consultation."

The statement also said that the firm expected a "phased approach with operational activity to cease in Longford" by July of next year.

Local councillor Peter Burke (FG) said the news was "devastating" for the community and that it was "very disappointing" to see such a "huge job loss" in the Midlands.

"I have been in contact with Minister Mary Mitchell O'Connor to see how we can protect the region and ensure all supports are available to the employees who lost their jobs.

"We'll have to do our best to ensure job stability in the area and provide support to those who need it," Mr Burke said.

Staff at the Onesubsea plant in Leeds have been informed that up to 600 jobs could be at risk.

Both Cameron and Onesubsea are owned by Schlumberger, the world's largest oilfield services company.

Founded in 1926 by two French brothers, Schlumberger employs in the region of 100,000 people worldwide and last year had revenues of $35.47bn (31.62bn).
Fashion labels have fallen a little out of, well, fashion.

That's according to Interbrand's 17th annual survey of corporate names, which ranks the world's 100 most prestigious brands.

A slowdown in demand for fashion - particularly from China - hammered those brands in this year's list.

Prada dropped to 81st place from 69th, and Ralph Lauren - pictured -declined to 98th from 91st. Hugo Boss fell out of the top 100 altogether.

Interbrand ranks companies' value based on a custom index, combining each one's financial performance, market influence and the price premium it can command.

Every sector has its ups and downs, but the brands that succeed are "those that have absolute clarity of brand message, consistency on the market", Rebecca Robins, Interbrand's global director, said in an interview.

Fashion labels have struggled to stay relevant, she said. Apparel designer Hermes bucked the trend, climbing seven spots to 34th place. That's partly because it is "very clear in terms of consistency", Robins said. Prada, in contrast, "overextended into retail," diminishing its brand.

Nearly a third of the list is composed of car and technology companies.

A company that arguably straddles the two - electric-car maker Tesla Motors - joined the ranking for the first time, and other auto companies climbed.

But Volkswagen slipped five places in the wake of its emissions scandal last year.

The US accounted for 52 of the names, more than any other country. Germany had 10, and France picked up eight.

Technology businesses continued to tighten their grip. Apple and Google ranked No 1 and No 2 for the fourth year in a row, and Amazon cracked the top 10.

Facebook's "brand value" rose 48pc, faster than any other.

That elevated it eight places to 15th.

Technology names dominate because "the best global brands are not just weathering change, but driving it," Jez Frampton, Interbrand's global chief executive officer, said in a statement. (Bloomberg)
Googles strength is a weakness when it comes to its self-designed devices

Google first introduced smartphones of its own design nearly seven years ago, and hardly anyone has bought one. On Tuesday, it unveiled a revamped lineup, branded with Google's Pixel name. The company's Android software already runs the vast majority of smartphones sold in the world, but Google wants to hedge its bets by having control over every feature and function in a selection of Android phones.

Google's aims only can pan out if it sells a large number of Pixel phones - which it won't. And its strategic goal isn't a good enough reason for Google-branded smartphones to exist at all.

So why do it? Below I outline three potential benefits from Google's own line of smartphones, and the drawbacks of each:

1) Ensure the use of Google apps: Android powers about 88pc of the smartphones sold globally, according to data, but Google is losing control of the sprawl of manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei and Oppo. In China and India, local companies sell smartphones with the Android operating system but with local versions of app stores in place of Google Play. In China, people carrying Android smartphones may never use Google search, YouTube, or Google Maps at all - undermining Google's strategy behind Android.

That's a big risk. If the company's internet options aren't front and centre on people's phones, they may use Google less, and spend more time on Facebook, WhatsApp and WeChat. That in turn crimps Google's opportunities to turn consumer attention into ad sales. A home-grown line of phones has the benefit of ensuring Google's apps have prominent placement.

But the challenges remain unless Google can sell at least tens of millions of phones - and it can't because of inherent business conflicts. If Pixels sell in huge numbers, Google risks annoying essential partners - the companies like Samsung that make Android phones, plus the legions of mobile phone carriers likewise needed to push Android.

2) Showcase the best of Android and spur hardware innovation: There is a useful analogy here between Google and Microsoft. The latter company for decades designed the operating software for personal computers, and left the design and selling of PC hardware to partners such as Dell.

That arrangement changed in 2012 when Microsoft started selling its own line of Surface computers. Microsoft in part was trying to show some fresh ideas for PC designs, which had grown a bit dull and rote. It was a strategy I didn't understand at the time, but it has worked. Microsoft and its PC partners now make some clever personal computers and tablets that are being copied by others - including Apple.

But unlike the PC business, companies that specialise in smartphones are still churning out new ideas. Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi don't need Google to show them how to do it.

That's on the hardware side. In software, when Google makes its own smartphones it can ensure they run the best of Android software. Too many Android smartphones are clogged with clunky software made by the smartphone maker.

Google's own devices will be tidier and easier to use. And with Google's own phones, the company also can spur hardware makers and suppliers to build more of the cutting-edge features Google has designed for Android, such as virtual reality functions and special processors to manage crisp digital photos.

That's a worthy goal. So worthy that Google agreed to buy Motorola Mobility five years ago, also with the aim of expanding the boundaries of Android smartphones.

The market has changed, but it remains unclear whether Google can convince hardware partners to follow its lead in smartphone technology.

3) Sell people on the merits of Google's wireless phone service: We deserve new ideas in mobile phone service, and Google's 18-month-old, low-cost Project Fi wireless phone technology is among the best. Project Fi is only available on Google's own line of smartphones.

But Google hasn't pushed its wireless service very hard, and likely still won't, again because of potential business clashes. Google can't afford to anger the traditional mobile phone companies like Vodafone that pitch Android smartphones.

Awareness of Project Fi, then, likely won't spread beyond a niche of tech nerds.

To be clear, making smartphones isn't a high-risk gamble for Google. The company's $70bn annual advertising revenue - a growing share of which is generated from smartphones - provides a big cushion to absorb any failures.

But Google's strength is a weakness when it comes to its self-designed devices. Its business empire makes Google simply too conflicted to make good on the promise of its smartphones. (Bloomberg View)
'It's a government that believes in investing in talent. And it's a government that believes in working with the private sector in creative ways,' Brad Smith says of Microsoft's experience in Ireland

Microsoft's president and chief legal counsel Brad Smith recently led his company's successful legal defence against the US government's attempt to reach into Irish servers for email data. He spoke to our Technology Editor about tax, Ireland, owing a debt to Edward Snowden and why the recent 13bn Apple state aid case doesn't make the European Commission anti-American.

Adrian Weckler (AW): Should Edward Snowden be pardoned by outgoing US president Obama?

Brad Smith (BS): I don't have a view on whether he should be pardoned solely because I don't have knowledge of all of the facts. But I do think we have to acknowledge in the technology sector that he helped bring to light a lot of facts of which we were unaware. And I think the world is a better place because of those disclosures.

AW: Do you think the Irish government was right to appeal the recent 13bn Apple tax ruling from the European Commission?

BS: I don't have a stake in the ground here or an opinion to offer on the specifics of the case. But I'd step back and say the world needs a globalised effort to harmonise tax laws. We do need a 21st century approach to taxation that countries around the world can feel comfortable with. I think it needs to start with the United States. The US really stands alone among the major developed countries with a tax system that is not territorial in nature. I think that injects an anomaly into the international tax regime. We need governments to come together with a new multilateral initiative. I think that can probably only happen if the US starts to move forward.

AW: Many US company executives and legislators say that this is overtly political and an attempt by European authorities to grab US taxes. What do you think?

BS: One should step back. Every time the European Commission makes a decision or regulates the tech sector, there are people in the US that sometimes read into it some kind of particular attitude toward American companies.

But I think one is better served by recognising a couple of things. Look, the industry's leaders today are basically either American or, in some cases, Chinese. So of course there's going to be a bigger impact on American companies because the industry reflects that.

People often ask me, on the privacy issue, 'do you think the European Commission or governments are acting on privacy solely because all of this technology is coming from American companies?' And my answer is always 'no', European governments have been acting at the forefront of privacy protection since 1945.

They've done this through progressive eras of technology and I just think that the importance of privacy is undeniable. The importance of tax treatment is undeniable. I think what we need are solutions that work across borders but that pay appropriate respect to different values across Europe and around the world. And I'm actually optimistic that if we set aside speculation about what motivates people. Or about what serves people best, we can actually start to hammer out some concrete steps.

AW: Regarding your recent 23bn acquisition of Linkedin, Salesforce are lobbying the European Commission to intervene on anti-competitive grounds. Are you worried about this?

BS: By definition, regulators need to approve the merger. We recognised that it couldn't close until three governments approved it. Two of those three, the Americans and the Canadians, have cleared it to close. And we have been engaged in a very healthy conversation with the European Commission. They ask lots of questions as they always do and as they always should. I think they have good questions. I think we have good and clear answers to their questions. From my perspective this is an acquisition they is going to promote competition.

If one wants to look at the CRM market, obviously if Salesforce thought that, as the largest CRM provider, it could buy LinkedIn, as it obviously did, I have to believe that as the fourth largest CRM provider, we can buy LinkedIn. So I look forward to the continuing conversation and I remain strongly of the view that it will bring more competition to the marketplace.

AW: Salesforce executives have repeatedly warned that Microsoft will cut off critical data from LinkedIn to competitors. Could this happen?

BS: It is not something that we have any intention of doing. The LinkedIn data is public today and we want to make that data useful in lots of new ways. So the European Commission has naturally been reviewing with us the whole range of issues and I think we have good plans and pro-competitive plans at that."

AW: You have extensive operations in the UK. Is the prospect of hard Brexit affecting Microsoft's disposition towards the UK?

BS: Not at this point. We have committed to two data centres in the UK. So we'll have Ireland, Amsterdam and then the UK, France and Germany. The UK's an important country. At some level it's even interesting to look at the UK and Ireland together. Both Dublin and London have grown so much and have become such important cosmopolitan centres. We very much hope that the UK will continue to thrive. I hope that we'll continue to be able to bring to the UK talent from across Europe and from around the world.

AW: But the UK Prime Minister is talking about pulling that country out of the European single market.

BS: We will simply have to follow what goes on there. We'll have to adapt. I think from my own perspective, the single most important factor will be the ability to bring some of the world's most important talent to come work in the United Kingdom.

AW: But how can you do that if the British government cuts down on immigration?

BS: Well that's why I'm not the prime minister of the UK! But when I look at our research facility at Cambridge, for example, it has incredibly talented people from around the world.

AW: So you're not concerned?

BS: I think it's too early to be concerned and it's too early to be sanguine. I think the issues are too important and we'll have to see how it unfolds.

AW: Do you think the case involving the US government (ordering you to give up email information from your data centre in Ireland) is over?

BS: I feel very optimistic that decision of the second circuit court will prevail.

AW: Did the Irish Government's intervention (with an amicus brief) have a significant impact?

BS: I think it did. It was very important in making clear that this is an issue that affects governments on the other side of the Atlantic. When I think of all the other groups that filed amicus briefs, the Irish Government is at the top of the list in terms of importance.

AW: As a big tech multinational company that has been in Ireland a long time, were you reassured by the Irish Government's response in moving to support Apple's position in the recent 13bn European tax case?

BS: I'm not going to offer a view on that specific decision. But what continues to impress me in Ireland today is what has impressed me in Ireland for 25 years. This is a government that understands what is required to grow.

And it's a government that believes in investing in talent. And it's a government that believes in working with the private sector in creative ways.

I remember when I first moved to Redmond [Washington, Microsoft headquarters] in the late '90s.

That was a point in time when the Irish government was probably the first government to recognise that although it had created a tech sector based on CD and DVD manufacturing, the future was going to be about data and data centres.

A delegation from the Department of Enterprise came to visit us in Redmond. They asked us to build our first data centre in Ireland to serve Europe. We said we'd love to, but it wasn't feasible because there was no broadband cable that connected Ireland with the continent. So they said 'will you give us three months?'

We said 'of course'. And in less than three months they had hammered out an agreement with the then Global Crossing and the cable was laid months later. So now there's a big [Microsoft] data centre here in Ireland.

To me what the speaks to is not any single issue but a broad approach. This is a government that gets it in terms of technology and talent and how they need to come together and that's what actually gives me the greatest source of confidence.

AW: Has Microsoft made any progress in the hiring and participation of female engineers and employees?

BS: I think we have some progress behind us but we have way more progress ahead of us. I think Satya [Nadella, Microsoft ceo] has really brought a broad and deep focus across the company. I think that there are some areas where we're starting to see movement in the demographics. And I do share the sense that if, at the end of the day, if you don't see improvement in the numbers, then you should assume that you're not actually seeing a lot of improvement.

So we're starting to see improvement. I'm very optimistic in what I think we will be able to accomplish in the next few years. I do think it's a multi-year clause that we need to pursue.

AW: Is it a pipeline issue?

BS: I would say two things. Yes, of course there are pipeline issues. But one should never assume that the pipeline needs to define your performance. I believe that a company can outperform the pipeline if it acts with real determination. I think our goal as a company should absolutely be to outperform the pipeline. And also we need a second goal, which we're pursuing, to invest with everybody else in strengthening the pipeline.

And when one is talking about women, this really is fundamentally thinking about how we start with girls early in school. It's about how we make computational thinking and computer science more interesting. It's about how we make it more broadly appealing to groups of people.

I think the bottom line from my perspective is very straightforward. We are moving forward but we need to move a lot farther and this is one of the real issues and causes of our time. We need to continue to embrace it that way.
The first time I met Jeremy Helsby, Savills Group chief executive, I was part of a team negotiating the sale of Hamilton Osborne King to the global property services company. Last week, 10 years on from that deal, I met Jeremy in the plush surroundings of Savills' London headquarters, which houses 1,000 staff. I found that Helsby has lost none of his charisma or his passion for property and his firm, and he was forthright in his views on the business.

With 31,000 staff in over 700 offices around the world, Savills is one of the true giants of the industry. A phase of consolidation recently saw Cushman & Wakefield merge with DTZ, but Helsby believes this was the last merger "at the top table level".

However, he sees lots of consolidation continuing below that rank and Savills bought five businesses in the last two years.

"We're always looking at 'bolt-ons', as are our competitors," he said.

Helsby joined the firm 36 years ago, working first as a land agent and then in offices. He believes that Savills are different from many of their competitors in that "we like to have leaders who have come through the ranks and know the DNA".

"My time in the trenches as a fee earner is very important and gives me an empathy with the troops - they've got a leader that 'gets it'."

Helsby says the challenge for companies in growing bigger is maintaining the firm's ethos and collegiality.

"Some of our competitors have become so big that they are process driven. My passion is to retain that oomph, that can-do entrepreneurial flair that wows the clients, and not let it get lost in bureaucracy," he said.

"The company's real balance sheet is the 31,000 people that walk in and out the door every day. If they're not happy, then you don't have a business.

"Our strength is loving them, working with them and understanding them. We retain that family ethos of 'you love each other, you respect each other and you look after each other'.

"CEOs can focus on growth, but you ignore your own team at your peril. I have a passion for our people and our clients, in spades. Our clients must feel that we are passionate about their business. It's a people business and we are not a production line."

Helsby is positive about world markets and sees increasing globalisation by clients continuing to drive demand for agents to match their clients in both their local and overseas markets.

Two months post-Brexit, he says that the London market has returned to near normality.

"There were four deals done at approximately 15pc below their pre-Brexit values. Two months on, most of the deals that were put on hold have gone through. Most of the deals with 'Brexit clauses' have now closed, at discounts of 3-5pc. London's property market is not going to change."

He sees Ireland as being in a good position to reap benefits from some organisations relocating post-Brexit.

Helsby is bullish on European markets, but added: "If I only had one pound left to invest, I would invest it in the US."

In 2014, Savills bought the tenant representative firm Studley, now trading as Savills Studley, and has added "four or five teams or companies to that, in each of the last two years".

"Savills business in Asia is excellent," Helsby told me and their "most exciting growth is in China", where the firm employs 5,000 people. The big growth areas there are property management, capital markets (between local investors) and high- end residential.

Helsby rates his acquisition of Hamilton Osborne King in Ireland as "right up there" with their best deals.

"Writing a cheque is easy," he said. "The hardest part of an acquisition is integration. Savills Ireland feels part of Savills, and that's a success. We retained most of the top people, seamlessly merged the brand, we're number one or two in most of the areas we want to compete in and we're exceeding the revenues from when we bought the business."

As we said our goodbyes Jeremy shook my hand, beamed an easy smile and told me: "Paul, you're a star."

I walked up Regent Street feeling great. That's part of Jeremy's success. It's a people business.
Shares in Tesco soared over 13pc after it reported sales growth in the UK and every other division during the first six months of its financial year.

"We think the crisis is over," chief executive Dave Lewis told analysts in London yesterday.

He said the retailer is now more competitive in the UK, and that its metrics are improving across the board.

The interim group operating profit jumped 56.7pc to 596m (676.3m) on a constant exchange rate basis, while revenue was up 1.3pc on the same basis at 24.4bn (27.7bn). The results beat analyst expectations.

In Ireland, Tesco's like-for-like sales rose 0.2pc in the period, to 1.22bn, excluding VAT and including fuel.

Mr Lewis was parachuted into the group two years ago to reverse the retailer's ailing fortunes. He also had to contend with the fallout from a toxic accounting scandal.

Since his arrival, he has been aiming to stabilise the group's balance sheet, make it more competitive, and rebuild trust with customers and suppliers.

He said that the group has now posted volume growth in the UK for seven consecutive quarters.

That volume growth has increased its operational leverage, and helped the chain to lower its prices.

Tesco chief financial officer Alan Stewart said that in the UK and Ireland the group has now reported three consecutive quarters of like-for-like growth - the first time in six years that it has done so.

In Ireland, where the retailer is now the joint second-biggest grocery retailer alongside Dunnes Stores, Tesco generated like-for-like sales growth of 0.3pc in the first quarter, and 0.1pc in the second quarter.

"The Irish market is coming off a very low base in 2015 and 2016," said Mr Stewart. "It continues to show growth. Market competition has been a bit stronger in the recent periods but we continue to deliver good growth in that market."

The chief executive of Tesco Ireland, Andrew Yaxley, said the group is continuing to invest in reducing prices for consumers.

He said that the chain has also improved the quality of its fresh food produce, simplified its range, and extended its lines of Tesco own-label products.

Mr Lewis now aims to raise Tesco's margin, and pursue cost savings, particularly from its purchase of items not for resale - everything from toilet paper for staff to shopping trolleys.
Formerly a part of Liam and Des O'Dwyer's Capital Bars Group, Zanzibar could achieve up to 6m

With tomorrow's deadline for initial bids on the Zanzibar Hotel development on Dublin's Ormond Quay looming, expectations are growing that the 5m price quoted by CBRE could be exceeded by up to 20pc - or 1m.

Speculation that the property, which has full planning permission for the development of an 89-bedroom hotel, could yet achieve up to 6m is being driven by the sheer level of interest shown by hotel operators and investors from Ireland, the UK, Europe and China.

With well over 100 expressions of interest received, more than 80 copies of the hotel's information memorandum distributed and upwards of 40 site visits conducted by individual parties as of yesterday, the property is expected to attract a number of serious bidders.

It is anticipated that several Irish hotel operators who have been particularly active in the domestic market will be among those submitting offers for the hotel, which prior to its closure operated as a venue within Liam and Des O'Dwyer's Capital Bars Group.

Sources familiar with the matter said they expected interest to come from Tetrarch, Dalata and the McGettigan Hotel Group, among others.

In the case of Tetrarch, its interest in pursuing opportunities in the area immediately north of the River Liffey is well-established with its proposed development of a 158-bedroom boutique hotel at Sackville House near O'Connell Street.

In terms of international interest, the Irish Independent understands the Zanzibar Hotel has attracted the attention of a number of hotel operators, which heretofore have not looked at the Irish market.

Located at numbers 34 to 37 Ormond Quay and overlooking the River Liffey and Ha'penny Bridge, the property's current planning permission provides for the conversion of two protected structures and the provision of an 89-bedroom hotel totalling 7,077 sq m, - of which 5,494 sq m is new build and 1,583 sq m is retained protected structures.

There are four floors of bedrooms, the majority of which are in the extension to the rear. They each extend to approximately 23 sq m.

Liam and Des O'Dwyer opened Zanzibar in 1998, just as the Celtic Tiger was taking off. Created with a 3.81m budget, it had a capacity of 1,200 and was part of their stable of superpubs, alongside Cafe en Seine, Major Toms and Bad Bobs.
Armenian Renaissance Party calls for unity

Statement by Armenian Renaissance Party (HVK) Armenian Renaissance Party has always defended the thesis that the active and successful participation in the local elections is an important condition for every political force not only for checking their own powers but also showing more serious results in the future nationwide elections. Based on the abovementioned principle, the Armenian Renaissance Party actively participated in the local elections of September 18 and October 2 in 2016, showing significant results not only in the major cities but also in the rural communities. Particularly, the Armenian Renaissance Party showed stable third place both in Vanadzor and Gyumri, the candidates of Armenian Renaissance Party, also those whom the HVK supported won in more than 50 communities as well as more than 200 members of Council of Elders from HVK in the whole republic. Summing up the results of the elections and comparing the indices of other political forces, the party records that with the local elections results the HVK showed stable third place at national level leaving behind the other political forces. Armenian Renaissance Party announces that the abovementioned results have been recorded thanks to stubborn, hard struggle and persistent work as during the entire election process numerous cases of electoral violations were found out, starting from election bribes to transferring people to the polling stations by microbuses and if not the use of administrative levers, the black propaganda against our candidates and the impudent insinuations, we are sure the results would be more significant. Anyway, Armenian Renaissance Party by its own experience showed that with the help of united and principled struggle it is possible to move the cart, therefore we reaffirm our position once again that the disjoined and fragmentary struggle can affect the success of future nationwide struggle, so hereafter we need wider social-political mobilization, wide consolidation of fighting forces. So we again call on the political forces, units and individuals who are concerned about the prospect of Armenias development to put aside their narrow political ambitions and taking into account the current opportunities and realities make real steps towards the consolidation, and start a united struggle for the sake of Armenias rebirth development.
Bono has joined a long list of famous names who have lost patience with the Republican nominee for President of the United States and publicly called him out.

At U2s benefit show for the USCF Childrens Hospital in San Francisco last night, the band played clips of Donald Trumps most controversial statements, so that Bono could call him out on each point.

You know its not just Mexicans who will have a problem with this wall of yours. Its everyone who loves the idea of America  like the Irish for example, he told the crowd about Donald Trumps plan to build a wall on the Mexican border.

He can be seen shouting Youre fired! at the screen as the crowd cheers.
TV3's brand new current affairs programme Pat Kenny Tonight kicked off on Wednesday night.

Fronted by Pat Kenny and Colette Fitzpatrick, the show set out to deal with the important news and current affairs issues of the week. Viewers were treated to in-depth analysis, one-on-one interviews with leading political figures and input from members of the 150-strong audience on topics ranging from childcare costs to the rent crisis and increased cost of living in Ireland ahead of Budget 2017. The show sparked plenty of debate on social media and was the biggest trending topic of the evening.

Here are the five most talked about moments.

The price of potatoes

Pat Kenny started the show by holding up a potato and asking the audience to guess the cost of it in other European countries. It was a visual introduction to a discussion on 'rip-off Ireland'. Potatoes are relatable to Irish people, we love potatoes... right? Kenny chatted to audience members who had moved here from different parts of Europe and were struggling to come to terms with our increased cost of living.

Accusations of sexism

New sexism row for #PKTonight as it goes for an all-male guest list on opening night !  Kieran Dineen (@KieranDineen) October 5, 2016

The show found itself in the headlines earlier in the week when it was announced it would be called Pat Kenny Tonight, despite being co-presented by Herald columnist Colette Fitzpatrick. Kenny later said that the decision to omit his co-anchor's name was a marketing decision. However, claims of sexism were dished out on Twitter again last night with viewers complaining about the lack of female representation with the all-male discussion panel. Some people also felt that Fitzpatrick didn't get enough air time and her role was consigned to that of Kenny's sidekick.

80's set design

#PKTonight - Will the PK-Studio Game be available for Xbox One at Christmas ? pic.twitter.com/PPWbZGX7d0  Tergo (@doomirl) October 5, 2016

Bright neon beams flashing across a dark backdrop proved to be a bit of a visual assault for some viewers (although not as offensive as Vincent Browne's shocking red background). Twitter users joked that it looked like Quasar centre or laser light show rather than the set of a current affairs programme.

Haven't we seen this before?

Pat Kenny is no stranger to current affairs debate and knows how to steer the audience and panel into a professional, open discussion. However, it's all a a bit 'same-y'. Some jaded viewers felt that we've seen it all before. Pat Kenny Tonight isn't that different to Claire Byrne Live or Kenny's previous gig at Frontline. Yes there was humour (see: potato) and the topics raised brought about plenty of online debate but it's really just another Wednesday night current affairs programme. A trusted formula but isn't it a little tired at this stage?

Hashtag fail

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Viewers were shown the Twitter handle @PKTonight which relates to neither the show nor the presenters. The Twitter handle belongs to a Pakistani site which appears to review movies among other things. The graphic was soon dropped during the show. But that's not the only social media fail the show suffered with. Some viewers felt that Twitter notifications that popped up in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen were too distracting. Sure if we wanted to see what people were talking about on Twitter, we could just look at our phones. We know how hashtags work.
Nutmeg from Drumcondra in Dublin... Leinster winner in the Face of Brandy 2016 competition

Four dogs from across Ireland are competing to be the poster dog on thousands of dog food packs.

A border collie from County Galway, a cockapoo from Belfast and cross breeds from Dublin and Killarney are all in the picture to have their portrait on thousands of dog food packs across Ireland as part of a competition run by Brandy, the countrys biggest home grown dog food brand.

The four dogs have been chosen from hundreds of entries to represent Connaught, Ulster, Leinster and Munster in the overall final in a bid to be named Face of Brandy 2016.

The overall winner will star on selected packs of Brandy Dog Food for three months with all four finalists winning a photoshoot.

The four finalists are as follows:

Connaught

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Super friendly Daisy lives with owner Sarah Adams and her partner Christopher in the town of Gort in south Galway.

Sarah received Daisy as a pup when her next door neighbours dog had a litter. Now she is an invaluable member of the family, along with the couples other dogs  two staffordshire bull terriers called Honey and Trigger.

She loves playing with her ball and her favourite game is fetch. Her best trick is paw for which she is always rewarded with a special treat or two.

She travels to work with Sarah every day and loves sitting in the front seat of the car. She takes pride in her appearance too as she loves being groomed and is very partial to a neck scarf.

Leinster

Lurcher Nutmeg was rescued by owner Hannah Ridgeway from the Dogs Trust in March this year and now lives in Drumcondra, Dublin, with Hannah and her partner John.

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She is loveable, friendly and loves people and kids. Shes gentle, mischievous and funny and as soon as the doorbell rings she runs to grab her Frisbee and greet the guest at the front door.

Shes a typical pup who wants to play all the time and loves to go exploring before returning home to crash out together. Running and cuddles are the top things that she enjoys and the only time she ever barks is when shes hungry. She absolutely loves her food, especially chicken and fish.

Ulster

Dream dog Jess, a cockapoo from north Belfast, was a Christmas present for seven year old Zac Gibson last December and since her arrival has become a very important member of the family.

Expand Expand Previous Next Close Jess from Belfast Jess from Belfast... Ulster winner in the Face of Brandy 2016 competition / Facebook

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She loves cuddles, hates the rain and her favourite toy is an elephant that shes had since the first day she arrived. She also loves the bath and would stay in there all day if she could  but she goes crazy at the hairdryer and it usually takes two people to get her dried afterwards.

Unlike most puppies, Jess hasnt chewed everything in the house but shes still very mischievous and loves to steal underwear and socks off the radiator.

Munster

Family dog Buddy from Killarney in County Kerry is a Jack Russell cross breed and the only male in the final four.

Owner Jackie Toner says that Buddy is now a bone-a-fido member of the family which also consists of daughters Margaret, Fiona, Shannon and Grainne, and two more dogs Sam and Lucy.

He loves the kids, even if they can be a little rough with him sometimes.

When he was just six weeks old, they were playing with him in their arms and dropped him, and he twisted his paw  but he hasnt let that get the better of him and he does everything that an able bodied dog would do.

Buddy is a very placid, friendly dog and loves getting loads of kisses and cuddles.
A number of Irish people based in the UK have expressed their shock at the Governments plans to draw up a list of foreign workers.

Companies may be forced to reveal how many foreign workers they employ under government plans to highlight bosses who fail to take on British staff.

The Home Office has refused to comment on whether or not Irish workers will be exempt from the foreign lists.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd has accused UK businesses of hiring foreign nationals ahead of home-grown candidates and this move aims to give preference to British workers.

Independent.ie contacted Irish people based in the UK to gauge their reaction to the announcement.

The Tory ministers comments have made some of them begin to feel unwelcome in a country that they have called home for years.

Una Philips (28)

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Una, originally from Co. Wexford, moved to London in 2006 to study Film Studies at Kingston University. She completed an MA in Film Archiving at the University of East Anglia in Norwich but moved back to London in 2012 to work.

I have always felt at home and welcome in the UK. Ive experienced a few racial slurs for being Irish but nothing too serious. Ever since the Referendum results I have felt a sense of uncertainty about my future within the UK.

"When I voice this feeling to friends/colleagues who are British citizens Im usually told 'Oh youre not an immigrant' or 'Oh no, youll be fine dont worry'. I cant help but feel that this is simply because I am white and English is my first language.

Hearing about Amber Rudds comments yesterday just added to this uncertainty, it made me feel even more like Britain is becoming a country that doesnt want me here. I have studied and worked extremely hard to work in the sector that I do, and for all that hard work to be ignored simply because I was not born in Britain is beyond unfair.

"I feel that once youre willing to work hard for a living, pay taxes etc. you shouldnt be treated any differently just because of where you are from.

Jason McGilloway (22)

Jason has been living in Liverpool for just over four years. Originally from Donegal, he moved to Liverpool to study software engineering at John Moores University. He now works as an IOS developer. He admits that his future in the UK is uncertain.

I thought some of the statements made by Amber Rudd were a bit silly. She was saying that even if you couldnt find a skilled British person, you could train them up to be the same level as a foreign person who is more capable of carrying out a job.

I pay taxes here, I went to college here and I dont know why I would be treated any differently.

In my workplace, there are four nationalities, maybe five. It would be a completely different environment if none of us were there. There are different ideas, different cultures, why would you try get rid of that  thats what makes a company great.

There are a lot of murky waters. I was going to buy a house here and all but now I wonder would I be better off working somewhere else in the EU.

Mike Murphy

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Mike moved to London in 2015 shortly after graduating from UCDs Michael Smurfit Business School with an MA in marketing.

He also has an honours business degree from Dublin City University (DCU) and moved to London as there were better job prospects. He is not in agreement with Amber Rudds remarks regarding foreign workers getting employed ahead of British people.

To be honest, I think her statements are unfounded.

I firmly believe the best person gets the job. I feel unwelcome by Amber Rudds comments but it makes me more determined to stay in the UK. Its like being gay in the workforce. If I ever felt unwelcome because of my sexual orientation or where Im from, I'd make sure I'd be more proud of it in front of those people.

Generally in London I think a lot of British people are upset at the recent events seen in the yes/no campaign. I think a number of them understand the values diversity brings, be it in their personal life, skills or even friendships.

Paul (Nessie) Ryan (44)

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Paul owns his own plumbing business in south east London and has been living there for a number of years. As an employer, he says he is struggling to find workers at the moment but insists he doesnt feel unwelcome in the UK.

Irish people are very welcome here. As regards other foreigners, there is a stigma attached. I have worked with many Romanian and eastern European lads and they are absolutely fantastic workers. Theres an abundance of work here at the moment. Im looking for a tiler and cant find one at the moment. The economy is booming over here.

Regards her comments about people being unemployed, I think these people are just lazy and its not a case of Irish people or eastern Europeans taking their jobs because there are so many jobs here at the moment, even up north in places like Sheffield and Liverpool.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today this week, the Home Secretary said: "I went and visited a factory quite recently where they recruit almost exclusively from Romania and Poland, where they have people who have experience in factories building these sofas that they have.

"They didnt even consider training locally - there was a local college they could have worked with, but they choose to recruit outside the UK."

Matt OFlynn, director of Collins Hayes, the sofa manufacturing business in question, denied this allegation and argued that there are simply not enough homegrown candidates, and that he was forced to recruit foreign workers.
A convicted killer, who began eating his own faeces after he was arrested for trying to attack a Garda at a Dublin station, will be sentenced in January.

Mark Bissett's "bizarre behaviour" happened when he turned violent during a drink and drug fuelled outburst at Store Street Garda station in the city-centre. Judge Bryan Smyth adjourned sentencing at Dublin District Court Court to let him complete a residential drug rehabilitation programme.

The court heard more evidence on Thursday on other assault, public order and criminal damage offences committed by then homeless Bissett between February and April.

Bissett (31) from Loughlinstown Park, in Loughlinstown, Dublin, was jailed for six years in 2005 for killing his uncle David Sutherland in Sallynoggin, Dublin, on December 20, 2003.

Mr Sutherland (54), from Ballybrack, Dublin, was beaten and kicked to death in a drunken row following an accusation by Bissett that Mr Sutherland had killed his aunt.

His case at the district court resumed on Thursday when Judge Smyth heard that highly intoxicated Bissett attacked a foreign shop worker at a Spar on South Richmond Street in Dublin. He acted in a threatening manner and told the victim why don't you go home you fucking p**i b*****d.

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He punched him in the head and stomach and he man also suffered scrape to his left arm but the defendant apologised to him later. He also shoved another shop worker during the incident.

He was arrested after a row with a shop security guard on a date in February and on April 11 he broke a window at a garda station, causing 100 worth of damage. He was homeless and because he had no where to go he wanted to be arrested, Judge Smyth was told. He also brought money to court to pay for the window.

Bissett has also pleaded guilty to breach of the peace, being intoxicated to such an extent he was a danger to himself and others, criminal damage and violent behaviour at Store Street Garda station, on March 3 and March 18 last.

Garda James Seymour gave evidence earlier that on March 3, Bissett, who has 47 prior criminal convictions, was acting aggressively at the front counter in the station.

The father-of-three attempted to assault the sergeant in charge and he struck Gda Seymour and his colleagues. Gda Seymour had to strike him twice with his baton before they placed him in a cell.

Bissett defecated in the cells and consumed his own faeces causing a health hazard and damage to cell walls which were covered with excrement and had to be cleaned at a cost of 400.

On March 18, Bissett returned to the station in an intoxicated state and lay on the floor. When asked to leave he began hurling abuse at gardai calling them faggots and c***s.

The court was given a breakdown of his criminal record: 26 convictions for breach of the peace and being drunk in public; one for obstructing a drug search; one for affray; two for possessing knives; two minor assaults, one for assault causing harm, another for assaulting a garda, three thefts; five robberies; one conviction for manslaughter, one for failing to comply with a Garda's public order caution to leave the vicinity and two for criminal damage.

Defence counsel Emmet Nolan said his client now has mental health issues but is aware that his "bizarre behaviour" at the garda station was unacceptable. He had taken a large quantity of benzodiazepine tablets and alcohol and has no recollection of the incident but is deeply ashamed, the barrister said.

The court was told he has little contact with family and he left school at the age of 13.

Mr Nolan said Bissett was using hostels from the age of 15 and became addicted to benzodiazepine and alcohol. However, he pointed out that his client will be able to spend three months in a residential treatment centre for his addiction issues and he will pay for the damage in the Garda station cell.

Judge Smyth was furnished with a probation report and said the accused seemed to be making progress but could well be looking at a sentence. He sought an updated report and agreed to adjourn sentencing until a date in January.
A Dublin couple have not paid a penny off the 1.2million debt on their Mount Merrion home for the past two years, the Circuit Civil Court has heard.

Barrister John Donnelly, counsel for Ulster Bank Ireland Limited, told Judge Jacqueline Linnane that Niall And Evelyn Shanahan had shown no interest in engaging with the bank or the court in proceedings to re-possess their home.

Mr Donnelly, who appeared with Hugh J. Ward and Company Solicitors for the bank, told the court that the balance due on the couples mortgage on Woodley, 52 Fosters Avenue, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin, was now just under 1.2 million.

He said arrears on repayments alone totalled 357,000 and the last payment made on the property was on October 20, 2014.

Dara OLoghlin, a solicitor with Hugh J. Ward, told the court that the property was the principal private residence of the defendants and as such came within the jurisdiction of the court.

Mr Donnelly told the court that the bank had managed to serve Mrs Shanahan with the proceedings but it appeared Mr Shanahan was currently residing in the UK.

He said Mr Shanahan was aware of the proceedings before the court but had not been taking any active part in the matter. It appeared there was an estrangement between the two defendants.

Judge Linnane said there was a total disinterest by both parties in the proceedings and neither had appeared in court nor had any representation been made on their behalf.

Obviously they have absolutely no interest in this debt, Judge Linnane said.

The judge adjourned the proceedings against both defendants until November 24 and told the bank it could bring a motion on November 1 to seek an order for substituted service against Mr Shanahan.
Businessman Denis OBrien wants a three judge High Court to decide his case alleging that statements by TDs in the Dail about his banking affairs are not absolutely immune from legal action, his lawyers said today.

Michael Cush SC said he considered there are similarities between arguments to be advanced in Mr OBriens case and those being made in the continuing action by former Rehab CEO Angela Kerins against the Dail Public Accounts Committee and State.

Ms Kerins case is being heard by a three judge court and the court may consider it appropriate a three judge court should also hear Mr OBriens case, listed for hearing in November, counsel said.

He was addressing the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, just as Ms Kerins case was about to resume before a three judge court comprising Mr Justice Kelly, Mr Justice Seamus Noonan and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy.

Ms Kerins has sued the PAC and State over the conduct of two hearings in 2014 by the PAC into payments of public funds to Rehab companies. She claims PAC acted outside its jurisdiction and she was so overwhelmed by the conduct of a February 27 hearing she attempted to take her own life. She is seeking damages on a number of grounds.

Mr OBriens case  against the Dail Committee on Procedure and Privileges and State - raises issues whether statements made in the Dail by Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy and Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty about his banking affairs with State-owned Irish Bank Resolution Corporation attracted absolute privilege, counsel outlined.

Mr OBrien was contending there was no such absolute privilege on grounds including utterances in the House must not usurp the judicial domain and must be linked to the legislative process, counsel said.

Mr OBrien has claimed utterances by Deputy Murphy and Deputy Doherty in the Dail in May and June 2015 respectively forced him to later concede in the High Court in June 2015 that the entire script which he sought to prevent RTE publishing concerning his banking affairs with IBRC, and which he had successfully injuncted, was by then in the public domain.

The CPP, in response to complaints by Mr OBrien, held neither Deputy had breached the standing orders governing debate in the Dail.

Today, Sara Moorhead SC, for the CPP, said Mr OBriens case was against a different Dail committee from the PAC, and the State. Ms Moorhead and Maurice Collins SC, for the State, both said they wanted to see the formal written submissions of Mr OBriens side before outlining their position on what was being advanced.

Mr Cush said the submissions would be completed by next week. Mr Justice Kelly said they should be delivered next Wednesday and would be considered by the court before a decision was made whether Mr OBriens action would be heard by three judges.

When the judge asked John Rogers SC, for Ms Kerins, whether he considered there were similar arguments being advance in the two cases concerning the nature of the privilege accorded to utterances in the Oireachtas, Mr Rogers said it seemed Mr OBriens case was different as it concerned statements made in the Dail chamber while Ms Kerins case related to statements of the PAC.

When Mr Rogers signalled he would be raising issues whether absolute privilege was conferred via Article 15 of the Constitution, Paul Gallagher SC, for PAC, said that was a new argument which could not be advanced at this stage of Ms Kerins case and he would be objecting to it.
A MAN who owes a bank more than 60,000 arrears on his mortgage told a judge today he had not paid anything off his loan because he did not want to engage in paying willy nilly amounts.

Gary Higgins said in the Circuit Civil Court that he could not dispute that he had not been making repayments and told Judge Jacqueline Linnane he was not keeping the money in a pot to pay it off in a lump sum.

Higgins, of 18 Kiltipper Close, Tallaght, Dublin, who represented himself, said he did not know exactly how much he owed EBS Limited in arrears on his mortgage and was seeking details.

He said he had been told in one case that he owed 39,000 in arrears and later the bank had claimed he owed them 66,000 in arrears.

The bank is seeking to re-possess Higgins home and had met him with his accountant to discuss the question of a new arrangement which had not been offered to him.

Judge Linnane said Mr Higgins had made no offer to make any payment for some time and it had now become a regular occurrence with litigants to look for discovery of documents as a delaying tactic.

She said she was finding that a lot of defendants were using as a delaying tactic a request for discovery of documents.

The relevant documents have been provided in these proceedings, Judge Linnane said. You got the money, you got it on certain terms, the bank obtained its security on the mortgage, you defaulted on payment, a final demand was not met and the bank is seeking possession of the property.

The judge told Higgins the proceedings had not come out of the blue and a mortgage should be ones priority. Debtors should not bury their heads in the sand and try to engage with banks to deal with their situations.

Solicitor Mark Hession, for EBS Limited, said the bank would be taking issue with a number of allegations made by Mr Higgins.

Judge Linnane put the matter back until October 24 and said the bank would not be pursuing its possession demand on that date as it had to deal with a change of name of the bank in which it would be described as a Designated Activity Company.

She said that in the meantime the bank would provide Mr Higgins with all documents relating to its change of name proceedings.
Some forces sold their places at PECs (video)

Today the discussion on the issue of candidacy of CEC Chairman and its members continued at the NA. Naira Zohrabyan, the Head of the of Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) faction, touched upon the accusations made against them in the previous speeches, It is not a secret that the forces, which accept their defeat with dignity, have political future. It means that you have a vital party capacity in order to make conclusions from the defeat. Those forces, which took the last honorable places in the local elections, for whom the elections were simply Spartakiad, which called the people corrupted and acting, they dont have any future. I also want to add that those forces sold their places as well as the places of trustees at PECs. She again spoke about the pointlessness of the support in the virtual field: The main work of some sectarian forces was to turn the likes into votes by calculator, even greeting was registered as one vote in favor. I consider accusing BHK of trading votes to be obscene, because we got what was result of our work. Mrs. Zohrabyan noted that they had decided to vote freely for the candidacies of CEC chairman and its members, but hearing the speech of Seyran Shahsuvaryan, they changed their mind, A candidate, who doesnt want to publish the signed voter lists, but only wants to deal with journalists education, I want to understand whether there is such a provision in the powers of the CEC member or not. I will be against the candidate, who wants to start a sacred fight against the journalists. The Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) Head Vahram Baghdasaryan noted in his speech that the lawmakers didnt speak of the CEC, but about their problems, I also want to tell Tigran Mukuchyan that he doesnt carry any responsibility for the work of his predecessors, as it was mentioned in one of the speeches. He urged the political forces to think about their votes and authority and not the HHK.
Members of the Dail Public Accounts Committee made devastating, hurtful and grievously damaging statements about former Rehab CEO Angela Kerins which lead to her losing her job and reputation, the High Court has been told.

Those statements of fact, expressions of opinion and assertions of wrongdoing were immediately released in the public domain and are wholly irretrievable, her counsel John Rogers said.

It was Ms Kerins case the PAC had no jurisdiction to make such statements and acted in breach of Ms Kerins constitutional rights, including to her good name and to privacy.

Members of the PAC were not entitled to ask Ms Kerins about her salary or to ask other Rehab witnesses whether there had been complaints about her, he argued.

Because of the manner in which the hearings were conducted, there was also no provision under which Ms Kerins could have got in there in an effort to retrieve the situation, Mr Rogers said.

Counsel was continuing closing arguments before a three judge High Court in a hearing to decide whether the PAC had jurisdiction to conduct two hearings concerning public payments to Rehab.

Ms Kerins claims the hearings on February 27th and April 10th 2014 amounted to an unlawful witchhunt against her outside the PACs jurisdiction. She claims she was bullied and harassed and was so overwhelmed after the February 27th hearing she attempted to take her life on March 14th.

As a result, she was unable to attend the April 10th hearing, it is claimed. She wants damages on grounds including alleged personal injury, loss of reputation and loss of career.

The PAC argues it had jurisdiction to conduct the hearings as it did and is entitled to scrutinise how public funds are spent in a context including that some 80m public monies are paid annually to Rehab companies.

It has also argued Ms Kerins appeared voluntarily before the Committee on February 27th 2014, raised many of the issues she now complains about, and told it she was glad to provide information about the services provided by Rehab.

Today, Mr Rogers argued the constitutional protection against suit given to utterances in the Houses of the Oireachtas did not apply to Dail Committees.

He also submitted that the Supreme Court decision halting an Oireachtas inquiry into the fatal shooting of John Carthy during a siege at Abbeylara is applicable to this case.

He rejected arguments by the State and PAC that the Supreme Courts findings concerning the protections to be afforded to Garda witnesses appearing before the Abbeylara inquiry did not apply to someone appearing before the PAC. Ms Kerins had a right to have her good name protected from attack and the State was required to vindicate that right, he said.

There was clear evidence of interference with her constitutional rights and any provision purporting to oust that right had to be read constitutionally, he submitted.

The hearing continues.
A 64-year-old patient who was injured when he fell off a hospital trolley has settled a 60,000 damages claim against the Adelaide and Meath Hospital in Tallaght.

Anthony Whelan, a caretaker, of Knockmore Drive, Tallaght, Dublin, claimed the accident happened when he attended the hospital in September last year because of severe pain following surgery.

He had been assessed at the hospital, and it had been decided he would be detained overnight for a second operative procedure the following day.

The court heard Mr Whelan had been taken on a trolley to a ward - but could not be found a bed, so was kept on the trolley in a corridor near the nursing station and screens put around him.

Mr Whelan had fallen asleep and, while sleeping, had fallen from the trolley, hitting the ground and the base of the screens with his back. Following X-ray, which revealed no rib fracture or lung injury, he had been given a private room and a painkilling injection.

Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke was told the claim of negligence had been brought against the hospital on the basis that he had not received appropriate management and care.

In a defence entered on behalf of the hospital by Corrigan and Corrigan solicitors, the hospital conceded liability and acknowledged that Mr Whelan had fallen from a trolley. The nature and extent of injuries were challenged in the defence.

Barrister John Nolan, who appeared with Kent Carty Solicitors for Mr Whelan, told the Circuit Civil Court that the case had been settled on terms within the 15,000 jurisdiction of the District Court. Costs had been agreed between the parties.
Mr Gallagher told Judge John Hannan that by March he noticed oil was leaking regularly from the vehicle. Stock Picture

A pensioner has won a four-year legal battle with a second-hand car dealer after a 'fire-hazard' vehicle he bought broke down within weeks.

Letterkenny Circuit Civil Court heard how a Vauxhall Astra bought by retired bus driver John Patrick Gallagher was later declared unroadworthy by both gardai and a specialist mechanic.

Mr Gallagher (72), from Dungloe, Co Donegal, sued Thomas Friel trading as Modern Motors, Mountain Top, Letterkenny, for a refund and damages.

He had paid 10,200 for the 2009-registered car in January 2012.

Mr Gallagher told Judge John Hannan that by March he noticed oil was leaking regularly from the vehicle.

He said he had left the car with Mr Friel for two days for repairs. "But when I got home I realised the car hadn't been repaired at all and was still leaking oil," said Mr Gallagher, who had been given a seven-month warranty by the dealer.

By May 2012, he said, the car was also leaking water and the brakes were 'warped'. Again, he claimed, the car had been left at the dealer to be fixed but it hadn't been.

He asked gardai in Dungloe to inspect the vehicle and said he was told not to drive it.

Mileage

An engineer's report found a series of defects on the imported car including that it had been 'clocked' with a 20,000 miles lower mileage recorded than that on an official UK record nine months earlier.

It also found that the car had been involved in a previous head-on collision and "the battery was unsecured and the wiring harness was wrapped in insulating tape creating a very real fire hazard".

There were a number of other defects in the car which the engineer suspected had been previously used as a company vehicle and was valued at just 500 four months after its purchase.

A solicitor for Mr Friel said his client was ill and didn't contest the case.

Asked by Judge Hannan what vehicle he was now driving, Mr Gallagher replied: "A much older one, a 2002 car which I had to buy for 1,800."

Judge Hannan ordered Mr Friel to pay Mr Gallagher 17,500 for the car and damages and said gardai should investigate the clocking of the car.

"This is a case which will be of a great concern to every consumer and every motorist. Mr Gallagher has been put through the mill," said the judge.
Gardai have arrested 64 people as part of a major operation against criminality in the south east of the country.

Drugs worth almost 40,000 and a handgun have also been seized by gardai during the day of action part of Operation Thor in the Kilkenny/Carlow Division.

A spokesperson confirmed that 22 people were detained for a range of matters including theft, assault, fraud, misuse of drugs and burglary offences under under Section 4, Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Nine were arrested for the purpose of charge and appeared before sittings of Carlow and Kilkenny District courts on Thursday.

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A further 33 were arrested on the foot of committal and penal warrants.

Chief Superintendent Dominic Hayes, who was leading the operation said: "The objective of the operation is to disrupt criminals living in and travelling through the Kilkenny/Carlow Division.

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"Criminals will be deterred from committing crime in an area perceived as being heavily policed. This operation will also assist in the detection of criminal offences through proactive policing activities

During the operation 29 houses and one business were searched in Kilkenny City, Urlingford and Castlecomer.

Drugs, including Heroin, ecstasy, cannabis, cocaine and amphetamine, to the value of 34,000 were seized.

A grow house was also discovered at a house in Castlecomer where cannabis plants with an estimated value of 4,000 were also seized.

A handgun was recovered during a search of a house in Kilkenny city.

A total of 60 checkpoints were carried out across the Division during the course of the day.

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Over 130 Gardai were involved in the operation along with 50 students from the Garda College, Templemore.

In a unique move a visiting group of 30 European Police Officers attended a briefing at Kilkenny Garda Station and were present at some of the checkpoints as observers.
Stephanie Preissner, writer of Cant Cope, Wont Cope stopped by St Columbas School, North Strand, Dublin to launch the Arts Council and ESRI study on children and the arts and the impact of arts and cultural participation on Irish children. Photos: Andre Poveda

Children in Ireland who spend more time reading and engaged in activities such as music, painting and dance are happier and cope much better with school, according to a landmark study.

The study exposes a big social and gender gaps, with children from better-off backgrounds, particularly girls, more likely engage in cultural and artistic pursuits.

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The findings emerge in data about three to five-year-olds and nine to 13-year-olds.

It was gathered in the Government-funded 'Growing Up in Ireland' study, which has tracked progress of 20,000 children for almost a decade.

The report, the first of its kind, was compiled by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on behalf of the Arts Council.

Among the findings is that nine-year-olds who frequently read and attend classes in music, dance or drama are more confident about coping with schoolwork by age 13.

As 13-year-olds they are also happier, have reduced anxiety, better academic skills and fewer socio-emotional difficulties.

The study took account of children's engagement in popular culture, including television viewing and video games, as well as more traditional leisure time pursuits.

It found that while watching a lot of television promotes verbal skills, it is associated with greater social and emotional difficulties.

The social divide shows up early, with three-year-olds whose mothers have a third-level education 50pc more likely to have books read to them, than those whose mothers left school early.

Socio-economic background generally is a big factor in participation rates in the arts, with the cost of after-school classes such as in dance, art, music or drama, a barrier for low-income families.

Five-year-olds from more advantaged families are more involved in many activities, including reading, painting or drawing and educational visits.

They spend less time watching television or playing with electronic devices.

The study also found that children from migrant families and children with special educational needs were less likely to engage in structured cultural activities.

There are striking gender differences in levels of participation in the arts from as young an age as three, which persist throughout childhood, with girls' schools offering more arts activities as well as more girls participating in such activities after school.

Girls are more likely to read than boys, regardless of their socio-economic background. In addition, girls as young as five paint, draw, enjoy music or dance more than their male peers.

Dr Emer Smyth, head of the social research division of the ESRI, said the expansion of the free pre-school programme to two years offered huge potential for early years settings to become an important avenue for children's access to the arts.

Dr Smyth also said it was important to provide subsidies to disadvantaged families to ensure "more inclusive arts engagement".
Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland: 'It is unacceptable that private and voluntary providers are forced to provide care for fees way below those paid to HSE-run homes'

It is the HSE-run nursing room where a week costs the same as six nights at the plush Ritz Hotel in London.

The Abbeyleix Community Unit in Co Laois was on notice to shut down due to funding and staffing issues five years ago - but it got a reprieve after residents and locals took to the streets.

Now it has emerged as having the most expensive accommodation costs in the country with a week's stay estimated at 4,082.

The HSE has published the weekly cost of care in its public nursing homes, which work out at up to four times the weekly subvention it pays to some private nursing homes.

The weekly costs of a nursing home do not affect fees paid by individual residents availing of the State-subsidised Fair Deal scheme.

The fees under the scheme are the same for the resident - regardless of whether they are living in a high or lower cost home - because they are assessed on their individual income and assets.

However, the newly published figures sparked outrage among private nursing home owners who said they are being discriminated against.

Tadhg Daly, chief executive of Nursing Homes Ireland, representing private homes, said: "It is unacceptable that private and voluntary providers are forced to provide care for fees way below those paid to HSE-run homes."

The highest weekly costs of 1,245 for private nursing homes are in Ryevale nursing home which is located in Leixlip and Kiltipper Woods nursing home in Tallaght, Dublin. Many average around 1,000 although some are as low as 745.

The HSE defended the higher accommodation costs in its homes on a number of grounds, including having higher numbers of nurses on its staff.

There is also the cost of upkeep of old buildings along with a reliance on agency workers.

Health Minister Simon Harris said HSE-run nursing homes are more expensive because they care for residents with most complex needs, such as advanced dementia.

However, Mr Daly said this is not borne out by independent research. The average length of stay in all nursing homes - public, private and voluntary - is 1.9 years.

Frailty

Mr Daly said: "This is reflective of the high levels of frailty and dependency of persons who avail of nursing home care. The Fair Deal scheme is designed to support people with high and maximum dependency care needs.

"Furthermore, independent research undertaken by the Dementia Services Information and Development Centre highlighted private nursing homes are providing the majority of specialist care for people with dementia."

He said the research found that HSE-run homes "which receive the highest payments for care because they are said to accommodate those with highest dependency needs, were seen to be more restrictive than other providers in relation to admission criteria, and were more inclined to refuse admission to those not independently mobile."

Private nursing homes also said they are seeing some of their badly needed nurses leave to take up work in HSE-run homes.

Nursing Homes Ireland recently wrote to all nurses on the register but are classed as "inactive" to ask them to return to work. It may be an option for nurses who gave up full-time jobs to care for families.
The Irish Coast Guard was involved in the rescue of an injured crewman 350km from the coast of Co Mayo.

The incident happened overnight and was a joint operation with the UK Coast Guard.

The tanker was on a trans-Atlantic voyage to the Orkney islands when the crewman became injured.

The man's condition is not yet known and he is to be transferred to Sligo University Hospital when the Coast Guard helicopter lands later this morning.
Drugs and a gun were seized by gardai and 35 were arrested as part of a major garda operation today.

Gardai, carrying our their day of action under Operation Thor in Kilkenny/Carlow Division, searched a total of 24 premises on Thursday.

The 35 persons were arrested in the are. A spokeswoman confirmed that 12 people were arrested under warrant and taken to court.

A further four were charged and taken to court and a total of 19 prisoners are detained at Carlow (6), Kilkenny (8) and Thomastown (5) Garda Station under Section 4 of Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

A total of 24 premises were searched in Kilkenny city, Urlingford and Castlecomer, which are all dwellings with the exception of one premises. Drugs to the value of 34,000 (subject to analysis) were seized in these searches.

The firearm which was a handgun was seized during a search in Kilkenny city.
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A FEARED hitman for the Hutch mob has turned his north Dublin home into a fortress complete with bulletproof windows and top grade security systems after the latest threat on his life.

The Dublin gangster has even gone as far as installing CCTV cameras at both his home and his family's home as his fears of a hit by the deadly Kinahan cartel grow.

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This comes as gardai issued him with the latest official warning about a potential attempt on his life as part of the capital's deadly feud.

This is at least the third time that the 29-year-old has been warned by gardai since the brutal feud that has claimed ten lives so far, kicked off.

The feared criminal was previously the hitman of choice for the Kinahan cartel, and is the suspect in a number of murders and attempted murders on behalf of the organised crime gang.

Arrested

These include the 2015 murder of Paul Kavanagh (27) - the younger brother of Gerard 'Hatchet' Kavanagh - who was gunned down outside the Cat and Cage pub in Drumcondra.

Gardai are also confident that he was the trigger man in the murder of gang boss Eamon 'The Don' Dunne in 2010. He was arrested in relation to the incident, but gardai did not have enough evidence to bring any formal charges.

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Although the 29-year-old is linked to a number of murders, he does not have any serious convictions.

Despite his close ties to the cartel, sources stated that he was "sickened" by the murder of his close friend Gary Hutch, and subsequently became involved in a plot to take out associates of Christy Kinahan.

Gardai raided his home on the northside days after the Regency Hotel murder on February 5 this year.

The fearless criminal warned officers that the gang war between the Christy Kinahan cartel and the Hutch mob would not end until Daniel Kinahan was murdered.

"We will not rest until Daniel Kinahan is dead. He caused all of this - it won't end until he is in his grave," the gunman said.

He is also a chief suspect in the murder of Ray Collins (42) in November 2006, when he was just 19-years-old. Collins was shot dead by a pillion passenger on a motorbike on Clonliffe Avenue.

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Investigating gardai believe that the Hutch gang associate developed a personal grudge against Collins in the weeks prior to the killing, and that this may have been the motive for carrying out the murder.

ATTACK

In the aftermath of Gary Hutch's murder, sources revealed that the hitman refused to attend a number of meetings which the cartel attempted to organise with him because he was "disgusted and heartbroken" about what happened to his pal.

He has been mostly based in Dublin since the hotel murder but has also spent time in Northern Ireland.

Gardai believe that if the Hutch gang are to organise a "spectacular attack" on their bitter cartel rivals, this criminal will be heavily involved in organising it.

The deadly feud ignited last September following the murder of Gary Hutch, shot dead in an apartment complex in broad daylight on Spain's Costa Del Sol.
A fallow buck sits with does in the afternoon autumn sunlight in Phoenix Park, Dublin, as the rutting season begins. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The increasing trend of feeding deer in the Phoenix Park is putting the deer and park-goers in danger, the Wild Deer Association of Ireland have warned.

WDAI director Damien Hannigan says that there is an growing trend among park-goers and tourists to feed the deer and post pictures of it on social media; he says people seem oblivious to the danger.

There is particular danger in the summer months, when mother deer are protecting their fawns, and in October, which marks the beginning of rutting season.

What happens during rutting season is that the bucks get a testosterone increase which can cause them to fight. When these fights happen, smaller bucks will run away and if you have people nearby, it could be very dangerous. People should keep a very large distance so they dont get trampled, Mr Hannigan told independent.ie.

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Deer are naturally very timid animals but theyre starting to lose their fear of humans due to being fed by them. If they see someone standing there with food in their hand they might approach, and that could be dangerous.

This is not just dangerous to people, but to the deer as well. They can only digest certain foods, and if theyre given too much of a food they cant digest it can kill them, Mr Halligan said.

Mr Halligan said that park rangers do their best to patrol the park and warn people away from the deer, but emphasised that it is basically impossible to fully patrol the largest walled area in Europe with the staff they have. There are signs in the park warning people of the danger, but some people take little notice of them.

Mr Halligan also warned people to keep their dogs under control. Deer will always run from a dog, no matter how small it is, and that can be extremely dangerous with traffic moving through the park.
Undated handout photo of (left to right) Algerian MP Samira Douaifia, New Zealand Green Party MP Marama Davidson, Mairead Maguire, Jeannette Escanilla, and Dr Fauziah Hasan from Malaysia on board a boat sponsored by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which was on its way to Gaza before being intercepted by the Israeli navy and escorted ashore. Photo: Mairead Maguire/PA Wire

A NOBEL peace laureate has described her detention by the Israeli navy as she tried to reach Gaza by sea as kidnap.

Mairead Maguire, 72, from Belfast, was with 13 activists on a boat about 40 miles from shore when it was intercepted on Wednesday as they attempted to breach the maritime blockade imposed in 2007.

The yacht, Zaytouna-Olivia, was not carrying aid, and travelled from Barcelona to Sicily and on to Gaza in a symbolic attempt to challenge Israel's refusal to let Palestinians freely use the port.

Ms Maguire, 1976 Nobel peace prize winner for her work to unite communities in Northern Ireland, pre-recorded a video message with other women on the boat expecting to be detained at sea.

"We were arrested, kidnapped, illegally, in international waters and taken against our wish into Israel," she said.

"This has happened to me before. We will be deported and tragically not allowed back to see our friends in Palestine and Israel. This is totally illegal.

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"As women from many countries we uphold our freedom of movement in any part of our world.

"So, for those who can help to call for the release of all those on the women's boat to Gaza, please do so.

"But even more importantly, because it's not about us, work for the freedom and human rights, the lifting of the blockade against the people of Gaza and for the freedom for the Palestinian people and peace in the Middle East.

"We can all do this together. It is not a dream. We are here in prison because we care for human rights, for human dignity, for the Palestinian people."

The Israeli Defence Forces said the boat was intercepted in international waters after "exhausting all diplomatic channels" and that the operation was "uneventful".

It described the Gaza maritime blockade as lawful and said the women refused to change course when asked.

Others on the voyage, organised by the Women's Boat to Gaza, were Ann Wright, a retired US colonel, former South African Olympic volleyball player Leigh-Ann Naidoo, Algerian MP Samira Douaifia, Marama Davidson Green Party MP in New Zealand and Jeannette Escanilla first substitute MP in the Swedish parliament.

Three of the 13 women have been released.

In 2010 an unsuccessful attempt by the Gaza Freedom Flotilla to breach the blockade ended when Israeli military intercepted the MV Mavi Marmara and killed 10 Turkish people after boarding.

At that time Ms Maguire was on a separate boat in the flotilla, the MV Rachel Corrie and she was subsequently detained and deported.

Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on Gaza after the Hamas militant group took power almost 10 years ago.

The blockade has stifled the tiny state's weak economy but Israel insists it is necessary to prevent Hamas importing weapons.

The women were detained hours after a rocket strike on Sderot, a southern Israeli town on the Gaza border. Israel targeted a series of Hamas posts in Gaza in response.
A pharmacist has been praised after administering two life-saving adrenaline injections on a seventeen-year old who was entering an anaphylactic shock on Grafton Street.

Pharmacist Sarah Chambers was working in Hickey's Pharmacy when a 17-year-old came in suffering from a severe nut allergy.

Ms Chambers said: The patient explained that the last time she had an allergic reaction to nuts was when she was aged four. She displayed characteristic symptoms of anaphylactic shock including a rash and swollen lips and so we immediately called an ambulance. I then administered two adrenaline pens and stayed with her to monitor her condition until the ambulance arrived.

The patient has asked not to be identified although she and her family have expressed their strong appreciation to Ms. Chambers. It's believed the girl had a chocolate milk drink that led to her allergic reaction.

The young woman was rushed to the Emergency Department of St. Jamess Hospital by ambulance. She was later discharged and has made a full recovery.

The Epi-pen is designed for anaphylactic emergencies and provides an immediate dose of Adrenaline. It can be administered in emergency situations by trained pharmacists.

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The ability to administer the Epi-pen in first response situations was brought into legal effect by the Minister for Health in October 2015.

Ms Chambers said the adrenaline works by constricting the blood vessels to increase blood pressure, relaxes muscles in the lungs to reduce wheezing, improves breathing and stimulates the heart rate. It also works to reduce hives and swelling that may occur around the face and lips.

Tom Concannon, Superintendent Pharmacist of Hickeys explained that the company had taken the decision to train all of their pharmacists to administer adrenaline and had specific protocols in place to deal with this type of emergency in their stores.

Were very proud of Sarah for her quick actions. Acting quickly is crucial where anaphylaxis occurs. The emergency services must be called immediately on either 112 or 999 and adrenaline should be administered. Were absolutely delighted that we were able to help this young woman and that she has made a speedy recovery.

Episodes such as this one serve as an important reminder to those who suffer from severe allergies that they should carry two in-date adrenaline pens at all times and should be comfortable in knowing how to use them.

Anyone who suspects they may be suffering from an allergy should consult a health professional such as a pharmacist or GP immediately.

In 2013 14-year-old Emma Sloane tragically died from a nut allergy in Dublin city centre on December 18, 2013.

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Her mother Caroline Sloane rushed to the nearest pharmacy but they were unable to give her an Epi-pen without a valid prescription.

She was told to bring Emma to A&E, but they only travelled a few yards before Emma collapsed and died with her family desperately trying to help her.
JUSTICE Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said she has confidence in Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan.

During very tense Dail exchanges about allegations of abuse of garda whistleblowers, opposition politicians suggested that Commissioner OSullivan should at very least stand aside pending investigations.

Independs4Change TD Mick Wallace demanded that the Justice Minister sack the Commissioner. He said there was evidence that Ms OSullivan was aware of efforts to discredit and harass whistleblowers in An Garda Siochana.

Fianna Fail TD, Charlie McConalogue, and Sinn Feins Mary Lou McDonald, said those at the centre of fresh allegations of abuse of whistleblowers, had said they would not cooperate with any new inquiries as long as the Commissioner was in office.

Mr McConalogue wanted to know what the Minister would do in that case. Ms McDonald said there was no legal bar to the Commissioner standing aside for a time.

The Justice Minister said An Garda Siochana had given very good service to the community and enjoyed recent successes in the fight against crime.

But for all their strengths, I have recognised that fundamental reforms are necessary, Ms Fitzgerald said, insisting she was engaged in the most fundamental reforms in the forces history.

Ms Fitzgerald said the Government was going to investigate the most recent allegations involving whistleblowers and would proceed as quickly as possible. But she insisted due process must respect everyones legal rights.

Is an accusation now sufficient to secure a conviction? Is that what youre saying? Ms Fitzgerald asked the Sinn Fein deputy leader.

No findings of wrongdoing have been made against the Commissioner. She is entitled to our confidence, Ms Fitzgerald added.

Deputy Mick Wallace said the Minister had not replied to some of his letters in the past and these controversies were going on for two years. He urged the Commissioners removal from office.

Labour party leader Brendan Howlin told the RTE News at One: As long as you leave her in position, the allegations will continue against that Commissioner  and you know its only going to get worse."

The Wexford TD said: The very elaborate proposals that have been put forward have not been implemented. We need to make sure that all the good men and women of An Garda Siochana can carry out their work without fear or favour.

It is clear to me that there were whistle blowers who felt An Garda Siochana was not a comfortable place for them.

Regards the most serious allegations of harassments, we need to know who is responsible for that and they need to be out of the guards.

All citizens have rights. They are entitled to their good name. The only process that can be done now is to have a statutory inquiry so that everyone will be required to present the facts as they know them.

We need an interim report from a judge and we also need to have a road map for the transformation of the guards.
Finance Minister Michael Noonan has denied political pressure was put on Nama in relation to its controversial Project Eagle sale.

He has also insisted he has "full confidence" in both Nama and the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), which last month published a damning report on the sale of the property agency's Northern Ireland loan book.

The C&AGs report found that Nama incurred a potential loss to the taxpayer of 190m (223m) in the deal.

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Nama has rejected the findings claiming its based on an incorrect assumption of the discount rate used in the sale. It also criticised the C&AG probe saying it was carried out by staff with no market experience of loan sales.

The C&AG has insisted its staff had qualifications necessary for the probe.

Mr Noonan is this afternoon appearing before the Dail's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) where he is being quizzed on his knowledge of Project Eagle.

He said he shared a view with the Northern Ireland Executive that care was needed in Nama's management of its portfolio in Northern Ireland and any potential sales process.

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"The fact that I, and my counterparts in the North, were cognisant of a potential sale and mindful of the potential impact on the Northern Ireland economy should not be surprising.

"However, this should not be misconstrued as political pressure on Nama," Mr Noonan said.

He added: "As has been pointed out by the Nama Chairman [Frank Daly], there was no political pressure on Nama regarding this sale."

Mr Noonan said that in each of his interactions with his Northern Ireland counterparts he stressed that Nama was independent in its functions; that it was obliged to run a competitive sales process and that Nama must be satisfied it had achieved the best price.

One bidder for the Project Eagle portfolio, Pimco, withdrew from the sale after it learned that former Nama adviser Frank Cushnahan was allegedly among those in line for a success fee if the sale went ahead.

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Mr Noonan addressed suggestions that he should have stopped the sale when this emerged in March 2014.

"Suggestions that I, as the Minister for Finance, should have interfered with Namas commercial decision and called a halt to the Board approved sales process fundamentally misunderstands Namas independent mandate and my role as the Minister for Finance," Mr Noonan said.

He said there was "no legal basis" for him to halt the sale or to direct Nama to break up the portfolio into smaller lots.

He added: "The Chairman of Nama informed me that he was about to consult with its financial adviser" and if the advice was favorable the Nama Board would make a considered commercial decision to continue with the sales process.

"There is nothing to suggest from this that Nama was not operating in line with the purposes of Act by proceeding with the sale process," Mr Noonan said.

"This being the case there was no legal basis upon which I could have directed Nama to discontinue the sales process. Department of Finance legal advice has confirmed this position."

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Mr Noonan continued: "It is important for me to be clear here when I say that even if I had had the legal basis to interfere with the Nama Boards considered decision, at that time, there was no evidence that such interference would have been in the interest of the taxpayer. And I am still of that view.

"In fact, neither the C&AGs audit of Namas annual accounts nor the recently published value for money report have asserted that the sales process should have been halted," he said.

Mr Noonan said: "I believe that I have properly upheld both the letter and the spirit of Nama Act."

Mr Noonan addressed the debate over the value achieved by Nama in the sale which was sparked by the publication the C&AG report.

He acknowledged that Nama and the C&AG have "differing opinions and positions" but said: "I have full confidence in both of these important state actors.

"Their differences of opinion do not alter the continuing confidence I have in Nama, nor the standing of the C&AG. I am confident that by focusing on the salient issues the PAC can help navigate the technical issues under discussion," he added.

Mr Noonan spoke of the creation of Nama during the financial crisis saying it was a "very bold step" taken by his predecessor Brian Lenihan to reduce instability and uncertainty in the banking system.

"We should take a moment to imagine where our economy would be if Nama hadnt been established as an independent commercial entity and hadnt been as successful as it has been in reducing the States contingent liability," he said.
A man stabbed in the cheek in a brutal attack that also led to the murder of his pal, has recovered enough to speak to gardai.

Detectives spent a number of hours in hospital yesterday interviewing Swiss national Ludovic Thomas.

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However, it is understood he does not to know a third man being sought by gardai in relation to the attack.

Detectives were last night still trying to piece together all the facts surrounding the bloodbath on the South Circular Road on Tuesday which resulted in the murder of Leo Carolan.

It has also emerged that Mr Carolan (25) had been due to meet a close female relative of his at around the time of his murder, but this arrangement had been cancelled.

Sources say that gardai are now trawling through hundreds of hours of CCTV footage in an attempt to catch the killer.

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Read more: Man in 'blood stained' top sought after Irish man stabbed to death and second injured

Last night, gardai were still attempting to locate the man who was in the apartment at the time of the violent attack.

Injuries

Investigating detectives believe the man  described as 56 and wearing a dark blood-stained top  has crucial information in relation to the murder.

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The victim, Mr Carolan (25), was living in the apartment for some time having returned from France.

He studied Anthropology in Lyon before continuing his education in Creative Music Production at IADT in Dun Laoghaire.

He was also a budding DJ.

Mr Thomas, a Swiss national in his 20s, was continuing to be treated at St James Hospital last night with non-life threatening injuries.

Supt Pat McMenamin, of Kevin Street Garda Station, said detectives were anxious to locate a third individual seen leaving the property.

He also stated that a murder investigation has been established after a preliminary post mortem was carried out on the deceased mans body.

The male that was injured is in hospital being treated for non-life threatening injuries, he said.

We have spoken to him and once hes received further treatment for his injuries, we will speak to him again.

We are anxious to locate a third person who was at the scene and we would ask that person to make contact with us.

We believe that person has crucial information to this

investigation that will assist us, he said.

That person is described as a man in his mid 20s, around 56 in height, wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and runners, he added.

He had fair or reddish hair that was cut short, and may have been carrying a bag, Supt McMenamin told reporters yesterday.

Incident

A murder investigation has been established and an incident room set up in Kevin Street. We had two scenes preserved and they have been examined by our colleagues in the Garda Technical Bureau, he added.

An eyewitness told the Herald

how they saw a man stagger across the road from the property before collapsing on the footpath.

Basser Clkhodaior (36), who has been living in the area for the past three years, described how he saw the injured man with knife wounds being tended to.

He wasnt talking, he was full of blood, he said.
UIC: Democracy index of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh

Though the current international system does not have a specific legislative model of recognizing unrecognized republics, the de-facto democratic republics can aspire to international recognition in case they have a formulated statehood and conform to specific preconditions. In case of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), being maximally democratic is yet another negotiating card in the hands of the Armenian side against Azerbaijan, where the people are completely deprived of political freedoms. One of the aforementioned preconditions is following the standards of democracy. Hence, let us see to what extent Nagorno Karabakh conforms to those standards. According to Article 1 of the NKR Constitution, The Republic of Nagorno Karabakh is a sovereign, democratic state, based on social justice and the rule of law. However, the real picture today, a quarter of a century after declaration of independence, differs from the principles declared by the Constitution. The international Freedom House organization characterizes Nagorno Karabakh as a partially free state from the viewpoint of political freedoms. Moreover, Freedom House gave Nagorno Karabakh 5 points on the 7-point scale (where 1 is the best score and 7 is the worst). Getting such a score is an evidence of considerable violations of political freedoms and democratic principles. It is worth noting that Freedom House used to regard Nagorno Karabakh as not free (6 points) because opposition representatives did not participate in the parliamentary elections of May 2010. However, after allowing the opposition to participate in the presidential elections of July 2010, Nagorno Karabakh again began to be regarded as partially free. In fact, Nagorno Karabakh not only has not had any positive development from the viewpoint of political freedoms during the last five years, but also managed to register democratic regress for some period of time. Today NKR has a number of issues related to democracy. One of the primary issues is the freedom of press. The only broadcast channel has a clearly pro-government orientation and the newspapers belong only to ruling parties. The activity of non-governmental organizations in Nagorno Karabakh is considerably more challenging than in Armenia. The reason is absence of funding. Almost no international organization funds any programs aimed at development of democracy in Nagorno Karabakh, which makes the formation of a healthy political system even more difficult. Although a number of international organizations, including the aforementioned Freedom House, consider the NKR parliamentary elections of 2015 considerably more democratic than the previous elections, nonetheless, the opposition is not duly represented in parliament. Moreover, the attack on NKR oppositionist deputy Hayk Khanumyan in June and the authorities failure to bring those guilty of the attack to justice serve as evidence that opposition representatives not only do not enjoy equal conditions for becoming NKR deputies, but also may be subjected to pressures. Another example of NKR authorities favoring violent methods was the attack and brutal beating of the members of the Pre-Parliament group by the NKR police on the Armenia-Karabakh border. It results that the NKR Government can easily decide to use brutal violence against those visitors of their country who have different political views. Hence, though the official propaganda in NKR keeps on stating that unlimited political freedoms can weaken the countrys safety and enhance the external danger, in reality, adopting a democratic state system could solve a part of the countrys problems because it would increase the number of NKRs friends among the international community, thereby increasing the pressure on Azerbaijan. Anna Pambukhchyan, Union of Informed Citizens
Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald has signalled that a tough line will be taken on the threat of Garda strike action, saying gardai have been offered a path to pay restoration that 285,000 other public sector workers have accepted.

The Justice Minister is to meet the Garda Representative Association (GRA) today amid the threat by its more than 10,000 members to take four days of strike action next month in a row over pay.

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The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has also not ruled out a strike after it demanded its members get a 16.5pc pay hike.

Speaking at the Oireachtas Justice Committee, Ms Fitzgerald said: "Obviously no one wants to see An Garda Siochana taking strike action." She said the Government negotiating team will do "everything possible" to ensure there is progress in talks. But she warned there is a limit to what the Government can offer in the context of the wider deal on public sector pay.

Ms Fitzgerald outlined the offer made to the GRA, which she argued would have led to an "immediate improvement" in conditions for its members. She pointed out that 21 other unions have accepted the Government's pay restoration deal.

Read more: Major drop in garda applicants as GRA claim role 'no longer as enticing as it once was'

Read more: Mid ranking gardai lodging claim for 16.5pc pay rise following threats of industrial action

She was responding to a question from Fianna Fail's Jack Chambers, who said there are "significant morale issues" in the force and described the starting salaries for Garda members as "quite disgraceful".

Ms Fitzgerald said a draft agreement with the GRA involved the lifting of the increment freeze and the restoration of the rent allowance for new entrants. She added that the unwinding of the emergency financial measures that hit public sector pay would also benefit Garda members in the coming years. There is also a commitment to move to a 39-hour week, and she said promotion opportunities will rise as recruitment increases. "The reality is that that has now been rejected," Ms Fitzgerald said.

She added that there are "parameters in relation to public sector pay", and that "285,000 public sector workers have accepted the approach by Government; 21 unions have signed that and we have a very clear programme going forward in terms of restoration of pay.

"But having said that, I want to see what way forward we can find," Ms Fitzgerald added.

She also informed TDs of her priorities for spending in the upcoming Budget, including a request for funding so that "several hundred" civilians can be hired to help Garda officers return to frontline duties.

She is also seeking cash to begin work on the provision of a new forensic science laboratory. "This would mean that this important capital project will be completed in 2019 rather than commencing in that year, as originally provided for," Ms Fitzgerald said.

Ms Fitzgerald referred to plans to accelerate Garda recruitment, and said she expects 800 trainees will be recruited next year, and that a start would be made on doubling the numbers in the Garda reserve, again subject to securing the funding.
A Garda car outside a house in Bluebell, Dublin, where brothers Daniel and William McCarthy were found dead in their home. Photo: PA

The deaths of two brothers at home is a reminder of the "devastating effects" of social isolation, according to the Irish Deaf Society.

Locals in the quiet west Dublin estate where brothers William and Daniel McCarthy were discovered dead in their home are still trying to come to terms with the tragedy.

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A single bouquet of flowers was left outside their house in Milrose Estate in Bluebell yesterday afternoon, as a Garda kept watch over the property where the siblings, who were both in their seventies, had remained undiscovered for days.

Gardai from Kilmainham have launched an investigation after the remains were discovered on Tuesday.

Officers were alerted after locals became concerned that they had not seen the pair for a number of days. One man is believed to have been dead for some time.

Neighbours said the pair would receive some regular visitors and suggested they may have had the help of a HSE carer.

The HSE declined to confirm this, but in a statement said it would like to offer "sincere sympathy to the McCarthy family at this time".

It has emerged that both men were active members of the community at Deaf Village Ireland in Cabra, where they were regulars at the Mass for the deaf said by Fr Gerard Tyrrell.

The Irish Deaf Society has extended its condolences to the McCarthy family and their many friends in the deaf community. "Their deaths have highlighted the devastating effects of social isolation for senior citizens and for the senior deaf community. Social isolation for the deaf community can happen due to the lack of accessible services in Irish sign language for the deaf community in general," it said.

Eddie Redmond, CEO of the group, urged people to contact the society if they knew of anyone who was deaf and in need of help.

"We are disheartened to hear this very sad news ... both gentlemen were members of the deaf community," he said.

Local woman Lorna Curly described the incident as "an awful tragedy" and said both men were pleasant but kept to themselves.

"You would see them out. One of them walked and sometimes cycled and the other drove a car. You would see them coming and going from the house," she added.

Lorraine McDermot said she remembered how one time, one of the brothers called to her house to let her know she had left the window open after she had gone to bed.

"They were very good. I remember the night we heard a knocking on the door and my husband came down.

"He was pointing at the window to let us know we had left it open."

It is understood Daniel had been a carer for his younger brother William.

Justin Moran, head of advocacy and communications with Age Action Ireland, said what happened to the brothers was heart-breaking.

"It's a reminder to all of us that people can become isolated anywhere," he said.

"When we talk about social exclusion, we tend to think of it more in rural areas, where someone is living well outside of town, but this tragedy in a busy Dublin community like Bluebell shows it can happen in our big cities."

Mr Moran said the group always encourages neighbours to check in on people.
The two whistleblowers at the centre of the latest Garda controversy will refuse to cooperate with Taoiseach Enda Kenny's inquiry unless Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan temporarily steps aside, the Irish Independent can reveal.

Both An Garda Siochana and the Government have been left reeling following serious allegations of a smear campaign and character assassination bid by senior Garda management against a serving officer.

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The allegations were made under protected disclosure to Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, who once again finds herself in the eye of the storm.

In the disclosure, a senior officer claimed he was authorised by superiors to send hundreds of text messages to politicians, members of the media and gardai alleging gross misconduct by the whistleblower.

The allegations, sources say, were aimed at compromising the whistleblower, who had made serious claims about practices within the force.

During a dramatic day, the Taoiseach signalled a judge-led inquiry into the allegations before expressing confidence in both the minister and Garda chief. But the Irish Independent can reveal both whistleblowers at the centre of the controversy will refuse to cooperate with the inquiry, unless Ms O'Sullivan, pictured below, temporarily steps aside. The two whistleblowers, who are serving officers, have met to discuss the allegations against senior management.

Any refusal to take part in the inquiry announced by Mr Kenny is likely to render it defunct.

It is understood the Department of Justice has sought a raft of files relating to the claims be forwarded to the Office of the Chief State Solicitor.

In the Dail yesterday, Sinn Fein TD Mary Lou McDonald claimed the Tanaiste had sat on whistleblower complaints for months without responding.

A Sinn Fein spokesman later said she was referring to the cases of two more whistleblowers that were featured on RTE's 'Prime Time'.

Read more: Garda Commissioner was 'not privy to or approved of' alleged campaign to discredit garda whistleblower

Ms Fitzgerald's spokesman said he couldn't comment on an individual case, but that: "Any such disclosures are taken very seriously and dealt with as expeditiously as possible."

Ms McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he had confidence in Ms Fitzgerald and Ms O'Sullivan.

Mr Kenny said he has "absolute confidence in the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner", adding: "I don't have any reason not to."

He said he has not seen correspondence that Ms Fitzgerald has received, "nor should I have because it was sent to her under that Act [Protected Disclosures Act].

"I assume the information contained therein needs to be examined and needs to be reflected upon very carefully because it is very serious," Mr Kenny said. He added that, ultimately, a judge may be appointed to look into the claims.

Meanwhile, Ms O'Sullivan insisted she was "not privy to nor approved of" any action targeting any Garda employee making a protected disclosure.

She would "condemn any such action" and reiterated her stance that any employee's concerns "will be taken seriously and the matters examined".

Earlier, Independent TD Mick Wallace claimed the Garda "hierarchy" was "dysfunctional" and said the latest whistleblower allegations were "pretty frightening".

Ms Fitzgerald said she couldn't go into detail on the two protected disclosures for reasons of confidentiality.

She said that she is assessing them "very carefully".

She promised to consider the matter "in a way that protects the whistleblowers and that is fair and is seen to deliver justice to all".

Independent TD Clare Daly said the Taoiseach made similar expressions of confidence in the previous justice minister and commissioner "before it went to zero overnight".
After hours examining golden roasties, inspecting the viscosity of gravy, and taste testing high quality joints of meat the winners of the KNORR Great carvery Awards were named.

And Munster reigned supreme; The Heights Hotel in Killarney was named Great Carvery Hotel of the Year while The Elm Tree, Glounthaune, Co. Cork received the Great Carvery Pub of the Year title.

It is the fifth time in the past six years that The Elm tree has taken home the title.

We are delighted and our carvery chefs are thrilled, Owner Derek Walshe told the Irish Independent. Its an Irish thing  and very much a Cork thing. A Carvery is a gratifying meal to eat, its warm, its tasty, its comforting and its very filling.

The carvery is a firm favourite with Irish diners with 25pc of the population having a carvery dinner once a week. Some 926 representative carvery consumers voted for their favourite carvery dining rooms, a select judging committee then visited the establishments to see if they were up to scratch.

A spokesperson said that while quality and flavour are paramount there were other deciding factors including choice of meats and vegetarian and gluten-free options.

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Value for money was also highly rated. In Leinster the hotel deemed to have the best roast on offer was Whitford House Hotel in Wexford while the best carvery pub was Beaumont House, Dublin.

Known for using local produce and their top notch Yorkshire puddings, The Market Yard in Derry took home the Great Carvery Pub title in Ulster. The Silver Tassie Hotel in Donegal, meanwhile, was named Ulsters Great carvery Hotel.

The Hodson Bay Hotel, Roscommon was named the best Hotel carvery in Connacht while The Merry Monk in Mayo was named Great Pub Carvery.
Selfie queen: Kim Kardashian, who was robbed at gunpoint this week after revealing she was the owner of millions of dollars worth of jewellery on social media

Cyber safety has been a hot topic in recent years, particularly in relation to protecting children online. Sexual predators, bullies and con artists are rife on the world wide web, and taking precautions to keep ourselves safe, is a modern must.

However thanks to the ubiquity of social media, there's yet another thing to think about when it comes to our digital presence - just who is watching us, and why?

This week, reality TV star and celebrity mogul Kim Kardashian was held at gunpoint as thieves robbed millions of euro worth of diamonds from her Paris guesthouse. A terrifying incident, Kardashian was physically unharmed, but deeply shaken.

But in the aftermath of the news breaking, outlets worldwide began questioning just how the robbers knew all about her jewellery collection, and her whereabouts. Some speculated that it might have been an inside job, but others claimed that because Kardashian shares so much of her life on social media, she was a prime target.

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Even Kim's ex-bodyguard Steve Stanulis, who provided security for Kimye during New York Fashion Week in February, told 'The New York Post''s Page Six, "Kim's social media and her Snapchat is her undoing. When she is posting, 'Here I am, and this is the $5 million ring I am wearing, here's where I am going,' you are basically inviting someone to rob you."

Some might say that Stanulis is victim-blaming, that social media is ubiquitous and that just because Kim is open with her followers, it doesn't mean she was asking to be robbed. In theory, it could happen to anyone at any time, regardless of whether or not we flaunt our possessions online.

And of course, Kim Kardashian has a massive online presence and millions of followers as well as millions of dollars and is not exactly just like us. But should we all be more conscious of what we share online with our own personal safety in mind? After all, apps like Snapchat allow us to instantly document our day in photos and videos, and anyone who had an interest in somebody's whereabouts would only have to follow for a while to get a sense of our comings and goings.

You can tag your exact location on Instagram, share your location on Facebook, and even update your status to let friends know you're leaving on a jet plane for foreign climes - surely all this information could be used against us if it fell in to the wrong hands?

James Kavanagh is a Snapchat star and social media influencer. He regularly shares videos from his north Dublin home with his more than 20,000 avid followers, but he says that recently he's been more conscious of all the eyes on his account.

"In the last few weeks, there have been young lads outside my house screaming something I say on the account, 'love your home!' - I mean, that's really cute but it has occurred to me that oh, people know exactly where I live!

"Another night there were three drunk girls shouting outside, I think they lived nearby. And then last week at a club night I run, a girl came up to me and told me she knows my house number. So while it's been cute and lovely, and not a bit dangerous in reality, I am a little more wary."

As James makes his living from sharing his life online, he says he thinks he's already shared so much, it might be strange to suddenly stop.

"I have heard of burglars following people on social media to see their whereabouts, so it has made me a little bit worried. At this stage, I don't know if I can turn back. But saying that, if someone broke in to my house, I have tons of candleabras and a huge, heavy marble table, but nothing else of value," James jokes.

Kavanagh's Snapchat was hacked earlier this year, and shut down. "It was a malicious thing to do, and I often wonder if it was because I was quite vocal about political issues I believe in, like repealing the eighth amendment. It did cross my mind, was this just someone trying to shut me up?

"I've also had an email from an unkown sender looking to confirm my address to send me something, that was strange - I know other people were sent horrible things during the marriage referendum. So I am more wary of not snapping my front door and things like that now."

Nadia El Ferdaoussi, 30, is an Irish travel blogger with a big online presence. She mostly travels alone, and frequently lets her followers know when she's out of the country online, and also where in a particular place she is.

"I am conscious of my safety, in the way that sometimes I'll do something silly without thinking like Snapping my hotel room number, realise and delete it. I don't ever snap my home address or even my general area, so that wouldn't worry me with regards to my house being empty when I'm abroad."

Nadia is of the opinion that while it's important to consider safety and there's no point in taking unnecessary risks, there's also a little too much worry about online activity.

"Someone can break in to your house at any time. A robber isn't necessarily watching your Snapchat or even aware of who you are, they're more likely to be watching your house seeing as you come and go. It's scary but true.

"There's little you can do about it other than taking ordinary safety precautions," Nadia adds.

"I live my life online in the same way I live my real one, because it's all one. I want to be able to walk around with my camera or on my phone, or wear expensive jewellery and enjoy it without fear of it being stolen.

"Similarly, I exercise caution in real life in the same way as I do online - I wouldn't be flaunting expensive gear recklessly in the pickpocket capital of the world, or give away my exact location online when I'm alone. I don't think people in the online world want to harm me anymore than a random stranger in the street."

Social media consultant Darragh Doyle says we should all be vigilant. "Today I heard about a friend going to tag a photo of his mate on Facebook but he said please don't - his wife and kids were at home, and he didn't want people to know he was away. So it's important to realise that even if you're quite private about your whereabouts, other people can tag you."

Darragh says we should all realise that information online is public and we should all be conscious of who might see it. "I periodically review my own social media to make sure that I don't give too much away about where I am, where I live. People sometimes check in to locations online that they've tagged 'my bed', which can be incredibly revealing. If you want to do that, or you know your kids are doing that, make sure to give the general area rather than the specific location. As much as you love social media, so do people who are looking to steal things."

So it seems it's not just the super rich that are a target, and that doing a little more to protect ourselves online is no bad thing. Snapchatting your front door when you've no idea who's watching mightn't be a good idea, nor is letting everyone know you're away on holiday.

Perhaps we can all learn from Kardashian's ordeal.
As far as contentious air travel issues go, its up there with free hand luggage and elbow wars over arm rests.

The debate over whether airlines should introduce child-free zones in aircraft  or even child-free aircraft  has shown itself to be about as sensitive as it gets after numerous carriers have mooted the plan and felt the wrath of family travellers.

IndiGo, the Indian budget carrier, is the latest after it last week announced its Quiet Zones aimed at business travellers, where passengers under the age of 12 are forbidden.

Keeping in mind the comfort and convenience of all passengers, a statement from the airline read, row numbers one to four and 11 to 14 are generally kept as a Quiet Zone on IndiGo flights. These zones have been created for business travellers who prefer to use the quiet time to do their work.

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The airline also said that children are not allowed to sit in rows one, 12 and 13, where the emergency exits are found, as well as additional leg room. While, as anyone who has ever flown knows, the cry of a child has the volume to fill an aircraft, the policy would help the airline control where families might sit.

The backlash has already begun. One flier, Anshuman Sinha, told the Hindustan Times: The policy is discriminatory. It means that you cannot ask for more leg space while travelling with your children.

Its clear that they do no want children to disturb fliers paying extra for these seats. But when why permit children in the nearby rows?

However, as the below tweets show, there is some support for the concept.

Totally agree with #childfreeflights I would gladly pay extra for a seperate section on the plane  Alaisdair (@alaisdair) October 4, 2016

IndiGo is not the first airline to attempt to segregate babies and toddlers from other passengers. In 2013 Singapore airline Scoot introduced a ScootinSilence upgrade for travellers to move to rows 21 to 25, where children under the age of 12 were banned from sitting.

The airline's CEO, Campbell Wilson, said at the time: No offence to our young guests or those travelling with them  you still have the rest of the aircraft.

I don't agree with #childfreeflights but I don't think kids under 2 should be free. This discourages parents and enables plenty of room.  CG_Falcor (@AZJake) September 9, 2015

AirAsia X has also introduced kid-free zones, while in 2011, Malaysia Airlines blazed a trail when it banned infants from first class  the following year, it created no-kids zones in economy class.

Though no major UK airlines have publicly considered the idea, it has been a hot topic among travellers, with a Telegraph Travel poll in 2012 finding that 70 per cent of fliers would support the introduction of child-free flights.

A similar survey conducted by LateDeals.co.uk in 2014 found a similar leveller of support for child-free areas on planes.

While former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson once famously said that children should be stashed in the hold for long flights, journalist Judith Woods, writing for The Telegraph, said that child-free flights would end in more tears.

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It might make for a quiet night but it would be divisive and polarizing. In recent years a schism the size of the San Andreas Fault has started to develop in our culture between those with and those without children, she said.

In June, American airline JetBlue awarded free plane tickets to every passenger on-board a flight from New York to California, after a one-off promotion whereby each traveller would receive 25 per cent off a ticket for every baby that cried  five babies cried.

People smile at babies everywhere, except on planes, said Elizabeth Windram, JetBlue's director of brand management and advertising (and a mother of a toddler). For Mother's Day, we wanted to acknowledge how moms (indeed all parents and caregivers) often feel stressed while traveling with children.

Read more:

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Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Dismiss and deny and seek to discredit.

That's been the form of senior Garda management - often blindly backed by fledgling ministers - when serving officers have taken the major leap to become what are known as 'whistleblowers'.

Take the former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan, who during a now infamous carpark meeting allegedly told ex-PAC chairman John McGuinness that Sergeant Maurice McCabe "wasn't to be trusted".

In fact, according to the Fianna Fail TD, Mr Callinan even tried to persuade the PAC not to hear evidence from Sgt McCabe. It would be wrong to take evidence from a man who "couldn't be trusted".

A man about whom there were apparently told "vile stories". Remember, Noirin O'Sullivan was Mr Callinan's deputy commissioner at the time of the meeting.

And it was Ms O'Sullivan whose position was once again brought into serious question following the hearings of the O'Higgins Commission, which was set up to examine complaints of Garda malpractice by Sgt McCabe.

The claims that Ms O'Sullivan instructed her lawyers to attack the credibility of Sgt McCabe and make the case that he was acting with "malice" once again sent shockwaves through political circles.

The commissioner has consistently denied the claims, insisting that she has always supported Garda whistleblowers.

But the latest set of allegations made by another serving officer not only paint Mr Callinan in an awful light, but implicate his successor equally.

The latest officer to make the protected disclosure did so after suffering a two-year ordeal of his own, which has seen his pay decimated, his reputation tarnished and his lifestyle ripped apart.

His family has also been brought through the mill. All of this has happened under the leadership of Noirin O'Sullivan, who, as of last night, still maintained the confidence of the Government.

Fine Gael is terrified of losing another commissioner under its watch. Fianna Fail isn't so keen on it, either.

But we have now gone beyond the point at which this issue can be swept away into another inquiry - Ireland's answer to every dilemma, it seems.

The force is in chaos. The person who must be held immediately responsible is Ms O'Sullivan, quickly followed by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald.
If anybody is in any doubt about the fragility of the Government, they just need to look at how much focus is being put on the elderly ahead of Budget 2017.

It was a quiet Sunday in early August when Fianna Fail's Willie O'Dea broke ranks to make a 5 pension hike a redline issue.

The wily Limerick TD stole a march on everybody else, and effectively forced the increase from a Fine Gael party who were afraid to say what they are really thinking: That 150m can be better used right now.

There's no doubt that pensioners deserve to share in the recovery too. That's not an issue.

But why should they get almost a quarter of the 660m available for spending increases in the form of a universal payment?

Some 86pc of people aged between 65 and 74 own their homes, rising to 89pc for the over 75s.

Admittedly many are struggling with rising insurances costs, property tax payments and fuel prices. Prescription charges rose to shameful levels during the recession. And since 2009 the number of older people living in deprivation in Ireland has risen from 9.5pc to 14.3pc.

OAPs face enormous barriers to staying in or returning to the workplace.

Action say there are 85,000 older people who struggle to choose between keeping the house warm, paying for medicine or just making the groceries bill.

Do these people need help in Budget 2017? Absolutely.

But it should be targeted help, going to those most in need through things like the fuel and telephone allowance.

This point has been argued privately in the budget negotiations by Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar and even some members of the Independent Alliance.

However, others are looking at the bigger picture which is that the next election is not very far away.

Older people vote with their feet and their pencils in a way that the so-called 'squeezed middle' who are struggling with mortgages, childcare, transport and food costs simply don't have time to.

Ever since Brian Lenihan attempted to take medical cards away from the over 70s, politicians of all hues have been terrified of the grey vote.

The fact that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are willing to give them a 5 handout in a Budget where we're being warned to keep our expectations low doesn't sit comfortably.

But it seems that most TDs have one eye on the campaign trail.
In this week's 'Desert Island Discs', the CNN correspondent Christiane Amanpour speaks of her deep frustration during the darkest days of the Bosnian conflict at the West's inability - or unwillingness - to end the bloodshed.

She recalls how she even managed to rebuke former president Bill Clinton live on air over his failure to intervene in the stricken capital of Sarajevo, where Serb militias daily targeted the civilian population with shells and sniper rifles.

For those of us who covered that dreadful conflict in the Nineties, we had this awful sense that, no matter how many acts of pure evil the rival factions committed on the ground, there seemed no prospect that the conflict would ever end, or the perpetrators be brought to justice.

And I suspect many people today have a similar view of the Syrian conflict where, following the collapse of the short-lived ceasefire negotiated between US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, the fighting has intensified, particularly around the besieged rebel stronghold of Aleppo.

Like Mr Clinton in Bosnia, President Barack Obama has little appetite for becoming too involved in Syria's complex civil war. And this chronic absence of Western leadership has encouraged the Russians, like the Serbs before them, to convince themselves that they, together with their pro-Assad allies in Damascus, can do very much as they please.

Consequently, we now see actions that can only be described as war crimes committed on an almost daily basis, as the Russians and pro-Assad forces deepen their assault on rebel forces. The indiscriminate use of barrel bombs by the regime on civilian targets is well documented. The main trauma hospital in Aleppo, for example, has been bombed three times in the past week.

The Russians are equally culpable. Cluster bombs and napalm - the use of which in civilian areas is proscribed under international law - are being used in Aleppo. They are also making good use of their TOS-1 MLRS thermobaric missiles, which were designed to repel mass infantry attacks, but are now being used randomly against Syrian civilians. The high-explosive warheads detonate in mid-air, and the force of the blast results in those who are not immediately incinerated being killed when the blast's intense pressure causes their lungs to collapse.

The Kremlin has sanctioned the use of such weapons because it believes it will never be held to account for such acts of barbarism. Slobodan Milosevic, Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic had a similar mindset when they allowed their Serb militias to massacre an estimated 8,000 men and boys at the Bosnian town of Srebrenica in the summer of 1995.

There are those who argue the West could still bring a halt to the carnage around Aleppo simply by proclaiming the area to be a civilian safe haven, and daring the Russians to continue at their peril. Similar action was taken in Kosovo where, because Russia threatened to use its veto at the UN, Western powers took matters into their own hands to prevent another humanitarian disaster in the Balkans.

As Moscow has nothing but contempt for international law, then it can have no complaints when the rest of the world chooses to ignore its objections.

Such a response in Syria would certainly make Russian pilots think twice before callously bombing civilians. Russia's Sukhoi-24 warplanes can currently bomb their targets at will because they operate in uncontested air space.

But they would soon meet their match if they came up against the vastly superior American F-22 Stealth interceptor, which is now operating in the region.

I believe robust action of this nature is entirely feasible, even if it will have to wait until Mr Obama has vacated the White House. In the meantime, therefore, we should concentrate on collecting as much information as possible about those responsible for this mass slaughter of the innocents in Syria.

All the key players responsible for committing war crimes in Bosnia and elsewhere in the Balkans were eventually brought to justice thanks to the painstaking work undertaken by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. As a result, war criminals like Karadzic are now serving lengthy jail sentences, which mean they will die behind bars.

In Syria, at the very least, we should be able to look forward to the day when all those responsible for the appalling suffering of the country's civilian population are brought to justice.

The International Criminal Tribunal on Syria might today seem a far cry, just as the prospect of justice in the Balkans seemed impossible to contemplate for Ms Amanpour and all the other journalists holed up in Sarajevo's Holiday Inn in the Nineties.

But if the West can summon the collective will to act, as it eventually did in Bosnia, then there is no reason why Assad, Putin and all the rest of those committing war crimes in Syria are not one day held to account for their despicable crimes. ( Daily Telegraph London)
Morale among gardai is at an all-time low; the possibility that there could by systemic bullying and intimidation will further undermine and damage the force. Stock photo

A culture of secrecy can only be maintained in a climate of fear and distrust where silence is the price paid for acceptance. Step out of that circle and alienation and isolation are assured. The prospect of such an atmosphere pervading in any organisation is anathema, and for there to be the remotest possibility that it could exist within An Garda Siochana cannot go unchallenged.

The revelation that there has been a series of grave complaints of malpractice made by two senior gardai, of a concerted campaign within An Garda Siochana to discredit a whistleblower, is shocking and abhorrent.

It is understood that Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald will appoint a senior member of the judiciary to examine the sensational claims. Incendiary allegations that bullying and intimidation have been going on within the force without sanction have in the past been roundly denied. There were robust rebuttals on the grounds that those who sought to bring abuse complaints forward would be protected and channels would be open all the way to the top. That a new wave of damning charges should surface within months of the O'Higgins report is disturbing, and could have serious implications.

Morale among gardai is at an all-time low; the possibility that there could by systemic bullying and intimidation will further undermine and damage the force.

We need assurances that a full review of internal policies will be undertaken without delay. Yesterday, a Garda statement was issued, saying: "Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan would like to make it clear that she was not privy to nor approved of any action designed to target any Garda employee...."

Of course, no-one would expect the Commissioner to approve the gagging or abuse of whistleblowers.

However, given the slew of past complaints, one might ask the question: should she not have been aware of the potential for such abuse, as she is ultimately responsible for preventing it?

The treatment of whistleblowers Maurice McCabe and John Wilson should have been more than enough to draw a red line under the possibility of such mistreatment ever recurring.

Let it not be forgotten that it was the handling of similar issues that led to the demise of the predecessors of both Ms O'Sullivan and Ms Fitzgerald, and came perilously close to toppling an entire Government.

Yesterday, Independent TD Clare Daly said there was a "huge gulf" between the public statements of Commissioner O'Sullivan on the protection of whistleblowers and the reality on the ground. That gulf must be closed once and for all. The Commissioner has frequently stated that anybody making genuine complaints will be fairly treated and their input welcomed. And yet, the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is requesting legal powers to go to the courts to compel the Commissioner to hand over information as part of a campaign to be given more "teeth".

Judge Mary Ellen Ring, the head of GSOC, said recently that she has serious concerns regarding its ability to investigate complaints from Garda whistleblowers.

She also said that the watchdog needs greater powers over Garda disciplinary proceedings. All of this comes in the context of gardai gearing up for an unprecedented strike over pay and conditions. In the past when the going got tough, the appointment of a committee or a commission was the default setting for governments; that, of course, was only if 'kicking the can down the road' failed.

But these claims are too explosive and must be treated with the utmost urgency. That there is a crisis in An Garda Siochana is not in question, how it is handled is.

For, should it escalate, it could rapidly determine the fates of: the Commissioner, the Minister for Justice and even the Government.
"A policeman's lot is not a happy one" went a song in famed Gilbert and Sullivan opera 'The Pirates of Penzance'.

Unfortunately, if the police are not doing their job - keeping the peace, preventing crime, and helping to bring law breakers to justice - society's lot will be not be a happy one either.

If our gardai go on strike, they will be putting the safety and security of millions of people at risk. I sympathize with their call for full restoration of pay to pre-recession levels. It is a reasonable demand in view of the vital, in many cases life-saving, service that our police force offers all of us, and I am conscious too of the gardai who have died while fighting crime. They are heroes of whom we can all be proud.

But if this pay demand is not met fully, I don't believe the gardai are entitled to go on strike. They knew when they enlisted in the force that this course of action was not open to them.

Aside from the fact that they would be breaking the law, thus undermining their duty to uphold and enforce the law of the land that applies equally to every citizen, they must surely be aware that, to again quote Gilbert and Sullivan, many a criminal will be "maturing his felonious little plans" during the strike.

So while I wish the gardai well in their pursuit of fair pay, I hope they will not engage in an illegal act that could have catastrophic consequences for decent, law-abiding citizens who, as a rule, look to the gardai for protectionnot law breaking.

John Fitzgerald

Callan, Co Kilkenny

Global institutions failing refugees

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is misguided in his belief that curbing the Security Council veto would stop wars. UN agencies themselves are replete with backroom politicking, tedious bureaucracy and a deepening schism at their heart.

The idea that a veto from any permanent member of the security council is bound to torpedo any sensible efforts to bring sustainable peace and security, whether in the occupied Palestinian territories or in Syria, Iraq and other war-stricken countries, sums up the impotence, ineptitude and undemocratic nature of these global institutions. How many resolutions spoke about Palestinians' rights to self-determination, independence, sovereignty and statehood? How many resolutions demanded cessation of hostilities in Syria and Libya only to be ignored by warring factions?

This could not be more evident than in the recent Amnesty International report accusing the wealthiest nations of showing a near absence of responsibility in the global refugee crisis. Countries like Jordan are shouldering the heavy burden of hosting refugees while a wealthy country like the UK hosts less than 1pc of the world's refugees.

What is urgently needed is a reform of global institutions, to enhance its resilience and preparedness to withstand mega-crises and global threats, and to help countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan and Kenya acting as buffer zones to stop the ghastly avalanche of refugees taking perilous journeys and bringing security, integration and sustainable peace to war-ravaged countries.

Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob

London, UK

Peres, O'Brien and Higgins

I was saddened at the passing of Shimon Peres, a great son of Israel and a world statesman. My late friend Conor Cruise O'Brien, a great supporter of Israel, at one time hoped there would be peace in the promised land and we would travel there to celebrate it. Alas, it was not to be. Hopefully, Conor and Shimon are now in Shamayim/Heaven having a good chat and sharing a nice bottle of red wine.

With so many world leaders present at Shimon Peres's funeral, I was surprised that President Michael D Higgins did not attend. Perhaps he was working on an update of his tome 'When Ideas Matter', not to be confused with the book 'Ideas Matter', in which an array of Irish and international figures paid tribute to Conor.

Tony Moriarty

Dublin 6

Jadotville film a great achievement

I wish to commend all who have delivered a fine film, 'The Siege of Jadotville', adapted from the book by Declan Power. The film captured the great determination and willingness of the Irish battalion in the Congo in 1961. Jamie Dornan in particular played the role of Comdt Pat Quinlan in a dignified and in a brave way, illustrating the great qualities of this man.

This film has invited us to reflect on the forgotten men who served in that battalion and the film itself honours them in every way. The timing is very significant in this centenary year of the Easter Rising when we as a nation honoured all our Defence Forces. Well done to Parallel films, Richie Smith, Kevin Brodbin, Alan Moloney and all involved.

Niall Moonan

Drogheda, Co Louth

EU will punish Irish to spite UK

Is Tuesday now official 'Bash the Brits Day' in the Irish Independent?

Certainly the article (October 4) by John Bruton suggesting that Irish firms will need protection from discrimination in post-Brexit Britain reads as if it is intended to be a parody of the extreme 'Remain' arguments that so lamentably failed.

The way the EU is talking, it is much more likely that British firms will face discrimination in the EU, since there seems a desire to punish Britain for its temerity. The British government has made it clear that it wants and welcomes free trade with other countries and its laws prohibit discrimination of any sort. We have been trading with Ireland long before the EU ever existed and there is no desire in Britain for that to change.

If there are any problems for Ireland after Brexit, they will not come from us but rather because the EU is willing to sacrifice the interests of Ireland to spite Britain, and Irish politicians such as Mr Bruton are too frightened to stand up for Ireland's national interests.

Neil Addison

Duke Street, Liverpool

Campaign coverage no joke

Almost the entire coverage of the US presidential campaign in the media borders on irresponsible journalism. Why? The tenor of the coverage is that Donald Trump is a slightly neurotic dangerous comedian and Hillary Clinton cannot be trusted. In addition, the campaign is viewed as if it was a soap opera.

It is not up to journalists to cast this image, this should be left to columnists and editorial writers.

CNN sets the tone with the TV anchor Kate Bolduan, whose election coverage treats the campaign as a comedy show, complete with 'Countdown to election day'.

Countdowns are appropriate for sporting events and theatrical opening nights, not for an event which is going to choose one of the most powerful political office-holders in the world.

Vincent J Lavery

Dalkey, Co Dublin
Transport strikes, weather warnings, too-little time with young families, peak commuter traffic

Are your staff getting ground down by the grind of 9 to 5? Is there a better and more modern way to do business? Does your company offer a working from home option or is it time that they created an alternative solution?

Whether youre an SME, business owner, manager, IT professional, decision maker or financial decision maker, it many be time to move on and consider a different way of working for your business and your team.

If youre serious about cultivating a highly-engaged workforce and positive company culture, making the decision to offer alternative ways of working could be the key to improving your bottom line. It may also help with the recruitment and retention of top employees.

Here are the top 5 ways that working life can be different in Ireland today:

1. Peak Productivity

If getting to the office is a challenge for some of your staff, why not offer flexibility, potentially increase productivity across your business and use time more productively by giving them the flexibility to work from home? Its also much more environmentally friendly.

Broadband infrastructure and connectivity are key to making this change and your team can still be managed and monitored just as closely as if they were in the office. Its possible to now actually move the full functionality of your office phone solution anywhere with Magnet Voice. This innovative cloud based phone system allows staff to make and take their business landline calls wherever they are using a mobile or desktop application.

2. Say Hello to the Health Benefits

Working from home can benefit employers as much as employees. Offering a way to positively impact the health and lives of workers is likely to make your company a much more attractive proposition. It can help with future recruitment and retention and can actually also reduce overheads. In a survey by Microsoft, Work without Walls, 38% of employees have said that they feel that working from home is less stressful than being in an office environment. Workers also cited the quieter atmosphere (43%), the benefit of less distractions (44%) and most importantly said that they were more productive (45%).

3. Want Wellbeing and Better Quality of Life?

Global Workplace Analytics have compiled over 4,000 studies and reports and articles and have found that a massive two thirds of people want to work from home and that 36% of staff would choose it over a pay rise. If you want to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for staff, its interesting to note that a poll of 1,500 technology professionals revealed that 37% would actually take a pay cut of up to 10% if they could work from home. 80% of employees surveyed considered teleworking as a perk. The research clearly demonstrates that in addition to improving employee satisfaction, bringing in an option to change the way you do business can have a considerable effect on the bottom line.

4. Motivated By More Time With Family

In a report on Balancing Work and Family Life and the Role of Flexible Working Arrangements, commissioned by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs in Ireland it was found that change can only be brought about only over time by a major change in our thinking and in the culture surrounding work and family life. It was found that Ireland is rapidly becoming a nation of time poor families. It was noted that one of the most pressing concerns for employers right now is the attraction and retention of quality staff  both male and female. With this in mind, family friendly working arrangements can play an important role in any overall pay and benefits package. Teleworking will be an important option for family members who wish to improve the trade-off between hours worked and family / leisure time.

5. Regeneration of Rural Communities

Initiatives like the new Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen in Cork, the first rural digital hub of its kind which aims to create 400 new jobs over the next 5 years, shows that there is a genuine appetite now within Ireland for people to work non-traditionally and outside the main cities. The 10,000 square foot hub is the first of its kind in a non-urban area in the country and is aimed as a catalyst to show how global business can be done outside the cities. This follows on from a similar development in Dublin where Ulster Bank and Dogpatch Labs created 8,000 square feet of space for start-ups at the IFSC in Dublin.

Many towns and villages across Ireland are just not feeling the benefits of the economic recovery and the closure of post-offices, Garda Stations and rural decline is still continuing. In a section on Planning Reform, the new Programme for Government gives its commitment to an alternative way of working in a way towards regenerating rural communities. "We want to attract people back into main streets and town centres by examining new incentives to regenerate derelict and underused buildings. To achieve this we will seek Oireachtas support for a new Town and Village Renewal Scheme to support the revitalisation of our towns and villages and improve the living and working environment of communities. Using the 30million available from this year to local authorities for town and village regeneration, the scheme will, among other things, seek to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of our towns and villages as places to live and work.

Change the way you do business and make disruptive commutes a thing of the past. Go to Magnet.ie or call 1800 819 888.

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Paul Sullivan is one of the project managers in the opening episode of The Apprentice (BBC/PA)

A cake company owner, an online fashion entrepreneur and the owner of a novelty gift company will be among the 18 candidates hoping to avoid the firing line when The Apprentice returns to television.

Lord Alan Sugar will send 18 new hopefuls hoping to become his business partner to sell collectables for as much money as possible under the watchful eye of his advisers Claude Littner and Karren Brady.

Over 12 weeks Lord Sugar will whittle down the candidates until he chooses one to become his business partner and receive a 250,000 investment.

After one team wastes time at the valuers while another fails to sell their products in shops, one entrepreneur will be the first hear the dreaded words "You're Fired!" in tonight's episode.

In the show, marketing agency owner Paul Sullivan will make a successful bid to be project manager of one of the teams after declaring his passion for antiques comes from watching Bargain Hunt.

However, one of the teams finds themselves without their crucial stock on a visit to an antique dealer when they fail to tell the van driver of a change of destination.

:: Series 12 of The Apprentice starts on BBC One on October 6 at 9pm.
Kathryn Thomas at the exclusive Boots Christmas preview event in the RHA Gallery in Dublin. Picture: Anthony Woods

Kathryn Thomas at the launch of the search for leaders of Operation Transformation Series 10.

Kathryn Thomas at the launch of the search for leaders of Operation Transformation Series 10.

Two of Irelands top broadcasters, Colette Fitzpatrick and Kathryn Thomas, have hit out at female presenters being judged for their appearance.

The TV3 news host and the Operation Transformation star are well used to their appearance being under the microscope after years fronting some of the countrys top television programmes.

Tipperary woman Colette said that being judged for your appearance is something women in all sorts of careers are faced with.

Its something women in all walks of life have to deal with. We are judged and we judge other women, unfortunately, on what they look like, she told the Herald.

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The mum-of-two admitted she dreads being asked the famous red carpet question who are you wearing?

Its never been a big issue for me. Its just a fact of life. People ask me what I wear all the time and I just go, God, please ask me something else. You have to look groomed going on television, but people have to look groomed if youre working in a bank.

No one tells me I have to look a certain way, I just know I have to look not distracting, she said.

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Prime Time host Miriam OCallaghan was a talking point on a recent episode of Gogglebox Ireland where many of the households discussed her appearance, along with fellow RTE host Sharon Ni Bheolain.

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Miriam said she thought most people discuss the way female TV stars look in their first few minutes on screen and Kathryn Thomas agrees.

I think thats a fair point. I think as women, we take pride in what we look like, not saying that guys dont.

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It was very obvious watching Gogglebox about Sharon Ni Bheolains hair.

We put effort into our hair, make-up and outfits. You look at the likes of Angela Merkel, she chooses her outfits to not distract from what shes there to do, she said.

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However, Kathryn pointed out that the work a woman does will always be more important than her appearance.

Thats only going to get you so far, you have to prove your worth. You have to do what you do and if you do what you do well, its not about looks, she said.

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The Carlow native was speaking at the launch of the search for leaders for the tenth series of Operation Transformation.

With the celebrity edition of the weight-loss show just behind her and The Voice of Ireland wrapped, the 37-year-old is looking forward to a more relaxed few months.

We would be just getting into The Voice now, so Im looking forward to a bit of down time, she said.

I might go to the States to see my sister, and I have some development work with RTE as well, which is exciting. Its nice to now have a couple of weeks where I now have a bit of down time.

Kathryn recently wrapped another of her fitness bootcamps  a business which she admitted has taken its toll on her energy.
Kourtney Kardashian shared an excerpt from a daily devotional book about "finding joy in difficult days"

Kourtney Kardashian has broken her social media silence by sharing a book excerpt about "finding joy in difficult days" after her sister Kim Kardashian West was robbed at gunpoint in Paris.

The reality TV star and wife of rapper Kanye West was alone in a private residence in the French capital when five armed men broke in and stole millions of dollars worth of jewellery.

Kardashian was in Paris at the time of the attack but was not with her sister when the raid occurred in the early hours of Monday morning.

Days after the incident, Kardashian has posted on Twitter for the first time.

She shared an excerpt from a daily devotional book for October 5 which read: "Remember that joy is not dependent on your circumstances. Some of the world's most miserable people are those whose circumstances seem the most enviable.

"People who reach the top of the ladder career-wise are often surprised to find emptiness awaiting them."

The extract continued: "True joy is a by-product of living in My Presence. Therefore you can experience it in palaces, prisons ... anywhere.

"Do not judge a day devoid of joy just because it contains difficulties.

"Instead, concentrate on staying in communication with Me.

"Many of the problems that clamour for your attention will resolve themselves.

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"Other matters you must deal with, but I will help you with them."

The message concluded: "If you make problem-solving secondary to the goal of living close to Me, you can find joy even in your most difficult days."

Along with the book passage, which also included a verse from Hebrew Bible prophet Habakkuk, Kardashian posted a praying hands emoji.

Mother-of-two Kardashian West was tied up and robbed of reportedly 9 million worth of jewellery while staying at the exclusive No Address Hotel, or L'Hotel de Pourtales.

The assailants forced their way into the apartment and locked her in a bathroom before escaping on bicycles after having taken a jewellery box and a ring.

Police in the French capital are hunting five people in connection with the attack, which they have described as "extremely rare".

They said the robbers were focused on "possessions that had been seen and noticed via social media".

Kardashian West, an avid social media fan, has not posted on her various accounts since prior to the incident.
A new biography of Victoria Wood has been postponed following criticism of a description of her as "fat and unhappy" in her teenage years.

The late actress and comedian's brother Chris Foote Wood said he had "given too much emphasis to Victoria's early problems with her weight" in the book.

He said: "I am revising the book to ensure that this aspect of her life is reduced and put in its proper context.

"I cannot and will not leave it out altogether as it is an essential part of Victoria's story. She wanted the public to know about her early problems with her weight, and she spoke of them at length in some very candid press interviews."

He had previously defended his choice to publish a "warts-and-all" biography and denied he was betraying her.

The book includes Foote Wood's memories and many from the star's colleagues, as well as extracts from a journal written by the pair's late father Stanley Wood.

In the private diary, he criticises her for being overweight, details her relationship with an early boyfriend and describes her as being "very glum and morose".

Much-loved TV personality Wood was fiercely private, and the news of her death at 62 in April from cancer came as a shock to most people as she kept her illness out of the public eye.

Foote Wood said: "I make no apology for writing this book. It tells Victoria's story, her full story, from unpromising beginnings to national treasure. It cannot be a 'betrayal' to tell the full, true story, especially as Vic herself has made public her early problems."

He said the rest of the Wood family was made aware of the biography, adding it was "untrue" to suggest otherwise.

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"Back in May and June, I wrote to my two remaining sisters, and both of Vic's children, telling them of my intention to write a biography of Victoria, and asking them if they had any concerns to let me know," he said. "None of them responded. In other words, they left me to it."

He said Wood's children Grace and Henry Durham "have authorised another biography of their mother, written by a ghost writer, to be published next year".

He said: "I am a huge fan of Victoria. I admire her all the more for overcoming her early problems to build her hugely successful career. She also had many disappointments at the start of her career, and it was years before she finally made her breakthrough. She succeeded against the odds through her force of character and sheer determination."

Victoria Wood Comedy Genius - Her Life And Work was originally set for release in October but will now be on sale from November 25.

Foote Wood, who has also set up a crowdfunding appeal to raise 30,000 to build a statue of Wood in the town she grew up in - Bury in Greater Manchester - has agreed to donate all his royalties from the book to charities supported by his late sister.
Police at the scene of a blast in Istanbul, Turkey (AP)

At least 10 people have been injured in a bomb blast near a police station in Istanbul.

Vasip Sahin, the governor for Istanbul, told reporters at the scene in Yenibosna area that none of those injured are in a serious condition - retracting an earlier statement that one person was seriously hurt.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, which could be heard from the city's nearby Ataturk Airport. Mr Sahin said the investigation is ongoing.

The private Dogan news agency said police are searching for a person spotted leaving the scene carrying a motorcycle helmet.

Turkey has been rocked by a wave of deadly bomb attacks in the past year carried out by Kurdish rebels or Islamic State group militants.

The Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which has been waging a three-decade insurgency, has been targeting police and military in its campaign for Kurdish autonomy in south-east Turkey.

A fragile two-and-a-half-year ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK collapsed last summer. Since then, more than 600 Turkish security personnel and thousands of PKK militants have been killed in clashes, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.

Rights groups say hundreds of civilians have also been killed in the clashes.

AP
An Afghan National Army soldier shouts after firing a rocket towards Taliban positions on the outskirts of Kunduz (AP)

Civilians are fleeing the northern Afghan city of Kunduz to escape fighting between government forces and Taliban insurgents, a battle that is now in its fourth day.

General Qasim Jungalbagh, the police chief in Kunduz province, said one Afghan soldier was killed and another three were injured in overnight fighting in the city.

He added that the insurgents have now been pushed back from the city's south.

The head of the provincial council, Mohammad Yusouf Ayubi, said gun battles in the east and west of the city continued throughout the night.

As well as the continued fighting, shortages of food and water are also forcing people out of the city.

The US military spokesman in Afghanistan, Brig Gen Charles Cleveland, said Afghan commandos are clearing "isolated pockets of Taliban resistance" within the city.

Taliban fighters attacked the city early on Monday.

The fighting in Kunduz, located on a key national crossroads, has raised concern of a repeat scenario as last year, when it briefly fell to the Taliban.

Insurgents at the time held Kunduz for three days, then resisted Afghan and US forces for almost three weeks before the city was brought fully back under government control.

The city's hospital, which sits on the front line between government forces and the Taliban, was rocketed on Wednesday and its medical stocks destroyed.

Hospital director Marzia Salam Yaftaly said the facility had admitted 210 people since the fighting began, two of whom died.

Since Wednesday, about 1,200 people have left the city for neighbouring Takhar province.

Provincial refugee official Murtaza Hamdard appealed for urgent aid, and said: "Most of them are staying in school buildings or with other families, but some are living out in the open."

AP
A kitten, nicknamed Henry, which was rescued after becoming trapped up a wall at Pembroke Castle (RSPCA/PA)

A terrified kitten has been rescued after becoming trapped 50ft up a castle wall.

The trapped male, black-and-white cat was seen thrashing around in foliage high up on Pembroke Castle's wall on Tuesday.

He had become trapped on a bank and was entangled in barbed wire.

The kitten is thought to be just three months old and has been nicknamed Henry - after King Henry VII, who was born at the West Wales castle.

RSPCA animal collection officer Ellie West attended the scene to assess the cat's situation and contacted the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service who used rope lines to rescue, free and bring the scared kitten to safety.

Ms West said: "It really was a horrible ordeal for the kitten.

"It was just by chance someone saw the kitten struggling on the wall. The poor little thing was so frightened. We don't know how he got there.

"The fire service were absolutely brilliant. They had a safety line and went over the wall down about eight foot and rescued the kitten.

"I took him straight to the vets where he was given antibiotics and pain relief and he is very sore and bruised and he has torn a bit of his skin on his thigh which should heal. But he is doing really well and is now recovering from his ordeal in our care.

"He's eaten well overnight which is good as he's actually a little skinny under all that fur.

"We think he may be a stray cat, but we are still appealing for information just in case he has an owner out there who is frantically looking for him, although he didn't have a microchip or collar."

Pembroke Castle manager Jon Williams said he was very grateful to the RSPCA and fire service for their assistance.

"I would like to thank the RSPCA for responding so quickly and also to the local fire brigade who came out and climbed over the wall to rescue the kitten safely," he said.

"I don't think anything has ever happened like this at the castle before."

If an owner is not found, the kitten will be rehomed in the near future.
A special hearing is underway at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne

Three deaf housemates were caught on CCTV using sign language to discuss the murder of their friend, minutes before he was thrown off a balcony.

Jake Fairest, Warwick Toohey and Georgia Fields are accused of murdering Robert Right, who suffered severe head injuries after falling from a second floor apartment in Melbourne in January 2015.

The trio were found unfit to stand trial due to intellectual disabilities and instead a special hearing in the Supreme Court of Victoria is underway which will determine if they committed the crime.

Mr Fairest and Ms Fields have pleaded not guilty, while Mr Toohey has pleaded not guilty on grounds of mental impairment, Australias ABC News reports.

The court heard that CCTV cameras in the foyer and lift of their apartment building captured the trio using sign language to discuss the murder of Mr Wright.

Prosecutor Christopher Dane QC told the court: Ms Firleds asked Mr Fairest you want dead or alive and how die?

Mr Fairest signs can strangle neck area, what do you think?

Mr Toohey signs to Mr Fairest strangle risky, and Ms Fields signs fall good, fall good.

The court heard that following the discussion, Mr Toohey and Mr Fairest confronted Mr Wright in the apartment.

The men then lifted him over the balcony handrail as Ms Fields looked on.

An eyewitness from the apartment building told police he was standing on his balcony below, and saw Mr wright hanging from the rail and holding onto someones hands. He said he then saw the hands let go and Mr Wright plummeted 12 metres to the ground.

Police arrived and found the trio in the apartment. Each gave a different account of what had happened, the court heard.

The friendship between Mr Wright and Mr Toohey had deteriorated since the pair had moved in together, and Mr Wright had accused Mr Toohey of stealing a tablet computer and a phone from his bedroom, a year before he was killed.

Mr Dane told the court: They made a plan and they did it.

Lawyers for Ms Fields and Mr Fairest denied their clients were involved in the alleged murder.

Mr Tooheys lawyer said his client was not challenging the accusations, but would argue that he does not have the mental capacity to be held legally liable for the crime.
Dutch citizen Klaas Haytema is escorted into court for his hearing (AP)

A court in Burma has sentenced a Dutch citizen to three months in prison for unplugging an amplifier blasting out a late-night Buddhist sermon near his hotel.

Klaas Haytema, 30, in handcuffs, wept with his girlfriend before he left the court for jail.

He had been arrested in late September after a crowd gathered around his hotel in Mandalay in protest when the loudspeakers at a nearby religious hall were turned off.

The man who was reciting the sermon pressed charges against Haytema.

Local media reported that he apologised and said he had not known the loudspeakers were broadcasting religious content.

Haytema was also fined 100,000 kyats (about 80) for violating visa regulations requiring him to respect the culture.

He could have been sentenced to up to two years in prison for insulting religion in the predominantly Buddhist country, but the judge said he opted to find him guilty of a lesser charge to "show mercy".

It is unclear if Haytema plans to appeal.

Mandalay, a major tourist attraction in central Burma, is the country's cultural capital and the former seat of Burmese kings. It is culturally and religiously conservative.

In early 2015, a Burmese court sentenced a New Zealand bar manager, Phil Blackwood, to two years in prison after he posted an image of Buddha wearing headphones on the bar's official Facebook page in late 2014. Blackwood was released in an amnesty earlier this year.

It is common for Buddhist groups to broadcast sermons by loudspeaker at very high volumes. One local government has reportedly proposed noise control rules, with supporters saying the move is intended to alleviate stress caused to the elderly and the ill.

A community leader involved in Haytema's case, Chit San, said he called police when tempers flared after the speakers went quiet.

"We could not negotiate peacefully because people were angry, so we called the police to control the situation," Chit San said. "We actually didn't want him to get arrested."

AP
A grieving mum has written a heartbreaking open letter to the bullies who drove her son to suicide - after he was teased because he was not allowed to play Call of Duty.

Public schoolboy Felix Alexander, 17, died under the wheels of a train earlier this year after suffering seven years of abuse.

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The teenager told his parents he was getting the bus to school but instead went to the railway tracks and stepped in front of an oncoming train.

He was killed instantly when he was struck at Abbotswood Junction, Norton, near his home in Worcester, at 9am on April 27 this year.

An inquest concluded Felix had committed suicide after suffering years of bullying, firstly in the playground and then by online trolls.

One website he was targeted on was Ask.fm, which has been linked to seven teenage suicides.

His bullying began in 2009 following a playground argument about violent video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

The 18-rated game had just been released but Felix, then aged ten, was branded a "pussy" by classmates at school in Worcester after he admitted his parents had banned him from playing it.

Felix moved to a different school last September but the bullying continued until he was unable to cope any longer.

His mother Lucy, 51, has now written an open letter to her son's bullies, as well as to schools and parents, explaining the torment Felix suffered.

It says: "I write this letter not for sympathy, but because there are so many more children like Felix who are struggling.

"His confidence and self-esteem had been eroded over a long period of time by the bullying behaviour he experienced in secondary education.

"It began with unkindness and social isolation and over the years, with the advent of social media, it became cruel and overwhelming.

"People who had never even met Felix were abusing him.

"He was however so badly damaged by the abuse, isolation and unkindness he had experienced, that he was unable to see just how many people truly cared for him."

Lucy, a sexual health nurse, who also has a daughter Charlotte, 22, and a son Ben, 21, said: "I wrote the letter as I want to educate our educators and to the bullies themselves so they can see the effect they have on the people they target.

"Teachers need to be aware of the dangers of bullying and I want more help to be available.

"I'm working with my son's high school to raise awareness there, in the hope that teachers can receive further training.

"He had been targeted for many, many years. It was generalised cruelty.

"He was known as the most hated person in the year at school.

"It started with social isolation when he was around ten. He didn't get invited to parties and wasn't included in weekend activities.

"Then the online abuse started when he was 14. It was initially via the website Ask.fm and then it escalated with basically every social media platform you could imagine.

"It all started when people kept asking him why he didn't have Call of Duty for the PlayStation.

"He was ten at the time, so why on earth would I let him play an 18-rated game that was full of violence?

"One child even called him a 'pussy' because he wasn't allowed to play it. It was really silly comments like that which started the whole thing.

"It spiralled from there and escalated into people who barely knew him joining in, and then he became Felix who everyone hated.

"The damage had already been done. He couldn't see a way to be happy.

"He saw a psychologist when he was ten because he was in a very dark place. The bullying was poisonous.

"He moved from his old school because he was very unhappy there and didn't get the grades he needed to get into sixth form.

"We don't like to think that our children could be responsible for being cruel to another child, but I have been shocked by the 'nice' kids who were responsible in part for Felix's anguish.

"On several occasions we removed all form of social media from Felix as it was causing so much distress, but that just isolated him further.
Nurse Pauline Cafferkey, who was infected with the Ebola virus while working in Sierra Leone in 2014, has been taken to hospital in Glasgow under police escort, sources have said.

Ms Cafferkey travelled to west Africa to volunteer with Save The Children but was quickly struck down herself when she returned at the end of 2014.

She was treated at the Royal Free Hospital in London but was discharged in January 2015 with doctors saying she had completely recovered and was not infectious in any way.

However, she was readmitted to hospital twice - in October 2015 and February 2016 - after suffering complications linked to the disease, at one stage falling critically ill.

Police Scotland said the force "assisted in the transfer of a patient". There are no details on Ms Cafferkey's condition.

Last month the nurse was cleared of misconduct over her return to the UK with the virus.

She was accused by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of allowing an incorrect temperature to be recorded in a ''chaotic'' screening centre in Heathrow on her return from Sierra Leone in late 2014.

Ms Cafferkey said she would never have knowingly put anyone in danger and an independent panel found three charges against her were not proven and her fitness to practise was not affected.

It ruled her judgement at the airport in December 2014 had been so impaired by the developing illness that she could not be found guilty of misconduct.

Speaking outside the hearing in Edinburgh, Ms Cafferkey's lawyer said she was ''relieved the process is at an end'' and stressed the nurse would have never knowingly placed anyone in danger.

Joyce Cullen said of her client: ''She willingly put her life at risk to travel to Sierra Leone to work as a volunteer helping to treat people suffering from Ebola.

''She and hundreds of other volunteers played a vital role in saving lives, helping to curb the epidemic in extremely challenging circumstances.''

A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: "Ms Cafferkey was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital under routine monitoring by the infectious diseases team.

"She is undergoing further investigations and her condition remains stable."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Sending my very best wishes to Pauline Cafferkey. She has already suffered way too much - & all for trying to help others. Thoughts with her."
Detectives searching for missing British toddler Ben Needham on Kos are examining a new site on the Greek island.

The second search area is close to where Ben, then 21 months old, disappeared from a farmhouse in 1991, and was reportedly brought to the attention of British police in June.

Detective Inspector Jon Cousins, from South Yorkshire Police (SYP), told The Mirror the search of the new site would take several days.

He told the paper: "Work has been ongoing for the past few days on the second site that has been discussed. That work is continuing this morning in the planning and organising of getting that land ready so we can continue the work."

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It came as Ben's grandfather, Eddie Needham, visited the island, where an SYP team has been searching for 10 days in a bid to discover what happened to the youngster.

Mr Needham told ITV's Good Morning Britain he hoped to get answers about his grandson's fate before he dies, but found it hard to go to the island.

He told the programme: "To be honest, I nearly did turn around and not come. I was going to cancel because I felt shocking, my stomach was churning.

"I didn't know what I was going to be met with, or what they'd found or, you know what I mean?"

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South Yorkshire Police began digging at the farmhouse after new evidence was found that Ben, from Sheffield, may have been killed and buried there, yards from where he vanished while his grandfather was renovating the property.

A 19-strong team was sent to the island to investigate claims that the toddler might have been killed by a digger driver working on the 2.5-acre site.

Konstantinos Barkas, also known as Dino, was clearing land with an excavator close to where the youngster was playing on the day he vanished and may be responsible for his death, a friend of the builder reportedly told police following a TV appeal in May.

The driver reportedly died of stomach cancer last year.

Ben's mother, Kerry Needham, had been warned to "prepare for the worst".
File photo dated 26/9/2014 of Ukip leadership favourite Steven Woolfe who has reportedly collapsed during a session at the European Parliament

Ukip leadership favourite Steven Woolfe is recovering in hospital after an altercation at a meeting of the party's MEPs.

A statement from Ukip's interim leader Nigel Farage said: "I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of Ukip MEPs this morning that Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious."

A party spokesman said Mr Woolfe was "taken suddenly ill" in the European Parliament building in Strasbourg on Thursday morning.

However party insiders told The Telegraph newspaper that Mr Woolfe was punched by a Ukip colleague following an altercation.

The spokesman added: "He has been taken to hospital in the city and he is undergoing tests."

In a statement Mr Woolfe later said: "The CT scan has shown that there is no blood clot in the brain. At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever."

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MEP Patrick O'Flynn declined to discuss the incident, adding: "My thoughts and prayers are with Steven and I'm desperately, anxiously waiting to hear further news."

It is understood that Mr Woolfe is suffering from bleeding of the brain after he was punched. One witness said he fell into a window after being punched.

I must thank the parliamentary staff, the UKIP MEPs with me and hospital staff for their care and love.  Steven Woolfe MEP (@Steven_Woolfe) October 6, 2016

Today is Steven Woolfe's 50th birthday.
Does Gagik Tsarukyan return? Its all the same to A. Movsisyan (video)

His return to politics Gagik Tsarukyan may discuss with Serzh Sargsyan, think Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) lawmakers. BHK faction member Abraham Manukyan says that everything is possible, nothing should be ruled out. According to the BHK lawmakers, there is a demand for Tsarukyans return also in the society. Mikayel Melkumyan will not comment on the news that yesterday in the evening Gagik Tsarukyan met with BHK leadership and discussed the possibility of his return. Mikayel Melkumyan also states that people in the regions demand his return. It would mean much for the BHK, It is obvious that with Gagik Tsarukyan the BHK is much stronger; there is a great difference between todays BHK and former BHK with Gagik Tsarukyan; we have always told it. Arakel Movsisyan will speak about Gagik Tsarukyans return to politics only after meeting him. But would he personally like the person condemned by the Republican Party to return? Its all the same to me. The Republican Party, anyway, doesnt discuss Tsarukyans return. It is responsible for the former thoughts about Tsarukyan phenomenon. The NA Deputy Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov states, Our opinions on phenomena dont change. Levon Zurabyan also doesnt want to comment on possible return of Tsarukyan. It doesnt refer to the activity of the Armenian National Congress, Its not our business to deal with predictions, I dont know, some expectations.
Mahmoud Abbas was taken to hospital after complaining of feeling tired, officials said (AP)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has undergone heart tests after being rushed to hospital suffering from chest pains and exhaustion.

Dr Mohammed Al-Batrawi, a heart specialist who treated the 81-year-old, said he went through a number of routine tests, including a cardiac catheterisation - a procedure in which a tube is inserted into a blood vessel leading to the heart.

He said Mr Abbas's arteries looked healthy and the test results were normal.

A Palestinian official close to the 81-year-old said the leader, who has a history of health issues, was taken to hospital after feeling unwell at his Ramallah office.

The health scare drew attention to the chaotic leadership situation in the Palestinian territories - which have no succession plan for the ageing leader and are torn between two rival governments.

Mr Abbas was elected president in 2005 for what was supposed to be a four-year term. But in 2007 the rival Hamas militant group seized control of the Gaza Strip, and Mr Abbas has remained in power since then.

The Palestinians are now divided between two governments, Mr Abbas's Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the Hamas government in Gaza. Attempts at reconciliation have repeatedly failed, and this week the Palestinians called off plans to hold municipal elections in the two territories.

Mr Abbas, who is a heavy smoker and overweight, was treated years ago for prostate cancer and has had a stent inserted to treat artery blockage.

AP
All efforts to revive the toddler were in vain CBS

A witness broke down as he described his frantic efforts to revive a toddler who died after being left in a hot car.

Cooper Harris died in June 2014 after being left for seven hours in his fathers vehicle outside his workplace near Atlanta. Lawyers for the boys father, Justin Harris, have argued that it was a tragic accident and that he simply forget to drop off the boy at day care.

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But prosecutors have alleged that Mr Harris left the child to die on purpose as he sought to escape the responsibilities of family life and focus on sexual liaisons with prostitutes and young women he met online.

CBS said that at a trial in Georgia, where Mr Harris has denied a charge of murder, a man who tried to save the 22-month-old boy broke down and wept. James Hawkins, a lighting installer, testified that he had rushed over to help and tried to administer CPR.

It was [like] blowing into a busted bag, he said, wiping away tears. He was gone. He was dead.

He said he left the scene without talking to police, distraught because he had lost his own daughter a year earlier. I was really upset, he said on Tuesday.

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The day before, prosecutors had said there was no doubt that Mr Harris had intended to kill his child. But the defence team attempted to rebut this, while admitting the death of the toddler was the fathers fault.

Ross Harris is responsible for his childs death. Its his fault, no doubt about it, Maddox Kilgore told the jury in his opening statement.

What youre going to see here at this trial is that being responsible is not the same thing as being a criminal.

Before Mr Hawkins took the stand, a police officer testified Mr Harris was initially combative with officers and later complained that he was hot in the back of a patrol car.

Cobb County police officer Jacquelyn Piper said Mr Harris was on the phone when she arrived at the scene and initially refused to get off, using an expletive when telling another officer to shut up.

He started a monotoned yelling that seemed really forced, Ms Piper testified, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. I found it kind of unusual.

Ms Piper said Mr Harris also insisted he had to call his wife because she was going to go to Coopers day care and he would not be there and later made casual conversation while she was taking him to police headquarters.

Once he was in a cruiser, Ms Piper said Mr Harris complained about how hot it was in the car. Hes seen on police video sitting in the cruiser while Ms Piper tells him the air conditioning is all the way up.

He started a monotoned yelling that seemed really forced, Ms Piper testified, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. I found it kind of unusual.
Nearly two million people have been urged to evacuate their homes as Hurricane Matthew roars towards Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas and along the east coast, packing power the US has not seen in more than a decade.

Matthew was a dangerous and life-threatening Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 120mph as it passed through the Bahamas and it was expected to be very near Florida's Atlantic coast by Thursday evening local time.

At least 16 deaths in the Caribbean have been blamed on the storm, with heavy damage reported in Haiti.

The storm was forecast to hit much of the Florida coast and any slight deviation could mean landfall or it heading further out to sea. Either way, it is going to be close enough to wreak havoc along the lower part of the east coast, and many people were taking no chances.

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In Melbourne Beach, near Florida's Kennedy Space Centre, Carlos and April Medina moved their paddle board and kayak inside the garage and took pictures off the walls of their home about 500 feet from the coast.

They moved the pool furniture inside, turned off the water, disconnected all electrical appliances and emptied the refrigerator.

They then hopped in a truck filled with legal documents, jewellery and a decorative carved shell that had once belonged to Mrs Medina's great-grandfather and headed west to Orlando, where they planned to ride out the storm with their daughter's family.

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"The way we see it, if it maintains its current path, we get tropical storm-strength winds. If it makes a little shift to the left, it could be a Category 2 or 3 and I don't want to be anywhere near it," Mr Medina said. "We are just being a little safe, a little bit more cautious."

In Fort Lauderdale, about 200 miles south, six employees at a seven-bedroom Mediterranean-style mansion packed up for an evacuation fearing any storm surge could flood the property.

The homeowners planned to move to another home they owned in Palm Beach, further from the water. Two Lamborghinis and a Ferrari had been placed inside the garage, but employee Mae White was not sure what they would do with a Rolls-Royce, Mustang and other cars still parked in the driveway.

"This storm surge. It's scary," she said. "You're on the water, you've got to go."

The last Category 3 storm or higher to hit the United States was Wilma in October 2005. It made landfall with 120mph winds in south-west Florida, killing five people as it pushed through the Everglades and into the Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach area.

It caused an estimated 21 billion dollars (16.5m) in damage and left thousands without power for more than a week. It concluded a two-year span when a record eight hurricanes hit the state.

"When a hurricane is forecast to take a track roughly parallel to a coastline, as Matthew is forecast to do from Florida through South Carolina, it becomes very difficult to specify impacts at any one location," said National Hurricane Centre forecaster Lixion Avila.

Florida can expect as much as 10 inches of rain in some isolated areas.

In South Carolina, governor Nikki Haley for the first time reversed the lanes of Interstate 26 so all lanes of traffic were heading west and out of Charleston. Plans to reverse the lanes were put in place after hours-long traffic jams during Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

The governor planned to call for more evacuations on Thursday, which would bring the total to about 500,000 people in the state.

Florida urged or ordered about 1.5 million to leave the coast, said Jackie Schutz, spokeswoman for governor Rick Scott. In Georgia, around 50,000 people were told to go.

US president Barack Obama visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency's headquarters on Wednesday to be briefed on preparations.

Airlines cancelled 1,594 flights until Friday, according to Houston-based FlightAware.com.

It said 124 flights were axed in the US, Bahamas and Haiti on Wednesday due to the storm. The most affected airports were Miami (51 flights) and Nassau, Bahamas (43 flights). It said American Airlines canceled the most flights - 63.

The website said 1,070 flights had already been cancelled in the United States for Thursday. The most-affected airports are Miami, with 512 flights, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with 287. American, with 477 flights, and Southwest, with 145 flights, led in cancellations.

For Friday, FlightAware said 400 US flights had been cancelled. Southwest axed the most, 268 flights. The airport in Orlando, Florida, was the most affected by Friday cancellations, with 253 flights withdrawn.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Henderson Pavilion on October 5, 2016 in Henderson, Nevada Getty Images

Donald Trump has urged terminally ill people to stay alive long enough to vote for him in the US presidential election next month.

Speaking at a rally in Nevada on Wednesday, the Republican nominee said: I don't care how sick you are. I don't care if you just came back from the doctor and he gave you the worst possible prognosis, meaning it's over. Doesn't matter. Hang out till November 8. Get out and vote."

Mr Trump added: I say kiddingly, but I mean it."

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He also reassured dying people that after they are gone, All were going to say is: We love you and we will remember you always.

Mr Trump's lack of tact appears to have already damaged his chances of becoming US leader. In addition to having made controversial and offensive statements frequently throughout his campaign and having alienated swathes of voters as a result, he floundered in his first debate with his opponent Hillary Clinton on 26 September, reversing gradual gains he had been making on her in the polls.

Pundits say Ms Clinton clearly dominated the televised exchange and as a result Trump dropped significantly behind her in the most recent voter surveys.

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On Wednesday a new Ispos-Reuters poll put Clinton six per cent ahead of Trump, one point higher than a CNN-ORC survey released on Tuesday. In several swing states she is believed to have overtaken him.

During the debate at Hofstra University in New York, Mr Trump continued to attack a former Miss Universe contestant, when Ms Clinton raised the barrage of offensive pre-dawn tweets he had sent the woman. The Democrat also highlighted Mr Trump's refusal to publish his tax returns.

Ms Clinton said: You've got to ask yourself, why won't he release his tax returns? And I think there may be a couple of reasons. First, maybe he's not as rich as he says he is.

Second, maybe he's not as charitable as he claims to be. Third, we don't know all of his business dealings but we have been told, through investigative reporting, that he owes about $650 million to Wall Street and foreign banks.

Or maybe he doesn't want the American people, all of you watching tonight, to know that he's paid nothing in federal taxes because the only years that anybody has ever seen were a couple of years when had he to turn them over to state authorities when he was trying to get a casino license and they showed he didn't pay any federal income tax

At which point, Mr Trump interjected: That makes me smart.

He added: I will release my tax returns, against my lawyer's wishes, when she releases her 33,000 emails that have been deleted.

The Secretary of State also accused Mr Trump of racism, after he boasted that he forced the former president Barack Obama to produce his birth certificate to prove he was an American citizen.

Nobody was pressing it, nobody was caring much about it," Mr Trump said. "I was the one that got him to produce the birth certificate and I think I did a good job."

Ms Clinton replied: [Mr Trump] has really started his political activity based on this racist lie that our first black president was not an American citizen.

There was absolutely no evidence for it. But he persisted. He persisted year after year.
Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine stand on stage following the Vice Presidential Debate at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Mike Pence came across as the most presidential candidate on the Trump ticket during his debate debut, demonstrating skills that were glaringly absent from his boss's performance against Hillary Clinton.

Where Trump was bloviating and incoherent, Pence, his vice presidential candidate, was eloquent and concise. And whilst the Republican mogul was repeatedly caught off guard in his first presidential debate last month, his running mate showed himself a master of the art of the pivot.

Asked a series of difficult questions about his boss's most controversial statements Pence swiftly turned them into positive descriptions of the billionaire's plans, and attacks on his opponents. When faced with the thorny subject of Trump's taxes, Pence seamlessly transitioned into talking about bringing back a 1980s style economic boom with 4pc growth and bringing down the national debt.

When asked about race relations he managed to steer the discussion on to how much America owes to its police. When he was accused of planning to eviscerate social security, Pence stole a line from Ronald Reagan and delivered it well.

"There they go again," he said.

The Republican Party must be hoping Trump is taking notes.

The debate could hardly have come at a worse time for the Trump campaign. Pence took the stage knowing the presidential ticket he is riding was facing its biggest crises of the election cycle, with the revelations about Trump's tax affairs and his "Miss Piggy" comments about a model starting to atrophy their support base.

But the Indiana governor's experience as a radio show host served him well. He was engaged but calm throughout. In these debates, where tone matters as much as substance, that gave him a significant advantage.

Canned

Kaine, by contrast, kept interrupting with prepared lines that were less effective for the fact that they sounded so canned.

A mild-mannered Midwesterner with a compunction for positivity, Kaine looked uncomfortable in the role of attack dog, which the Hillary campaign had clearly set for him. His timing was bad, and Pence often talked through Kaine's attempts to interrupt him. When he did succeed, the lines were cheesy and obviously contrived.

"Do you want a 'you're hired' president in Hillary Clinton, or a 'you're fired' president in Donald Trump?" Mr Kaine asked Americans at one point.

Nonetheless, Clinton's allies scored points with his approach of quoting the most extreme of Trump's comments ranging on everything from immigration to women, and repeatedly asking his rival how he could defend the Republican nominee in the face of these.

Pence didn't want to risk getting caught out or bogged down in these arguments.

But his refusal to rise to the challenge gave the impression that Trump's comments were too egregious to defend.

Overall, the evening was probably more useful to voters in terms of helping them understand the candidate's policies than the presidential debate, which had quickly descended into an evening of trading personal insults.

Pence and Trump's policies did not match up - especially on Syria.

There were detailed discussions on race, national security, religion, and guns.

The vice presidential candidates were loyally sticking to their bosses' positions.

That is until the moderator asked about approaches to the war in Syria, and Pence went off script, apparently ad-libbing on the policy live on air.

Pence attacked Russia, which has become a major ally of Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president that the United States has long denounced as a war criminal. All of these things are remarkable for seeming at odds with Trump's position on Syria.

The Republican mogul has promised to "bomb the sh*t" out of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. But he has not talked about standing up to Assad, or, notably, to his key ally, Russia.

Fight

In fact, earlier this month, Trump openly praised Vladimir Putin, the Russian president's policy on Syria, calling it a "wonderful thing".

"Putin is now taking over what we started, and he's going into Syria, and he frankly wants to fight Isis, and I think that's a wonderful thing," he said on Fox news.

"In terms of leadership, he's getting an A, and our president is not doing so well."

Trump even suggested that he agreed with Putin's alliance with President Assad: "I'm looking at Assad and saying, 'Maybe he's better than the kind of people that we're supposed to be backing'."

Whilst Trump last year briefly mentioned creating a "tremendous safe zone" for refugees he then seemed to pull back from the idea saying he would prefer to sit back and "see what happens".

Creating this area would require a no-fly zone to prevent Russian and Syrian planes from bombarding the area and would, military experts explain, require a major military commitment. ( Daily Telegraph London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
One of the world's leading climatologists has warned that US presidential candidate Donald Trump is a "threat to the planet" because of his denial of global warming.

Professor Michael Mann, whose work showing how humans had caused the Earth's temperature to rise at an unprecedented rate helped the International Panel on Climate Change win the Nobel Peace Prize, said he and other scientists had decided to speak out because of "the irreparable harm that would be done by a climate change-denying, anti-science-driven Trump presidency".

Mr Trump has described climate change as "bulls***" and a hoax designed by China to undermine the US economy, although he later denied believing this and claimed such comments were meant to be jokes.

However, at the end of last month he gave a strong signal of his views when he appointed a prominent climate change sceptic, Myron Ebell, to run the US Environmental Protection Agency's transition team if the Republican wins the election.

In an article on the EcoWatch website headlined, 'Yes, Donald Trump is a threat to the planet', Professor Mann, of Pennsylvania State University, wrote: "In just a matter of weeks, we will be confronted with a critical decision. It is not mere hyperbole to assert that we are facing a make-or-break election as far as climate change is concerned.

"In the current presidential contest, we could not have a more stark choice before us, between a candidate who rejects the overwhelming evidence that climate change is happening and a candidate who embraces the role of a price on carbon and incentives for renewable energy.

"If you care about the planet, the choice would seem clear. If the appropriate catch-phrase for the 1992 election was 'It's The Economy Stupid!' then this time around it ought to be 'It's the planet stupid!'"

He said the US had to choose whether to continue Barack Obama's "successes" on climate change or "retreat back into the energy-equivalent of the stone age, continuing to degrade our planet through the profligate burning of increasingly dangerous fossil carbon even as the rest of the world moves forward, embracing the renewable energy revolution destined to be the hallmark of the 21st century".

Professor Mann, whose new book 'The Madhouse Effect: How Climate Change Denial Is Threatening Our Planet, Destroying Our Politics and Driving Us Crazy' was published last month, described Mr Trump's attempts to deny he was a denier as a tactic used by those who sought to ignore global warming.

The Trump campaign, he said, was "attempting to pivot from one patently absurd climate change denial talking point - 'it's not happening!' - to a seemingly more palatable, albeit equally indefensible one - 'it's natural, not human-caused!'

"To be clear, Donald Trump and his campaign still firmly rejects the scientific evidence that climate change is human-caused, opposing the only action (a reduction of fossil fuel burning) that can save us from ever-more dangerous climate change impacts," Professor Mann said.

The academic and other scientists have set up a petition called 'Scientists say: 'Donald Trump is not who we are'' in an attempt to encourage other experts to make clear his "views on many pressing topics are at odds with scientific reality and represent a dangerous rejection of scientific thinking".

Professor Mann said whether to accept climate science had become a "partisan political issue" in the US with Republicans who support action to address global warming subjected to "well-funded primary challenges". "History will judge us by what we chose to do at the crucial moment in time," he said. "The future of this planet could quite literally lie in the balance." ( Independent News Service)
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An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

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Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

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Motorists queue to buy petrol at a service station in Hollywood, Florida, during the mass exodus to escape the hurricane (AP)

US president Barack Obama has declared a state of emergency in Florida as Hurricane Matthew approaches with winds of 140mph, leaving more than 100 dead in its wake across the Caribbean.

It was the most powerful storm to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade.

"The storm has already killed people. We should expect the same impact in Florida," Florida Governor Rick Scott said as the skies began to darken from Matthew's outer bands of rain.

The hurricane gained fury at it closed in, growing from a possibly devastating Category 3 storm to a potentially catastrophic Category 4 by late Thursday morning.

It was expected to scrape nearly the entire length of Florida's Atlantic coast from Thursday evening.

From there, forecasters said, it could push its way just off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina before veering out to sea.

Around two million people in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina were told to head for safety, and interstate highways were turned into one-way routes to speed up the exodus.

Mr Scott said Florida could be looking at its biggest evacuation ever.

Many boarded up their homes and businesses and left them to the mercy of the storm.

Daniel Myras, who has lived for 25 years in Daytona Beach, where he owns the Cruisin Cafe two blocks from the boardwalk, struggled to find enough plywood to protect his restaurant.

"We're not going to take any chances on this one," he said. "I have the feeling that this one is the one that makes Daytona realise that we need to get ready for storms."

He added: "A lot of people here, they laugh, and say they've been through storms before and they're not worried. But I think this is the one that's going to give us a wake-up call."

Forecasters said Matthew's fiercest winds appeared unlikely to strike Miami or Fort Lauderdale, the most densely populated areas in Florida, with about 4.4 million residents.

Those cities were expected to get tropical storm-force winds of between 39mph and 73mph.

Instead, forecasters said the West Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral areas farther north could get the brunt of the storm.

More than 1.3 million people live in Palm Beach County and about 568,000 in Brevard County, home to Cape Canaveral and NASA's Kennedy Space Centre.

The last Category 3 storm or higher to hit the US was Wilma in October 2005. It sliced across Florida with 120 mph winds, killing five people and causing an estimated 21 billion US dollars in damage.

As people hurried for higher ground, authorities in South Carolina said a motorist died on Wednesday after being shot by deputies in a gun battle that erupted after he sped away from a checkpoint along a storm evacuation route.

Matthew killed at least 114 people in the Caribbean as it roared through Haiti, Cuba and the Bahamas.

Officials said at least 108 of those deaths were in desperately poor Haiti, where many towns were cut off by the storm and the magnitude of the death and destruction was just beginning to come into focus two days later.

In the Bahamas, authorities reported many downed trees and power lines but no immediate deaths.

With hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 60 miles from the storm's centre, Matthew could wreak havoc along the coast even if it were to stay just offshore.

Forecasters said it could dump up to 15 inches of rain in some spots and cause a storm surge of nine feet.

Patients were transferred from two Florida waterfront hospitals and a nursing home near Daytona Beach to safer locations.

In inland Orlando, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld announced plans to close early.

The Fort Lauderdale Airport closed late in the morning, and the Orlando airport planned to shut down as well.

Airlines cancelled more than 2,800 flights scheduled for Thursday and Friday, many of them in or out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Some coast residents decided to take their chances and stay.

Deborah Whyte walked her dogs at Jupiter Beach Park in the morning to check the surf.

"We boarded up our house and I boarded up my store in Tequesta," she said. "And we're just hunkering down and waiting for it."

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal ordered a mandatory evacuation of the entire Georgia coast, covering more than half a million people.

The Georgia coast has not seen a hurricane evacuation since 1999, when it narrowly escaped Floyd.

On Georgia's Tybee Island, Loren Kook loaded up his pick-up truck with suitcases and a computer and planned to drive to metro Atlanta.

"It seems like a lot of the long-time residents are staying," said Mr Kook, who moved to the coast four years ago. "I've never sat through a Category Whatever. I'll watch it on TV."

AP
Pakistani opposition MP Nafeesa Shah speaks to the media after the Bill became law (AP)

Pakistan's parliament has passed a law that stiffens the penalty for convicted "honour" killers and closes a loophole that often allowed them to go free.

The Bill was passed after a raucous debate that lasted nearly four hours, with some of the loudest opposition coming from hard-line Islamist politicians.

They wanted the Islamic Ideology Council, a body of conservative Muslim clerics, to weigh in on it before becoming law. Supporters of the Bill flatly refused, saying the council, which once ruled it was permissible for a man to "lightly" beat his wife, routinely vetoes legislation aimed at protecting women.

"Honour killings are a cancer in our society. This law is being presented against this cancer," Naveed Qamar, a member of the opposition Pakistan People's Party, said.

More than 1,000 women were killed last year in so-called honour killings in Pakistan, often by fathers, brothers or husbands. Such killings are bound up with traditions by which a woman's chastity is vital to the family's honour - so acts like a woman marrying the man of her choice, meeting a man, or even just being seen sitting with a man could lead to killings.

But those who carry out such killings are almost never punished. In accordance with Islamic Shariah law, Pakistan allows the families of victims to forgive the killer. Since the killers in these cases are usually close relatives, the family almost always forgive them.

The new law gives a mandatory 25 years in prison to anyone convicted of killing in the name of honour and no longer allows family members to forgive such killers. The law allows forgiveness only of an "honour" killer is sentenced to death; if the killer is forgiven, he would still have to serve the 25 years in jail.

The law change has angered some conservative Islamists who said it violates Shariah and imitates "Western laws" that give women too much independence.

But supporters said they wanted the law to go further. MP Nafeesa Shah said she had wanted any form of forgiveness banned in honour killings.

"There are still some loopholes, but it meets the problem half-way," she said.

Zohra Yusuf, chairman of the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, which documents such killings, said: " It is one positive development."

The legislation was originally introduced nearly a year ago by the opposition People's Party. But because the practice of forgiveness is part of Shariah, parliament deferred it to a committee to try to build a consensus.

The conservative Pakistan Muslim League took up the Bill but added the possibility of forgiveness for the death penalty as a concession to religious parties.

"We have to work within certain confines... but we have taken this step and we have come so far," government MP Shaista Pervaiz Malik said.

AP
Thousands of people took to the streets across Poland earlier this week to call for the proposal to be rejected (AP)

The Polish parliament has voted overwhelmingly to reject proposals for a total ban on abortion.

The proposal had come from a citizens' initiative that gathered some 450,000 signatures, and it set out plans for abortion to be outlawed e ven in cases of rape, with prison terms for women who ended a pregnancy.

But it was highly unpopular with most Poles, sparking massive street protests by women dressed in black across the nation on Monday.

Many members of the conservative ruling party Law and Justice had initially supported the proposal, and two weeks ago a majority of parliamentarians voted to consider it, sending it to a commission for further study.

But the party backed away from it under massive social pressure, and MPs voted against it 352-58 on Thursday.

The mostly Catholic nation already has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe, with abortion only allowed in rare cases - rape or incest, when the mother's life is in danger or the foetus is badly damaged.

The proposal had been supported by the church.

But many women had voiced fears that the stricter laws could have led doctors to be afraid to perform prenatal tests or that women who suffered miscarriages could start to fall under criminal suspicion.

The outcome of the vote is a blow to the ruling party, which has a core of ultra-conservative Catholic voters that wanted to see further restrictions to the abortion law.

But the party also came to power thanks to centrist voters and young people who were attracted by the party's welfare programme, with its promises to help the poor and even out the vast economic differences of the post-communist era.

Many in that latter group have been taking to the streets in recent days, and opinion polls show the party's support has now fallen to its lowest point since it won elections a year ago.

Mariusz Dzierzawski, from the Stop Abortion committee, accused the ruling party leadership of "hypocrisy" for turning its back on his group's proposal.

Prime Minister Beata Szydlo vowed that the government will now take other steps to protect human life.

She announced a new plan to earmark more money from the budget for families with disabled children, and said it would begin an information campaign that would "promote the protection of life".

AP
The UN envoy for Syria has called on militant fighters to leave Aleppo and for the Syrian and Russian governments to end their bombing campaign against rebel-held areas of the city, warning that otherwise the city will be "destroyed" by the end of the year with the deaths of thousands more civilians.

Staffan de Mistura called on an estimated 900 fighters from Fatah al-Sham Front to leave the rebel-held east of the city. The group was previously known as Nusra Front and changed its name after cutting ties with al-Qaida, but the UN still considers it a terrorist organisation.

Demonstrating dramatic flair, Mr de Mistura entreated both sides to "look at my eyes" before offering to "personally" escort the fighters to a refuge of their choosing, provided they agree to lay down their arms.

He also urged Syrian and Russian forces to halt their aerial bombardment of rebel areas, which has killed hundreds of people in the city in the last two weeks.

Mr de Mistura acknowledged that the Nusra fighters would "need some guarantees" before an evacuation to another rebel-held part of the country, such as Idlib, but said such guarantees would have to come from the government. "I cannot guarantee more than my own personality and body, frankly," he said.

He called for the local administration in opposition-held eastern neighbourhoods to remain in place after Fatah al-Sham leaves, with the UN establishing a presence there to bring humanitarian supplies to the besieged population.

His proposals marked the first major initiative by the UN to help find a way out of the Syria crisis after the United States, citing in part the Aleppo onslaught, suspended its joint effort with Russia to stop the fighting. Those two powers had led the diplomatic push until now.

Mr de Mistura's appeal to Fatal al-Sham Front was all the more poignant because the United Nations does not communicate directly with the group because it is on its terrorism blacklist.

He drew parallels between Aleppo and previous mass killings in Bosnia and Rwanda, insisting that the UN would not stop seeking a resolution to Syria's five-and-a-half-year war.

"The bottom line is: In a maximum of two months - two-and-a-half months - the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate may be totally destroyed... and thousands of Syrians, not terrorists, will be killed," he said.

Having last month told the UN Security Council that half the fighters in Aleppo were Fatah al-Sham militants, Mr de Mistura revised the estimate down to 900 fighters, among a rebel combatant population of 8,000 and a civilian population of a quarter of a million.

This backtracking followed a BBC interview last week in which Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said 50% of the opposition in Aleppo were from Nusra Front, "as confirmed by the United Nations", according to a transcript posted on Russian diplomatic websites.

AP
This week marks the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, a Category 3 storm which formed on October 22, 2012 and caused $70 billion in damage in roughly two weeks as it moved from the Caribbean to Canada, $11 million of which came from its impact in Rhode Island. Do you believe Rhode Island is more or less prepared to handle a large storm in the decade since Hurricane Sandy? Let us know in this week's poll question below.

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A Wednesday candidate forum hosted by the Central Library and presented in partnership with Chalkbeat Indiana, WFYI Public Media and the Indianapolis Recorder, was the first  and possibly only  time that all ten candidates for Indianapolis School Board have come together to discuss issues facing the district.

Theres a lot at stake for Indianapolis as voters go to the polls November 8 to choose who should run the citys schools so Wednesdays discussion was a lively one.

Answering questions from Chalkbeats Dylan McCoy, the Recorders Ebony Chappel, WFYIs Eric Weddle and from an audience of about 75 people, several of the challengers argued that current school board  largely controlled by reformers who took power in 2012  has made changes to fit the vision of wealthy contributors from outside the district, or even outside the state. An example, they said, was a move to create innovation schools that allow IPS schools to be run by outside organizations.

The challengers say the needs and preferences of those who send their children to its schools have been ignored.

When you have persons who dont live in Indianapolis sending money for the school board race, that is very concerning, said Ramon Batts, who is running in IPS District 2, which will be vacated by Gayle Cosby, who is not seeking re-election. These people make an investment and they want a return on that kind of investment. I dont think that kind of return should be off the backs of our children.

But the three incumbents running for re-election  Sam Odle, Diane Arnold and Michael OConnor  pushed back hard, arguing the changes the current board has made are dramatically improving the districts schools and making IPS more competitive with neighboring school districts and charter schools.

We have to operate a school system in a way that it competes for kids, Odle said. If we dont do that, we will continue to decline and decline as families go to where innovation is happening. Thats what families want.

Odle is a former hospital executive first elected in 2012. He is being challenged by Elizabeth Gore, a former board president who was defeated by Cosby in 2012, and Jim Grim, a long-time advocate for community engagement in schools who works for IUPUI, for an at-large seat on the board.

OConnor is an Eli Lilly and Company executive and former Indianapolis Deputy Mayor who was appointed to the board when Caitlin Hannon resigned in 2015. He is running in IPS District 1 against Christine Prince, a registered nurse and volunteer.

Arnold, executive director of the Hawthorne Community Center and IPS board president, is being challenged in District 4 by Larry Vaughn, an artist and community activist who is known for sometimes disrupting school board meetings with inflammatory statements.

This is Vaughns second run for school board after losing his first bid in 2012.

Three challengers are running for the seat Cosby is vacating in District 2: Ramon Batts, an educator and IPS parent who ran for the board and lost in 2014; Nanci Lacy, an IPS parent and education activist; and Venita Moore, a principal with an Indianapolis business consulting firm.

Heres what the candidates had to say about some of the key issues facing IPS:

Superintendent Lewis Ferebees performance

Several of the challengers were critical of Ferebees leadership and the boards decision to reward hims with a 6 percent raise.

Batts said Ferebee does not give parents and others enough opportunity to offer feedback on his plans. His proposals, Batts said, sometimes dont appear on the school board agenda until just before it meets.

There is room for improvement, Batts said. The transparency is certainly one of the issues most of the community seems to have a problem with. I have a problem with it.

Lacy said parents sometimes have to play detective to learn about major changes proposed for their schools.

He has not been very forthcoming, she said of Ferebee. Parents are still finding out from the media before they hear from the school district that their schools are being closed or being turned into innovation schools. That is not acceptable.

Ferebee has come under fire for the districts failure for several days to report to Indiana Department of Child Services when a staff member learned of accusations that an IPS employee was having an illicit relationship with a student. Odle said criticism of Ferebee in a difficult case was unfair.

Dr. Ferebee did what he could in that situation to make sure the appropriate action was taken with the employee, Odle said. I think we all learned from it. I think Dr. Ferebee learned from it. Unfortunately, these things do happen.

Spending on school board races

Since 2012, IPS school board races have gone from largely low-cost, self-funded endeavors to professionally-run campaigns, some of which spend tens of thousands of dollars.

Gore said the kind of money spent in 2012 and 2014 was unnecessary.

I know from running before it doesnt take that kind of money to reach families and to be sincere about what you do, she said.

Other candidates said spending to communicate to voters is justified.

I think its a lot of money but Im a novice at this, Moore said. Im not truly concerned. I will continue to do the things I need to do to deliver my message.

But other challengers thought so much money, especially if it comes from people who dont live in the district, raises concerns.

It suggests school board members are bought and sold, Grim said. That concerns me.

Grim and Prince said they would refuse such contributions.

I dont want to wonder what the agenda is and who I will owe later if I take money that is not local, Prince said. It concerns me about divided loyalties. You can look across this nation to see where they have influenced school boards to make changes that dont represent necessarily the voice of the people.

OConnor said hes seen no signs that his board colleagues are motivated by political contributions.

I know that none of them are subject to anybody but people they serve in their districts, he said. The rumors of for-profit takeover of schools simply arent true. Would I rather out-of-state money not come into these races? Absolutely, but it happens because a lot of institutions and people are trying to find a way to make sure the school system works.

Arnold and Odle also rejected the notion that money is buying influence.

I would like to think I am very grassroots, and I would not sell our children to the highest bidder, Arnold said. Not everybody who takes money are going to sell their souls to these organizations.

Odle said he hasnt received any out-of-state money this time, but did last time.

Those people only asked me for one thing  help make our schools better, he said. Being better means better outcomes for out students. They didnt ask for anything else. That aligns with my values and why I am running.

Innovation schools and charter school partnerships

Challengers for the board expressed deep skepticism about innovation schools, which are IPS schools that are independently managed under a contract, often by charter school networks.

We are putting our kids in experimental learning environments, Lacy said. A lot of this stuff has not been proven. Its in a bright new package but we dont know whats inside.

Candidates were particularly critical of a new partnership with Purdue University, which plans to open a new East side high school focused on science, technology, engineering and math.

When it was announced, I screamed, Gore said. We are closing schools. I looked at the boarded up building they are going to put the Purdue school in. That is a waste of money.

Grim said there were better options the board should have explored to give IPS students who want to learn science a better chance to win a scholarship to Purdue.

I cant imagine why we would be contracting with Purdue to provide the funding for them to open another high school in the neighborhood where we have a STEM high school, he said. Why didnt Purdue just partner with Arsenal Tech?

The current board members said innovation schools are good for IPS students.

I stand firmly with someone who wants to partner to provide better options and better opportunities for our students, OConnor said.

Odle said the critics of that plan dont understand the opportunity its offering.

Every one of those students, if they graduate from that school, will get a full ride scholarship to Purdue, he said. If you talk about 500 poor kids in Indianapolis and they get a scholarship to college? I will vote for that any day.

Vaughns sharp language

Vaughn is known for provocative behavior at public meetings, often delivering inflammatory speeches to the the Indiana legislature, the City-County Council and the IPS school board. He has called board members child molesters and used racial slurs, sometimes resulting in ejection from meetings.

Vaughn said he understands that his words sometimes make people uncomfortable but would not back down from his prior statements.

I may have said some things not everyone could go along with, he said. I said (board members) are interfering in the affairs of our children and injuring them. They are certainly doing that.

Other candidates, even those that have been endorsed along with Vaughn by organizations like the Indianapolis NAACP and Concerned Clergy, distanced themselves from Vaughns strong language.

It concerns me when there is unprofessional behavior and personal attacks, Prince said. I dont tolerate that. I dont let people talk to me like that and I dont talk to people like that. Mr. Vaughn needs to speak for himself and be responsible for that and refrain from that type of behavior.
Arrests for disorderly conduct  what critics call contempt of cop because police officers use it to arrest those who disrespect them  have plummeted in recent years, according to new data released by the FBI. Smartphones have proliferated and the scrutiny of police actions has increased over the same period.

Police made just 386,078 arrests for disorderly conduct in 2015, less than half the more than 800,000 arrests they made on that charge two decades ago. The number of disorderly conduct arrests reported to the FBI has fallen every year since 2007.

The number of arrests for curfew and loitering violations  two other low-level offenses over which officers have a lot of discretion  has also dropped dramatically: from 185,100 arrests in 1996 to 140,835 arrests in 2005 to just 44,802 arrests in 2015. The total for last year is less than one-fourth of the total recorded in 1996.

The number of disorderly conduct arrests dropped dramatically just as the nations violent crime rate was reaching record low levels. Last year was one of the safest years in recent history, although the violent crime rate did rise by a few points relative to 2014.

Disorderly conduct charges are often labeled contempt of cop charges because they give police officers an excuse to arrest someone who isnt complying with their orders, is doing something they dont like or is verbally opposing their conduct. Even people trying to video officers actions have been arrested for disorderly conduct, even though recording the police is a legal activity.

One particularly high-profile example of alleged disorderly conduct came in July 2009 and involved Henry Louis Gates Jr., a Harvard Law professor. Even though Gates arrest was almost certainly unlawful, President Barack Obama was criticized for saying police Sgt. James Crowley acted stupidly when he arrested Gates, who had just forced open his own jammed front door. (The charges were later dropped.)

There is abundant evidence that police overuse disorderly conduct and similar statutes to arrest people who disrespect them or express disagreement with their actions, Christy Lopez, who now serves in the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, said in a 2010 paper. These abusive arrests cause direct and significant harm to those arrested and, more generally, undermine the appropriate balance between police authority and individual prerogative to question the exercise of that authority.

In what is likely no coincidence, disorderly conduct arrests dropped at the same time that the number of mobile phones with video capability rose and the actions of police officers received greater scrutiny following the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014.

Police officers are also making fewer arrests overall, from 15.16 million arrests in 1996 to 14.09 million in 2005 to 10.79 million in 2015.
Indiana has joined a growing list of states looking to revamp its criminal justice system with a new approach to dealing with crime suspects prior to their day in court.

The Indiana Supreme Court announced earlier this month plans to reform the states current bail system. Prior to the change, if an arrestee could not afford to post bail, they could find themselves spending months behind bars without even a conviction.

The new policy is the product of a study committee made up of trial judges, legislators, probation officers, a county prosecutor, the chair of the Indiana State Bar Association Criminal Justice Section and representatives of the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council and the Indiana Public Defender Council.

The rule reads, If an arrestee does not present a substantial risk of flight or danger to themselves or others, the court should release the arrestee without money bail or surety subject to such restrictions and conditions as determined by the court, but there are some exceptions noted.

The new rule does not apply when someone is arrested on a charge of murder or treason. If, at the time of arrest, the suspect is already on pre-trial release for an unrelated case, or if the suspect is on probation, parole or another kind of supervision, the new rule would not apply.

Rather than using a bail schedule to assign bail based on the type of criminal charge, Indiana courts will now use evidence-based risk assessment to make such decisions.

The new approach is currently being tested in nine Indiana counties  Allen, Bartholomew, Hamilton, Hendricks, Jefferson, Monroe, St. Joseph, Starke and Tipton  and will be implemented in all Indiana courts by Jan. 1, 2018.

Rev. Juard Barnes, has personally experienced the shortcomings of Indianas previous approach to bail, and he applauds the courts new rule.

Barnes, community organizer with IndyCAN  a local movement for racial and economic dignity and equity that has focused on mass incarceration  lost his job and fell behind on child support. Barnes said he loved his son and wanted to support him financially, but he simply didnt have the money. He did eventually find another job and started bringing in income and paying some of the child support he owed, but he hit a roadblock.

They put me in jail, and my bail was my arrearage I had on my child support, Barnes said. Instead of working on paying child support, I sat in jail for four months.

Barnes said his brother eventually was able to put together the thousands of dollars needed to get him out of jail and back to work, but his experience brought him to some tough realizations.

I remember realizing when I was taken to jail, Im helpless against this system, theres nothing I can do, he said. The system had no interest in whether or not I could fix (the child support arrearage); they were fine with caging me.

What I saw was a system that designs a set of circumstances that undermines the ability of somebody to participate in the economy, to walk in liberty, to stand up and move into various stages of their lives that would allow them to incrementally build their way into a place where they can be successful for their family  a system that is going to short-circuit every opportunity for a person to render themselves purposeful.

According to a report from IndyCAN called Peoples Roadmap to End Mass Incarceration and Mass Criminalization in Marion County, there isnt a clear picture of just how many jail inmates are behind bars for the sole reason that they cant afford to pay their bail. The report analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) survey instrument called the Annual Survey of Jails (ASJ) and found Marion Countys data incomplete.

Marion County has reported the number of un-convicted inmates as unknown in eight of the last nine waves of the Annual Survey of Jails, and has reported the time served by un-convicted inmates as unknown for every wave of the survey, the report says.

However, the data reported on the amount of time that individuals found innocent or released after charges were dropped is, if accurate, very troubling: 44.3 percent of these individuals spent more than 30 days behind bars, and 5.3 percent spent more than six months.

Doris Stewart says she didnt spend nearly that much time in jail after she was arrested and couldnt pay the bail, but the impact was still huge. Stewart  who at the time was working and going to school, in addition to raising school-age children  went to pay a forgotten parking ticket but was arrested.

She had enough money to pay for the ticket, but the bail was beyond her reach, so she spent the night in jail. In addition to the time she lost at work, Stewart said she also had to pay for overnight childcare. She hopes the new approach to pre-trial release in Indiana will keep people from experiencing what she went through.

In a situation like that, there should be something systematically done where if a person comes to correct a wrong that theyre not treated as a criminal without due process, she said.

In Mesa County, Colorado, evidence-based pre-trial risk assessment has doubled the number of arrestees who have been released from jail without having to pay bail, according to information included in the report from IndyCAN.

Judges, who now have more information from which to make their pretrial release decisions, went from releasing 30 percent of defendants on their own recognizance (that is, without paying a bond) in 2011 to releasing 60 percent of defendants on their own recognizance in 2015. These reforms saved the county 95,630 jail bed days in 2012 alone. The jails pretrial population dropped 27 percent from June 2013 to November 2014, while maintaining impressive safety and appearance rates.

In addition to saving taxpayer dollars by keeping jail beds unoccupied, pre-trial release has also been tied to reduced recidivism rates, fewer convictions and shorter sentences.

The Recorder sought comment from the Indiana Surety Bail Agents Association (ISBAA) to learn how the new rule might affect its constituents. The ISBAAs mission, as stated on its website, is to protect and serve the best interest of the commercial surety bail agents operating in Indiana by standing sentry over legislative efforts adverse to there (sic) interest. ISBAA has committed to promote professionalism, ethical behavior and education and to enhance the public perception of the bail industry in Indiana.

ISBAA President Lee Sexton offered the following via email: The ISBAA, has no formal response at this time. We feel it would be premature to make a statement until we obtain more information.
After lending voice for the character of Robert Langdon, essayed by Oscar-winning star Tom Hanks, for the Telugu dubbed version of the forthcoming Hollywood film Inferno, Rana Daggubati has a lot to say about the experience.

It was after Rana saw a special cut of the film that he decided to come on board. Rana expressed that he is really happy to be a part of Hankss legacy. He said,

HT

Tom Hanks is a legendary actor and to be a part of his legacy in this way made for an exciting partnership of sorts. More so, this film Inferno is quite significant for us in India because it truly celebrates the power of the Indian market for global players, given that they are releasing it two weeks ahead of the US."

Rana also said that dubbing for Hankss role was an enriching experience.

As an actor, I learnt a lot while dubbing for an actor of the caliber of Hanks. I did a small exercise for myself where I got myself recorded while dubbing this helped me a lot in my performance. It was almost like getting trained from someone like Tom Hanks."

Twitter

Following the footsteps of Indian stars Irrfan Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Nana Patekar, Shefali Shah and Om Puri, who lent their voice to characters in Hollywood film The Jungle Book for its Hindi dubbed version, Daggubati also said,

It is great that a lot of actors today are chosen to do voice-overs and dubbing for Hollywood movies. A great story made should reach many more people and by the way of dubbing a Hollywood film you tend to increase cinematic viewership for the audience and create the local connect. I would want to dub for many more films in future."

Directed by Ron Howard, Inferno will open in India on October 14, two weeks ahead of the US release. Apart from English, the film will be dubbed in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
Tannishtha Chatterjee's legit rant against racism on a comedy show had gone crazy viral and since then, many have spoken about the same. Radhika Apte is the latest one to support her Parched co-star. According to Radhika, cracking jokes on someones colour and body structure is not the right thing to do. Talking to PTI, Radhika said,

The Parched promotions on full swing . @ajaydevgn @leenayadav #Parched #Women #genderequality A photo posted by Radhika Apte (@radhikaapte) on Sep 19, 2016 at 10:15pm PDT

I think jokes on colour or body shaming shouldnt be made. Its not funny to crack such jokes. Do you crack a joke on fair skin (people)? No right ? So dont do it (joke on dark skin people). There has to be a limit."

Radhika was further asked to comment on the ban of Pakistani artists in India, to which, she said talent across the border should be encouraged.

Thanks @thegreydot A photo posted by Radhika Apte (@radhikaapte) on Aug 29, 2016 at 4:32am PDT

What has happened in Kashmir is terrible. But it shouldnt determine other things (working of artistes in India) as its a political debate. I feel art has the power to bind us. We should encourage talent.
Dengue Vaccine has given a ray of hope and we are hoping that soon it gets approved in India as well. Sanofi-Pasteur, the vaccines global business unit of Sanofi, announced that the dengue vaccines have received approval in 14 countries.

localpress.co.in

The countries who have approved Dengvaxia by health authorities are Mexico, The Philippines, Brazil, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Guatemala, Peru, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.

"We're pleased to see the growing medical and public health recognition for the vaccine," Su Peing Ng, head of Global Medical Affairs for Sanofi Pasteur, said while addressing press. "With this new tool in hand, public health communities in dengue-endemic countries now have additional means to achieve the WHO objectives for 50 per cent reduction in mortality and 25 per cent reduction in morbidity due to dengue by 2020," Su Peing Ng said.

www.healthcareasia.org

Especially, the Latin American Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases lately published its support for dengue vaccination. National medical societies in Indonesia, Brazil and Mexico recently also suggested vaccination with Dengvaxia, a company statement said.

In the clinical study population nine years old and older, the dengue vaccine has been documented to prevent two-thirds of dengue cases due to all four serotypes of dengue.
If you were not sure how much toxins were there in your soft drinks here is an eye opener. Five cold drink samples - Pepsi, Coca Cola, Mountain Dew, Sprite and 7Up - picked by the government to study from the PET bottles they were in.

Shockingly, the study has found different toxins - heavy metals antimony, lead, chromium and cadmium DEHP or Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in cold drinks produced by two major multinational companies, PepsiCo and Coca Cola. Under the DTABs instructions, the study was conducted by the Kolkata-based All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (AIIH&PH), which comes under the Health Ministry.

www.theodysseyonline.com

According to reports the test results were submitted by the AIIH&PH to Jagdish Prasad, Director General of Health Services and chairman of DTAB, a few days ago. The institute had last year submitted another set of test results, where it had found heavy metals in various medicines packaged in PET bottles.

A PepsiCo India spokesperson told, We have received no intimation nor a copy of the cited test reports and without an understanding of the methodology used, would be unable to comment on the reports. Having said that, we would like to reiterate that all our products conform to Food Safety and Standards Regulations. We would like to emphatically reiterate that our products comply with the permissible limits for heavy metals as laid down by these regulations. Although Coca Cola India declined to respond. Queries sent to PET Container Manufacturers Association remained unanswered.

The AIIH&PH had picked up four bottles (600 ml size) each of the cold drink brands as samples through the stratified random sampling method. The institute then handed over the samples to the Kolkata-based National Test House (NTH), which falls under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, to perform the tests.

The leaching of these heavy metals  from the PET bottles in which the drinks were packaged  increased with the rise in room temperature. For example, at normal room temperature, the tests found 0.004 mg/L and 0.007 mg/L of lead in 7Up and Sprite, respectively. However, when it was kept at 40 degree Celsius for 10 days, the lead increased to 0.006 mg/L and 0.009 mg/L, respectively.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers lead and cadmium two of the top ten chemicals used in these cold drinks a major health concern. According to the WHO, children are particularly defenceless to harmful effects of lead.

Lead can have serious consequences for the health of children. At high levels of exposure, Lead attacks the brain and central nervous system to cause coma, convulsions and even death. Children who survive severe lead poisoning may be left with mental retardation and behavioural disorders, the WHO has noted.

Cadmium exerts toxic effects on the kidney, the skeletal system and the respiratory system and is classified as a human carcinogen says WHO, Chromium, antimony and DEHP are also known to cause serious side effects on the body.
Even as Bishahra village in Dadri Tehsil of Gautam Budh Nagar continues to be tense after one of the accused of Mohammed Akhlaqs lynching case died of kidney and respiratory failure at LNJP Hospital in New Delhi on Tuesday evening while in police custody, hate mongering is going on in full swing in the village in a bid to give the natural death a communal colour.

Tarique Anwar/Indiatimes

His body has been put in a Tiranga-draped casket outside his house in Bishahra where people are gathered in large number and hate speeches are being delivered.

Hum iska badla le kar rahenge. Hinduon ne chudiyan nahi pahan rakhi hain. In mullon ko jad se ukhaad phenken ge hum (We shall take revenge of this death. Hindus have not worn bangles. These Muslims will be rooted out by us), says a speaker while addressing the protesters who have refused to cremate the body until their demands are met.

Their demands were:

Arrest of Akhlaqs brother Jan Mohammad

FIR against the jailer of Luksar prison in Greater Noida

A compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of deceased

Government job to Ravins wife and proper treatment

and immediate release of the rest 14 co-accused who are lodged in the prison.

Tarique Anwar/Indiatimes

"The state government has agreed to give a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the deceased family. A CBI enquiry into the incident (the family has to give a written request asking for it) will be conducted. The jailer will be transferred from the jail and will be sent back to Lucknow so that he does not influence the probe, Gautam Budh Nagar District Magistrate NP Singh told reporters.

When the health of the under trial deteriorated in the jail, he was taken to Noida district hospital on Monday for treatment. He was later shifted to LNJP Hospital in the national capital at 12 noon but doctors there could not revive his and he breathed his last at 6:00 pm on Tuesday.

According to the doctors treating him, he had acute fever and kidney and respiratory dysfunction. We put our best efforts, but he died within a few hours, LNJP Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr J C Passey told Indiatimes.

The blood sample of the victim  according to him  have been sent for testing of dengue and chikungunya.

Though his platelet count was normal but we cannot comment on the cause of death until the reports come. He died due to kidney and respiratory failure, he said.

Tarique Anwar/Indiatimes

Gautam Budh Nagar SSP Dharmendra Singh too said, The accused was suffering from a suspected case of dengue and died in the evening. We are looking into the issue, he said.

But Ravins mother Nirmala Devi and rest of the family members are alleging foul play.

They alleged that Ravin was brutally thrashed inside the jail days before he was rushed to the hospital.

They killed my son in cold blood. We want justice, said the inconsolable mother.

Ravin is survived by his wife and a six-month-old child.

I visited Ravin on September 23. He was normal and had no health issues. He was saying that he along with rest of the accused had a fight with another Muslim prisoner. Anticipating torture by the jail staff, he had told me that he had threat to his life, Ravins maternal uncle Anil told Indiatimes.

But the allegation was strongly contested by police officials who term it baseless.

In fact, the conspiracy theory was demolished by the fact that the accused lawyer Ram Saran Nagar had moved an application on behalf of the accused in the court of additional district judge/ FTC (first) on September 30 urging the court to order jail authorities to shift Ravin to a hospital in Noida for better treatment as his client was unwell and down with fever.

Tarique Anwar/Indiatimes

The applicant/accused is down with chikungunya fever and he has a severe pain in backbone and different parts of his body which is unbearable. The applicant/accused is in serious condition. The applicant/accused has been lodged in the jail for one year. The applicant/accused is not getting proper medical treatment in jail dispensary. Considering the condition and future of the applicant/accused, it is important to shift him to Noida district hospital in Gautam Budh Nagar. Therefore, you (the judge) are requested to issue an order to shift the applicant/accused to the hospital for proper treatment, reads the application accessed by Indiatimes.

Right wing groups appear to be hell-bent to disturb the already hostile environment in the village. Ravin has been murdered in cold blood by one Akram Khan who is deputy jailer. He was brutally tortured inside the prison. All has been done on the behest of Jan Mohammad and Azam Khan (senior Samajwadi Party leader and a minister in the UP government), said Satpal Bajrangi, district president, Hindu Jagran Manch Yuva Vahini.

Tarique Anwar/Indiatimes

Instead of Uttar Pradesh, UP should be renamed as Muslim Pradesh, he suggested. But why? ...because the government in the state listens and takes care of Muslims only.

The chief priest of a local temple  Sadhvi Hari Siddhi Girri  in the village was also heard fomenting provocative statements. We are now left with no option but to fight back. We cannot keep mum as they have begun killing our boys. It is high time to give a befitting reply to Muslims, she said while consoling the grieved wife of the deceased.

Where is Owaisi (Lok Sabha MP and AIMIM chief Asasuddin Owaisi) and other leaders who had come here to shed tears when Akhlaq died. Why did no body bear the pain to come here and share the grief of the family? she asked.

Controversial BJP MLA Suresh Rana and fire brand right-wing leader Sadhvi Prachi also visited the village on late Wednesday evening after the body arrived and Thursday morning respectively.

Tarique Anwar/Indiatimes

The state government has turned deaf ear to our problems. This is unacceptable. We will fight to ensure the victims family get justice. We cannot tolerate the extra judicial killings of our innocents. Ravins martyrdom wont go in vain. It will be revenged, Prachi told the protesters.

She further added she wanted to come to Bishahra earlier as well but the administration did not allow her to enter. Muslims were not barred to visit the place but restrictions were imposed on Hindus, he said.

As the village continued to remain tense, the administration posted a heavy deployment of policemen and imposed prohibitory orders in the area.

A company of PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary), 200 constables, 30 sub-inspectors, 15 station house officers and five circle officers have been deployed here as precautionary measures, said Abhishek Yadav, superintendent of police (rural), Gautam Budh Nagar.

Tarique Anwar/Indiatimes

Asked about the demands put forward by Ravins family, Dadris Sub Divisional Magistrate Rajesh Kumar said, We have forwarded the demands to the government. We are requesting the villagers to cooperate us in maintaining law and order.

Two probes - a magisterial enquiry and a judicial enquiry - have been ordered. The District Magistrate - NP Singh - sought the details of the death.

September marked one year since Akhlaq was lynched over allegations of beef after which 18 youths of Bishahra were arrested. The case in under trial and charges are yet to be framed against the accused in the case.
The anger on China for its continued support to Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar in the United Nations and Pakistan is reflecting in an unusual way.

Many are now calling upon the others through social media to boycott Chinese goods this festive season.

BCCL/representational image

"Last weekend I went with my family to some Diwali shopping. I selected several gift items ranging between Rs 100 and Rs 2,000. These included glassware and home decor items. When I looked carefully, I noticed that all glass and gift items and even statues of Lord Ganesha were made in China.

My conscience did not allow this and I left Chinese items on the counter. Indian soldiers are fighting for us. We can't go to border, but we can support the common cause. China and Pakistan are hand in glove and the Indians should take a resolve on this," said Rahul Ahuja, an industrialist from Kolkata.

BCCL/representational image

It is not just among the common public, across the country some high profile politicians have also throw their weight behind the campaign.

Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij is one among the BJP politicians who have appealed to people not to use Chinese goods.

BCCL/representational image

Calling it a social movement he said People should not buy Chinese goods. Instead, Indian goods should be used. Trade with China is affecting our country. China is not our friend nation. China can buy weapons with whatever money it earns. There is a possibility that the weapons are given to enemy countries. For every dollar of purchase people make, they may make armed goods. We should focus on Make in India.

BCCL/representational image

Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also joined the bandwagon urging boycott of Chinese products and celebrate Swadeshi Diwali.

Each year between Durga Puja and Diwali, Chinese products including decorative lights and lamps, gift items and firecrackers worth hundreds of crores of rupees are sold across India.
Amid a raging debate to show evidence of surgical strikes carried out by the Army across the LoC, three former Army chiefs have slammed the political parties who have demanded the release of video footage.

BCCL/representational image

It is "utter nonsense" that people are asking the Army to prove the operation , said former Army chief General VP Malik and wondered what is wrong with the political class .

"Only the Army should take a call on whether to release the video or not and when," he said.

Hitting out at those questioning the credibility of the strikes , he said "The video should not be released just because some stupid people have sought so."

BCCL

Another former Army chief Gen JJ Singh also joined Malik in criticising such voices and said when armed forces make a claim there should be no doubt.

Also Read: Shut Up The Naysayers, Release The Video Of Surgical Strikes, Army Tells Govt

"Very proud of our para commandos and the mission they have done. Anybody who thinks they have to prove their worth let me tell them that they are living in a fool's paradise. We should never believe what Pakistan media is trotting out," he said.

BCCL

Yet another former army chief Gen Shankar Roy Choudhary also spoke out against the release of the video saying the country's secrets should not be put in the open.

Also Read: We Will Soon Give You 'Clinching Evidence' Of #SurgicalStrikes, Govt. Tells Pakistan

He added that Pakistan was looking for an opportunity to gain from any such release. Echoing his views, a former IG of BSF said release of such video could hamper India's future strategy.

tribune

A debate raged on Wednesday over whether government should release evidence of the Army's surgical strikes across the LoC with BJP leader Subramanian Swamy favouring putting out an edited version of the video on the action.

Also Read: You Are Making Headlines In Pakistan, BJP Slams Kejriwal After He Seeks Proof For Surgical Strikes

Rejecting the demand, the BJP attacked some Congress leaders and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal for raising questions over the strikes and accused them of giving a handle to Pakistan to advance its false propaganda.

The Congress, on its part, insisted that it has never questioned the authenticity of the strikes but steered clear of the demand, including from within its own ranks, for the release of evidence, saying it would give appropriate advise in the best interest of national security if consulted by the government.
Known for its dependable services for decades, the Research & Analysis Wing (better known as RAW) is also hailed for its contribution in seizing control over the major peaks of Siachen Glacier in 1984 through the 'Operation Meghdoot'.

RAW's tactical victory over Pakistan's ISI was so colossal that it gave India an unprecedented advantage over both its nemeses - Pakistan as well as China.

Wikipedia

How RAW got the better of ISI?

In 1983, Pakistan decided to storm and capture the major peaks of Siachen Glacier, which was an area where borders weren't demarcated and both countries had their own claims. Pakistan decided to capture major peaks in Siachen Glacier once the winters pass.

Indianexpress

With a plan to station its troops at these peaks by April 17, 1984, Pakistan Army ordered 150 arctic gears for its troops to be stationed in Siachen from a London-based supplier. But it didn't know that RAW has got whiff about their plans and India clandestinely ordered 300 of arctic gear while preventing ISI getting a clue of it. RAW ensured failing the delivery of gears on time while Indian soldiers get their gears in advance.

Operation Meghdoot: How India seized heights?

Due to RAW's efforts, Indian Army got a tactical head start and the Army planned an operation to occupy the glacier by April 13, 1984, to preempt the Pakistani Army by about 4 days. As India had planned the operation in March, many soldiers marched on foot till the eastern base of the glacier while some were airdropped on April 13. India didn't use air drop facilities earlier to avoid Pakistan radars which could have spoiled the plans.

Reuters

Later, when Pakistan came to know about Indian siege, it launched an offensive to remove Indian soldiers positioned on height. But despite using heavy force, which they could - because they had better access to the glacier from West in PoK - they couldn't save themselves because of the altitude and limited time.

Both sides faced casualties, but now Indian forces had seized something which gave India an edge over both China and Pakistan.

Reuters

However, Pakistan still possessed more ground accessible routes to the area, unlike Indian access, which was largely reliant on air drops for supplies due to the steep hills on its side.

What was Pakistan's folly?

India had been making its soldiers acclimatize in Siachen Glacier like conditions for quite some time by 1984. In 1982, India sent a group of its soldiers to Antarctica for a training expedition. In 1983, India had also placed army in northern Ladakh region as well as some paramilitary forces to the glacier area. India had brought these arctic gears for both these expeditions in 1982 and 1983.

Some may call it Pakistan's misfortune and India's good fortune, Pakistan placed its orders for arctic gear to same supplier who had earlier supplied gears to India; and this is how RAW came to know about Pakistan's plans.

What led to Siachin escalation?

Though both countries had claims over different peaks in Siachin, none had stationed troops there before 1984, Expeditions used to happen from both sides, but Pakistan certainly had an advantage as the glacier was more accessible from PoK and Aksai Chin controlled by China after 1962 war.

Reuters

The glacier became a bone of contention following a vague demarcation of territory as per the Simla Agreement of 1972, which did not exactly specify who had authority over the Siachen Glacier area. India claimed that Pakistan territory extended only to about the Saltoro Ridge while Pakistan claimed its territory till Karakoram Pass.

As a result, both the nations claimed the barren heights and the Siachen Glacier.

In the 1970s and early 80s, Pakistan permitted several mountaineering expeditions to Siachen from Pakistani sides to reinforce its claims on the area as these expeditions were mostly led by officers of Pakistan army. In response, India too allowed mountaineering expeditions to the glacier, approaching from its side in 1978.

But India got suspicious after Pakistan allowed a Japanese expedition to scale an important peak (Rimo I) in early 1984. The peak, located east of the Siachen Glacier, also overlooks the northwestern areas of the Aksai Chin area, which is occupied by China but claimed by India.

AFP

India thought that such an expeditions could consolidate a trade route from the northeastern (Chinese) to the southwestern (Pakistani) side of the Karakoram Range and eventually provide a strategic advantage to the Pakistani Army.

What India seized through 'Operation Meghdoot'

In 1987 and 1989, Pakistan again used force to recapture heights under the leadership of none other former army despot General Pervez Musharraf. Despite initial success, the attack was repulsed. In 1987, India won one Pakistan post "Quaid", when Bana Singh launched a daring daylight attack, named 'Operation Rajiv', after climbing 1,500 ft (460 m) of ice cliff.

Later, Bana Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC)- the highest gallantry award of India.

Reuters

Years later, General Musharraf stated to Times Magazine in an interview that Pakistan lost almost 900 sq mi (2,300 km2) of territory during conflict in 1984. He also stated that the Indian advance captured nearly 1,000 sq mi (2,600 km2) of territory claimed by Pakistan.

Kargil was Pakistan's attempt to avenge Siachen

Youtube

In 1999, Pakistan with the help of terrorists captured over 140 post in Kargil heights vacated by India during winters. The attempt was to do what Indians had done in Siachen in 1984 and the rest is history.
India is preparing to give shelter to exiled Baloch leader Brahamdagh Bugtis stay, ensuring his safety, considering that he may soon form a government-in-exile of Independent Balochistan.

nation dot com dot pk

We have asked Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) to provide an assessment on how many Balochs living in exile will follow Bugti to India. Accordingly we will decide on the place where he will be asked to stay, a senior home ministry official told Hindustan Times on condition of anonymity.

Bugti had discussed political asylum with Indian diplomats in Geneva last month, and the MEA had asked the Home Ministry to decide.

Indias context for sheltering what may become a government-in-exile is our amnesty to the Dalai Lama, who formed a government-in-exile in Dharamshala.

Exactly 57 Years Ago, The Dalai Lama Escaped From China To Find Refuge In India!

Bugti founded the Baloch Republican Party, and is the grandson of the Nawab Akbar Bugti, killed by Pakistans army in 2006. Pakistan calls Bugti a terrorist. He has publicly spoken about using Indias support to protest against Pakistani atrocities on the Baloch people.

dailymail

"We will use Indian papers to travel around the world to campaign against Pakistan and to highlight our case. We have openly thanked Narendra Modi for his support and we are no more hiding anything. We have no other option. We do not care what our opponents think of our support for Modi and his support for us," a Baloch Republic Party source quoted him as saying.

Balochistans rebellion against Pakistan has received media prominence in recent months

timesexpressnews

The Baloch people claim regular atrocities from Pakistani establishment.

Pakistan army beats our children in school and makes them sing the national anthem of Pakistan. I have lived in Pakistan and I can say that the people of Pakistan are no different from Pakistan army, Baloch leader Mazdak Dilshad Baloch told the media recently.

In an echo of Pakistans support for an independent Kashmir, the leader spoke up about the nations demand: We want Azad Balochistan. We dont want to be with Pakistan. In last 70 years no Baloch has came to India but today we have come here and I want to thank all of you for your support.
India strongly criticised an "unresponsive" Security Council for being indecisive on sanctioning leaders of organisations it itself designates as terrorist entities, after China extended its "technical hold" on India's bid for a UN ban against Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar.

Reuters

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin told the UN General Assembly that the 15-nation Security Council, the "principal organ" tasked with the maintenance of peace and security, has in a variety of ways become "unresponsive to the needs of our time and ineffective to meeting the challenges it is confronted with".

Without naming China, Akbaruddin referred to its technical hold on India's bid against Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, saying the Council is a body that "ponders for six months on whether to sanction leaders of organisations it has itself designated as terrorist entities".

"Then, unable to decide, it gives itself three more months to further consider this issue. One has to expectantly wait for nine months before the process is completed to know if Council members have decided on a single issue," he said in the General Assembly debate on the Report of the Secretary General on the Work of the Organisation.

Reuters

On March 31 this year, China - a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council - had blocked India's move to put a ban on Azhar under the al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the Council.

China was the sole member in the 15-nation UN organ to put a hold on India's application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhi's bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban.

The Chinese technical hold had lapsed on Monday, and had China not raised further objection, the resolution designating Azhar as a terrorist would have been passed automatically. However, Beijing on Saturday announced the extension of its "technical hold" .

Reuters

"The extended technical hold on it will allow more time for the Committee to deliberate on the matter and for relevant parties to have further consultations," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang had said in Beijing.

Akbaruddin said in certain instances, the Council does not even begin the nine-month process of identification and listing of publicly announced leaders of listed entities.

"At best, it is now a body that can be described as an interesting and random mix of ad-hocism, scrambling and political paralysis. This global governance architecture now calls for comprehensive reform," the Indian envoy said.

Reuters

Previously also, India had slammed the UN sanctions committee for taking a "selective approach" in tackling terrorism when the technical hold was put on its application to include Azhar's name on the committee's list of designated terrorists.

In April, India said it finds it "incomprehensible" that while the Pakistan-based JeM was listed in the UN Security Council Committee as far back as 2001 for its known terror activities and links to the al-Qaida, the designation of the group's main leader, financier and motivator has been put on a technical hold.

India had also submitted detailed dossier on Azhar and moved the UNSC 1267 committee following the January 2 Pathankot attack.
Ever since Arvind Kejriwal demanded from the government to release the video of the surgical strike on Pakistan, he has received mixed reactions from people from the country.

BCCL

While some have supported his demand, others have reprimanded the Delhi Chief Minister for doubting the Indian Army's operation.

BCCL

Today, film director Ram Gopal Varma, tweeted and took a dig at Arvind Kejriwal and said, "With his muffler cap I always thought he looked like a monkey but now after his comments on armed forces I realized that he's truly a monkey".

Kejriwal questioning integrity of armed forces proves he's cross breed between Hanuman's Sugreeva and Musharaf's Shareef #JaiAllahKejrewal  Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) October 5, 2016

Armed forces apart from external surgical strikes should do internal surgical strike on anti nationalist Kejriwal #JaiAllahKejrewal  Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) October 5, 2016

With his muffler cap I always thought he looked like monkey but now after his comments on armed forces I realised that he's truly a monkey  Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) October 5, 2016

Well, Kejriwal hasn't commented on it yet and but it will be interesting to know how things turn out.
Bengal is celebrating its Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, by modelling an idol of her for upcoming Durga pooja celebrations.

PTI

Chakdah, a city and municipality in Kalyani subdivision of Nadia district in West Bengal shows Mamata has dressed in her ubiquitous white saree with a white and blue border, with a hands folded in a namaste gesture.

The fibreglass idol of the Chief Minister has 10 hands separately attached from behind, each pointing towards the government schemes introduced/implement by her in the past five years as leader of the state.

Here's what Twitterati had to say:

Le Halua, Theme-based Durga-puja's took a turn for the worse#Mamata made the face of Durga in a Pandal

A scene straight from #AndarMahal!  Shuvankar Mukherjee (@shuvankr) October 6, 2016
Armed terrorists tried to mount an attack on an Indian Army camp in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

The camp of 30 Rashtriya Rifles came under intermittent fire in the early hours of Thursday.

At around 5 am, militants opened firing on an army camp at Langate in Kupwara district, which was retaliated by the alert jawans, an army official said.

There was firing once again on the camp at 6:30 AM as the forces were conducting the search operation, he added.

ANI

According to ANI news agency, two terrorists were gunned down in the retaliatory fire by the Indian army.

#FLASH 2 terrorists killed at the Army camp in Langate in Handwara (J&K) where firing was on  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

#FLASH Encounter in Army camp in Langate in Handwara (J&K) - terrorists were in army combat uniform; operation continues.  ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

This is the third attack targeting Army in Kashmir, in recent time. An army camp in Baramullah had come under attack last week, killing a BSF personnel.

The deadliest of the recent attacks happened last month when Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists attacked an army camp in Uri killing 19 Indian soldiers.

In a separate incident the army on Thursday said it has foiled three infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC).

"Three infiltration bids were foiled in two separate sectors on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on the intervening night of October 5-6," an army official said.

He also said that these attempts were assisted by Pakistani posts, referring to the continued ceasefire violation by Pakistan.
With Surgical strikes creating a political furore, and rivals of Modi government at centre and otherwise demanding proofs for it, the government as well as the army are firm on their claims.

The Indian Army reportedly has handed over the video of the surgical strikes to Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and now it's upto the establishment of the country to release the video.

AFP

But for those who still have doubt that Surgical Strikes might not have happened and are results of South Block imagining a Bollywood script, lets ponder on these revelations.

1. Ghulam Akbar, SP, Mirpur has confirmed that surgical strikes did happen on the impending night of September 28-29. He also confirmed that caskets were ordered for the bodies of the slain terrorists.

AFP

2. Though Pakistan army has been denying Indian Army's claims, locals of PoK where the strikes were carried out have admitted that heavy firing was heard along with explosions. The locals have also seen bodies of the slain terrorists being loaded in trucks.

3. Post the strike, there have been reports that the terrorist camps being run in PoK have been shifted to Khaibar Pakhtun Khan province of Pakistan by Pakistan army. If Pakistan says that no strike has happened, there was no need to shift all those camps.

AFP

4. Mirpur SP has also admitted that five soldiers of Pakistan are among the dead which again proves that strikes have taken place, because Indian Army didn't attack on any post of Pakistan army. Instead it hit the lauchpads of the terrorist possibly protected by those slain Pakistan soldiers.

5. American Think Tank RAND has also validated the Indian Surgical Strikes and have referred them as 'carefully measured' strikes. Rick Rossow from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) recalled that the idea of such strikes was given last year, when the Indian Army initiated an attack against terrorists in Myanmar.
Saudi Arabia's involvement has always been a point of contention for Americans organising to act against an evil nexus involved in acts of terror like 9/11.

While US President Barack Obama had attempted to veto a bill to pass the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), US Congress shot it down.

This has Pakistan, a close ally of Saudi Arabia, concerned - it allows Americans to sue foreign countries that "aids and abets" acts of terrorism on US soil.

JASTA, informally known as the 9/11 law, which has been primarily drafted with Saudi Arabia in mind as most of the 9/11 attackers were Saudi citizens.

Pakistan's Foreign Office said: "We have noted with concern the overturning of the US Presidential veto on JASTA, a law passed by US Congress aimed at targeting sovereign states. Many countries across Europe and in the Middle East have also expressed similar concern over JASTA."

reuters

Speaking at the UNGA, Pakistan PM Nawaz called terrorism a global phenomenon.... and that efforts should be taken collectively and not unilaterally by the passage of any laws with extra-territorial application.

However, Pakistans role in fermenting terror have been identified by the likes of European Parliament Ryszard Czarnecki , who wrote in a signed article praising Indias strong response to cross-border terror'

We have witnessed the alarming growth of Pak-linked terror modules in Europe and other parts of the world. The close proximity between the Pak security establishment and extremist / terror groups has also given rise to a situation where organisations propagating Islamic militancy in Pakistan enjoy de-facto state patronage, including in their call to Pakistani youth to participate in the global jihad.

The Saudi government denies any links to the plotters and has already slammed the law. In the US, families of almost 3,000 victims of the 9/11 attacks have campaigned for the law.
In an unprecedented move, the Pakistani Prime Minister has asked the country's Army and intelligence agency ISI to act against terrorist groups or face international isolation.

AP/ File

According to Dawn, the government informed the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the state.

The report says Punjab chief minister and brother of Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif confronted the ISI during the meeting.

EPA/ File

Following the development it was agreed that ISI DG Gen Rizwan Akhtar, accompanied by National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua, will travel to all four provinces with a message that military-led intelligence agencies are not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action.

AFP/ File

It has also been agreed that fresh attempts will be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials.

This comes in the backdrop of Pakistan realising that its position in the international scene is weakening.

In a separate high level meeting, Pakistan Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry informed the civil and military leadership that relations with US have deteriorated and will likely further deteriorate because the country has failed to act on the Haqqani network.

He also told the leadership that despite Chiana putting on technical hold a UN ban on Jaish-i-Mohammad leader Masood Azhar, they have questioned the logic of doing so repeatedly.

AP/ File

The ISI leadership which asked about what can be done was categorically told that the principal international demands are for action against Masood Azhar and the Jaish-i-Mohammad; Hafiz Saeed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba; and the Haqqani network.

If Pakistan decides to act on the conclusions of the meeting, it will signal a paradigm shift in the country's policy which has for many years safeguarded 'good terrorists', despite mounting international pressure.

However the feasibility of any such action, if ever it happens is yet to be seen, considering how close some of these groups and individuals are with the civilian and military leadership.
Japanese men were awarded a notorious title in 2014 of being the most unhelpful men for pregnant wives when it comes to contributing to household chores. In Japan women do household chores five times more than men, according to an OECD survey held 2 years ago.

AJ+

So as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the need for men to help around the house, three Japanese politicians have adorned pregnancy vests that weigh 7.3 kg, almost as heavy as a seven month pregnant woman to understand what it's like doing household chores while pregnant.

kyushu-yamaguchi-wlb.com/

kyushu-yamaguchi-wlb.com/

The three politicians are seen doing different tasks in the video like riding the bus, wearing socks. Video shows one in apparent surprise and discomfort on how difficult a simple task, like walking up the stairs with groceries, can be for pregnant women.
The residents of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) are adding insult to the injuries of the terrorists, inflicted by the Indian Army's surgical strikes. The locals in PoK and Giglit have come out openly, protesting against terror camps in their region, which they say are making their live a living hell.

ANI

Residents of Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Chinari, Mirpur, Gilgit, Diamer and Neelum Valley are protesting against the terror camps, the existence of something which Pakistan has never accepted.

ANI

"Banned organisations, terror camps are provided food and ration here, we condemn it," a local leader in Muzaffarabad, PoK, told ANI.

Another local, from the Gilgit area, said that "If management doesn't end Taliban's terror camps and 'no-go' areas in Diamer, Gilgit, Baseen and others, then we'll take action."

This also validate the NSA report submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Security which informed PM Modi that over a hundred terrorist are waiting in launchpads across the LoC, waiting to infiltrate.

While the residents are protesting, it hardly gets any attention in the local media as the news coming out of the area is heavily censored and even Pakistani media are not free to report the ground realities there.
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No fewer than 300 houses have been flooded and 860 households displaced following the opening of Oyan Dam water, one of the tributaries of the Ogun River.

The affected areas include Agiliti/Maidan, Orile, Owode, Agboyi and Araromi communities in Ketu and Mile 12 areas in Lagos; and Akute and Warewa communities, as well as estates in and around OPIC in Ogun State.

Parts of the Lagos States Isheri North Government Reserved Area and the Lagos State Development And Property Corporation Estate, were also affected.

Some of the residents, who spoke with PUNCH Metro, said they noticed some floodwater around their streets about two weeks ago but that by last week, the volume had increased, adding that their houses had been overrun by water.

The Chairman of Riverview Estate Residents Association, Mr. Abayomi Akinde, who described the incident as tragic, said there was no notice from the Ogun/Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) that water would be released from the Oyan Dam.

According to Akinde, the flood came despite assurances from OORBDA that the upsurge of flood which they never anticipated from the upstream, would not cause any kind of catastrophe.

He said, The flooding started about three weeks ago when people started calling that their communities were flooded. People have been evacuating their homes since then, while some others are trapped. If the situation persists, everywhere will be submerged. The government needs to come in. Isheri North GRA, for instance, was sold by Lagos State and some of the estates were sold by the Ogun State Government. There was supposed to be proper planning; but we have been left to our fate. Former President Goodluck Jonathan visited this area four years ago because of this same problem, but nothing was done after the visit.

We are appealing to OORBDA to reduce the operating level of the dam to 54 metres. If the level is reduced, the reservoir will have more space to hold water and this flooding will be averted.

A landlord and former chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, Mr. Peter Onyeri, said the problem was lack of proper funding and management of the dam.

When PUNCH Metro visited some of the affected areas, the streets had been taken over and residents were seen vacating their homes, while some others, who remained had to reach their houses using canoes.

One of the canoe paddlers, who gave his name as Monday Bassey, said the cost of moving passengers across the water was between N100 and N500, depending on the distance.

Bassey said he had lived in the area for eight years and had seen the area flooded yearly, but that the residents had enjoyed a four-year break from 2012 before the current incident.

The Managing Director of Ogun/Osun River Basin Development Authority, Mr. Akintunde Soyemi, said the flooding was aggravated by human activities.

According to him, it was caused by the opening of one of Ogun Rivers tributaries, Oyan Dam, which was built for fishing, hydro power, irrigation and flood control.

He said, Ogun River is a big river cutting across three states with more than 20 tributaries one of which is Oyan Dam, which is the only one that is gated and whose release can be controlled.

This year, we had much more run off; we only released 15 per cent now, which is done at a controlled rate and is not supposed to flood the downstream. It is flooding because it is not the only contributory river. Most of those flooded places are in the flood plain of Ogun River. The rule of thumb in constructing residences is that you must be above the level of the road, anywhere below such level will always be submerged.

Soyemi, however, said the authority was working on controlling the flooding and that residents would see an improvement in the coming days.

The spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency, South West zone, Ibrahim Farinloye, said more than 300 houses were submerged by the flood.

He, however, said no life was lost.

Our assessment of the extent of damages done by the release of excess water from Oyan River Dam in Ogun shows that Kara and Warewa communities in Ifo LGA of Ogun State were among the affected areas. About 300 houses were submerged and about 860 households affected. Most of them have left the affected areas, he said.

Source: Punch
Nigerias Interior minister, Abdulrahama Dambazau disclosed on Wednesday that Nigerias Federal Government has approved the sum of N3.5bn for the purchase of 320 vehicles for the Nigerian Prison Service.

The interior minister also disclosed that the car will be procured by local manufacturers, giving the rationale for their purchase as the high number of inmates awaiting trial who need to be transported to court.

It is curious that the Nigerian Prisons service has chosen to spend such a sum on vehicles as opposed to improving the security at prisons. There have been at least four reported attempts of jailbreaks across Nigerian prisons in 2016 alone.
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, has said that henceforth, his administration will strictly apply the public service rules in addressing issues affecting workers to ensure discipline and efficiency in the service.

He has, therefore, directed the Secretary to the State Government and the Head of Service to liaise with the Civil Service Commission to ensure that all the names of staff in the public service currently on full-time study leave without approval be expunged from the payroll.

Dickson gave the directive when the Establishment Committee set up to verify the actual staff strength and wage bill of the state government between 2007 and 2015 submitted its report, a Government House statement said on Thursday.

He decried the wastage and loopholes in the public service, noting that the development had constituted a major drain in the finances of the state to the detriment of efficient service delivery.

The governor, who commended members of the committee for their painstaking efforts in carrying out the assignment, said the government would set up a technical committee to study the report.

Dickson said, Let me assure the state that we are going to do justice to absenteeism. Workers in this state who are collecting salaries without going to work have been bleeding our state for this period and I believe that the time has come to put an end to all of that.

Now, every naira and kobo coming into this state is important; now that we have dwindling revenues, this is the time to block all wastage and loopholes.

While we will try our best to fulfil our obligations and liabilities to our workforce, especially those who are doing their job, government from now on will utilise the instrument of this report to ensure that those bad eggs are fished out.

We are happy that so many people in the public service are desirous of improving themselves and are now going to school, but the directive I give today, here and now as implementation of part of the report is that the Head of Service and the Secretary to the State Government should liaise with the Civil service Commission and ensure that names of all those who are in school on full-time studies should be properly identified and taken out of our payroll.

Presenting the report, Chairman of the Establishment Committee, Francis Doukpola, said the total number of staff strength as of December 2015 was 14,669, out of which 13,936 were verified, while those not verified were 730.

Doukpola, who noted that the breakdown of the figure was exclusive of staff of the Niger Delta University, the primary and secondary schools, said the committee visited 29 ministries, 30 departments and 31 agencies to physically identify workers.

According to him, the committee also observed some discrepancies between the nominal and payroll of most of the ministries, departments and agencies and advised the government to put in place a monitoring mechanism to ensure that both of them tally at any given point in time to check fraud.

The committee recommended the establishment of a special inspection unit to monitor MDAs and their outfits in the local government areas to check absenteeism, computerization of MDAs, maintenance of the current salary structure and adherence to public service rules.

Source: Punch
The people of Aniocha community in Delta State have appealed to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to come to their aid and restore power to the area which has been off for over 10 years.

A member of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State, Mr. Austine Eneduwa-George, who spoke on behalf of the community in Lagos said the minister should please save the community from the prolonged power outage.

The protest in Ogwashi-Uku was due to the fact that we have not had power supply in Aniocha for over 10 years while other communities in Delta State are enjoying the labour of the minister. In a town, where former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okojo- Iwealas father is the king, the road network is horrible, he said.

More so, my people are continually complaining, because they are not seeing the impact of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, representative of Aniocha South in Delta State House of Assembly. There is no sign of Aniocha having a representative in the House.
The Ekiti state government celebrated its teachers on the occasion of World Teachers day following the state recording the highest pass rate in the recently released NECO examination results.

SEE ALSO: World Teachers Day; 5 Pictures We Can All Relate To

Two teachers were presented with brand new cars by the Ekiti state government, Ayodele Fayose. He also donated the sum of N50m to teachers in the state, promising to double the incentive sum in 2017.

The Governor didnt miss the chance to take a swipe at President Muhammadu Buhari, alluding to the suffering of many Nigerians; Nigerians are not begging for too much. What they wanted is to change their fortunes for better. President Buhari must stop complaining. He must address this recession that is killing Nigerians.
The popular Saraki Market, in Ita-Ama, Ilorin the Kwara State capital was on Wednesday gutted by fire destroying goods worth several millions of naira.

The Kwara State Fire Service Public Relations Officer, Malam Mohammed Kazeem, who confirmed the incident said the fire could have been caused by an electrical spark.

He added that combined efforts of firefighters and sympathizers reduced the impact of the infernowhich was said to have razed over 60 shops destroying food items and drinks.

Meanwhile, the traders have appealed to the administration of Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed come to their aid, saying that their main source of livelihood have been lost to the ravaging fire.

The Chairman of the Local Government, Alhaji Tajudeen Zulu-Oloje, expressed sympathy for the traders and promised that the council will provide relief to the victims within the available resources.
A celebrity birthday only comes once a year and usually commands a celebration. When it comes to celebrations, some stars want to keep them small and simple, while others want it big and lavish.

For Kenyan socialite Vera Sidika, it was small and lavish as she pulled all the stops to make her 27th birthday celebration something to remember.

The light-skin socialite certainly had an impressive birthday party that went on for days over 3 major cities in the world. From Milan to Paris and finally Dubai, where Vera enjoyed an intimate celebration with her mystery bae, who flew her from the Love capital into Dubai so they could celebrate it together.

Vera shared photos of her fun filled trip on social media and also talked about her rebirth.

She wrote;

VERA Meaning: true and faith. I could quite comfortably say that Ive lived out my first three semesters and to shed some light on that, as everything comes in threes, for instance, beginning, middle and end, birth, life then death, father, son and holy spirit Etc. You get my drift. Ive had my good, bad and ugly side of life., Ill say it as it is, all Ive done in the past has been choices Ive made for myself. 27the Perfect Cube. If you didnt know, well, Ill enlighten you. 27 stands for philanthropy and compassion and that is the torch I will carry henceforth. God has blessed me this far and Ill carry it forward. This is my rebirth. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.

Ciao Italia

To Paris

En route Dubai

Balling in Dubai
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are now being treated by French police as suspects in the Paris robbery case as evidence has emerged suggesting the jewellery theft was an inside job.

Police have serious questions regarding how Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint while in a hotel room alone with over $10 million worth of jewellery.

However Kardashian fled France before answering police questions, leading to suggestions she knew she had been rumbled.

According to a source, French police suspect that the five alleged robbers had some contact with her security and were tipped off about her procedures.

They knew there was no security [with her inside her apartment that night]. All they had to do was go in, make contact with someone inside the hotel. They have issues with story of more than one worker at the hotel. They are also talking to bodyguards who worked with her earlier in the week.

First thought as soon as I read this story was this is a bullsh*t insurance scam. Kanye was complaining hes broke and needs millions just a couple months ago, now 11 million dollars of jewellery happens to get stolen. No witnesses? No cameras in the hotel? No security, just one concierge? Why would she have $11 million dollars worth of jewellery on her? This reeks of a scam.

Kardashians former bodyguard Steve Stanulis also believes the official story reported by the media is fishy.

He said, I would say its either an inside job or publicity stunt. That hotel is so secure, somebody must have tipped them off that she was alone inside, or shown them a way in.

Experts agree with French police that evidence points to the robbery being staged.

International and special operations director Richard Davis said, You need to rent the room on the right and a room on the left. Plus men in the hallway and the elevator who will stop people and say, may we see your room key please. Now, theyll meet in the lobby or hallway and thats their pickup and dropoff point and the bodyguards go back home. Weve been warning them for years.

Standard celebrity procedures were ignored on the night Kardashian was robbed, and police believe it points to an inside job.

I worked in a hotel and when celebs or wealthy guests had loans on for an event, within minutes of their return to the hotel the jewellery store (with their own guards) would be there to collect the jewellery, added Davis.

The really rich guests would travel with their own safes, book connected rooms and have guards in the rooms at all times. Even the hotel maids were not allowed into the room with out a call down to the desk to check if they were legitimate and they were not left unsupervised. The room with the safe were usually not cleaned until guest departure.

We all know what really happened when Ryan Lochte claimed to be held at gunpoint a couple months back, he added.
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has blamed failure of Jonathan administration to provide equipment and supplies to the military for the spread of Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East. He made the statement on Thursday at the graduation of Cadets of 63rd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna. Osinbajo, who was the special guest at the graduation, said that the failure resulted to the death of over 20, 000 people with over two million displaced and more than 75, 000 children orphaned.

He expressed regret that several billions of dollars meant for procurement of arms and ammunition to prosecute the war were cornered by few persons. This has left the region with one of the worst humanitarian crisis, he added. The VP commended the military for defeating the terrorists and for the sacrifices it made to defend the nation. He said that the fastest way for Nigeria to get out of the current recession was for militant groups in the Niger Delta to stop bombing oil pipelines. He said that the activities of the militants had adversely affected crude oil output which had dropped from 2.2 million barrels per day to below 1 million barrels per day.

Osinbajo said the destruction had also affected the revenue accruing to the country by 60 per cent. While comparing the 2008/2009 recession in United States with Nigerias, the VP said Nigerias recession was caused by massive corruption, lack of saving and destruction of oil pipelines. 133 cadets, including 17 female cadets, were for the first time awarded first degree certificates in various discipline at the occasion.

One hundred and twenty seven (127) cadets were awarded masters degree while 14 cadets bagged doctorate degree. Three prominent Nigerians, Prof. Grace Alele-Willaims, former Vice Chancellor, Uniben; Maj.-Gen. Paul Tarfa (rtd), ex-military Administrator of Old Oyo state and business mongul, Dr Innocent Chukwuma, were conferred with honorary doctorate degree.

Source: Vanguard
Former Minister of Finance and Chair of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. this week to discuss further partnership that would help improve childhood immunisation coverage in poor countries and to accelerate access to new vaccines.

They discussed a partnership that would help improve childhood immunization coverage in poor countries and to accelerate access to new vaccines.

Created in 2000, Gavi is an international organisation  a global Vaccine Alliance, bringing together public and private sectors with the shared goal of creating equal access to vaccines for children, wherever they live.
Nigerias minister of Works, Power, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has revealed the Federal Government will not award any new road contracts this year.

According to Fashola, 206 existing road contracts were awarded in the past three years but have not been funded. He said the contracts sums were up to N2 trillion.

SEE ALSO: FG APPROVES N3.2bn FOR THE PURCHASE OF 320 VEHICLES FOR PRISON SERVICE

He made the comments at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday as he also disclosed that the budgetary practice of breaking the contracts for long federal roads into several contracts has contributed to the problem.

Each section is budgeted for. Now, what has happened on the Benin Abuja-Lokoja road is that certain sections of that road were removed from the budget when we presented it. Fashola said

Wherever our roads have difficulties, it is not the entire road that is bad, it is sections that have failed He added
Corn (ZC) Retesting Weekly Chart Triangle Resistance Tradable Patterns - Mon Oct 31, 1:12AM CDT CORN (ZCZ22) gapped up more than 2% to start the week, but is likely to consolidate these next few days as it bumps against the psychologically key 700 whole figure level and triangle resistance (on the... ZCZ22 : 698-6 (+2.64%) CORN : 27.09 (-0.33%)

Grains start off hot! Banghart Properties - Sun Oct 30, 7:29PM CDT How strong will wheat finish the week out

Lean Hogs Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Oct 30, 5:03PM CDT The downtrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading below resistance level 89.075, which will be followed by reaching support level 80.675 and if it keeps on moving down below that level,...

Feeder Cattle Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Oct 30, 5:02PM CDT The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 178.550, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 188.250.

Live Cattle Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Oct 30, 5:01PM CDT The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 151.775, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 156.475.

Soybean Oil Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Oct 30, 5:00PM CDT The downtrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading below resistance level 73.75, which will be followed by reaching support level 68.16 and if it keeps on moving down below that level,...

Soybean Meal Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Oct 30, 4:59PM CDT The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 419.1, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 439.
Nonprofit leaders have been saying forever that they need more general support, and lately, it's been encouraging to hear some funders saying the same thingfrom Ford President Darren Walker to local foundation leaders like Terry Mazany at Chicago Community Trust.

One Texas foundation that we follow pretty closely, the Episcopal Health Foundation, is the latest funder that gets it. In a recent post, "Rethinking the Nonprofit Funding Formula," EHF program officer Katy Butterwick called out poor working conditions and quality of life in the social sectoralong with the complicity of funders in these problems.

The plain truth is that many nonprofits cant afford to prioritize and offer health insurance, paid time off, or livable wages to their employees, much less maternity/paternity leave and other benefits. And why cant they? It has something to do in part with funders reluctance to offer operational supportunrestricted capital that can be used for these and other essential purposes.

Funders are drawn to project or program support, said Butterwick, because it seems to offer the surest path to demonstrable impact. In fact, though, this approach undermines impact over time, because "continual self-sacrifice is not sustainable." Butterwick wrote:

Turnover in the nonprofit sector is rampant. Young, promising nonprofit workers are reluctant to take on greater responsibility and leadership. New generations have expectations around work-life balance that demandand rightlycompetitive salary and fair benefits whether they are non- or for-profit workers.

It is simply wrong, wrote Butterwick, to imagine that employees in this sector will unconditionally commit to making the world a better place without regard for their own benefits and welfare.

This EHF program officer is hardly the first person to make this point. But it's not a perspective we hear often enough from the funding side of the fence, where the power lies. Which raises an obvious question: What's EHF going to do to address the issues that Buttterwick raised?

Hoping for an answer, I connected with Butterwick to ask a few follow-up questions to her thought-provoking piece.

The first question I had was a practical one: How can foundations measure the impact of grants for general operating and staff support? Keep in mind that EHF is still a relatively new foundation thats still developing its own processes and learning from its peers. But with that said, Butterwick and her colleagues have some ideas on how to make this work.

Here's what she told me.

Both grantmakers and grantees have been conditioned to think in terms of programmatic outputs. Evaluating operational investments means thinking together about broader, mission-driven organizational outcomes and how those might be measured. Some questions that might help us get there are, How do each of your programs help you accomplish your mission?; What else are you doing that isnt within a program?; and What do you want to see happen for your beneficiaries? We want to measure what matters to our grantees and to our foundation, and we hope that we can do both with an approach to evaluation that emphasizes shared learning and opportunity. We may consider our grantee organizations progress toward goals within their business plan (related to their strategic plan) as a good measure of operational health. An organizational assessment that points up opportunities to grow in particular areas might also measure progress toward shared goals and illustrate organizational health. In regards to staff support, we may become more intentional about asking due diligence questions like Do you have a policy about employee self-care?; Have you measured your employees level of engagement and/or satisfaction, and if so, what did you learn from that?; What is your staff retention rate?; Why do employees choose to work for your organization, and why do they leave?; Do you have an on-boarding process and/or conduct exit interviews with staff? and How would you describe the culture of your organization?

All that sounds well and good, but what about EHF's actual grantmaking?

In fact, Butterwick said that EHF does plan to boost its support for nonprofit capacity building in future funding cycles. She said:

We have recently welcomed a capacity building officer to the EHF grants team, and she will work to build out our support in this area both through strategic grantmaking and in direct service. We are focused on organizational health as it pertains to financial management (including diversifying revenue sources), adaptive, brave, and compassionate leadership, and the ability to develop, deliver, and continuously improve service to a particular population.

This is all good news for grantseekers in Texas, and perhaps beyond, as EHF joins an important movement among funders to support the people and core organizational capacity that makes the social sector go.

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Ocean Storage, which operates four self-storage facilities in Virginia and North Carolina, will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location in Yorktown, Va., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 20. The 11 a.m. event will include tours of the property at 105 Professional Parkway as well as refreshments and raffles for free storage. Members of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will attend the celebration, according to a press release from Storage Asset Management Inc. (SAM), which will manage the site.

The new facility is just off a major thoroughfare of State Route 17. It comprises 54,523 square feet of rentable storage space in 347 temperature-controlled units. The site also has office space for lease and a retail center that sells moving and packing supplies. Security features include keypad access and video cameras. Customers can take advantage of online reservations and billpay.

Ocean Storage operates four facilities in Cape Charles, Virginia Beach and Yorktown, Va., and one in Shallotte, N.C.

Based in York, Pa., SAM manages more than 50 self-storage properties and three UPS Stores along the East Coast.
Scottish Capital Partners Ltd., a Scotland-based private investment firm, is investing 50 million to create a portfolio of WorkSpace brand business parks that will include self-storage and office space for startup companies. The facilities will offer both services on a flexible basis, allowing renters to adjust their square footage as often as monthly, according to John McGlynn, founder.

The first business park opened last year in Paisley, Scotland. Scottish Capital had purchased the property in 2014. The site comprises 180,000 square feet of space. More than 44,000 square feet of space has already been developed into WorkSpace offices and studios as well as 640 self-storage units. Once complete, the center will total 90,000 square feet, according to the source.

A second site in Cambuslang, a suburb of Glasgow, Scotland, recently had a soft opening due to customer demand, the source reported. The 7.5-acre center will be formally unveiled once the landscaping is complete.

Scottish Capital plans to open 10 workspace sites over the next 12 to 18 months. The properties will offer purpose-built, drive-up storage units in varying sizes up to 200 square feet. Each will include 24-hour access, board and meeting rooms, furnished offices, kitchens, phone, Internet, reception services, postal facilities, security measures, and parking.

I see this as a great way to foster growth of small business in the area, McGlynn said. At a time when there feels to be some uncertainty in the country, the more flexible we can make things for businesses, the more likely they are to take the leap of faith to start or grow; we want to encourage and help that.

McGlynn, who launched his first business, Airlink Group, from a law-school library, said startups need support to establish a base. He cited businesses enrolled in Entrepreneurial Spark, a free startup-accelerator program designed to help new companies in Scotland, as an example. People come out the other side and the support mechanism doesnt exist, he said. A new startup companythe chances are theyve got no idea how big their first order is going to be.

The month-to-month lease will give businesses flexibility, McGlynn said. If they have a huge order, they can take 10 storerooms; a month later they can give us nine back. Its to create ultra-flexibility; this is basically the pay-as-you-go mobile phone for the property business.

Flexibility will be key to WorkSpaces success, McGlynn said. Most startup companies dont have the cash to pay for a property or commit to a three- or five-year lease, never mind asking a lawyer to review a 50-page lease. The economy has moved on, and people who are providing business space have to move with it. Weve looked at best practice around the world and said, If were going to do this, lets do it properly. So it has to be chunky capital for 10 sites or we dont do it at all.

The firms renting space will also have more to offer prospective investors, McGlynn said. If weve got 50 really cool businesses in there, and some have come from other programs like Entrepreneurial Spark, that means they are investor-ready. Now, if you get to see these companies close at hand, what better for an investor than to have a cluster? So I think theres an appetite for people to invest in companies where they can fly into Glasgow, go and visit five or six of their investee companies in the one building, and then get on a plane again.

McGlynn has launched more than 50 business ventures in the past 20 years. In addition to Scottish Capital, hes the founder of Storage Investments, a commercial landlord that owns a drive-up self-storage chain in the United Kingdom. In 2014, he sold several car-park sites to focus on commercial investment properties. McGlynn entered the self-storage market after attending industry shows and realizing the investment potential, the source reported.
As Hurricane Matthew moves north towards Florida, thousands of coastal residents have fled inland to avoid possible flooding and power outages that could affect more than a million people. For investors, the storm is an unwelcome reminder that a single storm can create billions of dollars in damages and interrupt commodity supplies. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, the storm has the capability to disrupt transport and basic services in the region for many weeks. On Wednesday, Florida Governor Rick Scott announced that the storm may spur the largest evacuation in the states history. Meanwhile, the hurricane has rampaged through the Caribbean. Matthew slammed Haiti, one of the most economically fragile states in the Western Hemisphere, with rescue workers still unable to calculate the human toll from the storm. Critically, Matthew has also delayed a presidential election that interim President Jocelerme Privert had pledged to settle unrest in a nation that has waited since 2015 for a new leader.

Initial claims fall near record low. U.S. Department of Labor data released today indicated that the second fewest number of recently unemployed workers in more than 40 years sought benefits last week. Total claims registered at 249,000 versus consensus economists forecasts for 256,000. The Department of Labor will releases the September employment situation report tomorrow, with indications that the job market remains robust, making a Federal Reserve rate hike likely before year's end.

Guterres voted UN Secretary General. Antonio Guterres is on track to become the UNs next secretary general, replacing South Korean Ban Ki-moon. Guterres, 67, had served as prime minister of Portugal for seven years as well as a stint as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, a role that drew accolades from world leaders. The UN Security Council gave Guterres strong backing yesterday and is expected to bring him before the 193-nation UN General Assembly today. Guterres began his career as a professor of electrical engineering but became a career socialist politician during the early 1970s, a tumultuous time for Portugal as it shed a four-decade old authoritarian regime.

Blackstone to sell Chinese IT firm.The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, today reported that private equity giant Blackstone Group was preparing to sell Chinese outsourced IT provider Pactera Technology International in a deal valued at roughly $675 million, or approximately a 50 percent return on the price the fund manager paid as lead investor in a 2014 takeover. The buyer in the transaction is a division of Chinese conglomerate HNA Group.

Theranos to lay off staff and close labs. Embattled medical diagnostic company Theranos announced yesterday that it will shutter its blood-testing facilities and lay off approximately 340 workers following regulatory sanctions and ongoing investigations. The company founder and CEO, Elizabeth Holmes, was barred from the clinical-testing industry for two years in July by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. According to Holmes statement on the company website, the firm will now focus on next-generation testing equipment that is currently in the development stage.

Meeting among EU nations advocating tax on trading. Leaders from ten members of the European Union are convening today in Luxembourg to renew discussions of a tax on financial transactions. In the aftermath of the credit crisis, a transaction levy, particularly on swaps and other derivatives, was proposed as an offset to the systemic risk presented by capital markets. Austrian Finance minister Hans Jorg Schelling will lead the discussion.
Ian Narev, CEO of the Commonwealth Bank, has conceded that his companys life insurance arm CommInsure has wronged some of its customers; said no one has been terminated over the insurance scandals, it has been reported.Narev was the first of four big banks chiefs to address the House of Representatives economics committee's banking review, set up as an alternative to a royal commission into the banking industry.Aside from CBA, Westpac, ANZ Bank, and the National Australia Bank will be questioned by the parliamentary committee about consumer rip offs, dodgy financial planning advice, and other unethical behaviour within the banking system, SBS said.Narev apologised to customers who have been victimised by CommInsure and the banks bad behaviour, saying: I have personally met with customers whom we have let down. Ive done so in order to understand their experiences first hand. Ive said before how sorry I am for the pain that weve caused them. I say so again today, SBS reported.The CBA chief said he expects more cases of poor customer outcomes, as well as more announcements regarding compensation to those affected. So far, the bank has paid out $52 million in compensation."As we do this work, I expect there will be cases of more poor customer outcomes and there will undoubtedly be more announcements regarding compensation due to customers, which will include some significant monetary amounts given the scale of our business and the length of time we will go back to make things right. Critics will paint these as signs of ongoing problems. Actually, they're signs of how serious we are about fairness."Narev said CBA is currently implementing a comprehensive internal review to look into the widespread financial misconduct of its financial planners and into the allegations against CommInsure, SBS reported.Narev has also confirmed during the inquiry that no CBA staff has been terminated for rejecting insurance claims from terminally people or for refusing to pay out life insurance, Mercury reported.There are certainly individuals where we know enough about them that theyve had some consequences related to remuneration but at this stage we have not had individuals terminated because of this because weve not seen the need to do that, he said.The banks independent committees will decide on the appropriate disciplinary action after the review is completed.
"We see these climate perils as no different to an explosion"
It is a familiar story in the insurance industry. One family member follows another down the path of insurance and never looks back.That was the same for John Elliott, CEO of Elliott Insurance Brokers, who followed his father Arthur into the industry before branching out on his own.My father has not only been the one to introduce me to the industry, he has been my idol and my mentor throughout the process, Elliott told Insurance Business.He has always been the rock that is there and I credit him with putting me in the position and giving me the opportunity and the introduction to the industry that I never would have had.Not only that but being one of the greatest sounding boards for the companys development. There are not many things that we do without running past him, he doesnt have to have an integral understanding of the technology to know whats good advice, what the client requires, getting a good product and making sure that the client is the forefront consideration of everything that we do.After his early years in the industry, Elliott set out on his own and turned his own business from a one man band to one of the top ten brokerages in the country, named at number six in Insurance Business 2016 ranking.Coming to the industry from a background in sales, Elliott said that the relationships broking offers were key to his development in the industry.Being a trusted adviser is something that was really exciting to work towards, Elliott continued.You are sitting in a business as an external resource to be able to be a value asset to their business. That was something that really appealed to me as opposed to just being that wham, bam, thank you mam and sign on the piece of paper, you take the money and you are done.Outside of the industry, Elliott is well-known for his charity pursuits having earned media attention in Perth earlier this year by donating his car to charity. Elliott and others, as part of the One Heart Foundation, are currently trying to raise $1.2 million to build a sustainable village in Kenya.Elliott doesnt just push boundaries for charity; he has taken a similar tact with his brokerage too.Whenever there has been an opportunity or a temptation to get comfortable and just keep doing what we do well, we have never sat in that comfort level for very long, Elliott continued.Our premise as a business is to push the boundaries, to not always take the low hanging fruit and to constantly try to reinvent ourselves so that people dont look at Elliott insurance and say we know exactly what they are about they look at Elliott Insurance and say what are they going to do next?For more information on One Heart Foundation, click here
An Aussie insurance broker who used his work-issued laptop computer and phone to download pornography and store a private sex tape will receive compensation of $10,535 (AU$10,000) after winning an unfair dismissal case.The verdict has prompted employers to study their policies with the industrial relations umpire stressing that porn on work devices is not automatically sackable and any Australian employers who want it to be an offence should create specific policies that confine the use of their equipment.The former manager from Port Macquarie s Smarter Insurance Brokers lost his job in January after a string of verbal warnings about unsatisfactory work performance, Fairfax Media reported.Then, his New South Wales employer raised new evidence about his accessing of hardcore internet porn to justify the sacking.Phone records and internet searches spanning a period of several months were produced to reveal the former manager used employer-issued devices to view, download and store hardcore pornographic material.The brokerage also claimed the managers laptop contained a sex tape and images of himself performing sex acts, which he did not deny, Fairfax Media reported.In his defence at a hearing at the Fair Work Commission, the manager defended his actions by arguing he downloaded the porn while he was on a lunch break or outside work hours and work premises.Commissioner Ian Cambridge said using work devices to access porn would normally constitute workplace misconduct.He cited the obvious differences between that and other sorts of personal internet use, such as internet banking.Unless the employee worked in the sex industry, it would be difficult to contemplate that the viewing, downloading and/or storage of pornographic material represented proper, work-related use of the employers equipment, Cambridge said, adding that the former managers line of defence was questionable.However, because the employer had not implemented or made known a specific policy that confined the use of its equipment to work-related activities, it meant the claims in this case did not constitute a valid reason for dismissal."In the particular circumstances of this case, the subsequently discovered misconduct involving the accessing, downloading and storage of pornographic material could not be properly held to represent valid reason for the dismissal of the applicant," Cambridge said.The employers process for dealing with the sacking was also highlighted as being severely flawed since it had failed to provide the former manager with an opportunity to respond to the reasons for his dismissal.The company was ordered to pay AU$10,000, equivalent to about eight weeks wages, as compensation.
Delaware Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart is encouraging Delaware residents to take action now to prepare for potential damages and interruptions from Hurricane Matthew.

Although it is too early to predict the long-term track of the storm, residents are encouraged to review or develop an emergency plan, create or update a home inventory and take action to make their homes as safe as possible to prevent any damage from occurring.

The Atlantic Hurricane season officially ends on November 30. Even if this current storm bypasses the Delaware region, there is still plenty of time for other strong storms to form which could eventually threaten Delaware, according to a press release issued by the Delaware Department of Insurance.

According to the Delaware Department of Insurance, now is an ideal time for residents to update personal property inventory for their homes, or create a new inventory. Having an up-to-date home inventory can make the insurance claims process easier should the home be damaged by a natural disaster.

For the best protection, it is important to take pictures of important documents, or scan and save them in a personal e-mail or online storage account, the press release states. That way, if documents are lost in a disaster, they can still be accessed from anywhere.

It is also recommended that residents have evacuation plans and prepare an emergency supply kit. In the event of an evacuation, residents should turn off all utilities to reduce the chance of additional damage and electrical shock when utilities are restored.

Additionally, residents should keep in mind that traditional homeowners insurance will not cover losses due to flooding and storm surges. Only flood insurance will protect a home and property from damage due to flood waters. There is typically a 30-day waiting period from the time of purchasing the policy until it goes in to effect.

With all of this in mind, The Delaware Department of Insurance encourages residents to monitor the storm in the coming days. If the storm tracks toward Delaware, the press release lists these additional precautions for residents to take:

Clear gutters of leaves and trim branches that are hanging over the roof.

Close and lock all doors and windows to prevent them from blowing open and allowing rain in.

Move any items from the yard that could become projectiles and cause damage

Make sure to understand the deductible provision of insurance policies.

Keep all insurance policies in an easily accessible location.

If forced to evacuate, residents should keep insurance records with them at all times, including the name and telephone number of their insurer or insurance agent.

Be certain to understand the claim procedures of an insurance company.

Make sure to have insurance up to at least 80% of the value on a home to avoid penalties under any co-insurance provision of the policy.

Keep all necessary information regarding health coverage, including prescription information, with insurance records in the event of an evacuation.

Source: Delaware Department of Insurance

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Hurricane
If you hurt yourself while pulling stuff from your car, should your insurance company be on the hook for the injuries?

The Michigan Supreme Court is opening a new term this week with arguments in that case and many others, including alleged misconduct by an Ann Arbor-area judge who could lose his job.

In 2012, truck driver Daniel Kemp tore a calf muscle while stretching on his tiptoes to grab a thermos, briefcase and overnight bag, just 30 seconds after parking at home. He sought payments under his no-fault policy but Farm Bureau Insurance said no.

Kemp acknowledged that his truck wasnt moving when he was hurt, but his lawyers said he should qualify for benefits under Michigan law because his injuries were related to the transportational use of the truck.

I heard something go pow and I fell to the ground, Kemp said.

A Wayne County judge and the state appeals court, however, ruled against him. Farm Bureau Insurance said the appeals court decision in its favor was common sense.

If Kemp prevails at the Supreme Court, the company said, then insurance must cover strained backs, sprained wrists, stubbed toes and any other common maladies that result from unloading groceries, grabbing a purse or wallet off the seat or even unbuckling an infant from a car seat.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in 11 cases yesterday and today.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Auto Michigan
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission has decided that an 80-year-old bridge over a creek in Guthrie will be replaced as part of a continued effort to decrease the number of obsolete bridges in the state.

In 2004, 17 percent of the states highway bridges were rated as structurally deficient. That number is now a little less than 5 percent, which are all to be replaced or repaired by the end of the decade.

Just over a decade ago, Oklahoma had some of the worst bridges in the nation and no funding solution for our major highway needs or asset preservation, state Transportation Department Executive Director Mike Patterson said. We have seen great progress and major improvements in recent years, but the budget challenges facing the state mean ODOT will be unable to maintain the pace of progress.

The Oklahoman reports that a $17 million contract awarded by commissioners calls for the construction of a four-lane bridge over Cottonwood Creek. The existing two-lane bridge will remain open during the 18-month project.

The commission also approved an updated eight-year construction work plan to upgrade the states transportation infrastructure in line with a growing population and increased traffic. The plan calls for nearly $6.4 billion in federal and state transportation funding for 1,616 projects.

Because of state revenue shortages, the Legislature cut $323 million in transportation funding this year, but partially offset that reduction by authorizing $200 million in bond financing.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Oklahoma
Clothed in the power of the law, the federal government is again suing a Mississippi strip club, saying black strippers should be treated equally when they take it all off.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a fresh lawsuit Sept. 30 against Dannys Downtown Cabaret, saying the Jackson club is still discriminating against black dancers four years after the government filed a similar lawsuit. The government also wants the club held in contempt for violating a settlement of the earlier suit.

Owner Daniel Dax Owens wrote in an email that hes not aware of the filings. He didnt respond to a request for further comment. A lawyer in the earlier suit withdrew in April, citing irreconcilable differences with Owens.

The new suit alleges club managers require African-American strippers to work exclusively at the nearby Black Diamonds club, owned by the same man, or pay $100 per shift to work at Dannys. Black Diamonds bills itself as the Nations No. 1 Urban Strip Club, with locations also in Dallas and Houston.

The six strippers represented by the EEOC say they liked working at Black Diamonds less, where patrons were allowed to grope the entertainers, where patrons were permitted to use illicit drugs and smoke cigarettes, and where there was initially no air conditioning. The suit represents that none of those things was a problem at Dannys.

The suit alleges the club fired dancer Ashley Williams in July 2013 after she refused to pay the discriminatory fee. Five other unnamed dancers are also represented. The lawsuit seeks compensation and punitive damages for all the women, as well as back pay for Williams and changes to prevent future problems.

Dannys agreed to settle an earlier suit alleging discrimination against black strippers, but the EEOC says the club has totally failed to comply with requirements to update its policies, train managers, keep records of complaints and post a nondiscrimination notice. The governments contempt motion seeks sanctions and attorneys fees.

The 2012 lawsuit said that Dannys forced black dancers to work less lucrative shifts than whites, making them compete for spots on a black shift. That suit also claimed Dannys subjected African-American dancers to arbitrary fees and fines and excluded them from advertisements promoting the company.

Owens filed for personal bankruptcy Sept. 16, after a Black Diamonds patron won a $61,500 judgment against him. The patron claimed that club bouncers fractured his ankle in an unjustified beating in 2014. The patron moved to seize Black Diamonds and auction it, causing a brief closure before Owens filed for bankruptcy and the club reopened. Local media reported Dannys and Black Diamonds also closed briefly in July because of another unpaid judgment stemming from a lawsuit over injuries received from security guards.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Mississippi
(Bloomberg) - Hurricane Matthew has thousands fleeing the U.S. Southeast where its expected to batter the coastline and threaten electricity supplies to more than 1 million people. Potential losses are seen as high as $15 billion.

The eye of Matthew is moving near the central Bahamas with maximum winds at 115 miles (185-kilometers) per hour and is expected to intensify as it approaches Florida, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said in an 11 p.m. New York time advisory. The Category 3 storm closed the Buckeye oil terminal in Freeport, Bahamas, and could disrupt oil shipments along the U.S. East Coast.

The National Weather Service warned that winds, heavy rain and a storm surge could kill, wash out roads, cut communication links and cause outages lasting weeks. Evacuations could push storm damage to $10 billion to $15 billion mainly in losses related to economic disruption, said Chuck Watson, a disaster modeler with Enki Research in Savannah, Georgia. Jonathan Adams and Jeffrey Flynn, analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence, projected losses to be closer to $5 billion, with Florida bearing the brunt.

The big thing is that the Northeast gets spared, which is good and bad, because they actually needed the rain, and the Outer Banks too, said Evan Duffey, a meteorologist at AccuWeather Inc. in State College, Pennsylvania. Regardless, the Bahamas and Florida are going to see a deteriorating situation throughout the day. Landfall is still possible in Florida.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley ordered the evacuation of Charleston and Beaufort counties, including their namesake cities. Florida has called on people to leave parts of Brevard, St. Lucie, Flagler and Duval counties.

Bear Brunt

Universal Insurance Holdings Inc., American International Group Inc., Progressive Corp. and Chubb Ltd. operate in Florida. RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and Validus Holdings Ltd. are the catastrophe reinsurers in the region, Adams and Flynn wrote.

Twelve U.S. power generators, including two nuclear plants, are in the storms path, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. One nuclear facility, NextEra Energy Inc.s Turkey Point in south Florida, is located just outside of the storms track. Nuclear operators NextEra Energy and Duke Energy Corp. said they would shut their reactors hours ahead of the onset of hurricane-force winds.

NextEras Florida Power & Light utility, the largest in Florida, said as many as 1.2 million customers could lose power.

Orange Crop

The risk to Floridas orange crop is minimal because the worst weather will be along the coast, said Donald Keeney, a meteorologist with MDA Weather Services in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Warnings have been posted for the Bahamas and Florida. The storm has begun to wind down in Haiti and eastern Cuba. Haiti will be vulnerable to landslides for days to come, Duffey said.

At least five people died, six were injured and one is missing so far in Haiti, according to a statement from its embassy in Washington. There hasnt been a full assessment done yet because parts of the country have been cut off. Sundays presidential election has been postponed.

Category 4

Matthew was about 325 miles southeast of West Palm Beach, Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center advisory. Its expected to become a Category 4 storm near Florida.

The environment between the Bahamas and Florida is favorable for Matthew to restrengthen some during the next couple of days, Lixion Avila, a senior hurricane specialist at the center, wrote in an analysis.

On its current forecast track, Matthew should move up Floridas east coast just offshore. Any deviation could mean the difference between massive devastation and essentially missing the state.

It will likely take another day or so for the potential impacts of Matthew in the United States to fully clarify, Daniel Brown, the Miami centers warning-coordination meteorologist, wrote in an analysis Wednesday.

There is a chance the eye will come ashore near Cape Canaveral, home to NASAs Kennedy Space Center, said Alan Reppert, a meteorologist with AccuWeather. If it does and it maintains its strength, it will be the first major hurricane to strike the U.S. since 2005, which is the longest the country has gone without such a strike since the 1850s.

Earlier forecasts called for an upper-level weather pattern to grab Matthew and drag it north up the U.S. East Coast, Duffey said. It looks now that the storm will drift away from the U.S. and back out to sea through the weekend, though some models have it looping back around to take another pass through the Bahamas and possibly even returning to Florida late next week.
As Hurricane Matthew starts to batter the southeast coast, insurance companies are reaching out to customers in the path of the storm and preparing for an onslaught of claims.

For The Main Street America Group (MSA), headquartered in Jacksonville, the adoption of social media at CAT time is expected to be higher than ever, according to Mark Friedlander, head of corporate communications. The company posts updates on the storms current path, as well as information about MSAs hours of operation and 24-hour claims services. Reminders are also sent out to inform customers that agents are prohibited from writing new policies while states are on storm watch.

We are in constant contact with agents through social media, e-mail and agent portals, he says. Weve been posting information for several days now, before we knew the projected path of the hurricane simply due to the size of it.

The company has used social media as a main communication tool during catastrophes for five years, but it had mostly been ad hoc, including Friedlanders personal account. MSA launched its corporate Twitter feed on Sept. 1 of this year, right in time for the smaller Hurricane Hermine. Friedlander says the platform serves well to share all kinds of quick highlights with the public such as, mandatory evacuations where our employees live.

Most P&C carriers, whether regional or national, engage in social media to communicate during situations like this, which is vastly different compared to five years ago, he adds.

Security First Insurances mobile app allows customers to track storms and post updates directly on where they are relative to storms on social media, says COO Werner Kruck. Customers with a claim can also use the app for first notice of loss. During Hermine, 6% of new claims originated on mobile.

The last time a major hurricane hit Florida was Wilma in 2005, and everyone didnt have a smartphone then, Kruck says. We can expect a lot more communications other than just a telephone call.

[See the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history]

Security First has set up a customer communications environment that allows all incoming communications to be accessible through the same console. That will be important during Matthew, because the companys headquarters are on an island off Daytona Beach. The building is evacuated and the communication system is redirected to a backup site in Atlanta, and some employees homes.

Kruck says this is the first major test of the disaster response plan. Employees are able to access the phone system and the console through virtualization, he explains.

We're not tied to a physical location. Our people have their phones with them, and they can plug in and go, he says.

[How the National Weather Service uses big data in hurricane forecasts]
In Italia, piu di un bambino su 10 (11,2 per cento) sta affrontando l'inverno in condizioni di severo disagio abitativo e il 14,8 per cento delle famiglie con bambini non riesce a riscaldare adeguatamente l'abitazione in cui vive.

In aumento i bimbi in severo disagio abitativo

Dal 2008 al 2016 il numero di bambini in condizione di severo disagio abitativo e cresciuto del 15,5%. Il 20,3% dei minori  piu di uno su cinque  vive in case con problemi strutturali quali umidita, tracce di muffa alle pareti, soffitti gocciolanti, infissi rotti (media Ue del 17,7%) e il 5,3% in strutture poco luminose. Particolarmente preoccupante il dato relativo alle famiglie con bambini impossibilitate a riscaldare l'abitazione in modo sufficiente, che supera la media dell'Unione europea di oltre 6 punti percentuali e che, dal 2008, ha registrato un incremento del 28,7%.

In Italia la poverta minorile e un'emergenza

In un paese dove la poverta minorile rappresenta una vera emergenza, tantissimi bambini vivono in alloggi fatiscenti, senza la possibilita di crescere in salute e sicurezza. I dati sul disagio abitativo, gia cosi preoccupanti, sono sottostimati: tengono conto delle sole famiglie con residenza, escludendo quei nuclei con minori in emergenza abitativa che vivono, per esempio, in rifugi di fortuna  ha dichiarato Raffaela Milano, Direttrice dei programmi Italia Europa di Savethe Children -. Sempre piu spesso, al Nord come al Sud, nei quartieri piu svantaggiati, ci troviamo a fronteggiare, con le associazioni e i servizi sociali territoriali, casi di emergenza abitativa che colpiscono i bambini, con conseguenze molto gravi per la loro salute, il percorso scolastico, la vita familiare. E' indispensabile rafforzare gli strumenti di protezione per scongiurare il ripetersi di queste situazioni.
Ancora guai per Lapo Elkann, stavolta addirittura oltreoceano. Secondo quanto riportato da media statunitensi, infatti, il secondogenito di Margherita Agnelli e stato arrestato a New York con laccusa di falsa denuncia, dopo aver simulato il suo rapimento allo scopo di ottenere, dalla sua famiglia, un corrispettivo di 10 mila dollari. Stando a cio che si apprende dalle testate americane New York Daily news, Daily Mail, Cbs e Daily Beast, invece, i soldi sarebbero serviti per saldare il debito di due notti brave, trascorse tra droga e alcol.

Limprenditore trentanovenne, scrivono i tre quotidiani, avrebbe contattato la famiglia inscenando il suo sequestro, e chiedendo la consegna della cifra per il pagamento del proprio riscatto. Tuttavia, sembra che un membro della famiglia avrebbe contattato la polizia newyorkese la quale, organizzando una finta consegna del denaro, una volta appurata linesistenza del rapimento, ha concluso loperazione con larresto di Elkann. Dopo essere state interpellate dallAnsa, fonti a lui vicine non hanno ne commentato lepisodio ne aggiunto nulla in merito.

Limprenditore, peraltro nativo della Grande Mela (il fattaccio si sarebbe infatti consumato allinterno del suo appartamento, allEast 28th Street), e stato rilasciato ma dovra comparire davanti a una corte e rispondere dellaccusa che grava su di lui, ritenuta di una certa gravita negli States.

A ogni modo, non e la prima bravata che vede coinvolto il rampollo di Casa Agnelli: come ricordano i media locali, undici anni fa, nel 2005, rischio seriamente la vita in un appartamento torinese in seguito a unoverdose da cocaina, dopo una simile notte di eccessi. Risale al 2015, invece, la tentata estorsione subita da parte di un cameriere, con il quale avrebbe condiviso, a Milano, unennesima nottata brava. La richiesta di denaro (120 mila euro), sarebbe servita a evitare la diffusione di presunte immagini compromettenti.
Probate is a legal process that authenticates and validates someone's will. The process involves the review of a deceased individual's assets and determines their heirs. While probate isn't always necessary, it generally kicks in when someone's estate is of great value. As such, it can be a long, drawn-out, and costly process.

Some assets always pass through the probate process while others may not. Your retirement accounts may end up in probate after you die depending on how you handle them when you're alive. If you choose your beneficiaries strategically, you can avoid that cumbersome and costly fateand save your heirs a lot of hassle. Here's what you need to know.

Key Takeaways Probate is a legal process that assesses the validity and authenticity of a deceased person's will.

You can protect your retirement accounts from the probate process by designating your beneficiaries properly.

Your accounts may have to go through probate if you don't name your spouse or if you name your estate as the beneficiary.

It's best to name both primary and alternate beneficiaries.

Plan to review your beneficiary information once a year or after any major life changes.

Protecting Retirement Accounts from Probate

When a person dies, most of their assets are frozen until their will is validated, all of their debts are paid, and their beneficiaries are identified. This is the legal process known as probate. The probate process can happen rapidly or at a frustrating crawl.

Retirement account assets have the potential to bypass probate. This includes individual retirement accounts (IRAs), 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and a number of less-common types of retirement accounts. The reason: When someone opens a retirement account, part of the paperwork includes naming one or more beneficiaries who inherit the account when the owner dies.

The financial institutions where the accounts are held (often referred to as custodians) must hand over those assets to the named beneficiaries upon the owner's death. The contract between the account holder and custodian takes the place of the will for these assets, keeping them out of probate. And there's more good news: In this situation, creditors cant get their hands on the accounts to collect debts.

If retirement accounts dont go through probate, creditors cant collect debts from them.

Beneficiary-Selection Mistakes That Can Cost You

As with anything, there are exceptions to the rules that we mentioned in the earlier section. As such, there are several ways that retirement accounts can end up in probate. This usually results from a simple misstepnotably, messing up the beneficiary designation. Here are some examples of how that can happen.

Not Naming Your Spouse, If Necessary

A spouse is entitled to half of anything the other spouse adds to their retirement account during the marriage in community property statesnotably, Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and in some cases, Alaska, South Dakota, and Tennessee.

That means if the retirement account owner names other beneficiaries in addition to (or instead of) their spouse, the spouse can file a claim to take part of the assets. Doing so will send any retirement accounts the deceased individual has to probate.

In all states (and especially community property states), a married person must name their spouse as beneficiary to a 401(k) unless that spouse signs a special waiver.

Naming a Trust or Your Estate as Beneficiary

What if you don't name any of your heirs as the beneficiaries of your retirement accounts. If you don't list anyone, your assets will have to go through probate. And a probate court will have to establish an estate for you if you didn't already. There are no clear-cut benefits to doing this as it will complicate matters even more.

Your estate becomes a non-designated beneficiary rather than a designated one. And there are special rules that apply to this kind of heir. For instance, the money in your account must be distributed within five years after your death. As such, the estate must remain intact until the account is drained.

Bill collectors will also be able to get their share before any beneficiaries get theirs. So, if you have any outstanding debts, your creditors can file a claim to get a hold of any of your assets, including your retirement accounts.

Any money that goes through the probate process may also incur estate taxes if its value exceeds the federal exclusion amount. The filing threshold for an estate for 2022 is $12.06 million. The threshold increases to $12.92 million in 2023, to acount for inflation. You may also be required to pay an estate tax to your state in addition to the federal government, if applicable.

Naming a Minor as a Beneficiary

You can name your child(ren) or other minors as beneficiaries of your retirement account. Keep in mind, though, that minors cannot hold assets with substantial value in their own names. As such, they require someone to manage assets like these for them.

To avoid probate, you must ensure that you designate someone who will manage the money for any beneficiaries who are still minors. They are responsible for overseeing these assets until minor beneficiaries become adults. Any financial institution can help navigate the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).

One important point to note is that going through probate and designating a trustee or setting up conservatorship may incur costs that can diminish the value of your estate.

Other Mistakes

Forgetting to name alternate beneficiaries. Designating alternate beneficiaries can keep your accounts out of probate if your primary beneficiaries died or are otherwise unable to receive the money.

Not keeping beneficiaries up to date. This all-too-common mistake can lead to some unfortunate surprises after you die. For example, the ex-spouse or former friend who is still listed as your beneficiary could receive the account's assets rather than your current heirs.

You are considered intestate if you die without a will. Any assets you have are passed to your heirs based on your state's inheritance laws rather than to any beneficiaries you elected during your lifetime.

Special Considerations

Your assets, including any retirement accounts you have, will pass through probate if anything happens to your beneficiary. This includes:

If your beneficiary dies before you

If you and your beneficiary die at the same time

Probate is also a possibility if your beneficiary becomes incapacitated in any way. When this happens, the probate court has to elect a guardian to oversee any financial matters for them. This normally requires the supervision of the court to ensure that the funds aren't mishandled or misappropriated.

Which Retirement Vehicles Bypass Probate for Beneficiaries? Retirement accounts do not have to go through the probate process if you designate beneficiaries properly. For instance, naming a spouse or an adult child as a beneficiary means the account won't have to go through probate. But probate does kick in if you don't name any beneficiaries, leave the accounts to your estate, or name a minor child.

Are Retirement Accounts Considered Part of an Estate? Retirement accounts aren't considered part of an estate provided the account holder ensures that beneficiary designations are properly filled out. So if you name your spouse or someone else (with your spouse's written consent in community property states), your retirement accounts are not considered part of your estate. As such, they will go directly to your beneficiaries.

What Happens to a Retirement Account When the Owner Dies? The beneficiary inherits a retirement account when the account owner dies as long as they are a designated beneficiary and are of legal age. In community property states, the account owner's spouse must be listed or their written authorization must be obtained to designate someone else. If the account owner dies without naming a beneficiary, the account must pass through probate with any other assets. The court decides how the estate will be divided.

The Bottom Line

Retirement accounts can smoothly and painlessly pass to the beneficiaries named on those accounts as long as you avoid some mistakes. Try to review your beneficiary designations at least once a year or when major life changes happen, such as divorce, remarriage, the death of a former beneficiary, or the birth of a new one.
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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.

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During Sunday night's explosive episode of, Jacqueline Laurita stormed out of the restaurant after calling Teresa Giudice a "criminal." Though Teresa didn't seem bothered by Jacqueline's outburst, she wouldn't say the word "criminal" while describing the night's drama to her husband Joe Giudice, but rather, she referred to it as "the C-word."Teresa explained why she wouldn't use the word in the episode during Sunday night's episode of Watch What Happens Live. "I don't consider myself that, so that's why I don't even want to say that word," she told Andy Cohen (see clip below).Teresa previously explained during her appearance on WWHL in August why she won't refer to her 11 months prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut as "camp" and not "prison." "Where I was it was called 'Danbury Prison Camp,' and I dont like the word 'prison' because really where I was... I wasnt in a cell," she said. "There were no bars and I wasnt caged in. There was no wire fence on the outside. It really looked like a camp. Thats where the facility where I was."Teresa's husband Joe began his 41-month prison sentence in March, and just because he's away from Teresa and their four daughters doesn't mean he isn't still connecting with them.Teresa revealed on Sunday's WWHL that Joe, who has lost more than 30 pounds since he entered the Federal Correctional Institution at Fort Dix in New Jersey, has been watching this season of RHONJ from prison. "He never watched it [at] home, and now he's watching it there," she said.Source/Photo Credit: Bravo
Retail Ireland is calling on the Government to ease the tax burden in the Budget.

The Ibec group, which represents the retail sector, said the Government must support consumer spending or risk derailing the fragile economic recovery.
Graham Norton has revealed that he is worried about his position at the BBC.

The Cork-native has claimed that bosses are keen to see him axed, either him or Match of the Day host, Gary Lineker.

You assume they pick their targets, he told the Telegraph.

There was Jonathan Ross, they saw him off; Jeremy Clarkson, Chris Evans So now they will pick on whoevers left, which is me and Gary Lineker.

The conversation was referring to the new BBC charter to be issued in January, which has a clause that states broadcasters must publicly reveal the salaries of all staff earning more than 150,000 a year.

Norton is worried that the British government will be keen to see him cut, in an effort to cut costs as he believes its himself and Lineker sitting at the top of the pay list.

"I hope Garys ready; hes not stupid, he must realise it will be one of us next, he added.

The 53-year-old also revealed that there is a added responsibility with his salary as it is public money unlike Simon Cowell or Ant and Dec, who work for ITV.

Of course, theres a huge difference, its public money, he said

But within that, theres responsibility. I try not to feel that responsibility, but they will catch me out.

I cant live in fear of that. I try not to be too stupid, but the worst that can happen is that they succeed, and if they do Ill have a lot of time to write.

The comedian first announced he was penning his first ever book, Holding back in March this year

The "darkly funny" novel tells of a story set in the remote Irish village of Duneen and set to hit Irish bookshelves this October.
A prolific mobile phone thief who forced pedestrians to scatter as he rode his moped at speed through a street market in England has been jailed for more than three years, Scotland Yard said.

Cavell Hutson, 21, tried to evade police by riding through the packed shopping area in Hackney, east London, after an hour-long crime spree spanning five London boroughs.

He and an accomplice abandoned the vehicle - which had false number plates - in Kingsland Market before running off, in scenes caught on camera by a police helicopter overhead on September 3.

Hutson, of Highbury New Park in nearby Islington, was arrested a few streets away and 21 stolen mobile phones were found in his clothes and a bag he was carrying. His accomplice remains at large.

Hutson was jailed for three years and four months on Monday, Scotland Yard said on Thursday.

He admitted 21 counts of mobile phone theft and one of dangerous driving at an earlier hearing.

Scotland Yard said officers from Operation Attrition, which focuses on mobile snatch-thefts, found the owners of all 21 phones and returned them.

Hutson's crime spree targeted people in Camden, Islington, Hackney, Westminster and Tower Hamlets between 1pm and 2pm that day.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Heatley said: "This was an excellent result, which has seen a perpetrator of an audacious crime, which not only endangered members of the public but himself and his accomplice, receive a robust jail sentence.

"These criminals are often involved in a range of other offences. When we catch them we seek to bring far more serious charges against them, which reflect the organised nature of their crimes and ensure the sentencing powers available reflect the seriousness of the offending."
Some of the banks favourite early-warning signs are signalling evidence of an imminent recession, according to a team led by head of US equity and quantitative strategy Savita Subramanian.

While the range of signals is wide, in aggregate they do suggest that, if data were to continue to weaken in line with the recent pace, history would point to a recession in the second half of 2017, she said.

Based on the trends in the yield curve, ISM manufacturing index, building permits, growth in temporary help employment, and commercial and industrial loan growth, the thresholds that have, in the past, heralded an economic downturn will be breached by around October 2017.

Bank of Americas economists, however, deem the probability of recession over the next 12 months to be low, and expect activity to firm.

Still, the possibility of a recession beginning in the next year isnt something that stocks are pricing in at all, Ms Subramanian cautioned.

Elevated cash levels among managers belie their relatively healthy appetite for risk. While there might not be widespread market euphoria, as was the case during the housing boom or the dot-com bubble, complacency reigns, according to Bank of America.

Large cap active managers have the highest cyclical exposure since 2012 and their overall beta exposure is near cycle highs, writes Ms Subramanian.

Meanwhile, equity funds (mostly passive) have seen over $100bn more inflows over the last five years than during the same period ahead of the 2007 market peak, she says.

However, Bank of America warns that doesnt mean its time for equity investors to sell everything.
In the last 10 years the percentage of Irish exports from Enterprise Ireland client firms going directly to the UK has fallen from 45% to 37% and the agency is hopeful of further reducing that in favour of a broader range of locations.

The agency launched its 2016 International Markets Week yesterday along with its new Global Ambition awareness and mentoring campaign with a survey which showed nearly 90% of Irish firms plan to expand into new global markets in 2017.
An Bord Pleanala has approved the Ronan plan, located opposite the RDS on Merrion Road, despite six appeals lodged against the proposal.

In giving the plan the go-ahead, An Bord Pleanala over-ruled its inspector who recommended the omission of the top two storeys of the six-storey block.

However, in its ruling, the board ordered only the top storey from the two blocks be removed.

The Board stated that the omission of the sixth floor represented an acceptable reduction in the quantum of development and reduction in overall height adequately protected the residential amenities of adjoining properties.

The decision comes days after Mr Ronans RGRE (Ronan Group Real Estate) signed off on a 600m deal to develop over one million square feet at Spencer Dock in a development called Spencer Place.

Yesterday, RGREs development director Shane Whelan welcomed An Bord Pleanalas decision. Referring to the sealing of the Spencer Dock deal and yesterdays permission, Mr Whelan said: It has been a good run and we are going to have a fairly busy couple of years now.

He said RGREs intention is to be on site at Ballsbridge by the end of the year with construction to continue to mid-2019.

It is an exciting time. We are back building and developing having had gone through one of the biggest recessions I have ever experienced and Johnny would say the same and we are happy to be out the far side of that.

RGRE also has plans for the 22-storey Aqua Vetro Tower at Tara Street in Dublin and Mr Whelan said constructive pre-planning negotiations are continuing with Dublin City Council to try to find an architectural solution they are happy with.

RGRE hopes to lodge plans for the Aqua Vetro Tower before the end of the year. Mr Whelan said it will be a significant addition to the Dublin skyline.

Office space is badly needed in the city and we hope to benefit from any fall out where people are relocating to here as a result of Brexit.

RGRE has already taken out ads in the UK property press and made presentations to the IDA to make the agency aware of the stock the group has coming on stream in the coming years.

We are fully engaged to try to make sure everyone is aware of what we have to offer and what options we have to try to entice these people, said Mr Whelan.
However, maybe, just maybe, the inclusion of some of the more articulate and erudite independent politicians, such as Stephen Donnelly, or persistent tenacious politicians such as Catherine Murphy, bring something new and worthwhile to the Dail.

The rules that the big parties have ensconced in parliaments procedures make it awkward for isolated independent TDs to be effective, but we do, every so often, get to see the benefits that such individuals bring to our national representative assembly.

Nama was established to assist in getting out of the pickle our government got us into and in doing so it has made a major use of so-called vulture funds to bring a major part of the national debt under its control.

Over recent months, Mr Donnelly has focused not just on the activities of vulture funds but on the tax benefits, or should it be the lack of tax, being paid by the same funds. The Government didnt, and doesnt, seem to be too interested in dealing with the issue.

Just in case youve been missing the news over the last year and have no idea what a vulture fund is, let me explain it here. The definition is: A vulture fund is a hedge fund or private equity fund that invests in debt considered to be very weak or in default, known as distressed securities.

In our case, these funds, from all over the world, have been buying up debt on property, whether it is residential, commercial or industrial.

The simple objective is to buy as low and sell as high as possible. However, according to Mr Donnelly, the reality in the case of the vulture funds that have landed in Ireland is that they stand to make even more money by avoiding tax.

Up to now, there have been suspicions about the sale of Namas Project Eagle. As detailed by Mr Donnelly, Cerberus bought the Project Eagle loans through an Irish Section 110 company.

The Comptroller & Auditor report found the State probably lost 190m in the sale. That amount could, of course, be chump change when compared to the taxes that Cerberus will save.

According to Mr Donnelly, Cerberus could potentially save a large sum in tax. And it has also been speculated that the underlying assets are now worth considerably more than the amount Cerberus paid for Project Eagle. Those of us who are required to support the Irish economy, week in and week out, continue to pay our taxes and get very little for it.

The problem is that companies like this vulture fund pay little tax in Ireland. As noted in these pages in recent days, their only real contribution to the Irish economy are the legal fees to the law firms which aid their establishment.

To that end, the Central Bank estimates such fees paid here last year amounted to less than 100m.

According to yesterdays report, there were 822 tax-efficient special purpose vehicles  SPVs  which are mostly used by other types of investment firms availing of the provisions in Section 110 of the 1997 Taxes Consolidation Act, resident in Ireland, with combined asset values of 324bn, as of the end of last year. Think of the tax take on even a small slice of that cake.

It would make the Apple 13bn tax bill seem like chump change also. The Government introduced an amendment to stop this abuse of the tax system.

Unfortunately, before the ink was dry on the paper on which it was written, legal and accountancy firms were telling their clients that they have nothing to fear as they would pay only minimal taxes in any case. So the Irish people get caught for the haircut that was applied on the bank loans when Nama purchased the assets.

Its reasonable that the normal taxation rules should apply to these companies buying and selling thousands of properties after purchasing them, sometimes, for a song.

Yet, courtesy of the representatives of the Irish taxpayer, these companies pay virtually nothing. There are those of us who have been complaining about Apple, and other FDI companies, avoiding taxes to the tune of billions of euros.

However, Apple provides thousands of well-paid jobs, helps our balance of payments, and supports a generation of business right across the economy.
The performance update is contained in the British supermarket groups strong interim results presentation. It noted its share of the Irish communications market, via its Tesco Mobile service, has increased to 7% in 2016.

This is our third successive quarter of positive like-for-like sales and were pleased to see strong positive volume growth as a result of our investment in strengthening our customer offer, said Tesco Ireland chief executive Andrew Yaxley.

We continue to invest significantly in reducing prices for customers through our Staying Down campaign. Weve also improved the quality of our fresh food produce, simplified our range, and extended our lines of Tesco own-label products.

Recent figures from consumer insights agency Kantar Worldpanel showed that Tescos share of the Irish grocery market had fallen from 22.9% to 21.1% in the past 12 months, with Dunnes Stores now joining it in second place behind SuperValu.

On a group-wide basis, Tesco yesterday reported a 3.3% annualised increase in first-half revenues, for the six months to the end of August, to 24.4bn (27.7bn), with net debt down by nearly half and operating profits ahead by 38.4% to 515m.

On the back of group chief executive Dave Lewis saying the company will cut costs further and plough the savings back into the business to boost returns over the next three years and the company lifting its performance targets, Tescos shares initially rose by over 11% yesterday.

We are sharing our ambition to deliver a group operating margin of between 3.5% and 4% by our 2019-20 financial year, said Mr Lewis.

That compares with a figure of 2.18% for the first half of the current 2016-17 year and 1.73% in 2015-16.

The results... indicate a business moving out of crisis to one thats showing real confidence in its recovery, said Mr Lewis, adding that the UK grocery market remains tough and uncertain.
Kevin Nolan of share-farm company Nolan Farming, gave first-hand insights on technology advances.

In my Nuffield Scholar travels, I learned about best practices from farms around the world and am putting them into action at home, he said.

Technology such as self-steer tractors and combine harvesters changed how I farm and have given me a flexible way of working, with greater productivity and efficiencies.

Some 50 people attended the event in Kilkenny River Court Hotel. Dr Frank OMara, director of research, Teagasc, looked at how technology underpins competitiveness.

Pat Ryan, Glanbia senior farm development manager, discussed the evolution of farm technology.

Fergal OBrien, director of policy, IBEC, discussed agri policy and Brexit. Other speakers included Maura OKeeffe, Ulster Bank, and Dearbhail McDonald, Independent News and Media.

Maura OKeeffe, senior manager Ulster Bank, said: From talking to customers, we know farmers have specific needs, notably when it comes to digital innovation.

"We are delighted to talk to farmers and agri food businesses about their banking needs and how we can help them fulfil their ambitions.
Global oil markets are set to remain very oversupplied in 2017 amid the return of disrupted output in Nigeria and Libya, resilient US shale production and the start of major projects commissioned over the past 10 years, Goldmans head of commodities research Jeff Currie said in a Bloomberg television interview.

Were still seeing a lot of oil enter this market, Mr Currie said in an interview with Tom Keene and Francine Lacqua.

Its hard for this market to go above $55. The sweet spot is 2017, for supplies coming from new projects reaching world markets, Mr Currie said.

The outlook for an oversupplied market next year drove Opecs announcement in Algiers last week that it will cap production at 32.5 million to 33 million barrels a day, he said.

Shale producers are hedging their output as soon as prices climb to a range of $50 to $55 a barrel, allowing them to continue drilling, Mr Currie said.

The number of rigs targeting crude in the US has risen for a fifth week to the highest since February, Baker Hughes said last week.

While investment in new oil supply has been cut, any shortage in the market is years off, Mr Currie said.

A bull state, where output shortfalls push prices above $100 a barrel, couldnt happen before 2019 or 2020, he said.

Oil futures havent traded above $100 since 2014.

Oil maintained gains yesterday, approaching $50 a barrel in New York, after government data showed that US crude stockpiles dropped last week.

Crude stockpiles slipped 2.98 million barrels last week, according to the Energy Information Administration.

That contrasts with the 1.5 million barrel increase forecast by analysts and a 7.6 million barrel decrease reported earlier this week by the industry-funded American Petroleum Institute.

West Texas Intermediate for November delivery rose $1.10, or 2.3%, to $49.79 a barrel at one stage in New York trade.

Brent for December settlement increased $1.12 to $51.71 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange.

Meanwhile, the waning effects on the Norwegian economy from the oil price slump will lead to the government rolling back some its massive fiscal stimulus.

There are signs the economy of western Europes largest oil producer is on the mend, analysts say.
This would increase the impact on the Irish agri-food industry.

In the current edition of the TResearch magazine published by Teagasc, Principal Research Officers Trevor Donnellan and Kevin Hanrahan in the Teagasc Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department say the UK government faces two big policy decisions  what agricultural policy will the UK pursue, and what agri-food trade relationship will the UK have with the EU27 and the rest of the world.

What sort of agricultural policy will the UK wish to pursue?

A conservative reform could create a British Agricultural Policy similar to the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

This would be favoured by many UK farmers.

Support from Brussels would be replaced by funding from Westminster for CAP-style schemes.

However, the UK government has regularly advocated radical reform of the CAP, typically involving a much reduced budget.

It is unlikely that the UK will radically alter its agricultural policy in the short term. However, over the medium to longer term, the level of support for UK agriculture is uncertain.

A radical New Zealand style reform, where UK agricultural support is completely eliminated, is unlikely.

However, some reduction may occur, and the remaining support may be channelled towards provision of agri-environmental services.

Will there be different agricultural policies across the UK nations?

The devolved nature of UK agriculture policy may result in differing agricultural policies across the UK.

Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales may favour a greater level of public support for agriculture than in the case of England.

Just as in Ireland, the dependence of UK farm incomes (particularly drystock farms) on financial aid is considerable. Changes in support could have significant implications for UK agricultural production and the UKs food import requirements.

What sort of agri-food trade relationship will the UK have with the EU27 and the rest of the world? Will the UK choose low or high import barriers?

The UKs future trade deal with the EU could mean that it would be within or outside the European single market.

If the UK is outside the single market, then there would be some increase in the costs of exporting to and importing from the UK, for the Irish agri-food sector.

Outside the single market, it is clear that UK exporters would face the so-called EU common external tariff (WTO tariff) when exporting goods to Ireland and other EU member states.

However, with the UK outside the single market, it is not clear what tariffs Irish exporters to the UK market would face.

The UK government would decide between two options:

* No tariffs on imports to the UK: This would mean that Irish exporters would face greater competition in the UK, as countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil and New Zealand would now also have tariff-free access to the UK market.

The cost of Irish exports to the UK would not change, but the cost of imports coming from non-EU exporters would fall, as they would no longer be subject to tariffs.

* EU/WTO tariffs on imports to the UK: again, this would mean that Irish exporters would face greater competition in the UK.

Irish and other EU suppliers would face new export barriers with the UK that are similar to those currently faced by Argentina, Australia, Brazil and New Zealand.

The cost of Irish exports in the UK would increase due to the imposition of tariffs and could exceed the price of exports to the UK from lower-cost non-EU countries.

What is clear is that both of these UK trade policy outcomes would reduce the differential between the price of Irish exports to the UK and exports to the UK from non-EU countries.

If the level of financial support offered by the UK government to UK farming is lower than under the CAP, could UK production fall, and could this provide the Irish agri-food sector with greater export opportunities?

The outcome would depend on several factors.

* the size of the reduction of direct income support under a future British Agricultural Policy, compared to the CAP.

* the supply response from UK farmers to reduced levels of decoupled direct payments (by how much would UK production contract?)

* the trade policy setting (whether Irish exports to the UK face tariffs, and whether other non-EU suppliers faces higher or lower tariff barriers).

Lower UK output of beef, sheep meat, butter or cheese might create opportunities for Irish exporters.

However, the competitiveness of Irish exports to the UK market would depend on the tariff levels applied by the UK.

The Brexit policy uncertainty facing the Irish agri-food sector is unlikely to be resolved rapidly.

The UK will be slow to trigger Article 50, the formal notification that opens its exit negotiation.

In the meantime, uncertainty concerning future access to Irelands most important market could persist to 2020 and possibly beyond then.

The challenge faced by the Irish agri-food sector (and Irish agri-food policy makers) is to prepare for a world where the UK is not as important or lucrative a market for Irish agri-food exports as it is right now.
She said she would begin the two-year withdrawal negotiations by invoking article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

Britain will have no vote in these negotiations, the EU-27 will decide the terms of exit.

And with EU politicians under the spotlight in the Dutch general election next March, and in the run-up to the French presidential election in May, and the German federal election next September, they are likely to insist that Britain accepts free movement of labour from the rest of the EU, and continue paying into the EU budget, if it wants to continue EU single market trading.

However, Mrs May wants Britain to have full control over its immigration policy.

Therefore, she has greatly increased the likelihood that that Britains departure from the EU will be a hard Brexit, leaving the EUs single market  as favoured by Brexit supporters.

Mrs Mays decision took many in Brussels by surprise.

They thought she would not risk damaging relations with the EU, which is Britains biggest trading partner.

Conditions could be more favourable for a soft Brexit if Article 50 was not invoked until later in 2017.

Instead, she took an unexpected turn at her first Conservative Party conference as party leader and prime minister  a turn which has greater consequences for Ireland than any other EU country, because trade with Britain is more important for Ireland than for any other member state.

Even before Mrs Mays surprise, Teagasc experts here warned that the challenge faced by the Irish agri-food sector is to prepare for the UK being no longer as important or lucrative a market for Irish agri-food exports.

They have quickly been proved right.

Therefore, Irelands quest for new exports markets must be stepped up.

Many more breakthroughs like the recent opening of the live cattle export market to Turkey are needed.

Major resources must now be channelled into Bord Bia to progress projects like opening the Chinese market for Irish beef.

Retail food sales in China were 750bn in 2015, even a tiny share of that market would insulate Ireland from shocks in the British market.

There has been promising progress in China, which has quickly become Irelands second biggest export destination.

However, that trade amounts to only 640m (in 2015), dwarfed by our 4.4bn of food and drink exports to Britain.

Ireland will have only two years after Article 50 is invoked to prepare for Britain leaving the EU. Then, it is quite likely that withdrawal negotiations will not yet have been satisfactorily completed, so the UK will have left the EU, but with no special trade relationship.

It is likely in that situation that tariffs will be re-imposed on trade between the UK and the EU for the first time in more than 40 years, which would seriously damage Irish food and drink exports.

The intervening period will also be rocky. Sterling dropped to a five-year-low against the euro this week, after Theresa Mays Brexit announcement.

Already, since the Brexit vote in June, sterling had lost 12% of its value against the euro.

That has hurt Irish food exporters, and none more so than the mushroom sector, because of its contracts with British retailers, agreed in sterling for up to a year.

Mushroom exporters now get only 1.16 for 1 compared to 1.36 a year ago. And an estimated 90% of all mushrooms grown in Ireland are exported to Britain.

As a result, the first 100 days of Brexit have seen three mushroom farms closing down, with the loss of 130 jobs and 7m in exports.

Even though Britain exports 3.8bn in agri-food services to Ireland, and a major share of British food imports come from Ireland (68% in the case of beef), it is clearly a trade that can no longer be taken for granted.
Remy Farrell said that the Germans had engaged in finger-pointing at the gardai and the Irish State and failed to explain why they did not act on information given to them by gardai back in 2005.

Mr Farrell was representing James Anthony Oliver Albert Corry, aged 46, who was arrested in Killorglin, Co Kerry, last October on foot of a European Arrest Warrant issued by German authorities.
There was not one property available to rent for a family of two children or more on rent supplement, in Cork City centre, between August 30 and September 1.

These figures are from a Simon Community report published yesterday, examining the gap between rent supplement, or Housing Assistant Payment (HAP) limits, and market rents.

The rent supplement and HAP limits continue to be below market rates.

Rents increased by approximately 40% and the number of properties available has reduced by 80% since 2012 (Daft.ie figure), said Niamh Randall, spokesperson for the Simon Communities in Ireland.

Ms Randall listed various statistics that were key to identifying the problems in the housing sector, and their solutions.

Some 150,000 people are on housing waiting lists and this figure was ascertained by a Freedom of Information (FoI) request by Fianna Fail last year.

There are 198,000 vacant properties in Ireland, a figure that was released by the Central Statistics Office, as a result of Census 2016.

As of August of this year, there are 6,611 people living in emergency accommodation, which includes 2,500 children.

According to the Simon Communitys Locked Out report, there were just 518 homes available within the limits of the various rent supplements.

Also speaking yesterday was Dr Lorcan Sirr, a lecturer in housing and urban economics at the Dublin Institute of Technology.

He strongly urged that we use the word crisis carefully when finding solutions to the problems in housing.

The language is critical in any of these debates and discussions. A crisis, in my mind, is something thats natural.

Its flooding, its Hurricane Katrina. What we have in housing is a handmade crisis, essentially.

Its something we did ourselves. The collapse of the market is not an act of God, said Dr Sirr.

The problem is when you use the word crisis, its very easy to let that be taken away and run away with by the powers-that-be and be abused, and you can put in emergency measures that avoid having to deal with the real issues at stake.

So, an emergency measure might be bringing in the first-time buyers grant, which wont cure anything, but its a very instant sop to the demand side of things.

But it avoids the real issues of looking at construction costs and the cost of regulation.

The word crisis can be taken and run down the field with by the politicians or civil servants, as a way of avoiding having to deal with the real things, added Dr Sirr.
The Fine Gael cabinet member made the comment during a lengthy meeting with senators in which he said every step is being taken to protect our economy, amid opposition claims the fallout from the move is like a slow car crash.

Speaking after British Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed Britain is seeking a hard Brexit and as Taoiseach Enda Kenny announced plans for a cross-border meeting with politicians and interest groups on November 2, Mr Flanagan said the Government is doing all it can to ensure Ireland is not adversely affected by the vote.
The confirmation came as the Taoiseach was called on to improve the capital gains tax regime for entrepreneurs, to invest in infrastructure in the border region, and to reduce costs for businesses facing inevitable head winds from Britains planned EU withdrawal.

In the Dail, Fianna Fail finance spokesman Michael McGrath told Mr Kenny that the fall in sterling had already hit the economy here, since the Brexit referendum in June.

Irish businesses exporting to the UK, their goods and services have, in relative terms, become 14% more expensive, said Mr McGrath.

Many analysts predict that sterling will fall further, with some even predicting it will reach parity with the euro in the next year or so.

This already has cost jobs and will cost many more in the period ahead if this trend continues.

On top of that, inbound tourism from the UK is inevitably going to be affected because it is more expensive.

The Government has agreed to begin an all-island forum on Brexit next month and to intensify communications with London and member states, following British prime minister Theresa Mays setting out of how and when Brexit will proceed.

European Commission chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnie is also set to visit Dublin next week.

Mr McGrath said that, as part of the budget, Fianna Fail wanted to see the 9% special Vat rate for tourism and hospitality kept in place.

Michael McGrath

An improved capital gains tax regime for entrepreneurs and a real focus by Enterprise Ireland and other agencies on supporting exporting firms was needed, added the Cork South Central TD.

More investment was also necessary in infrastructure in the border region to make Ireland more competitive, Mr Kenny was told.

The Department of Finance this week reduced its growth predictions for the economy as did the IMF because of the impacts of Brexit.

Other initiatives to Brexit-proof businesses should be considered for the budget, said Mr McGrath.

There must be a renewed focus on reducing costs  costs that the State can influence, be they insurance, transport or energy costs  to make us more competitive and to deal with the inevitable headwinds that Brexit proposes.

Mr Kenny said departments and the strategic bank were looking at options that might be open in terms of financial supports or access to credit for businesses that are now suffering because of the decline in the strength of sterling.

He added: This is a matter of urgency and I hope that the budget will have a number of what we might call Brexit-proofing measures in respect of the issues raised by the deputy.
And it should be available to residents at the same time as it becomes available to major industry, he said.

The 20m project by Gas Networks Ireland, announced earlier this week, means that for the first time, Co Kerry will be linked to the national gas network.

The project has been approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation.

However, the piped natural gas is only going as far as Listowel, Kerrys third town, with a population of just over 4,800 people.

Tralee councillor Pa Daly said he is asking the council management to insist to Gas Networks Ireland that the pipeline from Foynes be extented a further 30km to Tralee, the county capital and beyond.

Will the proposed pipe be strong enough to propel the gas an extra 30km to Tralee and beyond? Mr Daly asked. I have asked Kerry County Council and Gas Networks Ireland and await a response from them, Mr Daly said.

Kerry Groups flagship dairy hub, Kerry Ingredients plant, and the towns biggest employer, is to be an anchor customer for Gas Networks Ireland. It would take a number of years for the gas to be made available to residents and other businesses, the council has said.

However, Mr Daly said while subsidising the Kerry Group is well and good, the gas should be available at the same time to the people of the county.
Yesterday, he also admitted sending her five letters from Cork Prison.

Ali Arafa, an Egyptian national, denies a harassment charge and a burglary charge arising out of the case. He agreed he had sent five letters to the woman since going into custody, but said there was nothing threatening in the letters, which were vetted by prison authorities.

Solicitor Eddie Burke said no conditions barring Arafa from having contact with the woman were imposed.

Detective Garda Eamon Feehan said it was alleged that, in a six-week period up to early August, the complainant received 1,000 missed calls and 1,000 emails. Remanded in custody since the end of August on a charge of entering the womans apartment as a trespasser, he sent five letters from Cork Prison.

Asked by his solicitor when the relationship ended, the defendant replied: It never ended.

Inspector John Deasy asked the defendant if he felt it was normal behaviour to break into the womans apartment when she was away and then send her a photograph of the interior of her own home. The defendant said he only went there because he was worried about the woman as he had not heard from her.

Arafa, 31, of no fixed address, is charged with entering a house at Sarsfield Rd, Cork, as a trespasser with intent to steal and harassment.

While an Arabic interpreter was sworn in to translate proceedings for Arafa at Cork District Court yesterday, the defendant spoke in English to give evidence.

In an objection to bail, Det Garda Feehan said: I cannot trust him to cease and desist in communicating with this lady, which is all that this lady wants.

Arafa was remanded in custody until tomorrow at Cork District Court.
The European network of traffic police, Tispol, presented Ms Twomey with its presidents award at a major road safety conference in Manchester, in recognition of her campaign to improve training for police dealing with those suffering a mental health episode or those at risk of suicide.

Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid, of the Garda National Traffic Bureau, and current Tispol president, said Ms Twomeys work has had a huge impact across European police forces which will help save lives.

Her work has resulted in significant improvements to both police pursuit training, and in particular, in relation to how those working in police control rooms manage or deal with such situations, he said.

Ms Twomey, from North Cork, said she was completely overwhelmed with the award and is just happy that something positive has come from her own tragedy.

Ms Twomey lost her 16-month-old son, Oisin, and her unborn daughter, Elber Marie, when suicidal taxi driver Marek Wojciechowski smashed head-on into their family car as they returned from a family holiday in Devon in 2012.

Mr Wojciechowski, who had left a suicide note at home, was being pursued by a police officer in a marked car moments before he swerved into the Twomeys car.

Ms Twomeys husband, Connie, suffered devastating injuries in the crash and died in Cork University Hospital 10 months later.

Once Ms Twomey recovered from her own injuries, she launched a campaign to ensure police officers receive special suicide awareness training.

She delivered a powerful address to the 2015 Tispol conference, recounting her own tragedy.

Garda authorities have introduced specialised suicide awareness training in the Garda college in Templemore. But Chief Supt Reid said Elbers work with Tispol has raised awareness across some 30 European police forces of the need for specialist suicide awareness training. He said senior officers across the network have been incredibly impressed with Ms Twomeys strength, dignity and approach to working with them.

Her own humanity shines through, he said.

Last month, Ms Twomey thanked the public who have raised over 110,000 in the last three years through her annual Twomey Family Remorial initiative in her familys honour. The money has helped suicide support charities including The 3Ts, Pieta House, Reach Out, Suicide Aware Cork, and Walk in My Shoes.
With gardai firefighting gangland murders on the streets of the capital, colleagues in Limerick have put the lid on serious crime.

In 2007, at the height of a gangland feud in Limerick, 102 shootings were recorded. So far this year, the number of shooting incidents in Limerick was three, a mammoth decrease in gun crime.

While serious crime has seen a significant drop, employment has surged.

In the past two weeks alone, 560 new jobs have been announced on the back of the local council launching a 500 million development plan to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

Chief Superintendent David Sheahan, head of the Limerick Garda Division, said his team of dedicated crime fighters could be credited with helping create a safer city to attract inward investment.

Im under no illusion that the changing perception of Limerick has helped the business community economically. There is a link, I feel, between economic recovery and policing. I think we have played some part in that (recovery), he said.

There is a greater level of confidence in the city. Im not taking all of the credit for that, but what gardai have done to tackle crime here has helped. Its a very positive sell-off for Limerick.

IDA Mid West regional development manager, Niall OCallaghan, applauded the work of gardai, which he said has promoted renewed confidence in the city.

Everything, from what type of city centre businesses we have  to socio-economic stuff, like crime, does play a part in the overall ambience of a city-centre. Investors ask us what is the city centre atmosphere like. Obviously, we are trying to build a profile of a city and a region that is an attractive place to live and work and do business  (a safe city) does play its part in that respect.

Chief Supt Sheahan described how a local Garda unit, set up a year and a half ago to specifically target thieves and burglars, has helped reduce overall crime by 30%. Officers attached to the special unit, set up under Operation Disruption, are tasked with getting in the faces of known thieves, burglars, and suspects on bail.

I make no bones about it, thats the main focus of the officers involved. They work hours that are identified to us by our analysts. If the analysts are saying the crimes are happening between 6pm and midnight, then these officers work between 6pm and midnight. They are covering the critical times that we know the crimes are happening, he said.

Gardai have had major success against the gangs, most notably in dismantling the operations of the Dundon McCarthys  a gang responsible for the dozens of murders including those of two innocent citizens, Shane Geoghegan and Roy Collins. Gardai have also clamped down on the activities of the three main other gangs, Ryan /McCarthys, Collopys, and Keanes.

Chief Supt Sheahan credited the Gardas success with the people who live in the communities where the gangs once ruled without fear of recrimination. Those are results that spring directly from our interaction with the community. Of all the places that Ive worked in, there is a fabulous community spirit and ethos here, and we have stood by the community, he said.

However, he warned, to relax the battle against serious crime would be a fatal mistake.
The Irish Deaf Society said that, if given official status, Irish Sign Language would have to be used in State services and deaf people would be less at risk of isolation.

Eddie Redmond, the societys chief executive, said: The deaf community face huge barriers in accessing services due to the lack of services available through Irish Sign Language.

Services such as social workers, home help, the HSE etc need to be more aware of the needs of deaf people and the importance of communication and provision of information through ISL.

Mr Redmond was speaking following the discovery of the bodies of semi-reclusive brothers, Daniel and William McCarthy, at their home in Dublin on Tuesday.

Originally from Kerry, the brothers, in their 70s, were deaf with limited verbal communication, and lived together in a terraced home at the Millrose Estate in Bluebell, Dublin for many years.

Daniel is understood to have run the household and became carer for William in recent years. It is believed that he passed away several weeks ago and William was unable  or felt unable  to seek help.

Their remains were found by gardai after a neighbour noticed Daniels car had not moved for some time and there had been no sign of either brother outside the house. Their deaths are expected to be referred to the coroners court for an inquest but foul play has been ruled out.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) declined to say if the brothers were in contact with any of its services in recent times or if it was reviewing any interactions they may have had.

A statement said: The HSE cannot comment on individual cases but would like to offer sincere sympathy to the McCarthy family at this time.

Groups working with older people urged people with concerns for their own well-being, or that of a neighbour, not to be afraid to knock on a door.

Alone said older people should be encouraged to approach their neighbours for help, while Age Action asked younger people not to worry about appearing nosy if they enquired after an older person in their community.

Sean Moynihan of Alone said: We are asking all older people not to be afraid to ask for help if they are feeling isolated or lonely. I dont think that people are aware just how devastating loneliness can be for your general health.

Justin Moran of Age Action, said people should not feel awkward about knocking on the door of a neighbour who is elderly, disabled, or vulnerable, even if the response was always that no help was wanted.

No one wants to be seen as interfering or nosey but our experience is that its always appreciated, he said. Even if the person says theyre fine, they get a measure of reassurance from knowing that someone is looking out for them.
The suggestion by Emer Smyth, research professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute, followed her study showing children who take part in arts and cultural activities have more confidence at school.

She found, in children aged nine to 13, taking part in structured arts activities outside school time and self-directed reading contribute to verbal and numeric skills, and academic self-confidence. But the research for the Arts Council found children from better-off families were more likely to have access to those activities, largely due to the cost of doing them outside of school.

The Department of Educations 2013 Arts in Education Charter recommended subsidies to offer reduced-price tickets for people in full-time education to attend arts venues and performances. But Ms Smyth said there is a case for going further by providing subsidies to disadvantaged families because of the financial barriers to participation.

Given that not all disadvantaged young people attend DEIS schools and not all cultural provision is provided through schools, this is a crucial avenue for ensuring more inclusive arts engagement, she said.

The report said the use of cultural activities to promote student engagement has been restricted by cuts to the School Completion Programme that limits after-school and holiday activities.

Ms Smyth suggested a review of the Deis programme  aimed at reducing educational disadvantage  examine increasing resources to the most disadvantaged schools to enhance their provision of after-school and summer cultural activities.

The findings of the research were garnered from the ongoing Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) longitudinal survey on the lives of children aged three, five, nine and 13.

The report for the Arts Council said that younger children between three and five who have better vocabulary are helped by being read to often and having more access to books. In turn, children at schools offering drama classes are more likely to read often outside school.

Watching more television is related to improved vocabulary but may also affect childrens wellbeing as it is associated with greater socio-emotional difficulties. In contrast, the study found painting or drawing more often is related to having fewer such difficulties.

Levels of TV-watching were lower among pupils of schools that provide choir or dance, while children at schools which have music classes after school play computer games less often.
Local Government Minister, Simon Coveney, has included the full access reference in the new advisory groups terms of reference, despite the States refusal to release most of the documentation, under Freedom of Information legislation, over the past 12 months.

However, the city council, which sought access to the documents  as part of its legal challenge to the 2015 Smiddy groups recommendation  is still pursuing judicial proceedings.

A spokesperson for Mr Coveney confirmed that the new, four-person group will conduct the review voluntarily.

The Scotland governments former director of planning, Jim Mackinnon, will lead the group, which also includes Cork-born John OConnor, Eirgrid chairperson and former head of An Bord Pleanala; Gillian Keating, a partner at Cork law firm, Ronan Daly Jermyn and former president of Cork Chamber, and Paul Martin, chief executive of the 900m-run Wandsworth Council, in London.

Mr Mackinnon was, until 2012, chief planner and director of the Built Environment with the Scottish government.

Group includes Jim Mackinnon CBE, Eirgrid chairman John O'Connor, RDJ Partner Gillian Keating, Paul Martin, CE of Wandsworth Council #Cork pic.twitter.com/FYQFRfa9v6  Eoin English (@EoinBearla) October 4, 2016

Mr Coveney has asked them to undertake further, comprehensive and rigorous examination and analysis of the issues dealt with by the Cork Local Government Review (the Smiddy group), which split three-to-two in favour of a council merger last year.

The new group has been asked to consider the Smiddy groups merger report and the minority report that recommended an extension of the city boundary.

They have been asked to advise Mr Coveney on how best to address the issues on which the Smiddy group was unable to provide agreed recommendations, and to consider new options, and issue a progress report before the end of the year.

Mr Coveney wants to break the impasse.

I ask that all sides come with me on this journey with an open mind, he said.
The representative organisation for the private and voluntary nursing homes sector was responding to public nursing home costs published by the HSE.

It pointed out that the HSE was paying itself up to 60% more than it forces the private and voluntary sector to accept for nursing home care.

NHI chief executive Tadhg Daly said the State was discriminating in a scandalous way against private and voluntary providers.

The State is operating a two-tier funding system and has fought for five years not to disclose these figures, said Mr Daly.

It is unacceptable that private and voluntary providers are forced to provide care for fees way below to those paid to their HSE counterparts, he stressed.

Reform of the National Treatment Purchase Funds fee-setting system for private and voluntary operators has to come now on foot of these outrageous inequities in the state scheme.

Mr Daly said they wanted immediate increases in private and voluntary nursing home fees under the Fair Deal scheme and to engage with the Department of Health and the HSE on this critical issue.

Public nursing homes costs vary from 311 a week at Dunabbey House, a low dependency centre in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, and 4,082 in Abbeyleix District Hospital, Co Laois.

However, the HSE points out that Abbeyleix District Hospital is one of a number of centres being refurbished or being converted from an extended stay to a short-stay facility.

The table of costs for public nursing homes shows that they ranged from around 1,000 to 1,500.

Agreed maximum prices with private and voluntary hospitals under the Governments Fair Deal scheme range from 695 a week for St Eithnes Rest care centre, Tulsk, Co Roscommon, to 1,300 for the Alzheimers care Centre in Highfield Hospital in Dublin.

However, the table of costs shows that agreed prices with private and voluntary nursing homes ranged from around 800 to just over 1,000.

The HSE accepted that there were differences in the cost of care for public and private nursing homes and gave a number of reasons.

It pointed out that it provided residential care services in rural areas that could not be viable for private operators. Also, bed numbers had to be reduced to meet residential care standards and to improve the environment and layout of many centres.

The health authority also said public nursing homes had higher nurse staffing ratios and were obliged to apply public service rates of pay and conditions. And while there was a heavy reliance on agency staffing because of a public sector recruitment moratorium this was changing, with staffing requirements being met through more sustainable contract arrangements.

Currently, public nursing homes provide 4,900 long stay beds (21%), and private and voluntary nursing homes provide 18,160 (79%).

The HSE intends publishing the nursing home data annually in the interests of transparency even though it is not required to do so.
The man was alive when he was picked up by a bin truck and delivered to a waste sorting facility in Ballymount, an inquest heard.

Henryk Piotrowski originally from the Czech Republic, was sleeping rough around Dublin City Centre. He suffered fatal compression injuries caused by the machinery he came into contact with after he was loaded into the truck along with the contents of the bin.

At Dublin Coroners Court Panda Waste Management truck driver Linus Phipps said he began his route at 4am on August 23, 2013, collecting 55, 1,100 litre commercial waste bins from schools, hotels, and apartment blocks around Dublin city. The truck left Inchicore and travelled along Jamess St, over to Christ Church and around the south inner city ending at Phoenix Park. These are commercial bins not wheelie bins. They are about four times the size of a household bin, Mr Phipps said.

He returned to the depot to empty the truck around 8.30am. His colleague Mark Andrews, a machine driver at the Ballymount waste depot began sorting through the load. He was operating the grab, a claw like machine that sifts through mounds of rubbish.

I thought I saw out of the corner of my eye a set of legs. I thought it was a mannequin at first as that would be quite common. But I got a bad feeling it was a body, he said. When he moved the rubbish, he spotted shoes and socks and he got the fright of his life, he said.

He asked a colleague to look at the body to make sure it was a body before emergency services were contacted.

A friend of the deceased Roman Stoupj said Mr Piotrowski was a peaceful man with a quiet nature.

He would never abuse anybody or start an argument or a fight, Mr Stoupj said. He added that he never saw the deceased sleeping in a bin. The night before his death Mr Stoupj said the man spent a few hours drinking with a group before going off in search of more alcohol. He was captured on CCTV footage at Dublin City Council Civic Offices walking towards Christ Church at 12.12am.

The cause of death was traumatic asphyxia according to pathologist Dr Michael Curtis. The man had sustained injuries consistent with an assault, including two black eyes and bruised lips, the autopsy found. Dr Curtis said the possibility that the man was assaulted, concussed and placed in the bin could not be excluded.

The manner of his death was most tragic, coroner Dr Myra Cullinane said.

The jury returned an open verdict.
Following reports this week in the Irish Examiner that senior gardai engaged in a campaign to destroy and crush a whistleblower within the force, Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dail a judge is likely to be appointed to investigate the allegations.

Amid calls for her resignation in the Dail yesterday, Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan insisted she was not privy to nor approved of any action designed to target any Garda employee who may have made a protected disclosure.

She said she would condemn any such action.

Independents4Change TD Clare Daly during Leaders Questions said Ms OSullivans position as commissioner is untenable and called on her to go.

Asked earlier on RTE Radio show Morning Ireland whether the whistleblowers felt such orders to destroy the whistleblower came from the top, Ms Daly said it was her understanding they did. One of them said he had the direct experience of knowing that this came from the top  not believing, knowing. I believe they do have evidence to back that up.

In Dail exchanges with Ms Daly, Mr Kenny said: Somebody must do that and I expect it will be  or certainly could be  a member of the judiciary who would examine the contents of the received document and see if they stand up or not.

Ms Daly was highly critical of what she called the Governments failure to act to protect whistleblowers in the face of an avalanche of evidence which has been made available to it.

The Taoiseach was twice approached by a garda in that division and warned about a senior officer who failed to deal with complaints in that area. Twice since he was approached, that senior officer was promoted, including being handpicked by the Garda Commissioner for a high-profile job in the Phoenix Park, despite three complaints from Garda whistleblowers against him.

Mr Kennys spokesman later said he did not accept the version of events as presented by Ms Daly about the approaches from the garda.

Sinn Feins Mary Lou McDonald said the Irish Examiner revelations show the Government has failed to protect whistleblowers.

They contribute to declining morale in the Garda Siochana, said Ms McDonald. No doubt, they make other potential whistleblowers think twice about coming forward. It seems that this is the very motive for such smears and attack.

In her statement, Ms OSullivan said she wanted to reiterate that any whistleblower with concerns would be taken seriously and have the matters examined.

Fianna Fails Jim OCallaghan also called for a thorough investigation. Its extremely serious the allegations that were made in the Examiner article yesterday and that has to be fully and adequately investigated.

Earlier, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said she will not act as judge and jury in relation to dramatic whistleblower allegations that have been sent to her.

However, she committed to putting in place a fair and just process to ensure that the allegations are tested and investigated.

The Taoiseach last night told Fine Gael party members that Ms Fitzgerald would be addressing the latest whistleblower allegations within 24 to 48 hours.

His comments were made after the issue of the overall state of the force was raised at a meeting of the parliamentary party last night.

Wexford TD Michael DArcy called for a discussion on the numerous problems within the gardai at next weeks meeting.

He said mismanagement within the force had led to the loss of a justice minister in the previous government and a commissioner. He added that the current commissioner is under huge pressure and that the entire force is in rag order.
A prototype of the biomedical and implantable chip, which has been designed to help make heart pacemakers smaller, more efficient, and more convenient for patients, will be unveiled in Cork this morning.

The ultra-low power programmable device is the result of a two-year Enterprise Ireland-funded partnership between the Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland (MCCI), based at the Tyndall National Institute in the city, and medical devices giant Boston Scientific.
The news comes as Minister for Children Katherine Zappone concluded her budget talks with Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe last night.

She has pressed for subsidised childcare to be prioritised for lower-income families, possibly up to a household income threshold of 47,000. She has maintained that extending direct State-funded childcare to higher income families would very much depend on what the Government allocate for her department in the budget.

The landlord tax break measure, which the Government is agreeable to, would allow property taxes become a deductible expense in calculating a landlords taxable rental income.

Landlords want the move, recommended in the Thornhill report on property tax, implemented or suggest that, alternatively, the cost of the charge should be paid by tenants themselves.

Department of Finance sources say the tax break is acceptable in principle but that the measure may not be done in one go.

The source confirmed the measure is in the mix, on the basis that the Programme for Government promises enhanced tax relief for landlords who accept rent supplement and HAP tenants.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan previously told the last Dail that the Government had agreed in principle with the recommendation of the Thornhill Report that the local property tax should be a deductible expense in calculating a landlords taxable rental income.

Mr Noonan noted the report recommended phasing in deductibility over a period of years.

Department of Finance sources said last night that a lot of good measures in principle would be in the budget but that some would be funded on a phased basis.

Landlords have asked the Government to introduce the tax break in this budget, pointing out that it was shelved for the last one. The alternative is for tenants to pay property taxes, the Irish Property Owners Association (IPOA) said in a submission.

The taxes that are, and have been, introduced to fund local services should be levied on the user, the IPOA budget submission says. The user pays principle is the fairest system, with waivers available in certain circumstances. If users are not levied directly, these are legitimate rental expenses and should be allowable as such.

Some 40,000 landlords have left the sector since 2011, say representatives. While 65% of them have one property, almost two thirds have difficulties paying their loans and expenses, says the IPOA.

The Government has frozen the amount home-owners in general pay in property tax until 2019.

Mr Noonan briefed the Cabinet last week about budget options, including extending tax relief for landlords by allowing them offset their rental liability against mortgage interest costs.

Meanwhile, Mr Donohoe said he is in the middle of very difficult discussions, which are set to continue over the weekend.

I have much progress that I have to make in the coming days, said Mr Donohoe. I expect to be working through the weekend on this matter.

Last night, there were reports that the first-time buyers incentive could be as high as 20,000. However, this was not confirmed either by the Government or the opposition.
Mr Noonan will make the unusual step of appearing before the Dail public accounts committee as the group continues its scoping exercise into allegations the State lost 220m as part of the property sale.

While Mr Noonan cannot be asked about any issues relating to government policy which could have impacted on the decision to sell Namas Northern Irish property portfolio in one bundle in 2014, he is expected to be asked about key moments surrounding the deal.

These will include a January 2014 conference call between the Finance Minister, then Northern Ireland first minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson, and Sinn Feins Northern Ireland deputy first minister Martin McGuinness during which the controversial sale was discussed.

During this conference call, the potential sale of the multi-billion euro property bundle to US firm Pimco was discussed, including outline details of a proposed memorandum of understanding.

Pimco eventually dropped out of the deal after disputed claims emerged that then Nama Northern Ireland advisory board member Frank Cushnahan stood to benefit.

While Mr Cushnahan denies the allegation, during a meeting with the PAC last week, Nama chairman Frank Daly confirmed the State firm subsequently asked Pimco to leave the process. Pimco says it voluntarily withdrew.

Todays meeting is also expected to see Mr Noonan challenged on whether government policy to sell assets quickly in late 2013 and early 2014 contributed to the Project Eagle deal.

However, he is likely to inform PAC members that he cannot answer these questions as they relate specifically to government policy, and as such are not within the PACs remit of financial control.

Mr Noonans PAC appearance comes after he last month faced significant pressure from cabinet members to attend due to the controversial claims by an independent report by Comptroller and Auditor General Seamus McCarthy that the Project Eagle deal cost the State 220m.

The PAC is currently examining the matter before a State investigation is likely to be is set up to examine the controversy, as well as probes in Northern Ireland, Britain and the US.

Meanwhile, despite being formally asked to attend a subsequent PAC grilling on the same matter more than two weeks ago, former Northern Ireland first minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson has yet to respond in any way to the Dail group.
Garda Kevin Coholan was the observer in the Garda patrol car near the bus station at Parnell Place in Cork, at 10.35pm on May 13 when he saw John Hogan, of 7 Kinvara Close, Cork, placing a knife up his left sleeve.

Garda Coholan told Hogan that he believed he had a knife up his sleeve. The guard took possession of the knife.
Amid calls in the Dail for her resignation yesterday, Ms OSullivan released a statement seeking to make it clear she condemned any attempt to start a campaign against a fellow officer.

In the Dail, Taoiseach Enda Kenny expressed his absolute confidence in Ms OSullivan, but announced that a sitting judge would most likely be asked to investigate the details of two protected disclosures given to Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald on Monday.

Commissioner OSullivan would like to make it clear that she was not privy to nor approved of any action designed to target any Garda employee who may have made a protected disclosure and would condemn any such action, said the statement. It would be inappropriate for An Garda Siochana to comment on the specifics of any protected disclosure.

In order to maintain public confidence in An Garda Siochana, we are anxious that the full content of the disclosures giving rise to the commentary be comprehensively examined at the earliest opportunity.

During Leaders Questions, Independents4Change TD Clare Daly pressed the Taoiseach, claiming that evidence of maltreatment of whistleblowers was presented as far back as 2014.

She said Ms OSullivans position is untenable and that she should go.

Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald asked whether Ms Fitzgerald and Ms OSullivan were running for cover.

In response, Mr Kenny agreed that the claims were very serious and that it would be utterly unacceptable if whistleblowers were not treated properly. His Government would not shirk its responsibility in this regard, he added.

Ms McDonald said the revelations were contributing to declining morale in the force and would cause future whistleblowers to think twice before coming forward.

She said nothing had changed since Sergeant Maurice McCabe and Garda John Wilson had been smeared.

Ms Daly said she knew for a fact that people who have come forward and made protective disclosures since Ms OSullivan came to office. She added that people in the stations who bullied them have been included on promotions list.

Earlier, Ms Fitzgerald said she will not act as judge and jury in relation to dramatic whistleblower allegations that have been sent to her.

Addressing the Oireachtas Justice Committee yesterday, Ms Fitzgerald said she cannot comment on the allegations even though material has been made public.

She said she would ensure the allegations would be very carefully assessed and considered and that the appropriate response would be put in place.

I cant be judge and jury, she said, adding that her role was to ensure that a proper procedure was put in place and that allegations were fully tested and fully investigated.

Noirins notes on a scandal in blue

- Daniel McConnell

April 4, 2014:

Dissent will not be seen as disloyalty, she said while acting commissioner.

If somebody has something to say, if somebody wants to bring something to our attention, they may not always be right but what they see and what they say can act as a catalyst for change and continuous improvement.

Asked if she agreed with her ex-boss, Martin Callinans assessment that the actions of whistleblowers was disgusting, Ms OSullivan said the use of the word was unfortunate.

May 8, 2014:

She said that any member of An Garda Siochana who wants to raise an issue of concern will be supported in doing so.

She also said that the use by any member of An Garda Siochana of the confidential recipient mechanism is a confidential process and as such the gardai are not in a position to comment on the particular case at this stage.

May 28, 2014:

Ms OSullivan said senior managers within the force are fully supportive of the whistleblower Maurice McCabe. Ms OSullivan also said gardai want all members of the force to feel free to bring forward any issues they want to raise.

May 30, 2014:

Ms OSullivan phoned Maurice McCabe promising to deal with claims of bullying made by the whistleblower.

She called the sergeant after appearing before a Dail committee. Ms OSullivan is also believed to have vowed to sort out the 13 harassment claims made by Mr McCabe.

November 26, 2014:

The commissioner has always said that any member with information or issues will be supported in bringing them forward.

Bullying of anyone in An Garda Siochana will not be tolerated, Ms OSullivans spokesman said in response to fresh harassment allegations raised in the Dail by Mick Wallace about officer Nick Keogh.

May 16, 2016:

Reports in the Irish Examiner revealed that Noirin OSullivans legal representative questioned the character and motivation of whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe at the OHiggins commission of investigation.

Like every member of An Garda Siochana, Sergeant Maurice McCabes contribution is valued and the service has changed for the better in response to the issues about which he complained, she said. I want to make it clear that I do not  and have never  regarded Sergeant McCabe as malicious.

The commissioner issued the statement after demands for her to respond the claims in a report on unpublished documents from the inquiry by the Irish Examiner.

October 4, 2016:

I have on numerous occasions expressed my support for any employees who have issues and concerns. As commissioner I have actively asked employees to bring forward issues and concerns. We learn by listening.
The executive management board at CUH described the dispute as entirely disproportionate and unwarranted.

The oncology and radiotherapy ward nurses are working to rule due to on-going inadequate and unsafe nurse staffing levels.

On Tuesday, the WRC offered both sides an opportunity to re-engage at conciliation next week. CUH management subsequently asked the nurses to defer the action and engage with the commission. The nurses agreed to attend conciliation but not to defer the action.

From 8am yesterday, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) refused any clerical and support duties and would instead focus on, and prioritise, direct nursing care.

INMO industrial relations officer Mary Rose Carroll said CUH management had made promises at the WRC in May and June but then reneged on commitments.

The INMO has engaged with management on this issue since December 2015 and highlighted members concerns which, to date, have not been adequately addressed, she said.

Our members are extremely concerned about patient safety and are frustrated and disappointed at managements inadequate response to their legitimate concerns.

According to the INMO, both sides had agreed at the WRC earlier this year that nurse and healthcare assistant staffing would not fall below 27, with two additional assistants on the night shift. However, now it says there are seven vacancies.

A spokesman for hospital management said it had undertaken a comprehensive recruitment campaign which had led to over 100 staff nurse grade appointments across CUH in the past 12 months. The measures [under the WRC] implemented to date include a campaign for nursing grades to include a clinical skills facilitator and healthcare assistants, retention of graduate nurses, conversion of agency to directly employed staff, and management support to existing nursing staff to participate in a specialised higher diploma programme, he said.

According to Ms Carroll, this figure does not take into account the number of nurses who have resigned and had to be replaced.
The haemorrhaging is reportedly due to symptoms of poor pay and conditions, and it could have serious implications if the border needs to be secured as a result of Brexit negotiations.

Figures obtained by the Irish Examiner show, at of the end of July, there were just over 9,000 personnel in the Defence Forces, nearly 500 short of the minimum requirement. The army is short 34 officers and 232 NCOs, while the air corps has 166 unfilled posts and the naval service requires 38 officers and 94 NCOs.

Many are leaving of their own accord, seeking better-paid jobs in the private sector, while others have resigned as the demands of military life were, reportedly, compromising family relationships.

Although recruitment is being speeded up by the Department of Defence, it is not keeping pace with the numbers leaving. Most worryingly, some of the most experienced officers and rank-and-file have quit.

PDForra general secretary Gerry Rooney said, allied to previous reorganisation measures, the current exodus could create a chickens coming home to roost scenario, should the border have to be secured.

The 4th (Western) Brigade, disbanded in 2012, covered some sections of the border. A number of army barracks near the border were also closed. It was always our contention they shouldnt have closed the barracks. It was a huge mistake, he said.

Minister with responsibility for defence, Paul Kehoe said he was confident negotiations with the British government would ensure a secured border would not be required. It was one of his key priorities, he said, to have a fully-staffed Defence Forces and was working with the Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Mark Mellett to ensure the proper strength of 9,500 was achieved as soon as possible.

The minister said an intake this year of 600 general service recruits was envisaged along with further recruitments next year.

Vice Admiral Mellett said he recognised recruitment and retention as being vitally important and was working to address the issues and concerns raised by military personnel in a recently-published Organisational Climate Survey.

PDForra president Mark Scally said satisfaction with military life had fallen to 48% in the latest survey, compared to 64% in 2008.

Some 77% complained about being poorly paid, 16% were stressed, and 31% were anxious about work. Another 30% said they would leave the Defence Forces due to commuting distances .

Mr Scally said members also perceived a lack of justice in the Defence Forces. We fully understand why, because we stand beside them or indeed support them in their daily struggle for justice while in work. This occurs frequently when dealing with discipline, grievances, dispute resolution, dignity and openness. This finding represents a major failing of the reform process launched over a decade ago and the problem is getting worse, he said.

Paternity pay and flag issues on the agenda

Members of the Defence Forces are being discriminated against as they are the only public servants who cannot avail of paternity leave.

Speaking at the annual PDForra conference in Cork, general secretary Gerry Rooney said: We are citizens in uniform and part of the public service and should be in receipt of all the benefits, especially in regard to allowances.

He said all other public servants benefit from two weeks paternity leave and an additional allowance of 520.

We have raised this matter with the Department of Defence and, regrettably, we have not been able to secure a just resolution.

Meanwhile, an instruction over the flag at half mast was also raised. In recent years, a flag is raised at half mast on the death of a serving member, only in the home station. PDForra officers said they found this new arrangement unsatisfactory and somewhat dis- respectful. They passed a motion to have flags flown at half mast at all posts and on all naval vessels on the death of a serving member.
Ms Zappone was said to be extremely happy with the package, which is set to benefit families with a net income of up to 47,000.

She had pressed for subsidised childcare to be prioritised for lower-income families, while Fine Gael TDs had sought to include squeezed middle-income families on up to 55,000.

The Irish Examiner has learned the details of what level the package will apply to remains to be finalised.

It comes amid speculation that the proposed tax-break for first-time buyers, which was due to be up to 15,000, could now be closer to 20,000, as negotiations between Public Expenditure Minister Mr Donohoe and Housing Minister Simon Coveney continue.

A spokeswoman for Mr Coveney said she was not aware of where the 20,000 figure came from, but it was understood a figure greater than 15,000 was now accepted.

Meanwhile, tax breaks for landlords will feature as part of next weeks budget.

The measure, to which the Government is agreeable, would allow property tax become a deductible expense in calculating a landlords taxable rental income.

Landlords want the move  recommended in the Thornhill report on local property tax  implemented or suggest that, alternatively, the tax should be paid by tenants.

Department of Finance sources

confirmed that the measure is in the mix, on the basis that the Programme for Government promises enhanced tax relief for landlords who accept rent supplement and Housing Assistance Payment tenants.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan previously told the last Dail the Government had agreed in principle with the recommendation of the Thornhill Report that local property tax should be a deductible expense in calculating a landlords taxable rental income. He noted the report recommended phasing in deductibility over a period of years.

Department of Finance sources said last night that a lot of good measures in principle would be in the budget, but that some would be funded on a phased basis.

Mr Donohoe separately said he is in the middle of very difficult discussions, which are set to continue over the weekend.

I have much progress that I have to make in the coming days, he said.

News: 4
Gerry Wall, aged 22, and an accomplice also stole jewellery worth 4,030 along with the coins valued at 58, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. None of the property was recovered.

The court heard several rooms in the house had been ransacked and 2,315 of damage was caused.

Wall, of The Laurels, Bluebell Ave, Dublin pleaded guilty to burglary at Hyde Rd, Dalkey, on September 9, 2014. The father-of-one has nine previous convictions including theft and handling stolen property.

Judge Melanie Greally had previously adjourned the case having heard evidence and ordered a probation report for that date.

She said she had been persuaded to give Wall a further chance to demonstrate his commitment to putting his criminality behind him.

Judge Greally accepted the report concluded Wall had had a turnaround in attitude and was addressing his offending behaviour. She heard evidence there were no further charges pending against him.

She said she was taking into account his admissions and the fact that he was a young man who had recently become a father for the first time. The judge acknowledged his real motivation before she suspended a two and half year sentence on strict conditions.

Garda Kevin Carey agreed with Barry Ward, defending, that there had been no confrontation or violence and that the burgled house had been insured.

Mr Ward told Judge Greally that the probation report indicated that there had been very positive developments in his clients life.

He has matured quite a bit, he has become a father and he now has a supportive family, counsel said.
Speaking before her meeting with the Garda Representative Association today, Fitzgerald, who is also the Justice Minister, said she would not be personally conducting negotiations, but wanted to find a pathway.

Ms Fitzgerald told the Oireachtas Justice Committee that she met the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors on Tuesday and that she listened to them.

The AGSI lodged a pay claim of 16.5% with the minister, at the meeting  and expect to hear back from her before their special delegate conference, on October 17.

They will consider options for industrial action, including the nightmare scenario of withdrawing their labour on the same dates set by the GRA  November 4, 11, 18, and 25.

No one wants gardai taking strike action and I will do everything possible to stop it, Ms Fitzgerald told the committee.

Frances Fitzgerald

She said that there will be further discussions with the AGSI and that her officials would be in contact with the association.

She said one of their concerns was how precisely the Public Service Pay Commission was going to work.

The Tanaiste said she would like to see continued focus on negotiations with the GRA.

But she added: There are parameters, lets be very clear about that, regarding public-sector pay.

She said 285,000 workers in 21 trade unions had accepted the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

Despite that, she said she wanted to find a way forward.

She said: I do believe we can find a way.

The Tanaiste listed the advantages of a proposal agreed with GRA negotiators last Friday week  which was rejected by the wider executive and delegates.

She accepted that we do need to tease out the connections between the Horgan Review into Garda pay and the Public Service Pay Commission. She described the meeting with the GRA as an early meeting to find a pathway.

I am not negotiating myself; there will be a negotiation team in place, she added.

The Tanaiste told the committee that she expected 800 garda trainees to be taken on next year.

She said this level of recruitment was required annually to meet the Programme for Government commitment of 15,000.

As revealed in the Irish Examiner yesterday, the minister said that more than 5,000 people had applied for the trainees positions.

She also said her plan was to double the number of the Garda Reserve and to recruit a couple of hundred civilians next year, which would free up more gardai.

Numerous deputies heavily criticised the quality of Garda crime statistics, following a review published by the Central Statistics Office last week.

Deputy Mick Wallace said there was massaging of figures, while TD Clare Daly said crimes were either not being recorded on the Garda Pulse computer system or were being downgraded.

The Tanaiste said the review had found that 17% of crimes did not appear on Pulse, down from 20% in the CSOs previous review.

She said it found that 2% of crimes were incorrectly classified, down from 5%.

Touching on what might be in next weeks budget, she said: In relation to additional capital expenditure, if finances permit, I would like to bring forward expenditure to 2017, to allow for the commencement of a new Forensic Science Laboratory.

This would mean that this important capital project will be completed in 2019, rather than commencing in that year, as originally provided for in the Capital Plans.

Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, and published in the Irish Examiner last April, contained written warnings from the head of Forensic Science Ireland about the potential for court cases to collapse because of the poor state of its facilities.
Elaine Bennett, aged 28, of Glenary, Glencoo Park, Boreenmana Rd, Cork, told her counsel, Mark OConnell, that she had been celebrating New Year 2014 with friends when she and her friends decided to go to Krystle Nightclub, Harcourt St, Dublin.

She said her friends had gone inside while she stayed outside for a smoke. When she had wanted to get in, she was refused entry because, according to bouncers, she was too drunk. She had drunk seven glasses of wine that day.

Ms Bennett said she left the area but came back half an hour later as her friends were inside and she was alone on the street. She was refused entry a second time.

She told the court that when she asked again if she could be let in, a female bouncer attacked her, pulling her to the ground by her hair.

Circuit Court president Mr Justice Raymond Groarke heard that Ms Bennet was punched and kicked on her body and face before another security guard separated them.

She told Mr OConnell she had been helped up by people on the street before gardai arrived at the scene. She had gone to her GP a few days later, complaining of bruising on her face and body.

Her wounds had left a permanent scar under her right eye.

Ms Bennett sued Triglen Holdings Ltd, which trades as Krystle Nightclub, and P&B Security Services Ltd (now in liquidation), with a registered address at Newhall, Naas, Co Kildare.

The defendants had denied liability and claimed that Ms Bennett had been extremely and racially abusive towards the security staff, and had pushed bouncer Dawn Cleary down the entrance stairs, calling her a bitch and a Polish lesbian.

She had called another bouncer a Polish bastard.

Judge Groarke said that although it was his view that the bouncers had an obligation to refuse Ms Bennett entry because she was intoxicated, he was satisfied she had been viciously assaulted.

He said he could not believe a word Ms Cleary had said in the witness box. She had also refused to co-operate with gardai who investigated the incident and in his view she should not be licensed to work in security.

The judge awarded Ms Bennett 15,000 damages and adjourned the case to a date this month to determine which of the two defendants was liable to pay the award.
The showers plastic curtain was torn down and she felt was going to die as a former partner threatened to strangle her.

A man, aged 27, pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit yesterday to charges of threatening to kill his former partner, the mother of their two young children. He also admitted a charge of assault, causing harm.

Judge Tom ODonnell said it was one of the most serious matters of its kind that he had heard, saying the victim sustained a substantial beating.

The pair had been at a pub to celebrate St Stephens night in 2014 but, on returning home, the man flew into a drunken rage. A prolonged assault only ended when a neighbour alerted gardai. The children were staying with relatives on that night.

As he attacked his partner, the man tore off her clothes before dragging her by the hair into the bathroom. He shouted: You will never see your children again.

He then turned on the shower, hosing her with cold water and after pulling down the plastic shower curtain, threatened to strangle her. The victim was locked into the bathroom and when released, he forced her into bed where he continued to hit and kick her, calling her names.

She told gardai at the scene if they had not come she thought she would die.

The accused told Garda Colm OShea he was disgusted by what he had done.

The victim, in a witness impact statement, said her life had totally changed for the worse. She felt degraded and worthless and had to be showered daily by her sister due to the injuries received.

Although the children were not in the house, she blamed herself for the affect the assault had on them. She moved home as she was worried about her own and her childrens safety. She still gets flashbacks and her son required counselling.

The judge adjourned the case to December 7, directing that no names be published at this stage.
Most women, on discovering their man is cheating, will either chuck him out or walk away. Some, fearing the consequences of confrontation, say nothing and hope the fling wont last. In China, wives have another option. They can hire mistress dispellers whose mission it is to lawfully remove the competition from the equation.

Weiqing is a mistress dispelling company with 59 branches across China. Its director, Shu Xin, recently told the New York Times that they investigate the other woman, then send in an employee to befriend her. Once he establishes  and its usually a he  whether shes in the affair for love, sex or security, a plan is drawn up with the goal of ending the affair.

If the job is done correctly, neither the mistress nor the husband finds out that the scorned wife knows and is bent on separating them.

To befriend the other woman, the mistress dispeller may rent a place in her apartment block or join a club shes in. To get her to end the affair, he may help her to get a job in a distant city or arrange to have her wooed by a man whos kinder, smarter, wealthier, or better looking than the one shes with.

There is a code of conduct. Seducing the mistress in a bid to lure her from the married man is off limits, as is hurting or threatening to hurt her.

For sure theres little thats savoury about the business of mistress dispelling. But its probably no less unpleasant than the behaviour it was created to crush. At the heart of both activities lies deception and betrayal. In that way, its a karmic solution of sorts.

Unfortunately, being the target of a mistress dispeller is not the worse fate the other woman can befall. Some wives pay hooligans to scare off mistresses using threats and blackmail. Others pay to have her face disfigured with acid. The rationale for this savagery is that the husband wont want a woman whose looks have been destroyed.

Of course not all scorned women hire others to vamoose the competition. Street attacks on mistresses of the sort that involve, stripping, hair-cutting, kicking and name-calling have been carried out in daylight by cheated upon wives and their female friends. Puyang, Yulin, and Jinan are just some of the Chinese cities in which reports of this sort of thuggery have been reported.

Compared with those alternatives, the mistress does all right for herself when the dispeller is finished with her. Typically, she ends up with a new lover or a new job. As for the lost affair, she wouldnt have shelved it for either, had her heart been in it.

The cheating husband also gets off lightly. He never has to face the dreaded we need to talk conversation initiated by an outraged wife armed with evidence of his philandering. For sure, he loses his lover, but at least he gets to benefit from the tips his spouse has been taught by the mistress dispeller on ways in which to better please him.

Why any wife would want to be more pleasing to a cheat is a puzzle. But wanting and doing are two different things, and chances are the Chinese women who do it to keep their husbands are no doormats. Its likely they do it from necessity; out of fear of being turned out onto the street should the man decide to end the marriage and marry the mistress instead.

This is a very real fear in China since the Supreme Court ruled in 2011 that following divorce, property reverts to the party who owned it before the marriage took place. The fact that the family home is usually in the mans name in China is something that terrifies the cheated wives. That and the fact that Chinas divorce rate rose by 27% between 2011 and 2014.

On the wisdom of hiring a mistress dispeller  which typically costs a minimum of $40,000  relationship psychologist Martyn Stewart, believes that for those with unlimited amounts of cash it may sound like a good idea.

Relationship psychologist Martyn Stewart (below) says all men are not the same and women need to stop thinking that they are.

Its non-invasive, you dont have to deal with any messy aftermath and with a little luck, the mistress will disappear like a bad odour in the midst of a sharp spray of air freshener, he says. But in reality, theres a problem with that line of thought, as there arent just two types of men, as in bad men who cheat and good men who dont. Stewart asserts there are 27 different types and he describes them in his book Why Men Really Cheat.

If the cheats a guilty conscience type he may be thankful if his mistress disappears. He may have been feeling bad about the affair and he may have wanted to break up with her because of that.

If hes a chameleon, hes living a double life with his mistress, which might mean that he wont give her up so easily, even if she does move away. He may fight to maintain that life and not just let her move on. This could cause the woman who hired the mistress dispellers relationship a whole other set of problems she didnt anticipate. As for why men cheat Stewart says: They decide whether to cheat or not based on the unique justification that they find within their own minds and environments. For example, if a man knows his wife wont leave him if he cheats, should she be surprised if he does? If men are complex, so too are women. Explaining that females who go against the stereotype can be their own worst enemies, he adds: With their own behaviour, they can justify the reason why men cheat. Of course not all men cheat. Of that truth Stewart says: All men are not the same and women need to stop thinking that they are. Humans are habitual. We leave patterns of behaviour in the things that we do. We may be able to hide our traits for a while, but good or bad they will present themselves at some point. The psychologist has little time for the behaviour of scorned wives who turn to mistress dispellers: A cheating husband is no justification for the invasion of privacy, manipulation and lies that go hand in hand with setting a mistress dispeller to work, he says.

As for what lurks beneath the outward dynamic of a typical couple, Stewart is less than sanguine: A central component to a healthy relationship is true self-disclosure without judgement or ridicule. As most relationships do not have this, its usual for one or both partners to live in a state of perpetual fear.

10 couples that survived cheating allegations

1. Fergie and Josh Duhamel

2.Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban

3. Paul and Alexandra Hollywood

4. Victoria and David Beckham

5. Hillary and Bill Clinton

6. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick

7. David Letterman and Regina Lasko

8. Beyonce and Jay-Z

9. Snoop Dog and Shante Broadus

10. Kobe and Vanessa Bryant
Conferences can be a touch dull  you register your name, pin on a name tag, and listen to a few speeches before adjourning for tea and custard creams. But when you spot a weapons code of conduct  live steel is prohibited  then youre probably at Octocon, where things can get lively.

Octocon is the National Irish Science Fiction Convention  a weekend-long celebration of sci-fi fans favourite stories from books, comics, TV, films, and games. Running since 1990, when the first guest of honour was Terry Pratchett of Discworld fame, other guests have included Game of Thrones creator George RR Martin.

Octocon 2016s theme is Rebellion. Guests of honour this year include Diane Duane, Peter Morwood, and Rhianna Pratchett. Duane, originally from New York, is perhaps best known for her Young Wizards fantasy series but also wrote scripts for Scooby and Scrappy-Doo as well as one of the earliest episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Belfast-born Morwood, who is married to Duane, is a fantasy novelist and screenwriter  his best-known works include the Horse Lords series.

And of course, Rhianna Pratchett. The only child of the late Terry Pratchett, shes a director of Narrativia multimedia production company which manages her fathers work across film, TV, digital media, and merchandising. Shes also the woman behind the Lara Croft backstory. As Tomb Raider lead writer, she was brought on board to help create a more human, relatable, and likeable Lara, who was in some danger of looping as a 1D weapon-toting babe in a tank-top.

Pritchett was tasked with revamping Lara Croft and Tomb Raider to help create a more human, relatable, and likeable Lara

Rhianna obviously grew up with her own fathers work but loved all forms of fantasy and sci-fi. There was a real trend in the 80s for fantasy films and I loved all those  Willow, Princess Bride, Time Bandits. That died away a bit for a while but then things like Lord of the Rings films and then Game of Thrones brought it all back to a new audience.

There is a perception among some that sci-fi and gaming are not for girls. But Rhianna notes that strong female characters have a part of some landmark films  without making them all about women either. She references Ripley from the Alien films and Sarah Connors, who battled the Terminator, as women who just go on with the story. And with other strong characters ranging from Lara Croft herself to Katniss Everdeen of the Hunger Games and virtually any of the women in Terry Pratchetts books, this isnt something Rhianna herself was particularly conscious of.

Im an only child so gender didnt matter for me in the way it might if I had been told so by brothers or sisters. I looked to my dad for inspiration and he encouraged me to have a relentless enthusiasm to try anything  to never let anyone stand in my way of what I wanted to do.

She has encountered some boys club attitudes but this doesnt faze her: Some so-called hardcore games can be a bit snobbish but...

The iconic Tomb Raider costume of hotpants and a rather tight vest mightnt sit well with some feminists but Rhianna takes it in her stride: Ah yes, the classic Lara outfit. In the reboot she dresses in a more normal way for her age and environment.

Though Rhianna worked on Lara Crofts backstory, taking the heroine back to when she was 21, she has a fondness for some of the more senior characters in her fathers own work: He saw women as complex and textured characters  Granny Weatherwax is one of those. Some men can write great women.

Rhianna herself turns 40 at the end of the year. And shes not frantically ticking off any of those 40 things to do before youre 40 lists. I believe in just getting as much done as you can in life  but also just enjoying as you go along, she says.

Engaged to be married, and with two cats at home  she jokes that like most writers she likes hard liquor and soft cats  she has numerous projects on the go. She has previously written games and adapted scripts for film as well as writing for Marvel and DC Comics, and is currently working on a spin-off TV series of Terry Pratchetts The Watch.

Octocon takes place October 14-16 at Dublins Camden Court Hotel. Tickets from 25. U12s free with an adult.

George RR Martin partied until the early hours

Octocon 2016 is on October 14 to 16 at Dublins Camden Court Hotel. Octocon.com; @Octocon or facebook.com/octocon Entry 24/ 35 pre-purchase; 40/ 25 on the door; U12s free with an adult.

George RR Martin, creator of Game of Thrones, was a guest of honour at Octocon in 2010 and seemed to enjoy it.

He wrote at the time: Having a great, if exhausting, time at Octocon in Dublin. The Irish fen are wonderfully hospitable. I am still feeling borderline sick and my time sense is knackered, however.

I hit the wall at seemingly random moments and have to stagger off to nap, absolutely can not keep my eyes open... but then I sleep for an hour or two, get a second wind, and wake up ready to roar late into the night.

Last night I had to collapse after supper, but staggered down again in time to pick the raffle winners, then partied till three in the morning, swilling down coke after coke and arguing about sex in the books.

Somehow I found myself between half a dozen women who want some explicit male/ male scenes in the books and a couple of dissenters who dont... from there we wandered into Myrish swamps and were never seen again.

It was a strange night. Today Im paying for it.
Charles Stewart Parnell died on October 6, 1891, in the midst of what was essentially the first major democratic heave in modern Irish history. This was to have profound historical implications.

Parnell was at the height of his power at the end of 1889 when Captain William OShea filed for a divorce from his wife Catherine (Kitty) on Christmas Eve, citing Parnell as a correspondent in the case. Parnell assured colleagues that he had nothing to fear, and they would understand when the truth came out.

He had been living with Kitty OShea in Britain for almost 10 years and had fathered three of her children. The Freemans Journal reported that Captain OShea had been long aware of the arrangement. He had separated from his wife in 1875 after eight years of marriage. He actually used Parnells relationship with his estranged wife to further his own career.

In 1886 OShea was elected to Westminster from Galway with the help of Parnell, but he resigned his seat after only four months. His political relationship with Parnell was thereafter seriously undermined.

OSheas allegations were relatively minor in comparison to the massive scandal that had surrounded Parnell after he was accused of encouraging the violence that led to the infamous murders of the chief secretary for Ireland and his undersecretary in Phoenix Park in 1882. Parnell had denounced those murders, but in April 1887 The Times of London published a pamphlet with facsimiles of letters purportedly written by Parnell, seeking to excuse his public denunciation of the murders.

One letter supposedly written on January 9, 1882 was clearly an incitement to violence. What are these fellows waiting for? This inaction is inexcusable; our best men are in prison, and nothing is being done, Parnell purportedly wrote. Let there be an end to this hesitancy. Prompt action is called for.

Parnell denounced the letter as a villainous and bare-faced forgery. Parliament set up a select commission to investigate the allegations, but Parnell was able to demonstrate that his supposed letters had been forged by Richard Piggott, a somewhat deranged Irish journalist who was trying to destroy Parnell.

Piggott admitted the forgeries and fled to Spain, where he took his life in March 1889. Parnell duly took a libel action against The Times, which gave him 5,000 in an out-of-court settlement in February 1890. By then he had already been served with legal papers citing him as a correspondent in the OShea divorce case, which did not come to court until November 15, 1890. The case lasted only two days in court.

Anxious for the divorce to be concluded as quickly as possible, Parnell did not contest OSheas allegations. He did not even contest OSheas false claim that Parnell used to slip out by a fire-escape when he returned home.

OSheas marriage had broken up over five years before Parnell even met Kitty. He was never living in the house while Parnell was there, but in the wake of his failure to contest those allegations, it seemed that the adulterous affair had destroyed OSheas marriage.

Parnell married Kitty OShea in 1891.

William Gladstone, the leader of the Liberal Party, informed Justin McCarthy, the recognised deputy leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party (IPP), that he could no longer do business with Parnell. If the IPP did not get a new leader, Home Rule was dead, warned Gladstone.

While on a visit to the US representing the IPP, William OBrien, TP OConnor, and John Dillon called on their colleagues to repudiate Parnell. On the same day, November 30, 1890, Thomas W Croke, the Archbishop of Cashel, sent a telegram to Justin McCarthy calling for Parnell to stand down.

In Gods name let him retire quietly and with good grace from the leadership, the archbishop telegraphed. If Parnell did not step down, Croke warned, the alliance with the Liberal Party would disintegrate and the IPP would be seriously damaged, if not wholly broken up. The same day 26 priests in Cork called on Parnell to step down, and the Bishop of Cork, Thomas Alphonsus OCallaghan, issued a personal statement denouncing him. In consequence of recent proceedings, he said, I have lost all confidence in him. The next day, 73 members of the IPP began six days of meetings in London to discuss the leadership issue. While this was being debated in London, the four Irish Catholic archbishops  Michael Logue of Armagh, William Walsh of Dublin, Thomas Croke of Cashel, and John McEvilly of Tuam  condemned Parnell as unfit to lead the IPP.

We cannot regard Mr Parnell in any light than as a man convicted of one of the greatest offences known to religion and society, proclaimed the archbishops. Their views were formally endorsed by 19 bishops.

Some 60% of the IPP clearly wished for Parnell to stand down. But he refused to budge. He contended that Gladstone was trying to dictate to party. On the sixth day the majority walked out.

There was a trial of strength before the end of the month with a by-election in Kilkenny. Parnells supporters were initially confident of success, but the anti-Parnell candidate won a decisive victory with over 64% of the vote.

Parnell blamed the Catholic bishops for his defeat. He denounced Archbishop Croke in Limerick on January 10, 1891. It is not open to the Irish bishops to claim they had interfered on the question of morality, because they were too late, said Parnell. They had not spoken out for two weeks after the divorce case, and when they did speak out it was clearly a question of politics, he insisted.

When Parnell married Kitty OShea on June 25, 1891, the Catholic bishops issued a statement reaffirming their December pronouncement contending he had utterly disqualified himself to be their leader. The next electoral test was a by-election in Carlow less than a fortnight later. Parnells critics won over 70% of the vote. By this stage Parnell was an ill man. He had been suffering for over a year from Brights disease, a kidney ailment. He died in early October at the age of 45  more than 200,000 people attended his funeral.

What was really a political heave was to have a profound influence on the developing partition issue, as well as on the broader history of the island over the next hundred years. Indeed, it still has ramifications as people complain about the deference of politicians to the Church on political issues.
News Damaged Bagan Temples Under Detailed Assessment

One of the temples in Bagan seen after the earthquake on Aug. 26. / JPaing / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON Ancient temples and pagodas in Bagan which were damaged in a powerful earthquake in August are currently under detailed assessment by Unesco experts and the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library.

Officials from the department told The Irrawaddy that the detailed assessment was started in early September, after emergency responses and an initial assessment took place from Aug. 28 to Sep. 10, and is targeted to finish by the end of November.

The director of Bagans Archaeological Department U Aung Aung Kyaw explained that the detailed work would assess individual temples with severe damage while the rapid assessment helped analyze the severity of the damaged temples, all of which have high historical and cultural heritage value.

Detailed assessment takes time, he said. It will assist technical experts in planning restoration works for individual damaged temples more effectively.

There are things that cant be done easily, U Aung Aung Kyaw said, citing the difficulty of constructing scaffolding on the big temples to clean debris at the top of the structures.

According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, the earthquake affected a total of 449 temples out of 3,252 across the ancient capital on Bagan plain.

This included iconic structures Sulamani, Ananda, Htilominlo, Myazedi, Shwesandaw, Lawkananda and Dhamma Yazaka, and the murals at Ananda Oakkyaung.

U Than Zaw Oo, director of Burmas branch of the World Heritage Site Committee, told The Irrawaddy that five teams led by the department, and under Unescos guidance, are conducting a detailed assessment on individual structures in order to ascertain the extent of the damage, including harm to murals.

The detailed assessment will be reported to the technical expert team comprised of archaeology experts from Unesco, the Association of Myanmar Architects, the Myanmar Engineering Society and the ministry itself, for thorough analysis and recommendations for restoration work, U Than Zaw Oo explained.

We have only finished about thirty temples now, he said. Depending on the severity of the damage, we prioritize which temples to assess first.

It is expected that they will work on over one hundred temples during the process, he added.

A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Burma at 5:04 p.m. on Aug. 24, centered about 15 miles west of Chauk in Magwe Division. It damaged ancient temples in Bagan, located to the north of the epicenter.

State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi sent notice to officials in the Bagan archaeological zone not to rush the restoration of the damaged pagodas and temples, and to seek technical assistance from Unesco.

She met with the director general of Unesco in New York during a trip to attend the UN General Assembly and stressed the importance of Bagans cultural heritage. Unesco also pledged to support the restoration of the damage temples.

The temples of Bagan, dating from between the 9th and 13th centurieswhen the Kingdom of Pagan ruled over much of lowland Burmaare considered Burmas biggest tourist draw, although the ancient capital has yet to be granted World Heritage Site status, allegedly on account of sub-standard, inauthentic restoration efforts under previous governments.
Burma Four MNHRC Members Resign over Tailor Shop Abuse Case

Dr. Than Nwe, Daw Mya Mya, U Zaw Win, Dr. Nyan Zaw (L to R) pictured at a press conference in Rangoon on Sept. 21, 2016 where they defended their response to the case. / JPaing / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON Four members of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) have resigned following public outcry over their negotiating a financial settlement in a high-profile abuse case of two teenage maids in downtown Rangoon.

The Presidents Office announced on Thursday the resignations of U Zaw Win, Dr. Nyan Zaw, Dr. Than New, and Daw Mya Mya have been authorized with the signature of President U Htin Kyaw.

The commissioners faced calls to resign after it transpired they urged families of the victims to accept cash settlements totaling US$ 4,000 from the accused abusers rather than push for legal action.

The two victims of the abuse case, 16-year-old Ma San Kay Khaing and 17-year-old Ma Tha Zin from Rangoons Kawhmu Township, described being beaten, cut, and forced to work for five years with little or no pay by the family who owns Ava Tailor Shop in downtown Rangoon.

The case was initially filed at the Kyauktada Township police station three months ago by U Swe Win, chief correspondent of Myanmar Now news agency, after a member of the family informed him about the abuse and asked for help in rescuing the girls.

When the police failed to take action, U Swe Win contacted the human rights commission. But the commission failed to speak directly to the victims and have been criticized for what was perceived as taking advantage of the victims and their families lack of legal knowledge.

Amid public anger for what was widely deemed insufficient action by the commission, the Yangon Police Forces Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement opened the case against the perpetrators and six family members connected to the case were detained at the end of last month.

An urgent proposal was also submitted and approved in the Lower House of the Union Parliament on Sept. 22 to take action against the commission for failing to help the victims and violating their human rights.

U Swe Win told The Irrawaddy that it is good that the resignations have been announced so soon after the Lower Houses proposal but the whole commission needs to be reorganized.

Though the commission members resigned, it is not enough. If we dont have a body which truly works for the sake of human rights matters, it will be loss for the country, he said.

And another important thing here is that a journalist [referring himself] was at the commissions closed door meeting, said U Swe Win. In previous cases details of the commissions work were not released. It is also important to have transparency on the commissions work he added.

The six family members of the Ava Tailor shop are facing several charges under the Anti-Human Trafficking Law, and the Child Law, Penal Code 325 and 326 for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means, and 344 for wrongful confinement for ten or more days.
Burma Portugals Guterres Poised to be Next UN Secretary-General

Antonio Guterres arrives for a news conference at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland Dec. 18, 2015. / Denis Balibouse / Reuters

Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres is poised to be the ninth United Nations Secretary-General and is expected to be formally recommended to the 193-member General Assembly for election by the Security Council on Thursday, diplomats said.

Russias UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, president of the 15-member council for October, said he hoped the council would unanimously recommend Guterres, who was also the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.

Guterres, 67, would replace Ban Ki-moon, 72, of South Korea, who will step down at the end of 2016 after serving two terms. Guterres was prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002.

The council has been holding informal secret ballots since July in a bid to reach consensus on a candidate. Members had the choices encourage, discourage or no opinion. Guterres has come out on top of all the polls and on Wednesday received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes.

In the end, there was just a candidate whose experience, vision, and versatility across a range of areas proved compelling, US Ambassador Samantha Power told reporters.

If we have these transnational threats and we dont have somebody at the helm of the United Nations that can mobilize coalitions, that can make the tools of this institution  work better for people, thats going to be more pain and more suffering and more dysfunction than we can afford, she said.

Diplomats said one of the no opinion votes was cast by one of the five veto wielding powers, which are Russia, China, the United States, France and Britain.

The Security Council will adopt a resolution, traditionally behind closed doors, recommending that the General Assembly appoint Guterres for a five-year term from Jan. 1, 2017. The resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes to pass.

We hope it can be done by acclamation, Churkin said.

Thirteen people were nominated in the race to become the next UN chief, but three had already withdrawn before Wednesdays secret ballot. In a bid for more transparency in the opaque selection process, the candidates were for the first time able to make election campaign-style pitches to the General Assembly.

When Guterres spoke to the General Assembly in April, he said he was a candidate to become secretary-general because the best place to address the root cause of human suffering is at the center of the UN system. He spoke in English, French and Spanish during the two-hour long town hall meeting.

Guterres, a devout Catholic, spoke about his decade as the UN refugee chief as an extraordinary privilege but a terrible frustration because there was no humanitarian solution for their plight. He said the solution was always political.

He described a UN chief as acting with humility, without arrogance, without giving lessons to anybody, but working as a convener, as a facilitator, as a catalyst and behaving like an honest broker, a bridge builder and a messenger for peace.

The Irrawaddy adds:

Guterres first official visit to Burma in his role as UN refugee chief was in 2009 where he travelled to northern Arakan State and the countrys South East. Guterres announced he would upgrade the UNHCR mission in Burma particularly in terms of health, education, water and sanitation, agriculture and infrastructure.

Guterres visited again in 2012 where he rejected an offer by then President Thein Sein that the UN agency take responsibility for resettling Burmas displaced Rohingya community in other countries. In troubled Arakan State, also known as Rakhine State, longstanding discrimination by majority Buddhists against Muslim Rohingya exploded into bloody violence in 2012. More than 100,000 people, mostly Rohingyas, are still in displacement camps.
Burma Rangoon Motel Sues NLD Lawmaker for Alleged Drunken Brawl

The Motel Shwepyithar, the site of the alleged brawl. / Facebook

RANGOON  A Rangoon motel has filed a lawsuit against a National League for Democracy lawmaker, U Nyan Linn, accusing him and two friends of swearing, threatening and drunkenly fighting with motel staff on Saturday evening.

At a press conference on Wednesday, the Motel Shwepyithar claimed that the lawmaker, who represents Rangoons Shwepyithar Township in the Lower House, arrived drunk at the motel with two friends at around 11 pm, with the intention of singing karaoke. The three became enraged when staff told them that the karaoke machines were out of order, sparking the brawl.

U Nyan Lin is a lawmaker and a respected person in light of his position. We will proceed in line with the law against his anarchic actions in our hotel, motel supervisor Ko Maung Maung Lay told The Irrawaddy.

The supervisor said the motel was opened a year ago and the karaoke machines were intended mainly for guests, who each received a free one-hour session.

U Nyan Lin however denied that he had gone to the motel to sing karaoke: I went because I had received complaints about the motel from locals, he told The Irrawaddy.

He said he had no plan so far to respond to the motels allegations because I did not commit any of the charges.

He added that he had informed the Shwepyithar Township administrator and the police prior to visiting the motel, and chose to go in plain clothesposing as an ordinary customer to verify locals complaintsout of concern that the hotels image would suffer in the case of a more official inspection.
Burma Rescued Migrant Fishermen Appeal to Govt for Unpaid Wages

A press conference held by the rescued fishermen on Wednesday at the offices of the Myanmar Journalist Network. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  Fishermen saved from slave-like conditions in Indonesias fishing industry called on Burmas government to assist them with claiming owed salaries on Wednesday.

An investigative report on South East Asias fishing industry by the Associated Press (AP) in March 2015 led to more than 2,000 slaves being freed, including hundreds of Burmese migrant workers, from Indonesia.

After the report was published, the Indonesian government rescued hundreds of workers and in April 2015 launched an investigation into fishing company Pusaka Benjina Resources.

The company admitted the maltreatment of workers but denied accusations that workers were held in cages and were not paid. Thailands Silver Sea Reefer Co. was also involved in trafficking and exploiting Burmese migrant workers.

A total of 513 fishermen urged the government to help them obtain their unpaid salaries as they met with media at the office of Myanmar Journalist Network in Yangon on Wednesday.

Government authorities said they would help us get back our salaries within six months after we got back to Burma. But, we have not gotten anything yet and the government has barely provided any assistance, said U Hlaing Min, one of the fishermen.

It is now nearly one year since they arrived back in Burma but they are still struggling to make a living and some fishermen have had to go back to Thailand to find jobs, he said.

U Myint Naing worked for 22 years in fisheries on Indonesias isolated Benjina Island. I have worked for so many years, but now I only demand five years salary. I want to get back my money for which I was tortured, he said.

Many died while working in fishing trawlers and on Benjina Island, said the rescued fishermen.

With the assistance of the Burma government, a total of 575 Burmese migrant workers were repatriated from Indonesia in May and June last year.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Thursday, October 6th, 2016 (3:45 pm) - Score 938

Rural ISP Gigaclear has confirmed that their State Aid supported Fastershire Phase 2 roll-out of 1Gbps (1000Mbps+) capable Fibre-to-the-Premise (FTTP) broadband in Gloucestershire, which is focused upon the Cotswolds area, has now reached the half-way point with 3,000 premises passed.

The project, which is funded by 3 million of public investment from the Governments Broadband Delivery UK programme and 7 million from Gigaclear itself, began its deployment phase at the end of 2015. At the last update in June 2016 they had covered 1,000 premises. Clearly the roll-out pace has improved and theyve managed to add another 2,000 in a much shorter space of time.

The eventual target is to cover 6,495 premises (homes and businesses) by the end of 2017, which will focus upon locations such as Guiting Power, Cowley, Chedworth, Whelford, Bibury and Icomb among others.

Joe Frost, Business Development Director at Gigaclear, said: Earlier this year, St. Andrews school in Chedworth became the 1,000th Fastershire ultrafast property to go live, making it one of the best connected schools in Britain. Now, more than double that number of properties have access to the same blisteringly fast Internet speeds, which is just remarkable when you consider how remote many of the Cotswolds villages are. The pure fibre network is transforming rural communities, giving them the best broadband connection available. Were now on the home straight for completing the project on time and on budget and are looking forward to thousands more properties being connected by the end of 2017.

Sadly the latest update doesnt offer a great deal of extra detail, except to say that Gigaclears network has so far been installed by using over 182 miles of fibre optic cable. Apparently around 2,000 of the 3,000 premises passed are already able to have Gigaclears ultrafast broadband service (despite the fuzzy language, were told this reflects take-up).

Meanwhile the overall Fastershire scheme, which is also being supported by Openreach (BT), aims to deliver around 90% fibre broadband coverage across both Gloucestershire and Herefordshire by the end of 2016. After that they hope that everyone will be able to access the broadband services they need by the end of 2018, which could be difficult to achieve.
Thursday, October 6th, 2016 (12:42 pm) - Score 1,259

The telecoms regulator has today opened a new consultation to examine whether the existing radio spectrum bands between 3.6GHz and 3.8GHz could be opened up for future ultra-fast 5G based Mobile Broadband or similar services in the United Kingdom.

At present the bands are already being used to provide electronic communication services via various fixed links, Satellite earth stations and wireless broadband services. In terms of the latter, UK Broadband Ltd. via Relish Wireless has a UK-wide licence to access 84MHz between 3605-3689MHz and 84MHz at 3925-4009MHz (mostly deployed in London and Swindon).

However the regulator notes that the intensity of use in the bands is quite low, which leaves room for improvement. For example, there are a total of 35 fixed links in the band and that compares to thousands in several other bands. Its also a similar story for Satellite services.

Mind you some of those fixed links are being used to provide capacity for areas of low population density, such as the links near the Hebrides and Shetland islands in Scotland, as well as two additional fixed links to the west and north of Aberdeen. Plus there are a number of fixed links connecting London and the South East. So the intensity of use might be low, but even Ofcom admits that it delivers a range of valuable benefits for UK consumers.

Ofcoms Statement National regulators across Europe and industry have identified the wider 3.4 to 3.8 GHz band as a potential first 5G band. This band can provide the large bandwidths necessary for new 5G services and is harmonised within Europe. We have identified this band as high priority for consideration for mobile use since 2014. We are currently readying an award for 150MHz in the lower part of the band, 3.4 to 3.6 GHz. This consultation proposes making the upper part of this band, 3.6 to 3.8 GHz, available for future mobile services including 5G. This would include eventually awarding for mobile use the remaining 116 MHz of the band which is not already in use for electronic communications services. We believe that this will result in more efficient use of the spectrum and greater benefits for UK citizens and consumers. We also believe that making this band available for mobile has the potential to help us fulfil our duties regarding competition and innovation.

One rather significant challenge in all this stems from Ofcoms initial coexistence analysis, which indicates that large separation distances between mobile and existing users in the 3.6 to 3.8 GHz band would be required to prevent undue interference to existing users.

Put another way, if Ofcom retains the current approach then large areas of the UK would be out of reach for mobile services via 3.6-3.8MHz. The alternative method would be to remove the existing users authorisation for fixed links and satellite services. As a result some operators might have to use different spectrum and a few satellite solutions would have to adjust to an expectation of much lower spectrum quality.

The duplexed nature of the band also means that Ofcom has to consider the effect of their policies on both 3.6 to 3.8GHz and the neighbouring 3.8 to 4.2 GHz band. In particular, use of the 3.6 to 3.8 GHz spectrum by fixed links is paired (or duplexed) with spectrum in the upper part of the band (3.8 to 4.2 GHz). Ofcom are currently examining 3.8-4.2GHz under a separate programme (here).

At this stage we dont expect to see the first solid standard to emerge for 5G until later in 2017 and its important to note that the new technology will deliver its best speeds using much higher frequencies (e.g. 73GHz and 28GHz), although 5G can also work at lower frequencies too. The latest consultation will remain open until 1st December 2016.
Terre Haute, IN (47809)

Today

Areas of patchy fog early. Overcast with rain showers at times. High 62F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. Low 46F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
5 Ways to Ensure Secure Executive Communication

Two things are known about the spectrum that will be used for 5G: A lot will be needed and great advances in current technology must be made for it to be suitable for use.

Both of these factors raise issues. Earlier this week, WirelessWeek reported that Verizon has responded to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with the request that it quickly open more high frequency spectrum in the 28 GHz and 37 GHz to 40 GHz areas. This spectrum became free during the summer.

Verizon wants the spectrum to be awarded for use under older guidelines instead of use-it-or-share-it rules that are under consideration.

Coverage of spectrum allocations focuses on a sometimes confusing set of numbers of where in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum the government is opening for use. This can obscure the bigger issue: The higher the frequency, the closer together the waves of a transmission are.

This raises two major obstacles. Higher frequency signals tend to fade more quickly and are more sensitive to obstacles. The good news, according to a story at RCR Wireless that focuses on Qualcomm, is that beam forming and multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antennas are expected to allow use of spectrum that in the past was unsuitable for commercialization. The sense is that dramatic advances, from Qualcomm and others, will continue.

Another complexity is that not all experts feel that mmWave must be a part of 5G. These experts, according to IEEE Spectrum, say that the same advances used by mmWave help out at lower frequencies. Other steps, such as the use of white space technology formerly utilized by television broadcasters, can allow true 5G at lower frequencies:

In fact, some companies have begun to concentrate their 5G efforts on these kinds of sub-6 GHz improvements. Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei has said that sub-6GHz bands will be the primary working frequency for 5G, and Qualcomm recently announced a new 5G radio prototype focused on the same batch of frequencies.

Technology has a way of sorting itself out. But a related point deserves attention. Marketing departments are drawn to technical buzzwords like reality shows are to conflict. Those watching the evolution of the technology must be careful that advances that dont mention mmWave really are 5G. It is entirely possible that companies will use the fuzziness of the definitions to portray their products as something they are not.

Carl Weinschenk covers telecom for IT Business Edge. He writes about wireless technology, disaster recovery/business continuity, cellular services, the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communications and other emerging technologies and platforms. He also covers net neutrality and related regulatory issues. Weinschenk has written about the phone companies, cable operators and related companies for decades and is senior editor of Broadband Technology Report. He can be reached at [email protected] and via twitter at @DailyMusicBrk.
7 Steps to Combat the Cybersecurity Skills Shortage

With financial backing from the U.S. Department of Labor, a tech apprenticeship program in Washington State is being expanded nationwide to recruit, train and place workers to help close the technology skills gap, with a focus on under-represented groups to help close the diversity gap that characterizes the IT sector.

In an announcement last week, the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) said it had been awarded $7.5 million by the Labor Department for a nationwide expansion of its Apprenti apprenticeship program. I had the opportunity to discuss the announcement with Jennifer Carlson, executive director of the WTIA Workforce Institute, and I opened the conversation by mentioning that I had recently spoken with Rachel McGalliard of the Software Guild, which has adopted an apprenticeship model for its software coding boot camps. I asked Carlson for her thoughts on whats driving this focus on the apprenticeship model to fill the technology skills gap. She said from an employers standpoint, it comes down to a combination of factors:

You dont have enough college graduates coming out to fill the occupations, and weve been very four-year-college-degree focused in our hiring for so many years. So were going to have to look outside of the traditional scope. Then, how do we best train them? Because not everybody comes through that traditional model. If we can identify highly competent people, as opposed to using college as a benchmark for determining competency, then companies are ready to start making the investment in training homegrown talent, and getting them up to a proficiency level that works for their business.

And apprenticeship has a lot of rigor around it. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Labor and Washington States Department of Labor and Industries, as we got this started, were both very flexible in allowing us to take the best practices of the trades, but still adapt it to our industry in a way that maintains the rigor of getting the person up to speed, but under an adaptive model so that it works for our industry.

According to the announcement, Apprenti will form a National Registered Tech Apprenticeship Committee with representatives from top companies that will be committed to hiring apprentices through the program, to lay the foundation for an employer-driven model. I asked Carlson if these companies were the ones paying the apprentices, or if thats what the Department of Labor funding is for. She said the $7.5 million over five years covers infrastructure and start-up costs:

The salaries are paid by the companies. Its an apprenticed salary, so it is not a full wage of a qualified person coming into the job. So theres some cost saving for the year that the person is learning on the job that the company gets as a benefit, while it makes the human-capital investment of training the person for that year that theyre on the job and learning it. But in return, the people taking the apprenticeship get a full-time paid job, with benefits, and have an immersive environment where theyre really focusing on learning one occupation at a high level of proficiency.

The program specifically targets underrepresented groups  women, minorities and veterans. Carlson explained the approach to make that happen:

What we did here [in Washington State], as a pilot, was we partnered in the marketplace with community organizations, community colleges, groups that focus their services around those three target populations. We did a soft rollout  we didnt roll it out to the public and do a mass announcement until just a couple of weeks ago. We actually gave it exclusively to those community partners a month earlier, so that we were filling the pipeline upfront with the people that we absolutely knew are the ones we wanted to place into these occupations.

So whether that was Goodwill, Urban League, Tacoma Community House  all these local groups, and then several community colleges that had curricula that would match up well with what we were looking for  those are the groups that were filling the pipeline, along with several of the work force development councils in the area.

In the pipeline  people who have actually come in to the assessment portal  we have 422 as of [Sept. 29], here in the pilot in Washington [State]; 202 are women; 74 are veterans; and 218 are minorities. Obviously theres some overlap in there.

The idea is for the program is to provide these folks with two to four months of certified technical training, followed by one year of full-time, paid, on-the-job training with one of Apprentis hiring partners. Carlson said the apprentice is under no obligation or commitment to continue working for that company:

Both parties have a one-year obligation to make the environment a good training environment. But theyre an at-will employee of the company, and at the end of that term the company will give them an annual review, like they would any other employee.

Our recommendation to the company is that if they want to retain the person at that point, they need to get him or her to the industry-standard wage. Because now theyve got a full year with a named company on their resume, along with an industry-recognized certification. Our marketplace dictates that they will likely have an easier time finding a job now, so if you want to retain them, get them to market wage. If not, theyre at will to separate, on either side.

There are five initial Apprenti occupations: database administrator, network security administrator, project manager, software developer and web developer. I asked Carlson which of these skills are in greatest demand, and she said the developer jobs are the ones that employers are most eager to fill:

Theyre also the most technical of the jobs, which is why we wanted to create multiple pathways, and provide other opportunities. That is only the starting set  that is what we filed in Washington [State], and what we will likely look to our national council to ratify quickly so that we can start filing those in other states, as well. But weve also got requests coming in for UI/UX, quality assurance, data analysis  so we have a number of other positions that are already teed up in the pipeline.

The key is to create multiple inroads and opportunities. We have some people who are less technical, that have great social skills, and could make great project managers. And then weve got some folks who are exceptionally good at math, and are highly analytical in problem-solving, who will make great programmers.

Carlson wrapped up the conversation with some praise for the Labor Department:

I want to give a quick shout-out to the Department of Labor for their support in this, but really more specifically for their vision and flexibility in allowing us to take an existing model that has such a rich history in this country with the trades, and adapt it without forcing a round peg into a square hole. Theyve worked really closely with us in making sure that this is a model that will be embraced by industry.

A contributing writer on IT management and career topics with IT Business Edge since 2009, Don Tennant began his technology journalism career in 1990 in Hong Kong, where he served as editor of the Hong Kong edition of Computerworld. After returning to the U.S. in 2000, he became Editor in Chief of the U.S. edition of Computerworld, and later assumed the editorial directorship of Computerworld and InfoWorld. Don was presented with the 2007 Timothy White Award for Editorial Integrity by American Business Media, and he is a recipient of the Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Award for editorial excellence in news coverage. Follow him on Twitter @dontennant.

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Google's new Pixel XL is a direct competitor to Samsung's Note 7 in the high-end market, coming with certain benefits, such as a more easy to use OS and a more powerful processor. However, despite its exploding battery issues, Samsung's device has many positives, such as a classy design, the S Pen and waterproofing.

Design - Google Pixel XL vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 7

According to Trusted Reviews, with its metal and glass case and its curved screen edges, Samsung's Note 7 is a beautifully crafted device. With the Gorilla Glass 5 protecting Note 7's screen, the phone is made drop proof. The slight curve added by Samsung to the back of its handset is making it more ergonomic and comfortable in the hand.

On the other side, Google's Pixel XL does not come with a design at Note 7's level. The new mobile device from Google looks almost similar to the HTC A9. The large bezels on the front are unconvincing and the overall look of the Pixel XL cannot compete with that of the Galaxy Note 7.

Display - Google Pixel XL vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 7

In terms of display, both the Pixel XL and Note 7 provide the same 1,440 x 2,560 (QHD) resolution, energy efficiency and inky blacks by using AMOLED technology for their displays. The only difference consists in the size of the two screens. While Samsung's handset comes with a larger 5.7-inch display, Google's device features just a 5.5-inch one.

Hardware - Google Pixel XL vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 7

Both Note 7 and Pixel XL come with top-end features and specs and are among the most capable handsets on the market. The Pixel XL First comes with Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 821 and is capable of running Google's new virtual-reality platform Daydream VR and will work with the new Daydream View VR headset. Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 is powered by an Exynos 8890 chip.

Both the Pixel and Note 7 come with 4 GB of RAM. In terms of storage, the Pixel XL provides a choice of either 32 GB or 128 GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 features 64 GB of storage as standard.

Unlike the Note 7, the Pixel XL does not provide a microSD card slot. Google's Pixel XL also lacks the ability to use a proprietary stylus, while Note 7 features an improved S-Pen

Cameras - Google Pixel XL vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 7

Note 7's 12-megapixel rear camera is one of the best on the market, providing the HDR feature when shooting in 1080p, as well as support for 4K video. Google's Pixel XL's 12-megapixel camera has a less wide f/2.0 aperture.

In terms of the battery, Note 7 comes with a slightly larger Li-ion 3,500 mAh battery. The Pixel XL features a Li-ion 3,450 mAh battery.

Software - Google Pixel XL vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 7

Both of these phones run an Android operating system. But Google's phone works on Android 7.0 Nougat, the latest Android OS version, while the Note 7 runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

The Nougat running on the Pixel is also capable of running Daydream VR. According to CNET, the Pixel XL also features the Assistant, a voice-controlled A.I. platform.
The world at the moment is still confident that the battle against bacterial infections can be won with ease - due to the help of antibiotics. This may no longer be the case.

Bacteria are no longer the same 50 years ago. It has evolved time after time to become more resilient against humanity's most potent weapon, antibiotics. Unfortunately, antibiotics are abused by both patient and medical practitioners - giving birth to super-bugs (bacteria that are nearly invulnerable to almost any kind of antibacterial drugs).

With that in mind, even the most curable bacterial infections could become extremely lethal. One of the best examples would the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Just about 80 years ago, gonorrhea can be cured by uncomplicated penicillin alone.

Today, there are only two known antibiotics that can effectively kill it, Azithromycin and Ceftriaxone. However, these drugs are losing their efficiency as seen in the news article by CNN.

How Serious Is the Problem?

According to an article published in Brink News, the overuse of antibiotics is the main cause of about 200,000 annual infant deaths. This is one of the major concerns of the UN today. During the UN general assembly in New York on Sept. 21, 2016, leaders around the globe discussed how to lessen the overuse of antibiotics and to seek a better alternative.

Antibiotics will soon lose its ability to kill bacteria unless consistently updated and derived. The issue is that the speed of bacterial evolution towards better resistance is faster than the development of antibacterial drugs.

Current Solution

The best answer as of now is purely proper prescription of antibiotics. With regards to a report on The Sydney Morning Herald, "We need to take antibiotics in the correct regimen and dose. Too-low levels generate these concentration steps that speed up evolution," said Roy Kishony, professor of Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School.

"In general, we should be mindful about not using antibiotics unless really needed."
Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg famously known as PewDiePie; is a 26-year old Swedish native who is also a popular Youtuber with around 47 million subscribers and over 11 billion views on Youtube.

Whenever a person discovers PewDiePie for the first time on Youtube or in whatever part of the web, the first question that may have come to his mind is "Why PewDiePie?" and as to what Felix explained, PewDiePie doesn't really mean anything. "Pew" is just simply a sound of the laser as what he described and "Die" is just die. In 2006, Felix launched his first youtube channel and named it "PewDie".

Unfortunately, after 4 years with a total number of 440,000 subscribers, he forgot his login information which forced him to create a whole new youtube channel and rather than naming it "PewDie2" he added "Pie" instead because he really loves pie; making it "PewDiePie".

The famous youtuber had earned an estimated amount of $124 million since 2010 (ever since he started uploading more videos on his second created account) and as of 2016, PewDiePie's net worth is over $61 million.

Kjellberg started calling his fans "bro" and at the beginning of every video that he makes he does this "Bro-Fist" with them as a greeting. His fans called themselves "The Bro Army". Kjellberg and his "Bro Army" had also raised an amount of $630,000 for Save the Children, $446,512 for Charity: Water and tens of thousands for a lot more charities.

Two of the charities that he and his Bro Army have raised money for is the World Wildlife Fund and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The star had never really discussed further about his fund-raising projects to the media.

Back in 2013, PewDiePie had started to endlessly beg for Taylor Swift to notice and follow him on twitter, referring to her as "Senpai". She was able to finally notice him and followed him on twitter by 2015.

Felix met Marzia Bisognin (his current girlfriend), back in 2011 when Marzia (who is now a youtuber with the youtube channel CutiePieMarzia) set him a fan mail after seeing his videos. They are both currently living in Brighton, U.K together with their two pugs Edgar and Maya.

When Felix decided that college was not for him, his parents weren't very supportive of his decision. He supported himself by selling hotdogs during those days.
The verdict is in when it comes to the strength of Nokia phones. A tweet shared by a Microsoft employee who worked on a Nokia Lumia proved that these handsets can indeed handle tough damage - and can even stop a bullet.

The latest Nokia to save a life

According to Peter Skillman, a phone that he worked on a few years ago stopped a bullet from killing a man in Afghanistan. This is yet to be confirmed, but Skillman shared the image of the phone with the bullet lodged in the middle.

A Nokia phone I worked on a few years ago saved the life of a man in Afghanistan last week. The embedded bullet.... pic.twitter.com/O2zBxadkDO  peter skillman (@peterskillman) October 5, 2016

This is not the first time that phones have saved a person's life. Nokia, in particular, has earned the reputation for being indestructible. In May of 2014, a Brazilian police officer cheated death when a bullet hit his Nokia Lumia 520, which he kept in his back pocket.

Nokia's reputation as a tough phone goes beyond the memes. In fact, there are dozens of videos and photos proving that these phones can survive just about anything.

In 2012, the company released the Lumia 920, which is said to work even after being run over by a car.

Other phones have saved lives too

There are other phone brands that have reportedly saved lives. In New Zealand, a resident survived a hydraulic explosion when a Samsung flip phone prevented the flames from entering his lungs.

In the UK, an iPhone 5c saved a father of two from a shotgun blast. Daniel Kennedy was shot in July 2015 when he challenged a group of teenagers who switched off the public water supply as a prank.He survived the attack because his iPhone 5c took most of the beating.

In 2013, HTC's Evo 3D saved a store clerk in Florida when an armed robber fired at him while leaving the premises.

As phones continue to act as a shield against life-threatening objects, it's clear that these hand-held life-savers can serve a higher purpose than taking selfies and posting them on social media.
Elon Musk's vision of colonizing Mars has been all over the news. However, Boeing's Chief Executive Office Dennis Muilenburg is up to challenge Musk. In a recent conference, Muilenburg stated that he intends to send people to Mars first.

Boeing's Own Vision About Mars

Bloomberg reports that Muilenburg laid out his own Mars vision at an event in Chicago. The event sponsored by the Atlantic magazine had a discussion about innovation. Muilenburg is convinced that their Boeing rocket will carry the first person to step foot on Mars.

According to Bloomberg, the CEO proudly revealed a Jetsons-like future both focused on space exploration and commerce. What he envisions is the space version of commercial travel here on Earth.

He wants the said market with dozens of destinations orbiting the planet. People will be traveling between continents using a hypersonic aircraft. Apparently, such mode of transportation will only take two hours or less. The said aircraft will be three times as fast as the speed of sound.

Muilenburg said that space tourism will be blossoming over the next couple of decades. He hopes that this particular market will become viable. He added that the International Space Station could be joined in low-Earth orbit by dozens of hotels and companies. Micro-gravity manufacturing and research would be pursued.

Boeing is currently developing a Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This heavy-lift rocket is being made for deep space exploration. This means that Boeing will use the SLS to send people to Mars.

According to The Verge, the company has been receiving billions of funds from NASA for the SLS.

SpaceX does not enjoy the same perks as the Boeing. They are currently self-funding their Mars rockets. That includes the company's upcoming Interplanetary Transport System. The Verge also reports that SpaceX has been using only 5 percent of its resources.

Both Boeing and SpaceX have yet to actually finish the rockets and send people to Mars. Until then, the bragging rights of being the first to send people to Mars is still up in the air.
Dr. Jan Vijg, Xiao Dong and Brandon Milholland have recently published a study on the lifespan of people. Vijg revealed that humans will never get older than 115. However, other researchers disagree on the latest findings. Apparently, human longevity has been an issue among scientists for quite some time.

According to The New York Times, the researchers have discovered that the fastest-growing portion of society has been old people. They based this on survival and mortality data.

Apparently, Vijg and his colleagues have sorted the number of living people of varying ages in a year. From these numbers, they are able to compute the population growth of each age. Vijg cited an example like that in France during the 1920s. 85-year-old women had the fastest growth rate.

In the 1990s, 102-year-old French women had the fastest growth. However, the trend seemed to shift. Otherwise, France could have 110-year-olds as the fastest-growing group today. Unfortunately, this is also the case for 40 other countries.

Vijg explained that it has stalled about a decade ago. The limit for human's longevity might have been reached already.

To further prove this, they studied the International Database on Longevity. The said database is actually assembled by Dr. James Vaupel of Max-Planck Odense Center on the Biodemography of Aging.

Apparently, Vaupel has been rejecting such claims for so long. The New York Times reports that Vaupel even called the recent study "a travesty".

The said database contained detailed accounts on 534 people. They found out that a person had reached 111 years of age in 1968. It went up to 115 years in the 1990s. Again, the trend has changed like in the previous case.

Milholland said that they expect that the oldest person alive will be around 115 years for the foreseeable future. Vijg reminds people to focus on improving their health span rather than extending the lifespan.

University of Southern California Longevity Institute Professor Valter Longo also agrees in an interview with the Business Insider. But he added that there could be enough support for life extension research.

The study has been published in Nature on Oct. 5.
The bad blood between former sweethearts Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder is not getting any closer to an end. As a matter of fact, the nearing conclusion of the horror show The Vampire Diaries is greatly impacted of their romance that didnt go well.

Neither the showrunners nor Dobrev made a final confirmation on her appearance on the series finale, hence, various speculations were raised by the press and their supporters.

A report mentioned that the vampire show is likely to tap Twilight star Kristen Stewart in replacement of Dobrev. Although Stewart has not released her official comment on her alleged appearance in the show, she is said to be discussing the proposal with EP Julie Plec and the CW network to make a cameo for a number of episodes in the eight installment of "The Vampire Diaries."

It is known that the Clouds of Sils Maria actress have worked with Ian Somerhalders wife, Nikki Reed in the film series of Twilight, reason enough for another theory that Reed is pushing Stewart to get the role to keep Dobrev away from returning to TVD.

The same report noted that Ian bluntly reacted negatively about the possible comeback of Dobrev in the final season of the drama show.

Is the couple making things worse for Dobrev? Dalena supporters highly anticipate the reunion of the two even just for the sake of the shows exciting conclusion.

If Nina stays true with her emotional promise to Plec that she will reprise her role as Elena in the series finale, a lot of long-time supporters of the show will be thrilled to excitement.

Despite the sad truth that The Vampire Diaries has to cross its finish line real soon, Ian is reported to be excited in wrapping up his role as Damon Salvatore. The actor plans to pursue his and Reeds plans of having a baby.

Indeed, every ending leads to new beginnings.

The Vampire Diaries season 8 premieres on Oct. 21.
At an event in Dublin, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that the company's Azure Cloud will become the first artificial intelligence supercomputer.

Microsoft Azure A.I. Supercomputer

Microsoft explained on the company's website how its Azure cloud computing offering will bring a new wave of apps based on AI technologies. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are defining the next generation applications powered by the cloud. Following this emerging trend, Microsoft is building the first AI supercomputer on its Azure cloud platform.

According to ZDNet, in order to achieve this goal, Microsoft is going beyond the traditional CPU architecture, building cloud processing power based on GPUs. GPUs can be scaled so that banks of GPUs can process tasks in parallel, so they best fitted for dealing with high workloads. The traditional approach of using individual machines with ever faster CPUs is reaching its limits.

Nadella said that GPUs are much better at scale and performance for algorithms used in deep neural nets and machine learning. He also explained that every compute node across all regions of Azure features FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). These FPGAs allow developers to write distribute and run neural network code.

Artificial intelligence apps can look simple on the user side, but they require at the back end a huge amount of processing power. On top of this AI-oriented architecture on the Azure cloud platform, Microsoft is offering higher level AI services such as APIs to connect to object, image, speech recognition and natural language processing services.

Other big cloud vendors aim to position themselves as having the best platform for these compute intensive and high profile workloads. For instance, last week Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced an update to its GPU-powered cloud platform, catering to applications such as seismic analysis, artificial intelligence, genomics, molecular modeling and other apps that require large amouints of parallel processing power.

Microsoft has been promoting its own AI projects as well, from Dynamics 365 for Sales to Office 365 and digital personal assistant Cortana. The high-tech company also announced that sometime next year it will start offering Azure Cloud from French data centers.

According to HPC Wire, Microsoft formed a new research group focused on its Azure cloud platform with the aim of helping to deliver new capabilities across services, applications and infrastructure. Harry Shum, a 20-year company veteran who worked on important projects such as the Bing search and Cortana intelligence personal assistant, would manage the A.I. initiative.
Microsoft announced its Ventures startup accelerator project a few months back and now unveiled a new website that highlights its portfolio in order to provide more transparency on the investments in various companies and their areas of focus.

Microsoft Ventures Website

Microsoft Ventures' new website highlights its portfolio of investments. However, the website is not disclosing the amount Microsoft's Ventures arm has invested in each company.

According to MS Power User, the startup accelerator project has invested in business SaaS, in companies such as Helpshift and Outreach. In communications and productivity Microsoft Ventures has invested in three companies: Kahoot, Layer and Comfy. In cloud infrastructure, the startup accelerator has invested in Rescale.

In the emerging field of machine learning, Ventures has invested in CrowdFlower, as well as CognitiveScale, more recently. In the field of digital security, Microsoft's startup accelerator program has invested in Team8 and Aqua Security.

Microsoft Ventures's Aim

Corporate Vice President at Microsoft Ventures Nagraj Kashyap said that the momentum is already underway in the first few months, following the official debut of Microsoft Ventures in late May. He explained that the aim of Microsoft Ventures project is to use their funds in order to encourage those innovators who align to Microsoft's investment focus in cutting-edge technologies that bring digital transformation.

Microsoft Ventures is providing financing and strategic relationships with Microsoft to entrepreneurs in various locations worldwide, such as Seattle, Tel Aviv, San Francisco and New York. The startup accelerator has already completed 13 investments across several B2B categories, from Series A to Series C.

According to ZDNet, Microsoft Ventures has been just the small early stage investment group created by the high-tech giant with the aim to target startups in the emerging fields of cloud, machine learning, security, productivity, big data and analytics. This new group assumed at first the old "Microsoft Ventures" name. However, the entity formerly known as Microsoft Ventures owned by the Developer Evangelism team, was later rebranded to "Microsoft Accelerator."
"Back to the Future" fans will rejoice: self-lacing sneakers are finally here thanks to Nike. Although there are a few differences in the technology, these shoes will guarantee a perfect fit.

"Back to the Future II's" self-lacing sneakers impressed Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) when it automatically laced themselves up and adjusted to his feet. Now, a popular shoe maker is introducing 2016 Nike Mag that adapts to the user's feet using sensors, Live Science reported.

Nike has introduced "adaptive fit," which makes use of sensors to determine whether to loosen or tighten the shoe. This would ensure a perfect fit for both feet, meaning that consumers will not have to endure differently fitting shoes anymore.

Nike for Parkinson's Disease

As stated in their blog, the Nike Mag is a product of their partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation in an "effort to speed a cure for Parkinson's."

"Though it initially shared only a few seconds of screen time with Michael, the idea behind the Nike Mag unlocked something much bigger at Nike," said Mark Parker, NIKE Chairman, President and CEO. "It sent us down an uncharted path of innovation, but it also opened our eyes to our ability to fight some of the world's biggest challenges. We feel privileged for the opportunity to raise even more awareness for the fight against Parkinson's."

What's The Catch?

Although there are millions of "Back to the Future" fans out there who are willing to shell out huge money to get a pair, there are only a limited number of 2016 Nike Mag available. To be specific, there are only 89 pairs available worldwide. Furthermore, most will not be auctioned off. One does actually need to be lucky because they will only be released to the winners of an online draw.

According to Entrepreneur, a ticket costs $10 then there is a $1 handling fee. Multiple tickets can be bought, but it still does not guarantee a pair. However, buyers can take comfort at the fact that their 100 percent of their money will be given to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for research on Parkinson's.

Those who want to try their luck in the online draw can enter here or via the Nike+ app. The 2016 Nike Mag will be given to the winners on Oct. 17 after the draw that begins on Oct. 4 and ends on Oct. 11.

There are also auctions happening in Hong Kong on Oct. 11, in London on Oct. 14 and 17, and in New York on Nov. 12.
"The Big Bang Theory" season 10 episode 4 spoilers reveal that Amy (Mayim Bialik) moves in with Sheldon's (Jim Parsons) apartment. Capping the teaser video as Amy and Sheldon were about to kiss, will Amy be laid once again?

"The Big Bang Theory" season 10 episode 4's title "The Cohabitation Experimentation" seems to hint that Amy will get laid in this episode. Before even Amy moved in with Sheldon, the former asked the latter if she could stay with him in his home as her apartment went inundated. He agreed apparently. However, at the back of his mind, Sheldon expressed resentment about the idea that she is moving in with him. A boyfriend hates to live in with his girlfriend?

Excited, Concerned, Scared Sheldon

In their conversation, Amy asked: "You and I are gonna be sharing a bed. How do you feel about that?" Sheldon responded: "Excited, concerned, scared, all of the same emotions I feel in line at Space Mountain."

Does sharing a bed make it hard for Sheldon? That is what viewers will have to find out when episode 4 airs.

First Love Scene Of Sheldon & Amy

In the previous season last year, Amy and Sheldon had sex for the first time after over five years of dating. It happened on Amy's birthday that Sheldon chose over watching the opening night of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" with friends Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Raj (Kunal Nayyar) and Howard (Simon Helberg).

"Big Bang Theory" Stars On Huge Deal

In another news, "The Big Bang Theory" lead stars Parsons, Galecki and Kaley Cuoco (Penny) are expected to sign a more lucrative deal for the show as it rakes over 21.5 million viewers in Season 10's pilot episode. In 2014, the actors signed $1 million-per-episode mark with Warner Bros. TV making them the highest-paid comedy actors.

'The Big Bang Theory" season 10 episode 4 airs Monday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
The hack of the Democratic National Committee this past summer, allegedly by Russia, prompted a political firestorm, but didnt cause even a ripple in the US economy.

But imagine the economic firestorm that would result if online attackers brought the entire internet down, even temporarily.

You may not have to imagine it, according to Bruce Schneier, CTO of Resilient Systems, cryptography guru, blogger and international authority on internet security. In a recent post titled, "Someone is Learning How to Take Down the Internet," he wrote that he had been told by multiple sources that, someone has been probing the defenses of  some of the major companies that provide the basic infrastructure that makes the Internet work.

But according to some of his fellow security experts, you dont really need to imagine it, since the chances of the internet really being taken down are remote. And even if it happens, it wont cause catastrophic damage. Several commenters on Schneiers post wondered why even hostile actors would want to take down the internet, since if they do, they wont be able to use it either.

Whatever the reality, it has prompted some energetic discussion.

Schneier said the probing has been done mainly with calibrated Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, which overwhelm a site with so much data that it cannot respond to legitimate traffic.

DDoS attacks are nothing new  activist and criminal hackers use them all the time. What distinguishes these is their profile.

Schneier said he had spoken with leaders of several companies  who all demanded anonymity  that operate elements of the backbone of the internet, and they had all told him similar stories.

It feels like China. You can hide the origin of a lot of attacks, but it is harder to hide the origins of a DDoS. And this doesnt seem like their (the NSAs) style.

Bruce Schneier, CTO of Resilient Systems

These attacks are significantly larger than the ones they're used to seeing, he wrote. They last longer. They're more sophisticated. And they look like probing.

That, he said both in his post and a later interview with CSO, is because of their style  over time, the volume of the attack increases, to the point of the defense systems failure. They also employ multiple attack vectors, so they force the companies to use all their defenses at once.

He suggested it was the digital version of what the US did during the Cold War, when the US would fly high-altitude planes over the Soviet Union to force them to turn their air defense systems on, which would then let the US map their capabilities.

We didnt do it because were evil, he said. We just wanted to know  just in case.

He said these attacks look like theyre coming from a nation-state  probably China. While some responses to his post have said it may be the US National Security Agency (NSA) doing a sort of stress test on the internet, Schneier doubts that. It feels like China, he said. You can hide the origin of a lot of attacks, but it is harder to hide the origins of a DDoS. And this doesnt seem like their (the NSAs) style.

Dan Kaminsky, security researcher and chief scientist at White Ops, agreed. I don't think the NSA is doing it, because it'd very much surprise me if they needed to, he said.

Schneier also pointed to a recent quarterly report from Verisign, the registrar for many popular top-level Internet domains, like .com and .net., which reported a 75 percent increase in attacks, year over year, with an average peak attack size of 17.37Gbps (Gigabits per second), an increase of 214 percent.

That pales in comparison with the recent record 620Gbps DDoS attack against the website of security blogger Brian Krebs, and Schneier said the Verisign report doesnt have the level of detail he got from the anonymous industry leaders he spoke with, but he said, the trends are the same.

He added that since his blog post, he has heard from three other companies that support the Internets backbone, and they have also told him they are seeing same thing.

So how worried should the US be? Is this just some cyber Cold War maneuvering, or a potentially catastrophic threat?

Most experts say they think it needs attention, but see it more as maneuvering than an imminent increase in danger to the integrity of the internet.

Sam Curry, chief product officer at Cybereason, said based on his observations, risk levels haven't changed. It's an interesting hypothesis that needs more data points, but watch out for confirmation bias going forward.

Risk levels haven't changed.

Sam Curry, chief product officer, Cybereason

There is little disagreement, however, that a massive DDoS attack could disable portions, or even all, of the internet for some period of time.

Kaminsky called Schneier a highly credible source, and said he believes some hackers actually can take down the internet, in part because, the damage from cyberattacks keeps growing and the risk perceived by attackers keeps shrinking.

This, he said, applies especially to nation-states, which have figured out that, while their militaries might be trivially overrun, their hackers aren't.

Cyberwar has become like real war, except you can wage it, and possibly win it, in the sense that you can extract political concessions not to fight it at all, he said. And the capital investment is tiny  no tanks, no fuel, just talent, time, food, and access.

It has also become easier to launch much larger DDoS attacks because so many internet of things (IoT) devices can be so easily compromised and used as part of a botnet. Krebs, in a post on the DDoS attack that took down his site, noted that they are, protected with weak or hard-coded passwords. Most of these devices are available for sale on retail store shelves for less than $100, or  in the case of routers  are shipped by ISPs to their customers.

Paul Vixie, CEO of Farsight Security and previously president, chairman and founder of Internet Systems Consortium (ISC), agrees that the internet is vulnerable, but always has been. The threat is old and well known, he said. The internet was built in a lab for eggheads who all trusted each other, and so it has no defense against its own users.

But he said he thinks Schneier needed to be much more precise about what he meant about taking down the internet. Down for who, and for how long? he asked. There's no way to break the internet permanently, since the same activities that gave rise to it and which reinvent it every day will eventually recreate a new infrastructure that works mostly the same way the old one did.

The Internet was  set up so the network could remain alive, even if parts of it get blown up. Even if the great server in the sky got taken down, it would be replaced instantly.

Gary McGraw, CTO, Cigital

Gary McGraw, CTO of Cigital, sees it much the same way. The internet was designed to survive a nuclear war, he said. It was set up so the network could remain alive, even if parts of it get blown up. Even if the great server in the sky got taken down, it would be replaced instantly.

Schneier said he agrees with much of that. Im not convinced it will go down, he said, and if it does, it will be temporary. A DDoS attack needs the internet to work. It eventually eats its own tail.

But even a temporary takedown could cause great damage, Vixie said. In a thought experiment, a bunch of us got together and brainstormed ways to make the internet unavailable to the G-20 for 72 hours.

This was because an attack of that kind, had it been pulled off on Sept. 10, 11, and 12 of 2001, would have vastly amplified the terror and confusion of the terrorist attacks on 9/11, he said.

McGraw agrees that the potential for damage is very real. If you have a critical system, you need to pay attention, he said. Id hate to be having remote surgery when the internet goes down and theres a scalpel sticking out of my chest. 

But he said horror stories like planes falling out of the sky, arent going to happen. Thats ridiculous.

Some comments on Schneiers blog have suggested that the DDoS attack isnt the real attack  that it is meant to be the digital version of covering fire, so the hackers can get something like an advanced persistent threat (APT) into a system without detection.

I thought of that, Schneier said, but I didnt write about it because it would be too speculative.

What to do about it draws even more of a mixed response. Schneier has said he doesnt know what should be done, but did call for a national strategy on DDoS attacks, because a lot of this is critical infrastructure. The question is what do we do when critical infrastructure is in private hands. We dont have a good way of dealing with it.

Kaminsky said he thinks the US needs, an NIH (National Institute of Health) for cyber. He also called for more resources. More nerds, more resources, more structure, absolute bureaucratic firewall against the offense guys, he said.

Israel Barak, CISO at Cybereason, said it will take more of what Congress and the Obama administration have called for with the Cyber Information Sharing Act (CISA), but which still is not a reality.

Rapid detection and response, requires tight cooperation, integration and information sharing between a large number of Internet Service Providers, CERT organizations, law enforcement, and government agencies, he said, backed up by supporting government regulation related to the permitted scope of lawful interception and privacy regulations. Were very far from this today.
An age discrimination lawsuit against Google was approved Wednesday as a '"collective action" by a federal court judge in San Jose. The decision means that certain types of software engineers, age 40 or over, who were rejected for jobs at Google since August 2014, and after an in-person interview, will be able to join the lawsuit.

Thousands of others may be eligible.

But this was more than an ordinary court ruling. Judge Beth Labson Freeman's ruling may be remembered for the artful flourish of its opening sentence and the challenge it seems to be delivering to Silicon Valley.

"How does age factor into one's Googleyness?" Freeman wrote at the beginning of a 17-page decision that sets in motion an investigation of Google's hiring practices and corporate culture.

The decision concludes by approving a "collective action" -- a type of class action -- that allows a certain class of Google job applicants to join the lawsuit. An effort will made to contact affected people.

This lawsuit was brought by two job applicants, both over the age of 40, who alleged age discrimination against Google. One of the plaintiffs, Cheryl Fillekes, a programmer, was interviewed by Google on four separate occasions, including in-person interviews, and was rejected each time. A second plaintiff, Robert Heath, was interviewed by phone, but not in person.

The judge limited the class to people who had an in-person interview, which means that job applicants who only had phone interviews can't join the class.

The plaintiffs believe tens of thousands may be eligible to join this lawsuit.

Google responded to the court's decision in an email: "We believe the allegations here are without merit and we will continue to defend our position vigorously. We have strong policies against discrimination on any unlawful basis, including age," a spokesman wrote.

"Anyone who fits the class definition can opt in to the class," said Daniel Low, a Washington-based attorney for the plaintiffs. "For those interviewed in person with Google for a software engineer, site reliability engineer, or systems engineer position when they were 40 years old or older, and received notice on or after August 28, 2014, that they were refused employment, they will have an opportunity to join in the collective action against Google."

The plaintiffs are negotiating with Google to get the email addresses of people who fit the class. Google doesn't have the birth dates of job applicants, so it's likely that the college graduation year and employment dates at other companies will be used as a tipoff for age.

"We encourage anyone who receives notice to join the class to help vindicate the rights of those subject to age discrimination," Low said.

Low said the case may have importance for Silicon Valley as well as Google.

"This is an important step forward for the case, and allows us to seek much broader relief than an individual action would have, and it positions the case to have a greater deterrent effect on age discrimination at Google and in the tech industry if it is successful," Low said.

In her ruling, Freeman gave weight to Fillekes arguments that she was a victim of age discrimination. Fillekes makes "substantial allegations," wrote the judge, "that the putative class members were together the victims of a single decision, policy, or plan."

The lawsuit claimed the median age at Google was 29, based on data collected by Payscale, which the judge cited in the ruling.

"Fillekes also recounts her own experience. Among other things, Fillekes describes an instruction from a Google recruiter to "put her dates of graduation on her resume 'so the interviewers [could] see how old [she is] and various concerns about her years of experience," the judge wrote.

The judge said that Google's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) statement was not enough to protect it.

"Having such a policy does not necessarily shield a company from a discrimination suit, particularly in light of the evidence and allegations presented here," wrote Freeman, who said that most, if not all companies, "are well versed in anti-discrimination law and make great efforts to ensure that their written policies comply with anti-discrimination law."

The decision does not mean that Google will lose the case. The judge said that evidence from an employer "is not germane at the first stage of the certification process, which is focused simply on whether notice should be disseminated to potential claimants."

Google, in an earlier court filing, defended itself. It said that Fillekes was recruited by Google four times, in 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2013, and had in-person interviews. Why "waste Google employees' time" with "five or six onsite interviews only to reject the candidate on the basis of age," the company asked, in its filing.

"Googleyness" is a term that job applicants at Google may be familiar with. The firm explains it, on its website, this way: "Googleyness: Share how you work individually and on a team, how you help others, how you navigate ambiguity, and how you push yourself to grow outside of your comfort zone."
Smoke billowing from what appears to be a replacement Samsung Galaxy Note7 caused the evacuation on Wednesday of a Southwest jet on the ground in Louisville. No one was injured.

Samsung is trying to retrieve the Note7 to verify whether it is indeed a replacement unit. Meanwhile, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other federal authorities are conducting investigations.

If it is indeed a replacement Note7, Samsung will face some tough questions about whether it cut corners in offering replacement Note7 devices to customers that Samsung had deemed safe, analysts said today.

"This is a huge blow for Samsung as it basically invalidates everything they have done thus far and makes people not trust what is in store," said Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at Creative Strategies.

"It is not a good scenario for Samsung," added Jack Narcotta, an analyst at Technology Business Research. "Even when it does the right thing [with its recall of original Note7s] -- and maybe cuts a few corners to do that -- it still can't wrestle the problem to the ground."

Jack Gold, an analyst at J. Gold Associates, said there are many possible explanations for what caused the Note7 to begin burning, including: the manufacturing process didn't work on this particular device; the batteries are still problematic; or the device had a faulty charging unit.

"We'll see if any additional remanufactured units have the same problem," Gold added. "All modern phones with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries and [that are] fast charging face this potential problem. We just don't hear about them because they are relatively small in number."

However, Gold added, the Southwest jet evacuation over the smoke emitted by the Note7 unit is "clearly a problem for Samsung...They absolutely need to find the problem with this device and fix it quickly."

The owner of the device aboard Southwest flight 994, identified as Brian Green, told several television news stations that he put the Note7 in his pocket after trying to power it down while the jet, bound for Baltimore, was parked at the gate in Louisville. He told CBS This Morning that he first heard popping and sizzling sounds, then added, "there was smoke just billowing, pouring out of my pocket."

Green took a photo of the burned Note7 on the floor of the plane where he had dropped it, and also provided a photo of the box it came in, to show it had a black square symbol to indicate a replacement Note7. He told The Verge and other news outlets that he picked up the new phone at an AT&T store on Sept. 21.

When the serial number for the phone was run through a Samsung recall eligibility checker online, a message responded that it was not one of the units affected by the recall, according to reports. Green also said the phone was at about 80% battery capacity and that he has used only a wireless charger since receiving the device.

Green could not be reached for additional details, including whether he had successfully turned the phone completely off before putting it in his pocket.

No one was injured in the evacuation of the jet, and customers were directed to other flights, Southwest said in a statement.

Samsung also issued a statement that said it will verify if Green's phone was a replacement: "Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note7. We are working with authorities and Southwest to recover the device and confirm the cause. Once we have examined the device we will have more information to share."

Only last week, Samsung assured the public its replacement Note7 smartphones were safe. It was an attempt to reassure customers who were concerned about reports from South Korea, China and the U.S. that replacement devices were running too hot.

"We would like to reassure everyone that the new Note7 phones are operating properly and pose no safety concerns," the company said on Sept. 30. "In normal conditions, all smartphones may experience temperature fluctuations."

Some analysts have commended Samsung for updating the public regularly on its global recall of Note7s, but are nonetheless concerned by the latest reports that a replacement unit could burn so hot that it would begin smoking and burn through its case.

"I have been monitoring some claims in China of the...Note7 with the 'good' battery catching fire, but not a single one of these incidents has been traced back to Samsung," said Patrick Moorhead, an analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. "So, for right now, we all need complete information before jumping to any conclusions. If it is verified that the phone is, in fact, a replacement phone, Samsung will have some major problems on its hands."

Samsung first issued its own recall of the original Note7 globally on Sept. 2 and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) officially recalled 1 million devices in the U.S. on Sept. 15.

At the time, the CPSC said it had received 92 reports of batteries overheating in the original devices, including 26 reports of burns and 55 reports of property damage.

After Wednesday's Southwest evacuation, the CPSC issued a statement from its chairman, Elliot Kay, that the agency is "moving expeditiously" to investigate by contacting Green, Samsung and the Federal Aviation Administration. Kay reiterated that Note7 customers who haven't obtained a replacement device need to power them down.

Kay also reminded the public that consumers don't have to take a replacement Note7 unit and can seek a full refund from Samsung or the carrier where it was purchased.

Green told reporters that he was relieved that the smoke from the Note7 aboard the Southwest jet didn't cause more harm other than destroying the device itself and a burned carpet on the jet. There might have been a disaster if the phone caught fire while he was driving or if it was stored in a suitcase in the luggage compartment of the plane. "It could have been a lot worse," he told CBS.
This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
Missiles retained the King-ston Little League Senior championship in this exciting Friday evening play-off.

However, Celts made the more promising start with fluent attacks and, from a Salim Bhaiji pass, Rory Damant slipped a whisker wide. Gradually, however, Dark Blues took a grip in midfield and came back into the game. From the right, Harry Varney expertly seized a chance to confidently strike home a low shot for Missiles' opener.

The pace increased in a thrilling second half. There were saves within minutes as Sham Gill denied Greens and then Jamie Duncan made a fine block at the opposite end. Dark Blues weathered another good spell from Celts to apply their own pressure - Paul Arnstein made a fine interception to stop Missiles increasing their lead.

About eight minutes from time, Damant swept in Celts' equaliser at the near post to set the game up for a grandstand finish. They looked like earning deserved extra-time, but Lee Nicholls - who went close earlier - denied that by heading home the Dark Blues' title decider in the last five minutes.

Little Euro 2000

In last week's edition, the Little League Euro 2000 report had the wrong by-line. Tony Mole, one of the parents who made the trip to Holland, wrote the report and also took the photo. We apologise for the error.

KINGSTON MEETING

Kingston Little League's annual meeting has been arranged for this Monday May 22 (8pm sharp) at the Norbiton Dragon, Clifton Road, Kingston.

National Semis

With Wimbledon already through having played their Little League Football National Tournament tie, due to rearranged fixtures, Saturday's action saw the remaining sides completing the second round games.

Two London/Surrey local derbies both went to extra-time. Morden and Raynes Park were level at 1-1 until Morden found a winner in extra-time to go through to the quarter-finals.

At the end of extra-time in the Wallington v Carshalton meeting it was still level, so it had to be penalties and Wallington squeezed through 5-4.

The remaining fixture saw Fieldway comfortably through.

Meanwhile, the West Midlands section of the draw at last played their second-round games, with some close meetings, one game going to extra-time and penalties.

Results: Remaining London/Surrey Second Round: Carshalton 1, Wallington 1 (Wallington disqualified 5-4 on penalties aet); Raynes Park 1, Morden 2 (aet); Fieldway 7, New Addington 2.

West Midlands Second Round: Handsworth 3, Smethwick 1; Dudley 2, Weoley Castle 1; Selly Oak 2, King's Heath 2 (Selly Oak qualified on penalties after extra-time); King's Norton 1, Ladywood 2.

Quarter-Finals (Saturday May 13):

London and Surrey: Wallington v Wimbledon, 10am, and Fieldway v Morden 11am (both at Wimbledon LL, Martin Way, Wimbledon).

West Midlands: Dudley v Ladywood 10am, and Selly Oak v Handworth, 11am (both at Smethwick LL).

In the National tournament quarter finals, Morden ended possibly Fieldway's finest run in the competition to date, winning through to the semis with a slender 2-1 result. Wimbledon achieved a comfortable score-line over Wallington.

Meanwhile, in the West Midlands, Ladywood won 2-1 against Dudley, while holders Handsworth are still going strong, triumphing 4-0 v Selly Oak.

Semi-Finals (Saturday May 20): Morden v Wimbledon, 10am (at Tudor Drive, Morden) and Handsworth v Ladywood (at Smethwick LL. Birmingham).
Town sued over denied water service The town council met in executive session last week to discuss its defense after a lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court by a Jamestown homeowner who was denied permission...

Scout earns Eagle rank with boardwalk work A local Boy Scout is the latest member of Troop 1 Jamestown to lead an environmental project at a wildlife sanctuary in his mission to attain the Eagle rank. Alex...

State: Steer clear while deer breeding As deer begin mating during the rut, public safety officials are urging drivers to be cautious on the roads because herds tend to move around more frequently during this time....
The Zoolander 2 actor, Ben Stiller, revealed his "scary" experience battling prostate cancer in a radio show appearance yesterday.

The award-winning actor said that he was diagnosed with "immediately aggressive" prostate cancer last June 2014 and underwent surgery to remove his prostate two months later. Accompanied by his surgeon, Edward Schaeffer, Stiller also admitted on SiriusXM's The Howard Stern Show that by September of the same year, he was told he was cancer-free.

Puzzled how he got treacherous cancer, Stiller confessed, "It came out of the blue for me. I had no idea."

"At first, I didn't know what was going to happen. I was scared."

He also mentioned on that same interview, this cancer diagnosis has put its toll on his movie schedules. "It just stopped everything in your life because you can't plan for a movie because you don't know what's going to happen," the 50-year-old actor added.

Stiller, who previously starred in blockbuster movies like "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and "Night at the Museum" said he has decided to speak about it because he wants to bring awareness to the prostate-specific antigen test (PSA), which he thinks "saved" him.

In an essay he wrote on Medium, he explains why it is important to get tested early.

"I have no history of prostate cancer in my family and I am not in the high-risk group, being neither (to the best of my knowledge), of African or Scandinavian ancestry, " Stiller narrated.

Luckily, he had a thoughtful internist who convinced him to start checking his PSA level, and according to Stiller, it prevented the cancer cells from progressing.

The American Cancer Society actually recommends the checking of one's PSA at age 50. But Stiller, who was then 48 years old admitted that might be a little too late for his case. Stiller, now considered cancer-free, encourages everyone to take this test seriously.

According to reports, Ben Stiller continues his fight against cancer by taking PSA test every six months.
The first trailer for the much-anticipated movie adaptation of the life of previous United States first lady Jacqueline Kennedy (Onassis) has been released yesterday. Starring award-winning actress Natalie Portman, "Jackie" relives the life of Mrs. Kennedy after the horrible assassination of her husband-former US President John F. Kennedy.

A complex and relevant personality in the US history, the film tackles the delicate life of the ex-first lady who experienced tremendous grief and trauma after the Nov. 22, 1963 incident in Dallas, Texas.

In the official trailer uploaded on YouTube by FoxSearchLight, the trailer suggests another yet equally interesting perspective of the assassination and what happened to Kennedy's first lady after.

The former president and his first lady belonged to the same social circle and met through a common friend, journalist Charles Bartlett. Immediately attracted to the latter's charisma and interesting personality, John and Jacqueline became good friends. They also shared the same interests which eventually made them fall in love with each other.

John was still a senator and Jacqueline was with The Washington Times-Herald when they got married in 1953. To help John with his career and start a family, Jacqueline resigned from her post at the publication.

She became a fashion icon and a relevant figure in the US history when she took her post as a US first lady. She spearheaded the restoration of the White House and helped her husband in various charity works as well.

Meanwhile, the Israeli-American actress was notable for her performances in many iconic movies like "Star Wars", "Black Swan", and of course, "Thor". She also was known for her incredible talent when it comes to challenging roles. And in an article Huffington Post, Portman is said to be showing Jackie's "rage, grief, and confusion."

Portman channels "Jackie" in cinemas on Dec. 2.
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Students at Winston-Salem State University and local police officers shared their perceptions and stereotypes of each other at a forum designed to improve relations between the public and law enforcement officers.

About 90 people, including students and Winston-Salem and WSSU police officers, attended the event called, WSSU Collegiate Trust Talks: A Human Relations Approach to Police and Student Dialogue.

The event was held in the Reaves Student Activity Center on campus and took place a day after police body camera footage was released on Tuesday, which showed in graphic detail the final minutes of Keith Lamont Scotts life as he was shot on Sept. 20 by a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer.

Charlotte was roiled by nights of protests. After street violence, dozens of arrests and the death of one man, Gov. Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency and deployed the N.C. National Guard to the states largest city.

At WSSU, Wanda Allen-Abraha, the citys director of human relations department, asked the students and the police officers to say aloud the stereotypes that they have about each other.

The students said that police cant be trusted, wanted to give them parking tickets, and that officers are cruel, dishonest and racist. Several officers said that students often play loud music, are potheads, are disrespectful toward them, have radical beliefs and refused to snitch on their friends.

Organizers will take the input from the students and share their concerns with the Winston-Salem Police Department, Allen-Abraha said. Police Chief Barry Rountree said that information would be used in police training activities.

The students then lined up and removed objects from a box. Allen-Abraha asked the students to talk about how that object related to their experiences with police.

Patrice Wall, a WSSU senior, held a box of crayons, and said that reminded her of police brutality. Brianna Arnold, a member of the WSSU womens basketball team, held a light bulb, and that reminded her of being stopped for speeding.

The officers then took a turn.

WSSU officer Stephanie Garrett held a water bottle and that reminded her of being thirsty while working security at WSSU football games. WSSU Police Chief Pat Norris held a phone and that reminded her that students should call WSSU police when they need help.

The students were then divided into small groups to discuss their concerns with an officer. In one group, several students said their biggest issues on campus were officers handing out parking tickets and inadequate lighting in some areas.

Niyah Sansbery, a WSSU senior and a Winston-Salem native, complimented Winston-Salem police when she said that its officers treat people fairly.

Winston-Salem police Capt. M.D. Weaver said he was concerned that when there are officer-involved shootings nationwide, local residents blame him and other officers.

Ive been called a racist and a killer, Weaver told his group.

Later in the session, Weaver encouraged the students to learn more about the city police department.
Two lawsuits alleging misconduct by security guards working at the now-closed Ziggys nightclub have been settled, according to court documents.

Both lawsuits had been filed in Forsyth Superior Court. One filed in 2015 alleged that Ziggys security guards beat up a Forsyth County man.

Another lawsuit filed in 2014 alleged that Ziggys security guards allowed a man to punch another man he had been threatening to harm.

James G. Welsh, attorney for Ziggys, said he could not comment on the terms of the settlement.

John Taylor Jr., attorney for the plaintiffs in both lawsuits, said he could not comment because the settlement of the two lawsuits is confidential.

Ziggys, one of Winston-Salems largest and most famous music venues, closed in February after the buildings owners, Hank Perkins and Drew Gerstmyer, decided not to renew the lease.

Ziggys had a long history in Winston-Salem, starting off as the White Horse Pub on Deacon Boulevard in the 1970s. In 1988, the club moved to Baity Street. Jay Stephens, the driving force behind Ziggys earlier incarnation, bought the club in 1991, booking acts such as Davie Matthews, Phish, Sevendust and others. He sold the building in 2007, and Ziggys reopened on Trade Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in August 2011.

In 2014, Andrew Miah filed a lawsuit against Ziggys and Andrew Marc Baker. Miah alleged in the lawsuit that Baker had confronted him at the former District Rooftop Bar and Grill (now Famous Toastery) on April 29, 2012. Miah and his friends went to Ziggys, and Baker followed them, making threats.

The lawsuit said Miah and his friends went into Ziggys and two of Miahs friends warned Ziggys security about Baker. But Baker was allowed in and at some point, security guards forced Miah to apologize to Baker or get thrown out. Baker then punched Miah in the face, the lawsuit said.

Ziggys denied the allegations that the security guards were negligent.

MacMillan Stephenson Williams filed a lawsuit against Ziggys in 2015.

According to that lawsuit, Williams had gone to Ziggys for a live-music event Jan. 18, 2014. At some point, Williams and his brother were yelled at by someone else at the event.

Jordan Anthony Gunter, who worked as security manager and floor manager at Ziggys, and two other security guards grabbed Williams brother. When Williams went outside to find out what was going on, Gunter punched Williams in the head and face, choked him and threw him to the ground, tearing the ACL in his knee, the lawsuit alleged. Gunter was not charged in that incident.

Ziggys also denied the allegations in this lawsuit, according to court documents.
There arent many members of the U.S. Senate who stop to take a call about a suspected terrorist attack in Europe while campaigning for re-election.

U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, a Winston-Salem Republican, took such a call Wednesday.

His post as chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence is one of the apparent distinctions between Burr and Democratic opponent Deborah Ross, a Raleigh lawyer, former state legislator and former state director of the American Civil Liberties Union.

While campaigning, Burr said that he brings institutional knowledge to the table, that he is better suited to protect the United States, noting that he and U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., are the only members of the Senate Intelligence Committee who were members of an Intelligence committee during the Sept. 11 attacks. Burr was a member of the House committee at the time.

Still, Ross has run an effective campaign, which includes several visits to the Winston-Salem area in the past few months. At this point, the race is too close to call. She was holding less than half of a percentage point lead in an average of the latest seven polls taken between Sept. 17 and Oct. 3, according to the website Real Clear Politics.

When it comes to foreign policy and national security there is a clear difference between experience and judgment  and Senator Burrs judgment has led him to put partisan politics first even when it comes to North Carolinians safety and security, Ross spokesman Cole Leiter said in an email.

Burr had started the morning at the Richard Childress Racing plant a few miles south of Winston-Salem. Over coffee and doughnuts, he gave a quick speech to and then shook hands with veterans, after which Tom Harrell, a World War II veteran, summed up Burrs appeal.

I dont know any veteran who understands what hes doing that isnt voting for him, said Harrell, 91, alluding to Burrs post as chairman of the Intelligence Committee.

At another campaign stop, Burr abruptly switched from being a Senate candidate to being the chambers Intelligence chairman. After answering his cellphone, Burr listened to news from a staff member on the Intelligence Committee about an apparent terrorist attack in Brussels.

It looks like its a lone person? he asked. Just targeting police? Off the phone, he turned to an aide in the room: It looks like a terrorist attack. Police officer stabbed. Too early to know the status.

The Associated Press reported that a man stabbed two police officers in Brussels around noon in an incident that Belgian prosecutors said may be connected with terrorism.

It was the latest attack on law enforcement officials in a nation that has been on high alert since 32 people were killed in suicide bombing attacks in the Brussels airport and subway on March 22, The AP reported.

The suspect was identified by prosecutors as Hicham D., a 43-year-old Belgian national.

Burr is in constant contact with staff on the Intelligence Committee, he told the Winston-Salem Journal.

Anything thats reported even remotely in the press, then we can talk like this, he said, referring to the cellphone.

If it gets to a point where were talking about maybe if the Belgians are asking us to search our databases or something like that, then that forces me to either go home or Wilmington or an FBI office  or anywhere where I can access a secure phone and talk to my staff or talk to the Bureau or in this case its probably the FBI taking the lead in Brussels.

It happens way too often, Burr said.

During three campaign stops in the Winston-Salem area, Burr visited the veterans group as well as two aviation companies.

The second stop, in northern Winston-Salem, was at Piedmont Propulsion Systems LLC, a global-service company with 50 employees that overhauls and services commercial, corporate and military propellers, from the latest carbon-fiber models to the older aluminum kind.

The third stop, next door, was at North State Aviation, a 500-employee company that specializes in modifying such large aircraft as a Boeing 737.
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TeleSur |  

I thought the Third World War had started, the mans neighbor described the raid and arrest in August.

A National Security Agency (NSA) contractor has been arrested and charged with stealing highly classified information, U.S. authorities said Wednesday, a data breach that could result in a damaging new leak about the U.S. governments surveillance efforts.

The contractor was identified as Harold Thomas Martin who worked for Booz Allen Hamilton, the same firm that renowned whistleblower Edward Snowden worked for.

Snowden stole millions of documents showing massive data collection by the agency in the U.S. and released it to journalists in 2013.

An arrest warrant in Martins name was made public Wednesday but he was arrested at his home in Maryland in late August according to a U.S. official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

I thought the Third World War had started, Martins neighbor Murray Bennett told The Intercept in an interview Wednesday describing the sight of his neighbor of 10 years being hauled away by heavily armed FBI agents.

Bennett confirmed that the raid and arrest took place on Aug. 27. He recalled seeing two dozen of these guys in camo uniforms, with rifles, come running across the yard knocking down his fencethey dragged him out, threw him on the ground, handcuffed him, and took him away.

The information stolen by Martin seems to be different in nature than that revealed by Snowden. The New York Times, which first reported on the arrest before the complaint was disclosed, said Martin seems to have taken highly classified computer code developed by the agency to break into computer systems of adversaries like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

It is not clear what Martin did with the information he took but the same month he was arrested some of the NSAs most sophisticated hacking tools were dumped onto public websites by a group calling itself Shadow Brokers, Reuters reported.

Also, the complaint documents found in Martins possession contained sensitive intelligence.

These six documents were produced through sensitive government sources, methods and capabilities, which are critical to a wide variety of national security issues, the complaint said. It said Martin had the ability to access U.S. government property that was not permitted to leave its authorized location.

Several U.S. government officials told The New York Times that Martins motives were not yet clear. Were struggling to figure him out, an official told the newspaper, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The neighbor said Martin was a good guy but he never spoke about his work, the U.S. government or his employer Booz Allen Hamilton. Martin faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted on the most serious charges.

Snowdens revelation unleashed a massive backlash against the NSA and the U.S. government eavesdropping on its own citizens. It did lead to some moderate changes to how the agency operates.

Reacting to the news, Snowden, now in exile in Russia, tweeted: Am I correct in reading they didnt charge him under the Espionage Act? Under this administration, thats a noteworthy absence.

In 2013 the U.S. government brought several espionage charges against Snowden over exposing the extent of the NSAs massive surveillance program.

Via TeleSur



Via NSA contractor secretly arrested after FBI found highly classified info at home
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By Andrea Germanos, staff writer | (Commondreams.org) |  

Group including Nobel laureate Mairead Maguire aimed to highlight the vital role women play not only in the resistance movement, but in the survival of the Palestinian people as a whole.

The Israeli navy on Wednesday stopped a boat carrying international female activists, preventing them from breaking the blockade of Gaza.

Among the 13 people on board the Womens Boat to Gaza, a mission of the international Freedom Flotilla Coalition, were Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Maguire of Ireland, retired U.S. army colonel Ann Wright, New Zealand politician Marama Davidson, and Malaysian doctor Fauziah Hasan.

In accordance with government directives and after exhausting all diplomatic channels, the Israeli navy redirected the vessel in order to prevent breach of the lawful maritime blockade, the military said in a statement, according to Agence France-Presse.

The visit and search of the vessel was uneventful, it stated.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition posted on its Facebook page that the boat was attacked by Israeli Occupation Forces in International Waters. The U.N. Convention on the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone states that territorial waters can extend out to 12 nautical miles.

The Womens Boat to Gaza tweeted on Wednesday: Pls contact your Govt to demand their release and an end to the illegal blockade! The tweet links to another page that encourages supporters to contact the Israeli military and international officials including United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to Demand that the women and the boat be freed!

In contrast to Israels depiction of blockade, U.N. officials have denounced it as illegal.

The female flotilla posted an update earlier on Wednesday that the boat was roughly 100 nautical miles away from Gaza, and that it planned on arriving within 24 hours. The Israeli military reportedly boarded the boat when it was roughly 35 nautical miles from the coast.

The female initiative was undertaken, the organizers website states, because we believe that it is essential to highlight the vital role women play not only in the resistance movement, but in the survival of the Palestinian people as a whole. We intend to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle that women in Gaza, in the West Bank, inside the Green Line, and in the diaspora, have waged and continue to wage against the Occupation.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License

Via Commondreams.org
A judge for the US District Court for the Eastern District of Washington ruled [order, PDF] Tuesday that four former high-ranking Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) [official website] officials must testify in depositions in a lawsuit against two psychologists who designed the CIA torture program. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) [advocacy website] filed the lawsuit [JURIST report] last year against James Mitchell and John Bruce Jessen, who allegedly designed and persuaded the CIA to adopt their torture techniques as official practice of the CIA. According to the lawsuit, they personally took part in many of the torture sessions and oversaw the entire programs implementation. The court order also requires [ACLU press release] the government to furnish documents requested by the psychologists. Although the federal government is not a party in the case, it filed motions to prevent the depositions, arguing that it could lead to an accidental disclosure of classified information. The court denied the request and stated counsel for the parties must agree on scheduling the depositions and on the best manner to conduct them efficiently.

The US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence released a report [JURIST backgrounder] in 2014 on the so-called enhanced interrogation techniques employed during the Bush administration, calling the practices ineffective [JURIST report]. Days later, the UN Special Rapporteur on counter terrorism and human rights Ben Emmerson called for the prosecution [JURIST report] of CIA and other government officials for the interrogation and torture of detainees. Human Rights Watch (HRW) also urged [JURIST report] prosecution the following year. In June the CIA declassified [JURIST report] 50 documents related to its detention and Interrogation program following a Freedom of Information Act [text] request by the ACLU. Earlier this week HRW reported that two Tunisian men came forward [JURIST report] with claims of previously unreported accounts of torture at the hands of the CIA.
Germanys Federal Court of Justice [official website] ruled [press release, in German] Thursday that relatives of the victims of a 2009 airstrike in Afghanistan are not entitled to compensation. The court held that international law does not award damages or compensation for violations of international humanitarian law. Additionally, there is no legal basis for damages under German law because the scope of public liability does not extend to military missions abroad. The lawsuit concerned an airstrike [AP report] ordered by Brigadier General Georg Klein near Kunduz, Afghanistan, on September 4, 2009. The airstrike killed 91 people, including many civilians. Germany previously paid USD $5,000 to relatives of each civilian that died in the attack, but the victims relatives were seeking additional compensation.

The high number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan have concerned the international community in recent years. The UN reported [JURIST report] in April that violence in Afghanistan has injured health and education personnel, reducing available health care and restricting childrens access to fundamental health and educational services. In February the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported [JURIST report] that civilian casualties in Afghanistan had reached a record high 11,000 in 2015. Last November the US Department of Defense (DOD) [official website] and Pentagon officials completed their investigation [JURIST report] into the October 3 bombing of the Doctors Without Borders hospital in Kunduz, and announced that it was an avoidable accident caused primarily by human error. Also last October the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an investigation [JURIST report] into the Kunduz hospital attack and for the results of an investigation to be made public. Several days prior to the hospital attack, the UN rights leader also requested that all parties in the Taliban attack in Kunduz attempt to keep civilians out of harm [JURIST report].
[JURIST] The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court [official website] on Tuesday ruled [opinion, PDF] that same-sex couples that never marry are entitled to the same parental rights as heterosexual couples. This decision arose out of a suit seeking parental rights filed by Karen Partanen, former partner of Julie Gallagher, who was impregnated by artificial insemination. The couple ended their relationship when their children were one and five years old, respectively. The court held that because Partanen was intimately involved in raising the children, she should have the same rights as any person would as a member of a heterosexual relationship.

The rights of same-sex couples, and same-sex parents in particular, have been particularly contentious of late. Earlier this month, Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore was removed from the bench [JURIST report] for issuing an order preventing magistrate judges of that state from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, in direct contravention of a federal order requiring same. In September the North Carolina Court of Appeals affirmed [JURIST report] a lower courts dismissal of a claim by two former magistrates that their rights were violated by 2014 guidance memos from the Administrative Office of the Courts that said they could be fired if they refused to perform same-sex marriages. Earlier that month, tens of thousands of people marched in Mexico [JURIST report] to protest a same-sex marriage recognition proposal. In August, the Belize Supreme Court struck down [JURIST report] a law banning sodomy, declaring it unconstitutional and adversely impactful to the LGBT community.
The threshold for entry into force of the Paris Agreement [text, PDF] on combatting climate change was achieved [press release] on Wednesday. The threshold of 55 parties making up more than 55 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions triggered the entry into force of the agreement [official website] in 30 days. The signatories to the agreement include both large and small emitters of green house gases at varying levels of development. US President Barack Obama expressed his thanks [press release] to nations across the world for their commitment to combat climate change. The parties which have joined or subsequently join the agreement will submit national climate action plans which can be resubmitted as more ambitious plans at any point but cannot be weakened. Conclusion of negotiations to develop the Paris Agreements implementation rule book are now the main priority of the Paris Agreement governing body.

According to many experts, climate change [JURIST backgrounder] as a result of global greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most pressing and controversial environmental issues facing the international community today. The Paris Agreement is the worlds first comprehensive pact seeking to reduce carbon emissions and halt climate change. In September US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping formally committed [JURIST report] their nations to the Paris Agreement. These two nations alone are responsible for roughly 40 percent of the worlds total carbon emissions. In May government signatories to the Paris Agreement discussed safeguards [JURIST report] against potential human rights violations which could arise in relation to the Agreement.
Three transgender students in the Pine-Richland school district in Western Pennsylvania filed suit [complaint] Thursday against the school district for their decision to implement gender specific restrooms. After months of deliberation, the school district decided last month to return to the practice of maintaining gender specific restrooms. Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, attorney with Lambda Legal [advocacy website], stated [case backgrounder] that since the vote Pine-Richland had been warned that litigation was imminent.

Privacy rights and individual rights have come into conflict lately over the issue of transgender access to restrooms. In August a judge for the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas temporarily blocked [JURIST report] federal guidelines that allowed transgender students to use the bathroom according to the gender with which they identify. Also in August the US Supreme Court granted [JURIST report] an application to recall and stay lower court orders allowing a transgender student who identities as a male to use the mens restroom in school. In May officials in 11 states filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas challenging the Obama administrations [JURIST report] recent guidance letter on transgender students.
[JURIST] Following mass protests in Poland [JURIST report], legislators have reversed their positions and rejected a near-complete abortion ban. Members of the lower house of parliament voted 352-58 Thursday against the proposed legislation. Some are cautioning that this recent reversal is no cause for celebration [AP report]. Dutch lawmaker, Sophia int Veld [official profile] said that the law as currently constructed will still not give women a choice, as abortions are already banned in most cases in Poland.

Abortion access and reproductive healthcare [JURIST backgrounder] remain contentious issues worldwide. In July the Irish Parliament defeated a bill [JURIST report] that would have allowed abortion in Ireland where the child would not survive outside of the womb. The High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland in November ruled that Northern Irelands abortion laws, which only allow abortion when the mother faces the risk of death or serious injury, are a violation of human rights [JURIST report]. According to an Amnesty International report released the same month, El Salvadors complete ban on abortion negatively affects [JURIST report] not only women and girls, but also their families
The Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) [advocacy website] criticized [press release] UN peacekeepers in South Sudan Wednesday for their failure to protect civilians during an outbreak of fighting in the country that took place in July. The report [text, PDF] released by the human rights group describes how the parties to the conflict, killed and injured civilians in displaced persons camps with indiscriminate gun and artillery fire, committed widespread sexual violence against women who left those camps in search of food, and attacked international and national aid workers in a hotel and apartment complex. The report states that the UN Mission in South Sudan [official website] peacekeepers were unable or unwilling to leave their bases to protect civilians outside and at times even underperformed in protecting the 37,000 civilians sheltered on its bases. CIVIC called for decisive action to ensure that this type of failure does not happen again.

Last month the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan [official website] concluded [press release] its first visit to South Sudan and expressed concern regarding the ongoing pattern of human rights violations [JURIST report] in South Sudan. Earlier in September South Sudan officials stated [JURIST report] they would take legal action against US advocacy group The Sentry after the group accused the nations leaders of profiting from the countrys three-year conflict. Also last month the government consented [JURIST report] to the addition of another 4,000 UN peacekeeping troops to the existing force of 14,000 soldiers, under intense pressure from the UN, US and the rest of the international community. In August UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein said that South Sudan government security forces have killed and raped citizens [JURIST report] and looted and destroyed public and private property. In July Chaloka Beyani, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), condemned recent attacks on IDPs and civilians [JURIST report] in South Sudan.
[JURIST] US government contractor Harold Thomas Martin III was arrested in August on charges that he stole government property, including classified documents, according to a criminal complaint [text, PDF] unsealed on Wednesday. The complaint alleges that Martin, who had a top national security clearance, removed hard copy as well as digital copies of top secret classified documents, many of which were from 2014, from the government agency with which he was employed. The documents, as well as some stolen items from the agency totaling approximately $1000 [DOJ press release], were found at his residence upon the execution of a search warrant. If convicted, Martin faces up to 11 years in prison.

Earlier this year a member of the US Navy admitted [JURIST report] to accepting cash and other bribes in exchange for providing classified navy information to the defense contractor Glenn Defense Marine Asia Ltd (GDMA), based in Singapore. In 2014 Congress began looking into the Navy bribery scandal with the large Singapore defense contractor. To date, nine individuals have pleaded guilty to their involvement in the bribery scheme and 10 have been charged in the investigation by Congress. Alex Wisidagama, former manager of GDMA pleaded guilty in March 2014 to knowing that the company had submitted false claims totaling over 20 million dollars in losses to the US Navy. In May 2014 Daniel Layug admitted to providing classified Navy information to GDMA, including classified Navy shipping schedules and other classified information.
The Zambian Police [official website] on Wednesday arrested two leaders of the United Party for National Development (UPND) [party website], the main opposition party. Hakainde Hichilema, president of UPND, and his deputy Geoffrey Mwamba were arrested for suspicions of sedition in part due to their claims that the election that re-elected President Edgar Lungu [Reuters report] in August was fraudulent [UPND statement]. The two opposition leaders were due to be charged Thursday.

Zambias presidency has been surrounded by controversy in recent years. Last month the Zambia Supreme Court denied an application by UPND to stop the inauguration of Lungu after allegations of fraud [JURIST reports]. In 2013 Zambian authorities arrested [JURIST report] former president Rupiah Banda on allegations that he misappropriated over USD $11 million during his three-year tenure in office. Zambias Supreme Court in 2010 acquitted [JURIST report] Regina Chiluba, the wife of former Zambian president Frederick Chiluba, of charges that she accepted stolen property during the years of her husbands administration. Prior to his wifes acquittal, former president Chiluba was acquitted [JURIST report] in 2009 of charges of stealing money from the countrys treasury while in office from 1991-2001. He was ordered to stand trial [JURIST report] on the corruption charges in February 2008.
As it reels under the pressures that have followed dieselgate, Volkswagen is laying out a new strategy to meet the mobility and technology challenges ahead. There were more insights into its latest thinking on strategic implementation from its executives in Paris.

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The Volkswagen Group says it is systematically moving forward with its transition to the mobility world of tomorrow initiated by the TOGETHER  Strategy 2025 program for the future.

At the Paris Motor Show it presented its next steps. Matthias Muller, VW Group CEO, pitched the strategy as important enough to justify a new brand where new emerging advanced technologies, digital processes and mobility models will converge to transform the company in the long-term. At the show itself, VW presented the I.D. electric car which provides a glimpse of the coming drive to electrification.

A great deal has changed at Volkswagen over the last 12 months, he acknowledged. We want to harness this momentum. We are therefore making the new mobility services business field our 13th group brand. That underscores just how essential we believe this business is.

The Volkswagen Group will develop and build more than 30 new additional electric vehicles by 2025. The Volkswagen brands I.D. concept car with a range of up to 600 kilometers provided a first glimpse at the Paris Motor Show. The I.D. is the first compact Volkswagen based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) and Volkswagen has set itself the goal of selling a million electric cars a year by 2025. The concept also comes with a fully automated mode, for the year 2025 according to VW, illustrating the coming convergence of advanced technologies within emerging models of future mobility.

Porsche also showcased the Panamera E-Hybrid in Paris, the first of 17 new plug-in hybrids the Group will be introducing over the next two years. The breakthrough for e-mobility cannot be achieved without substantial progress in batteries and infrastructure. So we are working hard on a rapid-charging project spearheaded by Porsche, Muller said.

The VW Group has also launched new initiatives in the field of mobility on demand. In addition to ride hailing services in collaboration with partner Gett, VW Group is working on shuttle service offerings and car-sharing concepts for urban mobility. There are distinct echoes of what we heard recently from Ford, in terms of OEMs getting control of the emerging space for autonomous and shared vehicles.

Looking a little further ahead, we could also operate our own self-driving shuttle fleets once urban autonomous driving technology is ready, Muller said. He added: In future, many people will no longer own a car. But they can all be a Volkswagen customer in one way or another  because we will serve a much broader concept of mobility than is the case today. There is considerable ambition. By 2025, VW wants its new brand to rank among the leading providers of urban mobility services and become the market leader in Europe. Whats it to be called? We do not know yet: The official launch and the announcement of the new brand name are scheduled for November.

The OEM as preferred ride hail equipment supplier

The mobility services partnership with ride hail firm Gett is also gathering momentum. In Moscow, where the market for ride hailing via app is booming, Volkswagen Group brands are now offering vehicle packages to Gett drivers. The OEM as preferred equipment supplier is one way in to the space (GM and Lyft, another example).

Furthermore, a strategic partnership with the city of Hamburg to develop and test new concepts for urban mobility was recently concluded. In addition, Audis new partnerships with the Chinese internet providers Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent will drive advances in networking the brands cars and in intelligent urban mobility solutions.

For the VW Group, the Gett partnership marks the first substantial step in the transition from car making to structuring and providing integrated, sustainable mobility. The group recently announced a US$300m investment in Gett, paving the way to new approaches to mobility. Muller, stressed the importance of the partnership, noting: The ride hailing market doesnt just promise high growth rates for Volkswagen, it also has a big strategic relevance. Ride hailing will be at the centre of our new mobility on-demand business, which we are building up as the second pillar alongside the classic automobile business.

Our investment in Gett gives us instant access to a service which people all over the world can benefit from.

Muller added Gett technology already contains algorithms accurate in predicting consumers need for on-demand transportation. Based on that technology, Gett and the VW Group will work closely together to gain better understanding of users mobility needs in cities and to offer tailor-made solutions.

Mobility of the future: design opportunities

The area of vehicle design in the context of new mobility services was also addressed by VW in Paris. Michael Mauer, Head of Group Design, said: I am convinced that design will be a key factor in deciding which car brands are to survive in the future. Thats easy to say, but he also said a bit more about the creative opportunities for designers. The mobility world of tomorrow gives us designers entirely new creative possibilities. Electric drives and autonomous driving remove many obstacles and change design more radically than has been the case in recent decades. He went on to say: Moreover, key distinctive characteristics such as the sound of an engine are no longer relevant, so design becomes all the more important as a unique selling proposition.

Mauer appears to see design as a bold part of the transformation to VWs culture envisaged by Muller. While the brands need to focus more strongly on their individual identities, the group can adopt the role of a bold pioneer going forward, Mauer said, adding: In future, too, it is not fitness for purpose but beauty that decides whether a car commands a top price at auctions. Some 1,300 designers from 45 nations in the Volkswagen Group are working on the streetscape of the future.

We are systematically focusing on our customers, their wishes and requirements for the mobility of the future. Designers, user experience experts and digitalisation specialists work hand-in-hand at the Volkswagen Group Future Centers to reinvent the car and develop new ideas for mobile life, Mauer said, adding that no one could say today how fast this transformation will actually be.

Mauer sees the Volkswagen Groups multi-brand strategy as an advantage for the future development of mobility: Some brands will forge ahead with design and technology and others will benefit from that, so we can adapt flexibly to needs and developments. But that does not mean we will have uniform autonomous vehicles. The streetscape of the future will become even more varied, even more colorful, even more emotional.

Electric drives and classic powertrains will coexist

A wave of electrification faces the auto industry, but the question of the pace of change is key. A fragmented powertrain picture looks on the cards for a while yet. Muller made it clear that there are gasoline engines and diesel engines (yes, the D-word) still to consider, investments to be made.

Regardless of all the new opportunities and possibilities the mobility world of tomorrow opens up for us, we must not neglect our existing technologies and core competences, he said. The future is electric. Nevertheless, classic powertrains will continue to play a key role for the next two decades at least. We must and we will press ahead with the evolution of diesel and petrol engines. And at the same time, we will progress with alternative technologies.

Commenting on the diesel issue Muller said: Diesel is and will remain an incisive turning point, a pivotal event in our history. We are working with all available resources to get to the roots of this crisis and work our way through all of the issues. And we have made substantial progress in this regard in recent months. However, shaping a sustainable future for Volkswagen is at least as important.

Sustainability council to be set up

Volkswagen Group says it is strengthening its sustainability management and setting up a Sustainability Council with nine eminent international personalities from the sciences, politics and society. The Council will advise the Group Board of Management on matters relating to sustainable mobility, environmental protection, social responsibility and integrity. The constituent meeting will take place at the end of October and it will be very interesting to see who sits on it.

The Sustainability Councils external facing structure is perhaps another sign of the cultural transformation that Matthias Muller is directing. Dieselgate has perhaps provided added impetus to something that VW would have had to address sooner or later. With the seismic changes ahead that will fundamentally impact and reshape the whole automotive industry, there can be no room for the sense of complacency and lack of critical oversight to company processes that created the conditions that bred dieselgate.
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Australian baby food firm The Infant Food Holding Co., the owner of the Bubs Organic brand, is being acquired by local litigation funder Hillcrest Litigation Services in a reverse takeover.

Free Report Whats the forecast for the food and grocery industry? Market drivers and inhibitors

Five-year forecasts and the impact of COVID-19

The performance of the online channel versus offline

Major trends in the market including rapid delivery, ambient retailing, supply chain disruption, and inflation Assess developments within this sector to help your business thrive in 2022 and beyond. The food and grocery sector thrived during the pandemic, largely due to the shutdown of the food service industry and the sectors subsequent necessity, panic-induced bulk purchasing, and spending more time at home. The market has grown as a result of inflation. Consumer unwillingness to go out and socialize, and the reopening of several hospitality facilities, helped maintain the demand for groceries, particularly online, in 2021. As consumer behavior changes, we consume more food and drink at home, and inflation increases basket sizes. GlobalData predicts that the sector will continue to hold a higher share than had been predicted prior to the pandemic. This is true despite the fact that the food and grocery sector's share of overall retail will decline from its peak in 2020. This report will discuss market forecasts and key themes in the global food & grocery industry in 2022 and beyond. It covers:Assess developments within this sector to help your business thrive in 2022 and beyond. by GlobalData Enter your details here to receive your free Report. Please enter a work/business email address Country United Kingdom United States Afghanistan Aland Islands Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, The Democratic Republic of The Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote D"ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and Mcdonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People"s Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People"s Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Pierre and Miquelon 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 Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand Timor-leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States Minor Outlying Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Download free Report By clicking the Download Free Report button, you accept the terms and conditions and acknowledge that your data will be used as described in the GlobalData privacy policy By downloading this Report, you acknowledge that we may share your information with our white paper partners/sponsors who may contact you directly with information on their products and services.



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Hillcrest, which is listed on the Australian stock market, will change its name to Bubs Australia after the deal, announced today (6 October), is finalised.

The Infant Food Holding Co. (IFC) was set up by communications and advertising executive Kristy Carr and Anthony Gualdi, the founder of Australian pie store chain Shakespeares Pies, in 2005.

IFC markets a range of infant nutrition products, including wet food brand Bubs Organic and the more recently-launched Bubs Advanced Plus Goat Milk infant formula.

Bubs products are sold in over 1,000 stores in Australia, on e-commerce platforms in China, including JD.com and Kaola.com, and are exported to multiple countries in south-east Asia and the Middle East, Hillcrest said in its stock exchange filing.

Carr will continue with the business and be on the board of Bubs Australia.

The new companys senior management team is set to include Nicholas Simms, formerly an executive at PZ Cussons, who will become commercial director for infant milk formula. Simms joined PZ Cussons when the UK-based consumer goods group acquired Australian yogurt firm Five:Am in 2014.

Hillcrest will issue 163.4m shares at AUD0.10 in its business to the owners of IFC in consideration for the acquisition. The transaction is subject to conditions including Hillcrest completing a rights issue of 61.9m shares at a price of AUD0.005. Hillcrest also plans to raise another AUD5.2m through an offer 51.5m shares at AUD0.10 a share.

Shares in Hillcrest have been suspended from trading today. It plans to offload its litigation operations to a third party. The settlement of the acquisition is scheduled to be 9 December. Shares in the new business are set to start trading in Australia that week.

Related Companies
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said that the country's gas consumption fell by 30%.

"Now Ukraine is consuming 30% less gas thanks to the mechanisms implemented," he told students of the Shevchenko National University.

He said tariff increases in the country is linked to the fact that Ukraine has gotten rid of dependence on Russian gas.

"Earlier the state was on a gas hook or a gas needle of the aggressor country," he said.
Turkish ambassador to Ukraine expects end of FTA talks this or next year

Turkish Ambassador to Ukraine Yonet Can Tezel expects that the negotiations on a free trade area (FTA) between Ukraine and Turkey will be finished by the end of 2017.

"I think that representatives of the governments of the two countries should finish the negotiations to sign this agreement at least by the end of this year and maybe next year. We are ready to do this," Tezel said at Kyiv Economic Forum 2016 on Thursday.

Earlier Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Mehmet Simsek said that Turkey is ready to sign a standard free trade agreement with Ukraine in the shortest terms.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Trade Representative of Ukraine Natalia Mykolska said that Ukraine is ready to sign an agreement on free trade area with Turkey, but with the observation of own conditions.
Ukrzaliznytsia has increased the annual wagon repair plan from 19,370 to 29,970, including for securing the growing exports of grain that could be 5 million tonnes a month by all means of transport by the end of this year.

"The anticipated harvest is 83 million tonnes of grain and 45 million tonnes for exports  five million tonnes every year, until the end of the year, the peak months, plus restrictions for transportation by road. There will be grain and there will be problems with its transportation," Ukrzaliznytsia Board Chairman Wojciech Balczun said on Facebook after a meeting with the largest agricultural producers, grain traders and the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine on October 5.

He said that the number of Ukrzaliznytsia's grain carriers has not decreased, but the last grain carrier was bought by the company in 1993, and applications for transportation of grain have considerably grown.

"I repeat: we are ahead of the grain transportation target. For our part we are doing everything to meet the needs of grain traders. We reduced the turnover of wagons, introduced special procedures for delay of rolling stock, as well as anticipated personal disciplinary responsibility of heads of services, branches and employees of the central office. All unprofessional actions or sabotage will be strictly punished," Balczun said.

He added that acute problems with fuel, lubricants and locomotives are being settled, but due to the many-year accumulation of problems this year would be heavy.

"We need your support. Do not blame Ukrzaliznytsia that it fails to cope with the situation. We need some time," he said, addressing the meeting participants.

He said that grain traders asked to support them in dispute with the Infrastructure Ministry asking the ministry to relax the limits for cargo transported by road during the peak period.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has promised to help settle the debt problems of Pivdenmash (Dnipro).

"I think that the issue should be discussed urgently to find a systemic solution how to resume the operation of the enterprise so that it does not generate debts  this is the main task today," Groysman said in parliament on Thursday.

The prime minister also said that this month the government would create a national committee for the recovery of Ukrainian industry that would jointly with lawmakers, industrialists and scientists find a solution at the national level.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin hopes the EU within a month will adopt a special mechanism of response to migration risks that may arise in connection with the introduction of a visa-free regime.

"The only issue is that now the European Parliament together with the European Council should develop a mechanism for responding to migration risks. This debate is now going on, mostly not in terms of essence but the distribution of powers. We hope this mechanism will be agreed during this month," Klimkin told journalists in Kyiv.

The minister said Ukraine had fulfilled all the necessary criteria for a visa-free regime.
The Ukrainian Defense Minister, Army General Stepan Poltorak has left for a visit to Sweden, where in Stockholm he will hold a meeting with his counterpart Peter Hultqvist and Chief of the Defense Staff of the Armed Forces of Sweden Lt. Gen. Dennis Gyllensporre.

"It is planned the sides will discuss the topical issues of the current situation of security, the development of cooperation between the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and NATO after the Warsaw summit of the alliance, the current state and prospects of deepening bilateral cooperation," reads a posting on the website of the Ukrainian defense ministry.

In addition, the defense ministers of Ukraine and Sweden will meet with the press.
Antonio Guterres, former socialist Prime Minister of Portugal and until last year head of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has emerged as the broadly accepted choice to replace UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, whose term ends on 31 December 2016.

Mr. Guterres has been the frontrunner in all six informal votes held at the 15-member Security Council of the United Nations in New York in the recent months. Before that he had presented his vision for the United Nations to the 193 members of the UN General Assembly and had participated in debates and other events, as did the other declared candidates for the job.

This was part of a new process, which introduced much more transparency into the selection of the UN Secretary-General, up to now managed behind closed doors by the Security Council and in particular its five permanent members (USA, Russia, China, UK, France).

Many had hoped for a first female Secretary-General, and several expected a person from Eastern Europe, since this regional group of countries has never been represented in the high office.

However, the selection of Mr. Guterres brings to the office a seasoned politician and experienced UN official with a roundly respected record, who seems to have the skills and the vision to revitalise this most impossible job in the world. The fact that the USA and Russia in particular agreed to the selection of Mr. Guterres is a rare good sign at a time of escalating tensions between the two.

The most impossible job in the world

The 67-years-old Mr. Guterres will hopefully have the physical and moral stamina to stand up for the lofty ideals of the United Nations and facilitate progress in the areas of peace and security, sustainable development and human rights around the world.

His record will determine whether the office of the UN Secretary-General will keep on losing moral authority and relevance, as it unfortunately did under Mr. Ban Ki-moon, or will start playing the very important role that it should on issues like Syria and the refugee crisis, climate change (an area where Mr. Ban did admittedly well), gender issues, poverty and inequality.

The announcement of the Security Council members agreement on Mr. Guterres was announced on Wednesday, 5 October and has been unanimously nominated by acclamation at a Council meeting today. Then the Councils recommendation will have to be accepted by the General Assembly, which appoints the Secretary-General according to the UN Charter.

If there is no last-minute reversal, something that is not foreseen, Mr. Guterres will soon be confirmed as Secretary-General-elect and will get engaged in a transition process that will allow him to choose his immediate priorities and his senior aides for running the UN as of 1 January 2017.

Katoikos.eu wishes our fellow European and citizen of the world every success in discharging his global responsibilities.
The Ukrainian parliament has rejected a bill which proposed to limit the presence of media products of the aggressor state.

Some 174 deputies at first reading voted for the bill on amendments to some laws of Ukraine regarding the limitation of use of media production of the aggressor state (No. 4303), while the quorum is 226 votes.

Lawmakers also did not support the proposal of the Verkhovna Rada chairman to send the bill back for revision to the relevant committee or the legislative initiative subject.

The bill proposed setting limits for touring events, theater productions, the issuance of certificates of distribution, broadcasting audio and visual products of the aggressor state.
Ukraine's higher administrative court has upheld the position of Prosecutor General's Office in Zhytomyr region and the ruling of Zhytomyr administrative court of appeals regarding the unlawfulness of the removal of 95 ha of forest by Zhytomyr Regional Council from municipal ownership and the transfer of the forest section to an enterprise, part of Group DF, with the purpose of production of titanium ore.

The press service of Zhytomyr Prosecutor General's Office has reported that the higher administrative court did not satisfy the counterclaim of Zhytomyr Regional Council and the ruling of the Zhytomyr administrative court of appeals is left valid.

Zhytomyr Regional Council in May 2015 made the illegal decision to reduce land parcels and removed 95 ha of forest changing the purpose of its use for production of titanium ore in Volodarsk-Volynsky district.

Prosecutor General's Office in Zhytomyr region challenged the decision of the regional council in Zhytomyr administrative court of appeals. The regional council filed a counterclaim to the higher administrative court.

Valki-Ilmenite and Mezhdurechensk Mining and Concentration Complex (MMC) are part of titanium business of Group DF. The group also invests in construction of two more MMCs  Stremyhorodky (Zhytomyr region) and Motronivsky MMC (Dnipropetrovsk region).
Winner of tender to select Ukrenergo head Zuyev accuses Kononenko of initiating lawsuits against him  Leshchenko

The winner of the tender to select head of national energy company Ukrenergo Serhiy Zuyev has said the opening of a criminal case against him was initiated by MP from Petro Poroshenko Bloc Ihor Kononenko, MP Serhiy Leshchenko has said.

"Zuyev has announced at a meeting of the committee that the case against him was initiated personally by Kononenko. Our committee invites Energy Minister Nasalyk [Ihor] to one of the next meetings to explain what is going on with this appointment," Leshchenko said on Facebook on Wednesday.

He said that Zuyev said at the meeting of the anti-corruption committee that Prosecutor General's Office of Crimea opened a criminal case against him over high treason and accused him of financing subversive operations against Ukraine.

The tender to select the new head of Ukrenergo was announced on February 19, 2016. On May 24, the committee of the Economic Development and Trade Ministry selected Zuyev the winner of the tender.

Later Kyiv's district administrative court banned Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers from approving candidate Zuyev for the post of Ukrenergo head.
Animal abuse and neglect are long-standing problems in the United States, and Nebraska is no exception.

The spotlight was again shown on the breeding industry in the Midwest this month when a group of small dogs was brought to the Central Nebraska Humane Society after a breeder turned them over. Most of the dogs are in relatively good health, but some have bad teeth and at least one has a hernia that will need to be repaired before the dog can be adopted.

Most of the dogs are social with one another and people, which is unusual for animals used solely for breeding, said Laurie Dethloff, Central Nebraska Humane Society executive director.

The dogs will be assessed and treated before they are made available for adoption, she said.

Laws in Nebraska require dog and cat breeders and brokers to be licensed by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The law also requires the animals to have temperature-controlled housing, clean air, kennels with enough room to move around, daily mental stimulation and exercise, basic health and dental care, medical care from a licensed veterinarian and coat care to prevent parasites.

Breeders are also required to ensure reasonable breeding frequency to prevent over breeding, according to Legislative Bill 427, which was signed into law in 2012.

Jocelyn Nickerson, Humane Society of the United States Nebraska state director, said despite the state standards, breeders don't always provide for their animals in the way a consumer might expect.

In May, the Humane Society of the United States issued a report on "puppy mills" and breeders. While the report isn't an exhaustive list of every breeder in the country, it does show that regulations alone can't end the problems with bad breeders.

The report includes an update on the 2013 "horrible hundred," which includes 12 breeding businesses in Nebraska. Of those 12, three are in Central Nebraska  in Boelus, St. Paul and Ashton. Most of the issues noted in the Nebraska cases concern a lack of clean water and edible food, dirty conditions, lack of space, exposure to extreme temperatures, lack of medical care and euthanasia by gunshot.

At the Boelus site, a "gravely ill" dog was left untreated for two days. Puppies at the St. Paul location were found shivering in the cold, and one of the newborn puppies died from exposure. Inspectors at the Ashton site noted the breeders' plan for euthanasia was "lead injection," referring to a gunshot. A majority of the Nebraska problem breeders on the list lacked records concerning the dogs, according to the report.

"The goal of the report is to inform consumers about widespread problems with puppy mills before they make an uninformed purchase that could potentially support animal cruelty," according to the Humane Society of the United States. "The report includes puppy mills from 22 states, but because most of the dealers sell online or to pet stores, their puppies could be available to unwary consumers in all 50 states and beyond.

"But this new report shows that there is still no shortage of substandard puppy mills," the group continued. "Regulation alone cannot put an end to puppy mills. They will end for good only when consumers stop buying their puppies and insist on dealing only with animal shelters, breed rescues or small responsible breeders they have met in person."

Nickerson agrees and recommends against purchasing a puppy or dog from a private breeder who won't allow the buyer to see where the animal has been living or what it's been eating or won't identify its parents.

"If they aren't allowed access, it shields them from what's actually happening," she said.

Dogs that come from breeding operations where regulations aren't followed can have health problems or lack the socialization necessary to make good pets, she said.

Nickerson said there are good breeders who follow the laws and give their animals the proper care. However, the ones who neglect their animals give the "rest of the breeders a bad name," she said.

She suggests adopting a pet from a licensed rescue facility.

There are 240 licensed dog breeders and brokers in Nebraska, including commercial breeding kennels, boarding kennels, animal rescues and shelters, animal control facilities, dealers and pet stores, said Christin Kamm, Nebraska Department of Agriculture spokeswoman. The breeding operations vary in size from a few dogs to, in some cases, over 100 animals.

Whether a license is required depends on factors such as number of dogs, number of litters per year and number of puppies sold, she said. Some breeders have more violations than others, Kamm said, but there is a process to address violations and a number of administrative options for breeders who fail to come into compliance.

"Most licensees take good care of their animals," Kamm said. "Unfortunately, as with any profession, there may be a few who struggle with compliance."

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has three inspectors. By law, facilities are to be inspected at least once every 24 months, but inspectors can stop in more frequently and do respond to complaints, she said.

The most common non-compliance issues for all categories of licensees, not just breeders, include substandard sanitation, housing deficiencies, ventilation issues and inadequate records, she said. The number of licenses under increased inspection each year remains about stable when compared to previous years, she said.

Lori Hook, vice president of Hearts United for Animals in Auburn, said the organization has rescued 10,000 dogs over the last 25 years. The shelter can house 400 dogs, and at any given time, over half of the dogs at the shelter are from "puppy mills" in Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, she said. Between Jan. 1 and March 31, the shelter took in 200 dogs from two breeding operations in South Dakota.

The issues with the breeders that Hearts United for Animals deals with include unsanitary conditions and small cages with wire bottoms. The dogs are kept just healthy enough to breed, she said.

In June, they helped two dogs that had untreated broken jaws, she said. They've also seen parasites, ear and eye infections, rotten and filthy teeth, mouth infections that travel to the heart, malignant mammary tumors from repeated breeding and hernias from having multiple litters, she said.

They've also seen genetic defects from inbreeding or repeatedly breeding a dog with a genetic flaw. Such problems would be less likely to occur with breeders who are keeping proper records, doing genetic testing and not over breeding animals, she said.

"We had a Pomeranian with a tumor the size of a cantaloupe," Hook said. "All of her internal organs were being pushed into it. We've had dogs that people have done C-sections on themselves. It's hideous. We also had a breeder in Nebraska recently that was supposedly giving rabies shots to her own dogs, which is a violation, so we turned her in."

Failure to seek professional veterinary care can cause serious problems. Hook cited a case in Kansas a few years ago when 1,200 dogs had to be euthanized because of a canine distemper outbreak at a breeding facility where the animals weren't being properly vaccinated.

Hook believes Nebraska is probably in the top seven states with bad breeders, and she said a lack of decent enforcement is partially to blame.

"Keeping a dog in a kennel and breeding them over and over again is not OK," she said.

Like Nickerson, Hook encourages consumers to purchase dogs from rescue organizations and shelters.

"If there's no demand for breeders' services, than there's no reason for puppy mills," she said. "Also, let your state legislators know you want reform."
OMAHA -- It was a gorgeous May day, and Jason Peterson was running a bit behind.

The owner of Transfer 88  he moves pianos and their 88 keys  backed into the driveway of Roger and Mary Brumbacks house at 11421 Shirley St.

He grabbed his four-wheel dolly and placed a ramp up to the front of the two-story white house with black shutters.

He hustled up to the front porch, where he found the storm door closed but the front door cracked open.

Such a sight is typical, Peterson said. A lot of people will crack their door in anticipation of the movers.

But no one answered at the Brumbacks house. Peterson knocked, called out hello, even ventured around to the backyard in case someone was doing yard work.

He returned to the front and opened the screen door.

As he peeked in, he noticed a shiny object on the floor.

A magazine from a handgun.

I said, Uh oh,  Peterson testified, between chews of his gum.  Lets back up off of here. 

Peterson, his son and a nephew bolted to the driveway, where Peterson called 911. Omaha police arrived.

Peterson said he trailed a lady officer to the front door. She pushed open the door a bit more, then immediately called for backup.

Ive moved a lot of things in the course of moving a piano, Peterson said. But Ive never had to move a gun clip. That just didnt seem right.

Had Peterson poked his head inside the house, he would have seen how wrong it was:

Just behind that cracked door, Roger Brumback was splayed face down, and his 6-foot-3, 200-pound body in a pool of blood. He had been shot in the shoulder and stomach and stabbed in the neck.

In an adjacent sitting room, Mary Brumback was face up, her arms spread, lying between a number of belongings that appeared to be packed and ready to move.

The Brumbacks were on their way to West Virginia, where they had decided to retire after Roger Brumbacks long tenure in the pathology department at Creighton University.

They were ready to make this move that they were so excited about, prosecutor Brenda Beadle said.

On Wednesday, day three of Anthony Garcias trial, prosecutors transitioned from the March 13, 2008, deaths of 11-year-old Thomas Hunter and 57-year-old Shirlee Sherman to the May 12, 2013, killings of the Brumbacks.

The parallels between the two sets of crimes  even the innocuous ones  were impossible to ignore:

 Both sets of killings took place on seasonable days. A warm, windy day in March 2008. A sun-splashed Mothers Day in May 2013. Further, prosecutors say, both attacks occurred in the middle of the day  though the defense team questions how prosecutors know.

 The first paramedic to arrive at both scenes: Omaha Firefighter Jason Gohr. The first detective at both scenes: Omaha Police Officer Derek Mois.

 The chosen murder weapon: knives, presumably from inside the victims homes. All four victims  even Roger Brumback, who was shot  had knife wounds. All four basically bled out.

Prosecutors spent much of Wednesday detailing at least some of those wounds through the testimony of Dr. Michelle Elieff, a coroners physician.

On the 80- and 60-inch screens in Judge Gary Randalls courtroom, jurors got high-definition views of:

 Eighteen cuts to Shermans neck. The wounds to the grandmother looked like the teeth of a zipper running up the right front of her neck. They generally grew wider as they went up the neck  half-inch scars to inch-wide punctures to the fatal plunge, a two-inch wide, C-shaped wound.

Sherman also had a bruise to her forehead, probably from a fall to the floor, Elieff said.

 Nearly 10 wounds to Thomas neck, including the severing of his jugular veins and carotid arteries on both sides.

Thomas also had bruises ringing his mouth and a swollen lower lip. Elieff called those compression bruises  consistent with the killer sneaking up from behind and muzzling Thomas mouth.

The photos fed into both prosecution and defense strategies.

Prosecutors used them to try to show that the killer was poking away at the victims necks, searching for the two key vessels of blood in the neck: the side-by-side carotid artery and jugular vein.

Who would know to search? A former pathology student like Garcia, prosecutors argue.

Meanwhile, the photos have gone without any defense protest at trial. Many defense teams will object to gratuitous photos of autopsies, and most judges will set limits on how many photos are admitted, so as not to inflame jurors any more than necessary.

However, Garcias defense team hasnt objected.

The reason: Although the photos are disturbing, even disgusting, their client didnt inflict these wounds, his lawyers say. No physical evidence connects him to the killings.

For his part, Garcia never gave more than a passing glance at the photos. He spent the entire day scribbling notes and rarely peering anywhere but down through his black-rimmed glasses at a set of reports.

Jurors and spectators saw all they could handle.

As prosecutor Don Kleine displayed a close-up of the zipperlike wounds on Shermans neck, Shermans brother Brad Waite winced. Oh my God, he muttered. He used his left hand to wipe tears from his right eye; his right hand to wipe tears from his left.

A juror in the back row pivoted her body toward an outside wall, occasionally looking at the screen over her shoulder. One young female juror buried her chin between her thumb and forefinger, then wrapped her hair partially over her face.

After about an hour of viewing the photos, a middle-aged juror wrote on her notepad: Break please.

Judge Randall recessed jurors for 10 minutes.

Things didnt get much easier following the break. After several close-ups of Toms autopsy, prosecutors turned to graphic photos of what Omaha police found inside the Brumback house.

Roger Brumback was found, shot and stabbed, just inside his front door.

Under the states theory, he answered the door, then tried to prevent his attacker from entering. Mois testified that a bullet went through Brumback as he stood in front of the door, then went through a door and into a front-entry wall. (The defense mocked that theory, questioning how the bullet could travel that high or far.)

Startled by the commotion, Mary Brumback, who perhaps had been in the kitchen, came to the front of the house to try to help her husband.

She fought till her death, Beadle told jurors in opening statements. She fought with every fiber she had in her.

She fought so hard that she had several defensive wounds on her left hand, Mois said. Her left thumb was nearly severed.

Remarkably, the Brumbacks neighbors didnt hear much.

A block away, neighbor Larry Mason said he heard three pops that Sunday. He said he initially believed that they were gunshots but then scanned his neighborhood for anyone running, anyone screaming. He didnt see anything, he said, so he attributed the noises to a backfiring lawnmower.

The time? About 3:30 p.m.

Garcias defense team, meanwhile, continued to contend that prosecutors have no timeline for the Brumbacks deaths. They were last heard from on Mothers Day, May 12, 2013. But their bodies werent found until May 14, a Tuesday.

That led Robert Motta Jr. to ask a simple question of Gohr, the first firefighter to enter the Brumbacks house.

With bodies laying there for nearly two days, he asked: Did the house smell?

Gohr paused.

Ive walked into some houses, and the first thought I had was, Theres a dead body in here,  Gohr testified. I dont remember thinking that here.

Motta also pointed out a curious sight: that Mary Brumbacks body appeared to be a foot or so from a large blood spot. In between her and the blood spot: mostly clean carpet.

Motta questioned how Mary Brumbacks body moved. Gohr said no first responders altered her body.

I see what youre talking about, Gohr said. That wasnt something I made a mental note of. I just remember thinking, Wow thats a lot of blood. 

Even with all the blood, it wasnt hard to spot the signs of a couple on the cusp of their new adventure.

The house was almost completely packed. Two computer towers sat in the living room. The dining-room hutch was devoid of drawers. Boxes were stacked. Furniture was pushed to the middle.

On the kitchen table: the Sunday paper, its sections scattered, comics on top. Just beyond it, a romance novel that Mary Brumback was reading, its pages propped open by a rock.

As he prepared the house to sell, Roger Brumback was dressed in painting clothes and loafers. There was a ladder in the entryway. Just beneath the ladder: an opened can of beige paint. In the paint: a drop of blood.

No more than 20 feet away, an 8-by-10 photo of a smiling Roger Brumback sits on a small desk. Its his professional mug, from when he was chairman of Creighton Universitys pathology department, in charge of residents  like Garcia once was.

A crime-scene photo captures that desk and its surroundings:

A manhole-sized blood stain on the carpet.

The lifeless legs of Mary Brumback.

And a promotional folder from the company hoping to pack up the rest of the Brumbacks belongings.

On its front, in large letters:

Life never stops moving.
If a dangerous street hoodlum demands and then flees with your wallet, the police will call that robbery. But, if a police officer seizes your cash, car or other property on the mere suspicion that it is somehow connected to criminal activity  and without ever convicting or even charging you with a crime  the police will call that a legal civil asset seizure.

According to FBI statistics, the combined value of street, highway, convenience store and bank robberies in Nebraska in 2013 topped $1.2 million. Nebraska police departments, however, had a much better year  netting more than $2.6 million in proceeds from forfeited private property.

Lets take a closer look at this $2.6 million money from heaven enjoyed by the Nebraska law enforcement agencies. According to the Institute for Justice, a Washington-based public-interest law firm, the forfeited proceeds taken in by Nebraska state and local law enforcement agencies, on their own, enforcing state and local laws  not federal statues  in 2013, has not been disclosed.

However, in partnership with federal agencies enforcing federal civil forfeiture statutes, the share of proceeds from private property seized in Nebraska going to state and local police agencies totaled $150,000 from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and $2.6 million from the U.S. Department of Justice.

This backdoor money flow is a blueprint for property rights abuse. The police have a huge, built-in incentive to aggressively target forfeitable assets rather than pursue justice.

How Civil Forfeiture Works: Criminal forfeiture laws, but not civil forfeiture laws, require a criminal conviction to deprive people of their property. Under civil laws, however, the seized property itself, not the owner, is simply presumed to be guilty. To get ones property back, property owners in all states  even if they are not charged or convicted of a crime  are then up against a short time limit to file a claim.

But the procedures for proving your property has no connection to a crime are so convoluted one needs to hire a lawyer for any chance of success. And, in many states, failure to register a claim  often within 30-90 days  allows the government to permanently take the property by administrative actions.

If the property owner cant afford a lawyer or if the value of the property is less than expected legal costs, property owners walk away. Between 1997 and 2013, 88 percent of all federal Department of Justice civil forfeitures of private property never saw a courtroom.

Two examples show how the system works.

While on a five-month U.S. tour to raise money for a Thai orphanage, Eh Wah, the manager of the Burmese Christian rock band, Klo & Kweh Music Team, was pulled over in Oklahoma in February for a broken tail light.

A sheriffs deputy found $53,000 in cash. Eh Wah was charged for being in the possession of drug proceeds.

Institute for Justice attorneys eventually recovered the seized money.

Zaher El-Ali, a small businessman living in Houston, did not fare as well. In 2009 another person driving El-Alis Chevrolet pickup was arrested for DUI and the truck was seized. The county issued civil forfeiture actions against the truck, and El-Ali lost it.

To end this shady practice federal and state civil asset forfeiture laws need to adopt the same standards now applied in criminal forfeiture cases and also to prohibit law enforcement agencies from benefiting from forfeited proceeds. It is as simple as that.

Ronald Fraser, Ph.D., writes on public policy issues for the DKT Liberty Project, a Washington-based civil liberties organization.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has summoned the Russian consul to Ukraine to demand explanations as to why Ukrainian consuls have not been admitted to Roman Suschenko, a correspondent of the Ukrinform national news agency arrested in Russia, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mariana Betsa has said.

"We forwarded another note to the Russian Foreign Ministry yesterday to demand that consuls be provided with access to Roman Suschenko: there has been no reaction either to the embassy's address to the FSB [the Federal Security Service] investigative directorate or to notes to the Russian Foreign Ministry. Therefore, we are summoning the Russian consul to Ukraine today to demand that he explain why they haven't provided access to our citizens in keeping with all norms," Betsa told Interfax-Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry will keep demanding a meeting with Suschenko, Betsa said.

"We have to understand all circumstances of his detention and see in what conditions he is being held and what other assistance is needed," she said.

It had been reported earlier this week that the FSB had detained Suschenko on spying charges in Moscow, and the Lefortovsky District Court sanctioned Suschenko's arrest for two months on October 1.

Kyiv has qualified Suschenko's detention as provocation and the spying charges as farfetched.
Over 1,800 migrants packed themselves onto one boat Thousands moremigrants have been rescued in the Med in what is fast turning in to beone of the busiest weeks for patrol crews.

Their last moments were spent gasping for air inside a wretched ship

which was meant to take them to safety. Instead it delivered a horrible

death. Rescuers came too late to save the desperate migrants seen in

these pictures, but they were able to help hundreds of others.



The boat had been carrying around 1,800 people when it was sighted in the Mediterranean 12 miles off the coast of Libya.

Some resorted to jumping overboard while one drowning father tried to

fling his baby to safety. Staff from Proactiva Open Arms NGO pulled the

living onboard their own boats but for some, it was too late.

Inside the vessel, they found a number of bodies huddled together amid discarded shoes, clothes and blankets.

As the the light dwindled and the rescue went into the night, some were

brought out of the wooden boat on stretchers  watched by dozens of

other migrants huddled together as they waited for their relief vessel

to depart.

They were among the 4,650 migrant saved in more than 30 rescue missions off the Libyan coast yesterday.

This brings the total rescued in the last 48 hours to more than 10,000

refugees, and the death toll to 50 as people smugglers take advantage of

relatively calm weather to push boats to sea.

The vast majority come from Africa, including Nigeria, Eritrea, Guinea, Gambia, Sudan, Ivory Coast and Somalia.
Poroshenko: parliament must decide whether to introduce visa regime with Russia

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko believes the issue of introducing a visa regime with Russia is within the competence of the Verkhovna Rada.

"I am looking forward to a decision from the parliament," Poroshenko told journalists in Kyiv, asked about the prospects of introducing a visa regime with Russia.

The head of state added the issue needs to be discussed with the Ukrainian public.
One Ukrainian soldier killed, one injured in ATO zone over past 24 hours

One soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was killed and one was wounded in the ATO zone in Donbas over the past 24 hours, speaker of the Defense Ministry on ATO Oleksandr Motuzianyk has stated.

"One soldier was killed and one was wounded over the past 24 hours," he said at a briefing in Kyiv.

As many as 64 Ukrainian servicemen have been taken prisoner, he said.

Twelve shelling incidents, including five employing heavy weapons, were seen in the Luhansk sector over the past day, he said.

The hostiles sent reinforcements to Slovianoserbsk and opened mortar and tank fire on Ukrainian army positions in that area, he said. Same as on the previous days, the hostiles fired on Stanytsia Luhanska and Popasna district, Motuzianyk said, adding that mortars and infantry combat vehicles were engaged in attacks on the Novo-Oleksandrivka-Novozvanivka frontline.

Intense hostilities have resumed in Pisky, the Avdiyivka industrial zone "is traditionally unquiet," and shootouts have been seen in Luhanske, Novhorodske and Verkhniotoretske, he said.

Eight shelling incidents, including four with heavy weapons, were observed in the Donetsk sector over the past day, Motuzianyk said.

In turn, the Mariupol sector witnessed 20 attacks of the hostiles, including one by use of mortars, he said.

The truce has been systematically breached in Maryinka, Taramchuk, Starohnativka and the Pavlopil-Shyrokyne frontline. In addition to small weapons, the hostiles once used an 82mm mortar, Motuzianyk said.
First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and Ukraine's representative in the humanitarian subgroup [of the Trilateral Contract Group on Donbas] Iryna Gerashchenko says there is a powerful pro-Russia group lobbying Austria's government.

"There is a powerful pro-Russia lobby in Austria, where there are many former Party of Regions members, who take every opportunity to besmirch Ukraine's image. That's why the Vienna focus of our international affairs policy requires increased attention," Gerashchenko said on her Facebook page.

She also said in Austria a great number of politicians stand for weakening or dropping sanctions against Russia.

"They argue the following: We do not have doubts about Russia's influence on the conflict in Donbas, and we condemn the annexation of Crimea, but sanctions have not worked and therefore these arguments are not working and it is necessary to find new means to make peace by talking with Moscow," Gerashchenko said.
The understanding is growing that Kyiv is not complying with its obligations under the Minsk Agreements on settling the conflict in Donbas, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said in commenting on Wednesday's negotiations between Russian presidential aide Vladislav Surkov and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland.

"The understanding that Kyiv is not complying with its obligations under the Minsk Agreements, especially its political component, is growing. The steps that are clearly stated on paper and signed by President Poroshenko have still not been taken," Peskov said in reply to a question from a Ukrainian journalist on Thursday.

In this light, "the parties [Surkov and Nuland] have been talking precisely in the context of the need to use all possible influence and methods of pressure on Kyiv so as to prompt the Ukrainian side to implement the obligations it has undertaken," he said.

Asked by a journalist to clarify whether he implied that the U.S.' understanding of this was growing, Peskov replied he meant "all participants."
Local students have an opportunity to help set the Guinness World Record for the worlds largest mindfulness lesson on Monday morning.

Walk in My Shoes is calling on all Kilkenny secondary schools, and those in fifth and sixth classes in primary schools, to join in on setting the record on World Mental Health Awareness Day (October 10) - the stations first day on air.

Walk in My Shoes Radio, Irelands only all-digital pop-up radio station, Walk in My Shoes Radio will be broadcasting live from St Patricks University Hospital next week, Monday to Friday, to mark World Mental Health Awareness Week. It is the only pop-up radio station dedicated to promoting positive mental health

Participating schools in Kilkenny will attempt to set the world record with a national 30-minute mindfulness session, which will take place at 07.30am. The world record attempt will be broadcast live on TV3s Ireland AM.

The mindfulness class will be taught by a mindfulness practitioner in the lecture hall at St Patricks University Hospital and the 30 minute class will be broadcast as a Google Hangout connecting participating schools in Kilkenny and all over the country.

Walk in My Shoes Radio will provide 70 hours of radio from October 10-14. Each show will be anchored by well-known broadcasters and celebrities. Radio professionals from local, national and community radio have also volunteered to services to the station.

News about the station will be shared on Twitter (@walkinmyshoes) using the hashtag #WIMSFM. For more information, visit www.walkinmyshoes.ie. Tune in to Walk in My Shoes Radio on FM or online at walkinmyshoes.ie and on the TuneIn App.

For information, or if you would like take part in setting the Guinness World Record for the largest mindfulness session, please visit www.walkinmyshoes.ie/worldrecord.
Russia has not taken any action in response to the numerous requests of Ukrainian diplomats for a meeting with Ukrainian film director Oleh Sentsov, who is held in penal colony, press secretary for Foreign Ministry of Ukraine Mariana Betsa has said.

"All of our appeals, I mean appeals by our Embassy in the Russian Federation and the consulate in Novosibirsk, for a meeting with Oleh Sentsov have been ignored," Betsa said in an exclusive comment to Interfax-Ukraine on Wednesday.

She also noted that in the past four months numerous requests were sent for a meeting with the prisoner. They all were ignored by Russia.

It was reported earlier that in August 2015, Russia's North Caucasus District Military Court found Sentsov and Oleksandr Kolchenko guilty of establishing a terrorist group in Crimea, committing two terrorist attacks and plotting another one, and an attempt to acquire explosive devices. The two were also convicted of illegal storage of weapons. Sentsov was given 20 years in prison and Kolchenko 10 years.

Kyiv has repeatedly said that the Sentsov-Kolchenko case is politically motivated.
The Heritage Office of Kilkenny County Council is launching a new publication which celebrates six years of work gathering the old Field Names of County Kilkenny, before they are lost forever.

The launch, which is hosted by livestock auctioneer George Chandler, will be held on Wednesday, October 12 at 7.30pm in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny.

The publication marks a key milestone in the Kilkenny Field Name Recording Project. The project, which began in 2010, and is jointly funded by Kilkenny County Council and the Heritage Council, has collected over 7,000 field names across 190 townlands in County Kilkenny. Over 80 volunteers have contributed time, energy and thousands of voluntary work hours to the Project.

The title of the book, Meitheal na bPairceanna. The Kilkenny Field Name Recording Project, signifies the co-operative nature of the project. According to Cllr. Matt Doran, Cathaoirleach, Kilkenny County Council We are deeply indebted to those who engaged in the Project. Tremendous voluntary work has been undertaken by the community in the process.

In addition to producing the book, all the fieldnames are being digitally mapped using Geographic Information Systems, so as to create a permanent and publicly accessible record of the results which will be displayed on the Kilkenny County Council website.

This is really a book about places and the people who inhabit them. It includes an analysis of the most commonly recorded field names, and field names recorded in Irish (up to 14% are recorded in Irish). There are heartfelt contributions from some of the volunteers and a list of all volunteers who contributed to the project. Eilis Costello from Lisdowney, a project volunteer, says You couldnt be involved in this without being moved and changed by it. With so many people still alive who have the local knowledge, we should make use of that gift now so that we get the information they have and pass it on to those who are coming after us. Well have done great justice to the land and the area if we just bear this in mind.

The book also includes an essay exploring the field names and birthplace of John ODonovan (one of the greatest scholars of Irish place names, and a Kilkenny man); and a comprehensive glossary of Irish (Gaelic) field names recorded.

This publication provides a lasting legacy which will become a valuable reference source in the future. It demonstrates the importance of heritage to local communities and the benefits of developing partnerships between Kilkenny County Council and local communities, says Colette Byrne Chief Executive, Kilkenny County Council.
Lithium companies continue to lead the stock market. While the TSX Composite gained about 13% year-to-date and S&P 500 scored a mere 6.4%, lithium companies grew by a stunning 24%.

Will this trend continue? Only time will tell but the energy metals revolution is still in its infancy and quality deposits will be required to feed the need for batteries worldwide.

Lithium Market  A Quick Summary

The lithium market remains strong, underpinned by growing demand projections and possible supply constraints. The two major demand drivers for lithium are electric-vehicle batteries and energy grid storage systems.

As a reminder, the lithium market is very concentrated. Four major mining companies are responsible for over 90% of the global lithium production. While these players have done well in the past, it is apparent that none of them have a robust pipeline of new projects that can fundamentally change the current supply-demand situation. Moreover, almost half of the total supply comes from South American countries, which always include some jurisdictional risk.

The only North American production site is in Nevada, which is controlled by one of the four lithium majors, Albemarle (ALB). This is a US$9-billion company that operates Silver Peak, the single producing lithium mine located in the United States.

As the lithium bull really heated up, many lithium companies rushed to purchase claims adjacent to Silver Peak, disregarding geology and simply buying for the sake of accumulating acreage. This may be a viable strategy for many juniors that simply want to draw attention, but Iconic steered away from this bandwagon approach and hired a proven technical team to find the best of the best. Iconic Minerals is now well positioned to fully experience the coming demand surge and supply constraint in the lithium market.

Iconic Minerals: The Company

Iconic is a junior mining company focused on exploring lithium projects in Nevada. Its flagship project is Bonnie Claire located 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Clayton Valley and the Silver Lake property.

Bonnie Claire may host lithium brine deposits that, once discovered, will be cheap and quick to bring to production. Lower costs and faster development make brines much more attractive for investors and junior mining companies than hard-rock deposits. Globally, about 61% of all lithium is produced from brines.

Iconic has 100% interest in a brine claim position that is 1.5 times larger than the existing Clayton Valley basin. Furthermore, samples to date actually exceed resources contained within Clayton Valley, with recent additional geochemical results from the first monitor well, starting where previous results ended at 980 feet (299 meters) and continuing to 1,340 feet (408 meters), lithium values ranged from 960 parts per million to 2,550 ppm.

This was one of the things that caught our attention. Instead of trying to squeeze in around the existing mine, the Iconic team took a step back and saw a larger opportunity elsewhere. But make no mistake: Bonnie Claire is not located too far from Clayton Valley  37 miles is well within one-hour driving distance.

With 23,100 acres worth of land, Iconics land holdings are one of the largest in the region. However, the company does not plan to just sit on its land and wait until a potential suitor comes. After raising C$3 million in June 2016, Iconic began its first-year exploration campaign at Bonnie Claire.

This program is based on geophysics surveys that the company has already conducted. As a result of the reconnaissance, Iconic has outlined a well-defined layer of low resistivity which is characteristic of lithium brines. The picture below clearly shows the low-resistivity area 330 feet (100 meters) below surface:

The low-resistivity layer is very consistent, and after conducting the first magnetotelluric (MT) survey the company analyzed the most promising targets for follow-up drilling. Along with that, it will continue conducting geophysics to better understand the property and areas that could host the strongest lithium aquifers.

In August, the first drill results arrived. The company reported that Phase 1 drilling has so far successfully located a high-conductivity zone that can represent a brine horizon. Drill results from the first hole (BC-1601) showed that, as predicted, there is potential for a brine horizon to exist. As mentioned earlier, the first well yielded lithium values ranging from 960 parts per million to 2,550 ppm and results showing that lithium content is highly anomalous for a total of 1,180 feet (360 meters).

The hole is part of a three-hole program that the company is currently working on. Initial results from the other two should be available in the next two months and if the results are positive, the company will widen the holes and conduct pumping tests. This will show potential production grade and flow rates and if the tests are successful, the company will eventually convert these holes into production wells. If the current exploration program is successful, we expect more exploration work to be done at Bonnie Claire.

Even though the company has just started drilling, the market is already paying attention. Iconic is one of the few lithium explorers that are actually exploring, and its progress has already translated into a higher share price. The appreciation was seen as the company knocked down milestones, including the closing of the private placement; commencement of drilling, and receiving the results of its MT surveys. In short, the company is working hard to deliver tangible progress and the market has been quick to appreciate it.

In terms of jurisdiction, Iconic operates in one of the worlds best mining jurisdictions in Nevada. If you recall, a significant portion of the global lithium supply comes from less favorable areas, such as Chile and Argentina. Risk-averse investors are right to prefer a known and proven location. This is reinforced by the most recent Fraser Survey of Mining Companies, ranking Nevada as the worlds third investor-friendliest jurisdiction out of 109 jurisdictions, right after Western Australia and Saskatchewan.

In the same survey, Chile is ranked 11th while Argentinean provinces scored very poorly. The most investor-friendly is Salta (71st place) with La Rioja coming at literally the lowest (109th place, the last of the pack). On average, Argentinean provinces ranked 93rd.

Iconics team chose Nevada not only because of its investor friendliness but also because the companys top team members have experience working in this state.

The People of Iconic

The companys CEO is Richard Kern, a geologist with over 35 years of experience. As a Professional Geologist, he has been involved in exploration activities in the US, South and Central America, Australia, New Guinea, Malaysia, China, and Fiji. In the United States, Mr. Kern was involved in major gold discoveries, in Nevada, he and his team explored what later turned out to be a 1.6 million-ounce gold deposit at Eureka.

We are pleased to see a CEO who has not only management and business experience but also a hands-on attitude toward the companys exploration progress. As a Professional Geologist and the companys qualified person, Kern signs off Iconics press releases containing material information.

We should note here that Mr. Kern is not the only technical person overseeing the companys exploration. The management understands that when it comes to early stage exploration stakes are as high as failure rates. To make sure the company is making the right decisions as it advances exploration activities at its properties, it has engaged three technical consultants to assist.

One of them, Mr. David Shaw, has over 30 years of experience in mineral exploration and financing. He was involved with Salares Lithium, a lithium brine company whose project was purchased by Australia-based Talison Lithium. Mr. Shaw remained a director of Talison when it was subsequently bought by Chengdu Tianqui Industry for C$800 million in 2013.

Another technical advisor working with Iconic is Mr. Ian Hutchenson. Back in 2010, he worked on Chilean brines project that was purchased by Talison Lithium.

Lastly, Mr. Matt Vitale brings to the company 14 years of experience as an independent hydrogeologist. He has experience in surface- and groundwater quality on various projects within North America and Australia. Along with his work in the mining sector, Mr. Vitale is also Project Manager for a number of Nevada State Department projects. Iconic should benefit from his experience and knowledge in hydrogeology and the policies of Nevadas natural resource regulators.

The management team and the companys insiders hold about 37% of the total amount of shares outstanding. We see this as a vote of confidence on their part. We also conclude that the management has significant motivation to make sure the companys ventures succeed.

Share Capital

Iconics capital structure is robust. It had 63.9 million shares outstanding, 5.2 million options and 10.4 million warrants.

Four out of the 5.2 million options have an average exercise price of about C$0.12 with about 3.6 million of them currently exercisable. There are also over 10 million warrants exercisable at C$0.075C$0.30 per share. At time of writing, many are in-the-money, potentially increasing the risk of dilution. The company issued most of the warrants to finance its Phase 1 exploration. We cannot argue with the fact that it is still challenging for a resource-sector junior company to finance its activities, so deal sweeteners such as warrants still need to be used.

However, we are not too worried about dilution here. As long as the company achieves its milestones (and we have already seen management team actively delivering on their promises), there should be little concern for the existing and new shareholders.

Iconic has C$3.6 million in debt. We do not think that this poses a threat, the company has managed to negotiate a 25-year repayment schedule with its creditors. As a result, debt servicing payments will not get in the way of the companys main activity of exploration at Bonnie Creek.

Finally, we should note that the companys shares trade both on the Toronto Venture Exchange and on the Frankfurt Exchange (symbol YQGB.F). As a lithium company, Iconic was prudent to list its shares on a European exchange. This will allow the company to have better access to environmentally-minded investors from across the Atlantic.

Other Assets  The Free Call Option

Although Bonnie Claire is the companys main project, it has other assets. Namely, the three gold projects located in Nevada: Hercules, New Pass, and Squaw Creek.

Hercules is a gold-silver property located in a historic mining region in Nevada. Iconic is in an earn-in agreement to acquire up to 100% interest in the lease of this project. A 2011, NI 43-101 compliant technical report mentions a historic indicated estimate (non-NI 43-101 compliant) of about 470,000 ounces of gold and 6.5 million ounces of silver for a total of about 580,000 ounces of gold equivalent. On top of that, an inferred mineral resource of 427,000 ounces of gold and 6 million ounces of silver for a total of about 527,000 gold equivalent ounces (non-compliant).

Considering the companys current market capitalization is only $21 million, Hercules in itself gives Iconic significant downside protection. However, there are still more ounces in the ground. New Pass is another gold-silver property that the company has in Nevada. Unlike Hercules, it has a NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate. Specifically, the project hosts about 283,000 ounces of gold and 3.1 million ounces of silver for about 340,000 ounces of gold equivalent.

Lastly, Iconic also holds a 50% interest in the Squaw Creek project in Nevada. It lies 42 miles north of Battle Mountain, between the Midas and Ivanhoe mining districts. Squaw Creek is an earlier-stage project with reported gold mineralization over an area of 3 miles by 1 mile.

In sum, the companys gold projects are worth many times its current market capitalization already. They are cherry on top of its main lithium assets. When the market realizes their worth, Iconics share price should increase correspondingly.

Investors Takeaway

The lithium rush continues, and a lot of companies try to get into this market while its hot.

From our perspective, Iconic follows a significantly more prudent strategy than some of its peers. It selected its projects based on its (prime) location and actual economic potential. Even though lithium brines can be brought to production relatively quickly, it still requires a lot of work and investment. And Iconic shows that it is committed to its assets and its shareholders.

With a geologist CEO teamed up with three technical consultants and enough cash in the bank to keep working on its promising Phase 1 exploration, Iconic is well-positioned to not only profit from a potential continuation of the current lithium rally but also weather a correction, should one occur.

The market sends clear signals that it is following this story closely. Future news releases will be acted on immediately as the company unlocks more value at its main project (possibly followed up by Iconics gold properties), and its share price could reach several times its current value.

As a lithium play with a significant precious-metals component, ICM is a great early-stage story for the nascent resource sector bull.

By Palisade Radio
SAO PAULO, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Latin American stocks rose on Wednesday after a surprising weekly drawdown in U.S. crude stocks drove oil prices to their highest since June.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said crude stockpiles fell nearly 3 million barrels for the week ended Sept. 30, marking a fifth straight weekly drop.

Currencies from oil-exporting economies also gained, with the Colombian peso rising 1.61 percent after two days of losses. Mexico's peso also rose 0.57 percent.

Colombian voters rejected on Sunday a peace deal with Marxist FARC rebels, hammering the currency. Brazil's benchmark Bovespa stock index advanced more than 1.5 percent.

Shares of state-controlled oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA rose ahead of a planned vote of a bill ending the requirement that it lead all new projects in the country's Subsalt Polygon region.

Key Latin American stock indexes and currencies at 2130 GMT:

Stock indexes daily % YTD %

change change

Latest MSCI Emerging Markets 915.26 -0.04 15.25 MSCI LatAm 2437.95 0.68 33.24

Brazil Bovespa 60254.34 1.54 39.00 Mexico IPC 48141.42 0.48 12.02 Chile IPSA 4085.15 0.54 11.00

Chile IGPA 20355.03 0.5 12.14 Argentina MerVal 17070.65 1.16 46.21

Colombia IGBC 9901.54 0.55 15.84

Venezuela IBC 13532.18 3.7 -7.24

(Reporting by Bruno Federowski; Editing by Alan Crosby)
MELBOURNE, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Evolution Mining , Australia's no.2 gold miner, expects gold prices to remain strong due to geopolitical and fiscal uncertainty, despite a recent drop on prospects of a U.S. rate hike in December.

"Until global economies can address the underlying systemic reality that we are all spending more than we can afford, it may be good for gold but not much else," Evolution's executive chairman, Jake Klein, said at an industry event.

Terror attacks, civil wars and political upheaval, including the potential election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, all created uncertainty that was driving investor demand for gold, which was good for gold miners, Klein said.

"So if we are in a traditional bull cycle like the last seven - and I don't think there is any reason to believe we are not - there is still likely a long way to go for gold equities," he said.

Evolution has expanded over the past five years to become Australia's second-largest gold miner behind Newcrest Mining , acquiring mines or mine stakes from majors like Barrick Gold Corp and Glencore .

Its shares have jumped 75 percent over the past year, but slid to a one-month low on Thursday following a drop in gold prices. Gold prices hit a more than two-year high of $1,375 an ounce in July and have since fallen to $1,266.

(Reporting by Sonali Paul; Editing by Richard Pullin)
BERLIN, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz predicted in a interview out on Wednesday that Italy and other countries would leave the euro zone in coming years, and he blamed the euro and German austerity policies for Europe's economic problems.

Europe lacks the decisiveness to undertake needed reforms such as the creation of a banking union involving joint bank deposit guarantees, and also lacks solidarity across national boundaries, Stiglitz was quoted as saying by Die Welt newspaper.

"There will still be a euro zone in 10 years, but the question is, what will it look like? It's very unlikely that it will still have 19 members. It's difficult to say who will still belong," the paper quoted Stiglitz as saying.

"The people in Italy are increasingly disappointed in the euro," Stiglitz was quoted as saying. "Italians are starting to realise that Italy doesn't work in the euro," he added.

He said Germany had already accepted that Greece would leave the euro zone, noting that he had advised both Greece and Portugal in the past to exit the single currency.

Concerns about the euro zone have escalated in Germany in recent months amid growing concern about a shift away from austerity in southern Europe, the loose money policies of the European Central Bank and the rise of the right-wing Alternative for Germany party.

Stiglitz told the paper the euro and austerity policies in Germany were at fault for Europe's economic malaise. The break-up of the single currency or the division into a north euro and a south euro were the only realistic options for reviving Europe's stalled economy, the paper quoted him as saying.

The former chief economist of the World Bank said Europe and the United States had similar economies, resources and labour pools, but the U.S. economy had recovered from the global financial crisis while the European economy had not.

"The big difference is the euro," he said, noting that the single currency was weighing on the overall European economy.

The euro reached a three-week high against the yen on Wednesday, a day after a Bloomberg article cited sources as saying the European Central Bank would probably wind down its bond buying gradually before ending quantitative easing. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
* President Kuczynski's vow to restart smelter revived interest

* Plans for workers' strike next week could hurt sale prospects

* Emissions standards are under review

By Mitra Taj and Marco Aquino

LIMA, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Peru's nearly 100-year-old polymetallic smelter La Oroya and the nearby copper mine Cobriza will likely be offered up in an auction in the first quarter of 2017, the head of the company tasked with finding a buyer said Wednesday.

Pablo Peschiera, director of consulting firm Dirige, said the two assets of the now-bankrupt company Doe Run Peru would likely fetch at least $100 million, though investments to upgrade the smelter could cost $700 million.

Peschiera said he was optimistic about the new bidding round that follows an August 2015 auction that failed to draw any offers as investors fretted over environmental standards, past pollution and demands from workers.

Dirige has asked the government to ease sulfur dioxide emission limits in La Oroya and to tweak rules to clarify that a new operator would not be liable for Doe Run Peru's obligations.

Dirige has also connected potential buyers with workers to broker preliminary deals, Peschiera said.

"The market is in charge. We'll launch the auction with whatever conditions are in place and hope that by then these changes will have been made," Peschiera said in an interview.

The smelter in Peru's central Andes was shuttered in 2009 when Doe Run Peru, owned by New York billionaire Ira Rennert's Renco Group, ran out of money to buy concentrates and pay for environmental upgrades.

The company left $650 million in debts unpaid, including $90 million to $100 million owed to workers, Peschiera said.

The smelter now only processes some zinc, employing a fraction of some 2,200 mostly furloughed workers.

A workers' strike scheduled next week to demand the rest of the smelter restarts could hurt sale prospects, Peschiera said, adding he hopes to persuade the union to call off the stoppage.

President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's promise to revive La Oroya as part of his plan to boost the value of the country's mineral exports has sparked fresh interest from investors, Peschiera said. Kuczynski, who took office in July, convinced Congress to give La Oroya more time to find a buyer and has slammed Peru's emissions standards as too strict, saying upgrading La Oroya's copper circuit would cost $500 million under current rules but only $200 million if Canadian standards applied.

Peru relaxed the sulfur emissions limit for La Oroya in 2014, but Peschiera said standards should be loosened further.

Kuczynski's environment minister told Reuters last month that air and water quality standards are under review. (Reporting by Mitra Taj and Marco Aquino; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
HANOI, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official market and indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi at 0105 GMT.

Oct 6 Oct 5 USD/VND mid-point 21,971 21,964

USD/VND interbank 22,275/22,335 22,305/22,307 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.27/35.54 35.29/35.56

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank quotes are indicative bid/ask prices.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co, the gold manufacturer.

Interbank offered rates are indicative, quoted from market sources.

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
KYIV. Oct 6 (Interfax-Ukraine)  Political and social activist Alla Shlapak has initiated the creation of a hotline local reform of the humanitarian area, in particular, the education system.

"Today we see that people ask for simple things  not to close their small rural school, not to make children moving to a new school that was allegedly proposed by district authorities as an alternative," Shlapak said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine.

She said there is a general national trend of destroying rural areas in Ukraine. Young people take into account the availability of schools in settlements after making decision to stay there or leave them.

"No steps were taken in line with Ukrainian law. This means that no public hearing was held on the issue. Neither rural councils nor executive committees of rural councils discuss this issue at their sessions," lawmaker of Mala Vyska district council Hanna Burian said, commenting the decision to close Khmeliove secondary school in Kirovohrad region.

She said it is a pity that Kirovohrad region is first in Ukraine in terms of this kind of reorganization of educational institutions. She said that students of the Khmeliove school and their parents are outraged with the closure of their school in their village.

The village residents asked Shlapak to help in the situation with the closure of the school.

Head of the parent committee of the Khmeliove school Leonid Nazarenko said that village residents held protest rallies, blocked the road asking not to close the school and appealed to local authorities.

Shlapak said cases of school closings in villages are rife in various regions of Ukraine.

"We today announce the creation of a hotline working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It has created so people can receive high-quality legal assistance," Shlapak said.
(Kitco News) - The heat is being turning up on five banks accused of manipulating gold prices through the twice-daily London Fix after a New York judge says there is some validity behind a class action lawsuit.

Kitco News obtained the court document which contained the opinions of presiding Judge Valerie Caproni of the US District Court. Judge Caproni said in her opinion that the plaintiffs "plausibly allege that each of the Fixing Banks acted recklessly in creating artificial price dynamics in the gold markets around the PM Fixing."

However. She also dismissed all claims against global firm UBS, leaving The Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, and Societe Generale still facing manipulation allegations.

While it is still early in the court case, one organization dedicated to exposing market manipulation said that this latest ruling is a step in the right direction.

In an email statement to Kitco News, Chris Powell, secretary treasurer for the Gold Anti-Trust Action Committee Inc. (GATA) said this finding, although not a ruling of market manipulation is still damaging to the bullion banks, [I]t clears the way for discovery and deposition -- that is, clears the way for compelling the bullion banks to produce documentation and give testimony prior to trial.

However, Powell added that he is skeptical that this case will ever go to trial.

I have always suspected that if any market-manipulation lawsuit got past summary judgment dismissal, as this lawsuit apparently has done, the defendants would offer a lot of money to settle the lawsuit privately rather than give the world a look at their business practices, he said.

Deutsche Bank already said that it was willing to settle its gold and silver manipulation lawsuits; however, Judge Caproni noted in her opinion that no motion for approval of the settlement has been presented to the court.

Powell also noted that the decision to allow the suite to move forward, should awaken the monetary metals mining industry to the issue of gold market manipulation.

By Neils Christensen of Kitco News; nchristensen@kitco.com

Follow @Neils_C
PRAGUE, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Czech financial markets on Thursday.

ALL TIMES GMT (Czech Republic: GMT + 2 hours) =========================ECONOMIC DATA==========================

Real-time economic data releases.................... Summary of economic data and forecasts........... Recently released economic data.................. Previous stories on Czech data............. **For a schedule of corporate and economic events: ==========================NEWS==================================

WAGES: The Czech centre-left government approved an 11-percent rise in the minimum wage on Wednesday, the fifth increase in as many years, as the economy shows solid growth and unemployemnt dropped to the lowest level in the European Union.

Story: Related stories: CARS: Czech new car registrations rose 12.7 percent year-on-year in the first nine months to 192,714 vehicles, the country's Car Importers' Association said on Wednesday.

Story: Related stories: HAVEL: Czechs paid tribute to their late playwright-president Vaclav Havel on what would have been his 80th birthday on Wednesday by holding meetings and concerts and naming a small Prague square in his honour.

Story: Related stories: COMMUNISTS: The Czech Republic's ruling party might consider forming a government with the Communist Party (KSCM) next year, the prime minister told a newspaper, contemplating an alliance that would break a 27-year-old taboo.

Story: Related stories: SLOVAK PRESIDENT: The first president of independent, post-communist Slovakia, Michal Kovac, died on Wednesday aged 86 after suffering from Parkinson's disease, President Andrej Kiska said.

Story: Related stories: CEE MARKETS: Concerns that the European Central Bank could provide less support to markets spread into Central Europe on Tuesday, pushing bond yields slightly higher, especially in Poland.

Story: Related stories: ---------------------- MARKET SNAPSHOT ------------------------ Index/Crown Currency Latest Prev Pct change Pct change

close on day in 2016 vs Euro 27.018 27.053 0.13 -0.07 vs Dollar 24.1 24.537 1.78 3.06 Czech Equities 881.09 881.09 0.68 -7.87 U.S. Equities 18,281.03 18,168.45 0.62 4.91 Pvs close or current levels vs prior domestic close at 1500 GMT ======================PRESS DIGEST=============================

INTERVENTIONS: The Czech central bank's weak crown policy has brought Czech exporters around 580 billion crowns ($24.07 billion) since its launch in 2013, Association of Exporters said.

Hospodarske Noviny, page 14

(Reuters has not verified the stories, nor does it vouch for their accuracy.)

For real-time stock market index quotes click in brackets: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX For updates on CEE currencies TOP NEWS -- Emerging markets Prague Newsroom: +420 224 190 477

E-mail: prague.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com ($1 = 24.0980 Czech crowns)

(Reporting by Prague Newsroom)
Norway to spend 3.0 pct from its wealth fund in 2017-budget document



OSLO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Norway's rightwing government will spend 3.0 percent of the value of its sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, in its 2017 budget, a budget document obtained by Reuters showed on Thursday. In real terms, the government will raise its spending from the fund to 225.6 billion crowns ($28.08 billion) in 2017, up from the 205.6 billion crowns it proposed to spend in the revised budget in May for the current year. ($1 = 8.0352 Norwegian crowns)

(Reporting by Oslo newsroom) Keywords: NORWAY BUDGET/DOCUMENT

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

kitco news
MANILA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp is looking to raise up to $400 million from an initial public offering (IPO), rather than its initial target of over $600 million, after setting a price range of 64 to 70 pesos a share, IFR reported on Thursday.

The listing will be the Philippines' third this year, after cement maker Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc raised $466 million in July and deathcare provider Golden Haven Memorial Park Inc raised $17 million in June. Pilipinas Shell, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell PLC , is targeting IPO proceeds of 17.6 billion to 19.2 billion pesos ($365 million to $400 million), reported IFR, a Thomson Reuters publication. That compared with the 29.7 billion pesos set in a preliminary IPO filing based on a maximum offer price of 90 pesos a share. Pilipinas Shell did not reply to Reuters' request for comment on the report

Bookbuilding runs from Thursday through Oct. 12, after which the final price will be announced, IFR reported. The shares will be listed on the Philippines Stock Exchange on Nov. 3, IFR said.

The IPO comprises a base offer of 275 million shares plus a further 16 million shares in the event of excess demand, together accounting for 18 percent of the firm's outstanding capital, IFR said. Primary shares make up 10 percent of the base offer with secondary shares taking up the remainder, IFR said.

The firm initially aimed to sell 330 million primary and secondary shares.

Pilipinas Shell operates one of the Philippines' two oil refineries and competes with petroleum retailers such as Petron Corp and the local affiliate of Chevron Corp .

Its IPO comes at a time of increased volatility in the local stock market brought about by economic factors as well as concerns over President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs and tirades against the United States, a major trade partner.

Pilipinas Shell is required under a two-decade-old law to offer at least 10 percent of equity to the public. But listing plans have been deferred several times due to factors such as unfavourable market conditions and refinery upgrades.

JP Morgan is the sole global coordinator for the IPO. BPI Capital is the domestic lead underwriter.

(Reporting by S. Anuradha of IFR in SINGAPORE and Enrico dela Cruz in MANILA; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
MOSCOW, Oct 6 (Reuters) - The Russian government approved an amended 2016 budget on Thursday that envisages a larger deficit because oil prices have been weaker than officials had hoped.

Russia's 2016 budget was initially based on an average price of $50 per barrel for its Urals oil.

It has been amended to assume an oil price of $40, the average for Russia's main crude export blend Urals in the first nine months of this year, according to finance ministry data.

A proposed output cut announced last week by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has helped to boost prices for benchmark Brent crude in recent days, although a global supply glut has been weighing on the market. Sergei Donskoi, natural resources minister, told journalists the budget changes had been approved at a government meeting but did not elaborate.

Weak oil prices have added to pressure on Russia's public finances from Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict.

The amended budget must still be approved by Russia's two houses of parliament and President Vladimir Putin before it becomes final.

According to the version approved on Thursday, the deficit this year will be 3.03 trillion roubles ($49 billion), or 3.7 percent of gross domestic product, up from earlier plans for a deficit of 3.0 percent of GDP.

State revenues this year are now seen around 369 billion roubles lower than previously planned, at 13.37 trillion roubles. Total spending is seen at 16.40 trillion roubles.

The finance ministry expects to use proceeds from the sale of government stakes in mid-sized oil producer Bashneft and top oil firm Rosneft to cover part of this year's deficit.

It will also use 2.1 trillion roubles from one of Russia's two sovereign funds, the Reserve Fund, and increased borrowing to cover the deficit.

Russia plans net domestic borrowing of 500 billion roubles this year, well above the 300 billion roubles pencilled into original budget plans.

($1 = 62.3700 roubles)

(Reporting by Darya Korsunskaya and Elena Fabrichnaya; Writing by Lidia Kelly; Editing by Alexander Winning/Ruth Pitchford)
HANOI, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Following is a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0403 GMT.

Oct 6 Oct 5 USD/VND mid-point 21,971 21,964 USD/VND interbank 22,304/22,305 22,305/22,307 USD/VND unofficial 22,310/22,320 22,310/22,320 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.20/35.47 35.29/35.56

Interbank offered rates Overnight 0.5-1.0 0.5-1.3

1 week 0.5-1.3 0.5-1.3

1 month 1.6-2.4 1.6-2.4

3 months 3.3-4.2 3.3-4.2

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on a daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom; Editing by Biju Dwarakanath)
ZURICH, Oct 6 (Reuters) - The Swiss blue-chip SMI was seen opening 0.1 percent easier at 8191 points on Thursday, according to premarket indications by bank Julius Baer .

Here are some of the main factors that may affect Swiss stocks:

CREDIT SUISSE The bank will pay a $90 million penalty and admit wrongdoing after an investigation by U.S. regulators found the bank misrepresented how it determined a performance metric in its wealth management business to investors. For more news see UBS GROUP U.S. judge dismissed UBS as a defendant in a lawsuit by silver investors who accuse banks of conspiring to fix prices and exploit market distortions, affecting $30 billion traded each year in the precious metal and related instruments. 1MDB CASE

Malaysia's attorney general's office said it had yet to receive any request for additional assistance from Switzerland in probing state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Switzerland's Office of the Attorney General said on Wednesday it was seeking further help from Malaysia in its investigation. OC OERLIKON The Swiss company wants its Additive Manufacturing business to become a contract supplier of complex industrial components, including through planned "three-digit millions" worth of investments in a network of industrial 3-D printers, HandelsZeitung reported, citing an interview with the unit's head. To accomplish this, Additive Manufacturing head Florian Mauerer said Oerlikon wants to aquire companies with market share of up to $100 million.

For more click COMPANY STATEMENTS * Alpiq Holding AG says signed contracts for the divestment of its Swissgrid share of 30.3 percent to BKW , will receive a remaining amount of 146 million Swiss francs for the transaction

* Galenica AG announces new management at Vifor Pharma and new Galenica group CFO * Yoox Net-A-Porter says it issued 1,999,495 ordinary shares as Richemont exercised its right to convert some Category B shares into ordinary shares to bring its stake back to 25 percent of YNAP's voting capital * Meyer Burger Technology AG says it awarded orders for DW288 series 3 diamond wire saws for around 15 million Swiss francs ($15.4 million) by existing PV customers * Molecular Partners AG says regains rights to multi-DARPin drug candidate targeting IL-13 & IL-17 for pulmonary indications from Janssen

* Relief Therapeutics Holding AG and PX'Therapeutics announce a strategic collaboration agreement for recombinant production of atexakin alfa * WISeKey International Holding announced a cooperation with Indian Potash Limited to create a WISeKey technology based cybersecurity ecosystem. * Clariant AG says new equipment will increase capacity at plant in France by an estimated 30 percent when expansion is completed early in 2017

* SFS Group AG says board of directors to propose election of Nick Huber as family representative

ECONOMY Swiss CPI data due at 0715 GMT

(Reporting by Zurich newsroom)

Daily Swiss stock market report in German................ All SMI constituent stocks............................ News on major Swiss stock price moves.................. FTSE Eurotop 300 index................................ DJ STOXX index........................................ Top 10 STOXX sectors............................. Top 10 EUROSTOXX sectors........................ Top 10 Eurotop 300 sectors....................... Top 25 European pct gainers... , losers... Swiss mid-cap index SMI futures Swiss all-share index Market statistics Swiss market digest Sector overview All Swiss news Swiss research news All equity news INTERNET ADDRESSES: Swiss Exchange / Eurex STOXX Ltd SPEED GUIDES: ))

Keywords: MARKETS SWISS STOCKS/
ANKARA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Turkish residents and institutions sold $3.5 billion in foreign currency holdings in the week to Sept 30 that followed a downgrade by ratings agency Moody's, according to Reuters calculations based on central bank data released on Thursday.

Local foreign currency holdings dropped to $146.4 billion from $149.9 billion in that week , the central bank data showed.

The sell-off came after Moody's followed Standard and Poor's last month in removing Turkey's investment grade rating.

(Reporting by Nevzat Devranoglu; Writing by Ece Toksabay; Editing by Daren Butler)
(Recasts with comments to conference)

By Ed Stoddard and Tanisha Heiberg

JOHANNESBURG, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Wage talks are at a "critical stage" between South Africa's Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) and Anglo American Platinum , Impala Platinum and Lonmin , the union's president said on Thursday.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a mining conference, Joseph Mathunjwa would not say if AMCU had moved from its original demands of close to a 50 percent pay hike. Amplats' chief executive said on Wednesday that his company was "fairly close" to sealing a wage agreement with AMCU and other unions.

Mathunjwa, who led a five-month strike in the platinum sector in 2014, told a mining conference that a dose of "madness" was needed to shake things up.

"To disrupt capital ... We have to bring a bit of madness to the programme," Mathunjwa told the gathering of executives, bankers, lawyers and analysts.

The Salvation Army lay preacher whose union dislodged the once dominant National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on South Africa's platinum belt in a vicious turf war, later elaborated on what he meant by "madness." "The madness...you have seen it in the five months strike, that is the kind of madness we are talking about ... South Africa needs that kind of madness to change these neo-liberal economic policies," Mathunjwa told journalists. "How can you transform a system within a system if you don't disrupt the system?" he added.

Addressing the industry bosses gathered for the two-day conference at a plush polo club on the edge of South Africa's financial district, Mathunjwa told them to start sharing their profits with the workers.

"The current system does not work for anyone but investors and CEOs ... You still want to protect your super profits," said Mathunjwa, clad in AMCU's trademark green shirt.

He spoke of "slave salaries" and "colonialism" and "neo-liberalism," and even drew a round of applause when he spoke about corruption in government.

(Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
(Kitco News) - Golds push below its 200-day moving average at $1,260 an ounce has severed its 2016 uptrend, and an analyst at one German bank sees gold re-entering its long-term bear market again.

December gold futures last traded at $1,257.40 an ounce, down 0.87% on the day.

Although gold at its highs this year was up almost 30%, Karen Jones, technical analyst at Commerzbank, said in a telephone interview with Kitco News that the more important trend to watch has been the long-term downtrend that has been in place since 2011.

She noted in her charts that four times gold tested the 2011 resistance levels around $1,350 and was unable to break it.

We have literally spent months pushing into this downtrend and have failed to break it and as a result we have severed the uptrend, she said. Any market that tests a long-term downtrend and then sells off with such speed isnt messing about.

Jones added that the fact that gold has severely broken through most of its major support levels so far this year in the last two days could be an indication that the rally since the start of the year was nothing more than a larger correction in the long-term bear market.

Given the speed of the break, there is no reason why we shouldnt go lower, she said.

With the 200-day moving average now in the rear-view mirror, Jones said that the next major levels to watch will be the 55-week moving average at $1,221 and then the $1,200.

1,200 is going to a key level because that is the last reaction low of this recent move up. Once that is taken out, we will be well into re-establishing the bear trend.

Although not quite as bearish on silver, compared to gold, Jones said that she thinks its only a matter of time before the grey metal follows in golds footsteps. December Comex silver futures last traded at $17.35 an ounce, down almost 2% on the day.

Silver hasnt seen as much damage as gold but I am merely waiting for its levels to break.

So far, silver futures have managed to trade above their 200-day moving average, which comes in at $17.082 an ounce. Jones added that for silver to stand a chance, this level needs to hold. The next level of support comes in at the 55-week moving average at $16.54 an ounce.

At any point we get a close below the 55-week moving average, I will have a more negative stance on silver, she said.

By Neils Christensen of Kitco News; nchristensen@kitco.com

Follow @Neils_C
On October 18-20, 2016, the exhibition center "KyivExpoPlaza" will host International Forum Healthcare Management  a key event for government officials, managers of state and private medical institutions, chief physicians and their deputies, owners and representatives of businesses and international experts. The Forum is a discussion platform for academic and industry managers. Delegates have a unique opportunity to exchange experience, discuss the latest legislative initiatives, get advices to promote healthcare services, consultations of lawyers, insurance professionals and consulting companies. Specialists will be able to participate in the following sections: organization and management of healthcare; private medicine; organization of radiological service; organization of laboratory service; management of junior staff with medical education; organization and management in pharmacy; information technologies in healthcare.- healthcare reform, autonomization of medical institutions, health insurance, improvement of the three-tier system of medical care, personnel policy; - private medicine: regulatory policy, licensing of medical practice, quality management system, effective ideas for business; - IT-technologies, trends and innovations of eHealth; - international experience in healthcare reform and many other issues. Among the speakers of the Forum are market experts who want to share their successful experience. Speakers will include representatives of executive authorities and leading scientists in the field of healthcare, experienced healthcare organizers, international experts, managing partners of leading law firms, owners and heads of departments of large medical networks, insurance and consulting companies. Special attention will be paid to optimization of technical supply of medical institutions. Within the Forums exposition will be presented complex solutions and services for medical institutions. Specialists will be able to familiarize with medical equipment, diagnostic, rehabilitation and physical therapy equipment, medical furniture, tools, supplies, protective clothing, pharmaceutical products, establish business contacts with market leading companies.: UMT+, ZDRAVO, Viola Medtechnika, MEDIGRAN, TehMedKontrakt, VKF-Medtehnika, Protech Solutions Ukraine, UTB Resource, Vector-Best Ukraine, NVL Granum, Intermedica, LABVITA, Labix, CHEMLABORRECTIV, Ukrbio, UKR DIAGNOSTIKA, Miele, DiaSys Diagnostic Systems, Biomed, Bio-Rad, Sanimed International Impex S.R.L., NVF Simesta VAAL, Roche Ukraine, ALT Ukraine, Sente-Lab, Terra-Med, Service Lab, Reagent, Ramintek, PROMO-MED, Polix Group, MK Kvertimed-Ukraine, Medcoswiss, MedBioAliance, ERBA LAHEMA, Envirko, EximCargoTrade, NVK DIAPROPH-MED, DIAMEB, Grupotest, Hemoplast, Best Diagnostik, Bio Test Med, Intersystem, IKF Service Plus, BCM Ukraine, VOLES, HLA Hospital Group, Biolane-Ukraine, Medical laboratory MedLab, NVE Standard, Snibe, Organization of medical business, VEGA-MEDICA, DNIPRO-MTO, YUVIS, TESPRO, Medstar Solutions, Selenium, AMPRI Ukraine, Skyline Software (1c Entreprise), Bishofit Mg++ and many others.of the event: P.L. Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, All-Ukrainian Association of Chief Physicians, LMT Company. The event isy the President of Ukraine, the VerkhovnaRada Committee of Ukraine on Healthcare, Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kyiv City State Administration.: Department of Public Administration of Healthcare of the National Academy of Public Administration under the President of Ukraine, Ukrainian Institute of Strategic Studies of Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Ukrainian Centre for Scientific medical information and patent licensing work of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the Practice of medical establishment management, magazine, Ukrainian association of medical care quality, the State Medical Certification Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, Clinical Hospital Feofaniya, LC MedAdvokat, MEDCONSULTING, Ingo Medical Center, Pharma Personnel, MedMarketing and others. The Interfax-Ukraine News Agency is the. The event is included to the Register of congresses, symposia and scientific-practical conferences which will be held in 2016 205. Participants will receive certificates of advanced training.: Exhibition Center "KyivExpoPlaza", Kyiv, 2-B, Salyutna Str., Pavilion 3.: 45+ conferences, seminars, master classes; 150+ speakers.: +38 (044) 206-10-99.: h ttp://www.hcm.in.ua/?page_id=600
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By Josh Farley of the Kitsap Sun

SILVERDALE  A 25-year-old Poulsbo man started a police chase because he had to get to the bank to make a deposit, according to documents filed in Kitsap County District Court.

A Washington State Patrol trooper running radar Tuesday afternoon had clocked the man doing 75 mph on Highway 3 near the Newberry Hill Road interchange, where the speed limit is 60. When the trooper tried to pull over his SUV, he took the Kitsap Mall Boulevard exit. The driver, found to be the 25-year-old, ran red lights and passed several vehicles before arriving at Wells Fargo.

The driver emerged from the SUV and was able to deposit a check at the bank before officers entered. He was taken to the ground by police after he would not follow their commands.

When asked why he would not stop, the man said the trooper "would not let him do what he had to do," the trooper wrote in his report of the incident.

The man was taken to the Kitsap County Jail for attempting to elude police, a felony.
An interesting profile of Nick Leggett by Guyon Espiner in The Listener:

Just before 7pm on a wet Wednesday in August, the doors close on a wood-panelled room at the back of a central city restaurant. Inside are some of the leading lights of the left. Theyve held leadership positions and Cabinet posts. Theyve been chiefs of staff and speechwriters, strategists, hellraisers and fundraisers.  Over the next few hours, the table talk buzzes around but returns to a common theme. The Labour people in this room see themselves as more electable than the ones in the caucus room. They think Little has veered too far left, are scathing of the relationship with the Greens and think Labour is heading over the cliff for a fourth consecutive defeat. As the evening wears on and the beer and wine loosen the lips, it becomes more and more obvious: they see themselves as the Mainstream Labour Party in Exile and, tonight at least, their champion is Nick Leggett. He may be standing for mayor of Wellington, but having resigned from Labour, hes also sending his old party a message: this is what Labour might look like if it actually wanted to win.

I know lots and lots of former staffers, and even MPs, who are distressed with the direction Labour has gone in, and the state it is in.

The Utopian Strand, Leggett says with a sigh. It sounds like a young-adult dystopian novel, but according to Leggett, its the dominant faction of the Labour Party right now. Its May when we first meet for this story and Leggett has recently announced his departure from Labour after 20 years of membership. Theres the Utopian Strand and the Pragmatists. I fit into the Pragmatists, but its a much smaller group now, he explains. The Utopians are quite happy to sit in Opposition and have their positions validated by a small echo chamber on social media and in activist groups. They dont really seem interested in the much harder task of actually building a plank for government. He identifies another closely related strand. The Hate John Key Movement. They have failed to impress for eight years. They need to say why they are better than John Key and why they have got ideas that are more compelling. He sees Labours opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) as a classic example of caving in to bloggers and tweeters rather than preparing for government. If you are arguing from a perspective that says, Yep, we are thinking about when we are in government, their stance was wrong. I think that we should be a free-trading nation.

Very few supporters of free trade left in Labour. Clark gone, Goff going, Shearer on the outer. Jones gone.

Leggett says these kinds of positions have led to the exit of almost all of the business-friendly MPs, including Shane Jones, Phil Goff and Clayton Cosgrove. Others have been marginalised, such as David Shearer, who was sanctioned by Little for his support of the TPP, and Nash, who has been refused permission to speak at Leggetts dinner. The treatment of Nash  who scored a rare Labour win in the provinces in 2014  particularly alarms him. Labour is dead outside the main centres now. Its just not on the radar of provincial areas, he says. Labour dropped to 25% last election and Stuart Nash won Napier, but hes not held up as a champion. In fact, you are viewed with suspicion if you win votes.

Youd think theyd see those who can win seats such as Nash and Davis as role models.

Leggett says that mentality leads to an unrealistic election strategy. These are people who think they can get into government with 32% of the vote. When Helen Clark lost, Labour got 34%, so they are not even close. I want to be part of a movement that says: we are a 40%-plus party and we are taking New Zealand with us. We dont want to be part of a two- or three-headed coalition. We want to be the leader.

Labour now thinks 30% in a poll is a great result. National thinks 50% is a great result.

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The Herald reports:

Auckland electoral officer Dale Ofsoske is calling for online voting to increase participation at local body elections. Latest figures show just 18.2 per cent of votes have been returned in the region so far. Thats slightly higher than the last election, but down from the election in 2010. Today, Ofsoske said online voting would be a good solution to increase the voter turnout, particularly among young people. He said there was a push this year to re-engage with young people, whose lives revolved around technology. He favours using both online and postal voting.

Postal voting is a dying medium, It was fine 20 years ago when people would post letters several times a week. Now the average under 40 uses the post office maybe two or three times a year at most.

Even the PM has said he hasnt voted yet as he was still looking for a postbox.

We dont need online voting for parliamentary elections as turnout there is high, and it is important enough for people to go to a polling place to vote.

But only allowing postal voting for local body elections is bad for democracy.

Eight councils put up their hand for online voting, but the initiative was canned by the Government in April because of security issues. At the time, Associate Local Government Minister Louise Upston said: Given real concerns about security and vote integrity, it is too early for a trial.

I disagreed with this decision. The DIA working group (which I was on) found a trial was viable. Postal voting is in fact far more insecure than Internet voting. E-voting is not about having a computer that can be hacked determine the winner. It is merely allowing people to send their ballot paper to the returning officer over the Internet  something that overseas voters can already do.

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John Milford of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce writes:

World of Wearable Arts, Wellington on a Plate, Festival of the Arts, Rugby Sevens theyre just some of heavyweights of the Wellington events scene that bring in hundreds of thousands of people and tens of millions of dollars. They help make us the events capital of New Zealand. Not only do they each attract people in their own right, but together they encourage other events: the touring shows, the bands, and the one-offs that wouldnt come here if we didnt have a record of putting on a good night and selling-out a good show. Its hard to imagine Wellington without them. Year after year we enjoy them while acknowledging the huge spend they bring in. Theres one ingredient they have in common  they all receive, in some form, ratepayer assistance, from either the city growth fund, the events development fund or Positively Wellington Tourisms budget.

Theyre all great things to have. And Im not opposed to potential ratepayer assistance where there is a clear benefit to Wellington, but that is not enough by itself.

The first question has to be whether these events would occur without ratepayer assistance. Some like WOW could well go elsewhere while the Rugby Sevens probably would not. The Sevens location is more about the ability to get great crowds. Would we really have no Wellington on a Plate without ratepayer assistance?

We need people who will do a hard headed analysis of the business case for each, and the probability they would not occur without ratepayer assistance.

Exact payments arent disclosed. Mostly this is because the council doesnt want to give away even the slightest commercial advantage by letting competitors know what its prepared to pay to secure an event.

Oh sorry but crap. Is there another Sevens event that might negotiate? Plus publishing the amount paid could be great for attracting other events. They could say Hey you were willing to pay $x for this event, we can do another event for $x-10

At the end of the day ratepayers deserve to know. When central Government does similar deals, the amounts are published.

Anyway, most of us dont care what is paid  we dont ask because we know the benefits far outweigh the likely costs.

This attitude is why my business is not a member of the Chamber. Appalling to have a business leader argue businesses dont care how much money is paid on their behalf.

Has the Chamber ever surveyed its members and ask them if they support secrecy around the corporate welfare?

For example, WoW drags in $20 million-plus for two weeks work, while the Sevens once earned a little less than that in just three days.

So how can we judge that when we dont know the level of subsidy? Also all these economic benefit cases assume the money spent on an activity would not have been spent otherwise. When in reality if you didnt go to the Sevens, you might have gone out to dinner or a movie and spent money also.

Now when events get people from outside the region, you are creating a benefit for the region, but it is not as simple as calculating the total spent on an event and assuming it is all benefit.

So if were happy with spending undisclosed amounts on these events, why make a big thing about not disclosing the size of a marketing package to encourage a Singapore Airlines service between us, Canberra and Singapore? Particularly when all events have the exactly the same aims and all have to meet an acceptable return on investment.

BECAUSE IT IS SECRET AND WE DONT KNOW THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency is in no doubt as to the benefits of the air service, saying it will boost visitor numbersopens doors for more investment, international student attraction, a faster route to market for local fresh food producers and increased connectivity for business travellers.

Actually according to the Council no external advice was sought on the benefits. They just took whatever the Airport said as gospel.

If it is such a good deal, then publish the numbers. Tell us how much is being subsidised, and publish the report calculating the benefits so it can be independently scrutinised.

The chamber is always first to speak up when theres an issue around transparency of spending ratepayer money.

Really? You seem to a a cheerleader for secrecy at the moment.

Weve made it our mission to keep a close eye on this, and the council will get no change from us if something smells.

How do you know if it smells when you dont know the amount being spent, dont know the estimate of the value, and the Council itself says there is no documentation at all.

And the Singapore Airlines deal, which connects us directly to the world and is worth an estimated $95 million a year, may never have got off the ground.

How do you know it is worth $95 million a year? A lobbyist has told you so. Have you seen any independent verification of this? Has there been a public report that could be scrutinised for its assumptions?

Theres an old saying  if it is too good to be true, then it is. The notion than you can get a $95 million a year benefit for $800,000 falls into that.

Wellington needs a business lobby that is a watchdog, not a cheerleader, for secret Council spending.

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The at-large farm sturgeons found in Yangtze River on July 29

Nearly 10,000 tons of carnivorous farm sturgeons escaped in Central Chinas Hubei province during a flood discharge on July 19, 2016, posing an extremely severe threat to over 300 indigenous fish species in the Yangtze River. Among the 300 species is the already endangered Chinese sturgeon. Whose fault is this?

A report from thepaper.cn pointed to a time gap between the warnings received by farmers and the records kept by Hubei Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters (FCDRH).

The local sturgeon farm remained a mess after the flood discharge.

A Geheyan Reservoir flood discharge slammed the farm cages in the Qingjiang River, a branch of the Yangtze River in the Hubei province, on July 19th. At 4:40 p.m., local farmers received a text message warning that the discharge volume would be 8,800 cubic meters per second. But Hubei FCDRH has a record saying the order to discharge flood arrived at 5:28 p.m., and that the discharge volume should be no larger than 6,610 cubic meters per second.

Thepaper.cn contacted the local Aquatic Products Bureau several times to verify how the discrepancy came about, but received no direct reply.

Geheyan Reservoir

Hubei Qingjiang Hydroelectric Development Co., Ltd, the company who is running the Geheyan Reservoir, said that they have strictly followed the orders given by the FCDRH, and that they have informed all the relevant institutions in a timely manner. That means the warning from the company only reached institutions, and not individuals. It would take the government more time to inform individual farmers.

Plus, records show that the company increased the discharge volume at 5:46 p.m., and reported the increase to the FCDRH only afterwards, at 5:49 p.m.

Farmers believe the crisis could have been avoided with an advanced warning.

However, FCDRH and the company have both emphasized that the flood was the heaviest on record, which it was, and that the steep mountains where the Qingjiang River is located restricted the timeframe for developing an accurate forecast to only 3 hours. The escape of so many sturgeons was purely a severe natural disaster, said Jin Wenxia, an official from Qingjiang Hydroelectric Development Company.

There are over 300 types of wild fish in the Yangtze. Each one has struck their own balance with the ecosystem over thousands of years of evolution. How this influx of an alien predator will affect this balance, and to what extent, remains a serious concern.

Besides an imbalanced ecosystem, there is yet another fear: genetic pollution. The critically endangered Chinese sturgeon in the river may mate with the farm fish, making a purebred Chinese sturgeon nearly impossible to find.
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres was unanimously selected by the UN Security Council on Wednesday as the next UN secretary-general.

"Today after our sixth straw poll, we have a clear favorite and his name is Antonio Guterres," Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, who is the council president for October, told reporters after about one and a half hours of closed council consultation.

"We have decided to go for a formal vote tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. EST (1500 GMT) Thursday and we hope that it can be done by acclamation," he said, with representatives of the 15 council members standing behind him outside council chambers.

"So tomorrow morning acclamation vote and we wish Mr. Guterres well in discharging his duties as the secretary-general of the United Nations for the next five years," Churkin said.

Guterres, who was also the former head of the UN refugee agency, is poised to succeed UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Jan. 1, 2017.

The 15-nation Security Council's Wednesday decision will be sent, following the formal approval on Thursday, to the 193-member General Assembly for final formal approval.

A spokesman for UN General Assembly President Peter Thomson told Xinhua that it was too early to say when such a vote could be scheduled.

There was no immediate comment from 66-year-old Guterres.

Churkin and council members came to a microphone outside the Security Council chambers after about 90 minutes of secret deliberations Wednesday morning to make the announcement to reporters who were waiting in the hopes only of a leaked tally on the straw poll.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you are witnessing, I think, a historic scene," he said as council members gathered behind him. "I don't know if it has ever been done this way in the history of the United Nations before. As you know we have conducted our sixth straw poll."

This time, the permanent five members of the Council, Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States were to use color ballots to indicate a possible veto of a candidate when they marked encourage, discourage or no opinion for a candidate on the ballots. But instead of a leak, the announcement came.

"This has been a very important process of selecting the next secretary-general and I think we have treated it with great responsibility," Churkin said.

"We appreciate the participation of all the candidates in this campaign," he said. "They all displayed a lot of wisdom, understanding and concern for the fate of the world so their participation was extremely valuable and we wish to express our gratitude for those who participated in this campaign."

The five previous straw polls were conducted secretly in council chambers since July but results were quickly leaked by those supporting transparency in the selection process.

The candidates at one point were equally divided between men and women and there were many candidates from Eastern Europe, but Guterres led the race from the first poll.

All 13 announced candidates, including the four who dropped out, each appeared before members of the General Assembly for two hours interview in another bid for increased transparency in the selection process.

Shortly after the Security Council's decision was announced, Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, was asked how he thought members of the Assembly would vote on the council's decision.

"It's too soon to venture a guess about how the member states act," he responded. "I'm not going to comment on any specific individual until that happens, in keeping with our standard practice of allowing them to have a say on this."

When asked about the gender and geographic movements, Haq said, "In terms of whether it was time for a woman to be a secretary-general, we have to remember it is their decision as enshrined in the UN Charter how a secretary-general is determined and we respect whoever they come up with."

"They had a full slate of candidates of which you've been aware," the spokesman said. "There's been a greater transparency to the process so you know who the candidates are and you could see for yourselves they were all very well qualified regardless of where they came from and what their gender is."

"The Security Council and the General Assembly in deciding the next secretary-general had a good, wide and diverse roster of candidates to look at," Haq added.

Most ambassadors in the council were pushing for a selection to be made by November to give the next secretary-general enough time to prepare for the end-of-year transition.
Growing. Thriving. Prospering. Black entrepreneurs make Knoxville proud!

Knox News reporters and photographers have spent the last year reporting the stories of local Black-owned businesses.
BEIJING, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- China will support the "preliminary stages" of public-private partnerships (PPP) with 500 million yuan (about 75 million U.S. dollars) in subsidies this year.

The funding will be spent on planning, evaluation, formulating implementation programs, preparing bids and contracts, financial consultation, legal counsel, and asset evaluation for over 700 PPPs, said the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

The projects, worth 1.2 trillion yuan, cover energy, transportation, water conservation, environmental protection, civil engineering, health, culture and education.

Since 2015, the NDRC has given out 500 million yuan each year to support the "preliminary stages" of PPPs.

China has explored funding infrastructure and public works through the PPP model since 2013 amid concern over rising local government debt.

Since May 2015, the NDRC has announced two rounds of PPP projects worth 4.23 trillion yuan. Of which, contracts for 619 PPPs worth one trillion yuan had been signed by the end of July 2016.
BUDAPEST, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Liu Yunshan arrived here on Wednesday, starting an official good-will visit to Hungary.

During his two-day stay in Hungary, Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, is scheduled to meet Hungarian leaders to exchange views on closer bilateral ties.

Liu will also attend a dialogue participated by members and officials of the CPC and the parties from Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries.

China and Hungary have seen sound development of bilateral ties in years. The Hungary-Serbia railway project becomes a symbolic one between China and Hungary as well as a landmark project for China-Europe cooperation.

China attaches great importance to cooperation with the CEE countries, particularly on China's Belt and Road initiative.

Hungary is the first among the European nations to join Belt and Road initiative -- a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes.

Liu reached Budapest after wrapping up his visit to Greece.

Before leaving for Budapest on Wednesday, Liu met with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, leader of the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party in Greece.

Liu said China and Greece should take more measures to expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges and accelerate cooperation on areas like cultural industry, tourism and shipbuilding.

The CPC is ready to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the ND party and make common efforts to lift China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, said Liu.

When the ND served as the ruling party, Greece decided to establish comprehensive strategic partnership with China and carry out cooperation on Piraeus port project, which laid strategic basis for the development of Greece-China relations, said Mitsotakis.

The ND party cherishes friendly exchanges and cooperation with the CPC and would strive to promote Greece-China friendship, said Mitsotakis.
By Lee Hyo-sik





Seo Mi-kyung

The third wife of Lotte Group founder Shin Kyuk-ho holds a key in the never-ending sibling feud over the control of Korea's fifth-largest family-controlled conglomerate, according to the prosecution, Thursday.

After analyzing documents seized during a raid on Lotte Group, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office found that Shin's third wife, Seo Mi-kyung, and their daughter, Yu-mi, who have been staying in Japan to evade a prosecution summons, have a combined 6.8 percent stake in Lotte Holdings in Japan.

The stake is the largest among Shin family members. Lotte founder Shin has only 0.4 percent, while his eldest daughter, Young-ja, has 3 percent. Former Lotte Holdings Vice Chairman Dong-joo has 1.6 percent and Lotte Group Chairman Dong-bin 1.4 percent.

Kwang Yoon Sa, a paper company in Japan, has a 28.1 percent stake in the holding firm, followed by the employee association (27.8 percent) and individual executives (6 percent).

Lotte Chairman Dong-bin has been able to place Lotte Holdings in Japan under his control on support from company employees and other shareholders.

Controlling the company has been most crucial for Dong-joo and Dong-bin to seize control of Lotte Group.

Lotte Holdings and affiliated investment funds have a combined 91.7 percent stake in Lotte Hotel, the de facto holding firm of Lotte Group in Korea, which has considerable stakes in Lotte Shopping and other key group units.

Under these circumstances, Seo and her daughter could determine the fate of Lotte Group, according to industry analysts, who say the two Shin brothers will do anything to have them as allies.

"I think Seo and her daughter have the casting vote with their 6.8 percent stake," said an executive at one of Korea's largest business associations. "A sibling dispute will likely happen again over the control of Lotte Holdings in Japan, between Dong-joo and Dong-bin. When that happens, the mother and the daughter will certainly attract more public attention."

Dong-joo offered to buy the 6.8 percent stake for 750 billion won ($682 million) in March, according to Lotte Group. But the deal did not materialize because of the prosecution's investigation.

According to prosecutors, founder Shin gave a 3.6 percent stake in Lotte Holdings to his third wife and his youngest daughter in 1997. In 2006, he gave them another 3.21 percent, which he held in a securities account opened under the others' names, through a paper company abroad.

Seo and her daughter have been staying in Japan since the prosecution began a probe of Lotte Group. Investigators have asked them to return to Korea to face questioning over a host of alleged irregularities, but they have refused.

They are suspected of evading 29.7 billion won in gift taxes and pocketing illicit gains by forcing Lotte Department Store to provide undue business favors.

On Sept. 26, prosecutors indicted Seo on charges of tax evasion. But they decided not to prosecute Yu-mi because she obtained Japanese citizenship.
By Lee Hyo-sik



POSCO Engineering & Construction (E&C) and other large builders are rushing to reduce their workforces to cope with falling construction orders abroad amid the continued global economic downturn.



Samsung Construction & Trade (C&T) and Samsung Engineering have dismissed hundreds of workers over the past year to stay afloat, and now POSCO, Hyundai, SK, GS and other construction firms are following suit.



According to the International Contractors Association of Korea, Thursday, local builders won contracts valued at a combined $18.7 billion in the first nine months of 2016, down sharply from $34.5 billion in the same period last year.



It projects that this year's overseas construction orders will reach only about $30 billion, the lowest since 2006 when domestic construction firms won $39.8 billion. Things are unlikely to improve much for local builders in the foreseeable future, according to the association.



To deal with increasingly unfavorable business conditions abroad, POSCO E&C plans to streamline its organizational structure and dismiss more than 500 workers by the end of this year through a voluntary retirement scheme. In particular, those in the construction of refineries, power plants and other industrial facilities in the Middle East will face more pressure to quit.



"We began accepting applications for a voluntary retirement program Tuesday, as part of our efforts to prop up our worsening bottom line," a POSCO E&C spokesman said. "This will continue until Oct. 14. But other than this, we cannot disclose other details."



The company earned only 339.4 billion won ($308.5 million) in sales abroad in the first half, down from 848.6 billion won a year earlier.



Affiliate POSCO Engineering also plans to lay off some 600 employees, more than half its 1,000-strong workforce, through a voluntary retirement scheme amid falling overseas construction orders. It will close some unprofitable business units, including those working on hydropower plants and civil engineering.



Steelmaker POSCO, which has a 95.6 percent stake in POSCO Engineering, is reportedly considering merging it with POSCO E&C, or selling them together to a third party.



Daewoo Engineering & Construction (E&C) is also moving to cut its workforce and restructure its business units to bolster a worsening bottom line. In September, new company CEO Park Chang-min, who took the helm last month, is widely expected to introduce a voluntary retirement program and overhaul unprofitable divisions.



Many executives and senior employees at the firm's overseas business divisions, in particular, will be pressed to leave the company.



Hyundai, GS, Daelim, SK and other large local builders, which generate more than half their sales outside the country, are considering taking similar steps to streamline their organizations and reduce operating costs.



In 2015, Samsung C&T cut 868 employees and recently downsized its housing construction unit. Affiliate Samsung Engineering has slashed the number of workers on its payroll to 5,300 from 7,000 over the past three years to cope with declining plant orders as a result of low oil prices.




By Nam Hyun-woo





Doosan Bobcat Chief Financial Officer Kim Jong-seon speaks at a press conference in Yeouido, Seoul, Thursday. / Yonhap

Doosan Bobcat, a leading construction equipment maker, announced Thursday that it will debut on the Korean stock market through an initial public offering (IPO).

The IPO has garnered attention as it is expected to raise 2.45 trillion won, the second largest following Samsung Life which raised 4.8 trillion won in 2010.

In a press conference on Yeouido, Seoul, Doosan Bobcat Chief Financial Officer Kim Jong-seon said the IPO will serve as a stepping stone for the company to expand its presence in emerging markets.

"When Doosan Infracore announced its acquisition of Bobcat, the former said it will normalize Bobcat's business and go public at the appropriate time," said Kim. "Since the U.S. housing market is showing a turnaround, the company saw this as the right time. Through the IPO, Doosan Infracore will improve its financial structure."

"In order to consolidate our market status, we believe improving our presence in emerging markets, such as China and Latin America, is crucial. That is why we established the company's headquarters in Seoul and are seeking a listing on the Korean bourse."

Doosan Bobcat will list 49 million shares at a price between 41,000 won to 50,000 won. After receiving subscriptions from investors next week, the company will be listed on the benchmark KOSPI, Oct. 21.

After being acquired by Doosan Infracore in 2007, the U.S.-based company showed continued growth from 2011 to 2015, with its average operating margin growing 24.7 percent annually. Last year, Doosan Bobcat posted $3.57 billion in sales, the largest since it was acquired by Doosan, and its operating margin stood at 9.5 percent.

The company's business portfolio is based on its dominance in skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders and mini excavators in the North American market. Each equipment's market share in North America and the Oceania region is 41 percent, 31 percent and 24 percent, respectively.

During the conference, Kim stressed that the company expects a rosy future, as it is affected by the U.S. housing market.

"In the North American region, single-family houses are mostly seen and such units' constructions are done by compact equipment such as loaders," said Kim. "The number of single-family house constructions in the U.S. is expected to grow. Though it does not necessarily mean Doosan Bobcat's business will follow suit, it allows the company to hold a lucrative outlook."

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of newly constructed single-family housing units dropped from 1.72 million in 2005 to 445,000 in 2009, in the wake of the global financial crisis. However, the number has been showing a steady increase to reach 713,000 in 2015, with the company expecting 1.05 million in 2018.

Doosan Bobcat's IPO will be one of three by heavyweights that will go public on the local bourse this year.

Earlier this week, Samsung BioLogics submitted a plan for listing to the Financial Supervisory Service and the Korea Exchange (KRX). The plan states that it will list 16.5 million shares at a price ranging from 113,000 won to 136,000 won. After opening subscriptions for shares on Nov. 2, the company plans to complete the IPO by the end of the next month at the latest, raising between 1.87 trillion won and 2.25 trillion won.

Netmarble Games, Korea's leading online game developer and publisher, held a board meeting last month and submitted its listing plan for KRX's preliminary screening. The company seeks to wrap up its IPO as late as early next year and hopes to raise 2 trillion won.
Movie director Shin Sang-ok and actress Choi Eun-hee pose in this file photo taken in 1989 when they visited South Korea. / Korea Times file





By An Hong-kyoon

The following is the last of a two-part memoir on movie director Shin Sang-ok and actress Choi Eun-hee who were kidnapped by North Korea in 1978 and worked for then North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il. The memoir was contributed by An Hong-kyoon, a former lobbyist and FBI official, who worked as an interpreter for the couple when they sought to defect to the United States.  ED.



Shin delegated to me the power to sign bank checks for the office, a sure sign that he trusted me. But when I requested an employment contract, Shin declined. "We work together with an honor-bound trust, not by a signed paper." That was not a good sign. I suggested that we retain a law firm, a public accountant, and a PR firm. Shin objected on the grounds that we did not have legal problems, we did not have any income presently, and a PR firm would be expensive. I told him that that was the "American way" to run a business. He did not answer. I took it as his acquiescence and retained a law firm, and so on. Shin instructed me to deny health coverage for office employees, but I did arrange coverage for them. If there were signs of discord between us, I did not sense it at that time.





"The Lovers and the Despot," a documentary by Rob Cannan and Ross Adam, explores the dramatic lives of Shin Sang-ok and Choi Eun-hee.



Shin was a reticent, secretive person. He shared little with me about himself, his intentions, and what he expected of me. I wondered if this was his personality, or the result of the trials he had suffered in North Korea. He kept me in the dark about the details of his production plans. He shared little information with me about his Japanese patron and the investment the latter had promised.

Yet at certain unguarded moments, he told me revealing things. He considered North Korea a haven for film makers. Kim Jong-il provided everything, money, cast and staff, location sites, even a cargo train to blow up, and a helicopter to fly over to create snow-storm scenes. Above all, one did not have to worry about the prospect of box-office success. An audience would be mobilized, and told when to cheer.







"You know," he once said over lunch, "I chiseled my name on the wall of my cell just to mark that I was there." I recalled a scene from "The Count of Monte Cristo." "I hope they don't raze the prison."

Shin remarked with an impish smile.

"When I went overseas, my minders wanted me to bring them gifts. The souvenir items most craved were sunglasses. I wondered if those bastard comrades wanted to look like Kim Jong-il."







In mid-November of 1990, Shin and I traveled to Calgary, Canada, to look for location sites for a cavalry battle scene for Genghis Khan. The final cavalry charge scene of Kagemusha by Akira Kurosawa of Japan was previously shot in the open field of Calgary. "Kagemusha" meant "a body double" for a warlord. Calgary, however, was dropped because, besides its cost estimates, its topography hardly resembled that of the Great Steppes of Central Asia.

Mongolia, seemingly the best location site for "The Blue Wolf," was out of the question. The Mongolian government would not allow a motion picture about its greatest khan drift one inch from its official history. Quyrang, the khan's warrior-lover did not exist in the orthodox Mongol history as "The Blue Wolf" script portrayed her.







In the spring of the same year, Shin flew to Tokyo to confer with his Japanese investor. He looked content when he returned. One day soon after, Shin told me with a straight face. "I chose Natasha Kinski for Quyrang's role." He continued, "And I want you to go to Italy and meet with Sophia Loren. Tell her we need her for the role of Genghis Khan's mother."

I was dumbstruck. The task Shin purported to assign me was nothing like asking a movie star for an autograph. "Is this man serious?" I thought to myself. Did this man make a hollow commitment in order to placate his Japanese patron? To my relief, Shin never brought up the subject again.







Then Shin said he wanted to explore Tajikistan for locations. It was one of such occasions when the director spelled out brilliant ideas as if in passing. Besides the cost factor, the Central Asian region provided an excellent environment. After all, Genghis Khan and his horde rampaged and conquered the desert and steppes of Central Asia. In early 1991, the mysterious and closed land was wide open, thanks to Gorbachev's perestroika.

I called the Soviet embassy in Washington, D.C. and spoke with a representative of Sovexportfilm, the Russian state corporation charged with film trade. Through his good offices, his Moscow headquarters sent a letter of invitation for Shin, Choi and me. The Soviet Consulate in D.C. quickly issued us our visas. Russians were eager to do business with the capitalist world.







Choi, however, was not allowed to go. Her fervent desire to travel together with Shin to Russia had been quashed by the South Korean Consulate in Los Angeles. Why was anyone's guess.

I traveled to Moscow on Feb. 9, 1991 and met with Boris, a lawyer from Sovexportfilm, who was our contact man and escort throughout our travels in the Soviet Union.

The following day, Shin arrived at the Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow. He was one of the last passengers to show up at the waiting area. Wearing a pair of sunglasses and a hat tipped way down, he walked in our direction quietly. Shin and I sat down on a corner bench while Boris went outside to hail a taxi. Shin, his head bowed down, did not stir. My heart started to pound faster and faster. What could I do if North Korean agents and their KGB comrades surrounded us? There was prize money on Shin's head, and North Korea had been in the Soviet orbit until recently.







I noticed a tall and well-built Asian man in a long and loose trench coat and wearing a hunting cap walking briskly toward us. My heart froze. Shin remained motionless. I stood up. The man handed me his business card: First Secretary J.H. Choi, Embassy, the Republic of Korea. "Welcome to Moscow. Our ambassador would be happy to meet with you tomorrow." He walked away. He looked like a core intelligence officer.

The following day, the first South Korean ambassador to Russia, and my high school classmate, greeted us cordially, but Shin appeared distant to our host. Meeting alone with me in his office, First Secretary Choi stressed that I stay in touch with him wherever Shin and I traveled. "Nothing to worry," he assured me. When we parted, Shin failed to bow back to Choi.

Our two-day meeting with the executives of Sovexportfilm was pleasant and productive. They appeared sincere and eager to do business with us. Their figures for all the logistic support for our film was less than one-third that of Calgary's. One executive suggested in jest that a Red Army cavalry regiment could be mobilized for combat scenes. Shin nonchalantly answered he would study the offer.

During a tea break, Shin asked if a replica of the best actress prize for the 1985 Moscow film festival could be made. The award Choi had won for her role in the North Korean film "Salt" had to be left behind in Pyongyang when they fled to the West. He was told that that could not be done.

Our first stop was Alma Ata, present day Almaty, of Kazakhstan. The city had a large ethnic Korean community. Obviously pre-warned by the South Korean embassy, several leaders of the Korean community came to our hotel to pay a courtesy call to Shin. They identified themselves with South Korea and praised Shin for his heroic escape from the North.

Our next destination was Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the famed hub of the ancient tea trade along the silk road. During the flight, I struck up a conversation with an Uzbek who sat next to me. When he heard the purpose of my trip, his expression turned incredulous. "Genghis Khan of all people, why?" he asked me. "You know, he burnt down our city in 1219. His soldiers killed our noblemen by breaking their spines by bending them backward." He grew angrier. "Do you know what that evil khan and his hordes left behind? Ashes and their semen in the wombs of our women." He turned his back on me.

Rhaman, the director of Vatan Film Studio greeted us in the Tashkent airport. Vatan was the best-known film producer in the region. We toured his studio, huge but run down. Its warehouse was full of art work, film sets, and props, mostly of bows and armors. Shin again did not say much, and he showed little interest in what he was seeing. Strange, I thought.

In the evening, Rhaman took us to an ethnic Korean festival entitled Transit, a musical that portrayed the story of ethnic Koreans being forcibly removed from the Soviet Far East to Central Asia in the mid-1930s. When an MC announced Shin's presence, many people flocked to greet him. Elderly women hugged him. Shin was their hero, and he personified the image of their ancestral home called Korea. He tranquilized the nostalgia of the Korean diaspora.

The following day, Rhaman drove us eastward near the Afghan border to trace the routes that Genghis Khan's Mongol horsemen had rampaged. Suddenly, Boris shook Rhaman's shoulder. "Hey, we are in Kyrgyzstan. We have no visas to enter here." Rhaman did not flinch and kept on driving. He couldn't care less about what the Kremlin said. Moscow's grip on its citizens was apparently waning fast. Indeed, the Soviet Union would fall half a year later.

Soon, the snow-covered Tian Shan Mountain range came into view. The Mongol's ancestral spirits dwelled on the summits. Its sheer majesty humbled me. We all got out of the car and sipped the ice-cold water from the stream at the bottom of the steep-walled valley. Shin remained in the car, his head bowed and pensive. What was he thinking? I wondered.

In Bukhara, we saw gigantic mud-brick walls. A good location site for a cavalry assault, Rhaman suggested to Shin. Shin smiled back meekly. In town, we visited a timeworn mosque mantled in a rich patina of age. "This mosque," intoned a village elder, "was saved from the Mongol invaders. We buried it underground before they came." We were told, ad nauseam, of the Mongol atrocities in Urgenchi, Khiwa and other towns we visited. The Great Khan certainly was not popular in this part of the world.

Back at Vatan Film Studio in Tashkent, Rhaman and Boris wanted to hear from Shin. Would there be a contract for the production of "The Blue Wolf?" Shin was noncommittal. I was not surprised by his reaction. Throughout the trip, Shin remained aloof to the mission he had set out for. He acted more like a bored tourist.

We flew from Moscow to Tokyo and met with the Japanese investor. Shin told his patron that the trip to Russia had been highly productive. He had found excellent location spots and had nearly reached a contract agreement with the Russians.

The Japanese investor did not seem convinced.

Back in the Hollywood office, my misgivings about Shin and his intentions deepened. A disturbing thought lingered in my mind: Was Shin genuinely serious about producing

"The Blue Wolf" film? Yes, at least in the beginning, I concluded. He envisioned producing a Hollywood epic. He fondly talked about Elia Kazan, John Ford, and Robert Wise. He liked to be compared with Akira Kurosawa. He believed his Genghis Khan was his raison d'etre. It deserved an Oscar.

However, his dream ended as just that, a dream. The funds he was promised shrank rapidly as Japan's economic bubble burst. He discovered that the sheer scale of his imagined production outweighed his ability.

Shin was angry and disheartened, but his ego was too big to forsake his dream. So he kept on acting, literally acting. He was in denial about pursuing a phantom objective.

I decided that there would be no "The Blue Wolf," ever. One day in mid-May, 1991, I tendered my resignation to Shin. He replied that he would not stop me from leaving.

I packed and returned home to Virginia.
Classical Concerts



SAC 11am Concert'

Seoul Arts Center*

Until Dec. 8





On every second Thursday of each month, an 11am Concert is performed at Seoul Arts Center.

/ Courtesy of Seoul Arts Center



On every second Thursday of each month, an "11am Concert" will be performed at Seoul Arts Center. Chong Park will host the shows with commentary, and coffee will be provided for free. With distinct soloists for each concert, the Korean Symphony Orchestra will perform at all of the concerts.

Tickets cost 20,000 to 25,000 won. For more information, visit sac.or.kr or call (02) 580-1300.

La Traviata'

Sejong Center for Performing Arts

Nov. 8 to 13

"La Traviata" directed by Henning Brockhaus and conducted by Sebastiano De Filippi will be performed at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts from Nov. 8 to 13.

"La Traviata" is an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, and is known as one of opera's greatest romances. The November performances will feature baritone Carlo Guelfi as Giorgio Germont, tenor Luciano Ganci as Alfredo Germont and soprano Gladys Rossi as Violetta Valery.

Tickets cost 30,000 to 280,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 587-1950.

Yang Sung-won's Chamber Story'

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

Nov. 16

On Nov. 16, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will hold a chamber music concert. The center's chamber music series featuring Yang Sung-won is offered six times with four themes on a yearly basis along with top artists from Korea and abroad, such as Trio Owon, Enrico Pace and the Modigliani Quartet. The program includes Liszt's "Romance Oublie" and "La Lugubre Gondola," Chopin's Sonata for Cello and Piano in G minor and Rachmaninoff's Sonata for Cello and Piano in G minor.

Tickets cost 40,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1000.

Big Tickets



Notre Dame de Paris'

Gyeonggi Arts Center

Oct. 14 to 16

French musical "Notre-Dame de Paris" based on the well-known novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" will be performed at Gyeonggi Arts Center Oct. 14 to 16, following its Seoul performance.

With its beautiful numbers including "Le Temps des Cathedrals," "Belle" and "Vivre," the musical Notre Dame de Paris has drawn a vast number of audiences all over the world. Following the premiere in 2008, this year's Korean licensed performance will have Hong Kwang-ho, K-Will and Moon Jong-won playing Quasimodo and Yoon Gong-ju, Lina and Jeon Na-young playing Esmeralda.

Tickets cost 70,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 541-6236.

Dorian Gray'

Until Oct. 29

Seongnam Arts Center

The musical "Dorian Gray" is performed at the Opera House of Seongnam Arts Center until Oct. 29.

"Dorian Gray" is a musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde's 19th century novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray," featuring K-pop star Kim Jun-su in the title role of Gray, a young British aristocrat who achieves everlasting youth through an enchanted painting. The musical is scripted by Cho Yong-shin and directed by Lee Gi-na, with music composed by Kim Moon-jeong. Park Eun-tae, Choi Jae-woong and Hong Seo-yong also star.

Tickets cost 50,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-3363.

Pop & Jazz



Grand Mint Festival 2016

Olympic Park

Oct. 22 to 23





"Phantom" starring Park Hyo-shin will be performed at Blue Square Samsung Electronics Hall.

/ Courtesy of EMK Musical Company



This year's Grand Mint Festival (GMF) will be held at Olympic Park Oct. 22 to 23.

GMF is one of Korea's music festivals introducing a wide range of popular domestic music. Marking its 10th anniversary, the festival will present its widest and biggest lineup yet, with acts like Sweet Sorrow, Kwak Jin-eon, Kim Sa-wol, No Reply, 10cm, Urban Zakapa, Jung Jae-hyung, Toy, Lucid Paul, Peppertones, Lee Jin-ah, Daybreak, ZionT, Nell, Broccoli You Too, Kingston Rudieska, Kiha & Faces and Clazziquai Project.

A one-day pass costs 99,000 won, and a two-day pass costs 158,000 won. For more information, visit mintpaper.co.kr or call 1544-1555.

Plays & Musicals



Phantom'

Blue Square

Nov. 26 to Feb. 26, 2017

"Phantom," a musical adaptation of Gaston Leroux's novel "Phantom of the Opera," will be performed at Blue Square Samsung Electronics Hall from Nov. 26 to Feb. 26.

"Phantom" is about Erik, a mysterious man living in the dark cellar of a Paris opera house. One day he hears someone singing and is enchanted by her heavenly voice. Discovering that the voice was of Christine Daee, he decides to make her the new diva of the Opera Theatre and begins to give her secret lessons every night. With the help of Erik, Christine has her debut, but it is ruined by Carlotta. Erik seeks revenge on her.

Park Hyo-shin, Park Eun-tae and Jeon Dong-suk star as Erik, the Phantom. Kim So-hyun, Kim Soon-young and Lee Ji-hye share the role of Christine Daee, and Jeong Young-ju and Shin Young-sook will alternate for Carlotta.

Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-6478.

Hamlet'

Chungmu Art Center

Until Oct. 16

One of the most famous dramas of all time, William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" will be staged at Chungmu Art Center from Aug. 2 to Oct. 16.

It will follow the plot of the original work: Prince Hamlet learns that his father has died and his mother has remarried his uncle Claudius who is now the king. The ghost of Hamlet's father appears and tells his son that he was murdered by Claudius, so Hamlet vows vengeance. Hamlet the Play is planned to include a few additional characters, in order to make the tragic story of Hamlet more dreadful. Kim Kang-woo, Kim Dong-won will play the title role of Hamlet, and Lee Kahp-sun and Kim Dae-ryung will play Claudius.

Tickets cost 30,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 766-6007.

Hamlet'

LG Arts Center

Oct. 12 to 14

Danish theatrical group Theatre Republique and British band The Tiger Lillies are turning Shakespeare's "Hamlet" into an explosion of music and images. The magical combination of the exceptional and eerie music of The Tiger Lillies and the creative imagination of Theatre Republique compliments Shakespeare's potent drama of contempt, love and revenge. Presented on stage is a two-hour blast of theatrical seduction, deception, death, dark humor and the utter futility of existence. This performance will display an innovative and unconventional take on the original play.

Tickets cost 40,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, visit lgart.com or call (02) 2005-0114.

Kinky Boots'

Blue Square

Until Nov. 13

The Broadway musical "Kinky Boots" returns to Seoul after its Korean premiere in 2014. It will be held at Blue Square Samsung Electronics Hall Sept. 2 to Nov. 13.

Based on the book by Harvey Fierstein and with music and lyrics by Tony, Emmy and Grammy-winner Cyndi Lauper, the musical tells the true story of Charlie Price who goes to oddly extreme ends to save his father's shoe factory. This year's local rendition of "Kinky Boots" features Lee Ji-hoon and Kim Ho-young as Charlie, Jung Sung-hwa and Kang Hong-suk as Lola, Kim Ji-woo as Lauren, Ko Chang-suk and Shim Jae-hyun as Don. Shin Ui-jung, Lee Woo-seung, Kwon Yong-kook, Song Yoo-taek and Jang Ye-won also star.

Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555.

Ham-ik'

Sejong Center for Performing Arts

Until Oct. 16





Seoul Metropolitan Theater will perform "Ham-ik" at Sejong M Theater Sept. 30 to Oct. 16.

/ Courtesy of Sejong Center for Performing Arts



The Seoul Metropolitan Theater will perform "Ham-ik" at the Sejong M Theater from Sept. 30 to Oct. 16.

"Ham-ik" is a newly created adaptation of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," applying the drama of the original play into the world of two female characters. The play features Choi Nara, Lee Ji-yeon, Kang Shin-gu, Yoon na-moo and Hwang Sung-dae.

Tickets cost 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1000 or 1544-1555.

Dance



Sleeping Beauty'

Seoul Arts Center

Nov. 3 to 6

"Sleeping Beauty" will be performed by Korean National Ballet at Seoul Arts Center's Opera House Nov. 3 to 6.

The Korean National Ballet performed Rudolf Nureyev's rendition of "Sleeping Beauty" in 2004, and it is back with a different take on the classic fairy tale. This year's performance is choreographed by Marcia Haydee who is a former prima ballerina of Stuttgart Ballet.

Tickets cost 5,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, visit sac.or.kr or call (02) 587-6181.

Clubs



Club Octagon

Nonhyeon

Near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon, this club is notable for its stylish interior and elite clientele. The club offers a stage, lounge bar and dining area to satisfy any night out after work or on the weekend. It is near exit 4 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 516-8847.

Club Globe Lounge

Itaewon

Club Globe Lounge is famous among women looking for a place to throw birthday parties or enjoy a light dinner. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., it serves as a bar, changing into a club after 10 p.m. Every Thursday, Club Globe Lounge has a Happy Hour buffet for guests. Club Globe Lounge is located near the Hamilton Hotel by exit 2 of Itaewon Station, subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 792-1127.

Club Evans

Hongik University

Club Evans is a live jazz club that has served as a platform for emerging jazz artists for a decade. It operates jazz recording studios and a jazz academy as well, producing albums for many local jazz artists. Club Evans provides jazz concerts and leads music sessions every Monday and Tuesday. Club Evans is located near exit 1 of Sangsu Station, subway line 6. It opens at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit clubevans.com or call (02) 337-8361.

Once in a Blue Moon

Apgujeong

Once in a Blue Moon is one of the best-known and well-established jazz clubs in the city. It features live jazz sets from two different bands every night, usually starting at 7:30 p.m. It is located between the Hakdong Intersection and Galleria Department Store in the posh district of Apgujeong. For more information, visit onceinabluemoon.co.kr or call (02) 549-5490.

Club Answer

Cheongdam

Club Answer, chosen as one of the five hottest clubs in Seoul by CNN, provides a spacious interior and brilliant lighting system with entertaining DJs on stage nightly. Club Answer is in the classy area of Cheongdam, a district known to lead the party culture of Seoul. It is located near exit 13 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 514-4311.

Club Double Eight

Sinsa

Opened in 2010, Club Double Eight takes clubbing to its heights. Located in Gangnam, it provides diverse hotel promotions and features weekend lineups with exuberant DJs. It is located near exit 1 of Sinsa Station on Line 3. For more information, call (02) 543-8803.




An opposition lawmaker said Thursday only a handful of doctors who committed sex-related crimes got their licenses suspended, casting concerns over excessively lenient punishment on the medical practitioners.

According to the data compiled by Rep. In Jae-keun of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, 747 doctors were arrested from 2007 through August of this year, while only five of them got their licenses suspended. The suspension period also remained light at only one month.

Around 93 percent of the cases involved rape and molestation, while 36 cases involved filming the victims with hidden cameras.

Under the South Korean law, the health ministry can suspend doctors' licenses when they are involved in "unethical medical practice" separately from criminal punishment.

The lawmaker, however, said the ministry even failed to keep track of sexual offenses made by registered doctors.

The suspension of licenses on the five doctors was also slapped on only after the city governments and the police authorities made direct requests to the ministry, the lawmaker added.

"The health ministry must keep track of accurate situations and implement immediate suspensions on violators, and better cope with sexual offenses done by medical practitioners," In said. (Yonhap)
National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun / Yonhap



State prosecutors on Thursday began an investigation into National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun after ruling party lawmakers filed a petition against him over the latest parliamentary passage of a motion to dismiss the country's agricultural minister.

Late last month, all of the lawmakers at the Saenuri Party, including its chief Lee Jung-hyun and floor leader Chung Jin-suk, jointly lodged a complaint with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.

The legal action came a few days after the National Assembly endorsed the motion to recommend the dismissal of Minister Kim Jae-soo to President Park Geun-hye over his alleged ethical lapses. Park's ruling party boycotted the vote and walked out of a plenary session of the parliament.

The petitioners said the parliament speaker Chung abused his power with unilateral action that favored the opposition parties and obstructed ruling party lawmakers from exercising their rights.

Under parliamentary rules the speaker, who is originally from the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, is required to maintain neutrality in the exercise of his duties.

Chung, however, flatly denies the allegations, saying he followed the Constitution and the National Assembly Act.

Prosecutors said they will review the petition and decide when and how to investigate the ruling party officials and the parliament speaker.

Kim Jae-soo, who took office in September as the agricultural minister, has been under intense fire from opposition parties over "suspicious" real estate trading, along with a loan from a bank at an unusually low rate. (Yonhap)


By Kim Bo-eun

Seven people were killed, three are missing and hundreds have fallen victim to floods after the powerful typhoon Chaba hit southern parts of the country between Tuesday and Wednesday. Chaba was the strongest typhoon since Maemi in 2003.

The government is considering designating the affected regions as special disaster zones.

According to the Ministry of Public Safety and Security, Thursday, three people were killed in Busan, three in Ulsan and one in Gyeongju. Three people remain missing, one each in the cities of Gyeongju and Miryang, and on Jeju Island.

Rescue authorities found the body of a woman surnamed Kim, 52, in a basement parking lot at an apartment building in Ulsan, early Thursday. Another unidentified person was found dead in Gyeongju after being swept away while checking a rice paddy.

Authorities also found a rescue worker, who went missing while on duty in Ulsan the previous day, dead.

The typhoon inundated the homes of at least 350 people in Jeju and Ulsan, with at least 14 houses partially destroyed. But the number is expected to increase when municipalities complete their inspections of damage in the days to come. Residents are staying at nearby schools and community centers.












By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea and the European Union (EU) have agreed to utilize all means to end North Korea's nuclear weapons program, the foreign ministry said, Thursday.



The agreement was made during a meeting between Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and Federica Mogherini, the EU's foreign policy chief, on the sidelines of a global conference in Brussels, Wednesday.



Sharing the view that Pyongyang's fifth nuclear test confirmed that its weapons program is a serious and urgent issue to tackle immediately, Yun and Mogherini agreed to cooperate on a fresh resolution against the North from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and implementing it as soon as possible, according to the ministry.



During the meeting, Yun asked the EU to launch unilateral sanctions and increase diplomatic pressure on the North to return the country to the path of denuclearization, the ministry said. Also, he appreciated the EU's continued participation in the international community's moves to denuclearize the repressive state.



In May, the EU adopted new restrictions on North Korea that include a prohibition on the import of petroleum products and luxury goods from the North, a restriction on the transfer of funds to and from the country and a ban on aircraft or ships operated by or originating from the North entering EU territory. The total number of people and entities subject to EU measures against North Korea is 66 and 42, respectively.



In addition to the sanctions, the EU has issued a statement condemning North Korean nuclear and ballistic missiles tests on five occasions this year.



Mogherini expressed serious concern about progress in the North's nuclear and missile capabilities and promised to consider measures targeting the North's nuclear weapons development capabilities, including further strengthening EU sanctions, the ministry said.



The meeting took place as the UNSC is working on new sanctions against North Korea following its recent nuclear test and missile launches. The latest nuclear test was estimated to be the most powerful explosion yet of North Korea's five blasts, indicating speedy progress in its nuclear technology.



According to media reports, the United States and China are in talks to restrict the North's energy trade, including coal, iron ore and crude oil, in response to its nuclear test in defiance of U.N. resolutions.



"The meeting was significant in that we agreed to increase cooperation on the North Korean nuclear program with the EU  an important supporter for the international community's strong response to the North Korean nuclear issue," the ministry said.



Along with the North Korea issue, Yun and Mogherini agreed to hold a South Korea-EU summit next year and other high-level meetings to expand bilateral cooperation on global issues.




By Kim Hyo-jin



Cheong Wa Dae is keeping mum about suspicions surrounding the Mir and K-Sports foundations that were reportedly established and are being controlled by President Park Geun-hye's "underlings."



While opposition parties are raising questions over the foundations in the National Assembly audit sessions, the presidential office refused to explain them and dismissed them as political offensives.



Presidential spokesman Jung Youn-kuk told reporters, "We will not comment on a series of suspicions and arguments one by one."



A presidential aide reportedly expressed concerns about the possibility that opposition parties could use any explanations from Cheong Wa Dae to escalate tensions during the remaining days of the audit sessions.



The rumors surrounding the two foundations have been at the center of the partisan wrangling in the parliamentary audit.



The controversy was fueled after media reports said that conglomerates donated about 80 billion won ($71.8 million) through the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) to the foundations over the past year  a large amount in a short period of time and a rare event in their history.



Opposition lawmakers have claimed that Park's aides at Cheong Wa Dae have used their influence to coerce the donations and the President's hidden underlings have been involved in the establishment and operation of the bodies.



During the audit, the lawmakers have raised a series of suspicions that the foundations have enjoyed benefits in government projects.



Reps. Choi Gyung-hwan and Yoon Young-il of the minor opposition People's Party took issue with the fact that the Mir Foundation was noted as the major subject of a development project on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between South Korea and Iran.



Choi argued it is exceptional that a private organization is a major subject in an MOU and also it was chosen without going through a public contest to be involved in the project.



The MOU was signed between public housing developer LH Corp., steelmaker POSCO E&C, and Iran's sovereign fund on Park's official trip to Tehran, after they agreed to build a complex in Iran where content from the Korean Wave will be displayed.




Ruling Saenuri Party floor leader Chung Jin-suk, second from right, speaks about the opposition parties' move to designate an independent counsel for an investigation into the death of farmer Baek Nam-ki during a party meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. / Yonhap



Saenuri Party opposes investigation by independent counsel



By Kim Hyo-jin

The ruling Saenuri Party criticized opposition parties, Thursday, over their move to designate an independent counsel for an investigation into the death of an elderly protester.

However, the opposition parties claimed the only way to clear suspicions is through a fair investigation by an independent counsel because the victim's family does not trust law enforcement.

Baek Nam-ki, 69, a farmer, died last week after being in a coma for 10 months. He was struck by a police water canon during a protest downtown Seoul last November. Police and the victim's family have disputed the cause of his death.

The issue is expected to worsen into a standoff between rival parties, dampening the possibility of smooth proceedings in the remaining days of the National Assembly audit.

"If the speaker of the National Assembly seeks to put the issue of Baek's death up for a vote during the plenary session, it will disrupt the National Assembly as serious as the last time," Rep. Chung Jin-suk, the floor leader of the Saenuri Party, said in a meeting, hinting at the possibility of protesting against the speaker.

The ruling party recently ended a week-long boycott of the Assembly proceedings to protest the speaker's tabling of an opposition-backed motion to sack the sitting agriculture minister.

The remarks came a day after three opposition parties submitted a joint motion to the Assembly, requesting a probe into the case of Baek's death by an independent counsel.

The opposition parties claimed that the case needs another legal track as the ongoing investigation by the prosecution is not proceeding in a timely and legitimate manner.

The ruling party denied this, saying the opposition bloc is merely politicizing the matter and an autopsy should first be conducted to find the exact cause of death.

"What is suspicious is just what the opposition parties' intention is to push for an independent counsel. It should stop opposing the police's plan for an autopsy and let the prosecution do its job," said Rep. Yun Jae-ok, a Saenuri member of the Assembly Security and Public Administration Committee.

The opposition's move came as the controversy over Baek's death was fueled after Seoul National University Hospital, where Baek had been treated, categorized his death as cardiopulmonary arrest caused by illness, not an external factor.

Bereaved family members and their supporters have demanded the hospital revise the death certificate while refusing the request by the police to conduct the autopsy. The court issued a warrant last week that enables the police to carry out an autopsy to determine the exact cause of the death.

If the opposition-backed motion was endorsed in the plenary session, Baek's death will be the first case to be investigated through the standing special prosecution system introduced in 2014.

The system allows the designation of a special prosecutor and an investigation with the consent of a majority of sitting lawmakers. It does not need lawmakers to pass a special law  the previous way of initiating an independent counsel.

Parties, however, fighting over wether the motion is subject to be processed through the parliamentary judiciary committee before being put up to a vote in the plenary session.

The ruling party insists it has to be discussed in the committee while the opposition parties argue it is not necessary as the system introduced in 2014 has no such procedural regulations.

If the motion goes through the committee, it will be difficult to gain the consent to be sent to a plenary session as the number of opposition lawmakers is not enough to meet the quorum, officials said.
By Kim Se-jeong



A group of politicians are moving to restrict police from using fire hydrants for their water cannons, following the recent death of farmer Baek Nam-ki who fell into coma after being knocked down by one at a demonstration in central Seoul last November.



Speaking at a local radio station, Wednesday, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said he would consider not allowing the police access to fire hydrants near protest sites.



When police use water cannons, they usually ask the fire station of the district where the demonstration is held for use of their fire hydrants.



"The water from the fire hydrants is for fighting fire," Park said. "It is hard to tolerate allowing police to use water to suppress protesters."



A city official said, "It is a serious problem that the police water cannon killed a person. We're currently discussing ways to limit their water access, reviewing whether it is against the law to do so."



The mayor's idea has support from Rep. Kim Chung-woo of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, who proposed a revision to the existing Fire Services Act, Thursday, to restrict police from using fire hydrants for water cannons, "which can cause damage to people."



The current law says using fire hydrants without proper cause is forbidden; police say using them for water cannons is a proper cause. But according to Kim's revision, fire hydrants should be used only for fire fighting, rescue and anti-terrorism activities.



Civic groups also joined the move. The People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy staged a campaign in front of the National Police Agency in Seoul, Sept. 29, to urge the police to stop using water cannons. An alliance of civic groups supporting Baek called for the same during a press briefing, Thursday.



Such moves have drawn support from the public who were outraged about the farmer's death, but the police quickly disagreed with them.



"Responding to crowds of protesters with water cannons is a widely accepted method around the world," a police officer told The Korea Times. "Blocking the water supply won't stop further casualties among protesters. Instead, it will cause more frequent and violent physical confrontations between the police and protester, and more casualties. I can guarantee that."



The police carry their own water when they go out to the protest scenes, he said, but added, "It's never enough. It takes at least 30 minutes to fill it up and come back."



Critics of Park also claimed that his plan was politically motivated. The mayor is a potential candidate in the presidential election late next year.



During the November protest last year, the police used 202 tons of water, among which 126 tons came directly from the fire hydrants.




BUDAPEST, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Liu Yunshan met here Wednesday with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, aiming to lift bilateral ties to a higher level.

Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, arrived in Budapest earlier Wednesday for a two-day official good-will visit to Hungary.

China highly values relations with Hungary and treats the European nation as an important partner, said Liu, adding that the close match between Hungary's Eastern Opening policy and the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative has brought about new opportunities for improving bilateral ties.

Liu said China will work with Hungary to enhance exchanges at various levels, increase mutual trust, expand pragmatic cooperation and exchanges in areas such as culture, media, education, sports, and scientific innovation, and further advance China-CEE (Central and Eastern European countries) relations as well as the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the European Union (EU).

Liu told Orban, also chairman of the ruling party Fidesz-Hungarian Civic Alliance, that the ruling parties of both countries should deepen exchange of experience on state governance as they both shoulder the responsibility for fulfilling the task of national reform and economic development.

CPC and Fidesz-Hungarian Civic Alliance should work to promote exchanges and cooperation between companies and localities of both countries under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative and "16+1" mechanism (16 CEE countries and China), Liu said.

Hungary is a member of the "16+1" mechanism, and the first among the European nations to join the Belt and Road initiative that aims at forging a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

Orban appreciated China's support for Hungary in the process of dealing with the debt crisis, saying his country would continue to take the right position on issues concerning China's core interests.

The Hungarian side and the CEE countries would like to see China play a more active role in international arena, and Hungary can be a bridge connecting Europe and China, the Hungarian prime minister said.
The leaders of South Korea and Costa Rica will hold a summit in Seoul next week to discuss ways to strengthen their long-standing cooperative ties, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said Thursday.

South Korean President Park Geun-hye and her Costa Rican counterpart Luis Guillermo Solis will sit down for talks on Wednesday over their "practical" cooperation in trade, science and technology, infrastructure development and other areas, Cheong Wa Dae said in a press release.

Solis will begin his official visit to South Korea on Monday.

During the summit, the two leaders are expected to take stock of the evolution of the bilateral relations, which were forged in 1962, and discuss joint efforts to pressure North Korea into renouncing its nuclear ambitions, according to the presidential office.

Following the summit, the two sides will hold a ceremony to ink a set of memorandums of understanding over bilateral cooperation.

"Costa Rica is a core country that effectively leads the integration of Central America, and is a crucial cooperative partner for South Korea to expand our presence in the region," Cheong Wa Dae said.

"We hope that this forthcoming summit will help strengthen trust and relations between the two leaders, establish a comprehensive cooperative relationship between South Korea and Costa Rica, and elevate the bilateral relationship a step higher."

Two-way trade reached $394 million last year with South Korea exporting steel, cars and other items to Costa Rica and importing products like coffee and medical device parts. (Yonhap)
Baidu's encyclopedia classified Korean poet Yoon Dong-joo as Chinese. / Screen capture from Baidu



By Lee Jin-a

An online encyclopedia that major Chinese search engine Baidu provides has many errors about Korean historical figures from the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945).

About Yoon, an independence fighter and poet, the encyclopedia said his nationality is "China" and his ethnicity "Korean-Chinese."

Yoon died at a prison in Fukuoka, Japan, in 1945, aged 29, while being tortured for participating in a Korean independence movement. According to a Japanese ruling, his place of family register is "North Hamgyeong Province, North Korea."

The encyclopedia also stated that Korean poet Kim So-wol's nationality is "North Joseon" and his ethnicity "Korean-Chinese." It also identified Korean independence fighter Kim Gu as "Korean-Chinese."

VANK, a non-governmental organization that launched a campaign last month to promote Korean history, said it sent a request to Baidu on Wednesday to fix the errors but has not received a response.

"The main reason that foreign organizations, such as Baidu, have this incorrect data is that history about the Korean independence movement during the Japanese colonial period has not been widely known to other countries," Park Gi-tae, VANK's founder, told The Korea Times. "To solve this problem, more Korean citizens should be actively involved with delivering accurate information about their history. Since we (Koreans) reclaimed our country with the sacrifice of independence fighters, it's our responsibility to recover their honor."

According to Yonhap news agency, Baidu has about 2 billion visitors a day. Launched in 2006, Baidu's encyclopedia has more than 10 million documents, double the size of English Wikipedia (4.68 million) and 12 times larger than Chinese Wikipedia (800,000), as of January 2015. In 2014, about 400 million visitors used the encyclopedia a day.
Following is the fifth in a series on the anti-graft law or the Kim Young-ran Act which could possibly change Korean society profoundly.  ED.



By Yi Whan-woo



The anti-graft law brings challenges for Korean diplomats at home and abroad in offering and receiving meals according to protocol.



They are restricted from buying foreign dignitaries meals over 30,000 won ($27), including formal dinners, under the law that took effect on Sept. 28. The price of 30,000 won is the maximum amount for meals that bureaucrats are allowed to offer or receive under the so-called Kim Young-ran Act that is aimed at rooting out corruption.



"The course meals served at formal dinners are more than fancy and expensive food," a diplomatic source said. "They serve as means to show respect, courtesy and hospitality toward guests from other countries. In that regard, the dining places are certainly where the two or more countries can ensure their ties and continue to develop such relations."



The diplomatic sources said the 30,000 won limit could be even more difficult to apply overseas where costs of living and exchange rates against the Korean currency vary from country to country.



"The value of 30,000 won is obviously different between New York City and Manila," a source said.



"The officials at the Korean Embassy in the Philippines will be able to eat at fancy restaurants for business purposes, whereas those at the Korean Consulate in New York City may have to eat cheap sandwiches.



"The case can be also tricky when the officials are invited as guests, because it's the host, not them, who will decide which meals to offer regardless of their price."



To minimize confusion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced a set of guidelines listing a series of exceptions to the law.



It stated that diplomats will be allowed to receive meals over 30,000 won under special circumstances, such as events that are related to diplomatic activities and hosted by governments, public entities and international organizations and their agents.



"We set up guidelines based on criteria such as whether failing to attending events will hurt our national interest," a ministry official said on condition of anonymity. "And exceptional cases will be applied to help our officials carry out their work efficiently."



The diplomats are still required to observe the maximum price of meals set by the law "as much as possible," according to the official.



Vice-ministerial level officials at Korean embassies will be allowed to host a luncheon and dinner twice a year. In terms of gifts, the anti-graft law regulates that their value should not exceed 50,000 won.



The rule can be controversial under circumstances where the exchange of gifts is "customary."



Some analysts speculated that the foreign ministry's guidelines could trigger other ministries to come up with their own exceptions to the law.



"I believe every ministry has complaints about the law and wants to have their say," said Hong Seong-tae, vice chairman of the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy. "Making an exception will lead to a string of other exceptions so revising the law would be the best way to get it to serve its purpose."



Regarding foreign diplomatic missions in Korea, the foreign ministry said they expressed concern that the law is "not in accordance with international customs" and may "intimidate" them from carrying out diplomatic activities legally.



"We're monitoring how the law will be applied in the diplomatic circle and serve our interests," a public relations official at a foreign embassy said, asking not to be named.




By John J. Metzler



UNITED NATIONS  Justin Trudeau, Canada's media star Prime Minister, in his first address to the General Assembly, presented a wide-ranging tableaux of liberal platitudes and glowing feel good commitments. Proclaiming an almost theological commitment to diversity, an acceptance of Syrian refugees, and climate change policies, Trudeau presented his view of a revived Canada as the perennial global good guy.



Stylistically Trudeau's address offered the syrupy sweet political nuggets of a campaign speech. But in substance there was so much lacking. Pledges on human rights issues were notably missing; and this is a hall where many of the 193 delegations are anything but paragons of democracy, as is his country Canada.



Just days after Justin Trudeau's victory lap in the cavernous UN General Assembly hall,



he hosted Premier Li Keqiang from the People's Republic of China. The Chinese delegation flew to Canada to talk business.



Chinese Premier Li called for a "new Golden Decade" in Sino/Canadian commercial ties.



During a Montreal luncheon of the Canada/China Business Forum, Li proclaimed, "If a free trade agreement is established between our two countries it will open up boundless opportunities for investors and business leaders."



Justin Trudeau added, "The economic potential between us is vast and we'ed be doing a great disservice to our people if we didn't tap into it."



He alluded to the cooler Canadian relations with China during the previous conservative government. He was also trading on his late-father Pierre Elliot Trudeau's popularity, as Canadian Prime Minister, who had opened diplomatic relations with Beijing back in 1970, one of the first major Western countries to recognize Mao's China. Pierre Trudeau had a curious attraction to Mainland China, and this during an era when its totalitarianism was in vogue.



Ottawa's two-way trade with China is US$65 billion but with a huge imbalance; exports to China reached $15 billion but imports from the Mainland surged to $50 billion. The plan is to double bilateral trade by 2026. But as Prof. Meredith Lilly of Carleton University asserts, the widening trade will "only accentuate the already large trade imbalance we have with China."



Beyond commerce, Canada has become a major destination for Chinese tourists. Air Canada is inaugurating a new nonstop flight from Montreal to Shanghai.



Why the renewed warmth in Sino/Canadian ties now?



It is precisely China's huge trade imbalance with the USA, a whopping $367 billion in 2015 alone, which remains a political lighting rod in the U.S. election campaign. Both Donald Trump and his Democrat opponent Hillary Clinton talk tough on trade, especially concerning China.



Former Quebec Premier Jean Charest opines that "It's probably safe to assume that the relationship with China is going to be tougher south of the border the day after the campaign than it is today, so I think the Chinese see Canada as a counterpoint to what's happening in the U.S." Charest told Toronto's National Post that "Strategically for the Chinese government it's an opportunity."



Beijing views the Canadian commercial chessboard as a plethora of opportunities for massive natural resource accession, trade, and a tariff free back door to the USA market. China is Canada's second largest trade partner, right after the United States.



The Canadian province of Alberta remains the third largest oil producer in the world; yet since the drop in oil demand and the shelving of the Keystone XL pipeline, the Western region has suffered huge job losses. People's China is keenly interested in this massive oil producer.



Beyond that the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal being pushed by the Obama Administration,



but now opposed by both Trump and Clinton, nonetheless does not envisage China as a member.



To get around TPP, if it were eventually to pass in Washington, Beijing would do an end run securing an eventual Free Trade Agreement with Ottawa. Such a deal is part of the Golden Decade Premier LI extols, but specifically would see a widening flow of Chinese exports to Canada which in turn through loopholes may get into the USA via NAFTA.



People forget that the North American Free Trade Accord covers a free flow of commerce between the U.S. and Mexico AND Canada. In other words, even with possible tighter American restrictions on Chinese trade, Beijing could get its products into the USA tariff free via NAFTA.



Notwithstanding trade policy, it's the Trudeau government'sflawed political rationalizations over Beijing's human rights policies which hinder a closer relationship between Canada and the People's Republic of China. Canadians feel distinctly uncomfortable over this.



John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of "Divided Dynamism: The Diplomacy of Separated Nations: Germany, Korea, China." Contact jjmcolumn@earthlink.net.




South Korea and the European Union agreed Wednesday to mobilize all possible means to help end North Korea's nuclear program, Seoul's Foreign Ministry said.

South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and EU's Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini reached the agreement when they held a bilateral meeting in Brussels on the sidelines of the conference of donor countries for Afghanistan, the ministry said.

The two sides shared the view that the North's fifth nuclear test highlighted the urgency of the North Korean nuclear issue and pledged close cooperation in efforts to adopt stronger U.N. Security Council sanctions and implement them thoroughly, the ministry said.

During the meeting, Yun expressed appreciation for EU's efforts to carry out Security Council resolutions and strengthen unilateral sanctions. He also asked for continued efforts to increase pressure on Pyongyang through independent sanctions and diplomatic pressure, the ministry said.

Mogherini expressed serious concern about the progress in the North's nuclear and missile capabilities, and promised to actively consider specific measures targeting the North's nuclear weapons development capabilities, including further strengthening existing EU sanctions, the ministry said.

On bilateral cooperation, the two sides agreed to hold a summit of their leaders next year and other high-level meetings in order to expand and deepen cooperation not only in the North Korean nuclear issue, but also in other global matters.

Mogherini called for early ratification of the Framework Agreement for the Participation of Korea in EU Crisis Management Operations, and Yun promised to do his best to complete the ratification process as early as possible, the ministry said. (YonhaP)
A U.S. House lawmaker has submitted a bill extending the mandate of the North Korean Human Rights Act by five more years until 2022.

The law, which was first enacted in 2004 and is set to expire next year, centers on providing support for non-governmental groups working to improve the North's human rights situation, increasing the provision of outside information in the North and helping North Korean refugees.

It has so far been extended twice, first until 2012 and then until 2017.

Last week, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) introduced legislation reauthorizing the act until 2022, together with five co-sponsors -- Reps. Eliot Engel (D-NY), Matt Salmon (R-AZ), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Albio Sires (D-NJ), according to congressional records.

"So much attention has been focused on the five nuclear tests conducted by the Kim regime over the past 10 years, including two earlier this year, that it's easy to forget just how evil and brutal the regime in North Korea has been to its own people," Ros-Lehtinen said in a statement.

The communist regime has silenced dissent under threat of death and has eliminated basic and fundamental human rights. Countless individuals have been thrown into gulags and worked and tortured to death, with countless more suffering from malnourishment and starvation, she said.

"This bill will extend our current efforts to promote and protect human rights in North Korea and it will continue to shine a light on the injustices being perpetrated by the regime with the hopes of spreading stability, peace and freedom to the entire Korean Peninsula," the lawmaker said. (Yonhap)
North Korea's infant mortality rate is eight times that of South Korea's. / Korea Times file



By Lee Jin-a

North Korea's mortality rates for infants and mothers are much higher than those in South Korea, according to the U.S.-based Voice of America (VOA).

Quoting data from the Population Reference Bureau, VOA said Thursday that 24 North Korean infants out of 1000 die, as of 2015, compared with three in South Korea. The rate is the highest among East Asian countries.

And 82 mothers lost their lives per 100,000 births in the state -- eight times higher than in the South.

The survey also found that the North's life expectancy is estimated at 66 for men and 74 for women, compared with 79 for men and 86 for women in South Korea. The life expectancy gap between the two countries was five years in 1993.

"The fact that the life expectancy gap is wider now than 1993 reflects the major setbacks in health and nutrition that North Korea is experiencing since the early 1990s because of a series of famines," Toshiko Kaneda, a senior research associate at the bureau, told the VOA.
By Jean Francois Tardif

One year ago, at the United Nations, all member states adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to wipe out infectious diseases, illiteracy and extreme poverty from the planet by 2030. The Korean government said it would do its share to fund these goals.

The intentions were no doubt sincere, and they have since then been reaffirmed on many occasions. The heart of the government was probably in the right place, but not its wallet.

Indeed, one of the key aims of the SDGs was to eliminate AIDS, TB and Malaria from the surface of the earth by 2030 and consequently, a meeting was held on Sept. 16 in Montreal to increase the funding required for the task. But Korea's decision to actually pledge $3.75 million when countries of a roughly similar size were pledging ten times, or nearly 100 times more, is truly disconcerting.

Consider the facts: Australia, whose official development assistance is only 50 percent bigger than Korea gave $165 million and Canada whose official development assistance is twice that of Korea, pledged close to $800 million, to name but two examples. Actually, the only countries to pledge as low as South Korea were Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, Togo and Zimbabwe.

If this were an isolated event, it would just be saddening. The problem is that this month's event is only confirming a truly troubling pattern that was also seen in previous instances: last year, when the international community gathered to raise the funds required to provide every child with access to basic education, again South Korea was represented by a low-level official, and pledged a single-digit amount, while other donor countries were providing more than ten times as much each; and earlier that year, when it came time to fund immunization for all the world's children, the same pattern emerged.

If this was coming from a country with no budget for Official Development Assistance (ODA), it would be comprehensible. But South Korea is one of the few commendable examples of both past and planned increases to the ODA budget.

Why is South Korea then not joining the club of developed nations? When will Korea shake away its Peter Pan syndrome, its fear to grow to its full potential as a donor on the multilateral scene?

The Korean pledge was made for only the first year of the three-year cycle. There is still time to announce pledges for years two and three that are at least ten times bigger than what was announced, and to let the world know that Korea is now fully contributing to fulfilling the agenda supported by all world leaders.

The Global Fund plans to save 8 million lives over the next three years if it can be fully funded. It can speak with authority because it has already saved 17 million lives so far since it became operational in 2002. What better way is there to invest the planned increases in Korean development assistance?

Jean Francois Tardif National Coordinator of Canada-based Global Poverty Solutions is a follower of international cooperation trends, and has been monitoring donors' contributions to multilateral initiatives for the past decade. Write to tardif@results.org.
President Barack Obama's decision to put 615 more American troops into the Iraq war, announced Wednesday, is curiously at odds with the peace-builder legacy that he would seem to be working on with his trip to Israel to attend the funeral of Israeli peace-seeker and fellow Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres.



The argument for the move, to beef up the fight against the Islamic State, bringing the U.S. troop level in Iraq to 5,180 in the face of Obama's long-ago campaign pledge to end the Iraq war, is weak. The United States already has underway military involvement not only in the 13-year-plus Iraq conflict, but also in Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen with little effect. Why raise the level of exposure of U.S. troops in the region further now?



The second argument for increasing U.S. involvement in the Iraq conflict at this point is to raise prospects of fulfilling the boast of U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter on Sept. 8 that Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria, both Islamic State strongholds, would fall to U.S.-led forces "within months."



That is to say, before the U.S. presidential elections. In other words, the fall of Mosul and Raqqa would add to Obama's credentials as a forceful military leader before he left office.



There are some strong arguments against increasing U.S. troop involvement in Iraq at this point. The first is that the Iraqi national army, which U.S. forces are supplying and training, continues to show itself relatively toothless on the battlefield  meaning that U.S. forces will play a prominent role in whatever assault on Mosul occurs. Washington has yet to explain coherently why Americans should care one way or the other who holds Mosul, or Raqqa, for that matter. The argument that taking Mosul would validate continued U.S. support of the Iraqi government of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and the policy of building it a credible national army has a vaguely "dog-chasing-its-tail" quality to it. If Abadi's government had the general support of the Iraqi people, they would put in the field a credible national army on their own account, and his government would not need more American troops to fight its battles.



Obama's decision to increase U.S. forces in Iraq at this point seems wrong, and may become even more costly when an offensive to take Mosul begins.



This editorial appeared on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




Japan's successive Nobel feat has lessons for Korea



Japan's outstanding excellence in basic science has captured the world's attention once again upon the recent selection of Japanese microbiologist Yoshinori Ohsumi as the recipient of the 2016 Nobel Prize in medicine for his work on cell autophagy. Ohsumi is the fourth Japanese Nobel laureate in medicine. It is also a successive win for Japan in the medicine category, as Japan's Satoshi Omura shared the prize in medicine with two other scientists from Ireland and China last year.



In Korea, the 71-year-old scientist has inspired awe and also a strong sense of envy among many who are asking why we have not been able to achieve similar level of recognition in science. With the triumph of the Tokyo Institute of Technology emeritus professor, Japan has accumulated 25 Nobel prizes. It is particularly noteworthy that 22 of them have been in various areas of science and medicine. The other three have come from peace and literature. Korea pales in comparison to Japan's strong Nobel record, having only won one  the peace prize  after former President Kim Dae-jung became the first Korean Nobel laureate in 2000.



The number of Japan's Nobel prizes is admirable, but what is truly more amazing is its long-term strategy for promoting science and research and development (R&D) that have helped Japan cement a reputation as a global leader in basic science. There are many reasons for Korea lagging in this area. One of the fundamental reasons is a general disregard for science in schools. Korean elementary and secondary schools are driven toward college entrance exams. Therefore, it is hard for students to develop a passion for science as many perceive it as just a tool to get accepted into a good university.



Japan's competitiveness in science has not been achieved overnight. It has a long history of promoting basic science dating back to the Meiji Restoration in the second half of the 19th century. Japan started sending young scientists abroad in the 1920s and produced a Nobel candidate in science as early as 1901.



The key lesson from Japan is that Korea needs to invest more in basic science. There is a serious lack of vision in Korea's R&D policy, which goes after catching up with fast trends. During a recent meeting presided over by President Park Geun-hye, science and technology strategy policymakers highlighted more investment toward AI (artificial intelligence) and self-driving cars, which are some of the hottest future industry items. But there was little mention of policy attention on basic science development.



There is also a huge problem with the way the government is spending its R&D budget. Korea spends about 4.29 percent of its GDP on R&D, which is the highest among OECD member states. It is spending more that the U.S., Japan and China. Many experts say that the government needs to invest more in basic science rather than applied science and IT technology. Recently a group of scientists complained in a public petition that the government spends only about 6 percent of its yearly R&D budget, about 19 trillion won, on basic science. In the U.S., the government spends almost 50 percent on basic science research and does not meddle in the research topics.



China recently announced a package of measures to catch up with the U.S. in science and technology by 2049. Like China, we urgently need bold planning and an effective implementation of the R&D budget to attain a more befitting stature in science that matches our global economic standing.




TBILISI, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- China and Georgia on Wednesday substantially concluded their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, with a landmark memorandum of understanding signed in Tbilisi.

The memo was signed by visiting Chinese Commerce Minster Gao Hucheng, Georgian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Dimitry Kumsishvili.

The signing of the FTA deal will further consolidate and boost bilateral trade relations between China and Georgia and benefit the peoples of the two countries, Gao said after signing of the memo.

After the implementation of the FTA agreement, Chinese enterprises and consumers will have greater access to high quality products like wine and fruits from Georgia, while Georgians will benefit from cheaper China-made industrial products, Gao said.

"The substantial ending of the FTA talks will provide a better opportunity for the Georgian products ... to enter the vast Chinese market with competitive prices, which will greatly promote the export of our country and benefit the economic development of Georgia," Kumsishvili told a press conference after the signing ceremony.

Kumsishvili hailed the FTA deal between Georgia and China as "historic", saying China has become the fourth largest trading partner of Georgia, which will attach great importance to developing ties with China in the future.

The FTA agreement between Georgia and China will enter into effect upon ratification by the two countries.

China and Georgia launched their bilateral FTA talks in December 2015.
Yonsei Good Day

Dental Clinic dentist

Choi Se-kyung Yonsei Good Day

Dental Clinic dentist

Baek Do-young



By Jhoo Dong-chan

Young dentist duo in their 30s are contributing their talents to help their neighbors in need.

Yonsei Good Day Dental Clinic dentists Baek Do-young and Choi Se-kyung provide a free lecture service teaching people how to care for their teeth and gums every year at the Yangjae Senior Welfare Center in Seocho-gu, southern Seoul. Those elderly people in need who participate in the lecture are also subject to receive partial funding for implant surgery and gum care procedures.

They also regularly visited the Suseo-dong Office in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul, to help needy teenagers as well by providing cavity treatment and teeth correction services. Patients only pay the material costs.

Baek and Choi are also partner dentists of the Smile Charity Foundation, a charity group that provides free dental services for low-income disabled people.

"It is our social responsibility to provide quality dental services to people equally no matter how rich or poor they are and where they live," said Baek.

"We offer top-quality university hospital-level dental services for our neighbors in the Gangnam area."

Last year, Yonsei Good day Dental Clinic won the Korea Quality Satisfaction Index award for Choi and Baek's efforts to help needy neighbors and their differentiated dental service quality.

They were also recently selected as this year's best teeth correction dentists in Korea by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee.

Choi said that their success is attributed to their commitment in specialty work, service and sympathy for their patients.

"Our clinic features the latest dental equipment helping us provide the best dental service possible. Also, I, Baek and two other dentists in the clinic closely consult with each other for various dental cases to obtain the best results for the patients," he said.

"It is really rewarding to see our patients smiling without hesitation after receiving our service."
Merck Korea CEO Michael Grund, left, poses with Merck Life Science CEO Udit Batra, right, and Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, chairman of Merck's family board and its parent company E. Merck KG, during an opening ceremony for the M-Lab collaboration center at the Techo Park IT Tower in Songdo, Incheon, Thursday. / Courtesy of Merck Korea



By Yoon Sung-won



SONGDO, Incheon  Merck opened its ninth M-Lab collaboration center in Incheon, Thursday, as a channel to boost business ties with biopharmaceutical companies in Korea.



At the opening ceremony, the German chemical and bio company highlighted its long-time partnership with Korean businesses and the country's aggressive drive to foster the biotechnology industry as the biggest reasons for establishing the collaboration center here.



"We have run a business in Korea for more than 25 years and have closely cooperated with major businesses in their growth and success from the early stages," Merck Korea CEO Michael Grund said during a press conference in Songdo, Incheon. "Korea is looking for the next-generation growth engine from the biotechnology sector. We have opened the M-Lab center here to reenact the close cooperation that we had with the electronics and display panel industries in the past in the earliest stage of biotechnology here."



The company said Korea has multiple new businesses in the bio sector with larger enterprises expanding manufacturing capacity of biopharmaceutical products such as biosimilars and vaccines. Besides the new M-Lab, Merck is operating multiple technology labs including liquid crystal display and organic light-emitting diode research facilities in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.



Including Korea, Merck has a total of nine M-Lab centers in Brazil, France, India, Singapore, Japan, China, Taiwan and the United States.



Merck also stressed that it has chosen Songdo as the location for its M-Lab center because of its value as one of the fastest growing biotechnology hubs around the globe. "In Korea, we recognized that Songdo embraces one of the fastest growing biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries," Merck Life Science CEO Udit Batra said. "In addition, we have made additional investments to establish the center to meet requests from our clients here. We expect to do so again in the future."



Merck said the M-Lab center replaces the existing facilities in Pangyo, Gyeonggi Province. According to Batra, Merck has invested about 10 million euros ($11.2 million) to upgrade the facility.



"We decided to upgrade the facility after visiting Songdo two years ago to look around Samsung BioLogics' plant," Batra said. "At that time, I was impressed by spaces where I could virtually experience manufacturing facilities even without wearing a lab coat and actually going into the lines."



Located on the 24th floor of Techno Park IT Tower in this city, the center will be operated by 10 Merck scientists and engineers.



The new facility has actual manufacturing and testing environments to support an end-to-end production technology development. Clients will be able to test new practices and approaches in simplifying global technology transfer as well as manufacturing optimization and commercialization, the company said.



"At the M-Lab Center, we are training clients' employees in development and production of bio products and we have our reservation list for this service fully booked for the next few months," Batra said. "In addition, customers can experience a demonstration of our products before deciding to buy them. They can also receive troubleshooting services if they face problems using them."



Merck said M-Lab's clients will range from large enterprises to newborn businesses that develop cures for intractable diseases and tumors. In Korea, the German company has provided Samsung BioLogics and Celtrion with manufacturing technology and equipment for biopharmaceutical products.



"Besides Samsung BioLogics and Celtrion, all businesses in the bio sector such as Korea Green Cross have contacted or worked with us," Batra said. "We are also closely cooperating with research and development agencies and seeking partnerships with more diverse bodies related to bio research and manufacturing."



Samsung BioLogics CEO Kim Tae-han said, "The new M-Lab collaboration center will provide technological support for biopharmaceutical enterprises here and play a great role in training employees in this sector. Merck's decision to invest in Songdo is a milestone in the city's drive to foster the world's largest biopharmaceutical manufacturing hub with a total of 520,000 liters of production capacity by 2018. This will expedite the growth of both Korea's biopharmaceutical industry and Incheon's regional economy."
LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo, fourth from left, participates in a ceremony to commemorate the groundbreaking ceremony of LG Chem's new electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Poland's western city of Wroclaw, Wednesday (local time). Mateusz Morawiecki, fourth from right, Poland's deputy prime minister, and a group of company executives and Polish politicians also joined the event. / Courtesy of LG Chem



By Lee Min-hyung

LG Chem is hastening its penetration of a promising European electric vehicle (EV) market, holding a groundbreaking ceremony this week for its new EV battery plant in Poland.

The plant will give the world's top-tier lithium-ion battery maker four major battery-making facilities  in Korea, China, the United States and the eastern European country.

The company said Thursday it will turn the new Poland plant into a production hub, helping develop an EV industry across Europe. The battery-manufacturing affiliate of LG said the plant will have annual battery capacity for some 100,000 EVs by the end of 2018.

LG Chem plans to invest more than 400 billion won ($360 million) in the facility, with the firm expecting it to start operation in the second half of next year.

High-ranking LG executives  including LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo and LG Chem Vice Chairman Park Jin-soo  participated in the ceremony.

The LG Group chief has identified the EV industry as the company's next group-wide growth engine, with its key affiliates, such as LG Chem and LG Electronics, joining with global automakers to develop parts and components for EVs.

The new production facility will be used as a key venue to supply all the battery solutions  including cells, modules and packs  helping LG Chem remain swift in responding to demands from its European automobile clients, the company said.

"We will turn the Poland battery plant into a mecca of battery production for EVs around the world," Lee Ung-beom, president of LG Chem's energy systems division, said.

"We are going to spare no effort in strengthening our battery-manufacturing capacity there, as the plant is Europe's first large-scale lithium-ion battery production facility." He also expressed confidence that the plant will be a catalyst to rev up the EV market across Europe.

LG Chem expects EVs in Europe to surpass some 2.77 million by 2030, surging from about 110,000 in 2016. The company said it will continue raising its profile there by signing more partnerships with globally renowned automakers.

Starting from a partnership with Volvo in 2010, the company has rapidly expanded its European client base with such firms as Daimler, Renault and Audi. LG Chem has so far signed battery contracts with 29 global automakers. The company recently said its accumulated battery sales exceeded some 34 trillion won.

Last month, the company set a sales projection of 7 trillion won in the EV battery industry in 2020.

The global EV battery market is expected to reach some $32 billion in 2020, from about $11 billion in 2015, LG Chem said, citing data from U.S.-based investment banking firm Merrill Lynch.
Antonio Guterres, 66, will lead the U.N. after Korea's Ban Ki-moon steps down from the position after 10 years. / Courtesy of Twitter

By Lee Han-soo

Former Portuguese Prime Minister and U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) head Antonio Guterres has been chosen to lead the United Nations after secretary-general Ban Ki-moon from Korea steps down on December 31.

Russia's U.N. ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, announced the result on Wednesday after the Security Council's sixth informal ballot.

The five veto-wielding council members voted unanimously for Guterres and he received 13 "encourage" votes, no "discourage" votes and two no opinion votes, according to the Associated Press.

Guterres led all previous informal ballots.

Guterres, 66, who headed the UNHCR through some of the world's harshest times -- such as the Syrian refugee crisis -- has appealed to Western nations to do more to help refugees fleeing conflict.

Describing Guterres as a "clear favorite," Churkin said the Security Council will meet Thursday morning formally to approve Guterres. Afterward, his candidacy will be recommended to the 193-member General Assembly for final approval.
BELGRADE, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- A fixed network transformation project was launched here Wednesday between China's Huawei and Serbia's national operator Telekom Srbija, marking the start of the first large-scale cooperation in the information and communication technology between China and Serbia.

At the presentation held at the Palace of Serbia, Tang Xiaoming, senior vice-president of Huawei, announced the start of the three-year ALL-IP transformation project worth 150 million euros (168 million U.S. dollars).

Tang said at the press conference that after 10 years of cooperation between the two companies, Huawei planned to "bring the latest technology to Serbian people" and contribute to Serbia's development.

"The aim of this project is to modernize the existing fixed network of Telekom Serbia, that will thus improve its service and provide its users with a much faster network with various performances, high quality video, as well as introduce smart home solutions and improve quality of living and the communication of Serbian people," he said.

Tang explained that all preparations had been completed so that starting from now, Telekom and local companies would work together with Huawei on the project.

Present at the presentation were also Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, general director of Telekom Srbija Predrag Culibrk, Chinese ambassador to Serbia Li Manchang, and minister of trade, tourism and telecommunications Rasim Ljajic.

Vucic expressed satisfaction with the deal, calling it another example of a win-win cooperation between Serbia and China that would, according to him, develop even further in the near future.

"I think that it is important that Telekom becomes more successful than competitors in the country and the region. Huawei is one of the leaders in the world and with their knowledge we can take on a top position in the region," he said, adding that citizens had yet to experience the economic benefit of cooperation between China and Serbia.

Culibrk said the two sides defined all elements of the contract and signed amendments Wednesday, "opening a whole new chapter for Telekom and telecommunications in Serbia," explaining his company would purchase equipment, services and infrastructure works from Huawei.

According to Culibrk, Telekom is to invest 150 million euros in the area of fixed Internet and multimedia, which will include more than a million homes and objects in numerous cities and significantly increase Internet speed.

Meanwhile, ambassador Li said the beginning of the project was big news for Serbia and China, explaining it was the first project whose realization had started since the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in June.

"Having in mind that political conditions are very good, as an ambassador, I can say we have to invest much more effort and give our best in order to advance the bilateral relations of Serbia and China," he said, adding his hope there would be many more of such projects agreed upon in the future.

Telekom Srbija is Serbia's biggest fixed network operator with 70 percent of fixed network users.

During his state visit to Serbia in June this year, Chinese President Xi witnessed the signing of the framework agreement between Telekom and Huawei for the ALL-IP project, one of the most important achievements of the visit.
BEIJING, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan's participation in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting should be in accord with the relevant memorandum of understanding (MOU), a mainland official said on Wednesday.

Taiwan authorities have announced personnel selected to attend the meeting in November in Lima, capital of Peru.

An Fengshan, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that the Chinese mainland has been "quite clear about the issue," which is that Taiwan's attendance at APEC-related events should be in line with APEC-related MOUs.
NAIROBI, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's first transfomer-manufacturing plant, set up by a Chinese firm, opened on Wednesday.

A launch ceremony was held in the compound of the plant, which is established by the Kenyan subsidiary of Chinese company Yocean Group on the outskirts of the capital Nairobi.

Attending the ceremony, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Charles Keter, said the establishment of the factory that manufactures and assembles transformers will reduce high import bill and stimulate economic growth in Kenya.

"The opening of the first factory for manufacturing transformers in the Kenyan market is a milestone. It will end importation of electrical equipment that in some way slowed down power connection in the country," Keter said.

Kenya has been relying on transformers from abroad, mostly from India. Keter said the plant will ease procurement of transformers and other electrical appliances.

He said Chinese investment in Kenya's transport and energy sectors has accelerated the country's industrialization.

He also said the Kenyan government had created a friendly policy to attract foreign investment in the energy sector.

Guo Ce, the economic and trade counselor at the Chinese embassy in Kenya, said at the ceremony that China has been encouraging its companies to invest in the East African nation.

He said the establishment of a local transformer-manufacturing plant will rejuvenate Kenya's quest for energy security and socio-economic transformation.

"The factory will not only be providing quality products and services to its clients, but also create jobs for the youth while enhancing skills and technology transfer for local employees," Guo said.

Kenya's power utility has already awarded a three-year contract to Yocean Group to distribute transformers in the country.

Dylan Yu, CEO of Yocean Group, said his firm has the capacity to manufacture made-in-Kenya transformers of international standards.

He added Yocean will in the near future expand its footprint in the regional market.
A man from Licking is accused of starting a fire at the home of his ex-girlfriend while one of her children was home on Monday afternoon. Samuel Rogers, 31, was charged on Wednesday with first-degree arson and first-degree burglary.

The fire at the home of Rogers ex-girlfriend outside Licking was reported shortly after 2 p.m. Monday. Licking Rural firefighters were able to contain the fire to the womans bedroom and the attic above that room.

An investigator for the State Fire Marshals Office determined the fire was intentionally set. The investigator also found flammable liquid in a hallway and living room, according to the probable cause statement used as the basis of the charges against Rogers. A detective found two red plastic gasoline containers about 20 feet from the home.

The oldest son of the woman who owns the house said he was playing video games upstairs when Rogers came into the home without permission. He said Rogers left and then smoke started coming up the stairs about 30 minutes later. He went downstairs and found his mothers bedroom on fire.

The son said he went outside and found Rogers was still there and watching the fire. The son called 9-1-1.

The homeowner said she and Rogers dated until two weeks ago but she broke it off and told him to take his broken-down truck away from her home. She said Rogers no longer had permission to go into her home. The probable cause statement cites text messages from Rogers in which he talked about the fire and whether the home was insured.

Rogers could get prison sentences between five and 15 years for both first-degree arson and first-degree burglary if hes convicted. A judge set his bond at $1 million.

His ex-girlfriend told officers that she is afraid of Rogers. She showed detectives numerous texts from him in which he begged to be friends, according to the probable cause statement. She also sought and gained an Order of Protection against him.
A man who used to live in Springfield is the second man to receive five years of probation for vandalizing The Islamic Center of Springfield nearly six years ago. Adam Smock, 24, of Edgewater, Calif., received his sentence on Thursday after pleading guilty nine months ago for defacing The Islamic Center with graffiti and burning two copies of the Quran.

Smocks probation includes include 14 days of incarceration, payment of $10,440 in restitution and performance of 40 hours of community service. U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark also ordered Smock to meet with and personally apologize to the leadership of the Islamic Center of Springfield for his crime.

Smock pleaded guilty last Dec. 29 for participating in a conspiracy to oppress, threaten, and intimidate worshippers at the Islamic Center of Springfield in the free exercise and enjoyment of their Constitutional right to the free exercise of their religious beliefs.

Joshua Lobsien, 24, of Orland, Calif., formerly of Springfield, was sentenced last July 13 after pleading guilty to defacing religious property. A judge sentenced Lobsien to five years of probation, including 20 hours of community service, and ordered him to pay $5,220 in restitution. If the Islamic Center of Springfield, or an Islamic Center located near Lobsiens home, is willing to have him perform his community service on its premises, then that is where Lobsien should perform his community service. Lobsien has personally apologized to the leadership of the Islamic Center of Springfield for his crime.

The Islamic Center of Springfield, 2151 E. Division St., provides regular prayer services, a place for people to pray on their own, community activities and a forum for charitable fund-raising.

Both Lobsien and Smock were 18 years old at the time of the offense. They admitted that, along with a 14-year-old minor, they spray-painted graffiti on the exterior walls of the Islamic Center of Springfield on Jan. 7, 2011. The graffiti included explicit and offensive language in addition to such statements as Bash Back, Now is our time! and You bash us in Pakistan we bash here.

Smock and Lobsien also admitted they partially burned two copies of the Quran (the Muslim holy book) on April 10, 2011, and took the Qurans to the Islamic Center of Springfield. Smock left the burned Qurans directly in front of the main doors to the Islamic Center, approximately 30 feet away from the building. Lobsien left a computer-printed note on the mat in front of the main doors. The note contained the image of a goats or rams head, and the following text:

To: Sincere Followers of Allah,

Today, we show the Muslim Nation that its oppressive religion won't go without a fight, not from soldiers, but from average citizens willing to fight for America  for there are three (sic) burned Qur'ans that lay spread in the driveway. For we grow tired of Anti-Zionism. The Islamification of Europe. Terroristic regimes. And worst of all, the membership of 1.5 billion Muslims that stain the earth. And we vow one thing: Islam will not survive.

Death to Islam!

Smock admitted it was his idea to commit the acts and he persuaded his co-conspirators to participate. He also admitted he selected the Islamic Center of Springfield for vandalism because of the religious nature of the property, in order to threaten and intimidate worshippers, so as to hinder and interfere with the worshippers enjoyment of their Constitutional right to the free exercise of religion.

The total cost of restoration and repair of the damage to the Islamic Center of Springfield, including sandblasting and applying anti-graffiti paint, is $15,662

The FBI and the Springfield Police Department investigated this case.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

Trend:

The only way to resolve the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is through peace talks within the framework of international law, Pope Francis said.

He made the remarks at a press conference dedicated to the results of his visit to the Caucasus, according to the official website of the Pope.

The Pope added that he sees no other way to resolve the conflict, adding that another way is war, which is always followed by destructions.

He noted that one needs to pray for peace.

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.
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has berated the Senate for turning down a bill meant to grant Lagos special status which will entitle the state to a special grant.

The Senate on Wednesday vote overwhelmingly against the bill sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

In a statement on Thursday, Ambode commended Senator Tinubu for pushing the need for Lagos State to be recognized and rewarded with a Special Status and Grant into the forefront of national discourse even if the import of that request is lost on a number of her colleagues.



In a release signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Ambode said that history would remember Senator Tinubu kindly for her thoughtfulness and courage in promoting the bill that sought a special recognition for Lagos State as the commercial capital of Nigeria as well as one per cent of federally generated revenue in view of its socio-economic importance to the entire country.

Ambode stated that without prejudice to the decision of the Senate to stand down the bill, Senators Tinubus informed position and push will remain an important contribution as well as a reference point in the national economic discourse.

At a time that our country needs courageous voices that seek solutions that can benefit millions of Nigerians irrespective of where they are from, what the distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu has done is to draw attention to how Lagos State can provide more succour to Nigerians being the home to the largest assemblage of Nigerians. She has drawn attention to how Lagos deserves to be assisted so that the state can further provide assistance to millions of Nigerians. It is a pity that this import was not seen from that perspective by the majority of her colleagues, he said.

Ambode stated that in spite of the set-back the bill suffered on Wednesday, the fact remained that Lagos State has always played a special role to Nigerians as individuals and to the country as a whole.

The truth of the matter is that as the most populous Nigerian state and the commercial heart-beat of the entire West Africa; a state that would have been the fifth largest economy in Africa if it were an independent country, Nigeria needs Lagos in order for other parts of the country to continue to benefit from Lagos.

A special status and a special grant are fair requests that would have encouraged and rewarded Lagos State for what it contributes to the federal purse. A yes for the bill would have provided an opportunity to truly reflate the economy and empower Lagos State in serving as home to more than 21 million Nigerians and as hub to the largest volume of businesses and foreign direct investments in Nigeria. But clearly, a spectacular opportunity has been missed by ignoring this important bill, Ambode said.

The governor added that in spite of the rejection of the bill, Lagos State would continue to be special and will not be deterred in continuing to play the important role of serving as a conducive and secure home for Lagosians as well as local and international visitors where opportunities are limitless and lives and property are safe.

PM News

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The Ethiopian government says the property of at least 10 companies, including foreign-owned businesses, have been burnt down and looted in the Oromia region as protests continue in the country.

The latest round of trouble has been sparked by the deaths of at least 55 people after a stampede at a religious festival that turned into an anti-government protest.

Three days of national mourning followed the deaths on Sunday. The opposition, which puts the death toll much higher, blames the action of security forces for causing panic.



Information Minister Getachew Reda told the BBC that the continued violence was the work of organised criminals rather than being part of anti-government protests.

He said that the people causing the damage have been arriving at the scene on motorbikes carrying petrol bombs.

Leaders from the Inter-religious Council of Ethiopia have appealed for calm and a national dialogue.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

Trend:

Armenias armed forces have 21 times violated the ceasefire on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops over the past 24 hours, said Azerbaijans Defense Ministry Oct. 6.

Positions of the Azerbaijani army in Gaymagli and Bala Jafarli villages of the Gazakh district underwent fire from the Armenian positions located in Barekamavan village of Armenias Noyemberyan district and Vazashen village of the Ijevan district.

The Azerbaijani army positions also underwent fire from the Armenian positions located near Yusifjanli village, Marzili village of the Aghdam district, Kuropatkino village of the Khojavend district, Mehdili village of the Jabrayil district, as well as from the positions located on nameless heights of Tartar, Goranboy, Jabrayil and Fizuli districts.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian may exchange views on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in Yerevan, said Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministrys spokeswoman.

Zakharova made the remarks during a briefing Oct. 6, said a message posted on the Russian Foreign Ministrys website.

There will be no special event dedicated to this issue, she said. But the views on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict may be exchanged during the visit.

Lavrov will attend a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Yerevan on Oct. 14.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Armenia should prepare its population for withdrawal of Armenian forces from the occupied Azerbaijani territories and removing the major consequence of the conflict that will create conditions for considering other political issues, said Azerbaijans Permanent Mission to the OSCE at the OSCE Permanent Councils meeting on Oct. 4.

Azerbaijans Permanent Mission told Trend Oct. 6 that in its statement the mission noted that Armenia is far from engaging in the constructive search for peace and conflict resolution in the region.

It is curious that the representative of Armenia  a country that bears full responsibility for unleashing the war, perpetrating aggression against Azerbaijan, carrying out ethnic cleansing on a massive scale, committing other heinous crimes, including massacres in Khojaly, advocating undisguised racist ideology  attempts to lecture here on such notions as human rights, says the statement.

The Azerbaijani mission called on the Armenian ambassador to reconsider his perceptions of the April events which were results of constant provocation of the Armenian side against civilian population of Azerbaijan residing along the line of contact of the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.

As for the technical questions related to the expansion of the office of Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, special representative of the OSCE chairperson-in-office, Azerbaijan presented its position on this issue on a number of occasions and has submitted its proposal to the German Chairmanship and the OSCE Minsk Groups co-chair countries that reflect the understanding reached in the recent high level meetings, says the statement.

The Azerbaijani mission noted that Armenia is the only country in the OSCE, which thinks that under the Helsinki Final Act, self-determination means unilateral cessation and violation of human rights of hundreds of thousands of people.

Azerbaijans Permanent Mission to the OSCE also expressed its concern over the large-scale illegal economic activities that are carried out with support and direction of Armenia that are not aimed at providing so-called humanitarian assistance, but pursue the goal of illegally exploiting resources in the occupied Azerbaijani territories.

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.
XVII Summit of the Heads of State and Government

of the Non Aligned Movement

Statement by Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe

Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training &

Special Envoy of President Maithripala Sirisena

Margarita Island, Venezuela. 18 September 2016

Your Excellency Nicolas Maduro Moros, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement

Your Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me take this opportunity, on behalf of President Maithripala Sirisena and the people of Sri Lanka, to extend my warm felicitations to Your Excellency on your election as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement. It is my firm belief that under your able stewardship our Movement will be further strengthened in the years ahead.



Mr. Chairman,

We are at historic crossroads as far as the global development agenda is concerned. For over fifty-five years, the Movement has advocated that the international community needed to look at the larger development issues in addition to political issues. With the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, being adopted just one year ago, and nations across the world, poised to implement Sustainable Development Goals at national levels- it is clear demonstration that development issues affect all countries, and not just those in the South. It clearly vindicates our Movements championing development as being at the core of a countrys progress, that should be addressed holistically and not through selective criteria or as secondary goals.

The theme adopted for this Summit Peace, Sovereignty and Solidarity for Development, is therefore extremely relevant and timely. They require our unwavering commitment towards the maintenance of global peace, upholding the sovereignty of developing states, as well as strong solidarity among the countries of the global south, if we are to reap the benefits of the SDGs for the betterment of our peoples.



The Movement should continue to be a champion of these causes, with a view to ending poverty in all its forms and dimensions; protecting our planets delicate ecosystem from further degradation; and ensuring that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives.



It is a cause for satisfaction that I am able to inform this assembly that the ratification of the Paris Climate Change agreement was unanimously endorsed by the Sri Lankan Parliament only last week.

Mr. Chairman,

Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to ensure that no one is left behind in line with the key principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.



Sri Lanka has been fortunate, that successive Governments since independence have adopted universal free education and free health care policies, that have produced some of the highest social indicators in the region. However, there are challenges we face, from a legacy of conflict and a number of problems that have not been addressed. As a middle income country, our focus is in eliminating economic inequality and further reducing poverty  a focus of our President, Maithripala Sirisenas, programme to combat disparities in our society.

As our President Maithripala Sirisena informed the United Nations General Assembly just last year,

Quote

The people of Sri Lanka elected a new President and a new Government in two consecutive elections during the last eight months. Within the first six months, my Government introduced essential amendments to the Constitution in order to strengthen democracy in Sri Lanka. These amendments have reinforced the foundations of good governance through institutional reforms that strengthened pluralism and democracy. With my personal intervention and facilitation, some of the executive powers vested in the Presidency were transferred to the Parliament and other independent institutions.

Unquote

Our threefold aim, Mr. Chairman, is to strengthen democracy, attain peace through reconciliation and foster economic development. To support this process, we are in deliberations to introduce a new constitutional instrument that will help attain our goals. The present Government of President Sirisena, voted into office by all segments of the Sri Lankan population, is based on the principles of consensus building and national unity. It is committed to reconstruction and economic advancement leading to comprehensive reconciliation.



Our new vision for the country involves achieving the objectives of sustainable development, peace and reconciliation. A fundamental requirement in this context is dealing with the past honestly and building a modern Sri Lankan Nation.



In order to achieve sustainable development, there must be global peace and security that can only be achieved through adhering to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law. Resorting to multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes among nations is of the utmost importance.



At the national level achieving Development Goals becomes impossible without good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights.

Mr. Chairman,

As much as global peace is an essential element in our quest for development, global security is of equal importance for that purpose.



Despite our collective efforts to make it a safer place, the world is increasingly becoming a perilous place, with the proliferation of nuclear weapons, terrorism, violent extremism and conflict.



Mr. Chairman,

As a country that had experienced the agony of a long conflict for decades, Sri Lanka is of the firm view that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations must be eradicated.



Mr. Chairman,

As much as we rise to the challenge of terrorism, violent extremism and conflict, it is equally important to prevent conflict. In this regard, effective peacebuilding, addressing the root causes of conflict as well as ensuring non-recurrence become vital.



In this context, we stress the need for adequate, predictable and sustained financing for the UN peacebuilding efforts.



Mr. Chairman,

We express our deep regret that the question of Palestine remains unresolved for a period of almost seven decades. Sri Lanka has consistently supported the implementation of UN General Assembly Resolutions regarding the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and the attainment of a two State solution.



Mr. Chairman,

Solidarity among the nations of the global south, in particular among the nations of our Movement is our greatest strength. However, we must make more meaningful efforts to deepen and enhance South-South cooperation in our quest for sustainable development.

Mr. Chairman,

To preserve the inclusivity of the new global development agenda, it is imperative to empower our women to be equal partners in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. We must also ensure to keep youth, children and persons with disabilities at the centre of our developmental efforts.

Mr. Chairman,

In conclusion, I wish to strongly reiterate Sri Lankas commitment, as a member state of the Non-Aligned Movement, to continue to play a very active and responsible role, adhering to its founding principles, ideals and purposes, in order to realize a peaceful, prosperous, just and equitable world.



I conclude with a quote from our President, Maithripala Sirisena, who last September said A new era of democracy dawned in Sri Lanka on January 08th 2015 ushering in justice, freedom and equality. Our social and human development approach is founded on pluralism, reconciliation and sustainable development. This is, I believe is the way forward for our people, our communities, our countries, regions and globally.



I wish the Summit every success.



Thank you.

Read more : www.mfa.gov.lk
The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary

Read more




Folks, Los Angeles County sheriffs sergeant Steven Owen, a 29-year veteran, was shot today while responding to a home burglary call in Lancaster. He died later at Antelope Valley Hospital. Owen, 53, is the first member of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department to be fatally shot in more than a decade. He leaves a wife, mother and adult children. Owen's wife is a sheriff's detective.

A second deputy was injured during the chaotic scene at an apartment building on West Avenue J-7 in the high desert city.

According to media reports, Owen and his partner answered the burglary call and when Owen checked the rear of the building., he was confronted and shot. While the second deputy ran toward the gunshots, the gunman jumped in the deputies' patrol car and tried to flee. After the second deputy opened fire and the patrol car crashed, the gunman fled on foot into an occupied nearby home.

A teenager inside the home texted for help and a SWAT team forced the gunman out. After he jumped a fence into another yard, the suspect was taken into custody.

Authorities say the suspected gunman is a 27-year-old parolee who lives in the Antelope Valley. He was armed, officials said.

A Los Angeles Times reporter went on a ride-along with Owen last year for a story on how relations between the sheriff's department and the community were improving in Lancaster and the surrounding area. At the time, Owen had been patrolling in Lancaster for 23 years.

Sheriff Jim McDonnell was in Hawaii on business and vacation. He tweeted later in the day:
PRESS RELEASE

A Joyous Day in East Africa as the Ethiopia-Djibouti Rail Connection Is Inaugurated

Oct. 5, 2016 (EIRNS)Railway Gazette reports today on the inauguration of the 756-kilometer standard-gauge Chinese-built railway linking Ethiopia with Djibouti. Ethiopias Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh officially inaugurated the linking of their countries with a ceremony in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, today.

"It is the first standard-gauge electrified railroad on the continent built with Chinese standards and technology, and certainly it will not be the last,"

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia La Yifan told media. "Many stand to benefit from it," the ambassador said in a widely covered statement.

Railway Gazette reported that

"the line is planned as the first step in a wider national and eventually regional rail network. In June 2012 the ERC [Ethiopian Railway Corp.] signed a $1.7 billion turnkey contract for Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi to build a 389 route-km line starting at Awash on the Djibouti-Addis Ababa line and running north to Weldiya/Hara Gebeya. Completion is planned for April 2018. China Communications Construction Co. is building the next 220 km north from Hara Gebeya to Mekele under a $1.5 billion contract. A line is also planned to run from Hara Gebeya eastwards to the port of Tadjurah in Djibouti, providing a second route to the sea."

Initially for three months the newly inaugurated railroad will be used for carrying freight only. Following that period, passenger service will be introduced. Last year, the industry journal reported, the line was used to bring wheat to drought-stricken areas south of the capital.

The new line is designed to Chinas specifications for operation at up to 120 kph, providing a freight transit time of 10-12 hours, compared to two or three days by truck.
PRESS RELEASE

LPAC Gives Orders to Congress: Get Back to Washington! Pass Glass-Steagall Now, Before the Blowout!

Oct. 5, 2016 (EIRNS)Discussions among the LaRouche Policy Committee, the Manhattan Project, Lyndon LaRouche himself, and LaRouche Polotical Action Committee activist conference calls in the past 72 hours have determined to launch a "take no prisoners" drive to organize all Members of the U.S. Congress to support Glass-Steagall now, and go back into session to enact it.

"Maximum outreach" is the word of the day, LPAC spokespersons assert. The momentum of the Congress standing up to Obama to overwhelmingly pass the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) shows what can be done. For example, an activist in Delaware reported that his "placeholder" Congressman had changed, and voted to override Obamas veto of JASTA. Now, that same congressman has become more serious about Glass-Steagall. In New Jersey this week, an activist at a Congressmans local gathering was asked by the representative to both report on the JASTA vote processwhich met with applause, and to lay out the necessity for Glass-Steagall.

Taking Massachusetts as a test case, where the intensely rotten smell of Barney Frank must be removed with strong stuff, we found one congressman had scheduled 15 appearances in the next two weeks on his website under "Congressional Corner," and another Boston area congressman is speaking at a Boston law school this week. There will be witnesses when he is put on the spot, on what he will do to act now against the crash.

As one LPAC spokesperson put it, "We must pounce on every opportunity to get the Congress to keep moving forward on Glass-Steagall after the JASTA victoryno General Meade reactions allowed!"a reference to Gen. George Meade's failure to pursue Robert E. Lee's retreating army following its defeat at Gettysburg during the American Civil War.

Obama has been badly beaten, and the Erinyes are alive and well, LPAC spokespersons insist. Kesha Rogers, twice the winner of the Democratic primary for Houstons 22nd Congressional District seat in Houston, said, "We must unleash a whirlwind." Our nuclear weapon is the name "LaRouche." Think back to the 2007 "Home Owners and Bank Protection Act."
PRESS RELEASE

Members of European Parliament Slam EU Commissioner Moscovici on Greek Bailout Program

Oct. 5, 2016 (EIRNS)European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici, who is in charge of the Greek bailout "reform" program, was slammed in the European Parliament for destroying Greece. He was testifying on the status of the Greek bailout program, urging Greece to work harder to implement the structural reforms demanded by the creditors. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the European United Left/Nordic Green Left European Parliamentary Group, which includes Greeces ruling Syriza party, gave Moscovici what-for, and then turned the heat on him.

Syriza MEP Dimitris Papadimoulis called on creditors to keep their part of the agreement:

"The Greek government has put in place policies to bring down unemployment, to bring about recovery, to put an end to clientelism and to put an end to corruption and fraud, but for these goals to be fulfilled creditors must respect their part of the agreement and provide Greece with debt relief. We have to show to the European people, especially after Brexit, that we are moving towards recovery, not more austerity."

German Left Party MEP Fabio de Masi called for an immediate end to the destructive policies that have allowed, with impunity, the exploitation of Greeks national wealth by banks and businesses:

"The longer the Troika governs Greece, the longer recession will last. French and German banks have been bailed-out through Greece, not Greek workers. Wages have been slashed, pensions cut, VAT [Value Added Tax] has been increased, and public property sold out. The German company Fraport even got a Troika guarantee for the purchase of Greek regional airports. You may call this competition; I call it theft."

Slamming Moscovici, Syriza MEP Nikolaos Chountis said,

"Mr. Moscovici, you are lying about the state of the Greek economy and the consequences of the third austerity package. For the EU, the Greek Government is the best neoliberal student in Europe, the best performer in privatizations and austerity. You are both hypocrites since you are privatizing the public wealth of Greece, in the name of fair growth." Greek Syriza MEP, and former Olympic javelin medalist, Sofia Sakorafa aimed some well-placed moral javelins at Moscovici as well: "You have forced Greece to sell everything. You even required for water to be privatized. In seven years of austerity, you led unemployment to reach record levelsthe highest in Europeyou pushed one in three Greeks to live below the poverty line, you made 300,000 young scientists become economic migrants and you turned pensioners into beggars. Now you are saying that if the austerity program is fully implemented, the Greek economy will recover. That is,"

Sakorafa concluded, "if destruction continues, progress will be made!"

The neo-liberal media managed to not cover all these statements by the MEPs. Kathimerini, Greeces major national newspaper, published a Reuters wire that merely covers what Moscovici told parliamentarians. And nothing else.
Details added (first version posted on 18:57)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.5

Trend:

Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree Oct.6 to create the National Coordinating Council for Sustainable Development.

The main purpose of creating the Council is to define the national priorities until 2030, which are of great importance for Azerbaijan and correspond to global tasks and goals, ensure the compliance of state programs and strategies covering the socio-economic spheres with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Council will also work out an annual report on reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The countrys Deputy Prime Minister Ali Ahmadov has been appointed the Councils chairman and the Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev has been named his deputy.
PRESS RELEASE

Warmongers in Obama Administration Push for Military Action Against Syrian GovernmentPrelude to War with Russia

Oct. 5, 2016 (EIRNS)Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin, who now seems to be the preferred receiver of leaks for the War Party in the Obama Administration, reported Oct. 4 that there is discussion in the national security establishment to consider the next move by the United States, now that the Administration (on Oct. 3) has suspended engagement with Russia on how to end the Syrian war. Rogins leaks promote military action.

Today, there was to be a meeting of the Principals Committee, of cabinet-level officials and the White House. A National Security Council meeting could come as soon as this weekend.

According to Rogin, there is a big push from within the Pentagon, led by Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Paul Selva, and the CIA, for some kind of military action against Syrian government forces.

"Theres an increased mood in support of kinetic actions against the regime," one senior administration official said. "The CIA and the Joint Staff have said that the fall of Aleppo [to the sovereign Syrian government] would undermine Americas counterterrorism goals in Syria."

In reporting this, Rogin also goes on to spin the fantasy that Obama is the one standing in the way of such military action. All of this is nonsense, but it indicates the degree of breakdown of both policymaking and morality in the institutions of government under the Obama Administration.

Rogin also claims that the risks inherent in any US action in Syria are purely hypothetical. Unlike so many other observers of this game, Rogin did not report on the comment by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford, who, when asked, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Sept. 22, about establishing a no-fly zone over Syria, replied:
Confession: While I concede that John Kennedy Tooles A Confederacy of Dunces is remarkable, its never made me laugh. Neither has Kingsley Amis Lucky Jim, nor any other of the many novels that are most lauded for being hilarious. Sure, these works are witty and droll, but rarely do they elicit actual chuckles as they give insights into the human condition. Which is why Maria Semple is such a treasure. With the publication of Today Will Be Different, she has now written two works of fiction (her previous novel, Whered You Go, Bernadette, was published in 2012) that are truly smart and deep and funny  worthy of laughing out loud rather than merely saying LOL. Semple brilliantly conveys a whole array of angst  self-deprecation and existential dread and a panic attack of neuroses  while simultaneously packing in a liberal dose of levity.

Today Will Be Different has a simple premise: Eleanor Flood, a wealthy, middle-aged Seattle resident with a penchant for negativity, decides to be better. She sets seemingly reasonable, attainable goals that actually hint at her need for a total life overhaul and personality change: to be a better wife and mother and friend and human being. Told in the span of one day, with a few well-placed flashbacks, Today Will Be Different reminds us that self-improvement is gradual and way more difficult than wed like for it to be, even under the best of circumstances.

This being a Maria Semple novel, Eleanor finds herself burdened by many unforeseen obstacles, including a missing husband, a mystery lunch date who brings up painful memories from Eleanors past, and an out-of-school sick son named Timby who accompanies her on her days journeys. As Eleanor explains, Lying in bed this morning, I had set the bar laughably low: look people in the eye, get dressed, smile!...Then that prankster Reality appeared in a pickup truck ahead of me and started tossing watermelons out of the back.

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Misadventures ensue as a frenzied Eleanor goes in search of her husband, bringing Timby along for the ride. She amasses a variety of emotional injuries throughout the day, along with some physical ones. She makes a spectacle of herself at the opening of an art exhibit. She learns that her publishing deal for an unfinished graphic novel shes been working on for years may be null because both her editor (At a cheese shop in Nyack) and her agent (Someone said shes a homeopath in Colorado) have fled the industry (Publishing going through a rough patch). She has a near nervous breakdown at Timbys school. Before all of the craziness begins, she spends a short time analyzing the Robert Lowell poem Skunk Hour with her poetry tutor, Alonzo, in a rare moment that feels intellectually satisfying and insightful for Eleanor. Later in the novel, she encounters Alonzo handing out samples of breaded steak fish at the local Costco.

Before she started writing books, Semple was a consulting producer on the third season of Arrested Development, and it just so happens that Eleanor Flood also has experience with deadpan comedy. In the 90s, Eleanor was the animation director of a television show called Looper Wash, giving the cartoon a retro-violent and sherbet colored aesthetic that, along with the nasty attitudes of its four preteen heroines, made the show a cult classic. In Eleanors description, the girls misdirected their unconscious fear of puberty into a random hatred of hippies, owners of purebred dogs, and babies named Steve. When you get older, Eleanor says to Timby, explaining the ongoing appeal of Looper Washs snarky worldview, mean is funny.

Today Will Be Different proves Eleanor right, of course. Her random digs and petty insults are odious and wonderful. Heres Eleanor on her brother-in-law: He wasnt fat, exactly. He reminded Eleanor of how papayas swelled during the rainy season, or the way Greg Gumbel looked like someone had taken a bicycle pump to Bryant Gumbel.

In tone, both Looper Wash and Eleanor herself recall the TV character Daria, that flawed MTV cartoon goddess who never lacked for a sarcastic zinger. But even as Daria and Eleanor take comfort in the knowledge that theyre better than most everyone, they also suffer from and are isolated by their superiority complex. If many of Eleanors problems stem from the Daria-sized chip on her shoulder, then the most compelling part of Today Will Be Different is watching Eleanor decide how and when to let down her guard. (Note that Semple wrote on the Color Me Badd guest-starring episode of 90s night-time soap Beverly Hills, 90210, in which the shows stars fervently swoon over the boy band that wrote I Wanna Sex You Up. Despite her trademark edge, Semple is capable of writing maudlin earnestness when the occasion calls for it.)

Eleanor Flood is a woman with a preemptive mental inventory she calls The Gratitude List, a catalog of all of her husbands traits that annoy her just in case he ever decides to leave her (Item No. 5: He puts sriracha on everything I make. Even waffles.) If humor is the ultimate defense mechanism, how can Eleanor re-train herself to believe that her world isnt always on the verge of collapse? Some yoga and smiling and a good mantra (see the books title) are nice starts but not quite enough to change a world view. Still, its a joy to watch Eleanor struggle to change for the better. That we get to laugh along with her is an added bonus.

Kreizman is the author of the book Slaughterhouse 90210: Where Great Books Meet Pop Culture, based on her popular blog.

Today Will Be Different

Maria Semple

Little, Brown and Co.: 272 pp., $27
Ocean waves, rustling palm trees, singing birds and the melodic sounds of a foreign language: When you book a yoga retreat in a faraway land, the soundtrack to your savasana gets a little more exotic.

Ask anyone who has combined travel with yoga and theyll tell you theres a lot more to a yoga retreat than waking up and doing sun salutations on the beach. Taking your practice to uncharted territory opens your mind, body and soul to new cultures and ideas that can shape the way you view yourself as a citizen of the world. Of course, the spa treatments, poolside massages and guided meditations dont hurt either. From the beaches of Bali to the mountains of India, we found seven yoga retreats around the world designed to satisfy your wanderlust.

Mexico

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Take a trip south of the border to Tulum, where Yogaworks offers weeklong retreats at the eco-chic boutique hotel Amansala. Highlights include invigorating vinyasa classes, meditation workshops, healthy meals and a Mayan clay spa treatment.

www.amansala.com

Bali

Guests at Desa Seni, a village resort in Bali, sleep in antique wooden homes, made with wood imported from the many islands of Indonesia. The resort offers both group and private yoga retreats in a luxurious, relaxing environment.

www.desaseni.com

Hawaii

Situated on the Big Islands volcanic coastline, Kalani is the perfect place to sync your Ujjayi breaths with the ocean. At this remote getaway, guests settle in for a full week of relaxation with personal yoga instruction surrounded by the Hawaiian landscape.

www.kalani.com

India

Yogis trek from all corners of the globe to de-stress at Ananda, nestled at the base of the stunning Himalayas. The retreats seven-day program includes personalized yoga sessions, Reiki, aromatherapy massage, reflexology and more.

www.anandaspa.com

Thailand

Located on the Gulf of Thailand, Chiva-Som International Health Resort offers a yoga retreat that comes complete with private asana and meditation sessions, pranayama, and Ayurvedic treatments. Oh, and all the coconut water you can drink.

www.chivasom.com

Spain

Molino del Rey is set in the stunning nature reserve of Andalucia in southern Spain. Outstanding features include floor-to-ceiling windows in the yoga studio with gorgeous views across the valley, a cave for meditation and therapeutic spa services.

www.molinodelray.com

Greece

A mystical island port, Piso Aetos, Ithaca is an ideal destination for a private, luxurious yoga retreat. At Itha108, guests enjoy twice-daily yoga classes, yoga nidra, daily meditation and organic, locally sourced meals.

www.itha108.com

Kate Kasbee, LA Times Custom Publishing
As more and more jet-setters take their furry friends wherever they go, high-end hotels have created amenities that welcome four-legged guests with open arms.

Cushy beds, treat room-service and walking services are now de rigueur at just about any luxury pet-friendly hotel. But some go that extra mile to welcome Fido and Fluffy. At Romes Waldorf Astoria Cavalieri, VIPs (very important pets) chow down on a special dog menu, and those who may have put on a few extra pounds can run off some calories during a pooch personal trainer session in the surrounding 15 acres of parkland.

After a full workout, a staff member escorts your canine to nearby Domus Aventina for a shampoo, massage, skin treatment and stylish comb out. The ornate, baroque-styled Hotel Bristol in Vienna welcomes dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles and other animal companions. Pet menus are available both in-room and in the hotels restaurants. In the Bristol Lounge, the chef offers a choice of porcelain-bowl-served beef tartare, seasonal fish or poached capon breast. Fred & Otto in Wien, a dog-centric Viennese city guide, is available for guests.

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Guests staying at the Milestone Hotel in Londons swish Kensington district are sent a pet preference form prior to their arrival to make sure everything is ready for four-legged friends. The dog beds include a cozy duvet and the hotel provides a number of services from grooming to birthday parties.

The Very Important Pet Program at the Napa River Inn in Northern California includes a custom-designed blanket, place mat and bowls from which your pet can feast on the hotel-supplied gourmet bones and biscuits made with Napa Valley wines.

Should you want time away from the kids to fully enjoy the areas wineries, pet sitters are available to make sure they dont get up to any mischief or get lonely. And while youre relishing a spa treatment at the Napa River Inn, you can pamper your pooch with a doggie massage.

Closer to home, pet friendliness is nothing new at the stylish La Valencia hotel in La Jolla, which has been offering pet services for more than 90 years, including in-room pet bed nightly turndown service. The hotel hosts monthly Yappy Hours and can arrange a multiple critter services including canine yoga and massages, as well as kayaking and surfing lessons you can enjoy together.

To ensure your pet fits right in to the La Jolla lifestyle, the hotel can also arrange a personal shopper to browse the eclectic selection at a neighborhood pet store called Muttropolis. La Valencia shows it cares about all pets (not just pampered ones) by collecting canine care packages for the nearly 3,000 soldier dogs serving with the U.S. military around the world.

The first hotel to teach dogs how to hang ten, Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers dog surf lessons in conjunction with the Coronado Surf Academy. The first step in teaching a dog to surf is to make sure that he/she enjoys the water, academy owner Teevan McManus said. Its really our only requirement. Second, we invite the owners to participate with us in the water during the lesson. Its their experience, too, and the dogs respond much better to their owners commands.

All pets staying at Loews Coronado receive gifts, including a pet tag, bowl and a special treat to start their vacation. The hotel stocks a full range of pet accessories and offers dog or cat room service menus.

Joe Yogerst, LA Times Custom Publishing Writer
The one percent  that astronomically wealthy group politicians love to hate  dont vacation. They summer or winter, and in jaw-dropping style. If you can pony up six figures for a brief getaway  not including round-trip transportation from the U.S.  heres how to chill like the super-rich.

A romantic weekend in St. Moritz:

$135,000 (depending on exchange rate)

In honor of Badrutts Palaces 120th anniversary, theyre offering romantic a 120,000-euro weekend. Perks include a private jet from airport to hotel, a 12,000-euro shopping spree and a cocktail served with a diamond ring.

Around the world in a private jet:

$147,500 per person

From French Polynesia to the rainforests of Borneo, from Mount Everest to Iceland, this 26-day vacation from Abercrombie & Kent circles the globe. Youll stay at the finest accommodations and at restaurants, or a private chef will prepare meals.

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A swank safari in Kenya:

$210,000

Ol Jogi, a family-owned 60,000-acre resort in Kenya, is home to wildlifes big five  lions, leopards, elephants, endangered black rhinos and buffalo. Its also a nature reserve. As the only guests on the property, you and your posse can indulge in unparalleled luxury. Youll fly in on a private Cessna and stay in exquisite cottages appointed with fine art, antiques, Hermes linens and Buccellati silver. All profits from your visit are reinvested in wildlife conservation.

Maxine Nunes, LA Times Custom Publishing Writer
At a time of rising populist resentment over globalization, Americans largely agree that foreign trade is costing U.S. jobs, but they also hold an increasingly positive view about the value of immigrants to the economy.

In a new study by the Pew Research Center, eight out of 10 adults regarded increased outsourcing of jobs overseas and the growth of imports of foreign-made goods as harmful to U.S. workers.

By comparison, only about half of the people surveyed saw automation as hurtful  even though many economists believe new technologies and the mechanization of work have led to as many job losses as imbalanced trade.

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The publics widespread mistrust of trade has been seized upon by GOP presidential nominee Donald Trumps campaign, and pushed Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee, to reverse her support for the pending U.S.-led trade deal with other Pacific Rim nations.

But Americans in general appear less convinced about Trumps tough stance against immigration, his signature issue.

Pews study, released Thursday, found people in the U.S. have a much more favorable attitude about the impact of immigrants to the economy than before.

A decade ago, 55% of all adults surveyed by Pew felt that the growing number of immigrants working in the U.S. was hurting American workers overall; only 28% said immigration helped.

But this year, the view on this issue was split: 45% said the impact of foreign-born workers was harmful overall, while 42% said immigrants were positive for U.S. workers.

The more-favorable attitude toward immigration was seen across the board  with some of the biggest changes involving black workers, Democrats and those with less than a high school education.

The one exception? A greater share of Republicans today, some 67%, saw immigration as hurting U.S. workers, compared with 61% a decade ago.

By comparison, only 30% of Democrats in the Pew survey considered immigration as harmful to workers, down from 54% who held that view in 2006.

The Pew study, which included a wide range of issues about American jobs, did not seek to explain why peoples views on immigration may have changed. Pews survey did not distinguish between legal and illegal immigration.

Kim Parker, Pews director of social trends research, said softening attitudes toward immigrants in the country illegally could be one factor behind the change. A separate Pew study last August found that seven out of 10 Americans believed immigrants here illegally filled jobs that U.S. citizens did not want.

American attitudes toward immigration have tended to shift with the economic times and peoples perceptions of their own job security. Reflecting todays low unemployment rate and sharp reduction in layoffs in recent years, most people surveyed by Pew did not see a big threat to their jobs in the near term: 60% of employed workers said it is not at all likely that they will lose their job or be laid off in the next 12 months.

And while many in the U.S. do not see good jobs available in their communities, they are generally upbeat about their standard of living and the prospects for the next generation.

A majority of Americans think they have it as good or better than their parents, and, in contrast to the popular perception of widespread gloom, most believe their children will meet or exceed their own standard of living as well.

Among other findings in the Pew study, which sought to understand how people are responding to the challenges of the shifting employment landscape, a majority of adults in the labor force feel it will be essential for them to get training and develop new skills throughout their work life to keep up with changes in the workplace.

Though technical ability is increasingly seen as vital in todays economy, people viewed interpersonal skills, critical thinking and good writing and communications as the most important skills for doing their jobs. Neither colleges nor employers, Pews study suggested, have done enough to prepare people for the changing job requirements and for what it is needed to advance in their careers.

Although the share of adults 25 and older with a bachelors degree or higher has never been greater  rising to 33% last year from 17% in 1980  only 16% of those polled by Pew thought a four-year degree prepared students very well for a good-paying job.

So even though workers generally feel secure in their jobs, 35% of them  including 27% of adults with at least a four-year degree  dont think they have the education and training to get ahead in their current positions.

One encouraging take-away from the Pew study is that workers arent sitting on their hands: Seven in 10 adults say a lot of responsibility falls on individuals to make sure that they have the rights skills and education to succeed in todays economy. And 45% of employed adults have taken a class or undertaken extra training for their jobs in the last year, about half at the behest of their employer.

Also, despite their concerns about good jobs and the lagging wages, there was a relatively high level of worker contentment about their jobs. Nearly half of American workers say they are very satisfied with their current job, while an additional three in 10 say they are somewhat satisfied.

The Pew report, issued in association with the Markle Foundation, was based on an analysis of Department of Labor and the Census Bureaus Current Population Survey data, and a national survey of more than 5,000 adults conducted between May 25 and June 29. The margin of sampling error for the survey was plus or minus 3.8%.

don.lee@latimes.com

Follow me at @dleelatimes

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The troubled blood-testing start-up Theranos said Wednesday that it was shutting its labs and patient testing centers, a move that will cause 340 employees, or about 40% of its workforce, to lose their jobs.

The news, delivered in a letter by the companys founder and chief executive, Elizabeth Holmes, appears to be the end of its much hyped Edison technology that the company had boasted would disrupt the nations blood-testing industry.

Theranos was once valued at $9 billion based on its promises that the Edison device could perform multiple tests with just a few drops of blood taken from a tiny finger stick.

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In her letter, Holmes said the Palo Alto company would now focus its undivided attention on the research and development of a different project -- its experimental miniLabs. The company says it hopes to eventually get approval for the microwave-sized portable blood-testing devices from the Food and Drug Administration.

We have a new executive team leading our work toward obtaining FDA clearances, building commercial partnerships, and pursuing publications in scientific journals, Holmes wrote.

The last year has been devastating for the company and Holmes, which Forbes had once called the youngest self-made female billionaire.

In May, Theranos announced that it was retracting the results of tens of thousands of blood tests that doctors had depended on to care for patients over the last two years.

Walgreens said in June that it was ending its deal with Theranos to put blooding testing sites in its drugstores -- a plan that had started with 40 Theranos blood-testing sites at its stores in Arizona.

After finding a number of violations at the companys Northern California lab in Newark, federal regulators banned Holmes from owning or running a medical lab for two years.

The company now faces lawsuits brought by patients and a number of investigations.

We are fortunate to have supporters and investors who believe deeply in our mission of affordable, less invasive lab testing, and to have the runway to realize our vision, Holmes wrote.

Melody.petersen@latimes.com

Follow @melodypetersen on Twitter
For years, Los Angeles tech industry has been waiting for its big day: image-sharing app Snapchats initial public offering. Now the regions engineers and investors may finally be able to start circling dates on the calendar.

Speculation that the Venice start-up will go public in the first quarter of next year escalated Thursday when the Wall Street Journal reported the company is eyeing a price tag of at least $25 billion, suggesting the plans are coming into focus.

The valuation could produce the U.S. stock markets biggest initial public offering since online shopping giant Alibaba debuted at a $168-billion valuation in 2014.

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Snapchat, now formally known as Snap Inc., has been beefing up its finance team to prepare for the IPO and handle an influx of cash. Snap could bring in close to $500 million in revenue this year, almost 10 times as much as last year. It expects to exceed $1 billion in 2017, according to people familiar with the matter. Whether Snap is profitable is unclear.

As one of the few private companies in the world valued at more than $10 billion, Snap already has raised the Los Angeles tech industrys profile. An IPO would not only further establish both the company and the community on the global stage but also lead to a bevy of newly wealthy employees who may begin to invest in other local firms.

Tom Unterman, a founding partner at Santa Monica venture capital firm Rustic Canyon Partners since 1999, said a Snap IPO would dwarf the regions previous Internet offerings, such as those of EToys and TrueCar.

The IPO is a rite of passage. When you do that, the markets have recognized this is real and theres real value, Unterman said. Its impactful because it tells the investment world that theres big things happening in the tech scene in Los Angeles.

Snap spokeswoman Mary Ritti declined to comment on rumors about the companys financing plans.

Its uncertain how much money Snap is seeking to raise, but the companys investors expect the total to be close to the nearly $2 billion raised during its most recent financing earlier this year. Venture capitalists and other investors in that transaction valued the company at more than $16 billion, not counting the new funds.

Snap could use the money to maintain its brisk hiring pace, which has seen it grow from a few hundred employees to more than 1,000 this year. And using its publicly traded shares as currency, Snap could continue to use acquisitions as the starting point for new initiatives.

For example, a start-up Snap acquired two years ago devised the prototype for Spectacles, sunglasses with an integrated video camera that the company plans to begin selling later this year. Its also invested in media companies through joint ventures with Hearst and Vertical Networks.

Snaps Snapchat app is used by more than 150 million people and companies each day to share and view videos, photos and text messages. But the company is just getting started in the eyes of Snap Chief Executive Evan Spiegel, who has said he wants his firm to reinvent the camera, informing and entertaining people along the way.

Snaps ambitions  and the thirst for hot stocks in a market that has seen the number of new listings plummet this year  could explain why company investors expect to see shares command a significant premium compared with tech peers such as Facebook and Twitter.

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During an interview on the BBC last spring, Esa-Pekka Salonen described a recent dream he had of hearing an orchestra playing something unbelievably gorgeous. When he awoke, he excitedly told his wife that he had the opening for a cello concerto he was working on for Yo-Yo Ma.

Still bleary-eyed, the composer rushed to the piano before he forgot the dream. The passage, he soon realized, had been lifted note for note from a symphony by Witold Lutoslawski. It was not a good morning, Salonen bemoaned.

It was a good night Tuesday when Salonen began a West Coast tour with his London orchestra, the Philharmonia, at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa with a great performance of Sibelius Fifth Symphony. That performance made me think of his dream.

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Leonard Bernstein claimed that when he conducted Mahler, he was Mahler. When Pierre Boulez conducted Debussys Jeux, he did so as though Boulez had written it. This is something that only happens with the most creative and accomplished composer-conductors. With this Sibelius Fifth, in which it was difficult to tell where one composer stopped and the other started, Salonen joined ranks with a select few.

Salonen comes from a generation of Finnish composers who rebelled against the looming presence of Sibelius, a composer who became the symbol of a nation. For much of his 17-year tenure as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Salonen was both selective and diffident about performing Sibelius until he finally led a cycle of seven symphonies and miscellaneous other orchestral works during his penultimate season. Salonen explained on the BBC interview that Sibelius hands were a little bit away from his neck, not around it. The performances of the seven symphonies stood out for their revelatory freshness, clarity and modernity  with still a hint of hands-off wariness.

But in this latest interpretation of the Fifth, nine years later, Salonen doesnt simply let Sibelius be. Here he magnifies the sheer visceral impact of a great symphony, as though he moved from the first high-definition televisions to the best new 4K and 5K models, from a 40-inch screen to a 100-inch one. The clarity is greater. The colors are richer. There is simply more there there.

The brass are brassier, and the woodwinds blow through mysterious Finnish forests  but also have the cheery flavor of delicious small Finnish summer strawberries. The sense of nature is imposing. The music feels to grow by natural means, to change shape and feeling like clouds in a spectacular sky. For the final climax, Salonen found a musical equivalent of stop-motion photography, allowing the force of nature to stop us in our tracks.

Where does this come from?

The program did, and didnt, prepare us. The first half was another standard repertory symphony, Beethovens heroic warhorse, his Third Symphony (Eroica). This seemed an unusually conventional program for one of the most innovative of our celebrated conductors and known for brilliant program-making.

Unlike when he was music director of the L.A. Phil, overseeing all aspects of programming, Salonen has devoted his energies as principal conductor and artistic advisor at the Philharmonia for eight years to exploring in depth composers and musical styles that interest him. Hes done projects around Bartok and the Second Viennese School. This year he has embarked on a Stravinsky festival, which has included a re-creation of Peter Sellars production of Symphony of Psalms, and Oedipus Rex created for Salonens last concert as L.A. Phil music director in 2009.

In fact, after the cheers for the Sibelius performance started to die down, Salonen turned to the audience and noted that we were probably wondering where Stravinsky was. The encore then was the coda from Stravinskys ballet, Apollon Musagete.

Really, though, the Stravinsky was in the Eroica. Salonen did some surprising things with Beethoven, most surprising of all using valveless early 19th century trumpets. But they were used to the opposite effect of reproducing historical performance practice. Instead, the symphony came across as a predecessor of Rite of Spring.

Rhythms were propulsive. Cellos and basses in the first movement dug in as though warming up for Stravinsky-ized ancient Russian rites. Spring sprung violently. The Philharmonia, an orchestra with an unusually high proportion of young players, does not make a lush sound but rather a tightly focused one, harsh even at times. But the playing is extraordinary vivid, the individual timbres of instruments never watered down for the sake of homogeneity.

Again, where does this come from? The answer may be technology. Salonen does less new music in London than he did in L.A. But he has made this orchestra one of the worlds most inquisitive in its use of new multimedia technologies, the latest of which is undertaking explorations with virtual reality.

The traditional program Tuesday  which opened a new season for the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and which moves this week to Northridge, Santa Barbara and Berkeley  includes no bells and whistles. Yet it sounded all bells and whistles, as though the Philharmonia had so absorbed virtual reality that it could now produce larger-than-life effects the old-fashioned way.

------------

Philharmonia Orchestra with conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen

In Northridge: 8 p.m. Wednesday at Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St.; $43-$85; (818) 677-3000, ValleyPerformingArtsCenter.org

In Santa Barbara: 8 p.m. Thursday at the Granada Theatre, 1214 State St.; $39-$119; Community Arts Music Assn., (805) 899-2222, camasb.org

mark.swed@latimes.com

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.5

Trend:

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva has visited a nursing home for the war and labor disabled in Bilgah, Baku.

Leyla Aliyeva met with the people living in the nursing home, and talked with them.

The nursing home for the war and labor disabled was commissioned in 1960s.

National Leader Heydar Aliyev visited the nursing home in 1998. President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening of a new block of the nursing home in 2013. Some 207 people live here.

Leyla Aliyeva regularly visits the home to meet with the people living here.
A humble monument by a Swiss artist. The influence of one of Latin Americas most important religious icons. And the importance of alchemy in art. Plus: A paean to pop on the west side. Here are eight events to check out in the coming week:

Thomas Hirschhorn: Stand-alone, at the Mistake Room. In his first solo installation in Los Angeles, the Swiss artist is transforming the gallery into a chaotic, immersive environment crafted from cardboard, old armchairs and sofas and stocked with a carefully chosen selection of books. The artist is known for re-conceiving the idea of monuments into often humbly crafted installations (think: duct tape) that require the participation of a viewer to complete. (He did a much-discussed, large-scale, months-long install at a public housing project in New York City in 2013 called the Gramsci Monument.) Opens Friday at 7:30 p.m. and runs through Dec. 17. 1811 E. 20th St., downtown Los Angeles, tmr.la.

An exvoto created by an unknown artist in the late 19th century, part of an exhibition of art work inspired by the Virgin of Guadalupe at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. (Museo de la Baslica de Guadalupe) (Test)

Virgin of Guadalupe: Images in Colonial Mexico, at the Bowers Museum. This exhibition looks at the extraordinary impact of the Virgin of Guadalupe on Mexican culture, history and iconography through more than 60 artworks, including objects from the the virgins basilica in Mexico City, as well as a sacred reliquary that contains a portion of the garment worn by Juan Diego, the indigenous peasant who first saw the virgin in an apparition. Opens Saturday and runs through Jan. 29. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, bowers.org

The Art of Alchemy, at the Getty Museum. A new exhibition at the Getty examines the art of alchemy  an area of study described as science tinged with spirituality and infused with a spritz of artistic spirit  dating from its origins in Greco-Roman antiquity to the Industrial Age. Alchemy was also closely tied to the production of pigments and colored inks, serving an important role in the production of art  subject of the related show, The Alchemy of Color on Medieval Manuscripts, takes on. Opens Tuesday and runs through Jan. 1. Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood, Los Angeles, getty.edu.

Wallpaper With Blue Floor Interior, 1992, by Roy Lichtenstein, part of a retrospective devoted to the artist at the Skirball Cultural Center. (Estate of Roy Lichtenstein / Gemini G.E.L.) (Test)

Pop for the People: Roy Lichtenstein in Los Angeles, at the Skirball Cultural Center. A new exhibition of the pop artist looks at more than 70 works spanning four decades, many of which are connected to Los Angeles and the artists collaboration with important print studios here  including Gemini G.E.L. and Tamarind Lithography Workshop. (My colleague Deborah Vankin has a story about his engagement with L.A.) The show also includes a three-dimensional re-imagination of Lichtensteins 1992 painting Bedroom at Arles. This I will have to see to believe. Opens Friday and runs through March 12. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood, Los Angeles, skirball.org.

Truc Anh: Vacuphilia, at Varola. The first exhibition by the Vietnamese-French artist features paintings and installations that feature bodies and body parts inhabiting an abstracted world of black and white. Opens today and runs through Jan. 20. Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., Ste. B256, West Hollywood, helenvarola.com.

Coral Sea (Heavy Fog), 2015, by Kio Griffith, at BLAM. (Kio Griffith / BLAM) (Test)

Shift and Fade, at BLAM. A group show features a series of large-scale installations as well as 21 small sculptures, made by artists who often dont work in that medium. The show includes Kio Griffiths intriguing mappings related to a World War II-era battle in the Pacific in which her ancestors fought on opposing sides, as well as the intricate, woven drawings of San Pedro-based artist Fran Siegel. Opens Saturday at 3 p.m. and runs through Oct. 30. There will be an artist talk with Shana Nys Dambrot on Oct. 30. 1950 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown Los Angeles, blamprojects.com.

Fort Greene, at Venus. Organized by Adrianne Rubenstein, director of the Canada gallery in New York, the exhibition charts the web of visual and other connections among a group of New York artists. Of particular interest are the enigmatic geometric assemblages of Sarah Braman, the slightly magical paintings of Alex Chaves, the vibrant domestic settings of Bella Foster and a sculpture of John Waters head by John De Fazio that also doubles as a bong. Heady all around. Through Oct. 29. 601 S. Anderson St., Boyle Heights, venusovermanhattan.com.

In Real Life: 100 Days of Film and Performance, at the Hammer Museum. This 4-month program is bringing a series of screenings, performances, film and video to the museum during a remodel. Coming this weekend are screenings from Artists Film International (a series of artist films and videos). Also, artists Emily Mast and Mikaal Sulaiman will be rehearsing a new performance as part of the museums In Real Life: Studio series, which allows viewers to see works in progress. Through Jan. 25. Check the schedule for events and times. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, hammer.ucla.edu.

LAST CHANCE

Karla Klarin: Subdividing the LAndscape, at CSUN Art Galleries. The San Fernando Valley-raised artist examines some of our citys more quotidian landscapes in a series of painted works that take sprawl and the suburban as points of inspiration. But dont expect the cookie cutter: Klarins works have a way of capturing grit. Through Saturday. Cal State Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, csun.edu.

Untitled clay cubes by Bosco Sodi, on view as part of a pop-up exhibition in Los Angeles. (Bosco Sodi) (Bosco Sodi )

Bosco Sodi, Malpais, in a pop-up exhibition at 143 N. Robertson. The Mexican artist is known for densely pigmented monochromes and geometric clay cubes (evocative of the work of Isamu Noguchi) that play with color and the visceral qualities of his earthy materials. This one-off show is presented by the New York-based Paul Kasmin Gallery with Brandon Davis Projects and Jose Mestre. Through Saturday. 143 N. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, brandondavisprojects.net.

ONGOING EXHIBITIONS

Tong Kunniao, Why Dont You Eat Stinky Tofu? at Nicodim Gallery. The Chinese-born artist features messy assemblages and kinetic sculptures crafted from detritus that include Barbie dolls and religious souvenirs. Through Oct. 15. 571 S. Anderson St., Suite 2, Boyle Heights, nicodimgallery.com.

Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle and Tyler Matthew Oyer, Exploring The Nowannago: Kentifrican Modes of Resistance, at Grand Central Art Center. A combination of performance and video piece, Exploring the Nowannago is part of Hinkles long-running exploration of the ways in which black female bodies are commoditized and exoticized. Also on display is Jesse Kees sound installation featuring a series of pieces drawn from the artists experience working in Santa Ana. Through Oct. 16. 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, grandcentralartcenter.com.

Autoconcancin VI, by Abraham Cruzvillegas, at Regen Projects. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times )

Abraham Cruzvillegas, Autoconcancion, at Regen Projects. In his work, the Mexican artist has long riffed on the improvised nature of Latin American informal architecture  so-called autoconstrucciones. For his second show at Regen, Cruzvillegas is exploring similar territory, though on this occasion, he is employing the backseat of every car he has ever used (a nod to SoCal car culture). These will be affixed to planters bearing plantings from our region. Through Oct. 22. 6750 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, regenprojects.com.

James Richards, Hack the Analog, at Shoshana Wayne Gallery. A series of new paintings play with their structure in pieces that function partially as sculpture and partially as weaving. Through Oct. 22. Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., B1, Santa Monica, shoshanawayne.com.

Edith Beaucage, Sequencer, Spectrum, Reverb, at Luis De Jesus Los Angeles. In loose, wild brush strokes, the L.A. artist captures figures in hallucinatory landscapes that evoke a painted rave. Also on view will be an exhibition of photographs and large-scale video by Bryan Zanisnik, a New York-based artist preoccupied by the architecture of monuments and theatrical sets. Through Oct. 22. 2685 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, luisdejesus.com.

Fran Siegel, Reconstruction, at ACME. The artist creates elaborate pieces that integrate drawing, cut-outs and collaging to capture the urban environment on a massive scale. In a new series of works going on view at the gallery, Siegel sets her sights on Los Angeles, capturing patterns of migration, settlement and evolution. A new way to see the city that surrounds us. Through Oct. 22. 6150 Wilshire Blvd., Carthay, Los Angeles, acemlosangeles.com.

Clint Woodside, Under Cover Cars, at These Days L.A. The artists first solo exhibitions gathers five years worth of images chronicling SoCal cars draped in all manner of plastics and tarps. Through Oct. 23. 118 Winston St., 2nd Floor, downtown Los Angeles, thesedaysla.com.

An installation view of Hanne Darbovens exhibition at Sprth Magers in Los Angeles. (Joshua White / Sprth Magers) (Joshua White / Sprth Magers )

Hanne Darboven, at Spruth Magers. The first solo exhibition devoted to the German conceptualists work in half a dozen years contains three installations that riff on the nature of time and other concepts through monumental pieces laden with obsessively detailed charts and calendars. This includes work dating to the 1970s (Darboven died in 2009). Through Oct. 29. 5900 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, spruethmagers.com.

Michelle Kingdom, at bG Gallery. Kingdom takes embroidery and gives it a surreal twist, using it to create scenes  a figure hovering over a crowd of faceless women, for example  that are as strange as they are fantastical. Through Oct. 29. Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., G8A, Santa Monica, santamonica.bgartdealings.com.

Tom Knechtel, Astrolabe, at Marc Selwyn Fine Art. The artist, known for theatrical pieces that often border on the surreal (think: wrestlers in skirts and humans with bird heads) is unveiling three new paintings as well as a series of intimate new drawings consisting largely of portraiture and self-portraiture  areas that this master draftsman had not previously explored. Through Oct. 29. 9953 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, marcselwynfineart.com.

Mira Schor, War Frieze (1991-1994) and Power Frieze (2016), at CB1 Gallery. Schor, the New York-based feminist artist who first made her name in the 70s at the California Institute of the Arts, is back in L.A. with a new selection of paintings that riff on art world politics and the body. A separate space features her historic work War Frieze, created between 1991 and 1994, a series of panels that, when presented together, run more than 200 feet. Through Oct. 30. 1923 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown Los Angeles, cb1gallery.com.

Tom Knechtel, The Reader of His Own Self, at CB1 Gallery. The Los Angeles artist renowned for rendering fantastically detailed paintings that seem to channel William Blake and Hieronymus Bosch in equal parts is displaying a selection of prints and drawings produced throughout his career  including new works that riff on the personal, such as two prints created especially for the show. The exhibition also serves as a prelude to a show of the artists paintings that will open at Marc Selwyn in Beverly Hills next week. Opens Saturday at 3 p.m. and runs through Oct. 30. 1923 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown Los Angeles, cb1gallery.com.

Henry Taylor, at Blum & Poe. The artists latest solo exhibition features a series of new paintings and sculptures displayed in three unique environments that tackle ideas of class  including a dirt lot and a grassy lawn. As part of the exhibition, he will also be screening a film by friend and collaborator Kahlil Joseph, who last year hypnotized with his installation Double Conscience at the Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown Los Angeles. The gallery will also be having a concurrent show of the early sign paintings of Mark Grotjahn. Through Nov. 5. 2727 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, blumandpoe.com.

The Knowing Moon, 2016, by Marnie Weber, part of the L.A. artists multimedia installation at Gavlak in Hollywood. (Marnie Weber / Gavlak) (Marnie Weber / Gavlak )

Marnie Weber, Chapel of the Moon, at Gavlak Gallery. The Los Angeles artist has created a cast of mythical characters employed in her first feature film  a modern-day fairy tale titled The Day of Forevermore, which recently screened at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel  and these serve as the source of a new series of multimedia works at the gallery. Expect works that play with fantasy, reality and the mildly satanic. Through Nov. 5. 1034 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, gavlakgallery.com.

Wu Tsang, The Luscious Land of God Is Sinking, at 356 Mission. The L.A.-based filmmaker and performer is screening her recent film, Duilian, about a Chinese feminist revolutionary who was executed for attempting to foment revolution in the early 20th century. She will also be showing new sculptures, photographs and a limestone plaque that will be embedded in the sidewalk out front. Through Nov. 6. 356 S. Mission Road, Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, 356mission.com.

Dissent: What They Fear Is the Light, at Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions. A group show explores issues of privacy, control and surveillance in our hyper-connected, always-logged-on digital world. Through Nov. 6. 6522 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, welcometolace.org.

Karon Davis, Pain Management, at Wilding Cran Gallery. Employing plaster casts and shredded medicine bills, the artist has re-created the hospital environment that her husband, artist Noah Davis, was forced to inhabit as the result of a fatal illness. (He died last summer.) These are used to create a series of figurative sculptures that conjure notions of preservation and mummification. Through Nov. 12. 939 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown Los Angeles, wildingcran.com.

Lewis Baltz, Docile Bodies, at Gallery Luisotti. In 1994, the renowned California photographer created a monumental photographic installation titled Docile Bodies, which combined images of surveillance with fragments of human bodies. The work has not been shown in the U.S. since 1998, when the Museum of Contemporary Art displayed it. Now, Gallery Luisotti has reassembled it and placed it on view. Through Nov. 12. Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Building A2, Santa Monica, galleryluisotti.com.

He/She/They, at Rosegallery. A group exhibition gathers works by photographers whose subjects go beyond the simple gender binary of male and female. Included is a range of imagery  produced by a diverse group of artists that includes Diane Arbus, Antonio Caballero, Yasumasa Morimura and Jo Ann Callis  depicting the fluid nature of gender, from drag queens to female impersonators to androgyny of all kinds. Through Nov. 12. Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., G-5, Santa Monica, rosegallery.net.

London Calling, at the Getty Museum. Drawn primarily from the collection of the Tate in London, this exhibition brings together six of the leading British painters of the 20th century, figures who resisted trends toward abstraction to focus on the figure, revolutionizing the act of painting in the process. Through Nov. 13. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood, Los Angeles, getty.edu.

Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The filmmakers work  which includes movies such as Pans Labyrinth, Hellboy and Pacific Rim  all play with notions of the fantastical. This exhibition looks at the directors artistic process, including plenty of drawings and maquettes, along with the objects that inspire him (including some truly odd and macabre works from LACMAs permanent collection). These are presented in a series of thematic rooms that explore magic, occultism, death and monsters. A totally wild ride. Through Nov. 27. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org.

A sheet metal obelisk by David Taylor and Marcos Ramirez Erre somewhere south of Ashland, Ore. -- part of a project marking the 1821 U.S.-Mexico border now on view at MCASD. (Marcos Ramirez Erre and David Taylor) (Marcos Ramirez Erre and David Taylor)

Marcos Ramirez ERRE and David Taylor, Delimitations: A Survey of the 1821 United States-Mexico Border, at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. In 2014, Ramirez and Taylor set out on a more than 3,000-mile journey to mark the 1821 border between the U.S. and Mexico, which took them to unlikely places such as Medicine Bow, Wyo., and Dodge City, Kan. This exhibition presents photography and other documentation from that journey, one that looks at the fragile nature of political borders. Also on view will be the wild urban architecture-inspired sculptures of L.A. artist Ruben Ochoa  rising like monsters from the gallery floor. A pair of shows not to miss. Through Nov. 27. Jacobs Building, 1100 Kettner Blvd., downtown San Diego, mcasd.org.

Maggie Lee, Gigis Underground, at 356 Mission. Constructed out of the artists personal archive, this debut film consists of a portrait of the artist before and after her mothers sudden death. Through Nov. 27. 356 S. Mission Road, Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, 356mission.com.

A Generosity of Spirit: Celebrating the Gift of Eugene Rogolsky, at the Fisher Museum. The Angeleno acquired an eclectic range of works over the course of his years as a patron, including photography and paintings. One of the highlights: The significant number of works by prominent Chicano painter Carlos Almaraz. Through Dec. 3. USC, 823 W. Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, Los Angeles, fisher.usc.edu.

American Mosaic: Picturing Modern Art Through the Eye of Duncan Phillips, at the Orange County Museum of Art. In the early 20th century, at a time when many U.S. moguls were focusing on amassing European masters, banking and steel scion Duncan Phillips focused his collecting efforts on American art, acquiring canvases by now venerated painters such as Thomas Eakins, Marsden Hartley, Winslow Homer, Georgia OKeeffe and Helen Frankenthaler. This exhibition brings together more than five dozen works from his collection. Through Dec. 4. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, ocma.net.

The Spun Universe: Wixarika (Huichol) Yarn Paintings, at the Fowler Museum. A new show gathers the brightly woven yarn paintings of Wixarika artist Ramon Medina Silva, known for his elaborate compositions depicting astral figures, holy plants and important ritual objects, all crafted with brilliant threads. Through Dec. 4. UCLA, 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., Westwood, Los Angeles, fowler.ucla.edu.

Jud Fine and Barbara McCarren, AND/OR, at the University Art Museum. A survey exhibition includes works old and new by the L.A.-based art-making couple. This features a number of pieces related to such topics as offshore banking and the nature of currency, and a new installation, Continental Edge Dwellers (CED), that explores the coast  that blurry line between land and water. Its a good subject to marinate in at a time when Californias coast is subject to struggles over development. Through Dec. 11. Cal State Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, web.csulb.edu/org/uam.

Yulya Dukhovny, Fishermans Dream: The World in Miniature, at Grand Central Art Center. Inspired by the traditional paper theaters of 19th century Europe, the artist has created her own version of the form, but uses it to stage narratives with a contemporary twists. The installation includes sets and video  as well as regular theatrical performances that feature unique musical compositions. Through Dec. 11. 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, grandcentralartcenter.com.

Betye Saar, Black White, at Roberts & Tilton. The grand dame of L.A. assemblage art (who is about to open a one-woman show at the Prada Foundation in Milan) is showing four decades worth of sculptures and wall pieces in the gallerys project space  transformed to reflect both the colors and politics of black and white. Also on view will be the abstract paintings of Evan Nesbit. Through Dec. 17. 5801 Washington Blvd., Culver City, robertsandtilton.com.

Sleep, David Adamo: Untitled and Devin Farrand: Heft, at Ibid Gallery. The gallery debuts its new space in Boyle Heights this weekend with several new exhibitions, including a group show that riffs on the idea of sleep, as well as a pair of solos devoted to the work of sculptor David Adamo and the abstractions of Devin Farrand. Through Oct. 29. Adamos exhibition and Sleep are on view through Dec. 17. 670 S. Anderson St., Boyle Heights, ibidgallery.com.

Paul Sietsema, at Matthew Marks Gallery. The artists first solo exhibition in L.A. in more than a dozen years includes new paintings and drawings, as well as two recent films. The show is partly built around the color green, featuring one work of pure abstraction and another made with euro banknotes. The film Abstract composition, in the meantime, animates phrases from online auction sites. Through Dec. 23. 1062 N. Orange Grove, West Hollywood, matthewmarks.com.

Maria Lassnig, A Painting Survey, 1950-2007, at Hauser Wirth & Schimmel. This is the first Los Angeles solo exhibition for the late Austrian artist, known for her inventively weird figurative paintings. The show traces the artists journey over a nearly six-decade period, from her early abstractions to the mildly distorted, even cartoonish, paintings of people and settings that are more about capturing psychological states of being than rendering exact figures. Through Dec. 31. 901 E. 3rd St., downtown Los Angeles, hauserwirthschimmel.com.

MOLAA at Twenty: 1996-2016, at the Museum of Latin American Art. The Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach is celebrating two decades in existence with a show that draws from the museums permanent collection of more than 1,600 objects. These include works by renowned Modernists Joaqiun Torres-Garcia and Wifredo Lam, Argentine conceptualist Len Ferrari as well as contemporary figures such as Alexandre Arrechea and Patssi Valdez. Through Jan. 1. 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, molaa.org.

Drawing: The Art of Change, at the Getty Museum. An exhibition of drawings from the Gettys permanent collection looks at the ways in which artists employ revision and change in their works. Through Jan. 1. Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood, Los Angeles, getty.edu.

Mestizaje, by Ernesto Yerena Montejano at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes. (Ernesto Yerena Montejano) (Test)

Ernesto Yerena Montejano, Espejismo/Cicatriz, at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes. A series of intensely detailed, layered collages by the Los Angeles-based artist explore issues of identity in the Latino community. Through Jan. 1. 501 N. Main St., downtown Los Angeles, lapca.org.

Senses of Time: Video and Film-Based Works of Africa, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. For one of its long-term installations, the museum has gathered works of video or film by contemporary African artists that explore the body and the looping nature of time. This includes pieces by figures such as Yinka Shonibare, Sammy Baloji, Berni Searle, Moatax Nasr and Theo Eshetu. Through Jan. 2. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, lacma.org.

The Serial Impulse at Gemini G.E.L., at LACMA. Over the course of five decades, the innovative Los Angeles print studio has produced historic limited edition works for renowned artists such as Richard Serra, Claes Oldenburg, Vija Celmins, David Hockney and Robert Rauschenberg. Now the museum, in conjunction with the National Gallery of Art, brings together some of the most exquisite examples of work produced at the famed West Hollywood shop, including Rauschenbergs 1967 print, Booster, a 6-foot-tall print that in its day was the largest art print ever made. Do not miss Oldenburgs pieces, which ruminate on the nature of Los Angeles.Through Jan. 2. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org.

The Rat Bastard Protective Association, at the Landing. The Rat Bastard Protective Association was a close-knit group of now well-known California artists  including Bruce Conner, Jay DeFeo, Wallace Berman and Joan Brown  that worked together in a building dubbed Painterland in San Francisco. Anastasia Aukeman, who wrote a book on the group  Welcome to Painterland: Bruce Conner and the Rat Bastard Protective Association  has organized an exhibition that brings the groups works together for the first time since the late 1950s. Through Jan. 7. 5118 W. Jefferson Blvd., West Adams, thelandinggallery.com.

Kay Sekimachi, Simple Complexity, at the Craft & Folk Art Museum. The museum has gathered a lifetimes worth of work  from the 1960s to today  of this innovative Bay Area fiber artist. Through Jan. 8. 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, cafam.org.

Radio Imagination: Artists in the Archive of Octavia E. Butler, at the Armory Center for the Arts. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the death of sci-fi writer Octavia Butler. As part of this exhibition, which is organized by Clockshop, seven contemporary artists have created work inspired by the items in Butlers archive, held by the Huntington Library. The new pieces include drawings, a sound installation, sculpture and even a musical work, which will premiere at the exhibitions opening. Also on view will be an exhibition of sculptures and video by Harry Dodge  making this a most excellent two-fer. Through Jan. 8. 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, armoryarts.org.

Doug Aitken, Electric Earth, at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The L.A. artists first North American museum survey features an array of collage, photographic and video installation works from throughout his career  including the cinematic Song 1, from 2012, screening on a massive circular screen, and Electric Earth, the 1999 video installation that earned him the International Prize at the Venice Biennale.Through Jan. 15. Geffen Contemporary, 152 N. Central Ave., downtown Los Angeles, moca.org.

Beatriz Cortez, Nomad World, at the Vincent Price Art Museum. The L.A.-based artist and cultural critic has transformed the gallery space at the museum into an arcade that picks apart global capitalism. A fortune-telling booth, a pinball machine and a jukebox have been pulled apart and put back together, in ways that grapple with issues such as migration, economics and identity. Through Jan. 28. East Los Angeles College, 1301 Cesar Chavez Ave., Monterey Park, vincentpriceartmuseum.org.

California Wood Artists, at the Maloof Foundation. A group show gathers wooden objects created by nearly 40 California wood artists, from one-of-a-kind furnishing to elaborate marquetry inspired by Google searches. Through Feb. 11. 5131 Carnelian St., Alta Loma, malooffoundation.org.

Nkame: A Retrospective of Cuban Printmaker Belkis Ayon, at the Fowler Museum. The Cuban visual artist was known for powerful pieces inspired by the visual iconography of the founding myths of Abakua, an Afro-Cuban fraternal society. Over her short life (she died at age 32 in 1999), she produced a voluminous number of prints and collages in shades of black and white that convey scenes that are both magical and enigmatic. Through Feb. 12. UCLA, 308 Charles Young Drive North, Westwood, Los Angeles, fowler.ucla.edu.

In the Land of Sunshine: Imaging the California Coast World, at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. Covering a period that begins in the mid-19th century and spans to today, this exhibition covers beach culture up and down our states more than 800-mile coast  from playful abstractions of the shoreline to expressive watercolors that will make you practically taste the salt air. Through Feb. 19. 490 E. Union St., Pasadena, pmcaonline.org.

Toba Khedoori, at the L.A. County Museum of Art. This is the first major museum survey of the L.A.-based artist, known for her painstaking draftsmanship and enigmatic drawings and paintings. Her works often feature architectural elements, landscape, smoke and flame in ways that play with negative space and toy with meaning. Through Mar. 19. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org.

Non Fiction at the Underground Museum. An emotionally charged exhibition curated by the late Noah Davis, in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles brings together works that explore issues of race and violence. This includes important works from MOCAs permanent collection by artists such as Robert Gober, Kara Walker, Henry Taylor and David Hammons. Through March. 3508 W. Washington Blvd., Arlington Heights, Los Angeles, theunderground-museum.org.

Islamic Art Now: Part 2 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Contemporary works from LACMAs permanent collection by 20 artists who live in or have roots in the Middle East look at questions of society, gender and identity. Runs indefinitely. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, lacma.org.

Loris Greaud, Sculpt, at the L.A. County Museum of Art. The entire theater has been taken over by the European artist for a film that screens to only one person at a time. The nonlinear picture follows a man about whom we know very little, who seems to be constantly developing the concept of what experiencing beauty, thought, or obsession can be, according the write-up. Times critic Christopher Knight describes it as pretentious and uninvolving. A good hate-watch, maybe? On view through a yet to be determined date. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org.

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A Delaware judge on Thursday granted a request by attorneys for Sumner Redstone to halt evidence gathering, including a possible deposition of the ailing media mogul, in a Viacom shareholder lawsuit until he rules on a defense motion to dismiss the complaint.

After hearing arguments from attorneys, Chancellor Andre Bouchard agreed to put the case on hold until he hears arguments in January on the motion to dismiss and issues his ruling.

The shareholder plaintiffs are challenging actions taken by Viacoms board in renominating Redstone, 93, as a director earlier this year amid concerns about his health and mental capacity, and efforts by Redstone and his daughter Shari to change the companys bylaws and oust certain directors.

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Redstones attorneys argued that he has a serious speech impediment, and that subjecting him to a deposition would exacerbate his health problems while providing little if any useful evidence regarding the actions and intentions of other board members.

It really ends up being nothing more than an assault on this mans dignity, said Robert Klieger, an attorney for Redstone.

Eric Zagar, an attorney for the plaintiffs, argued that Redstones health was unlikely to improve, and that a deposition would shed light on his capacity to make and communicate decisions as a director and controlling shareholder of Viacom.

Ultimately, we are challenging his capacity to make any corporate decisions since at least the summer, Zagar said.

While agreeing to put evidence gathering in the case on hold, Bouchard directed attorneys to talk about a protocol for deposing Redstone, given statements by his attorneys that it could cause him anxiety, and probably aggravate problems he has sleeping and swallowing, while increasing his blood pressure.

In other circumstances, I might be skeptical about assertions like this, but I believe they should be taken seriously when we are talking about the health risks of a 93-year-old man, he said.

The judge also suggested that an independent medical examination of Redstone may be more useful than a deposition in addressing questions about his competency.

The lawsuit is one of several legal battles that have played out over the past year involving Redstone and the future of the media empire he controls through National Amusements Inc., a private movie theater company that holds controlling shares in both Viacom and CBS. Redstone stepped down as executive chairman of both companies earlier this year. Viacom owns the Paramount Pictures movie studio and pay TV channels such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and BET.

Earlier this year, longtime Viacom Chief Executive Phillipe Dauman was pushed out following a legal battle with Shari Redstone over control of the company. The fight ended with Shari Redstone as a Viacom director and president of National Amusements.

A lawsuit in Los Angeles in which a former girlfriend and caregiver challenged Sumner Redstones competency was tossed out in May.

That same month, Sumner Redstone stripped Dauman and George Abrams, another longtime advisor, of key positions as trustees and board members of National Amusements.

The two argued in response that Redstone wasnt mentally competent and was being manipulated by his daughter.

Similarly, the plaintiffs in the shareholder lawsuit argue that Viacom directors breached their fiduciary duties in continuing to keep Redstone on the board even though, as they claim, he is unfit to serve. They also argue that certain bylaw changes orchestrated by Redstone should be invalidated if it is shown that he was not competent to authorize them.

Klieger acknowledged that his client is dealing with some serious health issues, but he noted that advanced age and physical problems do not necessarily mean his cognitive abilities are impaired.

Physical impairments themselves should not be a bar to serving as a corporate director, he said.
Its President Obamas voice we hear first. So lets look at the statistics, he says. The United States is home to 5% of the worlds population but 25% of the worlds prisoners. Think about that.

Which is what 13th, Ava DuVernays smart, powerful and disturbing documentary, proceeds to make us do.

As persuasively argued as it is angry, and it is very angry, 13th follows that statistic with another, equally unsettling one. African Americans make up 6.5% of the American population but 40.2% of the prison populace. While a white male has a 1 in 17 chance of ending up behind bars, for black males it is 1 in 3.

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How did this situation happen, where did it come from? How did America end up with the highest rate of incarceration in the world? How did our prison population go from 196,441 in 1970 to nearly 2.3 million today?

Named after the constitutional amendment that ended slavery, DuVernays follow up to best picture Oscar nominee Selma reminds us that this state of affairs did not take place overnight.

Offering a brisk, cogently argued alternative to the conventionally taught American story, allied in that sense to Howard Zinns A Peoples History of the United States, DuVernay gives us a documentary that systematically covers a lot of territory, a century and a half of race relations in this country in fact.

If it is packed with facts, statistics and on-camera thoughts  from top-drawer academics like Henry Louis Gates, Michelle Alexander (author of the groundbreaking The New Jim Crow) and Angela Davis as well as assorted notables including Sen. Cory Booker, Newt Gingrich and Grover Norquist  it is because there is so much to deal with.

In addition to these incisive talking heads, 13th provides a great deal of newsreel and documentary material (footage of a white Little Rock mob beating up black journalist L. Alex Wilson, later the editor of the Chicago Defender, is especially chilling).

And music plays a key role as well, not only with songs like Nina Simones version of Work Song heard on the sound track, but with key words from rap lyrics like Public Enemys Dont Believe the Hype appearing as arresting large type on the screen.

As put together by DuVernays longtime editor, Spencer Averick (who also shares co-writing credit with the director), everything in 13th illuminates what is convincingly presented as a sad and tragic story that we are still living today.

The films premise is that while the 13th Amendment to the Constitution eliminated slavery and involuntary servitude, it in effect had an unintentional loophole that asserted except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.

For the South after the end of the Civil War, says University of Connecticut professor Jelani Cobb, the question became how to replace the 4 million slaves who were the critical component of the regions economic system.

The answer turned out to be mass arrests for minor crimes such as loitering and vagrancy and the creation of a system of convict leasing that allowed prisoners to work for private parties.

At the same time, what one academic calls the mythology of black criminality was created, with D.W. Griffiths 1915 The Birth of a Nation, with its racist images of rapacious, animalistic behavior, being a key element, leading to a major revival of the Ku Klux Klan and an increase in lynchings.

Jim Crow segregation, with African Americans relegated to second-class citizenship, came next, leading eventually to Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement that, Gates notes, sought to turn the prison system on its head by portraying going to jail for a cause as a noble action.

While the 1965 Civil Rights Act was passed to remedy that situation, 13th underscores that an increase in crime and the Republican Southern Strategy, formulated under President Nixon, of having crime stand in for race in order to help turn the South from Democratic to Republican, pushed the other way.

The war on drugs promulgated by Republicans and Democrats alike extended this dynamic, with Gingrich commenting on the unfairness of criminalizing crack cocaine, prevalent in black neighborhoods, over the powder variety and President Clinton shown apologizing for his role in the 1994 Omnibus Crime Bill that led to massive prison expansion.

13th covers so much territory that many of the events it incorporates, like the suicide of former Rykers Island inmate Khalief Browder and the police shooting of Black Panther Fred Hampton, can only be mentioned briefly.

Shown in considerable detail, however, is the work of ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council), an organization that writes laws that benefit the major corporations that are its members. There are people out there desperately trying to make sure the prison population does not drop by one person, says Bryan Stevenson, executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, because their economic model needs that.

Though DuVernay has been working on this film for years, its footage of violence at Donald Trump rallies, linked to the candidates publicly expressed yearning for the good old days, brings its story chillingly up to date.

What black lives matter means in essence, one of this films voices says, is that all lives matter, a point 13th makes with undeniable eloquence as well as persuasive force.

===

No MPAA rating.

Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes.

Playing Laemmles Monica, Santa Monica. Streaming on Netflix.

Critics Choice. 13th. Offering a brisk, cogently argued alternative to conventionally taught American history, Ava DuVernays powerful, persuasive documentary systematically covers a century and a half of race relations in this country.  Kenneth Turan

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
As part of the ongoing Beyond Fest, on Sunday night 2001: A Space Odyssey will show at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood with actors Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood in attendance. And while that is cause enough for excitement among movie fans, it is possible the real star of the evening could be the physical print of the movie itself.

The event will be the debut screening for a new 70-mm print that the American Cinematheque will have exclusive exhibition rights to in a five-year deal with Warner Brothers. The Cinematheque will schedule two extended runs for the print per year, one at the Egyptian and one at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica.

Though Sunday nights event is already sold out, the print will screen again in December when it receives a run at the Egyptian on Dec. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 26 and 27.

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We have to show 2001 at each theater at least once a year, said Cinematheque programmer Gwen Deglise in a statement. It is one of our most requested titles. Our patrons tell us they want to see it as the director intended, in 70 mm. We decided we needed a new print to satisfy the interest in this title and to insure that viewing it was a satisfying experience.

As digital projection has become the norm for commercial exhibition, many cinema fans have struck up a renewed excitement at seeing film prints, especially in a city like Los Angeles, with multiple venues still capable of film projection. Many filmmakers themselves have taken a stand not just about shooting on film but regarding how their movies are shown as well. Recently filmmakers Quentin Tarantino with The Hateful Eight, Christopher Nolan with Interstellar and Paul Thomas Anderson with The Master have all had their movies shown in 70 mm.

Our audience has a keen interest in film prints, said Grant Moninger, a programmer with both the American Cinematheque and Beyond Fest in a statement. It matters to them whether they see a film on 35 mm vs. 70 mm or digital. If you havent seen 2001 in 70 mm you have not seen the film.

Directed by Stanley Kubrick, who co-wrote the screenplay with science fiction author Arthur C. Clark, 2001: A Space Odyssey is generally considered among the greatest films ever made, part philosophical poem, part space adventure tale. Its technical achievements are still a cause of wonder as its deep-rooted questions about the nature of humanity and our place in the universe maintain their enigmatic pull.

The film won the 1969 Academy Award for special visual effects, and was also nominated for directing, art direction and writing. It is on the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.

For more information, go to americancinematheque.com.

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Mark.Olsen@latimes.com

Follow on Twitter: @IndieFocus

ALSO

Beyond Fest blends classics like 2001 and Taxi Driver with new films like The Bad Batch and Raw

American Honey weaves an ode to the road with Shia LeBeouf, Riley Keough and Sasha Lane

In Queen of Katwe, Mira Nair considers chess, poverty and the vibrancy of life
Like Nat Turner, the protagonist of his The Birth of a Nation, Nate Parker dreamed a mighty dream.

Turner, the leader of an Aug. 21, 1831, slave revolt, the most successful in American history, dreamed of ending the institution of slavery once and for all. Less than three months later, he was hanged and his body defiled.

Parker, a successful actor and the films writer, producer, director and star, dreamed of making a historical epic that portrayed a black man as a universal revolutionary hero who stood up for freedom and liberty, very much like William Wallace in Mel Gibsons Braveheart.

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It would be a film that would confront the horrors of slavery and help foster a national discussion on its still festering legacy. Parker so believed in this mission he put his acting career on hold for years to get the project done.

But perhaps fitting for a story of rebellion, The Birth of a Nation (intentionally turning the title of the racist D.W. Griffith classic on its head) is a film in some ways at war with itself, a film where execution clashes with intentions.

Turner, of course, is a figure who has seemed to invite controversy almost forever, with William Styrons 1967 novel The Confessions of Nat Turner, for instance, winning both the Pulitzer Prize and opprobrium for its author for distorting history.

 Watch the trailer for "The Birth of a Nation.

Currently Birth of a Nation, after a sensational debut at Sundance, where it won both the dramatic grand jury prize and audience award, has become embroiled in the aftermath of a rape accusation and acquittal from Parkers past.

Like any artistic endeavor, however, the film deserves to stand on its own merits, and that verdict is incontestably mixed. Its an oversimplification to say everything is good about this film but the film itself, but there are times it feels that way.

On the positive side, Birth of a Nation is admirably ambitious, and in todays risk-averse climate it is an accomplishment simply to get the film of this scope made with its story and point of view intact.

You also have to admire the passion and emotionality Parker brought to Birth of a Nation, how deeply felt his performance and every frame shot by cinematographer Elliot Davis is.

But emotional filmmaking runs the risk of being overdone, and that is a problem here. While there is agitprop fervor to spare in Birth of a Nation, situations tend to be presented in strokes so broad and ungainly they do not always resonate as deeply as they might.

This lack of subtlety is most evident in the characterizations, especially those of the films almost invariably cliched and morally bankrupt white people. Even if these overwhelmingly sadistic, perfidious folks are historically accurate, they do not make for dramatically effective characters.

Birth of a Nation starts with an appropriately ominous quote from Thomas Jefferson, who wrote, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.

The drama itself begins in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1809 with Nat Turner as a boy (Tony Espinosa) getting taken by his mother, Nancy (a moving Aunjanue Ellis), to a midnight ceremony deep in the woods where a diviner speaking in an African language notes marks on Nats body and announces that the boy is a prophet who should be listened to.

Though Nat and young Sam, the son of the plantation owner, play together as equals, this is no multiracial paradise, as Nat finds out when his father, Isaac (Dwight Henry), gets into a fracas with implacable slave patroller Raymond Cobb (Jackie Earle Haley) and has to flee for his life.

The owners wife, Elizabeth (Penelope Ann Miller), one of the few whites with quasi-progressive thoughts, helps teach Nat to read, though she does make him stick to the Bible because other books were full of stuff your kind wouldnt understand.

The adult Nat works in the fields and preaches on the side. The slimy, venal Reverend Wathel (Mark Boone Jr. of Sons of Anarchy) suggests to the adult Sam (Armie Hammer) that he could earn some ready money by renting Nat out to preach acquiescence to other slaves, which is how we get to see a litany of revolting horrors other owners resort to.

Much sweeter, though it begins with an appalling slave auction scene, is the relationship between Nate and Cherry Ann (Aja Naomi King), the woman he ends up marrying, especially effective because the convincing actors nail the key moments.

Though Nat starts out believing in peoples goodness, the horrors he witnesses, the depredations that are visited on Cherry Ann and her friend Esther (Gabrielle Union), make him come to believe that, contrary to what hes been told, the Bible demands that he seek freedom for his people, even if shedding blood is the only way forward.

While Parkers acting as Turner is convincing, by taking on directing, producing and writing as well, he may have stretched himself too thin. The Birth of a Nation certainly has the power of conviction, but the grace of art escapes it.

===

MPAA rating: R for disturbing violent content, and some brief nudity.

Running time: 2 hours

In general release

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

Movie Trailers

ALSO:

Op-Ed: Should The Birth of a Nation audiences care about Nate Parker allegations?

At Birth of a Nation forum, Nate Parker deflects questions about sex assault allegations

Birth of a Nation star Gabrielle Union: Sexual violence happens more often than anyone can imagine
The documentary Among the Believers, from the directing team of Hemal Trivedi and Mohammed Ali Naqvi, takes us inside Pakistans notorious network of Red Mosque madrasas, and its soft-voiced, ideologically immovable leader, Abdul Aziz.

A Taliban/Islamic State sympathizer with a distressingly hard-to-resist deal for the countrys vast population of poor parents  free everything for your child, plus a brain hard-wired to be sacrificed for jihad  Aziz is a chillingly resolute figure as he touts the only way forward for Pakistan: Sharia law. As a contrast, we hear from a Massachusetts Institute of Technology-educated scientist/activist professor, Pervez Hoodbhoy, who calls for state control of these extremist hotbeds and for Azizs arrest.

The film also follows two children who have attended Azizs schools: Talha, a 12-year-old Kashmir boy indoctrinated to detach from his nonobservant parents, and Zarina, a smiling adolescent girl who escaped (literally jumping a wall). She briefly thrived under a newly built village school designed to bring worldly education to poor children, until the growing tension between the government and the Red Mosque  which led to violent clashes in 2007  put Zarinas school under threat from militant madrasa graduates. Her only other option? Early arranged marriage.

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Theres little thats not dispiriting about Among the Believers and its measured, direct entree into a closed world of hopeless boys and girls memorizing the Koran, but forbidden from learning its meanings. As Talha tells the filmmakers, calmly, All the hard work will pay off when we die.

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Among the Believers

Running time: 1 hour, 22 minutes

Not rated

Playing: Laemmle Town Center 5, Encino

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

Movie Trailers

MORE REVIEWS:

Ava DuVernays documentary 13th simmers with anger and burns with eloquence

The Girl on the Train review: Not even Emily Blunts rich acting can help this inept suburban potboiler

Nate Parkers slave-revolt drama The Birth of a Nation wields its emotions like a blunt instrument when subtlety is called for
A tiny microcosm of society crops up in the wintry woods of Maine in wake of an apocalyptic illness that has decimated humanity in the drama Astraea, directed by Kristjan Thor, written by Ashlin Halfnight. Siblings Matthew (Scotty Crowe) and Astraea (Nerea Duhart) are en route on foot to Nova Scotia, guided by Astraeas psychic visions of her grandmother and younger brother. When they come upon a couple, James (Dan OBrien) and Callie (Jessie Cummings), living in an old family home, comfort and human connection beckon.

Initially prickly, the four soon let their guards down and allow relationships to blossom. The older three strive to take care of teenage Astraea, who has been burdened with the visions of her family members health and whereabouts since the world-ending events. While she is focused on those far away, the others are caught up in the drama unfolding in front of them during their collective cabin fever.

Limited in its geography to the house and its surroundings, Astraea is a performance-driven piece, with a methodical and measured sense of plot and pace. There are a few story threads left hanging, but ultimately, the film is a thoughtful rumination on the far-reaching tentacles of grief, and the crucial importance of asserting humanity that persists in the face of devastation.

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Astraea

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Playing: Arena Cinelounge at the Montalban Theatre, Hollywood

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
The horror-comedy The Greasy Strangler is a bizarre and often strangely funny and affecting exercise in escalating repulsiveness and bad taste. Director and co-writer Jim Hosking makes his feature film debut with this tale of father-son rivalry, love triangles, disco history, murder and a man who just cant get enough grease.

Michael St. Michaels plays Big Ronnie, grease connoisseur and father to Brayden (Sky Elobar). The duo live together and give disco tours around Los Angeles in matching pink outfits. When Brayden woos a tourist, Janet (Elizabeth De Razzo), his father becomes jealous, and their rivalry escalates along with the body count of the Greasy Strangler, a murderer who slathers himself in a thick, Crisco-like oil before killing his victims.

The film is forthright in its pushing of gross-out boundaries, from the vats of grease to the extremely awkward sex scenes and constant nudity. The actors deliver their lines in an artificial deadpan tone, and the humor comes from the sheer repetition of nonsensical lines and gags.

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Theres something weirdly appealing about the performance of St. Michaels. Hes so game for anything, including dancing in a crotchless purple jumpsuit and sporting a thin, white mustache and braces to disguise himself as an investigator in one of the truly laugh-out-loud moments of the film.

So while The Greasy Strangler eventually becomes tiresome in its relentless repellence, its just so odd it deserves to be lauded for simply existing.

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The Greasy Strangler

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes

Playing: The Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theatre, Hollywood

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
Taking place over the hours preceding and following the tragic Dec. 8, 1980, shooting outside the New York City co-op the Dakota, The Lennon Report is a wobbly dramatization of events purportedly surrounding the last day in the life of John Lennon as seen through the eyes of an Eyewitness News producer.

As fate would have it, WABCs Alan Weiss (played by Walter Vincent) had been admitted to Manhattans Roosevelt Hospital with injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident shortly before the arrival of the mortally injured Lennon  referred to by staff as John Doe in a bid to protect his identity  and soon after, a grief-stricken Yoko Ono (Karen Tsen Lee).

This being before the era of smartphones, Weiss efforts to break the biggest story of his career involved bribing a janitor to call the newsroom on the hospital phone while he was confined to a gurney.

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Meanwhile a young ER doctor (Evan Jonigkeit) struggles feverishly to resuscitate the voice of his youth lying lifelessly on his operating table.

Given the recollections of the actual individuals involved who show up in the films end credits, first-time director and co-writer Jeremy Profe might have been wiser to opt for a nonfiction approach rather than hackneyed, carved-out-of-soap characterizations and trite workplace banter that strains at sounding natural.

Despite the admittedly unique angle, this ambitious drama gets crushed under the considerable weight of its artistic, as well as budgetary, limitations.

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The Lennon Report

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Music Hall, Beverly Hills.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
Technically more a travelogue than a traditional concert film, Paul Dugdales The Rolling Stones Ole Ole Ole!: A Trip Across Latin America is an intimate chronicle of the bands 2016 tour leading up to their historic Cuban concert.

As the Stones travel from Argentina, where the enjoy a particularly rabid following, to Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Chile and Colombia, veteran music documentarian Dugdale captures some terrific, reflective moments, including a poetic open air performance in the middle of a persistent Sao Paolo rainfall.

Even with the intense behind-the-scenes logistics surrounding their big March 25 Havana gig (which had to be pushed back after President Obamas own historic visit) theres a genuine ease between Mick and the septuagenarian boys.

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And although the film might stint on full renditions of their songs, one of the few played in its entirety is a gorgeous, relaxed acoustic version of Honky Tonk Women delivered by Mick and Keith in a vacant dressing room.

Following Martin Scorseses decidedly more immersive, performance-oriented Shine a Light, this group portrait feels a bit like a DVD bonus feature.

Those craving more will have to wait until the Nov. 11 DVD release of Havana Moon: The Rolling Stones Live in Cuba, also directed by Dugdale, but in the interim, Ole, Ole, Ole! still gives Stones fans sufficient reason to cheer.

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The Rolling Stones Ole Ole Ole!: A Trip Across Latin America

In English, also Spanish and Portuguese with English subtitles

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Playing: Downtown Independent, Los Angeles

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
Residents of the Baharabad village of Beylagan district celebrated the completion of the construction of a new medical facility that will improve access to healthcare for 1,450 people.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. William Gill, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Baku; along with representatives of the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Health, the local Executive Committee, municipal government, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID and the Government of Azerbaijan co-financed the construction, which was conducted by the East-West Management Institute (EWMI).

The United States is committed to partnering with Azerbaijan. By working together, we can achieve stability, democratic progress, and economic prosperity, DCM Gill said during the opening ceremony.

A primary goal of the United States Agency for International Development is to help the Azerbaijani people come together to create solutions for themselves. And the residents of Baharabad can be proud that they have done just that. It is because of their efforts we are here today opening this new medical facility, William Gil said.

For many years, the communitys medical needs were handled in just one room in the municipal building. As that building fell into disrepair, it became increasingly inadequate in meeting the communitys healthcare needs. With technical support from EWMI, the community residents worked with their local and regional governments to construct a new medical facility. With three modern examination rooms and a designated waiting room, the new facility will improve the day-to-day access to healthcare for the 1,450 people in the Baharabad community.

In total, EWMI has implemented 87 community projects in 77 Azerbaijani communities benefiting nearly 120,000 people. Through USAIDs Socio-Economic Development Activity (SEDA) program, EWMI promotes cooperation between citizens, civil society organizations, and government to advance socio-economic development and improve quality of life in rural areas.
Writer-director-actor Miles Doleacs sprawling Southern-fried mystery The Hollow has the rich characters and milieu of a good literary novel, but never quite works as a movie. While the dialogue is colorful and the acting strong, this is ultimately a 90-minute neo-noir stretched unnecessarily past two hours.

Doleac stars as Ray Everett, a small-town Mississippi deputy who helps manage the local criminal enterprises under orders from an aristocratic kingpin played by William Forsythe, with the tacit approval of the sheriff (William Sadler). When a congressmans daughter is murdered, two FBI agents (James Callis and Christian Seidel) arrive and threaten to put everyone out of business.

The passive-aggressive tussles between two law-enforcement agencies are the best part of The Hollow. Mississippian Doleac understands the dynamics, language and religious convictions of the South  and how two D.C. outsiders would react to the regional peculiarities.

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But the plot plods along too slowly, parceled out in one-on-one conversations where characters talk at length about pieces of their pasts that arent really germane to the story  and arent interesting enough in and of themselves to merit the digressions. The original capital crime and its political ramifications get lost in the process.

Give Doleac credit for having the intelligence and ambition to make The Hollow more than just another sensationalistic potboiler filled with sex, drugs and violence. But a film this sordid shouldnt be so tedious.

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The Hollow

Not rated

Running time: 2 hours, 8 minutes

Playing: Monica Film Center, Santa Monica

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
From the moment she swept into The Devil Wears Prada wearing a bolero jacket and a withering sneer, the remarkable British actress Emily Blunt has made it clear that toughness becomes her. Since then shes often dispensed with the designer fashions (and the sneer), but the toughness has only deepened, taking on richer shadings and emotional colorations.

Its no surprise that shes proved such a natural in the thriller genre: In her best recent movies, Sicario and Edge of Tomorrow, she played a woman cast into a labyrinth of treacherous secrets, forced to draw on her keen intelligence and physical acuity to fight her way out.

The Girl on the Train, a woozily inept suburban potboiler adapted from Paula Hawkins bestselling mystery novel, would love nothing more than to join that short list. And as Rachel Watson, a New York divorcee sinking into an alcoholic rage, Blunt certainly gives her showiest, most feverishly committed performance to date. Sipping vodka out of a water bottle and scribbling ominous sketches in her notebook, she stumbles through the movie looking strung-out and sleep-deprived  sometimes streaked with blood, invariably reeking of booze.

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Her British accent the only surviving hint of the novels London setting, Rachel spends her days riding the Metro-North commuter train along the Hudson, which affords a perfect if fleeting view of the Westchester County home she once shared with her former husband, Tom (Justin Theroux). He now lives there with his new wife, a pretty blond named Anna (Rebecca Ferguson), and their baby daughter  the product of an affair that began while Tom and Rachel were still married.

Rachel lives for these painful glimpses of the catalog-perfect marital bliss that has been wrenched away from her, and she regards Anna with undisguised hatred and jealousy. But her envious gaze also drifts toward another blond in the neighborhood, Megan (Haley Bennett), who inhabits her own vision of domestic harmony with her husband, Scott (Luke Evans).

What Rachel doesnt learn until later is that Megan works as a nanny for Annas daughter, completing a psychological triangle whose tidy self-containment comes perilously close to self-involvement.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

As in the book, these various connections  of which none of the characters has more than partial knowledge  are unfolded through an intricate array of shifting perspectives and fractured timelines, designed to obscure as much as they reveal. But if Hawkins juggled these narrative strands with a dexterity that helped obscure the materials thinness and lack of texture, the screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, Men, Women & Children) leaps from one strand to another with none of the same finesse.

We spend some time getting to know Anna, whose smug delight in her situation turns to apprehension as she and Tom are flooded with text messages, phone calls and other apparent manifestations of Rachels obsessive behavior. Meanwhile, Megan, whose own troubled past comes to light in a few jarring flashbacks, nurses her wounds through a series of extramarital flings, including one with her conveniently studly therapist (Edgar Ramirez).

At the center of it all is Rachel, whose regular blackouts and hallucinations further smother the narrative in a thick haze of liquor and self-pity. When one character turns up missing, Rachel sets out, like Nancy Drew on a bender, to discover the awful truth, pushing her stalker-like tendencies into overdrive and triggering the suspicions of an investigating detective (a sharp Allison Janney).

With its themes of voyeurism and duplicity, its railway intrigue and its matching golden-haired vixens, The Girl on the Train is the kind of movie that often gets labeled Hitchcockian, never mind that the director, Tate Taylor, shows no particular mastery of suspense. Hawkins novel drew similarly unflattering Gone Girl comparisons when it was published last year, though both Gillian Flynns book and David Finchers razor-sharp movie adaptation possessed a surgically precise wit  a willingness to merge the preposterous and the satirical  that neither version of The Girl on the Train is equipped to match.

Rather than fully embracing the storys undeniable trash appeal, this unaccountably serious-minded movie seems to have taken Rachels thumbnail  she is, objectively speaking, a confused, ranting, drunken mess  and attempted to spin it into an aesthetic conceit. Attempting to capture this womans perennially sozzled state in visual terms, Taylor lets the camera wobble to and fro, punctuates the story with jarring cuts to black, and resorts to slow-motion with amateurish abandon.

There are numerous ways for a film to convey radical subjectivity, substance abuse and memory loss without sacrificing narrative lucidity. (Examples as different as the Bourne thrillers, Christopher Nolans Memento and David Cronenbergs Spider spring to mind.) But the incoherence of The Girl on a Train runs deeper than its visual sloppiness.

The movie lurches sweatily from one plot point to the next  coughing up a few stale red herrings one minute, taking a bleary-eyed stroll down memory lane the next, and delivering its grisly closing revelations with all the grace of a vagrant squatting to relieve herself on a subway platform.

All in all, its a bizarre change of pace for Taylor, who toyed around with chronology to much more stimulating effect in Get On Up, his underappreciated biopic of James Brown. The director remains best known for The Help, and if theres a faint connection between that sentimental civil rights drama and this noirish psychothriller, its in the way both films strive  with varying degrees of success  for a complex, prismatic sense of female identity.

The other two women in The Girl on the Train can be interpreted as parallel emanations of Rachels rattled psyche; for all their differences, theyre all grappling with, and in some way rebelling against, the same crushing expectations of happy monogamy and motherhood. Thats the most generous explanation I can muster, anyway, for why Anna and Megan feel like cipher-like projections rather than actual characters, despite Fergusons and Bennetts best efforts to breathe life into their tortured veins.

What is it with you crazy women? a man utters late in the proceedings, and as much as the film might seek to counter the misogyny of that insult, it cant help but feel like a product of the same deep bewilderment. The empathy that Taylor summoned so effortlessly in his previous films feels strained and unpersuasive here, and moments that should be lacerating  more than one of them centered on the loss of a child  are overplayed to ghastly effect.

It doesnt help that Blunt has been subjected to the sort of half-hearted movie-star deglam job thats meant to signify seriousness in beauty-obsessed Hollywood. Yet her performance has its affecting moments nonetheless, straining and sometimes succeeding in turning all those flailing, dipsomaniacal mannerisms into genuine revelations of character. At every moment, you cant wait to see what shell do next, by which I mean after this movie has ended.

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The Girl on the Train

MPAA rating: R, for violence, sexual content, language and nudity

Running time: 1 hour, 52 minutes

Playing: In general release
A 1961 battle between a small U.N. force from Ireland and thousands of French/Belgian mercenary fighters tied to a ruthless Congolese leader is the basis for The Siege of Jadotville, a scrappy war flick with a fair amount of combat suspense but a whole lot of cliched dialogue.

A proxy Cold War skirmish that represented the U.N.s first peacekeeping operation, the six-day conflict has been largely forgotten by history. But director Richie Smyth and screenwriter Kevin Brodbin wring out a serviceably exciting tale of bravery and ingenuity in the face of doom, but they also spotlight the callous political leadership  represented by academic U.N. representative Conor Cruise OBrien (Mark Strong)  that left an undermanned, outgunned group of inexperienced Irish soldiers led by a resolute commandant (Jamie Dornan) to stand their ground in a tiny compound without help.

Dornans antagonist is a French combat veteran (a reliably imperious Guillaume Canet) whose men fight for mining companies that Katanga Prime Minster Moise Tshombe (Danny Sapani) wants to protect from a growing nationalism in the new Republic of Congo.

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Too bad, though, that once more, a story tied to the fate of African citizens is  save the few scenes featuring Tshombe  told entirely with white people. (Who argues the locals viewpoint? A rich Belgian played by Emmanuelle Seigner.) The Siege of Jadotville valiantly fights to reclaim pride in a slice of Irish military history, but it seems to have ignored who those Irish were fighting for.

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The Siege of Jadotville

Running time: 1 hour, 47 minutes

Not rated

iPic Theaters, Westwood; and streaming on Netflix

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
Its set in the heart of the desert, but the disturbances of the quietly impressive Sand Storm rage not in the natural world but in the intimate corners of the human heart.

Also unexpected, though it won six Ophirs, its countrys Oscars, including best picture, director and supporting actress, is Sand Storms identity as an Israeli film.

Set in the vastness of the Negev in the southern part of the country, Sand Storm makes only one fleeting reference to current events and deals not at all with the knotty Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

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Rather, this urgent family drama, as tense as any thriller and winner of Sundances coveted World Cinema Grand Jury Prize, takes place entirely within Israels Bedouin community.

Writer-director Elite Zexer, whose feature debut now becomes Israels foreign language Oscar entry, was introduced to that world more than a decade ago by her mother, who photographed there regularly. The filmmaker has said her years of contact created an obligation to make it as real as possible.

But Sand Storm and its story of a mother and a daughter struggling to survive psychologically, each in her own way, in a world of masculine control indifferent to their thoughts and desires, is remarkable for much more than the authenticity of its setting.

Filmmaker Zexer, even in her first movie, reveals a fine instinct for emotional truth in the handling of life crises and other difficult material.

Her empathy for all the films characters, even those who dont act well, is instinctive, and she is alive to the nuances of relationships, the small moments of connection between characters. She also knows enough to let silences play out, realizing that they are at least as important, if not more so, than the words they replace.

Sand Storms first scene could theoretically take place almost anywhere. A father is teaching his 18-year-old daughter how to drive, she is checking her college grades on her cellphone, and he chides her when the results are not good. Several things, however, tell us that anywhere this is not.

For one thing, young Layla (Lamis Ammar) wears a hijab and her father, Suliman (Hitham Omari), has to hide the fact that he is teaching her from the other residents of their small desert village because custom forbids it.

For another, both are headed for the wedding celebration that Suleimans first wife, Jalila (Ruba Blal-Asfour), is giving for his marriage to a much younger second wife, a wedding the cutting, acerbic Jalila is not happy about but is powerless to prevent.

Sand Storm is set almost exclusively in this Bedouin community where modernity and tradition, cellphones and head scarves, uneasily coexist. The one law that remains unchanged is that of patrimony, of men, even caring fathers, being willing and able to treat women as their disposable chattel.

Jalila is already in a foul mood because of the impending wedding, and her take-no-prisoners attitude (Blal-Asfour was the deserving Ophir winner) is not improved when she realizes that her university student daughter has fallen in love with a young man.

The ferocious verbal confrontation between Jalila and Layla is not just between mother and daughter, it is a stand-off between generations, with the twin facts that the boy is from another tribe and that contact with strange men is strictly forbidden, meaning everything to one and nothing to the other.

Jalila wants this to end immediately, but the daughter, being 18, has other ideas, which include taking her encouraging father into her confidence, something that the mother, her concern for her daughter overriding even her anger, fears will be ruinous. The complex way these relationships play out is this films central dynamic.

Sand Storms great gift is that it is human, not didactic, showing not only how difficult this iron web of culture and tradition is to escape from but also how much it poisons the lives of the men who enforce it as much as the women who are victimized by it. When this kind of a wind blows, it blinds everyone it touches.

===

Sand Storm

Not rated

In Arabic with English subtitles

Running time: 1 hour, 27 minutes

Playing Laemmles Royal, West Los Angeles, Playhouse 7, Pasadena

kenneth.turan@latimes.com

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
Three days after voters rejected an accord to end Colombias long-running civil war, President Juan Manuel Santos met Wednesday with his predecessor Alvaro Uribe, the leading opponent of the deal, and agreed to begin talks to reshape the agreement.

The government and the countrys largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, better known as the FARC, signed the deal last week in a ceremony attended by several world leaders.

But in a referendum Sunday, voters defied every national poll and rejected the deal. Led by Uribe, the no campaign prevailed by less than half a percentage point with 50.2% of the vote.

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Once political allies, Santos and Uribe had become bitter adversaries and until Wednesday had not spoken in several years.

In a brief statement to reporters as he left the presidential mansion, Uribe said both he and Santos would appoint representatives to begin talks Thursday.

The former president, who is now a senator, said that his supporters had a unanimous desire for peace but that any peace agreement must include trials to hold rebels accountable for crimes against humanity.

Under the deal in its current form, demobilized rebels would face a maximum of eight years of house arrest if they confess to crimes and ask forgiveness.

Santos had staked his political future on implementing a peace agreement with broad public support.

In a brief televised address after the meeting, he appeared upbeat and said he will consider all proposals for adjustments to the accord.

Peace is near and we will achieve it, he said. In this moment, we should leave aside antagonism and grudges and unite as a nation for the common good.

He also said that 300 United Nations observers sent to Colombia to help in the disarmament process will remain in the country for a while.

Whatever Santos and Uribe negotiate will hardly matter if the rebels dont accept it. Negotiating the deal took four years.

A cease-fire between the government and the rebels has been in effect since August and will remain so at least through the end of October, Defense Minister Luis Carlos Villegas said Wednesday.

The 52-year-old conflict has cost 220,000 lives and displaced 7 million people.

Kraul is a special correspondent.
A 16-year-old fatally shot by a Los Angeles police officer in South Los Angeles called 911 himself before the shooting and left his family a farewell note, leading investigators to believe he had a desire to end his own life, LAPD chief Charlie Beck said Thursday.

Coroners officials identified the boy Thursday as Daniel Enrique Perez, who police say was shot after pointing a realistic-looking replica gun at officers.

Beck said detectives identified Perez through a cellphone he was carrying, which was used to call 911 about 20 minutes before the deadly encounter. The caller reported a man with a gun matching Perezs description, Beck said.

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One of Perezs parents believes it was the teenager on the recorded call, the chief added.

Based on that call, the note, Perezs actions and his prior history described by family, Beck said he believed the shooting stemmed from Perezs desire to end his own life. Beck declined to detail that history, saying he would not put this family through any more trauma.

We are deeply saddened by these events, the chief said. The tragedy is hard to describe.

The officer who shot Perez, Beck said, is devastated.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck revealed new details about the investigation into the shooting Thursday at a news conference. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times )

It was the second deadly shooting by LAPD officers during a roughly 24-hour span, coming soon after the controversial shooting of 18-year-old Carnell Snell Jr., which prompted protests and stirred long-standing frustrations over how police treat residents of South L.A.

On Sunday, during a second night of demonstrations over Snells death, news spread of the second police shooting.

Officers went to 48th Street and Ascot Avenue after someone reported a man with a gun in the area, Beck said earlier this week. The officers spotted someone matching that description  a Latino man with a gray sweater and black pants  and began to approach him, Beck said.

That person, now identified as Perez, then turned and pointed a handgun at the officers, Beck said, prompting police to open fire.

Paramedics took Perez to a hospital, where he died later that evening.

The gun turned out to be a replica weapon, with its orange tip covered by black paint or pen, Beck said.

Police initially described the person shot as a man between the ages of 18 and 22. A second person near the scene was initially detained and questioned but did not know Perez or see the shooting, Beck said.

1 / 32 Its a shame that his life ended at 18 years old, said Carlena Hall, center, a great-aunt of Carnell Snell Jr., who was fatally shot by LAPD police in South L.A. At left is Tranell Snell, 17, Snells sister, and at right is Debbie Washington, his aunt. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 32 Marian Petersen, 71, whose last protest was in the 1965 Watts riots, marches down Central Avenue to the LAPDs Newton Division station after officers shot a Latino boy Sunday night. (Allen J.Schaben / Los Angeles TImes) 3 / 32 Protestors march down Central Ave. to LAPD Newton Division to protest officers shooting a Latino man Sunday night. Protestors started at the site where police fatally shot a man Sunday in South Los Angeles. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 32 A protester holds a sign in front of the LAPD Newton Divison station on Monday night. Protesters started their march at the site where police fatally shot a Latino man Sunday in South Los Angeles. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 32 Carl Winzer lights candles at the scene where 18-year-old Carnell Snell Jr. was fatally shot by Los Angeles police officers. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 32 I literally watched my brother catch his last breath, said Tranell Snell, 17, the sister of Carnell Snell Jr. I literally watched him, begging him to stay alive for me. Please, please, I begged my brother. Please! They let my brother sit there, sit there and die. They did not care. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 32 Mike Miller sits amid dozens of candles that mark the house where 18-year-old Carnell Snell Jr. was fatally shot by Los Angeles police officers on Saturday. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 32 Jamari Brown, 13, holds a sign with other protesters at the site where a Latino man was fatally shot by officers Sunday night near 48th Street and Ascot Avenue. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 32 LAPD officers arrest a protester in the lobby of the police headquarters on suspicion of failure to disperse after Chief Charlie Beck gave details to the media about the shooting death of Carnell Snell Jr. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 32 LAPD Chief Charlie Beck speaks at a press conference addressing two recent officer-involved shootings in Los Angeles. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 32 Protesters shout at police officers inside the lobby of LAPD headquarters while Police Chief Charlie Beck provides details about the officer-involved shooting death of Carnell Snell Jr. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 32 Protesters shout out their messege inside the lobby of LAPD headquarters after Police Chief Charlie Beck gave details to the media about the officer-involved shooting death of Carnell Snell Jr. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 32 LAPD officers move media and protesters away from the lobby of police headquarters after three protesters were arrested on suspicion of failure to disperse following a morning press conference. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 32 The Los Angeles Police Department disperses the crowd along 107th Street in Los Angeles. Four activists were arrested by LAPD. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 32 An activist is arrested by LAPD Sunday night after police gave orders to leave the area along 107th Street. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 32 Police officers talk with family members and residents along 107th Street, while dispersing the crowd along Western Avenue and 107th Street in South Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 32 An activist is arrested by LAPD after they gave orders to clear the area along 107th Street. Protesters were rallying after police shot an 18-year-old in South L.A. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 32 Police disperse the crowd along Western Avenue and 107th Street in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sunday night. Four activists were arrested by LAPD. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 32 Los Angeles police disperse the crowd along Western Avenue and 107th Street in South Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 32 LAPD disperse the crowd blocking Western Avenue after a vigil is held for Carnell Snell Jr., 18, who was fatally shot by police Saturday after a vehicle pursuit, in Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 32 A women confronts the LA County Sheriif blocking the street after a vigil is held for Carnell Snell Jr., 18, who was fatally shot by LAPD police Saturday after a vehicle pursuit, in Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 32 Jeromy Jackson lights candles at a vigil for his friend Carnell Snell Jr., 18, who was fatally shot by LAPD police Saturday after a vehicle pursuit. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 32 Los Angeles County Sheriffs officials monitor protesters at 108th Street and Western Avenue after a vigil was held for Carnell Snell Jr. on Sunday. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 32 A young woman leaves blue and white balloons at a sidewalk memorial to Carnell Snell Jr. on Sunday afternoon. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 32 Neighbors brace a distraught Monique Morgan as she visits the scene where her son, Carnell Snell, 18, was fatally shot by police. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times ) 26 / 32 Monique Morgan, the mother of Carnell Snell, is comforted by a neighbor as they look at a makeshift memorial for Morgans son. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 32 Bullet holes mark a steel gate at a residence along 107th Street in South Los Angeles, the scene of an officer-involved shooting on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016. Police shot and killed Carnell Snell Jr., 18, after a brief car chase that ended near the intersection of 107th Street and Western Avenue in South Los Angeles. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 32 Monique Morgan, in blue shirt, pleads with Los Angeles police to let her see her son, Carnell CJ Snell Jr. Police fatally shot the 18-year-old man in South L.A. on Saturday, authorities say. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 32 A protestor holds up a sign in South Los Angeles after an officer-involved shooting. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 32 A crowd gathers at Western Avenue, where they voiced their frustration with police. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 32 Police line up along Western Avenue in Los Angeles after the shooting. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 32 Los Angeles police try to keep the peace. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

The officers who shot Perez were wearing body cameras. Beck said Thursday he had no immediate intention of releasing that footage, which he said clearly depicts his actions and his death, which are entirely consistent with the officers version of events.

One woman who said she watched the shooting from her familys home across the street told The Times that Perez appeared to put his arms by his side, but that she could not see his hands. Tiffany Peterson, 45, said police fired again when Perez was on the ground.

 The Los Angeles Police Department released this surveillance video of Carnell Snell Jr. just prior to the 18-year-old being shot and killed by police on Saturday.

Beck said earlier this week that the body camera footage clearly refutes reports Perez was shot while on the ground.

That did not happen, he added.

In a rare move earlier this week, Beck released a security video from the moments leading up to Snells shooting, which showed the 18-year-old holding a handgun. Beck said Snell later turned toward officers while holding the gun, prompting them to fire.

Many activists and residents of Snells neighborhood have questioned the police account of the shooting, including whether he had a gun.

Beck, generally a staunch advocate of keeping such videos confidential, said he released that footage out of concern for public safety as well as to correct what he described as significant misinformation about the events leading up to Snells death.

kate.mather@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter: @katemather

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UPDATES:

5:42 p.m.: This story was updated with additional comments from LAPD Chief Charlie Beck about the shooting and body camera footage.

3:35 p.m. This story was updated with comments from LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and news of the farewell note.

This story was originally published at 11:50 a.m.
A man previously described as a person of interest in the August killings of a mother and her 4-year-old daughter in Long Beach has now been identified in video as the triggerman in the slayings, Long Beach police said.

Investigators tracked the movements of the man, whose identity remains a mystery, to the crime scene after reviewing surveillance camera footage from the night Carina Mancera, 26, and her daughter, Jennabel Anaya, were gunned down just feet from their Long Beach home, police said in a statement Wednesday.

A Long Beach police spokesman could not say how the recording was obtained, and declined to say if police had clear footage of the man at the shooting scene. Previously, investigators had said the only video recordings of the actual shooting were grainy and of poor quality.

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The mother and daughter were returning home from grocery shopping, steps from their door, around 10:20 p.m. on Aug. 6 when an assailant emerged at the intersection of Locust Avenue and 9th Street, police have said.

The attacker opened fire on Mancera and her daughter, then fired one shot at Luis Anaya, Manceras longtime boyfriend and Jennabels father, police said. Anaya was not hurt, but Mancera died at the scene. Jennabel died at a hospital a short time later.

Police released surveillance footage last month of the suspect inside a convenience store near the shooting scene. He was also spotted in footage riding a train carrying luggage shortly after the shootings, and police fear he may have fled from California.

A motive in the killings remains unclear. Investigators have said that Anaya, the surviving boyfriend, did not recognize the man.

The Long Beach City Council and the county Board of Supervisors have offered rewards totaling $40,000 for information leading to an arrest in the shootings. But police officials said they had hoped to receive more calls to anonymous tip lines in the days after the killings.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.

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Scientists in California have found that earthquakes can occur much deeper below the Earths surface than originally believed, a discovery that alters their understanding of seismic behavior and potential risks.

Seismologists have long believed that earthquakes occur less than 12 to 15 miles underground in the planets brittle, rocky crust. But new research has found evidence of quakes deeper than 15 miles under the surface, in the upper mantle, an area where the rock is so hot that it is no longer brittle but creeps, moving around like an extremely hard honey.

Three scientists at Caltech in Pasadena studied data collected over six months from 5,000 state-of-the-art sensors installed in Long Beach atop the Newport-Inglewood fault, one of the most dangerous in the Los Angeles Basin and which caused the magnitude 6.4 Long Beach earthquake of 1933.

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Caltech seismology professor Jean Paul Ampuero, one of three authors of the study that was published Thursday in the journal Science, said the research raised the possibility that the Newport-Inglewood fault and others, such as the San Andreas, could see even more powerful earthquakes than expected. The earthquakes he and his colleagues studied were so deep that they were not felt at the surface by conventional seismic sensors.

The new report indicates that its possible a quake much closer to the surface could travel much deeper into the Earth, producing a stronger, more damaging rupture than previously believed was possible.

That got us thinking  that if earthquakes want to get big, one way of achieving that is by penetrating deep, Ampuero said. The big question is: If the next, larger earthquake happens, if it manages to penetrate deeper than we think, it may be bigger than we expect.

Its an idea that was first raised in 2012, also by Ampuero and several colleagues in the journal Science, when a magnitude 8.6 earthquake struck the Indian Ocean.

That was the largest quake of its kind that has ever happened, Ampuero said. It happened on a fault known as a strike-slip, the same kind of fault as Newport-Inglewood and Californias mighty San Andreas, the states longest fault.

But that Indian Ocean earthquake was so large, it was impossible to explain how it happened with existing science.

So answering the question of how an 8.6 earthquake occurred required a new explanation  that the quake occurred on a fault that not only ruptured the crust, but went deeper into the mantle.

If deep earthquakes can occur, researchers say, then its possible that the Newport-Inglewood fault  which runs under a densely populated swath of Southern California  could produce a larger earthquake that experts had believed possible. Scientists have long thought that the Newport-Inglewood fault could produce a temblor of up to magnitude 7.4.

But a lot more study needs to be done.

The deep quakes that the Caltech scientists detected were only microquakes  topping out at about a magnitude 2.

Therefore, it is also possible that these deep earthquakes remain small and dont help a larger earthquake closer to the surface become stronger. With this theory, earthquakes in this deep zone occur in small pockets far away from one another and dont link in a way that allows a big earthquake to get stronger.

This could be good news, in a way, because if they never break together, that means they can break in tiny earthquakes, but they cannot break in large ones, Ampuero said. So several questions are still open. I wouldnt say that this is cause for alarm at this point. These are very interesting questions that we need to pursue.

Scientists not involved with the study said further research is essential to understand the implications of deeper earthquakes. For instance, the discovery of magnitude 3 or magnitude 4 earthquakes in the mantle would raise additional concern, said U.S. Geological Survey research geophysicist Brad Aagaard.

Its worth further investigation, on multiple fronts, to look at what the physics of the Newport-Inglewood really are, Aagaard said.

USGS research geologist Kate Scharer said the study has implications for all of the faults here. It has long been thought that, for the most part, the mantle was so malleable it did not store seismic strain. So this presents an interesting possibility that it might be, she said.

Still, its plausible that the deep earthquakes are merely chatter that happens at depths where faults dont build up seismic strains powerful enough to generate a big quake, said USGS seismologist Susan Hough.

Its a very cool study, Hough said. Whether or not deep fault extensions store significant strain, understanding their behavior gives us a better understanding of fault and plate boundary systems.

Another thing to consider: The deep earthquakes were found in a 9-square-mile area underneath Long Beach, recorded over six months. When researchers looked farther northwest  over a shorter period, only four weeks  they did not find deep earthquakes there, Ampuero said.

So its possible that deep earthquakes dont exist everywhere on the Newport-Inglewood fault. But it also could be true that scientists will eventually detect those deep earthquakes elsewhere on the fault if they keep on monitoring it for a longer period of time.

There might also be something particular about Long Beach that produces these deep quakes. Scientists found evidence that there are some liquids flowing from the mantle up to the surface below the city  an observation that was not found elsewhere on the Newport-Inglewood fault.

Long Beach was devastated by the 1933 quake, which killed 120 people and flattened many buildings in the city and beyond.

The scientists obtained the data from a group who installed sensors to better understand the areas oil fields. Once they collected the massive amounts of information, the scientists had to design a program to process it to understand what was going on miles underground, invisible to conventional seismic sensing equipment.

In addition to Ampuero, the studys other authors are Asaf Inbal and Robert Clayton.

ron.lin@latimes.com

Twitter: @ronlin

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UPDATES:

Oct, 7, 10:35 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from USGS seismologist Susan Hough.

4:25 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from USGS scientists not affiliated with the study.

3 p.m.: This article was updated throughout.

This article was originally published at 12:20 p.m., Oct. 6.
A gunman who killed a Los Angeles County sheriffs sergeant in Lancaster on Wednesday first wounded him, then stood over him and fired four additional rounds into the lawmans body, Sheriff Jim McDonnell said Thursday.

This was a calculated execution, the sheriff said.

The gunman was carrying a stolen weapon and after the shooting unsuccessfully searched Sgt. Steve Owens body for his handgun with the intent to use it to murder another deputy who was arriving to the scene, McDonnell said.

Authorities identified the gunman as Trenton Trevon Lovell, a 27-year-old, of Lancaster with a long criminal record.

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McDonnell, who refused to speak the suspects name, said the department first came into contact with him when he was selling marijuana as a juvenile. He was arrested 11 times, including two occasions that resulted in state prison time, the sheriff said.

At a news conference Thursday afternoon, McDonnell said it was time for a serious conversation about policies he blamed for allowing the gunman to cycle in and out of custody for years.

Lovell surrendered following a dramatic manhunt in which he tried to steal Owens cruiser and used it to ram another deputy, then ran into a nearby home, where he took two teenagers hostage.

Here was a guy -- a parolee who was classified as moderate risk, he said. Yesterday he was parolee walking our streets with a stolen gun. Today he is facing charges of murdering a peace officer.

McDonnell spoke after an outpouring of praise for Owen in the Antelope Valley community.

Many mourners gathered Thursday at the Lancaster sheriffs station to pay their respects to a sergeant whom one resident described as one of the good ones.

Just before 8 a.m., Bishop Vaughn stopped at the station to offer prayers for the fallen sergeant.

His first encounter with Owen wasnt ideal. It was about eight years ago and the sergeant had arrested him.

Thats how long weve been together, partners, Vaughn said. He brought me a long way.

Vaughn now stays at a mental health facility not far from the station.

But he thinks often of Owen, who he said served as a mentor and a father figure.

This guy, when I was in trouble, kept me straight, Vaughn said.

The night before, hundreds huddled near the entrance to the station to memorialize a lawman, a volunteer football coach, a community presence.

Deputies stood with tearful eyes. As the vigil ended, the crowd sang Amazing Grace.

 Slain deputy mourned

Earlier Wednesday, Owen, a 29-year department veteran, had responded to a seemingly routine burglary call at an apartment building in the 3200 block of West Avenue J-7.

Maria Azuela, 33, had called officers to her home after a loud noise drew her downstairs, where she spotted a broken glass door.

She ran back upstairs to her bedroom where she waited with her 7-month-old baby. Moments later, she heard gunshots. From her bedroom window, Azuela saw a deputy lying on his stomach, motionless. It was Owen.

Another deputy who was at the front of the building ran toward the sound of the gunfire and found the wounded sergeant.

The gunman, meanwhile, ran to the front of the building and jumped into Owens patrol car. The deputy returned from the back of the building and opened fire on the stolen cruiser. The gunman threw the car into reverse and rammed a second patrol car, which struck the deputy and injured him, authorities said.

After the collision, the gunman jumped out of the cruiser and fled. He ran into a nearby home where two teenagers were inside. One teen was able to send a text message to alert authorities, Capt. Steve Katz said.

Sheriffs SWAT deputies entered the home and rescued the teens, who were unharmed.

The man fled through the back, where he hopped a wall, Capt. Jack Ewell said.

Lovell, who was taken into custody, was struck in the upper torso by gunfire at some point during the incident, Katz said.

 Sergeant Steve Owen was responding to a burglary when he was fatally shot.

News of Owens death stunned residents and law enforcement officers.

Steve was just the most hands-on, motivated field sergeant that ever worked for me, said Lt. Derrick Alfred, who supervised Owen. He was just a real hands-on street cop.

Owens presence was noted at community events, such as toy drives and PTA meetings, and liked engaging with youth, said Darren Parker, former president of the L.A. County human relations commission and a civil rights activist.

He truly believed in people, Parker said.

Raj Malhi, a city councilman, called Owen one of the bravest guys Ive ever known.

Malhi said that Owen was known for being calm in tough situations and was well-respected in the area. The two had recently made plans to attend a fallen hero event on Sunday.

Sitting on a bench outside the front doors of the station Thursday with tears in his eyes, Randy Johnson Jr., 29, of Lancaster said he first met Owen about 13 years ago when he was a junior at Antelope Valley High School.

Owen pulled him over, searched him and found marijuana, Johnson said. The two chatted while Johnson was in the back of the police car.

I kind of told him my life story and that I had no one, Johnson said.

Johnson described what Owen did next.

He let me know hed take care of me, Johnson said. He said he could take me to school every day and bring me lunch if I needed.

Over time, Johnsons one pair of shoes got worn down to the point where they had holes in them, and he said people at school made fun of him for it.

He called Owen and asked if he could get him a pair of shoes. The next day when Johnson got out of school, Owen was there waiting with a new pair of Nikes.

Im only here because of him, said Johnson, who now has a wife and two kids and works at an auto body shop. That man is super cop. Hed do anything for you, your community and your kids. A damn good man.

Johnson pointed to the row of candles, American flags, balloons and flowers piling up in front of the sheriffs station. It speaks for itself, he said.

Los Angeles Times staff writers Veronica Rocha, James Queally, Corina Knoll and Matt Hamilton contributed to this report.

Law enforcement and Fire Department personnel transport the shooting suspect in Lancaster. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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UPDATES:

5 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell.

4:30 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell.

12:30 p.m.: This article was updated with the suspected gunmans name.

11:10 a.m.: This article was updated with information from a woman who notified police.

10:10 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with additional information.

This article was originally published at 9:35 a.m.
Miguel Ferreyra was, from what his sisters remember, a baby in the body of a young man. He couldnt talk. When he wanted something, he pointed and grunted. But physically, they say, he was always strong.

Jared Prudhomme had been diagnosed with autism at age 3. He also couldnt talk, and he needed help with most of the tasks required for daily living. But like Ferreyra, he was physically able, his former caretaker recalled.

In late August, Ferreyra and Prudhomme were found dead inside the burned remains of a state-licensed and funded home for severely disabled adults in Temecula Valley wine country. The homes administrator and two other men were also found dead.

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Deputies with the Riverside County Sheriffs Department soon said they were investigating the deaths as homicides but have said little since. Coroners officials say they have yet to determine a cause of death, though autopsies were completed and the bodies were released to the families.

Ferreyras family and Prudhommes former caretaker say theyre desperate for information.

Four people lost their lives. They were disabled. They were vulnerable and they were not able to help themselves, said Roslyn Ferreyra, Miguel Ferreyras sister. Why am I not able to get any information at all?

The Renee Jennex small family home had been licensed since 2003 and served some of the most severely disabled individuals in the state  those with deficits in self-help skills, and/or severe impairment in physical coordination and mobility, and/or severely disruptive or self-injurious behavior, according to state records.

Clara Trevino scatters rose petals in front of the property where her disabled nephew, Miguel Ferreyra ,was found dead. I just think about how they felt trying to get out and nobody was there to help them, Trevino said. (Paloma Esquivel / Los Angeles Times )

Clients lived in a small, three-bedroom house that sat next to a larger, two-story home on an extensive horse property surrounded by barbed wire on rolling hills dotted with vineyards and orchards.

In interviews after the fire, a number of neighbors said they had no idea such a facility was in the area and that they only ever saw the owner or his wife outside.

Since 2011, the home has received nearly $900,000 through Inland Regional Center, a nonprofit agency that is reimbursed by the state for providing services to the developmentally disabled, said Nancy Lungren, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Developmental Services.

CJ Cook, a program manager for the regional center, declined to answer questions about its oversight of the victims or the home, citing the investigation and privacy laws and saying the agency would need the facilitys permission to release its records.

Renee Jennex, who operated the home along with James Jennex, did not return calls for comment. James Jennex, 50, was among those found dead in the fire.

The facility had, as part of the licensing process, been inspected by the Department of Social Services over the years. Those inspections have been made public by that department and show that for the most part, inspectors found things in order at the facility, though it had been cited in 2011, 2006 and 2005 for a hot water temperature that exceeded 120 degrees, and in 2007 for not having a lid on a trash can.

At the most recent visit in November, state inspectors found no violations. The smoke detectors worked, the home was kept at a comfortable temperature, there was hot water, food and hygiene supplies. No firearms or ammunition were kept in the home.

This week, the Sheriffs Department issued a statement asking for the publics help to piece together what happened.

The investigation, which has involved obtaining and researching volumes of documents, has been tedious since the initial five-day search for evidence through the debris and ash of the fire, the statement said.

Prudhommes former caretaker and Ferreyras family say they are struggling to understand why the men werent able to escape.

Milford Battison, 37 and Richard Driskill, 37, also died at the home. The Times was unable to reach their families.

We want to know what went wrong or, if they dont have an answer, what do you know so far?  Marcela Hurtado

Riverside Sheriff investigator in front of the charred remains of board-and-care facility in Temecula, where firefighters found the remains of five people inside in late August. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times )

I want to know how five people died and not one person got out, said Marcela Hurtado, who cared for Prudhomme in her Corona home for disabled adults for over a decade.We want to know what went wrong or, if they dont have an answer, what do you know so far?

Prudomme, 26, had lived with Hurtado for so long he was like part of her family, she said. He went on vacations to Mexico with them. He had even gone hang-gliding and horseback riding with them, she said.

But he had begun waking up at night, and her home did not have night staff to watch him.

Hurtado said she struggled with the decision to move Prudhomme to the Jennex facility. But she believed that Prudhomme needed to be in a place where staff was up at night in case he awoke and that the Jennex home had that staff.

Prudhomme moved to Temecula on Aug. 19, Hurtado said. The fire happened in the early morning hours of Aug. 29.

Prudhomme knew to get out if a fire alarm rang, she said. They had rehearsed it over and over again over the years and she had taught him to expect a snack once he was out. He would eagerly run out at any hint of an alarm, she said.

When she heard that he had died, she said, I couldnt wrap my brain around him not hearing a fire alarm and him not going out. He was very fast, very agile.

Ferreyra, 31, was separated from his sisters when he was a teenager, after social workers found the siblings living with their mother in a motel and took custody of them, his sisters Darlene and Regina Clay and Roslyn Ferreyra recalled.

After she turned 18, Roslyn Ferreyra said, she tried unsuccessfully for years to find her brother.

It was always in my head to find him, because it was so traumatic, she said. Someone who is disabled who is taken from their family, they dont understand whats going on. He didnt know. That was always something that stuck with me.

Earlier this month, Regina Clay received a phone call from the coroners office, informing her that their brother had died.

Ferreyras family said they were devastated and now have a long list of questions they want answered.

I just for the life of me cant understand why they werent able to get out. It doesnt make any sense, Regina Clay said. He was a strong and fast kid. We used to joke about putting him in Special Olympics.

Since learning about the deaths, Ferreyras cousin Michelle Glenn and her mother, Clara Trevino, who live in Temecula, have gone multiple times to the neighborhood where the men died, to ask neighbors whether they know anything about what happened.

The neighbors they spoke to told them what a number of residents have told reporters, that they didnt know the facility was there until it burned, they said.

During a recent visit, the family examined the charred remains of the home closely, looking for any hints as to what might have happened.

I just think about how they felt trying to get out, and nobody was there to help them, Trevino said.

They worried the case would go unsolved because the victims had few resources and few connections to the larger community.

Before she left, Trevino opened a plastic bag filled with pink rose petals and scattered them in front of the property.

For Jared, Richard, Milford and Miguel, she said.

paloma.esquivel@latimes.com

Twitter: @palomaesquivel

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

Trend:

A project entitled Connecting to Alternative Future implemented at the Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) is completed.

It was conducted with financial support from the Youth Foundation of Azerbaijan under the President of the Azerbaijan Republic in partnership with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources of the Azerbaijan Republic (SAARES) and the Information Systems and Technologies Centre Multimedia. Organizational support was provided by BHOS.

BHOS Vice-Rector for Training, Science and International Relations Ramiz Humbatov and Head of the Postgraduate Education Department Rena Mustafayeva participated in a meeting held at BHOS and dedicated to the project completion. Students and journalists participating in the project were awarded certificates.

On the third day of the project implementation the participants visited solar electric station located in the Surakhan settlement. It is established and managed by the State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources of the Azerbaijan Republic.

The specialists working at the station provided the guests with general information about electric energy produced by solar panels and told them about the station work and projects to be implemented in the future.

The Connecting to Alternative Future project was aimed at facilitating decision-making process for transition to new economics, studying experience and potential of Azerbaijani youth for future developments and raising civil societys awareness of nanotechnology and alternative energy sources by highlighting these topics in the press including publishing research articles.
He started his criminal life as a juvenile, authorities said, selling marijuana before graduating to more serious offenses.

He racked up 11 arrests, two of which landed him in state prison, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell.

On one occasion, he pointed a handgun at an off-duty USC security officer near campus and robbed him of his wallet, cellphone and watch.

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When LAPD officers caught up with him a week later, he was still wearing the stolen watch.

On Thursday, authorities identified Trenton Trevon Lovell, 27, as the man who shot and killed a sheriffs sergeant responding to a burglary call in Lancaster earlier this week.

Lovell used a stolen handgun to wound Sgt. Steve Owen, then executed the lawman by standing over him and pumping four more bullets into his body, McDonnell told reporters at a news conference.

This was an individual who was certainly the aggressor, someone who was truly a predator, McDonnell said.

The sheriff said it was time for a serious conversation about policies that he blamed for allowing the gunman to cycle in and out of custody for years.

Residents of the apartment complex where Owen was killed said Lovell sometimes stayed in one of the units with his sister.

Blanca Oseguera, 38, echoed the sentiments of a small crowd of neighbors who said none was surprised to hear Lovells name linked to the shooting.

Oseguera said she was involved in a confrontation with him weeks earlier, after he cursed at her daughters while he smoked marijuana outside.

I told him, You shouldnt be here; you dont live here,  she said.

Oseguera and another woman, 26-year-old Cynthia Appleby, said Lovell was known to have a hot temper and Osegueras clash with him three weeks ago was witnessed by several neighbors.

Lovells aunt, Deborah Matute, said she hadnt seen her nephew since he moved out of her Harvard Heights-area apartment in Los Angeles earlier this year.

Matute said she didnt know details about his past troubles with the law and never asked him about them. She allowed him to stay with her family around April and May because he needed an address where his parole officer could visit him, she said.

I just felt sorry for him, she said. I just didnt want to see him in the street.

When Lovell lived with her, there were no problems, Matute said. He would stay the night at the apartment and then mostly be out.

Hes a nice person when he wants to be, she said.

But after police came to the apartment wanting to search it, his family asked him to leave in June.

I didnt want that kind of problem here, she said.

Matute said she didnt see Lovell again until Wednesday afternoon, when she recognized his face on television as she watched news about the slain sheriffs deputy.

What have you done now? she thought to herself.

I just couldnt believe it. I was shocked, she said. Im sorry for the police officers family. Im sad for them.

She stood quietly for a minute, shaking her head as she thought.

I dont know what to say, she said.

Wednesdays shooting occurred shortly after noon as Owen, 53, and another deputy responded to a 911 call from a woman reporting a burglary at a residence in the 3200 block of West Avenue J-7, authorities said. As Owen went to the rear of a nearby apartment complex, he was confronted by Lovell, sheriffs officials said.

According to authorities, Lovell shot the sheriffs sergeant and ran toward the front of the apartment building.

A second deputy arrived at the complex and confronted the gunman, who had entered Owens sheriffs cruiser and was trying to steal it, sheriffs officials said.

The deputy opened fire on the cruiser, but Lovell threw the car into reverse and rammed a second patrol car, which struck the deputy and injured him, authorities said. Lovell was shot and wounded in the shoulder.

He jumped out of the cruiser and ran into a nearby home, where two teenagers were inside. One teen was able to send a text message to his mother, who alerted authorities.

Sheriffs SWAT deputies entered the home to rescue the teens. Lovell fled out the back and was captured after he jumped over a fence into a neighboring backyard, authorities said.

Lovells rap sheet dates back years, according to court records. In 2008, he pleaded no contest to resisting arrest and was given a 90-day jail sentence. Months later, he was arrested and later convicted of the robbery near USC. He was sentenced to six years in prison, according to Los Angeles County Superior Court records.

Last year, he pleaded no contest to driving under the influence of alcohol and causing injury to another person, court records show. Lovell was ordered to complete a nine-month first-offender program for drunk drivers and enroll in a drug and alcohol counseling program. He was scheduled to appear in court Oct. 24 for a progress report.

Elliott Coney, the former USC security officer who was robbed near campus in December 2008, recalled Thursday how Lovell had entered his car and put a gun to his chest, demanding his valuables.

Lovell appeared annoyed after Coney told him that he had nothing. He leveled the gun at Coneys face.

I thought for a second he was going to shoot me, Coney said.

He gave Lovell his wallet, containing $300 to $400, along with his cellphone and watch. Lovell jumped out of the car and walked away in front of the vehicle, as if to show he was not concerned about getting caught, Coney said.

Coney reported the robbery to Los Angeles police and told them that he could identify the gunman. Days later, Coney was driving to campus and spotted Lovell with a group of men.

He notified the LAPD. Days later, Lovell was arrested, records show.

Coney, 34, said he was stunned to learn that Lovell was identified as the man who shot and killed the sheriffs sergeants this week.

It puts things into perspective, how blessed I am, Coney said. I could have lost my life.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

james.queally@latimes.com

brittny.mejia@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow us on Twitter at @VeronicaRochaLA, @JamesQueallyLAT and @brittny_mejia

Times staff writers Nicole Santa Cruz and Richard Winton contributed to this report.

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UPDATES:

7:00 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with more details about Lovells history and comments from the countys sheriff and a former robbery victim of Lovells.

1:50 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Lovells mother, an aunt and neighbors in the apartment complex where he was staying.

12:50 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from neighbors.

This article was originally published at 12:30 p.m.
Jamie Forsher, 35, was standing in the sunroom of her parents Lancaster home Wednesday afternoon when she saw a man jump over a fence into their backyard. Forsher knew about the manhunt  deputies had searched the house earlier in the day, and her family was watching the news unfold on television in another room.

The man ran toward the back door. So did Forsher.

I slammed it and locked it and told everybody to get on the ground, she said. God forbid he starts shooting and tries to get in here.

Forsher said deputies had swarmed the neighborhood and got him within a matter of seconds. Television footage showed the man sprawled next to the familys backyard pool as he surrendered.

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Los Angeles County sheriffs Sgt. Steve Owen was killed after he was shot during a gun battle while responding to call of a residential burglary nearby. A dramatic manhunt ended with the arrest of the suspect.

Owen, a 29-year department veteran, was awarded a Medal of Valor in 2014, the departments highest honor. His wife is a member of the departments Arson Explosive Unit.

My heart really goes out to the officer who was shot and his family.  Jamie Forsher, who saw a man jump into her backyard

My heart really goes out to the officer who was shot and his family, Forsher said. Im just happy no one else was hurt.

Gunshots were reported about 12:30 p.m. in the 3200 block of West Avenue J-7, triggering a massive search for the shooter, according to the Sheriffs Department.

Shortly after 2 p.m., the suspected gunman, who is from the Antelope Valley and is on active parole, later forced his way into a home and holed himself up with two hostages, Katz said. When deputies entered the house, the man fled through the backyard, put his arms up and was taken into custody. A weapon was recovered. Authorities did not describe the weapon.

During the gun battle, the man was struck in the upper torso by gunfire, Katz said.

The wounded sergeant was driven in a sheriffs cruiser to Antelope Valley Hospital in grave condition. Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris, who was at the hospital, said the lawman was shot in the face.

kate.mather@latimes.com

@katemather

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Like those from a battering ram, the hits just keep coming from the recently elected president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte.

Saying this week that President Obama could go to hell, Duterte has threatened to jettison decades of close security cooperation with the United States, suggesting Manila would turn to China or Russia for support.

The latest anti-U.S. vitriol came as U.S. Marines and sailors practiced amphibious landings and other exercises with Philippine troops at coastal sites close to the strategic shipping lanes and disputed islands in the South China Sea, a regional hot spot.

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The joint exercises began Tuesday and are scheduled to run until Oct. 12. Last week, Duterte said this would be the final round of joint exercises with the U.S. military.

Obama administration officials have chosen to largely ignore Dutertes insults and ultimatums, and say they have not scaled back any military or aid programs in the Philippines.

The administration is playing this as well as one can, said Amy Searight, director of the Southeast Asia Program for the nonpartisan Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. The best option for the U.S. is to stay calm and let it play out. We dont know yet where Duterte plans to go with this.

The administration is playing this as well as one can. The best option for the U.S. is to stay calm and let it play out.  Amy Searight, director of the Southeast Asia Program for the nonpartisan Center for Strategic and International Studies

Washington and Manila have had a mutual defense treaty since 1951 and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said that military partnership remains ironclad.

He spoke in Honolulu after meeting with his Philippine counterpart, Delfin Lorenzana, at a weekend gathering of defense ministers from the Assn. of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional grouping that promotes economic, political and security cooperation.

Lorenzana said Wednesday that Duterte might be misinformed about the value of the Philippines military cooperation with the United States

Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, said Tuesday that Dutertes harsh comments are at odds with the warm relationship that exists between the Filipino and American people.

Last month, Duterte used a common slur in Tagalog that roughly translates as son of a bitch to refer to Obama. The White House responded by canceling a planned bilateral meeting on the sidelines of a regional summit in Laos.

Duterte later said in a statement through his spokesman that he regretted that his language came across as a personal attack on the U.S. president.

White House officials had said Obama was concerned about widespread extrajudicial killings since Duterte was elected on a vow to declare war on illegal drugs. Police and vigilantes have killed more than 3,500 people since Duterte took office June 30.

Words do matter, a senior State Department official said, requesting anonymity to speak candidly. But, the official added, we are not going to respond to every little thing said in Tagalog somewhere in the Philippines.

The Philippines spent five decades as an American colony until it won independence after World War II, and relations have been stormy numerous times in the past. In 1991, the U.S. was forced to give up major air and naval bases in the country.

Obama has visited the Philippines twice in the last four years in an effort to broaden ties. It paid off with wider U.S. military access to Philippine bases and ports, and greater cooperation on counter-terrorism programs.

In 2014, Washington and Manila signed an enhanced defense cooperation agreement partly in an effort to provide a stronger counterbalance to Chinas expansion in the resource-rich South China Sea, where it is building artificial islands.

The agreement, now criticized by Duterte, was upheld as constitutional by the Philippine Supreme Court on Jan. 12.

The Pentagon keeps 300 to 500 troops in the Philippines to support training, joint exercises and other activities. About 50 to 100 members of the U.S. special forces also work with Philippine security forces, especially in the restive southern islands.

Cmdr. Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, said the U.S. military has been consulting with Manila over the last two months on ways we can support the new administrations counter-terrorism efforts.

Ten weeks ago, the Philippines won an important legal victory when an international tribunal, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, ruled that Chinas historic claims to islands and reefs in the South China Sea were invalid.

Duterte, however, has sought to move closer to Beijing, which is a major trading partner for Manila.

There is a history of anti-American sentiment that gathers around sovereignty issues [in the Philippines] and Duterte can tap into that, said Sheila Smith, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Council on Foreign Relations in Washington. But he is playing rather dangerously, thinking we can cozy up to China  as a hedge.

For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter

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Tracy Cogles death was hardly a mystery. The 34-year-old mother was found slumped on the floor of her grandparents bathroom, a heroin-laced syringe nearby.

In years past, police would have conducted a fairly rudimentary investigation, taking a report and notifying relatives of Cogles demise.

But her 2013 death came amid a wave of overdoses in this rural nook of northwestern Virginia. And law enforcement agencies were fast learning that one heroin overdose usually meant many more would soon follow, related to the same bad batch.

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Frustrated investigators decided to embrace a relatively radical approach: treat her death as a homicide and go after the dealer.

People were dying left and right from this, said Lt. Wally Stotlemyer of the Winchester Police Department, who leads the narcotics task force that investigated Cogles death. We had to try something. And in a real sense, these were homicides, in their own way.

Police took crime scene photographs and collected evidence, including the syringe and tin foil used to cook the heroin. They combed Cogles cellphone for clues and hunted for witnesses.

It led to an exhaustive 10-month probe in which investigators raced against the clock to identify the source of the drugs even as his deadly heroin claimed more lives. They would eventually dispatch informants 100 miles away, down an East Coast interstate dubbed heroin highway by police, to purchase drugs from the man they suspected in at least a half dozen overdose deaths.

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Applying old-fashioned investigative tactics, such as basic forensics and dogged shoe leather, was rarely seen in overdose cases.

Stotlemyers 10-member regional narcotics task force was one of the first in the nation to investigate such cases as homicides, kick-starting a trend that seeks to hold dealers criminally responsible for their customers overdoses. Police and federal officials say the new approach was born partly out of desperation as they seek new ways to combat an epidemic that shows no signs of abating.

It remains unclear whether the new legal tactic is discouraging dealers, but at a minimum law enforcement officials say it is saving lives.

Heroin dealers make good targets for such cases because arresting a single supplier can have an immediate effect in decreasing a regions heroin-related injuries and fatalities. Addicts prefer the strongest heroin they can find, so the narcotic has become increasingly pure and inexpensive, and is being combined with other powerful drugs.

With meth and cocaine, you occasionally see an overdose or two, said Dana Boente, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. But with heroin, you get an entire bad batch and people die with greater frequency in groups. And that is why catching one dealer can have a broad impact.

In August, for example,150 overdoses over a six-day period in Ohio were linked to heroin laced with a powerful animal tranquilizer.

Thats why federal prosecutors say they are seeking to bring more cases against dealers. Federal penalties for dealing drugs that lead to an overdose death or injury can be stiff -- a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years.

Over the last few decades, narcotics detectives and death investigators rarely worked together. While police officers documented scenes and took reports on deaths, narcotics detectives worked separately, hunting for kingpins and major dealers as they had always done  building confidential informants, using wiretaps.

Narcotics detectives have begun to take more active roles in overdoses as heroin-related injuries and deaths skyrocketed across the nation. In 2014, more than 10,500 people died from heroin overdoses, an increase of nearly 80% since 2012, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The same spike was recorded in the five mostly rural counties surrounding Winchester, a city of 26,000 residents 60 miles west of Washington. The region tallied an average of 17 heroin overdose deaths between 2013 and 2015, up from an average of five during the previous six years, according to police and data from Virginias medical examiner.

And police say the statistics likely undercount the problem because it is not always clear that people taking multiple drugs died from the heroin in their systems. This year is on pace to continue the trend, investigators say.

How the 1981 assassination attempt changed Nancy Reagan 

Police and federal law enforcement officials looking into Cogles death knew the area was supplied by dozens of minor dealers who purchased their drugs from middlemen and top dealers, most likely in the Baltimore area. If they could climb that chain  starting with those who suffered overdoses  they might be able to arrest the top two or three suppliers of heroin to the Winchester area.

There is a tremendous sense of urgency to identify the traffickers of these lethal drugs, said Karl Colder, special agent in charge of the DEAs Washington field office.

Moving quickly after an overdose is essential, investigators soon determined. So their first task in adopting the new aggressive approach was to convince emergency medical technicians and dispatchers to alert them to suspected overdoses so investigators could collect evidence at the scene or at hospitals.

In the best-case scenario, overdose victims would survive and could be interviewed. We found that victims were very cooperative right after you save their lives, said Jay Perry, a supervisory special agent with the Virginia State Police. After a few days, victims tended to be less willing to help investigators.

Even if an overdose were fatal, as with Cogle, investigators learned it was important to expeditiously tap into the emotions of friends and fellow users for tips and leads. Cellphones  and texts and calls between dealers and customers  also provided valuable clues.

It didnt take them long to figure out how Cogle was getting her toxic elixir of heroin and fentanyl, a synthetic opioid painkiller that is often mixed with heroin to intensify the high. When she died on Nov. 17, 2013, she had fatal doses of both drugs in her system.

Combing through Cogles phone, police discovered a series of calls to a man known in her directory as Charlie, but the number was linked to a pre-paid burner phone with no subscriber information. Some of Cogles friends filled in the blanks, telling investigators that she had driven to Baltimore to meet Charlie to purchase a couple of grams of heroin.

They were still running down leads when another woman died of a heroin overdose in the Winchester area. Rita Livermore, 49, was found in her house. Investigators identified the person who sold Livermore three small bags of heroin for $100. He soon fingered his supplier: a man calling himself Charlie.

It was getting out of control, said Stotlemyer. We could tell it was coming from Baltimore, but the dealers were smart, using burner phones and dealing with known customers. We needed a break.

That came when Baltimore County police arrested a drug dealer named Christopher R. Giles, and raided his townhouse and apartment. Police suspected he was a major supplier of heroin to addicts in Virginia and West Virginia. During searches, police recovered $60,000 in cash, marijuana, crack, heroin and more than a dozen cellphones.

Two of those devices had numbers matching the ones they had already linked to Charlie.

A bit of sleuthing revealed that Giles, now 28, was the dominant name in the market of heroin sales from Baltimore to Winchester-area residents, federal prosecutors wrote in court papers.

Giles, who had three felony drug convictions, sold about 4 pounds of heroin a month to customers in the Winchester area, police learned. He had a broad customer base with at least 200 clients and established himself as a one-stop shop for heroin, crack and cocaine  all distributed from a stuffed backpack in the parking lots of restaurants and near interstate highways. Informants told police that he was always friendly, that he dispensed his heroin with a smile.

Police and federal agents were steadily building their case when they got bad news: Giles had been released on bail.

Investigators had a strong case against Giles for the past overdoses, but they wanted to prove that he was still actively dealing, said Perry of the Virginia State Police.

So they dispatched several informants to surreptitiously purchase drugs. They met in the parking lots of fast-food restaurants and gas stations, all of the purchases recorded on hidden video cameras. We gave him no wiggle room, Perry said.

With their case nearly complete, investigators obtained a warrant for Giles arrest in September 2014. But it took a month to track him down.

They were too late for one user. Just days before they nabbed Giles in mid-October, Bryant White, 43, was found dead in his motel room.

Giles and his business partner, 43-year-old Warren Evans Jr., both pleaded guilty in federal court in Harrisonburg, Va., to dealing drugs that led to the injury or death of a user. As part of their plea deal, they admitted their heroin fueled at least six overdoses, three of which were fatal. Authorities suspect at least two dozen other people likely overdosed on the dealers drugs.

The men were sentenced to at least 25 years in federal prison.

Officials noticed an immediate impact. In the two months after the arrests, the regions heroin overdose rate dropped from an average of about two a week to less than one. We saved some lives, Stotlemyer said. No doubt about that.

But the victory was short-lived. After two months, overdoses spiked again. A new dealer had moved into the region after Giles was put away.

Said Stotlemyer: This never seems to end.

del.wilber@latimes.com

Twitter: @delwilber

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Defense Secretary Ashton Carters former top military assistant improperly used his government credit card to carouse at so-called gentlemens clubs in South Korea and Italy last year, a Pentagon investigation has found.

Maj. Gen. Ronald F. Lewis is alleged to have consumed alcohol to excess after-hours at the Candy Bar in Seoul and the Cica Cica Boom bar in Rome, running up nearly $3,000 on his government credit card.

A 51-page report by the Pentagons inspector general released Thursday accused Lewis of making a false official statement, misusing a government travel charge card, and carrying out conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.

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The inspector general referred the matter to the Army for discipline. Lewis was fired from his position last November when allegations of misconduct first surfaced, but he remains in the Army.

As I said when I first learned about allegations of misconduct against Maj. Gen. Lewis and removed him as my senior military assistant, I expect the highest possible standards of conduct from the men and women in this department particularly from those serving in the most senior positions, Carter said in a statement. There is no exception.

Lewis, a veteran commander and attack helicopter pilot who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, was a rising star in the Army and was Carters top uniformed aide at the Pentagon until the scandal erupted.

The report said Lewis disagreed with our conclusions, criticized our investigation, and disputed some of the facts we found.

It added that Lewis was aware of [his] mistakes, errors in judgment, and perceptions [he] may have created.

According to the report, during a visit to Seoul last April, Lewis charged $1,121.25 at the Candy Bar club, in an area known locally as Hooker Hill because of prostitution, drugs and underage drinking. The bar was off-limits to U.S. military personnel.

When investigators showed him the credit card charges, including an 81% tip, Lewis denied being at the Candy Bar and called Citibank to have them removed. The bank agreed but investigators determined Lewis was lying.

Lewis visited Rome last October on official travel with Carter and Pentagon staff. Investigators say Lewis used a government-issued credit card at the Cica Cica Boom club, which advertises Sexy Show, Fans Club and Lap Dance.

Lewis told investigators that he danced and drank with local women for three hours and tried to pay the $1,755.98 bill with his personal debit card, but it wasnt accepted.

He said a woman from the club then went with him to his hotel at 1:40 a.m. to get his government-issued credit card from an unnamed female subordinate.

Lewis woke her to get the card while his escort waited outside the room, which was down the hall from where Carter was staying, the report said.

I left [the club] with a big bill and they wanted to make sure I came back and paid it, Lewis told investigators. It had to be put on my government card in order to have this bill cleared.

Investigators said Lewis, a married father of two, also had acted inappropriately with female colleagues on several occasions.

During a trip to Palo Alto in August 2015, the report said, he invited a female soldier into his hotel room while he wore only gym shorts. After that, she made sure someone accompanied her whenever she had to report to Lewis room.

Lewis is one of several high-profile Army generals recently fired because of personal misconduct.

Maj. Gen. Wayne Grigsby, who headed an infantry division at Fort Riley, Kan., and National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Bobeck, who was assigned to the Joint Chiefs at the Pentagon, were relieved of their duties last month. In August, Maj. Gen. David Haight was removed from his job running operations for U.S. European Command.

william.hennigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @wjhenn

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Hillary Clinton says debate showed Donald Trump is indefensible

Hillary Clinton told the crowd at a fundraiser here that the vice presidential debate on Tuesday night showed Donald Trump was an indefensible candidate.

She praised her running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, for how he handled Trumps pick, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.

Every time he tried to push Mike Pence to defend what Donald Trump has said and done, Pence just bobbed and weaved and tried to get out of the way because, after all, trying to defend Donald Trump is an impossible task, Clinton said.

She pointed to Trumps comments about allowing more countries to get nuclear weapons as proof. Pence falsely claimed during the debate that wasnt Trumps position.

When your own running mate wont defend the top of the ticket, I think that tells you everything you need to know, Clinton said.
Trump insists town hall is not debate prep, but he has a lot to say about Sundays debate

(Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

The format was a town hall, just like Sundays debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, but on Thursday night in New Hampshire Trump immediately and repeatedly batted away the notion that the event had any connection to the upcoming clash with his Democratic opponent.

They were saying this is practice for Sunday. This isnt practice; this has nothing to do with Sunday, said the GOP presidential nominee, whose performance in the first debate against Clinton was widely panned. Were just here because we just wanted to be here.

Clintons announced preparation for the upcoming debate was actually an excuse for the Democratic nominee to rest, added Trump, who then shook his head as he said incredulously, Debate prep?

But the nearly hourlong gathering with voters in Sandown, N.H., moderated by conservative radio host Howie Carr, sure felt like a practice session for Sundays debate, which begins at 6 p.m. Pacific.

Trump, who rarely holds town halls, gave an opening statement, reciting a list of polls that were favorable to him. Then he responded to about a dozen pre-screened questions from the audience, about topics such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, foreign policy and job creation. Carr gave him two minutes to respond -- roughly the time candidates get during real debates.

Some queries concerned the debates themselves, such as one question from a Bedford resident about whether Trump would go after Clinton more aggressively than he did in their first debate. (Trump previously said he didnt raise former President Bill Clintons indiscretions because the Clintons daughter, Chelsea, was in the audience.)

I did hold back. I thought it was inappropriate to say what I was thinking, Trump said Thursday. Id much rather have it be on policy.

He said he preferred to keep the debates out of the gutter, but then indicated he was open to raising the matter on Sunday.

Lets see what happens, Trump said.

Another voter asked Trump about reports that he was upset that running mate Mike Pence outperformed him in the vice presidential debate this week. Trump responded by trashing reporters who had cited anonymous sources claiming he was displeased, and said he was ecstatic over Pences widely praised performance against Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine.

We were jumping up and down, Trump said. And Ill tell you what, hes a great human being. You cant root against him, you cant.

New Hampshire is renowned in political circles for its town halls, where voters often aggressively question candidates. But Thursdays event was invitation-only, full of Trump supporters.

The questions were softballs, such as his favorite memory  sitting by his fathers knee as he negotiated  and who would win the World Series.

Of course its Boston, said Trump, whose demeanor and tone during the town hall were far calmer than during the first debate.

He recognized the crowd was friendly, noting after a Sandown woman asked about taxes and repeated Trumps campaign slogan of Make America Great Again.

I like this audience, Trump said. I like this audience.

The event concluded with Carr thanking Trump, calling him the next president of the United States and wishing him luck in the debate. The crowd members leaped to their feet and chanted, Trump!
The Paris Agreement on global warming cleared an important hurdle Wednesday when several European countries added their ratifications, meaning that nations accounting for more than 55% of the worlds carbon emissions were formally on board  the level required for the pact to go into effect.

Reached in December, the agreement aims to keep the global average temperature from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels  and ideally, to keep the increase under 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The swift ratification means the pact will go into effect much faster than many had thought  on Nov. 6, less than a year after the agreement was reached. The pace was propelled in no small part by international fears that a President Donald J. Trump would make good on his campaign promise to blow it all up.

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Of course, Trump in the White House could hamstring U.S. efforts to throttle back its own emissions, but this step by foreign governments makes it much more difficult for him to carry out his pledge to re-negotiate a deal that was, in fact, reached by nearly 200 countries.

President Obama committed the U.S. to cut carbon emissions by 26% to 28% by 2025, but the agreement is nonbinding and Trump could renege. In fact, given Trumps support for fossil fuel production in general and the coal industry in particular, a Trump administration likely would push emissions in the other direction.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has given her full-throated endorsement to the pact and the science behind it, which means people serious about combatting climate change have an easy decision to make come election day.

Were already seeing the kinds of environmental changes that global-warming experts have warned about  rising seas, stressed flora and fauna, more intense weather swings  and some leading scientists think the world already may be too far down the warming path to hold the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Last year was the warmest on record, and 2016 is on pace to match or exceed that as part of what experts fear is an acceleration in temperature rise.

The warming caused primarily by burning fossil fuels has been a long time building, and it will take time to achieve meaningful curbs  particularly given the indefensible political hurdles engendered by science-denying Republicans in Congress and state governments.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit last month heard oral arguments in a lawsuit by 27 states and various industry groups seeking to stop the Obama administrations Clean Power Plan, which requires states to adopt plans to cut emissions from power-generating plants. Its unclear when the court will rule, but the judges need to work quickly.

President Obama could be right in saying history may judge the ratification of the Paris Agreement as a turning point for our planet. But if meaningful reductions in carbon emissions dont follow, then history will judge this as the moment when the world acknowledged it had a problem, yet failed to fix it. The longer the world  and governments  dillydally, the more likely future generations will regard us as fools.

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In the United States, a nation wedded to the proposition that military might guarantees security, the members of each successive generation face this challenge: Will they demonstrate greater or lesser wisdom than their predecessors in deciding where young Americans should next fight?

Leaders of the so-called Greatest Generation failed the test. We can fix the date of that failure: It occurred just about 50 years ago, in September 1966, when Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara concluded that the Vietnam War was unwinnable  and then acquiesced in its further escalation.

Arguably the brightest of all the Best and Brightest, McNamara could not muster the courage to confront what his own analysis revealed  that in Vietnam he and the presidents he served had given birth to a doomed enterprise. Instead, McNamara sustained the pretense of believing in a cause that he privately concluded was irretrievable. So the war continued, killing tens of thousands of Americans along with far greater numbers of Asians before culminating in a humiliating U.S. defeat.

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The best and brightest of the baby boomers have in their own way replicated the missteps of their predecessors.

How ironic then that the best and brightest of the baby boomers have in their own way replicated the missteps of their predecessors. When the World War II generation presided over the Pentagon, the administrations of John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson plunged heedlessly into what became a monumental quagmire. The boomer-dominated administrations of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama have effectively collaborated in producing a similar result.

Although comparisons between Vietnam and Iraq, widely separated in time and space, are inexact, they are telling. Back in the 1960s, members of the policy elite to which McNamara belonged persuaded themselves that the preservation of South Vietnam ranked as a categorical imperative. To keep that country afloat and prevent Southeast Asia from slipping out of Washingtons orbit, the United States embarked upon what many soon dubbed McNamaras War.

By the beginning of the 1990s, members of the policy elite were obsessing over Iraq much as their predecessors in the 1960s had obsessed over Vietnam. As in the 1960s, unexamined assumptions abounded. So too did exaggerated fears. As had been the case during the 1960s, policymakers knew remarkably little about the country on which they were fixated. Once again, the issue at hand went beyond the fate of a single troublesome country. Ostensibly at stake was Americas primacy in the Persian Gulf.

As in Southeast Asia back in the 1960s, so too in the Persian Gulf since the 1990s: Efforts to prop up U.S. hegemony yielded instead upheaval and instability. McNamaras War all but destroyed the country it was meant to save, while also engulfing neighbors such as Cambodia and Laos. The results achieved by what today might be called Carters War  for Ashton Carter, the eighth Defense secretary of the baby-boomer political ascendency to preside over U.S. military operations in Iraq  are no less abysmal.

The sequence of sanctions, bombing, invasion, occupation, counter-terrorism, counterinsurgency and yet more bombing, intended to bring Iraq into compliance with American dictates, has succeeded chiefly in shattering that country. The collateral damage caused by U.S. military actions during the past quarter-century under the auspices of baby boomer elites certainly equals the havoc wreaked by McNamara and his confreres and extends across an even wider territory.

Yet these parallel stories of military malpractice are by no means identical. Among the differences, one in particular stands out. In the 1960s, angry Americans, led by baby boomers, rose up in protest. Demanding accountability, many fingered McNamara as the very embodiment of Vietnam-era strategic myopia and moral indifference. Even today, among those who fought in that war and those who opposed it, he remains a reviled figure. Haunted by Vietnam, McNamara himself belatedly conceded the point, expressing remorse for his misjudgments while in office.

Today accountability and remorse are in short supply. Whatever capacity the public once possessed to rouse itself when faced with a military enterprise gone awry has apparently dissipated. With the normalization of war, Americans have learned to tune out events occurring on distant battlefields. Public malaise frees Congress of any obligation to exercise serious oversight. Why ask difficult questions when rote expressions of supporting the troops suffice to win votes?

As for the policy elite, in its ranks strategic myopia and moral indifference flourish. As with McNamara in his heyday, the conviction persists that military might will ultimately put things right, even as actual events contradict such expectations on a daily basis.

Its not that first-order questions go unanswered. They are not even asked, even in a presidential election year. For this, Americans have no one to blame but themselves.

Andrew J. Bacevich is professor emeritus of history and international relations at Boston University. His most recent book is Americas War for the Greater Middle East: A Military History.

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With the presidential race still too tight for comfort, polls point to one demographic where Hillary Clinton could gain ground: millennial voters. In the final weeks, can she win over these 18- to 35-year-olds and keep them from throwing their support to third-party candidates?

As the pollster for Bernie Sanderss presidential campaign, I learned a lot about what issues engage this generation. Sanders didnt start off with overwhelming support from millennials, after all. His campaign had to develop a strategy to earn their vote, and Clinton could still do the same.

We learned from an extensive amount of survey research and focus groups that millennials are fundamentally progressive. How progressive? Among Democratic and independent millennials in some states, support for gay marriage is as high as 92%. Still, they feel theyve been dealt a bad hand of economic recession, wage stagnation and political gridlock. They want income inequality, racial justice and climate change addressed urgently.

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Mediocre job prospects and high levels of college debt led to [millennials] overwhelming support for Sanders plan for free college tuition.

Their mediocre job prospects and high levels of college debt led to overwhelming support for Sanders plan for free college tuition; up to 90% of Democratic and independent millennials in key states back the idea. But it wasnt just economic issues that resonated with this generation. We also had to address social justice and criminal justice reform.

In Michigan, for example, our first poll found Sanders leading Clinton among millennials by just 19 points. But once they heard his position on criminal justice reform, Flints tainted water, and his plan to provide free college tuition, he took a commanding 45-point lead in the survey. Notably, he gained ground with both white and African American millennials.

We then did focus groups among young swing voters in Detroit. We showed them a series of ads to see which moved them. An ad focused on Flints water crisis stood out, as did one featuring Erica Garner, whose father was killed by police on TV. The latter brought many to tears and swayed several of these previously undecided voters. As one African American young man commented, Now that is talking about the real issues facing our community.

This research laid the foundation for the Michigan Miracle, Sanders surprising upset in the primary. He won 81% of millennials in that primary.

While Clinton is currently underperforming with millennials, she shares their values more than any other candidate. In a recent New York Times/CBS poll, however, 26% said theyd vote for Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate, and 10% said theyd vote for Green Party nominee Jill Stein. This is a huge pool of potential voters who abhor Trump and everything he stands for but are not yet backing Clinton.

To turn them into Clinton supporters, her campaign will need to make a focused effort to show them that she authentically shares their values and is committed to addressing the issues they see as urgent. The college affordability plan she announced over the summer with Sanders was a good start, but it needs to be reiterated again and again in swing state after swing state. One thing no one disputes about Sanders and why he was so effective: He stayed on message.

Clinton cannot simply roll out a policy speech on a college campus and move on. Instead, her team must drive it home with college students and other millennials everywhere day after day, and it must be echoed by a savvy social media campaign.

Another opportunity for Clinton is to take a stronger stand in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in response to the recent shootings of unarmed black men by police. We found this was one of the most potent issues with millennials, regardless of ethnicity, in nearly all of the 46 states in which we polled.

If Clinton were to stand firmly with African Americans and fully acknowledge their grievances with the criminal justice system, that would likely surprise millennials. Taking such a bold stand on a controversial issue would help Clinton connect with them on a cause about which they care deeply. While her advisors may recommend a more risk-averse approach, I would argue that this move makes political sense. Her upside with this large progressive generation could be significant, whereas even moderate Republicans are solidifying against her, leaving her little room to grow with them.

While Clinton appears to have gotten a bump after the first presidential debate, her lead is still too thin considering shes running against the most unpopular candidate in modern presidential history. She has a legitimate opportunity to make headway with this sizable and progressive generation. If the Clinton campaign gets the strategy, tone and focus just right, millennials can make the difference in this election and put the countrys first female president in the White House.

Ben Tulchin, President of Tulchin Research, served as the pollster for Bernie Sanders campaign.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, along with other railway projects under construction, will bring annual revenue of billions of US dollars to Turkeys logistics sector, Turkish Minister of Transport, Shipping and Communications Ahmet Arslan said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

Arslan said with the BTKs help, the Marmaray tunnel under the Bosphorus, which links the Eastern and European parts of Turkey, as well as other railway projects, the route through Azerbaijan and Turkey will become the most competitive and safest choice in the Eurasian corridor.

"The countries of the Silk Road, from China to Western Europe, have been closely watching the development of the BTK project since the decision on its construction was made," said the minister.

"Azerbaijan and Turkey are not only neighbors, but also fraternal countries," he added. "The BTK project will even more closely connect our countries and help the joint transportation of our products."

Arslan said the BTK railway will be commissioned in 2017, noting that the project will contribute to the creation of new jobs, economic revival and prosperity in the region.

"The aim of Turkey is to become a logistics center in the region," the minister said. "For this purpose, we will also implement a project for construction of a logistics center in the Kars province, and this project is estimated at 57 million Turkish liras."

He said the Sivas-Kars high-speed railway will be ready by 2023 and as a result Kars will be connected with the province of Edirne in the west of Turkey.

The BTK railway is being constructed on the basis of the Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish intergovernmental agreement.

Azerbaijan allocated a loan of $775 million for the construction of the railway's Georgian section. SOFAZ finances the project in accordance with the Azerbaijani president's decree 'On the implementation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars project activities', dated Feb. 21, 2007.



The peak capacity of the railway will be 17 million tons of cargo per year. At the initial stage, this figure will be one million passengers and 6.5 million tons of cargo.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade
When Republican senators investigated a little-known San Francisco nonprofit steering as much as $50 million a year to climate change activists, the right-wing media outlet Breitbart News pounced on the report.

Breitbart branded the organization, the Sea Change Foundation, as a vehicle for rich liberals who are secretly funding the green movements war on Western industrial civilization.

As it turned out, though, the money to support both Sea Change and Breitbart came from the same place  Renaissance Technologies, a hedge fund based on Long Island, N.Y., churning astonishing profits with a formula of algorithms and equations that only a select group of math geniuses understand.

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In recent years, the masterminds behind Renaissance have put their billions to work reshaping the political landscape  but in divergent and opposing ways.

The political evolution of Renaissance founder James Simons, a mathematician who worked as a U.S. code-breaker, and his star recruit, computer scientist and poker ace Robert Mercer, reflects one of the strangest permutations of the new era of super-donors in American politics.

Two of the biggest political givers in the nation, they are a vivid example of the outsize role of hedge-fund and private-equity billionaires in financing modern campaigns. Of the top 10 donors in the country for the 2016 cycle, Mercer and Simons are among the five who made their fortunes in hedge funds, according to the Center for Responsive Politics; a sixth runs a private equity company.

I cant imagine why they are spending as much as they are spending on contributions if its not financially advantageous for them, said Robert Reich, the former secretary of Labor who has been a harsh critic of the industrys influence. These people are investors, theyre financiers. They look on politics as just another arena for investing.

Renaissance lobbies aggressively in Washington to protect tax advantages for hedge funds that have helped bolster the firms eye-popping profits.

Mercer, 70, has been one of the nations top conservative donors in this years election. He has spent more than $20 million, much of it on a super PAC attacking Hillary Clinton, along with millions more on groups that back an array of conservative causes. His daughter Rebekah, who runs the family foundation, has become a high-profile power broker in her own right, and influential in Donald Trumps campaign.

She is credited with persuading Trump to shake up his campaign in August, after which two favorites of the Mercer family political operation took over. One was Breitbart chairman Stephen K. Bannon, who now runs Trumps campaign.

Simons and his wife, Marilyn, have been just as devoted to Democrats as Mercer is to Republicans. They have given $11 million this election cycle to outside groups supporting Clinton, adding to the $7.3 million they gave to Democratic-oriented groups in 2014. Another early Renaissance partner, Henry Laufer, gave $5.6 million to Democratic groups this year.

They hedge their political positions, too, said Steven Rosenthal of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center.

Simons has said he never let political disagreements get in the way of running the hedge fund.

Hes excellent at his job, and we dont talk politics, Simons, asked about Mercer, told CNBC in June. It doesnt have anything to do with work.

Before becoming an investor, Simons, 78, had a brilliant mathematics career; he helped create equationswidely used in math and physics. Early on, he worked for the government cracking codes but was fired after he took issue with his boss, a retired four-star Army general, and wrote a letter to the New York Times saying the U.S. should get out of Vietnam.

Simons founded Renaissance in 1982 and built the company with other scientists who crunched a mountain of data and built computer models to make trading decisions. Renaissances Medallion Fund has one of the best records in the history of Wall Street, averaging 35% returns over 20 years.

Simons retired as chief executive in 2010, turning the company over to Mercer and co-CEO Peter F. Brown, but remains as board chair. Estimates have put his personal fortune at $16 billion.

One friend of Mercers said hes tried, like many others, to get into Medallion. Ive personally asked, as a Christmas present, said Toby Neugebauer, another major GOP donor. Theyre like, It will never, ever happen. They dont need new investors. They dont need anything from anyone.

As the money piled up, both Mercer and Simons directed some of their fortunes into philanthropy  and politics.

After Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United tore down the barriers to unlimited political contributions, Simons started writing seven-figure checks to super PACs and others supporting the Democratic cause. A chain-smoker who often dresses without socks, Simons dislikes talking politics and shuns most interview requests; he declined to comment for this story.

He did talk on CNBC about an investors math formula used to calculate risk to explain why he was supporting Clinton over Trump. Even if those two candidates had the same expected return, his volatility is so enormous, Simons said. Trump is not a good investment, whatever you might think of his expected return. He is just a wild man.

Renaissance, along with liberal politics, are Simons family enterprises. James Simons son, Nathaniel, is vice chairman of the company board and also the president of the Sea Change Foundation. Funded by family Renaissance holdings, Sea Change has given environmental groups more than $117 million in three years, but strives to keep its activities quiet. Its website consists of one page, with a 60-word message saying its sole focus is mitigating climate change  and warning that it doesnt take requests for donations. James Simons, meanwhile, has demanded candidates seeking money from him outline their plan for mitigating global warming.

As the Simonses bolster big environmental groups Mercer is helping to undermine them. His foundation has contributed millions to think tanks run by climate skeptics, including the Heartland Institute and the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. A piece in the Mercer-funded Breitbart News this year declared climate change the biggest scam in the history of the world.

Mercer has a reputation for being even more reclusive than Simon. As a kid, Mercer was taken with computers, and in the 1980s he joined an IBM team that also included Brown, pioneering the field of computational linguistics, the foundation of speech recognition and computer translation. In accepting an award two years ago for his work in the field, he said he was taken aback when he found out he had to give an hour-long speech, joking that was more than I typically talk in a month.

As Mercer dramatically ramped up his giving over the last few years, he passed Simons on the list of the countrys biggest donors. He and his family have given about $38 million to campaigns since 2010, and the family foundation in just three years channeled more than $27 million into conservative think tanks like the Heritage Foundation and Federalist Society.

Mercer has focused much of his spending on amplifying the voice of conservative media. The foundation gave $5.6 million to the Media Research Center in Virginia, a group devoted to criticizing what it says is liberal media bias, and $3.5 million to Citizens United, which has produced scathing films about Hillary Clinton.

In 2010, the Mercers invested $10 million in Breitbart, a donation that helped make it one of the rights most prominent voices, and $2 million to the Government Accountability Institute, another Bannon operation that published Clinton Cash, a book that was an investigation of the Clinton Foundation.

Neugebauer said Mercers political spending is driven mostly by a conviction that government meddling is threatening the economy with ruin.

Ive never heard him talk about anything that would have any sort of advantage at all for Renaissance Technologies, he said.

Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona is more skeptical. After Mercer gave $200,000 this summer to a super PAC that tried to oust him, McCain suggested it was payback for his blistering critique of a Renaissance tax maneuver.

Two years ago, a Senate subcommittee McCain sat on issued a report calling the tax strategy an abusive scheme that allowed the company to avoid an estimated $6.8 billion in payments. Americans are tired of seeing Wall Street firms playing by a set of rules other than those that apply to ordinary citizens, McCain said at the time. Brown told Congress that the strategy was more about using leverage than avoiding taxes.

Separately, the hedge fund has won a special exemption from federal rules on IRAs, effectively allowing executives to shelter hundreds of millions in company assets from taxes.

The companys engagement in Washington reflects how, on matters directly related to the firm, the Renaissance team has been united.

When it comes to money, theyre all on the same page, said Bill Parish, an Oregon investment advisor who blogs about tax policy.

This year, Mercer joined Neugebauer and other big-money donors to back the presidential bid of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, giving $13.5 million to one of a linked group of super PACs called Keep the Promise, and investing in Cambridge Analytica, a firm that uses consumer data to create psychological profiles of voters.

When Cruz left the race, Keep the Promise was renamed Make America Number 1  and repurposed as a pro-Trump organization, with another $2 million from Mercer. The groups original president, Kellyanne Conway, moved over to run Trumps campaign with Bannon.

The transition followed an ugly primary during which Trump insulted Cruzs wife and sought to revive unfounded tabloid rumors linking Cruzs father to John F. Kennedys assassination.

When Cruz balked at endorsing Trump at the GOP convention, he was met with disapproval from the Mercers, whose money Cruz will need if he is to run again.

Cruz eventually announced he had a change of heart. Last week, he could be found sitting at a phone bank, Trump signs pasted behind him, making calls to help get out the vote.

And while top Republicans rushed to repudiate Trump over the tape revealing him bragging about grabbing and trying to bed women, the Mercers issued a rare statement, publicly defending him. They criticized the political elite and said the election presented Americans with an apocalyptic choice.

We have a country to save, and there is only one person who can save it.

Twitter: @jtanfani, @evanhalper

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U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein on Thursday endorsed state Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris for U.S. Senate, cementing Harris as the chosen candidate among Californias top Democrats and dealing another stinging blow to the campaign of rival Rep. Loretta Sanchez.

The two senators join a coveted list of popular Democrats who have thrown their support behind Harris in the race between two Democratic opponents, rejecting the Orange County congresswoman.

President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Gov. Jerry Brown have all backed Harris. The California Democratic Party has spent more than $560,000 on Harris Senate campaign, but not offered a penny to help Sanchez.

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Boxer, who is retiring from the Senate after four terms, described Harris as the perfect choice to succeed her in Washington and carry on her progressive agenda, implying that Sanchez failed to meet that test.

I said at the start of the race between Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez that they were both my friends and supporters. Therefore, I have stayed neutral. However, I also said that if differences developed that indicate that one candidate emerges as the progressive choice that I would endorse the individual. That day has come, Boxer said in a statement released by the Harris campaign.

California deserves a continuation of clear progressive leadership in the U.S. Senate. For almost 50 years, the seat that I hold has been a leadership seat on human rights, womens rights, civil rights, voting rights, immigrants rights, fair trade, a clean environment and a voice for all families  no matter their circumstances, Boxer added. Kamala Harris shares those values with me. Her broad array of endorsements underscores this.

For Sanchez, Feinsteins decision may be the most distressing. On the campaign trail, the Orange County congresswoman has spoken fondly of her experiences working with Feinstein in Washington over the last two decades. Sanchezs lead campaign advisor, Bill Carrick, also served as a longtime political consultant to Feinstein, working as her media advisor when she was first elected to the Senate in 1992.

In this U.S. Senate campaign, Kamala has been a consistent voice of unity and optimism at a time when too many political leaders have tried to divide our communities along racial and religious lines, Feinstein said in a statement. I wholeheartedly endorse Kamalas campaign and look forward to having a strong partner in Kamala Harris serving alongside me in the U.S. Senate.

Feinsteins comment appears to indirectly reference a series of controversial comments and missteps Sanchez has made during the campaign.

Updates from Sacramento 

During a Spanish-language interview in July, Sanchez implied the president may have endorsed the attorney general in part because they are both black. And shortly after the December terrorist attack in San Bernardino, the congresswoman was criticized by Muslim groups for suggesting in a television interview that 5% to 20% of Muslims support a caliphate  a strict Islamic state.

Sanchez for months has said that Harris, who served as San Franciscos district attorney before she was elected attorney general, has been the darling of the states Bay Area-based Democratic establishment.

As a result, Sanchez has tried to frame herself as an underdog outsider up against the insider candidate, perhaps in hope of tapping into the same populist independent theme that propelled Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in his race against Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Its all about the insiders. We knew this from the beginning, Sanchez said in February, after the state Democratic Party voted overwhelmingly to endorse Harris for Senate. Getting into the race was not going to be easy, because the insiders already chose who would be the next senator.

phil.willon@latimes.com

Follow @philwillon on Twitter

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Obama, Biden endorse Kamala Harris for U.S. Senate

Updates from Sacramento
In their only scheduled debate before election day, the two Democrats vying for Californias open U.S. Senate seat clashed as much over personal style as policies in what was a frenzied and often caustic event compared with a campaign that has seemed to amble through a long, sleepy few months.

Neither candidate, Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris nor Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez, seemed willing to admit during Wednesday nights debate that the two might share similar positions on a number of issues.

Instead, the women returned time and again to their different approaches to public service. Sanchez made clear that she viewed Harris as a candidate who talks a good story, while Harris took aim at what she suggested were gaping holes in Sanchezs congressional record.

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At times, the veteran congresswoman seemed exasperated with the national attention her opponent has received in the Senate race. Harris has been endorsed by President Obama, Vice President Biden, Gov. Jerry Brown and a number of prominent interest groups aligned with Democratic party politics.

Dont listen to the establishment, Sanchez said toward the end of the debate. Another time she referenced Mrs. Harris and her cronies.

Harris, on the other hand, attempted to aim straight at the main selling point of her opponents campaign: Her long experience in Congress. In particular, Harris criticized Sanchez for both overseas trips and her absences at key committee meetings.

You can have a lot of stamps in your passport, but youve got to show up, Harris said. She later said California deserves a senator who shows up and who gets things done.

The back and forth over Sanchezs attendance record continued. Sanchez missed more floor votes in the House  more than 1 in 5  than all but two other members in 2015, according to Congressional Quarterly. Thats a drop from her previous terms in Congress, when she cast votes more than 90% of the time in all but one year.

My opponent has somehow insinuated that I have not been to work, Sanchez said.

My opponent, countered Harris, has passed one bill in her 20 years in office, and that was to rename a post office.

(The measure, naming the facility in honor of Orange Countys first Latino postmaster, became law in 2002. Sanchez has co-sponsored 179 bills that have become law.)

There were answers from both candidates that seemed to need further explanation. For Sanchez, it came in a discussion of Californias water needs.

We have to convey water, and we have to store water, she said. The notion of needing to convey water may be support for a plan that includes twin water tunnels beneath and around the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

In a discussion of terrorism and Islamic State, Harris said the United States needs to go where ISIS exists.

And that means Syria, and Libya and going to Iraq, she continued. It was unclear, though, if Harris had been advocating for ground forces in any or all of those countries.

Nor did either candidate seem to answer a question about whether they would have voted to override President Obamas veto of a bill allowing families of Sept. 11, 2001, attack victims to sue Saudi Arabia for any role the country may have played in the plot.

Sanchez did not vote on the bill, one of only five House members to do so.

The Democrats debated twice during the primary season, appearing in events alongside the three top Republicans in the race. This, however, was their only head-to-head matchup. While Harris had earlier agreed to a second meeting, Sanchez held out and demanded four debates. In the end, only one debate was agreed to by both candidates.

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The candidates also sparred over Sanchezs comments made shortly after the Dec. 2 mass shooting in San Bernardino. In an interview with Larry King, Sanchez suggested broad support among Muslims for a caliphate, a strict Islamic state.

In the debate, Harris said Sanchez had undercut the U.S. anti-terror effort with those comments.

The congresswoman has helped by calling 20% of Muslims inclined to commit violence, Harris said. That is playing in the hands of ISIS and all that they are doing to try and recruit young Muslim men in our country and around the world.

In the 2015 interview, Sanchez offered a range of 5% to 20% of Muslims who were caliphate supporters. Though later criticized by Muslim groups, the Democratic congresswoman has stood by her comments. Wednesday night she called Harris jab completely false.

The debate on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles was not broadcast live on television in Northern California and comes in the wake of polls showing the race may be Harris to lose. It is the first-ever statewide contest between two Democrats, each vying to replace retiring four-term Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer.

In a USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll last month, Harris had a sizable 14-point lead on Sanchez among those surveyed. But 36% of the respondents were still undecided and 16%  mostly Republicans and unaffiliated independent voters  said they planned to skip voting in the Senate race.

Both candidates expressed support Wednesday for a comprehensive overhaul of federal immigration policies, as well as an invigorated effort in the war on terrorism and protection of abortion rights.

They also both endorsed more transparency in police activities, including body cameras. But Sanchez criticized Harris for not taking an active role in the discussion of police accountability bills in Sacramento this year.

1 / 12 Kamala Harris watches as rival Loretta Sanchez strikes a pose after her closing statement during their U.S. Senate debate held at Cal State L.A. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 12 Kamala Harris, left, and Loretta Sanchez shake hands after their debate. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 12 Sanchez and Harris afterward. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 12 Senate candidates Kamala Harris and Loretta Sanchez appear Wednesday at Cal State L.A. in their only head-to-head debate. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 12 Loretta Sanchez answers a question. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 12 The Senate candidates on stage. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 12 Kamala Harris during the debate. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 12 The debate at Cal State L.A. is the only time the Senate candidates will meet face to face during the general election campaign. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 12 Sanchez gestures during the debate. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 12 Harris, left, and Sanchez during the debate. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 12 Kamala Harris does a mic check with stage workers before the debate at Cal State L.A. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 12 A stage worker consults with Loretta Sanchez before the start of the debate. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Harris later struck back in a discussion about decriminalizing possession of marijuana, accusing Sanchez of voting in Congress for policies in this country that have led to mass incarceration of people.

Crime and punishment also came up in the debate in the context of Proposition 57, the Nov. 8 ballot measure proposed by Brown that would overhaul prison parole rules with an eye toward allowing the early release of some felons convicted of nonviolent crimes.

Sanchez accused Harris, as attorney general, of writing a misleading ballot summary that failed to explain to voters the potential violent past of some of the felons.

She has failed to lead on, supposedly, the area that is her expertise, Sanchez said.

They also wrestled over the source of some past campaign donations. Harris accused Sanchez of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from the for-profit college industry, including money from the defunct Corinthian Colleges that were ensnared in legal action.

Sanchez criticized Harris for taking money from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and failing to do more about his real estate education seminars branded as Trump University.

She was taking his money in her campaigns to fly around in first-class airfare, said Sanchez.

Neither campaign finance accusation is likely to play a major role in the campaign, nor is campaign cash in general. As of June 30, Harris campaign reported $2.6 million in the bank while Sanchez had less than $1 million. As the partys official nominee, Harris also has received substantial campaign help from the California Democratic Party, which voted to endorse her this year.

The debate ended on a lighter note, as Sanchez went over allotted time for a closing statement and dabbed once the moderator finally cut her off. Harris was captured by the television cameras making a funny face as her rival did the dance move popularized by NFL quarterback Cam Newton. Laughing, she said, So, there is a clear difference between the candidates in this race.

john.myers@latimes.com

Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast

Times staff writers Christine Mai-Duc, Sarah Wire and Phil Willon contributed to this report.

ALSO:

Watch the full Senate debate

Renaming of post offices becomes attack line in Senate debate

Sanchez dabbed. Harris threw shade.

Full debate coverage

Latest poll shows Kamala Harris lead growing in U.S. Senate race

How much are Californias U.S. Senate candidates worth?
Either Loretta Sanchez or Kamala Harris will be Californias next U.S. senator, and the Democrats had just 60 minutes to introduce themselves to voters, to draw contrasts where there are few and to knock her rival while still appearing steady.

Im Christina Bellantoni, and this is Essential Politics.

For the record: An item in this newsletter misquoted Gov. Jerry Brown. At the 10th anniversary celebration for a landmark climate law, he said the issue of climate change is about human existence, not human resistance.

The Senate hopefuls sparred over national security, policing issues, guns and even Trump University during the rapid-fire forum on Wednesday night, but what drew perhaps the most attention was a light moment at the close of the evening.

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When Sanchez ran a little long in her closing remarks, the moderator cut her off. When he did, Sanchez struck a pose that resembled dabbing, a dance move that has been said to resemble sneezing. Harris reaction? She threw shade, laughed and pointed out theres a clear difference between the candidates in this race. Christine Mai-Duc breaks it down in a dont-miss post.

Regardless of how the voters who werent watching MLB playoffs might have viewed Sanchez and Harris on Wednesday, its the front-runner who is attempting to deliver the establishment blow Thursday morning.

Harris announced she has secured high-profile endorsements from both of Californias senators, Dianne Feinstein and the retiring Barbara Boxer. Phil Willon has the story.

During the debate, Sanchez referenced Harris cronies and suggested her rival is part of the establishment thanks to her endorsements from the state party, President Obama, Vice President Biden and Gov. Jerry Brown.

The congresswoman also implied that she is a player in Washingtons power circles and had personally influenced Obama on major issues including marijuana and immigration. Harris doesnt understand the Congress at all, Sanchez complained, when Harris said Sanchezs only law was the naming of a post office. (Sarah Wire has that backstory.)

Harris biggest critique of her rival was that Sanchez had missed votes and congressional hearings, especially over the last year. John Myers detailed what happened, and if it matters with just over one month until the election.

We covered the debate live, and you can watch it in full here.

Were closely following the Senate race and Californias competitive political contests on our Essential Politics news feed  dont miss a moment.

FALLOUT FROM THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Donald Trump said running mate Mike Pences strong performance in the vice presidential debate proves his own leadership skills, reports Seema Mehta in Henderson, Nev.

Hillary Clinton said at a fundraiser in Washington that the debate proved Trump is indefensible as a candidate.

Television statistics revealed the Pence-Tim Kaine match-up had the smallest audience for a vice presidential debate since 2000, with 37 million people watching.

Dont miss our annotated transcript of Tuesday evenings key exchanges, and join us Sunday night for the next presidential debate.

THE GENDER GAP  IN BOTH DIRECTIONS

Polling finds Trump has a lopsided edge over Clinton among male voters, while Clinton benefits from the gender gap cutting in the other direction. The difference between men and women during this election is one of three major divides in the electorate. The others are race and education.

David Lauter explains that, along with whats changed in our daily Los Angeles Times/USC Dornsife Daybreak tracking poll.

Get the latest from the campaign trail on Trail Guide and follow @latimespolitics. Check our daily USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times tracking poll at the top of the politics page.

MORE CLINTON FUNDRAISERS IN L.A.

Clinton supporters who might not have snagged a $33,400 ticket to the Elton John fundraiser this month shouldnt fret  there are more opportunities to give the Democratic ticket cash.

A newly added martinis and music fundraiser is slated for Monday night at the Fonda Theatre Rooftop Deck. Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch OFarrell will offer words of wisdom, and theater owner Leslie Blumberg will be there so donors can speak your mind, according to an invitation obtained by The Times.

Tickets start at $100 and go up to $5,000. The most generous donors get a backstage tour of the Fonda where the Rolling Stones hang out, champagne, canapes and a photo with OFarrell.

Donate a lot or a little. But a lot would be nice. A lot is at stake! reads the solicitation to donors.

On Tuesday, Madeleine Albright will appear at a lunchtime fundraiser in Los Angeles ranging in price from $500 to $2,700.

On Oct. 20, Chelsea Clinton will appear at a family celebration at the Los Angeles home of Andrea and David Nevins, an event also hosted by Stacy Twilley, Michael Kong, and Elsa and Jarron Collins. Tickets start at $250. Kristen Bell is the special guest, and there is an additional reception for families who donate or raise $10,000 hosted at the Twilley/Kong home.

WERE SEEKING YOUR MAILERS

Just over a month is left before the November election, and California voters are starting to see the proof in their mailboxes, hanging on their doorknobs and each time they turn on a computer or TV.

Have you received a barrage of campaign mailers this election season? Are you bombarded with information about local races and propositions? We want to hear from you.

Send images of campaign mailers and door-hangers, mp3 recordings of robo calls or links to web ads to politics@latimes.com. Include your name, city, state and age, and tell us about the material youre sharing.

Your submissions may be featured on our site.

TODAYS ESSENTIALS

-- 18 million and counting: Californias voter registration hit a new record in a state report released on Wednesday. In fact, there are now more registered voters in the Golden State than there are people in 46 states.

-- Brown and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger reflected on climate policy at a reception Wednesday to celebrate the states landmark climate laws. This is not about the Republican Party or the Democratic Party, Brown said. This is about human resistance. Its about survival.

-- Hip-hop artist will.i.am and Virgin founder Richard Branson are supporting Californias effort to end the death penalty.

-- Cathleen Decker examines the Asian American vote and what it might mean if the group spurns Trump next month.

-- While campaigning in Ohio, Bill Clinton called Pences remarks about his foundation a cheap and unfair shot.

-- Libertarian vice presidential nominee William Weld told the Boston Globe hell devote the rest of the campaign to attacking Trump, not Clinton.

-- Hollywood is getting creative with its political endorsements.

-- What did Clinton think of the SNL sketch on the debate and Kate McKinnons performance? I wish I could do the jumps, the splits, the somersault.

-- Who will win the November election? Give our Electoral College map a spin.

LOGISTICS

Miss yesterdays newsletter? Here you go. Did someone forward you this? Sign up here to get Essential Politics in your inbox daily. And keep an eye on our politics page throughout the day for the latest and greatest. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics? Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com.
Public employee pensions, addressing homelessness and the proposed 710 Freeway extension were some of the issues brought up during a candidate forum for the 25th District of the state Senate Friday night.

The Glendale/Burbank chapter of the League of Women Voters hosted the debate between Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and former state Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who are vying for the seat currently held by Sen. Carol Liu. The debate was held in the Burbank City Council chambers.

To address the underfunding issue with the California Public Employees Retirement System, Portantino suggested that the state adopt a pay-as-you-go approach to the systems budget, which he said he thinks defines what revenue we have up front, how do we use that revenue and what are our priorities and obligations?

Im going to bring that back to the state Senate because I think thats the way to go, Portantino said.

Join the conversation on Facebook >>

Antonovich said that the countys retirement system is in much better shape than the states, claiming that Sacramento has no fiscal discipline. His suggestion would be to adopt a tactic similar to the countys and other cities, which is to have employees contribute part of their paycheck to the system and have the agency buy down the liability.

We have a very serious problem that needs to be addressed, and it will only do that by having a change in leadership in Sacramento, he said.

Views also differed when it came to the controversial 710 Freeway extension, which aims to finish the gap between the 10 and 210 freeways.

Antonovich said that he is waiting for the completed environmental report on the project and wont make a decision on the extension until all the documents are finished.

Until the plan is completed, you cant make a judgment until you see what the facts are, he said. Otherwise, youre shooting from the hip and thats the wrong way of doing business.

Portantino said he is 150%" opposed to the project, which he called a boondoggle, adding that the necessary documents that are needed to make a call on the extension are already available to the public.

Its a $20-billion hole in the ground that doesnt solve a transportation problem, he said.

It is well known that Los Angeles County and the state are facing a growing homelessness issue and the two candidates had differing opinions on how to address the problem.

Portantino said there has to be a dedicated revenue stream to fund projects aimed at helping homeless people and giving them the support that they need on a statewide level. Additionally, he would seek to change the housing element, which requires cities to identify low-income housing. Portantino said he would incentivize cities to follow through and build that housing.

Antonovich said there are various types of homeless people  those who are economically deprived, those that are addicted to alcohol or drugs and those suffering from mental illness. His approach to addressing the issue would be to offer housing to those who cannot afford it and offer longer-lasting programs for those who need medical treatment.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors 5th District race

Following the state Senate race debate on Friday, the League of Women Voters hosted a candidate forum for the 5th District seat for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. The position has been occupied by Antonovich since 1980. However, term limits approved by voters in 2012 will free up the position.

Kathryn Barger, Antonovichs chief of staff, and entrepreneur Darrell Park squared off on several issues, such as the countys new chief sustainability officer position and a parks-and-recreation needs assessment.

In March, the Board of Supervisors agreed to create its first-ever chief sustainability officer post to collaborate with other department heads to make the county more sustainable and efficient.

Having someone in that position is an opportunity to make buildings, parks and landfills more green, Barger said.

I believe the role is critical, and this position is something that will truly be the eyes and ears of the board in helping us draw a road map to becoming more green, she said.

Park, who touts himself as green energy entrepreneur and advocates for solar energy, said the chief sustainability officer would help in fully shutting down the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility and would help in finding a solution to the countys landfill issues.

We have an opportunity to change the way we deal with our trash, the way we deal with our energy, he said.

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation in 2015 completed a needs assessment for all of its facilities. The candidates were asked whether they would support a ballot measure that would raise funds to address the needs listed in the report.

Park said that he would support a ballot measure, claiming that areas that have well-maintained parks have much stronger communities than areas that dont.

We are not living up to our potential with our parks, he said. Ive seen how good parks can work, and were not there yet.

Barger said that she supports the assessment, but does not think a ballot measure is needed at this time.

I dont think the time is now, she said. We have many challenges ahead of us.

--

Anthony Clark Carpio, anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com

Twitter: @acocarpio

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A small Piper Cherokee aircraft made an emergency landing at about 6:20 p.m. Wednesday on southbound Red Hill Avenue just north of MacArthur Boulevard in Irvine, according to the Irvine Police Department.

The plane was approaching John Wayne Airport when its engine failed, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman said. Officials are still investigating what caused the failure.

A flight school owns the plane, which is based out of John Wayne, according to Jenny Wedge, a spokeswoman for the airport.

A flight instructor and student pilots were aboard during the landing. No injuries or property damage were reported, police wrote on the departments Facebook page.

Some southbound lanes of Red Hill were closed until the plane was removed. There were no closures of northbound Red Hill or on MacArthur, according to police.

--Alicia Lopez and Jeremiah Dobruck

[Updated, 11:35 a.m. Sept. 17: This story was updated with information from the Federal Aviation Administration and a JWA spokeswoman.]
Madi McNaughton was just looking for a calm spot on the beach to play with her three dogs.

They had been frequent visitors to the stretch of sand between Newport and Huntington beaches, known in recent years as an unofficial dog beach where pups can run off leash.

But McNaughton never imagined that a sunny day playing in the ocean could so quickly turn tragic.

The 24-year-old Huntington Beach residents 3-year-old mastiff mix, Rupert, drowned last Thursday after he was submerged in a storm drain east of the beach.

McNaughton, a veterinary assistant at VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital in Fountain Valley, sat with Ruperts body for five hours.

I was just waiting for him to wake up, she said. He looked so peaceful, like he was sleeping. It was the worst day of my life.

Madi McNaughton, of Huntington Beach, placed fliers around the Santa Ana River area warning dog owners to stay away from the storm drain that claimed her 150-pound mastiff mix Rupert. (Hannah Fry / Daily Pilot)

The day at the beach had started like any other. McNaughton had decided to toss a ball for her dogs and a friends dog where the water was calm, away from the waves and past the Pacific Coast Highway overpass. She often had seen people with their dogs and children in the area, so she figured she was still safely in the confines of the unofficial dog beach.

She realized later that the boundaries of the beach end at the overpass and she had taken her dogs into a flood channel.

The area is appealing to many people because the water tends to be calmer farther from the waves.

It may look inviting, but its still a flood-control channel and its dangerous, said Orange County Public Works spokesman Shannon Widor.

McNaughton tossed the ball and Rupert bounded to retrieve it, but as soon as he reached the toy, the tide came in and water began pushing the 150-pound dog toward a drain on the side of the Santa Ana River bed.

The drain consists of a concrete wall with an opening at the bottom used to keep storm and tidal waters from overfilling the river.

The current was strong and Rupert was moving quickly, so McNaughton jumped into the water and, unable to touch the bottom, swam toward her beloved dog.

I grabbed the top of the drain and reached in right as he was going under to grab his collar, she said.

As her left hand clutched Ruperts collar, her right hand gripped the top of the concrete wall.

My arm was completely stretched out and I couldnt breathe because the water had started going over my head, she said. I had to let go of his collar because if I didnt I would have been sucked in after him.

She scrambled out of the water and rushed to the other end of the drain to find that it was covered by a metal grate, preventing Rupert from passing through.

He got stuck, she said. I stood there at the grate for three to five minutes, just hoping to see some sign of him. I knew there was no way he was still alive. I was hysterical at that point.

McNaughton got Rupert from the Baldwin Park shelter when he was 3 months old. Plagued with mange, elbow dysplasia and degenerative hip disease, Rupert endured surgery after surgery. McNaughton had planned on nursing him back to health and offering him for adoption. But she fell in love with his loving, goofy personality.

Rupert had a penchant for destroying balls and was so excitable that he would whip his tail back and forth with such fervor that it would leave welts on McNaughtons legs.

He was just a gentle giant, she said. He was the happiest dog, the best dog Ive ever had. He was my baby.

Ten minutes after Rupert disappeared into the tide, his large body washed out of the drain, and animal-control officers, lifeguards and McNaughtons brother lifted him from the water.

The hardest part of it all was seeing his washed-up body with his head underwater and knowing he was gone, McNaughton said.

For years, signs have been posted near the bike path that runs above the area warning people to stay out of the flood-control channel. But for dog owners walking from the dog beach to the other side of the Pacific Coast Highway overpass, there was no indication of the danger, McNaughton said.

In response to the tragedy, McNaughton posted fliers  featuring photos of her and Rupert  by the drain and along the bike path warning others not to make the same fatal mistake.

County crews also put up orange temporary fencing in the area. In coming weeks, crews will install a more permanent barrier and additional signs to dissuade people from entering the flood channel.

They also are investigating why there was no grate on the side of the drain where Rupert went in, Widor said. The absence of a grate allowed his body to flow inside.

Were doing everything we can to make sure this doesnt happen again, Widor said.

The Santa Ana River area has received significant attention this year from county and Newport Beach officials, as well as nearby homeowners and those who frequent the area with their dogs.

The issue of leash laws came to the forefront late last year after Newport Beach Mayor Diane Dixon said she was fielding complaints from homeowners about unleashed dogs and unremoved dog waste.

In response, the city conducted an online survey to determine whether Newport residents would favor the city enforcing county leash laws at that beach. Hundreds of people responded, with the majority asking the city to leave the area alone.

In March, after two hours of passionate testimony from dog owners who frequent the spot, Newports Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to reject a proposal to have city animal-control officers enforce leash restrictions there. The commission instead suggested the county look into designating the area as an official dog beach.

Dixon, city staff, dog beach advocates and county Supervisor Michelle Steel, whose district includes Newport Beach, began working on a proposal to that effect.

An ordinance to designate the area as the first legal dog beach on county land passed the Board of Supervisors first reading but stalled in May over concerns from two environmental groups that having unleashed canines in the area could harm two at-risk bird species.

Michelle Cook, communications director for Steel, said at the time that county staff was looking into the groups concerns and had not yet made a determination.

Dog beach advocate and current Newport Beach City Council candidate Mike Glenn said he expects the issue to head back to the Board of Supervisors in the next few months.

Glenn said Ruperts death could have been prevented with better signage and education about the boundaries of the unofficial dog beach.

Some people, unfortunately, have been defining the area where Rupert died as dog beach, Glenn said. This is not the proposed dog beach area.

Glenn maintains that the proposed dog beach area closer to the ocean is safe and should be maintained as an off-leash area for canines.

McNaughton agrees that that beach should kept as is, but she hopes Ruperts death motivates officials to fence off the riverbed area near the storm drain.

I just want it to be a safe place for dogs and their owners to play, she said. I still want the dog beach there. All the dogs Ive ever seen there are happy.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
After unplanned outages last month left thousands of customers without power, Southern California Edison responded Tuesday to pressure from La Canada city officials, promising to replace more than 9,000 feet of underground cable and make numerous upgrades in coming months.

Meanwhile, city officials will seek to hire an independent consultant who could report on Edisons progress and advise staff on the feasibility of seeking electrical utility service elsewhere.

Ken Bodenhoefer, district manager of SCEs Monrovia service center, shared with the La Canada Flintridge City Council Tuesday new, expedited plans for improving reliability on the citys Ravine Circuit, which provides power to 1,337 local customers on and around Foothill Boulevard from Commonwealth Avenue to the Glendale (2) Freeway.

---------------------

FOR THE RECORD

10/10, 10:16 a.m.: A previous version of this story included an incorrect headline. Edison will replace more than 9,000 feet of underground cable, not 9,000 miles.

---------------------

Ive already got the approval of the funding for that, Bodenhoefer said. Were going to have the actual plans drawn up the end of this week, and my team has told me theyre ready to go.

Join the conversation on Facebook >>

In addition to laying new cable, Edison plans to create branch fusing off main lines that would prevent a failure in one neighborhood from disrupting an entire circuit, in addition to other improvements that would take place in early 2017.

The manager said the work, which would cost about $5 million to $6 million, would be added to ongoing plans to continue converting transformers throughout La Canada from a 4-volt to a 16-volt capacity, replace existing power poles with newer, sturdier models and install fault indicators to help engineers better identify problems in underground facilities.

Bodenhoefer estimated SCE spent in the tens of millions of dollars between 2010 and 2015 upgrading infrastructure in La Canada, which reliability reports indicate already has a favorable reliability compared to other areas in its system.

That doesnt make the outages your community has experienced acceptable, he qualified. Theres still a lot of work that needs to be done.

To ensure those commitments are kept and explore other options the city might consider  including asking the cities of Pasadena and Glendale if their municipal power departments might consider taking over electrical utility service delivery to La Canada  council members permitted City Manager Mark Alexander to seek the advice of an independent consultant.

An adviser with industry specific expertise would also be able to track the utilitys progress in resolving longstanding reliability issues, Alexander reasoned.

"[It] would be of tremendous help to city staff to have someone whos very knowledgeable in this area take a look at what Edison is doing and look at some of the information that Edison has provided us, and do the comparisons with some of the surrounding communities and come back to the staff and give ussort of a report card on Edison, he told the council.

Council members and city staff had opportunities to pose specific questions to Bodenhoefer about incidents of reliability and specific events and conversations that have taken place between representatives of Edison and the city, and to share their opinions on obtaining expert third-party consultation.

We have to look at our citizens, and our citizens are crying out for us to do something, Councilwoman Terry Walker told Bodenhoefer. The reassurances sound wonderful, but I think we need to educate ourselves to the point where we can look at our citizens and feel confident that we know what youre doing is what we need to have happen in this town.

After giving Alexander the green light to look into a consultant, Mayor Jon Curtis thanked Edison for responding so readily to the citys concerns.

I just want to thank you for coming out tonight, he said. "(And) thank you for all the work youve done to come up with truly some concrete action steps for 2016-2017, and for putting those types of resources in.

After the meeting, Alexander said he planned to begin researching possible consultants to contact later this month before bringing the matter back to the council.

--

Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com

Twitter: @SaraCardine

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As a resident of the immediate area of the brush fire of Sept. 26, I want to commend the various units that responded and strategized to contain the blaze. They also kept watch into the wee hours of the night setting up a command center on Parkdale Place. Additionally, several neighbors beyond our little cul de sac offered to help in any way they could.

Of all the faces and names that were a blur that evening, I wanted to acknowledge and thank the resident who pounded on our door to alert us there was a fire behind us. We had no idea what was going on and at that time of evening were probably not the most friendly or receptive initially. This alert gave us a chance to spring into our emergency mode sooner than later, finding out first hand what of our plan worked and what needed improving.

Dr. Gloria Cotten

La Canada Flintridge

--

Expressing support for Portantino

I had the pleasure of working with Anthony Portantino during our time on the La Canada Flintridge City Council and I have continued to work with him in my professional capacity as a government affairs director for several Realtor associations in our area. I was very pleased that the California Assn. of REALTORS voted to support his campaign for the state Senate.

Our 25th Senate District would be well-served by electing Anthony. Frankly, I dont always agree with him  but 100% agreement isnt the point when electing a representative. What counts most are the integrity and priorities of our elected leaders. In Anthonys case, he has a record of fighting for the types of reforms we need and he puts public education at the top of his list.

Anthony understands our Foothills cities and our desire to have our children excel in outstanding public schools. He and his wife, Ellen, are active public school parents and PTA members. Please join me in supporting Anthony Portantino as our next state senator.

Laura Olhasso

La Canada Flintridge
Disneys Aulani hotel-resort in Oahu plans to launch a luau for guests with a different spin. It promises to be a specifically Hawaiian (not Polynesian) experience when shows begin Nov. 2.

The shows name, Ka Waa, means canoe in English, a vessel that links ancient visitors to Hawaii with the modern era.

Traditional and contemporary forms of Hawaiian hula will be featured during the new luau launching next month. (Tor Johnson / Hawaii Tourism Authority )

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The evenings storytelling that comes with the feast will focus on Native Hawaiians ancestors who sailed from the South Pacific centuries ago to settle the plains surrounding the oceanfront resort near Ko Olina.

Those cultural stories will be shared with what a spokesman described as Disneys touch of magic. Dancers will perform the old-style (kahiko) and modern (auana) forms of hula during the luau too.

The luau will be held Wednesdays and Saturdays starting at 5 p.m., with pre-show activities such as traditional flower arranging and taro pounding.

The buffet feast will include a carving station featuring suckling pig and prime rib as well as fresh local seafood. Given this is a Disney production, plenty of kid-friendly food will also be available.

General admission is $119 for adults and $79 for children ages 3 to 9. VIP seating costs $159 for grown-ups and $109 for kids.

You can make reservations by calling (808) 674-6850 between noon and 8 p.m. local time. Youll need to provide your room reservation number because the luau is open only to resort guests.

The resort at Ko Olina is about 20 miles west of Honolulu International Airport.

Info: Ka Waa at the Aulani, (808) 674-6850

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Azerbaijani Finance Minister Samir Sharifov will participate in the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB), said a message posted on the Azerbaijani Finance Ministrys website Oct. 6.

The annual meeting of the IMF and the WB Group will be held in Washington DC on Oct. 6-9.

An Azerbaijani delegation, headed by Sharifov, will participate in the meeting, the message said. Senior representatives of IMF and WB member-states, international financial institutions, representatives of private sector and civil society will attend the meeting.

According to the message, the current state of the world economy, the main directions of future development, poverty reduction and effectiveness of financial support, as well as the challenges facing the world economy will be discussed at the meeting.

IMF office was opened in Baku in 1992. The organization allocated $577.3 million worth of loans to Azerbaijan in 1995-2005 to support the economic reform programs.

Azerbaijan has fully repaid the IMF loans.

Azerbaijan has seen no need for financial resources of IMF since 2005. Therefore, the two parties have been cooperating in consultations and technical assistance missions on key areas of macroeconomic policy since 2006.

Azerbaijan joined the WB in 1992.

As of Sept. 1, 2016 the WB has allocated $3.99 billion worth of loans to Azerbaijan.

The funds have been directed for financing of more than 70 projects. Azerbaijan has used about $2.9 billion or 72.56 percent of all loans allocated through the WB.

Moreover, the WB allocated 45 grants worth $41.586 million for Azerbaijan in 1995-2014.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
The value of all the unpaid labor that North Koreans are forced to perform by their government amounts to around $975 million annually, according to a new report by Open North Korea, a Seoul-based NGO.

The report, titled Sweatshop, North Korea, estimates that 400,000 people are in the lowest class of forced laborers, called dolgyeokdae. The country has a total population of 25 million.

This tier of workers is made up of military-style brigades of ragtag youngsters assembled by local governments and put to work on construction sites for little to no pay. They are called on to complete major construction projects around the country, the report says, often working late into the night without safety equipment.

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Park Kyung-ho, a former dolgyeokdae worker who fled North Korea in 2009 and now lives in South Korea, is quoted in the report saying that his monthly earnings were 120 North Korean won per month  less than $1 today, at official exchange rates, barely enough to buy two pieces of candy.

We were required to do 10 years of what was effectively unpaid labor, Park said.

Dolgyeokdae workers are generally young and untrained, resulting in frequent accidents. When these accidents cause injury or death, no compensation is provided to the victim or his family, the report says.

But with no financial incentive to work hard, and no room for professional advancement, what keeps North Koreans toiling away at hard, physical labor? Sweatshop says that beyond the threat of being sent to prison if they dont comply, glorifying their leader is the only motivation left to dulgyeokdae workers.

The report describes how dulgyeokdae units are regularly shown on North Korean state television working outside in subzero temperatures, and are commended for their outstanding loyalty to the Supreme Leader.

A step up the ladder from dolgyeokdae is North Koreas 1.2-million soldier army, which is often mobilized for work on construction projects that are unrelated to national defense, including building private villas for top officials.

Another category is made up of groups of women, called inminban, who are required to carry out basic neighborhood maintenance, including polishing the monuments to North Koreas leadership that stand in every town, cleaning road and train lines, and doing agricultural work at harvest time. The report says that when such women are sent to work on construction sites, they are not paid and are required to purchase materials with their own money.

But not all North Koreans live like this. The country has an elite class of government officials and businesspeople who live comfortably in modern apartments and travel abroad. There is also a class of North Koreans who earn decent livings trading goods on the black market. Visitors nowadays to Pyongyang, the capital city, come home with stories of streets full of new cars and stylishly dressed locals carrying cellphones and expensive handbags.

It is difficult for North Koreans who are not born into this wealthy elite to move up the social ladder, even if they are talented or diligent. Sweatshop contends that North Koreans have no right to choose their own careers, and are instead assigned careers based on their family backgrounds.

People with no government connections, or money to bribe their way into plum postings in civil service or law enforcement, typically end up in the downtrodden classes described in the report.

And this reserve army of people with little upward mobility, and few other options, is called upon to complete tasks dictated by the state.

Sandra Fahy, an assistant professor of anthropology at Sophia University in Tokyo, says North Koreans are accustomed to calls for collective action, however exploitative. The idea of pulling together and organizing efforts toward a goal - when the state dictates it -- is deeply familiar for North Koreans, said Fahy, author of Marching Through Suffering, a work of history based on oral testimonies of North Koreans who lived through the famine of the 1990s.

The report is based on interviews with North Korean defectors who have experience being caught in North Koreas broad system of labor exploitation. The cruel picture painted in Sweatshop wont be new or surprising to seasoned observers of North Korea, but the reports authors hope that their comprehensive summary can draw more attention to the issue of forced labor within North Korea, which they say is at times overshadowed by talk of North Koreans sent to work overseas in countries including China and Russia.

Human rights organizations have long been critical of North Korea for pressing its citizens to perform labor, often ahead of the major public events that the North Korean government invites the international media to cover. In May, North Korea held a Party Congress, a major political gathering, which was made possible by the forced labor that untold thousands of North Koreans are subject to as part of everyday life, said Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watchs Asia Division.

North Korea has become one of the worst countries in the world in exacting forced labor from its people, but too often these abuses have remained hidden behind the vitriol of propaganda campaigns and the isolation of the North Korean countryside, where many of these rights violations take place, Robertson wrote in an email.

For now, the full text of Sweatshop is only available in Korean, but Kwon Eun-kyoung, Director of Open North Korea, said by phone that she is working on an English-language translation of the report.

Borowiec is a special correspondent.

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There is growing momentum in Iran to eliminate the death penalty for nonviolent drug offenders, after hundreds were executed last year for drug crimes.

A majority of 150 lawmakers in the 290-seat parliament have reportedly endorsed a bill that would end capital punishment for drug trafficking, marking significant progress for reformists and human rights advocates who have been battling to overturn the law for years.

Executing convicted drug smugglers will not benefit the people or the country, Yahya Kamalpur, deputy head of the legal and judicial committee in parliament, was quoted as saying this week by the Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency.

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The parliament wants to eliminate the death penalty for criminals who [smuggle narcotics] out of desperation and replace it with long prison sentences or hard labor, Kamalpur said. The death penalty would remain an option for violent crimes.

We are after a scientific and not emotional solution in confronting drug smugglers, he said.

If parliament approves the bill, it would require ratification by the Guardian Council of Islamic jurists, setting up a showdown with conservative forces who have opposed any softening of one of the harshest death penalty laws in the world.

Hard-liners see the draft bill as another misguided compromise aimed at pleasing Western countries, on the heels of the nuclear agreement that they say has failed to live up to its billing.

The policy marks the latest political battleground in Iran ahead of presidential elections scheduled for next May. By highlighting the death penalty issue, reformists and supporters of the moderate incumbent, President Hassan Rouhani, could be seeking to embarrass conservatives.

The head of the judiciary, Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli Larijani, said last week that there should be no let-up in executions for drug offenses because they cause the destruction of families.

Those who argue that capital punishment has not reduced drug trafficking are wrong, Larijani told a forum of judges and prosecutors, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

If the harsh punishment of the judiciary was not implemented, then even pharmacies selling herbal medicine would today be selling narcotics.

Iran carries out more executions per capita than any country in the world, most for drug-related crimes. While the government does not report all executions, the United Nations said at least 966 people were put to death in 2015, the highest number in more than two decades.

Under Irans anti-narcotics laws, a repeat offender found in possession of more than 11 pounds of opium or cannabis  and lesser quantities of heroin or synthetic drugs  can be sentenced to death. The usual form of punishment is hanging.

The source of much of the illegal narcotics is neighboring Afghanistan, the worlds leading source of the opium from which heroin is made. In 2012, 74% of the worlds opium and 25% of the worlds heroin and morphine were seized in Iran, according to U.N. data.

In addition to trafficking, doctors say, economic desperation in a country hobbled by sanctions has driven many to use drugs themselves.

Hasan Razavi, a general practitioner who runs an outpatient methadone clinic for recovering addicts in Tehran, said that of the capitals 8 million people, as many as 20% use illicit drugs.

Iran has come under increasing pressure at home and abroad from those who say the harsh laws have not deterred drug abuse. Britain and Denmark have withdrawn funding for Irans drug interdiction programs due to opposition to its use of the death penalty.

Domestic critics have been dealt with harshly. Last week, an appeals court upheld a 16-year jail sentence for Narges Mohammadi, a human rights advocate who was convicted of acting against the Islamic regime for campaigning against capital punishment.

But proponents of a more lenient policy have been gathering steam. Last year, the draft bill had 70 signatures in parliament; soon, more than 200 would endorse it, said Kamalpur, the lawmaker.

There is progress and improvement, said Nasrin Soutoudeh, an Iranian human rights lawyer. We can be hopeful that in the years to come, step by step, the number of hangings will diminish.

Mostaghim is a special correspondent. Staff writer Bengali reported from Mumbai, India.

shashank.bengali@latimes.com

Follow @SBengali on Twitter for more news from South Asia

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The Pakistani parliament Thursday unanimously approved a law that toughens punishment for so-called honor killings and makes it more difficult for those convicted to go free.

The new law mandates a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison for anyone convicted of killing for honor. Thousands of women are believed to die in such killings every year in Pakistan.

Crucially, say womens rights advocates, the law closes a loophole that allowed convicts to escape sentences if family members of their victims agreed to forgive them.

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Under Pakistans Islamic laws, relatives of a murder victim can forgive a killer, effectively commuting the jail sentence. Human rights groups have long called for treating honor killings differently because in nearly all cases, the killers are close family members who usually are forgiven.

The new law allows for a family to forgive a convicted killer only if the person is sentenced to death; in that case the convict would still have to serve the minimum sentence.

Many of Pakistans honor killings take place when a male relative kills a woman who is believed to have brought shame upon the family, often by marrying a man of her choosing.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan counted nearly 500 honor killings in 2015. Rights groups say that the real number is much higher, particularly in conservative areas where perpetrators are not charged.

I cannot recall in my professional life that a killer in an honor killing case was punished, said Nasira Javed Iqbal, a retired judge and human rights activist.

While legislation alone would likely not eradicate the practice, Iqbal called the new law a good step.

The state needs to take ownership of these killings, Iqbal said.

The issue gained greater prominence with the success of A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness, a documentary by Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy that won an Academy Award in February.

The film traced the story of a Pakistani teenage girl who was pressured to forgive her father after he shot her in the head for marrying a man he didnt approve of.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif screened the film at his official residence and pledged tougher action against honor killings.

Thank you to PM Nawaz Sharif for keeping his promise, Obaid-Chinoy tweeted.

The opposition Pakistan Peoples Party brought the bill before parliament, but months passed before it came to a vote as lawmakers sought to gain the support of Islamist parties. The law passed after the provision allowing forgiveness in capital cases was inserted.

The parliament also passed a law requiring a minimum 25-year sentence for rape convictions.

Sahi is a special correspondent. Times staff writer Bengali reported from Mumbai, India.

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Feuding in Britains fractious, right-wing U.K. Independence Party erupted into violence Thursday that left a member of the European Parliament hospitalized with a head injury after an altercation with a colleague.

Steven Woolfe  the front-runner to be UKIPs next leader  suffered seizures and lost consciousness after clashing with another lawmaker Thursday morning during a meeting of party lawmakers at the legislative building in Strasbourg, France.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said Woolfe was initially in serious condition and things were pretty bad. But he said Thursday afternoon that Woolfe was in a much better place than he was a few hours ago.

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Farage said he was launching an inquiry into the violence, which he said shouldnt have happened. He declined to identify the other party member involved in what he termed an altercation.

Strasbourg police said it had not received any report of the incident.

According to media reports, Woolfe was punched during a fistfight with another lawmaker, hit his head and collapsed a little while later.

UKIP said Woolfe had two epileptic-like fits and lost consciousness. An image published by ITV News showed a man resembling Woolfe apparently unconscious on a walkway inside the Strasbourg building, just outside the parliament chamber.

Several hours later, Woolfe reported that he was conscious and recovering. He said in a statement that a CT scan had revealed he did not have a blood clot on the brain.

I am feeling brighter, happier and smiling as ever, he said. I am sitting up, and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left-hand side of my face.

The party said Woolfe would remain in the hospital overnight awaiting the results of more tests.

A lawyer of mixed English, Irish, Jewish and black American heritage, Woolfe represents his home region of northwest England in the European Parliament and is considered one of UKIPs rising stars.

A small party full of forceful personalities, UKIP has a long history of clashes between senior members  though they are usually verbal rather than physical. UKIP European parliamentarian Roger Helmer said that Thursdays incident followed a party meeting that featured some lively exchanges of views.

Woolfe, who turned 49 on Thursday, annoyed some party colleagues when he said recently that he had considered joining Britains Conservative Party because he was enthused by new Prime Minister Theresa Mays commitment to social reform.

Founded in 1993 with the aim of removing Britain from the European Union, UKIP has moved from the fringes of British politics to a position of influence. Over the past few years, the party has won over large numbers of Conservative and Labor party voters by appealing to concerns about globalization and large-scale immigration.

UKIP was instrumental in getting Britain to hold a referendum on EU membership, which ended in a June 23 vote for Britain to leave the 28-nation bloc.

The result was an enormous political triumph for UKIP, but since gaining its long-sought goal the party has been torn by infighting.

Longtime leader Farage stepped down after the June referendum and was replaced by Diane James. James quit Tuesday after just 18 days, citing personal reasons  leaving Farage, a popular but divisive figure, as interim leader.

Woolfe had announced his intention to run in an upcoming leadership contest and was bookies favorite to win. He was blocked from competing in the leadership contest won by James because party officials said he missed the application deadline by 17 minutes.

UKIP has just one seat out of 650 in Britains House of Commons, but  despite its vociferous opposition to the EU and all it stands for  it holds more than 20 seats in the EUs parliament of 751 seats.

Although Britain has voted to leave the EU it will remain a member until a formal divorce is negotiated  a process that could last two years or more.

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Canadian philosopher Charles Margrave Taylor has been named winner of the first Berggruen Prize for Philosophy, the Los Angeles-based Berggruen Institute announced.

The award will be given annually to a thinker whose ideas are of broad significance for shaping human self-understanding and the advancement of humanity, the organization said.

Taylor, 84, is to receive the $1-million award at a Dec. 1 ceremony in New York.

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Im very, very honored, Taylor said in a phone interview Wednesday. The aim of the [institute] means a lot to me. I think we really dont understand each other in the world very well. I really think this is a very important goal. Im very moved that somebody thought that I was someone who would represent that.

Nicolas Berggruen, founder and chairman of the Berggruen Institute, said in a statement that the object of the prize is to support and foster the development of ideas that have a positive effect in the increasingly fractured world.

Our first recipient has made extraordinary contributions to deepening mutual understanding and respect across the widest range of cultural identities, Berggruen said.

An independent nine-person jury, including professors, philosophers and Nobel laureates, selected Taylor for the prize.

A professor emeritus at McGill University in Montreal, Taylor is widely considered to be one of the worlds foremost living philosophers.

His work links ethics, political philosophy and philosophical anthropology to address central questions of public and private life, according to the Berggruen Institute, whose mission is to deepen the understanding of humanitys future.

Ive written on a number of different topics, but what they all have in common is that its not simply philosophy, Taylor said. I dont think philosophy can help us solve real important problems in life, except in alliance with other disciplines. In some cases it will be history, in some cases sociology, in some cases theology, and so on. And thats the type of philosophy I believe in doing. Crossing boundaries to help solve problems.

The Berggruen Institute said his work has influenced disciplines, including the humanities and social sciences, and had an effect on public affairs.

Taylors books include Sources of the Self: The Making of the Modern Identity, The Malaise of Modernity, and Multiculturalism: Examining the Politics of Recognition.

Kwame Anthony Appiah, a New York University professor and philosopher who chaired this years Berggruen Prize jury, praised the breadth and depth of Taylors intellectual contributions.

His work truly exemplifies the importance of philosophy that reaches beyond narrow disciplinary boundaries and demonstrates how crucial philosophical understanding can be in sustaining the flourishing of individuals and communities, Appiah said in a statement.

In an email to The Times, Berggruen Prize judge Antonio Damasio said that at a time in which speed of communication, thought and action dominate our culture, Charles Taylors life work celebrates calm and persistent reflection on ideas that do matter to how we live  for example, how is it that we behave morally, what are the mental mechanisms behind following a rule or not.

Taylors work reminds us that the influence of ideas requires serious and time-consuming consideration, said Damasio, a professor of neuroscience, psychology and philosophy at USC.

Taylors previous awards include the 2007 Templeton Prize for progress toward research or discoveries about spiritual realities; Japans prestigious Kyoto Prize in the arts and philosophy category in 2008; and the 2015 John W. Kluge Prize for Achievement in the Study of Humanity, which he shared with German sociologist and philosopher Juergen Habermas.

ann.simmons@latimes.com

For more on global development news follow me @AMSimmons1 on Twitter
As Islamic State has lost fighters and territory over the last year, an Al Qaeda-founded militant group in Syria has grown in strength, establishing a reputation as the most ferocious fighting force against Bashar Assads government.

The militant group formerly known as Al Nusra Front has expanded, in part, because its fighters also oppose Islamic State on the battlefield and are rarely targeted in airstrikes by U.S. and coalition aircraft, American officials say.

In recent weeks, U.S. intelligence has detected signs that Al Qaeda operatives in Syria are plotting attacks against the West, raising concerns that the hard-line Islamist group has escaped scrutiny for too long, according to two U.S. intelligence officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information.

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Al Nusra Front, which recently renamed itself the Front for the Conquest of Syria in an effort to distance itself from Al Qaeda, highlights the difficulty the White House has faced trying to find reliable allies in a vicious civil war that pits dozens of armed groups against one another, the terrorist group Islamic State and Assads government in Damascus.

Were not fighting Al Nusra, Col. Christopher Garver, spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition in Baghdad, said in a recent teleconference with reporters. We are fighting Daesh, he said, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

The only exceptions are known Al Qaeda leaders. On Tuesday, the Pentagon announced that a U.S. drone strike had targeted and killed Ahmad Salamah Mabruk, a veteran Al Qaeda operative who had co-founded Al Nusra.

Mabruk had close ties to Ayman Zawahiri, the Egyptian-born doctor who took over Al Qaeda after Osama bin Laden was killed in a CIA-led raid in Pakistan in May 2011, according to U.S. officials.

U.S. intelligence officials say the Front for the Conquest of Syria now has up to 10,000 fighters in Syria, about the same as Islamic State has in the country. But while Islamic State has lost territory, the Front has gained ground in Idlib province along the Turkish border.

In June, Brett McGurk, President Obamas envoy in the campaign against Islamic State, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Al Nusra had become Al Qaedas largest formal affiliate in history,

Two years ago, the Obama administration launched its first air attacks in Syria by targeting a small group of Al Qaeda operatives known as the Khorasan Group. Coalition airstrikes have targeted other known Al Qaeda figures since then, but have generally given the Al Nusra/Front fighters a pass.

Because Front for the Conquest of Syria militants are fighting Assad, as well as Islamic State, they often are pushing in the same direction as CIA-backed rebel forces in northwest Syria. That also has made them harder to isolate as targets. The factional bases are often close together.

In Aleppo, a city that has come under intense bombardment by Syrian and Russian aircraft in recent weeks, Front fighters often operate side by side with the so-called moderate opposition forces that receive U.S. arms and other support.

There is mixing of some members of the moderate opposition with Nusra, Mark Toner, the State Department spokesman, said Tuesday. Part of that is exacerbated by the fact that when the regime attacks the [moderates], theyre defending themselves. And frankly  it drives them into the arms of the extremists.

Because of its growing strength, the Front has become a lightning rod for Syrian government forces backed by Russian aircraft and missiles.

On Thursday, Staffan de Mistura, United Nations special envoy for Syria, issued an appeal for an estimated 900 Front fighters to leave rebel-held eastern Aleppo, arguing that their presence gave Russian and Syrian warplanes an easy alibi to raze the city.

If you decide to leave with dignity  I am personally ready to physically accompany you, De Mistura said in Geneva. An estimated 275,000 civilians are believed to be besieged in eastern Aleppo.

There is only one thing we are not ready to do: be passive, resign ourselves to another Srebrenica, another Rwanda, which we are sadly ready to recognize written on that wall in front of us, unless something takes place, De Mistura said.

Both the U.N. and the United States, as well as Syrias government, consider the Front for the Conquest of Syria a terrorist group.

Experts say, however, that the group presents a very different profile than Islamic State. Unlike Islamic State, which mostly consists of foreign fighters, the Fronts ranks are mostly filled with homegrown Syrian jihadis.

Perhaps for that reason, it has governed with less barbarity in areas under its sway. In the provincial capital of Idlib, the Front allowed locals to manage day-to-day administrative affairs, easing the transition to insurgent control.

Islamic State simply doesnt work with others, but the group formerly known as Nusra has always sought consensus, said Rania Abouzeid, a Lebanese journalist who visited Front-held areas in northern Syria this year.

Its suicide bombers have targeted Assads forces in offensives launched in concert with other rebel groups assaults, for example, experts say.

Nusra has seized upon the fractured nature of the Syrian conflict by syncing up with other groups, said Jennifer Cafarella, a Syria analyst at the nonpartisan Institute for the Study of War in Washington. Now these groups need Nusra to survive on the battlefield and will work alongside them  even though they dont often agree with Al Qaedas long-term goals.

In July, the group sought to publicly rebrand itself in an online video by changing its name and declaring that it had cut all external ties to Al Qaeda. The groups leader, Abu Mohammed Jolani, who wore army fatigues and a white turban, showed his face for the first time.

The announcement did not convince U.S. counter-terrorism officials, who noted that Jolani did not withdraw his loyalty pledge to Al Qaeda.

U.S. officials believe the rebranding was aimed at easing concerns of other Syrian rebel groups who dont buy into Al Qaedas apocalyptic view.

Although its media is not as sophisticated as that of Islamic State, the group also upgraded its online and social media operation. It was one of the first rebel groups to integrate small drones and GoPro combat video in its media, and it recently appointed an English-speaking spokesman. It also created an encrypted mailbox where outsiders can communicate with the group.

Its not known whether the groups changing profile led to the U.S. drone strike that killed Mabruk, who co-founded Al Nusra with Jolani, as he drove Monday in Jisr al Shugur, a town in Idlib province where Al Nusra and other rebel groups overran Assads forces last year.

It represents a continuation of our counter-terrorism efforts, particularly focused on Al Qaeda leadership, Peter Cook, a Pentagon spokesman, said Tuesday. Thats been a goal of the U.S. government since 2001.

U.S. officials say Mabruk had close ties to Zawahiri, Bin Ladens successor. He had been known to U.S. intelligence for nearly two decades.

In 1998, the CIA snatched Mabruk from Azerbaijan and got access to his laptop. It contained a trove of data on Al Qaeda connections so valuable that it became known inside the agency as the Rosetta stone for Al Qaeda at a time when U.S. intelligence knew very little about Bin Ladens terrorist network.

Mabruk was imprisoned in several countries from 1998 until 2011, when he was released from jail in Egypt after the Arab Spring uprising. U.S. officials say he then regained Zawahiris trust and rejoined Al Qaedas leadership before he was sent to Syria to set up a franchise.

The Syrian war has been a breeding ground for Al Qaeda and its version of jihadism, said Thomas Jocelyn, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank.

Let that fact sink in, he said. Here you are in 2016, 15 years after Sept. 11, and Al Qaeda has the largest guerrilla army in its history answering directly to Zawahiri.

Times staff writers Bennett and Hennigan reported from Washington and special correspondent Bulos reported from Beirut.

william.hennigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @wjhenn
Rebel-held eastern Aleppo could be totally destroyed by years end if a campaign of ferocious bombardment of the Syrian city by Russia and Syria continues, a senior U.N. envoy warned on Thursday.

Speaking at a news conference in Geneva, the U.N.s special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, also appealed to fighters from an Al Qaeda-linked faction to depart from opposition-held areas, saying their presence provided an easy alibi for aerial attacks to continue. The northern Syrian city has been pounded for two weeks by punishing airstrikes that have killed nearly 300 people, many of them children.

Desperate conditions prevail in rebel-controlled neighborhoods that have been targeted by Russian and Syrian aircraft, according to witnesses, monitors and aid groups. Medical centers and civil-defense headquarters have been struck repeatedly, with the citys few remaining doctors struggling daily to treat gruesome injuries. Food is in short supply. Whole families have been buried under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

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Using some of his strongest language since the breakdown of the cease-fire, De Mistura likened the growing slaughter in Aleppo to genocidal killings in the mid-1990s in the Balkans and Africa.

There is only one thing we are not ready to do  be passive, resign ourselves to another Srebrenica, another Rwanda, he said.

Directly addressing fighters of the Front for the Conquest of Syria, which formerly called itself Al Nusra Front, the U.N. envoy urged them to leave the city to reduce the peril faced by eastern Aleppos estimated 275,000 civilians.

If you decide to leave with dignity ... I am personally ready physically to accompany you, the envoy declared. He said about 900 or 1,000 of the fronts fighters were in the city.

That figure represented an apparent downward revision from the U.N.s previous estimate of the number of fighters in eastern Aleppo tied to the Al Qaeda-linked faction. Last month, De Mistura had said about half the estimated 8,000 fighters in rebel-held Aleppo were aligned with the front  an estimate that had then been cited by Russian Foreign Ministry Sergei Lavrov in defending the bombing campaign.

Aleppo, once a cultural and architectural treasure, has seen some of the worst bombardment of Syrias multisided war, now in its sixth year. De Mistura said rebel-held areas could soon be left utterly in ruins, particularly the historic Old City. Satellite and drone imagery has already shown the destruction of huge swaths of what was once Syrias commercial center and most populous city.

The bottom line is in a maximum of two months, 2  months, the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate may be totally destroyed, the U.N. envoy said.

De Misturas comments came as the Syrian army announced a reduction in airstrikes on eastern Aleppo, and activists and witnesses reported that late Wednesday and early Thursday had been the quietest since last months collapse of a U.S.- and Russian-brokered cease-fire.

Syria said an easing of the bombardment would allow civilians in opposition-held districts to flee, but the U.N. questioned that, saying there were reports that key routes in and out of the eastern sector were being blocked. And there appeared to be pessimism on the U.N.s part that a diminishment of airstrikes would last.

History will judge them if the Aleppo offensive continues, De Mistura said of Russia and the Syrian regime. Diplomats have accused the attackers of dropping internationally banned cluster munitions and using battlefield armaments such as bunker-buster bombs, in addition to incendiary weapons.

Tenuous diplomatic efforts to halt the bombardment continued. Secretary of State John Kerry held talks on Wednesday with Lavrov despite the U.S. having announced a hiatus in bilateral cooperation on Syria with Russia. The State Department said that breaking off of formal talks did not mean there would be no contact of any kind on Syria.

laura.king@latimes.com

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Meet your Leicester City heroes this October, at a special player signing session taking place in the City Fanstore at King Power Stadium.

- Signing session to take place on Thursday 20 October

- Chance for supporters to meet members of the LCFC team

- Limited availability  first come, first served basis

Meet your Leicester City heroes this October, at a special player signing session taking place in the City Fanstore at King Power Stadium.

On Thursday 20 October, five members of the Foxes team will be present in the City Fanstore for a special signing session, for you to get up close and personal with your heroes and take home a memento youll treasure for years to come.

Leading the line of players in the City Fanstore on the day, as on a matchday, will be record-signing and Algerian striker Islam Slimani who scored two goals on his Premier League debut against Burnley in September.

Joining Slimani on the day will be Ahmed Musa and fellow summer transfer window signings Papy Mendy and Bartosz Kapustka; while Ghanaian midfielder Daniel Amartey will also be in attendance and signing autographs for the Foxes faithful.

Players* will be in attendance between 1.30pm and 2.30pm, and with the event having limited availability supporters are advised to arrive early to make sure they dont miss out.

Along with getting the chance to meet the Leicester City players, supporters can also pick up the 2016/17 replica kits and get them personalised with the iconic gold Premier League badge and their favourite players name.

*Players attending correct at the time of writing.

All player appearances subject to change.
Details added (first version posted at 13:44)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Reforms aimed at providing cheaper and more innovative products to Azerbaijans population are needed to address the difficulties observed on the countrys financial market, Ambassador of Switzerland to Azerbaijan Philipp Stalder said.

He made the remarks Oct. 6 at the 8th Azerbaijan Microfinance Conference in Baku.

Stalder said that special attention is currently paid to creation of private credit bureaus and registry of movable property within the framework of structural reforms in Azerbaijans financial and banking system.

In turn, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Microfinance Association (AMFA) Jala Hajiyeva noted high interest of foreign investors for the countrys microfinance market.

Azerbaijans microfinance market continues to attract the interest of new investors, in particular, a group of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) carries out the study of the local market, she said. Businessmen from the former Soviet countries also show interest, and they offer to introduce new business models in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijans capital hosts the 8th Microfinance Conference titled New Opportunities on the Horizon: Translating Challenges into Perspectives October 6-7. Over 100 representatives of Azerbaijans financial sector and other countries are taking part in the event.

During the two days, participants will discuss challenges of microfinance organizations, managing problem loans, improving financial literacy, healthy lending and other issues.

The event is organized with the support of PASHA Bank, European Union, Asian Development Bank, the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE), FINCA, Aqrarkredit and others.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend:

Kazakhstan will be able to export 150,000 barrels of oil from Kashagan giant offshore oil and gas field via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline daily, Natig Aliyev, Azerbaijani energy minister, said in an article, published in the countrys official press Oct. 6.

According to the article, Kazakhstan also transports oil from the Tengiz onshore field and oil products to the Black Sea ports through Azerbaijani terminals in Sangachal and Dubendi.

"The oil from the Tengiz field is shipped to the port of Aktau by railway, the article said. It is exported by tankers to Baku and then transported via the BTC or railway to the Georgian ports.

Some 2.9 million tons of Kazakh oil and oil products were transported through Azerbaijan to the Georgian port of Batumi in 2015, while 1.6 million tons for eight months of 2016," the article said.

The minister added that after the production is launched at the Kashagan field, the BTC pipeline is planned to be used to supply oil to the EU countries.

"Four companies, namely, Eni, Inpex, ConocoPhillips, Total, acting as shareholders in the BTC consortium and owning a 15 percent stake in the BTC, are involved in the development of the Kashagan field, the article said. This means that these companies will be able to transport around 150,000 barrels of oil via BTC daily."

The total length of the B is 1,768 kilometers, including a 443-kilometer section running through Azerbaijan, a 249-kilometer section in Georgia and a 1,076-kilometer section in Turkey.

The pipelines construction started in 2003. It was filled with oil in 2005.

BTC Co. shareholders are: BP (30.1 percent), AzBTC (25 percent), Chevron (8.9 percent), Statoil (8.71 percent),  (6.53 percent), Eni (5 percent), Total (5 percent), Itochu (3.4 percent), Inpex (2.5 percent), ConocoPhillips (2.5 percent) and ONGC (2.36 percent).
Details added (first version posted at 9:51)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend:

Kazakhstan will be able to export 150,000 barrels of oil from Kashagan giant offshore oil and gas field via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline daily, Natig Aliyev, Azerbaijani energy minister, said in an article, published in the countrys official press Oct. 6.

According to the article, Kazakhstan also transports oil from the Tengiz onshore field and oil products to the Black Sea ports through Azerbaijani terminals in Sangachal and Dubendi.

"The oil from the Tengiz field is shipped to the port of Aktau by railway, the article said. It is exported by tankers to Baku and then transported via the BTC or railway to the Georgian ports.

Some 2.9 million tons of Kazakh oil and oil products were transported through Azerbaijan to the Georgian port of Batumi in 2015, while 1.6 million tons for eight months of 2016," the article said.

The minister added that after the production is launched at the Kashagan field, the BTC pipeline is planned to be used to supply oil to the EU countries.

"Four companies, namely, Eni, Inpex, ConocoPhillips, Total, acting as shareholders in the BTC consortium and owning a 15 percent stake in the BTC, are involved in the development of the Kashagan field, the article said. This means that these companies will be able to transport around 150,000 barrels of oil via BTC daily."

The total length of the B is 1,768 kilometers, including a 443-kilometer section running through Azerbaijan, a 249-kilometer section in Georgia and a 1,076-kilometer section in Turkey.

The pipelines construction started in 2003. It was filled with oil in 2005.

BTC Co. shareholders are: BP (30.1 percent), AzBTC (25 percent), Chevron (8.9 percent), Statoil (8.71 percent),  (6.53 percent), Eni (5 percent), Total (5 percent), Itochu (3.4 percent), Inpex (2.5 percent), ConocoPhillips (2.5 percent) and ONGC (2.36 percent).
Details added (first version posted at 09:35)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are planning to lay new Eskene-Kuryk-Baku oil pipeline with a length of 739 kilometers, according to an article by Azerbaijans Energy Minister Natig Aliyev, published in the countrys official press Oct. 6.

The minister said that Kazakhstan has huge proven reserves of hydrocarbons, which account for 5.5 billion tons of oil and 3 trillion cubic meters of gas.

This makes it possible for Kazakhstan to produce 33.6 billion cubic meters of gas and 80 million tons of oil per year, however, the country has no guaranteed independent, reliable and secure oil export route except the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, reads the article.

Capacities of Tengiz-Novorossiysk, Atyrau-Samara, Atasu-Alashankou pipelines and the route of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) are insufficient to meet the growing export potential, according to the article.

Aliyev said that considering the capacity of these routes and the volumes of export planned to be achieved, Astana has focused on the Kazakhstan Caspian Transportation System (KCTS).

The KCTS envisages construction of Eskene-Kuryk-Baku pipeline with a length of 739 kilometers, the minister said in his article. The feasibility study of the Eskene-Kuryk section of the pipeline envisages construction of an oil pumping station at the Tengiz field, Tengiz-Oporny-Uzen-Aktau main oil pipeline, an oil terminal and a new port in Kuryk village, as well as reconstruction and expansion of the port in Aktau city.

Construction of this pipeline will enable Kazakhstan to export its oil to ports in Georgia and Turkey, the article reads. The initial capacity of the new pipeline will amount to 23-25 million tons per year with the possibility of future expansion to 56 million tons.

The KCTS must ensure the export of Kazakh oil to international markets mainly from the Kashagan field (second and third phase) via the Caspian Sea, through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and other oil transportation systems both in Azerbaijan and other transit countries.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.6

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

OPEC could cut production at its late November meeting in Vienna by another 1 percent more than the amount agreed in Algiers, Reuters reported citing Algeria's Energy Minister Nouredine Bouterfa.

Earlier in September, OPEC producers agreed during the informal meeting to cut down the oil output to 32.5 million barrels per day (bpd) from current production of 33.24 million bpd.



How much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal meeting of OPEC in November.

Bouterfa told one of the local TV channels that OPEC and non-OPEC members will hold an informal meeting in Istanbul Oct. 8-13 to discuss how to implement the Algiers deal.

"We will evaluate the market in Vienna by the end of November and if 700,000 barrels are not enough, we will go up, he said.

If we need to cut by 1 percent, we will cut by 1 percent," added Bouterfa.

Earlier, commenting on the deal in Algiers, he said OPEC will go back to its role of monitoring the market.

However, Erkal Ersoy, assistant professor and co-principal investigator at Heriot-Watt Universitys Center for Energy Economics Research and Policy has told Trend that for the cut to have a substantial effect, non-OPEC producers would need to refrain from accelerating production as prices inch higher.

The expert noted that OPEC agreement has a vague nature, reminding that individual member countries of the cartel have not formally agreed to a freeze level.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 6

By Demir Azizov Trend:

The institute of the business ombudsman supervising protection of rights and legitimate interests of entrepreneurs is planned to be established in Uzbekistan.

The institute is expected to be set up in accordance with the countrys acting president Shavkat Mirziyoyevs decree on "Additional measures on ensuring the accelerated development of entrepreneurship".

According to the decree, the chambers of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan will be charged with considering an issue of establishing the institute under the countrys parliament.

The main functions of the business ombudsman are to participate in the formation and implementation of state policy in the field of entrepreneurship development, protect the rights and legitimate interests of businesses, render legal support to businesses while auditing their activity, as well as evaluate the impact of the adopted normative legal acts on entrepreneurial activity, the decree said.
A man wanted in connection with the homicide of a woman in the back yard of a home last June in Plainfield, N.J. has been found in Wilson Borough.

Gquan Johnson, left, Anthony Baines, center, and Raequan Segers, right, all are charged with murder in connection with the death of a woman in Plainfield. (Union County Prosecutor's Office)

Police arrested Anthony R. Baines, 22, of the 500 block of West Third Street in Plainfield, at 9:13 p.m. Wednesday at Meuser Park, 2201 Northampton St.

Police found Baines with two other people in the park past closing time. They ran a check on Baines and realized he was the third suspect wanted by the Union County Prosecutor's Office in connection with a homicide.

He was arraigned before District Judge Roy Manwaring on a fugitive from justice charge. He was sent to Northampton County Prison without bail and is awaiting extradition back to New Jersey.

Baines, as well as Gquan Johnson, 18, and Raequan Segers, 19, both of Plainfield, are wanted in connection with the death of 24-year-old Neelega Perry. All three are facing first-degree murders charges, as well as two weapons-related charges each.

Segers remains at large. Johnson is being held at the Union County jail in lieu of $1.5 million bail. The bail will be the same for Baines, according to the Union County Prosecutor's Office.

Plainfield police received reports shortly before midnight June 29 about a body being discovered in the back yard of a house in the 400 block of Spruce Street in the city. They said officers found Perry, who had been shot. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The prosecutor's office's Homicide Task Force, along with Plainfield police, the Union County Sheriff's Office Identification Unit, and Union County police investigated the shooting and identified the three suspects.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive.

Perry was the sixth person killed in the city this year. There have been a total of eight homicides, the latest was the killing of Marcus Corey Ellis on Aug. 25.

The murder charge all three suspects face carries a maximum penalty of 20 years to life in prison upon conviction.

The Union County Crime Stoppers are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment of Segers in the case.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Route 22 crash at 25th Street on Oct. 6, 2016

Authorities respond to an accident call on Route 22, at the 25th Street interchange in Palmer Township, on Oct. 6, 2016. (Courtesy photo)

Traffic backed up in the eastbound lanes of Route 22 after a crash in Palmer Township early Thursday afternoon.

A pickup truck jumped on to the concrete median and came to a stop partially on top of a sedan.

It happened about 12:30 p.m. at the 25th Street interchange. Traffic in both directions was affected.

Authorities planned to close the on-ramp to eastbound Route 22 to clean up and remove the wreckage.

Police Sgt. Glenn Sipel said the wreck occurred as the car was merging on to the highway from the eastbound on-ramp.

The operator of the car didn't realize that a vehicle in front of her had stopped, and she veered on to Route 22's eastbound right lane to avoid a collision. The car drove into the path of the eastbound pickup, Sipel said.

The car operator suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the hospital, police said.

Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
Ride the Ducks Operations Suspended

A Ride The Ducks tour splashes into the Delaware River in Philadelphia in this April 21, 2011, file photo. The Missouri-based company said on its website this week that it was ending operations in Philadelphia. (AP photo)

Philadelphia's duck boats have gone the way of "American Bandstand," Steel Pier and the Phillies' pinstripes.

Kaput.

The company that runs the popular Philadelphia duck boat tours has suspended operations in the city "indefinitely," it said.

Ride the Ducks, which is based in Branson, Missouri, announced on its website Wednesday that it ceased operations in Philly because of financial reasons.

"Due to circumstances outside of our control including a 330 percent increase in our insurance premiums, continued operations in Philadelphia are not financially feasible at this time," the company said in a statement.

Ride the Ducks has a fleet of amphibious sightseeing vehicles that take tourists across land and water.

The company's statement made no mention of accidents involving duck boats that have occurred in Philadelphia. Ride the Ducks started operating in the city in 2003.

In May 2015, a duck boat struck and killed a 68-year-old Texas woman who was crossing the street. And in July 2010, a tugboat-guided barge struck a duck boat on the Delaware River, killing two Hungarian tourists.

An attorney whose law firm represented the families of the victims of both duck boat accidents in Philadelphia said the city is a safer place now that Ride that Ducks has suspended operations, according to the Associated Press.

"Through our extensive experience representing victims of duck boat disasters we've determined those vehicles are fatally flawed," Robert J. Mongeluzzi said in a statement. "They're death traps on the water due to their hazardous canopy design and on land they are engineered to restrict the peripheral vision of the operator, creating significant blind spots."

In its statement, Ride the Ducks said it was working with the 42 full and part-time employees in Philadelphia offering severance and outplacement assistance.

Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
An old industrial water tank refinished and painted to look like Stuart from "Minions," an offshoot of the "Despicable Me" franchise, delighted passersby for about a year in Bucks County.

Now, he's gone, and his owners want him back.

"It's really sad because it really made a lot of people happy," said Bari Smalley, after the 6-foot-tall, 2-foot-diameter, 300-pound artwork was stolen from a field near their house in the 2500 block of Keiser Road in Milford Township, outside Quakertown.

Pennsylvania State Police at Dublin said they are investigating the theft, reported about noon Thursday. It is believed to have been taken sometime after about 5 p.m. Monday, police said.

Before becoming a cartoon character lawn ornament, the tank was abandoned for decades in the back yard of a neighbor of Smalley's and her husband, Robert Smalley. The couple are known for cleaning out properties, usually for people they know, and were asked to remove the rusted hulk. Robert Smalley took a look at it and decided he'd need his tractor.

"He said, 'This thing looks like a Minion,'" Bari Smalley said. "It's a giant, insulated water tank. It's like really thick steel. ... I said, I can do that."

Robert Smalley prepped it for his wife, who is the artist, and they stuck it in the field by their house.

"We have school buses stop, people come on bicycles and take pictures of it and people driving by will stop and get out and take pictures of it," Bari Smalley said. "Campers, motorcycles, you name it. People, they just love this thing."

The Smalleys said they'd just be happy to get their Minion back "no questions asked."

State police ask anyone with information on the theft to call investigators at 215-249-9191. The incident number to reference is PA16-718435.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 6

By Demir Azizov Trend:

The General Prosecutors Office of Uzbekistan together with the countrys Supreme Court, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior and the National Security Service have been instructed to develop a draft law On combating corruption in two months.

The instructions were made in accordance with the decree of Uzbek acting President Shavkat Mirziyoyev On additional measures to ensure the rapid development of entrepreneurship, comprehensive protection of private property and the qualitative improvement of the business climate.

In accordance with the decree published in the Uzbek media outlets, the law must be directed at strengthening the confidence of citizens and entrepreneurs to the state authorities, increasing the investment attractiveness of Uzbekistan, as well as preventing corruption offenses.

It is also planned to adopt the laws On administrative procedures, On public procurement and On public-private partnership based on generally accepted international standards.

Adoption of these laws is envisaged in order to improve the legal framework on combating corruption, reduce administrative barriers during interaction between government and business, and ensure openness and transparency of the use of public resources.
St Fintans National School in Mountrath has been targeted by thieves for the third time in five weeks, with the damage caused to the local boys school in the wake of these burglaries expected to well exceed 10,000.

The latest break-in occurred on Friday, September 30, when the rear window of the school was forced activating the alarm in the early hours of the morning.

The gardai have confirmed that a man was arrested after a chase from the scene, and stolen property, including a small quantity of cash, a laptop and computer accessories, was recovered.

The thief, a 25-year-old man currently living in Dublin but originally from Laois, is due before Portlaoise District Court on October 27.

This is now the third time that the school has been broken into, with the first robbery occurring on Tuesday, August 30, when thirteen laptops were stolen.

The second robbery in St Fintans happened on Wednesday, September 7, when thieves again smashed windows and the alarm box, and thrashed the school office, breaking open a safe and a filing cabinet.

Blood was spilled on the window blinds, which added to the school's costs.

Speaking to the Leinster Express this week, acting principal of St Fintans, Ms Gina Reddy said: At this stage its very distressing and very frustrating, wed just got everything back to normal and now were back to square one.

Ms Reddy revealed that the laptop that was taken this time was one being used by a child with special needs.

She also said that the school safe which was stolen had been recovered in 40 different pieces, the replacement of which will further add to the costs .

Even though there wasnt as much damage caused this time, Ms Reddy said that repairs could still be costly.

Theres not as much damage to be cleaned up, they didnt break the glass, just the window frame, she said.

While distressing for everyone, Ms Reddy said that these crimes do not disrupt the school, as the staff work very hard to ensure the children are not disturbed.

Nothings changed for the children, but the staff have to work that little bit harder, she said.

Ms Reddy said that the school will now look at improving its security, with plans to build a strong room, install dusk to dawn lights, and make the perimeter of the school safer.

However, to do so the school will have to fundraise, as Ms Reddy said that the cost of the previous burglaries has already risen to over 10,000, which includes the loss of property, the cost of replacing property, and cleaning and repairing the premises.
Accompanied by a small entourage, Sue Kelly made the trip to London for the Miss Pin-Up international event, finishing in second place behind the Norweigan winner.

Sue, from Teampull Carach, had previously been crowned Miss Pin Up Ireland to qualify for the international event, which took place as part of the 12th London International Tattoo Convention.

The LITC is a event which showcases the work of the top tattoo artists from across the globe.

Sue made the trip accompanied by her mother Mary and sisters Anita, Lisa and Emma and three friends. And while there they went to see what was Sues first professional show (shes a member of Naas Musical Society).

I was thrilled to be runner up to some fantastic girls and it was a great experience. There were entrants from Italy and Australia. Each of us had to do some kind of talent like performing burlesque, singing, playing an instrument or doing some kind of performance piece. There was also a question and answer section, Sue told the Leader.

Sue painted live on stage.

More than all of that though, the 32-year-old has done much to highlight the negativity suffered by people who don't measure up the size zero concept.

I hope to keep the momentum going to prove that you dont have to be a size 8 or 10 to do things like this.

Sue said that as a result of winning Miss Pin Up Ireland she has received many emails from girls saying that she had been an inspiration that they felt better about themselves in that their weight does not define them.

She added: This is what Im probably most proud of. Id encourage every girl who wants to to enter Miss Pin Up Ireland because a lot has changed for me in terms of confidence and the experience was a once in a lifetime happening.

As a size 16, Sue has had to endure some abusive comment about her weight but is signed to the plus size modeling agency, Model Management.

She was once a size 6 and at the time was working so hard to have the perfect body she fell into depression having had an accident at work and gained weight.

However once I got help for my depression, I realised that being a size 6 wasnt going to make me happy, she said.
Award winning Carrig Brewing Company has reduced its carbon footprint by a massive 10,000 tonnes each year.

Energy provider worked with Carrig Brewing Company to upgrade its refrigeration facilities. The company currently uses almost 60,000 kWh of electricity each year and as a result of increasing beer production, consumption is expected to increase to 95,000 kWh. The energy savings from the chiller upgrade is expected to be 20,600 kWh. This will reduce the companys carbon footprint by 10,000 tonnes each year. Crucially it will also cut its annual energy bills by 13%.

Carrig Brewing Company was established in 2011 by husband and wife team Sinead OConnell and Martie Deegan. Their inspiration was Celtic Medieval Ireland when the Irish monks, who inhabited the small monasteries along the River Shannon, brewed hand crafted Irish ales and beers. Those Celtic monks were dedicated to a life of purity and the pursuit of excellence and those were the very same qualities incorporated into their cottage brewing industry. Carrig has harnessed that same spirit in its pursuit of excellence and in the purity of product that permeates the naturally brewed flavours of our craft beers.

This work was carried out under Energias Cash for Kilowatts scheme that provides grant funding to companies for energy efficiency projects. It means that any company carrying out an energy efficiency project can qualify for grant funding based on the amount of energy they save. The grant can fund up to 30% of the project cost. This scheme is open to all businesses, whether or not they are customers of Energia.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 5



By Farhad Daneshvar - Trend:



Since last years historic nuclear deal signed between Iran and the world major powers, international bodies have observed a surge in interest among multinational companies in investing in the Islamic Republics largest non-oil sector, the automotive industry.



In the meantime, the countrys policymakers have made efforts aimed at getting foreigners to invest in Irans automotive sector which lagged behind its rivals due to the crippling sanctions.



Irans automotive industry seems very lucrative as it forms the second biggest sub-sector of the economy behind oil and gas, accounting for about 10 percent of GDP and employing about 4 percent of the labor force.



There are, however, risks threatening investment in Irans car industry including lack of transparency, differences between involved parties as well as absence of a proper private sector.



Lack of transparency



"Governments involvement in Irans automotive industry may pose serious threats against attracting foreigners," an Iranian automaker told Trend.



The vice-chairman of the board of directors at Iran's Rakhsh Khodro Diesel Company, Akbar Mirza-Hosseini, believes that lack of transparent policies as well as governments involvement in the car industry are considered as major obstacles to attracting foreign investment.



"Foreign investors need to make sure that transparent policies and regulations exist in the country. However, there are no transparent and clear procedures in Iran, even, for appointing the heads of leading car manufacturing companies," the vice-chairman of the private auto making

company added.



The Iranian car market is dominated by Iran Khodro (IKCO) and SAIPA, which are subsidiaries of the state-owned Industrial Development and Renovation Organization (IDRO).



In addition to assembling European and Asian cars under license, the giant carmakers produce their own brands.



This is while, neither the ministry of industry nor IDRO take responsibility regarding the performance of the leading carmakers operating in the country. That is a serious obstacle against attracting foreign investment.



Differences between involved parties



Many analysts are concerned over conflicts of interests between different parties involved in Irans automotive industry, suggesting such gaps would worsen the situation even more. For instance, there are differences in place between auto part makers and carmakers over the outstanding debts, as the automakers, reportedly, have to pay about $557.2 million to settle their debts to auto-parts makers.



On the other hand, some experts believe that such differences would not pose serious risks to foreign investors.



Commenting on the issue, Jafar Sarghini, an Iranian deputy industry minister, told Trend that the gaps between auto-part makers and automakers have considerably narrowed over the past couple of years.



Akbar Mirza-Hosseini also says that the sides hold regular talks through trade unions aimed at resolving the differences but certain problems still exist.



When privatization fails



Several efforts regarding the privatization of automotive industry have been made over the past several years in Iran, but the state still controls roughly half of the countrys auto industry.



Lack of reliable and niche investors in Irans auto industry is believed to be among main obstacles to full-scale privatization of the industry.



Representatives of the private sector do not seem to be satisfied with the measures taken by the government aimed at paving the way for the privatization of the car industry, as it has not been received in a positive way in the country.



Although the privatization of Irans car industry has been a key mission on the countrys economic agenda, it has suffered as a result of politicized approaches.



Current automotive output



The carmakers output over the first half of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 20) stood at 579,776 indicating 15.6 percent rise year-on-year.



Sedans counted for 534,402 of the output with a production growth rate of 16.1, while pickups output grew by 11.5 percent to hit 38,815. In the meantime, the countrys bus output increased by 21.2 percent to reach 435 vehicles.



The Iranian car manufacturers also produced 388 minibuses (17.6 percent increase) and 5,736 trucks (1.5 percent increase) during the six-month period.



Iran was the worlds 20th biggest car manufacturer by end of 2015, while the country stood at the 18th place in the first half of 2015 as it manufactured 884,866 sedans and 97,471 commercial vehicles in 2015.



In addition to domestic sales, Iranian carmakers have found their way to international markets and they export cars to several countries including Azerbaijan, Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, Senegal, Syria, Sudan and Venezuela.







Farhad Daneshvar is Trend Agency's staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @Farhad_Danesh
I was honoured to be part of the European Parliaments observer delegation to the CITES CoP17 in South Africa. As a campaigner for wildlife protection I know the opportunity to influence protection at the highest level is rare.

Before I headed to South Africa I voted in favour of a European Parliament resolution calling for all elephants to be listed on Appendix 1 of CITES (the Convention in Trade of Endangered Species) This would mean in effect a total ban on the international trade in elephants.

The resolution was overwhelmingly supported by MEPs which shows the European Parliaments strong opposition to the trade in elephants and their ivory which in the past decade alone has seen the loss of 110,000 African elephants as a result of poaching and the massive global demand for ivory tusks as well as for trophy hunting.

Unfortunately the official European Commission delegation voted against the listing of elephants on Appendix I as instructed to by the Council of European Environment ministers, effectively ignoring the wishes of the European Parliament and the hundreds of thousands of citizens who signed an online petition calling for a total ban.

With that said the EU has a defacto ban in place on ivory until 2017 and has said it publicly opposes the international ivory trade. But a total Appendix 1 (the highest protection offered by CITES) ban would have sent a strong message that countries have to stop selling elephant trophies and ivory immediately to allow elephant populations time to recover.

It is doubly saddening as the request was put forward by many of the African elephant range states from West and Central Africa as well as Kenya, so our snub to their request will send a message that yet again Europe knows best in how to manage their resources.

When I garnered the support of these countries at the African, Caribbean and Pacific joint parliamentary meeting to issue a declaration in for the protection of elephants in 2014 I thought we were making good progress, but a golden opportunity to end the illegal ivory trade for good has been wasted this week.

But I will not stop fighting to protect these most vulnerable animals. We must stop profiteering criminal groups needlessly poaching and trafficking elephant parts and hunters shooting them for the pleasure of a photograph. They are some our planets most precious creatures and we should all be dismayed at the prospect of living on a planet where they no longer roam.

* Catherine Bearder is a Liberal Democrat MEP for the South East and Leader of the European Parliament Liberal Democrat Group.
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German economy and energy minister Sigmar Gabriel's visit to Iran earlier this week with over 120 business leaders has yielded few new trade deals.

Wintershall upstream chief Martin Bachmann was among the delegation and took part in several meetings. The BASF-owned upstream firm is evaluating whether to invest in Iranian fields, following a memo of understanding signed in April.

A Wintershall spokesperson told NGW October 5: We are analyzing technical data on four onshore fields as part of an agreement with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC). The four fields were not named though and Bachmanns visit to Iran this week has yet to lead to any breakthrough.

The terms of the government contract setting out the legal and economic framework, including taxes and duties are not yet available, the spokesperson for Wintershall added: "They will be key to any investment decision by Wintershall. Should Wintershall start building up operations, the company would want to have a significant daily production."

Deputy Chancellor Gabriels October 2-4 visit to Iran included the fifth German-Iranian economic commission, its first session for 15 years. His ministry said this identified machine-tool and car making, along with the energy and petrochemical sectors, as areas where Iran could benefit from Germanys economic strengths. Few new deals were signed though, apart from Siemens picking up a new order this week to modernise Irans rail network and supply rolling stock, to add to a contract it signed seven months ago to deliver two F-class turbines to the Bandar Abbas power plant.

German business newspaper Handelsblatt reported that manufacturers in Europe are losing out to Asian and other rivals in trade with Iran, as continuing US economic sanctions hampered EU firms ability to finance deals. Deutsche Welle too reported that lack of financing by European banks has upset the potential for major trade deals between Iran and Germany. However German official statistics showed its exports to Iran grew by 15% year-on-year to 1.13bn in the first half of this year.
PAUL OConnells rousing fear of God speech ahead of Irelands first rugby game in Croke Park in 2007 would never have been aired if he had his way, the Munster and Ireland rugby legend has revealed.

The speech recently inspired a TV advert featuring OConnell which was commissioned by Aldi Ireland to encourage the participation of schoolchildren in the Aldi Play Rugby initiative.

But in his autobiography, The Battle, released this Thursday, OConnell says that "it bugged me that I was never asked about the use of that clip, because it's not something I would have agreed to.

He believes that the stirring Braveheartesque dressing-room speech which focused on manic aggression and was captured in the RTE documentary, Reaching For Glory, "is just too intimate for people to be sitting down with a cup of tea and a biscuit watching it.

It shouldnt be for that kind of consumption, he states in The Battle, adding: I know a lot of peoples impressions of my character came from what they saw of me in the dressing room at Croke Park in 2007, just before we played France in the Six Nations  the clip from the documentary where I was going on about manic aggression, about putting the fear of God into someone.

The retired Munster, Ireland and Lions rugby captain states that the speech was me for half an hour before a rugby match, nearly 10 years ago. Its very different to how I was - and how we all were - in my later years with Ireland, but its probably what some people thought I was like all the time.

There was a caricature of me: that psycho guy, over-competitive bordering on insane, every hour of the day. And there were stories to back up the impression that some people had  or maybe still have  about my personality: like nobody will play me at Monopoly because I ruin everything by being too desperate to win."

While he agrees that he is quite driven, the father-of-two says it doesnt apply to everything in his life. Im sure that my personality is just the same as a guy working nine to five in a stationery office somewhere, who feels passionate about his job and wants his organisation to be the best, he says.

Coinciding with the release of his much anticipated autobiography, OConnell will be signing copies of the book, The Battle, in OMahonys bookshop this Sunday at 2pm.

The 36-year-old is also to make an appearance on the Late Late Show this Friday night to discuss the book which hits bookshelves this Thursday.

Paul has described The Battle, published by Penguin Ireland, as the full story. I think its very honest and I hope people will enjoy it, he said.

The Battle has been ghost-written by Alan English, former editor of the Limerick Leader and recently appointed editorial director of Iconic Newspapers.
THE University of Limerick (UL) has confirmed that Prof Desmond Fitzgerald is to become the new president of the college.

Following a specially convened meeting this Thursday, UL chancellor Justice John Murray has confirmed the appointment of Prof Fitzgerald, who is currently a vice-president for health affairs at University College Dublin.

Prof Fitzgerald  who is also chief academic officer of Ireland East Hospital Group  will kick off his term on May 1, 2017.

He succeeds Prof Don Barry.

Mr Murray said: I am delighted to welcome Prof Fitzgerald as the next President of UL. He is a widely-respected scholar and leader in the academic world, with an enviable international research reputation and unrivalled experience gained at strategic levels in a number of highly-ranked universities.

"I know I speak for the Governing Authority and the broader UL community in stating how much we look forward to working with Professor Fitzgerald to build on ULs fine foundations as we realise the institutions vision and objectives for the future.

Prof Fitzgerald said: I am delighted. The University of Limerick has had remarkable success in its short history due to its staff, its students and the support it has from the community and the Foundation.

"I am honoured to lead UL during the next phase. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners to secure a strong national and international academic profile. UL has unique strengths - its staff, students, alumni and friends; its powerful local, national and international partnerships; its stunning campus and its excellent reputation.

"I want UL to establish and lead pioneering initiatives that will deliver real impact in a range of important areas that are critical to Irelands future and the future of the Mid West.

Internationally-renowned Academic Professor Desmond Fitzgerald Appointed President of the University of Limerick https://t.co/x952PvUUAZ  UniversityofLimerick (@UL) October 6, 2016

Prior to joining University College Dublin, Prof Fitzgerald held senior leadership roles at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, including as director of research in recognition of his profound personal commitment to research and education, especially in the medicine and health sciences.
SENIOR garda management have begun drawing up contingency plans for the Limerick garda division in the event of industrial action by rank-and-file gardai going ahead.

Members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) have voted to withdraw their services on each of the four Fridays in November in a row over pay and resources.

While emergency cover will be provided, it is unclear how many gardai will be available to work on each of the strike days.

Garda Frank Thornton who represents Limerick members on the Central Executive Committee of the GRA says members are angry with the stance being taken by the government.

This Government has chosen to ignore the reasonable requests from the membership, with the two red line issues being, working for free, and a mere 1,000 restoration (due to be) paid in two installments next year.

"In my opinion this is an absolute insult to the men and women of this division who have had in excess of 20% deducted from their take home pay by way of pension-related deductions, USC and other levies, these members have more than done their fair share since the crisis hit in 2008, he said.

General policing activities will be severely curtailed if the industrial action proceeds.

There will be no gardai on the beat, investigations will be stalled, public services such as the processing of passport applications will cease and there will be minimal enforcement of road traffic laws.

In addition, court sittings across Limerick will be affected if the industrial action proceeds.

Limerick Circuit Court and Limerick District Court are due to sit on each of the four Fridays while court sittings in Newcastle West and Kilmallock may also be affected.

We just dont know what will happen if garda witnesses arent available to come to court, said one sergeant.

The highly anticipated clash between Munster and the Maori All Blacks could also be under threat if the industrial action proceeds.

The match is due to take place at Thomond Park on Friday November 11 which coincides with the second of the four proposed days of strike action.

More than 15,000 tickets for the match have already been sold and it is expected the glamour tie will be a near sell-out with a crowd of almost 26,000 attending on the night.

Garda sources say upwards of 40 personnel are ordinarily deployed during high-profile fixtures at Thomond Park.

You would have gardai in and around the stadium as well as those involved in traffic management, said one rank-and-file member who added the scheduling of the match on a Friday evening is likely to create further difficulties compared to a weekend fixture.

According to Mr Thornton, the lack of resources in the Limerick garda division is also a major concern for members of the GRA.

We have lost over 120 members through retirements, and promotions, but these have left gaping holes in front line policing which is having a detrimental effect within the division and in particular rural Limerick, as a result we have become a reactive police force in rural Limerick because of the sheer lack of manpower, this is further jeopardising members safety because they have to police and patrol on their own, in patrol cars leaving the members vulnerable, which is grossly unacceptable, he said.

Meanwhile, members of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) are also considering industrial action with a vote set to take place next week.

One possibility is that any action will take place to coincide with that of the GRA members.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Iran and Vietnam signed two documents to boost mutual cooperation, the official website of Irans president reported Oct. 6.

The deals were signed on the sidelines of a meeting between Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Vietnam's President Tran Dai Quang in Hanoi.

The signed documents include a MOU for mutual abolition of visas for certain passports and a document for cooperation in the ICT sector.

Rouhani and Dai Quang also agreed to raise the value of transactions between the two capitals to more than $2 billion.

Addressing a joint press conference after their bilateral meeting, Rouhani said the two presidents also agreed that the Iranian and Vietnamese central banks sign a deal for promotion of banking relations.

The Iranian president further expressed hope that his three-day visit to Vietnam will be a turning point for Tehran-Hanoi relations.

He added that there is a very good opportunity available in the field of energy for export of oil, LNG and petrochemicals from Iran to Vietnam and Vietnamese companies are ready to invest in the Iranian oil and gas projects.

Rouhani arrived in Hanoi on Oct. 5, leading a high ranking political and economic delegation on the first leg of his regional tour to South-East Asian countries which will later take him to Malaysia and Thailand respectively.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Minister of Agriculture Mahmoud Hojjati, Minister of Industries, Mine and trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh and the Iranian Central Bank head, Valiollah Seif are accompanying Rouhani.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 5

By Umid Niayesh  Trend:

MOL Group, a leading international integrated oil and gas company from Hungary, has confirmed the purchase of Iranian heavy crude oil.

Speaking to Trend Oct. 5, Judit Nemeth, an official with the MOL, said that since 2014, MOL has been actively looking for alternative crude grades with seaborne delivery as part of its optimization measures and to capture additional margin opportunistically if and when crude differentials are favorable.

"Since the sanctions against Iran are lifted, Iranian crude has become part of these alternative crude grades MOL is actively considering for using in its refineries," she added.

Nemeth further said that as a first step, MOL completed the reconstruction of the Friendship I/Adria Oil Pipeline in February 2015, which is technically capable of covering the full crude intake of the landlocked refineries.

"Based on our previous evaluation we see a great potential in crude oil import through the recently extended Adriatic pipeline and expect 13-16 cargos this year from seaborne sources," she added.

Nemeth also said the MOL imports most of its crude demand from Russia, but it is also buying about 20 percent from other sources via the Adriatic pipeline this year, however, the majority of its crude intake is expected to remain the Ural type oil.

According to traders and shipping data, MOL has commissioned a cargo of 140,000 tons of Iranian heavy crude oil for Oct. 23. The cargo will be delivered from Iran's Kharg Island terminal to Croatian port of Omisalj.

Meanwhile, Mohsen Qamsari, director of international affairs at the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), said Oct. 1 that the NIOC finalized a deal to export a 1-million-barrel oil cargo to Hungary the next month.

Negotiations for crude export to Hungary launched in early 2016.

In mid-July, Qamsari said the MOL called for importing 40,000 barrels of light crude oil per day from Iran. However, at the time, he said Tehran was not ready to provide MOL with light crude.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Iran has exported 170,000 tons of monoethylene glycol (MEG) to China and India during the current year (2016), Gholamreza Jokar, head of Irans Morvarid Petrochemical Company said.

Since inauguration of the MEG unit in Morvarid Petrochemical Company in January 2016, about 230,000 tons of the product have been exported to foreign markets, Jokar said, Mehr news agency reported Oct. 6.

He further said that 185,000 tons of MEG was produced by the company during the first half of the current fiscal year (March 20-Sept. 21, 2016).

Jokar said that the MEG unit of the company has a production capacity of 350,000 tons per year.

He added that the unit suffers from feedstock shortage, explaining that MEG unit receives only 65 tons of ethane per hour as feedstock, meanwhile the figure should be 84 tons.

The plants feed is supplied from the production of ethane from South Pars Gas field.

Morvarid Petrochemical Company is the largest producer of MEG in Iran.

MEG is an important raw material for industrial applications. A primary use of MEG is in the manufacture of polyester resins, films and fibers. In addition, MEG is important in the production of antifreezes, coolants, aircraft anti-icer and deicers, and solvents.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Irans Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Ali Tayyebnia has left Tehran for Washington DC to attend the World Bank Groups annual meeting.

Tayyebnia is expected to hold talks with his counterparts from several countries including MENA (Middle East and North Africa) group, Fars news agency reported Oct. 6.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will host the 2016 annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group on Oct. 7-9 in Washington DC.

According to the IMF website, the Annual and Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group each year bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, private sector executives, civil society and academics to discuss issues of global concern, including the world economic outlook, global financial stability, poverty eradication, jobs and growth, economic development and aid effectiveness.
President Hassan Rouhani underlined Iran's readiness to supply Vietnam with its energy and steel needs, IRNA reported.

President Rouhani, who is on a state visit to Hanoi, made the remarks in a meeting with Vietnams Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Thursday.

President Rouhani emphasized that the expansion of relations with Southeast Asian countries, especially Vietnam, has always been Iran's top priority.

He said that lifting anti-Iran sanctions have already paved the grounds for the two countries to enhance their economic ties, adding, 'Tehran and Hanoi need to strengthen their banking relations first in order to facilitate any step toward the expansion of commercial relations.
The United Nations climate treaty, negotiated in Paris last year, will go into effect on Nov. 4, 2016.

Moving with a diplomatic haste rivaling the rapid recent rise in global temperatures, the European Union on Wednesday joined dozens of countries in signing onto a United Nations climate treaty, pushing it to within a month of taking legal force.

Following the filing of paperwork in recent weeks by 73 countries, collectively responsible for 57 percent of annual climate emissions, a key threshold for the Paris agreement was passed Wednesday. The U.N. said the treaty will take effect Nov. 4.

"This gives us the best possible shot to save the one planet we've got," President Obama said in a televised address Wednesday. "If we follow through on the commitments that this Paris agreement embodies, history may well judge it as a turning point for our planet."

The agreement was finalized less than a year ago, following five years of contentious efforts to push global climate policy in an untested direction following the collapse of UN negotiations in Copenhagen in 2009.

"None of us who have been close to this process ever anticipated that this agreement would become official so quickly," said Heather Coleman, climate change policy manager at the nonprofit Oxfam America. "What it shows is that world leaders understand the urgency of the problem."

The rapid ratification of the agreement suggests nations may finally be nearly united in being eager to tackle an existential threat that has been building since the dawn of the Industrial Age. The voluntary nature of the pact, however, offers few assurances that it will succeed.

America's Climate Plan Falls Short of its Promises 3 Ways Trump Could Abandon the Paris Climate Pact World Unites, Delivers Hopeful Climate Deal

Even if all countries live up to their pledges under the agreement to tackle rising levels of greenhouse gas pollution, projections show warming will fail to be kept to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) compared with preindustrial times  which is a key goal of the pact. Future work to tighten pledges will be key to the treaty's success.

Recent years have seen China, the U.S. and India reverse decades of resistance to joining Europe in its fight against global warming. The reversals have come amid plummeting clean energy prices and rising global temperatures. They helped assure leaders of smaller countries that their own efforts to tackle warming would not be futile.

A warming spurt followed a lull in surface warming from 2001 until 2014, and 2016 is set to be the hottest on record globally, beating records set each of the two prior years. Earth's surface is more than 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degree Fahrenheit) warmer than it was in the early 18th century, worsening storms, droughts and heat waves and causing seas to rise.

Wednesday's announcement by the U.N. means countries that have signed onto the pact will have more power than others over decision making during global climate talks in Marrakesh next month.

It also means the pact will become the law of the land in the U.S. before Donald Trump, a Republican who has called climate change a "hoax," could become president. If he wins in November, Trump would have plenty of options for backing America out of the agreement, but now it would be more difficult for him to do so.

"There is virtually unanimous international sentiment that it's important for the agreement to come into force before inauguration day, in case Trump is elected," said Harvard professor Robert Stavins, director of the Harvard Project on Climate Agreements.

The Paris agreement compels national governments to be transparent about their greenhouse gas emissions and it invites them to work ambitiously to reduce them. It formally covers a period beginning in 2020, but many of the efforts outlined in the agreement have already begun.

Unlike the last global climate treaty, the Kyoto protocol, which failed to meaningfully slow climate change after it was finalized in the 1990s, the new agreement emphasizes voluntary efforts by all countries to tackle global warming  not just rich ones.

The U.S. never signed on to the Kyoto protocol. Canada backed out after an oil boom made it impossible for it to comply by pushing up its pollution rates. Developing countries were not affected by its mandated greenhouse gas pollution reductions.

"There's much more and much broader enthusiasm for the Paris agreement than there was for the Kyoto protocol," Stavins said. "The Paris agreement is practical and meaningful  rather than aspirational and symbolic."

Unlike the Kyoto protocol, the Paris agreement threatens no penalties against countries that fail to reach their targets for reducing or slowing their impacts on the climate. The new approach is based on the idea that governments will set more ambitious targets for slowing climate change if they don't fear being penalized for failure.

The U.S. pledged under the Paris agreement to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by a little more than a quarter by 2025, compared with 2005. Rules and plans put in place by the Obama Administration to slow global warming fall well short of the measures needed to keep that promise, meaning the next president would need to introduce new rules or tighten existing ones.

The European Union pledged a 40 percent reduction by 2030, compared with 1990. China pledged its annual emissions would stop rising after 2030  though it appears to have already lived up to that promise. Other countries set their own targets, such as slowing deforestation and installing solar farms.

Under the agreement, rich countries pledged $100 billion a year to help poorer ones grow their economies using clean energy. With countries like India relying heavily on polluting power sources as they rapidly grow their economies, fears that the West could fail to deliver on its promises of assistance could doom hopes for the treatys success.

"Finance and technology are the two things that we're really desperately looking for," said Aditya Pundir, manager of the Indian branch of the nonprofit Climate Reality Project. "The biggest help the country can get today is if we can get the right amount of finance."

Originally published on Climate Central.
Google debuted its first smartphone this week, dubbed "Pixel," signaling the company's move into an industry long dominated by the likes of Apple and Samsung. And considering Google is already the developer of the Android mobile operating system, what will make the Pixel different from other smartphones already on the market?

Google unveiled the Pixel Oct. 4, saying it will provide the best experience "by bringing hardware and software design together under one roof."

This isn't Google's first foray into the smartphone industry: The company's Android operating system is available on smartphones from a number of companies, including Samsung, HTC and Motorola. Previous smartphone releases from Google were part of the Nexus program, in partnership with other smartphone providers. But Pixel is all Google's  the first smartphone built entirely by the company. [9 Odd Ways Your Tech Devices May Injure You]

"With Pixel, we obsessed over every detail, from the industrial design to the user experience," Brian Rakowski, vice president of product management at Google, wrote in a blog post to introduce the new phone.

With its curved edges, sleek design and two size options, the Pixel is reminiscent of Apple's iPhone. The 5-inch Pixel has a 1080p screen  1440 x 2160 on the 5.5-inch Pixel XL  4GB of RAM and either 32GB or 128GB of storage. The new iPhone 7 has similar specs: the screen resolution is 1334 x 750, with 2GB of RAM and storage options of 32GB, 128GB or 256GB.

Google has highlighted that Pixel users also will have unlimited photo and video cloud storage, which may quell some smartphone users' fears of reaching their storage capacity.

Pixel also has what Google is touting as the "best smartphone camera ever." The 12.3-megapixel rear camera received top marks from DxOMark, which measures camera image quality through rigorous testing. With an overall score of 89, the Pixel's camera surpassed every other smartphone camera currently on the market, reported Tom's Guide.

"Pixel puts cutting-edge computational photography in an ultra-fast and easy-to-use camera," Rakowski wrote in the blog post. "Our team of photography gurus and image-processing experts have spent the last year designing and tirelessly optimizing our entire camera stack. Pixel's camera lets you take stunning photos in low light, bright light or any light."

Another feature touted by Google is the Pixel's battery and charge time. According to the company, 15 minutes of charge will yield 7 hours of use. Pixel is also the first phone with the company's virtual "smart" service, known as Google Assistant, built in, allowing users to have "a natural conversation with Google" to search or complete tasks.

Pixel phones will start at $649 (equivalent to the price of the new iPhone 7) for the smaller versions and $769 for the "XL" model. The phone comes in three colors: "really blue," "very silver" and "quite black." In addition to being available for preorder from Google directly, Pixel can be bought at all Verizon retail outlets, including Best Buy stores.

At the Google event earlier this week, the search-engine company also announced the launch of a new virtual reality headset and a home assistant to rival Amazon's Alexa.

Original article on Live Science.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 6



By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:



A high-ranking Iranian military commander has said that the IS terrorist group (ISIS,ISIL, Daesh) has been created in order to carry out strike on Iran.



Daesh and Takfiri groups were not created for war with Syria, they were organized to target the Islamic Republic of Iran, IRNA news agency quoted the commander of the Quds force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Major General Qassem Soleimani, as saying.



Soleimani made the remarks at a ceremony commemorating a senior IRGC commander killed in Syria last year.



He further added that if it was not for efforts made by Iran, the ISIS would establish its own state in the region.



Over the past years and since the crisis broke out in Syria and Iraq, several members of the IRGC have been reportedly killed in clashes with "terrorists".



Iranian officials have constantly denied that their servicemen have boots on ground in Syria and Iraq, saying the officers of the Islamic Republic are in Syria and Iraq as advisers at official request from both countries' governments.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has pointed to the agreement between the United States and Russia that protects against unwanted conflicts between the forces of the two countries in Syria, Sputnik International reported.

"A blunt answer could be that we have a relevant agreement, an agreement with the Americans, on the prevention of conflicts," Zakharova said in an interview with the Rossiya 1 channel, when asked about the possibility of any conflicting episodes between US and Russian forces in Syria.

"But the situation is a lot more complex," the foreign ministry spokeswoman added, pointing to the persistent danger of terrorists spread in Syria and difficulties in the peaceful resolution of the civil war in the country.
Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, Francis Duffy has called for the creation of a task force in response to the news that 170 jobs were to be lost at Cameron, Longford.

The announcement came yesterday (Wednesday) evening, when workers were called to a meeting with senior management, although speculation had been mounting in the days previous.

I am very shocked to learn that 170 skilled jobs will be lost at the Cameron plant in Longford, Bishop Duffy said. This is a terrible blow to the employees, to their families and to our local economy.

The fallout from this announcement will have a devastating impact on the fabric of our local community, and on the dignity of those who are to lose their jobs, Bishop Duffy continued.

Relative to other regions, Longford and the midlands have been neglected in terms of State economic support. Today I am calling on the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Ms Mary Mitchell O'Connor TD, to immediately establish a dedicated task force which should include representatives from the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, and to report by the end of November on possible ways to secure future employment for those affected.

Bishop Duffy concluded by revealing that special prayers will be said at Sunday Masses in Longford and its neighbouring parishes for all those whose livelihoods are affected.

For more on Cameron, see www.longfordleader.ie.
Sinn Fein MEP for the Midlands North West Matt Carthy has called for Government intervention to save jobs at the Cameron gas and engineering factory in Co Longford. Workers were told yesterday that the facility is to close.

Matt Carthy said: This is a devastating development for the workers and their families, especially in the months preceding Christmas.

It is also a severe blow to County Longford which has suffered badly from job losses in recent years.

Workers were given no prior indication about the sheer scale of job losses that have been proposed by this company.

Everything must be done at a Governmental level to prevent what will be a massive blow for the county of Longford.

It is further evidence that, despite incessant Government spin about an economic recovery, this is not being felt across large swathes of the country.

There is also a strong feeling in Longford that the County has been completely ignored by central government and the IDA.

The Government and in particular Jobs Minister for Mary Mitchell O'Connor and need to intervene to save these jobs and to prevent further economic and social damage to Co Longford.

At the very least, all efforts possible should be exerted to reduce the large number of job losses.

"In the event of such efforts not succeeding I would strongly support calls by Longford Chamber of Commerce and Industry that the Government make a retraining fund available for workers losing their jobs.
Local News, Travel & Local Attractions, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: October 06 2016

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a transformational plan to reimagine New York's crossings for the 21st century.

Albany, NY - October 5, 2016 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a transformational plan to reimagine New York's crossings for the 21st century. The plan will institute state-of-the-art automatic tolling at all MTA bridges and tunnels  reducing traffic congestion and decreasing emissions to improve the overall travel experience for millions of residents and visitors in New York State. At the Governors direction, the state will also deploy cutting-edge technology and security personnel to high-profile crossings in New York to enhance public safety and fortify anti-terror efforts.





Photo by Governor Andrew Cuomo's Press Office, via Flickr.



As part of the New York Crossings Project, the Governor also announced the state will implement new tunnel barriers to control major floods and seismic measures on bridges which will provide long-term protection from earthquakes and other natural forces. The transformational project also includes the addition of energy efficient LED lighting. In addition, the MTA will join cities around the globe in providing a renewed focus on public art to ensure our infrastructure projects reflect the grandeur of the Empire State. Under the Governor's plan, New York will redesign tunnel plazas with cutting-edge veils equipped with LED capability, and gantry structures supporting the new electronic toll equipment will feature artistic "wave" designs which will vary in size and scale.



"By investing in New York's transportation network today and equipping it to meet the challenges of tomorrow, we are cementing our state's position as a national leader in 21st century infrastructure and cutting-edge innovation," Governor Cuomo said. "From speeding up commutes and reducing emissions on key roadways with automatic tolling to bolstering resiliency on our bridges and tunnels and increasing security at key checkpoints, this transformational project will revolutionize transportation in New York and ensure that our state is built to lead for generations to come."
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: October 06 2016

Zonta Club of Suffolk County is part of a global organization of professional women who share their time and expertise to help empower women worldwide through advocacy.

Smithtown, NY - October 5, 2016 - Zonta Club of Suffolk County is part of a global organization of professional women who share their time and expertise to help empower women worldwide through advocacy. The Suffolk chapter of Zonta is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In Suffolk County, the club provides scholarships for young women, mentor the residents at Madonna Heights, advocate on behalf of women rights and offer presentations on various women related issues.



Smithtown resident Jane Conway has been a valued member of Zonta since 1979 and has served as president twice, as well as holding nearly every office within the club and currently serves as the Chair of the District 3 By-Laws Committee. Ms. Conway is a practicing attorney and is a former Smithtown Town Councilwoman. She is also active in many not-for- profit organizations. For her support and efforts, Zonta presented Ms. Conway with the Suffolk County Legacy award at its 50 th anniversary celebration. I congratulate Jane Conway on her leadership, volunteerism and community involvement and thank her for her service to the people of Suffolk County, said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.



Legislator Robert Trotta represents the 13th Legislative District, which includes Smithtown, Fort Salonga, Kings Park, San Remo, Nissequogue, Head of the Harbor, and St. James, as well as most of East Northport and parts of Northport and Commack.

Legislator Trotta serves on the Legislatures Economic Development, Environment, Planning & Agriculture, Health, Public Works, Transportation & Energy, and Ways & Means Committees.
Music, Movies & Entertainment, Local News, Press Releases

By Tom Needham Published: October 06 2016

The Fold Festivals Nile Rodgers and the Hamptons International Film Festivals Artistic Director, David Nugent, will Tom Needhams guests on Thursday at 6 P.M. on the Sounds of Film on WUSB.

Stony Brook, NY - October 6, 2016 - Music legend Nile Rodgers and the Artistic Director of the Hamptons International Film Festival, David Nugent, will Tom Needhams special guests this Thursday at 6 P.M. on WUSBs the Sounds of Film.

Music legend,Nile Rodgers, will be discussing the upcoming FOLD Festival at Forest Hills Stadium on Saturday . This years festival features an amazing collection of artists including Chic, the Village People, Earth Wind and Fire and Bette Midler, who is currently enjoying success on Broadway in Hello Dolly! In addition, Nile will be talking about his prolific music career and his collaborations with other artists like David Bowie and Beck.
Local News, Crime, Business & Finance, Health & Wellness, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: October 06 2016

Schneiderman: This settlement agreement sends a clear message that companies who fail to provide the required health services to inmates wont be tolerated In New York State.

Nassau County, NY - October 5, 2016 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced a settlement with Armor Correctional Health Services (Armor), a Florida-based jail health services company responsible for providing comprehensive medical services to Nassau County Correctional Center (NCCC) pursuant to its contract with Nassau County. The agreement resolves a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General in July 2016, which alleged that Armor either failed to perform or egregiously underperformed many of its contractual obligations, placing inmates health in jeopardy. Armor has agreed that for a period of three years it will not bid on or enter into any contract to provide jail health services in New York State and will pay $350,000.

For-profit jail providers must ensure that appropriate medical care is provided in jails, where many inmates suffer from complex medical needs. When these companies fail to uphold their contractual obligations, they not only defraud taxpayers, the health of inmates, and, by extension, the health of the general population, is jeopardized said Attorney General Schneiderman. I am pleased that our lawsuit pre-emptively forced changes to the monitoring of Armors contract, while ultimately ensuring that the company would not renew its contract with Nassau County. This settlement agreement sends a clear message that companies who fail to provide the required health services to inmates wont be tolerated in New York State.

The Attorney Generals lawsuit sought the appointment of an independent monitor to ensure Armors compliance with its contractual obligations at NCCC for the duration of its contract, and for Armor to be barred from bidding on new contracts in New York State. These goals have now been achieved. Following the filing of this lawsuit, Nassau County selected an independent monitor to oversee Armors compliance with its contract with Nassau County. This past August, in the wake of the Attorney Generals lawsuit, Armor, whose contract is slated to end in the coming months, announced that it would not bid again for the Nassau County contract.

The Attorney Generals lawsuit alleged that Armor failed to uphold its contractual obligations, including not providing timely reporting of key statistics on its provision of health care. Since the filing of the Attorney Generals lawsuit, Armor has been submitting to the County monthly statistics on provision of health care services, and Nassau County has imposed penalties where Armor has missed established benchmarks. Nassau County also began withholding payments to Armor until the company could prove that it would make its performance standards.

The settlement agreement confirms that Armor cannot bid on any contracts to provide jail health services in Nassau County and in New York State more broadly for three years. The agreement further provides that Armor will pay $350,000 to the Office of the Attorney General. The OAG will retain $100,000 of that payment as penalties, and it will transfer the remaining $250,000 to Nassau County as reimbursement related to Armors performance of certain contractual obligations.

The agreement was submitted in New York County Supreme Court today to be finalized.

This litigation was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Dorothea Caldwell-Brown, Brant Campbell, and Elizabeth Chesler, with assistance from Volunteer Assistant Attorneys General Laura Puhala, and Matthew Reisman. The Health Care Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Lisa Landau and is part of the Social Justice Division, led by Executive Deputy Attorney General for Social Justice Alvin Bragg.
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness, Press Releases, Seasonal & Current Events

By Long Island News & PR Published: October 06 2016

New York State Senator Michael Venditto will be hosting a free Senior Citizen Health Fair at the Freeport Recreation Center on Thursday, October 20th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

This event will include no out of pocket cost flu and pneumonia vaccinations to those 60 and older, free health screenings, passport and passport renewal services, expired and unwanted medicine disposal, free legal advice, refreshments, giveaways and more.

Freeport, NY - October 5, 2016 - New York State Senator Michael Venditto will be hosting a free Senior Citizen Health Fair at the Freeport Recreation Center on Thursday, October

20th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Senator Venditto is bringing this event to the community by partnering with over 100 not-for-profit agencies which will cater toward the services and needs of both the Nassau and Suffolk Counties senior citizen population. This event will include no out of pocket cost flu and pneumonia vaccinations to those 60 and older, free health screenings, passport and passport renewal services, expired and unwanted medicine disposal, free legal advice, refreshments, giveaways and more.



Who: New York State Senator Michael Venditto.

When: Thursday, October 20th 9:30 am  12:30 pm.

What: Holding a free senior citizen health fair.

Where: Freeport Recreation Center located at 130 East Merrick Road in Freeport.



Important Event Details:
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Columnists Press Releases
Brussels intends to hold a NATO-Russia Council meeting in the coming weeks, but the meeting could be put off if issues that raise concerns in Russia are not included in the agenda, Sputnik International reported.

Issues relating to air traffic safety in the Baltic region will be brought up at the meeting, Brussels told Izvestia in a statement, also stressing that the NATO-Russia dialogue "must me broader" than that.

Meanwhile a Russian diplomatic source told the newspaper that the NATO-Russia Council meeting will not be held unless issues, such as the build-up of NATO forces along Russias borders, are put on the agenda.

The NATO-Russia Council last convened in the Belgian capital of Brussels on July 13. The agenda of the meeting included the crisis in Ukraine, mutual transparency, risk reduction and the outcome of the NATO summit in Warsaw held just days before.

Russia proposed in July to ensure air safety in the Baltic region through various means, including flights with transponders turned on. This proposal was welcomed by NATO.
The United Nations Security Council on Thursday unanimously nominated former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres to be the next Secretary-General, recommending that the 193-member General Assembly appoint him for five years from Jan. 1, 2017, Reuters reported.

The General Assembly is likely to meet next week to approve the appointment of Guterres, 67, who would replace Ban Ki-moon, 72, of South Korea. Ban will step down at the end of 2016 after serving two terms.

"Humility (is what I feel) about the huge challenges ahead of us, the terrible complexity of the modern world," Guterres said in a short statement in Lisbon, which he repeated in various languages.

"But it is also humility that is required to serve the most vulnerable, victims of conflicts, of terrorism, rights violations, poverty and injustices of this world," he said.

Ban, speaking during a visit to Rome, described Guterres as a "super choice" as his successor.

"I am sure he will carry the torch on the full range of key challenges, from strengthening peace operations to achieving sustainable development, upholding human rights and easing humanitarian suffering," Ban told reporters.

Guterres was prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and served as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015.

"He has great United Nations credentials ... and being High Commissioner for Refugees means traveling the world and seeing some of the most gruesome conflicts we have to deal with and then of course he is a high-level politician," said Russian U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, president of the council for October.

"He is a person who talks to everybody, listens to everybody, speaks his mind, a very outgoing, open person so I think it was a great choice and I'm glad that we rallied around Mr Guterres," Churkin told reporters.

The council met behind closed doors on Thursday to adopt a two-paragraph resolution recommending to the General Assembly that Guterres be appointed.

"Antonio Guterres has shown ... that he is the strongest candidate, he has a vision and a moral authority and integrity that put him at the top of the league table," British U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told reporters.

French U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre said Guterres was "the right leader able to bring the nations and the community of nations together."

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power said Guterres was "an excellent choice" to oversee the United Nations during uncertain times because of his "extensive track record solving real world problems, his deep empathy for those in need, and the respect he has earned in all corners of the world."
Chinese Villagers Examined By Cancer Specialists (Photo : Getty Images)

Peoples response to a serious ailment, such as cancer, vary. Some Chinese, like actress Kitty Xu Ting, opted for traditional Chinese medicine instead of chemotherapy, but lost the battle.



Shi Luyao, an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in 2013, is waging a lonely but brave battle against the disease. He first went through regular chemotherapy sessions for two years in Anhui where his father works. To pay for his two-year treatments which are only 30 percent covered by insurance since it was done in Anhui rather than in Guizhou Province  the familys hometown  his father borrowed 200,000 yuan, reported Straitstimes.



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When the boys condition improved, he returned to Guizhou in August 2015 under the care of his grandparents since the boys mother left them when he was two years old. But he still needed to have irregular bone marrow biopsy to monitor his condition. It meant the young boy had to travel 400 kilometers alone to a hospital in Kunming, reported Shanghaiist.



After the session, he does not even have time to rest because he has to wait for hours to get on the train back home so he could attend school. During those long period of waiting, which could last up to six hours, Shi fought back tears of loneliness over his situation.



I wanted to cry, but I did not as I did not want other people to know I was all by myself," he admitted.



Upon arrival at Liupashui City, there is another wait for the first bus home to Guizhou so he could attend school and catch up since he had to stop for two year when he had to undergo chemotherapy. His Chinese language teacher, Peng Lu, upon learning of the boys ailment, assigned four classmates to study with and take care of Shi who still needs two more years of treatment, although he no longer needs a bone marrow transplant.






Simon Hu, president of Alibaba Cloud, speaks at the Computing Conference at National Convention Center on Aug. 9, 2016 in Beijing. (Photo : Getty Images)

Alibaba Group's partnerships with several well-known companies in the streaming sector were highlighted in the International Broadcasting Convention Expo (IBC Expo) held in Amsterdam last month, an article published in the streamingmedia.com said.



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The partnerships were announced during the event, which focused on the integration of hardware and software services with Alibaba and its fast-growing cloud division, the company's first successful service to reach the U.S.



Known as AliCloud or Aliyun, the cloud computing division of Alibaba Group has been around since 2009 and it gained the attention of the business world when it opened its international data centers in Hong Kong in 2014, and in Silicon Valley in 2015, and moved its international headquarters from China to Singapore in the same year.



Meanwhile, Amazon has expanded into China, which has more than 1 billion consumers, as well as other areas of the Asia Pacific (APAC). Alibaba is considered a threat to the U.S. company, which sees AliCloud as a big challenge to its cloud business.



Amazon's move was not surprising when it announced in late 2013 that it is expanding its Amazon Cloud Service to China, since it was considered a move to pre-empt AliCloud.



Alibaba however, made two large investments to balance the playing field. In 2014, with $1 billion, AliCloud expanded to Dubai and move forward in the U.S. to compete with Amazon.



According to the report, Amazon is slightly way ahead of Alibaba Group in terms of its e-commerce offerings and much further away in web services. Amazon has almost 10 percent of the global cloud computing market, earning about $7.9 billion in revenues in 2015 while AliCloud only got $0.4 billion.



The Chinese cloud computing market is considered the potential market balancer, which posted a 45 percent compound annual growth rate between 2013 and 2015 and now accounts for about $3.1 billion in annual revenues.



AliCloud may have the potential to dominate the Chinese market if Amazon is not successful with its expansion. It would enable AliCloud to catch up with Amazon and would need less of the global computing market. Another advantage of Alibaba is that it is familiar with the APAC market.


The influence and reach of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Irans economy and military is so extensive that it stands to be a primary beneficiary of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, according to a report issued yesterday by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).

Established in 1979 to consolidate the Islamic revolution and fight its enemies, the IRGC has evolved into a full-fledged conventional army that both conducts and directs terrorist activities while also acting as Tehrans long arm in the Middle East. But it has also become an economic conglomerate, controlling nearly 40 percent of Irans economy. Together with the business juggernaut controlled by the supreme leader, with whom the IRGC cooperates, the most dangerous elements of the Islamic Republic dominate the Iranian economy.

The study, How the Nuclear Deal Enriches Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps, includes a sector-by-sector analysis of Irans economy and the IRGCs influence. It finds that the IRGC has an overwhelming stake in nine key sectors: oil and gas, petrochemicals, metals and minerals, automotive, shipping, aviation, construction, banking and finance, and telecommunications sectors.

The IRGC uses the profits from these legitimate businesses to fund its military activities and sponsorship of terrorism and proxies abroad. It also rewards Guard members with money and positions in businesses, creating a network of current and former IRGC members who leverage their services for personal affluence, which translates into political influence.

The IRGC exploits its influence and capabilities into one part of Irans economy to increase its presence in another. The Guards growing economic clout is furthermore an end in itself and also a tool to support its activities throughout the region.

In other words, the IRGC is a state within a state.

Containing and rolling back the IRGCs regional aggression necessitates a comprehensive strategy towards Tehran that involves all tools of American power.

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.
Nigerien authorities have placed blame on suspected jihadists on an attack today after at least 20 people were killed in a Malian refugee camp in the Tassara commune in Niger. Most people killed were reported to have been Nigerien soldiers.

Jeune Afrique reported:

Forty assailants, presumably from Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb , stormed the secure facility by guards, gendarmes and Nigerien military. They were taken by surprise while they were having lunch. A source at the [Nigerien] Interior Ministry reported a provisional toll of twenty deaths of site security forces.One refugee was injured and a burned ambulance. The jihadist column, composed of thirteen vehicles and a motorcycle fled to the northwest and to Mali, carrying three other vehicles. An air and ground tracking [unit] is engaged and the Nigerian army went on the spot, according to our source at the Interior Ministry.

RFI noted that authorities have stated that the attackers spoke Arabic during the assault.

This is not the first time a Malian refugee camp in Niger was the target of Malian-based jihadists. Last month, a refugee camp near the town of Ayorou was hit by a jihadist attack. Two civilians and one policeman were killed. In April, a camp near the Nigerien town of Tahoua was the scene of an assault, which left one policeman dead. (See this map of al Qaeda-linked attacks in Mali and the wider West African region by The Long War Journal for more information.)

No group has claimed todays attack or the prior strikes, however, al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghrebs (AQIM) Murabitoon Battalion is known to operate in the areas. Additionally, an AQIM brigade known as Saraya al Nasser has also claimed an assault in Arlit, which is closer to Tassara. A fledgling group calling itself the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), led by Abu Walid al Sahrawi, a former leader of Murabitoon, is also known to operate near Ayorou. However, it is unclear what the strength of ISGS is and if it has the capabilities to carry out an operation like the one seen today.

Caleb Weiss is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
The US military launched another airstrike against al Qaedas branch in Yemen in late September, killing at least one member of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

From the US Central Command (CENTCOM) statement that was released on Oct. 4:

The U.S. military successfully struck an al Qaeda target in the Arabian Peninsula, Sept. 29, in a remote area of Al Baydah Governate, Yemen, injuring one terrorist and killing another. The United States is committed to supporting security and stability in the region, said Army Maj. Josh T. Jacques, U.S. Central Command spokesman. We will take every measure available to degrade their ability to conduct operations. Airstrikes carried out by the U.S. and coalition partners hinder AQAPs ability to freely move throughout Yemen. Jacques said. Anyone who chooses to involve themselves with AQAP accepts the risks of supporting terrorism.

Reuters reported on Sept. 29 that two senior members of al Qaedas Yemen branch were killed in a drone strike in Al Baydah, but did not name the AQAP leaders.

AQAP has not yet issued martyrdom statements for any of its leaders.

The US has stepped up its air campaign against AQAP in Yemen. The US has targeted AQAPs network in Yemen at least four times in September, and 28 times so far this year, according to data compiled by The Long War Journal. In 2016, the US has exceeded the number of strikes of each of the three previous years (26 strikes in 2013, 23 each in 2014 and 2015). Since 2009, the US has launched 157 drone, missile, and conventional strikes against AQAP. [See LWJ report, Charting the data for US airstrikes in Yemen, 2002  2016.]

In past announcements of attacks against AQAP, CENTCOM has stated that the group AQAP remains a significant threat to the United States and its allies, and continues to plot attacks against the US.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Prospective buyers look at an estate plan by a local developer at a property exhibition in Shanghai. (Photo : Getty Images)

New restrictions on property purchases were imposed by four Chinese cities as the government tries to curb the rising home prices caused by property speculators in second- and third-tier cities in the country, Reuters reported.



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The new measures in Chengdu, Jinan, Wuhan and Zhengzhou are part of government efforts aimed at limiting the flow of credit into the property sector to prevent bubbles while encouraging growth.



At least 45 property developers and intermediaries have been investigated and charged by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development for pushing speculation through false advertising, spreading rumors and violating pre-sale rules, the Xinhua News Agency reported.



These new measures "show that China's top level may have reached consensus that the concerns about overheating in property market may have overshadowed the concerns about the economic slowdown," according to OCBC, a consulting firm.



"The shift of policy tone also shows that China is unlikely to stimulate the economy further aggressively. This may not bode well for market sentiment in the longer run," the OCBC research note said.



Property speculators who are looking for growth beyond the major cities are targeting many mid-tier Chinese cities. But other cities such as Hefei, Suzhou and Tianjin have also implemented similar counter-measures to limit purchases as home prices increased.



Data from the National Bureau of Statistics show that the average new home price in 70 major cities in the country rose an annual 9.2 percent in August, from 7.9 percent in July.



A notice posted on the website of Zhengzhou local government on Saturday, Oct.1, said that residents of the city who already own two properties and non-residents who own one will now only be able to buy homes larger than 180 square meters (1,938 square feet).



In at least one district in Zhengzhou, home prices have risen two-thirds this year to 25,000 yuan ($3,747.56) per square meter on average, a sales manager told Reuters.



Meanwhile, in Chengdu, the local government said that buyers will only be allowed to purchase one property in certain city districts, and those buying a second property will have to pay the down payment of not less than 40 percent of the purchase price.



The local government also said that it would charge developers who do not start construction on time as promised and would crackdown on those spreading rumors in the property sector.



In Jinan, the local government announced on its website on Sunday, Oct.2, that residents who already own three properties will no longer be allowed to buy more and for those buying their first home, the down payment has been increased from 20 percent to 30 percent.



In Wuhan, in the central province of Hubei, residents would be required starting Monday, Oct.3, to make a minimum down payment of 50 percent to qualify for a commercial loan to buy a second home or 25 percent for a first home, according to the city government website. Residents applying for third homes will not be granted loans. Non-residents of Wuhan will not be given commercial loans for second homes in parts of the city and will not be allowed to buy third homes, it said.


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Culture / Auctions

Christies will be bringing a selection of comics and illustrations on a tour before an auction on November 19.

Oct 06, 2016 | By AFPRelaxnews

On Saturday, November 19, Christies Paris, in partnership with specialized gallerist and publisher Galerie Daniel Maghen, will host the second Comics & Illustrations auction of the year. One month prior, a medley of these auction items will be on view in London (October 4-12) and Amsterdam (October 19-24) as a free public showcase before landing in Paris.

The selection of European comics on display spotlights beloved adventurers and heroes such as the unvanquishable Gaul Asterix; the scientist/captain duo Blake & Mortimer; the intrepid sailor Corto Maltese, the boyish, perpetually red-clad Spirou, and the forest-dwelling blue-hued community of Smurfs.

Herge  born Georges Remi  has been part of the popular imagination for over half a century with his ligne claire style, and is currently the subject of a major retrospective at the Grand Palais in Paris. His work is represented in the showcase here by a double-page spread from his first published series, Quick and Flupke, dated from 1930 (estimate: 90,000-100,000). In addition, an Herge sketch for the 1957 calendar in Le Journal de Tintin spotlights the 12 main characters from The Adventures of Tintin, seen dancing like mad (estimate: 110,000-120,000).

I believe that the subject of comics and graphic novels is no longer a niche. Over the last ten years, the demand has considerably grown and many galleries and institutions have organised exhibitions in response, noted Daniel Maghen of the mediums new wave of relevance. Moreover, he notes the changing regard is also affected by the nostalgia factor of a grown-up generations of young readers. I think that when one buys an original page from his [or her] favorite adventure, it is above all motivated by the feeling of a nice memory that is materialized by a piece.

There will be a special focus  for both the sale and the exhibition tour  on French graphic novelist Jean-Pierre Gibrat. This marks the first time that Christies Paris will devote an auction catalog to a contemporary artist. The tome features 17 full-page comics and original drawings, as well as a Q&A with the author, who noted that the detail is what drives the composition.

Gibrat will attend the London and Amsterdam exhibitions and present his work to the public. They will draw from the seven volumes that constitute his celebrated publications: Le Sursis (1999), Le vol du Corbeau (2002 and 2005), Matteo (2008, 2010, and 2014).

Additional contemporary figures like Moebius, Bilal, Vance, Rosinski, Guarnido, and Loisel are being shown as well.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (Photo : UN)

Antonio Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and former President of the Socialist International, is the new United Nations Secretary General.



Guterres, 67, was also 10th United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, holding office from June 2005 to December 2015. It was his successes during his decade-long stewardship of the UNHCR that made him the runaway winner after the sixth straw poll among the 15 members of the UN Security Council showed him the runaway favorite.



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On October 5, Guterres was appointed unanimously by all Security Council member states as the candidate to succeed Ban Ki-moon of South Korea.



According to UN rules, the Security Council will put Guterres' name forward for a vote by the 193 member General Assembly. The UN General Assembly will likely approve the nomination, making Guterres the ninth UN Secretary General.



But first, the Security Council will have to officially nominate Guterres by adopting a formal resolution on October 6, which must then be also adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.



Guterres officially becomes UN Secretary General on January 1, 2017. He will hold office for five years.



"Today (Oct. 5), after our sixth straw poll we have a clear favorite, and his name is Antonio Guterres," said Vitaly Churkin, Russian ambassador to the UN.



Thirteen candidates entered the race, most from Eastern Europe, which has never had a UN Secretary General before. Some observers felt it was Eastern Europe's time to lead the UN, and one of these candidates, Kristalina Georgieva from Bulgaria, was a leading bet among the Eastern European candidates.



Would she have won, Georgieva would have become both the first female Secretary General and the first from Eastern Europe.



To recommend the Secretary General, the 15 Security Council members assess each candidate by voting "encourage," "discourage" or "no opinion." In the sixth vote, Guterres received 13 "encourage" votes, no "discourage" votes and two votes of "no opinion."



Before this vote, the candidate considered his closest potential rival was Georgieva. She, however, fared badly in this round of voting at the Security Council.



Only a veto by Russia will prevent Guterres from becoming Secretary General and that's considered unlikely given Russia's need to shore up its badly battered international image caused by its relentless bombing of Syrian civilians in the besieged city of Aleppo.


Damage to US National Security from Theft by Another NSA Contractor far Worse than Snowden's

Harold Thomas Martin III, accused of stealing NSA clssified material. (Photo : FBI)

Another contractor from Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., the same firm Edward Snowden worked for, has stolen a huge trove of top secret documents, again from the National Security Agency (NSA), some of which he later sold online.



Government security experts said the haul of classified documents filched by Harold Thomas Martin III, 51, "could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security of the United States."



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Martin did technology work for Booz Allen Hamilton, an American management consulting firm headquartered in Virginia.



An NSA spokesman declined to comment on Martin's arrest.



Martin was arrested by the FBI in August and charged with theft of government property and unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials, authorities said.



Martin, who has top secret clearance, was arrested after FBI agents raided his home in Maryland. The investigators found documents and digital information stored on various devices containing highly classified information.



The FBI said among the classified documents found in Martin's home were six that contain sensitive intelligence dating back to 2014. This classification means the documents were produced through sensitive government sources or methods critical to national security. All the documents were clearly marked as classified information, said the FBI in affidavit accompanying the complaint.



Martin was apparently responsible for a baffling leak that led to NSA hacking tools being sold online in August. Among these tools Martin sold online included "exploits" that take advantage of unknown flaws in firewalls, allowing the government to control a network.



They were posted online by a group calling itself Shadow Brokers, which authorities believes is Martin himself.



Experts said the tools stolen and placed online by Martin could allow targets of NSA spying to determine they were being hacked by the NSA. Some foreign spy agencies might be able to reconfigure the tools to use against the NSA.



Rep. Adam B. Schiff (Calif.), the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Martin's arrest made it "painfully clear that the Intelligence Community still has much to do to institutionalize reforms designed to protect in advance the nation's sources and methods from insider threats."



Booz Allen said it "immediately reached out to the authorities to offer our total cooperation in their investigation, and we fired the employee," upon again learning one of its employees was arrested for espionage.



"We continue to cooperate fully with the government on its investigation into this serious matter." The company claims there had "been no material changes to our client engagements as a result of this matter."



In 2013, Booz Allen contractor Edward Snowden gave journalists a plethora of documents revealing massive U.S. government surveillance programs that have faced criticism since they were revealed.



The complaint charges Martin with unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials, which carries a maximum one-year sentence, and theft of government property, an offense punishable by up to 10 years. If convicted, Martin faces a maximum of 11 years in prison. The U.S. attorney's office in Maryland said Martin appeared in court on Aug. 29.


Military balance, NATO vs Russia (Photo : The Military Balance)

Gen. Mark A. Milley, Chief of Staff United States Army, told Russia, China and the United States' other strategic competitors in no uncertain terms the U.S. Army will defeat any of them in ground combat "anywhere, any time."



That ground combat will likely occur in Eastern Europe where the U.S. military and its NATO allies have a heavy superiority in force over the Russian Army with its less than 240,000 men. There are some 30,000 U.S. Army personnel in NATO countries and 410,000 in the continental United States.



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"The strategic resolve of our nation, the United States, is being challenged and our alliances tested in ways that we haven't faced in many, many decades," said Gen. Milley during the Association of the United States Army's annual meeting in Washington, D.C.



"I want to be clear to those who wish to do us harm ... the United States military -- despite all of our challenges, despite our [operational] tempo, despite everything we have been doing -- we will stop you and we will beat you harder than you have ever been beaten before. Make no mistake about that."



"Make no mistake about it, we can now and we will ... retain the capability to rapidly deploy," he said, "and we will destroy any enemy anywhere, any time."



Gen. Milley noted the Army is engaged in rebuilding its readiness after over a decade of extended counter insurgency combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Army has also significantly reduced its manpower since the Cold War ended in 1991 and has had fewer dollars to spend on its modernization over the last decade.



"While we focused on the counter-terrorist fight, other countries -- Russia, Iran, China, North Korea -- went to school on us," he said.



"They studied our doctrine, our tactics, our equipment, our organization, our training, our leadership. And, in turn, they revised their own doctrines, and they are rapidly modernizing their military today to avoid our strengths in hopes of defeating us at some point in the future."



He warned that future warfare with a near-peer adversary such as Russia and China will "be highly lethal, unlike anything our Army has experienced at least since World War II."



"Our formations will likely have to be small; we will have to move constantly," he said. "On the future battlefield, if you stay in one place for longer than two or three hours, you will be dead."



The Army is adapting to survive this very lethal future battlefield.



"It's a tall order for sure -- to project power into contested theaters, fight in highly populated urban areas, to survive and win on intensely lethal and distributed battlefields and to create leaders and soldiers who can prevail. Tough? Yes. But impossible? Absolutely not."


Minelayer vessel Pansio has been fully refitted and handed over to the Finnish Navy, following a midlife upgrade carried out by ATLAS ELEKTRONIK Finland Oy (AEFI ) together with Uki Workboat Oy (Uudenkaupungin Tyovene Oy) as a subcontractor.

Pansio is the first of three Pansio-class minelayers, including Porkkala and Pyharanta, to undergo refit which aims to extend the use of the ships well into the 2030s.

The machinery, satellite communications and light weapons systems required for the minelayers were purchased from abroad since there is no Finnish manufacturer. The basic functions of the minelayers have been maintained or developed in the refitting. After refitting, the minelayers are even more capable of supporting light naval and amphibious units, since their efficiency in fuel and water replenishment, as well as waste water uptake, has significantly improved.

All the work required for the refitting was done in Finland, said Jaakko Savisaari, CEO of ATLAS ELEKTRONIK Finland. We have already had significant joint projects with the Finnish Navy and Border Guard. During these previous projects we have built up a considerable amount of know-how in Finland.

AEFI has previously delivered systems technology to Hamina class missile boats of the Finnish Navy. They have also delivered an integrated navigation and mission management system to the offshore patrol vessel Turva of the Finnish Border Guard. This system has raised wide interest in the field, also internationally.
The West Is Playing a Zero-Sum Game with ISIS

ISIS and radical Islamic terrorism are a threat to the Western world. And so far, we have not really developed any serious defense mechanisms to deal with it. Rather, we are mostly just reacting to seemingly random events.

My friend Dr. Woody Brock is one of the most brilliant game theory specialists that I know. He regularly applies game theory to economics and investing. Here, he analyzes the conflict between the West and ISIS. He says that because of our very values, we end up playing the game in a way that leads us to continual frustration.

If Woody is right, we in the West are playing the wrong game. That is something to think about as we go into elections not just in the US, but all over Europe. What game theory will the leaders we elect operate under? Seems a reasonable question to me.

I am extremely uncomfortable with some of Woodys conclusions, especially when it comes to abrogating the rules of the Geneva Conventions. However, it makes for a far more open discussion if everything is put on the table so that we can examine the issues from all sides.

The Islamic Hatred of Modernity

Dr. Woody Brock

Not free thought for those that agree with us, but freedom for the thought that we hate

US Chief Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., 1929

Terrorism is here to stay, and it is now beginning to impact the economic performance of many nationsin particular, the performance of the service sector. In this brief Memo, we set forth a few thoughts about what underlies this phenomenon, and what to do about it.

ISIS versus Modernity and the West

Relative Power of ISIS versus Europe: The usual determinants of relative power (e.g. wealth or the size of an army) are not very relevant to assessing the struggle between ISIS and the West. [By ISIS, we refer not only to ISIS proper, but to any of its affiliated groups as well.] For the conflict is less a militaristic one than it is a war of nerves between Jihadists who carry out scattered sting operations, and Europeans and Americans lacking both the will and the coordination to properly respond. An additional source of Jihadist power stems from their status as True Believers, making them a very dangerous kind of opponent. Their moral certainty immunizes them against normal threats such as being killed. The number who do not fear death is sufficient to spell trouble for decades ahead.

What is it that makes these extremists so morally superior and so hateful of the West? In part, their superiority stems from their absolute faith in the truth of the teachings of the Koran. But this is only the tip of an iceberg of hatred. For their religious convictions are amplified by their detestation of the cultural, economic, ethical, and political values of Westerners. At a deep level, their terrorism stems from their hatred of modernity itself. We in the West are seen as weak and morally dissolute. For not only do we possess no religious fervor, but we lack moral resolve of any kind due to the anesthetizing effects of our materialistic, welfare-based social system. Such ethical values we have stem not from fear of any God, but rather from an attachment to mushy concepts of fairness ranging from the right to nine weeks of vacation, to the right to never be drafted to fight a war. In the US, citizens erstwhile chant of give me liberty or give me death has morphed into give me liberty or give me a latte. All in all, ISIS conviction of holding the moral high ground is a major source of their power over the West.

Reinforcing this power of fundamentalists is their strategy of implementing fragmented hit-or-miss strikes. They specialize in ongoing, unnerving terrorist attacks in public places. The Wests superiority in the number of security personnel and in intelligence-gathering does little to prevent these random attacks, which can occur in hundreds of different emporia. In this regard, it is sobering that more than 5,000 EU-based fighters have already been to Syria for training in terrorist tactics, according to the US-based consultancy Soufan. This number will grow given the poor economic conditions in Europe, where the unemployment rate of males under 30 exceeds 25% in many nations.

Finally, todays ongoing Jihadist attacks are concurrent with the new European immigration crisis. Given the implications of soaring immigration for tighter border controls, the increasing threat of Brexit, and problems endemic to the Euro, it is likely that the EU as we have known it will cease to exist. There will then be no semblance of any unified EU stance against ISIS. Instead, we will observe fragmented and ineffectual responses as well as the suspension of many civil liberties now taken for granted.

This brief analysis suggests that the power of ISIS against Europe is much greater than might appear to be the case, despite Europes greatly superior power as traditionally measured.

A War against Modernity: The importance of the culture war underlying the Jihadists hatred of Westerners cannot be understated. In their eyes, we are modernist devil worshippers. Women should be kept at home, devoid of any rights. They should be virgins when they marry. Adultery is a sin punishable by death, as is homosexuality. The fact that many citizens of Muslim nations do not share these views does not seem to matter. Consider Iran: the majority of the people value democracy and even look favorably on the US. But so what? The Mullahs and the Red Guard rule with an iron fist, as we have seen during the recent elections when the candidates favored by most voters were stricken from ballot lists. Moreover, Irans autocratic leaders are out in front in an effort to fund terrorist groups, in one form or another.

Consider the words of the eminent Simon Schama in a recent March 26 Financial Times Op-Ed piece:

We are not talking fine points of Shia-Sunni theological controversy here. By every means possible, Isis is at pains to let us know they will kill as many of us as it takes to sow such mayhem in the heartland of the kaffir world that it will be impossible to resist mobilizing the Crusader army for the promised apocalyptic showdown out of which the Caliphate will emerge forever victorious.

Also consider the comments of Professor R. Vaidanathan of the IIMB in Bangalore:

Radical Islam is not fighting Christianitywhich anyhow is dead in Europebut it is fighting modernity. Islam is frightened of modernity destroying their religion and culture, however unacceptable this culture may be to European liberals...

Europe thoughta la Merkelthat they can buy peace with radical Islam by requesting them to integrate. But integrate with what? Integrate with immoral Europe where women are exhibited as open meat [in the words of the Australian Imam] who are poisonous. [ https://rvaidya2000.com/2016/03/23/idea-of-europe-is-dead/ ]

Contrast ISIS moral resolve with the pusillanimous attitude of Westerners. Most assert their disapproval of fundamentalism, of course. But their live-and-let-live attitude sees it as a right for people to express their views and espouse any religion they wishincluding the Religion of Hate. The problem with this view is that the Religion of Hate is unlike any other religion in espousing the murder of all non-believers. Excessive tolerance further undermines the will of the West to fight back against Jihadism in a resolute way.

How the West Can Best Deal with FundamentalismInsights from Game Theory

In game theory, there is a fundamental distinction between positive-sum bargaining games and zero-sum games. In bargaining games, it is assumed that both sides can be better off by agreeing on a way to divide the pie instead of playing their optimal threat strategies and ending up with no pieor worse. All such games are positive-sum in nature. In a zero-sum game, however, there is no pie to divide, and no bargaining compromise is possible.

Most of the analyses of how the West should confront fundamentalism fail to make this all-important distinction. Analysts implicitly assume that negotiation strategies exist, strategies that will somehow end up with an acceptable compromise. President Obamas stance towards Iran, Russia, and China offer examples of this approach. In all three cases, he turned the other cheek and attempted to reset relations with these nations expecting they would reciprocate. All would end up better off. But his antagonists ended up taking full advantage of his weakness, reneged on many agreements, and made Obama look as incompetent at bargaining as he has proven to be.

Professor Schama is right in his comments above. He is stating that, in effect, we are playing a zero-sum game. ISIS wants nothing from us in exchange for something. They simply want to destroy us. Analogously, Iran has no intention of settling with Israel. Its stated goal is the elimination of Israel. In such cases, the optimal strategy (for the West) is to identify the enemys vulnerabilities, and having done so, to sow as much grief and pain as possible. The fact that the enemies are scattered and that some of their recruits are happy to blow themselves up does not relieve us of the responsibility to hit where it hurts: recruits that do not wish to die (the vast majority), all training camps (we know where some thirty of these are located), family members, etc. We must pursue such targets both on their home ground, as well as within the EU and the US. There is also the question of how to extract intelligence from terrorist murderers who are captured. Just as an intelligent economist does not believe in free trade for a nation unless other nations follow suit, likewise enemies should be treated in accord with the Geneva Conventions only if they themselves adhere to themadherence enforced by, say, an effective United Nations if one ever exists. Saying this is, of course, politically incorrect in the extreme. But reality beckons.

The currently fashionable suggestion that what is needed is for Europe to better integrate immigrants is as vacuous as the citations above assert. Most immigrants want to and are able to integrate over time. They end up great assets of the nations they immigrate to. But as a matter of faith, the bad guys will never integrate into that world of sinners they hate. The West needs a coherent, broad-based, long campaign dedicated to destroying every aspect of terrorist operations. This need not imply a decade with large numbers of troops on the ground. But there will be phases requiring such a presence. Just consider what Russia achieved in its recent and relatively mild strategy against the opposition to the Assad regime. They hit hard, it worked, and they have now pulled backfor the moment. Their effectiveness yet again renders the indecision of President Obama a national embarrassment.

Within Europe, security must of course be tightened, but not at the expense of the crippling day-to-day economic life of peopleprecisely the outcome ISIS seeks. Leaders should encourage a much more stiff-upper-lip response by citizens than they have.

POSTSCRIPT

Political Correctness and the Lack of Sense of Humor in All True Believers

There is one common denominator of all True Believers, namely a lack of sense of humor. This is as true of terrorists as it is of todays political correctness police in the US, spearheaded by those who traffic in wooly ideas about gender and class. What is happening on US campuses is outrageous and recalls the moral absolutism espoused by Jihadists overseas. Freedom of speech is being seriously abridged, as are rights of free association. To repeal the right to free speech, all that is needed is some belief that certain comments are inappropriate, to use the word of the moment. Trigger notices warning that eight Shakespeare plays should not be taught constitute a reductio ad absurdum on the part of university heads. As for the rights of male students to a fair hearing in the case of alleged sexual harassment, hyper-risk-averse administrative panels now serve as prosecutor, judge, and jury. There is often no way for an accused male student to receive a proper defense. When the right to self-defense is abridged, it is time to vacate the new status quo.

What US Chief Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote in 1929 about the all-important right of freedom of thought and speech (cited at the opening of this essay) remains as true today as it was eighty-seven years ago. Silencing people who say things you do not want to hear amounts to a surrender to oppression. If the PC police resent this reality, they should perhaps recall the words of President Truman: If you cant stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

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US Army Scrambling to Equip Soldiers with New Jungle Combat Boots for War in Asia

Men of the U.S. 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii shod in their desert boots. (Photo : US 25th Infantry Division)

The U.S. Army is fast tracking the acquisition of new combat boots for fighting units to be deployed to Asia in the event of a war.



U.S. Army officials say they want to issue a new model of "Jungle Combat Boot" for infantry soldiers to wear in the hot, tropical terrain of the Pacific theater by March 2017.



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Gen. Mark A. Milley, Chief of Staff United States Army, wants the two brigade combat teams (BCT) now in Hawaii to be equipped with the new combat boots "ASAP," said Col. Dean Hoffman IV, Project Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment.



"We are going to use this request for information to see what industry can do really fast because what we would like to do is get a BCT out by March of 2017," said Col. Hoffman.



Equipment officials hope to have a second BCT outfitted with the new jungle boots by September 2017.



The boots will go to the U.S. 25th Infantry Division based in Hawaii, specifically its two infantry units: the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The division served in Afghanistan in 2004 and in Iraq in 2009.



The Army plans to buy 36,000 pairs of new jungle boots to outfit these two BCTs.



The Army is looking for lightweight materials and better insole and midsole construction. The problem with the old jungle boots, said Col. Hoffman, was they had a metal shim in the sole for puncture protection. This shim made the boots get too hot or too cold depending on the outside temperature.



There are, however, new fabrics that offer some puncture protection for insoles while helping push water out of the boot through drain holes. Newer designs that feature several smaller drain holes tend to be more effective.



The new jungle boots will likely be made of rough-out leather that tends to dry out quickly and doesn't need to be shined.



The Army and the Marine Corps retired the Vietnam War-era jungle boots in the early 2000s when both services transitioned to a desert-style combat boot for combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.


80% of Clinical Data Confirming Safety of Medicines Made in China is Fake

Made in China medicines. (Photo : Getty Images)

Chinese consumers now face the awful -- and, in some cases, deadly -- truth that most of the data confirming Western medicines made in China are safe for human use is false and fictitious.



An investigation by China's State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) has revealed that over 80 percent of the data used in clinical trials of new pharmaceutical drugs are "fabricated," meaning the safety and efficacy of these drugs are doubtful at best.



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SFDA also found this faked data failed to meet analysis requirements, were incomplete or totally non-existent.



An SFDA report discovered fraudulent behavior at almost every level of the drug certification process. Worse, it showed some pharmaceutical companies had either hidden or deleted records of adverse side effects, and tampered with data that didn't support their claims.



SFDA looked at data from 1,622 clinical trials for new pharmaceutical drugs currently awaiting approval. The applications in question were all for Western medicine and not traditional Chinese medicine.



As a result, SFDA cancelled 80 percent of current drug applications awaiting approval for mass production. What the effect this move will have on the supply of branded medicines is unknown, but shortages might be a possibility.



"It's not just the medicines," said a hospital official quoted by Chinese media.



"In China, everything is fake, and if there's a profit in pharmaceuticals, then someone's going to fake them, too."



But the most damning discovery was that "independent" third party investigators responsible for inspecting clinical trial facilities are "accomplices in data fabrication due to cut-throat competition and economic motivation."



The report found that most everyone involved in the safety chain was guilty of some kind of malpractice of fraud.



Analysts said China's pharmaceutical industry now faces a massive credibility problem.



The SFDA also has a massive problem on its hands. It now has to decide what to do about all the new drugs approved as "safe" based on unreliable clinical trials.


Advance Auto Parts announced Wednesday that it has hired a former executive with Amazon and General Motors as the companys new chief financial officer, continuing a transition of top management that began in January.

Tom Okray, 53, assumes the CFO role Oct. 31, replacing Mike Norona. Advance announced in May that Norona would leave after the naming of a successor. The company said Wednesday that Norona will remain as an adviser until years end.

A news release from Advance reported that Okray brings more than 25 years of experience in finance, operations and supply chain to Advance Auto Parts. He has worked most recently as vice president, finance, global customer fulfillment at Amazon, based in Seattle.

Advance Auto continues to describe Roanoke as the headquarters of the company, which sells aftermarket auto parts to both professional mechanics and do-it-yourself customers. Yet most of its key executives work in Raleigh, North Carolina, where Okray will work.

Advance acquired former competitor General Parts International, based in Raleigh, in January 2014. Advance has said the integration of GPI and its brands, including Worldpac and Carquest, has been challenging.

Former Advance CEO Darren Jackson retired in January. Analysts suggested his departure might have been linked to a hedge fund that in 2015 acquired a 3.7 percent stake in Advance. The fund, Starboard Value, had said Advance was underperforming peers in the automotive parts sector.

In April, Advance announced it had hired Tom Greco to replace Jackson as CEO. Greco came to Advance from Frito-Lay North America.

In May, Jeffrey Smith, CEO of Starboard Value, became chairman of Advances board of directors.

In July, Advance said its president, George Sherman, would leave that post in August but stay with the company through 2016. Grecos title now includes president in addition to CEO.

On Wednesday, Advance said Okray is very familiar with a supply chain that must respond rapidly to online demand, noting that this response will be increasingly critical to accelerating our growth at Advance going forward.

Advance said that Okrays annual base salary is $500,000 and that he will receive a $380,000 cash signing bonus, along with other compensation and incentives.

Separately, Advance reported Wednesday that Jill Livesay, chief accounting officer, announced her resignation, with plans to stay with the company until Oct. 29. Company spokeswoman Laurie Stacy said Livesays resignation was not connected to Okrays hiring as CFO.

She said Livesay, who has been with the company since 1995, is leaving Advance to pursue another opportunity and we wish her well.

Advances major competitors include AutoZone and OReilly Automotive.

As of July 16, Advance operated 5,066 stores and 126 Worldpac branches and served about 1,300 independently owned Carquest branded stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.

Advance has about 74,000 employees, including about 1,300 in the Roanoke region, the company said.
Editor's note: Parts of this story are taken from the criminal complaint and search warrant used in the case involving Passions Video owner Randy Corns. As a result, there are some portions that might be disturbing.

RIDGEWAY For a $5 fee, anyone could walk into the back area at Passions Video. What happened after they walked back there is the subject of an investigation by the Henry County Sheriff's Office.

Search warrant documents reveal details about what undercover investigators found at the business. On Tuesday, Passions owner Randy Dell Corns was arrested and charged with three counts of keeping a bawdy place for immoral purposes and three counts of knowingly owning, leasing or managing a building for the purpose of presenting an obscene exhibition or performance. All of those are misdemeanor charges.

On multiple occasions over the last two months, investigators went undercover as customers at the business. "During the first visit, each was informed of pornographic movies playing in the back portion of the business," the search warrant said, adding that they were told which types of pornography were being shown in the different rooms of the company's "back portion." They were told that it was $5 to get access to those rooms, which the investigators said they paid each time to a man named "Randy," a man they later allegedly identified as Passions owner Randy Corns.

On Aug. 4, an investigator paid the $5 and went into an area labeled as "The Viewing Room," where pornography was being shown. He stated there were multiple smaller rooms in the area, all with doors closed. After hearing one of those doors open, one of the investigators went inside and allegedly saw pornography on the screen, with older men inside the room watching the screen and taking part in sexual acts. The investigator then reported that he was invited by one man to join him on the couch, an offer he declined before leaving the building.

On Sept. 1, another investigator went to the business and spoke with the man identified as "Randy," who asked how he had heard about the place. The investigator replied, from a friend. According to the search warrant, "Randy" explained to the investigator about the types of pornography being displayed in different rooms in the back as well as the lighting conditions. After paying $5, he was allowed to go into the back area.

The investigator states that he also went into The Viewing Room, where he encountered two men in the foyer area. After speaking to both men while a pornographic movie played, the investigator was invited into a private room by one of them. Once in the private room, the investigator claims the man who invited him in shut and locked the door. The man then asked the investigator to expose himself, the search warrant states, which the investigator declined to do.

After the investigator left the room, the same man followed him into another room and again asked the investigator to expose himself. The investigator declined again and soon left the viewing area, returning to the front of the store and leaving the business.

On a third trip to the business on Sept. 22, the undercover investigator asked "Randy" what was allowed to go on in the back area. "Randy" then allegedly told the investigator that he could do whatever he felt comfortable doing, adding that he never bothered people back there. The search warrant states that "Randy" told the investigator he couldn't say it was ok for him to participate in any sex act, but that "Randy" spoke with "double meaning," hoping the investigator would understand.

During this conversation, the investigator observed other customers arrive, pay "Randy" $5 and go into the back of the business.

After the conversation, the investigator again returned to the back of the business.

Once inside, the investigator observed a man in one of the unlocked private rooms. The investigator also observed two other men in a lounge area to the left. They were all engaged in different sexual acts. While Passions is labeled as an adult video store and movie arcade, all of the investigators reported that since they started surveillance, "the business has operated each day with patrons entering and exiting the business with no signs of purchases being made."

An inventory of items seized during a search of Passions on Oct. 4 listed an LG DVD player with movie, two Haier TVs, four Sceptre TVs, five Sony DVD players (each with movie), two Dell towers and a Gateway Tower.

According to a sheriffs office news release and court records, Corns, 51, of Waxhaw, North Carolina, posted a $2,500 secure bond and was released.

A hearing for Corns is scheduled in Henry County General District Court on Oct. 12 at 8:15 a.m.

Anyone having information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriffs Office at 638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463). The Crime Stoppers program offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information related to crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid.
MARTINSVILLE  New College Institute (NCI) officials continue to explore options for the schools future.

During a meeting Tuesday in Lynchburg, the NCI Boards Academic Affairs Committee decided it wants more information about four options: Becoming a satellite location of Longwood University, remaining a multi-university center, sharing governance with similar schools in Southern Virginia and affiliating with the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) if that system were to become authorized to grant bachelors degrees.

Funded by the state and The Harvest Foundation, NCI was founded in 2006 to bring opportunities to obtain bachelors and masters degrees conferred by various universities statewide to residents of Southern Virginia, the only region of the state without a public four-year higher education institution.

The private Averett University in Danville and Ferrum College in Franklin County are the nearest four-year schools to Martinsville-Henry County. Private colleges can be costlier than public ones, and it may be hard for residents to leave the area to obtain four-year degrees due to financial constraints and job and family issues, officials and educators have said.

At its July meeting, the full board learned that Longwood, a public university in Farmville that has long been an NCI partner, is willing to consider increasing its presence at the institute by creating additional programs to benefit students in the Martinsville area, according to a concept paper.

That would not necessarily mean NCI evolving into a branch campus of Longwood, Blevins said Wednesday. She indicated that idea has not yet been put on the table, so to speak.

Based on comments from people in the community, there seems to be a lot of support for NCI to affiliate with Longwood or another university, she said.

It might be hard to get state officials to endorse such an affiliation right now.

Folks (in Richmond) are interested in getting more information about Longwood because they think its (still) a good concept to have multiple partners come together to offer multiple programs, Blevins said.

If the multi-university center concept is continued, she said, NCI should examine how we might evolve the model to make it more vibrant and sustainable.

Yet the two concepts dont have to be mutually exclusive, she said  if Longwood ever assumes control of NCI or increases its presence there, the institute still could have programs provided by other universities.

Blevins said it might be possible for NCI, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center in South Boston and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville to be overseen by the same entity.

However, an affiliation with the VCCS would require legislation by the General Assembly enabling community colleges to provide bachelors degrees, she said.

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) is expected to make recommendations for NCIs future by Oct. 27, when the institutes full board is to meet in Martinsville.

In the meantime, Blevins plans to continue talking with Longwood officials. One issue that she plans to discuss with them, she said, is how Longwood would handle working with other higher education institutions to offer programs  such as engineering and telehealth  that currently are offered by NCI but not the university.

She also plans to examine opportunities to develop niche programs that will attract students from outside the Martinsville-Henry County area to NCI. To be successful in the long run, the institute needs to lure students from elsewhere due to the limited number of students locally, she previously has said.

If we just copied and pasted Longwood here in Martinsville, for example, Blevins said Wednesday, it might not be enough to attract students from outside the region.

During Tuesdays meeting, she said, the committee reaffirmed its support for NCIs mission to be a premier center of learning that provides access to academic degrees, credentials and professional learning experiences in high-quality learning environments to prepare students for regional and statewide career opportunities and participation in collaborative, positive community change, promoting regional economic prosperity and community transformation.

We want to be a part of transforming this community into a thriving community again, Blevins said.
MARTINSVILLE  Dont let the 80-degree weather fool you  fall is in the air in the Martinsville-Henry County area.

Virginia Department of Forestry Director of Public Information John Campbell said that as long as Hurricane Matthew does not interfere by robbing trees of their leaves with high winds, the vibrant colors should appear on time this year.

Its just starting to get started, Campbell said. The historic average for [the Martinsville-Henry County area] is Oct. 15-25.

While Campbell said the foliage forecast typically is accurate, peak times can vary by up to a week.

In the fall, the leaves lose their chlorophyll, a natural pigment that keeps them green in the spring and summer months. No longer able to photosynthesize, their lack of chlorophyll allows the leaves to show off their true colors of yellow, red and orange.

In this area, black gum, dogwood and Virginia creeper trees change first. In the mountains, black birch and yellow maple trees experience their transformation before others in the region.

The types of trees that change first are not the only fall factors that vary region by region. The peak weeks also differ.

Its the topography. Its different factors. Higher elevations change faster than lower elevations, Campbell said.

Since the Meadows of Dan area is set farther above sea level than Martinsville-Henry County, Campbell predicts the peak surrounding that stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway will occur Oct. 10-20.

For the best colors, the weather must cooperate throughout the year. Campbell said ideal conditions include a decent amount of rain - not too much or too little  cool, crisp autumn nights and sunny fall days.

When asked about his favorite Virginia leaf viewing location, Campbell said, I couldnt pick one. There are so many beautiful places in Virginia.

For those seeking scenic fall drives, Campbell suggested Skyline Drive in Shenandoah, Lovers Leap on Route 58 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

We have eight driver-recommended routes on our website for those who dont want to battle the Skyline Drive traffic, Campbell said.
WOOLWINE  For more than 20 years, Debbi Solomon has circled one day on her calendar, a reminder to take that weekend and drive up to Patrick County. Since 1990, Solomon has made a practice of showing up at the Woolwine Volunteer Fire Departments October Festival.

The festival, which happens this Saturday, has been operating since 1983. Solomon ran across it by accident - driving through the Virginia mountains with a roommate, when they heard the bluegrass music after cracking open the windows of their car.

They also smelled smoke from people cooking over an open flame.

The smoke was just really billowing over, Solomon said.

While the sights, sounds and smells intrigued Solomon and her roommate, they stopped because Solomon spotted a cauldron.

I said, Theyve got a witches brew over there! Solomon said.

The pair got out of their car in the mountain community, halfway between Stuart and Floyd, enjoying the music, atmosphere and food.

Coming from Florida, we didnt make apple butter, Solomon said.

While Solomon and her roommate continued their journey, Solomon never forgot about the community festival. Over the years, she continued to visit. In 1994, she and her now-husband, Trip Doggett, ventured to the festival together.

I loved it, Doggett said about his first Woolwine festival.

Both enjoying the festival, Solomon and Doggett faithfully attended every year they could, no matter where in the country they lived at the time. They have travelled to Woolwine over the last 22 years years from Texas, California and now their home in North Carolina.

We havent missed many, Doggett said.

In 1995, the couple invested in a motor home. While they have not always made the drive in the vehicle, they have done it so often over the past two decades that the Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department installed a hookup on the back of their building so that the motor home could have electricity.

The apple butters good, but thats not the reason we come back, Solomon said.

Its the people, Doggett said. They make us feel like were part of the community.

Getting organized

Woolwine Fire Chief Bennett Shuff and several community members filled the Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department on Wednesday in preparation for the festival, which raises money for the department. At 8 a.m., people began peeling and coring 180 bushels of apples to make 350 to 400 gallons of apple butter, as well as apple pies. The department bought the apples from Wades Orchard.

I try to help out every year since I retired, Dorothy Belcher said.

I enjoy helping and getting to see people, Cordelia Walker added.

Ive come here for close to 20 years to help them make apple butter, Martinsville resident Paul Rorrer said. Theyve got the best mixers in the world  the content, like the sugar and cinnamon.

Weve got a reputation of making good apple butter. You can ask most anybody. Theyll say its the best. We cook it for 16 hours. Thats why ours is the best. Most people cook it for eight to 10, Shuff said. I aint gonna give out all of our secrets, though.

While the apple products draw in the crowds, the festival hosts a variety of vendors.

Well have music all day long. Weve got three bands: Friday Night Band, Dry Hill Draggers and Rorrer Brothers and Son. Well have food. Well have apple butter for sale. Well have crafts and vendors. Well have a whole lot of fun, Shuff said.

While dedicated patrons attend come rain or shine, the fire chief hopes the sun will be out on Saturday.

The last three years, the rain has hurt us. We have 500 people, maybe. On a pretty day, well have 2,500, Shuff said.

With Hurricane Matthew on its way, the forecast looks iffy.

Maybe the storm will wait until Sunday, Shuff said.

No matter the weather, the Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department October Festival will take place as scheduled.

The festival will begin at 10 a.m. and end at approximately 4 p.m. Saturday at the Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department.
auntieann.jpg

A photo of an Auntie Anne's location.

(Brett Drury/ Photo Provided)

LANCASTER, Pa. -- Auntie Anne's, the Pennsylvania chain of soft pretzel shops, is looking for potential franchisees interested in operating in Hadley and Lee.

Auntie Anne's, which describes itself as the world's largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise, announced plans to grow the brand's presence in Massachusetts as part of a larger regional expansion, according to a news release.

The pretzel maker currently has two Western Massachusetts locations. They are in the Wal-Mart stores in Chicopee and Westfield.

Mike McCoy, vice president of franchise sales for Auntie Anne's, said in a news release:

"As Auntie Anne's continues to grow its presence across the Northeast, Western Massachusetts represents an important region for us. We're looking forward to finding experienced franchisees who will help grow our brand presence and expose new guests to our fresh, hot, golden-brown soft pretzels."

Auntie Anne's opened more than 50 locations across the U.S. in 2015, bringing its total U.S. stores to more than 1,100.

According to the Auntie Anne's website, the total investment for a franchise pretzel shop is $196,000 to $380,000. The largest chunk, and largest variation, is the estimated construction cost of $90,000 to $175,000. Equipment costs $35,000 to $45,000 and the initial franchise fee is $30,000.
SPRINGFIELD -- Baystate Health eliminated 323 jobs at the end of September to help close a persistent budget gap caused by inadequate Medicaid funding.

It was the largest reduction in workforce at Baystate in at least its recent history.

Now, with the cuts done and the people involved notified, Baystate management was able this week to outline where the cuts were made and their impact, as well as pending changes to Baystate's housekeeping, patient transport and food service departments, the possible outsourcing of some rarely performed laboratory tests, and the end of a van service at Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield.

Nancy Shendell-Falik, president of Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and Baystate Health's senior vice president for hospital operations, also spoke of the hard choices hospital managers face next week when they sit down to prioritize upcoming capital building projects including a hoped-for new pharmacy at Noble and a new emergency room at Baysate Wing Palmer.

"It is really a case of priorities," Shendell-Falik said. "There are 'needs-to' and 'wants-to'. We won't be able to do everything. What we will really be looking at is how we are doing in our first quarter -- October, November, December -- as we make those decisions."

In August, Baystate Health President and CEO Dr. Mark Kerouack announced plans to eliminate what was then estimated to be 300 jobs in order to close a $75 million budget gap.

Baystate entered its new fiscal year Oct. 1 with a budget gap of $13 million, which Baystate hopes to close through operating efficiencies and standardized ordering, Shendell-Falik said.

The gap must be filled if Baystate is to meet its goal of a 2 percent operating margin on its $2.3 billion annual budget. That operating budget helps pay for the physicians practice and capital expenses like the pharmacy in Westfeild and the emergency room in Ware, Shendell-Falik said.

On Thursday, Shendell-Falik broke down the 323 job losses across the Baystate system:

Open positions:

Voluntary:

Involuntary:

Managers:

Physicians:

Nurses:

Other changes:

Baystate Noble van: Baystate will eliminate a senior van service at Baystate Noble by the end of this month, relying on community services like the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority to fill the gaps.

Lab tests: Baystate is considering sending certain specialized and infrequently performed lab tests, including prenatal genetic work, out to Mayo Medical Laboratories, part of the famous Mayo Clinic. Baystate already works with Mayo. Shendell-Falik said it makes sense to farm out some of this specialized work to a larger reference lab.

Food service, housekeeping and environmental and patient transport: Sometime in November, Baystate will start outsourcing its food service, housekeeping and in-hospital patient transport functions to contractor CompassOne Healthcare of Wayne, Pennsylvania.

CompassOne does food service at Noble, a carryover from Noble's days as an independent hospital. Rank-and-file employees in those departments will continue to be Baystate employees, as will any new hires after the switch, Baystate said. But supervisors in those departments will now work for CompassOne.

What's next: Shendell-Falik said Baystate remains hopeful that changes in the state and federal budgets will help Baystate close its budget gaps. But any help is at least a year off due to the time it would take for any changes to show up on a balance sheet.

Massachusetts Medicaid officials are devising a new plan that would look at population health, which emphasizes prevention and rewards doctors and nurses for avoiding procedures and being efficient.
Nestled between the conclusion of The Big E and the start of leaf-peeping season lurks a darker Western Massachusetts tradition: McCray Farm's Monster Mash Haunted Hayride in South Hadley.

According to the hayride's organizers, this year's Monster Mash Hayride will feature attractions both old and new, providing horror aficionados with a frightful - yet fun - experience.

"This year, we've listened a lot to what people were saying on different mediums. We've redesigned a lot of areas," said Dan Augusto, owner of Tombstone Productions and designer of the hayride. "What's old is new again. We've brought back several themes from throughout the years."

Augusto, who has designed the hayride each year since 1991, said this year's hayride would feature such attractions at the "Killbilly Trail" and the "wasteland," a post-apocalyptic stretch Augusto said could have appeared in "Mad Max." Augusto also said the hayride would feature time-honored "classics" such as witches and killer clowns.

"Every area has a ton of new stuff. We added a second mansion - the D.O.N. - an acronym for 'Diagnostic Operational Nexus.' It's a genetic research facility where, of course, something went horribly wrong," said Augusto. "It's much more of a loud, intense and in-your-face type of experience."

Augusto said this loud, intense, in-your-face experience for participants wouldn't be possible without the aid of more than 100 cast and crew members, each of whom play an important role over the hayride's month-long season.

"There's only so much one person we can draw up. We've got an amazing cast and crew. So much comes down to the actors and actresses we have," he said. "Some nights, we're here until midnight or 1 a.m., but watching them, it's hard not to stay motivated."

For children and families, Steve McCray, owner of McCray's Farm, said the farm also offers a pumpkin-picking hayride.

"The ride through the pumpkin patch is three dollars and we have about 40 acres of 'pick your own pumpkins.,'" said McCray, who added that he began offering the hayride in the late 1980s.

"There's about four acres we dedicate to school groups and two acres of gourds we bring to the front. The rest, we take people down on the trailer. Some of the pumpkins are big and some are small. Sometimes there are white pumpkins in the field, too," he said.

McCray's Farm is located at 55 Alvord St. in South Hadley.

The Monster Mash Haunted Hayride runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through Oct. 30.

Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for children 52" and under.
NORTHAMPTON -- Bistro Bus set up its taco truck in the parking lot of 15 Hampton Ave. Wednesday evening as friends of radio station WHMP gathered for a 65th anniversary party.

The downtown station, broadcasting at 1400 AM and 96.9 FM, got its start in 1951, and 65 years later is still on the air, with local news, local talk, and progressive programming.

Northampton Radio Group manager Dave Musante said he grew up listening to WHMP in the 1980s and 90s -- because his father, David Musante, was mayor at the time, and relied upon the station to communicate with the public.

The crowd grew quiet as Mayor David Narkewicz read a proclamation, saying the station "has been an integral part of the community for decades." Musante looked on with pride, and radio station employees past and present offered a round of applause.

The crowd included talk show hosts, their regular guests, marketing and advertising people, their clients, music hosts at sister station WRSI, local politicians, and assorted members of the community.

Narkewicz recalled the morning he headed to WHMP after the freak 2011 October snowstorm. The city had lost power, but the station, functioning with a backup generator, was broadcasting emergency information and updates.

"That's when you appreciate the power of a community radio station," said Narkewicz. The mayor also praised WHMP's recent decision to program polka music. "Just in time for Polish Heritage Month," he said.

WHMP and its parent Northampton Radio Group, while managed locally, are owned by the Michigan-based Saga Communications.
SOUTHWICK - The Fire Department is asking the community to help save Marshall.

Marshall, a beloved inflatable dog, was stolen last week from the front of the Fire Department headquarters. The thief, or thieves, remain at-large.

Police detective Robert Landis said firefighter Jessica Bishop reported Marshall missing on Saturday.

"We were commenting on Friday how cute Marshall was, with his ears blowing in the breeze," said Bishop. "The next day, he was gone."

Landis described Marshall, who is being referred to by the kidnapper as "Sparky," as a 4-foot tall Dalmatian, wearing a fire hat.

Fire chief Russell Anderson said after the missing mascot was reported to police, a ransom note was emailed to him. The return email address was "Fire Man" and the note demanded that $500 be donated to the Our Community Food Pantry in exchange for Marshall's safe return.

Anderson said he is taking the email seriously and has asked the Southwick Firefighters Association to start the fundraising to help save Marshall.

"Marshall was helping us raise awareness for Fire Prevention Month," said Anderson. "He is a popular character on the show Paw Patrol and kids love him. We want him back."

Anderson said he does not know the identity of the thief-dognapper and he is following police advice.

"We are advising the Fire Department to comply with the demands," said Landis, adding there are no leads right now.

Surveillance footage from the Fire Department on Friday night shows a silhouette, but does not reveal the identity of the thief.

Bishop created a Facebook event - Help Save Marshall - on the Fire Department's Facebook page so that the community can help save Marshall and raise funds for the food pantry. Donations from businesses, community groups and members of the public are being welcomed to help the department meet the $500 ransom donation to the pantry.

Police said the pantry director was upset when she heard of Marshall's disappearance and no one at the pantry is a suspect at this time.

A photo of Marshall wearing a blindfold was sent to Anderson.

"He appears to be in good health," he said. "We just want him back and know the money will go to a good cause."

Social media followers should follow Marshall's story using #helpsavemarshall.
MBTA-Fiscal-Control-Board-First-Day.jpg

The MBTA fiscal control board met for the first time on July 21, 2015. The five-member board includes Lisa Calise, Joseph Aiello, Steve Poftak, Monica Tibbits-Nutt and Brian Lang.

(Gintautas Dumcius / MassLive.com)

By ANDY METZGER

The private firm Brinks will take over cash handling at the MBTA after a unanimous vote by the T's Fiscal and Management Control Board on Thursday.

Brian Lang, the board's union representative was unable to attend the meeting and would have voted in the negative, said Steve Poftak, a member of the board who presided over the meeting.

T management has claimed the private firm's economies of scale and expertise with the T's vending machine equipment will lead to better service at a lower price than the work currently handled by MBTA employees.

Union representatives have strenuously opposed the move, and seven top officials at the Boston Carmen's Union were arrested early Thursday morning outside the MBTA's money room in Charlestown.

The vote Thursday marks the first time the MBTA has taken advantage of options made available under a three-year window of increased flexibility in outsourcing that lawmakers granted the transportation authority last year.

"It's private entities and corporate scum who want to feed at the public trough and this administration is jamming it down our goddamn throats," said Lou Antonellis, president of IBEW Local 103. Antonellis praised the seven top officials at the Boston Carmen's Union who were arrested outside the money room.

Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steve Tolman took aim at Gov. Charlie Baker, who has urged the T to seek outsourcing as a means of improving service and balancing its budget.

"Charlie Baker isn't fixing the T. He's gutting it," Tolman said, referring to "Mr. Baker's Transportation Authority."

Charles Chieppo, a senior fellow at the Pioneer Institute, said problems at the money room have made it a prime candidate for privatization.
"We need to acknowledge there is no short-term state disability in Montana," said Ward 3 council member Gwen Jones. "Thats actually a strong reason why this has to come from the bottom up, because its not going to come from the top down. Its very hard to go from income to zero income when youre whole family is in transition."

Members of the Missoula City Council on Wednesday directed staff to develop a new employee policy that, if adopted, could eventually allow new parents to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave when their children are born or adopted.

As envisioned, however, the first phase of the policy would likely create a six-week leave bank for pregnant women. Fathers would have to wait for the efforts second phase, which would expand the policy to all new parents after the city resolved the financial implications.

By Martin Kidston

Full Story: http://www.missoulacurrent.com/government/2016/10/city-paid-leave/
Extracting real value from data means bringing together disparate sources, says Mississippi CIO Craig Orgeron.

Many state IT leaders are achieving results leveraging data across agencies, while others are still working on establishing the necessary policies to enable the breakdown of departmental data silos.

At the NASCIO annual conference in Orlando last month, Mississippi CIO Craig Orgeron offered a few key takeaways from the states Lifetracks program, described as an interoperable data system. Uniting information on all levels of education  from early childhood education to post-secondary  policymakers can make projections about workforce needs and adopt policies that drive economic development.

by Noelle Knell

Full Story: http://www.govtech.com/people/Mississippi-Longitudinal-Analytics-Project-Drives-Economic-Development-Policy.html
The Montana Department of Commerce works with statewide and local partners, private industry and small businesses to enhance and sustain economic prosperity in Montana. - Montana Is On The Move
The Egyptian and Russian parliaments said Tuesday that they must take a unified stand against the forceful changing of Middle East regimes by foreign powers.

A statement by Egypts parliament said on Tuesday that Egyptian-Russian relations have achieved significant progress in recent years, and that the two parliaments will coordinate together during the coming round of meetings of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva.

"We decided that we should rally support among as many world parliaments as possible against intervention in the internal affairs of Middle East countries and reject any attempts aimed at changing regimes by force in this region," said the statement.

The statement also indicated that the agriculture committees in Egypt and Russias parliaments will forge greater contacts in the coming period to help eliminate any obstacles that might stem the flow of Egyptian agricultural exports  especially potatoes  into the Russian market.

The statement was issued after a meeting between Egyptian parliament speaker Ali Abdel-Al and a Russian parliamentary delegation led by deputy speaker Ilyas Umakhanov on Tuesday.

The statement said Egypt and Russia have historic relations that go back to the era of late president Gamal Abdel-Nasser.

"We decided that these relations must be further strengthened in the coming period in order to eliminate any obstacles that might stand in their way," said the statement.

Parliament speaker Abdel-Al said Egypt highly appreciates Russian president Vladimir Putin's support of the 30 June revolution of 2013, which led to the removal of the regime of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Speaker Abdel-Al said that he has high hopes that a high-profile delegation from the Russian parliament will join celebrations intended to mark the 150th anniversary parliamentary life in Egypt at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh on 9 October.

Abdel-Al said Tuesday that speakers from as many as 16 countries will attend next week's celebrations in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Russian deputy parliament speaker Umakhanov said a high-profile Russian delegation will attend the Sharm El-Sheikh celebration.

"We also invited the Egyptian parliament to attend the coming meetings of the parliamentary assembly of the newly independent states as an observer," said Umakhanov, adding that he also asked speaker Abdel-Aal to send a young parliamentary delegation to participate in the 2017 Festival of Youth and Students which will be held in Russia, aiming to host 120,000 young people from 190 worldwide countries.

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A barn lost to fire in May has been rebuilt for a disabled veteran thanks to community support.

Alivecubed and members of Nebo Crossing Church helped Travis Jordan, a disabled veteran living in Nebo, rebuild his 6,000-square-foot barn after it burned to the ground in May of this year.

Jordan, originally from Rocky Point, moved to Nebo with his wife Kendra and their four children in 2015. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Jordan suffered PTSD and traumatic brain injury during service in 2007, which prevented him from holding a public job. However, he was able to help the Nebo community through volunteer work like maintenance, carpentry, plumbing and providing food during Christmas time. One of the biggest contributions he made was a firewood ministry he started to help widows and needy families.

According to Doug Long, a member of Nebo Crossing Baptist Church who started the initiative to rebuild Jordans barn, these projects were therapeutic to Jordans injuries.

A lot of people with PTSD cope badly and self destructively through drugs, alcohol, etc. Travis gets comfort by helping others for free, said Long. Hes been helpful, very upbeat given everything hes been through and has such an amazing outlook on life.

On May 14, Jordan and his family received a knock on the door and were told that their barn and adjacent shed were on fire. Within 40 minutes, the property  which contained livestock, chickens, roosters, turkey and goats, as well as lumber used for Jordans ministry  was destroyed.

We were shocked. We were angry. We were feeling a lot of emotions that night, said Kendra, who admitted the experience reignited memories of her husbands PTSD.

The damage caused by the fire was not covered by insurance. In response, Long and the McDowell community started a Go-Fund-Me page to rebuild Jordans barn.

We talked to Doug after the fire and he told us, Dont worry, God will provide for you, said Kendra. Eventually, we received an email by Doug about the page and were just completely blown away.

The Go-Fund-Me page, created on June 6, had made almost $3,000 within its first two weeks.

Three-and-a- half months later, donations from the Go-Fund-Me page, as well as those contributed by Alivecubed, totaled over $7,000.

Were very appreciative about the communitys support, said Kendra at the time of the fundraiser. Travis and I have never been on this side of the giving and receiving end, so to have the church and everyone behind us means a lot.

On Sept. 27, the barn was officially rebuilt with the last adjustments made to the outside. According to Alivecubeds Facebook page, Jordan intends to use the barn to provide recreational refuse to veterans in the community.

We had the opportunity to support a veteran whose barn burnt down in May of this year. Travis and his family didnt know that those ashes would lead to life, said Alex Garcia, founder of Alivecubed. We are thankful to have been part of this, as it was a true testament to what is possible when people come together.
This is the second carrier that Egypt has received from France this year

Egypt will welcome on Thursday its second Mistral-class Landing Helicopter Dock  named after the late president Anwar El-Sadat -- coinciding with the country's celebrations of the 43rd anniversary of 1973 war against Israel, state owned MENA agency reported.

According to the agency, the Mistral is currently on its way to Egypt's coastal governorate of Alexandria following a conclusion of joint naval exercises between the Egyptian and French navies.

The exercises included a number of activities such as both forces planning and carrying out naval offences.

In September, the Mistral was initially received by Egypt's Vice Admiral Osama Rabie during an inauguration ceremony at Saint-Nazaire harbour in western France.

This is the second carrier that Egypt has officially received this year in the period of approximately three months. In June it received the first Mistral helicopter dock -- named after late president Gamal Abdel-Nasser -- in Alexandria, coming from the French city of Toulouse.

The Mistral deal is part of several defence contracts Egypt has signed with France, with the European country now topping the list of countries to have signed military supply agreements with Egypt during the term of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

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Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich expressed hope for the resumption of flights between Egypt and Russia by the end of this year at a press conference on Thursday.

"I hope so. At least, the situation in the airport of Cairo has improved," Dvorkovich replied when asked if the flights between Russia and Egypt would resume this year.

The deputy prime minister also said that the Egyptian side still had a number of security systems to install, which they had ordered and were waiting to receive.

Dvorkovich added that "it would be hard to say if they [Egyptian side] can do it this month or not" when asked if the air travel could resume this October.

Russia grounded flights to and from Egypt after an Airbus A321 plane flying to St. Petersburg crashed soon after taking off from Sharm El-Sheikh on October 31, 2015. All 224 people aboard died as a result of what was classified by the Russian investigation as a terrorist attack.

In September, Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said that Egypt had significantly advanced airport safety levels in resort cities since the deadly plane crash, but noted that it was too early to restore air traffic between the countries.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online

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While TV presenter George Rashad praised ousted president Mubarak, the Egyptian Radio and Television Union suspended him for comments against January Revolution protesters

Egypt's state TV decided on Thursday to suspend a presenter of a morning show for two episodes for offensive remarks against January 25 Revolution protesters, and not for praising Hosni Mubarak's role in the 6 October War, the head of the news department of the Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU), Khaled Mehanna, told Ahram Online

"TV presenter George Rashad was suspended for two episodes for his encroaching on the rights of of those who protested on 25 January 2011," Mehanna told Ahram Online, refuting reports that Rashad was suspended for hailing Mubarak's role in airstrikes during the 6 October War.

Rashad had criticised 25 January protesters' claims that airstrikes accredited to Mubarak should not be attributed to him. Rashad was suspended from the morning show for two episodes but will continue to present newscasts.

Mubarak's Facebook support page, "I'm sorry, Mr President," said Wednesday that Rashad was suspended for accrediting Mubarak's role, launching a hashtag "I support George Rashad" and "In Solidarity with George Rashad" while describing the move by ERTU as a "mark of shame" on the state owned TV.

"A TV presenter should be a conveyor of truth who doesn't state his personal opinion. The decision came along the TV's professional role as we are a respectable institution," Mehanna added.

In Wednesday's programme's episode commemorating the 43rd anniversary of 6 October War, Rashad saluted former presidents Gamal Abdel Nasser and Anwar El-Sadat for their roles during the War of Attrition and 6 October War, respectively.

He also hailed ousted President Mubarak's role during the war, slamming those who claimed that the first airstrike against Israel in the 1973 war, which was led by Mubarak as head of the Air Force, should not be accredited to him.

"A salute of love and gratitude to the former president Hosni Mubarak, the leader of the airstrike, that due to his wise leadership our army defeated Israel," he said.

"There is no room for those who went out for protests in January 2011 and later to promote ideas that the airstrike was not attributed to Mubarak. This is slander and a rigging of history. Those are the Muslim Brotherhood, and 6 April, and anyone similar who want to defame anyone and anything in this beautiful country," Rashad said.

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New Orleans, October 6, 2016  Clarius Mobile Health, a digital healthcare startup, will demonstrate its ultra-portable ultrasound scanners at the Emergency Medical Services World Expo in New Orleans this week. Clarius Mobile Healths user-friendly wireless scanners pair with iOS and Android devices for point-of-care assessments to help diagnose critically ill patients before they reach the hospital.

One of the biggest obstacles to providing emergency care in the field is the lack of diagnostic tools, said Branden Miesemer, a flight paramedic and medical educator in Nebraska. Having the ability to use real-time ultrasound imaging in the field will help improve treatment and patient outcomes. 

Miesemer, who is the founder of EMSPOCUS and teaches point-of-care ultrasound at workshops and online, won a draw for a free Clarius Scanner in September. He picked up his prize at the EMS World Expo. Winning the Clarius Scanner gives me more opportunities to educate EMS providers on the benefits of ultrasound, Miesemer said. Since I can carry Clarius with me, Ill be able to show people what Im talking about whenever the subject comes up.

Clarius ultrasound scanners are wireless and work with a mobile app that is compatible with most iOS and Android smart phones and tablets available today. The Clarius C3 multipurpose ultrasound scanner is designed to image the abdomen, lungs and for quick scans of the heart. The Clarius L7 linear scanner is ideal for guiding procedures such as nerve blocks and targeted injections.

Were hearing from a broad spectrum of medical practitioners who are enthusiastic about using ultrasound to improve patient care in non-traditional settings, said Laurent Pelissier, Chairman and CEO of Clarius Mobile Health. We are seeing strong interest from the EMS community and I believe Clarius will be a great fit. Its super portable, durable, easy to use and produces excellent images. It will be priced so institutions can buy several for the price of a high quality portable ultrasound system.

Clarius Scanners are built with a magnesium case that is designed to withstand difficult environments. The Scanners will be water resistant for easy cleaning and sterilization. They are powered with a rechargeable battery. Clarius Scanners are pending regulatory clearance from the FDA, CE and Health Canada. Miesemer and all other early users are only able to use the Clarius Scanner for teaching and testing on models. Clarius is ISO Certified and has met all safety requirements.

ABOUT CLARIUS

Founded by ultrasound innovators, Clarius Mobile Health aims to make ultrasound available to all clinicians. Our affordable handheld ultrasound scanners offer clinicians the freedom to use ultrasound anywhere they need it. Clarius is ISO certified and has filed for regulatory clearance in various regions. For more information, visit http://www.clarius.me/product.

Media requests: Neena Rahemtulla, VP Marketing, Clarius Mobile Health

Email: news@clarius.me Tel: 1-604-260-7077
by Richard Whitman , Columnist, October 5, 2016

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M&C Saatchi has announced that Richard Morewood is to be appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Asia. Moorewood will oversee five offices in Singapore, New Delhi, Tokyo, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur. Followingthe M&C Saatchi model for senior management, Morewood will have an equity stake in the agency. Morewood will be charged with driving existing and new business  national, regional and global.Morewood is returning to M&C Saatchi having previously worked at the London and Sydney Offices from 2004 to 2011. More recently Morewood spent five years at DDB, he was responsible for the McDonalds accountacross APAC & MEA and Unilever across North Asia, SEA and Australia.Of his appointment, Morewood said, "Im absolutely delighted to be rejoining M&C Saatchi and having the chance to work with our offices in New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. As well as with [Worldwide CEO] Moray [MacLennan] and the teams across the globe. I know from experience that M&C Saatchi has a unique entrepreneurial spirit which, when combined with the 'Brutal Simplicity of Thought' strategic approach, is a powerful proposition to clients here in Asia. In many ways it feels like Im coming home. I cant wait to get started.Morewood will be based in Singapore.
Boston Globe, Thursday, October 6, 2016 8:04 AM

JetBlue Airways is making another attempt for permission to fly between Boston and Cuba, petitioning the U.S. government to strip a rival airline of a new route between Los Angeles and Havana and replace it with a flight from Logan Airport. JetBlue is asking the government to reject a request by Alaska Airlines for more time to get the flight up and flying.

Read the whole story at Boston Globe 
by Karlene Lukovitz @KLmarketdaily, October 6, 2016

Sparkling Ice is going well beyond the usual movie tie-ins in its new campaign based on a partnership with DreamWorks Animations upcoming Trolls.

The UnconTROLLable Flavor campaign, launched in the lead-up to the movies Nov. 4 premiere, boasts limited-edition coloring can packaging, a dedicated rewards program and interactive in-store promotions, in addition to a sweepstakes, advertising and other elements.

Kids and adults can color directly on the 8-ounce cans in the special, Trolls-themed packs of the soda, and share snaps of their creations on Sparkling Ices Facebook page or by using the hashtag #UnconTROLLableFlavor.

In the campaigns rewards program, Sparkling Ice purchases earn points toward movie-related rewards, including movie tickets, concession cash, music downloads and branded merchandise. More than 3,000 rewards will be given out over the programs three-month duration.

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The rewards program is being promoted in-store with point-of-sale materials that allow consumers to interact with the movies characters.

The campaigns sweepstakes, open only to consumers 18 and older, offers a grand prize of a private screening of Trolls, for 100 people, in the winners home town. Entry is through Facebook.

In support, Sparkling Ice will run television, print, digital, and out-of-home advertising.

Television ads will run locally and nationally on major networks. A series of magazine inserts inspired by the special cans, running in key markets, will encourage readers to color the pages and share them on social media.

Digital and OOH advertising will be centered around transportation hubs in markets including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh and Raleigh, N.C.

Sparkling Ice will also offer samples in the special cans at colleges, community and fitness events and classes across the country.

Like the Trolls, Sparkling Ice is a brand that encourages individuality and embraces the different personalities, flavors, and attitudes that color our world, said Nina Morrison, VP of PR and community relations for the brand.

The movies story involves two trolls quest to save their village from troll-eating monsters, according to online reports. The characters are voiced by Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Russell Brand and James Corden, among others.
by Erik Sass , Staff Writer @eriksass1, October 6, 2016

In the wake of multiple attacks by apparently self-radicalized domestic Islamist terrorists, both in the U.S. and abroad, authorities are increasingly focused on the threat posed by social media as a recruitment platform for lone wolf assailants. In fact the majority of terrorists who have staged or attempted attacks in the U.S. in recent years were converted to violent Islamist extremism via social media, according to John Carlin, the assistant attorney general for national security at the Department of Justice.

Speaking at the Cambridge Cyber Summit, hosted by CNBC, MIT and The Aspen Institute, Carlin noted that terrorist groups like ISIS have had great success using social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter to spread their messages globally, including in the U.S., where they are aided by a network of supporters who help amplify the messages.

Unsurprisingly, these messages resonate particularly well with alienated young men, generally the most promising pool of recruits for terrorist movements. Carlin told the audience: We've got to get the message out: Terrorists are using social media to target young kids.

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Social media accounts linked to ISIS and it supporters have specifically encouraged individuals living in Western countries to engage in lone wolf attacks, which are much harder for law enforcement to disrupt because they typically dont involve a larger network of people, whose activities and communications might tip off authorities.

Although young men are more likely to actually carry out terrorist attacks, a recent study found that young women play a central role in disseminating terrorist messages via social media.

The study, published in Science Magazine, identified 40,000 accounts affiliated with 170 pro-ISIS social media groups on Vkontakte, a Russian social network, and found that more than 40% of the members of these groups are female. Additionally, women formed twice as many direct connections with other ISIS members as did their male counterparts, including people in other groups, making them roughly twice as efficient in spreading messages throughout the network.
While talks on peace in Yemen in Kuwait failed, parallel discussions have been ongoing in Muscat with some observers hopeful further progress can be made, and others not

The compass of the Yemeni question has turned to the Omani capital, Muscat, where stakeholders in the Yemeni crisis and international mediators are trying to hammer out a formula that could pave the way to a final agreement on a comprehensive solution that could be eventually signed in Kuwait. Kuwait had hosted negotiations between the Yemeni factions that lasted three months without making significant progress in putting Yemen back on the track towards peace and ending the civil war that erupted in the summer of 2015.

UN Special Envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed has proposed a working plan that would start with efforts to generate a climate conducive to negotiations. The plan calls for a ceasefire along all fronts, including a cessation of all aerial assaults, between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi-Saleh militias and arrangements to allow urgent humanitarian relief to reach war torn areas. The UN secretary generals assistant for humanitarian affairs flew to Sanaa Sunday to promote this process.

An observer of the current diplomatic activity in Muscat told Al-Ahram Weekly by phone that the proposed 24-hour truce would require that Houthi militias halt cross-border missile fire into Saudi Arabia and that the Saudis halt their aerial bombardments of areas controlled by the forces of the Houthi militias and Yemeni military forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh. On the framework of the negotiations, the source said that there is a basic consensus over what the agreement should contain, but there remain differences over scheduling and how to prioritise the political versus security tracks. If the parties positions on these questions can be bridged, it will be possible to draw up the articles of a final agreement that could be signed in Kuwait.

According to Mohamed Yahya Al-Saberi, a Yemeni political analyst, the dependable way out of the Yemeni crisis is to be found in the roadmap that was formulated in Kuwait. That roadmap suggests the possibility of implementing the security and political tracks simultaneously. Depending on the current conditions and climate, a committee of local military experts could be created to carry out the details under international supervision. There is a neutral military sector that could undertake this role, he said.

Muscat is an important stage in the current negotiating process. The Houthi-Saleh alliance has wanted the Omani capital to sponsor negotiations since the beginning of the crisis. But even if Geneva and Kuwait prevailed, Muscat served as a major venue for indirect talks and communications. Nevertheless, observers and analysts do not appear very optimistic on this current stage. Yemeni political analyst Abdel-Aziz Al-Majidi described recent developments as a new chapter in the same farce.

A source close to the Yemenigovernment in Riyadh told the Weekly that while the legitimate Yemeni government responded positively and the Saudi government volunteered to send a representative for this purpose, it is still difficult to depend on a Houthi-Saleh commitment to any resolutions emerging from the Gulf capitals that wish to resolve the Yemeni crisis. He added: I personally believe that there is no real groundwork for an agreement because of the developments that are taking place in Sanaa and the obstacles they are creating in order to obstruct the path to a comprehensive settlement. Accordingly, the field is where the real agreements are made.

Much water has passed beneath the bridge since negotiations stalled in Kuwait at the end of July and the Muscat track opened. As the negotiations in Kuwait floundered, the Houthi-Saleh alliance announced the creation of a joint political council which, in turn, led to the recent formation of a government headed by the former governor of Aden, Abdel-Aziz Ben Habtoor. In tandem with these political steps, the Houthis reinforced their siege on Taiz and simultaneously escalated their cross-border missile attacks against Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, just last week, Houthi forces bombarded a UAE ship off the coast of Mocha in the Red Sea. Claiming that the ship  an HSV-2 Swift developed by the US navy  was carrying humanitarian relief, the Saudi-led coalition intensified its aerial assaults against the front in Nahem, the military academy in the Rodha region in northern Sanaa, and the coastal area which is expected to see an intensification of security measures now that the Houthis have begun to target maritime traffic.

On this subject, Al-Majidi said, The coastal strip has been unsafe ever since the Houthis seized control and began to move against Mocha, Midi and Taiz. A rapid intervention is needed to change that situation in the field so as to regain control on land, sea and air.

The US State Department issued a statement cautioning the Houthi movement against targeting vessels in the Red Sea, which is an international commercial waterway. Other Yemeni sources fear that the Houthi threat could inspire other militias, whether those working with the insurgents or Al-Qaeda affiliated militias, to undertake similar actions threatening the security of the Red Sea.

Speaking to the Weekly, Al-Saberi said: It is likely that this development regarding the firing of a missile occurred at the suggestion of a foreign power. The parties communicate with parties in the Gulf. For example, Ahmed Ali Saleh is in the UAE and a Saleh delegation was in Amman. Therefore, some parties want to transform the situation from one level to another one, closer to the Syrian situation, so as to promote greater international intervention and further complicate the conflict. What is needed, therefore, is a breakthrough that deals with the regional dilemma of the Yemeni conflict, which is connected with other regional conflicts.

Apart from such developments there are other factors that will affect the Muscat stage. One is the initiative that Secretary of State Kerry presented in Riyadh some weeks ago in a new and, in the opinion of some, unconvincing US intervention in the Yemeni question. Some observers have added that parts of the Kerry initiative are vague, such as the idea of having militia forces handover weapons to a third neutral party.

Another possibly complicating factor is the Russian involvement that has come to light recently and that is apparently geared to enhancing the Houthi-Saleh position. According to sources in Sanaa, former president Saleh met with the Russian chargedaffairs in the Yemeni capital on the eve of the anticipated talks in Muscat. Such reports support the contention that the Russian-US rivalry fever has spread from Syria to Yemen, which also implies bilateral actions worked out in secret between Moscow and Washington.

Riyadh, for its part, insists that any forthcoming agreement must not allow the Houthi movement to remain as a militia, as stated by the Saudi-led coalition spokesman General Asiri. The Saudi stipulation may prove yet another challenge to the process.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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by Sara Guaglione , October 6, 2016

Bloomberg Media has launched an expanded and redesigned version of Bloomberg Technology, a new brand that focuses on the business of global technology.

Bloomberg Technology is part of Bloomberg Medias strategy to build brands around business, but with specific angles, such as politics and tech. What makes this tech site different from the CNETs out there is that Bloomberg Technology is built for businessmen interested in tech, rather than tech enthusiasts.

"The launch of Bloomberg Technology completes our strategy of building a portfolio of global multi-platform brands that speak directly to different segments of this premium audience, stated Bloomberg Media CEO Justin B. Smith.

The site is now built on Javelin, a new article and template design focused on speed and built by Bloomberg engineers. In tests, page load times improved by 30%-50%, per the company.

Bloomberg plans to roll out the template to the rest of its portfolio, including the flagship Bloomberg site, Bloomberg Markets, Bloomberg Politics and Bloomberg Pursuits.

The site has adopted a feature called Boomerang, which will take the homepage to the user, rather than waiting for the user to find it, according to the company.

In other words, after reading an article, Boomerang will take readers back to a refreshed homepage-like experience at the bottom of an article. The hope is that casual readers who come to the site from Google or social media will stay longer.

For advertisers, it means homepage campaigns will continue to have an impact at a time when fewer and fewer users go to the homepage or section landing pages, the company added.

Bloomberg Technology spans across digital, mobile, television, radio and print platforms and will also host live events. Over the last year, Brad Stone, senior executive editor of Global Technology, has added 12 new journalists to the brand, including three in China. In total, the team has 50 dedicated tech journalists.

The vertical will have a greater focus on video than Bloombergs other sites.

The brand plans to have five to six live weekly shows. Bloomberg Television's flagship technology show, "Bloomberg West," will be renamed "Bloomberg Technology" and be fully integrated into the digital site. Certain Bloomberg Technology segments will appear on Bloomberg TV and other digital platforms.

Separately, Bloomberg Media tapped agency vet Steven Feuling to head strategy efforts for B2B clients worldwide. Previously, Feuling was CEO Dentsu Aegis agency Vizeum. He will report to Bloomberg Media COO Jacki Kelley, who called him a "game-changing asset to our clients."
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, October 6, 2016

IPG Mediabrands is rolling out a new healthcare-focused media agency call Healix, the company confirmed Thursday.

The new shop has been in the works for months and Mediabrands has tapped talent both inside and outside the company for the new agency which will serve a roster of new and existing clients including Merck, Teva, BMS and Takeda.

A Mediabrands rep stressed however that the new shop will not be involved in servicing Johnson & Johnson which will continue to be served solely by J3 the dedicated entity within UM.

Back in April the company tapped healthcare marketing veteran Jeffery Erb to oversee the setting up and launch of the new operation. Hell serve as Healix President, North America and report to Mediabrands NA COO Chris Loll.

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Previously Erb was SVP and Managing Director at Alliance Life Sciences, a consultant, tech and data solutions company for the pharmaceutical and medical device business sectors.

Also joining Healix is Peter Duffy who serves as growth director. He joined the company in August from Harte-Hanks where he was VP Health Marketing and led the healthcare business development team.

Internally the company has tapped Laurie Larson to be the new agencys SVP Group Director, Media. Previously she held the title SVP Director of Media Strategy, Mediabrands Health.

Also Michael Baliber, who has been SVP Director of Media Strategy for ID Media has joined Healix as VP, Director Of Digital Innovation, Digital Media.

The shop has also recruited a team of pharma, biotech and nutraceutical experts to examine issues, identify solutions and provide media planning strategies. The agency will also collaborate with sibling specialist units including Reprise, Ansible, Cadreon and Society to address client needs.

The new agency will have offices in New York (where its headquartered), Princeton, NJ and affiliates in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and the Asia Pacific regions.

Mediabrands Global CEO Henry Tajer described Healix as an evolution of our best-in-class services." The agencys team, he added is wholly committed to creating better business outcomes for healthcare brands, backed by our networks expertise across media intelligence and innovation.
by Larissa Faw , October 6, 2016

MDC Partners has named Randy Duax to the newly created SVP Talent and Recruiting to further support to the companys partner network and help fuel its continued global expansion, says MDC.

Based in New York, he reports directly to chairman/CEO Scott Kauffman.

Most recently Duax served as WPP's talent director of Asia Pacific where he was responsible for senior executive recruitment across WPPs company holdings and teams in Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney and Tokyo.

Before relocating overseas, he worked for WPP in New York and oversaw senior executive recruitment across WPPs agencies in North America.

Duax launched his career at Koller Search Partners, where he rose to the position of Managing Director, overseeing the firms advertising and marketing practice.

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No industry is more dependent on talent than ours, and we are highly proactive in ensuring that MDC and its agencies attract the very best, most entrepreneurial and most creative talent in the world, stated Kauffman. With the addition of Randy to our team, we are further enhancing our talent expertise to meet the expanding needs of our agency partners and their clients, ensuring that MDC remains The Place Where Great Talent Lives.
Men conceived through intracytoplasmic sperm injection  a form of fertility treatment  may have poorer sperm quantity and quality than those conceived naturally. This is the conclusion of the first ever analysis of young men who were conceived through the procedure in the early 1990s. Share on Pinterest Researchers suggest men conceived through ICSI may inherit their fathers fertility problems. Study co-author Prof. Andre Van Steirteghemat and colleagues  from the Centre for Reproductive Medicine at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium  publish their findings in the journal Human Reproduction. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a type of assisted reproductive technology. Forming a part of in vitro fertilization (IVF), It involves collecting sperm from the father and injecting it directly into the inner part of the mothers egg, in order to induce normal fertilization. The fertilized egg is then placed in the mothers womb. ICSI is primarily used to treat male infertility  that is, men who have a low sperm count or abnormal sperm function. The technique allows doctors to select the best quality sperm, and injecting it directly into the egg increases the chances of fertilization. The technique was pioneered more than 20 years ago by Prof. Van Steirteghemat and team. On January 14, 1992, the first baby was born through ICSI. Since many cases of male infertility are caused by genetic defects, Prof. Van Steirteghemat and colleagues always speculated that men conceived through ICSI might inherit such defects from their fathers. Now, speculation may have moved closer to fact, after an analysis of 54 men born through ICSI between 1992-1996  a time when the procedure was solely used for male infertility  suggests an association between the procedure and poor sperm quantity and quality.

Reduction in sperm count, concentration for ICSI-conceived men The 54 men included in the study  aged 18-22  were identified through the UZ Brussel hospital database, and they were matched with a group of control men who had been conceived naturally. Of the men who were conceived through ICSI, 50 of them had fathers who had male-factor infertility (two cases of combined male and female infertility, 48 cases of male infertility only). For parents of the remaining four men, the reason for their infertility was unknown. All men were asked to provide semen samples, which were assessed for sperm quantity and quality. Blood samples were also collected for analysis, and other health checks were conducted. The analysis revealed that men conceived through ICSI had almost half the total sperm concentration as men conceived naturally, and they showed a twofold reduction in total sperm count (semen volume multiplied by semen concentration) and total motile sperm count (the number of sperm that can reach the egg). Furthermore, men conceived through ICSI were found to be three times more likely to have a sperm concentration below 15 million per milliliter and four times more likely to have a total sperm count below 39 million per milliliter. For reference, the World Health Organization (WHO) consider a normal sperm concentration to be 15 million per milliliter or higher. The teams findings remained even after accounting for a number of factors that might have impacted semen quality, including age, body mass index (BMI), and genital malformations.

Findings suggest a degree of sub-fertility has been passed on Overall, Prof. Van Steirteghemat and colleagues say their results suggest men conceived through ICSI may have poorer sperm quality and quantity, increasing their likelihood of fertility problems. These findings are not unexpected, notes Prof. Van Steirteghemat. Before ICSI was carried out, prospective parents were informed that it may well be that their sons may have impaired sperm and semen like their fathers. For all the parents, this information was not a reason to abstain from ICSI because, as they said: if this happens ICSI can then also be a solution for our sons.' These first results from the oldest group of ICSI-conceived adults worldwide indicate that a degree of sub-fertility has, indeed, been passed on to sons of fathers who underwent ICSI because of impaired semen characteristics. Prof. Andre Van Steirteghemat However, there is no indication that specific semen characteristics can be passed from fathers to sons through ICSI; in the study, the low sperm concentration and total motile sperm counts among ICSI-conceived men did not correlate with those of their fathers. The study shows that semen characteristics of ICSI fathers do not predict semen values in their sons. It is well established that genetic factors play a role in male infertility, but many other factors may also interfere. Furthermore, correlation is not the same thing as causation, says Prof. Van Steirteghemat.
Researchers at the University of Bradford have discovered a way to prevent chemotherapy resistance in lung cancer by blocking a protein found in cancer cells.

Suppressing this protein, called Ran-GTP, also causes cancer cells already resistant to the first-line chemotherapy treatment, gefitinib, to become re-sensitised to the drug.

The research, led by Professor Mohamed El-Tanani, at Bradford's Institute of Cancer Therapeutics in collaboration with Queen's University Belfast, also found that Ran-GTP could be used to predict prognosis in breast cancer patients.

Key to the findings - published in Oncotarget - is the relationship between Ran-GTP and another protein called c-Met, which has previously been linked to several cancers. Overexpression of c-Met is known to cause chemotherapy resistance in breast and lung cancer and drugs which inhibit its activity are currently undergoing clinical trials for treatment of lung cancer. Professor El-Tanani believes the new research shows that targeting Ran-GTP could be a more effective approach.

"Much is known about the activity of c-Met and its impact on cancer, but our research is looking at things a step earlier, by focusing on the protein that regulates c-Met - Ran-GTP," he says. "c-Met needs Ran-GTP to function, and in particular needs very high levels when it becomes over-expressed or mutates - as is the case in cancers. By blocking Ran-GTP, we were able to both undo the resistance caused by c-Met and prevent that resistance occurring. This shows that Ran-GTP could be a good therapeutic target for cancer treatment, particularly in lung and breast cancer."

High levels of c-Met in breast cancer tumours are generally accepted to be associated with poor survival, but the team made a further unexpected discovery. When they analysed tissue samples from 247 breast cancer patients, they found that patients with poor prognosis had tumours with high levels of both Met and Ran-GTP, rather than Met alone.

"This finding emphasises how the role of Ran-GTP, rather than the expression of c-Met alone, seems to be key to the progression of cancer," says Professor El-Tanani. "Even when c-Met was high and Ran was low, a patient's prognosis was much better. This means we might be able to use Ran levels to stratify patients to determine the most appropriate treatment, intervening with more aggressive treatments only in patients with high levels of both proteins. "

Although this study silenced Ran-GTP in lung cancer cells through genetic manipulation in the laboratory, the research team is already well down the road to finding a drug compound that can perform the same function.

"We've already screened millions of potential compounds that have the potential to inhibit Ran to find the most potent one in vitro and in vivo model systems as a preclinical validation," says Professor El-Tanani. "We now have two very strong candidates ready to move forward into clinical trials."

One candidate is a 'repurposed' drug that has been already pre-clinically validated in breast and lung cancer and is ready for clinical trials. As an existing drug, it's already known to be safe for use in humans and could be taken straight to Phase 2 trials. The second candidate is a peptide which has already been tested in animal models.

The University of Bradford is actively seeking further funding and investor support, and once secured, clinical trials for the two drug candidates could start within a few months.

"It's been a long road to get to this stage, but we're very excited about the clinical potential for Ran-GTP inhibitors," he says. "It would be wonderful to see new treatments that block this protein enter trials, hopefully prove their effectiveness in treating cancer and eventually reach the clinic."

Catherine Pickworth, Cancer Research UK's science information officer, said: "When cancer becomes resistant to chemotherapy it's a lot harder to treat. Excitingly, this study has identified a potential target to stop or even reverse cancer resistance to a chemotherapy drug called gefitinib. Now more research and clinical trials are needed to find and test a drug that will help patients whose cancers have become resistant to chemotherapy."

Article: Ran GTPase promotes cancer progression via Met receptormediated downstream signaling, Hiu-Fung Yuen, Ka-Kui Chan, Angela Platt-Higgins, EL-Habib Dakir, Kyle B. Matchett, Yusuf Ahmed Haggag, Puthen V. Jithesh, Tanwir Habib, Ahmed Faheem, Fennell A. Dean, Richard Morgan, Philip S. Rudland, Mohamed El-Tanani, Oncotarget, published 3 October 2016.
Using a simple decision rule and a finger prick to test blood, general practitioners can now detect serious infections in children very quickly. This ensures that seriously ill children don't have to wait for a diagnosis until they're hospitalized - a delay that may have fatal consequences. The procedure also prevents unnecessary hospital referrals for less serious cases. That is the conclusion of a study conducted by a clinical team at KU Leuven (University of Leuven, Belgium) in collaboration with Ghent University and University of Oxford.

In the early stages, serious infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, kidney or bone infections, or dangerous inflammations of the skin have symptoms that resemble those of more common viral infections. They are also very rare. "As a result, serious infections tend to stay off the general practitioner's radar for too long. We asked ourselves how rapid diagnostic tests might help solve this problem," says Jan Verbakel, general practitioner and postdoctoral researcher at the KU Leuven Faculty of Medicine.

Testing is not a very common practice among general practitioners yet. "Testing is often complex, expensive, and most of all time-consuming: it usually takes a few days for the lab results to come in. But recently, various so-called point-of-care tests have become available. These simple diagnostic tests can be performed in the general practitioner's office and provide results within minutes. For the detection of serious infections, point-of-care CRP testing by means of a finger prick holds potential. The test measures the level of the C-reactive protein (CRP) in a drop of blood. The concentration of this protein increases in response to a pathogen."

A one-year study involving over 3,100 ill children from across Flanders showed that 5 mg of CRP per litre of blood is a good threshold value to rule out serious infections, but only after the GP has performed a clinical evaluation of the patient's symptoms and vital functions. "Point-of-care CRP testing cannot replace a general practitioner. Does the GP sense that something is off? Is the child short of breath, or running a fever of more than 40C? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it's useful to perform a point-of-care CRP test. Our study showed that with this procedure, all serious infections were detected during the first visit to the general practitioner. But there's no need to test all ill children."

"Thanks to the combination of a clinical examination of the patient, possibly followed by a point-of- care CRP test, general practitioners can detect serious infections more quickly and more objectively. And for children who are less seriously ill, the procedure prevents unnecessary hospital referrals and anxiety. The point-of-care CRP test is a valuable tool for general practitioners, but it has to be used responsibly," Verbakel concludes.

The Ernie 2 study was funded by Belgium's National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (RIZIV) and Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). It is a collaboration between KU Leuven, Ghent University, University Hospitals Leuven, UZ Gent, paediatricians affiliated with various Flemish hospitals, and general practitioners all across Flanders.
In this free webinar, learn about the rapidly growing cell and gene therapy and vaccine markets. Attendees will get an overview of the manufacturing process for adeno-associated virus (AAV) and how Akron Bio's new facility is designed to address ...
Defense lawyers asked a US federal judge Wednesday to throw out a case against an Iranian-Turkish tycoon accused of defying sanctions on Tehran.

Reza Zarrab, 33, was arrested in Miami in March en route to Disney World and charged with conspiring to violate US sanctions against Iran, defraud US banks and launder money by helping Iranian entities transfer funds through US institutions.

His lawyers -- including Ben Brafman who defended former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn -- argued Zarrab had not broken US laws because he was a foreigner living abroad.

"As a foreign national sitting in Turkey he hasn't violated US criminal law," said one of Zarrab's attorneys, Paul Clement, before Judge Richard Berman. "He's not subject to the jurisdiction of the US.

"This is an unprecedented expanded prosecution."

However, Assistant US Attorney Michael Lockard said "foreign nationals are not permitted to use US financial institutions to benefit Iran."

Wearing a blue prison uniform, Zarrab listened to the proceedings with the assistance of an interpreter.

Brafman also challenged the legality of Zarrab's Miami arrest because customs officers had requested the businessman's cell phone passcode and a list of his businesses and bank accounts before he was allowed to call a lawyer.

"They have orchestrated this and allowed him to incriminate himself," Brafman said.

In response to that argument Lockard said it was not out of line for airport customs agents to request access codes from suspicious passengers, and that Zarrab had given his consent.

Zarrab, who operates a gold brokerage, currency exchange, shipbuilding company, furniture manufacturing business and real estate construction firm, has passports from Iran, Macedonia and Turkey -- countries that either have no extradition treaty with America or do not extradite citizens.

His lawyers unsuccessfully tried in March to let him swap the grimness of a federal lock-up for a swanky Manhattan apartment with round-the-clock security.

Zarrab's March arrest stunned Turkey, where the flamboyant young businessman had been linked to a 2013 corruption scandal that ensnared the government of then premier, now president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Zarrab spent 70 days in custody in Turkey over the scandal, which Erdogan denounced as a plot by his arch-foe -- the US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen -- to bring down his government.

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Diarrhea means loose, watery stools which occur frequently. It occurs when the intestines fail to absorb the liquids or when excess fluid leaks into the lumen.

The symptoms that may be associated with diarrhea include abdominal pain abdominal cramps, fever, bloating, blood in stool and fever. Depending on the cause, diarrhea may last for a day to several days.

If diarrhea lasts for less than 2 weeks, it is acute diarrhea. If it lasts longer than 4 weeks, it is called chronic diarrhea.

The causes of diarrhea include infection, medications, endocrine-related conditions, digestive disorders or malignancy.

Diarrhea is a frequent cause of death due to dehydration among children. Infections are the main cause of diarrhea in underdeveloped and developing nations.

What are the Causes of Diarrhea?

The causes of diarrhea are:

Infections due to bacteria, virus and parasites can cause diarrhea. The patient gives a history of intake of possible contaminated food or water and may suffer from vomiting, fever and pain in the abdomen as well.

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Bacterial Causes of Diarrhea

Bacteria causing diarrhea are Salmonella, Shigella, E.coli, Vibrio cholera , Campylobacter and Clostridium difficile . The type of stools and associated symptoms may give a clue on the type of infection.

, Campylobacter and . The type of stools and associated symptoms may give a clue on the type of infection. Vibrio cholerae produces watery diarrhea and causes severe dehydration.

produces watery diarrhea and causes severe dehydration. Clostridium difficile produces watery and sometimes bloody stools. The patient may give a history of prior antibiotic use or hospitalization.

produces watery and sometimes bloody stools. The patient may give a history of prior antibiotic use or hospitalization. Shigella produces dysentery with mucus and/or blood in the stools.

Some patients with diarrheal infections with organisms like Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella and Yersinia may develop reactive arthritis where the patient shows features of arthritis, sore or pink eyes, and inflammation of the urethra.

Infection with enterohemorrhagic E coli and Shigella can result in kidney failure due to hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Viral Causes of Diarrhea

The viral causes of diarrhea include Norwalk virus, viral hepatitis and Cytomegalovirus. Rotavirus is the common causative agent of diarrhea among the children. Cytomegalovirus often causes diarrhea in patients with reduced immunity. Viral diarrhea is usually self-limiting and does not require antibiotics.

Parasitic Causes of Diarrhea

Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium are some of the parasites which cause diarrhea. Entamoeba histolytica produces dysentery.

Diarrhea due to Medications

Diarrhea can be a side effect of almost all oral medications. There are certain drugs which cause diarrhea by various mechanisms.

Drugs like citrates, sulfates, phosphates, magnesium containing laxatives and mannitol cause diarrhea due to osmotic water release into the lumen of the intestine.

Antibiotics like amoxicillin, antiarrhythmic drugs like quinine, colchicine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, prostaglandins and biguanides cause diarrhea due to increased secretion.

Drugs like erythromycin, metoclopramide and laxatives cause diarrhea due to the increased intestinal motility.

Drugs like acarbose and aminoglycosides cause diarrhea due to malabsorption

Broad-spectrum antibiotics disturb the normal gut flora. This leads to the infection with Clostridium difficile causing pseudomembranous enterocolitis, which causes diarrhea.

A history of intake of the medications should be obtained from a patient with diarrhea. Diarrhea often reduces when the medication is stopped and replaced with a different medication.

Intestinal Disorders

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): It is functional diarrhea that can cause watery stools. IBS causes symptoms of crampy abdominal pain along with either diarrhea or constipation. The abdominal discomfort is relieved by defecation. It is more common among women and in developed nations. Emotional stress, eating and infections exacerbate IBS. The tests are normal in IBS.

It is functional diarrhea that can cause watery stools. IBS causes symptoms of crampy abdominal pain along with either diarrhea or constipation. The abdominal discomfort is relieved by defecation. It is more common among women and in developed nations. Emotional stress, eating and infections exacerbate IBS. The tests are normal in IBS. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) manifests in two forms, ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease. Ulcerative colitis involves colon, rectum and causes diarrhea, blood in stool and pain in abdomen. Crohns disease initially involves ileum and later involves the whole gastrointestinal system. Crohns disease causes diarrhea, pain in the abdomen and fever.

manifests in two forms, ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease. Ulcerative colitis involves colon, rectum and causes diarrhea, blood in stool and pain in abdomen. Crohns disease initially involves ileum and later involves the whole gastrointestinal system. Crohns disease causes diarrhea, pain in the abdomen and fever. Microscopic Colitis is due to microscopic inflammation of the colon. It causes intermittent secretory diarrhea.

Malabsorptive Diarrhea is seen in intestinal malabsorption conditions like celiac disease, Whipples disease and mesenteric ischemia. Celiac disease is due to the hypersensitivity of the small intestine to gluten leading to malabsorption. Malabsorption of fat results in greasy, foul-smelling and difficult to flush stools. The patient may suffer from other nutrient deficiencies and weight loss.

is seen in intestinal malabsorption conditions like celiac disease, Whipples disease and mesenteric ischemia. Celiac disease is due to the hypersensitivity of the small intestine to gluten leading to malabsorption. Malabsorption of fat results in greasy, foul-smelling and difficult to flush stools. The patient may suffer from other nutrient deficiencies and weight loss. Lactose Intolerance is characterized by an inability of the intestines to digest lactose due to lack of the enzyme lactase. It causes chronic diarrhea, bloating and pain in abdomen. Diarrhea improves on avoiding lactose-containing foods.

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Neoplastic Diarrhea

Cancers like colon carcinoma and villous adenocarcinoma can cause diarrhea. The patient may give a history of severe weight loss.

Endocrine Causes of Diarrhea

Hyperthyroidism: High thyroid hormone levels increase the motility of the gut and cause diarrhea. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism like increased heart rate, hand tremors and easy fatigue may be noted in these patients.

High thyroid hormone levels increase the motility of the gut and cause diarrhea. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism like increased heart rate, hand tremors and easy fatigue may be noted in these patients. Gastrinoma is a gastrin-secreting tumor of the pancreas or duodenum. Increased secretion of gastrin causes excessive release of hydrochloric acid into the gut and increases the gut motility to cause diarrhea. The patient suffers from stomach ulcers which do not respond to treatment.

is a gastrin-secreting tumor of the pancreas or duodenum. Increased secretion of gastrin causes excessive release of hydrochloric acid into the gut and increases the gut motility to cause diarrhea. The patient suffers from stomach ulcers which do not respond to treatment. VIPoma is a tumor in the pancreas. The tumor secretes excess Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) leading to diarrhea. The tumor results in large volumes of watery stools that can cause dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities.

is a tumor in the pancreas. The tumor secretes excess Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) leading to diarrhea. The tumor results in large volumes of watery stools that can cause dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. Addisons Disease is due to adrenal gland insufficiency. Diarrhea is a common symptom in the patients with Addisons disease.

Mastocytosis is a disorder of the mast cells, which are often involved in allergic and inflammatory reactions. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are common in mastocytosis.

is a disorder of the mast cells, which are often involved in allergic and inflammatory reactions. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are common in mastocytosis. Carcinoid Syndrome is seen when the substances like serotonin and kallikrein produced by a carcinoid tumor are released into systemic circulation. Watery diarrhea is common in carcinoid syndrome. The patient may also experience episodes of flushing, wheezing and breathlessness, and skin lesions.

Surgery-Related Causes

Diarrhea is common among patients after surgeries like gastrectomy (surgical removal of part or all of the stomach), cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal), vagotomy (removing part of the vagus nerve) and intestinal resection. A history of prior surgery is obtained from the patient. The surgical scar may be noted to confirm the cause of the diarrhea.

Other Causes

Diarrhea can also be caused due to anxiety, excess caffeine and alcohol consumption and radiotherapy.
Introduction

In recent months, tensions have been rising between Copts and Muslims in Egypt. Recurring violent incidents between Muslims and Copts in the rural areas of Upper Egypt in the Minya and Bani Suef Governorates[1] have led to increased protests by the Coptic Church,[2] even requiring the involvement of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, who in July 2016 met with Coptic Patriarch Tawadros II to try to calm and reassure the Coptic community.[3] In light of these events, the Egyptian government, along with Coptic Church representatives from around the country, joined forces to promote a law regulating the construction and renovation of churches in Egypt; the law received final presidential approval on September 28, 2016.[4]

The new law regulates the construction and renovation of churches and related structures, and sets out a legal definition of the term "church" and other relevant terms. Under it, the Coptic Church's legal counsel would submit a request to build or renovate a church to the local governor, who has four months to respond; if he denies the request he must give his reasons in detail. The law also states that the size of the church and adjacent structures will be set in accordance with population sizes and requirements.[5]

Prior to the law's passage, in early August 2016, it was reported that the Egyptian government and Coptic Church (which consists of three branches: Orthodox, Evangelical and Catholic) had reached an agreement on its wording.[6] But while some MPs, particularly Copts, welcomed it, stating that it would contribute to ending the religious conflict, others, among them MP 'Atef Makhlif, argued that some sections of it were vague, such as Section 2 concerning how large churches may be.[7] The section stated: "The size of the church and of the accompanying structure for which the [building] permit is filed must be in accordance with the number and needs of the Christians in the area where it will be established, taking into consideration the population growth rate..."[8]

The Orthodox Church issued a statement claiming that "unacceptable changes and impractical additions" had been made to the agreed-upon wording, "which could jeopardize national unity in Egypt because of their complexities and flaws, and due to the failure to take into account the national sentiment and civil rights of the Copts in Egypt."[9]

Following these objections to the proposed wording of the law from some Copts and MPs, the government hastened to discuss the disputed sections, fearing an increase in the Muslim-Coptic tension.[10] Additionally, Church representatives met with Egyptian Minister of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Magdy Al-Agaty,[11] and Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Isma'il met with Patriarch Tawadros II.[12]

On August 25, the Church announced that it had reached an agreement with the government regarding the wording of the law,[13] which was approved by the Egyptian parliament five days later, on August 30. The Salafi Al-Nour party remained opposed; its members abstained and left the room after the vote,[14] and Al-Nour MP Mohammad Isma'il Gadallah said that the law would lead to the eradication of Egypt's Islamic identity.[15] After the law's passage, Patriarch Tawardos II thanked state officials, including President Al-Sisi and Prime Minister Isma'il, stressing, "This law aims to correct a mistake that has lasted 160 years."[16]

In contrast to Church representatives' positive reactions to the law, it has sparked outrage from the beginning of its ratification process in the government and parliament, and was also opposed by many public and media figures, including Copts, liberals, and Islamists. Thus, for example, Orthodox Coptic attorney Naguib Gabriel stated that the law did not bring about equality among citizens, and expressed his objections to Section 2, about the size of a church as proportional to the size of the local Christian population. There were no such restrictions, he said, on mosque construction.[17] Kamal Zakher, coordinator of the Secular Copts movement, criticized parliament's fast-tracking of the law, arguing that it divided Muslims and Christians.[18] He added that several Coptic movements as well as public figures, politicians, and civil society organizations had presented an official memo to President Al-Sisi requesting that he not sign the law and instead send it back to parliament.[19] The main argument against the law is that it sets Christians apart from the rest of Egyptian society, and that the issue of church construction should have been included in a broader, more general law regulating the construction of all places of worship.[20]



President Al-Sisi meets with Coptic Patriarch Tawadros II (Al-Ahram, Egypt, July 29, 2016)

Following are excerpts from articles by Egyptian writers, both Copts and Muslims, reflecting the discourse on this issue throughout the process of the law's approval in the government and parliament:

Coptic MPs: Apply The Same Law To Churches And Mosques

Coptic MP: Current Law Does Not Solve The Problem Of Churches

Before the passage of the law, Dr. 'Imad Gad, a Coptic MP and deputy chairman of the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, argued that it would not change the harsh reality faced by churches, and that a separate law for churches would divide Christians and Muslims. He suggested that there should be instead a single law for all houses of worship:

"The law in its current form does not solve the problem of the old churches and does not address the problem of building new ones. The government purposely dodged this, and behind the scenes are the security apparatuses - particularly the national security apparatuses - who are ready to hunt down and exploit instances of ambiguous wording in order to deal with the whole issue. This is why the Orthodox Church expressed the hope that the law would be implemented honestly and in accordance with the assurances that it provided.

"The law allows the governor of the district in question to decide on a request [to construct or renovate a church] within four months, but does not set out what course of action should be pursued if the request is denied - neither sanctions on governors who repeatedly reject requests, nor a channel for filing a complaint about injustice or a governor's rejection... Therefore, there is nothing new here... With regard to building new churches, the governor may deny the request, and the party submitting the request must turn to the courts and go through the process of filing a complaint, which can take years...

"As for the message that this law conveys: Passing a law concerning the construction and renovation of churches that is separate from a law concerning the construction and renovation of mosques will only deepen the religious discrimination among Egypt's [citizens], and splinter the unity between a Muslim Egyptian and a Christian Egyptian, and between a mosque and a church, so that each have their own space and their own law. Therefore, all Egyptians must join forces to oppose this law and demand a single law for houses of worship...

"We must pass a law with only two sections that will fundamentally solve this problem and end the tension that has existed in our hearts for decades and the whole debate on this issue by setting uniform, objective standards for [both] mosques and churches. The 'Egyptians Against Religious Discrimination' group has already drawn up both sections of this law. Section 1 states: 'All unauthorized Christian houses of worship that host religious worship at the time of the passage of this law will become licensed, so that the sections of this [new] law [only] apply to Christian houses of worship that are to be constructed, reinforced, renovated, expanded, or have stories added.' Section 2 states: 'All regulations regarding the construction, maintenance, renovation, and expansion... of houses of worship serving Egypt's Muslim citizens, or regarding adjacent structures that serve them, will apply [also] to the houses of worship of Egypt's Christian citizens.' Thus this pointless debate surrounding church building will end."[21]

Coptic Intellectual: There Must Be Social Consensus About Church Construction Law

Also prior to the law's passage, Gamal As'ad, a Coptic intellectual and former MP, attacked both the Salafi Al-Nour party and what he referred to as "Coptic activists." About the former, he argued that the party's opposition to the law constituted explicit support for revoking Copts' rights and citizenships and for marginalizing them; regarding the latter, he said that their actions are enraging Muslims and fueling the Muslim-Copt schism. He wrote:

"Every law is aimed at regulating the internal ties among sectors of the public and between the public and the regime. There must be a social consensus about a law's importance in order to create an agreement that will allow it to be implemented... [In the Copts' case,] there are obstacles that prevent us from thinking that the problem of the churches was solved when this law was passed, because the Salafi stream, represented by the Al-Nour Party, champions beliefs and opinions that are in line with its own partisan and political interests, and exploits the religious sphere for political purposes... The [Al-Nour party's] rejection of the churches law is not a normal political and parliamentary expression, but an explicit statement [in support of] revoking the rights and citizenship of the other, and marginalizing him, while flouting the constitution...

"On the other hand, there are the so-called 'Coptic activists' who are the other side of the same coin, even if passively, because they act just like [Al-Nour] and bring about the same results. They and others hijack this issue in order to make their presence known, and they delude themselves that they are playing a role, when they are not sufficiently knowledgeable [to play it]. The strange thing is that these activists presume to demand a civil state, but at the same time their methods perpetuate a religious state. They speak on behalf of their sect and make sectarian demands on a sectarian basis, and this angers the Muslim majority, as if [their demands] were aimed at preventing the construction of mosques, not obtaining a law for churches. They do this instead of acting to create a [sympathetic] political environment that includes and unites everyone, because if everyone is not satisfied, and if everyone is not included, it will not help solve this or other problems. Therefore, before this law [is passed], it is more important to eliminate the atmosphere that [the Coptic activists] are exploiting. This is an obligation for everyone, on all levels - starting with Al-Azhar and the [Coptic] Church."[22]

Muslim Egyptian Writers: The Church Construction Law Undermines Christian-Muslim Equality

Egyptian Writer: Building Houses Of Worship Is Not Just A Christian Right - The Law Must Apply To Everyone

Muslim Al-Ahram columnist Dr. Osama Al-Ghazali Harb argued that the law, if passed, I don't want to say "prior to the passage of the law" yet again would express the failure of the civil state and the citizenship law, and called on parliament to reject it. He said that there was need for a more general law regulating the construction of houses of worship, and that such a bill should be discussed by all Christian and Muslim citizens - not by Christians and the government. He wrote:

"The current debate in parliament regarding the church construction law is a failure of the civil state in Egypt and the citizenship law, and history will hold accountable anyone who took part in it, whether Christian or Muslim, [for the following reasons:]

"- The claim that this law implements Section 235 of the constitution - which states that 'in its first legislative term following the effective date of this Constitution, the House of Representatives shall issue a law to regulate constructing and renovating churches, in a manner that guarantees the freedom to practice religious rituals for Christians' - does not rule out the possibility that this will be carried out under a more general law regarding the construction of [all] houses of worship. Section 64 of the constitution supports my claim, as it states that freedom of religious worship and the freedom to establish houses of worship are anchored in the law, that is, it does not restrict the legal arrangement in this matter to churches only.

"- The sides in this debate are not only the government and the Church, but are, first and foremost the Christian and Muslim citizens; their religious institutions are to join the debate later on. The argument that the Church represents the Copts is purely sectarian; this debate should be conducted by all citizens, Copts and Muslims, as citizens with equal rights and obligations, and without differentiation or discrimination.

"- It would be unfortunate and shameful to forgo [the passing of] a single law for the construction of houses of worship for both Muslims and Christians, and to refer only to the construction of churches...

"I call on parliament to oppose the church construction bill and to go back to the concept of a single law for houses of worship. If the Egyptian parliament indeed does this, then it will go down in history... Finally, I say to President Al-Sisi that his visit to St. Mark's [Coptic] Cathedral [in Alexandria] to extent holiday greetings to the Copts was a wise move indicating his interest in them, and the Copts accepted this with love, esteem, and gratitude, as he deserved. However, there is [still] a great need for [improving] the full rights of Cops in Egypt after the January 25 and June 30 revolutions."[23]

Muslim Writer: The Law Constitutes A Church Crime Against Struggling Christians, And It Revokes Their Equality In The Homeland

Muslim Al-Masri Al-Yawm writer Hamdi Razaq criticized the Egyptian churches, claiming that they agreed to the law in return for approval for installing bells in church towers and placing crosses atop them, and accused them of actualizing the extremist Muslim plan to marginalize Christians and revoke their citizenship. He wrote:

"The 15th draft of the church construction bill explicitly refers to church towers with bells and crosses. Is the problem really bells and crosses?...

"The three churches [Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelist] have willingly signed on to something that the Muslim Brotherhood, Salafis, and their supporters were unable to accomplish. The latter's historic plan was to revoke the Christians' citizenship and single them out in their homeland by means of a bell and a cross. [It is as if they said:] 'Here is the bell and the cross that make you Christians in the homeland, instead of citizens. You are dhimmi, [non-Muslims protected by] others.

"The evil of the Salafi [Egyptian] state is terrible. It hanged Christians from bells and crosses as it passed its shameful law. The Christians shouted, Where is the bell? Where is the cross? The bell and the cross distracted them from a law revoking their citizenship and expelling them from the public, as if the Christians' [entire] cause depends on a cross...

"This law is a perfectly grounded crime against the homeland, and its passage, with the consent of the three churches, is a crime against the Christians by the churches. All those who worked to pass this law, [it is as if] they plunged a knife deep into the heart of the state... [by] accepting this law as approved, as if it was preordained.

"The Egyptians' struggle for equality in a single homeland has become an illusion. The chances of [equal] citizenship have been reduced to a cross on a bell tower... The Egyptian homeland will not accept any distinction between Muslim and Christian, church and mosque, bell tower and minaret, bell and [Muslim] call to prayer, crescent and cross. Throughout Egypt's history, its crescent has embraced its cross, and its cross has been at the heart of the crescent - because that is how Egypt was designed.

"If the government has committed a crime by proposing this law, then the Church's crime is even worse. Both have transgressed against the civil state, against every Egyptian - and against the Muslims even before the Christians. Lately, we Muslims and Christians have become brothers - [but] unfortunately it is as a result of [the government's] harmful partnership with the Salafis.

"To those of you who raise a ruckus about the cross - where is the motto of 'citizens, not subjects'? Who decided on this unfair differentiation between a law for mosques and a law for churches?... Tolerance has been lost deep in our hearts, and our homeland has become a place... where Christians [need to] pray in their homeland under [the protection of a special] law... We are not at the mercy of the Salafis. Do not discriminate among us on the basis of religion. This law is religious discrimination of the first degree...

"A law for a bell and a cross... brings us back to the ancient period of dhimmi [that is, when Jews and Christians lived under Muslim rule]. Is this law appropriate for Egypt? We have nothing to do with this law, and the bell hangs around the necks of all of us - both rulers and ruled."[24]

* C. Meital is a research fellow at MEMRI.

Endnotes:
At least 20 Syrian rebels were killed in a blast at a border crossing with Turkey on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Britain-based monitoring group said it was unclear what caused the blast at the Atme crossing between Turkey and the northern Syrian province of Idlib, adding that around 20 people had also been wounded.

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The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura is willing to go to eastern Aleppo and escort up to 1,000 Islamist fighters out of the city for the sake of a halt to the bombardment by Russian and Syrian forces, he said on Thursday.

De Mistura said history would judge Syria and Russia if they used the presence of about 900 former Nusra Front fighters as an "easy alibi" to destroy the besieged area, killing thousands of the 275,000 citizens, 100,000 of whom are children.

"The bottom line is in a maximum of two months, two and a half months, the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate may be totally destroyed. We are talking about the old city in particular," he told a news conference in Geneva.

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A suspected car bomb on Thursday exploded near a police station in Istanbul, leaving at least five people wounded, Turkish television reported.

The explosion rocked the district of Yenibosna on the European side of Istanbul, close to the city's main international airport, CNN-Turk television reported.

Many ambulances were dispatched to the scene, it added. Television pictures showed several cars wrecked and shards of glass scattering the ground after the blast.

Witnesses told CNN-Turk that they heard a powerful explosion as well as gunshots. Turkish police sealed off the area on suspicion of a possible second blast.

The force of the blast blew out the windows of the police station.

Five people were wounded, one of them seriously, the television reports said.

Witnesses also said one vehicle was seriously damaged, raising the prospect that it was a car bomb attack, CNN-Turk said.

Turkey has already been hit by a bloody year of militant attacks in its two biggest cities that have left dozens of people dead and put the country on a high security alert.

Kurdish militants have twice struck in Ankara in deadly attacks, while suspected Islamic State (IS) suicide bombers have on three occasions struck in Istanbul.

In June, 47 people were killed in a triple suicide bombing and gun attack at Istanbul's Ataturk airport, with authorities pointing the finger at IS.

Fifty-seven people, 34 of them children, were killed in August in a suicide attack blamed carried out by a bomber linked to IS jihadists at a Kurdish wedding in the southeastern city of Gaziantep.

The country is also still reeling from a failed July 15 coup blamed on the US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen that has been followed by a relentless purge of his supporters from all state institutions.

There was no immediate indication who could be behind the latest blast.

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Hurricane Matthew has left at least 23 people dead in Haiti, a toll likely to climb as authorities re-establish contact with the hardest-hit areas where the damage is "catastrophic," officials said.

The Caribbean's worst storm in nearly a decade, Matthew slammed into Haiti, the Americas' poorest nation, with heavy rains and devastating winds triggering severe flooding and mud slides.

"The situation in the main cities we flew over was catastrophic," Haiti's interim president Jocelerme Privert said, after surveyed damage to the country's south Wednesday in a US Coast Guard plane.

"Jeremie, Les Cayes, Port-Salut, Petite-Riviere de Nippes, Dame Marie, among others, require all intervention without delay," he said, according to a Wednesday statement.

In addition to the 23 killed, three people remain missing, civil protection spokesman Edgar Celestin said, warning that the toll did not include the department of Grande Anse, which was in the eye of the storm and has been cut off from communication.

Authorities were "briefly able to contact Jeremie (the department capital), but we don't have information from other communities," Celestin said.

More than 21,000 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters.

"We're making every effort to care for these people. The priority is drinking water and food," Celestin said.

Matthew's overall death toll now stands at 27, including four people killed in the Dominican Republic.

Interior ministry spokesman Guillaume Albert Moleon told AFP that officials "can already see the situation seems very concerning," adding that 25 injuries had been reported.

Flooding brought on by Matthew has sparked a resurgence of cholera, with eight cases already reported.

Torrential rains have left around 2,000 homes flooded and damaged 10 schools, according to the latest partial assessment by authorities.

Both the death and damage tolls are likely to rise as rescue teams reach communities that have been cut off for the last 24 hours.

Initial surveys by helicopter found severely damaged houses, major farmland destruction and intense flooding.

Emergency services have been hampered by the collapse of a bridge, which closed off access to the only road linking Port-au-Prince to the peninsula that makes up southern Haiti.

Overflowing rivers are complicating efforts to bypass access the area.

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The Security Council on Thursday unanimously backed Antonio Guterres, the former prime minister of Portugal who was the UN's refugee chief for a decade, to be the next secretary-general.

The 15 council members adopted a resolution formally presenting Guterres as their choice to be the world's new diplomat-in-chief and requesting that the General Assembly endorse him.

Applause rang out during the closed-door meeting as the council recommended Guterres for a five-year term from January 1, diplomats at the session told AFP.

Speaking in Lisbon after the vote, Guterres expressed gratitude and pledged to work with "humility" to serve "those that are most vulnerable" in the world.

"To describe what I feel at the present moment two words are sufficient: gratitude and humility," he said in remarks delivered in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

The 67-year-old politician pledge to serve especially "those that are most vulnerable: the victims of conflict, of terrorism, the victims of the violation of rights, the victims of poverty and injustices."

The General Assembly's 193 member-states are set to vote next Thursday on endorsing Guterres as the successor to Ban Ki-moon, the former South Korean foreign minister who steps down after two five-year terms on December 31.

Guterres will become the ninth secretary-general of the United Nations, but the first who has served as a former head of government.

The unanimous backing followed an informal vote on Wednesday during which 13 of the 15 members supported his candidacy and none of the five veto-holding permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States --blocked him.

Speaking in Rome, Ban hailed Guterres as a "superb choice," saying that "his wide knowledge of world affairs and lively intellect will serve him well in leading the UN in a critical period."

The outcome however confounded some UN diplomats who did not expect such an outspoken candidate with strong political experience to win support from the five permanent council members.

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, this month's council president, told reporters after the vote that Guterres was a "great choice."

As UN high commissioner for refugees, a post he held until December, Guterres traveled the world and saw "some of the most gruesome conflicts we have to deal with," he said.

Churkin cited his experience as prime minister and described him as "a person who talks to everybody, speaks his mind, a very outgoing, open person."

Guterres will inherit "some of the most complicated challenges to peace, security, human rights and development that the world has known," said US Ambassador Samantha Power

The war in Syria, now its sixth year, has raged on as the council has been bogged down in deep divisions between Russia, which backs President Bashar al-Assad, and Western powers supporting opposition rebels.

With a record 65 million people displaced globally, the United Nations has been struggling to provide humanitarian aid and ensure that the rights of refugees are protected.

Peacekeeping operations, at the heart of the United Nations's mandate, have been clouded by a string of allegations of sexual abuse by the blue helmets sent to protect civilians in Africa.

Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko said Guterres must "return leadership to the United Nations" to address so many urgent crises.

"The role of the UN has never been as important as it is today and for that Mr Guterres is the right leader," said Ambassador Francois Delattre of France, which strongly backed Guterres throughout his campaign.

Guterres, a socialist who served as Portuguese prime minister from 1995 to 2002, won the number-one spot in all of the informal votes held by the Security Council.

There were 13 candidates in the race, two of whom dropped out, including seven women who stepped into the fray amid calls from civil society and some countries for a woman to take the top post for the first time, after eight men.

Guterres has promised to ensure gender parity at the United Nations -- a tall order given that women currently hold only 25 percent of its senior leadership positions.

Expectations are that a woman will be appointed to be the UN's number two, its deputy secretary-general.

With the arrival of a new secretary-general, the world body is headed for a shakeup of its top positions, which have traditionally been held by nationals from the powerful countries on the Security Council.

Churkin on Thursday addressed speculation that Russia had traded its support for Guterres in exchange for a Russian-backed appointee to a plum post, possibly as head of the UN's political affairs department.

"There were no under-the-table deals," he said. "There were questions asked. No direct promises given."

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UPPER THUMB  ITC will be conducting its semi-annual aerial patrols of high-voltage transmission towers and lines in east Michigan from about Oct. 12 to Oct. 25, weather permitting.

The helicopter patrols are conducted to provide an overall status of the overhead transmission system that is operated by ITC's Michigan operating entities, ITCTransmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (METC).
Jason Lermont of the Harbor Beach Fire Department helps Ubly first-grader Blake Soule out of the back of a school bus Wednesday morning. Soule took part in a demonstration that was part of the annual Fire Safety Day at Ubly Schools. This year, representatives from three different fire departments conducted a schoolwide fire drill, along with reenacting smoking bus and smoking house scenarios and how to safely escape them.
A US Army general who was Defense Secretary Ashton Carter's top military advisor used government credit cards at strip clubs, drank to excess and engaged in behavior unbecoming an officer, says a probe released Thursday.

Carter abruptly fired Major General Ron Lewis from his prestigious post following a tour of Asia in November 2015, after allegations emerged about events on that and other trips.

The probe, carried out by the Inspector General for the Department of Defense, documented a series of incidents dating back to April 2015, shortly after Carter was named as President Barack Obama's fourth defense chief.

Lewis is the latest US general to be fired for his conduct -- two others lost their jobs this year for alleged improprieties.

On a trip to Seoul, Lewis racked up $1,121 on his government credit card at "Candy Bar," a strip joint in the "Hooker Hill" area of Seoul's Itaewon district, the report states.

The club was off-limits to US military personnel because of its association with illicit activities, investigators wrote, noting Lewis had "received some form of services or benefits from those (credit card) transactions."

Lewis later said the charges were fraudulently put on his card, but investigators disputed those claims and said Lewis had made a false official written statement.

On a subsequent trip to Rome, Lewis visited the "Cica Cica Boom" club, drank to "more than moderation" for three hours, then brought a female club worker to a swish hotel -- the same one Carter was staying at.

There, Lewis woke up a subordinate and told him to give him his government credit card to pay a $1,755 bill from the club, after his personal debit card didn't work. He then went back to the club with the woman.

Investigators describe a series of other incidents, including a night in Hawaii in November at the end of the Asia trip.

Lewis allegedly drank alcohol with an enlisted service member and "backed her into a wall and caused her to believe he wanted some kind of physical contact."

The report notes that Lewis, who was not reachable for comment, denied several of the allegations.

The Inspector General has turned the investigation over to the Army, which will decide on whether disciplinary actions and what rank Lewis will hold when he leaves the service.

Lewis, a former attack helicopter pilot, served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was briefly a three-star general while he worked with Carter.

Because he'd not held that rank for long, he dropped back to two stars after he was fired.

"I expect the highest possible standards of conduct from the men and women in this department, particularly from those serving in the most senior positions," Carter said in a statement.

"There is no exception."

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MSCI Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides investment decision support tools for the clients to manage their investment processes worldwide. It operates through four segments: Index, Analytics, ESG and Climate, and All Other - Private Assets. The Index segment provides indexes for use in various areas of the investment process, including indexed product creation, such as ETFs, mutual funds, annuities, futures, options, structured products, over-the-counter derivatives; performance benchmarking; portfolio construction and rebalancing; and asset allocation, as well as licenses GICS and GICS Direct. The Analytics segment offers risk management, performance attribution and portfolio management content, application, and service that provides an integrated view of risk and return, and an analysis of market, credit, liquidity, and counterparty risk across asset classes; managed services, including consolidation of client portfolio data from various sources, review and reconciliation of input data and results, and customized reporting; and HedgePlatform to measure, evaluate, and monitor the risk of hedge fund investments. The ESG and Climate segment provides products and services that help institutional investors understand how ESG factors impact the long-term risk and return of their portfolio and individual security-level investments; and data, ratings, research, and tools to help investors navigate increasing regulation. The All Other - Private Assets segment includes real estate market and transaction data, benchmarks, return-analytics, climate assessments and market insights for funds, investors, and managers; business intelligence to real estate owners, managers, developers, and brokers; and offers investment decision support tools for private capital. It serves asset owners and managers, financial intermediaries, wealth managers, real estate professionals, and corporates. MSCI Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. manufactures and sells recreation vehicles and marine products primarily for use in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The company operates in six segments: Grand Design Towables, Winnebago Towables, Winnebago Motorhomes, Newmar motorhomes, Chris-Craft Marine, and Winnebago Specialty Vehicles. It provides towable products that are non-motorized vehicles to be towed by automobiles, pickup trucks, SUVs, or vans for use as temporary living quarters for recreational travel, such as conventional travel trailers, fifth wheels, folding camper trailers, and truck campers under the Winnebago and Grand Design brand names. The company also offers motorhomes, which are self-propelled mobile dwellings used primarily as temporary living quarters during vacation and camping trips, or to support active and mobile lifestyles under the Winnebago and Newmar brand names. In addition, it offers other specialty commercial vehicles for law enforcement command centers, mobile medical clinics, and mobile office spaces; commercial vehicles as bare shells to third-party up fitters; and boats in the recreational powerboat industry under the Chris-Craft and Barletta brand names. Further, the company is involved in the original equipment manufacturing of parts for other manufacturers and commercial vehicles. The company sells its products primarily through independent dealers in the United States, Canada, and internationally. Winnebago Industries, Inc. was incorporated in 1958 and is based in Forest City, Iowa.
Directed by Mai Masri, the Palestinian feature 3000 Nights won the Best Feature and the Audience Award at the 6th Malmo Arab Film Festival which closed on 5 October.

Directed by May Masri and co-produced by Palestine, France, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar and Lebanon, the film 3,000 Nights centres on a young newly-wed Palestinian school teacher who is jailed in a top-security Israeli prison where she eventually gives birth.

During the press conference for the Luxor Arab and European Film Festival earlier this year, the Palestinian director May Masri said her film 3,000 Nights, was shot in a real prison, without any set decor, as a way of preserving the film's authenticity. Masri added that the jail where they filmed was neither in Palestine nor Jordan.

The film made its world premiere in September 2015 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). It then made its Arab world premiere in December 2015 as part of the Dubai International Film Festivals 12th edition where it participated in the Muhr Arab Feature Films Competition.

The film also toured across Palestine right after the film's US premiere as part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival in early January.

In February, 3,000 Nights was shown at the European Film Market at the Berlin International Film Festival.

The film will also compete in the 27th Carthage Film Festival in Tunisia (28 October - 5 November) within the Official Feature Film Competition.

Prior to Malmo festival the film already garnered several awards: the TaoEdu Young Prize at Taormina Film Festival in Italy, the Youth Jury Award at the International Film Festival and Forum for Human Rights, Switzerland, and the Audience Award at The Annonay International Film Festival in France. The film also won the Special Jury Award at Washington, DC International Film Festival (Filmfest DC), the Jury Award at the 8th Women's International Film and Television Showcase (The WIFTS), USA, the Meeting Point Audience Award at the 60th Valladolid International Film Festival in Spain, as well as the Youth Jury Award and the Women's Jury Award at the Paysages des Cineastes in France.

3,000 Nights has been selected by Jordan's Royal Film Commission to represent the country at the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

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Genesee & Wyoming Inc. owns and leases freight railroads. It operates through three segments: North American Operations, Australian Operations, and U.K./European Operations. The company transports various commodities, including agricultural products, autos and auto parts, chemicals and plastics, coal and coke, food and kindred products, lumber and forest products, metallic ores, metals, minerals and stone, petroleum products, pulp and paper, waste, and other commodities. It owns or leases 122 freight railroads, including 105 short line railroads and 2 regional freight railroads located in the United States, 8 short line railroads located in Canada, 3 railroads located in Australia, 1 railroad located in the United Kingdom, 1 railroad in Poland and Germany, and 2 railroads in the Netherlands with a total of approximately 16,200 miles of track. The company also operates 6,200 additional miles of track that is owned or leased by others. In addition, it operates deep sea maritime containers and provides bulk haulage, including coal, aggregates, cement, and infrastructure services. Further, the company provides rail service at approximately 40 ports; rail-ferry service in North America, Australia, and Europe; and contract coal loading and railcar switching for industrial customers. Genesee & Wyoming Inc. was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Darien, Connecticut.
PNM Resources, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides electricity and electric services in the United States. It operates through Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) and Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP) segments. The PNM segment engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The segment generates electricity using coal, natural gas and oil, nuclear fuel, solar, wind, and geothermal energy sources. As of December 31, 2021, this segment had owned or leased facilities with a total net generation capacity of 2,168 megawatts; and owned 3,426 miles of electric transmission lines, 5,751 miles of distribution overhead lines, 5,765 miles of underground distribution lines, and 250 substations. The segment also owns and leases communication, office and other equipment, office space, vehicles, and real estate. The TNMP segment provides regulated transmission and distribution services. As of December 31, 2021, the segment owned 983 miles of overhead electric transmission lines, 7,297 miles of overhead distribution lines, 1,408 miles of underground distribution lines, and 113 substations. The segment also owns and leases vehicles, service facilities, and office locations throughout its service territory. The company serves approximately 806,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers and end-users of electricity in New Mexico and Texas. PNM Resources, Inc. was incorporated in 1882 and is headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The French-Egyptian citizen said he handed in the mask out of a "sense of belonging and loyalty to his home country"

Due to his "sense of belonging and loyalty to his home country, Egypt," Shehab Al-Farouh Omar, a French-Egyptian citizen, handed over to the Ministry of Antiquities a golden mummy mask that was gifted to him by a friend on the birthday of his son.

Shaaban Abdel Gawad, the general supervisor of the antiquities repatriation department at the ministry described the action as a symbol of patriotism and good will, calling on others in possession of stolen artefacts to imitate Al-Farouk and protect and preserve Egypts cultural and archaeological heritage.

Abdel Gawad told Ahram Online that the mask is now at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square in order to be examined and its authenticity approved. Until now, he said, the mask's dating has not been identified.

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Paycom Software, Inc. provides cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solution delivered as software-as-a-service for small to mid-sized companies in the United States. It offers functionality and data analytics that businesses need to manage the employment life cycle from recruitment to retirement. The company's HCM solution provides a suite of applications in the areas of talent acquisition, including applicant tracking, candidate tracker, background checks, on-boarding, e-verify, and tax credit services; and time and labor management, such as time and attendance, scheduling/schedule exchange, time-off requests, labor allocation, labor management reports/push reporting, and geofencing/geotracking, and Microfence, a proprietary Bluetooth. Its HCM solution also offers payroll applications comprising better employee transaction interface, payroll and tax management, Paycom pay, expense management, mileage tracker/fixed and variable rates, garnishment management, and GL concierge applications; and talent management applications that include employee self-service, compensation budgeting, performance management, position management, and Paycom learning and content subscriptions, as well as my analytics, which offer employment predictor reporting. In addition, its HCM solution provides manager on-the-go that gives supervisors and managers the ability to perform a variety of tasks, such as approving time-off requests and expense reimbursements; direct data exchange; ask here, a tool for direct line of communication to ask work-related questions; document and checklist; government and compliance; benefits administration/benefits to carrier; COBRA administration; personnel action and performance discussion forms; surveys; and affordable care act applications, as well as Clue, which securely collect, track, and manage the vaccination and testing data of the workforce. Paycom Software, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
SunTrust Banks, Inc. operates as the holding company for SunTrust Bank that provides various financial services for consumers, businesses, corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit entities in the United States. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Wholesale. The Consumer segment provides deposits and payments; home equity and personal credit lines; auto, student, and other lending products; credit cards; discount/online and full-service brokerage products; professional investment advisory products and services; and trust services, as well as family office solutions. This segment also offers residential mortgage products in the secondary market. The Wholesale segment provides capital markets solutions, including advisory, capital raising, and financial risk management; asset-based financing solutions, such as securitizations, asset-based lending, equipment financing, and structured real estate arrangements; cash management services and auto dealer financing solutions; investment banking solutions; and credit and deposit, fee-based product offering, multi-family agency lending, advisory, commercial mortgage brokerage, and tailored financing and equity investment solutions. This segment also offers treasury and payment solutions, such as operating various electronic and paper payment types, which comprise card, wire transfer, automated clearing house, check, and cash; and provides services clients to manage their accounts online. The company offers its products and services through a network of traditional and in-store branches, automated teller machines, Internet, mobile, and telephone banking channels. As of December 31, 2018, it operated 1,218 full-service banking offices located in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia. SunTrust Banks, Inc. was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
The following companies are subsidiares of Novo Nordisk A/S: Aldaph SpA, Beijing Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Science & Technology Co. Ltd., CS Solar Fund XIV LLC, Calibrium, Corvidia, Corvidia Therapeutics Inc., Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Dicerna Pharmaceuticals Inc., Emisphere Technologies, Emisphere Technologies Inc., MB2 LLC, NNE A/S, Neotope Neuroscience Limited, Novo Nordisk, Novo Nordisk (China) Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Novo Nordisk (Pty) Limited, Novo Nordisk (Shanghai) Pharma Trading Co. Ltd., Novo Nordisk B.V., Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., Novo Nordisk Colombia SAS, Novo Nordisk Comercio Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Novo Nordisk Denmark A/S, Novo Nordisk Egypt LLC, Novo Nordisk Farma OY, Novo Nordisk Farma S.R.L., Novo Nordisk Farma dooel, Novo Nordisk Farmaceutica Limitada, Novo Nordisk Farmaceutica do Brasil Ltda., Novo Nordisk Finance (Netherlands) B.V., Novo Nordisk Health Care AG, Novo Nordisk Hellas Epe., Novo Nordisk Holding Limited, Novo Nordisk Hong Kong Limited, Novo Nordisk Hrvatska d.o.o., Novo Nordisk Hungaria Kft., Novo Nordisk Inc., Novo Nordisk India Holding Pte Ltd., Novo Nordisk India Private Limited, Novo Nordisk Kazakhstan LLP, Novo Nordisk Kenya Ltd., Novo Nordisk Lanka (PVT) Ltd, Novo Nordisk Limited, Novo Nordisk Limited Liability Company, Novo Nordisk Ltd, Novo Nordisk Mexico S.A. de C.V., Novo Nordisk North America Operations A/S, Novo Nordisk Norway AS, Novo Nordisk Panama S.A., Novo Nordisk Pars, Novo Nordisk Peru S.A.C., Novo Nordisk Pharma (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Private) Limited, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Singapore) Pte Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma (Taiwan) Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma AG, Novo Nordisk Pharma Argentina S.A., Novo Nordisk Pharma EAD, Novo Nordisk Pharma GmbH, Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf FZE, Novo Nordisk Pharma Inc., Novo Nordisk Pharma Korea Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma Limited, Novo Nordisk Pharma Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma Operations (Business Area) Sdn Bhd, Novo Nordisk Pharma Operations A/S, Novo Nordisk Pharma S.A., Novo Nordisk Pharma SARL, Novo Nordisk Pharma SAS, Novo Nordisk Pharma Sp.z.o.o., Novo Nordisk Pharma d.o.o., Novo Nordisk Pharma d.o.o. Belgrade (Serbia), Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries LP, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Services Sp. z o.o., Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals (Philippines) Inc., Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals A/S, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty. Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharmatech A/S, Novo Nordisk Pharmatech US Inc., Novo Nordisk Production SAS, Novo Nordisk Production Support LLC, Novo Nordisk Producao Farmaceutica do Brasil Ltda., Novo Nordisk Region AAMEO and LATAM A/S, Novo Nordisk Region China A/S, Novo Nordisk Region Europe A/S, Novo Nordisk Region Japan & Korea A/S, Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis Inc., Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle Inc., Novo Nordisk S.P.A., Novo Nordisk Saglik Urunleri Tic. Ltd. Sti., Novo Nordisk Saudi for Trading, Novo Nordisk Scandinavia AB, Novo Nordisk Service Centre (India) Pvt. Ltd., Novo Nordisk Slovakia s.r.o., Novo Nordisk Tunisie SARL, Novo Nordisk US Bio Production Inc., Novo Nordisk US Commercial Holdings Inc., Novo Nordisk US Holdings Inc., Novo Nordisk Ukraine LLC, Novo Nordisk Venezuela Casa de Representacion C.A., Novo Nordisk d.o.o., Novo Nordisk s.r.o., PT. Novo Nordisk Indonesia, S.A. Novo Nordisk Pharma N.V., UAB Novo Nordisk Pharma, Xellia Pharmaceuticals, Ziylo, and Ziylo Limited.

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Post Holdings, Inc. operates as a consumer packaged goods holding company in the United States and internationally. It operates through five segments: Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Foodservice, Refrigerated Retail, and BellRing Brands. The Post Consumer Brands segment manufactures, markets, and sells branded and private label ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal and hot cereal products. It serves grocery stores, mass merchandise customers, supercenters, club stores, natural/specialty stores, and drug store customers, as well as sells its products in the military, ecommerce, and foodservice channels. The Weetabix segment primarily markets and distributes branded and private label RTE cereal, hot cereals and other cereal-based food products, breakfast drinks, and muesli. This segment sells its products to grocery stores, discounters, wholesalers, and convenience stores, as well as through ecommerce. The Foodservice segment produces and distributes egg and potato products in the foodservice and food ingredient channels. It serves foodservice distributors and national restaurant chains. The Refrigerated Retail segment produces and distributes side dishes, eggs and egg products, sausages, cheese, and other dairy and refrigerated products for grocery stores and mass merchandise customers. The BellRing Brands segment markets and distributes ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, other RTD beverages, powders, nutrition bars, and supplements. It serves club stores, food, drug and mass customers, and online retailers, as well as specialty retailers, convenience stores, and distributors. Post Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1895 and is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.
The Air Force's 621st Contingency Response Wing on Thursday deployed a rapid response team to Haiti to provide humanitarian relief in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

The 34-member team from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, and arrived in Port Au Prince International Airport. The country was battered by the storm, with more than 300,000 residents in shelters, according to the United Nations.

The unit specializes in quick mobilization and humanitarian relief efforts, according to the Air Force Expeditionary Center website.

"The 621st CRW is highly specialized in rapidly deploying personnel to quickly open airfields and establish, expand, sustain and coordinate air mobility operations alongside joint and intra-agency partners," Air Force spokeswoman Erika Yepsen said in an email.

Related story: Air Force Evacuates Some Bases Before Hurricane Matthew

The Air Force team will work with personnel from the U.S. Army's Rapid Port Opening Element and Defense Logistics Agency at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, "to form a joint assessment team that will survey initial needs and establish mobility capabilities at the Port Au Prince International Airport," she said.

Yepsen said Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, and Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, have begun evacuating aircraft to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

Seymour Johnson is moving 41 F-15E Strike Eagles from the 4th Fighter Wing and six KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 916th Air Refueling Wing, according to a base release. It did not specify if personnel were also being evacuated, but said some airmen are being mobilized to assist with the aircraft relocation.

Shaw has entered HURCON III mode, according to its site, but did not provide information on how many of its aircraft or personnel would relocate. Shaw hosts the 20th Fighter Wing, an F-16 Fighting Falcon unit.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
The Air Force says dozens of airmen have failed physical training tests in recent years due to inaccurate track distances.

All bases should measure their running tracks by Oct. 31 to prevent false test scores, the service announced on Thursday.

If bases determine the tracks are the wrong length, airmen's scores will be adjusted accordingly, Air Force spokeswoman Brooke Brzozowske told Military.com.

Nearly 60 airmen at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, and Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, received inaccurate run scores because of the problem, the service said. The test requires airmen to complete a timed 1.5-mile run or a two-kilometer walk if they are exempt from the run.

Officials at Goodfellow determined the outdoor running course was 85 feet longer than required, which may have caused 18 airmen stationed at the base between 2010 and 2016 to fail the fitness assessment, the announcement said. The track was last measured in 2010.

At Hanscom, the track was found to be 360 feet longer than it should be, likely causing 41 airmen stationed there between 2008 and 2016 to fail. The track was last measured in 2008.

"All airmen who should have passed were notified," Brzozowske said in an email.

"If still on active duty, their fitness scores were adjusted to the correct passing score. If there were any personnel actions taken resulting from the inaccurate [fitness assessment] failures, airmen should work with their chain of command, Force Support Squadron and legal office, and potentially the Air Force Personnel Center to correct records," she wrote.

The service's inspector general also plans to include the PT program "as an Air Force inspection requirement on future wing unit effectiveness inspections," the announcement said.

In addition, each time a base redesigns or modifies a running track, it must measure it as a precaution, it said.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
Plans for expanding Arlington National Cemetery are going forward, Army officials said this week.

"The plans are progressing," said Katherine Hammack, who oversees installations, energy and

environment for the Army. "I think the expansion takes us up to about 2050."

Hammack spoke during a family forum at the annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army in Washington, D.C.

As many as 30 people are buried at Arlington each day and, without the 38-acre expansion, the cemetery is forecast to run out of room by 2030.

But to make the project possible, the cemetery, which is managed by the Army, must make a land swap with Arlington County and the Virginia Department of Transportation and realign Columbia Pike, a major commuter route.

The new parcel is south of the current cemetery lands near the Air Force Memorial and includes land once used for barracks. The Army Corps of Engineers is currently conducting an environmental impact study, which is expected to be completed next year.

Realigning a highway is an expensive undertaking, and the project is estimated to cost $274 million. Those funds, which must be allocated by Congress, aren't included in the cemeterys fiscal 2017 budget request. Officials have estimated that construction could start in 2018.

Some officials, including Sen. John McCain, a Republican from Arizona and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, have expressed concern over Arlington County plans to develop mass transit options along Columbia Pike.

In a 2015 letter sent to then-Army Secretary John McHugh, McCain worried that such a project would not "reflect the solemnity of this national cemetery."

County officials, however, responded that any construction would take those concerns into account.

-- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@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.
Nearly four dozen Afghan troops training in the U.S. have vanished in less than two years, officials confirmed Thursday.

At least 44 Afghan troops have left their assigned bases since January 2015, calling into question their training programs' screening processes. Of those 44, 25 were reported Absent Without Leave, or AWOL, in 2015, and 19 have gone AWOL this year.

One of the eight Afghan students who disappeared in September of this year turned up at the Canadian border, the Pentagon reported. Police caught the student. FoxNews.com has reported that many Afghans who go AWOL from training in the U.S. have made their way through a pipeline running from Texas to Toronto.

A U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the frequency of Afghan troops disappearing from military training was truly concerning and "out of the ordinary."

The Defense Dept. "is assessing ways to strengthen eligibility criteria for training in ways that will reduce the likelihood of an individual Afghan willingly absconding from training in the U.S. and going AWOL," Pentagon spokesman Adam Stump told Fox News.

The network helping Afghans move along the pipeline from the U.S. to Canada includes the students' relatives, women living in the U.S. illegally who transport the Afghans to bus stations or airports, and an Iranian taxi driver who shuttles them across the Canadian border, FoxNews.com has learned.

When foreign troops who leave military training in the U.S. are gone for more than 24 hours, officials alert Homeland Security, according to the Pentagon.

Afghans who train at U.S. military bases are vetted to make sure they dont have a sketchy background or ties to militant groups in the Middle East, Stump added. The defense official told Reuters there was no evidence that those who vanished posed any threat to the U.S.

The military training program, on which the White House has spent billions of dollars since 2002, brings in troops from around the world to train at U.S. bases.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.
The U.S. has supplied 350 up-armored Humvees, more than 60 up-armored bulldozers and six portable bridges to Iraqi forces now in "final rehearsal" for the assault to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, a coalition general said Wednesday.

"I have every faith the Iraqi Security Forces are going to get this right -- Mosul is going to fall," said Canadian Brig. Gen. Dave Anderson, head of training for the assault as director of partner force development for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve.

The coalition's major concern is not the success of the offensive but the aftermath, Anderson said in a video briefing from Baghdad to the Pentagon.

A holding force larger than the assault force is being prepared, composed mostly of local and national police and tribal fighters from Nineveh province, to protect against the return of ISIS, deal with up to a million displaced civilians and guard against sectarian violence, Anderson said.

He estimated that the size of the holding force would range from 35,000 to 45,000 "to protect newly liberated Iraqi citizens." He declined to give an estimate of the size of the attack force that would go up against about 3,000-5,000 fighters of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, also known by the Arabic acronym "Daesh."

However, Anderson said that 12 ISF brigades ranging in strength from 800 to 1,600 troops each, or possibly as many as 20,000 in total, were preparing for the offensive. They would be joined by thousands of Kurdish Peshmerga fighters who have already taken positions to the east, north and west of Mosul.

Anderson gave no timeline for the start of the assault but said that the 12th Iraqi brigade is in the first week of a final three weeks of training for the offensive. "It's the final rehearsal, if you will, before going on stage. This is just a tune-up for some specific skills and to top off their equipment before they go.

"Mosul is going to fall; there's no doubt about it," Anderson said. "But the fall of Mosul does not mean that Daesh is defeated, by any stretch of the imagination. If anything, it's going to be more difficult" for the Iraqis to return to counterinsurgency operations to root out the remnants of ISIS and begin the process of sectarian and political reconciliation, he said.

ISIS will still control territory west of Mosul through Tal Afar and to the Syrian border after the fall of Mosul, Anderson said, but "it's the beginning of the end' for ISIS in Iraq.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna gave Toronto fans a scare on Tuesday when he exited the teams Wild Card game with the trainer, but the 21-year-old told reporters today that he expects to be ready to go for the ALDS on Friday (Twitter link via Sportsnets Shi Davidi). Osuna explained that he felt a stretch in his shoulder at the time, but doctors informed that theres no major issue and that he simply needs a couple days of rest. Osuna followed up a dominant rookie campaign with a remarkably similar sophomore effort, posting a 2.68 ERA with 10.0 K/9 against 1.7 BB/9 to go along with 36 saves in 74 innings of work.

More from the AL East
Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres was unofficially selected Wednesday as the next UN secretary-general. He was expected to be officially endorsed in the coming days.

Following a decisive round of voting Wednesday in the Security Council, the veteran politician and diplomat prevailed with 13 votes in favor of his candidacy, none objecting and two votes of "no opinion."

"Today we have a clear favorite, and his name is Antonio Guterres," Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin announced in his capacity as council president. In an unexpected move, he was flanked at the microphone by all of the council's ambassadors.

"We've decided to go for a formal vote tomorrow at 10 a.m. We hope it can be done by acclamation," Churkin added.

Wednesday's round of informal straw polls was significant because for the first time, the five permanent, veto-wielding council members used color-coded ballots that signified vetoes of candidates. Guterres escaped the vetoes and received more than the minimum nine votes needed to prevail.

On Thursday, the council will formalize its decision in a vote and after that put the decision in a resolution. The council will then send its recommendation to the General Assembly, which is expected to rubber-stamp the Guterres selection.

"I think that we saw in the hearings, that the General Assembly organized, that Antonio Guterres was an outstanding candidate, and that is why he has prevailed in this competition within the Security Council," British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told reporters after the announcement.
Five people died and five were missing as typhoon Chaba ripped through southern Korea on Wednesday. The southeastern port cities of Ulsan and Busan took the brunt of the impact, their roads flooded and littered with debris. Around 2,670 hectares of farmland in South Jeolla, South and North Gyeongsang provinces were either inundated or damaged. On Jeju, power was cut to around 20 percent of the island's 52,413 households. And in the historic city of Gyeongju, storms piled damage on the devastation from last month's earthquake.



People walk through floodwater in Busan on Wednesday. /Yonhap

Ulsan suffered extensive flood damage because heavy rainfall preceding the typhoon caused dams and reservoirs to reach dangerously high water levels. The city was hit by around 300 mm of rainfall on Wednesday, the highest amount ever for the month of October. Firefighters scrambled to rescue residents stranded in streams and flooded homes. A Hyundai factory in Ulsan stopped production temporarily as rainwater seeped into its assembly lines.

Waves crash into a condominium complex in Busan on Wednesday.

Busan suffered heavy damage along its coastline as waves crashed over a barrier in the posh Marine City neighborhood and rushed into a condominium complex along the coast. Sidewalks and roads were smashed and the windows of apartments close to the coast shattered. Streets were strewn with dead fish washed up by the huge waves. An outdoor stage built to host the Busan International Film Festival starting Thursday was damaged, but organizers said they will move several events from Haeundae Beach and the festival will be held on schedule. Landslides and overflowing rivers damaged railroads, causing trains for Busan to be canceled. KTX service was also halted for about four hours after a steel structure fell on the high-speed railway track between Gyeongju and Ulsan. A total of 45 flights were grounded at Gimhae Airport in Busan.
Yangon Public Bus Company  operator of the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Lite bus routes  has started a second round of shares sales, while the government has extended the application deadline for firms interested in rolling out the BRT system city-wide.





The government set up Yangon Public Bus Company last year, using a public-private partnership (PPP) structure, to run a BRT system on two routes. New vehicles, dedicated lanes and air conditioning are among the features distinguishing BRT Lite from the chaos that is the Yangon public bus system.

The government then held a tender earlier this year for new PPP firms interested in operating bus lines as part of a planned city-wide BRT system.

The Yangon Region Public Transportation Authority Group (PTAG) received 21 applications by the initial August 31 deadline, including Mittar Hlaing and a firm owned by military conglomerate Myanma Economic Holdings Limited.

But U Maung Aung, the PTAGs secretary, said that several lacked sufficient capital, and the group is analysing applications again before announcing results. The PTAG has also responded to requests from companies for a deadline extension, and will receive applications until October 14.

U Maung Aung is also chair of Yangon Public Bus Company, which has restarted selling shares to fund its two-route operation. The government has invested K10 billion in the PPP, and five private firms  Capital Diamond Star Group, Shwe Taung Group, Shwe Than Lwin Company, Zayar and Associates, and Fisheries and Marine Products 2000  invested K500 million each.

U Maung Aung said that share sales to the public are expected to raise a total of K5 billion, of which K2.4 billion was raised during a first round of selling in November 2015, he said.





The company started selling shares in November 2015 at K100,000 per share, and suspended sales in February 2016. U Maung Aung would not disclose why.

In order to raise the remaining K2.6 billion in equity the firm began a second round of sales on October 4. The shares will pay dividends annually equating to a return on investment at least as high as the Central Bank rate, which is now 10 percent, he said.

BRT Lite is also planning to extend is most popular route  Pyay Road and Kabar Aye Pagoda Road. Some 700,000 commuters take that route every day across cars, taxis and public bus, according to U Tha Aung, from the Yangon Region Supervisory Committee for Motor Vehicles.
Low productivity, high labour costs and sub-par quality are holding Myanmar back from becoming a serious rubber producer, experts say. The nations rubber plantations produce at less than half the international production rate, and a rise in volume must be matched by improvements in product quality, says Hajime Kondo, manager of Bridgestones tyre materials advanced development department.





But growers complain that at current world rubber prices, they dont earn enough income to pay a labour force increasingly attracted to job opportunities elsewhere, both in Myanmar and overseas.

While other countries produce 1.5 tonnes of rubber per hectare, Myanmar produces 0.8 tonnes. And Myanmar is very different from other countries in terms of fixing rubber grading, said Mr Kondo.

A recent seminar in Yangon Region on the sustainable natural rubber initiative (SNR-i) allowed industry professionals to share information about the natural rubber supply chain.

Three years ago, Japan launched a project to support Myanmar natural rubber by improving the quality. A system of natural rubber laboratories was to be established with the goal of certifying quality to international standards, said Mr Kondo.

The training of lab staff is complete, and the equipment has been installed. Later this year, the International Rubber Association will certify the lab, he said, adding that Japanese consumers had begun importing Myanmar rubber as its quality improved.

Imports have increased a great deal over the past three years. Once the IRA certification is received,international consumers will be able to import Myanmar natural rubber more easily.





As to the question of quality, some of the certified seeds used under the previous government were not very suitable for Myanmars geographical position, said U Aung Myint Htoo, president of the Myanmar Rubber Planters and Producers Association (MRPPA).

Some regions and states are planting seeds inherited from other countries and not tested for some years. The previous agriculture ministry certified and registered those seeds, but the yield is not good, he said.

This question is not really related to the worldwide fall in rubber prices. If planters chose quality seeds, they could survive. Only a few small-scale rubber planters have quit the industry. That doesnt mean Myanmars whole rubber industry is going to shut down, he said.

Nevertheless, low prices do reduce the industrys income, complicating efforts to improve quality, said U Aung Myint Htoo.

Myanmar rubber exports go mostly to China. Japan wants to import, and weve been in negotiations with them, but will do so only if Myanmar can meet Japans quality demands. The Chinese import our rubber because of the lower price, and with that level of quality its hard to find another market, he said.

Since hitting a spike about five years ago, rubber prices have declined from a high of nearly 280 US cents per pound to as low as 65 cents (Singapore Commodity Exchange (SICOM), prices quoted for No 3 Smoked Sheet, RSS3 standard). At the same time, the pool of farm labour has shrunk, growers say.

Smallholder U Kyaw Zwar, who owns the 20-acre (8-hectare) Sein Lan Pyae Sone rubber farm, said, When we push labour harder to control quality, they leave for other farms, or go to Thailand. We only pay them about K3000 a day, so they can find other farmers who can pay more. In the year 2010, our rubber was earning K1850 a pound, but now we only get K700 a pound. We cant afford to pay our workers more.

The low price is compounded by the poor productivity, said MRPPA vice president U Myo Thant. We could pay a third of our income to our labour force if we were growing 1500lbs an acre. But a farmer producing only 700lbs an acre cannot pay 500lbs worth of income to his workforce. Its hard to improve rubber quality and get good labour as well, he said.

Things may be slightly better for plantations operating on a larger scale. Some middle-range producers said most of the Chinese demand was for RSS3. None seem to plan to leave the industry.

U Nay Moe Myint, the owner of the 250-acre Cho plantation in Mawlamyine, Mon State, said low productivity was the result of low prices and slender export volumes.

Chinese demand is pretty steady. Myanmar cant produce much rubber, and some small-scale growers have stopped production, he said.

U Myo Aung, managing director of Yoma Top company, which exports natural rubber to Hong Kong and India, said local tyre companies were seeking to buy more rubber.

We sell to the Yangon Tyre Company, and weve been getting a better price than if wed exported. Japan has been trying to import Myanmar natural rubber, but theyre waiting for the quality to improve. They said if we met their quality standard, we could get the same price as other producers throughout the world, he said.

More than 90 percent of Myanmar rubber is exported, mostly to China. But the higher prices being offered by local customers are a good sign, said U Myo Aung.

I have a 1200-acre plantation in Bago that produced 100 metric tonnes of rubber last year. We estimate we will produce 140MT this year, he said, attributing the increase to high-quality seeds.

According to the MRPPA, there are 734,436 acres (293,774ha) under cultivation, producing 227,533MT in the current year.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) arrived in Myanmar for the first time this week to assess the gems sector and build trade relationships ahead of an anticipated end to the US sanctions regime, which would allow the legal import of Myanmar rubies and jade.





The associations president, Jeffrey Bilgore, said the mission had been planned before US President Barack Obamas announcement on September 14 that the US would lift all remaining financial and trade sanctions against Myanmar.

But the fact that a commitment to remove sanctions had been made in advance of the association delegations arrival removes the appearance of crafting a report to meet that goal, the AGTA said in a release on September 29.

The efforts [of the mission] are to show what the reality is on the ground in the gem sector, the statement said.

Once the sanctions are lifted, the US can technically start importing gemstones right away, said Mr Bilgore. However, its going to be a bit of a process in terms of the supply chain, and thats something were here to look at and help develop, he told The Myanmar Times.

The US president has yet to sign the executive order lifting sanctions, but Peter Kucik, a sanctions expert at US-based consultancy Inle Advisory Group and former senior sanctions adviser at the US Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control, said the move was due very soon.

We understand the announcement is imminent, he said. The president said soon, and you can read between the lines that there is a degree of urgency.





In addition to the challenge of building gems sector supply chains, international human rights organisations and NGOs also investigate the activities of US firms operating in Myanmar closely. It is realistic to expect huge scrutiny of any US imports of Myanmar gemstones, said Mr Kucik.

The jade sector still serves as a treasure chest for junta-era figures, according to NGO Global Witness, which last year estimated that the countrys illicit jade trade was worth up to US$31 billion in 2014 alone.

Mr Bilgore said the AGTA was not focused on the jade sector, which is not significant in the US.

But the gems and jade sectors are still conflated, said Mr Kucik.

Jade is synonymous with gems for many reasons, but one is that the JADE Act lumped the two together, he said. There will be scepticism until people are able to show otherwise.

The JADE Act was passed in 2008 and was designed to prohibit the import of certain gemstones  namely jadeite and rubies  from Myanmar. Although the act expired in 2013, the prohibition was then extended by an executive order.

Mr Bilgore said the US was very concerned with transparency and that from meetings with Myanmar businesspeople, this concern was clearly shared across the local gems sector.

The AGTA mission met with the Yangon Region Gems and Jewellery Entrepreneurs Association, and peak business body the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI).

Myanmars fortune is changing, said UMFCCI vice chair U Maung Maung Lay. But all business needs to be transparent, official and legal. The US gems market is one of the biggest in the world and Americans like to comply with the law.

U Aung Kyaw Win, a prominent local jeweller and vice chair of the Myanmar Gems and Jewellry Entrepreneurs Association (MGJEA), said it was crucial the gemstones sector promotes socially responsible and sustainable business.

US importers, meanwhile, will continue to face strong due diligence requirements even when the import ban is lifted.

There are OECD guidelines that are part of American laws, said Mr Bilgore.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development has detailed due diligence recommendations on responsible mineral supply chains to identify potential connections with conflict, bribery, tax evasion and money laundering. The US is one of the countries where the guidelines have been integrated or referenced in the national legal framework, according to the OECD.

In addition to making sure that the gemstone sector promotes responsible and sustainable enterprises, U Aung Kyaw Win said it was important that Myanmar moves up the value chain when it comes to exports.

The total annual revenue from Myanmars high-quality gemstone market is only $20 million, he said. Its around $1 billion in Thailand.

The previous government gave priority to mining and selling raw gemstones, he added. But his association has drawn up a master plan aimed at developing value-added gemstone enterprises, he said.

The new government needs to provide help [to develop] value-added gem enterprises so [Myanmar] can compete in the international market, U Aung Kyaw Win said. It needs an independent organisation to supervise the gems sector, which includes reviewing the import-export process and taxation to identify practices that could enable illegal trading.

Additional reporting by Steve Gilmore, translation by Thiri Min Htun
All the momentum to boost migrant worker protections following the state counsellors July visit to Thailand appears to have fizzled out, with agreements over documentation making no headway in the interim.





Myanmar officials have blamed Thailand for the delay, accusing the neighbouring country of not fulfilling their end of the logistics planning. But rights groups assisting the workers say the back-and-forth finger-pointing is only leaving workers  already no strangers to quixotic documentation announcements  in yet another legal lurch.

The latest tussle began in April when Thailand invalidated a temporary passport system. The 1 million Myanmar workers holding those two-year documents were told to sign up for the legally dubious pink card system instead. The workers who followed the directive and re-registered were supposed to be granted certificates of identity (CI).

But no progress has occurred since.

U Myo Aung, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Immigration, held his Thai counterparts responsible for the delay. The Thai authorities have yet to provide details for how the scheme  which requires the workers home country to verify their identity  will function, he said.

During the state counsellors visit, the two governments hashed out some of the details of the plan. They were to jointly establish nine citizenship verification centres around Thailand, which would be equipped to issue the certificates.

U Myo Aung said the agreement stalled after a reshuffle of Thai labour officials, and permission for establishing the centres on Thai turf was never issued.

If the Thai side is ready to resume the CI process, they should cooperate with us, U Myo Aung said.





U Thein Win, director of the migrant affairs department under the Labour and Immigration Ministry, told The Myanmar Times that his department again requested confirmation of the agreement last week, but has yet to receive a reply.

On our side, we are ready to implement the CI as soon as Thailand confirms, he said.

U Sein Htay, chair of the Migrant Workers Rights Network (MWRN), said both governments are blaming each other, yet neither is willing to take responsibility for actually instituting the CI process.

We have been promised these CIs would be issued for a long time, but the whole thing is still very opaque since both governments are just talking and not getting down to the practicalities of doing the work needed, he said.
A journalist for a Tanintharyi publication has been found guilty of defamation and was sentenced to pay a K30,000 fine or serve a three-month sentence.





The columnist, U Aung Lwin, was sued by mining company Delco over an article he had written for the weekly.

The article, published on May 11, evocatively described the feelings of a fish whose habitat has been poisoned by industrial waste dumped. Delco was not mentioned by name in the piece.

After four months and 12 hearings, Yephyu Township Court ruled in the mining companys favour.

I will just pay the fine and appeal at the district-level court, U Aung Lwin said following the decision.

Delcos mining operations in the region, which began in 2008, have been dogged by complaints of damage caused to local waterways. In the wake of the verdict, the Dawei Watch Foundation issued a press release stating that the courts decision was a threat to freedom of the press and to journalists who bring environmental damage to the publics attention.
A bill meant to protect individual freedom and security would open the door to a flood of evils, including drug dealers, money launderers and terrorists, parliament heard yesterday. It was also unconstitutional, said opponents.





Opposition to the Protection of Citizens Personal Freedom and Security bill was led by U Soe Thein (Independent; Kayah 9), a Presidents Office minister under the previous government who now sits in the Amyotha Hluttaw. He said the bill contradicted section 376 of the constitution and would be null and void under section 446.

Section 376 states that no person shall be held in custody for more than 24 hours without the remand of a magistrate. However, it also lists a number of exceptions, including the security of the state, the maintenance of law and order and the public interest.

We must learn the lessons of history. Martyrs, including the grandfather of the Speaker, Mahn Ba Khaing, were assassinated because of weaknesses in our security. Now, the IS [the Islamic State] is targeting Myanmar. How will our security organs protect us? Our democracy is only five years and six months old. We should consider the dangers that might befall us if we put democracy ahead of peace and security, said U Soe Thein.

Another member of the former ruling party, Daw Nann Ni Ni Aye (USDP; Kayin 6), said the bill would encroach on the countrys sovereignty.

In aim and wording, the protecting citizens personal freedom and security bill appears to be an attempt to legislate article 357 of the 2008 constitution, which reads, The State shall, by law, protect the premises and security of the home, property, correspondence and other communications of citizens subject to the provisions of this constitution.

The legislation requires that permission from a judge be obtained before sealed correspondences are opened, and anyone can file a complaint with police if they suspect their phones are being tapped.

Critics of the bill, including U Soe Thein, have said it will allow drug smugglers, armed gangs, human traffickers, terrorists and other destabilising elements to benefit, as the security organs designed to protect the country from them would be unable to investigate.





Others attacked the feasibility and wording of the draft law. Military MP Lieutenant Colonel Kyaw San Oo suggested amending a section which requires presidential permission in order to conduct a search, investigation or arrest that could compromise a persons dignity.

The intention of this provision is good in that it protects citizens but such permission can take time, or even be impossible, he said. What about in emergency cases that are related to the security of the country?

Defending the bill, U Htay Oo (NLD; Yangon 2) said the definition of personal freedom should include the freedom to express ones thoughts and opinions, in accordance with international human rights standards.

It is not enough for the Ministry of Home Affairs to protect citizens freedom and security. We also need the courts and parliament to do so. This bill will add the necessary protections, he said, adding that the bill was in line not only with the constitution but also with international human rights instruments.

Its only weak point, he said, concerned the lack of specific provision for prompt drafting of by-laws for its implementation once it had been enacted.

Rebutting arguments that the nations security would be compromised by the bill, U Htay Oo told journalists, Section 7 of the bill allows an arrested person to be held for more than 24 hours if so permitted by an existing law. It complies with section 376 of the constitution by stating that a court can permit an extension of the detention period.

Translation by Khine Thazin Han and Win Thaw Tar
A North Korean diplomat stationed in Beijing has defected to South Korea with his family.

A source in China on Wednesday said the diplomat was responsible for procuring medical supplies for a clinic in Pyongyang that caters to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his family.

The diplomat and his family escaped from the North Korean Embassy in Beijing late last month. He previously worked at a health research center for the Kim family in North Korea.

One former North Korean diplomat said the medicines for Kim Jong-un are bought directly by an official dispatched from the secretary general's office.

Another source said the diplomat has family in Japan, and there had been rumors that he considered defecting to the island country.

North Korean diplomatic missions have been put on alert following the defection in July of Thae Yong-ho, a senior diplomat in London. Sources said the North tried to stop the problem from escalating by confiscating diplomats' passports, but the latest defection shows there are still holes in surveillance.

The most telling aspect is that the defection took place at the embassy in Beijing, far and away the most important of the North's diplomatic missions, pointing to serious disaffection among the elite.

One former North Korean diplomat said, "If the diplomat was responsible for providing medical supplies to Pyongyang, he would have been inundated with requests. He may have become disillusioned because he either wasn't paid on time or faced repeated pressure to send medical supplies as unpaid bills piled up."

As international sanctions put a chokehold on the North's money supply, the diplomat may have been forced to send home more cash as well.


Myanmar fishermen who were enslaved on Thai fishing boats are calling on the government to help them secure their years of unpaid wages, they said in a press conference yesterday.





That is our hard-earned money. We think our government should ask for our unpaid wages, Ko Hlaing Min told media assembled at the Myanmar Journalist Networks office yesterday. He said he had been forced to work on a Thai-owned vessel plying far-flung waters in Indonesia for about five years.

By Ko Hlaing Mins count, 419 Myanmar trafficking victims were rescued and sent home last year. They are now asking the government to get involved in their campaign for long-overdue backpay.

Over 2000 fishermen were found stranded on remote islands during a search and rescue mission conducted by the International Organization for Migration along with authorities from Myanmar and Indonesia last year. The men had worked for years hauling seafood, mostly without pay and without days off. Many told The Myanmar Times that they were beaten, while some said the captain would pour boiling water on them if they tried to sleep. In the end, they were marooned on, or escaped to, the islands.

The former fishermen staging the yesterdays conference said 11 Myanmar workers had secured compensation from the Indonesian government for cooperating with a lawsuit. The 11 will be presented money on October 17 in Nay Pyi Taw.

All the enslaved fishermen want to go themselves to the Thai embassy and demand their wages. But I have asked them not to do that but to instead wait to go through the proper government channels, said Ko Hlaing Min, who added that there has been no government response so far.

Other fishermen present yesterday were more sceptical, citing the unfulfilled promises Myanmar government officials made to the worker when they were in Indonesian detention camps, including aid and job opportunities when they returned.





Instead, most of the returned fishermen have found themselves unemployed, and have been forced to try to make their living accepting whatever jobs they can come by, said Ko Tin Moe Oo, another of the returned fishermen.

I had to work on a fishing boat for many years. I want to ask the government to help get my unpaid wages, he said.

Ko Tin Moe Oo said he was sold to a Thai captain by a broker in 2009. His vessel illegally trawled Indonesia for six years, during which he was never paid.

Last year, a four-month investigation by the Associated Press revealed the link between trafficked fishermen and the international seafood supplied to and sold by major brands including Walmart. Thailands US$7 billion seafood industry is floated on the backs of mainly Myanmar migrant workers who are often sold or tricked into the trade.

Some of the repatriated fishermen were given compensation by the companies in a bid to end a wage dispute. The men who received payment for their years of labour, albeit delayed and only partially covering the unpaid wages, were not classified by the Myanmar authorities as having been trafficked.
A Move to upgrade the nations railways has been shunted onto the sidelines as the transport minister told parliament his department is just too busy. The proposal by Bago Region MP U Than Nyunt (NLD; Phyu) to bring the rail network up to international standards to attract more international investment would have to be filed away, Transport and Communications Minister U Thant Sin Maung said on October 4.





He was speaking as the Pyithu Hluttaws debate on the issue closed after a discussion involving 13 MPs.

Military MP Major Ye Naing Lwin added that upgrading the railway system to good quality would mean ensuring its timeliness and accessibility to the public through keeping costs low.

Were doing our best to improve the transportation sector, but I cannot do everything in this governments five-year term, said U Thant Sin Maung, recommending that the motion be recorded.

He listed the work being done by his ministry: introducing the Bus Rapid Transit system to ease Yangon city traffic congestion; managing the requirements for vehicles and roads, upgrading the Yangon-Mandalay Highway, also known as the Highway of Death for its high accident rates; bringing in safety measures on vital trade arteries like the Myawady-Muse and the Yangon-Mandalay-Myitkyina roads; upgrading the Yangon-Mandalay railway; building harbours along the Ayeyarwady River between Yangon and Mandalay; and tightening control of waterways.

The government would also be spending US$2 billion on a new international airport by 2020, he said.

The minister told MPs Myanma Railways had received K1.3 billion in international loans under the former government, and now owed a total of K4 billion.





In an effort to reduce the rail journey time between Yangon and Mandalay to eight hours, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had lent US$2.2 billion, U Thant Sin Maung said.

The Belgian government was lending 100 million euros through the finance ministry to improve water flow along the Ayeyarwady River.

The spending breakdown for investment funding was 67 percent for construction, 22pc for railways, 2.7pc for waterways and 7.5pc for air transport.

Bago Region MP Daw Khin Soe Soe Kyi (NLD; Pyay) told The Myanmar Times, The minister made it clear that railway improvement cannot be done overnight. It requires a great deal of investment. Some loans have been received from JICA and ADB [Asian Development Bank], and other loans have been proposed. A lot of money was wasted under the last government.

Parliament agreed to record the motion.

Translation by Khine Thazin Han
The minister for information has called for the drafting of a film law to improve Myanmars movie industry and help give it a boost into international markets.





Minister U Pe Myint made the comments in response to a question posed by MP U Myint Lwin (NLD; Twante), during a session of the Pyithu Hluttaw yesterday.

He said that the Ministry of Information will work together with the Myanmar Motion Picture Organisation, relevant local and foreign organisations, and related ministerial departments to develop the law.

We will negotiate and work together with relevant departments to set regulations and policies to attract international investment so that Myanmars motion picture industry can break into foreign markets, he said.

Everyone in the film industry, including producers, directors and the audiences who love Myanmar films, must work together to improve Myanmars film industry, the minister said.

Action has already been taken by the government to improve the countrys film industry and its decadent if decaying old movie theatres, he added. Nineteen state-owned cinemas have adopted digital technology for screenings  a move that he encouraged private cinemas to take as well. By U Pe Myints count, 24 cinemas have been renovated by private companies and six formerly state-owned theatres were sold to private owners. The country operates between 40 and 50 cinemas.

Vanishing act: Myanmar's lost movie palaces

The minister also highlighted the number of international film festivals that the country has held this year, including the upcoming International Memory Film Festival in November, during which over 80 films will be screened.

He said that these were important events for promoting positive relations with foreign film industries and improving Myanmar cinemas international profile.





Translation by Win Thaw Tar and Thiri Min Htun
A Parliamentary staff member was stabbed on the stairs of the hluttaw building yesterday morning, and was transported soon after to the hospital with a non-life-threatening wound.





Daw Thi Thi Win, the deputy director of the Pyithu Hluttaw general office, was attacked at around 8:30 am, according to police.

Her assailant, Ma Thandar, also known as Ma Theingi Tun, was angered over an alleged cell phone debt.

Confronting the victim on the steps of building C, Ma Thandar demanded payment for the cell phone, saying in front of other staff members en route to work, You have not paid off your debt to me. Give the money to me. When payment was not forthcoming, the suspect stabbed the parliamentary staffer with an 8-inch knife.

The victim is not very seriously injured. She does not have any life-threatening injuries, said Police Major San Aung from the Zabuthiri township police station. The dispute was started over a cell phone sale. It was a business case.

Pol Maj San Aung estimated that the victim had a 1-inch stab wound on her back at about waist level. Daw Thi Thi Win received two stitches.

The debt was about K700,000 to K800,000. Daw Thi Thi Win admitted to the debt. Out of embarrassment and shame of having to ask for the money, Ma Thandar stabbed the victim with the onion knife, he said. The patient is at the hospital with police attending.





Both the deputy director and the suspect live in government housing in the capital. Ma Thandar is also a salad vendor who sells to residents of the civil servant housing and to parliamentary staffers.

Police Lieutenant Win San of police outpost 4 in Zabuthiri has been assigned to investigate the case. No complaint has yet been filed, and the attacker has not been arrested.

If the victim wants to open a case against the attacker, we will open one according to the law. But until now, I have not been informed of a case being filed. If they wish to mediate their dispute through negotiation, a case will not need to be opened, Pol Maj San Aung Aung told The Myanmar Times yesterday evening.

U Khin Maung, deputy director general of the Pyithu Hluttaw, said the violent outburst had nothing to do with parliament, aside from its location.

It is just a personal problem, he said. But we will have to take action against [the assailant] according to parliamentary rules and regulations, and police will be asked to take action according to the law.

According to U Khin Maung, the knife used to injure his colleague was taken from the office kitchen.

Mostly it used for cutting breads, cakes and fruits, he said. He claimed that parliament does not allow vendors to sell foodstuffs or other items inside the parliamentary building.

Additional reporting by Ei Ei Toe Lwin, translation by Emoon
Two women, aged 29 and 31, have reported to police in Hlaing Tharyar township that they were victims of human trafficking, and had escaped forced marriages in China.





In their statement to police, the two women alleged they were tricked with the allure of promising factory jobs, transported illegally over the border, and then sold to Chinese men in Kunming.

The women said they were approached by another Hlaing Tharyar resident who promised them K500,000 a month at the Wah Ha Ha soft drinks factory in China. The accused trafficker, Ma Cherry Myint, told the two women that she would pay all their travel expenses and in return they would agree to have the amount deducted from their first two months salary.

On May 24, Ma Cherry Myint and her mother, Daw San San Win, took the two women on an overnight journey from their homes in Yangon to the Shan State border-town Muse. Once they crossed the border, the women were met by a Chinese man who took them to a house in Kunming.

After three days at the house, Ma Cherry Mint said they would be taken separately to the factory. The women refused and said they would go to work together or not at all. In response, the trafficker beat them.

In the week that followed, the women were taken from the house separately, each by a different man. When the men came, Daw San San Win informed the women that they were now married.

After several months in Kunming, the women managed to escape and get in contact with their families. They crossed the border back to Muse, where they stayed for two weeks at a womens protection shelter before returning to Yangon.

Following the womens complaints lodged on October 3, the Hlaing Tharyar police have opened an investigation against Ma Cherry Myint and Daw San San Win under sections 24 and 32 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law. If found guilty, the accused face up to 10 years in prison.





Lucrative employment offers have long drawn men and women across the border to China. But the unregulated, black-market pipeline of local brokers has put many in a position vulnerable to human trafficking.

In 2013, the Myanmar Police Forces Department of Transnational Crime claimed that 80 percent of the reported human trafficking cases from the past five years involved being smuggled into China for forced marriage.

In a separate case reported earlier this year, two women, one from Zigon township in Bago Region and one from Yangons Hlaing Tharyar township, said a vocation training centre offered them K250,000 plus free meals and transportation to work as housekeepers in Muse township. Instead, in Ying Zheng, China they were told they had been sold as brides, but were able to escape before they were forced into marriage.

Translation by Khine Thazin Han
Following its ratification of the International Labour Organizations 2006 Maritime Labour Convention in May, the Myanmar government is working to bring the countrys seafaring laws up to international standard.





On October 3 to 4, a seminar in Yangon involved representatives from the ILO, the government, seafarers unions and maritime employment agencies.

Once a country ratifies the Maritime Labour Convention, it has one year to implement its terms into domestic law. The purpose of this weeks seminar was to review Myanmars current maritime laws and determine what needs to be done to ensure the country complies with its obligations under the convention.

According to seafarers organisations, many ship workers are exploited by brokers, who profit at their expense, and are asked to pay large sums of money to ship owners in order to gain employment.

Many seafarers are deceived or swindled by employment brokers. Some give up their labour rights and some are sent to work on unsafe ships. Now our country has ratified the MLC, our seafarers will be protected internationally from these unscrupulous practices, said U Aung Kyaw Lin, general secretary of the Independent Federation of Myanmar Seafarers, the seminars organiser.

Tighter regulation of seafarer recruitment and placement services was highlighted as a key area for reform.

Seafarers organisations and unions are very happy with the ratification of the MLC. It gives us greater negotiation power as now we can point to international standards which must be adhered to, said U San Thein, president of the Myanmar Seafarer Federation.

He added that the Myanmar government must do more to monitor sub-standard recruiters who send workers to ships which have poor facilities, salaries, safety and protection, and ask for large sums of money to do so.





U Aung Kyaw Lin added that the government would also need to address a lack of employment opportunities for seafarers as well as taking action to ensure that they are paid adequate compensation when they are injured or killed.

Our previous government neglected the affairs of Myanmar seafarers. In the past people who made claims to the International Transportation Federation [an international union] would be punished, he added.

Independent Federation president U Zaw Aung lauded the ratification of the MLC, saying that it would lead to better wages and conditions for maritime workers.

Myanmar was the 75th country to ratify the MLC, which sets out a range of rights and protections for maritime workers as well as a strong compliance and enforcement mechanism based on signatory state inspection and certification of seafarers working and living conditions.
The most startling news out of Southeast Asia in recent days, and by far the most important in terms of regional impact, came from Singapore.





But many people missed it because they were distracted by more outlandish comments from President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, who hogged the headlines by saying he wanted to copy Adolf Hitler.

Referring to the way Germanys wartime leader had exterminated 6 million Jews, Duterte said hed like to enforce the same policy against his countrys alleged 3 million drug dealers.

Initially, he refused to recant this vile and ignorant statement, but then he gave way and said, I apologise profoundly and deeply to the Jewish community. He could hardly do otherwise.

Still, it was a shocking episode, although what was more troubling in the long term was his statement about intending to downgrade ties with the United States and boost those with China and Russia.

A bit of strategic balance would be fine and dandy, but Duterte went way over the top and as a result his own people, as well as those across the region, are likely to regret it.

If the Philippines severs its historic ties with its American treaty ally and jumps into the oily and ever-tightening tentacles of Bejing, then it will not easily free itself again  as Cambodia and Laos have discovered.





Whether Duterte understands this is doubtful.

Yes, he has always harboured anti-American sentiments, but to call US President Barack Obama a son of a bitch, to tell the Americans to go to hell, and to belittle them in talks with Chinese and Russian leaders is not only stupid but dangerous.

At a regional summit in Laos last month, Duterte told Russias Premier Dmitry Medvedev about his problems with the US. They are giving me a hard time, he said. They are disrespecting me. They are shameless.

This was all because Washington had criticised his policy of using vigilantes to murder alleged drug peddlers on the nations streets.

Duterte then told Beijing the same thing and naturally the Chinese agreed and said the Philippines would not get much value out of remaining an American ally.

Chinas Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin publicly applauded Dutertes change of direction and said that China-Philippine ties were now at a new turning point.

If Filipinos are not careful it could be a turn over the cliff, especially as Duterte has also said he may scrap the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement signed last year between Manila and Washington.

How not to deal with a superpower, or, as the wild man of Manila put it himself: I am about to cross the Rubicon between me and the US.

It is enough to cause collective hand-wringing across the entire region, but at least all is not lost and one member of ASEAN has just displayed the correct and firm way to deal with another superpower.

Step forward Singapore, which has recently been embroiled in a nasty war of words with Beijing.

However, unlike the cock-eyed nonsense spewing from Manilas motormouth, the verbal rockets fired back at China from Singapore were entirely justified  and very brave.

The tiff began September 21 when the Global Times, a publication tied to the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), said Singapore had lobbied for a stronger pro-ASEAN line regarding the South China Sea sovereignty disputes.

The newspaper said this had occurred at the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Venezuela last month when Singapore insisted on shoving in content endorsing the Philippines South China Sea arbitration case.

It may be recalled that in July, the Philippines won a case against China that it had taken to a United Nations arbitration tribunal in The Hague about its offshore sovereignty rights.

The Global Times said that if Singapore, a non-claimant, continued to interfere in the South China Sea issue, then Sino-Singapore relations would be affected.

Rightly irked, Singapores ambassador to China, Stanley Loh, wrote to the newspapers editor Hu Xijin saying the article was replete with fabrications and unfounded allegations.

Loh continued, Contrary to the claim fabricated by the Global Times, the Singapore delegation did not raise the South China Sea or the tribunal ruling at the NAM Summit.

So, using proper language, he effectively said that Beijings semi-official mouthpiece had lied.

That could not be allowed to stand and the Global Times editor Hu retorted that Singapore appeared biased towards the Philippines and Vietnam and was on the same side as the US and Japan.

Hu wrote, Singapore should feel ashamed of how it has treated its top trading partner, China. You should encourage your country to reflect on its actions.

Singapores Loh replied by pointing out that the Global Times was not in the meetings and had relied on unnamed second-hand sources, whereas Singapore, as a member of NAM, attended all the summit proceedings.

Singapores account could be verified by the public record of the meeting.

Of course, it did not end there, because, as Duterte will soon learn, no matter if its a big or small matter, China always demands the last word.

On September 29, a senior Chinese military officer, Major General Jin Yinan, urged Beijing to retaliate and enforce sanctions to make Singapore pay the price for seriously damaging Chinas interests.

He also claimed that Singapore had cooperated with Washington on the issue and caused conflict between the US and China.

He was wrong. The one who has been doing that, and doing it in a dumb and foolhardy way, is Duterte, whose murderous actions and anti-American rants are sure to backfire.

It is Dutertes wild, irrational behaviour that is most likely to create serious regional conflict.
A former U.S. chief negotiator in nuclear talks with North Korea on Tuesday warned Washington should never go it alone when offering incentives to North Korea.

Robert Gallucci, who negotiated an abortive nuclear freeze deal in 1994, said, "Whatever we decide to do, we the U.S. ought to be... in consultation with Seoul. If we do that then we preserve the alliance at the same time as we try to be creative about what might be on the table in negotiations with the North."

Gallucci was speaking at a seminar at Johns Hopkins University in Washington.

The North's long-running demand is an end to joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S., he said. "This is advice to the next American administration, not that they're asking for it, but be very, very careful not to put on the table elements, carrots for the North that go to in their essence the U.S.-[South Korea] alliance."

"They always find the exercises aggressive, they always find them provocative," he said. "Well, those are joint military exercises and they are part of the alliance. So I would be very, very careful... that we not put those at risk without consultation."

He stressed the need for a proper environment for negotiations with Pyongyang.

"The first thing I would worry about, as an American concerned about the alliance, is that we not enter serious, hopefully durable negotiations unless both sides agree that the objective of successful negotiations would be a North Korea that could re-enter the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty."

The international community, as well as Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo, should not recognize the North as a nuclear state as a way to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, he added.


Footwear label Tamara Mellon is finally reappearing on the scene with a major brand relaunch to initiate its comeback following bankruptcy.

The brand is coming back after a brief hiatus and a file for chapter 11 bankruptcy, after what the label?s eponymous founder described as being too ahead of the times. Tamara Mellon?s new campaign is focusing on affordability and ready-to-wear fashion for a trendy-yet-practical business model.

?Tamara Mellon?s relaunch strategy of offering high value at more affordable prices is challenging an old-world industry that previously afforded her huge success,? said Jason Dorin, managing director at Catch NY. ?She will surely be rewarded by her loyal fans of past and earn a slew of new fans by positioning herself as a woman for women by bringing high quality, ?insider? knowledge and challenging the ?trade secrets? to the benefit of women.

?There are many others in fashion, luxury, finance, auto, even mattresses that now bring to the public what was only for the privileged few, making aspiration, what luxury does best, just a bit more within reach,? he said. ?Whether her loyal shopper of Jimmy Choo knew she went bankrupt or not, the fact she is admitting it openly, learning from it and using it to fuel her desire to take on the powers in the industry on behalf of women is an opportunity few people, even businesses have or take.?

Minor setback

Ms. Mellon continues to be the face of the fashion label and is making her comeback by owning up to her mistakes. A new campaign is being featured online, through email and on social media to let consumers know that the label is back but is here to stay.

Image of the new campaign

While fashion label Tamara Mellon was staging its comeback from bankruptcy filings earlier this year, the brand came under new leadership.

Following a $12 million investment from New Enterprise Associates, the brand teased its return and was looking to fill key roles. Part of her quest to find ?brilliant badasses? to help her rewrite the rulebook of luxury, Tamara Mellon hired Jill Layfield as CEO (see story).

A former co-founder of Jimmy Choo, Ms. Mellon hoped to launch her brand with an idea of providing ready-to-wear fashion for the affluent consumer, meaning customers would not have to wait to wear the highest fashion for another season but instead purchase relevant clothing right when needed. While the idea foreshadowed a trend that disrupted the fashion industry, it was too early and customers did not adapt.

With affordability being valued more than ever and ready-to-wear platforms gaining popularity, Ms. Mellon?s idea has a place to grow. Now that the comeback campaign has fully launched under Ms. Layfield?s direction, a letter has been posted to Tamara Mellon?s Web site and shared on social media drafted by the designer herself.

The letter explains that while the namesake brand was reflective of her new-aged ideas, Ms. Mellon eventually fell back on traditional retail rules, in turn causing her downfall. Tamara Mellon?s relaunch is now focusing on providing high quality footwear, but without the hiked prices.

A series of eye-catching posts are being shared on social media to showcase product images and to make a bold comeback. For instance, one video features quick clips and flashes of risque pictures for a shock-and-awe in an attempt to be different.

The comeback brand

Tamara Mellon originally received a ruling from the Delaware Bankruptcy Court after filing for Chapter 11 in December.

On Dec. 23, U.S. bankruptcy judge Kevin Gross ordered Tamara Mellon Brand to ?obtain final post-petition financing and grant securities? to move the Chapter 11 processing along. The filing, made on Dec. 2 in Delaware, included plans for Ms. Mellon to exit Chapter 11 in 60 days or less, reorganize and form a new company (see story).

?One value of a strong brand can be to protect from mistakes which the Jimmy Choo brand has certainly benefited from, as there is little affect Tamara Mellon?s mistakes have had on it,? Mr. Dorin said. ?However, her own brand has certainly been damaged, whether rightly or not, but regardless she is doing what good brands do ? admitting fault, taking what the brand (she) did best and using the lessons learned to challenge status quo in order to benefit the consumer.

?Ms. Mellon is not afraid to use her legacy, and neither should she be because it gives her instant credibility as seen by her celebrity endorsements, something she also knows how to use better than most to build a brand,? he said. ?But what is most interesting about her ?resurrection? is not just her position, but her timing, which is impeccable.

?She is cleverly doing this at the most perfect time in this country, probably in the last three decades, with Hillary Clinton?s campaign breaking through and positioning herself as a woman for women displayed again most recently with Ms. Clinton?s ?Mirror? campaign.?
[October 06, 2016] MediaTek Debuts Smartphone Design Training Program to Support 'Make in India' Initiative

HSINCHU, Taiwan, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MediaTek Inc. today announced a Smartphone Design-Training program to foster and develop talent for India's fast-growing handset industry. The training program, created in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), India, Indian Cellular Association (ICA) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs(MOEA), Taiwan, will propel the 'Make in India' initiative. MediaTek will share its smartphone design expertise, and leverage its well-established global ecosystem to support the program. The two-and-a-half-month program, scheduled to start later this year, provides hands-on training to managers and senior engineers from India on efficient planning and execution of handset design projects. The guidance and education offered through the training program will give engineers expertise to advance handset design in India. With its strong support of the 'Make in India' initiative, MediaTek once again demonstrates its long-term commitment to this important market. The 'Make in India' initiative was launched by the India Government in 2014 as part of a wider set of nation-building initiatives devised to transform India into a global design and manufacturing hub. "We appreciate the effort the Indian Government is making towards building a global manufacturing base for the electronics sector in the country," said Mr. Ming-Kai Tsai, Chairman and CEO of MediaTek. "MediaTek, as a key partner to the country's growth story, is taking its commitment a step further to support domestic innovation and production. We are happy to offer our expertise in the design domain to help set the framework of this skill development program." "We have observed that hardware design in the handset industry, especially integration of key components, is lacking in India so the idea of this program is to pick professionals working in the hardware domain and further train them in handset specific design to narrow the current gap in the local industry," said Ms. Aruna Sundararajan/span>, Secretary, MeitY. "We appreciate MediaTek's support in achieving this target. This program is also expected to substantially accelerate the government's 'Make in India' and 'Digital India' initiatives."



Mr. Shen Jong-Chin, Deputy Minister of MOEA, Taiwan said, "India is the world's fourth largest smartphone market. Taiwan is a world leader when it comes to electronics manufacturing and offers a comprehensive range of capabilities to support each stage of the production chain, from product design and innovation to manufacturing of key components to supply chain management. This training Program will help bring Taiwanese expertise in mobile phone system integration to India, creating a win-win situation for both markets and leveraging the strengths and synergies that exist within the industry in India. Taiwan is pleased to support this initiative." About 50 professionals, with at least five years of experience in Research and Development (R&D) in electronics, will be selected from key handset makers across the country to take part in the training program.

MediaTek will train engineers in R&D competence and design project management. The company will also coordinate with key component companies to be part of the training module with hands-on instruction. This will be a one-time opportunity for the participants where all key component makers and industry stakeholders will together impart knowledge about their specialized segments. MediaTek opened its India office in Noida in 2004. In 2014, the company invested US$350 million to expand its business and establish an R&D facility in Bengaluru. MediaTek employs 500 people in India now, and is expected to triple the number to 1,500 in three years. The company also actively invests in India's innovation ecosystem. To date, MediaTek has provided US$100 million worth of funding to companies in the fields of semiconductors, IoT, FinTech, e-commerce and network applications. About MediaTek



Since 1997, MediaTek has been a pioneering fabless semiconductor company and a market leader in cutting-edge systems-on-chip (SoC) for mobile devices, wireless networking, HDTV, DVD and Blu-ray. Our tightly-integrated, innovative chip designs help manufacturers optimize supply chains, reduce the development time of new products, and extend a competitive edge in crowded markets. Through MediaTek Labs, the company is also building a developer hub that will support device creation, application development, and services for the Internet of Things era. By building technologies that help connect individuals to the world around them, MediaTek is enabling people to expand their horizons and more easily achieve their goals. We believe anyone can achieve something amazing. And we believe they can do it every single day. We call this idea Everyday Genius and it drives everything we do. Visit mediatek.com for more information. MediaTek Press Office:

[email protected] Kevin Keating, MediaTek

+1- 206-321-7295

10188 Telesis Ct #500, San Diego, CA 92121, USA Joey Lee, MediaTek

+886 3-567-0766 # 31602

No. 1, Dusing 1st Rd., Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu City 30078, Taiwan Priyanka Naik, MediaTek

+91- 99111- 78301

1A/1, 3rd Floor, SB Tower, Sector-16A, Noida, UP -- 201301, India To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mediatek-debuts-smartphone-design-training-program-to-support-make-in-india-initiative-300340416.html SOURCE MediaTek Inc

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[October 06, 2016] API Technologies' ION Networks Granted UC-APL with United States Department of Defense for Another Three Years

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- API Technologies Corp., a leading provider of high performance RF, microwave, millimeterwave and security solutions, today announced that its security brand, ION Networks has, for the fourth time, been granted approval to be included on the United States Department of Defense (DoD) Unified Capabilities Approved Product List (UC-APL). UC-APL approval ensures every US government DoD agency has pre-approval to utilize ION Networks equipment. The DoD UC-APL is established in accordance with the UC Requirements (UCR 2013) document and mandated by the DoD Instruction (DODI) 8100.04. Its purpose is to maintain a consolidated list of products that have completed interoperability and information assurance certification. API Technologies' ION products on the UC-APL have been approved through Joint Interoperability Testing Command (JITC) certified testing at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Certification verifies that the system complies with and is configured consistent with Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Field Security Office (FSO) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIG). Specific products approved for the UC-APL: ION SA5600 Rel. 1.3.1-B17 TN 1300908 DTR2 as a Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) Secure appliance used to extendthird party access to voice and IT systems, offering highly secure remote dial up and IP access capabilities for troubleshooting and monitoring of critical systems.

ION PRIISMS Rel. 2.8.1 TN 1300907 DTR3 as a Customer Premise Equipment (CPE)Proactive Remote Integrated Intelligent Secure Management Solution, a central management system used to remotely access, manage and monitor IT and voice equipment. Ideal for management and central control of technician access to devices worldwide.



Henry Gold , General Manager, Secure Systems and Information Assurance (SSIA), North America . "Taking the time to ensure ION products meet required testing is just one more step in facilitating the process of implementing secure services for our clients." For more information on API Technologies' ION Networks portfolio of secure networking solutions, visit www.apitech.com/ion.

About ION Networks ION is part of the Secure Systems and Information Assurance (SSIA) group of API Technologies, which provides security and information assurance products for government, defense, and commercial customers worldwide. ION Networks' products include PRIISMs privileged user access software/gateway, secure appliances, service access points and Netgard (Common Access Card [CAC/PIV]) access to multi-functional devices. Learn more about our products and security solutions at www.apitech.com/ion. About API Technologies Corp. API Technologies is an innovative designer and manufacturer of high performance systems, subsystems, modules, and components for technically demanding RF, microwave, millimeterwave, electromagnetic, power, and security applications. A high-reliability technology pioneer with over 70 years of heritage, API Technologies products are used by global defense, industrial, and commercial customers in the areas of commercial aerospace, wireless communications, medical, oil and gas, electronic warfare, unmanned systems, C4ISR, missile defense, harsh environments, satellites, and space. Learn more about API Technologies and our products at www.apitech.com. Contact: Megan Ensminger

Marketing Specialist - SSIA

API Technologies

+1 301-846-9222 x 5317

[email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110629/NY28451LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/api-technologies-ion-networks-granted-uc-apl-with-united-states-department-of-defense-for-another-three-years-300336799.html SOURCE API Technologies Corp.

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Radio Free Asia on Wednesday quoted sources as calling for a thorough probe of the Chinese corporation that imports the most minerals from North Korea.

The sources said the most egregious violator of sanctions is not Hongxiang Industrial Development Co., which has been blacklisted by the U.S. recently, but Wanxiang Group.

Earlier reports have claimed that Hongxiang is responsible for the bulk of China's trade with the North, but a North Korean mining source said it only imports a fraction of the minerals from North Korea that a Wanxiang affiliate has been importing.

Wanxiang is China's largest automobile parts company based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.

A source in China told RFA that despite a high-profile Chinese probe of Hongxiang for illegal transactions with Pyongyang, Hongxiang does not do much business with the North. Instead, Chinese authorities used it as a scapegoat to save other Chinese corporations that are dealing with the North, the source added.


Margaret Baaba Koomson, Miss Grand Ghana, has called on Ghanaians to smile the peace they want to see in the country before, during and after the elections.

Ms Koomson who is Ghanas representative for this years 'Miss Grand International Beauty Pageant' said Ghanaians must appreciate the importance of smiling as a tool for maintaining peace in the society.

She made the call when she paid a courtesy call on Isaac Ashai Odamtten, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, and heads of the decentralised government agencies in the metropolis.

We should be the peace we seek and must always start it with a smile, she stated.

She further urged the public, especially politicians, to play the role of ambassadors of peace.

Ms Koomson who is a professional model, therefore, stressed the need to smile with one another to create a peaceful and beautiful environment, adding that a smile is always infectious.

She said the 'Miss Grand International Beauty Pageant' has an aim to stop the war and violence in communities worldwide.

Mr Odamtten congratulated her, wished her well and gave the assurance that as a resident of Tema, the TMA was prepared to support her to win the crown.
Veteran actor Jagger Pee who recently launched an appeal for funds to enable him to pay his medical bills has undergone a successful open heart surgery at the National Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra.

The wife of the veteran actor, Beatrice Nkansah, who is currently with him at the National Cardiothoracic Centre at the KBTH where the surgery took place told Starrfmonline.com that Jagger Pee is responding to treatment.

My husband successfully underwent the open heart surgery and he is currently responding to treatment. My husband needed $20,000 for the surgery and Ghana Heart Foundation took $10,000 and the rest was catered for by Prophet Emmanuel Badu Kobi, Leader & Founder of Glorious Waves Church International.

The actor has been battling with a heart ailment for some months now. He was recently rushed to the Holy Trinity Hospital at North Kaneshie and later transferred to the 37 Military Hospital.

According to reports, the actor was suffering from rheumatic heart disease with severe aortic valve incompetence and mild to moderate mitral valve regurgitation.
South Africa-based Ghanaian actor, Michael Darlington Seddoh, is set to star in his first Ghanaian production, years after pursuing his acting career in South Africa.

He is currently in Ghana shooting a new series titled 'Haunted' by actress Luckie Lawson's 7th Art Productions.

The production promises to be exciting and educative. Michael is playing the role of Raymond, a personal trainer and he has since been on set with cute actress, Helen Asante, who is also playing Tsotso.

Watch out for the fit muscled Raymond and the beautiful sexy Tsotso in Haunted, he announced on Instagram last week.

Described as a flawless actor, Michael is steadily doing well in South Africa's industry.

Aside being an actor, he is also a model and has worked with Platinum Blue Modelling Agency, one of South Africa's modelling agencies.

He was recently signed to Network International Models worldwide and would next year start working with the Beverly Hills-based agency founded by Patrik Simpson 25 years ago.

He has featured in a number of movies in South Africa and made appearance in South African soap opera, 'Scandal' as well as Nigerian hit series 'Lincoln Clan' on Africa Magic.

He has also done some international commercials. This is, however, his first time acting in his home country, Ghana, and indications are that he is performing very well on the set.

By Francis Addo (Twitter: @fdee50Email: [email protected] )
Matilda Asare

06.10.2016 LISTEN

Actress Matilda Asare has open fire on President John Dramani Mahama led administration. According to her, the President and his NDC has lost political directions for that matter doesnt deserve another term of office.

Speaking as a guest on Ashh fm National Agenda last Monday, the vibrant actress accused the president of collapsing all the social interventions that were implemented by the Kufour led administration.

She told Odeefour Kwasi Kay that, Ghanaians are suffering under John Mahama led administration and must be change.

 if I Matilda is okay in life it doesnt mean that everybody is okay, so a proper policies must be implemented to create avenue for the ordinary Ghanaian .

Matilda accused the president of spending tax payers money on celebrities instead of putting proper measures in place to improve the living conditions of the ordinary Ghanaian.

 I learnt President is saying if you are a star and you are on a sick bed his government will support you , what of those who are not stars , who is going to pay their health bills? , I think it shouldnt be that way; he has to put proper measures in place to cover all individuals like what former president Kufour did .

She opined that, Ghanaians cannot afford four more years of President John Mahama and his NDC government.
06.10.2016 LISTEN

The King of Northern Region, Fancy Gadam has finally penned down a one year deal as a brand ambassador for the newest energy drink in town Rush Energy drink.

Twellium Company Limited, manufacturers of Rush Energy Drinks has signed a deal with the Bie Gya hitmaker and per his contract he will be the products brand ambassador for the three Northern Regions of Ghana which will be subjected to yearly review.

Fancy Gadam joins as the fourth Brand ambassador, joining the likes of Rudebwoy Ranking, Shatta Wale and Kumawood actor, Lil Win endorsing it.

The Champion Boy hitmaker also expressed his happiness about the deal as well as the benefits.  I Feel blessed is a very good deal, They paid big. And also it comes with a lot of goodies he said.

Watch his new video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IkRzMbhXBU

2016-10-06 113812
Zambian presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema of main opposition party United Party for National Development, looks on after casting his ballot during the Zambian general elections on August 11, 2016. By Gianluigi Guercia (AFP/File)

06.10.2016 LISTEN

Lusaka (AFP) - Zambia's opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema pleaded not guilty Thursday to unlawful assembly and sedition charges and was released on bail after spending a night in custody, his party said.

Hichilema, leader of United Party for National Development (UPND), is scheduled back in court later this month. If convicted he could face up to seven years in jail.

Hichilema was arrested on Wednesday along his vice-president Geoffrey Mwamba in the country's copperbelt region, after they attempted to visit party members detained in various prisons.

"UPND president Hakainde Hichilema and his vice- president Geoffrey Mwamba have not pleaded guilty on two different counts," the party said in a statement.

Luanshya Magistrate Court freed the two leaders on bail, ordering them to appear in court again on October 19.

The alleged unlawful assembly took place on September 26 in the central city of Mpongwe, in the heart of the mineral-rich province.

Earlier on Thursday, Hichilema posted on his Facebook page that the two had been denied food, water and blankets while in the police cells.

Hichilema, a wealthy businessman who has run five times for president, disputed the result of August polls which re-elected President Edgar Lungu.

He accused Lungu, the country's election commission and court judges of all being guilty of fraud over the August 11 election, which Lungu won by barely 100,000 votes.

He and Mwamba had last week been blocked from visiting their supporters in prison and had gone to meet their families instead.
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Six people have been killed in a suspected attack by Shabaab militants on a residential compound in the northeastern Kenyan province of Mandera. By Simon Maina (AFP/File)

06.10.2016 LISTEN

Nairobi (AFP) - Six people were killed in a suspected attack by Shabaab militants on a residential compound in the restive northeastern Kenyan town of Mandera, police and local authorities said Thursday.

The attack targeted a gated residential building which mainly housed non-ethnic Somalis and non-Muslims, less than a kilometre from the volatile Somalia border town of Beled Hawa.

"We have suffered yet another attack in Mandera and sadly we have lost six people," Governor Ali Roba said in a statement.

Police chief Joseph Boinnet told AFP that there were 33 people inside the compound when the attack took place in the early hours of the morning.

Security official Mohamud Ali Saleh said the attackers used explosives to gain access to the fortified building.

"We highly suspect the attackers are members of the Shabaab insurgent group, who have sneaked across the porous border," he said.

"These criminal gangs are desperate to hurt innocent Kenyans since they were defeated badly and routed out of all their hideouts in the neighbouring country."

Several bus ambushes in the region have seen gunmen separate passengers by religion, killing non-Muslims.

The Shabaab has fought to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu since 2007, but turned its sights on Kenya when the army was sent into Somalia in 2011 to fight the Islamic insurgents.

Since then the Shabaab has carried out frequent attacks on civilians in different parts of Kenya, including a Nairobi mall, a northeastern university and coastal villages.
LA GOULETTE (Tunisia) (AFP) - A celebratory band played Thursday as a cruise liner docked in the port of Tunis for the first time since a March 2015 jihadist attack killed 21 tourists in the capital.

The German-operated MS Europa motored into La Goulette with 350 passengers on board for a one-day stopover.

The tourists, cameras at the ready, were greeted by a band of soldiers playing trumpets and drums, as well as camels and North African dancing, while the local tourist shops garlanded them with jasmine necklaces as they disembarked.

Tunisian authorities, who have ordered high security for the visit, are hoping to lure back the big cruise operators who have abandoned the country for the past year and a half since the gun attack on the capital's Bardo National Museum.

"The arrival of the liner Europa does not in itself signal the resumption of cruise liner activities in Tunisia," said Malek Ghanemi, head of La Goulette's cruise liner terminal.

"But it's very important because it sends out a positive and reassuring message," he told AFP.

Gabriella, a tourist from Berlin, was all smiles as she headed off for Tunis medina, or old city, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. "I'm not scared at all," she said.

Tourism Minister Selma Rekik Elloumi was to attend a special ceremony later Thursday underlining the significance of the ship's stopover for a key sector of the Tunisian economy.

Tunisian authorities, who have ordered high security for the visit, are hoping to lure back the big cruise operators who have abandoned the country for the past year and a half

Many of the tourists who died in the March 18, 2015 attack claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group that also killed a policeman were on cruise stopovers.

Tunisia's tourism sector has been in crisis ever since the revolution of 2011 which led to the overthrow of longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

The industry used to contribute around seven percent of GDP and supported 400,000 jobs.

Dozens of hotels were forced to close last winter following the Bardo attack and another in June 2015 around a beach hotel in Sousse that left 38 foreign holidaymakers dead.
05.10.2016 LISTEN

Mozano (C/R), Oct. 5, GNA - The Gomoa West branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has launched its 2016 Election Campaign to canvas for votes to win the upcoming December 7 polls.

Mr Joe Donkoh, the Central Regional Vice Chairman of the NPP, who launched the campaign, asked the people of Gomoa West to vote massively for the NPP because the Government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, has disappointed them in the areas of development projects since 1992.

He said Gomoa West had personalities in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) since the party was formed but no progress had been made to transform the lives of the people.

Mr Donkoh said the Government had failed to construct the road linking Apam Junction to Gomoa Afransi adding that although the road was awarded on contract under President Kufuor's Administration the contract was terminated when the NDC came to power in 2009.

He expressed regret that the bad nature of the road had affected the activities of the people who are predominately farmers to transport their produce to the market centres.

Mr Donkoh urged the people to cast their ballot in favour of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Lawyer Kwodwo Abban, the Parliamentary Candidate of the NPP, on December 7.

Mr Hopson Adorye, the Deputy National Communication Director of the NPP, called on the people to be focused and not allow the NDC to use outboard motors, purchased with state funds, to deceive them.

He urged the people of the Central Region to vote against the NDC to pave way for a competent government under Nana Akufo-Addo to take Ghana to the next level.

The parliamentary candidate, Mr Abban, called on the people to vote for him and the NPP as he is the best candidate to cater for their interest and make poverty a thing of the past.

GNA
By Bertha Badu-Agyei, GNA

Koforidua, Oct 05, GNA - The Member of Parliament (MP) for New Juaben Dr. Mark Asibey-Yeboah, has rallied the people to turn out in their numbers on December 07, to vote in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to improve the quality of their lives.

He said his party's government led by Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, would keep faith with Ghanaians and live up to their expectation.

Interacting with voters in Koforidua, he indicated that, the nation's resources were going to be efficiently and competently managed to transform the living conditions of the people.

The NPP, he said, demonstrated during the Kufuor Administration that 'it has extremely capable people', who could make things happen.

Dr. Asibey-Yeboah would be competing with four other candidates for the parliamentary seat in the coming election.

The seat is considered safe and has been held by the NPP since 1996.

The MP expressed optimism that he would be returned to parliament by the people to continue with the good job he was doing to bring progress to the constituency.

His vision, he added, was to help empower the youth to make meaningful contribution to national development.

Dr. Asibey-Yeboah gave upbeat assessment of his achievements in his first four-year term and said good progress was made.

GNA
Nneke Somto the beautiful Face of CandyCity Nigeria 2016 releases new photos for her domestic violence against women campaign tagged Purple Bande Signifie...side walk against Domestic Violence.

She said "Domestic violence is an everyday occurrence and a major concern in the society, however, a situation that is mostly overlooked by the perpetrators of this crime, even the victims sometimes overlook it, as a result of lack of societal cognizance of this criminal act, but silently suffer mentally, emotional, physically and psychologically, the majority of the victims being women.

The consequences of this unjust act tends to have a long time negative effects on the victim, if not quickly addresses; from having inferior complex, low energy attitude disposition at work, low self-esteem ,to equally ending as an abuser. These in totality will affect the victims human quality in value evaluation, in terms of her work endeavours, education, mothers roles and as a member of the society.

Domestic violence should not be tolerated by the victims and the perpetrators should be aware how torturous the crime is. For the victims, we stand to say we care and we call on all stakeholders to hands with us in supporting this struggle against domestic violence on women.

I say no to Domestic Violence against women. What about you?

For more information, support and sponsorship, call +2348067750809

Mail: [email protected]

Facebook: Purple Bande Signifie

Instagram: @PurpleBandeSignifie @CandyCityEnt
Kporkporgbor used to be a key, vibrant coastal community in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region. The community had more than 50 houses, a church, playground for children and a population of more than 500 persons. But today, all except one of the houses have been swallowed by the sea.

Kporkporgbor was the first Volta Regional village you would meet when travelling on the Atlantic Ocean from the Greater Accra Region in the direction of Ghanas neighouring country, Togo. It was a beautiful tourist site, unique for being the land area that separated the River Volta and the ocean. It constituted one of the 85 polling stations in the Anlo Constituency. But Kporkporgbor has virtually been wiped off the map of Ghana now.

And those who used to live there - women, children and fishermen - have become climate refugees. Climate refugees refers to people who have been forced to relocate from their homes as a result of alterations in the environment resulting from either rise in sea level, harsh weather conditions and/or drought.

These affected residents of Kporkporgbor have been forced to leave their homes to go live in less comfortable places with family and friends in nearby communities. Everybody is affected. There is no work again. The people have nowhere to sleep. A lot of them have moved out of the district, a former resident told Joy news. It was a gradual erosion of the land which the former residents estimate happened over a ten to fifteen year period. They saw it coming and they felt the land slip away with passing time. But they never imagined a day would ever come when the land they called home would permanently become part of the seabed.

Fuveme

One other community on the brink of extinction is Fuveme, also in the Keta Municipality. Fuveme used to share boundary with Kporkporgbor until the later was submerged. The community is an island, located between the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and the River Volta to the north. To get there, you would have to ride on a boat over the River Volta for about 30 minutes.

Over the last 30 years, the assembly member here, Oswald Etse Kpodo says the sea has expanded by about 400 meters into Fuveme, swallowing more than 150 homes. Some of the houses were very luxurious ones built of brick, others constructed with wood. He estimates that about 70 percent of the communitys land has already been lost to the sea.

About 20 houses were submerged after violent tides battered the community in February 2016. That night, the sea entered several houses and destroyed many properties within a period of three days. Boats and nets were carried away. Chickens and other poultry were also taken away. Two people were carried away by the water but we retrieved them alive, 33 year old fisherman Akorli Simon recounted.

The level of destruction in Fuveme is staggering. Right at the point that is now the sea shore are lots of debris including uprooted trees, electric poles and broken up bricks and roofing sheets. People were living all around here. Buildings used to be spread all around the area. So you can see that the sea here is not very deep. That is where portions of the community used to be, the assembly member Oswald Etse Kpodo explained.

Struggling to survive

More than 150 persons were rendered homeless in the February incident at Fuveme. Whilst some have relocated, others now reside in makeshift wooden structures erected in several parts of the remaining land in the community.

I was living in a three bedroom house with a veranda and kitchen before the sea came to wash away everything within one night. So I dont know where to go. I dont know what to do. I lost property and money; and now look at where I am sleeping. Even money to buy food, I dont have, an affected teacher Judith told Joy news at her new residence built with dried palm fond.

Look at the bathroom I have. Its constructed with cloth. When the wind blows, it can go off easily. And then the structure too, where I use as my bedroom is the same place I use as my kitchen, my store room, my everything. And that encourages mice to come there and sometimes snakes too; so the place is not safe, she added.

Close to Judiths home is another make shift structure built of roofing sheets. The size is as large as two salon cars parked side by side. Frank Kofigah, a former worker with the Ghana Tourist Board now lives there. He lost his eight bedroom self contained house in the latest sea surge. It was a cement building. Five self contained and then three other bedrooms plus an outer kitchen, he explained in a sad tone.

All over this community, there is a lot of anger. Anger, not only targeted at nature for treating them so unfairly, but also against the government for not doing enough to help them. Take 50 year old fisherwoman, Esi Bobassah for example. In the early 2000s, her first home, a four bedroom brick compound house she built after many years of struggle was swallowed by the sea. She bought another piece of land not far from where she lost her first house and managed to build a new one about five years ago. That too, was swept away in February 2016. Now, her children sleep in the open at night.

What has been happening over the last one and half years, I have never seen this before although I was born in this community, she explained. The residents accuse government of abandoning them. We have been complaining about this thing since 1995, but up till date, government has done nothing about it, one resident explained.

Role of Climate Change

Scientists estimate that about 70 percent of planet earth is covered by the sea, and the remaining 30 percent by land. But over the last century, what seems to be a thug of war between the sea and land has seen the later lose vast grounds. Since the 1960s, the sea has expanded its space across the world by an average of 3 mm each year; a situation attributable to climate change and global warming.

Global warming is essentially the increase in the temperature of the earths atmosphere. Rising levels of green house gases like carbon dioxide in the environment (caused mainly by industrial and vehicular pollution as well as other human activities) is responsible for global warming.

The rise in sea level is basically as a result of the melting of the ice glaciers, and so ices at the poles are melting and this is swelling up the volume of water in the ocean, causing the levels to rise. Rising sea level is also caused by increasing molecular activities as a result of sea surface temperature increasing, Prof. Kwasi Appeaning Addo, Head of the Marine and Fisheries Sciences Department at the University of Ghana, Legon, explained.

The politics

Fuveme is now vulnerable. The people here live in fear everyday over which chain of houses would be submerged next. The Keta Municipal Security Council met following the loss of homes in February 2016 and took a decision to relocate the residents to ensure their safety. The Municipal Chief Executive Sylvester Tornyevah told Joy news in March that the council intended to relocate the community within a month. A land has been identifiedso it has out hope that by early next month we would relocate the people, he said.

The plan did not even get off the paper on which it was drawn. The residents kicked against the move to relocate them. This is their ancestral land. They are demanding the construction of a sea defense wall rather to protect them. We cannot go anywhere. We are fishermen. We wont survive anywhere else. Sea defence; that is the only solution, a resident explained.

Experts like the Director of the University of Ghanas Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies, Prof. Chris Gordon, criticizes local authorities for not doing enough consultation ahead of the planned relocation, hence the resistance. He however believes the approach adopted by the Security Council is the better option.

Its a natural phenomenon. Government cannot control the tide. It cannot control the level of the sea. If it is going to override, it will override. And as I pointed out, sea defence is not cheap. And it does not happen overnight, he noted.

So you can die with your pride. And the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) would come in and save those who did not perish. And if you want to stay there, there would be another flood, and more people will die; until we ask, who are we saving left? You cannot beat nature, Prof. Gordon added.

But political expediency had its way at the expense of common sense. The agitations by the people of Fuveme caught national attention following another significant sea level rise and tidal wave battering in April 2016. Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing Dr. Kweku Agyemang Mensah visited the community and assured them there would be no need to relocate because government is ready to construct the sea defence walls.

The president is concerned about what happened and he has instructed that we should take this project on emergency basis and extend the Atokor-Anyanui-Dzita sea defence project here.so we are going to do something about this community, he said to a rousing applause from residents who had gathered there. Its been almost five months since the promise and the defence walls are yet to rise from the ground. The community was hit again in the middle of September 2016, leading to the loss of several homes.

Volta Regional Minister Helen Ntoso will rather not stick her neck out on what the way forward should be. I will not draw a conclusion on whether to continue with the sea defence walls or relocate them, she said in an interview with Joy news.

Keta Central saved by Sea Defence Walls

The communities demanding the construction of sea defence walls draw inspiration mainly from how these walls have helped save the people of Keta Central. A map of the community that compares the sea level between 1910 and 1999 shows about two thirds of lands in the Keta Central Electoral Area have been lost to the sea over the duration.

According to the assembly member for the area, James Ocloo, the sea is almost five to six miles into where houses used to exist. There were a lot of coconut plantations along the sea and a lot of houses. Various structures like the Keta Landing Park, UAC, Bartholomew, John Hoot, Keta Zion School, Keta E. P. School have all been submerged, he added. Road and market infrastructure were also submerged. The problem got so bad that the government of former President J. J. Rawlings rolled out plans to relocate the entire Keta Township in the mid 1990s to a fallow land in the Ketu South District, which the people resisted.

But Keta is safe today following the construction of an 8.4 kilometer sea defence wall which cost government more than US$ 80 million in the 2000s. Trenches of up to 10 meters were filled with rocks; linings were placed on them, and then larger rocks placed on these to create defence walls against the raging sea. Its worked for the people of Keta Central and no portions of the communitys lands have been swallowed up by the ocean since.

Is this replicable?

Ghanas coast stretches over a 540 kilometer distance from the Western through Central and Greater Accra to the Volta Regions. Seven percent of Ghanas total land area lies along the coast and is home to about five million persons. It is estimated that an amount of 1.14 billion US dollars will be needed to build sea defence walls to protect the shorelines in communities most at risk across Ghana. Prof. Chris Gordon of the University of Ghana notes the approach of using sea defence walls to protect threatened communities is unsustainable.

He gave the following reasons for why it will not be economically prudent to invest in the construction of sea defence walls to protect the people of Fuveme in the Keta Municipality. If you look at the Keta Districts (revenue) projection for 2016, the entire budget for the whole district for all activities (including education, health and infrastructure) is 8 million cedis. That is US$ 2 million. That money can do only 150 meters of sea defence, he explained. If we are Netherlands, if you are Great Britain, and you have excess money, thats fine. They dont have a child dying every 15 minutes of malaria. They dont have children schooling under trees. So, I think this is a question of priorities, Prof Gordon added.

Consequences of Sea Defence Walls

Head of the University of Ghanas Marine and Fisheries Sciences Department Prof. Kwasi Appeaning Addo says analysis of scientific data has proven that the construction of sea defence walls in particular communities worsen the problem of sea level rise in nearby ones. Once we trap sediments in Keta, we create what we call sediment starvation in the areas down drift of the Keta Sea Defence structures. Those areas obviously will experience some form of erosion, Prof. Appeaning Addo explained.

Communities like Blekusu in the Ketu South District are now bearing the brunt of the defences raised at Keta. Blekusu is gradually going under the sea. The community has a population of 4000 people. Sitting on a broken down canoe on the sea shore, Kwame Agbeko, a fisherman at Blekusu told Joy news two kilometers of the communitys land on which houses were built have already been washed away by the sea. According to the assembly member for the area Clement Agbotey, half of the communitys land has been submerged over the last few decades leading to the loss of many homes. The sea has also swallowed several electrical poles through which electricity is distributed across the community. The result, several of the remaining houses are without electricity. This has resulted in harvested fish getting rotten because of the absence of electricity to power cold storage facilities.

Several other communities including Atsitetsi, Xorvi, Dzita and Havedzi are also on the brink of being submerged completely by the rising sea level. Several homes, businesses and other infrastructure have been destroyed there too with no end in sight. Atsitetsi used to be one of the landing beaches in the region. Ships bring items here for distribution to other parts of the country. The Ghana National Procurement Company (GNPC) had stores in which the items were kept and distributed. But all have been destroyed by the sea. Now, the only job here is fishing, a resident told Joy news.

What next?

We are now operating in an environment of climate change induced sea level rise Under normal circumstances we are okay. But when we have high tide because of the face of the moon, coupled with a storm surge, coupled with high wind, and these are all working together, then you find that the coast line is overrun and the water comes in, Prof. Chris Gordon lamented when asked about whether the problem of destruction caused by sea level rise can ever be brought under control. In the final part of this series, we will hear from him and other experts on how best to tackle the problem in the long term. We will also bring you stories of destruction from other parts of the country.

Below is a link to the video version of the story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buZzGVdVfKU

By Joseph Opoku Gakpo / Joy news
Ada Totope in the Greater Accra region is a community with a population of about 3000 persons. It is located on the Ada Peninsula, uniquely sandwiched between the sea and the Songhor Lagoon. The main source of livelihood for residents here is fishing. But today, the sea which used to be their supply of life has become the source of death and destruction.

Ada Totope is one of the coastal communities in Ghana hardest hit by sea level rise as a result of climate change. The community has seen the sea break down and wash away more than 20 homes over the last 30 years. But an even greater number of houses have been buried in the sand. As the sea moves closer ashore, it sweeps lots of sand in shore that has drowned more than 30 homes here, rendering them inhabitable. There are lots of roofless brick structures with sand in them, reaching as high as the window levels across this community.

The community was more than one and half to two kilometers away from the sea about 15 to 20 years ago; but now it is less than 20 meters because of sea erosion, Chief of the area Theophilus Agbakla told Joy news in an interview.

Five years ago, the community recorded its most bitter moment as a result of the seas repeated violent acts. Three people were drowned as they were trying to salvage their properties when the sea water swept through the houses of many in the middle of the night. When you look at the rise in the sea level, it killed three people. Nii Adi Nortey, Ofotsu Obedi and Adjei. The volume of the water hit them and they died, Mr. Agbaklah recounted sadly.

Several other communities along Ghanas coast in the Volta, Central, and Western Regions have lost vast lands to the sea over the last half century, forcing residents to relocate from their homes.

Cause of sea level rise

When there is (atmospheric) warming, the sea expands and spills over.then the Arctic and Antarctica which are highly frozen is thinning because of warming of the environmentthe melting ice is filling the seas and that results in the overflow, Head of Public Affairs at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Angelina Ama Tutuah Mensah explained when reached for an explanation on the cause of the sea level rise in several communities in Ghana.

Because of increase in production of greenhouse gases, the world is warmer and the glaciers are melting and the areas around the equator including Ghana are where this excess water is getting to and flooding our coasts, Kwesi Johnson of NGO Friends of the Nations, further explained.

In Ada Totope, the situation has resulted in an accommodation crisis. Those who used to live in the submerged and destroyed homes have moved to put up with family and friends on the other side of town, crowding themselves into small rooms in compound houses without basic amenities of life.

Real life stories

Simone Dogbee is a carpenter, and has eight children. He used to live in a five bedroom house beside the sea here. After their home was repeatedly flooded with water and packed with sand to the window level, they had no option but to move out of here in 2005. Life has not been the same for them since. Ten years ago, we had a family of about 20 people living in the house but it got flooded and we had to relocate our lives have worsened. Our economic activities have been halted as well, Dogbee explained.

This is not the only home that is gone. Joy news also interviewed 50 year old John Mawudzi. He has two wives and eight children. He starved himself and his family of any expensive living for most parts of the 30 year period he spent working actively as a fisherman to build his dream house. But the sea came for the house about five years ago, and his family has no comfortable place of abode now. My house has been destroyed by the seaThat night, the sea was coming and the volume of water was so hugepeople, were hurt, my wife was hurt, I had to leave to go live elsewhere, he said.

About 10 years ago, government began the construction of a sea defence wall at Ada Totope to protect the community. But it has been abandoned much to the anger of residents. The rough sea has not only destroyed homes here. It has also destroyed fishing boats and other equipment, snuffing out the livelihoods of many. The community is now cut off from the rest of the country. Portions of the roads here have been washed away by the sea, and what is left is covered by sand pushed ashore. The bus station that existed here is no more. The chief explained getting sick persons out of the community to seek treatment in times of emergency is always difficult. When people are sick especially pregnant women, you have to carry them in an arm chair to the school, six hundred meters away to get a vehiclesometimes they die, Mr. Agbaklah said.

Major monuments in Accra at risk

Away from Ada Totope, Accra - the countrys most important city and home to the countrys political elite is another town deemed highly vulnerable to the rise in sea level. Accra has a relatively open coast that allows strong waves accompanying the sea water to easily reach the shore, resulting in the destruction of homes and property. A study in 2006 found that Accras coast once existed between 12 and 18 meters into the current areas covered by the Atlantic Ocean. Meaning up to 18 meters of Accras lands has been lost to the sea over the years. Every meter of sea rise leads to 110 square km of land loss to the sea. Predictions are that the situation will get worse in the years ahead. A study by researchers at the University of Ghanas Marine and Fisheries Sciences Department predicted that the Osu Castle will be swallowed by the sea in the next 50 years if it continues to rise at the current levels.

We modeled the different scenarios of sea level change. And we realized that in the next 50 years, if nothing is done about the problem of sea level rise, the Osu Castle area will be lost. And then in the next 100 years, we are likely to lose the Independence Square. And in the next 150 years, we are likely to lose the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum if the sea level rise continues as we are experience now, Prof. Kwasi Appeaning Addo who is head of the department explained. The lands there will be lost. Communities there will also be affected. It will result in massive displacements. Which will result in problems with migration, he added.

Scientists also predict that additionally, the Asomdwee Park, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the Densu Wetlands and up to 1km of land from the sea in the Greater Accra Region would be submerged by 2100. About 645 thousand people and 900 buildings will be affected. A lot more persons will be displaced, resulting in social upheavals that could reach uncontainable limits.

Western Region

The problem of sea level rise is even more pronounced in the Western Region; a result of something more than just climate change. That is, the construction of large scale infrastructure on the sea like the deep-water Takoradi Habour, oil rigs, naval base among others. Such infrastructures displace water from the sea onto land and disrupt the natural shoreline, worsening the problem of sea level rise.

Take Nkontompo, a community in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis for example. 2 meters stretch of coastal land is lost to the sea here each year. According to scientists at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technologys Department of Architecture, nine acres of land, forming a third of the total built up area in Nkontompo has been eroded since the 1960s leading to damage and subsequent loss of about 117 buildings to the sea. Also in this region, Dixcove, one of Ghanas most traditionally significant communities is being eroded by the sea at a very fast pace.

This very house too, gradually gradually, the sea scattered all the houses around here. If you look up there, there is a big house there called Efiekesim. That too has been destroyed by the sea, a resident told Luv FMs Prince Appiah who visited the area.

Challenges in dealing with problem

Direct human activities including sandwining and other illegal acts along the sea have been identified as a major contributory factor to the problem. If you take sand from the coastal area, you create a deficit. So, once you create a deficit, the system will try to re-arrange to try and correct that deficit and that will result in erosion, Prof Appeaning Addo explained.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is however worried that state institutions like the courts have not been supportive in helping crack down on those who destroy the environment. The EPA, we do a lot of enforcement. But the court systems are slow. And therefore the EPA will do its job alright but we need the support of the courts. We need the support of the police, the EPAs Head of Public Affairs Angelina Tutuah Mensah explained.

Any solutions in sight?

Experts are worried the destruction of homes, farmlands, roads, electricity and water infrastructure, industries and other properties along the coastal belt as a result of sea level rise has the potential to negate a lot of the development gains the country has made over the years and deepen poverty further.

As indicated, the root cause of the difficulties all these communities face is climate change and global warming. Global warming is essentially a rise in the temperature of the earth, attributed mainly to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere produced by the use of fossil fuels in cars, industries, etc. Government recognizes the damage climate change is doing to lives and property and has thus adopted a national climate change adaptation policy that details specific recommendations on how to deal with the problem. Recently, Ghana joined more than 170 countries across the world to sign an agreement in Paris on how to deal with climate change. But Director of the Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies at the University of Ghana Prof Chris Gordon is not impressed with the states efforts at tackling the menace.

On paper, Ghana is very committed to dealing with climate change. Unfortunately, a lot of this commitment is not rolled out in practice and implementation There are many things government can do to serve as role model for the rest of the country to follow, on what is appropriate and inappropriateThere are things they could do to show they are serious about climate change which I do not think they are doing, he said.

We have large vehicles 5.7 litre engines being used by ministers and so forth for driving around Accra. Absolute waste of everyones resources. Accra was supposed to have a green belt. Where is that greenbelt now? Successive governments have changed the greenbelt of Accra into urban housing and this is actually driven by politicians who give out the land, most of which are government acquired lands as favours, Prof. Gordon lamented.

He continued: And Im sure you know about the current issue around the Achimota School which is one of the few green remaining areas in Accra. There is a push to re-allocate a lot of that land as urban housing. Why should that be? Knowing that the green areas act as the lungs of the city

What is happening is that we are taking short term actions without looking at the long term consequencesand as a result we are mortgaging the future of the young people who follow us. Prof. Gordon concluded.

All is not lost yet. But mankind must wake up as soon as possible to this threat climate change is causing to habitats on earth, or man will live to regret the price of inaction.

You can watch the video version of this story on the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zlWf0rZILY

By Joseph Opoku Gakpo / Joy news
Some female political figures are calling for a collective effort to ensure political and economic equity beyond the passing of the affirmative action bill into law.

They believe passing the bill into law alone will not be enough to guarantee gender equity.

The Affirmative Action Bill seeks to end discriminating against women in social, political and economic spheres of endeavour.

Out of 133 women who contested in the parliamentary election in 102 constituencies in 2012, only 29 secured seats in the legislature.

Advocates attribute the trend to some misconceptions about the capability of women.

Catherine Afeku, Member of Parliament for Evalue Gwira in the Western Region believes more investment is needed to building capacity of women to take advantage of potential opportunities of the bill when it is passed.

We have to help young girls who have an interest in politics, nurture them and help build their capacity, she said.

Meanwhile, National Womens Organizer of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), Vivian Kakie Tetteh wants skill training in place for females who are unable to attain higher heights in the academic field.

These sentiments were expressed at a session of the 2016 Youth Debate Series in Kumasi.

Organizers say the debate platform is meant to address political gender imbalance and also encourage the youth to take voting decisions based on policies.

Mostly when events of this nature are organised the men in politics are the ones who get the opportunity but we decided to limit it to women for them to speak about their parties, President of African Heights Foundation, Dennis Armah, said.
WAPIC will once again attract some 2000 power professionals in November

If there is a net sea level rise of one meter above present levels, up to 90km of coastline will go under water.

Mangroves are one of the amazing sea defences that the country has and it is being destroyed through oil pollution.

These are just some of the serious predictions and pressing issues that are unpacked in the documentary film "Nowhere to Run" that will be screened on November 22 during the upcoming WAPIC (West African Power Industry Convention) taking place in Lagos from 22-25 November. Nowhere to Run tells the story of environmental threats and unique challenges to security in Nigeria from the perspective of the affected communities.

The documentary has already fostered much debate and discussion in Nigeria, the region and globally. Guest speakers at the event will include H.E Michel Arrion, Ambassador, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, as well as Mr. Amara Nwankpa, Director, Public Policy Initiative, at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Foundation.

Nowhere to Run was produced by the Yar'Adua Foundation as an advocacy tool to raise awareness and galvanise communities and policy makers to confront the threat of climate change and environmental degradation. The narrator of the documentary is Ken Saro-Wiwa Jr., the son of the late environmental activist.

WAPIC screening of Nowhere to Run:

Date: 22 November 2016

Time: 18:00 - 20:00

Venue: Eko Hotel & Suites

Admission to view the documentary is free but due to limited seats, prior booking is advised. Please click here to register: http://www.wapicforum.com/documentary

WAPIC, a long-running, regional conference and exhibition, will return to Lagos with an innovative and interactive programme that reflects the dynamic energy landscape of the region and will once again attract some 2000 power professionals, high-level experts and industry stalwarts at the 13th edition of the event.

Industry awards

The third edition of the hugely successful West African Power Industry Awards will also take place at this years WAPIC during a gala dinner evening when industry pioneers and projects will be recognised and celebrated in seven different categories.

Exciting time for the power industry in West Africa

As in previous years of this flagship power event in the region, WAPIC has already secured impressive industry support. Global information and telecommunication giant Huawei will return as the exclusive diamond sponsor for the event for the third time. Lucy Electric, a global secondary distribution leader in the electricity sector, is a platinum sponsor.

WAPIC is organised by Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK. Other flagship events in Spintelligents power portfolio on the continent are African Utility Week, the East African Power Industry Convention (EAPIC), iPAD Rwanda Energy Infrastructure Forum and iPAD Cameroon Energy & Infrastructure Forum.

The Shehu Musa YarAdua Foundation was established by the friends, family and associates of Shehu YarAdua to sustain the legacy of one of Nigerias foremost leaders and inspire the nations future generations with his life of service. Through its facilities and programmes the Foundation endeavors to further the ideals of Shehu YarAdua: his commitment to national unity and good governance and to building a just and democratic society for all Nigerians.
The 38th Plenary Session of the UNWTO Affiliate Members took place in Yerevan, Armenia between 1 and 4 October. The meeting discussed the latest tourism trends, public-private collaboration and promoting good practices in the sector. The event was held in parallel with the 43rd UNWTO Affiliate Members Board meeting, which adopted the Affiliate Members 2017 Action Plan.

This year's session comprised debates on the key issues shaping the 2017 Action Plan: the future of tourism, cultural tourism, city tourism and the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

It is an honour to host the 38th Affiliate Members Plenary Session and to welcome all participants to Armenia. Armenia boasts an incredibly rich history and varied traditions and it is with great pride that we share them with visitors. The key to a peaceful future are these kinds of intercultural exchanges and dialogue, promoting understanding and friendship as well as public and private partnerships underlined Mr. Garegin Melkonyan, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia.

During the meeting, Affiliate Members shared information on their role, goals, new projects, challenges and expectations in the context of public-private collaboration and global tourism.

This meeting is very significant as it is held at a crucial time in the development of tourism. The sector is dealing with numerous exogenous shocks, including seismic economic changes and terror, which have heightened uncertainty and invite serious consideration on possible solutions. Tourism has a pivotal role to play in tackling these global problems as one of the most inclusive and resilient sectors in the world, said Edmund Bartlett, Chairman of the Board of the Affiliate Members, Representative of Consolidated Tourism and Investment Consultants Limited (CTICO).

We are very pleased to be meeting in Armenia. Armenia is one of many examples of great potential in tourism; it holds extraordinary natural assets and unique cultural diversity and traditions, and this immense potential has started to translate into strong tourism results, said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai.

The event also featured three inspirational lectures by recognized experts:

- The Future of Tourism, by Professor Eduardo Fallos-Sola, Ulysses Foundation

- Marketing Innovation in Tourism, by Professor Luiz Moutinho, DCU Business School, Dublin City University, Ireland

- New Niches in Cultural Tourism: the Archaeoastronimical Context, by Dr. Clive Ruggles, University of Leicester, United Kingdom

The 500 UNWTO Affiliate Members represents the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.

UNWTO

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) , a United Nations specialized agency, is the leading international organization with the decisive and central role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how. Its membership includes 157 countries, 6 territories, 2 permanent observers and over 500 Affiliate Members. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , LinkedIn and Flickr.
Government is optimistic its first local dollar denominated bond will be oversubscribed at a coupon rate of between 5.5 and 6.5 percent.

The confidence, according to some financial advisors in government is due to enthusiasm expressed by investors in several meetings ahead of the issuing of the bond in some few days time.

Already, Finance Minister, Seth Terkper had pointed out that government will achieve the target since many companies and individuals in the country hold dollar denominated accounts.

Speaking on Citi FM's Consumer programme, Business Today, a representative of the Joint Book Runners for the bond, Kobla Nyaletey said that government will achieve the target due to the current condition of the exchange rate market.

This is the first [local dollar bond] transaction and indeed we've met investors in a couple of meetings and we are very confident that we will be able to issue and get the target amount that the government is looking for in the indicated price range of 5.5 to 6.5 percent,  he said.

He explained that the bond will be restricted to residents and Ghanaians only.

This is a domestic Ghanaian market transaction open only to residents and Ghanaians, so non residents are not permitted to participate in this transaction, he noted.

Govt targets 25.3bn by close of year

Government announced plans to issue an estimated 25.3 billion cedis between August and December this year.

Of the amount, 23.8 billion cedis is expected to be used to rollover forecast maturities with the remaining amount of 1.4 billion cedis being fresh issuance to meet government's financing requirements.

A statement from the Bank of Ghana said, the calendar is In accordance with the Government's MTDS, the Bank of Ghana, and the Ministry of Finance.

It also indicated that government would consider accepting a reasonable amount above the target to build buffers which would be used to reduce borrowing.

Government explained at the time that it aims at continuing the objective of lengthening its debt maturity profile by reducing short-term borrowing, while issuing the 91 and the 182-day bonds weekly.

Payment plans

Per the new calendar, 60 million cedis will be issued every 2 weeks for the 1-Year Note, through the primary auction.

Settlement will occur on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Also, the 2-Year Note will be issued monthly through the primary auction with settlement occurring on the second Monday of each month.

While the 3, 5 and 10-Year issues will be done through the book-building method, with settlement on the last Monday of each month.

An amount of GH400 million for the 5-Year Bond will be raised this month through reopening of the existing 5-year Bond at a coupon rate of 24.75% with maturity at 19th July 2021, and settlement on 29th August, 2016.

By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
President John Mahama has yet again received another endorsement from a chief in the Brong Ahafo Region on the second day of his 3-day campaign tour of the area.

The chief of Odumase No. 1, Nana Kwasi Yeboah was addressing a gathering of people when President Mahama paid a courtesy call on him at his Palace on Wednesday [October 5].

He said the NDC government's achievements in the last four years has been very impressive and called on Ghanaians to extend President Mahama's mandate.

We do not need to make noise about it, all the projects we are seeing bears testimony to his [Mahama] good works. We are solidly behind you Mr President. Anyone who does not wish you well is clearly not on our side. We will only support our well-wishers, Nana Kwasi Yeboah said.

He also appealed to the President to construct a community center at Odumase.

We know you have done a lot for us, but we have one more request, we need a community centre at Odumase. Do your best to build one for us so that it becomes a standing remembrance to your legacy. Keep on with your good works. We are solidly behind you, he said.

'President of B/A House of Chiefs endorses Mahama'

The Omanhene of Yeji, Nana Pemapin Yaw Kagbrese on Tuesday [Ocotber 4] endorsed President John Mahama for a second term in office.

The chief, who doubles as the President of the Brong Ahafo regional house of chiefs called on Ghanaians to vote massively for the president in the December polls.

Nana Pemapin Yaw Kagbrese who was was addressing a gathering of elders and people of Yeji when President John Mahama visited the area as part of his Brong Ahafo regional tour today said the President had achieved a lot in his first term of office in spite of the numerous challenges he faced.

The chief of Bassa, Nana Owusu Sekyi III in the Brong Ahafo Region also endorsed the candidature of President John Mahama ahead of the 2016 Elections.

Speaking at a rally during a campaign tour of the Brong Ahafo Region by the President, the Bassa paramount chief hailed the NDC government's achievements in the last four years despite the handicap of the Election Petition in 2013.

We will not be able to list all the NDC government has done for this community. Although they haven't constructing all the roads, we can clearly see that they are in the process of doing so. He used just three years to do all this because the first year was marred with the court saga so we congratulate him, he said

The Bassa chief also lauded the achievements of the NDC in the education sector as he said the President had done a lot in the education sector by providing a lot of infrastructure for us.

Chiefs involved in politics

Meanwhile, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, Henry Seidu Danaa, is urging persons concerned about Chiefs endorsing presidential aspirants despite the act being unlawful, to report to them to their respective Regional House of Chiefs to have the issues addressed.

According to him, the constitution frowns on traditional rulers mounting political platforms or displaying party paraphernalia.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo Addo has urged the Ghanaian electorate not to fall for President John Mahamas JM toaso mantra which he says is deceptive.

Nana Akufo Addo was speaking in the Ayawaso Central constituency on his Greater Accra regional campaign tour on Wednesday.

According to him, President Mahama cannot call on Ghanaians to give him the mandate to serve as President for a second term since he has performed abysmally in his first term.

He told party supporters that 'JM Toaso' mantra which literally means 'John Mahama Continue' should not lead them blindly to vote for the Mahama-led government.

This year, the law of Ghana and God has given the opportunity to end our struggles and hardships we cannot escape from; paying of our school fees and electricity bills. We now have the opportunity to use our thumb to end all that hardship. We can now kick Mahama and his government out and bring the government of development that is the NPP government into office, he said.

Our President John Dramani Mahama has been President for four years and yet he claims his work is not done so he is appealing for four more years, let's ask ourselves, everything he says 'JDM toaso', what is he going to continue?. I always say, if it will be well, it will be evident from the beginning but I haven't seen anything, Nana Addo stated.

Don't be deceived by Mahama's goodies

The NPP flagbearer who is currently on a Greater Accra regional tour had earlier told supporters at a rally at Weija-Gbawe that they should expect several attempts by President Mahama to 'buy their votes with goodies' ahead of the December polls.

He said Ghanaians are no longer interested in the politics of deceit being perpetuated by the NDC.

as election draws closer, expect more goodies from this government, we are going to see this and that. They are going to spend a lot of money on freebies in a way to convince you to vote for them, he said.

NDC are masters in rigging elections

At a similar rally in the Ablekuma West constituency, Nana Addo described the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a party with a penchant for rigging elections .

The NPP flagbearer's jabs were in response to the NDC Running Mate, Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, warning Ghanaians to be wary of attempts at rigging from the NPP during an address at Asawase in the Ashanti Region.

But Nana Akufo-Addo said, what I know is that when it comes to rigging, they [NDC] are masters with a copyright in it. We will never do that, our party is very democratic.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Awal Mohammed, the Deputy National Communications Officer for Zongo Caucus, the official wing of National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Zongo communities has announced his defection to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Awal Mohammed who made the announcement in a press statement on Wednesday [October 5] was also a senior member of NDC communications team in the Ashanti Region.

He noted that his decision to defect from the NDC to the NPP was based on his principles and convictions.

He expressed disappointment the NDC did not state any policy to address concerns of the Zongo community in its recently launched manifesto.

Awal Mohammed added that he believed the as a party had failed to tackle the high unemployment situation in the country resulting in untold hardship on many people.

He further said, I believe the nation at this crucial point needs a new direction, new leadership and new plans. I believe Ghana needs a leader in the person of Nana Addo ably assisted by Alhaji Dr Mahamadu Bawumia to give the nation a better leadership.

After making his decision public, Awal Mohammed met with some executives of the NPP including Chairman of the campaign, Peter Mac-Manu and youth organizer, Sammy Awuku.

Read his full statement below

AWAL MOHAMMED: DEFECTION FROM NDC TO NPP.

In all humility and sincerity I, Awal Mohammed Deputy National Communications officer for Zongo Caucus (official wing of NDC in the Zongo communities) and also a senior member of NDC communications team in Ashanti Region wish to state that I have on this day October 5th 2016 defected to the New Patriotic Party.

My decision to join the NPP is wholly based on principles and convictions. On the 30th of January 2016, Nana Akufo-Addo addressed a Nasara conference in the Asawasi constituency in Ashanti Region and promised to introduce a Zongo Development Fund (ZODEF)

Zongo caucus afterwards in a Press conference addressed by myself rubbished and bastardised the policy and further promised our Zongo people that we NDC have a better policies geared towards the development of Zongos.

The NDC launched its manifesto some few weeks ago. I read through the 88 paged document and to my uttermost dismay, there is no mention of a single policy dedicated to Zongo. As a Zongo boy I felt we have been given a raw deal.

Again, as a young man I believe that NDC as a party has failed in curbing the massive unemployment which has resulted in unprecedented hardship, job losses is on the rise and our economy is in disarray. This coupled with many problems affecting our dear nation caused my defection.

I believe the nation at this crucial point needs a new direction, new leadership and new plans. I believe Ghana needs a leader in the person of Nana Addo ably assisted by Alhaji Dr Mahamadu Bawumia to give the nation a better leadership. I humbly entreat all to vote massively for Nana Addo and the NPP in the 2016 elections. Thank you

SIGNED

Awal Mohammed



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Michael Agyare

06.10.2016 LISTEN

Michael Agyare, the 32-year-old unemployed man who allegedly murdered his mother and a teenage house help at Oforikrom in the Suhum Municipality of the Eastern Region, has been arrested at Kumawu in the Ashanti Region.

The Suhum District Police Commander, Supt. Yahaya Muchiraru, who confirmed the arrest to DAILY GUIDE, said the suspect was arrested Tuesday morning at his hideout, adding that the police would arraign him before court after thorough investigations.

Madam Doris Tetteh, 59, who worked at the Suhum Government Hospital as a Records Officer and her 18-year-old house help, Mary Addo, who was also a final-year student at the Suhum Presbyterian Senior High School, were allegedly murdered in cold blood on Monday dawn by Agyare.

The suspect, unemployed, purportedly had sexual intercourse with his mother and the maid before using a machete to butcher the mother in the washroom and stripped the maid naked in the bedroom.

Michael Agyare, according to reports, often forced his mother to marry for him.

He reportedly accused the mother of being a witch who had retarded his progress in life.

DAILY GUIDE's sources maintained that the suspect went to his father in Kumasi and reportedly told him (father) that he had killed a woman and the teenager and so his father should find a place for him to hide.

The father then stormed the Kumawu Police Station to report the son.

He was subsequently transferred to the Suhum Police on Wednesday.

According to Nana Kwadwo Dompreh, the landlord and Suhum Adonten Ankobeahene earlier told DAILY GUIDE that Michael Agyare had been quarrelling with his mother over his intention to get married.

A staff nurse (name withheld) also told the paper that the suspect's late mother once told them [nurses] that her son was forcing her to marry the late house maid for him, and she had assured the son that she would do that after her retirement which would be next year.

The landlord, Nana Kojo Dompreh, who called the police to break the door of the deceased, said he was at home at 6:30 am on Monday when some staff of the deceased woman came to inform him that she hadnt reported to work as usual.

By then her phone was ringing in the rented three-bedroom apartment.

The police later found the deceased in the room but Michael Agyare had reportedly taken to his heels.

FROM Daniel Bampoe, Suhum
06.10.2016 LISTEN

It is with much delight I write this rejoinder to a publication by Dr. K. Nsiah in the Friday, September 9, 2016 issue of THE PIONEER on page four with the title My Personal Observation And Concerns On The Implementation Of ACT 857. Not only did I perceive mischief in the observation and concerns of individuals and a group with the sole aim of detracting the progress of medical laboratory practice in Ghana, but I also see a deliberate misrepresentation of facts in a context not applicable in post-ACT 857,2013 era by an expected intellect to appeal to the general public. I present this rejoinder to set some records straight and as a matter of fact address the concerns raised by the writer.

For the education of the general public and individuals who might have been misinformed, I respond to the issues raised in the publication as follows:

The writer claims that ACT 857 was passed by Parliament of Ghana, to provide a legal framework to regulate the operation of clinical laboratories in the country. It is of public knowledge that the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies ACT, 2013 (ACT 857) PASSED by Parliament and assented to by the President has FIVE PARTS, with PART ONE-ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS COUNCIL (AHPC) responsible for the regulation of twelve (12) different professional groups including professionals of MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE presented on pages 70 and 71. For the sake of precision and accuracy, it was my expectation that, the writer would have given a proper reference to the very foundation of his concerns and the mirage observations of the members of Medical Scientists Society of Ghana (MSSG).

It is well established that Medical Laboratory Science is an autonomous profession; characterized by its own body of knowledge and scope of practice; which certifies its own practitioners; and require of its practitioners impeccable competency in scientific, technical, managerial and scholarly principles, and high standards of performance and professional conduct. In Ghana, who qualifies to practice Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is captured in the Schedule of Allied Health Professions in ACT 857. One becomes a professional Medical Laboratory Scientist (Biomedical Scientist) after demonstrating the requisite academic knowledge and skills with evidence of clinical laboratory training. Students of the medical laboratory profession undertake four or six years intensive theoretical and practical training (for the award of Bachelor or Doctor of MLS respectively), three years intensive theoretical and practical training (for Diploma in MLS) or two years intensive theoretical and practical training (for Certificate in MLS) in Clinical Haematology, Chemical Pathology, Histopathology (including cytology) and Clinical Microbiology (which includes parasitology, virology, mycology, bacteriology and medical entomology) in addition to the basic sciences just like students of dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, nursing, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, zoology (fisheries, herpetology, etc), botany, industrial laboratory, et cetera. After this scheduled training, graduates obtain a provisional professional license to undergo a mandatory one year internship in accredited health facilities before writing their professional exams to obtain their permanent license from the AHPC to practice.

The laboratory profession since its inception in Ghana in an unregulated environmental has seen many different cadre of certificate holders in practice. When the AHPC was initially registering professionals of Medical Laboratory Science in 2012-2013, about 25 different certificates were found to be submitted by applicants already in practice. No wonder the writer acknowledges the fact that  a non-regulated situation would be inimical to the healthcare in the country, and went further to appreciate  the timeliness and appropriateness of the Law, .

Strangely enough, an erroneous impression was created by the writer as if the provisions in ACT 857, Part 1 were implemented in retrospect to throw out some of those already in practice from the clinical laboratories. The conclusion from his observations and reflections to assert that  others are swept under the carpet. is not true and a complete figment of the writers imagination.

I would not want to believe that by the statement, the writer is suggesting that everyone should be allowed into practicing MLS going forward once you have studied the basic sciences? Is that his explanation of how a regulated environment should be? Definitely not! What difference would it be when one compares to the pre-ACT 857 era? The group MSSG (of whom Dr K. Nsiah is a mentioned patron) which the writer mentioned in his article, petitioned the AHPC and were given a ruling which prescribed a way for upgrade to attain the level of body of knowledge accepted by the laws to practice in Ghana. This is not different from what happens in the UK and USA as the writer suggested we should go and learn best practices from. If the writer cares to know, those who followed the guidelines given by the AHPC after the petition and did the necessary upgrade have been licensed to practice the profession of medical laboratory science as we speak. I am therefore at sea what might have informed the purported observations and concerns of a law being applied  to protect one group of professionals. Was the writer suggesting a wholesale acceptance and license of anyone who wishes to work in the medical laboratory of hospitals? Was he suggesting that anyone, with whatever qualification and even a lecturer of students of MLS should be able to dot a container anywhere and be performing laboratory tests? No way in this era of regulation.

It is very difficult to comment on the Hollow claim presented by the writer giving an analogy of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ as in the Holy Book. The difficulty in responding is the inability of providing the reference to the claim. But just like all laws, ACT 857 was never applied in retrospect and provision was made to successfully recruit qualified and competent professionals to serve the medical laboratory needs of Ghanaians. My surprise is when the writer never proffered directions on how the ACT 857 should have been implemented to address his concerns but rather chose scenarios from UK and USA. Even with the scenarios cited, the facts were misapplied. Assuming, the ACT 857 was implemented wrongly, as claimed in the article, one would have wished countries close to Ghana (Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania and others in African) with good practices would have been cited. The choose and pick of practices across different cadre of professionals from UK and USA by the writer is problematic. With the clarity of the ACT 857, Part 1 on who can be a MLS professional, I cannot appreciate the submissions under the Hollow Claim of the writer. There are many professionals with qualifications other than Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) registered with the AHPC once you have the required body of knowledge.

In the UK, before one can practice in the medical laboratory as a professional scientist, you need to provide academic qualification which shows the individual has undertaken;

Core Subject areas: Biology: Primarily anatomy and physiology which should include cell biology, genetics, molecular biology and immunology. Biochemistry: Essentially the study of chemical processes which support life. Numeracy, Statistics and Computing. Instrumentation/Analytical Technique. Key subject areas: The programme should cover adequately the main traditional pathology specialisms: cellular pathology/cytology, clinical chemistry, clinical haematology, immunohaematology and transfusion science, medical microbiology/virology and clinical immunology.

In fact, a fundamental requirement of biomedical science degrees is an integration of the core science and the key/specialist subject areas through a study of a pathophysiology or biology of disease component, which should consider the human disorders and disease processes together with their investigation. The existence of these must be adequately demonstrated before one can satisfy the requirements of the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) to register as a Biomedical Scientists in the UK (same as Medical Laboratory Scientists by the AHPC in Ghana). It is complete falsehood and throwing of dust into the eyes of the public that graduates of biochemistry, biological science, chemistry, zoology, and others are allowed to practice medical laboratory science straight from their institutions without top ups in accredited institutions. The IBMS offer Certificate of Competence to individual applicants before being accepted by the HCPC for license. There is no where on the websites of the IBMS and HCPC that graduates with the backgrounds mentioned by the writer are registered without top up except those with biomedical science degrees. Those who have Masters degree in the biomedical science specialty from recognized institutions are accepted for specialist registration as Chartered Scientists (IBMS 2016-2017). The UK example is exactly how the AHPC operates in Ghana and for that matter my surprise of the concerns raised by the writer.

To respond to the USA scenario, professionals of the MLS and Physicians are to be certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). There is an extension for international professionals who are given ASCP i certificate. It is very clear who qualifies to be able to take their exams before license just like in the UK. I have about five (5) of my colleagues who got into USA and had to write the exams for certification before qualifying for employment. The requirements are explicit just as by AHPC in Ghana. Once you satisfy the requirements of the law, no one, whether  friends or foes , can misapply the law. Since  Ghana does not learn from best practices but is doing something else and the writer refuses to describe the good ways the laws could have been implemented, I would add my voice to the fact that ACT 857, Part 1 is one of the best things to have happened to this country to get rid of quacks. This the writer does not refuse. On the concerns of implementation, since quality is a destination, I know we will get there because Rome was not built in a day and let no one think that the best laws only exist in the UK and USA.

The writer raises some Concerns and Arguments which are not founded as explained in earlier portions of this rejoinder. There are people who held biosciences certificates recognized by the law and those who have obtained biosciences certificate post-ACT 857 who followed requirements of the law and are equally accepted and registered. I wish the writer be informed of the happenings in the field of medical laboratory practice under the regulations of the AHPC rather than building on the unfounded concerns of MSSG. In certain parts of the world, chemist who mix compounds to develop drugs could be accepted to practice as Pharmacists. The laws of Ghana is against such practice. In the UK, MLS can rise through professional development to do tissue cut-up, prepare slides and do histological examination to report. Such individuals could be accepted by the Royal College of Pathologists.

It is high time all come to embrace the fact that the training and development of professionals of MLS is regulated with prescribed laws of Ghana. Anyone who prefers to be accepted as one should go through the required training to acquire the needed knowledge and skills to practice. The believe of ability to do all things as claimed by the article is the root of inefficiency and has been the woes of medical laboratory practice pre-ACT 857 in Ghana. Despite the challenges faced, I am sure of one thing, QUACKERY will forever be extinct and Ghanaians will enjoy quality medical laboratory services.

Dennis Adu-Gyasi

[email protected]

0207028698/0209097616
Since its inception in 2009, the Africa Public Private Partnership Conference and Showcase (Africa PPP) (http://APO.af/Z1oCl5) has become the definite platform for discussing, informing and instigating the successful implementation of PPPs across the continent.

The 8th edition of Africa PPP will once again showcase investment opportunities and planned infrastructure development projects from across Africa. Organised by AME Trade, the event will take place from the 24  26 October 2016 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, London, UK, building on the success of the previous editions which have been held in Tunis, Nairobi, Abuja, Johannesburg, Abidjan and London. Watch the industry highlights from the speakers interviews: http://apo.af/HoIEB5

Based on the outcomes from the 2015 event, the conference programme (http://APO.af/MXxHGm) will focus on the following key topics:

Harmonisation in PPP Policies and Regulatory Frameworks

Best Practice Scenarios - Successful PPPs in Africa  Case Studies

Investing in Infrastructure  Financing PPPs

Project Preparation Facilities  Expediting Bankable PPPs

Lessons from India  The Worlds largest PPP market

Working towards Integrated PPPs

Focus Session  Opportunity Showcase of Investable Infrastructure Projects

Risk and Reward  Why PPPs need to continue to grow

The quality of discussions has been excellent. There were ministerial people and parliamentarians in attendance and it is that caliber of people that attend these particular conferences, they come here to learn to be able to go back to their countries and take the best practices scenarios back. Senior Project Advisor PPP, National Treasury, South Africa

This edition of the event is host to an excellent line-up of speakers (http://APO.af/mdVHYX). Showcasing nine PPP units from Senegal, Egypt, South Africa, Uganda, Mali, Ethiopia, Kenya, Cameroon and Nigeria.

Confirmed speakers:

Ibrahima Fall, Director of Fundings and Public-Private Partnerships, Ministry for Investments Promotion and Partnerships, Senegal

Stanley Kamau, Director, PPP Unit, Ministry of Finance, Kenya

James Aiello, Senior Project Advisor, PPP Unit, National Treasury, South Africa

Atter Ezzat Hannoura, Director PPP Control Unit Ministry of Finance, Egypt

Paul Horrocks, Lead Manager, Private Investment, OECD

Aboubacar Guisse, Technical Adviser on Legal Issues and Institutional, Ministry of Investment Promotion and Private Sector, Mali

Romain Py, Head of Transactions, AIIM

Eng M C Munodawafa, Chief Executive Officer, Zambezi River Authority

John Seed, Head of Infrastructure Finance, Europe, Russia & Africa, Mott MacDonald

Abebe Tadesse, Senior Expert and ISP-PPP Coordinator, Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation, Ethiopia

Jack van der Merwe, CEO, Gautrain Management Agency

William Dachs, COO, Gautrain Management Agency

Rafael Perez Feito, International Operations Director, FCC Aqualia

Ekow Coleman, Senior Investment Officer, Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF)

Joan Miquel Vilardell, Partner, AGL Transportation Infrastructure and Logistics

Ziria Tibalwa Waako, Director, Technical Regulation, Electricity Regulatory Authority Uganda

Sheila Galloway, Group CEO, Utho Capital (Pty) Ltd

Dominique Ndong, General Co-ordinator, Investment Promotion & Majore Projects Agency (APIX)

Heleen Goussard, Associate, Riscura

Hoda Moustafa, Regional Head  Africa, MIGA

Jacqueline Odula-Lyakurwa, Activities Co-ordinator, African Development Institute, African Development Bank

Alex Katon, Executive Director, Infraco Africa Ltd

Chidi K.C. Izuwah Snr, Executive Director, The Presidency, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission

Junglim Hahm Regional Program Leader, East & South Africa, Middle East, Public Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF)

Hannes van Wyk, Managing Director, Toll Infrastructure Services

Jean-Noel Ekoman Ekoman, Technical Expert, Support Council for the Realization of Partnership Contracts (CARPA)

Francois Serres, Lawyer, Francois Serres & Associates

Tony Clamp, PPP Expert, Compass Infrastructure

Matthew Rees, Deputy Coordinator, Power Africa, USAID

Chinyelu Oranefo, Senior Associate, Nabarro LLP

Gori Olusana Daniel, Lead Transaction Advisor, Africa PPP Advisory

Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Beatrice Florah Ikilai, Acting Director, PPP Unit, Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development

Tom Minney, African Growth Partners

APPP 2016 is an ideal match-making platform for both project sponsors and financiers to explore options for increasing infrastructure development via PPPs.

Register as a delegate online (http://APO.af/jADS4u) or request brochure (http://APO.af/99qtoI) for more information.

Information about the programme, speaker panel and delegate registration is available at the official Africa PPP website (http://APO.af/Z1oCl5).

Alternatively, please contact the event organiser directly by phone +44 207 700 4949 or email at [email protected] . For press accreditation email [email protected] .
06.10.2016 LISTEN

Prophesy is a recipe for more troubles, oppositions and other hatred attacks from the enemy. Have you received any Prophesy concerning your life and your future from any good man of God? Then if that Prophesy concerns something good in your life, whether successful marriage, greatness et al then better prepare for more wars from the opposers and never think that prophesy would rather make things good for you.

Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us? And they took offense at Him.

No one likes opposition, yet, as Christians we must face the fact that this will be a real part of life at times. Why does God allow opposition into our life? What purpose does God see in our struggles with opposition? God usually helps us in one of two ways when opposition strikes us: He may shield us from the terrible storm or He may have us face directly into it! In either case He is trying to teach us to hold on to Him ... we must adopt the strategy of the vine!

The vine has developed one of the most successful methods of survival in nature. it is capable of developing in any climatic condition, it is able to grow as tall as the tallest tree without having to build a huge trunk for support, it can spend its energy on growth upwards because it utilizes the strength of whatever it clings to, thus it grows much faster than the very tree it attaches itself to. Why is it able to stand any storm from any direction? It winds itself around in a circle upwards. it does this so that no matter which way a storm comes from it cannot be shaken off ... even those vines that grow straight up are unshakable ... why? if a vine grows on the north side of a tree and a storm comes from the north, the winds will drive the vine into the strong tree, it remains in position therefore, if the winds come from the south, the tree itself will shield the vine from the winds, again it remains unmoved ... even those that grow straight tend to wind slowly so that one part of the vine is always protected from a storm in any direction! The vine is as safe and as strong as that which it clings to.

And so we are to be like a vine clinging to Christ ... if opposition comes against us head-on He is our shield; if it comes from the other direction it can only drive us closer to Christ and so we still are safe! Like the vine, we are only as strong as that which we really cling to ... so cling to the strongest thing in the Universe which is God! Anything else might give way eventually, cling to the best!

-Mark 6:3 (NASB)

Often times, people may look at your past and present situations to rule you out of the race of life. They assume your future is bleak because per their analysis of your background nothing good can happen to you.

Your sight alone is enough grounds for them to dislike you. The little harmless words you speak or act becomes an offense to them

No matter the extent to which people around you; including family members look down on you, never fall victim to their schemes. The fact is, they are only physical mediums the devil is using to divert your attention from your real purpose.

They say it's the punch that you don't see coming that knocks you down, so the question should be, "why don't we see it coming?"

Some also looked at opposition to accomplishing the tasks that God places within our spirit to accomplish, how the real opposition comes before the opposition that we are expecting, and even how it often comes from those that mean the most to us.

How do we overcome opposition in the Christian journey, Grace will meet comfort, as this illustrated beautifully in the life of Nehemiah.

He has been given a message of comfort to bring to God's people in the rebuilding the walls of their homeland that the enemy had destroyed and it is through this event that I find encouragement in the oppositions that I face in the pursuit of my purpose in the Christian life.

Why does it seem as though whenever you make steps in speaking your life's message that opposition presents itself without fail. Fierce and relentless.

I find right off the bat that the opposition Nehemiah faced was not in a small size. His endeavor attracted the attention of kings. Why would kings work so hard to stop a cup bearer?

The cup bearer is never the issue and never has been; the issue is and always will be the message.

The magnitude of the opposition will reflect the need for the message.

Your message from God will never be without opposition and it will always attract the attention of the adversary. Size does indeed matter because when you are faced with a large amount of opposition, rest assured that the need for your specific message is equally as large.

When opposition seems to come in a large force, please understand that this is a reflection of a large need for the message that is being opposed. The need for your message can be forgotten when your focus is shifted to the size of your opposition so it is important that you secure your thoughts before your opposition arrives.

In order to combat the opposition with success, we must change our belief systems.

Nehemiah needed to combat a belief system before he was able to face Sandballat and Tobiah (Two kings that opposed his message).

He started with a mentality that expressed, "...I was a cup bearer."~ Nehemiah 1:11, but by the time that he finished, he had changed from cup bearer to a leader that could look a crowd of torn up, battered and discouraged people in the eye and say:

"...God WILL help us..." ~ Nehemiah 2:20

Who is this talking to kings? Is this the cup bearer from the palace?

Nehemiah had transformed in his thinking. Opposition cannot stand against a message carried by a messenger who is aware of his or her identity and the importance of a delivered message.

When you understand the significance of your message, then you will understand that your message was given to you along with the authority to deliver that message.

Opposition has NO authority over your message.

The adversary can only INFLUENCE.

The only weapon that the adversary actually has to fight your mind with is the weapon of influence. The message is what has AUTHORITY.

Never allow the adversary to influence you into trading, or giving up your God given authority or message. Your message qualifies you for your assignment.

The journey will always bring you places where you will be directly challenged in your message and in those places, you must continually go back to your belief in the message that started the journey.

It was no longer a cup bearer that led the people in the task of rebuilding.

You are no longer just a dad, employee, housewife, employer, soldier, college student or whatever title that comes to mind when you think of yourself in the face of opposition. You are a messenger with a divine purpose. You have been given authority and precision placement in your assignment. Walk in that purpose and be on mission with Christ in rebuilding hearts and lives that have been destroyed!

REMEDY:

1. When they look down on you, turn to look deep inside of you.

2. When they despise you, laugh at them within you.

3. When they try discouraging you, encourage yourself with the insight of your inner abilities.

4. Let the hope of your future glories inspire you to live one day at a time by acting on your plans.

The fact is, Men will always look down on people with purpose, and therefore I admonish you never to allow them to divert your focus. If Jesus Christ has the same encounter with the men of His times, why not YOU in our time?

Giving up is not the option. Cheer up and match fearlessly into your purposed destiny to their dismay!
From time immemorial the Techiman Police Station has no cells for women. As a result of that women who offend the law and taken to the police station to be detained end up sitting at the 'counter back.'

A year ago, one Alhaji Musah, a businessman led a team of philanthropists to initiate the construction of a befitting cells for the police station and it was done with water closet and a tiled bathroom to match.

Investigation conducted by DAILY GUIDE indicated that instead of using the place as intended by the philanthropists, the Techiman police are using it as a storeroom where seized motorbikes are kept. When DAILY GUIDE visited the place, about four hundred and forty motorbikes were found parked inside the newly completed cells.

Speaking to DAILY GUIDE on the basis of anonymity, a police officer said it has become a worry to all of them especially those who go on night duties because if a hardened criminal is brought to the station and she happens to be a woman, you cannot lock her up among the men and as such the only thing you can do is to let her sit at the 'counter back.' According to him if you are not lucky and she escapes, you as an officer on duty will be in trouble.

Further investigation conducted by the paper indicated that the 440 brand new motorbikes in the cells belong to one Kwadwo Adjei, an agent of one Meto Emile, a Togolese motorbike dealer. Kwadwo Adjei who also granted interview to DAILY GUIDE, said before he became an agent to the said Mr. Meto, the manager had two agents by name Agongo Jacob and Alhassan Issahaku who embezzled GH1,000,000 and the matter was reported to the police. He said in the cause of the police investigation, the police came for the 440 motorbikes and stored them in the newly constructed women's cells.

According to Mr. Adjei, several attempts made by the complainant and himself for the police to release the motorbikes fell on deaf ears and as a result they had no option but to petition the Director General of CID in Accra to impress upon the Techiman police to release the motorbikes but nothing has been heard from the CID Director General till now. Mr. Adjei seized the opportunity to appeal to the IGP to impress upon the Techiman police to release the motorbikes while the case continues at the court.

FROM Eric Bawah, Techiman


The decline in the assets of banks in Ghana in recent times has caught the attention of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which has called on the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to, as a matter of urgency, help address the problem.

The Non-Performing Loan ratio of banks increased to 18.8 percent in June 2016 from 11.2 percent the previous year, reflecting the lagged impact of exchange rate depreciation and disruptions to energy supply.

Under-provisioning

An Asset Quality Review (AQR) finalized in December 2015 revealed significant under-provisioning among some banks, particularly regarding loans to state-owned enterprises (SoEs) and the petroleum sector since assumptions in the initial AQR were very conservative.

It is as a result of this that the Central Bank has been asked to conduct an updated AQR to include an impact assessment of government's 14 IMF plans to address state-owned enterprises debt on banks' capital.

A recapitalization plan was required from banks with capital shortfall.

Recent agreements on SOEs debt restructuring and plans to settle gradually oil importing companies' claims on government should improve banks' balance sheets.

Supervisory action

By end-February 2017, upon review of these plans by the Board, the BoG shall communicate its decision to banks. Banks that fail to timely regularize their capital situation or repay their emergency liquidity support shall face supervisory action in accordance with the Banking Act, the IMF noted in its 121-page document.

The IMF has further directed the BoG to include the introduction of a temporary special liquidity monitoring scheme, adoption of a new ELA framework in line with international best practice and issuance of a new directive to banks, clarifying some grey areas of the IFRS standard.

Amended BoG Act

Banks increased provisions in response from 5.1 to 7.9 percent of gross loans.

The ratio of regulatory capital to risk-weighted assets was similar to a year earlier at 16.2 percent, although system profitability declined, with return on equity falling to 23 percent in June from 29 percent a year earlier.

By Samuel Boadi

[email protected]
Rita Oppong receiving her GH100,000 prize and other dignitaries

06.10.2016 LISTEN



A 41-year-old teacher, Rita Oppong of the Sowa Din 2 Junior High School (JHS) at Adenta in the Greater Accra Region, has been adjudged as the Best Teacher for the Year 2016.

Ms Oppong won a three-bedroom house worth GH100,000.

President John Dramani Mahama, supported by the Education Minister, presented the keys of the house to an elated Ms Oppong, who has been teaching for the past 18 years.

The first runner up, Samuel Kofi Boateng, 42, of Ghana Secondary Technical School in Takoradi in the Western Region also took home a Toyota pick-up.

The second runner-up, Suleman Inusa of Sacred Heart SHS at Nsoatre in the Brong Ahafo Region, took home a Daweoo saloon car.

In all, 43 teachers and 32 schools and institutions received various consolation prizes such as laptops, fridges, deep freezers, gas cylinders, set of books and cash prizes.

The awards ceremony, which was held at Sunyani Jubilee Park under the theme, 'Valuing Teachers, Improving their Status,' was also attended by deputy ministers in charge of tertiary and pre-tertiary, parliamentarians, Council of State members and some functionaries of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Representatives of teacher unions- Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT)- were also in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, President Mamaha underscored the important role that teachers play in the education sector of the country.

He said his government and for that matter the Ministry of Education have improved education not only in privileged schools in the cities but in less endowed schools in the rural areas.

According to him, some rural schools won some of the categories in this year's awards.

He said his government's intervention by training mathematics and science teachers resulted in an improvement in the performance of students in mathematics and science this year at the SHS level, adding that 'A' scores jumped from 25% to 32% in mathematics and 23.2% to 48.5% in science and there was also an improvement in this year's BECE results.

He thanked teachers and urged them to continue to show commitment to their work.

From Daniel Y Dayee, Sunyani

[email protected]
In the editorial of yesterday, we did mention that Ghanaians are yet to see more stunning moves from the government.

The president, who has never been so cornered, is implementing odious policies as the crucial elections beckon.

The economic downturn, the worst in two decades, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest impression, alongside motley unfulfilled promises, are indicative of difficult times; these are gradually pushing the government to the precipice.

Indecisiveness and damning features of President John Mahama have become more pronounced as he rescinds his decisions, with the speed of rapids in response to emerging realities.

My First Coup d'etat his autobiography, says a lot about young John Mahama's bout of vacillation.

Even before the ink dried on the commentary yesterday, a signal meant for the action and consumption of personnel of the foremost law enforcement agency ordering the stoppage of road checks made media-fall.

The speed with which the signal went virile on social media underscores the disdain with which Ghanaians digested the bizarre novelty.

We have not seen the worst yet: President John Mahama would do a lot of weird things, symptoms of desperation, safe perhaps ordering the emptying of the country's prisons.

We can bet though that if he is assured that this could provide the needed impetus to reverse his political misfortunes, he would go for it  the repercussions notwithstanding.

To ask that the police suspend road checks is to allow indiscipline on our roads and subject lives and properties to avoidable danger.

We can state that the unpopular decision has political motives and therefore, originated from the Interior Ministry: it's an unprecedented action not congruous with civility and symptomatic of desperation.

The Police Administration is said to have attributed the road check suspension to a leak from its personnel.

The media all over the world depend on such leaks for critical stories and so the trend would not stop with John Kudalor at the helm of police administration. No! Never!

In advanced societies John Kudalor would have resigned his post rather than succumb to this Interior Ministry directive and by extension, President John Mahama's.

Unfortunately for a man savouring the pecks of the high office of IGP when he should have been on retirement, courtesy President Mahama, he would do anything as a way of expressing gratitude.

Not only is Ghana passing through her worst economic moments in two decades, but witnessing the most obnoxious socio-political times.

Countries do not grow under governments which are bereft of moral principles.

A president, who suffers dangerous bouts of vacillation, would soon pilot the ship of state to the rocks. We haven't seen anything yet. When we are told that electricity bills have been scrapped and prisoners released from the prisons, it would be President John Mahama suffering further bouts of vacillation and acute indecision.
A leading member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Awal Mohammed, has defected to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) barely 62 days to the general election.

Until the announcement of his defection yesterday, Awal was the National Communications Director of the NDC's Zongo Caucus and former President of the Students' Representative Council (SRC) of the University College of Education, Winneba (UCEW).

At a press conference held at the NPP's Kokomlemle office yesterday, he declared, I am, in humility and sincerity, Awal Mohammed, Communications Director for NDC Zongo Caucus, an official wing of the party, that is the NDC in Zongo communities and also a senior member of the Communications team in the Ashanti Region, resolve today that I have defected to the NPP.



Reason

According to him, his decision to join the NPP was based on principles and convictions.

He recalled that sometime on January 30, 2016, the flag bearer of the NPP, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, addressed a Nasara conference of the NPP in the Asawase constituency where he (Awal) lives.

After the said event, he indicated that Nana promised the establishment of a Zongo Development Fund when voted into power.



Pain

But, according to Awal, since they in the NDC did not believe him (Nana Addo), he and his other colleagues in the Zongo Caucus held a press conference which was addressed by himself in which they did not only ridicule, but also bastardized the policy.

And we further told the people of the Zongos and the people of this country that the NDC has better policies geared towards the development of the Zongos than the NPP so they should disregard that statement from Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, he revealed.



Disappointment

What however, baffled him was that When the NDC launched its manifesto some weeks ago, I read through all the 88-page document and to my utmost dismay and disappointment, there is no single policy that is geared towards the Zongo community.

Meanwhile, he said, It is an open secret that we have over 50 percent of the votes that the NDC gets in any elections from Zongo; so I think we've been given a raw deal.



Decision

In that regard, Awal concluded, I think that the best thing to do and the honourable thing to do is to move round, tell people I had earlier told that the NPP does not have any message for the people of this country that indeed, somebody who says 'I have a dedicated fund to help,' has moved ahead from the lip service that Zongo is deprived; he says 'I will establish a fund so that the deprivation of the Zongos will be uplifted.' That is generally the reason I'm defecting.

As a former SRC president and a teacher currently, he revealed, For the past five years, those I completed school with and those who completed before me are still unemployed; we still have deficits in our classrooms; we don't have teachers. So if you look at the soaring unemployment situation in this country, it is something that we all know.



Conviction

It was for this reason he said, I believe that the best thing to do as a youth who lives in the Zongo is that, I have to try as much as possible to tell the good people of Ghana and the good people of the Zongos that we have to rally round Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Dr Bawumia, so that they will be able to address the challenges of this country.



Charge

So I entreat all and sundry to join hands so that we make sure Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is elected come December 7, 2016, was his message to Ghanaians.

Present at the event was NPP Campaign Manager, Peter Mac-Manu; Council member; National Youth Organiser, Sammy Awuku; Nasara Coordinator, Kamal Deen; Communications team member, Nana Boakye; Deputy Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha; former National Youth Organiser, Emmanuel Attafuah and a host of other members of the NPP Communications team. They all welcomed Awal to their fold ['elephant family'].

By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Accra, Oct. 5, GNA - Alhaji Abubakar Iddrisu, the Chief of Blind Union at Sabon Zongo in the Ablekuma Central, has appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to provide them with braille for voting in this year's elections.

He also called on the EC to train the blind on the use of the braille to avoid their votes being made public by their guides.

Alhaji Iddrisu made the call when the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) organised a day's sensitisation programme for visually impaired persons at Sabon Zongo in the Ablekuma Central in Accra.

He said: 'The difficulty is that the one who will escort you to vote normally chooses a different party against your wish,' adding that; 'I know that one's vote is his secret, but sometimes before you return home after voting people get to know which party you had voted for which becomes embarrassing.

'This is the why we are calling on the EC to introduce the braille to bring some changes particularly to protect our votes,' he said.

Mrs Comfort Azalletey, the Acting Officer-in-Charge of Ablekuma Central NCCE, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said empowering physically challenged persons in society to know their civic responsibilities would help prevent exploitation by politicians.

She said it also assists them to always remain committed at ensuring peace before, during and after elections as well as making inputs in national affairs.

Mrs Azalletey advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to destabilise the peace in country hence the need for NCCE to ensure that all stakeholders remained committed to activities of peace in the areas.

Miss Jane Amerley Oku, the Chief Executive Officer of Janok Foundation, a community-based organisation at Sabon Zongo, expressed gratitude to the officials of the NCCE for empowering the visually impaired persons on their civic rights and political education.

GNA
06.10.2016 LISTEN

By Albert Futukpor, GNA

Tamale, Oct. 5, GNA - Mr Robert Jackson, United States (U.S) Ambassador to Ghana has called on political parties to disband vigilante groups affiliated to them to create a peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of the December general election.

He said it was not democratic to have political vigilante groups in the country adding such groups engaged in activities that disrupt electoral processes as well as intimidate voters hence the need to disband them.

Mr Jackson made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Tamale on Tuesday to round off his five-day working visit to the Northern Region.

The tour forms part of a challenge to U.S ambassadors to celebrate 100 years of the U.S National Park Service by visiting national parks in their countries of assignment.

Whiles in the region, Ambassador Jackson met with various interest groups to discuss issues related to elections and security, and visited Mole National Park and launched the United States Agency for International Development's Agriculture and Natural Resource Management project to improve the management of natural resources in the northern part of the country.

Mr Jackson said there was nothing wrong for political parties to have youth groups or women groups but 'there should be no room for vigilante groups in a democracy.'

Vigilante groups affiliated to some political parties exist in the country and they engage in electoral violence as a means of protecting the interest of their political parties.

Mr Jackson called on all stakeholders to have confidence in the Electoral Commission (EC) saying it (EC) was capable of conducting transparent elections in December this year.

Mr Jackson also called on political parties to engage in issues-based campaign and desist from issuing threats.

He spoke about the United States government's Feed the Future Initiatives in the country assuring that the U.S foreign policy towards the country (Ghana) would not change no matter which party won its (U.S) presidential elections in November.

He also spoke about the U.S Diversity Lottery Visa programme, whose application began this month (October), urging all prospective applicants not to engage services of middlemen during their application processes.

He urged such applicants to be honest and provide accurate information about themselves to ensure that they were granted visas when selected.

GNA
06.10.2016 LISTEN

By Comfort Sena Fetrie, GNA

Tamale, Oct. 5, GNA - Borderless Alliance has organized a capacity building workshop for Shea and Cashew stakeholders to enhance intra-regional trade and promote African goods on the global market.

The event, held in collaboration with the African Cashew Alliance and the Global Shea Alliance, was to increase the understanding of stakeholders in the Cashew and Shea industry on customs export procedures, regional trade regulations and its benefits to the trader.

It was also to contribute towards efforts to increase intra-regional trade and boost their competitiveness in the global market.

Mr Owurani Bediako, Chief Revenue Officer of Customs, said up-front duty exemption, which operates alongside the duty drawback system, has enable exporters to enjoy 100 per cent duty exemption on imports intended for export.

He said there is a Corporate Tax Rebate which allows individuals to engaging in agricultural production, to export part or all of his or her production to claim a tax rebate between 40 to 75per cent of his tax liability.

Mr Bediako said there is also a Bonded Warehousing policy that allows manufacturers to hold imported raw materials intended for manufacturing for export in secured places without payment of duty.

Mr James Quophy Wumenu, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for Borderless Alliance, who spoke on the topic: ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and the Community Rules of Origin of ECOWAS, said ETLS is the main ECOWAS operational tool to promote the West African region as a free trade area.

He said Borderless Alliance has been tasked by the USAID to build the capacity of Cashew and Shea stakeholders on the rules of origin of goods within the community.

Mr Wumenu said Borderless Alliance has undertaken advocacy programs such as capacity building and the provision of information and technical support services to promote dialogue with West African governments to create an enabling environment for private enterprises. The event which was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), brought together traders, exporters of Cashew, exporters of Shea, freight forwarders, the security personnel, Chamber of Commerce and members of the Borderless Alliance.

Borderless Alliance is a private sector advocacy platform established in 2011 with the support from the USAID West Africa Trade to address the bottlenecks affecting regional trade.

GNA
By Albert Futukpor, GNA

Tolon (N/R), Oct. 5, GNA - Some electorate in the Tolon Constituency of the Northern Region have taken part in a mock thumb printing exercise to learn how to vote to avoid rejected ballots.

Participants, who were drawn from Tolon, and Sabegu, a suburb of Tolon, were issued printed ballot papers to cast their votes after they were educated on the best way to thumb print the ballots.

The exercise, formed part of the Strengthening Community-led Initiatives for Peaceful and Credible Elections (SCOPE) Project, being implemented by NORSAAC in collaboration with National Commission for Civic Education, Ghana Developing Communities Association and Institute of Local Government Studies with funding from STAR-Ghana.

The SCOPE Project seeks to educate voters in four districts including West Mamprusi, Tolon and Central Gonja, and Tamale Metropolis on how to vote to reduce the incidence of rejected ballot papers during this year's elections.

Mr Jim McAlpine, Country Director of the Department for International Development (DFID), who toured Tolon and Sabegu to witness the mock thumb printing exercise, said he was impressed by the work being done by the implementers of the SCOPE Project.

Mr McAlpine urged all stakeholders to work towards peaceful and successful polls in December.

Alhaji Abdul Razak Saani, Northern Regional Director of NCCE urged the public not to engage in activities that would disrupt the electoral process.

GNA
06.10.2016 LISTEN

By Albert Futukpor, GNA

Tamale, Oct. 5, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Tamale Central, Walewale, Bimbila and Kumbungu Constituencies have launched the 2016 political campaign with a call on its supporters to work hard to enable it win all 31 parliamentary seats in the region.

Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of NDC, who addressed the launch of the Tamale Central Constituency campaign in Tamale, urged party supporters in the region to deliver a high margin of votes for the party to ensure that President John Mahama wins the general election.

He said government was working to position the Tamale Metropolis as a big city with a lot of opportunities to attract people from other parts of the country.

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, said the NDC government has expanded access to education at all levels more than other governments that ruled the country and urged the electorate to vote for the party.

Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, expressed gratitude to the constituents for their continued support for the NDC pledging to continue to work to address their challenges.

Mr Kofi Adams, National Campaign Coordinator of NDC, who addressed the launch of the Walewale Constituency campaign at Walewale, said the government has invested heavily in all sectors of the economy and this is yielding positive results in the lives of the people.

He urged urged party supporters to educate the electorate on the NDC's campaign message to enable them to vote for the party.

Mr Abdallah Abubakari, Northern Regional Minister and NDC Parliamentary nominee for Walewale Constituency, promised to address the challenges of the constituents.

Alhaji Muhammed Mumuni, former Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, who addressed the launch of the Kumbungu Constituency campaign at Kumbungu, said there is the need for unity amongst party executives and supporters in the constituency to ensure victory.

GNA
06.10.2016 LISTEN

By Belinda Ayamgha, GNA

Accra, Oct. 5, GNA - The Ministry of Trade and Industry has launched a Policy to guide the promotion of local goods and services with a commitment to pursue the enactment of legislation to back its implementation.

The policy is to encourage institutions, especially public ones to procure locally made products and services.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah said he would look at passing the law to compel public institutions if the policy implementation did not receive the necessary support and goodwill from stakeholders.

He said there had been concerns over the effectiveness of policy implementation in the country in general and there are fears that the Made in Ghana Policy could be ignored since it was based more on moral persuasion and encouragement.

'You start with a policy that is based on moral persuasion, on encouragement, on us trying to do the right thing,' he said.

He said it is a national responsibility that tried to protect industries, create jobs and put money in the pockets of citizens.

The goal of the Policy is to promote Made in Ghana (MiG) goods and services to support the attainment of Ghana's vision to attain middle income status through structural transformation of the economy.

This would serve as a guide to enable Ghanaians exercise a preference for buying and promoting the purchase of goods and services made or produced in Ghana.

Dr Spio-Garbrah noted that public institutions especially are responsible for ensuring that tax-payers' money, which they use in the discharge of their duties stay in the local economy by patronising locally-made products and services.

'As public servants, we don't spend our own money, we spend money collected from taxpayers, so we must make sure that that taxpayers' money we're spending goes back to Ghanaians and not foreigners,' he stated.

He said private institutions, though they use their own money for procurement, should patronise other locally made products and service to support other private companies.

He called on more Ghanaian public and private companies to support the MiG campaign either in cash or kind, adding: 'By supporting, you also help to address youth unemployment in the country'.

Mr Carl Lokko, Director Policy and Strategy at the Public Procurement Authority, who launched the policy, said stakeholders, must play their roles in creating the necessary environment to help economic activity associated with Made in Ghana goods to flourish.

'The minimum requirements in terms of standards will not be compromised, in the interest of consumer safety,' he said.

He called for increased awareness creation of the need for and how to patronise MiG products and services.

Dr Nana Dankawoso I, President of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who chaired the launch, said the policy would inure to the benefit of the private sector in particular and Ghanaians in general, including increased demand and production, and ultimately an improvement in Ghana's trade balance.

Mr Seth Twum-Akwaboah, Head of the Policy sub-committee of the MiG campaign committee noted that the launch of the policy is only the beginning of its work as the most important aspect is monitoring and evaluating to ensure it is being implemented effectively.

The Ministry also commissioned some 27 people drawn from various industries including the media, to be ambassadors of the Made-in-Ghana campaign.

Papa Dankwa Arkhurst, who represented the ambassadors, pledged their commitment to advocate and promote the purchase and use of MiG products and services.

Blow-Chem Industries limited, producers of Bel-Aqua Mineral water presented a cheque for GHa25,000.00 to the ministry to the campaign.

The Ministry also announced that GHACEM and Goil, key partners of the MiG Campaign had also presented GHa100,000.00 each to the campaign.

GNA
06.10.2016 LISTEN

By Bajin D. Pobia, GNA

Nandom (U/W), Oct. 5, GNA - Dr. Edward Gyader, a Council of State Member, has called on the electorates to elect the right people to represent them in Parliament.

'Vote for people who can talk for you in parliament, ensure that the bills are well scrutinised and passed out as good laws; and can lobby government to bring you development', he said.

Dr Gyader said this at the campaign launch of Dr Richard Kuuire, an aspiring parliamentary candidate for the Nandom Constituency.

He said insulting political party opponents should be discouraged because what matters most was for the electorate to elect the right persons to represent them in parliament irrespective of the party.

'The electorate would be doing Ghana and themselves good if they avoid political considerations in the election of parliamentarians.

'Settle on the right core of people as representatives in parliament to enhance Ghana's democracy and good governance', Dr Gyader said.

Mr George Lawson, Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, said party would not be surprised if the people vote Dr Richard Kuuire, an astute lawyer, to represent them in parliament.

He said the region would also be blessed if they retain President John Dramani Mahama to bring more development to the communities.

Mr Lawson said promises made by the New Patriotic Party's Presidential Candidate, Nana Akufo Addo were not feasible.

He urged supporters of the NDC to go from house to house and preach the good things undertaken by President John Mahama and the NDC message to the people to help win December 7 'one-touch'.

Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, Upper West Regional Minister, who launched the campaign, said the NDC administration has provided a fair number of development projects to the region.

He said the Hamile-Gwollu, Lawra-Nandom-Hamile and Domwini-Nandom roads were some of the projects undertaken by the government amongst others which have been awarded on contract and urged to the people to vote for the NDC and Dr Kuuire to ensure the completion of such projects.

Dr Kuuire said he would foster unity and harmony among the people and would consult Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, the current Member of Parliament, at all times to ensure victory for the NDC.

GNA
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By Comfort Sena Fetrie, GNA

Tamale, Oct. 5, GNA - Sixteen ActionAid Global Peace Ambassadors have embarked on a peace march through the principal streets of Tamale to highlight the need for the sustenance of our peace and security.

The event was held to climax an eight week long campaign for peaceful elections led by Global Platform.

It was also to address youth-led violence and promote peaceful elections in the country.

Mr William Apuri, the Spokesperson for the ActionAid Global Campaign, said we need to protect our democracy and the vulnerable in the society and advised the youth to be proactive in safeguarding the peace of the country.

He said the youth in the country need to be empowered with the knowledge on ways to prevent violence and crimes and should not be seen as the problem but a solution to promote peaceful elections in the country.

About 300 participants from diverse backgrounds participated in the event which included various youth groups, political parties, students, traditional leaders and religious leaders.

GNA
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Upper Denkyira West constituency, Mr. Nsowah Djan, has said that the progress of his constituents remains his paramount interest as he seeks to represent them in parliamentary.

He said although the constituency is full of human potentials that can be tapped for development, this has not been done. As he intensifies his quest to retain the seat for the NPP, he plans to galvanize the human and natural resources for the betterment of his area.

Mr. Djan, who said this in an interview with reporters in Dunkwa-on-Offin on the sidelines of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Dunkwahene, revealed that he has already identified some of the problems faced by his constituency and he with his campaign team have started addressing these problems.

Out of his personal resources, the former educationist has asphalted some major roads in the constituency to make the roads motorable and boost economic activities to improve the lives of the people.

The Special Assistant to the parliamentary hopeful, Mr. Kwabena Adjei, in separate interview, told this reporter that Mr. Djan has also dug bore-holes in several communities in the constituency to make portable drinking water accessible to the people, who hitherto struggled to get water.

Spraying machines have also been distributed to over 30 communities to help boost agriculture, the mainstay of the people.

Mr. Adjei also mentioned that small scale miners in the constituency are being educated to adopt best mining practices to save the environment, whiles also decently earning their living.

Mr. Nsowah Djan told reporters that his campaign to retain the seat for the NPP will be based on issues that border on the welfare of the ordinary citizen and not on personality attack.

He was hopeful that the Upper Denkyira West constituency will garner more votes in the presidential and parliamentary polls to ensure unchallenged victory for the NPP in the elections to usher in an Akufo Addo-led administration.

He called on his supporters to remain vigilant and work hard towards victory in the elections to bring back the NPP to lead Ghana and solve the myriad of problems the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has plunged the country into.

Since its creation in 2004, the Upper Denkyira West constituency has remained a stronghold of the opposition NPP.
President Mahama recently announced the restoration of nursing student allowance despite the earlier claim that it is the right policy for Ghana. Making the reversal announcement, the president cited delays in the legal framework to migrate nursing students to the student loan scheme. The stated reason notwithstanding, it is hard to take President Mahama at his word, given the timing of his decision.

However, lets make the assumption that President Mahama and the NDC restored the allowance to the benefit of students rather than for political interest. To validate this national interest assumption, President Mahama, and the NDC must do one of two things.

President Mahama must explain to Ghanaians in retrospect, whether he thinks the initial decision to end the allowance is a failure hence, the change or reversal. Change is largely a function of new information or knowledge and time. Therefore, it is fair to suggest that the NDC has come to the knowledge that it is wrong or misguided to cancel the allowance program in the first.

Though the president and the NDC might find it self-defeating to admit failure, it is the responsible and moral thing to do. John Dewey, the American philosopher, underscores the importance of taking responsibility for ones failure when he says failure is instructive. The person who really thinks learns quite as much from his failure as from his successes.

To that end, it is helpful for President Mahama and the NDC to come clean about their real motivation to restore the allowance once again. In the least, it would help the President most especially, to establish policy integrity with Ghanaians.

Finally, President Mahama and the NDC must explain to Ghanaians if they think today, that, Ghana has reached a stage where its supply of nurses is in keeping with population growth, present, and future. This is explanation crucial because the government argued at the time that the cancellation was necessary to increase student intake. So, if the government is reversing that same decision three or so years later, then, Ghana deserve to know whether or not the need to enhance student enrollment has been met or no longer necessary. The country needs to know what has changed.

In sum, it is commendable that President Mahama and the NDC has changed the policy to reflect the views of the majority. However, we cannot attribute genuine motive to the government, until they explain the defining premise beyond the convenient citation of a technical committee.
Today sees the start of a week-long training workshop for analytical chemists in Africa, supported by GlaxoSmithKline and the Royal Society of Chemistry. The workshop is taking place at Addis Ababa University from 37 October 2016.

The programme was first begun in 2004, in Kenya, by Professor Anthony Gachanja and Dr Steve Lancaster, to train African scientists in the practical application of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), a widely-used analytical technique, which is crucial in everything from environmental monitoring to drug development and combating counterfeit drugs.

Now, with the help of a new five-year partnership between GSK and the Royal Society of Chemistrys Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN), this training is being rolled out to Ghana, Nigeria and Ethiopia and will train more than 400 scientists, with participants attending from countries across the continent.

Zoe Zeliku, a volunteer from GSK, first went to Ethiopia in 2010, to work with the Centre for National Health Development in Addis Ababa. Now, she is returning as a trainer to share her expertise and enthusiasm for analytical chemistry.

Ive always enjoyed training people, and my background is analytical chemistry, she says.

This training is crucial in Ethiopia and other African countries, because analytical chemistry is so important and specialised.

The economy is growing and theres more manufacturing, so its important that the scientists in the country themselves have the expertise. Not only will the training help with their current research, but if theyre going to start manufacturing their own medicine then it will be beneficial to have analytically trained scientists to back up the quality control process.

Dr Yonas Chebude, Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Addis Ababa, who is hosting the workshop, explains what makes this scheme unique:

Two colleagues, one from Addis Ababa University and one from Bahir Dar University have volunteered to be trainers themselves. After the completion of the scheme, these trainers of trainers are expected to run their own training programs, passing on their skills to colleagues and students in other universities and institutions in Ethiopia and across Africa.

By training local chemists to train others, the scheme will leave a self-sustaining programme and lasting legacy in African science, building a network of in-country expertise and expertise sharing between countries.

Empowering our scientists with practical and analytical skills to solve our African problems is indeed aligned to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In addition the programme is sustainable as the trainers are in the region therefore the needs of the scientific fraternity will be addressed. This is indeed a beneficial partnership in our region as it builds on the capacity and capability in our institutions, said Brook Worku, Enterprise General Manager, GlaxoSmithKline Ethiopia.

This course in Ethiopia attracted over 160 applications from 17 different countries across Africa, from researchers at all career stages. Of these a local committee and a trainer from GSK have selected 15 delegates who they feel will benefit most from the scheme. As well as attendees from Ethiopia, delegates are travelling across Africa to attend, from Tanzania, Uganda, South African and Sudan.

Dr Helen Driver, Senior Programme Manager, Africa, at the Royal Society of Chemistry, who manages the programme, is travelling to Ethiopia to attend the workshop. She says shes most looking forward to seeing the participants get the opportunity to get hands-on with the equipment.

The real advantage of this course is that the trainees get the opportunity to take the instrument apart and put it back together, says Helen.

This course will really give participants the confidence to do that. Its important to not be afraid of the equipment. When they return to their institutions they will be able to use their new-found knowledge to maintain the instruments themselves, instead of relying on help from elsewhere.
A group calling itself Becky's Babes which is campaigning vigorously in the various markets to change the government have been hailed by traders at the Kantamanto market.

Members of the group, which is self-funded, were cheered by the elated traders.

According to leader of the group, Miriam Duah, traders in the various markets they have visited are clamoring for change.

She stated that the cry for change is due to untold hardship that have been imposed on traders by the Mahama administration.

She added that the next Nana Addo administration would revamp Ghana's economy and promote the interests of market women.

Chairman of the Kantamanto Used Clothes Sellers Association, Evans Ofori Attah, urged the ladies to carry on with their good works.

He indicated that the increases in taxes have worsened the plight of the traders, some of whom have become bankrupt.

Rose Abban, a trader, urged her colleagues to vote massively for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) because of the mismanagement of the NDC.

She revealed that most of her colleagues had ventured into other businesses, citing unfavourable taxes and rise in the cost of doing business as the principal factors.

The traders donated various items to facilitate the activities of Becky's Babes.

By Ernest Pappoe


The parliamentary candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for Builsa North, James Agalga, who doubles as Deputy Minister of Interior, has emphasized the importance of irrigation dams in the development of agriculture and transformation of the economies of various communities.

As a Member of Parliament (MP), I have funded the construction of many irrigation dams across the Builsa North District and many more will be done. Nana Addo's promise is not new, we are already doing that and people are seeing that and benefiting from them. He is promising one village, one dam?

Can one dam be enough for Sandema alone? he quizzed to which the teeming supporters of the NDC at the launch of the Deputy Minister's campaign at Sandema responded with a deafening 'No,'

The legislator denigrated the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo at the launch.

According to him, the NPP presidential candidate is an intolerant politician who does not tolerate divergent opinions, adding that Ghanaians should not elect him as President on December 7.

He said the former chairman of the NPP, Paul Awintima Afoko, Kwabena Agyapong and Sammy Crabbe were suspended by the NPP because Nana Addo could not withstand their opinions.

When Paul Afoko became the National Chairman of the NPP, we Builsas were happy that one of our own had become the chairman of opposition NPP, but our joy was short-lived. It was as a result of the dictatorial tendencies of Nana Akufo-Addo. Akufo-Addo is intolerant and his intolerance came to the peak when he decided that he could not stand dissenting views from Paul Afoko. The NPP is a disorganized party and so we cannot trust Nana Akufo-Addo to lead a united Ghana. That is the reason why we are asking everybody here to vote massively for President John Mahama and all parliamentary candidates, Hon. Agalga said.

Mr Agalga and other speakers praised President Mahama for bringing unprecedented developmental to the Builsa North District and other parts of the Upper East Region.

The NDC has won the Builsa North seat five times since 1992.

Agnes Asangalisa Chigabatia beat Timoty Awontiirim Ataboadey by 0.10 percent in 2004 to occupy the seat.

In 2008, NDC's Ataboadey came back and polled 43.09 percent of the votes cast, while the then incumbent Agnes Chigabatia obtained 36.46 percent.

From: Ebo Bruce-Quansah, Sandema
06.10.2016 LISTEN

The AIDS Society of India (ASI) and all delegates of 9th National Conference of ASI (ASICON 2016) commended the government of India for finally approving the HIV/AIDS Bill  which will help in reducing discrimination faced by people living with HIV (PLHIV). ASICON 2016 is being organized in Mumbai, India during 7-9 October 2016 with the theme of "Eliminating HIV: Progress and reality".

The Modi government's initiative with the cabinet approving amendments to the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014 on the eve of the ASICON 2016 is a big and progressive leap indeed as the bill has several inputs from ASI and has been pending for over a decade and modified and remodified many times awaiting the government and parliament's accent.

Dr Ishwar Gilada, President of AIDS Society of India and ASICON 2016, said to Citizen News Service (CNS): It is almost an embarrassment of riches situation in Indias response to HIV: scientific evidence has proven effective strategies to prevent, diagnose, treat and care for HIV, making it theoretically a chronic manageable disease. But a reality check will tell us a grim tale of AIDS prevention and control in India: we are surely not doing all what we can and we should, with full thrust to prevent, test and treat HIV, despite available knowledge and resources at our disposal.

India has an estimated 21.17 lakhs PLHIV, among who 6.54% are children less than 15 years of age and 40.5% are women. Only 43% of these (919141) are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) despite strong scientific evidence to test and treat all without delay. Not providing ART after testing someone positive for HIV is clinical malpractice and counterproductive public health-wise.

There is a large number of PLHIV who are not aware of their HIV status. 1495400 of 2117000 PLHIV in India are aware of their status. Even among high risk groups or key populations, HIV testing coverage is still not 100%. HIV testing coverage for female sex workers is 72%, for men who have sex with men it is 70% and for people who use drugs it is 71%. So almost one third of high risk groups are not being reached even today. Diagnosing and reaching out to each PLHIV in the country is not only important but is also a public health imperative if we want to prevent new HIV transmission and provide ART to each one of them. This will also reduce opportunistic infections like TB and have a broad spectrum public health impact too. If we fail to act now then it will be too late and for many PLHIV in reality HIV will not be a chronic manageable condition, but rather have public health consequences.

More over the data at the Global Disease Burden (GDB) suggests that India added 193,000 new HIV infected last year. However, our official agency NACO disputes this figures and says, there were 86000 new HIV infections in India in 2015, 12% of these were among children. Science has proven how to prevent parent to child transmission of HIV we have no excuse for not eliminating HIV among children at least. There were 67600 AIDS related deaths  this is when science has proven how PLHIV can live normal lives theoretically  but reality paints a painful picture and leaves a lot to be done if we truly want to end AIDS. This is unacceptable!

Magic cure for HIV can be a distant dream, but there are evidence-backed actions we can take today to end the epidemic and make HIV a chronic, manageable condition in reality for each of the PLHIV in the country. There is no excuse for inaction and no scope for any further delay in acting upon with earnestness to translate theoretically possible hopes to realities on the ground, especially when India wants to part of G8 countries, had a space mission to MARS and is undoubtedly worlds Pharma Capital!

Shobha Shukla, CNS (Citizen News Service)

(Shobha Shukla is the Managing Editor of Citizen News Service (CNS): www.citizen-news.org | Follow her on twitter @Shobha1Shukla).
A former member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who is contesting the parliamentary seat in the Wa West constituency in the Upper West region , Farouk Bandana has dismissed claims he was influenced by the presidency to contest as an independent candidate.

Farouk Bandana decided to go independent after he lost his parliamentary slot during the NDC primaries in the constituency.

Some have alleged that Farouk decided to go independent after incessant pressure from the presidency.

But speaking on Citi FM's Campaign Trail, Farouk denied these allegations saying  It is not true I have support from the Flagstaff House because if I did you will not see the Chief of Staff in my constituency trying to talk to my two paramount chiefs and that of the NDC youth trying to talk to me to rescind my decision. They would have been supporting that agenda.

He further stated that the presidency actually convinced him not to contest as an independent candidate.

The presidency actually prevailed upon me to stop but I told them it is one thing respecting your decision but it is another thing respecting the wishes and aspirations of my people, my traditional leaders, my chiefs and people, my youth. It is for them I am fighting and for them I will continue to fight and because of them I will not rescind my decision .

Apart from Farouk Bandana ,the incumbent Member of Parliament of Lawra constituency, which is in the same region [Upper West], Sampson Abu is also contesting the seat as an independent candidate.

Sampson Abu a former DCE,won the lawra constituency seat in 2012 with 12,735 votes, beating his closest contender, Anthony Abefa Karbo of the NPP with 6,588 votes.

But the NDC delegates replaced Abu with a veteran politician, Bede Zeideng during the partys primaries in September 2015.Bede Zeideng beat Abu with just 16 votes.

Although the lawmaker accepted the verdict, he believes Bede Ziedeng used his position as the NDC's Deputy Director of elections to unduly influence the votes to his own advantage.

Bede Zeideng has however dismissed these claims.



By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The Ghana Association of Restructuring and Insolvency Advisors (GARIA) has cautioned of alarming consequences on Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) to Ghana, if efforts are not intensified to develop the country's insolvency regime.

GARIA argues that the current practice where businesses are compelled to shut down over huge debts, downgrades the country's reputation in attracting investments.

It is important for Ghana to have a good regime so that in addition to all our democratic dividends, goodwill and political dividends, we will be able to attract FDIs to the country. We do attract quite a few because we have been fortunate, we have oil, we have gold, and we have all manner of natural resources. But we need to dramatically improve and increase the level of FDIs coming to Ghana, President of GARIA, Felix Addo asserted.

According to GARIA, the lack of effective legislations has led to an increase in unreported cases of insolvency which also affects the economy.

The latest World Bank's ranking on ease of doing business has also placed Ghana at 114th position out of a total of 183 countries.

Mr. Addo added, We can improve this if the ease of doing business in this country is enhanced.

Meanwhile Felix Addo tells Citi Business News Ghana could avert such occurrences if stakeholders rally for laws on insolvency to be passed.

That is what the business reforms activities seek to do and I'm hoping that when the new administration comes in place, it will be on top of their agenda.

The comments of the restructuring and insolvency advisors precede a two day conference on the theme, The Freedom to Fail; Insolvency for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.

Key speakers at the event include the Chief Justice, Georgina Woode and renowned Businessman, Ishmael Yamson.

This year's edition which will be hosted in Ghana, is the 7thsince its inception.



By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
Running mate to the Flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia has dismissed claims that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) sponsored his education by granting him scholarship to study abroad.

General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia earlier disclosed that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia could possibly not have been successful in life if he had not been supported by the NDC.

He noted that Dr.Bawumia benefited immensely from the ruling party while his late father, Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia was serving as the Chairman of the Council of State.

Bawumia's father joined virtually every political party that existed after independence, from the Northern Peoples Party, then when the minority parties came together to form the United Party (UP), he joined that party as well. He later joined the CPP and he became the District Commissioner. He further joined Dr Limann's party where he was made the Minister for Cocoa Affairs. Until his death, he was the Chairman of the Council of State, under ex President J.J Rawlings and that is when he got scholarship for his son Mahamudu Bawumia to study abroad.

But Bawumia in a statement said the NDC never sponsored his education.

I would like to state for the record that the NDC has had nothing to do with my entire education and I have never been on Government of Ghana scholarship for my studies abroad.

In fact the NDC as a party was only formed in 1992 when I was mid-way through my Ph.D studies at Simon Fraser University which was financed through fellowships and teaching assistantships.

Below is the full statement from Dr. Bawumia

RE: NDC MADE DR. BAWUMIA SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE

My attention has been drawn to the above story reported by Ghanaweb on October 6th, 2016 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/NDC-made-Bawumia-successful-in-life-Asiedu-Nketia-475118). In this story, the NDC General Secretary, Asiedu Nketia is reported to have said that the NDC facilitated my education by granting me a scholarship to study abroad. I am also informed that a similar statement was made by the Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Limuna recently in Walewale.

While my initial instinct was to laugh off and ignore such a palpable lie, I have come to understand that the NDC machinery specializes in the fabrication of such stories and would continue repeating them until they assume ring of truth.

I would like to state for the record that the NDC has had nothing to do with my entire education and I have never been on Government of Ghana scholarship for my studies abroad. My education history is as follows:

1969-1975 Sakasaka Primary School (Tamale)

1975-1982 Tamale Secondary School, Ghana  GCE O and A-Levels

1982-1984 Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (A.C.I.B) U.K

Emile Woolf College of Accountancy, London, England

1984-1986 B.Sc. Economics (First Class Hons.)

University of Buckingham, UK

1987- 1988 M.Sc. Development Economics

University of Oxford , UK (Lincoln College)

1991  1995 Ph.D. in Economics

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia., Canada

In fact the NDC as a party did was only formed in 1992 when I was mid-way through my Ph.D studies at Simon Fraser University which was financed through fellowships and teaching assistantships.

So which part of my education (from primary school to Ph.D) was financed by the NDC? When did the government of Ghana ever offer me a scholarship? I will ask the General Secretary of the NDC to respond and not run away like they did when I presented them 170 facts from my recent lecture.

This is not how politics should be done. Why would persons such as the General Secretary of the NDC and a Minister of State engage in the deliberate fabrication and peddling of such a falsehood? If they are looking for something to attack me on they can at least start with a response to the 170 facts from my lecture.

What is clear is that the NDC has lost the argument on issues and now resorted to attacking my person with fabricated lies. That strategy will fail. You cannot run a country with propaganda and lies.

signed

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

2016 NPP Vice Presidential Candidate



By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @EfeAnsah
Italian police have arrested a top mafia boss who escaped from a hospital in 2011, finding him in a hideout built between the bathroom and his sons bedroom at his home.

Antonio Pelle was on the interior ministrys list of most dangerous mafia fugitives. He was serving a 20-year prison sentence for mafia association and arms and drug trafficking when he slipped away from hospital in the town of Locri, in the southern region of Reggio Calabria.

A police video of the arrest showed Pelles head peek out from the top of a large wardrobe in his home in Benestare, a small town on the toe of Italys geographical boot. As he talks to police, he climbs down and is handcuffed.

Fifty of us searched the two-storey villa where Pelle had always lived, but it took a very attentive eye to discover his hiding place, police commander Francesco Ratta said in comments broadcast on TV.

Pelle had lain silently in a niche built behind the wardrobe during the search until he was discovered, police said. The room contained a mattress, a fan, some bottles of water and cash, the video showed.

First arrested and jailed in 2008, Pelle escaped three years later when he was sent to hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Pelle is considered the head of the Pelle-Vottari clan, which is active in the Calabrian town of San Luca. It has been fighting the Nirta-Strangio clan, which drew international attention to Calabrias Ndrangheta mob in 2007 when one of its feuds left six dead in an Italian restaurant in Duisburg, Germany .

Over the past two decades the Calabrian mafia, known as the Ndrangheta, has become Italys most powerful and wealthy organised crime group thanks to its role as one of Europes biggest importers of South American cocaine, investigators say.
Israeli investors and business leads who attended the South East Youth Economic Summit (SEYES) have promised to assist in the development of Igbo land if the government gives them the much needed support. This was contained in the speech delivered by Dr Kaspi Yoram at the South East Youth Economic Summit first day event. Dr Kaspi said that Israelis are interested in helping establish businesses that will create employment in the South East, including skills transfer but the government has to give them the support to be able to do that

The well attended event kicked off yesterday at the Dome , New Haven Enugu kick started with programme overview on why the economic summit delivered by Rev Obinna Akukwe, Director General, Igbo Mandate Congress, IMC. Rev Akukwe said that the coming of the Israelis is purely for economic purposes and asked the youth to leverage on the world class advantages the Israelis have in areas ICT, agriculture, solar power technology, global skills accounting and entrepreneurial prowess to become Africa's leaders in these areas and reduce unemployment in Igbo land.

The Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo told the participants that the youth are the bedrock of the economy and they should learn new skill that will make them relevant on the economic market. He described the Israelis as world class technologists in many fields and asked the participants to : do everything within their reach to grab as much awareness as possible

Father of the Day and former Governor of Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife said that the summit is all about developing the South East. Dr Ezeife also posited that if a tiny Israel can convert the desert to a place of wonder, then the same thing can be replicated in Alaigbo. He told the audience that there is no political power without economic power.

Former Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria. Ishak Oren, in his goodwill message, asked the participants to partner with Israel to develop the economic potentials of the region.

Mrs Perl Dora Anat, an Israeli agriculturist spoke on facts about Israel and emphasized that the South East of Nigeria has all the advantages in terms of climate, water and human resources, and has the capacity for great industrial expansion. Perl Dvora Anat listed all the advantages the Israelis have attained technologically in the areas of agriculture and water resources and expressed hope that these are applicable in Nigeria with the coming of the Israelis.

Dr David Day , taught on the Jewish entrepreneurial spirit which had made their businesses last for many years. He also expressed hope that the Igbos of the South East will rise to the occasion and lead the industrialization of Africa.

The President of Diamond Youth Transformation Initiative, organizers of the event, Ambassador Uchechukwu Ekpere Paul, in his opening remarks, said that the summit is aimed at speedy industrialization of the South East. He asked the parrici[pants to make good use of the visiting Israeli expertise to improve on the well brrng of the South East.

Hon Ikpeama Felicia, Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources and Dr Anayo Agu represented Governor Ugwuanyi at the event.

(l-R Dr Yoran Kaspi,Hon Ikpeama Felicia,Dvora Anat Perl, Prof Chinedu Nebo,Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, , Miss Ada Igbo ,Dr David Day and Rev Dr Obinna Akukwe at the Summit )
06.10.2016 LISTEN

Amsterdam, The Netherlands Leading health technology company,Royal Philips(NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), has announced a new partnership with the World Heart Federation (WHF) to help people better manage their heart health. Philips objectives is to encourage the public to take personal responsibility for leading heart-healthy lives and raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Philips is dedicated to providing personalized, integrated cardiology solutions with a focus on prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Our new partnership with the World Heart Federation is an important element of our commitment to drive prevention of CVD by making clear the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and to help people, including Ghanaians, make better choices and develop healthier habits for life, said Carla Kriwet, Business Leader of Patient Care and Monitoring Solutions at Philips.

CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in more than 17.5 million deaths in 20151 and accounts for more costs than any other chronic illness. In fact, the picture is the same in Ghana as CVD accounts for 14.5% of reported total deaths in Ghana as compared to 13.4% from malaria2. Yet, most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by changing behaviours and eliminating risk factors.The recent Future Health Index commissioned by Philips shows only 39% of cardiology healthcare professionals believe their patients have the tools required to better manage their own heart health effectively. As a leader in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, Philips believes that providing people information to make healthier choices and establish healthier habits is key to ongoing healthy hearts.

As a result, Philips has launched myheartisunique.com, an online educational hub designed to drive awareness of preventing CVD through healthy living. With the widespread use of the internet amongst Ghanaians which increased from 0.1% in 1999 to 8.4% in 20113and the rising number of mobile users currently at 26.09 million4, Philips hopes to use this medium to provide CVD prevention education to Ghanaians. The hub will feature expert interviews; questions for patients to ask their cardiologist; information on living with CVD including early warning signs; and lifestyle-related content such as exercise tips and heart-healthy recipes. The online platform also allows visitors to create a picture of their unique heart using the Facebook app.

Philips also has innovations that can help clinicians treat cardiovascular disease by speeding detection, diagnosis and treatment, driving more effective recovery and home care, and encouraging prevention and healthy living.Digital technologies are empowering people to take more control of their health and lead healthier lives. Data and connected solutions help deliver the relevant information at the right time  enabling healthcare professionals to make first-time right decisions, achieve better outcomes at lower costs, and facilitate care models that put patients at the centre of care.

Thanks to advances in imaging and monitoring technologies, combined with rapid development in digital health data and cloud computing, Philips is leading the transformation of the healthcare industry and creating highly integrated, personalised care with better outcomes at lower costs.

Heart health is at the heart of all health. When you look after your heart it means eating and drinking well, exercising, stopping smoking... all the things that make you not only healthier, but also feel good and able to enjoy your life to the fullest, said Johanna Ralston, CEO, World Heart Federation. Our partnership with Philips brings a unique perspective given their clinical expertise and insights into consumers. Together we support the World Health Organizations goal of reducing premature deaths from cardiovascular disease by at least 25% by the year 2025.

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. The company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips' health technology portfolio generated 2015 sales of EUR 16.8 billion and employs approximately 69,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

About the Future Health Index

Philips undertook original research to understand the perception towards connected care and the role it plays in the future of healthcare. The study, which will be run annually, included both quantitative surveys and qualitative in-depth interviews. These were conducted from February-April, 2016 in 13 countries. In partnership with an independent global market research firm, a survey was fielded from February 24, 2016 to April 8, 2016 in Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Japan, The Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, UAE, U.K. and U.S. in their native language. A combination of online, face-to-face (computer-assisted) and phone (computer-assisted) interviewing was used to reach a total sample of:

 2,659 healthcare professionals (those who work in healthcare as a doctor, surgeon, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or nurse across a variety of specializations)

 25,355 adult patients (those 18 years old or older who have visited a healthcare professional in the last three months)

 About 200 healthcare professionals and 2,000 patients were surveyed in each country (with the exception of UAE which was 1,000).
Health service delivery at the Walewale district hospital could soon halt due to the National Health Insurance Authority's failure to reimburse claims submitted by the hospital's management.

According to the District Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Abdulai Abukari, the NHIA has since December 2015 failed to reimburse the hospital's claims.

From December 2012 up till date all the services that we have been rendering we have just been rendering without claims. So it is a challenge for us because we are unable to buy the needed consumables for service delivery.

He raised the alarm on the sidelines at the official handing over of a brand new ambulance to the Walewale district hospital.

The Member of Parliament for Walewale constituency, Dr. Sagre Bambangi donated the ambulance valued Ghc90, 000.

The donation was in response to a request from the district health directorate for assistance.

Dr. Abdulai Abukari commended the Walewale MP for his kind gesture.

He re-echoed the need for the NHIA to immediately reimburse the hospital to avoid any possible return to the Cash and Carry system.

According to him, the hospital's suppliers of consumables have withdrawn their services.

These days the suppliers are also aware of the NHIS situation so when you go they say either you bring money and pick it or even if they are to sell something that is to cost like Ghc10.00 they will be pricing around Ghc50.00-Ghc60.00 because you can't tell them when you are likely to pay.

Dr. Abdulai Abukari further called for enough logistics to enable management of the Walewale district hospital improve their efficiency.

The Walewale MP, Dr. Sagre Bambangi said quality health service delivery remained his topmost priority on his transformational agenda.

He promised to address some of the hospital's myriad challenges.

Dr. Bambangi called for peaceful co-existence to move the area forward in the right direction.



By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Fellow Ghanaians, Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, we would like to begin by expressing our most profound appreciation to all the people gathered here, especially members of the media for their continuous coverage of our position and for honouring our invitation to cover todays event. Let us introduce our group once again.

SAVE ECG NOW is a group of concerned Ghanaians who have collectively vowed to do all that is within their power and within the confines of the law to prevent the Government from their intended sale of our two eminent national assets, which are the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), to private investors.

Our inspiration for this resistance stems from lessons drawn from countries such as Brazil, South Korea, Indonesia, Argentina, Thailand, India, Iran and Mexico where the privatization of their national electricity companies did not only fail but further worsened the problems the sale was intended to address.

We do not think Ghana must reinvent the wheel by going through the same process when the results would inevitably be failure, the loss of revenue and two vital national assets, and further hardship on electricity consumers in Ghana.

THE GOG, MCC AND MIDA.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, the decision to privatize these two Companies arose out of the results of a dark alliance between the GoG, the MCC and MIDA. We shall like to remind everyone here gather briefly on this alliance.

The Government of Ghana (GoG) as condition precedent for accessing a grant under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact II undertook sometime back to privatize both the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO).

As part of the arrangements, MiDA sole-sourced the IFC of the World Bank to act as Transactional Advisors mandated to assist the Government make a decision on the nature and form of the proposed privatization of these companies.

IFC recommended two options for the Governments perusal; partial privatization or concession. The IFC further recommended the period of concession to range between 20  30 years with emphasis on 25 yrs.

GoG decided to opt for a single concession for a period of 25 years, agreeing further that the concessionaire will operate, maintain and invest in the distribution assets of ECG and NEDCo, under a Lease and Assignment Agreement (LAA).

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is where it gets interesting. Our investigations reveal that the so called private investor when given the concession would not invest any external funds/money into the activities of both ECG and NEDCo but would rather use funds obtained from the revenue of the companies.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this settles the argument on the viability or otherwise of the ECG and NEDCO and begs the question of why the Government is bent on selling a company which isnt bankrupt or running bankrupt for chickenfeed.

SOME ANALYSIS OF ECG REVENUES.

Let us at this point, Ladies and Gentlemen of the media, reveal some findings in respect of ECGs Revenues in some parts of the country to justify why we call the price being paid for the concession as chickenfeed.

Our findings revealed that, when it comes to revenue mobilization, Tema Region alone makes revenue of GHC 16 Million a week. This is multiplied by 4 weeks comes to revenue of GHC 64 Million for a month. Costed to a year, Tema Region alone makes GHC 768M. If you multiply this GHC 768 Million for 25yrs you will get GHC 19.2 Billion. The revenue from Tema Region alone is tenfold more than how much the Government is selling out the entire ECG and NEDCo for.

The Accra East and West Regions put together makes two times the revenues that is mobilized by Tema Region. ECG and NEDCo are profitable state institutions. If the government does not have money to pay up its debt then it should look at other ways of resourcing the ECG and NEDCo and not necessarily a Private Sector Participation (PSP) for 25 years.

Again, based on these facts, we are left wondering why the Government is bent on selling ECG AND NEDCO. And we have some answers.

For some time now we have been reasonably suspicious of the Government's intention knowing their penchant and history of running down State Institutions and selling it off to cronies under sweetheart deals among others.

A closer examination of the current deal by us reveal a state of affairs which is potentially criminal and absolutely unforgivable and which must be dealt with in accordance with the laws of Ghana forthwith.

We found as a fact that the Government intends to privatize the ECG and NEDCO for a period of 25 years at a ridiculous price of $469.3 Million.

We further found as a fact that the Government owes ECG a crippling sum, in the region, of US$ 500 Million even though the Finance Minister informed us of a debt of GHC 728 Million which has severely hampered the operations of the companies. Curiously, we found that the Government intends to pay this amount after the concession for a period of 5 years.

From our investigations we can list the key challenges facing ECG and NEDCO as follows:

Government debts owed ECG in excess of US$ 500 Million contrary to the low figure often quoted by Government assignees. The continued non-payment of bills by GoG and state institutions; especially the MDAs and MMDAs. Political interference and infiltrations in the administration of both ECG and NEDCo through the Self Help Electrification Project (SHEP) currently being executed by the Ministry of Power. Managerial and governance inadequacies impacting negatively on staff morale and discipline. Lack of cost reflective tariffs (inherent subsidies not paid by GoG). Inadequate power generated which affects volume of sales and turnover. Transmission/Distribution capacity related challenges and losses.

Our findings also revealed that, there are some Directors of ECG and NEDCo who have resigned and are leading the course to sell/privatise ECG and NEDCo. These individuals are nation wreckers. We have names of these top Directors who have become middle men between MIDA and the Government. These Directors have been promised two times their salaries and other goodies but at the right time will bring their names to book.

As part of the political interference/infiltrations stated earlier, the Government through the Board of Directors of ECG has extended the tenure of office of the current Managing Director (MD), Mr. Robert Dwamena who was due to retire on September 28, 2016. This extension by the Board of Directors is one year from now.

The reasons given by the workers of ECG are that, they have a lot of managers who are vying for that position and if one man overstays it creates chaos downstream, anybody who has been an MD retires at 60 so why is he not going?

SAVE ECG NOW wants to inform all Ghanaians and the general public that, though the above statement by the workers of ECG may be true, that cant be the entire truth. The Government through the Board of Directors of ECG has extended the tenure of the MD by one year so that, he can assist the government with the Sale/Privatization/Concession which he has started with.

If that isnt the issue, why the government through the Board of ECG wont let the MD, Mr. Robert Dwamena go since his retirement is due? Why wont the government get a new MD and have some of the terms and conditions yet to be listed put in place as a contract?

A new MD may not agree to this move by the Government hence the extension to let him stay for a year more. This was equally confirmed by the Deputy Power Minister, Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor that the ECG Workers cannot call for the removal of the MD whose tenure has been extended by one year.

EFFECT OF THE SALE/PRIVATIZATION/CONCESSION OF ECG AND NEDCo.

Even though the Government has downplayed these reason, we are very confident that the Government of Ghana is not telling Ghanaians the truth. Our findings as SAVE ECG NOW on the effect of the Sale/Privatization/Concession are as follows.

Complete loss of jobs for the over 6000 workers of both ECG and NEDCo. Government was able to negotiate for only the first 5 years for workers of ECG/NEDCo to be maintained. Beyond the 5 years, anyone to work with ECG/NEDCo will be on contract basis. Tariffs would be high for Ghanaians to pay. This is because there will be no in built subsidies for Government to pay for Ghanaians. Also, the motive of a private investor is profit maximization and this will be pursued by the investor. Creating a virtual private monopoly in the energy distribution section has the potential of creating danger for the country, in the light of weak regulatory regime. This can be related to how ineffective the PURC will be in the end because MiDA will not allow the PURC to determine tariffs for them. Repatriation of profit by the foreign private investor and the negative impact on the Cedis will be huge. The private investor will not give due attention to rural electrification project which is a social intervention and has been executed by every government under the 4th Republic. This will be a thing of the past. Loss of National Assets to a private investor. These assets will be exclusively be controlled and managed by a private investor.

THE DEBATE OR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DEAL.

Can ECG and NEDCo be transformed to operate efficiently and profitably so as to meet its obligations to power producers and service providers without Private Sector Participation (PSP)? Is Private Sector Participation (PSP) the only means to achieve the overall goal of the power sector reforms? Why is the Government, IFC and MCC/MiDA much interested in the distribution of section of the Power sector while the other two crucial parts which are Generation and Transmission? Is the concession the best option to bring efficiency and profitability to ECG/NEDCo? Is the single concession of 25 years detrimental to the interest of Ghana?

We strongly believe that ECG and NEDCo can be transformed to achieve the goals without the Private Sector Participation (PSP) in the distribution section of the sector.

This can be done through

A disciplined managerial and governance transformation devoid of political interference. Appointing a dynamic and competent leader through a competitive process on a fixed term contract (5 or 6 years) renewable based on performance. A binding contract based on key performance indicators (which can be independently verified). Creating an environment that will enable the Managing Director have a free hand to manage and operate the distribution business on sound business and public service ideals.

WHAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST DO (OUR SUGGESTIONS)

We at SAVE ECG NOW are calling on the Government to stop the sale/privatization/concession now. We therefore, further, recommend the following options to Government to avoid the sale/privatization/concession of both ECG and NEDCo.

Government should address the leadership problem by the appointment of a Managing Director for both ECG and NEDCo on specific contract terms subjected to renewable based on performance. Government should provide the same conditions promised the private investor to create the enabling environment necessary to enable any Company to operate efficiently. Government should stop the political infiltrations and interferences. Government should allow adequate time (about 2 or 3 years) to seriously try the Strategic Business Unit (SBU) concept that is being piloted in the Ashanti Region and proper appraisal done after the end of the pilot. Government should list or float the shares of ECG and NEDCo on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). Raise funds from local sources either through the stock Exchange or Pension funds to invest in the energy sector to procure state of the art technology and equipment to eliminate waste in the distribution activities of ECG and NEDCo as well as improve the networks. Government should ensure that power generated and transmitted by VRA/IPPs and GRIDCo respectively are sold to ECG/NEDCo in local currencies and not dollars as the case has been.

COCLUSION

There should be a broader spectrum and other options including measures that will ensure there is sufficient management system in place and an environment devoid of political interference to enable the two companies work efficiently and profitably. The Government has many options to pick the best from and certainly, privatization/concession is not the way to go.

A transformed ECG will be able to generate adequate funds to pay producers of power and other suppliers to ensure smooth running of the sector primarily to the benefit of Ghana and Ghanaians as a whole. We are optimistic that this approach will bring a victory for all Ghanaians.

SAVE ECG NOW therefore calls on the Government to halt any transaction whatsoever aimed at privatizing the ECG immediately for its own good. SAVE ECG NOW would not hesitate to adopt every legal tool or means available at their disposal to obstruct the conclusion of this blatant theft of a vital State assets ie ECG and NEDCo.

We are by this Press Conference calling on all the various political parties to kick against this move by the current government in the Sale/Privatisation/Concession of ECG and NEDCo. These are national assets that must be protected at all times.

Also we would like to alert the Christian Council of Ghana, the National Peace Council, the Catholic Bishops Conference, the National Chief Imam and his Office, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana , the various Regional and National House of Chiefs, the various Traditional Councils across the country, all Professional Groupings/Bodies (like the GBA, GMA, ICAG, CIT etc etc) and all and sundry especially you the media that, the issue of power, ECG/NEDCo must be of great concern to us all. There would be serious ramifications if we dont act now to prevent the government from doing this for the next 25 years.

Thank you very much for coming and for your attention as well. We are most grateful.

.Signed.

Boye Williams

Spokesperson, SAVE ECG NOW

0246902968 / 0276423336

Kwabena Tawiah

Director of Operations, SAVE ECG NOW

0548577291 / 0271819070
The issue of illegal mining in Ghana has been under public discourse since the last decade and still deserves a better discussion. A discussion that can lead to a pragmatic solution and not the usual talk and forget tendencies. Ghana, since the days of precolonial era is known for its abundance of gold and that has given Ghana a significant place in the world market since gold and cocoa remain the major export commodities for the country.

I am not too sure whether Ghana still progresses in the production of gold but what am very sure is that we risk our environment with the seemingly escalating unscientific mining proliferating on daily basis across the country. In fact there are countless known illegal mining sites dotted across every corner of our country where most unemployed youth battle for prosperity. I write this article to raise some critical issues about this so called " galamsey".

It is quite indisputable that mining in whatever form provides employment for the unemployed youth who engage in it to survive. That in essence is not bad at all considering the increasing rate of unemployment in Africa and for that matter Ghana. Many a youth have made their lives better by venturing into this apparently lucrative business.

Is that not being enough a reason to see how we can as a nation, device strategies of using small scale mining to ameliorate the escalating rate of unemployment among the youth?

I find it unfathomable at the approach at which we handle issues of illegal mining in this country. I personally do not see the possibility of curbing the situation at hand but we can transform it scientifically to better the progress of the country. It is far better than sitting aloof and paying lips services whilst our virgin vegetation, arable land and rivers are destroyed with impunity. Am not talking about the number of youth who lose their lives in their struggle to make exploits in this unchecked business.

A lot of damage has been caused and the bitter ramifications await us all and no one can stand in exoneration when the natural hit backs begin to teach us a bitter lesson. We appear to be making illegal mining a curse when indeed we are capable of making it a blessing.

It is a verifiable fact that many traditional rulers who should be pushing for a change in the manner in which the land is being destroyed are rather behind pushing the poor youth to engage in it whilst they get substantial returns. Chiefs and other influential people cannot pretend over this destruction of our land and water bodies. Politicians on the other hand, have compromised what should be done right for political gains.

I do remember, when government waged a war against illegal mining in 2007 but immediately abandoned the moves because of election 2008 since "gallamsey" operators could pay the government back in its own coin by voting them out. Then again, in 2010/2011, similar measures were taken to curb the activities of illegal mining but that also became a night dinner. My question is, for how long can we continue to gamble with our own future?

Are we being wicked to ourselves or we are simply ignorant of the adversities of this act in the long run?

What I expect is to see the youth who are into illegal mining being organized in groups, get trained on certain basic environmental protection strategies. When this is done, we can register and licence them, give them designated areas to operate with strict supervision. This will minimise the dreadful impact their activities have on the environment. This will also put them in a better position to contribute something in the forms of tax to government and contribute significantly in protecting the environment.

Is this difficult to do? Certainly not, just that, we are being pretentious over the years about this illegal mining as if we don't know the dire consequences of it.

The minerals commission can work with other agencies to regulate this act and scientifically transform it from being a curse to a blessing. It could be the best form of employment and that can tremendously increase the GDP of the country.

We don't need to wage any war against illegal miners. That to me, is archaic and can not yield the needed results. Government and traditional rulers can lead the move by involving all the illegal miners and private mining companies to subsequently effect a long lasting innovative, scientific and legalized mining. I believe people will bring all sort of legalities, ungrounded reasons with well garnished grammar to refute some of these proposals in this write up but let the truth be told that we are being hypothetical and are the architects of our own development challenges.

Our actions are simply creating a yardstick for some few unscrupulous people to make selfish gains out of our abundant resources in the expense of the vast majority of the citizenry. Risking every economic activity in this country. Agriculture, which continues to be the backbone of our economy is being threatened.

I associate myself with those who postulate that industrial revolution in the way to go to create a dominant export led economy but let me succinctly state that we cannot embark on any effective industrial policy if we don't ensure a sustainable primary production prospects. We can only feed any industries with adequate raw material if we make a conscious effort to go into more primary production. The two must go simultaneously. Industrialization is a direct product of primary production and that is incontestably established.

It is unfortunate, non of the political parties with their lofty sugar coating promises, have made any comprehensive argument about this illegal mining. Perhaps, that is a justification that politicians could be pretentious.

I personally do not take solace in blaming politicians for some of these hypocritical attitudes. After all, politicians are direct products of our own society. We just must agree that we need change of attitude among us to demonstrate true loyalty, patriotism and nationalism in this country than the usual daily spinning political propaganda and needless accusations and blames. It is not too late. All we need is read in between the lines by creating a prosperous economic with what we have.

Denis Andaban.

[email protected]

0549734023
Nana Oye Lithur, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection has announced governments commitment to mainstream disability issues at all levels of the development process.

She noted that: Inclusiveness is a fundamental human right pledging towork to enhance public awareness of cerebral palsy especially in correcting myths and reducing stigmatization.

Nana Oye Lithur announced this at a forum to celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day in Ghana on 5th October, 2016 on the theme: A child with Cerebral Palsy  A child with possibilities.

Cerebral palsy a neurological disorder that affects movement and sometimes speech of children is the most common physical disability among children..

The Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister said: Let us all ensure that children with Cerebral Palsy and their families can have full lives that enables them to contribute to national development.

She announced that government had increased the proportion of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocated to persons with disability by 50 per cent,

Nana Lithur said government intends to introduce an additional 30 percent increase of the DACF reserved for persons with disability to cater for their free NHIS subscription.

The Minister used the platform to help register over 90 parents and children with cerebral palsy unto the national health insurance scheme and presented gifts to them.

Reverend Edmund Asante, Director in charge of Development and Social Services at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, said the church saw an urgent need to celebrate World CP Day to contribute to awareness on the issue.

The forum organized by the Presbyterian Health Services, under the department of Development and Social Services is part of effort by the Presby Church in collaboration with CBM, an NGO and the International Centre for Evidence in Disability of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to share some findings of a two year research project on CP

Sharing some findings, Rev, Asante said the project had seen a 30 percent improvement in overall quality of life measures.

We found that knowledge and confidence of the care givers about how to care for a child with cerebral palsy has significantly improved, he said.

He noted that providing assistive devices such as appropriate chairs for seating, standing frame etc for children to enable care givers to enhance their ability to work, rather than always carrying the child.

Rev. Asante said most care givers are unaware of the existence of the DACF and only one family had accessed the fund.

He appealed to government to consider establishing schools for such children.

Mrs Hannah Awadzi, Initiator of the Special Mothers Project, an advocacy project on Cerebral palsy, called on the government to show more commitment towards helping parents with such children.

Many educated mothers are forced to become stay-home mums because they have a child with CP and yet caring for the children is expensive, she added

She also urged the Minister to consider talking government into setting up early childhood development centres or day care centres where parents with younger CP children could leave them to go and work to enable them earn a living.

Mrs Awadzi said parents especially mothers of children with CP should be involved in policy making and decisions about CP, since they live with CP and understand issues better.

The Presbyterian Church Health Directorate said the celebration of World CP Day was replicated across all the regions of Ghana
Khartoum (AFP) - Doctors at Sudanese government hospitals held a nationwide strike on Thursday to demand better facilities, higher wages and protection from security forces, medics and an AFP correspondent reported.

The Federal Committee of Doctors said medics at government hospitals were handling only emergency cases following the launch of the strike action on Thursday morning.

"It's been five hours since the strike commenced. Reports indicate that the strike is nationwide," the committee said in a statement.

An AFP correspondent saw doctors protesting at several government hospitals in Khartoum, and similar reports came from West Darfur, North Darfur, Jazira and Sennar states.

"Our strike is for the good of patients," and "We want to feel secure while working," were among the slogans on banners carried by doctors in the capital.

Thursday's action was in protest at low wages, deteriorating services and a rise in attacks on doctors by both the security forces and relatives of patients.

"We are complaining because there is no proper equipment at hospitals," Wafa Ali, a doctor at a south Khartoum hospital told AFP.

"The hospitals are not properly maintained ... even the emergency rooms are not clean."

Another doctor, Osama Ahmed, said that medical staff had come under increasing pressure in recent years.

"We have been complaining for a long time about the work atmosphere in hospitals," he said.

"We want to feel secure when we work ... Patients too are suffering because there is no proper equipment and that puts pressure on us."

In recent weeks, Sudanese media have reported several attacks on doctors by policemen or angry relatives of patients.

The failings of the public health system have led to a boom in the private sector, which now counts more than 1,400 hospitals nationwide.
Vienna (AFP) - Libya, a key springboard for Europe-bound migrants, on Thursday rejected calls from some EU countries to build refugee camps on its shores, saying the bloc could not "shirk its responsibility".

"The EU would shirk its responsibility and instead place it on our shoulders," Foreign Minister Mohamad Taher Siala said at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Vienna.

The idea is "very far removed from the reality on the ground" in conflict-torn Libya where the government is engaged in fierce battles with Islamic State militants, he added.

Several European Union countries, including Austria and Hungary, have been pushing for EU deals with North African countries to send back rejected asylum-seekers as a way of dealing with the worst migration crisis since 1945.

Hungary's populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently said the EU should build "a large refugee city" on the Libyan coast to process asylum claims of migrants outside the EU.

A growing number of people are attempting the treacherous sea journey from Libya or Egypt, after the closure of the Balkan migrant trail route leading from Greece to western Europe.

More than 140,000 have made the journey to Italy on overcrowded boats since the start of this year, latest figures show.

Over 3,500 migrants have drowned in the Mediterranean in 2016 so far.

In March, the bloc signed a landmark agreement with Turkey to curb the flow toward Greece, but the deal looks shaky after a coup attempt in July.
06.10.2016 LISTEN



The Government of Ghana has initiated the process to compulsorily acquire the parcel of land that hosts the newly established Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) at Nutekpor, near Sogakope, in the Volta Region of Ghana.

For this purpose, a team of experts has already been to the



area to take measurements of the property and other important data needed for the processes of the acquisition, so as to pay appropriate compensations to rightful claimants.

This measure is to further deepen and quicken the realization of the dream for which reason the naval command was brought into being, while it ensures the necessary peace between the inhabitants, as well as the naval authorities for their various objectives.

This was revealed in an interview with the District Chief Executive of South Tongu, Samuel Mawuko Eworyi, at the induction parade held on Sunday, 2nd October, 2016, for the 240 recruits into the Ghana Navy.

The 114.87 acres of land, situated off the road between Dabala and Agorta, in the Volta Region, has been inhabited by the NAVTRAC since 2015, but was previously used by a defunct agro processing company, TONGU FRUITS.

The law of compulsory acquisition, which can only be exercised by the Government, gives her the power to extinguish or nullify all proprietary titles, interests and other rights vested in the owners of the land in question.

The law, however, also makes provision for prompt, fair and adequate compensation payments to recompense the legally declared owners of lands or demolished properties.

The State Lands ACT 1962 (ACT 125) reads: whenever it appears to the President in the public interest so to do, he may, by executive Instrument, declare any land specified in the instrument, other than land subject to the Administration of Lands ACT, to be land required in the public interest and accordingly on the making of the instrument, it shall be lawful for any person, acting on that behalf and subject to a month's notice in writing to enter the land so declared for any purpose, incidental to the declaration so made.

In another development, Mr Eworyi revealed that the Volta River Authority (VRA) has completed a procurement process with both local and international companies on 30th September, 2016, to dredge the portion of the estuary that serves as part of the boundary of the command.

The dredging, when completed, would enable the NAVTRAC to undertake underwater exercises and diving training.

Meanwhile, the Naval Command has already developed a floating jetty/dock on a portion of the river, where the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) docks a surveillance vessel.

The dredged aquatic matter will be used economically as animal feed and agricultural fertilizer, which the District Assembly shall help to deploy meaningfully to farmers in the area and beyond.

Also of concern to many in the area with the advent of the NAVTRAC is a situation where urban development and business activity heavily tilts towards the precincts of the command and thereby causing uneven spread of economic development.

To this, the President's representative said that his outfit has identified the potency and that a strategic forum to brainstorm and find a practicable antidote will be initiated soon.

On the issue of the NAVTRAC health centre which was intended at serving naval personnel at the command, but is now serving the Nutekpor Township and the community across the river, thereby putting the centre under some stress, he hinted that the Assembly is responding to the situation.

To this end, the DCE assured that the Assembly is immediately liaising through its health directorate with the Command, to be able to serve all concerned effectively, through the provision of adequate logistics and facilities.

The guest of honour for the historic occasion, Commodore Stephen Kweku Darbo (RTD), a former FOC of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) and a former Director of Defence Intelligence, in his speech urged the recruits to stick to training rules and lessons, which he says would eventually ensure them a fruitful future.

He asked them to be there for each other, since the military strives on 'esprit de corps' and cannot be compromised.

He informed the recruits that some of their colleagues have already been sacked, the authorities would not hesitate to get rid of even all of them, if need be, should they break the rules of training.




By Maxwell Ofori

[email protected]

A pressure group calling itself 'Save ECG Now' is alleging that the Managing Director (MD) of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr. Robert Dwamena, is in bed with government over the sale of the ECG.

According to the group, even though Mr. Dwamena was due to exit office, government extended his tenure by one year, so he could finish with the sale/privatization/concession deal, which he (Mr. Dwamena) had already started.

If that isn't the issue, why has the government, through the Board of ECG, not let the MD go, since his retirement is due? Why won't the government get a new MD and have some of the terms and conditions yet to be listed put in place as a contract? they quizzed.

The group was of the view that a new MD may not agree to the move by the Government, hence the extension to enable the current MD to stay on for a year, saying this was equally confirmed by the Deputy Power Minister, Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor, that the ECG Workers cannot call for the removal of the MD, whose tenure has been extended by one year.

A statement signed by Boye Williams, Spokesperson for the group and Kwabena Tawiah, Director of Operations, said their findings revealed that, there were some Directors of ECG and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) who had resigned and were leading the course of the sale.

The statement also mentioned that investigations conducted by the group indicated that Government debt owed ECG was in excess of US$500 Million, contrary to the low figure often quoted by Government assignees.

Curiously, we found that the Government intends to pay this amount after the concession for a period of 5 years, the statement noted.

It said that some challenges confronting ECG include managerial and governance inadequacies, impacting negatively on staff morale and discipline, adding that inadequate power generated which affects volumes of sales and turnover, as well as political interference and infiltrations in the administration of both ECG and NEDCo through the Self Help Electrification Project (SHEP) currently being executed by the Ministry of Power, were some but a few key challenges facing ECG.

Commenting on the impact of the deal, the statement added that, there would be complete loss of jobs for the over 6000 workers of both ECG and NEDCo.

This claim is grounded on the argument that government was able to negotiate for only the first 5 years for workers of ECG/NEDCo to be maintained, but beyond the 5 years workers with the power distributor would be on contract.

Boye Williams told journalists in Accra yesterday that, tariffs would be high for Ghanaians to pay, explaining that there would be no in built subsidies for Government to pay for Ghanaians and also, that the motive of a private investor, which is profit maximization, would be pursued by the investors.

The private investor will not give due attention to rural electrification project which is a social intervention and has been executed by every government under the 4th Republic. This will be a thing of the past. Loss of National Assets to a private investor. These assets will be exclusively controlled and managed by a private investor, the statement captured.

However, the group suggested that, the Government should address the leadership problem by the appointment of a Managing Director for both ECG and NEDCo on specific contract terms subjected to be renewed, based on performance.

It also said Government should provide the same conditions promised the private investor to create the enabling environment necessary for any company to operate efficiently.

Government should stop the political infiltrations and interferences. Government should allow adequate time [about 2 or 3 years] to seriously try the Strategic Business Unit (SBU) concept that is being piloted in the Ashanti Region and proper appraisal done after the end of the pilot. Government should list or float the shares of ECG and NEDCo on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE).

Meanwhile, the decision by Government to privatize ECG has met numerous backlashes, as workers of ECG recently embarked on a two-day strike against the decision.

However, it seems all protestations have fallen on death ears, as barring any unforeseen mishaps, ECG would be handed over to a concessionaire in January 2017.
In this years government work report, Premier Li Keqiang stressed coordinated reform of medical care, insurance and drugs, and made great effort to solve difficulties in the process.

Medical big data

Enhancing the development of medical big data is a pressing task now. It is also an important project for public welfare, in the context of a growing need for health and medical services, Premier Li said.

At the State Council executive meeting on June 8, Premier Li urged building a health and medical data platform across the country to provide better medical services for the public and promote the development of health and the medical industry.

Internet Plus medical care

Premier Li visited the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone on March 25 in South Chinas Hainan province, Chinas first medical tourism center. When he saw experts on cancer therapy from hospitals from Hainan province, Tianjin municipality and the University of Hamburg in Germany discussing the treatment methods for a Chinese patient through remote devices on the internet, the Premier highly praised the medical care plus the internet treatment method.

Even though you are thousands of miles apart, the remote medical care devices close distances by bringing you together, Premier Li said.

Medical tourism

At the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, Premier Li also praised the new business model that combines medical care with vacation.

The Premier stated that medical tourism is a project of peoples livelihood and a form of the new economy. Peoples health is the basis for Chinas long-term development, so a high standard should be set for the medical tourism industry, he said.

National portability of medical insurance

At a news conference after the conclusion of the national legislatures annual session on March 16, Premier Li answered a question concerning the timetable to achieve national portability of medical insurance.

The Chinese government is fully determined to achieve national portability of medical insurance schemes at a faster pace. This year we will basically achieve direct settlement of such expenses at the provincial level. And we also plan to use two years to achieve the direct settlement of hospitalized expenses by retired elderly people in places away from their hometowns, so as to remove this high concern in the minds of our people, the Premier said.

Serious disease insurance plan

Premier Li said in delivering this years Government Work Report that all residents in urban and rural areas must be covered by critical illness insurance by the end of this year, and the central government will allocate more funds to reduce medical burdens for patients with critical illness.

At the State Council executive meeting on July 22, 2015, the Premier also stressed that critical illness insurance is the key to guarding the bottom line of society, and reassured the public it will provide affordable medical treatments to those who suffered from critical illness.

Unified basic health insurance system

We will merge the basic medical insurance systems for rural and non-working urban residents and raise government subsidies for the scheme from 380 to 420 yuan per capita per annum. Premier Li said in this years Government Work Report. In January, the State Council issued a guideline on the integration of basic medical insurance for urban employees and the new rural cooperative medical plan, which are aimed at creating a unified basic health insurance system.

Drug price

Premier Li stressed further deepening medical system reform at a State Council executive meeting on April 6. He laid out detailed jobs, including setting up responsibility tracing mechanisms and promoting information transparency, in an effort to reduce medicine prices. He also stressed the importance of improving the merit pay system for medical institutions at a grass roots level.

Drug quality

A State Council executive meeting on Feb 14, presided over by Premier Li, decided to advance the upgrade and innovation of the pharmaceutical industry. We are determined to enhance the quality of drugs, said the Premier, adding that healthy development of the pharmaceutical industry and further medical reform should be integrated to better serve people and boost growth.

Development of TCM

At the executive meeting on Feb 14, Premier Li also urged promoting the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with an open mind.

While maintaining the characteristics of TCM, we should further promote the development of TCM with an open mind, he said.
06.10.2016 LISTEN

From Samuel Agbewode, Aflao

The Aflao Sector Commander of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mrs. Augustina Dede Quaye, has asked Ghanaians to cultivate the habit of paying their taxes regularly, as their contributions would ensure national growth and development.

Mrs. Quaye said it was becoming increasingly clear that most people, particularly those engaged in trading, are either evading the payment of taxes, or would under-declare their goods in order to pay lesser taxes on such goods.

The Aflao Sector Commander noted that the majority of Ghanaian business people are Christians, but have relegated to the background the Biblical teachings in Romans Chapter 13 verses 1: 7, which stresses on the importance of payment of taxes to the state, respect for authority, and give honour where due.

Mrs. Quaye, who was educating traders, transport owners, transport associations and other identifiable groups at a tax education durbar at Aflao to climax a week-long tax education programme carried out in the area, explained that God established governments as authorities, and the governments also established institutions such the Customs Division of the GRA to carry out specific duties, which is to collect tax for the State.

The Aflao Sector Commander, who, at this point, turned the educational talk into preaching the gospel, stressed that Paul wrote to the early Chri



stians in the Roman Empire, advising them to live up to their obligations to their government. Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established, and the authorities that exist have been established by God, as stated in Romans Chapter 13 verses 1: 7.

She disclosed that Customs officers working in the Aflao area have experienced the sad development, where citizens in Aflao-Avoeme and Low Cost area among others, attacked Customs personnel who were lawfully carrying out their duties.

She, however, pointed it out that such negative activities would not deter the officers from performing their duties, and that those committing the crime should be guided by Romans Chapter 13 verse 1-7.

Mrs. Quaye observed that the desire for one to live in comfort and safety called for good roads, improved school infrastructure, potable water, health facilities and electricity, but these same people are not willing to pay taxes, which, she said, was very unfortunate, because it was through the payment of taxes that funds would be mobilised to execute the desired projects.

The Head of Preventive Mobile Unit at Aflao, Mr. Samuel Anim, said the numerous unapproved routes in the area, coupled with inadequate logistics, make the work of personnel very difficult, and cautioned traders to be law-abiding.

Mr. Anim noted that over GH8 million collected would have been a lost to the State through revenue leakages, saying smuggling affects businesses, which leads to the collapse of local industries, thereby increasing the unemployment situation in the country.

He said 50 pump action guns, and over 99,000 bullets, were intercepted at Kpoglu check-point last year, which would have posed a threat to national security if they were not intercepted.

Mr. Anim, therefore, called on Ghanaians to collaborate with the security agencies to deal with smugglers whose activities still remained a threat to national growth and development.

The climax of the Customs Division of the GRA Tax Education durbar brought together over 100 stakeholders, and the weeklong education programme, which was themed Be A Responsible Citizen, Pay Your Taxes, took the customs officials to the Akatsi and Aflao markets, where they educated the people through the local radio stations on the need to pay their taxes regularly.

Pix: Aflao Sector Commander of the Customs Division of GRA (2nd right) Mrs. Augustina Dede Quaye




06.10.2016 LISTEN

From Alfred Adams, Takoradi

The management of Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) says it has identified 271 illegal power thefts, otherwise known as 'illegal connections', amounting to 354,860 kilowatts of power, between January and August this year, in the Western Region. When quantified into monetary terms, it amounts to GH316,385,000. So far, GH302 million out of the amount has been retrieved.

The Western Regional Commercial Manager of the power company, Mr. Alex Ahunbo, who disclosed this at a press briefing, added that apart from the power theft, identified as a challenge, another challenge facing the power company was in the area of prepaid-meter distribution.

According to him, indiscriminate and uncoordinated distribution of pre-paid meters was another headache facing the company.

Though he failed to explain in clear terms what had led to the indiscriminate and uncoordinated distribution of pre-paid meters, the Regional Commercial Manager added that, notwithstanding the headache, the company has plans of extending the pre-paid meters to other towns such as Tarkwa, Agona-Nkwanta, and Prestea amongst others.

This, to him, would help the company improve upon its revenue generation. On his part, the Regional Engineer of ECG, Mr. Eben Ghunney, stressed that the power company, in the first half of the year, experienced operational challenges as a result of the load shedding exercise, which affected the five thematic pillars the company had put in place to begin the year



2016.

Ghunney mentioned that the company had expended a total of GH10 million to execute, what he called, ECG-funded projects.

Twenty-nine of such projects had been commissioned, with the rest on-going.

The objective behind the project was to relieve overloaded transformers.

Enumerating some of the challenges facing the company, Engineer Ghunney mentioned demand for compensation, land litigation, and right of way amongst others, as some of the challenges facing the company in extending power to other areas.

The demand for compensation, according to the engineer, was becoming unbearable, and that if care was not taken, the company might end up being a compensation company.

For instance, he said the company had to expend a whopping sum of GH2 million on clearing vegetation and compensation, in order to extend power to certain designated areas.
06.10.2016 LISTEN

Tension is building up in the North Tongu Constituency in the Volta region following a popular National Democratic Congress (NDC) member, Mr. Christopher Eleblu's decision to contest the parliamentary seat as an independent candidate, after the party had disqualified him from contesting in the primary.

Mr Eleblu recently filed his nomination at the Electoral Commission (EC) office at Adidome. Mr Eleblu, after filing his nomination briefed the media



and said he was satisfied with the manner in which the EC officials went about the filling of the nomination exercise, stressing that he went through the exercise without any difficulty and that everything was set for a healthy competition against his mother party, the NDC.

He continued that as a native of North Tongu, who was born and bred in the area, he understands better the development challenges confronting the people and assured the electorates that with the decision to contest for the seat, he would create a better opportunity for them when he wins the election.

The Independent Candidate told the media that the people in the North Tongu Constituency have embraced his decision to contest the parliamentary seat as an independent candidate and have assured him of their massive vote to enable him to promote development of the area.

Mr Eleblu pointed out that his vision was to support the people to transform the manner in which development issues were tackled, stressing that when voted for, he would promote business development activities geared towards improving the living standard of the individual, to enable the people to create wealth for themselves.

He noted that the biggest development problem facing the North Tongu Constituency was that Members of Parliament over the years only concentrated on public asset creation such as provision of electricity and building of classrooms, which were also not effectively done to the neglect of improving on the general wellbeing of the people.

Mr. Eleblu, who was described by his supporters as the man of the moment assured the people of North Tongu that he had decided to compete in the race to enable him to rescue the people from under development and to reduce the high level of poverty among the people.

Look, I have decided to stand for election as an MP with the greater responsibility of ensuring that the individual person's living conditions improve.

He or she would have a positive feeling that his business is growing and mobilizing enough money in his pocket that would enable him or her live more comfortably than the current suffering that they are confronted with, he emphasized. He added that his followers cut across the political divide.

He explained that it was not economically sound for new classrooms to be built for the people while parents continued to live under severe hardship saying with his development agenda, many of the electorate have embraced him and as a result, he is currently having large followers who cut across the political divide because there were people from his former party NDC, CPP and PPP among others, who were campaigning for him and President Mahama and other presidential candidates.

Mr. Eleblu, however, expressed regret that some of his supporters from the NDC were being threatened by some executives that they would be dismissed from the NDC if they continue to follow him (Eleblu).

The North Tongu Independent Candidate, who was full of hope that he would capture the North Tongu seat assured the electorate that he would never disappoint them when given the nod, saying: when I win, light would beam brilliantly in North Tongu and would bring transformation that all would appreciate and say -indeed they voted for a leader with vision.

The Returning Officer for North Tongu, Mr. Samuel Bansah assured all the parliamentary candidates that his outfit would soon display publicly the positions of all the candidates as it would appear on the ballot paper and urged them to educate their followers to ensure peace at all times during the campaign period.

CAPTION: Returning Officer of the area, Mr. Samuel Bansah (right) explaining a point to Mr. Christopher Eleblu, Independent Parliamentary Candidate for North Tongu (seated left)
Nairobi (AFP) - Somalia's Islamist Shabaab militants on Thursday claimed an attack on a residential compound in the restive northeastern Kenyan town of Mandera that left six "Christians" dead, according to their Telegram account.

The statement said the attack in the early hours of Thursday was "planned... and killed Christians" in the Kenyan region which is mainly inhabited by ethnic Somali Muslims.

The attack targeted a gated residential building which mainly housed non-locals, less than a kilometre (0.6 miles) from the volatile Somalia border town of Beled Hawa.

"We have suffered yet another attack in Mandera and sadly we have lost six people," Governor Ali Roba said in a statement.

Police chief Joseph Boinnet told AFP that there were 33 people inside the compound when the attack took place. The others escaped unharmed.

The Mandera attack

Security official Mohamud Ali Saleh said the attackers used explosives to gain access to the fortified building.

"We highly suspect the attackers are members of the Shabaab insurgent group, who have sneaked across the porous border," he said.

"These criminal gangs are desperate to hurt innocent Kenyans since they were defeated badly and routed out of all their hideouts in the neighbouring country."

Saleh said that security officers who were carrying out regular patrols of the border heard gunshots and explosions and quickly responded.

Several attacks in the region have seen Shabaab militants target Christians.

In November 2014 gunmen flagged down a commuter bus, separated passengers by religion and executed 28 non-Muslims.

And in a deadly attack that killed 148 people at Garissa University in northeastern Kenya in 2015, the gunmen lined up non-Muslim students for execution.

The Shabaab has fought to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu since 2007, but turned its sights on Kenya when the army was sent into Somalia in 2011 to fight the Islamic insurgents.

Since then the militants have targeted civilians in different parts of Kenya, including a dramatic assault on Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall in which at least 67 people were killed.
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-PS.org), the private sector arm of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group, in partnership with Affin Islamic Bank Berhad (www.AffinIslamic.com.my), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Affin Bank Berhad, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in which both parties will cooperate and identify areas for its strategic collaborations especially within the Asian region.

The cooperation reflects ICDs ambition to expand its geographic footprint and exert its influence within the Asian region, given its reputation and expertise. In the process, both parties intend to offer technical and advisory support particularly on product development and Shariaa concepts, including the provision of financing such as placement of funds, lines of finance and liquidity management. Under the agreement, co-operation will also be achieved through the exchange of information and the identification of business opportunities in ICDs member countries.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Mohammed Alammari, the Acting CEO of ICD, and Mr. Kamarul Ariffin Mohd Jamil, Managing Director/CEO of Affin Bank Berhad.

Mr. Mohammed Alammari expressed his strong support for the partnership, stating: I am pleased to have this framework of collaboration with a new and strong partner in Asia. Cooperating with Affin Islamic will give our clients exposure and access to new market segments. We look forward to collaborate with Affin Islamic, a leading Islamic bank in the Asian region.

Mr. Kamarul Ariffin Mohd Jamil, Managing Director/CEO Affin Bank Berhad: We are very proud to partner with ICD which is in line with Affin Banks Priority Islamic Policy (PIP). PIP is our strategic move to be aligned with the Central Bank of Malaysias Financial Sector Blueprint for financial institution to enhance its Islamic financing portfolio to 40% in 2020. Insha Allah, this strategic alliance will catapult Affin Bank Group and ICD to a new level that will revolutionize the Islamic Finance landscape. I personally look forward for both parties to start collaborating and begin this exciting journey together. We strive always to excel in virtue and truth (Bukhari).
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is calling on all ranks of the Forces to remain focused, steadfast and impartial during the December 7 polls.

Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje said the military men and women should also resist every temptation to dabble in activities for which the military is not constitutionally mandated.

He stated though Ghana has been described as the oasis of peace and stability in the West African sub-region, the lingering northern conflict, chieftaincy and land disputes, natural and man-made disasters, piracy, terrorism, organized crime, narcotics, galamsey, nomadic herdsmen issues, electoral security and other security related issues bordering on Ghanas oil find continue to pose security challenges to us.

Let us all continue to pledge to do our very best towards the maintenance of peace and security in this country in the face of all these challenges, he added.

Air Marshal Samson-Oje also used the opportunity to inform all ranks that the GAF will continue to intensify the drive at improving its human resource base both qualitatively and quantitatively.

He said, Our current recruitment, enlistment and special medical intake exercises attest to this.

He further revealed that it is also the focus of higher command to adopt pragmatic and human-centered policies that will address the welfare needs of service personnel and family.

Air Marshal Samson-Oje cited an example of the recent increase in the operational leave, uniform and ration allowances by His Excellency the President, John Dramani Mahama.

He also assured all ranks that continuous effort will be made by the high command to improve logistics so as to enhance the operational output of GAF as well as to further improve morale.

All ranks were also informed of 110 troop carrying vehicles which have been received from Korea and other substantial equipment procured to improve the state contingent own equipment for Ghanaian troops deployed in peacekeeping operations.

Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje made this call at the closing ceremony of this years Ghana Armed Forces Inter service Shooting Competition.

The inter-service shooting competition, code named, exercise Fire blast 2016, took place last week at Yaohima Military Range in Sunyani, in the Brong Ahafo Region, with the Ghana Army emerging as the overall winner.

During the three-day event, officers, men and women of the three services engaged in keen competition within the bounds of healthy rivalry.

They exhibited to all present ample determination, very high morale, tolerance, sportsmanship, dedication, professionalism with special skills and enthusiasm.

According to the CDS, that led to the achievement of the aims and the objectives of the competition, which are individual weapon handling skills enhancement, with team spirit built as well as spirit de corps highly promoted.

At the end of the shooting competition, Ghana Army took the overall best team and received cash prizes from the CDS as well as a trophy and certificate.

The Air Force came second and also received a trophy with the Ghana Navy securing the third position.

Sgt Koli Appiah Emmanuel of the Ghana Army was adjudged the overall best male, and he received a cash amount of GH1000 and promoted to the rank of S/Sgt by the CDS in addition to a plaque and medals.

Corporal Opare Yaa Grace also of the Ghana Army was adjudged the overall best female and she received a cash amount of GH1000 from the CDS in addition to a plaque and medals.

The Ghana Air Force won the best team awards in the M16 Rifle Shoot and the Pistol Taurus Shoot while the Ghana Army won the M16 Carbine and Falling Plates best team awards.

The shooting competition was graced by a lot of dignitaries including Hon Justice Samuel Adjei, Deputy Brong Ahafo Regional minister, Maj. Gen. O.B Akwa, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Rear Admiral Peter Faidoo, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Air Vice Marshal M. Mantserbi-Tei Nagai, Chief of Air Staff (CAS).

Also present were Brig. Gen. Musah Whajah (GOC), Southern Command, Brig. Gen. B.S Alloh (GOC) Northern Command, Brig. Gen. Augustine Komla Boimah (Commandant ATRAC) and other Staff and Senior officer as well as the Chief of Yaohema Nana Ansu Ababio I and his entourage.
With barely 63 days to the general elections, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ashaiman of plotting to rig.

The Ashaiman Constituency seat has since 1992 been occupied by the NDC, except in 2004, when the current MP, Alfred Agbesi lost the seat to the NPP's Enoch Teye.

Mr. Agbesi however returned in 2008 to reclaim the seat and has held it till date.

Speaking to Citi News' Elvis Wasington, the NPP's Constituency Coordinator, Thomas Adongo said the NDC has been victorious in the constituency over the years because they have members who have been helping them to rig elections.

He said NPP executives in that constituency have gathered evidence to back their allegations.

The NDCs have never won elections genuinely in the history of Ghana politics and we are saying it here again that in Ashaiman there are no exceptions.

We have been loose by leaving the party so open for the NDCs to have a few hooligans to rig elections but this time around , we are not going to allow that.

Allegations unfounded

But the Ashaiman constituency organizer of the NDC in a rebuttal described these allegations as unfounded.

He said the party has set a target of its 5,000 votes in this year's elections which shall be realized come December.

It is unfounded, that is why I say they are allegations. We win our elections from the polling stations. Why do we have to rig?

NDC masters in rigging elections  Nana Addo

These allegations come days after the Flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, described the governing NDC as a party with a penchant for rigging elections.

The NPP Flagbearer's comments were in response to the NDC Running Mate, Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, warning Ghanaians to be wary of attempts at rigging from the NPP during an address at Asawase in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking during his tour in the Ablekuma West constituency, Nana Akufo-Addo said, what I know is that when it comes to rigging, they [NDC] are masters with a copyright in it. We will never do that, our party is very democratic.



By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @EfeAnsah
06.10.2016 LISTEN

As part of its continuous support toward raising an awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health, Mensah Mental Health Rehabilitation Project (MEMHREP), an NGO headquartered in Ghana and the UK will be organising a Musical Concert at Fumesua, near Ejisu in Ashanti Region on Sunday, 9th October, 2016. The venue is Saviour Baptist Church at Fumesua and the time has been fixed between 2pm and 6pm. The purpose is to use music by selected top artistes to raise funds to feed and clothe the mentally-challenged persons (Nyame Adehye3) on our streets. At the event, mental health specialists will provide information to people suffering from mental health illnesses.

Again, MEMHREP will join millions in the World to celebrate this year's World Mental Health Day on Monday, 10th October by going on the street to bath, clothe, and feed the mentally-deranged persons on the streets in Kumasi.

As we all know, our streets still serve as the homes of majority of mentally-ill persons due to lack of care and support from the general public. This situation continues to pose serious threat to human life, the environment and foreign direct investment to Ghana.

The plight of mentally-challenged persons in Ghana continues to worsen on daily basis. For, apart from the few fortunate ones housed in the psychiatric hospitals, the condition for their counterparts on the street is nothing to write home about. There is no shelter; and neither there is medical care, food nor clothing for them. Besides, the mentally-ill persons are stigmatized, isolated, mocked, abused, and neglected by the society as if they are non-humans. The enormity of the problem thus requires further helping hands and it is in line of this that this Charity Group wants to lend a helping hand.

Thankfully, MEMHREP is already providing care and support for these unfortunate fellow human beings. For the past five years, the NGO has been feeding, bathing, and clothing the mentally-ill persons on the street in the Kumasi Metropolis at its own expenses. Led by Mr. Adu Gyamfi, MEMHREP has so far rescued a 4-month abondoned-baby of mentally-deranged woman from death in September, 2014. It also emerged the best institution in maize production in the Atwima Kwanwoma District during the 2014 National Farmers' Day Celebration.

Currently, MEMHREP is building a permanent Rehabilitation Centre for the mental patients at Akokoamon in Ashanti Region. The Centre will be used to provide the necessary skills for employment for the recovered victims in order to reintegrate them back into the community.

MEMHREP therefore needs all kinds of support from individuals, philanthropists, and institutions home and abroad to make the organization's dream of ridding our streets of mental patients a reality.

Donations could be made via mobile money accounts - 0248762692 (MTN), 02561791329 (Airtel) and 0271461489 (Tigo) or through MEMHREP's bank account in Ghana at CAL Bank, Kumasi Kejetia Branch. Account name: MEMHREP. Account No: 151017809014. You can also contact MEMHREP on 0044(0)7572625833 (UK), 0013476476864 (USA) and 0248762692 (Ghana). NO CONTRIBUTION OR DONATION IS TOO SMALL  EVERY LITTLE HELPS. Boa Nnyame Adehye3.

www.memhrep.com

[email protected]

Katakyie Kwame Opoku Agyemang

(0202471070)
06.10.2016 LISTEN

One of Ghanas most promising motivational speakers Emmanuel Asieme Ayine has charged the youth in the Upper East Region to build a positive mindset as they chase their dreams.

Addressing a gathering of young people during his book launch and promotion at the Bolgatanga Veterans Administration of Ghana (Vag) Hall, he shared failure begins from a negative mindset and germinates into a reality out of a lack of zeal to conquer one's weaknesses. He added, when one is sight-trapped in a negative attitude, his hunger to act right diminishes, and it can cause you to lose focus.

Emmanuel was optimistic that, if the youth can change their mentality relative to how they view themselves, success is guaranteed. He also noted, growing up he held the view that people from the northern part of the country were incapable of succeeding. I have now realised that the redeem sounds different, we only become incapacitated because of how we view ourselves.

The headmaster of Emmanuels former school (Zuarungu Senior High) Mr Amaliga Simon, who chaired the programme expressed profound fulfilment in what Emmanuel has become. According to him, he feels honoured as the headmaster of the school that contributed to Emmanuels academic fortunes. He admonished the youth to adopt similar steps towards placing the region on a respectable premium.

Adumolga Abigail, programs coordinator of Youth Harvest Foundation read sections of Emmanuels book (The Success Theory) and shared lessons that almost left everyone prepared to confront lifes most pressing challenges with determination.
Starting from today October 6 to 7, 2016, 40+ individuals from nine African countries will gather in Cote dIvoire to discuss and agree a shared regional framework for the responsible production of palm oil in the region. The workshop will bring together representatives from the public and private sector, civil society and local groups as part of the Tropical Forest Alliance 2020s (TFA 2020) Africa Palm Oil Initiative.

The Africa Palm Oil Initiative Regional Workshop is being organized by Proforest on behalf of TFA 2020 and in collaboration with the Government of Cote dIvoire, Solidaridad and REDD+ at the Tiama Hotel in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire.

The principal aim of the workshop is to finalize the text of the Regional Accord, as well as further dialogue around key issues and a review of lessons learned from the process. Building on the rapid and substantial progress at national and regional levels, the regional process is now focused on preparing the Regional Accord to be signed by Ministers from the nine countries during the annual UN Climate Conference (COP22) in Marrakesh, Morocco in November 2016.

The TFA 2020 Africa Palm Oil Initiative aims to achieve a prosperous palm oil industry: one which provides jobs and wealth to local communities in a way that is environmentally and socially sustainable and protects the rich tropical forests of the region.

This is expected to be achieved through developing and implementing a set of regional principles for responsible oil palm development that balance rural development and domestic economic growth and at the same time protects forests on a large scale. The outcomes can be transforming: protecting critical natural resources (e.g. intact primary forest landscapes, peatland, riparian areas and biodiversity corridors), delivering economic and social benefits for smallholder farmers and local communities, and recognizing and respecting community and the indigenous peoples rights. The regional workshop will bring together partner countries who are at different stages of the process from Cameroon, Cote dIvoire, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone.

Cote dIvoire, Ghana and Liberia have already developed national principles for the responsible production of palm oil for their countries and are finalizing action plans (roadmaps) to implement these principles on the ground.

About the Tropical Forest Alliance 2020 (TFA 2020)

The Tropical Forest Alliance 2020 (TFA 2020) is a global public-private partnership in which partners take voluntary action, individually and in combination, to reduce the tropical deforestation associated with the sourcing of commodities such as palm oil, soy, beef and paper and pulp. TFA 2020 is in a unique position to foster cross-sector collaboration based on a common and ever-deeper understanding of the barriers and opportunities linked to deforestation-free supply chains. Its greatest offering is a partnership of champions for deforestation-free global and local economies, making the case for sustainable supply chains as an essential pathway towards a better economy and achievement of the Global Goals.

More information on TFA 2020 is available at www.tfa2020.org

About Proforest

Proforest is a unique, non-profit group that helps companies, governments and others to implement their commitments to the responsible production and sourcing of agricultural commodities and forest products. The group works through a combination of programmes and consultancy services in order to provide the most appropriate and up-to-date support to its partners and clients.

More information on Proforest is available at www.proforest.net
Illegal miners occupying AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi concession have up to next week Monday (October 10, 2016), to leave the area or forfeit any benefits from government.

This is the directive from the Minerals Commission.

According to the Commission, a new place has been prepared for the illegal miners as it cannot guarantee their safety at the mine.

The time has come for the group of informal miners who have occupied the AngloGold Ashantis concession to move because we have had enough dialogue and also identified a good place for them to move unto, CEO of the Minerals' Commission, Dr. Tony Aubynn, emphasized.

Illegal miners have for some months now, caused extensive damage to Anglogold Ashanti's Ghana operations.

The incursions also led to the death of a senior management staff, John Owusu.

Citi Business News understands the movement committee has begun registering the illegal miners and subsequently move them to the new site.

Dr. Tony Aubynn also tells Citi Business News the miners have no option than to comply with the directive.

The Minerals' Commission cannot guarantee that some other actions whether force or peaceful, will be taken to move them out of the place if they fail to heed this directive, he said.

Meanwhile Dr. Aubynn has served notice recalcitrant miners will face the wrath of the law if they fail to comply.

In any case if they don't move then they miss the chance of getting part of the area that we have identified and are registering for them to relocate to.

In February this year, hundreds of illegal miners invaded the fenced area of AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi mine.

AngloGold Ashanti has also filed a complaint at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes anticipating that proceedings will expedite the reinstatement of law and order at the mine.

AngloGold Ashanti Ghana had to suspend its underground mining operations at the Obuasi Mine at the end of 2014 after incurring heavy financial losses over several years.

Hundreds of the mining company's employees were laid off and paid severance packages as mandated by law and in accordance with relevant Collective Agreements and Employment Contracts.



By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
From Sebastian R. Freiku, Dunkwa

Mr. Nsowah Djan, New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Upper Denkyira West Constituency, has assured his constituents that he would galvanise human and natural resources for the betterment of his area.

His assurance is premised on the fact that the constituency is full of human potential, which have not been fully tapped for the development of the area

According to him, he has already identified some of the problems faced by his constituency, and that he, together with his campaign team, had started addressing them.

Mr. Djan, who spoke to The Chronicle in an interview at Dunkwa-on-Offin on the sidelines of the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Dunkwahene, said he had asphalted some major roads in the constituency to boost economic activities and improve the lives of the people, out of his own resources.

The former educationist said that the progress of his constituents remains paramount to him as their representative in Parliament.

Mr. Nsowah Djan said his campaign to retain the seat for the NPP will be based on issues that border on the welfare of the ordinary citizen, and not on personality attacks.

He was hopeful that the Upper Denkyira West Constituency, which has remained the stronghold of the NPP since its inception in 2004, will garner more votes in the presidential and parliamentary polls, to ensure unchallenged victory for the NPP in the elections, to usher in an Akufo-Addo-led administration.

He called on his supporters to remain vigilant and work hard towards victory in the elections, to bring back the NPP to lead Ghana and solve the myriad of problems the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has plunged the country into.

The Special Assistant to the parliamentary hopeful, Mr. Kwabena Adjei, in separate interview, announced that Mr. Djan has also dug bore-holes in several communities in the constituency, to make potable drinking water accessible to the people.

He said the MP had distributed spraying machines to over 30 communities to help boost agriculture, the mainstay of the people.

Mr Adjei also mentioned that small scale miners in the constituency are being educated to adopt best mining practices to save the environment.
06.10.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Oct. 6, GNA - Government education support programme - Transforming Teacher Education and Learning (T-Tel) - has set up 1 million challenge fund to help colleges of education implement innovative interventions that would improve instructional delivery skills of student teachers.

About 23 out of the 38 government teacher colleges of education have received the Fund, which is around GH 5 million to implement ground-breaking reforms to boost leadership management and training of the trainees.

The move forms part of government's determination to eliminate barriers to education delivery in the country, address poor learning outcomes and project teaching as a solution to Ghana's quest to offer inclusive quality education.

The National Programme Manager of T-TEL, Mr Akwasi Addae-Boahene told reporters at the second International Conference on Education Research for Development in Africa that it was a new way for the colleges themselves to drive reform.

The three-day conference which was organised by the University of Ghana and University of Sussex attracted a number of researchers in education and stakeholders to share ideas and seek new ways of moving education forward.

It started from October 3 to October 5 and sought to explore the theme: "Towards a vision of education for sustainable development in Africa".

Mr Addae-Boahene said: 'T-Tel has set aside one million pounds ready to be disbursed to the colleges, we want the colleges to conceptualise innovations.

'In the process of innovation, T-Tel is also looking at partnerships, if two colleges come together to present one concept, T-Tel gives them GH 150, 000, three colleges take GH 225, 000 and then four colleges get GH 300, 000.

'This creates motivation in forming partnerships and it is one of the things T-Tel promotes.

'With the proposal T-Tel is considering to improve teaching and learning because T-Tel believes that one of the key elements of training a teacher is to provide the opportunity to practise.'

He said T-Tel is providing leadership to the major teacher education colleges in the country, which is premised on three keys issues.

'First is the fact that governmenthas passed the college of education acts, which enjoins the quality of education to be transformed into fully fledged tertiary institutions delivering quality teacher training.

'The second one is the adoption by the ministry of education and national pre-tertiary teacher professional, development and management policies. And it is a policy that seeks to regulate the professional progression of teachers in Ghana.

'The third element is the fact the government is interested in improving teaching and learning in Ghana, and so as a result, looking out ways of addressing them. One of the ways is to improve quality of teachers that we have in the country.'

Mr Addae-Boahene explained that the whole concept of the mission and vision of the Ministry of Education is seeking to provide inclusive long life learning in the country.

'That is why we developed national teaching standards, which regulate the conducts, attitudes and professional competences within which one can call his or herself a teacher,' he said.

He said there are many critical policy reforms that have been undertaken together with national institutions including Ministry of Education to ensure that improved teacher education sector objective is achieved.

GNA
06.10.2016 LISTEN

By Emmanuel Akli

Credible information available to The Chronicle indicates that the top hierarchy of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is considering recalling some of the national executives who have been suspended from the party for various infractions.

Messrs Kwabena Agyapong, the General Secretary, Paul Afoko, the National chairman and Mr Sammy Crabbe, the second vice chairman are all on indefinite suspension.

The Chronicle could, however, not tell whether all the suspended national executives would be granted amnesty by the party, or just one or two of them. But sources say Kwabena Agyapong would likely be considered.

Frantic efforts made by this reporter to contact some of the national officers to either confirm or deny this story was unsuccessful, but Chronicle sources at the party office said the National Executive Committee would meet any moment from now to consider the recall of some of the suspended officers who have shown genuine remorse over the matters that led to their suspension.

The three national officers; Paul Afoko, Sammy Crabbe and Kwabena Agyapong were suspended last year for breaching the constitution of the party.

Mr Paul Afoko, who has since gone to court to reverse the decision of the party but failed, was suspended for refusing to appear before a Disciplinary Committee set up to investigate allegations that had been leveled against him.

Mr Sammy Crabbe on his part challenged the status of the Disciplinary Committee and refused to appear before them and was also suspended.

Like Paul Afoko, he also went to court for succor, but failed to convince the judiciary to reinstate him.

Kwabena Agyapong, however, submitted himself to the Disciplinary Committee and after its investigations, he was suspended indefinitely. He did not, however, challenge the decision in the court.

Kwabena, as he is popularly known in NPP circles, was found guilty of violating Article 3(D) of the NPP constitution, which enjoins members to publicly uphold the decisions of the party and also through various acts, including his disregard for the NEC decision on 23rd October, 2015, suspending Mr. Paul Afoko.

The suspended General Secretary disagreed with the findings of the Disciplinary Committee but refused to proceed to court to have the latter overturn the decision.

A Party source, which spoke to The Chronicle, however, said the decision to recall some of the suspended executives would not be a straightjacket one.

According to the source, the decision would thoroughly be debated before coming to any conclusion.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, Mr Mujeeb Rahman has denied media reports that his boss has given condition for his return to the position as General Secretary of the party.

According to Mujeeb, Mr Kwabena Agyapong, who is currently attending a conference in the USA, has not spoken to any journalist in recent times on matters bordering on his suspension.

To him, the publication was done with mischievous intent, but his boss, Kwabena Agyapong was above those kinds of politics.
The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has warned that it will take drastic action against the government of Ghana if it fails to pay debt owed the company by close of year 2016.

According to the company, government's outstanding balance of 162 million dollars of which 98 million dollars is owed to WAPCo, and the remaining owed to N-Gas, is negatively affecting its operations.

Speaking at conference in Accra, the Managing Director of WAPCo, Walter Perez lamented that the cash position of the company is fast deteriorating.

Without a substantial cash infusion and regular cash in-inflows, WAPCo will be forced to take drastic actions to remain viable in the short-term. As such we appeal to you once again for support, he said at the conference chaired by Petroleum Minster, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah.

Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah

Not enthused about the delay in paying a 30 million dollars debt promised by government in an agreement, Mr. Perez maintained the failure on the part of government in settling the debt puts WAPCo in position that constrains its financial obligation.

Twenty million dollars has been paid by VRA  this leaves a payment balance of USD$30 million to make up the USD$50 million payment agreed upon in July, he recounted.

The financial position of the company remains very desperate. There remains an outstanding balance of 162 million. Our cash position continues to deteriorate due to the ongoing payment default by Volta River Authority (VRA), he added.

He however pointed out that, the company has met all its obligation in supplying gas to the VRA.

Since our last meeting, 30mmscfd is available now for VRA and that we are also aware that plans are in place to ensure that the agreed upon 60mmscfd will be available by end of year, he said.

He warned that efforts aimed at achieving ECOWAS' vision of economic development and regional energy integration could be derailed if steps are not taken to make companies such as WAPCo viable.



By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
06.10.2016 LISTEN

She wants to take Ghanas Chocolate industry by storm -- an XYZ Africa Exclusive

By E.K.Bensah Jr

The first thing almost everyone asks her is whether she is exporting -- to which she answers in the negative.

Meet Managing Director of The Sweet Art Company Ruth Amoah. She cuts an affable and vivacious figure, with a passing wistful look of better days when she was not into the chocolate business full-time.

Outside the shores of Ghana, she may be known as a chocolatier, an elegant and superlative title that may be apt for the quality of chocolate she produces. Regrettably, in these parts, the title is not backed by the money.

Her business has been underway for under ten months, but you could be forgiven for thinking that, given the "hmms!" and "aahs!" emanating from chocolate-connoisseurs and alike at the Second Pan-African Agribusiness Conference, she is giving the state-owned Golden Tree a big run for its money. But, Mz. Amoah appears too modest to state it.

She heads a three-man company that is getting orders from all over the country, including ones at the Duty Free at Ghana's national airport, Kotoka International. During my interview, a call kept interrupting us -- it was one of the airport orders.

Pressed on how she produces such fine chocolate, she explained that, thanks to her brother-in-laws farm in the Central Region, she is able to get beans, which she picks, roasts, hand-cracks and grinds before she gets the final product.

Providence has been on her side as far as the cocoa beans are concerned, making it easier for her to get good quality beans over the largely-mouldy ones she has obtained in the past.

It takes some 48 hours for her and her production team of two to process the cocoa, and refine to the succulence we experienced as a finished product. She quips how people generally sell beans, but are clueless on how to make chocolate. This has prompted people from all over to ask her to show them how to make chocolate. Many of these requests, she believes, are in vain: mostly people looking to make quick and easy money.

Thats as if to say her journey has been easy. Far from it, for she has had to depend on family, friends, and loans to get to the stage where Duty Free has asked for her chocolate in lieu of the state-owned Golden Tree.

Mz. Amoah quickly whips out her iPad and, with dexterity, takes me through a maze of pictures to her instagram page, where she explains how her chocolate was ordered by non-governmental organization Solidaridad for their work in Liberia.

The Solidaridad and duty-free orders speak to a company that is making profit from customized orders and recommendations. This could not be further from the truth as she confesses to being indebted because any little money she gets is obviously reinvested, and given her manpower, thats a significant constraint that reduces her profit margin.

Shes ecstatic for the appreciation she receives, including the requests for partnership, and exports, but she is facing an uphill struggle of reconciling the demand with the supply. It is a recondite fact that, with a business this young, it is not going to be able to scale up to the level the state-owned Golden Tree has gotten. She needs money, and lots more. It could be through an angel investor, or simply any investor ready to support her to scale up.

Asked whether she might consider the commercial banks, she answers with a firm no, as they are wont to complicate and frustrate potentials who go seeking loans. She laments how, apart from the length of time spent chasing a loan, the documentation the banks will ask of you remains this side short of a headache.

Quizzed on what she did on International Cocoa Day a few days ago, she chuckled, explaining how government policy may want to do a re-think and shift emphasis from National Chocolate Day(celebrated on Valentines Day each year since 2006) to the International Cocoa Day. She believes government could have been more strategic in supporting and boosting cocoa by rather-hyping this day.

Does she have any expansionary ideas? For now, its about exporting to other markets, with a preference on Southern and Eastern Africa. She would say absolutely, buy made-in-Ghana chocolate! We are the second largest.producer of cocoa in the world. Finally, we have the best-tasting chocolate she adds.

Hope for the future is what Mz. Amoah possesses a lot of: certainly daunted by the prospect of out-competing the state competition in Golden Tree chocolate, which one non-Ghanaian working in one of the sponsor organisations for the conference called "horrible", she believes she can make it.

For someone who quit her full-time job to jump into this venture, one might say while her nine months has been a bitter-sweet symphony, she is poised now, more than ever, to seize opportunities like this Agribusiness conference to further-promote her eight varieties of chocolate, with a value chain that strategically integrates tourism with chocolate.

#aaintsb

Emmanuel.K.Bensah Jr/XYZ Africa [email protected]/Africa in Focus Show/Radio XYZ93.1fm

*The best 10-minute news from across anglophone & francophone Africa on Radio XYZ93.1FM in Accra, Ghana. We offer mini-features under "Focus". Original content guaranteed weekly! Weekly review assured on Fridays. Look for #xyzAfrica on soundcloud.com. On air Sundays-Fridays at 8pm on www.radioxyzonline.com

*The Africa in Focus Show is hosted by Emmanuel.K.Bensah Jr from 14h05 to 15h00 every Wednesday on RADIO XYZ93.1FM. Since May 2014, it has been offering compelling, cutting-edge content that seeks to demystify, educate, and unpack ECOWAS, AU, & South-South Cooperation around Africas integration.

*You can download all podcasts from www.africainfocusradioshow.org . Follow the conversation on twitter on @africainfocus14, using #africainfocus. Contact Emmanuel on 0233.311.789/0268.687.653
Ghanas electoral body has shut down its Tamale metropolitan office Thursday after the ongoing voters transfer exercise was marred by violence.

Communications Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), Eric Dzakpasu said the measure was to quell the violence purportedly sparked by supporters of both the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Speaking to Evans Mensah, host of Joy FMs Top Story programme Thursday, he said: when calm is restored the office would be opened.

Refresh the page for more...

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | Email: [email protected]
Running mate for the Progressive People's Party (PPP) during the 2012 elections, Eva Lokko, has passed away.

Party sources confirmed to citifmonline.com.

Eva Lokko, who is also the party's current parliamentary candidate for the Klottey Korle constituency died today [ Thursday] after a short illness.

Eva Lokko

The former Managing Director of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation had filed her nomination to contest the Klottey Korle constituency seat on the ticket of the PPP.

Eva Lokko was an engineer before moving into politics. She was appointed to head the state broadcaster during the era for former President Kufuor.

Her days at the GBC however ended abruptly after some persons at the station rose up against her managerial approach.



By: citifmonline.com/Ghana
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is asking Ghana not be complacent after making progress in reducing its debts in relation to the economys value.

The latest IMF fiscal monitor has projected an end of year debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Ghana at 66 percent.

This should mean that the debt-to-GDP ratio may not witness any significant increase till the end of this year or it could go up and reduce by end of year.

Figures released by the Bank of Ghana puts the total public debt as at June 2016 at GH110 billion, representing 66 percent of Ghanas GDP.

The same report is even projecting that the debt to GDP will even reduce significantly for the next three years to 52 percent.

Speaking to JOY BUSINESS after the launch of Fiscal Monitor report in Washington DC, Deputy Director of Fiscal Affairs at the IMF, Abelhak Senhadji, said the current debt levels are still high and must be reduced further.

I think the Ghanaian government should be commended for putting in place a reform program that is stabilizing the economy and bringing the debt down, however, it still business unfinished, because even at 66 percent the debt is still high, he said.

But he, however, adds that even though progress has been made, a lot still needs to be done in putting in place an ambitious program to manage things.

You need consistency, in terms of your reforms, to ensure that the expected outcome is guaranteed, he emphasised.

The projection by the Fund in terms of Ghanas debt to GDP ratio reduction might support earlier claims by government that it will not cross the dreaded 70 percent market by December 2016.

According to the Statistical Service the monetary value of the Ghanas economy as at the end of 2015 at Gh138 billion.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | George Wiafe | Joy Business Editor | Washington DC
The National Executive Council of the New Patriotic Party has unanimously endorsed the soon to be launched 2016 manifesto.

Ex-president John Kufuor and other founding fathers of the party in a spectacle of political unity gave their blessing for the manifesto to be outdoored on Sunday.

The manifesto, dubbed Agenda For Change, spells out policies the NPP hopes to implement if given the power to lead the country in 2017.

Acting Chairman of the party, Freddie Blay told Joy News' Latif Iddris the manifesto is not just an "expression of intent" but a serious document which has well thought out policies that will arrest what the party says is the depravity in the country.

He said the country is seriously challenged with job creation and the main preoccupation of the NPP manifesto is to find jobs for the many who are unemployed across the country.

Blay vehemently dismissed the notion of disunity in the party. He would not discuss whether the party will give an olive branch to the suspended party leaders before the elections.

Party chairman Paul Afoko, General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong and Second Vice Chairman Sammy Crabbe are on holidays serving an indefinite suspension for misconduct. The chair and his vice have challenged their suspension in court but have lost and are currently on appeal.

Freddie Blay said the party is well oiled for victory in 2016.

The Deputy General Secretary of the party Nana Obiri Boahene in praising the content of the manifesto said the nation is endowed with resources but lacked competent and dynamic leadership in president Mahama to steer the affairs of the country.

"We need leaders who are not corrupt; the ones will not engage GYEEDA, SADA SUBAH," he stated .

He said the country under a competent and visionary leader Nana Akufo-Addo will see the fruits of development.

Outlining the program for the manifesto launch on Sunday at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra, Nana Obiri Boahene said there will be a first section which is strictly by invitation, with the party leaders giving a highlights of the manifesto and then the second session will be a mammoth rally at the same venue, the same day.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
06.10.2016 LISTEN

By Julius K. Satsi, GNA

Accra, Oct. 6, GNA - The Reverend Francis Kwame Apraku, a Teacher at Amuzudai Junior High School, Adabraka in Accra, has expressed the need for the State to value the teaching profession, as the world marked World Teachers' Day.

Rev Apraku in an interview with the GNA said it very essential to celebrate teachers, adding: "The service we provide is very crucial to the survival of the country's development.'

He said the essence of the Day is to recognise the work of teachers all over the world.

This year's World Teachers' Day, marked on Wednesday, October 5, was celebrated on the theme: 'Valuing Teachers: Improving their status.'

This year's World Teachers' Day, which also marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 International Labour Organisation and UNESCO recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.

Rev Apraku said there is the need to place value on the teaching profession and all stakeholders must support the work of teachers.

He noted that the act of recognising the efforts of teachers in national development would be a morale booster for the teacher to also sacrifice essentially to child upbringing.

He called on Government to declare the World Teachers' Day as a statutory public holiday, with broader activities, which should include public lectures and seminars to mark and climax it with the Best Teacher Award.

By 2030, 3.2 million more teachers would be required to achieve universal primary education and 5.1 million more in order to achieve universal lower secondary education.

GNA
Fafraha (GAR), Oct. 6, GNA - Mrs Mary Ameyaw, the Director of Living Star School, has called on parents and teachers to collaborate to instill the virtues of discipline in pupils.

This, she said, would help prevent the children from engaging in deviant behaviours which would ruin their future aspirations.

Mrs Ameyaw made the call during the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the school at Fafraha near Madina in Accra.

She said ineffective parental control was contributing to the high incidence of immorality such as cyber fraud, drug abuse and examination malpractices among students.

Mrs Ameyaw stressed the need for parents to take full responsibility in the upbringing of their children and desist from attacking teachers for correcting their wards when they went wrong.

She said emotional development of children was vital to their growth into adulthood and urged parents to provide the needs of their children to enable them to focus on their studies.

Mrs Ameyaw urged the children to be disciplined and stick to their books adding that these were the important things in their lives as pupils.

She appealed to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to put the necessary measures in place to prevent examination leakages.

Mrs Ameyaw said the school had been scoring 100 percent in the Basic Education Certificate Examination since 2007 and that all the candidates got their first choice of schools.

She commended the teachers and the school authorities for their relentless efforts in ensuring the proper training of children to enable them to become useful citizens for their families, communities and the nation as a whole.

GNA
By Lydia Asamoah, GNA

Accra, Oct. 6, GNA - A health booklet on: 'Changing Disease Patterns in Africa,' was on Wednesday launched in Accra by the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) to help inform policy makers on Africa's double-burden of diseases.

The diseases burden in both communicable and non-communicable infections and ailments are said to be increasing in Africa due to the fact that the continent is going through socio-economic changes giving rise to a shift in disease pattern from predominantly communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCD).

Communicable disease like malaria is said to constitute 90 per cent of the one million deaths in Africa while out of the global figure of 36 million deaths occurring from NCDs like hypertension, diabetes, renal diseases, cancers and malnutrition-related diseases, 80 per cent occur in low and middle income countries including Africa.

GASS says the co-existence of a high burden of infectious diseases with an increasing prevalence of NCDs would pose a formidable challenge to Africa and addressing these health challenges in a timely and planned manner would avert and mitigate the possible dire health consequences that could emerge.

GASS has therefore developed the booklet, with six key messages to serve as a ready source of reference for policy makers who are seeking an integrated approach in health development.

Professor Isabella Quakyi, a Fellow of GASS who presented the highlights of the booklet said the changing diseases trends poses a formidable challenge on the already fragile health systems, that are not well equipped, and have inadequately trained personnel.

In the key messages, each African country has been urged to undertake a national assessment of the burden of communicable and the NCDs as well as develop estimates of how the country's demographic and epidemiological transitions are likely to influence their long term trends.

Countries are also being urged to plan to avert and mitigate the dual communicable and NCD burden, create and enhance partnerships, mobilise resources for a healthy future, as well as continue to generate evidence base information to guide decisions.

The academies of Science are also being asked not to shirk the responsibility of being an ecumenical reliable platform for articulating science on the continent.

Prof Quakyi said since the booklet carefully describes the best options and states realistic recommendations for dealing with the issues, full implementation of the recommendations would place Africa back on the right path.

'Policy makers and other stakeholders are implored to use his booklet and not display on the bookshelves,' Prof Quakyi said.

Prof Akilagpa Sawyerr, President of GAAS said the booklet was an outcome from the cooperation between the Network of African Science Academies and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, which was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

He explained that African leading medical academics came together through their science academies to undertake an analysis of the negative consequences on the shift from predominantly communicable diseases profile to a situation of a dual burden situation out of which they formulated the series of recommendations for African governments.

He said there were many quality scientific capacity and quality scientists both in Ghana and many African countries who needed to be mobiles to work to address the situation.

He reiterated the need to pay attention to continues research, surveillance and resources to help control the dual-burden of diseases in Africa.

He called on the citizens of Africa to do regular things like exercising and regular check-ups to either avoid diseases or for early detection of any disease.

GNA
By Sampson Adu-Poku, GNA

Kumasi, Oct 06, GNA - Sheikh Mohammed Kamil Mohammed, a member of the National Peace Council, has urged the leadership of the political parties and their supporters to put the nation ahead of any other interest or consideration.

He said it was important for everybody to be mindful of the consequences of their actions and inactions as the struggle for political power intensified.

Making the call through the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, he warned that it would be grievous to take the nation's peace for granted.

Sheikh Mohammed spoke of the need for all to show good faith, accept to play it fair and demonstrate political tolerance.

He said the nation should not be thrown into turmoil by the self-serving agenda of anybody, adding that, the society would never forgive such individuals or group.

He appealed to the people to abide by the political parties' code of conduct and to use the appropriate conflict mediation channels to resolve all electoral grievances.

They should continue to remind themselves and take useful lessons from civil strife resulting from disputed elections in some African countries to avoid any pitfalls.

Sheikh Mohammed asked that the people worked together to ensure that 'we come out of the election, stronger and more united'.

He called for Christians and Moslems to continue to pray for God's gift of peace.

GNA
06.10.2016 LISTEN

By Bertha Badu-Agyei, GNA

Koforidua, Oct. 6, GNA - The Convention People's Party's (CPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the New Juaben South Constituency, the Reverend Mrs Naomi Owusu-Sekyere, has said Ghana needs leaders with Godly principles, while asking Christians not to shun politics.

She said because politics was the vehicle through which those who aspired for leadership positions could market their ideas, it was imperative for Christians to get involved in politics to ensure that such leaders were voted into power.

Speaking with the GNA under its 'Women's Profile' programme, Rev Mrs Owusu-Sekyere said it was inappropriate for Christians to shun politics, explaining that politics was an integral part of every discipline of life hence the importance of fielding the right persons at the helm of affairs.

According to her, the claim that politics was a dirty game was not the whole truth, saying, the perception has come about 'because Christians have left dirty people to be involved'.

She, therefore, urged the Christian Community to support people who had the qualities to turn fortunes around.

The CPP Candidate said the knowledge and vision given to ordained pastors and Christian leaders must be used to advance the development of the nation, adding that, if all leaders were guided by the principles of God to be fair to all manner of persons, corruption, often driven by greed and not need, would be reduced.

Rev Owusu-Sekyere, married with three children, has been a Resident Minister of the Phnewman House of Prayer, Koforidua, for the past three years.

She is contesting the Juaben South Constituency with four others, including the incumbent member of Parliament, Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah of the New Patriotic Party, Mr Ransford Owusu-Boakye, the Eastern Regional NADMO Coordinator, Nana Oboade Bonsu Boateng (PNC) and Mr Gideon Ampaw (NDP).

Born into the family of the CPP, where her father was once the Eastern Regional Chairman of the CPP, she has been a political activist since her youthful days, rising to become the New Juaben South Constituency Women's organiser for 10 years. She is the Regional Women's organiser.

Rev Mrs Owusu-Sekyere said though the Constituency had been one of the safe seats of the NPP since 1992, and although she was contesting men with strong backgrounds, she was optimistic of emerging victorious.

She, therefore, appealed to women and peace loving people in the Constituency to look beyond party colours and rally behind her to take the seat from the NPP.

Women, she said, were better positioned to represent their people than men.

GNA
06.10.2016 LISTEN

By GNA Reporter

Accra, Oct. 6, GNA - Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, accompanied by Mr Andy Osei Okrah, the Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, have toured the proposed office facility for the Creative Arts Secretariat in Kumasi.

The office space is intended to serve practitioners within the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, and the three northern regions.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare, addressing the media and some industry players, said the creative arts industry undoubtedly has created jobs and provided regular income to many people and still does in spite of the fact that it is not having a legal regulatory framework.

She said it was for this reason and others that President John Mahama aligned Tourism with Culture and Creative Arts to harness these potentials.

She said the establishment of a secretariat for the northern sector was in fulfillment of the President's promise of creating the enabling environment for the creative arts sector to thrive than it is currently doing.

She gave the assured them of a well-equipped state of the arts secretariat to make their operations effective and efficient, whilst awaiting the passage of the Creative Arts bill into an Act to streamline activities of the sector within a legal context.

According to the Minister, the presentation of cars and the setting up of the Creative Arts Fund for the aged were some of the indications of government's commitment.

Some of the practitioners commended government for the many inroads being made in the sector such as the promulgation of the creative arts bill, provision of cars and other logistics for their operations.

The Minister used the occasion to visit Ghanaian Actor, Joseph Nana Osei, otherwise known as Wayoosi at his home.

The visit was in fulfillment of a promise made by the minister when she learnt of the hospitalisation of the actor.

Wayoosi expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister for the immense assistance when he was hospitalised.

GNA
06.10.2016 LISTEN

By Gifty Amofa/Louisa Nkrumah

Kumasi, Oct 06, GNA - Two men arrested by the police for alleged robbery, have been remanded by a Kumasi Circuit Court to make their next appearance on Tuesday, October 18.

Moro Bawa and Kwadwo Amankwaah, are accused of robbing a watchman of his cash of GHE1,500.00 and mobile phone, a charge they profusely denied.

Police Chief Inspector Hannah Acheampong told the court, presided over by Mrs. Mary Nsenkyire, that the incident happened at the Race Course, on September 12, at about 23:30 hours.

The victim, Mohammed Yahaya, was walking together with the girlfriend, when the pair suddenly struck - forcibly seized his cash and phone.

The woman, who took a good look at the attackers, identified them to the police the next day and they were arrested.

The accused, however, gave a different account of the incident.

They claimed they heard some noises coming from behind a kiosk in which they were sleeping and decided to find out what was happening only to see the complainant right in the act of having sex with the girlfriend.

They admitted there was a scuffle when they attempted to arrest the complainant for what they felt was an indecent act, but insisted, they never robbed him of anything.

GNA
06.10.2016 LISTEN

By Regina Benneh/ Christopher Tetteh, GNA

Sunyani, Oct. 6, GNA - A 41 year-old Visual Arts female teacher, Mrs Rita Oppong was on Wednesday adjudged the National Best Teachers at the 22nd awards ceremony in Sunyani.

Mrs Oppong, with 18 years teaching experience at the Sowa Din 2 Memorial Junior High School at Adentan in the Greater Accra Region, was given a three- bedroom house valued at GHa100,000.00, a lap top computer, a certificate and an undisclosed cash amount.

The first runner-up Mr Samuel Kofi Boateng ,42, with 16 years teaching experience at the Ghana Secondary Technical School in Takoradi, Western Region had a double-cabin Toyota pick-up and a laptop computer.

Mr Sulemana Salami Inusah, 52 with 27 years' experience in the teaching profession and now a tutor at the Sacred Heart Senior High School at Nsoatre in the Sunyani West District of Brong-Ahafo Region, emerged the second runner up and took away saloon car and a laptop computer.

The event, on the theme: 'Valuing Teachers, Improving their status,' to commemorate the occasion of annual World Teachers Day and the second edition of Best Schools Awards, 2016 aimed at reminding the society about the contributions of teachers and non-teaching staff towards national development and also to motivate them to work harder.

Seventy-two teachers and 33 basic and senior high schools were awarded on various categories with different prizes.

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Minister of Education said the quality of human capital of a nation depends on the quality of education and quality of teachers and non- teaching staff in the system.

She said government would continue to discharge its responsibilities to both the teaching and non-teaching staff, while the public would also continue to hold them accountable for 'outcomes in education'.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang expressed the hope that the prizes would motivate the awardees to increase their output for the benefit of students for improved standard of education in the country.

Mr Eric Opoku, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister said education is the bedrock upon which development is achieved by any nation.

He said it is therefore appropriate to recognise values and reward the hard working teachers who train and produce the human resource requirement for the progress of the country.

Madam Philippa Larsen, National President of Ghana National Association of Teachers commended government for the establishment of the community day senior high schools, she however appealed for the inclusion of teachers' residential accommodations in future construction of such facilities for effective teaching and learning. GNA
By Caesar Abagali, GNA

Yendi (N/R), Oct. 4, GNA - The Ministry of the Interior, with the National Peace Council (NPC), is working with the security agencies to use music to advocate peace throughout the electioneering and thereafter.

The Bands Competition of the Security Agencies (BACOSA) is touring some conflict prone areas to perform and showcase to the public that though they (security) wear different uniforms, they work together in the interest of Ghana.

Mr Titus Ofori Arko, Station Officer of the Greater Accra Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), briefing the Ghana News Agency at the sidelines of the Yendi Concert, said the security agencies shared a unity of purpose for the betterment of Ghana.

The programme, which was launched at Kumasi, in September, is being sponsored by the Christian Aid, ActionAid Ghana and IBIS.

Mr Arko said BACOSA had performed in Bawku in the Upper East Region and Yendi, while plans were in place to perform in the Western and Volta regions. The theme for the programme is 'Peace and Unity.'

He said explained they initiated the programme because any time there was a conflict the security agencies were directly affected.

Mr Francis Azuimah, the Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, said there was no reason for Ghanaians to take arms against one another, especially during elections, and advised the youth to stay focused on their education and businesses.

He said it was necessary for the youth to denounce any politician who would use the electoral platform to incite violence, saying, 'No politician who wishes the best for Ghana will want to use violence to win elections'.

Mr Azuimah said the NPC would continue to partner civil society and other organised groups such as BACOSA to work to promote perpetual peace.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Ken Yeboah, the Northern Regional Police Commander, assured Ghanaians that the security agencies were ready to protect the peace of the country.

He said no political party was above the law and warned those who fomented trouble and hid behind political parties to desist such actions because the security agencies were committed to protecting the citizens and the Constitution of Ghana.

He said, 'We have no any other country on the world map called Ghana and that is why we need to protect the only Ghana that we have. We must not die for others to win power and what we need to do is to protect the only Ghana that we have for the sake of the future generations.'

Mr Ken Yeboah advised the media to remain professional in the performance of their duties and ensure that their reportage united the Ghanaians than divided them saying, 'Report all the positive things you see and leave the volatile things out for peace and unity.'

GNA
06.10.2016 LISTEN

By Iddi Yire, GNA

Accra, Oct. 06, GNA - The National Commission for Civil Education (NCCE) has tasked politicians to adopt non-violence means for campaigns to preserve the peaceful climate in the country.

The NCCE charged the leaders of the various political parties to be advocates of peace and tolerance in words and in deeds; and openly reprimand their supporters who engage in acts of violence.

Mr Adam Siddique Zagoon, a Senior Civic Education Officer, NCCE, stated at a community sensitisation engagement, organised by the Commission in collaboration with the Ghana News Agency, with funding from the European Union, at Maamobi in the Ayawaso East District, Greater Accra Region.

The NCCE/GNA Community Sensitisation Engagement, on the general theme: 'Electoral process and the need to preserve the peaceful climate in the country,' is to ensue free, fair and violent-free period ahead of the December 7 Polls, and thereafter.

It was attended by opinion leaders, political party youth activists, women's groups and religious leaders.

Mr Zagoon noted that for an election to be deemed as free and fair, certain measures needed to be put in place, such as the compilation of a credible, current, and accurate voter's register.

That was why, he said, the Voter's register, was being cleaned to make the register fit for the election.

Mr Zagoon said campaigns must be based on issues and devoid of violence, hate speech and intimidation.

He urged political parties to abide by their code of conduct; adding that, supporters must also avoid defacing the posters of their opponents.

He also observed that weapons, such as knives and cutlasses, must not be taken to rally grounds to cause confusion.

Mr Zagoon advised prospective voters to know their polling centres prior to the day of the election.

He warned that attempting to impersonate somebody was serious a crime, which must not be condoned.

Mr Zagoon said on Election Day, nobody should be seen loitering within 500 metre radius at the polling centre.

He also stated that the sale of alcoholic beverages at the polling centres on Election Day, was prohibited by law.

"The constitution enjoins us to form and join any political party of our choice, therefore, let us respect and tolerate one another 's views in order to ensure peace before, during and after the 2016 election," he stated. GNA
06.10.2016 LISTEN

By Bertha Badu-Agyei, GNA

Koforidua, Oct. 6, GNA - Dr Mark Asibey-Yeboah, Member of Parliament (MP) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for New Juaben South, has appealed to the electorate to give him another term.

This, he said would enable him to continue with the good works he had done for the Constituency.

He said because his achievements and good representation of the people, he needs another term to ensure that his vision of transforming the lives of the youth is attained to help them to contribute to national development.

Dr Asibey-Yeboah who was speaking after filing his nomination as a Parliamentary Candidate with the Electoral commission in Koforidua, on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) noted that the Party had a vision to transform the lives of the people and the youth in particular as a tool to achieve national development.

He is among 10 people from different political parties who filed their nominations to contest both the new Juaben South and North constituencies' seats on December 7 and is being challenged by four other contestants including Mr Ransford Owusu-Boaye, of the National Democratic Party and Regional Coordinator of National Disaster Management Organisation.

He said his first term in Parliament has been successful despite some challenges and when given the nod with Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo voted into power as the next president, he would continue what he had already started.

Dr Asibey-Yeboah noted that the NPP had demonstrated under President John Agyekum Kufuor, that it had the men and knowledge to transform Ghana into a better place, considering the numerous initiatives and polices it implemented to the benefit of the people.

The New Juaben South constituency is known as one of the safe seats of the NPP since 1996 and Dr Asibey-Yeboah is the fifth MP of the constituency after Mr Yaw Barimah, a former Minister of State Ms Beatrice Bernice Boateng.

GNA
President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his governments desire to prioritise technical and vocational training and education should he get a second term.

He said technical and vocational education and training is not a shameful course for the unintelligent, as many Ghanaians perceive it to be for school drop outs.

Speaking at the commissioning of one of the 123 Community Day senior high schools in the Krobo in the Bono Ahafo Region, Thursday, he pointed out that there are several openings springing up much faster to engage graduates with these skills and qualification.

Comparing job prospects for those who are flocking to read courses like humanities, President Mahama said jobs in that sector are not readily available unlike those with vocational and technical training.

The president believes there is a concentration of training people for certain professions with courses like humanities, which is part of the reason for the nations unemployment problem.

There are only a number of graduates that a particular sector can take. And so if all the schools are training people in that sector, of course, the will come out and there is saturation, he said.

President Mahama made similar calls during the 2016 manifesto highlight presentation at the Banquet Hall of the State House in September.

Promised he would work to change the wrong perception by building a new college of education to train instructors to teach technical skills. That College of Education will be sited in Agona Swedru, he emphasised.

The world he said is demanding new skills including Ghana with her oil and gas discovery and lots of industries and businesses coming up.

President Mahama bemoaned the fact that there is a huge demand for skilled manpower and the many worrying cases of Ghana having to import manpower from abroad.

He said this is because some of the investors cannot find the skills they want locally or they think Ghana have not trained them [graduates] efficiently where they can do the job properly so they [companies] have to resort to importing them [skilled hands] from elsewhere.

The President disclosed cases of manpower having to be imported from neighbouring countries especially in the construction business.

"I have encountered many tile layers and masons who are from one of our neighbouring countries," he revealed.

According to him, that is the reason why government is prioritising technical and vocational education to train more people for industry, agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas and the SMEs .

President Mahama said in his second term industry will be linked with the technical and vocational training institutes so they have a database of graduates to know the number of people graduating in particular field.

This he believes would make it for easy absorption into industry to practicalise what they learned in school.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim | Email: [email protected]
Nairobi (AFP) - The international community on Thursday hit out at a call from South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar for renewed war with the government, raising concerns about heavy fighting in recent weeks.

Machar, the former vice president, last month urged "a popular armed resistance" against his rival Salva Kiir's government, in a statement from Khartoum where he is in exile.

In a joint statement, the European Union, Norway, the United States and the United Kingdom, together with Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda, condemned "calls by opposition leaders for a renewal of armed conflict".

"Further fighting will not solve South Sudan's pressing political and economic challenges. It will only increase the suffering of South Sudan's people, worsen a grave humanitarian crisis, and further inflame ethnic tensions."

South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar has called for "a popular armed resistance" against his rival Salva Kiir's government

South Sudan plunged into conflict in 2013 -- two years after attaining a hard-won independence -- when Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Machar of plotting a coup d'etat.

A patchily implemented August 2015 peace deal saw Machar return to the capital earlier this year to resume his role in government, but fresh fighting between his forces and soldiers loyal to Kiir erupted in July.

Machar fled to Khartoum, and his former ally Taban Deng Gai took up his position as vice-president, although it is unclear whether Machar's armed rebels have also switched sides.

100,000 people trapped

Violence has continued in parts of the country, and the United Nations said last week that around 100,000 people were trapped in Yei, 150 kilometres (93 miles) southwest of Juba, near the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Government forces surrounding the town suspect residents of siding with opposition forces, according to the UN refugee agency.

Peacekeeper troops from Ethiopia deployed by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol on foot outside the premises of the UN Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Juba, South Sudan, on October 4, 2016

"We are deeply concerned by heavy fighting around the country in recent weeks, including near Yei, Wau, Bentiu, and Nassir," read the joint statement, citing reports of widespread violence against civilians.

The fresh violence in July sent tens of thousands fleeing the country, pushing the number of refugees from the war-scarred nation past the one million mark.

The UN Security Council voted in August to send a 4,000-strong regional protection force to Juba.

Kiir's government initially opposed the plan, and while it publicly committed to it in September, stands accused of dragging its feet over allowing the deployment.

The Security Council has threatened to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan if the government blocks the regional force or impedes the work of UN peacekeepers.
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Do you ever wonder what the world will look like in 100 years?

Self-flying cars, robot servitors, genetic based medical care ensuring perfect health and long lives?

Its as good of a guess as any. 100 years is a long time, and all we have to go on is our past and present knowledge. After all, who could have imagined touchscreens, iPhones or cloud storage 100 years ago?

Most people will just think of more complicated, efficient versions of their present day. When people in 1899 were asked the same question they envisioned flying firefighters and a mechanical broom and shovel.

Yet we dont have these wonders 117 years later. And maybe we never will. But whats better at fighting fires than flying firefighters? Flame retardant materials. They eliminate having to fight fires in the first place.

And whats better at cleaning than a mechanical broom and shovel? A vacuum cleaner. Or better yet, a robot vacuum cleaner that cleans the floors while youre at work.

While we cannot know for sure what the distant future holds, we can be sure it will be remarkable. And that some of the technology in common use in 100 years would be almost unimaginable today.

We can also be sure that much of this technology will save us time.

The more jobs we give to machines, the more productive we become. Just look at the graph below. It shows productivity and US real median incomes from 1947 to 2009.



Source: State of Working America

Click to enlarge

As youll notice, productivity keeps climbing, while real median income loses momentum around 1971. One reason for this disparity is simply because we are giving more jobs to machines, which can perform tasks more efficiently. So where does the extra money go from the increased productivity, if not into workers pockets? Thats a story for another day. But you can rest assured the machines are not taking home six figure bonuses.

Anyhow, as we push the boundaries of what machines can do, we increase their capacity to do more tasks. Even many medical, cooking and transportation jobs can now be handed over to robots.

Thats a frightening thought for many people. And youll see plenty of scary headlines about machines coming to steal your jobs. But most of those headlines are there just to drive sales.

The automation of the workplace really leaves us in the same place weve always been. Will it lead to mass unemployment? Of course not. Thats what I call Dark Age thinking.

Dark Age thinking

The Industrial Revolution was one of the highest growth periods in history. In what seems like overnight looking back on it today, we were suddenly able to produce goods at a rate never seen before.

The textile industry pumped up its output by a factor of 40. Improved steam power engines revolutionised the transport industry, making trains faster and more efficient. Iron making was made 15 times faster.

And this was all possible because we handed many tasks to machines.

Like today, workers at the time were concerned about the potentially disastrous change to the employment market. However, their concerns proved largely unfounded. To run and work in unison with the machines in order to increase output, more labour was required.

More people were employed throughout factories in Europe. Large clusters of people in one area propelled the agriculture industry forward. What propelled the agricultural industry forward was industrial technologies. Equipment like the seed drill and the Dutch plough made farming more efficient.

And with an increase in population density, more workers out in the fields meant more crops and food for the population.

Instead of taking jobs, machines created them, and helped usher in the far more comfortable life we enjoy today. Of course many jobs were taken in the process. Better trains meant fewer carriage drivers. But it also meant more trains, engineers, mechanics, rail workers and ticket agents.

Improving technology makes a few jobs redundant to create a whole lot more.

Lets use a modern day example. We could potentially see robot bricklayers used commercially in the next few years. A company in Australia, Fastbrick Robotics Ltd [ASX:FBR], is currently developing technology to automate the construction processes.

Now this could potentially put a lot of construction workers out of their jobs. However, at the same time, a robot bricklayer could create multiple new jobs.

System engineers, operators, people to fix and maintain each robot. These jobs would all be done by humans.

In fact, when a process becomes automated, the human element becomes even more crucial. If left to its own devices machines and robots could malfunction, creating an inefficient process.

Adding automation to an inefficient process increases the inefficiency dramatically. Therefore even if robots take over every job, well still need us humans to make sure the machines are working properly.

Its not untrue to say that machines will dominate certain industries. But as Ive already explained, theres little to stress about. Robots wont likely cause mass unemployment. Yet the idea of robots taking over still persists.

An article recently published by the Sydney Morning Herald sounded like a doomsday message. It told readers to be prepared for the coming of robots.

Using data released by the Economic Analysis Department at the Reserve Bank of Australia, the SMH warned those who have a routine skill could soon be out of the job.

The researchers took data for 17 industries and the eight major occupations within each and classified each jobs into one of the four groups. What they found was clear. As expected, the sharpest decline was in the share of jobs that could be considered routine manual. A good example of such would be forklift drivers. More sophisticated machinery and assembly lines have made many of these workers redundant. In the mid-1980s, such jobs made up the biggest group of workers, accounting for four out of 10 jobs. Today that has fallen to three in 10.

Yet as weve seen, the job market changes all the time. We no longer have a milk man delivering the milk, and we dont have people collecting our waste from outhouses each week either.

What many people fail to realise is that human society is not fixed. If skills like driving or building become no longer valuable for humans to do, well learn new skills.

There will always be jobs, regardless of which ones are given to machines. A better question to ask is how can you stand to profit from the rise of machines? While efficiency is an obvious advantage, this trend also presents a huge investment opportunity.

To find out more, click here.

Regards,

Harje Ronngard,

Contributing Editor, Money Morning

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Candidates for elected city and school board positions squared off in recent days at two forums sponsored by local organizations.

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On Sept. 29, the Morgan Hill chapter of the American Association of University Women conducted a question-and-answer session for each of three groups of candidatesmayor, city council and Morgan Hill Unified School District Board of Trusteesat the council meeting chambers.

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Then on Monday, Oct. 3, the Chamber of Commerce hosted two panels for the mayoral and council candidates at the Community Playhouse. This forum pointedly focused on economic development and city budget-related questionsissues on which the candidates clashed repeatedly.

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Full videos of both forumseach of which lasted several hoursare available for public access on the internet.

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Early voting starts Oct. 11, and election day is Nov. 8.

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Running for mayor are Joseph Carrillo, Kirk Bertolet and incumbent Steve Tate. Vying for two seats on the city council are incumbents Larry Carr and Marilyn Librers, as well as Mario Banuelos, Armando Benavides and Rene Spring.

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In the MHUSD race, six candidates are running for seats in three different trustee areas. In Trustee Area 5, incumbent Tom Arnett is challenged by Angelica Diaz. In Area 7, four-year Trustee Rick Badillo is opposed by newcomers Albert Beltran Jr. and Mary Patterson. In Trustee Area 6, where incumbent Bob Benevento did not seek re-election, first-time candidate Teresa Murillo is running unopposed.

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Murillo did not attend the AAUW forum and declined to take part in any of the candidate question-answer opportunities, including one featured by the Times.

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Countering claims

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At the Oct. 3 Chamber forum, candidates were asked about a number of issues related to jobs, business attraction, the minimum wage, the city budget and more.

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Carr, in his closing statement at the Oct. 3 forum, expressed his frustration with what he said are questionable claims made by his challengers throughout the evening.

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Without naming the challengers who made these claims, Carr told the audience, Youve heard lots of numbers tonight. Im not sure where these numbers are coming from. We dont finance ongoing expenses with impact fees. Morgan Hill has a voter approved process for (residential growth control); we have not abandoned or changed the voter-approved process.

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Earlier in the evening, Benavides, a local attorney, said the incumbents and the current council have missed the ball when it comes to city finances. He said the city has about $107 million in reserves across all city funds, and perhaps some of this could be used to take care of a roughly $20 million backlog in funding for roads and infrastructure maintenance and repairs.

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While he classified the latter number as a deficit during the forum, Benavides acknowledged afterwards that the city operates with a balanced budget. However, thats only because it finances some expenditures with a portion of reserves.

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Even though we have a balanced budget, its because were tapping into reserves, said Benavides. We still have (about) $16 million in the general fund reservewe could certainly use that for infrastructure repairs.

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Carr said at the Oct. 3 forum that the general fund reserve is intended for more dire needs for public services, if such emergencies ever arise. Furthermore, although the city has numerous funds, each with a reserve, officials cannot shift this money among funds according to a combination of state laws and city guidelines, Carr argued.

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Benavides added during the forum that he would not have approved the citys recent two-year operating budget because it doesnt include enough funding for infrastructure. He is also running on a platform of slowing the growth in Morgan Hill.

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City staff and elected officials have argued for several years that they dont enough funds from regular revenue sources to get caught up with roads maintenance and repairs. The council attempted to put a local revenue measure on the ballot earlier this year, but was discouraged by public opinion polling that showed the voters wouldnt go for it.

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Banuelos, a retired City of San Jose employee, agreed with the incumbents that Morgan Hill has a tight budget.

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In response to the question of whether he would support more taxes for road repairs and maintenance, he said, We have to educate the public that our budget is pretty lean, and weve got to pay for the backlog of road and infrastructure expenses.

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Spring, an advocate of responsible growth, said the citys budget cannot continue to survive on developers fees paid through Morgan Hills growth control system. For example, these funds pay for a significant portion of the citys parks maintenance budget.

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Although he commented during the forum these funds include impact fees, Carr and Tate said thats wrong and the city is not legally permitted to use impact fees for ongoing expenditures.

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After the forum, Assistant City Manager Leslie Little clarified that the development related funds financing parks maintenance are voluntarily contributed to the citys parks fund, which pays for parks repairs and maintenance. Developers can contribute to this fund as one way to gain points through Morgan Hills residential allotment competition system, which is up for voter renewal on the Nov. 8 ballot as Measure S.

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Developers can make a pledge to the parks fund, but these are not impact fees, said Little, who added that developers fund about 80 percent of the citys parks maintenance expenses this way.

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Spring later added that relying on developers funds in this way is not sustainable. During the forum he called himself the original candidate when it comes to slowing down the citys growth, and other candidates have pretty much copied his platform. As a planning commissioner, he noted, he has been pushing for a 1-percent annual growth rate since February, but the rate proposed in Measure S is notably faster than that.

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Banuelos touted his insight gained from serving on the General Plan Advisory Committee and the growth control working group as a qualification for office. Without Measure S, there is no control of growth, Banuelos said.

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Should Morgan Hill recruit from neighbors?

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Librers and Carr clashed on the question of whether the city should continue to honor its unofficial pact, among economic development directors within the Silicon Valley Economic Development Association, not to try to recruit businesses already established in neighboring cities.

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Librers said she was unaware of this pact, and the fact that Morgan Hill was part of it, until just a few days before the Oct. 3 forum. She said she is not in favor of this agreement. She pointed to her experiences promoting Morgan Hill on various trips to China as a place to do business.

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Ive been meeting with business owners (in China) and telling them how much land we have for industrial use, Librers said.

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Carr said he supports the non-compete pact with other cities, which arose as a response to the fiscalization of land use. He argued that Morgan Hill is part of a regional economy in Silicon Valley, and one communitys success benefits others within the region.

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Mayoral candidates were also asked about the economic development pact with other cities.

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Bertolet said he is against such an agreement, and continued to rail against it after the forum. This question actually raises more questions than answers. Why would Morgan Hill, or any city, make an agreementto not attract business to its city? Bertolet read from prepared remarks Oct. 3. Candidates were given the questions in advance for the Chamber forum.

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Bertolet later called the agreement a form of social engineering that dictates where people should work and live within the region.

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Tate supports the non-compete pact with other cities, and argued that communities shouldnt be encouraged to steal from each other. Furthermore, he added that retaining existing businesses is more effective at job creation than recruiting established businesses from other cities because they often expand if they like where they are.

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Carrillo, a media production company owner, joined Tate and some of the council candidates in his support of a local tax for infrastructure and other city services. There should be a local tax on the ballot. It makes the city self sustaining.

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When asked what are some recent council decisions he would do differently, Carrillo said he would have supported the complete streets experiment on Monterey Road through the downtown last year as a permanent configuration. Doing so would make the downtown more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly, he said.

School board candidates keep it cordial

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Five candidates vying for two trustee area seats on the MHUSD board of education were up close and personal with a room filled with local voters Sept. 29 as the the Morgan Hill chapter of the AAUW hosted its annual candidates forum.

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Nov. 8 will mark the inaugural year for MHUSDs trustee area election system where residents can only vote for candidates in races that are within their residential boundaries. Previously, MHUSD used an at-large format where every resident voted for any candidate regardless of location. Trustee area designations can be located on the district website, mhusd.org.

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The five candidates present Sept. 29 inside the City Council chambers introduced themselves to the community, answered a variety of education-based questions and showcased themselves to the voters.

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Arnett, an education researcher who visits different classrooms throughout the country, has a focus of bringing innovative programs to the district to individualize education for students with different needs, interests and learning styles. A father of three, Arnett won office in a two-candidate, at-large election in June.

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Badillo, a construction manager and lifelong Morgan Hill resident, let parents know that hes in their corner and has been for the last four years as a school board trustee. A military veteran, Badillo has two children attending Morgan Hill schools.

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Beltran, an internal audit specialist with San Jose Unified School District, has the support of the local teachers union and plans to hold the district leadership accountable in everything they do. The south San Jose resident has strong family ties in Morgan Hill as well as two young children approaching school age.

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Diaz, a Live Oak High School alumna and director of a county-wide health care consortium, wants each student to find their own pathway to success. Also endorsed by Morgan Hill Federation of Teachers, Diaz is mother to a 2-year-old and 4-month-old.

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Patterson, a nonprofit director who has worked with many community leaders in various initiatives over the years, wants every child to succeed and have positive experiences throughout their schooling in Morgan Hill. An active school site volunteer throughout her childrens ongoing education in MHUSD school, the south San Jose residents endorsements include State Senator Jim Bell and Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate.

Full videos of recent candidate forums are available on the web. The video of the Sept. 29 AAUW candidate forum, which was co-sponsored by the Morgan Hill Times and Morgan Hill Life, is available at youtube.com/watch?v=tKFiz-71Cvc, or by searching on youtube.com for AAUW Morgan Hill forum. The video is found on Morgan Hill Access Televisions youtube channel. A video of the Oct. 3 Chamber forum, which featured candidates for the city council and mayors race, will be available on the Chambers website, morganhill.org, by Friday, Oct. 7.
Retired teacher and military veteran David Fulcher is glad to be alive to tell his storywhat he remembers of it anyway.

The 68-year-old semi-retired Morgan Hill resident was taking a local martial arts class with his grandson the evening of Sept. 27 when he collapsed and suffered Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Fulcher doesnt remember the next few scary moments, but a chain reaction of heroic measures by a slew of individuals saved his life.

Im still breathing. Im glad to be doing that, Fulcher said Monday from his Morgan Hill home, where he is recovering from a fractured sternum and overall body soreness.

Life-saving measures were started by Sensei Rowdy Hall, founder of the Renkishin Dojo, who immediately started Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on Fulcher as others called 911.

Nearby South County paramedics, as well as the emergency response crew from the El Toro Fire Station, quickly arrived at the dojo on East Main Avenue and used an Automatic External Defibrillator on Fulcher. He was given about eight electric shocks to his body before regaining consciousness.

Ive been around a long time and Ive never thought about getting those electric shocks, said the former Nordstrom Elementary School teacher. Im here because all those people did the right thing.

Fulcher was transported by ambulance to Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy and then airlifted to Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose that evening.

As the doctor told me up at Good Sam, we shouldnt be having this conversation right now, said the retired Master Sergeant with the United States Air Force.

Thats because there is only a 10 percent survival rate of the more than 326,000 victims who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital per year, according to the American Heart Association.

There was somebody looking over my shoulder that day, Fulcher said. If I have nine lives like a cat, I think I used eight of them all in one night.

Fractured ribs and sternum are frequent complications of thoracic compression during CPR in adults, according to resuscitationjournal.com, and that was the case with Fulcher, who the doctor told his injury meant the CPR was done correctly.

Fulchers daughter, Tsubomi Fulcher-Emery, said the entire family plans on taking a CPR certification course after what happened to her father. Her 13-year-old son, RJ Parker, was taking the class with his grandpa when he collapsed.

Hopefully, this can help get the word out for more people to want training in CPR, or businesses may want training in using a defibrillator, Fulcher-Emery said. Honestly, this situation opened the eyes of our family.You never know when it can save a life. Its what saved my dads.

Racing Hearts, a Palo Alto-based nonprofit, recently deployed 19 AEDs throughout the local school district and another 15 were placed in each MHPD police car. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors made a $500,000 matching offer to Racing Hearts to make that possible.

Before returning home from the hospital, surgeons placed an implantable cardioverter defibrillator inside Fulcher. The small device, which is installed in the chest, helps control life-threatening arrhythmias with electric shocks.

The doctor told me when it kicks in youll know it, Fulcher said.

After serving in the Air Force from 1967-87, a majority spent in Japan where he met his wife, Fulcher attended San Jose State University to finish his bachelors degree and earn his teaching credential. He first taught in Modesto starting in 1990 until moving to Morgan Hill to take a job at Nordstrom Elementary seven years later. Fulcher retired as a full-time teacher in 2007, but remains a substitute teacher with Morgan Hill Unified School District.
Janet Harper-Beam could see the flames of the Loma fire in her rearview mirror as she raced down the hill from her family property last Monday, Sept. 26.

Harper-Beam, whose son Jared Beam is a sophomore at Ann Sobrato High School, saw the fire blaze out of control firsthand, days before it ended up scorching more than 4,400 acres of vegetation and a dozen homes. She was at home on Loma Prieta Road when her husband Frank Beam arrived and said there was a fire. The couple turned on the scanner and started making preparations, just in case it got out of control.

Then, suddenly, the fire got out control. The coupleJared was at schoolhad to leave before authorities could even get the word out about evacuation warnings.

We were totally alone, Harper-Beam said. It started cresting (over the hill behind the property), blowing fire bombs down toward our house. We had literally minutes to change our plans.

Harper-Beam ran through the house grabbing photos off the wall and a few other essential items, but in the panic she didnt have time to retrieve even an iota of the family heirlooms, original inventions created by her father, vehicles, antiques, valuables, collectibles, Jareds Boy Scout merit badges and karate black beltsgenerations (and) lifetimes of things.

Destroyed in the blaze was not just the home that had an amazing view of the valley below, according to Harper-Beams step-daughter Danielle Beam. They also lost a host of structures that sit on the 72-acre property that has been in the family for 53 years. A workshop, a generator shed, two storage sheds, a cabin, a barn and a lab were razed by the Loma fire.

Harper-Beams wedding ringsshe doesnt wear them every day because she works with her hands in the dirtwere lost in the fire. She lost her deceased brothers ashes and his military decorations from when he served in Vietnam.

I lost everything from my christening dress to my wedding dress, Harper-Beam said.

Daniellewho set up a fundraising page for the family on gofundme.com shortly after the firenoted that her mother saved a newspaper from Jareds birthday every year since he was born. Those memories went up with the flames.

I planted a tree for my son every year since he was born, and theyre gone, Harper-Beam added.

The 55-year-old Morgan Hill resident cried throughout a phone interview with the Times earlier this week as she recounted the tragedy. She said she has been exhausted, and not sleeping well since the destruction on her family property. But she praised the support they have received from friends and complete strangers.

She is particularly grateful to the Sobrato High community for their generosity toward Jared, her only son. The school counselor, his teachers and fellow students have helped more than Harper-Beam would have asked.

The kids were ambushing him with an outpouring of love and support, Harper-Beam said. They have been so concerned about my sons well-being.

The Red Cross has helped Harper-Beam, her husband and son with accommodations at a hotel since they lost their home. They have also assisted in getting medications that Harper-Beama cancer survivorneeds on a regular basis; she didnt even have time to take her own supply from her home before it burned. Downtown Morgan Hills restaurants have provided gift cards.

You try to plan for these things, and its so surreal; its hard to make it through if it werent for so many nice, caring people, said Harper-Beam, a former Human Resources director who has been involved in numerous volunteer efforts and organizationsincluding the Casa Loma volunteer firefightersover the years.

As of Oct. 5, firefighters had the Loma firewhich started in the area of Loma Prieta and Loma Chiquita roadsmore than 90 percent contained. A dozen homes, as well as 16 unspecified outbuildings were destroyed by the Loma fire, according to authorities. The fires cause remains under investigation.

Miraculously, the Harper-Beam familys 15-year-old horse, Nakiyah, survived the fire. The animal was roaming the property when the family fled Sept. 26. Frank returned a couple days later to find Nakiyah rolling on what used to be their homes front lawn.

In the 20 minutes or so the couple had to race down from their home when they saw the flames approaching, they were able to save their indoor cat and 90-pound German Shepherd. Lost are two outdoor cats, chickens and fish.

The fundraising page set up by Danielle, found at gofundme.com/2rgruvx8, has raised $4,300 as of Oct. 5. The page has a goal of $150,000.

Harper-Beam said they havent even had a chance to think about the possibility of rebuilding a home on the family property.

Were just cleaning up, and trying to get our horse out of there, Harper-Beam said.
This article is part of Morningstar's Guide to Passive Investing, helping investors make smart choices to meet their long-term investment goals.

3 Best Performing Funds Over Three Years

The funds on this list include some consistently strong performers.

Threadneedle (Lux) UK Equity is managed by Chris Kinder and holds a Morningstar Analyst Rating of Neutral. Kinder took over the fund in September 2014, after the previous manager left the team along with two analysts. Although this was Kinders first long-only UK fund he has a longer and successful track record running an extended alpha fund. Performance here has been similarly strong since he took over. His approach is bottom-up focused and the fund sits in the blend style box, showing only a very slight bias to growth at times.

Liontrust Special Situations, is Bronze rated by Morningstar. The approach combines two of Liontrustss experienced managers in Anthony Cross and Julian Frosh. Cross is a small- and mid-cap specialist and Fosh a large-cap specialist, with both adopting a similar investment approach that focuses on companies with significant intangible assets and good cash flow return on capital. Jeremy Lang manages the Ardevora UK Equity fund which was launched in 2011. It uses a process that has been followed by Lang over his investment career and focuses on situations where biases in the behaviour of investors, financial analysts and company managers are likely. The fund is structured as a 150:50 long/short portfolio, can be reasonably concentrated in terms of number of positions and is benchmarked against the MSCI IMI Index. 3 Biggest Funds in the UK Equity Sector Although these funds are relatively large, none is of sufficient size to cause concern. JOHCM UK Growth is a truly all-cap product that is managed by Mark Costar. He has been at the helm since 2001 and has implemented a consistent value strategy over this time, which is based on finding undiscovered and undervalued companies. He takes a longer term approach and is happy to have a portfolio that is very different from mainstream indices at the sector and market-cap levels. Relative performance can therefore show significant divergence from the benchmark and peers. The fund holds a Morningstar Analyst Rating of Silver. Nick Little manages the BGF United Kingdom fund and its sister UK domiciled fund BlackRock UK. He has managed this fund with variable results since taking over in October 2013, but has shown overall outperformance of the FTSE All-Share Index and the Morningstar Large-Cap Blend Equity category over his tenure. He adopts a pragmatic approach that combines industry views with stock selection, drawing on the UK team of managers/analysts, each of whom have sector research responsibilities. The fund holds a Morningstar Analyst Rating of Bronze. Schroder ISF UK Equity is managed by Alex Breese and holds a Morningstar Analyst Rating of Neutral. It has only been managed by Breese since mid-2013, when he moved to Schroder from Neptune, where he successfully managed a UK fund. Breese joined the group at a time when the UK team was going through some change, but he has his own approach and has continued to follow that at this investment house. He focuses on stocks with value or underappreciated growth characteristics and, ideally, elements of quality. This gives him the flexibility to hold a variety of situations, but in aggregate there tends to be a slight value bias.
This article is part of Morningstar's Guide to Passive Investing, helping investors make smart choices to meet their long-term investment goals.

Even top rated funds can fall-short of investors expectations in times of uncertainty  and savvy investors will know it is times of uncertainty which create buying opportunities. Using the Morningstar Analyst Rating, investors can gauge whether an investment trust is high quality and suffering a temporary slip, or simply no good.

Morningstar fund analysts base their ratings on five quantitative and qualitative factors; price, performance, investment process, the fund manager and quality of the parent company.

A Gold, Silver or Bronze analyst rating implies that a fund has the potential to outperform its peers over the long term. While it is up to the individual investor to choose what asset class, country or sector they want to add to their portfolio, a Morningstar Analyst Rating will then reveal which fund in that category is the best-in-class and likely to beat its rivals in the future.

Unlike the medal rating, a funds star rating is backward looking and quantitative  based purely on performance ranked against peers. A one-star rating means it has underperformed the sector average, while a five-star rating means it is a top performer.

Using the two ratings together investors can find potential value opportunities  top rated funds which have recently underperformed peers. Using Morningstar Fund Screener, we found three Bronze, Silver or Gold Analyst rated investment trusts that with either a one or two-star performance rating.

BlackRock World Mining Trust

BlackRock World Mining Trust (BRWM) is Silver Rated by Morningstar analysts. It is trading at 12.2% discount and it yields 4.6%. It has gained 80.2% year to date, outperforming the category average by 25%.

Recent years have been challenging for this trust's management and its shareholders, Morningstar analyst Fatima Khizou said.

The fund manager Evy Hambro focuses on more-mature businesses that are in or on the cusp of production rather than on junior mining companies. The amount and growth of future dividends will depend on the portfolio's underlying companies, and, given that many producers have cut or cancelled their dividend, the level is closely monitored.

But Khizou believed that the management team at the fund is highly experienced and has been successful in applying the outcome of its bottom-up and top-down analysis, and investors here have been well compensated over the long term.

She continued to believe that the BlackRocks team in one of the best resourced in the sector, underpinned by its experience and knowledge.

The fund is not overly expensive, with its ongoing charge below the category average.

JP Morgan Smaller Companies

JP Morgan Smaller Companies (JMI) is Bronze Rated by Morningstar analysts, trading at a 19.6% discount with a two star rating. It losses 9.4% year to date, lagging behind its UK Small-Cap Equity category by 8.6%.

Morningstar analyst Samuel Meakin believes that this fund has merit for investors seeking UK small-cap equity exposure.

This fund benefits from an experienced lead manager, Georgina Brittain, who has been working in UK small-cap equities for almost 21 years. Meakin said Brittain has stayed true to the fund investment style throughout different market cycles, which is holding significantly higher exposure to small caps and micro-caps when compared with its average category peers.

The fund has outperformed its benchmark over the 10-year period and is broadly in line with the category average over this time, Meakin added. The fund enjoyed a good year in 2015 with 26% advances, with strong stock selection across a number of sectors contributing to the funds outperformance of the benchmark and category average.

Montanaro UK Smaller Companies

Montanaro UK Smaller Companies (MTU) is Bronze Rated by Morningstar analysts while the fund obtains a two star performance rating. It is trading at a 24.1% discount and has lost 10.5% so far in 2016. Its performance lags behind its UK Small-Cap Equity category average by 8.6%.

After a number of manager changes over recent years, Morningstar analyst David Holder said he is happy to see Anna Lunden firmly in place as a sole manager for the fund.

Lunden is the firm's head of investments and brings some 15 years' experience in European small-cap investing, Holder said.

The main risk comes from the fund's objective to invest in small companies, where business risk is high. However Lunden seeks the highest-quality, growth stocks. The aim of the fund is to find growing companies in niche areas with strong balance sheets, cash flows, and dividend yields.

The fund also has a focus on the UK domestic consumers with holdings in property companies, housebuilders, and funeral services. It had a strong year in 2015, gaining 24.7% in the year alone, as investors sought out high quality investments in response to economic uncertainty.

With an ongoing charge of 1.2% in the fund, Holder said investors are paying a reasonable, but not cheap fee for active and specialist management.
Alberta continues to be the weakest link in the Canadian economy, the International Monetary Fund announced in its latest world economic outlook released on October 4.The IMF clipped its projections for Canadas economic growth up to the end of next year by 0.2 per cent, The Globe and Mail reported. The organization now estimates the Canadian GDP to grow by 1.2 per cent in 2016 and 1.9 per cent in 2017.Canadas economy will be held back by the severe impact of wildfires in Alberta on oil output in the second quarter, the IMF stated in its report.The sluggish rate of recovery also introduces much risk to an economy still reeling from the worst effects of the petroleum crash.Canadas oil production is strong, but new investment in oil sand fields is limited, the IMF report said.Overall, the prospects for the global economy remained uncertain, with the IMFs growth forecast remaining static at 3.1 per cent for 2016 and 3.4 per cent for 2017. Advanced economies are predicted to grow by 1.6 per cent this year and 1.8 per cent the next, while emerging market and developing economies are expected to grow by 4.2 per cent this year and 4.6 per cent the next.Taken as a whole, the world economy has moved sideways, IMF chief economist Maurice Obstfeld said. Without determined policy action to support economic activity over the short and longer terms, sub-par growth at recent levels risks perpetuating itself.
In the wake of Finance Minister Bill Morneaus October 3 announcement of stricter rules governing mortgages, NDP housing critic David Eby expressed satisfaction atand support forthe federal governments first steps towards cracking down on capital gains tax evaders.It's a good news day that the federal government is heading in the right direction," Eby told CBC News. It looks like the government is going to begin collecting the information we need to understand how people might be using our real estate market as an investment instead of as a place to live.The changes they made I'm particularly excited about relate to requiring that when you sell a home you have to report the proceeds from that to the Canada Revenue Agency, he added.Eby argued that this is a crucial development, as residential property flippers in overheated markets like Vancouver would no longer be able to claim a capital gain, because it is not a principal residence anymore. It's actually a business that they're running.The data-gathering aspect of the federal governments new drive would also play a central role in rooting out unscrupulous practices in Canadian real estate markets.[Its] only by collecting this information that we can know whether a family is purchasing multiple properties under the names of different family members in order to run an investment style scheme, instead of using the principal residence exemption as it was intended, Eby said.The measures introduced by Morneau include increasing mortgage insurance eligibility requirements (even for borrowers who have large down payments); the closing of tax loopholes for capital gains exemptions on principal residence sales; and the consultation of industry stakeholders to ensure the proper distribution of risk (including risk sharing among lenders).
The tighter mortgage rules introduced by Finance Minister Bill Morneau on October 3 were intended to moderate the supposed negative impact of foreign buyers on Canadian real estate, but a veteran observer argued that the regulatory changes would serve a more vital function: shielding the national economy from the worst effects of a housing crash.Overall, these measures should reduce the risk of a knock-on to the Canadian economy from a possible correction in Vancouver and Toronto, BMO Capital Markets senior economist Sal Guatieri said right after the announcement, as quoted by the Financial Post.Theres enough [in the new rules] to slow the markets  especially foreign demand in those markets, the analyst added. But what these measures will also do is reduce the risk of a correction down the road should prices in those two cities continue to rise at double-digit rates.Guateris commentary joined a growing chorus of support for the new measures, which include the closing of tax loopholes for capital gains exemptions on principal residence sales; increasing mortgage insurance eligibility requirements (even for borrowers who have large down payments); and the consultation of stakeholders to ensure the proper distribution of risk (including risk sharing among lenders).The new rules wont prove to be a hindrance to Canadian companies who are looking at hiring foreign talent, industry players assured.BC Tech Association president/CEO Bill Tam stated that he and his organization are anticipating no problems stemming from the tightened rules.I think anything that provides further stability in the market  where we can actually sort of ease the affordability challenge  is probably something in the long-term that benefits the tech sector here, and probably on a national basis, Tam said.
A loan whose purpose includes the purchase of a property or subsequent renewal of such a loan;

A maximum amortization length of 25 years;

A maximum property purchase price below $1,000,000 at the time the loan is approved;

For variable-rate loans that allow fluctuations in the amortization period, loan payments that are recalculated at least once every five years to conform to the original amortization schedule;

A minimum credit score of 600 at the time the loan is approved;

A maximum Gross Debt Service ratio of 39 per cent and a maximum Total Debt Service ratio of 44 per cent at the time the loan is approved, calculated by applying the greater of the mortgage contract rate or the Bank of Canada conventional five-year fixed posted rate; and,

A property that will be owner-occupied.

Editor's note: The petition's wording has been updated since it was first sent to MortgageBrokerNews.ca. The following story has also been updated to reflect those changes.A petition requesting the Department of Finance reconsider its recent mortgage rule changes has been launched.It reads:We are asking the Department of Finance to consider the important place non-bank lenders play in the health and competitiveness of the Canadian Mortgage Market.While we endorse the DOFs intention of providing a secure housing market and stable mortgage environment for Canadians and we support the curbing of growing debt loads in our country we are asking that consideration be given to importance of choice and value for Canadian Mortgage consumers.The broker who shared the petition with MortgageBrokerNews.ca said the person responsible for it will remain anonymous for the time being.Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced new housing policy measures aimed at protecting the nations housing industry.Those preventative measures are; Standardizing lending criteria for high- and low-ratio mortgages, including a mortgage stress test, closing tax loopholes for capital gains exemptions on principal residence sales, and consulting with industry stakeholders to ensure risk is properly distributed. This may include lender risk sharing.While the full impact of the rule changes has yet to be determined, many industry stakeholders have claimed they create a competitive disadvantage for the broker industry.One requirement under the changes is that all insured mortgagors must qualify under the Bank of Canadas benchmark five-year rate, which is currently 4.64%. According to Genworth Canada, 1/3 of its 2016 insured clients would have had difficulty qualifying under these new requirements.Another major change was around low-ratio mortgage insurance eligibility requirements.As of November 30, 2016, low-ratio mortgages from lenders that insure using portfolio insurance must meet the same criteria heretofore required of high-ratio insured mortgages.Genworth published a great primer on what those requirements are:As a result of these changes, some monoline lenders have cut some programs.One major channel lender told MortgageBrokerNews.ca that it is holding off on making any changed before more information is known and the potential impact fully studied.To view the petition, click here
CoreLogic Fraud and Flipping Indices Tag 13 Metros as Overvalued

In the first part of a series of article Market Pulse CoreLogic Principal Economist Mark Liu looked at the possibility that a new housing "bubble" was forming as home prices continue to rise. Liu identified 31 US Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) as overvalued based on the company's Market Conditions Indicator measuring whether home price increases appear to be outstripping wage increases. He then winnowed out 10 cities where overvaluation was not supported by a too-large home price-to-rent ratio. Figure 1 shows those remaining areas that survived his initial analysis.

Liu said that the 21 remaining markets support one part of economist Joseph Stiglitz's definition of a bubble - that fundamental factors do not justify the price. In the second part of his analysis he tests the 21 remaining CBSAs against the rest of the definition, that prices are high today only because investors believe they will be high tomorrow. He does this using two other metrics which he calls the Flipping and the Fraud indices.

A housing bubble can start with a legitimate increase in housing demand, but at some point speculation usually comes into play and some people seek to make quick profits through short-term buying and selling. If enough people enter the market for that reason, then the bubble becomes self-fulfilling. Thus one clue to a bubble is an elevated level of flipping which can represent short-term buying and selling.

CoreLogic's Flipping Index tracks this type of buying and selling as a percentage of total sales in local markets. Short-term is defined as a purchase and subsequent resale of a property within a nine-month period. Figure 2 shows that the national flipping percentage reached an all-time high nationally at 6.5 percent during the 2005-2006 bubble and fell to 3 percent during the Great Recession. It is now hovering around 4 percent.

Using Fort Lauderdale again as an example Liu shows that its Flipping Index started out closely aligned with the national number in 2000, but then rose quickly with the Florida housing boom, and hit 9 percent during the bubble, dropping to 2 percent after the crash. It is now at 6.5 percent, more than 2 percentage points above the national average.

When the Flipping Index percentages are identified for the to the remaining CBSAs, Liu says 16 of them appear to be overvalued, eliminating Seattle, Portland, and New York. All of those that remain are in Texas, California, and Florida.

Finally, Liu says another thing we know about housing bubbles is that they are accompanied by widespread mortgage fraud; typically misrepresentation of income, employment, and occupancy. So is there any evidence that fraud is increasing among the remaining 16 overvalued areas?

CoreLogic's Mortgage Application Fraud Risk Index has tracked risk since 2010. That index shows that the areas in Texas all have values below the national level while the other 13 markets are all above the national level. These markets are all in California (San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles, and Riverside) and Florida (Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Bay, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tampa*.) In most of these CBSAs home prices have grown twice as fast as rents and many have fraud and flipping rankings in the top quartile, indicating significant bubble risks.

So after using four metrics to evaluate home prices Liu concludes that only those 13 markets out of the 100 he looked at meet Stiglitz's second criteria for a bubble; that people have to believe there is no downside to a rising market.

*While Liu repeatedly refers to the 13 CBSAs found to be overvalued, he provides the names of only 12.
Banks/Lenders Being Acquired - Tax Implications; Servicing Trends; FAQ on Diversity Assessments

With the temporary postponement of the MBAC (Carolinas) conference, and the residents of Florida wondering about all the money spent on sand recently, the MBAC participants either went home or headed to two alternative venues: the MBA of Georgia's event, or the Virginia Mortgage Lenders Association Convention in Norfolk, VA on October 6th and 7th - going on as planned. Safe travels out there! (Or, from the comfort of an originator's armchair at home, one can tune into a complimentary today from National Mortgage Professional Magazine and presented by United Wholesale Mortgage titled "Get Social: Marketing Tips to Reel in Clients" at 2PM EDT by registeringhere.)

There have been a fair number of depository bank mergers and acquisitions during the last week or two, and for various reasons: cost of running a bank, compliance maze nightmare, owners aging...the list goes on. For those keeping score at home, in Illinois four bank holding company United Community Bancorp ($1.9B) will acquire Liberty Bank ($328) for an undisclosed sum. HomeTrust Bank ($2.7B, NC) will acquire TriSummit Bank ($354mm, TN) for $31.8mm in cash (50%) and stock (50%) or about 1.21x tangible book. Technology firm Veritec Inc. has signed a nonbinding letter of intent to acquire First Citizens Bank of Polson ($20mm, MT) for $3.2mm.This is the first foray by a technology firm to try and purchase a bank. Veritec products include secure verification, prepaid debit cards, mobile banking and secure payments systems. In Indiana First Merchants Bank ($6.8B) has agreed to purchase a 12.1% stake in IAB Financial Bank ($1.1B) for about $19.8mm. First Commonwealth Bank ($6.7B, PA) will acquire The Delaware County Bank and Trust Co ($557mm, OH) for about $106mm in cash (20%) and stock (80%). MetaBank ($3.1B, IA) will acquire tax refund, prepaid payroll and merchant services company EPS Financial for about $42.5mm in cash (50%) and stock (50%).

IBM will acquire Promontory Financial Group for an undisclosed sum, in a move to inject artificial intelligence into the banking industry by leveraging IBM's Watson. The move is designed to help banks address the large compliance burden they face. Washington's Riverview Community Bank ($1.0B) will acquire $130mm in loans and $128mm in deposits from MBank ($165mm, OR). Riverview will pay a 0.5% premium for the deposits and a 3.25% premium for the loans. In New Hampshire Granite Bank ($268mm) will acquire residential lending company Cousins Home Lending for an undisclosed sum. In Minnesota Currie State Bank ($72mm) will acquire First State Bank of Okabena ($19mm). Out in California Citizens Business Bank ($8.3B) will acquire Valley Business Bank ($415mm) for about $70.3mm in cash (30%) and stock (70%).

A bank merger or acquisition can offer many potential benefits and value to an acquirer - from boosting capital to increasing market share and cutting costs. One must also, however, understand the tax implications to get an accurate picture of the proposed merger's value. In this article, Ryan Kilpatrick provides his insight into the tax issues to be considered.

Life in banking isn't all unicorns and rainbows. A couple Fridays ago, in Arkansas, Allied Bank, Mulberry, was closed by the Arkansas State Banking Department and the FDIC, and "the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Today's Bank, Huntsville, Arkansas, to assume all of the deposits of Allied Bank."

In other banking news, since it may impact several large correspondent investors out there, the largest US banks would need billions of dollars in additional capital to pass a revised stress test proposed by the Federal Reserve, while banks with less than $250 billion in assets would face a significantly reduced burden, Fed Governor Daniel Tarullo says. "If that entails changes in the structure of the company, we do recognize that could be an outcome of what we've put in place," he said.

Across "the pond," the European Union has reportedly indicated it will not follow Basel recommendations around increased capital requirements and as such will not require banks to implement such rules next year when they are finalized.

And US Bank will pay $13.5mm to settle allegations it let hundreds of foreclosed homes deteriorate throughout Los Angeles following the credit crisis.

Many independent mortgage banks don't exactly make money servicing residential loans, raising the question, "Who is a 'natural' servicer?" Many believe that, given their low cost of funds, depository banks are. Sure enough, there was a recent story in American Banker about how Flagstar, First South, and SunTrust are bucking the trend and increasing their mortgage servicing rights (MSRs). Banks are dumping their mortgage servicing rights because low mortgage rates and the regulatory burdens make it hard to earn a profit. SunTrust, Flagstar and First South Bancorp in North Carolina are taking the opposite view.

There are trillions of dollars of servicing on various company's books, but what is it worth? Andy Peters writes, "The upshot is that banks held just $35.9 billion of mortgage servicing rights at March 31, down from nearly $70 billion in the first quarter of 2011, according to Kroll Bond Rating Agency. While the drop can be attributed in part to declining values of mortgage servicing rights, it is also largely a result of banks' moving the assets off their books. Bank of America has been particularly aggressive in shedding its MSR assets; at June 30 it had just $2.3 billion of servicing rights on its books, or 85% less than what it had at the end of 2011." Seems that SunTrust added $8 billion in the first quarter, and isn't bumping up against bank capital requirements that non-banks don't have.

Flagstar is heading down the subservicing route. "Flagstar, which had roughly $300 million of mortgage servicing assets on its books at June 30, signaled its commitment to expanding its servicing business this week when it announced that it had hired Don Klein, a former Ocwen Financial executive, as senior vice president of business development for subservicing."

And don't forget that Basel III capital rules, which don't apply to non-depository servicers, limit banks to holding MSR assets of no more than 10% of total capital and raised the risk weighting on MSRs to 250% from 100%. Both were intended to force banks that hold large mortgage portfolios to maintain a larger cushion if loans went bad.

What about banks and diversity? Federal banking agencies provided information on how the financial institutions they regulate may begin to submit self-assessments of their diversity policies and practices as of year-end 2015, and issued Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the process. "Financial institutions are strongly encouraged to disclose on their websites their diversity policies and practices, as well as information related to their self-assessments, to maximize transparency, and to provide their policies, practices, and self-assessment information to their primary federal financial regulator."

Banks, and mortgage banks, should remember that Section 342 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act required the federal financial regulatory agencies to establish an Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) and instructed the OMWI Director at each agency to develop standards for assessing the diversity policies and practices of its regulated institutions.

And of course banks are making changes to residential lending policies. For example...

Click the link to view U.S. Bank's recent Loan Review Reminders: Lender Operations Update 16-025.pdf. U.S. Bank has posted UCD changes coming in 2017: Lender Operations Update 16-026.pdf. Also posted by U.S. Bank, High Risk States CLTV/HTLTV Restrictions: Bulletin_16-042.docx.

Citibank Correspondent is offering Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Premiums on eligible Loans. The premiums offered for the following MSAs will change effective with locks on/after Wednesday, October 5, 2016. Refer to the updated Citi CRA Premium Schedule for complete details.

Rates: still up a little, down a little, without much unusual news to move them. That may change with tomorrow's unemployment data. Wednesday agency MBS prices finished slightly lower as the treasury market rates slid higher. Blame the stronger-than-expected ISM report - normally a second tier number of little consequence. Yesterday the 10-year note price worsened slightly over .250 and closed with a yield of 1.72% but MBS prices only worsened a couple ticks (32nds).

Today we've seen the job cuts from Challenger (at 44k layoffs were up 38% from August) and Initial Jobless Claims (at 249k, their lowest level since 1973!) - and tomorrow is all the employment data from last month. Later we'll have the Treasury's announcement of a lot of auction supply next week crammed into three days since Monday is the Columbus Day Holiday. All four bill auctions (1-,3-,6-month and 1-year) will be announced, along with new 3-year notes and reopened 10s and 30s. In the early going we find the 10-year's yield at 1.72% with agency MBS prices unchanged from Wednesday's close.



Jobs and Announcements

Farther up the coast, retail lender Norcom Mortgage, headquartered in Avon, CT, has been recognized as the #1 Midsize Workplace in Connecticut by the Hartford Courant. It is the 5th year in a row Norcom has been awarded Top Workplace. Norcom's success is attributed to the investment in its people and speed of execution. Norcom's timeframe from Submission to Clear to Close, in their record month of August, was 24.5 calendar days. "If you are looking for an originator and sales-centric company where you can close faster than your competition, in a common sense and collaborative environment, we are the place to be."- Kristen Walther, Branch Manager - Sturbridge, MA. Norcom is a Direct Lender with Fannie & Freddie, an active Ginnie Mae Seller Servicer, and is licensed in 28 states. If you are a branch or LO not receiving the support you deserve, or not closing in 30 days or less, please contact Tyler Rhea or visit www.norcombranch.com to learn more about how a Norcom Partnership can elevate your business.

A mid-sized residential mortgage lender, direct seller to Fannie, Freddie, and Ginnie, and funding $1.5 billion in annual volume, is seeking a reverse mortgage professional to start up and run a reverse mortgage division. This professional must have extensive experience and knowledge on the mechanics of the reverse mortgage product along with the startup process, compliance, marketing, and day to day operation, and must have a strong moral compass and have a history of ethical dealings with the reverse mortgage clientele. Please send a confidential resume to me at rchrisman@robchrisman.com, and specify opportunity.

In Chicago Jordan Capital Finance is hiring a Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing to lead a sales team and our marketing strategy. JCF provides private money financing for investors who buy, renovate, sell, and rent residential real estate. We offer lines of credit up to $7.5M and lend in 40 states. JCF is extremely well-funded by Garrison Partners, a premier New York private equity firm, and is on an aggressive growth path. We are a top 5 lender in our industry. Our management has closed $150 billion in mortgage volume. The SVP must have at least 7 years' experience, have a proven track record of exceptional senior sales management success, a degree from a top 4-year college, and be extremely savvy with marketing technology. The position requires a very strong work ethic. Reporting to the CEO, the SVP will receive a competitive salary, but a substantial portion of compensation will be incentive based. For consideration, send resume and salary history to careers@Jordancf.com.

Congrats to Cari McCue LaMere who Starkey Mortgage, a nationally recognized residential mortgage company, announced has joined as EVP of National Operations. "LaMere will focus on the day-to-day process for better and faster workflow efficiency and to foster a seamless flow between production and operations. She is directly responsible for the processing, closing and disclosure departments."

While we're on personnel, STRATMOR brought out its September Insight report. Lots of companies are out there hiring retail loan officers, but where are recruiting teams looking? Apparently, per STRATMOR's survey group, 91% recruit originators from independent mortgage companies, 58% target entire branches, 79% recruit from bank-owned mortgage companies, and 37% recruit entire bank mortgage branches.
The apparently contradictory trend is potentially being driven by families switching from two cars to one  and buying a single larger, all-purpose vehicle as a result, said Startline Motor Finance Chief Executive Paul Burgess. He said: Our latest Tracker shows that 23% of families have already or are planning to sell one of the cars they run because of their personal finances, something that is backed up by anecdotal evidence that we are hearing.
Fourteen senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, are calling on the Department of Justice to investigate whether executives at Wells Fargo are criminally culpable in the banks opening of 2 million unauthorized accounts.



In a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the senators acknowledged that the DOJ was already investigating the bank itself.



As part of this investigation, we urge you to thoroughly investigate the culpability of senior executives at the bank, they wrote. We believe this is a critical test of the Departments promise last September to strengthen (its) pursuit of individual corporate wrongdoing and to focus on individuals from the inception of the investigation.



The senators criticized the governments past response to misdeeds by the nations largest banks  namely, throwing fines at the banks while holding no executives accountable.



No top Wall Street executives went to prison or even faced prosecution, they wrote. Instead, the government regularly settled for a penalty that was borne by the banks shareholders, not its executives. Even that penalty tended to pale in comparison to the profits the bank generated from its illegal activity.



Americans are rightly frustrated when they see that justice for the wealthy and powerful is very different that justice for everybody else, the senators added. A bank teller that takes a handful of bills from the cash drawer is likely to face charges for theft and prison time. He or she cant hide behind an army of lawyers and corporate policies that diffuse accountability for those at the top. Meanwhile, an executive who oversees a massive fraud that implicates thousands of bank employees and costs customers millions of dollars can walk away with a hefty retirement package and millions in the bank.



The senators said that the DOJs habit of settling corporate fraud cases without holding individuals responsible reinforces the notion that the wealthy and powerful have purchased a higher class of justice for themselves.



We are not in a position to determine if any of the senior executives at Wells Fargo committed criminal conduct, the letter stated. That is ultimately the job of the Justice Department and courts.


A wave of bankruptcies and mergers have flowed through the oil service industry as the hard-hit sector copes with the fallout from low oil prices.

Among the mergers and acquisitions is RockPile Energy Services LLC, which is very active in both the Midland and Delaware basins as well as the Williston Basin. The Denver-based company, a subsidiary of Triangle Petroleum Corp., was acquired by White Deer Energy in early September.

Our situation was pretty unique because we were part of an integrated oil and gas conglomerate that had oilfield services, exploration and production and midstream assets, James Evans, president and chief financial officer of RockPile, said in an email. As oil prices continued to decline, the decision was made that both RockPile and our former corporate owners would both be better off if we took a path towards independence.

We were blessed to see a great deal of interest in our business from a lot of well-respected capital providers, but we felt strongly that White Deer was the best fit for the RockPile Team, he said.

White Deer Energy is an energy private equity firm focused on the exploration and production, oilfield service and equipment manufacturing and midstream sectors of the oil and gas industry.

Evans cited White Deers extensive history in the oilfield service arena, deep experience in the Permian Basin and a track record of backing teams that offer best-in-class services and bring unique capabilities to the table.

We are grateful for the support of White Deer, but we are just so proud of our teams in the field and the performance they delivered during these challenging times. Their commitment to excellence allowed us to grow our market share in the Permian Basin very rapidly as clients began to see our unique capabilities firsthand, Evans said. As a result, we were able to deliver a great outcome for our employees, clients and suppliers, and every one of these different stakeholders is very excited about what the future holds for RockPile with White Deer as a partner.

As part of the transaction, RockPile will move forward with a debt-free balance sheet and adequate capital required to pursue a robust growth pipeline. The transaction didnt involve any form of bankruptcy for the company or subsidiaries, Evans said.

RockPile provides engineered completions solutions to oil and gas exploration and production companies. Its service offerings include hydraulic fracturing, cased hole wireline, ancillary pump services, advanced completions logistics solutions and workover rig services.

Its safe to say that the reduction in drilling and completion budgets has hit everyone from drilling companies to trucking companies extremely hard  we have all shared in the pain, Evans said. However, while fewer wells are being completed, the work we are seeing is much more complex with longer laterals, more stages, and greater proppant volumes. That trend towards more intensive completions is a good thing because it is resulting in improved production from clients wells, an opportunity for us to leverage our unique capabilities to improve efficiency and lower costs, and ultimately deliver better economics for our clients, he said. As a result, we have been fortunate to keep our equipment 100 percent utilized and complete record levels of stages despite the downturn in the market.

Evans said the companys Permian Basin operations are critical to the company. He also said the company has great clients and great market share in the Bakken, but the Permian and Delaware basins are so large and have so much potential for growth, its critical that we succeed here if we are going to continue on our growth trajectory.

RockPile is active in both the Midland and Delaware, Evans said.

The Delaware work really fits our strengths because it is very challenging, but we are seeing some of the same trends in the Midland subbasin and have been able to attract some great clients in both, he said.

At heart, we are a group of entrepreneurs who have built RockPile from the ground up. Even though we are much larger now, its still an a very entrepreneurial company and as a result we have felt right at home in the Permian. We made a big bet moving to the Permian in the worst downturn in a generation, but we felt our experience with the intensive and challenging completion programs in the Bakken would set us apart and we are grateful for the success we have had thus far, Evans said.

As completion intensity continues to grow in the Permian, we think we are well- positioned to help our clients deliver improved well results at better pricing due to our complete suite of completion services and technical capabilities, so we are excited about where things are headed, he said.

As the deal with White Deer comes to completion, Evans said, We are very excited to be switching back into a growth mode at RockPile. Only days after the White Deer acquisition, we added to our existing workover business by acquiring a small workover company with some very unique capabilities. We are actively looking for other opportunities to partner with great operators who are looking for some stability during these uncertain times. We believe there are a lot great opportunities in this market to grow our business so we can better serve our clients when the market recovers. Its an exciting time at RockPile.

One industry executive said it best when he commented that our childrens children will still be producing oil in the Permian. We agree that the Permian and Delaware Basins have that much potential, Evans said.
The Midland Police Department responded to six reports related to clown sightings late Tuesday night, according to the citys spokeswoman.

The department received reports of five separate sightings of people dressed as clowns between about 9:30 p.m. and midnight, according to spokeswoman Sara Bustilloz. She said one of those reports mentioned a clown knocking on windows, and another mentioned a clown looking into a window.

The department also received a report about people gathered at Wadley Barron Park duck pond hoping to witness a clown sighting, Bustilloz said.

Tuesdays sightings fell on National Night Out, when members of the police force were out in the community. Police responded to the calls but didnt find people dressed as clowns.

All of these were suspicious activity, not necessarily a law being broken, Bustilloz said. Any time theres suspicious activity, we respond.

Tuesday nights reports follow a clown sighting at about 1 a.m. Tuesday at the duck pond. That sighting corresponded with an Instagram photo posted by the group Clown.20, according to a previous Midland Reporter-Telegram article.

The local reports mirror a national trend of suspicious activity from people dressed as clowns. Bustilloz said clown sightings spiked in Texas this week.

It appears to be people jumping on the bandwagon, trying to get attention, wanting to stir up trouble, Bustilloz said.

MPD is monitoring social media posts and encourages residents to report only new sightings. The department is also asking people to refrain from participating in the trend or sharing false information about it on social media.

We hope once attention dies down, so does the act, Bustilloz said. People who are doing this are feeding off social media attention.

Recent clown sightings have left members of Oops Alley Clowns of West Texas disheartened, according to Linda Greene, program designer. She said professional clowns aim to make people laugh but others may not have the same intentions.

Theyre not clowns, Greene said. Theyre somebody who put on a costume to try to attract or lure kids. Clowns want to bring joy to children, whether its at a hospital or a birthday party.

Greene, who performs as Greenie the Clown, said people in the community showed her support after hearing about the national trend.

Ive been [working] so long in this area, most everybody welcomes me, Greene said. Theyve invited me into their homes for birthday parties. Since it all has come out, Ive received incredible messages on Facebook.

Oops Alley President Susan Butler hopes the sightings wont change peoples perceptions about group members. She said professional clowns train to dress and behave in ways that are appropriate for families.

Theyre taught dont come and put themselves toward the child or adult, Butler said. If theyre scared, we back away and maybe show them a puppet from a distance.
We won't be seeing the Dance of the Dragons for quite a while. After that epic season one finale, HBO is making sure viewers don't expect a sequel to House of the Dragon in the new year. "Don't expect it in 23, but I think sometime in
Greeshma's parents, brother and cousins are in police custody. The police said they found inconsistencies in their statements and would investigate further.
Be measured in the margins you ...
Sonora, CA  The 15-year-old Sonora female was last seen on American River Drive heading to school Tuesday morning.

Tuolumne County Sheriffs officials report the family reported Anastasia Medina missing after she did not return from school that afternoon.

She is described by detectives as Hispanic, 54, 110 pounds, black hair and brown eyes. Her picture is in the upper left-hand image box. Her family asks that if anyone knows her whereabouts to call the Sheriffs office at 533-5815.

Medina is listed as a habitual runaway, according to Sheriffs officials.
Sonora, CA  The Tuolumne County Sheriffs office reports she was located by deputies safe and unharmed.

As reported here Wednesday, the day before 15-year-old Anastasia Medina of Sonora was last seen on American River Drive heading to school but never returned home at the end of the day.

Her family reported her missing and asked for assistance from the public to find her. Sheriffs officials reported that at around 11:30 a.m. Thursday deputies discovered Medina was at her school. She was contacted and returned to her home after being missing for two days.
President Barack Obama declared an emergency exists in the State of Florida and ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Matthew.

FEMA will coordinate disaster relief efforts

Declaration covers more than 25 counties

Half of Florida National Guard activated by Gov. Scott

The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts.

The declaration covers the following counties: Baker, Brevard, Broward, Citrus, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Volusia.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.

GOV. SCOTT: OVER HALF OF NATIONAL GUARD ACTIVATED

Meanwhile, Gov. Scott has activated an additional 1,000 National Guard members, meaning 3,500 members have now been activated. This is over half of the available troops that may be activated.

Scott has continued to activate more members to help with important life-saving operations, including evacuations and preparing for search and rescue missions. Scott is requesting President Obama to send additional federal resources to Florida, including generators and pumps, that the state can preposition to help impacted areas.

"Protecting lives remains our No. 1 priority and that is why I have now activated over half of the National Guard who will play a big role in important life-saving missions. I have directed them to focus on prepositioning resources, assist with helping people evacuate safely and our sheltering operations."
State Rep. Ken King isnt making vacation plans for this summer because he expects to spend much of it in Austin wrangling over public school finance and other issues facing state legislators.

Ive already told my wife Robin not to include me in any family vacation plans this summer, King told local constituents Wednesday morning in the Plainview/Hale County EDC-Chamber of Commerce meeting room. The Canadian Republican who represents the 17 counties in District 88 stopped in Plainview on a swing through the southern half of his sprawling district to offer a look at issues that could dominate the next state legislative session which begins Jan. 10.

Public school finance will be a huge issue, King admits. School finance takes up about 70 percent of our state budget, and its the only constitutionally required check that we are required to write each session.

That task is being made more difficult by a tight state budget.

This will be my third session, and money is much tighter time, explains King who is unopposed in the November General Election. In the previous sessions, there was plenty to cover paying the bills - but not this time.

Thats because of a downturn in the oil and gas industry and resulting loss of some 400,000 industry-related jobs. Texas also has lost about 40,000 jobs in manufacturing.

Overall, our states economy is still growing, particularly in the urban centers, he said. About 80,000 people are moving into Texas each year, and Austin is growing about 100 people a day. However, the economy and population are growing much more slowly in rural Texas.

King said state sales tax revenues continue to increase, but the rate of 3 to 4 percent is not keeping up with the demand on state funding. The states revenue from fines, fees and permits hasnt really been addressed since the late 1990s, King said, which makes that area ripe for increases since revenues from oil and natural gas-related state severance taxes have been declining. The natural gas industry hasnt paid severance taxes for three years, and the tax on liquids was nil for a few months because of low prices. On the local level, property taxes are funding just about everything, and we keep on adding more and more pressure on them every year.

When the Robin Hood program of school finance recapture began several years ago, only 35 property wealth school districts were required to send part of their property tax revenue to the state for redistribution. At that time, local property taxes paid about 30 percent of school budgets with the state contributing 70 percent. Now, thanks to the increased wealth due to oil and gas production from fracking in the Eagle Ford Shell formation, about 400 districts make Robin Hood recapture payments. At the same time, public school funding has flipped with the state contributing 30 percent with local funds accounting for 70 percent.

Another difference this session is that for the first time, recapture is negatively impacting major Texas urban areas. Houston owes $161 million this year, and they are trying to find a way to not pay it. King said if the district refuses to make the required recapture payments, the state could detach property valued at $18 billion from Houston ISD and assign it to property-poor districts. One problem is that theres no mechanism to return property to the district once its be detached.

While Texas House Speaker Joe Straus has already announced that public school finance will be a top priority in the House this session, King said Lit. Gov. Dan Patrick didnt include it in his list of three legislative priorities - school vouchers, bathroom issues and appraisal caps. He said either those three Senate issues get approved, or nothing passes, and I dont see much support for any of them in the House. I expect a lot of posturing, but not much support in the House. There will be a fight over the money, and we can expect a special session.

King, a former school board president who represents more than 50 school districts in House District 88, opposes school vouchers. When you start taking money out of public education for private schools with vouchers, than rural schools will be take the biggest hits first. Our priority should be to adequately fund our public school systems.

He also is a proponent of less government and more local control. Spending time to vote on who goes to which bathroom is a waste of valuable time, King said. Its a local issue that could grow into the mother of all unfunded mandates if the Texas Legislature gets involved.

King also sees the push for 4 percent appraisal caps as a Harris County issue. We should never hinder our local governments taxing ability in this manner.

During the past legislative session, King served on the Calendars, Environmental Regulation, House Administration and Education committees and he doesnt expect to see a change in assignments.

He championed the standardized virtual education network, which expands online educational opportunities for public school students throughout Texas. He also helped gained passage for school day flexibility, giving districts the ability to adjust their school calendar as necessary by counting minutes instead of days for the length of the required school year.

While not opposed to standardized testing, King said it should be kept at a minimum for accountability purposes and smaller districts should not be penalized for circumstances beyond their contract. He cited a case where 19 Central American immigrant children moved into one small Panhandle district. King helped the district receive a waiver from the Texas Education Agency.

We have been given more latitude because No Child Life Behind was not renewed, but we still have challenges in making teaching a more attractive career, King admitted. One major change is reducing the number of End of Course exams from the 15 required to graduate from high school in 2011 to just five now.

In Texas, our two greatest commodities are our children and money, he concluded.
BERLIN  The town recently hired a new finance director to replace Jim Wren, who left in July for a position in Bloomfield.



Town Manager Denise McNair said new finance director Kevin Delaney, of Hebron, is a certified public accountant and currently the finance director for a private manufacturing company in West Springfield, Mass.



I think itll be a good combination that will hopefully help in the budget process, she said of his private and public experience.



Delaney graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in accounting and an MBA in finance.



He formerly worked in the state auditorsoffice as well as with the CIGNA Corporation.



Delaney will be paid a salary of $113,200. His first day is Tuesday.










Rob Hyman is returning to his hometown of Meriden for a special Meridens Music Men concert on Saturday.



Hyman, a member of The Hooters, will be joined by Gary Burr, Paul Ossola, Gary Henry and Mark Mirando, also Meriden natives, at the Four Points Sheraton.



Hyman is also known for writing the hit song Time after Time for Cyndi Lauper, Burr is a successful country music writer and Ossola was part of the Saturday Night Live band, while Henry and Mirando both have successful careers.



The Record-Journal invited Hyman to appear on its On the Record: Music podcast this past week to talk about the upcoming show, growing up in Meriden and his career.



Q: Have you guys ever played together before?



A: This is a debut, a world premiere. In fact, the only person that I have really had much experience playing with is Gary Henry, he was literally in my first band way back when, I think in Junior High maybe called The Trolls and then the other guys were on the perimeter of that.



Q: How did this come together? Was this your idea or did someone reach out to you?



A: Gary Henry got the ball rolling at least as far as I am concerned. I know he and Gary Burr have done some shows together, Mark (Mirando) I believe is a friend of Garys, so there is that connection, Paul (Ossola) was in Garys class I believe at Maloney, they were a year ahead of me. He was a popular bass player in a bunch of bands. I am sure we have jammed at some point, there were a lot of bands that came and went back then. I dont think we specifically had a group together with Paul. Gary Henry has been working with some of those guys and I guess had this idea to bring some Meriden all-stars together, for lack of a better term, its an interesting concept. They have done some shows before where they have asked me to play and I was just unable to do it and then this evolved into more of a Meriden type special event and thats what it is.



Q: Do you have anything planned for when you come back to Meriden?



A: My mom is still up there, shes actually in Wallingford  hello Mickey! If she hears this, shes 94 and shes doing great, very proud of her and also my younger brother David, whos a dentist in town...hes the best. Hes a great guy. Its kind of a fun for me to get back and go home again and I plan on seeing my brother and my mom (Wednesday). I get up here when I can to do some visits and were all very close, so thats a nice thing.



Q: How did growing up in Meriden lead you into your career?



A: ...it had a very direct inspiration. We were in high school in the mid to late 60s and into the 70s with the music scene that was happening. So many kids saw the Beatles, the (Rolling) Stones, listening to Jimi Hendrix, just searching for anything on the very limited radio schedule at the time. You look back and its kind of funny that I remember waiting until maybe midnight to hear some FM type Rock music. We were obsessed. I had a number of bands in junior high and high school. I had always been playing piano, and testing things out by ear. I had always had an interest in that, but when the rock scene hit, especially the British rock...I was a sucker for that like everyone else. Just hey this is what I want to do and it stayed with me. I came down to Philadelphia, went to school and put it on the back burner for a little bit, but it couldnt be contained and I think for all the other guys in our little group and so many others that we grew up with it was just an obsession and a passion and it truly started in Meriden. We played parties, CYO dances and dances at the local YMCA, did some local clubs. Wherever we could play we did, we loved it like everybody else, the players and the fans. It was a great scene.



ppaguaga@record-journal.com 203-317-2235 Twitter: @PetePaguaga






PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Rescue workers in Haiti struggled to reach isolated towns and learn the full extent of the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew as the powerful storm battered the Bahamas on Wednesday and triggered large-scale evacuations along the U.S. East Coast.



At least 16 deaths were blamed on the hurricane during its weeklong march across the Caribbean, 10 of them in Haiti. But with a key bridge washed out, roads impassable and phone communications down, the western tip of Haiti remained cut off a day after Matthew made landfall and there was no full accounting of the dead and injured in its wake.



After moving past Haiti, Matthew rolled across a corner of Cuba and then began pounding the southern Bahamas with winds of 120 mph and heavy rain on a course expected to take it near the capital city of Nassau during the night.



Forecasters said the storm could hit Florida  or come dangerously close  Thursday evening and then sideswipe the East Coast all the way up to the Carolinas over the weekend. Matthew could become the first major hurricane to blow ashore in the U.S. since Wilma slashed across Florida in 2005, killing five people.



At least a half-million people along the lower East Coast were urged to evacuate their homes.



If youre able to go early, leave now, Florida Gov. Rick Scott warned.



On Tuesday, Matthew swept across a remote area of Haiti with 145 mph winds, wrecking homes and swamping roads. But government leaders in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere said they werent close to fully gauging the effect in the flood-prone nation where less powerful storms have killed thousands.



What we know is that many, many houses have been damaged. Some lost rooftops and theyll have to be replaced, while others were totally destroyed, Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph said.



Late Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. military announced that a small advance team would start preparing for the arrival of roughly 100 military personnel and nine helicopters currently in the Cayman Islands.



The U.S. government said it sent experts to Haiti to assess the damage and is providing $1.5 million in food and other disaster assistance.



Mourad Wahba, the U.N. secretary-generals deputy special representative for Haiti, called the hurricane the biggest humanitarian crisis in Haiti since the devastating earthquake of 2010.



The Haitian government postponed Sundays presidential election, in part because some schools and churches that are used as polling stations are serving as shelters and police cant get election materials to some districts. A new date for the vote was not expected to be announced until next week.



Aid groups with representatives in the area said it was clear that many homes and crops were destroyed but that the extent was impossible to gauge, especially in the Grand Anse area on the southwestern tip, which Matthews eye raked over.



We have people in Grand Anse that we cannot reach, Hervil Cherubin, country director for Heifer International, a nonprofit group that works with local farmers.



While the capital, Port-au-Prince, was essentially back to normal in many spots, there was still widespread flooding across southern Haiti.



Theres absolutely nothing we can do to protect ourselves here, motorcycle taxi driver Joseph Paul said as he watched torrents of brown water wash over a road and deluge his low-lying neighborhood in Leogane. This storm was too much for us, and we are at its mercy.



The hurricane blew across the sparsely populated eastern tip of Cuba on Tuesday night, destroying dozens of homes in Cubas easternmost city, Baracoa, and damaging hundreds.



People stood amid the rubble of their homes, weeping, hugging or staring into the distance. Others scoured piles of concrete and rebar for any possessions they could recover. Some carried cooking pots and rolled-up mattresses through the streets on their way to a shelter.



Ive never seen something like this in my life, Elva Perez, a 55-year-old homemaker said as she stood by what remained of her home. For more than 200 years, here in this house, nothing like this has ever happened.



At the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the storm knocked down trees and caused road flooding but no injuries or major damage, said Julie Ripley, a spokeswoman.



At 5 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT), Matthew was centered about 205 miles (325 kilometers) south-southeast of Nassau in the eastern Bahamas. It was heading northwest at 12 mph (19 kph).



Hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 45 miles (75 kilometers) from the center, meaning Matthew could wreak havoc along the East Coast even if it did not actually come ashore.



Along the East Coast, people boarded up beach homes, some schools closed and residents began clearing out.



South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley announced plans to evacuate a quarter-million people from the coast, not counting tourists, starting Wednesday afternoon. Floridas Broward County, which includes Fort Lauderdale, asked some 150,000 residents in low-lying areas or mobile homes to move to safety.







Associated Presss Ben Fox in Miami; Evens Sanon in Haiti; Ramon Espinosa in Baracoa, Cuba; and Joshua Replogle in the Bahamas contributed to this report.






SOUTHINGTON  The town is looking for proposals from environmental remediation companies to clean up the vacant and contaminated Beaton & Corbin factory site on North Main Street.



Town leaders are looking to clean up the site, take ownership of it and have it developed by Mark Lovley of Lovley Development Inc.



State and local money has been allocated for cleaning up the factory site. The company manufactured plumbing fixtures until it closed in 1989. The site is polluted with hazardous wastes left by decades of electroplating and other industrial processes. Some remediation has been done by contractors hired by federal agencies but the exact cost of cleanup is unknown.



Town Manager Garry Brumback said the town has dedicated $150,000 to the efforts. Earlier this year the state Department of Economic and Community Development pledged $400,000. Lovely has also said hell throw in funds for remediation, Brumback said.



Were hoping thats going to do it, he said. We dont know what this is going to take.



The towns request for proposals puts a call out for the services of a Connecticut organization to support it in the resolution of the brownfield issues related to the former Beaton and Corbin Manufacturing property.



In order to qualify for the $400,000 state grant, Brumback said the town needed to have a developer lined up for after the property is remediated. Lovley has proposed a 13,000 square foot office development on the site.



Its really the gateway to our town. Its going to be nice, Lovley said.



Single-story higher-end officers with cultured stone are planned for the property. The retail component of it may include a hair salon, according to Lovley, and three potential tenants have already expressed interest.



Hes planning a path to the nearby Farmington Canal trail as well.



The cleanup process is complicated by the reluctance of everyone involved to have the contaminated property title. Brumback said a regional land trust will have ownership while remediation takes place. The town will then take over a clean property before turning it over to Lovley.



DECD has never done this before in this fashion, Brumback said. Were breaking new ground.



Brumback wasnt sure how many companies might submit proposals.



jbuchanan@recordjournal.com 203-317-2230 Twitter: @JBuchananRJ






WALLINGFORD  Several businesses collected donations during Celebrate Wallingford and gave the funds to the police and fire departments.



Dino Fernicola, owner of Dinos Modern Barbershop, 202 Center St., organized the effort. When he opened a few years ago, officers and firefighters were some of his first clients.



I believe they are there to keep us safe, Fernicola said.



The other businesses that participated were Alyssas Cakery, Barros Builders, Shirt Graphix, Wallingford Flower Shop, Salon Pizzucci, Rosas Deli, R. Frank Printing and Incredible Oil. A total of $768 was raised for the police department and $758 was raised for the fire department. Fernicola requested the police donation go toward the K9 program because of his love for animals. Lt. Michael Colavolpe said the money will be used for the care and maintenance of Tate, the departments only K9.



Police Chief William Wright said there is an ongoing cost to maintaining the program, including training and equipment.



We are simply overwhelmed by the generosity of the business owners, Wright said. We are equally as grateful to the customers who donated.



The fire department will use the funds for a community CPR class, said Deputy Fire Marshal Shock Baitch. The funds will help with supplies for the class, including a mannequin.



Its amazing, the community support has been outstanding, and the business support, Baitch said. (Fernicola) contributes toward that. Its what allows us to do these programs.






Helps our vets



Editor:



Dante Bartolomeo is running for re-election as State Senator representing Meriden, Cheshire, Middlefield, Middletown, and Rockfall. Dante has done everything she can to support our veterans. Dante supported doubling the maximum property tax exemption for wartime veterans and their surviving spouses. Dante sponsored a new law that will make it easier for veterans to start and grow a business; supported grants for a permanent memorial to our veterans and to expand the Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. She supported acquiring the Shepard Home for veteran housing. I am voting for Dante Tuesday, Nov. 8. I hope you will do the same.



Sandra Faraci, Middletown



Vote for change



Editor:



As the past chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party, I have worked with people all over the state. Republicans, Independents and even some Democrats all agree that we need change. We cannot continue to tax and spend and drive people and businesses away from our great state. Craig Fishbein is the type of legislator we need in Hartford. Craig is principled, knowledgeable, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. And unlike his opponent, Craig has been re-elected  resoundingly  by the people of Wallingford time and again. On November 8, vote for change. Vote for Craig Fishbein for State Representative.



Jerry Labriola Jr., Wallingford



She is pro-jobs!



Editor:



Dante Bartolomeo has always worked for vets, children, education, mental health programs, seniors and the need for strict gun control. She and the rest of Meridens state delegation have helped bring a substantial amount of tax dollars back to our city to fund so many outstanding projects.



And make no mistake about it, Dante is pro-jobs! Her vote to support the Sikorsky tax package helps 19 companies in her Senate district.



It creates and maintains 8,000 Jobs, while generating $21 billion in wages and benefits. It directly and indirectly affects 24,000 jobs. Support Dante and the Democratic Team.



Carmine Trotta, Meriden



Same story



Editor:



Time and time again I see Democrats that simply dont care about the taxpayer. Every year same story, empty promises, lies, tax increases and handouts for big shots.



Its gotten so bad in Connecticut, Gov. Malloy has to pay Sikorsky $220 million to stay here. Whats gonna happen when other companies do the same?



This November we need new leadership. Vote for Trump and in Meriden Joe Vollano and Len Suzio.



Brian Welskopp, Meriden



Best interests



Editor:



Senator Dante Bartolomeo understands whats important to her constituents  public safety, education, and state funding for vital infrastructure projects. Dante secured funding to renovate and modernize the South Fire District headquarters in Middletown, obtained funding to develop the Cheshire Food Pantry, and was instrumental in keeping Middlesex Community College in Meriden. Dante is endorsed by teachers, police and fire. Lets elect someone who truly has our best interests in mind. Vote Dante for State Senate on November 8th.



Nicole Barillaro, Cheshire



Womens rights



Editor:



When Donald Trump declared that women should be punished for decisions they make about their own bodies, it reminded me of one of the first things Len Suzio did after taking office five years ago, which was to introduce a bill to eliminate funding for womens reproductive healthcare. Such right-wing politics do not represent the interest of most women.



Republicans want smaller government yet believe government should tell women what to do with their bodies. Keep government from intruding in your healthcare and family planning decisions and keep Len Suzio out of the State Senate.



Millie Torres-Ferguson, Meriden



Represents all



Editor:



Cathy Abercrombie has been an asset to our community as a state representative. She has helped address many issues, specifically in the areas of education and human services.



Cathy is a great partner to my office and so many others in Meriden. Shes not afraid to get involved and proudly represent all who reside within her district and across our state. On November 8th please join me in supporting Cathy Abercrombie and the rest of our Meriden team: Dante, Buddy and Hilda!



Kevin Scarpati, Meriden The writer is the mayor of Meriden.



The best



Editor:



I firmly agree with Republican Senator Joe Markleys statement at the Midstate Chambers Candidate Forum identifying Representative Cathy Abercrombie as the best committee chairperson he has worked with.



These words from the ranking member of the Human Services Committee illustrate Cathys proven ability to work with her colleagues across the aisle to protect and preserve critical programs and services for our communities. On November 8th, I urge the residents of the 83rd District to re-elect Representative Abercrombie and the Meriden delegation of Buddy, Hilda and Dante.



Diane Kubeck, Meriden










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A Bay Area American-Islamic group called Wednesday for a federal investigation of Southwest Airlines for racial and religious profiling of a Muslim passenger after a UC Berkeley student said he was removed from a flight in April for speaking Arabic.

The San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportations Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings, asking it to investigate the airline.

Nobody deserves to be discriminated against for their perceived religious and racial identity, said Saba Maher, the civil rights coordinator for the CAIR chapter. People speak hundreds of different languages and it shouldnt be seen as a threat.

Khairuldeen Makhzoomi, a 26-year-old Iraqi refugee and son of a slain Iraqi diplomat, was supposed to fly into Oakland from Los Angeles on April 6. He was asked to leave the flight by a Southwest employee after a passenger raised concerns over him speaking Arabic on his cell phone.

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The passenger claimed she heard Makhzoomi use words in Arabic connected to martyrdom, but Makhzoomi said he was using the word inshallah, an Arabic term meaning god willing, or hopefully.

Southwest said in a statement that it removed Makhzoomi from the plane because of potentially threatening comments made aboard our aircraft and further discussion.

Makhzoomi was speaking to his uncle in Iraq on the phone about a dinner he had attended in Los Angeles the evening before with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon.

I had an emotional breakdown and cried a little bit, Makhzoomi told The Chronicle in an interview shortly after the Southwest incident. I was so afraid. I was so scared.

Makhzoomi eventually made it home on a different flight, but Maher said the trauma he has since dealt with was one of the main reasons for filing the complaint with the Department of Transportation. Makhzoomi is not seeking damages from the airline, but is hoping that Southwest will be held accountable and will, at the very least, issue an apology to him, Maher said.

Makhzoomis experience with discrimination on an airline or at an airport isnt uncommon among Muslims and Muslim Americans, especially in this political climate, Maher added. She said that extra diversity training would be crucial for airline employees.

He was exposed to the most egregious of things that could happen, Maher said of Makhzoomi. My hope is that our complaint wouldnt fall on deaf ears - especially with something as severe and pervasive as this.

Representatives of Southwest did not respond to request for comment.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
A series of pranks involving creepy clowns that spread around the country on social media in recent weeks took a dark turn Wednesday in Concord when a woman reported that a man sporting rainbow polka dots and blue curly hair had tried to pull her 1-year-old daughter away from her at a bus stop, police said.

The mans intentions werent immediately clear, nor was the episodes connection to a viral hoax that has prompted people all over to post, share and watch videos of eerie clown sightings, while some schools deal with clown-themed threats of violence.

The White House weighed in on the clown craze, as did horror novelist Stephen King. Police officials and others have warned that what may seem to some people like harmless pre-Halloween fun has to be taken seriously by the authorities  and could end with real trouble or tragedy.

In Concord, 24-year-old Tiffany Martin said she was waiting with her daughter, Kissanni, at 1 p.m. at a bus stop at Willow Pass Road and Waterworld Parkway when she struck up a conversation with a man in a clown suit.

According to Concord Police Cpl. Christopher Blakely, who spoke to Martin, the mother and clown chatted about the recent sightings of his creepy compatriots that have garnered national attention, joking about where he buys his makeup and his lack of clown shoes. But suddenly, Blakely said, the clown grabbed the girls left arm and gave it a big tug, forcing the mother to kick the assailant.

The clown comes up and sits down, all friendly and smiling, Martin said in an interview. I pay no mind to it until I realized he snatched my daughters arm. He pulls her arm, and I kicked him in the private parts.

He promptly ran away, going east on Willow Pass Road, police said. Officers were called to the area but were unable to locate the alleged assailant. The girl was not injured.

The report came after schools in Oakland, Fairfield, Sacramento, San Mateo and Burlingame were among those listed in social media postings threatening that clowns would show up on campus and, in some cases, commit violence. Police in the Bay Area and elsewhere, though, have found no evidence to deem the threats credible.

We heard about this stupid clown thing. Its going around now, said Blakely, who nonetheless advised anyone with concerns to call police. With the national attention these clowns are getting, you should call and report them, and well go out there and make sure theyre not breaking any laws.

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The clown fixation appears to have originated in South Carolinas Greenville County after locals reported in August that clowns were attempting to lure children into the woods. Next came videos of creepy clown sightings as well as faked clown threats and mass clown hunts, all shared and amplified online, garnering hundreds of thousands of views.

A Connecticut school district temporarily banned clown costumes and other symbols of terror for the Halloween season after being alerted to Instagram photos captioned with threats for schools in the area to watch out and wait and see. According to published reports, at least a dozen people in clown garb have been arrested in various states for offenses ranging from making threats to chasing people.

In the Utah city of Orem, police officials said they had received numerous calls about whether citizens were allowed to shoot creepy clowns  and had to remind folks that such a response cant be justified based on a costume alone.

As the pranks spread, a reporter asked about the phenomenon at a White House briefing on Tuesday. Press secretary Josh Earnest mostly deferred to the FBI, saying, Obviously this is a situation that local law enforcement authorities take quite seriously. And they should carefully and thoroughly review perceived threats to the safety of the community.

King, who wrote the 1986 novel It about a monstrous clown who terrorized children, also waded into the story this week, tweeting, Hey, guys, time to cool the clown hysteria  most of em are good, cheer up the kiddies, make people laugh.

While twisted clowns have been fodder for dozens of horror movies, the clown suit itself may explain the reaction to the recent trend, because it hides the identity of the person inside, said San Francisco State University psychology professor David Matsumoto. The suit, he said, provides de-identification for the wearer.

The anonymity of a disguise, Matsumoto said, can promote bad behavior in much the same way that online anonymity can fuel offensive screeds and threats. Identity is a large part of how society regulates behavior, he said.

Veteran San Francisco clown-for-hire David Magidson, who charges $300 to do a birthday party, said Wednesday that it wasnt fair that a few bad guys can dress up as clowns and wreck an entire profession.

How can this happen to clowns? he said. If someone dressed up as, say, an auto mechanic and did something horrible, would the entire world start blaming auto mechanics?

Bill Schober of New Jersey, a director with the World Clown Association, is among the lucky professional clowns not to see a recent drop-off in business. He said he views the viral mania positively  as a challenge to prove he can be the best clown possible.

Just because you have a nose on and funny-looking hair, doesnt mean youre a clown, Schober said. I just tell people not to freak out about it, because these people arent real clowns.

Kimberly Veklerov and Steve Rubenstein are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com, srubenstein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KVeklerov @SteveRubeSF
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Hill Country author Paulette Jiles, whose critically acclaimed novels include Enemy Women and The Color of Lightning, is one of five finalists nominated for the National Book Award for Fiction for her new book News of the World, released Oct. 4.

Jiles, who lives on a ranch near Utopia, made the long list for the prestigious award in September, and the five finalists were announced Thursday. The winner will be announced Nov. 16.

Charles Frazier, author of Cold Mountain, has called News of the World a powerful, richly realized journey comparable to True Grit and Lonesome Dove.

Jiles novel opens in 1870 in North Texas, where Capt. Jefferson Kyle Kidd travels in the rain and cold from town to town giving readings from the latest newspapers, bringing the news of the world to isolated towns on the Texas frontier.

In Wichita Falls, he is asked to return a captive girl to her relatives near San Antonio, 400 miles to the south. For a $50 gold piece, the old man and the 10-year-old girl start out on a hazardous journey, no less risky because the girl considers herself now a Kiowa and does not have the slightest desire to return.

Bandits and Comanche raids and violent weather make the journey difficult, but so does the 10-year old girl, who cant speak English, eats with her hands and knows how to use a revolver.

In the end, Kidd finds he must return her to relatives who dont want her, even though he and the girl have become trusting friends.

Jiles is one of the featured authors at the 2016 Express-News Book & Author Luncheon, set for Nov. 11 at the Marriott Rivercenter downtown.

Its the 25th anniversary of the luncheon, which has raised more than $3 million for cancer drug research. Tickets are $85.

To order, go to makelivesbetter.uthscsa.edu/bookauthor or call 210-567-1206.

The other nominees for the National Book Award for fiction are

Chris Bachelder, The Throwback Special (W. W. Norton & Company)

Karan Mahajan, The Association of Small Bombs (Viking Books/Penguin Random House)

Colson Whitehead, The Underground Railroad (Doubleday/Penguin Random House)

Jacqueline Woodson, Another Brooklyn (Amistad/HarperCollinsPublishers)

sbennett@express-news.net
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Its never a bad idea for a writer to stick with a recipe that works, and fans of Emma Donoghues best-selling Room will appreciate the authors latest, The Wonder, a claustrophobic sickroom visit set in the dark dregs of Irish history.

Lib Wright is an English nurse, one of the 19th century Nightingales who worked alongside Florence and adopted the Lady of the Lamps rigorous, scientific approach to her profession.

Feeling stifled at her job in London, Lib takes an assignment in rural Ireland, hoping for more than the basic-skills labor shes been engaged in.

She is disappointed to learn that her new patient, young Anna ODonnell, hasnt eaten in four months but has remained mysteriously healthy and alive.

The committee who hired Lib doesnt want her nursing skills. They ask only that she observe the girl like a warden, to make sure that Anna is in fact denying herself food.

Lib takes an immediate dislike to the girl, whom she views as a swindler.

Annas story has been reported sensationally, and people from around the world are making pilgrimages to the village to see the Wonder in person.

The girls capacity for religious inspiration is lucrative and may even benefit the town, which was heretofore unremarkable. Lib feels certain the entire thing is a hoax.

Ireland itself shocks her; it is a world of idiocy, where backward people cling to religious beliefs to soothe the pain of poverty and the countrys brutal history of famine.

She would like nothing more than to leave the place to its superstitions and head back to London, but the situation is so morally offensive to her (What if these shenanigans are being forced upon the child?) that she decides to stay to make sure that sense prevails over nonsense  and that the swindler is exposed.

And here we arrive back in a room with a suffering child.

Fortunately, Donoghue excels at the microcosm, and her obsessive interest in rooting out the truth makes for a compulsive read.

A war is being waged in Annas tiny bedroom, and its combatants stand for sides not narrowly confined to the Victorian era: science versus faith, progress versus tradition, rich versus poor.

Yet its nearly impossible to pick a side, not because they are both studied with trenchant insight, but because the characters are so wounded and full of hubris.

Anna, her family and various townspeople all seem wonder-struck by Annas miracle.

Libs own brand of scientific realism is equally unpleasant. She attends devotedly to record keeping and health statistics but misses obvious signs of illicit feedings and Annas true illness.

Midway through the watch, a young journalist named William befriends Lib and weasels his way into a private interview with Anna.

It is William who, having lived through the countrys famine, recognizes the signs of starvation and chastises Lib for not doing more to save her.

After all, Lib carries some responsibility for the girls condition: The full-time watch may have interfered with a secret food supply (manna from heaven), and now Anna is genuinely dying of hunger.

Donoghue drew inspiration for Annas story from the so-called Fasting Girls, women (and men) of all ages who claimed to have survived for long periods without food. In Europe, this phenomenon was recorded as far back as the 16th century.

It should surprise no one that Christian devotion is equated with physical deprivation. What surprises is that Lib, so determined to uncover the fraud, and so devoted to facts, lags about a hundred pages behind the reader in identifying the fraud.

The spare story provides nuanced levels of horror, from the disgust of people dying in peat bogs to the revolting details of a young girls physical deterioration.

Even the place is horrifying: post-famine Ireland, stripped of all enchantment and suffocating in the wool of its traditions. (Its love of the wee people seems pathetically delusional.)

Yet none of it is as awful as Libs realization that her very presence is harmful, her care as cruel as torture. To watch a conspiracy and not take action only makes you complicit in the charade.

The novels ending at least offers up one reconciliation: Libs clinical view of Anna softens, allowing Annas hyper-religiosity to slip away and reveal the terrible, underlying facts.

In this, Donoghue proves correct about one thing: Compassion is the only exit from this nightmare, the only good response to a world where science and religion, hating each other so much, will gladly go to war over a young girls body, not caring whether it costs her life.
D.W. Griffith called his 1915 film The Birth of a Nation, but what nation was being born? It wasnt the Confederacy, whose utter defeat was depicted in the film. The nation being born was rather that of the Ku Klux Klan, a nation of resistance (at least in Griffiths mind) to the dominance of the north and the rise of the freed slaves.

Now, 101 years later, a black filmmaker answers Griffith with his own The Birth of a Nation. Nate Parker takes the 1831 slave rebellion, led by Nat Turner, and posits that as the first shot in the Civil War, a first decisive act in bringing about the end of slavery and a new America.

You can argue the historical accuracy of that viewpoint, but for movies there is something vital here, and very 21st century. Parkers The Birth of a Nation joins Django Unchained, 12 Years a Slave and Free State of Jones in depicting American slavery as an unalloyed, soul-crushing evil. This is new in movies, and a century overdue.

As a film, The Birth of a Nation is raw and ungainly, but its definitely alive. Its overall strategy is simple  to show what made Turner lead a murderous rampage and to justify it in the viewers mind.

Yet Parker is able to find shadings and character subtleties in the course of employing that strategy, so despite a kind of action-movie overall design  i.e., he took abuse and kept taking it until he finally exploded  theres moral nuance, the suggestion of a broader vision.

For one thing, Nat Turners masters arent that bad. Theyre not great, but theyre not the monsters that some of them were. When Nat is a child, his intelligence becomes known to the mistress of the house (Penelope Ann Miller), and instead of feeling threatened, she teaches him to read. But she lets him read nothing but the Bible, and after promising to give him a better life, she sends him back into the cotton fields to work as a laborer.

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As an adult, Nat (Parker) is the favorite of his master, Sam Turner (Armie Hammer), who seems to have some basic humanity, but not so much that he cant suppress it when his financial interests are at stake. But other masters are worse  sadists who enjoy inflicting pain, or misers who keep their slaves on concentration-camp rations, or sexually depraved monsters who really dont care about right or wrong. While still in bondage, Nat becomes a preacher, and when he is brought to preach on other plantations, his eyes are opened to the suffering of his people.

I suppose the mention of sex must lead us to at least acknowledging the atmosphere of controversy surrounding Parker as his film goes into release. He was tried for rape in 1999, but cleared of all charges. I can only say this is not something I thought about while watching the film, though a rape scene is featured prominently, as the decisive precipitating incident in Nats radicalization. Others may feel otherwise, but now were getting outside the domain of film criticism.

As Nat, Parker starts the film as smart, sensitive and seemingly passive, wanting to go through life with his head down, bothering nobody. But things keep happening. If theres a common thread in most of these incidents, its that they show how slavery makes basic human dignity impossible. To be a man and yet be unable to protect your family is to live a nightmare. To accept that is to be broken. So what other option is there but rebellion, even in the face of hopelessness?

This presentation of the slaves plight in emotionally complicated and psychologically rich terms is the key to the films value. It shows, in ways that seize the imagination, that slavery offered no possibility of pride in work or identity, no sense of security or safety, not even the comfort of personal relationships, because even those were under threat.

12 Years a Slave is in most ways superior to The Birth of a Nation, but the thing this new film makes vivid  not just intellectually understood, but felt on a gut level  is important. It shows what a horrible thing slavery was even if you could stand the work and even if the master wasnt cruel.

By taking his time, by making most of his film about the lead-up to the rebellion, Parker lures us into an internal apprehension of the slaves experience, a roiling cauldron of rage, humiliation and helplessness.

If you see The Birth of a Nation, do give some thought afterward to what it might have been, an action drama in which the villains got the wrong guy angry. This is something much more sophisticated, a two-hour walk in a slaves shoes. It takes a condition that we have all thought about historically, politically and even dramatically and makes us actually feel it and live it. Thats a serious achievement.

Running time: 119 minutes

MPAA rating: R (violence, brief nudity)
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Heres a case where the screenwriters signature is the strongest element on screen. The Girl on the Train was directed by Tate Taylor (The Help) and based on the best seller by Paula Hawkins. But in feeling and aura, its much more like Chloe and other films written by its screenwriter, Erin Cressida Wilson.

Theres an atmosphere here thats hard to describe, a kind of mournful eroticism. Sex and sexual possibility are in the air, but so are betrayal, melancholy and loss. And hovering out there, too, a hint of real twistedness.

The wellspring of all this flailing human behavior, all these pathetic attempts to connect, is longing. It is the face pressed up against the window, the despairing need to feel whole.

This is the ideal tone  an ennobling and enriching tone  for a story that begins with a woman sitting on a train, looking into the houses as they go by, wondering about the lives taking place behind those windows. Rachel (Emily Blunt) is a complete mess, a blackout drunk and an emotional wreck. The one thing she has left is a grand romantic yearning. And so she fixates on a young woman whom she imagines to have the ideal life.

In fact, the woman, Megan (Haley Bennett, a commanding presence) is nothing but confused and angry, with a tragic past and an unsettled present. She has the surface confidence that Rachel lacks, but she is utterly lost. Though her beauty gives her a certain power over people, it only gives her license to lose herself more.

The movies trio of turbulent women is completed by Anna (Rebecca Ferguson), who is married to Rachels ex-husband. She is seemingly normal, besotted with her baby daughter and seemingly happy in her marriage, but there are cracks, both in her moral nature and in her facade of contented domesticity.

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A missing persons case unites these characters into a single story, with Blunt remaining mostly at the center. Shes obsessed. Shes drunk half the time, and when she shows up at an Alcoholics Anonymous, its always Day One. She stumbles into the investigation and gets in the way of the police, particularly Allison Janney, as a detective who looks at her with a professionals scorn. Yet she keeps stumbling closer to the truth.

The Girl on the Train may be too idiosyncratic and moody to get the credit it deserves, but if theres any justice, Blunt should be up for awards consideration. She gives a remarkably invested and unflinching performance.

She contains her natural wit, brightness and intelligence (and conceals her attractiveness) and encases herself in a physical condition and a psychological cloud. She piles on the damage, but she doesnt play the damage. She plays the struggle to break through. Its a performance of technical precision, emotional perception and inspiration.

Of course, when the acting is strong across the board, it has something to do with the director. Taylor directed Viola Davis and Jennifer Lawrence (Winters Bone) to Oscar nominations, and in The Girl on the Train, he may very well have made a star of Bennett.

Meanwhile, Ferguson continues to demonstrate a capacity to transform entirely for each role (Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Florence Foster Jenkins) and be memorable and arresting each time.

But the most exciting contribution is from screenwriter Wilson. Its exciting because it shows that its possible, despite the odds, for a distinctive screenwriter to express herself consistently and dominate a film. And its exciting because this is a unique voice, and very much a womans voice, that our cinema needs.

Running time: 112 minutes

MPAA rating: R (violence, nudity, sexual content, profanity)
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A Chicagoan's 25-year-old carcacha is experiencing newfound fame online, where Selena fans are loving the old Chevy Caprice wrapped in images of the Texas icon.

Ronnie Galindo, from Kennedale, a suburb of Fort Worth, told mySA.com his father willed the vehicle to his family under the stipulation that the Selena graphics would remain.

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His father, Juan Galindo, lived in Chicago. But even thousands of miles away from Texas, the fan knew Selena's revered "humility" well, Ronnie Galindo said, adding that his dad kept more than 1,500 photos of her and memorabilia in his Illinois home.

Some of his favorite pictures grace the hood and trunk of the car. A shot of a curly-haired Selena and another of her wearing the iconic mirror dress stopped people in their tracks when it roamed Windy City streets. Ronnie Galindo's father told him he was once stopped by Chicago police officers who wanted to take a photo of the vehicle, he said.

His late father passed away last June and willed the car to Ronnie Galindo's 14-year-old son under the conditions that the Selena decor would remain.

RELATED: Selena fans laugh through #SelenaMac frustrations with memes, gifs

"(Juan Galindo) would say, I'm going to come back and haunt you," Ronnie Galindo recalled of his father's instructions.

This week, the new owner said he walked in on coworkers chatting about his new Twitter fame, perpetuated by user @TheRealEzra, who he took photos of the Galindo heirloom when he spotted it in a mall parking lot and shared them on Twitter. As of this write the tweet has racked up the attention of more than 10,000 people.

"Everybody's telling me, 'you're famous," he said. "I was struck."

RELATED: Some Selena fans aren't impressed with her recently unveiled Madame Tussauds' wax figure

Ronnie Galindo said since his son is too young to drive, he has been using the car daily since March. He said his behind-the-wheel experience has been filled with "gawking" and of course, photo opportunities.

He added that the car becomes the topic of conversation at stop lights.

"I can almost read lips now," he joked.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
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Facebook family and friends tuned in to watch a Texas mom's live video in which she explained why a fishing hook was caught between her eyebrows.

"I didn't catch anything, I caught myself," Vanessa Martinez said while in the passenger seat of a car driven by her husband Steve, en route to Stat Emergency Center of Laredo on Oct. 1.

RELATED: Fish bra: The latest internet trend that has women anglers going topless

The fishing enthusiast said her line got stuck and when she tried to pull it, the hook went "boom straight to (her) face." Vanessa Martinez said she was able to cut the line herself with her teeth, because her husband wasn't sure what to do.

She explained that her family was fishing at Lake Casa Blanca International Park in Laredo, wrapping up a trip to the area after watching Mexican band, Mana, in concert.

RELATED: Texas gar fisherman has amassed worldwide attention, records for his monster catches

"The kids are freaking out 'cause mommy has a hook stuck to her freaking face," she joked.

Despite being pierced by the hook, Vanessa Martinez maintained a calm, light attitude throughout the reminder of the video and even on the operating table at the emergency room where she joked with doctors.

RELATED: Video: Girl goes 'redneck fishing,' catches enormous catfish with bare hands

"And I wanted Botox," she quipped while doctors worked to pull the hook out of her skin.

The Martinez family has uploaded the videos of the accident and removal to YouTube and also shared the footage on Ellen DeGeneres' Facebook wall.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
JOHNSTOWN -- Law enforcement found and confiscated 291 marijuana plants -- weighing a total of 420 pounds -- this September in Fulton County.

An additional 30 pot plants were seized in Montgomery County and nine people were arrested during the two-day eradication effort, Fulton County Sheriff Richard C. Giardino said in a press release.

As the late-summer marijuana growing season comes to an end, state authorities are wrapping up their eradication efforts. The Fulton County Sheriff's Office coordinated the Sept. 21 and 23 mission with State Police and National Guard aviation units, state forest rangers and environmental conservation officers.

The State Police aviation unit has assisted in plucking 6,000 pot plants this year alone, spokesman Beau Duffy said.

Fulton authorities seized marijuana growing on nine separate properties during the September sweep.

Several people were charged with growing marijuana without a license, a misdemeanor.

All nine were issued appearance tickets for their local courts.
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GHENT  A man who drove into a town of Ghent pond was safely retrieved Tuesday morning, Columbia County sheriff's deputies said.

Arriving at the scene at about 6:40 a.m., deputies found Robert Brooks Jr., 38, of Ghent sitting on the roof of his 2006 Ford Explorer, much of which was underwater.

Brooks told deputies he was traveling southbound on County Route 21B when he fell asleep and drove into the private pond. He was not injured, and there were no passengers in the vehicle at the time.

The Ghent Fire Department and the Chatham Rescue Squad assisted getting Brooks to shore.
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Republican Dan OGrady of Bethel and Democrat Sharon Dornfeld of Ridgefield will face off in ta regional contest for probate judge on Nov. 8.

The winner will take over for retiring judge Joseph Egan, who was first elected in 2010 as probate judge for the then newly-created Northern District of Fairfield County, which includes Ridgefield, Redding, Newtown and Bethel.

A probate judge deals with estates, trusts, child custody matters, termination of parental rights, adoptions, end-of-life decisions and more.

Dornfeld earned her degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1981 and has practiced law in Danbury for 33 years, running her own firm since 1988.

For almost all of that [time], I have limited my practice to helping people who were not in a position to help themselves, she said.

This includes representing children in probate court in guardianship and adoption cases and serving as a conservator -- a person who handles the finances for an adult who is unable to. She has also worked in the superior court on custody and abuse cases.

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I find that to be very satisfying work, so becoming a judge is really the ultimate opportunity to be involved in those kind of cases on a broader scale and to continue that type of service in a more public way, she said.

OGrady has practiced probate law since receiving his law degree from Quinnipiac University in 1985 and served as the probate judge in Bethel for 20 years until the court was consolidated into regions in 2010. He said it is his previous experience as probate judge that sets him apart as a candidate.

Whoevers elected on Nov. 8 is going to start working on Nov. 9, he said. Someones got to come in and pick up the work load immediately and start working, and I have the ability to step right in and do that, there is no breaking-in period.

He said he enjoyed his time as probate judge.

It was meeting all types of persons and helping to guide them through the problems that needed to be solved and providing the public service to them as they deserve, he said.

Dornfeld said she also wants to be probate judge to help people.

What interests me about the probate court is that its probably the most personalized experience in a court that people ever have, she said. Its handled on a less formal basis than our other courts. Judges dont wear robes, folks essentially sit around a conference table with the judges. Its typically a situation involving family members often going through a very difficult time in their lives, and what attracts me to it is the opportunity to be able to help them find solutions to whatever their problems are.

OGrady said most people do not know what the probate court is, which is something he wants to change.

I would like the public to have more awareness of the court and what its function is and how it can help someone, he said.

A third, independent candidate, Jennifer Collins of Ridgefield, dropped out of the race last month.
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Waterford

While union workers at the Momentive Performance Materials silicones factory in Waterford continue their months-long standoff with the company over a new contract, the plant's retired workers are calling for a strike.

John Phelps, president of IUE-CWA RMC-81359, which represents retired workers dating back to the days when the plant was owned by General Electric Co., says negotiations have gone on long enough since being started over the summer.

"It is time to stop talking, and it is time to strike!" Phelps wrote in an email to officials with the Communications Workers of America and IUE-CWA Local 81359, which represents about 700 workers at the plant. "The union seems to be twisting itself like a pretzel to try to accommodate the company."

The retirees are not part of the contract talks, although they typically have a close working relationship with the union and the CWA.

Momentive's workers voted to authorize a strike over the summer after rejecting the company's contract offer, but the ultimate decision must be made with CWA leadership in New York.

The biggest disagreement in the talks has been health care, with Momentive demanding that union workers be stripped of their current health insurance plan in favor of one with higher deductibles and premiums.

Phelps sees a bigger fight than just the current contract, pointing out that GE has already taken away Medicare supplement benefits from retirees who worked under GE, and Momentive is planning to do the same with its Medicare supplement program, which Phelps claims has become a chip in the contract talks.

"If you allow this to happen, you will be next," Phelps implored workers and union leadership in his email.

Dom Patrignani, president of Local 81359, declined to comment due to ongoing contract talks. Both the union and Momentive have been refraining from public comment on the negotiations the past two months.

Phelps, meanwhile, has been unflinching in his attempts to animate workers at the plant, echoing previous contract fights that ended up in strikes,

Phelps said that the union has been sending counter-offers to Momentive for approval that the company has rejected. Documents from that process posted to Facebook show that the health care issue is still the biggest obstacle.

lrulison@timesunion.com  518-454-5504  @larryrulison
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NEWTOWN - The mother of a 6-year-old boy who was slain in the Sandy Hook massacre has reached out in an open letter to the mother of a 6-year-old boy who was slain Saturday at his elementary school in North Carolina.

When I heard the news of the Townville Elementary school shooting, I was horrified, wrote Sandy Hook mom Nicole Hockley in a letter posted on the website for Sandy Hook Promise, the nonprofit group she founded with other parents of massacre victims. Too many similarities to the shooting at Sandy Hook School that took the life of my son, 19 of his classmates and six of his educators almost four years ago.
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Washington

Not only has Sen. Charles Schumer put his money where his mouth is, he put it where his political future lies  or so he hopes.

New York's senior senator has taken $6.2 million out of his own Senate campaign fund and plunked it down on Democratic Senate candidates in tight races. It's a gamble that enough Senate victories on Election Day will make his long-cherished dream come true: Becoming Senate majority leader when Congress gathers anew in January.

Of the $6.2 million he delivered in September, $3 million went to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee  the party arm in charge of electing Democrats to the Senate  according to Democratic aides familiar with Schumer's activities. The rest, $3.2 million, went to Democratic parties in states with close races.

The exact destinations will be disclosed when the Federal Election Commission later this month releases campaign-finance reports for the third quarter of 2016, which ended Sept. 30.

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The aides insisted Schumer's bankroll is not a calculated effort to vault himself into the majority leader's position, which would give him tremendous power to set the Senate's agenda in the coming years. Rather, he is doing it for the benefit of the nation as a whole, as well as the Democratic Party's legislative agenda, they said.

But among political observers and players, it was hard not to see at least a bit of calculation and self-promotion on the part of the never-bashful Brooklynite, first elected to the Senate in 1998 when he ousted incumbent Republican Sen. Al D'Amato.

"He's always been an aggressive campaigner and he's making a tactical judgment," said Gerald Benjamin, director of the Benjamin Center for Public Policy Initiatives at SUNY New Paltz. "He has a major opportunity in his grasp and he doesn't want to let it slip away."

Until recent weeks, Democrats had bright hopes that voter disenchantment with Republican nominee Donald Trump would have a down-ballot impact, diminishing GOP hopes of retaining Senate control.

But Trump is closer to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton than many of his detractors would have imagined. And several big Republican spenders are offsetting upset over Trump's bluster and business tactics with big investments in House and Senate races.

Las Vegas casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, for instance, has given a paltry $5 million to a group run by TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts, who endorsed Trump only after he emerged victorious in the primaries.

But Adelson has forked over a whopping $20 million each for PACs supporting Republican House and Senate candidates.

The large size of Schumer's contribution "is a necessity in a world in which Republicans dark-money groups are flooding down-ballot races with unprecedented amounts of money," a Democratic aide said.

Republicans control the Senate 54-44, with two independent senators caucusing with the Democrats. So Democrats need four seats to control the Senate if Clinton wins and her vice-president, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., casts the deciding vote, or five votes if she loses to Trump.

Some Republicans in battleground states have proven resilient. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, is way ahead of former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland in the polls. And although Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., maintains a lead over incumbent Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., polls show a tightening race.

But races in states like New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Nevada remain fluid. All are battleground states at the presidential level.

"Anybody who says they know for sure is just guessing, because there are just too many close races," said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics.

On a statewide level, the Schumer wallet-opening shows he is not at all worried about Republican Senate challenger Wendy Long. Even with the $6.2 million out of his war chest, Schumer still retains somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 million in cash. He had $27.5 million as of June 30, the close of the previous FEC quarterly reporting period.

By contrast, Long showed $31,915 cash on hand as of June 30, according to her FEC filing.

State Republican chair Edward Cox said that dollar disparity notwithstanding, no one should count Long out.

"This is one of those years that has proven to be very unusual, so who knows what can happen," said Cox, who supports Trump and Long. "Who could predict Trump would be the nominee?"

As for Schumer and his hope of becoming Senate majority leader, Cox said Democrats are still a long way from winning back the Senate.

"You need a majority before you can become a majority leader," he said.

dan@hearstdc.com
Priyanka Chopra Is Coming To India After Three Long Years And We Are Excited For Malti's First Visit
Supporters of preserving Californias death penalty in next months elections showcase the relatives of murder victims, who say their only hope of justice and closure is the killers execution. Death penalty opponents, on the other hand, are featuring former Death Row inmates who were cleared of their charges and set free.

Ive been out over 30 years ... and every day its on my mind, Ernest Shujaa Graham said Wednesday at an event sponsored by supporters of Proposition 62, which would abolish capital punishment and resentence condemned prisoners to life without the possibility of parole.

Graham, 66, was sent to prison at age 18 for a robbery in Los Angeles. He said he joined a political movement behind bars, was influenced by the Black Panther Party, and in 1973 was charged with the fatal stabbing of a guard, Jerry Sanders, at Deuel Vocational Institution near Tracy.

His first jury deadlocked, but he was convicted and sentenced to death after a retrial in 1976  a conviction the California Supreme Court reversed in 1979 because prosecutors had systematically removed all African Americans from the jury. The court had prohibited race-based jury selection in 1978, eight years before the U.S. Supreme Court followed suit.

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A third trial ended with another hung jury. Graham was finally acquitted at his fourth trial and set free in 1981. He now lives in Maryland and is on the board of directors of Witness to Innocence, a group of former death row inmates seeking to end executions.

Paris Powell, another formerly condemned prisoner, noted the number of inmates nationwide since 1973 who have been cleared of the charges that had sent them to death row.

Americas justice system got it wrong 156 times, he said.

Powell, now 43, was sentenced to death in Oklahoma for the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old girl in 1993. He said he knew nothing about the crime, turned down a prosecutors offer to go free if he would implicate others, and was convicted on the testimony of a witness who later admitted lying under pressure from the district attorneys office. A federal appeals court overturned Powells conviction in 2009, and prosecutors decided not to retry him.

I do believe in redemption, Powell said, describing fellow death row inmates who had straightened out their lives in prison, and some who shed tears of remorse as they were led to the execution chamber. This is a time that California can show the world that theres no place for the death penalty in 2016, he said.

The event was held to promote Prop. 62 and oppose Prop. 66, a rival measure that would retain the death penalty and seek to speed up executions. It would require the state Supreme Court to rule on all capital cases within five years, more than twice as fast as its current pace, while setting new time limits and other restrictions on inmates appeals. If both measures pass, only the one with the most votes will take effect.

Opponents say Prop. 66 would greatly increase the chances of convicting and executing an innocent person.

If 66 had been in effect, theres a great possibility that myself would not be here today, Graham said.

That was disputed Thursday by San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, co-chairman of the campaign to pass Prop. 66.

I think their appellate rights would be protected even more (by) expanding the pool of attorneys and assigning them an attorney at the date of sentencing, Ramos said, referring to two of the initiatives provisions.

The last thing we want to do is put an innocent person on Death Row, and Im confident we have not, said Ramos, whose county is one of five responsible for nearly all of Californias death sentences in recent years. He said exonerations like Grahams are evidence that the system works.

His confidence wasnt shared by a third inmate, Randy Steidl, 65, who spent more than 17 years in Illinois prisons, 12 of them on Death Row, before being cleared and released in 2004. Steidl was convicted of two 1986 murders  based on the testimony of a mentally ill woman and a town drunk, he said. He was eventually exonerated after an investigation by the state police, a ruling by a federal judge and newly available DNA evidence.

We know that weve executed innocent people, said Steidl, who now heads Witness for Innocence. You can release an inmate from prison. You cant release him from the grave.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
California lawmakers and the State Bar are taking steps to crack down on prosecutors who withhold evidence that might have helped a criminal defendant.

Until now, prosecutors who have broken the rules in California have rarely been punished. But on Saturday, the bars board of trustees approved new ethical standards that would impose disciplinary action, and possibly disbarment, on prosecuting attorneys who failed to disclose evidence that they knew, or reasonably should have known, would assist the defense.

A day earlier, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law that will make it a felony, punishable by up to three years in prison, for a prosecutor to intentionally withhold evidence that would have made a difference in the case.

Laurie Levenson, a Loyola Law School professor and former federal prosecutor who argued for the new disciplinary rules, said the State Bar has received hundreds of complaints about prosecuting attorneys who either failed to recognize evidence that would be helpful to the defense or refused to provide it to defense lawyers.

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I think the public has lost confidence that prosecutors understand their duty, she said.

The bars new president, James Fox, the former San Mateo County district attorney, said the problem has been greatly overstated. District attorneys offices, including San Mateos, take very seriously their obligations to comply with the law, he said. But he supported the new rules because our system of justice requires that any evidence favoring a defendant has to be turned over as soon as reasonably possible.

Recent studies indicate, however, that its a standard that exists mostly on paper and is seldom enforced in practice.

The Northern California Innocence Project looked at 707 cases statewide between 1997 and 2009 in which courts found prosecutorial misconduct. Prosecutors were identified by name in 600 cases, but only seven were disciplined by the bar.

In one such case, a Tulare County man spent 22 years in prison on a murder conviction and died behind bars six months before a state appeals court found in 2007 that prosecutors had failed to disclose taped statements of witnesses that could have undermined their case. The lead prosecutor, who denied knowing of the tapes, was not disciplined.

The Innocence Projects national office, in a study of California and four other states, found 133 cases from 2004 through 2008 in which courts overturned convictions because of prosecutors conduct, but only one prosecutor was disciplined. USA Today examined 201 federal cases between 1997 and 2010 in which a judge found a U.S. prosecutor had violated a law or an ethical rule, and just one prosecutor was punished, with a one-year suspension from law practice.

Misbehavior by prosecutors has become an abiding cause for Alex Kozinski, a generally conservative judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco. In a 2013 court opinion, he said withholding evidence from the defense had become an epidemic nationally. Kozinski has proposed redefining prosecution misconduct as a civil rights crime and allowing defendants to sue prosecutors for damages caused by their wrongful acts, overturning a 1976 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that granted them immunity.

The Supreme Court had ruled in 1963 that prosecutors have a duty to disclose evidence that could lead to an acquittal or a reduced sentence for a defendant. Californias current ethical rules for lawyers subject prosecutors to discipline  reprimand, suspension or disbarment  only if they violate the high courts standard.

The rules approved by the State Bar trustees, which take effect once the state Supreme Court approves them, provide for discipline when prosecutors fail to disclose evidence that they knew or should have known would help the defense in some way, even if it wouldnt necessarily have changed the outcome of the case. That broader standard is already in effect in every other state.

The change would help a prosecutor focus on justice rather than winning at all costs, said a State Bar commission that drafted the rules.

The only opposition came from the U.S. Justice Department, whose federal prosecutors in California would be subject to the rules. The department argued that prosecutors should be punished only for withholding evidence that could have changed the result of a case. The California District Attorneys Association did not formally oppose the changes but contended they should be narrower.

The new state law, AB1909 by Assemblywoman Patty Lopez, D-San Fernando, is limited to more serious misconduct  acting deliberately and in bad faith to withhold evidence that could have led to an acquittal or a reduced sentence. Effective in January, it provides felony penalties, between 16 months and three years in prison, in place of the misdemeanor jail terms that now apply to such conduct.

Said Levenson, the Loyola Law School professor: If you want to call the (State Bars) ethics rule the carrot, the new statute is the stick.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
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Local authorities in Texas say a juvenile has been charged with arson in connection with an incident Sunday afternoon that left a local 10 year-old boy severely burned.

Its about time, Bobby Hatchett said early Thursday from the University Hospital room where his son, Kayden Culp, remains in a drug-induced coma while being treated for burns over 20 percent of his body.

RELATED: 10-year-old Kerrville boy in a coma after suffering severe burns

Hatchett, who reported Culps condition was improving, said he thinks two other boys allegedly involved in the incident in a vacant lot in Kerrville, Texas should also face charges.

Hes stable today, he said. Hes doing a lot better than the last two days.

The suspect taken into custody was not identified in a press release issued late Wednesday, nor did city authorities indicate in it whether the fire that burned Culp was deliberately set to injure him.

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RELATED: Sister of teen in brutal forced abortion testifies under immunity in Dallas

It said the investigation by City Fire Marshal Chris Lee identified the suspect "as the individual responsible for causing the victims severe burns." The investigation remains "open and ongoing," officials said.

Additional details are expected to be released at a press conference set for 11 a.m. Thursday at city hall.

MORE: How a barbershop chain helped move millions of dollars in heroin into Texas

Culps mother, Tristyn Hatchett, said Wednesday that a relative of one of the four or five boys present during the incident told her afterward that one boy had poured gasoline on Culp and another boy ignited it.

Also, she noted, The other boys who were there have been telling kids at school that it was not an accident, that it was intentional.

Culp, who had a hearing disorder and a speech impediment, was often picked on by playmates, family members said.

They make fun of him. He gets beat up in Carver Park every time hes goes up there. Thats just the way it is. The kids are really mean, said Alike Richardson, his aunt, on Wednesday.

zeke@express-news.net
College Choice, an independent online publication that publishes rankings and reviews to help students and their parents choose the best schools, says that four San Antonio universities rank among the best in the state.

Each school on the list of 50 best is given a College Choice Score that's based on tuition, financial aid, reputation, student retention and student life atmosphere, according to a release about the new ranking.
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A man accused in the homicide of his brother  whose remains were found near Corpus Christi more than 20 days after he was reported missing  has been charged with murder.

Gregorio Barrera, 48, accused in the death of his brother, Andres Barrera, 46, was already in jail since Sept. 22 on a previous charge of criminal trespassing, according to the San Antonio Police Department.

Andres Barreras remains were uncovered Sept. 25 in the northern area of the seashore in the dunes on the Padre Island National Seashore, according to the San Antonio Police Department.

The remains were buried in approximately 3 feet of sand, the affidavit states.

A tight plastic material and the remnants of a plastic bag were found around the victims neck. An autopsy documented a skull fracture on the remains, according to the affidavit.

Relatives told investigators that Gregorio and Andres Barrera had physically fought each other multiple times, having recently argued over a home in the 8700 block of Sage Brush because a loan was taken out on the property and it was not being paid.

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On Sept.12, a relative called police to report Andres Barrera missing at his residence at Villa De Oro Apartments, 130 Camino De Oro, police said.

The apartment, where Andres Barrera lived by himself, appeared to have been ransacked, investigators said in the affidavit.

When relatives checked the Sage Brush home during the time Andres Barrera was missing, they found his brother Gregorio living there, even though Andres had evicted him from the home.

Gregorio Barrera told investigators that on Sept. 1, he and Andres made an agreement to end Gregorios eviction from the home, and that in turn he would not pursue assault charges against the victim.

Regardless, relatives had police remove Gregorio Barrera from the home once again, because of the eviction.

Blood was found in multiple parts of the home when investigators examined the house, according to the affidavit. Spatters were found on the walls, ceiling, and other surfaces.

Cut pieces of wood found in the garbage appeared to have blood on one end, investigators noted.

The relatives also discovered the items missing from Andres Barreras apartment inside the house, including his credit cards.

When detectives pinged Barreras phone, it was found inside a box of property that a relative recovered from the Sage Brush house. The relative told investigators that Gregorio Barrera had been texting her on his brothers phone during the time he was missing.

Andres Barreras phone records show it was used in Corpus Christi on Sept. 5. The phone was used in San Antonio 24.5 hours before it was used in Corpus Christi and 18.5 hours after.

Gregorio Barrera changed the account of his activities during the time his brother was missing multiple times during his interview with detectives, according to the affidavit.

jbeltran@express-news.net

Twitter: @JBfromSA
The Comal County Sheriffs Office needs help in finding a missing teenager who was last seen in late September, as well as the man who was last seen using her ATM card.

Korinna Nicole Baker, 17, was last seen on Sept. 22. Her ATM card was used at a location near Southwest Military Drive and South Zarzamora Street in San Antonio on Sept. 23 by a man with dark-rimmed glasses and a red T-shirt, according to the sheriffs office.
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SAN ANTONIO  Five Bexar County women were among 132 killed in domestic violence incidents in Texas in 2014, according to a report released by the Texas Council on Family Violence this week.

The 2014 Honoring Texas Victims Report tracks the deaths of women killed at the hands of an intimate male partner by county throughout the year.

According to the report, the five Texas counties with the highest number of deaths in 2014 were Harris, which had 23 deaths, Dallas and Tarrant counties  each had 10  and San Antonio and El Paso, which recorded five deaths each.

Fatalities were also recorded in 54 other Texas counties.

All of these fatalities are preventable, said Gloria Terry, CEO of the TCFV, adding that of those killed in 2014, the vast majority had left their abusers or had been in the process of leaving when they were killed.

A woman died at the hands of a male intimate partner every 2.7 days in Texas in 2014 and the number of total women killed in such incidents has been steadily increasing since 2011, she said.

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In 2013, 119 women were killed, while 114 and 102 were killed in 2012 and 2011, respectively, according to the report.

Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau, also a survivor of domestic abuse, said resources for victims of domestic violence have come a long way over the years.

I know that 35 years ago, law enforcement wasnt involved until it became a crime. Even then, it was pushed under the carpet by our society, she said.

Marta Pelaez, president and CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services urged community members to have conversations with family about domestic violence, and to learn the warning signs in order to stem the growing tide of fatalities in Texas related to domestic abuse.

Domestic violence is not just one issue in a number of social deficits in a community, she said. As you can see from the statistics, (domestic violence) is directly related to child abuse, to teen pregnancy, to gang membership (and) to criminality at all levels.

Spicee Gray, a survivor of domestic violence, said she came from a generational chain of domestic violence that she escaped 10 years ago.

It took me to finally take time out and look at myself in order to decide to break this chain of abuse and say enough was enough, Gray said. I was beaten, I was kicked (and) I had fractured ribs. I felt like I had no value. I had nobody to trust (and) I had nobody that loved me.

Gray said she turned to the Battered Womens and Childrens Shelter, which is run by Violence Prevention Services, in secret while still living with her abuser. A decade later, she says the center has given her the tools to heal, and to know that she has value.

I was able to gain the strength I needed to go on, she said.

San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus said his department changed its policy on domestic violence eight years ago to allow officers to seek suspects in domestic violence cases more aggressively.

We now will respond to an incident, and if the perpetrator is not there, we will look for him until we run out of leads, he said. We never used to do that, but we changed that in October of 2007.

Additionally, McManus said SAPD doubled the number of officers in its crisis response team, which assess the potential for continuing domestic violence and reaches out to victims to prevent them.

Victims of domestic violence can call 911 for help, or reach out to the Battered Womens and Childrens Shelter at 210-733-8810. Assistance is also available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.

mdwilson@express-news.net

Twitter: @MDWilsonSA
A city panel took action Wednesday to allow for demolition of the Malt House, a cultural icon for decades on the West Side, to provide room for construction of a 7-Eleven convenience store.

Since 1949, the restaurant has been a popular gathering spot, often a casual rendezvous for politicos, community leaders and families, with affordable Mex-Tex and American fare. But the family that has owned the business since 1990 has said it no longer can make a profit at the location, due to a decline in patronage and the buildings poor condition.
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Police in North Texas found dozens of men living in "barbaric" conditions, where they were allegedly beaten daily, forcefully restrained and given inadequate amounts of food, Tuesday in a faux rehabilitation facility that led to the arrest of 10 men, The Dallas Morning News reported.

RELATED: Sister of teen in brutal forced abortion testifies under immunity in Dallas

Both the Fort Worth and Irving Police Departments were involved in the case, which began with a call to authorities Tuesday. The caller reported that three men were chasing a man in the 1100 block of Union Bower Road in Irving, a suburb of Dallas.

When responding to the call, police were led to a house in the 2400 block of Penn Street where they found 37 men inside, the Morning News reported. Police learned the 37 inhabitants of the house were beaten daily, tied to chairs and the only food they were allowed to eat was one package of ramen noodles each day. The only time they were allowed more food is if they were "good." Then, they would get five minutes to eat rice, beans and potatoes one day each week, police said.

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They also slept on beds made out of two-by-fours inside the house that had an Alcoholics Anonymous sign sitting in the front yard, according to the newspaper.

The conditions inside of the facilities and the treatment of the patients can only be described as medieval and barbaric, a statement from the Fort Worth Police Department obtained by the newspaper said.

RELATED: 15 women arrested, 8 brothels shut down in Dallas prostitution sting

The following people were arrested Oct. 4 and charged with aggravated kidnapping with bodily injury:

Carlos Diaz, 20

Leonel Omar Fernandez, 39

Bryan Gutierrez, 21

Jonathan Ortiz, 21

Jorge Ramirez, 30

Jose Pascual Hernandez, 29, was charged with aggravated kidnapping and unlawful restraint. Jose Saul Reyes Hernandez, 31, was charged with unlawful restraint, according to an affidavit obtained by the Morning News.

RELATED: South Texas officials nab 15 in prostitution sting

Ortiz and Ramirez are currently being held on an immigration detainer, which is an official request from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to another law enforcement agency (LEA)such as a state or local jail that the LEA notify ICE prior to releasing an individual from local custody so that ICE can arrange to take over custody, according to the American Immigration Council.

Additionally, Fort Worth police arrested the following people Oct. 4 who were charged with aggravated kidnapping and kidnapping:

Rodrigo Soto Gonzalez, 23

Ricardo Rodriguez Taylor, 21

Adolfo Tello, 60

Jesus Dorado was the man who was being chased Tuesday that prompted police to come to the area. He told police he was running from the supposed Penn Street rehab house because he feared assault and being forced back into the home, the Morning News reported.

Police interviewed most of the 37 men found in the house and 11 were brought into jail for questioning and six others were detained due to immigration holds.

One of the men, Danillo Maldonado, told police he was kidnapped in Irving Sept. 26 after escaping another supposed rehab facility in Fort Worth. That day, six men threw him into their truck, and took him to the house on Penn Street, according to an affidavit obtained by The Dallas Morning News. There, Maldonado told police he was beat up and told he would be killed if he left the house.

MORE: Police: Kerrville boy's horrific burns caused by accidental gasoline splash, 1 juvenile arrested

Police arrested Diaz, Fernandez, Gutierrez, Ortiz, Ramirez, Jose Pascual Hernandez, and Jose Saul Reyes Hernandez at the Penn Street house.

Maldonado then led investigators to the supposed rehab facility in Fort Worth where police found eight men and three women who were taken there by family for drug or alcohol rehabilitation, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.

Police arrested Gonzales, Taylor and Tello Oct. 4 at the Fort Worth house in the 5000 block of Brentwood Stair Road, the Star-Telegram reported.

Fort Worth Sgt. Marc Povero told the Star-Telegram there were assaults involved in keeping the 11 people found in the house by force.

Police remain unsure if the facilities were used for human trafficking, Medicaid fraud or as a safe house for undocumented immigrants, the Morning News reported.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
/Guillermo Contreas /Staff

A former insurance broker pleaded not guilty Thursday to a charge that he bribed a consultant for area school districts in order to rig insurance contracts.

Samuel Mullen entered the plea at his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Pamela Mathy, who released him on an unsecured bond.
Murder and violent crime rates in San Antonio are climbing fast this year. According to a recent study, the violent crime rate is projected to grow by 52.5 percent by December, the highest spike among 21 of the nations largest cities, according to a recent study.

Additionally, San Antonio's murder rate is projected to rise 50 percent, the third highest change among those same cities, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York Universitys School of Law.
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College students in San Antonio could be exactly what the State Department is looking for. At least thats what Arnold Chacon thinks.

The director general of the Foreign Service is visiting South Texas colleges this week, including the University of Texas-San Antonio, St. Marys University and Texas A&M University-San Antonio, to recruit students for careers in the State Department.

Chacon, 60, wants this visit to help demystify what the Department of State is all about.

We offer a number of career paths, in Washington and overseas, he said in a telephone interview with the San Antonio Express-News. The bottom line is, its important, meaningful work that matters.

With career moves every three to four years, employees have a chance to reinvent themselves frequently. While students can apply for a job right out of college with either Foreign Service or Civil Service and take the exam and other required steps, Chacon also talked about a Counselor Fellows program for those looking to test the waters before diving in completely.

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Fellows, especially those with foreign language skills in Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin Chinese, have a three-to-five year appointment to work abroad in embassies and consulates alongside other diplomats, processing visa applications. These positions could qualify for recruitment incentives and student loan repayment programs.

Chacon described San Antonio as dynamic, with people who appreciate international affairs. Also, with much of the community bilingual, the city is a key area to cultivate. Currently, less than 7 percent of State Department employees are Hispanic.

Chacon, a diplomat for more than 30 years, has worked abroad in Latin America and Europe, and served as the U.S. ambassador to Guatemala. A kid from Colorado, his family roots in that part of the country date back to the 1700s.

Few in his family, however, ventured beyond of that region. Between high school and college, Chacon began volunteering with Amigos de las Americas, a nonprofit where people travel abroad for public health work. He spent six summers traveling to central and South America, providing vaccinations and dental hygiene services. While abroad, he met some U.S. diplomats, who taught him about Foreign Service. When he went back to school, he switched his major to international affairs.

However, Chacon stressed its not one size fits all at the State Department.

While many may have degrees in international affairs, Chacon said hes interested in people whove studied different things, whether its management, economics, liberal arts or foreign languages. The department also recruits specialists, people with health care backgrounds or experience in engineering, basically a diverse workforce to represent the face of the United States when overseas, he said.

On one hand its the right thing to do, but also its the smart thing to do, he said.

Diversity engenders creativity, and it helps the message resonate, when were out there serving as an example to the world.
An eye-catching aerial map brochure of Converse landed the citys Economic Development Corporation a Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award last month.

Converse EDC executive director Kate Silvas and EDC board Vice President Dr. Mary Riley were at the International Economic Development Council conference in Cleveland, when the award was announced and presented Sept. 25-28.

The IEDCs awards honor cities and organizations for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban and rural communities. Converse won its award for its brochure, described in an IEDC statement as an eye-catching piece of literature that serves as a one-stop shop for information needed for development in Converse.

We cant be prouder for having been recognized by so many of our peers, Silvas said last week, after returning from the conference. Converse won in the IEDCs population under 25,000 division for general purpose print brochure excellence.

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Besides making the trip to Cleveland to receive the award, Silvas and Riley had the opportunity to meet with IEDC leaders.

There were so many things that happened at the conference, Silvas said. We had some opportunities to network with those in the industry. In the IEDC, there are a number of remarkable people who do tremendous work for their communities.

She said the knowledge gained at the convention in such areas as best practices in terms of retention, business marketing and how to strengthen the boards relationship with the decision-making process will go far to help her and her board.

It was a great opportunity to learn from and associate with the best in the business, she said.

Mayor Al Suarez applauded Silvas and the EDC board for its marketing efforts on behalf of the city.

The Converse EDC board of directors and staff continue their proactive approach to develop a strong retail base for the citizens of Converse, Suarez said. This award is an example of an outstanding team working together for a common goal and that is to make Converse a better place to live and raise a family.

This is the EDCs second Gold Award, following the 2014 recognition for its Green Day program and initiatives.

While the award did not contain feedback from the judges, Silvas said she did have the opportunity to speak to one of the panelists that judged the more than 200 entrants.

I spoke to one of the judges, Tom Long, the business recruitment manager for the San Antonio EDC Foundation, she said. He gave me some really good feedback. He said it was a great publication, and worthy of the gold. He said, You did a great job, and should be proud.

Silvas said the EDC has been pleased with the reception the map-brochure has received.

Weve been really pleased with the receptionfrom those in the commercial real estate business. We use (the map) to promote our community, she said. It does a great deal as far as relating whats important to a site selector, as a place to do business.

jflinn@express-news.net
A third Cibolo Parkway toll road public hearing brought some new information to light, but left city officials and vocal citizens desiring more toward a decision on the toll project.

A feasibility study is up next for the city, which is studying several efforts to combat and alleviate traffic headaches along one of its major thoroughfares. The city is in talks with Dallas-based Public Werks Inc. to build a seven-mile toll road from FM 1103 near Steele High School that would reach Interstate 10 to the south.

The tollways intent would be to funnel traffic away from Interstate 35 and divert some I-35 southbound traffic off of the heavily congested road and onto I-10 into San Antonio.

Officials from the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Texas Department of Transportation were in attendance at the Sept. 29 public hearing and spoke bluntly to Cibolos efforts to obtain money for an I-35 to I-10 connector.

The city of Cibolo submitted an expansion of FM 1103 to the MPO for consideration in both 2011 and 2013. Both years, the project was turned down. MPOs director Sid Martinez said the project is not in the organizations current 25-year plans.

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TxDOT district engineer Mario Jorge said his agency will receive about $240 million per year for the next 10 years for the region, but weve already identified about $5 billion in current need, he added.

Although were going to receive additional funds in 2015, its pretty much spoken for in projects, Jorge said. To get $240 million in one year to serve 2.1 million people, and spend $125 million on a single project in Cibolo, that is unrealistic.

John Crew, Public Werks CEO and spokesman, reiterated the benefits of the project to the area  traffic relief, no city taxation or funding necessary for construction of the proposed $125 million privately financed stretch of road, and a potential for growth and economic development along the stretch.

But Terri Hall, executive director of Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom, countered many of Crews statements and urged the city to seek other ways to divert traffic and not put its citizens at the mercy of having to pay a daily toll just to get to and from their homes.

Mayor Allen Dunn

said an original timeline had city council voting in November to go forth with a feasibility study, which could take anywhere from two to three months or more to complete.

Only then, he said, will the city know if a toll road makes sense, and might be something we want to pursue.

jflinn@express-news.net
A San Antonio man charged with capital murder in the drug-related deaths of a father and son late in 2014 pleaded no contest Thursday to a lesser charge of murder under an agreement that will send him to prison for at least 17 years.

Olice E. Brown was 28 when he was arrested weeks after the Dec. 12, 2014, deaths of Cornell Glover Sr., 38, and his son, Cornell Glover Jr., 19. When San Antonio police arrived at their East Side home in the 3300 block of Easy Bend Drive, they found both men on the kitchen floor, shot to death.

San Antonio police said at the time of his arrest that Brown intended to rob one of the men of marijuana.

An arrest warrant affidavit released at the time indicated that one of the son's friends was at the house when the shooting occurred. She told investigators that she knew the older Glover sold marijuana, and that while she was there, they heard a scuffle coming from the kitchen, then heard three gunshots after the son went to see what was going on.

The affidavit states the woman was hiding in the bedroom when the shooter, whom she later identified as Brown, went into the master bedroom, then appeared to leave. When she went to the kitchen and saw the Glovers on the floor, Brown put a gun to her head, and asked her where he could find the weed, she told investigators.

She said she didnt know and that Brown grabbed some marijuana from the kitchen floor and told her, You didn't see anything. Don't tell nobody, according to the affidavit.

Brown, now 30, agreed to an open plea before state District Judge Ron Rangel, in a deal that calls for a sentence of at least 35 years to a maximum of 99 years to life for each of two counts of murder. The sentences would be served at the same time.

Because there was an affirmative finding that Brown used a deadly weapon, he would have to serve half his term or 30 years, whichever is less, before being eligible for parole.

Brown is expected to be sentenced by Rangel on Dec. 16.
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AUSTIN  Interim state Rep. Laura Thompson, the first independent to win a seat in the Legislature in more than half a century, has thwarted an effort by Bexar County Democrats to have her disqualified from the upcoming election.

A state district judge in Travis County ruled Thursday that Thompson's name will stay on the Nov. 8 ballot.

"Justice has been served," said Thompson, who took office last month after winning a special election to fill the unexpired term of a retired San Antonio lawmaker. "This gives the voters a choice."

Thompson's eligibility had been the subject of controversy ever since state election officials initially declared she lacked the necessary 500 valid signatures to compete as an independent candidate in November's election. But Thompson appealed, and the Texas Secretary of State's office reversed its stance, authorizing her for the ballot last month.

The Bexar County Democratic Party responded by filing a lawsuit to have Thompson removed from the ballot, claiming she failed to collect the needed signatures to compete against Democrat Barbara Gervin-Hawkins in Texas House District 120, which covers parts of the East and Northeast sides.

On Thursday, a lawyer for the Bexar County Democrats argued that 16 of the 510 approved signatures are not valid, leaving Thompson just shy of the necessary threshold to be an eligible candidate. Thompson's lawyers argued all the signatures are valid, and they had even found more legitimate signatures that were originally discredited.

District Judge Tim Sulak, however, signaled early in the hearing that he was not likely to remove Thompson's name from the ballot, in part, because of the election time table. But Sulak said he was aware any decision would likely be challenged, so he let the two sides argue their cases to build a court record.

"Let's just go ahead and get a decision so this can go to an appeals court," he said.

Along with time constraints, another issue in removing Thompson's name from the ballot arose: taxpayer money. Bexar County officials told Sulak that its election machine has already moved forward, and it would cost $70,000 to reprint ballots that have already been distributed, reprogram election machines and pay staff overtime.

Sulak's ruling does allow for Bexar County Democrats to ask a state appeals court to invalidate Thompson's eligibility but a decision on that is not likely to happen before Nov. 8.

Gervin-Hawkins, the Democrat who will face Thompson, said she was pleased the judge left that option available but her focus is on campaigning for November.

"It's time to let the voters speak," she said. "The ballot box will tell the big story."
RIPLEY, W.Va. (AP)  Authorities in West Virginia say a 9-month-old sexual assault victim has died from her injuries in a hospital Wednesday.

Media outlets report 32-year-old Benjamin Taylor was arrested Monday and charged with first-degree sexual assault but an additional charge is pending.
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Large conglomerates in Vietnam have been quietly trying to buy rival companies or all or part of businesses because they want the companies' land.







Many shareholders at the 2016 shareholders meeting of Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group were surprised when Doan Nguyen Duc, the groups president, spoke about a plan to buy Dong Duong Rubber Company in the context of a fall in white gold prices.Hoang Anh Gia Lai has 80,000 hectares of land for agricultural production, but this is not enough to satisfy it. Though facing difficulties because of the rubber price plunge, the board of directors still consults with shareholders about a plan to take over Dong Duong.On the sidelines of the meeting, Duc said in order to boost agricultural production, which is now the groups core business field, Hoang Anh Gia Lai needs clear land fund with high quality and low prices to expand cultivation and farming.Duc understands that the rubber price is on the decrease and Hoang Anh Gia Lai is restricting rubber growing to avoid losses.Therefore, the group, when planning to buy Dong Duong, does not aim to develop rubber.We target Dong Duong because we can see the cheap land which has a price lower than the market price. This would bring profit, even if we don't use it for cultivation or for reselling, he said.The plan to take over Dong Duong received support from shareholders.Another merger & acquisition (M&A) deal of this kind was made by Vingroup.In Vietnam, Vingroup is known for its imposing real estate projects and recent investments in agricultural production. However, some sources said Vingroup is going to buy stakes of a book company  Savina.Experts said that if the VND463 billion takeover deal succeeds (Vingroup plans to buy 44 million shares, or 65 percent of Savinas chartered capital at VND10,500 per share), Vingroup will have opportunities to approach a large land fund comprising six projects.Savina has a head office located on the most expensive street in Hanoi, near the Trang Tien Shopping Mall in the central business district of Hoan Kiem. It manages a land fund of tens of thousands of square meters in many different places.A series of other M&A deals have been made so far this year. BRG bought a 70 percent stake of Sedona Suites Hanoi from Keppel Land Vietnam at $31.5 million.ThaiGroup, through an auction, bought stakes of Kim Lien Tourism from SCIC (the State Capital Investment Corporation) to obtain the right to exploit the 3.5 hectares of prime real estate in Dong Da district.
ZANU-PF Politburo member and party spokesperson Cde Simon Khaya Moyo has died at the age of 76.

Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu confirmed the death. He said Cde Khaya Moyo died this afternoon at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo where he was admitted.

Yes, I can confirm that he has passed on. I have just received the information. He died about 30 minutes ago. Get in touch with Dr (David) Parirenyatwa he also got that message while I was talking to him. He is in Bulawayo, he could be the appropriate person to talk to, said Cde Mpofu.

Cde Khaya-Moyo, a career diplomat was the countrys Ambassador to South Africa from 2007 to 2011. He has also held several ministerial posts in his political career

More details to follow

 Chronicle

Breaking News via Email
Eight public anti-tobacco groups are suing the government to require graphic and grotesque warning labels on packs of cigarettes.

WASHINGTON  This week, eight public health groups filed a lawsuit against the U.S Food and Drug Administration to force the government to require graphic warning labels on packs of cigarettes.

The lawsuit was filed on Oct. 4 in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Cancer Society, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Truth Initiative and several individual pediatricians.

The groups maintain that the FDA is required by law to issue a final rule implementing Section 201(a) of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009, which requires cigarette packages and advertisements to bear color graphic images and specified textual warnings.

On June 21, 2011, the FDA announced the nine graphic cigarette health warnings required to appear on every pack of cigarettes, carton and cigarette advertisement no later than September 2012. However, reports the Wall Street Journal, tobacco companies sued, and those labels were struck down in federal court on First Amendment grounds in 2013. The FDA has not taken up the issue of graphic warning labels since.

The Journal notes that the lawsuit filed this week is asking the court to set a deadline for the FDA to establish a new graphic warning rule, saying that the FDA has been in violation [of the 2009 law] for more than four years.

Across the globe, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids estimates that more than 90 other countries have graphic warning labels, with Australia and Spain including photos on cigarette packs of gangrene feet and decaying teeth.
COLUMBIA, S.C.  South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced October 4 that the price gouging statute is in effect, upon notice that Governor Nikki Haley issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency.

As we prepare for Hurricane Matthew to make landfall in South Carolina, its imperative that South Carolinians make necessary preparations and follow safety instructions. Our state is still recovering from the catastrophic damage caused by the floods in 2015, and as we have witnessed before, we will see many neighbors helping each other during this delicate time. However, we may also see some looking to unfairly take advantage of the situation through price gouging of food, gasoline, lodging, water and any other commodities as defined by the statute. Pursuant to state law, price gouging constitutes a criminal violation and an unfair trade practice, Wilson said.

South Carolinas price gouging law is a general prohibition of unconscionable prices during times of disaster and is in effect until the declaration (as in the governors declaration of a state of emergency) expires or is terminated. View the price gouging statute here.
San Francisco federal judge allows a class-action lawsuit brought by retailers over new chip card readers to proceed against credit card companies.

NEW YORK  Bloomberg News reports that Visa, MasterCard and American Express lost an early round of a lawsuit alleging that the card companies colluded to stick fraudulent transactions on merchants who did not meet the October 2015 EMV deadline.

PYMNTS.com writes that Florida-based B&R Supermarket Inc. and Grove Liquors LLC are suing on behalf of merchants nationwide and filed the complaint as a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

Bloomberg writes that U.S. District Judge William Alsup allowed the antitrust suit to proceed, saying that the two Florida retailers plausibly allege an impermissible conspiracy by major credit card companies to impose the same penalty on merchants not using a certified chip card reader by October 1, 2015.

We are disappointed that the court denied our motion, Seth Eisen, a MasterCard spokesman, commented to Bloomberg, adding, As we move into the next phase of the process, we believe we have a strong case that will allow us to put this matter behind us and focus on driving our business and relationships with our customers.

Issuing banks named as defendants were dismissed from the case, but Judge Alsup said they could be added back if the retailers present more evidence.
By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

TPP/TTIP/TISA

The U.S. Coalition for TPP on Wednesday highlighted the first anniversary of the beleaguered Pacific Rim trade deal being completed and used the milestone to once again call on Congress to approve the deal before the end of the year. In a press release, the coalition argued that the deal would benefit U.S. industry, workers and the economy while also advancing core American values including transparency and non-discrimination [Politico]. FWIW, I listen to a sociopathic podcast from the heart of the blob called The Editors Roundtable, because the Beltway voices are soothing and help me fall asleep. The participants universally believe that TPP is dead, dead, dead. But then they hate Obama and love Clinton.

U.S. and EU trade officials huddled in New York City this week for Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership talks say theyre in full-on negotiating mode, but any progress they make in the next couple of days likely isnt enough to move the deal to completion before the end of the year [Politico]. More than three years after the negotiations began, the 15th round of discussions this week remains focused on the micro level: completing work on legal text, resolving technical differences on regulatory cooperation provisions, and tinkering with tariff phase-out periods for those products that would see duties eliminated. At this point, negotiators may wind up just preparing the deal for hibernation until the next president takes over  but it could be a deal that Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump might be able to support.

2016

Days until: 32.

The Voters

Dunno if Trump can get the turnout he needs from his voters. Maybe he should offer a Make America Great hat to everyone who sends him a selfie from a polling station. Announce it at the next debate. I mean, who much could that cost, especially compared to normal GOTV?

A close look at the race, gender, age and education of the people surveyed by major polling organizations gives a more detailed picture of the voters behind the numbersand which candidate is winning them over [ Bloomberg ].

UPDATE The Times has a neat interactive, titled The 1,024 Ways Clinton or Trump Can Win the Election; it shows the paths to victory in tree form. Try it yourself! [ New York Times ]. So I took the state polls above, and plugged them in: I gave FL, NC, OH to Trump. Then I gave VA, PA to Clinton. At that point, Clinton had 11 ways to win, and Trump 19, with the states remaining being WI, CO, IA, NV, NH. I gave WI to Trump (Walker, even if Clinton is up in the polls ). I gave NV to Clinton (Reid, even though the race is tight ). I gave CO to Clinton. That brought it down to Iowa. Based on polling, IA leans Trump . So I gave IA to Trump, and he won. Of course, this is just light-hearted punditry, its not a serious prediction. But the moral of the story is that despite the usual inevitability tropes from Democrats  and how they combine that with flop-sweat anxiety, Ill never understand  its still a race.

Policy

Why Did the Obamas Fail to Take On Corporate Agriculture? [Michael Pollan, New York Times ]. Let me guess.

Own up to NAFTA, Democrats: Trump is right that the terrible trade pact was Bill Clintons baby [ Salon ]. The usually whip-smart Rachel Maddow made a mind-boggling error the day after the Clinton-Trump debate. Her first 14 minutes were fine, but when she turned to fact-checking Trump, the first of the untrue things she chose to correct was not untrue at all. Bill Clinton did not sign NAFTA, Maddow said. George H.W. Bush signed NAFTA. Actually, it was both. Im not sure about the idiom whip smart. It makes the role of the credentialed 10% witih respect to the rest of us uncomfortably evident.

The Developing World Thinks Hitler Is Underrated [ Foreign Policy ]. So its no wonder, as the country outside the Acela Corridor approaches Third World status, that the same thinking emerges here.

Our Famously Free Press

The headline: Against Donald Trump [ The Atlantic ]. Contrast the URL: the-case-for-hillary-clinton-and-against-donald-trump. I imagine the number of votes shifted by this editorial will be in the single digits, naturally.

Swing States

The Daily 202: How Rob Portman pulled away in Ohio [ WaPo ]. One thing leaped out at me: Portman got leglslation passed on the opioid epidemic, and Strickland had no policy response. Of course, since the opioid epidemic affects the (white) working class, the AIDS-level excess deaths are not a Democrat priority.

Downballot

In battle for the Senate, Democrats now have a narrow edge [ WaPo ]. I might have to vote for Trump!

The Trail

The Obama administration is moving to dismiss charges against an arms dealer it had accused of selling weapons that were destined for Libyan rebels. Lawyers for the Justice Department on Monday filed a motion in federal court in Phoenix to drop the case against the arms dealer, an American named Marc Turi, whose lawyers also signed the motion [ Politico ]. The deal averts a trial that threatened to cast additional scrutiny on Hillary Clintons private emails as Secretary of State, and to expose reported Central Intelligence Agency attempts to arm rebels fighting Libyan leader Moammar Qadhafi. Justice Department does Clinton another solid.

Democrat Email Hairballs

Guccifer 2.0s October 3rd 2016 Data Drop  Old News? (7 Duplicates out of 2085 files [Another Word for It]. Based on file names, the latest Guccifer dump is new (only seven file names are dupes).

There seems to be a news blackout on the latest Clinton email dump. From McClatchy:

[On Wednesday,] the conservative group Citizens United released a new batch of emails that show the close relationship between the Clinton State Department and the Clinton Foundation. It obtained them through a lawsuit filed against the State Department after its Freedom of Information Act request went unanswered.

New emails show intersection of Clinton Foundation, State Dept., paid speeches [Washington Examiner].

Emails showed Clintons aides teamed up with the [Clinton Foundation] to perform donor maintenance, craft messaging on key policies and put together guest lists for both diplomatic and philanthropic events. State Department staffers were often asked to advise Clintons husband on how to handle politically-fraught speaking engagements or foundation events, such as an effort to bring the new Libyan president to a Clinton Global Initiative meeting that was held less than two weeks after the 2012 Benghazi attacks. The trove of roughly 200 pages of records made public Wednesday was just the latest and most convincing indication that, rather than operate as an independent organization, the Clinton Foundation leaned heavily on the State Department to expand its global reach. But authorities are unlikely to take any action against Clinton or her staff, despite the fact that they violated a Memorandum of Understanding with the White House in which they had pledged to avoid the appearance of conflicts with the foundation. Huma Abedin, then Clintons deputy chief of staff, had the most contact with employees of the Clinton Foundation. Her cozy relationship with the charity earned her a paycheck in 2012, when the State Department approved an unusual personnel arrangement that allowed her to accept employment at the State Department and a controversial consulting firm called Teneo Strategies without leaving her agency position. In Sept. 2009, for example, Abedin and Doug Band, then a foundation employee who went on to found Teneo, discussed who would make contact with a handful of top donors and insiders at the Clinton Global Initiatives annual meeting in New York City. Those donors included John Kao, a former advisor to Clinton, John Chambers, CEO of Cisco, and Jan Piercy, a good friend of Clintons, according to Abedin. Abedin proposed splitting up pull asides among herself, Clinton and Band at the end of the Clinton Global Initiative meeting.

And plenty more on the Clinton Dynastys use of public office for private gain.

Stats Watch

Chain Store Sales, September 2016: The handful of retailers that continue to report monthly sales are mostly reporting much weaker sales rates in September [Econoday].

Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index, week of October 2, 2016: [C]ontinues to trend below other readings on consumer confidence [Econoday].

Jobless Claims, week of October 1, 2016: Jobless claims keep moving lower and lower in what is definitive evidence of labor market strength [Econoday]. Or evidence that its harder to make claims: This low, and not adjusted for population- tell me its not because they are much harder to get, thanks! [Mosler Economics]. But: The trend of the 4 week moving average is continuing to marginally trend down. On the other hand, the trend of year-over-year improvement of initial unemployment claims is moderating  and this trend historically indicates a weakening GDP [Econintersect].

Challenger Job-Cut Report, September 2016: Layoff announcements rose 44,324 in September, up from Augusts very low 32,188 [Econoday]. Education is at the top of Septembers layoff list, at 8,671 and reflecting the bankruptcy of ITT Technical Institute which had 130 campuses spread across the country. Retail is second.

Gallup Good Jobs Rate, September 2016: Down from the 46.5 percent measured in August but still higher than any other September rate recorded [Econoday]. GGJ typically peaks in June and July with summer employment and falls through autumn, so the decline from the record 47.1 percent in July is in line with typical seasonal patterns. Summer jobs are good jobs?

Labor: Anecdotes for this months employment report are biased stronger with 8 positive anecdotes vs. 3 negative ones [Ian Lyngen, Across the Curve]. In fact, wed argue the details are even more positive as the negative proxies include the historical NFP [Non-Farm Payroll] bias and Empire State. On the other hand, this months positive anecdotes are the more relevant ones including ISM non-manufacturing, ISM manufacturing, the Labor Differential and claims  with several employment gauges as recent highs.

Labor: A fresh report from the Freelancers Union now shows that nearly 55 million Americans are freelancing. If you tally this up against the Labor Department data it means that 35% of the work force is made up of freelancers [247 Wall Street]. Yikes!

Labor: The proposed class-action lawsuit, filed Tuesday in federal court in Seattle by drivers for Amazon.com and Amazon Logistics Inc., alleges the company violated federal labor law by classifying them as contractors rather than employees. The drivers are seeking back wages, overtime pay and compensation for fuel, car maintenance and other expenses [Wall Street Journal, Delivery Drivers Sue Amazon, Alleging Violation of Labor Laws]. Surely an artificial distinction in these days of the precariat? Why shouldnt everyone get overtime, for example?

Shipping: Heaps of Hanjin Containers Clog SoCal Docks [Sourcing Journal]. Once terminals finally started releasing Hanjin goods for pick up, many werent allowing truckers to return the empty containers after unloading and truckers didnt want to get stuck with themthough many have them piled up in their storage yards. Many of those containers have stayed at the ports and are starting to pile up. According to the Orange County Register, as many as 15,000 cargo containers either owned or leased by Hanjin have nowhere to go. Chassis shortage could soon be an even bigger problem also brought on by the Hanjin bankruptcy. Because the containers are idle in storage yards and many truckers dont have the special trailer used to transport ocean containers, the containers havent been removed from the chassis and are essentially being held hostage. The effects of the longshoremans strike took a solid year to work themselves through the system. My guess is that Hanjin knock-in effects will be smaller, but boy, is this messed up!

Shipping: The shipping industrys consolidation wave is extending to Chinas sprawling shipyards. The countrys biggest state-owned shipping companies plan to merge 11 shipbuilding yards into a single entity as they cope with collapsing vessel orders [Wall Street Journal].

Shipping: Optimism returning to dry bulk [Lloyds List]. Dry bulk owners are seeing the light at the end of a very long, dark tunnel.At a Capital Link event in London on Wednesday, executives from six companies said they were expecting better rates next year, as supply-demand fundamentals were showing signs of improvement.

Retail:  Wal-Mart Stores Inc. wants to make a big pivot: instead of building more massive supercenters to drive growth, the retailer hopes to become an e-commerce powerhouse that draws more shoppers to existing stores [Wall Street Journal, Wal-Mart to Pull Back on Store Openings]. New store growth will slow significantly. The retailer expects to build 35 new supercenters in fiscal 2018, down from 69 last year. Even growth of the companys smaller format Neighborhood Markets will slow, down to 20 new stores in fiscal 2018 from 161 built last year.

Honey for the Bears:  5 signs point to cycles grand finale in mid-2017 [Hotel News Notes]. I dont prescribe to the falling-off-the-steep-cliff theory for this cycle (insert obligatory unless theres a black swan event here). But the end of the cycle, which for purposes of this article is defined as revenue-per-available-room growth, is coming. Here are five takeaways from recent conferences that lead me to that conclusion.

Canada: Canadian building permits increased in value by 10.4% in August, which was a much higher than expected increase [Economic Calendar]. The data is inevitably volatile on a monthly view, but there will be some net boost to confidence.

Germany: German factory orders rose a seasonally and price-adjusted 1.0% for August following a revised 0.3% gain the previous month. The increase was above market expectations [Economic Calendar]. The data will help underpin confidence in the domestic economy with expectations of stronger consumer demand and the increase in orders from elsewhere in the Eurozone.

The Bezzle: A painting sold by Sothebys as the work of Dutch artist Frans Hals for 8.4m has been reassessed by the auction house as fake, triggering fears that more multimillion dollar Old Master works will be exposed as the work of a highly skilled forger [Financial Times, Old Master market reels from Sothebys fake assessment]. Bendor Grosvenor, an art historian, said the master faker who created the forgery was in his opinion the best ever. The repercussions for the Old Master market were hard to overestimate, he said, since it relied on judgments of authenticity provided by a host of experts, academics and museums. I blame Putin.

Todays Fear & Greed Index: 50 Neutral (previous close: 49, Neutral) [CNN]. One week ago: 38 (Fear). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Oct 6 at 12:41pm.

Dear Old Blighty

The Great British Bake Off: how a millennium wheel of lard stole the show  plus the rest of the action from Dessert Week [Telegraph]. Therell always be an England.

Scottish nationalist fury at arrogant May government [Politico Europe (J-LS)].

The proposal by Amber Rudd, home secretary, at this weeks Conservative party conference would force UK companies to disclose the proportion of overseas staff they employ to ensure jobs are not being taken from local workers. Ms Rudd denied this was a racist policy, saying it was merely aimed at nudging employers towards better behaviour' Financial Times, World leaders dismayed at UK plans to curb foreign workers]. Will Cass Sunstein please pick up the white courtesy phone? And meanwhile:

 Id do it all over again: last hurrah for the veterans of Cable Street  [Guardian]. It was a day that shaped Willie Myerss life. A few weeks before his 15th birthday, the Jewish lad from the East End of London joined thousands to block the passage of fascists through their community. Theres a Cable Street in Ankh-Morpork, I believe.

Water

California Keeps On Farming, With or Without Water [Bloomberg]. A closer look at the 2015 crop statistics for Californias top farm counties still leaves an observer (me) astounded at how little impact the drought had on production. [T[hey cant just keep pumping and pumping. Barring a series of very wet years, the states farming counties are going to keep getting less surface water than they want and pumping from the ground to make ends meet. Until, one of these years, the wells run dry.

Lake Baikal: The worlds oldest and deepest freshwater lake, in pictures [International Business Times].

Health Care

ObamaCare exchange buyers will have only one option in nearly a third of American counties, according to an August report from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Thats a 300% increase in single-option counties from last year. Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia have approved rates leading to average premium increases next year of over 26% [Wall Street Journal, ObamaCares Meltdown Has Arrived].

Gaia

A previously unmapped fault has been discovered running parallel to the famous San Andreas Fault line, scientists have announced. Named the Salton Trough Fault, researchers believe it could shed light on why the area is far overdue a large earthquake [International Business Times].

Planet in star system nearest our Sun may have oceans' [Agence France Presse]. In both cases, a thin, gassy atmosphere could surround the planet, like on Earth, rendering Proxima b potentially habitable, [Frances CNRS research institute] concluded. Of course, to get there, wed have to break the galactic quarantine of the solar system.

Imperial Collapse Watch

A Pentagon investigation has concluded that Defense Secretary Ash Carters former senior military aide [who was fired a year ago] used his government credit card at strip clubs or gentlemens clubs in Rome and Seoul, drank in excess and had improper interactions with women [AP]. Were running an empire and Europe and South Korea are our military protectorates. I dont know why anyone is surprised at what goes on outside the garrison gates.

Class Warfare

For the last two years, [Uber] has sponsored initiatives to encourage teachers to moonlight as chauffeurs. The campaigns differ from city to city and from year to year. In 2014, the Uber campaigns discomfiting motto was Teachers: Driving Our Future. In 2015, Uber offered teachers in Chicago a summer job; to sweeten the deal, the ride-share company gave a $250 bonus to any teacher who signed up to drive by a certain date and completed 10 car trips. In Oregon, Uber notifies riders when their driver is a teacher and trumpets the fact that three percent of each fare goes back to the drivers classroom. The company also offers a $5,000 bonus to the school with the most active drivers [Capital and Main]. Teachers are killing themselves, [Barry, a teacher] says. I shouldnt be having to drive Uber 8 oclock on a weekday. I just shut down from the mental toll: grading papers in between rides, thinking of what I could be doing instead of drivinglike creating a curriculum.'

Roughly half of U.S. adults believe there will be less job security over the next 20 or 30 yeas, and 44% believe employee benefits will not be as good over that time period, according to a [Pew Research] survey in a major new report [Market Watch] (original). The answer [drumroll please]: Credentials!

News of the Wired

On Open Whisper, et al [Pando].

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From the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

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Yves here. As the recent fall in sterling says, Mr. Market is taking a series of remarks by Theresa May at a Conservative Party conference very seriously. Even though statements made outside London at intra-party events often need to be taken with a fistful of salt, the media, particularly outlets on the Brexit bandwagon, ballyhooed that news, that she was going to embark on what amounted to a hard Brexit, as well as her statement that shed pull the Article 50 trigger by the end of March. Recall that wed long ago identified March 30 as our guess as to limit for how long May could refuse to act without the pro-Leave media going on attack. It looks as if she made the same reading.

Note that May tried to have it both ways, claiming her stance was neither hard nor soft, but her giving immigration priority as a negotiating priority was widely recognized as tantamount to a hard Brexit. The New York Times reaction is on target with the media consensus:

Over all, Mrs. Mays speech suggested that she would emphasize the right to limit immigration even if that meant securing less favorable access to European markets. David Davis, the minister responsible for negotiating Brexit, underscored the position that trading arrangements were not the only, or even the most important, part of the British equation.

Mays statements, if she really means them, are tantamount to telling the City shes abandoned the idea of securing passporting rights for them. Perhaps she is pursuing the British version of Obamas 11th dimensional chess, hoping that the backlash will offer a way to retreat. Some of my contacts were taken aback by the news. One depicted the stance as unstable, particularly since she has only a 12 seat majority.

Mays speech, along with actions by ministers that appear consistent with her giving a more restrictive immigration policy the pride of place, are already producing reactions overseas.

By David Llewellyn-Smith, founding publisher and former editor-in-chief of The Diplomat magazine, now the Asia Pacifics leading geo-politics website. Originally posted at MacroBusiness

Yesterday we saw two pieces of news that tell you were our politics are headed. The first was the UK slashing its immigration intake:

There can be no question that recent levels of immigration motivated a large part of the [Brexit] vote, [Home Secretary Amber Rudd] said. She vowed to reduce net migration, which was 300,000 in 2016 and well over the governments target of 100,000, to the tens of thousands We have to look at all sources of immigration if we mean business, she said. Australian skilled workers and university students are potentially in the firing line with the government to examine whether it should tighten the test for companies who recruit from abroad. Its become a tick box exercise, allowing some firms to get away with not training local people. We wont win in the world if we dont do more to upskill our own workforce, she said. She described as generous current rules allowing the families of international students working rights and bemoaned that foreign students studying English language degrees dont even have to be proficient in speaking English.

Second, we saw this from former Prime Minister Tony Abbott:

Tony Abbott has told right-wing allies in Britain that he believes he has a reasonable chance of becoming prime minister again, Fairfax Media has learned. The revelation confirms the former leader is hoping to emulate Kevin Rudds 2013 success in returning to the Lodge after being booted out by his own party in 2010 despite his public assurances that his leadership is dead, buried and cremated and that the Abbott era is over. A senior Liberal source close to Mr Abbott said the former prime minister maintained a good chance of returning to the job because he is popular with the party membership compared to Malcolm Turnbull. Mr Turnbull is widely perceived within the party to have failed to live up to expectations, scraped through the election with just a one-seat majority and continues to perform poorly in the polls. The source said the outcome of the upcoming NSW State Council of the Liberal Party on October 22 was an important opportunity for Mr Abbott to showcase to the Parliamentary Party his strength with the wider membership. There, his Federal Electorate Conference (FEC) will propose a motion for democratic reform of the party. It is likely to be opposed by the left wing of the party, but has a greater chance of succeeding than ever before. The change would enable the party membership, which is predominantly right-wing, to have a greater say in pre-selecting candidates. Other Liberals did not rule out the possibility of an Abbott comeback, saying his prospects had improved as Mr Turnbull had failed to improve. They also said it would be difficult to sell a change to a new leader to the base, meaning if a change were to happen it could only feasibly be a reinstatement of the former prime minister.

There is absolutely no doubt what kind of platform Tony Abbott would lead. His visions of Anglophone purity have proven horribly prescient and to reboot the partys chances at the next election he would have to differentiate himself from Malcolm Turnbulls globalism. That point of difference will be the new brand of economics sweeping the Western world: lower immigration, higher protections and a swing back to the US alliance. He will use his recently rekindled relationship with Pauline Hanson as a political outrider.

Moreover, with Labor having recently committed itself to Big Australia for all eternity, the Abbott immigration wedge will be epic, cleaving the Labor caucus in two. Whats more, the low immigration platform will neutralise Labors joker in the pack  negative gearing reform proposals  by promising to take pressure off housing demand and to police foreign buying properly. And it does so while protecting the tax lurks of Abbotts local specufestor base.

It also holds out the prospect that Abbott can take the high ground on the environment, including carbon output, by giving Australia a sustainable population. He could be endorsed by the Australian Conservation Foundation!

Ive got to tell you that this prospect should not be taken lightly. Its internally consistent, comes with precisely the right sloganeering and authentically anti-immigration leader, sets a spinnaker before the building anti-globalisation gale sweeping Western politics and vacuums up the population ponzi resistance at home that anyone with a political compass can feel building.

If I were Turnbull or Labor, I would get ahead of this by backing right away from Big Australia. The storm is coming.
Calling all nanotechnology-empowered superheroes (Nanowerk News) WHIZ! POW! BAM! BOOM! Today, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) announce the opening of the second annual Generation Nano: Small Science, Superheroes! competition. The contest invites U.S. high school and home-schooled students to create a superhero that uses nanotechnology -- science and technology on the scale of a nanometer, or one billionth of a meter -- to solve crimes and meet today's challenges.

By challenging students to think big (or small, in this case) to create superheroes with nanotechnology-inspired gear or powers, NSF and NNI aim to promote an early interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

An increasing number of students are drawn to nanotechnology. The 2016 Generation Nano competition allows students to explore this super-small science. (Image: NSF)

"An increasing number of students are drawn to the fascinating field of nanotechnology, which allows us to do things not possible before in computing, mobile communication, medicine and the environment," said NSF Senior Advisor for Science and Engineering Mihail Roco. "The younger generation will carry on future progress in this exciting field. The Generation Nano competition gives students an opportunity to creatively combine this scientific interest with their artistic side."

Last year's first-ever Generation Nano competition inspired entries from more than 115 students across the U.S. The winning superhero creations included Nanoman, who battled a malignant crab-monster named Cancer; Radio Blitz, who helped dispose of local waste; and Nine, a rising superhero who used his nanosuit to defeat a pair of kidnappers.

Actor Wil Wheaton hosted the awards ceremony at the 2016 USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C., where legendary comic book creator Stan Lee made a surprise virtual appearance to congratulate the finalists.

"The number and quality of the submissions to the Generation Nano contest last year were fantastic," said Lisa Friedersdorf, deputy director of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, which provides public outreach for NNI. "I'm very excited by the four key societal missions identified for this year's contest as nanotechnology can play a critical role in addressing each of these needs. I can't wait to see the creative and imaginative ways the student teams take on this challenge!"

This year, participants' superhero creations must tackle one of the following societal issues:

Justice -- Using nanotechnology to fight criminals, bullies, supervillains and other wrongdoers. Relief -- Using nanotechnology to aid victims of famine, drought and other disasters. Health -- Using nanotechnology to heal the sick and injured. Environment -- Using nanotechnology to generate clean energy, control pollution and create a sustainable future.

NSF will promote the opening of the competition this week at New York Comic Con, the East Coast's largest popular culture convention. A panel will bring together NSF-funded scientists and storytellers to talk about their imagined worlds.

Student contestants are encouraged to submit their superhero creations to the Generation Nano competition website for an opportunity to compete for prizes. A panel will review the submissions and select 15 semifinalists, and then a first and second place winner. Submissions from all semifinalists will also be posted to the Generation Nano website to allow the public to vote for their favorite superhero, which will receive a People's Choice award.

Additional competition details

U.S. high school and home-schooled students should submit a written entry explaining how their superhero uses nanotechnology to do good, along with a two-to-three-page comic and 90-second video. Competition opens Oct. 5, 2016, and submissions are due by midnight, Jan. 31, 2017 EST. Three rounds of judging will take place, with winners announced in the spring. Prizes: $1,500 for first place; $1,000 for second place; and $750 for the People's Choice award.
Efficient organic solar cells with very low driving force (Nanowerk News) Researchers at Linkoping University, together with Chinese and American colleagues, have developed organic solar cells with a significantly lower driving force and faster charge separation than previous cells. The results have been published in Nature Energy ("Fast charge separation in a non-fullerene organic solar cell with a small driving force").

Feng Gao

It was believed that efficient operation of organic solar cells requires a large driving force, which limits the efficiency of organic solar cells. Now, a large group of researchers led by Feng Gao, lecturer at IFM at LiU, He Yan at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Kenan Gundogdu at the North Carolina State University have developed efficient organic solar cells with very low driving force.

This implies that the intrinsic limitations of organic solar cells are no greater than those of other photovoltaic technologies, bringing them a step closer to commercialisation.

When photons emitted by the sun are absorbed by organic semiconductors, strongly bound excitons (rather than free carriers) are generated. The driving force is, to put it simply, a measure of the energy that is used to split the excitons into free carriers. The driving force results in the loss of the photovoltage, a key parameter for the solar cell. The lower the driving force, the higher the photovoltage.

Traditionally, efficient organic solar cells are usually composed of semiconducting polymers and carbon balls known as fullerene. In that case, a large driving force over 0.3 eV is usually needed for efficient charge generation. In the present work, the researchers have replaced fullerene with a semiconducting small molecule, and found that that a low driving force is needed for efficient operation of the devices. In addition, organic solar cells based on polymer: small molecule combinations are more stable, as shown in another work also led by Feng Gao and his collaborators in Beijing, published in Advanced Materials.

We have developed a system with a huge potential to increase the power conversion efficiency in organic solar cells, says Feng Gao.
Smallest. Transistor. Ever. (Nanowerk News) For more than a decade, engineers have been eyeing the finish line in the race to shrink the size of components in integrated circuits. They knew that the laws of physics had set a 5-nanometer threshold on the size of transistor gates among conventional semiconductors, about one-quarter the size of high-end 20-nanometer-gate transistors now on the market.

Some laws are made to be broken, or at least challenged.

Schematic of a transistor with a molybdenum disulfide channel and 1 nanometer carbon nanotube gate. (Image: Sujay Desai/UC Berkeley)

A research team led by faculty scientist Ali Javey at the Department of Energys Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has done just that by creating a transistor with a working 1-nanometer gate. For comparison, a strand of human hair is about 50,000 nanometers thick.

We made the smallest transistor reported to date, said Javey, lead principal investigator of the Electronic Materials program in Berkeley Labs Materials Science Division. The gate length is considered a defining dimension of the transistor. We demonstrated a 1-nanometer-gate transistor, showing that with the choice of proper materials, there is a lot more room to shrink our electronics.

The key was to use carbon nanotubes and molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), an engine lubricant commonly sold in auto parts shops. MoS 2 is part of a family of materials with immense potential for applications in LEDs, lasers, nanoscale transistors, solar cells, and more.

The findings were published today in the journal Science ("MoS 2 transistoMoS 2 rs with 1-nanometer gate lengths"). Other investigators on this paper include Jeff Bokor, a faculty senior scientist at Berkeley Lab and a professor at UC Berkeley; Chenming Hu, a professor at UC Berkeley; Moon Kim, a professor at the University of Texas at Dallas; and H.S. Philip Wong, a professor at Stanford University.

The development could be key to keeping alive Intel co-founder Gordon Moores prediction that the density of transistors on integrated circuits would double every two years, enabling the increased performance of our laptops, mobile phones, televisions, and other electronics.

The semiconductor industry has long assumed that any gate below 5 nanometers wouldnt work, so anything below that was not even considered, said study lead author Sujay Desai, a graduate student in Javeys lab. This research shows that sub-5-nanometer gates should not be discounted. Industry has been squeezing every last bit of capability out of silicon. By changing the material from silicon to MoS 2 , we can make a transistor with a gate that is just 1 nanometer in length, and operate it like a switch.

When electrons are out of control

Transistors consist of three terminals: a source, a drain, and a gate. Current flows from the source to the drain, and that flow is controlled by the gate, which switches on and off in response to the voltage applied.

Transmission electron microscope image of a cross section of the transistor. It shows the ~ 1 nanometer carbon nanotube gate and the molybdenum disulfide semiconductor separated by zirconium dioxide which is an insulator. (Image: Qingxiao Wang/UT Dallas)

Both silicon and MoS 2 have a crystalline lattice structure, but electrons flowing through silicon are lighter and encounter less resistance compared with MoS 2 . That is a boon when the gate is 5 nanometers or longer. But below that length, a quantum mechanical phenomenon called tunneling kicks in, and the gate barrier is no longer able to keep the electrons from barging through from the source to the drain terminals.

This means we cant turn off the transistors, said Desai. The electrons are out of control.

Because electrons flowing through MoS 2 are heavier, their flow can be controlled with smaller gate lengths. MoS 2 can also be scaled down to atomically thin sheets, about 0.65 nanometers thick, with a lower dielectric constant, a measure reflecting the ability of a material to store energy in an electric field. Both of these properties, in addition to the mass of the electron, help improve the control of the flow of current inside the transistor when the gate length is reduced to 1 nanometer.

Once they settled on MoS 2 as the semiconductor material, it was time to construct the gate. Making a 1-nanometer structure, it turns out, is no small feat. Conventional lithography techniques dont work well at that scale, so the researchers turned to carbon nanotubes, hollow cylindrical tubes with diameters as small as 1 nanometer.

They then measured the electrical properties of the devices to show that the MoS 2 transistor with the carbon-nanotube gate effectively controlled the flow of electrons.
Josh Williams, Sherry Pollex and Jes Ferreira recognized as 2022 Comcast Community Champion of the Year finalists Comcast is honored to announce Josh Williams, Sherry Pollex and Jes Ferreira as the finalists for the 2022 Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award.
Find the newest releases to watch from National Geographic on Disney+, including favourite documentary series and films Free Solo, The Rescue, Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth and The World According to Jeff Goldblum.
With the myriad home price indices available to the mortgage industry, it's difficult to understand their differences, let alone determine which provides the most cost-effective insights about a particular market. Granularity is a key selling point, but not a one-size-fits-all solution.

People who didn't foresee the bursting of the housing bubble during the Great Recession wondered whether or not more use of granular HPI data would have clued them to the unprecedented and widespread depreciation that occurred sooner.

But today, lenders, investors and servicers are more concerned that they have accurate analytics to help them measure the potential for more localized bubbles that could affect their portfolios.

"You may have some concentration in a specific market and you'd want to know, 'Gee, is that market overheated? Are we going to see a crash in prices?' I think there's very little concern right now that the national market or national price indices are overheated," said Frank Nothaft, chief economist at CoreLogic.

Mortgage businesses also have been increasingly using local home price indices to identify sustainable appreciation that could bolster the valuations of portfolios that contain performing loans.

"If you have good appreciation in an area, you should have less defaults, in theory," noted Ed Fay, founder and CEO of Fay Servicing in Chicago, a company that focuses primarily on special servicing of distressed loans.

Distressed loan workouts usually call for more exact loan-level measures like automated valuation models or broker price opinions, so Fay tends to use those methods more frequently. For him, additional granularity in HPI below state level is much more valuable, but how much more geographic granularity beyond that is needed before moving to loan level measure like a BPO or AVM would be "a function of price.

It also depends on what I'm using it for," he added. In addition to using local HPIs for portfolio valuation, Fay recently considered a ZIP-code level HPI among many factors in deciding where to set up a new office.

Publicly available home-price indices such as CoreLogic's Case Shiller indices or the Federal Housing Finance Agency's originally only drilled down to the core-based statistical area level. Later, other indices drilled down further to the ZIP-code level.

And recently, following the release of more granular, experimental ZIP-code level indices, the FHFA in a working paper highlighted data that suggests there is an answer to the question of how granular HPI should be.

"Overall we find the ideal level of house price index aggregation in large cities is at the five-digit ZIP-code level," said FHFA staff members Alexander Bogin, William Doerner and William Larson in the paper. "In small cities, a city-level index is sufficient."

The mortgage industry and its vendors tend to agree that the granularity of HPI data has its limits and the ones the FHFA suggests sound reasonable.

It might be tough to use ZIP-code level data in an area where there aren't enough homes or transactions to create a statistically sound data set, so the limit of granularity in small cities makes sense, said Mark Fleming, chief economist at First American.

"The problem with granularity is you run out of data," he said. "As you get further out, you don't have enough information to realistically predict with any degree of accuracy."

But the FHFA's preliminary conclusion is not a one-size-fits-all answer for how granular the HPI should be in all contexts.

Lenders, servicers and investors tend to need more robust and frequent HPI data sets than are available through public sources like the FHFA when it comes to portfolio management.

"Everyone has a different view of how they want to manage risk, so unfortunately there is no general rule that says, 'at this point you need to stop,'" said Craig Zielazny, a senior vice president at AVM provider Platinum Data Solutions, a subsidiary of Mercury Network.

Also, how granular home price index data needs to be is partly a function of how much accuracy a user wants, and that may depend at how much is riding on that accuracy.

"It depends on how big your portfolio is, how much prices are moving up vs. down, how much you care about the last 1% or 5% of value and who your trading partner is," said Allen Weiss, founder and CEO of Weiss Analytics.com. "If you are trading with someone with much better information than you, over time you are going to perform a lot worse."

While theoretically, portfolio managers could get the most accurate read at the property level itself, they often are using home price indices because they want a broader data for reasons that may include affordability.

To what degree homes or their locations in a particular area are similar also plays a role in decisions about how far to drill down into the data, and what boundaries for data sets should be used, said Julian Grey, mortgage market leader for Black Knight's Data & Analytics division. Sometimes even within a single ZIP code there can be wide disparity in housing prices, and individual consumers might have different perceptions of the same type of home or location.

"Housing is incredibly personal," she said.
NATOs Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme launched three projects in support of Moldovas defence capabilities on Thursday (6 October 2016) in Chisinau. Through the SPS Programme, the Alliance is engaging Moldovan scientists and experts in practical cooperation, forging research networks and supporting capacity building in the country.

The three projects were launched at a ceremony jointly hosted by the Moldovan government and the Technical University of Moldova. The first project will establish a cyber defence laboratory for training and research at the Technical University of Moldova. This laboratory will help train civil servants and officers of the Moldovan Ministry of Defence and other national security agencies. The second project aims to establish a computer emergency response team (CERT) within the Ministry of Defence. This will enhance Moldovas cyber defence capabilities, including in protecting military infrastructure and sharing best practices.

The third project will support the Moldovan Government and civil society actors in creating a national strategy to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. This will be facilitated by several NATO-led workshops, promoting a regional exchange of best practices.
Sleep Apnea

Anemia

Thyroid issues

Heart disease

Menopause

(NaturalNews) Each year thousands, if not millions, of Americans see their doctors about fatigue. Fatigue is a constant feeling of tiredness or weakness brought about by not getting enough rest, mental or physical exertion or illness. It can seriously affect the quality of a person's life.Due to our fast-paced modern lifestyle, most adults will feel exhausted or run down at some point in their life. Dr. Gabrielle Francis, a naturopathic doctor at The Herbal Alchemist in New York City, told thethat "we are never turning off," which causes a syndrome known as "wired and tired."While it is entirely normal to feel tired or sleepy, if these feelings are not resolved with a nap or a few nights of good sleep something more may be at play. If you are getting enough quality sleep, exercise regularly, and eat healthy foods but still feel tired and find it hard to concentrate or perform your day-to-day activities, you may be unknowingly struggling with one of the more severe conditions mentioned below.Snoring is a common characteristic of sleep apnea which affects more than 18 million American adults. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which breathing is temporarily and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. These breathing interruptions prevent our body from taking in enough oxygen while we sleep. When the brain notices we are holding on to CO2 instead of taking in oxygen, it often wakes us up to prevent damage, causing interrupted sleep patterns and fatigue.If you are feeling weak, unfocused, irritable or sluggish, your body may be in need of iron. An iron deficiency, or anemia, causes a decrease in red blood cells. These cells are responsible for oxygen transport throughout the body. Dr. Donnica Moore, a physician trained in gynecology and women's health, toldthat when the brain, muscles, and organs don't get enough oxygen, people will feel fatigued.Fatigue and exhaustion are very common symptoms of a thyroid problem. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in front of the neck that controls the speed of your metabolism - or the system that helps the body use energy. A thyroid disorder that causes hormone levels to drop will also lower metabolism to conserve energy which will make you feel sluggish or constantly tired.Our heart is the pumping engine of our body. When the heart is compromised our circulatory system will not work at full power, leading to fatigue and exhaustion . Fatigue and exercise intolerance are two common symptoms of heart failure.Furthermore, people who struggle with heart disease often take medication that can cause extreme fatigue as a side-effect. Ever heard of astaxanthin to improve your heart health and beat the constant feeling of exhaustion?Women who enter the menopausal period struggle with hormone levels that rise and fall, until eventually, the body stops making the female hormones. Dr. Donnica Moore explained tothat these changing hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone, thyroid and adrenal hormones) and a decrease in metabolism  which are both involved in regulating cellular energy  could also contribute to extreme feelings of tiredness and fatigue Fatigue is becoming an epidemic among the American population. About 28 percent of the general population reports fatigue as a common symptom. While fatigue will often be the result of spending more energy than we take in, sometimes it may be the first sign of a more serious condition that cannot be resolved by a good night's sleep.Therefore, it is important to stop ignoring these serious causes of fatigue to live a longer and happier life.
Kickback scheme revolved around pregnant illegal immigrants

More evidence of a broken healthcare system

(NaturalNews) Tenet Healthcare Corp. has agreed to pay more than $514 million to settle a federal lawsuit involving two of the company's hospitals in Atlanta that were found guilty of participating in akickback and bribery scheme.Two corporate subsidiaries of the Texas-based health system, Atlanta Medical Center and North Fulton Hospital, pleaded guilty to one count each of violating federal anti-kickback laws and defrauding the government's Medicaid and Medicare programs by accepting and paying kickbacks and bribes.The settlement marked the close of the long-running whistleblower case , which was joined by the Department of Justice in 2014.From the"The two subsidiaries that owned the hospitals together will forfeit more than $145 million as part of the plea."Tenet Healthcare Corp. negotiated a separate nonprosecution agreement, agreeing to pay $368 million to the government, the state of Georgia and the state of South Carolina to resolve the civil whistleblower case, prosecutors said. Tenet announced Monday that the company also will pay an additional $3 million in related legal fees and expenses, bringing the total settlement to more than $516 million."The lawsuit was filed in 2009 on behalf of whistleblower Ralph Williams, former chief financial officer at a Tenet hospital in Monroe, Georgia. Williams revealed that for more than 10 years Tenet filed Medicaid claims for pregnant undocumented foreign Hispanic females who were referred to Tenet hospitals by two Georgia, Clinica de la Mama and Clinica del Bebe:"According to court papers, expectant indigent mothers were directed by the clinics to Tenet hospitals to make them more cost-efficient by boosting the volume of hospital deliveries and were misled into believing their costs associated with childbirth would be covered only at those hospitals."The hospitals used "sham contracts" to cover kickback payments to the clinics, which referred more than 20,000 patients to the hospitals. The kickbacks were disguised as payments for translation, marketing and Medicaid eligibility determination services.The clinics allegedly received as much as $20,000 per month from each hospital for the referrals they provided. Federal anti-kickback statutes prohibit hospitals from paying clinics, doctors or other parties for sending patients their way.U.S. attorney John Horn said that Tenet's scheme "exploited some of the most vulnerable members of our community," and cheated the Medicaid system by taking advantage of a program "designed to ensure that underprivileged patients have choices in receiving care."Of course, by doing so, Tenet also cheated American taxpayers who cover the cost of the Medicaid and Medicare system.Whistleblower Williams will receive more than $84 million for his role in uncovering the scheme.Tenet says it has now revamped its referral policies, and is taking steps to strengthen its auditing and oversight activities. The company must now operate for the next three years under the oversight of a compliance-monitoring program.The company reported a loss of $59 million in the first quarter of this year, and has sold both Atlanta Medical Center and North Fulton Hospital, which now reportedly have no operating assets.American taxpayers may now be wondering how such a blatantly fraudulent scheme was allowed to continue for over a decade without anyone's taking notice. One might easily suspect that similar kickback and bribery scams might be widespread under a federal system that so obviously failed to detect such a huge and long-running illegal referral racket.This debacle is further evidence that the American healthcare system is not only broken, but also rife with corruption The next administration will face a major challenge if it seriously plans to address theand the sorry state of the federal Medicaid and Medicare system.
(NaturalNews) Children and younger adults who begin antidepressant therapy at high doses instead of the "modal" (average or typical) prescribed doses are likely to be at greater risk of suicidal behavior during the first 90 days of therapy and treatment, researchers say.An earlier meta-analysis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of antidepressant drug trials indicated that children who take antidepressants had twice the rate of suicidal ideations and behaviors than children who only took a placebo,reported.The authors of the new study set out to analyze suicidal behavior and antidepressant dosage, and see if the risk depended on a patient's age.As noted byThe authors of the new study suggest that that corresponds with at least one additional event of DSH per 150 patents who were treated with high-dose anti-depressant therapy. For adults ranging from 25 to 64 years of age, the risk difference for suicidal behavior was negligible. The study did not address why higher doses might be responsible for additional suicide risk "Considered in light of recent meta-analyses concluding that the efficacy of antidepressant therapy for youth seems to be modest, and separate evidence that dose is generally unrelated to the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressants , our findings offer clinicians an additional incentive to avoid initiating pharmacotherapy at high-therapeutic doses and to monitor all patients starting antidepressants, especially youth, for several months and regardless of history of DSH," Matthew Miller, M.D., Sc.D., of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, and colleagues wrote inDavid A. Brent, M.D., of the University of Pittsburgh, as well as Robert Gibbons, Ph.D., of the University of Chicago, said in related commentary, "In summary Miller et al are to be commended on a thoughtful and careful analysis of the effects of initiating antidepressants at higher than modal doses ."Continuing, they wrote: "Their findings suggest that higher than modal initial dosing leads to an increased risk for DSH and adds further support to current clinical recommendations to begin treatment with lower antidepressant doses. While initiation at higher than modal doses of antidepressants may be deleterious, this study does not address the effect of dose escalation.""Moreover, while definitive studies on the impact of dose escalation in the face of nonresponse remain to be done, there are promising studies that suggest in certain subgroups, dose escalation can be of benefit," they added. "Finally it should be noted that in this study, there was no pre-exposure to post-exposure increase in suicidal behavior after the initiation of antidepressants in youth treated at the modal dosage."Now, if only researchers will examine the link between high doses of antidepressants among children and ideations of mass murder-suicide, that would produce some actionable data that could be used to reduce the number of school shootings and other large-scale killings among both children and young adults. In every case in recent years of mass murder, the shooters have been on elevated doses of mind- and mood-altering psychotropic drugs like Paxil, Ambien and others.Ashas reported, overprescribing these drugs is also a problem in the U.S. military: Click here for more.
(NaturalNews) It is becoming more and more difficult to believe supposed "scientific" research. Either researchers are intentionally committing fraud or research results are inaccurate or incomplete because the entity funding it has a built-in bias In fact, entire countries are guilty of publishing fraudulent medical research, and the biggest violator of scientific trust may well be China.(AFP) reported recently that a newly completed survey of clinical trials in China revealed massive fraud. The country's food and drug regulator carried out a one-year review of clinical trials and concluded that, Chinese state media noted.The State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) said in a report that the widespread scandalous behavior is the result of "breach of duty by supervision departments and malpractice" by Big Pharma firms, as well as "intermediary agents and medical staff."Reviewers at the SFDA examined data from 1,622 clinical trial programs of new drugs awaiting regulatory approval so they can be produced and sold on the market, said a piece in thenewspaper that AFP cited.In light of the findings, more than 80 percent of applications for drug approval and manufacturing have been canceled. What's even worse, officials have warned they may findof malpractice, meaning the percentage of tainted clinical trials could climb.According to the agency's report a great deal of the data assembled during clinical trials was simply incomplete or did not meet analysis requirements. Other data was untraceable, meaning no one could verify it, the EID reported, quoting a source in the agency.Officials noted further that some companies are suspected of either deleting records or otherwise deliberately hiding adverse effects of drugs, or manipulating data that did not meet expectations.To industry insiders and those who know China's system well, however, this scandal comes as no surprise. The paper quoted an unnamed hospital administrator as saying, "Clinical data fabrication was an open secret even before the inspection." The paper noted further that the Chinese generic drug industry is rife with quality control problems and so data on clinical trials must be manipulated in order to meet high quality standards on paper.Several drugs touted as "new" are merely combinations of existing drugs, and it is not uncommon for the outcomes of clinical trials to be written before the trials are even conducted. Data is created to fit a preconceived outcome.The paper identified third-party inspection agencies that are known as contract research organizations. It said they had become "accomplices" in fabricating the data because of stiff competition as well as for economic reasons.A healthcare market professional said that China's domestic market for pharmaceuticals made in the West is confined strictly to a few generics or they center on joint venture drug manufacturing with foreign companies, AFP reported. Otherwise, Chinese pharmaceutical companies obtain formulas for key drugs whose patents have expired. The result is that there are no new drugs currently being developed in the country in the way they are in the West.Doctor Zhang, an employee at a major hospital in the northern Chinese city of Xian, told EID that the problem is not with insufficient regulation governing the conduct of clinical trials and the gathering of accurate data. The real problem, he said, is in getting the regulations implemented."There are national standards for clinical trials in the development of Western pharmaceuticals," Zhang said, as AFP reported. He added that clinical trials have to be conducted in three phases, being assessed at the very least for safety.Others in China say the widespread fabrication of scientific clinical trials data is emblematic of the country's culture of fakery."It's not just the medicines," Guangdong-based rights activist Mai Ke said. "In China, everything is fake, and if there's a profit in pharmaceuticals, then someone's going to fake them too."
(NaturalNews) A Michigan man who once faced off against government agents over his refusal to kill feral pigs on his organic farm is now running for sheriff in a bid to end the agricultural tyranny, at least in his county.Mark Baker, co-founder and owner of Baker's Green Acres , located in Marion, MI, toldin an interview that the primary reason he is running is to restore constitutional order  beginning with Missaukee County, in which he resides.He said that during his feral pig face off, he sent a letter to the sheriff asking him to intervene against federal and state agencies that were threatening his livelihood and, he thought, his safety. But the sheriff refused, claiming "he didn't have any authority to do that.""That didn't line up with what I had been told" by other sheriffs and former sheriffs, like Richard Mack, founder of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association Because of this, he decided to run for the office of sheriff, though he has had no prior law enforcement experience. "I felt [the task] fell to me. I felt like I needed to continue my service to my country," said Baker, an Air Force veteran. He also said he would be appointing an under-sheriff to perform the day-to-day law enforcement work of the department.If he wins, he says the very first thing he'll do is put the slogan, "To Protect And Serve" on the county's patrol vehicles. He says he believes that will send the right message to the people of the county, right off the bat.In addition, Baker pledges to "be much more accessible" than the current office holder, James D. Bosscher, including going to people's homes to "see where they live" and to fulfill the pledge. "I'll be answering my own phone," he said, adding that the county sheriff's job, primarily, is to be the people's protector, "not their jailer."As for his priorities as sheriff, Baker cited a growing methamphetamine and heroin problem in the community, vowing to re-prioritize the department's resources to combat drug traffickers. "I will have an agreement with the county prosecutor" to make that a high priority, Baker told Natural News.Throughout the conversation, Baker kept referencing the Constitution as the law of the land and that he believes that, should he win, his victory  and his 'protector of the people' approach to his duties  will be a spark that will catch on elsewhere around the country.In January 2014, Natural News reported that Baker had been told by a business associate that Baker was considered to be dangerous by local federal and state agriculture officials, and therefore they were forbidden to contact him.In a letter to the Missaukee County Sheriff's Department, Baker said that "was an order that 'came down from the top.'" He also stated that only "armed DNR agents would visit our farm and that [I] was portrayed as a 'gun-wielding lunatic.'""I consider this to be a threat to my family," Baker wrote.Baker's problems began in 2012, when the Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued new guidance on what constitutes feral pigs. Then, the state issued a declaratory ruling outlining nine traits which redefined Baker's pigs - and thousands of others across the state that were being raised by other farmers - as "invasive species," which, as such, must be destroyed.He said that he and other local farmers had been raising the same species of pigs for decades. He added that he thought the declaratory ruling was arbitrary in nature and designed to favor commercial pork producers in the area. Baker eventually won his case.Before he left the Air Force, Baker said he once sat in on a talk given by an Army lieutenant colonel who told the audience there are three kinds of people in the world: Sheep, wolves and sheepdogs. He says most people are sheep preyed upon by wolves, whom he sees largely as government bureaucrats and agencies. And then there are sheepdogs, the protectors of the sheep against the wolves."I'm a sheepdog," Baker said. "I always have been."You can view Mark Bakers campaign website here at MarkBakerForSheriff.com.
PRESS RELEASE

Earlier this year, Aker BioMarine launched Superba 2 to the U.S. market. Now, during SupplySide West, the company is excited to introduce Superba Boost, a new krill oil concentrate that is commercially available for the US market.

Company executives will also be on hand at to discuss a new study being conducted with 400 United States Army Ranger recruits, a trial that is first-of-its-kind in size and scope. Aker BioMarine is also launching The Omega-3 Index Project, an educational platform aimed to bring more awareness to the ramifications of omega-3 insufficiency. Dr. Bill Harris, an internationally recognized omega-3 expert, co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index Test and President of OmegaQuant Analytics, will be testing attendees omega-3 levels at SupplySide West at the Aker BioMarine Booth #Y159.

Superba Boost Makes US Debut

Aker BioMarines new processing technologyFlexitechthat made Superba 2 possible also played an important role in the development of Superba Boost. Superba Boost is a krill oil concentrate, which contains a significantly higher concentration of key actives, including phospholipids, omega-3s EPA/DHA and choline. We are celebrating the launch of Superba Boost at Booth Y159 on Thursday, October 6th from 3-5pm. Come visit us to learn more about this new innovation.

Can Superba Boost Improve the Performance of the Worlds Toughest Army Recruits?

Aker BioMarine is helping to boost the performance and mental health of some of the worlds toughest military recruits. In August, scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) launched a comprehensive study called Ranger Resilience and Improved Performance on Phospholipid Bound Omega-3s (RRIPP-3), which is being sponsored by Aker BioMarine. This randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled study will help determine whether omega-3 EPA/DHA intake from Superba Boost can help improve resilience, cognitive processes and overall performance among 400 Army Ranger recruits.

Got Omega-3s? Probably Not Enough...

At SupplySide West 2016, Aker BioMarine also kicks off The Omega-3 Index Project, a program created in collaboration with Dr. Bill Harris at OmegaQuant Analytics. The goal of the Omega-3 Index Project is to help bring more awareness to omega-3 EPA/DHA insufficiency and encourage consumers to regularly measure their omega-3 levels using the Omega-3 Index Test, a nutritional tool used to assess cardiovascular and overall health. By using the Omega-3 Index test, consumers and health practitioners now have the ability to identify, correct and maintain healthy levels of omega-3s EPA/DHA, while reducing the risk of chronic disease. Aker BioMarine is inviting show attendees to get their levels tested onsite with Dr. Harris and learn more about The Omega-3 Index Project - Thursday from 1-3 pm and Friday from 12-2 pm.

Omega-3 Panel Session: Finding Your Sweet Spot in the Omega-3 Market, sponsored by Aker BioMarine

Join us for a special omega-3 panel session taking place during Supply Side West on Friday, October 7th from 9 am  11 am in South Seas F, Level 3 in Mandalay Bay. Dr. Harris will be giving a presentation on Omega-3s and the Medical Community: What Doctors Need to Know.
Giant automotive company, Toyota, created a non-automotive product that will hopefully appeal to the emotions of an aging, childless Japanese population: a baby robot.

Named as Kirobo Mini, the doe-eyed and cute baby robot fits right in one's palm. Though of high quality, Kirobo Mini wobbles a bit. According to Fuminoro Kataoka, chief designer of Kirobo that wobbling part is intentional because they want the mini robot to resemble a seated baby, which meant it has not yet fully-developed its balancing skills.

"This vulnerability is meant to invoke an emotional connection." He said, Reuters reported.

Kirobo Mini join the ranks of other companion robots including upcoming Jibo, that looks similar with a swivel lamp, from robotics experts of Massachussets Institute of Technology and Paro, a baby robot seal from Japanese company called Intelligence System Co. Ltd., which are usually for dementia sufferers.

It is not a secret that Japan's population ages. According to the government's statistics, one of 10 women never marry, and giving birth out of wedlock is still a taboo in Japan. The number of births in the country are already halved at around a million per year and this has been the case for the past century. This means that the around a quarter of population of the country are old people, over 65 years old. It is already putting strain to the industry of social services that the government is looking into robots to replenish the lack of human ranks since Japan's reluctance of taking in immigrants to boost their working-age populations.

In quest to have robots react effectively to human interactions and emotions, robots are now crossing over to offices and even homes. And Toyota envisions Kirobo Mini as a stepping stone for this to recognize and react to human emotions, Kataoka said.

The company plans to sell KIROBO Mini for 39,800 yen ($392) in Japan next year.

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For years, experts have tried to figure out a way on how humans can communicate with aliens and if aliens really do exist. Just recently, Kazem Finjan, Iraq's Transport Minister, reveals that indeed aliens had been here on Earth long time ago. In fact, "ancient aliens" landed on earth 7,000 years ago to build the world's first space station, he said.

In a press conference where Finjan was supposed to discuss about a new airport in Dhi Qar, South Iraq, the minister had a bit of a segue and revealed that aliens had been here on Earth a long time ago. He said that "ancient aliens" landed on earth 7,000 years ago to build the world's first airport/space station.

According to the senior minister, the fully fledged space station built in the El Naciria area in Mesopotamia was constructed to support the ancient aliens' interplanetary missions. Such has paved a way to explore the solar system and discover the "Planet X" also known as Niburu.

Translating what he said during the conference, Express quoted Finjan saying, "There are probably not many people who have knowledge, namely the fact that it was the first airport constructed 5,000 years before Christ."

"I invite those who doubt to read the book of the great Sumerian historian Zecharia Sitchin, or the books of Samuel Kramer including one entitled 'History begins at sumer' which speaks of the first airport constructed on planet earth, and it is there at el Naciria."

"The particularity of this place is that it remains the safest for the landing and takeoff of aircraft, due to favourable weather conditions. When the Sumerians settled on this land, they were aware of this and have chosen specifically for their flights to other planets."

For everyone, Ancient Mesopotamia saw the rise of the first civilization in world history. But for the senior minister, there is something more to the land. While it is where the early cities appeared, it is also where aliens first came and where early space exploration has started, he said.

Finjan's claims align with the long running "Ancient Alien Theory," which asserts that alien astronauts arrived on Earth in the Mesopotamian age to share their superior technology and knowledge with the Mesopotamians. The theory also mentions that the ancient aliens helped in building the Egyptian Pyramids.

According to Time Maps, a comprehensive atlas and encyclopedia of world history, many technological advances can be attributed to the Mesopotamians A major branch of Mesopotamian science was actually astronomy. They were the ones who introduced the use of astronomical tables that could predict eclipses and solstices.
NASA has completed the welding for one of its massive fuel tanks to be used in the maiden launch of the Space Launch System (SLS) mega rocket and the Orion space capsule in 2018.

Technicians have welded together the core stage liquid hydrogen fuel tank on the Vertical Assembly Center at the agency's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The liquid hydrogen tank is known as the world's largest cryogenic fuel tank for a rocket, standing more than 130 feet tall, NASA said in a press release. It is the largest major part of the SLS core stage, capable of holding 537,000 gallons of chilled liquid hydrogen.

The liquid hydrogen tank and liquid oxygen tank are part of the core stage of the rocket, which serves as the backbone of the SLS rocket, and will measure over 200 feet tall. Overall, the tanks will hold 733,000 gallons of propellant and provide fuel for the vehicle's four powerful RS-25 engines, which are modified space shuttle main engines, to produce about 2 million pounds of thrust.

Apart from the liquid hydrogen tank and the liquid oxygen tank, the SLS core stage will also be comprised of the forward skirt, the intertank, and the engine section.

According to NASA, deep space travel would require a large rocket that is capable of carrying large payloads. SLS will have the payload capacity needed to carry cargo and crew in the agency's Orion capsule for future deep space expeditions, including the Journey to Mars, moon mission and asteroid missions.

During the SLS's booster test in June, the booster's nozzle plug broke apart and was captured by NASA in a slow motion video. But NASA officials said the test result should not be interpreted as a failure, as the nozzle intentionally broke into pieces.

The SLS and an uncrewed Orion capsule are scheduled for a maiden test flight in November 2018, Universe Today reports. NASA endeavors to send humans to Mars by the 2030s on board the SLS and Orion space capsule.
SpaceX may not be the first to send humans to Mars because Boeing's CEO wants to beat Elon Musk in the race to the red planet. But how will Boeing do it?

Boeing has a longer commercial flight experience compared to the younger company SpaceX and it has even helped the U.S. get to the moon. This time, although the company is relatively quiet when it comes to the race to Mars, Boeing's CEO said he intend to go "toe-to-toe" with SpaceX in deep space explorations and commerce, according to Bloomberg.

Earth-wise, Boeing presented their futuristic innovations during a conference last Tuesday enhancing current air traveling systems including a hypersonic plane capable of transporting travelers between continents in two hours or even less. Aside from that, Boeing believes it can beat SpaceX in sending humans to Mars.

"I'm convinced the first person to step foot on Mars will arrive there riding a Boeing rocket," Boeing CEO DennisMuilenburg during an event conference in Chicago.

Both SpaceX and Boeing are working with NASA to develop new space capsules that can transport crew from Earth to the International Space Station (ISS) and vice versa. Recently, SpaceX delivered cargo to the ISS containing a new docking station that will be used by commercial spaceflight companies like Boeing and SpaceX to transport crew to the ISS. Boeing is currently developing its CST 100 Starliner scheduled for a test flight in 2018. SpaceX is also expected to develop its own Crew Dragon, another capsule for transporting astronauts to space.

But it looks like it won't the only similar project between the two rival companies as Boeing is helping NASA with its "most powerful rocket" ever built, the Space Launch System (SLS). SLS will be powerful enough for deep space explorations and potentially interplanetary transport.

Elon Musk revealed his plans for the Interplanetary Transport System that could rival NASA's SLS. Boeing is also an affiliate of Lockheed Martin, another space industry bigwig making their partnership a bigger threat to SpaceX.
Officials have announced that the male killer whale found in the Canadian waters off Vancouver Island died due to an easily preventable human error.

According to the official necropsy report, the 20-year old orca died due to severe fungal infection that may have been introduced by a satellite tag shot to its body by one of the scientists at Northwest Fisheries Science Center.

"We are deeply dismayed that one of these tags may have had something to do with the death of one of these whales," said Richard Merrick, NOAA Fisheries chief scientist, in a report from Seattle Times. "It is our job to reduce risk and that is what we will do."

Investigators at the Fisheries and Oceans Canada are looking into many factors that may have predisposed the whale to a fungal infection in the tagging site. One factor being looked into is the possibility that the whale has a compromised immune system when it was tag making it vulnerable to fungi infection, especially when the tag is near a significant blood vessel.

Other factor being looked into is the possibility of human error. Merrick noted that the tag used in the whale must have been shot unsuccessfully at first and dropped into the ocean. The tag was retrieved and used once again to shot the whale. The second shot was successful. However, scientists responsible for tagging the whale must have forgotten to properly sterilize the tag with bleach before using it again.

The death of the whale may temporarily suspend the tagging program of NOAA or may also completely shut it down. The tag used in the whale is a satellite-linked limpet-style tag. It contains a transmitter no more than the size of 9-volt battery and has two titanium darts just over two inches long to attached to the whale. The tag is designed to detach by itself overtime without any trace in the whale.

However, investigators reported that the tag is broken off and there are pieces remained in the whale's body near major blood vessels, which may also contribute to the whale's death. Further investigation is being conducted. However, the tagging program of NOAA is suspended until all the matters are resolved.


NASA has many allies when it comes to space explorations like Japan, Europe, and Russia. But an unlikely nation says it is "interested" to cooperate with the agency in terms of space projects, Iran's space agency head said.

"Many in the world look at NASA's programs. We are interested in having cooperation naturally. When you are in orbit, there is no country and race," Mohsen Bahrami, head of Iran's space agency said in an interview.

This news surprised many because it's the first time Iran and the Iran Space Agency (ISA) expressed intent to work with the U.S. and its premiere space agency NASA in space explorations. Iran looks up to NASA's contribution to the space industry that leads to many discoveries and projects about space particularly those focused within the low-Earth orbit (LEO) and Earth monitoring systems. Iran's space agency head pointed out NASA's credibility and dominance in the space industry.

However, a careful platform should be layed out before the cooperation pushes through. Bahrami added that it can only come to fruition if the leaders of both countries will arrive with an agreement favorable to both. Bahrami also boasts of Iran's "peaceful" and powerful civil space explorations programs. Iran has already established a partnership with Russia, China, Europe and Japan, according to a report.

Iran already expressed its intention to send satellites into space. Like China and other countries, the satellites will be used for weather monitoring and other disasters such as earthquakes. However, the downside to it is that satellites can also be used for missile trajectories.

But the Iranian government is quick to dispel rumors of possible use of their satellites in weapons building. The Iran's Defense Ministry in charge in launching satellites denied that the space program will be used for developing new weaponry, according to a report by FOX News.

The Iran Space Agency started operating in 2005 and was able to send a "dummy" satellite to space in 2013. ISA dreams of sending three mini-satellites to the low-Earth orbit (LEO) in 2018.
The popular home-sharing website Airbnb is heading to federal court Thursday to wage a legal battle against its hometown of San Francisco. The preliminary injunction hearing is part of a lawsuit filed by Airbnb in June that aims to block a new San Francisco ordinance that would force home-sharing websites, like Airbnb, to remove illegal rentals that are not registered with the city. Under the new law, the city would be able to issue hefty fines to home-sharing companies if they do not remove unregistered listings.

HOSTING REQUIREMENTS IN SAN FRANCISCO INCLUDE:

Register as a business with the city of San Francisco

Sign up for an in person appointment with the Office of Short Term Rentals (1-2 day wait)

You will need a Business Registration Certificate, valid ID, proof of liability insurance

Fill out a registration application ($50 fee)

Average 3-week wait to have your application approved

San Francisco Supervisor David Campos believes the city is facing a housing crisis with rent prices skyrocketing across the city. Campos says sites like Airbnb may contribute to the decline of affordable housing and wants home sharing websites to take responsibility for their thousands of unregistered users.

It doesn't matter [if] you are a small business or a $25 billion company like Airbnb, you have to play by the rules, Campos told NBC Bay Area. That's really what this is ultimately about, and that's why San Francisco is not going to be intimidated by what is essentially a bully tactic on the part of this company.

Since February 2015, anyone in San Francisco wanting to rent out their home for less than 30 days is required to apply for a $50 permit from the Office of Short Term Rentals every two years.

But an NBC Bay Area Investigation in May found that hosts largely ignored the registration process. According to figures from Airbnb and the Office of Short Term Rentals, at least 82 percent of hosts failed to register with the city.

Folks have been robbing people of that housing, and Airbnb has been driving the getaway car, and enough is enough, said Campos during a San Francisco supervisors meeting back in June.

After NBC Bay Areas Investigation, Campos and other members of the Board of Supervisors approved a new law that would allow the city to charge home-sharing companies up to a thousand dollars per day if they allowed unregistered users to continue to post their rentals online.

Airbnb fought back, slapping the city with an 18-page lawsuit that accused San Francisco of violating the companys First Amendment rights of commercial speech. Airbnb also argued it would be a significant burden to verify whether all of its users are registered with the city.

Click Here to View Full Lawsuit

The new penalties were set to take effect in July, but San Francisco put enforcement on hold pending Airbnbs lawsuit.

David Owen heads policy strategy for Airbnb and says the citys registration process for hosts is impractical and too complicated for all users to comply.

This is a new activity, it's a new economy and the city can and should be able to develop a simpler much more innovative process to enable folks to rent out their home for a few nights out of the year without going through a process that takes six, eight weeks, Owen said. [The process] requires endless amounts of paperwork, endless amounts of interaction with a mounting list of new city agencies that seems to grow almost by the month.

While Airbnb is asking for a preliminary injunction to stall the citys new law, it is unclear whether the judge will take several days to rule on the issue or potentially announce a decision during Thursdays hearing.

Meanwhile, the $50 registration fee for renters is expected to increase to $250 in November to cover the costs of operating the Office of Short Term Rentals. Last year, taxpayers had to shell out $413,004 to keep the program going, according to an analysis by the San Francisco Controllers Office.

Owen said Airbnb would like to work with the city to revise its registration process; while Supervisor Campos wants the company to respect city law.

At the crux of the housing crisis is this question of will San Francisco continue to have a middle class, Campos said. If the court rules against the city and basically says you city government have no way of protecting the housing stock, the answer could very well be  there will be no middle class in San Francisco.

______________________________________

Watch the entire series in this NBC Bay Area investigation:
A 29-year veteran sergeant of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department died Wednesday after being shot by a burglar in Lancaster, the first time an on-duty member of the department was killed in more than a decade, authorities confirmed.

"I think it goes without saying  this is a very dark day for the sheriff's department," Capt. Steve Katz said.

Sgt. Steve Owen, 53, died of his injuries, officials announced at a news conference.

His wife -- a detective -- and adult son and daughter had just made it to the hospital to say goodbye before Owen died of his injuries.

Owen was a 2014 Medal of Valor honoree.

"Its a very difficult time, as Im sure you can imagine for many members of our department. We're all suffering," Katz said, his voice breaking.

The shooting occurred as deputies were responding to a burglary report in Lancaster, about 70 miles north of Los Angeles. Owen was one of the first to respond.

Authorities heard gunfire over the scanner, thinking this was when Owen was attacked and shot.

The man who fired shots ran into the neighborhood in the 3000 block of West Avenue J in Lancaster, prompting a search.

Aerial video showed what appeared to be at least six bullet holes in the windshield of a patrol car. The car also appeared to have damage to its passenger side door.

The shooter at one point tried to steal the deputy's cruiser, Katz said. As deputies began firing, the shooter rammed another patrol car.

The shooter was able to get away, running into a house where teens were home.

As a special weapons team went inside the home, the shooter ran out.

The shooter who fired the bullet that killed Owen was then taken into custody at 2 p.m., and a weapon was found at the shooting site. He was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the torso, and was receiving treatment.

The search was near Antelope Valley College's Lancaster campus. The school issued an alert to shelter in place and avoid the area due to the search.

Several nearby elementary and high schools were placed on lockdown.

Following the shooting, the sheriff's department released a statement.

"The tragedy of a deputy sheriff such as Sergeant Steve Owen making the ultimate sacrifice has a massive impact on the whole law enforcement family. We all mourn together and our hearts go out especially to Steve's immediate family Tania, a detective at Arson/Explosives Detail, his two adult sons Brandon and Chad, a step-daughter Shannon and his mother Millie," Sheriff Jim McDonnell said.

The Mayor of Los Angeles also commented on Owen's death.

"A courageous and decorated hero risked his life for the last time today. Steve Owen, a 29-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, was killed while responding to a plea for help -- a plea like so many others in the course of a deputy's or an officer's day. My heart is heavy for Sgt. Owen's wife and children, for law enforcement officers everywhere, and for their families, who contend every day with the fear of losing loved ones who live to protect and serve our communities," Mayor Eric Garcetti said.

A procession of law enforement vehicles with emergency lights flashing and sirens wailing escorted a coroner's van with Owen's body from the hospital in Lancaster to the coroner's office in Boyle Heights. LAPD officers and sheriff's deputies lined the streets, saluting the fallen sergeant.

"I knew him since I first got here, 2008," said California Highway Patrol officer Gil Hernandez. "We were friends. Everywhere we went, we talked, joked around. A tragedy that we lost such a great man."

Hundreds also gathered for a vigil Wednesday night at the Lancaster Sheriff's Station.

"He was very approchable," Wanda Brison said. "He will be missed."

The sheriff's department previously indicated two deputies were injured in the shooting. A separate shooting involving a deputy occurred nearby at about the same time, but the department said the deputy in the second shooting was not injured.
The two candidates for California's open U.S. Senate seat clashed in a series of pointed exchanges Wednesday over each other's competence and ability to get things done, highlighting the stakes in their only televised debate.

State Attorney General Kamala Harris and Rep. Loretta Sanchez, both Democrats, dueled over issues from crime to terrorism, seeking to sway voters in a race that has been largely overshadowed by Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

The tone was often sharply critical. Harris used the hour-long matchup at California State University, Los Angeles, to repeatedly criticize Sanchez for her poor attendance record in Washington, saying the race is about "who shows up, and who gets things done."

Sanchez attempted to frame Harris, a lifetime prosecutor, as ill-equipped for Washington at a time of global dangers, often referring to her own service on the Armed Services and Homeland Security committees in the House. She also depicted Harris untrustworthy, a politician who "says one thing and does another."

Sanchez entered the race lagging in polls and fundraising, while Harris is the pick of the Democratic establishment, counting endorsements from President Barack Obama and Gov. Jerry Brown.

Sanchez needed a command performance to try to close the gap but "Loretta Sanchez isn't any closer to the Senate than she was an hour ago," said Claremont McKenna College political scientist Jack Pitney, summing up the debate. He judged Harris' performance as adequate, including effective arguments that Sanchez was often a no-show in Washington while campaigning in California. Sanchez argued she had never missed a crucial vote.

Sanchez embraced the outsider role: "Don't listen to the establishment," she said, adding that she didn't have the Democratic Party's endorsement when she first won her House seat.

The debate offered repeated confrontations, with the candidates sometimes talking simultaneously. Sanchez frequently gestured with her hands, often thrusting a finger for emphasis.

The contest came just a few days before mail-in ballots are distributed to millions of voters.

The race marks the first time in the modern era that a Republican will not appear on the Senate ballot, the Democrats-only runoff created by the state's unusual primary election rules.

The TV audience was expected to be relatively small, and the debate will be competed for viewers with the playoff game between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets.

Sanchez, snubbed by her own party, has been trying to stitch together an unusual coalition that includes Republicans, Hispanics, Democrats and independents. She frequently faulted Harris for the state's rising violent crime rates, an issue that could resonate with GOP voters.

As fellow Democrats, the two candidates share similar positions on many issues, including the $15 minimum wage, climate change and immigration reform.

The race has been invisible to many voters.

Typically, TV commercials would begin circulating widely at this stage in a high-profile campaign. They have not.

Sanchez, in particular, has struggled to raise money and it appears unlikely she will be able to finance the kind of advertising barrage typically needed to shift voters' views.

Harris, in her second term, has run statewide campaigns and is better known.

Competence on the job was a central dispute.

Sanchez sought to tie Harris to rising homicide rates, arguing that she has failed in an area where the attorney general professes expertise. Harris recalled that in December, Sanchez was sharply criticized after suggesting that as many as two of 10 Muslims would engage in terrorism to establish a strict Islamic state.

Sanchez, from Orange County, later issued a statement saying the estimate did not reflect her views on the Muslim community in America, and most Muslims around the world are committed to peace.

Harris said such statements are "playing into the hands of ISIS,'" and responding, Sanchez accused her opponent of twisting her words.
Reports of creepy clowns have now surfaced in San Jose, with one school superintendent sending out a warning letter to students telling them to beware.

East Side Union High Superintendent Chris Funk sent a letter on Wednesday saying the district has told police about the "newest threats made on social media." He did not elaborate, because he didn't want to embolden the perpetrators. But he did say that the "hoax" mentioned the clowns were "coming to get" students at two high schools in a Facebook post.

Funk said three threats have been made at schools in the district.

Because the pranks are coming so close to Halloween, he said the district is considering clamping down on what type of costumes will be allowed on campus. Certainly, Funk said, no clown costumes  and no costume that disguises a student's identity  will be allowed.

The safety of our students, teachers and school communities is a priority, Funk wrote. We take threats of this type seriously.

Funk added that the district is on heightened alert and that no one should engage or respond to these clown threats, mostly made on Twitter. "You never know in his day and age," he said.

San Jose police said they will investigate every case just to be safe. And that's good news for James Lick High School freshman Yosabeth who said shyly, "you don't know if they're going to be around you or not."

Creepy clowns have been taking over the country since August in South Carolina. And in the Bay Area there have been threats - but no actual violence - aimed at schools in San Mateo, Fairfield, Oakland and Antioch since the beginning of October. Tweets from handles that are often deleted, make general threats, such as "I'm gonna get ya. Be ready." A woman in Concord said a clown on the street yanked her toddler's hand on Wednesday before she kicked his shin sending him to run away.

No one has been arrested in the Bay Area as of yet stemming from the clown threats.

Police in other parts of the United States, however, have been putting clowns in cuffs.

New Jersey has had five arrests in the past three days; in one case, teens were hanging out of a car window with clown masks on, and one was found with a marijuana and a knife. In Connecticut, three girls were arrested for allegedly threatening their schools on social media in two separate incidents.

Media reports indicate this type of clown hysteria crops its head up every few years, and has been documented since 1981.

NBC Bay Area's Damian Trujillo contributed to this report.
Like everyone, Pittsburg teen Mareiya Gonzales has had her share of the sniffles. She's also had those days where staying at home and watching TV seemed more fun than going to class, especially when a touch of senioritis kicked in during her final year.

But she never succumbed to a sick day.

For 11 years, the 17-year-old teen has maintained a perfect attendance rating. That means she has never missed even one lesson in algebra to go to the dentist or doctor. For sure, she never missed a spelling quiz to get a Slurpee at 7-Eleven.

For all that, Mareiya was honored Monday night at a celebration for students who have maintained unimpeachable attendance records in the Pittsburg Unified School District. Not surprisingly, Mareiya took home the biggest trophy of the night.

"All through elementary and high school, I enjoyed going," she told NBC Bay Area, when asked if it was ever tempting to break her streak. "So, I was like, why would I ever miss it? I never really had the urge."

Her principal, Todd Whitmire, called her "phenomenal." A longtime administrator, he can count "on one hand" the number of times he's seen such a spotless attendance record.

It's an accomplishment  and a dedicated mindset  that cannot be overstated, especially in a county where truancy poses significant problems in grade school and high school.

Data from the attorney general shows that elementary schools in Contra Costa County had a 30 percent truancy rating in the 2013-14 academic year, one of the worst rates in California. Truancy, defined as at least three unexcused absences, ultimately cost the county $36 million in funds and the state more than $1 billion during that year.

At the Pittsburg Unified School District, where approximately 11,000 students are enrolled, about 350 students are absent for more than 10 percent of the school year. That's a rating that's better than the national average, but boosting attendance is still a priority across high schools in California.

But Mareiya likes class, especially math, and is never lured into having a "ditch day." She said she feels at home at Pitt, and touted the school's diversity.

"At other schools, you don't get a bunch of different races," she told NBC Bay Area in an interview. "We get to see cultures and different types of activities that most people don't get to see, and I like that."

The 4.0-GPA student will be applying to several California public universities, partly because she feels they offer a more inclusive learning environment. Her first choice is UCLA.

Mareiya said that she inherited her work ethic from her parents, both of whom made sure to drill down on the importance of education at an early age.

"I know that my parents, when they were younger, lived a way different life than I did," she said. "I know they always pushed me to be my best so I didn't have to go through the same struggles."

Her mother, Magie Gonzales, works for the district and was the same age as her daughter when she had her first child. Watching Mareiya and two of her other children accept attendance awards was a moment of accomplishment for her, as well.

"My husband and I were young parents, and we always wanted to make our standards a little bit higher for our kids to reach their goals and their dreams," Magie told NBC Bay Area. "We tried to teach them that it doesn't really matter where you come from or who you are, you have that option to succeed, and we wanted to make sure our kids know that."

Gillian Edevane covers Contra Costa County for NBC Bay Area. Contact her at Gillian.Edevane@NBCUni.com
Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies will receive department-issued gun vaults to be installed in their personal vehicles to ensure the safe storage of their firearms, Sheriff Laurie Smith said.

The initiative is aimed at helping ensure firearm security in the wake of several law enforcement officers' guns being stolen from vehicles and falling into the wrong hands. The vaults also will be installed in unmarked Sheriff's Office vehicles.

A total of 750 portable gun vaults from SnapSafe will be issued for deputies, funded by donations from the Sheriffs Advisory Board. The sheriff's office on Thursday starting installing some of the gun vaults into its patrol cars.

Smith held a news conference Thursday, along with state Sen. Jerry Hill, to formally announce the gun vault program and demonstrate how they operate. Smith believes the lock boxes will save lives.

"Weve seen some recent tragedies when a firearm was stolen from a peace officer in a homicide," she said. "We want to stop that."

Hill is the author of Senate Bill 869, which requires any person, including law enforcement officers at the local, state, and federal level, to take the same precautions that civilians do when handguns are left unattended in vehicles.

San Francisco and Oakland had already issued local ordinances that addressed the same gun storage issues.

The state bill, which takes effect in January, was spurred in part by the senseless death of 32-year-old Kate Steinle, who was fatally shot in July 2015 while walking on a San Francisco pier. The gun used in the shooting had been stolen from the vehicle of Bureau of Land Management ranger.

On Thursday, Hill called on law enforcement across the country to follow Santa Clara County's example.

"When those weapons are taken, they always seem to end up in the hands of a criminal in some way or another," Hill said.

There are other several documented cases of guns being stolen from the cars of police officers; however, none stem from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. Some of the other Bay Area cases include:

In August 2015, a handgun belonging to a Hayward police officer was stolen from a car in Oakland.

Also in August, a handgun belonging to the chief of the UC Berkeley Police was stolen from her car while she was jogging. She had left the handgun in her computer bag, which was visible in the car.

A gun stolen from the car of a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer was used in the slaying of muralist Art Ramos as he painted on a wall in Oakland in September 2015.

In October 2015, the handgun of an off-duty CHP officer was stolen from his car while in San Francisco.

In January 2016, 3 handguns were stolen out of an FBI vehicle parked in a Benicia neighborhood.

Under the new law, anyone who leaves a gun unattended in a car must lock it in a trunk or secure it in a locked container that is permanently stuck to the vehicle and out of plain view.

A violation is punishable as an infraction with a fine of up to $1,000.

NBC Bay Area's Lisa Fernandez, Pete Suratos, Michelle Roberts and Alan Waples contributed to this report.
Some street lamps in San Francisco are at the center of a hot debate over whether they should be preserved as part of the city's history or removed due to their condition.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said there are more than 200 street lamps that are crumbling and not sufficient.

With a traffic and safety improvements coming to Van Ness Avenue, SFMTA said there is a plan to preserve four of the street lamps around the Civic Center.

There was a resolution asking to keep all of the street lamps, but SFMTA officials are now working on options to bring to supervisors and the Coalition on Street Lamps.

A dedicated transit lane is coming to the middle of Van Ness to allow buses to move quicker and safer.

A spokesperson said the poles for overhead bus wires need to be taller and in good shape. Many said saving the street lamps and an improved corridor can happen together.

"Our proposal isn't to retain the old poles, but to retain the beautiful lights and the brackets and affix them to new poles that can easily be done," San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin said.

Paul Rose, an SFMTA spokesman, said construction begins later this month on the Van Ness Improvement Project. Completion is expected in 2019.
Many domestic violence shelters in the Bay Area cant anticipate the number of guests that will be seeking their emergency services in a given week.

When Cheyenne Fong heard that donations often failed short of providing all of the toiletries needed by victims fleeing to shelters, she started looking for possible solutions in her own community.

She decided to start an effort called "Replenish SF."

After posting on social media, asking friends, family and anyone that would listen to donate these items, it started to gain attention.

She has started using this platform to raise awareness about domestic violence and related issues in the community.

Though collection bins and the support of those donating, Replenish SF has been able to start restocking necessities ranging from toothpaste to tampons at local shelters.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKll_yUhPoy/

The organization was one of two recognized for significant community contributions in San Mateo County's first Asian and Pacific Islander Awards.

Fong has been able to place collection bins at Aqua Surf Shop, 3847 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122, and Bomb Shell Bay Area, 1655 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030.

The awards were sponsored by the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center and the Office of San Mateo County Supervisor Carole Groom.
A clown who allegedly attempted to grab a child who was with her mother at a Concord bus stop on Wednesday remains on the loose, police say.

Tiffany Martin told police that she and 1-year-old Kissani were waiting for the bus near Willow Pass Road and Waterworld Parkway just before 1:15 p.m. when a man clad in a clown outfit walked up to them.

"He said, 'Hi'  that was it," she said. "Then he smiled and he said, 'Aww,' and he took her hand."

Martin told police that the man then began yanking on her daughter's arm.

"So I got this one pulling her," she recalled. "She is crying. She is probably wondering what is going on."

That's when Martin, who says she had just heard about clown-related threats, decided to protect her daughter, and proceeded to kick the suspect in the shin. The clown fled eastbound on Willow Pass Road toward Market Street, according to police.

Police said the clown stood about 6 feet, 2 inches tall, had blue eyes, and was wearing a blue wig and a rainbow, polka-dotted costume. And wasn't wearing big, red clown shoes, but instead had on black sneakers.

Although relieved that she was able to scare off the clown who tried to snatch her daughter, Martin said she is "scared" he will target someone else.

So far, police have been unable to locate the suspect. They did say the clown was not wearing typical clown makeup.

Wednesday's altercation follows clowns using Twitter to threaten schools in Antioch, Fairfield, Oakland, San Mateo and elsewhere in the United States. Although local police departments stepped up patrols as a precautionary measures, authorities believe the threats are hoaxes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Concord Police Department at 925-603-5913.

NBC Bay Area's Cheryl Hurd contributed to this report.
U2 took on Donald Trump at the Dreamforce benefit concert Wednesday night in the Bay Area via a virtual face-off: Bono vs. video clips of the Republican presidential candidate.

As thousands packed the Cow Palace in Daly City to watch the legendary rock band perform, the groups lead vocalist slammed Trumps wall with the help of a brilliantly-choreographed pseudo-conversation.

Now candidate  the only question we have for you this evening is, what is your vision for this great nation? Bono asked, to which Trump replied on a pre-made video clip to simulate a read dialogue: I will build a great, great wall on the southern border of the United States.

"A wall? Like the Berlin Wall? Like the Great Wall of China? Bono asked, as a beaming Trump declared on a giant screen: And I will have Mexico pay for the wall.[[396246681, C]]

Bono, who called Trump potentially the worst idea that ever happened to America, on Charlie Rose last month, didnt hesitate to use the concert to send a strong message to the Republican presidential candidate. The Cow Palace, for the night, was nicknamed the Cloud Palace in honor of Salesforces massive technology conference in San Francisco.

Now candidate, you understand, its not just Mexican people who are going to have a problem with this wall of yours, he said. Its everyone who loves the idea of America. Like the Irish, for example, or the French, or the Brazilians. Everyone who believes what they read at the foot of the Statue of Liberty: 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.[[238904721, C]]

If I win theyre going back, Trump declared in another pre-made clip.

All of them, I mean all of us? Bono asked. Now candidate, you are going to make a lot of people very upset around here. Good people are not going to stay silent while you run off with the American dream. Alright, candidate? Hear me, candidate. Smart girls in the Bay Area are not going to stay silent, even the nerdy guys around here are getting revved up, not going to stay silent. And these people here, they know a little bit about the business of America. And these guys have a message for you candidate: Youre fired.

Bono then went on to play the now-viral clip where Trump makes the comment about how he wants to punch a protester in the face. Guys like The Edge? Like Adam Clayton? Like Larry Mullen Jr.? Anyone who stands up to you? Anyone who speaks out, you want to punch him in the face? Bono asks.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff supported U2s message in a tweet: Incredible & riveting political statement as @u2's Bono creates a pseudo conversation with @realDonaldTrump in a surprise set at Dreamfest!

U2 raised more than $10 million from sponsorships and ticket sales Wednesday which will go toward helping pediatric care and research at UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospitals.

Many Salesforce employees and concert attendees also took to social media to applaud Bono.

#Bono vs #Trump at #DF16. Feeling proud to work @salesforce who give a chance to those types of initiatives, tweeted Olivier Girard.

Slay him Bono, another person tweeted.

As of 9 a.m. PST, Trump had not directed any tweets toward Bono.

During his interview with Charlie Rose, Bono didnt hide his feelings for Trump either.

"I don't think he's a Republican," he said. "I think he's hijacked the party, and I think he's trying to hijack the idea of America. And I think it's bigger than all of us. I think this is really dangerous ... Wise people of conscience should not let this man turn your country into a casino."[[396437031, C]] [[396121511, C]]
A giant banner featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin was unfurled on the side of the Manhattan Bridge on Thursday afternoon.

The banner, which shows Putin's portrait along with the word "Peacemaker" began flapping over the side of the span shortly before 2 p.m.

According to the New York Post, police officers removed the banner at about 3 p.m.

It's not clear who put the banner there, but the NYPD said it's taken it down.

It's not the first time someone's hung something from the bridge. In 2014, activists unfurled a Palestinian flag from the span during a march in support for those in Gaza.

Also that year, a pair of German artists swapped two U.S. flags atop the Brooklyn Bridge's two towers with a pair of bleached white replicas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLO4SRWgPcQ/

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More
Chicago City Council approved $25 million in borrowing to support the purchase of more than 600 new police vehicles Wednesday.

The cars are being acquired as part of Mayor Rahm Emanuels plan to grow the Chicago Police Department by nearly 1,000 officers over the course of the next two years.

Ensuring our police officers have the necessary resources to perform their duties is critical to our strategy to strengthen the Chicago Police Department, Emanuel said in a statement. By receiving the authorization to purchase these police vehicles now, we will continue our investment in the growing Chicago manufacturing industry and provide our Police Department with the tools they need to serve and protect our neighborhoods effectively.

Last month, Emanuel presented his plan for the citys public safety strategy that includes the addition of 970 positions within the CPD. The departments strength will be increased from 12,565 to 13,535 by the end of 2018. The plan involves promoting current CPD members and hiring additional officer to fill vacancies due to retirements and promotions.

The new CPD Interceptor SUVs will be built at Chicagos Ford assembly plant. The city received an additional $25 million borrowing authorization on its previously approved 2016 General Obligation bonds to support the purchase of the new vehicles over the next two years.
If Donald Trump were hoping to enlist Josh Lyman or Toby Ziegler for his West Wing staff he should probably keep looking.

"West Wing" alumns Richard Schiff and Bradley Whitford made it clear Trump is about as far from the fictional president they served, "Josiah 'Jed' Bartlett", as anyone could possibly get.

"Weve never experienced anyone so blatantly willing to care so little about what happens to the world, Schiff said, who went on to describe Trump as "pathologically fearless," and not in a good way. The actor, who played the White House communications director in the Aaron Sorkin-helmed NBC drama from 1999-2006, compared the Republican nominees speeches to "a third grader giving a book report."

Schiff has been stumping around the U.S. for democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, with recent stops in Pennsylvania and Ohio, as he warns voters about the potential ramifications of a Trump presidency.

"Its not something I enjoy," Schiff said. "I dont like the idea of convincing people of something that they dont necessarily believe, although thats part of the deal here. But I just go back to 2000, and I go back to the fact that I came very close to voting for Nader myself because I was just disappointed in Al Gore And then I got talked out of it by of all people Brad Whitford, who said, Are you out of your mind? This is what Bush and Cheney stand for, this is who they are, blah blah blah. I just needed that reminder.

"If it worked on me in 2000," he continued, "Im hoping it could work on some people who are disaffected, who are somewhat disappointed, disillusioned by this election cycle."

Schiff has appeared on the Hillary campaign trail along with fellow West Wing alums. On Sept. 24-25 in Ohio, he was joined by Whitford, Dule Hill, Allison Janney, Joshua Malina, and Mary McCormack.

Sorkins political drama has seen a resurgence in the past few years with streaming sites like Netflix, serving as an antithesis to more negative onscreen portrayals of the American government like "House of Cards."

There are striking similarities between the talking points driving this years elections and plot threads from the series, which in the early-2000s already highlighted push-button topics such as gun violence, Islamic extremism, and violence perpetrated in the name of racism.

Whitford, who recently live-tweeted the vice-presidential debate,

Pence thinks shaking your head no makes it not so......  Bradley Whitford (@BradleyWhitford) October 5, 2016

plans to campaign in his home state of Wisconsin and work phone booths in California. Whitford said he was shocked by how relevant Sorkins themes still are today.

"Not only do they remain urgent issues, but there are some striking issues where it feels like progress has gone backwards, like voting rights and campaign finance reform, he said.

But where some problems have gotten worse, others have advanced at a rate that he could have never predicted, like LGBTQ rights. That issue moved forward in a way that gives me a tremendous amount of hope when it comes to issues that have seemed absolutely impossible to talk about, like common sense gun laws, he said.

"Every issue that we dealt with in The West Wing is still going to exist today, but some might be just marginally or incrementally better than they were, and some will have regressed," Schiff added. "Were seeing examples of pockets of what seems to be institutionalized, militarized police practice that leads to unwarranted deaths of members of the minority. So thats one example of it not getting any better."

Still, improvement is nigh. At rallies, Schiff tries to emphasize that "the major problems of society dont get solved in a minute," but that change has been "quite profound in my lifetime alone, its just that we dont necessarily see it from one day to the next."

Whitford and Schiff are speaking especially to millennials who may not have witnessed the impact of political decisions like later generations, warning them that apathy will lead to dire consequences. "I want young people to understand that the next 30 years are going to be dictated by this election," Whitford said, using the Supreme Court appointments under the Bush administration as an example of long-term effects from one presidency.

"They need to understand -- whether its gay rights, the ability to afford a college education, climate change -- a Trump presidency would be an unmitigated disaster."
Authorities are trying to determine what caused an 8-year-old refugee from Congo to die not long after his arrival in Chicago.

The boy, identified as David Dieme, arrived at O'Hare International Airport from Dubai on Tuesday with his father and five siblings, Customs Border Patrol spokesman Ralph Piccirrilli said. The group was being escorted to their next flight when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer noticed that David was unresponsive.

The boy was taken to Federal Inspection Services in Terminal Five and was evaluated by Emergency Medical Services, authorities said. He was examined by Centers of Disease Control and Prevention personnel before being taken to Presence Resurrection Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities say the boy was sick before boarding the flight to the U.S. but that he reported no symptoms on the plane.

The Cook County medical examiner's office performed an autopsy Wednesday. Results are pending.
With just a few weeks to find a new place to live, some residents of a contaminated housing complex in Indiana are worried theyll be homeless.

Residents of East Chicago, say they and their children are sick because of lead poisoning. Their attorneys say they are questioning when the city of East Chicago and even the EPA knew about the contamination, and what they plan to do about it.

I had no plans on moving to be honest, said Katricia Williams, who has called West Calumet Public Houseing Complex her home for five years. Its not our fault people want to treat us like were a slum or we are nothing.

Williams was among hundreds of families no looking for a new place to livebut she recently found a 3 bedroom house in Chicago and says she hopes the same for her neighbors.

Im terrified actually. Ive been losing sleep over it, said Shantel Allen, who lives with her husband and their five children in the complex, which her attorneys say is the epicenter of lead contamination.

The city is helping with the relocation process and moving expenses, but some say things are not running smoothly.

They told me they would reimburse me cause I didnt ask to move, said Lisa Wash.

Mulch has been spread over most of the ground in the complex, in an effort to cover the soil that has been contaminated with lead, and to keep residents from breathing it in.

[Im] just wondering if my children will struggle in school, you know, with attention deficit disorder and things like that, just hoping nothing like that develops, she added.

Tikia Kings windows in the complex have been closed ever since environmental remediation teams dug up her lawn.

I didn't realize how intense the situation was. Nobody explained it, she said. Now she worries that her son Andrew, who spends much of his time in a wheelchair, was somehow affected by the lead in the soil around her home.

You wake up every morning not knowing what to do, where youre gonna go, she said. Can I get a house that is wheelchair accessible? Can I keep the same doctors? Speech therapists?

Attorneys for 85 children impacted by the contamination are investigating the source, as well as exactly when authorities knew about this problem.

When East Chicago says it had no knowledge of the contamination, the documents prove otherwise, said Allens attorney Barry Rooth.

But at an open house for residents impacted by the lead on Tuesday, the city's attorney said officials didn't know the extent of the contamination until May of this year.

That's the first time he was provided data that showed that the levels in West Calumet Park exceeded what is an acceptable level for residential, whats an acceptable level for basically any place where people or children are going to be, said Carla Morgan, an attorney for the city.

Allen said her family has been offered Section 8 vouchers to move out of the area, but the amount isnt enough to find a place nearby.
What began as a festive summer birthday celebration in Wrigleyville last July ended with some unexpected twists for DePaul senior Joe Kornblith: with police reports, store surveillance video of an alleged thief, and thousands of dollars missing from his bank account.

It was a great night. It was my buddys 21st birthday, Kornblith told NBC5 Responds.

The Glen Ellyn native says he didnt know anything was awry until the next morning, when several emails from his bank popped into his inbox. That is when he says he realized three credit cards and his phone were missing from his pocket.

A couple emails from Chase saying, There was fraudulent activity on your card. Did you authorize these transactions? And I said, No, Kornblith said.

The emails outlined a trail of six unsuccessful attempts in and around Chicagos Wrigleyville neighborhood by thieves to get ATM access to his bank account.

At that point, I feel like my account should have been frozen, the student told NBC5 Responds.

Kornblith says he immediately closed the missing credit cards, and filed police reports. But the damage was already done; after failing to get money from the Wrigleyville ATMs, the paper trail shows the thieves drove north to Gurnee. At an all-night WalMart, they successfully used Kornbliths debit card to obtain wads of cash: approximately $3,300 from this one stop.

Shortly after the incident, the Gurnee police department obtained video of the person inside WalMart using Kornbliths debit card, multiple times.

The video shows the offender to be a female black with long hair pulled in a pony tail wearing light color shorts and pink t shirt, a police report notes.

Armed with the police report and screen-grabs from the WalMart video in hand, Kornblith says it never occurred to him that his bank, Chase, would dispute his version of events.

I thought, Alright, this is what I need. This isnt me, so why shouldnt Chase see this and they should give me my money back, Kornblith said.

But that is not what happened, as Chase repeatedly declined to permanently reverse the charges against Joe Kornbliths account. Their reason?

We confirmed that the disputed charges were correct and we will not be making an adjustment to your account, the response read.

Kornblith says he and his parents were floored by Chases decision.

It just feels like Chase is trying to find reasons to not give me my money back and thats probably the most frustrating and upsetting part of the situation, Kornblith said.

When NBC5 Responds asked a Chase spokesperson to explain why the bank was denying Kornbliths request to reverse the charges, a spokesperson looked into the matter and got back to us with good news for the DePaul student and his family.

Today we called Mr. Kornblith to let him know we are honoring his claim. Given the totality of circumstances, we decided to reverse our decision, the spokesperson said.

I feel so great, Kornblith said. "NBC 5 Responds ended up getting my $3,500 dollars back and it was just a great feeling seeing that money back in my account and a weight came off my shoulders."

A Chase spokesperson confirmed one of Joes suspicions: that it appears the same thieves using his debit card and credit cards was using his phone to confirm the transactions were legitimate.

Each time the bank sent an alert, someone who had his phone was texting back confirmation regarding the purchase. Kornblith said that phone showed up in Milwaukee the day after the cash transactions were made at the Gurnee WalMart. Using Find My Phone he could see it was in the Wisconsin city.

Joe Kornblith says he got a new phone, a new bank account and now has a new plan for the next time he and his buddies hit the town.

No debit card in my pocket, he said.
Pope Francis is indicating he soon will add to the College of Cardinals, leading to speculation Chicagos Archbishop Blase Cupich may be on that list.



The pope noted a possible date for whats known as a consistory, on Sunday, Nov. 27, the first Sunday of Advent. He also indicated he may wait until the beginning of 2017.



On the plane returning from Azerbaijan on Sunday Francis said, I need to choose. And Ill do it privately, alone, as a priest, as a bishop, as Pope, but alone, thats how I want to do it.



"The list is long but there are only 13 spots," he added. "We need to think about to balance it out. But Id like to show the universality of the Church in the cardinals college, not just the, lets say, European center. A little bit of everywhere. The five continents, if we can.



Sources with ties to the Vatican say there is no longer a formal announcement from the Vatican press office. Instead, Francis himself has released the names on Sundays after the noon blessing in St. Peters Square.

Pope Francis has not yet chosen an American Cardinal. Besides Cupich the other possible Americans believed to be on the wish list include Dallas Bishop Kevin Farrell, recently appointed to a new position in Rome dedicated to the family and laity.



Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, who would become the countrys first Hispanic cardinal and Philadelphias Archbishop Charles Chaput, who is considered far more conservative than Francis.
The latest report released by the Office of the Child Advocate has renewed some loud calls coming from Republicans for the commissioner of the state Department of Children and Families, Joette Katz. to either be removed by Gov. Dannel Malloy, or for her to resign.

Katz was one of Malloys first appointees when he attained the office of the governor in 2010 and she was reappointed in 2014 and confirmed in 2015, to the objections of Sen. Len Fasano, the minority leader of the State Senate.

Fasano said Wednesday that he thinks Malloy listened to him during the most recent confirmation, though he disagreed with the outcome. Fasano wrote a letter to the governor urging him to not resubmit Katz for the position.

She was either one of the last or the last appointment after his reelection and I think thats because he did take my words to heart, Fasano said.

Fasano now says Katz, whose track record and handling of the department he describes as dysfunctional, has to go.

According to records examined by NBC Connecticut, there have been multiple issues within DCF under the watch of Katz.

In particular there have been several deaths that investigators and the Office of the Child Advocate determined to be unnatural.

One of those included the death of Athena Angeles in November 2011. At the time, Angeles was a 3-year-old who was beaten by her mothers boyfriend, and a doctor and childcare workers had reported warning signs that didnt lead to further supervision by DCF.

Another case involved the death of 20-month-old Ayden Baskay, who was beaten by his father, and his mother was responsible for keeping the childs father away from Ayden.

On the issue of the case involving Baby D, who state officials said nearly died after DCF put him in foster care, Fasano said the evidence in the case reflects a reckless pattern.

In this case it is a tremendous responsibility to this child who had two broken arms, 18 pounds, couldnt lift up his head, developmental disabilities, also had a brain hemorrhage from some time ago and were saying were doing our job? Were not doing our job! These are kids!, Fasano said.

In a statement, the governors communications director pointed to recent significant strides the department has made when it comes to its handling of individual cases.

The department has been under federal oversight for decades, and there have been recent indications that such control might not go away, but could ease in the coming years if progress continues to be made.

Kelly Donnelly, speaking on behalf of Malloy said in a statement, The fact is that the federal court monitor has said that DCF has made and sustained progress,' and plaintiffs in the Juan F. case, a suit brought against the state seeking better care for at-risk youth, have said that DCF is moving in the right direction to reform the system for thousands of children. DCF is finally moving towards exiting federal court oversight after 25 years. And while there is no doubt more work to be done to ensure we improve outcomes for all children, this is most assuredly progressany assertion otherwise is just not correct.
Henkel Corporation, which is based in Germany, will relocate its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona to Stamford, Connecticut, according to Gov. Dannel Malloy.

The company plans on a $50 million expansion project that will create up to 266 new jobs in Connecticut, according to the governors office.

This is just another example of the positive business environment found here in the state of Connecticut and is reflective of Henkels confidence in Connecticuts workforce talent, Stamford Mayor David Martin said in a statement. The City of Stamford has taken steps over the last few years to create a business climate that attracts companies like Henkel. I look forward to working with them as a corporate citizen for years to come.

Henkel offers beauty and personal care, laundry and home care, adhesives, sealants and surface treatments for consumer and industrial use.

Earlier this year, the company announced it would acquire Wilton-based The Sun Products Corporation, making Henkel is the number two laundry and home care products company in North America.

When an international company of Henkel's stature decides to relocate to our state, expand its operations, and create hundreds of new jobs, it sends a message to the rest of the world that Connecticut is serious about working with companies to grow, generate capital investment, and strengthen our economy for the residents of our state, Malloy said in a statement. Henkel is a valued member of the business community  we are proud of their decision to relocate and expand in Connecticut and we welcome the company to our state.

Its not yet clear where in Stamford the company will move, but relocation is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2017.

Henkels Adhesive Technologies General Industries division will remain in Rocky Hill, the statement from the governors office said.

Henkel and Connecticut have been partners in economic development since 1997, when Henkel acquired Loctite Corporation, Jens-Martin Schwaerzler, president of Henkel Consumer Goods Inc. North America, said in a statement. The expansion of our operations and footprint in Connecticut is a testament to this partnership and to the great economic climate, making it attractive to any growing business.

The company will also participate in the states First Five Plus program, in which the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development provides a 10-year, $20 million low-interest loan to support the project.

The company might also be eligible for up to $5 million in tax credits through the Urban and Industrial Sites Reinvestment Tax Credit program.
Several travelers at Bradley Airport on Thursday are a bit anxious about how Hurricane Matthew is affecting travel plans.

Several flights to Florida were canceled this morning and airline staff have been trying to accommodate passengers and help them reschedule flights.

Melvin Guzman, of Stuart, Florida, was in Hartford for a kidney transplant program and is trying to catch a Southwest flight to West Palm Beach, where his family lives within walking distance to the beach. He missed the flight when it boarded 45 minutes early.

It hurts because you know, thats my family thats there. I know its going to be a bad storm, Guzman said. I went from airline to airline to airline and United wanted $1,600. I cant do that.

Hurricane Matthew has brought high winds and flooding to Jamaica and Haiti and Guzmans main concern is flying debris.

No windows are boarded up at my house, nothing. I know theres going to be flying debris. I just have to wish for the best right now, he said.

Other passengers are anxious to get to Florida for other reasons. The Mozzicato family is heading to Tampa for a family reunion and theyve been watching the weather for days.

Up to last night we almost thought of changing our flights and cancelling, but we said no, we have to. Its a family reunion, our family is down there, its more important, who cares about a hurricane, Larry Mozzicato, of Broad Brook, said.

The family is hoping for the best and they have indoor activities planned in the event the weather is bad.

Peter and Brenda Marchese, of East Hartford, are just trying to get away.

Its good to get out of Connecticut. It really is. Just to get away, they said, even if the weather is bad where they are going.

Well make it good. Well have a great time no doubt, they said.

All five airlines at Bradley are offering to reschedule flights for free.

Travelers are urged to keep check the status of your flight.

American Airlines is allowing customers to change their trips with no chance fee if they are traveling to or through several airports in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and the Bahamas and the Central Caribbean.

Delta waived change fees on flights to, from and through the Caribbean between Oct. 2 and Oct. 6 that may have been impacted by Matthew. Flights Thursday and Friday in or out of eight Florida cities as well as to and from several airports in the Carolinas and Georgia can also be changed without incurring a fee. Customers who wish to cancel a trip as a result of a flight cancellation are entitled to a refund.

JetBlue Airways said passengers flying Thursday through Sunday to or from eight cities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina can change planes without a fee or additional fare. A similar offer covers Caribbean travel through Thursday.

Southwest Airlines will allow customers with flight reservations scheduled to arrive or depart cities that have been affected by or will be in the storm's path between Oct. 2 and Oct. 7, to re-book a new trip or travel standby within 14 days of their original travel date.

United Airlines said it would waive change fees and any difference in fare for customers scheduled to fly Wednesday through Friday to, from or through five airports in Florida. The waiver has also been extended to several airports in the Carolinas and Georgia.
State police have taken over the investigation into the death of a 4-month old baby girl after she was transported from a Norwalk daycare to the hospital on Wednesday night.

Police were sent to the daycare on 9 Hunters Lane Wednesday night because the little girl was not breathing and dispatchers told responding officers that CPR was in progress.

The baby was then transported to Norwalk Hospital and pronounced dead sometime later. An autopsy was done, but the results are pending further study and are not expected for the next six to eight weeks.

The state's attorney's office has asked detectives from the state police Western District Major Crime division to take over the investigation.

NBC Connecticut learned the home daycare is operated by Christine Limone and a source said she is the daughter of Norwalk mayor and former police chief Harry Rilling.

State records show Limone has been a registered child care provider since June 2002 and her license does not expire until 2018.

Limone has not been charged with any crime. On Thursday, her child care license was suspended and an administrative hearing is sheduled for Oct. 13.

The state Department of Children and Families and the Office of Early Childhood are also investigating.
State police have arrested a 14-year-old Lisbon boy who is accused of an Instagram threat.

Administrators from the Marine Science School in the city of Groton contacted state police just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday and said one student made a threatening statement to another student. According to state police, the threat implied harm would come to others.

State Police, U.S. Coast Guard Police and Groton City Police investigated, identified a 14-year-old Lisbon boy as the suspect and determined he did not have the means to carry out the threat that was reported, according to state police.

The teen was issued a summons and charged with second-degree threatening and second-degree harassment.
A group of friends who signed up for a mystery tour got an early an unexpected surprise when their trip was cancelled weeks before departure.

The company, Silver Mill Tours, said they couldnt follow through with the scheduled trip because they didnt have enough passengers. In a letter, they promised Carol Zenczak and her friends theyd receive a full refund, worth 1,800 dollars.

And then we waited, and waited, and waited, said Zenczak. And after two months, we started sending emails to [Silver Mill] asking what the problem was.

Two months after that, Zenczak reached out to NBC Connecticut Responds.

Im very disappointed with the company because we would have used them again, said Zenczak. And its our moneyit belongs to us, so we just want it back.

NBC Connecticut called and emailed a Silver Mill representative, asking about the status of the refund.

The spokesperson said the company has received an unusual amount of cancellations and that they always intended on following through with their promise.

The very next day, they did.

Zenczak and her friends received their money back.

I can put it to a lot of good uses, said Zenczak. The holidays are coming and, like I said, I could put it towards something for next year.
Bristol police will increase their presence at Bristol Central High School on Thursday as they investigate a clown-related threat against the school.

While police said they have determined that the treat originated in Florida, they still plan to be at the school to ensure safety.

The threat did not make a specific threat of violence against students, but did mention Bristol Central by name, according to police.

With assistance of Florida law enforcement, Bristol Police is no longer considering the message as a threat and said the local part of the investigation is closed.

An image of the post on Instagram said "I am coming for you."

Authorities in Florida will determine whether to take action against the juvenile.
A juvenile has been charged in an arson attack on a 10-year-old South Texas boy who suffered serious burns and is in a coma.

The Kerrville Fire Marshal said in a statement Wednesday that the juvenile, who hasn't been named, is "responsible for causing the victim's severe burns." San Antonio television station WOAI reported that the fire marshal says the juvenile has been charged with first-degree arson.

Officials responding to a fire Sunday afternoon found Kayden Culp burned. His mother, Tristyn Hatchett, says he was airlifted to a hospital and is in an induced coma. She says the burns cover 20 percent of his body, from his ears to his belly.

"He needs justice," family friend Ashley White said. "No kid deserves to go through anything he's going through."

Culp's mother says Kayden exhibits autistic behavior but hasn't been diagnosed.

Kerrville is 70 miles northwest of San Antonio.
I had a vision, an idea and it went beyond me, Susan Sargeant, the producing artistic director of WingSpan Theatre Company, said as she explained the formation of her theater. Her vision to use theater to tell a womans story continues this fall with Breadcrumbs by Jennifer Haley.

When Sargeant and her husband, Lowell, moved to Dallas in the early 1980s, Sargeant was eager to perform and took stock of a few major theatre companies and a handful of emerging theatre companies that made up Dallas theatrical landscape.

The Dallas theater industry is a welcoming professional arena for women as it was largely founded by one: Margo Jones. Her 125-seat theater-in-the-round in the late 1940s and early 1950s is credited for launching the American regional theater movement and on her shoulders stand many female artistic directors, actors, and theater professionals making their career in Dallas today.

In the early 1990s, Sargeant became an artistic associate with New Horizons Theatre Company, a theater company based at Bath House Cultural Center interested in producing plays by and about women. Beverly Jacob Daniel, the artistic director of New Horizons Theater Company, became a friend and an important mentor to Sargeant. While working at New Horizons, Sargeant learned all aspects of producing an independent theater company and the creative power of the female perspective.

Women as a group and their willingness to collaborate is a powerful entity. Partnerships are so important and directors arent dictators. When I direct, I value everyones opinions from designers, actors and playwrights as presented in the script, Sargeant said.

When New Horizons closed in 1996, Sargeant considered the woman-centric plays left unproduced by New Horizons and in 1997, she launched WingSpan Theatre Company at the Bath House Cultural Center with The Last Flapper.

As a producer, Sargeant knows what she wants in a play and Breadcrumbs fit all of her criteria.

I look for a show to fit into the space. Its small and theres an opportunity to have an intimate experience with the story. I always look for significant roles for women and Breadcrumbs has a mature role for a woman which counterpoints with a new generation. The structure is different and captivated me from the first page, Sargeant said.

The 75-minute play uses fairy tale iconography to tell the story of Alida, a brilliant fiction writer trying to finish her autobiography as dementia tangles her memories and Beth, her caretaker who is attempting help Alida while learning from her.

So many fairy tales involve little girls who are lost, who must rise to certain challenges. They are true heroine stories, and influenced me greatly as a child. Unfortunately, many of them end with Prince Charming and Happily Ever After. I wanted to get inside the genre of the fairy tale, write something that would still have heroines, but apply to contemporary life, playwright Jennifer Haley explained.

Haley wrote a play in graduate school called Gingerbreadhouse as her first attempt to write about the struggles of women and experiment with language. Alida and Beth were two of the five female characters in that initial show and a couple of years after leaving graduate school, Haley decided to develop those characters storyline into its own show.

There was something in it about the profound effect women can have on each other, both positive and negative, that made me focus on them, Haley said.

Stephanie Dunnam will play the role of Alida in Breadcrumbs. Dunnam admires certain attributes of Alida. She is telling stories about herself without revealing everything. She doesnt care about celebrity. Instead she is concerned about telling the stories. Im a purveyor of words and playing a writer dedicated to telling stories is a dream role, Dunnam said.

Haley reveals more about the importance of words to Alida in this play. The metaphor of breadcrumbs as words, which we string together to give meaning to our lives, worked well for this play. What happens when the breadcrumb trail runs out? How do we define ourselves? Haley said.

The changing role of women in theater and the way women are portrayed on stage is something Dunnam has been experiencing for decades. She saw The Heidi Chronicles for $10 and it made a significant impact.

My reaction was pretty simple. I thought, Its just about a woman! Later, I realized that was the point. I learned you dont have to follow anyone elses agenda. Choice is important, Dunnam said.

Dunnam went on to play the title role in The Heidi Chronicles and as her career has evolved, she has tried to encourage young women coming up in the field while being grateful for the pioneering women who broke ground before her.

While she notes the sexism in films and television, Dunnam does not feel there are many limitations in theater for women. She argues theater needs women. Who else is going to bring theater to the cowboy state? Dunnam implored.

Catherine D. DuBord tackles the role of Beth, an emotional opposite to Alida. Beth operates from an emotional place first. Gradually she learns the value of herself and the value of going after what she wants. Beth is a survivor. In fairy tales, going into the woods represents facing something challenging and dark about yourself. She has this willingness to look at herself, put in the work to learn about herself, and an ability to love without condition. When Beth comes out of the woods, she is a transformed woman, DuBord said.

By the end of the show, Beth sees opportunities for herself because of her relationship with Alida.

As a younger female actor, DuBord appreciates the work of those who came before her. Because of the walls they broke down, I can go forward, DuBord said. Mentors have played important roles in the careers of Sargeant, Dunnam, and DuBord, but one of DuBords most important mentors came from the academic world.

As a student at Southern Methodist University, DuBord was not instructed by women until she did an independent study with Leslie Brott, a nationally ranked professor now teaching at Utah State University. She appreciated the female perspective on the industry and they remain in contact.

DuBord has been invited to speak to acting students at Southern Methodist University and male students have approached her about being a mentor, but not female students.

DuBord always looks for female mentors and stresses the importance of networking within the industry to advance the role of women in theater. I think weve started down the right path, but Id like to see more conflicted, deep roles for a modern woman finding her place in the world, DuBord said, while arguing Dallas is the perfect place to develop those important roles for women. Dallas doesnt have to cater to the old guard. Dallas can risks that bigger markets cant take yet.

Creating those more complex roles for women was Jennifer Haleys impetus for writing. As an actress in college at the University of Texas in Austin, I was so disappointed with the kinds of roles that came along. They were small, often dull, often prostitutes. So I wrote a play with two strong female roles, cast myself and one of my wonderful actress friends. The play was a Sam Shepard-inspired magical realism kitchen sink drama called Sabbath Days in a Hot Pickup, Haley explained. Haley was fortunate that playwright and teacher Suzan Zeder saw the show and encouraged her to keep writing.

Zeder was only one of her playwriting mentors. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel became Haleys mentor while she was at Brown University and her influence is immense.

Her influence was about designing an entire program that challenged writers on their safety zones. She exposed me to not only her amazing wisdom, but also mind-blowing reading lists, other fantastically talented professors, production challenges, and after graduation, professional opportunities. The best advice she gave me was, Write what you hate. It was one of the many various writing prompts she tossed out while I was in school, but I never forgot it and it lead me writing The Nether, which broke me into the mainstream as a playwright. Most of all, she gave the courage to become intensely playful as a writer, to follow deeper urges and sweep aside fears that what I was writing was too dark, too experimental, too anything for an audience, Haley said.

In turn, Haley has become a mentor for many playwrights when she somewhat accidentally founded the Playwrights Union after moving to Los Angeles in 2006. The group of thirty playwrights gather multiple times a year to encourage and challenge each other.

Our signature event is a writing challenge every February, wherein participating members write brand new plays over the course of a month, and a subsequent public reading festival, Haley said.

In addition to developing her writing skills and professional contacts, Haley has met some of her best friends in this group. This support network is invaluable.

For ten years, Haley self-produced her work before others began to take notice. In doing that, she may have navigated around a bias many female playwrights run into when it comes to getting their work produced. Too often artistic directors complain they do not see enough scripts from female playwrights or claim they simply pick the best scripts without any respect to the playwrights gender.

In 2013, a group of female playwrights and producers decided to tackle the issue head-on and formed The Kilroys, named after World War II soldiers who left the graffiti tag Kilroy Was Here in unusual places. Each year, The Kilroys develop The List, an aptly named list of unproduced or under-produced yet esteemed plays by female playwrights in hopes of garnering the attention of artistic directors and producers.

Their work has gotten Haleys attention. I never felt a bias  and indeed, got to attend a conference because they realized they needed a woman. However, thanks to Theatre Communications Group and groups like The Kilroys, it is clear to me that there are deep gender parity issues in our system, Haley said.

Female playwrights, producers, directors and actors will continue to push for more opportunities to tell their stories  and the theater world will be all the more magical for their efforts.

Breadcrumbs runs at the Bath House Cultural Center from October 6-22. For tickets and information, visit www.wingspantheatre.com.

Kimberly Richard is a North Texan with a passion for the arts. Shes worked with Theatre Three, Inc. and interned for the English National Opera and Royal Shakespeare Company. She graduated from Austin College and currently lives in Garland with her very pampered cocker spaniel, Tessa.
A long-time North Texan and very long-time service member is getting the gift of a lifetime, a new home made just for him and his family.

Army Sgt. Randy Nantz helped break ground on the new home Thursday morning that will be built in the Harvest neighborhood of Northlake.

The mortgage-free home is being built by the group "Building Homes for Heroes" and will be catered to make life easier for the injured veteran.

Nantz began serving just after Sept. 11, 2001, but was injured in Iraq during an explosion in 2006. He suffered serious burns to and nearly lost both legs.

However, after years of battling, he made the tough decision to amputate the one that took the worst damage.

The group plans to make the home completely accessible for the Green Beret and his family.

"It's like a dream come true, really. I'm going to be able to come back in the area I love so much. I'm going to have a home in one of the best neighborhoods in the area, said Nantz.

The group hopes to have the home completed in 2017.
Fort Worth Firefighters had to rescue a man caught climbing the interior wall of the Speedway Club Atrium at Texas Motor Speedway.

It happened late Wednesday night.

Fire crews found the man near the top of the 12 to 13 story building clinging to one of the bars that makes up the scaffolding.

Specially-trained techinical rescue teams were able to reach the man, get a climbing harness on him and a safety rope, and lower him to the ground.

He was assessed by a Fort Worth Fire Department paramedic, then handed over to the Fort Worth Police Department.

No word on why he was climbing TMS.
Nine days had passed since Jeff Gillis, at home in Houston had last heard from his wife.

During that phone call, Gills' wife told him she was extending her business trip in China, but he grew anxious. He filed a missing person's report with U.S. consular officials whose response left him flabbergasted: His wife, a business consultant, had been detained by Chinese state security agents almost two weeks earlier.

Now, 18 months later, Phan Phan-Gillis is still detained, charged with spying and awaiting trial in China, consigned to an unknown fate in a highly opaque and impenetrable legal system in which even the charges brought against her remain cloudy. Gillis says that his wife appears to have been accused of spying against China two decades ago, although even her Chinese lawyer says he has been barred by Chinese law from providing details.

Despite the scant information, Gillis has set about trying to prove his 56-year-old wife's innocence. He hopes documents he has uncovered will help free Phan-Gillis, known as Sandy to friends. Her lawyer says her trial has been postponed indefinitely from its original Sept. 19 court date.

The case speaks to both rising suspicion between Beijing and Washington and China's drive to pursue those accused of crimes occurring outside its borders. Gillis says part of the charge relates to alleged spying carried out within the United States.

"China probably is now more aggressive in pursuing anyone who can be regarded as harming China's interests," said Fu Hualing, a law professor at the University of Hong Kong.

"If they think there's a violation of Chinese criminal law and the impact is felt within China they are willing to pursue that and they think that they probably have the capacity to do that now," he said. "Imagine: The case happened in the '90s. It's not like it happened recently."

Phan-Gillis' lawyer, Shang Baojun, said the American is charged with spying, but that he could not provide details because the case involves state secrets. The maximum sentence for spying is the death penalty.

The court in Nanning, a city in southern China near the Vietnamese border, also refused to release specifics about the case.

"It is a closed trial because it involves state secrets, so it is inappropriate for us to release information ... including the date of the trial," said Tang Xingzhong, administrative head at the Nanning Intermediate People's Court. Calls to the prosecutor in charge of the case rang unanswered.

Jeff Gillis, 54, said the charge relates to "beyond ridiculous" allegations that Phan-Gillis went on a spy mission to Nanning in 1996, then returned to the U.S. and recruited Chinese citizens to work for a foreign spy organization within the United States in 1997 and 1998. He says the foreign spy organization is alleged to be the FBI. The bureau's press office declined to comment.

Nanning is the capital of Guangxi, a poor farming region neighboring Guangdong province, where Phan-Gillis' family has its roots. Ethnically Chinese, Phan-Gillis was born in Vietnam and left that country as a teenager after the end of the Vietnam War, ending up via a harrowing boat journey in a refugee camp in Malaysia. She became an American citizen, met Gillis in 2001 and married him a year later.

Gillis said his wife, a consultant who matched investors with projects, traveled to China numerous times on business and as a volunteer to promote cultural and business exchanges and better health care. Most of her trips have been to the southern business centers of Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Gillis said he had never heard his wife mention Guangxi until she brought it up in a phone call during her detention  his first clue in his quest to free her.

Phan-Gillis was detained in March 2015; that September, Gillis quit his job as a U.S. production services manager for an oilfield services company to focus full time on freeing her. He remains in Houston; lawyers told him he should not come to China for the trial.

Gillis started reading up on how Chinese cases work, and knew that he and the lawyers would only have a short window to prepare a defense once charges were filed and revealed to them.

Lawyer Shang said they could read Phan-Gillis' case file only in early September  more than six weeks after she was indicted. Her legal team is not allowed to photocopy or take photos of the hundreds of pages.

"We can only copy it by hand," Shang said.

Gillis knew virtually nothing about why his wife was in custody before he received an unexpected phone call about a year ago. At the time, Chinese President Xi Jinping was in the U.S. meeting President Barack Obama, and Gillis had just started a media campaign to coincide with Xi's visit.

It was his wife. She frantically asked him to stop.

"She was pretty much begging me to tell the people who were on the phone in the room with her that I was going to stop the media campaign," Gillis said by phone from Houston. But she was also allowed to tell him that "the case involved some people who she had known from Guangxi over 20 years ago."

Soon, he was digging through his wife's old files, sorting them by year. When he learned more about the accusations he went straight to the boxes labeled "1996," "1997" and "1998."

"The house still looks like a warehouse. I have boxes stacked everywhere," he said.

Gillis is thankful for his wife's tendency to hoard, because she left behind documents that show she couldn't have been present for the offenses he says she is accused of committing.

"I have the passport that shows that she didn't even have a visa in '96, no entries or exits. I have her pay stubs that show that she was not off on extended leave."

He has found old receipts and a newspaper article with a photograph of Phan-Gillis attending a horse event in Houston when she is alleged to have been in China. He has submitted the documents to his wife's lawyers, and has pressed politicians to write letters on her behalf.

U.S. consular officials are allowed to visit Phan-Gillis once a month. Gillis said she told them that threats and relentless interrogation sessions caused her to suffer a heart attack.

"Hearing how they had treated her, it made me cry," he said. He said that, together with the knowledge that Chinese authorities have charged his wife with spying, and "with allegations that were easily provable to be false," is why he has decided to publicly discuss her case.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said that China "continues to withhold many details of the case."

"We remain deeply concerned about Ms. Phan-Gillis' welfare and continue to monitor her case closely," he said in a statement.
A North Dallas man is so angry with Wells Fargo, he has taken out a full-page ad in The Dallas Morning News and three other newspapers Thursday to the tune of a quarter-of-a-million dollars.

Lacy Harber, 80, of Dennison, says he lost close to $5 million one day alone in a dealing with one of the branches of Wells Fargo.

It has been very upsetting to both Harber and his wife, and in his full-page ad, he used the words "greed," "dishonesty," and "betrayal" in describing the San Francisco-based banking giant.

Harber says he is a longtime customer, and Wells Fargo profited from him, while he lost millions of dollars.

Harber is asking the Senate Banking Committee and House Financial Services Members to look into the advisors at Wells Fargo. The bank itself has already been facing questions about its practices on Capitol Hill.

"It has been my goal since we got married to work hard, be honest, don't steal, don't lie, make a whole lot of money, and before we die, give it all away to charity," said Harber in an interview with NBC 5.

Harber said his message was all about principal. He is self-made and planned to leave $500 million plus the profits from the trading accounts from Wells Fargo to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Harber says when he was 7 years old, he had a severe curvature of the spine. He lived in Abilene, and Scottish Rite paid for him to take the train to the hospital for treatment every six weeks.

"Today at 80 years. I am still alive," said Harber. "It is the smallest payback."

CLICK HERE to read more from our media partners at The Dallas Morning News.
Creepy clown sightings are prompting police agencies in more North Texas cities to take action.

On Wednesday, several more cities said they were monitoring alleged threats made on social media. Some have even made arrests.

But this new hoax trend is having an unusual side effect for professional clowns.

"I've had cancellations," said professional clown Shimmy Giggles, whose real name is Carrie Ray.

But the backlash doesn't end there. Ray says others in her clown community have received threatening phone calls and some have almost been run off the road while driving in costume.

"It's very hurtful. It's tough for me to even talk about it," she said.

The damage, she says, is so bad that Ray and several other clowns came to the Fort Worth Police Department to record a public service announcement on Wednesday.

In the PSA, a Fort Worth police officer encourages people to be respectful of each other heading into the Halloween holiday season. The clowns are in the background.

"A real clown doesn't scare people," Ray said. "We're out there to show love."
The shooting situation at Baylor University is all clear, Baylor officials confirmed. Students, faculty and staff are safe.

BAYLOR ALERT: All Clear! Normal operations may resume. Faculty/staff/students: Watch your Baylor email for more information.  Baylor University (@Baylor) October 6, 2016

The shooting situation was first reported to have taken place near the Baylor University campus Thursday afternoon.

Students, staff and faculty near the school were told to take shelter immediately.

Baylor posted an alert on their Facebook and Twitter pages warning students about a man last seen at Ivy Avenue and 7th Street walking towards campus.

BAYLOR ALERT: Black male, late teens/early 20s, fade haircut, wearing white tank top, tan shorts, last seen headed toward campus on 7th St.  Baylor University (@Baylor) October 6, 2016

According to the Baylor University Twitter, the shooting occurred at 9th Street and Garrett Avenue off campus.

The individual is described as a black male in his late teens and early 20s with a fade haircut. He was wearing a white tank top with tan shorts and was last seen heading towards campus.

The man was seen exiting a large 4 door gold sedan, Texas license plate FWS7414, according to the Baylor University Facebook page.

The Baylor Alert twitter account said it was a dangerous situation and asked everyone to seek shelter away from doors and windows.
Texas police were led on a wild police chase in Dallas County Thursday, as the fleeing driver jumped curbs, crossed medians and rammed through signs before crashing into a fence.

A Dallas police helicopter began tracking the black SUV after a report that the vehicle was stolen. Garland police joined the pursuit when the SUV crossed into their city limits.

The SUV lost control while cutting across a large median near Audelia Road and Skillman Street in Dallas. The vehicle careened through street signs and narrowly missed several other vehicles before slamming into a fence.

Officers surrounded the SUV and arrested the driver, who has not been identified.

Additional information was not immeditately available.
The woman who allegedly ordered the murder of a Dallas dentist arrived at D/FW International Airport at about 6 p.m. Thursday after being extradited from Mexico.

VIDEO: Murder suspect Brenda Delgado escorted off Aeromexico flight at DFW Airport. @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/0lraK2aBLU  ScottGordonNBC5 (@ScottGordonNBC5) October 6, 2016

Brenda Delgado is charged in the murder of pediatric dentist Kendra Hatcher, who had had a relationship with Delgados ex-boyfriend.

Hatcher, 35, was gunned down in an Uptown parking garage on Sept. 2, 2015.

Delgado hired the alleged gunman, Kristopher Love, and the alleged getaway driver, Chrystal Cortes, police said. Both have been in custody.

Delgado was arrested in April in Torreon, a city in northern Mexico, after she was put on the FBIs Ten Most Wanted List.

The woman who allegedly ordered the murder of a Dallas dentist is being extradited to North Texas from Mexico.

Police in Dallas questioned her after Hatchers murder, but didnt have enough evidence initially to arrest her.

She then fled to Mexico, police said.

Delgados attorney, George Milner, said he learned from family members that she was returning to face the charges and that he hoped to meet with her soon after her return.
Hurricane Matthew has officially left 473 people dead as of Oct. 11, according to the National Civil Protection headquarters in Port-au-Prince. But local officials in one southwestern region, Grand-Anse, said the death toll there alone tops 500.

The U.N. humanitarian agency in Geneva made an emergency appeal for nearly $120 million in aid, saying about 750,000 people in southwest Haiti alone will need "life-saving assistance and protection" in the next three months.

U.N. officials said earlier that at least 1.4 million people across the region need assistance and that 2.1 million overall have been affected by the hurricane.

U.N. Deputy Special Representative for Haiti Mourad Wahba called it the country's worst humanitarian crisis since the devastating earthquake of 2010.

Many organizations are collecting supplies and financial donations for victims of the storm, which made landfall in Haiti as a Category 4 hurricane. It was the most powerful to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade, affecting Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.

A weakened Hurricane Matthew also impacted Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, with 39 deaths attributed there to the hurricane or causes linked to the storm like carbon monoxide poisoning, NBC News reported.

Here are some organizations you can support to help victims of the storm:

International Red Cross: Over 3,000 volunteers and staff of the Red Cross in Haiti have been mobilized to aid communities in the path of powerful Hurricane Matthew and are prepared to deliver first aid and other medical care, clean water and sanitation and shelter assistance. Donate here.

The American Red Cross was getting ready for a massive multi-state response to the hurricane. More than 500 disaster workers and 90 response vehicles are standing by in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, the Red Cross said. Donate here or donate $10 by texting 90999.

Volunteer Florida has established a volunteer registration link for those interested in assisting Floridians after Hurricane Matthew. Register here to volunteer.

Food For The Poor: The international relief and development organization expects to eventually send nearly two million pounds of rice to alleviate the food scarcity issues which Hurricane Matthew is going to cause. Donate here.

The Salvation Army is mobilizing resources and personnel to assist with the international relief effort in Haiti and Jamaica. Donate here.

UNICEF: The United Nation's Children's Fund is dedicated to helping children. Donate here to support its Matthew relief efforts.

Save the Children is helping children and families with emergency assistance. Donate here.

CARE plans to provide clean drinking water, food assistance and emergency supplies such as tarps for shelter, blankets and hygiene kits, according to a press release. Donate here.

Catholic Relief Services is ready to move personnel, and transport and deliver relief items to Haiti. Donate here.
Local Oncor crews are on the way to the Southeast United States to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

On Thursday morning dozens of workers and equipment trucks gathered at the Tanger Outlets in Terrell to convoy to Mississippi where theyll spend the night before heading to the hurricane affected areas.

The North Texas chapter of the American Red Cross is stepping in to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

The power company is sending about 450 volunteers from across the service area to provide mutual assistance to crews in Florida and Georgia.

"We'll do everything from putting lines back up, setting new poles, clearing limbs and trees that have fallen on power lines, really anything that would occur here we will do there, said company spokesman Kris Spears. Obviously the devastation after a hurricane will be a little bit different, but it is something we're used to."

[NATL] Dramatic Images From Hurricane Matthew

Crews in the affected area have helped out North Texas in the past.

Spears said one of the most recent events saw workers from all over coming to help Oncor during the 2012 ice storms in DFW.

Now Oncor workers said its their turn to return the favor.

"So many of our employees have done a lot of this mutual assistance work before. We helped out in Hurricanes Ike, Katrina, Rita, we were up in the Northeast for Superstorm Sandy, Spears said.

The Oncor teams plan to be in Florida and Georgia by Saturday morning so they are ready to respond immediately as the storm hits the region.
A man suspected of being under the influence of drugs stabbed a K9 officer with a BBQ fork as police tried to arrest him early Wednesday, authorities said.

The violent attack on the police dog, whose name is Mickey, happened just before 1 a.m. in the 700 block of 16th Street in San Diegos Egger Highlands community.

According to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), the mans family called authorities to report that he was acting erratically and possibly on a controlled substance. The family was concerned about his well-being and wanted him evaluated.

As police arrived at the mans home on Coronado Avenue, he ran away, armed with a BBQ fork.

A couple of hours later he returned home and began banging on the doors and windows, the SDPD said. Officers were once again called to the area and the man, once again, ran away.

Half an hour later, police tracked down the man on 16th Street. He was still wielding the BBQ fork, police said, and refused to follow orders from officers.

The SDPD said a K9 officer was deployed to help apprehend the man. As the dog approached, the man stabbed the K9 twice with the BBQ fork, once in the neck and once on his backside.

Steven Luke/NBC 7 San Diego

Officers Tasered the man and took him into custody. No other officers were injured.

The police dog was taken to a local animal hospital but is expected to survive. Officials said Mickey was home with his handler Wednesday morning, resting and recovering.

Mickey is a Belgian Malinois who has been with the SDPD for a year-and-a-half. He came to the police department when he was four years old, after beibng trained in Europe.

The incident is under investigation; the mans name was not released.

A man armed with a BBQ fork and suspected of being under the influence of drugs stabbed a police dog before being Tasered. NBC 7s Elena Gomez reports.
A 16-year-old boy killed in a police shooting who had a replica handgun confronted the officers with the "desire to end his own life," Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck said at a news conference Thursday.

"Based on actions of [the teen], his call to 911, a farewell note left to his family, and some of his prior history as reported by his family, we believe this officer-involved shooting is a result of his desire to end his own life," Beck said.

The teen was shot and killed Sunday afternoon as police responded to reports of a man with a gun.

NBC4 is not naming the teen out of respect for his family.

"We are deeply saddened by these events. My heart goes out to his family, as well as the officer in this shooting," Beck said.

The shooting occurred in South Los Angeles when officers approached two people, one of whom matched the description in the initial call of an armed subject.

"As the officers approached the male to initiate a pedestrian stop, the male turned and pointed a handgun at the officers, at which time there was an officer-involved shooting," Chief Charlie Beck said at a news conference Thursday.

He died at a hospital.

Officers recovered the replica handgun at the scene. Replica guns are usually equipped with bright orange tips, but the tip of the replica was painted black, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said Monday.

Beck said it's believed that the boy called 911 himself from his cellphone to report a man with a gun. The teen's parents identified the boy's voice on the call, Beck said.

Beck said the officers were wearing body-worn video cameras, and he viewed the video Monday morning.

"It clearly supports the officers' prior statements and versions of this incident, and it clearly refutes any reports that this individual... was shot while he was laying on the ground," Beck said. "That did not happen."

The shooting was one of two fatal police shootings over the weekend. Carnell Snell Jr., 18, was shot and killed by police at the end of a South LA pursuit.

The Los Angeles Police Department released security camera video Tuesday that Beck said shows Snell was armed with a handgun before officers killed him. Snell turned twice toward officers during the foot chase, which occurred at the end of the brief vehicle pursuit, Beck added.

The video was released ahead of Tuesday morning's police commission meeting, at which Beck addressed the shooting. Protesters in the audience turned their back to Beck and raised their fists during his presentation, which was interrupted several times before commissioners took an unscheduled break.
A handwritten note from a 9-year-old girl was among the items left at a memorial outside the Lancaster Sheriff's Station in honor of a sergeant shot and killed Wednesday after responding to a burglary.

Tearful residents visited the station, located in the high desert community north of Los Angeles, to remember Sgt. Steven Owen. The 53-year-old veteran of the department was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon while answering a burglary report.

There were candles, flags and flowers outside the place where he was known as a respected and compassionate member of the law enforcement community. The visitors included a 9-year-old girl who left a note of support for a grieving department.

"Thank you to all the police out there that risk their lives just for us," said Jordyn Fisher, whose mother joined her to pay their respects. "You were there when I needed you."

One man outside the sheriff's station said he was there to offer prayers for Owen, a 29-year veteran of the department who had arrested him several years ago, but who had since counseled him and was a father figure to him.

"He was like the father you never had, to the community," Bishop Vaughn said. "He cares. He doesn't attack, he cares."

Friend Buddy Turner said Owen had a big heart and thought of himself as someone who could make a difference in the community.

"It's not that he wanted to take everybody to jail, that wasn't his thing," said Turner. "He just wanted to make this valley a better place."

Sheriff Jim McDonnell cut short a trip to a conference in Hawaii to return to Los Angeles in light of Owen's death.

"The tragedy of a deputy sheriff such as Sergeant Steve Owen making the ultimate sacrifice has a massive impact on the whole law enforcement family," McDonnell said Wednesday.

Owen's mother, adult son and daughter and his wife, who is a detective in the Sheriff Department's Arson/Explosives Detail, were at his bedside when he died, according to the sheriff's department. Owen, who also is survived by another adult son, was a 29-year decorated veteran, authorities said.

RIP w/ Honor Sgt Steven C. Owen. #LASD will never forget, we will continue to carry on your legacy of public service https://t.co/ExY6egkiec pic.twitter.com/M3bR2bLLxO  LA County Sheriff (@LASDHQ) October 6, 2016

The gunman, taken into custody after a manhunt and foot chase through a Lancaster neighborhood, was identified only as a parolee. He was hospitalized for treatment of a gunshot wound to his upper body, investigators said.

Owen was shot in the backyard at around 12:30 p.m. after he answered a report of a burglary in progress at an apartment building on West Avenue J-7. He was shot in the face with a large-caliber bullet that fragmented, said Mayor R. Rex Parris, who knew Owen for 10 years.

Investigators said another deputy in front heard gunfire, ran around the building and found Owen wounded. It wasn't immediately clear whether Owen managed to shoot back, sheriff's homicide Capt. Steven Katz said.

The gunman was arrested after getting into Owen's patrol car, ramming a second police vehicle, then hiding in a home as two teenagers cowered, authorities said. The attacker was shot at twice, once as he tried to take the patrol car and again as he backed up and rammed a second patrol car, Katz said.

As deputies sealed off the neighborhood, the gunman ran to a house where a teenage boy and girl managed to hide and use a cellphone to text sheriff's deputies, authorities said. SWAT members entered the home to rescue the pair and the suspected gunman fled out the back door and was captured after climbing over a wall, officials said.
The source of the skin irritations that have affected students and staff at an Orange County elementary school is a blood-feeding mite that was found in one of the school's playgrounds, according to health officials.

Mite specialist Steve Bennet of the Orange County Vector and Mosquito Control found evidence of 25 mites in a sample of wood chips from one of the three Lake Forest Elementary's playgrounds.

"Everything about this mite fits the bill for what has caused these types of injuries," vector control spokesman Jared Dever told the OC Register.

The mites are from the Mesostigmata order, which feed on blood.

Bennet took samples of wood chips from highly-used areas of the playgrounds. The wood chips were added right around the time the skin irritations started occurring.

"We've asked for those wood chips to be removed from the playground areas to remove the mite physically from property," Denver said.

The campus was sprayed with pesticides several times while health officials worked to determine the source of the outbreak. The campus may need to be sprayed again to target the mites.

About 30 students and 10 staff members have been afflicted with the rashes, concerning many parents and puzzling health and school officials.

The first outbreak was reported on Sept. 15.

Sarah Magner's daughter Harlee was one of the students who reported the skin irritation after she developed what looked like bug bites a few weeks ago.

"She never welted real big, like some of those other pictures," Magner said. "But that's probably because I put a lot of calamine lotion on there and anti-itch cream."

The district said it will work with Vector Control to fix the problem, but were relieved to have likely found the source of the mysterious outbreak.

"The district and all the staff share in the frustration with not knowing what the problem was, and I think there's relief, and we're excited to be able to address the issue," said Tammy Blakely of Saddleback Valley Unified School District.

The infested playground remained blocked off Thursday.

Rick Montanez contributed to this report.
For the first time, 3-year-old twins met the Orange County woman who saved their lives by donating bone marrow.

Zoey and Zayne, identical twins from Canada, look like other adorable toddlers, riding around in matching pink strollers, wearing matching lace dresses.

But something makes them entirely different from many other identical twins out in the world. They have a have a potentially deadly genetic blood disorder.

Just two years ago, their young lives were in danger. They needed a bone marrow donor. But not just any donor - they needed to find a perfect match.

"It's a matter of life and death. These girls might not have been here if it wasn't for Judiel," said Brittani Luce, who works with DKMS, a nonprofit working to end blood cancer.

After family members failed to be a match for the girls, DKMS stepped in to help search.

Miraculously, they found Judiel Annis, a 32-year-old Orange County resident.

The transplant not only saved the twin's lives - it was a medical first. It was the first time twins with their specific disease have been cured by a bone marrow transplant.

After the stars aligned to allow Annis to donate bone marrow to the twins, she hadn't ever met them.

"Oh, they are amazing. I can't wait to be able to play with them," Annis said.

Then the moment came Wednesday when the twins, parents, and donor were all brought together.

"The moment I saw them, and as soon as I hugged the parents, it was amazing," Annis said.

Annis says she wants to share the twins story, not to be recognized, but to encourage people to be tested.

"All it takes is a swab to save a life and in my case I got to save two," Annis said.

The girls' mother could not agree more.

"We are encouraging all people, if they can donate," Reina Espayos said. "There are so many people they can help live."

As for Annis, she's an honorary aunt now.

"Looks like she is now part of our family. She's going to be connected to us forever," Espayos said.
Rod Temperton, a British-born musician and songwriter with a singular knack for pop-funk who wrote the Michael Jackson classics "Thriller," ''Rock With You" and many other hits, has died of cancer in London at 66.

His music publisher said in a statement Wednesday that Temperton had died last week of an "aggressive" cancer. No other details were provided.

Jon Platt of Warner/Chappell said Temperton was the sole writer of "Thriller," ''Off the Wall," ''Rock with You" and other major songs. Temperton started his career in the disco band Heatwave and collaborated with Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, Anita Baker and many others.

He was best known as a songwriter and worked closely with producer Quincy Jones on groundbreaking tracks for Jackson's mega-selling "Off the Wall" and "Thriller" albums.

Platt said Temperton was sometimes known as "the invisible man" for his behind-the-scenes role.

Temperton was a native of the seaside town of Cleethorpes, 180 miles (290 kilometers) north of London. He had been working in a frozen fish factory in the mid-1970s when he responded to an ad and joined Heatwave, an international group for whom he played keyboards and wrote two major hits, the disco favorite "Boogie Nights" and the ballad "Always and Forever."

"Always and Forever" attracted wide attention and was later covered by Luther Vandross, among others.

R.I.P to the legend Rod Temperton  The Weeknd (@theweeknd) October 5, 2016

His work with Heatwave attracted the attention of Jones, who was then working with Jackson.

Temperton revealed a gift for both fast and slow numbers, whether the easygoing "Rock with You" or the sci-fi funk of the title track from "Thriller."

In a 2009 interview with The Telegraph, Temperton said "Thriller" was originally called "Starlight" until Jones asked him to find a new title.

"I went back to the hotel, wrote two or three hundred titles and came up with 'Midnight Man,'" he recalled. "The next morning I woke up and I just said this word (thriller). Something in my head just said, 'This is the title'. "You could visualize it at the top of the Billboard charts. You could see the merchandising for this one word, how it jumped off the page as 'Thriller'''.

His success went beyond the worldwide smash that "Thriller" became. Numerous other artists would have hits with his work, including George Benson with "Give Me the Night" and Donna Summer with "Love Is in Control (finger on the Trigger)."

Temperton also received an Oscar nomination as a co-writer of "Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)," from the soundtrack of "The Color Purple," and contributed several songs to the Billy Crystal-Gregory Hines comedy "Running Scared."

In 2009, The Guardian newspaper described Temperton as a "reclusive, Grammy-winning genius who has always shunned the spotlight." The newspaper said he was rarely seen in public and rarely photographed.

Temperton once told BBC radio he had been lulled to sleep as a baby by the sound of music on a transistor radio placed in his crib.

Platt said Temperton's family is "devastated" and has held a private funeral. He said they are requesting privacy at "the saddest of sad times."
What to Know A woman allegedly attacked by an Uber driver blames company policies for what she called a delay in an arrest

Uber policies require a subpoena to be issued before disclosing basing information about a driver; it also wants a search warrant

The woman's attorney says livery cabs, many of which are affiliated with Uber, should implement the same tracking system yellow cab use

A woman visiting from California who was allegedly attacked by her Uber driver is furious that it took more than a month for him to be arrested and she blames Uber's policies.

Abbey Thomas, who is from Los Angeles, was in New York City on business over the summer. On July 28, she went out with a co-worker near Gramercy Park and ordered an Uber car to take her back to her hotel, six blocks away.

"For whatever reason, he didn't want to take me and he was getting agitated and upset," Thomas told the I-Team.

Thomas says the driver was yelling and cursing at her, demanding she leave the car, but she wouldn't budge. She says he even got out of the car and tried to pull her out. He left her half hanging out of the cab and jumped back into the driver seat, she says.

"He just took right off. Didn't stop, ran a red light and just left me on the street," Thomas said. "I rolled out, and I was bleeding out of the back of my head where I hit the ground. I had bruises and lacerations up and down my leg."

Thomas says the driver also took her phone. And that caused problems when she filed a police report. Without her phone, and no Uber app, Thomas had no confirmed information on her driver. She said she remembered at least part of his name, what he looked like and that he was driving a Toyota sedan.

Thomas claims the NYPD detectives handling her case tried and failed to get the driver's information.

"The guys at the 13th precinct did everything they could do to support this," Thomas said. "They told me from day one they would have to get a subpoena from Uber. 'It's a long process. We're not going to be able to get this guy's information without it.'"

The NYPD confirms there is an issue with Uber not providing information to police without a subpoena, which Thomas claimed led to a delayed arrest of the driver, Abul Hassan. Hassan was arrested in early September, more than a month after the alleged attack, on a charge of leaving the scene of an accident with an injury.

Thomas' lawyer, Brad Gerstman, has filed a lawsuit against the driver for the alleged attack and against Uber because, according to the lawsuit, the company "refused to cooperate with the police in providing information."

An Uber spokesperson said the company cant comment on pending litigation and referred the I-Team to its guidelines for law enforcement which spells out procedure for releasing information on drivers.

"Typically, we require a subpoena issued in connection with an official criminal investigation to compel the disclosure of basic information," the guidelines say.



The guidelines also say a search warrant is necessary to compel the company to hand over "communications between people using Uber and GPS location information."



The spokesperson also said Hassan no longer works for Uber.

Thirty nine thousand of the more than 51,000 black livery cabs in the city are affiliated with Uber, and Gerstman argues that the TPEP system required in the city's 13,000 yellow cabs to track driver information and location should be installed in all its livery cabs as well.

If it were implemented that way, Gerstman says, in the case of a problem like his client's, "They could just circle back to TLC. Who is the driver? Where's the location? What other cars were in the area at the time? They know every single thing when it comes to the yellow cab, but if it's an Uber driver, they know absolutely 0."

Thomas' story doesn't sit well with Democratic councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, who represents Manhattan's 10th district and has been critical of Uber.



"Any company looking to provide services in our city should be cooperating with law enforcement, especially in cases where an assault has occurred," Rodriguez said.



Hassan declined NBC 4 New York's request for comment on the matter. He is awaiting arraignment on the charge of leaving the scene of an accident with injury, according to the district attorney's office.



The TLC says it is the only entity that can suspend or revoke a driver's license, so it is says riders should reach out to 311, in addition to the proper law enforcement authorities, if they have a problem with a driver.

If not, when a driver is suspended from one car service like Uber, he or she could easily work at another.
A 23-year-old New Jersey man faces charges after he was allegedly found with 910 bags of heroin Monday, authorities say.



Police say officers with Toms River's special enforcement team were surveilling the Ocean County Mall parking lot and saw a man who resembled Iquan Small, who had an active warrant out for his arrest, pull into the lot.



Police approached Small's car and arrested him on the warrant. Authorities say cops found 160 bags of heroin on him and another 750 bags of the drug in his car; the seizures had a combined street value of more than $5,000.



Small was charged with possession of heroin and possession of more than half an ounce of the drug with intent to distribute. He is being held at the Ocean County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.



Information on an attorney for him wasn't immediately available. The nature of the previous warrant also wasn't known.
The off-duty Suffolk County police officer who allegedly drove the wrong way on Sunrise Highway, hitting and killing another driver, had a blood alcohol level more than two times the legal limit, prosecutors say.

The officer, 24-year-old Robert Scheuerer, had a BAC of .17 percent, more than twice the legal limit, toxicology tests performed by the Suffolk County crime lab show. The test results were released Wednesday by the Suffolk County district attorney's office, who said the off-duty officer had been drinking at a bar before the crash.

Scheuerer was driving his 2000 Nissan Pathfinder in the wrong direction on the westbound side of the the highway when he crashed into a Ford van between exits 39 and 40 in West Islip shortly before 5 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, Suffolk County police say.

The van caught fire, and the driver of the van was pronounced dead at the scene, his body burned beyond recognition. Police have tentatively identified the man, but will need a DNA test before they release a name.

Scheuerer was arraigned Tuesday on a charge of felony first-degree reckless endangerment at Southside Hospital, where he remains in serious condition, prosecutors said. Cash bail was set $150,000, and he is set to appear in court on Nov. 17.

His attorney William Petrillo said to NBC 4 New York, "It would be very wise and very responsible for anyone assessing this case not to pre-judge it and to wait until it all comes out."

Suffolk police say he has been suspended without pay.
As Hurricane Matthew gained new muscle over the Bahamas and swirled toward Florida, U.S. airlines canceled thousands of flights and airports in the storm's track ceased operations.

By 2 p.m. Thursday, nearly 2,800 flights had been canceled from Wednesday through Friday in anticipation of Matthew, according to FlightAware.com. American Airlines, which has a major hub in Miami, was the hardest-hit carrier, followed by Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways.

American Airlines announced Thursday at 6 p.m. that most of its flights would resume sometime Friday morning or afternoon. At Miami International Airport, the airline said, AA arrivals will resume Friday morning at 10 a.m. A reduced departure schedule will begin Friday at 1 p.m. and a full departure schedule at 4 p.m.

Miami, along with Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, both shut down Thursday. Fort Lauderdale halted operations at 10:30 a.m. with Miami following at noon.

Orlando International Airport announced Thursday afternoon that it would cease commercial operations at 8 p.m. ET. It anticipates to resume flights on Saturday, Oct. 8, contingent on staff availability and clean-up ability. The airport said 110 arrival flights and 75 departure flights have already been canceled.

Orlando Melbourne International Airport closed at 2:30 p.m. Thursday. It was not clear when it expect to reopen. Jacksonville International Airport remains open, but noted several flights have been canceled. "Check flight status with your airline before coming to the airport," JAX wrote in a tweet.

The Palm Beach International Airport website doesn't say when flights will be suspended, but asked travelers to stay away, noting that the airport is not intended for use as a shelter.

[NATL] Dramatic Images From Hurricane Matthew

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said Wednesday that Miami's international airport would remain open until the Federal Aviation Administration determines that it is unsafe. The FAA ceases all operations in the tower when sustained winds reach 55 mph.

Miami airport officials encourage travelers to contact airlines before going to the airport.

"The airport is not a shelter. The airport is a business and if the hurricane conditions merit shelters being opened, passengers would be evacuated to a shelter," said Suzy Trutie, spokesperson for Miami International Airport.

Changing Flights

Hurricane Matthew has prompted airlines to offer travel waivers to passengers scheduled to fly from airports impacted by the storm.

Airlines had previously offered Matthew-related change-fee waivers to areas in the Caribbean hit by the powerful hurricane but are now extending them to cover U.S. airports as well.

American said it would waive change fees on trips scheduled between Oct. 5 to Oct. 9 from certain airports in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina. The airline had already offered waivers on trips scheduled through Thursday in several Caribbean nations including Cuba.

United Airlines said it would waive change fees and any difference in fare for customers scheduled to fly Wednesday through Friday to, from or through five airports in Florida. The waiver has also been extended to several airports in the Carolinas and Georgia.

Delta waived change fees on flights to, from and through the Caribbean between Oct. 2 and Oct. 6 that may have been impacted by Matthew. Flights Thursday and Friday in or out of eight Florida cities as well as to and from several airports in the Carolinas and Georgia can also be changed without incuring fee. Customers who wish to cancel a trip as a result of a flight cancellation are entitled to a refund.

JetBlue Airways said passengers flying Thursday through Sunday to or from eight cities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina can change planes without a fee or additional fare. A similar offer covers Caribbean travel through Thursday.

Spirit Airlines said it would waive the change fee and fare difference on Florida trips Thursday and Friday.

Southwest Airlines will allow customers with flight reservations scheduled to arrive or depart cities that have been affected by or will be in the storm's path between Oct. 2 and Oct. 7, to re-book a new trip or travel standby within 14 days of their original travel date.

Airports were closing, flights were cancelled and schools and other organizations were closing their doors in South Florida ahead of Hurricane Matthew.

Cruises



Cruises have also been affected by Hurricane Matthew, with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line all rerouting some ships or modifying the order of ports.

For instance, the Carnival Elation  which is currently in the middle of a five-day cruise  is skipping Half Moon Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas, adding in an extra day at sea and an extra day in Key West, Florida. The Carnival Conquest skipped a stop in the Dominican Republic for an extra day at sea.

Royal Caribbean, however, has changed the date for at least one cruise sailing out of Port Miami. The Empress of the Seas will now depart Friday instead of Thursday.

Port Canaveral has announced it will close by Wednesday afternoon, the first time the naval port has shut down operations since 2004.

Bus and Rail

Amtrak suspended passenger rail service through Friday between Miami and New York and the auto train between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida. A line that normally runs from New York to Savannah, Georgia, only went as far south as Washington.

Transit Operations have also been affected by the storm. Broward County Transit will cancel all scheduled bus service and paratransit service for Thursday. The county said it will decide on what service will run on Friday and Thursday evening.
The Hotel de Pourtales in Paris, where Kim Kardashian West was robbed at gunpoint on Monday, was not equipped with security cameras, a high-level judicial source close to the investigation told NBC News on Thursday.

The source said investigators have to use footage from surrounding areas to profile the five criminals. In addition to lack of surveillance, the hotel only had one concierge to monitor threats, making it an easy target.

Information also came to light this week that the security company of Kardashian West's bodyguard filed for bankruptcy just 10 weeks before the robbery. Pascal Duvier's German-based firm, ProtectSecurity, was dissolved on July 28, according to court records from the German city of Heidelberg.
Portugal's former prime minister Antonio Guterres won the Security Council's unanimous backing Wednesday to become the next U.N. secretary-general, winning plaudits for his strong leadership but disappointing campaigners for a woman or East European to be the world's top diplomat for the first time.

The veteran politician and diplomat, who served as the U.N.'s refugee chief until December, topped all six informal polls in the council after his performance in the first-ever question-and-answer sessions in the 193-member General Assembly, which received high marks from almost every diplomat.

Britain's U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said the assembly hearings showed that Guterres "was an outstanding candidate ... who will take the United Nations to the next level in terms of leadership" and will provide "a moral authority at a time when the world is divided on issues, above all like Syria."

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, the current Security Council president, appeared before reporters surrounded by the 14 other council ambassadors after the sixth informal poll of the 10 remaining candidates was held behind closed doors saying: "You are witnessing, I think, a historic scene."

Churkin then thanked all the candidates saying they displayed "a lot of wisdom, understanding and concern for the fate of the world" and announced: "We have a clear favorite, and his name is Antonio Guterres."

He said the Security Council would hold a formal vote on Thursday morning and expressed hope that the council will recommend Guterres by "acclamation" to the 193-member General Assembly, which must approve a successor to Ban Ki-moon whose second five-year term ends on Dec. 31.

By tradition, the job of secretary-general has rotated among regions. Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe have all held the post. East European nations, including Russia, argue that they have never had a secretary-general and it was their turn. There has also never been a woman secretary-general and more than 50 nations and many others campaigned to elect the first female U.N. chief.

There was disappointment among East Europeans, who fielded many candidates in the race but never united behind one, and among supporters hoping for a woman. Seven of the 13 candidates who entered the race were women.

Antonia Kirkland, program manager for Equality Now, which has campaigned for a woman secretary-general since 1996, said: "While it is disappointing that a man has once again been proposed by the U.N. Security Council as secretary-general, we are at least hopeful that he will continue the feminist agenda."

She said this should include "first of all, ensuring gender parity among his staff at the Secretariat, and also prioritizing violence and discrimination against women as a pivotal issue."

Christiana Figueres of Costa Rica, the U.N. official who played a key role in shaping last December's historic agreement to fight climate change and one of three candidates who dropped out of the race, tweeted: "Bittersweet results #NextSG. Bitter: not a woman. Sweet: by far the best man in the race. Congrats Antonio Guterres! We are all with you."

In the fifth "straw" poll on Sept. 28, Guterres received two "discourage" votes and there was a lot of speculation about whether Russia would support him.

The sixth poll on Wednesday morning was considered key because it was the first to use colored ballots to distinguish the votes of the five veto-wielding Security Council members  the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France.

"The permanent members had red ballots and the non-permanent members had white ballots," Britain's Rycroft told reporters later.

He said "the crucial moment" for him was the announcement of the result of the fifth permanent member which showed Guterres had no "discourage" votes from any council member.

In that final vote, Guterres had 13 "encourage" votes, no "discourage" votes and two "no opinions." He was the only candidate to top the required nine "encourage" votes and no "discourage" vote from a permanent member.

Far behind in second place was Slovakia's Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak with a vote of 7-6-2 including two "discourage" votes from permanent members. Serbia's former foreign minister Vuk Jeremic had the same result but three "discourage" votes from permanent members.

The highest-ranked woman, UNESCO chief Irina Bokova of Bulgaria, was fourth. Bulgaria's Prime Minister Boiko Borisov dropped the government's support for Bokova last week in favor of European commissioner Kristalina Georgieva, who came in seventh.

The 1 for 7 Billion Campaign, which lobbied for greater openness, inclusivity and meritocracy in the selection of the new secretary-general, called Guterres' top showing "a triumph" for its goals.

"He was 'wrong' in terms of gender and region, but was widely considered to have done well in his General Assembly dialogue and in other events, with many commenting on his experience and ability to inspire," said campaign co-founder Natalie Samarasinghe.

U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power praised the "much more transparent process" of selecting a new U.N. chief and said Guterres' "breakthrough" was his performance in the General Assembly and his experience.

"I think this is a day of unity," she said. "In the end there was just a candidate whose experience, vision and versatility across a range of areas proved compelling and it was remarkably uncontentious, uncontroversial."
Donald Trump took about a dozen questions from supporters at his New Hampshire town hall event Thursday. But the first half of the event was more of a speech, where he started by highlighting the latest polls that show him leading Hillary Clinton.

Trump held the uncharacteristic town hall forum three days before he goes head-to-head with Hillary Clinton at the second presidential debate, which will take a similar format. But don't suggest to Trump that this was in any way a warm-up act.

"Even today, they said 'Donald Trump is going to New Hampshire to practice for Sunday.' This has nothing to do with Sunday. And it's like they make you into, like, a child," Trump said. "I love the people of New Hampshire. This was set up a little while ago, they were going to cancel it, and I said 'why are you going to cancel it?' 'Well, you want to debate prep.' I said 'Forget debate prep.' I mean, give me a break. Do you really think that Hillary Clinton is debate prepping for three or four days? Hillary Clinton is resting. OK? She's resting. She wants to build up her energy for Sunday night. And you know what? That's fine. But the narrative is so foolish. I'm here for one reason. I love the people of New Hampshire."

Trump was asked by his supporters to name Obama's foreign-policy failures, what he would say to Hispanics deceived by Obama and if he planned to be tougher on Clinton in the next debate.

"I did hold back," Trump said of the first debate. "I thought it was just inappropriate to say what I was really thinking I would say and I held back ... I'd much rather have it be on policy, and I didn't like getting into the into the gutter."

Trump's fired campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, a New Hampshire native, was at the event, as was trusted adviser and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, said to be a key figure in helping Trump to master the "art of the town hall."
#Itaewon tragedy Ruling party vows to improve nat'l safety net following Itaewon tragedy The ruling People Power Party (PPP) vowed Friday to double check and improve safety infrastructure after more than 150 people were killed in a crowd crush in Seoul over the weekend...

#KBO Battle of homegrown aces set in Korean Series opener Two of the best homegrown pitchers in South Korean baseball this season will go head-to-head to open the championship series Tuesday. The SSG Landers will host the Kiwoom Heroes...
A majority of Philadelphians support Mayor Jim Kenneys tax on sweetened drinks, according to a Pew Charitable Trusts poll released Wednesday, but warm feelings about the tax appear to be divided along generational lines.

The mostly cellphone poll, which surveyed 1,640 residents, showed that 54 percent backed Kenneys so-called soda tax, whereas 42 percent held an unfavorable view of the levy.

For the full article, click here.

For more business news, visit Philadelphia Business Journal.
Ride the Ducks in Philadelphia has shut down indefinitely, according to a post on the company's official website Wednesday.

The post read "As of October 5, 2016, Ride The Ducks Philadelphia has suspended operations indefinitely."

Calls to the numbers provided in the post went unanswered Wednesday night, but a statement posted to the company's website cited a 330% increase in insurance premiums as the main reason for the shutdown.

"We are working with the 42 full and part-time employees from our Philadelphia location offering severance and outplacement assistance," the statement read in part. [[396103701, C]]

The shut down comes more than four months after Philadelphia attorney Robert J. Mongeluzzi called for a moratorium on duck boat tour operations nationwide following deadly incidents.

Late Wednesday, Mongeluzzi issued a statement saying in part, "Philadelphia tourists and pedestrians are safer now that Ride the Ducks Philadelphia has unexpectedly announced an immediate and indefinite suspension of service."

In April, a 29-year-old woman was killed and her passenger was injured after the scooter she was driving was struck by an amphibious sightseeing vehicle in downtown Boston.

A duck boat crashed into a charter bus, killing five passengers on the bus last year in Seattle. Two Hungarian tourists were killed in 2010 when a sightseeing duck boat was hit by a barge on the Delaware River near Philadelphia.

Also in Philadelphia, a Ride the Ducks vehicle struck and killed a woman in 2015 who witnesses say was crossing the street, distracted by her cellphone.

How many more people have to die in duck boat accidents before authorities realize they are deadly on land and in the water, Mongeluzzi wrote in a released statement, back in April. Through our experience representing victims of duck boat disasters weve determined they are fatally flawed; theyre death traps on the water due to their hazardous canopy design and on land they are engineered to restrict the peripheral vision of the operator, creating significant blind spots.

Duck boats were first used by the U.S. Army when it deployed thousands of amphibious landing craft during World War II that were known then by their military designation, DUKW. Once the war was over, they were used by civilian law enforcement agencies and also converted to sightseeing vehicles in U.S. cities. The DUKW designation was replaced with the duck boat moniker that is used by various tour companies.
A New Jersey man faces drug dealing charges after being found with 910 packets of heroin in a mall parking lot.

A special Toms River Police enforcement team was doing surveillance on the Ocean County Mall Tuesday when they saw Iquan Smalls car pull into the parking lot, said police Thursday.

There was an active warrant out for the 23-year-old Seaside Heights man so police approached the car to arrest Small, said police.

A search during Smalls arrest revealed 160 wax folds of heroin on him, said investigators. Officers then found another 750 wax folds  distributed in 15 bricks  in Smalls car, they said.

Police estimated the street value of the 910 packets of the powerful opioid at more than $5,000.

A judge arraigned Small on heroin distribution and possession charges and sent him to county jail in lieu of $100,000 bail, said police. [[373570681, C]]
At 29, Christy Keronen had big dreams. The ambitious young woman was was well-loved, dedicated her time to taking care of her elderly father, and hoped to someday start her own cleaning company, her brother said.



So when CJ Keronen heard that his sister, his support system for his whole life with whom he shared a home in Lakewood, Ocean County, died violently at the hands of a man who later took his own life, the devastating news shocked him.



"I've not completely wrapped my head around the situation," CJ Keronen wrote in an email to NBC10 on Thursday, a day after police found his sister dead in the Jackson Township home of a man they identified as 32-year-old Tyree Johnson. Authorities said they believe Johnson killed himself after killing Christy Keronen.



CJ Keronen said he and his sister, who was six years younger than him, spent their whole lives supporting each other, and became even closer after their mother died nine years ago.



"We have been living together, we work together, take care of our elderly father together," CJ Keronen said. "We did everything as a team."



He remembered his sister as a kind woman who was "full of ambition" and well-loved by everyone who crossed her path. "She's the type of person who would give you the shirt off her back," CJ Keronen wrote. "Always thinking of others before herself."



CJ Keronen reported his sister missing to police in Lakewood on Wednesday -- the same day officers in Jackson discovered her body -- after he hadn't seen her since Sunday evening and grew worried. It was unlike Christy not to show up for work or come home at night without a phone call.



The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said a 911 call to police in Holmdel about 7:30 Wednesday morning reporting a man's body hanging from the bucket of a Comcast truck led police to discover Johnson's apparent suicide. When they went to his home in hopes of notifying his family of his death, authorities said, they found Christy Keronen dead of apparent head trauma in the kitchen.



A spokesman for the prosecutor's office said that he could confirm only that Christy Keronen and Johnson knew each other in some capacity.



CJ Keronen said his sister and Johnson were friends, and that his sister had told Johnson numerous times that she was interested only in a platonic friendship with him. "I've overheard her mention to other friends that she would have to cut him out of her life if he couldn't accept that," CJ Keronen wrote in an email.



"I'm still in shock as to what happened," he wrote. "Christy's always had admirers, but never did I think it would come this far."



He posted a heartfelt tribute to his sister on his Facebook page in the wake of her tragic death.



"I lost my sister, my best friend, this weekend," CJ Keronen wrote in the post. "The hardest thing I ever had to do in my life was to explain to my father that his baby girl is dead. Words can't even explain what I'm feeling right now.



"I love you Christy Keronen," he ended the post. "May you forever rest in peace."
Miami-Dade and Broward County have been spared the worst of deadly Hurricane Matthew. The storm stayed about 100 miles away from land in South Florida while moving north up the coast. The slower wind speeds led to minimal damage.

Thursday night, A Hurricane Warning for Broward County was downgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning. The Tropical Storm Warning for Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties was also canceled.

"The great news for Miami-Dade County is that the worst of the storm will be over by midnight," said Mayor Carlos Gimenez as he announced that the county is downgrading the response to the storm.

Hurricane Matthew is still a catastrophic Category 3 storm after leaving a path of destruction in the Caribbean.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami continues to call the storm "extremely dangerous." As of 5 AM, Matthew was packing maximum sustained winds of 120 miles per hour and was traveling northwest at 12 miles per hour.

"Get out ... this storm will kill you," Florida Gov. Rick Scott said during a news conference earlier Thursday, warning residents in the evacuation zones.

President Obama on Thursday issued an emergency declaration for Florida and ordered federal aid for the state.

Hurricane conditions were also still affecting the Bahamas. The storm is the most powerful to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade.

A Florida utility company, Florida Power and Light, warned on Twitter that 2.5 million people could lose power from the storm. At 10 p.m., more than 52,200 people are reported without power in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

The hurricane center extended a warning area to a large swath of Florida's east coast farther up to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. And it said a newly expanded hurricane watch area would now reach from the Altamaha Sound to the South Santee River in South Carolina.

As Matthew put the U.S. in its sights, about 2 million people were encouraged to head inland.

Most of the deaths so far have been in Haiti, where heavy damage was reported. Its interior minister said the death toll had risen to 283. Six other deaths were reported in the Caribbean.

The concern about the hurricane is if it makes deviations from the path it's on.

A small move can mean a lot," Scott said. "It could mean the difference between life and death. That's why we have to prepare for a direct hit."

Either way, forecasters say it will come close enough to wreak havoc along the lower part of the East Coast, dumping up to 15 inches in rain in some spots. A storm surge of 5 feet to 8 feet was expected along the coast from central Florida into Georgia.

None of this mattered to John Long, who lives in the Florida town of Cape Canaveral.

"The hype is going to be worse than the actual storm. I feel I can do quite well," said Long, who owns a bike shop and plans to ride out the storm with his cat in his 32-foot recreational vehicle a half-mile from the ocean. He has lived in the Space Coast area for three decades. "There's always tremendous buildup and then it's no stronger than an afternoon thunderstorm. I'm not anticipating that much damage," he said Wednesday.

Scott has urged people to reconsider.

"This is a dangerous storm," Scott said. "The storm has already killed people. We should expect the same impact in Florida."

Scott announced that he had activated an additional 1,000 National Guard members to help with Matthew response and recovery efforts. There are 3,500 members now activated, more than half the available troops.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has deployed officials to emergency operation centers in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Warnings also were issued in Georgia and the Carolinas, where the storm is expected to arrive by the weekend. The last Category 3 storm or higher to hit the United States was Wilma in October 2005. It made landfall with 120 mph winds in southwest Florida, killing five people as it slashed across the state.

In South Carolina, Gov. Nikki Haley reversed the lanes of Interstate 26 for the first time on Wednesday so that all lanes of traffic were headed west and out of Charleston. Plans to reverse the lanes were put in place after hourslong traffic jams during Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

She said that as of 6 a.m. Thursday morning, 175,000 people have left, which "isn't enough" and urged people to leave as soon as possible.

South Carolina wants a total of about 500,000 people to evacuate. Florida urged or ordered about 1.5 million to leave the coast, said Jackie Schutz, a spokeswoman for Scott. In Georgia, Gov. Nathan Deal on Thursday ordered a mandatory evacuation east of Interstate 95 for six coastal counties-- Bryan, Chatham, Liberty, McIntosh, Glynn and Camden. The voluntary evacuation request, issued Wednesday remains in effect for residents west of I-95 in those counties.

On Tybee Island, home to Georgia's largest public beach, Loren Kook was loading up his pickup truck with suitcases and a computer late Wednesday afternoon. He and his wife were trying to decide whether to board up their windows overlooking the marsh grasses of Horsepen Creek before hitting the road to metro Atlanta.

"It seems like a lot of the longtime residents are staying," said Kook, who moved to the coast four years ago. "I've never sat through a Category Whatever. I'll watch it on TV."

Despite evacuation orders and dire warnings, Robert and Georgette Tyler said they were staying put in their 500-square foot rental home in Cape Canaveral, undeterred that Matthew might soon be pounding at their door.

Taking a break from putting plywood on windows, Robert Tyler said he feared getting stuck in traffic and that it was too much trouble to pack up his motorcycles and firearms. He has two generators, 50 gallons of fuel and enough food and water for a week. Plus, he is a handyman and his phone will be ringing off the hook once the storm passes.

"It's part of Florida life I guess, especially on the coast," he said.
What to Know Donald Trump Jr and Ivanka Trump garner very little support among NYC voters for a mayoral run

More voters back Donald Trump Jr than back Ivanka Trump in next year's race for mayor

Trump Jr said this summer he would be interested in running next year

The Trump family's warm welcome from some voters only goes so far, apparently.

An overwhelming majority of polled New York City voters do not want Donald Trump's two eldest children to run for mayor next year, according to a new Wall Street Journal / NBC 4 New York / Marist Poll.

Some 81 percent of registered voters who participated in the poll oppose an Ivanka Trump mayoral ticket, and 80 percent oppose a run by her brother Donald Trump Jr., according to the poll.

Donald Trump Jr. said in July he would be open to challenging Mayor Bill de Blasio next year. Ivanka Trump has not expressed any interest in running, though many see her as a possible political candidate at some point given her work promoting her father's campaign.

Among registered Republicans, Trump Jr. has 5 percentage points more support than his sister. He also draws more support from independents, and has higher backing from both male and female voters.

The Marist poll released Wednesday put de Blasio's approval rating at a 17-month high and found that 50 percent of registered voters think he should be re-elected.

The telephone survey of adults ages 18 and up, speaking either English or Spanish, was conducted Sept. 27 to Sept. 29. Marist surveyed 1,094 adults, of whom 799 were registered voters. The margin of error was 3.5 percentage points.
The U.S. Navy is commissioning the USS John P. Murtha, a new ship named in honor of the late longtime Pennsylvania congressman and decorated Marine Corps veteran. And, two of Pennsylvania's iconic brands will be feeding guests and crew members.

Thousands are expected to honor Murtha on Saturday around 10 a.m. at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia during a ceremony to place the ship into active service.

Murtha, a Democrat, served as a U.S. Marines Corps Reserve officer and later as a member of the Pennsylvania House. He was the first Vietnam War veteran elected to Congress and became the longest-serving congressman in Pennsylvania history shortly before his death in 2010.

The two-time Purple Heart recipient earned a number of other accolades for his service, including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.

Ships like the USS John P. Murtha support military and humanitarian missions.

Convenience store chains Sheetz and Wawa teamed up to announce a plan to supply box lunches to Murtha's family members, hundreds of crew, local officials and more.

"We at Sheetz are truly honored to come together with Wawa in support of the USS John P. Murtha Ceremony. The entire Sheetz family is humbled by this extraordinary opportunity to honor the late, great Congressman from one of our hometown heritage markets. Congressman Murthas service contributed greatly to the Johnstown community, his larger district and the entire country, and his commitment and dedication will not be forgotten," said Sheetz CEO and president Joe Sheetz.

"All of us at Wawa are proud to team up with Sheetz to represent our state and celebrate this important, historic event," said Wawa president and CEO Chris Gheysens. "As two companies committed to bringing our customers and communities together, we feel privileged to be a part of this ceremony and to have the chance to honor Pennsylvanias longest serving congressman and decorated combat veteran who has done so much for citizens and veterans across the Commonwealth and beyond. Honoring those who serve in our nations defense is especially important to us, and we are delighted to serve the ships crew and guests at this event."
A New Jersey shore town that threatened to fine people who fed seagulls on the boardwalk did not write any tickets this summer.

Ocean City Police Sgt. Steve Ang tells The Press of Atlantic City officers mostly observed the gulls stealing food instead. Ang says the seagulls have become so aggressive "they scoop down and they just take the food right out of your hand."

At the beginning of the summer, Mayor Jay Gillian issued a public notice that seagull feeding would not be tolerated. Those caught engaging in feeding the gulls would be subject to a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Gillian said that complaints about the gulls had increased.

A warning from the police chief was played from loudspeakers throughout the summer.
A new study from JAMA Psychiatry discovered a link between birth control use and depression, particularly when it comes to adolescent women.

The study looked at over one million women. When they were prescribed certain forms of hormonal contraceptives, their chance of being diagnosed with depression more than doubled.

However, a psychiatrist specializing in children and teens at Kaiser Permanente spoke with NBC 7, and expressed skepticism towards the study. She said that like most studies it has a flaw because it only looked at the womens' medical records without considering other factors.

"That is the age that incidents of depression significantly increase and so probably that is the reason that we're seeing some correlation, but it's not clear in this study," Dr. Breda Velasquez said.

Dr. Velasquez says not all teens have issues when going through hormonal changes but because the study looks at medical records, it asks more questions than it gives answers.

"This is not a new topic in psychiatry. So there are many other studies that look into (the) relationship just with hormones in general and link to psychiatric disorders," she said.

Data from the study out of the University of Copenhagen does show a distinct link between birth control users and depression. There are various forms of birth control and so the percentages vary for each one.

Dr. Velasquez also says like most studies, you can find a flaw in this particular one in that the study just looked at medical records of women in their teens and twenties and did not look into other reasons that could cause depression.

If you have concerns, Dr. Velasquez says to consult your physician before making any drastic changes.

The study came out just before National Depression Screening Day, which is Thursday, Oct. 6.

Read the full study, including effects of individual forms of birth control, by clicking here.
The city is launching a campaign to crack down on illegal marijuana dispensaries and ask residents to only buy medical marijuana at shops operating under city-approved legal licenses.

On Thursday morning, the "Buy Safe, Buy Legal" campaign was launched through the partnership of the United Medical Marijuana Coalition (UMMC) and City Attorney Jan Goldsmith.

The goal of the campaign is to help medical marijuana patients understand which dispensaries are legal and which are breaking the law by operating illegally without any supervision from the city.

Legal dispensaries must follow strict health and zoning regulations, which includes paying taxes, regulating products and following city laws.

Just last week, an illegal dispensary operating on University Avenue within 300 feet of an elementary school was raided by police.

City officials say to beware of illegal dispensaries that operate outside the law with no respect for the community. Often these shops pose dangers to anyone who walks through the doors.

About 300 illegal dispensaries have been shut down by the city attorney. Some have refused to close, forcing the city to obtain search warrants on 12. Nine illegal shop owners have been charged and may receive jail time.

Inside these illegal shops, police have discovered illegal weapons, drugs and employees with criminal records. To make matters worse, the City Attorney says it's impossible to know what you're truly buying.

In order to avoid these risky shops, the city asks residents to familiarize themselves with the 14 legal dispensaries and make sure to look for a UMMC logo.

Fourteen medical marijuana dispensaries are currently operating legally in the city, with six remaining under construction. The city urges the community to only support these businesses, and stay away from illegal pot shops.

UMMC is an industry organization representing the 14 San Diego dispensaries that have followed all City laws designed to provide medical marijuana patients with safe access and protect the character of the neighborhoods where dispensaries operate.
A couple accused of attempting to carry a dead toddler inside a duffel bag across the U.S.-Mexico border will be tried in Los Angeles County, the LA Deputy District Attorney said Thursday.

The suspects -- Mercy Mary Becerra, 43, and Johnny Lewis Hartley, 39 -- of Whittier, California, face four felony counts of murder, torture, human trafficking and assault on a child in connection with the case.

Both Becerra and Hartley are set to appear in court this Friday at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles, the LA District Attorney Office confirmed.

Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Lisa Coen of the Sex Crimes Division has been assigned to the case. Between Nov. 2012 and Aug. 2016, prosecutors said Becerra and Hartley allegedly trafficked a woman.

During that time, they kidnapped the woman's daughter, severely abused the child and eventually killed her on or around Aug. 9, 2016, the LA District Attorney's Office said in a press release Thursday.

On Aug. 9, prosecutors say the couple tried to cross the U.S.-Mexico border at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in south San Diego. Hartley was carrying a duffle bag, which held the body of the two-year-old girl they had allegedly been abusing.

When Mexican law enforcement officials scanned Hartley's bag in an X-ray machine, they discovered the body of the little girl, San Diego police said.

Hartley and Becerra were arrested by Mexican authorities and deported back to the U.S. side of the border where they were turned over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Ultimately, investigators determined the child had been drowned. San Diego Deputy DA Kurt Mechals said the drowning happened in Whittier.

If convicted, prosecutors say Hartley and Becerra each face a maximum sentence of life in state prison. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Whittier Police Department and San Diego Police Department, are working together in the ongoing investigation.
A man accused of driving drunk without a license when he hit and killed a Lyft driver who had stopped to help his sick passengers could face nearly 30 years in prison if convicted.

Steven Quintero faces multiple charges related to the fatal Saturday crash, including second degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence causing injury, driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or greater, driving on a suspended license and leaving the scene of a crime, according to San Diego Deputy District Attorney Cally Bright.

Bright also revealed Quintero was charged with a prior DUI in Nov. 2015.

The crash happened when Lyft driver Henry O. Reyes pulled over on the side of State Route 94 on Saturday to help one of the passengers in his car, who had gotten sick. Quintero allegedly slammed into the back of Reyes' car, lost control and landed in an embankment.

Reyes was pronounced dead at the scene. The 41-year old was a father of a two-year old; he died on his birthday.

All three passengers were injured in the crash, Bright said, one seriously.

CHP officers said Quintero ran away, but was later arrested, charged and booked into prison.

Bright said that thanks to a state grant, the DA's office has been able to get involved sooner and act more aggressively.

"All with the hopes of putting together these cases in a way that we make murder charges on these cases because in this day and age, its completely changed from years ago," Bright said.

She says the office now reviews every case for possible murder charges, then, if they cannot meet the burden of proof, they work their way down.

Reyes' death is the fifth new DUI fatality case in five weeks, Bright said. While DUI cases are generally on the decline, she said, DUI fatality cases are on the rise - and now, prosecutors are seeing more multi-substance abuse emerging.

Many people charged with DUI have such a high blood-alcohol level that Bright believes many people are unaware of how much alcohol they are consuming.

Reyes' family declined to talk with NBC 7 at the arraignment Wednesday. Bright said she spoke with the family prior.

"It's tough," she said. "It's really tough for them."

Reyes' family previously told NBC 7 that had recently graduated from Dental School and had been driving for Lyft for extra income to help pay for another two year apprenticeship and provide support his two-year old son.

Quintero's bail was set at $3 million. He will appear in court next week for a status hearing.
Police say a security video may be the best evidence they have in a series of almost 20 burglaries across San Diego and Riverside Counties.

On Monday, NBC 7 obtained the images of the person of interest recorded through a doorbell camera in Escondido. Just 35 minutes later, the home across the street was burglarized in broad daylight.

A construction worker who was making repairs to the home came across the suspect, who was also armed with a gun. Police say the man then ran out of the home and took off in a silver Ford Explorer.

The man identified in the video is still being called a person of interest in the case at this time. But, Escondido police told NBC 7 that his appearance is similar to the suspects' descriptions in other reported burglaries.

In comparing notes, we believe this may be the same person responsible for 19 residential burglaries, Escondido Police Lt. Justin Murphy said.

Murphy says since the break-in at the Escondido home, detectives have met with law enforcement investigating burglaries in not just Escondido, but San Marcos, Vista, Carlsbad, Murietta and Riverside.

Witnesses in the 19 burglary cases have reported similar suspect descriptions and observed similar methods used to choose which house to burglarize.

If there is somebody home, they'll ask for a generic name and an address that is very similar to the house they are at," said Murphy. "If the person says 'no, that is not my home' they'll say 'oh Im sorry, wrong house', then they'll walk off and go to another location."

Murphy told NBC 7 that the suspect is going to great lengths to avoid coming into contact with homeowners but they are concerned after he pulled out a gun.

The fact that he is carrying a firearm is a little unsettling for us, Murphy said.

Police are asking for the public's help to put a name to the suspect's face. They say he is after small things, like jewelry, cash and firearms. He also uses stolen cars are getaway vehicles.
Santa Ana winds and warmer, drier weather is on the way as San Diego County rides out conditions that could fuel wildfires over the next few days.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Fire Weather Watch for San Diego County at 3 a.m. Thursday, in effect through 3 p.m. Saturday. NBC 7s weather team says warmer temperatures, dry conditions and Santa Ana winds will begin early Friday.

A moderate Santa Ana event will last through the weekend. It has already prompted a Red Flag Warning and High Wind Advisories for all counties to our north. San Diego can expect dry, warmer conditions today with the winds entering the county from the north and northeast sometime overnight or early tomorrow morning.

These 25 to 50 mph gusts, in conjunction with the escalating temperatures and plummeting humidity levels in the 5 to 15 percent range, all combine to put San Diego in a critical danger for wildfires.

During these conditions, all it takes is one spark from machinery, the heat emanating from a vehicle that pulls into dry brush, a discarded cigarette or a small fire accidentally or intentionally set, and within minutes flames explode into a firestorm.

San Diego witnessed that exact scenario in the October 2003 Cedar Fire, the largest wildfire in state history and again in October 2007, when the Witch Fire charred nearly 200,000 acres in the East County, destroyed more than 1,100 homes and killed two people.
A mother in Wisconsin, awakened in the middle of the night by a chilling phone call from her daughter in San Diego, heard the final moments of a struggle that led to the killing of her daughter, a prosecutor revealed Thursday.

San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Melissa Vasel said Ann Nielsen, the mother of murder victim Jhordann Rust, 26, heard her daughter screaming during a late-night phone call from a hotel room in downtown San Diego on Dec. 12, 2015.



Vasel said the final words Nielsen heard Rust say before the line went dead were, That hurts!

Vasel said Rust had called Nielsen three times the night she was killed.

During a two-hour phone call Nielsen said she could hear the voices of what sounded like at least two men in the background with her daughter, including one man who allegedly hurled expletives at Rust.

The final phone call from Rust to her mother came just after midnight San Diego time -- 2 a.m. in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, where Nielsen lives.

The mother was sleeping but was jarred by the call.

Vasel said Rust asked her mother, Do you ever feel like youre in a nightmare that you cant wake up from?

The prosecutor said Nielsen, hundreds of miles away, felt powerless as her daughter cried out. After the line went dead, Nielsen called the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) to report concern over her daughter's well-being, telling authorities that she heard "crashing against a wall" and her daughter saying "Ow, Ow, Ow" before their call was disconnected.

The disturbing details of Rust's murder emerged Thursday as opening statements were delivered in the trial of Jason Lewis, 41, the man accused of killing Rust at the 500 West Hotel and Hostel and leaving her body in a communal shower area.

When Nielsen made that first 911 call, she asked police to conduct a welfare check on her daughter. Officers could not find Rust that night.

Over the next few days, Nielsen heard nothing from her daughter. The mother took the stand at Lewis' trial Thursday, at times fighting back tears.

She said that as her daughter said those final words on the phone, it sounded like Rust was being held down by someone.

On Dec. 15, police found Rust's body in a communal shower area on the second floor of the hotel.

Lewis, a registered sex offender with a criminal history that includes sexual battery and felony domestic violence, was arrested a few days later. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder.

A witness said that the day before Rusts slaying, she and Lewis had gotten into an argument in front of the hotel. The pair had met just before her killing.

Rust and her boyfriend, Cory Nowell, had checked into the hotel on Dec. 12, 2015. Soon thereafter, Nowell was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and the woman from Wisconsin was left alone in San Diego.

After Rust was killed, Vasel said Lewis took steps to conceal the woman's body, including purchasing a suitcase at a local store on Dec. 14, 2015, to use to move the womans body from a hotel room into the shower area at the hotel.

During his opening statement Thursday Lewis' defense attorney said the trial will include a lot of information about "transfer DNA" and how easily DNA can be passed from one person to another with minimal or indirect contact. For instance, the attorney said Nowell's DNA was found on some of Lewis' clothing, despite the men never actually meeting in person.

The attorney also told jurors to pay attention to the timeline in this case.

"I think timing is going to be key in this case," he said. "If you follow the timing in this case, you're going to have more questions than answers about what happened to Ms. Rust."

If convicted, Lewis faces 56 years in prison.

San Diego judge Amalia L. Meza said Thursday that Lewis' trial is set to resume on Oct. 11, running for several days next week. It will likely conclude on the week of Oct. 17, Meza said, with the jury deliberating that week.
Hundreds of nurses who work for Sharp Healthcare rallied Thursday in downtown San Diego, fighting for better pay.

Currently, the nurses are working without a contract and many nurses are leaving the company. The nurses say this makes it more difficult to properly care for patients.

In the past three years, Sharp has lost about 1,300 nurses. Some nurses have said their hospitals are so short-staffed, nurses cant take lunch or even bathroom breaks during their shifts.

Were really concerned about the patient safety. Weve had a lot of nurses leave with the last year  lots and lots of our co-workers  and its creating an issue with patient safety due to nurse retention, explained Karen Battenberg, a clinical registered nurse at Sharp.

HAPPENING TODAY: @unacuhcp are threatening to strike against what they call poor working conditions & low wages @SHARPhealthcare. #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/F21rfJYosP  Liberty Zabala (@LibertyNBC7SD) October 6, 2016

Sharp says their company policy does not condone skipping breaks, and if a nurse is experiencing this, they should bring the issue to a managers attention.

The local nurses rallied at the San Diego Convention Center hoping to send a strong message to Sharp executives: Sharp nurses want a competitive wage to keep skilled nurses in the companys healthcare system, as well as better working conditions.

EVP @sharphealthcare Dan Gross breaks down pay increases in its offer to nurses--proposing 16-26% more over a 3yr contract #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/uUFizuIILx  Liberty Zabala (@LibertyNBC7SD) October 6, 2016

At a news conference Thursday, Sharp Healthcare said the company's nurse turnover rate is not excessive compared to hospitals across San Diego and California.

Sharp Healthcare said the company is offering a pay increase to nurses of 16 to 26 percent over the span of a three-year contract.

What happens when you put nurses together in a rally? They wave flowers, cheer and dance. #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/S2ObxCEuH7  Liberty Zabala (@LibertyNBC7SD) October 6, 2016

The nurses' union said their group hopes to have another negotiation meeting the Sharp executives over the next few weeks.
Whether you prefer horrifying haunts or a boo-zy bar crawl, the D.C. area has something for you. Check out these events in and around the District.

(Looking for more kid-oriented fun? Check out our guide to& 6 family-friendly Halloween events in the D.C. area.)

HAUNTED HOUSES & FESTIVALS

Madhaunter's Madhouse

Workhouse Prison, 9518 Workhouse Road, Lorton, Virginia

Oct. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, 30-31

Prepare to get spooked at this haunted house, located inside a former prison in Lorton. Although the Lorton Workhouse is now an arts center, it's been transformed into a creepy attraction for weekends this October. The tour is recommended for ages 13 and up. Attendees should wear sneakers and dress appropriately as the event takes place both indoors and outdoors. Tickets are $20.

Halloween Haunt at Kings Dominion

Doswell, Virginia

Select dates through Oct. 30

The Halloween Haunt at King's Dominion offers nine mazes, six scare zones and five spooky shows. New this year is Blackout, a maze that is 99 percent dark... so you'll never see what's coming next. In addition, visitors can watch each night as the Overlord unleashes his minions to terrorize unsuspecting guests in "Overlord's Resurrection." Many of the park's rides will also be available for guests seeking a different type of thrill.

Fright Fest at Six Flags America

Upper Malboro, Maryland

Select days through Oct. 31

With thrilling rides, haunted houses and live performances, Six Flag America's annual Fright Fest promises scares that are not for the faint of heart. New this year are shows featuring mystifying magic, music and dancing, and epic terror. Some programs include "bloody" violence and graphic images, so viewer discretion is advised.

Scream City DC

RFK Stadium, 2400 E. Capitol St. SE

Select dates through Nov. 5

Special midnight madness Oct. 15 and Oct. 22

If you're interested in "the most horrifying attraction in the D.C. area," you might want to brave Scream City DC at RFK Stadium. Scream City features two haunted houses -- "Exorcism Estate" and "Slaughter Factory" -- that are completely indoors and NOT recommended for children or the faint of heart. Leave kids under 13 at home, as Scream City may be too intense for them.

Ticket prices vary from $30 to $40. Parking will cost $10, but RFK is also located blocks from the Stadium Armory Metro station.

Field of Screams

Olney, Maryland

Select dates through Nov. 5

-and-

Ocean City Screams

Ocean City, Maryland

Select dates through Oct. 31

The makers of Scream City also host events at other locations in Maryland. With four haunted attractions, Field of Screams in Olney bills itself as the "number one scream park" in the DMV. New this year, Ocean City Screams hopes to bring horror to the Eastern Shore with an old cargo ship turned state-of-the-art haunted house.

Fear Forest

Select dates through Oct. 31

Harrisonburg Virginia

Visitors to this Harrisonburg, Virginia location can take a trip into the Fear Forest, or fight off zombies as they attempt to escape a pulse-pounding corn maze. Tickets are $13 for one attraction, or $18 for admission for both. Because of sudden scares, loud noises, simulated violence and extreme darkness, Fear Forest is not recommended for children under 12 or the faint of heart.

Also See: Top Halloween Costumes for 2016

HAPPY HOURS & BAR CRAWLS

Nightmare on M Street

Oct. 29, noon-7:30 p.m.

Dupont Circle

The 18th annual Nightmare on M Street bar crawl promises to be "an evening of treats and terror." More than 15 Dupont bars, including James Hoban's and Sign of the Whale, will be offering cover-free admission and seven hours of specials, including $3 Coors Lights, $4 Redd's Apple Ales and $5 Three Olives Vodkas.

DC Halloween Crawl

Oct. 29, noon to 7:30 p.m.

Dupont Circle

Bar hop through Dupont on Sat. Oct. 29 in this Halloween-themed bar crawl. More than 15 bars -- including The Front Page, Mad Hatter and Irish Whiskey Public House -- will be offering food and drink specials from noon to 7 p.m. Bust out your scariest or most creative costume, because the most festively dressed attendees will win prizes. Tickets are $20, but go up to $30 the week of the event. They'll be $40 at the door.

Bethesda Bar Crawl

Bethesda, Maryland

Oct. 28 and 29, 7 p.m.

You can also "trick or treat like a grown up" during Bethesda's two-night bar crawl event. For $20, witches and wizards can enjoy happy hour appetizers and drink specials at five Bethesda bars until 2 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28 or Saturday, Oct. 29. Tickets also include entry to the Monster Bash after-party and Uber discounts for a safe ride home.

Night of the Living Zoo

Smithsonian's National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW

Oct. 28, 6:30-10 p.m.

Grownups can partake in some fun at the National Zoo's Night of the Living Zoo on Friday, Oct. 28. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. and will include live music, dancing, craft beer and food from D.C. food trucks. You have to be at least 21 to attend this "wicked night of fun." (Sorry, kids -- but hey, there's Boo at the Zoo just for you, Oct. 21-23).

COSTUME PARADES

17th Street High Heel Race

1519 17th St. NW

Oct. 25

Every year, D.C. drag queens show off their elaborate costumes and race down 17th street in this Dupont tradition, coming up this year on Tuesday, Oct. 25. The costume parade starts at 7 p.m., and the race (which, be warned, doesn't last long) begins at 9 p.m., but you might want to arrive early, as this event always draws a crowd.

Vienna's Annual Halloween Parade

Maple Avenue, Vienna, Virginia

Oct. 26, 7 p.m.

The town of Vienna will be holding its annual Halloween parade on Wednesday, Oct. 26. Kids can walk in the parade to show off their costumes, and the Town Council will recognize the best floats, performers and classic cars at its Nov. 7 meeting.

Alsatia Mummers Parade

141 West Washington St., Hagerstown, Maryland

Oct. 29, 6 p.m.

Hagerstown's 91st Alsatia Mummers Parade features floats, local marching bands, classic cars and of course, costumes. The parade will take place rain or shine.

DC-AREA HALLOWEEN MOVIE SHOWINGS

"Ghostbusters" Screening

Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE

Oct. 7

Already feeling festive? Enjoy a drive-in screening of "Ghostbusters" Oct. 7 at Union Market. The movie will start at 8 p.m. It's free, but parking will cost $10.

Angelika Pop-Up's Hitchcocktober

Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 and 31, 7 p.m.

Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE

The Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market is hosting Hitchcocktober, which will feature classic Hitchcock films throughout the month. Go get terrified by "The Birds" or "Dial M for Murder," and finish Halloween night with "Psycho"!

"Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the E Street Cinema

Landmark E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW

Oct. 14-15, midnight

Dress up as your favorite Rocky character and enjoy this iconic movie at Landmark E Street Cinema. The show will be held (as tradition requires) at midnight, on the weekend of Oct. 14-15.

GHOST TOURS

Alexandria's Original Ghost and Graveyard Tour

Select dates, year-round

Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St., Alexandria

This tour through historic Old Town Alexandria is led by guides dressed in 18th-century garb. They'll tell you tales of vengeful ghosts, romance, unsolved mysteries and local folklore. The tour is appropriate for ages 9 and up.

White House Ghost Tour Pub Crawl

Various dates in October; 8:30-11 p.m.

Downtown D.C.

For those who are 21+, take a private White House ghost tour and pub crawl. Your costumed guide will meet you downtown and lead you towards the White House, all the way telling you about ghost sightings, unexplained mysteries and historical events. You will visit up to 4 historically-haunted pubs and can even visit Rum Row and hear stories of Prohibition. Tickets are $28 per person and must be reserved in advance. The whole tour is approximately two and a half hours. Beverages must be bought at your own expense.

Alexandria Ghost Tour Pub Crawl

Various dates in October; 8:30 p.m.

Chadwick's, 203 Strand St., Alexandria Waterfront

Visit Alexandria in the evening to be privately guided along the waterfront and hear about the haunted history of Old Town Alexandria. During the tour, you'll visit up to four haunted pubs as well as the Carlyle house, one of the oldest mansions in town. Tickets are $25 per person and must be reserved in advance. The whole tour is approximately two hours. The cost of beverages is not included in the ticket price.

Ghosts of LaFayette Park

Nightly at 8 p.m.

Tours leave from the Dolley Madison House, 1520 H St. NW

On this tour, you'll be led through D.C.'s Lafayette Park, also called "Tragedy Square" for its bloody and spooky history. Tickets are $17 for adults and $10 for children. Children younger than 6 get in free. The tour is approximately 90 minutes.

Capitol Hill Haunts

Nightly at 9 p.m.

Tours leave from the corner of 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Ave. SE

On this tour, you'll learn that some of D.C.'s most famous sites are also some of its most haunted. Hear all about ghosts of former lawmakers and presidents. Learn the hidden haunted history of the Supreme Court Building, the Library of Congress, and the US Capitol. Tours are offered nightly at 9 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults and $10 for children. Children younger than 6 get in free. The tour is approximately 90 minutes.

Soul Strolls

Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29

Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE

Tour the Congressional Cemetery in this exclusive event. Offered only four nights, this tour will bring you through this historical cemetery to hear just what its residents, from members of Congress to suffragists, have to say. Tours are an hour long; beer, wine and cider will be for sale. Tour-goers are encouraged to bring flashlights and to wear sturdy shoes, as they will be going off the beaten path. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger.

Scary DC

Throughout the Halloween season, Scary DC offers both public and private tours through various places in the District sure to spook you. Tour Capitol Hill, Lafayette Square or go on a haunted pub crawl. Go through the haunted history of D.C. with an animated tour guide. Tours are appropriate for all ages. Each tour costs $25 per person, with student discounts at $15.

National Building Museum Ghost Tours

Select dates, Sept. 24-Oct. 31

National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW

Did you know that the National Building Museum, home to many historical artifacts, has some... unexplained secrets? Tour the haunted building with the lights out to hear more during exclusive tours offered throughout October. Tickets are required and tours are recommended for ages 10 and up.

Ghost Story Tour: Haunted Lafayette Square

Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 7-29

Tours leave from 16th and H streets NW, next to St. John's Church

Tour one of D.C.'s most haunted sites, Lafayette Square, and hear all about the ghosts that allegedly plague it. You can meet your tour guide Fridays or Saturdays in October at 7:15 p.m. next to St. John's Church to purchase tickets, or get them online in advance. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children younger than 16.

The Most Haunted Houses Tour

Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 31

Tours leave from 1799 New York Ave. NW

Visit D.C.'s most haunted houses in this walking tour, which brings participants to the homes around Lafayette Park as they relive the night of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, hear about Navy hero Stephen Decatur and visit what many to consider the most haunted home in all of Washington, the Octagon. Tours are offered every Friday and Saturday; tickets are $20.
Domestic violence, which so often occurs behind closed doors, also presents a risk to the police officers who show up at the door to help.

Ashley Guindon was sworn in as a Prince William County police officer on a Friday in February and showed up for her first shift that Saturday. It was a job she had always wanted, her uncle said.

"We were very happy with the career path she chose," Mark Guindon said.

The department tweeted a photo for her first day, writing, "Be SAFE," just before she and fellow officers responded to a domestic disturbance in Woodbridge, Virginia.

"Any officer realizes your next call could be your last," her Mark Guindon said.

When she and two fellow officers approached the door that Saturday, the man inside opened fire, wounding two of them and killing Guindon.

Prince William County Police Chief Barry Barnard said Guindons had an immeasurable impact on the department.

The News4 I-Team collected police reports from throughout the D.C. region and found more than 60,000 domestic disturbance cases in the region in just the past year. The I-Team found a series of cases in which the officers responding were assaulted, injured or, in Guindon's case, killed.

In Montgomery County, Capt. Rodney Brown oversees a team that serves protective orders up to 20 times a night.

"More times than not, they're not happy to see us," he said.

Each night, his team gears up in bulletproof vests and reviews files to see if the people they're approaching are likely to be armed or violent.

There are times when they have to be forcibly removed from their homes," Brown said.

Police across the region say they specially train officers and deputies who handle these calls in de-escalation.

"It is our responsibility to bring some sense of calm, some sense of order to these situations that 10 minutes ago were chaos, violence, disruption, Barnard said.

Ashley Guindon's family says her case shows front-line officers will always be at risk.

"Everything they do is a split-second decision, and you know it's a life-and-death decision, Mark Guindon said.

Thousands of protective orders are issued each year in the D.C. area.
Two men have been charged in the fatal shooting of a 7-Eleven employee in Prince George's County, officials say.

Duran Carrington, 20, and Deandre Davis, 20, are accused in the Aug. 20 shooting of Taiwo Oduwole.

Oduwole, 31, died after he was shot inside the 7-Eleven on the 9700 block of Brandywine Road in Clinton, Maryland. Police found Oduwole suffering from gunshot wounds after being called there about 4:50 a.m. He was pronounced dead at a hospital a short time later.

Oduwole was shot during a robbery attempt, police said the investigation reveals. Carrington, of Southeast D.C., admitted to shooting the man, police said. Davis acted as the getaway driver, officials said.

Both men were charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery and related charges. They also were charged in the armed robbery of a hotel on the 7900 block of Malcolm Road shortly after the fatal shooting.

Oduwole was a recent immigrant from Nigeria, The Washington Post reported.

"He was just such a sweet gentleman," customer Kimberly Brent previously told News4.

Anyone with information on Carrington or Davis is asked to call police at 301-772-4925, send a text message starting with "PGPD" to CRIMES or visit www.pgcrimesolvers.com.
Freshman Republican Barbara Comstock touted her connections to the House Republican majority, while Democratic challenger LuAnn Bennett sought to tie Comstock to Donald Trump at the pair's first debate on Thursday.

Comstock and Bennett, candidates for Virginia's 10th District seat, squared off in a forum sponsored by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce that focused primarily on business and economic issues.

The 10th District, which stretches from the wealthy McLean suburbs inside the Capital Beltway out west to Winchester, leans slightly Republican but is the most closely watched congressional race in the state.

Bennett linked Comstock to Trump at the outset of the debate on multiple issues.

"Barbara Comstock stands for Donald Trump," Bennett said. "Trump's extreme agenda would cripple our economy, jeopardize our security, punish women for making their own health care decisions and, worst of all, the Trump agenda deeply divides our country."

Comstock never mentioned Trump during the hour-long debate, nor has she committed to voting for him in November. But she did defend the work done by the GOP-controlled House, and her role in protecting Northern Virginia's interests with the House leadership. She said she convinced Republicans to restore $75 million funding that had been cut from the beleaguered Metrorail system.

Comstock said her position as the only Republican in the Northern Virginia congressional delegation gives her clout the region needs.

"I'm the person in this race that will actually be in the majority, and will serve as a chairman'' of a congressional subcommittee, Comstock said.

Bennett derided Comstock's status as an incumbent, saying she's "part of a majority that can't pass a budget."

The candidates staked out clear differences on several issues. Bennett said she supports increasing the minimum wage, while Comstock did not. Bennett said she supports efforts at comprehensive immigration reform; Comstock said she prefers a piecemeal approach, making advancements on areas of consensus like increasing the number of visas for highly skilled workers.

Comstock won the 10th District seat held by her former boss Republican Frank Wolf, by more than 15 points in 2014. But Democrats hope the electorate in a presidential year will work in their favor. Political analysts have generally agreed that Comstock holds an advantage but say the race could be competitive. Bennett has raised more than $1 million, but is still at a financial disadvantage to Comstock in a race taking place in an expensive media market.
A man was trapped inside his car by a fallen tree and a 911 call-taker took 6 minutes to figure out where Rock Creek Park is.

In another instance, victims called to report a robbery in progress, but the response was too slow because the 911 call-taker did not prioritize the call.

The head of Washington's 911 call center appeared before the D.C. Council on Wednesday to address how she will improve responses to emergencies.

"It is not excused away, but it was a mistake of a call-taker, and this is where we jump in and we handle it, whether it is a discipline-type issue or a training issue," Karima Holmes, director of the Office of Unified Communications, said.

D.C. paramedic Holly O'Bryne said 911 operators regularly send her to bad addresses.

"Last night, it happened twice," she said. "That's typical."

Though D.C. pays for a private ambulance service to reduce the stress on the system, there are still delays, O'Bryne said.

"They were calling [for] multiple stabbing victims and shooting victims yesterday who needed immediate critical care. Paramedic transport units werent available," she said.

Dr. Dave Milzman of Georgetown University Hospital said bad decisions at the call center limit crews' ability to help the people who need it most.

"Our workers are being sent to calls that are not emergencies, so they dont have time to respond to the real emergencies," the emergency room veteran said.

Holmes defended 911 call-takers and dispatchers.

"We bring in 1.4 or 1.5 million calls a year. And I think that the calls that we do have mishaps in do end up in the public light," she said. "We have other aspects in place, including training and partnerships with other agencies, that we have to look at."

Call takers and dispatchers will be given more training, and the call center will increase staffing to reduce errors.
A U.S. commando from Maryland has been killed in Afghanistan after being hit by a roadside bomb while on patrol with Afghan forces in a northeastern providence bordering Pakistan, the U.S. military says.

On Wednesday, the Department of Defense identified the soldier as Staff Sgt. Adam S. Thomas, 31, of Takoma Park, Maryland.

U.S. forces have been conducting counterterror operations with Afghan troops against Islamic State militants in Achin, Nangarhar province. The U.S. military says Thomas died from wounds sustained when a device exploded.

Thomas was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, Colorado.

Gen. John Nicholson, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, says the U.S. remains committed to defeating the Islamic State Khorasan group, the IS affiliate in Afghanistan.

The U.S. has been conducting airstrikes near Achin. Last week Afghan officials said a U.S. airstrike hit a house, killing civilians.

The U.S. says it's looking into the incident.
All is clear at the University of Maryland after a report of a man armed with a long gun near Ritchie Coliseum on the College Park campus.

Two students reported seeing the man, according to the school.

The investigation determined he was an ROTC member in plain clothes carrying a rubber replica rifle.

After talking to two students who believed they saw a man with an AR-15 rifle, police reviewed surveillance camera video and saw the man get into a vehicle and leave the campus. Police talked to ROTC and determined the man was likely part of ROTC.

Campus Police Chief David Mitchell met with ROTC command staff to discuss the incident in hopes of preventing it from happening again.

As a precaution, the school sent an alert to students advising them to stay alert and follow the direction of police until the identity of the man could be verified.
Threats and mysterious sightings of creepy clowns have been reported across the country and one Maryland woman says the reports are affecting her livelihood.

"It's pretty frustrating," said Kate McGlynn, who makes her living as "Bee Bee Clown" in Silver Spring, Maryland. "Why are people threatening schools? Why are people threatening kids in the name of clowning? It's upsetting. It's not fair."

McGlynn entertains at birthday parties, public events and sings telegrams. However, she said the recent reports of creepy clown threats are hurting her business when it should be booming.

"I think people are skeptical and I think they're nervous and they don't necessarily know who is going to come in the door, which is really unfortunate," McGlynn said.

On Wednesday, some principals at Montgomery County Public Schools sent emails telling parents about vague social media threats. Police said there are no specific threats to public safety.

"I'm very concerned. I'm actually nervous. My son had mentioned it to me," said parent Angel Nicholson.

In Prince George's County, police charged two students for allegedly making threats against schools. Investigators believe one of the suspects set up a Twitter account with a clown theme.
Four students at Westford Academy, in Westford, Massachusetts, have been diagnosed with the staph infection MRSA.

Extra custodial staff will be brought in on Tuesday so that the school building can undergo extensive cleaning.

The high school, which is part of the Westford School District, will be scrubbed, starting with the locker rooms, gyms, and wrestling mats.

All surfaces will be disinfected according to the superintendent.

Students are being told if theyre taking towels to and from school to make sure theyre thoroughly washed, along with their gym clothes and uniforms.

If a student has open wounds, they wont be allowed in the building unless the wounds are appropriately bandaged.

School officials say they dont know if the bacteria originated from one of Westfords students or another athlete who came in from another school.

Officials with the Westford Health Department told necn they believe this is isolated to Westford Academy.

MRSA can be a difficult bacteria to treat because its resistant to some antibiotics.

The infection is typically mild, but it can spread easily in crowded places like hospitals or people in close contact with each other, such as athletes on teams.
Haiti's death toll jumped late Thursday after rescue crews began reaching remote corners cut off when Hurricane Matthew slammed into the country's southwest peninsula, the first Category 4 storm to hit Haiti in more than a half century.

At least 283 people died in just one part of Haiti's southwest, the region that bore the brunt of the storm, Emmanuel Pierre, an Interior Ministry coordinator in Les Cayes, told The Associated Press.

The overall death toll in Haiti is not clear. Shortly before Pierre spoke, the headquarters for Haiti's Civil Protection Agency had put the number of confirmed deaths for the whole country at 122.

Authorities expect the number of deaths to rise, with mayors and other local officials in marooned areas reporting higher numbers. Most deaths are thought to have occurred in the southwest region.

Bodies started to appear as waters receded in some places two days after Matthew's 145 mph winds smashed concrete walls, flattened palm trees and tore roofs off homes, forcing thousands of Haitians to flee.

Those killed in Haiti included a woman and her 6-year-old daughter who frantically abandoned their flimsy home and headed to a nearby church to seek shelter as Matthew surged in early Tuesday, said Ernst Ais, mayor of the town of Cavaillon.

"On the way to the church, the wind took them," Ais told The Associated Press.

At least 12 people died in his town, and Ais said he expected the number to increase.

Officials were especially concerned about the department of Grand-Anse on the northern tip of the peninsula, where they believe the death toll and damage is highest. The 283 deaths reported late Thursday did not include Grand-Anse or other nearby areas.

"Devastation is everywhere," said Pilus Enor, mayor of the town of Camp Perrin. "Every house has lost its roof. All the plantations have been destroyed. ...This is the first time we see something like this."

People faced an immediate hunger crisis in Grand-Anse's largest city of Jeremie, said Maarten Boute, chairman of telecom Digicel Haiti, who flew there in a helicopter.

In the nearby seaport of Les Cayes, many people searched for clean water as they lugged mattresses and other belongings they were able to salvage.

"Nothing is going well," said Jardine Laguerre, a teacher. "The water took what little money we had. We are hungry."

Authorities and aid workers were just beginning to get a clear picture of what they fear is the country's biggest disaster in years.

Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph said food and water were urgently needed, noting that crops had been leveled, wells inundated by seawater and some water treatment facilities destroyed.

Officials with the Pan American Health Organization warned Thursday about a possible surge in cholera cases because of the widespread flooding caused by Matthew. Haiti's cholera outbreak has killed roughly 10,000 people and sickened more than 800,000 since 2010, when it was introduced into the country's biggest river from a U.N. base where Nepalese peacekeepers were deployed.

Before hitting Haiti, the storm was blamed for four deaths in the Dominican Republic, one in Colombia and one in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Haiti's government has estimated at least 350,000 people need some kind of assistance.

International aid groups are already appealing for donations for a lengthy recovery effort in Haiti, the hemisphere's least-developed and most aid-dependent nation.

When Category 4 Hurricane Flora hit Haiti in 1963, it killed as many as 8,000 people.

In the coming days, U.S. military personnel equipped with nine helicopters were expected to help deliver food and water to hard-hit areas.

While recovery efforts continued in Haiti, Matthew pummeled the Bahamas on Thursday. There were no immediate reports of casualties in the capital of Nassau, but the storm ripped off roofs, uprooted trees and caused flooding that trapped some people in their homes. Authorities urged people to stay indoors while they conducted search and rescue operations.

"This is the most intense hurricane I have ever been through," a Nassau resident, 43-year-old Jose Ageeb, said in a message to the AP. "And I have been through many."

He rode out the storm with his family, including his 73-year-old mother, as he posted a video on Facebook of winds peeling off a nearby roof.

"I am completely terrified," he wrote, adding that his home was almost intact except for floors being covered in water.

In Cuba, Matthew blew across that island's sparsely populated eastern tip Tuesday night, destroying dozens of homes and damaging hundreds in the island's easternmost city, Baracoa. But the government oversaw the evacuation of nearly 380,000 people and strong measures were taken to protect communities and infrastructure, U.N. officials said.
Connecticut DMV commissioner said AAA Northeast -who announced that it will no longer offer driver licensing services for non-members- is violating its contract with the state.

According to a release from the governors office, AAA Northeast has offered licensing services to all Connecticut residents since 2001, regardless of membership.

Commissioner Michael Bzdyra said the contract, which was executed in 2011, states that AAA Northeast "may terminate this agreement upon 60 days written notice to the DMV contract representative."

In a letter written to AAA Northeast, Bzdyra said the company failed to provide 60 days' notice prior to terminating these services.

"This will serve as formal notification that you are in default of the contract and must take corrective action immediately," Bzdyra wrote in the letter.

The DMV is requiring AAA Northeast to offer services to members and non-members before submitting a written termination notification 60 days before the effective date.

Failure to take actions by Oct. 14 will result in legal action as a result of AAA Northeast's breach of contract, the commissioner said.

AAA Allied, which services Hartford, Middlesex, New London, Tolland and Windham counties, will continue to service all residents.

Residents in the counties where AAA is ending divers licenses services would still be able to go to AAA Allied offices and get the services.

In a letter to AAA Southern New England President Mark Shaw, Malloy called the decision unacceptable.

AAA Northeasts decision to stop servicing non-members is rather shocking since Connecticut has always valued our working relationship with AAA, the letter stated.

Malloy said if AAA Northeast does not reconsider continuing services to non-members, he would tell the DMV to take legal steps to resolve the matter.

The DMV released the following statement on the matter:

"We are disappointed in the actions of AAA Northeast and hope it reverses the decision, preserving AAA Northeasts reputation and commitment to the citizens of Connecticut. We remain fully confident in our partnership with the states other AAA organization known as AAA Allied. It has been a strong partner since 1992 and has provided high-quality license services to all citizens, whether AAA members or not, when they have visited AAA Allied offices. We know this same level of service will continue as they open their doors to the customers of AAA Northeast."

In response to the governor's letter, AAA Northeast said it can "no longer effectively serve the volume of DMV customers visiting our offices without negatively impacting services to our members."

AAA Northeast said the requirement for renewed licenses to be REAL ID compliant has added as much as 50 percent to the time needed to complete transaction, plus the number of non-member transactions has increased 33 percent over the last five years.

"The combination of these factors has created a situation that adversely affects the ability of AAA to deliver the high levels of service that our members have come to expect," a spokeswoman for AAA Northeast said.

AAA Allied also released a statement, which read in part, "The AAA Allied offices in Connecticut will NOT be affected by this and will continue to welcome and serve the public  both members and non-members alike. This means all AAA offices in Hartford, Middlesex, New London, Tolland and Windham Counties will continue to provide licensing services without interruption or change."
Gov. Charlie Baker's administration is moving to fire one official in the state's embattled environmental agency and has accepted the resignation of a second after a staffer complained of enduring retribution from superiors.

The administration launched the investigation after Cynthia Lewis claimed she was transferred to the agency's Fall River office after her fiance, Democrat J.D. Parker-O'Grady, launched a campaign to unseat incumbent Republican state Sen. Donald Humason of Westfield.

Investigators said Wednesday they found no conclusive evidence that the transfer was politically motivated, but discovered other evidence of inappropriate and unprofessional conduct.

The agency is seeking to fire Jared Valanzola, a personnel officer for the agency. Michael Valanzola, the agency's chief operating officer, has resigned. The men are cousins.

The administration said as a result of the investigation they believe Jared Valanzola attempted to pressure Lewis to influence her fiance not to run for political office and suggested her employment opportunity at the agency would be affected by her fiance's decision.

While investigators said they found no conclusive evidence that Michael Valanzola sought retaliation against Lewis, the administration felt it wasn't possible for him to continue in his position, which includes direct oversight of the agency's human resources.

Calls to Jared Valanzola and Michael Valanzola were not immediately returned Wednesday.

A third person, program manager Tim Sullivan, has been issued a warning after investigators concluded he had invaded Lewis' personal space while speaking with her about the transfer.

Baker told reporters outside his Statehouse office Wednesday that he supports the findings, but said the investigation took too long. He said Lewis first raised the issue in June. He said she still has her job and he hopes she continues to serve.

Baker said the investigation should send a clear message.

"No one in our administration should ever think that it's appropriate to pressure anybody not to run for something for political purposes," he said.

The release of the findings comes a day after Baker stripped 20 to 30 state employees of their state-owned vehicles after a top state Department of Conservation and Recreation official resigned for using his vehicle's lights and sirens to cut through heavy Boston traffic.

Baker on Saturday said he was disappointed at the poor judgment of Matthew Sisk, a deputy commissioner at the DCR. He said he plans to make additional announcements about DCR soon.

Baker said the two investigations show the administration takes such allegations seriously.

"Anybody who engages in any of the kinds of activity that have been associated with either this investigation or some of the stuff that's been reported on with respect to the misuse of state property and all the rest - we will deal with that and we will deal with it aggressively," he told reporters.
Maines Drought Task Force says drought conditions have worsened considerably since early September, moving farther north and east of the state.

Were not yet in a state of emergency, but if conditions continue to worsen, we may have to consider that, said Bruce Fitzgerald, Director of Maine Emergency Management Agency. Although conservation measures are voluntary at this point, its important that everyone take steps to conserve to help prevent worsening conditions.

The National Weather Service reported that all counties in Maine experienced a deficit of rainfall since April except Aroostook that saw positive levels in the past month.

The drought is expected to continue and expand, said Tom Hawley of the National Weather Service in Gray. September rainfall was well below average for the entire state. Many locations in southern Maine received less than one inch for the month.

The forecast predicts drier and warmer than normal weather for October and beyond.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that groundwater levels for most of Maine are at the lowest 15 percent of all data gathered over the last 11-35 years.

Restrictions have been placed on water usage in some areas but all citizens are encouraged take steps to use water wisely, including taking shorter showers, not letting the water run while brushing or shaving, fixing leaky faucets, running full loads of laundry and dishes, avoiding peeling vegetables under running water, discontinuing outdoor watering, unless absolutely necessary and to use a bucket when washing cars.

More information on water conservation is available at Maineprepares.com.

Those experiencing dry wells or other drought-related problems should call 2-1-1 or go to 211maine.org
Massachusetts police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing elderly man from Quincy.

According to the police Twitter account, Francis Gleason, 82, was last seen at 4 p.m. in a white Nissan Sentra. The Massachusetts Purple Heart license plate is 8441.

Anyone with information on Gleason's whereabouts is asked to contact Quincy Police.
It's a forecast that makes even the most hardened meteorologist pause. Matthew's rampage through the Bahamas and into Florida will be historic and devastating. Thousands are already homeless and inundated in Haiti and Eastern Cuba, and now we're facing the prospect of more people in the threat zone into the weekend.

The shallow waters of the Bahamas are both warm and easily rattled. It's possible that despite moving over small islands (landmasses weaken tropical systems), Matthew may strengthen over the next two days. In addition to 10-20 inches of rain, Matthew could create a 10-15 foot storm surge in the Bahamas  a very scary byproduct of the incredible push of the wind.

Back here at home, we almost feel guilty about the idea of 10 more days of sun. While we know that the days are numbered for pleasant, peaceful weather, it's hard to reconcile the fact that there are so many scrambling to get out of the path of this storm.

Our temperatures are on the mend in the coming days. Highs will recover to the low 70s with 60s at the coast. Some clouds may flirt with the Cape/Islands, but otherwise blue will rule.

A cool front approaching on Saturday may provide us with a few clouds, but like dozens of fronts before, the threat for showers Saturday night is minuscule.

Cooler weather pushes in to finish the holiday weekend.
A Vermont sheriffs deputy will not be prosecuted for shooting and killing an unarmed suspect last month, Chittenden County States Attorney T.J. Donovan announced Thursday.

"This was an extremely tense situation," Donovan said of the fatal encounter, which was captured on police body camera footage that was released to reporters Thursday upon the completion of the investigation.

The video, recorded late in the afternoon on Sept. 16, shows 29-year-old Jesse Beshaw running from police in Winooski.

Authorities have said they were trying to arrest Beshaw because he was a suspect in multiple armed robberies and a burglary, and officers believed he carried a handgun.

Investigators said Nicholas Palmier, a Franklin County Sheriffs Deputy, had just returned home to the Chittenden County city of Winooski following his shift. Palmier found local police trying to serve their warrant on Beshaw near Palmiers own home, Donovans office said.

Palmier was still in his Franklin County uniform and had his equipment and cruiser with him. After Beshaw fled the house where Winooski officers were preparing to serve the warrant, Palmier chased after the suspect, according to investigators.

The body camera video shows Palmier caught up to Beshaw near a basketball court behind Winooskis community center. Beshaw had one hand behind his back as he was heading toward the officer, and Beshaw was repeatedly yelling "do it."

Palmier, meanwhile, yelled "I will shoot you" several times, with his gun drawn.

What followed that exchange was a flurry of shots from Franklin County Deputy Nick Palmier. Six bullets would strike Beshaw; a seventh grazed him. He died on the concrete where he fell.

Investigators said it turned out Beshaw did not have a gun on him.

"Nick Palmier acted as I think a reasonable person would have during those circumstances, knowing what he knew at that particular moment," Donovan said, announcing there will be no criminal charges filed against the deputy for shooting Beshaw.

Palmier remains on paid administrative leave, Franklin County Sheriff Robert Norris said. Norris added that the deputy is currently receiving mental health counseling stemming from the trauma from the shooting.

After the legal decision was announced, several of Beshaws friends and neighbors told necn they consider the shooting unacceptable.

"There was no idea of de-escalation," said Winooski resident Jess Fuller, who lives near the shooting scene. "And this happened near where children were. That never should have happened."

Asked about the location of the shooting behind a YMCA and community center, Donovan did acknowledge the body camera footage briefly shows Palmier running past a child, while asking the girl which direction Beshaw was running.

There were no bystanders in the line of fire, investigators from the Vermont State Police said.

"I dont think that seven shots is ever justified," said Luca Long, a Winooski resident who also lives near the scene of the shooting. "No matter if they thought he had a handgun. Seven shots is not justified."

Donovan said he hopes the police and the community can learn from this case, and that more knowledge or training opportunities that arise from it can help avoid another fatal encounter like it in the future.

"This is a terrible outcome," Donovan said of Beshaws death. "This is an outcome nobody wants."
Authorities in Vermont are searching for the suspect who shot a horse to death with an arrow.

Police in Barre responded to Prospect Street on Wednesday, where they found the horse, named Bunny, dead after being shot by an arrow.

Bunny, a fixture for many in the local equestrian community, appears to have been shot and killed Tuesday night.

An undetermined reward has been offered for information leading the arrest and conviction of whomever is responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to call Barre police at 802-476-6613.
A shootout in a Boston neighborhood on Tuesday shook up one family as bullets shattered the window of their Roslindale home.

Two undercover Boston Police officers became involved in an exchange of gunfire with two men after police had arranged to meet the suspects on Newburg Street to allegedly buy guns.

In court on Wednesday, prosecutors said Eric Rosado-Gonzalez pulled a gun on an officer and threatened to kill him in a robbery attempt.

His accomplice, Luis Colon, then opened fire at another undercover officer and police returned fire. No one was struck.

When the gunfire erupted, the bedroom window of Geno Johnston's teenage daughter was shattered. His 12-year-old son was sent running for cover.

"He just hit the floor and got himself to the basement," Johnston recalled. "He didn't know what going on."

Johnston's daughter wasn't home and he was working up the street when the shootout took place.

Police said Rosado-Gonzalez ran off following the shootout which started local and state police on a massive manhunt in the neighborhood. About five hours later, he was found nearby.

It was a scary situation for the entire neighborhood, where police had gone door-to-door searching for Rosado-Gonzalez.

Now a day later, neighbors like Johnston now have to deal with the clean up. Johnston says he counted at least 8 bullet holes to his home. Other homes on the street were also struck.

Despite the chaos, Johnston says he's grateful no one was hurt during the incident.

"It was surreal moment," he said. "I've never had a kid in this situation before."
The embattled police chief of Gloucester, Massachusetts, has reached an agreement with the city to retire at the beginning of 2017 after his firing was announced earlier this week.

Gloucester officials announced the deal with Gloucester Police Chief Leonard Campanello just days after the mayor announced he was fired amid a probe into "disturbing allegations" concerning his relationships with two women outside of work and accused him of lying to investigators.

Campanello will remain on paid leave until he formally retires on Jan. 3, 2017.

It's unclear what caused the termination reversal.

In a statement, Campanello said it has been "an extraordinarily difficult time for myself, and my family," and says he's glad to have reached a deal with the city of Gloucester.

"I am overwhelmingly proud of the police department's achievements and look forward to new opportunities in chaning the way law enforcement and other entities deal with those they serve in a non-judgment and empathetic way," he continued. "Addiction is just one piece of the puzzle. We must do more and I plan to devote all of my attention toward that conversation."

Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken said Thursday that Campanello's decision to retire allows the city to move forward faster, without hearings and the possibility of a lawsuit.

Gloucester officials say Deputy Chief John McCarthy will continue to serve as interim chief, and that Campanello's innovative program assisting opioid addicts will continue to operate.

More to come.
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. - From the time I decided to join the Air Force back in 2005, I knew I wanted to help support our Airmen.

I had a journalism background, and was excited to enlist in a broadcasting career. I got to listen and see all that our Airmen were doing worldwide, from humanitarian missions in Ghana and Bosnia, to communications exercises, such as Combined Endeavor in Germany. I eventually became a Force Support officer, and then a Public Affairs officer. I had worked hard to get where I thought I wanted to be, but as the Public Affairs Chief at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, from 2010 to 2012, I felt something was drastically missing from my life.

When I initially realized I wanted to join the Air Force, I already had my degree, and so began the application process to Officer Training School. I had three weeks to study for the Air Force Officer Qualification Test before the next board. I tested poorly in math, and my recruiter said I could re-take the test in six months, but as an English Literature Major, I had less than a 10 percent chance of being selected.

So I decided to enlist, and after nine months headed to basic training. I enjoyed the immense creativity of being a broadcast producer, and learned how to create a news story--shooting video sequences, writing stories for news production, and editing it all together. But as much as I enjoyed my job, I still wanted to try for OTS. I will never forget the day when I found out my package was accepted, and I would go from being an Airman 1st Class to a newly minted 2nd lieutenant. People who told me I had a one in a million chance of getting in were suddenly congratulating me.

Although I was beyond excited, the caveat was that I did not get my first career field choice--instead of getting Public Affairs, I got Manpower Personnel.

Lets just say I went from shooting Air Force-wide stories in Europe to making ID cards as the Officer in Charge of Customer Service at Los Angeles Air Force Base. Not the most glamorous position.

Manpower Personnel soon merged into the Force Support career field, expanding the job opportunities, but I wanted more than anything to cross-train into Public Affairs.

About a year and a half later, this dream became a reality, and I worked as the only active duty military Public Affairs officer among an all civilian team at LA AFB. Here I got to coordinate military extras on film shoots (Iron Man II, and Transformers III), television shows (The Jay Leno Show, Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right, and Dont Forget the Lyrics), and continue working closely with base media relations.

At Lajes Field, I was able to work closely with base leadership on brainstorming ways to improve morale for our Airmen. I got to visit the U.S. Consulate Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel, as well as the U.S. Ambassador to Portugal in Lisbon. And one day, amidst all the busyness, I realized that again something was missing. I thought the feeling would subside, but it didnt. It remained there until I knew I had to changesomething. But what would that be? What more could I possibly do? I had been in three different Air Force jobs, and still was at a loss of where I could find meaning.

Late one night I began to pray about it. My dad is a pastor, so I grew up with a spiritual upbringing. It began to dawn on me that I had spent my life asking God to help me get where I wanted to be, but for the first time I began to wonder what God might want for my life. For me personally, this realization was a major breakthrough.

Lajes Field ended up being my last assignment as a Public Affairs officer. I began attending Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. I was completely free to study to my hearts content a subject that I was passionate about. I had liked Public Affairs, but this was different. This was fulfilling a longing Id had for a whileId just been unsure how to go forward. It has begun a new journey that I would not have experienced had I listened to people cautioning me not to get out of the military. During my time in seminary I entered back into the military as an Air Force Reserve Chaplain Candidate in 2013. As a chaplain candidate, I have gotten to work alongside chaplains, with a new sense of call and conviction.

I am currently finishing up a 35-day Air Force Reserve Chaplain Candidate tour at Nellis, the last of three tours as a candidate, and am eagerly awaiting coming on board as an Air Force chaplain. It has taken some time to get here, but I would not trade my journey for the contentment I have knowing I have found what I am meant to pursue. You may be feeling as though something is amiss in your life. If there is one thing I might offer, its that you dont have to settle in something youre not truly excited about. You might just come across newfound passion in a place you never expected.
Former church leaders and now freelance ministry coaches, Jonathan and Paige Squirrell, are the guest speakers at the next dinner of Norwich FGB on Monday, November 21.

Former church leaders and now freelance ministry coaches, Jonathan and Paige Squirrell, are the guest speakers at the next dinner of Norwich FGB on Monday, November 21.

Bringing light to Halloween Anna Price encourages Christians to engage positively with Halloween rather than hide away, on what many see as the darkest night of the year. Read more

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
Along with virtual reality, artificial intelligence (AI) is perhaps the hottest buzzword in technology these days. AI is turning up everywhere, from chatbots and smart speakers to driverless cars and autonomous everything. And now its coming to CRM, courtesy of Salesforce Einstein, which the company says brings machine learning, predictive analytics and natural language processing to the entire Salesforce platform.

At the giant Dreamforce conference in San Francisco this week, Salesforce execs from CEO Marc Benioff on down were predictably enthusiastic about the new features. In a 150-minute keynote address accompanied by Will.i.am and an impressive variety of non-profit and other Salesforce customers, Benioff warned attendees that you know the world has been changing and noted that the cloud gives you access to the new world of AI technology.

Artificial intelligence at the push of button

Benioff claimed Salesforce hired more than 100 of the worlds top AI visionaries and data scientists to power this march to AI. Salesforce Einstein, he said, was everybodys data scientist.

Salesforce co-founder and CTO Parker Harris added that the goal was to simplify AI the way that Einsteins famous E=MC2 equation simplified complex interactions. Salesforce wants to bring AI to everyone, he said, so that you wouldnt have to hire those hard-to-find data scientists. Instead of having to wrangle the data you want to use, you just click to add the data you want to work with and Einstein automatically identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for sales, service and marketingwithout ever having to tell it what to look for

Einstein gets practical

In sales, for example, Einstein calculates a lead score that sorts leads by who is most likely to convert, making it easier for salespeople to focus their efforts. At Salesforce client Fitbit, Einstein is helping guide customer interactions to create a more cohesive community and provide hints on how users can make the most of their fitness trackers. It even helps create personalized communications and emails designed to help users reach their fitness goals

The idea, Harris said, is for Einstein to help Salesforce customers use AI to change the way they work, making them smarter and enabling them to do their best work.

Do you believe in AI magic?

I know that sounds like magic, Benioff acknowledged, but so did it when we said were going to give the cloud to everyone.

Yes, Salesforce was clearly right about this whole cloud thing. And the company is obviously not alone in jumping on the AI bandwagon. But I do see some possible pitfalls for Salesforce Einstein, not even counting the slightly unseemly appropriation of the famous scientists name and a demeaning caricature of his appearance.

First, its too soon to know how well the new features algorithms really work. Do they really identify the best leads to pursue? Do they always find the right touchpoint for a given customer? Even once Einstein is in wide use, it wont be easy to test how effective it is compared to human intervention. And errors in the algorithms could theoretically send companies down the wrong path without them realizing anything was wrong until after the fact.

Perhaps even more worrysome, its also possible that Einstein will be just good enough to enter the uncanny valley of CRM, generating interactions that are so close to human ones, theyre almost totally convincing yet remain just different enough to creep people out.

In the end, though, these quibbles may not matter much. No matter what flaws Einstein possesses now, Salesforce will no doubt improve it as time goes on. Competitors, meanwhile, will have their own AI approaches, some of which will bring their own innovations.

Then theres the question of scale. Even if Einstein is flawed, the AI approach lets it deal with far more situations than could possibly be addressed manually. So even if an AI-powered interaction is not as good as a human touch, its still better than nothing.
Single market access should be maintained, says Newbury MP

BRITAIN should retain access to the single market when negotiating its exit from the European Union, according Newbury MP Richard Benyon.

Mr Benyon said he believes West Berkshire businesses would be negatively impacted if free trade with other EU countries is restricted.

The calls come following this weeks Conservative Party conference where Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed she will trigger Britains exit from the European Union by the end of March 2017.

The PM unveiled a tough stance on EU withdrawal with the focus on tighter controls on immigration, which will most likely come at the expense of full access to the European single market.

Following the announcement of what has become known as a Hard Brexit, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate in Newbury and West Berkshire Judith Bunting said she feared for small and medium-sized enterprises in the area.

She claimed: Richard Benyon and his Conservatives have lost the right to call themselves the party of business and employment.

The Liberal Democrats are the only free market, free trade, pro-business party now.

We are the only party that is sticking up for employment in Great Britain.

I fear for small and medium-sized enterprises in our area.

Many do not trade with Europe themselves, but almost all of them depend on supply chains that deal directly with the EU.

However, speaking to the Mr Benyon, who threw his weight behind the failed Remain campaign, said: Everybody is fascinated by the politics of it all, but Im more interested in the impact of businesses and those they impact in West Berkshire.

The best thing for them would be to remain part of the single market, or at least the customs union, so they can continue to trade freely with the worlds largest market.

The Prime Minister also announced plans for her Great Repeal Bill, which will instantly annul the 1972 European Communities Act, giving Parliament the power to scrap elements of EU legislation.

Mr Benyon added: I dont know what this Great Repeal Bill will contain, but there are measures that are important in European Law, such as protection of the environment and protection of workers rights.

I will be keeping a close eye on anything that comes before Parliament to make sure that anything that affects West Berkshire businesses is looked at properly.

Meanwhile, local entrepreneur Tony Harris co-hosted a reception for business leaders at the recent Liberal Democrat conference urging businesses to keep pressuring the Government to ensure they get what they need from the final Brexit deal following negotiations with the EU.

Mr Harris, a Newbury resident and treasurer of Newbury and West Berkshire Liberal Democrats, said: I have done business in the EU, both before and after the single market.

Before the single market, moving any kind of goods around the EU was extremely difficult.

I am horrified that we are now returning to those days.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: India strongly supports the capital increase in the World Bank, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said and expressed the country's readiness to take a larger share in the global lender than the dynamic formula.

In his meeting with World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, Jaitley acknowledged the long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship between the World Bank Group and India since its inception and called on the Bank to work together with the member countries to explore innovative financing solutions.

Jaitley arrived here from Canada to attend the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. He also appreciated the support of the World Bank to the many significant achievements of India in its development process, especially in the six priority areas identified by the Prime Minster for Multilateral Development Banks' assistance, a statement released by the Indian Embassy here said.

"While discussing the policy issues related to the World Bank Group, he indicated India's strong support for the capital increase and its readiness to take a larger share than the dynamic formula," it said.

The World Bank uses a dynamic formula, using economic weight (based on GDP) and development impact, to determine countries' shareholding and thus voting power in the Bank.

Jaitley also emphasised that the World Bank Group should work together with the member countries to explore innovative financing solutions, the media release said. The Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland also met the Finance Minister.

Later in the evening, he interacted with several US State Department officials during a reception hosted in his honour. Separately, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das held a bilateral meeting with US Treasury Under-Secretary Nathan Sheets. After exchanging notes on the state of their respective economies, both sides took stock of the work done on technical cooperation on NIIF, public debt management and municipal bonds and agreed to expedite progress on these issues.

During the course of their interaction, Das also highlighted the sustained rapid growth of Indian economy and its ambitious reform agenda including the landmark Goods and Services Tax, passage of the recent national bankruptcy law and liberalisation of foreign direct investment. Jaitley is accompanied by RBI Governor Urijit Patel, Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian and Das among others.

WASHINGTON: India strongly supports the capital increase in the World Bank, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said and expressed the country's readiness to take a larger share in the global lender than the dynamic formula. In his meeting with World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, Jaitley acknowledged the long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship between the World Bank Group and India since its inception and called on the Bank to work together with the member countries to explore innovative financing solutions. Jaitley arrived here from Canada to attend the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. He also appreciated the support of the World Bank to the many significant achievements of India in its development process, especially in the six priority areas identified by the Prime Minster for Multilateral Development Banks' assistance, a statement released by the Indian Embassy here said. "While discussing the policy issues related to the World Bank Group, he indicated India's strong support for the capital increase and its readiness to take a larger share than the dynamic formula," it said. The World Bank uses a dynamic formula, using economic weight (based on GDP) and development impact, to determine countries' shareholding and thus voting power in the Bank. Jaitley also emphasised that the World Bank Group should work together with the member countries to explore innovative financing solutions, the media release said. The Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland also met the Finance Minister. Later in the evening, he interacted with several US State Department officials during a reception hosted in his honour. Separately, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das held a bilateral meeting with US Treasury Under-Secretary Nathan Sheets. After exchanging notes on the state of their respective economies, both sides took stock of the work done on technical cooperation on NIIF, public debt management and municipal bonds and agreed to expedite progress on these issues. During the course of their interaction, Das also highlighted the sustained rapid growth of Indian economy and its ambitious reform agenda including the landmark Goods and Services Tax, passage of the recent national bankruptcy law and liberalisation of foreign direct investment. Jaitley is accompanied by RBI Governor Urijit Patel, Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian and Das among others.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between India and Sri Lanka will be signed by year end that aims to attract investment in the $500 billion economy, encompassing Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and Kerala.

The proposed technology and economic cooperation agreement will be signed by the end of this yearThe Prime Minister Narendra Modi and my self have agreed on this, said Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, speaking at the India Economic Summit organized by World Economic Forum along with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

He pointed that the five fastest growing southern states have population of 250 million and a combined GDP of $400 billion. With addition of Sri Lankas 22 million population and $80 economy the GDP in the sub-region is a $500 billion economy. That is Sweden (economy)imagine what it would be if we (India and Sri Lanka) work together, said Wickremesinghe.

The free trade agreement (FTA) between India and SriLanka will be expanded to beyond trading of goods and services, to investment and technology cooperation. Asia will bail out the world (from economic downturn) if we are allowed to write the ruleselse we create our own system, said Wickremesinghe.

He said the FTA with Singapore and Indonesia by India and by Sri Lanka along with ETCA will make a strong regional economic power. The Sri Lankan PM also proposed to bring in Indonesia and Malaysia and the BIMSTEC countries. The whole area around the Bay of Bengal as region of economic cooperationthe growth is here, said Wickremesinghe.

NEW DELHI: The Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between India and Sri Lanka will be signed by year end that aims to attract investment in the $500 billion economy, encompassing Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and Kerala. The proposed technology and economic cooperation agreement will be signed by the end of this yearThe Prime Minister Narendra Modi and my self have agreed on this, said Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, speaking at the India Economic Summit organized by World Economic Forum along with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). He pointed that the five fastest growing southern states have population of 250 million and a combined GDP of $400 billion. With addition of Sri Lankas 22 million population and $80 economy the GDP in the sub-region is a $500 billion economy. That is Sweden (economy)imagine what it would be if we (India and Sri Lanka) work together, said Wickremesinghe. The free trade agreement (FTA) between India and SriLanka will be expanded to beyond trading of goods and services, to investment and technology cooperation. Asia will bail out the world (from economic downturn) if we are allowed to write the ruleselse we create our own system, said Wickremesinghe. He said the FTA with Singapore and Indonesia by India and by Sri Lanka along with ETCA will make a strong regional economic power. The Sri Lankan PM also proposed to bring in Indonesia and Malaysia and the BIMSTEC countries. The whole area around the Bay of Bengal as region of economic cooperationthe growth is here, said Wickremesinghe.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Internet of Things (IoT) applications are set to be a critical part of the next level of growth for the IT industry, experts told Indian IT firms on Wednesday at a National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) event.

In India, while the industry is at a nascent stage industrial applications of IoT primarily in manufacturing, automotive and transportation & logistics are expected to drive IoT revenues by 2020, said R Chandrasekhar, President, NASSCOM.

Experts analysed the role that IoT will play in creating digital utilities, especially in the areas of design and engineering, that will drive the growth of future technologies in the country.

IoT as a concept has seen vested interests from across industries globally and is set to become a major differentiator in driving the next generation of services and products, said Chandrasekhar.

Focusing on the rise and evolution of IoT across industries in India, the Eighth edition of NASSCOM Design and Engineering Summit focused on the theme of,Imagineering for the Digital Future.

A report on IoT  Revolution in the Making developed jointly by both NASSCOM and Deloitte was also launched at the event.

IoT has started being incorporated into both consumer and industrial applications being utilized in critical verticals like Healthcare, Automotive and Manufacturing... and is set to be a critical part of the next level of growth for the IT industry.said Kevin Ashton, Inventor of the Internet of Things and Author.

NEW DELHI: Internet of Things (IoT) applications are set to be a critical part of the next level of growth for the IT industry, experts told Indian IT firms on Wednesday at a National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) event. In India, while the industry is at a nascent stage industrial applications of IoT primarily in manufacturing, automotive and transportation & logistics are expected to drive IoT revenues by 2020, said R Chandrasekhar, President, NASSCOM. Experts analysed the role that IoT will play in creating digital utilities, especially in the areas of design and engineering, that will drive the growth of future technologies in the country. IoT as a concept has seen vested interests from across industries globally and is set to become a major differentiator in driving the next generation of services and products, said Chandrasekhar. Focusing on the rise and evolution of IoT across industries in India, the Eighth edition of NASSCOM Design and Engineering Summit focused on the theme of,Imagineering for the Digital Future. A report on IoT  Revolution in the Making developed jointly by both NASSCOM and Deloitte was also launched at the event. IoT has started being incorporated into both consumer and industrial applications being utilized in critical verticals like Healthcare, Automotive and Manufacturing... and is set to be a critical part of the next level of growth for the IT industry.said Kevin Ashton, Inventor of the Internet of Things and Author.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between India and Sri Lanka will be signed by the end of the year and Sri Lanka will aim to attract investment from the $500 billion economy, encompassing Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and Kerala.

The proposed technology and economic cooperation agreement will be signed by the end of this year Prime Minister Narendra Modi and myself have agreed on this, said Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, speaking at the India Economic Summit.

Pointing out that the five fastest growing southern states of India have population of 250 million and command a combined GDP of $400 billion, Wickremesinghe said that the addition of Sri Lankas 22 million population and $80 economy would make the sub-regions GDP more than $500 billion.

That is Sweden (size of economy) imagine what it would be if we (India and Sri Lanka) work together, he said.

The free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Sri Lanka will be also expanded to encompass areas beyond trading of goods and services and include investment and technology cooperation. Asia will bail out the world (from the economic downturn) if we are allowed to write the rules else we create our own system, said Wickremesinghe.

The FTA between Singapore, Indonesia and India along with Sri Lanka through the ETCA will make a strong regional economic bloc. The whole area around the Bay of Bengal as region of economic cooperation the growth is here, said Wickremesinghe, proposing to bring in Malaysia and the other BIMSTEC countries.

NEW DELHI: The Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between India and Sri Lanka will be signed by the end of the year and Sri Lanka will aim to attract investment from the $500 billion economy, encompassing Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and Kerala. The proposed technology and economic cooperation agreement will be signed by the end of this year Prime Minister Narendra Modi and myself have agreed on this, said Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, speaking at the India Economic Summit. Pointing out that the five fastest growing southern states of India have population of 250 million and command a combined GDP of $400 billion, Wickremesinghe said that the addition of Sri Lankas 22 million population and $80 economy would make the sub-regions GDP more than $500 billion. That is Sweden (size of economy) imagine what it would be if we (India and Sri Lanka) work together, he said. The free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Sri Lanka will be also expanded to encompass areas beyond trading of goods and services and include investment and technology cooperation. Asia will bail out the world (from the economic downturn) if we are allowed to write the rules else we create our own system, said Wickremesinghe. The FTA between Singapore, Indonesia and India along with Sri Lanka through the ETCA will make a strong regional economic bloc. The whole area around the Bay of Bengal as region of economic cooperation the growth is here, said Wickremesinghe, proposing to bring in Malaysia and the other BIMSTEC countries.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: The under-construction building that collapsed on Wednesday was the only home in the city for many labourers who worked there.

Nagaraj moved to the city with his family three days ago from his village in Raichur. He works as a labourer in the building while his wife works at a cafe. They have an eight-year-old son and the family lived in the buildings basement. On Wednesday, Nagaraj and his son escaped death by a whisker.

My son was with me at the time of the accident. He escaped unhurt. I was laying tiles in a bathroom on the first floor. One side of the bathroom was open and I managed to jump out, Nagaraj told Express.

I havent seen my wife since the accident. I dont know where we will sleep tonight. I hope that the buildings in the neighbourhood can accommodate them for the night, he said.

Nagaraj suffered an injury to his finger as his hand got stuck between bricks and he had to pull it out. Doctors told him the injury would heal soon, he said.

Nagaraj explained that he moved to the city in search of a job as he had to give up farming owing to poor monsoon in his village. After I recover, Ill decide whether to stay or return to my village, he said. In fact, most of the workers in the building moved to the city from their native villages in search of jobs. But many were unprepared for the harsh working conditions in the city.

Mali, a native of Nellore, was another labourer who was injured in the collapse. He suffered a fracture in his leg and is admitted in a private hospital. His wife and children are back home, but Mali has been unable to reach them as his phone was damaged in the collapse.

Mali said he came to the city just three days ago. This was his first visit to the city. We have some land back home. My wife and two children stay there. There have been no rains and farming has taken a hit. I came to the city to try and make some money. My phone was damaged after the accident and theres poor network in my village. So I havent been able to reach my family.

Many of the labourers know each other only on first name basis and are not aware of where the other hails from. This has posed a challenge for many of them to inform families of those injured in the accident.

State announces relief

The state government has announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for families of the deceased. BBMP announced Rs 2 lakh to those who were injured in the accident.

BENGALURU: The under-construction building that collapsed on Wednesday was the only home in the city for many labourers who worked there. Nagaraj moved to the city with his family three days ago from his village in Raichur. He works as a labourer in the building while his wife works at a cafe. They have an eight-year-old son and the family lived in the buildings basement. On Wednesday, Nagaraj and his son escaped death by a whisker. My son was with me at the time of the accident. He escaped unhurt. I was laying tiles in a bathroom on the first floor. One side of the bathroom was open and I managed to jump out, Nagaraj told Express. I havent seen my wife since the accident. I dont know where we will sleep tonight. I hope that the buildings in the neighbourhood can accommodate them for the night, he said. Nagaraj suffered an injury to his finger as his hand got stuck between bricks and he had to pull it out. Doctors told him the injury would heal soon, he said. Nagaraj explained that he moved to the city in search of a job as he had to give up farming owing to poor monsoon in his village. After I recover, Ill decide whether to stay or return to my village, he said. In fact, most of the workers in the building moved to the city from their native villages in search of jobs. But many were unprepared for the harsh working conditions in the city. Mali, a native of Nellore, was another labourer who was injured in the collapse. He suffered a fracture in his leg and is admitted in a private hospital. His wife and children are back home, but Mali has been unable to reach them as his phone was damaged in the collapse. Mali said he came to the city just three days ago. This was his first visit to the city. We have some land back home. My wife and two children stay there. There have been no rains and farming has taken a hit. I came to the city to try and make some money. My phone was damaged after the accident and theres poor network in my village. So I havent been able to reach my family. Many of the labourers know each other only on first name basis and are not aware of where the other hails from. This has posed a challenge for many of them to inform families of those injured in the accident. State announces relief The state government has announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for families of the deceased. BBMP announced Rs 2 lakh to those who were injured in the accident.
Roshne B By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The first time I stepped into the kitchen was out of curiosity. I just six! It wasnt official learning, but just a drive to learn how ingredients are put together and to also know how the end product is so delicious (smiles). As a person who loved to eat good food, I knew that I had to learn the techniques to make it myself. The first dish I made was along with my mother; the traditional fried rice with chicken, egg and shrimp.

Chef Teuku, executive chef, Park Hyatt

Hailing from Indonesia, the food culture has always intrigued me. Every island has its own food culture. For example, the food in Sumatra is different from the cuisine in Java. In eastern Java, the food is made sweet and in several other islands, the food has a little bit of influence of south Indian cooking. The use of curry leaves, mustard seeds, and coconut milk can be seen in a few places, but, surprisingly, there are islands where rice isnt used at all! They use corn and cassava as their main staple as opposed to rice.

I love to cook with khafir lime leaf and lemon grass as they induce a different texture and flavour. But, unlike a few chefs, I make sure that I remove it after adding the flavour to the dish. I also love cooking with chilli, but I use very little of it as I have a sweet tooth and cant take too much spice! (laughs)

Since I am from Indonesia, its natural for me to have an inclinational towards Asian flavours and food. But I like Peruvian cuisine and someday want to visit Peru to see the place where the cuisine originated and get some inspiration. People in India are yet to open up to this cuisine as most dont have a palette for those kind of dishes. For example, raw Ceviche (a popular seafood dish from Latin America)I dont think a lot of people would relate to those flavours here.

But when it comes to Indian flavours, I have seen a major shift in the cuisine that I prefer. I used to eat a lot of north Indian and Tandoori when I worked in Dubai, but now, I vouch for south Indian cuisine. Chettinad Chicken tempered in curry leaves and spices, anyday! Since I have a sweet tooth, the Wattalappam dish from Kerala  a caramel pudding with coconut milk, jaggery and served with coconut ice cream  is a recent favourite.

Though I love experimenting with new ingredients and flavours, Im not a fan of the fusion confusion (laughs). The best ingredients can be used to bring out different flavours in a dish, but mixing two different cuisines makes them lose their identity  thats my opinion.

My journey has been interesting since I worked in the same company for 20 years, but in different places. Meeting new people and exploring different cuisines has kept my pulse beating. My advice while cooking is: experiment, do your best with passion, serve good food, make others happy and be happy!

CHENNAI: The first time I stepped into the kitchen was out of curiosity. I just six! It wasnt official learning, but just a drive to learn how ingredients are put together and to also know how the end product is so delicious (smiles). As a person who loved to eat good food, I knew that I had to learn the techniques to make it myself. The first dish I made was along with my mother; the traditional fried rice with chicken, egg and shrimp. Chef Teuku, executive chef, Park HyattHailing from Indonesia, the food culture has always intrigued me. Every island has its own food culture. For example, the food in Sumatra is different from the cuisine in Java. In eastern Java, the food is made sweet and in several other islands, the food has a little bit of influence of south Indian cooking. The use of curry leaves, mustard seeds, and coconut milk can be seen in a few places, but, surprisingly, there are islands where rice isnt used at all! They use corn and cassava as their main staple as opposed to rice. I love to cook with khafir lime leaf and lemon grass as they induce a different texture and flavour. But, unlike a few chefs, I make sure that I remove it after adding the flavour to the dish. I also love cooking with chilli, but I use very little of it as I have a sweet tooth and cant take too much spice! (laughs) Since I am from Indonesia, its natural for me to have an inclinational towards Asian flavours and food. But I like Peruvian cuisine and someday want to visit Peru to see the place where the cuisine originated and get some inspiration. People in India are yet to open up to this cuisine as most dont have a palette for those kind of dishes. For example, raw Ceviche (a popular seafood dish from Latin America)I dont think a lot of people would relate to those flavours here. But when it comes to Indian flavours, I have seen a major shift in the cuisine that I prefer. I used to eat a lot of north Indian and Tandoori when I worked in Dubai, but now, I vouch for south Indian cuisine. Chettinad Chicken tempered in curry leaves and spices, anyday! Since I have a sweet tooth, the Wattalappam dish from Kerala  a caramel pudding with coconut milk, jaggery and served with coconut ice cream  is a recent favourite. Though I love experimenting with new ingredients and flavours, Im not a fan of the fusion confusion (laughs). The best ingredients can be used to bring out different flavours in a dish, but mixing two different cuisines makes them lose their identity  thats my opinion. My journey has been interesting since I worked in the same company for 20 years, but in different places. Meeting new people and exploring different cuisines has kept my pulse beating. My advice while cooking is: experiment, do your best with passion, serve good food, make others happy and be happy!
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: What began as a petty argument about chasing away a stray dog turned violent. Sriram (30) from Andhra Pradesh was attacked by a youth on Wednesday at Chennai Central during the morning peak hours, with many passengers witnessing it.

Sriram, who works in the city, arrived around 8.15 am from Hyderabad by the Charminar Express. He was walking towards the exit when S Kalidass (20), of Dharapuram in Tirupur district, who was lying nearby shooed away a mongrel. Sriram who was passing by got scared that the dog might bite him. An agitated Sriram rebuked Kalidass and an argument followed. It was then that Kalidass suddenly drew a knife and swiped at Sriram.

Kalidass, who assists a cook in Dharapuram, had a knife. He thought he was being abused by Sriram in Telugu. This spurred him to attack Sriram, who suffered minor cut injuries on his hand and stomach. After treatment at the Government General Hospital, Sriram was discharged, GRP said.

The attacker, Kalidass, was arrested and remanded to the Puzhal Central Jail.

CHENNAI: What began as a petty argument about chasing away a stray dog turned violent. Sriram (30) from Andhra Pradesh was attacked by a youth on Wednesday at Chennai Central during the morning peak hours, with many passengers witnessing it. Sriram, who works in the city, arrived around 8.15 am from Hyderabad by the Charminar Express. He was walking towards the exit when S Kalidass (20), of Dharapuram in Tirupur district, who was lying nearby shooed away a mongrel. Sriram who was passing by got scared that the dog might bite him. An agitated Sriram rebuked Kalidass and an argument followed. It was then that Kalidass suddenly drew a knife and swiped at Sriram. Kalidass, who assists a cook in Dharapuram, had a knife. He thought he was being abused by Sriram in Telugu. This spurred him to attack Sriram, who suffered minor cut injuries on his hand and stomach. After treatment at the Government General Hospital, Sriram was discharged, GRP said. The attacker, Kalidass, was arrested and remanded to the Puzhal Central Jail.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: A Medipark to manufacture high end medical equipment finally received the go ahead, after the Union Cabinet gave its approval to set up the unit in a 330-acre site in Chengalpattu near Chennai.

Once operational, this facility is expected to pave the way for Tamil Nadu to become the hub of medical equipment manufacturing.

To come up at a cost of around Rs 135 crore (infrastructure costs) by Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) along with HLL Lifecare Limited, a Mini Ratna public sector unit under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Medipark is likely to provide direct employment to 3,000 persons and indirect employment to 5,000 people.

S Ravindra, Chief Executive Officer of Medipark, told Express that the project is likely to attract investments worth more than Rs 2,500 crore to Rs 3,000 crore. Once on stream, this would be the first manufacturing cluster in the medical technology sector in the country envisaged to boost local manufacturing of high-end products at a significantly lower cost, resulting in affordable healthcare delivery particularly in diagnostic services, he added.

The park would be set up through a special purpose vehicle in which HLLs shareholding would be above 50 per cent. The State government is supporting the initiative through equity participation limited to 10 per cent, Ravindra said.

The facility would be developed in phases spread over seven years, said the CEO, adding that the first phase was expected to be over in two to three years. Physical infrastructure would be developed and plots leased from third year onwards. In the second phase, a knowledge management centre would be developed with grants and assistance from departments that fund such initiatives. The land has been leased to HLL for 99 years at Rs 1 per annum. The company would sublease the land to investors through a transparent bidding process. In the initial phase, HLL plans to provide land at a subsidised rate for entrepreneurs to attract investors. The rate would go up gradually as the demand picks up.

As per the proposal, the assessed market value of land would be paid back to Government out of surplus generated from the seventh year onwards.

The project would reduce the dependence on imports and create a strong basis for the growth of indigenous and domestic industry by providing access to state of the art infrastructure and technology. In 2015, the demand for medical equipment and devices in India was estimated at Rs 30,000 crore, 70 per cent of which was imported.

CHENNAI: A Medipark to manufacture high end medical equipment finally received the go ahead, after the Union Cabinet gave its approval to set up the unit in a 330-acre site in Chengalpattu near Chennai. Once operational, this facility is expected to pave the way for Tamil Nadu to become the hub of medical equipment manufacturing. To come up at a cost of around Rs 135 crore (infrastructure costs) by Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) along with HLL Lifecare Limited, a Mini Ratna public sector unit under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Medipark is likely to provide direct employment to 3,000 persons and indirect employment to 5,000 people. S Ravindra, Chief Executive Officer of Medipark, told Express that the project is likely to attract investments worth more than Rs 2,500 crore to Rs 3,000 crore. Once on stream, this would be the first manufacturing cluster in the medical technology sector in the country envisaged to boost local manufacturing of high-end products at a significantly lower cost, resulting in affordable healthcare delivery particularly in diagnostic services, he added. The park would be set up through a special purpose vehicle in which HLLs shareholding would be above 50 per cent. The State government is supporting the initiative through equity participation limited to 10 per cent, Ravindra said. The facility would be developed in phases spread over seven years, said the CEO, adding that the first phase was expected to be over in two to three years. Physical infrastructure would be developed and plots leased from third year onwards. In the second phase, a knowledge management centre would be developed with grants and assistance from departments that fund such initiatives. The land has been leased to HLL for 99 years at Rs 1 per annum. The company would sublease the land to investors through a transparent bidding process. In the initial phase, HLL plans to provide land at a subsidised rate for entrepreneurs to attract investors. The rate would go up gradually as the demand picks up. As per the proposal, the assessed market value of land would be paid back to Government out of surplus generated from the seventh year onwards. The project would reduce the dependence on imports and create a strong basis for the growth of indigenous and domestic industry by providing access to state of the art infrastructure and technology. In 2015, the demand for medical equipment and devices in India was estimated at Rs 30,000 crore, 70 per cent of which was imported.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Who calls you a prostitute, Mother? wrote legendary Bangladeshi poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Bangladesh is one of the few Muslim countries in which prostitution is legal. Still the plight of these fallen women involves dingy rooms, violent customers and stigma. This is the world 40-year-old German photojournalist Sandra Hoyn has documented as The Longing of Others.

Sandras work is being exhibited at Goethe Zentrum Hyderabad as part of Indian Photo Festival till October 9.

The white walls of Goethe Zentrum Hyderabad are bathed in a riot of colours. A closer look reveals the bright colours to be paradoxical and complementary to the somber surroundings of the 200-year-old Kandapara brothel in Tangail, Bangladesh.

The photos feature the women giggling with men, sharing light moments with each other and boyfriend-clients affectionately holding the women.

However, the photos are not just colour and laughter: one catches a woman sharing an intimate moment with a client, while another a heap of used condoms.

How did a foreign photojournalist who does not speak the local language gain access to the lives of the subjects?

I was interested in exploring the womens life in a brothel. I went there with the help of an NGO and a translator friend, Hoyn explains in an email interview with Express.

Was it not dangerous for her to venture into red-light areas? The women in a way protected me. They never allowed any man to come near me and if they tried they threatened them, she reveals.

Hoyn recalls a 27-year-old woman named Bonna who was seven years old when she was raped by her stepfather. Bonna ran away from home after this incident. When she was 10, a man picked her off the street and sold her to a brothel.

Bonna has two regular clients and an eight-year-old son from one of them. The child lives outside the brothel in the family home. Sometimes he visits her.

According to Hoyn, Bonna told her, Life without love is worse than the life of a street dog. I dont have any dreams for myself. I just dream for my son that he will get a good education.

It was initially difficult for Hoyn to gain access to the brothel quarters, but most of the women came to understand what she was trying to capture.

A few men however kept away as they were family men, Hoyn recalls.

HYDERABAD: Who calls you a prostitute, Mother? wrote legendary Bangladeshi poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Bangladesh is one of the few Muslim countries in which prostitution is legal. Still the plight of these fallen women involves dingy rooms, violent customers and stigma. This is the world 40-year-old German photojournalist Sandra Hoyn has documented as The Longing of Others. Sandras work is being exhibited at Goethe Zentrum Hyderabad as part of Indian Photo Festival till October 9. The white walls of Goethe Zentrum Hyderabad are bathed in a riot of colours. A closer look reveals the bright colours to be paradoxical and complementary to the somber surroundings of the 200-year-old Kandapara brothel in Tangail, Bangladesh. The photos feature the women giggling with men, sharing light moments with each other and boyfriend-clients affectionately holding the women. However, the photos are not just colour and laughter: one catches a woman sharing an intimate moment with a client, while another a heap of used condoms. How did a foreign photojournalist who does not speak the local language gain access to the lives of the subjects? I was interested in exploring the womens life in a brothel. I went there with the help of an NGO and a translator friend, Hoyn explains in an email interview with Express. Was it not dangerous for her to venture into red-light areas? The women in a way protected me. They never allowed any man to come near me and if they tried they threatened them, she reveals. Hoyn recalls a 27-year-old woman named Bonna who was seven years old when she was raped by her stepfather. Bonna ran away from home after this incident. When she was 10, a man picked her off the street and sold her to a brothel. Bonna has two regular clients and an eight-year-old son from one of them. The child lives outside the brothel in the family home. Sometimes he visits her. According to Hoyn, Bonna told her, Life without love is worse than the life of a street dog. I dont have any dreams for myself. I just dream for my son that he will get a good education. It was initially difficult for Hoyn to gain access to the brothel quarters, but most of the women came to understand what she was trying to capture. A few men however kept away as they were family men, Hoyn recalls.
S Subhakeerthana By

Express News Service

Sivakarthikeyan has become synonymous with comedy films. While it does question his skill as an actor, we have to remember that his road to fame was hardly smooth though TV gave him recognition initially. Despite delivering hits like Ethir Neechal (2013), Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam (2013), Maan Karate (2014) and Rajini Murugan this year, Sivakarthikeyan knows his strengths and weaknesses well. With Remo releasing this Friday, City Express has a chat with one of the most sought-after heroes in Ktown.

Excerpts follow:

Sivakarthikeyan in Remo

You have a huge fan-following in Tamil Nadu. What are your plans as far as the other film industries are concerned?

My earlier films were received well in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and even Malaysia. To expand my market, I should do big films in terms of budget and script. I ought to bring in a variety, such as a superhero-based script or something different. I want to get close to the audience, going beyond language barriers. Thats why I decided to dub for Remo. Movies with universally-appealing themes attract audience across spheres. It has become a trend now for filmmakers of one language make movies that appeal to audiences of other languages. Baahubali (2015) is a good example.

What made you choose Remo?

When I was shooting for Rajini Murugan, I decided that I would do Remo. I loved the script and the way Bakkiyaraj (Kannan) narrated it. The story also brought

PC Sreeram and Resul Pookutty to the team. It is a full-on rom-com suitable for everybody, with the right mix of humour, romance, songs, dance and fights, without any vulgarity. The nurse get-up is something Ive never tried before.

How challenging was it for you to pull off the nurse role?

When you use prosthetics, you can change yourself into an older person. Here, I had to look like a young nurse. The director was able to visualise me like that, but I couldnt. There was no reference material either. We did everything using the trial-and-error method. Dubbing took a month. I dubbed for 10 minutes of footage everyday because of the modulation, among other reasons. But I am of proud playing a nurse.

Your presence can elevate an ordinary script to another level

I never thought Id become a hero. Ethir Neechal (2013) gave me the confidence. The audience watch my films with certain expectations. However, I cant do films devoid of humour. So once my film becomes a hit, I focus on the next one. I know as an actor, I have to be versatile. But at the same time, I dont want to try something experimental and disappoint my audience. Take Rajinikanth sirs films for instance. Theyre family entertainers with a certain amount of energy. I want to do such movies.

We heard youd love to be a part of childrens films?

If it appeals to all sections of the audience, then why not? They bring parents to the theatres too! Making movies for them is difficult because we need to simplify the concept.

How organised are you when it comes to films?

Initially, I wasnt. But after my debut as the lead, I started planning and became more choosy. I dont do more than two films a year and I never sign projects for the heck of it or for better money. Expectations and pressure makes me work more.

Whats next?

I am doing a social-thriller by Mohan Raja. Nayanthara is the heroine. Well start shooting by the end of this month. I am looking forward to learning a lot from Raja as its going to be the biggest film in my career. I also have a Ponram film in the pipeline with Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

How about horror flicks or dark comedies?

Lets think about horror scripts when they give tax-free exemptions! (Smiles) All my films are targeted at the B and C centres, and I wonder if they would understand dark comedy films. Sometimes even I have issues understanding such scripts!

Tell us about your dream role.

I want to do something similar to what Vikram did in Saamy (2013). My father used to be a terror cop just like Vikrams character. (grins).

Sivakarthikeyan has become synonymous with comedy films. While it does question his skill as an actor, we have to remember that his road to fame was hardly smooth though TV gave him recognition initially. Despite delivering hits like Ethir Neechal (2013), Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam (2013), Maan Karate (2014) and Rajini Murugan this year, Sivakarthikeyan knows his strengths and weaknesses well. With Remo releasing this Friday, City Express has a chat with one of the most sought-after heroes in Ktown. Excerpts follow: Sivakarthikeyan in RemoYou have a huge fan-following in Tamil Nadu. What are your plans as far as the other film industries are concerned? My earlier films were received well in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and even Malaysia. To expand my market, I should do big films in terms of budget and script. I ought to bring in a variety, such as a superhero-based script or something different. I want to get close to the audience, going beyond language barriers. Thats why I decided to dub for Remo. Movies with universally-appealing themes attract audience across spheres. It has become a trend now for filmmakers of one language make movies that appeal to audiences of other languages. Baahubali (2015) is a good example. What made you choose Remo? When I was shooting for Rajini Murugan, I decided that I would do Remo. I loved the script and the way Bakkiyaraj (Kannan) narrated it. The story also brought PC Sreeram and Resul Pookutty to the team. It is a full-on rom-com suitable for everybody, with the right mix of humour, romance, songs, dance and fights, without any vulgarity. The nurse get-up is something Ive never tried before. How challenging was it for you to pull off the nurse role? When you use prosthetics, you can change yourself into an older person. Here, I had to look like a young nurse. The director was able to visualise me like that, but I couldnt. There was no reference material either. We did everything using the trial-and-error method. Dubbing took a month. I dubbed for 10 minutes of footage everyday because of the modulation, among other reasons. But I am of proud playing a nurse. Your presence can elevate an ordinary script to another level I never thought Id become a hero. Ethir Neechal (2013) gave me the confidence. The audience watch my films with certain expectations. However, I cant do films devoid of humour. So once my film becomes a hit, I focus on the next one. I know as an actor, I have to be versatile. But at the same time, I dont want to try something experimental and disappoint my audience. Take Rajinikanth sirs films for instance. Theyre family entertainers with a certain amount of energy. I want to do such movies. We heard youd love to be a part of childrens films? If it appeals to all sections of the audience, then why not? They bring parents to the theatres too! Making movies for them is difficult because we need to simplify the concept. How organised are you when it comes to films? Initially, I wasnt. But after my debut as the lead, I started planning and became more choosy. I dont do more than two films a year and I never sign projects for the heck of it or for better money. Expectations and pressure makes me work more. Whats next? I am doing a social-thriller by Mohan Raja. Nayanthara is the heroine. Well start shooting by the end of this month. I am looking forward to learning a lot from Raja as its going to be the biggest film in my career. I also have a Ponram film in the pipeline with Samantha Ruth Prabhu. How about horror flicks or dark comedies? Lets think about horror scripts when they give tax-free exemptions! (Smiles) All my films are targeted at the B and C centres, and I wonder if they would understand dark comedy films. Sometimes even I have issues understanding such scripts! Tell us about your dream role. I want to do something similar to what Vikram did in Saamy (2013). My father used to be a terror cop just like Vikrams character. (grins).
Anushree Madhavan By

Express News Service

A few months ago when Infosys techie Swathi was hacked to death by an alleged stalker in broad daylight, a petition was started by city-based researcher, Iswarya V, demanding that Tamil films stop glorifying stalking. This was addressed to all filmmakers and actors. Stalking was a topic being discussed in several circles, and the public and media alike condemned the legitimacy given to it in popular mass media like movies.

Despite the outrage, Tamil film Remo, starring Sivakarthikeyan which is up for release this Friday and has already grabbed a lot of eyeballs with its trailer, seems to have endorsed stalking. The film helmed by debutant Bakkiyaraj Kannan, is about a guy-next-door who disguises himself as a nurse in order to woo the lady he loves, who is a doctor by profession.

What's worse, lead actor Sivakarthikeyan in an interview, had said that what he does in films is "not stalking" and that it has "pure intentions". It is "not lust" but "elevated love", he claimed.

"What is elevated love exactly? wonders Iswarya, which Sivakarthikeyan has explained as the wish to marry the said stalked girl.

"Ultimately, all stalkers want that," quips Iswarya.

"Seems like Siva is unaware of what 'stalking' exactly is," says Iswarya.

"I started the petition four months ago and after that we have noticed a pattern in the killings that have happened all over India. The sad thing is that though women everywhere are being stalked on a daily basis, it comes to the fore only when it ends violently.

A few reports suggest that after Kabali, Remo is the second most promoted Tamil film this year. "Most of the people in this film are first-timers, including the director and producer. We have a problem with Sivakarthikeyan and other senior technicians. This is not the first time that Sivakarthikeyan's films have glorified stalking. In all his films, he is seen "wooing" the heroine by either harassing her or stalking her."

The actor believes he is a hit among the younger audience and especially children, which he has gone on record to say. Iswarya is ready to take the matter to the CBFC too. "If most of his fans are children, why is the film, which involves deceiving women, given a U certificate? There were films like Guna and 7G Rainbow Colony, which had the actor stalking the female lead but the films were rated A. We ask for the same for this too," she says

For Iswarya, this petition to #BoycottRemo is just a start. "If this one film changes the certificate to A, then the other films that involves such issues will also follow suit."

Archanaa Seker, an activist, is also part of the thread that is urging people to boycott the film for its content. She noted that apart form the actor, PC Sreeram, the cinematographer, for the film, is a also a well-known face respected for the kind of movies he works in. But even he has not responded to a Twitter debate she has tagged him in.

A few months ago when Infosys techie Swathi was hacked to death by an alleged stalker in broad daylight, a petition was started by city-based researcher, Iswarya V, demanding that Tamil films stop glorifying stalking. This was addressed to all filmmakers and actors. Stalking was a topic being discussed in several circles, and the public and media alike condemned the legitimacy given to it in popular mass media like movies. Despite the outrage, Tamil film Remo, starring Sivakarthikeyan which is up for release this Friday and has already grabbed a lot of eyeballs with its trailer, seems to have endorsed stalking. The film helmed by debutant Bakkiyaraj Kannan, is about a guy-next-door who disguises himself as a nurse in order to woo the lady he loves, who is a doctor by profession. What's worse, lead actor Sivakarthikeyan in an interview, had said that what he does in films is "not stalking" and that it has "pure intentions". It is "not lust" but "elevated love", he claimed. "What is elevated love exactly? wonders Iswarya, which Sivakarthikeyan has explained as the wish to marry the said stalked girl. "Ultimately, all stalkers want that," quips Iswarya. "Seems like Siva is unaware of what 'stalking' exactly is," says Iswarya. "I started the petition four months ago and after that we have noticed a pattern in the killings that have happened all over India. The sad thing is that though women everywhere are being stalked on a daily basis, it comes to the fore only when it ends violently. A few reports suggest that after Kabali, Remo is the second most promoted Tamil film this year. "Most of the people in this film are first-timers, including the director and producer. We have a problem with Sivakarthikeyan and other senior technicians. This is not the first time that Sivakarthikeyan's films have glorified stalking. In all his films, he is seen "wooing" the heroine by either harassing her or stalking her." The actor believes he is a hit among the younger audience and especially children, which he has gone on record to say. Iswarya is ready to take the matter to the CBFC too. "If most of his fans are children, why is the film, which involves deceiving women, given a U certificate? There were films like Guna and 7G Rainbow Colony, which had the actor stalking the female lead but the films were rated A. We ask for the same for this too," she says For Iswarya, this petition to #BoycottRemo is just a start. "If this one film changes the certificate to A, then the other films that involves such issues will also follow suit." Archanaa Seker, an activist, is also part of the thread that is urging people to boycott the film for its content. She noted that apart form the actor, PC Sreeram, the cinematographer, for the film, is a also a well-known face respected for the kind of movies he works in. But even he has not responded to a Twitter debate she has tagged him in.
Sujatha Narayanan By

Express News Service

It was the 90s and item numbers had a different spin to them. The lead dancer was a man who moved like his limbs didnt exist and his group of dancers also moved across the frame in random synergy, as opposed to the regular format of a film-song that usually had them stand in two rows and perform the same steps behind the hero or heroine. Prabhudeva and his dance numbers Laalaakku Dol Dappi Maa from Suriyan (1992) and Chikkubukku Rayiley from Gentleman (1993) took the MTV gen-next by storm!

Film-songs looking like music videos? Are you kidding me? wouldve been the refrain back then. Prabhudeva brought in a mood, a setting, and symmetry to each song he danced to or choreographed. Here was a dancer who moved like he was born to do just that, resonating lyricist Vaalis famous lines from Mr Romeo (1996)  Annaiyin karuvinil irukkayil nadanam thodangivittean (I started dancing from the time I was in my mothers womb).

Just Google the number of songs in the AR Rahman-Prabhudeva combo. It wasnt just the soundscape that set a new trend after Roja (1992); it was also the stylish way a song was filmed and edited that set new benchmarks. Prabhudevas choreography completes a song, where his composition lends value to every person in the shot  be it with groups of dancers in Kaasumela Kaasu Vandhu from Kadhala Kadhala (1998) or Urvasi Urvasi from Kadhalan (1994) or just duets like in Vennilavey Vennilavey from Minsaara Kanavu (1997), where he was the lead actor opposite Kajol. The percussion interlude from another song in the same film  Maana madhurai maamarakiliayiley  was specially added for Prabhudeva to perform within a single take.

While his hit songs were mostly tuned by Rahman or Gaana King Deva, it was Ilayarajas languidly composed April Mayiley from Idhayam (1995) and the peppy Chinnaraasavey Chittaerumbu from Walter Vetrivel (1993) that propelled his fame as a dancer. By the mid-90s, this dance star was moonwalking to his mojo! Heroes and heroines were suddenly appearing more graceful and better in form to dance any step which, well, didnt seem like 1-2-3 and 3-2-1 staccato movements.

Kamal Haasan was the only trained dancer who moved to perfection in his movies, and Prabhudeva followed suit. He made western dance his forte, and mixed dabbankuthu and hip-hop with expressions to match. Watch the last musical bit of Minnal Oru Kodi from VIP (1997) where he dances alone on the streets, unmindful of traffic, and catch his famous hand-flourish moves.

Vijay in Tamil and Chiranjeevi in Telugu took to Prabhudevas intricate Indo-Western choreography which required separate rehearsal timings, making their efforts worthy of the songs. Only he could have made Captain Vijayakanth look so appealing when hes dancing with a trained dancer like Bhanupriya in Bharathan (1992) for Ilayaraja number Punnagaiyil Minnsaaram! Farhan Akhtar specially had Prabhudeva choreograph Hrithik Roshans Main Aisa Kyun Hoon in Lakshya (2004) to much applause. You know its a Prabhudeva song when every second line is a different step or visual and difficult to replicate. Just watch Mangai Nilavin Thangai from Engeyum Kadhal (2011).

(Right) A still from Minsaara Kanavu (1997) and (left) Tamannaah in a still from Devi

Prabhudevas graceful style is thanks to his choreographer-dad Sundaram Master, who let his second son tag along as an assistant to his shoots. Sundaram had already changed the manner in which songs were picturised in the late 80s. Prabhudeva picked up from where his dad left.

Story goes that it was Mani Ratnam who made Prabhudeva dance in front of the camera for the first time. Look out for a clean-shaven teenager in the front row in Panivizhum Iravu from Mouna Raagam (1986) and Raja Rajadhirajan Indha Raja from Agni Nakshatram (1988). Prabhudeva is said to have choreographed the famous Vaanamenna Keezhirukku song between Kamal Haasan and Prabhu in Vetri Vizha (1989), though the film credits his father as choreographer.

From a group dancer to dance assistant, and then actor, choreographer, and then to a filmmaker (his first film in Telugu was a runaway hit and remade in Tamil by Jayam Raja)  the journey kept touching new peaks.

To last 25 years in the industry and still dance the way he does, to earn box-office praise as a director (in Hindi, a language he doesnt speak or understand much), and then to return as an actor (check out the video that has Prabhudeva rehearsing with his assistant for the October 7 release Devi)  his career is a full-circle now.

Sridevi danced to his choreography in many films (Appaney Theeyeney Dheppa from the Telugu film Jagadekaveerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990) being most famous), so did Madhuri Dixit in Que Sera Sera Sera from Pukar (2000). Both talented and trained dancers who chose Prabhudeva as choreographer, even when their favourite Saroj Khan was ruling Bollywood.

A Michael Jackson tribute concert in 1999 at Munich, Germany, with AR Rahman and Shobhana, made Prabhudeva an unparalleled national dancing icon. His assistants are also main choreographers now and the style is evident. With such high standards, its no surprise that Tammanah shines in Devis promos, where the Master of Dance himself grooves with such elan! Someone please ask him and let me know how he moves, perched just above the floor with his left leg out like that!

(The writer is a columnist with The New Indian Express)

It was the 90s and item numbers had a different spin to them. The lead dancer was a man who moved like his limbs didnt exist and his group of dancers also moved across the frame in random synergy, as opposed to the regular format of a film-song that usually had them stand in two rows and perform the same steps behind the hero or heroine. Prabhudeva and his dance numbers Laalaakku Dol Dappi Maa from Suriyan (1992) and Chikkubukku Rayiley from Gentleman (1993) took the MTV gen-next by storm! Film-songs looking like music videos? Are you kidding me? wouldve been the refrain back then. Prabhudeva brought in a mood, a setting, and symmetry to each song he danced to or choreographed. Here was a dancer who moved like he was born to do just that, resonating lyricist Vaalis famous lines from Mr Romeo (1996)  Annaiyin karuvinil irukkayil nadanam thodangivittean (I started dancing from the time I was in my mothers womb). Just Google the number of songs in the AR Rahman-Prabhudeva combo. It wasnt just the soundscape that set a new trend after Roja (1992); it was also the stylish way a song was filmed and edited that set new benchmarks. Prabhudevas choreography completes a song, where his composition lends value to every person in the shot  be it with groups of dancers in Kaasumela Kaasu Vandhu from Kadhala Kadhala (1998) or Urvasi Urvasi from Kadhalan (1994) or just duets like in Vennilavey Vennilavey from Minsaara Kanavu (1997), where he was the lead actor opposite Kajol. The percussion interlude from another song in the same film  Maana madhurai maamarakiliayiley  was specially added for Prabhudeva to perform within a single take. While his hit songs were mostly tuned by Rahman or Gaana King Deva, it was Ilayarajas languidly composed April Mayiley from Idhayam (1995) and the peppy Chinnaraasavey Chittaerumbu from Walter Vetrivel (1993) that propelled his fame as a dancer. By the mid-90s, this dance star was moonwalking to his mojo! Heroes and heroines were suddenly appearing more graceful and better in form to dance any step which, well, didnt seem like 1-2-3 and 3-2-1 staccato movements. Kamal Haasan was the only trained dancer who moved to perfection in his movies, and Prabhudeva followed suit. He made western dance his forte, and mixed dabbankuthu and hip-hop with expressions to match. Watch the last musical bit of Minnal Oru Kodi from VIP (1997) where he dances alone on the streets, unmindful of traffic, and catch his famous hand-flourish moves. Vijay in Tamil and Chiranjeevi in Telugu took to Prabhudevas intricate Indo-Western choreography which required separate rehearsal timings, making their efforts worthy of the songs. Only he could have made Captain Vijayakanth look so appealing when hes dancing with a trained dancer like Bhanupriya in Bharathan (1992) for Ilayaraja number Punnagaiyil Minnsaaram! Farhan Akhtar specially had Prabhudeva choreograph Hrithik Roshans Main Aisa Kyun Hoon in Lakshya (2004) to much applause. You know its a Prabhudeva song when every second line is a different step or visual and difficult to replicate. Just watch Mangai Nilavin Thangai from Engeyum Kadhal (2011). (Right) A still from Minsaara Kanavu (1997) and (left) Tamannaah in a still from DeviPrabhudevas graceful style is thanks to his choreographer-dad Sundaram Master, who let his second son tag along as an assistant to his shoots. Sundaram had already changed the manner in which songs were picturised in the late 80s. Prabhudeva picked up from where his dad left. Story goes that it was Mani Ratnam who made Prabhudeva dance in front of the camera for the first time. Look out for a clean-shaven teenager in the front row in Panivizhum Iravu from Mouna Raagam (1986) and Raja Rajadhirajan Indha Raja from Agni Nakshatram (1988). Prabhudeva is said to have choreographed the famous Vaanamenna Keezhirukku song between Kamal Haasan and Prabhu in Vetri Vizha (1989), though the film credits his father as choreographer. From a group dancer to dance assistant, and then actor, choreographer, and then to a filmmaker (his first film in Telugu was a runaway hit and remade in Tamil by Jayam Raja)  the journey kept touching new peaks. To last 25 years in the industry and still dance the way he does, to earn box-office praise as a director (in Hindi, a language he doesnt speak or understand much), and then to return as an actor (check out the video that has Prabhudeva rehearsing with his assistant for the October 7 release Devi)  his career is a full-circle now. Sridevi danced to his choreography in many films (Appaney Theeyeney Dheppa from the Telugu film Jagadekaveerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990) being most famous), so did Madhuri Dixit in Que Sera Sera Sera from Pukar (2000). Both talented and trained dancers who chose Prabhudeva as choreographer, even when their favourite Saroj Khan was ruling Bollywood. A Michael Jackson tribute concert in 1999 at Munich, Germany, with AR Rahman and Shobhana, made Prabhudeva an unparalleled national dancing icon. His assistants are also main choreographers now and the style is evident. With such high standards, its no surprise that Tammanah shines in Devis promos, where the Master of Dance himself grooves with such elan! Someone please ask him and let me know how he moves, perched just above the floor with his left leg out like that! (The writer is a columnist with The New Indian Express)
PTI By

NEW DELHI: India today raised with China its blocking of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's banning by the UN as well as Beijing's opposition to India's NSG membership bid for which the two sides agreed to have a meeting soon between their top disarmament officials.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, during their talks, also decided to put in place a new mechanism at the level of Foreign Secretaries to discuss various aspects of bilateral ties which have witnessed strain in the recent past.

Swaraj also conveyed to Wang, India's concerns on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during the three-hour-long discussion including over lunch.

They reviewed the situation on the border and discussed further steps to strengthen peace and tranquillity.

Earlier in the day, Wang also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a number of issues were discussed during the 20-minute-long meeting.

"Lengthy discussion were held on India's NSG membership. Swaraj outlined importance of meeting our clean energy goals in the context of COP-21. India offered to discuss any technical issues China may have. It was agreed that the DGs of Disarmament of the two countries would meet soon," official sources said.

China had scuttled India's bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) at the plenary meeting of the 48-nation grouping in June on the grounds that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), evoking a strong reaction from India. India had said China was the only country that put a road block to its NSG membership.

Swaraj also raised the issue of China blocking India's efforts to get JeM chief Azhar, mastermind of the Mumbai and Pathankot terror attacks, banned by the UN.

"China's technical hold on listing of Masood Azhar in the UNSC 1267 Committee was also taken up. China was urged to revisit its technical hold in line with its own professed zero tolerance towards terrorism," the sources said.

They said the situation on the border was also reviewed and further steps to strengthen peace and tranquillity were discussed.

"A new mechanism at the level of Foreign Secretaries agreed to discuss ties," the sources said.

NEW DELHI: India today raised with China its blocking of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's banning by the UN as well as Beijing's opposition to India's NSG membership bid for which the two sides agreed to have a meeting soon between their top disarmament officials. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, during their talks, also decided to put in place a new mechanism at the level of Foreign Secretaries to discuss various aspects of bilateral ties which have witnessed strain in the recent past. Swaraj also conveyed to Wang, India's concerns on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during the three-hour-long discussion including over lunch. They reviewed the situation on the border and discussed further steps to strengthen peace and tranquillity. Earlier in the day, Wang also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a number of issues were discussed during the 20-minute-long meeting. "Lengthy discussion were held on India's NSG membership. Swaraj outlined importance of meeting our clean energy goals in the context of COP-21. India offered to discuss any technical issues China may have. It was agreed that the DGs of Disarmament of the two countries would meet soon," official sources said. China had scuttled India's bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) at the plenary meeting of the 48-nation grouping in June on the grounds that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), evoking a strong reaction from India. India had said China was the only country that put a road block to its NSG membership.Swaraj also raised the issue of China blocking India's efforts to get JeM chief Azhar, mastermind of the Mumbai and Pathankot terror attacks, banned by the UN. "China's technical hold on listing of Masood Azhar in the UNSC 1267 Committee was also taken up. China was urged to revisit its technical hold in line with its own professed zero tolerance towards terrorism," the sources said. They said the situation on the border was also reviewed and further steps to strengthen peace and tranquillity were discussed. "A new mechanism at the level of Foreign Secretaries agreed to discuss ties," the sources said.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Its now the Prime Ministers call whether or not to make public the video footage purported to have been shot of the surgical strikes India carried out across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The Army has handed over to the government, video clips of the operation, Hansraj Ahir, a junior minister in the Ministry of Home Affairs, disclosed on Wednesday.

While the submission was as per protocol on such matters, a senior defence source said the Army has communicated its view to the government that putting out footage of a covert Army op is militarily not wise. But then the government has been under pressure from the Opposition  the Congress mainly and

Arvind Kejriwal in particular  which wants the footage revealed to nail Pakistans contention that some regular cross-border fire was being passed off as a high-octane operation. Doubting Thomases like Sanjay Nirupam have even gone to the extent of saying the surgical strikes are fake. Official sources said the multiple surgical strikes, which lasted for four hours on September 29, were filmed by drones and helmet-mounted cameras carried by the Special Forces commandos. Seven terror launch pads were targeted and over 35 militants were believed to have been killed in the operation. Ahir said there is a process for putting such issues in perspective, which was duly followed by the Army as well as the government. The PM will now take a decision whether to release the video. Significantly, Ahirs colleague in the ministry, Kiren Rijiju, said everyone should have faith in the government and allow the Army to take its own call.

With the ball now in his court, the Prime Minister is understood to have cautioned his Cabinet colleagues against whipping up hysteria over the military action. During Wednesdays Cabinet meeting, sources said, he told his colleagues that only authorised people should speak on the issue.

NEW DELHI: Its now the Prime Ministers call whether or not to make public the video footage purported to have been shot of the surgical strikes India carried out across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Army has handed over to the government, video clips of the operation, Hansraj Ahir, a junior minister in the Ministry of Home Affairs, disclosed on Wednesday. While the submission was as per protocol on such matters, a senior defence source said the Army has communicated its view to the government that putting out footage of a covert Army op is militarily not wise. But then the government has been under pressure from the Opposition  the Congress mainly and Arvind Kejriwal in particular  which wants the footage revealed to nail Pakistans contention that some regular cross-border fire was being passed off as a high-octane operation. Doubting Thomases like Sanjay Nirupam have even gone to the extent of saying the surgical strikes are fake. Official sources said the multiple surgical strikes, which lasted for four hours on September 29, were filmed by drones and helmet-mounted cameras carried by the Special Forces commandos. Seven terror launch pads were targeted and over 35 militants were believed to have been killed in the operation. Ahir said there is a process for putting such issues in perspective, which was duly followed by the Army as well as the government. The PM will now take a decision whether to release the video. Significantly, Ahirs colleague in the ministry, Kiren Rijiju, said everyone should have faith in the government and allow the Army to take its own call. With the ball now in his court, the Prime Minister is understood to have cautioned his Cabinet colleagues against whipping up hysteria over the military action. During Wednesdays Cabinet meeting, sources said, he told his colleagues that only authorised people should speak on the issue.
Manish Anand By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The BJP has asked the Lok Sabha MPs with the other backward castes (OBC) background to pull up socks amidst adverse reports against them in the poll bound Uttar Pradesh. The reports noted that such MPs have limited influence outside their respective constituencies.

The BJP is counting on 19 of its Lok Sabha MPs with OBC background to deliver their respective caste votes to the party candidates across the state. These MPs are faces of the BJP in UP and claim to have a strong following among the OBCs. If they succeed in delivering their respective caste votes into the kitty of the party, the BJP could be in a quite comfortable position. However, they seem not to have grown out of their respective Lok Sabha constituencies, said a senior BJP leader, while requesting anonymity.

The BJP has tasked Lok Sabha MPs  Rajvir Singh and Nehpal Singh (Lodhi), Ramcharit Nishad and Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti (Nishad), Ravindra Kushwaha and Satpal Saini (Kushwaha), Hukum Singh and Kanwar Singh Tanwar (Gujjar), Santosh Gangwar and Rajesh Verma (Kurmi), Dharmendra Kashyap (Kashyap)  to mobilise their respective caste votes all across the state, sources added.

The saffron party has estimated that various OBCs are spread over the state having 10,000 or more votes in most of the Assembly constituencies. If such OBC votes combine with the traditional support base of the BJP, there could be significant gains. But if the Lok Sabha MPs fail to deliver such votes, the BJP will face an uphill task in the UP elections, said the party leader.

The issue, incidentally, was also discussed during the core group meeting chaired by the BJP chief Amit Shah, which was also attended by the party in-charge for UP Om Mathur, state unit chief Keshav Chandra Mourya, national general secretaries  Arun Singh and Kailash Vijayvargia. The core group also deliberated on timing of declaring the names of the candidates for the UP Assembly polls.

The local units in the state are of the view that the list of the candidates for 50 per cent of the seats finalized so far should not be made public as of now. The state executive council meeting of the BJP will be held in Lucknow on October 25 and 26 after which a decision will be made on announcement of the candidates, sources said.

NEW DELHI: The BJP has asked the Lok Sabha MPs with the other backward castes (OBC) background to pull up socks amidst adverse reports against them in the poll bound Uttar Pradesh. The reports noted that such MPs have limited influence outside their respective constituencies. The BJP is counting on 19 of its Lok Sabha MPs with OBC background to deliver their respective caste votes to the party candidates across the state. These MPs are faces of the BJP in UP and claim to have a strong following among the OBCs. If they succeed in delivering their respective caste votes into the kitty of the party, the BJP could be in a quite comfortable position. However, they seem not to have grown out of their respective Lok Sabha constituencies, said a senior BJP leader, while requesting anonymity. The BJP has tasked Lok Sabha MPs  Rajvir Singh and Nehpal Singh (Lodhi), Ramcharit Nishad and Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti (Nishad), Ravindra Kushwaha and Satpal Saini (Kushwaha), Hukum Singh and Kanwar Singh Tanwar (Gujjar), Santosh Gangwar and Rajesh Verma (Kurmi), Dharmendra Kashyap (Kashyap)  to mobilise their respective caste votes all across the state, sources added. The saffron party has estimated that various OBCs are spread over the state having 10,000 or more votes in most of the Assembly constituencies. If such OBC votes combine with the traditional support base of the BJP, there could be significant gains. But if the Lok Sabha MPs fail to deliver such votes, the BJP will face an uphill task in the UP elections, said the party leader. The issue, incidentally, was also discussed during the core group meeting chaired by the BJP chief Amit Shah, which was also attended by the party in-charge for UP Om Mathur, state unit chief Keshav Chandra Mourya, national general secretaries  Arun Singh and Kailash Vijayvargia. The core group also deliberated on timing of declaring the names of the candidates for the UP Assembly polls. The local units in the state are of the view that the list of the candidates for 50 per cent of the seats finalized so far should not be made public as of now. The state executive council meeting of the BJP will be held in Lucknow on October 25 and 26 after which a decision will be made on announcement of the candidates, sources said.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Thursday strongly reacted to the statement of the Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing politics in the name of the surgical strike against the terror camps in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Rahul Gandhis statement is a new low in Indian politics. It is not only condemnable but highly irresponsible coming from a vice president of Congress party which fought for Independence, said the BJP national secretary Siddharth Nath Singh.

Singh drew a parallel of Gandhis statement with the Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam. It also proves that what Nirupam had said two days back enjoyed the backing of the Congress vice president. Therefore, no action has been taken against Nirupam, added Singh.

The BJP leader also stated that the Congress and other political parties may be nervous because of courage and will power shown by the Modi government in backing the Armed forces decision to go for the surgical strike across the LOC. The aim of a responsible government is to back the Armed forces who defend the nation and not use them for political gains. This is what we have done after the Uri terror attack because we believe in our Armed forces. The surgical strike happened across the LoC but Gandhi has done a surgical strike on his party, said Singh.

The BJP leader, while launching a scathing attack on the Congress vice president also said that the first family of the grand old party loves to use narratives like Maut Ka Saudagar, Zaher ki Kheti but this time the scion has gone to level which raises serious questions whether it can be even trusted to lead the political outfit they are heading.

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Thursday strongly reacted to the statement of the Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing politics in the name of the surgical strike against the terror camps in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Rahul Gandhis statement is a new low in Indian politics. It is not only condemnable but highly irresponsible coming from a vice president of Congress party which fought for Independence, said the BJP national secretary Siddharth Nath Singh. Singh drew a parallel of Gandhis statement with the Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam. It also proves that what Nirupam had said two days back enjoyed the backing of the Congress vice president. Therefore, no action has been taken against Nirupam, added Singh. The BJP leader also stated that the Congress and other political parties may be nervous because of courage and will power shown by the Modi government in backing the Armed forces decision to go for the surgical strike across the LOC. The aim of a responsible government is to back the Armed forces who defend the nation and not use them for political gains. This is what we have done after the Uri terror attack because we believe in our Armed forces. The surgical strike happened across the LoC but Gandhi has done a surgical strike on his party, said Singh. The BJP leader, while launching a scathing attack on the Congress vice president also said that the first family of the grand old party loves to use narratives like Maut Ka Saudagar, Zaher ki Kheti but this time the scion has gone to level which raises serious questions whether it can be even trusted to lead the political outfit they are heading.
By ANI

MUMBAI: Lauding the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for exposing Islamabads real face before the world, the Shiv Sena on Thursday urged the BJP-led NDA regime at the Centre to fully support the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

It is a very big thing that the Pakistani Government claims that people in Pakistan occupied Kashmir are very happy in their region and they try to show the same picture again and again in the UN or to our Kashmiri people, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said.

But the reality is that when the people residing there speak openly then the entire world will come to know that it is Pakistan which is violating the human rights there. And the manner in which Pakistans real face has been exposed before the world, it is the victory of Indias diplomacy, he added.

The Shiv Sena leader further said it is a very big achievement for India that the people living in Pakistan occupied Kashmir have rebelled against the government in Islamabad.

So, I think the Indian Government must extend its full support to the people there, he added.

The local people and leaders in various parts of PoK erupted in protest today voicing concerns against the mushrooming of terror camps that have made their lives miserable.

Demanding that terrorism needs to be eliminated, they said that providing shelter to terrorists wont solve the issue.

The residents of Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Chinari, Mirpur, Gilgit, Diamer and Neelum Valley in PoK claim that their lives have been gravely affected by terror training camps operating in the area.

Tensions escalated in PoK earlier on Sunday after residents took to the streets to express their anger against the alleged atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

MUMBAI: Lauding the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for exposing Islamabads real face before the world, the Shiv Sena on Thursday urged the BJP-led NDA regime at the Centre to fully support the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). It is a very big thing that the Pakistani Government claims that people in Pakistan occupied Kashmir are very happy in their region and they try to show the same picture again and again in the UN or to our Kashmiri people, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said. But the reality is that when the people residing there speak openly then the entire world will come to know that it is Pakistan which is violating the human rights there. And the manner in which Pakistans real face has been exposed before the world, it is the victory of Indias diplomacy, he added. The Shiv Sena leader further said it is a very big achievement for India that the people living in Pakistan occupied Kashmir have rebelled against the government in Islamabad. So, I think the Indian Government must extend its full support to the people there, he added. The local people and leaders in various parts of PoK erupted in protest today voicing concerns against the mushrooming of terror camps that have made their lives miserable. Demanding that terrorism needs to be eliminated, they said that providing shelter to terrorists wont solve the issue. The residents of Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Chinari, Mirpur, Gilgit, Diamer and Neelum Valley in PoK claim that their lives have been gravely affected by terror training camps operating in the area. Tensions escalated in PoK earlier on Sunday after residents took to the streets to express their anger against the alleged atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday said that India and the Island nation will be signing an enhanced bilateral economic partnership agreement by the year end and said that closer economic ties will benefit the five southern states of India.

The enhanced economic ties agreement will be in addition to the existing Free trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I decided we must conclude it (the proposed technology and economic co-operation agreement) by the end of this year. This offers a strategic economic advantage to our country and the fastest-growing southern Indian States, Wickremesinghe said while speaking at the India Economic Summit hosted by the World Economic Forum and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in the capital.

Wickremesinghe said that the pact will be make Sri Lanka and the five southern States, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu grow together. The five states combined have a population of 272 million people and a combined gross domestic product of over $500 billion. These five States, with Sri Lanka, have an economy, whose GDP is equivalent to that of Sweden, Wickremesinghe said.

We are cognizant that the economic asymmetry between us and India is going to increase in the future, when the latter emerges as a global player in an increasingly multi-polar world, he said while making a suggestion for creating a larger special zone of economic cooperation around the Bay of Bengal taking on board Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia in addition to BIMSTEC countries - Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.

Lets have a whole area around the Bay of Bengal of vibrant economic cooperation and a vibrant one. Thats what we envisage and should work for. The growth is here, he stated.



NEW DELHI: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday said that India and the Island nation will be signing an enhanced bilateral economic partnership agreement by the year end and said that closer economic ties will benefit the five southern states of India. The enhanced economic ties agreement will be in addition to the existing Free trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I decided we must conclude it (the proposed technology and economic co-operation agreement) by the end of this year. This offers a strategic economic advantage to our country and the fastest-growing southern Indian States, Wickremesinghe said while speaking at the India Economic Summit hosted by the World Economic Forum and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in the capital. Wickremesinghe said that the pact will be make Sri Lanka and the five southern States, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu grow together. The five states combined have a population of 272 million people and a combined gross domestic product of over $500 billion. These five States, with Sri Lanka, have an economy, whose GDP is equivalent to that of Sweden, Wickremesinghe said. We are cognizant that the economic asymmetry between us and India is going to increase in the future, when the latter emerges as a global player in an increasingly multi-polar world, he said while making a suggestion for creating a larger special zone of economic cooperation around the Bay of Bengal taking on board Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia in addition to BIMSTEC countries - Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. Lets have a whole area around the Bay of Bengal of vibrant economic cooperation and a vibrant one. Thats what we envisage and should work for. The growth is here, he stated.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Categorically stating that terrorism cannot be a commodity exported, India on Thursday said it will review the Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan keeping in mind its security interests.

Despite the ties between the two countries coming to a naught following the announcement of surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Armed Forces, India said that infiltrations supported from across the border continues.

We will review the MFN status to Pakistan keeping in mind Indias interests as Terrorism cannot be the major commodity exported, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. India had unilaterally granted MFN status to Pakistan in 1996. Even though the withdrawing of the status will have negligible impact considering the bilateral trade between the two countries, but it has symbolic meaning.

Speaking on the issue of the video of surgical strikes being made public, he also added that Whatever the Government puts in public in determined by national security.

The MEA spokesperson said that the situation on the LoC continues to be tensed with terrorists trying to infiltrate along the Line of Control (LoC). As you know, 20 successful interdictions have been carried out by our Security Forces on or along LoC stopping infiltration attacks by dozens of terrorists and neutralizing them. Since July 8 only, close to a dozen major terrorist attacks have taken place in J&K, supported and launched from across LOC or border, including today in Handwara. Captured terrorists have told us of large number of terrorists trained and ready to be launched in terrorists camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Swarup added.

Quoting Director General Military Operations (DGMO), Swarup said that India intends to maintain peace and tranquility in the region, but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country.

Since the surgical strikes, India has also deployed the non-military solutions available to it and has worked to isolate Pakistan globally. You have already seen the pressure that we have brought to bear internationally on Pakistan to cease support to cross border terrorism. You have all seen the result at the UNGA. You have all seen the result at SAARC. You have all seen the statements by major countries like the US and Russia. I do not think I need to say any more, Swarup said on the success of New Delhis diplomatic offensive.

India again criticized Pakistan for lionizing the slain self-acknowledged Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Burhan Wani as Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hailed him in Parliament. Pakistan has once again self implicated itself, Swarup said.

NEW DELHI: Categorically stating that terrorism cannot be a commodity exported, India on Thursday said it will review the Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan keeping in mind its security interests. Despite the ties between the two countries coming to a naught following the announcement of surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Armed Forces, India said that infiltrations supported from across the border continues. We will review the MFN status to Pakistan keeping in mind Indias interests as Terrorism cannot be the major commodity exported, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. India had unilaterally granted MFN status to Pakistan in 1996. Even though the withdrawing of the status will have negligible impact considering the bilateral trade between the two countries, but it has symbolic meaning. Speaking on the issue of the video of surgical strikes being made public, he also added that Whatever the Government puts in public in determined by national security. The MEA spokesperson said that the situation on the LoC continues to be tensed with terrorists trying to infiltrate along the Line of Control (LoC). As you know, 20 successful interdictions have been carried out by our Security Forces on or along LoC stopping infiltration attacks by dozens of terrorists and neutralizing them. Since July 8 only, close to a dozen major terrorist attacks have taken place in J&K, supported and launched from across LOC or border, including today in Handwara. Captured terrorists have told us of large number of terrorists trained and ready to be launched in terrorists camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Swarup added. Quoting Director General Military Operations (DGMO), Swarup said that India intends to maintain peace and tranquility in the region, but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country. Since the surgical strikes, India has also deployed the non-military solutions available to it and has worked to isolate Pakistan globally. You have already seen the pressure that we have brought to bear internationally on Pakistan to cease support to cross border terrorism. You have all seen the result at the UNGA. You have all seen the result at SAARC. You have all seen the statements by major countries like the US and Russia. I do not think I need to say any more, Swarup said on the success of New Delhis diplomatic offensive. India again criticized Pakistan for lionizing the slain self-acknowledged Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Burhan Wani as Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hailed him in Parliament. Pakistan has once again self implicated itself, Swarup said.
By PTI

CHANDIGARH: Rising tension between India and Pakistan has hit tourism in Punjab's border district of Amritsar, with the per day pilgrim count at the iconic Golden Temple witnessing a steep fall by up to 25 per cent. "On an average, anywhere between 80,000 to 90,000 pilgrims including foreigners visit Sri Darbar Sahib daily. During the past few days, there has been a decline in this figure by almost 25 per cent," Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar's manager, Sulakhan Singh said today.

Asked to specify the reason behind the sudden decline in pilgrims during the past week, he said, "The tension on the border (with Pakistan) appears to be main one." He said during festivals like Diwali, birth anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus and other important events and holidays, the daily pilgrim count varies between 3 to 4 lakh.

Singh said though the reason for drop in number of pilgrims was mostly due to escalating tensions between the two nations, some people could have stayed away due to the ongoing harvesting season. The falling pilgrim count has also naturally led to a fall in the use of food material for the langar (community kitchen). "On daily basis, 60-65 quintals of flour is used as against the 50 quintals being used now," he said.

With public viewing of the Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah joint check post also being suspended for the time being, tourism in Amritsar has been adversely affected. Punjab shares a 553-km border with Paksitan and there are six districts in the state, including Amritsar, which lie close to the International Border (IB).

People in nearly 1,000 villages falling within a 10 km-radius of the IB were asked to be evacuated following an advisory by the Centre, apprehending retaliation from Pakistan after Indian Army carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) recently.

CHANDIGARH: Rising tension between India and Pakistan has hit tourism in Punjab's border district of Amritsar, with the per day pilgrim count at the iconic Golden Temple witnessing a steep fall by up to 25 per cent. "On an average, anywhere between 80,000 to 90,000 pilgrims including foreigners visit Sri Darbar Sahib daily. During the past few days, there has been a decline in this figure by almost 25 per cent," Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar's manager, Sulakhan Singh said today. Asked to specify the reason behind the sudden decline in pilgrims during the past week, he said, "The tension on the border (with Pakistan) appears to be main one." He said during festivals like Diwali, birth anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus and other important events and holidays, the daily pilgrim count varies between 3 to 4 lakh. Singh said though the reason for drop in number of pilgrims was mostly due to escalating tensions between the two nations, some people could have stayed away due to the ongoing harvesting season. The falling pilgrim count has also naturally led to a fall in the use of food material for the langar (community kitchen). "On daily basis, 60-65 quintals of flour is used as against the 50 quintals being used now," he said. With public viewing of the Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah joint check post also being suspended for the time being, tourism in Amritsar has been adversely affected. Punjab shares a 553-km border with Paksitan and there are six districts in the state, including Amritsar, which lie close to the International Border (IB). People in nearly 1,000 villages falling within a 10 km-radius of the IB were asked to be evacuated following an advisory by the Centre, apprehending retaliation from Pakistan after Indian Army carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) recently.
Sumit Kumar Singh By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a 31-year-old suspected ISIS member, who returned from Iraq and Sriya in India, on Wednesday from Kochi after the sleuths came to know that he was planning to target sitting judges and international tourists in Kerala.

The suspected ISIS member is identified as Subahani Haja Moideen, a resident of Kadayanallur in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, has been arrested for joining and supporting the activities of the ISIS, the global terrorist organization proscribed under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Moideen originally hails from Maliyekkal House situated at Market Road at Thodupuzha in Idukki district of Kerala. He was under scanner of the security agencies and when he was giving shape to the plans to carry out the terror attacks in Kerala.

His was detained by the NIA after they carried out searches at house at Kadayanallur in Tirunelveli was on October 3. He was taken to the NIA Branch Office in Kochi for further examination.

Moideen house was searched a day after when the NIA teams conducted searches in Kozhikode and Kannur districts of Kerala and raided a hideout at the Kanakamala hilltop in Kannur district and at Kuttiyadi in Kozhikode district.

The NIA had arrested six ISIS suspects as Manseed, a resident of Kannur; Abu Basheer from Coimbatore; Swalih Mohammed from Thrissur; Safwan from Mallapuram and Jasim and Ramshad Nageelan Kandiyil from Kozhikode.

Moideen his interrogation revealed that he had gone to Iraq on April 2015 to join ISIS and fight for the organization. He had left home telling his parents and wife that he was going to perform Umrah, the NIA sleuths said.

As per the preliminary investigation, the agency found that he was radicalized and recruited to ISIS through social media platforms. He left India for Istanbul from Chennai on a visit visa. After reaching Istanbul, he crossed over along with others including people from Pakistan and Afghanistan to ISIS held territory in Iraq. He was taken to Mosul in Iraq, where he underwent detailed course in Shariya followed by combat training.

On completion of combat training including training in the automated weapons, he was sent to the war zone in Mosul for security duties in ISIS held territory, which he performed for almost two-weeks. He was being paid USD 100 per month as subsistence allowance by the ISIS along with common available accommodation and food without any additional charges, the official said.

He told interrogators that he could not withstand the violence and war misery in Mosul and decided to leave the organization when two of his friends were charred alive before him in a shell attack.

On conveying his decision to quit the organization, he was imprisoned by ISIS at Mosul and was subjected to extreme torture. He along with other similar deserting foreign fighters, was produced before a judge of the ISIS, following which he was again incarcerated at Raqqa in Syria.

Later, for reasons yet to be ascertained, he was allowed to leave ISIS controlled territory and return to Turkey along with five other foreign nationals. Thereafter, he stayed illegally in Istanbul for about two weeks, before he approached the Indian Consulate, for returning to India. He contacted his family and conveyed his decision to return to India, following which they sent him money for flight tickets, the agency said.

After Turkish Police issued a clearance certificate, he was issued an Emergency Certificate by Indian Consulate, over which he returned to India through Mumbai on September 22, 2015.

On his return to India, he went to his ancestral place in Kadaynallur in Tirunelveli, where he was staying till now with his wife. He got a job as a salesman in a gold jewelry shop at Kadayanallur.

However, once back and settled, he again got in touch with ISIS handlers over internet and was planning to collect explosives and precursor chemicals from Sivakasi at their instance, said a NIA official.

He had travelled to Chennai, Coimbatore and other places to meet other local contacts in the conspiracy, collect money and procure explosives and precursor chemicals, for terrorist acts, as guided and motivated by the ISIS handlers.

NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a 31-year-old suspected ISIS member, who returned from Iraq and Sriya in India, on Wednesday from Kochi after the sleuths came to know that he was planning to target sitting judges and international tourists in Kerala. The suspected ISIS member is identified as Subahani Haja Moideen, a resident of Kadayanallur in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, has been arrested for joining and supporting the activities of the ISIS, the global terrorist organization proscribed under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Moideen originally hails from Maliyekkal House situated at Market Road at Thodupuzha in Idukki district of Kerala. He was under scanner of the security agencies and when he was giving shape to the plans to carry out the terror attacks in Kerala. His was detained by the NIA after they carried out searches at house at Kadayanallur in Tirunelveli was on October 3. He was taken to the NIA Branch Office in Kochi for further examination. Moideen house was searched a day after when the NIA teams conducted searches in Kozhikode and Kannur districts of Kerala and raided a hideout at the Kanakamala hilltop in Kannur district and at Kuttiyadi in Kozhikode district. The NIA had arrested six ISIS suspects as Manseed, a resident of Kannur; Abu Basheer from Coimbatore; Swalih Mohammed from Thrissur; Safwan from Mallapuram and Jasim and Ramshad Nageelan Kandiyil from Kozhikode. Moideen his interrogation revealed that he had gone to Iraq on April 2015 to join ISIS and fight for the organization. He had left home telling his parents and wife that he was going to perform Umrah, the NIA sleuths said. As per the preliminary investigation, the agency found that he was radicalized and recruited to ISIS through social media platforms. He left India for Istanbul from Chennai on a visit visa. After reaching Istanbul, he crossed over along with others including people from Pakistan and Afghanistan to ISIS held territory in Iraq. He was taken to Mosul in Iraq, where he underwent detailed course in Shariya followed by combat training. On completion of combat training including training in the automated weapons, he was sent to the war zone in Mosul for security duties in ISIS held territory, which he performed for almost two-weeks. He was being paid USD 100 per month as subsistence allowance by the ISIS along with common available accommodation and food without any additional charges, the official said. He told interrogators that he could not withstand the violence and war misery in Mosul and decided to leave the organization when two of his friends were charred alive before him in a shell attack. On conveying his decision to quit the organization, he was imprisoned by ISIS at Mosul and was subjected to extreme torture. He along with other similar deserting foreign fighters, was produced before a judge of the ISIS, following which he was again incarcerated at Raqqa in Syria. Later, for reasons yet to be ascertained, he was allowed to leave ISIS controlled territory and return to Turkey along with five other foreign nationals. Thereafter, he stayed illegally in Istanbul for about two weeks, before he approached the Indian Consulate, for returning to India. He contacted his family and conveyed his decision to return to India, following which they sent him money for flight tickets, the agency said. After Turkish Police issued a clearance certificate, he was issued an Emergency Certificate by Indian Consulate, over which he returned to India through Mumbai on September 22, 2015. On his return to India, he went to his ancestral place in Kadaynallur in Tirunelveli, where he was staying till now with his wife. He got a job as a salesman in a gold jewelry shop at Kadayanallur. However, once back and settled, he again got in touch with ISIS handlers over internet and was planning to collect explosives and precursor chemicals from Sivakasi at their instance, said a NIA official. He had travelled to Chennai, Coimbatore and other places to meet other local contacts in the conspiracy, collect money and procure explosives and precursor chemicals, for terrorist acts, as guided and motivated by the ISIS handlers.
By PTI

CHANDIGARH: All India Anti-Terrorist Front Chairman M S Bitta today appealed to political parties not to "politicise" the Army's cross-LoC strikes, while stating that the Centre must declare Pakistan a "terrorist state".



"I am not going into what is being said by political leaders from various parties on the issue of surgical strikes.



The thing is that this is the time when all of us should speak in one voice and back the government and our Army.



"Those doing politics over the issue are doing disservice to our jawans, who will get demoralised while Pakistan will stand to benefit from this," he told PTI over phone.



Hailing the decisive action taken by the government and the Army, Bitta said, "For the first time after Indira Gandhi, I am seeing anyone take a firm decision and have such clarity in approach. Earlier, our jawans used to get killed, but we used to talk.



"The question is not of Narendra Modi, the question is of nation's security. The government has taken a very clear stand and we must applaud them," he said.



Bitta said those people who were speaking in different voices at this juncture were "insulting those martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of our nation."



"Those politicising the (LoC strike) issue are enemies of the country," he said.



Bitta, who survived a terrorist attack in Delhi in 1993 when he was the chief of the Youth Congress, said India should now take steps to get Pakistan declared as a "terrorist state."



"Our government should approach the United Nations in this regard. We should also take help of friendly countries to combat terror. India should take these countries along and seek their support to get Pakistan declared as a terrorist state," he added.



19 soldiers were killed in a militant attack on an Army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18. The Army had launched surgical strikes targeting terror camps located across the LoC on September 28 night.

CHANDIGARH: All India Anti-Terrorist Front Chairman M S Bitta today appealed to political parties not to "politicise" the Army's cross-LoC strikes, while stating that the Centre must declare Pakistan a "terrorist state". "I am not going into what is being said by political leaders from various parties on the issue of surgical strikes. The thing is that this is the time when all of us should speak in one voice and back the government and our Army. "Those doing politics over the issue are doing disservice to our jawans, who will get demoralised while Pakistan will stand to benefit from this," he told PTI over phone. Hailing the decisive action taken by the government and the Army, Bitta said, "For the first time after Indira Gandhi, I am seeing anyone take a firm decision and have such clarity in approach. Earlier, our jawans used to get killed, but we used to talk. "The question is not of Narendra Modi, the question is of nation's security. The government has taken a very clear stand and we must applaud them," he said. Bitta said those people who were speaking in different voices at this juncture were "insulting those martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of our nation." "Those politicising the (LoC strike) issue are enemies of the country," he said. Bitta, who survived a terrorist attack in Delhi in 1993 when he was the chief of the Youth Congress, said India should now take steps to get Pakistan declared as a "terrorist state." "Our government should approach the United Nations in this regard. We should also take help of friendly countries to combat terror. India should take these countries along and seek their support to get Pakistan declared as a terrorist state," he added. 19 soldiers were killed in a militant attack on an Army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18. The Army had launched surgical strikes targeting terror camps located across the LoC on September 28 night.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Drawing lessons from the 30-year-long war in the island nation, the visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe here on Wednesday categorically ruled out war as an option between the two nuclear-powered countries and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modis restrained approach on the matter.

I dont think war is an option for anyone, Wickremesinghe said when asked if the situation between the two countries can escalate militarily.

Sri Lanka also urged India and Pakistan to tackle the issue of cross-border terrorism or else the future of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) would look bleak.

Cross-border terrorism is on the table. The SAARC has to look at it and discuss what has happened (cancellation of its meet). How we are going to handle it.... The SAARC has to decide on two issues  cross-border terrorism and areas in which we can work together. If we dont do that, there is no future for the regional grouping, Wickremesinghe said, after meeting Modi. He also agreed that India-Pakistan rivalry already have an impact on the SAARC functioning.

Colombo had made the announcement of withdrawing from the SAARC Summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad, a few days after India, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh opted out.

During the meeting, Modi and Wickremesinghe discussed the roadmap to take SAARC forward. The latter felt that if one or two members left, there will not be any South Asia association.

The visiting PM also sought to allay fears regarding the countrys bilateral ties with China. The relationship with China is an economic one, not military. The Chinese are involved in the infrastructure development projects in his country, Wickremesinghe said.

On the ongoing reconciliation process between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamil community after a protracted conflict, he said, We have started the process to bring them (Tamil refugees in India) back. It will take time. Some people might not want to come back. The younger generations... might not want to come back.

NEW DELHI: Drawing lessons from the 30-year-long war in the island nation, the visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe here on Wednesday categorically ruled out war as an option between the two nuclear-powered countries and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modis restrained approach on the matter. I dont think war is an option for anyone, Wickremesinghe said when asked if the situation between the two countries can escalate militarily. Sri Lanka also urged India and Pakistan to tackle the issue of cross-border terrorism or else the future of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) would look bleak. Cross-border terrorism is on the table. The SAARC has to look at it and discuss what has happened (cancellation of its meet). How we are going to handle it.... The SAARC has to decide on two issues  cross-border terrorism and areas in which we can work together. If we dont do that, there is no future for the regional grouping, Wickremesinghe said, after meeting Modi. He also agreed that India-Pakistan rivalry already have an impact on the SAARC functioning. Colombo had made the announcement of withdrawing from the SAARC Summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad, a few days after India, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh opted out. During the meeting, Modi and Wickremesinghe discussed the roadmap to take SAARC forward. The latter felt that if one or two members left, there will not be any South Asia association. The visiting PM also sought to allay fears regarding the countrys bilateral ties with China. The relationship with China is an economic one, not military. The Chinese are involved in the infrastructure development projects in his country, Wickremesinghe said. On the ongoing reconciliation process between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamil community after a protracted conflict, he said, We have started the process to bring them (Tamil refugees in India) back. It will take time. Some people might not want to come back. The younger generations... might not want to come back.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: In a major revelation, one among those who was arrested for "joining and supporting the activities" of global terror outfit Islamic State (IS) has told National Investigation Agency (NIA) that he was taken to Mosul in Iraq, where he underwent detailed course in Shariya followed by combat training for more than five months.

The disclosure was made by Subhani Haja Moideen, a native of Thodupuzha in Kerala and a resident of Kadayanallur in Tiruvelveli, Tamil Nadu. The arrest of the 31-year-old was recorded on Thursday and produced before the NIA special court here. NIA, in a release said, Subhani was paid $100 per month as subsistence allowed by IS along with common available accommodation and food without any additional charges. He was radicalized and recruited to IS by recruiters active over online social media platforms, NIA said. Subhani had left his home on April 8, 2015 on a visiting visa, telling his parents and wife that he is going to perform Umrah, from Chennai.

After reaching Istanbul in Turkey, he had crossed over along with others including people from Pakistan and Afganistan to IS held territory in Iraq. On completion of combat training including training in automated weapons, he was sent to the war zone in Mosul for security duties in IS held territory which he performed for almost two weeks. Subhani had decided to leave the organization as he could not withstand the violence and war misery in Mosul especially after a shell attack which charred two of his friends alive before him.

When he informed his decision to quit the organization he was imprisoned by IS at Mosul and was subjected to extreme torture according to the revelation. He, along with other similar foreign fighters who decided to desert, were produced before a judge of the IS, following which he was again imprisoned at Raqqa in Syria. Later, he was allowed to leave IS-controlled territory and return back to Turkey along with five other foreign nationals.

The reasons for this decision is yet to be ascertained, said NIA. Subhani stayed illegally in Istanbul for about two weeks. Then he approached the Indian Consulate for returning to India and contacted his family and conveyed his decision to return to India. His family sent him money for flight tickets. After getting a clearance certificate to him from Turkish Police, Indian Consulate issued an Emergency Certificate. Thus, he returned to Mumbai on September 22, 2015, said NIA.

However, once in Kadayanallur where started his job as a salesman in a jewellery shop, Subhani got in touch with IS handlers again over internet. He was planning to collect explosives and precursor chemicals from Sivakasi at their instance. He had travelled to Chennai,Coimbatore and other places to meet other local contacts in the conspiracy, collect money and procure explosives or precursor chemicals, for terrorist acts, as guided and motivated by IS.

Earlier, six men were arrested earlier for their links with the international terror outfit on Sunday while they were in in a hilltop in Kannur district, North Kerala. They were allegedly plotting attacks on key figures and public places, gathering explosives and other material to mount attacks in southern India during Diwali later this month.

KOCHI: In a major revelation, one among those who was arrested for "joining and supporting the activities" of global terror outfit Islamic State (IS) has told National Investigation Agency (NIA) that he was taken to Mosul in Iraq, where he underwent detailed course in Shariya followed by combat training for more than five months. The disclosure was made by Subhani Haja Moideen, a native of Thodupuzha in Kerala and a resident of Kadayanallur in Tiruvelveli, Tamil Nadu. The arrest of the 31-year-old was recorded on Thursday and produced before the NIA special court here. NIA, in a release said, Subhani was paid $100 per month as subsistence allowed by IS along with common available accommodation and food without any additional charges. He was radicalized and recruited to IS by recruiters active over online social media platforms, NIA said. Subhani had left his home on April 8, 2015 on a visiting visa, telling his parents and wife that he is going to perform Umrah, from Chennai. After reaching Istanbul in Turkey, he had crossed over along with others including people from Pakistan and Afganistan to IS held territory in Iraq. On completion of combat training including training in automated weapons, he was sent to the war zone in Mosul for security duties in IS held territory which he performed for almost two weeks. Subhani had decided to leave the organization as he could not withstand the violence and war misery in Mosul especially after a shell attack which charred two of his friends alive before him. When he informed his decision to quit the organization he was imprisoned by IS at Mosul and was subjected to extreme torture according to the revelation. He, along with other similar foreign fighters who decided to desert, were produced before a judge of the IS, following which he was again imprisoned at Raqqa in Syria. Later, he was allowed to leave IS-controlled territory and return back to Turkey along with five other foreign nationals. The reasons for this decision is yet to be ascertained, said NIA. Subhani stayed illegally in Istanbul for about two weeks. Then he approached the Indian Consulate for returning to India and contacted his family and conveyed his decision to return to India. His family sent him money for flight tickets. After getting a clearance certificate to him from Turkish Police, Indian Consulate issued an Emergency Certificate. Thus, he returned to Mumbai on September 22, 2015, said NIA. However, once in Kadayanallur where started his job as a salesman in a jewellery shop, Subhani got in touch with IS handlers again over internet. He was planning to collect explosives and precursor chemicals from Sivakasi at their instance. He had travelled to Chennai,Coimbatore and other places to meet other local contacts in the conspiracy, collect money and procure explosives or precursor chemicals, for terrorist acts, as guided and motivated by IS. Earlier, six men were arrested earlier for their links with the international terror outfit on Sunday while they were in in a hilltop in Kannur district, North Kerala. They were allegedly plotting attacks on key figures and public places, gathering explosives and other material to mount attacks in southern India during Diwali later this month.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The first bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL praying for a direction to TN government and the management of Apollo Hospitals to make public the real health condition of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. The plea was dismissed holding that it is not a public interest writ petition and it's only publicity oriented one, the bench of CJ SK Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan dismissed the PIL of Activist Traffic KR Ramaswamy, at the outset.

Earlier the Madras High Court had directed the Additional Advocate-General to obtain instructions from the authorities on the issue and to inform the court on the CM's health. A division bench had given the direction asserting that it is the duty of the bench to provide the status of the CM's health. Meanhwile, the PIL had also requested for an interim Chief Minister, if the CM needed prolonged stay at the hospital. The Tamil Nadu CM has been undergoing treatment since September 22 under close observation by a team of doctors.

Earlier today, supporters of ailing Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa offered prayers and free food at the Saibaba temple, for her speedy recovery.

CHENNAI: The first bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL praying for a direction to TN government and the management of Apollo Hospitals to make public the real health condition of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. The plea was dismissed holding that it is not a public interest writ petition and it's only publicity oriented one, the bench of CJ SK Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan dismissed the PIL of Activist Traffic KR Ramaswamy, at the outset. Earlier the Madras High Court had directed the Additional Advocate-General to obtain instructions from the authorities on the issue and to inform the court on the CM's health. A division bench had given the direction asserting that it is the duty of the bench to provide the status of the CM's health. Meanhwile, the PIL had also requested for an interim Chief Minister, if the CM needed prolonged stay at the hospital. The Tamil Nadu CM has been undergoing treatment since September 22 under close observation by a team of doctors. Earlier today, supporters of ailing Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa offered prayers and free food at the Saibaba temple, for her speedy recovery.
By Express News Service

COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore city police on Wednesday secured a 32-year-old man, said to be the stepfather of a five-year-old girl, for allegedly raping and murdering her at his house in Ram Nagar, on Monday night.

Based on a complaint filed by her mother Usha (26), Kattoor police registered a case of suspicious death. A post-mortem performed on the dead child on Tuesday revealed that the girl was raped on multiple occasions, and murdered.

The police got the report on Wednesday and altered the case to Sections 302 (punishment for murder) and 376 (punishment for rape) of the Indian Penal Code, and also under various Section of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Meanwhile, Mahendran who was absconding after the incident, was secured by police on Wednesday.

During enquiry, he confessed to having committed the crime in the absence of the girls mother, and murdered the girl late on Monday night. Police said, the child was born to Usha and her first husband. Usha got separated from him a few years ago. In 2014, while working in Chennai, she developed a relationship with Mahendran (32) from Gandhipark, in Chennai. Mahendran was arrested by the Chennai city police in chain snatching cases, and was also detained under the Goondas Act.

After coming out of the prison, Mahendran and Usha moved to Tiruchy and only four months ago, they came to Coimbatore and were staying in a house in Ram Nagar, besides taking up work in a courier firm. On Sunday night, Usha went to Chennai, to receive the salary from the private company, where she was employed previously, and she had left her five-year-old daughter under the care of Mahendran.

COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore city police on Wednesday secured a 32-year-old man, said to be the stepfather of a five-year-old girl, for allegedly raping and murdering her at his house in Ram Nagar, on Monday night. Based on a complaint filed by her mother Usha (26), Kattoor police registered a case of suspicious death. A post-mortem performed on the dead child on Tuesday revealed that the girl was raped on multiple occasions, and murdered. The police got the report on Wednesday and altered the case to Sections 302 (punishment for murder) and 376 (punishment for rape) of the Indian Penal Code, and also under various Section of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Meanwhile, Mahendran who was absconding after the incident, was secured by police on Wednesday. During enquiry, he confessed to having committed the crime in the absence of the girls mother, and murdered the girl late on Monday night. Police said, the child was born to Usha and her first husband. Usha got separated from him a few years ago. In 2014, while working in Chennai, she developed a relationship with Mahendran (32) from Gandhipark, in Chennai. Mahendran was arrested by the Chennai city police in chain snatching cases, and was also detained under the Goondas Act. After coming out of the prison, Mahendran and Usha moved to Tiruchy and only four months ago, they came to Coimbatore and were staying in a house in Ram Nagar, besides taking up work in a courier firm. On Sunday night, Usha went to Chennai, to receive the salary from the private company, where she was employed previously, and she had left her five-year-old daughter under the care of Mahendran.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif today accused India of spreading a "litany of falsehoods" and warned that any aggression or a "strategic miscalculation" against his country will not go unpunished.

"We have recently witnessed an unfortunate display of utter desperation" playing out inside Kashmir and along Line of Control through a "litany of falsehoods and distortion of facts by India", Raheel said while addressing the passing out ceremony of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) cadets in Risalpur, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

"We expect international community to condemn Indian insinuations and fabrications about a nation that has made unparalleled contributions in the global fight against terrorism," he said.

Raheel's comments assume significance as they come amidst the strain in Indo-Pak ties after the Uri terror attack and India's surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan claims no surgical strikes have taken place.

"Any aggression, born out of deliberate intent or even a strategic miscalculation, will not be allowed to go unpunished and will be met with the most befitting response," Raheel said.

"We will be highly relentless in defending our motherland against entire spectrum of threat. I am confident that with the united resolve of our nation and its armed forces, those inimical to regional peace will not be allowed to succeed.

Their evil plots and plans will be defeated," he said. Raheel claimed that "enemies" of Pakistan's peace and prosperity have been distressed by the sight of the country's "successes".

"These enemies will now attempt to accelerate their efforts to reverse our gains and derail our progress through direct and indirect strategy," he asserted. Raheel said Pakistan is a "responsible" country and claimed that it remains committed to following the policy of friendship with all other countries based on the principles of equality and mutual respect.

"While doing so, the armed forces of Pakistan remain fully prepared to give the most befitting response to any kind of internal and external threat posed to our nation," he said.

"Their (enemies') nefarious designs will not be allowed to succeed at any cost. Resolute efforts to consolidate our gains is the only way forward for which we will not leave any stone unturned," Raheel said.

He claimed that Pakistan was making efforts to eliminate militancy. "Internally, Operation Zarb-e-Azb had successfully turned the tide against terrorism. We are engaged in eliminating the terrorism infrastructure from our soil and foil nefarious designs of our enemies," he said.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif today accused India of spreading a "litany of falsehoods" and warned that any aggression or a "strategic miscalculation" against his country will not go unpunished. "We have recently witnessed an unfortunate display of utter desperation" playing out inside Kashmir and along Line of Control through a "litany of falsehoods and distortion of facts by India", Raheel said while addressing the passing out ceremony of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) cadets in Risalpur, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. "We expect international community to condemn Indian insinuations and fabrications about a nation that has made unparalleled contributions in the global fight against terrorism," he said. Raheel's comments assume significance as they come amidst the strain in Indo-Pak ties after the Uri terror attack and India's surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan claims no surgical strikes have taken place. "Any aggression, born out of deliberate intent or even a strategic miscalculation, will not be allowed to go unpunished and will be met with the most befitting response," Raheel said. "We will be highly relentless in defending our motherland against entire spectrum of threat. I am confident that with the united resolve of our nation and its armed forces, those inimical to regional peace will not be allowed to succeed. Their evil plots and plans will be defeated," he said. Raheel claimed that "enemies" of Pakistan's peace and prosperity have been distressed by the sight of the country's "successes". "These enemies will now attempt to accelerate their efforts to reverse our gains and derail our progress through direct and indirect strategy," he asserted. Raheel said Pakistan is a "responsible" country and claimed that it remains committed to following the policy of friendship with all other countries based on the principles of equality and mutual respect. "While doing so, the armed forces of Pakistan remain fully prepared to give the most befitting response to any kind of internal and external threat posed to our nation," he said. "Their (enemies') nefarious designs will not be allowed to succeed at any cost. Resolute efforts to consolidate our gains is the only way forward for which we will not leave any stone unturned," Raheel said. He claimed that Pakistan was making efforts to eliminate militancy. "Internally, Operation Zarb-e-Azb had successfully turned the tide against terrorism. We are engaged in eliminating the terrorism infrastructure from our soil and foil nefarious designs of our enemies," he said.
By AFP

BEIRUT: At least 20 Syrian rebels were killed in a blast at a border crossing with Turkey on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Britain-based monitoring group said it was unclear what caused the blast at the Atme crossing between Turkey and the northern Syrian province of Idlib, adding that around 20 people had also been wounded.

Turkey's state-run Anatolia news agency confirmed the blast left 20 people dead at Atme, adding that it took place during a "change of guard" among Syrian rebels in the area.

The IS-linked Amaq news agency reported the blast, saying it was a car bomb, without carrying any formal claim of responsibility.

Rebel fighters have been targeted at the crossing before. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a mid-August suicide attack there that killed at least 32.

The rebels killed on Thursday were among those participating in Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield in neighbouring Aleppo province.

Ankara began the unprecedented cross-border operation on August 24, saying it was targeting both IS and the Kurdish YPG militia which Turkey considers a "terrorist" group.

The operation has so far captured the IS stronghold of Jarabulus and is pushing towards the jihadist-held towns of Dabiq and Al-Bab.

Dabiq holds symbolic importance for IS because of a Sunni prophecy that states it will be the site of an end-of-times battle between Christian forces and Muslims.

BEIRUT: At least 20 Syrian rebels were killed in a blast at a border crossing with Turkey on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Britain-based monitoring group said it was unclear what caused the blast at the Atme crossing between Turkey and the northern Syrian province of Idlib, adding that around 20 people had also been wounded. Turkey's state-run Anatolia news agency confirmed the blast left 20 people dead at Atme, adding that it took place during a "change of guard" among Syrian rebels in the area. The IS-linked Amaq news agency reported the blast, saying it was a car bomb, without carrying any formal claim of responsibility. Rebel fighters have been targeted at the crossing before. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a mid-August suicide attack there that killed at least 32. The rebels killed on Thursday were among those participating in Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield in neighbouring Aleppo province. Ankara began the unprecedented cross-border operation on August 24, saying it was targeting both IS and the Kurdish YPG militia which Turkey considers a "terrorist" group. The operation has so far captured the IS stronghold of Jarabulus and is pushing towards the jihadist-held towns of Dabiq and Al-Bab. Dabiq holds symbolic importance for IS because of a Sunni prophecy that states it will be the site of an end-of-times battle between Christian forces and Muslims.
By The Daily Telegraph

Business will be forced to reveal how many foreign staff they employ under government plans to force companies to take on more British workers, the Home Secretary has said.

Amber Rudd used her conference speech to warn that foreign workers should not be able to "take the jobs that British people should do".

She revealed that companies could be forced to publish the proportion of "international" staff on their books in a move which would effectively "name and shame" businesses which are failing to take on British workers.

Ms Rudd also announced that the Government will toughen up a test which companies have to take before they can recruit foreign workers.

The Home Secretary said she is planning to force British firms to prove they have done all they can to find UK workers to fill a vacancy.

The move comes as David Davis, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, said that the UK will put British workers first after it leaves the EU. Mr Davis said that while higher skilled migrants are unlikely to face immigration curbs, lower skilled workers are likely to require work permits to enter the UK.

Ms Rudd said: "I believe immigration has brought many benefits to the nation. It has enhanced our economy, our society and our culture.

"This is why I want to reduce net migration while continuing to ensure we attract the brightest and the best. Because it's only by reducing the numbers back down to sustainable levels that we can change the tide of public opinion so once again immigration is something we can all welcome".

She vowed to toughen up the "resident labour market test", which requires companies to advertise a job in the UK for 28 days before recruiting from abroad.

There are concerns that the test is not tough enough and fails to incentivise companies to invest in training British workers.

She said: "The test should ensure people coming here are filling gaps in the labour market, not taking jobs British people could do.

"But it's become a tick box exercise, allowing some firms to get away with not training local people. We won't win in the world if we don't do more to upskill our own workforce.

"It's not fair on companies doing the right thing. So I want us to look again at whether our immigration system provides the right incentives for businesses to invest in British workers."

Ms Rudd also suggested that fewer non-EU citizens should not be allowed to enter Britain to study at poor quality universities. "This isn't about pulling up the drawbridge," she said. "It's about making sure students that come here, come to study."

Speaking at a fringe event, Mr Davis said that he does not see "any restraint" on the free movement of high-skilled workers in the UK.

He suggested low-skilled workers will be subject to work permits.

Mr Davis said: "If they go down a route of having work permits, for example, typically the way work permits work in other countries is you try to get a British citizen first and if you haven't you have got to do that first."

The comments came as Theresa May was forced to row back on suggestions that foreign doctors could be forced to leave the UK once there are enough British doctors to make the NHS "self-sufficient".

Liam Fox, the International Trade Secretary, said that Britain cannot afford to guarantee EU migrants that they will stay in the UK after Brexit because they are "key cards" in negotiations.

Ms Rudd promised councils pounds 140m to address migration pressures and moves to deport EU criminals for "minor crimes".



Business will be forced to reveal how many foreign staff they employ under government plans to force companies to take on more British workers, the Home Secretary has said. Amber Rudd used her conference speech to warn that foreign workers should not be able to "take the jobs that British people should do". She revealed that companies could be forced to publish the proportion of "international" staff on their books in a move which would effectively "name and shame" businesses which are failing to take on British workers. Ms Rudd also announced that the Government will toughen up a test which companies have to take before they can recruit foreign workers. The Home Secretary said she is planning to force British firms to prove they have done all they can to find UK workers to fill a vacancy. The move comes as David Davis, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, said that the UK will put British workers first after it leaves the EU. Mr Davis said that while higher skilled migrants are unlikely to face immigration curbs, lower skilled workers are likely to require work permits to enter the UK. Ms Rudd said: "I believe immigration has brought many benefits to the nation. It has enhanced our economy, our society and our culture. "This is why I want to reduce net migration while continuing to ensure we attract the brightest and the best. Because it's only by reducing the numbers back down to sustainable levels that we can change the tide of public opinion so once again immigration is something we can all welcome". She vowed to toughen up the "resident labour market test", which requires companies to advertise a job in the UK for 28 days before recruiting from abroad. There are concerns that the test is not tough enough and fails to incentivise companies to invest in training British workers. She said: "The test should ensure people coming here are filling gaps in the labour market, not taking jobs British people could do. "But it's become a tick box exercise, allowing some firms to get away with not training local people. We won't win in the world if we don't do more to upskill our own workforce. "It's not fair on companies doing the right thing. So I want us to look again at whether our immigration system provides the right incentives for businesses to invest in British workers." Ms Rudd also suggested that fewer non-EU citizens should not be allowed to enter Britain to study at poor quality universities. "This isn't about pulling up the drawbridge," she said. "It's about making sure students that come here, come to study." Speaking at a fringe event, Mr Davis said that he does not see "any restraint" on the free movement of high-skilled workers in the UK. He suggested low-skilled workers will be subject to work permits. Mr Davis said: "If they go down a route of having work permits, for example, typically the way work permits work in other countries is you try to get a British citizen first and if you haven't you have got to do that first." The comments came as Theresa May was forced to row back on suggestions that foreign doctors could be forced to leave the UK once there are enough British doctors to make the NHS "self-sufficient". Liam Fox, the International Trade Secretary, said that Britain cannot afford to guarantee EU migrants that they will stay in the UK after Brexit because they are "key cards" in negotiations. Ms Rudd promised councils pounds 140m to address migration pressures and moves to deport EU criminals for "minor crimes".
By PTI

UNITED NATIONS: India has welcomed the selection of Portugal's former premier Antonio Guterres as the next UN Secretary General to replace Ban Ki-moon.

"Congratulations & Best wishes. India welcomes Antonio Manuel de Olivera Guterres as next Secretary General of @UN," India's Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.

Akbaruddin's tweet was accompanied with a picture of Guterres shaking hands with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Guterres had met Swaraj during his visit to New Delhi in July this year. Guterres, the 67-year-old former head of UN's refugee organisation for 10 years, emerged as a leading candidate in all of the Security Council's straw polls.

The 15-nation Council conducted a sixth straw poll yesterday in which Guterres received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes. None of the five veto-wielding permanent members voted against him, clearing the way for Guterres to become the 9th Secretary General of the UN.

"Today after our sixth straw poll we have a clear favourite and his name is Antonio Guterres," Russia's envoy to the UN and President of the Council for October Vitaly Churkin told reporters after the straw poll.

Flanked by the Permanent Representatives of the 14 Council members, Churkin said the Council will meet again to take a formal vote, which is expected to pass by acclamation. That decision would then be formally submitted to the General Assembly for its consideration.

"We wish Guterres well in discharging his duties as the Secretary General of the UN for the next five years," Churkin said. Churkin also informed President of the UN General Assembly Peter Thomson that Guterres had emerged as the unanimous choice after the sixth informal and first colour-coded straw poll for the position of Secretary-General.

"The President thanked him for the information and said he was ready to further progress the process of appointing the next Secretary-General in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations," Thomson's office said.

Ban's Deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters at the daily press briefing that the Secretary-General, who is currently in Rome, is aware of the latest developments and will await the official action by the General Assembly on his successor's formal selection.

Guterres was Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and then served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015.

After the UNSC formal vote, Guterres's name will be forwarded to the 193-Member General Assembly for final confirmation.

Ban is the 8th Secretary-General in the organisation's 70-year history. He took office in January 2007 and will be ending his 10-year tenure on December 31, 2016.

Guterres's selection for the post of the world's top diplomat slashed hopes for a woman to succeed Ban Ki-moon.

UNITED NATIONS: India has welcomed the selection of Portugal's former premier Antonio Guterres as the next UN Secretary General to replace Ban Ki-moon. "Congratulations & Best wishes. India welcomes Antonio Manuel de Olivera Guterres as next Secretary General of @UN," India's Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted. Akbaruddin's tweet was accompanied with a picture of Guterres shaking hands with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Guterres had met Swaraj during his visit to New Delhi in July this year. Guterres, the 67-year-old former head of UN's refugee organisation for 10 years, emerged as a leading candidate in all of the Security Council's straw polls. The 15-nation Council conducted a sixth straw poll yesterday in which Guterres received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes. None of the five veto-wielding permanent members voted against him, clearing the way for Guterres to become the 9th Secretary General of the UN. "Today after our sixth straw poll we have a clear favourite and his name is Antonio Guterres," Russia's envoy to the UN and President of the Council for October Vitaly Churkin told reporters after the straw poll. Flanked by the Permanent Representatives of the 14 Council members, Churkin said the Council will meet again to take a formal vote, which is expected to pass by acclamation. That decision would then be formally submitted to the General Assembly for its consideration. "We wish Guterres well in discharging his duties as the Secretary General of the UN for the next five years," Churkin said. Churkin also informed President of the UN General Assembly Peter Thomson that Guterres had emerged as the unanimous choice after the sixth informal and first colour-coded straw poll for the position of Secretary-General. "The President thanked him for the information and said he was ready to further progress the process of appointing the next Secretary-General in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations," Thomson's office said. Ban's Deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters at the daily press briefing that the Secretary-General, who is currently in Rome, is aware of the latest developments and will await the official action by the General Assembly on his successor's formal selection. Guterres was Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and then served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015. After the UNSC formal vote, Guterres's name will be forwarded to the 193-Member General Assembly for final confirmation. Ban is the 8th Secretary-General in the organisation's 70-year history. He took office in January 2007 and will be ending his 10-year tenure on December 31, 2016. Guterres's selection for the post of the world's top diplomat slashed hopes for a woman to succeed Ban Ki-moon.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Emphasising the need to resolve the Tamil fishermen issue, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said unless a solution is found there will be a "lot of problems" for the country's fishermen who are being deprived of their catch.

Wickremesinghe, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday, said he has taken up the matter with his Indian counterpart and plans to arrange a meeting of ministers concerned in this regard.

Fishermen from Tamil Nadu being detained and their boats getting captured by Sri Lankan authorities has been a sensitive political issue in the state.

"Fishermen from both sides are Tamils. The dispute is in the waters where the Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen fish. Generally, we don't keep them (Indian fishermen) in custody and few were released before I came here. We have not kept anyone but we have to find a solution and that has to come.

(Otherwise) there will be a lot of problems in Sri Lanka," Wickremesinghe said here. He was responding to a query on whether the whole issue of Tamil fishermen has been resolved or not.

"We told him that we are arranging for the ministers to come and finalise it and make some progress. Water trawling is a big issue and that is damaging fishes," he said when asked whether the Tamil fishermen issue was discussed with Modi.

Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the India Economic Summit, he said that fishing in Sri Lankan waters by others is depriving the local fishermen of their catch.

"Problem of fishermen is that he can't find money and his catch is taken by someone else. They are coming under pressure," he noted.

When asked whether there has been good progress in addressing the issue, Wickremesinghe said there are talks in November. "I hope there is some progress. Lot of pressure is coming on our Ministers," he added.

Earlier this week, 12 Tamil fishermen were detained by Sri Lankan Naval personnel for allegedly entering island waters and later released after a warning.

NEW DELHI: Emphasising the need to resolve the Tamil fishermen issue, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said unless a solution is found there will be a "lot of problems" for the country's fishermen who are being deprived of their catch. Wickremesinghe, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday, said he has taken up the matter with his Indian counterpart and plans to arrange a meeting of ministers concerned in this regard. Fishermen from Tamil Nadu being detained and their boats getting captured by Sri Lankan authorities has been a sensitive political issue in the state. "Fishermen from both sides are Tamils. The dispute is in the waters where the Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen fish. Generally, we don't keep them (Indian fishermen) in custody and few were released before I came here. We have not kept anyone but we have to find a solution and that has to come. (Otherwise) there will be a lot of problems in Sri Lanka," Wickremesinghe said here. He was responding to a query on whether the whole issue of Tamil fishermen has been resolved or not. "We told him that we are arranging for the ministers to come and finalise it and make some progress. Water trawling is a big issue and that is damaging fishes," he said when asked whether the Tamil fishermen issue was discussed with Modi. Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the India Economic Summit, he said that fishing in Sri Lankan waters by others is depriving the local fishermen of their catch. "Problem of fishermen is that he can't find money and his catch is taken by someone else. They are coming under pressure," he noted. When asked whether there has been good progress in addressing the issue, Wickremesinghe said there are talks in November. "I hope there is some progress. Lot of pressure is coming on our Ministers," he added. Earlier this week, 12 Tamil fishermen were detained by Sri Lankan Naval personnel for allegedly entering island waters and later released after a warning.
By IANS

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Wednesday hailed the UN announcement that the Paris Agreement will enter into force in 30 days, calling it a "historic day" in the fight against climate change.



"If we follow through on the commitments that this Paris Agreement embodies, history may well judge it as a turning point for our planet," Obama said in remarks at the White House.



Obama noted that the Paris Agreement alone will not solve the climate crisis.



"Even if we meet every target embodied in the agreement, we'll only get to part of where we need to go," he said. "But make no mistake, this agreement will help delay or avoid some of the worst consequences of climate change."



Obama said the agreement will help other nations ratchet down their carbon emissions over time and also "opens up the floodgates for businesses and scientists and engineers to unleash high-tech, low-carbon investment and innovation at a scale that we've never seen before."



"So this gives us the best possible shot to save the one planet we've got," he said.



Early on Wednesday, the United Nations announced the Paris Agreement is expected to enter into force in 30 days after it crossed "the second and final threshold" needed for it to take effect.



According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 72 countries including China and the United States have formally ratified the landmark climate deal.

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Wednesday hailed the UN announcement that the Paris Agreement will enter into force in 30 days, calling it a "historic day" in the fight against climate change. "If we follow through on the commitments that this Paris Agreement embodies, history may well judge it as a turning point for our planet," Obama said in remarks at the White House. Obama noted that the Paris Agreement alone will not solve the climate crisis. "Even if we meet every target embodied in the agreement, we'll only get to part of where we need to go," he said. "But make no mistake, this agreement will help delay or avoid some of the worst consequences of climate change." Obama said the agreement will help other nations ratchet down their carbon emissions over time and also "opens up the floodgates for businesses and scientists and engineers to unleash high-tech, low-carbon investment and innovation at a scale that we've never seen before." "So this gives us the best possible shot to save the one planet we've got," he said. Early on Wednesday, the United Nations announced the Paris Agreement is expected to enter into force in 30 days after it crossed "the second and final threshold" needed for it to take effect. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 72 countries including China and the United States have formally ratified the landmark climate deal.
By IANS

DAMASCUS: The Syrian army has said that the rebels in the northern city of Aleppo can only surrender, as all of the supply routes to the rebel-held areas were cut off, according to the state news agency SANA.

In a statement addressing the Aleppo rebels on Wednesday, the general-command of the Syrian army said that "all the rebels in eastern Aleppo shall not wait for help from anyone as all supply routes are severed, and all they can do is to lay down their weapon."

The army also said that it had destroyed all vital sectors the rebels use in eastern Aleppo.

Striking a threatening tone, the army announced that they have "precise information about the whereabouts of the armed men, their warehouses, and positions in eastern Aleppo," adding that the rebels who don't seize the chance to surrender will "face his inevitable fate."

The army, meanwhile, renewed calls on the rebels to take advantage of a pardon issued recently, to either surrender in exchange of clearing their records with the government, or to lay down their weapons and leave eastern Aleppo with their families, possibly to other rebel-held areas in northern Syria.

The statement comes just a couple of hours after the Syrian army announced reducing the air raids over rebel-held areas in Aleppo to "enhance the humanitarian conditions" of the civilians, according to SANA.

The Western powers, mainly the United States, have recently upped their rhetoric against the Syrian government and Russia, demanding a halt of the airstrikes against rebel-held areas in Aleppo to reduce the suffering of the people and allow in humanitarian aid.

Out of its declared "frustration," the U.S. announced earlier this week that it had suspended all talks with Russia over the cessation of hospitalities in Syria, particularly in Aleppo.

On September 20, a one-week truce in Aleppo ended without extension as tension rose between Russia and the U.S., which backs so-called moderate rebels fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Late last month, the Syrian military announced a major offensive against rebel-held areas in Aleppo, with government officials and President Bashar al-Assad pledging to capture the whole city from rebel hands.

In recent days, the military forces succeeded to capture key areas at the entrance of eastern Aleppo, further tightening the siege on the rebel-held areas.

Aleppo, Syria's largest province near the Turkish border and its economic hub before the crisis, is strategically vital to the warring parties.

DAMASCUS: The Syrian army has said that the rebels in the northern city of Aleppo can only surrender, as all of the supply routes to the rebel-held areas were cut off, according to the state news agency SANA. In a statement addressing the Aleppo rebels on Wednesday, the general-command of the Syrian army said that "all the rebels in eastern Aleppo shall not wait for help from anyone as all supply routes are severed, and all they can do is to lay down their weapon." The army also said that it had destroyed all vital sectors the rebels use in eastern Aleppo. Striking a threatening tone, the army announced that they have "precise information about the whereabouts of the armed men, their warehouses, and positions in eastern Aleppo," adding that the rebels who don't seize the chance to surrender will "face his inevitable fate." The army, meanwhile, renewed calls on the rebels to take advantage of a pardon issued recently, to either surrender in exchange of clearing their records with the government, or to lay down their weapons and leave eastern Aleppo with their families, possibly to other rebel-held areas in northern Syria. The statement comes just a couple of hours after the Syrian army announced reducing the air raids over rebel-held areas in Aleppo to "enhance the humanitarian conditions" of the civilians, according to SANA. The Western powers, mainly the United States, have recently upped their rhetoric against the Syrian government and Russia, demanding a halt of the airstrikes against rebel-held areas in Aleppo to reduce the suffering of the people and allow in humanitarian aid. Out of its declared "frustration," the U.S. announced earlier this week that it had suspended all talks with Russia over the cessation of hospitalities in Syria, particularly in Aleppo. On September 20, a one-week truce in Aleppo ended without extension as tension rose between Russia and the U.S., which backs so-called moderate rebels fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Late last month, the Syrian military announced a major offensive against rebel-held areas in Aleppo, with government officials and President Bashar al-Assad pledging to capture the whole city from rebel hands. In recent days, the military forces succeeded to capture key areas at the entrance of eastern Aleppo, further tightening the siege on the rebel-held areas. Aleppo, Syria's largest province near the Turkish border and its economic hub before the crisis, is strategically vital to the warring parties.
P K Balachandran By

Express News Service

COLOMBO: The United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsak-Ndiaye, will pay an official visit to Sri Lanka from 10 to 20 October 2016 to assess the current situation of national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities in the country.



Experience has shown that the recognition and promotion of minority rights are critical, if not requisite, in achieving long-lasting peace and reconciliation, particularly in countries such as Sri Lanka that

were once divided by ethnic conflicts, noted the independent expert tasked by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor, report and advise in the field of minority rights globally, Izsak-Ndiaye said in Geneva on Wednesday.

Considering the long-standing grievances that were at the roots of the 25-year civil war in Sri Lanka, any efforts towards accountability and reconciliation must include a careful examination of the extent to

which the rights of minorities are protected and promoted in the country, Izsak-Ndiaye said.



During her ten-day mission, the human rights expert will visit Colombo as well as other locations in the Northern, North Central, Eastern and Central Provinces to meet with minority communities to hear directly from them about their issues and concerns.

The Special Rapporteur will also meet with a wide range of other stakeholders, including State

authorities, the National Human Rights Commission and civil society actors.

Ms Izsak-Ndiaye, who visits Sri Lanka at the invitation of the Government, noted: While I recognise the important advances made since the new administration was sworn in last year, the Government

still faces immense challenges in terms of fostering unity, non-discrimination, peace and understanding among groups in the country.



My visit is intended to assist the Government and the Sri Lankan society at large in identifying challenges and solutions, as well as sharing experiences at this critical time for Sri Lanka, she added.



Izsak-Ndiaye will present her full report on the mission to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2017.

COLOMBO: The United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsak-Ndiaye, will pay an official visit to Sri Lanka from 10 to 20 October 2016 to assess the current situation of national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities in the country. Experience has shown that the recognition and promotion of minority rights are critical, if not requisite, in achieving long-lasting peace and reconciliation, particularly in countries such as Sri Lanka that were once divided by ethnic conflicts, noted the independent expert tasked by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor, report and advise in the field of minority rights globally, Izsak-Ndiaye said in Geneva on Wednesday. Considering the long-standing grievances that were at the roots of the 25-year civil war in Sri Lanka, any efforts towards accountability and reconciliation must include a careful examination of the extent to which the rights of minorities are protected and promoted in the country, Izsak-Ndiaye said. During her ten-day mission, the human rights expert will visit Colombo as well as other locations in the Northern, North Central, Eastern and Central Provinces to meet with minority communities to hear directly from them about their issues and concerns. The Special Rapporteur will also meet with a wide range of other stakeholders, including State authorities, the National Human Rights Commission and civil society actors. Ms Izsak-Ndiaye, who visits Sri Lanka at the invitation of the Government, noted: While I recognise the important advances made since the new administration was sworn in last year, the Government still faces immense challenges in terms of fostering unity, non-discrimination, peace and understanding among groups in the country. My visit is intended to assist the Government and the Sri Lankan society at large in identifying challenges and solutions, as well as sharing experiences at this critical time for Sri Lanka, she added. Izsak-Ndiaye will present her full report on the mission to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2017.
What if one blood test could screen for more than 50 types of cancer?
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Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Areas of patchy fog early. Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High around 60F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Some passing clouds. Low 44F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Cedars-Sinai researchers say their examination of the fungi in the intestines suggests an important link between these microbes and inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis.

In the new study, published in the June 8 issue of Science, researchers at Cedars-Sinai's Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute identified and characterized the large community of fungi inhabiting the large intestine in a model of the disease.

The digestive tract is home to a large number of micro-organisms. In fact, with an estimated 100 trillion bacteria residing in the gut, microbes outnumber human cells in the body. Some are necessary to aid in digesting food, producing necessary vitamins and suppressing the growth of harmful microbes. Others are harmful to the body, contributing to illnesses such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and obesity.

Modern DNA-sequencing technology has revolutionized the study of these microbes in the last decade, allowing the role of bacteria in disease to be understood more clearly, as is shown in the Cedars-Science research published in Science.

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"It's long been recognized that fungi must also exist in the gut, but we're among the first to investigate what types, how many, and whether they're important in disease," said David Underhill, PhD, associate professor and director of the Graduate Program in Biomedical Science and Translational Medicine, who led the study. "We were truly stunned to see just how common fungi are, identifying more than 100 different types" and seeing linkages to digestive disorders.

An estimated 1.4 million Americans have Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD, a chronic digestive disorder, and about 30,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. Ulcerative colitis, one of the most common types of IBD, causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, fatigue, weight loss and loss of appetite. Ulcerative colitis patients can be at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.

"This study takes us an important step closer to understanding how fungi contribute to disease, as well as significantly expanding our understanding of what types of fungi are living in our bodies," said Iliyan Iliev, PhD, a Cedars-Sinai research scientist and lead author on the study.

To determine fungi contribute to inflammatory disease, the study homed in on a protein called Dectin-1, produced by white blood cells and used by the immune system to detect and kill fungi. In an animal model of the disease, researchers found that the protein is important in protecting against inflammation caused by indigenous fungi. The finding has significant implications for human disease, as scientists at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Genetics Institute found a variant of the gene for Dectin-1 that is strongly associated with severe forms of ulcerative colitis.

Source: Cedars-Sinai
Individuals with alcohol dependence (AD) often have sleep-related disorders such as insomnia, circadian-rhythm sleep disorders, breathing-related sleep disorders, movement disorders, and parasomnias such as sleep-related eating disorder, sleepwalking, nightmares, sleep paralysis, and REM sleep behavior disorder. The last comprehensive review on this topic was published in March 2005. This review examines the various aspects of insomnia associated with AD, especially using findings over the last decade, and employing updated diagnostic criteria for sleep disorders found in the third edition of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders.

The authors reviewed 135 studies retrieved from four databases - Pubmed, Medline, Embase and Google Scholar - to gather abstracts from American, European, and other international databases for the period January 1, 1967 to December 31, 2015. Searches were limited to human subjects, the English language, and research directly evaluating the relationships between alcohol use/disorders and sleep complaints/disorders. Wherever multiple studies were found on the same topic, the largest and/or most rigorous studies were evaluated. The literature review extended. Manuscript references were cross-checked for possible additional studies; likewise, the last two literature reviews on this subject along with their references were checked.

A significant proportion of the literature has focused on insomnia, and the association between AD and insomnia appears to be bi-directional in nature. AD may also be associated with circadian abnormalities, short sleep duration, obstructive sleep apnea, and sleep-related movement disorder. Insomnia treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy shows promise for treatment of sleep disorder in the context of alcohol dependence, as do newer medications such as ramelteon, which can alleviate sleep initiation and/or maintenance disorders.

Source: Research Society on Alcoholism
All 13 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with BRCA mutations had their tumors shrink significantly when treated with a PARP inhibitor ahead of frontline presurgical chemotherapy in a pilot study at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Results of the study (abstract 153PD) will be presented Saturday at a breast cancer poster discussion session of the 2016 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in Copenhagen.

Tumor shrinkage after two months of treatment with the PARP inhibitor talazoparib, measured by ultrasound, ranged from 30 to 98 percent with an average reduction in tumor volume of 78 percent among the 13 patients.

"Acknowledging that this is a small study, I can't think of any systemic therapy that gives results this consistently strong in only two months," said Jennifer Litton, M.D., associate professor of Breast Medical Oncology and leader of the study. An extension of the trial is under way.

Previously untreated patients agreed to undergo the targeted therapy treatment before proceeding to standard-of-care chemotherapy and then surgery. Patients with HER2-positive disease were excluded from the study because approved targeted agents exist for those breast cancers.

PARP inhibitors block a DNA repair pathway that tumors can use to survive DNA damage, both intrinsic and caused by therapy. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor-suppressing genes that, when mutated, account for 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers. BRCA-related cancers are thought to be vulnerable to PARP inhibitors.

Litton is principal investigator of an international phase III clinical trial of talazoparib for patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Talazoparib and other PARP inhibitors already have been through phase I safety and phase II/III efficacy clinical trials.

A first step testing drug as initial treatment

Given these early results for PARP inhibitors, Litton designed a stepwise approach to more quickly move talazoparib into the presurgical treatment setting for patients newly diagnosed with BRCA-positive breast cancer. She proposed an investigator-initiated pilot study to the drug company, to be supported by MD Anderson's Moon Shots Program, an ambitious effort to reduce cancer deaths by more rapidly developing and implementing advances in prevention, early detection and treatment based on scientific discoveries.

Litton originally expected the study to take two years to sign up 20 patients. Instead, 13 enrolled in eight months, and the results were striking enough that the study was stopped. Complete results, including pathological response after the full course of treatment through surgery, are being prepared for publication.

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None of the 13 patients had to withdraw from the talazoparib treatment due to side effects, which were limited mainly to fatigue and low blood counts. There were no grade 4 toxicities. Eight of the 13 had triple-negative disease, breast cancer that does not have HER2 or hormonal targets for treatment.

"After we saw the extensive clinical response, confirmed by ultrasound, and with a favorable toxicity profile, we really wanted to move forward into an extension to evaluate pathological response for this drug as a single treatment," Litton said.

Next study, presurgical talazoparib alone

An extension of the pilot study opened in August for 20 more patients who will take only talazoparib for six months before proceeding to surgery. Six patients have enrolled. Patients whose disease progresses will proceed to chemotherapy and then surgery.

"If this study produces similarly strong results, the next step would be to directly compare talazoparib to chemotherapy in the presurgical, curative setting," Litton said. "We might be able to delay or replace chemotherapy if we can get similar efficacy with less toxicity from treatment."

Litton noted that institutional support through the Moon Shots Program helped convince the company to provide the drug for Litton's investigator-initiated trials.

Extensive, unique biomarker research

In addition to evaluating the feasibility of enrolling patients before standard neoadjuvant therapy and the drug's toxicity profile, as well as a first estimate of clinical response, the pilot study also tapped Moon Shots Program resources for extensive biomarker evaluation.

Biopsies taken before and after PARP inhibition are evaluated for DNA and RNA changes, proteomics and immune response by Gordon Mills, M.D., Ph.D., chair and professor of Systems Biology.

Patient-derived xenografts of tumors are developed by Helen Piwnica-Worms, Ph.D., vice provost for research and professor of Experimental Radiation Oncology, and colleagues, for use in mouse models to further study tumor response to treatment.

"We will be able to learn a great deal, and not only from the tissue," Litton said. "We also have paired PDXes before and after treatment in previously untreated breast cancer. I don't know anywhere else in the world that has these types of exciting reagents."
Beckman Coulter Life Sciences continues its collaboration with one of the nations leading Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC), by awarding scholarships to two young scientists using analytical ultracentrifugation in their research.

The award enables the researchers to attend the prestigious Advanced Analytical Ultracentrifugation Workshop and Symposium, an initiative from New Hampshires Biomolecular Interaction Technology Center (BITC). The Advanced AUC workshop is a leading scientific event for promoting training, collaboration, and innovation in the field of protein interaction science and technology. It will be held in Danbury, Connecticut, from October 16-19, 2016.

BITC was founded as a National Science Foundation (NSF) I/UCRC by Prof Tom Laue at the University of New Hampshire. It has since become a stand-alone industry-university research consortium, involving leading biotechnology companies and the Universities of New Hampshire and Delaware.

Beckman Coulter is pleased to collaborate with the Biomolecular Interaction Technology Center in encouraging the next generation of young scientists, said Beckman Coulter Life Sciences AUC Product Manager, Dr. Chad Schwartz. The award enables two promising researchers, already familiar with the power of analytical ultracentrifugation, to expand their knowledge so that they can fully exploit its potential in their research.

By attending the symposium, they will have the opportunity to discuss advanced analytical ultracentrifugation topics and specialized methods with experts. They will learn to characterize macromolecular interactions and complex mixtures, expanding their understanding of the latest experimental approaches and data analysis methods.

Beckman Coulter has always been at the leading edge of centrifuge innovation and commercialized the first analytical ultracentrifuge in 1954. It has just launched the Optima AUC, a next generation analytical ultracentrifuge with many enhanced capabilities. Although analytical ultracentrifugation is a recognized technique for protein characterization, researchers have realized the technologys value for characterizing a wide array of particles including peptides, polymers, metallic nanoparticles, liposomes and other non-biological materials. The new Optima AUC allows molecules to float free and unbound so that researchers are able to characterize them in their native state. For more information: beckman.com/centrifuges/analytical-ultracentrifuges/optima-auc

BITC committee members selected Stephen Hessler and Tyler Daman for the award. The work of both candidates demonstrated great potential for using analytical ultracentrifugation in their future research careers. Stephen is a PhD. graduate student studying in the lab of James Cole at the University of Connecticut. For his thesis research, he intends to pursue some fundamental questions regarding the mechanism of activation of PKR, an important protein involved in the innate immune response and the bodys response to viral infection. Tyler Daman is a PhD graduate student studying in the lab of Victoria Robinson at the University of Connecticut. He is studying the intrinsically disordered features of Drosophila Nucleostemin using SAXS and various biophysical techniques, including AUC.
A British academic who achieved his breakthrough while supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has been congratulated on winning the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Professor Sir J Fraser Stoddart was jointly awarded the prize with Professors Bernard Feringa and Jean-Pierre Sauvage for their development of molecular machines, a thousand times thinner than a human hair.

The tiny molecular machines could potentially be used for the delivery of drugs inside the human body and to develop new smart materials.

Professor Stoddart, who received grant funding from EPSRC while he carried out his ground-breaking work in the 1990s, made a major advance by threading a molecular ring on a rod-like structure acting as an axle, and moving the ring when heat was applied. This led to further progress through the development of molecular machines such as lifts, muscles and a computer chip.

Commenting on the latest Nobel Prize, Professor Philip Nelson, Chief Executive, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), said:

This is yet another UK science success story. On behalf of EPSRC I would like to congratulate all involved and Sir Fraser Stoddart in particular. He has worked on over 20 EPSRC-funded projects during his career including some international collaborations while based in the US; and his work on nanostructures will have real-world impact.

Professor Lee Cronin, Regius Chair of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow and an EPSRC RISE Fellow, who is a friend of Professor Stoddart, said:

Fraser is an inspirational individual in terms of setting an example by pressing ahead with his vision, communicating his ideas fantastically, and never giving up whatever the circumstances. He has really changed the way the world views chemistry and the potential of synthesis and self-assembly by showing that molecules can be engaged to become machines. The fundamental synthesis and the analytical machinery he used was funded by EPSRC. This award is amazing for UK science and amazing for UK chemistry.

Source: https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/
Recently published research from Iowa State University may hint at a new treatment for Parkinson's disease.

In a paper published in the academic journal Nature Communications, ISU scientists identified a protein called Prokineticin-2 (PK2) that may protect brain cells and is expressed with greater frequency in the early stages of Parkinson's disease.

"The neurons use PK2 to cope with stress. It's an in-built protective mechanism," said Anumantha Kanthasamy, a Clarence Hartley Covault Distinguished Professor in veterinary medicine, the Eugene and Linda Lloyd Endowed Chair of Neurotoxicology, and chair of biomedical sciences at Iowa State. Kanthasamy, one of the paper's lead authors, has been working to understand the complex mechanisms of Parkinson's and searching for a cure for the past two decades.

Prokineticin-2 stimulates the neurons to produce more mitochondria, the part of the cell that produces energy. The resulting improved energy production helps neurons withstand the ravages of the disease, which is a neurological disorder that results in insufficient levels of dopamine in the brain.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that takes years to develop. A better understanding of Prokineticin-2 could turn up a means of slowing development of the disease or lead to new therapies, Kanthasamy said. For instance, there may be ways to stimulate more production of the protein or protein analogs to bind with its receptors on neurons, he said.

The research team took a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to studying Parkinson's disease. The study was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health to Kanthasamy and Arthi Kanthasamy, a professor of biomedical sciences and Anumantha's spouse. Six graduate students in Kanthasamy's lab also contributed to the study, including co-first authors Richard Gordon and Matthew Neal, as well as researchers at other institutions.

The scientists studied cultured brain cells, a rodent model and post-mortem human brains to track changes brought on by Parkinson's disease, and they confirmed a high expression of Prokineticin-2 in each facet of the study.

It was this team effort that resulted in a comprehensive finding, Arthi Kanthasamy noted.

The discovery prompted the research team to investigate more thoroughly.

"Of the thousands and thousands of factors we tracked in our experiments, why was this protein expressed so highly?" Arthi Kanthasamy said.

Finding the answer to that question poses a challenge that will take time to overcome, but the potential appears to be significant, she said.
Blappy is a Smartphone application that enables fluid communication between people with visual and/or auditory disabilities. Voice messages can be changed into text and vice versa; in addition, high contrast images can be included, and the screen has a zoom feature. It is also compatible with the TalkBack accessibility service. To use the service, it is only necessary to have the app installed in two terminals that are less than 30 meters apart and in a closed Bluetooth environment. Once the user is registered, there are two ways to send messages: either using voice recognition or a keyboard.

This application could be of interest for many users. In Spain alone there are nearly one million visually handicapped people and nearly one million more with auditory impairment, according to CESyA. The application is available in four languages (Spanish, French, English and Portuguese), but its technology allows conversations to be translated into all of the languages that the Google Translator service recognizes.

Blappy is currently available for mobile phones that have the Android operating system; using it simply requires downloading the app in the Play Store and enabling Bluetooth to connect with another smartphone that also has the app installed. Nevertheless, its developers are already working on a version that will work on phones with Apple's iOS platform.

In the words of Belen Ruiz Mezcua, associate professor of UC3M's Computer Science department and the general director of CESyA, this initiative represents a commitment to accessibility and "is an example of technology transfer in the service of society's needs." In the same way, "it achieves the paradigm of design that is accessible for everyone," states Adrian Baeza, CESyA researcher and one of the professionals involved in the project's launch.

Source: Carlos III University of Madrid
The population of older adults with complex health needs is growing, and caring for those needs is a challenge primary care providers face. Scientists around the world are researching ways to meet the demand.

Recently, a team of experts from the Netherlands published a related study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. They noted that, in their country, the number of primary care visits people make increases from more than four per year for people under the age of 60 to more than six per year for people between the ages of 60 and 75. In the Netherlands, people over the age of 75 see their primary care doctors 10 or more times a year.

The researchers said that older adults tend to see their doctors only when a health problem occurs. They also note that people with complex health problems may experience a lack of care coordination (a term used to describe looking at your health and well-being as a whole and trying to make sure you, your healthcare providers, and others can see the "big picture" over time). These older adults also can have a poorer quality of life and higher healthcare expenses because they are at higher risk for suffering serious but potentially preventable health problems.

The research team decided to create a study to see whether or not a personalized primary care program for frail older adults might improve quality of life and daily functioning.

To test their theory, the researchers used electronic medical records to identify people 60-years-old and older who were at risk for frailty, who took more than five medications, or who hadn't seen their primary care provider in three years. In total, 3,092 people participated in the study, which had three different groups so researchers could compare treatments:

Patients in the first group were screened based on routine healthcare information to determine their risk for frailty. Next, these patients received standard healthcare from their primary care provider.

Patients in the second group were also assessed for frailty, and then received personalized care from specially trained nurse practitioners, who then coordinated their healthcare.

People in the third group were the control group. They weren't screened for frailty and they received their usual healthcare.

The researchers suspected that the comprehensive frailty assessment, followed by personalized care from a nurse practitioner, would result in better outcomes for the participants.

After six months, the people in all three groups scored about the same on health assessment tests. After a year, people in the first two treatment groups experienced fewer problems with their daily functioning compared to people in the control group.

The researchers noted that people who had higher levels of education and received personalized primary care were able to function better than people in the other groups. However, the researchers said that more studies will be needed to see if the results remain the same in larger populations.
An estimated 43 percent--249 million--of children under five in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) are at an elevated risk of poor development due to extreme poverty and stunting, according to findings from The Lancet's new Series, Advancing Early Childhood Development: from Science to Scale.

The Series reveals that early childhood development interventions that promote nurturing care--health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, security and safety, and early learning--may cost as little as 50 cents per child per year, when combined with existing services such as health. The World Health Organization, the World Bank, and UNICEF contributed to and offered guidance to the Series.

The findings in this Series underscore the importance of increased global commitment to early childhood development. Individuals are estimated to suffer a loss of about a quarter of average adult income per year, while countries may forfeit up to as much as two times their current GDP expenditures on health or education. Consequences of inaction impact not only present but future generations.

"We now know how high the cost of inaction is, and new evidence makes clear that the time to act is now. We hope the evidence in this Series will help countries reach more pregnant women and young children with preventive and promotive services that have the potential to drastically improve developmental outcomes for children as well as their adult health, wellbeing, and economic productivity," said Series co-author, Professor Linda M. Richter, PhD, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Research shows that a child's brain develops faster in the first 2-3 years than at any other time in life. These early years are also a critical period of adaptability and responsiveness to interventions. When young children are deprived of nutrition, stimulation, and protection, the damaging effects can produce long-term detriments for families and communities.

"The science and economics are clearly on the side of investing in the first 1,000 days of a child's life, starting with a woman's pregnancy," said Keith Hansen, Vice President, Human Development at the World Bank Group. "If we don't do this, children fall behind long before they set foot in school and suffer a lifetime of disadvantage. But if we do, we can make an irrevocable difference to their ability to fully participate in the economies of tomorrow as active, productive citizens. The Lancet research is further proof, if more is needed, of just how important this agenda is."

The authors stress the strong position of the health sector in providing an entry point for early childhood interventions--especially in support of nurturing care. The sector's ability to access women and children during the critical period from conception through early childhood presents an opportunity to integrate low-cost interventions, such as WHO / UNICEF's Care for Child Development, and Reach Up and Learn, into existing maternal and child health and nutrition services. These have shown to help improve the quality of nurturing care and the overall development of young children, while also giving attention to the wellbeing of the caregiver.

"The science shows us that biology is not destiny--and that what children experience in the earliest days and years of life shapes and defines their futures," said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. "We need to turn that science into an alarm bell--because the development of millions of children is at urgent risk. Right now, 43 percent of children in low- and middle-income countries are at risk of not achieving their cognitive potential. No country can risk losing nearly half of the brain potential of its youngest citizens--low- and middle-income countries least of all."

According to the Series authors, interventions need to be available early. "Historically, early childhood interventions have focused on children of preschool age. But we now know that interventions encompassing the period before conception through the first two years of life can greatly reduce adverse growth and health outcomes, and help ensure young children reach their full developmental potential," said Series co-author, Professor Stephen Lye, PhD, Executive Director, Fraser Mustard Institute for Human Development, University of Toronto, ON, Canada. The authors propose several ways the global community can scale-up support for early childhood development services by:

Encouraging the adoption and implementation of policies to create supportive environments for families to provide nurturing care for young children.

Building capacity and strengthening coordination to promote early childhood development through existing health, nutrition, education, social, and child protection services.

Strengthening measurement and ensuring accountability for early childhood development services.

Increasing research, and fostering global and regional leadership and action.

Expanding political will and funding through advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"Investing in young children is a moral, economic, and social imperative. The SDGs have provided a promising vision on children and adolescents' health, but political will and increased investment in early childhood development are needed to ensure that the ambitious targets can be reached. Early childhood development will not only benefit the children of today, but will have a direct impact on the stability and prosperity of nations in the future," said Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General.
Many serious diseases such as malaria or AIDS present a major challenge for medicine because the causative pathogens use the same strategy although they are completely different: By camouflaging themselves they evade the immune system.

The same deception is used by Trypanosoma, the pathogen that causes the fatal human sleeping sickness. These African parasites are passed to the recipient by the byte of the tsetse fly to live in their host's blood. Their surface is covered with proteins, so-called antigens, which the immune system is actually capable of recognising and targeting. But the pathogen has several thousand different genes in its DNA that produce such antigens. The parasite only uses one antigen at a time and is capable of switching between them, making it all but impossible for the immune system to keep the pathogen at bay.

Research of antigen variation

This ability of pathogenic microorganisms and parasites to change the molecules at their surface is called antigen variation. In his new research project, Dr. Nicolai Siegel studies which processes are responsible for this at the genetic level. The European Research Council ERC has recently awarded him the coveted Starting Grant worth EUR 1.5 million which is presented to "research talents with proven research potential".

Born in 1978, Siegel is a biochemist who has managed one of the junior research groups of the University of Wurzburg's Research Center for Infectious Diseases (ZINF) for four years. He and his team are investigating epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation in Trypanosoma at the Institute for Molecular Infection Biology managed by Professor Jorg Vogel.

"Viruses, bacteria and certain parasites all face the same challenge when entering a living organism: They must somehow protect themselves against being attacked by the immune system," Nicolai Siegel explains. Although they are different, they have developed surprisingly similar defence strategies. Antigen variation is one of them. According to the Siegel, the ability to largely evade attacks from the immune system is one of the major challenges in the fight against infectious diseases. "If we can manage to influence this process, that would be a major breakthrough," the scientist further. It would help patients fight the infection more efficiently while facilitating the development of new vaccines.

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Systematic analysis of the genome architecture

So far, however, the basic processes of antigen variation have not been researched sufficiently. To understand which antigens are used and when, Nicolai Siegel wants to sequence the parasite's genomic architecture. "Architecture" in this context literally refers to the three-dimensional folding of the DNA strands in the nucleus that can influence the activity of various genes. The results of a master's thesis were the starting point for his approach. In the meantime, Laura Muller has continued her work as a PhD in Nicolai Siegel's group together with Raul Cosentino. Over the next five years, their goal is to conduct the first systematic analysis to determine the significance of the genome architecture for the varying expression of antigens - using Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of the sleeping sickness.

Siegel focuses on two state-of-the-art technologies to accomplish this. The first is high-throughput sequencing, also known as next-generation sequencing, which allows the entire genome of organisms to be sequenced in a matter of hours. The second method is CRISPR-Cas9, a technique which enables scientists to selectively modify individual DNA blocks in the genome with high precision. "Combining these two methods allows me to link antigen variation research with that of the genome architecture," Siegel says.

The impact of spatial layout

The scientist's interest in the three-dimensional structure of the genome is mainly due to one reason: "The spatial arrangement of the genome is crucial for the regulation of genes that are mutually exclusive," he explains. This also holds true for antigen variation. While the sequence of the individual blocks of DNA determines which proteins are produced, the structure of the DNA strand decides which sections are read and when. Simply put, genes that are simultaneously active are frequently clustered together in a certain region inside the nucleus. Other regions that are not to be read tend to be located at the nucleus' periphery.

Although novel techniques have enabled scientists to make numerous new findings in this domain, many question still need answering. Nicolai Siegel wants to use his ERC Grant to help solve them.
Simon Fraser University researcher Lisa Craig is part of an international team that has uncovered new details about a microbe that invades the brain, sometimes with fatal results. The information is a critical piece of the meningitis puzzle, and could lead to new ways of treating meningococcal infection.

The research is published today in the journal Nature Communications.

Craig, a professor in SFU's Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, and SFU research associate Subramania Kolappan, have worked with researchers at the Institut Necker Enfants Malades in Paris and the University of Virginia School of Medicine to reveal the most detailed structure to date for a "Type IV pilus". These pili are long, thin filaments that extend from a bacterial surface.

The research has important implications for the bacterium Neisseria meningitides, which causes meningitis. This bacterium is present in the nasal passages of about 10 per cent of healthy adults, but occasionally escapes and enters the bloodstream.

There, its Type IV pili interact with molecules on cells lining the tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain.

"Normally, the tight association of these endothelial cells prevents bacteria from passing across the blood vessel walls," says Craig. "This network of blood vessels is called the blood-brain barrier."

The binding of Type IV pili disrupts the tight packing of these cells. This permits the bacteria to slip between the cells and gain access to the space between the brain and its surrounding membranes.

There, the bacteria induce an inflammatory response that leads to an accumulation of fluids (meningitis). This puts pressure on the brain and results can be fatal.

Using x-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction, the researchers revealed, for the first time, a detailed molecular structure of the N. meningitidis Type IV pilus. This gives scientists a glimpse into how this microbe can bind to, and disrupt, endothelial cell junctions in order to breach the blood-brain barrier.

The pilus structure further revealed a conformational change that occurs when the pilin sub-units becomes incorporated into the pilus.

"This helps us to understand the structure, function and assembly of Type IV pili, which are present on many bacterial pathogens," says Craig.

"It's a critical piece of the meningitis puzzle, and may help researchers to develop drugs to interfere with N. meningitidis interactions with the epithelium, in order to prevent and treat meningococcal infection."

She says the findings may also lead to therapies that deliberately open the blood-brain barrier to administer drugs for treating non-bacterial brain diseases.

Source: Simon Fraser University
One Medicine: how human and veterinary medicine can benefit each other

Professor Roberto La Ragione

News-Medical speaks to Professor Roberto La Ragione, Chair of Trustees at Humanimal Trust, about the concept of One Medicine and how human and veterinary medicine can collaborate, share knowledge, and initiate research for the benefit of both humans and animals.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) would bring the whole of India under one common market and make inter-state transactions easier, a senior state government official said on Thursday.



"If GST is successfully implemented, all interpretational issues in inter-state transactions will be over," Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) Paul Antony said.



Speaking at a GST awareness workshop, organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), he said



FICCI and all stakeholders should get involved in the processes and bring out the potential of the GST and be aptly prepared for it.



Pullela Nageswara Rao, Chief Commissioner of Central Excise, Customs and Service Tax, Kerala, said GST would hopefully prompt Kerala to move from a consumer state to a manufacturer state.



The GST system will increase ease of doing business, said Deepak L Aswani of FICCI Kerala State Council.



"This will be a significant step with the benefits passed on to the consumer," he added.



GST is scheduled to be implemented across the country from April 1, 2017.



It replaces all indirect taxes levied on goods and services by the Centre and states.


Washington: India strongly supports the capital increase in the World Bank, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said and expressed the country's readiness to take a larger share in the global lender than the dynamic formula.



In his meeting with World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, Jaitley acknowledged the long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship between the World Bank Group and India since its inception and called on the Bank to work together with the member countries to explore innovative financing solutions.



Jaitley arrived to Washington from Canada to attend the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.



He also appreciated the support of the World Bank to the many significant achievements of India in its development process, especially in the six priority areas identified by the Prime Minster for Multilateral Development Banks' assistance, a statement released by the Indian Embassy said.



"While discussing the policy issues related to the World Bank Group, he indicated India's strong support for the capital increase and its readiness to take a larger share than the dynamic formula," it said.



The World Bank uses a dynamic formula, using economic weight (based on GDP) and development impact, to determine countries' shareholding and thus voting power in the Bank.



Jaitley also emphasised that the World Bank Group should work together with the member countries to explore innovative financing solutions, the media release said.



The Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland also met the Finance Minister.



Later in the evening, he interacted with several US State Department officials during a reception hosted in his honour.



Separately, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das held a bilateral meeting with US Treasury Under-Secretary Nathan Sheets.



After exchanging notes on the state of their respective economies, both sides took stock of the work done on technical cooperation on NIIF, public debt management and municipal bonds and agreed to expedite progress on these issues.



During the course of their interaction, Das also highlighted the sustained rapid growth of Indian economy and its ambitious reform agenda including the landmark Goods and Services Tax, passage of the recent national bankruptcy law and liberalisation of foreign direct investment.



Jaitley is accompanied by RBI Governor Urijit Patel, Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian and Das among others.
United Nations: India has welcomed the selection of Portugal's former premier Antonio Guterres as the next UN Secretary General to replace Ban Ki-moon at the beginning of next year.



"Congratulations & Best wishes. India welcomes Antonio Manuel de Olivera Guterres as next Secretary General of @UN," India's Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.



Akbaruddin's tweet was accompanied with a picture of Guterres shaking hands with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Guterres had met Swaraj during his visit to New Delhi in July this year.



Guterres, the 67-year-old former head of UN's refugee organisation for 10 years, emerged as a leading candidate in all of the Security Council's straw polls.



The 15-nation Council conducted a sixth straw poll on Wednesday in which Guterres received 13 encourage votes and two no opinion votes. None of the five veto-wielding permanent members voted against him, clearing the way for Guterres to become the 9th Secretary General of the UN.



"Today after our sixth straw poll we have a clear favourite and his name is Antonio Guterres," Russia's envoy to the UN and President of the Council for October Vitaly Churkin told reporters after the straw poll.



Flanked by the Permanent Representatives of the 14 Council members, Churkin said the Council will meet again to take a formal vote, which is expected to pass by acclamation.



That decision would then be formally submitted to the General Assembly for its consideration.



"We wish Guterres well in discharging his duties as the Secretary General of the UN for the next five years," Churkin said.



Churkin also informed President of the UN General Assembly Peter Thomson that Guterres had emerged as the unanimous choice after the sixth informal and first colour-coded straw poll for the position of Secretary-General.



"The President thanked him for the information and said he wasready to further progress the process of appointing the next Secretary-General in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations," Thomson's office said.



Ban's Deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters at the daily press briefing that the Secretary-General, who is currently in Rome, is aware of the latest developments and will await the official action by the General Assembly on his successor's formal selection.



Guterres was Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and then served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015.



After the UNSC formal vote, Guterres's name will be forwarded to the 193-Member General Assembly for final confirmation.



Ban is the 8thSecretary-General in the organisation's 70-year history. He took office in January 2007 and will be ending his 10-year tenure on December 31, 2016. Guterres's selection for the post of the world's top diplomat slashed hopes for a woman to succeed Ban Ki-moon.




: Three heavily armed militants suspected to be from Pakistan were today killed after they launched an attack on an army camp in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.A huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from the militants, who were also carrying medicines with Pakistani markings.An army official said that the militants opened fire on an army camp at Langate in Kupwara district at around 5 AM, which was retaliated by the jawans.After repulsing the attack, the security forces launched a search operation in the area, during which the militants fired upon them, leading to an encounter.Briefing the media on the operation, Commanding Officer, Colonel Rajiv Sharang said the three militants were challenged by jawans after they noticed suspicious movement near the perimeter fencing of the camp."Three terrorists were seen near the perimeter fencing of our camp. Our sentrys challenged the terrorists who fired heavily on our sentry posts. We also retaliated and then a quick reaction team was activated so that the terrorists do not flee the area where they were spotted."We used illumination rounds to illuminate the area and killed all the three terrorists," Col Sharang told reporters at Langate.The army official said the forces have recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from the slain militants."The medicine which has been recovered from all three terrorists has Pakistani marking. This ascertains that all three terrorists were Pakistani terrorists. The maps and the matrix sheet, which they were using, that also is being analysed. If we come to know more from it, we will let you know," he said.
Jammu: National Conference provincial president Devender Singh Rana on Thursday lashed out at the PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir for "promoting the RSS" in the

sensitive region of Chenab Valley by "permitting lathi-wielding swayamsevaks to march on the streets of Doda".



"This is for the first time that such an activity has been allowed in the town by the administration, ignoring the sensitivities involved," he alleged at a meeting of NC functionaries while winding up his three-day visit to Chenab Valley, along with senior party leaders.



Rana alleged that the administration had become "a tool in the hands of the BJP", which was "furthering the agenda of the RSS openly and brazenly".



The permission for the march by lathi-wielding swayamsevaks in Khaki shorts was bereft of "administrative wisdom" and this kind of a "provocation" could have serious ramifications across the region, he warned.



The NC leader hoped that the government would understand its "folly" and take appropriate corrective measures so that peace and tranquility was maintained during the festive

season.



Rana reminded the BJP of its responsibilities towards maintaining peace, being partners in the state government, and advised its ministers to get rid of the "opposition syndrome" and act as per the tenets of the Constitution.



"While the BJP has a proven record of being perfect agitationists, they are yet to make a mark as responsible administrators," he said, adding that with the "willing" support of the PDP, the two were out to "vitiate the atmosphere to divert the attention of the people from the mess created in the state".



The NC leader appealed to the people of Chenab Valley in general, and the NC cadre in particular, to "see through" the PDP-BJP gameplan and foil the "attempts of dividing the society" by maintaining "time-tested" unity.



He said his party had been pleading all along to the political class to rise above party politics when it came to maintaining tranquility and sustaining peace.



"In fact, the entire political discourse of National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and working president Omar Abdullah has been to strengthen, consolidate and sustain regional amity and religious harmony in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh," Rana said.
A day after CNN-News18 aired a sting operation on a police officer in PoK confirming surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said the Centre need not provide any further evidence.Speaking at a felicitation function in Agra on Thursday, Parrikar lauded the way CNN-News18 journalist Manoj Gupta pretended to be a Pakistani Inspector General of Police and recorded the SP of Mirpur talk about the surgical strikes which took place on September 29, something which Pakistan has so far been vehemently denying.I am happy that a TV channel worked as a detective and spoke to SP of Mirpur range in PoK, Parrikar said. No more proof is needed. The media has given enough proof.In the telephonic conversation with CNN-News18s Manoj Gupta, Ghulam Akbar, SP of Mirpur range in PoK, admitted that surgical strikes took place in the early hours of September 29.Under the impression that he was speaking to his superior IG Mushtaq, Ghulam Akbar, SP (Special Branch) of the Mirpur Range in PoK, revealed details about the strike. He further claimed that the bodies of terrorists were also removed by Pakistans military.The SP also said the Pakistani Army took away the dead bodies in ambulances, adding that they may have been buried in villages. Akbar also claimed that five Pakistani Army men had died, which contradicts Pakistan's claim that two soldiers died in cross-firing.
Chennai: A three-member medical team from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will examine Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa admitted in Apollo Hospital since last month, said reports.



According to reports, the three-member team -- pulmonologist G.C.Khilnani, cardiologist Nitish Naik and anaesthetist Anjan Trikha -- will examine the 68-year old Jayalalithaa.



However, officials of Apollo Hospials and the state government were not available to comment.



The AIIMS medical team comes after a British doctor Richard Beale, consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at Guy's and St.Thomas Hospital, London examined Jayalalithaa.



According to Apollo Hospitals, the treatment plan was based on detailed discussions with Beale.



The treatment plan included appropriate antibiotics, respiratory support and other allied clinical measures presently being continued to treat the infection.



Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on September 22 for fever and dehydration.



While Apollo Hospitals initially said Jayalalithaa was cured of fever, later it said she was being treated for infection. She was advised some more days stay in the hospital.



Meanwhile, the Madras High Court on October 4 directed Tamil Nadu's Additional Advocate General to get instructions from the government on Jayalalithaa's health.



Social activist Traffic Ramaswamy filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Madras High Court seeking the real status of Jayalalithaa's health.



The court also observed that people were anxious to know about the Chief Minister's health.



Traffic Ramaswamy sought to know whether Jayalalithaa was in sound health to take important decisions and hold meetings of officials and ministers.








New Delhi: Two years later, since it started, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's project "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" has now got an illustrious list of 25 "adarsh monuments" and a mobile app called - "Swachh Paryatan" giving the mission touristy and cultural direction.



Since the ministers of culture and tourism Mahesh Sharma and minister for rural development, drinking water and sanitation Narendra Singh Tomar, believe that general public and the tourists are the largest stakeholders in keeping the monuments clean, a platform needed to be created for the tourists to complain about any unclean area or garbage piles lying in and around tourist destinations.



At the press conference on Wednesday, media was informed that the citizens can take photograph of garbage at the monument and upload it on the mobile app with their remarks. Through this the ASI nodal officer will be informed, get an SMS about the concerned monument and quickly take remedial steps.



Director General of ASI Rakesh Tewari said, "So far there is no report to show how many complaints have been sent to us  but our conservation assistants are present at the 25 adarsh monuments who will immediately act on the report made through the app and get the garbage cleared."



Archeological Survey of India has ranked top 25 adarsh monuments on the basis of cleanliness parameters, and "Rani ki Vav (Gujarat)" a World Heritage Site has been declared as the cleanest iconic place in the country. The list is not yet complete - 75 more adarsh monuments" protected by ASI have been identified and will be included in the Swachh Paryatan Mobile App that was launched by the ministry of tourism.



There will be a total of 100 adarsh monuments protected by ASI and included in the app. The app was launched in February 2016 and is monitored by the project monitoring unit of Swachh Bharat Mission in ministry of tourism.



Tomar, minister for rural development and drinking water and sanitation, said "Our PM had emphasized that tourism is one way to change the picture of the country  it looks into multiple issues at the same time  employment, economy, culture, women empowerment etc."



Hence, the fusion of cleanliness with culture and tourism will yield good results.



Addressing the media, Sharma also spoke about declaring all ASI protected historical monuments and archaeological sites polythene free zones with co-operation of state bodies.



"The 300 meters area of ASI protected sites will be polythene free, also there is a mobile app to inform the ASI officials of litter at the monuments," said the minister of tourism and culture.



The advisory has been issued to all state governments/UTs to support ASI in keeping monuments polythene free up to 300 meters from the protected boundaries of the monuments.



The networks that fall under the ministry of culture  Archaeological Survey of India, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, Asiatic Society etc  were belligerently brought together for the dissemination of information and creating public awareness on the message of cleanliness.



Ministry of Culture has sanctioned Rs.350 crores to provide facilities like protected boundaries, toilets and disabled friendly access in all ASI protected monuments.
When Carol Bishop described October as the perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter, he perfectly captured the feel and essence of this month. Just when people cross the gloomy September, comes October with its festive joyousness. In a country like India, where the month begins with Navratri, followed by Durga Puja, Dussehra and Diwali, a lot of people plan their entire year centering this period.Around the country, a lot of people even decide to take the big plunge and revamp their house decor during these festive days. After all, what better way to celebrate a festival than giving a new look and feel to your abode? When one even begins to think about house decor, all they end up wondering about is their future expenses.But wait, decorating your home doesn't necessarily mean digging a hole in your pocket. You can always opt for cheap, but creative options to spruce up your abode. Other than options that you can create and make yourself, heres a list of items you can purchase within a pocket-friendly budget.From lamps made from threads to decorative items based on coconuts; heres some stuff you would like to consider.Considering the fact that Diwali is not even a month away, its time you should start planning ideas to brighten up your home. While you may have decided to go for the old and conventional Chinese lights to make your house look like a shaadi-waala ghar, we suggest you take a detour this time. Opt for stylish lamps and lanterns complementing your wall colours and add a warm aura to your place. Placing lamps made of threads, stringing small lights along windowsills, lighting up with hand-made candles and creatively-designed diyas; theres so much you can do to enhance the dreamy feel this time.Always advisable to fill up empty spaces at your place with nice exquisite small showpieces instead of dull and expensive stuff. The market is full of options gratifying the creative surges of the current generation. Sri Lankan-styled work of art that includes faces incarnated on coconut itself make for a good thing to start with. You can also go for pieces carved out of ceramic that not just lighten up your living room but also provide a feel-good vibe with its fragrance.Ditch the usual means of serving your guests but experiment with bold and better crockery this festive season. Instead of getting your feet dirty going to the over-priced cafes and restaurants, chose to host dinners with stylish dishes. What if you could serve lip-smacking delicacies in sets made out of paper mache? What if you could beautify your dinner table with cutlery carved out of sea shelves? Step out of the usual and youll have wide variety of options to choose from.
With the Supreme Court scheduled to hear on Friday the Bihar government's appeal for cancellation of his bail in rape case of a minor, suspended RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav met party chief Lalu Prasad on Thursday and said he has no grudge against the state government.Emerging from the meeting at 10 Circular Road residence of former Chief Minister Rabri Devi where he met RJD president Lalu Prasad, Raj Ballabh Yadav told reporters it was a courtesy visit to extend greetings of Durga Puja.There was no word from Lalu Prasad on the meeting. The office at Rabri Devi's house also maintained it was a usual courtesy visit.Raj Ballabh Yadav, MLA from Nawada, said he has no complaint against the state government for going against his bail in the apex court."Government works according to a system. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has not gone into appeal ... I do not have any grievance against the state government. Why you (mediapersons) are raising question about the system," he said.Replying to questions, Yadav said, "There is no serious charge against me. There is no FIR or statement of the victim under 164 CRPC against me."The third term RJD MLA was suspended from the party in the wake of the rape allegation against him. The girl, a resident of Rahui in Nalanda, was raped allegedly at the MLA's house under Mufassil police station on February 6.He was arrested in the case but got bail from the Patna High Court on Friday last. Bihar government has moved the Supreme Court challenging the bail granted to Raj Ballabh Yadav.The court has listed the matter for hearing on Friday.Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Prasad Yadav told reporters that the government was doing its duty and it is up to the court to see if the accused MLA is guilty."Let us leave the matter to the court to decide," Tejaswi Yadav, who is also leader of RJD Legislature party in the state Assembly, said.
Pakistani Man Asked Internet to Edit His Photo And The Results Are Hilarious
Congratulations to @isro for successfully launching the communication satellite, GSAT-18. This is another milestone for our space programme.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 6, 2016

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian space scientists for successfully launching the communication satellite, GSAT-18, calling it "another milestone for our space programme".The Indian communication satellite GSAT-18 was successfully put into orbit by Ariane 5 rocket belonging to French company Arianespace on October 6. The rocket lifted off from its spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana).The launch was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but deferred by 24 hours owing to unfavourable weather conditions at Kourou, a French territory located in northeastern coast of South America.GSAT-18 that aims at providing telecommunications services for the country by strengthening Isro's current fleet of 14 operational telecom satellites was launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) about 32 minutes after the lift-off.(With inputs from agencies)
Washington: America is "no longer a world power" and Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's envoys have said on Wednesday.



"(The) US is no longer a world power. It is a declining power. Forget about it," special Kashmir envoy of Sharif, Mushahid Hussain Syed was heard saying on Wednesday after the conclusion of an interaction at the Atlantic Council, one of the top American think-tanks.



Syed and Shazra Mansab, another Kashmir Envoy, are in the US as part of the Pakistani effort to apprise the global community of the Kashmir issue and allegations of human rights violations in the Valley.



Syed has gone to the extent of warning the US that Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered.



He was apparently responding to a question from a member in the audience after the conclusion of the 90-minute interaction during which he expressed his frustration over the

lack of response to his point of view on Kashmir and India.



The remarks of Syed were not recorded on camera, but was heard prominently by those inside the room. Thereafter, he was quick to point out China and newly perceived relationship with Russia, which he had mentioned during his interaction at the Atlantic Council.



Syed submitted a dossier of alleged human rights violation in Kashmir to Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Olson.



With no takers for Pakistan's Kashmir policy, Syed said China is now an important factor in South Asia and described Beijing as part of what he termed as Greater South Asia.



"There has been slow and steady building of relationship between Moscow and Islamabad," he said, referring to the joint military exercise between Pakistan and Russia.



Syed said the Putin government has for the first time agreed to sell arms to Pakistan and the US should take note of this changing regional alignment.



"Unfortunately under the Obama administration, there was a drift in American foreign policy towards our region, towards Afghanistan. There was confusion and there was a lot of flip-flops. I think, the Obama administration could not figure out this region Afghanistan and Pakistan and as a consequence this region suffered."



"With policies one step back and one step (forward), announcing surge, announcing a cut off time for exit. Asking sometime Pakistan that please we want to talk to the Taliban and then saying that we want to take on the Taliban and finally they said there would be no American troops and then they end up having 8,500 troops stationed in Afghanistan. It leaves this to the next administration," he said.
Lisbon: Antonio Guterres, the man set to become the next head of the United Nations, vowed on Thursday to serve "the most vulnerable" when he takes up the post.



The former Portuguese prime minister said he would work for "the victims of conflict, of terrorism, the victims of the violation of rights, the victims of poverty and injustices," during an address at the foreign ministry in Lisbon.



It was his first public comment since the UN Security Council earlier on Thursday unanimously backed Guterres, who was the UN's refugee chief for a decade, to be the next secretary-general.



A vote by the UN General Assembly's 193 member states to endorse him as successor to Ban Ki-moon is expected next week, probably on Thursday.



The unanimous backing for Guterres for a five-year term from January 1 followed an informal vote on Wednesday during which 13 of the 15 Security Council members supported his candidacy and none of the five veto-holding powers blocked him.
US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has shrugged off allegations that he would be too close to Vladimir Putin if elected, saying he was unsure of his relationship with the Russian President."I don't love. I don't hate. We'll see how it works," 70-year-old Trump said at an election rally in Reno, Nevada, a day after Senator Tim Kaine, Democratic vice presidential candidate slammed him for praising Putin."We'll see. Maybe we'll have a good relationship. Maybe we'll have a horrible relationship. Maybe we'll have a relationship right in the middle. I can say this. If we got along with Russia and Russia went out with us and knocked the hell out of ISIS, that's OK with me, folks. That's OK with me," Trump, who had described Putin as a better leader than US President Barack Obama, said.Trump alleged that the allies of the US are not paying their fair share."Foreign countries like Russia and China do not respect us. Do you ever see Hillary Clinton when she wants to talk tough about Putin? They say, Donald Trump loves Putin," he said, adding that he has no strong feeling about the Russian leader.The Republican nominee alleged that countries like China, Japan are printing huge sums of money."The devaluation of currencies is staggering as to what it represents to our country, our businesses, our citizens, and our jobs," he said."Every time we start making progress, China devalues its currency and we go right back to the drawing board. Because you can't compete against that. It's cheating," he alleged."We are not going to level playing field and our politicians do not understand what is going on. They really do not get it. And the ones that do get it are taken care of with political contributions so they close their eyes," he said.
Jerusalem: Israel carried out airstrikes on Hamas posts in the Gaza Strip after a rocket fired from the Palestinian territory landed in a street in the southern Israeli town of Sderot on Wednesday, the Israeli military said.



Tall plumes of smoke from the Israeli strikes rose up from Gaza following the rare series of airstrikes during daylight. There were at least nine Israeli airstrikes on Hamas posts and open spaces throughout the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian eyewitnesses, but there were no reports of injuries.



In Israel, no one was wounded by the rocket fire, but it marked an unusual incident of rocket fire penetrating Israel's aerial defence system. Only a handful of projectiles have struck the previously battered town since the conclusion of a 50-day war between Israel and Gaza militants in the summer of 2014. Sirens wailed in Sderot warning of the incoming rocket, which landed near a school.



A small Islamic group that says it is inspired by, but not officially connected to, the Islamic State group, claimed responsibility for the rocket launch via a statement posted on its Twitter account.



The claim could not be independently verified and the group, which calls itself Grandsons of the Companions, is not known to have carried out any previous attacks.



Since the 2014 war, a ceasefire has largely held. But militants in Gaza occasionally launch rockets toward Israel. Israel holds Gaza's Hamas rulers responsible for all attacks emanating from the territory.



Israeli army spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said the rocket fire was "the direct result of Hamas' terror agenda in the Gaza Strip that encourages deliberate attacks against Israeli civilians." "We condemn the Israeli escalation against the Gaza Strip," Hamas said in a statement. "We can't stand idle if it continues."



Also Wednesday, an Israeli air force pilot was killed during a plane crash at an Israeli air force base in southern Israel, the military said.



The circumstances of the crash were unclear. According to the military, the pilot and his navigator were landing at the base when they ejected from their F-16I jet. The pilot was killed as a result and his navigator was lightly wounded.



The army declined to comment on the cause of the crash, and would not say whether the pilot had participated in the airstrikes in Gaza. It said the incident was under review.




Nairobi: Six people were killed in a suspected attack by Shabaab militants on a residential compound in the restive northeastern Kenyan town of Mandera, police and local authorities said on Thursday.



The attack targeted a gated residential building which mainly housed non-ethnic Somalis and non-Muslims, less than a kilometre from the volatile Somalia border town of Beled Hawa.



"We have suffered yet another attack in Mandera and sadly we have lost six people," Governor Ali Roba said in a statement.



Police chief Joseph Boinnet told AFP that there were 33 people inside the compound when the attack took place in the early hours of the morning.



Security official Mohamud Ali Saleh said the attackers used explosives to gain access to the fortified building.



"We highly suspect the attackers are members of the Shabaab insurgent group, who have sneaked across the porous border," he said.



"These criminal gangs are desperate to hurt innocent Kenyans since they were defeated badly and routed out of all their hideouts in the neighbouring country."



Several bus ambushes in the region have seen gunmen separate passengers by religion, killing non-Muslims. The Shabaab has fought to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu since 2007, but turned its sights on Kenya when the army was sent into Somalia in 2011 to fight the Islamic insurgents.



Since then the Shabaab has carried out frequent attacks on civilians in different parts of Kenya, including a Nairobi mall, a northeastern university and coastal villages.
The stage seems set for a confrontation between the Nawaz Sharif government and the Pakistani Army over the Uri attacks, its diplomatic fallout and the Indian Armys retaliatory surgical strikes.Highly-placed sources in the Pakistani government told CNN-News18 that an increasingly assertive Sharif is of the view that the Army and its support to non-state actors like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba is spoiling the image of the country and his government abroad. Sharif has also taken it up with the Army the Pakistan Foreign Offices concerns on four neighbouring nations siding with India in boycotting the SAARC summit following the Uri attacks. The boycott of SAARC summit has caused embarrassment to Pakistan govt, one source recounted the Foreign Office as having told the Pakistani Army.PM Sharif and the larger political fraternity in Pakistan are also getting increasingly wary of army chief General Raheel Sharifs political ambitions.On the other hand, the Pakistani Army establishment is livid over the CNN-News18 expose on Wednesday where a senior intelligence officer in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir confirmed the surgical strikes by Indian Special Forces that took place on September 30. The Army is furious that a civilian officer gave away details that Army had been steadfastly denying, including its hand in terror movement across the Line of Control (LoC).Meanwhile, the civilian administration has told the Pakistani Army that it is difficult to keep a permanent lid on such information.On Thursday, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported that an undisclosed meeting took place between the civil and military leaderships in Islamabad on the sidelines of an All-Party Conference on Monday.The Dawn report pointed to the gravity of the situation inside Pakistan when it said that in a blunt, orchestrated and unprecedented warning, the Nawaz Sharif government has informed Pakistani generals of a growing international isolation of the country.CNN-News18s sources in Pakistan administration said that during this meeting PM Nawaz Sharif fired from the shoulders of his younger brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who bluntly told ISI chief General Rizwan Akhtar, who was also present in the meeting, that the federal governments good work cant be dismantled by army.Sharif junior also reportedly warned the ISI chief not to use his state Punjab for terror camps and related activities. His indication was towards the two main jehadi groups  the Muridke-based LeT and the Bahawalpur-based JeM  which are Punjab-based but have Jammu & Kashmir as their core focus area.According to Dawn, the meeting also witnessed a verbal confrontation between Shahbaz Sharif and ISI chief Gen Rizwan Akhtar. PM Nawaz Sharif had to intervene to cool down the tempers.Interestingly, during the meeting Pakistan Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry told the military leadership that even the countrys all-weather friend China had expressed a preference for a course correction by Pakistan. Then, to a hushed but surprised room, Chaudhry suggested that while China has reiterated its support for Pakistan, it too has indicated a preference for a change in course by Pakistan. Specifically, while Chinese authorities have conveyed their willingness to keep putting on technical hold a UN ban on Jaish-i-Mohammad leader Masood Azhar, they have questioned the logic of doing so repeatedly, the report said.Dawn said that as a result of the most recent meeting, at least two sets of actions have been agreed.First, ISI DG Gen Rizwan Akhtar, accompanied by National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua, is to travel to each of the four provinces with a message for provincial apex committees and ISI sector commanders. The message: military-led intelligence agencies are not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action. Gen Akhtars inter-provincial tour has begun with a visit to Lahore. Second, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi antiterrorism court, the report said.Dawn said it pieced together the story based on its conversations with individuals who were present in the crucial meetings this week. All declined to speak on the record and none of the attributed statements were confirmed by the individuals mentioned, the report said.The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Sharif and included senior cabinet and provincial officials. On the military side, ISI DG Rizwan Akhtar led the representatives. The presentation by the foreign secretary summarised the results of the recent diplomatic outreach by Pakistan, the crux being that Pakistan faces diplomatic isolation and that the governments talking points have been met with indifference in major world capitals.Chaudhry said that relations with the US have deteriorated and will likely further deteriorate because of the American demand that action be taken against the Haqqani network. On India, Chaudhry stated that the completion of the Pathankot investigation and some visible action against Jaish-i-Mohammad were the principal demands, Dawn said.Responding to foreign secretary Chaudhrys rather dramatic conclusions, the ISI chief present in the meeting is reported to have asked what steps could be taken to prevent the drift towards isolation. Chaudhrys reply was direct and emphatic: the principal international demands are for action against Masood Azhar and the Jaish-i-Mohmmad; Hafiz Saeed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba; and the Haqqani network, Dawn said.To that, Gen Akhtar offered that the government should arrest whomever it deems necessary. At that point came the stunning and unexpectedly bold intervention by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Addressing Gen Akhtar, the younger Sharif complained that whenever action has been taken against certain groups by civilian authorities, the security establishment has worked behind the scenes to set the arrested free. Astounded onlookers describe a stunned room that was immediately aware of the extraordinary, unprecedented nature of the exchange, Dawn said.To defuse tensions, Prime Minister Sharif himself addressed Gen Akhtar and said that policies pursued in the past were state policies and as such they were the collective responsibility of the state and that the ISI DG was not being accused of complicity in present-day events.Dawn said that several eyewitnesses to the incredible events of Monday believed that the foreign secretarys presentation and Shahbaz Sharifs intervention were orchestrated by the prime minister to stir the military to action, leading to the decision to dispatch the ISI DG on an inter-provincial tour.According to several government officials, Mondays confrontation was part of a high-stakes gamble by Prime Minister Sharif to try and forestall further diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. In separate meetings with the army chief, participants describe an animated and energised Sharif, who has argued that Pakistan faces real isolation if policy adjustments are not made, Dawn said.Government officials, however, are divided about whether Prime Minister Sharifs gamble will pay off. According to one official, commenting on the ISI DGs commitments, This is what we prayed to hear all our lives. Lets see if it happens.Another government official offered: Wait till November to see if action will be taken. By then a lot of things will be settled.Dawn said military officials declined to comment for the story.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump took credit for the widely praised debate performance of his running mate Mike Pence, saying it demonstrated his leadership skills and reflected well on his own judgment and decision making."Mike Pence did an incredible job. And I'm getting a lot of credit, because that's really my first so-called choice. That was my first hire, as we would say in Las Vegas," Trump told his supporters at an election rally in Reno, Nevada."Last night, America also got to look first-hand at my judgment and that was judgment you know you need, judgment for people, for deals," the 70-year-old said.Independent observers and mainstream media have said that Pence won the vice presidential debate against his Democratic nominee Tim Kaine."I'll tell you, he's a good one. He was phenomenal. He was cool. He was smart. I mean, you just take a look at him. He was meant to be doing what he's doing, and we are very, very proud of Governor Mike Pence," he said."Thank you, Mike Pence... Mike had the single most decisive victory in the history of vice presidential debates. I believe that," Trump said."Donald Trump called me late last night from Nevada to congratulate me on the debate. That really meant the world to me. It truly did. Some people think I won. But I'll leave that to others. You know, what I can tell you is from where I sat, Donald Trump won the debate," Pence said at an election rally in Virginia.Trump's vision to make America great again won the debate. And when we take that vision to every corner of Virginia and every corner of this great nation, this movement, that man, and that vision are going to win all the way to the White House," he said."I truly do believe Donald Trump embodies the American spirit  strong, freedom-loving, independent, optimistic, and willing to fight every day for what he believes in. And he's going to make America great again," he asserted.Describing Trump as a doer, Pence said when Trump does his talking, he doesn't go tiptoeing around all those thousands of rules of political correctness that the media puts in the way of men and women that want to make a difference."He speaks from his mind. He speaks from his heart. The American people hear him loud and clear. And they're going to send that man and that message all the way to the oval office," he added.Pence alleged that when Hillary Clinton was serving as secretary of state, she had a private foundation that accepted contributions from foreign donors and foreign governments."And then she had a private server, presumably so communications about what she was doing there would not be susceptible to public disclosure and public accountability. We'll never know because we're still waiting on those 33,000 e-mails that she hasn't revealed," he said.
The Lynchburg Academy of Medicine honored Dr. Thomas J. Carrico with the 19th annual William H. Barney Award on Wednesday.

The award was presented at a welcome reception for new physicians sponsored by the academy and Centra Health.

Carrico has served as chair of the public relations committee, a delegate for six years to the Medical Society of Virginia, editor of the academys newsletter and president from 2006 to 2007. In 2002 he helped to found Centras Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, which he continues to direct.

Carrico founded the Healthy Teen Initiative in the late 90s to provide Lynchburgs youth with safe, healthy social activities.

The William H. Barney Award was established in 1997 to honor members who have distinguished themselves by service through the academy to help the Central Virginia community.
More opportunities for Lynchburg City Schools students to attend the Central Virginia Governors School for Science and Technology were among the suggestions brought forward at a brief listening meeting hosted by division leaders Wednesday night at Heritage High School.

The Listening Tour meeting was an opportunity for schools leaders to hear ideas on how to enhance the division as they begin crafting their budget proposals for next school year.

A handful of people shared their thoughts.

The first to speak was Christine Marraccini, who said she has children at Linkhorne Middle School and E.C. Glass High School, as well as a daughter at the University of Virginia.

She wants to see more slots for Lynchburg City Schools students at the governors school at Heritage High School. She said there are many students from the division waitlisted to attend.

The governors school is a longstanding, selective program serving juniors and seniors from Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell counties and from Lynchburg. Students take high-level mathematics and science courses at the governors school in the morning and then go back to their base high schools for their other classes.

Marraccini also had concerns the level of challenge and rigor had decreased in E.C. Glass own math and science classes and wanted the division to look at how to prepare math and science students better for schools like UVa.

She was followed by Patrick West, an emergency physician in Lynchburg, who also spoke in favor of more governors school slots.

West suggested the governors school can play an important role in helping local students decide to go into medicine, as it did for him. He said its hard to convince physicians to move to Lynchburg, and a good bet is for the city to invest in opportunities that help locals along that path because locals are most likely to be interested in returning to practice medicine here.

Other people with suggestions included Heritage Elementary School teacher Amy Stone, who wanted regular technology classes for elementary school students to help them build their skills, and Sandusky Elementary School Principal Derrick Womack, who wanted more assistant principals in the division.

Principals, he said, want to be instructional leaders at their schools, but that requires spending time in classrooms, and its hard to find the time when theres not an assistant principal in the building capable of helping with other duties. He also said theres a need for a full-time technology resource teacher in each school. Hed like to see them providing support to both teachers and students to help the schools make the best use of the technology available.

There also were a couple questions, including one from a parent who wanted to know what more could be done to increase foreign language learning in the elementary schools. Superintendent Scott Brabrand said the division has Spanish at one school, Dearington Elementary School for Innovation.

Previously, he said they had a French immersion program at Linkhorne Elementary School, but that program had been provided to the school division by Areva because he said they had so many French nationals coming over who wanted continued French instruction for their children. Those numbers dwindled, he said, and Areva no longer was willing to pay for the program.

Currently, the division offers foreign language instruction at the middle and high school levels.

In response to a follow-up question, Brabrand said the division has not looked into online foreign language instruction for elementary school students, but its something leaders could look as well.
A proposed electrical transmission line near the spot where the first permanent English colony was established in the New World has put the James River at Jamestown on this years list of the 11 most endangered historic sites in the United States.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which compiles the annual list, says the proposed transmission line  which would be about 4 miles long and employ 17 steel towers, including some almost 300 feet tall and topped with flashing red lights  would be visible not only from parts of Jamestown Island but also from scenic overlooks along the Colonial Parkway.

The proposed transmission line also put the same stretch of river on the trusts 2013 list of endangered places.

Dominion has said the power line is needed to meet the growing energy demands of Hampton Roads and that the route across the river is the best option.

Mark Haviland, a spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District, said Wednesday that Dominions permit application is still under review.

Corps officials have met with Dominion representatives to get additional information on a memorandum of agreement that attempts to address the undertakings adverse effects, Haviland wrote in an email.

As part of its plan, Dominion also has proposed $85 million in environmental initiatives and shoreline protection in the affected area.

The trust has been a leading critic of Dominions plan and has urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reject any permits for the project.
The results of a closely watched national test show math and reading scores declined this year in Virginia, as they did around the country. Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Monday that the results were catastrophic." The Republican governor held a news conference in Richmond highlighting Virginias performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The test is often known as the nations report card. It was administered to hundreds of thousands of 4th and 8th graders across the country this year. Scores were lagging even before the pandemic, but the new results show decreases on a scale not seen before.
The police dog who is being hailed as a hero after being shot while pursuing a fleeing suspect Sunday night was released from an animal hospital Tuesday and is expected to make a full recovery.

Dux, a 2-year-old German Shepherd who has been with the Spotsylvania Sheriffs Office for about a year, was shot in the neck during an incident that started in the Sheetz parking lot off Lafayette Boulevard.

The dog was led out of the CARE Emergency Animal Clinic in Central Park in Fredericksburg Tuesday afternoon by his handler, who police would not name even though he was photographed by multiple news agencies. A number of well-wishers and a police escort awaited Dux.

The man accused of shooting Dux and shooting at two county deputies, 34-year-old Joseph E. Conway, was arrested early Wednesday in a motel near the Richmond Airport, police said.

Conway is charged with two counts of attempted capital murder and possessing a firearm as a felon, and police said more charges are pending. Conway, a King George County resident, is being held in the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond.

According to authorities, the incident began shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday with what initially appeared to be a routine stop for a minor traffic infraction. The driver pulled into the Sheetz and was taken into custody without incident after police learned that he was wanted in Fredericksburg.

According to authorities, a passenger in the car got out of the vehicle and got into a physical altercation with the officer. Police have declined to elaborate on what led to the altercation; the passenger was not wanted and was free to leave, authorities said.

After the man sprinted away from the initial scuffle, another deputy who had arrived to assist released Dux. Police said the suspect fired at Dux and the deputies, but the deputies were not hit.

Deputies returned fire, but were not sure if they hit the suspect.

Authorities said Tuesday that Conway had a leg wound when he was apprehended about 3 a.m. He was treated at the VCU Medical Center and released into police custody.

Police would not discuss what led them to the Motel 6 in Richmond or if they knew anything about Conways plan to continue eluding authorities.

During a brief press conference Tuesday at the Sheriffs Office, Sheriff Roger Harris was teary-eyed as he referred to Dux as a hero. Harris declined to be specific about what occurred at the scene Sunday night, but he said that because of Dux, the other deputies were able to go home to their families.

Harris said he considers the dog as much a member of the agency as anyone else, and a classic example of why we need more dogs in law enforcement.

It is expected that Dux will return to duty at some point, but Capt. Liz Scott said the dog will first have to go through a re-certification process to make sure he is psychologically fit to return to the streets.

Court records show that Conways criminal record includes convictions for distributing cocaine in Fredericksburg in 2002 and 2008. He was ordered to serve a little over seven years in prison on those convictions. He also had a conviction for assaulting a police officer in Fredericksburg in 2002.
When Randolph College staged Sophocles' epic tragedy "Oedipus the King" in 2014, approximately 1,000 grade school-aged students attended through field trips with their classes.

This year, the college expects to see maybe 100 students, though it still anticipates the same amount of attendees from the general public.

The lack of student attendance has nothing to do with the quality of the colleges productions, which are held every other year. It has everything to do with the type of Greek play director and Randolph Greek professor Amy Cohen has chosen to stage this year: a Greek comedy.

It doesnt surprise me we have fewer kids coming to the school show because we were really clear this is more of a PG-13 experience, Cohen says. That the innuendo is not subtle. That theres lots of scatological humor and political barbs. Aristophanes made fun of everybody, so were embracing that.

When it opens Friday, Aristophanes The Frogs will only be the second comedy performed during Cohens stint of organizing Randolphs Greek plays.

Some of it is quite slapstick. In fact, there are actual slap sticks in this show. And then we kind of get the most hilarious poetry smackdown in history, the director says.

Especially with Aristophanes, whos this sort of earliest category of Greek comedy, he feels completely free to make jokes about anything and deal with any topic pretty much at any moment. So, any opportunity for a joke he takes  high and low.

In the comedy, Dionysus, the god of wine, theater and fertility, travels to the Underworld with his servant Xanthias to bring the playwright Euripides back from the dead. He hopes by doing this, he will fix all of the tragedies that have befallen Athens and the world.

But nothing ever goes quite as planned when youre making the trip to Hell.

The tradition of performing these ancient plays began in 1909 at then-Randolph-Macon Womans College, directed by professor Mabel Whiteside  who The Harvard Crimson described as a local Thalia, Melpomene and Terpsichore rolled into one. Whiteside directed one of these pieces in Greek almost every year through 1954.

For her last year, the students staged a production of all three plays in Aeschylus Oresteia.

The performance garnered national attention from publications including The New York Times and Newsweek. A year later, the cast reunited on the new E.C. Glass High School stage for a second performance, which was recorded and toured colleges as a film for years.

The completed movie, its blemishes notwithstanding, emerges as an impressive artistic accomplishment and a lasting tribute to Miss Whiteside's 50 years of inspiring zeal and unflagging dedication, Caldwell Titcomb wrote in The Crimson article from 1967. And the film is evidence that, in one place at least, the ancient Greek language, far from being dead, is not even moribund.

When Cohen joined Randolph College in 1999, she decided to bring back the tradition. Ten plays later, the professor chose Aristophanes amphibiously-named piece for her next show.

While The Frogs is certainly a comedy, it is not as bawdy or overtly sexual as many others in the Greek genre. It also focuses on the theme of drama, asking important philosophical questions about the art form: What makes a play good? What makes a playwright great? What role can great plays serve in our culture and community?

Aristophanic comedy is always  about whats happening now, the director says. It has a plot, but its happy to come away from that plot to comment on whatever political goings on are happening in Athens.

The last time Cohen staged a comedy it occurred just as the college was turning co-ed, so they threw out the chorus text complaining about the politics of a drama festival and wrote their own about the politics and protests about the merging.

Because thats what was happening now, says Cohen. [This time] you can expect therell be at least some reference to the 2016 election because its hard to imagine Aristophanes would be here now and not have something to say.
The Auburnlea Farms Corner Market, a family-owned store on Greenview Drive in Cornerstone, is closed.

Open since 2014, the market housed a farm-to-table restaurant, a grocery of locally sourced products, a soda counter and a butchery where customers could purchase meat produced at Auburnlea Farms in Gladys.

We made the decision last week to close the Corner Market, the owners said on their Facebook page Saturday. It has always been more than a business for us; it is an extension of our family, our work, and our passions. Though we are confident of our decision, we are reeling from it. We have ideas of where we go from here, or whether to open on the farm, but nothing is certain at this point.

Ricky and Becky Bennett started Auburnlea Farms in 2009, which soon was followed by an on-site, locally sourced store in a converted barn. The business quickly expanded into a grocery, restaurant, butcher shop, catering business and food truck.

The Uprooted food truck was opened as a partnership between the owners of Corner Market and Jessica and Jonathan Gonzalez in the summer of 2015. The Gonzalezes bought out the Bennetts share of the food truck and have been independently operating as of June 2016.

We want people to know that we are our own business and are not tied to the Corner Market anymore, Jessica Gonzalez said. We have been sourcing our own ingredients from local farms for quite some time now.

Our Fathers Farm in Gretna partnered with the Corner Market as a place for customers to pick up products they had purchased. Jack Furman, owner of Our Fathers Farm, said he was informed by the Bennetts two weeks ago their store would not be open for drop off of his products.

Were just sad that it didnt work out, he said. When you see a family putting forth an effort like that, its sad to see it not work out for them.

Our Fathers Farm customers can pick up their products from Health Nut Nutrition in Lynchburg, located at 1701 Enterprise Drive.
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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
Former soldiers leave TTDF embarrassed

The soldiers who were publicly named during a press conference yesterday at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair were held with four brand new guns including a Mac-11 machine-gun and a quantity of assorted ammunition following a shooting incident in Nagee Road, Hindustan, New Grant.

Inside the ex-soldiers vehicle several false number plates were also found.

Brigadier General Smart spoke at a joint press conference with Acting Commissioner of Police Harold Phillip at the Office of the Prime Minister.

He said, The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force is severely disappointed that these individuals, who were once trusted individuals, could allow themselves to be used in such a way by the criminal elements.

As a consequence of that, we will ensure that any information we have that will assist the police in their operations, we will share with them. And as he commended his colleagues of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, for the wonderful job they did this morning, Smart vowed to continue working with them.

He went on to praise police officers for their quick response.

He added that the former TTDF officers were discharged because they were not displaying the behaviour junior leaders should display.

They were both discharged in 2014, one being there for just about 18 years and the other one just about 14 years. The ex-soldiers are being investigated for offences such as attempted arson, possession of firearms and ammunition and wounding with intent to
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IMF official lauds RMB joining elite world currencies Updated: 2016-10-07 01:02 By CHEN WEIHUA(China Daily)

The inclusion of the Chinese currency into the International Monetary Fund's Special Drawing Rights basket will not only help China's financial reforms but the evolution of the international financial system, according to IMF officials and think-tank economists.

Zhang Tao, the new deputy managing director of the IMF, said inclusion of the Chinese currency, the renminbi, makes the composition of the SDR basket more representative of the currencies being traded in the world.

"The RMB's inclusion will make it more attractive as an international currency, contributing to greater risk diversification," Zhang told a forum on Chinese economics on Wednesday at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.

Zhang assumed his current post on Aug 22, replacing Zhu Min, also from China.

A former vice-governor of the People's Bank of China, the central bank, Zhang said the inclusion of the RMB will also strongly support China's continued efforts to reform its monetary, foreign exchange and financial systems.

"It will help facilitate the country's increased integration in the global financial community," he said.

He believes the inclusion will help consolidate the process of RMB internationalization, adding that experience shows that currency internationalization can encourage the development of deeper and more liquid financial markets.

"It can deliver more predictable macroeconomic outcomes, assist the development of strong and credible institutions and secure the integrity of the markets," he said.

Zhang said that while these will be not achieved overnight, they can be crucial for China's continued emergence as a source of economic growth and financial stability.

In November, the IMF executive board announced its decision to include the RMB in the SDR basket. That took effect on Saturday. The decision makes the RMB a new member in a basket of four other currencies  the US dollar, euro, British pound and Japanese yen.

Italian economist Fabrizio Saccomanni, a distinguished visiting fellow at the Peterson Institute, described the RMB's inclusion as an important recognition of China's growing role in the world economy and international monetary system.

He also described it as an important gesture by the international community to approach some kind of distribution of power in international financial institutions, an objective that's been pursued for some time and finally materialized.

"China's entry into SDR is implicitly a commitment that it will continue to move toward financial integration and opening its capital markets, which is certainly a process in the medium term," said Saccomanni, who had served as deputy governor of the Bank of Italy and as Italy's minister of economy and finance from 2013 to 2014.

Fred Bergsten, senior fellow and director emeritus of the Peterson Institute, said the US should warmly welcome the RMB.

"This is a historic development. It's a very important part of China's overall rise as a global economic power, a reflection of China's willingness to accept increased responsibilities as a leader of the international economy and international monetary system. I think it's wholly desirable," he said.

Bergsten believes it's historic for another reason. It's the first case in which a national currency is becoming a global currency at the behest and initiative of the issuing country. He said the US dollar, the British pound sterling, Japanese yen and the euro were all chosen by the markets, adding that some issuing governments were even reluctant to see their currency playing much of an international role.

"So I think China is breaking new territory here in actively seeking various responsibilities in an orderly and very timely way in an international role for its currency. I think it's historic in that sense," he said.

Bergsten warned his Chinese counterparts in the audience to be ready for some unanticipated consequences.

"Somebody might even start manipulating your currency one of these days as you play the international role," he said.

Bergsten proposed the creation of an SDR Council, or SDR5. He said that people who worry about international governance have thought for many years about how to form a new governing organization that includes many advanced countries along with China.

"They try to expand G7, but China does not like that. Some in the G7 do not like that either," he said. "But this is a natural opportunity."

He added that the council could be either inside or outside the IMF to work for the evolution of the international monetary system.
(Newser)  It's never too late to say you're sorry. An Italian town has apologized for sending the nation's most famous poet into exile seven centuries ago, the Telegraph reports. A death warrant hanging over his head, Dante Alighieri fled the city of Florence in 1302, never to return again. The father of the Italian language was charged with fraud and extortion after becoming entangled in a feud between rival noble families. Living most of his remaining years in Verona, Dante's persecution wasn't all bad: It was during this time that he wrote his masterpiece, The Divine Comedy, which satirized his enemies and Florentine politics. He died in Ravenna in 1321. It was a magistrate named Cante Gabrielli who had signed the order sentencing Dante to burn at the stake, and now Gabrielli's hometown wants to make up for that fact.

Gubbio, in Umbria, is seeking pardon for its (admittedly distant) role in persecuting Dante because officials feel it is the town's "moral responsibility" to do so, per a spokesperson. The town council voted 19 to five to revoke Dante's exile, and also presented his descendants with its highest honor, the Golden Florin. "We dont intend this to be a reprisal against (Gabrielli), but rather highlight an event that changed the course of literary history," says Gubbio's mayor. Last year, Italy celebrated the 750th anniversary of Dante's birth, prompting other mea culpasnot all of them welcome. One of Dante's descendants rejected Florence's efforts to present him with that city's Golden Florin, reports the Guardian; Count Pieralvise Serego Alighieri said the Florentines were not sorry enough. There was no word on whether he would accept Gubbio's apology. (Read more Dante Alighieri stories.)
(Newser)  It appears Poland won't be passing a total ban on abortion after all, the BBC reports. Deputy prime minister Jaroslaw Gowin says a mass protest that saw tens of thousands of women go on strike Monday "gave us food for thought and certainly taught us humility." The country's right-wing ruling party had been considering a complete abortion ban after a citizen initiative collected 450,000 signatures. The Guardian calls the Law and Justice party's sudden rejection of the proposed ban just weeks after recommending it "humiliating." One member of the justice and human rights committee who voted against the proposal Wednesday had just days earlier called people opposed to it "fans of killing babies."

While there's still a chance the proposed abortion ban will continue to be discussed in parliament, it appears dead. "Abortion will certainly not be banned when the woman is the victim of rape or if her life or her health is in danger," the BBC quotes Gowin as saying. And prime minister Beata Szydlo says the Law and Justice party "is not working" on the ban, NPR reports. Poland already has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe. The procedure is only legal in cases of rape or incest, or when the mother may die, or when the fetus would be permanently damaged. Despite the initiative, a recent poll found only 11% of Poles want further restrictions on abortion. There are believed to be up to 150,000 illegal abortions performed in Poland every year. (Read more abortion stories.)
(Newser)  Women who have heard for years that they face a declining sex life can take heart in new research that says sex gets better with age. University of Pittsburgh researchers found that while the frequency of sex declines, the quality makes up for it. We were surprised to find a group of women who said that sex actually got better for them as they got older, says lead author Holly Thomas. As doctors we were assuming that sex gets worse for women. After interviewing 39 women between ages 46 and 59, Thomas and her team cited several factors behind women who experienced a better sex life, including knowing their bodies better and increased self confidence to ask for what they want. A larger survey from Case Western of 505 women between the ages of 40 and 75 found much the same, reports Today.

"They had a better knowledge and understanding of their own bodies as they got older. And they felt more comfortable and empowered to communicate their sexual needs to their partner than when they were younger," Thomas said, per WebMD. When women weren't experiencing good sex, they pointed to other side of the bed, citing their partner's low libido or erectile dysfunction. Lower libido was also a complaint of some women in the study, along with vaginal dryness. The new research builds on Thomas' previous findings that women over 60 were having a lot of sex, contrary to popular notions. Other research has found that older women who have frequent sex experience benefits such as lower blood pressure, while the opposite is true for older men who risk heart attacks. (How good is sex in Sweden? Researchers will find out.)
(Newser)  After scandal and sanctions, Theranos says it is shutting down all of its blood-testing labs and laying off hundreds of workers. "We have moved to structure our company around the model best aligned with our core values and mission," Elizabeth Holmes, the embattled medical technology firm's founder and CEO, says in an open letter, announcing that the move will cost an estimated 340 jobs. She says the company is going to focus on its miniLab technology to "commercialize miniaturized, automated laboratories capable of small-volume sample testing, with an emphasis on vulnerable patient populations, including oncology, pediatrics, and intensive care."

Theranos has lost major partnerships and is the subject of several investigations over its claim of being able to conduct blood tests using just one drop, CNBC notes, Holmes has been banned from owning or operating a lab for two years. The closing of its clinical labs marks a major shift for Theranos, but the new focus on selling equipment to outside labs will make it much easier for Holmes to remain in her position, reports the Wall Street Journal, which notes that the 32-year-old controls a majority voting stake in the firm and insiders say it would be very difficult to remove her from her position. (In August, Theranos withdrew its FDA clearance request for a miniLab Zika blood test.)
(Newser)  The boats were crammed with thousands of migrants hoping to make it to Italy and a better life. But when rescuers reached the vessels off the Libyan coast this week, what they found shocked even veterans of the migrant crisis, the New York Times reports. Aboard one fishing boat alone, at least 22 bodies lay in the hold, suffocated by a crush of panicked passengers, said Aris Messinis, an AFP photographer. His images show migrants crammed aboard scores of boats and rubber rafts. In one, a baby is plucked from the sea. "I've seen a lot of death, but not this thing," Messinis told the Times. "This is shocking and this is what makes you feel you are not living in a civilized world."

Good weather was cited as the reason for a surge of vessels attempting to cross from Libya into Italian waters this week. More than 11,000 migrants were saved by the Italian Coast Guard and aid workers, 6,000 on Monday alone, Reuters reports. There were 50 reported deaths, including the bodies aboard the overloaded fishing boat. Most of the 1,000 passengers on that craft were packed in the hold "just like a slavery boat," Laura Lanuza, of Spanish aid group Proactiva Open Arms, told the Times. So far this year, some 142,000 migrants from Nigeria, Somalia, and other African nations have reached Italy, with more than 3,000 deaths, per Reuters. (Read more migrant crisis stories.)
(Newser)  A California nonprofit was having a hard time serving a Kuwaiti sheikh with lawsuit papers, so it got permission to do it in the most 21st-century way possible: on Twitter. Courthouse News Service reports that a federal judge is allowing St. Francis of Assisi, which assists refugees, to tweet the suit at Hajjaj al-Ajmi, whom the group is suing (in addition to two Middle Eastern banks) for what they say is his role in funding a Christian genocide in Iraq and Syria. "We will tweet [the notices] at them with a link where the summons and complaint can be obtained," a lawyer for St. Francis says, noting the tweet will likely go out sometime next week. In her Sept. 30 ruling, US Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler wrote she agreed to the unorthodox method because "service via Twitter is reasonably calculated to give notice and is not prohibited by international agreement."

The Technology and Marketing Law blog says email has long fallen under this type of acceptable delivery method for foreign defendants, though it believes this may be one of the first times social media is used for this purpose. St. Francis says it was finding itself hamstrung in serving Al-Ajmi with the suit in more traditional ways, as Kuwait hadn't agreed to Hague Convention terms that would have allowed the nonprofit to recruit a centralized authority to help it serve the suit. And the group says the suspected terror funder has been active on Twitter in the past, though it may be hard to find his most current active Twitter handle; many of his older accounts have been suspended. (A subpoena for Kanye West was served in a Nordstrom box.)
(Newser)  Starting next year, Verizon will be selling data plans for drones, the Wall Street Journal reports. But what seems semi-ridiculous at first glance may actually be a useful tool. In an announcement Thursday, Verizon says companies could use drones connected to its LTE wireless network to monitor things like wildfires and oil pipelines. Drones with data plans could send photos and stream videos directly back to devices on the ground while still in flight. According to CNET, Verizon has been working on data-enabled drones since 2014 and has been testing the system, known as Airborne LTE Operations (or ALO), around the US.

In addition to allowing transmission of images and data, a wireless network would allow drones to be piloted remotely. At the momentdue both to technological limitations, as well as federal regulationscommercial drones must stay within view of the pilot. A shift to remote piloting would enable things like Amazon's proposed delivery-by-drone service. Verizon says it will also use the technology to turn drones into mobile cell towers during emergencies. A test flight Thursday hoped to show how much area could be provided with wireless coverage from a drone, Fortune reports. Drone data plans are expected to cost between $25 and $80 per month depending on the size. (Read more drones stories.)
(Newser)  "The dab is dead because it's been used by a politician during a US Senate debate," the San Francisco Chronicle eulogizes. "RIP dabbing. It was a good run." NPR explains: Loretta Sanchez, one of two Democrats competing for California's first open US Senate seat in 24 years, dabbed upon finishing her closing remarks during a debate Wednesday. For those who don't know, dabbing is a "dance that symbolizes victory," CNN reports. It came out of the Atlanta hip-hop scene and was popularized by NFLer Cam Newton. It then went "full mainstream" and "promptly became uncool" to the point that even Hillary Clinton has been filmed doing it, according to NPR. And if it wasn't already dead, "it certainly died last night, when Sanchez shoveled the last bit of dirt onto its freshly dug grave."

Sanchez's campaign spokesperson later claimed her dabbing at the debate as an example of why she's polling better with millennials than her opponent, Kamala Harris. But Harris, the favorite in the election after being endorsed by President Obama, wasn't impressed. "So, there's a clear different between the candidates in this race," she responded during the debate. LAist translates: "That was ridic and I promise voters that I would never stoop to that kind of nonsense when elected." Huffington Post calls Harris' response "some grade-A shade." Elections in the year 2016, everybody. (Read more dabbing stories.)
Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google has been given yet another extension for filing its response to antitrust charges levied by the European Commission according to a report in Reuters. The Commission is alleging that Google has used its domination of the Android ecosystem to obstruct competition which is an infringement of its antitrust rules.

This is the fourth such extension received by the company. According to the Commission, the company's requirement of mobile phone manufacturers having Google Search and the Google Chrome browser pre-installed in their smartphones, denying access to apps in the PlayStore without it, harms both competition and consumers.

The European watchdog had originally asked Google to respond by July 27 but later granted further extensions requested by Google

The Android case will now have a deadline of Oct. 31 while the cases concerning the online search advertising and shopping issues have the deadline of Oct. 26 and Oct. 13 respectively.

The shopping service case charges that Google has been allegedly favouring its shopping service over others during internet search. The third case regarding its AdSense service accuses the company of blocking competitors in its advertising.

A spokesperson for the Commission said the extension were a normal practice.

"In each of these cases, Google asked for additional time to review the documents in the case file. In line with normal practice, the Commission analyzed the reasons for the request and granted an extension allowing Google to fully exercise its rights of defence," Commission spokesman Ricardo Cardoso said in an email statement.

While Google has refuted the charges originally levied in the shopping case, it is yet to respond on the Android case and other charges regarding its shopping service.

"We believe that our innovations and product improvements have increased choice for European consumers and promote competition," said Google spokesman Al Verney to Wall Street Journal. "We look forward to making our case to the European Commission."

According to the Reuters report, the Commission intends to fine the company prohibitively as a measure of deterrence. The tech giant can be fined around 10 percent of its global turnover, which could be up to $7.4 billion in total if found guilty.

Additionally the Commission could require Google to implement "remedial measures" such as displaying competitors' services in search results similar to what it does for its service

A Techcrunch report points out that Google recently lost a similar case in Russia where also the company is said to have unfairly positioned the Android OS at the expense of competitors. Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) agency fined Google 438 million RUB (~$6.7 million) and asked it stop requiring phone makers to bundle Google services with its OS.
A Reuters report has said that Yahoo that built a special custom software to enable it to comply with a classified request from the U.S. government to share customer emails. It states that Yahoo secretly scanned millions of its users' Yahoo Mail accounts in order to provide them to U.S intelligence or law enforcement authorities.

According to Reuters, Yahoo started its surveillance reportedly in 2015 "at the behest of National Security Agency or FBI." The claim is based on information shared by three former employees of the company and another person familiar with matter, who have chosen to remain unidentified.

There is no details available on what the authorities were looking for, but it was revealed that Yahoo was asked to look for a "for a set of characters." This could either be a phrase or few words present within incoming mails.

The decision of the Yahoo's Chief Executive Marissa Mayer to comply with the directive created a major uproar within Yahoo according to the sources which in fact resulted in the exit of Chief Information Security Officer Alex Stamos.

Reportedly Mayer and General Counsel for Yahoo Ron Bell asked the email engineering team to develop a software to identify and "siphon" off messaging with the required characters without informing the security team. Stamos resigned saying he has been left out of an important decision affecting users' security.

Yahoo has only issued a brief statement without any comments on the matter.

"Yahoo is a law-abiding company, and complies with the laws of the United States," the tech firm said in a statement sent to the Reuters.

Now working for Facebook, Stamos also declined to comment on the issue.

The struggling tech giant is currently in the process of being acquired by wireless company Verizon.

Other major tech companies Twitter, Microsoft Corp, and Alphabet Inc's Google have all denied that they have every participate in such information sharing programs.

"We've never received such a request, but if we did, our response would be simple: 'no way'," said a Google spokesperson when queried if the NSA asked the company to develop software to scan Gmail.

Microsoft also issued a similar denial.

Tech companies have been under pressure from intelligence agencies to provide customer data for their foreign intelligence gathering measures, although Edward Snowden's explosive disclosures has forced the NSA to dial back.

Several civil liberties groups have criticized Yahoo for not challenging the government's order.

"It is deeply disappointing that Yahoo declined to challenge this sweeping surveillance order, because customers are counting on technology companies to stand up to novel spying demands in court," said Patrick Toomey, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union.
Centuries-old temple remains undisturbed Updated: 2016-10-06 12:05 By LI YANG and ZHAO RUIXUE in Jinan(China Daily)

Pratyeka in Lingyan Temple. JU CHUANJIANG/CHINA DAILY

Lingyan Temple has been one of the four most important temples in China since it was built more than 1,600 years ago in Jinan, Shandong province. Its peak lasted from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when it had more than 50 large buildings and over 500 monks.

The temple, which perches in a quiet valley on the north range of Mount Tai, had remained unknown to many until 1982, when it was listed as a key cultural relic site under State protection and was opened to tourists.

Mount Tai became a World Natural and Cultural Heritage site in 1987, and Lingyan Temple is a part of the mountain's cultural heritage. Besides its significance in Buddhist history, the temple has breathtaking natural views at an altitude of 700 meters.

In the mid-Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the Emperor Qianlong stayed at the temple eight times on his way to inspect the south of China from Beijing, because of the picturesque views and the quietness of the temple.

The natural environment is well protected. The peaks surrounding the temple look like several monks chanting sutras and the forest is home to hundreds of kinds of birds and animals.

East of the temple, at the foot of a steep cliff, are three natural springs all beside each other. To the north and south of the temple, there are five more springs. The flow of the spring water is constant and the water is crystal clear. They are the main water source for the temple, as well as an important reason why Lingyan Temple has survived the twists and turns of a long history.

A sandal tree with more than one thousand years' history still flourishes beside one of the springs. There are many tales about the tree, the springs and the mountains.
Leonardo Di Caprio has sailed on the famous Titanic, combated grizzly bears in the barbarous Wild West, dated the most beautiful women in Hollywood besides exploring dreams. Now at the age of 41, the hunk says that he's going to take a REAL tour of Mars. That's what he told at the White House on Monday to President Barack Obama. The revelation occurred while he was discussing with the President about climate change. He said that he has signed up for visiting Mars on Elon Musk's maiden trip to the Red Planet, according to a report published on Business Insider. Musk, CEO of Space X and Tesla Motors, has planned to get humans to Mars latest by 2025.

The President, climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe and the actor took the stage at the end of the evening for a discussion on climate change before the premiere of Di Caprio's latest documentary on the subject titled Before The Flood.

The topic of Space X and Mars shot up when Hayhoe started talking about the dire need for people to get connected with the facts on climate change on a universal level. She said that people who have signed up for the trip are crazy to which Di Caprio replied that he indeed had. The President chuckled, stating that the actor would acknowledge his craziness.

It's time that people start empowering leaders who are willing to do something on climate change, said Di Caprio. The tickets to the highly dangerous 30-day voyage have a price tag of $200,000 each. Even though it's unclear whether the millionaire actor really wants to visit Mars and eventually perish in the process, he seems to be serious on the topic of climate change and states that leaders who do not give a thought to the subject should not be permitted to hold public office.
Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc. is being forced by the European Union's division for regulating competition to change some of its business practices. The tech giant has up until Oct. 31 to respond, or face penalties regarding alleged violation of antitrust rules.

Alphabet Inc. has been accused of violating the EU-imposed rules against monopoly, as well as abusing its dominance over its market. Google has significant claim over searches shares at about 90 percent since 2009 on mobile devices in most of the countries under the European Economic Area, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The European Commission had been known to look into Google's business operations for at least five years. Its apparent dominance over the search engine market had prompted EU's executive body over concerns of abuse of power, and even monopoly.

The EU executive body had given the Silicon Valley-based company an Oct. 31 deadline to provide evidence whether it may or may not have been abusing its power to block out competitors.

The charges stem from Google's influence over Android mobile devices, which raised concerns whether the technological giant is deliberately blocking competitors' from reaching its users, according to Reuters.

Alphabet is being accused of intentionally harming consumers' relationship with other technological companies by requiring Android users to use pre-installed Google apps such as Chrome, as well as Google's search engine.

The Oct. 31 deadline is at its fourth extension, although it has been for only the Android case. The newly imposed deadlines for other related cases are Oct. 26, and Oct. 13, of which are cases related to online advertising and sales.

The extensions had been granted by the EU following Google's request for additional time to fully assess, and review the charges' documents. The commission had deemed the request valid, and effectively allowing the defendant to "exercise its rights of defence."

Google can potentially be hit by a $7-billion fine if the commission finds sufficient evidence that the U.S. tech company is guilty of harming its competitors with "unhealthy" business practice.
Theresa May shifts her party toward the center Updated: 2016-10-06 16:43 By CHRIS PETERSON(China Daily)

British Prime Minister Theresa May sits in her hotel room as she prepares her conference speech. [Photo by Carl Court/Reuters]

The United Kingdom's new prime minister, Theresa May, took advantage of upheaval among political opponents to shift her Conservative Party toward the centerand promised a stronger, more confident Britain that will take advantage of the Brexit to build trade relationships with major countries, including China.

In her first speech to the annual Conservative Party conference since taking over from David Cameron as prime minister in July, May said major infrastructure projectssuch as the HS2 high-speed south-to-north rail link, for which Chinese companies hope to bidwill go ahead. So, too, will the construction of a third runway at either Heathrow or Gatwick airports, she said.

May told a cheering crowd she wanted to see a stable, confident Britain that can take advantage of its departure from the European Union to negotiate trade deals worldwide. She specifically mentioned China, saying the West Midlandswhere her party conference was stagedwas the only part of the UK that has a trade surplus with China.

China got another oblique mention when May said her government had approved the Hinkley Point Cnuclear power station, which has significant Chinese investment. She said she wanted to "make a big decision because the economy is strong".

May said her government will seize the center ground of UK politicsa reference to former prime minister Tony Blair, who rebranded the traditional left-wing Labour Party as New Labour, claiming the center and staying in office for an unprecedented three terms.

By contrast, the Labour Party has elected a far-left veteran activist, Jeremy Corbyn, as its leader. Analysts say that makes it unlikely Labour will succeed in a general election for years.

Other struggling parties include the Liberal Democrats, who shared power with the Conservatives in a five-year coalition until 2015 but whose 57 seats were slashed to a mere eight in the 2015 election that brought David Cameron to power.

UKIP, the fringe party that has only one elected parliament member, joined with rebel Conservatives to campaign successfully for Britain to leave the EU in June's referendum but is now in turmoil.
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United Nations:

India on Wednesday strongly hit back at Pakistan, saying the sell-by date of the countrys anachronistic approach is long over and there is absolutely no support in the world body for claims on Kashmir by a nation that established itself as a global epicenter of terrorism.



Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin strongly rejected remarks on Kashmir made by Pakistans envoy Maleeha Lodhi during a UN General Assembly debate on Report of the Secretary General on the Work of the Organisation.



We have heard one such lone voice again a short while ago, making claims to an integral part of my country. This comes from a country which has established itself as a global epicenter of terrorism, Akbaruddin said.

Also read: This shows Pakistans attachment to terrorism: India on PM Nawaz Sharif's remark on Burhan Wani



He said claims by Pakistan on Kashmir find no resonance amongst the international community, with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif raising the Kashmir issue in his General Assembly address also finding no support.



Just less than 10 days ago, the GA (General Assembly) hall witnessed a singular lack of support for Pakistans baseless claims. Need one say more, he said.



Akbaruddin asserted that Indias response to Pakistan is consistent.

Also read: India slams 'unresponsive' UNSC for not sanctioning Masood Azhar



Abandon your futile quest. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so. No amount of misuse of international fora by Pakistan will change that reality. The sell by date of Pakistans anachronistic approach is over, he said.

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New Delhi:

A day after a boat was seized from the river Ravi, another Pakistani boat was seized on Wednesday from the creek area of Kutch.

According to sources, nine crew members, belonging to Pakistan were also there in the boat, trying to enter through Dwarika sea route. Police have searched these people, however, no suspicious article or any explosives were found during the search.

The seizure comes at a time when there is heightened tension between the two countries amid strong vigil on both the sides.

Also Read: (Indian Coast Guard apprehends Pakistani boat off Gujarat coast, 9 crew members taken in for investigation)

Following the looming threat a high alert has been declared in Saurashtra. According to Intelligence reports, coastal security has been tightened.

Security has been beefed up at Somnath temple, Dwarika, bus stations, railway stations and airport. All highways are under high patrolling.

Also Read: (Pakistani boat seized by BSF troops from Ravi river in Pathankot sector)

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Washington:

America is no longer a world power and Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs envoys have said in Washington.



(The) US is no longer a world power. It is a declining power. Forget about it, Special Kashmir Envoy of Sharif, Mushahid Hussain Syed was heard as saying on Wednesday after the conclusion of an interaction at the Atlantic Council, one of the top American think-tanks.



Syed and Shazra Mansab, another Kashmir Envoy, are in the US as part of the Pakistani effort to apprise the global community of the current situation in Kashmir and allegations of human rights violations in the Valley.



Also read: Watch: Sell-by date of Pakistans anachronistic approach long over, Akbaruddin tells UN



Syed has gone to the extent to warn US that Pakistan would move towards China and Russia if its views on Kashmir and India are not considered.



He was apparently responding to a question from a member in the audience after the conclusion of the 90-minute interaction during which he expressed his frustration over the lack of response to his point of view on Kashmir and India.



The remarks of Syed were not recorded on camera, but was heard prominently by those inside the room.



Thereafter, he was quick to point out China and newly perceived relationship with Russia, which he had mentioned during his interaction at the Atlantic Council.

Also read: India slams 'unresponsive' UNSC for not sanctioning Masood Azhar



Syed submitted a dossier of alleged human rights violation in Kashmir to Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Olson.



With no takers for Pakistans Kashmir policy, Syed said China is now an important factor in South Asia and described Beijing as part of what he termed as Greater South Asia.



There has been slow and steady building of relationship between Moscow and Islamabad, he said, referring to the joint military exercise between Pakistan and Russia.



Syed said the Putin government has for the first time agreed to sell arms to Pakistan and the US should take note of this changing regional alignment.



Unfortunately under the Obama administration, there was a drift in American foreign policy towards our region, towards Afghanistan. There was confusion and there was a lot of flip-flops. I think, the Obama administration could not figure out this region Afghanistan and Pakistan and as a consequence this region suffered.

With policies one step back and one step (forward), announcing surge, announcing a cut off time for exit. Asking sometime Pakistan that please we want to talk to the Taliban and then saying that we want to take on the Taliban and finally they said there would be no American troops and then they end up having 8,500 troops stationed in Afghanistan. It leaves this to the next administration, he said.

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New Delhi:

Succumbing to international pressure over demands to uproot terrorism from its soil, Nawaz Sharif government reportedly has asked military leadership to take immediate action against terrorists like Masood Azhar, Jaish-i-Mohmmad, Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Haqqani network or else face international isolation, an exclusive report by a Pakistani daily puts forth.

In an inside scoop of an undisclosed meeting by Pak top officials on Monday, Pak leading daily, Dawn has reported that Pakistani civilian government has accepted that it is on the verge of international isolation unless their military leadership takes action against anti-India militant organisations and its top leaders.



Pak to reopen Pathankot investigation, Mumbai attacks-related trials cases



According to the report, on the day of the All Parties Conference on Monday, another undisclosed meeting was held, in which at least two sets of actions have been agreed.

First, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot investigation and restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi antiterrorism court.



Second, ISI DG Gen Rizwan Akhtar, accompanied by National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua, is to travel to each of the four provinces with a message for provincial apex committees and ISI sector commanders.



The message: military-led intelligence agencies are not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action. Gen Akhtars inter-provincial tour has begun with a visit to Lahore.

Also Read: (Locals and leaders in various parts of PoK protest against terror camps, which they say, are thriving there)



Pakistan is isolated in international forum



In the report, filed after discussions with people present in the undisclosed meeting, the Pakistani daily has revealed that Pak civilian government has recognises that the countrys recent diplomatic outreach has been met with indifference in major world capitals.



According to the report, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry gave a separate, exclusive presentation in the Prime Ministers Office to a small group of civil and military officials on Tuesday.



The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Sharif and included senior cabinet and provincial officials. On the military side, ISI DG Rizwan Akhtar led the representatives.



The presentation by the foreign secretary summarised the results of the recent diplomatic outreach by Pakistan, the crux being that Pakistan faces diplomatic isolation and that the governments talking points have been met with indifference in major world capitals.



On the US, Mr Chaudhry said that relations have deteriorated and will likely further deteriorate because of the American demand that action be taken against the Haqqani network. On India, Mr Chaudhry stated that the completion of the Pathankot investigation and some visible action against Jaish-i-Mohammad were the principal demands.

Watch: Sell-by date of Pakistans anachronistic approach long over, Akbaruddin tells UN

China sceptical to support Pakistan on Masood Azhar

To a hushed but surprised room, Mr Chaudhry suggested that while China has reiterated its support for Pakistan, it too has indicated a preference for a change in course by Pakistan. Specifically, while Chinese authorities have conveyed their willingness to keep putting on technical hold a UN ban on Jaish-i-Mohammad leader Masood Azhar, they have questioned the logic of doing so repeatedly, the report said.

Also read: Nawaz Sharif's envoy calls US a declining power, says Pak to move towards China, Russia



Demands, acceptance and truth



In an extraordinary exchange following Pak foreign secretarys presentation, Gen Akhtar reportedly accepted that suggestion that an immediate action was required against anti-India militants like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed. However, his comments were countered with accusations that whenever civilian government takes action military works in background to undo it.



In response to Foreign Secretary Chaudhrys conclusions, Gen Akhtar asked what steps could be taken to prevent the drift towards isolation. Mr Chaudhrys reply was direct and emphatic: the principal international demands are for action against Masood Azhar and the Jaish-i-Mohmmad; Hafiz Saeed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba; and the Haqqani network.



To that, Gen Akhtar offered that the government should arrest whomever it deems necessary, though it is unclear whether he was referring to particular individuals or members of banned groups generally. At that point came the stunning and unexpectedly bold intervention by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.



Addressing Gen Akhtar, the younger Sharif complained that whenever action has been taken against certain groups by civilian authorities, the security establishment has worked behind the scenes to set the arrested free. Astounded onlookers describe a stunned room that was immediately aware of the extraordinary, unprecedented nature of the exchange.



To defuse tensions, Prime Minister Sharif himself addressed Gen Akhtar and said that policies pursued in the past were state policies and as such they were the collective responsibility of the state and that the ISI DG was not being accused of complicity in present-day events.



According to several government officials who spoke to Dawn, Mondays confrontation was part of a high-stakes gamble by Prime Minister Sharif to try and forestall further diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. Government officials, however, are divided about whether Prime Minister Sharifs gamble will pay off. According to one official, commenting on the ISI DGs commitments, This is what we prayed to hear all our lives. Lets see if it happens.



Watch: Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif raises Kashmir issue again; praises Burhan Wani

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New Delhi:

In a strong move against the thriving terrorism in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, local people and leaders in various parts of PoK protested on Thursday.

Voicing their concerns against the mushrooming of terror camps in PoK, people demanded terrorism be eliminated. Condemning the terror camps in the area, the protesting residents of Gilgit, Kotli, Chinari, Diamer and Neelum Valley manifested that the banned organisations and terror camps are provided food and ration.

Locals warned the government of either taking action against Talibans terror camps in PoK or suffer the consequences otherwise.

Earlier also residents of PoK took to the streets to express their anger against alleged atrocities committed by the Pakistani army and ISI.

Also Read: (Take action against Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed or face international isolation: Nawaf Sahrif Govt reportedly tells its army)

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New Delhi:

Terming terrorism as the foremost challenge in the region, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said it should be delegitimised as a State policy and urged ASEAN countries to cooperate unreservedly to locate and destroy terror networks.



Security frameworks in ASEAN region still do not give enough attention to terrorism. This must change, he said at 20th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities Meet in New Delhi.



Terrorism remains the foremost challenge to our region. We need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere, delegitimise it as an instrument of State policy and cooperate unreservedly to locate and destroy terrorist networks, he said.



The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam as members.



Parrikars remarks came on a day when terrorists launched another attack on an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir. Three terrorists, believed to be Pakistan backed, were killed in the attack on the army camp north Kashmirs Kupwara district.



Nineteen soldiers were killed in a militant attack on an army camp in Uri on September 18. The Army had launched surgical strikes targeting terror camps located across the LoC on September 28 night.

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New Delhi:

In a stinging criticism of the handling of dengue and chikungunya menace in Delhi, the Supreme Court on Thursday said the authorities here were not interested and the people have been left to suffer.



It also expressed disappointment over the outcome of Wednesdays meeting between the Lieutenant Governor and Delhi government on curbing vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya and asked them to hold another meeting this evening to firm up steps to check the diseases.



We have gone through the minutes of meeting held on Wednesday and we are quiet disappointed with the outcome, a bench of justices M B Lokur and Amitava Rao said.



These people are not interested and the people of Delhi are left to suffer, the bench observed and asked the LG and Delhi Government to hold a meeting at 5.30 PM today to discuss the matter.



During the hearing, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, appearing for Delhi Chief Secretary, told the bench that LG Najeeb Jung would convene a meeting in which those officers, who were directed to attend the meeting by the court in its October 4 order, would be present.



The bench also asked senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who is an amicus curiae in the matter, to participate in the meeting and express his views on how to tackle the menace of these vector-borne diseases.



The bench directed that the participants should discuss the steps to be taken to prevent the problem faced by the people of Delhi this year and also the future measures.



We expect the participants to keep the interest of people of Delhi in mind while doing the entire exercise, the bench said, adding we expect that the action taken is collaborative and cooperative.



It fixed the matter for further hearing on October 17.



The apex court had on October 4 directed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Satyendra Jain to hold a meeting with LG Najeeb Jung, which was held yesterday, to chalk out a strategy for curbing vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya in the national capital, while warning Delhi government against indulging in blame game.

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Beirut:

At least 20 Syrian rebels were killed in a blast at a border crossing with Turkey Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Britain-based monitoring group said it was unclear what caused the blast at the Atme crossing between Turkey and the northern Syrian province of Idlib, adding that around 20 people had also been wounded.

Turkey's state-run Anatolia news agency confirmed the blast left 20 people dead at Atme, adding that it took place during a "change of guard" among Syrian rebels in the area. Rebel fighters have been targeted at the crossing before.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a mid-August suicide attack there that killed at least 32. The rebels killed on Thursday were among those participating in Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield in neighbouring Aleppo province.

Ankara began the unprecedented cross-border operation on August 24, saying it was targeting both IS and the Kurdish YPG militia which Turkey considers a "terrorist" group.

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New Delhi:

Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor has said that every citizen from Pakistan should condemn the attack on Indian army in Uri and not only the Pakistani artists.

The 64-year-old actor said by keeping quiet about the dreadful attack on Indian soldiers last month, Pakistan in a way is confirming that they are the terrorists.

In a Twitter post Kapoor said, "Think. Why only Pakistani artists should condemn the terrorist attack? Whole of Pakistan should. After all they deny any hand in the Uri attack."

His another post said, "By not condemning and keeping quiet, you are confirming Pakistan as being the terrorists. Pakistan, if you are not guilty, condemn them! Simple."

Replying to a Twitter user, Kapoor said that every person should condemn terrorism collectively. "Absolutely agree. Therefore we should all unitedly condemn terrorism. Some from Pakistan reacted wrongly as what I tried to say. I am for peace," he posted.

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New Delhi:

Days after the cancellation of bail of RJD leader Mohammad Shahabuddin by the Supreme Court after which he was sent back to jail, another petition was on Thursday filed in the apex court against him. The petition has sought Shahabuddins transfer from Siwan to another jail in other states.

On September 30, Shahabuddin was back in prison 20 days after his release, as the Supreme Court set aside the Patna High Court order granting him bail in a murder case saying the discretion to release must be applied in judicious manner and not as a matter of course.



Shahabuddin was granted bail by the Patna High Court on September 7 in the Rajiv Roshan murder case and was released from Bhagalpur jail on September 10. He has already remained in jail for 11 years in connection with several cases.



Roshan, the eye witness to the gruesome killings of two of his younger siblings, was also killed few days before his proposed testimony in the murder case of his brothers.

(With inputs from PTI)

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New Delhi:

Official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Vikas Swarup on Thursday said that India will take up with Beijing the issue of Chinas stand on chief of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed Masood Azhar.

Days after extending its blockade on Indias move to impose a UN ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar, China had on Wednesday called for a stronger global response to curb cross-border movement of foreign terrorists.



India had on Wednesday strongly criticised an unresponsive Security Council for being indecisive on sanctioning leaders of organisations it itself designates as terrorist entities after China extended its technical hold on Indias bid for a UN ban against Masood Azhar.

Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin told the UN General Assembly that the 15-nation Security Council, the principal organ tasked with the maintenance of peace and security, has in a variety of ways become unresponsive to the needs of our time and ineffective to meeting the challenges it is confronted with.

Here are the highlights of Masood Azhars speech:



#We convey to committee (UN) that its expected to proscribe Masood Azhar as a terrorist, it will send a dangerous message if fails to act: MEA

#Whatever the Govt puts in public is determined by national security, can't comment anything else on it: Vikas Swarup, MEA on surgicalstrike

#Truth comes out no matter how hard one tries to conceal it: Vikas Swarup,MEA on Pakistan's denial on #surgicalstrike



# Pakistan has once again self-implicated itself: Vikas Swarup, MEA on Nawaz Sharif hailing Burhan Wani in Pak Parliament



#14 countries were on one side& 1 country on the other, so that lead to this extension: MEA on China extending hold on move to ban Masood Azhar

#Promoting prosperity with neighbours has been govts priority but terror can't be the product exported: Vikas Swarup, MEA on MFN

#It is expected to proscribe Masood Azhar under the 1267 sanctions regime, on the basis of our submission, which will send a strong signal to all terror grps that international community will not pursue or tolerate selective approach to terrorism: Vikas Swarup, MEA

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New Delhi:

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of indulging in political exploitation of the sacrifices of soldiers in remarks that come in the wake of cross-LoC surgical strikes on terror launch pads in PoK.

aJo hamare jawan hain jinhone apna khoon diya hai, Jammu and Kashmir mein khoon diya hai, jinhone Hindustan ke liye surgical strike kiye hain, unke khoon ke peeche aap chhupe hain. Unki aap dalali kar rahe ho. Yeh bilkul galat hai. You (Modi) are hiding behind the blood of soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir and those who carried out the surgical strikes for India. You are exploiting their sacrifices, which is very wrong,a he said.

Gandhi was addressing a rally in the national capital, marking the culmination of his month-long aDeoria to Delhi kisan yatraa in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

aThe Indian army has done its job for the country, you do yours,a the Congress Vice President said, attacking Modi.

WATCH: You are doing 'Dalali' of their(Jawans) blood: Rahul Gandhi to PM Modi pic.twitter.com/9FyidaF6uj a ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016

His attack comes a few days after he had praised Modi for his first Prime Minister-like action in two years in the context of surgical strikes.A

Besides, he also accused Modi of making false promises to the people of the country. aModi ji promised bank accounts to everyone, but there is no money in those accounts. All his promises were fake,a said Gandhi.

Lashing out at Modi government, he said only the Prime Minister and his friends were ahappya as money has come into the pockets of 15 top businessmen and not the farmers, labour and small shopkeepers.

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New Delhi:

Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Azam Khan on Thursday asked him to burn Ravana of Gujarat. His remark came ahead of his visit to Lucknow to attend the historic Aishbagh Ramlila on Dussehra next week.

I want to request him that there is no need to burn Ravana in Lucknow. The capital of India is not Lucknow but New Delhi and after 1947 if massacre of humanity was done somewhere it was in Gujarat. If he (Modi) wants to burn Ravana, he should burn Ravana of Gujarat, he told in a meeting in UP.

After Gujarat riots, BJP and RSS men said they had also got votes from Muslim localities. But the reality is that they (BJP and RSS) threatened Muslims about what they had done (during riots) to get their votes, he said.

Modi is scheduled to attend the historic Aishbagh Ramlila in Lucknow on Dussehra next week, seen as yet another attempt to connect to the people of poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

On surgical strikes, Khan said that leaders like Arvind Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi and Sanjay Nirupam could not trust Modi due to his lies to people.

They (these leaders) are now termed as traitors by RSS. I am happy that till now only I was in this category and was asked to go to Pakistan. Now they are above me in the list (of traitors), Khan said.

Mentioning Asaduddin Owaisi, who is trying to make inroads in UP, the SP leader said he challenged him to get one legislator elected from the state.

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Port-Au-Prince:

Hurricane Matthew has left at least 10 dead in Haiti, a toll that may climb as the authorities re-establish contact with regions cut off by the storm, the interior ministry said.

The Caribbean's worst storm in nearly a decade, Matthew pummeled Haiti with heavy rains and devastating winds that caused untold damage to the Americas' poorest nation.

"It's a very partial toll because we are still receiving information we must take the time to confirm," interior ministry spokesman Guillaume Albert Moleon told AFP, adding that two people have been reported missing.

The tally may rise within hours if the authorities manage to regain contact with the department of Grande Anse after more than 18 hours of silence. "We are very cautious, but can already see the situation seems very concerning," Moleon said, noting that 25 injuries and eight cases of cholera had also been reported.

Initial helicopter observations over the southwestern city of Jeremie found a number of severely damaged houses, major farmland destruction and intense flooding.

Emergency relief operations were hindered after the collapse of a bridge cut off the only road linking Port-au-Prince to the peninsula that makes up southern Haiti.

Overflowing rivers are complicating efforts to bypass the damage. Some 1.5 million people are under evacuation orders in Florida in preparation for mighty Hurricane Matthew to make a direct hit on the state, the governor said today.

Governor Rick Scott described a possibly catastrophic and deadly scenario of huge storm surges, fierce winds, the ocean eating up beaches and other havoc from the storm.

"Evacuate, evacuate, evacuate," Scott told a news conference. "Time is running out." Matthew has already killed 27 people as it barreled its way through the Caribbean, with the Bahamas the last to be hit.

Scott said the forecast is for storm surges of five to nine feet (1.5 to 2.7 meters), not counting the waves on top of that. "Stop and think about that," he said. "Waves will be crashing on your roof if you're right close to where the storm surge is happening and you're close to where the waves are."

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New Delhi:

A possible terror attack warning has been issued by the intelligence agencies to four states in the country as well as New Delhi, reports said. Detailed warnings have been sent out to 22 airports in four cities and high security measures are being taken, authorities have confirmed, reports said.

The four cities include Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir. An alert about the security threat has been issued by the Civil Aviation Security Bureau to the police chiefs in each state, the CISF or paramilitary force which guards airports, as well as to state-run and private airlines.



Baggage at the airports will be checked randomly and properly, while a careful monitoring of parking lots as well as loading areas used by airport vehicles will be done.

While a high security alert has already in place in view of the festive season, but agencies are concerned about a possible terror attack in retaliation for the surgical strikes carried out by Indian Army across LoC targeting seven terrorist launch pads last week in response to Uri attacks.

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Geneva:

The UN's Syria envoy on Thursday made an impassioned appeal to save eastern Aleppo, warning the city faced total destruction and urging Islamist fighters to leave so civilians can get aid.

"In maximum two months, two and a half months, the city of eastern Aleppo at this rate may be totally destroyed", Staffan de Mistura told reporters in Geneva. The rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo has been hammered by a Russian-backed government offensive, including multiple attacks on hospitals.

De Mistura noted that the presence of Al-Nusra fighters in the city has been used as a justification by Moscow and Damascus for the continued assault. The former Al-Nusra Front has recently changed its name to Fateh al-Sham Front following a break with Al-Qaeda, but many still see the two groups as tied.

"Can you please look at my eyes", de Mistura said in a direct appeal to Nusra leaders, before pleading with them to quit Aleppo. "If you decide to leave in dignity and with your weapons. I personally am ready physically to accompany you," the UN envoy said.

The UN estimates that 275,000 civilians are under siege in east Aleppo, with aid deliveries all but impossible since government forces seized the last supply route in July.

De Mistura accused Nusra fighters of holding "hostage" desperate civilians in need of life saving relief by refusing to withdraw from the city. In a second appeal to Russia and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, the UN envoy asked if they were truly prepared to bring about the ruin of Aleppo, once Syria's economic powerhouse.

"Or, are you rather ready to announce an immediate and total aerial bombing halt if Nusra leaves?" de Mistura asked. He warned that eastern Aleppo risked joining the ranks of the 20th century's worst tragedies, making comparisons to the massacre at Srebrenica and the Rwandan genocide.

Aleppo has been split between a government-controlled west and rebel-held east since 2012. Following the collapse of the latest ceasefire negotiated by Washington and Moscow, Assad's forces on September 22 renewed their assault on eastern Aleppo.

De Mistura said 376 people had been killed and more than 1,200 injured since the bombardments restarted. The surge in fighting, including an attack on the area's biggest hospital, spurred the United States to suspend its cooperation with Russia on the Syrian peace effort. Russia has denied all responsibility for hospital attacks in the city.

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Chennai:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who was hospitalised recently for fever and dehydration, continues to improve but requires a longer stay at the hospital, even as a team of doctors from AIIMS examined the AIADMK supremo.

The AIIMS team, comprising Dr G Khilnani, Professor of Department of Pulmunology medicine, Dr Anjanthrika, Professor of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care and Dr Nithish Nayak, Professor of Department of Cardiology had yesterday held detailed deliberations on the treatment protocols provided to Jayalalithaa by the specialist team at the Apollo hospital, the hospital said in a release on Thursday.

"The expert team from AIIMS examined the Chief Minister and concurred with the present line of treatment being provided to Jayalalithaa," the release from Subbiah Viswanathan, Chief Operating Officer of Apollo hospital said. "The expert team will be available till tomorrow even as the British specialist Dr Richard John Beale examined the AIADMK chief again today," he said.

Based on the deliberations and clinical examination, the group of doctors from Apollo hospital have drawn up a detailed medical management plan, keeping in view Jayalalithaa's "known history of diabetes and winter bronchitis in inclement weather," the release said. It said the present treatment regimen includes continued respiratory support, nebulisation, drugs to decongest the lungs, antibiotics, nutritions, general nursing care and supporting therapy.

"The consensus of opinions of all the experts is that the line of treatment given to the Chief Minister should be continued as she will require a longer stay at the hospital," the release said. Jayalalithaa's health condition "continues to improve and is making gradual progress," it said.

The comprehensive treatment plan, including appropriate antibiotics, respiratory support and other allied clinical measures were being continued, the release said. "The Chief Minister under observation of a panel of doctors, consisting of intensivists, cardiologists, respiratory physicians, infectious disease specialists and diabetologists," it said, adding that detailed lab and radiology investigations were continuously being carried out by the doctors.

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New Delhi:

Clashes broke out between two groups of Congress supporters at Bharon temple in Delhi during Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhis Kisan Yatra, which came to an end on Thursday. Congress leader Ashok Tanwar was injured in the clashes.



The supporters of senior Congress leader Bhupender Singh Hooda and Tanwar clashed with each other, reports said. While Hooda escaped unhurt in the incident, Tanwar and few others were injured. They were taken to a hospital.

According to reports, the clashes took place after Hoodas supporters tore up the posters of Haryana Congress President Tanwar.

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Srinagar:

Four militants were killed while trying to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) as alert army troops foiled three bids by terrorists to enter into India in the wee hours on Thursday.



The army, which has shored up its defences along the LoC, foiled three infiltration bidstwo in Naugam sector and one in Rampurof North Kashmir during the intervening night of October five and six.



In one of the encounters in the higher reaches of Naugam, 112 kms from here, the troops cornered a group of infiltrating militants and have killed four so far, a senior army official said.



The official said a combing operation was continuing amid apprehension about presence of more terrorists in the area. Technical surveillance was being maintained, besides using illuminators to prevent the militants, who could be present, from escaping under the cover of darkness.



The army repulsed two infiltration bids in Rampur and Naugam, raining bullets on the militants and forcing them to return to PoK.



The militants, who had managed to cross the fence, had to beat a retreat after army patrols challenged and opened heavy fire on them. Pakistani army provided cover fire on both the occasions but the militants had to retreat, the official said.



The infiltration bids come barely a day after National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) that Pakistani army has mobilised about 100 terrorists across the LoC to push them into India to carry out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.



At the meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was stated that the Pakistani army was planning attacks by terrorists on Indian defence personnel and security establishments besides select civilian targets in the wake of September 29 surgical strikes.



According to the assessment given by Doval, nearly 100 terrorists were readying to infiltrate India from unconventional launch pads.



Indian army had carried out surgical strikes on September 29, crossing over the LoC in Kupwara sector in the Kashmir Valley and Poonch in Jammu region and smashing launch pads meant for terrorists. It was believed that nearly a dozen terrorists were killed in Kel, Lipa and Bhimber Gali and given a quiet burial.



Personnel from three divisions of the army were involved in the surgical strikes and, before the operation, the army teams ensured that they cut off the possibility of any reinforcements from Pakistani army, sources said.

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Washington:

Haitian Interior Ministry official on Friday said that the death toll of the devastating Hurricane Mathew has reached 283 in hard-hit southwest.

On Thursday, US President Barack Obama declared a federal state of emergency in Florida as Hurricane Matthews powerful winds began to be felt along the states southeast coast.



He ordered federal aid to supplement state and local efforts to deal with the devastating storm, authorizing the Homeland Security Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate disaster relief efforts.

Till Thursday night, the hurricane had claimed at least 108 lives in Haiti, Interior Minister Francois Anick Joseph informed, two days after the monster storm ripped through the poorest country in the Americas.



The hurricane left 50 dead in the single town of Roche-a-Bateau, on Haitis south coast, which local deputy Ostin Pierre-Louis said was devastated. The provisional death toll from the storm previously stood at 23 in Haiti. (With Inputs from PTI)

Also read:

Hurricane Matthew devastates historic Cuban town of Baracoa

Florida governor orders 1.5 mn to evacuate ahead of hurricane as Hurricane Matthew has left 10 dead



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Cincinnati, OH (45221)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain showers. High 66F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Israel intercepts Gaza-bound all-women flotilla

Israel,Defence/Security,Diplomacy, Wed, 05 Oct 2016 IANS

Jerusalem, Oct 6 (IANS) Israel's military has said that its navy intercepted a women flotilla that was heading to the Gaza Strip to protest the seven-year-long blockade on the Palestinian enclave.

A military statement on Wednesday said that troops took over the Zaytouna/Oliva boat in the evening, "in accordance with government directives and after exhausting all diplomatic channels," Xinhua reported.

The boat and its 13 activists were taken to the port of Ashdod on Israel's southern coast.

The military said the women on the boat surrendered without violence. "The visit and the search of the vessel were uneventful," the statement said.

It also said the takeover was carried out in international waters, in order to prevent a breach of the blockade.

Israel first imposed the blockade in 2009, after Hamas, a Palestinian Islamism movement, won the election, and has held it ever since.

Israeli officials charge that the blockade is "lawful" and necessary to prevent smugglings of materials that could be used to build weapons against Israel.

The last report from the Zaytouna/Oliva was sent at around 03.50 p.m. when the flotilla was 55 miles away from Gaza.

The organisers wrote on their Twitter account the sail was aimed to protest the "collective punishment" and violations of international laws and Geneva Conventions.

Palestinian media reported that people in the port of Gaza were awaiting the boat with flowers and balloons.

The Zaytouna/Oliva was the last in a long list of flotillas that attempted to break the controversial blockade.

--IANS

ahm/
US jails Chinese national for conspiring to steal trade secrets

United States,Immigration/Law/Rights,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Wed, 05 Oct 2016 IANS

Washington, Oct 6 (IANS) A US federal court sentenced Chinese national to three years in prison for conspiracy to steal trade secrets from an agriculture conglomerate said the US Department of Justice in a statement.

Hailong conspired to steal the trade secrets from the agriculture conglomerates Monsanto and DuPont, reported Sputnik news on Thursday.

In January, Mo Hailong had pleaded guilty to participating in the corporate conspiracy while serving as the Director of International Business for Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Company (DBN) -- a Chinese corporation with a corn seed subsidiary company.

Hailong is a legal resident of the US. He will serve the jail term and also pay restitution.

From the time of Mo's arrest it was revealed that the US Department of Agriculture expects China's corn consumption to increase by 41 per cent by 2023, outpacing its production abilities.

Chinese companies have not developed a high-yield corn hybrid such as the ones patented by Monsanto and DuPont.

--IANS

in/
Hold meet on Turkey's interference, Iraq tells UN

Iraq,Defence/Security,Diplomacy, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Baghdad, Oct 6 (IANS) The Iraqi Foreign Ministry on Thursday requested "the UN Security Council to convene an urgent meeting to discuss" Turkey's violations of it's territories and interference in internal affairs.

The statement said that Ambassador Mohamed Ali Alhakim, Permanent Representative of Iraq to the UN, submitted a formal request to the President of the Security Council, Vitaly Churkin, to convene an urgent meeting to discuss the Turkish breach, Efe news reported.

The meeting will also review the decision of Turkey's parliament which renewed the continued presence of Turkish infiltrated troops in Iraq.

The statement also called for the need to "intensify the international efforts" to support Iraq in its war against the "terrorist gangs" of the Islamic State group, particularly with the launch of the operation to liberate the Iraqi city of Mosul.

Some 300 Turkish soldiers, backed by tanks and armoured vehicles, are deployed in Bashiqa military camp, east of Mosul.

--IANS

ss/bg
Zambian opposition leaders arrested, charged with sedition

Zambia,Politics,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Lusaka, Oct 6 (IANS) Zambia's main opposition leader and his deputy were arrested and charged with sedition, a media report said.

Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), and his deputy Geoffrey Mwamba were arrested after appearing for questioning, Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.

The duo were questioned following their visit to a mining town where they met some members of the party who were imprisoned after the August general elections.

A police official confirmed the arrests, saying it was for seditious practices and unlawful assembly on September 26.

They will appear in court on Thursday.

--IANS

ask/in/vt
Pakistan isolated as it promotes non-state actors: PPP

Pakistan,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics,Terrorism,Diplomacy, Thu, 06 Oct 2016 IANS

Islamabad, Oct 6 (IANS) Pakistan is diplomatically isolated because it gives freedom to non-state actors, PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan said on Thursday.

"The government has been completely unsuccessful in imposing restrictions on non-state actors according to the National Action Plan (NPA)," the Dawn newspaper quoted Ahsan as telling a joint session of Parliament.

The Pakistan Peoples Party leader implied that such non-state actors continued to hold protests and rallies and give speeches in places such as Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi.

"I don't want instability in any country, as the blame of that will then fall on us because of these non-state actors," he said.

The Senator slammed the cabinet's denial of Pakistani involvement in the terror attack on the Indian military camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that left 19 soldiers dead.

Saying Pakistan had no hand in the Uri attack was not a categorical denial, Aitzaz said, adding the phrase implied "we don't know if our non-state actors are behind it".

"When you cannot completely implement NAP and then something like this happens, the blame will fall on Pakistan and we will be isolated. Then Bangladesh and Afghanistan will not speak to you, and Bhutan and Nepal will begin supporting India," Dawn quoted him as saying.

"You have isolated Pakistan," he said. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was responsible for Pakistan's diplomatic isolation as he was also the Foreign Minister.

"Pakistan's isolation is Nawaz Sharif's personal failure," he said. "Why is Pakistan isolated now? It is because you have given freedom to non-state actors."

A special Parliament session is taking place in the wake of India's surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistani territory that left an unspecified number of people dead.

--IANS

mr/sar/
In the third quarter ended August 31, 2016 , sales amounted to $220.2 million , an increase of 10.4%, of which 7.9% from internal growth. For the first nine months , sales totalled $626.5 million , up by 14.0% (11.8% from internal growth).

amounted to , an increase of 10.4%, of which 7.9% from internal growth. , sales totalled , up by 14.0% (11.8% from internal growth). Diluted net earnings per share increased by 7.1% in the third quarter to $0.30 and were up 7.2% to $0.74 for the first nine months.

increased by 7.1% in the to and were up 7.2% to Repurchase of 1,004,700 shares in the first nine months for a total of $23.1 million , including $5.3 million in the third quarter.

in the first nine months for a total of , including in the third quarter. Fourth acquisition in the U.S. since the beginning of fiscal year 2016: a specialty hardware distributor in Portland, Maine .

MONTREAL, Oct. 6, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - "Richelieu (RCH: TSX) continued to grow in the third quarter with total sales up by 10.4%, reflecting our solid performance in the manufacturers market where sales rose 9.9% (7.0% from internal growth), as well as in the retailers market, where they grew 12.9%. Our market development and innovation strategies continued to drive sales growth both in Canada where we achieved internal growth of 7.5%, and the U.S. where sales increased 14.8% in U.S. dollars (7.0% from internal growth and 7.8% from acquisitions). We posted diluted net earnings per share of $0.30, up 7.1% over the same quarter in 2015. After making acquisitions in Texas, Tennessee, and New York in the first semester, on August 18 we acquired the principal net assets of Neils Sorenson Hardware in Portland, Maine, a specialty hardware distributor serving kitchen cabinetmakers, furniture manufacturers and woodworkers. We ended the period with $263.7 million in working capital, almost no debt, and $20.9 million in cash. We are pursuing our strategies focused on innovation, internal growth, and acquisitions and expect to end fiscal year 2016 with good results," said Richard Lord, president and CEO of Richelieu.

NEXT DIVIDEND PAYMENT

On October 6, 2016, the board of directors approved payment of a quarterly dividend of 5.33 per share. This dividend is payable on November 3, 2016, to shareholders of record as at October 20, 2016.

ANALYSIS OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER AND FIRST NINE MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2016 COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER AND FIRST NINE MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2015

Third-quarter consolidated sales amounted to $220.2 million, compared with $199.5 million for the corresponding quarter of 2015, an increase of $20.7 million or 10.4%, of which 7.9% from internal growth and 2.5% from acquisitions. At comparable exchange rates to the third quarter of 2015, the consolidated sales growth would have been 9.8% for the quarter ended August 31, 2016.

Richelieu achieved sales of $186.9 million in the manufacturers market, compared with $170 million for the third quarter of 2015, an increase of $16.9 million or 9.9%, of which 7.0% from internal growth and 2.9% from acquisitions. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores stood at $33.3 million, up by $3.8 million or 12.9% over the third quarter of 2015.

In Canada, Richelieu recorded sales of $146.2 million, an increase of $10.2 million or 7.5% over the third quarter of 2015, entirely from internal growth, resulting primarily from market development efforts and, to a lesser extent, from the increase in selling prices to mitigate the impact of the appreciation in the U.S. dollar and the euro. Sales to manufacturers amounted to $116.8 million, an increase of 6.0%. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores grew to $29.4 million, up by $3.6 million or 14.0% over the corresponding quarter of 2015.

In the United States, sales totalled US$57.0 million, compared with US$49.7 million for the third quarter of 2015, an increase of US$7.3 million or 14.8%, of which 7.0% from internal growth and 7.8% from acquisitions. Sales to manufacturers amounted to US$54.0 million, an increase of US$7.2 million or 15.4% over the third quarter of 2015, of which 7.1% from internal growth and 8.3% from acquisitions. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores were up by 3.4% from the corresponding quarter of 2015. Considering exchange rates, total U.S. sales expressed in Canadian dollars stood at $74.0 million, an increase of 16.5%. They accounted for 33.6% of consolidated sales for the third quarter of 2016, whereas they had represented 31.8% of the period's consolidated sales for the third quarter of 2015.

For the first nine months, consolidated sales reached $626.5 million, an increase of $76.9 million or 14.0% over the first nine months of 2015, of which 11.8% from internal growth and 2.2% from acquisitions. At comparable exchange rates to the first nine months of 2015, the consolidated sales growth would have been 11.5% for the nine-month period ended August 31, 2016.

Sales to manufacturers grew to $534.1 million, compared with $466.2 million for the first nine months of 2015, an increase of $67.9 million or 14.6%, of which 12.0% from internal growth and 2.6% from acquisitions. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores grew by 10.8% or $9.0 million to total $92.4 million.

In Canada, Richelieu achieved sales of $414.5 million, compared with $377.2 million for the first nine months of 2015, up by $37.3 million or 9.9% from internal growth resulting primarily from market development efforts and, to a lesser extent, from the increase in selling prices to mitigate the impact of the appreciation in the U.S. dollar and the euro. Sales to manufacturers rose to $333.0 million, up by $28.8 million or 9.5% from internal growth. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores reached $81.5 million, compared with $73.0 million, up by $8.5 million or 11.6% over the first nine months of 2015.

In the United States, the Corporation recorded sales of US$159.7 million, compared with US$138.7 million for the first nine months of 2015, an increase of US$21.0 million or 15.2%, of which 8.6% from internal growth and 6.6% from acquisitions. Sales to manufacturers totalled US$151.5 million, compared with US$130.4 million, an increase of US$21.1 million or 16.2% over the first nine months of 2015, of which 9.2% from internal growth and 7.0% from acquisitions. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores were down by 1.2% from the corresponding period of 2015. Considering exchange rates, U.S. sales expressed in Canadian dollars amounted to $212.0 million, compared with $172.4 million for the corresponding nine months of 2015, an increase of 23.0%. They accounted for 33.8% of consolidated sales for the first nine months of 2016, whereas they had represented 31.4% of the period's consolidated sales for the first nine months of 2015.

Third-quarter earnings before income taxes, interest and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to $25.9 million, up by $1.5 million or 6.3% over the third quarter of 2015. The gross margin and the EBITDA margin were affected by the following factors: the higher purchasing costs of certain products attributable to the appreciation of the U.S. dollar and the euro, the higher proportion of sales in the United States where the product mix is different and the lower margins of certain acquisitions also having a different product mix. The EBITDA margin stood at 11.8%, compared with 12.2% for the third quarter of 2015.

For the first nine months, earnings before income taxes, interest and amortization (EBITDA) totalled $65.7 million, up by $3.7 million or 6.0% over the first nine months of 2015. The gross margin and the EBITDA margin were mainly affected by the higher purchasing costs of certain products attributable to the appreciation of the U.S. dollar and the euro, the higher proportion of sales in the United States where the product mix is different, and the lower margins of certain acquisitions also having a different product mix. The EBITDA margin stood at 10.5%, compared with 11.3% for the first nine months of 2015.

Third-quarter net earnings grew by 6.2%. Considering non-controlling interests, net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation amounted to $17.3 million, up by 6.1% over the third quarter of 2015. Net earnings per share rose to $0.30 basic and diluted, compared with $0.28 basic and diluted for the third quarter of 2015, an increase of 7.1%.

Comprehensive income amounted to $17.5 million, considering a positive adjustment of $0.1 million on translation of the financial statements of the subsidiary in the United States, compared with $21.1 million for the third quarter of 2015, considering a positive adjustment of $4.7 million on translation of the financial statements of the subsidiary in the United States.

For the first nine months, net earnings grew by 6.0%. Considering non-controlling interests, net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation totalled $43.6 million, up by 5.8% over the corresponding nine months of 2015. Net earnings per share amounted to $0.75 basic and $0.74 diluted, compared with $0.70 basic and 0.69 $ diluted for the first nine months of 2015, an increase of 7.1% and 7.2% respectively.

Comprehensive income totalled $42.1 million, considering a negative adjustment of $1.7 million on translation of the financial statements of the subsidiary in the United States, compared with $52.2 million for the first nine months of 2015, considering a positive adjustment of $10.9 million on translation of the financial statements of the subsidiary in the United States.



FINANCIAL POSITION

Third-quarter cash flows from operating activities (before net change in working capital balances) amounted to $20.2 million or $0.35 per share, compared with $18.9 million or $0.32 per share for the third quarter of 2015, an increase of 6.9% stemming primarily from the net earnings growth. Net change in non-cash working capital balances represented a cash inflow of $9.3 million, reflecting the change in accounts receivable and payable ($10.7 million), whereas the change in inventories and other items used cash flows of $1.4 million. Consequently, operating activities provided cash flows of $29.6 million, compared with $16.8 million for the third quarter of 2015.

For the first nine months, cash flows from operating activities (before net change in working capital balances) reached $51.7 million or $0.88 per share, compared with $48.4 million or $0.81 per share for the first nine months of 2015, an increase of 6.8% stemming primarily from the net earnings growth. Net change in non-cash working capital balances used cash flows of $12.7 million, primarily representing changes in accounts receivable and inventories. Consequently, operating activities provided cash flows of $39.0 million compared with $13.5 million for the first nine months of 2015.

Third-quarter financing activities used cash flows of $6.7 million, compared with $2.8 million for the third quarter of 2015. This change mainly reflects the Corporation's repurchase of common shares for cancellation for $5.3 million during the third quarter of 2016 .

For the first nine months, financing activities used cash flows of $30.5 million, compared with $18.3 million for the first nine months of 2015. During the first nine months of the year, Richelieu repurchased common shares for cancellation for $23.1 million, compared with $9.2 million in the first nine months of 2015. The Corporation paid dividends to shareholders of $9.3 million, up by 5.6% over the first nine months of 2015.

Third-quarter investing activities represented a cash outflow of $2.2 million, of which $0.6 million for business acquisition and $1.6 million for equipments to improve operational efficiency.

For the first nine months, investing activities represented a total cash outflow of $17.1 million, of which $9.4 million for business acquisitions and $7.7 million for the expansion of some distribution centres, computer hardware and equipment to improve operational efficiency.

As at August 31, 2016, cash and cash equivalents amounted to $20.9 million, compared with $29.5 million as at November 30, 2015. This change primarily reflects the major share repurchases during the first nine months, the business acquisitions, the investments in property, plant and equipment and the increase in inventories during the period. The Corporation posted a working capital of $263.7 million for a current ratio of 4.2:1, compared with $260.6 million (4.4:1 ratio) as at November 30, 2015.

Richelieu believes it has the capital resources to fulfill its ongoing commitments and obligations and to assume the funding requirements needed for its growth and the financing and investing activities between now and the end of 2016. The Corporation continues to benefit from an authorized line of credit of $26 million as well as a line of credit of US$6 million renewable annually and bearing interest respectively at prime and base rates. In addition, Richelieu considers it could obtain access to other outside financing if necessary.

Summary financial position (in thousands of $, except exchange rate) As at August 31 November 30

2016 2015 Current assets 346,201 337,308 Non-current assets 120,510 112,484 Total 466,711 449,792 Current liabilities 82,470 76,729 Non-current liabilities 5,037 6,256 Equity attributable to shareholders of the Corporation 375,150 362,885 Non-controlling interests 4,054 3,922 Total 466,711 449,792 Exchange rate on translation of a subsidiary in the United States 1.311 1.335

Assets

Total assets amounted to $466.7 million as at August 31, 2016, compared with $449.8 million as at November 30, 2015. Current assets increased by 2.6% or $8.9 million from November 30, 2015.

Cash position



(in thousands of $)



As at August 31 November 30

2016 2015 Current portion of long-term debt 3,702 2,245 Long term-debt 112 1,335 Total debt 3,814 3,580 Cash and cash equivalents 20,925 29,454

The Corporation continues to benefit from a healthy and solid financial position. Total debt was $3.8 million, of which $0.1 million in long-term debt and $3.7 million in short-term debt representing balances payable on acquisitions.

Equity attributable to shareholders of the Corporation totalled $375.2 million as at August 31, 2016, compared with $362.9 million as at November 30, 2015, an increase of $12.3 million stemming primarily from a growth of $11.8 million in retained earnings which amounted to $320.7 million, and of $2.2 million in share capital and contributed surplus, whereas accumulated other comprehensive income were down by $1.7 million. As at August 31, 2016, the book value per share was $6.48, up by 4.7% over November 30, 2015.

PROFILE AS AT AUGUST 31, 2016

Richelieu is a leading North American distributor, importer and manufacturer of specialty hardware and complementary products. Its products are targeted to an extensive customer base of kitchen and bathroom cabinet, storage and closet, home furnishing and office furniture manufacturers, residential and commercial woodworkers, and hardware retailers including renovation superstores. Richelieu offers customers a broad mix of high-end products sourced from manufacturers worldwide. Its product selection consists of over 110,000 different items targeted to a base of more than 70,000 customers who are served by 69 centres in North America  36 distribution centres in Canada, 31 in the United States and two manufacturing plants in Canada, specifically Cedan Industries Inc. which specializes in the manufacturing of a wide variety of veneer sheets and edgebanding products and Menuiserie des Pins Ltee which manufactures components for the window and door industry and a broad selection of decorative mouldings.

Notes to readers  Richelieu uses earnings before interest, income taxes and amortization("EBITDA") because this measure enables management to assess the Corporation's operational performance. This measure is a financial indicator of a corporation's ability to service its debt. However, EBITDA should not be considered by an investor as an alternative to operating income, net earnings, cash flows or as a measure of liquidity. Because EBITDA is not a standardized measurement as prescribed by IFRS, it may not be comparable to the EBITDA of other companies. Richelieu also uses cash flows from operating activities, which are based on net earnings plus amortization of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, deferred tax expense (or recovery) and share-based compensation expense. These additional measures do not account for net change in non-cash working capital items to exclude seasonality effects and are used by management in its assessments of cash flows from long-term operations. Therefore, cash flows from operating activities may not be comparable to those of other companies. Certain statements set forth in this report (generally identified by terms such as "may", "could", "might", "intend", "expect", "believe", "estimate" or comparable variants) constitute forward-looking statements which, by their very nature, remain subject to other risks and uncertainties as set forth in the Corporation's annual and quarterly reports. Although management considers these assumptions and expectations reasonable based on the information available at the time they are provided, such assumptions and expectations could prove inaccurate and actual results could differ materially. Richelieu is under no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein to account for future events or circumstances, except as required by applicable legislation.

OCTOBER 6, 2016 CONFERENCE CALL AT 2:30 P.M. (EASTERN TIME)

Financial analysts and investors interested in participating in the conference call on Richelieu's results to be held at 2:30 p.m. on October 6, 2016, may dial 1-866-865-3087 a few minutes before the start of the call. For those unable to participate, a taped rebroadcast will be available as of 5:15 p.m. on October 6, 2016 until midnight on October 13, 2016, by dialing 1-855-859-2056, access code: 84413139. Members of the media are invited to listen in.

Photos are available under "About Richelieu"  "Media" section at www.richelieu.com

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

[In thousands of dollars]

[Unaudited]



As at

August 31,

2016 As at

November 30,

2015

$ $ ASSETS



Current assets



Cash and cash equivalents 20,925 29,454 Accounts receivable 108,563 99,975 Inventories 214,326 206,449 Prepaid expenses 2,387 1,430

346,201 337,308 Non-current assets



Property, plant and equipment 31,114 27,963 Intangible assets 23,324 21,325 Goodwill 61,950 58,329 Deferred taxes 4,122 4,867

466,711 449,792 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY



Current liabilities



Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 78,569 71,787 Income taxes payable 199 2,697 Current portion of long-term debt 3,702 2,245

82,470 76,729 Non-current liabilities



Long-term debt 112 1,335 Deferred taxes 3,023 3,020 Other liabilities 1,902 1,901

87,507 82,985 Equity



Share capital 35,805 33,566 Contributed surplus 1,234 1,265 Retained earnings 320,705 308,904 Accumulated other comprehensive income 17,406 19,150 Equity attributable to shareholders of the Corporation 375,150 362,885 Non-controlling interests 4,054 3,922

379,204 366,807

466,711 449,792

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

[In thousands of dollars, except earnings per share]

[Unaudited]



For the three

months ended

August 31, For the nine

months ended

August 31,

2016 2015 2016 2015

$ $ $ $ Sales 220,155 199,457 626,477 549,577 Operating expenses excluding amortization and financial costs 194,213 175,063 560,751 487,599 Earnings before amortization, financial costs and income taxes 25,942 24,394 65,726 61,978 Amortization of property, plant and equipment 1,665 1,507 4,818 4,281 Amortization of intangible assets 806 685 2,277 1,957 Financial costs, net 5 (16) 93 (143)

2,476 2,176 7,188 6,095 Earnings before income taxes 23,466 22,218 58,538 55,883 Income taxes 5,987 5,757 14,738 14,571 Net earnings 17,479 16,461 43,800 41,312 Net earnings attributable to:







Shareholders of the Corporation 17,331 16,340 43,600 41,209 Non-controlling interests 148 121 200 103

17,479 16,461 43,800 41,312 Net earnings per share attributable to shareholders of the Corporation







Basic 0.30 0.28 0.75 0.70 Diluted 0.30 0.28 0.74 0.69

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

[In thousands of dollars]

[Unaudited]



For the three

months ended August 31, For the nine

months ended

August 31,

2016 2015 2016 2015

$ $ $ $ Net earnings 17,479 16,461 43,800 41,312









Other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to net earnings







Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 65 4,663 (1,744) 10,872 Comprehensive income 17,544 21,124 42,056 52,184 Comprehensive income attributable to:







Shareholders of the Corporation 17,396 21,003 41,856 52,081 Non-controlling interests 148 121 200 103

17,544 21,124 42,056 52,184

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

[In thousands of dollars]

[Unaudited]



For the three months

ended August 31, For the nine months

ended August 31,

2016 2015 2016 2015

$ $ $ $ OPERATING ACTIVITIES







Net earnings 17,479 16,461 43,800 41,312 Items not affecting cash









Amortization of property, plant and equipment 1,665 1,507 4,818 4,281

Amortization of intangible assets 806 685 2,277 1,957

Deferred taxes   (69) 

Share-based compensation expense 296 295 851 852

20,246 18,948 51,677 48,402 Net change in non-cash working capital balances 9,306 (2,132) (12,715) (34,927)

29,552 16,816 38,962 13,475 FINANCING ACTIVITIES







Repayment of long-term debt  (166) (221) (766) Dividends paid to Shareholders of the Parent Corporation (3,078) (2,918) (9,290) (8,796) Other dividends paid   (67) (596) Common shares issued 1,696 261 2,180 1,068 Common shares repurchased for cancellation (5,348)  (23,087) (9,180)

(6,730) (2,823) (30,485) (18,270)









INVESTING ACTIVITIES







Business acquisitions (558) (556) (9,417) (556) Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (1,623) (2,535) (7,664) (7,004)

(2,181) (3,091) (17,081) (7,560) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 56 (120) 75 (501)









Net change in cash and cash equivalents 20,697 10,782 (8,529) (12,856) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 228 10,083 29,454 33,721 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 20,925 20,865 20,925 20,865

SOURCE Richelieu Hardware Ltd.

For further information: Richard Lord, President and Chief Executive Officer; Antoine Auclair, Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Tel: (514) 336-4144, www.richelieu.com
POLICE ABUSE AND RACE-BAITING: THE PERFECT STORM

By Chuck Baldwin

October 6, 2016

NewsWithViews.com

Faithful readers of this column know that I am not timid about reporting on the exponential increase of police abuse currently taking place in our country. This tragic phenomenon is a clear and present danger to the overall health and wellbeing of our society. And it is not a fabrication of leftists. The abuse of power by many police officers is very real. And as I have attempted to point out previously, the reason for this sad state of affairs is largely due to the recruitment and training of police officers today.

More and more frequently, the ranks of civilian law enforcement are being filled with former military personnel. This is not necessarily wrong in and of itself, but the purpose of law enforcement is entirely different from that of the military. Policemen are not soldiers. And American citizens are not enemy combatants.

For example, back in 2012, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), an office of the Department of Justice, offered 220 U.S. cities $114.6 million in incentive grants to hire post-9/11 veterans to fill 800 law enforcement positions.

But soldiers cannot bring their military training into police work without inflicting horrific consequences upon society. And this does not even take into account how many veterans who suffer from PTSD will be filling the ranks of law enforcement. Add the stress of police work to the trauma of war and the results could be devastating on Americas streets where the line between American citizens and enemy soldiers could easily be blurred in the minds of these warriors-turned-cops.

Plus, more and more often, police officers are being trained by military personnel (including foreign military personnel), and the equipment provided to law enforcement is increasingly military in nature. Look at the average police officer today: his equipment, dress, and mannerisms more resemble a special ops military soldier than a peace officer. And it is the military training of police officers that is precipitating the avalanche of unnecessary and unjust police shootings of American citizens.

Previously, I reported on the police shooting and killing of an unarmed man in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Fortunately, the district attorney in Tulsa rightfully charged the officer with manslaughter in the first degree. Within days, police released video footage of a similar incident that happened in Marksville, Louisiana. This time, the victim included a little boy.

Six-year-old Jeremy Mardis (an autistic child) was shot and killed with five bullets to his head and chest by two police officers in Marksville, and his father was seriously wounded. The father was unarmed, yet the two officers fired a total of 18 rounds into his vehicle. The little boy was killed instantly, and the father was seriously wounded. There were no warrants out for the father.

A third police officer who recorded the incident on his body cam said that the father was not acting aggressively toward the officers, and Colonel Mike Edmonson, head of the Louisiana State Police, who saw the videotape, said, That video was incredible. I mean, as a father, much less head of the state police, I looked at that tape, I said this is incredibly disturbing.

The two police officers have been rightly charged with second degree murder in the death of the little boy and attempted second degree murder in the shooting of the boys father.

See the report here: Community To Say Goodbye To 6-Year-Old Killed By Police

And here is the video tape of the shooting that was recently released by police:

Body Camera Footage Released In Marksville Police Shooting That Killed 6-Year-Old

In this case, the police officers were black and the shooting victims were white. Thats probably why you havent heard about it. If the police officers had been white and the shooting victims were black, the mainstream media and Black Lives Matter would have made it national Page One news. Which leads me to the second part of the problem.

President Barack Obamas White House, the national news media, and the leaders of Black Lives Matter have made these police shootings a racial issue. Along with Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, et al., they are experts at race-baiting.

BUT THIS IS NOT A RACIAL ISSUE.

If the poor, suffering souls within Americas inner cities who have too long endured the injustices of police abuse (and many of them have--people of every color) would stay focused on their legitimate complaints and stop letting the Al Sharptons of the world turn it into a racial issue, they would be much further ahead in gaining the sympathy of the general public to their plight. But by letting the race-baiters turn it into a racial issue, too many white people mistakenly see this as a good cop versus black thug issue.

Are there black thugs? Yes! Are there white thugs? Yes! Are there Hispanic thugs? Yes! Are there Asian thugs? Yes! Crime is crime no matter what the race of the person is who commits it. Law and order is NOT a racial issue. But the media has allowed the race-baiters, such as Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, to turn it into a racial issue.

I say again: the problem is NOT race; the problem is the increasing militarization of police.

The other problem in Americas inner cities is that most of these cities are managed by rabid anti-Second Amendment liberals. Cities such as Chicago, Boston, Newark, N.J., Washington, D.C., etc., are heavily gun-controlled: meaning, the only people who have guns are the bad guys--and the bad guys know it.

For example, last month (September 2016) alone, there were 358 shootings in the heavily gun-controlled city of Chicago, Illinois. There have been over 3,200 shootings so far this year in The Windy City.

See the report: Gun-Controlled Chicago: 358 Shooting Victims In September Alone

Thanks to the gun-control laws of the city of Chicago, citizens there are little more than fodder for the violent criminal element of that town. Instead of promoting stop and frisk laws, Donald Trump should be promoting the fact that the law-abiding residents in Chicago (and everywhere else) should be allowed to lawfully arm and defend themselves against the violent criminals of their communities.

What race-baiters Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson fail to acknowledge is that most of the violent crimes committed against black people are perpetrated by black people--just as most of the violent crimes committed against white people are perpetrated by white people. Again, law and order is NOT a racial issue.

And police abuse is not a racial issue; as Ive said, it is a training issue. Ever since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was invented by President G.W. Bush, our local and State police departments and sheriffs offices have been increasingly militarized.

Police officers are not attorneys. They are not trained in constitutional law. Not only do most police officers demonstrate a serious lack of constitutional acumen, some police officers even demonstrate a serious animus AGAINST the Constitution. These same officers consider people who believe in the Constitution to be anti-police. Such an attitude does nothing but insure increasing abusive behavior against the very people police officers are sworn to protect: the American citizenry.

One wont read this in a DHS police training manual, but for all intents and purposes, police training procedures teach officers to shoot first and let the courts work out the details. Police officers know that seldom will they be held accountable for a bad shooting (thankfully, that is currently not the case in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Marksville, Louisiana). They often carry throw down guns to use after a bad shooting in case the victim was unarmed, to make it appear as though the victim was armed; they know that most of their fellow officers will not rat on them even when they are clearly guilty of police abuse; and they know that the local prosecutors and judges are on their side. It is mostly a one-sided judicial system for sure, and police officers know it. And the fact that more and more policemen are ex-military means that their military training runs much deeper than their law enforcement training. In fact, many times they are hired as police officers BECAUSE they are former military, as noted above.

Since I have been writing on this subject, many retired and active duty police officers have written me to confirm what Im saying and to thank me for saying it. Im sure the percentages are with the good cops, but as the DHS-sponsored militarization of local and State police agencies continues to intensify--and as the good cops continue to retire--the bad cop problem is only going to get worse.

Here are the facts: police abuse is very real, and race-baiting is, likewise, very real. It is the perfect storm. In the political arena, conservatives blame Black Lives Matter and liberals blame white cops. In truth, constitutionally illiterate, us-versus-them, trigger-happy policemen AND race-baiting, opportunistic charlatans like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are equally to blame.

This problem will not be resolved until the American people begin looking at and dealing with this issue without the obfuscation of race or political partisanship. Little Jeremy Mardis was not a Democrat or a Republican; he was not a liberal or a conservative; he was a little, six-year-old, innocent, autistic boy who was brutally murdered and violently taken from the home of a loving father by poorly trained police officers.

Black folks in Americas inner cities need to stop shouting at white folks and instead start demanding that their crooked, self-absorbed politicians (both black and white) start honoring their oaths of office to the Constitution and eviscerate the gun-control laws that make residents easy prey for the criminal element within their own neighborhoods so that people can start lawfully defending themselves. And conservative white folks need to get their heads out of the sand and realize that there is a REAL problem with police abuse in this country and start demanding that their local judges and prosecutors start holding these lawless lawmen accountable to the same laws that the rest of us are held to.

Again, the issue is not black or white--or even black or blue. The issue is justice and constitutional government. Lady Justice is supposed to be color blind. She should also be blind to whatever uniform a person is or isnt wearing and whatever political label one has or doesnt have. As I have said repeatedly, we either have justice for all or we have justice for none. You will remember that when you are on the receiving end of police injustice.

P.S. I again strongly urge readers to order the expert presentation that my constitutional attorney son delivered, entitled Police Contact: How To Respond.

In this DVD, attorney Tim Baldwin focuses directly on the "Dos and Don'ts" of dealing with police contacts. Tim discusses how to--and how not to--react to police traffic stops and other contacts. He clearly and simply shows citizens their rights and duties under the Constitution and why it is so important that citizens understand these rights. This material will help citizens preserve liberty in their communities, and it will help policemen be better peace officers. This is an excellent presentation. And what you do NOT know about this presentation can, and very likely will, hurt you. I urge readers to order one for themselves and one for a loved one.

Order Police Contact: How To Respond here.

[If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made by credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link.] [I also have many books and DVDs available for purchase online. Go to Chuck Baldwin Live Store]

 2016 Chuck Baldwin - All Rights Reserved





Chuck Baldwin is a syndicated columnist, radio broadcaster, author, and pastor dedicated to preserving the historic principles upon which America was founded. He was the 2008 Presidential candidate for the Constitution Party. He and his wife, Connie, have 3 children and 9 grandchildren. Chuck and his family reside in the Flathead Valley of Montana. See Chuck's complete bio here.



E-mail: chuck@chuckbaldwinlive.com

Website: ChuckBaldwinLive.com
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The immediate past minister of environment, Mrs. Laurentia Laraba Malam and her husband, Mr. Pius Malam, who were kidnapped on Monday along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway have regained their freedom, the Kaduna state Police Command has confirmed.The Police Public Relation Officer, ASP Aliyu Usman confirmed their release, saying the couple were in good health and freedom.He said, "They were released along the axis where they were kidnapped and we have not taken their statement yet because they are still in shock."Asked if the ransom demanded was he paid, he said, "I do not have that information. Thank you."It could be recalled that Mrs. Laurentia and Mr. Pius were kidnapped in Bwari/Jere axis and a ransom of N10million was demanded by the kidnappers for their release. However, it was not revealed whether the ransom was paid or not.
The National Assembly has passed a motion summoning President Muhammadu Buhari to address the legislature on efforts being made by his adm...

The National Assembly has passed a motion summoning President Muhammadu Buhari to address the legislature on efforts being made by his administration to on the current economic recession.The decision was the outcome of the meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives principal officers, hosted by Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at his private residence on Wednesday night, September 21st, 2016, according to PUNCH report.One of the principal officers of the Senate, who pleaded anonymity, told PUNCH that the leadership of both chambers deliberated extensively on the current economic situation in the country and came up with some pragmatic solutions.The source said the meeting agreed that the President should first be invited to tell the federal parliamentarians the specific steps that his administration is taking to take Nigeria out of recession.He said, It was Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who led the House of Representatives team to the meeting, that suggested the idea and it was adopted by leaders of both chambers.The president was asked to come and brief us on the specific efforts he had taken with his economic team to tackle the recession.Source: PUNCH
Governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose, has declared himself the real change.

Governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose, has declared himself the real change.The catchword change was what the All Progressives Congress (APC) sold to Nigerians in the buildup to the 2015 general election, which it was largely successful in.But Fayose, fierce critic of the APC, appropriated the catchword on Wednesday when he hosted teachers at the Oluyemi Kayode stadium in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.At the even meant to commemorate the World Teachers Day, he displayed a poster bearing the inscription: Fayose The Real Change.Fayose donated N50 million to the teachers, saying the gift was in recognition of the sound performance of the state in the just released NECO results.Ekiti had the best result in the country.He ordered that the money be shared equally among all of the teachers irrespective of grade and status, and directed the state accountant-general to ensure that each of the beneficiaries received his or her own share on or before Friday.Fayose said the gesture was aimed at spurring the teachers on to greater achievements in the years ahead.He urged all the teachers to further ensure that their students perform well in both NECO and WAEC in subsequent years by keeping the flag flying.Aside the cash gift, two teachers adjudged to be the best in the outgoing year, at secondary and primary levels, were given brand new KIA RIO cars.Two runners-up received N200,000 each, while two teachers who came third got N100,000 each.I am doing all of these because Ekitis name has been brought under world focus once again, and it is my wish that our current academic feat be repeated over and over again, after all to whom much is given, much is expected, he said.Afe Babalola, an erudite lawyer, emphasised the inportance of quality education in the development of any nation.Kayode Akosile, chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), advised the government to pay adequate attention to the welfare of teachers as an incentive for greater feats.
An 18-year-old secondary school pupil, Sadiq Adegbite, who allegedly stole N200 from a fellow pupil and used charm to harass other colle...

An 18-year-old secondary school pupil, Sadiq Adegbite, who allegedly stole N200 from a fellow pupil and used charm to harass other colleagues, was on Thursday brought before an Ogudu Magistrates Court in Lagos.The accused, a pupil of Junior High School, Ogudu, Lagos, is facing a three counts of conspiracy, stealing and disorderly conduct.The prosecutor, Sgt. Lucky Ihiehie, said the complainant, a 15-year-old student of the school, came to Ogudu Police Station to report the incident.He said while the complainant was returning from school at Emmanuel Street, Ogudu, he was stopped by the accused and some of his friends now at large.They were harassing him and searching his pockets for money and they even beat him up.They dispossessed him of his N200 transport fare which was the only money he had in his pocket.A senior student came to the complainants rescue and the accused brought out some charms from his pocket to scare them before the police came, he said.Ihiehie told the court that the accuseds friends ran away on sighting the police.The offences contravened Sections 166 (d), 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.Adegbite, however, pleaded not guilty.His counsel, Olusegun Aghahowa, pleaded with the court to grant him bail on liberal terms considering his age.In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs O. Sule-Amzat, admitted the accused to a bail of N10, 000 with two sureties, one of who must be a blood relative of the accused with an evidence of gainful employment.The case was adjourned to November 1 for trial.NAN
The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the security agencies in the country to intensify rescue efforts for high school student...

The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the security agencies in the country to intensify rescue efforts for high school students and teachers kidnapped in Lagos State.The call came just as police confirmed to Premium Times that two of the students have regained freedom while search continues for the others, including the school principal.The Houses resolution followed a motion by Wale Raji, a lawmaker from the state, under matters of urgent national importance.The House heard from Mr. Raji how some suspected kidnappers attacked Government Model College, Igbonla, Epe, on Thursday morning just as students were observing early morning prayers in the assembly.Mr. Raji said he was told about the development shortly after the House resumed plenary today and he was compelled to bring it to the attention of the House and, by extension, the country.I am just learning that a group of kidnappers struck today in my constituency where they kidnapped students and principals, Mr. Raji said.The police spokesperson in Lagos State, Bisi Kolawole, told Premium Times two of the students have been rescued, leaving two more students, a teacher and the school principal.Were still on their trail to rescue the others who include the principal, a teacher and two students, Ms. Kolawole, an assistant commissioner of police, said.Premium Times
Nigerians in the United Kingdom, Thursday, demanded the immediate prosecution of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sh...

Nigerians in the United Kingdom, Thursday, demanded the immediate prosecution of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky for alleged terror related activities, saying the prosecution became necessary, as he (El-Zakzaky) has been indicted by investigations into a faceoff between his group and the army in December 2015.They took to the streets of London, in the United Kingdom to demand the prosecution of the Shiite leader. Recall that El-Zakyzaky has remained in detention since being arrested following the incident that made the military launched an operation to clear out members of his group, who obstructed the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff and reportedly made an attempt on his life.The Movement of the People of Nigeria, whose members protested at the Commonwealth Secretariat, in London, alleged that the delay in arraigning the IMN leader as a mistake that has made his followers bolder and more dangerous.The movement also slammed Iran for interfering in the affairs of Nigeria by its backing for the IMN, which it described as a terror organisation with a demand that IMN members also be tried and their finances investigated for subversion for inviting Iranian intervention in Nigerias internal affairs.UK Coordinator of the Movement of the People of Nigeria, Joe Mayowa warned that the protests would spread to other world cities and major Nigerian cities if the federal government fails to immediately begin prosecution of El-Zakyzaky and other IMN leaders that were indicted by several reports on his groups faceoff with the army last year. In a statement on behalf of the movement, Mayowa noted that that the federal government had made similar mistake in the past when founding members of the Boko Haram terror group were not diligently prosecuted.He said: It was that mistake that bred the bloodthirsty horde that carried out attacks in Abuja and some other cities in Nigeria. Nationals of Commonwealth nations were killed in those attacks. The decision not to prosecute pioneer Boko Haram members was driven by local politics but the fallout was felt by nationals of all nations on earth. A greater mistake is being made by not prosecuting members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) for their acts of violence against the state and against citizens of Nigeria and Commonwealth nations.The groups members have mirrored every single crime committed by Boko Haram in its formative years yet nothing significant have been done to put its members on trial for breaching the peace in manners that resulted in the loss of life. It may also not be a mistake, in which case the delay in prosecuting detained IMN leaders could be a silent plea for international backing by the Nigerian government.It is important the world is able to reassure the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that they have the worlds support for nipping the growing terror of IMN in the bud. A clear message must be sent to the government that the firmness with which it deals with the IMN threat is a matter global interest as any fallout from delay in dealing with the threat posed by the group will affect the whole world.For the avoidance of doubt, events of December 2015, when IMN members made an attempt on the life of a senior administration official sparked off chains of events that proved the group is not to be treated with kids gloves.Those events exposed the fact that the IMN has the capacity to take on the Nigerian state in battle and would not shy away from attempting it if drastic measures that enjoy international support are not taken. The result of several investigations of those events is profound.They all want the prosecution of the IMN leader, Mr Ibraheem El-Zakyzaky and all those that supported him in that insurrection. The Kaduna State Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by Governor Nasir El-Rufai clearly indicted him and recommended him for prosecution.The report of the National Human Rights Commission (NHCR) specifically demanded an immediate trial of El-Zakyzaky and his supporters for causing that injurious breach of the peace, he stressed.Mayo lamented that the IMN leader seems to be getting preferential treatment compared to other persons that have led insurgencies against the country, noting that This situation has made his followers to rub salt in our collective injury. They have been made bold by the delay in prosecuting El-Zakyzaky and those of his members found culpable by the reports.They have done everything from threatening more mayhem to almost implementing the threats under the cover of street protests. In the course of mobilising for these so called protests and trek, there are reports that fleeing Boko Haram fighters entered several Nigerian cities under the cover of IMN members.They have also used the period to escalate their avowed commitment to undermining Nigerias sovereignty with their renewed invitation to the Islamic Republic of Iran to meddle in our internal affairs, the group complained.It appealed to the Commonwealth to convince the government to pursue El-Zakyzakys trial with a warning that there should be no distinction in the type of crimes committed in the course of terrorism.
Senator representing Bayelsa east, Ben Murray-Bruce has called for a reduction in the salaries of politicians.

Senator representing Bayelsa east, Ben Murray-Bruce has called for a reduction in the salaries of politicians.In a message posted on Facebook, the lawmaker lamented the plight of teachers, saying they deserve better pay.Bruce said Nigeria would be a better country if teachers were properly remunerated.Nigeria has some of the highest paid politicians and some of the lowest paid teachers. Flip this equation and Nigeria will develop, he wrote.On this World Teachers Day, I thank Nigerias teachers and urge that salaries of politicians be reduced so that teachers salary can be increased!Teachers are much more relevant to the progress of Nigeria than we politicians. A well paid teacher is a better teacher but is a well paid legislator a better legislator?
A bill for a law to protect persons against jungle justice made progress in the Senate on Wednesday, scaling second reading.

A bill for a law to protect persons against jungle justice made progress in the Senate on Wednesday, scaling second reading.Jungle justice or mob justice commonly refers to often brutal extrajudicial punishment of person suspected to have committed a crime or accused of acting in ways contrary to prevailing norms in a community.The anti-jungle justice bill, SB 109  formally titled Bill for an Act for the prohibition and protection of persons from lynching, mob action and extrajudicial executions and other related offences 2016  was sponsored by Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi).In his lead debate, Mr. Melaye reminded the Senate of some different cases of extrajudicial executions, including the #Aluu4.The #Aluu4 occurred in October 2012, when four students of the University of Port Harcourt  Ugonna Obuzor, Toku Llyod, Chiadika Biringa and Tekenah Elkanah  were lynched after they were falsely accused of theft in the Rivers State community of Aluu.The act elicited widespread condemnation and cry for justice, using #Aluu4 on social media.In a recent case, an Igbo trader, Bridget Agbahime, 74, was killed by a rampaging mob in Kano after an alleged act of blasphemy in June this year.A month later, a preacher and member of Redeemed Christian Church of God was killed by some assailants while preaching at Kubwa, an FCT satellite town.Abdullahi Adamu (APC-Nassarawa), Ovie Omo-Agege (Labour-Delta), Usman Nafada (APC-Bauchi), Lanre Tejuoso (APC-Ogun) were among the Senators who spoke in support of the bill.But Mr. Adamu noted that extrajudicial killings dont happen because of lack of constitutional process but due to a lack of proper structures for criminal trial.Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio (PDP-Akwa Ibom), urged his colleagues to allow the bill to pass, but said it had to be fine-tuned at the committee stage.In his contribution, Deputy Leader, Bala Ibn NaAllah (APC-Kebbi) expressed concern that the bill may cause jurisprudentially, conflict of laws, making reference of the extant law in the constitution and penal codes.He, however, said the bill had beautiful intentions.The bill was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, after it passed voice vote called by Ike Ekweremadu standing in for Senate President Bukola Saraki.Mr. Saraki was attending his trial for false asset declaration at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating alleged corruption, malpractices and breach of due process in the award of Oil Pr...

House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating alleged corruption, malpractices and breach of due process in the award of Oil Prospecting Licence, OPL, 245, yesterday said the United Kingdom Prosecution Service has agreed to help Nigeria recover $1.1 billion diverted oil bloc money. Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Razak Atunwa, who disclosed this when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and representatives of Shell and Nigeria Agip appeared before the committee, vowed that all the funds meant for the federation account, would be recoveredRecall that the 7th House had attempted to investigate the same issue, but unfortunately, the report of the investigation never saw the light of day which made the 8th House on January 27, 2016 in its resolution, to mandate the committee to re-open the investigation with a view to getting to the root of the matter. But members of the committee expressed sadness that despite the importance of the investigation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, AA Oil and Gas and Malabu Oil shunned the meeting without any written excuse or representation. The Ad-hoc Committee Chairman at the sitting said: Nigerian people deserve to know what happened to their $1.1 billion. At todays exchange rate, that is over N500 billion.That amount can fund the entire budget of the Ministry of Education. It is double the entire budget of the Ministry of Health. It is more than the Capital expenditure of Works, Power and Housing. Explaining the reason for the investigation, Atunwa said: Government ministers, chiefly the then Attorney-General, Mohammed Bello Adoke, and the then Minister for Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke are alleged to have contrived a series of complex agreements of questionable nature.The summary of the agreement was that Shell and Nigeria Agip Exploration (NAE) paid $1.1bn to the Federal Government for the oil bloc. Rather than putting the money into the Federation Account as required by the constitution, Mr. Adoke SAN and Mrs. Allison- Madueke then caused the money to be transferred to Malabu which then spirited the money to various foreign bank accounts. In this regard, it is alleged that companies, such as AA Oil Ltd were engaged to launder the funds. OPL 245 is a potentially highly lucrative oil bloc encompassing a massive area of about 1,958 square kilometres and estimated to hold up to 9.2 billion barrels of crude oil. OPL 245 has a long and chequered history. It has been mired in controversy and steeped in allegations of corruption from the onset.The complex history may be broadly summarised as follows: In April 1998, under late General Sani Abacha, the former Minister for Petroleum Resources, Dan Etete awarded the licence of the bloc to himself using his company Malabu Oil and Gas. He awarded it to himself at just $20m, out of which he only paid $2m. From the beginning of the investigative session the committee was at variance with the position of Shell, particularly the letter written by its lawyer, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) to the committee on behalf of Shell that the House had no power to investigate the matter. However, representative of the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Aliyu Yusuf told the committee that there was no information to him on the required documents to be presented and pleaded that two weeks be given to the commission for it to provide all the demanded documents.Although a committee member, Rep Kehinde Odeneye had expressed dismay over the commissions inability to provide the necessary documents demanded by the committee, the Chairman,Atunwa accepted the plea.Also making plea for extension of time was the lawyer to SNEPCO, Dafe Agbele though the Managing Director of the company Bayo Ojulari was present. Agbele said he was not properly briefed and asked for an extension of time to put together a response on behalf of his client.With the advent of the Obasanjo administration in 1999, the licence was revoked. The same block was put to bid and eventually sold to Shell. This time for $210m.This sparked a series of legal wrangling by various parties. By 2011, Shell and Nigeria Agip Exploration, through its parent company ENI, had formed a consortium and were seized of the oil block. Malabu was still pursuing its claim in court. Government ministers, chiefly the then Attorney-General Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, and then Minister for Petroleum Resources Diezani Allison Madueke, are alleged to have contrived a series of complex agreement of a questionable nature. The summary of the agreement was that Shell and Nigeria Agip Exploration (NAE) paid $1.1bn to the Federal Government for the oil block. Rather than putting the money into the Federation Account as required by the Constitution, Mr. Adoke, SAN, and Mrs. Allison Madueke then caused the money to be transferred to Malabu, which then spirited the money to various foreign bank accounts. In this regard, it is alleged that companies such as AA Oil Ltd were engaged to launder the funds.Consequently, Nigeria and its citizens may be said to have been short-changed to the tune of $1.1 bn. As we sit here today, $110m is being held by the UK authorities from the fund as proceed of corruption from Nigeria. Italian Prosecutors have also requested that money from that deal in Swiss accounts should be frozen. So, Nigeria fold its arms while other countries protest its interest. Nigeria is the victim. The House has therefore risen to the task of investigating the matter as provided by sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).If we are truly to succeed in the fight against corruption, we must do so thoroughly and fearlessly. We cannot exempt corporate bodies or indeed multinational corporations. But the committee declined saying SNEPCO was aware of the matter and that it should take long to file a response and hence gave Shell 18th October to make its submission.Atunwa however vowed that his committee will get to the end of the matter no matter whose feathers are ruffled. In his opening remarks, the lawmaker explained how the $1.1 billion meant for the government was cornered by some former ministers. He said the NNPC, AA Oil and Malabu oil have something to hide by refusing to attend the investigative session.
Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Catholic Adoration Ministries Enugu on Wednesday presented N2 million and decoders to players and officials of Rangers FC for winning the league.Mbaka made the presentation at the dedication of the league trophy to God at the ministry by the club.The cleric said that he was happy that God fulfilled his promise to the club after 32 years in the wilderness.Before the 2016/2017 season began, we dedicated the players and the league to God in which a prophecy came that the league trophy belongs to Rangers.Today, we are celebrating God`s work in action, we are no more praying to emerge the champion but celebrating the champions.For this achievement, I and the Adoration Ministries hereby give N2 million to Rangers FC and a decoder to each member of the club, Mbaka said.Enugu State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Charles Ndukwe, thanked Mbaka and assured that the club would always seek God`s presence in their endeavours.
The Federal Government said yesterday it did not immediately comply with the judgement of an ECOWAS Court to release former National Sec...

The Federal Government said yesterday it did not immediately comply with the judgement of an ECOWAS Court to release former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd, because of the need to study the document.The government also yesterday moved to consolidate the charges against Dasuki, barely 24 hours after the ECOWAS Court judgement Salihu Isah, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, said the government needed to fully understand the content of the courts proceedings and judgement before reacting. We cannot just react. We will first of all study the judgement to understand its content before taking a stand, he said.Meanwhile, the Federal Government yesterday moved to consolidate charges against the former NSA, seeking leave of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, to merge separate criminal charges it preferred against Dasuki before two judges of the court. To that effect, the government yesterday persuaded trial Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, who is trying Dasuki on a 19-count charge bordering on alleged N32billion fraud, to defer further proceeding on the matter till October 21.The request was to enable the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, and Dasukis lawyers, to have a meeting with the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, with a view to harmonising modalities for the proposed consolidation. In the instant case, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alleged that Dasuki connived with a former Director of Finance in the Office of the NSA, Mr. Shuaibu Salisu, and a former Executive Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Aminu Baba-Kusa, to divert funds.It alleged that the defendants siphoned over N32billion from accounts in the office of the NSA operated with both the Central Bank of Nigeria and other financial institutions. The funds were allegedly distributed to delegates that attended the Presidential Primary Election of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held in Abuja, a process that saw the emergence of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan as the sole candidate of the party. Two firms through which the fund was allegedly diverted- Acacia Holding Limited and Reliance Referal Hospital Limited, were also joined as defendants in the matter.Meanwhile, a second judge, Justice Peter Affen, is handling another 22-count charge that the Federal Government also entered against Dasuki before the same court. The charge which borders on alleged N19.4bn fraud, equally has a former Minister of Finance, Bashir Yuguda, former Director of Finance in the Office of the NSA, Mr. Shuaibu Salisu, former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa and his son, Sagir Attahiru, as defendants.EFCC alleged that the stolen fund was part of about $2.1billion meant for the purchase of arms but illegally diverted into personal pockets. A company it said served as conduit pipe for the alleged diversion, Dahaltu Investment Limited, was cited as the 4th defendant in the matter.
HAMILTON -- The bicyclist struck and killed on Tuesday morning in Atlantic County was in the midst of a daily 17-mile ride to the school where he taught, according to a report.

Michael Dare-Gentile

Michael Dare-Gentile, 61, of Mays Landing, was a technology teacher at the North Main Street School in Pleasantville, according to PressofAtlanticCity.com.

He was riding east on Harding Highway near New York Avenue when he was struck by a car driven by a 25-year-old Newfield man who was not injured.

Dare-Gentile took up riding several years ago to get in shape and stuck with it because he enjoyed it so much, the report said.

In his spare time, the Columbia University graduate enjoyed repairing computers to donate to people in Jamaica, playing the banjo and listening to the Greatful Dead, the report said.

Dare-Gentile is survived by six children, his wife, and a 9-year-old granddaughter.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
BRIDGETON -- A fourth lawsuit has been filed against the Cumberland County Jail over someone who died while imprisoned.

John Watson (submitted photo)

The federal lawsuit, filed on Oct. 5, involved the June 3 death of Jon Watson, who was found hanging in his jail cell. Watson's was the fourth death that has occurred in the Cumberland County Jail since 2014. The suit seeks a judgment exceeding $1 million.

The lawsuit alleges that the Cumberland County Jail failed to properly monitor Watson or screen him for suicidal tendencies. Also named in the lawsuit is Corizon Health, the health care provider for the jail.

"I am hoping that through our efforts, there will be a review of the circumstances surrounding Jon's death and an immediate investigating into the warden and the procedures that are in place," said Helen Lloyd, Watson's fiance, in a statement released by Philadelphia-based attorney Conrad Benedetto.

Watson, 43, of Bridgeton, was being held in Cumberland County Jail on charges of eluding police, resisting arrest and driving while suspended. On June 3, he was just returned to his cell after appearing in Cumberland County Superior Court and then found unresponsive in his cell around noon. He was pronounced dead at 12:30 p.m.

According to Ted Baker, Cumberland County solicitor, Watson was on suicide watch while incarcerated but was taken off of suicide watch by medical staff.

"We relied on our medical professionals who made a medical judgment that he was OK and didn't pose a threat to himself so he was returned to the general population," Baker said

Benedetto's office represents three other families in separate lawsuits against the Cumberland County Jail.

David Hennis, 31, of Vineland, was arrested on July 22, 2014, for violating a court order, aggravated assault and weapons charges. He was taken to the jail infirmary after banging his head against his cell door and then later found hanging in the infirmary holding cell.

Alissa Allen, 24, of Millville, was arrested on March 22, 2015, after a traffic stop for an outstanding warrant, drug possession and for not wearing a seatbelt. She was held in the jail in lieu of $728 bail and was found the next morning hanging in her cell.

Robert Lewis was arrested on Oct. 26, 2015, for robbery and was found a few days later hanging in the showers at the jail.

Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
I've had it with these clowns.

No, I'm not talking about the mostly imaginary, sometimes real, mischievous people in clown costumes fueling the "killer clown craze" that has erupted across the country.

I'm talking about the parents, school officials, law enforcement officials and media who are acting like a bunch of Bozos and making it all worse.

Is there a more succinct summation of where we are as a society, where a thus far completely imaginary threat can generate so much concern, so much energy, so many pixels?

It's a perfect trifecta of paranoid helicopter parents; skittish, social media-awkward law enforcement; and a click-hungry media all fueling paranoia over something that exists only in Stephen King novels.

Here's the general pattern: kids report seeing people in clown costume -- or hear a rumor that someone else did -- and get scared. Their parents call the cops and another killer clown scare is born.

It's happened again. And again. And again. Almost daily in recent weeks.

And okay, I get it. I was a kid. I have kids. Clowns are scary looking. And kids can't tell the difference between real and imaginary things. So they say crazy, batty stuff. And since the dawn of time, kids have been making up stories about monsters in the woods, or the bogeyman, and yes creepy clowns, that were going to come and take them away.

But here's the difference: In the past, we never took these stories seriously.

Over at NJ 101.5.com, Sergio Bichao writes a good piece about how this all used to be handled.

Bichao recalls how, in 1991, his grade school teacher in Hillside put an end to an outbreak of clown hysteria in her classroom by checking out the rumor, then returning to the class and telling the kids to stop acting like idiots.

"There are no clowns in Hillside! Capeesh?" Bichao recalls the teacher saying.

"And that was the end of that," he wrote. "Because Miss Gonzalez was literally the adult in the room."

Today, when kids are acting like idiots the adults just pile into the clown car behind them.

Parents -- perhaps driven in part by legitimate fears fueled by school shootings, but nonetheless not thinking clearly -- actually take their kids' ridiculous imaginings and report them to schools and police. You can never be too careful, they say.

Yes you can.

I mean kids are saying they saw killer clowns. Or they're being scared by someone in a clown costume. And this is a crisis?

I'm not talking about the nervous parents of kindergartners.

I'm talking about the parents of college students.

Penn State's Daily Collegian reports 500 to 1,000 Penn State students swarmed out of their dorms following a supposed clown sighting earlier this week. Repeat that to yourself. Someone. Saw. A. Clown. And 1,000 people formed a mob.

Sounds like fun excuse to put off studying to me. But as the rumor spread, campus police were receiving calls from nervous parents.

Now I know I went to school in an era of more lax parenting (thank God).

But I can't imagine how the phone call would have gone if I had called my mother from my dorm room in 1991 and told her someone had seen a clown on campus and I was scared. It probably would have been the end of the phone call. And maybe the tuition payments.

Then there's the next driver of the killer clown hysteria, the law enforcement response.

In many cases, police have responded to reports by stepping up patrols or issuing statements about clown sightings, as though a person in a clown costume -- even when they are actually seen -- pose some kind of immediate physical threat.

The model police are using for this is a bomb threat, when police need to calm public fears. But the difference is this: bombs are real. Killer clowns are not.

I've covered quite a few actual murders where law enforcement refused to issue a statement to assuage public fears even when they knew the killer had gone after a specific target and posed no threat to anyone else.

But they have to address the clown fears? Some fears should be ignored, not pandered to.

The Roselle Park police department Wednesday issued a warning on their Facebook page of "possible exposure to criminal prosecution and civil liability for any suspicious or threatening clown behavior on social networks or in public."

They also request that parents refrain from allowing their children to dress as clowns for Halloween.

The prospect of police telling people what Halloween costume to wear is scarier than any clown I've ever seen.

Such actions legitimize these ridiculous clown fears, making the killer clowns actually seem more real than they are, setting the stage for the next false sighting or silly hoax.

Then there's us - the media. Fueling it all for sure.

What reporter - in any era - would pass up a story about a local police department issuing a statement about scary clowns afoot?

But in today's world of metrics and web traffic demands, media outlets respond more than ever to what folks are consuming. And they're loving the clown stuff. Clicking like crazy.

There's nothing like plopping a stock photo of a scary clown (because there's almost no photos of actual clowns in public) in the Facebook feeds of thousands of readers to generate traffic.

I'm going to put one on this story myself, as a matter of fact.

I hope you click. And don't forget to share.

Brian Donohue can juggle and ride a unicycle, but he has never worn a clown costume. He may be reached at bdonohue@njadvancemedia.com Follow him on Twitter @briandonohue. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
NEWARK -- A man who was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the 1999 murder of his live-in girlfriend has been awarded a hearing that could allow for new DNA evidence in the case.

According to an appellate decision released Thursday, Carlos Alves can have a hearing to determine whether or not DNA from under his girlfriend's fingernails can be used to retry his case. The decision reverses a superior court ruling denying him the hearing.

Alves had argued that the fingernail DNA would show the presence of another person, and possible killer, at the couple's Newark apartment. Alves has denied the state's assertion that he killed his girlfriend, Maria Fernando Lobo, in August of 1999, but was convicted of the crime after a trial in 2001.

A Superior Court judge denied the request for additional DNA considerations, noting that Alves already argued at his trial that there was no DNA at the scene, according to the appellate decision.

"We disagree with the conclusions of the Law Division and we remand for a hearing," the appellate court ruled.

Lobo's body was found on the couch of the couple's apartment on Aug. 14, 1999, wearing the same clothes she was wearing on Aug. 11, the ruling said. The couple had been together on Aug. 11, but Alves left the country and went to Portugal on Aug. 12, and remained there through Aug. 15, the decision said.

Experts disagreed on when exactly the woman died, the decision said.

Whether or not the fingernail evidence will be viable 15 years after the trail remains to be seen.

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
NEWARK -- Whenever you saw George Richards-Meyers, it was a good bet Najier Salaam wasn't too far behind.

The two teens, shot dead by Newark Police officers in the early morning hours of Sept. 30, grew up together in the city's Roseville neighborhood, said Nadia Miller, Richards-Meyers' cousin.

"That was his best friend," Miller said Wednesday night at a prayer rally held for the victims' families. "These two? They didn't deserve to die like that."

Salaam and Richards-Meyers, both 18, were fatally shot by police officers about 6:30 a.m. in the 500 block of North Seventh Street, according to a statement by acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray.

The two men were gunned down after police were called to the scene for criminal activity in the area, Mayor Ras J. Baraka said during a press conference hours after the shooting. Another teen, 18-year-old Jeremiah Bowser, of Newark, was arrested during the incident after he got out of a vehicle and ran from police.

James Stewart Jr., president of the Newark Fraternal Order of Police, said the officers were attempting to arrest three people suspected of being involved in multiple robberies around the city when the shooting occurred.

"Those guys were not interested in surrendering," Stewart said. "Our officers responded to that threat and Newark is a safer place today because of them."

But Quanna Rollins, Najier Salaam's mother, said Wednesday that her son was anything but dangerous.

"He was a very lovable child," Rollins said. "He loved hard. He loved his immediate family. He had a beautiful heart. He would give you the shirt off his back."

Under the warm, orange bloom of the street lamp light on North Seventh Street Wednesday, more than 60 friends, family members and activists gathered to pray for the teens' families and decry the actions taken by the six officers involved in the incident that morning.

A young man holds a candle while listening to a speaker at a prayer rally held for two teens shot dead by police on Sept. 30. Newark , NJ 10/5/2016 (Michael Anthony Adams | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Holding small, white candles, the crowd chanted, "Stop the killings, stop police shootings, stop the violence."

"We want this case moved to the U.S. Attorney's Office," Salaam Ismial, a spokesman for the family, said. "We don't believe that the prosecutor's office is going to handle this (case) without bias. We believe a case of this magnitude--where you have two teenage individuals shot dead by cooperating police officers--it's something that's way beyond the scope of the Essex County Prosecutor's Office."

U.S. Attorney's Office spokesman Matthew Reilly said Wednesday that the office had not received any letters from family members pertaining to the shooting or the investigation of it. Reilly declined to say whether or not the agency is also investigating the shootings.

Katherine Carter, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office, said Murray had met with the families on Tuesday and that her office has been in "regular communications with both the State Attorney General and federal authorities."

"We expect to provide an update on this very active investigation as soon as we can do so while safeguarding the investigation," she said.

But waiting for those answers has family members, like Nadia Miller, worried about the transparency of the investigation.

"Nobody can tell us what happened," Miller said. "All these different stories. Everything is an investigation."

Michael Anthony Adams may be reached at madams@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelAdams317. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
TipRanks

One bright spot for investors last week was the unexpectedly strong GDP print. The figure rose 2.6% and outpaced the 2.3% forecast. But perhaps the most significant data point was the Feds own inflation gauge, which fell from 7.3% to 4.2%. While market watchers expect the Fed to raise rates again in its November meeting, there is some speculation that the central bank may start slowing down its rate hike policy as early as December. In response to all of this, markets jumped on Friday. The S&P
TRENTON -- In another shocking move that reshapes the upcoming New Jersey governor's race, state Senate President Stephen Sweeney announced Thursday he won't run next year to succeed Gov. Chris Christie.

Sweeney (D-Gloucester), the top lawmaker in the state Legislature, announced he's not entering the battle for the Democratic nomination because of the recent wave of support former banking executive Phil Murphy has received.

Instead, Sweeney said he will run for re-election to the Senate and hopes to hang on to his post as its president.

"I'm a realist," Sweeney told NJ Advance Media on Thursday morning. "The party is coalescing around Phil. I made a decision to run for re-election to the Senate. I have a lot of support from my colleagues in the Senate."

Experts say the unexpected move makes Murphy, the former Goldman Sachs executive and U.S. ambassador to Germany, the clear front-runner to win the Democratic primary, if not the governor's office.

"If he runs a solid, respectable race, I think he'll win more than the Democratic nomination. I think it's Gov. Murphy," said Matthew Hale, a political science professor at Seton Hall University. "We're a long way from that, but he's certainly the odds-on favorite to be governor."

Pundits have predicted that Democrats would likely retake the governor's office when Christie -- a Republican whose approval ratings have dropped into the 20s -- ends his second and final term in 2018.

But initially it was expected that there would be a crowded Democratic primary with Sweeney, Murphy, and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop leading the field.

Last week, however, Fulop surprisingly announced he won't run and endorsed Murphy. And since then, Murphy -- a wealthy Middletown resident who infused his campaign with a $10 million loan -- has quickly been gathering support in northern Jersey.

Later Thursday, Murphy is expected to receive the endorsement of Democratic Party chairs in Bergen, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic counties -- which experts said was a major blow to Sweeney's chances.

Sweeney, a West Deptford resident, would likely have had the support of south Jersey, but the northern part of the state carries more votes.

The Senate president made announced his decision via email around 9 a.m.

"It is no secret that I seriously considered running and I believe I would have been able to win the general election and return the governor's mansion to Democratic control," Sweeney wrote. "As a proud ironworker for almost 40 years, I understood the hard work it would take to win. However, in the last few days it has become clear that Phil Murphy has been able to secure substantial support from Democratic and community leaders that would make my bid all but impossible."

A member of the state Senate since 2002, Sweeney has been close to George Norcross III, the powerbroker from Camden County, and has often been a bipartisan ally of Christie. Sweeney had also been pushed to run for governor by major private-sector workers unions.

Sweeney said Thursday he's "confident" he has "the support of my fellow Democrats to remain" as Senate president.

He also said he's looking forward to working with Murphy over the next year "and when he takes the governor's office in 2018" -- though he didn't outright endorse him.

"I believe that together we will continue to address the significant problems facing New Jersey," Sweeney wrote in the email.

So far, Murphy is the only Democrat to formally declare a gubernatorial bid. But a number of other Democrats are considered likely to run in the party's primary, including State Investment Council Chairman Tom Byrne, state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-Essex), and Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex).

Possible Republican candidates include Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick (R-Union), Evesham Mayor Randy Brown, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, and state Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R-Union). Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerset) and Ocean County businessman Joseph Rullo have already declared they are running for the GOP nod.

NJ Advance Media staff writers Matt Arco and Claude Brodesser-Akner contributed to this report.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
PENNSVILLE TOWNSHIP -- One person was killed Wednesday evening after a tractor-trailer flipped over and landed on another vehicle, authorities said.

The accident occurred in the southbound lanes of Interstate 295 in Pennsville around 6:15 p.m., according to State Police.

The accident closed the highway heading south for more than six hours.

State Police Trooper Lawrence Peele said the trailer section of the truck overturned near milepost 1.2 on the highway and landed on the front-end of a Nissan pick-up truck, trapping the driver inside.

The driver, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene, Peele said. The tractor-trailer driver was uninjured.

Police were diverting traffic to Route 130. Peele said the highway would reopen by 1 a.m.

State Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Craig McCarthy may be reached at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
PEAPACK-GLADSTONE -- A man in his 50s was flown to Morristown Medical Center Wednesday afternoon after he fell off his bicycle and suffered severe trauma, said Police Chief Gregory J. Skinner in a news release.

At approximately 5:14 p.m., police responded to a report of a bicyclist down in the area of 16 Tiger Hill Drive in the borough's Gladstone section, the release stated.

Upon arrival, police found the victim and immediately began life-saving procedures, the release stated. Within minutes, members of the Peapack-Gladstone First Aid and Rescue Squad and Fire Department Emergency Medical Technicians arrived on the scene, the release said.

The man, whose identity police did not release, was transported by ambulance to Komlin Park on Apgar Avenue to meet the New Jersey State Police helicopter, the release said.

There, he received further medical treatment from the medical flight crew and ground-based paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson-Barnabas Mobile Heath Services before being airlifted to Morristown Medical Center, the release said.

The incident remains under investigation, the release said.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Peapack-Gladstone Police Department at 908-234-0626.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
New Jersey State Seal.jpg

WEST DEPTFORD -- Senate President Steve Sweeney, Assembly Deputy Speaker John Burzichelli, and Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro are highlighting October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and encouraging residents to learn more about domestic violence prevention and the services offered by the State of New Jersey.

Domestic violence is defined as violent or aggressive behavior meant to establish control and fear in another individual. These behaviors include physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, threats, intimidation, economic control, child abuse and/or neglect.

"Nearly one-in-4 women and one-in-seven men are a victim of domestic violence," said Senate President Sweeney. "Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to educate the community on an issue that affects so many individuals."

An increase in awareness for domestic violence in recent years has led to a growing number of resources to provide advocacy, counseling, and support to victims of domestic violence. The New Jersey Division on Women offers numerous programs and services to assist victims and provide information to the community.

"The Division on Women and the Office of Domestic Violence Services offer a variety of resources for victims of domestic violence," said Deputy Speaker Burzichelli. "There are programs in all 21 counties that offer services including a 24-hour hotline, counseling, legal advocacy, and community education."

"The New Jersey State Domestic Violence Hotline is a confidential, 24-hour service that provides crisis intervention, information, and referral services to domestic violence victims," added Assemblyman Taliaferro.

In addition, the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV) works with state agencies to advocate and assist survivors of domestic violence. The NJCEDV offers 30 domestic violence programs statewide to individuals from all backgrounds and communities. These programs provide residential services, crisis services, individual counseling, outreach, advocacy, and legal advocacy services.

The New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline can be accessed toll-free at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233). For more information on the Domestic Violence Services offered by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families' Division on Women, visit http://www.nj.gov/dcf/women/domestic.

This item submitted by the Third District Legislative Office of New Jersey.
A man wanted in connection with the homicide of a woman in the back yard of a home last June in Plainfield has been found in Pennsylvania.

Gquan Johnson, left, Anthony Baines, center, and Raequan Segers, right, all are being held for the murder of a woman in Plainfield. (Union County Prosecutor's Office)

Police arrested Anthony R. Baines, 22, of the 500 block of West Third Street in Plainfield, at 9:13 p.m. Wednesday at Meuser Park, 2201 Northampton St., Wilson Borough, Pa.

Police found Baines in the park past closing time. They ran a check on Baines and realized he was the third suspect wanted by the Union County Prosecutor's Office in connection with a homicide.

He was arraigned before District Judge Roy Manwaring on a fugitive from justice charge. He was sent to Northampton County Prison without bail and is awaiting extradition back to New Jersey.

The Union County Crime Stoppers had been offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest of Baines and indictment in the case.

Baines, as well as Gquan Johnson, 18, and Raequan Segers, 19, both of Plainfield, are wanted in connection with the death of 24-year-old Neelega Perry. All three are facing first-degree murders charges, as well as two weapons-related charges each.

Segars remains at large. Johnson is being held at the Union County jail in lieu of $1.5 million bail. The bail will be the same for Baines, according to the Union County Prosecutor's Office.

Plainfield police received reports shortly before midnight June 29 about a body being discovered in the back yard of a house in the 400 block of Spruce Street in the city. They said officers found Perry, who had been shot. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The prosecutor's office's Homicide Task Force, along with Plainfield police, the Union County Sheriff's Office Identification Unit, and Union County police investigated the shooting and identified the three suspects, Park had said.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive.

Perry was the sixth person killed in the city this year. There have been a total of eight homicides, the latest was the killing of Marcus Corey Ellis on Aug. 25.

All three suspects in the Perry killing face a charge of murder, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years to life in prison upon conviction.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Prize motivation: for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa

Africa's Greatest Freedom Symbol

Son of a chief, Nelson Mandela studied law and became one of South Africa's first black lawyers. Early in the 1950s he was elected leader of the youth wing of the ANC (African National Congress) liberation movement. When the country's white minority government prohibited the ANC in 1960, Mandela became convinced that armed struggle was inevitable. Inspired by the guerrilla wars in Algeria and Cuba, he organized a military underground movement that engaged in sabotage. In 1962 he was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment for high treason and conspiracy against the state.

From 1964 to 1982 he was confined to the notorious prison island Robben Island, together with several other resistance leaders. He was then moved to prison on the mainland until his release in 1990. During his imprisonment, Mandela became a rallying point for South Africa's oppressed, and the world's most famous political prisoner.

Nelson Mandela shared the Peace Prize with the man who had released him, President Frederik Willem de Klerk, because they had agreed on a peaceful transition to majority rule.
Warrant issued for former officer in daughter's death in Mississippi, newspaper says
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP)  Survivors of Hurricane Ian face a long emotional road to recover from one of the most damaging storms to hit the U.S. mainland. For those who lost everything to disaster, the anguish can be crushing to return home to find so much gone. Grief can run the gamut from frequent tears to utter despair. The Lee County medical examiner says two men in their 70s even took their own lives a day apart after viewing their losses. Experts say suicides climb after disasters and more funding for mental health should be provided as climate change makes storms and fires more frequent and devastating.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House Jan. 6 committee plans to unveil "surprising" details at its next public hearing about the 2021 attack at the U.S. Capitol. The session Thursday afternoon is likely to be the last public hearing before midterm elections next month. The panel is expected to include new evidence from the U.S. Secret Service about its actions with Donald Trump that day. Ahead of a report later this year, the panel is summing up its findings. The committee says Trump, after he lost the 2020 presidential election, launched an unprecedented attempt to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's victory. They say the result was the deadly mob siege of the Capitol.
Tim Cook Italy

Apple's school for app developers on the Italian coast opens its doors on Thursday.

But if you were hoping to snag a seat at the Apple-funded and designed school, you face long odds. For the first year, about 4,000 people applied for spots, and only 200 were accepted, the Guardian reports.

That's roughly a 5% admissions rate  about the same as Harvard, Stanford, and other elite colleges.

Next year, the center plans to admit 400 students.

Apple's iOS development center is located in San Giovanni a Teduccio, a suburb of Naples. The program is a nine-month course focused on improving students' software development skills using Apple products and tools.

The Guardian reveals that Apple has been very involved in the program, even going so far as to dictate details such as the lighting of the classrooms and the color the walls were painted:

The layout of the large, open-plan classroom was designed by Apple. The didactic model is very new [for us], Angrisani said. Small groups of students will sit at round tables equipped with special acoustic systems so the teacher can communicate with each table individually about their work. All courses will be taught in English, since it is meant to be open to students from around the world.

The University of Napoli Federico II Apple

Apple first announced the center in January, shortly after it reached a tax deal with the Italian government. The company plans to open other app development centers in countries such as Brazil, India, and Indonesia.

Although construction on the campus isn't complete, according to the Guardian, Apple's partner, the University of Napoli Federico II, has released a series of photos looking at where the Apple-funded classes will take place.

Take a look at the picturesque campus while you prepare your application for next year.

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(Amends spelling of refractory in second paragraph)

* New entity to be listed in London

* Businesses complement each other

* RHI shares drop more than 13 percent

* Analysts point to high debt burden

VIENNA Oct 5 (Reuters) - Austrian fireproof industrial materials maker RHI said it has agreed with key shareholders of rival Magnesita to take over the Brazilian company in a $500 million deal to create a global player.

Both companies supply the steel, cement and glass industry with fireproof refractory materials, but RHI derives 40 percent of its sales from slow-growing developed economies like Western Europe, while Magnesita is focused on North and South America.

The deal, however, will involve RHI taking on more debt, a source of concern for investors who sent the company's shares skidding 13 percent after it was announced.

Vienna-based RHI said in a first step it will acquire at least 46 percent but no more than 50 percent plus one share in Magnesita in cash and shares. The transaction will be financed by additional debt and the issuance of 4.6 million new shares.

A new company called RHI Magnesita will be listed in London with RHI ceasing its listing in Vienna.

RHI's Chief Executive Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer said the new company would be headquartered in the Netherlands not Britain, with Britain's decision to leave the EU a factor in its decision.

"Had there been no Brexit, I suppose that the ... holding company would have been established in London," Ruttenstorfer told a conference call. "Because there is Brexit, however, and the European merger directive is perhaps no longer applicable in London at the close (of the deal) in 18 months, it was the task to find a place other than London."

In a second step the new company plans a mandatory tender offer for the remaining Magnesita shares and to delist Magnesita from the Brazilian stock exchange as well.

The complete deal will cost RHI around 450 million euros ($503 million), Chief Financial Officer Barbara Potisk-Eibensteiner said.

Story continues

"The rationale of the deal is to create the world's leading refractory company with an enhanced growth profile; namely in focusing on growth regions in North and South America and in complementing our product portfolio," Ruttenstorfer said.

While the new company will be based in the Netherlands, it will be operationally managed from Vienna. No decisions about the new management have been made yet, Ruttenstorfer said.

"But you can assume that the current top management of RHI and Magnesita will be represented in the future management team," he said.

RHI's shares, which have outperformed the Austrian blue-chip index ATX by around a third since the beginning of the year, dropped as much as 13.4 percent to 20.75 euros, their lowest in nearly two months.

Kepler Cheuvreux analyst Thomas Neuhold, who has a "buy" rating on the RHI stock, said the debt burden will increase significantly and the leverage of the combined entity will soar to four times net debt/EBITDA in the short term.

Such a high ratio is often seen as an indication that it may be difficult for a company to be able to handle the debt and take on additional debt if needed.

In anticipation of expected synergies, RHI raised its medium-term targets. It now aims to achieve consolidated annual sales of up to 2.8 billion euros by 2020, instead of up to 2.2 billion and an operating EBIT margin of more than 12 percent, up from a previous goal of more than 10 percent.

($1 = 0.8941 euros) (Editing by Susan Fenton)
Campaign hopes to have solid idea if Democratic nominee could win presidential race by the third week

WASHINGTON (AP)  Each night, Hillary Clintons data experts head to a conference room on the 11th floor of her Brooklyn headquarters, to start counting votes.

The sessions in the early voter boiler room, as its been dubbed by campaign aides, stretch into the early hours of the morning. The team pores over turnout patterns in states where advance voting is already underway, projects how many votes Clinton and Republican Donald Trump have already received, and updates crucial targeting lists of the voters she still needs.

For Clinton, October is when shes likely to win or lose the election, not Nov. 8. By the third week of this month, Clintons campaign hopes to have a solid enough sample of the early vote to know whether the Democrat is on track to win the White House.

Many battleground states are already voting so every day is Election Day, said Matt Dover, Clintons voter analytics director.

In several competitive states, including North Carolina, Iowa, Colorado, Florida and Nevada, at least 45 percent of the total vote is expected to come in early. Initial metrics show good news for Clinton in North Carolina, a must-win state for Trump. There are modestly positive signs for the Republican in Iowa, but thats a state the Democrat can likely afford to lose.

The Republican National Committee, which oversees early voting and turnout operations for Trump, is also encouraging supporters to take advantage of opportunities to cast ballots before Nov. 8. The party has significantly stepped up its analytics and voter targeting operations since being outmatched by Democrats in the past two presidential elections, but the 2016 race is the first test of its strength in a national election.

Despite improvements, the RNC system was always intended to be a complement to whatever operations the eventual GOP nominee brought to the table. Trump arrived in the general election with intense enthusiasm among his core supporters but few ways to harness it into trackable voter data.

Unlike Clinton, whose travel schedule is being built around voter registration deadlines and the start of early voting in key states, Trumps battleground stops havent been pegged to those benchmarks. However, there is a noticeably more robust registration effort at Trump rallies and the candidate himself is making explicit early voting appeals to supporters.

Get those ballots in because the only way this is going to be taken away [is] if were foolish or if we let people take it away from us, Trump said Monday during a rally in Colorado. I hate to interrupt my speech with these minor details but theyre very important, right?

Republicans traditionally do well initially with mail-in absentee balloting before Democrats surpass them during in-person early voting. That makes the start of in-person voting a key indicator as to whether core Democratic constituencies, such as young people and non-whites, show up.

For me, voting early is a matter of convenience, and if I dont do it Im unlikely to vote at all, said Joseph Wozniak, 23, of Macon, Georgia. A recent college graduate who declined to say who he is supporting in the election, Wozniak is working on early vote efforts for the non-partisan organization Democracy Works.

Thirty-seven states allow voting with little restriction before Election Day, either in person or via mail. By the third week in October, 34 of those states will be voting.

Iowa was the first of the battlegrounds to start in-person voting last Thursday. Of the 39,435 people who have cast ballots, 58 percent were Democrats and 25 percent were Republicans  but that was much closer than in 2012.

In North Carolina, buoyed by strong voter interest, Clinton appears to hold an edge with Democratic ballots submitted so far currently leading Republican ones, 40 to 35 percent. At this point in 2012, Republicans had opened a wide lead over Democrats in ballots, due in part to strong support among older whites.

For 2016, Clinton officials pointed in particular to a 13 percent increase in African-American and a 40 percent jump in Latino mail-in ballot requests. To them, its a hopeful sign that non-whites and young people will be engaged this election, part of a shift in campaign strategy to more strongly mobilize less reliable, sporadic voters first. Still, the campaign said it will have a much clearer picture once in-person voting begins in the state on Oct. 20.

Similarly in Florida, absentee balloting began only Tuesday, but already more than 2.5 million people  nearly one-third of the total number of votes cast in 2012  have requested ballots. In-person voting doesnt begin until Oct. 24, so state Democrats are now strongly urging voters to vote by mail  including in a letter from President Barack Obama paid for by the party.

In Florida, voting is easier than ever because now you can vote by mail, he writes. Its the fastest and most convenient way to make your voice heard.

In Obamas historic 2008 race, he ran up such big early voting advantages in four battlegrounds  Colorado, Florida, Iowa and North Carolina  that his rival, John McCain, couldnt catch up, despite winning the Election Day vote in those states, according to AP data.

If all goes according to the Clinton campaigns plan, early ballots soon enough will start to unequivocally point in the same direction.
Come on a virtual tour of NRL Cowboys House, a unique boarding facility to support secondary students, on track to open for the 2017 school year.

Partner with us  become a Founding Friend of the House

NRL Cowboys House will give Indigenous boys from remote communities in north-west and Far North Queensland the opportunity to access to quality schooling options in Townsville, while living in a purpose-designed, culturally respectful and supportive facility.

The House is a joint initiative between the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, the National Rugby League and Queensland and Australian Governments and will be home to 25 students in its first school year.

The facility will be managed by the Cowboys Community Foundation, the charity arm of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, with financial and other support from the NRL.

Cowboys Community Foundation

cowboysfoundation.org.au / enquiries@cowboysfoundation.org.au

Video - VmcnQzNjE6aUU5BT86UoCfzDzidXAIpZ



This article and video first appeared on cowboys.com.au
Manufacturing Day, an annual nationwide celebration of modern manufacturing that aims to inspire the next generation, takes place Friday.

Given that the Region is one of the most heavily industrialized places on earth, many events are planned locally, but most arent open to the general public. Private events include an ArcelorMittal presentation at Merrillville High School, a tour Carmeuse North America is giving high school students of its Buffington Operation in Gary, and an invitation-only Northwest Indiana Forum-sponsored Manufacturing Day summit at Alcoa Howmet in LaPorte.

Purdue University Northwest welcomes the public to a presentation on advanced manufacturing and job training from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at its Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center, 7150 Indianapolis Boulevard in Hammond.

The featured speaker at Purdue will be Hammond Group Inc. President and CEO Terry Murphy, a Purdue graduate and rocket scientist who helped develop the Space Shuttles main engine at Boeing Rocketdyne, developed a solar concentration power plant and founded SolarReserve, which now has more than $1.8 billion of renewable energy projects in operation across the globe. Murphy raised $140 million in capital and raised $780 million in federal loans to build one of the plants in Nevada.

Murphy has since left SolarReserve and now serves as CEO of Hammond Group, where hes enhancing the use of lead-acid batteries to store green energy, power electric vehicles, and stabilize power grids.

Other panelists include John and Adam Cook of AlliedStrand Corp., and Debbie Blades and Rick Rickerson from Purdue University Northwest, CMEC Associate Director Mont Handley said.

Each panelist will speak independently and the panel discussion will focus around issues of advanced manufacturing, skills gaps and sustainability, he said.

The free event takes place in Room 115 and will be live-streamed at http://ustre.am/1xqKN.
The United Steelworkers union is upset after a Newsweek magazine report that Donald Trump used Chinese steel and aluminum in recent construction projects, and has launched a campaign to encourage its members to vote against the Republican presidential candidate.

The report by investigative journalist Kurt Eichenwald found that Trump used Chinese-made steel for the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas that was purchased through a holding company registered in the British Virgin Islands and that he bought Chinese aluminum for the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago.

The Trump campaign did not respond to either Newsweek or the Times of Northwest Indiana requests for comment.

USW International President Leo W. Gerard said Trump was hypocritical and fundamentally dishonest on trade issues at a time when 19,000 steelworkers have gotten layoff notices because of cheap imports.

Trump desperately tries to appeal to Midwestern working class voters with promises to stand up for American workers and bring manufacturing jobs back to Ohio and Pennsylvania, Gerard said. But he sold out those very workers, their families and communities to save a few dollars on cheap building materials from Shanghai and Guang-Dong.

The USW endorsed Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton back in June, well before the time she was selected as the Democrats candidate at their national convention.

The union, which has been campaigning against Chinese imports for years, is now telling members about the foreign steel Trump bought.

How can he make America great if he refuses to make anything in America? Gerard said.

On the campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly promised to revive the steel industry, such as by imposing tariffs of up to 45 percent on anything from China, though the U.S. does already have tariffs of more than 500 percent against some Chinese steel producers in place. He has repeatedly pledged to beat China.

The USW, though not surprised by Trumps actions, is furious over his efforts to undercut key American manufacturing jobs in the construction of his buildings he so often brags about, Gerard said.
When thoughts of love songs come to mind, you might say Air Supply has quite the handle on that market.

The musical duo, consisting of Englands Graham Russell and Australias Russell Hitchcock, continues to bring their sound and collection of hits to audiences around the world. This weekend, the duo will perform at Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan.

Graham Russell said theyre looking forward to coming back to the area. Air Supply last played Northwest Indiana in 2014 when they brought their show to The Venue at Hammonds Horseshoe Casino.

Its the heartland of America, said Russell, about the Midwest. People really appreciate artists there.

He added their local fans are very loyal and at concerts people want to sing, dance and even cry while favorite songs are performed. Their concerts around the world easily sell out on a regular basis.

The majority of Air Supplys repertoire revolves around the spirit of love, whether its passionate love, lost love or unrequited love.

In my opinion, I dont know what the perfect love song is, Russell said. He added love songs are often written pretty simplistically and passionately yet touch so many individuals. But, the perfect love song, he said, is different for all people. Love songs get to everyone, Russell said.

In concert, Air Supply fans are sure to hear a majority of the groups chart toppers including Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You), Two Less Lonely People In the World, The One That You Love, Lost in Love and All Out of Love.

Russell said hes inspired to write songs by many different situations.

In my daily routine, I could be driving, walking, eating a meal, but Im always thinking about things. Im always watching people around me and taking mental notes. ... When you want to write a song, all the important information is there, he said.

Russell said he admires various artists and enjoys listening to a variety of music. He loves classical music and opera as well.

But my main inspiration (in music) is The Beatles. There are no greater songwriters than Lennon and McCartney, Russell said.

FYI: Air Supply will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday at Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino, in New Buffalo, Michigan. Tickets are $30 to $60. Visit fourwindscasino.com.
GRIFFITH  A second Region teenager was arrested Wednesday in connection with "clown threats" made via social media, police said.

A 15-year-old Griffith student was taken into custody hours after police were notified of an Instagram site with clown-related name that had been used to imply threats against numerous students and a school, Cmdr. Keith Martin said.

Police located the teen using website and forensic data, he said.

The teen was questioned and released, but police plan to submit the case to the juvenile division of the Lake County prosecutor's office.

The teen admitted to making the threats, but told police he did it as a joke and had no intention of carrying out any actions, Martin said.

Hammond police said Wednesday they arrested a 16-year-old Hammond High School student in connection with implied threats involving a clown persona on Facebook.

Police in Portage and Hobart also have said they're investigating clown threats.

Griffith police said they take threats seriously, but they urged residents not to play into the hype of the national clown sighting phenomena and avoid wasting public resources.

Town police have not responded to any actual clown sightings, but officers have spoken to a number of calls about suspicious people who admitted to looking for clowns, Martin said.

Hobart police have urged families to talk to teenagers and contact police with any information about the possible source of threats.
(Adds background on Backpage lawsuits, detail on criminal probe)

By Dan Levine

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Carl Ferrer, chief executive of advertising website Backpage.com, was arrested on Thursday on criminal charges including pimping, as authorities investigate the company which has been accused of facilitating sex trafficking of minors.

The attorneys general of Texas and California said in a statement that Ferrer had been taken into custody in Houston on a California warrant.

Backpage, the second-largest U.S. online classified ad service after Craigslist, has faced scrutiny from the U.S. Senate as well as civil lawsuits over allegations that the site facilitates sex trafficking, especially of children.

Kristin Ford, a spokeswoman for California Attorney General Kamala Harris, said Ferrer would appear in a Texas court for an extradition hearing unless he waives it.

Attorneys for Backpage.com could not immediately be reached for comment.

Harris also announced a criminal charge on Thursday against the controlling shareholders of Backpage.com, Michael Lacey and James Larkin. Ford said warrants have been issued for Lacey and Larkin but they are not in custody.

The California AG office said it had conducted a three-year investigation, including undercover operations posting escort ads.

The Senate voted 96-0 earlier this year to hold Backpage in civil contempt after it did not comply with a subpoena to hand over documents explaining how it combats sex trafficking in ads on the adult section of its website.

One civil lawsuit against Backpage was filed in 2012 in Washington State by three young teenagers who alleged they were raped multiple times after being advertised on the site. The girls, the oldest of whom was 15, sued Backpage for claims including sexual exploitation of children, alleging its posting rules were intended to instruct pimps how to post trafficking ads that evade law enforcement.

Backpage argued its rules are meant to prevent unlawful posts and invoked the federal Communications Decency Act, asserting they are not responsible for the ads because they were third-party content. Some free speech advocates filed briefs in support of its position.

Story continues

The Washington state Supreme Court disagreed, ruling last year that the lawsuit could go forward.

Earlier this year, however, a similar trafficking case involving children against Backpage in Massachusetts was dismissed by a federal appeals court, which said the free speech principles embodied in the Communications Decency Act were paramount.

(Reporting by Dan Levine; Editing by Bernard Orr)
GARY  Identification of the man found dead in the Little Calumet River on Monday is pending toxicology and DNA test results, according to the Lake County coroners office.

Toxicology typically takes six to eight weeks, said Scott Sefton, chief deputy for the coroners office.

Two fishermen came upon the mans body in the river along the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Drive and contacted the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Gary Police Department about noon Monday, police said. The Gary Fire Department assisted in recovering the body.

The cause and manner of death remain pending. Anyone with information about the mans identity is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Edward Jenkins, of the Gary/Lake County Metro Homicide Unit, at (219) 755-3851. To remain anonymous, call (866) CRIME-GP.
CROWN POINT  Speaking for the family before her brother received an 8-year prison sentence Thursday, Felicia Heard told Lake Criminal Court Judge Salvador Vasquez that Ice Cole Heard loves kids and financially supports his children who now include an unborn child.

His fiancee just found out shes pregnant, Felicia Heard said, as her brother, Vasquez and nearly a dozen members of the Heard family looked on in the courtroom. Weve been working together at McDonalds. He got me the job.

On Sept. 3, a jury found the 26-year-old Sauk Village, Illinois, resident guilty of the felony level 3 crime of aggravated battery for shooting a man in Hammond on July 8, 2013.

Defense attorney John Cantrell cited the children in his argument for a more lenient sentence than the 12 years in the Indiana Department of Correction requested by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Rooda.

We dont agree with the verdict, Cantrell said. We would request that the court consider that he has children who will suffer.

Rooda outlined Ice Heards significant criminal history, including two felony convictions and two misdemeanor convictions in Illinois while he was out on bond in this case.

Ice Heard and family members cried as he made a statement before sentencing, apologizing for the crime and to his family.

This case has been going on for a long time, Vasquez said, adding that Ice Heards additional convictions in Illinois while out on bond contributed to his prison sentence.

Your convictions are what do you in, the judge told Ice Heard before sentencing him to an 8-year prison term.

Vasquez nixed Cantrells motion to recommend the Lake County Community Corrections program, but did grant the defenses motion to have Ice Heard participate in the DOCs therapeutic communities drug treatment program.
Police in Valparaiso and LaPorte used antidotes this week to save the lives of two men who overdosed on heroin in public places.

The incidents are part of a spike in heroin overdoses in the Region. Just in the last three weeks, there have been 20 known heroin overdoses, including two deaths, just in the last three weeks in the LaPorte area alone.

In the Valparaiso incident, Jesse Hampton, 30, of LaCrosse, overdosed on heroin Tuesday and passed out at a gas station with his 1-year-old daughter in his pickup truck, according to police.

Hampton was arrested and charged with neglect of a dependent, maintaining a common nuisance, public intoxication and possession of a narcotic drug.

Mondays LaPorte incident was on busy Pine Lake Avenue across from Best Western Hotel and Conference Center, where motorists drove around the victim, except for one driver who called 911.

A few other bystanders then used their vehicles to help police block the four-lane state highway in both directions so the man in the southbound lanes could be safely removed.

''Unfortunately, cars weren't stopping. They were just driving by,'' said LaPorte County Police Capt. Mike Kellems, who was among the emergency responders.

Kyle Conlee, 32, of Valparaiso, came to after he was given Narcan, and was later released from the hospital, police said.

Conlee was not arrested because he was not in possession of any drugs or paraphernalia, LaPorte Metro Operations Coordinator Harlan Williams said.

Valparaiso police were called about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday to Murphy USA gas station, 2410 Morthland Drive, by a customer who found Hampton unresponsive in the driver's seat of his pickup truck at the gas pumps.

Police were unable to wake Hampton, so medics were called to check on him.

Officers removed the girl from the vehicle and then administered a dose of naloxone, which reverses the effects of opioids, like heroin, according to police. The single dose of naloxone had little effect, police said, so Hampton was placed in an ambulance and received a second dose from paramedics, which revived him, police said.

Hampton was taken to Porter Regional Hospital where he told police he had not taken heroin since April, but relapsed Tuesday. He was taken to Porter County Jail once he was medically cleared.

His daughter was released at the gas station to her mother.

Police are concerned about the high number of recent overdoses.

''It's the highest I can recall in some time,'' said Capt. Williams, who noted there have probably been more because only the ones involving ambulance calls and trips to the hospital are known.

The sharp rise began when heroin laced with the powerful pain killer, fentanyl, began turning up in the local streets. There's evidence to believe the mixture was a factor in some, if not, most of the more recent cases, he said.

Just two days apart in late September, heroin overdoses took the lives of Eric Fletcher, 39, and Christopher Hullinger, 27, in LaPorte.

Investigators here have been aggressive in catching heroin dealers and landing convictions the past several years.

Information stemming from the recent overdoses is being used to try to locate the most recent suppliers, whose origins are often in Lake County and the Chicago area, police said.

''It's indicative to the problem we're facing here, and it's indicative of newer trends in narcotics involving the mixture of fentanyl into heroin, which only raises the stakes for the users,'' said Williams.
LAKE STATION The body of a 26-year-old Lake Station woman was found in her home Wednesday afternoon and the Lake County coroners office has ruled the death a homicide.

According to a posting by Lake Station Police, Aimee Giros father called police asking for a welfare check on his daughter whom he had not seen in a week.

When officers arrived just before 1 p.m. at the home at 2701 New Hampshire St., they smelled the odor of a decomposing body. After obtaining a search warrant, they entered the home and found the woman dead.

According to a coroners news release Giro died of a gunshot wound.

Police believe this is an isolated incident.

Check back at nwi.com for additional details.
HAMMOND  The death of a Chicago man found in the Indiana Harbor Ship Canal in June has been ruled an accident, according to the Lake County coroners office.

Donald Mosley, 61, died from acute alcohol intoxication complicated by drowning, said Scott Sefton, chief deputy for the coroners office.

Mosleys body was found June 14 in the ship canal near the 3900 block of White Oak Avenue in Hammond.

Mosley went missing June 9 and was reported missing by a family member June 12, Chicago police spokesman Officer Jose Estrada said.

His 2001 Dodge pickup truck was found June 11 on the East Chicago side of the canal  submerged in water about 300 feet east of where his body was located, police said.

How Mosley and his truck ended up in the water remained unclear. East Chicago and Hammond police said they closed their cases after the death was ruled accidental.

Mosley, of Chicagos Roseland neighborhood, was known to frequent casinos in Northwest Indiana, according to a flier released by Chicago police after his disappearance.
LAPORTE  LaPorte County has joined Lake and Porter and practically every other government agency to the west in coming out against the proposed rail line from Wisconsin to Northwest Indiana by Great Lakes Basin Transportation Inc.

Since the project was outlined in the spring, the LaPorte County Board of Commissioners  despite public pressure  had kept an open mind, citing major potential for new business at Kingsbury Industrial Park and job creation.

Their stance changed, though, when the GLBT on Sept. 20 submitted to the Surface Transportation Board an alternate route that uses more greenspace and less existing railroad right of way than what the commissioners would prefer.

Raising further concerns is the alternate route being designated as the GLBTs preferred route. Also, no Class 1 railroad has yet to sign on to the plan.

The commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to oppose the railroad plan and send a copy of a resolution outlining its position to the federal Surface Transportation Board, which will ultimately decide the proposed lines fate.

Commission president Dave Decker said any public entity should give discretion to a project of such magnitude until theres sufficient information to take an official stance.

We do have a due diligence to take in everybodys opinion and find out everything about whats coming into our county. We had been hoping that these greenfield sites would not be included in this and they would be using existing rail bed as much as possible, said Decker.

In a Sept. 20 letter to the STB, GLBT officials said the use of existing railroad rights of way was considered but dismissed as inconsistent with the projects purpose and need.

The letter explained that existing rail corridors, in general, were laid out more than 100 years ago to accommodate much shorter and lighter freight trains and dont meet GLBTs engineering and environmental requirements for the line it wants to build from southeast Wisconsin to Kingsbury to get around the rail congestion in Chicago.

And, because of the outdated design, the rail line would not be able to achieve the desired 70 mph maximum speed on most of the proposed mainline route and rail load and bridge load ratings for 315,000 pounds, above the current 286,000 pound loadings standard, GLBT officials stated in the letter.

The existing corridors also run through existing cities and towns, something GLBT wants to avoid to minimize community impact.

In the letter, GLBT also pointed out that since its not affiliated with any rail carrier, it has no right to use any railroads existing track and GLBT needs its own line to control management, dispatching and maintenance to offer the expedited connecting service it wants to provide.

LaPorte County attorney Shaw Friedman said the alternate route does use less greenfield space than the route originally proposed during a public hearing in April but still consumes more than whats desired by the commissioners

We made it clear at that time that anything that is disruptive and intrusive to our county residents, especially in the south county, we would be opposed to it, said Commissioner Vidya Kora.

From the beginning, Commissioner Mike Bohacek was extremely skeptical about the long-term job-creating potential of the project, but with the line still not drawing support from any Class 1 Railroad, his concerns heightened even further.

Given that case, I am going to reiterate what I said before that Im against the project, he said.
Army Air Corps Lt. Col. Horace Meek Hickam, of Spencer, Indiana, played a central role in establishing the U.S. Air Force as a separate branch of the Armed Forces, but his name didnt come to world attention until Dec. 7, 1941.

Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, named posthumously after Col. Hickam, adjoined Pearl Harbor and served as Americas primary air base in the South Pacific. A central part of the Japanese strategy on Dec. 7 was to bomb and strafe Hickam so harshly that planes there could not get off the ground to defend Pearl Harbor.

The Japanese strategy succeeded that day, but the U.S. flag remained aloft at Hickam at all times. In the end, Hickam served as the hub for Americas Pacific aerial network forces, which destroyed Japanese air power.

Hickam was born in Spencer in 1885. His father, Willis Hickam, was a distinguished attorney, but Horace chose a military career. He graduated from West Point in 1908 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 11th Calvary. When the United States entered World War I, he was promoted to major assigned to the aviation section of the U.S. Signal Corps where he received pilot training.

Following the war, he was appointed chief of the Information Division Offices of the Director of Air Services. In 1932, Hickam was promoted to lieutenant colonel and given command of the 3rd Attack Group, based at Fort Crockett, Galveston, Texas. He testified in Washington and spoke eloquently in favor of establishing the Air Force as a separate branch of the Armed Services.

Hickam continued to fly extensively and performed the first U.S. military night landings. He made frequent flights to Spencer to visit his family, landing in rural fields to the delight of local citizens.

Hickam was tragically killed in a night landing at Fort Crockett, Texas, on Nov. 5, 1934. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Hickam Air Force Base (now Hickam Field) was named in his honor on May 21, 1935, and was activated in 1938.

Jessie Higa, historian of U.S. military and Hawaiian history in Honolulu, believes the Air Force would not have been established as a separate branch of the military were it not for the advocacy and heroics of Hickam  and that Hickam would likely have been the first Air Force chief of staff but for his untimely death.

She notes his younger brothers went on to lead lives of distinction: Willis Hickam Jr. as an attorney in Spencer, and Hubert Hickam as one of the founding partners of the Indianapolis-based law firm, Barnes & Thornburg.

As an active U.S. military installation, Hickam Field is not open to the public. The movie shown at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor reports extensively on the role of Hickam Air Force Base on Dec. 7, and throughout the war.

The museum at the Owen County Heritage and Cultural Center houses a display in honor of Hickam.

The Hickam family was very prominent in Spencer, notes museum curator Vic Kinney. Horace grew up on Main Street.

The display features photos of Hickams life in Spencer and highlights honors and promotions from his military career. The center is open to the public in the morning Tuesdays through Fridays.
Before Wednesday night's Mets-Giants NL Wild Card game, the 11-year-old son of fallen firefighter Michael Fahy threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

The deputy chief's namesake was joined on the field by his mother Fiona, sister Anna and brother Cormac.

Former Mets reliever and Brooklyn native John Franco caught the pitch.

Deputy Chief Fahy was killed in an explosion at a suspected Bronx marijuana grow house on September 27.
Season 1, Episode 3: The Confession

When you get promoted, everything moves faster. You deal with new responsibilities and unfamiliar systems. Youre forced to make harder decisions on a shorter timetable.

So why has Tom Kirkmans decision-making slowed to a crawl?

Watching Kirkman plod through his day in Episode 3 of Designated Survivor makes for a tough viewing experience. The episode might be more tolerable if binged with the rest of the show later: It methodically writes a lot of checks that one hopes will be cashed later. Not every episode of a show can move quickly, but at the moment, the tempo of this show is working at counterpurposes to its premise.

It started with a great ball of fire and a common man faced with taking over the hardest job in the world. Now, were mostly watching Kirkman sit on his hands in a gilded room.

Up until this point, Designated Survivor has essentially been two different shows, one about Tom Kirkman, and the other about FBI agent Hannah Wells. The Kirkman narrative starts off promisingly here, as the White House lights flicker out in the middle of a meeting  because of a hack, we learn. The momentary blackout is spooky, but it feels like a cheap dramatic device: A serious hacker like Elliot Alderson, from Mr. Robot, would probably chuckle at the idea of wasting his time on making the lights flicker. (There is precedent, however, for such a scenario.)
Season 3, Episode 3: What Remains Is Bestial

Shes the character formerly known as Boo-Boo Kitty and currently (reluctantly) referred to as Mrs. Lucious Lyon, but whatever you call her, Anika uttered two of the best lines of the night in this weeks Empire. Feuding with Lucious over what is effectively her house arrest in his mansion, Anika warns the Lyon king not to mess with her anymore. When you push me, she says, I push back harder.

Thats certainly true: Just ask Rhonda, who got pushed down a flight of stairs and tossed over a balcony railing when she landed in Anikas sights.

Anikas second major verbal salvo comes in the same conversation, during which she threatens to tell the F.B.I. everything she knows about Luciouss dirty deeds if he continues to boss her around. I do what I want, when I want, she says, or we both go down in flames. They havent seemed particularly hindered from doing what  or who  they want so far: At earlier points in the episode, including in the opening scene, each walks in on the other surreptitiously receiving oral gratification from the help. This is the series at its soapy, sleazy, scandalous best.

Scheming is just one aspect of the shows three-pronged assault, alongside pop and politics; these, too, are handled well this week. On the music end, Hakeem, whos taken a back seat to his brothers so far this season because of the life-or-death trauma theyve undergone, begins a feud with his ex-girlfriend Tiana when she begins dating a rival MC who takes a few shots at him.
Can people make healthier food choices without spending more money?

In a review of federal food subsidy programs, researchers found that nudging shoppers toward more healthful foods pushed cheap junk food out of the family shopping basket without adding to the governments costs.

The data come from a study of purchases by users of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as WIC, before and after changes were imposed to encourage healthy eating.

In 2009, the Department of Agriculture, which administers the WIC program, added vouchers aimed at increasing consumption of fruit, vegetables and whole grains while reducing saturated fat, cholesterol and sugar. To avoid raising overall costs, the program limited other items. The program restricted the amount of reduced-fat milk, cheese and juice recipients could buy, and eliminated whole milk from the program. If WIC users wanted to purchase foods not on the list, they had to use their own money, rather than the WIC vouchers or cards.

While many nutritionists today would not agree with all the changes, particularly the focus on lowering fat, the net effect was an overall improvement in the quality of foods and beverages the shopper purchased.
Its a global view of Asia, said Wang Shih-Sheng, the museums chief curator. Most of our artifacts come from our collection in Taipei, but when planning the project, we decided to look at things from an Asian perspective.

The Taipei museum opened in 1965 and was used by Taiwans Nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek as a source of local legitimacy vis-a-vis Maos Communists, the victors of the Chinese civil war. The museum was also employed as a tool for imposing a Chinese identity upon Taiwan residents.

Along with the Nationalists came more than 600,000 artifacts from the Palace Museum in Beijing, which was founded in 1925, the year after Chinas last emperor, Puyi, who had not held the title of emperor since a short-lived restoration to the throne in 1917, was evicted from the Forbidden City. Before his expulsion, it became apparent that he and his court were selling off national treasures to survive.

Most of the items that survived the difficult voyage to Taiwan were produced by Chinese kingdoms and dynasties or nearby kingdoms, such as Tibet, who paid tribute to and traded with their Chinese neighbors.

Other items, however, came from further afield. Of little political use to the Nationalists, they took on a new significance after the election of Chen Shui- bian to the presidency of the Republic of China, as Taiwan has been called since 1945.
As the British capital gears up for the 14th edition of Frieze London, the artists, gallerists, dealers and collectors gathering for the event are trying to anticipate the mood of the art market at a time of pronounced political uncertainty, at home and abroad.

In some ways, Frieze London, which opens on Oct. 6, is conducting art-business as usual: presenting a lively annual showcase of new and emerging artists alongside a full array of auxiliary events and socializing.

But this years fair is also expected to be an indicator of how political and social tumult in the world at large  post-Brexit vote, pre-American election, with fluctuating financial markets and fears of terrorism  will be reflected in the art people make, and in the works that are bought.

One of the reasons fairs work is that its a way to walk around and see and feel the mood of the world, Victoria Siddall, the director of Frieze, said by telephone. But until the crates open at the fair and the art comes out, its very hard to tell what its going to be, how its going to look and what the mood of the fair will be.
ROTTERDAM  In 1722, a Florentine nobleman and diplomat named Francesco Maria Niccolo Gabburri was nearing the end of Giorgio Vasaris biography of Fra Bartolommeo when he came upon an astounding fact: Most of the drawings made by the artist, one of the masters of the High Renaissance, had been all but abandoned 175 years earlier at the convent of Santa Caterina da Siena in Florence.

Realizing that the convent was only a few streets away from his home, Gabburri, an art collector who worked as steward of the art collection of Grand Duke Cosimo III deMedici, decided to pop in and see if the works were still in the convents possession. They were, and the nuns had no idea that the drawings held any value; they had been using the paper to wrap coins.

Gabburri bought the entire trove of more than 500 drawings and had them mounted in two leather-bound albums with gold tooling and gilt edges, which would contain them for the next 300 years.
 Hurricane nears U.S.

After pummeling Haiti this week, the storm is expected to remain at Category 3 or higher when it hits southern Florida late Thursday, and Georgia by late Friday. The governors of those states have already declared emergencies, as have South Carolina and North Carolina.

Check back for the latest developments on the storms path here.

 These people were in panic.

Those were the words of Aris Messinis, a photographer aboard a rescue boat in the Mediterranean this week who witnessed the dramatic rescue of hundreds of migrants. His powerful photographs capture the daily struggle migrants face trying to reach Europe.

 Nobel Prizes.

The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday morning. We dont know wholl receive it this year, but heres a quiz to test your knowledge of past recipients.

Business

 Yahoo aided a U.S. email surveillance program, according to several sources. They say the company used a system built to scan emails for spam, child pornography and malware to search for a terrorist organizations signature in an effort to satisfy a secret court order.

 Workers at call centers near Mumbai were directed to pose as Internal Revenue Service employees and demand money from American taxpayers, according to Indian authorities.
1. Hurricane Matthew is barreling toward the U.S., after killing nearly 300 people on its rampage through Haiti, above.



The storm is expected to make landfall in Florida early Friday. (Follow our live coverage.)

You need to leave. Evacuate, evacuate, evacuate, Gov. Rick Scott told the 1.5 million residents in evacuation zones. This storm will kill you. Time is running out.
HOUSTON  Global oil markets are flooded with cheap crude, and concerns about climate change are growing louder. The last thing the world seems to be craving is the discovery of new large oil and natural gas fields.

But such fields have been found in the last month. And two of them are in the United States  one in Texas and the other off Alaska.

The new finds, while still preliminary and in need of more testing, could further cement two realities of the energy business: oil prices could stay low for a long time, and oil companies will keep seeking to increase their reserves for future production.

The discoveries have been hailed by the oil industry, even though companies have largely cut back on exploration over the last two years in an effort to reduce costs as oil prices fell from over $100 a barrel to roughly $50 a barrel. Along with that enthusiasm is the view that prices will recover by the end of the decade.
Theranos, the embattled blood-testing company, announced on Wednesday that it would close its laboratory operations, shutter its wellness centers and lay off about 340 employees, around 40 percent of its work force.

In a letter posted to the companys website, Elizabeth Holmes, the companys founder and chief executive, said the company would now focus on an initiative to create miniature medical testing machines.

In making the announcement, Ms. Holmes, who founded Theranos as Silicon Valleys answer to conventional blood testing, completed the pivot she first proposed this past August. Addressing the annual meeting of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, Ms. Holmes chose not to defend the company against widespread skepticism over its testing methods, which had promised to use a finger prick of blood at a fraction of the costs of traditional tests. She instead said that the company would develop miniature laboratories, or miniLabs, small devices that could be placed on a table in a doctors office and be used to perform numerous medical tests.

On Wednesday, Ms. Holmes said Theranos would return our undivided attention to our miniLab platform, which she described as the production of miniaturized, automated laboratories capable of small-volume sample testing.
Age 37

Hometown Poznan, Poland

Now Lives A one-bedroom walk-up apartment in NoLIta, which she also uses as her studio. Have you seen Raging Bull? You know, when his wife is making him dinner in their place in NoLIta? Im like, Did they film this at my house?

Claim to Fame A rising star in fashion photography, Ms. Gorna is known for her elegant, if risque, portraits of womens rear ends, often clad in tight jeans. While her fashion work is prominent (it has appeared in the pages of Vogue, T: The New York Times Style Magazine and Rolling Stone, as well as for Calvin Klein, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nike), it is her derriere-centric photographs that have built her reputation. I have a very intimate portrayal of women, but in a way that doesnt feel exploitative, she said.

Big Break Ms. Gorna credits her first shoot with Vogue, in its September 2011 issue, as a jumping off point. She composed a portrait of Tine Peduzzi and Luisa Orsini, proprietors of the bag line TL-180, by the West Side Highway. Larger projects, both fashion and commercial, soon followed.

Latest Project It was a busy summer, Ms. Gorna said. I worked with Levis and Nike. Her only break was a short trip to Amagansett, N.Y. I took a vacation on the beach. It was magical. I didnt see anyone. I just stayed by the beach and hung out with two girlfriends, and went on long runs. My Instagram says it all.
 Why do these topics interest you? How have your experiences shaped your opinions? What questions or concerns do the issues raise for you?

 Over all, as a society, do you think we talk about issues of race, gender, identity and diversity enough? Or, do you think we talk about them too much, and that these kinds of identity politics breed suspicion, cynicism and distrust?

Mrs. Clinton has cast herself as a champion of diversity and inclusion, The Times writes. She spoke out quickly after the fatal police shooting of a black man in Tulsa, Okla., to denounce systemic racism against blacks. And after the bombings in New York and New Jersey, she rushed to make the case that Mr. Trump had endangered the country with his oratorical attacks on Muslims. She also gave a speech criticizing Mr. Trump for having shown disrespect to people with disabilities. Her commercial about Mr. Trump and women ends with a powerful question: Is this the president we want for our daughters? And at the first debate, in response to a question about race and policing, she said, I think implicit bias is a problem for everyone, not just police. I think, unfortunately, too many of us in our great country jump to conclusions about each other.

Do you believe, like Mrs. Clinton, that there is systemic racism and sexism that foster inequality? Do you believe that implicit bias is a problem for us all? If so, where and how do you see these issues in our world? What can we do about them?

 In contrast to Mrs. Clinton, as this July article sums up, Defying modern conventions of political civility and language, Mr. Trump has breached the boundaries that have long constrained Americans public discussion of race. Mr. Trump has attacked Mexicans as criminals. He has called for a ban on Muslim immigrants. He has wondered aloud why the United States is not letting people in from Europe.  The article goes on to note that In a country where the wealthiest and most influential citizens are still mostly white, Mr. Trump is voicing the bewilderment and anger of whites who do not feel at all powerful or privileged.

Do you agree with Mr. Trump that we are too politically correct and should all be freer to say what we feel? Or, do you think Mr. Trump has opened the door to assertions of white identity and resentment that are mainstreaming hate in dangerous ways?

 Do you agree that, as many have speculated, our nations demographics help explain why Mr. Trump appeals to many white, working-class male voters? That is, as an article from May on the anxiety of American white males put its, Mrs. Clinton wins majorities of groups that have seen their freedoms and share of the nations resources grow in recent decades  women, African-Americans, Hispanics. Mr. Trump wins majorities of groups that have experienced a relative decline  whites and men. The article posits that there is a feeling among many white men of being shoved aside: A sense that society is growing more feminine, increasing numbers of people speak a different language, immigrants are pouring in unchecked, and the government is more concerned about other demographic groups. Do you think this is true?

 Our national debate over race and policing has come up over and over this election season, and this summer the Black Lives Matter movement began spurring fierce opposition under banners like All Lives Matter, White Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter. In response to a question about the issue during the vice-presidential debate, Gov. Mike Pence, the Republican running mate, said I just think what we ought to do is we ought to stop seizing on these moments of tragedy... Enough of this seeking every opportunity to demean law enforcement broadly by making the accusation of implicit bias every time tragedy occurs. Do you think that is what the Obama administration and others on the left are doing? The Republican Party platform on the issue states:

The men and women of law enforcement  whether patrolling our neighborhoods or our borders, fighting organized crime or guarding against domestic terror  deserve our gratitude and support. Their jobs are never easy, especially in crisis situations, and should not be made more difficult by politicized second-guessing from federal officials. The current Administrations lack of respect for them, from White House intervention in local arrests to the Attorney Generals present campaign of harassment against police forces around the country, has been unprecedented. With all Americans, we mourn those whom we have lost to violence and hatred. To honor their sacrifice, we recommit ourselves, as individuals and as a party, to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice.

 In contrast, the Democratic Partys platform states, We will push for a societal transformation to make it clear that black lives matter and that there is no place for racism in our country. It also says:

We will rebuild the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Across the country, there are police officers inspiring trust and confidence, honorably doing their duty, deploying creative and effective strategies, and demonstrating that it is possible to prevent crime without relying on unnecessary force. They deserve our respect and support, and we should learn from those examples and build on what works. We will work with police chiefs to invest in training for officers on issues such as de-escalation and the creation of national guidelines for the appropriate use of force. We will encourage better police-community relations, require the use of body cameras, and stop the use of weapons of war that have no place in our communities. We will end racial profiling that targets individuals solely on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin, which is un-American and counterproductive. We should report national data on policing strategies and provide greater transparency and accountability. We will require the Department of Justice to investigate all questionable or suspicious police-involved shootings, and we will support states and localities who help make those investigations and prosecutions more transparent, including through reforming the grand jury process.

 Where do you stand on the role of police in our society? On racial profiling? The Black Lives Matter movement?

 On gender and sexuality issues, the two parties also frame the issues differently. The Democratic platform states:

We are committed to ensuring full equality for women. Democrats will fight to end gender discrimination in the areas of education, employment, health care, or any other sphere. We will combat biases across economic, political, and social life that hold women back and limit their opportunities and also tackle specific challenges facing women of color.

It continues:

Guaranteeing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Democrats applaud last years decision by the Supreme Court that recognized that L.G.B.T. people  like other Americans  have the right to marry the person they love. But there is still much work to be done. L.G.B.T. kids continue to be bullied at school, restaurants can refuse to serve transgender people, and same-sex couples are at risk of being evicted from their homes. That is unacceptable and must change. Democrats will fight for the continued development of sex discrimination law to cover L.G.B.T. people. We will also fight for comprehensive federal nondiscrimination protections for all L.G.B.T. Americans, to guarantee equal rights in areas such as housing, employment, public accommodations, credit, jury service, education, and federal funding. We will oppose all state efforts to discriminate against L.G.B.T. individuals, including legislation that restricts the right to access public spaces.

 The Republican party, by contrast, states that Our laws and our governments regulations should recognize marriage as the union of one man and one woman and actively promote married family life as the basis of a stable and prosperous society. It continues:

We emphatically support the original, authentic meaning of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. It affirmed that no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. That language opened up for girls and women a world of opportunities that had too often been denied to them. That same provision of law is now being used by bureaucrats  and by the current President of the United States  to impose a social and cultural revolution upon the American people by wrongly redefining sex discrimination to include sexual orientation or other categories. Their agenda has nothing to do with individual rights; it has everything to do with power. They are determined to reshape our schools  and our entire society  to fit the mold of an ideology alien to Americas history and traditions. Their edict to the states concerning restrooms, locker rooms, and other facilities is at once illegal, dangerous, and ignores privacy issues. We salute the several states which have filed suit against it.



 What do you think? Where do you stand on the role of women in the world and the family? On same-sex marriage and other gay rights issues? On transgender bathrooms?

 What more would you like to say? What issues did we miss? Start a conversation, or join one, by posting a comment.
Terrence Malicks latest film takes a trip back through history. Way, way back.

The director, known for The Tree of Life and Badlands, traces the formation of the universe in his first movie for Imax screens, Voyage of Time: The Imax Experience (narrated by Brad Pitt and opening Friday, Oct. 7). The project is also the first documentary in his 40-plus year career and some of the footage dates back to the 1970s.

To picture early-life forms and black holes, the filmmakers used a combination of unorthodox techniques and traditional photography. Here the visual effects supervisor Dan Glass explains how these images came to be.
Tim Burtons fantasy adventure Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children includes a number of eye-popping sequences. But the toughest one for the director to shoot takes place under the sea.

This scene, in which the character Emma (Ella Purnell) guides Jake (Asa Butterfield) to her secret hiding place, involved a complicated underwater shoot.

During an interview in New York, Mr. Burton talked about working with actors who werent expert swimmers and building a set inside a water tank. Below are excerpts from the conversation.

Q. What were some of the challenges that came with shooting this scene?

A. It would be very difficult for me to shoot a whole movie underwater. Filming is a slow process anyway. But you get into water and you slow the process down tenfold. I dont think Ella or Asa had really done this kind of thing. So they had to go through some training to just learn how to dive. They had to acclimate to the pressure and, while there are underwater mikes, its hard to hear or see. The fact that they could even keep their eyes open during this was incredible.
But the jury will have to decide only whether Ms. Kelly and Mr. Baroni agreed to join the conspiracy  not whether anyone else, say, the governor, should have been charged in the scheme.

On that, it is hard to ignore the documentary corroboration of Mr. Wildsteins account: the famous email from Ms. Kelly calling for some traffic problems in Fort Lee, which was gridlocked for four days by the lane closings, and the texts and emails between Mr. Baroni and Mr. Wildstein agreeing to treat the mayor with radio silence.

Prosecutors agree Mr. Christie, a Republican, knew about the plot, laughed about it and did nothing to end the closings, and that plenty of others close to him knew about the closings or the attempt to cover up the reason for them. But unlike Ms. Kelly and Mr. Baroni, those others show up rarely or not at all in phone records, emails and texts with Mr. Wildstein during the week of the closings in September 2013.

In his last questions for Mr. Wildstein, Lee Cortes, a prosecutor, directed the jurys attention back to the spare details of the plot. Who, he asked, did you email and call the weekend before to discuss the closings?

Ms. Kelly and Mr. Baroni, Mr. Wildstein replied.

Mr. Cortes listed the names of others who had come off as crass or even vaguely complicit in the scheme during Mr. Wildsteins testimony: Mr. Christies campaign manager, his press secretary, his chief political adviser and even the governor himself.

Did you email or call them? Mr. Cortes asked.

No sir.

What about after you saw the catastrophic traffic jam that first morning: Who did you call to boast to? Who forwarded you an email with the mayors complaints? Who did you pass that along to?
He was referring to kids who were not from the community and kids that were black or Hispanic, she said.

P.S. 24 enrolls children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The schools population is 42 percent white, 41 percent Hispanic, 8 percent Asian and 7 percent black. Twenty-seven percent of students receive free or reduced-price lunch. On the most recent round of state tests, 57 percent of third through fifth graders were proficient in reading, while 62 percent were proficient in math, compared with 38 percent and 36 percent citywide.

The elementary schools in nearby Kingsbridge are all largely Hispanic, and the vast percentage of their students receive free or reduced-price lunch. One, P.S. 207, which serves prekindergarten through second grade, is on the states list of persistently dangerous schools. While one of the schools, the Milton Fein School, also does well on annual state tests, the other school with children of test-taking age lags.

P.S. 24s enrollment has increased dramatically in the past decade, rising to 1,030 students this year from 715 students in 2006-7. The department said the building was now at 122 percent capacity.

Dr. Connelly said that the increase, which began before she arrived, was caused by population growth, not a rise in the number of non-zoned students being enrolled.

According to the Education Department, the percentage of non-zoned children enrolled in kindergarten at P.S. 24 fell to about 10 percent in 2015-16 from 13 percent in 2010-11 (not counting the gifted and talented program), while the number of zoned students in kindergarten has grown by 36 percent.

Dr. Connelly said that some non-zoned students were assigned to P.S. 24 by the department. In other cases a parent might come into the school around November, hoping to transfer a child from a low-performing school. If there were seats available in the students grade, Dr. Connelly said, she would sometimes let the student in.
In the wake of the fatal train crash in Hoboken last week, New Jersey Transit ordered on Wednesday that a second crew member must stand watch as the engineer pulls a train into that busy terminal.

The railroad issued an immediate mandate that the conductor must move to the driving cab of the train to serve as a second set of eyes and ears during the last segment of trips into Hoboken and Atlantic City.

On the train that crashed at Hoboken Terminal last Thursday morning, killing one person and injuring more than 100 others, the engineer was alone in the driving cab and the conductor was in his normal position farther back among the passengers.

That train was speeding toward the terminal before it plowed through the bumper at the end of the line and jumped onto the platform, witnesses and elected officials said. As the front car of the train rose up, it brought the roof over the platform crashing down, causing the instant death of a woman who was passing by.
The array of city officials seated with Mayor Bill de Blasio in the Blue Room of City Hall on Wednesday reflected the pinball nature of a boys short life of abuse, observed by police officers, school staff members and investigators at the Administration for Childrens Services.

The officials presence provided a sketch of potential missed opportunities to save the boy, Zymere Perkins, 6, that culminated in his death last month.

But their statements  imbued with emotion, as parents themselves in some cases, and vows of reform in response to a tragedy  did little to complete the picture of how the system had failed him.

Mr. de Blasio, who spoke of his outrage, not only as the mayor charged with protecting the safety of New York Citys children but also as a father, promised serious consequences for anyone found responsible. That may include city workers: The Manhattan district attorneys office issued subpoenas last week to the childrens services agency for records, city officials said, and prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of criminal charges for those who worked on the case.
The State Department quietly notified Congress last month that it had decided, after considerable deliberation, to certify that Mexico had made enough progress in upholding human rights to justify receiving its full security aid package of about $155 million.

That reversed last years decision to withhold a small portion of that assistance that Congress had made contingent on demonstrable progress on protecting human rights. The departments justification, which has only recently come to light, is far from persuasive.

While Mexico has announced a series of initiatives to curb the use of torture, and it promised to more dutifully investigate forced disappearances, its commitments cannot be trusted, not least because of the stunning mishandling of the investigation into the suspected massacre of 43 university students two years ago.

Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, who sought the aid conditions, said Mexico had not made sufficient progress in ending torture, disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Instead, we have seen a pattern of failing to investigate, destroying evidence, threatening witnesses and covering up for corrupt and abusive soldiers and police, he told The Times. It is not only the cases on the front pages of the newspapers; it is thousands of nameless Mexicans who are victims of the officials whose job is to protect them.
Wars in the Middle East and elsewhere have eroded confidence in the United Nations ability to be a force for peace, its core mission. Mr. Guterres has spoken of intensifying diplomatic efforts to reach peace agreements in Syria, Libya and Yemen. He will need to do that while also seeking to mitigate the dangerous rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, overseeing implementation of the Iran nuclear deal, enforcing nuclear sanctions against North Korea and feeding millions of people at risk of starvation.

The demand for peacekeepers in conflict zones is greater than ever, requiring the United Nations to persuade more countries to contribute troops. Its inadequate efforts to stop sexual assaults and other abuses by these troops is a shameful record that Mr. Guterres will have to work hard to correct. He will also have to insist that United Nations officials stay focused on reforming the agencies that failed to respond adequately to the Ebola crisis in 2014 and ensuring a better means of accountability for harm done, like the cholera epidemic caused by United Nations peacekeepers in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

Though Mr. Guterres had been the front-runner for the job for many months, there were more than a dozen other candidates, including qualified female candidates, especially Kristalina Georgieva of Bulgaria, a European Commission vice president and former World Bank official. In the end, the 15-member Security Council coalesced around Mr. Guterres. An official Council vote ratifying the choice is expected Thursday, with a vote of the General Assembly after that. Mr. Guterres has said he will appoint women to leadership positions, a pledge he must keep.

Mr. Guterres, a forceful personality and an effective political communicator, may become, as Matthew Rycroft, the British ambassador to the United Nations, said, the kind of secretary general who will provide a convening power and a moral authority at a time when the world is divided on issues, above all like Syria. If Security Council members permit Mr. Guterres to do that, he may yet restore the mission and reputation of an international institution that is still trying to find its role in a perilous and complicated world.
Gordon Hanson, an economics professor at the University of California, San Diego, emailed me his analysis of Trumps economic scheme:

Trumps strategy is essentially one of withdrawal from the world economy. He wants less trade and less outward foreign investment. He offers no plans for how to improve our export performance. This is protectionism, pure and simple.

Erik Brynjolfsson, an economist at M.I.T.s Sloan School of Management, was more forceful:

No nation can succeed by trying to protect the past from the future. We will succeed by having the confidence to embrace competition, and leveraging our comparative strengths, which are numerous. We have the largest, most productive and most technologically advanced economy thats ever existed on this planet. The more open the world economy is, the more we have an opportunity to leverage our many strengths.

Looked at this way, Trumps stance is an implicit admission that he and his followers do not believe in America  an argument that the United States cannot compete successfully in the world arena unless protected by the imposition of high tariffs and punitive taxes on foreign production and foreign competitors.

Robert Reich, an economist at Berkeley, former secretary of labor under Bill Clinton and a leading supporter of Bernie Sanders during the primaries, agrees.

Trumps trade proposals, Reich argues,

assume the U.S. cant compete and must erect trade barriers lest other countries flood America with better and cheaper products. Thats the opposite of believing in America.

On Jan. 7, Trump told The New York Times that he would impose a 45 percent tax on goods imported from China. I would tax China on products coming in, he told the papers editorial board. The tax should be 45 percent.

When Ford proposed building new manufacturing facilities in Mexico, Trump declared in a September 2015 speech that he would call the president of Ford and tell him:

I dont want you to do that. And if you do it, youre not going to have any cars coming across the border unless you pay a 35 percent tax.

Trump said the same thing in March after the Carrier Corporation announced plans to move air-conditioning production facilities to Mexico:

Im going to tell the head of Carrier: I hope you enjoy your stay in Mexico folks. But every single unit that you make and send across our border, which now will be real, youre going to pay a 35 percent tax.

Andrew McAfee, a director of M.I.T.s Initiative on the Digital Economy and co-author of The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies, was sharply critical of Trump. In an email, McAfee wrote:

Theres a reason that all good economists support free trade, and that none of them are supporting Trumps proposals. The reason is that trade gives us more and better access to goods and services than we could produce on our own. It also provides jobs for exporters, people working in airports and ports, and so on. Free trade is not surrender, and not something that only suckers do. In fact, just the opposite. Closing our borders would be surrender to a nonexistent enemy. It would make us poorer without bringing back the jobs.

Sean Wilentz, a historian at Princeton, contends that Trumps proposal is only slightly less drastic than the Smoot-Hawley Tariff  a law passed over the objection of more than 1,000 economists and signed by Herbert Hoover in June 1930. Smoot-Hawley is largely acknowledged as one of the principle causes of the subsequent worldwide economic catastrophe. In an email, Wilentz wrote:

Smoot-Hawley raised tariffs across the board, with every trading partner. The results were disastrous for the world economy, let alone for the U.S. at the opening stage of the Great Depression. A worldwide trade war commenced, and international trade was shattered. Trump so far has proposed only sharp tariff hikes with Mexico and China  but these are two of the three largest sources of U.S. imports.

If the tariffs on goods produced in Mexico and China were enacted, the results, in Wilentzs view, would be pretty severe. Right away, U.S. domestic prices would rise significantly unless and until other sources take up the slack. And then comes the Mexican and Chinese response, killing exports to our second and third largest customers, respectively. (Canada is No. 1.)

Many economists share the view that Trumps trade proposals would be ruinous to the American economy, but in order to retain union support, Hillary Clinton has not been able to directly challenge Trump on these grounds. It was Sanderss primary campaign that prompted Clinton to abandon past support for free trade agreements.
(Repeats story published late on Wednesday)

* Berlin desperate to avoid state aid before 2017 election

* But wants Deutsche to regain poise as banking champion

* Pursuing discreet talks with view to U.S. settlement

* Careful German approach shaped by past experiences

By Paul Carrel and Noah Barkin

BERLIN, Oct 5 (Reuters) - The German government is pursuing discreet talks with U.S. authorities to help Deutsche Bank secure a swift settlement over the sale of toxic mortgage bonds, according to sources in Berlin.

Until now, German officials have played down their role in the standoff, saying it is up to Deutsche to work out a deal with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which is demanding up to $14 billion to settle claims the lender mis-sold mortgage-backed securities before the financial crisis.

But government officials in Berlin, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters they hoped to facilitate a quick deal that would buy Deutsche Bank time to regain its footing.

One senior government official told Reuters there was "contact at all levels" between German and American officials.

Another source said Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble was not planning to meet DOJ officials during a trip to Washington this week for International Monetary Fund meetings, but added: "You can hold talks. It doesn't have to be the minister."

Deutsche has been engulfed in crisis since news of the $14 billion U.S. demand emerged last month. It is fighting the fine but could have to turn to investors for more money if it is imposed in full.

The resolution of the crisis through a reduced settlement is crucial for Chancellor Angela Merkel, who faces a federal election next year. It could be political poison for her government to rescue a bank that got into trouble through speculating. At the same time, officials recognise that Germany's biggest bank, which employs around 100,000 people, cannot be allowed to fail.

"Everyone knows the significance of the bank," said a third government official.

Story continues

Berlin is hoping a near-term settlement well below the mooted $14 billion will ease pressure on Deutsche Bank.

The first government official said the ideal solution for Germany in the longer term would be a merger between Deutsche and its smaller domestic rival Commerzbank, even if it would be better to wait several years until both banks were cleaned up before sealing such a deal.

Berlin has previously declined to comment on the topic of bank mergers. The official's comments about an all-German tie-up mirror the view of others in Berlin who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, although it is unclear whether they represent official policy in the Chancellery.

"We are not Austria," the official said. "We are the biggest economy in the European Union, one of the world's leading exporters. We need a big bank with a European and international presence but which is anchored here in Germany."

The official added that merging Deutsche with a European rival was fine in principle but only if Germans controlled the combined entity.

OPPOSITION

Worries over a major bank in Europe's largest economy have stirred painful memories of the 2007-2009 financial crisis and sent tremors through global markets.

For Merkel, Deutsche's woes could hardly have flared up at a worse time. Her Christian Democrats are losing support to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and are at loggerheads with their Bavarian allies over migrant policy.

With her strength in a fractured post-Brexit European Union also sapped, the last thing Merkel needs in the run-up to the election is Deutsche turning to her government for help.

"Rescuing Deutsche Bank would not be popular," the senior government official said. "No government in the world ... wants to have to save banks before an election. But I don't believe this will be necessary."

The German Finance Ministry has denied it is working on a rescue plan for Deutsche. But government sources said it was crucial that trust was restored in the bank.

While this will take time and Deutsche's business model still needs work, agreeing a settlement with the DOJ would help alleviate the pressure on the bank, buying time for asset sales and possibly another capital hike.

Comments on Sunday from Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, a Social Democrat, accusing Deutsche of making speculation its business, were a signal that Merkel's opponents will not hesitate to use the Deutsche issue to score political points.

"The German government would face stiff opposition if it decided to help Deutsche Bank," said Joerg Rocholl, president of the ESMT business school in Berlin and member of an economic advisory board to the German finance ministry.

"I would expect opposition parties to seize on this in a massive way to question the credibility of the government in the run-up to the federal election next year," he added.

In an Emnid survey for Focus magazine on Saturday, 69 percent of those polled opposed state aid for the bank, with 24 percent in favour. Lawmakers in Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) have said they do not want to see the government jump to Deutsche's aid.

"Deutsche Bank caused these problems itself," said Eckhard Rehberg, a budget expert in the CDU parliamentary party. "At the present time, I rule out capital assistance."

Complicating the calculus are new EU bail-in rules meant to shield taxpayers from shouldering the cost of failing banks. Germany pushed hard for rules that say investors and creditors representing 8 percent of a bank's balance sheet must be tapped before there can be any government support.

LESSONS LEARNED

As the German government considers its next moves, officials say that a number of previous cases involving European firms and U.S. authorities are shaping its approach.

In pushing for a settlement with the U.S. DOJ, Berlin is opting for a discreet approach, in part because it saw how France's aggressive public lobbying several years ago against a $9 billion fine imposed on BNP Paribas for violating U.S. sanctions against Iran, Cuba and Sudan seemed to backfire.

The lessons of the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal have also left their mark. The Wolfsburg-based carmaker initially tried to resolve the costly dispute by dispatching lower level officials to negotiate with the United States.

When VW CEO Matthias Mueller finally addressed the issue during a visit to the Detroit car show in January, he stumbled during an English-language interview with NPR, attributing the scandal to a "technical problem" and denying the company had deliberately deceived.

The ensuing storm forced him into an embarrassing backtrack.

"I think it has been understood after the VW case, that you can't send third-level people. The chief must go himself," said the senior government official, referring to Deutsche CEO John Cryan, a Briton who will also be in Washington this week.

"The advantage in this instance is that he's a native speaker. This could help resolve this despite all the challenges," the official added. "VW gave the impression they weren't taking it seriously."

For Merkel, the case of German carmaker Opel, may also be influencing her thinking.

Back in 2009, in the months before she would run for a second term, she took the lead in trying to cobble together a controversial rescue of the Germany-based unit of U.S. giant General Motors, only for it to later unravel. The lesson from that case: avoid government intervention unless it is absolutely necessary.

(Editing by Pravin Char)
The cease-fire in Syria that the United States and Russia tortuously negotiated has, like the one before it, fallen apart.

The trouble began when an errant American airstrike killed some 60 Syrian government soldiers. Then, Russia resumed its disingenuous grandstanding and the Syrian government, with Russias support, went back to indiscriminately bombing rebel-held areas of Aleppo. On Monday, less than a month after the agreement went into effect, Secretary of State John Kerry announced that the United States would break off talks with Russia on trying to revive it.

This failure, accompanied by images of suffering in Aleppo, has inspired renewed calls for a tougher American policy in Syria from liberal hawks and traditional conservatives alike. At the vice-presidential debate on Tuesday, both the Democrat, Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, and the Republican, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, advocated more aggressive American action.

But the truth is that it is too late for the United States to wade deeper into the Syrian conflict without risking a major war, or, at best, looking feckless by failing to fully commit to confronting Russia and President Bashar al-Assad of Syria and then backing down. The goal now should be reducing harm, saving lives and keeping prospects for a political deal alive. Cease-fire talks between the United States and Russia, tormented though they may be, remain the best way to achieve this.
Bana is very weak, her mom told me.

Russia and Syria appear to be deliberately targeting civilians like Bana. The aim seems to be to bomb and starve civilians into exhaustion and submission, so that they flee or no longer support the opposition, or else support extremists regarded as better fighters. That would bolster the Syrian government narrative that the opposition consists of terrorists who must be fought.

For those of us who generally admire President Obama as a man of principle, it is wrenching to watch his paralysis. As I see it, Syria has been his worst mistake, a huge blot on his legacy.

We cant be sure that more robust strategies advocated by Hillary Clinton, David Petraeus, John Kerry and others would have succeeded, but Obamas approach has manifestly failed  and after five years, it should be time to reconsider strategy.

Some of you are thinking: This is horrific, but what can the West possibly do? In a previous column, I quoted a former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, James Cartwright, about the many things we can be doing now in Syria. Charles Lister, author of a recent book on Syria, has written a detailed nine-page plan of action for the U.S. Ive suggested cratering Syrian military runways with missiles fired from Turkey so that Syrian military aircraft cant take off (Turkish officials have told me that they would go along with this).

Of course, we shouldnt dispatch ground troops. But if we had cratered Syrian runways several years ago, as many suggested, the horrors of barrel bombing would have been reduced.
Illegal insider trading goes on every day, and it is often difficult to detect and prosecute. But it is a fraud that harms public confidence in securities markets and unfairly disadvantages investors who are not privy to the confidential information. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court revisited this complex but important area of law for the first time in two decades.

Federal law does not define insider trading  it bars only manipulative or deceptive conduct  but courts have said it is a crime for an insider (the tipper) intentionally or recklessly to share information that he or she has a duty to keep confidential, and to receive a personal benefit, directly or indirectly, from giving the tip. In a 1983 case, Dirks v. S.E.C., the Supreme Court gave some examples of such a benefit, like money or a reputational benefit that will lead to future earnings.

For the most part, the lower federal courts have applied that standard without trouble. But a recent disagreement over the meaning of personal benefit has brought the issue back to the justices.

The case now before the court is an appeal by Bassam Salman, a Chicago man who made hundreds of thousands of dollars after Michael Kara tipped him off to coming corporate mergers and acquisitions that were not yet public. Mr. Kara had gotten the tips from his brother, Maher, an investment banker at Citigroup and Mr. Salmans future brother-in-law.
IN THE RANK OF UNFLATTERING monikers for an artistic style, Brutalism has got to score near the top. Like the much kinder-sounding Fauvism or Impressionism, it was a term of abuse for the work of architects whose buildings confronted their users  brutalized them  with hulking, piled-up slabs of raw, unfinished concrete. These same architects, centered on the British couple Alison and Peter Smithson, enthusiastically took up Brutalism as the name for their movement with a kind of pride, as if to say: Thats right, we are brutal. We do want to shove your face in cement. For a world still climbing gingerly out of the ruins of World War II, in need of plain dealing and powerful messages, this brand of architectural honesty was refreshing.

Despite a decade or so of unexpected popularity, at least among architects and planners, Brutalism went out of favor by the mid-70s. Films such as A Clockwork Orange turned Brutalist masterpieces into symbols of future dystopia. Planning budgets were slashed, and the Brutalists lost their backers. Over the last three decades, the styles many scattered examples have suffered from age and neglect, their walls crumbling and leaking, threatened everywhere with demolition. Tom Menino, the late former mayor of Boston, proposed to sell its city hall, one of the most famous American examples of Brutalism; and in 2013, despite a fervent preservation campaign, Bertrand Goldbergs eerie, cloverleaf-shaped, alien-eyed Prentice Womens Hospital in Chicago succumbed to the wrecking ball.
Of course, OShea wasnt a designer as such  with negligible skills aside from dressing himself in an eye-catching manner and, perhaps, knowing the sort of suit other peacocks may pay good money to own. His appointment was seen in much the same light as Lohans. Nevertheless, the speed of his departure, after the showing and selling of a single collection, highlights how capricious fashion has become. Its never been easier to shift from in to out. Thats new.

Maybe thats why these opening acts were, on the whole, uneven and apprehensive, reflecting aesthetics still to be clearly defined via advertising campaigns, editorials and the all-important impact of the clothes hitting rails. Designers were treading cautiously. For example, at Lanvin, Bouchra Jarrar married the clean lines and luxurious minimalism of her aesthetic (which is still nascent, given the slow development of her own brand over half a decade of haute couture-focused clothes) with the disco-tinged coquettishness left behind by Alber Elbaz. He was by no means the first creative director of Lanvin (notable predecessors included Claude Montana and Antonio Castillo), but his revival of the label stuck around the longest. This collection was a clever first step, although it wound up focusing on a world post-cocktail and precoital, which felt limited.

Anthony Vaccarellos Saint Laurent was decidedly postcoital. Or maybe midcoitus, with dresses tugged up legs and off shoulders, the model Binx Waltons nipple bedazzled and exposed by a curvy leather frock. Vaccarellos focus was sharp, as were the best bits of his tailoring and those racy, leggy dresses. Models bodies were peppered with bits of Yves Saint Laurent paraphernalia, like heels shaped in the houses Cassandre logo, tasseled 70s earrings and handbags shaped like the Opium bottle (though those were cut from the show). Sex sells, were often told  and though Vaccarellos image seemed hard-core, it was actually a soft start for the designer, who carried on a blueprint established by Hedi Slimane. Saint Laurent is one of those clever houses that hammers home the visual of the show with a fast-paced advertising campaign rollout: Vaccarellos minidresses are making a big impact on billboards and buses across Paris. His first collection showed that Vaccarello could tussle with the bones of YSL and come up with something that felt both relevant and reverent. But being unique is the next big challenge. Hes shown he can pay homage; but what can Vaccarello do thats new?

Newness is the obsession of Dior  perhaps because the houses designers are forever trying to replicate the seismic, once-in-a-lifetime shift that Monsieur Dior once achieved. Chiuri, by contrast, looked backward: to Dior himself, like everyone does, but also to the houses other creative directors, like Gianfranco Ferres Italian bravissimo (Chiuri is Italian too, with a similar background in alta moda), and to John Gallianos pop-cultural obsessions, like Fly Girls and the rapper Lauryn Hill. That fusion sounds odd  in fact, it was less about fusing than juxtaposing, like bricolage, as a way of leading to newness. That meant an arresting contrast of exposed, Dior-branded elastic strapping brassieres and panties, like those often flashed in the 90s by Marky Mark, under otherwise straightforwardly pretty tulle dresses. The clever thing here was that Chiuri embraced an entire archive of material, rather than just relying on Diors not-so-New Look as a template.

Chiuri is a woman  which is, perhaps, why she didnt want to corset and pad and otherwise mold her models in the labels retrograde midcentury silhouette. Or perhaps she was simply trying to find her own New Look, something that felt similarly alien, and yet absolutely right for the times in which we live. Its a work in progress: She shoots her first campaign in a weeks time, and her all-important first haute couture collection will be shown in January.
Wine may have always been a cornerstone of French culture and gastronomy, but today, the industry is experiencing a marked wave of change, driven largely by up-and-coming producers. Josh Adler, owner of the four-year-old Paris Wine Company, a Paris-based wine exporter with a special focus on young producers, says its truly the golden age of winemaking in France. You see people taking over family domaines or starting their own, despite the inherent challenges. On top of that, theyre focused on organic farming and all natural wines.

In the spirit of sustainable winemaking, Adler organized the first Paris Wine Weekend, which will take place Oct. 7-10. From a kickoff wine-pairing dinner at the 11th Arrondissement bistro Yard to a portfolio tasting at Verjus for an entry price of only five euros, the weekends events will spotlight the next generation of organic/biodynamic winemakers in France. Below, Adler shares some of the producers hes the most excited about, by region.
Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party presidential nominee, drew a parallel on Wednesday between the Syrian governments targeting of noncombatants in that nations civil war and the accidental bombing of civilians by United States-backed forces.

Attacking Hillary Clinton over what he criticized as her overly interventionist instincts, Mr. Johnson pointed to the hundreds of thousands of Syrian civilians killed by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, as well as civilian deaths caused by the American-backed coalition, and said Mrs. Clinton, the former secretary of state, bore at least partial responsibility.

But when pressed four times on whether he saw a moral equivalence between deaths caused by the United States, directly or indirectly, and mass killings of civilians by Mr. Assad and his allies, Mr. Johnson made clear that he did.

Well no, of course not  were so much better than all that, Mr. Johnson, a former New Mexico governor, said sarcastically. Were so much better when in Afghanistan, we bomb the hospital and 60 people are killed in the hospital.
By the time Mr. Martin was taken outside by the agents, he was handcuffed, Mr. Bennett said. The agents kept Mr. Martin, who was wearing a T-shirt and shorts, outside his home for several minutes before taking him away.

Another neighbor, Dawn Dincher, 43, said she worried that Mr. Martin, a tall, stocky man, might have had a heart attack. He was so pale in the face after it happened, she said. He obviously looked scared to death.

The subsequent F.B.I. search lasted for hours. I happened to get up to go to the bathroom around 3 or 4 oclock in the morning. They had a couple of vans and were putting stuff in there, Mr. Bennett said. Agents had illuminated the yard with floodlights and set up tables to spread out and examine the items they were confiscating.

Mr. Martin, whom friends called Hal, has not been back since. He is being held in federal custody, charged with theft of government property and unauthorized removal or retention of classified information as investigators try to determine why he had top-secret documents in the house and in his blue Chevrolet sedan.

An intelligence official involved in the investigation called it a sad case. There is no public evidence so far that Mr. Martin passed classified information to anyone else, though without his cooperation, it could be difficult to determine whether he had shared anything.
Hurricane Matthew killed at least 25 people on its destructive path through Hispaniola, the Caribbean island that Haiti shares with the Dominican Republic, according to Reuters, but the authorities are just beginning efforts to assess the full scale of the damage.

Streets in the city of Les Cayes, on Haitis southwest coast, were underwater. Most houses in the city were left roofless, and many were entirely uninhabitable, like the one below.
NEW DELHI  The call centers outside Mumbai looked like many others that have sprung up across India in recent decades. But investigators say the hundreds of people who worked at the nine centers had an unusual assignment: posing as Internal Revenue Service officers and demanding money from American taxpayers.

The operation had been in place for a year before an informer went to the authorities a few weeks ago. An investigation led to raids, with officers blocking exits on each floor of a building that housed seven of the centers, the police said on Wednesday, adding that 70 people were arrested and 600 people were under investigation.

The call center employees would send mass text messages announcing an urgent inquiry to as many as 10,000 American cellphone numbers, said Parag Manere, deputy commissioner of police in Thane, in the western state of Maharashtra.

If recipients called back, the call center employees would introduce themselves as Christopher or Daniel and speak with an American accent, impersonating I.R.S. officers.
SAO PAULO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Brazilian Senate President Renan Calheiros sent a letter on Thursday to President Michel Temer asking that he issue a presidential decree to free up credits related to the Fies student loan program, according to a Senate statement.

Disbursement of the Fies loans, which the government uses to subsidize university education for poorer students, is part of a bill sent to Congress that was not voted on as expected on Wednesday due to lack of a quorum, the letter said.

Reuters reported that Brazil's Education Minister Mendonca Filho asked lawmakers to approve the Fies credits as soon as possible. Once approved by lawmakers, the government is expected to release 702.5 million reais ($217.7 million) in Fies credits. ($1 = 3.2260 reais) (Reporting by Ana Mano)
PARIS  The United Nations highest court on Wednesday rejected a bid by the Marshall Islands to sue the worlds nuclear powers, saying the court did not have jurisdiction because there was no evidence of a legal dispute that it could adjudicate.

The Marshall Islands, a nation of islands and atolls in the Pacific Ocean that has endured 67 nuclear tests by the United States and still suffers the consequences, had filed a suit saying the nuclear powers were violating international law by failing to respect their disarmament obligations under the 1968 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and customary international law.

The case raised eyebrows in legal circles when it was filed in 2014. The Marshall Islands said it was seeking to revive the fading debate about nuclear disarmament and warn about the dangers of a new arms race.

The case was filed at the International Court of Justice, a civil court in The Hague that addresses disputes between nations. Lawyers said the goal was to persuade the court to order serious disarmament talks that were long overdue. They also said that many countries favored drafting a convention to ban nuclear arsenals, much like the treaties that prohibit chemical, biological and other weapons of mass destruction.
JERUSALEM  Their chances of reaching the shores of Gaza were never high: Thirteen women on a yacht hoping to breach the years-old sea blockade of the Hamas-run Palestinian coastal territory enforced by the Israeli Navy.

Naval officers boarded the yacht, the Zaytouna-Oliva, at dusk on Wednesday in international waters, after it had spent eight days at sea. It was searched and redirected toward the southern Israeli port of Ashdod.

No violence was reported on either side, though the website of the so-called Womens Boat to Gaza said the peaceful mission had been attacked by Israeli Occupation Forces. Jamal Khoudari, the head of the Popular Committee Against the Siege, in Gaza, denounced the interception as piracy against women.

In a statement, the Israeli military said that the visit and search of the vessel was uneventful. A military official added that female military personnel were involved in the operation. Israel says the naval blockade is necessary to prevent weapons from being smuggled into the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Hamas.
Morton Feldman and Samuel Beckett claimed not to like opera, but they made one anyway, collaborating on Neither for the Rome Opera in 1977. The work, for orchestra and a lone soprano, with an 87-word libretto by Beckett, has been called an anti-opera, or an hourlong art song, as The Village Voice put it after its first New York performance.

Volatile and violent, it doesnt exactly scream dance music. But perhaps that was part of the appeal for the choreographer and painter Shen Wei, whose ambitious adaptation of the work, also titled Neither, had its premiere at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Wednesday.

Mr. Shen, who devised not only the choreography for 11 dancers but also the sets and costumes, has dreamed up a bleak landscape where, as an audience member, its often hard not to feel as trapped as the performers appear. The stage of the Howard Gilman Opera House is enclosed on three sides by green-gray walls. Carved into these  and slowly revealed under Jennifer Tiptons sensitive lighting  are arched doors that open onto darkness and only selectively let people through.

As the dancers, in bands of three, begin to move, the first words of Becketts libretto materialize on the wall behind them: to and fro in shadow from inner to outer shadow/from impenetrable self to impenetrable unself by way of neither.
Rome in the early 17th century was no honeymoon destination. It was a fetid, debauched, wildly unequal metropolis where starving artists hustled for commissions  Valentin got one of his largest from a diamond thief who used art to launder money  and where painterly disputes were settled with rapiers. In this shows catalog, the art historian Patrizia Cavazzini provides a bulging register of artists brawling in taverns, and even, after Caravaggios example, indulging in a little light murder. Valentins own roommate, a sculptor, was stabbed to death in 1626. This was not a place suited to the lofty perfection of the High Renaissance, nor even to the moralizing of contemporary Dutch genre painting. Death was everywhere, and that put life on canvas into a more plangent key.

Toward the end of his short life Valentin got his most important commission, for an altar of the recently completed St. Peters Basilica. He painted a barnstorming composition of the martyrdom of the saints Processus and Martinian, whose nude bodies, splayed on the rack, bisect a deluge of torturers, mourners and angels. Its vertical collision of saints and seraphim strongly echoes Caravaggios Seven Acts of Mercy, and here, too, the high drama of holy suffering is tinged with the violence of the Roman street. At the time, Valentins altarpiece was contrasted unfavorably with one by Poussin, another Frenchman in Rome, whose cleaner finishes and bows to antiquity had come into fashion. The rest is canon formation: Valentin became a mere follower, when he was so much more.

The altarpiece is a wildly accomplished work of art, but to modern eyes the most immediate pictures in this momentous exhibition are those melancholy musical paintings, and one in particular. An allegory of the four ages of man, painted around 1628, depicts in a diamond arrangement a boy with a bird cage, a youth with a lute, a grown man with a book, and an elder with a drink. Theyre all downcast, reflective, awash in sad thoughts. The man with the book seems skeptical of learning, the boy fiddling with the cage wonders about the meaning of freedom. The mustachioed lutenist plays despite his sorrows, and he looks a lot like John the Baptist in the earlier painting: a lot, that is, like Valentin himself. This world is vanity, but he plays all the same.
In June, the plagiarism trial about one of the most recognizable guitar solos in rock history ended in a not guilty verdict when a jury found there was no evidence that Led Zeppelin had knowingly lifted the opening to its Stairway to Heaven from an earlier song by the band Spirit.

There never was a similar trial for Richard Strauss regarding the genesis of his Elektra, one of the great operas of the 20th century, even though significant elements of it  including the opening, the end and the musical motif representing Orest, one of its key characters  are uncannily close to corresponding parts of an opera written a few years earlier by a composer who had sent his score to Strauss. On Saturday, that opera, Cassandra by the Italian Germanophile composer Vittorio Gnecchi, receives a rare performance when the plucky Teatro Grattacielo presents it in concert at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater.

More than a century after the musicologist Giovanni Tebaldini first pointed out the parallels between the two operas in an article innocently titled Musical Telepathy, the question of guilt may be moot. Its beyond coincidence, Grattacielos conductor, Israel Gursky, said on a recent afternoon in a rehearsal studio in Midtown. As he talked, he played virtually interchangeable extracts from both operas at the piano. Saturdays performance offers opera aficionados not only an invitation to pinpoint these similarities, but also perhaps a chance to reflect on Stravinskys flippant observation: Lesser artists borrow; great artists steal.
Lawyers for Bill Cosby filed a motion on Thursday in a renewed effort to have criminal sexual assault charges against him dismissed. They argued that the delay of more than 10 years in bringing charges against him, among other issues, meant that prosecutors in Pennsylvania were denying him the right to a fair trial.

The filing, in the Court of Common Pleas in Montgomery County, Pa., repeated some arguments Mr. Cosbys lawyers have already made, including that a former district attorney promised in 2005 never to prosecute Mr. Cosby, in order to allow him to testify in a civil suit brought by his accuser Andrea Constand, a former Temple University employee.

That civil case was settled. But in February, Judge Steven T. ONeill ruled that prosecutors were not bound by the former district attorneys decision, and he allowed the case to go forward. He has since set a trial starting date of June 5.

Mr. Cosbys lawyers argue that the decision by a federal judge to unseal excerpts from Mr. Cosbys testimony in the 2005 civil case  in which he admitted giving drugs to women in pursuit of sex  was improper, and accused the current district attorney, Kevin R. Steele, of political posturing and a delay of many years in bringing the charges in the case of Ms. Constand, who said that Mr. Cosby drugged and molested her at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004.
David Szalay writes with voluptuous authority. He possesses voice rather than merely style, and you climb into his new novel, All That Man Is, as if into an understated luxury car. The book has a large, hammerlike engine, yet it is content to purr. Theres a sense of enormous power held in reserve.

Mr. Szalay (pronounced SOL-loy) has a good deal of what the critic Alfred Kazin once called the marginal suggestiveness which in a great writer always indicates those unspoken reserves, that silent assessment of life, that can be heard below and beyond the slow marshaling of his thought. If I am not willing to declare him a great writer  he is all of 42  he is an exceedingly gifted one who can move in any direction he wishes.

Mr. Szalay was born in Canada but moved to England when he was very young and now lives in Budapest. He studied at Oxford University, has written radio dramas for the BBC, and is the author of three previous novels: London and the South-East (2008), The Innocent (2009) and Spring (2011). In 2013 Granta magazine put him on its Best of Young British Novelists list. That clattering noise you hear is the sound of critics and readers racing to find his earlier books, an activity worth the effort.

I misspoke, perhaps, when I referred to All That Man Is, which has been longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, as a novel. It is closer to a collection of linked short stories; the first and last of them subtly connect, as if the book were an extended example of that verse form known as the pantoum.
LONDON  Deutsche Bank said on Thursday that it would eliminate 1,000 full-time positions in Germany as part of job cuts the embattled lender first announced last year.

The announcement comes with Deutsche Bank facing a series of challenges. Its shares have plunged more than 50 percent in the last year over concerns about the pace of attempts to turn business around after a run of poor financial results and a failing grade in a banking stress test in June.

More recently, investors have fretted over whether the bank, Germanys largest, will be forced to pay billions of dollars in fines in connection with an investigation by the United States Department of Justice into residential mortgage-backed securities underwritten by the bank.

Deutsche, which is based in Frankfurt, said it had reached an agreement with employee representatives to cut 1,000 jobs in Germany, on top of 3,000 cuts agreed to in June.
The agency also plans to force Mr. Corzine, who reaped many millions of dollars as a top executive at Goldman Sachs before pursuing a career in politics, to pay the penalty out of his own pocket, making it a sticking point in the negotiations. In many other cases, executives pay federal settlements using insurance money.

In addition to the financial penalty, Mr. Corzine would accept a lifetime ban from personally trading other peoples money in the futures industry, which was MF Globals bailiwick. The ban would also level a symbolic blow to someone who, despite his history as an elected official and co-chief of Goldman Sachs, is a trader at heart.

In pursuing such a well-known case involving a prominent figure, the agency has been careful to be seen as tough but fair. In recent weeks, the C.F.T.C. strengthened the deal after some of the agencys own commissioners questioned it, one of the people briefed on the matter said.

Even so, the settlement would put to rest the last major liability facing Mr. Corzine, who already settled much of the private MF Global litigation this summer. And MF Global customers, including farmers and hedge funds whose accounts were used in the firms final days, have since been made whole.

As such, the settlement would offer closure to Mr. Corzine five years after the episode derailed his long Wall Street career and subjected him to federal scrutiny, civil and criminal alike. Although federal prosecutors concluded that there was insufficient evidence of criminal wrongdoing, the C.F.T.C. took aim at Mr. Corzine for not preventing the disappearance of more than $1 billion in customer money.
Not long ago, Theranos and its founder, Elizabeth Holmes, were stars of Silicon Valley.

Now, the embattled blood-testing company says that it will close its laboratory operations, shut its wellness centers and lay off 340 employees  around 40 percent of its work force  in Arizona, California and Pennsylvania.

Ms. Holmes says the company will instead focus on creating miniature medical testing machines, for doctors offices.

The announcement did not address investigations into the company, which came after a series of articles in The Wall Street Journal cast doubt on its technology.

But Ms. Holmes did seem to be trying to address concerns about the company being too secretive about its technology.
Brasilia (AFP) - Brazil's ex-president Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva will be probed for alleged membership in a crime ring that organized the mass looting of the state oil company Petrobras, the Supreme Court said Thursday.

Justice Teori Zavascki authorized the inclusion of Lula -- who already faces related corruption charges -- in a group of politicians suspected of organizing an embezzlement ring at Petrobras.

The politicians are from Lula's leftist Workers' Party, which ruled Brazil the last 13 years; the center-right Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (BDMP) of new president Michel Temer; and its conservative ally the Progressive Party (PP).

Prosecutors had previously named Lula, 70, as the mastermind of the huge corruption scheme in which a network of executives, politicians and big contractors plundered Brazil's flagship national company.

Money went into party coffers and private accounts in a dizzying pay-to-play network of bribes and inflated contracts dished out by Petrobras to firms like Brazilian international construction colossus Odebrecht.

The probe into the scheme, codenamed Operation Carwash, has already seen a Who's Who of Brazilians investigated, charged or convicted, shaking the country's elite to the core.

No concrete evidence has been presented so far of Lula's role as the ringleader.

However, Prosecutor General Rodrigo Janot asked the Supreme Court to put Lula in the crosshairs of the new probe, which targets "an organized criminal group led and organized by political figures... with the aim of enabling the illicit enrichment of them and of business groups, as well as of electoral campaigns."

- Lula claims persecution -

The former union leader and president has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, saying his multiple legal problems related to the Petrobras scheme are part of a campaign to block him from returning to power in the 2018 presidential election.

On Wednesday, Lula was charged separately with having taken a bribe over a sweetheart deal obtained by a nephew from Odebrecht for a hydroelectric project in Angola.

Story continues

Lula was earlier charged with taking bribes from OAS, another construction company that, like Odebrecht, has been linked to the Petrobras scheme.

Lula served as president from 2003 to the end of 2010. He left office with sky-high ratings and international approval for his work lifting tens of millions of Brazilians from poverty while presiding over an economic boom.

He remains one of the most popular potential candidates for 2018, opinion polls show.

However, the Workers' Party, which he founded, was trounced in municipal elections on Sunday and Lula's legacy has been severely tainted by the corruption scandals and the steep decline of the economy.

His chosen successor, Dilma Rousseff, was impeached and removed from the presidency in August after being found guilty of breaking budget laws. Temer, her former vice president turned political enemy, took over the presidency.

If Lula is convicted of a crime, he could be barred from political office for a period stretching well beyond the 2018 election.
All it took was the threat of a $14 billion fine against Deutsche Bank for the word contagion to rear its ugly head.

Global markets have been shaken up in recent weeks over fears that Deutsche Bank, a symbol of German financial might and Europes fourth-largest biggest bank by assets, cannot absorb a fine of that magnitude. The German government said flatly that it would not bail out the bank, leading to what some called market panic that Deutsche Bank could face a messy Lehman Brothers-style collapse and set off a global financial crisis.

Among investor concerns are the high amount of borrowing the bank uses to support its asset base, the difficulty in valuing many of the assets that make up its capital cushion, and the high-risk trading strategies embraced by some of its clients.

Those fears seem wildly overblown. The bottom line is, I think the Deutsche Bank issues will be resolved and there wont be any contagion episode, said Hal S. Scott, a professor at Harvard Law School and the author of the recent book Connectedness and Contagion. But its a wake-up call. Are we prepared if this ever happens again? The answer is no.
Mr. Watters begins the piece with an instrumental version of the Carl Douglas song Kung Fu Fighting playing softly in the background. He asks two young women, Am I supposed to bow to say hello? He asks a street vendor if his wares were stolen: I like these watches  are they hot?

When he asks some passers-by their opinion of Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Trump, the two men answer in accented English, and their answers are displayed in subtitles at the bottom of the screen.

Trump has been beating up on China; how does that make you feel? he asks an older woman. He peppers others with questions like Is it the year of the dragon ... rabbit? Is everything made in China now? Do they call Chinese food in China just food?

And at one point, when another young woman says she really doesnt want to vote for Mr. Trump so her choice was Mrs. Clinton, he opines, So China can keep ripping us off.
Donald J. Trumps rise has created deep rifts at some of the countrys most powerful political institutions. The latest casualty: Fox News.

In an extraordinary public display of rancor between top-tier news personalities, the Fox anchor Sean Hannity on Wednesday accused his colleague Megyn Kelly of bias toward Hillary Clinton, writing in a late-night tweet, Clearly you support her.

Mr. Hannitys remark came shortly after Ms. Kelly, during her broadcast that evening, pointed out that Mr. Trump had restricted his media appearances in recent weeks to friendly questioners, including Mr. Hannity, who is an overt supporter of the Republican nominee.

With all due respect to my friend at 10 oclock, he will go on Hannity and pretty much only Hannity and will not venture out to the unsafe spaces these days, Ms. Kelly said of Mr. Trump.
Amazing, isnt it, how these storm names stick in your head years, even decades, later? When I meet someone named Gustav, I think about the storm that hit Haiti. Heres what I wrote back in 2008:

GONAIVES, Haiti  Their cupboards were virtually bare before the winds started whipping, the skies opened up and this seaside city filled like a caldron with thick, brown, smelly muck. Suffering long ago became normal here, passed down through generations of children who learn that crying does no good. But the enduring spirit of the people of Gonaives is being tested by a string of recent tropical storms and hurricanes whose names Haitians spit out like curses: Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike.

Got some of your old words to share?

APPLEBOME: What also makes them compelling is that, unlike almost all other disasters in life, you see them coming. After all the zigs and zags, you more or less know what to expect. Theres this powerful, existential moment of facing nature at its most powerful. Public officials, appropriately, are telling people to evacuate ahead of this storm. Weve learned many times over the years how foolish and dangerous it is to take chances with a storm like this. But theres also something primal that often leads people to tempt fate. I wrote this in 1988 while hanging out in Brownsville, Tex., awaiting Hurricane Gilbert.

It was 11 p.m. Thursday when Sergio Leo and Carlos Flores stopped off for two $2.29 six packs of Milwaukee Best Beer at the Pronto Mart N9 down the road from the McDonalds. They have waited out two hurricanes together with family and friends from here and Matamoros across the border in Mexico. We get together, drink beer, talk, said Mr. Leo. Its a little scary but not so bad. Take out the danger, and it sounds like a traditional family gathering at Thanksgiving.

And Im also always struck by how much hurricanes tell us about the places we live and how things can remain invisible until disaster hits. So, one way to view the wreckage of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005 was through the near miss of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. I wrote in 2005:

After Hurricane Andrew huffed and puffed and then somehow veered away in 1992, the way the storms always seemed to do, the manager of a praline shop in the French Quarter mused on the mixture of fatalism and bravado that has always been at the heart of New Orleans. You do live with the belief that some day the big ones going to get you, said Patricia McDonald Gomez, general manager of Aunt Sallys Original Creole Pralines as the party resumed, as it always did on Bourbon Street. Youre almost fatalistic, which is part of the reason New Orleans has that mixture of frivolity and fatalism. Living in a soup bowl will do it to you, like Romans dancing while Nero fiddled and the city burned. Now it seems, after countless close calls, the big one has hit, leaving New Orleanians terrified, stunned, gasping, speechless.

We now greet storms with an insane welter of coverage on television and the web. Is that making us smarter and better prepared or more jaded and skeptical?

LACEY: Clearly, it would be very difficult these days not to know that a storm is looming. CNN has a breaking news crawler right now that says: HURRICANE STRENGTHENS TO CATEGORY 4, TARGETS U.S. Im hundreds of miles away and feel anxious. One thing that stories like this really remind me of is how much more demanding it is to be a correspondent than an editor. Well edit this storm from the third floor of a luxury skyscraper in Manhattan. Well fill our stomachs up in the cafeteria on the 14th floor. Our reporters, though, will be working out of darkened hotel rooms and trash-strewn rental cars. If I wore a hat, Id take it off for them. Agree?

APPLEBOME: Absolutely. Reporters have all the fun, but hurricanes are as hard as any story to cover. You cant get around, communications are disrupted, everything you normally take for granted  food, gas, cell service  is either a struggle or not available. As Alan Blinder, our intrepid Atlanta reporter, said this morning as he headed to Florida, hes preparing for four days of the saltines and tuna fish hes packed. Im in awe of how hard our people work and what an amazing job they do under incredibly demanding circumstances. After last nights game, I tip my Giants cap to them.
In my dream New York Film Festival, some of the wonderments in Projections  the section dedicated to avant-garde and experimental material  would be programmed alongside the titles in the main slate. Its laudable that the festival continues to show noncommercial fare like you find in Projections (starting Friday), yet segregating these titles from the main event continues to marginalize works that merit a larger audience. And, as it happens, one of the best films in this years festival is in Projections: Robert Beaverss From the Notebook of , a 48-minute masterpiece.

Elegant, beautiful, complex and austere, From the Notebook of  (Program 10) is a film about creation, about the transformation of life into art and the loveliness of Florentine sunlight flooding through a window. The whole thing functions somewhat like a rebus, in that you need to fit together its pieces  precisely framed, warmly illuminated images of birds, windows, rooftops, water, mattes, a writing desk, some street scenes  to make sense of the larger, layered meanings. This involves a little work, but the films sheer loveliness and its ideas are so inviting and expansive that the experience is intensely pleasurable. Writing is thinking; so is filmmaking and film watching.

Mr. Beavers finished From the Notebook of  in 1971 in Italy (re-editing it in 1998), having moved from the United States to Europe in the 1960s to be with his partner, the influential American avant-garde filmmaker Gregory Markopoulos. Inspired by the notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci and an essay that the poet Paul Valery had written about Leonardo, Mr. Beavers uses his own Notebook as a means to reflect on his cinematic process. Its a reflection that he represents thematically with light, shadow, form and the cinematic machinery, with some of the most striking moments taking place at a desk under a large window overlooking tiled rooftops and the bright blue sky.

This modest setting becomes a platform for a series of self-reflexive ideas that starts with a simple window thats (not so simply) framing the world, touches on Renaissance perspective and eventually arrives at the moving-picture camera. Throughout, Mr. Beavers folds in shots of handwritten texts that suggest poems, apercus and problem solving: The shutter in the camera is like the wings of an insect, both create movement, one reads in part. Movement also creates deep feeling, as in the sublime image of Mr. Beavers  standing in front of a mirror, his face obscured by a camera  suddenly reaching out for the seated Mr. Markopoulos, and turning movement into love.
Can going to a movie be a moral obligation? A political gesture? There are occasions when various interested parties  filmmakers, publicists and perhaps especially critics  would like you to think so. Buying a ticket can become a test of seriousness, of personal commitment to a position or a cause. Jerry Seinfelds sitcom mom would not rest until her son had fulfilled the duty to watch Schindlers List. (Oh, you have to go. You have to!) To make other plans would have been a filial, tribal and ethical betrayal, a lapse only a few steps removed from outright Holocaust denial.

The question can also be asked in reverse. Do you ever have a moral obligation not to see a movie? Sometimes this is a matter of objectionable content, but more often nowadays the principled refusal to watch a film is a response to the bad behavior, proved or alleged, of its maker. People stay away from Woody Allen and Roman Polanskis movies because they believe that to do otherwise would be to condone  or at least not to condemn strongly enough  the sexual crimes of which those directors have been accused.

The Birth of a Nation, Nate Parkers debut feature as a director, presents an unusually vexing and complicated case. In the months between its debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January and its release this Friday, the movie  which dramatizes the slave rebellion led by Nat Turner in Virginia in 1831  has found itself on both sides of the argument, simultaneously the must-see and the wont-see movie of the year.
In the imaginative and affecting documentary Theo Who Lived, the writer and journalist Theo Padnos walks the viewer through his nearly two years of captivity in the hands of Al Qaeda. A self-described dumb American, Mr. Padnos, who went by the name Peter Theo Curtis at the time, crossed the border into Syria from Turkey in October 2012, looking for a story. He was kidnapped almost immediately.

The writer and director David Schisgall follows Mr. Padnos around his old quarters in Turkey, and recreates the basement rooms and cells in Syria in which Mr. Padnos was held, at one point in near-solitary confinement for over 200 days. Mr. Padnoss mother, Nancy Curtis, recounts tales from her Vermont home, including the story of her friendship with the family of James Foley, another kidnapped American journalist whose appalling execution video made headlines in 2014.

Mr. Padnos is, among other things, a compelling movie character: voluble, articulate, energetic and still understandably agitated. As indignant as he is when he describes his brutal treatment (beatings and torture were frequent, as was extreme isolation), he also frequently speaks of his understanding of his captors virulent anti-Americanism. He remains angry with a onetime cellmate, the photojournalist Matthew Schrier. Mr. Padnos says he helped Mr. Schrier escape. This seems to be the only thing these men agree on. The still-glowing resentment Mr. Padnos has for Mr. Schrier makes for a surprising and gripping scene. How Mr. Padnos made it out alive also provides a jolt, while the revelation that Mr. Padnos now spends much of his time assisting and comforting Syrian refugees is very moving. This is a potent, vital film.
The creaking and shrieking inside a haunted-house movie often turn on evil spirits, restless ghosts or sometimes just human madness. It takes time before the creepy noises are fully revealed in the quietly nerve-pricking horror flick Under the Shadow, though theres already plenty to worry about before the first real boo erupts. Bad juju is one thing, but in Tehran in 1988  the final year of the eight-year Iran-Iraq war  danger comes from every direction: the prying nosy neighbors, the patrolling morality police, the hurtling enemy missiles.

A standout at the 2016 New Directors/New Films festival, Under the Shadow centers on Shideh (Narges Rashidi), whose medical training was derailed by her political activism during the revolution in Iran. The movie opens on her pleading with an imperious male official to allow her to resume her studies. Dressed demurely, her body obscured and with a head scarf covering her hair, she sits opposite him as he inspects her case and barely gives her a look. In the large picture window behind them that looks out onto the city, a missile hits in the not-too-far distance.

The interviewers apparent indifference both to Shideh and to the attack  sucking on a candy rather like an overgrown child, he gives the explosion a cursory glance  is unnerving. It suggests a certain hardness, whether institutional or personal, national or political. He flatly rejects Shidehs request, telling her to find something else to do with her life. If his dismissal registers as more disturbing than just a rubber-stamp rejection, its because he embodies the threat of the theocratic regime itself. He also turns out to be the first in a series of men (soldiers, police officers, neighbors) who impede Shidehs progress, test her patience and threaten her sanity.

Shidehs problems go from bad to strange to increasingly freaky after her husband, Iraj (Bobby Naderi), a doctor, leaves for the front. At first, Shideh seems like she might become another of arts doomed women, locked in the bird cage of fate, gender or consciousness. She certainly seems at risk, given that she does little more than moon about as she tends, with increasing testiness, to her daughter, Dorsa (Avin Manshadi), a willful girl with a wiggy doll. Shidehs only pleasure, it seems, comes from her forbidden Jane Fonda aerobics videotape, which she works out to after drawing the curtains. Yes, but some things cant be kept out as assorted raps and shrieks  as well as talk of supernatural entities known as jinni  shortly prove.
George Arzt, a political consultant and former press secretary for Mayor Edward I. Koch who was a reporter and City Hall bureau chief for The Post from 1968 to 1986, noted that Mr. Kochs chief antagonists were investigative reporters from The Village Voice, namely Wayne Barrett and Jack Newfield. The two would never get interviews, Mr. Arzt said, but they were allowed to ask questions during news conferences.

No one that Ive seen before this has gone after a paper as an institution, he said. You cant say everyone on the paper is against me without making them against you. Hes creating his own problem.

Last month, Mr. de Blasio characterized as fabricated stuff a front-page Post article suggesting he had made a high-level appointment at the behest of a donor who has since pleaded guilty to bribery charges. This month, he refused to answer a question from Mr. Gonen about the background of a contractor hired by the city to train correction officers, adding sarcastically that he did not appreciate your propagandistic newspaper.

In a telephone interview late Thursday, Mr. de Blasio said it was time to have this conversation about The Post, which he described as a very negative presence in our city and an ideological apparatus with little resemblance to a truth-seeking news operation.

I think its important, as the leader of this city, to say out loud what so many people already know, he said. The Posts approach has gotten worse and worse.

He said he had not planned the comments he made at the news conference, adding that he would answer questions from Post reporters in the future, provided they were not in the middle of playing out one of their propaganda strategies.

The news conference on Thursday included several exchanges in which the mayor appeared exasperated with questions from various reporters about transparency and overlapping investigations into his administration. All the while, he ignored the raised hand of Mr. Gonen.
A man has been arrested and charged with stealing two valuable books last spring from a rare-book dealer on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the police said.

After his arrest on Wednesday, the man, Gabriel Hundiashvili, 35, admitted to detectives that he had stolen the books, the police said.

Mr. Hundiashvili is a former fashion photographer who had claimed to be a prospective customer, according to employees of the bookstore, PRPH Books. He was captured on video putting the books into a bag, according to the police. He was charged on Wednesday with grand larceny in the third degree and criminal possession of stolen property.



In an article published on Tuesday in The New York Times, Mr. Hundiashvili confirmed that he was the man in the images recorded by a security camera and made public by the police, but said he had not taken the books. Obviously there is video footage of me all over that store, all over that building and whatnot, Mr. Hundiashvili said in an interview before his arrest. Why would I do that?
For years, victims groups and some state lawmakers have pressed for legislation that would lift the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse cases to permit lawsuits by more victims. New York currently has among the most restrictive laws for victims in the nation, requiring that they bring criminal or civil charges by the time they turn 23. The church has actively lobbied against the bill, known as the Child Victims Act, which applies not just to priests, but to anyone who sexually abuses a child. The compensation program, in some ways, is the churchs response, which it hopes gives victims a measure of justice and closure. It also limits the potential for future litigation, critics say.

David Clohessy, director of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, an organization critical of the churchs handling of sexual abuse cases, argued that the timing of the program was hardly coincidental. Weve seen the pattern time and time again across the country, he said. Whenever statute of limitations reform is making real progress, bishops take these steps, in essence, to say to lawmakers, Hey, back off, were handling this ourselves.

Any victim who agrees to compensation from the fund must sign a release forgoing the right to sue the archdiocese over sexual abuse allegations. That provision drew sharp criticism on Thursday from some victims and their advocates.

Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of BishopAccountablity.org, a watchdog organization that documents abuse cases in the Roman Catholic Church, said the program was an attempt to preemptively settle with victims who would be able to sue the archdiocese if the Child Victims Act were to ever pass. Hes presenting it as mercy, but its actually a shrewd strategy, Ms. Doyle said.

Mary Caplan, a former director of the survivors networks New York chapter, who was abused by a New Jersey priest in New York City as a child, said she would encourage victims to think long and hard before approaching church officials or their representatives.
Whenever it is that Shakeema Hutcherson, a dog walker in New York City, dies, she plans to be buried with her family  and that includes her angelic Yorkshire terrier-Chihuahua mix, Tinka, and her frequently demonic cat, Sweetie. Now, when Ms. Hutchersons time comes, Tinka and Sweetie will be allowed to rest in peace in her familys plot: Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo recently signed a law allowing cemeteries for people to inter pets alongside their owners.

Its like having a kid, so its like having a kid buried next to you, Ms. Hutcherson, 35, said. Besides, she said, it would make things simpler in the hereafter: I could talk to God, she said, asking, What did I do to deserve this cat?

The new law permits only cremated remains of pets to be buried. Religious cemeteries are exempt, and cemeteries are not obligated to accept animals. Four-legged friends are family for many New Yorkers, Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, said in a statement. Who are we to stand in the way if someones final wish includes spending eternity with them?
The apartment building on St. Johns Place in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn is a mess. Repeated flooding has curdled the paint and caused mold to bloom on the walls. The temperature inside is freezing in the winter and sweltering in the summer. New York Citys housing agency has sued the owner of the eight-unit apartment building nine times to try to force repairs. And the landlord owes $20,000 in fines and more than $235,000 in unpaid interest and water, sewer and other bills.

In 1998, the city began selling off its overdue bills as part of a program started 20 years ago that allows the city to recoup at least some of what it is owed. The program works through a trust financed by the sale of bonds to private investors. The trust collects payments on the bills and can seize the property if the owners do not pay.

But some properties like the one in Brooklyn that have gone through these sales have often fallen into a kind of limbo, where nobody is taking care of them or the tenants inside, according to a report expected to be released Friday by the citys public advocate, Letitia James.

A growing number of housing advocates and city officials, including Ms. James and Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, are urging the city to rethink the practice. Each year, the city sells off debts on thousands of properties. From 2010 to 2015, more than 15,000 properties with roughly 43,600 residential units were affected by the sales. But critics of the program argue that the city is squandering a valuable chance to improve shabby housing and hold onto affordable units. Mr. Stringer wants the city to foreclose on the properties and use the land for affordable housing. And Ms. James has proposed that the city sell the debt through a preservation trust to nonprofits, which would use their leverage with building owners to get them to fix their properties.
As ethics counsel to the current president and his predecessor, we scrutinized their tax returns before they were released every year. We also worked with our colleagues to review many tax returns of presidential nominees for cabinet and other positions. Based on the few pages of Donald J. Trumps 1995 tax returns that have become public, we have come to the conclusion that no one in his position would have been nominated, much less confirmed by the Senate, during either of the administrations we served. The same is true of any modern administration of a president from either party.

If a presidential candidate cannot meet that standard, then we question his qualifications for the highest office in the land.

In both the Bush and Obama administrations, a bad attitude about paying taxes was a deal killer. Both of us saw instances of nominations that were doomed by the arguably legal but unsavory use of tax loopholes, as well as by the failure to pay Social Security taxes, the taking of excessive deductions for home offices or the sidestepping of sales taxes on out-of-state purchases. Explaining to the Senate and to the American people how a billionaire could have a $916 million loss carry-forward that potentially allowed him to not pay taxes for over a decade, perhaps for as long as 18 years, would have been far too difficult for the White House when many hard-working Americans turn a third or more of their earnings over to the government.

Any nominee who had told either of us that he had a fiduciary responsibility as a businessman or to his family to pay as little tax as possible, as Mr. Trump put it, would have been told to stop wasting the presidents time. People who believe they have a legal duty to put self-interest before the public interest dont belong in public service. Besides, these are personal tax returns we are talking about. There is no such thing as a fiduciary duty as a businessman to oneself. That, as weve said before, is called greed.
MEERBUSCH, Germany  The estate tucked into the countryside 20 minutes from downtown Dusseldorf is easy to miss. Visitors must drive along a rural road and then locate an unmarked, 330-yard tree-lined drive that leads to a main gate. Beyond the entrance lies the complex known as Schloss Pesch, thought to date to the 1300s.

In the 1980s, most of the estates buildings were restored and sold as separate living quarters. The 18th-century two-story palace, now divided into 15 luxury condominiums, looms large with its yellow exterior, beautifully framed and shuttered windows and gabled roof. To the right is a well-maintained farmhouse.

To the left stands the estates former administrative office, divided into two residences, with an exterior resembling a smaller version of the palace. It was here, on the right side, that Axel Pfeil and his family lived for 23 years before moving to Zurich in 2014. The 960-square-meter, or about 10,000-square-foot, home, with 16,700 square meters, or a little more than four acres, of land, is listed for 4.2 million euros, or $4.7 million, with Engel & Volkers Dusseldorf and one other agency.
A gentle reminder: The Justice Department backing off demands that Apple help it break the security of an iPhone six months ago does not mean law enforcement isnt still very interested in the information gathered and protected by tech companies.

And the feds would very much like to keep what they are looking for a secret.

On Tuesday, Open Whisper Systems, maker of the widely used Signal encryption app, detailed how the Justice Department wanted access to all sorts of information related to its user accounts connected to telephone numbers. The company was also put under a gag order for a year.

Image

Open Whisper Systems, working with lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union, successfully fought the gag order. But investigators were barking up the wrong tree since the company actually stores very little information about its users.
Twitter investors appear dubious, too. The companys stock dropped more than 20 percent on Thursday as speculation about other suitors seemed to dissipate.

This would be a disaster, said Joel Fishbein, managing director at BTIG, a financial services firm. Benioff is a visionary, but this could blow up. Engineers could leave Salesforce, and it would send the stock down 30 or 40 percent.

Mr. Benioff acknowledged that Salesforce would face difficulties in taking over Twitter, given that Salesforce sells software to businesses while Twitter is a consumer technology company. The chief executive, who is an activist in areas like gay rights and gender equality, also said he was troubled by the amount of hate speech on Twitter.

But it is not unusual for Mr. Benioff to go against the grain. A San Francisco native, he worked at Oracle, the business software company, for years before founding Salesforce as an online software firm in 1999, when online software was still unproven.

Salesforce soon became the largest maker of so-called customer relationship management, or C.R.M., software sold over the cloud, which is used by salespeople and marketers at companies like American Express and General Electric. Salesforce went public in 2004.

Along the way, Salesforce became one of the largest employers in San Francisco and Mr. Benioff became one of the citys richest men. He has turned part of his fortune toward philanthropy, donating millions of dollars to a new childrens hospital in San Francisco that bears his familys name, as well as pledging money to the citys public schools.

Marc wants to be well thought of, to feel like hes doing things the right way, said Adam Bosworth, a Salesforce executive who left in August to work at Amazon. Mr. Bosworth recalled once disagreeing with Mr. Benioff on a management issue and sending him an email with the subject line, You are not being a mensch.
The Broadway producer Jeffrey Finn has been named to oversee theater programming at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.

The center announced the appointment on Thursday, saying that Mr. Finn would begin work Friday with the title of vice president of theater producing and programming. The job is a new position.

Mr. Finn was the lead producer of An Act of God, a comedy that ran on Broadway each of the last two summers, and he has been a producer on a dozen other Broadway productions since 2005. He plans to continue producing on Broadway  he is currently working on a musical adaptation of The Honeymooners television series.

At the Kennedy Center, Mr. Finn will be charged with commissioning, curating, producing and presenting work, according to a statement from the institution.
These types of cultural biases are like smog in the air, Jennifer Richeson, a Yale psychologist, wrote in an email, citing an analogy often used by a former president of Spelman College, Beverly Daniel Tatum. To live and grow up in our culture, then, is to take in these cultural messages and biases and do so largely unconsciously.

In the context of race, implicit bias is considered a particularly important idea because it acknowledges forces beyond bigotry that perpetuate inequality. If we talk less about it, as Mr. Pence suggested  this really has got to stop, he said Tuesday night  we lose vocabulary that allows us to confront racial disparities without focusing on the character of individual people.

Youre removing the language that allows you talk about the mechanism of inequality, said Phillip Atiba Goff, the president of the Center for Policing Equity at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a professor there. If you take away that language, what that means is inequality gets stronger and justice gets weaker. It really gets that serious.

Mr. Goff said he hears objections similar to Mr. Pences every time he gives presentations or leads training sessions with police departments. Someone will say, Im tired of being called a racist,  he said. To which he explains that racism and implicit bias arent interchangeable.

That wrong formulation is so ingrained, Mr. Goff said. Thats whats dangerous. Its so easy to call it a slight, and if that metastasizes in our political discourse, we really have lost out on an incredible opportunity to take great strides forward.

He fears that implicit bias could become a political trope, dismissed as an insult and not as science, or worse, tugged into the realm of political correctness. He acknowledges that the left mistreats the topic, too, citing implicit bias as a catchall to explain all the forces of racial unfairness in society that arent bigotry.

In fact, implicit bias is just one of many psychological processes that shape how we interact with one another. We also tend to be better at remembering the faces of people in our own racial group, or to subconsciously favor people in our group. The fear of being stereotyped psychologically weighs on people, too. In police training, Mr. Goff has watched officers using other kinds of mental shortcuts in which they assume active shooters must be men. He now talks more broadly about identity traps that encompass implicit biases and much more.
The shift reflects how the practice of medicine has been changing, too. Doctors used to essentially be small-business owners. As such, they may have been more attracted to Republican aims of low taxes and limited regulation. These days, more and more doctors are employees of large companies or hospitals.

Should you care if your doctor is a Democrat or a Republican? Maybe. Professor Hersh and Dr. Goldenberg used their data on doctors partisan identification to conduct a study of primary care physicians, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week.

They asked the doctors to consider a group of hypothetical patients: one who smoked, one who drank, one who was overweight, and so on. They found that doctors viewed most of their patients health with similar seriousness and would advise similar responses. But for three of the hypothetical patients, they found differences. Those patients were devised to have health problems closely tied to hot-button political issues: One used marijuana, one owned guns, and one had a history of abortions. For those patients, Republican and Democratic doctors registered different levels of concern and said they would respond differently.

When it came to the patient with a history of abortions, doctors who were Republican said they would be more likely to encourage the patient to seek counseling and express concern about mental health consequences; they also said they would be more likely to discourage the patient from seeking future abortions. For the patient who used marijuana, Republican doctors said theyd be more likely to ask the patient to cut back and to discuss legal risks of using the drug, which is banned under federal and most state laws. For the patient with guns, doctors who were Democrats indicated theyd be more likely to tell the patient not to keep guns at home. Republican doctors, on the other hand, would be more likely to discuss safe storage options.

These findings suggest you are going to get different care, Professor Hersh said, adding that the differences might not matter much for the average patient. But they might for patients whose needs were closely related to politically divisive subjects, like reproductive health, with issues like contraception, abortion and prenatal screening; or H.I.V. prevention, with risk factors that include sex and intravenous drug use.

Primary care doctors and obstetrician-gynecologists, the doctors most likely to consider such issues, were among the most evenly split in the study sample. That means that patients probably cant guess the political leanings of their doctor without asking (or checking the voter file data). The current study is only a survey, but Professor Hersh said he hopes the research spurs more examinations of how ideology shapes medical practice.

Professor Hersh and Dr. Goldenberg constructed the data set by assembling a large sample of doctors from the federal governments National Provider Index, a file of every physician in the United States who either bills insurance or shares data digitally. There are very few doctors who are not included in this file.